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* Source 1 : History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of
Ohio
Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881
†
Source 2:
Portrait &
Biographical Record of Stark County, Ohio
Chicago - Chapman Bros. - 1892
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DANIEL
MATHIAS, Jr., deceased. There is no grater
pleasure for the hand and pen of the historian or biographer
to perform, than in recording notable events in the lives of
the first settlers of a locality, tracing their steps from
comfortable homes in the East, to the dangers and hardships
of the vast forests of the West. In the spring of
1806, Daniel Mathias, Sr., and his two sons, Jacob
and Daniel, together with their respective families,
started overland from Fayette Co., Penn., with one wagon to
seek homes in the State of Kentucky. When near
Wellsville, Ohio, their wagon stuck fast in the ice and mud,
and was only with the utmost difficulty extricated.
This event changed their views regarding their journey to
Kentucky, and instead of continuing, as was their intention,
they crossed the Ohio river, and pushed westward into Ohio.
After they reached what was known as the Alexander
settlement in Columbiana County, all traces of a trail or
road was lost, and from this point the men were compelled to
go ahead of the wagon to clear a route and "blaze" trees, in
order to find their way back if so desired. They
finally reached what is now lot 14, Nimishillen Twp., Stark
Co., in the evening. Their first night was passed
under a tree, with no roof to cover their heads but the blue
sky. The next day they erected a rough camp in which
they resided until they erected a log house for permanent
use. Jacob located on what is now lot 3, and
Daniel and his father on lot 14. These early
pioneers never returned to the East to live but immediately
commenced clearing up their land with an indomitable energy,
passing through many hardships and trials incident to that
early time. Daniel Mathias, Jr., was married in
Pennsylvania to Julyan Sanor who bore him eight
children - Michael, Catharine, Jacob, Daniel, Henry,
Louis, Susanna and Samuel. All of these
are living, except Michael and Samuel.
Michael married Frances Prifogle, both of whom
are dead. Their daughter is the wife of Dr. J. P.
Schilling, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere
in this work. Catharine is the widow of John
Gilbert, and is yet living in Nimishillen Twp.
Jacob married Mary Stambaugh, Daniel
married Elizabeth Paulus, and both are living in
Michigan. Susanna is the wife of Michael
Eshelman, and resides in Nimishillen Twp.
Samuel married Polly Hershey, and his widow is
living in West Salem, Ohio. The father of these was
born May 3, 1775, and died Feb. 5, 1859, followed by his
widow Sept. 25, 1866. Henry Mathias, whose
portrait appears in this history as a representative
pioneer, was born in Nimishillen Twp., Sept. 9, 1809.
Like his brothers his early years were passed on the home
farm where he assisted his parents in clearing and improving
the place. When about twenty-one years of age he left
home and commenced working at the carpenter and joiner trade
for about ten years. After this he farmed a number of
years, then moved to Louisville, and has ever since resided
at that place. He was married Feb. 12, 1832, to
Catharine Stambaugh. To this union on children
were born, but they raised one child - Margaret - who
is the wife of William Etchberger. Mrs. Mathias
died Aug. 3, 1880. She was a kind and loving wife, an
exemplary Christian and a true lady in every respect.
Henry Mathias, her husband, is yet living in
Louisville, where he is widely known and universally
respected. Lewis Mathias was born May 3, 1813,
in the first log cabin in the township. His marriage
was Sophia Gilbert was solemnized May 6, 1837.
This union was blessed with nine children - Susanna, B.
F., Lucetta, Keziah, Julyan, Henry G., D. W. Josephine
and Benton. These children are all living
except Henry G., who died in childhood.
Susanna married John Hart; B. F. married
Melissa Etchberger; Lucetta married Joseph Dennis;
Keziah married Ephraim Ollinger; Julyan married
George Trump; D. W., married Cora Bowen; and
Josephine married O. W. Slusser. Benton
is yet single. Mr. Mathias is living in the
village of Louisville, where he is engaged with his son in
buying grain. The Mathias family have always
been among the most highly respected citizens of Nimishillen
Twp.
Source 1 : History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of
Ohio - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 -
Page 911 |
G.
W. MATHIE, farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton; is a young and
enterprising farmer of Lawrence Township, son of Peter
and Susanna (Duck) Mathie. Our subject was born in
Plain township in 1847; since the removal of his parents to
Lawrence Township, he has been a resident and farmer there.
He owns 107 acres of land, conveniently located. He
was united in marriage, in January, 1875, to Miss Hattie
A. Lucas, of Lawrence Township; they have one child,
Elton Lee. Mr. Mathie has also been a
school-teacher, and served the township one term as
Assessor.
(Source 1 - Page 782 |
PETER
MATHIE, deceased; was a native of France, coming to
America in 1832 with his parents and locating in Plain
Township. He married, in 1839, Susanna Duck, of
Plain Township; they resided in Plain Township for one year
after his marriage, and then removed to Monroe co., Ill.,
where he remained two yeas; returning to Plain Township, he
bought his father's farm, where he lived until 1853, when he
came to Lawrence Township and purchased land, upon which his
sons now reside, where he lived until his death, in 1865;
his wife died in 1878. They were members of the
Lutheran Church. Nine children are now living,
descendants of this couple - William J., in
Plain township; Samuel, a retired farmer,
living at Black river, Ohio; Louis D., George W. and
John P., residents and farmers of this township;
Caroline Hisner, of Fulton; Joseph, in Michigan;
Charles, in Jackson Township; and Evangel Daly,
a resident of Michigan.
(Source 1 - Page 782) |
ROBERT
McCAUGHEY was a man whose sterling worth of
character was recognized by all, and whose career was marked
by Uprightness and truth. He was a native of Chester
County, Pa., born September 29, 1810, a son of John and
Jane (Wiley) McCaughey, and grandson of Robert and
Elizabeth McCaughey, natives of Ireland. The
father of our subject was born in County Derry, Ireland, in
the year 1786, and was but eleven years of age when he came
to this country with his parents. They settled in
Chester County, Pa., and here young McCaughey, passed his
youthful days. He was married in this county to
Miss Wiley, native of Pennsylvania, born in the year
1784, and continued to make his home here until 1811, when
he decided to move to the Buckeye State. He brought
his family direct to Stark County, located in Massillon, and
there remained until about 1815, when he removed to Lawrence
Township and took up one hundred and sixty-acres on
section11, all wild land covered with a dense growth of
timber. Notwithstanding all this, the soil was
fertile, and with such rude implements as were in sue in
those days, the work of clearing progressed, the crops were
put in, and rich returns were reaped. The father died
there in 1829, and his widow afterward married Samuel
Davis, and died in 1860.
