(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 500 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY On the close of hostilities, he was for several years engaged in traveling for a mercantile house, after which he married and settled on a farm in Bristol, his birth-place. In 1877 he removed to Painesville, Ohio, where he pursued farming until 1881, when he visited the northwest, which was then being opened up and toward which many were attracted by the abundance and cheapness of excellent farming land. Mr. Fenton purchased a large tract in the Red River valley in North Dakota, and has since given his attention to farming in that vicinity, passing his summers there and his winters in Painesville. He raises large quantities of wheat in Dakota, and has greatly improved his farm there, being one of the most suceessfvl and extensive agriculturists in that country, his farm aggregating about 1,400 acres. In 1878 Mr. Fenton erected his present handsome residence on Mentor avenue, in Painesville, where himself and family are surrounded with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. In 1868 Mr. Fenton was married to Miss Justina C. Chaffee, a cultured lady, a native of Bristol, Ohio. Her father, Henry Chaffee, was born in Becket, Massachusetts, and belonged to an old and respected New England family. He emigrated with his family to Trumbull county, Ohio, in an early day, where he farmed quite extensively, his death occurring in 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Fenton have one child, E. La Verne. In politics Mr. Fenton was originally a Republican, but now advocates the principles of the Populists as best calculated to advance the interests of the country. He is quite active in political affairs in North Dakota, and has been Chairman of the County Central Committee and delegate to the State Convention, besides holding other positions of public trust and responsibility. He is fraternally a member of the G. A. R. Both himself and wife are useful members of the Christian Church, and are liberal contributors to all worthy objects, tending to advance the material and moral welfare of humanity. CHRISTOPHER G. CRARY, one of the oldest settlers of northeastern Ohio, and an honored resident of Kirtland township, Lake county, has resided here for eighty-two years, being now eighty-seven, and still very active for one of his age. He is familiar with every phase of pioneer life and has kept pace with the progress of later years. Recently he published a pamphlet, containing over a hundred pages, on reminiscences of his life, covering a period of four-score years. In it he has clearly pictured pioneer life in nothern Ohio, and his little book will be read with interest long after he has passed away. More than a passing notice is due him on the pages of the work now under consideration. Therefore it is with pleasure we present the following sketch of his life: Christopher G. Crary was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, January 22, 1806, son of Christopher Crary, who was born in New London, Connecticut, in 1759, and grandson of Oliver Crary, also a native of Connecticut. Great-grandfather Robert Crary was a son of Peter Crary, who emigrated from England to America when Charles II. was restored to the throne. The father of our subject was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was twice taken prisoner. The first time he made his escape from the prison at Halifax, and after his second imprisonment he was liberated from a British ship at New York. He was in the marine service. After the war he was a mer- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 501 chant at Becket, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, for some time but later became a farmer. He exchanged his farm with Joshua Stow, of Middletown, Connecticut, in 1811, for 680 acres of land in Lake county, Ohio, and that same year moved with his family to this State, coming with ox teams, and at once taking up his abode on his land in Kirtland township. Ile was the first actual settler in the township; was then seven miles away from his nearest neighbor, and it was not until after the war of 1812 that emigrants began to locate here. Only two miles from where he built his cabin there was a camp of Indians, and for many years the forest abounded in game of all kinds. He, however, cared little for hunting. In 1837 he moved to Union county, this State, where he passed the rest of his life and where he died at the age of eighty-nine years, in 1858. His wife, whose maiden name was Polly Winter, was born in Connecticut in 1765, and died in 1869, aged ninety-three. Both were members of the Congregational Church, and for many years he was a magistrate in Lake county. They had a family of nine children, the subject of our sketch being the eighth born; and he and his sister, Mrs. Nancy Whelpley, being the only ones now living. Being five years old when the family moved to Ohio, Christopher Crary has a vivid recollection of the journey to their frontier home and of the many hardships and privations they endured for several years after settling here. He had learned to read before they left Massachusetts, but it was some time after they came West before he had the opportunity to attend school here. The first school he did attend was one taught by Miss Metcalf,—a subscription school in her own home. Teachers' wages here were then less than a dollar per week. All the the schooling he ever received was a few winter terms of three months each, but he applied himself closely to his studies, always making the best of his opportunities. He taught school a part of one winter. In 1825 Mr. Crary went to Kentucky, remaining there several years. For six years he traveled nearly all over the State, selling clocks, and two years he was engaged in the mercantile business at Richmond. The first political speech he ever heard was made in Kentucky by Henry Clay. Coming back to Ohio, he began clearing land in Kirtland township, and here he has since lived. After his marriage, which occurred in 1834, he settled on land which he cleared and on which he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was well acquainted with the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith, frequently having dealings with him. He furnished nearly $200 worth of lumber for the Mormon Temple, which was erected at Kirtland in 1834, and which is still standing. Mr. Crary was married in 1834 to Aurelia Morse, a native of Massachusetts and a member of one of the pioneer families of Ohio. Mrs. Crary died in 1838, leaving three daughters, Marian, Virginia and Octavia, all still living. In 1839 he wedded Nancy Davis, whose death, in 1842, again left him bereft of a loving companion. She left two children, Charles and George, the former a business man in Custer county, South Dakota, and the latter a farmer in Marshall county, Iowa. In 1854 Mr. Crary married Charlotte Bonney, his present companion. They have one son, William, a farmer at the old homestead in Kirtland. In politics, Mr. Crary was for many years a Whig, and since 1856 has affiliated with the Republican party. He cast his first vote for John Quincy Adams. He served as County 502 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Commissioner two terms of three years each. During the late war he was enrolling officer, and he has also served the public in various other minor capacities. For many years he has been a member of the Congregational Church. Such is a brief sketch of the life of one of the venerable citizens of northeastern Ohio. J. D. THOMPSON, who is ranked with the successful and prominent farmers - of Perry township, Lake county, Ohio, is a native of this place and is deserving of more than a passing notice in the history of his county. Following is a sketch of his life and ancestry: John Thompson, the progenitor of this family of Thompsons, came from England to Amercia at an early day and settled in Massachusetts. Thomas Thompson, grandfather of J. D., was a native of Massachusetts, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war when he was a boy in his 'teens. He was a farmer by occupation. After his marriage, which occurred in Massachusetts, he went to Cornish, New Hampshire, and lived there until 1816, when he with his family removed to Stowe, Vermont, where he spent the rest of his life, and died at the age of sixty years. His widow, whose maiden name was Rheuhanna Barrows, survived him many years. She came out to Ohio with her youngest son, Moses, the father of our subject, and died here at the ripe old age of ninety-five years. She reared two sons and three daughters. Moses Thompson was born. in New Hampshire, March 15, 1800, and lived in Cornish, that State, until he was sixteen years old, when he went with his father to Stowe, Vermont. At the latter place, December 5, 1822, he married Miss Rachel Dutton, and in June, 1831, he emigrated to Ohio with his family, making the journey by wagon and being several weeks on the way. In a few months after his arrival here he bought 160 acres, now owned and occupied by his son, J. D., and moved on it in December, 1831. At that time the cabins of the pioneers and here and there a few acres of cleared land, were the chief improvements to be found in this part of the country. The Thompson farm was uninclosed, but a hewed-log house and frame barn had been built and a little of the land cleared. Mr. Thompson was five feet and ten inches tall, was broad- shouldered and strong, and was full of energy. As the years rolled by prosperity attended his earnest efforts. Trees and stumps gave way to well cultivated fields, and the log cabin was replaced by a modern home. At the time of his death, he and his son, J. D., had 180 acres, nearly all of which he had cleared. He and his first wife had nine children, J. D. being the eighth born and one of the seven— four sons and three daughters—who reached adult years. Of this number only two are living—J. D., and Thomas, both of Perry township. The mother of this family was a member of the Congregational Church and was a most amiable woman. She passed from earth to her reward July 21, 1861. In 1863 Mr. Thompson married Mrs. Arilla Johnson, whose death in 1870 again left him bereaved of a loved companion. Subsequently he married Parmelia C. Crandall, who survives him, his death having occurred November 2, 1891. He was a member of the Congregational Church in Painesville from 1836 to 1863, when he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Perry, of which he remained a consistent member until death called him home. In early life he OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 503 was Whig and Free Soiler. He was a strong Abolitionist, and after the organization of the Republican party identified himself with it. J. D. Thompson was born on his father's farm, December 27, 1834, and was reared amid the frontier scenes above described. In the fall of 1856 he made a trip to Wright county, Iowa, taking with him a drove of horses. After remaining in Iowa a year, he came back to Ohio, and has since been engaged in farming here with the exception of the time he spent in the army. When the war came on he was among those who responded to the call for troops. He enlisted August 7, 1862, in Battery C, First Ohio Light Artillery, and served until June 15, 1865, when he was mustered out at Cleveland. He joined the army at Louisville, Kentucky, and served under Generals Buell, Rosecrans and Sherman, participating in many of the prominent engagements of the war, among which were those of Perryville, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge and others. He was on the famous "March to the Sea" and took part in the Grand Review at Washington, after which he returned home, a veteran and a victor. Soon after the war, Septemter 26, 1.865, Mr. Thompson married Miss Mary J. Tyler, a native of Mayfield, Cuyahoga county, Ohio. Their only child died in infancy. Mrs. Thompson's father, Ralph Tyler, settled in Lake county in 1850, first at Willoughby, and the following year in the Perry township. Mr. Thompson's farm comprises 180 acres, all well improved and devoted to general farming. He runs a dairy, taking his milk through the summer to the cheese factory, in which he is a stockholder, and in winter shipping to Cleveland. He has a commodious brick residence, built in 1852, a comfortable tenant house, and several large frame barns. In 1874 one of his barns was struck by lightning and two were burned down. Mr. Thompson is a Republican and a member of the O. H. Haskell Post, No. 462, G. A. R., of Perry. He is now serving as one of the Township Trustees of Perry township. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a Steward and Trustee. DAVID L. BAILEY is one of the most successful farmers in Madison township, Lake county, Ohio, and, as one of the representative citizens of his county, it is appropriate that some personal mention be made of him in its history. Mr. Bailey is a native of the township in which he lives, born April 3, 1828. His father, David Bailey, a native of Connecticut, came to Ohio with his family in 1818, making the journey with a team of horses and wagon, and upon his arrival here buying land south of the village of Madison, and in a log cabin establishing his home. Very little of the land had been cleared at that time and the woods abounded in game of all kinds. Mr. Bailey owned 360 acres of land, the most of which he cleared. He was an industrious man and a good manager; politically, first a Whig and later a Republican. During the days of slavery he was a strong Abolitionist. He died at the age of seventy-four, having more than lived out the allotted three-score years and ten. Of his life companion we record that her maiden name was Maria Latham and that she was a native of Connecticut. Her father, George Latham, was born in New London county, Connecticut, and was engaged in farming in that State, where he died at an advanced age. Mr. and 504 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Mrs. Bailey reared five children: Maria, Francis R., David L., Hannah E., and Julia C., the subject of this sketch being the only one now living. Mrs. Bailey died September 23, 1891, aged ninety-two. David L. Bailey received his education in the early schools of this township, when the children sat on slab benches before an open fireplace, each pupil furnishing his share of the wood, and the teacher " boarded around." His father being in poor health, David took charge of the home farm when he was eighteen, and upon reaching his majority he launched out for himself. All his life he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. At this writing he owns 216 acres of land, having recently sold 115 acres. He has a commodious frame residence and two large barns, one of which is a bank barn, and he has everything conveniently arranged for successfully carrying on general farming and stock-raising. He keeps a large number of sheep and cattle. Nearly all the substantial improvements on his farm have been made by himself. Mr. Bailey's wife is also a native of Madison township. Her maiden name was Phrocine R. Benjamin. Her parents, Levi and Rebecca (Emmerson) Benjamin, came from their native State, Massachusetts, to Lake county, Ohio, in 1821, making the journey with ox teams and being forty-one days en route. They settled on a farm in Madison township, and here passed the rest of their lives, the father dying at the age of fifty-six, and the mother at sixty-eight. Both were members of the Congregational Church. Their four children are Foster E., Newton J., Phrocine R. and Mark P. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were married October 9, 1861, and have two children: Newton D. and Russell L. Mr. Bailey is a Republican. He has witnessed most of the changes which have brought about the development of this part of the county, and has kept pace with the general progress. Mrs. Bailey is a member of the Congregational Church, as are also her sons. THADDEUS WRIGHT, deceased, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1809, son of Emins and Speedy (Rice) Wright. His parents had a family of thirteen children, only one of whom is now living, Jane, wife of Emerson Baker, a farmer of Ashtabula county, Ohio. Thaddeus Wright was a farmer and was well known and highly respected in this county. He served for some time as Justice of the Peace and as Tax Collector. He was twice married. By his first wife, nee Mary Ann Fairbrothers, he had two children, Celestia and Jane, both of whom are deceased. His second marriage was consummated January 18, 1854, with Mrs. Lydia (Holcomb) Colson. She is still living, and to her we are indebted for the information given in this sketch. Their only child, H. J. Wright, is a prominent business man of Conneaut, and of him more extended mention will be found in the article following this. Thaddeus Wright departed this life July 10, 1873, aged sixty- four years. While he was not a member of any church or a professor of religion, his life was in many ways worthy of emulation. He was strictly temperate in his habits and lived up to his high ideas of morality. He was the personification of unselfishness and was never happier than when doing a kindness for some needy friend or neighbor. Mrs. Wright is a daughter of Jabez and Nancy (Fish) Holcomb. Her parents were OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 505 born, reared and married in Hartford, Connecticut, each being twenty years old at the time of marriage, and in July, 1820, they moved to Penn Line, Crawford county, Pennsylvania. Jabez Holcomb was the first Postmaster of Penn Line, and served as such for thirty years. He was a Methodist and his wife belonged to the Christian Church. Both lived to a good old age. He died February 28, 1882, at the age of eighty-two years, and his widow entered into rest September 6, 1888, aged ninety. They had nine children, five of whom died in infancy. The others are: Augustus, the oldest of the family, who married Elvira Hatch, who is still living in Conneautville, Pennsylvania; Augustus, died July 6, 1882, aged sixty-one years; Frank B., a farmer in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, has been twice married, first to Harriet Lord, and after her death to Arvilla Allen; Mrs. Wright; and Mary Edna, living at the old borne in Penn Line, Pennsylvania. By her marriage to Melvin Colson, Mrs. Wright had three children, namely: Carlia L., wife of Nathan Guman; W. B. Colson, who married Sarepta Williams; and Frank M. Colson, who married Louisa Young—all of Conneaut. Herbert J. Wright, a member of the firm of Wright & Havens, contractors and builders, manufacturers of and dealers in lumber, shingles, mouldings, brackets, sash, doors, blinds, etc., with office and mill located on Nickel Plate avenue, east of Harbor street, Conneaut, Ohio, is ranked with the enterprising business men of this county. Mr. Wright was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, December 18, 1857, son of Thaddeus Wright, whose sketch precedes this. He is a natural mechanic, from early boyhood having shown a liking for tools. He received his education in the public schools of Garretts ville, Ohio, and after finishing his studies went to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he learned, his trade. His first step in the business world was made practically without any capital, and what he has accomplished in the great field of commerce is due to the brains and sterling character that make up his nature. He has been engaged in contracting in Conneaut for nine years. The mill was established by the firm of Wright & Havens about five years ago. Since that time it has grown from almost nothing to be one of the best concerns of its kind in northeastern Ohio. The building, which consists of two stories, is 50 x 70 feet in dimensions, besides which there is an abundant ground space and storeroom. The mill is equipped with the most modern mechanical devices and turns out the most approved class of work. The firm do not depend entirely upon Conneaut for the maintenance of their work, but in a prompt, liberal and efficient manner they cater to the requirements of a territory extending many miles around, and give employment to a large force of men. Besides their extensive mill operations they rank with the leading contractors and builders in northeastern Ohio, and during their residence here have done their full share in erecting beautiful cottages, fine residences and business blocks. Mr. Wright was married January 2, 1876, to Dalia Baker. Their marriage was to have occurred on the very day of the great Ashtabula wreck, and Mr. Wright was supposed by his friends to have been on that fatal train; and, indeed, it was by mere accident that he was not, having reached Conneaut from Pierpont in time to take the preceding train. Thus he reached his destination in safety. Mrs. Wright is a daughter of Newell and Harriet Baker, of Jefferson,, Ohio. Her 506 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY father died in the army, and her mother is now living with them. Mrs. Wright and her brother, Everett Baker, of Michigan, are the only children of the Baker family. Mr. Wright and his wife have four children: Karl E., Bessie A., Fred W. and Grace Ester. Politically, Mr. Wright is a Republican. He has taken the higher degrees in Masonry and is an officer in Cache Commandery. