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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
Portrait & Biographical Record of Stark County,
Ohio
Containing Biographical Sketches of
Prominent and Representative Citizens,
Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the
Presidents of the United States.
Chicago - Chapman Bros. -
1892
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CONRAD SCHWEITZER,
Treasurer of the People's Savings Bank, Canton, Ohio.
A city can have no more beneficial institution than a
well-regulated savings bank, for they exert a great
influence for good in the promotion of thrift and in
inducing those of small means to lay aside a provision for
the future, which serves for a time of need, and frequently
lays the foundation of a substantial fortune. Among
the institutions of that character organized and in
operation in Canton, is the People's Savings Bank, which is
deservedly distinguished as one of the most successful and
popular, the wisdom of its management and the safety of its
investments commending it to the confidence of the people.
Mr. Schweitzer was born in the city in which he
now resides, July 8, 1853, a son of Conrad and Nanette
(Kurt) Schweitzer, who were born, reared, educated and
married in Switzerland. In 1849, they crossed the
stormy ocean to America, and on landing at New York City,
they turned their faces in the direction of Canton, Ohio,
and after reaching this place at once embarked in the
hardware business, which proved a success financially.
The father afterward sold his goods to removed to the city
of New York, where he became a successful hardware merchant
and resided until his death, which occurred in 1873.
After the estate had been settled, the widow, with her
children, returned to Canton, in 1878, and here their home
has since continued to be.
Conrad Schweitzer was the third of four
children, the eldest son born to his parents, and his early
days were spent in Canton and New York City, in the public
schools of which places he acquired sufficient education to
fit him for a practical business life. This, however,
did not satisfy his thirst for knowledge, and he later
entered Park Institute on Long Island, where he pursued his
studies for two years. At the end of this time, he
returned to New York and entered the office of his father,
whose able assistant he continued to be until death
intervened and he was left fatherless. After settling
up the estate, he returned to Canton in 1878, soon after
which he entered the office of C. Aultman & Company,
and remained with this company for eight years. He
next became Treasurer of the Gibbs, Ball Plow
Company, holding his connection with this house for two
years; later, he became connected with the Democrat
Publishing Company, was for a time editor and business
manager of the News-Democrat and Stark County
Democrat, and is now one of the leading stockholders in
the company. In connection with others, he helped to
organize the People's Savings Bank, and was made its
Secretary and Treasurer. He is recognized as one of
the reputable business men of the city, and while he has
been eminently successful from a personal standpoint, his
views are broad, so broad that every just and commendable
enterprise having in view the material and moral interests
of the city and State meets with all the encouragement,
financial and otherwise, it is in his power to grant.
Mr. Schweitzer was one of the Directors of the
City Water Works, and a member of the Board of Equalization,
is one of the City Park Commissioners, and was Chairman of
the Democratic County Committee for two years. In
1886, his marriage to Helen Cook, a daughter of
George Cook, a pioneer manufacturer of this place, who
was for many years connected with C. Aultman &
Company, was celebrated. To them three interesting
children have been born. They have a handsome
residence surrounded by beautiful grounds at No. 37 Myers
Avenue.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio
- Chicago - Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 257 |
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J. C. SHAFER.
Perhaps no better example of pluck and perseverance could
readily be found in Stark County, than is afforded in the
life of Mr. Shafer. He commenced the
battle of life without assistance, and by dint of innate
ability, determination, and an honorable life, has become
one of the leading and influential citizens of Plain
Township and the possessor of a valuable estate, which the
visitor to his home will see is in thorough tillage and
furnished with various improvements, which add to the value
of the land and increase the comfort of those who occupy it.
Born in Lancaster County, Pa., Apr. 11, 1831, our
subject is a son of Jacob Shafer, who was also a
native of that county, his birth occurring in 1793.
The grandfather, who bore the name of John, was of
German descent and died in middle life. He was a
farmer by occupation and served as a soldier in the War of
1812. Jacob Shafer was reared by his
worthy father to the pursuit of an agriculturist, and, when
moving to this State in 1832, was accompanied on his journey
over the mountains by his wife and six children.
Locating in Jackson Township, he there rented land for five
years, and finally purchasing a small place of his own,
resided on it until 1855, when he made his home with our
subject, where the decease of his wife occurred. He
then took up his abode with his daughter, Mrs.
Rice, of Perry Township, where he spent his last days,
dying at the advanced age of eighty years. He was a
member of the German Reformed Church, and as a man of
excellent habits was respected by the entire community.
In his political relations, he always cast a Democratic
vote.
Mrs. Sarah (Connell) Shafer, the mother of our
subject, was a native of Ireland, having been born in
Dublin, and emigrated to America with her parents when six
years of age. Locating with them in the Keystone
State, she there met and married Jacob Shafer
and became the mother of seven children, of whom those
deceased are Mary A., Harriet, David J.
and Eliza. Those living are Martin W.,
John C. and Sarah A. Mrs. Shafer was an active member
of the German Reformed Church, and died in April, 1859, when
fifty-seven years of age.
The original of this sketch was an infant of one year
when he was brought by his parents to this county, and when
old enough to do so attended school in the primitive log
cabin. The privileges offered at that period were not
equal to those at the present day, but he took advantage of
the opportunities given him in the acquirement of knowledge,
attending school mostly during the winter months. His
father being in limited circumstances, he was obliged to do
for himself at the early age of fifteen years, and for two
years was engaged by one man, receiving the first year $1.50
per month, and the second year double that sum. At the
expiration of that time, he learned the trade of a
shoemaker, which business he prosecuted during the winter,
and was employed on the farm in the summer season.
The marriage of Mr. Shafer with Miss
Eliza Smith was solemnized Apr. 28, 1858. The
lady, who was born in this township, Dec. 28, 1837, bore him
two children, Harvey, who is deceased, and Mary L.
He rented land for a year after his marriage and then,
following his trade for ten years in succession, saved a
sufficient sum to purchase his present farm, of which he
became the owner in 1873. It contains fifty-five
acres, and is as fine and well-cultivated a farm as may be
found in the neighborhood. He has greatly increased
its value since it came into his possession by erecting
thereon a good set of neatly-arranged farm buildings, and
otherwise improving it. He was engaged in farming and
stock-raising up to the past few years, since which time his
son-in-law has carried on its operations. He has a
neat frame house on the place and a large barn, which gives
ample room in which to store large quantities of grain.
