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850 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


woods school with 75 pupils at the age of 16 years and later in the superintendency of schools in Pennsylvania and Michigan.


Doctor Bottorf has practiced his medical profession at Phillipsburg, Pa., Indianapolis, Ind., and the cities of Mansfield and Ashtabula, Ohio, rounding out 36 years in his present location.

Dr. Bottorf was united in marriage with Miss Grace Morrow, a native of Clearfield, Pa., and the daughter of Hayes H. and Jane (Forcey) Morrow, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Morrow was a prominent lumberman at Clearfield, Pa., for a number of years. He and his wife are deceased. To Dr. and Mrs. Bottorf four children were born, as follows : R. B., connected with the R. B. Kauffman Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. ; Grace, married S. G. Gates, lives at Santa Barbara, Calif. ; Hazel June, married C. G. Stone, lives at Greenville, Pa.; and Dudley E., lives in Los Angeles, Calif.


Dr. Bottorf and his wife are affiliated with the Methodist Church. He is one of Ashtabula's broad minded and public spirited citizens and has well earned the respect and esteem of his many friends.


Joseph E. Pilmer, attorney of Ashtabula, is well known throughout the community as a successful man in his profession. He was born at Warren, Ohio, Oct. 3, 1883, and is the son of John and Alice Pilmer.


John Pilmer, a native of Warren, Ohio, now lives at Ashtabula where he is employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad as an engineer. Before coming here he was associated with the Griswold Company of Warren for 15 years. Mr. Pilmer has been connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad at Ashtabula since 1891 and ranks among the reliable railroad men of that company. His wife died Feb. 28, 1923, and is buried at Warren, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Pilmer had two children: Joseph E., the subject of this sketch ; and Warren J., born July 20, 1898, now a law student at the University of Alabama.


Joseph E. Pilmer spent his boyhood in Ashtabula and was educated in the schools of Ashtabula Harbor and graduated from the high school there in 1902. He then entered Ohio State University, being graduated from the law department there in 1906. Mr. Pilmer has practiced his profession at Ashtabula since that time with the exception of seven years spent in Youngstown, Ohio, from 1912 until 1919.


On Oct. 30, 1912, Mr. Pilmer was united in marriage with Miss Ellen E. West, a native of Saybrook Township, Ashtabula County, and the


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daughter of George and Mrs. West, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York.


To Joseph E. and Ellen E. (West) Pilmer two children have been born: Gordon A., born Sept. 3, 1914 ; and Jean Alice, born Oct. 11, 1918.


Mr. Pilmer is identified with the Republican party in politics. He is a member of the Congregational Church of Ashtabula and belongs to the Masonic lodge. He is an able man and a substantial citizen of Ashtabula,


John S. Sill, retired, is a veteran of the Civil War and a highly esteemed citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born at Lyme, Conn., Aug. 4, 1839, and is the son of John and Mary Elizabeth (Sergeant) Sill.


John Sill was born in the same house at Lyme, Conn., that his children were born in. His wife was born at Oneida, N. Y., and they were married in New York in 1835. The Sill family came to Ashtabula County in 1840 and lived in Ashtabula on Prospect Street, near Triangle Park. Later they lived on North Ridge Road, where Mr. Sill engaged in general farming. He died in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Sill were the parents of the following children: Catherine, who died in 1910 ; John S., the subject of this sketch; Henry, who died in 1863, was married to Josephine Woodworth; Theodore, died in 1913; Cornelia, married A. Craytor, and she died in 1921; and Herbert, who died in 1856.

John S. Sill received his education in the schools of Kingsville, and in 1860 purchased a steam saw mill, which was located on North Ridge Road, and known as the Tryon Mill. Mr. Sill enlisted for service during the Civil War and served with Company G, 105th Ohio Infantry. During this period his brother, Henry, operated the mill, which was later sold to Alva Rood. Mr. Sill then engaged in general farming for several years and in 1878 opened an office in Ashtabula, having been appointed deputy county surveyor. He was employed as railroad surveyor for several years and was with the company which built the Nickel Plate Railroad in 1881 and 1882. In 1884 he was elected county surveyor and held this office 17 years.


During the years 1904 and 1905 Mr. Sill published the Ashtabula County Atlas, a very accurate and valuable work, which has been the last volume of its kind published up to the present time. He retired


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from business in 1923 and now lives in the city of Ashtabula. Mr. Sill also served as notary public for many years.


In 1864 Mr. Sill was married the first time to Miss Lavina Rockwell, a native of Conneaut, who died in 1873. She was the daughter of Orville A. and Mary (Baldwin) Rockwell. To this union four children were born: Herbert S. ; Marion J., married Alice Stanton, and he died in 1916; Mary, married J. M. Crothers, and she died in 1916 ; and Alonzo. In 1877 Mr. Sill was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Crooker, a native of Ashtabula County and the daughter of O. Crooker. No children were born to this union and Mrs. Sill died in 1918.


Mr. Sill is a member of the Presbyterian Church and has served as elder for the past 30 years. He is esteemed throughout the community as a substantial and reliable citizen.


Dr. Paul Joseph Collander, a physician and surgeon of Ashtabula Harbor, is well known throughout the community as a successful man in his profession. He was born in Finland, May 20, 1874, and is of Swedish extraction, and is the son of Joseph Collander.


Joseph Collander was a farmer and now lives retired in Finland. His wife died in 1918. They had three children, as follows: Waldemar, lives in Finland ; Sigrid, lives in Finland ; and Dr. Paul Joseph, the subject of this sketch.


Dr. Paul Joseph Collander received his education in the schools of his native land and in 1903 received his degree in medicine at Helsingfors University, after which he practiced his profession there until 1910. He then came to the United States and located at Ashtabula Harbor, where he has established an excellent practice. Dr. Collander is not only a close student of the science of medicine, but is a scholarly gentleman. He is able to read or converse in eight different languages.


During the World War Dr. Collander served with the medical department as X-ray specialist and was located first in Pittsburgh, Pa., and later in Lakewood, N. J., having spent seven months in the service. He enlisted as first lieutenant and three months later was promoted to captain. He returned to Ashtabula in April, 1918.


In 1903 Dr. Collander was married in Finland to Miss Helmi Tollet, the daughter of Carl and Anna Tollet. Mr. Tollet died in 1901 and his wife lives in Finland and is 71 years of age. To Dr. and Mrs. Collander




PICTURE OF DR. PAUL J. COLLANDER AND FAMILY


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have been born three children, as follows : Karin, born July 10, 1912 ; Ned, born April 8, 1918 ; and Hagar, born in 1904 and died in 1910. Mrs. Collander is a graduate of an art school in Finland and is an accomplished painter.


In politics Dr. Collander is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Second Congregational Church and belongs to the Elks and Loyal Order of Moose. He also holds membership in the Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Club and the Country Club of Ashtabula.


Percival F. Knowlton, who is successfully engaged in the insurance business at Ashtabula, was born in New York, April 15, 1878, and is the son of Frank E. and Henrietta (Waters) Knowlton.


The Knowlton family is one of the oldest New York families and P. F. Knowlton's grandfather built the first frame house in Delaware County, N. Y. The latch string of this old house is now in the possession of Percival Knowlton. Frank E. Knowlton was a cabinet maker by trade and lived in New York until his death in 1891. His wife died in 1915. They were the parents of the following children : Bertha A., the widOW of V. W. Stoddard, lives at Jamestown, N. Y.; P. F., the subject of this sketch ; Delroy B., married Lillian Parkinson ; Bernice M., lives at Jamestown, N. Y. ; and Mae, died in infancy.


P. F. Knowlton spent his boyhood in his native state and received his education in the schools of Geneva, N. Y. When a young man he removed to Corry, Pa., where he remained for three years. In 1900 Mr. Knowlton went to Bradford, Pa., and became a clerk for the American Express Company there. He was later cashier and agent for this company at Bradford, Chautauqua, and Warsaw, N. Y., and Oil City, Pa., and in 1903 came to Ashtabula as agent until 1912, at which time he purchased the insurance business of James Reed, which was located at 185 Main Street. This business was established in 1863 and during this long period of time has developed into the leading insurance business of the city. Mr. Knowlton is the agent for the following insurance companies: American National Fire Insurance Company of Columbus, Ohio; The Detroit Fire & Marine Insurance Company, Detroit, Mich.; Eagle State & British Dominion of London, England; Fireman's Fund of San Francisco, Calif.; The Henry Clay of Lexington, Ky.; The Home Insurance Company of New York ; New Hampshire Fire of Manchester; New Hampshire;


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Phoenix Assurance Company of London, England; Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, Ltd., Norwich, Eng.; Royal Insurance Company, Ltd., of Liverpool, Eng.; The Sterling Fire Insurance Company of Indianapolis, Ind.; The American Guarantee Casualty Company of Columbus, Ohio ; The Hartford Live Stock Insurance Company of Hartford, Conn. ; The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company of Hartford, Conn. Mr. Knowlton is general agent for the New York Indemnity Company of New York ; The Metropolitan Casualty Company of New York ; The Shelby Mutual Plate Glass Insurance Company of Shelby, Ohio; and the Union Indemnity Company of New Orleans, La. He is a notary public and automobile registrar for Ohio, as well as secretary of the Ashtabula Automobile Club.


P. F. Knowlton was married to Miss Frances Bennett, a native of Corry, Pa., and the daughter of William and Ellen (Hickey) Bennett, natives of New York. Mr. Bennett was a pioneer locomotive engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad until the time of his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Bennett three children were born: Mrs. Knowlton ; Maude M., lives in Buffalo, N. Y. ; and William J., married Nan Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Knowlton have one daughter, Dorothy A., lives at home.


Mr. Knowlton is a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Maccabees and the Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce. He is a man of keen intellect and of marked business ability, and is well and favorably known throughout the county.


Charles Hukari, one of the capable and excellent citizens of Ashtabula, engaged in the construction business, was born in Finland, Feb. 14, 1866. He is the son of Sakaris and Karaliina Hukari.


Sakaris Hukari came to the United States from Finland about 40 years ago and after two years returned to his native land, where he died. There were four children in the Hukari family : Otto, who lived in this country for 12 years and then returned to Finland; Hilma, lives in Finland ; Mrs. Adolph Johnson, lives in Ashtabula ; and Charles, the subject of this sketch.


Charles Hukari came to the United States on April 30, 1887, and settled at Ashtabula Harbor, where he was employed on the docks for 24 years. About 1909 he engaged in the contracting business and his


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first sewer contract was on Colorado Street. Mr. Hukari is now working on a $100,000 contract at Ashtabula Harbor. He lives at 52 Cherry Street, where he built a fine home 22 years ago.


In 1898 Mr. Hukari was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Lassila, also a native of Finland, who came to this country 28 years ago. Her mother is yet living with Mr. Hukari ; the father died in this country. Mr. and Mrs. Hukari have two children : Karl William, a graduate of Ashtabula Harbor High School and Ohio State University, where he studied chemistry, and is now a chemist at Youngstown, Ohio; and Frederick, a high school student.


Mr. Hukari is a Republican, a member of the Finnish Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has always been a man of progressive ideas, and he is a reliable and substantial citizen.


Fred W. Harper, who is successfully engaged in the general merchandise business at Plymouth, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Plymouth Township, Ashtabula County, Feb. 2, 1872, and is the son of Lloyd and Didama (Warren) Harper.


Lloyd Harper was a native of Unionville, Ohio, and a prosperous farmer during his life. His wife was born in New York. Mrs. Harper is living and Mr. Harper is deceased. They were the parents of the following children: Fred W., the subject of this sketch ; Edward; Frank Lloyd ; Reid Warren, deceased; Bert ; Roy ; and Jay.


Fred W. Harper received his education in the schools of Plymouth Township and at an early age entered the employ of the New York central Railroad. He was associated with this company until 1915, at which time he purchased the business of W. O. Wright of Plymouth. Mr. Harper has an up-to-date store and is among the enterprising merchants of the county.


In 1899 Mr. Harper was married to Miss Alta Mann Ross, a native of Union City, Pa., and the daughter of George and May (Earle) Ross. Mr. Ross was a lumber dealer and died in South Dakota a number of years ago. His wife was later married to George Jennings, and they had two children: Floyd and Roy. To George and May (Earle) Ross two children were born: Mrs. Harper and Birney, deceased. Mr. and


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Mrs. Harper have two children: Raymond, born in 1900, and Homer, born in 1902.


Mr. Harper is a Republican and has served as township treasurer for three years and was a member of the school board. He belongs to the Elks Lodge.


Reverend Edward J. Spitzig, pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Jefferson, is a prominent and influential citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born in Cleveland, July 4, 1884, and is the son of Bernard Joseph and Mary (Berdge) Spitzig.


Bernard Joseph Spitzig was a native of Canada. When a young man he came to Cleveland, where he became actively connected with the business interests of the city. He served as treasurer of the Cleveland Burial Case Company for 42 years and was well known and highly esteemed. Mr. Spitzig died Dec. 16, 1915, and his widow lives at Lakewood, Ohio. They were the parents of the following children: Mary and Anna, live with their mother; Rev. Edward J., the subject of this sketch ; and Dr. Louis, a physician, lives in Cleveland.


