600 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Conaghan is a member of the G. A. R., Buckley post of Akron, Ohio, and has been delegate to the department encampment. He is also a member of the K. of P. at Tallmadge. In politics Mr. Conaghan is a stanch republican, has been clerk of Tallmadge ten years, and has been a member of the school board. Mrs. Conaghan died October 27, 1885, a woman of many virtues. Mr. Conaghan next married, March 25, 1897, Margaret E. Hine, née Hall, widow of Frank E. Hine. Mr. Conaghan was a brave soldier, and of his regiment, the Forth-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, 202 men were killed in battle. This was the heaviest loss of any regiment from Ohio. Out of every 1,000 men in the army forty-seven died of disease and thirty-seven were killed, making eighty-four who perished out of every 1,000, and never saw their homes again. Mr. Conaghan's brother Frank enlisted for the war when only seventeen years old in company B, Forty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, and was killed at the battle of Kenesaw mountain. Mr. Conaghan was not yet nineteen years old when he enlisted from purely patriotic motives, and first offered his services to his country in the first call for 75,000 men, but this call being most promptly filled, his offer was declined, but he seized the next opportunity and was accepted, as narrated above. THOMAS BLACKBURN of Hudson, Summit county, Ohio, and a veteran of the Civil war, was born October 9, 1833, in Lincolnshire, England, a son of William and Jane (Emerson) Blackburn. William Blackburn was a son of James and Mary (Fowler) Blackburn; James was a soldier seven years in the British army and had a brother in the battle of Waterloo. James Blackburn was the father of two chil dren--- James and William. He died in England, a. venerable man of eighty-two years. William Blackburn was born October 9, 1799, in Yorkshire, England, was married there, and his children were John, Mary, George, James, Thomas and Henry. After marriage William Blackburn lived in Lincolnshire, and died there. His wife came to America with her youngest son Henry, in 1878, and died at the home of her son Thomas—having attained the unusual age of ninety-three years—in 1883. Thomas Blackburn was entirely self-educated. He left home at the early age of eleven years and worked for a farmer in Lincolnshire—William Slight—for two years; with another farmer two years, and for William Davis one year, and others in Yorkshire until he was twenty-three years old. During that time he gained what education he could from books and at Sunday-schools. At the age of twenty-three years, in 1859, he came to America, sailing from Liverpool to New York in the steamer City of Washington, arriving in New York May 26, after a passage of eleven days. He came immediately to Ohio and worked on the farm of his brother, John Blackburn, in Boston township, Summit county, eighteen months, and then worked for George Haskell, in Boston township, until he enlisted, September 1, 1861, in Capt. A. J. Konkle's battery D, First Ohio light artillery, for three years or during the war, and served until honorably discharged January 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., when he re-enlisted in the same organization, to serve three years more, or during the war, and was again honorably discharged July 15, 1865, at Cleveland, Ohio, the war having come to a close. He was in the battles of Ivy Mountain (at Piketown), Ky., November 9, 1861; Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862; Corinth, and Green River OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 605 Bridge (or Mumfordville, Ky.), in September, 1862. He was then transferred to the Sixth regiment battery, Capt. Parsons, and was in the battles of Chaplain Hill; Perryville, October 8, 1862, where the Sixth lost this battery with the exception of one gun, which was drawn off by four men and three horses, and Mr. Blackburn was one of these men; at least one-third of the command was also lost, and the remainder of the men were transferred to a new battery. D, of four guns, under Lieut. Nathan Newell, and was in the first battle of Franklin and then in the first battle of Nashville; also in that at Murfreesboro, December 27, 1862, to January 3, 1863—his battery opening the fight—and then was engaged in scouting and skirmishing about two months. He was next in the battle of Bradyville, Tenn., March 2, 1863; the fight at Columbia, Tenn., March 14; Liberty. Tenn., April 4, with Forrest and Wheeler; LaVergne, Tenn. ; at McMinnville, they captured a train of cars and burned seven large cotton factories and great quantities of government stores. April 23, they charged Shelbyville Pike, Tenn., and captured it, with a battery of four guns and 600 infantry. Mr. Blackburn was also in the battle of Chattanooga, Tenn.; Middleton, Tenn., January 25, 1863; at Murfreesboro, fighting Forrest and Wheeler's cavalry, and in many skirmishes; was on Dutch Road, and on skirmishes in Sequatchie Valley, Tenn., and captured 400 prisoners; was at Chickamauga; fought all day in front of Chattanooga; October 2, had a fight with Forrest and Wheeler, and marched to Green river, and November 23, 1863, was in the battle at Baldwin Ridge, and in the second battte of Chattanooga, November 26, 1863; was at Missionary Ridge, and other points; at the battle of Knoxville, Tenn., and then was on the great Atlanta campaign and in the battle of Rocky Face Ridge, Pumpkinvine Creek, Ken- - 24 - esaw Mountain. the battles of Atlanta, Jonesboro—and went with " Pap " Thomas to Nashville, Tenn., and was at Athens and Columbia, Tenn., and at the great battle of Franklin, Tenn., and then in the first battle at Nashville and in Franklin and Columbia. He was then transferred to Washington, and then to North Carolina, and did some service at Fort Fisher and Fort Anderson, and was in the battle of Smithville Creek, and captured 200 prisoners, and marched to Wilmington, N. C., then to Jonesboro, N. C., and joined Sherman's army, lying at Greensboro, and served under him until discharged. Beside this long list of battles, Mr. Blackburn was in many skirmishes, too numerous to mention. During his services as a soldier, he traversed over 26,000 miles, including passage by vehicles and steamboats, and marches. He had two horses killed under him in battle—one at Shelbyville and one on the Atlanta campaign, and at different times three horses were wounded under him, and a bullet at one time struck his knapsack on his saddle. Mr. Blackburn was not sick in hospital worth mentioning, and was not wounded nor prisoner, and was always prompt and cheerful in the discharge of his duty. After the war Mr. Blackburn returned to Ohio and married, April to, 1866, in Hudson, Anna L. Cowley, who was born December 1, 1846, in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, England, a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Hunt) Cowley. Joseph Cowley was born in Molten, Sea's End, Lincolnshire, England, April 15, 1815, a son of William and Mary (James) Cowley., William Cowley was a farmer and lived on the farm owned by James Cowley, that had been in the family (from Lord Cowley) since 161o. William Cowley and wife were the parents of William, Mary and Joseph. William Cowley, Sr., lived to be an aged man and died in England. Joseph Cowley was a black- 606 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD smith by trade, having been apprenticed at twelve years of age. He married in England, and came to America in 1852, sailing from Liverpool in March, and six weeks later landing in New York. He at once came to Ohio, and arrived in the last of May, 1852. Here he worked at his trade one year, when his wife joined him, bringing their children, the eldest being twelve years old, and the youngest four years. In 1854 Mr. Cowley bought a fertile farm, consisting of eighty acres, and improved it with substantial farm buildings and a pleasant residence, but nevertheless worked at his trade for several years in Akron. His children were Maria D., Abraham J., William R. ; Joseph, died eight years old on lake Erie and is buried at Hudson, Ohio; Anna L. and Lottie R. Mr. and Mrs. Cowley were both members of the Methodist church, in which, in his younger days, Mr. Cowley was a class leader. In politics he was a republican and was an industrious and respected citizen. The death of Joseph Cowley took place September 25, 1897, and his remains were interred beside those of his wife in the cemetery of East Akron, where a beautiful marble shaft marks their last resting place. After marriage, Thomas Blackburn settled on the Cowley homestead. He has bought additional land and now has a fine farm of 128 acres. He and wife are the parents of Florence J., Harry J., Lotta A., and Mary Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn are members of the Congregational church at Hudson and politically he is a republican, casting his first presidential vote for " Honest " Abe Lincoln, and for twelve years has served as township trustee. He is a member of Gen. William T. Sherman post, No. 68, G. A. R., at Hudson, in which he has held the office of commander and other positions, and is also a member of the K. of P., Gen. Sheridan lodge, No. 323, at Hudson. Miss Florence Blackburn was educated in the Union schools at Hudson and one year at the academy at Hudson, and was one of Summit county's honored teachers for three years. She is secretary of the Young Ladies' Aid society at Hudson and a member of the Congregational church. She has also been training in music, both vocal and instrumental. Harry J., was a recipient of a high-school course, graduated in 1889 from the academy, and is now teller in the First National bank at Akron. Lotta A. is a graduate of the class of 1891, and also a graduate in the class of 1893 at the Western Reserve academy, and was at first a teacher in the common schools; was in one district for .three years, and now has charge of the A. & B. primary in the Union schools in Hudson. Mary Edna is a student in the D grammar grade in the Union schools. It will be seen that Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn have given their children good practical educations. ARTHUR L. CONGER, whose identification with the business interests of Ohio and the west has made him one of the distinguished citizens not only of Akron but of the Buckeye state, with a reputation in business circles which extends far beyond the confines of Ohio, was born in Boston, Summit county, in which place his parents had located in 1831, removing from St. Albans, Vt. He is descended from one of the early families of New England. The advantages of wealth or influence did not surround him in his boyhood; in fact, at a very early age he started out to make his own way in the world, working at first for the meager sum of ten cents per day. As his business ability was developed with the passing years his wages were proportionately increased, and he received fair wages as a farm hand and as an employee in a brick-yard. Even when a boy he manifested the progressive spirit which OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 607 has been one of his pronounced characteristics. by embarking in business on his own account. With a neighbor boy he purchased a canal boat, which they operated some years. Later he engaged in school-teaching and at the same time he was learning valuable lessons in the school of experience and developing a self-reliance and force of character which have proved of incalculable benefit to him in his contact with the world. Mr. Conger's service in the Civil war interrupted his pedagogic labors. Prompted by patriotic impulses he enlisted among the boys in blue of company G, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio infantry, and upon the organization of the company was elected second lieutenant. Meritorious conduct won him promotion to the rank of first lieutenant, and ere the war closed he was made captain, thus serving until July, 1865, when hostilities having ended he was honorably discharged. On the field of battle he was ever brave and fearless, and his caution and unusual foresight often called him to be selected for some special service. He was for some time acting adjutant of the regiment, served as acting assitant adjutant-general on the staff of Brig-Gen. Jacob Ammon; was provost marshal under Gen. J. D. Cox, and was assistant inspector of railroad defenses of the department of the Cumberland, under Gen. George H. Thomas, a position requiring marked executive ability and mental grasp. The details of this important and responsible position were administered with such skill, intelligence and promptitude as to commend him to the personal attention of Gen. Thomas, whose congratulatory letters, as well as those of many other distinguished officers, he has now in his possession. He thus for some time had charge of the railroad defenses of the department of the Cumberland, located at Nashville, under the immediate charge of Maj. James R. Willett, of the First United States veteran volunteer engineers, to whom commissioned officers of that branch of service of the department made, their reports. At the close of the war he returned home. Civic as well as military honors have come to Col. Conger, by reason of his superior ability and worth. He was twice elected treasurer of Summit county, was city treasurer of Akron, secretary of the board of education, was president of the Business Men's club of that place, and a recognized leader in social, political and commercial life. He might have secured any political office he desired, but he seeks not reward for his active and efficient public service. For more than twenty years he has been an influential member of the republican committees of the state, served three times as chairman of the state republican committee of Ohio and for eight years was a member of the national executive committee. He has made a profound study of economic questions of national importance and is considered a just and discriminating critic of many of the most subtle and perplexing branches of the tariff and financial questions, being to-day recognized as one of the ablest and most practical of financiers and politicians belonging to the class of manufacturers of the United States. In 1870 Col. Conger became a traveling salesman for the Whitman & ,Miles Manufacturing company, which had plants at Fitchburg, Mass., and Akron, Ohio, and was the first company in the world to make a specialty of the manufacture of mower knives, reaper sickles and sections, beginning operations in 4850 and since maintaining the lead in the trade. The colonel was soon made a director of the company, a little later its vice-president, and later president of the new or consolidated company, which position he so ably filled until the fall of 1897. In 1877 the company perfected a consolidation with George 608 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Barnes & Company, of Syracuse, N. Y., and for some years the business was handled only from the Akron and Syracuse factories, but owing to its great increase a plant was established at St. Catherines, Ontario, and later at Canton, Ohio. Other specialties for the agricultural trade in this country and abroad were also added to their list of manufactures, and branch houses have been established in New York, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Chicago, Kansas City, San Francisco, London and Paris, thus providing more direct communication with consumers. The trade so rapidly grew that the capacity had to be greatly enlarged, and for this purpose twenty acres of land were purchased at West Pullman, Ill., on which to erect their fifth plant. In all the goods which are manufactured, the company have a reputation for their excellence, the products of their factories being of acknowledged superiority. Col. Conger married Miss Emily Bronson, a lady of high intellectual attainment and culture, and a daughter of H. V. Bronson, of Peninsula, Ohio, whose father, Hiram Bronson, was one of the partners who purchased the Western Reserve. The colonel and his wife have four sons: Kenyon B., Arthur L., Erastus Irving, deceased, and Latham H. Their beautiful and palatial home, called Irving Lawn, in memory of their deceased son, is the center of a cultured society circle. In 1882 Mr. Conger was elected to the command of the Eighth regiment, Ohio national guards, and thus won the title by which he is generally known. He