Mr. and Mrs. Shafer are active members of the
German Reformed Church and take a part in all that tends to
increase the material prosperity and personal welfare of all
about them. Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and
has held the office of Township Assessor. He has been
a member of the School Board for six years and is a bright,
wide-awake man, endowed with fine traits of character, which
have won for him the confidence of all about him.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago - Chapman Bros. - 1892
~ Page 126 |
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WILLIAM SHAFFER.
The gentleman of whom we write has his fine arable farm of
one hundred and thirty-eight acres situated on Sept. 14,
Nimishillen Township. He was born in Washington
Township. He was born in Washington Township, Stark
County, Ohio, Nov. 18, 1839, to John and Margaret (Cairus)
Shaffer, the farmer of whom was born in the same
township as the subject of this sketch, and the latter in
Dumfriesshire, Scotland. When a girl, she came with
her parents to America, and with them settled in Washington
Township, Stark County, Ohio, where she met and married
Mr. Shaffer. The latter was a son of William
Shaffer, who was a Pennsylvanian, but who came to Ohio
at a very early day, and was a well-to-do farmer of this
section for the remainder of his days. John Shaffer
was the father of five children, of whom William was
the eldest, and after a well-spent life, and while just in
the zenith of his career, he was called from the scene of
his earthly labors, in 1866, at the age of forty-seven
years. His widow survived him until January, 1890,
dying at the age of seventy-four years, and both lie buried
in the Homeworth Cemetery, Columbiana County, about six
miles from their old home. They were Presbyterians in
their religious views, and throughout life the father was a
Democrat politically, and, although not a politician, he
held the office of Township Trustee two or three terms.
Although his advantages for an education in youth were
limited, he was a friend of education and gave each of his
children good common-school educations.
William Shaffer passed an uneventful boyhood in
assisting his father on the farm and in attending the
district school, but not being satisfied with the advantages
that the district schools afforded him, he entered the
public schools of Canfield, Mahoning County, which he
attended for some time, andwhere his love of study and
reading made him improve his advantages to the utmost.
At the age of nineteen years, he began teaching school, and
until 1865 his winters were devoted to this occupation,
while his summers were spent in tilling the soil. Mar.
23, 1865, Miss Lydia Trump, of Nimishillen Township,
became his wife. She was born Apr. 16, 1841, to
Peter and Catherine (Shaffer) Trump, and the same year
of their marriage they settled on a farm of sixty-eight
acres, which is a portion of the farm of which they are now
the owners. The house in which they are living was one
of the improvements of the place at the time of their
purchase, as well as other buildings. Mr. Shaffer
has a good bank barn, which at the time of its erection cost
$1,700. Since his first purchase, Mr. Shaffer
has added seventy acres to his original tract, all of which
is well improved and well watered by living springs.
Politically, Mr. Shaffer is a Democrat, and has
filled the following township offices: Clerk two
terms, Trustee two terms and Justice of the Peace two terms.
He also held the position of Notary Public for a number of
years. In 1889, he was elected a Director of the
County Infirmary, in which position, as in all others, he
proved himself competent, trustworthy and intelligent.
He and his wife and a number of their children are members
of the Reformed Church of Louisville. To himself and
wife nine children have been given, all of whom are living:
Ida J., born Jan. 22, 1867, became the wife of
John P. Lawman Sept. 17, 1885, and is a resident of
Ottawa County, Kan., where her husband is engaged in tilling
the soil. She has one child. Ella, born
Jan. 11, 1869, is a successful and well-known teacher of
Stark County: Lillie, born May 14, 1870,
married Amos Ramseyer Feb. 12, 1890, and is residing
on a farm in Paris Township: Charles, born July
30, 1871, attended one term of school at Middle Point, Ohio,
and is now engaged in teaching his third term of school;
Ada, born Oct. 4, 1872, lives at home; Clara
Lucetta, born Oct. 6, 1874, has also a certificate for
teaching; has also a certificate for teaching; Elmer,
born Aug. 5, 1876; Nettie, July 14, 1879, and Roy
Thurman, Mar. 14, 1885.
Mr. Shaffer is popular, and deservedly so, for he has
always proved honest, and in a high degree public-spirited.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago - Chapman Bros. - 1892
~ Page 176 |
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PHILIP SHEAFER,
a prominent citizen of Lawrence Township, now practically
living a retired life, resides upon his farm on section 27.
He was born on the farm which is still his home, Sept. 11,
1824. On the paternal side he is of German and English
descent, while on the maternal side he is of German descent.
His grandfather, Philip Sheafer, was born in Germany,
and when a lad of seen summers was brought to this country.
John Sheafer, father of our subject, was born in
Bedford County, Pa., in the year of 1791, and in Somerset
County married Eva Wagner, who was there born
in the same year of her husband's birth. In 1818, they
emigrated Westward, becoming pioneer settlers of Stark
County. Mr. Sheafer went to Canada,
where he worked at the plow business when a young man, but
after coming to the Buckeye State gave his entire time and
attention to farming. There were no improvements upon
his land, except a little log cabin, but he transformed it
into one of the best farms of the community, and made it his
home until called to his final rest in 1861. In early
life he was a Whig and stanch Abolitionist. He served
his township as Trustee. He was greatly opposed to
secret societies. He read extensively, became well
informed, and was one of the highly respected citizens of
Stark County. His wife survived him about fourteen
years and passed away in 1875.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sheafer were born eight
children, four sons and four daughters, six of whom grew to
mature years but William. Mrs. Susan Hoover and
Maria Jane are now deceased; one child died at the age
of four years, and another at the age of sixteen. The
members of the family who still survive are Mrs. Mary
Bowman, Philip and Mrs. Margaret Young.
Our subject began his education
in a log schoolhouse of primitive style and conned his
lessons upon a slab used for seats. In the usual
manner of farmer lads the days of his boyhood and youth were
passed. He remained under the parental rof and cared
for his parents until their deaths. He was first
married on the 14th of May, 1852, Miss Sarah E. Trevetic
becoming his wife. She was a native of this
county, and died Apr.2, 1870. Four children were born
of that marriage: Mary Jane, now deceased;
Edward H., of Colorado; Emma, wife of George
Gott, of Ft. Madison, Iowa; and Nettie F., wife
of William McFarland, of Kansas. Mr. Sheafer
was again married, Feb. 22, 1872, his second union being
with Mrs. Mary A. Groff, widow of John Groff.
