WINDHAM TOWNSHIP - 911

WINDHAM TOWNSHIP.

(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

ELIJAH ALFORD, farmer, P. 0. Mahoning, was born April 23, 1829, in Windham Township, this county. His grandfather, Elijah Alford, was a prominent Deacon in the Presbyterian Church at Becket, Mass., previous to coming to Windham Township, of which he became one of the original owners. Two of his sons, Elijah and Oliver, came here in March, 1811, to prepare a home for the family, who followed in July. He was parent of seven children: Elijah, Oliver, Levi, Ruth, Sally, Anna and Olive. Of these, Levi was born in Becket, Mass., April 14, 1789; married, April 6, 1814, to Edna E. Conant, born October 8, 1795, and who bore him eight children: Elizabeth 0., Rebecca E., Louisa, Sidney L., Samuel N., Edward (consumed in a burning house, October 23, 1836), Elijah, our subject, and Durias M. Levi Alford was a farmer by occupation. He served as a private in the war of 1812, receiving a land grant for his services. He held many of the township offices of trust, and always took a prominent and liberal part in all public improvements. He was for many years a consistent member of church. He died February 12, 1869, his widow following him January 23, 1873. Our subject, like

912 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

his father, has always been a farmer. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted in the 100 days' service in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards. Mr. Alford has been twice married, first in 1856, to Silence A. Brewster; on second occasion, October 12, 1865, to Harriet C. Snow, born October 14, 1836, in Windham Township, daughter of Milton and Clemena (Jagger) Snow, natives of Massachusetts, and early settlers of Windham Township. Mr. Snow was a public-spirited, influential man, and filled the offices of Township Clerk and Justice of the Peace for many years. He died July 30, 1867. His widow is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Alford have three children: Estella S., Herbert J. and Arthur M.

THOMAS 0. ANGEL, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born in Hopewell, Ontaria Co., N. Y., November 25, 1835, son of Joseph and Cornelia (Arnold) Angel, natives of Rhode Island, who raised a family of four children: Thomas 0., Elizabeth M., Abbie E. and Ephraim C. who died in 1859. Joseph Angel was born at Smithfield, R. I. May 15, 1805, and settled in Windham Town- ship, this county, February I., 1837, where he became one of the most prominent farmers in the county and the promoter of all ventures designed to secure the advancement of religious and educational enterprises. He was a stanch Republican, though never a candidate for any office. For many years he was a member of the Congregational Church. He died December 26, 1872; his widow September 23, 1879. The early life of our subject was passed on the home farm, which he purchased of his father in 1860. During the late war of the Rebellion he was in the 100 days' service as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards, participating in the battle of Kellar's Bridge, Ky. On November 8, 1865, he married Miss Mary Ann Strong, born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, May 8, 1841; she died May 17, 1869, the mother of two children: Joseph W. and Ernest S. Mr. Angel removed to Windham Center in 1869. In 1870 he was elected Justice of the Peace, a position he has filled, with the exception of about six months, for a period of twelve years; has-been commissioned Notary Public for five years. He is a member of Earl-Millken Post, No. 333, G. A. R.; a communicant of the Congregational Church.

HEZEKIAH D. BALDWIN, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., July 2, 1829, son of Daniel and Nancy (Allen) Baldwin, former a native of New York, latter born in Massachusetts in 1805. They were parents of six children: Hezekiah, Mary A., Henry R., Edwin D., Laura C. and Cordelia S. Daniel Baldwin was a farmer and a local preacher. He went to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in 1833, and became a very influential man,. highly esteemed by the community in which he lived. He died in 1847, his widow in 1881. Our subject was married, September 27, 1854, to Miss Sarah J. Bradford, a resident of Ravenna, this county, born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, September 27, 1834. By this union there are four children: Linton D.; Eva L., wife of R. D. Loomis; Addie H. and Willie G. Mr. Baldwin early in life entered upon his career as a farmer, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He came to this county in 1856, locating in Charlestown Township, but in a few years moved to Ravenna, where he remained till 1869, when he came to his present farm, the appearance of which does not belie his reputation for being one of the practical and substantial farmers of Windham Township. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have for many years been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

HIRAM BINGHAM, retired minister, P. 0. Windham, was born in Vermont, May 30, 1815, son of Jeremiah and Rhoda (Fenn) Bingham. At the age of seventeen our subject began clerking; but at the end of two years

WINDHAM TOWNSHIP - 913

entered college at Middlebury, Vt., graduating in 1839; thence he matriculated at the Andover Theological Seminary. In 1841 he came West, graduating the following year at Lane Theological Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. While there he accepted a call from Red Oak Church, in Brown County, Ohio, where he remained for two years. The succeeding two years were spent at Portsmouth, Ohio, and the four years following as Professor of college at Marietta, Ohio. He was married, September, 1842, to Abigail Bushnell, born in Vermont October 14, 1815, daughter of Rev. J. Bushnell, who for thirty-three years was pastor of a church in Cornwall, Vt. In the spring of 1850 Mr. Bingham came to Windham Township on a visit to an old teacher, and eventually became pastor of the Presbyterian Church here, but after five years he went South on account of ill health, and supplied the pulpit of the First Presbyterian Church at Augusta, Ga., during the winter of 1855-56. In the spring following he received a unanimous invitation from the session to stand as a candidate for the pastorship of the church, but deeming the charge too great for his state of health he declined. Mr. Bingham found the climate South favorable to his health, and was, therefore, strongly inclined to remain there, but judging from what he saw and heard among the people that a political revolution was imminent, he returned North, and for the last twenty-nine years has resided at his former home, supplying vacant and feeble churches in the vicinity as he has had the opportunity. In the meantime he has taken much out-door exercise on his farm, which he has found not only highly conducive to his general health but also to a comfortable support. From the beginning of the Republican party he has been known as a stanch Republican, until of late having lost confidence in that party as a reform party, he has joined the Prohibition party, and is now known as a pronounced Prohibitionist.