Reverend Spitzig received his early education at St. Mary's Catholic School in Cleveland and later was a student at St. Ignatius College there. He was ordained in Cincinnati, Ohio, by Archbishop Moeller and received his first appointment as assistant pastor of St. Francis Church in Cleveland, where he remained four years. Reverend Spitzig was then sent to Youngstown, Ohio, as chaplain of St. Elizabeth's Hospital, and later was pastor of St. Anthony's Church there. Eight years later he was appointed pastor of the Catholic Church at Willard, Ohio, where he remained until 1921, at which time he was given charge of St. Joseph's Church at Jefferson.


St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Jefferson has been existence for 52 years. The resident priests of the parish in order of succession are: Rev. W. J. Finucan, July, 1880, until March, 1881 ; Rev. Gilbert P. Jennings, 1884 until 1893 ; Rev. W. F. Murphy, from June, 1893, until June, 1895 ; Rev. John Johnson, July, 1895, until April, 1902 ; Rev. J. F. McInerny, April, 1902, until November, 1903; Rev. R. A. Dowd, November, 1903, until June, 1907 ; Rev. John N. Rhein, June, 1907, until December, 1921; and Rev. Spitzig from December, 1921, until the present time.




PICTURE OF REV. EDWARD J. SPITZIG




PICTURE OF ST. JOSEPH CALASANCTIUS CHURCH, JEFFERON, OHIO


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The new St. Joseph Calasanctius' Church of Jefferson, built in the Spanish-Roman design, is constructed of dark red tapestry brick and Indiana sandstone. The building is 44 feet wide, 88 feet deep and 42 feet to the top of the cross. Ground was broken for the new structure on the 27th of April, 1924, and the corner stone laying took place on the 6th of July..


The high altar, in Spanish-Roman design, 21 feet, 101/2 inches wide and 15 feet high, is a beautiful piece of Italian Rigalico that closely resembles marble and onyx. A beautiful "Last Supper," in bas-relief, is at the lower part of the altar. The two side altars, baptismal font and communion railing are made to harmonize with the high altar. The 14 stations of the cross are very beautiful in bas-relief and colors. The woodwork of the interior is done in silver-gray wood stain and the pews match the woodwork in color. A $5,000 organ is installed in the choir loft. A 12-foot cross with a figure of Jesus Christ, 5 feet and 7 inches tall, statues of the Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. Joseph Calasanctius are but some of the many beautiful fixtures to be found in the church. The new church was dedicated on the 19th of April, 1925, by the Rt. Rev. Joseph Schrembs, D. D., Bishop of Cleveland. The church was constructed by Rev. Edward J. Spitzig who is now the present pastor.


Since coming to Jefferson, Reverend Spitzig has made an extensive acquaintance and takes a deep interest in the welfare of the community.


William A. Ellis, deceased, was a highly esteemed and widely known citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born at Ripley, N. Y., Dec. 22, 1833, and came to Ashtabula in the early 50's. He was a plow handle manufacturer for a number of years but went to Chattanooga, Tenn., when his health failed. Later he returned to Ashtabula and after several years went to Colorado, where he remained six years. Upon his return to Ashtabula he lived retired until his death, April 28, 1920. He is buried in Chestnut Grove Cemetery.


In 1856 Mr. Ellis was united in marriage with Miss Maria Holmes, who was born at Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 12, 1836. To this union five children were born, as follows : Hattie, married Henry E. Smith of Conneaut, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history ; Fannie F., mention of whom is made below ; Minnie, married Homer Wheipley,


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lives at Cleveland, and they have two children, Clare A., married Lobo Brott, and Doris E. ; William W., married Marie Hileman, lives in Ashtabula; and Amy F., married Oliver 0. Thompson, lives in Cleveland, and they have four children: Amy Mildred, married Joseph Stiteler, lives in Cleveland; Dorothy Ann, married Jett Hoskins, lives in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Oliver E., married Alice Hall, lives in Cleveland; and. Florence, at home.


Miss Fannie F. Ellis, retired, has for many years been a widely known teacher of Ashtabula County. She was born in Conneaut, Oct. 5, 1861, and came to Ashtabula in 1862, where she was reared and educated. Miss Ellis retired in 1922 after an active career of 41 years. She was primary supervisor for 15 years and principal for 14 years. Miss Ellis is a member of Trinity Reformed Church of Ashtabula, and has many friends and acquaintances throughout the community where she has spent so many years. Her mother resides with her in Ashtabula.


William A. Ellis was a Democrat for many years but later became interested in the Socialist part. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and the Knights of Honor.


H. A. Turner is a leading dairy farmer of Ashtabula County and a member of one of the most prominent and oldest families of the county. He was born on a farm in Pierpont Township, Ashtabula County, March 27, 1865, and is the son of Augustus S. and Julia (Gaut) Turner.


The Turners came to Ashtabula County from Massachusetts in 1813 and settled on a farm in Pierpont Township. Sion Turner, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a farmer and pioneer preacher and the first Turner home was a primitive log cabin built in the woods of Pierpont Township. This log cabin was later replaced by a 12-room house which is still standing, and for a number of years religious services were held in this home. Sion Turner was a circuit rider of the Methodist denomination and went on horseback all over the country, holding religious services. He died at the age of 89 years. He made a living for his small family during the early days by selling black salt in Erie, Pa., and Meadville, Pa. The Gaut family ranks among the pioneer families of the county also. John Gaut, maternal grandfather of H. A. Turner, was born in Pierpont Township, and became a prominent farmer of his time.


Augustus S. Turner engaged in farming on the old homestead in


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Pierpont Township for 75 years, when he moved with his son and family to Ashtabula Township, where he died Dec. 22, 1919, at the age of 88 years. He and his wife were among the charter members of the Freewill Baptist Church of Pierpont. To Augustus S. and Julia (Gaut) Turner two children were born: Georgia, married F. W. Follett, lives at Conneaut ; and H. A., the subject of this sketch.


H. A. Turner spent his boyhood on the home place and received his education in the district schools of Pierpont Township, and also attended school at Jefferson. After farming a short time he engaged in the general mercantile business in partnership with Frank Griffith at Pierpont. In 1911 Mr. Turner purchased a farm of 61 acres near Ashtabula. He improved the place and it now ranks among the attractive farms of Ashtabula County. Mr. Turner specialized in dairy farming. This farm was originally the old Lockwood farm and was known during the early days as "Wayside Inn." In the Spring of 1924 he sold 57 acres of his place and retained a lot upon which he has built a new modern home with all conveniences.


In 1886 Mr. Turner was united in marriage with Miss Lulu Millinger, a native of Orangeville, Ohio, and the daughter of Melker and Laura (Mizner) Millinger, natives of Trumbull County, Ohio. Mr. Millinger served during the Civil War and died many years ago at the age of 39. His wife died at 86 years of age. They were charter members of the Methodist Church at Orangeville. They had three children: Charles H., Mrs. Turner, and Newton R. To Mr. and Mrs. Turner five children have been born, as follows: Grace, married J. C. Smith, lives in Ashtabula ; Vera, married W. T. Crotzer, lives in Kansas City, Mo. ; Walter A., married Laura Arthur, and they have a son, Carl; Mildred, married L. H. Stearns, and they have one child, Arthur James ; and Perell, who died Oct. 15, 1923, at the age of 17 years. The children were all members of the Baptist Church of Pierpont except Perell, who was a loyal member of the East Side Presbyterian Church at death.


Walter A. Turner lives on an adjoining lot, as does also his sister, Mrs. L. H. Stearns. Their lots were gifts from their father and a part of the original farm.


H. A. Turner is a Republican, was a member of the Baptist church, of Pierpont, while there and a member of the East Side Presbyterian church of Ashtabula at present. He is a substantial citizen of the community.


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John J. Koski, attorney, is a highly esteemed and prominent citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born in Ashtabula Harbor, Ohio, July 20, 1883, and is the son of Zacharis and Marian (Marysla) Koski.


Zacharis Koski is the oldest living Finlander in Ashtabula County, having settled here 44 years ago. He was born Jan. 15, 1849, and his wife, who was born in 1851, died in 1892. Mr. Koski was employed by the Hanna Company at Ashtabula Harbor for 17 years and then engaged in general farming. He has lived retired for 11 years. There were 18 children in the Koski family, the following of whom are now living: A. J., engaged in the grocery business at Ashtabula ; E. M., engaged in the grocery business with his brother, A. J. ; Inez Melin, lives in Ashtahula ; Charles H., engaged in the insurance business at Ashtabula ; Jennie, lives in Seattle, Wash. ; Ida Erickson, lives in Ashtabula ; and John J., the subject of this sketch.


John J. Koski was reared and educated in Ashtabula, and is a graduate of the law school of the University of Michigan in the class of 1910. He has practiced his profession in Ashtabula since 1910 with exceptional ability and is widely known. His office is located in the Marine Bank Building, Ashtabula, Ohio.


Mr. Koski was married to Miss Elizabeth Green, a native of Conneaut, Ohio, and they have one son, Robert Koski.


In politics Mr. Koski is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, the Elks, and the Finnish Lodge Knights of Kaliva. Mr. Koski is attorney for the Ashtabula Harbor Building & Loan Company and has an extensive practice.


E. A. Fisk, a substantial and well known citizen of Ashtabula County, was born at Ashtabula, July 8, 1873, and is the son of Edward W. and Mary (Mygatt) Fisk.


Edward W. Fisk was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, May 17, 1832, and died April 23, 1901. He was the son of Amos Fisk, an early settler of Ashtabula County. Mary (Mygatt) Fisk was born in 1841 and died Jan. 3, 1910. There were six children in the Fisk family, as follows: George, born July 16, 1864, died April 29, 1910, being drowned in Lake Mendota, Madison Wis.; Ella Morris, born Aug. 19, 1861, has five children: Ruth, lives in Akron, Ohio; Fisk, married Helen Snyder; Ger-




PICTURE OF JOHN J. KOSKI


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 861


trude, lives in Redlands, Cal.; Barbara, lives in Redlands, Cal.; and Edward, married Margaret Kelley, lives in Cleveland; Mary Dawson, born July 9, 1862, died April 15, 1885; Gertrude Durco, born in 1867, died Feb. 27, 1893 ; Fanny Baptiest, born May 4, 1868, lives in Wilkesbarre, Pa.


E. A. Fisk has always lived in Ashtabula and has been in the employ of the New York Central Railroad since 1893.


In 1912 Mr. Fisk was married to Miss Ina Graves, who was born in 1883, the daughter of Edward H. and Carrie (Comstock) Graves. Mr. Graves was born April 30, 1850, and died Sept. 16, 1919. His wife was born Oct. 26, 1853, and died Oct. 20, 1920. To Mr. and Mrs. Fisk two children have been born: George Mygatt, born Jan. 27, 1913; and Virginia C., born June 23, 1914.


Mr. Fisk and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church and are highly esteemed in their community.


Dr. J. H. Linsley, a successful dentist of Ashtabula, was born in a log house built by his father, at Hopkins, Mich., Feb. 22, 1877, and is the son of J. W. and Lydia (Chamberlain) Linsley.


J. W. Linsley, who lives a retired farmer at Hopkins, Mich., is a veteran of the, Civil War, and served nearly four years. He was born at Parkman, Ohio, in the year 1845 and went with his father and mother, John P. Linsley and wife, to Michigan, where they settled on a farm and which occupation he has always followed. During the Civil War he served with Company L, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and was one of 120 who captured Jefferson Davis, the president of the Southern Confederacy.


During the Fourth of July celebration in 1876 John P. Linsley lost both arms by a premature firing of a canon. He is one of two members of his company who are still alive. His wife was born in 1850

and they have now been married 56 years. Both are alive and living at Hopkins, Mich. There are the following children born to this family: Herman W. Linsley, born in 1870, married Nellie Baker, and they live on the old Linsley homestead, and have three children: Milton, Ray, and Emma ; Emma married E. W. Tooker and to this union have been born Clyde and Roy; Lucy married J. Rienhart and to this marriage was born two children: Russell and Minnie; the husband died several years ago and she is now the wife of J. Reynolds of Garrett, Ind.; Bert, mar-


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ried Goldie Morehead, and to this union has been born three children, Virginia, Phylis, and John ; Alfred married Ida and they have the following children, Cloys, Garth ; Bertha married W. Reynolds and they have two, girls: Lydia and Ivah Bell. In 1919 Mr. and Mrs, J. W. Linsley celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.


Dr. J. H. Linsley was educated in the public schools of Hopkins ; he is a graduate of the Valparaiso, Ind., College, and the University of Michigan, in 1907 from the dental department. He began his professional work at Mason, Mich., and practiced there two years and then moved to Ashtabula, where he has established an extensive practice. His office is located at 195 Main Street.


On January 1, 1908, Dr. Linsley was married to Miss Ethel R. Brown, who is a great-grand niece of the famous John Brown of Civil War fame. Mrs. Linsley was born May 30, 1890. To Dr. and Mrs. Linsley one son has been born, James, Jr., born Dec. 22, 1916.


Dr. Linsley is a Republican, a member of the Church of Christ, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias, and has always been very active in all patriotic (movements. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Y. M. C. A., and has served four years as a member of the Ashtabula School Board.


In 1922 Dr. Linsley purchased a farm in Ashtabula Township on the Jefferson Road and established the first Silver Fox farm in northeastern Ohio.