Their union has been blessed with a daughter, Eva B.,
who is still with her parents.
Mr. Sheafer has spent his entire life on the old
homestead. He now owns one hundred and seventy acres
of the old farm, which is under a high state of cultivation
and well improved. e has devoted his energies to
farming and stock-raising during the greater part of his
business career, but is now practically living a retired
life, having rented his land. He has been industrious
and enterprising, and the competency which he acquired
thereby now enables him to lay aside all business cares.
In early life, Mr. Sheafer was a stanch
Abolitionist, and when the Republican party was formed to
prevent the further extension of slavery, he joined its
ranks and continued one of its supporters for many years.
He has always been a stanch temperance man, and now votes
with the Prohibition party. He has never been an
office-seeker, but has served as Assessor of Lawrence
Township. He holds membership with the Methodist
Episcopal Church of Canal Fulton, and has served in some of
its official positions.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago -
Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 305 |
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DANIEL
S. SMITH, one of the wealthy and most prominent
farmers in Stark County, has a fine estate he is engaged in
tilling the soil to good advantage. By the exercise of
thrift and prudence in the management of his affairs, by
skill and strict attention to his calling, he has placed
himself in the front rank among the progressive
agriculturists of this section.
A native of this county, our subject was born on
section 5, Canton Township, Sept. 12, 1838, and is the son
of John J. Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania in
1811. Grandfather Daniel Smith was also a
native of the Keystone State, and on coming to this State in
a very early day, made the trip over the mountains with
wagon and team. His first location was made in Plain
Township, on the property now occupied by Eli Smith,
his son. He was a hard-working, industrious man, and
at his decease left his family a comfortable property.
He continued to reside on the farm which he had developed
from the wilderness until all his children were grown and
established in homes of their own, when he took up his abode
east of New Berlin and there passed his last years. He
was a very religions man and a consistent member of the
Lutheran Church. Politically, he cast a straight Democratic
vote, and was always greatly interested in local affairs and
gave liberally of Ills time and means toward the furtherance
of all elevating measures.
The father of our subject received his education in the
district school, near his home, and being trained to farm
pursuits, when starting out on his own account, located on
property just north of Canton, where he owned eighty acres
of excellent land, which by good judgment and industry he
placed under good tillage, and reaped therefrom a
competence. Like his father before him, he was a
member of the Lutheran Church, and at his death, which
occurred in 1865, he was fifty-four years of age. In
early life a Whig, he later joined the Republican party,
being a strong Abolitionist.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was
Nancy Schriver; she was born in what is now the
prosperous city of Canton, and was the daughter of David
and Mary Schriver, natives of
Pennsylvania, who, on coming to this section in an early day
located in Canton Township, where the father farmed and at
the same time operated a distillery. He was a Democrat
in politics, and lived to attain a good age, as did also his
wife.
He of whom we write was third in order of birth in the
parental family of eleven children, two of whom are
deceased, Susan and Henry. Those living
are Mary A., our subject, Jeremiah, William,
Harriet, Orlando, Amanda, Hiram
and Emma. The mother of these children is still
living at the age of eighty-one years, and makes her home on
the old farm, located just outside the corporate limits of
the city of Canton. She is a most estimable and worthy
lady and a devoted member of the German Reformed Church.
Daniel, of this sketch, was reared on the old
homestead and acquired a good practical education in the
district school, supplementing the knowledge gained therein
by attendance at the schools of Canton. When nineteen
years of age, being then ready to earn his own living, he
learned the trade of a carpenter at which he worked by the
day for five years. Then enlarging his business so as
to combine contracting and building, he was thus engaged for
a period of sixteen years, and during that time established
a reputation as a skilled and reliable workman throughout
the entire county, where are yet standing many buildings
which he erected.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Lydia
Trump was solemnized Oct. 30, 1865. Mrs.
Smith was born in Canton Township, Feb. 3, 1842, and
is the daughter of George J. and Rachel (Weaver) Trump,
natives of Maryland, who later removed to this county, where
they were ranked among its earliest settlers. To Mr.
and Mrs. Smith has been born a family
of five children: Loretta, Elmer, Ora,
Ivy and Lester. Our subject located upon
his present farm in 1882, and in this locality he is held in
high esteem as a loyal citizen, a progressive,
public-spirited man, and one who is true to others in all
the relations that he sustains towards them. He
possesses excellent business qualifications, and as a man of
sterling integrity is well known throughout the county.
In the spring of 1864, Mr. Smith enlisted
in the Union army and joined Company C, One Hundred and
Sixty-second Ohio Infantry. He was placed on duty in
his State, and being taken sick in the latter part of
September, returned home, and when fully recuperated the war
had come to a close. Mr. Smith is the
proprietor of ninety-four acres of land, upon which are all
the modern improvements in the way of buildings and
machinery. His large frame house is a model of
neatness, and the manner in which it is furnished indicates
its inmates to be people of refined tastes and ample means.
He devotes his time and attention to mixed farming, and has
been more than ordinarily successful in all his
undertakings. In his political affiliations, he casts
a Republican vote during elections, and as one of the
representative men of the county, he justly deserves a place
in this volume.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio
- Chicago - Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 124 |
Residence of
David Smith,
Sec. 8, Canton Tp.,
Stark Co., OH |
DAVID SMITH. Canton Township is the home of
many successful farmers, but none more prosperous than the
gentleman above named, who is one of the wealthy residents
of the county, owning and operating a fine estate just
outside the corporate limits of the city of Canton. It
consists of one hundred acres on section 8, all of which is
under excellent tillage and improved with all that goes to
make up a well-cultivated farm. A visitor to his home
will see that he has not only erected good buildings, and
has his farm well supplied with modern machinery, but that
he keeps excellent grades of stock.
Our subject who is a son of Jacob Smith, was
born on his present farm Sept. 16, 1826. His father
was born in Pennsylvania and was of German descent. He
was a farmer by occupation and came to this State as early
as 1814, making the journey overland with a wagon. His
first location was east of Canton, whence he later removed
to what is now the property of our subject. The
country roundabout at that time was sparsely settled and in
a wild condition. He built a log house, where he
resided for some time, and later, removing to where the
waterworks are now located, erected a flaxseed mill and at
the same time was engaged in the manufacture of linseed oil.