COL. M. A. BIRCHARD, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born January 31, 1808, in Becket, Berkshire Co., Mass., son of Nathan and Marcy (Ashley) Birchard, the former born September 30, 1769, in Becket, Mass., and the latter born July 22, 1766, in Westfield, Mass. They came to Windham Township in 1812, and settled on the farm now owned by Aaron Castor, where they died, the father September 3, 1839, and the mother June 1, 1835. They were original members of the first Presbyterian Church organized in Windham. They had a family of ten children, of whom our subject is the only one now living. M. A. Birchard attended the log-cabin schools of Windham a few months during the winters of his early boyhood days. He began for himself when twenty-one years old, and with an ax, which he purchased for $3, he soon felled the trees on parts of his present farm, where he has always lived since reaching majority. In 1834 he was married to Mary E. Canfield, daughter of Amasa and Nancy (Randall) Canfield, and by her had one son—Edward L. (deceased in 1878, five years subsequent to the demise of his mother). Mr. Birchard was married, a second time, to Lois A. Richards, daughter of Mills and Aurelia (Humphrey) Richards, natives of Connecticut and who settled in Medina County, Ohio, as early as 1828. By this union were born Emily E. and Mary A. In an early day Mr. Birchard was Colonel of a militia company. In 1851 he was elected County Commissioner, and served three years. He has been Township Trustee and has held other minor offices. He cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson, and has clung closely to the Democratic party since. Col. Birchard is well known and respected by all. The late Judge Mathew Birchard, of Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, was an elder brother of our subject.

MARK BIRCHARD, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born June 26, 1852, in Windham Township, this county, son of Nathan A. and Eliza (Alford)

914 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Birchard, early settlers of Windham Township. Our subject was reared on the farm and received a common school education. He was united in marriage, October 18, 1876, with Miss Lucy C. Chaffee, born in Windham Township, this county, July 3, 1858, daughter of Wolcott Chaffee. By this union there are two children: Chaffee W. and Grace E. Mr. Birchard, who has always followed agricultural pursuits, keeps his farm well cultivated, and is destined to be one of the substantial men of his township. He filled the office of Constable of Windham Township with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people.

WOLCOTT CHAFFEE, farmer, P. 0. Garrettsville, was born in Becket, Mass., June 15, 1826, son of Newman K. and Elizabeth (Phelps) Chaffee, also natives of Becket, Mass., where the former was born in 1796, and the latter in 1800. They raised a family of five children: Ebenezer, Frederick, Wolcott, Joseph C. and Elizabeth A. Newman K. Chaffee died in 1858; his wife April 30, 1826. Our subject was raised by an uncle, Wolcott Chaffee, after whom he was named, and who took him when an infant and brought him up as his own child. The uncle died November 22, 1870, and his widow, Abigail (Kingsley) Chaffee, June 8, 1882. Our subject came to this county in November, 1839, but at the expiration of a year and a half returned to his native town. In 1847 he came to Ravenna, Ohio, where he remained till 1851, when he came to Windham Township, and commenced farming, an occupation he has since followed. He was married, July 8, 1849, to Jennett A. Judd, born in Ravenna Township, this county, May 12, 1826, daughter of Howard and Ruthalia (Carter) Judd, natives of New York and Connecticut respectively. To this union were born three children: George N., deceased; Alva B. and Lucy C., wife of M. E. Birchard. Mr. Chaffee organized Portage Lodge, No. 456, I. 0. 0. F., July 25, 1870, and for four years has been District Deputy Grand Master of Portage County, and is also a F. & A. M. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

GEORGE B. CONANT, of Windham, was born October 12, 1825, in Windham Township, this county. His father, Asa M. Conant, was born March 16, 1800, in Becket, Berkshire Co., Mass., and his mother, Eunice H. (Bierce) Conant, was born January 22, 1801, in Connecticut, daughter of Philo Bierce, and who came to Windham Township, this county, when young. The father came to Windham Township in 1811, with his parents, Thatcher and Elizabeth (Manley) Conant, whose children, were Susannah, Thatcher F., Edna, Mehitabel, Asa M., Chloe, Rebecca, George E., Lydia M. and Angeline G. Our subject's parents were married September 25, 1824, by Rev. Joseph Treat, and their children were nine in number: G. B., Philo B., Thatcher G., Nelson B., Amanda N., Frederick, Lucy, Henry and Edward. The father died February 22, 1846, and the mother May 7, 1878. Both were long connected with the Congregational Church. The subject of this sketch, George B. Conant, was educated in the district schools and academy of Windham. He began teaching at the age of eighteen years in Stark County, Ohio, and for some six or seven years thereafter a large part of the time was thus spent. He taught in Parkman, Ohio, and in different schools of his native township, and gained an honorable reputation as a teacher. The year 1851 Mr. Conant spent teaching near Perryville, Ky., the place more recently made celebrated as a battle-field. During the intervals of teaching he spent his time in selling carriages for N. D. Clark & Co., of Ravenna. Thus by his energy he made a very successful year in that State. In 1847 he was married to Maria E. Birchard, who was born September 2, 1827, daughter of Nathan A. and Betsey E. (Alford) Birchard, originally of Becket, Mass. To this union seven children

WINDHAM TOWNSHIP - 915

were born, three of whom lived to adult years: Lucy, married to Henry N. Donaldson, at present Train Master, Mahoning Division, New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, and residing at Girard, Ohio; Hattie C., married September 27, 1883, to Dr. Charles H. Dixon, of St. Louis, Mo. (she died March 12, 1885, and was laid to rest in Windham the Sabbath following); Gertie M. the youngest, is at present a student at Oberlin. In 1856 Mr. Conant bought a farm in the west part of Windham, where he remained until 1864. Here he evinced his characteristic ability to farm in an attractive manner. In 1864 he sold this farm and moved to Mineral Ridge, Ohio, where he remained until the spring 'of 1866, when he left that place and spent the summer traveling on business in the West. In October of the same year he bought the old homestead of the Rev. Joseph Treat, the first pastor of the Congregational Church of Windham. Subsequently he has added to this farm until he has now over 100 acres all in good condition. Mr. Conant has repaired and enlarged the outbuildings, and built in 1882 an attractive and commodious farm-house, thus making a residence, situated as it is a little north of the center of the township, that ranks among the most desirable in the vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Conant are active members of the Congregational Church and Sabbath-school, and to all projects to promote the welfare of society lend helping hands. In politics he has been steadfastly Republican, and for its interests has been an ardent worker. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for two terms, as well as other official positions from time to time. Having by his own energy placed himself in his present desirable surroundings, it is but just to say that he is entitled to much credit and to be ranked among the most substantial men of the community.

