(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 900 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY He carries a fine line of wall papers, paints and varnishes and has already established an excellent trade. On May 1, 1901, Mr. Fancher was married to Miss Jane Edy, a native of West Springfield, Pa., born June 1, 1877, and the daughter of Henry and Caroline (Emmons) Edy, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. Edy was born in 1844 at West Springfield, Pa. He was a Civil War veteran and died in 1892. There were seven children in the Edy family, as follows : George, lives at North Kingsville, Ohio ; Bessie, deceased ; Mrs. Fancher ; William, lives at Geneva, Ohio ; Mabel, lives in New York City ; Lou, married Frank Sibley, lives at Roanoke, Mass. ; and Harry, lives at Erie, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Fancher have been born two children: Evangeline, a graduate of Conneaut High School, lives at home; and Russell, who will complete his high school course in 1925. Mr. Fancher is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family are members of the Episcopal Church and are well and favorably known in Ashtabula County. Mrs. Elvira Nystrom, who conducts a maternity hospital in Ashtabula, ranks among the prominent and highly esteemed women of Ashtabula County. She was born in Stockholm, Sweden, Oct. 2, 1871, and is the daughter of Eric and Gustava Osterman. Eric Osterman and his wife were natives of Sweden and are both now deceased. They were the parents of five children, as follows: Eric, deceased ; Olga, married Andrew Swanson ; Henrietta, lives in Sweden; Mrs. Nystrom, the subject of this sketch ; and Maria, deceased. Mrs. Elvira Nystrom came to the United States at the age of 22 years. In November, 1893, she was united in marriage with August Nystrom, also a native of Sweden, who came to this country in 1888 and settled in Ashtabula. He died April 8, 1911, leaving five children, as follows : Joseph E., born March 19, 1897 ; Ruth C., born in 1899, drowned on Aug. 12, 1917 ; Doris, born in 1901, a nurse in her mother's hospital; Judith, born June 5, 1904 ; and Dagmar, born June 16, 1906. Mrs. Nystrom opened her maternity hospital in Ashtabula in 1917 upon the advice of Dr. Flowers, who believed there was great need of such on institution in Ashtabula. The place was remodeled in 1920 and is among the finest of its kind in the county. Her daughter, Doris, is a graduate of the Posse Normal School of Gymnastics of Boston, Mass., and PICTURE OF MRS. ELVIRA NYSTROM HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 901 she assists her mother in the hospital by giving Swedish massages, and other treatments. The following is copied from the Modern Hospital Year Book: "One of the greatest needs of the country and one of the most splendid opportunities for service on the part. of the community hospital lies in the field of maternity care. Adequate hospital facilities would cut down the number of deaths of mothers and infants from the diseases and accidents incident to child birth by thousands per year. Over 15,000 mothers died from these causes in 1917 and no less than 70,000 died because of premature births and diseases peculiar to infancy. It is rather regrettable that whereas under the present organization of hospital service through which free care is extended to the poor in all our great cities, the poorest women find safe confinement in city hospitals. Many of the youngest and best mothers of the open country succumb in giving birth to a child in their own inadequately equipped homes. One of the most important services rendered by the community hospital is found in its isolation." Mrs. Nystrom is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, and belongs to the W. C. T. U. and the Rebekahs. She is also president of the Nystrom Circle of the Child Conservation League here. William E. Hanlon, retired, has had a successful career as a business man of Conneaut, and is a member of one of Ashtabula County's prominent pioneer families. He was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Aug. 13, 1854, and is the son of John and Ellen (Driscoll) Hanlon. John Hanlon was a native of County Cork, Ireland, as was also his wife. Upon their arrival in this country Mr. and Mrs. Hanlon settled in Jefferson County, Ohio, where Mr. Hanlon became a successful building contractor. For a time he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad and constructed some of the first culverts built on that road. Mr. and Mrs. Hanlon were the parents of the following children: Mary, the widow of Cornelius Kennedy, lives at East Liverpool, Ohio ; William E., the subject of this sketch ; Ellen, James, Michael and Frank, all of whom are deceased. William E. Hanlon was educated in the schools of Wellsville, Ohio, and when a young man began railroading on the Pennsylvania railroad as a brakeman and was later promoted to conductor. While thus employed 902 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY Mr. Hanlon suffered the loss of a leg. He then engaged in business at Wellsville as a grocer, remaining there seven years. In 1889 he removed to Conneaut where he established a restaurant and confectionery store on Broad Street. After conducting this business successfully for 17 years, Mr. Hanlon retired and went west. Two years later, however, he returned to Conneaut and was given charge of the toll bridge, which position he held for 15 years. Mr. Hanlon was married at Marshall, Mich., in 1888, to Miss Ellen Wallace, a native of Williams County, Ohio, and the daughter of G. W. Wallace. Mr. Wallace, who died March 21, 1913, was a Civil War veteran. There were six children in the Wallace family : Mrs. Hanlon; Albert, deceased; William, an architect, lives in Cleveland ; Ulysses, a contractor, lives in Florida ; Plynn H. and John Wesley, who live at Conneaut. Mr. and Mrs. Hanlon have one son, John R., who was born May 16, 1899. He is engaged in newspaper work at Alliance, Ohio. He is a World War veteran, having been in service nine months. Mr. Hanlon is a staunch Democrat. His wife is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Hanlon family is well known and highly respected in Ashtabula County. C. E. Lasher, a well known and substantial citizen of Ashtabula County, living in Monroe Township, was born at St. Johnsville, N. Y., Dec. 23, 1885, and is the son of Erwin and Phoebe (Young) Lasher. Erwin Lasher and his wife were natives of New York, where they spent their entire lives. He died June 6, 1920, and his wife died Sept. 11, 1900. They were the parents of the following children: Bertha, deceased; C. E., the subject of this sketch ; Jennie, married Andrew Mayville, lives at Wyandotte, Mich. ; Elizabeth, married Rockford Mussello, lives in Buffalo, N. Y. ; Robert, lives at Ilion, N. Y., is a World War veteran, having served overseas with the 147th New York Infantry for 18 months ; and Margaret, married R. H. Bullis, lives at Erie, Pa. C. E. Lasher was reared and educated at St. Johnsville, N. Y., and began life as a farmer in his native state, where he operated 120 acres of rented land. In 1909 he came to Ashtabula and two years later removed to Conneaut, where he was employed by the Nickel Plate Railroad as a machinist. Although still in the employ of this company, Mr. Lasher now lives on a farm in Monroe Township, Ashtabula County. HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 903 On June 16, 1910, Mr. Lasher was married to Miss. Minnie Eleanor Talbert, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1888, and the daughter of Delbert and Jennie (Camp) Talbert. Mr. Talbert died Sept. 11, 1920, and his widow lives at Girard, Pa. They were the parents of the following children: Bessie, married Walter Ells, lives at Conneautville, Pa. ; May, married Clayton Rounds, lives at Conneaut; Elva, married Theodore Haines, lives at Girard. Garner and Mrs. Lasher. To Mr. and Mrs. Lasher have been born the following children: Phoebe, born March 28, 1913; Margaret, born July 6, 1914; Charles, born July 26, 1917; Edward, born May 3, 1918; Frederick, born Feb. 19, 1920; and Garner, born July 19, 1922. In politics Mr. Lasher is identified with the Democratic party and he and his family hold membership in the United Penticostal Church. They have an extensive acquaintance in Ashtabula County and are highly esteemed. Charles O. Topper is a well known and successful young business man of Ashtabula County. He is an assistant in the county surveyor's office and lives at Jefferson. Mr. Topper was born on a farm in Plymouth Township, Ashtabula County, in 1892, and is the son of Joseph J. and Anna S. (Shaffer) Topper. Joseph J. Topper, who now lives retired on his farm in Plymouth Township, was born in Ashtabula County in 1851. He owns 120 acres of well improved land and for many years was a leading grain farmer and stockman of his township. Mrs. Topper, a native of Ashtabula County, Ohio, died Sept. 11, 1911. They had four children, as follows: Florence, at home; Leonard J., lives in Ashtabula; Belia B., lives in Ashtabula ; and Charles O., the subject of this sketch. Charles O. Topper was educated in the public and high schools of Jefferson. He entered the employ of the county in 1910 as assistant in the surveyor's office and in 1913 became connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad in the same capacity. However, the following year he returned to the employ of the county and is now located at Jefferson. On Feb. 5, 1916, Mr. Topper was united in marriage with Miss Emogene May Shively, a native of Richland County, Ohio, born in 1892 and the daughter of William and Jeanette (Boyington) Shively, residents of Mansfield, Ohio, and the parents of the following children: Arthur, lives in Cleveland; Edna, married Arthur Wilford, lives at Mansfield, Ohio; 904 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY Thurman, deceased; Mrs. Topper; and Mildred, at home. To Mr. and Mrs. Topper have been born two sons : Robert, born May 14, 1917 ; and John, born March 4, 1920. Mr. Topper is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Masonic lodge. He is progressive and enterprising and he and his wife have a wide circle of friends. Charles H. Case, mayor and well known business man of Jefferson, was born at Granby, Conn., May 18, 1857, and is the son of Philo and Olive (Case) Case. Philo Case spent his entire life in Connecticut where he was a general merchant. He and his wife are now deceased. They were the parents of the following children: Loyal, lives at Jefferson; Webster, lives at Canton, Conn. ; Emily, lives in Alabama ; Walter, deceased ; and Charles H., the subject of this sketch. Charles H. Case spent his boyhood in Granby, Conn., and attended the schools there and was also a student at the Connecticut State Normal. After his graduation he went west to Silver Plume, Colo., where he clerked in a drug store. From there he went to Salt Lake City, and Silver Reef, Utah, where he remained until 1889, conducting a drug store there. For the past 35 years Mr. Case has engaged in the drug business at Jefferson, and owns the building in which his store is located on Chestnut Street. He carries a fine line of drugs, sundries, stationery, etc., and has an up-to-date store. In 1912 Mr. Case erected an all-modern, 12-room, brick residence. On Aug. 19, 1886, Mr. Case was united in marriage with Miss Addie E. Stewart, the daughter of Thomas C. and Adeline M. (Hart) Stewart. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart were the parents of the following children: William, deceased ; Mrs. Case ; Clara S., deceased ; Homer, lives in Oklahoma ; Mary Talcott, lives at Ravenna, Ohio ; and Julia Getz, lives at Kent, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Case five children have been born, as follows: Mrs. C. R. Sargent is a graduate of the Wooster University, Wooster, Ohio, lives at Jefferson; Adeline L., is a graduate of Columbia University, New York City, married J. H. Huggins, a druggist, lives in Cleveland ; Charles Stewart, engaged in business with his father, married Hazel Monroe; Chester H., a chemical engineer, lives at YoungstOWn, Ohio; and Claribel, a teacher in the Jacob Tome schools, Port Deposit, Md. Charles S., Chester H., and Claribel are graduates of Ohio State University. PICTURES OF CHARLES H. AND ADDIE E. STEWART CASE HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 905 Mr. Case is now serving a second term as mayor of Jefferson and has been a member of the school board for 15 years. He is a Republican. He is a member of the Congregational Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Case is a substantial citizen, esteemed throughout his community as a man of integrity and uprightness of character. Chauncey Ferguson is a substantial and well known citizen of Ashtabula County. He is engaged as chief clerk by the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad at Conneaut Harbor. Mr. Ferguson was born in Conneaut Township, Erie County, Pa., June 21, 1880, and is the son of John P. and Marie Antoinette (Spaulding) Ferguson. John P. Ferguson, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War and a prominent farmer of Erie County, Pa. He was born at West Springfield, Pa. Mr. Ferguson enlisted in the army during the Civil War. He was with Company K, 145th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers and served three years and three months. He was actively engaged in many battles and skirmishes of the war and received the rank of captain. Mr. Ferguson died Aug. 18, 1906, and his wife lives at Albion, Pa. They were the parents of eight children, as follows : George S., deceased, was chief marine engineer on the Great Lakes, and lost his life at White Fish Bay in Lake Superior when his ship, the Superior City was lost on Aug. 20, 1920; John William, lives at Albion, Pa.; Priscilla, married David S. Hoyt, lives at Albion, Pa.; Chauncey, the subject of this sketch ; Daisy M., deceased ; Antoinette, married James Gehr, lives at Albion, Pa.; Inez, married Edward H. Leopold, lives at Albion, Pa.; and Marion, lives at Akron, Ohio, is a World War veteran, having served overseas. Chauncey Ferguson was reared and educated at Albion, Pa., and after completing his high school course attended normal school, after which he taught for eight years. Mr. Ferguson was assistant principal of the Albion High School and principal of the Platea High School for four years. On April 24, 1907, he entered the employ of the Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad as a clerk and after a number of promotions was made chief clerk in 1920, in which capacity he is now serving. On July 3, 1905, Mr. Ferguson was married to Miss Lou Sara Dibble, a native of Girard, Pa., born Dec. 3, 1888, and the daughter of W. W. and Abbie (Martin) Dibble, natives of Erie County, Pa., both now deceased. Mr. Dibble died Nov. 7, 1923, and his wife died Feb. 4th of the same 906 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY year. He was a Civil War veteran. Mr. and Mrs. Dibble were the parents of the following children: Martin, lives at Girard, Pa.; Flora, died in infancy ; Charlotte, married Fred Tarlton, lives in Cleveland ; Jennie, married Harry Siers, deceased, and she lives in Conneaut ; Mary, married M. L. Miller, lives in Conneaut ; Charles, lives