Robert McCaughey, was brought to Stark County,
Ohio, by his parents when but six months old, and as a
consequence all his early recollections are fo this State.
He grew to manhood in Lawrence Township, and received the
training of backwoods life, and of the log schoolhouse.
Being naturally bright and a great reader, he studied his
lessons under the home roof, and in this way became a good
scholar. He was the eldest of seven children, and at
the time of his father's death was nineteen years of age.
When about eighteen, he went to Massillon to learn the
carpenter's trade and served an apprenticeship of three
years, travelling all over the county and working at his
trade afterward. He was in Chicago, St. Louis,
Cincinnati, and other large cities. Returning home to
Stark County, Ohio, he was married on the 28th of December,
1837, to Miss Hannah Michener Clark, who was born in
Harrison County, Ohio, on the 4th of August, 1820, the only
child of Samuel and Hannah Clark, the latter dying
when Mrs. McCaughey was but four days old.
Her father afterward returned to Ireland, his native
country, and left his child, Hannah, in the care of
her grandparents, who kept her until she was two years old,
after which her mother's sister, Mrs. Rachel Haines,
reared her until she was nine years of age. She was
then placed in the care of her guardian, Dr. B. Michener,
of Canton, with whom she remained until her marriage, when
seventeen years of age.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McCaughey
located in Canal Fulton, where our subject worked at his
trade until 1841, when they located on the old homestead
formerly belonging to his father. This land was on
section 11, and here Mr. McCaughey continued to
reside, engaged in tilling the soil, until his death on the
15th of October, 1868. His wife survived him until the
3d of November, 1889. In politics, he was a Democrat.
Nine children were born to this worthy couple, five
daughters and four sons, as follows: John C. and
Hannah J., deceased; Elizabeth A., Martha L.; Mary
Bell, deceased; Robert W., of Massillon;
Charles E., William W. and Clara E., deceased.
Martha and Elizabeth reside on the old
homestead, and are carrying on the farm of one hundred and
sixty acres with the help of hired hands. They are
members of the Presbyterian Church of Canal Fulton and are
highly esteemed for their many womanly virtues. The
great-grandfather's parents were from Scotland, and settled
in the North of Ireland. |
City of Alliance
-
J. W. McFARLAND, machinist and
manufacturer of engines; Alliance; was born in Chester Co.,
Penn., Aug. 26, 1833; he is the youngest of five children of
John and Ann (Wiley) McFarland. His father died
when he was quite young, and until about his 17th year he
lived and worked on the farm. He then began to learn
the machinist's trade at the Brandywine Machine Works, and
served four years. In 1855 he came to Ohio, and
started a saw-mill near Salem, Columbiana Co., and ran that
about three years. He came to Alliance in the spring
of 1860 and was employed in the machine works here as
"master mechanic;" he held this position until 1866, when he
removed to Coatesville, Penn., and engaged at his trade
there several years, after which he returned to Alliance and
took charge of Nixon & Co's works for a short time. In
1872 he began business for himself; although his out-set was
at a time most unfavorable for business enterprise, he
pushed his work perseveringly and steadily in a small way,
and has been favored with unexpected success, employing now
five or six hands, as trade demands. In June, 1858, he
married Phoebe P. Babb, of Chester Co., Penn.
They have two children - Laura E., (who has charge of
the books of the concern), and Leetta.
Source 1 : History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of
Ohio -
Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 - Page 738 |
| WILLIAM
McFARREN,
farmer, P. O. Navarre; was born in this township Oct.
21, 1825, son of Samuel and Mary (Smith) McFarren.
Samuel McFarren was born in 1795 in Franklin Co., Pa.;
son of Jacob, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to
Franklin Co., Pa., where he raised a family consisting of
the following children viz - John, Jacob, Adam, Matthew,
William, George and Peter; the daughters were
Mary and Susan. Samuel McFarren emigrated
to the northwest corner of Sugar Creek Twp. in the spring of
1823, locating on 160 acres of land that had been entered by
his father-in-law, John Smith. Here he remained until
his death, March 22, 1874. His wife preceded him four
years. To them were born eight children, viz. -
Jacob, William, Samuel, John, Rebecca, Mary, Elizabeth
and Melinda; of the number six are living; Rebecca
and Mary deceased; all residents of this township,
Mary deceased; all residents of this township, except
Elizabeth, who resides in Tuscarawas Twp.
William remained at home with his father until past his
majority. March, 1853, he married Sarah Doty,
who was a native of this township. Her parents were
Israel and Mary (Barnett) Doty, who were natives
of New Jersey, and emigrated to this township when the
country was comparatively new. To them were born the
following - Lot, Zebulon, John, Israel, Andrew, Rachel,
Catharine, Maria, Martha, Jane and Sarah.
in 1859 Mr. McFarren located on his present farm,
consisting of 121 acres, which is adorned with excellent
farm buildings. He has three children -Samington
W., Francis M. and Clara J.
Mr. McFarren is a member of the Reformed Church, and
is a Democrat. |
| JOHN
McINTOSH, farmer; P. O. Navarre; is a native of Perry
Township; born Aug. 10, 1825, being the fourth of the
family, and the eldest son of John McIntosh and Elizabeth
Donot. John McIntosh was born in Ireland;
came to Perry Township about the year 1820; he died about
the year 1828; his wife married Ludwick Young, and
the children were put out. Our subject lived some time
with Mr. Donot, his relative; afterward with Mr.
Bixler; he learned the plasterer's trade, which vocation
he followed for thirty years; Oct. 23, 1849, was married to
Anna Bixler, who was born Feb. 15, 1831, in Perry
Township, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Mock) Bixler,
both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Bixler was
among the early settlers; he assisted building the Ohio
Canal. This first land Mr. McIntosh purchased
was 25 acres in Bethlehem Township, afterward adding to the
same; came to this township in 1866, purchasing 95 acres at
$75 per acre, of Mr. Cresinger. Ten children
were born, eight living - Almira, wife of John
Whitmore; Frances, wife of Mr. Miller, in
Sugar Creek Township; Samuel, Amanda, Sarah, John S.
(telegraph operator), Milton J. and Clara A.
Those who died were Franklin, when a babe, and Peter who was
nearly 18 years of age at the time of his death.
Mr. McIntosh has now 168 acres of land, which is located
in the southeast quarter of Sec. 36; is a member of the
Reformed Church. Mr. Bixler, father of Mrs.
