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cation at Lake Erie Seminary, where she was graduated. Generously endowed by nature, her talents were developed by training under skilled instructors, and she was fitted to take any position which woman's era may create. Mr. and Mrs. Bodman were the parents of two children, Samuel W. and Mary J., who died May 5, 1891, at the age of twenty-one years; her married name was Goodrich.
Mr. Bodman embarked in mercantile business in 1877, and has conducted a most successful enterprise. He was one of the organizers of the Citizens' Bank in 1891, and has been its vice-president ever since. He owns an interest in two large lumber companies in West Virginia, and spends a considerable time in the supervision of this business. He owns fifty acres of land within the corporation of Chardon, and a fine frame residence. Politically he votes with the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery.
FRANK A. WILMOT, proprietor of one of the finest improved farms in Clari¬on township, is a native of Geauga county, Ohio, born in Hampden township, December 28, 1850. His father, Charles J. Wilmot, was born in Claridon township in 1824, and his grandfather, Abraham Wilmot, came from Hartland, Connecticut, in 1815. A full biography of Abraham Wilmot is given in these pages in connection with that of L. T. Wilmot. Charles J. Wilmot grew to manhood on a frontier farm, and after his marriage settled in the southeastern part of Hampden township, where he resided eight years. He then sold his place and removed to the Moffit farm in Claridon township. He was a man of unfailing industry and energy, and cleared a large amount of land. He died April 27, 1887. His wife, Arabella M. Moffit, was a native of Genesee county, New York, and came to the West with her parents in her girlhood. They had a family of three children: Hubert H., Frank A., and Clarence C. The mother died at the age of forty-two years; she and the father were members of the Congregational Church the most of their lives. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Marcus Moffit, was a native of New York State, and came to this country at an early day. He was a contractor and builder, and erected many of the large residences and public buildings in the county. He is yet living, and resides in Cleveland.
F. A. Wilmot attended the common schools until the age of sixteen years, when he began teaching; for three years he was thus engaged, and then entered Oberlin College, where he pursued his studies for two years, when his eyesight became affected, and he was obliged to drop his course. He went to Cleveland and secured a position with D. M. Osborn & Co., in their shipping department, where he remained ten years; he then went to Chicago and was employed with N. K. Fairbank & Co., for two years. It was in 1881 that he returned to Geauga county.
Mr. Wilmot was married September 18, 1874, to Anna L. Brewster, who traces her ancestry to William Brewster of the Mayflower, being one of the tenth generation in this country. Her mother's maiden name was Eliza Hemstead; she descended from Colonel Hemstead of Hemstead Plains, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Wilmot are the parents of five children: Charles A., Arthur B., Walter A., Frank E., and Henry E. Mr. Wilmot has a farm of 150 acres, and a handsome residence, which he erected in 1884. He also has a large
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bank barn and is supplied with all the modern conveniences for farm work which he carries on in the most approved manner. In his political opinions he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and takes a lively interest in all the leading questions of the day. He holds the office of Township Trustee, and is a member of the School Board. He is a member of Geauga Lodge, No. 171, I. O. O. F., and belongs to the County Breeders' Association. He has been very successful in all the undertakings of his life, and is surrounded with all the comforts accompanying the onward march of modern civilization.
OREN M. BARNES, prominently iden tified with the commercial and agricultural interests of Geauga county, was born here April 25, 1837, a son of Michael Barnes, a native of Connecticut, and a grandson of Michael Barnes, Sr., also born in Connecticut. There the grandfather passsed his life, but the father emigrated to Ohio in 1835 and settled two miles south of the village of Huntsbnrg, where he developed a large farm, and he and his brother Zenas established a flourishing industry in the manufacture of cheese. He lived to be sixty- six years old, and owned at the time of his death 400 acres of land. His wife. was Esther A.' Cleveland, a native of Connecticut; she reared a family of four children, and lived to the ripe old age of eighty-four; she was a consistent member of the Congregational Church. In politics the father adhered to the principles of the. Whig party and afterward supported the Republican party.
Oren M. Barnes was the eldest-born of the family; he attended the early pioneer schools, Burton Academy and Hiram Institute under the principalship of James A. Garfield. After leaving the schoolroom as a pupil, he entered as an instructor, and taught for a period of three years. He was united in marriage January 1, 1861, to Lucy A. File of Huntsburg, Ohio. They have had no children, but have been father and mother to three adopted daughters: Belle, who was married to George W. Pease; Anna, who was married to Herbert A. Barnes; and Lizzie.
After his marriage Mr. Barnes located in the southeastern part of Huntsburg township, where he operated a steam sawmill for five years; at the end of that time he bought a farm of 133 acres, three quarters of a mile south of the village, which he cultivated until he removed to town in 1885. He then bought a sawmill which he has since managed with gratifying success. In 1890, he invested in another mill, and has the management of both; he has a large local trade, and ships a considerable amount of lumber to other sections. He rented his farm when he came to town, and in connection with his other interests owns a small store. He was appointed Postmaster in 1889, and has filled the office of County Commissioner for a period of six years, having been elected to the office by the Republican party. He is a man of sound judgment and unusual business ability, stand. ing high in the estimation of those who know him. Mrs. Barnes is a member of the Congregational Church, and is possessed of those traits which go to make a tine type of womanhood.
WILLIS S. METCALFE, Prosecuting Attorney of Geauga county, and a leading member of the bar, was born in this county, at Chardon, October 26, 1853, a son of Eben Metcalfe, anative of Vermont.
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The parental grandfather, Thomas Metcalfe, was also born in -Vermont, of English descent. Eben Metcalfe was a carpenter by trade, and followed this occupation in early life; later he became interested in the lumber industry, and has the management of a sawmill in connection with other business. He married Lovica Chapin, of Connecticut, and they reared a family of seven children; he died at the age of eighty-five years, but she still survives. W. S. Metcalfe is the sixth-born; he received his literary education in the public schools of his own State, and in the fall of 1875 began reading law under the supervision of O. A. Farr; at the end of two years of study he was admitted to the bar, and has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. For one year he was in partnership with Mr. Farr, and then removed to Burton, Geauga county, where he engaged in practice until 1888. Coining to Chardon he opened an office, practicing alone until the next year, when he formed a partnership with W. G. King, the firm name being Metcalfe & King.
Mr. Metcalfe was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1890, and is the present incumbent of that office, having been renominated for a second term, at the convention of 1893, and being subsequently re-elected. He is a man of excellent ability, and possessed of a fine sense of justice, and genuinely patriotic he makes an officer of the highest type.
He was married February, 7, 1884, to Hettie Norton, who was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania. They have one child, Garda. They are consistent members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Metcalfe adheres stanchly to the principles of the Republican party. While at Burton he was elected Justice of the Peace and was formerly Township Clerk of Chardon. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Royal Arcanum, and is at present Noble Grand of Chardon Lodge, No. 18, of the former order. In all the relations of life he has shown himself a man of sterling worth and worthy of the confidence freely given him by his constituency.
CHARLES A. MILLS, Recorder of Geauga county, Ohio, is a native of the county, born in Auburn July 29, 1847. His father, William H. Mills, was a native of the State of New York, and his grandfather, William Mills, was also a New Yorker by birth; the latter emigrated to Geauga county in 1836, and settled in Auburn; he followed agricultural pursuits, and developed a fine farm; he died at the age of eighty-four years. William H. Mills came to the West with his father, and engaged in tilling the soil; he placed 116 acres under cultivation, and is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. He married Mary E. Sparguer, of New York State, and there were born to them eight children, six of whom grew to mature years. The mother died in 1892, in her seventy-seventh year. Mr. Mills adheres to the principles of the Republican party. . The fifth-born of the family is C. A. Mills; he was a student at Willoughby College, in Lake county for three years, pursuing a scientific course; at the early age of sixteen years he began to teach, and his success soon proved that he was born to the vocation. He has been closely identified with the educational interests of the county, having taught forty-two terms, a record equaled by no other teacher of his acquaintance. Besides the public-school work done in Newbury and Auburn townships, Mr. Mills has taught the advanced studies in a select school four years.
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He was united in marriage in 1869, to Mary A. Stafford, who was born in Auburn township; they have two children: Marcia E. and Platt. In the fall of 1879, he began his official career, being elected to the office of County Recorder; he has since held the office each successive term, being elected without opposition. He was Justice of the Peace and Town Clerk at Auburn for six years, and for five years was Mayor of Chardon. Politically he supports the issues of the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic order and was High Priest of Chardon Chapter, No. 106, for two terms, is a Knight Templar and also belongs to the I. O. 0. F. The canse of popular education has been much advanced through his efforts, and much credit is due him for the high standard already attained in the public-school system. He is a clerk of the school board of Chardon village and has faithfully performed the duties of that position for seven years.
REUBEN S. SMITH, one of the progressive business men of Jefferson, was born in Franklin, Delaware county, New York, March 10, 1844, a son of Sylvester Smith, who was born in that county in 1807. The latter was left an orphan at a tender age, and while yet a youth was thrown upon his own resources. Although receiving but a limited education, he mastered the rudiments of mathematics, writing and reading, and at the time of his death was a well-posted man. After his marriage Mr. Smith began farming, and gradually merged into the handling of real estate. In 1854 he brought his family to Ohio, locating in Lenox, on the West road. He purchased an improved farm, and remained there until his death, in 1875, at a ripe old age. He voted with the Democratic party, having cast his first vote for General Andrew Jackson. Although not a chnrch member, his life and dealings were always upright and honorable. Mr. Smith was married in 1830, to Miss Mary Gillette, who was born in Franklin, Delaware county, New York. She received a good education, and taught school several years previous to her marriage, that event occurring when she was in her twenty-third year. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had five children, three daughters and two sons, and four still survive. The daughters reside in Dorset, and a son, Delos Smith, is in Cowley county, Kansas. Mrs. Smith united with the Congregational Church when young, and lived a consistent Christian life until her death, in 1888.
Reuben S. Smith, our subject, was engaged at various occupations during his youth. In the fall of 1861, at the age of nineteen years, he was employed as Government teamster, was assigned to duty at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, but a short time afterward circumstances compelled him
to abandon the Government service. In company with his brother he next purchased his father's farm of 177 acres, but in the following year sold his interest to his brother. In 1867 Mr. Smith located where his son now resides, the farm consisting of ninety acres, and located two miles south. of Jefferson. He improved his farm, built a large and commodious residence, and made many other improvements. Mr. Smith in time began to deal in farming implements and machinery, selling to the local trade. In 1890 he purchased his present home in Jefferson, located on Chestnut street, and in the same year engaged with the J. I. Case Manufacturing Company, of Racine, Wisconsin.
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He is now engaged as their traveling salesman, handling a traction engine of the latest design, and the latest improved thresher. Our subject has been very successful in this undertaking, and has placed a great number of machines in n ortheastern Ohio and elsewhere.
December 19, 1866, he was joined in marriage to Miss Ellen M. Underwood, a daughter of Orville P. and Elvira (Chapin) Underwood. The father was born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, in 1806, where he was married February 9, 1831. In 1847 he came via the canal to Buffalo, and from there by the lake to Ashtabula county, Ohio, purchasing the farm in Lenox township, now owned by Franklin Chapin. His death occur ed at that place in 1865. He was a member of the Congregational Church, and was identified with the Republican party. The mother of Mrs. Smith was also born in Sheffield, Massachusetts, May 9, 1810, became proficient in the use of the hetchel and loom, and occupied much of her time in making linen and woolen cloth. She was also an expert in the manufacture of cheese. Mr. and Mrs. Underwood had two children, and the mother and the daughter, Mary J., now find a comfortable home with Mrs. Smith. The mother and daughter are members of the Congregational Church. Mrs. Smith was born in New Marlborough, Massachusetts, April 30, 1847, and in the same year was brought by her parents to Ohio. She attended the district schools of Lenox, and completed her education in the high schools of Jefferson. She . was married at the age of nineteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one son, Cecil U., who was born September 7, 1867, was reared to farm life, and completed his education in the Jefferson high school. He was married June 26, 1889, to Miss Ruble Sheldon, of
Jefferson. They now reside on the farm in Lenox. Our subject and wife united with the Congregational Church in 1872, and the former is now Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He was made a Mason in 1887, holding his membership in Tuscan Lodge, No. 342, and is also a member of the chapter. In political matters, he affiliates with the Republican party.
ORANGE POMEROY, M.D., was born at Huntsburg, Geauga county, Ohio, December 7, 1835, a son of Horace Pomeroy, born at Northampton, Massachusetts, and grandson of Stephen Pomeroy, a native of the same place. The family traces its origin to the De Pomeroys who came to England with William the Conqueror. In Colonial times two brothers came to America, and settled in Massachusetts about 1630. The grandfather emigrated to Ohio in 1807, and bought the first land that was sold in Huntsburg township; he erected a log cabin, and then returned to the East, bringing his family to the frontier the following spring, with a wagon and one yoke of oxen and a horse. Indians were numerous, and were frequent callers at the cabin door until after the war of 1812. Stephen Pomeroy died at the age of eighty-five years. Horace Pomeroy was a lad of eight years when he was brought West with his parents in 1808; he received his education in the first log schoolhouse erected in Huntsburg township, the primitive building being constructed and furnished in the rudest fashion. He and his brother Elijah were skilled hunters, and during early days killed over six hundred deer. He spent his life on the old homestead, making many substantial improvements; he died at the age of
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sixty-one years. His wife, Villetta Rile, was born in Delaware county, New York, in 1805, and is now living with her son, the Doctor, in her eighty-eighth year; she has long been a consistent menber of the Congregational Church. They reared a family of two: Horace S. is now deceased; Dr. Pomeroy is the second child. Joseph Kile, maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of the Empire State, but removed to Geauga county in 1825; he was a blacksmith by trade, and worked at the business many years in Hunts- burg township; he lived to be eighty years old.
Dr. Pomeroy attended the common school and was also a student at the Western Reserve Seminary, at Farmington. He began his professional education with Dr. S. D. Steer, with whom he read until he entered the College of Medicine and Surgery in Cincinnati; he was graduated from this institution in the spring of 1860. His marriage occurred January 8, 1862, when he was united to Mary E. Smith, of Geauga county; they have had no children but have reared an adopted daughter, Emma. Mrs. Pomeroy died March 17, 1893. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and took an active interest in all the varied work of the society; she was also a member of the Eastern Star,
After his graduation Dr. Pomeroy settled at Fowler's Mills, where he practiced seven years, and 1867 came to Chardon. For more than a quarter of a century he has been prominently identified with the medical profession of the county. He has done a large general practice, but now makes a specialty of diseases of the eye, ear and throat. He took a degree in surgery at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, in 1871. In 1882 he took a course at the Polyclinic Hospital, New York city, on the eye and ear, and in 1892, took a second course on the eye, ear, nose and throat. His pioneer work is done, and his practice is confined to the town and office. Politically the Doctor supports the issues of the Democratic party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Chardon Chapter, Eagle Commandery, . No. 29, and the Alkoran Temple, 'Mystic Shrine, of Cleveland; he also belongs to the Royal Arcanum. His professional associations are with the Geauga County Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association and the United States Medical Association,
JOSEPH W. GOODRICH, a prominent and successful farmer of Hampden township, is a native of Geauga county, Ohio, where he was born March 29, 1826, His father, Oliver S. Goodrich, was a native of Newburyport, Massachusetts, born in 1788. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was taken prisoner and confined at Montreal, Canada, for a time. He came to the West in the '20s and settled at Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio. For some time he teamed
from Fairport to Warren, and about 1830 removed to Madison, Lake county, where he was employed in the Arcol furnace. Later he came to Chester, Geauga county, afterward to Chardon, and finally settled in Hartford, Trumbull county, where he died, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He married Catherine Levins, a native of New York State, who came with her parents to Ohio when a girl. They reared a family of eleven children: Joseph W. (the subject of
this notice), Susan, Betsy, Sarah, Addie, Cyrus (deceased), William, Malinda, John, Laura and Mary. Andrew died when an in-
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fant of two years. The mother is still living, in her eighty-sixth year, a resident of Hartford, Trumbull county. She is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Joseph W. is the eldest child. He was reared to manhood on the farm, and when a boy attended the primitive log schoolhouse, with its rude accessories of slab benches and open fire-place. He saw the deer roam the forests, and heard the howl of the wolf not far from the cabin door. From the time he was ten years old he worked away from home, and at the age of eighteen began the foundation of his own fortune. He followed agricultural pursuits until 1848, when he went to Cleveland and secured employment in a hotel and livery stable, remaining there five years.
