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HINCKLEY TOWNSHIP.

JUSTUS A. BABCOCK, farmer ; P. 0. Bennett's Corners ; was born in Columbia Co.. N. Y.. Feb. 11, 1808. He is a son of William and Anna (Lovejoy) Babcock. His father died when he was but 4 years old ; his mother subsequently married Martin Benjamin, and removed to Brunswick Township, Medina Co., where she resided up to the time of her decease, Sept. 18, 1861. Justus remained in New York State until he was 24 years of age, following the occupation of a farmer. He was united in marriage in Columbia Co., Sept. 13, 1829, to Miss Rachel Jones, also a native of that county ; she was born May 7, 1811. In the fall of 1833, they removed to Ohio, locating in Hinckley Township, upon the western township line, where they are still living, enjoying the fruits of their industry. Mr. Babcock first took up 70 acres of timbered land, and cleared it by his own individual efforts. He has since added GO acres adjoining, and has 17 acres in the southern part of the township ; his land is well improved and conveniently, located. Their family consists of the following children—Eliza Ann, married to Uri Squiers, now living in Michigan ; James S.. who died at the age of 3 years ; Esther J.. married to Harvey Crooks. now residing in Michigan. Susan H., the wife of Darius Conant, living in Hinckley Township ; Dan J., married to Miss Ann Waite, and living in Michigan ; Jay. married to Miss Helen Olds. living with parents ; Mary, married to Frank Brooks, and residing in Brunswick Township ; and Celia, who died aged about 14 months. Mr. Babcock has served the township in many offices of trust, all of which he has discharged with ability and honor. He has been actively identified with the educational matters of the township, having been a teacher for about ten winter sessions.

HARRISON H. BEACH, farmer ; P. 0. Remson's Corners ; was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y.. in August. 1817. His parents were Alger and Mary (Near) Beach ; his father was a na-

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tive of Connecticut ; his mother was born in Hudson, N. Y. They moved from Schoharie Co., to Ohio in 1818, and first located in Richfield Township, which was in Medina Co. at that time ; they remained in Richfield about fifteen years and then removed to Granger Township, where they resided about two years. About 1835, they removed to Hinckley Township, locating on the south town line, where they remained until their deaths ; his father's death occurred in November, 1838 ; his mother's in August, 1847. Their children, who are now living, are as follows : Elijah. now living in Knox Co.. Ill.; he was a soldier in the Mexican war. James now a resident of Ionia Co.. Mich., where he is an extensive farmer ; Harriet Post now residing in Knoxville, Ill.; and the subject of this sketch. Harrison's occupation all through his life has been that of a farmer, commencing in his youth, when the land had to be cleared of timber before it could be tilled, up to the present time when ingenious machinery makes the occupation less laborious. He was united in marriage Aug. 18, 1842, to Miss Sylvia L. Bradley; she was born in Canada West, May 1, 1822 ; her parents were residents of Hinckley Township for several years, but finally returned to Canada, where her mother still resides. Her father died in Canada ; he was in the English service during the war of 1812. In 1844, Harrison bought the old homestead farm, where he has since resided ; it contains sixty acres, and, with the exception of a few acres of woodland, is finely improved land. They have four children, all residents of Hinckley—Emily E. Vaughn, Henry, 0. G. and Mary A. Duncan.

S. F. CODDING, Postmaster and merchant, Hinckley. One of the prominent business men of Hinckley is S. F. Codding, the subject of this biography ; he was born in Granger Township in 1826, and is the son of George and Jerusha (Spencer) Codding, who were pioneers of Granger Township. They were both natives of New York State ; he was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., and his wife in Geneva ; they were residents of Granger Township up to their deaths ; he died in 1845 and she a few years previous, about 1841. They had seven children—Myron C., S. F.. Nancy, who died aged 16 years ; Albert died when young ; Harriet M., deceased ; Lucy A., deceased ; William E., living in Ottawa. Ill. Mr. Codding, by a second wife, had one child, who is now married and living in Medina. Our subject's early life was passed upon his father's farm, assisting in clearing up the land ; he remained upon the farm until he attained his majority. He was married to Miss Sarah M. Newton in 1848. Her parents, Mathew and Relief (Straight) Newton, were natives of New York, and old residents of Granger Township. Mr. Codding bought a farm in Granger Township in 1849, and for several years followed the occupation of a farmer in different parts of the township ; he came to Hinckley in 1864, and bought 75 acres of land, located northwest of the Center, remaining upon it for eight years, he then sold it and bought a general stock of goods in Hinckley Center, and has been in trade there up to the present time (1880). For the past six years he has been Postmaster ; has also served the township as Trustee one term, as Assessor one term, Justice of the Peace for five years, and as County Commissioner two terms ; is a member of Hinckley Lodge, No. 304, I. 0.0. F. Mr. Codding's family consists of five children, as follows : Nancy J., Evangeline M., Henry H., Willis L. and Jesse, deceased.

A. L. CONANT, farmer ; P. 0. Hinckley ; was born July 18, 1802, in Herkimer Co., N. Y. His parents were Timothy and Rhoda (Lyon) Conant, natives of New York State. His father was born April, 1771, and his mother June 18, 1769. They were married April 4, 1794. They came to Richfield, then in Medina Co., in July 1819, and in the fall of 1825, removed to Hinckley Township, locating on the Ridge road. They resided in Hinckley Township most of their days. She died in the township June 29, 1845. After her death her husband went to Chesterville, Morrow Co., and resided with his son, Rev. Daniel M. Conant, where he died March 21, 1859. The children were as follows : Rev. Daniel M. Conant, born Feb. 19, 1796, died at Nevada, Ohio, Dec. 27, 1873 ; Timothy B., now living in Hinckley Township ; Chester, born Sept. 27, 1800, now living in Michigan ; Aaron L., the subject of this sketch ; Rhoda Darrow, widow, living in Michigan, born July 4, 1804 ; Patty McGoon, born May 6, 1806, deceased ; she was the first person married in Hinckley Township, which occurred in the spring of 1826 ; Almeda Buck, born Feb. 23, 1808, now a widow, living in Putnam Co.; Lewis Conant, born June 13. 1810,

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died Oct. 12. 1812. Aaron worked with his father until 20 years of age, and then started out in life for himself. He went to New York and farmed for three years ; he then returned to Hinckley and bought a farm upon the "ridge," remaining there until 1834. He then purchased the farm where he now resides, and has made his home there up to the present time. He has 70 acres of fine. improved land, and about 10 acres of timber. He was married Sept. 16, 1830, to Miss Victoria C. Kellogg, daughter of Joshua and Clarissa (Alvord) Kellogg, old residents of Hinckley Township. She was born in Hadley, Mass., Sept. 3, 1809. They have had six children—Hiram, deceased ; Mortimer, deceased ; Emeline Dunham, living in Michigan ; Daniel, deceased ; Elvira V. Perrin, living at home, and Ethan, living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Conant are members of the Methodist Church.