in Erie, Pa.; Carrie, deceased; Mrs. Ferguson ; and Adelaide, married Joseph Townsend, Jr., lives at Conneaut. To Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson two children were born, Dorothy, born June 8, 1909 ; and Margaret, born April 1, 1915. Mr. Ferguson is identified with the Democratic party in politics and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. He is a member of the Universalist Church and his wife is a Presbyterian, and they are favorably known in their community. Hiram Taylor, now living retired at Jefferson, is a veteran of the Civil War and a prominent citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born in Greenwood Township, Crawford County, Pa., March 29, 1844, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Anthony) Taylor. He is the great grandson of President Zachary Taylor, 12th president of the United States. John Taylor was born in Crawford County, Pa., and engaged in farming and stock raising there during his entire life. He was a Democrat and served in the Mexican War. He died April 15, 1853, and his wife died Sept. 20, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had three children: Mary Ann, married Christopher Phillips, both deceased ; Eleanor, married Albert Peterson, a farmer, lives in Trumbull County, Ohio ; and Hiram, the subject of this sketch. Hiram Taylor spent his boyhood on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools of Pennsylvania. When a young man he learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed successfully for 17 years at Wataga, Ill. In 1889 Mr. Taylor came to Ashtabula County and since 1917 has lived retired at Jefferson. He owns a large farm in Illinois and town property in Jefferson, as well as his home. During the Civil War Mr. Taylor enlisted from Trumbull County, Ohio, and served one year with Company L, 2nd Ohio Cavalry and three years in the light artillery, known as the 25th Ohio Independent Battery. He engaged in the following battles : Prairie Grove, Ark., Sept. 7, 1862 ; Little Rock, Ark.; Sept. 10, 1863 ; Pine Bluff, 1863 ; Clarendon, 1862 ; Brownville, 1863 ; Pea Ridge, Lone Jack, Carthage, Fort Gibson, and Baxter Springs. While in service Mr. Taylor was promoted to second lieutenant. HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 907 On July 1, 1866, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Miss Lavina Sowers, a native of Illinois, born Aug. 12, 1849, and a daughter of Eli and Catherine (Hoffner) Sowers, natives of North Carolina and pioneer settlers of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Sowers had four children: Henry, Eli, Philip and Mrs. Taylor, all of whom are deceased. To Hiram and Lavina (Sowers) Taylor were born seven children, as follows: Henry, a farmer, lives in Illinois ; Hiram, lives at Youngstown, Ohio ; Ida Belle, married Wesley Dean, lives at Warren, Ohio ; John, lives at Warren ; Effie, married Lee Lindsley, lives at Youngstown, Ohio ; Benjamin, lives at Youngstown, Ohio ; and Ira, lives with his father at Jefferson. He is a veteran of the World War, having been in service two years, eleven months of which were spent on the battle fronts. He was severely gassed and is now in poor health. Mr. Taylor has 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild. In 1914 Mr. Taylor was married the second time to Elizabeth Hines, a native of Canada, born Jan. 5, 1848, and the daughter of Thomas and Marie (Simpson) Hines, natives of Canada who settled in Ohio in 1854. By a former marriage Mrs. Taylor has a daughter, Alice, who married Dell Lloyd, and they live in Ashtabula. Their son, Charles Lloyd, is also a World War veteran having served with the 145th Infantry. Hiram Taylor is a Republican, a member of the Baptist church and belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He is among the substantial and highly respected citizens of Ashtabula County. Nestor Rytia, a successful farmer and stockman of Conneaut Township and the owner of 78 acres of well improved land, is a native of Finland. He was born May 4, 1880, and is the son of Davie and Maude Rytia. Davie Rytia is deceased, as is also his wife. They spent their entire lives in Finland and had two children: John, lives in Minnesota ; and Nestor, the subject of this sketch. Nestor Rytia spent his boyhood in his native land and received his education there. In 1903 he came to the United States and settled in Minnesota, where he remained until 1919, at which time he removed to Ashtabula County, and purchased his present farm in Conneaut Township. Mr. Rytia raises grain and is also prominent as a stockman. On June 30, 1901, Mr. Rytia was married to Miss Olga Speikberg, a native of Finland, born Dec. 21, 1879, and the daughter of William and Josephine Speikberg, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Rytia has the 908 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY following brothers and sisters: Victor, lives in Minnesota ; and John, Ida, Helia and Helma, all living in Finland. To Nestor and Olga (Speikberg) Rytia two sons were born: Walter, born in 1904; and Arne, born in 1909. Mr. Rytia is a Republican and a member of the Lutheran Church. Dr. Ivar S. Niemi, widely known doctor of chiropractic and physiologic therapeutics, and prominent citizen of Ashtabula, was born in Finland, Sept. 20, 1888, and is the son of Herman and Susanna (O'Jala) Niemi. Herman Niemi was a native of Finland, as was also his wife. He died in 1923 and his widow lives in Finland and is 83 years of age. They were the parents of the follOWing children: John, lives at Sheffield, Ohio ; Tilda, lives in Finland; Jack, died in Cleveland; Dr. Ivar S., the subject of this sketch ; and one child died in infancy. Dr. Ivar S. Niemi came to the United States in 1907 and in 1918 was graduated from the Pacific Chiropractic College of Portland, Ore. He began the practice of his profession at Butte, Mont., and was soon after passed by the state board. He later attended the National School of Chiropractic at Chicago and then located in Painesville, Ohio. Dr. Niemi has practiced at Ashtabula for a number of years and in 1922 made a trip to Europe to do experimental work, visiting Germany and Finland. In 1923 he returned to Ashtabula where he now operates what is known as the Chiropractic Health Home for Chronic Diseases. Dr. Niemi treats the follOWing diseases: influenza, pneumonia, appendicitis, neuralgia, kidney diseases, rheumatism and bronchitis. In 1921 Dr. Niemi was married to Miss Hulda Sarah Onkka, a native of Michigan, and the daughter of John and Susana Onkka, natives of Finland, and now residents of Oregon. Dr. and Mrs. Niemi have no children. Dr. Niemi is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is an able man in his profession and a citizen of progressive ideals. J. W. Faylor & Son, who own and operate the Victor Milling Company at Jefferson, are prominent and successful business men of Ashtabula County. J. W. Faylor is a native of St. Marys, Ohio. In 1920 he removed to Ashtabula County and settled on a farm of 160 acres in Lennox Township, which he operated for two years. In 1922 Mr. Faylor purchased the PICTURE OF DR. IVAR S. NIEMI HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 909 Victor Milling Company. The mill has been in operation for 40 years and is widely known. To J. W. and May (Watson) Faylor the following children have been born: Gertrude, married Homer Daniels, lives in Jasper County, Ind.; Raymond, born Feb. 3, 1897, engaged in business with his father at Jefferson; Bessie, the wife of Walter Norris, Austin Township ; Marion, also in business with his father, mention of whom is made below ; and Gladys, a student at Kent Normal School. Marion Faylor received his education in the public and high schools of Indiana. He ranks among the enterprising young men of the community and has many friends. Mr. Faylor was born June 3, 1904. J. W. Faylor and his family hold membership in the Methodist Church and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Austin Crazier is an enterprising and progressive young business man of Jefferson. He was born at Ashtabula Harbor, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1890, and is the son of Fred and Edith (Harmon) Crozier. Fred Crozier, who lives at Ashtabula, is a native of Pennsylvania. When a young man he removed to Ashtabula and entered the employ of the Ashtabula Docks. He is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Indepedent Order of Odd Fellows, the Elks, and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Crozier have four children: Mary, married Daniel H. Fargo, lives in Ashtabula ; Austin, the subject of this sketch ; Duwane, lives in Ashtabula ; and Edith, deceased. Austin Crozier received his education in the public schools of Conneaut and after being employed there in various capacities he went to Ashtabula. In 1921 he came to Jefferson and since that time has been foreman of the Ashtabula County Garage. Mr. Crozier is an expert mechanic and is thoroughly competent. Before coming to Jefferson he served as manager of Crozier Bros. Transfer Company of Ashtabula for six years. On Oct. 10, 1913, Mr. Crozier was married to Miss Beatrice McGrath, a native of Ashtabula Harbor, born July 13, 1891, and the daughter of William and Mary (Lyons) McGrath, natives of Ohio. Mr. McGrath is deceased and his widow lives at Cleveland. They were the parents of five children, as follows : Bertha, lives with her mother ; Helen, married George Karabeck, lives in Cleveland ; William, a veteran of the World War, lives in Cleveland; George, lives in Cleveland; and Monica, died in 1921. To Austin 910 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY and Beatrice (McGrath) Crozier four children have been born, as follows : Ione, born Feb. 4, 1915; Fred, born Dec. 21, 1916; Geraldine; born April 16, 1920 and Austin, Jr., born Sept. 30, 1924. Mr. Crozier is a Republican. J. E. Orford, who has the agency for Chevrolet automobiles at Jefferson, is among the successful young business men of Ashtabula County. He was born at Tracy, Pa. July 9, 1890, and is a son of Edward and Alice (Harrington) Orford. Edward Orford was a native of New York and an early settler of Pennsylvania where he engaged in farming and stock raising. He and his wife, who live at Cherry Hill, Pa., are the parents of five children: Lee ; Mary, married C. Anderson, lives at Pierpont, Ohio ; J. E., the subject of this sketch ; Edna, married Harry Marcey, lives at Cherry Hill, Pa. ; and Eunice, married Carl Hewett, lives at Cherry Hill, Pa. J. E. Orford attended the public schools at Tracy, Pa., and after spending three years on the lakes, was employed a short time by the Nickel Plate Railroad. In 1911 he engaged in the general merchandise business at Cherry Hill, Pa., and three years later went to Meadville, Pa., where he took an automobile course at the Dodge and Ford service stations. In 1916 Mr. Orford went to Detroit where he was employed in the Saxon factory, and later by the Packard Motor Company. At the time of the World War he was exempted from service and appointed inspector of aerial craft engines in Detroit. After the war Mr. Orford entered the employ of the Ford Motor Company and became a designer of tools. In 1920, on account of poor health, he left the factory and located at Conneautville, Pa., where he was a dealer in Fordson tractors. He later opened a Ford, sales agency at Albion, Pa., and in 1922 came to Jefferson, where he formed a partnership with A. J. Hayes, Ford agent. In December of that year Mr. Orford sold his interest in the business and assumed the agency for the Chevrolet automobile. He carries a complete line of automobile accessories and tires and does general repair work. There is also a filling station in connection with his garage, which is located on Chestnut Street. On Nov. 24, 1915, Mr. Orford was married to Miss Nona Hackett, a native of Beaver Center, Pa., and the daughter of W. I. and Nettie (Cornwell) Hackett, residents of Beaver Center, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Orford a son has been born, Norman, born at Detroit, Mich., Oct. 12, 1918. Mr. Orford is a Republican, a member of the Christian church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 911 Dr. B. J. Smith of Pierpont, is a well known and capable veterinary surgeon of Ashtabula County. He was born on a farm in Sheffield Township, Ashtabula County, and is a son of Daniel and Olive (Spencer) Smith. Daniel Smith, deceased, was a native of Monroe Township, Ashtabula County. He later lived in Pierpont Township, and from there went to Sheffield. During the Civil War he enlisted with Company A, 29th Ohio Infantry, and was in service for three years. While in the army Mr. Smith contracted rheumatism, which crippled him during the remainder of his life. He was a Republican and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He died Dec. 28, 1898, and his wife died Jan. 19, 1909. They were the parents of the following children : Dianah, died in infancy ; Orilla, married Seth Williams, who died in June, 1920, and she lives in Pierpont Township ; Orville, lives at Pierpont ; Lydia, deceased ; Alma, married first to, Leander Hoskins, deceased ; and later to W. J. Davis, lives at Linesville, Pa.; Almond, lives at Pierpont ; Dr. B. J., the subject of this sketch ; L. J., twin brother of Dr. B. J., lives retired in California ; Silas and Henry, twins, Silas lives in Pierpont Township, and Henry lives in Monroe Township ; Frank lives in Burk Burnett, Texas ; and Daniel died in infancy. Dr. B. J. Smith was reared and educated in Sheffield Township and on Nov. 13, 1910, began the practice of his profession in Ashtabula County, having at that time passed the state examinations. He has an extensive practice throughout the community and is also interested in auctioneering, having engaged in that particular line of business for the past 23 years. On Nov. 12, 1894, Dr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Gertie Olin, a native of Ashtabula County, born Oct. 17, 1878, and the daughter of Daniel and Martha (Hyres) Olin. Mr. Olin died Feb. 23, 1909, and his wife lives with her daughter. They were the parents of the following children: Ernest A., lives in Ashtabula ; Lucy, deceased ; Frank, a farmer, lives in Pierpont Township; and Mrs. Smith. Dr. and Mrs. Smith have one daughter, Olive Louise, born Dec. 1, 1897. She was married on June 21, 1916, to Edward Asp, and they have two children: Charlotte May, born Aug. 9, 1917; and Olive Ruby, born Aug. 22, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Asp reside at Pierpont. Dr. Smith is a Republican and has served as school trustee. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 912 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY C. W. Kendall, proprietor of the Kendall Bros. Milling Company, of Kingsville, is esteemed throughout the community as a prominent and successful business man. He was born at Peru, Ind., Dec. 29, 1875, and is the son of Martin F. and M. (Greggs) Kendall. Martin F. Kendall was born at Kingsville in 1848, where he spent his entire life. He owned and operated a saw mill there for many years and died in 1920. His wife is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kendall were the parents of five children, as follows : Omer L., mention of whom is made below ; Mrs. Rosa Lyons, lives at Sheffield, Ohio; Lydia K. Hart, lives in California ; May Furman, lives at Amboy, Ohio; and C. W., the subject of this sketch. Omer L. Kendall, who was associated in the milling business with his brother at Kingsville, was killed at Griffith, Ind., Aug. 6, 1923, when the automobile in which he and his family were riding was struck by a train. His two children, Robert, aged 9, and Dorothy, aged 3, were also killed, and his wife seriously injured. She lives at Kingsville. C. W. Kendall received his education in the public schools of Kingsville and in 1910 he and his brother built a mill 30x40 feet, which was later enlarged to 40x100 feet. Mr. Kendall deals in feed, flour, and grain and also handles coal and roofing materials. Two automobile trucks are operated by the company, which is one of the leading industries in that section. In 1905 Mr. Kendall was married to Miss Hattie Hitt of Ashtabula and they have two children, Walter L., and Margaret, both students. Mr. Kendall and his family are members of the Baptist Church of Kingsville and he belongs to the Masonic Lodge. He is a Republican. Charles D. Groves, county superintendent of schools, ranks among Ashtabula County's prominent and influential citizens. He was born at Quaker City, Ohio, June 19, 1889, and is the son of Julius R. and Minnie (Eagon) Groves. Julius R. Groves is a native of Noble County, Ohio, as is also his wife. They live at Summerfield, Ohio, and are the parents of three children: Charles D., the subject of this sketch ; Pearl, married Dempsey Hannah, lives at Summerfield, Ohio ; and Herbert L., a student. Mr. Groves has always followed general farming and has met with success. He is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. PICTURE OF KENDALL BROTHERS MILL, KINGSVILLE, OHIO HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 913 Charles D. Groves was reared and educated in the public schools and is a graduate of Mount Union College and Columbia University. He began teaching in 1906 and served as principal of the Orwell schools for four years before becoming district superintendent of county schools in Ashtabula County. Mr. Groves has served as county superintendent for four and one-half years and is favorably known throughout Ohio. On June 14, 1914, Mr. Groves was united in marriage with Miss Coral A. Congdon, a native of Colebrook, Ohio, and the daughter of Fred and Fina (Green) Congdon. Mr. and Mrs. Congdon are the parents of 10 children, as follows: Blanche, deceased, was the wife of Roy Downing; Luzern, lives at Sharon, Pa.; Catherine, the widow of Fred Wenger, lives at Painesville, Ohio ; William, lives at Orwell, Ohio ; Mrs. Groves ; Marie, married Blaine Brown, lives at Willoughby, Ohio ; Laverne, lives at home ; Olive, lives at Orwell, Ohio ; and Audrey and Janice, at home. To Charles D. and Coral A. (Congdon) Groves have been born two daughters, Enid Evelyn and Doris Mae. Mr. Groves is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is one of Ashtabula County's well known and representative citizens. Frank E. Kister, an enterprising and well known farmer of Jefferson Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Dec. 26, 1882, and is a son of Charles and Katherine (Weiler) Kister. Charles Kister was a native of Harrisburgh, Pa., and in the early days settled on a farm in Wayne County, Ohio. Later, he removed to Plymouth Township, Ashtabula County, where he successfully engaged in farming and stock raising for 40 years. He died Dec. 17, 1917, and his wife, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, died Aug. 12, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Kister had seven children, as follows: Troy and Harry, live in Ashtabula; Albert, lives at Pittsburgh, Pa.; Frank E., the subject , of this sketch ; Grace, lives with her brother, Frank E.; Edgar, lives at Conneaut; and Ray, deceased. Frank E. Kister was educated in the public schools of Plymouth and has always been a farmer. He rents 100 acres of well improved land and is a dairy farmer. On Jan. 9, 1906, Mr. Kister was married to Miss Hilda Anderson, a native of Plymouth, Ohio, born May 5, 1886, and a daughter of Gus and (54) 914 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY Sophia (Larsen) Anderson, natives of Sweden, and early settlers of Plymouth Township. Mr. Anderson died July 16, 1909, and is buried in Ashtabula. His wife lives in Ashtabula. They were the parents of eight children, as follows : Mrs. Kister ; Carl, lives in Ashtabula ; Tillie, married S. Johnson, lives in Ashtabula ; Andrew, a farmer, lives in Plymouth Township; Mary, married H. W. Crawford, lives in Pennsylvania ; George, a veteran of the World War, having served with the marines ; Harry, lives at Ashtabula ; and Nina, deceased. To Frank E. and Hilda (Anderson) Kister nine children have been born: Mildred, born Sept. 22, 1907 ; Edith, born Dec. 29, 1908 ; George, born Nov. 16, 1910 ; Bernard, born March 11, 1912 ; Elmer, born Sept. 5, 1913 ; John, born Dec. 1, 1915 ; Earl, born March 31, 1918 ; Alice, born July 16, 1920 ; and Laura, born Nov. 8, 1922. Mr. Kister is a Republican and he is a member of the Disciples Church and his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church. Dr. Anson Greenlee, a widely known doctor of Osteopathy in Ashtabula County, was born in Crawford County, Pa., April 14, 1876. He is the son of Phyleman and Marie A. (Brydle) Greenlee. Phyleman Greenlee is a native of Amboy, Ohio, and a highly esteemed citizen of Ashtabula County. For a number of years Mr. Greenlee engaged in fruit farming near Amboy and also owned a large fruit farm in Michigan. He is a Republican and a member of the Methodist church. He lives with his son, Dr. Greenlee. His wife, a native of Kellogsville, Ohio, died June 8, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Greenlee had three children: Byron Henry, died at the age of 21 years ; Lewis D., lives at Conneaut ; and. Dr. Anson, the subject of this sketch. Dr. Anson Greenlee attended the public and high schools of Conneaut and took his course in Osteopathy at Kirksville, Mo., from which he was graduated June 2, 1909. After practicing his profession at Corry, Pa., for five years, Dr. Greenlee established an office at Conneaut and remained there nine years. On Jan. 1, 1924, he located in Ashtabula, which will be his headquarters. Dr. Greenlee also has offices at Conneaut and West Springfield, Pa. He has established an excellent practice. On Feb. 13, 1915, Dr. Greenlee was united in marriage with Miss Maud Holdson, a native of Ashtabula County, born July 22, 1883, and the daughter of Charles and Minnie (Schaffer) Holdson, the former a native HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 915 of Sweden and the latter of Denmark. Mr. and Mrs. Holdson now live retired at West Springfield, Pa. They are the parents of the following children: Mrs. Greenlee ; Walter, principal of the East Conneaut, Ohio schools ; Vinnie, married M. O. Bugby, and she is now deceased ; Homer H., lives at Conneaut ; and Robert, a student. To Dr. and Mrs. Greenlee have been born three children: Ellen Marie, Arlene Elizabeth and Mary Jane. Dr. Greenlee and his family are members of the Methodist Church. H. W. Soden is an enterprising and practical farmer and stockman, living in Jefferson Township. He was born there April 26, 1870, and is the son of Edward and Rosella (Preston) Soden. Edward Soden was a veteran of the Civil War and a prominent pioneer of Ashtabula County. He was born in England and came to this country in 1859 and located in Cleveland, where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil War. He served with Company I, Sixth Ohio Cavalry and was in service for three years and nine months. After the close of the war Mr. Soden came to Ashtabula County and settled on a farm of 230 acres in Jefferson Township. He died March 31, 1908, and his wife died April 24, 1900. He was a Republican, a member of the Episcopal Church of England, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To Mr. and Mrs. Soden four children were born: H. W., the subject of this sketch ; Clara, married George Coup, lives in Ashtabula ; Gertrude, deceased ; and William, lives at Austinburg, Ohio. H. W. Soden was educated in the schools of Jefferson Township, and after finishing his schooling he was employed on neighboring farms and received $20 per month. He now owns 80 acres of well improved land and has a modern residence. By hard work he has made a success of his undertaking and he is well knOWn as a breeder of Guernsey cattle. On Dec. 26, 1898, Mr. Soden was married to Miss Edith Belnap of Austinburg. To this union two children were born: Harold Edward, teaches agriculture at Forest Grove, Ore., and is a veteran of the World War, having served overseas fourteen months ; and Hazel Edith, teaches school at Corvallis, Ore. On Nov. 18, 1918, Mr. Soden was married the second time to Miss Agnes Edson, who was born at Jefferson, Oct. 21, 1889, the daughter of Freeman and Margaret (Doyle) Edson. Mr. Edson was a well known farmer of Ashtabula County for many years and died 916 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY Aug. 10, 1913. He was a Republican in politics. His widow resides in Ashtabula. To Mr. and Mrs. Edson four children were born: Mrs. Soden; Henry, lives in Ashtabula ; Sarah, deceased ; and Frances, lives in Detroit, Mich. To H. W. and Agnes (Edson) Soden one daughter has been born, Dorothy Elizabeth, born July 18, 1924. Mr. Soden is a Reublican and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife are well known in their community and have many friends and acquaintances. J. C. Schupp is a prosperous farmer and stockman of Monroe Township and the owner of 332 acres of good farm land. He was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 22, 1865, and is the son of Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Hahn) Schupp. Henry Schupp was a native of Germany, as was also his wife. They were early settlers of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where Mr. Schupp engaged in general farming and stock raising. He was also an extensive grain farmer. He died in 1892 and his wife died in 1900. They had three children: Caroline, married Conrad Haas, lives in Wilmot, Ohio ; Elizabeth, married Adam Deibel, both deceased ; and J. C., the subject of this sketch. J. C. Schupp has always been a farmer. He was reared and educated in Tuscarawas County and engaged in farming there until 1908, at which time he removed to his present farm in Monroe Township. He has made improvements on the place and is a successful breeder of Holstein cattle. Mr. Schupp's farm is known as "Meadowbrook Farm" and is located on the Conneaut and Youngstown road. There are two silos on the place, each having a 100-ton capacity. On Oct. 24, 1885, Mr. Schupp was united in marriage with Miss Rachel E. Hawk, a native of Tuscarawas County, born May 5, 1867, and the daughter of Daniel and Louise (Benfer) Hawk, natives of Ohio. Mr. Hawk died in 1913 and his wife died in 1919. They were the parents of the following children : Lydia, deceased, was the wife of Charles Feller ; John, lives at Stone Creek, Ohio ; Simon, lives in New Philadelphia, Ohio ; Francis, deceased ; Mrs. Schupp ; Harvey and Charles, live on the old homestead at Stone Creek, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Schupp have one daughter, Pearl, who was born Jan. 4, 1888. She was married on June 21, 1908, to Frederick Hanni, and they have two children: Friadaline Viola, born June 16, 1909; and Bernice Marie, born Dec. 30, 1911. PICTURE OF MR. AND MRS. J. C. SHUPP HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 917 Mr. and Mrs. Schupp are members of the Lutheran Church and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. They are both members of the Monroe Grange Lodge, No. 1555. They were also charter members of the Jefferson Grange, No. 1382, of Stone Creek, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and they transferred to the Monroe lodge in Ashtabula County in 1909. They are also members of the Rebecca. Lodge, No. 625, Monroe Township. Mr. Schupp has served as tOWnship trustee and is an enterprising and progressive citizen of Ashtabula County. Earl Falkenburg, rural mail carrier out of Jefferson, is among the substantial and reliable citizens of Ashtabula County. He was born at Cherry Valley, in this county, June 19, 1888, and is the son of William J. and Eunice V. (Avery) Falkenburg. William J. Falkenburg was born at Windsor, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1859. He attended the public schools of Windsor, Ohio, and the Orwell public schools. He then entered the Grand River Institute at Austinburg, Ohio, and the New Lyme Institute. Mr. Falkenburg was instructed by Prof. Jacob Tuckerman, who taught in both the institutes. Mr. Folkenburg began teaching school when he was 16 years of age and taught several schools in the county. His wife went to school to him during her last term of schooling at Windsor Mills, which was his last term of teaching. He moved to Geneva, Ohio, in 1882, and worked in a wholesale house for Chauncy Gleason until 1884 when he returned to Windsor, Ohio, where he conducted a cheese box factory for a while. In the spring of 1888 he removed to Cherry Valley and engaged in farming. On Dec. 25, 1882, Mr. Falkenburg was married to Miss Eunice V. Avery, who was born near Madison, Wis., Dec. 15, 1864. She was the daughter of Alvin A. and Mary Ann (Bugby) Avery, natives of New York, and early settlers of Wisconsin, who later settled in Ashtabula County. Mr. Avery died in 1886 and his wife died in 1918. William J. Falkenburg died May 30, 1904, and his wife resides at Jefferson with her son. They had two children, Charles L., born Dec. 6, 1883, a farmer, lives at Dorset, Ohio; and Earl, the subject of this sketch. There are two grandchildren: Lola Irene, born Nov. 10, 1912 ; and Neil J., born Dec. 8, 1916. Earl Falkenburg has always lived in Ohio. After attending the public schools of Cherry Valley he learned the carpenter trade, at which he was employed for a number of years. On Jan. 1, 1920, he was appointed rural 918 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY mail carrier, in which capacity he has since served. Mr. Falkenburg is a Republican and belongs to the Maccabees. He is a member of the Methodist Church and is a public spirited citizen, who holds the high regard of all who know him. Lee Platt is an enterprising and successful farmer and stockman of Pierpont Township. He was born on a farm in Richmond Township, Ashtabula County, Dec. 29, 1877, and is the son of Ozro and Sarah (Harmon) Platt. Ozro Platt, deceased, was a leading farmer of Ashtabula County for a number of years. He was born in Richmond Township and later moved to Ashtabula, March, 1906. He lived retired in Ashtabula at the time of his death, Dec. 1, 1920. His wife died Feb. 1, 1921. Mr. and Mrs. Platt had five children, as follows : Edward ; Lee, the subject of this sketch; Clinton, lives in Cleveland ; F. B., lives in Michigan ; and Archie, lives in Ashtabula. Lee Platt attended the district schools of Richmond Township and in early life engaged in the lumber business. He now owns a well improved farm of 55 acres in Pierpont Township, which he purchased in July, 1903. He