(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 550 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Methodist Episcopal Church and were among the most substantial and highly respected people of the community. The father died in August, 1866, at the age of seventy-six years, and the mother died December 3, 1835, aged thirty-four, consumption being the fatal disease that called her to an early grave. Her parents died at the home of Jacob Thayer many years ago. The Kent family was composed of four children: Hiram, Asa, Harriet and Irene, all-having passed away except one. L. A. Thayer, the subject of this sketch, has been engaged in the lumber business for many years, at the same time conducting farming operations on his land. Mr. Thayer was one of the charter members of what is now the First National Bank of Conneaut, having served as a director of the same. He has been a Councilman of Conneaut several terms. October 15, 1850, Mr. Thayer married Miss Laura M. Haviland, daughter of John and Mary (Hayward) Haviland. John Haviland was born in Danville, Vermont, June 26, 1792; married Mary Hayward in 1814; came out to Conneaut, Ohio, in 1816, when this country was all a wilderness, it being three months before his wife saw another woman here. Mrs. Haviland died in 1847, and a few years later Mr. Haviland married Miss Uranie Spalding, who was born in Chelsea, Vermont, August 11, 1806, and who died March 11, 1892. Her parents settled in the town of Monroe, Ohio, in 1816. She was the youngest in a family of eight, all of whom have passed away. In the Haviland family were eight children, three of whom are living, namely: Mrs. L. A. Thayer, Mrs. Alvin Huntley, and Mrs. Augustus Horton. Mr. arid Mrs. Thayer have five children, as follows: Alice, wife of George W. Miley, Chicago, has two children, Lewis and Frederick G.; Burton E., whose biography follows this sketch; Carlos H., Hinsdale, Illinois, married Amy Slocum, of that place, and has one child, Robert T.; Danford, a resident of the southern part of Conneaut township, married Rosa Krornmer; Edson C., of Conneaut, married Nellie Ford, and has one child, Frank B. Both Mr. Thayer and his wife are members of the Christian Church, of which he is a Deacon and Trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Republican. He and his good wife are highly respected residents of the county. They encountered many of the deprivations and trials incidental to Ohio pioneer life. Burton E. Thayer, Cashier of the First National Bank of Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Ashtabula county, this State, January 18, 1855, son of L. A. Thayer. He received his education in Conneaut and Painesville. His first business enterprise was that conducted under the firm name of Guthrie & Thayer, the firm being in the drug business two years. Then for three years he was Deputy Postmaster under M. B. Keyes, after which he was bookkeeper for S. J. Smith until the First National Bank was organized, since which time he has been cashier of the bank. He helped to organize the bank of Lake, Thayer & Smith, and afterward the First National Bank. He has been associated in business with Mr. Smith for the past seventeen years. In 1887 he established a livery business in Conneaut, and is still interested in the same, having begun on a small scale and from year to year increased his facilities until he now keeps twenty-six horses and a fine assortment of carriages and other vehicles. Since March, 1892, he has had a half interest in the Commercial Hotel of Conneaut; and Conneaut, by the way, boasts of the best hotel OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 551 accommodations between Buffalo and Cleveland. Few men of this city have its best interests more at heart than he. For the past fifteen years he has served as Township Treasurer, his continued re-election being ample evidence of the high degree of satisfaction he has rendered. Mr. Thayer was married September 5, 1878, to Miss Clara Risdon, daughter of E. Risdon, of Conneaut. They have four children: Lee Carl, Alice E., Hazel J. and Harry E. In fraternal as well as business circles Mr. Thayer is prominently known. He is a member of Maple Lodge, No. 217, Conneaut, and also the Conneaut Division, No. 145, Uniform Rank, K. of P.; Evergreen Lodge, No. 222, F. & A. M.; Salem Lodge, No. 1314, K. of H.; Conneaut Council, No. 780, R. A. M., and Conneaut Tent, No. 100, K. O. T. M. Although not a church member, he attends the Christian Church and is a supporter of the same. HON. HENRY MEANS.---The legal profession in Geneva, Ohio, has no more able representative than the subject of this sketch, whose years of experience have but deepened those natural tendencies calculated to win success in this difficult calling. His parents, John. N. and Ellen (Pearson) Means, were both natives of Pennsylvania, his maternal grandparents being Quakers. His father was an extensive farmer, who, in 1864, met with a great misfortune in having both of his hands amputated by a mowing machine, and he lived thirty years in this maimed condition. He and his wife were worthy members of the Lutheran Church. The subject of this sketch was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, September 23, 1849, where his early years were passed. He received his education in the Grand River Institute in Austinburg, Ohio, at which he graduated in 1874. He subsequently taught school for several terms, after which he began the study of law in the office of his brother, L. H. Means, at Jefferson, Ohio. After four years of faithful prosecution of his studies, he was admitted to the bar in December, 1878, and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession in Geneva, which has ever since been his home. By careful attention to business, together with a thorough knowledge of his profession and a reputation for uprightness, he soon secured foremost rank in his calling and has continued in the confidence of the people. July 2, 1874, Mr. Means was married to Miss Hattie M. Bond, a lady of superior intelligence, residing in Rock Creek, Ohio, born in 1853. She is a daughter of Henry and Caroline (Hunt) Bond, natives of Chautauqua county, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Means have four children: William H., born August 6, 1875; Laura, born August 6, 1880; Ralph P., born in August, 1889; and Robert L., born June 19, 1892. In politics, Mr. Means is a Republican, and was honored by his constituents with election to the office of Mayor of Geneva, in April, 1892, and in the discharge of his duties has advocated every measure calculated to advance the interests of his favorite city. He is a director and stockholder in the First National Bank of Geneva, to which institution he has rendered able service by his wise and conservative judgment. He naturally takes a deep interest in educational matters and is a useful member of the School Board of his city. 552 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Mr. Means has shown marked talent as a public speaker and his services have been in demand in the political campaign and on public occasions of varied orders. A broad intelligence and true oratorical ability have given him a wide and popular reputation in this line. Fraternally, he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In religion, both he and his worthy wife are active members of the Congregational Church. A genial and unostentatious gentleman, able business man and lawyer, and progressive citizen, he enjoys the esteem of the community to the advancement of which he has devoted the best years of his life. JAMES B. McINTOSH, a prosperous farmer, residing one mile south of Windsor, Ohio, and a representative of an old and respected pioneer family of Ashtabula county, was born in Windsor township, this county. His father, James B. McIntosh, was also a native of Ohio and of good old New England ancestry, he having been identified with Windsor township from its earliest settlement. It was then covered with a primeval forest, the land which he purchased being overgrown with dense woods, which he assiduously cleared away and finally erected a good residence and barns, besides other buildings, cultivating a large and productive farm, which his descendants now enjoy. He married Rachel Rawson, also a member of a prominent pioneer family, who settled in Lorain county, Ohio, in an early day. There she was born. They had four children: George D., a commercial traveler, residing in Akron, Ohio; Frances, wife of M. M. Goddard, a respected citizen of Orwell, this State; Adelaide, wife of L. B. Bower, of Windsor; and James B., whose name heads this sketch. Thus happily placed, this worthy couple were separated by the death of the husband and father, who in the prime of manhood, at the age of thirty-three, succumbed to sickness, expiring December 15, 1855, leaving his wife, four children and many friends to mourn his loss. He was an able business man, a good neighbor, honorable, progressive citizen and faithful friend, and was greatly lamented by all who knew him. Thus left with the care of four children and the management of her farm, Mrs. McIntosh conclusively demonstrated her ability as a business woman and a worthy mother. Four years after the death of her husband she married Samuel C. Wilson, a prominent and respected citizen of Ashtabula county, who proved a most affectionate and kind father to the four children of his wife. Indeed, the subject of this sketch testifies in most glowing terms to the goodness of this worthy man. He says: "To my stepfather's early teaching, and paternal advice and watchfulness, I owe my manhood and financial success in life." Could a greater tribute be paid to any one? By her second marriage, Mrs. Wilson had four children: Elverton C., a well-to-do citizen of Mesopotamia; Samuel R. and -Perry A., both at home and unmarried; and Eva, an estimable lady, who married J. D. Howes, a respected citizen of Mesopotamia, and died in early womanhood, leaving seven children. James B. McIntosh, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on the home farm and received his primary education in the schools of his town, later going to Orwell Academy and Grand River Institute. He subsequently became a teacher in the district and graded OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 353 schools, in which profession he was eminently successful. With an earnest desire to travel and learn more of the world than could be acquired at home, he entered the employ of the Cleveland Lightning Rod Company, whom he served faithfully and efficiently for three consecutive years. At the end of this time, he severed his engagement with them and entered the employ of Sells Brothers Circus Company in the advance brigade, which responsible position he held satisfactorily for two years. He then accepted a similar position with O'Brien's Circus Company, with whom he continued a year. Having by this time sufficiently satisfied his curiosity for sight-seeing, he left the road and settled down to the solid comforts of home and the substantial enjoyments of farm life. He is to-day, by reason of his frugality and industry—qualities which he owes to the teachings of his stepfather—the owner of 107 acres of fine land, well adapted to tilling and stock-raising. The farm lies on either side of the public highway, and on the place are a comfortable farm residence, good barns and other buildings, all remodeled by Mr. McIntosh, and presenting a neat, thrifty, and homelike appearance. December 15, 1888, Mr. McIntosh was married to Miss Ellen Callender, an educated and accomplished lady, daughter of Robert Callender, deceased, who was a prominent resident of Hart's Grove, Ohio, and member of a family closely connected with the early history of that county. Mrs. McIntosh was one of ten children, three of whom died at an early age. Those living are here mentioned in the order of their birth: John; Ellen, wife of the subject of this sketch; Florence, now Mrs. John Hall of Cortland, Ohio; Wesley; Jennie, wife of H. W. Raw- don, of Windsor, same State; Guy S., a graduate of Oberlin College and now (1893) a member of the graduating class at Harvard University; and Sherman, a graduate of New Lyme Institute and the present principal of the Mesopotamia (Ohio) schools. Great praise is due these two brothers for their personal efforts in obtaining an education qualifying them for professional lives. Dependent on their own resources to obtain the necessary means, they did any and every kind of work, no matter how menial, to earn an honest dollar, and have been fully rewarded. Mrs. McIntosh also enjoyed superior educational advantages, her natural ability and taste leading her to select the art of dressmaking as a profession, a business which she still follows. Mrs. McIntosh and her husband lose no opportunity to see and enjoy the attractions of life, abroad and at home. Their hospitality is proverbial, the stranger ever finding a warm welcome. They are generous neighbors, sympathetic friends, and whole-souled hosts. They have one bright, vivacious little boy, Robert J., an only child, born October 7, 1886. Politically, Mr. McIntosh strongly advocates the principles of Democracy, thus following the life-long teachings of his stepfather, one of the most prominent Democrats of the county. Mr. McIntosh takes an active interest in the material, educational and moral advancement of his community, ever lending his influence and aid whenever occasion requires. DEREATH R. HOLCOMB, a well known farmer of Perry township, Lake county, Ohio, and a native of this county, was born in Leroy township, 554 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY December 18, 1845. Of his life and ancestry the following facts have been gleaned: The Holcomb family are descended from English ancestors. Three brothers of that name came from England to America at an early day, one settling in Virginia, one in Canada, and the other in Connecticut. The one who settled in Connecticut was the progenitor of the family to which the subject of our sketch belongs. Joel Holcomb, the grandfather of Dereath R., was a native of Connecticut. He moved with his family to New York and settled near Syracuse, from whence, in 1824, he made the journey with ox teams to Lake county, Ohio, and took up his abode in Leroy township. There he built his cabin in the forest, and amid pioneer scenes passed the residue of his life, dying at the age of nearly ninety years. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary war, had fought at Stony Point and West Point and in other battles along the Hudson river, and when his life work was ended he was buried in Leroy township with military honors. Marcus Holcomb, son of Joel and father of Dereath R., was born in Granby, Connecticut, April 20, 1807, and was eighteen years old when he landed with his father's family in Lake county, Ohio. He was married here to Lovisa Brooks, a native of Bennington, Vermont, born May, 1807. In 1815, when she was seven years old, she came to this county with her father, David Brooks, who settled on the South Ridge. After her marriage to Mr. Holcomb they settled in Leroy township and lived there until 1853, when they moved to the south part of Perry township. About the time the war broke out Marcus Holcomb located on the farm on which his son, Dereath R., now lives, and here spent the remaining years of his life. He worked on the Concord furnace and also on the railroad furnace. When a young man he was an exceptionally good wood-chopper, receiving extra pay for his work. He died July 24, 1880. In politics he was first a Whig, and later a Republican. His wife died October 29, 1883. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. They reared three children: Delorma, Lidora and Dereath R. Dereath R. Holcomb received his education in the district schools and the high school at Painesville. When he was twenty he began working the home place on the shares, and conducted the farm successfully. He now owns 100 acres, all improved land, and is engaged in general farming. Mr. Holcomb was married May 20, 1869, to Emma Champion, a native of this township and a daughter of Joel and Jemima (Gardner) Champion, both natives of New York State. Her parents came here in 1850, and are still residing on the old farm. Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb have one child, Frances. Mr. Holcomb affiliates with the Democratic party. He has served as a member of the School Board for a number of years. GEORGE W. AMSDEN, a well-to-do and highly respected farmer of Ashtabula township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, was born in Vermont, June 25, 1825. His early ancestors were English, who settled in Massachusetts in Colonial times. His grandfather, Abraham Amsden, was born near Boston, that State, where he was reared. He married Submit Moss, and they had six sons and four daughters. In 1828 he caught the infection of westward emigration, and with his family removed to Ashtabula county, OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 555 Ohio, settling on land in Ashtabula township, where he resided until his death. Samuel Amsden, his son, and father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Windsor, Vermont, October 20, 1799. His early life was passed in the East, where he married. A short time previous to 1828, the date of his father's removal to the frontier of Ohio, Samuel emigrated with his family to Ashtabula county, where he settled on land which he snccessfully improved, and on which he resided for many years. His wife, Abigail Hazelton, was the daughter of an early settler of Washington county, Vermont. They had five sons and two daughters: Laura, deceased; George W., whose name heads this sketch; Eunice; Gilson A., deceased; Edwin, Austin 0. and Lucius K. The subject of this biography was but three years of age when his parents came to Ashtabula county, which has ever since been his home. He was reared on the farm and attended the district schools. He afterward learned carpentry, and on attaining his majority worked at that trade, being thus employed for fifteen years. He then discontinued that occupation to engage in farming in Ashtabula township, and his practical knowledge gained in youth, his careful management, supple-mernted by a good amount of energy, caused him to be greatly prospered, and he is now justly numbered among the most substantial farmers of the county. In 1851 Mr. Amsden married Miss Emily A. Newell, an intelligent and amiable lady, who is a daughter of Harvey Newell, another early and prominent settler of this county. They have one son and one daughter. Mr. Amsden and his worthy wife are active members of the Reformed Episcopal Church, which receives much valuable aid from their hands. He is deeply interested in the wel fare of his county, the material and moral prosperity of which he has done much to advance, and justly takes precedence as an enterprising and public-spirited citizen. AMOS B. LUCE, ex-Treasurer of Ashtabula county, Ohio, and one of the most prominent and enterprising men of Kingsville township for many years, is now living retired. As he has been identified with this county all his life and is so well known here, a review of his life will be read with interest by many. Briefly given, it is as follows: Amos B. Luce was born in Kingsville, Ohio, March 6, 1825, son of Calvin and Susan (Batchelor) Luce, natives of Massachusetts and New Hampshire respectively, their marriage having occurred in Kingsville. Calvin Luce and an older brother, Artemus, came to Ashtabula county in 1810, and the following year their father, Mayhew Luce, came out here with the rest of the family, seven children in all, and settled in Kingsville, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits and where he passed the rest of his life. He died here in 1844. For many years he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also his wife, whose maiden name was Joannah Gorham. She survived him a number of years, remaining a widow. Their children have all passed away. Calvin Luce, like his father, was a farmer —an honest, enterprising successful farmer. Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. For about six years he served as one of the Infirmary Directors. He died Thursday, February 28, 1856, aged fifty-nine years. From a former publication we clip the following: "Calvin Luce came to 556 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY this township in boyhood and helped to remove the wilderness. He lived and died an honest man at peace with the world and with a treasure laid up beyond the power of rust, which he is now called to enjoy, leaving behind him a bright and beautiful example of Christian devotion and quiet, unostentatious deportment and philanthrophy, a rich consolation to many relatives and friends." His wife died March 24, 1887, aged eighty-six years. Her parents were Amos and Susannah (Baker) Batchelor. Her brothers and sisters removed to Ashtabula county, and are all now deceased. Amos B. Luce is an only child. He received an academic education and in early life developed a talent for music. After leaving school he engaged in farming, and for some time spent his winters in teaching music. He has been a leader of the church choir for forty years. He continued farming until he was forty, at which time he sold his farm, turned his attention to the mercantile business at Kingsville, conducting the same for twenty years. Then, having been elected County Treasurer, he sold his stock of goods and entered upon the duties of his official position. He held that office four years, being elected each time by a large majority, and according to law was not eligible for a third term. He served as Township Clerk some five years, and was Township Treasurer about the same length of time. This was before he was elected County Treasurer. He affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. Luce was married November 8, 1849, to Miss Calista E. Dibell, daughter of John and Densy (Baldwin) Dibell, the father a native of Berkshire, Massachusetts, and the mother of Durham, New York, their marriage occurring at the latter place. Soon after they were married Mr. and Mrs. Dibell came to Ohio, first settling in Denmark township, and in 1825 coming to Kingsville. Mr. Dibell was a farmer. He died August 30, 1873, at the age of eighty-five years and six months. His wife passed away March 17, 1874, aged eighty-seven years, eight months and twenty-one days. Both were members of the Baptist Church, in which for many years he was a Deacon. Following are the names of their seven children: Caroline, wife of Philetus Taylor, died April 19, 1889, aged eighty years: Elihu, who died in infancy; Sylvester B., of Wisconsin; Harvey L., deceased; Addison J., deceased; Calista E.; Timothy E., a resident of Michigan. John Dibell was one of the pioneer settlers of the Western Reserve and was well and favorably known here. His parents John and Sarah Dibell, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York, came to Ohio in 1811, where they passed the rest of their lives and where they died. Amos B. Luce and his wife have long been identified with the Baptist Church and he has been a Deacon in the same for many years. JOHN MOSHER, a venerable citizen of Willoughby, Ohio, was born in Deer- field, New York, February 16, 1816. James Mosher, his father, was a native of Pepperill, Massachusetts, born May 30, 1780. He went to New Hampshire when a young man, and for a time lived at Hollis Ridge. Subsequently he became a resident of New York State, where he worked at his trade, that of cooper. In 1831 he emigrated to Ohio and located in what is now Willoughby township, Lake county. Here he bought land, built a frame house, and cleared and improved a farm. He died May 27, 1865, and was buried on his eighty-fifth birthday. OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 557 His wife, Hannah (Pierce) Mosher, was born in Hollis, New Hampshire, March 11, 1781, and died January 11, 1857, aged seventy-seven years. Of their twelve children, John was the ninth born and is now the only one living. The subject of our sketch came to Ohio with his parents, and attended school for some time after coming here. His educational advantages, however, were limited. At the age of fourteen he began learning the trade of broom-maker, at which he worked after coming to Ohio until the business was no longer profitable. He has always lived on the farm upon which his father first settled, and in his youth and early manhood John rendered valuable assistance in helping to clear and improve it. This place comprises fifty acres of good land. May 10, 1838, Mr. Mosher married Miss Abbie Stevens, who was born in Manlius, New York, in 1821, daughter of Perry and Mary (Boss) Stevens, both natives of the Empire State. Her father was a harness-maker and veterinary surgeon. He died at the age of fifty-five years, and her mother at seventy-eight. Four of their eight children are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Mosher were married at Willoughby, and for fifty-five years have traveled life's pathway together, sharing each other's joys and sorrows, and in all these years have never been absent from the home farm for any length of time. They have had four children, namely: Elvira, wife of Edward Stockwell, Lake county; George, married and living on a farm adjoining his father's; and Mary and Hannah, deceased. They also have an adopted son, Eddie H., whom they took into their family when he was a small child. Mr. Mosher has been an ardent temperance man all his life. Formerly he was a Repub 88 lican, but now he affiliates with the Prohibition party. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a Trustee. He has been identified with the church for more than sixty years, and they are the only ones now left of those who worshiped with the Methodist congregation here fifty-five years ago. Indeed, Mr. Mosher is the only one left in this neighborhood of those who settled here in 1838. SILAS E. SWEET, a successful farmer of Ashtabula county, was born in Sar atoga county, New York, April 5, 1814, a son of Noah and Susan (Hollister) Sweet, natives also of that State. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Samuel Sweet, was a native of Massachusetts. In 1830 Noah Sweet and family came to Cherry Valley township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, but when seventy years of age he moved to Windsor, Trumbull county, this State, where he died in October, 1881. His wife departed this life in December, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Sweet were the parents of twelve children: Warren H., Ruth Ann, Samuel, Sarah A., Silas E., Lena M., Susan C., Rachel, Ambrose, George Loomis, Frank and Susan S. The eldest, Warren H., a resident of Grant county, Wisconsin, is, now eighty-eight years of age. On locating in this county, the father purchased 1,425 acres of land, which he gave to his children. He was a member of the Baptist Church. Silas E. Sweet, the subject of this sketch, was early inured to the sturdy duties of farm life, and received his education at Saratoga and Clarendon, New York. He was one of the early and successful teachers of Ashtabula county, having taught at Andover many 558 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY years, and many of his scholars being now men of renown. In 1839 he moved to his present location, where he now has 157 acres of land under a good state of cultivation, and provided with all necessary farm conveniences. In political matters, he affiliates with the Republican party, and has served as Assessor, Trustee, and as a member of the School Board. April 5, 1838, Mr. Sweet was united in marriage to Henrietta Wakeman, who was born in Wayne township, Ashtabula county, April 17, 1819, a daughter of Samuel and Ruth (Wright) Wakeman, who were among the pioneer settlers of that township. The father, a native of New York, died at the age of eighty-one years, and the mother born in Pennsylvania, departed this life at the age of ninety-three years. They had fourteen children, namely: Jonathan, Polly, George, Samuel, Wright, Isaac, Henrietta, Ruth, Delight, Sally, Comfort, and three deceased in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Sweet have tour children: Silas Jerome, of Trumbull county, Ohio; Flora C. Phelps, of this township; Henry, a resident of Michigan; and Wright W., also of this township. Our subject and wife have thirteen grandchildren. ABEL GERALD (the name being originally Fitzgerald), who is now deceased, but was for many years one of the most prominent and popular farmers and stock men of Saybrook township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, was born in Austinburgh in 1819. He was of New England ancestry, his father, Edmund Fitzgerald, having been a native of Connecticut, born in the latter quarter of the eighteenth century. The father of Edmund was a loyal patriot of America, who helped to fight the battles which freed her from British misrule. In going to the point of enlistment for this service he took with him his son, Edmund, to whom was entrusted- the driving home of the team. On the return trip young Edmund, then a lad of half a dozen summers, was captured by Indians, and he was not heard from until several years had elapsed. The war was over, and peace declared, and the boy given up by his parents as dead, when a party of Frenchmen, who were trading with the Indians, saw the boy, discovered his nationality and bought him, in which way he managed to reach his family again. The father subsequently emigrated with his family to Ashtabula county, Ohio, where he died about 1840, aged about eighty-five years. Edmund, his son, father of the subject of this sketch, learned the trade of making woodenware, and on his arrival in Austinburgh established a factory for the prosecution of this business, which proved a most profitable industry. Edmund was accompanied on his westward trip to Ohio by his father-in-law, Ambrose Humphreys, the journey being made in a jumper. They afterward returned to the East for their families. Mr. Humphreys was a millwright by trade, and erected the first mill in Austin- burgh, the mill being also the first in the county. Edmund and Amanda (Humphreys) Fitzgerald had seven children: Harriet, who married Baldwin Morris; Henry; Abel, whose name heads this sketch; Olive, now Mrs. Barney Lyons; Hiram; Rebecca, Who married James Callaway; and Ruth, now Mrs. A. J. Brakeman. The subject of this sketch received slight educational advantages, attending school, it is said, only about three months in his life. He had, however, a naturally active and OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 559 retentive mind, and by self-culture overcame these early disadvantages, becoming a well read and prosperous man. So well had he managed, by industry and economy, that by the time he had attained maturity and had chosen his life companion, he had already secured a home and other means. He early engaged in the stock business, buying and selling fat cattle and butchering and shipping the product to California. He was a member of and the prime mover in a company formed for the purpose of butchering and handling cured meats. He made money rapidly and was liberal with it, no worthy or charitable cause failing of assistance at his hands. He thus gained the deepest affection and gratitude of the people. He was domestic in his tastes and devoted to his business interests, and did not participate in public affairs, preferring to be of the governed rather than to become responsible for his actions to others. He was too old for military duty in the Civil war, but gave a son to the ranks. He was a member of the Methodist Church and a strong supporter of all worthy objects. He was twice married, first in Ashtabula in 1831, to Lucinda Ellis, and they had six children: Mary Jane, who married Orange Lockwood, of Tonganoxie, Texas; Helen M., wife of Henry Wilkinson, of the same place; Susan Amelia, wife of Charles Collins; Pruilla Eliza, wife of A. J. Beckwith; Abner; and William H., who ran away from school at the age of fifteen and joined the army, dying in camp at Columbus, Ohio. In May, 1857, the family were called upon to mourn the death of the loving wife and mother, whose life had been one of devotion to their interests. August 10, 1859, Mr. Gerald married Amanda Lavina Humphrey, widow of Harvey Humphrey and daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Leonard Church, a native of New Haven, Connecticut, and a physician and surgeon in the war of 1812, who died August 14, 1863, universally regretted, by reason of his many brilliant qualities. His wife before marriage was Thirza Wheeler, a woman of superior ability and energy, and a member of an old and honored family. They had six children, the surviving members of whom occupy prominent positions in business and society. Mrs. Gerald had one child by her first marriage, Lulu, wife of Dr. L. B. Bartlett. Her son by the second marriage is Fred C., who is a prosperous and well known stock-man. He married Jennie Garner, and they have four children: Aus tin, Percy, Susie and Ralph. May 20, 1876, death once more entered the family and left its members bereaved of the devoted husband and father, who was widely known and fully appreciated as a great and good man. Few have done more to benefit the community, and none more justly deserve the esteem of all worthy people. His life was a success in the best sense of the term and his noble, upright example cannot fail to exert great influence on the present and rising generation, ORVILLE M. PHELPS, one of the leading citizens of Cherry Valley, Ashtabula county, was born February 16, 1839, a son of Harlow and Luna (Powers) Phelps, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter born near Rochester, New York. They cane to Cherry Valley Center, Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1830. In 1864 they removed to Georgetown, Ottawa county, Michigan, where the father died April 5, 1892. at the age of eighty-seven years. The 560 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY mother died while on a visit to her children in Ohio, at the age of eighty-one years. The former was a farmer by occupation, and a Republican in his political views. Mr. and Mrs, Phelps had six children: Franklin, of Georgetown, Michigan; Hannah, now Mrs. Roberts, of Grand Rapids, that State; Casper H., of Aberdeen, Washington; Emily P., deceased; Oliver, deceased; and Orville M., the subject of this sketch. In 1864 Orville M. enlisted for service in the late war, entering the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company D, served ten months, and participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Murfreesboro, Shelbyville Pike, Town Creek, siege of Fort Anderson, etc. He was honorably discharged at Cleveland. During the year of 1865 Mr. Phelps lived in Branch county, Michigan, but in 1869 returned to his farm of eighty-eight acres in Cherry Valley, Ashtabula county. In his political relations, he affiliates with the Republican party, and has served as Township Treasurer and Trustee. September 19, 1866, our subject was -united in marriage to Flora C. Sweet, a daughter of Silas E. and Henriett (Wakeman) Sweet. To this union have been born two children: Egbert H. and Millie L SAMUEL W. SNOW, of Austinburgh, Ashtabula county, Ohio, is a member of an old and highly respected family that settled near the town of Austinburgh, in 1817. Here the Snows'have resided since that time, and many of them have occupied honored and useful positions in the community. They are of French descent, their ancestors having settled in the Cape Cod country long before the Revolutionary war and having resided there until late in the last century, at which time the father of Samuel W. married and removed to Sanders- field, Berkshire county, Massachusetts. In 1817 the Snow family decided to join the tide of emigration which had set in toward the Western Reserve some years before, and early spring found them with their effects en route through the wilderness to Ohio, making the journey with ox wagons. Concerning the trip, at the time of which Samuel W. was a babe in arms, he jocularly remarks that he enjoys the distinction of being the first person to come to Ohio in an iron-clad vessel the baby having been carried most of the way in a large iron kettle which formed part of the load. Arriving at their destination, they made settlement a mile and a quarter east of Austinburgh, and here the parents, Sparrow and Clara (Kneeland) Snow, reared their family of eight children. Of this family we make record as follows: Emily, the oldest, wife of Benjamin Whiting, died at the age of seventy-nine years; Betsy K., wife of John C. Shepherd, is a resident of Austinburgh; Samuel W., Helen R., who married Horace Dunbar, died at the age of sixty-seven years; Edward S., a practicing physician near Detroit, Michigan, died at the age of seventy- two years; Clara E., widow of George Green, resides at Ashtabula, Ohio; Lawrence M., a farmer near Austinburgh; Albert H,, who died at the age of sixty-two, and Theo lore, the youngest, who died at the age of four years. Both parents lived to a ripe old age, the mother dying at seventy-four, and the father at eighty-two. The latter was of a retiring disposition and never sought public office. Be was 'a great reader, was well posted on the general topics of the day, had OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 561 excellent judgment, and was a man who exerted an influence for good in the community. In politics, he was a Democrat of the strictest school; in religious belief, a Unitarian. Mrs. Snow, by her many estimable qualities, won a high place in the esteem of her neighbors and all those with whom she came in contact. Samuel W. Snow, whose name initiates this article, was born in Sandersfield, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, July 27, 1816. His education was received in the common schools of the township in which he now lives and in which he has passed seventy-six years of his existence. He was married February 9, 1842, in this neighborhood, to Annie, daughter of Edmond and Anna (Gillett) Strong. She was born in Tallmadge, Summit county, Ohio, August 15, 1819, her people having come from Connecticut to Ohio in 1802. For many generations the Strong family had lived in Connecticut. They are of French and English descent. John Strong, Mrs. Snow's grandfather, was a captain in the Revolutionary war. Her father died in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1844, and her mother died in the neighborhood of Austinburgh, in August, 1868. Following are the names of Mr. and Mrs. Strong's children: Henry Fitch, who died at the age of twenty-one; Leander, who died at the age of three; Harvey N., who lived to be seventy-eight, died in 1888; Lucius L., born December 14, 1814, died August 26, 1875; Ellen R., wife of George Whiting, Mayfield, Ohio; and Mrs. Snow, the youngest of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Snow have five children, viz.: Edmond Strong, a prominent merchant of Hartland, Kansas; Sparrow Alexander, a physician of North Branch, Lapeer county, Michigan; Eleanor E., wife of Hamilton Irish, a lumber and hardware merchant of Sterling, Kansas; Martha P., wife of Prof. J. C. Ransom, associate editor of the Baltimore Herald, Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Snow's active life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, but he is now living retired. He has always taken a commendable interest in the public affairs of his locality, and has filled various township offices. Politically, he is a Republican, having voted with that party since its inception. He is like his father in his religious belief His wife is a member of the Congregational Church. WILLIAM CALLOW, who is now living retired at North Kingsville, Ashtabula county, Ohio, is a native of the Isle of Man, born October 20, 18283 son of William and Margaret (Stephens) Callow, both natives of that island. The senior William Callow was a tailor by trade, which occupation he followed in the old country for some years. Afterward he was engaged in fishing and coasting, going to Russia, Scotland, Ireland and England for salt, coal, etc. In 1828, he came to this country, being seven weeks in crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel, and in April of that year he located at Fairport, Ohio, being followed three years later by his wife and three children. His first employment here was in a furnace, working in coal and iron ore, and he continued to be thus occupied until about 1835. Then he bought a farm near the Little Mountain in Geauga county, where he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1870. That year his second wife, nee Mary Corlet, died, after which be came to live with his son William, at whose home, two years later, he died September 7, 1872, 562 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY aged seventy-seven years. He was a member of the Established Church of England. His first wife, our subject's mother, died in 1831, at the age of thirty. She, too, was a member of the Church of England. She had three children, of whom William is the youngest, the others being Thomas, a resident of the Isle of Man, now seventy years of age, and James, who died in Painesville, Ohio, at the age of twenty-nine. William Callow lived on a farm until he was twenty. Then he worked at the edge-tool business, following that ten years, after which for nineteen years and two months he was in the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, repairing their railroad irons, etc. Since that date, July, 1876, he has been interested in farming, now having 202 acres, all except ten acres being well improved, his principal crops being hay, wheat, oats, corn and potatoes. His farm, with its substantial buildings, good fences, well cultivated fields and broad pastures, is one of the best and most desirable ones in the township. Mr. Callow was married January 19, 1853, to Miss Electa Williams, daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Leavitt) Williams. Her parents, natives of Connecticut, came to Ashtabula county, Ohio, in their youth and were married at Kingsville in 1819, he being twenty- three and she eighteen. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father died in June, 1859, aged sixty-two; the mother, February 18, 1883, aged eighty-two. Following is a record of their family of ten children: Rebecca, widow of a Mr. Jones, died January 20, 1890, at the age of seventy; Adolphus, a resident of Kingsville; Erastus, Ashtabula Harbor; Mrs. Callow; Adelia, wife of Andrew Owen, North Ridge, Perry township, Ashtabula county; Marinda, wife of Thomas H. Brooks, Mentor, Ohio; Isaac, living on a farm near Mentor; Hazen, who died at the age of twenty-one; and Elisha, a resident of Mentor. Mr. and Mrs. Callow have five children, namely: Ella, wife of Joseph Howell, Ashtabula Harbor, has four children, Bertha, Carrie, Pearley and Harry, and two, Ethel and Jay, deceased; James E., who married Minnie Louzelle, resides on a farm in Kingsville township, this county, their six children being Eilein, Lucy, William, Lillian, Bernice and Thomas; Frank W., who married Dollie Fowler, resides in Cleveland, their two children being Alice and Anna Belle; Carrie, wife of William Fitch, Ashtabula; Fred B., who married Miss Sarah Woodworth, has a family of three children, Grace, Helen and Jennie V. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Callow belongs to the Sons of Temperance and also the Good Templars. In politics he is an ardent Prohibitionist. In connection with the history of Mrs. Callow it should be stated that her grandparents, James and Miriam (Leavitt) Leavitt, were natives of New Hampshire and came from that State to Ohio the year after Buffalo was burned. They were of English ancestry. Of their family of seven children only one is now living, Hazen, a resident of Michigan. WILBER F. STANLEY, an enterprising and highly esteemed citizen of Conneaut, Ohio, who has been engaged in railroad contracting for some years, was born in Summit county, Ohio, February 19, 1843. OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 563 His parents, Daniel S. and Hannah C. (Cranmer) Stanley, were natives of Vermont and New York respectively. Daniel S. Stanley came to Ohio in 1816, settled on a farm in Summit county, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, he holding various official positions in the church. It was at a camp-meeting in Ohio that they first became acquainted. She died in April, 1880, at the age of seventy-eight, and he the same year, at the age of eighty. For a number of years he served as Justice of the Peace, and few men in Summit county were better known or more highly respected than he. W. F. Stanley is the youngest of twelve children, eight of whom, four sons and four daughters, are still living. He remained on his father's farm until he was eighteen, receiving his education in the schools of his native State. In 1861, his restless and ambitious nature led him to go West, and in the pineries of Wisconsin he was engaged in the lumber business two years. Coining back to Ohio, he turned his attention to the railroad business. He was division master on the track of the Lake Shore railroad until 1871, with the exception of some time spent in the army. From 1871 up to the present time, he has been engaged in contracting, having built about 500 miles of road. In March, 1865, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service until November of that year, participating in several skirmishes, but most of the time being on guard duty. Mr. Stanley has been identified with Conneaut since February 1, 1863. He built the Stanley Block in this city in 1889—'90. He is a stockholder in the Conneaut Mutual Loan Association. He takes an active inter •est in the various public enterprises of the city; and, indeed, any movement which has for its object the advancement of the best interests of Conneaut is sure to find in him a hearty supporter. Mr. Stanley was married May 9, 1871, to Miss Alice Gould, daughter of Lorin and Mary (Silverthorne) Gould of Conneaut. Her father died in 1889, at the age of eighty years, and her mother is still living, now seventy-one. Mr. Stanley has taken an active interest in social organizations. He is a member of the Masonic order, of which he is Past Master of Evergreen Lodge, No. 222; Past High Priest of Conneaut Chapter, No. 70; Past T. I. M. of Conneaut Council, No. 40; member of the Cache Commandery, No. 27; is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and a comrade of Custer Post, No. 9, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican. N. J. SWEZEY, a prominent business man of Andover, was born in Herkimer county, New York, December 4, 1831, a son of Orange and Sophia Swezey. Our subject was reared to farm life in his native State, and received his education in the district schools. At the age of twenty-hree years he removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming, dairying, etc., until 1866. In that year he purchased 250 acres of land one-half a mile east of Andover, and was engaged in buying and shipping butter and cheese and other occupations until 1875, when he located in the city of Andover. Mr. Swezey gave his son a farm of 135 acres, one-half mile east of town. He now owns 275 acres two miles east of Andover, 135 acres three miles south- 564 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY east of this city, 111 acres three miles southwest, and also has four residence buildings in the city. His beautiful residence, built in 1883, is one of the finest in Andover, and contains all modern improvements. In 1879 Mr. Swezey engaged in the sale of wagons, carriages, etc., in which he still has an extensive trade. In 1890 his large warehouse and a part of his goods were destroyed by fire, and his residence was also burned in 1882. He now handles the Studebaker wagons. In addition to this our subject is also vice-president, director and a stockholder in the Bank of Andover, and was one of the founders of the Iron Fence Factory, of this city. December 27, 1854; Mr. Swezey was united in marriage to Miss Malinda E. Peabody, a native of Gustavus, Trumbull county, Ohio, and a daughter of George W. and Cynthia Peabody. Our subject and wife have one child, George W., who resides near his father. They have also raised three girls, all of whom are now married, and they are now raising their grandson. In his political relations, Mr. Swezey affiliates with the Republican party, and has served as a member of the City Council and as Trustee. Socially, he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Andover Lodge, No. 506. Mr. Swezey has served as a Trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a number of years, and has donated liberally toward the erection of the several church edifices in Andover. H. H. O. TRUMAN, ESQ., a prominent farmer and influential man of Troy township, Geauga county, Ohio, was born here March 11, 1839, son of Lyman and Sallie (Pratt) Truman. He received a common-school education and for a short time was a student at Hiram College, being there while Garfield was its president. He remained a member of the home circle until after he reached his majority. In the tall of 1861 he went to Minnesota and that winter taught school near Rochester. The following fall he joined the First Regiment of Minnesota Mounted Rangers and assisted in quelling the Indian outbreak. In the winter of 1862—'63 he helped to take 1,400 Indian prisoners to Fort Snelling, and the following spring was one of the soldiers who escorted them out of the State. Be was a Corporal and was in the service one year. In the spring of 1864 he crossed the plains to Idaho. There were several Indian outbreaks that year, but the train with which he traveled was fortunate in escaping them. Mr. Truman spent five years in the vicinity of Idaho City, engaged in gold mining, returning in 1869 via the Union Pacific Railroad, which had just been completed. It was on Christmas Day he reached home. Since then he has lived on the old homestead. Here he has 130 acres of fine land and makes a specialty of dairying. In 1871 Mr. Truman married Amelia Houghton, who was born in Troy township, this county, daughter of Chester and Caroline Houghton, who were among the early settlers of this township. Her parents came here, from New York State and for many years her father was engaged in farming. Both parents passed away at a ripe old age. Mrs. Truman was one of six children. She received her education at Hiram College, and before her marriage was engaged in teaching for several years. They have four children. Roy, Vern, Lulu and Frank. Mr. Truman is a Republican. He has served as Township Trustee, and is now servhis third term as Justice of the Peace. He OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 565 is a member of the G. A. R. Mrs. Truman is a Methodist. Both are held in high esteem by all who know them. Indeed, few people in this vicinity have a larger circle of friends than Mr. and Mrs. Truman. J. J. HARRISON.—In almost every well- established community are to be found men typical of the best and broadest development resultant from the opportunities afforded by our uational customs and form of Government. Possessed of those qualities which enable them to overcome and conquer all obstacles, they achieve commercial success and attain social position by reason of their inherent honesty of purpose, unswerving loyalty to principle, energy of action and business integrity. Such a man is J. J. Harrison, one of the founders of the widely known firm of The Storrs & Harrison Company, one of the largest nursery establishments in the United States,—to whose careful judgment, untiring labors and thorough business methods is due much of the almost phenomenal growth of its transactions. Although a native of England, Mr. Harrison has been identified with this country since his earliest youth. Born in the county of Kent, England, in 1829, he was brought to this country, in 1832, by his parents, who at once settled in Painesville, Ohio. He received his education in the common schools of Lake county, the Academy at Kirtland and the Institute at Hiram, finishing with a commercial course at Bryant & Lusk's Business College in Cleveland. where he graduated with honors. At the age of twenty-one he launched out into life for himself and for several years traveled through the Southern States and portions of Canada, engaged in the engrafting of fruit trees and the improvement of the then prevailing methods of raising fruit. A few years later he located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where for three years he was extensively engaged in handling green domestic fruits, his business soon increasing to an extent that rendered it necessary to employ buyers and shippers in Ohio, New York and other States. While thus employed, the financial panic of 1857 swept over the country, and, in common with thousands of others, left him prostrate. With characteristic energy and probity, he rallied to the task of repairing his shattered fortunes, and, after many heroic struggles, so far succeeded as to be able to pay off, in full, all his liabilities. Returning to Painesville, Ohio, he started a small nursery and ran it successfully for two years. In August, 1859, he formed a partnership with Jesse Storrs, who also had a small nursery at the present location. The business thus established soon began to grow rapidly, stimulated by the methods employed. Acre after acre was added, until from the first modest eleven acres, the land now occupied extends over an area exceeding 1,100 acres-900 being under the best and most approved cultivation. The firm now cultivate almost every known tree and shrub that is of any value, as well as nearly all varieties of greenhouse plants, and have business connections with every State and Territory in the Union as well as with Europe, South America, Mexico, the West Indias, the Sandwich Islands and even antipodean Australia. They have twenty-eight greenhouses and four large cellars for storing roots, bulbs, stock and seeds. The largest of these cellars 566 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY is 156 x 50 feet and still another is now in course of construction, which will be fully as capacious when finished. The firm do both a wholesale and a retail business, and, although they have had no traveling salesmen for over twenty years, the volume of their transactions steadily increases. This somewhat unusual result is due to two causes—a liberal and judicious system of advertising and the strictest adherence to the details of honorable dealing. In 1871 Mr. Harrison visited England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Switzerland and Belgium, partly for pleasure but mainly for the purpose of acquiring the latest information as to the improvements and discoveries made by foreign scientists and horticulturists, in connection with his business,—the characteristic thoroughness of Mr. Harrison in all matters in which he is engaged, finding a good illustration in this long trip taken for such a purpose. At the present time the firm are doing a very large foreign and importing trade. Mr. Harrison has a commodious frame residence, finely furnished throughout, in which he and his family reside. He has a charming wife and three children: Alice A., Herbert B., and Willard C. Mrs. Harrison is a lady of culture and refinement and is a member of the Disciple Church. Her maiden name was Rachel A. Tuttle. Her father, Charles Tuttle, an early settler of Lake county, Ohio, was born at Wilton, Connecticut, June 11, 1799, and moved to Mentor, this county, in January, 1822. Mr. Harrison is possessed of an unusual degree of executive ability—a fact to which is due much of his success. For many years the varied and complicated details of the immense business carried on devolved largely upon him ; and to the possession of that power of combination and organization is due his unvarying good fortune in managing the large interests entrusted to his care and in controlling the great number of men in his employ. At the present time Mr. Harrison is the president of the Dollar Savings Bank, recently organized here, a position for which his ripe experience and extensive acquaintance with the business world, most eminently fit him. Politically Mr. Harrison is a Prohibitionist.- WILLIAM H. DOWNS, an enterprising citizen of Geneva, Ohio, was born at Westfield, Vermont, March 17, 1840, a son of the Rev. N. H. and Harriet (Pike) Downs. The father was a native of the State of Maine, born June 26, 1793; he removed with his parents to New Hampshire and thence to Vermont, where he fitted himself for the ministry. He was married to Betsey E. Morse April, 1812. She died April 9, 1825, and after a few years he married Harriet Pike, who died in December, 1885, aged eighty-two years. He is the discoverer of Downs' Vegetable Balsamic Elixir, an excellent remedy for all diseases of the throat and lungs, many hundreds of testimonials being received by the proprietors. He was for a few years engaged in the boot and shoe business at Troy, Vermont, and was largely interested in building and contracting. In 1854 he removed to Ohio and settled at Briston, Trumbull county; here he was engaged in farming and also spent much time in preaching until the time of his death in the year 1862. He was the father of eight children by his first marriage, and of twelve by the second,: James died at the age of nineteen years; Eleanor was born in 1831; Norris, OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 567 Paul and Harriet died in infancy; W. H. was born in 1840 and Horace H. in 1841; Jasper C., James B. and Abbie; two children died unnamed. William H. came with his parents to Ohio in 1854, and worked on the farm for his father until he was twenty years old. He then embarked in business for himself, opening a meat market. He was married at the age of twenty-one years to Maggie A. Griswold, a daughter of Jesse and Susan (Mansell) Griswold. Mrs. Downs' grandmother is a member of the Pennsylvania family of Duttons, whose genealogy is traced to the year 1132. After his marriage Mr. Downs dealt extensively in live-stock until February 20, 1865, when he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He did guard duty in Virginia and was stationed at Fort Delaware and afterward at Fort Federal; he was mustered out in September, 1865. The year following the declaration of peace he removed to Gardner, Illinois, where he bought a farm, which he cultivated for nine years. He then came to Geneva, Ohio, and three years after taking up his residence he was appointed Street Commissioner. He built and operated the first street spriukler used in Geneva. In 1878 he was elected Marshal and Constable and filled the dual office acceptably for six years. In 1885 he was elected Street Commissioner, and was reelected in 1887, 1889. 1891 and 1893. He was Second Lieutenant of Company I, Tenth Regiment State National Guards, for four years, and was First Lieutenant two years, resigning the latter office in 1885. In all the walks of life he has ever shown an earnestness and sincerity of purpose that have won general recognition, and have placed him among the leading citizens wherever he has resided. Mr. and Mrs. Downs are the parents of seven children: Curtiss was born August 14, 1862; Elva, born June 18, 1864, married J. S. Cooper and has one child: Jessie E., born June 15, 1866, married R. S. Sheldon of Jefferson, Ohio, has two children; William H., Jr., was born August 7, 1870; Fred N., born November 25, 1873; Earl, born January 5, 1877, and Charles B., born January 22, 1882.    A. W. GATES, day operator at Andover for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, was born at Sugar Grove, Warren county, Pennsylvania, April 28, 1853, a son of M. D. Gates, a native of Marcellus, New York. The latter's father, Norman Gates, was a native of New England, and a son of George Gates, who was a cousin of General Gates of Revolutionary fame. The mother of our subject was formerly Mary Bartlett, a native of Wales, Erie county, New York, and a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Ross) Bartlett, also born in that State. Iu 1872 M. D. Gates came to Andover, Ashtabula county, Ohio, and erected the first house on Gates street, named in his honor. In early life he was a sailor on salt water, having visited nearly every seaport of any importance, and later was a ship carpenter on the lakes. He was also an expert mechanic and gunsmith. In 1863 Mr. Gates enlisted for service in the late war, entering the First Michigan Regiment Engineers and Mechanics, consisting of 3,200 men. He served two years. He was a Republican in his political views. His death occurred at Andover, and his wife afterward married Allen M. Smith. She now resides at Yuba, Michigan. 