USA > Ohio > Tuscarawas County > Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio > Part 35
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Daniel Wyss attended the district school of
Sugar Creek Township in his boyhood. In 1869 he went to Missouri, but remained there for only eight months. Returning then to his native state, he spent the summer of 1870 in a select school in Shanesville, and the following winter taught school in Warren Township. Subsequently he taught six terms in Shanesville and vicinity. In the summer season he was variously employed at farm work, or in selling fruit trees, school furniture, ete. In 1878 his name was announced as a candidate for County Recorder, and October 8 of the same year he was elected by a majority of eight hundred and ninety-three votes on the Demoeratie ticket. After serving for three years he was renominated by ac- clamation, and October 11, 1881, received a ma- jority of nine hundred and ten votes. On the termination of his official duties, in January, 1885, he returned to his former pursuits and gave par- ticular attention to the raising of nursery stock, small fruits, plants and flowers. In 1889 he pur- chased forty-eight acres of land near New Phila- delphia in company with Samuel Rufer. This tract has since been well planted in orchards and vines, small fruits and nursery stock.
In March, 1892, Mr. Wyss was afflicted with rhenmatism, which disabled him from successfully following his former out-door vocations. After Cleveland was elected, the numerous friends of Mr. Wyss persuaded Ium to make application for the position of Postmaster of this place. Ile fol- lowed their advice, and was duly appointed in April, 1893. We quote from the Tuscarawas Ad- vocate, a Republican weekly paper, the following: "When Daniel Wyss was appointed Postmaster of New Philadelphia, he promised he would fit up a better oflice than we have ever had before. He has more than fulfilled his promise, for we now have not only a better office than we have ever had before, but we doubt if any town of equal size in the state has a better one." The following appeared in the Ohio Democrat, a weekly county paper: "New Philadelphia, Ohio, now for the first time in its history, has commodious and respecta- ble postoffice accommodations, which are fully up to the public requirements. Its construction and furniture were made from plans and designs by the Postmaster himself, and are models of taste, neat-
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ness and convenience. It is now a comfort to transact business at the new postoffice, which was opened on New Year's morning." The room used as the postoffice was expressly built for the pur- pose, and the boxes, desks and entire outfit were modeled and furnished by our subject. In many other ways he has been an important factor in the improvement of the town, and has planted shade and fruit trees extensively in the place. Politi- eally he has been very active, and has been a dele- gate to state, congressional, county and district conventions. He has served efficiently as Town- ship Clerk and City Councilman, always keeping in view the best interests of the community. Socially he holds membership with Schoenbrun Lodge No. 430, I. O. O. F.
At the home of Jesse Winklepleck, near Shanes- ville, this state, June 9, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Daniel Wyss and Angeline, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Aultman) Winkle- pleck. The father was drowned near Shanesville, at Z. Miller's mills, when Mrs. Wyss was an infant, and her mother, Elizabeth, departed this life in the spring of 1894. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Wyss, namely: Charles A., Ida E., Ilomer, Flora, George W., Walter and May. Charles A. died at the age of two and a-half years. Miss Ida is her father's assistant in the postoffice. Mrs. Wyss was reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and our subject, who was formerly a member of the German Re- formed Church, has of late years been identified with the congregation of which his wife is a member.
A LFRED PHILIP SHAFFNER, who for a number of years was engaged in mercan- tile pursuits in Cambridge, was long con- sidered one of her best citizens. The community felt that his demise, which occurred JJanuary 10, 1887, was indeed a publie loss, for he was always interested in whatever concerned the welfare of his fellow-men and neighbors. A pillar in the
Methodist Episcopal Church, he was a Class-leader and a Trustee, active in all good works.
The parents of A. P. Shaffner were Philip and Elizabeth Shaffner. The former was a native of Germany, and passed his early years in Lebanon County, Pa. By trade he was a tinner. Ilis wife died when her son Alfred was only four months old. The latter was born in Brownsville, Pa., January 23, 1811, and when eighteen years old came to this city. Ile obtained a position , as a clerk in a store with his brother Jacob, who was then Postmaster of Cadiz.