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. Mrs. Wright is a Baptist. HENRY SHAFFER, Train Master of the Eastern Division of the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, and a highly esteemed citizen of Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Washtenaw county, Michigan, April 4, 1851. His parents were S. W. and Elizabeth (Sellers) Shaffer, both natives of Michigan. Absalom Shaffer, his grandfather, established a foundry at Ypsilanti when Michigan was a Territory, and his son Aaron W., succeeded him in the business, continuing the same as long as he lived. S. W. Shaffer was well and favorably known as a useful and honorable citizen. He died in 1882, aged fifty-five years, his death resulting from accident. His widow is still living, an honored resident of Conneaut, making her home with her son Henry. Mr. Shaffer is the older of two children; his brother George is a locomotive engineer, and both are in the employ of the same company. George married Miss Kittie Axe of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Henry received his education in the public schools of Battle Creek and Ypsilanti, and at an early age entered upon a railroad career. He began as fireman, afterward serving as brakeman and conductor, and for the past nine years has been train master. His present position is one of great responsibility, and his long continuance in the same office is ample proof of his efficiency. He served one term as Councilman of Conneaut, in 188,7—'88. Mr. Shaffer was married December 23, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth Brown, of Detroit, Michigan. Her father, J. B. Brown, a member of the Board of Public Works in Detroit, 112s held that position for the past eighteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer have two children, Walter P. and Grace, and their pleasant home gives every indication of culture and refinement. Both he and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church, of which he is a Trustee. He is also a member of the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and Mystic Shrine A. F. & A. M. He takes little interest in politics. As a citizen he is held in high esteem for his many estimable qualities, both in business and social life. SAMUEL SHERMAN, a miller of Kingsville, and one of the prominent business men of the place, was born in Oneida county, New York, March 1, 1827. He comes from an ancestry in which he may justly take pride, and concerning whom the following facts have been gleaned: Harley Sherman, his father, was born in the German Flats of Herkimer county, New York, June 6, 1803, and died in July, 1879. He was a son of Samuel Sherman, Jr., born at Williamstown, Massachusetts, January 2, 1775, and grandson of Samuel Sherman, Sr., born at Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1730. Samuel Sherman, Sr., removed from Connecticut to Massachusetts about 1770, and in 1790 emigrated with all his family to Herki- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 507 mer county, New York. He had four sons and three daughters, the former being as follows: Amos Plumb, born in 1758; Lemuel, in 1759; Stiles, in 1762; Samuel, Jr., in 1775. The daughters were Sarah, Parthena and Mabel. Samuel, Jr., was married in 1799, to Miss Mercy Hopkins, daughter of William Hopkins, a native of Exeter, Rhode Island, who went to Herkimer county in 1788, and who died there in 1812. This William Hopkins was a lineal descendant of Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Samuel and Mercy Sherman had twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Following are the names of the sons: Harley, the father of our subject, was the oldest; William, born in 1804; James, in 1808; Charles, in 1810; Samuel, born in 1815, died in 1817; and Alonzo, in 1825. Of the daughters we record that Rebecca was born in 1800, and died in 1857; Mary Ann, born in 1812, died in 1844; Eliza, born in 1813, died in 1817; Louisa, born in 1818, died in 1859; Sarah, born in 1820, died in 1849; and Harriet, born in 1822. died in 1850. Harley Sherman was married April 18, 1826, to Miss Achsa Wilson, a native of Massachusetts, and a daughter of James Wilson, late of Tyringham, that State. Their family embraced seven children, viz.: Samuel, born in 1827; Wallace, born in 1829; Mercy, born in 1832, died in 1864; Harley, Jr., born in 1834; Arbella, born in 1837, died in 1861; Julia, born in 1840; and Achsa, born in 1844. The father of this family went to Elk Creek, Erie county, Pennsylvania, in 1832, and his brothers and sisters, some of whom were married, also went to that place about the same time. There the survivors and most of their descendants are now living. We are indebted to the Rev. David Sherman, of Boston, for some particulars in relation to the history of the Sherman family. Writing to the subject of this sketch in regard to the matter, he says: "You descend from Hon. Samuel Sherman, who was born in Dedham, England, in 1618; emigrated to America in 1634, and settled at Bridgeport, Connecticut. He had a brother, Captain John Sherman, born in 1604, who came to America and settled at Watertown, Massachusetts. From him descended Roger Sherman, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The youngest son of Hon. Samuel Sherman was Benjamin, born in 1692, who had a son Enos, your greatgreat-great-grandfather. John, one of Benjamin's sons, settled in Woodbury, Connecticut. From him descended Senator John and General W. T. Sherman, of Ohio." Harley Sherman had a deed, given him by his grandfather, Enos Sherman, to a piece of land in Stratford, Fairfield county, "in ye colony of Connecticut," and dated "October 29th, in ye sixth year of ye reign of our sovereign Lord, George the Third of Great Britain, A. D. 1765." This same document was shown the writer of this article, it being now in the hands of Samuel Sherman, of Kingsville. Samuel Sherman began life on his own responsibility at the age of sixteen, his capital at that time being a five-franc piece. Going to Canada, he was employed as collector for Alfred Wilbar, starting with a salary of $8 per month, which amount was soon raised to $75 per month, and one year his monthly earnings were $100. Subsequently he was for several years in the employ of Branner, of Pittsburgh, a wholesale jobber of fancy goods. He went to New York in 1859 and engaged with a wholesale jobbing house, at a salary of $12,000 a year, selling goods from a wagon during the dull seasons. He re- 508 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY mained in New York until 1869, all this time in the employ of Lathrop, Luddington & Co. In 1869 Mr. Sherman came to Ohio and bought the mill he now operates at Kingsville. This mill was built in 1812, and is one of the oldest landmarks in the county. In 1870 he sold out to a Mr. Rhen, but in 1882 again became its owner, and from that date has continued to operate it. In the meantime he was engaged in farming in Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he still owns land. As a farmer, however, he does not claim to have been a success. In 1883 he put a roller process in the mill, and from time to time made other improvements until it is now well equipped throughout. He has an eighty-three-horse power water wheel and a seventy-five-horse-power engine. The building has three stories and a basement, its dimensions being 50 x 60 feet. Mr. Sherman, being a practical miller, does his own grinding. He buys grain every day, sometimes by the carload, and always pays cash upon delivery. His product finds a ready home market and is also sold extensively in New York city and along the Hudson river. His two leading brands of flour are known as "Sherman's Extra American Crown" and " Willow Mills." Mr. Sherman was married in 1871, to Miss Adelaid L. Green, daughter of James A. Green, of Nyack, on the west shore of the Hudson river. Their only child, Miss Esther, a native of Elk Creek township, Erie county, Pen nsylvania, is now rendering efficient service as her father's bookkeeper. Mrs. Sherman's parents, James A. and Ruth T. (Smith) Green, were natives of the Empire State. Her father was born in Greene county in 1814. In early life he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, and later was a farmer; died March 7, 1889. Her mother, Ruth T., daughter of Jacob and Mary Smith, was born February 22, 1813, and died October 13, 1884. She was of Quaker parentage and was reared in that faith. Mrs. Sherman was the third born in a family of five children, the names of her brothers and sisters being Arietta, Albert S., Charles D. and Helen M. In politics, Mr. Sherman is a Democrat. The first presidential candidate he remembers hurrahing for was Andrew Jackson, and he has ever since followed the lines of political policy advocated by this leader, only once failing to vote for the Democratic nominee, and that was when Horace Greeley was a candidate. He has absolute faith in a supreme, overruling power, and that he will have an existence hereafter; that power is capable of perpetuating life. He respects all religions beliefs, and does not care to antagonize any. PURDY E. BISSELL, publisher and proprietor of the Conneaut Evening Post, Conneaut, Ohio, was born at Dorset, Ashtabula county, this State, April 29, 1864. He is the youngest of a family of eight children, four of whom are living in diverse sections of the Union. His eldest brother, Collins J., a soldier in the late war, was sent home on a sick furlough, and died soon afterward of hasty consumption, in 1865, aged nineteen years. The other children were: Lucy J., died in 1886; Fred G.; Wilburt P., died in 1875; Anna K.; Albert H., died in 1884; and Frank L. Mr. Bissell's parents, Pizarro and Ann E. (Collins) Bissell, were born in Ohio. Both the Collins and Bissell families have been in America for six generations. The postoffice in Bambridge, a town in Geauga county, Ohio, was named Bissell's, in honor of Justin OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 509 Bissell, grandfather of our subject, who kept Bissell's Tavern, on the Pittsburgh & Clevelaud stage line. This tavern was the first building in the town, and is still standing. Justin Bissell was the first postmaster there, and his son Pizarro was assistant postmaster for many years. Grandfather Bissell was one of the most enterprising pioneers of northeastern Ohio, and as the genial proprietor of the above mentioned tavern he made many friends among the traveling public of that day. He died in 1873, at the advanced age of ninety-four years, his wife having passed away many years before. Pizarro Bissell was born in Portage, county, Ohio, in 1816, and his early life was spent in Geauga county. In the early '50s he located in Dorset, this county, was for many years engaged in farming, and is now living retired. During the days of slavery he served as conductor on the "Underground Railroad," and assisted many a slave on his way from the South to Canada and freedom. Mrs. Bissell died in 1874, at the age of thirty-eight years. She was a member of the Disciple Church, as were many of the Collins family. Justin Bissell was one of the original members of that church. At the time of his mother's death P. E. Bissell was only ten years old, and was then practically thrown upon his own resources. He inherits his literary talents from his maternal ancestry, many of the Collins family being literary characters,—ministers, poets, anthors, teachers, etc. His mother's sister, Marion, was well known throughout northeastern Ohio as a write!' of poetry. Young Bissell early developed a taste for writing. He was a newspaper correspondent during his school days. After leaving school he worked into the newspaper business, and has since been engaged in almost every department of this field of labor. He has served on the staff of the leading newspapers of Chicago and Cleveland. In 1892 he came to Conneaut and established the Conneaut Evening Post, the first daily ever published in this city. Within eight months from its inception he had it on a money-paying basis; and, with his experience in journalism and his enterprise and energy at its head, this publication has bright prospects for continued success. Politically, Mr. Bissell has always been an ardent Republican. He was married September 2, 1890, to Miss Clara, eldest daughter of J. H. Scrivens, publisher of the Ashtabula Beacon. They have one child, Howard, born November 23, 1892. MAHLON E. SWEET, a progressive farmer and fruit-grower of Kirtland — township, Lake county, Ohio, takes a deep interest in agricultural and horticultnral matters and keeps well abreast with the times. He was born in Kirtland, Ohio, November 16, 1836, son of John H. Sweet, who was born in Wayne county, New York, October 17, 1805. Grandfather Benjamin Sweet is supposed to have been a native of New York. He emigrated to Michigan and lived near Blissfield, where he died at a ripe old age. John H. Sweet was one of a large family. He came to Ohio in 1830 or '32 and settled in Kirtland township, Lake county, where he cleared and improved a farm and where he Eyed in a log house for some years. From here he moved to Mentor, making his home in Mentor six years. He died March 11, 1863. For many years he was identified with the Baptist Church. The mother of our 510 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY subject was before her marriage Miss Harriet Harris. She was a native of New York, the date of her birth being 1811. Her parents, Preserved and Nancy Harris, both natives of the Empire State, emigrated to Ohio about 1830 and settled in Mentor, where they died at advanced ages. Mrs. Sweet died in 1863, eight weeks after the death of her husband. They had eleven children, eight of whom lived to maturity. Nancy, the oldest, is the wife of Nelson Wilkins and resides in Oakland county, Michigan; Preserved H., is married and a resident of Chicago; Mahlon E. is the next in order of birth; Amos is married and lives in Kirtland, Ohio; Benjamin F. is married and settled at Western Springs, a suburb of Chicago; Job E. is married and a resident of Mentor, this State; Matilda, wife of J. W. Lang, Newton Falls, Trumbull county, Ohio; and Richward W., also married and a resident of Western Springs, Illinois. Two of the sons served in the late war. Benjamin F., a member of the One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was honorably discharged on account of physical disability. Job E., enlisted in a company of heavy artillery in 1863 and served until the close of the war. Mahlon E. was reared on his father's farm, and engaged in farming on his own account when he reached his majority. For six years he cultivated the home farm, and in June, 1863, he moved to his present property. Here he has 106 acres of fine land, well improved with good frame house and barn, etc., all the substantial improvements on the place having been put there by him. He has thirty acres devoted to a variety of fruits, including fonr acres in vineyard and fifteen acres in pears and various other fruits. Mr. Sweet was married September 1, 1857, to Miss Ellen S. Campbell, a native of Ohio. She was a teacher previous to their marriage. They have no children. As has already been stated, Mr. Sweet has for many years taken an active interest in agricultural and horticultural matters. For seventeen years he has been a member of the Grange, and has been Master of both the local and county Grange. At this writing he is serving his second term as Township Trustee. He affiliates with the Republican party. BENJAMIN M. BLOOD, who is engaged in farming at Kingsville, Ohio, was born in Cornplanter township, Venango county, Pennsylvania, August 10, 1848. His parents, John and Caroline (August) Blood, were both natives of Venango county, Pennsylvania, the former born January 4, 1807, and the latter September 23, 1812. They were reared and married in their native county and resided there until the spring of 1861, when they removed to Richmond township, Ashtabula county, Ohio. In the spring of 1863 they took up their abode in Kingsville, where they continued to reside. Here John Blood died December 31, 1892. His widow is still living at the old homestead, an honored resident of Kingsville, being now in feeble health and well advanced in years. Of the sterling qualities and Christian character of these good people too much cannot be said. For more than half a century John Blood was identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he acceptably filled all the offices of the layman; and for over fifty years he took the Pittsburgh Christian Advocate. He was in sympathy with the Abolition movement of the Giddings type. While a resident of Pennsylvania he served in various OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 511 local offices, but after coming to Ohio would never accept official position. He served seven years as Captain of militia in his State. Among his papers after his death was found the enrollment, rules and regulations governing the militiamen. Among his equipments were a gun, powder horn, a bullet pouch, scalping knife and tomahawk. His discharge was made out in proper form and signed by the lieutenant who was the acting captain, the captain being dead. Mr. Blood was a man of brilliant parts, of literary culture, and of genial and generous disposition. He was eminently qualified for intelligent citizenship. Financially, he was successful. At one time he owned 400 acres of land in the oil belt of Pennsylvania, where he operated successfully for a number of years. Selling out in 1864, he centered his interests in Ohio. Little is known of Mr. Blood's ancestors, as he was left an orphan in infancy. He was adopted and reared by Francis Buchanan. Andrew Curtin, ex-Governor of Pennsylvania, was the only relative outside the immediate family that Mr. Blood knew at the time of his death. Mrs. Caroline Blood is one of a family of eleven children. Her father, Benjamin August, met his death by an accident, in 1848, at the age of seventy-six years. Her mother died in 1875, at the age of eighty-seven. The August family were noted for patriotism. Benjamin August was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his son Benjamin and a number of his grandsons were among the Union ranks during the Civil war. For over sixty years Mrs. Blood has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and her whole life has been adorned by Christian graces. She and her worthy husband had a family of thirteen children, as follows: Mary, wife of William Pierson, North Richmond, Ohio; Francis B., who resides near Conneaut; Nancy A., wife of James Pearson, Bradford, Pennsylvania; Margaret S., wife of Lewis T. Brooks, Elizabeth, Colorado; Hiram A., who married Isabel Reed, resides in Jamestown, North Dakota; Caroline, wife of Addison Bugbee, died in 1887, at the age of forty-two years; John C., who was a member of Company G, One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the late war, married Sarah Baker and is now a resident of Denver, Colorado; William, who married Lucy Root, resides in Kingsville, Ashtabula county; Benjamin M.; Julia A., who died at the age of seven years; Almira, widow of William Lilley, of Ashtabula; Jennie F., wife of Jerry Donovan, Montana; and Hattie, wife of Charles Shirey, South Haven, Michigan. Benjamin M. Blood has been a student all his life and keeps well posted on the general topics of the day. In his youth, however, he had only ordinary educational advantages, but he has always made the best of his opportunities. He clerked at Conneaut, Ohio, for his two brothers, Hiram, a hardware merchant, and John, who kept a clothing store, remaining there three years. Upon reaching his majority, in 1869, his ambitions and adventurous nature led him to make a tour of the West. He spent about four years in Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Montana, and during that time had many thrilling experiences and met with many narrow escapes, detailed account of which would be most interesting here had we space to publish it. Suffice it to say that while he and his party, about a dozen men, were prospecting, they fell in with a company of Northern Pacific engineers who were escorted by United States soldiers, under command of General Baker. Being in the Sioux Reservation, they remained with this company for protection, 512 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY They were at one time attacked by the Indians, and an engagement ensued in which five whiter were killed and wounded, among the number being his partner, Dave Roberts, who died of his wounds. The Indian loss was 100. This was in 1872, and in the winter of 1873 Mr. Blood returned to Ohio, covering 600 miles of the journey by stage. Upon his return home he assisted his father on the farm until the following year. Then he went back to Colorado and engaged in the real-estate business, in which he continued a short time. After his marriage he bonght property at Kingsville, where he has since resided, and where, in addition to his farming operations, he also does a real-estate business. Every fall he spends some time hunting in Michigan and Canada, in which sport he takes great delight. He has shot as high as seven deer in a single day, and one day he killed eleven elk. December 31, 1874, Mr. Blood married Miss Alice J. Ashley, a lady of many excel. lent qualities of both mind and heart. She is a daughter of S. D. and Eliza F. (Stanford) • Ashley, highly respected citizens of North Richmond, Ohio, where her father is engaged in the practice of law. He was born March 28, 1831, and his wife September 24, 1835. Following are the names of the Ashley children: Eugene, Alice J., William S., Albert C., George, Fred J. and Frank B., all living except George, who died in infancy. Mrs. Blood's grandfather, Salmon Ashley, was the third settler in Richmond township. Grand, mother Ashley lived to be ninety-two years old and died in 1891. They had eight children, of whom Salmon D., the father of Mrs. Blood, is no AT the only one living, and he is sixty-two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Blood have two children, viz.: Montana B. and Arlie May, the former a graduate of the Kingsville HighSchool. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a Trustee. He has also been Superintendent of the Sunday-school for many years. Fraternally, he is a Knight of Pythias; politically, an ardent Republican. Mr. Blood is also Township Trustee, and was elected in 1892 to fill an unexpired term, and in the spring of 1893 was re-elected for a term of three years.   JUDGE ARLINGTON G. REYNOLDS, the youngest elected and ablest Judge of the Probate Court of Lake county, Ohio, belongs to one of the oldest and most prominent families of the State. His great- grandfather, Judge John Reynolds, came from Schoharie county, New York, to Ohio about 1818 and settled on a farm near Mentor, where he died some years later. His son, Gordon Reynolds, a native of Schoharie county, New York, and a merchant in early life, settled near Little Mountain, his brother, Simeon Reynolds, being the first to purchase the now famous summer resort and erect a hotel there. At this point (Little Mountain), near Mentor, Ohio, he erected a building in what was then practically a wilderness, and here he developed a farm, on which he died, at the age of seventy years. His son, George W. Reynolds, father of the subject of this sketch, was also a native of Schoharie county, New York, whither he came to Ohio in an early day. He was in the war of the rebellion for three years. He followed farming in Ohio until 1877, when he removed to St. Johns, Michigan, where he now resides. He married Honor S. Nowlen, a native of Mentor, Ohio, where her father, Dndley Nowlen, settled in 1816, when there was but OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 513 one store on the present site of Painesville, the county seat. He followed farming in that vicinity, where he died, at the age of eighty-four years. The parents of the subject of this sketch reared two children: Arlington G., of this notice; and Elsie J. Rapp, now a matron in the Institute for Feeble- Minded Children, at Columbus, Ohio. Both parents are active members of the Methodist Church. The subject of this sketch was born in Mentor, Ohio, November 24, 1849, and passed his earlier years on the home farm. He attended, for several years each, the colleges at Willoughby and Oberlin, Ohio, pursuing the classical course. He began the study of law in 1880, under the instruction of Judge G. N. Tuttle, of Painesville, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1882. He then spent a year in traveling throughout the western part of the -United States, going first to Des Moines, Iowa. In 1884 he returned to Painesville and settled down to the practice of his profession, for the successful prosecution of which he was amply qualified, both by natural inclination and thorough course of training. His election, in the fall of 1890, to the office of Probate Judge was purely a case of the office seeking the man, as he had never aspired to public trust, although possessing all the qualifications of good citizenship and the necessary ability to fill such a position with credit to himself and to the benefit of the people. He took charge of his office February 9, 1891, and is the present incumbent (1893), discharging his duties with that thoroughness and impartiality which is so striking a feature of his character. October 19, 1883, he was married to Miss Nellie E. Whitney, a lady of social accomplishments, and they have one child, Luella V. In politics Judge Reynolds upholds the principles of the Republican party, in the furthering of whose policy he has taken an active part. He was at one time secretary of the county central committee of this organization, in the interest of which he has delivered numerous addresses during campaigns and on other occasions of national importance. He is gifted with natural oratorical powers, which lie has been enabled to use to the unmistakable advantage of his party. Both himself and wife are useful members of the Methodist Church, and are prominent in the assistance of all charitable and worthy objects, particularly those calculated to advance the welfare of Painesville and contribute to the happiness of the people. CHESTER OATMAN, a farmer of Ashtabula county, was born in this county April 12, 1819, a son of Andrew and Phoebe Oatman, natives of Vermont. The parents came to Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1815, where they were among the pioneer settlers, and remained here until their death, the father dying at the age of fifty years and the mother at eighty-five years of age. They had eleven children, viz.: Spencer, Safford, Dianna, Jane, Maryette, Arnold, Chester, Electa, Lorenzo, Lucinda and Phoebe. The father was a farmer by occupation, was identified with the Democratic party, and a member of the Methodist Church. Chester Oatman, our subject, now owns 233 acres of well-improved land in Wayne township, and has all the necessary farm conveniences. He was married, at the age of twenty-four years, to Miss M. E. Platt, a native of this township, and a daughter of Hezekiah and Permelia J. (Segar) Platt. 514 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY They have three living children. The eldest, Spencer H., was born August 24, 1848, was educated at Austinburgh, and has lived for the past eight years in Ottawa county, Michigan, engaged in the manufacture of cheese. He was married, at the age of twenty-four years, to R. A. Slabough, now deceased. In January, 1893, he was united in marriage with Amelia J. Chambers, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Chambers. The sec: and child, Julia C., is the wife of S. J. Gillette, of this township. Etta E. married R. P. Miner, also of Wayne township, and they have two children: Fanny and Fred. Mr. and Mrs. Oatman lost two children: Sheldon C., deceased at the age of five years; and Edgar, who died at the same age. Mr. Oat- man affiliates with the Republican party, and has served as Township Trustee, Assessor, and as a member of the School Board for twenty years. JOHN A. HERVEY, dealer in musical instruments at Jefferson, was born in Thompson, Windham county, Connecticut, August 22, 1828. When young he moved with his parents to Rexford Flats, New York, and at the age of fourteen years located in Orwell Township, Ashtabula county, Ohio. While there he worked At farm labor during the summer months, and attended school in the winter. In 1847 he was apprenticed at the harness-maker's trade in Jefferson; next worked as a journeyman two years, and in the fall of 1850 engaged in the harness business in Jefferson on his own account. In 1853 Mr. Hervey erected a substantial business block, which still stands. During the late war he served as Deputy Provost-Marshal and in other capacities. After the close of the struggle Mr. Hervey resumed the manufacture of harness, and gradually merged his business into the handling of buggies and carriages, Since 1873 he has been engaged in the sale of musical instruments. In December, 1856, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Nancy J. Strong, a daughter of Walter and Sarah (Devoe) Strong. The father was born in Cayuga county, New York, January 12, 1797, and was a son of a prominent hotel man in that State. Walter Strong received a good education, and in early life worked at farm labor and assisted his father in the hotel. He was married in 1820, to Miss Sarah Devoe, an accomplished young lady of that time. Mr. Strong then turned his attention to the management of the large tracts of land owned by his father, and was also elected Colonel of the State Cavalry, serving in that capacity for a number of years. In 1835 he traded his property in New York for large tracts of land in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, but in 1844 traded a part of his land in the latter State for the hotel in Jefferson now known as the American House. Mr. Strong continued the popular landlord of that hotel, then known as the Strong House, ten years. In 1848 he traded the remainder of his land in Pennsylvania for a part of the farm which his son, Edwin T. Strong, still owns. He then abandoned the hotel business, and turned his attention to the improving of his farm, where he died January 8, 1861. He held the office of Justice of the Peace in Pennsylvania many years, was an old-time Whig, and served as Grand Marshal at the celebrated Joint Convention held at Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1840. Mr. Slrong was a consistent member of the Congregational Church. The mother of Mrs. Hervey was born in Dutchess county, New York, December 23, 1796, and was married in 1820, OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 515 at the age of twenty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Strong had eight children, four sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to years of maturity, and six are now living. One son is a physician at Fishkill, on the Hudson River, another is Justice of the Peace at Plymouth Township, Richland county, Ohio, and the third, a banker by occupation, died in Michigan. A daughter, now Mrs. C. Adelia Fassett, wife of S. M. Fassett, of Washington, D. C., is an artist of note. She painted the famous picture entitled "The Electoral Commission," which sold at Washington for $7,500. She has just completed a life- size portrait of General Grant for the Woman's Columbian Club of Galena, Illinois, for the World's Fair. Mrs. Strong united with the Congregational Church in early life, and lived a consistent Christian until death, which occurred in 1875. Mrs. Hervey, wife of our subject, and the youngest in a family of eight children, came to Jefferson, Ohio, at the age of eight years, and was married at the age of twenty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Hervey have three children; Charles S., at home; S. Adele, wife of W. B. Mennieley and a resident of Rochester, New York; and Florence S., now Mrs. Charles A. Wessell, of New York city. Adele is a graduate of the J. E. Institute; afterward took a special course in instrumental music, and has become a noted pianist. Mrs. Wessell also graduated at the J. E. Institute, developed a special vocal talent early in life, spent one year in training under the best vocal artists of Washington, and three years studying in New York city, and was a -ember of the St. Mark's Episcopal Church choir in New York•. She also sang in the Bloomingdale Dutch Reform Church, for two years. Mrs. Hervey is also a graduate in music, having begun teaching music at the age of fifteen years, and has devoted most of her life to that occupation. She is a member of the W. C. T. U-, of the Woman's Relief Corps, and has taken the Rebekah degree, I. O. O. F. Mr. Hervey is also a musician, having begun the cultivation of his voice early in life, and became a proficient tenor of local reputation. He has been a member of church choirs until recently. Socially, he is a me-ber of the I. O. O. F., Ensign Lodge, No. 401. SAMUEL W. SMART, a banker of Willoughby, Ohio, was born in London, England, January 26, 1830; and although an Englishman by birth has been a resident of this country from his infancy up, and is a thorough American. Samuel Smart, his father, was born in Devizes, England, in 1800, and was engaged in mercantile business there. 'In 1830 he emigrated to America with his family, being thirteen weeks in making the voyage to New York city, and upon his arrival in New York secured a position as bookkeeper in a crockery store, remaining there one year. In 1831 he came to Ohio and located in Cleveland; where for several years he was engaged in the grocery business. Then he purchased land at Orange, Ohio, where he followed agricultural pursuits and also ran a country store for two years, at the end of which time he returned to Cleveland, moving the store with him. In the spring of 1836 he moved to Willoughby. Here lie was engaged in mercantile business until 1854, when he retired from active business cares, and from that date until the time of his death, in 1882, he lived in quiet retirement in this beautiful little town. Upon his arrival in this country he started at the bottom of the ladder, financially, and by honest toil worked his way up 516 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY to success. He was a man of prominence in his day. For one term he was Mayor of Willoughby. He was well informed on all general topics and was a fluent and entertaining converser, having had excellent educational advantages in his youth, as his father kept a boarding school. While he was reared a close-communion Baptist, he was a firm believer in Spiritualism. His wife, Mary (Welch) Smart, was born at Bath, England, in 1798. She died in 1872. They had nine children, Samuel W. being the fourth born and only son, and one of the five who are now living. Samuel W. Smart attended the common schools and spent one year as a student in the Kirtland Academy. When a boy he assisted his father in the store, and thus early in life secured that valuable information in regard to business which proved of practical benefit to him in later years. In 1850 he went to Ottawa, Illinois, where he clerked a short time, the following year coming back to Ohio and clerking at Norwalk, and subsequently at Cleveland. In March, 1854, he came to Willoughby and purchased his father's stock of goods and began business for himself. In 1860 his brother-in-law, S. V. Wilson, became a partner in the business and remained a member of the firm until 1870. From 1870 until 1873 Mr. Smart was engaged in the insurance business, not, however, very extensively; and ever since that time he has had more or less to do with insurance. In 1873 he resumed mercantile pursuits, continuing the same until he turned the business over to his son Carlos in 1887. In 1880 he purchased the banking interests of E. W. Bond, who had established a bank here a few months before, and after securing possession he conducted the institution under his own name. In 1885 the row of frame buildings on the east side of Erie street was destroyed by fire. Mr. Smart owned the lot at the corner of Erie and Spaulding streets, and here he at once erected a substantial two- story brick building, the corner room of which he fitted up specially for his banking office and counting room. The institution is now known as the Bank of Willoughby: S. W. Smart, banker. He is the owner of valuable real estate at Willoughby, having within the corporate limits a farm upon which is a fine vineyard of ten acres. Mr. Smart has been twice married—first; in 1856, to Harriet S. Holmes, a native of New York, who died in June, 1870, leaving four children, namely: Samuel H., cashier of his father's bank; Carlos S., engaged in the dry-goods business at Willoughby; Mary, and Frank H., who is interested in mining in Colorado. In September, 1871, Mr. Smart married Apphia G. Harrow, a resident of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, and a native of Winchester, Kentucky. Their children are John H. and James EL, the former a college student at Trinity, Connecticut. Politically, Mr. Smart is identified with the Democratic party. During the war he served as First Lieutenant in a company of Home Guards. For several years he has been a member of the Willoughby Council and has also served as a member of the School Board for a number of years. Fraternally, he is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. Mrs. Smart is a member of the Episcopal Church. IRA V. NEARPASS.—The subject of this sketch was born in Concord, Jackson county, Michigan, April 28, 1848, his parents being among the early pioneers of that State. Peter Nearpass, the grand. OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 517 father of the aforesaid, with the father of the last named, Benjamin N earpass, then a man past middle age, with five girls and one boy, the latter the father of our subject, came from York State by the overland route, purchasing Government land on which to settle. The great-grandfather of our subject lived to the ripe old age of 104 years, his occupation in his younger days being that of a physican, he having been for some time connected with George Washington's army as Surgeon. He cast his last vote for John C. Fremont, dying soon after. The forefathers of the subject of this sketch were ever noted for their patriotism, being "dyed-in-the-wool" Republicans from the time the party was organized. In 1862, the young blood began to burn in the bosom of Ira V., and while attending school in the western part of Michigan, he engaged to go to the front as an Orderly on the staff of Colonel E. G. Dunbar, of the Thirteenth Michigan Infantry, and in the spring of 1863 he was wearing the blue. After remaining at the front about six months, he returned to Michigan to employ a company of men to unload cars and steamboats for the Government at Chattanooga, Tennessee, returning with them and remaining eight months, when he came home and enlisted in the First Michigan Cavalry, joining the regiment at Chappel Point, Maryland. After the grand review at Washington, May 24, 1865, the brigade to which his regiment was attached, left for the territories, fitting out for the march to the Great Salt Lake at Leavenworth, Kansas. The brigade left Fort Leavenworth in July, 1865, and took up the line of march, following the Platte river trail to Denver, Colorado, after which they took the old trail over the summit of the Rockies. The subject's messmate, Franklin Kirkwood, was killed by the Indians at La Benty Sta tion, Dakota, and his captain was massacred near Fort Laramie. The regiment was mustered out at Salt Lake City in the spring of 1866, when our subject " whacked" mules back as far as Leavenworth, continuing the journey to Michigan by rail and boat. In 1867 he entered the Statesman office at Marshall, Michigan, as an apprentice, finishing the trade in the same office in 1870, since which time he has been engaged in the printing business most of the time. In 1883 he came to Kingsville, Ohio, and resurrected the Kingsville Tribune, which was then about six months old and which has since then grown to be a prosperous and paying plant. Our subject was first married Augnst 8, 1869, to Amelia Green, daughter of Asa and Sarah Green, natives of York State, then residents of Charlotte, Michigan. Amelia was a native of York State. There were three children born to them, viz.: Clyde A., died at the age of two years, in 1872; Purl and Winifred, both ofl whom are compositors, and doing good service in the printing office of their father. Fern J. born April 1, 1888, is the only child by our subject's second marriage. Both our subject and wife, also the daughters, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Asa Green was born July 19, 1816, and died in 1885. Mrs. Amelia Nearpass was the elder of a family of two children, Clara, wife of Harry Rogers, now of Charlotte, Michigan, being the younger sister. Amelia was born May 28, 1850, and died August 6, 1880. She was an attendant and ever took an active interest in the Baptist Church. Our subject's second marriage occurred July 19, 1884, when he espoused Miss Winona Morris, daughter of Dr. J. L. and E. A. Morris, the wife a native of this county, 518 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and the parents natives respectively of New York State and Ohio. The father, Dr. J. L. Morris, was Surgeon in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, the regiment being known as the " Pennsylvania Buck-Tails." He served somewhat over three years in the army of the Potomac, rendered good service, and is drawing a pension. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant, and is still living. Was born August 20, 1830. His wife is still living, she being horn October 1.0, 1835. Mrs. Nearpass is second in a family of three children, the other two being Minda and Pleton, the latter still living with his parents. Our subject is one of seven children, four of whom are now living. His father was born in Rose, New York, November 11, 1824, his mother in Akron, Ohio, November 8, 1825, and died August 1, 1858. Our subject, as an Orderly, never carried a gun until he enlisted in the cavalry. During his service in the West, his command engaged in several noted battles with the Indians, especially the Pole Creek fight, Wyoming, where the command sustained a loss of four killed and eleven wounded, killing forty-five warrior " bucks," and capturing many ponies, camp equipage, squaws and papooses. In the winter of 1865, a detail was made to guard the stage coach containing the United States mail, our subject being one of the detail. Their duty was to guard the mail and passengers from one relay or station to another. On one occasion, about 2 A. M., the Indians, with a force of about 400, attacked the detail of eight men. The horses of the advance guard, of which our subject was one, took fright, and his horse leaped over a precipice of eighteen feet. The horse and rider were both seriously in jured by contact with the rough boulders; but with the assistance of his comrade he regained the road, by which time the coach and balance of the detail came up. A portion of the detail held the Indians in check, while the others turned the coach the way in which it had come. They then fought the Indians a running fight for nine miles, where they received reinforcements. Four of the detail were wounded with arrows, but none received more than flesh wounds. The coach was well decorated with arrows, and most of the horses bore arrow points in their flesh to the camp. The effects of that eighteen-foot fall our subject carries to this day, and will while he lives. Mr. Nearpass is a member of Webster Post, No. 8, G. A. R. WILLIAM WHITON, Superintendent of the Ashtabula County Infirmary, Kingsville, Ohio, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1842. His parents, Madison and Permelia (Clark) Whiton, natives of Massachusetts and Vermont respectively, were married in Springfield township, Erie county, Pennsylvania. Madison Whiten was a sailor, and was captain of a scow on the lakes for a number of years. He moved with his family to Kingsville township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1853, and settled on a farm one mile south of Kingsville. This farm is now owned by Royal Smith. Here Mr. Whiten lived until the time of his death, June 22, 1874, having attained the age of sixty-three years. He was a well-to-do farmer, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. His wife, born November 18, 1824; died June 21, 1880, aged sixty-six. They were the parents OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 519 of seven children, viz.: Madison M., a carpenter, residing in Kansas; Sarah Jane, wife of Joseph Colby, McPherson county, Kansas, has five children; William, whose name heads this article; Rachel, wife of Rev. H. J. Gillett, of the Congregational Church, Hartford, Connecticut, has five children; Autonette, of Leander White, McPherson county, Kansas; Emily, widow of N. S. Whitney, lives at Delaware, Ohio, where she is educating her son and daughter; and Abijah, who died at about the age of six years. William Whiton had the benefit of good educational advantages in his youth, having attended the Kingsville Academy a number of years. September 6, 1865, he married Miss Kate Van Wagenen, a native of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, born December 7, 1844, daughter of James and Alice (Gilson) Van Wagenen. Her father was born in New York State, April 30, 1823; was engaged in farming for many years, but is now retired from active life. Her mother, a native of Pennsylvania, died April 19, 1846, aged twenty-one years, leaving two children, of whom Mrs. Whiton is the older. Her brother, Henry, is now a merchant of Ellenville, New York. He married Mary Hautling. Mr. Van Wagenen subsequently married Eliza Felton, by whom he had three daughters. Elizabeth, Alice and Dora, all of whom married. Alice died April 19, 1891, aged thirty-three years. Dora, wife of Vanesse Wright, resides in New Jersey. Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Gilson, lives at Watson, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Whiton have had two daughters, Alice Permelia and Mary Lonella, both of whom are deceased. Alice P., born in Kingsville, December 13, 1866, was married January 20, 1886, to Oliver E. Brydle, and her untimely death occurred July 22, 1892. She was a most amiable and accomplished young lady, and her early death was a source of great sorrow to her husband and, parents and also to a large circle of friends, The younger daughter, Mary L., born October 3, 1873, died August 13, 1877. Mr. Whiton's chief business has been farming. He still owns a farm of 113 acres in the southeastern part of Kingsville township—all improved land. He was Assessor two years, has been Trustee of the township three years, School Director six years, and has also held other minor offices. He is a Republican in politics, and has served as delegate to county conventions a number of times. Public-spirited and enterprising, he is ever active in advancing the best interests of the community. He was appointed to his present position as Superintendent of the Infirmary, September 1, 1892, since which time he has faithfully discharged the duties of the same. He is ably assisted by his accomplished wife who seems to be especially adapted for the work. The institution has eleven buildings, four brick and seven frame. The average number of inmates is about 112. Four men and four women are employed as assistants in the buildings. The farm, comprising 210 acres, is beautifully located, one mile west of Kingsville, on the South Ridge road. Grain, vegetables and fruits are raised in abundance, and about five horses, twenty-five cattle and from ten to thirty hogs are kept on the farm. The present location has been occupied by the infirmary for nearly thirty-five years,. the various buildings having been erected from time to time as necessity demanded. The old county poorhouse was about twenty rods from the location of the present buildings. It was a frame structure, and was 520 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY burned down shortly before the erection of the new buildings. The officers of the institution are as follows: T. D. Faulkner, president; William Whiton, Superintendent; G. W. Thompson, clerk; and T. D. Faulkner, G. W. Thompson and W. A. Fuller, directors. They meet in the office of the infirmary the third Tuesday in every month. Mr. Whiton is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the State Police. In politics, he is a Republican. Mrs. Whiton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.R REV. JOSEPH N. McGIFFERT, D.D. the able pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, at Ashtabula, Ohio, is another of those men whose energies are devoted to the progress of humanity and the good of the church. Born of intelligent, cultured and. humane parents, he inherited as a birthright those qualities which have been strengthened and wisely directed by excellent training under the most favorable circumstances. The subject of this sketch was born in New York city, December 8, 1829, son of James and Martha (Nelson) McGiffert, natives of Belfast, Ireland, and New York city, respectively, both of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His father came to New York city in early manhood, and there met and married the mother of the subject of this sketch. The father was a classical teacher of ability, in whieh occupation he was engaged in New York city, numbering among his students Hamilton Fish, William Astor and members of the Schermerhorn and other prominent families. In 1837 he moved to Hudson, in the same State, after which he passed a retired life, being engaged only in looking after property interests in New York city. Both parents resided there until death, the father dying in 1886, and the mother in 1874. They had six children, four sons and two daughters: John N.; James N.; Joseph N.; Martha; William H. and Mary L. Joseph N. passed his youth in Hudson, New York, and reccived under the careful instruction of his father an excellent education. Subsequently he attended the Auburn Theological Seminary, a Presbyterian institution, in which he graduated in 1853. In September of the same year he was appointed pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Hills-, dale, New York, where he remained until April, 1857, at which time he was transferred to Sauquoit, in the same state, remaining there until July, 1866. He was then appointed pastor of the church in Ashtabula, Ohio, in which capacity he has faithfully served for twenty-seven years. This church was established in 1810, yet had progressed so slowly that at the time Dr. McGiffert took charge its membership numbered less than 100 individuals. Its present prosperity is a favorable comment on the energy and ability of the Doctor, as the church has now 400 members, and is one of the most prosperous religious institutions in northern Ohio. In 1892 the congregation built a large and handsome edifice, which is a worthy monument of their zeal. Dr. McGiffert has also been active in the cause of education, having served for eight years as County Examiner of Schools, and for the last twenty years he has been a Trustee of the Western Reserve University at Cleveland, this State. In recognition of his services in the cause of education and religion Marietta College conferred on him, in 1890, the degree of Doctor of Divinity. For the past seven or eight years Dr: McGiffert has been Chairman of the Presbyterian Home Missionary Society of Ohio, and OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 521 has otherwise been active in philanthropic movements, doing untold and far-reaching good. In 1853 Dr. McGiffert was married to Miss Harriet W. Cushman, a highly cultivated lady of Manlius, New York. She was the daughter of Rev. Ralph and Sophia (Moseley) Cushman, the former having been a prominent Presbyterian divine. Both parents were natives of Massachusetts, to which State their ancestors came at an early day. Mr. Cushman's ancestor embarked from England in the ship that followed in the wake of the famed Mayflower. Of the five children born to Dr. and Mrs. McGiffert, Prof. Arthur Cushman McGiffert occupies the chair of Church History in Union Theological Seminary at New York city. Sophia M., the wife of M. E. Scofield of Lincoln, Nebraska, died in June, 1893; the remaining three are James H., Joseph C. and Agnes R.,—the last named being the widow of Rev. E. H. Pound of California. Under the broad and efficient tutelage and direction of their honored parents, the children have grown to be educate,' and valued members of society, qualified to fill any position in life to which they may be called. With an inherited character of symmetrical proportions, Dr. McGiffert has grown by work to approximate the spirit of the great Teacher, who labored and endured all things for the good of the world. MARSHALL WILLIAMS WRIGHT, a resident of Kingsville, Ohio, has for years been prominently identified with the affairs of Ashtabula county, having served at various times as Sheriff, County Commissioner, Infirmary Director and Justice of the Peace, and always exerting his influence to promote the best interests of the people. Without extended mention of him a history of Ashtabula county would be incomplete. Marshall Williams Wright was born in Conneaut township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, August 27, 1818, son of Sherman and Fanny (Howes) Wright, the former born in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, January 19, 1784, and the latter in Windham county, Connecticut, March 16, 1790. They were married in Connecticut, September 1, 1811, and a few days later, in company With several families, came to Ohio, making the journey with oxteams, and landing at Conneaut (then called Salem) after being six weeks en route. Slier- man Wright and three brothers, Diocletian, Ralph and George, had exchanged property in Massachusetts for land in the Western Preserve, between Cleveland and the Pennsylvania line, and all came out here together. Their two sisters were also members of the party; Betsey, wife of Lemuel Jones, and Marcia, who subsequently became the wife of Obed Edwards. All of them settled on farms in Conneaut township, except Mr. Jones, who gave his attention to milling and the hotel business. Sherman Wright and his wife spent the rest of their lives in Conneaut, and died there, his death occurring January 3, 1847, and hers January 15, 1872. They had eleven children, of whom, we make the following record: Zenis H., born June 24, 1812, died August 18, 1815. Elizabeth H., born June 18, 1814, is now the widow of Albert Clark; has been almost a helpless invalid for over twelve years; in her active life was an earnest church worker, and now, having the use of only one hand, passes her time in reading; Eunice, born June 18, 1816, died April 20, 522 - BIOGRAPHICAL, HISTORY 1844; M. W., whose name heads this article, was the fourth born; Fanny, born September 14, 1820, is the widow of Hiram Lake, and resides in Conneaut; Zenis (2d), born March 25, 1823, died August 20, 1877; Edward Lee, born June 6, 1825, resides in California; Alfred H., born June 30, 1827, died March 6, 1878; Junius F. is a resident of Dodge county, Minnesota; Emily C., born October 9, 1832, is the wife of John B. Lyon; Marther G., born April 2, 1834, died May 28, 1874. The father of our subject was by occupation a farmer, tanner and shoemaker, and was ably assisted by his son M. W., who remained a member of the home circle until after the father's death, and who still continued to care for his mother and the rest of the family. M. W. Wright was married March 27, 1844, to Sarah Ann Jacobs, daughter of Rev. Asa and Sarah (Saxton) Jacobs, her father being a Baptist minister of Conneaut for many years. Some years later he bought a farm in Dorset township, and was living on it at the time he was elected Sheriff in 1853. He then disposed of his farm and moved to Jefferson, where he lived during his two terms of office, having been re-elected by a large majority of votesis. At the expiration of his term, he moved to Kingsville. Previous to his election to the Sheriff's office he served one term as Justice of the Peace, and since that date has been an incumbent of that office for a number of years, altogether about fourteen. At the time the war broke out he was Postmaster of Kingsville, baying been appointed to that position by President Lincoln. He was an active Abolitionist and kept an underground railway station. When the Republican party was organized he joined its ranks, and has ever since been a stalwart Republican. August 1, 1862, Mr. Wright entered the volunteer service of the United States in the capacity of Quartermaster of the One Hundredth and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, his regiment being a part of the Fourteenth Army Corps, under General Thomas; he served until April, 1864, at which time he was compelled by failing health to resign. Among the prominent engagements in which he took part were those of Perryville, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge. He left his command at Ringgold, just as the army started to Atlanta, and three months before -this time he was unable to discharge the duties of his office. He consequently resigned on account of his disability, and was very much broken down in health. In his army service, however, he was never wounded. In 1869, Mr. Wright was elected County Commissioner, and served three years. He has also served three years as Infirmary Director. He has always taken a deep interest in educational affairs, and until recently has in various ways been more or less closely connected with the schools. He is a member of the G. A. R., Webster Post, No. 8, and has filled nearly all of its official positions. Mr. Wright's marriage has already been referred to. Following are the names of his children: (1) Elizabeth, wife of Levi T. Scofield, of Cleveland, Ohio, has five children, William M., Donald Cleveland, Sherman, Harriet Elizabeth and Douglas Franklin. Mr. Scofield is an architect and sculptor. He made and designed the Cuyahoga County Soldiers' and Sailors' monument arid has been the architect of many of the State buildings of Ohio. (2) Lydia, wife of Conrad J. Brown, Erie, Pennsylvania, has four children: Marshall W., a graduate of the Folytechnical School, of Troy, New York, and Kate D., Jessie and Conrad. (3) Alta, wife of Rev. OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 523 J. Phillips, of the Free-will Baptist Church; the names of their children are Sarah, Alta Elizabeth, John Howard, Alice and Thomas Guthrie. (4) Sherman, unmarried, resides with his father. (5) Nellie, wife of William McCallep, Columbus, Ohio, has four children: Emily L., Wright, Mabel and Carrington Albert. Mr. and Mrs. Wright and all their children, with one exception, are church members, Mrs. Wright being a regular and her husband a Free-will Baptist. Of Mrs.Wright's family we further record that her father and mother have both passed away, and that of her four brothers and six sisters only two are now living: Cynthia, wife of Harry Hubbard, of Conneaut township, and Esther, widow of La Fayette Sawtell, Conneaut.   REV. HENRY H. EMMETT, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Maine, January 31, 1853. His parents were Peter J. and Catherine J. (Lombard) Emmett, both natives of Maine. His father was born in 1808, was for many years in the employ of the Hudson Bay Company, and is still hale and hearty. His mother was born in 1819, daughter of Rev. Richard and Eunice (Sawyer) Lombard, her father being the youngest son of the youngest son of the Earl of Lombard. Richard Lombard was for fifty years in the itinerancy of the East Maine Methodist Episcopal Conference, being for several years the pastor of Pine street and Cedar street churches in Portland, Maine. He died at the age of seventy-six years on the Great Chebeaque island in Casco bay. His wife died on the same is- land, aged seventy years. She was a member of the Methodist Church from her girlhood. Mrs. Peter J. Emmett was a popular and successful teacher for many years, and is a woman of rare intelligence and culture. The three children composing their family are Gordon, a contractor and builder in New York; Arietta, wife of Henry Williams, of New York; and Henry H. Mr. Emmett had excellent educational advantages in his youth. His early training was received chiefly in private schools. After leaving school he was employed as clerk in Scranton, Pennsylvania, for more than a year. Then he entered the ministry. This was in 1877, and he has devoted his time to the spread of the gospel ever since. He was licensed to preach at La Fargeville, New York, in 1878, and was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church at Sandy creek, New York, January 12, 1881. Since that time he has been pastor of several churches in New York, namely, Gaines, Murray, Carlton and Warsaw, then coming to Conneaut and taking charge of the Baptist Church. Conneaut is his first Ohio charge. During his pastorate here his work has been of the most substantial character, both the church and Sunday-school having increased very materially. In the temperance cause Mr. Emmett is an earnest worker, occupying positions of honor and responsibility. He is Past Grand Patriarch of the Sons of Temperance of Western New York, and is Post Grand Chaplain of the I. O. G. T. He is also a member of the K. of P. and Jr. O. U. A. M. Mr. Emmett devotes considerable time to literary work, his magazine and newspaper articles being in great demand. His article in the Homiletic Review of December, 1892, on "The Indian Problem from an Indian 524 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Standpoint," has received the highest commendation from the press and from the best scholars of the country. It is, however, as a lecturer that Mr. Emmett has gained the greatest distinction. Recently he has lectured in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, West Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania. Among the subjects on which he speaks we name the following: "The North American Indian," " Somebody's Business," The Boy of To-day," " Looking Backward," " Hours with Men and Books," " Three Little Indians," "An Appeal to Caesar," "Thou Shalt Not," "Who? Which? When?" 44 Why Dishonored?" " The Devil's Auction," and " A Nation's Crime." Through his father he inherits Indian blood, and his lecture on the North American Indian is one in which he has taken particular interest. He spared neither time nor means in its preparation and wherever he has delivered it he has been highly complimented. The editor of the Daily Review, of Alliance, Ohio, says of this lecture, "It was a scholarly address, very instructive and spiced with just enough of humor to be quite entertaining." And from the Gleaner Review, of Shiloh, Ohio, we quote: "Rev. Emmett has a very pleasing address and handles his subject in a masterly manner." Personally, he is a man of fine physique, has jet black hair and eyes, and is a brilliant conversationalist. His pleasant home is made bright and happy by the presence of his wife and three children: Frank L., Henry H., Jr., and Sheldon S. Mrs. Emmett was, before her marriage, Miss Emily Augusta Waugh. Her father, Rev. Lyman G. Waugh, was for fifty years in the itinerancy of the Northern New York Methodist Episcopal Conference. Both he and his wife are deceased. Mrs. Emmett is a member of the Baptist Church and is in full sympathy with her husband's noble work. Such is a brief sketch of one of the most popular ministers and eloquent lecturers of his day. C. N. ROYCE.