He also owned a tract of three hundred acres of excellent
land, which was the fruit of his industry, as he came to the
county entirely without means. He was a leader in all
public enterprises and was held in high repute by his
fellowmen for the energetic conduct of his own affairs, his
progressive ideas regarding agriculture and the honorable
way in which he carried on business. He was
eighty-eight years old at the time of his decease and had
been a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, to whose
support he was a liberal and cheerful contributor. In
politics, he was a stanch Democrat.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was
Elizabeth Rhodes, a native of Pennsylvania.
She reared a family of eight children and died in her
seventieth year a devoted member of the Lutheran Church.
David of this sketch was the youngest but one in the
family, and received a good education in the old academy
which stood on what is now the site of the public schools.
He passed his early da3rs amid the surroundings of rural
life and remembers the time when deer were very plentiful
and Indians quite numerous about the old home. He
assisted his father in clearing the estate, and when he had
attained his majority he adopted the calling to which he had
been bred, and has since followed agricultural pursuits.
He began life on his own account when he reached his
twenty-fourth year, and in 1852 was married to Isabel F.
Shorb, who was born in the city of Canton, where her
parents are still residing.
To Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been born a family of
nine children, namely: William, Alice, Lizzie, George,
Belle, Bert, Floy A., Ella, and Harry. Our
subject has one hundred acres of excellent land, which has
taken on a different appearance since it came into his
possession, herds of domestic animals taking the place of
the wild game that was plentiful here during his early
residence, and fruitful fields and orchards replacing the
prairie grass and the forest growth of former days. He
is engaged in mixed farming and buys and ships stock to the
eastern market on a large scale. He has platted
several additions to the city of Canton, and disposed of
some of his property to other parties who also laid it out
in city lots. He has acquired a valuable property, and
while engaged in his private affairs is at the same time one
of those solid men who are very active in promoting the
interests of the township.
In 1868, Mr. Smith engaged in the
brick-making business, which he followed successfully until
1880, and turned out annually about one million brick.
He is a stalwart defender of Democratic principles and has
served his fellow-townsmen as Trustee for fourteen years.
The Lutheran Church finds in him a most active and devoted
member, while his good wife belongs to the Catholic Church.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago -
Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 298 |
| |
JAMES B. SMITH. Stark County is fortunate
in that the farmers who form such an important proportion of
her population are in general a highly intelligent,
energetic, thrifty, and business-like set of men. Of
one of these, James B. Smith, we write. His
farming operations center on section 32, Perry Township,
where he has eighty acres of land under good cultivation,
and supplied with all the necessary improvements that go to
make up a desirable farm.
Our subject was born Feb. 15, 1835, is a native of this
county, and the son of Benjamin and Mary (Coder) Smith,
natives of Pennsylvania. The Coder family
were among the earlier pioneers of this township, having
located upon new land in this section in 1818. The
father of our subject emigrated overland with a team to this
county in 1830, in company with his parents, and after
arriving herein Stark County, resided for a short time in
Bethlehem, now Navarre, when it contained but a few houses.
He later removed to the farm which is the present home of
our subject, which he set industriously about clearing and
improving. Of the large family of children of which he
was the father, three are now living, viz.: Our subject;
Frances, the wife of William Paden, and
Harriet. Of the second union of Benjamin
Smith, there were born two children, Charles K.,
and Mary, the latter of whom is deceased.
The father of our subject was a prominent and
influential member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
contributed liberally toward the erection of the new church
building. In early life, he was a Democrat in
politics, but later, finding that he had sufficient cause
for changing his views, joined the ranks of the Republican
party, with which he voted until his decease, which occurred
Dec. 11, 1871. The mother of our subject departed this
life Jan. 15, 1846, and was, like her husband, a consistent
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
James B. Smith, of this sketch, received his
education in the pioneer log schoolhouse in the vicinity of
his home, and rendered his father great assistance in
clearing the farm and placing it under good tillage.
He is now residing upon the old homestead, and has devoted
his entire life to agricultural pursuits, in which calling
he has been more than ordinarily successful. Mr.
Smith was always greatly interested in local affairs,
and for many years served as an efficient member of the
School Board, and during his administration many changes
were made in the school system, and buildings were erected
to accommodate the growing population.
May 1, 1856, Mr. Smith and Miss Julia Rempis
were united in marriage. The lady, who is the daughter of
Lewis and Louisa (Burk) Rempis, was born in Massillon,
Feb. 16, 1834. She has become the mother of five
children, namely: Abner, who is deceased;
Olive L., a teacher in Albany, N. Y.; William N.,
who is residing in Montgomery County, Mo.; Harvey B.
and Franklin T., are at home.
As before stated, our .subject owns eighty acres of
land, and during his life possessed those traits of
character that won consideration and confidence. He is
an active politician, a thoroughly good Republican, and one
who interested himself in all that concerned his township.
He is a prominent member of the First Methodist Episcopal
Church of Massillon, and is identified with its every good
work.
The parents of Mrs. Smith had a family of
seven children, of whom four are living: Charles;
Amelia, Mrs. Smith; Henry, and
Catherine, Mrs. Daniel Rager.
Mr. and Mrs. Rempis were born in Wurtemberg, Germany,
and were members in good standing of the Lutheran Church.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago -
Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 326 |
| |
JOHN SMITH. The farmers of Stark County
are, as a class, men of business integrity, industrious
habits and excellent moral character, and even a brief
outline of their lives is worthy of the consideration of all
who appreciate true worth. One who has been identified
with the interests of Perry Township for several decades,
and who is known among his friends as one of the most
energetic agriculturists and worthy citizens of the
township, is
John Smith whose farm is pleasantly located on section
24. The one hundred and twenty-seven broad acres which
stretch around his residence are a standing monument to his
persistence and zeal and his financial efforts.
Our subject was born in 1808, in Pennsylvania, and is a
son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Smith. When
a small boy, his parents emigrating to his county, he
accompanied them hither, the trip being made overland with a
team and wagon. They took up their residence in Canton
Township, where they were honored members of the farming
community. John, of this sketch, passed his
youth on the home farm, and attended the district schools,
in the intervals of study assisting his father in such ways
as were suited to his years and strength, and upon attaining
his majority began farming on his own account. He
remembers well when deer and wild turkeys were numerous in
the Buckeye State, and when the country was in a
comparatively primitive condition.
