OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 237 JONATHAN KEEFER, one of the leading citizens of Liberty township, Trumbull county, was born March 21, 1833, a son of Jacob Keefer, who was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1802. The latter's father was Jacob Keefer, Sr., and the family were originally from Loraine, France. Jacob Keefer, Jr., was reared and educated in his native county, was married in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, to Rebecca Neier, and they afterward came to Canfield, Mahoning county, Ohio. Two years later they came to Liberty township, Trumbull county. The mother died in 1871, and the father departed this life, while on a visit in Wood county, in 1889, at the age of eighty-seven years. They had ten children, five now living; Jonathan, Mary, Sarah, Jacob F. and Caroline. The deceased were: John, William, Elizabeth, Abbie and an infant son. The father was a Democrat in his political views, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Jonathan Keefer, the subject of this sketch, enlisted for service in the late war in 1864, entering the One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company D, in - 17 - the 100-days' service. The company, with the regiment, was captured at Cynthiana, Kentucky, but Mr. Keefer, being on detailed service, was not taken prisoner. He was honorably discharged at Sandusky, Ohio, in August, 1864. Mr. Keefer located on his present farm in 1857, where be now has 374 acres of fine agricultural land, a good residence, and many other valuable improvements. He keeps a number of horses and cattle, and has a tine flock of Shropshire sheep. His farm is one of the best in the county. At the age of twenty-three years, Novem- ber 20, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Herring, who was born in Liberty township, a daughter of George and Mary Herring. She died December 24, 1887. They had one child, who was born in 1857, and died in infancy. December 24, 1890, Mr. Keefer married Mary Baird, a daughter of John and Eliza (Kitch) Baird, of Youngstown township, Mahoning county. Mrs. Keefer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a stanch Republican, and has held the position of Town? ship Trustee. Mr. Keefer is a self-made man. The fine property he has accumulated has been secured by industry and perseverance and by following always the principles of honesty and un- swerving integrity. He has contributed largely in his sphere of action to the development of the county and is regarded as one of its progressive, substantial citizens. His successful career should be an instructive lesson to the rising generation as exemplifying what may be accomplished by constant application and a determined purpose. Few men stand higher in Trumbull county than Jonathan Keefer. 238 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ELDER RUFUS A. UNDERWOOD, ex-president of the Wisconson Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, resides upon a farm one-half a mile west of the village of Mesopotamia, where he spends as much of his time as can be spared from the arduous duties of his position. He was born in Wayne, Ohio, February 10, 1850, a son of Rev. Alfred B. Underwood, who was born at Cazenovia, New York, November 3, 1815. He served in many pastorates in the Baptist Church, but is now retired from active duties, and resides in Wayne, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. The mother of our subject, nee Sally Morse, was born in Williamsfield, Ohio, June 22, 1817. She was previously married to Allen Smith, of Williamsfield, and they had one child, Eliza, now Mrs. Morris Colby, also of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Underwood had six children; Rovella Stevens, of Williamsfield; Rufus A. our subject; Emily Bacon, also of Williamsfield; Judson P., a resident of Kinsman; Mary Tidd, of Williamsfield; Allie B., married Oliver Tidd; and Nettie, wife of George Westlake, of Girard, Ohio. Elder Underwood is an excellent example of what may be achieved in the world of thought by one imbued with holy zeal, a clear head and a warm heart. Deprived of educational advantages to a great extent, he has availed himself of every opportunity for an education, and has accumulated an extensive and valuable library, both on social subjects and along the line of general information. *Mr. Underwood spent one year in the University of Battle Creek, and in 1877 entered the ministry. He was converted to Christianity at the age of six years, and, having been reared a Baptist, was associated with that church until more mature years and ex tended research convinced him that there were errors in its creed and practice. He then allied himself with the Seventh-Day Adventists when but twenty-one years of age, and six years later entered its ministry. His abilities have been fully recognized by the church of his adoption, and he has been elevated to one of the highest positions at her disposal. Mr. Underwood was made president of the Ohio Conference in 1882, serving in that capacity six years, having previously been engaged in evangelical work. In 1885 he was elected a member of the General Conference. In 1887 the denomination had attained such dimensions as to render its division into districts desirable. It was divided into six districts, each