800 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Thomas T. Hopkins, when a mere lad of fourteen years, came alone to America in 1832, and for eight years was employed in mining at Pomeroy, Meigs county, Ohio; he then went to St. Louis, Mo., and for some time was engaged in mining in the vicinity of that city, then lived in Pennsylvania three years, and finally settled down to farming in Palmyra township, his present home. October 27, 1855, he here married Miss Eleanor Thomas, who was born in Caemarthen, Wales, November 14, 1833, a daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Jenkins) Thomas, who came to America in 1852, and settled in Palmyra township. Mrs. Rachel Thomas was a daughter of David and Eleanor (Thomas) Jenkins, and bore her husband nine children, of whom five are still living, viz: Eleanor, now Mrs. Hopkins; Mary, wife of Edward Jones; Ann, now Mrs. Cowell; Thomas, and Rachel, wife of Edwin Bigelow; Daniel died in 1862, aged fifteen; John died in the army in 1863, at the age of nineteen years; David died April 21, 1890, when sixty-one years old, and one child died in infancy. The mother of this family died in August, 1853, at the age of forty-four years, and the father in 1877, when sixty-nine years old. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins was blessed with three bright children, but these were all called to eternal rest, within a few weeks of each other, in the fall of 1862—Eleanor died at the age of six years, Rachel at four, and Samuel at three years of age—all dying of diphtheria. Since his residence in Palmyra township Mr. Hopkins has devoted his attention strictly to agriculture, and his farm is one of the neatest and best in the township, over which he still keeps a supervision. He has so lived as to win the love and esteem of his neighbors, and his declining years are being passed in peace, unmarred by any retrospect of an evil action. JOHN H. HOFFMAN, tinner, of Deerfield, Ohio, is considered one of the most enterprising citizens of this town, as he is one of the most highly respected. He comes of a family which traces its lineage back as far as the year 1400, to one Nicholas Hoffman, a reputable German burgher. Mr. Hoffman was born in Moore township, Northampton county, Pa., April 4, 1823, son of John and Maria (Seigfried) Hoffman, natives of that county, who were the parents of five children, of whom our subject, John H., is the eldest; J. J., Michael S., Amanda, wife of George Bartholomew, of Northampton, Pa., and Henry E., deceased. Both parents are dead, the father dying at the age of eighty-three, and the mother at the age of eighty-five. Both were active members of the Reformed church. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Michael Hoffman, was a farmer and distiller in Northampton county, Pa. He married a Miss Greenameyer, who bore him the following children: Michael, Catherine, John, Paul, Edward, William, who has a son who has served in the Prussian army and is now living in Manheim, Germany, engaged in the consular service; Polly, Susan and Samuel. The maternal grandfather of our subject, John Seigfried, was a native of Northampton, Pa., a farmer-miller and a major in the war of 1812. He married a Miss Traisbach and had two children, our subject's mother and Lavina, wife of Samuel Lynemand, who died at Freeport, Ill. John H. Hoffman was reared a farmer, receiving what educational advantages the schools of his neighborhood offered. At the age of eighteen he left the farm and apprenticed himself to the tinner's trade. Upon completing this apprenticeship, he went to Allentown, Pa., where he remained a short time, going thence to Reading, where, for OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 801 four years, he was employed in a responsible capacity as tinner and coppersmith in the works of the Reading & Philadelphia Railroad company. It was during his residence at this place that Mr. Hoffman was married, in August, 1847, to Miss Rosanna Baker, a daughter of Godfrey Baker, a stone and building contractor, who came to this country when a young man, settled at Reading and married a Miss Hoyer, who bore him but one child, Rosanna. To this first marriage of Mr. Hoffman were born three children, all living: Mary A., wife of Jasper N. Gibbons, of Alliance, Ohio; Winfield Scott, of Alliance, married Susan Luther (deceased), and Mrs. Peters; Josephine, who resides at Ravenna. Mrs. Hoffman died June 11, 1862, at the age of sixty-four years, and our subject was married again, in September, 1865, to Mrs. Henriette Carber, who was born in Deerfield, Ohio. Her father, A. H. Wilcox, is one of the oldest residents of Deerfield now living. He was born in 1812, and for years followed the trade of carpenter, then settled on a farm. He married Miss Elizabeth Diver (deceased), daughter of John and Christina (Hartzell) Diver, and