Mr. Goodrich was married, April 18, 1850, to Jane McKinley, a second cousin to Governor McKinley. Her father and Governor McKinley's grandfather were first cousins. She was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, November 21, 1828, and came to Ohio in 1848. Her father, Joshua McKinley, was a native of Ireland, and was brought across the sea to America when a child of four years. He was a farmer by occupation, and followed this calling until in his eightieth year. His death occurred in Clarion county, Pennsylvania. He married Mary Monks, and they reared a family of seven children. She died October 7, 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich are the parents of one child, Annette, wife of Loren B. Simmons. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons have two children: Mabel and Genivieve. After his marriage Mr. Goodrich lived one year in Leroy, Lake county, and then removed to Chardon township and purchased a partially improved farm of fifty- seven acres, where he lived for five years. He then sold this farm and moved to the north part of Chardon township and bought a farm of sixty-nine acres, which he cultivated for about six years. In 1861 he exchanged this place for his present farm in Hampden township, the place then comprising 230 acres. He later on sold this farm and purchased one of 100 acres on Wooden Hill, same township. He retained said property and made his home there for about eight years. He then made an exchange, by which he once more acquired his old farm, where he has since made his home. Of the 230 acres, he has deeded to his daughter fifty-five acres. He carries on a general farming business, and raises horses, cattle and sheep. He has one of the finest of sugar orchards; it consists of 800 old trees, besides 2,000 young trees. Mr. Goodrich has taken a special pride in his bush, which is more like a park than a sugar-hush. A coach and four could be readily driven through any part of it.
In early days Mr. Goodrich was a Whig, but he adopted the principles of the Republican party upon the organization of that body.
When Mr. Goodrich started out for himself he was $20 in debt. His success in life demonstrates what may be accomplished in farming by industry, economy and good judgment. For many years he conducted a dairy, which proved a very profitable enterprise. Although he has now attained nearly threescore years, he is still vigorous in both mind and body. He stands over six feet in height and is as straight as an arrow. He has ever been distinguished for his integrity of character and upright dealing; as a neighbor he has always, been highly esteemed, and he is benevolent, charitable and a true Christian gentleman. Of these goodly attributes of character his wife has an equal quota, and,
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surrounded with the comforts of life and blessed with the good-will and esteem of all who know them, they may now, in the evening of their lives, enjoy that calm content which comes as the just heritage of those who have striven to do unto others as they would have others do unto them.
FRANKLIN BREED, owning one of ,-1 the best farms on the North Ridge road, two and half miles east of Painesville, Ohio, a representative citizen and business man, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, February 5, 1822. The original ancestor in America came from England in 1630 and settled in the New England States. Joseph Breed, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Connecticut and was a ship carpenter by trade. He was an efficient soldier in the Revolutionary war and an ardent patriot on all occasions. He was a pioneer of Venango county, Pennsylvania, settling there in 1818, when it was a wilderness. He there partially developed a farm, on which he continued to reside until his death at the age of eighty-four years. Nathan Breed, father of the subject of this sketch, was also a native of Connecticut, where he married Fanny Hancox, also born in that State. With his wife and one child, he removed to Venango county, Pennsylvania, when a young man, and there developed a farm in the wilderness,. He was a man of vigorous constitution and great energy and a hard worker. He commenced life for himself by working on a farm at $10 a month for five years, within which time he was drafted to serve in the war of 1812, but his employer hired a substitute. He died in comfortable circumstances, owning a good farm which he had successfully cultivated. Six of the eight children of his first marriage were reared to maturity: Nathan, deceased; Eliza; Reuben, deceased; Franklin, whose name heads this notice; William F.; Freelove; Nathan, the second; and Amos. The devoted wife and mother died at the early age of thirty-five years. In 1836, the father married Ruth Gleason and they had three children: Gleason, Lucy and Sallie A. The father was a Democrat in politics and he and the family were Baptists in religious belief. He died in 1840, lamented as an able and good man.
The subject of this notice was the fourth child and was reared in Pennsylvania, on the pioneer farm, to which his father had removed four years before. Franklin attended the old log schoolhouse of pioneer times. The rudimentary institution of learning was supplied with slab benches and an open fireplace and conducted on the subscription plan. He was eighteen years of age when his father died, when he began life for himself by clerking in a store, and dutifully helped to care for and educate his younger brothers and sisters. He married at the age of twenty-three and then he settled on a farm near Titusville, Pennsylvania, where he continued to follow agricultural pursuits until 1852, when he entered the general merchandise business in Titusville, where he remained twelve years. He then sold out and bought a gristmill, which he operated successfully and profitably for twelve years. At the end of this time, in 1870, he sold out and came to Painesville, near which he bought his present farm of 210 acres, diversified by four kinds of soil, gravel, sand, muck and loom. This is cultivated by mixed farming, besides which he keeps thirty- five cows and sells large quantities of milk in the city, which enterprise yields a profitable
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income. For the past two years, Mr. Breed has rented his land, thus relieving himself of the active labor, while still sharing in the profits. He has a comfortable home, good barns and other modern improvements, possessing altogether one of the most valuable places in the county. His prosperity is entirely due to his own exertions, steady industry and careful economy, combined with intelligent management. He began life with nothing and is now numbered among the substantial men of his vicinity, which circumstances speak well for his ability and energy.
His first marriage occurred in 1845, to Angelet Daggett, a native of New York State, and they had one child, Frances, who married a Mr. Taber; she died, aged thirty-three. Mrs. Breed died in 1868, leaving her family and many friends to mourn her loss. In 1869, Mr. Breed married Miss H. Amelia Tracy, an estimable lady, a native of Chautauqua county, New York, who settled with her parents in Pennsylvania, when she was twenty years of age. Their three children were: Nathan T.; Vernie, now deceased; and Flora E.
Like his father, Mr. Breed is Democratic in politics, as in his opinion that party voices those sentiments best calculated to advance the interests of the people. Of a progressive and public-spirited disposition, he has contributed to the general welfare of his community, and deserves the esteem which he so universally enjoys.
AUSTIN J. SMITH, a worthy representtive of one of the oldest and most highly esteemed and influential families of Ashtabula county, Ohio, is a native of this county, where he was born July 9, 1823. His father, Thomas Smith, whose name was for many years a household word in this vicinity and whose memory is deeply cherished by the community for which he so unselfishly labored, was born in Connecticut —that grand old State which has produced so many great and good men—in 1793, in one of the most eventful periods of the country's history. In 1811 he joined the western moving tide of emigration, coming to Ashtabula county, Ohio, being then eighteen years of age, with all the vigor and high aspirations of intelligent young manhood. He became the owner of a portion of the townsite of East Village and labored industriously and systematically to make of it a city of large and beautiful proportions. The broad streets of this village and its proposed parks, all of which he laid out and planned, show his knowledge of the needs of a city, and that his efforts were appreciated is amply testified to by the friendly interest with which his memory is recalled. Nothing definite is known in relation to his law training, but that he possessed a naturally judicial mind, and clear insight and' strong judgment is shown by his able fulfillment of the duties of a judiciary, to which he was elected by an admiring constituency. It was while in the active performance of these duties that he contracted a severe cold, from the effects of which, he died at. the early age of thirty-two, thus terminating a career which promised much for the welfare and advancement of his community. His loss was mourned as a public calamity, while each household felt as. if it had lost a personal friend. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Strong, was the daughter of Nathan Strong, a prominent pioneer of Ashtabula county, of whom mention will be made more at length further on. Their children were: Elizabeth W., deceased;
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Henry T., died in 1860; Austin J., whose name heads this notice; and Thomas A., deceased, who married a Miss Prentiss of Jefferson, Ohio.
Nathan Strong, previously mentioned, was also a native of Connecticut, born toward the last of the eighteenth century. He possessed superior ability and energy and exercised a strong and beneficial influence on the communities in which he resided. He was for many years a Sheriff in his native county in New England and also in Trumbull county, Ohio, at the time it included Ashtabula county and when Warren was the seat of government for that territory. During the Revolutionary war, he was Quartermaster in the patriotic army, serving with efficiency and distinction. In 1808, he came West, with a deed from the Connecticut Land Company for a large tract of school land, aggregating several hundred acres situated on the town site of Ashtabula. His wife before marriage was Lucy Cornell and they had nine children: Polly, Nathan, Lucy, Samuel, Jabez, Nathaniel, Timothy, Elihu and Sarah, mother of the subject of this sketch.
Austin J. Smith, whose name heads this notice, has resided in East Village and vicinity all his life and has been, during that long period, essentially a farmer. Thirty years, ago he took possession of his present place, which he has greatly improved until it is now one of the best in the county, - Here, in connection with his farming interests, he carries on a milk business, his milk wagon being one of the most familiar objects on the streets. Some years ago, Mr. Smith was engaged in buying and shipping live stock, which business was at that time very profitable, but is not now followed by any one. His prosperity is entirely due to his own industrious efforts combined with intelligent and careful management, strict economy and thorough integrity in business transactions. He has thus won and retained the confidence of his fellow men.
March 11, 1847, Mr. Smith was married in Ashtabula, to Louisa Watrous, a lady of sterling worth, daughter of Winthrop Watrous, who was one of the first settlers in this county, and whom we will mention again. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had five children: Albert C., a prosperous merchant at the Harbor, who married Miss Mills and has two children,—Nellie and Blanche; Elizabeth W., married H. B. Huff, and they have two children,—Harry and Elizabeth; Fred died in Kingman, Kansas, where he was a prominent and popular merchant, possessing many of the qualities of his illustrious grandfather, and being one who, had his life been spared, would have impressed himself on the commercial world. He died at the same age as his grandfather, in February, 1893, greatly lamented by all who knew him. The other two children are Henry T., at home, and Eugene.
Mr. Watrous, Mrs. Smith's father, previously mentioned, was born in Connecticut, April 22, 1792, and passed his younger years in the State of his birth. In 1809, he came with his father, William Watrous, and the rest of the family to the Harbor, where his father erected a brick residence, which yet stands, being now owned by the Thayer estate. Winthrop Watrous, of whom this portion of our sketch treats, engaged in shipping at the Harbor, in partnership with Henry Hubbard and Joab Austin. They built vessels and did most of the carrying trade between Ashtabula and outside points on the lake. He continued in this business until 1836, when he gave up the lake trade and settled on a farm to which he gave his future
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attention. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 when the British threatened to capture Ashtabula, and served faithfully and well. He was widely acquainted and was very popular with his associates. He was married March 28, 1816, to Parmelia Castle, and they had nine children: A. O.; Alvira Ann, deceased; John S.; Ann Louise, born April 20, 1827, married the subject of this sketch; Mary S., married A. B. Robbins; Emily C.; Katherine, the wife of Clinton Marken, of Duluth, Minnesota; Frederick W., deceased; W. E. and F. E. Those surviving are men and women of worth, who enjoy universal respect and esteem.
In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat. He was reared an Episcopalian. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.
ARTHUR D. DOWNING, President of the First National Bank of Chardon, was born at Stanstead, Canada, September 7, 1833, a son of Major Alvin S. and Sarah (Morey) Downing, the
former of whom was born in the State of Vermont in 1800. The grandfather, George Downing, was a native of New Hampshire, and was descended from English ancestors who emigrated from Downing street, London, in colonial days. He was a surveyor by profession, and followed this vocation through life; he lived at Colchester, Vermont, and was Sheriff of his county at one
time. He was a man of robust constitution, and lived to old age. Major Alvin S. Downing was a farmer and carpenter by occupation. He was married in Vermont, but removed to Canada, locating in the border of the Dominion. He came to Ohio as early as 1832, but did not settle permanently until 1833, when he located in Munson township, on land which he owned in partnership with his brother Joshua. For ten years he worked at his trade in Cleveland, and his brother managed their farming interests. He became Major of the State militia, and was generally known by this title. He crossed the plains to California in the spring of 1849, when the tide of emigration swept to the gold fields of the Pacific Coast, and was on the way from March 1 until the following August, suffering from many of the ills of the long and tedious journey. He married Sarah Morey, who was born in Canada in 1805, and they reared a family of eight children. The father died at the age of eighty- four years, and the mother lived to the age of seventy-six years. She was a very domestic woman, and took a deep interest in her home and family. Politically he supported first the Whig and then the Republican party.
A. D. Downing is the fourth of the family. He was a young child when his father removed to Ohio, and received his elementary education in the common schools. He entered Hiram College at the age of- twenty years, and was a student in that institution at the same time James A. Garfield was there. He pursued his studies for two years, taking an elective course. He then began life for himself by teaching school in Scioto county, Ohio, which occupation he continued for two years. He also taught a writing school. Thence he went to Lawrence Furnace in Lawrence county, Ohio, in 1857, and was with this institution for seven years as bookkeeper. In the spring of 1864 he bought an interest in Buckhorn furnace, selling out at at the end of two years. Going to Ironton, Ohio, he secured a position as bookkeeper in the rolling mill of Campbell, Woodrow & Co.,
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which he filled for two years. He then accompanied General Powell and his brother George E., to Clifton, West Virginia, where they erected the Clifton Iron Works. He became financial agent for the concern, and also embarked in general mercantile pursuits, which he conducted three years.
In the fall of 1870 Mr. Downing came to Chardon and opened a general store, continuing the business for twenty years. He has been connected with the Geauga Savings and Loan Association since 1875, in the capacity of a director, and served two years as vice- president. In 1891 he assisted in the organization of the First National Bank, and was elected president of the corporation. The authorized capital of the Savings and Loan Association is $100,000, and the capital stock of the National Bank is $50,000. The First National Bank and the Geauga Savings and Loan Association are under almost the same management, having the same president and the same vice-president.
Mr. Downing was married April 1, 1857, to Miss Barbara M. Fisk of this county, who was educated at Hiram College, and was a woman of many admirable traits. She died without children, in June, 1865. She was a worthy member of the Disciple Church, and took a leading part in all its work. Mr. Downing's second marriage occurred in 1868, when he was united to Miss Jennie C. Smith, daughter of George Smith, a leading citizen of Munson township. Two children have been born to them: Willis G. and Bessie M. Mrs. Downing is a member of the Congregational Church, to which she contributes of her time and means. Politically, Mr. Down- ing adheres to the principles of the Republican party, having cast his first vote for John C. Fremont. He is a member of the town council, and has been its Treasurer several years. He belongs to the Masonic order, and is a member of the Mystic Shrine of Cleveland. Although he began life without capital, he has accumulated a competence. He is considered one of the best financiers in the county, and is highly esteemed by all classes of citizens for his moral worth.
PLIMON D. HOWARD, a representative of one of the oldest and most influential families of Orwell township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, and one of her most prominent citizens, is a native of the Green Mountain State.
His father, Johnson Howard, was a typical New Englander, devoted to his home, his country and his God ; stern and uncompromising, when religious principles were involved, he never abated one jot of his incorruptible integrity. A native of New Ramp= shire, be adopted Vermont as his home; and subsequently removed from there to Ohio. It was in Plainfield, Vermont, December 17, 1829, that the subject of our sketch was born. Removing to Ohio in 1834, the Howards first settled in Bloomfield, where they remained four years. In 1838 Johnson Howard removed his family to Orwell, pur chasing the farm now owned by Hiram Goddard. Here he and his wife lived and died. Finding only a dense and unbroken wilderness, the sturdy efforts of Mr, Howard gradually transformed it into productive fields. Mrs. Howard, nee Harriet Townsend, was also a native of Vermont. She was a noble woman, economical and industrious. In those trying days of early settlement she arose to the full measure of the necessity of the occasion, and performed her full share toward providing for the family. Six chil-
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dren were born to this worthy couple,—one, Elvira, dying in infancy. The remaining five reached maturity, and four yet survive. The eldest, Samantha, married Z. C. Biglow, of Orwell, and both have passed away; Rosina, the second, became Mrs. N. A. Barnes. She resides in Orwell with her three children. Marshall J., the third, is a resident of Warren, Ohio. The fourth is the subject of this sketch. Harriet Jennette, the youngest, became the wife of Prof. Henninges, a celebrated music-teacher of Cleveland. This family, consisting of the professor and his wife and their daughter, Dora, and son, William, have an extensive reputation in musical ci rcles.
By the death of his father, P. D. Howard found himself, at the early age of fifteen, thrown upon his own resources. Beginning life with no other endowments than those which nature had bestowed upon him, he has secured for himself and family an ample competency. After about three years in Michigan, where he pursued his chosen vocation of carpenter and builder, he returned to Orwell and purchased the property now owned by Homer Stone. Disposing of this a few years later, Mr. Howard acquired the property upon which he now resides. Here he has erected buildings, and made other improvements, and has to-day, one of the finest residences in the village.
Mr. Howard was first married to Betsey Ruby, daughter of John Ruby, of Orwell. They had one child, Cora A., who died in her twenty-second year, February 6, 1879. Her friends speak lovingly of her beautiful Christian character. Misfortunes never come singly. Three years after his daughter's death his devoted wife was called to her last home, her death occurring February 24, 1882. The present Mrs. Howard was before her marri age Miss Ellen Morris. She is a daughter of Thomas Morris, of Orwell. They have five children as follows: Mabel, born September 29, 1883; George E., September 7, 1885; Plimon D., December 10, 1887; Clara, December 20,1889; and Earle M.,June 3, 1893.