TIMOTHY B. CONANT, farmer ; P. O. Hinckley. One of the pioneers of Hinckley Township is T. B. Conant. He is a native of New York, and was born in Herkimer Co. Sept. 22, 1798. His father, Timothy Conant, was a carpenter and joiner, and, while a youth, young Timothy learned the trade. and assisted his father until he was about 20 years old. He then decided to come to Ohio, and arrived in Richfield in March, 1819. He went to farming immediately, and remained there about fifteen years. He then disposed of his property and came to Hinckley Township in 1834, buying a farm, on which he has resided up to the present time. He has 121 acres of wheat, and about 25 acres in woodland. He was married, Oct. 11, 1820, to Miss Nancy Buck. daughter of Enoch and Alice (Babcock) Buck, pioneers of Richfield Township ; she was born in New York State Dec. 23, 17 97, and died Aug. 19, 1837. They had eight children—Alice Fluent, living in Granger ; Parmelia Fluent, deceased ; Lewis, living in Hinckley ; Plympton, living in Kansas ; Timothy, living in California ; Melissa Richardson, living in Ashtabula Co.; Nancy Ganyard, deceased ; Amanda Sylvester, living in Kansas. Mr. Conant was married to a second wife—Miss Abigail B. Buck—April 1, 1838 ; she was born in New York Jan 23, 1810, and died Oct. 20, 1880. They had four children, as follows : Sanford, deceased ; Olive ; Darius, living in Hinckley Township, and Isaiah, living at home.

JULIUS and NATHAN DAMON, farmers; P. 0. West Richfield. They are the sons of Nathan and Hannah (Shaw) Damon, who were natives of Massachusetts. Nathan was born in 1793, and his wife in 1797. They were married in Massachusetts, and came to Ohio in 1828, locating in Hinckley Township, buying 178 acres of laud. They were residents of the township up to the time of their decease, which occurred in September, 1843, and June, 1869. Julius was born in Massachusetts. Nov. 29, 1824. He was married in 1848, to Miss Electa Eastman, of Cuyahoga Co.; she died in 1855, leaving one child—Ella--who is married and living in Cleveland. He was married the second time to Miss Kate Babcock, daughter of Joshua Babcock, now living in Michigan. They have three children—George J., Herbert L. and Lulu J.—all living at home. Mr. Damon s occupation has always been that of a farmer, and in it he has been very successful. He now owns about 240 acres, and, with the exception of 50 acres of timber land, all improved. He is making a specialty in stock and sheep, and has devoted some time to fruit culture, having at present about 35 acres of apple orchard and several acres of peaches. He has served the township as Trustee several terms, and as Assessor two terms. Nathan A Damon was born in Hinckley Township in 1832. He has, since his youth. been at home and working on the old homestead, and, since the death of his parents, it has fallen into his possession. He has 83 acres of land, about 30 of which is in timber. He devotes his time to general farming, making no specialty. He was married Feb. 11, 1869, to Miss Adeline Searles, a daughter of Daniel Searles, of Hinckley Township. They have three children—Harley A., Owen H. and Fred S.

OLIVER E. ELLSWORTH, saw-mill; Hinckley ; was born in Vermont in 1833 He is the son of Walter and Ruth (Peckham) Ellsworth, natives of Vermont. and who came to Ohio in 1836. They first located in Royalton, Cuyahoga Co., on the township line joining Hinckley. In 1852, they came to Hinckley Township. and settled upon the farm where they now reside. They have had ten children—Melinda. a widow, now living in Michigan ; William, who died in Royalton, aged 23 years; Oliver E.. the subject of this sketch ; Rhoda. living at home ; Z. W., now working the old homestead ; Ruth, mar-

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ried and living in Cleveland ; Dela, married and residing in Cuyahoga County ; J. P., now living at home; Chancy, living in Cuyahoga County, and Frank, living in Cleveland. Oliver has been a resident of the township since his parents' removal there. He was married in 1858 to Miss Rosetta Keyes ; she died in February, 1861. leaving one child. Fred W. He was married to his second wife, A. E. Edgerton. Oct. 1, 1865. They have four children—Elmer C., George L., Rosa R. and Lillie. Mr. Ellsworth enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, in Company A, 124th O. V. I., and served nearly three years. This regiment was in active service, and he passed through some of the most severe battles of the war, going through the whole Atlanta campaign, and escaping unhurt. He received his discharge June 9, 1865, and returned to Hinckley. Previous to going to the war, he built a saw-mill upon his land, and, since his return, has been operating it. His property is located in the northeastern part of Hinckley Township, and consists of 8 acres of land with the mill property.

Z. W. ELLSWORTH, farmer: P. O. Hinckley; a son of Walter and Ruth (Peckham) Ellsworth, was born Jan. 1, 1842. in Royalton, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. He passed his early life upon the farm, and about two years in Michigan. previous to the war. He was married in Michigan. to Miss Lodema Lamphear, Dec. 25, 1871. He enlisted July 29, 1862, in Company A, 124th O. V. I., and was in the active service that his regiment saw, numbering some twenty-eight battles ; he was wounded at Chickamauga, slightly, but not enough to disable him, and, after three years of arduous service, was discharged Jan. 9, 1865. In 1867, he returned to Michigan, and resided there about nine years, at the end of which time, he returned to Hinckley, and is now working the old homestead. The farm consists of 100 acres of good improved land. and is situated about three and a half miles northeast of Hinckley Center. He has one child, Jarella, a girl, born May 8, 1879.

DR. G. S. GILLET, Hinckley Center ; was born in Eaton, Lorain Co., Ohio, March 7, 1841. His early life was passed in that county, and his education commenced in the common schools. He learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade when a youth, and. as he grew older,. worked at his trade in the summer and taught school in the winter. He then went to Oberlin and attended school there for several terms, and then, having decided upon the practice of medicine, went to Plymouth, Ohio, and entered the office of Drs. Tucker & Sykes. He also attended lectures at the Cleveland Medical College during the sessions of 1864–65 and 1866–67, and, at the end of these terms, he graduated and commenced the practice of medicine in Hinckley Center, in 1867, at which place he has been in active practice up to the present time, being the only practicing physician in the township until 1880. He was married in Milwaukee, Wis., to Miss Rachel Baldwick, Jan. 9, 1868. Her parents were natives of England, and came to America in 1847, first locating in New York, and afterward in Wisconsin. They have had the following children—David, Ada, deceased ; Lida, Reuel S. and Ralph. Mr. and Mrs. Gillet are members of the Church of Christ, of Hinckley, and have always taken an active interest in the affairs of the church, Mr. Gillet having been an Elder during the past ten years. Though a young man, he has had an extensive experience in the practice of his profession. One of the most noteworthy cases coming under his professional skill, was a compound comminuted fracture of the skull, the subject being the doctor's son, a bright lad, who had been kicked on the head by a horse Nov. 12, 1879. The boy, David N. Gillet, aged 10 years, received the kick on the right temple, and, by actual measurement, four and one-half inches of skull bone were removed. The stroke was so severe as to have loosened the cranial sutures in the region of the removed skull segments, and lacerate the inclosing brain membranes by slivers of bone which penetrated the anterior lobe of the cerebrum, causing an ounce or more of brain to escape. No signs of consciousness were shown until the end of four days, and no certain signs until six days had elapsed. Two weeks passed away before the patient was sufficiently recovered to know what had happened. Four days after the accident, fungus of the brain set in, and, at the end of a week, the growth was .as large as a hen's egg. An eminent surgeon of the county was called in for consultation and assistance, and, after the wound had been dressed, gave as his professional opinion that the boy could not possibly recover. But Dr. Gillet, with a father's love to actuate him, refused to believe that there was no hope, and immediately employed his utmost skill and at-

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tention to save the child. A different mode of treatment was adopted than the one laid down in the books, and, at the end of two weeks of incessant care and sleepless anxiety, the devotion of the father was repaid by the gradual recovery of the son ; it was five weeks before the boy was sufficiently recovered to be removed home. The recovery was one of the most remarkable ever occurring in the field of surgery. and reflects high honor on the professional skill of Dr. Gillet. No effect of the accident can be seen upon the boy, who is as bright and intelligent as though nothing had happened. Dr. Gillet, since February of 1880, has devoted part of his time to ministerial duties. a movement he has long contemplated, and which he expects to continue. If in the future he discontinues the practice of medicine, as he at present contemplates, he intends to devote his whole time to preaching the Word of God.