--The lumber industry is well represented in Jefferson, Ohio, by the subject of this sketch, who is largely engaged in the manufacture of all building material, and who by his energetic efforts has done much to advance the interests of the city and county. Mr. Royce, was born in Lenox townsnip, Ashtabula county, Ohio, May 2, 1848, son of Jasper and Malinda (Chapin) Royce, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively. His father removed with his first wife from New Jersey to Ohio about 1835, when that State was wild and unsettled, Indians being plentiful and much game abounding. He settled in the woodland of Lenox township, Ashtabula county, where he was deprived by death of his first wife. Some time afterward he married the mother of the subject of this sketch, who came with her parents to Ashtabula county in the '30s. C. N. Royce was reared on a farm and received a common-school education, When sixteen years of age he had the misfortune to lose his mother, and at the age of nineteen was doubly bereft of his father. Thus early deprived of parental care and gnidance he soon learned to shift for himself, learning those lessons of self-reliance and perseverance which have since been of such incalcul able benefit and have aided in placing him in his s present prosperous and honorable position, He was married January 12, 1869, to Miss Rildie E. Dodges daughter of Edward R. and OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 525 Harriet A. (Groves) Dodge. The father died in 1885; the mother lives with her daughter. They were natives of New York and Ohio, respectively, and they have two daughters, Amy A. and Nellie. After marriage, Mr. Royce and his wife settled in Lenox township on a farm, which he industriously improved until 1882, making it one of the best farms in the county and greatly enhancing its value. In 188K, he removed to Jefferson, where for the last few years he has been extensively engaged in the lumber business, operating both a saw and planing mill, the former with a daily output of 8,000 feet and the latter 3,000. He handles all kinds of building material and for the last few years has dealt largely in carriages, from which varied enterprises he derives a profitable income, and is the means of furnishing employment to a large number of people, and has done much toward advancing the interests of the community. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He is a worthy Member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ensign Lodge, No. 400. As a business man he is upright and energetic, and as a citizen is progressive and public-spirited, enjoying to a high degree the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. REV. BRAINERD MARC BURRIDGE,- M. D.—The church militant is ably represented in the subject of this sketch, whose warfare in her canse is incessant and effective. His father, W. H. Burridge, a well-known attorney of Cleveland, Ohio, and for many years secretary of the Homeopathic College of that city, was born in England, and belongs to the Burridge branch of the family of Tiverton in Devonshire. He emigrated to the United States in 1820, settling in Cleveland. He there married Lucy B. Brainerd, daughter of Jehn Brainerd, M. D., Ph. D., who was one of the founders of the Homeopathic College in Cleveland, and who was a professor in the Homeopathic College at Washington City for many years, besides having been Chief Examiner of the United States Patent Office. He married Edith West, who was a lineal descendant of Benjamin' West, the celebrated artist, and they had but one child, the mother of the subject of this sketch. The Brainerd family date their advent to the United States in 1640, when they settled in East Haddam, Connecticut. Rev. Dr. Burridge, of this biography, rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, in Ashtabula, Ohio, occupies a leading position among the clergy of the State as a thinker, orator, author and energetic man in the direction of his calling. He was an only child, his birth occurring Jan nary 23, 1867,in Cleveland, this State, where his early education was received in a private institution of much merit. When sixteen years of age he sailed for Europe, studying in the University of Stuttgart and in Florence, Italy, in the latter country perfecting himself in the ancient languages and familiarizing himself with the manners and customs of a race of people who once ruled the world, and who still live in their literature. Two years sufficed to accomplish this task, which few even of stronger physique would have attempted. He then returned home, prosecuting his professional studies in this country, graduating at the Western Theological Seminary in Chicago. He received the degrees of M. A. and Ph.D. from Alleghany College, •at Meadville, Pennsylvania; the degree of M. A. from 526 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Trinity College, Connecticut; and that of honorary M. D. from the Homeopathic College, of Cleveland. When fully equipped for his professional duties he was ordained to the diaconate by the Right Rev. William A. Leonard in Grace Church, Cleveland, March 19, 1890. He was installed a Canon of Trinity Cathedral in the same month and was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Leonard April 7, 1891, and the same year took charge of St. Peter's Church in Ashtabula, his present field of labor. In the midst of his other duties, the Doctor finds time to contribute to current literature, and is now having published his work on Robert Brown, as an exponent of the Philosphy of Life. October 28, 1891, Dr. Burridge was married to Miss Fannie Burridge, a lady of many social accomplishments and charming personality, who was educated in St. Louis, Missouri. He who officiated at their wedding was Rev. W. A. A. Hastings, who is a descendant of the historic Warren Hastings and assistant rector of St. Paul's Church, Detroit, Michigan. Few ministers are as thoroughly imbued with the Apostolic spirit and love for their calling and zeal in its prosecution as Dr. Burridge, and, unfortunately, few possess the gift of attracting and at the same time forcibly instructing others in matters of moment to their future welfare. LEWIS HARPER, a real-estate dealer in 1 Conneat, Ohio, is a veteran of the late ^ war and a prominent and highly respected citizen of this place. Following is a resume of his life: Lewis Harper was born in Perry, Lake county, Ohio, November 30, 1841, son of Aaron and Sarah (Richardson) Harper, both natives of Ohio. He is the only son and oldest child in a family of three children, his two sisters being Mrs. Laura Ford, of Conneaut, and Mary, wife of Henry Strong, a wholesale merchant of Newark, Ohio. The mother died in 1847, at the age of twenty- four years. The venerable father, now eighty- three years of age, is in the enjoyment of health and strength. His life has been one of honest industry, and by his sterling qualities he has gained the respect of all who know him. Mr. Harper was engaged in farming in Ashtabula county until the breaking out of the Civil war. In September, 1861, he tendered his services to the Union cause, becoming a member of Company E, Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, First Brigade, Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, in the Army of the Potomac. After the battle of Winchester, in the spring of 1862, he was taken sick and was sent to the hospital at Portsmouth, Rhode Island, where he remained a month and then rejoined his regiment. Among the important engagements in which he took part were those of Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. After the battle of Gettysburg the Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps were transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, where they were consolidated, forming the Twentieth Army Corps and rendering valiant service. To give an account of all the engagements in which they participated would be to write a history of the war. Suffice it to say that Mr. Harper was among the victorious soldiers who saw the stars and stripes floating on Lookout Mountain after the battle; took part in nearly all the battles in the Atlanta campaign; that he was with Sher- man's forces on that memorable " march to OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 527 the sea;" that he was in the march northward through the Carolinas, and that he witnessed the Grand Review at Washington. He had a furlough of thirty days, beginning December 2, 1863, and with this exception and the one above referred to, he was in the service until the war closed, being mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, July 13, 1865. And during all this time, although he was often in the thickest of the fight and in close quarters, he never received a wound nor was he ever taken prisoner. At one time he had a lock of hair shot off just above his ear, and in two different battles had bullet holes cut through his coat. Mr. Harper has a valuable relic of the late war, an English-make Enfield rifle, which he captured on Culp's Hill at Gettysburg, and which he carried from that time until the close of his service. Both his paternal and maternal grandfather were in the army of 1812. All honor to these brave, loyal soldiers who without flinching went into the heat of battle, faced the cannon's mouth, endured privation and exposure, and often sub. sisted on short rations—all for the love of country and the protection of the Old Flag. The war over, Mr. Harper turned his attention to the business of ship carpentry, which he followed for sixteen years, and afterward for three years was foreman mechanic in the shop of G. J. Record's butter-tub factory. Since then he has been engaged in the real-estate business at Conneaut. He platted the Marshall Capron place, and has been successful in his business operations. Mr. Harper was a member of the City Council for two years, from 1890 to 1892. He was married December 26, 1865, to Miss Augusta Dodge, daughter of James and Susan (Culver) Dodge, of Conneaut. They have four children, namely: Carrie, wife of James C. Tyler, Conneaut; Ann M., Wallace M. and Sadie O., these three being of the home circle. Mr. Harper and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degrees in the blue lodge, chapter, council and Cache Commandery. He is also an active member of Custer Post, No. 9, G. A. R., and has filled nearly all its offices. Politically, he is a Republican. E. R. CLEVELAND, a prominent and wealthy farmer and a highly respected citizen of Madison township, Lake county, Ohio, was born in Washington county, New York, October 17, 1829, a son of Daniel R. Cleveland, a native of Rhode Island. The Clevelands are of English descent and can trace their ancestry back a number of generations. Benjamin Cleveland, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Exeter, Rhode Island, in 1744, son of Deliverance Cleveland, who was born in North Kingston, Rhode Island, in 1720. Deliverance Cleveland was a son of Palmer Cleveland, who was a son of Edward Cleveland, who was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, May 20, 1663, son of Moses Cleveland, the first of the family who came to America, the date of his arrival here from England being 1635. Moses Cleveland was married in Woburn, Massachusetts, September 26, 1648, to Ann Weim, who came to America from England with her father, Edward Weim, in 1634. While some of the Clevelands have been professional men and others engaged in busi- ness lines, most of them have been farmers. Daniel R. Cleveland went from Rhode Island to New York State at an early day, and 528 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY was there engaged in farming, being the owner of 300 acres of land. In later life he disposed of his farming interests and turned his attention to the railroad business. While helping to construct a line of railroad at Macon, Georgia, he died at that place, in 1836, at the age of fifty-two years. He was twice married, and had three children by his first wife, two sons and a daughter; and two by the second, E. R. being the only one now living. The second wife, nee Ester Monroe, was the mother of E. R. She died at the age of forty-seven years. Both parents were members of the Presbyterian Church, and the father was in polities a Whig. E. R. Cleveland went with his parents from Washington county to Chautauqua county, New York, when he was eight years old, and when he was twelve came with his mother to Ohio and settled in Harpersfield township, Ashtabula couuty. He received his education in the district schools. After the death of his mother he lived with an elder brother until he was twenty-two years old. After his marriage, in 1851, he settled in Trumbull township, Ashtabula county, and a year and a half later moved to Unionville, where he clerked in a store for several years. In 1857 he went to Steamboat Rock, Hardin county, Iowa, and for three years conducted a grocery business at that place. Returning to Ohio, lie engaged in the produce business, buying potatoes, fruits, etc., and shipping to the large cities. He retired from that occupation in 1870. Then he operated a cider mill and manufactured jelly, syrups, etc., until 1890, when he turned the business over to his son. In 1882 he settled on his present farm of 120 acres, all improved and devoted to general farming and stock-raising. He has given considerable attention to the raising of fine shorthorn cattle, and also raises a large number of hogs. His bank barn, the largest one in the towuship, he built in 1891, after his own plan. This barn is 44 x 88 feet, with three additions, one 40 x 60 feet, another 30 x 40 feet, and the third 24 x 70 feet. Mr. Cleveland was married, October 16, 1851, to Miss A. M. Archer, of Macedon, Wayne county, New York, where she lived until her marriage. They have two children, Arthur B. and Leila E. He and his wife are both members of the Congregational Church, and in politics he affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. Cleveland started out in life dependent upon his own resources, and the success he has attained he attributes to hard work and good management. RUSSELL M. SKEELS, one of the most prominent citizens of Cherry Valley township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, an ex soldier and a man who has served his county in many official capacities, was born in Rutland, Vermont, December 4, 1830. He descends from a prominent New England family, his grandfather, Russell Skeels, having been born iu that section, while Lyman Skeels, father or the subject of this sketch, was a native of the same county as his son. Lyman married Sally Mason, who was born at Fort Ann, near Whitehall, New York, and they later removed to Franklin county, the Empire State, and subsequently to New Richmond, Pennsylvania. Here the father died in December, 1837, leaving a widow and two children: Harriet Burlingham; and Russell M., whose name heads this sketch. The mother subsequently married Charles Spellman, and they emigrated OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 529 to Ohio, settling in Ashtabula county. They had two children: Elsine Beals and Leland. The mother died in Williamsfield, aged eighty years, sincerely regretted by many friends. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools. He learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for many years. He was thus engaged at the time of the war, when, in August, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, of the One Hundred and Seventy- seventh Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of hostilities, receiving his discharge at Greensboro ugh, North Carolina. He then returned to Ashtabula county, settling in. Cherry Valley, where he worked at his trade until 1884, at which time he bought of Dr. Lawyer his present farm of 121 acres, situated in Andover, This Mr. Skeels has carefully culti vated and greatly improved, having a comfortable residence, two good barns for his grain and stock, besides other conveniences. This prosperity is due entirely to his continued industry and intelligence, economical management of his means, and he justly deserves his good fortune. At the age of twenty-two, Mr. Skeels was married at Espyville, Pennsylvania, to Eliza Houlton, an intelligent and worthy lady, a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, who has assisted her husband in attaining his present success. They have one son, Lyman W., who married Mary Stillman, a deserving lady, daughter of Olson Stillman, an old settler of Ashtabula county, and they have one daughter, Katy. Although having but one child of their own, the kind heart of Mr. and Mrs. Skeels have led them to befriend many children, whom they have reared with the greatest care. One of those, Ella Bell, married C. D. Mason, a well-to-do resident of this county, but she has since died. Katy Hart, another charge of theirs, died of scarlet fever at the age of three years. Gussie Fesler married O. H. Wibert, a prosperons farmer of Ashtabula county. In politics, Mr. Skeels is a Republican and a prominent representative of his party. He has served his township in many capacities of honor and trust, having been Postmaster of Cherry Valley twelve years, Justice of the Peace nine years and Associate Justice for one year. He is a member of the School Board and has done much to advance the educational interests of his township. He belongs to the Hiram Kile Post of the G. A. R. Although not a member of any church, he contributes to that and all worthy objects. His wife belongs to the Free-will Baptist Church. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 506, also of the Golden Rule Society of Cherry Valley, of which lodge he has been Master for some time. He is a man of intelligence and integrity, frank and jovial, free-hearted and kind, and is a favorite with all who know him. PERRY A. TOWNSEND, a prominent merchant and progressive, public-spirited citizen of Windsor, Ohio, was born in the same place, April 10, 1848. He comes of good old patriotic New England and New York stock, his paternal grandparents, Henry K. and Laura (Graves) Townsend, having been born in Fairfield, New York, and Rupert, Vermont, respectively, the former April 13, 1798, and the latter October 17, 1799, their marriage taking place in Champion, New York, July 21, 1817. They had six children: Allen G.; Baxter; Henry, father of the subject of this 530 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY sketch; Eliza G.; Zilphia A.; and Simeon, a resident of Chicago, Illinois. Of these Henry was born in Grovener, St. Lawrence county, New York, March 16, 1824, and came in an early day to Ashtabula county, Ohio, where he met and married Ursula Higley, also born in 1824, and a native of the Buckeye State. This worthy couple began life in a modest way and have been so greatly prospered that the father is now numbered among the representative farmers of the county. Henry Townsend responded to the call of his country in its hour of need, enlisting in August, 1864, in Company C, of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh- Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and serving until his honorable discharge in June, 1865, with the exception of four months spent in a Southern hospital. He and his wife were the parents of three sons: Perry A., whose name heads this sketch; Freeland H., born September 22, 1850, now residing in Orwell; and Henry B., born March 11, 1867, a musician of talent and celebrity and a manufacturer of violins. The father still survives, in the enjoyment of universal respect and esteem. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school of his vicinity. He worked on the farm as much as his not very rugged constitution would permit, when, fearing that his health would not admit of his following agricultural pursuits, he early began to turn his mechanical ability to practical account by learning the jeweler's business, soon becoming an expert in repairing watches, clocks and jewelry. In 1877 Mr. Townsend, assisted by his father, who placed $1,100 capital against his son's knowledge, opened up a stock of goods consisting of drugs, groceries, watches, jewelry, stationery, etc., under the firm name of H. Townsend & Son, the establishment being managed by the subject of this sketch. By elose attention to business, uprightness in dealing and uniform courtesy, Mr. Townsend acquired a profitable trade. April 6, 1882, the firm dissolved, the senior member retiring and the son assuming full ownership and management. He has yearly been increasing his stock, both in variety and quantity, until his commodious and well appointed store-room contains a well selected supply of drugs, groceries, jewelry, musical instruments, stationery, tinware, farming implements, heavy and shelf hardware, cutlery, etc., all of which are offered to the trade at prices to compete with any similar stock in the county. Mr. Townsend's mechanical skill is a source of much convenience to himself and patrons. He holds a license to practice dentistry and has a set of dental tools made by himself, which same cannot be excelled by those of any dentist in the country. He also exhibits much ingenuity in making violins and other musical instruments. He is a registered pharmacist and an excellent photographer, and is alto- together a most clever gentleman and fully deserving of his present prosperity. October 26, 1891, Mr. Townsend was married to Miss Ida Bell, a cultured and refined lady of Middlefield, Ohio, who was for some time previous to her marriage a successful teacher in Windsor, this State. Mrs. Townsend is a woman of business ability and thorough devotion to her home and husband, as is shown by her investing all her means acquired in teaching in Mr. Townsend's business, realizing that their interests were identical. Her parents, Reuben and Flavilla (Roberts) Bell, were early settlers of Middlefield, Ohio, and both descended from old New England families. Reuben Bell, born March OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 531 6, 1822, accompanied his parents to Windsor, Ohio, in 1831, and November 19, 1849, was married to Sarah Ellis, whose parents also came to the State in an early day. They had two children: Olney, born September 10, 1850; and Ossa J., born July 29, 1852. Mrs. Bell died April, 1855, leaving many friends to mourn her loss. May 7, 1856, Mr. Bell married Flavilla Roberts, who was born May 27, 1834, and they had six children: Sarah E., now Mrs. E. L. F. Phelps; Ida H., wife of the subject of this sketch; Henry R; Creighton C.; Albert J., who married Emma Goldner; and Jessie M. Mr. Bell died January 20, 1892, greatly lamented by all who knew him and appreciated his many worthy qualities. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend have one child, a daughter, born September 22, 1892. In politics Mr. Townsend is a Republican, deeply interested in the public welfare, but taking no active part in political matters. Domestic in his tastes and thoroughly devoted to his business, he finds his mind and heart fully occupied. Upright in his dealings and uniformly courteous, he enjoys the high regard of all, and has the best wishes of his fellow-citizens for his success. CHARLES J. OLDS is Postmaster at Orwell, Ashtabula county, Ohio, as well as editor of the Orwell News-Letter, a weekly paper which has a large circulation. It is ably edited and contains interesting county and State news. Our subject does all kinds of general job printing, etc., and makes low rates and estimates on all varieties of work in his lines. In every possible manlier he endeavors to improve his paper and has made of it a very interesting and newsy sheet, one of the best in the county. He has had considerable experience along literary lines and as an editor is able and well posted. The post office comes under the head of fourth class, and Mr. Olds has been the genial Postmaster since 1889. The birth of our subject occurred in Richmond, Ashtabula county, May 11, 1865. His parents, Frank E. and Matilda C. (Nims) Olds, now make their home in the village of Orwell. Charles J. is one of seven children, two of whom died in infancy, and one, Sarah, died at the age of thirteen years. The others who survive are Agnes, now Mrs. Porter Hodge, of Orwell, who was born August 2, 1861; Heman C., born October 12, 1863, and who now lives in Orwell, and Henry W., whose birth occurred June 24, 1877. Until ten years of age our subject was reared on a farm, after which his parents removed to Orwell, where he received his entire education at the Orwell Normal Institute. For some time he engaged in teaching, but finding that occupation not as remunerative as he wished he embarked in 1886 in the printing business, purchasing a half interest in the Andover Citizen, published in Andover, Ohio. After remaining there for one year he sold out and entered the employ of the Gazette, of Jefferson, Ohio, Senator Lampson's paper. In July, 1889, Mr. Olds was appointed Postmaster at Orwell by President Harrison, who gave him the preference over two other candidates. In 1891, he erected a fine brick business house, where he conducts his editorial work. The large front apartment is devoted to the post office. In 1890, he estab fished the Orwell News-Letter and has continued as its editor and sole proprietor. Though the paper has been so recently established, the circulation has steadily grown and the paper maintains its place among the best of the county. 532 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY On the 11th of December, 1888, Mr. Olds married Miss Josephine Tuttle, daughter of A. T. and Abagail Tuttle, of West Andover, their family being one of the representative ones of the township. Mrs. Olds is a graduate of the New Lyme Institute. She was, before her marriage, one of .the successful teachers of the county. She is very fond of painting and has given instruction in the art. Our worthy subject and wife are the parents of two children: Harmon T., born March 15, 1890, and Marjorie, born July 25, 1892. Mrs. Olds is a member of the Congregational Church of West Andover. Politically, Mr. Olds is a stanch Republican, and it is needless to say that his paper is a purely Republican sheet, devoted to the interests of the party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also belongs to the Junior Order of American Mechanics. As a man he merits the high esteem in which he is held by one and all, for he is a man of integrity and sterling worth. PHILO B. WATERS, one of the energetic business men of Geneva, was born February 3, 1844, a son of Lorenzo S. and Betsey P. (Broder) Waters; the father, a native of New Hampshire, was born September 9, 1809; the mother was born at Hartford, Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1812. Lorenzo S. Waters emigrated to Ohio with his parents in 1813; they located in Trumbull county, where he engaged in farming, following agriculture through life. He was married in 1835, and reared a family of six children: Lorinda was born in 1837 and married Horace King: she died in 1892; Elmer H. was born in 1842: in 1863 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was wounded in the thigh at Knoxville, Tennessee. He started home, but continued his journey only to Louisville, Kentucky, where he died from the effects of the wound; Philo B. is the subject of this biographical sketch; Homer T. was born in 1846: he married Orelia Pelton and resides in South Bend, Indiana; Clinton D. was born in 1847, and married Lydia Fabes; C. G. was born in 1849 and died in 1889. The father of the family died September 9, 1886, and the mother passed away in April, 1890, aged seventy-seven years. The boyhood of our subject Was spent after the fashion of a farmer's son; he attended the the common school during the winter season and in the summer assisted in the lighter work of the farm. At the age of twelve years, he left his home and went to live with an uncle, where he passed an uneventful youth. Embracing the limited opportunities offered him he gained a good education, and at the age of twenty-one began teaching in the dist. ict school. For two years lie devoted himself to this profession, and then apprenticed himself to a carpenter for a term of three years; after he had served his time he was engaged in various lines of business until 1881, when he was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Portage county, Ohio, serving with efficiency for a period of two years. In the year 1882 he began to establish a business which has since grown into a most important industry; in Portage county, Ohio, he put down the first artificial-stone pavements, and in 1883 he came to Geneva, where he continued this business; he has laid miles of this pavement in different sections of the State and in northwestern Pennsylvania, winning an enviable reputation as a solid and successful business man. OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 533 Mr. Waters was married April 16, 1885, to the daughter of Elihu B. and Laura (Frisbie) Gill; Mr. Gill was for thirty years an engineer on the Lake Shore & Southern Michigan Railroad and was a most trusted employee. Mr. Waters is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter; he is a charter member of the Agathon Lodge, K. P., Geneva. Politically he is a stanch Republican, voicing his sentiments with no uncertain sound and giving his best efforts to insure the success of his party. W. K. GATES.— He whose name initiates this brief biography is an enterprising and, as a natural sequence, prosperous farmer and stock-raiser, whose well improved farmstead is located in Dorset township, Ashtabula county, Ohio. Mr. Gates was born in beautiful old Chautauqua county, New York, March 12, 1836, being the son of George D. Gates, a native of Rensselaer county, New York, whose father, Luther Gates, was one of those stalwart patriots who aided in securing our natlonal freedom by their noble and efficient service in the war of the Revolution. The father of our subject evidently inherited a patriotic spirit, for chronlogy reveals the fact that he was an interpid soldier in the war of 1812. While in his adolescent prime he was united in marriage to Miss Elmira Ward, who was born in Herkimer county, New York, being the daughter of Caleb Ward, who also was a Revolutionary soldier and who married a Miss Rice, a cousin of Dan Rice, whose fame as a showman was as wide as the national domain. While our subject was yet but a babe in arms, his parents removed from the State of New York and took up their residence in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where the father died, at the age of sixty-eight years, and the mother at fifty eight. Their children were: Alma, deceased; Rhoda, who married Mr. Taylor; Henry; Harriet; Larkin; W. K. and Robert. Our subject, the next youngest of the children, was raised on the farm and received his early educational training in the district school. At the age of twenty years he began work in a sawmill, with which undertaking he was concerned for some little time. In 1878, he came to Dorset, where he purchased of W. J. Ford a general mechandising business, which he continued very successfully for more than a decade, securing, by reason of his correct business methods, a large and representative patronage. In 1890, he sold the stock and business to James Brown and since that time he has devoted his attention almost entirely to the operation of his fine farm, having given particular attention to the raising of good road horses and Angus cattle. The farmstead is one that shows, in every portion, the well directed care and the constant attention that have been given, the result being a place that might well be taken as a model in many ways. When he had attained the age of twenty- three years, Mr. Gates became thoroughly convinced of the truth of the old precept, "It is not well for man to live alone," and accordingly, in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, he was wedded to a young lady of high culture and refinement, Miss Jane Loucks, who was born in Herkimer county, New York, being the third of the nine children of John R. and Eunice (Malette) Loucks. It is but consistent that, in this connection, be given the names of the children—six sons and three daughters—of Mr. and Mrs. 534 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Loucks. They are: Helen, W. P., Jane, George, Miles, May, Jay, Lee and Dayton. Of these W. P. was one of the first to take up arms in his countryls behalf at the time of the late civil conflict, serving as a member of General McClellan's staff until that general was removed from the command, when he joined a cavelry corps and served in that connection until the cessation of hostilities. Mr. and Mrs. Gates have two children: Rurie R., a popular and successful farmer at Dorset, Ohio, who married Miss Jessie Ritter, by whom he had one son, Lloyd; the second son is W. W., who married Miss Minnie Leonard, by whom he has one child, Leonard, the family being residents of Dorset township. Mr. Gates was Postmaster at Dorset for a period of twelve years, proving a capable and popular official. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and both he and his wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Gates is a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and a most zealous worker in that noble cause. A man who has proved his worth in the community in which he lives, and to the advancement of which he has largely contributed, Mr. Gates has not been denied that measure of esteem which is his unmistakable due. BENJAMIN S. SNYDER, foreman in the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad shop at Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Wyandot county, this State, son of Simon and Caroline (Edwards) Snyder, his father a native of Virginia and his mother of Connecticut. Simon Synder came from Virginia to Ohio at an early day and settled in Wyandot county, being one of the prominent pioneers of that county and one of its well-to-do farmers. He died at the age of forty years. His wife survived him a number of years, her demise occurring March 3, 1886, at which time she had reached the age of seventy-two years. For more than twenty years she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Benjamin S. is the youngest of their six children, the others being as follows: W. W., a ranchman, is married and living at Eden, Texas; A. W., a miller by trade, married Miss Myram Peters, and resides in Licking county, Ohio; Lucy died at the age of forty-three years; Laura, wife of Joseph Baird, died at the age of thirty-nine; and Carey M., who married Miss Anna Robertson, is a resident of Tuscola, Illinois. B. S. Snyder has been engaged in railroading ever since he was sixteen years of age, beginning as brakeman, afterward being employed as conductor, fireman and engineer, and at present is foreman in the shops. With the completion of the road to Conneaut in 1882, he came from Columbus to this place. He is engine dispatcher, and has charge of both the road men and shop men. His long connection with the business and the many places he has filled eminently fit him for his present position which he has held the past four years. Mr. Snyder was married, November 17, 1872, to Miss Lizzie Hogan, who was left an orphan at an early age. She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Conneaut. Mr. Snyder is an enthusiastic Mason, having the reputation of being better posted on Masonry than any other man in the town. He has taken the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and is Emin- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 535 ent Commander of Cache Commandery of Conneaut, No. 27. He takes little interest in political matters, but votes the Republican ticket. Personally, Mr. Snyder is a most genial and courteous man, popular with his railroad employers and associates, and, indeed, with all who know him. His home surroundings indicate culture and refinement as well as contentment and happiness. H. C. TOMBES. — The death of few persons has caused more universal regret throughout Ashtabula, Ohio, than did that of the subject of this sketch, who was distinguished, during his long residence in the city and State, as a man of persistent industry, the highest integrity, superior business ability and uniform cordiality. Mr. Tombes was born in Somerville, New Jersey, February 16, 1824. His father was a shoemaker by trade, a whole-souled, jolly man, naturally of a roving disposition, who never seemed able to content himself in one place. He removed his family to New York State, where the subject of this sketch lived until he attained the age of nineteen, obtaining a fair education in the common schools of his vicinity. At the end of this time he joined the westward movement to Ohio and settled in Lake county, where he secured a position at the bench as harnessmaker. This continued to be his occupation as long as he remained in Lake county, and he followed it for some time after removing to Ashtabula county. His last years, however, were spent in Ashtabula, where he was the proprietor of a grocery store doing a thriving trade, gained by his uniform uprightness of dealing and the reasonableness of his charges. His constitution was originally like iron, but during the last thirty years of his life was much broken, and he was a constant sufferer. For many years he was unable to be about, except as he could use his horse and buggy, and had it not been for his invincible energy he would have succumbed entirely and been a confirmed invalid. His indomitable will, however, kept him up until but one week before his death, a rare instance of the power of mind over matter. His loss was a great shock to the community, by whom he was regarded as a good business man and worthy citizen. His advice was often sought, and was greatly valued, on account of his rare judgment and extensive experience, and many attribute their prosperity to a timely hint from him. He was essentially a self-made man, possessed a good mind and natural conversational powers, which, with his love for study made him thoroughly familiar with all current events and questions of Government and society. He was public-spirited in the fullest sense of the word and never lost an opportunity of speaking and working for the best interests of his city and county. In religion he was an investigator of! Spiritualism, but had not become convinced of its genuineness. His family are Congregationalists. January 1, 1847, Mr. Tombes was married at Painesville, Ohio, by Rev. Carlos Smith, to Miss Lucy Huntington, born in 1828. Her father, Julian C. Huntington, was born in Connecticut, in 1796, whence he came to Ohio in 1801. His father later became the second governor of the Buckeye State. Julian C. Huntington married Adaline Parkman, also a member of an intelligent and prominent family, and they had five children: Samuel, who died in 1892; Robert, also deceased; Mrs. Tombes; Edwin and Henry. 536 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Mrs. Tombes was educated at Painesville and Callomer, now East Cleveland, and was married at the age of nineteen. She has had four children: Adaline P., wife of William Sanderson, in Bronson, Michigan; Henrietta L., married to L. E. Rockwell; Andrew C., who married Maria Cox; and John R., who died February 19, 1890, aged eight months. The legacy of honor received from the father has fallen into good hands, which will transmit untarnished the illustrious name they are permitted to bear. NORRIS T. PHELPS, a well-known business man, Blacksmith and apiarist, of Kingsville, Ashtabula county, Ohio, was born in Portage county, this State, May 15, 1838, son of Truman and Caroline (Gardner) Phelps. His grandfather, Lyman Phelps, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and two of Lyman Phelps' brothers also took part in that war, one being killed in Perry's engagement on Lake Erie, and the other drowned in a military operation at Braddock's Field, Pennsylvania. Truman Phelps was born in Connecticut, August 14, 1812, and in 1828 came to Ohio, settling in Ashtabula county, where he has resided ever since, with the exception of a little over a year spent in Nelson township, Portage county, this State. He is a blacksmith and mason by trade, but is now living retired. During his active career he filled various minor offices, and gained a wide acquaintance all over the county, being highly respected by all who know him. He was married in Kingsville, May 1, 1836, to Caroline Gardner, whose birth occurred in Massachusetts, May 15, 1814, and who still shares with him the joys and sorrows of life. She has been a member of the Christian Church for many years, The subject of this sketch is the oldest of their family of seven children, the others being as follows: Obed K., a mechanic, residing at West Farmington, Ohio; Dr. Byron H., physician and surgeon for the Erie & Philadelphia Railroad, resides at Corry, Pennsylvania; Addison B., a mechanic of some note, and a resident of Andover in the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company; Charles H., also a mechanic of superior ability, resides at Terre Haute, Indiana; Lyman C., a druggist of Andover, Ohio; Sophia M., wife of Charles Tuttle, resides at Andover, Ohio. Norris T. Phelps received a common- school and a select-school education, and as soon as lie was old enough began work at the blacksmith trade, at which lie has continued ever since, and in which he has developed marked skill, being able to make almost any thing out of iron. For two years he worked on the road. Mr. Phelps has been twice married. May 1, 1861, he wedded Abbie J. Leonard, daughter of Asahel Leonard, of Williamsfield township, this county. She died in 1872, at the age of thirty-three years, leaving an only child, Belle C., who died at the age of thirteen years. Mrs. Phelps was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a number of years. August 14, 1876, Mr. Phelps married Miss E. Rosetta Tourgee, a half sister of the distinguished author, Albion W. Tourgee, and a daughter of Valentine and Roena Tourgee. Valentine Tourgee, a native of Massachusetts, was a farmer and a much respected citizen of Ashtabula county. He was an ardent Republican and an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in 1889, at the age of seventy-eight years. By his first wife he had one child, A. OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 537 W., and by his second wife three children, Mrs. Phelps being the only one of the three now living. Mrs. Roena Tourgee, now seventy-three years of age, makes her bome with her daughter Mrs. Phelps. She, too, is identified with the Methodist Church, and has been a Christian from her girlhood. Mr. Phelps and his wife are also Methodists. He has been chorister at Williamsfield for thirteen years, ten years of this time also serving as chorister of the Congregational Church. Mr. Phelps has been Captain of the State Police Association the past five years. In the order of K. of P. he is Master at Arms. Politically, he is a Republican. He has served as Trustee of Williamsfield township, but has never been an office seeker, preferring to give his attention to his own business rather than to that of others. LUCIUS E. JUDSON, of the well-known dry-goods firm of Judson & Smart, Painesville, Ohio, was born in Madison, this State, in 1836. He comes of .a good old New England family, his grandfather, Enoch Judson, having been born in Williston, Vermont. He came to Lake county, Ohio, when it was a wilderness and engaged in farming, in which occupation he continued