During the war Mr. Howard was debarred from active military service by a disability which unfitted him for marching. He was enabled, however, to render his country much valuable service as a master builder. This responsible and lucrative position Mr. Howard filled until ill health compelled him to resign. In this capacity he erected several important buildings for the storing of Government supplies in Chattanooga. His work always met with the entire approval of the Government inspectors. General Thomas, " The Rock of Chickamauga," then commanding the Fourteenth Corps, in the Army of the Cumberland at Chattanooga, after inspecting one of those buildings, remarked to the Quartermaster, " Your master builder throughly understood his business."
Among Mr. Howard's most important local service may be mentioned the erection of Orwell's beautiful and commodious Presbyterian Church, of which denomination he has been a faithful member for over forty years. This well-constructed building owes its existence to Mr. Howard's energy and perseverance. Feeling the need of such a structure, he laid the matter before the trustees. To them the undertaking seemed too vast for the financial condition of the church. Mr. Howard obtained permission to build the church if he could secure sufficient financial support. By his efforts a considerable sum was raised by subscription. Supplementing this by a liberal sum from his private resources, Mr. Howard next applied to the Presbytery for aid. His plain, straightfor-
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ward statement of the case secured an appropriation of $800. No building committee was appointed. The subscription and appropriation were placed in Mr. Howard's hands with full power to act, and with the entire responsibility of the result. At the completion of the work Mr. Howard presented the building to the trustees, unencumbered. He has also been of material aid in furnishing the church and erecting its parsonage. This work may be taken as a fair illustration of Mr. Howard's character. He has always taken an ardent interest in the growth and development of his town, and has been a warm friend and liberal supporter of its institutions.
Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party, has filled several township offices with fidelity and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and is at present a member of the High School Board, being its efficient secretary.
DANIEL M. YOUNG, M. D., has been engaged in the practice of his profession for over one-half a century and is a prominent citizen of Painesville, Lake county, Ohio. For a score of years he enjoyed the largest practice here, but on account of ill health has been obliged to give up a part of it. He is a native of Livingston county, New York, born October 23, 1819. His father, Daniel Young, was born in Norristown, New Jersey, and was of Scotch descent, his father, whose given name was Silas, having emigrated to New Jersey from Scotland prior to the war of the Revolution. He engaged in agricultural pursuits and resided until his death on his farm near Norristown.
Daniel Young, Sr., was an early settler in Livingston county, New York, whither he removed as early as 1811. He became the owner of a large property, which he engaged in cultivating until he was well along in years. His death occurred when he was in his ninety-third year. His wife was formerly Elizabeth Roan, a native of Virginia. She became the mother of three children and died at the age of forty-nine years.
Dr. Young was the youngest child in his father's family, and passed his boyhood on the farm. When seventeen years of age, he began the study of medicine, reading with Dr. S. L. Endros, of Dansville, New York, and afterward attended the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1839. He then began practice in Weston, Pennsylvania, and was there located for four years, after which he returned to Dansville, Livingston county. For about two years he was engaged in the army in Mexico, from 1847 to 1848 inclusive. He finally went to Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived until 1862. Next coining north he located in Geneva, Ashtabula county, where he remained for some years. Since 1866, he has been a practicing physician of this city, and for many years he was frequently called into adjoining counties and to Cleveland, for consultations with eminent physicians.
Our subject was first married in 1839 to Louisa Welch, who was born in the Empire State. To them were born two sons: Harry and Joe, both now deceased. Some time after the death of Mrs. Young the Doctor married Miss Mary J. Tomson, of New York. Three children grace this union: Mattie E., Dan R. and Stace F. Mrs. Young is a member of the Methodist Church. Our subject casts his ballot in favor of the Republican nominees and measures. No citizen of this
614 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
community is more highly esteemed or better deserves the confidence and good will of all than he of whom we write, for he has ever striven in every possible manner to promote the prosperity of this city and county, and has been thoroughly identified with its progress.
W. H. FOWLER, dentist, has been en/ gaged in the practice of dentistry in Painesville, Lake county, Ohio, for thirty-three years. He is very genial, is universally liked, and ranks high in his profession. His practice is as large as he can possibly manage, and his time is engaged by patients for weeks ahead. He is one of Lake county's native sons, having been born in Madison, March 6, 1838.
Roger Fowler, the grandfather of the Doctor, was born in Massachusetts, his ancestors having emigrated from England to the Bay State in Colonial days. He was a millwright, and successfully operated three extensive woolen mills, which were located on the Connecticut river. His death occurred when he was eighty-four years old. Our subject's father, Oliver Fowler, was also born in Massachusetts, and chose to become an agriculturist. He came to Lake county in 1837, bought land and developed a farm near Madison. He lived almost to the same age as his father, dying when in his eighty-fourth year. He was an advocate of the policies of the Democracy, and with his wife was a Universalist in religious belief. The latter, whose maiden name was Rebecca G. Smith, was born in New Hampshire and reared a family of five children. Her death occurred when she had attained the age of fifty-seven years.
Dr. Fowler was next to the youngest of the three living children of his parents. He attended school at Madison and Buffalo, New York, and embarked in the business of life when sixteen years old, going west to Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and through Louisiana, working at various employments. He began the study of dentistry in Wisconsin, as assistant in a dental office, and worked with six different dentists in five States. He began his practice at Westfield, Chautauqua county, New York, and after three years returned to Ohio, having since practiced in Painesville.
Miss Mary M. Donaldson, who was born in Painesville, became the wife of Dr. Fowler, January 10, 1861. Her people were early settlers in this region and much respected. The Doctor and wife have two children, who are called respectively Harry E. and Bessie R. Mrs. Fowler is a member of the Episcopal Church, while her husband holds membership with the Unitarian denomination. He is a Republican, politically, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is interested in educational measures, and is one of the School Board Directors. He is also a director of the cemetery.
OTIS A. SHATTUCK, a prominent farmer and an old settler of Geauga county, Ohio, is a native of the State, born in Lake county, August 20, 1834. His father, Almon Shattuck, was a native of New York State, who came to Ohio when a boy and settled in Lake county, in Concord township, where he resided until 1837. In that year he removed to Parkman township, Geauga county, where he developed a farm. In 1848 he located in Hampden township, where he still makes his home, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife, whose maiden name was Emily Brown, was a native of New
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York State. They had a family of nine children, six of whom grew to maturity. The mother died at the early age of thirty-eight years. In his political opinions Mr. Shattuck adheres to the principles of the Republican party. He is 'a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has always been actively interested in its work. In his early life in this country he endured many of the trials and privations incident to pioneer but persevered in the task undertaken until he had accomplished his object. Otis A. Shattuck is the oldest of his father's family. He lived in Parkman township until he was a lad of fourteen years, and acquired his education in the primitive log schoolhouse, with its rude furnishings. At the age of twenty- one years he assumed the responsibilities of life, and began to make his own way in the world.
He was united in marriage, December 5, 1860, to Lizzie Carver, a native of Massachusetts, and a lineal descendant of John Carver, one of the early governors of Massachusetts. In 1856 she came to the West with her parents, David and Frances (Homer) Carver. Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck are the parents of three children: Emma, George and Irvin.
Mr. Shattuck enlisted in the service of his country August 20, 1862, joining Company G, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in at Columbus, Ohio, and was sent to Kentucky, taking part in many skirmishes throughout the State. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and was in the siege of Atlanta, although he was not actively engaged in this campaign on account of ill- health. He was with Thomas in the Nashville campaign, after which he went to Huntsville, Alabama, where his command went into winter quarters. He was mustered out at Nashville, June 15, 1865, coming directly home. After his marriage he settled in Hampden township, where he has a farm of 130 acres, well improved with first-class buildings. He carries on general farming, raising a large amount of live stock. Mrs. Shattuck is a member of the Congregational Church, of which her husband is also a regular attendant. They are liberal supporters of the society. Politically, he adheres to the principles of the Republican party. He has served as Trustee of the township twelve years, and has been Justice of the Peace nine years, never having had a reversal of decision. He belongs to the G. A. R. Post at Chardon.
WARREN BALLARD, prominently identified with the progressive element of Hampden township, is numbered among the leading citizens of Geauga county. He was born in Allegany county, New York, September 18, 1836, a son of Enoch Ballard, a native of Putnam county,
New York. The family is of French descent. Enoch Ballard was a farmer by occupation,
and when a young man lived in Dutchess county, New York. He removed thence to
Allegany county, New York, where he owned 125 acres. He married Polly Tichenor, who
was born in Tompkins county, New York, and they had a family of eight children: Edward, deceased; Sherman, deceased; John ; William; George; Warren; Mary; and Wesley, deceased. The father died at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother at the age of eighty-two. Both were members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Ballard voted the Whig and Republican ticket successively. Warren Ballard is the fifth of the family. He
616 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
received his education in the district schools, and-was reared to the life of a farmer. The country was new, and the labor of clearing land and placing it under cultivation was not an easy occupation.
He was married, February 16, 1860, to Orpha Wiseman, who was born in Wyoming county, New York, a daughter of William D. and Mary (Jordan) Wiseman, also natives of Wyoming county, New York. Mr. Wiseman was among the early settlers of Wyoming county, and did his share in reclaiming the wild land. He is still living, at the age of eighty years, though his wife passed away at the early age of twenty nine years. They were both consistent members of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Ballard have no children of their own, but have reared and educated three children, whom they look upon with a fond, parental interest: Wallace F., De Witt C. and Clara.
After his marriage Mr. Ballard settled in Ogle county, Illinois, March 9, 1861, where he resided four years, engaged in farming, when he returned to Allegany county, New York, where he owned a farm of 135 acres. It was in August, 1881, that he removed to Geauga county, where he purchased 200 acres of well-improved land, and where he carries on a general farming business and runs a small dairy. In 1882 he erected a large, well-arranged barn, and the year following built a handsome residence. The improvements are of the most substantial character and entirely modern in style.
Mr. and Mrs. Ballard are worthy members of the Baptist Church, and are zealous workers in behalf of that society. Politically, Mr. Ballard supports the Republican party. He is one of the directors of the county infirmary, and for five years has served the township as Trustee. He is a member of the Short-Horn Breeders' Association of Geauga county; also of the Hampden township Grange, of which he is Lecturer. A man of unquestioned honor and strict integrity, he has the confidence of the entire community, and is in every way worthy of the trust reposed in him.
EMROY G. HARDY, farmer, patriot and worthy citizen, represents one of the earliest families in Lake county, Ohio, where he was born, on his present farm, two miles northeast of Painesville, September 3, 1844. The founder of the family in this county was Samuel Hardy, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who was born in New Hampshire, and was a farmer and brick-maker
by occupation. He joined the general western movement of emigration in 1810, coming via the Lakes to Huntsburg, Ohio, and worked at-brick-making in different parts of the State for a number of years. On his advent to the State, it was in its primitive wildness; heavy timber abounded, bear and deer were plentiful and Indians numerous, the latter often coming to his cabin for food. Later in life he removed to land just north of Painesville, the present city at that time boasting of but few houses. He died here in middle life, greatly lamented by all who knew him. His son, William Drake Hardy, father of the subject of this sketch, was, like his worthy
ancestor, a native of New Hampshire. He was named after an uncle, who was a prominent contractor of Washington, District of Columbia, and who helped build the national capitol. Willard Hardy was early left an orphan and was reared by General Paine, in honor of whom Painesville was named. He attended the district school and was brought
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up to farming. On marrying, he settled in the woods near the farm now occupied by his son, buying the eastern half of a section of 215 acres, which was then entirely covered with timber. He built on this a house and other buildings necessary for farming purposes, cleared and improved the place. He later added to the acreage of his farm, and at the time of his death owned 225 acres of as choice land as was to be found in that vicinity. To his ordinary occupation of farming he added that of charcoal burning, by which means he added materially to his income. He married Rebecca Kent, a native of Connecticut, who came to Ohio in the fall of the year when she was eighteen years of age. She was the eldest of seven daughters of Gains Kent, an early and prominent settler of Lake county, where he was for many years a prosperous farmer. They reared five of seven children: Harvey, died aged a year and a half; James and Henry were killed in battle; Eliza M. died in infancy; Wealthy and Caroline are living; and E. G., whose name heads this sketch. The father was a Republican in politics, and both were devoted members of the Methodist Church. The mother died aged seventy-five, and the father in his eighty-second year.
E. G. Hardy, of this notice, was reared on the home farm and educated in the district schools. He was trained to agricultural pursuits and passed a quiet, uneventful and happy life until the breaking out of the Civil war. In company with two of his brothers, James and Henry W., he then responded to his country's call, enlisting in Company H, of the Sixtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, February 23, 1864. They went with their command directly to Washington, and shortly afterward participated in the battle of the Wilderness, on the first day of which one of the brothers, Henry W., was shot, and was caught in the arms of the subject of this sketch; this sad event occurred just fifteen days after their leaving home. James FL was killed in front of Petersburg, June 17, 1864, less than two months after leaving home, and like his brother was caught in the arms of the younger brother, Emroy. Mr. Hardy, of this notice participated in the following battles: Wilderness, May 6 and 7, 1864; Nye River, May 9; Spottsylvania, May, 10, 11, 12 and 15; North Ann, May 25 and 27; Bethsaida Church, June 1 and 3; Cold Harbor, June 6 and 7; front of Petersburg, June 17. After the last mentioned engagement he was sick in the hospital for some time. He then took part in the battie at Fort Steadman, March 25, 1865, and in another near that fort, March 29; before Petersburg April 1 and 2, and remained on duty thereabouts until Lee's surrender. Out of 104 in the company in which Mr. Hardy served, only twenty-six survived to be mustered out, which latter event took place at Georgetown, July 28, 1865.
On his return he purchased fifty-five acres of good land, on which he has since been engaged in mixed farming and stock-raising. He erected his present neat frame house in 1882, and has otherwise much improved his place, having now one of the most thrifty appearing farms in this vicinity, all of which is entirely due to his own energy and unremitting industry.
November 5, 1867, he married Libbie Tenney, an intelligent lady, a native of Lake county, Ohio, where she was reared and educated. Her father, Alexander Tenney, was born in New Hampshire, and was brought by his parents to Lake county when he was an infant. He was a prosperous farmer and a faithful soldier in the late war, serving in
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Company. D, of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He died at Murray, Clark county, Iowa, May 15, 1887, aged sixty-five, leaving many friends to mourn his loss. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy have two daughters: Edith and Hattie.
Politically, Mr. Hardy advocates the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post in Painesville, and in religion he and his family are useful members of the Congregational Church. Thus ever alive to the call of duty, Mr. Hardy has passed his life in the service of his country and in the advancement of all that is good and noble.
SERENO E. HALL, Orwell, Ohio, was born in Charlestown, Portage county, Ohio, May 22, 1835. He is a son of Smith Hall, and one of a family of eight children, a record of whom is as follows: The oldest child died in infancy; Albert S., a brevet Brigadier-General, died from the effects of a wound at Murfreesborough; Joseph N., who served through the war as a private in the Seventh Ohio Regiment, was wounded at Missionary Ridge; Sereno E.; Julia, wife of Charles A. Clark, Oakwood, California; Traverse A., a resident of Wheeling,, West Virginia, was a Lieutenant during the Civil war; Temperance, who died at the age of ten years; and Mrs. Helen Stedman, a resident of California. Sereno E. Hall was also a soldier in the late war. He was a member of Company B, Second Ohio Cavalry, and served in Kansas during the Indian expedition. He received a slight wound in the left leg, and on account of disability from sickness was discharged from the service. He is now the recipient of a pension.
Mr. Hill was married September 1, 1857, to Miss Sarah Cowles, who was born in Chardon, Geauga county, Ohio, ,Tune 23, 1838, daughter of Elliott Cowles. Mrs. Hall's father died when she was an infant, she being his only child, and her mother was subsequently married to Thomas Rush. Mr. and Mrs. Rush had six children, Everett, Florence, Blanche, Eugenia, Winnie and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have two children: Edith M. was born August 31, 1858, and is the wife of Ernest Howard, Orwell; Elliott B. was born January 23, 1870, and of him further mention is given below.
From the above it will be seen that four of the Hall brothers served in the late war. They come from ancestors noted for their patriotism, their great-grandfather having served in the Revolution, and their grandfather in the war of 1812. It is stated of his grandfather, Hall, that when he came to Ohio at an early day he and a brother, with their wives and twenty-four children, lived for some time in a little log house. Sereno E. Hall was engaged in farming previous to his enlistment in the army, but after he returned from the war he became a carpenter and shoemaker. He is a skillful mechanic, and a man who has the respect of all who know him. For over twenty-seven years he has made his home in Orwell.
ELLIOTT B. HALL, son of the above named gentleman, was born in Orwell, --I Ohio, January 23, 1870. He was educated in the public schools and the Orwell Institute, and although quite young is ranked with the enterprising business men of his town. He is the senior member of the firm of Hall & Stevens, clothiers. They occupy a fine brick salesroom, situated on the west
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side of the public square in Orwell, where their large and well-assorted stock of men's and boys' clothing, furnishing goods, shoes, etc., is nicely arranged and presents an attractive appearance. In their establishment an air of cleanliness as well as general "hustle" prevades the atmosphere. Both of the proprietors seem to be especially adapted for the business in which they are engaged; and are meeting with well deserved success.