served in that capacity for eight years, during which time he held the position of honor at the public square during the funeral obsequies of President Garfield. In 1885, in Ashland, Ohio, he held in check an excited mob of nearly ten thousand at the time of the execution of Horn and Griffin, and, without firing a shot, thus pre vented a scene of bloodshed and horror. He has always taken an active part in the work of the Grand Army of the Republic, was department commander of Ohio in 1886, and is a member of the Ohio commandery of the Loyal Legion. He belongs to the Protestant Episcopal church and has long been president of the Union Charity association of Akron. His benevolence and charity have made happy many a home, and the extent of his munificence is known only to himself. The life of such a man as Col. Conger needs no eulogistic comment from the biographer. It speaks for itself. Splendid success has crowned his business efforts, honors have awaited him in civil and military life, but above all he has won the love and respect of the poor by his recognition of the brotherhood of mankind, and his readiness to acknowledge worth and merit in the humblest representative of the race. WILLIAM H. DEISMAN, a highly respected horticulturist of Northfield township, Summit county, Ohio, and a veteran soldier of the Civil war, springs from sterling Pennsylvania-Dutch stock, Henry Lewis Deisman, his grandfather, having come from Germany at the age of seventeen years, about the time of the American Revolution, and settled in Wellsville, York county, Pa. William H. Deisman was born February 6, 1841, on the farm where he now lives, a son of Henry L. and Letitia (Coulson) Deisman, was here educated and reared to farming. He enlisted, in Cleveland, Ohio, when twenty years old, October 1 1 , 1861, in cc mpany D, Forty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, to serve three years or during the war; re-enlisted as a veteran at Chattanooga, Tenn., January 1, 1864, and served until honorably discharged, OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 609 August 12, 1865, after the war had closed. He was in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Perrysville, Stone River and Chickamauga, where he was shot in the right knee and was in hospital until December, 1863, when he rejoined his regiment and was in the battles of Dalton, Resaca, and Pickett's Mills, May 27, 1864, where he was shot through the right side by a minie ball and was taken to field hospital and then to the hospital at Acworth, where he remained until June 14, and was then transferred consecutively to Chattanooga, Nashville, Jeffersonville, Ind., and Camp Dennison, Ohio. He rejoined his regiment in March, 1865, at Huntsville, Ala., and remained until June 16, when he was discharged. He has never recovered from the wound in his side, and it is still open about one-half of the time. After the war Mr. Deisman returned to the home farm, of which he has cleared sixty acres. This farm he purchased in 1870, but at that time it contained none of its present improvements, which have all been made by himself. He now has a beautiful dwelling, substantial out-buildings, lawns, and twenty acres set in fruit, including apples, pears, plums, peaches and cherries, and many varieties of small fruits. In 1895-96 he produced about 3,000 bushels of apples, each year, and in 1897 sold over 35o bushels of plums and about fifty bushels of strawberries, and in fruit culture he is considered to be the most successful of any person in the county, beside which, he has been more than usually successful in dairying. He married, in 1866, Miss Mary J. Johnson, who died in March, 1872; he next married Miss Carolina E. Nesbit, daughter of William and Lucinda (Johnson) Nesbit. William Nesbit was a pioneer of Northfield township, and a soldier in the war of 1812, and his son, David G. Nesbit, was a soldier in the Civil war in company G, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio infantry, in the three years' service. William H. Deisman is in politics a republican, having cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln, and is a member of the Methodist church at Bedford, Ohio. He has held the office of township trustee two years, is one of the most respected citizens of Northfield township and stands high for integrity of character. He has a fine military record and served his country faithfully for more than four years. Henry L. Deisman, father of subject, was born in 1807 and married, in Pennsylvania, Letitia Coulson, of York county. The children born to this union were James C., Elizabeth, Isabel, Margaret, Ann, Mary and William H. Henry L. Deisman settled on the homestead where our subject was born, about 1832, and cleared up a farm from the woods and made good improvements. He was first a whig and then a republican in politics, lived to be sixty years of age, and died in 1867. He was a hard-working, industrions man, respected by all. 'William H. Deisman is a member of R. L. Dunham post, No. 177, G. A. R., at Bedford, Ohio, and served as commander one year. He is also a member of lodge No. 375, F. & A. M., at Bedford, and is one of the most respected residents of Northfield township. MILTON C. DANFORTH, a prominent farmer and one of the most respected citizens of Darrowville, Summit county, Ohio, descends from an English family who two centuries ago settled in New Hampshire. William Danforth, the founder of the family in America, came from England and landed at Boston, Mass., about 1670, but settled in Newbury, in the same state. A brother came with him and settled in Maine. Rev. Nicholas 610 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Danforth, also from England, was the founder of another branch of the Danforth family. William Danforth, with others, received a grant of land from the Massachusetts Bay colony in the town of Boscawen (now Webster), N. H., and there he settled and lived many years. William Danforth, the great-grandfather of subject, was a farmer of Boscawen, N. H., and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Enoch Danforth, son of William, was born in New Hampshire, was a farmer, and married in Vermont, near Saint Albans, Hannah Hains, a native of Vermont, of German ancestry. Of their children, Sabra, Hial, Mary, Louisa, Harrison, Judith and William reached mature years. Enoch Danforth, grandfather of subject, came. to Marion county, Ohio, 'in 1823, and settled on a farm. He was attacked by malaria ana died one year later, aged about forty-five. His family then. came to Darrowville and his children were mostly reared in Summit county. Hial Danforth, son of Enoch, was born June 8, 1808, at Boscawen, N. H. He came to Ohio with his father in 1823, and married, May 4, 1831, Sophia Darrow (born at Darrowville, March 31, 1810), a daughter 'of Joseph and Sallie (Prior) Darrow. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hial Danforth settled on the farm, then consisting of forty acres, where Milton C., our subject, now lives, improved the property and added to it until he owned 115 acres, and erected good buildings. He was a member of the Methodist church when young, but imbibed liberal views in later life. In politics he was a whig, but became a republican on the organization of this party. He was an honored citizen, held the office of township trustee, and lived to be eighty-one years, and died May 29, 1889. His children were Mary (who died at the age of thirteen years), Milton C., Helen S. and two others who died in infancy, viz: Charles E., aged six months, and Edmond E., aged two years and six months. Milton C. Danforth was born June 13, 1836, on the home farm, received a common-school education and was reared a farmer. He married, August 2 c, 1858, near Darrowville, 'Miss Chloe B. Marvin, who was born September 8, 1837, in Aurora, Portage county; Ohio, a daughter of Ulysses and Elizabeth (Bradley) Marvin., The Marvins and Bradley§ descended from Connecticut Puritans. Ulysses, the father of Mrs. Danforth., was born in New England, was a cloth dresser by trade, and married, May 1, 1822, in Middletown; Conn.., Elizabeth Bradley, born October 2 5, 1800, a 'daughter of Arba and Esther (Chamberlain) Bradley. Ulysses Marvin moved to Ohio in the early 'twenties and settled on a farm in Stowe township, Summit county, which farm he cleared up; but still followed his business of cloth' dresser. He was a member of the Disciples' church, of which he was a deacon for many years; in politics he was first a whig, but assisted in organizing the republican party. 'He was the .father of Arba B., Jane E., Sophronia, Asahel, Chloe B., and Ulysses L., 'of Akron, judge of the state circuit court. Mr. Marvin lived to be eighty-six years of age, and died. May t; 1887, at the residence of our subject; Mrs. Marvin died June 28, 1884. After marriage Mr. Danforth and wife settled on the old Danforth homestead and have lived here ever since. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Danforth, Jennie E., Nina R. and Milton H. are those who have lived to mature years. Mr. and Mrs. Danforth are liberal in religious belief and in politics he is a stanch republican, and cast his first presidedtial vote for John C. Fremont and his next for A. Lincoln. Mr. Danforth has served as township trustee and supervisor and as a member of the school board, and has been a notary OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 611 public many years. He is a charter member of Darrowstreet grange, No. 751, and was the master of the grange for years, and he is deputy state master, looking after the interest of Summit county granges. He is a man of excellent character and stands high in the township, and his children have all received good educations. Jennie E. is married to Edward 0. Shively, and has one child—Mabel E., and resides at Darrowville, Ohio. Nina R. is married to F. R. Howe, and Milton H., who was married October 20, 1897, to Miss Frances G. Ball, daughter of Dr. W. T. Ball, of Mantua Station, Portage county, is a resident of Darrowville, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Howe are publishers of The Children's World, a journal devoted to rhetorical exercises in the public schools, beside all grades of school aids. Their business has grown to large pretentions and some mail days their output reaches to fifteen sacks of publications. Their business comprises mail business entirely, and the grade of the work is first-class and is indorsed by all the practical educators. Mr. Danforth is an ardent advocate of spiritualism, which is now recognized in many places as one of the important factors in relig ious belief, and of the truth of which he became convinced in 1858, two years after its announcement to the world as a religious doctrine, but it was not until 1890 that an organization was formed in Portage county, although national in character. The local originator of the movement was Dr. David M. King, of Mantua Station, Ohio, with the aid of the spirits, which were associated with him. The organization, now known as the National Spiritual and Religious Camp association, is located at Mantua Station, Ohio, owning a hotel, beautifully located within one-half mile of the Erie railroad depot in Maple Grove, 30x90 feet and three stories high; but there will be an other more pretentious building, which will be erected soon. There are about thirty cottages erected on the grounds. The auditorium, 120x60 feet, will accommodate about 2,000 people. Here, in this beautiful grove, God's first temples, is where these happy people congregate each year, and each year brings new additions to their religious belief. Rev.. Moses Hull, one of the best and most profound Bible scholars in the United States, is the chief exponent of this work. Dr. Hull, Rev. A. J. Weaver, Milton H. Danforth and D. M. King, also Dr. Schermer-horn, of Akron, Ohio, conduct a school each summer at the campgrounds, which is one of the; great aids in spreading the teachings of the Spir itualists. Mr. Danforth has been president and, chairman of the organization since 1890, and his onerous duties have been received by his people with the greatest. satisfaction. Some of the most striking seances. have been given. at Mantua, Ohio, „and such prominent, mediums as Mrs. Sheets, of Michigan; A. B., French, Clyde, Ohio; Mrs. Anna L. Robinson, of Port Huron, Mich. ; Mrs. Jennie B. H. Jackson, of Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Lyman C. Howe, of Fredonia, N. .Y. ; Mrs. Cora L. Richmond, of Chicago, and Mrs. Mary C., Lyman, principally, platform workers, have been present, which indicates that the work is in a very flourishing stage.. Mr. Danforth has been an indefatigable worker in the Lord's• vineyard in this religious belief, being a gentleman of more than ordinary executive ability and courteous in manner, and has done much to advance the cause. Mr. Danforth's mother, who had reached. the advanced age of eighty-seven years and. eight months, died December 18, 1897, sincere in the spiritualistic belief. Her life was replete with good works or deeds, and her departure was peaceful and contented, and She was beloved by all who knew her.. Her remains 612 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD are interred in Maple Grove cemetery, where a beautiful granite monument stands sacred to her memory. MRS. EMELINE BLISS, of Northfield Center.—In a work of this character the pioneers deserve more than passing mention. To those sturdy men and women of a time now historical the present owes a debt of gratitude which is only augmented by the increase of years, a debt of whose significance future generations will be prepared to more adequately estimate. To the life work and influence of the venerable lady whose name heads this sketch the community of Northfield Center is inestimably indebted. Here her whole life has been passed, and the good she has done will live after her. Her work of love in the community will form an imperishable monument to her memory. Emeline Palmer was born at Windsor, Conn., April 5, 1815, daughter of Hezekiah H. and Abagail (Taylor) Palmer, who were the original pioneers of Northfield Center, building the first log cabin there in 1832. Hezekiah Palmer was born in Windsor, Hartford county, Conn., January 19, 1781, was married May 29, 1811, to Abigail Taylor, who was born in Buckland, Mass., January 12, 1792. To them were born eight children, viz: Julia A., Emeline, Abigail T., William L., Horace H., Henry T., and two who died in infancy. The Palmers are of old Connecticut stock, who came over in the Mayflower, some were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Palmer first came to Ohio in 1822, locating at Willoughby. They were six weeks in making the journey in a large covered wagon drawn by two yoke of cattle and a horse. After a few years the family returned to their native town and state. In 1831 Mr. Palmer came again to Ohio, purchasing 160 acres at the center of Northfield. Returning, he brought out his family in June, 1832. He built the first log house at the center of Northfield, in the woods, which in a few years was replaced by the frame house. Here the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Palmer was a most exemplary woman, patiently enduring the labors and privations of pioneer life. She was truly a helpmeet for her husband. At sixteen years of age she united with the Baptist church, and for sixty-eight years was true to the church of her early choice. Mr. Palmer lived and died an honored and worthy citizen, upright in all his dealings, obliging and courteous to all. Miss Emeline Palmer, the second child and daughter, was married in a log house at Northfield May 9, 1839, to Ambrose Williams Bliss, who was born December 6, 1806, at Jericho, Vt., a son of Timothy and Anne (Campbell) Bliss. Ambrose W. Bliss received a common-school education in his native state and learned the trades of millwright and carpenter. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1833 and for some years he worked at these trades in Cleveland, being engaged for some time as a foreman on the public works in Cleveland harbor and Black river. Previous to his marriage in 1839 he bought thirty acres of partially cleared land a half mile south of Northfield Center, where he resided for a few years. He and his brother, Lucien, had previously bought 150 acres a mile west of the Center, which Lucien improved. In 1837 Ambrose W. bought 165 acres at what is now Northfield Center. Of this tract but a few acres had been cleared. He completed the task of clearing, and, about 1843, erected the present substantial homestead. This was the first large two-story frame house in Northfield and is still standing, a commodious and pleasant OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 615 residence. Mr. Bliss was largely engaged in contracting and mechanical pursuits. He built many of the acqueducts and locks on the Ohio canal, also trestles and bridges, beside many buildings of a substantial character, having been engaged in nearly all the works of importance in his vicinity. In the true sense of the term, Ambrose W. Bliss was a self-made man. Through his own sturdy efforts and the assistance of his faithful wife, prosperity came, and at the time of his death he owned 240 acres of finely improved farming lands. In his political faith Mr. Bliss was an old-line whig, and a warm Union man, and was one of the original republicans of his county. By his upright manner of living he received the honors of his community and held, in his township, the offices of justice of the peace and township trustee. He also served the county six years as commissioner—from 1854 to 1860—and was one of the directors of the Cleveland, Zanesville & Cincinnati (now C., A. & C. road). Mr. Bliss was an ardent friend of religion, and was a life member of the American Bible society. He was a well-read man, taking a lively interest in the affairs of the day. His excellent judgment in men's affairs, coupled with his unquestioned integrity, gave him a high place in the community of which he was so valued a member. The children of this family were Ellen, Lorin, Horace and George. Horace was a soldier in the Civil war, a private in company C, One Hundred and Fifteenth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, and died February 20, 1863, of disease contracted in the service. Though quite young at the time of his enlistment, and of frail physique, his high patriotism impelled him to offer his services to his country, and against the wishes of his parents he heroically went to meet an untimely death. The daughter, Ellen Bliss, remains at home to care for her mother in her declining years. Miss Bliss is a lady of marked intelligence, refinement and grace, and is possessed of fine literary tastes. She acted as historian for the Western Reserve Historical society in the preparation of the work on "Pioneer Women of the Western Reserve." The family is very properly one of the most respected in the county. Mrs. Bliss, the venerable subject of this memoir, although now past the allotted three score and ten, possesses even excellent memory and vision; her mental faculties are unimpaired. She is one of the few remaining pioneers of the Western Reserve who have seen all this wonderful advance in the condition of the wilderness of her childhood, and her reminiscences of former times are interesting and valuable. A brief glance at the history of the Bliss family will be interesting. This family is of old and noble Norman stock, and anciently possessed a coat of arms. The first of the name of whom record has been retained was Thomas Bliss, of Belstone parish, in the county of Devonshire, England, born about 1550. He was a wealthy land owner of the sect of the Puritans and was mercilessly subjected to all the severity of the persecution against that austere sect. He was the father of six children, of whom Thomas, of the second generation, was the founder of the Northfield family. Thomas was born at Belstone parish in 1580, and married a Miss Margaret Lawrence. The continued restrictions against the Puritans drove Thomas and his family to America in the autumn of 1635. They landed at Plymouth and temporarily located at Braintree, Mass., but later moved to Hartford, Conn., where he died in 1640. Thomas was the father of ten children, and has one grandson. Ebenezer Parsons was the first white child born at Northampton, Mass. He was born May 1, 1655, and was killed by the Indians at Northfield, September 2, 1675. Mary, daughter of 616 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Thomas Bliss, was this boy's mother. She was charged with witchcraft by envious neighbors, sent to Boston for trial, but was acquitted. John, son of Thomas and Margaret Bliss, was born at Hartford, Conn., about 1640; was married at Springfield, Mass., October 7, 1667, to Patience, daughter of Henry and Ulalia Burt, of that place, and died at Longmeadow, Mass., September 10, 1702. Patience was born August 18, 1645, and died October 25, 1732. Nathaniel, son of John and Patience Bliss, was born at Springfield, Mass., January 26, 1671, and died at Lebanon, Conn., in 1751. He married Mary Wright in Springfield, February 3, 1697. Henry, of Lebanon (now Columbia), Conn., son of Nathaniel and Mary Bliss, was born October 25, 1701, married Bethiah Spafford, of Lebanon, in 1725, and died August 28, 1761. Pelatiah, of Lebanon, son of Henry and Bethiah Bliss, was born May 6, 1725, and married Hepzibah Goodwin June 19, Timothy, of Essex, Vt., son of Pelatiah and Hepzibah Bliss, was born March 22, 1745, married Zerviah Williams, and died May 3, 1817. He was a member of the convention called in 1791 to act on the adoption of the constitution of the United States. Timothy, of Jericho, Vt., son of Timothy and Zerviah Bliss, married Anne Campbell about 1792, and died April 17, 1843. He was the father of Julius, born June 10, 1793; Cynthia, born November 27, 1794; Fannie, born May 6, 1796; Hosea, born February 8, 1798; Timothy (third) born January 20, 1800: Lucien, born December 4, 1801; Laura Ann, born February 7, 1803; Lucien, (second), born December 16, 1804; Ambrose Williams, born December 6, 1806; Zebina, born February 26, 1809; George, born June 1, 1813. Ambrose Williams Bliss was the founder of the Northfield Center homestead. a) MRS. HENRY F. ELLSWORTH, of Streetsboro township, Portage county, Ohio, descends from an early pioneer of the county. Hezekiah Ellsworth, the original settler here of that name, was born in Massachusetts, at Windsor, where he grew to maturity, and May 22, 1816, married Eunice Gibson, and the children were Henry F.; Rufus G., born January 17, 1818; Amy E., born July 3, 1819; Annie-deceased, aged thirteen years, May 19, 1836; Josephine Aura, born May 7, 1820. Hezekiah Ellsworth had fought in the war of 1812, and came to Ohio in 1829, making the journey with an ox team, and was forty days on the way, being obliged to cut the road part of the way through the woods. He first settled in Aurora, at Geauga lake, and lived there one year. He then bought ten acres of land in the woods in Streetsboro township, where the homestead now is. He cut the first tree on the place, which was very thickly covered with very heavy timber, and by degrees he cleared up a small space and .built a log cabin. He worked hard, and finally developed a good farm of sixty acres. He lived to be eighty-eight years old and died on his homestead. Henry F. Ellsworth, first saw the light in Windsor, Conn., and was about nine years of age when he came to Ohio with his parents. He was always a farmer, and had a good common-school education and possessed an excellent memory. He married Betsy Meech, who was born September 9, 1823, in Chippewa township, Wayne county, a daughter of Abel and Charity (heck) Meech. Abel Meech was born in Connecticut and married there, and his children were Althea, Polly, Amos, William, Aaron, Sallie, John, Abel, Katie A., Eunice, Betsy, George, Charity and Hannah. Mr. Meech was one of the pioneers of Wayne county, was a substantial farmer and cleared his farm from the woods, building a OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 617 log house before he built a frame house. He was a hard-working pioneer and much respected citizen, lived to be about eighty years old, and died on his farm. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth settled on the old Ellsworth farm—and by his thrift and industry Mr. Ellsworth added to it until he owned 265 acres of good land and was a substantial and prosperous farmer. His children were Alvira, Westley and Henry L. His politics was democratic. He was a hardworking, industrious man and made his property by his own labor, and built the present residence. He lived to be seventy-seven years old and died on his farm. Henry L. Ellsworth, son of Henry F. and wife, was born June 21, 1859, received a common education and has always been a farmer. He was married March 17, 1895, in Hudson township, to Lillian Washburn, who was born August 25, 1866, in Boston township, a daughter of V. D. and Ellen (Kelly) Washburn. Mr. and Mrs. Washburn were the parents of two daughters—Lillian and Marion. Mr. Washburn served through the Civil war and was wounded in battle. Mr. Ellsworth is now living on the old homestead, is a practical farmer and an industrious man, straightforward and honorable. In politics he is a democrat. Mr. Ellsworth is a member of the Congregational church of Hudson, and fraternally he is a member of K. of P. of Hudson. H, C. ECKERT, one of the leading liverymen in Kent, is a native of Portage county, Ohio, and was born in Ravenna townsnip March 2, 1862, a son of Abram and Olive (Reed) Eckert, the Eckert family coming from Pennsylvania. The father is a farmer by occupation, and, in conjunction, for many years, was also engaged in running a threshing machine. H. C. Eckert was about eight years of age, only, when his mother died. He was brought up on the farm and was educated in the public schools. He began the activities of life for himself by running a dray and transfer wagon in Kent, doing a general transfer business, which he continued some three years, and then for one year was engaged in the dairy or milk business. Later, he was in the employ of Levi Reed, in the livery business, for one year, and then engaged in the livery business on his personal account, which he has continued for about ten years and has one of the best appointed establishments in the city of Kent. Mr. Eckert was married, in 1880, to Miss Eliza Ayliffe. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Eckert have been born three children, viz: Olive, Harry and Ruth. Mr. Eckert is a member of Achilles lodge, No. 378, K. of P., is greatly honored by his fellow-members and he and wife are among the most highly esteemed residents of Kent, where the business of Mr. Eckert, which is of a semi-public character, causes him to be widely known, and where his obliging disposition and courteous deportment have won for him hosts of personal friends. WILLIAM BARNABAS DOYLE, the son of William B. and Mary Maud (Lantz) Doyle, was born in the city of Akron, in the old homestead at 150 South High street, on the 19th day of April, 1868. He was educated in the Akron public schools from 1874 to 1883; in the Western Reserve academy from 1883 to 1886, where he graduated after completing the classical course; received his academic training at Amherst College from 1886 to 1890, and graduated as a member of the class of 1890. In January, 1891, he was elected a director and treasurer of the Akron Electrical 618 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Manufacturing Co., but resigned to enter the Harvard Law School in October, 1892. He spent three years at Harvard and graduated in June, 1895, receiving the degree of LL. B. from Harvard university. In 1895 he was again elected a director and treasurer of the Electrical company, positions which he continues to hold. In October, 1895, Mr. Doyle was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of the state of Ohio, at Columbus, and immediately commenced the active practice of his profession in his native city. He is a member of the Beta Theta Pi college fraternity, and was for two years chief of the New England district. He is a republican in politics and is connected by membership with the Congregational church and the Sons of the American Revolution. WILLIAM BARNAB AS DOYLE, SR., was born in Franklin county, Pa., in a valley of the Blue mountains called Path valley, on the 5th day of March, 1825. His ancestors had been pioneers in the settlement of Cumberland and Franklin counties, and the first record of his family in America appears in the Pennsylvania and Colonial Archives, where an interesting account is given of the expulsion of the earliest settlers, of whom his great-grandfather, Felix Doyle, was one, from territory ceded to the Indians by treaty with Great Britain. Felix Doyle came to America from the north of Ireland very early in the eighteenth century and made a home for himself in the wilderness, where a son, whom he named Barnabas, was born. Barnabas became the father of ten children, among whom were William Doyle, Barnabas Doyle, Jr., and Thomas John Sylvester Doyle, who was born July 31, 1788, and became the father of the sub ject of our sketch, and two other children, Thomas John Doyle, and Mary A. Doyle, who afterward married Hon. James Ferguson, of Chambersburg. Thomas John Sylvester Doyle reared his children on the farm which he tilled for his vocation, and when his youngest child, William B. Doyle, was thirteen years of age he apprenticed him to a cabinetmaker for three years; this became the young man's trade. When he was but seventeen years old a spirit of enterprise and indomitable courage turned the young fellow's steps toward the west. In 1842 he arrived in Akron, Ohio, having traveled almost the entire distance on foot and with no money to aid him. He found employment at his trade and in time bought out his employers and became a master cabinetmaker. Several years later he profitably disposed of his business and formed a partnership, known as Doyle & Chamberlain, which engaged in the business of buying cattle for market, selling meat, etc. His next venture was a return to agriculture, which he pursued upon a large farm, which he had purchased in Coventry township. In August of 1865, with John H. Dix and Daniel Farnam, he purchased the lumber and manufacturing business of S. G. Wilson for the sum of $35,000, and organized the firm of W. B. Doyle & Co. Mr. Dix died in 1886, and in 1888 Mr. Doyle purchased the interest of Mr. Farnam and conducted the business alone until his death. He became a victim of the epidemic known as "La Grippe," and died in Akron on August 6, 1890, at the age of sixty-five years, five months and one day. It should be stated that his mother was Anne (Taylor) Doyle, who was born at Carlisle, Pa., February 12, 1797, and who died in Akron, December 12, 1882. His mother was of the old-time Presbyterian school and in such an atmosphere his earliest years were spent. When the Methodist church was built in Akron he became a worshiper OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 619 there, though never becoming a member of any church. He was a member of the republican party from the start, having voted for John C. Fremont, and he remained a stanch republican through all his days. He held no public civil office of any kind whatever and never wanted nor sought any. On July 30, 1857, he was made ensign of the Akron Rifles, Ohio volunteer militia, and in 1863 he was made captain of the Coventry company of national militia, organized under the act of April 14, 1863. This company was ready to take part in the great struggle for the preservation of the Union, and was organized and maintained with that end in view, but was never called upon to go to the front. Mr. Doyle was married October 30, 1855, to Miss Harriet Sage, of Monroe county, N. Y., who died November 6, 1862, leaving one child, Dayton A. Doyle. On June 9, 1867, Mr. Doyle married Mary Maud Lantz, of Akron, who died February 11, 1874, leaving three children, William B. Doyle, Jr. ; Della May Doyle and Dean Lantz Doyle. In 1877 he married again, and of this marriage there is one daughter, Anna Doyle, who survives. CHARLES H. FARWELL, one of the old settlers of Hudson, Summit county, Ohio, and a man well known for his industry and integrity of character, was born at Concord, Mass., October 22, 1821, and came to Ohio in November, 1837. He first worked for his uncle, John Bateman, of Hudson, began learning the blacksmith's trade, and in 1839 moved to Twinsburg, where he finished learning his trade with Thomas Parmelee. He married, in Twinsburg, Ohio, May 14, 1845, Ellen Amelia Porter, who was born either in Naugatuck, or Prospect, Conn., November 17, 1826, a daughter of Arba and Atlanta (Beecher) Porter. Arba Porter was born in Connecticut, descended from the early Puritan settlers, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. The Beecher family was also of Puritan stock and of the family from which the famous Henry Ward Beecher descended. Mrs. Porter was first married to Myers Scott, and by him was the mother of Julia J., Catherine M., Harriet E. and Delia. Thus she was the mother of nine daughters, but of no sons, as will be seen by what follows. All her daughters, except Delia (who died of cholera in Cleveland—aged fourteen years), lived to rear families of children. Mrs. Porter lived to be ninety-five years and five months old. Arba Porter was a farmer and he and wife were the parents of five children, viz: Julia A., Jane B., Ellen A., Frances M. and Elizabeth. Mr. Porter and family came to Ohio in September, 1833, and bought land two and one-half miles from Twinsburg, consisting of about l00 acres heavily timbered. He lived about two years in a house on the farm of his brother William, who had previously settled in Twinsburg township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Porter were members of the Congregational church. Politically he was an old-line whig. He was a straight-forward, industrious man and useful citizen. He lived to be sixty-eight ycars of age and died on his farm. He was one of the sturdy pioneers of Twinsburg township, and was noted for his sterling worth and stanch moral character and reared an excellent family. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Farwell resided one year in Twinsburg and came in 1846 to Hudson, Ohio, where Mr. Farwell engaged in the blacksmith business with Mr. Bateman, his uncle, in a shop on Main street. He remained in company with his uncle about two years and then engaged in partnership with Nelson Wadsworth, and a few years later engaged in the manufacture of carriages with Deacon Landfear, still continuing, however, in the blacksmith business with 620 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD William Wadsworth. In January, 1870, he bought his present residence, and an old store building, which had been used as a bakery, and which he used as his shop. The substantial residence was built by 'Squire Wheadon prior to 18 t 8, and was used for many years as a tavern and afterward as a seminary. It is built in the substantial manner of the pioneers, of heavy framed timbers, and is finished, both outside and in, with the best of lumber and ornamented in the old style by hand. Mr. Farwell has preserved the old homestead and greatly improved it, and it is one of the most attractive and dignified residences in Hudson. To Mr. and Mrs. Farwell have beed born Henry, May 17, 1846, at Twinsburg, Ohio; Arba P., born January 17, 1849, in Hudson, Ohio, and Cyrus, born June 14, 1851, but who died October 17, 1851. Mr. Farwell was formerly a democrat, but was one of the original republicans and voted for John C. Fremont, the first presidential candidate of the republican party, and has since been a stanch republican. He was a strong supporter of the Union, and two of his sons, Arba and Henry, were soldiers in the Civil war. Arba enlisted at the age of only thirteen years as a drummer. His officers were Professors Young and Cuttler of Hudson college, who were respectively captain and lieutenant of the company, which NA as largely formed of the students of the Western Reserve college. Arba served with his company at Camp Chase, Ohio, guarding prisoners, and was on an exposition to Vicksburg, Miss., with prisoners for exchange. Ali hough so young, he performed his full service and was a good soldier. He was considered the best drummer of his regiment and was the pet of his company. The next year, both Arba and Henry enlisted at Cleveland, Ohio, in the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth volunteer infantry, to serve three years or during the war. Arba was as- signed to the post band, on the Great Western " of Sandusky, Ohio, and with this band attended the funeral of Gen. McPherson, who was killed in the Atlanta campaign. Both the boys served until the close of the war. Mr. and Mrs. Farwell visited their boys in camp several times during their services, and saw the food furnished to the guards. Arba P. received a good education in the Western Reserve preparatory department, and afterwards in the Commercial department of Oberlin college. He then went to Cincinnati, where he became a bookkeeper. He married at Richmond, Ohio, Laura Salt, and their children were Monte C. and Alice E. Arba died, aged thirty-one years, at his father's home in Hudson, July 24, 1880. He was a man of high character and integrity, much trusted by his employers. He was a very fine and beautiful penman and a skillful accountant and business man. Henry graduated at the Western Reserve college in 1872 and also at Lane's Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio, three years later. He then entered the Presbyterian ministry and is now home missionary at Harper, Kans., and is pastor of two churches. He married Mary McGinnis, daughter of Rev. Franklin and Lucy (Porter) McGinnis, of Rome, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Farwell have two children, viz: Franklin M. and Clara R. Mr. Farwell is an honored citizen of Hudson and has been a member of the town council several terms.. Fraternally he is a non-affiliating Odd Fellow. He has always been an industrious, hard-working man, noted for his sturdy traits of character and frugality, and standing well as a citizen. He is the son of Cyrus and Rebecca (Bateman) Farwell. Cyrus Farwell was born in Concord, Mass., as was his wife, and both descended from the old Puritan families in New England of English stock. He was a cooper by trade, and his children were Elzina, Mary S., Charles H., OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 621 Adaline, (died young), Harriet, William, John, Elizabeth H., and Adeline, second. Mr. Farwell was a soldier in the war of 1812. The Farwell family had lived in Concord from early colonial times. After the death of their son, Arba, Mr. and Mrs. Farwell, our subjects, made a home for his widow and their two children until they were well educated and ready to begin life for themselves. William Farwell, brother of our subject, was a soldier in the Civil war and is now a resident of Akron, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Farwell, our subjects, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage their golden wedding May 14, 1895, and received many tasteful and elegant testimonials of friendship and regard from far-distant friends and relatives, as well as those nearer home.   Mrs. Farwell is a lady of rare intelligence, clear judgment and marked traits of character, strong conscientious convictions and religious principles inherited from her Puritan ancestry. Throughout her life she has been a follower and an advocate of high moral principles, and her many friends justly place a high value upon her good opinion. Joseph Farwell and Hannah Farwell are the first of the name of whom there is any record in America. From their son, Joseph, born May 24, 1670, this line descends: Joseph Farwell, born August 5, 1696; Thomas, born October 11, 1698; Hannah, May 6, 1701; Elizabeth, December 31, 1704; Edward, July 12, 1706; Mary, February 1, 1709; John, June 23, 1711; Sarah, February 26, 1721, died July 4, 1721. Joseph Farwell (second) married December 24, 1719, Mary (Gibson) Farwell. Their children were Anna, born February 19, 1721; Isaac, March 6, 1723, died May 18, 1740; Joseph, September 20, 1725, died August 27, 1758; Jonathan, May 15, 1730, died November 29, 1761; Thomas, born July 31, 1733, died February 20, 1825 ; Olive, born June 24, 1735, died at a date not remembered; Mary, born at a date forgotten, and Susannah, born August 8, 1742. The children of Thomas and Sarah (Davis) Farwell were Ephraim, born October 31, 1760, died August 13, 1825; Thomas, born January 26, 1763, died May 29, 1829; Joseph, born May 13, 1765, died January 25, 1829; Sarah, born January 9, 1768, and died at date forgotten; Levi, born November 7, 1770, died September 14, 1858; William, born March 26, 1780, died December 21, 1863. SAMUEL FAUBLE, a respected citizen and stonemason of West Richfield, Summit county, Ohio, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born in Chippewa township, Wayne county, Ohio, December 19, 1842, a son of Samuel and Jane (Hallowell) Fauble. Michael Fauble, grandfather of Samuel, was born in the Keystone state, a son of a Revolutionary soldier who had come from Germany and had settled in Pennsylvania prior to the declaration of independence. Michael was married in his native state and later became a pioneer of Chippewa township, Wayne county, Ohio, where he had 160 acres of wild land, which he cleared up from the forest and converted into a fine farm, on which he passed the remainder of his life, dying at the patriarchal age of ninety-nine years, a consistent member of the Methodist church and a greatly respected citizen. Samuel Fauble, father of Samuel, the subject, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, was reared a farmer, and there married Miss Jane Hallowell, a daughter of a Stark county, Ohio, pioneer, and to this union were born Josiah, Cyrus, Samuel (all soldiers in the Civil war), Caroline, Martha, Emeline, Elizabeth and 622 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Loisa. From Wayne county Mr. Fauble moved to Medina county, in 1843, whence he came to Summit county, in 1844, where he became a substantial and respected citizen, and in politics was a democrat. In middle life he became blind, and at the age of forty-five years died while on a trip to Illinois, leaving 210 acres of good land to his children. His widow, some time afterward, became the wife of Clark Woodruff. Of the children spoken of above, Josiah enlisted for three years in an Illinois regiment, but was taken sick after the battle of Pea Ridge and came very near dying; Cyrus was in the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry and served about fifteen months. The military record of Samuel will be given further on. Samuel Fauble, the subject proper of this biographical memoir, was brought to Richfield township, Summit county, in 1844, received a good common-school education, and was reared to farming. In 1860 he went to Delta, Fulton county, and was engaged in farm work until his enlistment, August 27, 1861, at Delta, in company I, Thirty-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry, to serve three years, and was mustered in at Camp Trimble, Defiance county, September 4, of the same year, and did good and faithful duty until honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky., September 13, 1864. He fought at Mill Spring, Shiloh, Stone River, Perryville, Hoover Gap, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, and, in the Atlanta campaign, took part in the battles of Dalton, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Kenesaw Mountain, Pumpkinvine Creek, Peach Tree Creek and the general engagement before Atlanta and at Jonesboro. In the general charge here, his regiment lost forty-eight men killed, and was second as to amount of loss in killed in one battle, by any regiment from Ohio; it captured three lines of the enemy's works, and his division captured i,000 prisoners. The only mishap on the field that befell Mr. Fauble was a slight flesh-wound from a bit of shell at Chickamauga, although his clothing was shot through by rifle-balls no less than five times. He was sick, however, after the battle of Mill Spring, having had to wade waist-deep through Fishing creek, to reach the battle field, and go through the same experience on returning from victory, and was confined in hospital at Somerset, Ky., three weeks, and later, for one week, in field hospital. During his term of service he was at one time detailed to drive a supply wagon for three months, and at Corinth, Miss., was detailed to drive an ammunition wagon, which he drove fifteen months, and had charge of this vehicle at the battle of Chickamagua. He was a brave soldier, was always promptly at his post of duty, and was ever willing and cheerful in doing the necessary work that befell him as a defender of his country's flag. On his return to Delta, Ohio, Mr. Fauble engaged in the hotel business, but shortly afterward went to Medina county, where he married, December 19, 1865, Miss Martha E. Banford, who was born in Hinckley township, that county, February 2, 1844, a daughter of Cyrus and Almira (Patch) Banford, the former of whom was a tailor by trade, but died, in middle age, in 1846, leaving his widow with four children, viz: Martha E., Julia, Celia and Albert. Mrs. Banford afterward married Thomas Cole, and to her second marriage was born one child—Millie. For three years after marriage Mr. Fauble lived in Hinckley township, Medina county, and then came to West Richfield, Summit county, where he has since followed his trade of stonemason. To Mr. and Mrs. Fauble have been born four children, viz: Cyrus Albert, Louie, LeRoy and Preston, but of these Cyrus Albert was accidently killed while hunting, December 4, 1893. He was a promising young man OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 625 of twenty-two years of age, and, it is needless to say, was greatly mourned by his parents and hundreds of young associates. In politics Mr. Fauble is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, when that martyr was nominated for his second term, and has voted the republican ticket ever since. He has served as commander of Goldwood post. G. A. R., No. 104, at West Richfield, and is a member in good standing of Meridian Sun lodge, No. 266, F. & A. M., of Richfield, in which he has held the offices of junior and senior warden; in chapter No. 30, royal arch Masons, he is master of the second vail. Mr. Fauble, as a citizen and soldier, has attained a high position in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and fully merits all the respect that is paid to him. JOHN ELSEFFER SHARP (deceased), ticket and freight agent for the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railway company at Ravenna, Ohio, for twenty- two years, was born in Sharon Springs, N. Y., January 25, 1830, and was a son of John and Elizabeth (Bodine) Sharp, both natives of the Empire state and parents of four children, viz: John E. (subject), Henry, Ellen J. (widow of James Hudson), and Thomas K. The paternal grandfather of subject was born in Germany, but was a small boy when brought to America by his parents, who settled in Ulster county, N. Y.; the maternal grandfather. John Bodine, was a native of New York state, was a farmer, had born to him a large family, and was quite an old man at the time of his death. John Sharp, the father of subject, was a farmer and hotel-keeper, and first married a Miss Markle, who bore him ten children, of whom two are still living, viz: Rebecca, widow of Seth P. Branch, of Ravenna; and - 25 - Julia Ann, wife of Stephen Merenes, now deceased. John E. Sharp, whose name opens this biography, was reared on his father's farm, and also learned brick and stonemasonry and plastering, when young. and at the age of seventeen years came from New York to Ravenna, Ohio, where he followed his trade for a number of years, or perhaps until the fall of 1864, when he entered the employ of the Erie Railway company, for which, with the exception of about three years, he worked in various capacities, and for the past twenty-two years in that of ticket and freight agent. Mr. Sharp was first united in marriage, in 1856, with Miss Lavinna Kellogg, daughter of Lansing and Caroline (Bishop) Kellogg, the union resulting in the birth of three children—Alfred L., Dwight E. and Harry S. The eldest of these, Alfred L. , has been twice married, and had born to him, by his first wife, one son (John Oakley Sharp); he is now a hardware merchant in Georgetown, Tex., and has married, for his second wife, Miss Kate Leaville. Dwight E., who is clerking for the American Cereal company in Chicago, Ill., married Miss Eva Jones, and to this union have been born three children—Mabel, Don and Pearl. Harry S. is living with his brother, Alfred L., in Texas, and is in the employ of the Pacific Express company. The honored mother of the above family, Mrs. Lavinna Sharp. was called to her final rest in 1877, and died in the faith of the Universalist church. In 1878 John E. Sharp was united to Mrs. Mary E. Cope, widow of Homer Cope and daughter of Charles D. and Abi ( Smith ) Thompson, and this union was blessed with one son—Charles R. Mr. Sharp was a chapter