Dr. Linsley was elected to the Eighty-sixth Ohio General Assembly as the representative from Ashtabula County.


J. W. McMorris is a reliable and substantial citizen of Ashtabula. He was born at Wheeling, W. Va., in 1883, and is the son of Samuel and Marie (Golding) McMorris.


Samuel McMorris was a farmer. He was born at Bellefontaine, Ohio, in 1830, and his wife was born in 1845. He died in 1907 and Mrs. McMorris died the year previous. They were the parents of the following children: John, deceased; Dessie Hopkins, lives in New York ; Mary Rice, died in 1916; Annette, deceased; and J. W., the subject of this sketch.


J. W. McMorris was reared and educated at West Alexander, Pa., and in 1910 came to Ashtabula, where he became a partner of Mr.


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 863


Caldwell, well known dairyman. After six months, Mr. McMorris purchased the business, which he has since operated. He is one of the leading ice cream makers of the city and is also a dealer in milk and other dairy products.


In 1910 Mr. McMorris was united in marriage with Miss Pearl Marshall, a native of Pennsylvania and the daughter of James and Arthelia (O'Neder) Marshall. To Mr. and Mrs. McMorris four children have been born, as follows: James, born in 1912 ; Arthelia, born in 1914 ; Marguerite, born in 1917 ; and Walter, born in 1920.


Mr. McMorris is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.


A. M. Clark, who has been in the employ of the New York Central Railroad for 30 years, is a substantial and highly esteemed citizen of Ashtabula. He was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, June 30, 1855, and is the son of Abner and Eliza Clark.


Abner Clark was a farmer and carpenter. He died at Lenox, Ohio, and his wife is also deceased. They had two children: A. M., the subject of this sketch ; and Mary Sage, who died in April, 1917, leaving a son, Leo Sage.


A. M. Clark spent his boyhood at Lenox, Ohio, and attended the district school. His first position was with T. B. Wire, a cheese manufacturer, in whose employ he remained for seven years. In 1880 he removed to Ashtabula and became a bridge tender at the Harbor, being the first man to hold this position by the month. The following year he became a brakeman on the Pennsylvania Railroad, but after a year returned to his former position as bridge tender. In 1883 he returned to the railroad as a carpenter for the New York Central, in which employ he has since remained. He helped build the Ashtabula depot many years ago.


Mr. Clark was married to Miss Alice Bailey, a native of Lenox, Ohio, and the daughter of Edwin L. Bailey. Mr. Bailey was born in Ashtabula County and the old farm near Lenox is still OWned by the Baileys. His father, Johnathan Bailey, and nine brothers and sisters came to Ohio from Connecticut many years ago, making the trip by oxen team. To Mr. and Mrs. Clark one daughter was born, Alice May, who married


864 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


Virgil Squires and they have two daughters, Henrietta Elizabeth, and Mary Jean. Five generations of Mrs. Clark's family have been born in Ashtabula County.


Mr. Clark is a Republican and a member of the Knights of Pythias.


Henry S. Kelley, who has had a successful career as a farmer and stockman of Saybrook Township, is a member of one of Ashtabula County's earliest families. He was born in the township where he now lives, Oct. 7, 1854, and is a son of David H. and Maria (Simonds) Kelley.


David H. Kelley was born in New Hampshire in 1810 and died at Geneva, Ohio, in 1897. His wife was born in 1820 and died in 1899. After coming to Ashtabula County Mr. Kelley was employed in his uncle's tannery, which he later owned, and operated for many years. Later in life he engaged in general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley were the parents of the following children: A. E., deceased ; J. P., deceased; Dr. D. E., who is Ashtabula's oldest dentist ; Henry S., the subject of this sketch ; Ruth, deceased, was the wife of 0. R. Higley ; Ellen, married George H. Olmsted, lives in Cleveland ; Lucy, deceased ; Mary, married Henry Johnson, lives in Ashtabula ; Cynthia Maria, married W. A. Morgan, lives at Geneva, Ohio ; Hattie L., married W. H. Cowdry, president of the American Fork & Hoe Association, Cleveland ; and Evelyn Hurd, lives in Cleveland. -


Henry S. Kelley received his education in the schools of Saybrook, Geneva and Austinburg, and later attended the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After teaching school in early life, Mr. Kelley engaged in farming and became one of the prominent stockmen of the county. His farm was located on North Ridge Road and contained 175 acres of land. He was also an extensive feeder of stock. In 1917 Mr. Kelley sold his farm to Max Pollock and retired, but in a short time purchased his present farm of 134 acres in Saybrook Township, upon which he has made extensive improvements. Mr. Kelley was a breeder of registered Red Pole cattle. He was the only breeder at one time of this kind of stock in the county and was very successful in the handling of that kind of stock in which he took great pride. He was employed by the State Board of Agriculture as a speaker at farmers' institutes in Ohio and has been the only man to hold a position of this kind from Ashtabula County. He resigned from that position in 1902 after serving three




PICTURE OF HENRY S. KELLEY


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 865


years. He was, for several years, a writer for the "Ohio Farmer" of Cleveland also of the "Farmer and Stockman" of Pittsburgh, Pa., leading farm journals.


On Sept. 11, 1879, Mr. Kelley was married to Miss Ruth Walker, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Gillett) Walker, natives of Saybrook, and both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have no children.


In politics Mr. Kelley is identified with the Republican party. He has been a member of the Congregational Church for 50 years and is considered one of Ashtabula County's most efficient citizens.


Robert G. Espy, who has been in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad for the past 29 years, is a member of one of Ashtabula County's honored pioneer families. He was born in West Middlesex, Pa., and is the son of William N. and Harriet N. Espy.


Robert G. Espy's parents died when he was a young boy and he was reared and educated in the Soldiers Orphans Home at Mercer, Pa., and came to Ashtabula on March 29, 1887. He entered the employ of Howard Reed, a blacksmith, who operated a shop on Center Street. On Jan. 7, 1895, Mr. Espy became connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad as a sheet metal worker, in which capacity he has since served. He has a good record with the company and is thoroughly dependable.


On Aug. 20, 1892, Mr. Espy was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Tallman, a native of Ashtabula Harbor and the daughter of William H. and Irene Tallman. Mrs. Espy's mother is a pioneer resident of the Harbor, having been born here Sept. 13, 1850. She now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Espy. Her husband died Jan. 9, 1915. To Mr. and Mrs. Espy two children have been born: William N., born June 18, 1893, mention of whom is made below ; and Gretchen Irene, born Oct. 13, 1895.


William N. Espy is a graduate of the Carnegie Institute of Technology of Pittsburgh, Pa., where he was an honor student. He is a mechanical engineer. On June 14, 1919, William Espy married Miss Louise MacMillan of Pittsburgh, Pa., and they have two children: Robert G., born Sept. 11, 1920 ; and Mary Louise, born Sept. 28, 1921.


Miss Gretchen Irene Espy is a graduate of the public and high schools of Ashtabula Harbor and Kent Normal School. She was also a student at the teachers' college of Columbia University. Miss Espy is


866 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


now a teacher in the primary department of the Ashtabula Harbor schools.


In politics Mr. Espy is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Congregational Church and a thirty-second degree Mason. He is also a member of Al Koran Shrine.


N. J. Lehtinen is an enterprising and progressive young business man of Ashtabula. He was born there Oct. 6, 1897, and is the son of Rev. Franz K. and Sophia (Tuomala) Lehtinen.


Rev. Franz K. Lehtinen, who operates a printing Shop at 223 Bridge Street, Ashtabula Harbor, is a native of Finland, as was also his wife. They were the parents of the following children: Francis, who owns an electrical store at Ashtabula Harbor, married Alma Olson, and they have three children: Virginia, Donald and Mildred ; Elmer, married Martha Peura, lives in Ashtabula ; Robert, a high school student ; Heimo, Esther, Ruth, Ellen, Walma, and N. J.,.the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Lehtinen died March 21, 1915.


N. G. Lehtinen was reared and educated in the public and high schools of Ashtabula Harbor. In 1918 with Chas. A. Brown he purchased the feed business of Geo. F. Green and two years later became sole owner of the business, which is located at 225 Bridge Street. Mr. Lehtinen handles a complete line of high grade feeds and does a large volume of business in Ashtabula and at the harbor.


On Aug. 28, 1922, Mr. Lehtinen was united in marriage with Miss Nelma Hakala, a native of Ashtabula.


Mr. Lehtinen and his wife are members of the Finnish Congregational Church and have a wide acquaintance.


T. E. Garvey, a substantial and well known citizen of Ashtabula, who has been in the employ of the New York Central Railroad for many years, was born at Amboy, Ohio, Sept. 17, 1883, and is the son of Thomas and Clementine Garvey.


Thomas Garvey has been in the employ of the New York Central Railroad for more than 50 years. He was an operator at the time of the Ashtabula disaster in December, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Garvey have three children as follows: T. E.., the subject of this sketch ; Pearl, at home ; and


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 867


June, married to G. A. Sidley, and they have two children, Margaret and Mary Jane.


T. E. Garvey received his education in the schools of Ashtabula and after completing his high school course entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad as a number taker and later became train starter. He has been promoted various times and is now general yardmaster.


Mr. Garvey was married to Miss Monica Roche, a native of Ashtabula Harbor, and the daughter of Patrick and Johanna Roche, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Garvey have four children as follOWs : Thomas Patrick, born July 25, 1915 ; Joseph Roche, born Aug. 9, 1920 ; Robert John, born Jan. 14, 1921; and Mary Elizabeth, born Sept. 29, 1916.


Mr. Garvey and his family hold membership in the Catholic Church. He is a reliable citizen and favorably known in his community.


H. R. Bovee is a veteran of the World War and a prominent young farmer of Kingsville Township. He was born on the farm where he now lives, Aug. 18, 1896, and is the son of F. M. and Nellie (Canham) Bovee.


Peter Bovee, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came to Ashtabula County from Vermont in 1833 and purchased the present Bovee farm in Kingsville Township from E. Averill. His son, John Emory Bovee. became one of the leading farmers of his time and his son, F. M., is also a farmer. The latter was born on the Bovee homestead, March 29, 1868, and he is now engaged in farming on the adjacent farm to his sons. His wife is a native of Crawford County, Pa., born May 29, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Bovee have six children : Cecil, lives at North Olmsted, Ohio, is a World War Veteran and a graduate of Western Reserve University, married Cecile Gouvy, a French girl ; H. R., the subject of this sketch ; Perry, a student at Ohio State University ; Walter, at home ; Eleanor, deceased ; and Allen, deceased. Mr. Bovee is a member of the farm board and has served as clerk of the school board.


H. R. Bovee received his education in the public and high school at Kingsville and is now engaged in general farming on a section of his father's land: During the World War he enlisted for service and served with the 331st Field Hospital for 21 months, 10 months of which were spent in France and Italy.


On March 16, 1921, Mr. Bovee was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Childs, the daughter of F. B. Childs, a pioneer settler of Kings-


868 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


ville Township, and a next door neighbor of the Bovee family. A son, Gordon Russell, was born to Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Bovee Sept. 22, 1924.


Mr. Bovee is a Republican and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church of Kingsville. He is a substantial young man who is making a success of his farm.


Mrs. Elizabeth M. Smith, who lives in Saybrook Township, is among the well known and highly esteemed pioneer women of Ashtabula County. She was born at Saybrook, near the old Methodist Church, July 8, 1843, and is a daughter of. John and Elizabeth (Wilkinson) Allcock.


John Allcock was born in England, Oct. 29, 1799, and his wife was also born there. On May 10, 1820, Mr. Allcock left England and arrived in New York City on July 4th. In 1824 he came to Ohio and settled at Astabula, when there were only four houses in that place. He became a prominent farmer of Saybrook Township and owned 300 acres of land. He was also an extensive stockman and engaged in the dairy business. Mr. Allcock was a devout Christian and died Oct. 17, 1890. His wife, who came to this country with her parents in 1834, was born Jan. 9, 1811. To Mr. and Mrs. Allcock nine children were born, as follows : John Wesley, born at Saybrook, March 5, 1837, died May 29, 1890 ; Lydia, born March 12, 1838, died April 2, 1915 ; Margaret B. Lewis, born Aug. 21, 1839, died Nov. 23, 1916; George Whitefield, born Nov. 18, 1840, died March 17, 191 ; Cyrena, born March 16, 1842, died Nov. 12, 1915 ; Elizabeth M., the subject of this sketch ; Harriet M., born May 14, 1845, married Hiram Lewis, lives at Saybrook ; Henry Wilkinson, born April 16, 1847, died Sept. 28, 1914 ; and Joseph, born April 15, 1851, died Feb. 25, 1911.


Elizabeth M. Allcock Smith has always lived in Ashtabula County. She received her education at the old Academy in Saybrook and on Sept. 27, 1871, was married to J. B. Shepard, a merchant of Ashtabula, who later engaged in farming. He was killed by a New York Central train, April 27, 1879. In May, 1883, Mrs. Shepard was married to N. H. Smith, a native of New York. He died Feb. 1, 1913. He was a merchant in Pierce City, Mo., and settled in Ashtabula in 1883.