ELIZUR A. CURTISS, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born in Granville, Hampden Co., Mass., son of Samuel and Sally (Fairchild) Curtiss, natives of Massachusetts, and who were the parents of eleven children: Saxton, Mary F., Anson, James, Hannah, Orpha, Elizur A. and Eliza (twins), Lowell, Sarah and Alonzo. The father died in 1851, the mother in 1868. Our subject in early life was employed in assisting" on the farm and attending the common schools, to which his educational privileges were limited. He entered on the battle of life as a farmer, an occupation he always followed. He was married April 19, 1854, to Laura Seymour, born in Massachusetts August 27, 1832, daughter of Deacon Ardon and Orpha (Collins) Seymour, of Massachusetts, By this union there were ten children: Frederick S. Eliza S., William F., Charles E. (deceased), Julia C., Herbert E., Alice S., (deceased), Fanny A. (deceased), Ellen M. and Charles S. Mr. Curtiss came to this county in 1858 and located in Charlestown Township, where he remained two years, and then removed to his present place of residence in Windham Township. His farm is under a State of cultivation second to none in the township, and its appearance denotes its owner to be a practical farmer as well as an energetic and enterprising man. During the war Mr. Curtiss was taken prisoner at Cynthiana, Ky., he having enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards. Politically he is identified with the Republican party. He and his wife are active members of the Congregational Church.

IRA S. CUTTS, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was horn in Addison County, Vt., October 22, 1829, son of Daniel B. and Lucy (Smith) Cutts, natives of Vermont, the former of whom was born in 1804. They had a family of eight children: Mary, Ira S., Henry (deceased), Sarah A., Roswell B., Jane, Henry and Fanny. They came to this county in 1831 and located in Windham Township, where Mr. Cutts followed his trade, shoe-making, for many years, thence moved to Paris Township, where he eventually purchased a farm and

916 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

for many years previous to his death followed agricultural pursuits. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in 1874, his wife having preceded him in 1864. Our subject received a common school education and has always been a farmer. He was married in 1856 to Mary IC Russell, who died in 1871 and by whom he had one daughter—Perlea, wife of Charles Smith. Mr. Cutts next married Delia Russell, a sister of his first wife, and by her has a son—Daniel. Mr. Cutts is a man highly esteemed by the community in which he lives. He is very enterprising and energetic, and his property represents many hours of hard labor performed by his own hands.

NATHAN D. DUNBAR, Station Agent, Windham, was born in Bushkin, Pike Co., Penn., October 1, 1846, son of F. K. and Maria (Dewitt) Dunbar, who were parents of six children: Andy, Superintendent Eastern Division New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, at Meadville, Penn. ; Elizabeth, wife of George Van Tile, of Warren, Ohio; Katherine, wife of Lewis Wright, of Olean, N. Y.; Nathan D., our subject; John D., Station Agent at Cochranton, Penn., and who has been engaged in railroad business for twenty years, and Armida, now living at Olean, N. Y. F. K. Dunbar (the father), a native of New York, is a retired tailor now residing in Warren, Ohio. His wife died in 1873. Our subject acquired a common school education and began life for himself in canal business, in which he continued till 1866, when he removed to Evansburg, Penn., and was employed by the Atlantic & Great Western Railway Company as telegraph operator. He soon after became Station Agent at Orangeville, Ohio, where he remained until 1872, when he accepted a like situation at Windham, which position he still retains, and, as agent, has gained the respect of the community by his business ability, and kind and obliging manners. In September, 1872, he married Miss' Nettie Graves, who was born at Harbor Creek, Penn., in 1848, and by her he has five children: Della, Imogene. Chauncey, Andy and Lorena. Mr. Dunbar has been for years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.

EBENEZER W. EARL (deceased) was born in Braceville, Ohio, February 12, 1806, and came with his father's family to Windham, this county, in 1814. There were then fourteen families in the township, of which there are now but eight persons living: Eli Case, R. M. Higley, Lorin Higley, M. P. Higley, Moses A. Birchard, Jesse Lyman, Mrs. Eliza Birchard and Mrs. Clemens Snow. Soon after coming to Windham a friendly plan was hit upon, by which Mr. Earl was engaged as mill boy for a neighborhood of young married people—John Seley, Hardin Seley, A. P. Jagger, John Streator—who settled a mile or so south of the Center, so that they could clear up their farms without the delay incident to such necessary work. Mr. Earl's father and some others made it necessary that two or three trips a week should be made, as there were no roads opened, and only a bridlepath with blazed trees to guide the horseman. - Two bushels of grain was a full load in those days, and Mr. Jagger owned the only horse in the syndicate. The most frequented road to Garrettsville led across the Rudd farm and very often a delay at the mill would necessitate young Earl's starting home when near dark, and when it would be almost impossible to keep the path. Many a time the howling of wolves in every direction would announce their fearful proximity to the path he was following. Hunger and danger were mighty strong powers for a lad of twelve years to contend with, and sorely it taxed the youthful energies of our hero many times to the utmost limit of endurance, as he toiled along his forest path in these labors of kindness during the four or five years of this service. On one occasion he made a trip to Barnum's mill in Braceville, and a severe thunder shower prevented his starting for home until sundown. As

WINDHAM TOWNSHIP - 917

he emerged from the woods to cross Eagle Creek Bridge, east of William Moore's present farm, the darkness was complete, and some fox-fire on a stump in the State road frightened him greatly, as he imagined it to be the glisten of a bear's eyes or some more furious animal. It was 11 o'clock when he reached home, and found all the family a-bed and asleep. On another occasion Mr. Earl made a trip to New Falls with a horse that was extremely ugly and vicious and a blow from a whip would cause him to rear and kick with such violence as to pitch both boy and grist clean off his back on short notice. Young Earl found the mill so crowded with grists, that he was unable to start for home until late in the day, and at his arrival at Mr. Brooks' place, with a long swampy mudhole ahead, the horse refused to go any further. After every plan he could think of had been tried to make the animal proceed, the boy reluctantly took his back track to the mill and stayed with Ben Yale, who then ran the mill at night. In the morning on reaching the same place the horse refused to proceed, and neither leading nor coaxing would induce him to advance a step. In this dilemma Mr. Brooks saw the boy and came to his relief with a whip, which he applied so vigorously that the kicking up " racket " was suspended, and a rapid advance made for home. Chopping was a favorite employment with Mr. Earl in those days, forty or sixty acres in one job being not uncommon, and he would slash down an acre in a day by the windrow style of felling a long line of trees across a " bush " by cutting them half or two-thirds through and directing the course of each so that the first tree of the line would fall against the second, the second against the third and so on until the roar and crash of falling timber for fifty or one hundred rods would bear comparison with a first-class cyclone of modern times. Splitting rails was another work in which Mr. Earl excelled, and he could split from 400 to 600 per day. The ordinary price for this kind of work was then 12f cents per 100. January 20, 1852, he left his home and started for New York with money to purchase eight tickets for California via the Panama route, and these were procured for $300. The company left in a few days for Chagres, Panama, and finding no boat on the Pacific side connected with the line they went by, they had to remain there eighteen days and were finally obliged to sue the purser of the boat they came on, whereby they received nearly enough returns to purchase tickets from there to San Francisco on an old sailing vessel; $252.50 secured their tickets and paid hospital fee at Chagres. They had a long, dreary voyage of sixty-five days, during which time they saw land only once and but one sail. A number of the passengers died on the passage, one of whom was Barnus Ives, of Nelson, this county. On arrival at Mayville they were obliged to walk seventy-five miles to the mines. The following December deep snow stopped the mule train, which carried the supplies a distance of thirty miles, and all their provisions had to be carried by men. The scarcity brought flour up to $2 per pound, but Mr. Earl managed to secure from the three bakeries twenty-five one-pound loaves for fifty cents each, and thus escaped the higher prices that followed. He was successful in securing a considerable quantity of gold. May 26, 1884, he died. His widow is now residing on the old homestead. Mr. Earl was an active worker in the Sunday-school and was a devoted Christian.

