In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1892) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1830
From History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio (1881), 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 Unit (1892)
JOHN WILLIS, manufacturer, senior member of the firm of Willis, IJcnskin & Co., Canton; was born March 17, 1830, in Belfast, Ireland. He was one of a family of sixteen children. When he was 10 years old, his father died, soon after which, or when he arrived at a proper age, he was apprenticed to learn his trade, which he did. by serving five years, and paying an apprentice's fee of £35. In 1852, he left his native land, and came to America, bringing with him a younger brother, whose passage he paid. They made the voy.-vge in the vessel Zion's Hope — Capl. Conner — and were seven weeks and three days on the water. He first became a resident of New I'philadelphia, Ohio, where for one year he worked at the carpenter's trade. He then removed to.Massillon, where he was engaged with dift'rent firms, among which were the firms of Mong & Snyder, when he first learned to make sash and doors by machinery, and the Russell Reaper Company; with the latter he remained for nine years, and then came to Canton, and for the next three years he was employed in the A u Itman shops. Then he engaged in business on his own account, and how well he has succeeded is evidenced by the extensive business they are now doing. His success has been the result of his own personal efforts, industry and economy, as, when he first arrived in New Philadelphia, he had but $25 left on which to begin business in a strange land and among a strange people. He is now a member of Canton Lodge, No. 60, A., F. & A. M., of which he has held the office of J. W.; he, however, joined the order in his native country. In September of 1854, he was married to Miss Mary A. Benskin, a native of Margate, England; eight children have been born to them — six daughters and two sons.
As printed in History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
OHN WILLIS, President of the Willis & Liud Lumber Company, Canton, Ohio. Of the various enterprises that have made Canton one of the commercial centers of the State, the lumber trade has always held an important place, employing large capital in its conduct, and giving to cognate industries a decided impetus li_y the energy and ability displayed in its development. In every department the enterprise characteristic of its leading exponents has been abundantly shown, and the rtourishing character of their establishments amply demonstrate the vigorous grasp with which they have seized and field the trade in this gigantic industry. Among the most active, enterprising firms engaged in this line is the Willis & Lind Lumber Co., of Canton, Ohio", manufacturers of sash, door, blind, stairs, building material, saloon fixtures, mantels, and all kinds of hardwood finish. The plant is located on East Eighth Street and the buildings are first-class and well adapted for the business. The machinery is of the latest and best make and the company employs at all times from forty to sixty men. The machinery is run by a hundred and twenty-five horse power engine. This company has a large local trade, but ships largely to the cities throughout the United States.
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20fi of the city, where he was thoroughly drilled in book learning. He remained at Montgomery Castle until the age of fourteen years, when he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, serving five years. During that time he attended night school, and complctijg his trade, traveled as a journeyman, visiting different towns and cities in his native country. On the 6th of April, 1853, he sailed for the United States on the vessel, "Zion's Hope," bound for New York City. On his arrival he directed his steps to the Buckeye State and located in New Philadelphia, where he worked at his trade one season. In the following fall he came to Massillon, this State, and worked in a door and sash factory for two years for the firm of Mong d' Snyder. After this he was in the employ of Russell tt Company, manufacturers of threshing-machines, and lie continued with that company for six years. In 1861, he came to Canton and was employed by C. Aultman it Company, in the wood department, remaining three years. In 1861, he with others was ordered out in a company known as the "Squirrel Hunters," and was on guard duty. At the expiration uf one hundred days he was regularly mustered in and rendered faithful service to his country.
In the year 1864 he started in business on his own iesponsibilit_v and operated a sash and door factory and also handled lumber. Two years later, he took Geoi'ge Gremminger as partner, under the firm name of Willis & Gremminger, but this partnership) was of short duration. Mr. Benskiu purchased in May, 1861, the interest of Mr. Gremminger and the firm name was then changed to Willis A- Benskin.
This firm later took in.joseph AVeaver and John Kaley, when the name was changed to Willis, Benskin, AVeaver & Kaley, and continued thus a few years. Then !Mr. Willis purchased the entire interest and soon after took in Charles Lind as partner.
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As printed in 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 Unit (1892). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.