having a district superintendent, and our subject was appointed to that position. In 1887 he was in in charge of the Atlantic Coast division, including the New England and Atlantic .States; in 1888 he was made superintendent of the Pacific division, including Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Washington; in 1890 was elected superintendent of the Southwestern division, embracing Colorado, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas and Indian Territory, but in 1893, on account of failing health, he resigned the latter position. After recovering his health he was elected president of the Wisconsin Conference, which position he was compelled to resign on account of poor health. As the doctrines of this denomination are unknown to many, we gather from Mr. Underwood the following brief statement of his belief upon the Sabbath question: First, creation power is manifested in man's redemption, also the primary reason given for the Sabbath institution by God; second, in his acceptance of the seventh day as the only bible Sabbath it is maintained that OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 239 Christ is the agent of God in creation; third, that Christ instituted the Sabbath in Eden; fourth, that Christ sanctified the seventh-day Sabbath by putting his divinity into it in a special sense as in no other days. He believes that no person in whom Christ does not dwell can properly keep the Sabbath according to the commandment, and hence that all human laws to improve the keeping of a Sabbath, or any other religious institution, can only result in evil to the church and nation. October 5, 1874, Mr. Underwood was united in marriage with Ellen Reynolds, a daughter of Benjamin Reynolds, a native of New England, but who came to Mesopotamia in 1852. His death occurred in this village November 17, 1876. To this union has been born one daughter, Nellie Blanche, a beautiful girl of thirteen years, born February 14, 1880, and now residing with her parents, availing herself, as far as her health will permit, of the excellent educational advantages of the village. Mrs. Underwood is a lady of culture and refinement, and a model wife and mOther. She attends to the management of the home farm, including over 100 acres, during the absence of her husband. Politically, Mr. Underwood votes for principles rather than men or party, although he usually casts his vote with the Republican party. A. R. BAKER, who owns a fine farm of 100 acres in Hartford township, Trumbull county, Ohio is one of the leading farmers of his vicinity. He was born at this place December 17, 1837, son of Simeon C. and Emeline (Hull) Baker, he being the older of their two children. His sister, Mary L., is the wife of B. H. Mallory. Mr. Baker's father was born in Connecticut, October 13, 1811, and came to Ohio in 1832. Previous to his coming to Ohio, however, he had lived in New York State eight years. In his early life he was engaged iu teaching and in various other occupations, but in later years he settled down to farming. He died in Ohio in 1885. Both he and his wife were members of the Congregational Church, in which he served as Deacon for thirty-six years. He was generous in his support of the gospel, and gave freely of his means toward the advancement of all worthy causes. He was married in 1837. Mrs. Baker was born February 5, 1813, and died July 11, 1866. Grandfather Baker was a soldier in the war of 1812. A. R. Baker was married in in 1869 to Mary E. Ray, a native of Morris, Litchfield county, Connecticut. They are members of the Presbyterian Church at Hartford, and are among the most worthy people of the place. Mr. Baker is a Republican. WILLIAM BEEMAN, of Hartford township, Trumbull county, Ohio, is one of the representative farmers and stock-raisers of this place, and also runs a dairy and manufactures cheese. He has long been identified with this part of the country, having settled here when all about him was a wilderness. He owned 240 acres of land at one time, but has disposed of a part of it, and now retains 190 acres. Mr. Beeman was born in Pennsylvania, May 14,,1820, son of Matthew and Kaziah (Rutlege) Beeman. He is one of a family of three children, and at the age of five years was deprived of a father's protection. Sometime after his father's death his mother mar- 240 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ried Moses A. Jewell, and after this event he and one of his brothers were bound out. His mother was a native of Maryland and was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of her life Mr. Beeman cherishes sweet memories. The subject of our sketch was married in 1845 to Miss Electa M. Jones, a native of Trumbull county. They had four children, three of whom are living: Matilda, Ellen M., and Lovinna; Evaline is dead. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is an earnest temperance worker and a radical Prohibitionist. His whole life has been characterized by honest industry, and by his many good qualities he has won the respect of all who know him. LEWIS OATLEY, deceased, was one of 1 the prominent citizens of Cortland, 1 Trumbull county, Ohio. Joshua Oatley, his grandfather, emigrated from Virginia to Ohio in 1810, accompanied by his two sons, William and Edward. He settled near Cortland, Trumbull county, on the land which is now occupied by Mrs. Thankful Oatley. William Oatley was born in Virginia in 1787, and died September 23, 1841, at Cortland, Ohio. He was united in marriage in 1813 to Sophia Rhodes, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1788, They had a family of seven children: Joshua, Hannah, Mary, Anna, Lewis, Malissa and Edward. Lewis Oatley, whose name heads this sketch, was born May 23, 1823, in Trumbull county, Ohio. Here he was reared amid the wild scenes and crude surroundings of the frontier. He acquired his education in the primitive log school-house, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. March 11, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Thankful Brown, who was born July 22, 1837. They had born to them five children: Blanche, deceased; Eva L., wife of P. C. Freeman; Burke; Anna B., wife of Charles Dodge; and Grace A. Mr. Oatley emigrated to California in 1852, and after a residence of four years in the Golden State returned to Ohio. Three years later he made a trip to Colorado and spent some time there. He died July 1, 1893, his death being the result of an accident. He was deeply mourned by the entire community, where his merit as a neighbor, friend and citizen had been truly appreciated. R. J. McDOWELL, one of the most successful business men of Hartford, Ohio, was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1845, a son of Josiah and Vashti (Meachum) McDowell. His parents had a family of nine children, as follows: Henrietta, Molansa, Esther, Ursula, Arada, R. J., Caroline, Eva and Wellington. Josiah McDowell was a builder in early life and also owned and operated a sawmill. Later he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising. He went to California, as a gold-seeker, in 1850, acquired a considerable fortune, and at the time of his death was well-off. He took a prominent and active part in the affairs of his day, and at one time was Captain of militia. He was a Republican in. politics, and both he and his wife were members of the Christian Church. He was born in 1813 and died in 1890, and his wife, also born in 1813, died in 1879. In speaking of his ancestry, Mr. McDowell says he is three-fourths Yankee and one-fourth German and Scotch. He started out in life on his own responsibility in 1868, be- OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 241 ing employed as telegrapher by the Erie & Pittsburg Railroad Company, having charge of 118 miles of line. In 1871 he turned his attention to the lumber and hardware business in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, where he did a successful business for twelve years. In 1883 he disposed of his interests there and went to Brown county, Dakota, where he settled down to the life of a ranch man. He remained there, however, only a few years, returning to Ohio in 1885. Since that date he has been engaged in a general merchandise business at Hartford. He still owns his ranch in Dakota and also has property in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. Mr. McDowell married, November 7,1877, Mary H. Thompson, and they have had seven children, six of whom are living. They are James, Iran, Merace, Homer, Freda and Aulton. Mrs. McDowell's parents were among the first settlers of Hartford, her father owning 140 acres of land, and being one of the most public-spirited pioneers. Mr. McDowell is a man of excellent business ability and marked individuality. In business, political and social circles he stands high. He votes with the Republican party, and for three years has served as Township Treasurer. In his religious belief he is a Universalist. LYMAN C. WOLCOTT was born in 1 Farmington township, Trumbull county, Ohio, May 23, 1840, son of Josiah W. and Jane (Stewart) Wolcott. Josiah W. Wolcott came to Ohio from Connecticut, his native State, when he was a young man, and upon his arrival here located upon the land where the subject of our sketch now lives. This country was all a wilderness then, with but few pioneer cabins here and there, and here in the forest he built his home and developed a farm. He spent the rest of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits, and died here at the age of sixty-three years. His wife, also a native of New England, emigrated to the Western Reserve with her parents. She died here at about the age of sixty-five years. In their family were ten children, of whom two sons and three daughters are still living. Lyman C. Wolcott was at home with his parents when the Civil war broke out. He enlisted September 17, 1861, in Company D, Second Ohio Cavalry, Captain James Caldwell, and served three years and one month. He was with his company and regiment in about all the engagements in which they took part, and one year served as General S. P. Carter's escort in east Tennessee. The war over Mr. Wolcott returned to his home in Ohio. He was married, May 1, 1865, to Miss Hattie Hickox, a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, born June 12, 1843. They became the parents of five children: Edwin C., at home, engaged in the brick and tile business; Nettie L., wife of A. J. Ward, has one daughter; Leverett C., a farmer and hay-baler, married Miss Belle Hansel; Ward J., engineer at the tile factory; and Lyda B. All their children have been well educated. After