Mr. Hall is a man of family. He was married August 15, 1888, to Miss Lucy E. Parker, daughter of Oren N. and Alzade Parker, of Orwell. They have one child, Albert P., born December 21, 1890.
Mr. Hall, like his father, is a stanch Republican. He is both an Odd Fellow and Knight of Pythias, being Chancellor Commander of Orwell Lodge, No. 510, Knights of Pythias.
ROYAL P. SMITH, one of the wealthy farmers of Monroe township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, appears as the subject of this article. He was born in 1840, near his present home, son of Isaac Smith, a native of Vermont. Isaac Smith emigrated from Vermont to Ohio in 1832, and settled at Kelloggsville, where he farmed and carried on a mercantile business for half a century. Although he had but limited educational advantages in his youth, he was a man of remarkable energy and business ability, and was successful in his various undertakings. He began working out for wages when he was twelve years old, and until he was twenty one his mother, a widow, received his earnings. When he landed in Kelloggsville, he bought 106 acres of land, and at the time of his death he was the owner of 640 acres and had money at interest. Politically, he was a Democrat, and took a commendable interest in public affairs, frequently filling local offices. For sixty years he was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity. He died May 12, 1883, at the age of eighty-four years. At the time of his death he was a Universalist in belief. The Smiths are of English origin, some of the family having come to America previous to the war of 1812. The mother of Royal P. Smith, who before her marriage was Miss Lucia Thompson, was born in New Hampshire, about twelve miles from Dartmouth College. She had a good education, and was for some time engaged in teaching. Her death at the age of seventy-six years occurred April 24, 1881. The Thompsons are of English descent. Isaac Smith and his wife had five children, as follows: Isaac, who died January 28, 1854, aged twenty-one years; Susan J., wife of G. G. Waite, Hutchinson, Kansas; Royal P.; Irving, a resident of Monroe township, Ashtabula county; and Lucia, who died November 26, 1852, at the age of five years. Isaac Smith was first married to Harriet, Walker, who died without children.
Royal P. Smith remained with his parents until 1861, when he married and began life for himself. He is now the owner of 450 acres of land, in three different tracts, 200 acres being under cultivation. In 1861 he was married to Corinna E. Swift, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Dan and Mercy (Doubleday) Swift, natives of Italy Hill, Yates county, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children, namely: Charles, engaged in farming near Kingsville; Carrie M., wife of George Humphrey, Cleveland, Ohio; Harriet, a student at Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio; and Corinna, also attending college.
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Mr. Smith's political views are in harmony with Democratic principles. For six or seven years he has served as Trustee of his township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the State Police.
E. G. CLARK, M. D., a prominent physician of Willoughby, Lake county, Ohio, is one of the early settlers of the place, having resided there for about forty years. When he landed here he only had $40, but being possessed of energy and a determination to succeed, he overcame all obstacles in his pathway, and for many years has occupied an enviable position in professional and social circles. He is descended from an old New England family, and is a son of Linus Clark, who was born near Boston, Massachusetts, in 1798, being the youngest of a large family. His parents removed to St, Lawrence county, New York, where the father died at a ripe old age and the mother lived to be ninety-eight years old.
Linus Clark was a lawyer in early life and manifested considerable talent in that direction, being possessed of a wonderful memory and good judgment. He afterward turned his attention to farming and emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1833. He settled in Warrensville township, Cuyahoga county, paying $3.50 an acre for the land, on which he erected a log cabin, and there resided for two years, when he sold his land for $16 per acre. He died February, 1881, aged eighty- five years. His wife, formerly Hulda Bunnell, was born near Hannibal, Massachusetts, in 1802, and died in 1880. She was the mother of nine children, who all lived to maturity. The eldest was born in 1823 and died in 1887. At the present time only three of the number are living. Linus Clark was elected Justice of the Peace and was given other local offices.
The Doctor attended the district schools and afterward was a student in the Academy at Twinsburg, Ohio, then a noted institution. He taught school for a few terms and for four months received only $16 per month and took his pay in checks on a Wooster " wildcat " bank, realizing only twenty-five cents on a dollar. In the spring of 1848, he began the study of medicine with Dr. S. U. Torbell, of Bedford, and remained under his instruction for three years. He next attended the Cleveland Medical College, from which he graduated in the spring of 1852.
Going to Fairfield county, the Doctor began the practice of medicine at a point ten miles from Lancaster, but was only located there for a few months. He came to Willoughby on the fifth of December, 1852, and has made this the field of his operations ever since with the single exception of three years. For six years he lived on a farm in Willoughby. In the early days he had quite a large practice, considering the fact that the country was yet sparsely settled. As a sample of one of his busy days, we give the following: he pumped water and fed seventy head of cattle and ten horses, drew five logs to the mill, which was two miles distant, and saw six patients, besides attending to other matters on the farm.
On the 15th of May, 1854, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Clark and Miss Sarah E. Drake, a native of the Green Mountain State. Her father, Alonzo Drake, emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Bedford township, Cuyahoga county, and lived there on his farm, for about one-half a century. He died at the age of eighty-five years. He was a skillful
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shoemaker, and carried on work in that line in addition to that of his farm. Our subject and wife are the parents of three children: Nettie, wife of J. W. Wheeler, who is in the stave and hoop business in Paulding, Ohio. For a number of years he was business manager of the Moline (Illinois) Plow Works. Edwin A., the second child, graduated from Willoughby high school, after which he attended Hiram College for two years, and then graduated From the Adelbert College of Cleveland. He afterward entered the Cleveland Medical College, and is now practicing, his office being On Cedar avenue, Cleveland. Mary Josephine, the youngest of the family, is a graduate of Hiram College and is now teaching in the public school at Willoughby.
In former days, Dr. Clark was an Abolitionist, and since the formation of the Republican party has championed the same. He and his family are members of the Disciple Church, in which he is now a Tiustee. In 189J, he built a fine substantial residence, which is pleasantly situated.
The mother of Mrs. Clark, a native of Vermont, died in her seventy-seventh year. Both she and Mr. Drake were active in the work of the Disciple Church. S. S. Drake, a brother of Mrs. Clark, is president of the Eagle Oil Refining Company of Cleveland, Ohio.
CAPTAIN THOMAS J. CARLIN, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, Conneaut, Ohio, dates his birth at Chautauqua, New York, January 12, 1816.
His parents, James and Mary (Smith) Carlin, were born, reared and married in Ireland, and in 1814 came to the United States and settled in Westfield, New York. James Carlin was a brick mason, which occupation he followed all his life. He was an honest and straightforward business. man and in him were the truest and purest types of religion united. He died in September, 1826, about the age of fifty years. Both he and his wife were Presbyterians. Later in life, however, Mrs. Carlin united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she died a consistent member, at the age of seventy-seven years, her death occurring about 1874. During the latter part of her life she made her home with the subject of our sketch, and her last resting place is at Conneaut. This worthy couple were the parents of three daughters and four sons, only two of whom, Captain James Carlin and the subject of this article, are living.
Thomas J. received his education in the public schools and the Westfield Academy. His first business was that of making brick at Westfield. He also followed the same occupation at Conneaut in an early day, having made this place his home since 1838.
Early in 1861, although forty-six years of age and not in reach of the draft, being too old, he enlisted in the service of his country; raised and took into the service the Second Ohio Four-gun Battery, General Fremont subsequently adding two twelve pound howitzers to their force. Mr. Carlin was made Captain of the battery and served as such until his health failed in 1862, when he resigned. He served in western Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi. He was then appointed assistant enrolling officer, under Governor Tod, for the Nineteenth Congressional District, and served in that capacity until the close of the war. The battery was in the first battle of Pea Ridge, later at Black River bridge, at Raymond, Mississippi, and also at Vicksburg. On one occasion the Captain, with twenty non-commissioned officers, was detailed to capture a ton of rebel powder
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near Warsaw, Missouri. He accomplished the task, delivering the ammunition over to the United States Arsenal in October, 1861. While out on this raid his horse shied at a large rock which was on a dug-out road, thereby causing Captain Carlin to strain his back. An hour later he was compelled to dismount, and from the effects of this strain he has been troubled ever since. At the time he enlisted in the army two of his sons, Orson A. and James M. also entered the service, leaving the mother and two daughters alone.
Captain Carlin had been Postmaster at Conneaut for eight years previous to his enlistment, and at the close of the war he was elected Justice of the Peace, holding the office by re-election up to the present time.
He served as Mayor of Conneaut three terms, not in succession, however. In the educational affairs of the town he has been an important factor. He served continuously for twenty-one years on the Board of Education, his associates retaining him even while in the war. With fraternal organizations he has also taken an active part. He organized the first lodge of Good Templars in Conneaut and was its first Worthy Chief, which office he held for two years. He has taken a prominent part in all temperance work of the town ever since and has ever been an ardent Prohibitionist. He is the oldest member of Evergreen Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of which he served four years as Worshipful Master. At the breaking out of the war he was Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and was in a fair way for promotion at that time. He took part in the unveiling of the Perry monument at Cleveland, Ohio. He signed for a charter for a lodge of I. O. O. F. nearly fifty years ago; remained with the organization, was its Noble Grand for several terms, and had a working place in it until it surrendered its charter. His name is the first on a petition for a charter for Custer Post, No. 9, G. A. R., and it was he who had the honor of naming the post in Conneaut. He is a United States pensioner.
Captain Carlin was married :November 22, 1838, at Conneaut, Ohio, to Miss Mary Ann Dibble, daughter of Ezra Dibble, a soldier in the war of 1812, the marriage ceremony being performed by S. F. Taylor, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Huron county. After fifty years of happy married life they made arrangements to celebrate their golden wedding, but Mrs. Carlin's health would not permit them to carry out their plans. She died June 22, 1889, aged seventy-two years. From her girlhood she was a member of the Conneaut Congregational Church. Her life, as far as health would permit, was one of activity. It was an inspiration to gentleness, patience, faith and courage: these virtues in her were luminous, and never more so than in her last protracted illness. She was a woman of rare intelligence and Christian character, and all who knew her cherish her memory with grateful affection.
The Captain and his wife had four children, of whom we make the following record: Orison A., who married Miss Allie Loomis, is agent for the Adams Express Company at Greenville, Pennsylvania; Ellen J., wife of J. C. Kuchler, agent for the Erie. & Pittsburg Railroad Company, at Greenville, Pennsylvania, died January 17, 1893, in the fifty-third year of her age. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and was the mother of an only child, Miss Carlin. James M., who married Miss Doty Crane, died in September, 1889, aged forty-two; and Artimisia Blanche is the wife of G. W. Bigelow, of Conneaut. Mr. and Mrs. Bige-
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low have four children, as follows: Mamie C., who has been a successful teacher in the Conneaut public schools since her graduation in 1889; Brownell, a graduate of the Conneaut high school with the class of 1893; Helen K.; and Orsie Carlin.
Captain Carlin is the oldest member of the Conneaut Congregational Church, having been a member for more than forty years. During his official career he has had an enviable reputation as a brave and efficient public officer. In church, with eye bedimmed and enfeebled voice, he still remains a working member as in former years. On all questions of moral reform he has always been, and still is, at the front, laboring for the true and good.
LOREN CLARK STEBBINS, M. D., deceased, for nearly forty years enjoyed a very large practice in Painesville, Lake county, Ohio, and passed his entire life on the Western Reserve. He was of a very energetic disposition, and at the time of his death left a large property. He was a skillful physician and surgeon, and was one who was never content with what he had achieved or learned in the past, but made it his practice to take the best medical journals and continually study new discoveries, methods and sciences relating in any way to medicine.
The birth of Dr. Stebbins occurred November 1, 1818, in Chardon, Geauga county, Ohio. His father was Rudolphus Stebbins, and the maiden name of his mother was Clark. The former was born in Connecticut, and with a brother came on foot, with his knapsack on his back, to Geauga county, at a very early day. He took up a claim, settled in the thick timber and partially cleared a
farm. He later removed to Hampden, in the same county, where he passed his remaining days, his death occurring when he had attained to more than the allotted three-score and ten years of man. The mother departed this life when still quite young, leaving three children, of whom our subject is the eldest.
The boyhood of Dr. Stebbins was passed on his father's farm in Geauga county, and when he became of suitable age he attended the old log school-house of former days. He was about nineteen years old when he began the study of medicine under the guidance of Dr. S. Griffith, who in after years became his father-in-law. The Doctor practiced several years before he entered the Philadelphia Medical College, where, after pursuing a course of study for a short time, he received a diploma. For some time thereafter he practiced in Auburn, Geauga county, but in 1847 came to Painesville, and here located permanently.
While a resident of Auburn our subject married Almosina, daughter of Dr. S. Griffith, an early pioneer of Painesville, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and, coming here in the early '20s, opened a blacksmith shop where the Lake County Bank now stands. Afterward he studied medicine and was a successful physician for many years. He died at the age of sixty-three years, in Munson, Ohio, where he had resided for some time. Six children came to bless the union of Dr. and Mrs. Stebbins, and four of of the number died in infancy. Francis E. died in 1884, aged thirty years, and Clarence E. is still living, making his home in Painesville, on a farm formerly owned by Dr. Griffith.
Our subject and his estimable wife were both for many years members of the Disciple Church, and the latter, who is still living, is
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yet active in the work. The Doctor was a liberal contributor to church and benevolent enterprises, and was a patriotic citizen in the fullest sense of the term. In politics he was a Whig, casting his first vote for William H. Harrison, and became a stanch Republican upon the organization of the party. In business he was very successful, and owned several valuable farms, and at one time was interested in the City Flour Mills. Mrs.- Stebbins is now superintending the farms and other property, and has an ample income. She was also a true helpmeet and companion to her husband, easing his burdens and lightening his labor. The death of Dr. Stebbins occurred February 12, 1.880. His loss was deeply deplored by the many friends he had won through his qualities of sterling worth and upright integrity of character.
DR. BYRON P. LATHROP, a retired physician, now living on his large and well kept farm near Painesville, Ohio, comes of an old and respected family of this State. The early ancestor of the family in America was Rev, John Lathrop, who settled in Barnstable, Massachusetts, in the seventeenth century. Moses Lathrop, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native and farmer at Monkton, Vermont, who came to Lake county, Ohio, in 1848, where he lived a number of years, going thence to Michigan, where he died, at the age of eighty. Lorain L. Lathrop, his son, and father of Dr. Lathrop of this biography, was born in Monkton, Vermont, in 1802, whence he came in 1820 to Ohio. He journeyed by raft from Pittsburg to Cincinnati, and thence on foot and horseback through Chillicothe and Sandusky to Cleveland, where he worked for a time. He finally came to Painesville, where he alternately worked in the postoffice and the store connected therewith and attended school. He had an insatiable craving for knowledge, was an omnivorous reader and an indefatigable student. The first money he earned was exchanged for a book, which was calculated to fire his young heart with ambition, for it was a life of Patrick Henry, the great orator, statesman, patriot and self-made man. Young Lorain Lathrop worked for a time on the farm of Uriah Seeley, and by frugality and by much self denial accumulated sufficient means to buy fifty acres of land in the woods near Painesville. This he cleared, turning the timber into charcoal, and eventually purchasing seventy-five acres more, which he also cleared and successfully cultivated, becoming in time one of the most prosperous farmers in the county. He never outgrew his studious propensities, which on the contrary rather increased with his years and opportunities for indulgence. He bought the first copy of the New York Tribune, the successive issues of which paper he read continuously until his death. He married Polly Holbrook, horn in Thompson, Ohio, an adopted daughter of squire William Holbrook, an early and prominent settler of this vicinity. They reared five children : Frances, deceased ; Byron P., whose name heads this sketch; Octavia, deceased; Conrad, deceased; and Gertrude, also deceased. The father was politically a Whig and later a Free Soiler and Republican, but always on the side of right and justice. Both he and his worthy wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian Church, to which they rendered much valuable assistance in those pioneer days. At the age of forty- three years, the devoted wife and mother died, leaving her family and many friends to mourn her untimely taking away. The beloved
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father survived to the venerable age of eighty-four, dying in 1883, greatly lamented by all who knew him.
With such ancestors and such careful training as he must have received, it would indeed be strange if the subject of this sketch should evince none of those admirable traits for which his progenitors were noted. That he has inherited and acquired his share will be seen by the following notice. Dr. Lathrop was born on the home farm near Painesville, November 6, 1832, where he was reared until twenty years of age. He attended the district schools and the academy in this vicinity, and at the age of twenty began the study of medicine under the careful tutorship of Dr. Carpenter, now deceased, but at that time a successful and well known practitioner. In 1854 young Lathrop entered the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, at which he graduated in 1856. He then began his practice in Ashtabula, where he remained one year, going thence to Dubuque county, Iowa, where he continued until 1864. At this time, his father's health began to perceptibly fail, and Dr. Lathrop returned to Ohio, and, his own health eventually becoming impaired, he gave up his practice and retired to his farm, where he follows grain and stock-raising, owning seventy-five acres near Painesville, and seventy more a mile west of the city.