ORLANDO L. EARL, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born July 29, 1838, on the farm which is still his home. His father, James Earl, a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer by occupation, and a plastering mason by trade, was married to Elizabeth Higley, who bore him three children: Edwin D. (killed in the army), Amanda E. (deceased) and Orlando L. James Earl was a prominent man in his day, an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

918 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

He died November 25, 1846. His widow, who still survives, was married in 1879, to David P. Robinson, who died the same year. Our subject was educated in the common schools and the academy of this county, and farming has been his life's avocation. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company A, Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years, participating in the engagements at Port Gibson, siege of Vicksburg, Thompson's Hill and Black River. He was married October 11, 1865, to Jane E. Cutts, born April 18, 1842, in Paris, and by whom, he has three children: Edwin C., Mabel A. and Ernest B. Mr. Earl is a member of the School Board, and has served as Township Trustee for three years. He is connected with the Congregational Church; is a member of Earl-Milliken Post, G. A. R., at Wind- ham., In politics he is a Republican.

MATTHEW P. HIGLEY, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born in Windham Township, this county, September 12, 1813, the second white child to see the light of day in the township, and the oldest living resident now that was born here, son of Benjamin and Sally (McCown) Higley, who were the parents of seven children: Robert M., Edward, Loren, Matthew P., Sarah, Hannah and Alfred M. Benjamin Higley was a native of Berkshire County, Mass., born in 1877; came to this township in 1811; served as a Colonel in the war of 1812, and died about 1865, his wife having died several years previous. Our subject was raised on a farm, and made farming the principal occupation of his life. He was married September 25, 1839, to Miss Luna C. Robbins, born in Windham Township, this county, February 16, 1821, by whom he has had six children: Lodisa H., Philander R., Marion C., Benjamin P.; Franklin (deceased) and Mack D. In 1869 Mr. Higley removed to Windham Center, still retaining his farming interests, however, for a few years. During the Rebellion he offered his services to the country, but they were not accepted. Politically he is a Republican, and though not an office-seeker he has held some of the minor township offices. He has been a member of the Congregational Church for forty-five years, and always took an active part in Sabbath-school work, until within a few years past, when deafness interfered with those duties.

HENRY A. HIGLEY, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born in Becket, Mass., February 21, 1814, son of Joseph and Sybel (Cogswell) Higley, the former of whom was born April 25, 1774, in Berkshire County, Mass. The latter, also a native of Massachusetts, was born March 14, 1776. They were the parents of eight children: Sybel R., born September 21, 1804; Joseph N., born September 6, 1806; Sarah M., born November 6, 1808; Ezra C., born August 22, 1810; Elizabeth D., born April 22, 1812; Henry A., born February 21, 1814; John L., born January 17, 1816; Oliver B., born March 18, 1818. Joseph Higley was a farmer by occupation, an influential man, and an active church member. He died October 18, 1825; his widow December 1, 1864. Our subject was brought by his parents to Windham Township, this county, when but two years of age, and here he grew to manhood, fully inured to the hardships of pioneer life. He has always followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. Higley was thrice married; first on May 7, 1840, to Mary E., daughter of James Seeley, born October 16, 1821, died October 4, 1866, leaving to his care one child-Henry J. (Charles 0. died January 21, 1862). Our subject next married, November 7, 1867, Marion M. Udall, who died October 7, 1870, and by her he had one son-Frank S. August 24, 1871, he then married Sarah Joslin, born in Mesopotamia, Ohio, April 6, 1825, daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Parker) Joslin, natives of Connecticut and Vermont, respectively, and early settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio, and who were the parents of eleven chil-

WINDHAM TOWNSHIP - 919

dren, of whom Mrs. Higley is the ninth. During the war Mr. Higley was one of the Township Trustees, and has held other offices of trust. He is a regular attendant of the Congregational Church, in which his wife is an active member. He has always been identified with the Republican party.

JOHN L. HIGLEY, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born January 17, 1816, in Windham. son of Joseph Higley (see sketch of Henry A. Higley). He was married in 1841 to Miss Elizabeth K. Frary, born in Becket, Mass., in 1820, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Gifford) Frary, and has a family of six children. Mr. Higley is one of the self-made men of Windham Township, this county, and the property he has accumulated represents many hours of hard labor with his own hands: Though he took no active part in the late war of the Rebellion, he aided the soldiers' families at home. He has been a consistent member of the Congregational Church since 1841, and has also been an active worker in the Sabbath-school. Mr. Higley bears the reputation of being one of the substantial farmers of his township, which he has served as Justice of the Peace for one term and in other offices of trust. Politically he is identified with the Republican party.

OLIVER B. HIGLEY (deceased) was born in Windham Township, this county, March 18, 1818, son of Joseph and Sybel (Cogswell) Higley. He was twice married, on first occasion to Eunice West, who bore him one son—Milton. His second marriage, June 14, 1849, was with Betsey Case, born in Pennsylvania June 4, 1827, daughter of Daniel and Phalley (Peck) Case, natives of New York. By this union there were five children: Charley, Mary, July, Clint and Edwin. Our subject was reared on a farm and received a common school and academic education, and entered upon his career in life as a teacher. At the age of twenty-one he went to Iowa, and for several years taught school in the Western States. Returning to Ohio in 1851 he turned his attention to farming and sheep-raising. He soon had his farm under a state of cultivation which won for him the reputation of being a practical as well as a representative farmer of his township. His motto was to excel, and all his efforts were to that end. He filled several of the township offices, and, although not identified with any religious denomination, was for many years previous to his death a professed Christian, and took an active part in the support of religious and educational institutions, as far as his limited means would allow. He died February 19, 1866, and since his death the farm has been successfully carried on by his widow with the assistance of her children.