to them were born nine children, six of whom, Mrs. Hoffman, George, William, Charles, Cornelius and James, are still living; Joseph and Julia are deceased, and one died in infancy. In 1852 Mr. Hoffman left Reading, and returned to Northampton, where he embarked in the tinning business for himself. He remained there for six years, and in 1858, settled in Deerfield, continuing in business until the war broke out, when the country's need claimed his services. He entered the service at Cleveland, as private, in company F, Forty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, Capt. H. Williards. He saw much active service, being a participant in the following engagements: Chickasaw Bayou, Fort Hindman, Ark., Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Raymond, Miss., Big Black River, siege of Vicksburg, and a number of skirmishes. In his first engagement Mr. Hoffman was wounded in his left hand by an exploding shell, and at Vicksburg suffered a sunstroke, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered. He received his honorable discharge at Camp Chase, Ohio, July 3o, 1863. At the close of his service, Mr. Hoffman resumed his business at Deerfield, and has been thus engaged ever since. In 1867 he was elected justice of the peace in this township, and held that office for twenty-four years successively. He is at present township clerk, and holds a commission as notary public. Mr. Hoffman is an honored member of Ravenna post, No. 327, G. A. R., and he and his wife are active members of the German Reformed church. WALLACE HUMPHREY, one of the most respected citizens of Boston township, Summit county, Ohio, and a veteran of the late Civil war, was born July 7, 1844, in Twinsburg township, this county, and is a son of Isaiah and Almira (Waite) Humphrey, of English and Irish extraction. The grandfather of Wallace Humphrey was a native of Goshen township, Litchfield county, Conn., was named Isaiah, and was one of the pioneers of Twinburg township, Summit county, Ohio, and his children were Judge Van R., Joseph D. (a lawyer of Canton, Ohio), Ruby, Josiah, Theodosia and Lorinda, his wife's maiden name having been Lorinda Drake. Isaiah Humphrey, father of Wallace, was born in Connecticut, and came with his father to Ohio. He served five years in the Seventh United States regular infantry before his mar- 802 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD riage to Almira Waite, who was a daughter of Benjamin and Zelpha (Howard) Waite, and who bore him the following named children: Ruby, Edwin, Lydia, Wallace, Isaiah, Almira and Delia. Mr. Humphrey was educated at Prof. Samuel Bissell's school at Twinsburg, was admitted to the bar, and practiced law for forty years in Summit county. He died at the age of sixty-nine years, in Boston township, the owner of 2,000 acres of land. Wallace Humphrey received a sound common-school education, and read law under his father to some extent, and August 16, 1861, enlisted at Peninsula, Summit county, in company A, Second Ohio volunteer cavalry, for three years, and was honorably discharged at Mossy creek, Tenn., January 1, 1864, in order that he might re-enlist, as a veteran, for a second term of three years, conditioned as before, and served until September 18, 1865, when he was again honorably discharged at Benton Barracks, Saint Louis, Mo., five months after the war had been brought to a close. He fought in the battles of Knoxville, Blue Spring, and Jonesboro, Tenn., was on the Sanders and Bird raid to Knoxville, at Strawberry Plains, and on the East Tennessee & Georgia railroad raid, and in the fights at Loudon, Tenn., and at Powder Spring Gap, where the command was broken up, lost much of its artillery and many of its members through capture or death, and and was scattered generally. Mr. Humphrey, however, escaped capture, and after wandering in the mountains ten days, living mostly on pilfered sugar, finally reached London, Ky., where he found himself within the Union lines. Mr. Humphrey also took part in the battles of the Wilderness, of Spottsylvania Court House, Dinwiddie, Cold Harbor, Five Forks, Harper's Farm, and was on Wilson's raid, and in Shenandoah Valley, under Gen. Custer. He was promoted to be corporal for meritorious conduct, and was always prompt and cheerful in the discharge of duty. Mr. Humphrey was united in marriage in Northfield township, Summit county, Ohio, October 1, 1867, to Miss Sarah Smith, who was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, October 1, 1843, a daughter of William and Mary (McCarron) Smith. William Smith settled in Summit county many years ago, was a prosperous farmer, was the father of three children—Sarah, John and James—and died at the age seventy years on his farm in Northampton township. Mr. Humphrey, after marriage, settled in Boston township and engaged in farming and