Mrs. Smith's home which is located just outside of Ashtabula on Washington Boulevard, is among the beautiful residences of the county. She has a valuable collection of antiques and several pieces of handmade




PICTURE OF JOHN ALLCOCK


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 869


furniture which are very beautiful. Until recently Mrs. Smith owned one of the finest driving horses in the county. Mrs. Smith is esteemed throughout the community as a woman of high ideals.


Joseph Smith, retired, ranks among the successful pioneer merchants of Ashtabula Harbor. He was born in 1850 in Portugal, and in 1876 came to this country and located at Ashtabula, where he engaged in the grocery and meat business at the Harbor.


Mr. Smith was married to Miss Rose Mello, and to this union the following children were born: Joseph, engaged in business with his father ; Tony, lives in Cleveland ; John, engaged in his father's store; Ernest, a student ; Mary, at home ; Tolvira, married William Wenk ; and Malinda and Margaret, both deceased.


Mr. Smith is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church, and a substantial citizen of Ashtabula County. He still owns his business at 193 Columbus Street, which is now conducted by his sons.


Watson E. Mann, a substantial and well known citizen of Ashtabula, was born at Plymouth, Ohio, March 22, 1852, and is the son of Porteus and Sarah (Upson) Mann.


Porteus Mann was born at East Plymouth, Ohio, May 18, 1819, and died in 1900. He was a successful farmer and dairyman for many years. His wife also died in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Mann were the parents of eight children, as follOWs: Wilber E., born March 29, 1844 ; Ellen, born Oct. 17, 1845 ; Esther Jane, born Jan. 20, 1848; Emma Miranda, born April 20, 1850; Watson E., the subject of this sketch ; Warren, a twin brother of Watson E., born March 22, 1852 ; Mira Irene, born April 11, 1859; and Olive Amanda, born Oct. 22, 1864.


Porteus Mann was the son of Warren Mann, who was the son of Zadock Mann, who was born in Connecticut, Feb. 16, 1784, and died May 30, 1858. Zadock Mann was the son of Joseph Mann, who was the son of Nathaniel Mann. The Mann family traces its origin to the year 1085 and is descended from Richard II of England.


Watson E. Mann spent his boyhood on his father's farm and attended the district schools. In 1883 he built the family residence at 8 Nathan Street, Ashtabula, where he lived until ,the time of his wife's death.


870 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


Mr. Mann was employed by various business houses of Ashtabula and was in business for himself for five years. He is now employed by the Goodwin Meat Market at 194 Prospect Street, and has been with this company since 1917.


Mr. Mann was married to Miss Marian A. Wood, a native of Plymouth, Ohio, who died in 1914. To this union two daughters were born, as follows: Julia May, married R. A. Johnson, and she died in 1916, leaving two children, Marian and Robert ; and Sarah Elizabeth, married H. H. White, and they have three children, Muriel, Mary and Harry.


Mr. Mann lives with his daughter and her family. He sold his home in 1914 to H. H. White. Politically Mr. Mann is a Republican. He has an excellent standing in Ashtabula and is highly esteemed.


John S. Kemp, an enterprising and practical farmer of Sheffield Township, is a member of one of Ohio's oldest families. He was born on a farm in Sheffield Township Feb. 24, 1859, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Stagg) Kemp.


John Kemp was born at Dorsetshire, England, and his wife was also a native of England. At the age of 21 years he came to this country and located on a farm in Sheffield Township, Ashtabula County. He died in 1909, and his wife died in 1901. He served as Sunday School superintendent for 20 years. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp had four children: Julia A., died in 1922, was the wife of Oscar H. Stevens, and they had two children, Gladys, married Leland Smith, lives at Kellogsville, Ohio; and Leroy H., deceased; Mrs. Mary E. Wakefield, a widow, lives at Akron, Ohio, and she has three children, Lucius Fisk, Grace Burton, and Helen E. ; John S., the subject of this sketch, has one son, John Wayland; Elizabeth, married E. B. Rogers, lives in Ashtabula, and they have three children, Perry Rogers, deceased, Anna Pearl, employed at the Ashtabula Star-Beacon, and E. Kenneth.

The farm now owned by John S. Kemp was settled in 1817 By Joshua R. Gage, who was the first settler on the south side of the Ashtabula River. He was married to Anna Taft. On Dec. 4, 1900, John S. Kemp was married to Miss Effie A. Hines, a native of Sheffield Township, and the daughter of Francis M. and Fidelia (Carter) Hines. Mr. Hines, who lives with the Kemp family, is now 83 years of age. His wife died in


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 871


1909. To Mr. and Mrs. John S. Kemp one son was born, John Wayland, born Nov. 23, 1901. He is a graduate of Kingsville High School and in 1921 graduated from Ashtabula County Normal School. He is now teaching school at Jefferson, Ohio.


Mr. Kemp is a Republican and has served as township director and constable. He and his family are workers in the Methodist Episcopal Sunday School and Church of Gageville, Ohio. They are well known in their community and have many friends and acquaintances.


Youngs A. Olin is a substantial and enterprising citizen of Saybrook Township. He was born in Ashtabula County, Aug. 5, 1888, and is the son of Almon and Hattie L. (Rose) Olin.


Almon Olin was born at Plymouth, Ohio, his ancestors having come to this country from Wales. His wife was descended from an old Vermont family. Mr. Olin is now living retired at Plymouth, and is 73 years of age.


Youngs A. Olin was reared and educated at Plymouth and worked with his father at the mason's trade until 1905, at which time he entered the employ of the. Ashtabula Hide & Leather Company. Later he went on the lakes, where he remained until 1908. Mr. Olin is nOW a operator on the Ohio-Pennsylvania docks in Ashtabula. Since 1915 he has owned a farm of 34 acres in Saybrook Township, where he lives.


On Dec. 24, 1907, Mr. Olin was married in Ashtabula to Miss Viola M. Large, a daughter of William and Viola Edith (Cooper) Large. Mr. Large was born at Beaver Falls, Pa., Dec. 20, 1851, and died March 7, 1917. His wife was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., Aug. 24, 1858, and died Jan. 23, 1915. They were the parents of the following children: William, married Kittie Fletcher ; Myrtle, married Geo. S. Polley, lives in Cleveland; Mrs. Olin ; Lillian, married E. B. Metcalf, lives in Ashtabula ; Daniel Clarence, lives in Detroit, Mich. ; Royal D., deceased; Anna E., deceased; and Adessa, married James Leonard, lives in Ashtabula. To Mr. and Mrs. Olin six children have been born, as follows : Alson, born July 6, 1909 ; Ruth Viola, born July 8, 1911 ; Wilge, born July 3, 1914, is deceased; Robert Large, born April 27, 1917 ; Dale Henry, born June 29, 1919 ; and Dean Bentley, born April 21, 1924.


Mr. Olin is a Republican, a member of the Disciples Church of Ashtabula, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.


872 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


Miss Lena Woolley, deputy sheriff of Ashtabula County, is a highly esteemed citizen of Jefferson, where she has spent her entire life. She is the daughter of John and Sylvia (Brown) Woolley.


John Woolley, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War and a prominent pioneer of Ashtabula County. He was born in Canada in 1843 and at an early age settled in Ohio. He was a building contractor and died at the age of 65 years. Mr. Woolley served throughout the Civil War with the Second Ohio Cavalry. He was a Mason and Knights Templar of Cache Commandery, Conneaut. His wife was born in Crawford County, Pa., and now lives at Jefferson. Mr. and Mrs. Woolley were married at Geneva, Ohio, in 1867. Their only child was Lena, the subject of this sketch.


Miss Lena Woolley received her education in the schools of Jefferson and after her graduation in 1889 taught music. For a number of years she was the organist in the Methodist Church there. Miss Woolley has been connected with the local court house since 1902 and was among the first women of the state to be appointed deputy sheriff.


In politics Miss Woolley is identified with the Republican party. She is a charter member of the Eastern Star. Miss Woolley is a competent executive and has many friends.


LaRue D. Forman, widely known in Ashtabula County as a successful farmer and stockman, was born at Austinburg, Ohio, April 23, 1882, and is a son of Mathew and Sarah (Calloway) Forman.


Mathew Forman was born at Troy, Ohio, Aug. 26, 1846. His wife was born near Austinburg, Ohio, in 1847. He engaged in general farming and stock raising during his life and met with success. He died Jan. 29, 1915, and his wife died in 1890.


LaRue D. Forman received his education in the district schools of Austinburg and has always been a farmer. He specializes in the breeding of good stock and his farm is among the well improved stock farms of Saybrook Township.


On Jan. 27, 1904, Mr. Forman was married to Miss Evalyn Goodrich, a daughter of William and Mary (Huggins) Goodrich, the former a native of England and the latter born in Rootstown, Ohio. Mr. Goodrich came to this country at the age of ten years. He died in 1919 and his wife, who was born in 1848, died in 1907. They had three children:




PICTURE OF JOHN WOOLEY


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 873


Bertha, deceased ; Eugene, married Carrie Kinney, lives at Austinburg, Ohio ; and Mrs. Forman. To Mr. and Mrs. Forman have been born four children, as follows: Bernice Mary, born Nov. 17, 1906, died in infancy ; Hazel Evelyn at home : Harold LaRue and Marion Bertha, both at home.


Mr. Forman is a member of the Austinburg Congregational Church He is a substantial citizen of Ashtabula County.


Miss Marie Tracy Brown, librarian of the Carnegie Public Library at Conneaut, is among the well known and highly esteemed women of Ashtabula County. She was born in Detroit, Mich., and is the daughter of Joseph V. and Maria W. (Barnes) Brown.


Josiah Brown, the grandfather of Miss Brown, was one of the earliest settlers of Conneaut, having come here from Windsor, Vermont. His home, which was built in 1816, still stands at Conneaut and is the oldest landmark in that vicinity. Mr. BrOWn was one of the early advocates of education and the first school in the township was held in a hollow sycamore tree which he drew up from the Conneaut Creek and set up opposite his home. The school room was small, accommodating but eight, and Mary Baker was the first teacher. Josiah Brown married Miss Elizabeth Flint Venen, a native of Fitchburg, Mass., and they had eight children: Josiah, Mary, Eliza, Joseph, Harvey, Olive, Albert and Ruth, all of whom are now deceased. Joseph V. Brown was born in Conneaut, graduated at Yale University, studied law, and later edited the Lake Superior Journal. In later years he returned to the old homestead and engaged in general farming. To Joseph V. and Maria W. (Barnes) Brown, six children were born as follows : Henry V., now deceased; Elizabeth Strong, Marie Tracy, the subject of this sketch, and Emile Tracy, who teaches music, all living in the Conneaut home ; Catherine Ruth, who married HOWell Cummins, both now deceased ; Joseph Randolph, an artist, living in Boston ; Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Brown are both deceased.


Marie Tracy Brown was educated in the public schools of Conneaut, and at Hillsdale College, Oberlin College and Knox College, and the Library Training School at Chautauqua. After teaching school for a number of years, Miss Brown was appointed librarian of the Carnegie Public Library, on May 3, 1909. A history of the Public Library of Conneaut appears elsewhere in these volumes.


874 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


Capt. T. E. Heagerty, who has been a captain on the Great Lakes for the past 30 years, is among the substantial and highly esteemed citizens of Ashtabula County. He was born at Oswego, N. Y., Dec. 14, 1868, and is the son of Cornelius and Johanna Heagerty.


Cornelius Heagerty was a native of Ireland, born in 1816. He came to this country when he was six years of age and spent the remainder of his life in Oswego, N. Y. He died in 1885 and his wife, who was born in 1836, died in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Heagerty were the parents of the following children : Cornelius, deceased ; John, died in 1920 ; Dan, lives in Oswego, N. Y. ; Catherine, deceased ; Emma Ferrell, lives in Oswego, N. Y.; and Capt. T. E., the subject of this sketch.


Capt. T. E. Heagerty spent his boyhood in Oswego, N. Y., and received his education in the schools there. At the age of 22 years he began working on the lakes and for the past 30 years has been a lake captain. Captain Heagerty is at present in charge of the "Vermont".


On Feb. 6, 1895, Captain Heagerty was married to Miss Kathryn Mahar, a native of Oswego, N. Y., born in 1873, and the daughter of William and Nora (Hennessey) Mahar, both of whom are deceased. To Captain and Mrs. Heagerty has been born two sons : Francis Paul, born in 1898 ; and Ralph Edward, born July 29, 1904.


Captain Heagerty is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is a reliable citizen of his community.


E. E. Griffey, retired business man of Conneaut, has been prominently identified with Ashtabula County for many years. He was born in Pennsylvania, Aug. 16, 1861, and is the son of William and Maria (Baird) Griffey.


William Griffey was a native of Pennsylvania born in 1819. He followed farming during his entire life time and was successful. He died March 5, 1902, and his wife died Dec. 31, 1897. They were the parents of the following children: Louisa, married Moses Brown, both deceased; Alvira, married George Putney, both deceased; Henry, deceased; H. L., deceased ; John J., lives at Springfield, Pa. ;

E. E., the subject of this sketch ; Ida, married Frank Huntley, both deceased, and Morton B., deceased.


E. E. Griffey was reared and educated in Pennsylvania. He owned and operated a cheese factory at Springfield, Pa., for three years after


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 875


which he moved to a farm near Clarks Corner, Ashtabula County, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising for 17 years. On April 1, 1902, Mr. Griffey removed to Conneaut where he engaged in the dairy business until the time of his retirement. He lives at 169 Liberty Street.