JESSE LYMAN, farmer, P. 0. Mahoning, was born in Windham Township, this county, November 29, 1813. His father, Jeremiah Lyman, a tanner by trade but in later years a farmer, was a native of Connecticut, and was reared in Massachusetts, where he lived with an uncle until 1811, when he came to this county and became one of the original owners of what is now Windham Township. On his way to his new home his wife, Rhoda Fuller, died, leaving to his care four children: Anna, Hulda, Milton and Laura, all of whom are now deceased. He subsequently married Hannah Sperry, of Connecticut, who bore him two children: Hannah (deceased wife of A. West) and Jesse. Jeremiah Lyman was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died August 19, 1845, his widow surviving him until 1863. The subject of this sketch was married, March 27, 1839, to Miss Dorcas Finch, born in Otis, Mass., September 9, 1821, and by her has two children living: Clara H., wife of C. L. Bryant (they had three children: Stowell, Vernie, died March 8, 1885, aged twelve years, and Belle, died March 7, 1885, aged six years), and Lettie M., wife of E. J. Hill. Mr. Lyman, who has always been a farmer, resides on the old homestead. He has held several offices of trust in the township, and is energetic, enterprising and highly esteemed by the community.

920 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

WILLIAM A. MESSENGER, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born March 12, 1827, in Windham Township, this county. His father, William Anson Messenger, was a native of Massachusetts, born December 28, 1794, son of Ebenezer N. Messenger, one of the original owners of Windham Township, where he was drowned October 13, 1828, in a spring on his farm. He, Ebenezer N., had married Miss Campbell, who bore him ten children: Ebenezer 0., Nathan H., Polly, Sarah, Susan, Lucinda, William A., Benoni Y., Wells and Marvin. William Anson Messenger came to Windham Township, this county, in 1811, with his parents, in company with several other families. He was thrice married; first, February 24, 1819, to Desire Fowler, who died September 30,1822, leaving one daughter--Phebe F. (Mrs. West). His second marriage, May 31, 1826, was with Edna Prentice, born May 2, 1798, died January 25, 1859. By this union there were four children: William A. (our subject); Edna D., born October 12, 1831 (died in infancy); Edna A., born April 30, 1833, married N. Whitney, of Oberlin, Ohio, and died June 5, 1854; and Adna C., born May 19, 1835, now a resident of Anderson County, Kan. Mr. Messenger married for his third wife, August 31, 1861, Lydia Cadwell, born April 6, 1833, and who is still living. He held nearly all the township offices, and was an influential man, a liberal supporter of all public enterprises, and for many years was a consistent Christian and attendant at the Sabbath-schools. He died March 27, 1864. The subject of this sketch was married, September 26,1852, to Elizabeth Ann Chaffee, born in Becket, Mass., October 5, 1831, daughter of Newman and Elizabeth (Phelps) Chaffee, natives of Massachusetts, both now deceased. Three children were the fruit of this union: Arthur W., Hattie E., wife of P. B. Higley, and Nettie E., wife of F. B. Jagger. During the late war of the Rebellion Mr. Messenger enlisted in the 100-days service in 1 Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guard. He has , always followed farming as an occupation and came to his present place in 1867. Though at one time the Messengers were most numerous in Windham Township there are now but two male representatives of this name in the township-our subject and his son.

HENRY PALMER, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born in Palmyra Township, this county, June 25, 1820 ; son of Jesse and Amanda (Rogers) Palmer, the former of whom was born in Connecticut September 1, 1780, the latter in Connecticut November 7, 1782. They were married March 29, 1808, and had a family of eight children: Frederick, Caroline (deceased), James R., Laura A. (deceased), Clarissa (deceased), Milton, Henry and Harriet. Jesse Palmer, who was a. farmer by occupation, a strict Christian man, died April 15, 1834, his widow surviving him until August 12, 1837. His parents dying when he was young, , our subject worked as a farm-hand until he was twenty-five years of age, since when he has engaged in farming on his own account, and has the reputation of being enterprising and energetic, and is esteemed for his many good qualities. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guard, and participated in the engagement at Cynthiana, Ky. He was married, September 11, 1845, to Rebecca Turner, born in Windham June 28, 1817, daughter of Levi Alford, and widow of Samuel Turner, who was born August 1, 1810, married September 10, 1834, and died December 17, 1842. (By Mr. Turner she had three children: Joseph L., Edna R. and Edward W.) To Mr. and Mrs. Palmer has been born one daughter-Emogene, born November 21, 1849, now the wife of J. Ramsdell, of Erie County, Ohio. Mr. Palmer and wife have been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly forty-two years, and have also taken an active part in Sabbath-school work.

WINDHAM TOWNSHIP - 921

SAMUEL A. PARDEE, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born in Addison County, Vt., September 10, 1829; son of Benjamin F. and Harriet (Perkins) Pardee, the former of whom, a batter by trade, was a native of Connecticut, the latter of Vermont. They were parents of five children: Chauncey A., born July 1, 1816; Benjamin F., born August 27, 1818; Marcus L., born October 19, 1820; Azro A., born November 6, 1823, and Samuel A. Benjamin F. Pardee died February 28, 1830, when our subject was not a year old, and when he was seven years of age his mother married Samuel H. Pardee (a brother of her deceased husband), who was elected County Assessor in 1838 and eventually became State Representative from Portage County, and with him our subject lived till he reached his majority. His mother died May 1, 1868. Samuel A. Pardee was brought to this county by his parents in 1836. He acquired a common school education, and early in life learned the carpenter and joiner trade, which he followed more or less for fifteen years, since when he has given his entire attention to farming. He was married July 7, 1851, to Diadama Owen, born in Lebanon Springs, N. Y., December 30, 1828, and has five children: Salmon A., civil engineer in California; William C., a physician in Warren County, Ohio; Ella A.; Howard I. and Silas 0. Mr. Pardee, with the exception of five years, has lived in the same neighborhood for forty--eight years. During the [war of the Rebellion he served in the 100 days service, enlisting in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards. He has held several offices of trust in the township. Politically he is a Democrat.