JOSEPH GOUCH, farmer ; P. 0. West Richfield ; is a native of New England, and was born in Northampton, Mass., in 1821. He is a son of Joseph and Keziah (Alvord) Gouch, natives of New England. They were neighbors of Judge Hinckley, in Massachusetts, and received from him the first deed of land given in the township of Hinckley. They located in Hinckley in 1875, on the farm where Joseph now resides. With the exception of eight years' residence in Berea. where he removed to give his children the advantages of these schools, he has always been a resident of Hinckley and of the old homestead first settled upon by his parents ; his farm consists of 88 acres of land, 20 acres of which is woodland, which contains a great number of sugar maples, from which he makes annually about 1.000 pounds of sugar. He also makes a specialty of fruit, and has taken a great many prizes on specimens of peaches and pears, having at one time. seventy-five different varieties of pears. He has given considerable attention to small fruits, which have proven generally profitable. He was united in marriage, in 1842. to Miss Charlotte C. Culver, of Rochester, N. Y. Their union has been blessed with eight children—Frederick; he enlisted in the 41st 0. V. I., commanded by Col. Hazen ; he served for two years in all the engagements of his regiment. At the battle of Stone River he waded the river and lying down went to sleep ; when found. his clothes were frozen upon him. and he was takento the hospital, but his constitution had become so weakened by previous disease that he died April 20, 1863. He entered the service as a private and was distinguished for his bravery and daring in the last battle, for which, had he lived, he would have been promoted to Second Lieutenant, although at the time of his death he was but 19 years old. From the letters received by the bereaved mother, from his Colonel and the officers and commander of his regiment, it appeared he was a favorite of the whole regiment, and his death was deplored by them all. Frank A.. also a volunteer in the service ; he now resides in Hinckley Township ; Norman, living in Cleveland ; George L., Lyman deceased. Florence J., Charlotte and James. who died in Berea, aged 12 years.

WILLIAM HEACOX. farmer ; P. O. Brunswick. Mr. Heacox is a native of Connecticut. and was born in Litchfield Co., March 29, 1800. His parents were Harvey and Elizabeth (Newton) Heacox, who were also natives of Connecticut. His father was a sea-faring man and went to sea when he was 3 months old ; he did not see him again until he was 14 years. of age ; his early life, until about 15 years, was passed in Connecticut ; at this time his parents removed to Ashtabula; Ohio, and he went upon the lakes, which occupation he followed nearly all the time for twenty years. In the spring of 1836, he removed to Medina Co., locating at Weymouth, at which place he bought a farm of 80 acres and a mill property ; he devoted his time to farming and milling until 1868, when he removed to Hinckley Township, buying 50 acres of land, where he now resides ; his farm. with the exception of 14 acres of timber, is all improved, and is located about two and one-half miles west of Hinckley Center, on the town line road. Mr. Heacox was married in 1822, to Miss Harriet Welton. also native of Connecticut ; she is the daughter of Mark and Sarah (Davis) Welton, and was born June 17, 1801 ; she is the lineal descendant of, and the sixth generation from, John and Mary (Upson) Welton. who came from England about 1679, and located at Waterbury, Conn. Nine generations of this family have been reared in this country ; they have nine children—William J., deceased ; George H., deceased ; Harvey F., deceased ; Harriet ' M.. married to Jehiel Squires, and living in Sharon Township ; John

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H., now living in Cleveland ; Sarah J., married to 0. W. Avery ; Edward L., now living in Brunswick Township ; Samuel W.. deceased ; Anson F., deceased. During his residence in Medina Township, Mr. Heacox served as Justice of the Peace for nine years, as Township Trustee for one term, and, since his residence in Hinckley, three terms.

G. W. HURD, farmer ; P. O. Bennett's Corners ; is one of the prominent farmers of Hinckley Township ; he was born in Amsterdam. N. Y., May 20, 182 7 ; his father, Hiram Hurd, was a native of Vermont, and was born Nov. 27, 1805 ; his mother was Louisa Cherbourg ; she was born Aug. 12. 1806 ; they emigrated to Ohio and located in Strongsville, Cuyahoga Co., about 1832, where they remained about ten years, and then removed to Bennett's Corners, where they resided until his father died, Feb. 22, 1865. His mother is still living, residing with his family. Our subject, as was the custom, remained with his parents until he attained his majority ; he was united in marriage March 8, 1848, to Miss Abigail C. Brown, a daughter of John and Oirilla (Warner) Brown, who were early settlers of Hinckley Township ; she was born in New York State. Mr. Hurd has, since his marriage, with the exception of one year's residence in Minnesota, always been a resident of Hinckley Township ; his homestead is located on the western township line, and consists of 186 acres, which, with the exception of about 30 acres of woodland, is as fine farming land as there is in the township, presenting, with its improvements, commodious and extensive outbuildings, barns, etc., and a new and attractive residence, a picture of thrift and prosperity. Their family is as follows : Wilson H., born Dec. 15, 1848, he was married to Miss Jennie E. Pay, Sept. 25, 1870 ; he removed to Kansas in 1880, where he is now living engaged in farming ; Clark S., born Dec. 18, 1852 ; he was united to Miss Josephine Olds, a daughter of M. Olds, of Hinckley Center, May 18, 1873, they are now living in Hinckley Township ; Arthur E. was born Oct. 12, 1861, and Martha J., both living at home. Mr. Hurd has served the township in several offices of trust, and has taken an active interest in schools, but devotes his time principally to the cultivation and care of his extensive farm.

S. W. ISHAM, farmer ; P. O. Hinckley ; was born in Geauga Co., Ohio, Sept. 1, 1831. Heis the son of Truman and Matilda (Dickson) Isham, old residents of the township. He came to Hinckley Township when but 2 years old, and has resided in the township ever since. He was married, Aug. 17, 1854, to Mary McCreary, daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Truman) McCreary. He was born in Washington Co., Penn., March 16, 17 98. She was a native of Seneca Co., N. Y., and was born Jan. 24, 1805. She died May 21, 1853. Mr. McCreary was one of the pioneers of Hinckley, coming there in 1829, and a resident of the township up to his death, Nov. 20, 1880. They had the following children: Sarah, born July 2, 1825, married, and living in Nebraska ; Peter, born Aug. 15, 1828, deceased; Margaret, born March 17, 1830, deceased ; Mary, born May 13, 1836 ; Eliza, born June 2, 1840, married, and living. in Trumbull Co.; Emma, born Dec. 27, 1844, deceased. Mr. McCreary was married to his second wife, Louisa A. Finch, Dec. 6, 1854. She died May 6, 1880. Mr. Isham is a tinner by trade, and worked at it for ten years in Hinckley Center. He is now living on his farm, about one and a half miles north of the Center.