auctioneering. There were born to his marriage four children, named, in order of birth, as follows: Florence, Howard, Irving and Cilley. Mr. Humphrey is a democrat in politics, and has held the office of constable of Boston township for eight years. He is a member of George L. Waterman post, No. 272, G. A. R., in which he has held the office of vice-commander and other positions, is a man of unusual independence of character and intelligence, and is favorably known and respected throughout his own and adjacent townships. DAVID D. JONES, a retired farmer and highly-respected citizen of Palmyra township, Portage county, Ohio, was born in the south part of Wales, June 13, 183o, a son of John D. and Margaret ( Richards) Jones, and with them came to America in 1832, before he was quite two years old. John D. Jones was reared a farmer, and on settling in Palmyra township purchased 341 acres of land, of which 141 acres later became the property of his son, David D. To the marriage of John D. and Margaret Jones were born nine children, only two of whom are still OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 803 living—Owen, of Mahoning county, Ohio, and the subject of this memoir. The deceased were Richard, who died January 20, 1855, aged forty-four years; John D., Jr., died in January, 1864, aged thirty-nine; Susan was married to James Davis; Elizabeth, was the wife of Daniel E. Jones; Margaret, was the wife of John D. Davis and afterward wife of William D. Edwards; Mary was married to Richard Williams, and Isaac died in 1864. Both parents died in Palmyra township, consistent members of the Congregational church. David D. Jones received as good an education as the pioneer schools of his childhood afforded, and vigorously assisted his father on the home farm until twenty-seven years old, but in the meantime, December 2, 1856, was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Morgan, who was born August 7, 1838, in Paris township, Portage county, a daughter of John and Sarah (Davis) Morgan, natives of Wales, who in early life settled in Paris township, where the father was engaged in farming until death. John Morgan was quite prominent in his township and for many years was a justice of the peace. To his marriage with Miss Davis were born six children, of whom three are still living, viz: Job, John and Sarah, the last named of whom was first the wife of William Lewis and then of Joseph Leonard. The deceased children were Letty (Mrs. Jones), Mary, wife of Isaac D. Jones, and William. Three years after his marriage, David D. Jones began farming on his own account, and acquired a competency through his skill and industry, and was amply able, a few years ago, to retire from active labor. He had the misfortune, however, to lose his wife March 16, 1883, she dying at the age of forty-four years, seven months and ten days, in the faith of the Congregational church, leaving no children. Mr. Jones, during his active years, was considered to be one of the best farmers of Palmyra township, and has always enjoyed the respect of the community in which he has passed so many years of his useful life. ADAR H. JOHNSON, a well-known business man of Peninsula, Summit county, Ohio, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born January 16, 1840, in Boston township, Summit county, a son of Henry and Roxy (Trowbridge) Jackson. He received a common education, was reared on the home farm and learned the carpenter's trade. He enlisted, at the age of twenty-one years, at Peninsula, in company A, Second Ohio cavalry, to serve three years, was promoted to be corporal in 1863, and re-enlisted as a veteran at Mossy Creek, Tenn., January 1, 1864. He was with his regiment in all the border counties of Missouri and Kansas, and in many skirmishes with the guerrillas. He was in the battles of Horse Creek, May 7, 1862, Cowskin Prairie, Ind. Ter., June 25, 1862; also Fort Gibson, Ind. Ter., July 15, 1862; Lone Jack, Mo., August 28, 1862; Newtonia, Mo., September 30, 1862, and assisted to reinstate the Union Cherokees and Osage Indians in the Indian Territory. He returned with his regiment in the winter of 1862-3, to Camp Chase, Ohio, when the regiment was re-organized and re-equipped and sent to Kentucky, where it remained the greater part of June, 1863, and was then on Sander's raid of fifteen days; then at Wild Cat Gap, in the Cumberland mountains, and on that raid had many skirmishes a long distance of forty miles up the Holston river; then in the battle of Mount Sterling, Ky., April 14, 1863; Monticello, Ky., May 25, 1863; Steubenville, Ky., June 19, 1863; Richmond, Ky., July 28, 1863; London, Ky., September 5, 1863; Cumberland Gap, September 10, 1863; Blue Springs, Tenn., October to, 1863; Ray's 804 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Mill, Tenn., October 11, 1863; Blountville, October 14, 