ALVAN V. RUDD, farmer, P. 0. Windham, is a son of Nathaniel Rudd, who was born in Becket, Mass., May 17, 1795, and came to Windham Township, this county, in 1816, purchasing land on which he made some improvement. The following year he returned to his native State and married, January 15, 1817, Sophia Messenger, born May 22, 1797. In 1818 they returned in company with Xenophon Wadsworth and wife to this township, making the trip of about 500 miles with a team of horses and oxen in six weeks, entered upon pioneer life, and in a few weeks had erected the log-cabin which was to be their home for so many years, and where were born to them five children: William B., Alonzo M., Samuel V., Alvan V. and an infant, all of whom are now deceased but our subject. Nathaniel Rudd was an influential man in his day, always first in any enterprise tending to the improvment of the county and a liberal supporter of its public institutions. He was Captain of the State militia and also served a short time the war of 1812. He was a Whig in politics. He filled several offices of trust in Windham Township; was an active member of the Congregational Church and a leader in Sabbath-school work for several years previous to his death, which occurred December 19, 1844. His widow still survives him. The subject of this sketch was born August 15, 1830, in Windham and still resides on the farm which has always been his home. His father dying when he was but fourteen years of age his educational advantages were limited, but by reading and observation he has acquired an average education. Having a taste for live-stock, he early became the possessor of some Shorthorn cattle and has gradually increased his herd till it is now one of the finest in the county, and he is considered one of the oldest cattle-breeders in the same, having made his start in 1852. He has served in several of the minor township offices. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards, and served 100 days. Since he was fourteen years of age he has been identified with the Congregational Church. February 16, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Irene Franklin, born in Lewis County, N.

922 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Y., July 2, 1833, daughter of Alonzo and Dianthia (Torrence) Franklin, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively, and early settlers of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the former of whom is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Rudd have been born four children: Willis A., Orton N. Emma S. and Ann D.

PHILIP RUSSELL, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born in Madison County, N. Y., October 25, 1811, son of Philip and Nancy (Sanford) Russell, natives of Connecticut and Madison County, N. Y., respectively. They were parents of thirteen children, of whom seven are now living: Nancy, Philip, William, Daniel, Madison, Webster and Delia, latter wife of Ira S. Cutts, of Windham Township, this county. Philip Russell, Sr., a carpenter and joiner by trade, but by occupation a farmer, came to this county in 1815, and located in Nelson Township, but removed to Windham Township in 1822. He died in Windham, July 1, 1879, aged ninety-three years; his widow, October 8, 1882. Our subject early learned the carpenter and joiner trade, though farming has been his principal occupation. He has been twice married, first to Sally E. Jagger, born October 5, 1815, in Windham, who bore him six children: Sarah E., Elmina, Alanson R., Augusta, Abby C. and Daniel J. Mrs. Russell died in April, 1877, and on May 3, 1881, Mr. Russell married Margaret Owen, born in Ontario, Canada, June 20, 1857, daughter of Anson and Antoinette (Bliss) Owen, natives of Portage County, Ohio, and New York, respectively. Mr. Russell is an energetic, enterprising and successful farmer, having his farm under a high state of cultivation. He takes deep interest in all public improvements, and has filled several offices of trust in the township. In politics he has ever been a Republican.

EBENEZER S. SHAW, druggist, Windham, was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, October 6, 1851, son of James and Sarah A. (Seward). Shaw. The former was born in Ashland County, Ohio, in 1808, and after graduating at the Western Reserve College and Allegheny Theological Seminary at Allegheny, Penn., was regularly ordained a minister of the Gospel at Chillicothe, Ohio. He removed to Windham in 1859, where he served as pastor of the Congregational Church until a few weeks prior to his demise in April, 1875. James Shaw had been twice married, first to Harriet Metcalf, who bore him one son—James M., a graduate of Western Reserve College Hudson, Ohio, and Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. He went to China in 1874, as a missionary, and there died in June, 1876. His widow and one child still reside in China. James Shaw's second wife was Sarah A. Seward, born in New York in 1817, and brought to Summit County, Ohio, when an infant. She is now residing with her only son, Ebenezer S. The subject of this sketch passed the year 1876 attending the Dental College at Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1879 he opened a drug store at Windham, in partnership with Dr. Loughead, and the year following graduated at the Dental College, Ann Arbor, Mich. His part. ner having retired he carries on the drug business in connection with den. tistry. He is a member of the Congregational Church and Librarian of the Windham Circulating Library.

NELSON C. SMITH, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born December 1, 1826, in North Becket, Mass., son of Champion and Achsah (Little) Smith, natives of Massachusetts, born in 1803. and 1806, respectively, parents of flvo children: Nelson C., Elmira, Martha, Mary (deceased) and Leona. They came to this county in 1834, and the original homestead tract consisted of seventy acres, to which they added until it contained 150 acres, and from a state of nature was gradually placed under a high state of cultivation. Champion Smith died June 6, 1881, his wife having preceded him January 2, 1879. The subject of this sketch was married December 10, 1857, to Mary E. Ford, born

WINDHAM TOWNSHIP - 923

in Trumbull County, Ohio, March 2, 1831, daughter of Augustin and Susannah (Krahl) Ford, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively, and early settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio. To this union was born one daughter-Alice Blanche, born November 8, 1863, and married, January 4, 1883, to Arthur Roper, of Nelson, Ohio, by whom she has one child-Esther Beuno, born January 4, 1884. The principal occupation of our subject has been farming, though for two or three years he peddled jewelry. He offered his services two or three times in his country's defense, but was not accepted on account of the loss of one of his eyes. He has filled the office of Constable three terms. For nearly twenty years he has been actively connected with the

F. & A. M. and I. 0. 0. F. fraternities. As a rule the Smith family have been Republican in politics.

JUSTIN E. SNOW, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born May 10, 1828, in Windham Township, this county. His father, Erastus Snow, was born in Connecticut in 1782, and came to Windham Township, this county, in 1813. He was a prominent farmer, strictly honest in all his dealings, a consistent member of the Congregational Church. Erastus Snow was first married to Anna Alford, who died May 23, 1828, and by her had four children, two attaining majority: Anna L. and Justin E. For his second wife he married Polly Hawley, who bore him five children: Frank, Sarah, Lucretia, Francis and an infant. Erastus Snow died February 23, 1850; his widow January 1, 1870. Our subject, who was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and early in life learned shoe-making, which occupation he followed for twenty-five years, part of the time in Pennsylvania. He married, May 22, 1850, Eunice L. Rockwell, of Pennsylvania, who died February 16, 1855, leaving to his care one daughter-Elda, wife of Washington Beach, of Missouri have three children: Nora, Cora and Millie). Mr. Snow was married the second time September 27, 1857, to Fanny H. Watson, of Pennsylvania, born May 22, 1833, at Appledore, County of Kent, England, daughter of George and Sarah (Fullagur) Watson, and by this union was born November 13, 1863, one child-Linda L. Mr. Snow served in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards, during the late war of the Rebellion. He returned to this county in 1876, and has since devoted himself to farming. He is a member of Garrettsville Lodge F. & A. M., Portage Lodge I. 0. 0. F., and Ravenna Encampment. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

HENRY B. WALDEN, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born May 8, 1832, in Windham Township, this county, on the place that has always been his home. His father, Joshua Walden, who came to Ohio in 1818, locating in Windham Township, this county, where he spent the remainder of his days, was married to Esther Wilmot, born in Connecticut in 1798 (she was the widow of Harry Blair, by whom she had one son-Orrin H. Blair-who attained his majority, now deceased). To our subject's parents were born two children: Caroline (deceased wife of Seth Strickland) and Henry B. Joshua Walden was a prominent farmer, and by industry and economy amassed a large property. He died October 4, 1865. His widow is still living. Our subject in early life was employed like farmer boys of the present day, and farming has been his principal occupation. He was married December 24, 1864, to Lovisa H. Higley, born August 15, 1841, daughter of M. P. Higley, and by this union are four children: Frank H., Luna E., Della A. and Carrie M. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Walden enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards. He has served in several offices of honor and trust in his township. He is a member of Earl-Milliken Post, G. A. R. In politics a Republican.