McIntosh; resides in Bethlehem Township, and is now 86
years of age. |
JOSEPH
C. MENEGAY, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O.
Louisville. Among the early French settlers who braved
the perils of an ocean voyage from the Old to the New World,
is the family of Menegay, who arrived in this country in
1828. The subject of this sketch was born in Dudaubs,
France, June 19, 1815. He is one of a family born to
Joseph and Mary (Poinssot) Menegay who were induced
by their relative, Mr. Frantz, to emigrate with
Mr. Menegay's family and his father to the United
States. They traveled with wagons eight days, before
reaching Havre, where they embarked on a ship for New York,
which port they reached after a prosperous voyage of
forty-two days. From here they went to Akron by canal.
On their arrival in Nimishillen Township, Mr. Menegay
purchased 320 acres of land, near where Louisville now is,
and with the usual energy and vigor of those old
time-honored emigrants, set to work improving their farm.
Like the majority of their countrymen, this family were
devout members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Menegay
was among the most enterprising men to take an active part
in the improvement of the churches and schools of this
denomination. Mrs. Menegay died in 1850, and
Mr. Menegay in 1872. Our subject was reared on the
farm with his parents, and before his coming to America,
received an excellent education in his native land. In
1840 he married Miss Mary R. Violand and by her had a
family of eight - Mary, Josephine, Joseph S., Louisa,
Catharine, Melinda, Louis, and Louis deceased.
The Menegays are noted for their honesty and hard
labor. In politics they are Democrats.
Source 1 : History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of
Ohio - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 -
Page 910 |
|
Paris
Twp. -
ISRAEL METZ,
farmer; P. O. New Franklin;
was aborn in Paris Tp., Jan. 24, 1824, son of Joseph and
Rebecca (Crownbecker) Metz. The former a
native of Pennsylvania, the
latter of Maryland.
Israel was engaged upon the farm
until he arrived at his majority, receiving a common school
education from the district schools.
In 1846 he became an owner of real estate, purchasing
80 acres in Paris Twp., the paternal homestead, and remained
upon the same until 1864, when he sold, and purchased his
present beautifully situated form the 160 acres in Section
2, of Paris Twp.
Mr. Metz had not only conducted farming successfully but has
been a wool-grower, keeping a flock of over 100 sheep.
Dec. 24, 1848, Mr. Metz and Miss Lucy Freed, were
married, and of this union, there is a family of six
children – Harriet, Lotta, Mrs. I Mong; Anna M., wife of Mr.
L. Davis; John S. at home, farmer; Emma and Ettie B., at
home. Mr. and
Mrs. Metz are members of the Christian Church at Minerva.
In politics he has been a loyal supporter of the
Republican faith since the late rebellion.
He has always held him self aloof from politics and
reaps the fruits of minding his own business, and is
enjoying a well regulated home and farm in the N. E. part of
the Township. Source 1 : History of Stark County:
with an outline sketch of Ohio
- Chicago:
Baskin & Battey, 1881 - Page 871
|
| ABRAHAM
MILLER, farmer, P. O. Greentown; is a son of John
and Elizabeth (York) Miller, who were natives of
Maryland. They removed to Pennsylvania, where they
lived a few yeas, and in 1812 came to Stark Co., settling on
a farm, which was then part of a dense forest. John
Miller was a carpenter by trade, and worked at the same
for several years, in connection with farming. He soon
abandoned the trade, however, and engaged in farming, which
business he was engaged in up to the time of his death.
He was a man who could not bear to see a neighbor in
trouble, and it is said that in the early days of Plain Twp.,
when people were leaving their homes in the East to seek
their fortune in the West, it was then he shoed his
manliness and true Christian spirit by dealing out to the
poor part of his own products of the farm. He died in
1876 at the advanced age of 90 years. He was twice
married. From the first marriage there were three
children - Abraham, Jacob, of Canton, and Lewis,
of Akron. Abraham, the subject of these few
liens, was born in Greentown, this county, in 1824.
His childhood was spent on the farm, where he remained until
he was 21 years of age; he then removed to Plain Twp., where
he rented a farm, and soon after purchased quite a valuable
one, and after living there seven years he returned to Lake
Twp., remaining here ever since. In 1844 he married
Miss Lydia Kreighbaum, who born him five children, viz.
- William, Nelson, Ira, Mary deceased), and Lewis
(deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Miller are
members of the Lutheran Church,. |
| ALBERT
H. MILLER, farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton; is a son of
John Miller, who was born in Lawrence Township in 1827;
he was a son of Henry and Magdalena (Weaver) Miller,
early settlers and pioneers of Stark County. John
Miller was a prominent citizen and farmer of Lawrence
Township all his life; he married Catharine Albright
of Jackson Township, and in 1860 bought the farm upon
which our subject now lives, and lived there until his death
in 1870. He was a member of the Reformed Church.
Five children are descendants from this union, four of whom
are now living - Melvina J., now Mrs. McLaughlin;
Albert H.; Cora, Mrs. Campbell; and George Wesley;
Logan, deceased. Mrs. Miller is still
living and a resident of Lawrence Township. Albert
H. Miller is a native of Lawrence Township where he now
resides. He ahs chosen the occupation of a farmer, and
is now cultivating the old homestead farm. He was
united in marriage in 1878 to Miss Flora A. Shilling,
of Tuscarawas Township. They have two children -
Homer Orton and Blanche Estelle. |
| DAVID
MILLER, farmer; P. O. West Brookfield; was born in
Center Co., Penn., Aug. 22, 1815, the fourth child born to
Frederick Miller. David came West, with his
parents, when 3 years of age, and settled in this township.
David stayed at home until 21 years of age, and at 22
married Sarah Oberlin, born in this township July 2,
1818, daughter of John Oberlin, and sister of C.