On Dec. 21, 1881, Mr. Griffey was married to Miss Clara Lyntz, a native of Pennsylvania, born Oct. 9, 1862, and a daughter of William and Lucy (Taylor) Lyntz, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Mr. Lyntz died May 22, 1919, and his wife died June 10, 1895. They were the parents of two children: Mrs. Griffey, and Frederick, a farmer lives near Springfield, Pa. To E. E. and Clara (Lyntz) Griffey the following children were born: William, born July 18, 1883, died Jan. 11, 1915; Nellie, born Feb. 5, 1888, died Oct. 2, 1918; Myra, born in 1893 and married on June 28, 1917, to Jay C. Keidel, secretary of the Conneaut Chamber of Commerce; Doris, who teaches French in Conneaut High School; and Merle, a student at Athens, Ohio. There are four grandchildren: Carolyn Jean and Catheryn Jane, twins ; and Keith and Kenneth Keidel.


Mr. Griffey and his family are members of the Methodist Church and are highly esteemed citizens of Ashtabula County.


L. D. Whitwood, a well known veterinary surgeon, living at Jefferson, was born at Canisteo, N. Y., Oct. 10, 1879, and is the son of Hendrick and Martha (Dawson) Whitwood.


Hendrick Whitwood was a native of New York, born in 1837. He was a blacksmith and wagon maker by trade and died at Canisteo in 1917. His wife died in 1922. They were the parents of six children.


L. D. Whitwood was reared and educated in New York and a number of years ago settled at Jefferson where he has since practiced his profession of veterinary surgeon.


On April 12, 1901, Mr. Whitwood was married to Miss Jessie Snow of Whitesville, N. Y., and the daughter of Warren B. and Sarah (Van Brunt) Snow, both deceased. Mr. SnOW died Sept. 18, 1902, and his wife died Jan. 20, 1921. To Mrs. and Mrs. Whitwood a daughter has been born, Lorena Adelaide, who was born June 10, 1909.


Mr. Whitwood is a Democrat and belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a public spirited citizen and holds the high regard of all who know him.


876 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


W. C. Paine, owner and proprietor of the Hillcrest Poultry Farm, ranks among the substantial citizens of Ashtabula County. He was born at Austinburg, Ohio, July 28, 1875, and is the son of Charles and Louise (Gary) Paine.


Charles Paine was a native of Ashtabula County and the son of Capt. John L. Paine, who sailed the Great Lakes for 32 years. His son, Charles, was a blacksmith by trade and spent the greater part of his life at Ashtabula. Mr. and Mrs. Paine, now deceased, were the parents of the following children: Jennie, married John Scoville, lives in Ashtabula ; W. C., the subject of this sketch ; Charles, married Anna Knowles, lives at Geneva, Ohio ; Carl, deceased ; and Arthur, lives at Jefferson.


W. C. Paine attended the schools of Geneva and Saybrook and began life as a farmer in Geneva Township. Later he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for six years as a car repairer, and in 1908 purchased the Snow farm in Ashtabula Township, where he now lives. In 1912 Mr. Paine became interested in the poultry business and now operates one of the largest chicken farms in the county. At the present time he has 1,500 white Leghorn chickens. He markets his products at Ashtabula.


In November, 1894, Mr. Paine was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Hewitt, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and a daughter of David and Rebecca (Kistner) Hewitt. To Mr. and Mrs. Paine three children have been born: Clarence, who died at the age of 15 years ; Agnes, married E. Loomis, lives at Columbus, Ohio, and they have one son, William Erwin, born March 8, 1924 ; and Thelma, at home.


Mr. Paine is a Republican and has been a member of the school board for three years. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he and his family are members of the Church of Christ. They are well and favorably known in Ashtabula.


C. W. Pelton, retired, is a veteran of the Civil War and a substantial and highly esteemed citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in June, 1847, and is a son of Winthrop F. and Saphronia C. (Beer) Pelton.


Winthrop F. Pelton was a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, born June 30, 1818, the son of Julius Pelton, who settled in Trumbull County in 1801. Winthrop F. Pelton was an early settler of Ohio and a well known dairy farmer of Trumbull County. He served throughout the




PICTURES OF MRS. AMANDA J. PAINE & W. C. PAINE


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 877


Civil War with the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. He died March 1, 1893, and his wife died Feb. 21, 1900. They were the parents of the following children: C. W., the subject of this sketch ; C. B., born April 18, 1849, deceased ; Judd, born July 17, 1852, died Dec. 29, 1921 ; A. W., lives in Conneaut ; Elsworth, born March 28, 1861, deceased; and John, born Sept. 2, 1862, deceased.


C. W. Pelton was reared and educated in Ohio and after completing a course at Oberlin Business College engaged in the mercantile business at Painesvile, Ohio, later going to Cleveland. In 1880 he removed to Conneaut where he engaged in business until 1898, at which time he retired. Mr. Pelton served throughout the Civil War in Company D, Second Ohio Volunteer Cavalry.


On March 26, 1870, Mr. Pelton was married to Miss Caroline Gifford, a native of Monroe Township, Ashtabula County, now deceased. To this union two children were born: Barbara B., born Nov. 23, 1872, married D. A. Klumph, lives at Grand Rapids, Mich. ; and Julius S., born Nov. 3, 1878, who was in the secret service of the government during the World War and was last heard of in France. On Jan. 5, 1881, Mr. Pelton was married to Miss Rhoda Boughton, a native of Kingsvile, Ohio, born Feb. 26, 1853, and the daughter of S. A. and Charlotte (Bushnell) Boughton, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio. Sedgwich Bushnell, a relative of Mrs. Pelton, was among the earliest settlers of Ohio, having come here from Vermont in 1816. He married Miss Rhoda Swain also a native of Vermont. S. A. Boughton settled at Kingsville, Ohio, in the early forties and owned a woolen mill there. He was the first station agent at Kingsville, on the New York Central Railroad. He died in 1895 and his wife died in 1880. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Pelton ; Cora, the widow of Judge Harvey Keeler, lives in Cleveland; Sidney, lives in California ; and Esther and John, deceased.


To C. W. and Rhoda (Boughton) Pelton two children were born: Albert G., born Oct. 4, 1881, lives at South Bend, Ind. ; and Charlotte I., born March 28, 1883, married Walter D. Gilliand, lives in Cleveland. Mr. Pelton has four grand children : Richard, Rhoda and Charlotte Klumph ; and Florence Pelton.


Mr. Pelton is a Republican, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and Commander of Custer Post, No. 9, G. A. R. Mr. Pelton was formerly a member of the Methodist Church, but is now a member of the Assembly of God's Church. He was ordained an elder of the latter church in 1906.


878 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


James Grant Laird was born in Forfor, Forforshire, Scotland, in 1843. He was apprenticed at the age of 15 years to learn the ship carpenter's trade. After four years as an apprentice he sailed on trading vessels three years along the coast of China. About the time of our Civil War he was sailing as ship's carpenter with a boat carrying British troops to India, sailing around Cape Horn instead of through the Mediterranean sea.


In 1866 James Grant Laird married Margaret Miller, a Forfor girl. From the time of his marriage until coming to the United States he worked at his trade in the shipyards of Glasglow, Scotland. After seven years in Brooklyn, N. Y., in order to provide better conditions for their children, Mr. and Mrs. Laird came to Jefferson, Ohio, and settled upon a farm. After seven more years Mr. Laird went into business for himself at Ashtabula Harbor, building many small boats in the 30 years that followed of active business if e. He was a public spirited citizen and with his family belonged to the Second Congregational Church.


The following children came to this home: Mrs. Bert Gary, Ashtabula Harbor; Mrs. George Gary, South Ridge, Ashtabula ; Frank and John, owners of the J. G. Laird Lumber Company, which developed from the shipbuilding business into a line of yards which covers the lake territory between Cleveland and Ashtabula ; Sara Laird, teacher of English in the University of Kansas ; and Helen, a teacher of botany in Chicago.


James Grant Laird died in 1916 and his wife, Margaret, in 1922.


Frank R. Cook, who has been connected with the mail service at Jefferson for the past 16 years, is among Ashtabula County's substantial citizens. He was born at Hartsgrove, Ashtabula County, Feb. 10, 1874, and is a son of Abraham S. and Delila (Keech) Cook.


Abraham S. Cook, also a native of Hartsgrove, was born April 2, 1846, and died April 17, 1904. He followed farming during his entire life. His wife was born at Walworth, N. Y., Oct. 4, 1846. At an early age she came to Ohio with her parents and lived in Geauga County, and in 1890 removed to Lake County, Ohio. Mrs. Cook now lives in Jefferson with her son. Mr. and Mrs. Cook had four children as follows: Elmer E., lives at Plymouth, Ohio ; May, died in 1922 ; Lydia Ann, deceased ; and Frank R., the subject of this sketch.


Frank R. Cook spent his boyhood at Hartsgrove. At the age of fifteen he suffered a fall and has since been crippled. For a number of


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 879


years Mr. Cook was unable to engage in any work, and his first position was as a substitute on a milk route at Painesville, Ohio. After substituting on the mail service at Jefferson for two years, he was appointed a rural carrier, in which capacity he has since served.


Politically Mr. Cook is a Republican. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and is unmarried.


B. S. Bliss was born in New York City, July 10, 1852, the son of James S. Bliss, deceased. There were two children in the Bliss family, as follows : Gordon William, deceased ; and B. S., the subject of this sketch.


B. S. Bliss was educated in the public schools and began life railroading in 1880 at Pittsburgh, Pa. The following year he came to Ashtabula and entered the employ of the P. Y. & A. Railroad, which is now known as the Pittsburgh Railroad. He lives at 123 Walnut Street.


Mr. Bliss was married to Miss Josephine Thayer, the daughter of Capt. C. A. and Hannah Thayer, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Bliss died Aug. 23, 1889, leaving three children, as follows: Richard, married Edith March, deceased, and they had two children, B. S. and Richard; Cora M., lives with her father ; and T. H., married, lives in Oregon and they have two children, Bliss and James.


Politically Mr. Bliss is a Republican. He is a member of the Episcopal Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge.


Earl E. Benjamin, who is engaged in the garage business at Jefferson, is a native of Ashtabula County. He was born at Pierpont, Aug. 19, 1887, and is the son of F. W. and Lettie (Wortman) Benjamin.


F. W. Benjamin, a native of Ashtabula County, was born near Jefferson, Aug. 26, 1850. During the early part of his life he owned and operated a saw mill and lumber business at Pierpont, Ohio, and for the past 25 years has owned a machine shop in Jefferson, Ohio. In 1873 Mr. Benjamin was married to Miss Lettie Wortman, also a native of Ashtabula County, who died Feb. 22, 1920, at the age of 56 years. They were the parents of seven children, as follows : Floyd, lives at Warren, Ohio ; F. J., L. C., and C. W., all residents of Jefferson ; Earl E., the subject of this sketch ; C. L., lives in Cleveland ; and Mrs. Nellie Harris, lives at Jefferson, Ohio.


880 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


At the age of nine years Earl E. Benjamin came to Jefferson with his parents. After completing his schooling he learned the mechanics trade and in 1920 purchased his brother's automobile repair shop on Wall Street. This is known as the Buckeye Garage, and Mr. Benjamin ranks among the leading automobile mechanics of that section.


On June 27, 1913, Mr. Benjamin was united in marriage with Miss Alice Wortman, a native of Cortland, Ohio, and to this union three children have been born: Elma, born in August, 1914 ; Vesta, born in October, 1917 ; and Delmer, born in March, 1922.


Mr. Benjamin is a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.


George Darling ranks among the substantial business men of Ashtabula. He is a native of Ohio, born at Garrettsville, Oct. 15, 1876, and the son of Lafayette and Lydia (Shedy) Darling.


Lafayette Darling was born at Chardon, Ohio, and spent most of his life there. He was a brick mason. His wife, a native of Warren, Pa., died in 1921, three years following the death of her husband. They had two children: Minnie, married Clifford McBride, lives at Chardon, Ohio; and George, the subject of this sketch.


George Darling attended the public schools of Hiram, Ohio, and learned the trade of plumber in Cleveland. In 1904 he removed to Ashtabula, where he worked at his trade until 1919, at which time he opened his own place of business at 18 Center Street, where he was located until Feb. 1, 1924, when he moved to his new location at No. 19 Center Street. He handles some of the extensive plumbing contracts of this section. He did the plumbing in the Moose building which is the largest in Ashtabula. He also has the plumbing contract for the new telephone building. Mr. Darling employs about seven men the year around. Mr. Darling has fitted up a very fine shop and it is regarded as one of the attractive shops of the city.


In 1897 Mr. Darling was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Grace Long, a native of Middlefield, Ohio, and the daughter of Andrew and Lydia (Moore) Long, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Mr. Long was a farmer and died in 1912. His wife died in 1918. They had two children: Ernest and Mrs. Darling. To Mr. and Mrs. Darling one daughter has been born, Haisel, who lives at home.




PICTURE OF GEORGE DARLING


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 881


In politics Mr. Darling is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Indepedent Order of Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. Mr. Darling is a reliable citizen and merits the esteem in which he is held in the community.


