The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1876-03-23

wearing apparel except their pants ana
shoes. Elson was the first to enter the
lot, and, as he did so, mounted stump
aapped his arms and gave a crow sher-
rick followed Immediately after, ap,
nroached the stump and held out his head
as a challenge for Elson to strike lie
stepped down from the stump, and Tor a
few seconds the principals eyed each
other, while the second of each stood q
few steps to the rear. While the crowd
Of spectstors looked on in breathless sus-
nense they could not but admire the APP
pearance and bearing of the men. Cau-
tiously they advanced toward each other,
and when within striking distance the
fight commenced. AS the blows struck
the sound could be distinctly heard by
persons outside the crowd, who were un-
able to see the contestants. After re-
peated blows Sherrick closed in upon FL
son and threw HIM. When they fell the
multitude could no longer be restrained,
but simultaneously broke down the fence
and crowded around the helligerents.
The efforts of the seconds to beat them
back were futile. The fight continued on
the ground, first one and then the other
seeming to have the advantage, until ooth
were completely exhausted. They were
finally separated by the friends neither
acknowledging himself defeated-the
victory being claimed by the friends OF
both.
There was considerable speculation for
years after as to the probability OF there
being another meeting between them TO
settle the championship, but it was never
brought about. This engagement is con.
sidered the most stubbernly contested
fight that ever occurred in this county.
Both the men are still living in the same
locality they did when they had this con-
test. highly respected citizens. 1t was
on the occasion of a strauss" in Osna-
burgh that Daniel Needs, a colored bar
Der, of Canton, was killed by Reuben
Ferree. This occurred in 1889.
There were volunteers and drafted men
from the township in the war of IL. Ine
names of many have passed into obllV'
ion. OF those still remembered were Pe-
ter McCane. Peter Moretz, Edward Strick-
land. Adam, Jacob and Joseph Anderson.
Joseph was killed at the battle OF Iippe'
canoe Jacob Kit was drafted, but he
hired Richard Byles as his substitute.
The history of Osnaburgh would be IN
complete without mention being made
of Christian Kountz, the. successful
merchant, whose traits of character have
left an impress that will not soon be
erased. Though not very early settler,
yet his name is prominently ldentlned
with the town and township.
MIR. Kountz was born in SaXony, where
he had learned the trade of lace weaver.
He came to this country when q young
man, and on landing in New York all the
money he had was three kreutzer, about
two cents of our money. He immedl-
ately sought work. Unable to procure
employment at his trade, he engaged In
labor-anything that offered. Having
accumulated a few dollars, he was IN
duced, by a ACKNOWLEDGING, to engage
in peddling. With his limited means he
commenced with a small bundle of no
tions; then, with pack which he car
ried upon his back, and finally he made
A raise of horse and wagon. He pros
pered, and in the course of time was ad-
vised, by Pittsburgh merchant, with
whom he dealt, to settle in some town
and open a store. He located in Osna-
burgh about the year 1925, He was a
man of strict integrity, would never him
self, nor permit any employe, to take ad
vantage of or deceive customer. HIS
word was as good as his bond. He raised
his family to habits of industry and econ
omy. He accumulated handsome for
tune, and died in 1866, aged about 70. His
sons have added to their inheritance, and
are all successful business men.
1t is somewhat remarkable, in the his
tory of Osnaburgh township, that up to
this semi-centennial period Of It's exist
ence, it has furnished but two county of
ticers s-John Sluss as Commissioner and
Jacob Keplinger, Recorder, Other town =
ships of the county have not been 50
modest,
A. mi .;to. of tl,;g bietorU ic