N. Oberlin, of Massillon. After marriage, they
moved to this place, where they have since resided. He
began farming for others on the "shares," but now owns 114
acres of good land; he has eleven children -
Frederick, at home; John, this township;
Rebecca; Mrs. John Packard, this township; Catharine,
Mrs. Jacob Myers, this township; Amelia, Mrs. George
Kendrick, in Crawford Co., Ill.; Israel, same
county; Caroline, Mrs. John Asleman, in Kansas;
Alice, Mrs. David Mattey, Jefferson; David, at
home; Sarah, at home. Mr. Miller sent
three sons to the war, all of whom came safely home; he and
wife are members of the German Reformed Church. |
| EMERY
MILLER, dealer in live stock, Alliance; was born in
Mahoning Co., Ohio, July 21, 1839. The second of nine
children born to John H. and Elizabeth (Ilgnfritz)
Miller; and in youth was brought up to farming and its
kindred pursuits. After the regular course of study in
the district schools, he received a liberal education in the
Canfield Academy, and began teaching school when 16 years of
age; having completed six terms before he was 21 years old.
some of the time being employed in the schools of New
Middleton. When of age, he began to clerk in a dry
goods store, and a year later (1861) he came to Alliance,
and opened a dry goods store which he continued for eight
years; when he purchased a good farm of 240 acres in
Mahoning Co., a short distance from Alliance, and engaged in
stock dealing extensively, to which business he devotes his
whole attention. His annual shipments average about
500 head of horses, sold principally in Philadelphia, and
about 1200 head of cattle, which are slaughtered principally
in Youngstown, Ohio, to supply the meat market of his
brother, whose patronage requires upwards of 1200 beeves
yearly. In March, 1860, Mr. Miller married
Maggie I., daughter of David Weikart, of Mahoning
Co., Three children have been born to them, viz:
Austie I., Ivie C. and Chloe E. Mr.
Miller has pursued industriously a straight,
business-like course, which has been greeted with more than
ordinary success. He began in business with a very
limited amount of capital, and has now, in the prime of
life, a competency; for, besides his stock-farm, he owns 9
acres within the corporate limits of Alliance, on which he
erected one of the finest residences in Alliance, in 1877,
at a cost of upwards of $11,000, with all necessary
out-buildings. He is an active member of the Society
of American Legion of Honor. |
| J. S.
MILLER. farmer; P. O. Cairo; is a son of Henry and
Julia A. Miller, who were natives of Lancaster Co., Pa.,
where Henry worked at the stone-mason's trade.
In the year 1820 he came to Ohio, settling on a small farm
in Plain Twp., this Co., where he lived ten years, then
removing to Lake Twp., where he remained about the same
length of time. He then removed to Randolph, Portage
Co., where he died at the age of 54 years. He was
twice married, J. S. being the third in the family of
five children, born of the last marriage. Our subject
was born in Lake Twp., Stark Co., April 10, 1840; his
childhood was spent on the farm, where he received a common
school education, and at the age of 15 years was apprentice
to the carpenter's trade, and worked five years at the same
after serving his apprenticeship. In 1869 he purchased
a farm of 70 acres, where he had lived for several years
previous to the purchase. Mr. Miller has been
engaged in the sawmill business, and had followed threshing
for twenty years. In 1860 he was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth, daughter of J. H. Bair.
From that marriage there have been ten children born, all
living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members
of the German Reformed Church. |
| JACOB
S. MILLER, farmer; P. O. Cairo; is a son of Henry
and Julia A. Miller, who were natives of Lancaster Co.,
Pa., and came to Stark Co. in 1820, and settled on a farm in
Lake Twp., where Mr. Miller was engaged in farming
and working at his trade, it being that of a stone-mason.
After remaining in Lake Twp. ten years, he removed to
Portage Co., where he died. He was twice married; his
widow lived until 1877. Jacob S., our subject,
was born in Lake Twp., Stark Co., O., in 1840. He
obtained a common school education, and when 154 years of
age began learning the carpenter's trade, working at the
same for five years, after which he went to farming, and has
been engaged in farming up to the present time. In
1880 he erected a saw-mill on his farm, and has been engaged
in sawing in connection with farming. In 1860 he was
united in marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of J. H.
Bair, of Plain Twp., and from that marriage there were
ten children, all of whom are living at home. Mr.
and Mrs. Miller are members of the German Reformed
Church. |
| JESSE
MILLER, physician and surgeon; Alliance; son of
Rev. John B., and Sarah Miller; was born in Washington
Twp., Stark Co., Ohio, May 4, 1837. His early
education was received in the common schools, and
subsequently at Mt. Union Seminary; he began teaching in his
17th year, during winter, and attended school in the
interval. In 1858 he began the study of medicine with
J. P. Gruwell M. D., at Damascus, Ohio; attended
lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia,
and graduated there in March, 1871. He married
Maria Summer, daughter of David and Anna Summer
of Columbiana Co., Sept. 29, 1859; he began the practice of
his profession in 1861 at North Benton, Ohio; where he
remained until he engaged in the war of the late rebellion
in 1864, as Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A., and was assigned to
duty, first at Indianapolis, soon after ordered to
Louisville, Ky., and from there went to Nashville, Tenn.,
and was assigned to general hospital No. 2, where he
remained until March, 1865, when he returned home having
contracted rheumatism from which he has suffered severely
since. In 1869 he was compelled to quit practice, on
account of disability induced by rheumatism, and decided to
try a change of climate. He then removed to Topeka,
Kan., where he resided five years without any improvement,
but his rheumatic trouble had so far disabled him as to make
him almost entirely helpless. He returned to Ohio in
1874, and located in Alliance where he now resides.
His suffering has been extreme, even to the dislocation of
his joints; his esteemed wife ahs been his constant
companion and care-taker during these many7 years of his
affliction, which he has borne with patient resignation.
They have two children, viz.- Viola Estele, and
William Leslie. |
| REV.
JOHN B. MILLER, Presbyterian minister; Alliance; was
born near North Benton, Columbiana (now Mahoning) Co., Ohio,
Feb. 13, 1816. His father, Abraham Miller, was
a native of Fayette Co., Pa., and moved to Ohio and settled
in Smith Twp. of Columbiana Co., in 1804; his wife's name
was Nancy Blackburn; they reared a family of eight
children. The children were sent to subscription
schools in the winter, and were reared to the industries of
farm-life during summer. In his way John B.
secured a good practical education, and was never an hour
under instruction which was paid from any public fund.
When about 12 years of age he united himself with the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and early distinguished himself
as a leader; on the day he was 16 yeas of age he received a
license from that denomination to exhort in Randolph,
Portage Co., and was regularly ordained at Warren, Trumbull
Co., Au. 1, 1841 as a local minister. Two years
subsequent to his ordination, when the Church was divided on
the issue of slavery in the United States, Mr. Miller
went with the seceding faction and joined the Wesleyan
Methodists, in August, 1843; he was then appointed to a
circuit, and spent ten years as a traveling minister,
Principally in the "Western Reserve," except one year which
he spent in the Westville circuit, in the counties of
Columbiana and Stark. Although everything was in
harmony as regarding his connection with the Wesleyan body,
yet his better judgment and more cool reflection would
continually deprecate his withdrawal from the Methodist
Episcopal body. In Dec., 1853, he united himself with
the Westville Presbytery, and was received by that body on
certificate from the Wesleyan Methodists, as an ordained
minister, as he had been ordained an elder while connected
with the Wesleyan Methodist Church. He was then
installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church at New
Waterford, Columbiana Co., where he preached fourteen years,
when he received and accepted a call to preach at Enon
Valley, in Pennsylvania, where he remained three eyars, when
he accepted a call from the churches of Bethesda and
Hanover, in Columbiana Co., where he preached three years,
half the time to each church, as neither congregation was
able to sustain regular weekly service. He then
severed his relation with the Hanover church, and preached
two yeas, giving all his time to the church at Bethesda.