In his political relations, he is a stanch Democrat,
which party he believes to be in the right. He is a
consistent member of the Lutheran Church, and is an active
worker and liberal contributor in that body. Mr.
Smith has not only advanced his personal interests
and surrounded himself with all the comforts of modern farm
life, but he has manifested an intelligent interest in the
public welfare and has from time to time aided in the
enterprises that pertain to that result. He has never
married, and is living the life of a jolly bachelor. A
sketch of his brother, Joseph Smith, appears
on another page in this volume.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago -
Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 328 |
| |
JOHN H. SMITH,
foreman for C. Aultman & Co., of Canton, has spent
almost his entire life in Stark, his native county. He
was born in Plain Township, July 18, 1830, and is a son of
John D. and Mary (Hollinger) Smith, both of whom were
natives of Franklin County, Pa. The former was born
Jan. 16, 1783, and the latter in 1788. They were
married in the Keystone State, and in 1811 left the East,
emigrating to Ohio. They settled upon a farm in Plain
Township, Stark County, where, in the midst of the then
unbroken forest, Mr. Smith hewed out a farm, being
the estate which adjoins the present County Infirmary farm
on the south. HE continued to engage in the
cultivation and improvement of the land until his death,
which occurred in 1851. His wife passed away some
years previous, being called to the home beyond in 1810.
They were pioneer settlers of this county, where they
located ere the Indians had left for their Western
reservations, and endured all the hardships of frontier
life. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of
eight children, seven of whom grew to mature years, of whom
our subject and three sisters are yet living, viz:
Elizabeth, a widow, now in her seventy-sixth year, who
occupies the old homestead; Margaret, born Oct. 21,
1821, is a widow, residing in New Berlin, and Delilah, who
was born Jan. 13, 1827, is the wife of Charles Martin,
of Plain Township.
The subject of this sketch is the youngest of the
family. In the usual manner of farmer lads, the days
of his boyhood and youth were passed. He remained at
home until eighteen years of age, when in the spring of
1849, he went to Canton to learn the carpenter's trade,
which he followed until 1854. In that year, he entered
the employ of C. Aultman & Co., and worked in the
wood department until 1865, when he purchased an interest in
the works. To this line of business he has since
devoted his energies with excellent success. He
traveled as general agent for throe successive years and has
since been in the works, having charge of the buying of the
lumber, great quantities of which are used.
In 1853, Mr. Smith was joined in wedlock
with Miss Catherine E. Lovett, of Canton, the eldest
daughter of Rodman and Catherine (Lovett), who
emigrated to Ohio, in 1830. Her father is still living
and is a resident of Rome City, Ind., being now in his
eighty-fourth year. Mr. and Mrs. Smith reside at No.
85 South Cleveland Avenue. They have a wide
acquaintance throughout the community and their friends arc
many.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio
- Chicago - Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 501 |
| |
JOSEPH SMITH. All honor is due to the noble
pioneers of this county who braved the hardships of frontier
life, endured many privations, and sacrificed much in order
to redeem the land from the wilderness and establish homes
for themselves and families. It is to their patient
and persistent labors that the growth and prosperity of this
section of the country were laid on enduring foundations.
Some of these men are still living and are among our most
valued citizens. One of these, whose name appears at
the head of this biography, may well lay claim to respect as
one of the old settlers of the county, in whose development
he has borne a part for so many years.
The original of this sketch, who is at present residing
in Perry Township, is a native of Pennsylvania, having been
born in Cumberland County, Oct. 13, 1815. He was an
infant of eighteen months when he accompanied his parents,
Jacob and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Smith, to this county.
They were also natives of the Keystone State, and on coming
to this county located on a new farm among the early
settlers of Canton Township. Of their family of ten
children, three are now living, those beside our subject
being John and David.
Joseph Smith, of this sketch, was reared to man's
estate amid the pioneer scenes of farm life in this county,
and in an early day used wooden mold-board plows and other
primitive implements in cultivating his farm. He
received his education in an academy, and when his school
days were over he settled down to his chosen calling as a
farmer.
Mr. Smith, on Oct. 12, 1839, was united in
marriage with Miss Nancy Burger, a native of
Columbiana County, this State, who was born Jan, 4, 1817.
She is the daughter of Peter and Barbara (Werts) Burger,
who were also natives of that State and early settlers in
the above -named county. When ten yeas of age, rs.
Smith accompanied her parents on their removal to this
county, at which time they located on a portion of the
present site of Massillon. Of the Burger family
of nine children, only three survive, namely: Mrs.
Catherine Lighter, Rebecca, and Mrs. Smith.
To our subject and his
estimable wife have been born eight children, of whom the
following even are living: Alonzo, Darwin B. Cyrus,
Jacob, Emma J. (Mrs. J. H. Sponseller), Senora C. (Mrs. John
Freeman), and Mary E. Mr. Smith located
upon his present farm in 1840. It comprises two
hundred acres, upon which he has placed modern improvements,
his well-built, commodious buildings being supplied with
every convenience, and comparing favorably with the best in
the neighborhood. His neatly-fenced fields are under
an admirable system of tillage, and the rich pastures are
capable of sustaining a good deal of stock. Mr.
Smith has been the owner of a large estate which he
has divided among his children. With his wife, he is a
devoted member of the German Reformed Church, Mrs.
Smith having been a member of that body since fifteen
years of age. In politics, he votes with the
Democratic party, and is one of the substantial men in his
community. Although he is a quiet, unassuming man, the
people among whom he has dwelt in peace and amity these many
years hold him in warm regard, as they have always found in
him a true friend, ever considerate and pleasant in his
manner, and they have a high opinion of his personal
character, knowing him to be a man of principle and sound
integrity.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago -
Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 224 |
| |
LEVI I. SMITH. The life of a farmer may be
devoid of stirring events, but it is not the less a field in
which to exercise good business ability, fine judgment and
sterling traits of personal character. The man how can
gain a large tract of land in the well-settled sections of
our country must necessarily possess qualifications equal to
those displayed by a business man in our towns, although
differing in kind. The gentleman above named has been
prospered in his efforts in life and owns a considerable
amount of land in Canton Township. On section 18 he
has erected a large brick residence, which is conveniently
arranged and handsomely furnished. The dwelling is
accompanied by adequate and substantial out buildings, and
the land surrounding it has been brought to a good position
as regards its cultivation and productiveness.