ELIAS KEYES, farmer; P. O. Hinckley ; was born in New York in 1811. His parents were Elias and Elizabeth (Noble) Keyes, who were pioneers of Royalton, Cuyahoga Co. They located there in 1819, and were citizens of that county up to the time of their decease. Elias worked for his father, as was customary, until he was of age. In 1837 (Feb. 2), he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Swift. She was born in Cecil Co., Md., March 2, 1817, and was the daughter of Richard and Letitia (Welch) Swift, who were also natives of Maryland. Her parents were old residents of Hinckley Township, coming there in 1825, where they lived the rest of their lives. They had ten children, as follows : Mary Ann Keyes ; Eliza Cleveland, deceased ; Martha Wait, living in Hinckley ; Edward, now a resident of Michigan ; Richard, accidentally shot at Hinckley ; Harriet Wait, living in Hinckley Township ; Henry, now living in Oberlin, Ohio ; Lois Howland, residing in Michigan ; Jane E. Swift, now living in Hinckley, and Frank Swift, living in Hinckley. Mr. and Mrs. Keyes moved to Royalton, and were residents of that township for seventeen years subsequent to their marriage ; then came to Hinckley, and located where they

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have since made their home. They have 85 acres of good improved land, and are comfortably situated in their old age. They have had the following children : Charles D., now a resident of Royalton, Cuyahoga Co. He was born Nov. 8, 1837 ; Melissa, born May 11, 1840, died May 22, 1842 ; Elizabeth, born May 6, 1842, died Jan. 16, 1880 ; Richard B., born April 1, 1845 ; he enlisted in 1864, in Co. H, 2d O. V. C.; he was wounded at the battle of Five Forks, Va., in 1865, and was discharged June, 1865 ; he died May 3. 1873 ; and Ellen R., born Dec. 28, 1853. wife of James Mattingly, now living in Hinckley.

HIRAM B. MILLER. farmer ; P. O. Hinckley. One of the best-known men in Hinckley Township is Hiram B. Miller ; he is a native of New York State, and was born April 3, 1807, in Ontario Co.; his parents were Lyman and Celia (Wheeler) Miller, also natives of the Empire State. While a youth, his parents removed to Henrietta, Monroe Co., where they purchased a hotel property and a farm. The hotel was known as the " Coffee House," and run by the Millers for over twenty years. Hiram was married in 1829, to Miss Maria Deming, daughter of David and Sarah (Lewis) Deming, who were residents and old settlers of Monroe Co., N. Y.; Maria was born in Massachusetts, and, at the age of 10, walked the entire distance from Massachusetts to Rochester, N. Y., at the time of her parents' emigration to Monroe Co. At the time, of his marriage, Hiram had nothing to begin life with, excepting good health, energy. and a determination to succeed ; thus, without a dollar of spare money, did he begin the battle of life ; how, well he has succeeded, the following lines will portray. In 1831, with his wife, he went to Canandaigua, N. Y., where his grandfather resided, and for two years he worked one of his farms. At the end of that time. he removed back to Henrietta, having saved about $800 within that time ; he then went to work upon his father's farm, but, after having put in the crops, finally induced his father to sell out the whole property. Ohio at this time was presenting an inviting field to emigrants, and here the Miller family came, locating in Hinckley Township, in 1833, on the western township line ; here they bought, together, 650 acres ; Hiram buying about 100 acres; his parents died on the old homestead after living to see. the unbroken forests blossom into fertile fields. Hiram has resided, ever since coming to the township, upon the land he purchased on first coming into the county, and which he has cleared by his own exertions ; his wife died March 10, 1876 ; he has seven children living —Cordelia M., Arethusa H., Sherman . L.. Henrietta, Betsey A.. Frank D. and Harvey T. Frank D. was in the service. belonging to 150th O. N. G., serving 100 days. Harvey T., was in Barber Sharpshooters, and served all through the war. Mr. Miller has been one of the foremost men in the township upon educational matters, always taking an active interest ; he has also been an efficient worker in the temperance cause ; he is a member of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266. A.. F. & A. M.. of Richfield. Prior to the war he gained an extended reputation from his prominent connection with the underground railroad. Even before the enactment of the fugitive slave law, in 1850, he had deemed it his religious duty to use his best efforts in aiding runaway slaves to escape. But. upon the passage of that law, believing as he did. that Divine approval would sanction its violation and avoidance. he made it a part of his religious duty to assist the frightened and fleeing slaves to Canada. Some residents in his neighborhood were hostile to his movements of humanity. and often sought to discover slaves in his care, in hopes of getting the promised reward ; but no runaway who sought his protection was ever captured. "Why," said he, Mr. Reporter, I've had as high as five poor runaways eating at my table at one time, for each of whom a reward of $500 was offered. One day, while moving in the field. suddenly a gigantic negro rose from the grass in front of me and said : Oh, Massa, can ye tell me whar' Nigger' Miller lives ?' ' Why bless your soul, you poor fellow.' said I, ' I'm ' Nigger' Miller.' ' Oh Massa Miller,' exclaimed the delighted slave, while his dark face lighted with joy, ' you look better to me than money." It is needless to say that the runaway reached Canada. In company with Joe Mason, a gifted colored man, Mr. Miller began lecturing in schoolhouses and barns in this and adjoining counties. He was announced to lecture at his home schoolhouse, but a neighbor was determined that he should not do it. In an altercation at the house. the neighbor seized Mr. Miller by the throat, threw him with great force on

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the floor, cutting an ugly wound on his head, from which the blood flowed in streams down his neck. Money was offered to repair the injury, but Mr. Miller nobly refused, saying that money was not what was wanted, that the sin of slavery and the irreparable wrong done the poor slave was what he wished every one to seriously consider. Scores of instances can be mentioned, but these will suffice. Mr. Miller, for his noble efforts. deserves to be classed with such men as : Old " John Brown. Owen Lovejoy, and others, who fought for years against the degrading and cruel influences of slavery.