In April, 1877m, he was obliged, on account of failing
health, to give up his charge at Bethesda, since which time
he has been supplying different churches; for about eighteen
months past he has been preaching to the congregation at New
Harrisburg, Carroll Co. Dec. 2, 1834, he married
Sarah Shaffer, and to them were born twelve children,
eight of whom are living, viz: - Jesse (whose sketch
is in this work), Bradford, now Treasurer of Shawnee
Co., Kan.; William W. and Hiram B., partners
in mercantile and live-stock trade, in Osage, Kan.; Henry
H., a physician, in practice at Rossville, Kan.; John
A., in the boot and shoe business in North Topeka;
Stephen is a merchant in Florence, Kan.; Jane A.
is now Mrs. William Millard, of this county.
Mrs. Miller died Nov., 6, 1865; Mr. Miller
married his second wife, Mrs. Mary Boies, Nov. 6,
1866. Although well advanced in years, Mr. Miller
is a man full of vitality, energetic in the good cause, an
ever-ready and zealous worker; what he may have lacked, in
early life, in collegiate education, is fully compensated in
native ability, a large amount of commonsense, seasoned with
a long and varied experience. Five of his sons were
engaged in the late civil war, viz,- Jesse, Bradford,
John A., William W. and Hiram B. Bradford
served for some time as Assistant Provost Marshal at
Alliance. |
| JOHN
P. MILLER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Navarre; is
a son of Peter and Barbara (Farnsler) Miller, who
were natives of Pennsylvania, and the parents of a large
family of eleven children. Mr. and Mrs. Miller
were married in their native State, and after there were
born to them three children they concluded to come West in
order to better their circumstances; accordingly, in about
1810, they, together with two other families, pushed
Westward into the wilderness until they reached what is now
Perry Township, in Stark Co., Ohio, where they built a log
cabin and commenced life as only the pioneers of early times
known how; they lived here in peace with the Indians,
clearing and improving their place and undergoing the usual
hardships incident to pioneer life until the breaking-out of
the war of 1812, when the Indians, incited by the British
with whisky, commenced a general massacre of the whites on
the borders; at one time, the news came in Mr. Miller's
neighborhood that the Indians were coming, and many of the
families, including that of Mr. Miller, gathered
together what they readily could and commenced a rapid
flight to the East; arriving in Pennsylvania in safety, they
resided here about a year before they returned, and, during
that time, our subject's birth occurred; on their return to
Ohio, they found everything pretty much as it had been left.
John P. Miller, was born Jan. 19, 1813; his early
years were passed on the home farm, during which time eh
received but a moderate education. In 1840, he married
Maria Keplinger, and to their marriage were born the
following family: William, Peter, Eliza, Lydia Ann,
Mary E., Rebecca E., Clarissa C., Elizabeth M., James B.,
John C., and one who died in infancy. Throughout
life, Mr. Miller had been known as a hard-working
citizen; he started in life with but very little means at
his command, put, by industry and perseverance, he has
acquired a good home, embracing 100 acres of good land.
In politics, he is a Democrat, and he and wife are members
of the U. B. Church. The Miller family are
among the most favorably known in Bethlehem Township. |
| JOSEPH
MILLER, farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton; is a son of
Henry and Magdalena (Weaver) Miller, his father a native
of Virginia, his mother of Maryland, and both came to Stark
County when young. They were married near Canton in 186, and
soon after came to Lawrence Township, settling on the tract
of land which is now the finely cultivated and improved home
of our subject. Here this worthy couple lived for
forty years, being familiar with all phases of pioneer life,
subsequently removing to the farm now owned by Elias
Miller, near Fulton. Henry Miller was
extensively engaged in farming, becoming a large land-owner,
and cleared and improved many acres of land in the township.
He was a member of the Reformed Church as was also his wife;
they were parents of nine children - Mary Simmonds,
who died in this township; Samuel, killed by the cars
in Crawford County while on his way to inspect his land
there; Abraham, deceased; Joseph; Susanna,
died in Crawford County; John, deceased; Zephinia,
deceased; Harriet, now Mrs. Shumacher, of
Indiana; and Elias, a prominent farmer of Lawrence
Township. Joseph Miller was born in Lawrence
Township in 1822, and has always been a resident there, with
the exception of four years upon the old homestead farm.
He purchased it from his father in 1858, and has improved it
until it is one of the most valuable pieces of property in
the township. He was married in 1846, to Miss Lydia
Albright, of Jackson Township; she died in 1856, leaving
four children - Amanda Streby, Dila J. Tilton, Melissa J.
Tilton and Amos. Mr. Miller
subsequently was united to a second wife, Mary Albright,
by whom he has six children - Frank, Edward, Waldo,
Lillie (deceased), Rosa and Bertha.
Mr. Miller devotes his entire attention to farming,
but takes an interest in all affairs of public improvement
and reform. His standing is among the prominent,
useful and successful farmers of Stark County. |
PETER
MILLER. This well-known and highly respected
citizen of Perry Township died at his pleasant home many
years ago. He made this county his home in an early
day, and thus witnessed the marvelous growth of the country
from a vast wilderness to beautiful and productive farms and
thriving village. He was a hard-working and
intelligent farmer, and at his death left a good estate.
He of whom we write was born in Pennsylvania, and was
the son of John and Barbara Miller. Our subject
emigrated with his family to this county and made settlement
in Perry Township, taking up his abode in a large log house
which he erected on his new farm. He industriously set
to work to clear his purchase, until it ranked among the
best in the township. He was a prominent man, and his
memory will ever bee held in reverence for his service in
upbuilding his section, as well as for his influence in
promoting the spiritual welfare of the community, where he
was well known and honored.
Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss
Barbara Fausler, and to them was born a family of eleven
children, of whom the following survive: Catherine,
the widow of Daniel Smith; Amie and Lydia.