Mason, and in politics was a democrat; for thrt e years he served his fellow-citizens as township trustee 626 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD and filled the office to the entire satisfaction of the public. That he was faithful and true in his responsible situation is fully evidenced by the long time he was in the railroad company's employ, and it is further in evidence that he was at all times polite and obliging in his intercourse with the public, as no word of complaint was ever uttered against him. Mr. Sharp died March 18, 1897, sincerely mourned by the surviving members of his family and a large circle of true friends. NORBERT F. GENEREAUX, of Macedonia, Northfield township, Summit county, Ohio, and ex-prisoner of the Civil war, a veteran soldier and an honored citizen, comes of sterling French ancestry, and was born February 7, 1842, at Mt. Clemens, Mich., a son of Henry and Monac (Chapaton) Genereaux. He was educated in the public schools of Mt. Clemens, and learned the cooper's trade of his father. He came to Wood county, Ohio, in 1860, and enlisted at Tontogany, in April, 1861, on the first call for 75,000 men, in company B, Twenty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, to serve three months, and was honorably discharged in August at Columbus, Ohio. This service was in West Virginia and was in two battles at Scair Creek, when his brigade drove Gen. Wise's troops to Harper's Ferry, and was also in many skirmishes. After this service he went to Mt. Clemens, Mich., and on August 15, 1862, re-enlisted for three years and was immediately promoted to second duty sergeant, company F, Twenty-second regiment, Michigan volunteer infantry, and was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, June 9, 1865. At the battle of Chickamauga the entire brigade was captured by the rebels after a gallant fight. Mr. Genereaux belonged to the Fourte nth army corps, Whittaker's brigade, and supported the artillery. September 20, 1863, the corps was ordered to the front. The right of the Union army was falling back in great confusion. The corps charged the enemy, and the brigade drove Longstreet's forces down from the third elevation; shortly afterward recharged, but were repulsed. The enemy made a strong effort to mass the whole artillery against the Union men, but the attempt was futile. Then the enemy recharged with infantry, and the Union troops continued to repulse their charges until night, when they were surrounded. The Confederates marched the Union prisoners three or four rods, and carried torch-lights in order that the surrendered soldierey would not step on the wounded and dead. Snodgrass Ridge was where this great slaughter was made, and here is where the beautiful monuments are erected, marking this spot as the place where so many of the brave boys fell in defense of the nation. In company F, Twenty-second Michigan infantry, there were only fourteen of the enlisted soldiers left to be taken prisoners, of whom twelve died in Confederate prison pens. N. H. Miller, of Mount Clemens, Mich., and Mr. Genereaux were the only two survivors. Mr. Genereaux with the others was taken to Belle Isle, on the James river, the commissioned officers being placed in Libby prison. Mr. Genereaux and most of the prisoners had no shelter, and being here from October i to along in December, suffered greatly from cold and hunger—two sticks of cordwood only being allowed for t00 men. The rations, issued twice each day, consisted of one-half pint of bean soup containing two tablespoonfuls of beans, with bugs in them, and one-fourth pound of bread. Mr. Genereaux had no blanket and slept on the bare ground. The island was very low, being really a sand bank, but a few inches above the river, and very damp. It was very bleak and OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 627 swept by cold, severe winds, and during the winter the river James was frozen over three times. The rations of soup were so thin that the soldiers were famished for meat and killed and ate a dog belonging to Lieut. Boisseux, the commandant, and he starved them twenty-four hours in punishment. From here Mr. Genereaux was taken to Crew's tobacco warehouse in Richmond, Va., in December, and there the scanty rations were served once each day. Mr. Genereaux was taken sick and was sent to the Confederate Marine hospital, Richmond, and there had for rations wheat bread, rice soup, with meat cut in it, and a good cot-bed—the bed and bedding being furnished by the Sanitary Commission of the north. Mr. Genereaux was returned to prison after two weeks, and placed in the Pemberton tobacco warehouse—the rations here being the same as in the Crews prison, but the officers were meaner. At New Year's they were left without food for over thirty hours. Mr. Genereaux was next taken with a train load of prisoners to Andersonville, where he arrived February 26, 1864. This prison had just been opened, and not yet completed, and Mr. Genereaux was one of the first squad of prisoners to enter it, not more than seventeen prisoners of the first detachment of 100 having entered before him. He remained there about six months, and the condition of the prisoners daily grew worse. There was no shelter from the cold, but some wood was left from building the stockade. The rations were corn meal—ground cob and all—one pint per day, and sometimes a little very poor beef, and two skillets were allowed to each 100 men, with which to bake the bread. Mr. Genereaux and four comrades built a but of logs covered with pine boughs, which was about 8 x 10 feet wide and seven feet high, and they messed together. This was the best shelter in the stockade, and they were offered $500 in greenbacks for the logs in this but for fuel purposes. Mr. Genereaux worked at his trade of cooper and made little tubs and pails and sold them to the prisoners to get water in, and in this way he sometimes made $6 per day and thus bought off the guards as well as others who came in to peddle navy beans and corn meal, by this means preserving his life and assisting his comrades. Near the close, three of his comrades died in the but while he was there. George Walker, a schoolmate of Mr. Genereaux, had been taken prisoner. He was a member of company G, Twenty-second Michigan, and had a hole dug in the side hill as a shelter for himself and two comrades. He died in a dreadful condition of starvation, and his two comrades died by his side. At times 200 men died every twenty-four hours and were taken out by the prisoners and buried. Mr. Genereaux took scurvy and was in a bad condition for some time. He sold a rubber blanket for $50 greenbacks, to a rebel, and paid $30 for a watermelon, and sold the melon for $25, retaining the green part, and with it and a few Irish potatoes cured himself of the disorder. He was next taken to Charleston, S. C., and was in that city exposed for several days to the fire of the Union guns, among them the famous " Swamp Angel," the prisoners being exposed on the streets. From here he was taken to Savannah, and shortly afterward to Macon, Ga., and placed in a stockade prison for several months, becoming moon blind from exposure, also suffered from diarrhea and was cared for by his comrades. While there the prisoners held an election and voted 3,000 for McClelland and 5,000 for Lincoln. This made the officer in charge very angry, and he cut their rations off for one day and cursed vigorously besides. From there he was taken to Blackshear, Fla., and kept a few days, and was then sent to Florence and remained till February, 1865, 628 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD There Mr. Genereaux was taken sick with typhoid fever and his comrades took good care of him, he being ward master. One time he was threatened with the dungeon by Maj. Winder for trying to give a piece of bread to a comrade, but was saved by his doctor, Tebbs. He was taken from Florence to Wilmington, N. C., and paroled February 27, 1865, having been a prisoner of war seventeen months and seven days. He was in a very weak and feeble condition, emaciated to skin and bones, and it was a long time before he was even partially recovered, and he still suffers from his imprisonment. At Andersonville prison the skillets were taken from the Union captives for the use of the Confederates, but Mr. Genereaux buried his skillet, for which he had been offered $l00, and thus preserved it. Mr. Genereaux married, in Mt. Clemens, May 7, 1867, Frances L. Connor, native of Mt. Clemens and a daughter of John H. and Josephine T. (Bondy) Connor. The children born to this union are named Celia, Franklin, Arthur, Alice and Olive. In 1866 he went to Oil City, Pa., and worked in the cooperage business; in 1868 he went to Cleveland and built a cooper shop, and in 1875 came to Macedonia, Ohio, and engaged in coopering and farming. Mr. Genereaux is a member of Royal Dunham post, No. 177, G. A. R., at Bedford, Ohio, and in politics is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote in the ranks for honest Abe. He is a straightforward and honored citizen, and stands high in the esteem of the public. Mr. Genereaux had two brothers in the Civil war—Peter was captain of company B, Fifth Michigan infantry, and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg. He was the youngest commanding officer in the state, receiving his command for bravery, and was aid-de-camp to Gov. Blair. Augustus served six months in a Michigan regiment. Mrs. Genereaux also had two brothers in the Civil war—Darius in the Michigan infantry, and Franklin in the navy. Henry Chapaton, father of Mrs. Genereaux, was born in Detroit, Mich. His grandfather came from France with a colony in early times, settled in Detroit and was a surgeon in the army. Henry Chapaton, the grandfather, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Genereaux's grandfather, Richard Connor, came from Ireland with his brother, Henry; both served in the Revolutionary war and were early settlers of Detroit. Theressa Trombley, the maternal grandmother, was born in Detroit, and in the war of 1812 was warned, by friendly Indians, that her family was to be massacred. She took her two children from Connor's creek, near Detroit, and paddled through lake St. Clair and up the Clinton river a day and a night to Frederick, a trading point, a distance of thirty-eight miles. Her husband was in the army at the time and she had no one to protect herself and children. SYLVESTER GRIEST, an old soldier of the Civil war and a son of one of the pioneers of Northfield township, Summit county, Ohio, springs from an old family of Pennsylvania, his grandfather, Willard Griest, having come from England. Cornelius Griest, father of subject, was born in Pennsylvania near Petersburg (York Springs), Adams county, was a farmer and married Elizabeth Toland. He brought his wife and three children to Ohio, first located near Salem, and came to Northfield townsh p, Summit county, among the early pioneers. He cleared up a farm of eighty acres from the woods and was a respected citizen. His children were Eliza, George W., James T., Augustus F., Eli, Lemuel D., Cornelius, Sylvester and Henrietta P., the last named dying OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 629 an infant. Mr. Griest died when seventy-three years old on his farm, and was an industrious and hard-working pioneer. Sylvester Griest, our subject, was 'born February 16, 1839, in Northfield township and attended the pioneer schools a short time. He enlisted, August 4, 1862, at Fort Wayne, Ind., in Capt. C. B. Oakley's company E, Eighty-eighth regiment, Indiana volunteer infantry, to serve three years or during the war, and was honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky., July 12, 1865, on account of the close of the war. He was taken sick at Murfreesboro, Tenn., with malaria and fever and ague, and was in field hospital in Murfreesboro, and in hospitals at Louisville, Ky., Camp Dennison, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. He was detailed at Louisville, Ky., as nurse, was also in charge of the dining-hall, about one year. After his discharge he returned to Summit county, and resumed farming. He married, November 28, 1866, in Hudson township, Sarah E. Collar, whc was born June 9, 1841, on the homestead where they now reside, a daughter of Sidney S. and Caroline (Stone) Collar. Sidney S. Collar was born August 2, 1802, in Vermont, at Warren, was a farmer, and came to Ohio, when a young man, married in Summit county and settled in Hudson township, one mile south of their present homestead, late in the thirties. Mr. Collar bought eighty-two acres of land, cleared the most of it from the woods and made a good home. His children were Caroline L., Ern eline E. and Sarah E. Mr. Collar was a member of the Congregational church, was in politics a republican, and was a hard-working, industrious man, respected by all, and reared an excellent family. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Griest, our subjects, settled on the Collar homestead and here have since lived. To them have been born Sidney D., July 20, 1869, and Frederick S., January 2, 1877. Mrs. Griest is a member of the Disciples' church at Hudson, and Mr. Griest is in politics a republican, cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and stands well in his neighborhood as a good citizen. Mrs. Caroline (Stone) Collar, the mother of Mrs. Griest, is a daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah (Hallenbeck) Stone. Nathaniel Stone came from Connecticut about 1810 and brought his family. The Stones were of English descent; the Hallenbecks are of Dutch ancestry. Mr. Stone was a pioneer of Hudson township, and Streetsboro, Portage county. He owned about 500 acres of land, cleared up a large farm, and was a well-known pioneer. His children are Caroline, Charles, Sidney, Emeline, Rozell, Orlando, Chelsey, Helen and Belinda—all now deceased except Sidney. SAMUEL W. HARRIS, a respected citizen of Tallmadge township, Summit county, Ohio, was born in the township of Coventry, August 27, 1843, a son of William H. and Mary (Lewis) Harris, of whom further mention will be made. He was reared on a farm, received a good common-school education, and in the later days of his minority was in the coal business. October 13, 1863, he enlisted in the Ohio national guards for five years, and was mustered into the United States volunteer service by Gov. Brough, as corporal of company D, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohi0 volunteer infantry, May 2, 1864, to serve 100 days, and was placed on duty at Arlington Heights, Va., and served out his term. As a member of the national guards of Ohio he was honorably discharged May 1, 1866. Mr. Harris was first united in marriage, September 5, 1867, in Tallmadge township, with Miss Anna B. Hughes, who was born in Portage county, Ohio, September 5, 1847, a 630 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD daughter of David and Elizabeth (Davis) Hughes. After marriage Mr. Harris carried on the coal business until 1873, when he bought his present farm of 113 acres, on which he has made excellent improvements and which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. To Mr. and Mrs. Harris were born the following-named children: William H., Archer H., Austin D., Howard C., Stanley W., Mary E. and Benjamin B. The mother of these children was called away in February, 1886, a member of the Congregational church, and the second marriage of Mr. Harris was to Miss Lydia A. Felmly, who was born February to, 1868, in Portage township, Summit county, a daughter of Jacob and Susannah (Paulus) Felmly. William H. Harris, father of Samuel W., was born in the southern part of Wales, in November, 1808, a son of Henry and Anne Harris. He was reared a coal miner, and, when a young man, married AnnRowland, who died in Wales, leaving one child, William. He then bame to America, engaged in mining near Pottsville, Pa., and later came to Ohio, eventually becoming an owner and operator of extensive mines in different districts of the state. He married, in Ravenna, Portage county, on the Kent homestead, June 19, 1841, Miss Mary Lewis, who was born in Bermingham, England, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Lewis, the result being the following-named children: John H., born March 9, 1842; Samuel W., August 27, 1843; Henry, April 6, 1845; Benjamin, November 6, 1847; Mary A., April 8, 185o, Reuben, August 13, 1852; Myron, September 2, 1854, and Isabella, November 18, 1856. Tnree of these sons served in the Civil war, viz: John H., who was in the three-year service with the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, and suffered as a prisoner at Andersonville; Samuel W., and Henry, who served in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth. Beside giving these three children to the cause of freedom, Mr. Harris furnished money liberally for the purpose of securing men to aid the same righteous cause. Mr. Harris, after marriage, lived in what is now the Sixth ward of Akron until 1849, when he bought the homestead in Tallmadge township, beside which he owned another fine farm. In politics he was a whig, and afterward a republican, and served as township trustee. Fraternally he was a Mason, and in religion a Congregationalist, and in this faith he died December 18, 1868, his widow dying in the same faith in 1874. John H. Harris, the eldest told of William H. and Mary (Lewis) Harris, was born in Summit county, received a common-school education, and was reared to farming and coal mining. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Tallmadge, in company C, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until honorably discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, May i11, 1865. He did duty in Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, and was in several skirmishes with Morgan's men, particularly at LaVergne, Tenn. December 5, 1864, he was captured by the rebel Forrest, was taken to Minden, Miss., and thence to Andersonville, N. C., in which infamous den he was confined until April 21, 1865, and three-quarters starved with 7,000 other unfortunates, his blanket, of which he was fortunately not robbed, being his only shelter, bed and covering. His sufferings were simply terrible, and he was reduced to mere skin and bones, weigh1850,ut seventy-five pounds when released. He was on board the ill-fated steamer Sultana, on his way homeward, when the boilers exploded about three o'clock in the morning. After having floated down the Mississippi river on a plank, to which five or six others had clung, but who, from exhaustion, were compelled to let go and were drowned—the plank finally drifted into a tree-top about six miles down OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 631 stream from the wreck, where Mr. Harris was rescued, half frozen to death. After being nursed in hospital at Memphis for a week, Mr. Harris was sent to Camp Chase, and there was discharged, as already mentioned. Since the war Mr. Harris has resided on the old homestead in Tallmadge. He is a republican in politics and a highly respected citizen. Samuel W. Harris is also a republican in politics and has held the office of township trustee. Fraternally he is a member of Elm Grove lodge, No. 501, Knights of Pythias, at Tallmadge. Mrs. Harris is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Harris is an upright, straightforward citizen, liberal and enterprising, and is honored by all who know him. FRED L. HARRINGTON was born on the farm he now owns in Northampton township, Summit county, Ohio, October 14, 1834, a son of Job and Susan (Hartle) Harrington, who were among the earliest pioneers of the township. Job Harrington, father of subject, was a native of Bennington, Vt., was born March 9, 1792, and was a son of Richard and Roby (Perkins) Harrington. Richard Harrington was born in Rhode Island in 1756, was married about 1774, and soon after moved to Sandgate, Vt. When the British general, Burgoyne, was marching his army south from Canada, Mr. Harrington joined the Continental army as a volunteer and took part in the battle of Stillwater. In later years he was in the habit of occasionally relating the incidents of that eventful day and of declaring that he was never more animated or more pleased than when fighting for colonial independence. To Richard and Roby Harrington were born fifteen children, viz: Asa, Catherine, Leonard, Lydia, Phebe, Job, William, Joseph, Roby, Constance, Richard, John, Abram, Elisha and Hannah. In 1812 Job Harrington started on foot from Bennington, Vt., for Tallmadge township, Summit county, Ohio, and on foot he reached his destination the same year. Here he purchased a tract of land for his parents, built them a log cabin in the heart of the wilderness and partly cleared a space for farming, and in the following year his parents joined him. In the fall of 1814 Job Harrington married Miss Susan Hartle, who was born in Georgetown, Pa., January 27, 1796, and the next year he purchased and moved upon the farm in Northampton township now owned by his son, Fred L„ the subject of this memoir. Eleven children were born to this union, in the following order: John, George, Seth W., James, Clarissa, Warren, Alvan, William, Fred L., Wallace and Newton. The mother of this family was called from earth November 9, 1849, and for his second helpmate Mr. Harrington married, November 30, 1851, Mary M. Paige. Mr. Harrington died March 24, 1869, and Mrs. Mary M. Harrington was killed in a street-car accident, in Cleveland, in 1895. Job Harrington was regarded as among the best of the citizens of Northampton township. He had held many offices of trust and honor, was a life-long member of the Methodist church, was the warm friend of morality and education, and had done as much as any other resident to advance these and to promote the material welfare of the people among whom he had so long made his home. Fred L. Harrington married, October 11, 1866, Mahala Carter, who was born October 11, 1842, and this union has been blessed with five children, viz: Charles E., born February 24, 1869; Burt C., April 19, 1872; Frank, December 13, 1874; Myron E., May 22, 1877, and Laurel, July 9, 1886. Mr. Harrington owns a fine farm of 120 acres, which, through 632 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD long cultivation and careful management, has been developed into one of the best in the township. It has been thoroughly improved in all its di partments, and its buildings are neat, substantial and commodious. In politics Mr. Harrington is a democrat and has ever enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen, whom he has served as township trustee two terms, as treasurer for thirteen years, and for a number of years as a member of the school board. J. B. SWITZER.--An eminent writer has appropriately written: " The true history of a nation is best told in the lives of its illustrious citizens," and the remark may be accepted as an axiom in compiling the biographies of the more prominent citizens of a county. In the present instance it is peculiarly pertinent, as will be found by a perusal of the following lines, descriptive of the life of J. B. Switzer, who is a representative and energetic agriculturist, and a gentleman of more than ordinary educational advantages, and comes from one of the best known and most highly respected pioneer families in Summit county, Ohio. He was born in Coventry township, August 8, 1846, and is a son of Charles and Rebecca (Tousley) Switzer. Charles Switzer, a well-known pioneer of this county, was a native of Franklin county, Pa., and was a mere lad when his father, Andrew, emigrated to Ravenna, Portage county, Ohio, but later came to Summit county. Charles, the father of J. B. Brewster, served as an apprentice to the trade of carpenter and joiner, although his chief occupation through life has been that of an agriculturist, and it is said that he is one of the most wealthy farmers in Summit county, as he possesses a vast amount of real estate within the limits of Sum mit and Portage counties. To his marriage with Miss Rebecca Tousley, daughter of John and Rebecca (Bishop) Tousley, both natives of Connecticut, have been born five children, viz: John A., a prominent agriculturist of Portage county and the father of five children, who are well educated, the eldest being now a law student under Mr. Willhelm, of Akron. The second born is Earnest, who graduated from the high school of Akron and is now engaged in teaching; Nettie, the third, is also a graduate of the Akron high school; Carrie and Earl are attending the district school. The second child of Charles Switzer was J. B., of this sketch; the third is L. Almira, who was first married to William Mongold, a carpenter, who died but a few years after his marriage; her next marriage was with John Brown, of Cuyahoga county, where she holds a position as postmistress. Orlando, the fourth child, died at an early age through an accident, and the fifth child is Daniel Scott Switzer, a well-known farmer of Springfield township. J. B. Switzer was primarily educated in the common schools, and was then given a training in the seminary at Greensburg, Ohio, and was also especially trained in vocal music, and qualified for teaching the art of voice culture by taking lessons at the Akron normal school, and also under such well-known music teachers as N. Coe Stewart, of Cleveland, James North, of St. Louis, Mo., Miss Trowbridge, of Michigan, Cook & Son, of New York, and finally from Prof. Hammerstine. In 1869, at the age of twenty-one, Mr. Switzer left the parental homestead and followed his profession, with marked success, in Summit and adjoining counties for several years, and then became instructor in music in the public schools, in which vocation he is still employed, his experience in this line now covering a period of about thirty years, and he is also extensively engaged in agricultural pur- OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 637 suits, being owner of one of the best farms in Summit county. He has likewise devoted considerable time and attention to drilling for oil. About 1892, when the well-known oil expert, H. D. Van Campen, of Belmont county, N. Y., made a tour of the west tracing the oil veins, he came to Toledo, Ohio, but concluded to change his course and came to Wadsworth, Ohio, and here convinced some of the leading capitalists that oil existed in large quantities, and could be obtained by boring. He was successful in inaugarating a company and the drilling process began. They reached a depth of 2,700 feet, when they struck a vein of salt, which was 300 feet thick, and those financially interested called a halt against Mr. Van Campen's efforts. They thought that salt was as good an enterprise as they cared for, and it is true that the citizens of Wadsworth have one of the best salt plants in the state. Mr. Van Campen was not satisfied, since he was under the strong impression that oil existed there, so he came on to Akron, and here was successful in convincing a capitalist that oil could be obtained in Summit county. So the work began here, and the same vein of salt was struck as at Wadsworth, but at a slightly greater depth, and the citizen was of the same opinion as the Wadsworth people; but the tenacity, will and fortitude of Mr. Van Campen grew stronger, and the process of drilling was proceeded with, 250 feet farther, as the expert had desired, and an abundance of oil was discovered November 9, 1892, and on the strength of the prospect for a successful venture, a company, " The Akron Gas & Oil company," was incorporated to develop the enterprise, and a few well-known citizens became members, viz: Lewis Miller, George W. Crouse, Attorney Atterhault, Col. Conger, Dr. Kranz and others. No business was transacted under this management, and the farmers of the immediate vicinity took upon themselves the responsibility of organizing a limited company. This company was known as " The Brittain Gas & Oil company," and was incorporated in the beginning of the summer of 1893, when the following officers were duly elected: J. B. Switzer, chairman; T. J. Gilcrest, secretary; J. H. Lepper, treasurer; and a board of directors was elected comprising five members, viz: J. B. Switzer, T. J. Gilcrest, J. H. Lepper, W. H. Jones and P. V. McCoy. A new drill was begun August 5, 1893, and reached 3,533 feet in less than 100 days. The business is at a standstill at present, although, at a recent meeting the stock was increased three times the former amount, and the future success of the enterprise is manifest. It may be added that at the solicitation of the citizens of Wadsworth, State Geologist Horton lectured before the people, and warned them not to venture upon any enterprise unless it was for coal. His prophecy, on scientific ideas, did not prove to be well taken. J. B. Switzer was united in marriage July 5, 187c, with Miss Rebecca Yarrick, a scion of another old family, who were amongst the most prosperous farmers in Summit county. She is a daughter of Adam and Catherine (Switzer) Yarrick, is a native of Green township, Summit county, and was born March 2 1 , 1852, one of a family of seven sons and three daughters. Mrs. Switzer received her education in the common schools, and is a member of the United Brethren church at Akron, Ohio. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, was reared as a farmer and stock-raiser, and died January 23, 1885; her mother was born April 5, 1817, in York county, Pa., and died January 30, 1897. Their remains lie interred in East Liberty cemetery, where a modest stone marks their last resting place. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Switzer have been 638 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD born ten children, viz: Nellie J., who is a graduate of the Akron high school and of Buchtel college, having completed her education at the age of eighteen years, when she accepted a position as inspector in the Akron Rubber works, which she still holds; Oscar F., Lula V., Charles W., Marjorie I., Francis W. and Gladys V. are still living, and Claude, Rose R. and an unnamed infant are deceased. The family are members of the United Brethren church, of which Mr. Switzer has been the Sunday-school superintendent for years. In politics he had for a long time affiliated with the republican party, casting his first presidential vote for Gen. Grant; of recent years he has espoused with ardor the principles of prohibition. Officially, Mr. Switzer has held the office of treasurer of Springfield township, a strong democratic community, and he being an ardent republican. He has also been supervisor for two terms, and has been a strong supporter of the public schools. Daniel Scott Switzer, brother of J. B., is a well-known farmer and a gentleman of honor and integrity. He married Miss Mary L. Stooldraher, a native of Summit county, and to their marriage have been born five sons and two daughters, of whom five are living, as follows: Maud, a graduate of the Akron high school and now one of the successful teachers in the public schools of the county; Grace, Bradie, Leo and James, at home. Mr. Switzer is a republican in politics, and he and wife affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church of Pleasant Valley. Officially he has made a marked career in the directorship of the public schools. Both the Switzer and Yarrick families are among the most prominent and highly respected in Summit county, and J. B. Switzer has made for himself a reputation that will last as long as Summit county holds a place on the map of Ohio. JAMES ALVIN HATHAWAY, of Northfield township, Summit county, Ohio, and an old soldier of the Civil war, springs paternally from an old Pennsylvania-Dutch family, and on his mother's side from a New York state family of English descent. James A. Hathaway was born in East Cleveland township, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, October 24, 1840, a son of Peter and Mandania (Austin) Hathaway. He received a common-school education and was reared a farmer. He enlisted in battery B, First Ohio light artillery, at East Cleveland, Ohio, August I 1, 1862, under Capt. William Standard, but was afterward under under Capt. Norman Baldwin. He was honorably discharged at Chattanooga, Tenn., June 16, 1865, having served nearly three years. He was in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Somerset, Wild Cat Mountain, and several other important battles and in many skirmishes, and was in all the marches, campaigns, battles and skirmishes in which his battery took part and his battery never fired a gun in any engagement in which he was not present, and he volunteered several times to go with the infantry after guerrillas in Alabama. After the war he returned to Ohio and married, in Boston township, Summit county, Amanda Mills, a daughter of Curtis and Harriet (Richards) Mills, who was born in Akron, Ohio, September 10, 1850. Curtis Mills came from New York