Dr. William C. Storch, government veterinary surgeon of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Geauga Counties, is a highly respected citizen of the community in which he lives. He was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, Oct. 17, 1891, and is a son of Charles L. and Anna (Dreidame) Storch.


Charles L. Storch is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born in 1870. He has spent his entire life there and is a prominent interior decorator. His wife, also a native of Cincinnati, died at the age of 25 years, when their son Dr. William C., was but two years of age.


Dr. William C. Storch attended the public schools of Cincinnati and after being graduated from Woodward High School, entered Cincinnati College, from which he received his degree in 1915. He immediately came to Jefferson, where he practiced his profession as veterinary surgeon until 1918, at which time he received his government appointment.


On July 29, 1916, Dr. Storch was united in marriage with Miss Florence Bailey, a native of Jefferson, and a daughter of R. R. and Kate (Schufelt) Bailey, residents of Jefferson. Dr. and Mrs. Storch have no children.


Dr. Storch belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and Mrs. Storch is a member of the Congregational church. They are well known and have many friends throughout Ashtabula County.


W. J. Roberts, station agent at Dorset, is a well known and substantial citizen of Ashtabula County.

He was born in England, Dec. 13, 1861, and is the son of J. W. and Ann Roberts.


J. W. Roberts and his wife were natives of England and in 1865 came to this country and settled in Trumbull County, Ohio, where he engaged in coal mining. He died at the age of 66 years and his wife died at the age of 76 years. They were the parents of six children: Lizzie, deceased; W. J., the subject of this sketch ; Anna, Gallitin, Pa.; Harriet, New Castle, Pa.; Emma, San Francisco, Calif., and John, Pittsburgh, Pa.


882 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


W. J. Roberts attended the schools of Brookfield, Ohio and in 1884 attended business college at New Lyme, Ohio. In 1890 he studied telegraphy and four years later became station agent for the New York Central Railroad at Williamsfield, Ohio. Since 1896 he has served in that capacity for the same company at Dorset.


In 1892 Mr. Roberts was united in marriage at Youngstown, Ohio with Miss Anna Williams, of Brookfield, Ohio. They have two children: Edith Carter, a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, who was married in November, 1923 ; and Anna, now a student at Lake Erie College.


Mr. Roberts is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and belongs to the Masonic lodge. He is widely known in Ashtabula County and has well earned the respect and esteem of his many friends.


Horace J. Chapman, who now lives retired at Austinburg, is a substantial and widely known citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born in that town Sept. 24, 1851, and is a son of Joseph and Rhoda (Chappel) Chapman.


Joseph Chapman and his wife were natives of England. At the age of 21 years he came to this country and settled at Austinburg, but a short time later returned to New York. Later, however, Mr. Chapman again located at Austinburg and purchased a farm. He died in 1903 at the age of 96 years. His wife is also deceased. Four children were born to Joseph and Rhoda (Chappel) Chapman: Edward, who died while in service during the Civil War; Horace J., the subject of this sketch ; Eliza, the widow of Vander Potter, lives in Wenatchee, Wash. ; and Nelson, deceased.


Before he came from England Joseph Chapman was married to Eliza Bolton, she died while still in England, but left him two boys, Robert and George. He came to this country and left the boys in England for a few years. Three brothers came over here also ; they were Thomas, William and Bnjamin. They all settled in Austinburg Township. The boys, Ribert and George, came over when they were 10 and 12 and joined their father. In the meantime he had married Rhoda Chappel. Robert Chapman died when he was a young man. George married Louise Parmer, both deceased; their children were Allen W., Guy., Austinburg Township and Nina, now Mrs. Cedoz, Austinburg. Allan lives in Geneva and is a music teacher.


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 883


Horace J. Chapman received his education in the schools of Austinburg having attended the Grand River Institute, the superintendent being Jacob Tuckerman, a very noted professor ; and when a young man became interested in the milling business there. For 25 years he owned and operated a large mill, which he sold several years ago. Mr. Chapman now lives on Grand River Street. Since his retirement from the milling business he has been interested in the building business.


March 26, 1879, Mr. Chapman was married to Miss Eliza J. Saigeon, a native of Canada, born in 1860, and a daughter of David and Anna (Bower) Saigeon, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Chapman have been born three children : Mrs. Bertha E. Stiles, graduate of Geneva, Ohio, lives at Ashtabula, where she is a teacher ; Herbert Kenneth married Mary Harrison of Chicago, and lives in Carbondale, Ill.; and Frank Ward, with the Wooster Feed Mill Company, lives in Ashtabula. He married Elmira Rintala of Ashtabula. Herbert Kenneth Chapman spent two and one-half years in Germany, having gone there with an invalid and while there, studied that language. He returned to the United States and for 14 years has been a representative of the Hibbart, Spencer and Martlett Hardware Company of Chicago, Ill.


Mr. Chapman is a Republican and has served as trustee of Grand River Institute. He and the other members of the family are members of the Methodist church, except Mrs. Chapman who is a member of the Congregational church.


The Chapman family's 50th annual reunion will be held this year, June, at the home of Horace T. Chapman, Austinburg. Mrs. Thomas Chapman of Geneva has been to everyone of the 49 reunions and expects if able to come to the 50th.


Maynard E. Miller, retired, has been a substantial and well known farmer of New Lyme Township for many years. He was born at New Lyme, June 10, 1863, and is the son of Joseph (Jr.) and Elmina (Burr) Miller.


Joseph Miller Jr., was born Jan. 11, 1820, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Huntley) Miller, who were among the first white settlers who came from Lyme, Conn. to what is now New Lyme Township in June, 1811. His wife was the daughter of Austin. Burr, another pioneer of Ashtabula County. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Miller Jr., the following children were


884 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


born: Austin B., Mina, Harland Joseph, and Maynard E., the subject of this sketch.


Maynard E. Miller attended the district schools of Dodgeville, in New Lyme Township, and was a student at New Lyme Institute for five years, after which he studied agriculture at Ohio State University. He also attended Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Mich., and Kansas State Normal School, at Emporia, Kan. Mr. Miller owns and operates 179 acres of good farm land, although he is living practically retired.


On March 6, 1889, he was married to Mary C. Laird, daughter of Orris P. and Betsey (Atwood) Laird of Mesopotamia, Trumbull County, Ohio. Their children are: Paul Laird, Orris Joseph, Wayne Everett, Bessie Imilda, Mina Margaret and Wayland Wells.


Mr. Miller is a Republican and has served as secretary of New Lyme Institute for twenty years, a member of the local school board for several years and also as justice of the peace. He is affiliated with the Masonic lodge and is a highly esteemed member of his community.


Alfred Carlson, well known business man and substantial citizen of Ashtabula Harbor, where he has been engaged in the grocery business for 22 years, was born in Sweden, Jan. 4, 1866. He is the son of Carl Johnson and Katherine Carlson.


Carl Johnson Carlson was a native of Sweden, where he spent his entire life. He was born April 5, 1836, and is now deceased. His wife was born Nov. 5, 1841, and resides in Sweden. They were the parents of seven children, as follows : Alfred, the subject of this sketch ; John, lives in Sweden; Patrick, lives in Ashtabula, where he has been an engineer on the docks for 30 years ; Otto, lives at Geneva, Ohio; Bettie, married Albin Anderson, lives at Portland, Ore.; Alma, married Alfred Anderson, lives in Sweden ; and Freida, married Gus Ekstrom, lives at Portland, Ore. Mr. Ekstrom was killed in a railroad accident in 1923.


Alfred Carlson was reared and educated in his native land and in 1888 came to the United States and located in Ashtabula. During his many years of business at 118 Oak Street, Mr. Carlson has handled a high grade line of products and he ranks among the leading merchants at the Harbor.

On April 4, 1899, Mr. Carlson was united in marriage with Miss Albertina Benson, a native of Sweden and the daughter of Bjata and




PICTURE OF ALFRED CARLSON


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 885


Anna Johanson, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Carlson two children have been born: Otto Albin, born May 27, 1904, a graduate of Ashtabula Harbor High School ; and Emil Gottfred, born Aug. 16, 1906, a high school student.


Mr. Carlson and his family are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church of Ashtabula Harbor. Mrs. Carlson has lived in this country since she was 21 years of age.


Emmett A. Graham, who lives at Dorset, is a prominent and substantial citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born in Plymouth Township, Ashtabula County, Aug. 16, 1864, and is a son of Joseph H. and Helen (Harper) Graham.


Joseph H. Graham was born on a farm in Plymouth Township, Ashtabula County, where he engaged in farming for many years. He later went to Iowa for a short time. After returning to Ashtabula County he settled on a farm near Lenox, where he died in 1891. Mr. Graham was a Civil War veteran. To Mr. and Mrs. Graham the following children were born : John, deceased; Carrie Akins, deceased ; Edward E., lives in Dorset Township ; Lewis, deceased ; Mrs. Minnie Hammon, lives at Newton Falls, Ohio ; Mertie Gallup, lives at Ashtabula ; Clayton, deceased; Miss Nellie Graham, deceased ; and Emmett A., the subject of this sketch.


Emmett A. Graham attended the district schools of Lenox Township and was also a student at Jefferson. At the age of 21 years he engaged in threshing at the latter place, where he owned a farm of 131 acres. Since 1922 Mr. Graham has served as manager of the collection department of the Dorset Telephone Company.


On Aug. 16, 1885, Mr. Graham was married to Miss Hattie M. Moses, a native of Dorset, and to this union nine children have been born, as follows: Alta and Edward, both deceased; Mrs. Elva Bolte, lives at Dorset ; Mrs. Mabel Shinenen, lives in Dorset Township ; Mrs. Mary Bolte, lives in Dorset Township ; Robert Henry, lives in Cleveland; Miss Nell, a graduate of Oberlin College ; Harry, lives at New Philadelphia, Ohio ; and Alma, who is employed in the county treasurer's office at Jefferson.


Mr. Graham and his family are members of the Episcopal church of Plymouth, Ohio. He has held many township offices, has served as Township Trustee and as member of the school board. The Graham family has an extensive acquaintance in Ashtabula County and stands high in their community.


886 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


Andrew Cheney Tinker, general manager of the Liberty Specialty Company, is among the successful business men of Conneaut. He was born there Oct. 5, 1876, and is a son of Austin and Ella R. (Cheney) Tinker.


Austin Tinker, son of Sylvester and Orthie Jane, was born in Conneaut Township and was a member of a pioneer family of Ashtabula County. He engaged in the lumber business in Pine Run, Mich., and later cleared timber from the present site of the city of Toledo, Ohio, known as Jeruselem. He died in 1883. Tinker Hollow near Conneaut, was named after the early settlers of the Tinker family, where a thriving manufacturing business was conducted in the early days, the products being the Tinker mowing machine, horse power sweep for cutting wood and other farm machinery and parts. Mrs. Tinker died July 25, 1915. Andrew, the subject of this sketch, was their only child.


Andrew Cheney Tinker has always lived in Conneaut. While a student he learned the electrical trade by correspondence and was later in the employ of the local light and telephone companies for several years, working his way up through the several positions to manager of the Bell Telephone Company at Conneaut, Ohio, until unified service took place. He later engaged in the lumber business, buying small tracts of timber, which he sawed and shipped to nearby points. Since 1916, Mr. Tinker has been associated with the Liberty Specialty Company of Conneaut, heating specialists.


On Oct. 5, 1903, Mr. Tinker was married to Miss Dora May Grant, a native of Cambridge, Ohio, and the daughter of John R. and Sadie (Orr) Grant, the former a native of Baltimore, Md., and the latter of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Grant, who reside with the Tinker family, are the parents of the following children : John R., Jr., Struthers, Ohio, with Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company ; Mrs. Tinker ; Maud L., married W. H. Davis, Jr., superintendent of electrical and mechanical equipment, Cambridge Colleries Company, Cambridge, Ohio, main offices, Cleveland ; Sanford, with United States Steel Company, lives at Cambridge, Ohio ; and Myrtle, married Charles Brand, a groceryman of Byesville, Ohio ; Mr. and Mrs. Tinker have a son, Austin Grant, born April 11, 1906, who graduated from Conneaut High School in June, 1924.


Mr. Tinker is identified with the Masonic and Elks lodges and director Kiwanis Club, International, of Conneaut. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen of Ashtabula County.


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 887


Jacob Helberg is a progressive citizen of Conneaut. He was born in Finland, Aug. 2, 1888, and is a son of Jacob and Susan (Poovi) Heiberg, natives of Finland. Mrs. Helberg died in 1916. There were two children in the Helberg family: Matt, who died in 1907, and Jacob, the subject of this sketch.


Jacob Helberg was reared and educated in Finland and in 1899 came to the United States and located at Conneaut. Since 1913 he has been engaged in business with Jacob Maenpaa, under the firm name of the Conneaut Bottling Works. Mr. Helberg owns other city property besides his residence.


On Sept. 22, 1910, Mr. Helberg was married to Miss Emma Hybba, a native of Finland. Mr. and Mrs. Heiberg have two children: Toivo and Onni, students.


Mr. Helberg is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.


Ralph H. Pitcher, who is successfully engaged in the jewelry business at Conneaut, was born there in 1885, and is the son of Harvey and Jennie (Press) Pitcher.