On New Year's Day, 1833, Alfred P. Shaffner, married Eliza J. White. Iler father, Joseph White, who was a tailor by trade, was a very early set- tler of this county, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred in 1846. His wife bore the maiden name of Eliza Motte. The origi- nal spelling of the name Motte was probably Moody, and the change was owing to the intermarriage of the family with those of Freneli origin. The White family is of Irish descent, and Joseph White was born on the ocean. Ilis father was a school teacher, and a man of superior education. Ile was at one time tutor to General Harrison's children, and died on that gentleman's farm at North Bend.
After his marriage, A. P. Shaffner kept a store for awhile at Brownsville, Ohio, north of Zanes- ville. Thence he removed to Senecaville. from there to Cambridge, and from there to near Browns- ville, Pa., where he ran a farm for about two years. Succeeding that period he was engaged in mer- chandising in Cambridge until he retired from active life in 1882. He was a Mason, and in poli- tics was a Democrat, many years later becoming a Prohibitionist.
Mrs. Eliza J. Shaffner was born April 4, 1815. During her husband's lifetime she was a true help- mate, and aided him in his work and plans. She frequently traveled with him when he went to buy goods, which were purchased mainly in Phila- delphia. The journey was made by the old Con- cord coach, and the monotony was only relieved by varying the route. Occasionally they went to Wheeling by coach, thence to Brownsville by boat, by coach again as far as Cumberland, Md., and then by railroad to Baltimore, thence to Philadel-
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phia, New York and Buffalo. These trips are now among the pleasant recollections of Mrs. Shaffner, for though at times things did not go as they had been planned, they were on the whole novel, and gave them a better acquaintance with the world. At the time of the Mexican War, the couple went to St. Paul by the roundabout way of St. Louis, as they took the water route. On an- other occasion they went to St. Louis in a buggy, the journey taking some fifteen or sixteen days. The rivers and streams were very high at the time, and they had some difficulties and hardships to endure. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Shaffner died at the age of three years at Senecaville. A lady of kind heart and amiable qualities, Mrs. Shaffner lives only to do good to others as she finds opportunity, and many a poor person can testify to this fact. She has long been a worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and her life is in conformity with the teachings of the Golden Rule.
OHIN FORNEY. Among the residents of Guernsey County who have prosecuted their work successfully and are now enjoying the fruits of their prudence and energy, sur- rounded with comforts, is the gentleman above named, who is now occupying a fine briek resi- denee on his farm in Wheeling Township, and has a handsome income, affording himself and fam- ily a good maintenance.
Our subjeet was born in Wheeling Township, April 1, 1816, to Abraham and Mary ( Curtis) For- ney, the former of whom was a native of Frederick County, Md. Ile in turn was the son of Abra- ham and Mary Forney, natives of Maryland, where the grandfather was engaged in the butcher busi- ness. They later in life took up their abode in Cadiz, this state, where they passed the remaining years of their life.
Abraham Forney, Jr., emigrated to Guernsey County in 1811, from Baltimore, Md. This region was at that time in its primitive state, and bore little resemblance to its present cultivated appear-
ance. Being a great sportsman, the animals abound- ing in the woods gave him ample opportunity to show his skill, and during his residenec here he shot about four hundred deer, besides numbers of bears, turkeys and other wild game. His purchase in this section consisted of about four hundred acres of land, and on him fell the arduous task of clearing and placing under improvement this large tract. A short time prior to his death, which oc- curred in 1855, he had the satisfaction of looking over his broad aeres of cultivated fields, knowing that they were brought to their then improved condition by much hard work on his part. Mrs. Mary (Curtis) Forney was born in Baltimore, Md., and died in this county about 1862, aged nearly eighty years. Her parents were natives of Mary- land, and when quite young she was kidnapped and conveyed to the City of Churches, where she was sold. Mrs. Forney was married in Maryland, in 1801, and to her were born nine children, five sons and four daughters, as follows: Joseph, Elizabeth, Mary A., Solomon, Frederick, Sophia, Eli and Su- san II. (deceased), and John, of this sketch, who was the sixth in order of birth. The father was well edu- cated in the German language, but his knowledge of English was quite limited. His good wife was an intelligent and cultured lady, and well liked by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. They were very promment in all good works in their neighborhood, and their death was greatly felt in the community.