In March, 1858, the Doctor was married, in Burlington, Iowa, to Miss Isabella Lang- son, an estimable lady, a native of Dublin, Ireland, who came to America when eleven years of age. They have three children: Witham. Eleanor and Julia.
Politically, Dr. Lathrop follows in the footsteps of his distinguished father, being an ardent Republican. His wife and daughters are active. members of the Congregational Church, and while professing no particular denominational belief he himself is a champion of all that is good and true. He n witnessed nearly all the growth and development of the vicinity in which he lives, to the advancement of which he and his worthy ancestors materially contributed, and of which he is a representative citizen.
DWIGHT F. STRONG was born in Claridon township, Geauga county, Ohio, May 17, 1840, a son of John F. Strong, a native of the State of New York. The grandfather, Elijah Strong, was a native of Connecticut, but removed to New York, where he carried on farming in his younger days. He finally removed to Ohio with his son, John, and died here at the age of seventy-two years. John F. Strong was reared to manhood in New York State, but removed to Ohio in 1833, making the trip via the Erie canal to Buffalo and thence by lake. He was married here about 1838, and located in Claridon township. He returned to New York in 1841, but came back to Ohio in 1847. He owned a tract of sixty-two and a half acres, which he placed under cultivation, he died at the age of fifty-one years. His wife, whose maiden name was Laura C. Kellogg, was the second white female child born in Claridon township, and the daughter of A. Kellogg, one of the pioneers of this section. She was the mother of eight children, six of whom lived to mature years; Herman R, Dwight F., Loren A., Edward C., Julia C. and Newton J. She died in September, 1892, aged seventy-six years. The parents of our subject were active members of the Congregational Church, and in politics Mr. Strong was an active Whig until the organization of the Republican party:
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Dwight F. is the second-born of the family He attended the- district school taught near his own home, and also was a pupil in the Chardon high school for three terms. He had just reached his majority when his father died and left added responsibilities to the son.
Mr. Strong was first married, November 24, 1864, to Elizabeth Alexander, of Ashtabula county, Ohio, and they had one child, May, who died in her thirteenth year; the wife and mother died in 1871. The second marriage was in September, 1872, when he was united to Alice Alexander, a niece of the first wife, by whom he had one child, Stuart D. Mr. Strong has a choice tract of land, covering 103 acres, all of which is improved and under excellent cultivation. He carries on a general farming business and runs a dairy, milking twelve cows. He has a fine sugar grove of 800 trees, from which he makes a superior grade of sugar. He has been very prosperous in his undertakings, and in 1892 rebuilt his residence after a more modern and convenient plan.
Mr. and Mrs. Strong are members of the Congregational Church of Chardon, and he has been Trustee for six years past. In politics he adheres to the principles of Republicanism.
OSCAR P. QUIGGLE, Mayor of Chardon, Geauga county, Ohio, is one of the leading members of commercial circles in the county, and a citizen highly esteemed. He is a native of the county, born in Hampden township August 9, 1842, a son of P. J. Quiggle, a native of the same place, born February 24, 1810. John Quiggle, the grandfather of our subject, emigrated from
Pennsylvania in 1808, and settled in Hampden township when there were but few families there. He bought land, built a cabin in the woods, and developed a farm which he sold. He then cleared another tract ofland upon which he erected buildings, and Mine he lived for nearly half a century. He died at the age of ninety-one years; his wife, a native of Philadelphia, died at the age of seventy-four years. They reared a family of four sons and three daughters. The first settlers of the name in this country emigrated from Holland in colonial times. The great- grandfather of our subject, John Quiggle, came to America in an early day and served in the war of the Revolution seven years. P. J. Quiggle was reared and educated in Hampden township, attending the pioneer schools of the neighborhood; be assisted in clearing large tracts of land and has owned several fine farms. He is now living, at the age of eighty-three years. He married Angeline Canfield, who was born in Geauga county, Ohio, in 1816. They reared a family of five children : Mary, deceased; Delia A., a teacher of the public schools of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Oscar P., the subject of this notice; Millie and Gertrude. The mother is still living; she is a member of the Diciples' Church, and has always been deeply interested in religious matters. O. P. Quiggle is the third of the family; he attended the select and district schools of Hampden township until he acquired a good business education.
He enlisted July 29, 1862, in Company E, One Hundredth and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in at Cleveland and sent to Lexington, the regiment being placed in the Second Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. On the retreat from that city to Louisville he was
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taken prisoner; he was confined at Lexington a short time and was then paroled. He rejoined his regiment at Murfreesborough, Tennessee, and afterward participated in the battles at Milton, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge; he was in the Atlanta campaign, and fought in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain, New Hope Church, and was under fire until taken sick at Marietta, where he was in the hospital, and then at Chattanooga, Nashville, Jeffersonville and Camp Dennison, Ohio. He rejoined his regiment at Goldsboro, North Carolina, in March, 1865, and was afterward at Raleigh, Holly Springs, then marched through Richmond to Washington and took part in the grand review May 24, 1865. He was mustered out at Washington June 8, 1865, and paid off at Cleveland.
Mr. Quiggle was united in marriage August 30, 1865, to Helen I. Field, who was born at Claridon, Ohio. They have two children: John J. and Elsie M.; Howard F. died at the age of seven years. Mr. Quiggle went into business with his father-in-law, John T. Field, at Hampden in September, 1865. They carried on a general mercantile business for five years, at the end of which Mr. Quiggle took charge of the business. In 1878 they formed a second partnership at Chardon, which existed four years, Mr. Quiggle then buying the business. He carries a large and well selected stock of dry goods, groceries, glassware and carpets, and has a large patronage throughout Geauga county. A Republican in politics, he was elected Mayor of Chardon in 1892, and has made a good officer. He was a member of the council four years, from 1888 to 1892, was Justice of the Peace in Hampden nine years, from 1869 to 1877, and was Postmaster there for ten years, from 1866 to 1876, discharging his duties with that promptitude which characterizes all his movements. He is a member of Reed Post, No. 387, G. A. R. He and his wife are worthy members of the Congregational Church.
CULLEN M. SPENCER, a highly respected citizen of Ashtabula county, was born at Geneva, Ohio, May 26, 1827,a son of Harvey S. and Louisa (Schnedeker) Spencer; the father was born at Fish- kill, Dutchess county, New York, in 1797, and the mother was a native of the same State, born in 1804. Harvey S. Spencer was reared to the life of a farmer, and in early life became accustomed to the hard labor of the husbandman. In 1811 he removed to Ohio, which was then the border of the Western frontier, and settled on land which is now owned and occupied by his son Cullen M. Here he underwent all the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life, rearing a family of eight children. The oldest, a daughter, married J. P. Jones, was the mother of five children, and died in 1891; Pierce lives in Geneva, and has a family of three children; Warren A. died in infancy; Warren P. was a prominent citizen of Geneva, for many years being editor of the Times; he died in 1883, without children; Percis J. married Mr. Woodworth, and has one child living; Marcia is the wife of Mr. Richards, deceased, and the mother of three children; Wayne A. served in the war of the Rebellion as a private, and died at the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, Ohio. Cullen M. is the fifth born. He secured a common-school education and chose agriculture as his calling in life. He was married in 1849 to Mary A. Wilder, a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio,
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and of this union three children were born, two sons and a daughter: Warren, born May 31, 1851, was married in August, 1873, to Ida Putman, and they have two children; Alanson and Heber; Lewis, the second child of our subject, was born February 4, 1859; he married Miss Theda Spring, and they have one child, a son named Robert; Susan the only daughter, married Luzern Bedell, and is the mother of two children. Two brothers of Mrs. Louisa Spencer were soldiers in the war of 1812; and her youngest brother was slain at Alamo, Texas, at the time David Crockett was massacred by the Mexicans.
Mr. Spencer gave his best energies to the cultivation of his land, and in 1869 he bought five acres adjoining his farm as a pleasure resort; the place is now known as Sturgeon Point, and is one of the most delightful retreats on the shores of Lake Erie. Three acres are thickly wooded with maple trees, under whose umbrageous boughs are many cottages for campers; near by is a hotel accommodating seventy-five guests. During the warm season many tents of campers are pitched here, and nature dispenses her comforts of quiet and peace with a bounteous hand.
In opening this resort Mr. Spencer has proven a benefactor to his fellow-men, securing to many a place of rest where the sterner duties of life forsake one, and cares fly away, giving the gentle forces of nature undisputed sway in their life-giving and life-sustaining mission.
P. H. WATSON, one of the leading business men of Pierpont, Ashtabula county, Ohio, was born at Woodstock, Canada, April 23, 1851, a son of Joseph and Abigail (Hendershot) Watson, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Canada. They were married in that country, where they still reside, the father aged sixty-seven years, and the mother sixty- five years.
P. H. Watson, the eldst of seven clen, six sons and one daughter, was reared and educated in his native city. At the age of twenty years he went to Chautauqua county, New York, where he learned the art of cheese-making. After remaining in that city five years he came to Pierpont, Ohio, where he is now employed as superintendent of the cheese factory, and is considered one of the finest cheese-makers in Ashtabula county. About 200,000 pounds of cream cheese is manufactured annually, and the product is second to none manufactured in the United States. Mr. Watson is also engaged in the general mercantile business.
He was united in marriage to Dora Platt, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Henry and Emily Platt. Mr. Watson affiliates with the Prohibition party. He was made a Mason in Chautauqua county, New York, in Sylvan Lodge, No. 303, and is now Junior Warden of Relief Lodge, No. 284. He is also Master of the Grange.
CAPTAIN ELEAZAR BURRIDGE, one of the largest land-owners and most prominent men of Lake county, Ohio, was born at Perry, this county, January 14, 1822.
Mr. Burridge is of English descent. His grandfather Burridge was born in England, and when a boy attending school was pressed into the British service and taken on board a man of war bound for America to aid in suppressing the Revolutionary war. The yes-
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sel was run ashore off the coast of Newfoundland, whence he made his escape and came and joined the Continental army. In it he fought until the close of the war. Then he settled in Massachusetts, but, a few years later, removed to Vermont. He was engaged in farming in the Green Mountain State the rest of his life, and died there at advanced age.
Captain Samuel Burridge, the father of our subject, was a native of Massachusetts. He married Hannah Family, a native of Vermont, and a few years after his marriage moved to Canada, where he was engaged in farming and gardening. When the war of 1812 broke out he was given the alternative of joining the British or the American army. Choosing the latter, he returned to New York, serving his time in the Federal army. In 1814, with his family, he came to Lake county, Ohio, making the journey by ox team, and upon his arrival here he took up land in Perry township, being one of the first settlers of that place, there being only three families in that township at the time. The country was then one vast wilderness, and he, being fond of hunting, killed many a deer, bear and wolf. He built his log cabin in the woods and made some clearing. Subsequently he settled in Painesville, and a few years later moved to Mentor, where he died, at the age of eighty years. He was Captain of a company of militia here at an early day and was familiarly known as Captain Bur- ridge. He was a zealous member of the Methodist Church, and in every respect a just and upright man. His wife died at the age of ninety-eight years.
Captain Eleazar Burridge is one of a family of nine children, six of whom are living. He first saw the light of day in a log cabin, and in a pioneer log schoolhouse he received his education. The schools were conducted on the rate-bill system, the teacher " boarding around." After reaching his majority he worked out by the month for some time and then went to Warren, JoDaviess county, Illinois, where he entered land. His journey to Illinois was made chiefly on foot. Two years later he returned to Ohio and purchased a farm near the center of Mentor township. Subsequently disposing of that, he bought his present property, then known as the Cobb farm. To his original purchase here he has . added until he now has 800 acres, which cost him on an average of $100 per acre. In connection with his farming operations, he gives special attention to dairying and sheep- raising, keeping a fine herd of Holstein cattle. His whole estate is finely improved. Among its attractions is a sugar orchard comprising 1,000 trees, from which he makes large quantities of syrup.
Captain Burridge entered the Union army in August, 1861, as a private in Company F, Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the first battle of Winchester, March 23, 1862, during which he acted as Second Lieutenant. He was afterward promoted to the captaincy of the company in which he enlisted. June 9, 1862, he was in the battle of Port Republic, where twenty-two of his forty-five men were killed, wounded or missing. He was struck on the head by a piece of shell and was carried off the field unconscious. His skull was crushed and he was sent to Washington with 300 of his wounded comrades. On reaching Washington, an Ohio lady named Lannon, with whom he had no previous acquaintance, obtained permission from the surgeon of his regiment and took Captain Burridge to her house on Pennsylvania avenue, and cared for him until his brother came for him. He came home, and in Octo-
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ber was sufficiently recovered to join his regiment at Frederick City, Maryland. Being in Sigel's reserve corps, he was not in the engagement at Fredericksburg. His health continued poor, and he was discharged in February, 1863, on account of his disabilities.
Captain Burridge was married in November, 1852, to Margaret Macumber, a native of Mentor, this county. They have six children: Levi, Sarah, Emma, Ehrick, Eleazar, Jr., and Kittie.
Politically, the Captain is a staunch Republican. He has served as Trustee of Mentor township and is now serving his fourth term as County Infirmary Director. He is Senior Vice Commander of James A. Garfield Post, No. 591, G. A. R. He and his wife are members of the Disciple Church at Mentor, the same church to which our late lamented Garfield belonged, the Captain being intimately acquainted with President Garfield.
The subject of our sketch began life without a dollar, and to-day, as the result of his own industry and good management,, he stands in the front ranks of the most successful men of his county.
NORMAN C. FROST, proprietor of "Echo Hill Farm," Mentor, Ohio, is one of the prominent young business men of the town, and in sketching the lives of the representative men of Lake county, we allude to him as follows:
Norman C. Frost was born in North Evans, Erie county, New York, October 2, 1851, a descendant of an old New England family. His father, John S. Frost, was born in -Vermont in 1821, and his grandfather, Nathan Frost, was also a native of Massachussetts. Nathan Frost removed when a boy to Vermont and emigrated to New York and settled in Erie county about 1827, where he passed the residue of his life, dying in 1885, at the age of seventy-two. By occupation he was a farmer; in religion he was a Congregationalist. John S. Frost was the younger of two sons. His brother, Nathan R., a farmer and carpenter, died in 1885. John S. is still living, engaged in farming at the old home place in Erie county, New York. He has been a Deacon in the Congregational Church for a number of years, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of the community in which he lives. His wife, nee Emily S. Clark, is also living. She is a ne tive of Massachussetts and one of a family of seven children. She came with her mother to New York at an early day, her father having died in Massachusetts. By a subsequent marriage her mother had three children.
Norman C. Frost is an only child. He was born and reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the district schools, select schools, and the Griffith Institute at Springville, Erie county. He is also a graduate of the Bryant & Stratton Business College, Buffalo, New York. When he was twenty-two he rented the home place, and carried on farming operations there three years. Since 1878 he has been a resident of Mentor. His farm, Echo Hill, located just south of Mentor, and within the corporate limits, is well ;improved and beautifully situated. Mr. Frost has given some attention to the breeding of short-horn cattle. In 1885, in addition to his farming and stock raising, he engaged in the coal business in Mentor, handling both hard and soft coal, and in the years since then his business has increased more than seven-fold.
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Previous to his coming to Mentor, and while a resident of Erie county, Mr. Frost was associated with Mr. O. F. Chase in the manufacture of Chase's patent suspension spring bed, being in this business two years.
Mr. Frost was married in the fall of 1877 to Miss Mary N. Hart, a native of Lake county, Ohio, and a daughter of Stephen H. Hart,a prominent early settler of this county. Mrs. Frost is a graduate of the hake Erie Female Seminary of Painesville, and was a teacher in that institution two years after her graduation. She also taught some time in the Mentor schools.. They have two children, H. N. and Helen L.
Politically, Mr. Frost is a Republican. Since he came to Mentor he has served on the School Board and the Town Council, and also has been Mayor of the town, always devoting his energies for the general welfare of the community. He has been a director of the Lake County Agricultural Society. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a Trustee and Steward.
FRED. D. GREEN, president of the Western Reserve Nursery, Perry township, Lake county, Ohio, is an enterprising young man of marked ability.
He was born in the township in which he now lives, September 8, 1864, son of Lucius Green, a native of Madison township, this county, and grandson of Jesse M. Green, whose native State was Massachusetts. Jesse Green made the journey with ox team from Massachusetts to Ohio in 1820, and settled in Madison township, where, in the midst of the wilderness, he developed a farm. He died there at the age seventy-three years.
Lucius G. was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the old log schoolhouse bard by. He farmed in Madison township until 1859, when he came to Perry township. Here, in 1861, he started the Western Reserve Nursery, beginning with five acres, and from time to time increasing his facilities and spreading out over more ground. Now the establishment covers 400 acres, and is one of the largest of its kind in America. He sold out to the present company in 1892, and on account of failing health retired from active life. He married Miss Corilla Sinclair, a native of Perry township, this county, and a daughter of one of its early pioneers. Her father, Milton Sinclair, kept a hotel for many years on North Ridge, on the route between Buffalo and Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Green reared two children, Mrs. Abbie Bartholomew and Fred D. Both parents are still living. The mother is a member of the Baptist Church.