until his death at an advanced age. The father of the subject of this sketch, Ethan A. Judson, was also a native of -Vermont and a carpenter and merchant by occupation. He conducted a dry-goods and grocery store in Madison for many years, where he was well and favorably known. He was a Whig in politics and took an active interest in all public affairs of importance. His wife, nee Fannie Curtiss, was a native of Connecticut, a member of an old and prominent family of that State. They reared two children: Sarah L., now Mrs. Dr. Wadsworth; and Lucius E., whose name heads this sketch. Both parents died comparatively young, the mother at the age of forty-two years and the father aged forty-six. Both were worthy members of the Congregational Church and both enjoyed the universal esteem of their fellow men. Thus, at the early age of ten years, the subject of this sketch was fully orphaned. Up to this time he had resided in Madison, but he then came to Painesville and lived with Mr. William Holbrook until that gentleman's death. Young Lucius attended the common schools, and when twenty years of age began clerking in a grocery store. Later, he entered the dry-goods establishment of Messrs. Williams & Curtis, one of the oldest and best known firms in Painesville, where he continued three years. He afterward pursued his studies for a time and then secured a position with Mr. Curtis, the firm now being Curtis & Pancost, still in the dry-goods business. He remained with this house until 1864,when he formed a partnership in the dry-goods business with Maltbie Brothers, under the firm name of Maltbie & Judson. After three years in this business, the firm sold out to Messrs. Curtis & Smart and Mr. Judson subsequently went to Reading, Michigan, where he opened a dry-goods store, which he successfully conducted six years. He then returned to Painesville, and became a salesman for Mr. S. G. Pancost, in the dry goods business, remaining with that gentleman seven years. In 1880, Mr. Judson started his present store, and in 1881 took Mr. Smart into partnership, the firm becoming Judson & Stuart. They have a large double store and three rooms below for carpet and cloak rooms, and carry a complete stock of high-grade goods, their business being conducted 538 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY entirely on the merit of their merchandise, by which means they have secured the confidence and patronage of the people. In 1860, Mr. Judson was married to Mary J. Huston, a lady of domestic tastes, who is a native of Leroy township, Lake county, and they have two children: Lucius E., Jr., and Clyde H. Mr. Judson advocates the principles of the Republican party, and both he and his wife are useful members of the Congregational Church, in which he is a Trustee. Both have personally many friends and well wishers and are representative residents of a typical American city. H. P. SMITH, one of the representative 1 citizens of Ashtabula county, Ohio, was born in Dorset township, May 8, 1836, a son of John and Charlotte (Cottrell) Smith, natives of Massachusetts, but early settlers of this township. The father was a son of John and Mary (Bent) Smith. John Smith, Sr., was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his son, the father of our subject, took part in the war of 1812. The latter was reared, educated and married in his native State, and was a farmer all his life. He came by wagon to Ohio in 1820, and resided in Jefferson a few days, until he could erect a log house on his land. His house, built in the dense woods, was 20 x 18 feet. He cleared about 400 acres of land, and at that time the woods were filled with wolves, bear and deer. On landing in this county Mr. Smith had only $1 in money, with which he purchased a grindstone. In 1836 he erected the first brick house in this part of Ashtabula county, making his own brick for the construction of the same. Mr. Smith was a man of determination and pluck, was a stanch Whig in political matters, and held many of the township offices. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were the parents of the following children: John C., who died in 1892; Mary, wife of Chester Chapin, of Dorset; Alexander H., of Dorset; Philander, deceased; George, deceased; Philander (2d), deceased; H. P., our subject; Rufus, a resident of Nashville, Tennessee, and Lucy, deceased. H. P. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the old home farm in Dorset, and received but a limited education, as his help was required in clearing the farm and assisting in the duties at home. At the age of twenty-one years he began work in an oar shop, where he was employed about ten years. Mr. Smith then located on his present farm of 100 acres of well improved land in Dorset township. He has one of the best residences in this part of Ashtabula county. The same was erected in 1891, and is constructed of tile or hollow brick, is two stories high, and 30 x 35 feet in dimensions. He also has good barns and other substantial improvements, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Smith also owns 100 acres of timber land in Dorset. In 1876 be was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Bissell, a native of Geauga county, Ohio, and a daughter of Pezorra Bissell, a resident of Orwell, this State. The fruit of their union was five children, viz.: Agnes, Lizzie, Maude, Henry and Emma. The wife and mother died November 4, 1887, and in 1890 Mr. Smith married Mrs. Addie Bing- man, widow of Fred Bingman, and a daughter of Adam and Isabella (Morgan) Archibald. They came from England to America about 1850, locating in Virginia, where OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 539 Mrs. Smith was born. In 1854 they settled in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and later came to Trumbull county, Ohio, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Archibald had ten children, tour now living: Lizzie, wife of Tyrus Price, of Hubbard, this State; Cynthia, wife of Andrew De Vosse, also of that place; John, a resident of Coalfield, lowa; and Addie, wife of our subject. Mr. Smith was made a Mason about thirty years ago, and is now a member of the Golden Rule Lodge, of Cherry Valley. He affiliates with the Republican party, has held the office of School Director, and is one of the leading and enterprising citizens of Ashtabula county. He is purely a self-made man, having risen, by his own industry and perseverance, from the bottom round of the ladder to his present high position. S. O. STILLMAN, a successful farmer of Andover township, Ashtabula county, was born in the house in which he still resides, August 31, 1835, a son of Erastus and Sarah (Seymour) Stillman. The father was born September 22, 1783, and died June 8, 1869. He was one of the first settlers of Dense Woods (Andover) Ashtabula county, where he was obliged to cut his own roads. The mother was born December 15, 1796, and died December 10, 1878. S. O. Stillman, the subject of this sketch, and the youngest in a family of five children, was reared to farm life on the old home farm, and received his education in the first frame schoolhouse. He now owns 162 acres of rich farming land, where, in addition to general fanning and stock-raising, he conducts a dairy. Mr. Stillman was married July 4, 1856, to Jane Merrill, who was born and reared in Andover this county, a daughter of Norman and Minerva (Stewart) Merrill. The father was born July 10, 1784, came from Hartford, Connecticut, to Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1819, and his death occurred May 15, 1861. The mother was born at Williamstown, Massachusetts, April 17, 1791, and died November 8, 1878. They were the parents of nine children, three now living: Harriett, of Perry county, Ohio; Henry L., of Kansas, and Jane, wife of our subject. The deceased were: Trumbull, Judson, Mary, Edmond, Philander and Newton. Edmond was a soldier in the late war. Mr. and Mrs. Stillman have two children: Herbert E., who married Blanch Platt, and who has four children: Samuel, Lena and Rae and Rex (twins). The daughter, Mary L., formerly a teacher by occupation, is the wife of Will Skells, and they have one daughter, Kate. Mr. Stillman affiliates with the Republican_ party. He has been a member of the School Board for thirteen years. J. W. WILKINS, one of the well-known citizens of Ashtabula county, was born in New York, November 16, 1835, being a son of Preston and Nancy (Coburn) Wilkins. At the age of three years our subject came with his parents to Ashtabula county, Ohio, later spent three years in Hillsdale county, Michigan ; was next at Mineral Poiut, Grant county, Wisconsin, and afterward went to Leavenworth, Kansas. In the summer of 1857 Mr. Wilkins drove a six-mule Government team to Salt Lake, with a stock of clothing. At that time he traveled hundreds of miles without seeing a house, 540 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and the country was the habitation of Indians, wolves and buffalo. After reaching Salt Lake he went overland to Los Angeles, California, spending seven months on the road, and afterward returned to New York, via the Isthmus. Mr. Wilkins then lived for a time on a farm in Rockland county. In 1861 he enlisted for service in the late war, joining the Seventeenth New York Infantry, served two years, and was detailed as teamster. He afterward served one year on the navy, near Pensacola, Florida, and was honorably discharged in July, 1864. Mr. Wilkins next lived for a time in Oceana county, Michigan, and then came to Ashtabula county, Ohio. He was married in Dorset township, this county, to May, a daughter of George Richards. To this union has been born one daughter, Stella, wife of E. E. Shrague. Politically, Mr. Wilkins affiliates with the Republican party, and socially, is a member of the G. A. R., Kile Post, No. 80. JAMES H. COOK, one of the most in( telligent and progressive farmers of Perry township, Lake county, Ohio, is a native of this township, born February 6, 1839. Joseph Cook, his father, was born in Essex county, New York, in 1800, and was married in that State to Nancy Richmond, a native of Massachusetts, the date of her birth being May, 1807. They were among the early settlers of this country, coming here in 1831. Joseph Cook was a blacksmith by trade, and as such was a prominent factor in the early history of Perry township. He bought fifteen acres of land on the North Ridge road, where his shop was located. For a number of years he also kept the postoffice. Politi cally, be was a Democrat. He died September 13, 1844. In their family of twelve children James H. was the seventh born, and ore of the ten who reached mature years. The mother died February 17, 1875, at the age of seventy years. At the time of her death she was the wife of Horace Lamson, having married him in 1852. She was a woman of sterling qualities and deep religious convictions, and for over thirty years was a member of the Church of Christ. James H. Cook received his early training in the district schools, hut the chief part of his education has been gained in the school of experience, he having started out in life on his own responsibility at the age of sixteen. When he was seventeen he engaged in grafting trees, in pursuance of which business he traveled through Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, Florida and North Caroplina. After his marriage Mr. Cook settled down on his present farm of 120 acres of improved land. The soil here is varied and is well adapted to general farming, in which Mr. Cook is engaged. He has ten acres of fine onion land and raises large crops of onions. Since locating here he built his barns and fine frame residence, and from time to time has made other improvements, the general surroundings of which all indicate the owner to be a man of enterprise and thrift. Mr. Cook's attractive home is presided over by a wife of culture and refinement. He was married November 22, 1865, to Ann M. Wood, a native of this township. Her father, Otis M. Wood, was born in Vermont, November 29, 1801, and in 1816 came with with his father, Lewis Wood, to this county and settled in Perry township near the lake. Lewis Wood lived here until 1815, when he went to Cass county, Illinois, and there spent OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 541 the residue of his life and there died. Otis M. remained here, married Electa Lyman, and reared, a family. He was engaged in farming all his life, and died at the age of sixty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have one child, Willis W., at home. Politically, Mr. Cook is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity in Painesville, and both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Such, in brief, is a sketch of the life of one of the most prominent and successful farmers of Lake county. HON. BENJAMIN B. WOODBURY, deceased, was for mnny years prominently and closely identified with the history of Geauga county, and this volume would be incomplete without his biography. He was born at New London, New Hampshire, in the month of December, 1810, and was the son of Daniel Woodbury, who emigrated from New England to Ohio in 1834, and settled in Newbury township, Geauga county. His wife's maiden name was Rap, simi Messenger, and she was a native of Massachusetts. She became the mother of eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity. The father and mother lived out their allotted three-score years and ten, he passing away at the age of seventy-six, and she at the age of seventy-nine. Their son, B. B. Woodbury, received his education in the common schools and at the academy at Concord. He was a bright student, and began teaching at the early age of seventeen years, and for a number of terms followed this profession. In 1832 he removed to Lake county, Ohio, and for two years was employed as clerk in a store in Concord township, Lake county. He then went as clerk on a river steamboat, working his way up until he became captain of an Ohio river vessel. Returning to Ohio, he was married and embarked in mercantile business, which he conducted four years. His next investment was in land. He purchased 600 acres south of Chardon, and also dealt extensively in cattle which he purchased, fattened and sold to Eastern dealers who traveled through the country. He carried on this industry until 1867, when he sold his land and came to Chardon. For a few months he was interested in a wholesale grocery business in Toledo, but disposed of this, and came back to Chardon. After the destructive fire of 1868, he was prominent among the earnest and energetic men who rebuilt the business portion of the town.. He was one of the principals in the organization of the Geauga Savings & Loan Association, and was its presi dent from 1872 to the time of his death, which sad event occurred April 11, 1888. Politically, he was a Jeffersonian Democrat until 1844, when lie withdrew his support on account of the 'increasing demands of Southern Democrats for slave territory. He despised and abhorred the curse which rested upon this fair land, and in 1844 he became an Abolitionist, and cast his vote with the Republican party in 1856. He served as County Commissioner two terms, and was elected a member of the House of Representatives of Ohio in 1861, and re-elected in 1863, serving through four years of the most critical period of the nation's history. He was very active in raising recruits and money for carrying on the war, and gave his best efforts toward the perpetuity of the Government. During the last ten years of his life he was one of the trustees of the 542 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY State Imbecile Asylum at Columbus. He was not a member of any church, but belonged to the Congregational society, and contributed generously toward the building and support of the church. He was a man of great benevolence, liberal and kind to the poor and needy, and helped many to success and to lives of usefulness. Beginning life without means, he had a ready sympathy for the unfortunate, and although success attended his efforts he never lost charity for those who failed of success. Mr. Woodbury was united in marriage July 9, 1840, to Mary A. Murray, who was born in Lake county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Sarah (Blaine) Murray; Mr. Murray was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born at sea while his parents were coming to America, and his wife was a native of Northumberland, Pennsylvania, of Scotch extraction. They were early settlers in Concord township, removing to that place in 1812. Mr. Murray was a large land-owner and also dealt extensively in cattle. He was quite successful in his business operations, and was well known for his honesty and uprightness. He was a loan of progressive ideas and public-spirited. He was very popular with the people, and a potential factor in the development of Chardon. Mrs. Woodbury resides at her pleasant home in Chardon, secure in the esteem of the community of which she has so long been a member. DR. MARCUS KINGSLEY, physician and surgeon, Kingsville, Ohio, was born in Barrington, Yates county, New York, March 15, 1837. His parents, Simeon and Lima (Stanton) Kingsley, were natives of Rhode Island and Connecticut respectively, and descendants of old New England families. His father, a wagon and buggy manufacturer, died in 1844, at the age of about fifty years; his mother, in 1888, aged eighty-seven. The latter united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in early life and remained a consistent member of the same until she was called to her home above. Dr. Kingsley is the youngest of five children, three sons and two daughters. One brother, Gilbert F., resides on a farm in Monroe township, Ashtabula county. George W. resides in Dundee, Yates county, New York. The Doctor received a common-school and academic education, and at the age of eighteen began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. George Z. Noble, at Dundee, New York, to which place his mother had moved soon after his father's death. Since 1860 he has been a resident of Kingsville, Ohio, where he began his practice, in April of that year. After practicing under a certificate of the Ohio Homeopathic Society for a number of years, he entered the Homeopathic Hospital College of Cleveland, of which institution he is a graduate. During his long professional career here, he has established a reputation not only as a skillful physician, but also as a worthy citizen, winning the respect and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact, either in a social, business or professional way. He came to Kingsville an entire stranger, with limited means, and found here a prejudice against his school: today he has a large and lucrative practice, and is ranked with the leading physicians of the county. He is examiner for the United States Mutual Accident Company. He is a Republican in politics and an active worker in the ranks of his party, having been elected and served as Coroner, and for a short time filled the office of Sheriff, the incumbent hav- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 543 ing died. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln. In educational matters he has taken a prominent part, having been for many years the School Board Clerk. He was active in organizing the Kingsville Special School District, and nearly all his active life has been a member of the School Board. He was one of the Trustees of the Cemetery Association, and for two years President of the Board of Trustees. Ile was also instrumental in organizing the Evangelical Society of North Kingsville, and assisted materially in erecting an edifice for public worship. Dr. Kingsley is identified with the Kingsville State Police Association; is hononary member of the Ontario and Yates County Medical Society, of New York, and the Ohio Homeopathic Medical Society; and for thirty years has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, affiliating with blue lodge, Orien, No. 353, of Kingsville; Western Reserve Chapter, Ashtabula, No. 65 ; Conneaut Council, No. 40; and Cache Commandery, No. 27. He is Past Master of the blue lodge. In politics he is a Republican, and has been a prominent and active member of that party. Dr. Kingsley has been twice married. March 3, 1870, he wedded Miss Celina S. Smith, daughter of J. C. and C. M. Smith, of North Kingsville. She died in April, 1882, at about the age of forty years. She was an active member of the Baptist Church of Kingsville, and in every respect was a most estimable lady. August 8, 1883, he married Miss Jennie M. Tracey, daughter of Mrs. Lorenda Tracey, of Jamestown, New York. They have two children: Marcus, Jr., and Neva T, Mrs. Kingsley's father died January 7, 1860, at the age of fifty-seven years, she being six months old at that time. Her mother is still a resident of Jamestown, and her only sister, Nettie, wife of Charles P. Bush, lives in Portland, Oregon. Mrs. Kingsley and Mrs. Bush were both successful teachers previous to their marriage, the former being a graduate of the Worthington Business College of Jamestown. She is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Orien Chapter, No. 12, of Kingsville, of which she is Worthy Matron, and is also Conductress of the Grand Chapter of the State. DR. GEORGE A. HURST, a physician and surgeon of Dorset, Ashtabula county, was born at North Royalton, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, August 18, 1847, a son of William and Mary (Willman) Hurst, natives of England. The parents came to America when quite young, and were reared in Cleveland, Ohio. The father, a farmer by occupation, is deceased, but the mother still survives. They had four children: George A., our subject; Jane, wife of Thomas Francis, of Lorain county, Ohio; Matilda, wife of Hen-. drick Raymond, of Labette county, Kansas; and Sarah, now Mrs. Thomas J. Horley, of Columbia, Lorain county. George A. Hurst, the subject of this sketch, enlisted for service in the late war, March 4, 1864, at the age of sixteen years, entering Company F, Second Ohio Cavalry, and was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, October 11, 1865. He took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Petersburg, Winchester, in the raid around Richmond, and in the Shenandoah valley. He was present at the Grand Review. Although but a boy, Mr. Hurst was a valiant soldier during the entire struggle. After returning from the army he spent three terms in the school of Berea, Ohio, and then took a commercial 544 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY course in the Spencerian College at Geneva. Mr. Hurst next began reading medicine with F. G. Spencer, of Cherry Valley, and completed his medical course at the Eclectic College, of Cincinnati, in June, 1876. Since that time he has followed his profession in Dorset, and by his skill and proficiency has built up a large and lucrative practice. Mr. Hurst is a member of the National and Ohio State Medical Associations, and was appointed a member of the World's Congress Auxiliary of the World's Columbian Exposition, at Chicago. He affiliates with the Democratic party, has served as Director of the Board of Education, and is still a member of that body. The Doctor was married in 1869, to Miss Mary C. Phillips. They have four sons: William A., George S., Jonas L. and Frank E. Dr. Hurst is a self-made man and one of great push and enterprise. C. M. WILKINS, of Ashtabula county, Ohio, was born in Chenango county, New York, September 8, 1828, a son of Preston T. Wilkins, also a native of that county. His father, Cooly Wilkins, was born in New England, of English descent. The mother of our subject, nee Nancy Coburn, was born in Chenango county, New York, a daughter of Amariah Coburn, a native also of that State. In 1837 Mr. and Mrs. l'reston Wilkins located at Pierpont, Ashtabula county, Ohio, and in the following year, came to Andover township. The mother died at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, at the age of fifty-one years, and the father at Andover, Ohio, at the age of seventy-one. The latter was a blacksmith by trade. C. M. Wilkins, one of twelve children, came, at the age of nine years, to this county, where he was afterward employed as a tinner and telegraph operator. In August, 1862, he enlisted for service in the late war, entering the Eighth United States Infantry, as a musician, and serving until honorably discharged from the army. At that time he was obliged to walk with crutches. After rementurning to Andover Mr. Wilkins resumed work at the tinner's trade, later was engaged as a telegraph operator and agent on the Franklin Branch of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad for a period of ten years, but since that time has made his home at Andover. At the age of twenty-three years our subject was united in marriage to Philena M. Root, a native of this township and a daughter of Warren and Alice (Strickland) Root. To this union was born one daughter, Alice, now the wife of J. W. Sutton, of Bucyrus, Ohio. They have three children: Grace, Charles and Robert. Mrs. Wilkins died December 29, 1861, and August 28, 1862, Mr. Wilkins married Charlotte P. Mosley, a native of Wayne township, Ashtabula county, and a daughter of William Mosley. The mother of Mrs. Wilkins was a niece of Joshua R. Giddings. Our subject affiliates with the Republican party, and in 1888 was elected to the position of Mayor of Andover. Socically he is a member of the G. A. R., Kile Post, No. 80, and of the Masonic order. JOSIAH FIFIELD, a retired farmer and one of the most substantial men of Ashtabula county, has been identified with this county all his life, having been born in Conneaut, October 16, 1821. His parents, Benjamin F. and Hannah (Abbott) Fifield, were natives of Vermont OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 545 and New Hampshire respectively. Benjamin F, Fifield came to Ohio about 1816 with his mother, and was among the early pioneers of Ashtabula county, where he was engaged in farming until the time of his death. During the war of 1812 he enlisted in the service, but the war closed before his regiment was called into action. He was born in 1793 and died in 1871. In early life he was a stanch Whig, but later was a Republican, A Deacon in the Christian Church and an honorable and upright man, his integrity was never questioned, and few men in the county were more highly respected than he. His wife, born in November, 1797, died in April, 1885. She, too, was a member of the Christian Church, having obeyed the gospel in her girlhood days, and her whole life was adorned with Christian graces. The Abbotts were also among the pioneers of Ohio, having settled on the lake shore at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Fifield had two children, Laura Ann and Josiah. The former died in 1841, aged nineteen years. Josiah Fifield was reared a farmer, which occupation he has followed through life. He was married April 6, 1843, to Miss Emma T. Ford, daughter of Ambrose and Amanda (Barnum) Ford. Her mother, a cousin of P. T. Barnum, died at the age of twenty-five years. and her father lived to be seventy- eight, his death occurring in Pierpont, this county, where he had lived on a farm for many years. Mrs. Fifield and her sister, Abbie, widow of John Miller, are the only survivors in a family of five children. The family of Josiah F. Fifield consisted of three children, namely: B. Ambrose, who was born December 28, 1844, and died October 24, 1864, aged twenty years; Greenleaf F.; and Ella M., wife of F. W. Chidester. Mrs. Fifield has been a member of the Baptist Church since her seventeenth year. Since 1855 Mr. Fifield has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter and council. He has served as Worthy Master of the lodge and High Priest of the chapter. Politically, he is a Republican. C. W. OSBORNE, a prominent attorney and esteemed citizen of Painesville, Ohio, was born in Mesopotamia, this State, December 31, 1845. He comes of an old and highly respected family, his grandfather having been a Presbyterian minister of New York State, where he died in middle life. Rev. Hezekiah W. Osborne, father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of the Empire State and a graduate of a prominent college of that commonwealth. After graduation he took a theological course at Yale University. He fitted himself for a foreign missionary, but on the completion of his studies, the society, under whose auspices he was to be sent abroad, had exhausted its financial resources. He therefore came West to Trumbull county, Ohio, preaching in Mesopotamia sixteen years, next removing to Hampden, where he filled the pulpit in the Congregation Church two years, or until his death in October, 1854. A man of superior ability and quick sympathies, he found a large field for philanthropic efforts in the troublous times preceding the Civil war. He was a strong Abolitionist and was a member of an underground railway association, assisting many slaves to freedom. His wife, nee Evelina Smith, was a native of Connecticut, but was mainly reared in New York State. She attended a ladies' seminary for several years and subsequently devoted her time to 546 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY teaching until her marriage. She survived her husband a number of years, dying in 1888, at an advanced age. She was for many years a Presbyterian, but eventually joined the Congregational Church. She was the mother of three children: Sarah A., wife of John Castle; C. W., whose name heads this notice; and William H., a lawyer of Chardon. The subject of this sketch received his preliminary education in the common and high schools of Hampden and afterward graduated at Kingsville Academy. Owing to lack of means, he did not take a course in college, but taught for two years in the academy, during which time he gave much attention to the study of languages. Determining upon the practice of law as his life profession he devoted his spare time while teaching to that study, later entering the office of Messrs. Canfield & Canfield, both eminent lawyers of Chardon. In September, 1872, Mr. Osborne was admitted to the bar and at once began to practice in Chardon, in partnership with Tilden W. Porter, with whom he successfully continued until Mr. Porter's retirement on account of ill health. Mr. Osborne then became associated with Hon. I. N. Hathaway, an attorney of ability and successful practice, with whom he remained until 1889, when he removed to Painesville, where he now has a large and lucrative clientage. August 21, 1872, Mr. Osborne was married to Miss Flora A. Maynard, an estimable lady of Hampden, Ohio, who was for several years a successful teacher of music in that vicinity. Her father, Lewis G. Maynard, was a prominent pioneer of Geauga county, and belonged to an old and respected family in the East. Her mother, nee Elvira Blakeslee, born in Hartford, Connecticut, was also a pioneer. She came early in life to Claridon, Geauga county, Ohio, and was a teacher for a number of years before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Osborne have five children: Merton S., Allyn L., Carlotta M., Bessie E. and Carrie E. In politics Mr. Osborne upholds the principles of the Republican party. His father having been an ardent Abolitionist, the subject of this sketch was reared in close sympathy with the doctrines of that party and early imbibed its strongest anti-slavery sentiments. He has taken an active part in local politics since 1868, ably advocating on the stump the principles of his party. He was for five years Prosecuting Attorney of Geauga county, and was for a number of years a member of the Board of Education and of the village Council of Chardon, infusing new life into those offices by his unfaltering energy and business ability. He is fraternally a member of the Masonic order and has held the highest positions in the local bodies of that order. In civil life his conduct has been such that he commands the universal esteem of his fellow men. CHARLES TATGENHORST, foreman of the car department at the Nickel-Plate shops, Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Germany, February 25, 1848, and brought with him to this country the thrift and energy so characteristic of the people of his native land. His parents, Frederick and Sophia (Hunterman) Tatgenhorst, both natives of Germany, landed in America about 1869, two years after the arrival of their son in this country. Frederick Tatgenhorst did an extensive business as a shoemaker in Germany, and after coming to the United States and OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 547 settling in Steubenville, Ohio, opened a shop for the same business, which he followed up to the time of his death, April 25, 1891, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife died January 16, 1881, at the age of sixty-two. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. In their family were four sons and two daughters, namely: Charles, the subject of this sketch; Didrich, who died in Steubenville, Ohio, at the age of thirty-one years; Christopher, a resident of East Liverpool, Ohio; Harmon, of Wichita, Kansas; Kate, wife of Henry Cook, of East Liverpool; and Kazena, who died at the age of twelve years. Charles Tatgenhorst received his education in his native land. He learned the carpenters' trade there, and worked at it from the time he was fourteen until he was nineteen, at which age he came to America. He set sail from Bremen, April 16, and after a pleasant voyage landed in New York on the 28th of the same month, 1867. Three days after landing in that city he was met by his uncle, William Tatgenhorst, of Albany, New York, to which place they went. After working on the farm with his uncle one month, and feeling the need of learning our language, he obtained employment with eight other men, none of whom could speak German, and he soon learned the English tongue. Next, we find him at Steubenville, Ohio, where he had German acquaintances, and where he worked at his trade fourteen years, his parents in the meantime having settled there. In 1871 he spent five months in Kansas City, Missouri, at the end of which time he returned to Steubenville, and from there went to Dennison, Ohio, where he was employed in the Pan-Handle shops three years and a half. After that he spent five months in East Liverpool, building houses. Then he went to Bridgeport, Ohio, and built twenty houses for the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Railroad Company, after which he was employed in the same company's shops at Lorain one year. In 1882 he entered the service of the Nickel-Plate Road. In their employ he traveled through the West, going from La Fayette to Chicago, then to Lima, and from there to Conneaut. Since 1882 he has been foreman of the car department of the Nickel-Plate shops at Conneaut. Mr. Tatgenhorst made his own start in the world, and by his honest toil and careful economy has won his way to success. He owns four beautiful houses nicely located on Liberty street. Mr. Tatgenhorst was married, January 16, 1868, at Steubenville, Ohio, to Augusta Ohm, daughter of Christian and Hannah Ohm, of Germany. Four of the nine Ohm children grew to maturity, Augusta being the only one who ever came to America. He and his wife have three children: Sophia, Kate and Minnie. Sophia is the wife of William Attwood, a native of Sheffield, England, who has been in this country seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Attwood have one child, Charley. Mr. Tatgenhorst and his wife and daughters are members of the Congregational Church. He is a Mason and an Odd-Fellow, and in politics is a Republican. H. C. WHITTEKIN, civil engineer and surveyor, Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, August 22, 1851. His parents, Frank and Martha (Koch) Whittekin, were natives of Germany, and were married in Pennsylvania. His father was born in June, 1799, came to America in 1836; settled in Pittsburgh; was a farmer and 548 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY furnace contractor; was self-made, lived an honorable and upright life, and won the respect of all who knew him. He died August 23, 1863. The mother was born in June, 1822; came to America in December, 1835; settled in Cleveland, and a year later moved to Pittsburgh. In 1842 she went with her husband to Venango county, Pennsylvania, where they bought a farm and spent the rest of their lives. Her death occurred in June, 1891. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. Their four children are as follows: Marv; Albert F., who married Edith Moore, of Venango county, is engaged in farming in Pennsylvania; H. C., the subject of our sketch; and Frank F., who learned civil engineering with his brother, and who married Addie C. Chadman, resides in Tionesta, Forest county, Pennsylvania, he being chief engineer of the Philadelphia, Honesdale & Albany Railroad. H. C. Whittekin received his early education behind the kitchen stove, his mother being the instructor. She was a woman of marked intellect, and had an excellent education, being a graduate of the school at Erfurt, Germany, and also having had experience as a teacher. She is said to have been better posted in politics than any one else in the county. Her specialty, however, was mathematics, in which science she took particular delight. She continued her studies all her life, being as much of a student at sixty as at twenty. Mr. Whittekin's first business enterprise was in drilling and prospecting for oil in Pennsylvania in 1866. He was successful at this for a time and continued the business until 1872, when he sold his interest and took up civil engineering. Then he spent some time in the Western States and Territories, being in Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Washington, Oregon and California, a portion of the time in the employ of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company. In 1880 he located in Forest county, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the real-estate business and surveying, making that place his home until 1891. Then he traveled through Mexico, in the interest of the Mexican National Railroad Company, and afterward in the United States of Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Chili and Patagonia, prospecting for railroad enterprises, in the employ of the United States of Colombia. Since locating in Conneaut he has been engaged in civil engineering and the real-estate business. He was married, in 1892, to Miss Alberta E. Lowden, daughter of Rev. E. T. Lowden, of Nebraska, Forest county, Pennsylvania. They have one child, Frank L. Mr. Whittekin is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is prominently known in Masonic circles. He is a member of blue lodge, No. 557, Olive, Pennsylvania; Conneaut Chapter, Conneaut, Ohio; Keystone Council, Pennsylvania; Cache Commandery, Conneaut ; Pittsburgh Grand Consistory, Pennsylvania; and Syria Temple Shrine, Pittsburgh. His political views are in harmony with Republican principles, and he has always been identified with that party. GEORGE W. TRAVER, who is engaged in the real-estate and insurance business in Conneaut, Ohio, has been identified with the interests of this city since 1883. Mr. Traver was born in Canada, December 6, 1837, and his parents, Jonathan and Anna (Weeks) Traver, are natives respectively of Kinderhook, New York, and St. Albans, Ver- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 549 mont. Jonathan Traver was born March 17, 1801, and is now a venerable citizen of Conneaut, having resided here since 1889. He is a veteran of the Canada Rebellion, having served on the Reformers' side. Until the early part of the present year (1893) he has never employed the services of a physician, and for a man of his age is remarkably well preserved in both mind and body. He has been an Elder in the Presbyterian Church for more than two generations. His wife was a Presbyterian until quite recently, when she united with the Congregational Church. They have had eight children, as follows: Delia, widow of Peter Yager, resides with her parents in this city; Angeline, widow of Cephas Peterson, is a resident of West Superior, Wisconsin ; Marshall, a resident of Bridgeman, Michigan; George W.; Rev. Albert Traver, minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Brockville, Canada, (lied at the age of thirty-six years; Louise, wife of Charles Arthur, of Trenton, Canada, died at the age of twenty-four years; and Edwin and Charles, hardware merchants of Conneaut. George W. Traver received his education in Canada, and for three years taught school there. In 1857 he engaged in the carriage business in Chicago, Illinois, and was thus employed until the war came on. In October, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Seventeenth Kansas Volunteer Regiment, which company he raised in Leavenworth, Kansas. His first battle was that of Prairie Grove, Missouri. He afterward participated in the battle of Pea Ridge and numerous other engagements. After the war Mr. Traver returned to Chicago and engaged in the stone business in Chicago and Lemont, Illinois, being thus engaged until 1876. By the great Chicago fire he lost everything he had except his pluck and energy. Subsequently he was connected with Kimball & Co. in Alabama, that firm having the contract to build five locks in the Tennessee river. In 1883 he came from Alabama to Conneaut, Ohio, where he has since resided. He was engaged in the hardware business here until the spring of 1891, when he sold out to Hubbard & Co. Since that time he has been doing a real-estate and insurance business, and has been very successful in his operations. He was elected a member of the City Council in April, 1891, and is still serving as such. Mr. Traver was married, in 1880, to Miss Tillie Alexander, daughter of James Alexander, of Leighton, Alabama. She is a graduate of Tuscumbia college. They have three children: Albert, Velma and Anna. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, of which he is now serving as Deacon, Treasurer and Trustee. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and has been identified with the Masonic fraternity for the past twenty years. Politically, he is a Republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. L. A. THAYER, who is engaged in the lumber business at Conneaut, Ohio, was born in this county, August 11, 1826, son of Jacob and Harriet (Kent) Thayer, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of Vermont. Jacob Thayer was one of the earliest pioneers of Conneaut. He came here in 1812 and settled on the farm now owned by L. A. Thayer and his son, D. C. Thayer. He and his wife had a family of six sons and three daughters, namely: Luke, Lewis, Jacob, Andrew, Galand and John, and Annis, Sallie and Abigail, most of whom have passed away. Both parents were members of the