specializes in dairy farming and his farm is modern throughout. On Nov. 23, 1902, Mr. Platt was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Frick, a native of Pierpont Township, born July 15, 1877, and the daughter of Michael M. and Hannah (Scribner) Frick, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Pierpont, Ohio. Mr. Frick, who died in 1908, served throughout the Civil War, with Company M, 14th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and was a widely known citizen of Pierpont Township for many years. His wife is now the oldest resident of Pierpont and an interesting pioneer of that section. Mr. and Mrs. Frick were the parents of four children : Joseph, lives at Pierpont ; Myrtle, deceased ; Mrs. Platt, Pierpont ; and David B., lives in Pennsylvania. To Lee and Nellie (Frick) Platt have been born four children, as follows : Celestial, born March 10, 1904, at home ; Addie, born Sept. 5, 1905, a student ; Otto F., born June 11, 1907, on the farm ; and Terrestial, born July 16, 1912, at home. Mr. Platt is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church. He is one of the progressive and substantial citizens of his community. HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 919 Dr. D. F. McCoy, a capable physician who has been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession for many years in Ashtabula County, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in Warren County, and is the son of Joseph and Mary McCoy. M. Hayes, station agent for the New York Central Railroad at Andover, is a highly esteemed citizen of Andover, Ohio. He was born at Oil City, Pa., Nov. 6, 1866, and is the son of Joseph and Anna (Knowles) Hayes. Joseph Hayes is a native of Manchester, England, born April 6, 1839. When a young man he came to this country and located in the oil district of Pennsylvania, being among the pioneer oil men of that section. He later entered railroad employ, in which he was engaged at the time of his retirement. Mr. Hayes now lives at Andover with his son, M. Hayes. His wife died Aug. 3, 1906. They were the parents of the following children: M., the subject of this sketch ; Lillie Morgan, lives at Cleveland ; W. J., lives at Coalburg, Ohio ; J. A., lives at Black Lake, Pa. ; Evelyn, died in infancy ; and Edith E. Bromley, lives at Hubbard, Ohio. M. Hayes received his education in the district schools of Pennsylvania and in 1886 he took his first position as a clerk in a hardware store. He then learned the carpenter trade, which he followed for a year, after which he entered the employ of the L. S. & M. S. Ry., as baggage agent. He has been located at the following places during his many years of railroad service: Sandy Lake, Pa.; Leon, Ohio ; Youngstown, Ohio; Coalburg, Ohio ; Newcastle, Pa.; Buffalo, N. Y.; Sugar Run, Pa.; Brockton, N. Y.; Williamsfield, Ohio ; Kinsman, Ohio, and since 1914 he has been stationed at Andover. On Aug. 24, 1897, Mr. Hayes was united in marriage with Miss Florence J. Hibler, a native of Hubbard, Ohio, and the daughter of Aaron and Caroline (Hall) Hibler, both deceased. There were six children in the Hibler family : Frank P., J. H., L. S., J. A., Mrs. Hibler, and one child died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Hayes have been born two children: Willard D., lives in Cleveland ; and Frances J., born July 28, 1900, now a junior at Western Reserve University in Cleveland. In politics Mr. Hayes is a Republican. He is a member of the Congregational church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. In 1920 he organized the Outdoor Club of Andover. Mr. Hayes is well known in the community and has many friends. 920 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY L. H. Behner, who is engaged in the grain and coal business at East Orwell, is among the successful business men of Ashtabula County. He was born at Valley City, Ohio, March 13, 1888, and is a son of Ezra and Christina (Wohlgamuth) Behner. Ezra Behner, retired, has spent his entire life at Valley City, Ohio. He was born April 21, 1856, and has engaged in farming. In May, 1876, he was married to Christina Wohlgamuth, a native of the same place, born July 2, 1856. To this union seven children were born, as follows : Lydia, the wife of William Rhinehart, lives in Cleveland ; Harley and Fred, deceased ; Edward, lives at Valley City, Ohio ; L. H., the subject of this sketch ; Minnie Morton, lives at Brunswick, Ohio ; and Earl, lives in Cleveland. L. H. Behner received his education in the public schools of Valley City, and began life railroading. For a number of years he was connected with the New York Central Railroad as a locomotive fireman and shortly before resigning from the company was promoted to locomotive engineer. He was then located at Beebetown, Ohio, for eleven years, where he was engaged in the feed business. On Nov. 5, 1921, Mr. Behner came to East Orwell, and purchased the business of Northway & Avery. His place of business was destroyed by fire in April, 1924, with a loss of $60,000, $24,000 of which was covered by insurance. Mr. Behner is now reestablishing his business and is now building a four story stone structure, 45x114 feet. He has gravity coal bins which have a capacity of 600 tons. He is the general agent for the Smith Agricultural Company and since coming to Orwell has increased this business 400%. He also owns a feed mill at Windsor, Ohio, which was purchased in April, 1924. On June 25, 1912, Mr. Behner was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Bauer, who was born at Valley City, Aug. 2, 1894, the daughter of Edward and Gertrude (Lockwood) Bauer. There are six children in the Bauer family : Mrs. Behner, Clifford, Hazel, Eckert, Harry, Beatrice, the wife of Merrill Rundle and Esther Humphrey. To Mr. and Mrs. Behner have been born two children : Gertrude, born Sept. 23, 1917 ; and Herbert, born June 4, 1919. Mr. Behner is a Republican and now serving on the Council of Orwell. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He stands high in his community and has many friends and acquaintances. PICTURE OF L. H. BEHNER HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 921 William H. Brown, well known building contractor of Ashtabula County, living at Andover, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Trumbull County, Jan. 7, 1854, and is the son of Thomas and Margaret (Horn) Brown. The Brown family originally came to this country from Scotland. Thomas Brown came here with his wife in 1850 and settled on a farm in Johnston Township, Trumbull County, Ohio, where he became a prominent farmer. About the year 1848 he sold his Trumbull County farm and bought a farm in Richmond Township, Ashtabula County, where he died and with his wife and her father and mother are buried in the cemetery at the center of that township. He died at the age of 47 years in 1859, and his wife died in Brooklyn, N. Y., at the age of 77 years. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were the parents of the following children: Margaret, de-. ceased ; James, lives at Jefferson, Ohio ; Elizabeth, lives at Conneaut, Ohio ; Marion, deceased ; Catherine Baker, lives at Andover ; William H., the subject of this sketch ; Thomas J., deceased ; and Janet, deceased. William H. Brown was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools. He engaged in general farming at an early age and became one of the prosperous farmers of Ashtabula County. Mr. Brown is also widely known as a building contractor and has erected many of the business places and residences at Andover and vicinity. On Dec. 28, 1881, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Sylvania L. Marvin, a native of Andover, born June 19, 1857, and the daughter of James and. Mary E. (Linn) Marvin, the former a native of Andover and the latter of Espyville, Pa. Mr. Marvin was born March 16, 1824, and his wife was born April 27, 1828. They were the parents of four children : Mrs. W. H. Brown ; Margaret E. French, deceased ; Clinton J., lives with Mrs. W. H. Brown; and George L., lives on the old home place. To William H. and Sylvania L. (Marvin) Brown two children were born: Clyde G., born May 28, 1885, married Carrie Kemmer, and they have two children: Elizabeth Mae, born Nov. 30, 1914, and Seymour K., born Aug. 9, 1918 ; and Frederick Marvin, born May 27, 1892, lives at Andover and is ticket clerk for the New York Central Railroad at Youngstown, Ohio. Mr. Brown is a Republican and has always taken an active interest in the affairs of his town, having served as mayor, notary public and justice of the peace, and other official positions. The Brown family are highly esteemed citizens of their community. 922 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY Stanley Clark is an extentive farmer and stockman of Cherry Valley Township, and a member of one of Ashtabula County's prominent pioneer families. He was born in the township where he now lives, Sept. 17, 1859, and is the son of Stephen and Madeline Clark. Stephen Clark was born at Brookfield, Ohio, Feb. 2, 1822, and came to Ashtabula County in 1844 and located on 37 acres of land in Cherry Valley Township, which he operated until his death. He died in 1885 and his wife, a native of Cherry Valley Township, Ashtabula County, died in May, 1923. She was born Sept. 15, 1832. To Mr. and Mrs. Clark 11 children were born, as follows : Abbie and Alma, deceased; Stanley, the subject of this sketch ; Addison, lives in California ; Myrtie Lee, lives at Akron ; Grant and Austa, deceased ; Minnie, lives at Youngstown; June, at Pendleton, Wash. ; Jerry ; and one child died in infancy. Stanley Clark has spent his entire life in Cherry Valley Township. He was educated in the district schools and when a boy became interested in farming and stock raising. Mr. Clark now owns 233 acres of land here and 80 acres in Washington. His farm is among the well improved stock farms of the county. On Dec. 4, 1888, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Luella McClelland, a native of Pennsylvania, born in July, 1865, and the daughter of John and Jane McClelland. To Mr. and Mrs. Clark four children have been born, as follows : Charles, lives near the home place; Earl, lives at Colebrook, Ohio ; Madeline, lives in Fowler ; Linn ; and Howard, at home. Mr. Clark and his family are members of the Baptist Church. He is well known throughout the county, where he is highly esteemed as a man of progress, industry, and initiative. Elta Lamson is a substantial and well known business man of Pierpont and Ashtabula County. He was born on a farm in Pierpont Township, Sept. 21, 1887, and is a son of Charles and Rosalina (Norton) Lamson. Charles Lamson was born in Fowler Township, Trumbull County, Ohio, Dec. 10, 1849, and came to Ashtabula County in 1874. He settled on a farm near Pierpont and became one of the leading stockmen of the county. Mr. Lamson was a member of the Congregational Church and died Aug. 23, 1922. His wife now resides at Pierpont. They were the parents of the following children: Cora, born Jan. 13, 1873, married George HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 923 Hill ; Letty, born April 13, 1875, died Oct. 13, 1890; Archie, born March 24, 1877, lives at Pierpont ; Merritt, born Aug. 7, 1880, married Maude Byrnes, Oct. 27, 1900, and she died Jan. 13, 1923, lives at Erie, Pa.; Ruby, born March 15, 1884, married Virgil Case, lives in Pierpont Township; and Elta, the subject of this sketch. Elta Lamson received his education in the public schools of Pierpont and engaged in farming and stock raising until 1921, at which time he engaged in the automobile business, which is known as the Pierpont Motor Sales Company. He has the agency for the Nash and Chevrolet automobiles and has an up to date garage and repair shop in connection. On Nov. 27, 1907, Mr. Lamson was united in marriage with Miss Edna Turner, who was born at Pierpont, Dec. 26, 1886, and the daughter of Frank and Clara (Woodworth) Turner, natives of Pierpont. Mr. and Mrs. Turner have three children: Jennie, married Archie Lamson, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history ; Mrs. Elta Lamson ; and Augusta, married Morris Kendall, lives at Pierpont. To Elta and Edna (Turner) Lamson have been born four children: Carlyle, born Feb. 5, 1909; Arlo, born Oct. 19, 1910; Walter Paul, born Oct. 10, 1914; and Gordon Douglass, born July 2, 1920. Mr. Lamson is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been a member of the school board for four years. Mr. Lamson is favorably known in Ashtabula County and takes an active interest in the affairs of his community. C. H. Bailey, a representative farmer and stockman of Rome Township, was born in Morgan Township, Dec. 22, 1862, and is a son of Henry and Laura (Sperry) Bailey. Henry Bailey was born in Massachusetts, March 1, 1827, and at the age of ten years came to Ashtabula County with his parents. In 1853 he was married to Miss Laura Sperry, a native of Rock Creek, who died in 1868, leaving a son, C. H., the subject of this sketch. The follOWing year Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Virtue E. Hubbard, and to this union one son was born, Newton F. Bailey, who lives in Rome Township. C. H. Bailey was reared to manhood on his father's farm and attended the schools at Rock Creek, Jefferson, and New Lyme. Since 1889 he has lived on his present farm in Rome Township, which contains 95 acres of good farm land. 924 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY In 1889 Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Julia L. Chester, a native of Rome, Ohio, born in 1869, and the daughter of Hezekiah and Laura (Wilcox) Chester, pioneers of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey two children have been born: Laura, married J. Wm. Ford, lives at Canton, Ohio, and has one son, Marion Bailey Ford ; and Albert H., who married Miss Clara Becker, and lives on the home farm. Lee C. Bates is a veteran of the World War and an enterprising and successful young business man of Ashtabula County. He was born at Ethridge, Tenn., in January, 1896, and is a son of Elmer and Anna E. Bates. Elmer Bates was a native of Pennsylvania and an early settler of Rock Creek, where he resided until his death, June 19, 1924. He and his wife had five children : Roy E., Helen E., Lee C., the subject of this sketch, Charles and Hilda. Lee C. Bates received his education in the public schools, of Colebrook and the New Lyme Institute, and was also a student at Ohio State University and left the college on account of World War. On July 27, 1917, he volunteered for service during the World War and was in the Navy transport service. He was released from the U. S. N. with the rank of Lieutenant, Oct. 19, 1919 and came to Rock Creek. Mr. Bates is the authorized Ford agent at Rock Creek, where he OWns an up-to-date garage. He also handles the Ford tractor and does an extensive business throughout the surrounding community. On Jan. 21, 1922, Mr. Bates was married to Miss Mildred E. Clark, a daughter of Allen and Alice Clark. To Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Bates two children have been born, Lee C. Jr. and Helen E. Mr. Bates is a member of the Masonic lodge and is an independent voter. He is a member of the Military Order of the World War. Theodore Baker, a successful and well