his marriage Mr. Wolcott bought out the interest of the other heirs to his father's estate, and has since continued to reside at the old home place, being engaged in general farming, but giving especial attention to the dairy business. He is a man of progressive views, keeps well up with the times, and conducts his operations upon scientific principles. He affiliated with the Republican party until a few years ago, when he joined the Grange and Alliance. He was 242 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY one of the charter members of the Grange here, and has been an active worker in the same, having filled nearly all the offices in Grange No. 1226. He has also filled various township offices. He is a member of Hall Post, No. 436, G. A. R He has also been prominently identified with the Horticultural Society of Trumbull county, of which he was a charter member. Such is an epitome of the life of one of Trumbull county's successful and respected citizens. WILLIAM HOWARD, deceased, was for may y years one of the most respected citizens of Trumbull county, Ohio. He was born in Poland, Mahoning county, Ohio, June 23, 1814, and died at his home in Trumbull county, February 8, 1867. His father, William Howard, was a native of England and came to America when he was a young man; was a shoe maker by trade; died in Ellsworth, Mahoning county, Ohio, at about the age of eighty yeasrs. The senior William Howard married Miss Mary Rose, a native of Maryland, who died in Ellsworth at at about the age of seventy-five years. They had a family of thirteen children, all except two living to be over seventy years of age. The younger William Howard remained under the parental roof until he reached his majority. Then he bought a farm in Southington township, Trumbull county, upon which he lived for three years. He subsequently lived in various localities, spent one year in Ellsworth, lived on a farm in Newton township about twelve years, and from there moved to the farm now owned by his widow. William Howard was married, June 20, 1844, to Cynthia Carlisle, who was born in Newton township, Trumbull county, Ohio, July 8, 182i, daughter of David and Ann (Davidson) Carlisle. . David Carlisle was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. In 1804 he came to Ohio and traveled over Trumbull county, and, being pleased with the country, decided to make it his future home. He returned to Pennsylvania and married Miss Davidson, and two years later moved to this place. Here he bought a tract of Government land, paying $1.25 an acre for the same, and upon it built his log house and barn. Here he lived and died, being seventy-nine years of age at the time of his death. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life and was a man of considerable prominence in the community in which he lived. He was first a Whig and afterward a Republican, and was the choice of his party for several local offices. In whatever position he was placed he always performed his duty with the strictest fidelity and to the best of his ability. His wife, also a native of Pennsylvania, died on the old farm here at the age of seventy-two years. They had a family of eight children. William Howard and his wife have had three children, as follows: Anna M., widow of Charles G. Graham; Laura T., at home; and Emma, wife of W. C. Burchard. Charles G. Graham was born in Pennsylvania, and died in this county at the age of thirty-four years, leaving his widow with one little daughter, Edith H. After Mr. Howard's death Mr. Graham took charge of his mother-in-law's farm and managed the same for a number of years. Mr. Graham, was a son of Rev. John Graham, who was engaged in the ministry here for over fifty years and who is now on the superannuated list. Of Mr. Howard we further record that he affiliated with the Republican party, and OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 243 took an active interest in the political issues of his day. His family are Presbyterians and are all active church workers. For many years he was a Deacon in the. Church and also took a prominent part in the Sunday-school work. The Howards are ranked with the first families of this county. JAMES CASSIDY, deceased whose fine farm of 165 acres is located in Lordstown township, Trumbull county, Ohio, is one of the well-known citizens of this part of the county. Following is a resume of his life: James Cassidy was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, September 20, 1815, son of John Cassidy. His father was also a native of Sussex county and was engaged in farming there all his life. He died at the age of fifty-five years. Grandfather Cassidy was also named John. He was a native of Ireland, but was for many years a resident of Sussex county, New Jersey, where he died at an advanced age. The mother of James Cassidy was before her marriage Miss Mary. Lanterman. She was also a native of Sussex county, passed her life and died there. John and Mary Cassidy had eight children, two of whom are still living. The subject of our sketch remained at home until he was seventeen years of age. He then entered upon a four years' apprenticeship to the tanner's trade, after which he followed that trade for twelve or fifteen years in Trumbull county, Ohio, having moved out here in 1837. After his marriage he