Our subject remained at home with his parents until reaching his twenty-fourth year. when he re- moved with his wife (to whom he was married in 1840) to a rude cabin in the woods, which had been formerly used as a place for storage of tobacco. They, however, lived in that rude structure but a short time, when they removed to a more com- fortable dwelling across the road, built of brick. In this he lived with his wife, and also made it headquarters for a general merchandise store, saw- mill and marble works. As his fortunes grew larger, he abandoned these occupations and de- voted himself entirely to cultivating his large estate.
Mr. Forney was united in marriage, in 1840, with Miss Eliza J. Wilson, who was born in Jefferson
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County, this state, and died in 1867, aged forty- eight years. She was the daughter of David Wil- son, a soldier in the War of 1812. Of their children, Josephus was formerly a member of the Kansas Legislature, but is now practicing law in Topeka, that state; Isaiah is engaged in farming in Kansas; Charlotte is deceased; Gilbert is repre- senting his district in the Kansas Legislature; La- fayette is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of this township; Violet is deceased; Hamilton is en- gaged in farming in Oklahoma; Eli is deceased; and one died, unnamed, in infancy.
Mr. Forney chose for his second companion Miss Ellen Walker, to whom he was married in 1868. She was born in Harrison County, this state, Au- gust 31, 1844, and is the daughter of Lorenzo D. and Eliza (Forney) Walker, the former of whom was born in Harrison County, and died Deeember 25, 1882. He was the son of Robert and Ruth (Poulson) Walker. Robert Walker was born in England, and on coming to the United States made his permanent home in the above county, and engaged in farming. Eliza (Forney) Walker is still living in Harrison County, where her birth occurred. Her parents were Frederick and Deboralı (Harris) Forney, natives of Maryland. They emi- grated to this state many years ago, and lived and died in Harrison County.
The parents of Mrs. Ellen Forney were married in this state, and reared a family of two sons and two daughters, of whom Mary is living at home; Ellen is the wife of our subjeet; Frederick is fore- man of the car shops at Springfield, this state; and William is occupied as a farmer of Harrison County. They were honest, intelligent people, and during their life there was no place in which the stranger found a warmer welcome than at the board of this large-hearted family.
By his union with Miss Walker, onr subject has become the father of six children, viz .: Viola, now the wife of Ilarry Homersley, a farmer of Coshocton County; Chloe, wife of William Tip- ton, a lumber merchant living in Burgettstown, Washington County, Pa .; and Olive, Edna. Walter and Sargeant J., at home. Mr. Forney had at one time thirteen hundred acres of land in his home place, but this he has divided among his children,
only retaining about two hundred acres for his own use. It is finely cultivated, and on it are raised large crops, attention being also paid to stock- raising. Mr. Forney has in his possession many valuable relies, among them being a copper kettle which is several hundred years old, and a clock made over two hundred years ago.
Although never an aspirant for office, our subject has contributed his quota toward the upbuilding of his township, and in many ways has aided ma- terially in its improvement. Ile is a member of the Methodist Church, with which he has been connected for over half a century, and has been the recipient of all the offices in the congrega- tion except that of pastor. He cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison, and since the organl- ization of the Republican party has voted for its candidates. Mrs. Forney, who is one of the most liberal and devoted members of the Methodist Church, is greatly respected in her community, and bears the good-will of all who know her.
H ON. JAMES A. D. RICHARDS. Were it only for the present generation that this work is being compiled, it would be un- necessary to give space for the biography of the worthy citizen whose name is presented above, for he is so well and favorably known among the people of Tusearawas County that little which is new can be said of him. However, as history is written for the future, so in a sense is biography, and to place in substantial, endurable book form the record of one of the county's most distin- guished residents is the object of this memoir.
Mr. Richards was born in Boston, Mass., not of wealthy, influential parents, like many of the favored sons of fortune, but of people of limited means. Ile was early thrown upon the world to struggle with life and, nnaided, to carve his own carcer. Ilis childhood of indigence and carly, long and wearisome toil served as the crucibles wherein sterling qualities were refined and tested, pre-
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paratory for public life and work and higher obli- gations.