568 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY A. W. Gates, our subject, received a good education in Chautauqua county, New York, and at the age of seventeen years engaged in teaching. Two years later he was employed as telegraph operator at Perry, Ohio; afterward held the same position in Oil City, Pennsylvania, and since 1873 has filled the position of day operator for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad at Andover, with honor and credit. Mr. Gates is one of the best known railroad men in the city, and has grown gray in the service of his present company. In July, 1873, at Mayville, Chautauqua county, New York, he was united in marriage to Virtue A. Daniels, a daughter of Daniel and Lydia Daniels, residents of that county. Mrs. Gates was a popular and successful teacher before her marriage. Our subject and wife have four children: Morris Norman, Edith V., Pearl D. and Merta May. Edith is a graduate in music. M. Norman is a photographer and crayon artist. One child, Rosa, died at the age of six years. Mr. Gates affiliates with the Republican party, and is a member of the Sons of Veterans. He has served as Captain of his company, and also a member of the Division and as Commander in the Chief's staff. He is also a member of Andover Lodge, No. 506, F. & A. M., and of Jefferson Chapter. Mr. Gates has travelled extensively through the United States and Mexico, and is intelligent and well informed on the questions of the day. JOHN H. CONVERSE, deceased, was born at Stafford Springs, Connecticut, January 17, 1817. He was a lad of eighteen years when his widowed mother came with her three children to the western frontier in June, 1825. They settled on land in Chardon township, just west of the village, and for one term he attended the common schools. He worked on the farm until after his marriage, when he went into the tanning business, an industry of much importance in a pioneer settlement. At the end of a period of five or six years he opened a shoe store, which he managed successfully four years. Selling out this business he again turned his attention to agriculture, purchasing in Hampden township a farm of eighty-seven acres which was cultivated under his supervision. Mr. Converse was married in 1842 to Angeline Gilbert, a native of Onondaga county, New York, who emigrated with her parents to Ohio in 1833. Freeman and Asenath (Smith) Gilbert, were natives of New York and Connecticut respectively, and reared a family of six children, five dying in early life. The father died at the age of sixty-two years, and the mother passed away at the age of forty-two; they owned 200 acres of land in Munson township, and with other sturdy souls encountered all the privations and hardships of pioneer life. Mr. and Mrs. Converse had no children born to them, but have reared an adopted son and a daughter: Charles Gilbert and Sarah. George Rhodes was also brought up by them. The death of this worthy man occurred July 24, 1885. In his religious faith he adopted the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church in early life, but in after years associated himself with the Congregational Church, to which he contributed freely of his means. Politically, he was a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Possessed of superior business ability he accumulated a handsome estate during his OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 569 life, but not by injustice to his fellow-men, as his distinguishing traits were honesty and integrity. Mrs. Converse is a woman of rare endowments. She has continued the work begun by her good husband, giving liberally to the church and contributing to those enterprises having for their object the uplifting of humanity. GEORGE R. COWLES, deceased, was one of the most prominent and progressive business men of Painesville, Ohio, who did much by his energy and ability to advance the interests of the city. He was born in New Hartford, Connecticut, June 5, 1816. His father and grandfather were also natives of that State, both being farmers. The maiden name of the mother of the subject of this sketch was Nancy Moore. She reared four children, two sons and two daughters, and died at the age of seventy-eight years, while the husband and father survived to the age of eighty. The subject of this sketch was the oldest child, and was reared in New Hartford, Connecticut, and educated in the village schools. He joined the general Western movement some time in the '30s, when about fifteen years of age. starting out with but 50 cents in money, but rich in youthful hopes and determination. He came to Huntsville, Ohio, and engaged in peddling "Yankee notions" throughout the new country, driving a wagon, containing his merchandise, around among the early settlers, and thus made his first money and laid the foundation of his future fortune. In 1840 he married, in Portage county, Ohio, and returned to Hartford, Connecticut, where he remained until 1844, when he once more turned his face toward the set- ting sun. In the fall of that year he settled permanently in Painesville, where he opened a dry-goods store, in which business he successfully continued until about 1872, when he sold it. About 1856 he erected the present Cowles Hotel, at that time and still the leading hotel in the city. He leased the house until 1872, and then sold it. After selling his business interests, he lived in retirement until his death, devoting his time and attention to the care of his property. He was considered an excellent buyer of dry goods, and was offered a large salary by Cleveland and New York firms to enter their employ, but, like few men, he was content with what he had and preferred his home comforts and the society of his family to the feverish race for wealth. He was an exemplary man, of strict integrity and honor, and was universally respected and beloved. He was public-spirited and enterprising and contributed much toward advancing the interests of Painesville, which was his favorite city, and which was his home for nearly fifty years. In 1840 Mr. Cowles married Mary A. Booth, a native of Edinburg, Portage county, Ohio, a lady of many estimable qualities. Her father, Eli Booth, was born in New Milford, Connecticut, and settled in Edinburg, Ohio, in an early day, when there were only six families in the place. He settled on a tract of land in the woods and developed a farm by hard labor and perseverance. His wife, nee Elizabeth Cowell, was also a native of Connecticut, and was a woman of rare ability and energy. This worthy couple reared seven children to useful manhood and womanhood Both were earnest and active members of the Methodist Church, and were the first to organize a society of that denomination in the western wilds of Portage county. Religions 570 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY meetings were held at their house until a schoolhouse could be built, and thus afford a more eligible assembly room. In such a practical way did they testify their interest in holy matters. The father died aged seventy- five years, while the devoted wife and mother survived to the age of about ninety, dying full in years, in good works, and in the esteem of all who knew her. Mr. and Mrs. Cowles had one child, Mary Georgiana, who died in 1854, aged seven years and eight months. Politically, Mr. Cowles was a Republican. He was a member of the Congregational Church, and contributed freely to all charitable and worthy objects. April 9, 1890, he died, leaving his family and many friends to mourn his loss and the city to mourn a benefactor. Mrs. Cowles still survives and resides in the old home place, a large brick residence on State street, which in its solidity and unpretentious but comfortable appearance is typical of the mind which planned and the will which executed it. BIRNEY M. ANDREWS, of North Sheffield, Ohio, is classed with the representative business meu of his vicinity. Of his life and ancestry we present the following brief review: Birney M. Andrews was born in Cherry Valley township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1863, son of Philo and Melvina (Giddings) Andrews. Philo Andrews, also a native of Cherry Valley township, was born in 1831, and continued to reside there until the time of his death, March 15, 1888. By occupation he was a farmer; politically, a Republican. The esteem in which he was held was evinced by his election to fill various official positions. For a number of years he was Justice of the Peace and Township Trustee. He was a man of strict integrity and was exemplary in his habits. It was not only after his mortal remains were consigned to the elements from which they came that his praises were sounded, but also while he was living were his many virtues recognized. His parents were Benoni and Betsey Andrews, natives of New York, who came to Wayne township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, about 1803. They settled an a large tract of timber land, being among the earliest pioneers of the township, and experienced all the labor incident to the developing of a farm in the wilderness. They subsequently removed to Conneaut, where they lived the remainder of their lives. The mother of Birney M., nee Melvina Giddings, was born in Wayne township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1833, daughter of Marvin and Clara (Clark) Giddings. Her father was a son of Joshua R. Giddings' half brother. Mrs. Andrews was a devoted Christian woman, exemplifying her profession by her daily walk and conversation. Her family were called to mourn her death October 14, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews had four children, namely: Lenora M., who resides in Andover, Ohio; Birney M.; Jessie F., who resides with her sister; and J. C., who is in business with his brother. The subject of our sketch remained a member of the home circle until he was twenty- four years of age. He received a good English education, and at the age of seventeen began teaching, which occupation he continued until 1892. In 1887, with the proceeds of his work in the school room, he bought a farm and from that time until 1892 spent his summer in working on it. That year he engaged in the mercantile business, in which lne has since continued. He is a conserva- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 571 tive business man. Having by his own honest toil accumulated what he has, he looks well to the expenditure of the same. Mr. Andrews married, in 1886, Miss Alta Peebles, daughter of E. R. and Charlotte (Brockett) Peebles, natives of Ashtabula county. She received her education at Grand River Institute and was for several years engaged in teaching. They have one child, Ruth Pauline. SHELLITO BROS.—The Western Reserve is noted for its business activity and has within its borders many important manufacturing industries. Among these may be mentioned the manufacturing of keg and pail staves, which enterprise is carried on quite extensively in this region. After investigation, we are satisfied that there are few, if any, more important plants employed in this branch of manufacture than that of the subject of this sketch. Shellito Bros. have conducted their extensive business in New Lyme since 1890, in which year they erected the large and well-equipped mill they now occupy. Previously they had conducted a similar business in Cherry Valley, where they remained nearly three years. They had about fourteen men in their employ. Before that time the Messrs. Shellito had been associated in various pursuits, having dealt extensively in the blocking business at Leon, Dorset and other places, shipping about 1,600 cords of blocks per year. At New Lyme the Shellito Bros. now manufacture nothing but candy-pail and tobacco-pail stave and heads. Without doubt they do the largest business in this line of all firms in northern Ohio. Some idea of the extent of their business may be gathered from the following facts: About eighteen men are constantly employed to manipulate the seven saws of the mill. Nearly thirty cords of staves are made per day. During the four months immediately preceding this writing about 800 cords of forty-inch stuff and 100,000 feet of elm timber were consumed. At present there are about 500,000 heads in the mill yard. The weekly expenses of running the mill is about $350. The chief kinds of timber used by them are elm, basswood, cucumber and white wood. As these varieties are limited in quantity it is occasionally necessary to seek new fields. During the coming autumn it is the purpose of the Shellitos to remove to Middlefield, Geauga county, and there erect a similar mill, which will probably be run on a more extensive scale than this. These gentlemen, Howard and Walter Shellito, are natives of Evansburgh, Pennsylvania. Howard, the older, is married and has three children. Walter married Lizzie Ferguson, daughter of K. Ferguson, of Espyville, Pennsylvania. Both are young men of more than ordinary enterprise and push, and both are Democrats although not active politicians. J. P. SPINEWEBER, a farmer and stock--raiser of Lenox township, Ashtabula 1 county, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, August 29, 1857, a son of John and Margaret (Smith) Spineweber. The father was born in Prussia, in 1826, and in 1848 came to America. After landing in New York he went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, was employed in the mines a number of years, and in 1858 became a member of the firm of 572 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Keeling & Co., coal dealers. He was then given the position as superintendent of the mines, which office he held for twenty-one years, and then purchased forty-eight acres of land in Butler county, Pennsylvania. In 1887 he moved his family to that place, where he now leads a retired life. He was an old- time Democrat, having cast his first presidential vote for James Buchanan, but now affiliates with the Republican party. Religiously, he is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. The mother of our subject was also born in Prussia, but came with her parents to America at the age of ten years, and grew to womanhood in Pittsburg. She was married at the age of twenty years, and her death occurred in June, 1882, at the age of forty-two years. She was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Spineweber had ten children, seven of whom grew to years of maturity, and the surviving children now reside in Pittsburg, with the exception of our subject and one brother. J. P. Spineweber, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools of Pittsburg, and afterward spent three years in the St. Vincent's College, near Laporte, Pennsylvania. He was then employed as bookkeeper by the firm with which his father was connected, and subsequently became an engineer of both stationary and locomotive engines. In 1886 he embarked in the butcher's business in Pittsburg, and conducted the enterprise successfully until 1890. From that time until 1892 he was engaged in miscellaneous occupations. In November of the latter year, he purchased his present fine farm, consisting of 158 acres, located two miles east of Lenox, and five miles southeast of Jefferson. The farm is under a fine state of cultivation, and his residence is one of the most sightly places in the community. September 7, 1879, Mr. Spineweber was united in marriage to Miss Martha Ensell, a daughter of Edward and Mary Jane (Draper) Ensell. The father was born in Pennsylvania, August 14, 1814, learned the trade of a glass-blower while a youth, and followed that occupation through life. His father, Edward Ensell, built the first glass factory west of the Alleghany mountains. The former accumulated a large fortune, and now lives a life of retirement. He was a soldier in the late war, first enlisting in the three months' service, and was discharged on the general order to release all men over forty-eight years of age. Mr. Ensell immediately entered the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Malvern Hill, Lookout Mountain, Gettysburg, and many others. He was wounded at the first named engagement. Mr. Ensell was discharged from service at Washington, in June, 1865. Socially, he is a member of the Pittsburg Post, G. A. R., No. 151, and religiously is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother of Mrs. Spineweber was born in 1820, at Brownsville, Pennsylvania, where she was married at the age of sixteen years. She is a member and an active worker in the Methodist Church, is Chaplain of the Ladies' Relief Corps, and takes an active interest in all charitable work. Mr. and Mrs. Ensell had eleven children, nice of whom survive, and are, with the exception of two, all residents of Pittsburg. Mrs. Spineweber, wife of our subject, was born in Pittsburg, October 18, 1855. She is a member of the Ladies' Relief Corps, of the Daughters of Liberty, and has taken the Rebekah degree in the I. 0. 0. F. Mr. and Mrs. Spineweber have one child', John E., born December 7, 1880, is now attending school. In political matters, Mr. Spinweber affili- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 573 ates with the Republican party. Socially, he is a member of Zeno Lodge, I. O. O. F., of the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Commandery, No.17, and of the Senior Order of the American Mechanics, No. 260, Birmingham Council. WILLIAM W. WEST was born at Winsted, Litchfield county, Connecticut, February 27, 1820, a son of Edgar West, also a native of Connecticut. The father removed to Ohio in 1829, and first settled in Concord township, Lake county, remaining there one year. At the end of twelve months he came to Geauga county, and there passed the balance of his days, de. parting this life in 1887, at the age of eighty-three years, honored and respected by all who knew him. He married Margaret Wilson, a daughter of Captain Wilson, of Connecticut, an old Revolutionary soldier. They reared a family of nine children, seven of whom are living. William W. was a lad of nine years when the family pushed their way to the very border of the frontier, seeking a home. He attended the school taught in the primitive log house, but the labor of clearing a farm in the heart of the forest was heavy and required the assistance of small hands as soon as they could be of use; so the children could not be permitted many school days. Mr. West remained under the parental roof until a man of twenty-two years, when he engaged in farming in Chardon township, on his own account. He devoted himself to agriculture for a year, and then turned his attention to buying and selling cattle, gathering herds from Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Wisconsin, fattening them in the West, and then shipping to Eastern  markets. He carried on this industry for twenty-five years, with marked success. In 1866 he located on his present farm in Chardon township, and has given his attention to agriculture. He is an excellent judge of cattle, and became so expert in guessing weights that it was said he carried a pair of scales in his head. He now has 200 acres well improved, with good, substantial farm buildings, his residence being a home of com fort and elegance. He is numbered one of the most progressive farmers in the community. He takes quite an interest in breeding poultry, and has a novel method of transferring the spurs from the legs of young roosters to the tops of their heads, grafting them so well that they grow there; he has several queer specimens of the horned fowls, and at one time sold a fine specimen to the late P. T. Barnum for $50, as a natural curiosity. Mr. West was united in marriage, February 2, 1864, to Mary A., the accomplished daughter of Charles and Mary (Gooding) Smith, and a native of Cortland county, New York. She is a lady of culture, and before her marriage taught in some of the best schools of Wisconsin, and Ohio. They have no children. Mr. West is a member of the Masonic Order. In politics he is a Democrat, He is a man of generous nature, benevolent and charitable, and holds the esteem and confidence of those who know him. PHILO PEASE, one of the oldest and most popular citizens of Chardon, was born in Geauga county, Ohio, in Hampden township, September 18, 1814, a son of Merrick Pease, a native of Enfield, 574 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Connecticut, born January 17, 1789. Isaac Pease, father of Merrick, was a native of Enfield, and descended from Robert Pease, who emigrated from Hull, Essex county, England, to America in 1634: He was a ship carpenter by trade, but in later life followed agriculture. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and served to the end of the conflict. He removed to Geauga county in 1810, having traded his property in Enfield for 1,500 acres of land on the frontier. There were then only a few settlers, and the forest was inhabited by many wild animals and the Red man still had his abode in the shadow of the giant trees. Mr. Pease owned a grist and saw mill in Claridon, and did the milling for the settlers for miles around. He died at the age of eighty-nine years. Merrick Pease was a grown man when his father came to the West. He operated a still and assisted him in the mill; he also dealt extensively in cattle, and was successful in all business transactions. In 1828, he sold his other interests and bought 200 acres of land which adjoins the corporation of Chardon; he cleared fifty acres before his death, which occurred when he was thirty-nine years old. His wife, nee Sally Allen, was born in Saratoga county, New York: they reared a family of four sons and two daughters. The sons are all living, the youngest being sixty-five years old. The mother died September 28, 1892, lacking a few weeks of completing her ninety-fifth year. Philo Pease is the eldest of the family; he was educated in the primitive pioneer schools when the teacher " boarded round." He began life for himself at the age of fourteen years, learning the tanner's trade of Samuel Squires; he bought an interest in the business, and finally owned the entire establishment. When his means permitted he bought the old home place, and discontinued his trade. He turned his attention to improving the farm, and developed one of the most desirable places in the county. He was married July 7, 1836, to Lucy Adams, a native of Canton, Massachusetts; she was brought to the West when an infant of six months by her parents, Paltrie and Lucy (Upham) Adams, also natives of Massachusetts; they first settled in Newbury, Geauga county, where the father practiced medicine many years; he died at the age of sixty-five years, and she survived at the age of seventy-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Pease are the parents of six children: Amanda, Benjamin F., Henry P., Angeline, George W. and Isaac M. They removed to Chardon in 1885, and built their present home in 1887. They are members of the Universalist Church, and Mr. Pease belongs to the I. 0. 