Fred D. Green entered the Normal School at Geneva, Ohio, when he was fifteen, and spent four years there, completing an English course. Then he was a student at Spencer's Business College at Cleveland for one year. Since leaving school he has been identified with the nursery business, and for the past eight years traveled more or less in its interest. Reared in the business, he is conversant with its every department, and takes a just pride in the marvelous growth of the establishment his father founded and of which he himself is now at the head. They handle all kinds of trees and plants, are constantly adding new varieties which they procure from the ,old country, have a soil which is especially adapted to the wants of a nursery, and are doing business with all the States and territories of the Union besides many foreign countries. They do exclusively a wholesale business,
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having no agents out. The L. Green & Son Co. is officered as follows: Fred D. Green, president; H. J. Manchester, vice president; and F. G. Salkeld, secretary and treasurer.
December 15, 1885, Mr. Green was married to Miss Carrie Crofoot, a native of Painesville, Ohio. They have two children, Ethel G. and Edith M.
Politically he is a Democrat, and fraternally, an Odd Fellow, having his membership at Perry.
FRED F. PARKER, saddle and harness maker, Conneaut, Ohio, has been identified with the interests of this place for several years and is one of its most worthy and substantial men. Of his life and ancestry we make the following brief record:
F. F. Parker was born in Hancock county, Ohio, July 24, 1853, son of Abel F. and Sarah A. (Gale) Parker. His maternal grandfather, Rev. Isaac Gale, was well known as one of the pioneer Methodist ministers of New York. It is a fact worthy of note here that John Parker, the first man killed in the battle of Lexington, was a relative of this family.
Abel F. Parker was born in Windsor, Vermont, in 1798. His first adventure was to run away from home and enlist in the war of 1812. He took part in the battle of Plattsburgh, where he was taken prisoner, but made good his escape a few days afterward. He read law under the instruction of Judge Ebenezer Mix, and was admitted to the bar sometime in the '30s. He helped to survey the old Erie canal, and with General Wadsworth assisted in surveying the first railroad line in the United States; this was from Albany to Schenectady. Moving to Findlay, Ohio, he served a number of terms as Prosecuting Attorney of Hancock county, and at a later date was appointed Postmaster of Findlay, and under President Buchanan's administration received the appointment of Commissioner of Insolvents. He was too old to be accepted in the service of the late war, but went to Cincinnati in the call of the militia as artilleryman. He had a fine physique, being six feet three and a half inches in height and weighing about 225 pounds. He died in 1882, at the age of eighty-four years. He never had any serious sickness. For many years he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was noted for his generosity in the support of all worthy causes; indeed, he was too liberal for his own good. At one time he was the owner of large tracts of land in the vicinity of Findlay. His wife was buried on Christmas day, 1865, being fifty-three years of age. She, too, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and hers was a beautiful Christian life. They had three children: F. F., Robert and Dora.
Mr. Parker was married at Batavia, New York, to Miss Maria Strong, by whom he had four children: Edwin, Albert, Julia and Lucy,—two of whom, Julia and Lucy, are living. His second marriage was to Sarah, the widow of Benjamin Robinson, of Columbus, Ohio. She had six children by her first marriage, all of whom are living. By this second marriage three children were born: Fred F., the subject of this biography; Dora; and Robert, who is a lawyer of Wood county, Ohio.
F. F. Parker was educated in the public schools of Findlay. At the age of fourteen years he began to learn the harness business, and has followed it up to the present time.
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He was elected a Justice of the Peace in Pleasant township, Hancock county, in 1871, on the Republican ticket in a Democratic township and received a majority of 105 votes. He was again elected Justice of the Peace, April 20, 1875, in Conneaut, and by a special election, May 7, 1887, was chosen for the same office and served another term. He was elected Mayor of Conneaut in 1886 and served one term, and at the next election was defeated by only three votes in his race for the same position, his opponent being Mr. Winship. He was elected again Justice of the Peace in 1893, and later appointed Police Justice, which office he is ably filling. While he has never sought office, yet when it was thrust upon him Mr. Parker has ever discharged his duty with the strictest fidelity.
He was married in 1870, to Miss Ida Allah Nye, daughter of D. S. and Mary (Star) Nye, the former having been an officer in the army during the late war and now being a grocer and lumber dealer at Carey, Ohio. They have three children: Robert, Edith and Edna.
Mr. Parker is identified with the Masonic fraternity. As is evidenced by his long public service, Mr. Parker is held in high esteem and confidence by his fellow citizens. It is such men as he that advance public interests and give character and credit to a community.
LYMAN T. CREESY, a prominent farm- 1 er of Cherry Valley township, Ashtahula county, Ohio, was born in this township, December 14, 1843, a son of Trask Creesy. The latter was a son of Josiah Creesy, whose father was an old sea captain and who lost his life at sea. The family are
supposed to be of French origin. Josiah Creesy married Tryphena Wright, and they had six children: Frank, Dryden, William, Gilman, Delia Ann and Eliza. The mother died in Cherry Valley, at the age of ninety years. In the fall of 1823, when Trask Creesy was a lad of seventeen years, he came with his parents from Otsego county, New York, to Ashtabula county, Ohio, where he was among the first settlers. Cherry Valley township was organized and named at his father's home. Trask Creesy was married December 25, 1828, in this township, to Permelia Loomis, who was born near Great Barrington, Massachusetts, a daughter of Josiah Loomis, one of the early settlers of Williamsfield, this county. He died in that town at an advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Creesy had seven children, four now living: Susan, wife of C. A Hitchcock, of Chicago, Illinois; Tryphena, wife of D. 0. Tourgee; Truman, who served eighteen months in the Seventh Kansas Cavalry during the late war, is now a resident of Colorado; and Lyman, our subject. The deceased are: Charlotte, who was the wife of D. R. Carpenter; Celina and Abbie. Trask Creesy was a farmer by occupation, a member of the Congregational Church, and a Republican in his political view. He died February 2, 1890, at the age of eighty-five years, and his wife departed this life in 1874, at the age of sixty- five years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Lyman T. Creesy, the subject of this sketch, still resides on the old home farm where lre was reared to manhood. In 1864, he enlisted for service in the late war, entering Company D, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served ten and a half months. He participated in the battles of Murfreesborough, Town Creek,
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etc. After the close of hostilties Mr. Creesy returned to his home in this township, where he now owns 200 acres of fine farming land, all well improved. In addition to his general farming, he also conducts a large dairy, keeping twenty-five cows of a high grade.
Mr. Creesy was married June 5, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth Laughlin, who was born in Richmond township, this county, August 21, 1843, a daughter of Hugh and Jeannette (Brice) Laughlin. Our subject and wife have four children: Filson D.; Lottie M., who has taught school seven terms; Belle, engaged in the same occupation four terms; and Budd L. Mr. Creesy affiliates with the Republican party, has served as Township Trustee, and has been President of the School Board six years. Socially, he is a member of the G. A. R., Hiram Kile Post, No. 80.
DR. ELIZUR M. WEBSTER, physician and surgeon, Kingsville, Ohio, was born at this place, May 21, 1827. He comes from an ancestry in which he may justly take pride, and he likewise has reason to be proud of his posterity.
The first of the Websters who came to Ohio landed in Ashtabula county in 1808, when this county was nearly all wilderness. Among them the oldest was the great-grandfather of the Doctor, Michael Webster, who was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, May 8, 1748, a direct descendant of John Webster, who came from Warwickshire, England, about the year 1636, and became Governor of Connecticut in 1656 and who was also one of the Commissioners of the United Colonies.
By occupation Michael was a farmer. He served as a soldier all through the Revolutionary war and died at Williamsfield, Ash-
tabula county, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Minerva North, February 15, 1850, lacking only two months of being 102 years old. The day he was a hundred he walked from Jefferson to Kingsville, a distance of sixteen miles. Elizabeth (Clark) Webster, his wife, died October 15. 1842, aged seventy-seven years. They had twelve children, two of whom, Michael and Daniel, settled in Jefferson, Ohio, and their families now live in that township. All the children's names were, in order: Clark, Elizabeth, Daniel, Michael, Jr., Luman, Leman, Polly, Sally, Elemuel, Fanny, Clarissa and Minerva.
Clark, the oldest son, was born at Litchfield, Connecticut, December 3, 1774, married Naamah Hall, by whom he had seven children, namely: Michael, Hiram H., Frances, Almira, Michael W. (2d), Ardavan and Sally. Michael (1st) died in infancy. Hiram H. was born at Lanesborough, Massachusetts, May 17, 1800, and was married to Corinna L. Loomis, April 10, 1824. They were the parents of Corinna, Elizur Michael (our subject), Laura A., Ann Eliza, Clarinda L., Charles H., Emily F. and Henry C.
Hiram H. came with his parents to Ashtabula county, where he received his preliminary education, subsequently supplementing the same with a, course at the grammar school at Conneaut. He began the study of medicine at Kelloggsville, Ohio, in the office of Dr. Vosburgh, completing his studies under the perceptorship of Dr. Coleman, of Ashtabula, in 1824. After passing a rigid examination before the State Medical Board, he was admitted to practice and opened an office at Kingsville. He was appointed Justice of the Peace July 8, 1839, by Governor Wilson Shannon. He was a member of the "underground railway" association and assisted to freedom many a poor fugitive from
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the slavery States. He was a charter member of Orion Lodge, F. & A. M., a member of the Disciples' Church, and a strong believer in its doctrines. He died at Kingsville, February 19, 1888, his wife having entered into eternal rest May 29, 1870.
When Dr. Hiram H. Webster was five years of age his parents moved to Franklin, Delaware county, New York. After two years passed at this point, his father made a trip to New Connecticut," as the Western Reserve was then called, and without making a purchase of land put in a piece of wheat on the Ashtabula flats. This land was owned by Matthew Hubbard. Returning to Franklin for his family, he soon started for Ohio, calculating to reach Buffalo on runners. At Skaneateles he found two families named Pratt and Bartlett, also en route for the " promised land," and in company with them proceeded onward, and in due time arrived at Black Rock, where they found a large open boat, which was offered them at a low price, as it had become unseaworthy,---indeed was almost a wreck. However, an arrangement was effected whereby Mr. Webster repaired the boat, and in return was given a passage for his family and goods to Ashtabula landing. It was not altogether a safe voyage, as not one of the company was acquainted with handling a boat except Mr. Webster. The motive power was supplied by oars and setting-poles, aided by extemporized sails of bed blankets and sheets. There were twenty-one on board. At night the boat was beached and made fast, the greater portion of the passengers going ashore to sleep. Reaching Ashtabula, they tarried there until June, 1809, when the family removed to Kingsville and made a permanent settlement. In the nineteenth year of his age Hiram Hall Webster commenced the study of medicine, and in 1824 entered upon the practice of his profession. For over thirty years he was a practitioner at Kingsville, where he became well known and had the respect of all.
Dr. E. M. Webster is one of a family of eight, namely: Corinna N., who died January 17, 1861, was born March 10, 1825, and was the wife of Rev. Erastus C. Williams, a minister in the Presbyterian Church at Kingsville for many years; Dr. Elizur Michael, the subject of this article; Laura Ann, who died in infancy; Ann Eliza, wife of D. P. Venan, was born December 14, 1830, and died August 23, 1852: Clarinda L., born August 19, 1833, is the wife of D. P, Venan; Charles H., born July 21, 1836, lives in Kelloggsville; Emily F., born September 6, 1839, is the wife of A. L. Newcomb and lives at Hiawatha, Kansas; and Henry C., born February 11, 1842, a soldier in the fate war, died in the hospital at Philadelphia, October 8, 1862
The subject of this sketch had excellent educational advantages for his day. He read medicine under the instruction of his father, and in due time entered the medical department of the Western Reserve College at Cleveland, Ohio, where he was graduated February 22, 1854. He began the practice of his profession at Kingsville with his father, and has continued his professional career bele up to the present time, meeting with eminent success. He is examiner for several insurance companies, and tor twenty-three years served as county physician. In the winter of 1874—'75 he was at London in Guy's Hospital with Dr. John C. Hubbard, of Ashtabula.
Dr. E. M. Webster was married June 4, 1851, to Miss Emily A. Beckwith, daughter of Lemuel and Sarah (Palen) Beckwith, her parents having located in Kingsville, Ohio,
636 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
in 1838. The Doctor and his wife have had two children: Darwin P., who died in infancy; and Dr. George E., born July 25, 1858. Dr. George E. is a graduate of the Western Reserve Medical College with the class of 1880. He spent two years in the Cleveland City Hospital, and since then has been a practitioner in Ashtabula county. He married Alice M. Blodgett, daughter of Ira A. and Alice J. (Kent) Blodgett, December 31, 1883, and they have two children, George Kenneth and Alice Geraldine.
Dr. Webster and his son are Knights Templar, and affiliate with Cache Commandery, No. 27, at Conneaut. They are Republican in politics. Both are elders in the Presbyterian Church, of which their wives are also members. The father and grandfather of Dr. E. M. Webster were station agents and conductors on the underground railway before the war. They kept the sable sons of Ham in the garret in Clark Webster's house. For many years the senior Dr. Webster has been an honored leader not only in the professional ranks but also in business and political circles. He is still active in his profession, and, although now well advanced in years, has no occasion to retire from the large and lucrative practice which he has so successfully established. It is but just to say of the younger Doctor that he takes rank as a leader among the rising physicians of the county.
DR. R. L. ASHLEY, one of the leading members of the Lake county medical fraternity, practicing at Perry, was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, in 1840.
Dr. Rufus Ashley, his father, was horn in New York, September 28, 1793, and was one of the pioneer physicians of Crawford county, Pennsylvania. He died in Crawford county, August 6, 1865, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Diadema Bigelow, was born in New York, April 17, 1799, and died July 13, 1865. She was an active member of the Methodist Church. They had a family of fourteen children, three of whom followed their father's profession. One of these three, Dr. Mica B. Ashley, a practicing physician of Topeka, Kansas, died at that place in 1856. Another, Dr. C. D. Ashley, is an old practitioner of Cleveland, and has two sons who are doctors.
Dr. R. L. Ashley is next to the youngest in this large family. He was reared and educated in his native county, and when quite young began reading medicine under the instructions of his father. He subsequently studied under the tutorage of his brother in Cleveland. In 1870 he entered the Cleveland Medical College, where he graduated the following year. He began his professional career at Hydetown, in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and afterward practiced four years in Muskegon county, Michigan. He located at Perry August 8, 1881, since which time he has been identified with the best interests of this place, having established a large general practice here. He is not only regarded as a skillful physician, but also as a public-spirited and worthy citizen, ever having at heart the best interests of the community.
When the war came on he was among the first to offer his services to protect the Union. He enlisted August 15, 1861, in Company B, Eighty-third Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers; October 19, 1861, was made
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Third Sergeant, and was subsequently promoted to First Sergeant; served most faithfully until, on account of disability, he was honorably discharged at New York city, November 24, 1862. He was in the siege of Yorktown and the seven days' fight before Richmond. At Malvern he received a wound in the left arm.
Dr. Ashley was married September 7, 1865, to Carrie M. Wilder, she, too, being a native of Crawford county, Pennsylvania. Their only child is Lura A.
Politically, the Doctor affiliates with the Republican party, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has been one of the committeemen of the Republican County Central Committee from this district for the past three years. He has also served three years as a member of the United States Examining Board of Surgeons at Painesville. Fraternally, he is an 1. 0. 0. F., having passed all the chairs in the lodge.
Mrs. Ashley is a member of the Congregational Church.
EDWIN HARMON. —He who seeks to promote the general welfare of his country, and labors to further the growth and development of his own immediate community; who seeks to strengthen the cause of justice and morality and advance the standard of civilization, becomes a public benefactor, and as such is worthy of special mention on the pages of history. Such is the
character of one of the old pioneers of northeastern Ohio, Edwin Harmon, whose name heads this memoir, and who has passed from the busy scenes of this life to the life eternal.
Edwin Harmon was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, May 6, 1803, a son of Anan and Tryphenia (Harmon) Harmon, of English ancestors, who settled in America in early Colonial times. In 1816, they became imbued with the spirit that was moving the people westward, and, joining the tide of emigration that was following the setting sun, journeyed as far as Ohio, then the Western frontier. They settled on a tract of wild land situated about one mile north of where the city of Ashtabula now stands. They, with their children, traveled overland in wagons, the only conveyance in those times, and were many days on the journey. Having made his location, Mr. Harmon, with that energy that belonged to the pioneer, began his labors for the building up of a home, and laying the foundation for the future prosperity of his family. He engaged in farming, trading and merchandising. Here the old pioneer lived for many years, working his farm and attending to his other interests, until he moved to near the present homestead of the Harmons, where he died, in 1855, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He and his good wife became the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters: Clarissa, Edwin, Roxana, Achsah, Anan and Polly.