1863, Russellville, Tenn., December 12, 1863; Bean Stations, December r3, 1863; Rutledge, Tenn., December 14-15, 1863, and Dundridge, Tenn., December 24, 1863. The regiment stood second best in the cavalry service, the regiment that stood first being the Second United States regulars. After the service in Tennessee and after veteranizing and reorganization, the Second Ohio cavalry was assigned to the army of the Potomac, under command of Gen. Wilson, and was in the battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, and when on Wilson's raid assisted in the destruction of the Weldon R. R. and had severe fighting on the return, being obliged to abandon and burn their ambulances, stores, ammunition, wagons, guns and artillery, and at the fight at Ream's Station lost heavily. The regiment joined Sheridan, and, under Custer raided down the Shenandoah Valley, destroying by fire all material that could feed or shelter the rebels. He was in the battle of Cedar Creek, in the spring of 1865, the closing campaign of the war. Mr. Johnson was furloughed home in February, 1865, rejoined his regiment in May, i865, at Washington, D. C., and was present in that great military pageant—the grand review. He then went with his regiment to Springfield, Mo., where he was mustered out September 12, 1865, having served over four years in one of the most active cavalry regiments of the Civil war. He was not wounded, nor a prisoner, nor sick in hospital, or even sick a day while in the service, but was strong, well and sturdy, served out his complete time as an active soldier, and until detached for a short service in the ambulance corps, was in all the marches, campaigns, raids, battles etc., in which his regiment took part. After the war, Mr. Johnson returned to Peninsula and engaged in carpenter work. He married July 4, 1866, at Peninsula, Miss Julie E. Cody, who was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, May 6, 1841, a daughter of Richard and Margaret (O'Brien) Cody. Richard Cody came from Ireland about 1842, was a farmer, and settled in Boston township, Summit county, Ohio, where he passed his remaining days, dying a member of St. Mary's church. His children were Mary, Isabel, Ann, Julia, and Thomas. Mr. Cody was a hard-working and industrious man, respected by all. His son, Thomas, who was in the Civil war—One Hundred and Fifteenth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, company C---was killed by the explosion of the steamer Sultana's boilers. He was in several battles, imprisoned in Andersonville several months, and was on his way home, a paroled prisoner, when he met his death. Adar H. Johnson settled in Peninsula, after his service to the country, where he has since lived. The children are Georgiana, Lillias B., Helen M., and Henry R. (who died aged eleven years). In politics, he is a stanch democrat, and has held the office of assessor several terms, and, as a member of the board of education, was its treasurer. He is a member of George L. Waterman post, No. 272, G. A. R., at Peninsula, was one of the charter. members, and is at present its commander. He is also a member of the K. of P., the Knights of Maccabees, and the Veterans' Union. Mr. Johnson is now a substanial business man and was at one time a manager of the Zanesville (Ohio) Street Electric railway five years. Henry Johnson, grandfather of Adar H., was born in New York state, was of English colonial stock, was a pioneer of Bedford, Ohio, and a soldier in the war of 1812. His children were named William, Wesley, George, Henry, Nelson, Maria, and Catherine. Mr. Johnson was a carpenter by trade, and settled OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 805 on a farm near Bedford, and lived to be about sixty-five years old, and was a respected pioneer. His son, Henry Johnson, Jr., father of Adar H., was born in New York state and came to Ohio when a boy, was a carpenter by trade and married Roxy L. Trowbridge, daughter of John and Lydia L. (Russell) Trowbridge. Mr. Johnson settled in Boston township, Summit county, after marriage, and passed his later days in Peninsula. His children were Josephine, Helen, Adar H., and Lydia. Mr. Johnson lived to be fifty-two years old and died a member of the Episcopal church, and in politics a democrat. He served as township trustee and held other offices, and was a greatly honored citizen. JOHN KISSEL, a respected and prosperous farmer of Randolph township, Portage county, Ohio, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in April, 1844, a son of Michael and Magdalena (Rice) Kissel, who were the parents of six children, viz: Valentine and John, still living; Margaret, who died in November 30, 1866, the wife of Andrew Cook; Lizzie, wife of a Mr. Donnes, died in Illinois, in 1878; Kate was the wife of Nicholas Sams, and is also deceased; one child died in infancy. The father