924 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

ISAAC N. WILCOX, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born near Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County, Ohio, December 24, 1833. His father, Capt. Isaac Wilcox, was born in Berlin, Conn., May 17, 1779; married first December 26, 1800, to Lucy North, who bore him ten children. In 1809 he came with an ox-team to Stowe, Summit Co., Ohio; served in the war of 1812, and eventually became one of the most influential men of that township, by industry and economy accumulating quite a large property. He was married on the second occasion April 23, 1822, to Mary Randall) of Washington, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and a native of Baltimore, Md., where she was born October 18, 1792, and by whom he had six children, our subject being the fifth. Capt. Wilcox was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and died September 15, 1847; his widow surviving him until March 1, 1883, when she died at the advanced age of ninety years. Our subject was raised on the farm, and received a common school and academic education. At the age of nineteen years he entered upon his career in life as a teacher, and continued in that profession, more or less, for fifteen years; some of his labors in that capacity being in the Windham Academy, and in the graded schools of Akron, Ohio. For two years he was one of the County School Examiners, and at various times has taken an active part, as instructor and lecturer, in the County Teachers' Institute. He was married May 26, 1857, to Miss Melissa S. Scott, born in Freedom Township, Ohio, February 24, 1836, daughter of Elijah Scott, late of Rootstown. They have three children: Ida M., born July 17, 1858; Scott S. born June 14, 1864; Wesley W., born August 31, 1881, About 1858 Mr. Wilcox came to Windham, this county, and has owned a farm most of the time since, upon which he and family have resided, and although he has never given his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, the management of his farm has been under his direct superintendence. He at one time owned an interest in a coal mine in Coshocton County, and for some time was the Secretary of the company, but owing to an accident at that time, he disposed of his interest in that enterprise, and resigned his position. In answer to the first call for troops in April, 1861, he offered his services and enlisted in Company F, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three months as Second Lieutenant. He afterward, in company with Capt. Prior, of Ravenna, raised a cavalry company which was attached to the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and served as First Lieutenant until near the close of the war, when he received a Captain's commission. He is now Quarter-Master of Earl-Milliken Post, No. 333, G. A. R., of Windham. Since 1872 he has been a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, of which he is Committeeman and one of the leaders in this township. He has, at different times, been correspondent for Eastern papers, and several of the weekly periodicals of Portage County.

THE WOODWORTH FAMILY OF WINDHAM. There is a tradition in this family that some time near the close of the seventeenth century, in England, a gentleman named Wood married a lady named Worth, but instead of adopting his name, they blended both names, thus originating the name " Woodworth." Two sons by this union came to America, one settling in Brooklyn, N. Y., the other in New Lebanon, Conn. The grandsons of the latter were young men at the outbreak of the Revolutionary struggle, in which some of them served; others took part in the war of 1812. Joseph Woodworth participated in the noted New Jersey retreat, and in the battles of Monmouth, Princeton and Trenton, wintering at Valley Forge. He was with Wayne at Stony Point, and served under Gates in the campaign preceding the surrender of Burgoyne. He was also present at other of the stirring scenes

WINDHAM TOWNSHIP - 925

of that war. Some portion of his service was in the regiment of Col. Tilden, late of Hiram, this county. After the war he moved to Schoharie County, N. Y., and about 1816 to Madison County in the same State. He was blessed with a very large family of children, of whom fifteen lived to adult years, and to raise families. Late in life he removed with some of his sons to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where he died in 1842 in his eighty-fifth year. Two of his sons, William and Thomas J., became residents of Windham. William and family are noticed in an accompanying sketch.

THOMAS J. WOODWORTH (deceased), a younger brother of William, was born at Rensselaerville, Schoharie Co., N. Y., June 9, 1808. His parents removed to Madison County, N. Y., when he was about eight years old. When about nine he was afflicted with what was known as the putrid epidemic, and of a large number of cases in that region, he was the only one who survived. But from its effects he never recovered, his hearing being permanently affected and in other respects he suffered. Growing up amid the rugged activities of pioneer life, he was thrown upon his own resources, and was thus trained to habits of persevering industry and self-reliance. Having secured such intellectual training as was afforded by the district school, he entered Oneida Conference Seminary, Cazenovia, N. Y., where he spent some time in study. His name appears on the records of that institution for 1829. He was dissuaded from entering the legal profession, which he had contemplated doing, on account of his imperfect hearing. Some three. years were then spent in the employ of Col. Hezekiah Sage, of Sullivan, a part of the time as foreman on his extensive farm. One fall he sowed 300 bushels of seed wheat by hand. With the means thus obtained in the employ of Col. Sage he made the first payment in the purchase of a farm in Fenner in the same county. In 1833 he was united in marriage with Sarah S. Wager, daughter of Philip Wager, Esq., of Sullivan. Her father was in early life a pioneer preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church He joined the itinerancy in 1790. In 1792 he was one of the eight ministers who formed the first New England Conference as organized by Bishop Asbury, with Jesse Lee as Presiding Elder. He was the first minister of this conference sent into the States of Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. He located about 1800. He was brother of Rev. David Wager, of Columbia County, N. Y., and of Henry Wager, father of Hon. David Wager, law partner of Horatio Seymour, and grandfather of Gen. Henry Wager Hal-leek. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Woodworth removed to his Fenner farm. Twenty-six years were passed here in the enjoyment of the respect of the community, shown by the many positions of honor and trust he held in township and county; among them Commissioner of Deeds and Magistrate for several years. One incident of his life exemplifies his indomitable energy and perseverance very forcibly. When he had nearly paid for his farm and began to feel in somewhat easy circumstances, he undersigned a friend and relative to a large amount, and by so doing lost heavily and was plunged into debt so deeply that his friends despaired of his saving his farm. But he at once sold off everything except the bare necessaries for farming purposes, and with an industry that knew no flagging, set to work to pay off the debt, a task which took more than ten of the best years of his life to accomplish. In 1859 he sold his farm and removed to Cazenovia in the same county, and from there to Windham, this county, in 1860. His deafness increasing, he led a more retired life in Windham than in former years. Home was the most attractive place to him and to make it enjoyable he gave his best energies. He was a keen observer of men and things, and all his actions and words evinced a sound judgment which was held in high esteem by all who knew