The boyhood of our subject was spent in Boston and New York City. Before reaching manhood he went West, locating in Ohio, where he engaged in farm work and went to school in the winter season. Ile was industrious, possessed of a bright, inquiring mind, and soon obtained sufficient knowledge to enable him to teach school. It was not his ambition, however, to pursue this vo- cation as a profession. Ile looked forward to a higher station. He was frugal and saved his earnings in order to continue his studies, and soon began the study of law, being admitted in due time to the Bar. While practicing his profession he began reading medicine. in order that he might be qualified for medico-legal cases. After pursu- ing his studies in this science privately for a time, he entered the medical department of the Uni- versity of Wooster, at Cleveland, Ohio, and upon leaving that institution returned to New Philadel- phia, giving his attention exclusively to the practice of law. Ile was very successful, and soon rose to the front rank among the learned men in the profession. Ile thus continued actively en- gaged in practice until called by the people to serve them in Congress. In 1892 he was nomi- nated by the Democratic party as a candidate for the Seventeenth Congressional District and was elected by a large majority. He took his seat in Congress March 4, 1893, and on the re-organization of the House was placed on several important committees, among which were the Committee on Claims and Expenditures in the Postoffice Depart- ment, of which latter committee he became chair- nian. Zealous and active in the discharge of his duties while in Congress, and gifted with ora- torieal powers in a very high degree, he soon came into prominence in that body and became a potent factor in its legislation. During the linding of the tariff bill and the discussion thereof, he deliv- ered a speech on that subject which was exten- sively read, being regarded as one of the ablest reviews on the issues of that bill.
During his Congressional career, Mr. Richards has carefully and conscientiously looked after and guarded what he considered to be the interests of
the people. In 1894 he was re-nominated, but was defeated in the fall elections by the Republican nominee. It was through no fault of his, nor from any want of popularity; he simply went down with his party. Ilis mind is peculiarly adapted to the profession he has chosen, for the practice of which he has ably fitted himself. Ile is greatly devoted to his work, and his chief aim is to excel in it and to make hinself useful. Ile thoroughly identifies himself with his cases. and in their trial leaves nothing undeveloped that will lead to a successful issue. Ile is an eloquent, attractive and finent speaker and a forcible advo- eate, always commanding and holding the atten- tion of the jury and having the confidence of the court. Ile is of good form and feature, winning in address and genial in manners, charitable and sympathetic in disposition, and whole-souled and broad-minded. Asa lawyer and legislator he is able and gifted, and as a citizen and a man is esteemed and honored. Ile is still in the prime of life, and with his abilities and experience can yet do much toward the betterment of mankind and the ad- vancement of civilization.
DWARD W. DICK, a member of the firm of Mathias & Dick, is a leading and enter- prising young merchant of New Philadel- phia. Ile seems to have a natural aptitude for commercial pursuits, and has displayed good exec- utive ability in the management of his affairs. Of pleasing address, social and kind in manner, he is very popular, and is considered one of the rising young men of this place.
The parents of our subject are Jacob and Eliza- beth (Saum) Dick. The former was born in Ger- many, and set sail for the United States in 1847. coming direct to this county. For about fifteen years thereafter he was engaged at his trade as a stonemason. Ile then turned his attention to con- tracting and general building, working industri- ously until shortly before his death, which occurred in 1886. Ilis wife, to whom he was married be-
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fore leaving Europe, is a native of the same local- ity. Jacob Dick was a member of the German Re- formed Church, to which his widow still adheres. In political issues he uses his ballot in favor of the Democratic party.
Edward W. Dick, of this sketch, was born in New Philadelphia, June 26, 1862, being one in a family of eight children. His two eldest brothers, Jacob and Peter, reside in this place; Charles and John are the next in order of birth; Mary E. is the wife of Jolin P. Steinbaugh; Franklin is de- ceased; and Callie is the wife of James Janes. Dur- ing the winter terms our subject attended the com- mon schools of this place until he was about eight- een years of age. At that time he started to learn the drug business, which he abandoned at the end of eight months on account of poor healthi. Later he entered a general store at Benton, Holmes Coun- ty, Ohio, where he remained for nearly a year. Returning to his old home he learned the trade of brick-laying, and afterward became a partner with his father and brothers, Charles and Peter, as a contractor on brick masonry. This business was conducted for several years under the firm name of Dick Bros., but in 1889 our subject purchased the interest of Thomas Williams, of the firm of Mathias & Williams, and entered upon a mercan- tile career. Ilis store is located on West High Street, a central point. A large and well selected stock of goods is always on hand, and here may be found anything desired in the line of groceries, car- pets, crockery, boots and shoes and dry goods. The patronage of the firm is constantly increasing, and since Mr. Dick has been identified with the business it has been found necessary to enlarge their quar- ters. They have added another store and occupy two floors of the building.