JOHN MUSSER, retired farmer ; P. 0. Hinckley Center. Mr. Musser was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Nov. 9, 1814. He is the son of David and Polly (Reed) Musser. who were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Trumbull Co. in 1813. In 1840, they removed to Norton, Summit Co., where they remained until their deaths. Mr. Musser's early life was passed in Trumbull Co., where he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which occupation he followed until about 30 years of age. Aug. 12, 1843. he was married to Esther F. Canfield ; her father, William, was a native of Litchfield Co., Conn., and her mother, Submit (Post), a native of West Hampton. Mass. They came to Summit Co., in 1817, and lived there all of their lives, her father dying in 1852, and mother in 1867. After his marriage, Mr. M. went to Huron Co.. and worked at his trade for one year, at the end of which time he moved back to Summit Co., buying a farm of 50 acres and working it about four years. He then came to Hinckley Township, April. 1851, and bought a farm of 110 acres, located in the southern part of the township. He remained upon this place until 1876, when he sold out and bought 25 acres about one-fourth of a mile north of the Center, where he now resides. They have had four children—Daniel 0., born June 27, 1844 ; he was married September 1863, to Nancy M. Wait, daughter of John and Martha (Swift) Wait, residents of Hinckley Township, and is living about one and one-half miles west of Hinckley Center. He enlisted in 1864, in Co. D, 178th 0. V. L, and was out until the close of the war ; Florence, born October, 1848, died March 17, 1852; William A., born Jan. 27, 1853, now living in Hinckley Township ; Ida A., born June 8, 1857, marriedto William Isham and living in Hinckley Center. Mr. Musser and wife are members of the Disciples' Church of Hinckley Center.

SOLOMON G. NEWTON. deceased, was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, 1825; he was a son of Mathew and Relief (Straight) Newton, old residents of Granger Township. Our subject came with his parents to Granger Township when he was quite young, and where his early life was passed. He was married Jan. 4, 1849, to Miss Sarah A. Oviatt. She was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Jan. 4, 1827 ; her parents were Stephen and Prudence (Davidson) Oviatt, pioneers of Wayne Co., where her father died ; her mother subsequently moved to Hinckley Township, Medina Co., where Sarah was married. Since their marriage they resided most of the time in Hinckley Township. In April, 1863, they removed to the southern portion of the township, purchasing a farm which consisted of about 100 acres ; here Solomon died Nov. 6, 1878. His wife and family still reside upon the old homestead. Mr. Newton was a member of the Baptist Church, and had always been an earnest and active worker in the church and Sabbath school ; his earnest Christian life and the honorable and upright manner which characterize all his dealings, make his death deplored by all who knew him. The children are as follows : James P. was born in Hinckley Township, in June, 1853, and lived with his parents until he attained his majority ; he was married Feb. 28. 1875, to Miss Rowena Morris ; her father, George Morris, was an old resident of Granger Township ; her mother was Rebecca Waltman ; she also was an early resident of the county ; they have two children—Earnest J. and Minnie. James now resides in East Cleveland. where he is engaged in raising fruit and gardening. Gertrude I. deceased, May, Allie R., Stephen M., Gertie S. and Dell. Mrs. Newton and the four elder children are members of the Baptist Church. His family will cherish through their lives, with loving regret, the memory of the devotion and goodness of the husband and father.

M. OLDS, retired engineer, Hinckley Center ; is the son of Rufus and Abigail (Kent) Olds, natives of New York State, who came to Ohio in 1836, locating in Royalton, Cuyahoga Co. They were residents of the county, where they settled, upto their deaths. His father died in Ft. Wayne, Ind., in 1838, and his mother in

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1848, at Royalton. Our subject was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Feb. 22. 1825, and came to Ohio with his parents. He worked on the farm for a number of years, and then, at the age of 16, went to Cleveland, and commenced learning his trade at the Cuyahoga Steam Furnace Company's works ; he remained with them about two years. He was married, in 1850, to Miss Amelia Marcelus, daughter of John and Esther (Hall) Marcelus, pioneers of Cuyahoga Co., and residents of Royalton Township. Mr. Olds came to Hinckley Township in 1856, and bought the old Wetmore saw and grist mills. which he ran for two years and then sold out He built (in 1857–58) the first steam grist-mill in the township. In 1859. he went to the Lake Superior country, and had the management of building a large lumber mill, taking charge of the whole work until the year was out. Returning to Hinckley, again went into the milling business. which he continued for two years, and then bought an interest in the Durham Foundry. In September, 1862, he responded to the call of Gov. Tod to repel an attack upon Covington and Cincinnati ; 16,000 men responded ; they were known as the " Squirrel Hunters." Upon his return to Hinckley, within a few days, he was drafted. He went to Camp Cleveland, where he procured a substitute ; he watched the course of his substitute, and finally learned he was killed at Chickamauga. He immediately determined to try it himself, and within a few days he enlisted, at Wooster, Ohio, as a private in Co. E, 1st Ohio Light Artillery, and was immediately sent to the front, joining his battery on the Tennessee River. In the spring of 1864, was detailed to go on the gunboat fleet of the Upper Tennessee. as engineer. He placed the engine in the gunboat General Sherman, and remained with the fleet until July, and then joined his battery at Bridgeport, Ala. ; he remained with it until the close of the war. He was in the siege and battle of Nashville, which lasted for sixteen days, a heavy artillery fire being waged by both sides every day. He was mustered out July 17, 1863. Upon his return home, he built a tin-shop in Hinckley, and ran it for one year, then bought a saw-mill, which he ran about a year. In 1868, he went to Sand Lake, Mich., and built several saw-mills for Capt. Small. In 1869, went to Missouri, and had charge of clearing out the Buckeye copper mine ; returned to Hinckley. and bought a saw-mill at Bennett's Corners. which he ran for about one year. In 1873, he removed with his family to Marquette City, Mich., and had charge of the city water works for one year, and' while there lost his right hand. The next year, he took the contract for supplying the city with water, and at the expiration of his contract, on account of his health, returned to Hinckley Center, and bought the old Wetmore place, where he at present resides. He has added several piece( of land to the original purchase, until he ha( about 80 acres of improved land, which is worked by his son-in-law, Mr. Olds having retired from active business, only doing some fire insurance business to occupy part of his leisure hours. Mr. and Mrs. Olds have had six children—Clayton, died at the age of 21 ; Willie, aged 19, at Marquette City ; Josephine Hurd, living in Hinckley Township ; Frank and Carrie, twins ; Carrie, married to John Wyman, and living in Hinckley Center ; and Frederick. living at home. Mr. Olds is a member of Hinckley Lodge. No. 304. I. 0. 0. F.

NATHANIEL PORTER, farmer; P. 0. West Richfield. New York has furnished the majority of the pioneers of Hinckley Township, and. in Schoharie Co.. Sept. 7, 1813. our subject was born. His father. Samuel Porter, was also a native of that State, and was born in Albany Co.. Aug. 4, 17 96. His parents removed to Schoharie Co. when Samuel was but 4 years old, locating in Broome Township. Here he passed his early life. and was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Jacobs. She was a native of New York, and was born December. 1796. After remaining at his father's house until the spring of 1818, they started for I Ohio with all their worldly effects in a wagon

which was drawn by a yoke of oxen. After a month's journey, they finally reached Richfield (now Summit Co.). where they first located, remaining there until the spring of 1825, when they removed to Hinckley Township, locating I upon the ridge." Here the worthy couple remained until they were called to their heavenly home. He died June 6, 1848, and his wife, at the home of her son Nathaniel, May 10, 1869. Their children are as follows: Nathaniel. Alinfra. deceased. Rev. Joseph Porter, a minister of the Methodist Church, now a resident of Steuben Co.. Ind.; he published, some years ago. a small volume relating the life of his father ; it is a most interesting work, giving