settled in Lordstown township, and about eight or ten years afterward bought his present farm. Mr. Cassidy was married at the age of twenty-five years to Elizabeth Struble, also a native of Sussex county, New Jersey, who died at the age of sixty-six years. They had four children. Granville, the oldest, a member of Company H, Twentieth Ohio:Volunteer Infantry, was killed in the siege of Vicksburg by a sharpshooter June 16, 1863. The others, Adaline, Elba and John, are married and have families of their own. Ad-aline married John Wannetnaker; Elba, married George D. Herbert and John married Maggie Allen, by whom he had six children: Nora, Dell, Harry, Clifford, Bessie and Glenn. About five years ago Mr. Cassidy retired from his farm, and enjoyed the fruits of his early years of toil, until his death, which occurred September 10, 1893. He had voted the Democratic ticket from the year 1868. Previous to that time he was a Whig. He was a member of the Disciple Church. DR. C. S. FENTON, a promising young physician of Orangeville, Ohio, was born in North Bristol, Ohio, in 1866. He is one of a family of ten children and the son of S. W. and Sophia Fenton. His father is a farmer and stock-raiser of Trumbull county, and occupies a prominent position among his fellow-citizens. He is a Republican, takes a somewhat active interest in politics, and both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Dr. Fenton completed his high-school education at Bloomfield, Ohio", and at the age of twenty-one began the study of medicine. He is a graduate of the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland. He entered upon the practice of his profession at Orangeville two years ago, and here he has since continued, having gained the respect 244 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY and confidence of the people in the town and vicinity and having already established a repu - tation as a skillful physician and surgeon. He .has successfully performed some very difficult operations in surgery. Dr. Fenton was married, in 1891, to Miss Ida Viney. He and his wife are identified with the Christian Church, and, like his father, he affiliates with the Republican party. He is now serving as one of the Councilmen of Orangeville. F. J. SNYDER, who keeps a general merchandise store, and who is Postmaster at Weldon, Trumbull county, Ohio, has been engaged in business at this place since July, 1891. Of him we present the following brief sketch: F. J. Snyder was born in Hartford township, Trumbull county, Ohio, May 6, 1866, son of James L. and Sarah (Vinton) Snyder. His parents had a family of four children, three of whom are living. Alvina M. is the wife of F. L. Montgomery, and Clara M. married L. B. Craig. Asa D. died in 1863, at the age of eight years. James Snyder is engaged in farming and stock-raising and also runs a sawmill. He owns seventy-nine acres of available farm land. He was born September 4, 1829, and his wife May 1, 1830. August 13, 1889, F. J. Snyder married Flora M. McDowell, and they have one child, Cleo Vida, born June 15, 1890. Mr. Snyder was the first settler in the new town of Weldon and has already done much to advance its interests. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is a member of the K. G. E. and also of the J. 0. U. A. M. Both he and his father are Democrats. Our subject's grandfather was George Snyder, who was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and lived to be seventy-nine years of age. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and, politically, was a Democrat. His wife was Elizabeth Carnes, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and who died at the age of sixty-four. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Mary, wife of Daniel Artherholt, lives in Trumbull county; Margaret is deceased; Jane married Warren Alderman and after his death was united to John Raney, who is also deceased, his widow being a resident of Mercer county, Pennsylvania; Ruhamah, wife of Aaron G. Vinton, resides in Trumbull county; James L., father of our subject; Aaron C. lives in Trumbull county, as do also the other two brothers, Uriah and George W., the latter being a resident of Orangeville. JAMES FOWLER, who resides on a farm in Hartford township, Trumbull county, Ohio, is one of the venerable citizens of this place. He was born in Brookfield, Ohio, February 1, 1820, son of Abner and Hester (Jennings) Fowler. His parents had a family of seven children: Julia, Ira, Sarah, Abner, Harvey, James and Rhoda. Harvey died in the spring of 1849. Abner Fowler was for many years engaged in farming and stock-raising. In early life he followed the trade of shoemaker. When he was twenty-three years of age he emigrated from Westfield, Massachusetts, to the Western Reserve and his father, Abner, was the first white man to locate in Fowler township, Trumbull county. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. He and his wife were earnest Christians and faithful members of OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 245 the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were well-known by all the pioneers throughout this section of the country and were noted for their genial hospitality, friend and stranger alike receiving a cordial welcome in their primitive cabin home. They owned 175 acres of land. - James Fowler was married in 1843, to Lura Lucinda Miner, and for over fifty years they have shared each other's joys and sorrows. Sons and daughters have grown up around them and are now occupying honored and useful positions in life. Of their family we record that Esther is the wife of Aaron J. McColum; Addison J. married Maggie Mackey; Dwight A. married Flora Clark; Albert R. married Flora Montgomery; James C. married Maudie Clark; Sicilie is at home; and Ida M. is the wife of Harry P. Fell. Much of Mr. Fowler's early life was given to educational matters. He was for fifteen years President of the Hartford Academic Institute. Since then he has devoted his attention to his farm. He at one time owned 207 acres of land, but has disposed of some of it and now has only a little over 100 acres. He and his wife are members of the Disciple Church. JAMES C. STRUBLE, another one of the prosperous farmers and worthy citizens of Brookfield township, Trumbull county, Ohio, dates his birth in New Jersey in the year 1835 and on the 2d day of January. His parents, Peter and Catherine (Osborn) Struble, had a family of four children: George S., Emanuel, William Peter and James C. Mr. Struble is ranked with the most reliable and substantial men of Brookfield town- ship. He is identified with the Democratic party and takes an active interest in the political issues of the day. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church, of which he is -a liberal supporter. He is a public-spirited and generous man, and has done much to advance the interest of the community in which he lives. Mr. and Mrs. Struble are the parents of two children: Florence, wife of W. K. Hamilton, and Frank, who married Winfred Lewis. LEROY M. BEARDSLEY, a prosperous farmer of Lordstown township, Trumbull county, Ohio, was born in Ellsworth township, Mahoning county, this State, May 28, 1854. He is the adopted son of Chauncey G. and Elizabeth (Wetmore) Beardsley, by whom he was reared from his ninth year, and by them educated. Chauncey G. Beardsley was born in Canfield, Ohio, and when a young man settled on the farm on which the subject of our sketch now lives. He was a prominent and active man here up to the time of his death, March 31, 1887. His wife, also a native of Canfield, died on their farm in Trumbull county. May 15, 1877, Leroy M. Beardsley married Miss Laura Graber, who was born in Newton township, Trumbull county, Ohio, October 14, 1858, daughter of Andrew and Mary A. Graber. After his marriage he located on a farm in Newton township, owned by his mother-in-law, and there made his home for five years. At the death of his adopted parents, he inherited their estate, a fine farm of 230 acres, to which he moved and Upon which he has since resided. 246 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Mr. and Mrs. Beardsley have two children: Chauncey A., born May 15, 1878, and Mary E., April 21, 1885. The Beardsleys are among the leading families of the vicinity in which they live. Mr. Beardsley has one sister, Mrs. Eva Scott of Warren township. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party, as also did Chauncey G. Beardsley. Mr. Beardsley has one of the finest farms in the county, well laid out and improved. His commodious dwelling is of modern architecture and good finish, and his barns and stables are commodious and substantial. He carries on general farming and stock raising. GEORGE S. LEWIS, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Farmington township, Trumbull county, Ohio, was born in Sheridan township, Geauga county, this State, May 30, 1836. Leonard Lewis, his father, was born in Connecticut, November 23, 1806, and died August 20, 1884. He was married October 1, 1832, to Mary Smith, who was born in New York, April 4, 1803, and died January 21, 1827. They had a family of five children, four of whom survived. Leonard Lewis was a son of Dennis Lewis, who was born December 1, 1782; was married August 2 1802, to Nancy Bartholmew; and died August 3, 1852. She was born February 2, 1782, and died May 16, 1852. They reared nine children. George S. Lewis was brought by his parents to Trumbull county when he was six months old, and here he grew up on the farm, his early life being not unlike that of other thriller boys. In 1860 he went to California and engaged in mining, being thus occpied for seven years. He then returned to Ohio and has since made his home here. After his marriage he settled down to farming on the old homestead, and up to the present time has given his attention to general farming and stock raising. February 18, 1888, Mr. Lewis married Miss Mattie Bower, who was born in Mesopotamia, Ohio, October 7, 1854, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Evans) Bower. Her father, a native of Pennsylvania, and a descendant of German ancestry, was one of the very earliest settlers of this part of Ohio. Furthur history of the Lewis family will be found in the sketch of R. K. Lewis. Mr. Lewis cast, his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has ever since supported the Republican party. He is not, however, a politician and has never been an office seeker, his whole time and attention being given to his farm and his own private business. A. P. KEPNER, who owns and occupies a nice farm of 109 acres in Hartford 