The natal day of our subject was Jan. 19, 1837, and his
birthplace section 8, of this township. He is a son of
Samuel Smith who was born on the same farm in 1811.
His mother, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Stump,
was also a native of this county, her birth occurring in
Perry Township, July 9, 1809. Grandfather Frederick
Stump was of German descent, and a native of Lancaster
County, Pa. His good wife, who prior to her marriage
was a Miss Schmidt, was also of German parentage.
In 1809, the grandfather came to Perry Township, this
county, where he entered a tract of land, which he cleared
and placed under excellent cultivation. HE was very
successful, and at one time owned a large estate, of great
value, but being unfortunate in some of his investments,
lost the entire amount.
Samuel Smith received his first schooling in the
old fashioned log house with its slab floor and seats, and a
writing-desk made by laying boards on pins driven into the
wall. This rude structure was later replaced by a
frame schoolhouse, which was later replaced by a frame
schoolhouse, which was a decided improvement on the first
temple of learning. When attaining mature years, he
was engaged in merchandising in connection with his
brother-in-law, Daniel Stump, in what is now
the city of Rochester, and with the exception of two years
thus spent, he was always engaged in farming pursuits.
He enjoyed the respect of his fellowmen as one who had
demonstrated his ability in worldly affairs, and whose
personal character was worthy of commendation. He left
a good estate at his death, which occurred in 1869. He
was an active member of the Lutheran Church, and was in
every way worthy of the consideration in which he was held.
In his political views, he was a decided Democrat. His
wife, who departed this life in 1890, had attained to the
advanced age of eighty-one years.
He of whom we write was reared to a practical knowledge
of farm life, and aided his father greatly in clearing up
and cultivating the farm, which was entirely unimproved when
it came into his possession. His early educational
privileges were limited to the district school, but the
system of affairs in his native State ensured the good
practical foundation which must always be obtained outside
the schoolroom. When nineteen years of age, young Smith
attended school in Canton, where he received a good
knowledge of books. He has always been an extensive
reader, and among the periodicals found in his library will
be seen many newspapers, he taking eleven, from which he
gleans many points of interest to the scientific farmer.
Although reared to farm pursuits, Levi Smith,
when twenty-five years of age, learned the trade of a
stone-mason, which he followed until 1872, and then engaged
in what has since been his life occupation. In the
above year, he bought the interest of the other heirs in the
old home farm, which includes one hundred and fifty-eight
acres, and which, under his management, makes handsome
returns. His activity, keen foresight, tenacity of
purpose, and skill in carrying out his plans, have made our
subject successful in life, and in no small degree have
contributed to the material prosperity of Canton Township,
and likewise of Stark County. He gives his chief
attention to the raising of corn and wheat, and is numbered
among the most prominent farmers of this section. In
his career will be found a lesson of encouragement to poor
boys, exhibiting, as it does, the result which may be
obtained by steadfast industry and integrity. Mr.
Smith is a very methodical farmer and keeps a
complete set of books, which show the yearly expenses of his
estate to be $700.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary A. Foltz
was solemnized in November, 1862. Mrs. Smith
is a native of Perry Township, this county, and a daughter
of Samuel and Catharine Foltz. To them has been
born a family of eight children, viz: Frances Emma,
Mrs. David Harmon; Margaret E., Mrs. D. E.
Hollibaugh; Trilly, the wife of Logan
Doll; Jesse J., Samuel C, Ephraim,
David, and Rosella. They have all been
given good educations, and have been trained by their
excellent parents to fill useful and honorable stations in
life.
Although not in any sense a politician, Mr.
Smith is active in local affairs and, with the
progressive element of Canton Township, is doing all that he
can to elevate its social and moral status, and to
contribute to its general welfare. He has been called
upon to serve as a member of the School Board, with which
body he has been actively connected since 1874.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago -
Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 272 |
| |
SAMUEL SMITH. Pennsylvania has contributed
to Stark County, Ohio, many estimable citizens, but she has
contributed none more worthy of success, or more prominently
identified with the growth and prosperity of the county,
than the subject of this sketch. He comes of German
descent and inherits from his Teutonic ancestors much of his
thrift and energy. His grandfather, Balcher
Smith, was born in Germany, and the favorable reports
received from America tempted him to make a settlement on
this side of the ocean. He was quite a young man when
he came to this country, and he first made a settlement in
Cumberland County, Pa., where he was married. There he
passed the life of an honest, industrious citizen.
The father of our subject, Joseph Smith,
was born in the grand old State of Pennsylvania, in
Cumberland County and there he grew to manhood. He
selected his wife in the person of Miss Anna
Bayshora, a native of Chambersburgh, Franklin County,
Pa., and their nuptials were celebrated in that county.
Her father was a native of Germany. Following their
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Smith settled on a farm in
Franklin County, and as the years passed away they improved
a good farm and gathered around them many of the comforts of
life, prominent among them being four children, three sons
and one daughter. On this farm, where they had passed
the best years of their lives, this worthy couple passed
away, the mother dying when about sixty, and the father when
eighty-four years of age.
All these children reached the years of discretion and
our subject was second in order of birth. He was born
in Franklin County, Pa., on the 2d of September, 1827, and
was there reared and educated, receiving his schooling in
the district schools. He was a single man when he came
to Ohio, in 1852, and he began improving one hundred and
sixty acres of laud which he had purchased in Lawrence
Township. In 1854, he married Miss Mary
Ruch, a native of Ohio, born in Canton, StarkCounty.
She died in the '60s, leaving the followingchildren:
Levi, Lovina, Caroline, Ellen, Amanda, Maiy, John and
Charles. All are now living and all reside in
Lawrence Township, with the exception of Amanda and
Lovina.
Immediately following his marriage, our subject settled
on his farm, on section 1, Lawrence Township, and was there
engaged in general farming for ten years. After this, he
moved to the Miller Farm, which he had bought
during the war, remained on this three years and then moved
to where he now lives on section 3. He owns three good
farms in Lawrence Township, all improved with houses and
barns and consisting of three hundred and twenty-twp acres.