Edwin Harmon, of this biography, was educated in the common schools of his time, in his native State, and in the one of his adoption, where he assisted his father in his labors. As a youth he possessed unusual brightness and activity, and embraced every opportunity afforded him for increasing his knowledge and bettering his condition. Attaining his majority he started in life for himself, and, after earning a sufficient amount of money, purchased some horses and a vehicle, and established a stage line between Erie, Pennsylvania and Cleveland, Ohio, also, soon afterward, secured the contract for carrying. the United States mail. This gave
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him a fair start in life, and was the foundation of his future prosperity. From this enterprise he extended his operations to farming, trading and shipping. For the latter enterprise, Mr. Harmon built several vessels, which sailed on the lakes. A large part of his trade was with the Indians at Mackinaw and vicinity. He would load his vessels with articles that they were accustomed to buy, and sail for their villages. These trips were made annually, when the Indians secured their annuity from the Government, and in exchange for his goods would receive gold and silver. The Indians held him in great confidence and would often make him depositor of their money. He continued this and other business interests for many years, and, through energy, strict industry and financial ability, amassed a fortune. One of his enterprises, which indicates his broad conception of business affairs, was the erection of a gristmill on Ashtabula creek, at the foot of Main street. It began operation in 1846, and attracted wide attention, people having visited it from far and near. It was also a great benefaction, affording the people a convenient means of turning their grain into flour and meal. It did good service until burned down in 1887. The dwelling Mr. Harmon erected sixty-five years ago, in 1828, now known as the Harmon homestead, was so far in advance of the residences of those days that it not only was an attraction but a source of wonder. This building indicates the broad mind, liberal character and refinement of Mr. Harmon. For beauty of architecture, stability of construction, elegance, completeness of finish, solid grandeur and comfort, it has no superior in this section of the country. It has a commanding location and extensive grounds, which are ornamented with fine shrub trees. He moved into this elegant home with his young bride in 1829, and it has been the residence of the Harmons ever since. Mr. Harmon's farm, which surrounds the mansion, was brought to a fine state of cultivation, and was a model in itself. There was not a thistle to be seen on its broad acres, or a fence rail out of place. It was the admiratiou of all who passed it.
Mr. Harmon was united in marriage January 21, 1829, to Miss Miranda Cunningham, a native of Hamilton county, New York, born November 21, 1808. To this union were born eight children, six of whom grew to years of maturity: Adelaide, born August 7, 1830, died July 21, 1845; Miranda, born February 19, 1832, was married to James A. Wilkinson, and died August 6, 1892, leaving one child, Edwin Harmon. She was a woman of refined tastes, and was a devoted wife and mother; Mary, born June 18, 1834, was married to Charles Collins, and died April 15, 1893; Harriet, born Juue 27, 1836, died August 22, same year; Charles, born February 10, 1838, died March 19, same year; Francis Edwin, born June 24, 1839; Albert, born February 18, 1842, and Gertrude (Kittie), born December 10, 1844, died June 29, 1891. Gertrude, or Kittie, as she was familiarly known, possessed an even temperament, and a very amiable disposition. She seemed not to have a selfish thought, but lived to make those around her happy. She was most lovable in character, and was deeply mourned by all who knew her. Francis E., the elder of the two children now left of this large family, was reared at home, where he secured a common-school education. He assisted his father in his business until the latter's death, when the estate was divided. He remained on his portion until 1881, when he disposed of his farm and shipping interest and embarked in the mercantile business.
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Mr. Harmon was married in Ashtabula, October 24, 1867, to Miss Emeline, a daughter of Bennet and Levia (Mann) Seymour. They have one child, Louise Gertrude. In politics, Mr. Harmon is a Republican.
Edwin Harmon departed this life August 13, 1863. His loss was deeply felt by his family and a large circle of friends. His widow, who had been an affectionate wife and mother, and possessing rare social qualities, survived him about ten years, joining him in the other world February 5, 1872.
A few thoughts voicing the sentiment of the community in which the subject of this record so long dwelt, and the biographer will close. Mr. Harmon was a man of great force of character, to which attribute was united untiring energy and perseverance. His intellect was bright, clear and comprehensive; he was quick to grasp a subject, and was seldom at fault in his conclusions. He had a broad humanity, was liberal, charitable and benevolent, and strictly conscientious in all his dealings. Mr. Harmon was deeply imbued with that divine principle, " Do unto others as ye would others should do unto you." For half a century he dwelt and did business among the people of Ashtabula, and not a breath of suspicion was ever breathed against his honesty of character, but was universally esteemed and beloved by the people in whose confidence he was well fortified. He was public-spirited and active in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his city, and labored during his long association with it toward its advancement. He was greatly attached to his home, which he had surrounded with elegance, and to his family, having been a devoted husband and an affectionate and sympathetic father. In his death, Ashtabula lost one of its most beloved, prominent, useful and attractive citizens, and the country a true patriot.
Albert Harmon, of Ashtabula, Ohio, and son of Edwin Harmon, that grand pioneer whose biography and portrait appear in this connection, was born in this city, February 18, 1842. He was tenderly reared at home, where he received his education. As soon as of sufficient age he was inducted into his father's business, and was a very useful assistant up to the time of the latter's death. Albert was twenty-one years of age when his father died, and when the estate was divided among the heirs he took charge of his portion, which included a half interest in the homestead. His sister, Gertrude, who never married, had the remaining half interest in the homestead, where she continued to reside until her demise in 1891. Aside from look-, ing after his large estate and stock interests, being a man of refinement and cultivated tastes, he has given much attention to the greater adornment of the homestead, keeping up with the advancement of the age. He has made a specialty of breeding high trotting Hambletonian horses, in which he is successful. Like his father, Mr. Harmon is public: spirited, and keenly alive to all matters tending to the development of Ashtabula. He has been very zealous, in his efforts to secure a bridge across the river at the foot of Main street. In this movement, of which he is the originator, he is the leading spirit, and, as it now appears, his labors will justly be crowned with success at no distant day. In politics he is a Republican. A deep gloom was cast over his happy home lately by the loss of his only surviving and beloved sister and companion of his household, Mrs. Mary Collins. She was very attentive and winning in her manners, warm and generous-hearted, and liberal to the poor, by whom as well as by her many friends, she is greatly missed. Mr.
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Harmon is of medium height, well and compactly built, and pleasing. in his address; is generous in his disposition, and social and genial in temperament. He worthily fills the place of his lamented father, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of the community and of all who know him.
GEORGE BLISH, Mayor of Mentor, Lake county, Ohio, is a member of a II pioneer family and is one of the substantial men in Lake county. Of his life and ancestry we present the following resume. George Blish was born in Painesville, Lake county, Ohio, February 1, 1834, son of Benjamin Blish, a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and a grandson of Benjamin Blish, Sr., who was born in Connecticut. Several generations of the Blish family were natives of Connecticut. Grandfather Blish was a farmer. He went from Connecticut to Massachusetts, and from there, in 1805, emigrated to Ohio, being one of the earliest settlers of Painesville, Lake county. This journey was made by wagon to Buffalo, and from that city to Fairport Harbor by boat. Upon reaching his destination, Mr. Blish purchased a tract of timber land, and here, in the forest, built his cabin home and spent the rest of his life, devoting his energies to the improve-. went of his land. He died at the age of seventy-six years.
Benjamin Blish, the father of George, was twenty-one when he came with his parents to Ohio in 1805. He located on land adjoining that of his father, which, as the years rolled by, he developed into a fine farm. From the time he located here he was prominently identified with the best interests of this section of the country. He was a member of a militia company that went to Cleveland during the time of Perry's victory on Lake Erie. For many years he was a Justice of the Peace. An active member of the Disciple Church, he served as Elder and Deacon for many years and was familiarly known as Deacon Blish. He died in 1864, at the age of eighty years, being one of the oldest pioneers in the county. Of his life companion we record that her maiden name was Artimishia Perkins, that she was a native of Connecticut, and that her people came to Ohio at an early day and settled near Aurora, She, too, was a member of the Disciple Church. Her death occurred in 1852. Benjamin Blish and his wife had two children, George and James. The latter, a member of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Orderly Sergeant of his company, died in the army, in 1861.
George Blish attended the district schools and Kirtland Academy and also spent one year at Hiram, being at the latter institution when Garfield was there. Returning from college, he took charge of the home farm, his father being then advanced in years. This home place, 165 acres in Painesville township, he still owns. He also owns a farm at Mentor, having made his home at Mentor since 1887.
Mr. Blish has been married twice. In 1861 he wedded Edith Prouty, who was born in Mentor township, and who died in 1883, without issue. In 1886 he married Mrs. Hellen Pardee, a native of Mentor and the widow of William Pardee. Her maiden name was Dickey and her parents were early settlers of this place. She had four children by her former marriage.
While in Painesville township Mr. Blish served as Trustee and also filled other minor offices. He is now serving his second term
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as Mayor of Mentor. He has voted for every Democratic candidate for President since 1856. In his religious belief he is a Universalist. Fraternally, he is a -Knight Templar Mason.
HEZEKIAH A. REEVE.—There are within the limits of New Lyme town¬ship, Ashtabula county, Ohio, few more efficient and successful farmers than the subject of this sketch. During a residence here of nearly seventy years he has attained an enviable local reputation as a man of sound judgment, progressive ideas and strict integrity. His father was Rumsey Reeve, mention of whom may be found in this work in connection with the sketch of Captain L. C. Reeve, a brother of H. A.
H. A. Reeve was born on his father's farm, February 4, 1826. Early inured to a life of toil, he was deprived of educational advantages. What education he received in the crude district schools has, however, been supplemented by extensive reading and study in later life. Remaining on the home farm and working faithfully until he reached his majority, he then received from his father a deed to a small portion of the farm he now occupies. Ramsey Reeve designed to give to each of his children $300 or its equivalent, but it has been well said that he gave to them that which was of still more value, the example of a noble life. After his father had given him this land, H. A. Reeve built upon it a small log house, in which he lived for- several years. This cabin in time gave place to a comfortable frame dwelling.
January 1, 1849, Mr. Reeve married Lamira Peck, daughter of Elijah Peck. Her father was one of three brothers who were closely identified with the early history of New Lyme. He long since passed away. Mrs. Reeve died August 4, 1872. To her industry, economy and thrift, Mr. Reeve ascribes much of the financial success they attained. They had five children, all of whom are living: Viola Lamira, born August 22, 1850, married George C. Stevenson, and lives in Dunbridge, Ohio; Wells H., born February 22, 1853, married Hattie A. Soden, and lives in New Lyme township, this county; Elsworth S., born July 20, 1858, resides with his father; Celia Adell, born May 20, 1862, married Horatio V. Meeker, of Sugar Ridge, Wood county, Ohio; and Wilson, born June 27, 1872, is at home.
Two of the above named family are lovers of fine horses, and are the owners of some valuable ones. Among these we mention the celebrated pacer, Belden Boy, formerly owned by Captain Reeve, now the property of Wells. Elsworth Reeve has a nice farm of eighty acres, situated about two miles west of New Lyme Center. On this farm are some of the finest horses in Ashtabula county Among those deserving special mention are the five year-old stallion, Stannard Wilkes, by Allie Wilkes, a pacer of great promise, as yet untrained; the two-year-old bay, Allie Leaf, by Gold Leaf; the dam, Mollie Wilkes, by Allie Wilkes; also foals by Gold Leaf, 2:16 1/2; King Sultan, 2:33, etc. George C. Stevenson, a son-in-law of our subject, is also a lover of the turf. He owns the celebrated stallion, Rupert, with a record of 2:33. This was the first standard-bred horse introduced into Wood county.
August 11, 1874, H. A. Reeve was again married, espousing Julia R. Hawkins, nee Wescott, a native of Rome, Ohio. Her parents, Rufus Wescott and wife, died in Sheffield Ohio, the former in 1874, and the latter in 1893: Mrs. Wescott attained the
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advanced age of over ninety years. Mrs. Reeve is greatly devoted to the charming home over which she so gracefully presides.
Of Mr. Reeve's farm, we further state that it comprises over 200 acres and is well improved with excellent buildings and supplied with all the modern conveniences. His large fields of grain indicate a soil of the strongest fertility, while the general appearance of the place shows the owner to be a thorough farmer, a man who conducts his farming operations not only with his hands but also with his head.
He is a Republican, and both he and his sou Wells have served their township faithfully as
Justices of the Peace.
DANIEL S. CHAPEL, senior member of the firm of D. S. Chapel & Son, hardware merchants at Dodgeville, Ohio, is a native of Lyme, Connecticut, born June 15, 1823.
His parents, Ezra S. and Rachel (Bogue) Chapel, both natives of Connecticut, came to New Lyme, Ohio, in 1829, and purchased the farm now owned by V. G. Bedell, Here they spent the residue of their lives and died, the father's death occurring in December, 1862, and the mother's in December, 1877. Daniel S. was the second born in their family of nine children. Betsey, the eldest, wife of Josiah Beckwith, resides in Colebrook, Ohio; Ezra H., the third, died at Chattanooga during the. Civil war, his death resulting from a wound received in battle; Smith, the next in order of birth, died in infancy; Emeline, wife of Christopher Beckwith, died in 1892; Mary, the sixth, died in infancy; Eunice, the seventh, now Mrs. J. F. Bruce, is a resident of Madison, Wisconsin; Elias S. lives at East Claridon, Geauga county, Ohio, and John L., the youngest, is a resident of Brownsville, this State.
Dauiel S. Chapel received a fair education and for some time was engaged in teaching. May 19, 1847, he married Mary Willey, daughter of Ethan Willey, who emigrated from Connecticut to New Lyme, Ohio, in 1815. They have had four children, as follows: Myron S., born September 4, 1848, is DOW extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising in Mitchell county, Kansas; Cassius C., born June 7, 1850, died in youth; Ethen Allen, born September 18, 1855, is the junior member of the hardware firm above referred to; and Alice May, born August 27, 1857, is the wife of V. G. Bedell, a prominent farmer of Colebrook township, this county.
In 1887, Mr. Chapel exchanged his large farm for a stock of hardware, and the small farm upon which he now resides. He and his son have gained an excellent reputation as reliable and successful business men, and are doing a constantly increasing business.
Politically, Mr. Chapel affiliated with the Whig and Republican parties respectively, until the birth of the Prohibition party, when he allied himself with that exponent of moral reform. He has held several township offices, and is highly esteemed for his manly character and incorruptible integrity.
NELSON FRENCH, a retired farmer of Lenox township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, is well known and universally respected here. Without more than a passing notice of him a history of this part of the country would be incomplete.
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Nelson French was born in his father's pioneer home iu Ashtabula county, Ohio, January 24, 1824, son of Chauncey and Cynthia (Fowler) French. Chauncey French was born in October, 1795, and grew up as a farm hand, His brother Ira had come out to Ohio in 1816 and built a sawmill and log house, and a year later Chauncey came West to join him, Together the brothers bought 400 acres of the primitive forest, the tract extending west from the home of our subject to Ray's Corners, and stretching away to the south. Here they toiled early and late to clear and develop their land. Game of all kinds was plenty, and a supply of deer and wild turkey was always on hand. Gradually the dense forest gave way to well-cultivated fields. Other settlers moved in from the East, other cabin homes sprang up, and as the years rolled by the country assumed a different appearance. In 1820 Chauncey French was married. The brothers then divided their land, and upon Chauncey's share they put up another cabin, in which he and his bride began their happy married life. The work of clearing and improving went on, and right bravely did these pioneers meet and overcome the difficulties and privations incident to their life on the frontier. In 1834 Chauncey French built the fine old home in which his son Nelson now lives. It is a commodious residence of ten rooms. The timber used in its construction all had to be taken from the stump, and the completion of the house required two years and a corps of skilled mechanics. On this farm Chauncey French spent more than a half century of his rugged life, and November 8, 1868, was called to his long rest. Few men did more to advance the interests of this part of the country than he. For twenty years he served as Township Treasurer. He was a veteran of the war of 1812, having served as a private in the volunteer infantry at Boston: In early life he was a Democrat. His last vote, however, was cast for Abraham Lincoln. He was a man of the strictest integrity, and was generous to a fault. Of his wife, the mother of our subject, we record that she was a native of Connecticut, born in 1802, and that she came to Ohio with her parents and settled in Ashtabula county at an early day, being eighteen years of age at the time of her marriage. Her only child is the subject of this sketch. She was a member of the Congregational Church for forty years, aud her whole life was characterized by the sweetest of Christian graces. Her husband, although not a church member, was largely instrumental in the building of the Congregational Church near their home, and always contributed liberally to the support of the same. Mrs. French died January 14, 1881.
Nelson French grew up on his father's farm, and received his education in the district school. After the death of his father he assumed charge of the home place, and, with filial solicitude, cared for his mother during her declining years. He was married, in 1848, to Miss Sophia Royer, whose happy married life was of but short duration. Some time after her death Mr. French married Miss Martha J. Baily, daughter of Frank Baily. She was born in Morgan township, Ashtabula county, in 1825, and their marriage occurred November 13, 1851. They have had three children: B. A., a resident of this county; Julia, a graduate of Grand River Institute, Austinburg, died at the age of twenty-two years; and Dwight, deceased.