0. F. In politics he adheres to Republican principles; he has always taken an active interest in educational affairs, and has been a member of the school board for more than twenty years. He was a member of the building committee when the handsome schoolhouse was erected in 1869. He has always given his support to worthy enterprises, and is regarded as one of the most progressive citizens of the township. FREEMAN R. SMITH, one of the leading and highly respected members of the bar of Ashtabula county, Ohio, is a native of Ohio, born in Aurora, Portage county, April 13, 1827. His parents were natives of New York and Connecticut, and were of English ancestry. Whitney Smith, the father, accompanied his parents to Trumbull county, Ohio, about 1805, when he was twelve years of age. They settled in Meso- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 575 potamia, being among the earliest pioneers of that section. On the outbreak of the war of 1812, young Whitney, then a youth of nineteen but with the heroism and enthusiasm of a man, shouldered his musket: and participated in the struggle with Great Britain. He knew Cleveland, Ohio, when it was an unpretentious hamlet of six log cabins, revealing no signs of its present greatness and marvelous beauty. He was an active member of the Disciple Church, and often entertained Campbell, the distinguished founder of that church. His generous nature and liberal hospitality was by no means confined to the followers of Campbell, but his latchstring always hung out to the pioneer clergyman and all other wayfarers. He departed this life at Aurora, Ohio, in February, 1872, regretted by all who knew him. His good and amiable wife, Sophrona Rawdon, who sympathized and co-operated with him in his hospitality and good works, preceded him to the other world by about a month, leaving numerous friends to mourn her loss. Freeman R. Smith, the subject of this memoir, was reared on a farm, receiving a good common-school education. At the age of twenty he began teaching, which occupa tion he followed for many years, during which time he also prosecuted the study of law, completing his course with Chaffee & Woodbury, in Jefferson, Ohio. He was admitted to the bar in Cleveland in 1857, and soon afterward settled in Windsor, Ohio. He did not enter at once into the active practice of his profession, but tried cases in the different magistrate courts. He was for several years interested in the Cleveland Lightning Rod Company, with headquarters in Boston, from which point he operated chiefly in the New England States. He had a large force with him and did an extensive business. He would go East the first of April and return in October to his home in Ohio, where he gave part of his attention during the winter months to the practice of his profession. While prosecuting the lightning-rod business, he became acquainted with many distinguished men of the nation and gained much valuable knowledge. He continued to be thus occupied until 1870, when he began actively the practice of his profession, which he has continued since. In 1880 he removed from Windsor to Geneva, where he now resides. He has been engaged in many noted cases, among which was that of Webster, who was indicted and tried for the murder of Perry Harrington. This was one of the most protracted and vigorously contested criminal trials before the courts of Ohio. Mr. Smith has associated with him J. B. Burrows, an able lawyer. Mr. Smith declined to take the case until he was fully satisfied that the prisoner was innocent, and when assigned by the Court to defend the prisoner, he threw into the trial his whole soul. On the first trial the prisoner was found guilty of murder in the first degree. A new trial was granted with a change of venue, with the same result. A third trial was then held and the prisoner was acquitted, the jury on the first poll standing eleven for acquittal and one for conviction, the juror casting the latter vote reserving the right to change it. Each trial was before the Court four weeks, and it was two years from the opening of the cause to its completion. The verdict of the jury was endorsed by the people, and the action of the attorneys approved. In 1870 Mr. Smith purchased in Windsor a farm of 158 acres, which he has since cultivated and upon which he has made many valuable improvements. This is now in charge of his son-in-law, Mr. Rawdon. 576 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY May 10, 1851, Mr. Smith was married to Helen Merrill, Chardon, Ohio, a lady of superior attainments and rare worth of character. They had two children : Hetty, who died at the age of six years, and Carrie A., the wife of Freeland Rawdon. Mr. and Mrs. Rawdon have two sons: Howard L., aged fourteen, and Walter F., aged ten. Mr. Smith is justly proud of his grandchildren, both of whom are bright and promising boys. Both are specially gifted in mathematics and rare scholars for their years. Mr. Rawdon, his son-in-law, is a man of sterling worth of character, of shrewd business ability and influence in his community, and the father has never ceased to admire the noble choice of his daughter. In politics Mr. Smith has been more or less active during the past thirty years. He has frequently been a delegate to State and county conventions of the Republican party, for which he has done good work at the hustings. In the presidential campaign of 1856 he made a speech at Orwell the night before election, and he has ever since continued to do so on the anniversary of that occasion. He is an interesting, clear, and forceful speaker, and never fails to convince the minds of his hearers. He is especially strong in the discussion of the tariff issues, few people being so thoroughly acquainted with this complicated question. Fraternally, Mr. Smith belongs to the Masonic order, and has taken Knights Templar degrees. Few lawyers in northeastern Ohio stand higher in their profession than Mr. Smith. Although his earlier years were not devoted to regular practice, he has been singularly successful from the time he began to give serious attention to it. This is largely due to an analytical and logical intellect, assisted by a careful, painstaking and thorough study of his cases, which enables him to master those points which contribute to success. He is clear, concise and eloquent in pleading, always commanding the respect of the court and the confidence of the jury. During his long practice he has never been known to resort to petty trickery or take any undue advantage of a brother attorney or of a client. He is a man of large construction, physically and mentally, his genial, dignified presence always inspiring confidence and respect. His tastes are domestic, and he is much attached to his family, to whom he has been a devoted husband and an affectionate, sympathetic father. As a citizen, he is ever ready to lend his laid to the advancement of public interests and the development of the community. He is liberal and broad-minded in thought, benevolent in action and genial in social contact. In him the family has a stable, affectionate head, the bar a bright ornament, and the people a citizen to whom they can always point with pride. T. J. QUIGGLE, a citizen of Hampden township, belongs to one of the early pioneer families of Geauga county who / aided in laying low the forest and causing the earth to yield her most bountiful harvests. He was born in Hampden township, Geauga county, Ohio, July 27, 1828, a son of John Quiggle, a native of the State of Pennsylvania, born in 1799. The paternal grandfather, John Quiggle, Sr., was also a Pennsylvanian by birth and emigrated to Geauga county in 1808, making the journey in a wagon with three horses, adding the third horse on the way. He settled near the present site of Pomeroy Spring, in Hampden township, built a log cabin under the forest OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 577 trees, and a log stable. Indians were numerous in this section, and deer, bear and wolf still roamed through the wild woods. In his younger days Mr. Quiggle followed boating on the Susquehanna river, but after coming to Ohio gave his attention to farming. He died here at the age of ninety-four years. John Quiggle, son of the above, was a child of eight years when he came to Ohio with his parents. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and when a young man operated a still. He married Abigail Young, of Middlefield township, Geauga county, a daughter of Silas Young, a Pennsylvanian. Mr. Young was also a pioneer of .this section, and was proprietor of one of the first hotels; he, too, owned a still. Mr. Quiggle died at the age of seventy years, and his wife at the age of sixty-three. They were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in early life, but he changed his membership to the Presbyterian Church before his death. T. J. Quiggle is the eldest of a family of eleven children, ten of whom grew to mature years. He passed his childhood amid the wilds of the far West, as Ohio was then on the frontier, and often accompanied his father on hunting expeditions. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years old, and then started out to make his own fortune. He was married in 1851, in the month of May, to Ann Roper, a native of England, whose parents emigrated to America when she was an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Quiggle have had born to them ten children: John, Charles, Lizzie, Annie, Christ, Josie, Kittie, Grant, Nellie, and Frank, who died at the age of seven years. After his marriage our subject settled in Hampden township, where he has a fine farm of 154 acres, nearly all of which is well improved; he has an excellent sugar grove of 600 trees, and does a general farming business. His improvements are first-class, and the place has an air of thrift and prosperity. In 1878, Mr. Qniggle went to California, and lived in Sacramento from August until December, 1879. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as Trustee of the township several terms, and has been School Director for many years. GEORGE C. SMITH, President of the Citizens' Bank of Chardon, has been long prominently identified with the business interests of Geauga county, winning through his ability and fidelity the right to be recorded as one of the most exemplary and successful men. He was born in Geauga county, Ohio, August 11, 1838, and is a son of George Smith, a native of Connecticut. His grandfather, Comfort Smith, was born at Groton, Massachusetts, of English descent. He was a miller by trade and dealt extensively in real estate, owning at one time 1,000 acres near Cleveland, Ohio. He died in 1812, aged about sixty-five years. He was a man of fine physique and labored with unfaltering energy to accomplish a desired end. George Smith came to Ohio as early as 1823, but did not settle permanently until 1835. In his younger days he followed surveying, but in later life turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He cleared and placed under cultivation 300 acres of land, and at one time owned 1,000 acres in different tracts. For many years he was County Surveyor, and also did an extensive private business in his profession. He married Catherine Crawford, a native of the State of New York, and they reared a family of ten children. The first death in the family of 578 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the sons and daughters was in March, 1893, the stricken one being fifty-three years of age. At a recent re-union, the youngest child present was thirty-three years old. The father died in his eighty-sixth year, and the mother lived to her seventy-fourth year. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which her husband gave a liberal support. George C. Smith is the second of the family of ten. He was reared and educated in the county of his birth, and at the age of twenty-two years left the protecting shelter of the parental roof to make his own way in life. For seven years he taught school during the winter terms, and in the summers was engaged in farm work. One season was spent in the oil region of Pennsylvania, during which time he was employed in drilling wells. Mr. Smith was united in marriage September 12, 1865, to Susan A. Strong, a native of Geauga county, Ohio, and a daughter of Louis Strong. Mr. Strong was born in Massachusetts, and was one of the early settlers of Chester township, Geauga county. He is still living, at an advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children: Jennie C., wife of Sanford S. Surl of Oak, Nuckolls county, Nebraska; and Crawford L., who is cashier of the Citizens' Bank in Chardon. Crawford is a graduate of Oberlin College, class of 1892. He married Alice Hawks, of Buffalo, New York. After his marriage Mr. Smith settled on land which he cultivated four years. He then came to Chardon and established a grocery and hardware store, which he conducted with unvarying success for twenty-three years, closing out the business at the end of that period. He owns a tract of 152 acres in Munson township, which is cultivated under his direction. He has 180 acres in Chardon township, and forty-four acres in another tract. He has disposed of two farms in the past two years, and still owns a considerable amount of town property. He assisted in the organization of the Citizens' Bank, of which he was elected president. He is also president of the State Bank of Oak, Nebraska, of which his son- in-law is cashier and owns a controlling interest there. Politically, he is a stanch Republican. He has been a member of the Town Council, and there have been few enterprises tending to the advance of public interests which have not felt the strong impulse of his vigorous and energetic methods. He is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery.    GEORGE L. FELCH, who has been iden- tified with the business interests of Ash- l tabula county, for many years, is one of 'her leading citizens, and as such it is im- perative that some personal mention be made of him in this work. The following data in regard to his life and ancestry have been secured: George L. Felch was born in New Hampshire, in 1837, son of Ezekiel Felch, who was born in that same State in 1799. The latter moved to Ohio in 1842 and located in Monroe township, Ashtabula county, where he passed the rest of his life and where his death occurred in 1870. Previous to his coming to Ohio he was a seaman, but after locating in Monroe township he turned his attention to farming, in which occupation he was very successful. His father, Nicholas Felch, was a farmer in New Hampshire. The Felch family are of Welsh descent, dating their ar- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 579 rival on American soil back to the Colonial period. Judith S. Swain was the maiden name of our subject's mother. She too was a native of New Hampshire, as also were her parents. Ezekiel Felch and his wife departed this life some years ago. They are buried at Kelloggsville. Of their family we make record as follows: Sarah J., the oldest, now deceased, was twice married, first to Robert Craft, and after his death to Alsop Sage; John, deceased; Emeline E., wife of Daniel W. Cram; Irad P., who died in his twenty-fourth year; Dudley S., a resident of Bushnell, Ashtabula county; Samuel V., who resides in Kansas; George L., with whose name we begin this sketch; Harrison F., a member of Company G, One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was killed at the battle of Missionary Ridge in 1863. George L. Felch came with his parents to Ohio in 1842, and remained with them until lre reached his majority. Previous to that time he had received only a common-school education, but after he struck out for himself he determined to pursue his studies further. He accordingly attended the academies at Kingsville and Conneaut for two or three years. Then he began teaching school, which occupation he continued until 1862, and had completed arrangements to teach in the academy at Conneaut the very day he enlisted in the Union army. It was in August, 1862, that he enlisted, and as a member of Company G, One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he went to the front. After thirteen months' service, the exposure and hardships of army life unfitted him for duty, and he was taken to the hospital. Being intimately acquainted with A. W. Tourgee, First Lieutenant of Company G, Mr. Felch was given special privileges, being allowed to board at the same place with his friend Tourgee at Danville, Kentucky. In 1863, on account of continued ill-health, he was discharged from the service. Upon his return home Mr. Felch again engaged in teaching. He had at this time completely lost the use of his right arm. In 1864 he taught one term in the East Springfield Academy, Pennsylvania; and after that was employed at Hiram College two years, James A. Garfield being at this time connected with the school as Advising Principal. From Hiram Mr. Felch came to Monroe township, Ashtabula county, where for two years he taught a select school. In 1868 he turned his attention to the mercantile business, in partnership with H. F. Hitchcock, in which occupation he has since continued, also being interested in the lumber business and in farming. He was married in 1880 to Kate S. Ingalls, a native of Ohio. She was educated in Vineland, New Jersey, and for five years was a teacher in the graded schools of that place. Her parents, H. R. and Adalin (Randall) Ingalls, were born in New York, lived in Ohio for some time, and are now residents of Vineland, New Jersey. They have three children, namely: Kate; Laura, wife of I. P. Felch, of of Bushnell, Ashtabula county; and Fitch H., a resident of Vineland. Mr. and Mrs. Felch have one child of their own and one adopted child, viz.: Lloyd Ingalls, born June 1, 1882, and Ella K., August 9, 1886. Mr. Felch began life a poor young man and mainly by his own energy and pluck worked his own way to success. He is now the owner of 260 acres of land, ninety acres of which are under cultivation. His merchandise stock is valued at from $3,000 to $5,000, and he has lumber interests to the amount of several million. Politically, he is a Republican. For fifteen years he has 530 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY served as Township Treasurer, and is also Postmaster and a Notary Public. In the way of settling estates he has done a large amount of business. Mr. Felch is very a hospitable man, temperate in his habits and gracious in his manner. Few men in this vicinity have more friends than he. ELBERT L. LAMPSON, of Jefferson, Ohio, was born and grew to manhood on a farm in Windsor township, Ashtabula county, Ohio. The date of his birth was July 30, 1852. His father. Chester Lampson, was born upon the same farm March 14, 1825, and his grandfather, Ebenezer K. Lampson, located thereon as early as 1809.. The last named was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and came to Ohio from Connecticut. He had purchased 160 acres of land in Windsor, had paid all but $9 of the purchase price and then lost all except thirty-five acres, through a defect in the title. He served on the first grand jury drawn in Ashtabula county. He married for his second wife Mrs. Martha Holbrook, whose maiden name was Martha Griggs and who also came from Connecticut. Ebenezer K. Lampson died March 14, 1835. Chester Lampson was then twelve years of age and he remained upon the old homestead and cared for his widowed mother, who, by the aid of a pension, managed to secure a comfortable living, although they were very poor. In 1851 Chester Lampson married Emerette A. Griswold, daughter of Wells Griswold who had come to Windsor, Ohio, from New Hampshire. The result of this marriage was seven children, all of whom are still living and of whom Elbert L. is the oldest, Emerette A. Lamp- son died June 25, 1893, age sixty-three years, eleven months and twenty-five days. By the time young Lampson had reached his 'teens his father had become a well-to-do farmer, whose broad acres offered a splendid opportunity for teaching " the boys " to work, and the senior Lampson was fully impressed with the value of habits and industry; so, when the subject of this sketch was not in school he could usually be found at work upon the farm, where nearly all kinds of farm work were done. He became an expert in shearing sheep and could take the fleeces from forty to fifty sheep in a single day. At the age of eighteen years he pitched the hay " both ways " from eighty-five acres of meadow land. At the age of seventeen he began attending school, one term a year, at Grand River Institute, A ustinburgh, Ohio, and in the winter of the same year taught a term of district school in Hart's Grove, at $1.25 per day. After he had reached the age of nineteen he continued, with the exception of a single term at Orwell Academy, to attend school at the Grand River Institute during the autumn and spring of each year and to teach school during each successive winter until 1875, when he graduated, with the degree of B. S. He was married August 5, 1875, to Mary L. Hurlburt, of Hart's Grove, Ohio, with whom he had become acquainted at school. Miss Hurlburt was the daughter of E. G. Hurlburt, a farmer and for twelve years a member of the Board of County Commissioners of his county. In the autumn of 1875 they began housekeeping in Bristolville, Ohio, where Mr. Lampson conducted a select school. In December, 1875, he went to Jefferson, Ohio, and began reading law in the office of Hon. S. A. Northway, then a leading lawyer at the bar and now a member of Congress from the nineteenth district of Ohio.   OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 581 The following year he entered the law department of Michigan University, where he graduated in 1878. He then returned to Jefferson and opened a law office. In 1877 he had been appointed to the office of County School Examiner, which he held for a period of eight years, and during which time he was active in the work of county institutes. He also held the office of Township Trustee for five successive years; was President of the Board of Education and Justice of the Peace for one term. He was Treasurer of the Ashtabula County Agricultural Society and a director of the Conneaut Mutual Loan Association for many years. In 1873 he made a short trip to Dakota Territory, and while in Lodi, a place on the frontier, found himself entirely out of money. He walked to Elk Point, where he took a contract for lathing a new church, in order to get money with which to pay his board bill, and hence he enjoys the honor of having helped to build one of the pioneer churches of the new State of South Dakota. In May, 1883, he purchased and has since continued to own the Jefferson Gazette, a leading county paper, published at Jefferson. In 1884 he was chosen a delegate from the nineteenth (Garfield) district of Ohio to the Republican National Convention at Chicago. He was Secretary of the Ohio delegation and a member of the Blaine Conference Committee. His colleague was Hon. J. O. Converse, of Chardon, Ohio, and both were supporters of Mr. Blaine. In 1885 he was nominated and elected Representative from Ashtabula county in the General Assembly of Ohio. He served upon the celebrated election committee that investigated the Hamilton county election frauds, and was author of the " Dan Dalton Resolution." In 1887 he was renominated, by acclamation, was elected, and upon the organization of the House was chosen Speaker of that body. He made a- record of presiding during two sessions without an appeal being taken from any decision, with a single exception, in which he was unanimously sustained, the member appealing voting to sustain the Chair. He was nominated in 1889, without opposition, for a third term, but withdrew from the ticket to accept a nomination for Lieutenant Governor, which was tendered him by a Republican convention held in Columbus, June 26, 1889. He was a candidate for Governor, but was accorded second place on the ticket with Governor Foraker. He was elected by a plurality of twenty-three votes, took the oath of office and held the office eighteen days, when he was unseated by a Democratic Senate, and his seat given to William V. Marquis, his opponent. While Mr. Lampson was Lieutenant Governor, as president of the joint convention of the two houses he declared the election of Calvin S. Brice for United States Senator. Mr. Lampson was permanent chairman of the Republican State Convention held at Dayton in 1888. In 1891 he was nominated over James R. Garfield for the State Senate, and was elected to represent the twenty-fourth and twenty-sixth senatorial districts. Upon the organization of the Senate, he was chosen President pro tem. of that body. He has voted twice for Hon. John Sherman for United States Senator. He is the author of the Ohio law, requiring railway companies to equip their cars with automatic couplers and air brakes. In the campaign of 1892 he delivered over thirty speeches in New York and Connecticut, under the auspices of the Republican National Committee, and has taken part in every campaign on the stump since 1883. In 1893 he was defeated for renomination for 582 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY the Senate by a vote of 105, against 106 cast for his opponent, Hon. Friend Whittlesey. Of the sixty-four delegates in his own county Mr. Lampson received the support of sixty- three. Mr. Lampson is a member of the Congregational Church and is a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight of Pythias. He was one of the organizers of the Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and was present at the first meeting, held in Columbus. His family consists of a wife and four children, whose names are: Chester Edward, Lillian D., Lawrence V., and Clara M. A prominent citizen of Ashtabula county, who has known Mr. Lampson for a great number of years, speaks of him in the following eulogistic manner: " In appearance he is about five feet and eleven and a half inches in height, and gives the impression of a powerful organization, suggesting reserved power and quiet, thoughtful mien, always self-possessed under trying circumstances. You would expect from his appearance that he would be master of his surroundings, never losing his self-poise. The stimulus of great events quickens and strengthens his mental grasp, and the discharge of duties at such times seems to have been pre-arranged and determined with an exhaustive knowledge of the possibilities that enables him to select the best and wisest course possible under the circumstances. His character and standing in the community where he is best known is all that his most ardent friends could desire. Born and reared in our county, his life as a youth and man has been open to the scrutiny of all, and no suspicion of evil has ever been attached to his reputation. His personal habits are those of a pure Christian gentleman, and his manner throughout indicates a moral and upright citizen. He is strictly temperate and a sincere worker in the temperance cause, ever laboring in all practical ways to lessen the evils of this the greatest sin and curse of all nominally Christian nations." HARLAY N. BUSHNELL, one of the substantial farmers and highly respected citizens of Ashtabula county, Ohio, is the subject of this article. His father, Sedgewick Bushnell, was born in Connecticut, October 15, 1787. When he was seven years old he went to Vermont, and from there subsequently came to Ohio, settling in Ashtabula county, where he died in 1880, on his birthday. He had limited educational advantages in his youth, but was a close observer, made the best of his opportunities, and during his lifetime secured a store of useful information. He led the life of a successful farmer. In politics, he was successively a Whig, Free Soiler and Republican. At various times he held local offices. For a number of years he was a member of the Congregational Church, and was a man whose life accorded with his profession. During the latter part of his life he was grievously afflicted, but bore his suffering with fortitude and Christian heroism, never murmuring. He was blind for nine years, and for five years of that time was a paralytic. At the time he came here this township was called Salem, and it was afterward changed to Monroe, in honor of President Monroe. Sedgewick Bushnell was a soldier during the war of 1812, and afterward was a pensioner of that war. He was the son of Abram and Mary Bushnell, the latter's maiden name being Ensign. They were natives of Connecticut, and for a number of years were residents of Vermont. Both died on their OF NORTHEASTERN- OHIO - 583 farm in the latter State. The Bushnells are of English descent. Three brothers of this name came to America from England during Colonial times, and their posterity has spread out over the various States of the nation. Rhoda (Swain) Bushnell, the mother of our subject, was born in New Hampshire, being the daughter of Phineas and Jane Swain. April 2, 1809, she was married to Mr. Bushnell, with whom she went from New Hampshire to Vermont. As time passed by sons and daughters grew up around her, the names of her children being as follows: Sidney S., deceased; Lucia, wife of S. A. Boughton, is deceased; Marcia, wife of B. B. Gifford, is deceased; Mary J., wife of D. S. Gifford, is deceased; John W., deceased; Harlay N.; Charlotte P., wife of S. A. Boughton, deceased; Corydon L., deceased; and Hollice, who died at the age of two years. Harlay N. Bushnell was born in 1821, on the farm where he now lives. He was reared here, and after he grew up built a house upon the farm. In this domicile he lived for fifteen years. At the end of that time lre bought the farm and moved back to the old homestead. December 2, 1846, he married Sarah C. Burrell, a native of Ashtabula county. Her parents, John and Sylvia (Waterous) Burrows, natives of Saybrook, Connecticut, emigrated to Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1810, making the journey to their Western home by a wagon. Both parents died here. Her father was a miller. They had seven children, six daughters and one son. Mr. and Mrs. Bushnell have three children, namely: Marcia C., wife of Charles II. Morse, of Monroe township; Lucia R., wife of J. B. Hill, residing on the old home place with her father; and Elvira A., wife of James Lafferty, also of Monroe township. Mr. Bushnell started out in life a poor boy, and without any assistance whatever, worked his way to success. He is now the owner of ninety acres of well-improved land. He casts his vote and influence with the Republican party, and for fifteen years has served the public as Justice of the Peace. He has also filled other local offices. During the Civil war he was for a short time in the State service. He is a man of genial disposition and generous impulses, and few men in this vicinity hold a higher place in the esteem of their fellow citizens. Mrs. Bushnell is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Bushnell, although not a member, is in sympathy with church work. HORACE F. GIDDINGS, a successful farmer of Wayne township, Ashtabula county, where he was born January 24, 1808, is a son of Elisha Giddings, a native of Connecticut. The latter's father, Joshua Giddings, Sr., was a Revolutionary soldier, and the father of Hon. Joshua R. Giddings. Joshua Giddings, Sr., was twice married, first to a Miss Jones, and afterward to Elizabeth Pease. They remained in this county until their death, and are buried at West Williamsfield. Elisha Giddings was married at Batavia, New York, to Phioletheda Fish, a native of New England, and a daughter of Josiah Fish. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings came with ox teams to Ashtabula county, Ohio, locating on the Hayes road, where they erected a cabin in October, 1805, and being among the first settlers of the township. Mr. Giddings voted first with the Whig party, later with the Republicans; was the first Trustee of Wayne township, and was a member and active worker in the Congregational Church. To him and his wife 584 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY eleven children were born, namely: Anson J., Joshua H., Horace F., William C., Josiah Marvin, Elisha Lester, Emery Sidney, Edwin, Sophia, Phioletheda and Seth H. The father died at the age of seventy-five years, and the mother at the age of eighty-four years. They were buried at the old Hayes Cemetery, in Wayne township. Horace F. Giddings, the subject of this sketch, began working for himself at the age of thirteen years, receiving $6 per month, and at the age of fifteen years engaged in logging. About 1853 he came to his farm in Wayne township, Ashtabula county, where he now owns 279 acres of well improved land. Mr. Giddings has two residences, good barns, an orchard, dairy, etc. He raises the Jersey and Ayrshire cattle, and has taken many premiums in cheese and butter, at the State and county fairs. In Wayne township, December 15, 1833, our subject was united in marriage to Almira Jones, who was born in Connecticut, September 27, 1808, a daughter of Samuel and Deborah (Hayes) Jones, natives also of that State. They came to Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1811, and remained on a farm until their death, the father dying at the age of ninety-eight years, and the mother at eighty-one years. They have seven children: Lineas, Statira, Almira, Anson, Emily and Samuel. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings have had three children, two now living: Albert C., a contractor of Batavia, New York; and Statira, wife of Henry Simkins, of Wayne township. Mr. and Mrs. Simkins have eight children: Frederick Merrick, William Herbert, Ernest, Frank, Carl, Herbery, Helen and Arthur. The first of our subject's children, Frederick Merrick, was born in 1834,reared and educated in Wayne and Cherry Valley townships, and in 1861 enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Infantry. He was wounded in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, remained in the hospital at that city for a time, was ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, but contracted a severe cold while on the Ohio river. This sickness proved fatal, and April 21, 1862, he died at the age of twenty-eight years and six months. Horace F. Giddings, our subject, is a stanch Republican, and has held many of the township offices. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, in which the former has served as Deacon many years. ANDREW L. RODGERS, a prominent ex-employe of the Lake Shore Railroad Company, in the capacity of superintendent of buildings and bridges on the entire Toledo Division, was born in Randolph, Orange county, Vermont, April 4, 1818. His father, Adonijah B. Rodgers, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and was a carpenter by occupation. He married Alsa Woodard; also a native of the New England States. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was wounded in the battle of Lundy's Lane, losing a knee-cap. He emigrated to Vermont about 1812; some years later moved to New York, and died in Syracuse, that State, at the age of eighty-two years. This worthy couple had six. children: one died in infancy; A. L., subject of this sketch; Frederick, living near Syracuse, New York; Cornelia died with cholera in 1832, when young; Betsy; and Adaline, who married Charles Leer, aria died at the age of forty. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this notice, Adonijah Rodgers, was a merchant by occupation, He married a Miss Noble, a native of Scotland. Eight children OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 5S5 were born to them: Andrew, Pelatiah, Nehemiah, Benjamin, Sallie, Betsy, Clara and Harriet. The grandfather died at the advanced age of probably ninety years, and while our subject was serving his apprenticeship. The gentleman whose name heads this brief biography was reared and liberally educated in his native city. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to Samuel Doyl, of Montpelier, in the same State, to learn the carpenters' trade, requiring a service of seven years to become its master, during which time he worked in 'Vermont and in Essex county, New York. His trade learned, Mr. Rodgers decided to settle in the West, toward which emigration was turning, and accordingly, in his twenty-second year, commenced his journey to Ohio. He visited, however, along the way for a few months, finally stopping in Trumbull county, Ohio, securing work in Niles, Youngstown and other points, and being there employed for about seven years. He next removed to Orwell, Ashtabula county, the same State, and there built many substantial structures, which may yet be seen, after a lapse of forty years, in good condition. Five or six years later he came to Ashtabula to reside, which has since been his permanent home. In 1852 he secured employment with the Lake Shore Railroad Company as a carpenter, at $1.25 a day, and after working three weeks was given charge of a gang of men and ordered to report direct to the engineer's department. One year later he was given general supervision of the repair work on buildings and bridges, and was sent to superintend the construction of all the wooden structures on a railroad line running from Jamestown to Franklin, and afterward extended to Oil City. On his return to the Lake Shore Railroad Mr. Rodgers was promoted to be foreman of construction on the Toledo Division of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, then consolidated. After erecting the iron bridge at Ashtabula he was ordered to Cleveland to superintend the construction of the new depot, a building 185 x 300 x 66 feet. These and many other important services were rendered by Mr. Rodgers to his company during his twenty-eight years of faithful and efficient service, which ended in 1880. Mr. Rodgers has invested largely in real estate in Ashtabula and other cities, and these investments yield him a handsome income, and to them he now devotes his attention, enjoying in comfort the products of his earlier years of labor. In September, 1841, Mr. Rodgers married Lydia Ann Raxford, a lady highly esteemed for her many excellent qualities, and daughter of David and Jane (Smith) Raxford. They have had three children, two of whom survive: Andrew Benjamin, residing in Geneva, Ohio; Luthera Jane married Joseph Woodhull and is now deceased; and Inez Alsa. Socially, Mr. Rodgers holds a high position in the Masonic order. He was elected High Priest of the Western Reserve Chapter nine consecutive times. In his domestic and business relations he is equally fortunate, having inspired his community, by his uniformly honorable conduct, with the highest regard for his ability and worth. J. NORTON, of Colebrook, Ashtabula county, Ohio, is well known in this vicinity, where he has been engaged in merchandising for a number of years. Mr. Norton was born in November, 1820, son of J. and Patty (Avery) Norton, being 586 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY one of a family of nine children, five of whom are living. The names of the deceased are Philo, Dorothy, Experience and Jonathan; and those living are Betsey, the subject of our sketch, Edward, Reuben and Alonzo. Mr. Norton's father was a farmer, a man of means and an influential citizen. He and his wife were prominent and consistent members of the Free-will Baptist Church. The subject of this article has been a resident of Ashtabula county since 1840, first living at Ashtabula, then at Hart's Grove, and for a number of years at Colebrook Center. He attended the academy in Ashtabula two terms, after which he taught school three years. Then he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, owning and operating a farm of 153 acres for several years. On account of failing health, he sought a change of occupation, and for some time was engaged in selling fruit-trees. Next, he was employed as a huckster, and for the past twenty-three years he has been engaged in merchandising. Two years he served as Town Treasurer. In all his dealings he has proved himself a straightforward, honorable and upright business man, and has gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact. Mr. Norton was married in 1847, to Miss Mary Jane Avery, who was born in 1830. They have eight children, namely: E. Lottie, Angeline, F. W., Philo, Avery, Sextus, Lena and Ernest—all married and settled in life, except the youngest. Our subject and his wife are members of the Free-will Baptist Church, in which he is a Deacon and Clerk. Five of their children are also members of this church. With Sabbath-school work Mr. Norton has long been identified, having served as Superintendent of the Sabbath-school and as teacher of the Bible class. Of a generous nature, he contributes freely of his means toward the advancement of religious and benevolent enterprises. Politically, he is a Republican. In early life Mr. Norton frequently indulged in the sport of hunting, being an expert in hunting bees. During one fall he found twenty-two colonies of bees. HARRY M. KUNKLE, of the firm of Kunkle Brothers, tug owners, stands at the head of the progressive young business men of Ashtabula, Ohio. He was born July 15, 1858, in Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Daniel Kunkle, his father, was born and reared in the same county as his son, and was for many years actively engaged in the lumber business. He was greatly prospered and has now retired, being an honored citizen of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, enjoying good health for a man of sixty-two years. He married Rebecca Smith, one of five children,— all girls,—of the other four of whom we make the following brief mention: Lydia married Isaac Keeper; Jane married James Geigar; Polly is the wife of Leisure Chambers; and Martha, who married William Mansfield and removed to Oswego, Kansas, where she has since died. Daniel Kunkle was the father of two sons: Harry M., the subject of this sketch; and William, senior member of the firm of Kunkle Brothers, Ashtabula. The Kunkle family is of German descent, their ancestors having settled near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, whence the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch emigrated to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Mary, had four children: Michael, Amos, Jacob and Daniel. OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 587 The gentleman, whose name heads this notice, was reared in his native city, where he received a common-school education, which has been re-enforced by an extensive business experience. When but a youth, he came to Ashtabula with the intention of starting in life for himself. He looked about for employment and secured a position as brakeman on the Lake Shore Railroad. His report home that he was clerking, not being the most satisfactory, hip, mother decided to pay him a visit unannounced, the result being a severing of his connection with the operating department of the Ashtabula, Painesville & Youngstown Railroad. He thereupon returned to Pennsylvania, and did not again visit Ashtabula until the fall of 1880, when he embarked with his brother in the wholesale lumber business, in which they were profitably engaged for five years. During this period, the Harbor experienced quite a building era. Many of her inhabitants were desirous of building houses for themselves, but were unable to buy both lot and lumber, and the Kunkle Brothers came to their relief by letting them have lumber on yearly and other time payments, thus making it possible for many worthy families to become happy owners of their own homes. In this manner as many as forty houses were erected, one at a time, and the Kunkle boys had a heavy load to carry, but they carried it and with only an occasional loss. On going out of the lumber business, the brothers gave their attention to the tug business, buying out Captain Downs, and later the interest of George Fields. They were the first to introduce tug building at the Harbor, and in 1890 built and launched the first tug, the "Kunkle Brothers," which was followed in 1892 by the Sunol, the largest tug Built in the harbor. They now operate three boats and do a large