state to Akron at an early day and drove a team for William Buchtel, for whom he worked twenty-one years, but was killed when foreman of the lumbermen. His children were Hiram, Louisa and Amanda. He was a hard-working respected citizen and died aged about sixty years, a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway located, after marriage, in Boston township, where Mr. Hatha- OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 639 way farmed three years; he then moved to Northampton township and bought forty acres and finally moved to Northfield township in 1891. The children born to his marriage are Hattie, Curtis and Stella. Mr. Hathaway is an ex-member of Eadie post, G. A. R.. of Cuyahoga Falls, and in politics is a republican. Of his children, Hattie is married to Elmer McCuskey—a farmer of Stowe township, and has three children, two sons and one daughter; Curtis is a member of the Sons of Veterans of Bedford, Ohio, and the family is one of the most highly respected in Northfield township. MICHAEL HAWK, a successful farmer and a highly respected citizen of Tallmadge township, Summit county, Ohio, was born in the grand duchy of Baden, Germany, about the year 1834, a son of Philip and Margaret (Fooreman) Hawk, who were the parents of five children, all of whom reached mature years, and of whom Daniel resides in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Abbie, who was the wife of John Ginder, died March 3, 1881, at the age of seventy-two years; Katherine died August 1, 1894, aged sixty-three years, and the wife of Henry Swartz; Philip died August 7, 1895, aged eighty years, and Michael, whose name opens this paragraph. The family came to Ohio in 1840, and settled in Suffield township, Portage county, where the father departed this life December 28, 1868, at the age of sixty-three years, a prominent member of the Reformed chnrch, of which he had been a deacon for many years, after which sad event the widow joined her son Michael, in Tallmadge township, Summit county, where her decease occurred October I, 1873, at the advanced age of eighty-four years and nine months, also in the faith of the Reformed church. Michael Hawk was but six years old when his parents settled in Portage county, which was then a wilderness, in which his father bought a tract of land. As Michael grew in size and strength, he assisted in clearing off the forest growth from the homestead, and aided his father until twenty-three years old, receiving, meantime, the meager education afforded by the pioneer school of his youthful days. At the age mentioned, although a poor young man, Mr. Hawk entered upon life's conflict upon his own account, and through hard work and good management has made himself one of the well-to-do farmers in the county of Summit. At the age of twenty-five years he found a helpmate in the person of Miss Albenia Bletzer, daughter of Michael and Catherine Bletzer, whom he married July 3, 1859, and which union has been blessed with three children, of whom two are still living, viz: Albert, a farmer of Tallmadge township, and Lydia, wife of Frank Pieffer, and residing in Union Town, Stark county; Salinda, the deceased child, passed away at the age of five years and five months. Mr. Hawk, after marriage, continued his farming operations in Suffield township, Portage county, meeting with every desired success until 1870, when he came to Tallmadge township, Summit county, and purchased the large farm owned by the late Ira Sprague, on which, a few years ago, he erected his present commodious and handsome dwelling, which is furnished with every possible modern convenience; but here, although blessed with all that wealth can buy, he has met with the saddest misfortune of his life in the loss of the beloved companion of his early manhood, mellow middle age, and declining years, who died May 24, 1893, at the age of fifty-two years and three months. She was a devoted member of the Reformed church and a true Christian, a loving wife and mother and 640 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD a true helpmeet for her. husband. Mr. Hawk is himself a member of the Reformed church, and while living in Portage county held the office of deacon a number of years, and is how a member of the Grace Reformed congregation at Akron. In politics he is a democrat, has served as township supervisor, and has been a member of the school board for nine years. Mrs. Albenia Hawk, the departed wife and mother, was born in Baden, Germany, March 26, 1841, was confirmed in the Reformed church April 22, 1855, and was always faithful to her church obligations. Mr. Hawk has ever been an industrious as well as a successful farmer, a kindly neighbor, and a free contributor of his means to the support of school and church, and to the promotion of every project designed for the advancement of the public welfare and the development of his township and county, and stands very high in the esteem of his immediate neighbors as well as in that of the community at large. GEORGE HEIMBAUGH, who resides near Monroe Falls, Summit county, Ohio, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born in Middleton township, Union county, Pa., February 3, 1837, a son of Peter and Amelia (Yarnell) Heimbaugh, natives of the same state and of German extraction. Peter Heimbaugh, a hatter by trade, came from Union county, Pa., in the month of June, 1845, and settled in Summit county, but died in Suffield township, Portage county, Ohio, at the age of fifty-five years, a member of the Reformed church, and the father of eleven children, of whom there now live Jacob, William, George, Catherine, Barbara and Sarah. George Heimbaugh was not quite eight years of age when he was brought to Summit county by his parents. He received but a limited district-school education, and soon after coming here was bound out, until eighteen years old, to Abraham Tyson, who proved to be a good and kind master, and when his term expired Mr. Heimbaugh hired to him for one year as a farm hand. Mr. Heimbaugh then worked out in the same capacity until his marriage, February 14, 1858, in Springfield township, to Miss Amelia A. Weyrick, who was born in that township April 26, 1840, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Walter) Weyrick. David Weyrick, also a native of Union county, Pa., settled in Springfleld township about 1827, bought and cleared up a farm of 149 acres, becoming a substantial citizen. To his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Walter were born eleven children, viz: Elizabeth, Catherine, Polly, Sally, Rebecca, Susannah, Caroline, Leah, George, John and Amelia A. He was a man of moral character, never used tobacco nor liquor nor profane language, and lived to be seventy-five years old, dying on his farm in the faith of the Reformed church, while his wife was a Lutheran. George Heimbaugh enlisted, September 5, 1862, in Springfield township, in company I, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years, and served until July 6, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Murfreesboro, Tenn., the war being closed. He was in the battle of Nashville, Tenn., was on the pursuit after Gen. Hood and his retreating rebel troops, took part in many fierce skirmishes along the line of the Nashville & Tullahoma railroad, and sustained a flesh wound in his left arm during a skirmish at Stone River, on Lancaster pike, where, the same night, the Union troops captured a rebel cavalry regiment. Many members of Mr. Heimbaugh's regiment were captured and about 100 imprisoned in Andersonville, and at OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 641 least sixty of these were blown up on the steamer Sultana, on the Mississippi river, after having been exchanged and being on their way homeward. Mr. Heimbaugh was never captured, but was always at his post of duty, excepting a period of about sixty days in the early part of his enlistment, when he was confined at Camp Dennison with chronic diarrhea. His brother William also served in the same regiment. After his return from the war Mr. Heimbaugh located in Summit county, and in March, 1876, settled at Monroe Falls, where he bought a neat place of eleven acres, pleasantly situated on the banks of the Cuyahoga river. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heimbaugh four children, viz: Daniel W., George W. (died aged one year), David L. and Minnie E. Mr. and Mrs. Heimbaugh are members of the Methodist church, and in politics he is generally independent, but with republican proclivities; he is a member of Eadie post, G. A. R., at Cuyahoga Falls, and is greatly respected as a straightforward, hardworking citizen. CHARLES P. HELLER, a prominent farmer, stock-raiser and dairyman of Bath township, Summit county, Ohio, is the only child of Levi and Elizabeth (Dutt) Heller, and was born in Medina county, Ohio, October 1, 1855. Levi Heller, father of Charles P., was born in Plainfield, Northampton county, Pa., August 16, 1827, a son of Charles and Mary (Remmel) Heller, was a hotel-keeper in Stockertown, Pa., and in the early days drove stage between Easton and Mauch Chunk. In 1852 he married Elizabeth Dutt, who was born in Upper Mount Bethel, Northampton county, Pa., August 15, 1828, the eighth child of Charles and Dorothy Dutt. In 1853, Mr. and Mrs. Heller came to Ohio and settled in Guilford township, Medina county, where Mr. Heller followed farming until his death, April 27, 1865, his widow surviving until July 7, 1893-both dying in the faith of the German Reform church. Charles P. Heller attended school in Medina county until thirteen years of age and continued working on the home farm, taking care of his mother until he was twenty-six years old, when he came to Bath township, Summit county, bought his preseut farm and erected suitable modern buildings. April 28, 1883, he married Miss Mary Strunk, who was born in Hatfield, Montgomery county, Pa., August 21, 1857, a daughter of William and Mary (Shelley) Strunk, the former of whom was born July 22, 1821, and the latter March 15, 1823, emigrated to Sharon, Ohio, in 1861, and are now residing in Akron, the parents of seven children, viz: Sarah, who was born January 23, 1848, was married to Joseph Weaver, of Wadsworth, Wayne county, Ohio, and died August 10, 1880; Henry, born January 18, 1852; Matthias, born March 3, 1853, and died February 3, 1874; Katherine, born February 22, 1855, wife of F. J. Knapp, of Akron; Mary (Mrs. Heller); Samuel, who died in infancy, and Mahlon, born February 2, 1863, and died October J0, 1879. To Mr. and Mrs. Heller, however, no children have been born. Mr. and Mrs. Heller are members of Bath grange, No. 1,331, and Mr. Heller is a charter member of Bath tent, No. 281, Knights of the Maccabees, was its first commander, and has filled all the chairs; he is also a member of Star and Crescent lodge, No. 7, Red Cross, of Akron, and in politics is a republican, by which party he has been honored by election to several offices of trust. Mr. Heller's farm comprises 148 acres of excellent land, mostly cleared, and he gives especial attention to dairying, owning stock of the high- 642 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD est grades. Mr. Heller has always been a hard-working and industrious man, being what is usually termed self-made, and, it may be added, self-educated, for, although he was a pupil for a short time in the high school at Seville, Medina county, his information is practically self-acquired. He and his wife are greatly respected by their neighbors for their uniformly kind disposition and charity of thought as well as upright lives, and they well deserve the esteem in which they are held. LEWIS HOLZHAUER, of Northfield, Ohio, is one of the old soldiers of the Civil war and a respected citizen. He was born November 22, 1845, in Baden, Germany, a son of William and Catherine Ann (Forbach) Holzhauer. He came with his parents to America at the age of nine years, and shipped from Havre, France, in a sailing vessel to New York city, and was but twenty-three days en route—a very quick passage for a vessel of that class—and landed in December, 1854. His father settled in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a stonemason and worked at his trade in several places. Lewis Holzhauer received a common education and learned, when young, the stonemason's trade and plastering. He enlisted in August, 1863, at seventeen years of age, in Cleveland, Ohio, in company K, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, under Capt. Manning, for three years or during the war, and served until honorably discharged at Cleveland, in September, 1865, the war being closed. He was in the battles of Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Buzzard's Roost, and May 12, 1864, was shot through the right leg below the knee, was in hospital for several months and rejoined his regiment in March, 1865, at Bull's Gap, Tenn. He was in many skirmishes and was an active soldier, and in all the battles, skirmishes, marches and campaigns in which his regiment took part until wounded, and until that time was not sick a day, but always prompt and cheerful in the discharge of his duty. After the war he returned to Cleveland and worked at stonemasonry and plastering four years, and then was in a mercantile firm for nine years. In 1876 he bought the farm where he now lives, consisting of 172 acres. He was in company with his father in this deal, and traded city property for the land. Mr. Holzhauer married in June, 1870, in Cleveland, Ohio, Helen Kirsch, who was born October 21, 1856. To Mr. and Mrs. Holzhauer have been born Ida M., William W., Alfred A. and Helen H. In politics Mr. Holzhauer is a republican and has served as trustee of Northfield township. He is a member of Dunham post, G. A. R., at Bedford, Ohio. He has always been hard-working and industrious, is respected by all who know him and has reared an excellent family. William Holzhauer was born June 16, 1816, at Baden, Germany, and married, in Germany, Catherine Ann Forbach, becoming the father of Almeda, Amelia and Lewis. Mr. Holzhauer is still living and has always been a good and law-abiding citizen. Mrs. Lewis (Kirsch) Holzhauer was called from earth February 28, 1891, a lady of many virtues. JOHN H. JOHNSON, a prosperous farmer of Northfield township, Summit county, Ohio, an old soldier of the Civil war and an ex-prisoner of the infamous Andersonville prison, descends primarily from sterling English ancestry and was born in Bedford township, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, May 8, 1847, a son of William and Elizabeth (Wycle) Johnson. He received a very limited common education, his father OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 643 having died when he was but an infant of six months. He was bound out when but four years old, and was reared by Plato S. Brewster, a farmer of Summit county. He enlisted, when but fifteen years old, August 4, 1862, in Northfield township, Summit county, in company G, One Hundred and Fifteenth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years or during the war, and served until honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, June 13, 1865, the war having closed. He was in several skirmishes with Wheeler's cavalry in Tennessee in August, 1864, and on one occasion, when he and thirty-two of his comrades were guarding a block house on the line of the Nashville and Chattanooga railroad, in Tennessee, being on detached duty, were surprised by Confederate cavalry and artillery under Gen's. Forrest and Buford, after a day's hard fighting, and were taken prisoners—having surrendered with promise of being exchanged. He was taken with other prisoners to Columbia, Tenn., and thence to Meridian, Miss., and thence to the dreaded stockade at Andersonville. When first captured they were stripped and robbed of guns, blankets, overcoats, knapsacks and valuables. In January, 1865, Andersonville had a large number of prisoners, was very filthy and afforded no shelter from the weather. The rations were of the poorest quality, consisting of beans uncooked, corn-meal ground cob and all, and a very little meat, and Mr. Johnson was held a prisoner until the close of the war, about four months. He was sick with typhoid fever in Woodward hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, from August 23, 1863, to January, 1864, and came near death. After the war he returned to. Ohio, and married, on the farm where he now lives, March 11, 1880, Miss Catherine Allbaugh, who was