The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1902-08-15
PIONEER BUSINESS
MAN OF THE CITY
Prominently Identified With
Canton's Early L,fe--Oper-
ated tho First Grist Mil,
Later Opened Hotel.

Alexander Hurford, one of the best
known citizens and pioneer business
men of the city of Canton, died at 2:4O
o'clock Tuesday afternoon. His death
occurred at the home of his daughter,
Mrs. u. L. SPOTS, 515 South Market
street, where he had lived the last few
years Of his life. MIR. Hurford's death
was due to the general failing incident
to the 81 years of his life. He became
Ill about six weeks ago and sank rap
idly. Since Sunday his death had been
expected momengarily.
Mr.. Hurford was probably the old
est resident of Canton who was born
within the limits of the city. He was
born November 25. 1917, in house
which stood where the Mckinley hotel
now stands. AS a public-spirited cit
izen and an enserprising business man.
he was identified with many Of the
early business interests of the city.
CANToN's FIRST MILLER.
He operated the first grist mill in
Canton, his first business venture, the
mill being located at what was known
as Hurfords Hill in the southern part
of the city, in the vicinity of which
are now situated the Canton Bridge
works, brick works. etc. During his
business career he was also director
OF the Diebold Safe and Lock CON-
J.. pany, and vice president Of she
Wrought Iron Bridge company, now
the American Bridge company, and
held the position Of purchaser of sup
plies for the Fort Wayne railroad be-
tween Pittsburg and Fort Wayne, hav-
ing previously fulfilled contract for
the first construction OF the road
through this city. He was also asso.
ciated with Hiram Wise and Peter
Trump in tho banking business .At
one time he owned farms in the vicin.
ity of Canton aggregating 500 acres
IN HOTEL BUSINESS.
Mr. Hurford's last activity in busi
less life was in the hotel business
where for number of years he was
landlord OF the old st. Cloud. which
hos lately been razed to make way
for new structure. Here he was as
sociated with Peter p. Trump for ;
number of years. In 1880 he bought
Mr.. Trump's interest, remodeling ant
improving the hotel at cost of $4,000
The hotel was re-opened February A
1884, and the name changed from thu
st. Cloud to the Hurford. He retiret
from active business about ten year
ago.
Mr.. Hurford was the last of the 81.
children of Mr.. and Mrs. Thomas Hur
ford. His wife died in 1890, and sine,
that time he has lived with his daugh
tor. Mrs. SPOTS.
SURVIVING CHILDREN.
He was the father OF six children. a,
of whom survive. as follows: Mrs. c
j. Braekebush, of Chicago; Mrs. d. l.
SPOTS, of 515 Souh Market street
Mrs. G. q. Dark, OF Indianapolis, Ind.
A. r. Hurford, whereabouts unknown
and Alvin and Eb., both Of Canton.
Mr.. Hurford was for many years
prominent member of the First Pres
byteriah church, and was member o
the building committee when the pres
ent structure was built. Funeral ser
vices will be held Thursday Afternoon
at $40 o'clock at the home Of hi
daughter, Mrs. Spots, 515 s. Marke
street, where he died. The burial will
be in Westlawn cemetery. The Rev
Harpster will officiate at the funeral
SKATERS ALL RECORDS.