926 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

him. From the days of his majority he was a Democrat in politics, voting for Buchanan, but supporting Lincoln in 1860, and ever after the Republican party with zeal. During the Rebellion he was a member of the War Committee of Windham, and did what lay in his power to support the Union cause. Mr. Woodworth was of an inquiring, active cast of mind, was a great reader during the intervals from more active duties, always seeking information. His knowledge of the political history of our country was extensive. He delighted in discussion, and his sword of argument was edged with a satire and wit which rendered it keen and cutting. Though firm and decided in his convictions, he extended to others in the sphere of thought the suffrage he secured to himself. In early life he became a Methodist, he while here holding a certificate of membership from the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Cazenovia, N. Y. Thorough honesty was his admiration, and for hypocrisy he entertained the highest contempt. To be more than he seemed rather than less was his highest aim. These traits were exemplified in his character. In business he was successful in spite of his misfortunes, and he accumulated a handsome competency, far in advance of those whose dishonesty robbed him of years of toil. To be a good farmer, according to his ideal, was his highest happiness as an occupation. On coming to Windham he bought Lot 33, then known as the Willis Strickland farm. It was ever after his residence. He made his home in Fenner an attractive place, and his Windham home will long bear the impress of his energy and love of order. He died suddenly of paralysis, January 30, 1884.

HON. E. S. WOODWORTH, son of Thomas J. Woodworh, was born in Fenner, N. Y., August 24, 1841. His boyhood years were spent on the farm and in the district schools of the neighborhood. In 1858 he entered Oneida Conference Seminary, and completed a three years' course in 1860. In the winter of 1858-59 he taught his first term of school in Lenox, N.Y., and so well did he succeed that the next winter he was employed to take charge of one of the principal school in Cazenovia, the village of his home, his parents having moved to this place in 1859. In July, 1860, after leaving school, he came to Windham, Ohio, his parents having made their home there in May previous. He at once began labor on their farm. In the winter of 1860-61 he taught in Ravenna, and for many succeeding winters in different schools of Windham. In 1862 he spent some time in school at Hiram, thinking to enter the Junior Class of Michigan University in 1863, but the events of the war and other circumstances changed that plan, as well as his ideal for life-work —the study of law. In 1864 he was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Regiment Ohio National Guards, and in the battle of Kellar's Bridge, Ky., he was severely wounded by a ball shattering his right leg below the knee. On the morning of this battle he volunteered at the request of Gen. Hobson to gain what knowledge was possible of the situation of the Rebel force under John Morgan at Cynthiana, some two miles away, who earlier in the day had an engagement with a small detachment of our men under Col. Garis. He was to advise Col. Garis to fall back to Kellar's Bridge if practicable. However, it was found that our force there had already been forced to surrender, and Woodworth, who succeeded in getting within the enemy's picket line and almost in the town, was happy to get out much faster then he went in, after a close range encounter with a calvary-man who followed hip and after exchanging several shots got the benefit of a ball from Woodworth's revolver. On reporting to Gen. Hobson he received his thanks as well as much credit by all who knew the circumstances of the exploit. Being much exhausted on his return to his company the officers advised him

WINDHAM TOWNSHIP - 927

not to go into the light that was commencing, but he insisted on going, and was wounded as stated. With the wounded from this battle he was taken to Covington, Ky., where he remained nearly four months before he was able to be removed home. He refused to have his leg amputated when advised to do so by the post surgeons, and so saved his limb. In 1871 he married Belle C., daughter of William Rudd, late of Sullivan, Ashland Co., Ohio, who, while a member of the Forty-second Ohio (Garfield's regiment), received a wound at Champion Hills, from which he died. The William Rudd family at present reside at McMinnville, Tenn. The children of this union are Nellie E., born October 20, 1873; Glenn R., born January 29, 1877, and Clyde W., born November 26, 1880, but who died March 19, 1885. He was an attractive child who won all hearts. Mr. Woodworth is in politics an ardent Republican, and enjoys the remembrance that his first vote was cast for Garfield on his first election to Congress, and his first Presidential vote was for Lincoln on his second election. He has held many positions of trust, among them Justice of the Peace some eight years, which position he resigned on his election to the Legislature in 1881. In that body he was esteemed for his strict and assiduous attention to the duties of his position, and for a new member was more highly honored than is usual by being placed in important positions on committees. In the County Convention of 1883 he lacked only seven votes of a re-nomination. Like many others of the Sixty-fifth Ohio General Assembly he suffered because of his vote favoring the " Scott Law" and kindred temperance legislation. However, his friends believe he has nothing to regret, for even in defeat is sometimes high honor. He has been an active worker politically for several years, and in the campaign of 1884 served his party as member of the Republican County Central and Executive Committees. Mr. Woodworth lives in the enjoyment of an attractive farm-home, made so by the joint labor of his father and himself, he having added to his paternal acres. He is at present Senior Vice-Commander of Earl-Milliken Post, No. 333, G. A. R., and is a member of Silver Creek Lodge, F. & A. M. He is a member of the Congregational Church of Windham, in the Sabbath-school of which he is an active worker. Wherever known he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact, and in all the relations of life he sustains such a character as to stand high in the esteem and honor of the people of Portage County.

SAMUEL YALE, farmer, P. 0. Windham, was born September 15, 1844, in Windham Township, this county, son of Edmund and Nancy (Russell) Yale, the former born in 1806 in Mahoning County, Ohio, and the latter in 1809 in Hamilton County, N. Y. They had a family of five children: Edwin, Celia, Sanford S. (died in the army during the late war of the Rebellion), Samuel and an infant (deceased). Edmund Yale was a good farmer, a thorough business man and an influential citizen. He died in 1878, and his loss was not only felt in his family but by the whole community. His widow still survives. Our subject was reared on a farm, his educational advantages being limited to the common schools of his township. He was married September 5, 1867, to Miss Savilla S. Shibley, born in Windham Township, this county, March 30, 1848, and by her he has three children: Edmond, Alta C. and Edith A. Mr. Yale has made farming the principal occupation of his life, having no specialty but growing the usual crops and handling stock. He is a consistent member of the Congregational Church, energetic and enterprising. Mr. Yale is one of the substantial men of this township.