Harvey Pitcher was among the pioneer business men of Conneaut, being a photographer there for many years. He died in 1907. His wife was born in Gowanda, N. Y. She now lives at Conneaut, Ohio. There were three children in the Pitcher family: James, lives in Cleveland; Ralph H., the subject of this sketch; and Margaret, who died at the age of six years.


Ralph H. Pitcher received his education in the public schools of Conneaut and has been engaged in the jewelry business since 1900. In 1910 he formed a partnership with Charles Griffith, and in 1917 purchased Mr. Griffith's interest in the business. Mr. Pitcher has an up to date place of business and has a complete stock of jewelry, silverware, clocks, etc.


In 1911 Mr. Pitcher was married to Miss Agnes Cowle, a native of LeRoy, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Mary (Wilson) Cowie, natives of Ohio, and now living in Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. and Mrs. Cowle were the parents of four children: Paul, lives in Chicago ; Mrs. Pitcher ; and Harland and Wayland, twins, both deceased.


The American Legion Post in Conneaut is named in honor of the Cowle twins who both died in service during the World War. Harland


888 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY


served throughout the war with the air forces as First Lieutenant and saw active service in France as a flier. He died while on his return to this country, Dec. 18, 1918, and is buried in Conneaut.


Wayland Cowle enlisted with the Engineer Corps and was commissioned second lieutenant. After serving overseas, owing to disability, he was ordered home, where he died in October, 1919. He also is buried in Conneaut.


Mr. Pitcher and his wife are members of the Congregational Church and are well and favorably known in Ashtabula County.


Austin A. Harmon, who is successfully engaged in dairy farming near Ashtabula, was born near Lake Shore Park on Lake Road, Feb. 27, 1859, and is the son of Gilbert and Mary (Woodard) Harmon.


Gilbert Harmon was born on the farm where his son was, in Ashtabula County, the son of Aaron Harmon, who was one of Ohio's earliest settlers. Gilbert Harmon followed general farming for a number of years and after his retirement from the farm entered the dairy business. He was the first dairyman at Ashtabula Harbor and established his business there in 1878. He died on his son's farm after being thrown from a wagon. Mr. Harmon's death occurred in 1900 and his wife died three years previous. They were the parents of the following children : Jay, killed at the age of eight years ; Webb, born in 1856, married Julia Randall of Ashtabula, and died in November, 1921; Charles, died in infancy ; Austin A., the subject of this sketch ; Edith, married Fred Crozier, lives in Ashtabula ; and Judson, married Jessie Beckwith, who died Jan. 3, 1924.


Austin A. Harmon received his education in the district schools of Ashtabula Township and attended school for two terms at Austinburg. He farmed the home place until he was 21 years of age. At the death of John Castle, Mr. and Mrs. Austin A. Harmon became heir to his farm of 125 acres located in Ashtabula Township ; they now own the farm, which is operated by Jay Harmon, their son. The Harmon residence is located on Gregory Avenue, Ashtabula.


In 1881 Mr. Harmon was united in marriage with Miss Clara Castle, who was born on the present Harmon farm. She is the daughter of John and Orpha (Barber) Castle, early settlers of Ashtabula County. Mrs. Castle remembered seeing the first New York Central Railroad




PICTURE OF AUSTIN A. HARMON


HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 889


train pass through Ashtabula and also the first airplane that passed through Ashtabula. There were three children in the Castle family, as follows : Frank, Fred, and Mrs. Harmon. To Austin A. and Clara (Castle) Harmon six children have been born, as follows : Orpha, married Karl Schmidt, and she died March 22, 1920, leaving three children, Mildred and Robert and Charlotte ; Edith, married Clyde Davis, and they had three children, Winifred, Donald, deceased, and Jean ; Edna, married E. N. Luce, and they have two children, Herbert and Richard ; one child of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Harmon died in infancy ; Jay, married Marie Bowdler, and they have one child, Mary ; and Clara, married Phillip Smith, and she died in 1918.


Politically, Mr. Harmon is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Harmon is a man of industry and ability who has made a success of his work.


Leonard A. Paduano is a progressive and enterprising merchant of Conneaut. He was born in Italy, June 5, 1885, and is the son of Joseph and Theresa (Venditti) Paduano, who came to this country and remained four years, after which they returned to their native land. Mr. Paduano died in 1917, and his wife died in 1913. They were the parents of three children: Leonard, the subject of this sketch ; Antonietta, married Paul Cappuccilli, lives at Syracuse, N. Y.; and Nunziata, died and left three children: Antoinetta, Rose and Anthony, all live in Cleveland, Ohio.


Leonard A. Paduano came to America in 1901 and located in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was employed four years, later removing to Conneaut. After being in the employ of the Nickel Plate Railroad for a number of years, he opened a general store in Conneaut in May, 1922. Mr. Paduano also has a gasoline station in connection with his store and has built up quite an extensive trade.


On May 22, 1905, Mr. Paduano was married to Miss Mary Incaronata Iorio, who was born in Italy, Oct. 14, 1885, the daughter of Frank and Magdelina Iorio, natives of Italy. Mr. Iorio died in 1914 and his wife resides in Italy. Mrs. Paduano was their only child. To Mr. and Mrs. Paduano have been born four children: Nunziata, Gerald, Theresa and Magdelina.


Mr. Paduano is a Republican and he and his family are members of the Catholic Church.


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Jacob Maenpaa, a substantial citizen of Conneaut, was born in Finland, April 18, 1886, and is the son of John and Sophia (Talvitia) Maenpaa. Mr. and Mrs. Maenpaa, residents of Finland, are the parents of the following children: John ; Jacob, the subject of this sketch, Mary, Matt, Sophia, Susie and Frankaili.


Jacob Maenpaa came to the United States in 1909 and settled at Conneaut and was employed at the docks there. On Jan. 14, 1913, he engaged in business for himself and this enterprise is known as the Conneaut Bottling Works.


In October, 1913, Mr. Maenpaa was married to Miss Limpi Hautala, the daughter of Thomas and Louisa Hautala, natives of Finland. To Mr. and Mrs. Maenpaa three children have been born: Viljo, Fannie and Toivo.


Mr. Maenpaa and his family are members of the Lutheran Church.


Clyde E. Smith, who operates the Smith Cash Groceries of Conneaut, is a veteran of the World War, and ranks among Ashtabula County's successful and representative young business men. He was born in Conneaut, in 1891, and is the son of Henry and Hattie (Ellis) Smith.


Henry Smith, a native of Ashtabula, came to Conneaut when he was 18 years of age and engaged in the grocery business. For a number of years he was a partner of Mr. Neil, and the firm was known as Smith & Neil. Mr. Smith is one of the pioneer merchants of the city and now operates a chain of cash groceries with his son. There are six children in the Smith family : Florence, a bookkeeper in her father's stores ; W. H., lives at Canton, Ohio ; Grace, married E. L. Masher, engaged in business with Mr. Smith ; Clyde E., the subject of this sketch; Howard, was killed in a railroad accident ; and Raymond, manager of one of the stores.


Clyde E. Smith received his education in the public schools of Con- neat and spent three years in the West before entering business with his father. He served throughout the World War and was overseas 11 months. Mr. Smith has been in business with his father eight years and is well known in the community. The Smith stores are located at 213-215 Broad Street, 367 Harbor Street, and 666 East Main Street. This concern does a strictly cash business and during the year 1924 plans to pass the million dollar business mark.


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On Sept. 23, 1916, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Pearl King, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., and the daughter of James and Emma (Dixon) King. Mr. and Mrs. King, who now reside at Conneaut, have the following children: Mrs. Smith; Bessie, married Charles Locus, lives at Woodlawn, Pa.; Mark, lives at Conneaut ; Robert, lives at Conneaut; Howard, lives at Woodlawn, Pa.; Katherine and Algernon, twins; Jack and Margaret, students. To Clyde E. and Pearl (King) Smith has been born one child, Betty, born in December, 1917.


Mr. Smith is a Republican, a member of the Christian Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. Besides his business interests, Mr. Smith is greatly interested in athletics and was coach of the Conneaut High School basket ball team.


Fred Butler is an enterprising and progressive business man of Conneaut Harbor. He was born in Newfoundland, Jan. 21, 1889, and is the son of Alexander and Amelia (Gardner) Butler.


Alexander Butler, who now lives retired in Newfoundland, was a fisherman for more than 32 years. His wife died in 1899. They were the parents of the following children: Israel, lives in Conneaut; Ethel Grace, died at the age of 17 years; Archibald, lives at Iron River, Wis.; Jessie, married Cullen Freeman, lives in Newfoundland; Fred, the subject of this sketch; Mark, lives in Newfoundland; and Julia, married Frank Ryan, lives in Newfoundland.


Fred Butler spent his boyhood in his native land and was educated there. He came to America in 1911 and settled at Conneaut, where he was employed as steward on the Great Lakes for eight years. On Nov. 3, 1919, Mr. Butler opened his present place of business at Conneaut Harbor, where he carries a complete line of general merchandise, men's clothing, and dry goods. He has a large store and an extensive business.


On Jan. 4, 1919, Mr. Butler was married to Miss Sarah Duffett, a native of Newfoundland, and the daughter of John and Mariah (Gardner) Duffett. There were nine children in the Duffett family, as follows: Thomas, lives in Boston, Mass.; Mrs. Butler; Harry, lives in Conneaut; Ella, married Kenneth George, lives in Newfoundland; Edward, lives in Conneaut; Ethel, married George Frampton, lives in Toronto, Canada; Gorman, lives in Conneaut; Alex; and Charles, deceased. Harry and Edward Duffett are veterans of the World War, having served overseas


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throughout the entire war. To Fred and Sarah (Duffett) Butler have been born two children : Frederick, born Sept. 25, 1920 ; and Margaret, born Jan. 15, 1922.


Mr. Butler is a member of the Episcopal Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Knights of Pythias.


Dave W. Steel is among the prominent and successful business men of Ashtabula County. He with his brother, George, owns and operates the Wood Products Company of Jefferson. Mr. Steel is a native of Pennslyvania having been born at Allegheny, in 1880. He is the son of Edward and Anna (Hopkins) Steel.


Edward Steel was born in Ireland and when a young man came to this country, locating at Philadelphia, where he engaged in the commission business. He later removed to Pittsburgh, where he was interested in the oyster business. Mr. Steel served during the Civil War and was taken prisoner. He is a Republican and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Steel lives retired at Pittsburgh and is 88 years of age. His wife died May 27, 1922. Mr. and Mrs. Steel were the parents of the following children: James, lives at Middlefield, Ohio; Jennie, married T. S. McClintock, lives at Pittsburgh, Pa. ; E. T., Jr., lives at Pittsburgh, Pa.; J. B., lives at Norfolk, Va. ;

Dave W., the subject of this sketch ; W. J., engaged in business at Pittsburgh with his brother, E. T., Jr.; George, in business with his brother at Jefferson ; Essie Florence, married Allen Stewart, lives at Mercer, Pa.; and Dorothy, married Alfred Shaeffner, Sharon, Pa.


Dave W. Steel received his education in the public schools of Pittsburgh and his first venture into the business world was in the employ of the Westinghouse Manufacturing Company. He has been engaged in his present line of work since 1903. Mr. Steel operated a basket factory at Rock Creek, Ohio, for three years, and from there removed to Trumbull County, Ohio. His present basket plant at Jefferson has been in operation since 1918 and employs about 40 people.


In 1905 Mr. Steel was married to Miss Agnes M. Brown, a native of Rock Creek, Ohio, born in 1886, and the daughter of N. 0. and M. (Thompson) Brown, residents of Rock Creek and the parents of the following children: Blanche, married Robert Fisher, lives in Youngstown, Ohio ; Brose, lives in Warren ; and Mrs. Steel. Mr. Brown is a Civil War




PICTURE OF DAVE W. STEEL


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veteran and a prominent citizen of Ashtabula County. Mr. and Mrs. Steel have no children.


Mr. Steel is a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church, and belongs to the Masonic and Elks lodges. He has met his present success because of his energy, industry and business foresight.


D. A. Ross, a substantial and well known citizen of Conneaut, was born in Italy, Dec. 15, 1862, and is the son of Carmine and Bambina (Santella) Ross. Mr. Ross died in 1882 and his wife died in 1913. They were the parents of five children: Peter, lives in Italy ; D. A., the subject of this sketch ; Jacque, lives in France ; Perry, lives at Conneaut ; and Lucilla, lives in Italy.


D. A. Ross was reared and educated in France and came to this country in 1894, locating at Ashtabula, Ohio, where he remained five years. He has lived in Conneaut since 1899, and has the foreign steamship agency there.


Mr. Ross was married to Miss Pauline Milana, who was born in Italy in 1872, the daughter of Anthony and Caroline Milana, both deceased. Mrs. Ross died Oct. 31, 1918. There are 10 children in the Ross family : Charles, lives in Conneaut ; Nicholas, who was inducted into service during the World War, and served with Company M, 331st Infantry from Sept. 17, 1917, until Feb. 8, 1919; Elizabeth, deceased; Mary and John, at home; Caroline, married Dr. Earl Maier, lives in Cleveland, Ohio ; Angeline, deceased ; Florence and Joseph, at home. There are two grandchildren, Evelyn and Gloria May Ross.