1—. township, Trumbull county, Ohio, was born in this township, September 2, 1841. He is the only child of Jacob and Eliza (Parsons) Kepner. His father came from Pennsylvania to this county when he was a boy, was reared here, and has remained here engaged in farming and stock-raising ever since. He is the owner of 200 acres of land. A. P. Kepner was reared on his father's farm, and when the war came on he was among the first to offer his services to protect the old flag. He enlisted at Columbus, Ohio, in 1861, in Company A, Forty-first Ohio Infantry, and rendered efficient service until the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge in 1865. During this OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 247 period he was for three months a prisoner at Andersonville. He has all his life been a stanch Republican, and is an active worker in the ranks of his party. He is a member of the J. 0. U. A. M. and the G. A. R Mr. Kepner was married, in 1866, to Adda Cone, who was born in this county, October 15, 1843, daughter of E. B. and Candis (Greene) Cone. Their only child, Della, was born June 6, 1882. RODNEY MILLER, the leading merchant of West Farmington, Ohio, has long been identified with the interests of this place, and is entitled to more than a passing notice in this work, devoted to the representative men and women of the county. Rodney Miller was born in Avon, Connecticut, February 28, 1826, son of Samuel Miller and grandson of Norr Miller. As far back as the Miller family is traced, most of them have been farmers, with some few tradesmen. Samuel Miller was engaged in farming all his life. He died at the age of sixty-six years. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Harriet Cornish, was born in Simsbury, Connecticut, and died at the home of her son in Trumbull county, Ohio, at the age of eighty-two years. They had twelve children, two of whom died in infancy. The rest reached adult years, and three sons and three daughters are still living, all highly respected and residents of this county. The subject of our sketch was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the district schools, and when he was fourteen years old left home and worked around among the farmers near by. When he was nineteen he came out to Ohio and in Trumbull county secured employment in a machine shop, where he worked one summer. April 22, 1846, he married Miss Mary A. Lord, who was born in New York, daughter of William Lord. Her father removed from New York to Wisconsin, where he spent the closing years of his life and died. After his marriage, Mr. Miller went to Middlefield, Ohio, where he spent three years in the study of medicine, after which he went to Wisconsin and practiced medicine for a short time. Returning to Ohio the following year, he located at West Farmington, and a year later went to Middlefield. During this period his time was divided between practicing medicine and working at the carpenter's trade, and finally he retired from practice altogether. After he had been in Middlefield about a year, he came back to West Farmington, and this place has continued to be . his home ever since. He worked at the carpenter's trade for fifteen years. During the Civil war he enlisted in April, 1864, in Company H, One Hundred and Seventy-first Regiment, under Captain Hatch, and served 100 days, the length of his enlistment, when he was honorably discharged. He was on duty all the time at Sandusky. In July, 1866, Mr. Miller was appointed Postmaster at West Farmington by President Lincoln, and served in that capacity for nineteen years, until after Cleveland's first election. When he first entered upon the duties of this office, he bought the stock of goods owned by the former Postmaster, and has all these years carried on a general merchandise business, having given his whole attention to the store since he retired from the post office. He also served as Justice of the Peace, off and on, for a number of years, and 248 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY for several years was a Notary Public. Besides these he has filled various other local offices, always performing his duty with the strictest fidelity and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. During his long business career in Trumbull county, Mr. Miller has gained an extensive acquaintance. Indeed, few men in the county are better known than he. To all the offices in which he has served he has been elected on the Republican ticket. Of recent years,however, he has given his vote and influence with the Prohibition party, and a more earnest temperance worker than Rodney Miller it would be hard to find. He is a member of G. A. R. Post, No. 426, West Farmington, his name being on the list of charter members of that post. For over thirty years he and his wife have been members of the Disciple Church, and in both church and Sabbath-school work he has taken an active part.   