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his pioneer life and Christian experience ; Olive S., deceased, and Marietta, deceased. Nathaniel was about 10 years of age when his parents came to Hinckley, and he has been a resident of the township ever since, following the occupation of a farmer. Nov. 3, 1873, he bought a small piece of land where he now resides. He was married. November, 1837, to Almira Brown. She died May 5, 1848, leaving one child—Julia J., now the wife of H. W. Davis, Deputy Sheriff of Grand Rapids, Mich. r. Porter was married to a second wife, Sarah Ann Crofoot (widow of Cyretus Crofoot, a resident of Brunswick Township), Nov. 19. 1848. Her maiden name was Sarah A. Brown. She was a daughter of John and Orella (Warner) Brown, old residents of the county, who located in Hinckley in 1829. She was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., Jan. 23, 1818. At the time of her marriage with Mr. Porter, she had three boys—Levi L., Joseph J. and Lewis L., each of whom died while in the service of his country. Levi and Joseph enlisted, and, while in service in Missouri, both contracted diseases which resulted fatally. Joseph dying Nov. 16. 1861, and his brother Levi Nov. 28. 1861. Lewis L. enlisted to guard prisoners at Camp Douglas, and died from disease contracted while on duty. Sept. 14, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have two children—Sanford P.. married and residing in Richfield, Summit Co.. and Emma V., living at home. Mr. Porter has been a resident of the township for nearly threescore years, and has been closely identified with the growth and development of this part of the county, and is one of its most valued citizens. In religious belief, with his wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a man of generous impulses, a friend to the poor, and, although assailed frequently by misfortune, has always been disposed to look upon life's bright side. He is intelligent, social and genial in his manner. and a thorough Christian gentleman. He has been honored with many offices of trust by his townsmen, and is now serving his third term as Justice of the Peace.

N. W. PEEBLES. farmer ; P. O. Brunswick , was born in Otsego Co., N. Y.. July 21, 1828 ; he. is a son of John W. and Eliza A. (Eaton) Peebles, and came with his parents to Hinckley Township, when they removed there from New York State in 1836. He remained athome until 20 years old, when he went to Brunswick and entered a machine-shop to learn that trade ; he worked in all about nine years at that calling, and then traveled in the patent-right business for some six years; he then entered the employ of the King Iron Bridge Co., of Cleveland, as traveling salesman, and was connected with that company eleven years. Since that time he has been back upon the old homestead, having bought out the heirs of the estate, and is now engaged in farming; he has 130 acres in Hinckley and about 35 acres in Brunswick Township. His land lies on the western town line road, and consists of as good land as there is in the township. He was united in marriage, July 1, 1857, to Miss Polly A. Jenkins, a daughter of Solomon and Margaret (North) Jenkins. They have three children—Frank W.. Ida Wait and Alice. Mr. Peebles has served the township in various offices, as Trustee and also as Assessor, his active business life for so many years having adapted him to discharge any office with ability. In educational matters, he has taken a very active interest, serving as a member of the Board of Education. The district in which he resides now ranks as the second in interest in the township. Mr. Peebles has two brothers and two sisters living, and a brother deceased, as follows : John H. (see biography) ; Jane A. Chidsey, married and living in Hinckley Township ; Rensselaer R., a dentist living in Cleveland, and Elizabeth A. Card, living in Cleveland. William H. died at the age of 33 years in Hinckley Township.

JOHN H. PEEBLES, farmer; P. O. Hinckley. John H. Peebles, the subject of this sketch, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1823. His father was John W. Peebles, a native of Ireland he was born May 15, 1797, and his mother was Eliza Eaton, a native of Cooperstown, N. Y.; she was born March 26, 1801. They came to Hinckley Township from New York State in 1836, and always resided there ; he died May 1. 1879, and his wife followed Jan. 16, 1880. John H. was 13 years old when his parents came to this county, and he worked upon his father's farm until he was 21. In 1845, his father gave him 50 acres of land, where he now resides. Since that he has added several pieces of land to his possessions, until at present he has over 300 acres. He was married August, 1854, to Miss Parmelia Johnson.

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daughter of Sherman and Anna (Patterson) Johnson, who came to Hinckley Township in the spring of 1836 ; he was a native of Connecticut and was born Nov. 30, 17 98 ; his wife was a native of New York, and was born July 3, 1797 ; died in Hinckley Township May. 1867 ; he died September, 1880, in Michigan. The children are Hannah, married and living in Illinois ; Parmelia, wife of John H. Peebles ; Erastus, now living in Hinckley Township ; William A., a resident of Granger Township, died Dec. 18, 1873 ; Sherman, now living in Royalton. Cuyahoga Co., and Elizabeth. married and living in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Peebles have but two children—Francis A. and William. Mr. Peebles has served one term as township Supervisor. His land is nearly all improved, and devoted chiefly to the raising of grain. He has one brother. Nathaniel. living on the old homestead.

DANIEL SEARLES, farmer ; P. O. West Richfield ; is a son of Daniel and Phoebe (Fisher) Searles, natives of New York, and pioneers of Hinckley Township, locating there in the fall of 1833. They bought 600 acres of land on their arrival and were residents of the township up to their deaths. He died Aug. 28. 1854. and his wife, May 5, 1861. Daniel remained at home until he was 23 years of age. He was married Sept. 6. 1837, to Mary Ann Halsted, daughter of James and Phoebe Halsted, pioneers of Hinckley ; she died in 1839, leaving a son, Edwin, ten months old. He is married and living in Hinckley. Sept. 10, 1840, Mr. Searles was again married. to Miss Sally Ann Searles, of Montville Township. They had three children—Henry, married and living in Richfield. Summit County ; Adeline A. Damon, who died in 1878, and Hattie J. Eastwood, living with parents. Mr. Searles has followed farming all his life. In 1852, he came back to the old homestead to work the land, and to take care of his parents in their old age, where he has since resided. He has divided up his land with his children, until he has now but 53 acres. He has served the township as Trustee, and has taken an active interest in the schools, having been School Director several terms.

HENRY SYLVESTER, farmer; P. O. Weymouth ; is a son of Francis and Cynthia (Hatch) Sylvester, who are prominent in the early history of Granger Township. Henry was bornin Massachusetts Aug. 20, 1824, and was about 14 years of age at the time of his parents' removal to Ohio. His early life was passed in Granger Township at farming, which pursuit he has followed all his life. He was united in marriage in August, 1849, to Miss Mary Ganyard, a daughter of James Ganyard, pioneer of Granger, and a prominent citizen of the early days of the township. Mary was born in Granger Township, April, 1829. They have three children—Jay, Belle and Helen ; after his marriage, Mr. S. engaged in farming for himself and was a resident of Granger Township until 1864, he then removed to Medina Township. where he resided for fourteen years. In April. 1878, he bought the farm in Hinckley Township. where he at present is located ; his farm consists of 87 acres of improved land, and is the southwestern farm in the township. Mr. S. is an intelligent and respected citizen of the county.

