The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1881-07-21
JOHN w. BOOKWALTER.
Brief Sketch Of the Life Of the Ohio Democratic
GubernatOrIal Candidate.
Special to Cincinnati Enquirer.l

Special to Cincinnati Enquirer,
COLUMBUS, July IS John W. BOokwater was
born in 1887, and Is therefore in the fOrty.third
year Of his age, in the full prime OF manhood, a
younger man than most OF those who have been
called to the chief executive authority in this
State. His parents were people Of respectability
and integrity end strong religious convictions,
and though in very humble circumstances were
highly esteemed by the community in which
they lived, The early years Of Mr., BookWslters
life were passed in the labors OF the farm which
were but slightly interrupted by educational pur
SUITS facilities Of that kind being but scanty and
Of IN inferior order at that time In the region Of
his home Such as they were, howe er, he made
the most Of them, and by dint Of persistent indi
vldusl effort and an investigating turn Of mind,
which lead him into studies and pursuits quite
outside Of the range OF the ordinary distllct
school, he laid the foundation OF better and
wider culture and Of that candor and inde.
pendenCe Of views which are one of his marked
characteristics. An early developed preference
for mechanical employments led Mr., BOokwalter
on reaching mans estate to engage in manufac.
turing enterprises, and he and his brother be.
come Joint propri9tors Of mill. Mr., Bookwel lter
located himself permanently at Springfield, and
subsequently became a partner in the firm Of
James Leffel Co., manufacturers Of the Leffel
water.wheel, Of which house he Is now chief and
sole proprietor. In addition - the numerous
improvements upon the wheel he invented what
is known Rs the BookWalter engine and from the
sale Of both the wheel and engine he has ac'
quired an ample and still increasing fortune,
He is also proprietor Of the Mechanical News, an
illustrated journal devoted to scientific and in.
dustEial topics, which was established by him In
1872, and has attained large circulation. Mr.,
BO0kWalter was married 10 Miss Eliza Lefel, q
daughter Of the late James Letel, Of Springfield.
MTs BO0kwalter accompanied her husband on
his tour to the Sandwich Islands In 1872, an ac.
count Of which was published by him In an
elegant illustrated volume, which, however was
not offered for sale, but privately distributed
among his friends. The death OF Mrs. Bookwalter,
lovely and accomplished lady, took place in
1880, aud cast the first shadow over her husbands
hitherto uninterrupted career Cf prosperity and
success. The city Of Springfield, in which he
lives, owes 70 Mt. B00kWalIer some Of It's most
substantial structures, his latest contribution to
It's adornment being an elegant opera house,
which will be finished and opened % the puDlic
during the coming autumn. Physically, as well
az intellectually and politically, Mr.. BOokWalter
Ia eminenly lifted 10 grace the gubeEnatoHial
chair. He ts eighty shove the medium height,
Of spare but erect, we'll knit and muscular figure;
has regular features, dark, penetrating and
pleasantly expressive eye. Though not public
speaker BY habit, he has an extraordinary COM
mRnd Of language, and bis conversation iB grace.
tul, fluent and fascinating in an unusual degree.
In addition 10 his varied and thorough culture
and self acquired education, ne 10 q wide and
constant reader, and liberal patron Of the arts.
Up to the Greedy campaign IN 1872 Mr.. Book.
walter had uniformly acted with the Republican
party, but in that memorable struggle he cast his
lot with the Democracy, and, unlike many others,
has renamed steadfast 10 his connections ever
since. Itis not doubted In well Informed quar-
teIB that he will lead his party in this State 10
triumphant victory In this October.
SPRINGFIELD, July 10 This city is stirred to her
centre to night with enthusiasm over the nomi.
nation Of John W. Bookwslter, even many Re-
publicans, including some Of the mos chronic
growth, declaring openly their intention to sup.
port the Democratic nominee. Mr.. BoOkwalter
ia overwhelmed with congratulations from all
sides. The immense delegation came home ex.
pressing their Joy in one continuous cheer, and
marched up TO the Lagonda House with music
banners and new brooma. An immense multi
tude gathered and the appearance Of the success
full nominee on the main balcony and his modest
demeanor brought forth q tremendous shout
Mr. Bookwalter made brief and neat speech OF
thanks, saying that he made no pretensicns TO
address them on politics. as he was not raised to
lisp in political numbersbut was glad 10 speak as
one OF them-a mechanic and farmer He
promised his very best efforts TO lead the grand
old Democratic party on to victory in October,
aud in the event Of success he would administer
the affairs Of the great State OF Ohio for the In
terest Of the whole people and not for any favor.
ed class; and would especially see to her indus
trial interests, both internally ana in relation to
other States. A prominent man SAID tonight
that the nomination Of Johnson for second
place would turn over FIVE thousand votes in
Hamilton county to the Democratic ticket, in
cluding the entire Seasongood influence. In
short, the Democrats never had such degree Of
confidence In success before.