Mr. Miller, a quarter of a century ago, departed this
life on the farm where his daughters now reside, and his
good wife followed him to the better land on the succeeding
day, and was buried in the same grave with her husband in
the Reformed Church cemetery at Navarre. He was a
Democrat in politics, and well known in his locality as a
devoted ember of the Reformed Church, to which denomination
his wife also belonged.
The daughters of our subject make their home upon a
valuable estate of one hundred and twenty acres, which they
are managing in a most businesslike and profitable manner.
They are also members of the same church to which their
parents belonged. They have a home replete with those
comforts which add to the pleasure of many, and whoever
crosses its threshold is sure of a cordial reception. |
ROBERT
A. MILLER, General Manager of the C. Aultman & Co.s
works of Canton, is one of the most prominent business men
of this city, being connected with many of its leading
enterprises. He has done much for the upbuilding of
the place by establishing industries, and his name is
inseparably connected with the growth of Canton.
Mr. Miller was born April 11, 1861, and is the
third son and fifth child of Lewis and Mary A. Miller.
His father was born in Greentown, Summit County,
Ohio, and became a leading businessman of Stark County.
He is now President of the C. Aultman Company,
and is one of its largest stockholders. At present he
resides in Akron, Ohio, and is largely interested in
manufacturing industries of that place.
The subject of this sketch removed with his parents to
Akron, Ohio, in 1865, and attended the public schools of
that city for some time, after which he pursued his studies
in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, from which he
was graduated in the Class of '81. On completing his
education, he returned to Canton, and became a clerk in
C. Aultman & Co.'s works, serving as such for three
years. In 1885, he was promoted to the position of
Assistant Superintendent, which he held until 1889, when he
was made General Manager. He is now connected with the
works in that capacity, and is one of the largest
stockholders in this concern, which is one of the oldest and
most substantial of its kind in the State. The firm
known as C. Aultman & Co. has been in existence
sixty-two years, and manufactures threshers and engines.
The plant covers about twenty-five acres, including
lumber-yards, etc., and the buildings are mostly of brick.
Their capacity ahs had to be constantly enlarged in order to
meet the increasing demand. Employment is furnished to
between four and five hundred men, who manufacture
threshing-machines, and engines, both upright and
horizontal. The General Manager is a grandson of
John Miller, who founded the works in 1831. The
present officers are Lewis Miller, President; C.
L. Jones, Vice-president; Robert Miller, General
Manager; J. A. Linville, Secretary, and M. B. Cox,
Treasurer. Our subject as General Manager has proved
himself a most efficient factor in the success of this
extensive business.
Besides his connection with the C. Aultman & Co.'s
works, Mr. Miller is President of the Sun
Vapor Street Light Company, which manufactures appliances
for lighting streets. He is President of the Canton
Hardware Company, President of the Artificial Ice and
Storage Company, Director of the Farmers' Bank of Canton,
Vice President of the Street Railway Company, Director of
the Canton Light Company and Director of the Akron Iron
Company of Akron, Ohio. He is also a stockholder in
the Aultman & Miller works of Akron, Ohio; also
Vice-president of the Canton Outing Cub and Treasurer of Mt.
Union College at Alliance, Ohio.
In the year 1887, Mr. Miller was married to
Miss Louise, daughter of Martin Igoe, of
Indianapolis, Ind., and by their union have been born a son
and daughter.
The family reside on West Tuscarawas Street, where they
have an elegant and palatial brick residence, tastefully
furnished, and situated in the midst of extensive grounds
and attractive surroundings. Mr. Miller and his
wife are both members of the First Methodist Episcopal
Church of Canton. He served as one of its Trustees,
and is Superintendent of the Sunday-school. For the
past four years he has been President of the Young Men's
Christian Association, and is also a member of its Board of
Managers. He takes a very prominent and active part in
religious work, and does much for the advancement of the
cause of Christianity. He has the best interests of
the community at heart, and his support is ever given to
worthy enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit.
Little comment may be made on his business career, for the
fact that he is prominently connected with so many leading
industries attests his success. His dealings have ever
been characterized by straightforwardness and honesty.
The confidence of all with whom he has been brought in
contact is freely accorded him, and he ahs the highest
regard of a large circle of friends. |
| SAMUEL
MILLER, proprietor portable saw-mill; P. O. North
Industry; was born in Stark Co., near Alliance, Dec. 25,
1834; the son of Rev. Michael A. Miller, who has been
a minister of the German Reformed Church for forty years,
during which time he has faithfully labored in the Master's
cause. Samuel was married July 4, 1858, to
Martha, daughter of John and Magdalena (Buchtel)
Grove, Joseph, died in 1871, aged 39; John J., of
Pike; Samuel of Bethlehem Twp.; and Martha,
wife of the subject of this sketch. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller lived in Portage Co. for
one year; then moved to Canton where they resided two or
three years, Samuel being employed in the Aultman
shops; they then removed to Uniontown, Stark Co., where
Mr. Miller was engaged in the foundry, remaining there
nine years; then settled in Pike Twp., and after two years
occupied their present home where they have lived for nine
years. For the past two years Mr. Miller has
been engaged running a portable saw-mill. He is the
father of four children - Louis, Emma, Ida C. and
Maggie E. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the
United Brethren Church; residing with them at the present
time is their other, Magdalena (Buchtel) Grove, whose
father, Peter Buchtel, was a soldier during the war
of 1812, and died at Sandusky City; she is an aunt of the
noted John Buchtel, of Akron, founder of
Buchtel college; is at the present time over 80 years of
age, and has been a resident of Stark Co. seventy years. |
| SAMUEL
MILLER, farmer, P. O. Massillon; was born Oct. 15,
1828, in this township, the youngest of nine children, born
to Frederick and Rebecca (Dewalt-Hess) Miller; he was
born in Center Co., Penn., coming West, locating in this
township, and purchasing 160 acres of land, upon which he
remained until he died, which event occurred in November,
1857; that of his wife in October, 1867. Samuel,
our subject, remained at home until 21 years of age.
Oct. 24, 1849, he was married to Nancy Kurtz, born in
Lawrence Township April 27, 1830, daughter of Adam and
Rebecca (Steele) Kurtz. After the marriage of
Samuel, he moved on land his father gave him, upon which
he lived until 1876, then moved to where he now lives.
He had four children - Absalom, Amanda, wife of
Theodore Princehorn, Adam S., Rebecca, Mrs. Peter Kerstetter.
Mr. Miller has 325 acres besides 60 acres of coal land.