FREDERICK R. HARRIS, the popular superintendent of the Falcon and Russia mills, Niles, Ohio, was born in Staffordshire, England, July 10, 1848, a son of George Harris, also a native of Great Britain. His father emigrated with his family in 1856, and located in Cincinnati, Ohio; there he remained a year, but was not thoroughly satisfied with his new surroundings and so returned to England. Once again in his old home, he realized the superior advantages offered in the United States and resolved to come back to this country; this he did in 1862, and settled in Niles, Ohio. During the first three years of his residence here he was in the employ of the James Ward Company, and he then became a member of the firm of Harris, Davis & Company, who built a mill which they operated until 1871. Mr. Harris then severed his connection with the establishment and went to Ashtabula, Ohio, where he erected a mill. This venture did not prove a financial success, however, and was abandoned. He then turned his face westward, and going to Dodge City, Kansas, he engaged in farming for two years; this also proved unprofitable, so he came back to Ohio, and, settling in Cleveland, he entered the employ of the Britton Iron & Steel Works, where he re-remained until his death, in 1884, at the age of fifty-six years. His wife was Sarah Rollins, a daughter of Frederick Rollins, and to them were born eleven children: Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Dienst; Frederick R., whose name heads this notice; Sarah, wife of Cornelius Easthrope; Henry R.; Rosana L., deceased wife of E. Williams; James, deceased; Emma, wife of W. H. Morris; and four who died in infancy. At the age of fifteen years Frederick R. Harris began his career in the business world in a rolling mill at Niles, Ohio; at the age of eighteen years he had become an expert roller, and then entered the shipping department as clerk; two years later he was given the position of bookkeeper in the office of Harris, Blackford & Company, which he held until the failure of this firm, when, going to Youngstown, he took charge of the business of Homer, Hamilton & Company. In 1879 he assumed the duties of superintendent of the Youngstown Rolling-mill Company, a position he filled very acceptably four years. He then took charge of the business of the Forsythe Steel Company, which he closed up in 1885. During the two years following he was traveling salesman, carrying mill products in Eastern territory. He came to Niles in 1887, and took charge of the Russia mill; OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO - 249 two years later he assumed the duties of the superintendency of the Falcon mill, and now has under his management both plants. Possessinga good degree of executive ability and being thoroughly familiar with all the details of the business he is able to conduct the business of both establishments with comparative ease, giving excellent satisfaction to both firms. Mr. Harris was married in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1870, to Lydia, daughter of Frederick Gerwig, business manager for Homer, Hamilton & Company. They are the parents of three daughters, well educated and accomplished young ladies. JOHN O. MORRISON, a prosperous and I wealthy farmer of Farmington town' ship, Trumbull county, Ohio, is a native of this place, born September 6, 1849. Of his life and ancestry we make record as follows: John O. Morrison is a son of John and Lydia A. (Miller) Morrison. John Morrison was born in Jackson township, Mahoning county, Ohio, son of John Morrison, Sr., a native of Ireland, who emigrated to this State when a young man, and died at Jackson at an advanced age. John Morrison, Sr., died on the old farm here at the age of fifty-eight years. Mrs. Lydia A. Morrison died at the old homestead, aged seventy years. They had seven children, of whom John O. is the youngest, and all are still living. October 20, 1870, the subject of our sketch married Miss Celia Lew, who was born on the farm on which they now live, daughter of Benjamin and Electa (Lee) Lew. Both her father and grandfather Lew were among the early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have three children: Alice Maud, who was educated in the district schools and at Farmington College, is now engaged in teaching; Frank L., at home; and Elvie Loverne, also at home. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Morrison settled on his present farm, and after residing here three years went back to the old Morrison homestead and bought out the other heirs to his father's estate. Subsequently he came back to this place and has lived here ever since, engaged in farming and stock-raising. This farm comprises 161 acres, and is one of the finest in the county. Mr. Morrison has been interested in the breeding of Percheron horses since 1881, and is one of a company that owns a fine imported stallion. He has been a Democrat all his life, and was elected Trustee of his township on the Democratic ticket, notwithstanding the fact that the district is a Republican one. Mr. Morrison is one of the active members of the Grange, and is a most highly respected citizen. JAMES WILSON, JR., one of the most prominent fruit growers in northeastern prominent  is located in Lordstown township, Trumbull county, Ohio, where he was born April 11, 1842. He is a son of James Wilson, Sr., well known throughout Trumbull county. The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm, and at the age of twenty-one went to Youngstown and entered a drug store, in which he was employed as clerk four years. After that he was engaged in the coal business five years. He then sold out and returned to the farm, where he has since re-