born in Carroll county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Catherine (Sell) Allbaugh. In politics Mr. Johnson is a republican, and his first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln. He is a good citizen, and has always been industrious, and respected, and is a member of the Ex-Prisoners' of War association of Cleveland, Ohio. William Johnson, father of John H., was born in New York state, a son of William, a soldier in the war of 1812. William, father of subject, married, in New York state, Elizabeth Wycle, and their children were Hiram, Thomas, John H., Sarah Jane and Martha E. Mr. Johnson owned a small farm in Bedford, Cuyahoga county, Ohio. He died a young man of twenty-eight years of age. He had three sons in the Civil war—Hiram, Thomas and John H. Hiram was in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry and died of heart disease in Camp Chase, Ohio. Thomas was in company H, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, three years, and was disabled at Franklin, Tenn., and assigned to the veteran corps. Mrs. Johnson, mother of J. H. Johnson, married for her second husband John H. Gardner, of Bedford, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and their children were Oliver, Mary, William Helman, Alton and Harrison. William served in the Tenth Ohio cavalry during the late war, and died in the army, and thus five of the family served as soldiers and two died in the service. Mr. Johnson has thriven as a farmer, is industrious and steady in his habits, and has won for himself a high standing in the esteem of his fellow-citizens. JOHN S. LEE, a well-known carpenter of Richfield township, Summit county, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born July 4, 1847, in Orland, Steuben county, Ind., a son of John and Elizabeth (Sanborn) Lee, both early settlers of Summit county, Ohio. Elizabeth Sanborn was a 644 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD daughter of John Sanborn and Sibyl (Fairwell) Sanborn, natives of Vermont. Elizabeth Lee died at Orland, Ind., in 1851. John Lee, a farmer, was born in Pennsylvania, July 4, 1820, and was a son of George Lee, of German descent and an early settler of Boston, Summit county, Ohio. John Lee was married in Boston and to him and wife were born John S. and Helen A. His death occurred in December, 1865, a highly respected gentleman. John Lee married, for his second wife, Electa Oviatt, in 1864, to whom was born one son, Park B. Lee. She survived him a few years. John S. Lee was about four years of age when his parents returned from Indiana to Richfield, Ohio, where they had previously resided. Here he received a common-school education, and at the age of sixteen years enlisted in the volunteer service, but was discharged through the action of his father, without whose consent he had enlisted. When he had reached the age of seventeen, however, he was permitted to enlist, August 29, 1864, at West Richfield, as drummer in company H, One Hundred and Seventeenth Ohio volunteer infantry, to serve one year, if the war were not sooner closed, and received an honorable discharge at Greensboro, N. C., June 24, 1865, the war having ended the previous month. He fought at Murfreesboro, Tenn., Fort Anderson and Town Creek, N. C., and took part in several skirmishes. He was on one f0rced march of two days, from Tullahoma to Murfreesboro, and this was the hardest he had to undergo, although he took part, necessarily, in many others. After the war he returned to Richfield, where he has since been employed at his trade of carpenter. April 18, 1868, Mr. Lee married, at West Richfield, Miss Frances A. Pettit, a daughter of John and Charlotte (Hoight) Pettit, and who was born at Brecksville, April 9, 1847. John Pettit, her father, was a native of New York state, and when a young man came to Ohio, and located in Brecksville, Cuyahoga county, but married in 'Westfield, N. Y., the result being five children—Henry B., Alice, Esther, Sarah, and Frances A. His second marriage was to Hannah Searle, of Hinckley, Ohio, and to this union were born eight children. The death of Mr. Pettit took place in Newark, Ohio, 1880, at the age of seventy-five years, being a Methodist in religion and a republican in politics. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lee went to Manistee county, Mich., and located on a farm of forty acres in the woods at Bear Lake. This farm Mr. Lee partially cleared up, but two years later returned to West Richfield, Ohio, moved to Newark, Ohio, in 1874, lived one year, and then came back to Richfield, where he has ever since been engaged at his trade. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lee have been born two children, Lenna C. and Cora A. Mr. Lee is a member of A. N. Goldwood post, No. 144, G. A. R., at West Richfield, and is greatly respected for his moral, temperate and industrious course through life. In politics Mr. Lee is republican. WILLIAM OLIVER WISE, attorney at law, of Akron, Ohio, is one of four children born to Jacob and Martha Elizabeth Wise. He was born in the village of East Liberty, Ohio, September 8, 1875. His only sister, Idella Ray, who was his junior by nearly two years, died at the age of three and one-half years; his two brothers, twins, died in their early infancy. His father, Jacob Wise, is the son of William Wise, who was one of the most progressive and thriving farmers of Summit county during his day. He was a direct descendant of the famous Wise family who to this day inhabit OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 647 the Shenandoah Valley of Pennsylvania and Virginia and which stock emigrated originally from Holland. Jacob Wise, aside from being a landlord of a village tavern, was also a, dealer in all kinds of agricultural implements, thereby gaining a large circle of friends, especially among the tillers of the soil. He was also a partner of the firm, Betz, Hammerly & Wise, of Canton, Ohio, who were manufacturers of the Corn Stalk King Feed Cutter; Jacob Wise spent much time and money on this machine and took out several patents for improving it; and still later on the partnership organized itself in a stock company which later amalgamated with the Champion Lawn Rake Co., and which was then known as the Champion Lawn Rake & Feed Cutter company of Canton, Oh; o. Several years later this company went into the hands of a receiver, as did numbers of other like institutions on the advent of the panic. Jacob Wise then managed the hotel at Mogadore, Ohio, for several years and in the summer of 1896 he sold out and moved to Akron, Ohio, and became engaged in the selling of cigars, representing the S. R. Moss Cigar company of Harrisburg, Pa. He is also the patentee of " Wise's Vehicle Headlight." Martha Elizabeth Wise was the daughter of Solomon Gigger, also a well-to-do farmer near East Liberty, Summit county, Ohio. Her father also spent a greater part of the winters in Akron and Cleveland, building ships and canal boats, this being his regular trade. Oliver Wise, whose name opens this sketch, met with a sad misforture at the age of three and one-half years; he fell off of a fence at his Grandma Wise's home and in falling was caught by two fence pales and hung there until his cries caused his grandma to come to his rescue. In falling he broke his ankle and was confined to his bed for months, the final results of the wounds being two strokes of paralysis. - 26 - He received his early primary education in the village schools of Manchester and Uniontown, Ohio; also attended a country school outh of Akron, known as Moore's districts school. At the age of fifteen he removed with his parents to Akron, Ohio, and attended the Akron high school, from which he was graduated. During a portion of his time spent in the Akron high school his parents were conducting the village tavern at Mogadore, Ohio. During a part of this time, after school hours, Oliver worked for Messrs. F. J. Kolb & Son, dealers in groceries, hay, straw and feed, doing business at the corner of West Exchange and Water streets. He baled hay and straw and delivered groceries and clerked in the store and did "chores " about the house, all in return for his board and a small salary. After graduating from the Akron high school he went to Pittsburg, Pa., and completed a course of study in Duff's mercantile college, and was graduated with first honors in his class from that institution. He immediately entered the law offices of Judge E. P. Green, Judge C. R. Grant and Col. George W. Sieber, of Akron, Ohio, and in the autumn of 1894 entered the Cincinnati law school, now the law department of the University of Cincinnati, and was graduated in the class of 1896 with high honors, receiving the LL. B. degree (Bachelor of Laws), also completing a regular three-years' course in two years. He passed the Ohio bar examinations at the age of twenty. and on September 8, 1896, his twenty-first birthday, was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of the state of Ohio and had the distinction of being the youngest lawyer in the state. During the autumn of 1896 he matriculated as a post-graduate in law at Columbian university, Washington, D. C. At the same time that he attended this university he also held a law clerkship in the offices of Judge I. G. 648 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Kimball and his son, Harry G. Kimball, whoee offices are located on Fifth street, N. W., better known in legal circles as " Judiciary Row." On November 9, 1896, he became a member of the Washington bar, having passed the examination and been admitted to practice in all the United States courts of the District of Columbia. Having fulfilled all requirements, he was very soon after also admitted to practice in all the departments of the government, the war, navy, state, pension, interior and treasury, and on the 3d of March, 1897, was admitted to practice before the United States court of claims, on motion of the Hon. Willism A. Maury, sometime assistant attorney-general of the United States. On March 8, 1897, Gov. Asa S. Bushnell, of Ohio, appointed him commissioner of deeds of Ohio within the District of Columbia. He also took an active part in the debates of the university. The post-graduate class in law of Columbian university selected him as one of its three representatives of the executive committee of the Columbian Law Debating society. He was also honored by being elected by the post-graduate law class as its representative in several public debates. Having been a successful contestant in those debates, he was again elected by an unanimous vote to represent the post-graduate class in law in the final prize debate which was held at the end of the collegiate year. To be selected as a representative in this final prize debate is considered one of the highest honors a university student can aspire to. The other contestant selected with him from the post-graduate law class was Francis William Henry Clay, of Kentucky, a Cornell graduate, and a direct descendant of old Henry Clay. Oliver was graduated from Columbian university on June 8, 1897, and received the LL. M. degree (Master of Laws). On August 26, 1897, he began the practice of the law at Akron, Ohio, associating himself with A. B.Tinker, with offices in the Akron Savings bank building. There are but few young men better qualified to fight life's battles, as well as legal ones, and we predict for Mr. Wise a very bright future. PERRY W. JOHNSON, one of the best business men of Franklin township, Portage county, Ohio, and well known in Kent and throughout the county, was born in Shalersville, this county, December 21, 1857, and is a son of Alonzo and Mary J. (Cook) Johnson, also natives of Portage county. Alonzo Johnson, father of Perry W., farmer and butcher of Kent, was born in Shalerville township, May 25, 1835, a son of Ebenezer and Annis (Stoddard) Johnson, natives of Vermont and New Hampshire respectively—the latter born April 8, 18i 1. Alonzo's paternal grandfather, Sylvester Johnson, was a farmer of Rutland, Vt., and his maternal grandfather, Stoddard, a native of New Hampshire. The parents of Alonzo settled in Stowe township, Summit county, Ohio, in 1834, and in 1835 purchased a tract of heavily timbered land in Shalersville township, Portage county, which they cleared and improved, and where they lived until the death of the father in 1850, in his forty-second year. They had seven children: Alonzo, Lucinda (deceased), Emma (Mrs. Willard Seward), Sylvester, Leander, Silas (died in the army during the late war) and Eben. The mother next married Rufus Newton, of Franklln township, Portage county, in 1857. He died in 1862 and she moved to Daviess county, Mo., in 1869, and subsequently married William Hughes, who died in 1879. and his widow returned to Ohio in 1880, and is now residing in Kent. Alonzo Johnson was reared in Shalersville township, and was educated in the corn- OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 649 mon schools. He resided in Shalersville township until 1863, when he removed to Kent, Portage county, and embarked in the grocery business, in which he was engaged two years. He then built the hotel known as the Collins House, which he conducted for three years, and during that time opened a meat market, which he carried on from 1866 to March 30, 1885, when he retired from that business. He is now engaged in farming, in Franklin township, Portage county, owning the farm formerly occupied by Warren Burt. Alonzo Johnson was married in November, 1855, to Mary J., daughter of 'William and Laving Cook, of Franklin township, by whom he had twelve children, nine now living: Willard, Berry, Emma (Mrs. Henry Barker), Albert, Ora, Nella, Clayton, Cora and Selah. Mr. Johnson is a representative citizen of the township and in politics is a democrat. Perry W. Johnson was engaged in the meat business with his father and older brother until 1885, when they dissolved partnership; in connection with this they also held the ice business of Kent, after which Perry W. Johnson carried on the ice business alone until 1889. His wife, Miss Carrie (Luce) Johnson, was born August 14, 1860, being the youngest child of Elihu Luce. They had five children: Britton Johnson, Berty J. (deceased), Fay J., Malissa J. and Leonard J. Mr. Luce was born June 4, 1820, and Melissa Shirtliff Luce, born August 26, 1820. Elihu Luce came from Ferrysburg, Genesee county, N. Y., and settled at Franklin, Ohio. Melissa Shirtliff was the eldest daughter of Rule Shirtliff, who was born February 14, 1793 (died 1865), and Mrs. Melissa Loomis Shirtliff, born December 5, 1795 (died in 1873). They came from Massachusetts to Franklin, Ohio, in 1818, the occupation of Mr. Shirtliff being that of general farming. Zebulon Luce, father of Elihu, was born July 4, 1790, was engaged in farming and also ran a saw and grist-mill at. Sheldon, N. J.., and died July 12, 1849. Rachael (Tomkins) Luce, his wife, was born September 10, 1795, a daughter of a farmer owning 1,600 acres of land at Ferrysburg, N. Y., and had born to them thirteen children. Zebulon Luce died July 12, 1849, a highly respected and useful citizen. LYMAN LAUDENSLAGER, one of the prominent and substantial business men of Hudson, Summit county, was born in Suffield township, Portage county, Ohio, June 27, 1861, a son of John and Catherine (Hull) Laudenslager, Jr. John Laudenslager, Jr., was one of the pioneers of Suffield township, Portage county, Ohio. They first settled in Springfield township, Summit county, Ohio, and in 1839 removed to Suffield township, Portage county, Ohio. Here the grandfather of subject, John Laudenslager, Sr., cleared up a farm from the woods, consisting of about 100 acres. He lived to be seventy-six years of age and died in 1879. His children were Jacob, Henry, John, Lydia and Fannie. John Laudenslager, Sr., was born in Northumberland county, Pa., about 1803 of sturdy Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry. He was a member of the German Reform church, in which he was a deacon many years, and a very prominent man in his church, assisting to build the first German Reform church in his township. He was a much respected citizen and a democrat in politics. He had one son—Henry —in the Civil war, who died in the service of pneumonia. John Laudenslager, Sr., was well known among the pioneers as a substantial citizen and much respected man, noted for his sturdy and honest character. John Laudenslager, Jr., son of above and father of our subject, was born in Suffield