Mr. Ross and his family are members of the Catholic Church and are favorably known in their community.


C. I. Landis, assistant county superintendent of schools, is among the prominent and influential citizens of Ashtabula County. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, April 25, 1889, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Morris) Landis.


Benjamin Landis was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and came to Ohio with his parents when he was six years of age. They located on a farm in Wayne County. Mr. Landis has always been a farmer and now lives retired at Wooster, Ohio. He is a Republican and a member of the


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Methodist Church. Albert Morris, maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a veteran of the Civil War. C. I. Landis has two sisters : Irma, married Cuyler Heckman, lives in Wayne County, Ohio; and Velma, married Floyd Cornelius, lives in Wayne County.


C. I. Landis received his education in the public schools of Ashland County and is a graduate of Wooster Academy, Kent State College and has done post-graduate work at Columbia University. After serving the schools of Ashland and Wayne counties as a teacher of rural, graded and high schools and later as a superintendent of schools, he came to Ashtabula County as assistant county superintendent of schools in September, 1920.


On June 12, 1913, Mr. Landis was united in marriage with Miss Lottie McClure, a native of Ashland County, Ohio, and a daughter of Lewis and Josephine (Huston) McClure. Before her marriage Mrs. Landis taught school in Ashland County for five years. She has the following sisters: Gladys, married Daniel Snyder, lives in Ashland County, Ohio ; and Lulu, a teacher, lives with her parents.


To C. I. and Lottie (McClure) Landis three children have been born: Waldo, Lyle and Rex. Mrs. Landis' grandfather was also a Civil War veteran.


In politics Mr. Landis is identified with the Republican party and is a member of the Conneaut Kiwanis Club and the Grange. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church and have many friends and acquaintances in Ashtabula County.


Dr. Homer C. Vorhies, a prominent druggist of Conneaut, and owner of the Marine Drug Store, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Sarahsville, Noble County, Ohio, June 20, 1885, and is the son of Dr. Elmer and Minnie (Cooper) Vorhies.


Dr. Elmer Vorhies is among the pioneer medical men of Noble County, and has practiced his profession for many years at Cambridge, Guernsey County, Ohio. His home is at Cambridge, Ohio. Dr. Vorhies is a Republican and has always taken an active interest in politics, having been state senator of 18th and 19th districts for two terms, 1912-1916. He is a member of the Methodist Church and a 32nd degree Mason. His wife, also a native of Ohio, died in October, 1909. Dr. Vorhies has two sons, both of whom are druggist and physician, respectively: Dr. Homer


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C., the subject of this sketch ; and Dr. Clyde L., who is associated in medicine with his father at Cambridge, Ohio.


Dr. Homer C. Vorhies received his education in the public and high schools of Cambridge and was graduated from the pharmacy school of Ohio State University in 1909, where he received the degree of "doctor of pharmacy" after which he engaged in practice at Columbus, Ohio, for two years. He then located in Cleveland with the Standard Drug Company and in 1914 removed to Conneaut, where he has established an excellent business. On Oct. 15, 1923, Dr. Vorhies opened his present drug store at 189 Park Avenue, later removing it to 167 Park Avenue.


On Sept. 25, 1914, Dr. Vorhies was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Mary Perry, a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, born Jan. 22, 1885, and the daughter of Sylvester and Ella (Frame) Perry, natives of Ohio. Mr. Perry died in 1916 and his wife resides in Brooklyn, N. Y. To Dr. and Mrs. Vorhies two children have been born: Beatrice Estella, born Nov. 1, 1916; and Ralph Ellsworth, born June 12, 1918.


Dr. and Mrs. Vorhies are members of the Methodist Church and he belongs to the Masonic Lodge. He is a Republican. Dr. Vorhies is widely known as an able druggist and a citizen of high standards.


John Dibs, a prominent merchant of Conneaut, and a well known and substantial citizen of Ashtabula County, was born in Syria, Dec. 10, 1871, and is the son of Busumara El Dibs and Toge (Fysil) Dibs.


Busamara E. Dibs followed farming during his life and through his influence brought missionary schools to the town, he being the mayor most of his life. He died in 1916 and his wife died in 1922. They were the parents of the following children: Doybis, lives at Conneaut; Simon deceased in Brazil; Monsonr, a physician now deceased; John, the subject of this sketch ; Yide, lives in Syria ; Shickralla, lives in Syria ; Shakir, lives in Brazil ; Julia, married Daniel Joseph, lives at Kent, Ohio; Assad, deceased; and one child died in infancy.


John Dibs spent his boyhood in Syria and attended the schools there. In 1892 he came to the United States and settled at Fishkill, N. Y., where he was employed in a brickyard for four months, at $1.00 per day. He later lived at Elmira, N. Y., Cleveland, Ohio, Akron, Youngstown and Ashtabula, Ohio. In 1908 Mr. Dibs came to Conneaut where he established his present business. He is a dealer in cigars and tobacco also


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carrying a complete line of men's furnishings. He owns his place of business in Park Avenue, which he sold in 1919 and moved to Milford, Mass., where he lived for three years, but returned to Conneaut in 1922.


On Jan. 20, 1901, Mr. Dibs was married to Miss Ceclia Jalylati, a native of Syria, and a daughter of Habib and Mary Jalylati, the former of whom is deceased. There are four children in the Jalylati family, as follows: Mrs. Dibs ; Abraham, lives in Cleveland ; Shaphika, married Nicholas Birak, lives in Syria ; and Phoebe, married K. S. Karan ; lives at Youngstown, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Dibs have been born two children: Adele, born Oct. 26, 1901, a graduate of Milford, Mass., High School and attended Boston Business College, now in the employ of her father at Conneaut ; and Edward, born Oct. 27, 1903, who spent three years in high school, also in business with his father. Both children were born at Ashtabula, Ohio.


Mr. Dibs and his family are members of the Episcopal Church and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias.


John F. Reublin, owner of one of the largest greenhouses in Ashtabula County, ranks among the well known and highly esteemed business men of Ashtabula. He was born in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Sept. 16, 1879, and is the son of Henry and Anna (Berry) Reublin.


Henry Reublin was born in Ohio, as was also his wife. He was in the employ of the New York Central Railroad for more than 30 years and now lives retired on Ruth Street, Ashtabula. Mr. and Mrs. Rueblin have six children, as follows: Carl, married Gertrude Smith, lives in Ashtabula ; John F., the subject of this sketch ; Harry, married Lillian Bittner, lives in Memphis, Tenn.; Sadie, married George Smith, lives in Ashtabula ; Anna, married Vern Hall, lives in Pennsylvania ; and Forrest, deceased, was married to Maud Walworth, and she and a son, Robert, live in Ashtabula.


John F. Reublin received his education in the public schools of Ashtabula and his first business connection was with the Dunbar & Hopkins Greenhouse, with whom he remained for 21 years. He then accepted a position with J. H. Rice as foreman of his greenhouse and the following year purchased the greenhouse of Walter A. Tickner, which contained one-half acre under glass. Mr. Reublin now owns an acre and a quarter under glass and also another acre. He raises tomatoes, lettuce and cucum-




PICTURE OF JOHN F. REUBLIN


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bers and ships his produce to Pittsburgh, Pa., Cleveland, Buffalo, and Chicago. Mr. Reublin is a member of the Lettuce Growers Association and is a progressive man in his profession.


In 1900 Mr. Reublin was married to Miss Mabel A. Tickner, who was born in Ashtabula in 1880. She is the daughter of Alvin and M. (Jones) Tickner, natives of Ohio. Mr. Tickner lives in Ashtabula. His wife is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Reublin two children have been born: Ernest, born in 1903 ; and Elsie, born in 1907. Ernest Reublin was graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1923 and is a teacher of manual training. He spends his afternoons assisting his father in his business.


Mr. Reublin is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee, and he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He has an extensive acquaintance in Ashtabula County and stands high in the community.


Walter Thompson, who is in the employ of the Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Company as foreman, is a native of Ashtabula County. He was born on a farm in Conneaut Township, May 26, 1878, and is the son of William and Mary (Bellknap) Thompson.


William Thompson, deceased, was among the prominent pioneers of Ashtabula County. He was born in Crawford County, Pa., and when a young man located in Conneaut Township, Ashtabula County, where he successfully engaged in farming and stock raising for 47 years. He specialized in the breeding of Jersey cattle. During the early days Mr. Thompson sold eggs for six cents per dozen and butter at four cents per pound. He was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Thompson died Sept. 26, 1919, and his wife died in February, 1912. They were the parents of the following children: Lennie, married Herman Hammond, a farmer, lives in Conneaut ; Eva, married F. Weaver, lives in Ashtabula ; Walter, the subject of this sketch ; James, lives at Conneaut ; and Nettie, married Glenn Thompson, a farmer, lives at Amboy, Ohio.


Walter Thompson spent his boyhood on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools. He began life farming at a salary of $15.00 per month, and later came to Conneaut, where he entered the employ of the Record Canning Company. After learning the machinist trade at the Nickel Plate he was employed by the Nickel Plate Rail-


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road and in 1908 he became associated with the Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Company as a machinist. In 1922 Mr. Thompson was promoted to foreman, in which capacity he now serves.


In 1901 Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Addie Tinker, a native of Kingsville, Ohio, born May 26, 1876, and the daughter of Burton and Alida (Sanford) Tinker, residents of Conneaut. Mrs. Thompson has a sister, Minnie, the wife of Henry A. Buss, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have one child, Ruth Alida, who was born Oct. 27, 1905.


Mr. Thompson is a member of the Baptist Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is among the progressive and substantial citizens of Ashtabula County.


Charles E. Farnham, well known dairy farmer of Conneaut Township, is a member of one of the first families of Ashtabula County. He was born in the house where he now lives, Sept. 30, 1864, and is the son of Patrick Henry and Mary A. (Mallory) Farnham.


Patrick Henry Farnham was born on the old Farnham homestead in Conneaut Township, now owned by our subject, on Nov. 14, 1838, the son of Elisha and Mary A. (Ring) Farnham. Elisha Farnham was born in Windham County, Conn., June 8, 1806, and came to Ashtabula County in 1830, being among the earliest settlers of this county. He operated a grist mill in Conneaut Township from 1841 until the time of his death, Oct. 4, 1875, and this mill is still in operation and is the only one of the early mills to be in operation now. Elisha Farnham became prosperous and was among the leading citizens of his time. He was married on Nov. 14, 1843, to Miss Mary A. Ring, also a native of Vermont, and the daughter of Polle and Joselyn Ring. To this union the following children were born : Alphonso, born June 5, 1835, who died while in service during the Civil War ; Flora, born June 12, 1837, married T. S. Young, deceased, and she lives at Conneaut ; Patrick Henry, father of the subject of this sketch ; Mary, born Feb. 27, 1841, married Martin Reals, both deceased ; Lydia E., born March 30, 1843, married C. L. Fuller, both deceased ; and Emily, born Sept. 21, 1847, married William G. Buss, deceased, and she lives in New York.


Patrick Henry Farnham, now living retired, is a veteran of the Civil War and an interesting pioneer of Ashtabula County. He engaged in the milling business with his father for a number of years and was


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successful in his enterprise. Mr. Farnham is a staunch Republican and has served as justice of the peace. He is a Mason and an active church worker. Mrs. Patrick Farnham died April 15, 1924, at the age of 89 years. To Patrick Henry and Mary A. (Mallory) Farnham four children were born, as follows: Nina A., born Jan. 1, 1861, died in infancy ; Charles E., the subject of this sketch ; Emma F., born July 21, 1866, married Thomas J. Dillon, deceased, and she lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her son, Henry W.; and Flora E., the widow of C. C. Hamilton, lives at Lilly Dale, N. Y., with her father.


Charles E. Farnham has always lived on the same farm. He was educated in the public schools and attended Springfield Academy. He engaged in the milling business when a young man with his father and after several years went West. In 1900 Mr. Farnham returned to the old homestead and engaged in dairy farming, in which he has been successful. The old home, built more than 75 years ago, has been improved by Mr. Farnham and is modern throughout.


On Sept. 16, 1901, Mr. Farnham was united in marriage with Miss Emma R. Dixon, a native of Washington County, N. Y., born in 1860, and the daughter of Daniel M. and Mercy A. (Fuller) Dixon, both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Farnham have no children.


Mr. Farnham is a Republican and a member of the Unitarian Church. His wife belongs to the Baptist Church and they are prominent citizens of their community.


Bert H. Fancher, who is successfully engaged in the wall paper and paint business at Conneaut, is a native of New York. He was born at Dayton, Jan. 2, 1877, and is the son of William and Alice (Ashdown) Fancher.


William Fancher, now living retired at Buffalo, N. Y., was born in New York in 1854. He settled in Ashtabula County in 1912 and conducted a grocery business at Conneaut for a number of years. He is a Democrat and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs., Fancher died in 1922. They had two children: Bert H., the subject of this sketch; and Iva, lives at Buffalo, N. Y.


Bert H. Fancher was reared and educated in New York and in 1902 came to Conneaut, where he followed his trade as a painter. For 15 years he was employed with the firm of A. W. Pelton, interior decorators and painters, and in 1921 Mr. Fancher engaged in business for himself.