The farm on section 1 has one hundred and sixty acres, and
he also owns eighty acres on the same section. His
sons are living on the farms and our subject is carrying on
the home place. He handles a great deal of stock and
is wide-awake and enterprising. He erected all the
buildings on his farms, and very commodious and comfortable
structures they are, ornaments to any place. In politics, he
affiliates with the Republican party. He is one of the
county's most thorough-going, reliable, straightforward men
and one of the first-class men of the township.
Source: Portrait & Biographical
Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago - Chapman Bros. -
1892 - Page 372 |
| |
GEORGE H. SPANGLER is a
wholesale and retail dealer in hats and gent's furnishing
goods at Nos. 12 and 14 South Market Street, in Canton,
where he has carried on business for a number of years.
As he is widely and favorably known in the community, this
record of his life will undoubtedly prove of interest to
many of our readers. Mr. Spangler was born on a
farm in Stark County, Jan. 5, 1845, and is a son of
William A. and Elizabeth (Lind) Spangler. His
parents were both born near Hagerstown, Md., and the father
was a farmer by occupation. In 1835, he came with his
family to this county and located upon a farm in Plain
Township, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for many
years. His death occurred on the old homestead in
February, 1889, in the seventy-third year of his age.
His wife passed away two years previous, dying in 1887, in
her seventy-first year. The Spangler and
Lind families were both of German descent and were
established in Maryland at an early day.
We now take up the personal history of our subject, who
was the fifth in a family of eleven children, seven sons and
four daughters, nine of whom are yet living. No event
of special importance occurred during his boyhood, which was
spent in attendance at the district schools and in aiding in
the labors of the farm. He afterward pursued his
studies in Greensburgh Seminary and completed his education
in Mt. Union College, after a course of two years. He
entered upon his mercantile career as clerk in the store of
David Zollars, with whom he remained for one year.
He was then in the employ of Schilling & Herbruck
for about two years, when he started in business on his own
account, forming a partnership with David Jamison and
Abraham Miller. They opened a general
store, with which Mr. Spangler was connected
for ten months, when he sold out to his partners and
returned from Uniontown to Canton.
A marriage ceremony performed on the 19th of April,
1870, united the destinies of our subject and Miss Mary
A. Knoble, of Upper Sandusky. Ohio, daughter of
John Knoble. After his marriage.
Mr. Spangler was engaged in clerking for a time
in Canton, after which he took charge of the hat, cap and
furnishing-goods department in the store of T. B. Albert
& Co., of Canton, with which he was connected for several
years, when failing health forced him to sever the relation.
Hoping to be benefited thereby, Mr. Spangler
then accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Eagle
Woolen Mills, of Canton; later was in the employ of a New
York firm, and subsequently again represented the Eagle
Woolen Mills and other Western factories. Returning to
Canton, he purchased the stock of T. B. Albert & Co..
of which he had formerly been in charge, and started in
business for himself, having his brother Charles as a
partner. This connection was continued for four years,
when he purchased his brother's interest.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Spangler
have been born eight children, but they lost three in
infancy. The five yet living are Lucy C, Mary A.,
Florence N., Ruth C. and George N. The
family resides at No. 141 West Fifth Street, where they have
a comfortable home with pleasant surroundings, the
hospitable doors of which are always open for the reception
of their many friends.
In connection with his main store in Canton Mr.
Spangler also has a branch store in Massillon.
Both are well stocked with a fine grade of goods of the
latest and most improved styles. Nine clerks are
employed in the Canton store, and three salesmen in the
branch store. The former occupies a building 46x100
feet, and three stories in height. Mr.
Spangler has a large and constantly increasing trade,
which he well deserves. His courteous treatment, fair
and honest dealing and his fine line of goods have won him a
liberal patronage and have placed him among the prominent
business men of the city. Mr. Spangler
is also a member of the Board of Trade, of Canton, and one
of the Board of the Business Men's Association. In
politics, he is a Republican, and socially, is a member of
the Knights of Honor and the American Legion of Honor.
With the Methodist Episcopal Church, he holds membership and
serves as its Treasurer. Mr. Spangler
had no special advantages in his youth, but by his industry
and perseverance has worked his way upward, overcoming all
the obstacles in his path by his indomitable will and
energy. He deserves the greatest credit for his
success and his prosperity is but his just reward.
Source: Portrait & Biographical
Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago - Chapman Bros. -
1892 - Page 433 |
| |
ABRAHAM SPONSELLER
is a fine representative of the native-born citizens of
Stark County who are now closely associated with its
interests. He comes of a distinguished and well-known
pioneer family, and is one of the principal farmers and
stock-raisers in Canton Township, where he has extensive
interests. He was born on the northeast quarter of
section 25, in the above-named township, Oct. 8, 1820, while
his father, John Sponseller, was born in 1789, in
Adams County, Pa.
Grandfather Frederick Sponseller was a carpenter
during his early life, and was born in Pennsylvania, of
German parents. After coming to Ohio, in 1802, he
located in Columbiana County, where he entered a tract of
land, on which he erected a log cabin and began the work of
its improvement. Indians, as well as wild animals,
were numerous, and bears often attacked the hogs of the
pioneers. The grandfather lives and died there at the
advanced age of eighty years. His wife, who lived to
be about the same age, reared a large family of children,
namely: John, Henry, George, Frederick, Andrew, Conrad
and Julian. Religiously, the grandparents
were members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics,
Frederick Sponseller was a Democrat.
The father of our subject, who accompanied his parents
on their removal to Columbiana County, this State, there
resided until reaching his majority, when he returned on
foot to his native county in Pennsylvania, and there worked
for two or three years. At the end of that time,
coming again to his State, he was married in Washington
Township, this county, Mar. 28, 1815. He made his home
on the northeast quarter of section 5, which was the
property of his father, and besides being engaged in its
operations was a member in a mercantile enterprise. He
was very unfortunate in his venture, and was compelled to
part with his stock in the concern and several hundred
dollars beside.
Mr. Sponseller then determining to follow the
occupation of a farmer, erected a log cabin on an
uncultivated tract of land which he cleared, and at the same
time worked out for other parties, receiving for his labor
fifty cents per day. Like all the old settlers, he was
subjected to many hardships and inconveniences, and was
compelled to go to Cleveland to market his grain.