VAN DEUSEN FAMILY. Hinckley. Andrew and Orpha Joyner Van Deusen were natives of Massachusetts. He was born Sept. 8. 1794, and his wife. Aug. 2, 1796. They were married Sept. 20, 1815. in New York State. and. as they were living in Massachusetts near the New York line, in order to avoid being published—as was the custom in Massachusetts—they crossed the line and were united. without going through so many forms as were necessary in Massachusetts. In 1817. they removed to New York State, settling near Dunkirk. which was, at that time, a wilderness, up to within a mile of the city. Here they remained for a period of about eleven years, and then decided to remove still further West, and the tide of emigration drifted them to Hinckley Township. In 1828. they bought a piece of land upon the "Ridge," containing about 30 acres, and commenced to clear it up ; 90 acres more were added to their farm in time, and. after eight years' residence there, traded for a saw-mill, on Rocky River, and about 30 acres of land. Here they resided until the husband's death, which occurred in 1841. Mrs. Van Deusen, whose portrait appears in this work, was left, by the death of her husband, with no property and no means of support, except through her own efforts ; she went to work with energy and perseverance, and, by her own individual efforts, paid for 30 acres of land and a comfortable dwelling-house. where she now

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resides, over 80 years of age and infirm in body; but, mentally, she is as bright and cheerful as though her life was new, and, in the evening of her days, sits in comfort in a home her own hands has reared, surrounded by prosperous children. Her children are as follows : Arena A. West, born July 21, 1817 ; Roe G., born April 27, 1820, in State of New York. came with parents to Hinckley Township, and remained there until the fall of 1859, when he removed to Shiawassee Co., Mich., where he owns about 500 acres of land, and is carrying on farming on a large scale ; he was married to Susannah Foss, July 10, 1845. Rush L., born Aug. 3, 1823.

RUSH L. VAN DEUSEN, farmer; P. O. Hinckley ; whose portrait appears in this book, was born Aug. 3. 1823, in New York ; he came with his parents to Hinckley, and has, since that time, been a citizen of the Township ; he was 14 years of age at the death of his father. and, in connection with his brother, ran the mill until he was about 21 years old ; at that time, he bought 21 acres of land on Rock River, and in that humble way commenced life for himself. By energy and perseverance he added year by year small pieces of land to his tract, until at present he has 435 acres ; he commenced the purchase of his land at about $10 per acre, and has paid up as high as $75 per acre ; he makes a specialty of dairying, and is recognized as the foremost man of the county in this line, and has at present sixty cows; he has conducted a cheese factory. also, for the past nine years ; his land is mostly improved, portions of which is finely adapted for stock, lying along the Rocky River, and about one-half mile east of Hinckley Center. Mr. Van Deusen was married, Jan. 30, 1844. to Miss Maria Damon, daughter of Nathan and Hannah (Shaw)` Damon, who were pioneers of Hinckley ; she was born June 23, 1822, in Chesterfield, Mass. They have had ten children—Edmund A., born Oct. 30, 1844, died Nov. 30, 1851 ; Newman L., born Feb. 19, 1847, he was married Dec. 23, 1876, to Miss Emma Barber, and is living on his father's farm ; Dexter N.. born Dec. 27, 1848, and married Miss Carrie Webber, daughter of R. M. Webber, of Hinckley Township ; they are now living in Michigan ; Byron R., born April 27, 1853, living at home ; Julia J., born Feb. 15, 1851 ; she is married to George Proulx, and they are living in Michigan ; Omar 0., born Sept. 13, 1855 ; he was married to Jessie Conant, daughter of Hiram Conant ; they are now living in Hinckley Center ; George E., born June 13, 1858, living at home ; Emma M., born Nov. 23, 1862, living at home ; Charles M., born March 15, 1865, also living at home ; Ralph H., born June 20, 1825. in New York ; he was married to Marietta Rockwell, whose parents were old settlers of Hinckley ; they are now living in Shiawassee Co., where he also is farming extensively ; Esther A., born Nov. 4, 1827, in New York ; she was married to L. H. Van Orman, and removed to Shiawassee Co.. Mich., where she died Jan. 31, 1878; Ray L.. born Aug. 3, 1830, in Summit Co.. Ohio ; on account of his feeble health, he learned the printers trade, and, finally, shipped on a whaler, in hopes the sea air would be of benefit to him ; be was gone from home for seven years. and, as his people read no tidings from him, he was given up as lost, but he finally returned rough and rugged, entirely restored to health ; he was married, in Hinckley Township, to Mary Williams, a granddaughter of Joseph Gouch. one of the pioneers of Hinckley Township ; they removed to Michigan in 1861, where they now reside. Martin B., born Sept. 27, 1835, in Hinckley ; he went to Iowa in 1858, and settled in Benton Co., near Laporte City ; he married Harriet Treanor. daughter of George Treanor a former resident of Medina Co.; he is an extensive farmer there, owning about 500 acres.

DON C. VAN DEUSEN, farmer; P. O. Hinckley ; born in Hinckley Township March 4, 1839 ; he was married. Oct. 29, 1864, to Miss Ella Nichols, she is a daughter of Nathaniel and Dorcas Nichols, and was born in New York State Sept. 25, 1843. Don enlisted, in the fall of 1861, in the 42d O. V. I.. Co. K, and was in the active service of his regiment until May 20. 1863, when in the battle of Vicksburg he received a gunshot wound in his right arm, which resulted in its amputation ; he was discharged from the service in consequence, Sept 29, 1863. Returning to Hinckley, he resumed his occupation as a farmer. In 1879, he traded with Robert Whip for the farm on which he now resides, consisting of 75 acres, and located two miles northwest of Hinckley Center ; his family consists of two children—Linconia D., born Aug. 5, 1865, and Ruth A., born May 12, 1876. A son, Earl R., born Sept. 30. 1871, was instantly killed by the kick of a horse Jan. 29,

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1878 ; Lawrence, an infant, deceased ; Daniel D., an infant, deceased ; Edmund O., died at the age of 2 years. Irena A. (Van Deusen) West, was born July 21, 1817 ; she was married to William K. West, March 22, 1836 ; he was a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Lee Sept. 4, 1812 ; he died Oct. 3, 1862 ; since his death his wife has conducted the farm, and now owns 78 acres of good improved land. Her children are as follows : George C., born December 25, 1836, was married, June 12, 1859, to Rowena Shaw, daughter of Jacob Shaw. an old resident of Hinckley ; he died in Hinckley Aug. 6, 1862 ; Mary A.. born Aug. 26.183S. in Hinckley ; she was married June 20. 1858, to Erastus Johnson. son of Sherman Johnson, one of Hinckley's pioneer settlers ; they are residing in Hinckley Township ; Henry O., born Nov. 15, 1840, married, May 29. 1870. Miss Lucy Wilcox, daughter of Dr. 0 Wilcox ; they are now living in Montville Township ; Elmer A., born Nov. 10, 1844 ; he was married, Oct. 18, 1876, to Miss Addie Kelley, of Cleveland ; they are now residing in Cleveland ; Lucy L., born Nov. 27, 1848 ; she was united in marriage Feb. 11, 1870, to Ethan Conant, son of A. L. Conant ; they are residing in Hinckley Township ; Fred A., born Oct. 20, died Aug. 19, 1854 ; Stephen C., born Oct. 4, 1855 ; he was married, March 4, 1879, to Luella Bigelow, daughter of Jonathan Bigelow, an old resident of the township ; Ella A., born Jan. 28, 1858, died May 6, 1861.