For several years he labored industriously and persistently,
and was finally rewarded by the development of a mine that
pays him a heavy royalty, reaching as high as $5,000
quarterly. In 1864, he enlisted in Company E, 178th O.
V. I., and served until the close of the war. Himself
and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, as were also
his mother and father. He has always voted the
Republican ticket. |
| MRS.
SARAH A. MILLER, farming; P. O. Canton; was born
Sept. 15, 1829, in Westmoreland Co., Penn.; her parents were
Boyd and Nancy (Long) Ward, both natives of
Northumberland Count; they were members of the Associate
Reformed Church. Mr. Ward died 1856; his wife in 1840;
ten children were born them, viz.: John, Mary, Nancy,
Thomas, Rebecca, William, Henry Edward, Sarah and
Amos. Nancy was a daughter of William Long,
whose children were Henry, Jane, Elnora and Nancy.
Boyd was a son of Boyd Ward, who had
two sons, Boyd and William. Dec. 28,
1853, Mrs. Miller was united in marriage to Daniel
B. Ralston, born Dec. 5, 1826, in Lancaster Co., Penn.,
son of Paul and Eliza Ralston; removed West to Stark
County, locating in Canton Township in January, 1854 where
they lived three years. Mr. Ralston, in 1862,
Aug. 20, went forth to defend the stars and stripes,
enlisting in Company E, 115th O. V. I.; he died at
Cincinnati, in the hospital, Jan. 21, 1863. Six
children were born him - Boyd, Henry, Caroline, Catharine,
Elizabeth and George, the two latter are deceased;
Caroline married Aaron Race; Catharine, Henry Reese,
both of this township. Jan. 5, 1865, she married
George Miller, who was born Jan. 1, 1800, in Cumberland
Co., Penn.; of a family of six children born to George
Miller, who served in the Revolutionary war, and
was Gen. Washington's hostler; he was a Methodist of
the John Wesley type, his house being ever open for
the reception of ministers, or to hold meetings; in early
life he was a Democrat, but later in life, became affiliated
with the opposite party; he died Nov. 16, 1870, aged 70
years 5 months and 15 days, leaving one son, George, Jr.,
who resides with his mother. Mrs. Miller has 80 acres
of land, and still holds to the religious tenets of the old
Scotch Church of her parents, known as the Associate
Reformed. |
| SOLOMON
MILLER, distiller; P. O. Cairo; is a son of
Abraham Miller, who was a native of Huntington Co., Pa.,
where he was engaged in farming. In 1812 he came to
Ohio, and settled in Plain Twp., on 160 acres of land.
He was one of the first officers of Plain Twp. He
continued farming up to the time of his death.
Solomon, or subject, was born in Plain Twp., Sept. 23,
1822. He lived at home on the farm until he was 25
years of age. He then took charge of his father's
farm, and four years after he bought 80 acres, where he has
lived ever since. In 1850 he engaged in the distilling
business, and has been engaged in the same up to the present
time. He has been very successful in his business
pursuits. He now owns 180 acres of valuable land, and
the Summer Hotel at Congress Lake. In 1847 he was
married to Eliza Bishop, of Lake Twp., who died in
1863, leaving three children, viz: - L. Artilda, wife
of William Wise; Jemima, wife of George Lamberson,
of Summit Co., and Nathaniel, at home. In 1872
he married Hettie, the widow of John Gebble,
of Plain Twp. |
| T.
CLARK MILLER, physician, Massillon; was born in
Butler Co., Penn., Jul. 17, 1842; son of James and
Margaret G. Miller, he was born in the North of Ireland
in 1796, and was the oldest of a family of twelve who came
to maturity. James came to Maryland in 1798;
settled afterward in Franklin and then in Westmoreland Co.,
Penn., but after marriage settled in Butler County, and
engaged in farming; his wife died in September, 1847.
The Doctor was the last of the children born; the Doctor was
raised to farming, and remained on the farm until 15 years
of age; received common-school education, and took part of
an academic course; in the spring of 1861, he enlisted in
Company F, 9th Penn. V. I., and served three years; was in
the seven days' fighting at Mechanicsvile, Gains' Mill,
Charles City Cross Roads, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill,
Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg,
Gettysburg and Williamsport, serving as private and
non-commissioned officer; was discharged in June 1864; after
return from service, resumed his studies sand taught school
until spring of 1865; graduated at Charity Hospital,
at Cleveland University in 1867; entered Charity Hospital as
Surgeon for one year; he began general practice of his
profession at Newburg, where he stayed two years, and then
moved to Cleveland, until he came here to Massillon, in the
spring of 1876, where he has since continued. In May
1869, he married Mary A. Culbertson, born in Blairsville,
Penn., daughter of Isaac and Mary (McChesney) Culbertson.
They have four children, Clarke C., Rush, Thomas
and Clara. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and an active worker in the Sunday school,
having been Superintendent of the Sunday school at this
place. |
| CAPT.
W. A. MILLER, Navarre; was born in Columbiana Co.,
Ohio, May 7, 1844; he is one of four children born to
Joseph and Hannah (Scott) Miller, who were also natives
of Columbiana County, their parents being among the early
pioneers of that locality. Our subject's parents were
married in that county, and soon after that event, Mr.
Miller began the study of medicine, but discontinued it
for a time, that he might enter the employ of the Pittsburgh
& Fort Wayne Railway, after which he prepared himself more
fully for the practice of medicine. After completing
his studies, he located at Dixon, Ind., where he had a large
and lucrative practice, and while there engaged in active
work, he contracted typhoid fever, of which he died in 1854.
Mr. Miller returned to her native county, after the
death of her husband, but soon removed to Mt. Union, Stark
Co. Capt. Miller's youth and early manhood was
passed in working on a farm and going to school. In
1859, he entered the college at Mt. Union, where he remained
some two years, and in his 17th year began teaching.
June 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, 13th O. V. I. and
was for three years in active service with his regiment, in
the Army of the Cumberland; in June, 1864, he returned home,
and was commissioned by Gov. Brough, of Ohio, a 2d
Lieutenant, and as such began recruiting, at Alliance, Ohio,
for the 189th O. V. I.; he soon obtained sufficient men, and
after consolidating several sufficient men, and after
consolidating several squads, he was by then chosen
Captain, and they were mustered into service as Company I,
of the 178th O. V. I. Capt. Miller and his
company were in active service and were all in the battles
in which their regiment was engaged, up to the surrender of
Johnston's army, in North Carolina. Capt.