known merchant of Rock Creek, is a native of New York City. He was born July 15, 1878, and is the son of Dr. Theodore and Helen (Brown) Baker. Dr. Theodore Baker was born in New York City and was graduated from the University of Leipzig, where he lived until 1892. After returning to this country he has lived in Mt. Vernon, N. Y. He was married in London England, to Miss Helen Brown, who was born at Leipzig, Ger- PICTURE OF L. C. BATES HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 925 many, Dec. 20, 1854. To this union only one child was born, Theodore, the subject of this sketch. Theodore Baker attended the public schools, of Mt. Vernon, N. Y., and was graduated from Cornell University in 1902, where he studied agriculture. He then engaged in agricultural work until 1914, at which time he became interested in the mercantile business. Since 1920 he has owned and operated a store at Rock Creek and he is among the leading merchants of the township. On Nov. 17, 1904, Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Miss May E. Watkins, a native of Camden, N. Y., born May 1, 1880, and to this union four children have been born, as follows : Theodore, Jr., born July 23, 1906 ; James W., born March 3, 1909 ; Jean E., born Sept. 9, 1910; and Robert C., born April 23, 1921. Mr. Baker and his family hold membership in the Congregational church and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has always been an energetic and industrious man and a highly esteemed citizen. George W. Swezey, retired, is a reliable citizen of Andover and a member of one of Ashtabula County's pioneer families. He was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, Dec. 5, 1857, and is the son of Newton I. and Malinda (Peabody) Swezey. Newton I. Swezey, deceased, was a native of New York, born Dec. 4, 1831. In 1854 he came to Ohio and located on a farm of 200 acres in Trumbull County. Later, in 1866, he removed to Ashtabula County, and settled near Andover, where he engaged in the dairy business. In 1879 Mr. Swezey opened a harness and wagon shop at Andover, which was destroyed by fire in 1890. Mr. Swezey died Aug. 7, 1909, and his wife, who was born April 10, 1833, died April 10, 1906. She was the daughter of George W. and Cynthia Peabody, natives of Connecticut and early settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Swezey were married on Dec. 27, 1854, and were the parents of two children, one of whom died in infancy. The other, George W., is the subject of this sketch. George W. Swezey was reared and educated in Trumbull County and engaged in farming for himself at the age of 22 years. He later engaged in the hardware business with Mr. Pellett at Andover, and afterward became a member of the firm of Black & Swezey. He then engaged in the coal and feed business for five years at Andover, after which he removed 926 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY to Ashtabula and entered the employ of the county as road inspector. Mr. Swezey has lived retired at Andover since June, 1923. He resides in the old home place, which was built in 1883. On Jan. 20, 1863, Mr. Swezey was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Crosby, a native of Ohio, born Jan. 20, 1863, and the daughter of Hiram and Fannie (Spellman) Crosby, natives of Ashtabula County, now deceased. Mr. Crosby was born in 1839 and died June 20, 1919. His wife was born Jan. 12, 1836. There were four children in the Crosby family, as follows : Lynn, lives in Ashtabula County ; Mrs. Swezey; Minnie Bailey, deceased ; and Charles, lives at Meadville, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Swezey three children have been born, as follows : Guy W., born Oct. 5, 1880, died Nov. 20, 1913, leaving three children, Arlene, Donald, born July 19, 1909, and Clifford Lyle ; Ray Newton, born May 24, 1883, has three children, Herbert Newton, born June 25, 1909, Harry, born Feb. 14, 1912, and Cecil, born May 24, 1915; and Charles Hiram, born Jan. 3, 1888, died Sept. 2, 1905. Mr. Swezey is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. He is widely known and is representative of the best citizenship of Ashtabula County. Alvin Tidd, widely known as a successful stockman, and the owner of 140 acres of well improved land in Williamsfield Township, is a member of one of Ashtabula County's oldest families. He was born on a farm in Ashtabula County, Sept. 10, 1854, and is the son of Martin M. and Lucy J. (Still) Tidd. Martin M. Tidd was a native of Kinsman, Ohio, born June 9, 1818, and the son of Martin Tidd, who was one of the first settlers of Williamsfield. On Nov. 22, 1838, Martin M. Tidd was married to Miss Lucy J. Still, a native of York State, born June 30, 1819, and the daughter of Ebenizer and Malinda Still. Mr. Tidd died Nov. 16, 1897, and his wife died March 21, 1910. They were the parents of the following children: James, born March 11, 1840, deceased ; Watson J., born Jan. 25, 1842, deceased ; Ebenizer, born Aug. 8, 1844, deceased; Charles L., born Nov. 10, 1846, lives in Ashtabula County ; Harmon C., born March 27, 1849, deceased ; Eziah L., born Feb. 21, 1852, deceased; Alvin, the subject of this sketch; Olive, born March 26, 1857; and Albert, born Oct. 25, 1859. Alvin Tidd received his education in the district schools of Ashtabula County and has always been interested in farming and stock raising. He HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 927 specializes in dairy farming and is a breeder of good stock. The Tidd farm is well improved and Mr. Tidd is widely known as a man of industry and initiative. On Feb. 22, 1883, Mr. Tidd was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Jane Feather, a native of Brookfield, Ohio, born July 21, 1859, and the daughter of William R. and Mary (Jackson) Feather. Mr. Feather was a veteran of the Civil War and a prominent pioneer of the State of Ohio. He and his wife, now deceased, were the parents of six children: W. A., lives at Linesville, Pa. ; Mrs. Tidd; Andrew J., deceased ; May Carter, lives in Kansas ; George, lives in Nebraska ; and Emma, deceased. To Alvin and Sarah Jane (Feather) Tidd four children have been born, as `follows : Charles Elton, born May 4, 1889, mention of whom is made belOW ; Gladah J. Standiford, born April 25, 1891, lives at Galion, Ohio ; Hazel May Stanford, born March 19, 1895, lives at home and has three children, Leonora, born April 13, 1916, Warren, born June 10, 1921, and Richard LeRoy, born April 16, 1923 ; and Eleanor Linsley, born Sept. 2, 1897, lives at Warren, Ohio. Charles Elton Tidd died while in the service during the World War. He was inducted into service at Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1918 and sent to a camp in Georgia, and six weeks after his enlistment was sent overseas on the S. S. George Washington. He died from disease at sea, Oct. 9, 1918, and was buried in France and later at Kinsman, Ohio. Alvin Tidd and his family are members of the United Brethren Church and substantial citizens of their community. F. M. Bailey has been a successful and well known farmer of Ashtabula County for many years. He was born on a farm where he now resides in Morgan Township, Sept. 9, 1867, and is a son of Jasper and Fidelia (House) Bailey. Jasper Bailey was a native of Morgan Township and the son of Frank Bailey who located here during the early days, having come from Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Bailey, now deceased, had one child, F. M., the subject of this sketch. F. M. Bailey has always lived on the same farm. He owns 138 acres of good farm land and specializes in dairy farming. On Aug. 6, 1890, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage with Miss Luella Daniels, who was born in Hartsgrove Township, Ashtabula County. To 928 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY this union two children were born: George L., born May 17, 1891 ; and Verne J., born June 25, 1899. Mrs. Bailey died March 5, 1915, and on May 5, 1916, Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Martha Banner, of Rock Creek, Ohio. Riley G. Allen, now living retired in Dorset, has been a leading farmer and stockman of Ashtabula County for many years. He was born in Ashtabula County, Nov. 19, 1845, and is a son of Joseph R. and Mary Anne (Robbins) Allen. Joseph R. Allen was a native of Vermont and an early settler of Ashtabula County. At an early date he located at Geneva, where he engaged in the merchandise business. In 1854, during the gold rush to California, he went west with several families in covered wagons. After an absence of 14 years, Mrs. Allen received word that a man by the name of Allen had died while returning from the coast. Believing this man to be her husband, she later remarried, and upon her first husband's return, he also married again. After a number of years, during which time their second husband and second wife had died, they were remarried. Mr. and Mrs. Allen had three children: Henry L., deceased; Riley G., the subject of this sketch; and Dwight, deceased. Riley G. Allen was born at Geneva and has lived in Dorset Township since he was 12 years of age. He made his home with an uncle, Marshall Conant, who owned a cooperage at Dorset. Mr. Allen learned that trade in the days when barrel staves were made from the raw timber.. In 1880 he purchased 75 acres of land and later purchased 68 additional acres. He now lives retired, having sold his land interests. Mr. Allen cleared off heavy timber from his 75 acres and the 68 acres he reclaimed. He and both of his sons were engaged in the pure bred Holstein cattle business for a number of years and their cattle was shipped to different states. During the Civil War Mr. Allen enlisted with Company D. 177th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was in service for ten months. Mr. Allen was united in marriage with Miss Cornelia Burr, who was the daughter of Austin Burr, one of Dorset's prominent pioneer citizens. She died April 5, 1916. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen five children were born, as follows: Marshall, who died at the age of 18 years in a hospital at Massillon, Ohio ; Coralie, died at the age of 13 years ; Arthur, PICTURE OF RILEY G. ALLEN HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 929 lives at Dorset, married Pearl Prentice and they had seven children, five now living; Inez M., Freda, Mildred, Arthur and Vera, two died in infancy ; and Austin J., who lives in Dorset Township. Austin J. Allen is a well known fur dealer and in 1922 purchased nearly $100,000 worth of furs. He is also interested in the dairy business. He was married to Miss Rachel Leiby and they have three children, Robert George, Marie Winifred and Austin J., Jr. Riley G. Allen is a Republican, a member of the board of education, has served as township trustee and as personal property assessor and also real estate. He is an associate member of the Baptist church. He is an interesting pioneer of the county and a highly respected citizen. Thomas J. McKelvy, now deceased, was an enterprising farmer and stockman of Morgan Township. He was born on a farm in Allegheny County, Pa., Dec. 2, 1856, and died Sept. 27, 1924. He was a son of C. M. and Mary (Nixon) McKelvy. C. M. McKelvy was born in Pennsylvania in 1822 and spent his entire life there. He died in April, 1899, and his wife, who was a native of Ireland, died in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. McKelvy had four children: James N., deceased; Mary J., lives on the home place in Pennsylvania ; Thomas J., the subject of this sketch; and Wesley McGowen, deceased. Thomas J. McKelvy attended the district schools of his native state and came to his present farm in Morgan Township in 1896, where he owned 99 acres of land. Mr. McKelvy specialized in dairy farming and raised registered Holstein cattle. On June 26, 1883, Mr. McKelvy was united in marriage with Miss Emma C. Mershon, who was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 9, 1852, and died March 1, 1921. To this union a daughter was born, Mary Emma Large, who was born Aug. 22, 1884. There are five children in the Large family : Alice, Emma, Edna, Thomas and Lester. On Nov. 18, 1922, Mr. McKelvy was married to Miss Catherine Burns Grant, a native of Scotland. In politics Mr. McKelvy was identified with the Republican party; he served as a member of the school board and as road supervisor. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. McKelvy was a good farmer and an excellent citizen of Ashtabula County. 930 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY A. E. Andrus, who is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising in Morgan Township, is a native of Ashtabula County. He was born in Trumbull Township, Dec. 26, 1868, and is the son of John and Mary (Sprague) Andrus. John Andrus was born in 1816 and came to this county from New York in the early days. He was married in 1867 to Miss Mary Sprague, who was born in 1835 and died in 1912. To this union two children were born: A. E., the subject of this sketch; and one child died in infancy. A. E. Andrus grew up on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools. He engaged in farming when he was 21 years old and now owns 225 acres of good farm land in Ashtabula County. Mr. Andrus specializes in dairy farming and raises pure bred Holstein cattle. Mr. Andrus was married to Miss Lenora Woodruff, a native of New Lyme Township, born Oct. 13, 1872, and the daughter of Nelson and Louisa (Peck) Woodruff. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff, deceased, were the parents of the following children: Alice ; Mrs. Andrus ; Florence ; Walter, lives in California ; Lillian, lives in Ashtabula. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrus four children have been born, as follows : Adelbert T., born Feb. 6, 1904; Howard W., born Nov. 28, 1905, was graduated from Rock Creek High School in 1923; Mary E., born Nov. 24, 1908; and Evelyn Mildred, born Oct. 16, 1912. Mr. Andrus is an independent voter. He and his family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and are well known citizens of their community. Dr. H. A. Orth, a well known and successful dentist of Rock Creek, was born at Berlin, Pa., Oct. 2, 1859, and is a son of Dr. Charles and Elizabeth (Brook) Orth. Dr. Charles Orth was a native of Germany and a leading pioneer physician of Pennsylvania. After coming to this country in 1856 he located at Berlin, Pa., where he practiced his profession until 1870. He then located in Pittsburgh, where he lived until the time of his retirement in 1905. He died at Rock Creek, Jan. 29, 1919, and his wife, who was born in Germany, Nov. 7, 1822, died March 16, 1909. To Dr. and Mrs. Orth the following children were born : Charles Fredrick, born Sept. 18, 1845, died Dec. 1, 1905 ; Mary Louise Stuck, born Nov. 27, 1847, lives at Berlin, Pa.; Fredrick August, born April 6, 1854, deceased ; Henry W., HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 931 born July 17, 1856, lives at Rock Creek; Dr. H. A., the subject of this sketch; and William, born March 25, 1865, lives in Pittsburgh. Dr. H. A. Orth was reared and educated in Pennsylvania and was graduated from the Pittsburgh high school at the age of 15 years. In 1875 he entered the office of Dr. Kuchler, where he remained eight years. He then entered the dental college of the University of Wisconsin, after which he practiced his profession at Pittsburgh. In 1902 Dr. Orth came to Ashtabula County and established his present practice at Rock Creek, where he is widely and favorably known. On June 8, 1902, Dr. Orth was married to Mrs. Hattie M. Cane Jackel, who was born in Morgan Township, February 5, 1866. They have two children: Charles H., born July 2, 1905, and Lillie Elizabeth, born Aug. 13, 1907. Dr. Orth votes the Democratic ticket ; he is a member of the German Lutheran Church of Pittsburgh, and his wife belongs to the Congregational Church of Rock Creek. E. E. Anderson, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Colebrook Township, who is engaged in farming and stock raising, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, Jan. 25, 1854. He is the son of J. D. and Mary (Roberts) Anderson. J. D. Anderson was a native of Beaver Falls, Pa., born in 1818. He engaged in farming during his entire life and in 1861 located on a farm of 100 acres in Colebrook Township. He died in 1904 and his wife, who was born in 1822, died at the age of 84 years. They were the parents of the following children: Joseph Warren, deceased; Freer, deceased ; Freeman, lived at Colebrook, is now deceased ; Albert, lived at Orwell, Ohio, is now deceased ; E. E., the subject of this sketch ; Allen, deceased; Charles, lives at Youngstown, Ohio; and Helen, deceased. E. E. Anderson received his education in the schools of Colebrook and was graduated from North Bloomfield High School. He has lived on his present farm since 1904 and is among the prominent dairy farmers of this section. Mr. Anderson owns 139 acres of good farm land which is well improved. On Sept. 30, 1876, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Helen Harrington, who was born at Colebrook, May 24, 1854, one a daughter of Corydon and Elizabeth Swain Harrington. Mrs. Anderson had two brothers : 932 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY W. T., who lives at Newcastle, Pa., and John, deceased. To E. E. and Helen (Harrington) Anderson six children have been born: Beatrice, at home; Emma, lives in Ashtabula; John, at home; Corydon, lives at Grand Rapids, Mich.; James D., lives at Kingsville, Ohio ; and Bert, lives in Ashtabula. Mr. Anderson is a Republican and has served as township trustee and assessor. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are widely known throughout the community. James E. Wilderson, well known retired postmaster of Dorset, and a leading citizen of Ashtabula County, was born at Newton Falls, in Trumbull County, Ohio, May 20, 1852, and is the son of John and Rebecca (Price) Wilderson. John Wilderson was born in eastern Pennsylvania, Nov. 9, 1813. He was reared and educated in Baltimore County, Md., and settled on a farm in Trumbull County, Ohio in 1844. For a number of years he operated a mill at Newton Falls and later engaged in general farming, and died in December, 1897. Mr. Wilderson was married to Rebecca Price, who was born in 1816 and died Dec. 6, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Wilderson were the parents of five children: Rachel, died Dec. 7, 1910; was the wife of J. D. Wood; Benjamin, born Sept. 7, 1846, died Sept. 8, 1919; Charles W., born Oct. 21, 1848, lives at Seattle, Wash.; Martha, the widOW of T. B. Mather, born July 14, 1850, lives at Seattle, Wash.; and James E., the subject of this sketch. James E. Wilderson was educated in Starke County, Ohio. At the age of 19 years he began teaching school in Portage County, Ohio, and taught 18 terms. He later attended Mt. Union college and became one of the prominent pioneer teachers of that section of the state. During the winter of 1874 and 1875, Mr. Wilderson received $40 per month and his board. In 1885 he came to Ashtabula County and purchased 115 acres of land in Dorset Township, where he engaged in dairy fanning. He served as postmaster of Dorset for ten years and is now janitor of the Dorset Centeralized School of Dorset, Ohio, where he now resides. In 1881 Mr. Wilderson was married to Miss Viola Leonard, who was born in Starke County, Ohio, Oct. 29, 1855. To this union five children were born, as follows: Ethel, married Charles B. Kennedy, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history ; Leonard C., lives at Jamestown, PICTURE OF MR. AND MRS. JAMES E. WILDERSON HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 933 N. Y., where he is district manager of the Fuller Brush Company; Paul, lives at Des Moines, IOWa; Blanche, a trained nurse, lives at home; and Kenneth, lives at Akron, Ohio. Mr. Wilderson is an independent voter. He has served as township assessor, trustee, and school director. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and have many friends and acquaintances throughout Ashtabula County. F. W. Sunbury is a leading dairy farmer of Richmond Township and the owner of a fine farm of 212 acres. He was born on the farm where he nOW lives, July 31, 1866, and is the son of Edward S. and Matilda M. (Velvich) Sunbury. Edward S. Sunbury was born in Connecticut, March 15, 1823, and his wife was a native of England, born Sept. 10, 1825. When a young man, Mr. Sunbury came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Trumbull County, where he remained until 1849, at which time he removed to the present Sunbury farm in Richmond Township. Mr. Sunbury became a leading farmer of the county and died Aug. 28, 1900. His wife died April 19, 1873. They were the parents of the following children: Winslow, deceased ; Flora Cook, deceased; Linnie, deceased; and F. W., the subject of this sketch. F. W. Sunbury spent his boyhood on this farm and was educated in the district schools. He has always been interested in dairy farming and has met with success in his work. Mr. Sunbury has a herd of pure bred Holstein cows and his farm is among the leading dairy farms of the county. On June 1, 1887, Mr. Sunbury was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Weir, a native of Richmond Township, born Dec. 6, 1866, and the daughter of James and Sarah (Sell) Weir, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Ohio. Mr. Weir was born Nov. 28, 1829, and came to this country at the age of 15 years and located on a farm in Richmond Township, Ashtabula County, which he operated until the time of his death, May 21, 1911. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served with Company D, 177th Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His wife was born Feb. 9, 1835, and died Dec. 4, 1912. They were the parents of six children, as follOWs : Allie, deceased; H. E., lives in Youngstown, Ohio; Edward, deceased ; Mrs. Sunbury ; Jennie Johnson, lives in Youngstown, 934 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY Ohio; and William, deceased. To F. W. and Lizzie (Weir) Sunbury six children have been born, as follows : Lena Heath, born Nov. 17, 1889, lives in Ashtabula ; Nellie Chubuck, born Feb. 5, 1890, lives in Cleveland; Lulu Demaline, born in October, 1893, lives in Cleveland ; James S., born April 27, 1895, lives near the home place; Sarah M. Kent, born April 13, 1900, lives in Ashtabula ; and Margaret E. Loudermilk, born May 6, 1904, lives in Ashtabula. Mr. and Mrs. Sunbury have seven grandchildren. Politically, Mr. Sunbury is a Republican. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of his community and has been a member of the school board. Mr. Sunbury and his family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. R. H. Wilder, a successful farmer and stockman of Wayne Township and member of a prominent pioneer family of Ashtabula County, was born on the farm where he now lives, March 26, 1876, and is the son of Charles and Orlintha (Barber) Wilder. Charles Wilder, retired, was born on a farm near Wayne Center, in Wayne Township, Aug. 17, 1839, the son of Henry and Henrietta (Fobes) Wilder. The Wilder family originally came from New York and the Fobes family was also another pioneer family of Ashtabula County, having been the first settlers in Wayne in 1803. Charles Wilder settled on the present Wilder farm in Wayne Township in 1860 and for many years ranked among the leading farmers of Ashtabula County. He now lives retired with his son. His wife, who was born March 9, 1842, died Nov. 22, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder had two children: Luna Addicott, lives at Colebrook, Ohio ; and R. H., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Chas. Wilder was a charter member of the Gustavus Masonic Lodge, having joined at the age of 21 years. R. H. Wilder was educated in the district schools and attended the schools of Jefferson also. He began farming for himself at the age of 23 years and now operates the home place of 175 acres. Mr. Wilder specializes in dairy farming and owns 25 fine Holstein cows. On June 14, 1899, Mr. Wilder was married to Miss Emma Fobes, a native of Wayne, Ohio, born Dec. 27, 1876, and the daughter of Charles and Lucina (Tiffany) Fobes. Mrs. Wilder has three brothers, Gordon, Fred and Andrew, all living in Pennsylvania, and a sister, Myrtle, who HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 935 also lives in Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilder one son was born, Alonzo, who died in infancy, Sept. 22, 1909. They have an adopted daughter, Henrietta M. Wilder, who was born in May, 1909. Politically, Mr. Wilder is a Republican. He and his family hold membership in the Wayne Congregational Church and are highly esteemed citizens of their community. P. E. Battrick has been a successful and well known farmer and stockman of Wayne Township for many years. He was born in Wayne Township, July 17, 1867, and is the son of Thomas and Charlotte (Dole) Battrick. Thomas Battrick was a native of England, born May 12, 1827. He came to this country with his parents when he was nine years of age and located on a farm in Wayne Township, Ashtabula County. Mr. Battrick was married on May 12, 1856, to Miss Charlotte Dole, who was born April 30, 1828, and died April 20, 1906. They were the parents of the following children: Sarah Amanda, born Nov. 2, 1857, lives at Geneva, Ohio ; Emily Margaret Howe, born Feb. 11, 1860, deceased; Eliza Thomas, born Jan. 22, 1866, lives at Kinsman, Ohio ; P. E., the subject of this sketch ; and William, born Aug. 2, 1870, died Feb. 24, 1897. P. E. Battrick attended the district schools and New Lyme Institute, and when a boy became interested in general farming. At the age of 21 years he was employed in a local cheese factory, and three years later engaged in that business for himself. Mr. Battrick operated this business for 18 years and in 1898 sold it to the Edward, Rick Company. He then engaged in farming and purchased his present place in Wayne Township. Mr. Battrick does general farming and specializes in dairy work, having 25 registered Holstein cows on his farm. On March 4, 1891, Mr. Battrick was united in marriage with Miss Jessie E. Thomas, who was born March 4, 1869, and the daughter of Lucius and Celestia Bates Thomas, both deceased. Mr. Thomas was a veteran of the Civil War and died in 1880. His brother, William Thomas, was a major in the army during the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were the parents of the following children: Charles, lives at Kinsman, Ohio; Eugene, resided in Warren, now deceased; Mrs. Battrick ; Cassie Burch, born Feb. 14, 1870, lives in Ashtabula ; Zella, lives at Kinsman, Ohio; and Mary, married Richard Hayes and lives at Carrollton, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. 936 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY Battrick four children have been born, as follows: Helen, C., born Aug. 10, 1893, a graduate of Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, now Y. W. Secretary in the University of Arkansas ; Mabel C., born May 25, 1895, a graduate of Ohio University, and was a teacher before her marriage to Howard Cramer of Oxford, and they have a son, Robert, born June 5, 1922; Mary Lucile, born Jan. 4, 1903, a student two years, at Miami College, Oxford, now teaching; and William Thomas, born July 19, 1906, a student at Oberlin College. Mr. Battrick is a Republican and a member of the Gustavus Lodge No. 442, F. & A. M. Mrs. Battrick and children are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Battrick is a substantial citizen and deservedly stands high in the estimation of his many friends and acquaintances. He has served as township trustee four years, was treasurer of the Red Cross, also is at present treasurer of local State Police and Home Guards of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Thomas W. Hunter, who is successfully engaged in farming and stock raising on the old Hunter Homestead in Jefferson Township, was born on the farm where he now lives, Nov. 15, 1862. He is a son of George and Isabel (Weatherston) Hunter. George Hunter was a native of Scotland, as was also his wife. In 1852 they came to this country and located at Jefferson, where they remained several years. Mr. Hunter then moved his family to the present farm in Jefferson Township, where he was actively engaged in dairy business and was a cheese maker for many years. He died Jan. 13, 1916, and his wife died March 10, 1907. Mr. Hunter was a Republican, a member of the Congregational church and was one of the organizers of the Jefferson Chapter of the Masonic lodge. There were four children in the Hunter family, as follows : Alice, deceased; Christina, deceased; James, died Sept. 5, 1919; and Thomas W., the subject of this sketch. Thomas W. Hunter received his education in the district schools of Jefferson Township and has always been engaged in general farming and stock raising. For a number of years he farmed an adjacent farm, which is owned by his wife. There is a gas well on the Hunter farm, the first drilled gas well to be in Jefferson Township. This was in 1900. On May 9, 1907, Mr. Hunter was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Doyle, a native of Jefferson Township, born Oct. 9, 1861, and a daughter PICTURES OF MRS ISABEL AND GEORGE HUNTER HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 937 of James and Margaret (Barron) Doyle, natives of Ireland, and prominent pioneers of Ashtabula County. Mr. Doyle died in 1888, and his wife died ten years later. They had eight children, as follows : Elizabeth, lives in Jefferson Township ; Sarah, deceased, was the wife of William Phelan; Margaret, the widow of Freeman. Edison, lives in Jefferson Township; Mrs. Hunter; James, a fruit farmer, lives at North East, Pa.; William and John, farmers, live in Jefferson Township; and Agnes, married John Edixon, lives in Ashtabula. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have no children. Mr. Hunter is a Republican, a member of the Congregational church and belongs to the Masonic lodge. His wife holds membership in the Catholic church. She is a dressmaker by occupation and worked at same in Cleveland for about 15 years. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are well known in Ashtabula County and have many friends. W. E. Shumaker is a progressive farmer and stockman of Colebrook Township and a substantial citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born on the farm where he now resides, Aug. 8, 1875, and is the son of Allen and Martha Jane (Taylor) Shumaker. Allen Shumaker followed farming during his entire life. He was born in Ohio, April 1, 1839, and died in Nov., 1909. He was married Dec. 13, 1864, to Martha Jane Taylor, who was born Nov. 27, 1837, and died in June, 1915. To Mr. and Mrs. Shumaker five children were born, as follows: George, born Dec. 26, 1866, lives at Mesopotamia, Ohio ; James, born Oct. 4, 1873, lives at Garretsville, Ohio ; W. E., the subject of this sketch; Allen, born Sept. 17, 1876, lives at Green, Ohio ; and Emma B. Robbins, born Aug. 16, 1880, lives at Niles, Ohio. W. E. Shumaker received his education in the district schools and began life for himself as a farmer at the age of 21 years. He lives on 40 acres of well improved land where he carries on general farming and stock raising. For several years Mr. Shumaker worked in the lumber camps of Green Township, Trumbull County. In 1917 Mr. Shumaker was married to Miss Florence Ridout, who was born in England, Feb. 25, 1895. She is the daughter of George and Christina Ridout, who came to this country from England in 1907, and located on a farm near Gustavus, Ohio. There were six children in the Ridout family, as follows: Mrs. Shumaker; Hilda Calvin, born March 22, 1898, lives at Salem, Ohio ; Morris, born Nov. 30, 1901, lives at Gustavus, Ohio; 938 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY Daisy, born Nov. 26, 1908 ; Ena, born Oct. 5, 1910 ; and Christine, born Sept. 10, 1912. To Mr. and Mrs. Shumaker have been born three children : Albert Allen, born Nov. 19, 1917; Walter E., born May 12, 1920, died Sept. 17, 1921; and Marjorie Ellen, born Nov. 3, 1922. Mr. Shumaker is a Democrat and is an enterprising farmer who is meeting with well merited success. William H. Howard is a veteran of the Civil War and one of the early settlers of Ashtabula County. He was born at Jamestown, Pa., July 13, 1845, and is a son of William and Phoebe (Bernherd) Howard. William Howard was born in Pennsylvania in 1800 and was the son of John Howard, who served throughout the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. In 1862 William Howard came to Ashtabula County and settled on 100 acres of land in Colebrook Township, which is now part of the Howard estate. He engaged in general farming and stock raising and died in 1896. His wife, also a native of Pennsylvania, died at the age of 70 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Howard 12 children were born, of whom William H., the subject of this sketch is the only one now living. William H. Howard spent his boyhood on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools. He has always been a farmer and now owns 400 acres of well improved land in Colebrook Township. He has lived retired since 1924. During the Civil War Mr. Howard enlisted for service in 1863 and was sent to Cleveland with Company C, 177th regiment. Shortly after his enlistment he was stricken with a fever and returned home for a short furlough, after which he was sent to join the ranks at Nashville, Tenn. On July 7, 1880, Mr. Howard was married to Miss Gertrude Wakefield, a native of Kinsman, Ohio, born April 21, 1856, and the daughter of Eli and Sarah Bates Wakefield. Mr. Wakefield was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 2, 1836, and died March 3, 1924. He was a pioneer settler of Kinsman, Ohio, and in 1859 removed to Colebrook. His wife was born in Pennsylvania, April 10, 1836, and died in 1914. To Mr. and Mrs. Howard three children were born : Charles L., born March 7, 1882, a carpenter, lives in Ashtabula ; Chauncey E., born July 17, 1888, lives on one of the Howard farms; and Lena G., born April 10, 1894. She was married on Dec. 31, 1914, to Ralph Gallant, who was born in Hancock County, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1889. They have one child, Gertrude Mary Gallant, born June 13, HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 939 1921. Mrs. Gallant and her family reside on her father's farm. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have four other grandchildren: Gertrude and Dean, children of Charles L. Howard; Claude and Wilma, children of Chauncey E. Howard. Mr. Howard is a Republican, has served as township trustee for 20 years, and was also a member of the school board. He is a substantial and highly respected citizen of Colebrook Township and has many friends. Aaron Merritt, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War and for many years a prosperous farmer and stockman of Ashtabula County. He was born in Greene Township, Trumbull County, Ohio, Jan. 18, 1840, and was a son of Aaron and Isabel (Clyde) Merritt. Aaron Merritt, Sr., was a native of Massachusetts, and a pioneer settler of Ohio. He was born Dec. 12, 1807, and died Jan. 28, 1869. His wife was born Nov. 17, 1806, and died in 1870. They were the parents of the following children : Sylvania, born March 27, 1826; Sylvester, born March 23, 1828; William, born April 3, 1833; Amelia, born Aug. 25, 1836; Solomon; Nancy, and Aaron, the subject of this sketch. Aaron Merritt was reared and educated in Greene Township, Trumbull County, and in 1852 removed to the present Merritt farm in Colebrook Township. During the Civil War he served with Company B, 105th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in service for more than three years. He died May 2, 1918, and is buried in Greene Township, Trumbull County. On Aug. 22, 1868, Mr. Merritt was united in marriage with Miss Manilla Shumaker, who was born in Ohio, Dec. 3, 1842, and a daughter of Madison and Anna Sophia Shumaker, early settlers of Ashtabula County. Mrs. Merritt now resides on the home place with her son, Aaron Glen. To Aaron and Manilla (Shumaker) Merritt five children were born, as follows : Bymer E., born April 29, 1869; Eldora, born Nov. 10, 1871; Albina, deceased; Amelia, born Nov. 3, 1881; and Aaron Glen, born March 29, 1885. On April 17, 1917, Aaron Glenn Merritt was married to Miss Hazel Pitman, a native of Frankfort, Kan., and they have three children: Frederick, born March 24, 1919; Dorothy, born March 4, 1921; and Margaret, born Oct. 30, 1923. Aaron Merritt was a Republican, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and belonged to the Disciples Church. Mrs. Merritt is an interesting pioneer woman of Ohio where she has spent her entire life. 940 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY James Finlaw, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Colebrook Township, is the OWner of 106 acres of well improved land. He was born on an adjacent farm in that township, April 21, 1873, and is a son of, E. T. and Mary Finlaw. E. T. and Mary Finlaw were the parents of the following children: Abijah ; Phoebe Staley, lives at Akron, Ohio; James, the subject of this sketch; Frank; Nellie Salentine, lives at Middlefield, Ohio; Lena Wykoff, lives at Orwell, Ohio ; Anna Shumacher, deceased; and Turhan, deceased. James Finlaw received his education in the district schools, and has lived on his present farm for 47 years. It was purchased by his father in 1849, and is among the fine stock farms of Colebrook Township. On Feb. 22, 1908, Mr. Finlaw was married to Miss Edna Freeman, who was born at Cooperstown, Pa., Nov. 9, 1892. She is the daughter of Henry and Amelia (Sutley) Freeman. Mr. Freeman resides in Pennsylvania. His wife died in July, 1901. They were the parents of the following children: Minnie Finlaw, lives at Middlefield, Ohio; James, deceased; Maud Brown, lives at Akron, Ohio; Dora Shumaker, lives at Garrettsville, Ohio ; Maggie Hankerson; Mrs. Finlaw; and Stella Williams, lives at Orwell, Ohio. To James and Edna (Freeman) Finlaw eight children have been born, as follows : Helen, born Jan. 17, 1909; Ruby, born Oct. 22, 1910; Nellie, born Jan. 25, 1913; Turhan, born July 20, 1915; Marjorie, born July 28, 1918; Agnes, died in infancy; Woodrow, born March 1, 1921; and Marion A., born Nov. 28, 1923. Mr. Finlaw is a Democrat and a leading and representative citizen of his community. Moses E. Geer, a retired farmer and stockman of Ashtabula County and a veteran of the Civil War, is a prominent citizen of the township in which he lives. He was born at Cherry Valley, Ohio, June 2, 1847, and is the son of William B. and Delia (Dunham) Geer. Moses E. Geer was reared and educated in Ashtabula County and at an early age engaged in general farming. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the 15th Ohio Battery and took part in many important battles and skirmishes of the war. After his discharge he returned home and in March, 1865, purchased his present farm in Colebrook TOWnship. On Jan. 29, 1867, Mr. Geer was married to Miss Julia C. Thorpe, a native of Colebrook Township, born Jan. 29, 1851. She died Aug. 13, 1922. HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 941 To Mr. and Mrs. Geer 14 children were born, as follows: Olive J., born July 10, 1868; Mary M., deceased; Victor E., born Jan. 14, 1872, lives at Orwell, Ohio; Esther, born Dec. 25, 1873, died July 23, 1874; Frank H., born March 30, 1875, lives at Colebrook ; David, born April 4, 1877, lives at Warren, Ohio; Jesse C., born Feb. 4, 1879, lives in Michigan; William A., born March 15, 1881, lives in Pennsylvania; Milton E., born April 21, 1882, died March 19, 1884; Avery A., born Feb. 25, 1884, lives at home; Erva E., born Oct. 19, 1885, lives at Warren, Ohio ; Ethel L., born April 1, 1887, at home ; Joseph E., born June 17, 1888, lives at Warren ; and John S., born May 29, 1890, died Aug. 28, 1890. Mr. Geer is a Republican, has served as tOWnship supervisor and school director, and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a highly respected member of his community. J. M. Maxwell, an industrious farmer and stockman of Colebrook Township, and the owner of 140 acres of well improved land, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Jefferson County, Nov. 2, 1861, and is a son of J. M. and Euphemia (Folks) Maxwell. J. M. Maxwell, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, and spent his entire life there. He died Nov..23, 1891. During the Civil War Mr. Maxwell served with Company E, 53rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was in service for three years. His wife, who was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1825, died in 1871. To Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell seven children were born, as follows: Mary and John, deceased ; Alice Marshall; J. M., the subject of this sketch ; Joseph H., deceased; William W., lives in California; and Blanche M. Kincade, lives in Jefferson County, Ohio. J. M. Maxwell received his education in the district schools of Knox Township in Jefferson County, and started life farming on his father's farm. He has lived in Colebrook Township for 20 years and is well known as a successful farmer. Mr. Maxwell's farm was originally the Blakesley home, where the first white child of Colebrook Township was born. On April 3, 1883, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Powell, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, April 6, 1862. She is the daughter of Thomas and Alcy Powell, deceased, and the parents of the following children: Emily Miller, lives at Mt. Union, Ohio; Elizabeth 942 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY Conrad, Mt. Union ; Maurice, deceased ; Calvin, lives in Columbiana County; and Mrs. Maxwell. To Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell six children have been born, as follows : Bertha, lives in Lake County, Ohio ; Elsie Rodgers, lives at Warren, Ohio; Nellie Blakesley, lives at Warren, Ohio; Thomas J., mention of whom is made below ; Florence Anderson, lives in Colebrook Township ; and Emily Hughes, lives at Warren, Ohio. Thomas J. Maxwell was educated in the public and high schools of Orwell and in 1921 was graduated from Mt. Union College. He attended the Boston Theological Seminary, and is a Methodist Episcopal minister. In 1923 he was married to Margret Arnold of Steubenville. Mr. Maxwell is a Republican and has served as township trustee, treasurer and appraiser. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is highly esteemed in his community. Jacob Tuckerman was born at Sterling, Conn., July 31, 1824, and died at New Lyme, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1897. With the exception of two years as traveling secretary of the Ohio Sunday School Union, he taught uninterruptedly for half a century ; he taught in Ohio, except for one year in Monroe, Mich.; and in an academy, except for 14 years at Farmer's College, College Hill, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. There he was for awhile the president of the institution, although then the youngest man of the faculty. Occasionally a grand-child of a former pupil at Rothe or Orwell would attend his school at Grand River Institute or New Lyme Academy. The opinions and maxims given by Mr. Tuckerman at chapel exercises were treasured by his pupils, many of whom remember him by "Be a gentleman in the presence of your dog", or "So use your rights as not to abuse your neighbors". The secrets of his life are disclosed in this little story told before the Ohio Sunday School Union in 1867, for although his religious views were liberal, he inherited a sense of the importance of personal responsibility. "It is said of one of the ancients, Pericles, that when he was going to address the Athenians he would say to himself `Remember, Pericles, you have to speak to Athenians, not to freemen' and he trembled every time he stood before them. And when we come to the Bible class, we should feel as the true Christian feels, 'I am to speak to immortal beings, to attempt to draw them toward immortal life'. If he HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 943 thus conies prayerfully with his plan clearly laid out before him, he will have success, more or less, according to his experience." This ideal Professor Tuckerman kept before him and he was greatly assisted by his excellent wife. His son, Dr. L. B. Tuckerman, now deceased, was known as a civic leader in Cleveland. His daughter, Corinne, Mrs. C. E. Allen, of Salt Lake City, Utah, is the mother of Judge Florence E. Allen, of Cleveland. His daughter, Lillian, wife of Rev. H. B. Roberts, now resides in San Diego, Cal. Florence Tuckerman, for some time a teacher at New Lyme and the Raym School of Youngstown, Ohio, lives in Pittsburgh with the family of her late sister, Jessie G. Venable, one time teacher of music at the College for Women of Oxford, Ohio, and afterward, until her marriage to Capt. William M. Venable, a settlement worker at Cincinnati, Ohio. Chauncey E. Howard, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Colebrook Township, was born in this township, July 17, 1888, and is a son of William H. and Gertrude (Wakefield) Howard. William H. Howard is a veteran of the Civil War and a prominent citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born at Kingston, Pa., July 13, 1843, and is a son of William and Phoebe (Bonhart) Howard. Mr. Howard has lived on his present farm in Colebrook Township since 1862, and is now retired. To Mr. and Mrs. Howard the following children were born: Charles L., born March 7, 1882, lives in Ashtabula ; Chauncey E., the subject of this sketch ; and Lena G., born April 10, 1894, married Ralph Gallant, and