and lucrative business. Besides this, Mr. Kunkle is interested in real estate, in which he deals quite extensively, being the owner of a large addition on Lake street. He is a shrewd, energetic business man, and is well deserving of his success. On September 1, 1884, Mr. Kunkle was married, by the Rev. Mr. Hershey, to Miss La Verne Blair, a lady of domestic tastes and social accomplishments, daughter of Captain Henry.Blair, for many years a capable sailor, widely and favorably known for his many excellent traits of character. He married Cordelia Jeffords, and they had six children: La Verne, Jennie, Joseph, John, Frank and Charlie. Mr. and Mrs. Kunkle have only one child, William James, born May 21, 1887. Socially, Mr. Kunkle is a Royal Arch Mason and also a member of the Columbian Commandery of Knights Templar. In politics, he is a Republican. In his various relations of domestic and public life, he has ever been characterized by exalted honor, liberality and a cordial disposition, winning and retaining the regard of all who know him. WILLIAM W. APPLEBY, a real estate dealer of Conneaut, Ohio, and one of the prominent business men of the town, is descended from early settlers of this place. Following is a brief sketch of his life, and also that of his father and of his uncle, Captain Calvin W. and Gilman Appleby: W. W. Appleby was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, December 14, 1839, son of Captain Calvin W. and Mary (Brown) Appleby. His father was born in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, August 17, 1808, and lived to 588 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY be seventy-two years of age, dying August 6, 1880, at Conneaut. His mother, a native of Windsor, Lower Canada, was born November 10, 1811, and died April 16, 1872, at the same place. This worthy couple had several children, only two of whom lived to adult years, and of those two W. W. is the older. He was educated in the Conneaut Academy, and before he engaged in the real-estate business he was employed as bookkeeper and salesman. Mr. Appleby was married in Detroit, Michigan, in 1872, to Miss Ida J. Wiles, daughter of Francis R. Wiles. Her father died in Detroit, of cholera, in 1854, when she was only two years old. Mr. and Mrs. Appleby have four children: Calvin W., Frederick W., Walter R., and Fannie. Mrs. Appleby is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is a lady of much culture and refinement. Politically, Mr. Appleby affiliates with the Republican party. He has served as a member of the City Council for four years. Captain Calvin W. Appleby and his older brother, Captain Gilman Appleby, were for many years prominent steamboat men on the great lakes. They came to Conneaut at an early day with their stepfather, Major Samuel Blakeslee, and family, and were among the first settlers of the place. Major Blakeslee was a well-known resident of Conneaut for many years, and at last died from the infirmities of extreme age. He was at one time Worshipful Master of the Masonic lodge of Conneaut. He had two sons and three daughters, namely: Orville, a resident of Geneva Lake, Wisconsin; Chauncey, Chicago, Illinois; Harriet, wife of Frank Nettleton, of Kingsville; Eliza, wife of James H. Lake, Fredonia, New York; and Aurelia, wife of C. F. Levitt, of Conneaut. Captain Calvin W. Appleby's first experience as boatman was on the Lady of the Lake. He afterward ran on the packet J. G. King, the brig Lucy A. Blossom, and the steamers Indiana and Sultana. The whole of his active life was spent on the lakes, and for many years he was one of the most popular commanders running between Buffalo and Chicago. He was an intimate friend of Benjamin Wade and Joshua Giddings. Mr. Wade was his attorney iu one of the first suits the Captain ever had, the litigation concerning Conneaut harbor. This suit was with the Fords and Captain Appleby was the defendant. Captain Gilman Appleby, also a native of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, was born Au. gust 29, 1806. He built and commanded both the Sultana and the ill-fated Lady Elgin. He also commanded the North America and the Constitution. After he built and took command of the Lady Elgin, his brother became captain of the Sultana. This vessel was described as the "Buffalo and Chicago steam packet Sultana," and was used chiefly in carrying passengers. The gang-Way to the Sultana (like the gates to the upper sanctuary) was open night and day for the reception of the able sons of Ham, and the disembarking, too, if occasion required it, to insure the safety of such passengers on "the uuderground steamboat railway," Captain Calvin himself being the captain conductor. Many were the negroes carried safely over, and the Sultana could have carried as many more had opportunity offered. The kind and large-hearted Captain was a man of wonderful expedients in providing ways and means to lend a helping hand to every one who was in trouble. Gilman Appleby was commander of the famous Caroline at the time she was captured by the OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 589 enemy, December 20, 1837. The fate of this vessel-how she was set on fire and allowed to drift over Niagara is familiar to all readers of history. The captain and crew escaped. These brothers, Gilman and Calvin, were both self-made men, beginning their careers on small vessels and working and winning their way to promotion and the high posi tions they occupied. Many were the times they distinguished themselves for their bravery. Indeed, they were ready for every emergency. In all their long experience they never lost a life nor did they ever have an accident. Gilman was at one time commanding the North America on Lake Erie, and when near Dunkirk, New York, the vessel was caught in a heavy storm and was in danger of being dashed against the beach. The Captain knew this would be certain death to all on board. All the steam the vessel was allowed to carry was applied. Still she was in danger. Only one thing could save her. Apply more steam. But would the strength of her boiler admit this Taking the benefit of the doubt, and against the best judgment of the engineer, he held down the safety valve with his own weight, had more steam applied, and thus withstood the storm, landing his passengers, safe in port. NORMAN D. SMITH, Treasurer of of Geauga county, is a native of the county, born in Parkman township, August 19, 1827. His father, Ransom Smith, was married in his native State, New York, in 1818, and came on his wedding trip to Ohio, making the journey with sled and, oxen, the distance from Buffalo to Fairport being traveled on the lake, which was frozen quite a distance from the shore. Mr. Smith settled in Parkman township, Geauga county, the place afterward being named Smithville in honor of his family. He bought 160 acres of timber land, and built a cabin under the shadow of the forest giants. He also built a blacksmith shop and manufactured shovels, plows and small tools for a large scope of country. He followed this calling until his death, which was caused by cholera in 1833. His ancestry is further traced in the biography of Judge Smith, which will be found on another page of this volume. Mr. Smith married Olive Brown," who was born at Georgetown, New York; she died at the age of ninety-two years. They were Universalists in their religious faith. Norman D. Smith is the fifth of a family of ten children, nine of whom grew to mature years. He attended the pioneer school, and at the age of fifteen years began to care for himself. He worked by the month until he was of age, receiving $12.50 a month. He was united in marriage in 1850 to Mary McClintock, of Nelson, Portage county, Ohio. They have a family of ten children: Ella, Ransom, Maggie, Will, Belle, Sherman, Ollie and Mollie, twins, Charles and Norman D., Jr. After his marriage Mr. Smith settled on a farm which he cultivated until 1858; he then went into the hotel business, and kept a tavern at Parkman until 1862. He enlisted August 5, 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the service at Cleveland, Ohio. For a time this regiment was held as a reserve to reinforce Richmond, Kentucky, and afterward took part in the battle of Perryville, same state. It was then sent to Stone River, thence to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where it was reorganized and placed in the Second 590 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Brigade, Third Division and Fourteenth Army Corps, of the Army of the Cumberland, and went into camp. He participated in the engagements at Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, the one hundred days' fight from Ringgold to Atlanta in the Atlanta campaign, and was in command of Company D with Sherman on that memorable march to the sea. 'Among the battles in which he took active part were that of Peachtree Creek and the charge at Kenesaw Mountain. He marched through the Carolinas, participating in certain engagements of minor order and was present at the grand review in Washington, May 24, 1865. He was promoted to First Lieutenant of Company A, and was later assigned to the command of Company D. At the grand review he was in command of the company and was just behind the officers and gave the first orders that were transferred through the entire line during the march. He was mustered out June 3, 1865, at Washington. Upon his return home he engaged in farming in Parkman township, where he owns 120 acres. He has 1,500 young sugar trees, and has sent some of the product of his own maple trees to the Columbian Exposition.. Mr. Smith was elected Treasurer of Geauga county in November, 1889, and was reelected in 1891. He has managed the affairs of the county with much credit to himself, and has won the entire confidence of a large constituency. He is a Republican in politics and was Justice of the Peace for fifteen years in Parkman township. He resigned this office upon removing to Chardon, but still superintends the cultivation of his farm. He is a member of G. A. R. Post, No. 564, and belongs to Lodge No. 296, F. & A. M. at Parkman; he also belongs to the chapter and commandery of the Masonic order. Although he had no capital to begin the upholding of his fortunes he has amassed a competence and has ever preserved his integrity and uprightness. REV. PRENTICE A. CANADA, or Canaday as the older generation spelled the name, was born near the village of Losantville, Randolph county, Indiana, December 18, 1859. His father, Jonathan Canada, in 1830, at the age eight years, emigrated from Randolph county, North Carolina, with his father, Walter Canada, settling in the then young but now staid old Quaker settlement near Economy, Wayne county, Indiana. There they lived, Jonathan having few opportunities for anything save toil until young manhood, when he located in Randolph county. He immediately began to pay for what is now known as the Canada homestead, where he lived and reared a large family, and died in 1890, at the age of sixty-eight years, after a brief sickness. Brought up a Quaker and a Whig, he early became a member of the Christian Church, and was one of the first members of the Republican party. He married Susanna Moore in 1843, Her people were Virginians, but on account of their dislike for slavery emigrated some time in the '20s to southern Ohio, and shortly afterward to Randolph county, Indiana, where she died in February. 1886, at the age of sixty-two years. Prentice A., our subject, was the tenth in a family of twelve children, and the youngest of five sons, all of whom attained maturity, and all of whom are now living but one. Mr. Canada was reared to farm life, and was taught to love work, and to respect only people who OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 591 were honest and industrious. The meager opportunities for schooling during the winter season were improved, and at the age of fifteen years the common branches had been mastered. Two terms in the Winchester high school and the help of an older brother, William Walter, enabled him to enter Union Christian College, at Merom, Indiana, in the autumn of 1877. By sawing wood, acting as' janitor, teaching classes in the preparatory school, teaching two terms of district school, and by hard manual toil during vacations, Mr. Canada earned sufficient money to pay all bills, and graduated with class honors in 1883. The following year was spent in charge of the graded school at Greentown, Howard county, Indiana, and the next year in Oberlin Theological Seminary, and in preaching at the East Norwalk Mission Church, in Ohio. In the autumn of 1885, Mr. Canada removed to Columbus Grove, Putnam county, Ohio, where he was ordained to the work of the ministry in January, 1886. In that year also he located at Hagerstown, Wayne county, Indiana, near his old home, having charge of the Christian Churches at that place and Hanna's Creek, Union county. In 1888 he was called to the more important pastorate of the Christian Church at Versailles, Ohio, where he remained nearly three years, and from that place was called to his present field. April 1, 1891, he entered his third year of work in this church with every evidence of prosperity. February 28, 1888, Rev. Canada was united in marriage to Miss Addie R. Spencer, who was born at Oxford, Ohio, September 28, 1861, a daughter of Frank and Catherine, (McArthur) Spencer, natives also of that place. Mrs. Spencer's father, Rev. John McArthur, D.D., and the venerable Dr. Scott, father of Mrs. Benjamin Harrison, were inti mately associated in ministerial and educational work. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer now reside at Chillicothe, Ohio. Mrs. Canada received her education mainly in the high schools of Connersville and Liberty, Indiana, graduating at the latter place at the age of seventeen years. She also attended the State Normal, at Terre Haute, and was a successful teacher. Rev, and Mrs. Canada have three daughters: Susannah S., born March 18, 1889; Katherine, December 30, 1890; both at Versailles, Ohio; and Marguerite, born November 12, 1892, at Conneaut. Our subject also represents his denomination as one of the executive officers of the Ohio Christian Endeavor Union, is Superintendent of Christian Endeavor Work in the State for the Christian denomination, and has been appointed by the Church Missionary and Extension Board to oversee the missionary efforts of the Endeavor Societies of his church in the West. WILLIAM TODD, whose rural home is located near North Sheffield, Ohio, was born in Kingsville, Ashtabula county, this State, July 1, 1817. Erastus and Susan (Morse) Todd, his parents, both natives of Connecticut, came to Ohio in 1816 and located on a farm two miles south of Kingsville. Erastus Todd began life a poor young man, and here on what was then the frontier he acquired a little farm, which he improved, and there he reared his family. His life was characterized by simplicity, honesty and industry, and was adorned by Christian acts of kindness. For over forty years he was a member of the Baptist Church, and few men in the community were held in higher esteem than he. He was born in December, 1786, and died February 5, 592 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 1863; his wife, Susan, born August 10, 1792, died April 3, 1833. Of their family of five children we make the following record: Martha, wife of Amos Gear, died October 12, 1872, aged sixty-one years; Mary and her husband, Jonathan L. Haines, are both deceased, her death having occurred April 12, 1891, at the age of seventy-six; William Todd, whose name heads this sketch; Rev. Julius Todd, Berlin, Wisconsin, is a minister in the Seventh-Day Baptist Church; John Todd, born July 26, 1821, died May 15, 1864. Five years after the death of his first wife Erastus Todd was united in marriage to Mrs. Asenath Bowman, who survived him ten years. William Todd has been a farmer all his life, an energetic, thrifty, successful farmer. He came to his present location in 1850, and has been a resident of Sheffield township since November 4, 1842. His farm contains eighty-six acres, nearly all improved land, and is beautifully located, being used for the propagation of a diversity of crops. During his long residence here he has gained the good will and high regard of a large circle of acquaintances. He has taken a commendable interest in public affairs, having served for about sixteen year as Township Trustee, not, however, successive years. Mr. Todd was married May 14, 1842, to Miss Huldah Morse, a native of Kingsville, Ohio, born September 17, 1819. She is a modest, kindly-disposed and motherly Christian woman, and highly respected as she is widely known. Thier parents were Phineas and Abigail (Luce) Morse. Her father was born March 3, 1795, and died July 2, 1876. He was one of the pioneer farmers of this part of Ohio, having come here from his native place, Litchfield, Connecticut, about 1816, making the journey with ox teams. His farm of 160 acres, located half a mile west of the County Infirmary, is now owned by Dick Woodburn. Few men in Ashtabula county were better known than he. For many years he was an active member of the Baptist Church, giving liberally to the support of the ministry. His wife, born August 15, 1798, he wedded November 18, 1818. She, too, was a Baptist, being identified with that church for a period of sixty-seven years. After living a long and exemplary life, she fell asleep in Jesus. With her passed away one of Kingsville's sturdy pioneers, who had energy and pluck to leave home scenes and friends, and start afresh in a new country. She leaves behind her, besides the members of her grief stricken family, many friends who lovingly cherish her memory with greatful hearts. Following are the names of their nine children: Mrs. Todd, Hiram M., Mary, Almira, Angeline, Almon, Laura, Alden, George W., all living except two. Mr. and Mrs. Todd have had five children, viz.: Adel, who died at the age of fourteen months; Ada; Almon, who married Ella Fascet, resides on a farm in Sheffield township; Melzo, who married Mary Santee and lives in Sheffield township, has three children, Otis, Carl and Tula; and Bertha, of the same township, is the wife of Delos Van Slyke, and has two children, Fannie and Abbie. Our subject and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which he has been a Deacon for many years. Politically, he is a Prohibitionist. HERBERT E. ROGERS, Postmaster at Hampden Centre, Geauga county, Ohio, and dealer in general merchandise at that place, belongs to the progressive element of business circles, and has succeeded OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 593 in establishing an extensive and profitable trade. He is a native of New York, born at Rock Glens, August 8, 1860, a son of Rufus Rogers, a native of Vermont. The grandfather, Isaiah Rogers, was born at Hamden, Connecticut, and the great-grandfather, Rufus Rogers, Sr., traces his origin to John Rogers, of Puritan fame. Rufus Rogers, Sr., was a farmer by occupation, and passed his life in the New England States and in New York, dying in the latter State, at the age of ninety-six years. Isaiah Rogers was also a farmer, and was a manufacturer of lucifer matches; he died at the age of eighty-three years, in New York State; his wife still survives, aged eighty-six. Rufus Rogers, father of H. E. Rogers, has been a traveling salesman all his life. In an early day he traveled in the interests of his father's match-making industry. He married Rebecca Wiseman, of Gainesville, New York; she died at the age of twenty-two years, leaving one child, the subject of this sketch, who attended the schools of his native place, and spent three years in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, completing also a course in the commercial department of that institution. He came to Geauga county in 1882, and bought his store at Hampden. He was united in marriage, April 7, 1883, to Miss R. May Mosher, a native of Geauga county, and a daughter of S. C. Mosher, a native of New York State and an early settler here; he removed to Kansas in 1885, and is now general agent of the Kansas Farmers' Insurance Company at Abilene. J. A. Mosher, of Chicago, brother of Mrs. Rogers, is the inventor of the Mosher Arc Lamp Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of two children: Clell M., born January 28, 1886; and Theodore N., born September 20, 1889. Mr. Rogers carries on a flourishing trade in gen eral merchandise, and in all his career has never swerved from the most correct And honorable methods of business. He has been Postmaster of Hampden for the past ten years, and has served as Township Clerk since the spring of 1884. He is Republican in his politics. He and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. CHARLES FENTON, well-known in agricultural circles in Geauga county, is the subject of the following biographical notice. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, April 26, 1832, a son of John Fenton, a native of Ireland. The latter emigrated from the Emerald Isle in 1825, and after landing in the United States came to Ohio, locating in Trumbull county, which was then a wild, uncultivated territory. He bought 160 acres and settled in the woods, having built a log cabin, and had only a British sixpence in his pocket. He cleared eighty acres of fine farming land. He married in his own country, his wife's maiden name being Anna Whaley. She was also a native of Ireland. They reared a family of seven children. The father died at the age of sixty-two years, and the mother passed away at the early age of thirty-five. They were worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Fenton was a Democrat, but independent in his views on political questions. Charles Fenton is the fourth of a family of seven children. He received his education in the pioneer schools, and at the age of seventeen years began life for himself, working out by the month. In 1853 he went to California, attracted by the reports of gold on the coast, making the trip by water, and crossing the Isthmus. He remained three years there 594 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY mining with marked success. At the end of this time he was satisfied with his experience, and returned to Ohio, locating in Orwell township, Ashtabula county, where he bought 102 acres of land, on which he lived six or seven years. Mr. Fenton was united in marriage, October 1, 1861, to Emily Bissell, of Trumbull county, Ohio. They have four children : Anna, wife of Charles Stephenson, is a resident of Chardon; Mary, wife of E. J. Gray, lives in Lake county, Ohio; Frank and Howard are at home. Mr. Fenton came to Hampden township in 1867, and bought 127 acres, which he has since increased to 150 acres; he has made many excellent improvements, and carries on a very successful business, buying and selling large numbers of cattle. In politics he adheres to Democratic principles, and has served his township as Trustee for two terms. He began life without means, but through perseverance and untiring industry he has accumulated a competence. ALONZO ATWOOD, M. D., a resident of Middlefield township and one of the large land owners there, was born in Huntsburg township, Geauga county, Ohio, March 11, 1832, a son of Lemuel Atwood, a native of New York State. His grandfather, Joseph Atwood, was also a native of New York, but belonged to an old New England family whose first ancestors in this country settled at Salisbury, Connecticut; he was a farmer by occupation, and lived to the age of ninety years. Lemuel Atwood, father of the Doctor, followed agricultural pursuits. He was married in Pennsylvania, but afterward removed to Geauga county, when there were few families residing in Middlefield township. He built a log cabin in the woods and began the task of clearing a farm from the heart of the forest. He died at the age of seventy-seven years, having led an industrious and useful life. He married Lydia Butler, of Pennsylvania, and they had a family of four children. The mother died at the age of seventy years; she was a member of the Disciples' Church, the first religious organization in the township. Mr. Atwood was a Whig and later a Republican in his political belief. Dr. Atwood is the fourth of the family. His opportunities for acquiring an education in his youth were limited, although he enjoyed the advantages afforded by the select schools. At the age of nineteen years he began reading medicine, and made a special study of the drugs and herbs growing in this section. He attended the old Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati for one term, and was graduated from the American Eclectic College at Cincinnati. He began practicing his profession at the age of thirty-two years, being associated with his brothers, who were both physicians. He was married in 1860 to Cordelia S. Gray, who was born in this township, and they have a family of two children, Harley J. and John L. Dr. Atwood was engaged in practice at Whitehall, Muskegon county, Michigan, but returned to this county, where he has a good practice, in Middlefield township and West Farmington, his professional service being in demand throughout a wide territory. In addition to his professional work he superintends the cultivation of 273 acres in Middlefield township and fifty-three acres in another tract south of the main body. Some of the farm is grazing land, and it is the Doctor's purpose to put it all in grass. He spends his winters in Florida and has made some investments in the "Sunny OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - - 595 South," owning 160 acres in Polk county, Florida. Although he began without capital he has accumulated a handsome estate. He has aided largely in the development of his own county's agricultural resources, and is numbered among the most enterprising citizens, both in farming and professional circles. Politically, he supports the principles of the Republican party. ADDISON KIMBALL, of Madison, Lake county, Ohio, and one of the oldest settlers of the county, is a native of Rindge, Cheshire county, New Hampshire, the date of his birth being July 19,1806. His father, Lemuel Kimball, was also a native of New Hampshire, and his grandfather, Richard Kimball, was born in one of the New England States. Lemuel Kimball left Rindge, New Hampshire, in July, 1812, and with his family made the journey by wagon to Lake county, Ohio, being twenty-six days en route. While on the way he encountered a messenger near Buffalo, who proclaimed Hull's surrender, and advised Mr. Kimball to turn back. Mr. Kimball's plans, however, were not' to be thwarted. He had started out with the purpose of establishing his home on the frontier, had his family and effects with him (his brother Abel had gone on the fall before), so he pushed forward and in due time reached his destination. His first settlement was made at Unionville, where he lived a year and a half. He and his brother purchased several hundred acres of land in this county, and each erected a log cabin. They took an active part in clearing up the land and inducing other emigrants to locate here. At that time there was a tribe of Indians be- tween here and Buffalo, and another tribe at Sandusky, and as they passed back and forth visiting each other the red men frequently stopped at the Kimball cabins, some of the Indians being on intimate terms with Mr. Kim ball and his brother. The forest abounded in wild game. Indeed, so numerous were the bears and wolves that the early settlers had to keep their sheep and hogs in high log pens. On one occasion Mr. Kimball was aroused at midnight by the squealing of his hogs, and he and his boys went out to the rescue. A bear had made a raid on the hog- pen and was carrying off a victim. Upon being pursued, it dropped the hog and made its escape. The hog, being much injured, was at once stuck by Mr Kimball, and he and his boys built up a fire and by daylight had some nice dressed pork. The most of the grain the early settlers raised was sold to the distilleries, there being seven here at one time, and the liquor manufactured was hauled to Fairport, where it was sold to western buyers. It was then shipped to Mackinaw and sold to the Indians. Mr. Kimball developed a farm here, and on it he passed the rest of his life. He died in 1824, at the age of fifty-eight years. His wife, whose maiden name was Polly Cutler, was also a native of New Hampshire, and she died here in 1865, at the ripe old age of ninety three. Both were members of the Congregational Church, which was organized at their house at an early day, Politically, Mr. Kimball was a Federalist, afterward known as the Whig party. They had a family of three sons and four daughters. The oldest was born in 1794, and all were natives of New Hampshire except the youngest. Although only six years of age at the time he came with his parents to this county, Addison Kimball has a vivid recollection of the 596 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY journey. He went to school in the first log schoolhouse ever built here. He has an excellent memory and relates in an interesting manner many of the incidents connected with his early life. Hunting was one of his boyish sports. It was no unusual thing for him to kill a wild turkey or a deer, and the larder at home was the richer thereby. His father having died when Addison was eighteen, he continued at home until he was twenty- seven. After that he engaged in work at the carpenter's trade. Many of the houses in Madison were built by him. In 1851 he was employed by the Lake Shore Railroad Company to superintend the building of all the depots and roundhouses on their line from Cleveland to Erie. He made all the contracts for these buildings, paid off all the men every month, and continued in the employ of that company until 1858. The greater part of the time since that date he has lived retired, his health being poor. He began life with but little capital, but by industry, judicious investment and good management, he secured a competency, and now in his old age is nicely situated, surrounded with all the comforts of life. He owns a small farm, and is a stockholder and director in the Madison Bank. Mr. Kimball was married December 16, 1835, to Samantha Webster, who was born in Austinburgh, Ashtabula county, Ohio, November 10, 1806. After more than fifty years of happy married life in the same house in which he now lives, his loving companion was called to her home above, her death occurring January 15, 1887. They had no children. Mrs. Kimball's father, Abram Webster, settled in Ashtabula county in 1804. During the exciting time of the war of 1812, he, with others, buried his valuables. Politically, Mr. Kimball was a Whig in early life, but since the organization of the Republican party has affiliated with it. He cast his first vote for John Q. Adams. He is a member of the Congregational Church, as also was his wife. SYLVESTER D. HOLLENBECK, Auditor of Geauga county, is a highly respected citizen and is regarded as a most capable and faithful official. He was born in Middlefield township, Geauga county, Ohio, August 10, 1850, a son of Reuben Hollenbeck, also a native of Ohio. Gadd Hollenbeck, the grandfather, was a native of New England, and emigrated to Summit county, Ohio, about 1813. He built a log cabin, cleared a farm, and endured the privations and hardships of the frontier with that courage and fortitude which characterized the pioneer. He finally removed to Middlefield township, Geauga county, where he died, in his seventy-sixth year. In politics he adhered to the principles of the Whig party. Reuben Hollenbeck was a lad when he came to Geauga county; his youth was spent in attending the district schools and in hunting the wild animals and game that abounded in this section. He was a farmer by occupation,, and when he had accumulated a little money he bought fifty acres of land, adding to it as his means permitted until he had a farm of 174 acres. He was untiring in his efforts to make a success of all his undertakings, and cleared many acres of land besides his own farm. He married Rhoda Morse of Middlefield township, a daughter of Moses Morse, a native of Vermont and one of the first settlers in Geauga county. Mr. Morse was the only blacksmith OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 597 here for years, and in addition to shoeing horses manufactured plows and many other implements for agricultural purposes; he followed this calling until he was seventy- five years of age and then retired, but did not pass away until he attained the venerable age of ninety-four. Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck had a family of four children, three of whom survive: S. D., the subject of this sketch, Harmony and Charles W. The mother is still living and resides on the old homestead. Until a youth of sixteen years, S. D. Hollenbeck attended the district school and then entered Western Reserve College, at Hudson, Ohio; afterward he took a commercial course at Hiram College, Ohio, and was graduated from this institution in 1869. He was united in marriage September 19, 1872, to Jennie Bishop, a daughter of Hiram L. Bishop, who for thirty years was a merchant in Middlefield, Geauga county. Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck have two children, Harlan H. and Jessie B. After his marriage he engaged in the manufacture of cheese; he built a factory having the capacity for the milk of 850 cows. He sold this business at a good profit and removed to Garrettsville, Portage county, Ohio, where he embarked in mercantile trade; during the two years following he operated the Braceville cheese factory, manufacturing the milk of 700 cows. Selling his interests there he removed to Middlefield and went into general mercantile business; he also sold agricultural implements, sending several agents on the road. He was elected Auditor of the county in the fall of 1886, and took charge of the office in September, 1887; he has been twice reelected, and will begin his third term in September, 1893. He owns a farm of eighty- eight acres, which is well stocked with high grade horses, and sheep of a superior breed. In politics he supports the issues of the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic and I. 0. 0. F. fraternities, enjoying here as elsewhere the regard and confidence of his fellow-men. JOHN M. WILLIAMS, well and favorably known in business circles throughout Geauga county, Ohio, was born in Concord township, Lake county, Ohio, June 7, 1842. His father, Herman Williams, was a native of Connecticut, and one of the first settlers in Lake county, coming as early as 1817. He built on Big creek a mill which was first used for carding, and was afterward changed to a gristmill. He married Anna Reynolds, a native of Connecticut, and they reared a family of ten children. Mrs. Williams died at the age of fifty-four years, and Mr. Williams lived to his ninety-second year. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Williams was one of the first local preachers of Lake and Geauga counties. Politically he was a Whig, and later a Republican. John M. Williams is the youngest of the family. In his youth he attended the district schools and also acquired a fair knowledge of milling. He went to Winnebago county, Wisconsin, and was employed in his uncle's mill for two years. When the civil war broke out he offered his services to his country, enlisting January 8, 1862, in Company E, Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in at Painesville, Ohio, and the first battle in which he participated was Shiloh. He was afterward in the engagement at Chickasaw, Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Champion Hills, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Buzzard's Roost, and many of less note. He was taken prisoner 598 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY before Atlanta, and was confined six months at Andersonville, where he suffered all the horrors of the place. He was paroled, rejoining his regiment at Alexander, Virginia. He was sent to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was mustered out August 15, 1865. He returned to Lake county after the war and thence went to Berrien county, Michigan, where he fanned for five years. He there owned eighty acres of land, which he sold, returning again to Lake county. For three years he operated his father's mill, and then bought in East Claridon a mill, which he managed for eight years. In 1882, the present structure at Chardon was erected and furnished with all modern appliances, having a daily capacity of twenty-five barrels. Mr. Williams was married April 8, 1866, to Hattie A. Morley, a native of Berrien county, Michigan. They have two children, Albert and Alva. Politically Mr. Williams affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Royal Arcanum. He is a man of high moral character, and the family are sincerely respected by the entire community. SMITH WRIGHT, deceased, a descendant of stanch New England ancestors, was born in the State of Massachusetts, at Westhampton, November 6, 1816. Paul Wright, his father, was a native of the same commonwealth, but removed to Geauga county, Ohio, in 1827. Hs traveled by team to Albany, New York, and thence by the Erie Canal to Buffalo; crossing the lake to Fairport, he finished the trip by team to this county. Not possessed of a rugged constitution he was unable to perform heavy manual labor, and he suffered many privations and hardships in his western home. He died at the age of fifty-five years. Smith Wright was a lad of eleven years when his father came to Ohio. His education was acquired in the primitive log school house furnished with slab benches and heated by an open fireplace. When he was ready to meet the responsibilities of life he went out to work by the month, and until he was twenty years of age assisted in supporting his father's family. Naturally possessing superior business qualifications he turned every dollar as soon as earned, and made his first commercial venture at the age of twenty; he invested in a stock of dry goods, which he peddled through the country: this was very profitable, and he accumulated sufficient means to buy a large, dairy farm of two hundred acres. Mr. Wright was united in marriage in 1840 to Sarah Strong, a native of Westhampton, Mass. They had two children, one who died in infancy, and Lazette W., now Mrs. Bodman, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Wright died in 1846, and he was married a second time in 1847, being united to Jeanette Scott, a woman of unusual ability and much force of character. She was born in Huntsburg township, Geauga county, in 1820, a daughter of Aaron and Sarah Scott, natives of Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Scott emigrated to the frontier in 1817, locating in Geauga county, coming directly from Watertown, New York, where they had lived a few years after leaving New England. He was a farmer, and after building a cabin in the woods he began the task of developing a tract of land. He was Justice of the Peace for twenty-one years, and an was an efficient officer. Mr. Wright opened a small store at Huntsburg in 1849, and continued in mercantile business the remain, er of his life. He also dealt extensively in OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 599 live-stock and manufactured large quantities of cheese, Although he began life a poor man, by industry and strictly honorable dealing he amassed a handsome fortune before his death, which occurred July 24, 1875. In all his occupations he was ever encouraged and assisted by the faithful wife. A woman of extraordinary business ability, she was a wise counsellor and worthy of the confidence her husband reposed in her. After the death of Mr. Wright she removed to Chardon and has since made it her home. She is a member of the Congregational Church, as was also her husband; they gave liberally of their means to the support of religious movements, and the poor and unfortunate ever found aid and comfort through their benefactions. Mrs. Wright is a woman of great benevolence, and an active worker in many philanthropic movements. Her adopted son, Lester Fletcher, is a member of the firm of Bodman & Fletcher. SAMUEL E. BODMAN, Vice-President of the Citizens' Bank of Chardon, was born in Huntsburg township, Geauga county, August 6, 1843. His father, Samuel Bodman, was a native of Williamsburg, Massachusetts, and the grandfather, Luther Bodman, was born in the same State. John Bodman, the first of the family in America, is supposed to have come from Holland about the year 1640. The records of the old South Church in Boston show that his wife Sarah was one of the first members, and also gives the names of their three children and the dates of their births. Luther Bodman was a farmer by occupation, and passed his entire life in his native State; he died at the age of eighty-five years; his wife's maiden name was Clarissa Day, and she was the mother of seven children; she died at the age of seventy-eight years. Samuel Bodman was the oldest of the family, and was educated for a surveyor. He came to Geauga county with Louis Hunt, who owned the entire township of Huntsburg. Mr. Bodman was employed to survey the land, and had charge of the estate for years, as Mr. Hunt died in 1834. He owned 260 acres, which he cultivated in his early years. He filled the office of Justice of the Peace, was County Commissioner, and was elected one of the Associate Judges by the State Legislature. His conduct throughout his official career has been marked by that strict integrity which has always been one of his distinguishing traits. He was married in Massachusetts to Susan Kingsley of Williams-.burg, and of the union two sons were born: Sereno K. and Samuel E., the subject of this notice. The father died April 27, 1882, but the mother survives and is quite active, at the age of eighty-three years. She and her husband belonged to the Congregational church; in politics he was a strong Abolitionist, and voted with the Republican party. S. E. Bodman passed his boyhood days in Huntsburg, and gained his education in the schools of Chardon and Burton. At the age of twenty-two years he went into his father-in-law's store at Huntsburg, and for nine years filled this position; he also had an interest in a large cheese factory there. In 1873, he was elected County Treasurer, and held the office four years. Mr. Bodman was married September 25, 1866, to Delia L. Wright, who was born in this county, a daughter of Smith Wright, who was a prominent merchant of the county and whose biography appears elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Bodman received a liberal edu-