Miller received his discharge June 28, 1865, at
Charlotte, N. C.; he then returned home and recommenced his
college course at Mt. Union, and after being there two
years, went to Canton, where he organized the irregular
department in the public schools, of which he had charge one
year; he then accepted a position in the high school, where
he remained about a year, and at the same time studied law
under the direction of George E. Baldwin, of Canton.
Failing health induced him to resign his position at that
place, as well as to relinquish his studies. He then
accepted a situation as special agent for the Ball
Manufacturing Company, with whom he remained until 1869.
He was united in marriage, Sept. 11, 1869, to Miss
Elizabeth C. Mentzer, who was born in Stark Co., Ohio,
March 19, 1850. After his marriage he located in
Navarre, where he has since resided, engaged in mercantile
pursuits. Capt. Miller is a Republican, and a
member of the Masonic fraternity. |
WILLIAM
L. MILLER. The labors which have resulted in
the present high state of development of the agricultural
resources of Stark County have been largely participated in
by the gentleman above named, who is one of the prominent
farmers and old residents of Plain Township. He takes
great interest in the welfare of this section, which fact is
accounted for by his having been born here, his natal day
being August 22, 1829.
Mr. Miller, our subject father, was born in
Pennsylvania in 1791, and was of German descent. In
his native State he followed the occupations of mason and
shoemaker, prosecuting the former calling during the summer
and the latter during the winter season. On coming to
this county in a very early day, he located on an unimproved
tract of land in Centre Township, his first purchase
comprising ten acres of timber land. He set himself
industriously to work felling the trees, and erected a log
cabin, where he made his home for the following ten years.
At the expiration of that time, he disposed of his farm and
bought one hundred and eight acres of land in Lake Township,
which, like the former tract, was in its primitive
condition, and here again he began the work of clearing and
placing under cultivation his farm. Wild animals were
very plentiful around his forest home, and Mr. Miller,
being very fond of hunting, kept his family constantly
supplied with choice fresh meats. The marketing in
that early day was done principally at Cleveland, and often
a load of wheat was exchanged for a barrel of salt and side
of sole leather.
The father of our subject partially developed the farm
in Lake Township, when he sold it and became the owner of
property in Portage County, were he resided until attaining
his fifty-eighth year. He was a hard worker and a good
manager and placed himself among the most substantial
citizens of his township, being highly regarded by friends
and associates. He was a member of the German Reformed
Church, and actively interested in the welfare of the
Democratic party.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was
Elizabeth Freiberger, and she was a native of
Pennsylvania. By her union with Mr. Miller she
became the mother of fifteen children, twelve of whom grew
to mature years. She preceded her husband to the
better land, dying when only thirty-eight years of age.
The brothers and sisters of our subject were John, Henry,
Samuel, Peter, Catherine, Rachel, Mary, Elizabeth, Annie,
Susanna and Adam. The father of these
children chose for his second wife Miss Julien Essig,
and the following named five children were the result of
their union: Joseph, Jacob, Adam, Simon and
Harriet.
The original of this sketch was
educated in the old log cabin schoolhouse, whose primitive
furnishings have so often been described in this volume.
He remained at home until the death of his father, when he
began life for himself and worked for man ten years, a
Mr. Jacob H. Bair, which fact speaks well for both
employer and employe. The marriage of Mr. Miller
was solemnized March 6, 1855, at which time Miss
Priscilla Miller, who, like her husband, was also a
native of this township, became his wife. Their family
comprised eight children, one of whom died in infancy.
Those living are Menodous R., Marvy M., Martin C.,
William M., Mary M., Martha M., Mandena M. and Magneo M.
Milton m. is deceased.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Miller lived
on rented land for eighteen month, when they purchased fifty
acres of partially improved land in this township, where
they made their home for twelve years. Disposing of
that tract, he rented for another year, and for the same
length of time resided in Cairo. In the year 1869, he
purchased his present estate, which comprises seventy-one
acres, all of which are under the best methods of
improvement, with the exception of eleven acres of timber
land. Mr. Miller devotes his attention to mixed
farming, and has been more than ordinarily successful in his
chosen field of operations.
Our subject and his estimable wife are members in good
standing of the German Reformed Church, and exert a wide
influence for good in their community. Mr. Miller
is a believer in Democratic principles, and takes an
intelligent view of the political situation of the day. |
RICHARD
MOFFITT, deceased; was born in Sligo, Ireland, in
1794. In 1815, through the influence of his brother
James, who had preceded him, he was induced to leave his
native country and come to America. He went to Dublin,
where he was to sail form, and while there he barely escaped
being drugged and shipped on board a vessel bound for some
very distant land. On his arrival he was employed in a
bookstore for some time, and then came to Pennsylvania,
where he resided until about 1821. He was married in
this State Aug. 17, 1823, to Margaret Glass, and by
her had John, James, Patrick, Frances, Hannah, Henry,
Richard, Peter, Matthew, and three that died in infancy.
In 1821 Mr. Moffitt came to Nimishillen Twp., Stark
Co., Ohio, and for a few years worked for his brother
James, who had previously settled here. In 1825 he
settled on his brother's farm, the old Carrel place,
on lot 33, and after erecting the well-known old-fashioned
pioneer's log cabin, began life in the woods. This
farm, now owned by his son James, was entered by him
from the United States Government, and at that time
had never seen the pioneer's ax. Mr. Moffitt
was a man of good education and extended information.
He was a Catholic, and through his assistance the Catholic
organization in Louisville was first established. He
early became identified with the township's interest, and
when he died the township lost one of its ablest and most
respected citizens. His death occurred Aug. 19, 1872,
and that of his wife Feb. 17, 1870. James Moffitt,
his son, was born on the old Carrel farm, Jan. 1,
1828. He received the education the boys of that early
day received from the common schools. In the spring of
1852 he was united in marriage with Julia Whipple,
and to this union were born a family of eleven - John,
a deceased; Matthew, Catharine, George, Ellen, Maria,
Julia, Anna, deceased; Mary deceased, and two
that died in infancy. He is a Democrat in politics,
and a member of the Roman Catholic Church at Louisville.
He owns a fine farm of 144 acres of farming and grazing
land, which is underlaid with an excellent quality of coal,
and of properly worked should proved a fortune to the owner.
Mr. Moffitt is one of the enterprising men of his
township, aiding and assisting any enterprise that tends to
benefit the people, and taking a leading part in various
ways. He and family are well-known and honored
citizens of Nimishillen and Osnaburg Twps.
Source 1 : History of Stark County: with an outline sketch of
Ohio - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, 1881 -
Page 9010 |
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NOTES:
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