HIRAM WORDEN, farmer ; P. O. Remson's Corners ; is a native of New York State. He was born in Broome Township, Schoharie Co., Dec. 2, 1818. His parents were William L. and Polly (Mace) Worden, who were pioneers of Richfield Township, now Summit Co., settling there as early as 1819. His father died in 1821. His mother was subsequently married (about 1822) to Heman Buck. Hiram passed his early life upon the farm in Richfield. In 1841, he purchased, with a brother, 75 acres of land in Hinckley Township. where he resided until 1845. He then disposed of his property and removed to Michigan, where he remained for two years, farming ; he then returned to Hinckley. In 1854. he purchased the farm where he is now living. With the exception of the two years' residence in Michigan, Mr. Worden's entire life has been passed in the neighborhood of his present home. His narrationof the deprivations and trials of the early settlers contrasts strangely with the homes and surroundings of the farmers in his vicinity of today, located in comfortable homes, and surrounded with most of the improvements of our modern civilization. The past, with its hardships, seems to them like some "tale that is told." Mr. Worden was united in marriage, in 1841, to Miss Betsey Gordon. She died in 1849, leaving four children—Heman D.. died while in the service of his country. He enlisted in 74th Ill. V. I. in 1862, and, while in service. contracted a disease which resulted in his death on his way home, in 1863 ; George W., deceased ; Ora H.. deceased, and Elmer C., who was also in the service. He enlisted in Co. B. 189th 0. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He was in service nearly a year. He is now a resident of Richfield Township, Summit Co.. Ohio. Mr. Worden was married in 1851 to a second wife, Miss Melissa Bissell. She was born in Granger Township Jan. 19, 1828. Her father, Harvey Bissell, was a native of Connecticut ; her mother. Matilda Jones, of New York. They located in Granger Township about 1826. remaining there up to the time of their death. Her father's occurred in May, 1842. while on a visit to Westfield Township ; her mother's occurred in June. 1854. Their union has been blessed with four children, as follows : Cora I., now the wife of Constance Shaw, living in Bath. Summit Co.; Frank E., residing at home. This young man possesses talent of a high order as a sculptor. He has carved in stone several lifesize busts of Sumner, Washington, Lincoln. etc., all of which show a high degree of talent. He has enjoyed no advantages of tuition, and the tools which he uses are constructed by himself. His works show a degree of finish that would compare favorably with some of the efforts of our well-known artists. Lynn and Nettie. Mr. and Mrs. Worden are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Granger.

ERASTUS WAITE, farmer ; P. O. Hinckley Center. Among the pioneers of Hinckley is Erastus Waite. He is a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Franklin Co. Feb. 17, 1797. His parents were Benjamin and Polly (Mott) Waite. He was a native of Massachusetts, and his wife of Long Island. Erastus passed his early life working upon his father's farm. Upon the death of his father, which oc-

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curred in 1830, he determined to come to Ohio. He arrived in Hinckley Township in 1831, and bought 76 acres of land where he has since lived. He was joined, the next year after his arrival, by a brother, two sisters and his mother. His brother located in Hinckley and died in the township. His mother lived to be nearly 90 before her decease. His sisters are married and living in the township. Mr. Waite was married, April 12, 1821, to Miss Polly Burroughs, a native of Massachusetts. She died Jan. 21, 1851. The children are as follows : George A., now living in Cleveland ; Mary A. Woodley, living in Iowa ; Emma I. Parish, widow, living in Cleveland ; Seth A., living in Granger Township ; Benjamin F., a resident of Cleveland ; Charles H., died in Cleveland aged 36 years ; Charlotte V., widow of Johnson Wright, now living in Iowa; Nettie E. Backus, widow, living in Cleveland ; Sarah M., married to Edwin B. Wright and residing in Hinckley; Julia A., wife of Albert Hannon, of Cleveland. died in 1870 ; Frederick P., now a resident of Colorado. Mr. Waite was married to his second wife. Laura Ferris, widow of T. N. Ferris, November, 1852. She died in April. 1878. Mr. Waite has served the township as Treasurer for three years, and as Supervisor two terms. He is a member of the Congregational Church, of which he is Deacon.

J. M. WAIT, farmer ; P. O. Hinckley ; was born in Massachusetts Sept. 4, 1817. He is a son of Enos and Martha (Allis) Wait, who were also natives of Massachusetts. and who located in Hinckley Township in 1832, where they resided until their deaths ; his father's occurred March 2, 1869. and his mother's Dec. 18, 1878. Four of their sons now reside in Hinckley Township, and are extensive farmers and prominent citizens. namely, John, George, Elisha and the subject of this sketch. He has been a resident of the township ever since his coming with his parents from Massachusetts. Upon attaining his majority, his father gave him 50 acres of land, located upon the western township line, where he now resides ; he has at the present time 100 acres of fine improved land. He was married Feb. 17, 1841, to Miss Olive Miller; she is a native of New York, and was born in Monroe Co. Sept. 9, 1825. Her parents were Lyman and Celia (Wheeler) Miller, pioneers of Hinckley. Mr. and Mrs. Wait have six children, as follows : Mary, the widow of Elroy Williams ; she now resides in Brunswick ; Wesley, married to Miss Clarissa Collier, and a resident of Brunswick Township ; Emory and Avery, living with parents ; Owen, married to Miss Ida Peebles, they are living in Hinckley Township ; and Sanford, living at home. Mr. Wait is an industrious and prosperous farmer, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen. He has been an active worker in the school interests of his district, and has served as Director a number of terms.

R. M. WEBBER, farmer ; P. O. Hinckley ; was born in Hampden Co., Mass.. June 9, 1826. He is a son of Richard and Lovina (Bradway) Webber. They were natives of Massachusetts and early residents of Medina Co.; they located in Hinckley Township in 1839, and made it their home until their deaths. His father was a Wesleyan Methodist, and preached a great many funeral sermons ; he was a circuit preacher for one year ; he afterward united with the Protestant Methodist Church. His death occurred in 1854 ; his mother died Oct. 8, 1877. Our subject's early life was passed upon his father's farm. He was united in marriage Nov. 5, 1848, to Miss Mary Hogue, daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Bevarstock) Hogue, who were natives of England, and who settled in Weymouth in 1837 ; they soon afterward removed to Hinckley Township. He died in March, 1861. In 1863, Merrill bought his father's old farm, and worked it for several years. In 1870, he purchased the farm where he now resides ; he has now, in several tracts, nearly 500 acres of land, all of which he has obtained by his own efforts. His family consists of fourteen children—Charles M., living in Medina Township ; Maria J. Hoddinott, living in Michigan ; Francis C., living in Hinckley Township ; Joseph R., living on the old homestead ; Caroline L. Van Deusen, living in Michigan ; Minnie L. Fluent, living in Granger Township ; Ella J., Lucy A., John A., Elizabeth I., Harriet A., Sarah I., Addie T., Frederick J., deceased. Mr. Webber has been an active worker in the educational affairs of the township, and is an esteemed member of the community in which he resides.