they have one child, Gertrude Mary, born June 13, 1921. Chauncey E. Howard received his education in the district schools and attended New Lyme Institute. He owns a well improved farm in Colebrook Township and is an extensive stockman. On March 7, 1917, Mr. Howard was married to Miss Lena M. Beckwith, who was born at Colebrook, May 1, 1897, the daughter of Gilbert and Hattie (Burnett) Beckwith. Mr. Beckwith resides at New Lyme, Ohio. His wife is deceased. They were the parents of six children: Harry E., deceased; Clarence G., lives at New Lyme ; Alice G. Spellman, lives at New Lyme ; Carrie Smith, lives at Newton Falls, Ohio ; Homer, lives at Newton Falls, Ohio; and Mrs. Howard. To Mr. and Mrs. Howard have been 944 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY born two children: Claude V., born Aug. 25, 1919 ; and Wilma Gertrude, born Feb. 10, 1922. Mr. Howard is a Republican. The Howard family is widely known in Ashtabula County and is highly regarded among their many friends. Russel Goebricher, who is connected with the Conneaut Telephone Company, as assistant general manager and secretary, is among the enterprising and progressive young business men of Ashtabula County. He was born in Conneaut, Feb. 26, 1894, and is a son of Meyer and Sophia (Holt) Goebricher. Meyer Goebricher, general manager of the Conneaut Telephone Company, ranks among the leading citizens of his community. He was born at Frederick, Md., and came to Conneaut in 1887, where he engaged in the tailoring business. Later he was a member of the firm of Goebricher and Erb, clothiers. Since 1906, Mr. Goebricher has been general manager and secretary of the Conneaut Telephone Company. Russell Goebricher attended the public schools of Conneaut and in 1912 entered the employ of the local telephone company. He has held his present position since 1922. Mr. Goebricher has a brother, Joseph, who is wire chief for the telephone company. On Aug. 6, 1917, Mr. Goebricher was married to Miss Helen Marie Burkhardt, a native of Meadville, Pa., born April 9, 1898. Robert E. Cummins, a member of one of Ashtabula County's prominent pioneer families, is a successful young business man of Conneaut. He was born in that city, Feb. 28, 1891, and is the son of John and Mary (Risdon) Cummins. A complete sketch of John Cummins and his family appears elsewhere in this volume. Robert E. Cummins received his education in the public schools of Conneaut and attended the Culver Military Academy. After completing his education, he was appointed manager of the Cummins Estate by his grandfather, David Cummins. Mr. Cummins served as vice president of the Conneaut Telephone Company for eight years and is now president of that company. He is also director of the Conneaut Mutual Loan & Trust Company. He lives at 909 Main Street. PICTURE CONNEAUT TELEPHONE COMPANY BUILDING, CONNEAUT, OHIO The Conneaut Telephone Company was organized on June 7, 1897. It is locally owned and operated and employs about 40 people. The officers of the company are as follows : R. E. Cummins, president ; William H. Brown, vice-president ; Meyer Goebricher, secretary and manager; Russel Goebricher, assistant manager and secretary and T. R. Hatch, treasurer. The directors are: R. E. Cummins, William H. Brown, Joseph Goebricher, T. R. Hatch, Gustav Hirsch, A. J. Packer and B. M. Tower. HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 945 On May 26, 1917, Mr. Cummins was married to Miss Dorothy Sweet, a native of Conneaut, and a daughter of Ralph E. and Myrtle (McMillan) Sweet, natives of Ohio, and residents of Conneaut. Mr. Sweet is employed by the Nickel Plate Railroad as freight conductor. Mrs. Cummins is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Sweet. To Robert E. and Dorothy (Sweet) Cummins one child has been born, Robert E. Jr., born April 13, 1918. Mr. Cummins is a Republican and belongs to the Elk's lodge. He has an extensive acquaintance in Ashtabula County and is highly esteemed. Perry G. Hyde, deceased, was a prominent merchant of Brownsville, and a pioneer settler of Ashtabula County. He was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 15, 1834, the son of Hiram and Olive (Gardner) Hyde. Hiram Hyde was born at Hartland, Conn., Dec. 16, 1804, and was an early settler of Pennsylvania. In 1847 he came to Ashtabula County and owned and operated a hotel at Jefferson for a number of years. He died at New Lyme, Ohio, December, 1887. Perry G. Hyde was educated in the district schools of New Lyme Township, and was a general merchant of Brownsville for many years. He served as postmaster for 30 years and also at notary public, township clerk and justice of the peace. He died March 25, 1921. On June 28, 1865, Mr. Hyde was married to Miss Temperance Dodge, who was born at Dodgeville, Jan. 17, 1832, and died Aug. 15, 1874. To this union three children were born: Hattie Olive, born March 22, 1866; Bernice, born Feb. 15, 1868; and Perry, born Nov. 20, 1870. Mr. Hyde was later married to Miss Addie J. Norton, of Rome, Ohio, and to this union ten children were born, as follows : Jessie B., born Aug. 31, 1876; Mabel 0., born April 15, 1879; Hiram L., born Feb. 17, 1882 ; Glenn R., born March 12, 1884 ; Ruby and Ruth, twins, born Jan. 28, 1886; Walter W., born Oct. 8, 1887 ; Carl N., born Feb. 21, 1889; Ethel M., born Aug. 8, 1891; and Wayne B., born March 4, 1896. The mother died June 30, 1911. Nine children are alive, married and reside in New York, Ohio, Oklahoma and Kansas. Mr. Hyde was a Republican and a member of the Masonic Lodge. His daughter, Hattie, was married on Sept. 13, 1910, to Joseph Benjamin Wilcox, a native of Wayne Township, born Feb. 18, 1848. They resided at the Hyde home until the death of Mr. Wilcox, Dec. 7, 1923. 946 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY J. F. Hague, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman of Colebrook Township, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born at Corry, April 2, 1875, and is a son of Joseph and Mary J. (Case) Hague. Joseph Hague was born in Wurtenburg, Germany, and came to this country with his parents when he was nine years of age. They settled in Buffalo, N. Y., and 12 years later removed to Corry, Pa. During the Civil War Joseph Hague served with Company A, 211th Regiment, and during the war was promoted to the rank of captain. After his return home he was married to Miss Mary J. Case, who was born on the present Hague farm in Colebrook Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hague, deceased, were the parents of three children: Charles, engaged in the lumber business at Ashtabula ; W. L., lives in Ashtabula ; and J. F., the subject of this sketch. Joseph Hague was a Republican and served as township trustee for three terms. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. J. F. Hague was reared and educated in Colebrook Township, his family having moved here in 1879. He owns 80 acres of good farm land. Mr. Hague is a Republican and a substantial and well known citizen of Ashtabula County. He is unmarried. S. C. Whetson, a successful farmer and stockman of Colebrook Township, and the owner of 100 acres of well improved land, was born at Bloomfield, in Trumbull County, Ohio, in October, 1873, and is a son of T. B. and Mary (Copper) Whetson. Mr. and Mrs. Whetson were born in Pennsylvania. They were the parents of the following children : Angeline, lives at Warren, Ohio; Elgie, lives at Painesville, Ohio ; S. C., the subject of this sketch; Dora, lives at Kenilworth, Ohio ; Elgin, lives on the old home place; and John, lives at Greensburg, Ohio. S. C. Whetson received his education in the public schools and spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Bloomfield. He has lived in Colebrook Township since 1913, where he is engaged in dairy farming. On Nov. 18, 1902, Mr. Whetson was united in marriage with Miss Mabel P. Knight, a native of Trumbull County, born in 1880, and a daughter of Richard and Martha Knight, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Whetson five children have been born, as follows: Martha Mullett, lives at Hartford, Ohio ; M. R., a farmer, lives in Colebrook Township; Dora Martig of Minnesota ; Nina, and Wilma, at home. HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 947 Mr. Whetson is an independent voter and in 1924 was appointed township trustee. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has served on the school board four years. Mr. Whetson is a practical and ambitious farmer, and a man highly esteemed in his neighborhood. Sereno E. Hall, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War and a prominent citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born at Charleston, Ohio, May 22, 1835, and was the son of Smith and Angeline (Miller) Hall. There were seven children in the Hall family, as follows : Albert, Joseph, Sereno E., the subject of this sketch, Julia, Helen, Travers, all of whom are deceased ; and one child died in infancy. Sereno E. Hall was reared and educated at Hiram College and lived at Charleston, Ohio, until 1866, at which time he removed to Orwell, and engaged in the shoemaking trade. He was a justice of the peace for a number of years and also notary public. Mr. Hall died Feb. 8, 1917. His business at Orwell is still owned by his widow. During the Civil War Mr. Hall served with the Ohio Cavalry and was in active service throughout the war. His brother, Albert, who was an attorney at Jefferson at the outbreak of the war, enlisted and was promoted to colonel. His other brothers, Joseph and Travers were also Civil War veterans. On Sept. 1, 1857, Mr. Hall was united in marriage with Miss Sarah C. Cowles, who was born at Chardon, Ohio, June 23, 1838, the daughter of Elliott and Louise (King) Cowles. Elliott Cowles was a native of New York and died at the age of 24 years, in Chardon, Ohio. His wife, who was also born at Chardon, in 1820, died in 1894. Mrs. Hall was their only child. Her mother was later married to Thomas Rush, and to this union six children were born: Florence ; Everett and Blanche, deceased ; Eugenia Carpenter, lives at Geneva ; Winifred Brewer, resides in Fremont, Ohio ; and Edward, deceased. To Sereno and Sarah C. (Cowles) Hall, two children were born: Edith Howard, born Aug. 31, 1858, lives at Orwell, and has six children, Grace Bruggeman, Bernice Brown, George A., Margaret A. Hollis, Christabel Lee, and Catherine ; and Barton Elliott, born Jan. 23, 1870, vice-president of the First National Bank of Jefferson, has two sons, Albert and Wilbur Hall, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mr. Hall was a Republican, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife 948 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY is also a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. She is secretary of the Old Folks Club of Orwell, which was organized in 1913. The Hall family is highly respected and representative of the best citizenship of Ashtabula County. Freeman M. Blanchard, retired, is a veteran of the Civil War and a member of one of the early pioneer families of northern Ohio. He was born at Orwell, Jan. 18, 1847, and is the son of William P. and Cordelia M. (Bates) Blanchard.. William P. Blanchard was born in Vermont, Dec. 19, 1818, the son of Orlin Perry and Zippary Blanchard. Orlin Perry Blanchard, who was born in Vermont, April 9, 1786, served throughout the War of 1812. He was among the first settlers of the Western Reverse, having come here in 1'836. He purchased land from the Connecticut Land Company along the Grand River, and engaged in farming during his entire life. He died Sept. 30, 1857, and his wife, who was born Feb. 28, 1787, died Oct. 23, 1857. To Orlin Perry and Zippary Blanchard six children were born, as follows: Charlotte, born March 19, 1815; Clarissa, born Aug. 13, 1816; William P., father of the subject of this sketch; Laura, born April 1, 1820; Phoebe, born in November, 1822; and Rachael, born Jan. 15, 1824. William P. Blanchard was a prominent farmer of Ashtabula County during his life. He spent many years on the old home place on Hudson Road and died Sept. 23, 1901. His wife, Cordelia M. Bates, was born July 29, 1818, and died Dec. 29, 1851. To this union the following children were born: Laura B. Runyan, born April 27, 1842, deceased; Amelia C., died in infancy; Marie C. Ledwell, born Feb. 22, 1844; U. C., born June 22, 1845; Freeman M., the subject of this sketch; William P., born Sept. 29, 1849, died in infancy; Annette Bigelow, born Oct. 10, 1850, died Feb. 5, 1910; and Frank A., born Dec. 29, 1851, died March 2, 1917. Freeman M. Blanchard grew up on the farm of his father and attended the district schools of Orwell. At the age of 18 years he volunteered for service during the Civil War and took part in some important battles of the war. He was wounded and taken prisoner until the close of the war. Since 1867 Mr. Blanchard has engaged in the building business at Orwell and for many years was a widely known architect of this section. He has lived retired since 1915. On July 3, 1867, Mr. Blanchard was united in marriage with Miss Lucy M. Ritter, of Windsor, Ohio, born March 4, 1848. She died Aug. 24, HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY - 949 1919. To Mr. and Mr. Blanchard a son was born, Dr. Charles Elton Blanchard, born Aug. 29, 1868. He is a leading physician and surgeon of YoungstOWn, Ohio, where he has been located since 1905. Dr. Blanchard has two children: Ruth Pierce, lives in Lakewood, Ohio ; and Lucile Collister, lives at Lykens, Pa. In politics Mr. Blanchard is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a highly respected member of his community. Roy Peck, deceased, was for many years identified with Orwell as a substantial citizen. He was born at Joliet, Ill., March 30, 1874, the son of Daniel Peck. Roy Peck was reared by his aunt, Mrs. Evelyn Peck. He received his education in the schools of New Lyme, Ohio, where he remained until after his marriage in 1896. He then removed to Orwell, where he was employed as a railroad telegraph operator for a number of years. Later he engaged in the milling business there under the firm name of North- way & Peck, and was so engaged until his death, May 2, 1916. On Jan. 15, 1896, Mr. Peck was united in marriage with Miss Clara Hendren, who was born in Mercer County, Pa., June 28, 1876. She was the adopted daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Hendren. Mrs. Peck's mother's name was Nancy Breast. To Roy and Clara (Hendren) Peck a daughter, Dorothy, was born July 27, 1898. She was graduated from Orwell High School in 1916 and after teaching school for two years was married to Howard Rex. They reside with Mrs. Peck. Mr. Peck was a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. The Peck family is widely known in Ashtabula County. George T. Fry is a prominent farmer and stockman of Orwell Township and the OWner of 116 acres of well improved land. He was born at Bloomfield, in Trumbull County, Ohio, July 1, 1861, and is the son of Robert and Harriet (Lintern) Fry. Robert Fry was a native of Somersetshire, England, and his wife was also born at the same place, although they did not meet until they both lived at Bloomfield, Ohio. Mr. Fry came to this country in 1840 and located in Orwell Township in 1864. He was a farmer and died Nov. 17,