Mr. French has lived on this same farm all his life, engaged in farming and dairying until a few years ago, when he retired from active business. Following in the footsteps
644 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
of his honored father, he has always taken an active part in local affairs. He was elected to the office of Constable when he was twenty-four years old, and has been a township officer ever since. He was Township Treasurer eight years, & Justice of the Peace two terms, and has been a School Director for Many years. He and his wife have long been consistent members of the Congregational Church, with which he united in his youth. In the temperance cause he has also been an earnest and active worker. Few men in the county have witnessed more of the changes that have brought about the development and prosperity of northeastern Ohio than has Mr. French, and we are safe in saying that none are held in higher esteem than he.
CAPTAIN CALVIN REEVES, for the past thirteen years traveling salesman throughout the Western States for the Broadhead Worsted Mills, of Jamestown, New York, a genial gentleman and respected citizen of Orwell, Ohio, was born in Gaines, New York, March 26, 1834. He comes of an old and well-known English family, his grandfather, George P. Reeves, having been a prominent citizen of Edington, Somerset. shire, England, all his life. William, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in that city, August 26, 1806, where he lived to manhood. Concluding to seek his fortune in the new world, William set sail from his native land for America May 8, 1830, arriving at his destination July 2, of that year. He settled in Pompeii, now called Cardiff, New York, where he followed his trade of tanner and currier, in which he was a master workman. In 1835 he removed to Orwell, Ohio, where he became a prosperous and influential citizen, his death occurring June 6, 1872. His wife, nee Clora Northway, was born in Pompeii, New York, March 13,1813, and was a daughter of Zenas and Sallie North way, old and esteemed residents of that place. Mr. and Mrs. William Reeves had nine children, eight sons and one daughter, of whom we offer the following brief mention: Calvin, whose name heads this sketch; George P., born May 1, 1835, a prosperous jeweler, residing in Helena, Montana; Charles S., born May 8, 1838, died in the United States army; Truman, born August 17, 1840, at present (1893) serving his secoud term as Treasurer of San Bernardino county, California; Edwin, born September 19, 1842, also residing in Helena, Montana; Maria J., born January 4, 1845, is the wife of Henry Pickett, a prominent citizen of Andover, Ohio; Collings E., born July 31, 1847, was drowned, at the age of two and a half years, in a tan vat in his father's tanyard; Andrew J., born January. 8, 1849, died in Orwell, Ohio, November 29, 1869, unmarried; and Emery A,, born October 10, 1851, died in California February 26, 1883, unmarried.
The subject of this sketch received his primary education in the district schools of pioneer times in Ohio, and, being the oldest of a large family, early learned to rely on his own resources, thus acquiring that self- reliance and perseverance which have contributed to his success in life. Possessing a good intellect and a studious disposition, he desired above all things to obtain a good education, and secured the necessary funds to enter Orwell Academy—at that time the best school in the county—by chopping four-foot cordwood and hauling it a mile and a half to sell it. By hard labor, strict economy and close attention to his studies, he was soon at the head of his class, and, after a few terms
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at this institute, obtained a license to teach. His first school was in Windsor, Ashtabula county, where he successfully taught three terms, at the same time pursuing his own studies in the higher branches. At the close of his school in Windsor, he entered the employ of Messrs. McComibs & Smiths, dry- goods merchants of Warren, Ohio, as bookkeeper and remained with that firm for some time. He then accepted the principalship of a grammar school in Janesville, Wisconsin. This change was made at the beginning of the late war. The spirit of patriotism predominating over the fascination of the school room, Mr. Reeves enlisted as a private in the Twenty-second Wisconsin Infantry, shortly afterward being raised to the commission of First Lieutenant, in which position he served until 1863, when he was discharged on account of sickness, and returned to his home in Ohio. On recovering his health, he went to Rochester, Minnesota, where he clerked in the dry-goods store of J. D. Blake until August 15, 1864. He then again enlisted as a private, and was promoted, August 25, to Second Lieutenant, and on November 24, 1864, received a commission as Captain of the First Minnesota Artillery, in which position served until the close of the war, being discharged in November, 1865. He was in the battle of Nashville, and was engaged on the trail of the famous raider, John H. Morgan. Captain Reeves also commanded Fort Creighton for some time, there being only one remaining of eighteen forts which were erected at Chattanooga during the war.
One year later, in 1866, Captain Reeves, in partnership with M. M. Hilliard, of Orwell, entered the general merchandise business in that city, where they successfully continued until 1871, when Captain Reeves once more went West to Minnesota. In 1881 he returned to Orwell and entered the employ of Messrs. William Broadhead & Sun as their traveling salesman throughout the West, in which capacity he has efficiently acted for thirteen years, winning golden opinions from his employers and the people alike. A good business mau, fundamentally, and a cultured, courteous gentleman always, he would reflect credit on any calling, and is one of those who have been instrumental in raising the standard of the ordinary commercial traveler, until at the present time that ubiquitous personage occupies an honorable position in the commercial world. The commercial travelers are the pathfinders, the distributers, and as such are entitled to universal esteem.
April 2, 1863, Captain Reeves was married to Miss Carolina H. Baker, a lady of domestic and social accomplishments, daughter of Josiah W. and Mary Ann Baker, old and esteemed residents of Orwell. Mrs. Reeves was born April 20, 1840, in that city, and educated at Orwell and at the Painesville Seminary. A lady of unusual culture and geniality, she impresses favorably all whom she meets, and she ever shares the popularity of her husband. They have four children: Fannie M., born October 24, 1864, who will be mentioned more at length further on; H. Clayton, born January 17, 1867, married Miss Cora B. Hunt, on May 22, 1889, and has one child, Marian, born August 21, 1890 ; Julia M., born October 2, 1875, an estimable young lady, and John B., born September 29, 1877, are at home. Fannie M. married Samuel Runner, now a prominent merchant of Canal Dover, Ohio. He is a native of Buzmka, Hungary, born March 12, 1859. He left the land of his birth when he was seventeen years of age, on account of the conscription act, and came to America. He settled at Garrettsville, Ohio, where he made his home with a Mr.
646 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
Johnson, whom he regards as a father. His first business venture was as a pack peddler and later as a merchant in Orwell. He finally engaged in the general merchandise business at his present place, where he has a well selected and complete stock of goods. Mr. Runner is a man of good education and business ability, well posted on the topics of the day and of the highest financial standing. Mr. and Mrs. Runner have two interesting children: Zella, born April 1, 1884; and Huda, born October 19, 1889.
Politically, Captain Reeves advocates the principles of the Republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of the F. & A. M. and the I. 0. 0. F.
In his substantial and attractive home, surrounded by an interesting family and a host of personal friends, Captain Reeves may be truly said to have gained the highest success in life, and is rightly regarded as a representative citizen of the place, to whose welfare he has materially contributed.
FRANCIS G. LILLY, one of the suc- cessful and prominent residents of Andover township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, is he whose epitomized biography is here offered. Francis G. Lilly was born at West Williamsfield, Ashtabula county, March 29, 1845, being the son of Leonard and Almira Lilly, the former of whom was born in the town of Portland, Chautauqua county, New York, July 10, 1812, and the latter in the same place on the 2d of September, 1822. They were married in 1838 and removed to Ohio the same.year, locating at West Williamsfield. At the time of the late war of the rebellion the father was captain of a rifle company, and later on resigned
this commission to accept that of major of a company of infantry. When our subject was two years of age, his father disposed of his business interests in West Williamsfield and removed to Willoughby, Lake county, where he remained until 1849, when he returned to the State of New York in company with his family. He was a machinist by profession, and his son, the subject of this sketch, also served an apprenticeship at the same trade.
When only sixteen years of age, June 23, 1861, he enlisted as drummer in Company C, Seventy-Second New York State Volunteers. He saw not a little active service, and at the battle of Williamsburg, Virginia, he was quite seriously injured, having four ribs and the breast-bone broken. He was discharged at Georgetown, District of Columbia, June 28, 1862,andthen returned to the parental home, at Jamestown, New York. July 8, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, Sixteenth United States Infantry, and served until the close of the war. After his return home he served as engineer on Chautauqua lake for a period of four years, and later filled a similar position on the steamboats plying the Mississippi river. After a year's service in this capacity he enlisted, at St. Louis, Missouri, in Company H, Seventh United States Cavalry— General Custer's regiment. May 1, 1870, he was stationed, with his company, at Fort Hays, Kansas, where he remained for a time, and then acted as a scout, taking part in several shirmishes with the Indians. In the winter of 1870—'71 he met with an adventure that nearly cost him his life. He was on his way between Fort Hays and Fort Dodge and was caught in one of those frightful blizzards for which that section is famous. December 21 he left Fort Hays aud was out all through the day and following night. The thermometer registered twenty degrees below the
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zero point, and at night he was pursued and finally surrounded by wolves, which attacked his horse, biting the animal very severely. Mr. Lilly's escape from the ferocious beasts may well be considered as miraculous, while the fact that he lived through the other vicissitudes of that eventful journey is almost equally wonderful. On the second day the faithful horse carried Mr. Lilly to Fort Hays, where he was tenderly cared for. Of the latter stage of the trip our subject has no recollection. The last incident he was able to recall was that of crossing the Smoky Hill river, and, when he reached the fort, it was found that he had not escaped unscathed from the ordeal. He was badly frozen in the extremities and more unprotected portions of his body, and it was found necessary to amputate all the toes on each of his feet. He was honorably discharged from service on the 28th of March, 1871. He then returned to Jamestown, New York, where he remained for a time, and then came to Andover, Ashtabula county, Ohio, where he has ever since continued to reside, secure in the esteem of the community.
In February, 1888, Mr. Lilly was united in marriage to Miss Kate Hass, a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Peter Bass, of Jamestown, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Lilly have one child, Leonard Manley, who was born February 3, 1889.
OREN N. PARKER was born in Orwell, Ohio, September 4, 1838, son of Nehemiah and Samantha Parker. He was reared upon the farm, receiving the ad vantages of a district-school education, as well as a thorough knowledge of farming, which occupation has been his through life. In connection with his farming, he has been successfully engaged in breeding and raising many valuable horses, at the head of which he now has a fine Conway stallion. Mr. Parker also makes a specialty of winter dairying, his products finding a ready market in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
July 1, 1863, Mr. Parker married Alzada M., daughter of Jonathan and Lucy (Eaton) Dimmick, her father being one of the progressive farmers of Orwell, Ohio. Mrs. Parker was born in Orwell, but her parents were natives of Connecticut and came from that State to Ohio at an early day, making the long and tedious journey by wagon and meeting with many of the exciting and thrilling adventures incident to travel at that time, but finally reaching their destination in safety. Mrs. Parker was the last born of their four children, the date of her birth be-. ing July 18, 1840. Lucy A., their eldest child, became the wife of Francis Eaton, aud died at the age of thirty-three years, leaving a son, Francis E., and a daughter, Ina May. The next, Jane E., died at the age of fifty- three years. She was the wife of James Covert, of Orwell, and left a family of seven children. Jonathan Erskine, Mrs. Parker's only brother, makes his home with her family. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have had four children: Cora, the oldest, died in infancy; Lucy Eleanor, born February 1, 1870, is the wife of Barton E. Hall, a clothing merchant of Orwell; Maude Valentine, born February 14, 1875; and Samantha Z., born February 2, 1879. After the death of Cora, their first born, Mr. and Mrs. Parker adopted Jennie, the motherless little daughter of John Wikes, the child being at that time three years of age. This adopted daughter is now the wife of Robert Williams and resides in Orwell. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have taken great pride
648 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
in the education of their children. Their daughter, Maud V., is one of the four young ladies who have the honor of comprising the first class to graduate at the Orwell Normal Institute. She was selected by her class to write a class prophecy to be delivered at the commencement exercises of 1893. Their selection was well made, for she displayed such lively fancy and imagination, perfect rhetoric, and forcible delivery, that she completely captivated her large and appreciative audience.
Mr. Parker's fine farm comprises 235 acres, and is located a mile west of the village of Orwell. The comfortable home, substantial farm buildings, and other improvements, all combine to make this a desirable place of residence.
Mr. Parker has no aspiration for political prominence. He is, however, a sincere and honest supporter of Democratic principles as set forth by the true Democracy. He is a charter member of the I. 0. 0. F. at Orwell, and He and' his entire family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
S. B. FOBES, a farmer of Cherry Valley township, was born at Kingsville, Ashtabula county, April 29, 1834, a son of Artem us Fobes. The latter's father, Walter Fobes, came with three brothers from Massachusetts to this county, where they were among the first settlers. The mother of our subject was Lorinda Trowbridge, a native of Lorain county, Ohio, and now a resident of Sioux county, Iowa, aged eighty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Fobes were the parents of fifteen children, fourteen of whom grew to years of maturity, namely: Eliza Davis, of Clayton county, Iowa; Pauline Duntley, deceased at Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Selvin B., our subject ; William, of Sioux county, Iowa, was a soldier in the late war; Walter was a member of the Sixth Ohio Cavalry during that struggle; Adaline Strong, of Jones county, Iowa, is deceased; Warren, a member of an Iowa regiment, died during his service in the war; Winfield, who was also killed in an Iowa regiment; Edd, of Cherokee county, Iowa; Caroline Davis, of Sioux county, Iowa; Albert, a resident of Lyons county, Iowa; Clistie Thompson, of Rock Rapids, that State; Alva, of Washington; and Royal, a resident of Sioux county, Iowa.
S. B. Fobes, the subject of this sketch, was reared to farm life, but afterward was engaged as a sailor on the lakes for five years. He next was engaged in the manufacture of boat oars ten years. In 1874 he purchased what was known as the Deacon Gillett farm, consisting of 111 acres, all of which is now well improved, Mr. Fobes has a good, two-story dwelling, 18 x 28 feet, with an L, 16 x 26 feet, and a fine dairy.
October 29, 1860, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Pelton, a native of Pullney, Steuben county, New York, and a daughter of Deacon Ansel and Betsey (Thomas) Pelton, the former a native of New Hampshire, and the latter of Massachusetts. The father died at Gustavus, Ohio, at the age of sixty-seven years, and the mother survived him but three years, dying at the same place and at nearly the same age. They had six children: Amos T., deceased; Ezra, who died in this township; Elias of Hutchinson, Kansas; Rhoda M. Stone, of Cherry Valley, deceased; Lewis, of Gustavus; and Elizabeth, wife of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Fobes have had three children, viz.: Elloise, wife of H. Mellinger, of Cherry Valley township; L. Royal married Etta Wright of Le Roy,
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Lake county, and merchant of this place; and Albert C., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Mellinger have one child, Ruby J. Mr. Fobes affiliates with the Republican party, and he and family are members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Fobes was a school-teacher formerly, having taught several terms in this and adjoining towns. Their two oldest children proved successfnl teachers.
DANIEL JOHNSON has been identified with the various interests of Geauga county, Ohio, all his life. Few men in the county are held in higher esteem than he, and of such a one it is appropriate that some personal mention be made in this work. Following is a brief sketch of his life:
Daniel Johnson was born in Newbury, township, Geauga county, Ohio, June 22, 1826, son of Seth Johnson and grandson of Solomon Johnson, both natives of Massachusetts. In 1815, his father and grandfather emigrated to Ohio, the former at that time being twenty-one years of age. They located in Newbury township, this county, and worked for Lemuel Prendersou, who had settled here in 1809, he being the first settler in the township. That same year, 1815, the Johnsons bought land on which they erected a log house and where they at once began the work of clearing, The following year the rest of the family joined them in their frontier home, makiug the journey by ox teams and reaching their destination after six weeks' travel. In due time, they cleared up and developed a fine farm. Solomon Johnson died here at the age of seventy-nine years. He had a family of three sons and one daugh ter, of whom Seth was the oldest. Seth Johnson was married in 1821 to Saloma Curtis, a native of Massachusetts. Her people had emigrated to New York and from there came to Cleveland, Ohio. She died at the age of forty-four years. Seth Johnson died in December, 1857, aged sixty-five. He held various local positions in the township and was a man of some prominence. They had a family of twelve children, all of whom grew to maturity and six of whom are still living.
Daniel Johnson was born in a hewed-log house on the farm on which he still resides. His father was an invalid and able to do but little work for several years, so upon Daniel and an older brother fell the work of supporting the family. This brother struck out for himself at the age of twenty-one and the father said to Daniel, " You must stay at home and help take care of the children. It was about this time, when the subject of this sketch was sixteen, that the mother died, December 9, 1842, at the age of forty-four. He had been able to attend the district school during a portion of the time until the attainment of his sixteenth year, and in his eighteenth year he attended a private or select school for a few weeks. By diligent application and perseverance when in school and by supplementing this work by studying evenings and at odd times, he secured a good, practical business education. He taught one term of school in his home district, but owing to the urgent demands upon his attention at the home and farm, he was obliged to discontinue his pedagogic labors at the expiration of the time designated. His sisters also became teachers. After the death of his father, he bought out the other heirs, and has continued to reside on the old farm. This farm comprises 105 acres of good land, it being utilized for dairying and general farming.