On the 26th of October, 1888, in this city, a marriage ceremony was performed by which Miss Della A. Mathias became the wife of E. W. Dick. Iler father, John B. Mathias, is the senior partner of the firm to which our subject belongs. He and his wife, who before her marriage was Miss Lydia A. Schull, are natives of this county. Of their five children, Ellsworth W .. Della A., Daniel, Harvey S. and Charles C., all are living with the exception of Daniel. Mrs. Diek is a member of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church, while her husband is identi- fied with the German Reformed Church. Frater- nally he is a member of Schoenbrun Lodge No. 430, I. O. O. F., of this city. In his political faith he is a supporter of the Democracy.
OIIN ANDREW HIMES. This gentleman, who is one of the most prominent business men of New Philadelphia. is extensively engaged in the real-estate trade. He is a native of this city, having been born October 2. 1845, to Peter W. and Mary Ann (Ditto) Himes. The father was born in York County, Pa., June 13, 1813, and was a descendant of an old and prominent family in that state. He was married in the above county to Miss Ditto, and the young couple removed to this state in 1835, locating in Wayne County. There Peter W. Himes was en- gaged in the drug business, near the city of Woo- ster. He only remained there a twelvemonths, when a good opening for his line of trade in this city caused him to remove hither.
The father of our subject was very popular with the people, and in 1853 was appointed Post- master under the administration of President Pierce, and was continued in that office through Buchanan's reign. In 1861. however, he was ap- pointed by Gov. David Todd as suttler of the Fifty-first Regiment, with which he remained until its arrival at Nashville, Tenn., when the regi- ment was placed on provost duty, and our subject returned home.
In the year 1872 Peter W. Hlimes was elected County Recorder on the Democratic ticket, and so well did he discharge the duties of the position that on the expiration of his term of office he was re-elected. Previous to this, however, he had been the recipient of many minor offices, and in every instance gave his attention to advancing the interests of the community. He was promi- nent in the Odd Fellows' fraternity, passing through nearly all the chairs in that order. He was liberal in religious views and a believer in
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spiritualism. Peter W. Himes departed this life in October, 1885, beloved by all who knew him.
Mrs. Mary Ann Ilimes was likewise a native of the Keystone State, and was the daughter of John Ditto. The latter came west to this state many years ago, and departed this life in New Philadel- phia. Mrs. Ilimes, who inclined toward the faith of her husband in religions matters, died in Feb- ruary, 1878. She was the mother of seven chil- dren, viz .: William A., Clorinda, Eleanor A., Annie J., John A., Maggie M. and Thomas J. The eldest daughter is deceased, and William A. departed this life in January, 1873, while on his wedding tour in this city. Annie J. married Henry C. Vinton, and died in April, 1893. Maggie M. is also deceased, her death occurring in 1864.
The original of this sketch remained at home until a lad of sixteen years, in the mean time attending the Union school. In 1861, however, he began to make his own way in the world, and, going to eastern Ohio, purchased sheep for Henry C. Vinton, which he drove to Chickasaw County, Iowa, where his brother-in-law, Mr. Vinton, was liv- ing. This trip proved very successful, and young Himnes remained in the West several months.
Soon after returning home. the Civil War being in progress, he went with his father in the Fifty- first Regiment to Nashville. After the latter's return home our subject was engaged in the Post- oflice in that city, and remained there until the fall of 1864, when he, too, retraced his steps to this city. A short time thereafter we find young Hlimes in St. Louis, Mo., engaged in a drug house. llis duties there were very congenial, and he remained until 1871, coming home, however, in 1867 to aid in indexing the county records, when he returned to the Mound City.
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