Although a sufferer from rheumatism all his life, he was a
very hard worker and successful agriculturist, owning at one
time as much as thirteen hundred acres of land in Stark,
Seneca, and Wyandotte Counties. The property in the
latter two counties he entered from the Government, and
later divided the amount between his children. He was
in all respects a man of excellent character, whose
obligating manner and honest, straightforward dealings
gained him the regard of all about him. He possessed
foresight and sound common-sense, and was a very capable
manager, so that his place was among the solid men of this
township. He departed this life in 1874.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was
Catherine Herpster. She was born in Frederick
County, Md., June 28, 1794, and came to this county with her
parents, Frederick and Mary Herpster, in 1814, they
locating in Washington Township. Her father was born
in Baden Baden, Germany, and was a young man when he came to
America, making his first location in Maryland. On
coming to this section, he was one of the early settlers in
the above-named township, and entering a tract of land from
the Government, immediately began the arduous task of
clearing it from the forest and brush, and placing it under
good improvement. He owned an entire section of six
hundred and forty acres of land, and was known throughout
the county as a successful farmer, and his standing in the
business world was of the highest, as his dealings were
always conducted after the most honorable methods. He
was bright and wide-awake, and possessed true public spirit
which favored any scheme that would in any way promote the
advancement of this township. He was drafted into the
Whiskey Rebellion during President Washington's
administration. In April, 1814, he was married to
Miss Mary Sharlows, and to them were born nine children.
In religious affairs, Mr. Herpster was one of the
influential members of the Lutheran Church.
Our subject was one in a family of eight children,
namely: Frederick, Mary and Julia Ann,
deceased; John, Catherine, Henry and David.
The mother died at the advanced age of ninety years, nine
months and two days. With her husband, she was a
member of the Lutheran Church, and a most estimable
and worthy lady. In his political relations, the
father of our subject was a Democrat.
Abraham Sponseller received his first schooling
in a log cabin with its primitive furnishings, and, in the
intervals of study, assisted his father on the farm until
reaching his majority. He then entered the schools of
Canton, where he assiduously pursued a course of study, and
has since added to the knowledge gained therein by
systematic and useful reading. His marriage with
Miss Elizabeth Stoner occurred Apr. 15, 1847.
Mrs. Sponseller was born in Pennsylvania, May 18, 1823,
and reared a family of eight children: John H., George
W., Samuel, William, Mary, David, Lucy and Augustus.
After his marriage, he of whom we write took up his
abode on section 25, where he had fifty acres of land, and
there resided until 1865. At that date he located on
the quarter-section of land where he is at present residing,
and which, with its well-tilled fields and neat
appointments, is one of the most desirable farms in this
part of the county. The residence is a well-built and
attractive one, furnished in accordance with the tastes of
its occupants, and displays the presence of refined
womanhood in its arrangement. Mr. Sponseller
also has on his place a large frame barn and all other
outbuildings which are necessary to the successful
prosecution of his calling. After consideration of the
political questions that agitate the people, our subject
gave his allegiance to the Democratic party, and stanchly
supports its various measures. He is, however,
independent on local issues. He has been called upon
to serve in the responsible offices of Justice of the Peace
and Township Trustees. Although reared in the faith of
the Lutheran Church, he is not a member of any religious
body. His wife, who is connected with the Evangelical
Society, in the possessor of many friends.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago -
Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 428 |
| |
DAVID SPONSELLER. The farming interests of
Canton Township are well represented by this gentleman, who
is one of its most skilled and prominent farmers and whose
valuable estate is one of the best in the county. The
Sponseller family located in this section as early as
1814, and hence has been closely connected with its history,
as will be found by referring to the sketch of Abraham
Sponseller, elsewhere in this volume. Like many of
the best residents of this county, our subject was born
within its limits, his birth occurring on section 25 of the
above township, Apr. 24, 1837. His boyhood was passed
on the old homestead and his earliest recollections are of
the surrounding pioneer scenes. He remembers seeing
deer, turkeys and wolves, and recalls the time when there
were no roads here and the settlers crossed the prairies
following the trails made by Indians. He obtained his
early education in an old log schoolhouse, which was fitted
up with slab benches, puncheon floor, stick and clay
chimney, and an open fireplace. He remained at home
until twenty-three years of age and took care of his
parents, he being the youngest of the family.
Feb. 14, 1860, Mr. Sponseller and Miss
Elizabeth Kropt, who was born in this county, in 1837,
where united in marriage. A sketch of her family will
be found in the biography of her brother, William Kropt,
occupying another page in this work. Of the eight
children born to our subject and his wife, we make the
following mention: Mary E.; Alice, who married
John Rindchen, a carpenter in Canton;
Laura A., Mrs. Samuel Swartz, whose husband is a farmer
in Osnaburg Township; Ada, the wife of William
Kitzmiller, a coal miner in this locality; Cora,
Katie, Sonora and William.
After his marriage, our subject farmed the home place,
getting one-third of the profits, and later, when providing
himself with a team and other necessary implements, was
given a one-half share until the death of his father, when
he fell heir to the homestead, comprising two hundred and
twenty acres of land. He devotes his time to mixed
farming and keeps on his place good breeds of cattle, horses
and sheep. He is a sensible, practical, efficient man
in the discharge of his affairs and in his personality is
moral, conscientious and upright. His present neat
frame residence was erected in 1875 and the estate is
further embellished by a large barn and all the necessary
outbuildings, which stamp its owner as a man of progress and
enterprise. In his political views, he is a
Republican, and in objects which will tend to increase the
prosperity of the country, particularly in that community in
which he makes his home, Mr. Sponseller is
interested. He has been a member of the Lutheran
Church for the past thirty-five years and contributes
liberally of his means towards its support.
When the father of our subject came to this county, his
worldly possessions consisted of a one-horse wagon, two cows
and one cent in money. Where now stands the prosperous
city of Canton, were three log houses, and in going thither
he used to crawl from log to log to keep from getting wet.
Coffee at that time was fifty cents per pound, and the first
year his family only used one pound. The nearest
market was Cleveland, and after disposing of his grain there
he would bring home on the return trip salt, for which two
barrels of flour were exchanged, leather, etc.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio - Chicago -
Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 391 |
NOTES:
|