of the,family died on shipboard when coming to this country in 1853 with his family, and the mother died here March 16, 1869. John Kissel was about ten years of age when he landed in America with his mother and her family, having been 100 days in crossing the Atlantic ocean. They settled in Rootstown, Portage county, where the mother purchased a farm, which was diligently cultivated by her two sons, aided by hired help, until the enlistment of her son John, our subject, in January, 1865, in company H, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, in which he served nine months and was honorably discharged September 25, 1865. Returning to Rootstown he worked on the farm for his mother until 1868, when he married, January 7, Miss Barbara Goodyear, a daughter of Peter Goodyear, who was born in Germany, but came to America when a young man, settled in Randolph township, where he engaged in farming and married a Miss Bussel, who bore him five children, of whom three—John, George and Barbara—are still living; Adam died in July, 1897, aged sixty-six years, and Lizzie died in 1864. Both parents are now deceased, dying in the faith of the Church of Rome. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kissel has been blessed with eleven children, viz: Elizabeth, who was born July 17, 1869, and is the wife of Burt Watters; Barbara, born February 14, 1871, is the wife of Martin Miller; George, born June 6, 1873; Kate, born July 28, 1875, is married to Jacob Luli; Mary, born June 2, 1887; Lewis, March 15, 1879; Adam, February 12, 1881; Joseph, January 10, 1883; Seth, September 10, 1885; Clara, October 29, 1885, and Mina, May 13, 1893. In the spring of 1875 Mr. Kissel bought his present farm in Randolph township, on which he settled in March of the same year, and in addition to general farming has operated a threshing machine for the past nine years. He is a most excellent farmer, as everything around him fully attests, his fields being well drained, his fences always in good order, and his dwelling and farm structures being neat and tasty in appearance. Mr. Kissel has served as township supervisor one term. He and family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church, to the support of which they contribute freely and liberally, and they hold the-esteem of all the members of the community in which they live. 806 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD HENRY WOLFCOMER, a substantial citizen of Aurora township, Portage county, Ohio, is a son of John and Eliza (Kiercoff) Wolfcomer, the former of whom was born in Prussia in August, 1824, the son of a farmer, whose children were two in number, Henry and John, who both came to America. John Wolfcomer learned the carpenter's trade in his native land, and was about twenty-two years old when he came to the United States, as he reached this country on the eve of the Mexican war. He found employment at his trade in Cincinnati, and there married Eliza Kiercoff, a native of Germany, to which union was born one child—Henry, whose name opens this article. About 1856, Mr. Wolfcomer removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked at his trade until he enlisted in company B, Fifty-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry, February 5, 1864, to serve three years, unless sooner discharged by reason of the termination of hostilities, this termination occurring in April. Mr. Wolfcorner was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, June 2, 1865. He was one of the guards on the ill-fated steamer Sultana, which exploded her boilers on the Mississippi river when loaded down to her guards with a living freight of volunteers who were on their way home after exchange, and hundreds of whom lost their lives through this dire catastrophe, after having passed through all the perils of war for years. To add to the horror of the explosion, a conflagration destroyed every remnant of the vessel and consumed many of the unfortunate passengers. Mr. Wolfcomer, who could not swim, clung to the burning wreck as long as the intense heat would permit, and then sprang overboard, landing on the back of a mule, which soon sank beneath his weight. He was fortunate, however, in catching a plank, on which he floated down stream sev eral miles, and was rescued next morning by a searching party on a raft. He was badly scalded about his head, and was confined in hospital until nearly the date of his discharge. From Cleveland Mr. Wolfcomer removed to Twinsburg, Summit county, Ohio, in the fall of 1865, and purchased a farm of fifty acres, which he occupied until 1871, when he came to Aurora township, Portage county, and bought the homestead now owned by his son Henry, which comprises 171 acres and is improved with substantial buildings. This farm Mr. Wolfcomer continued to cultivate until his death, which occurred January 30, 1889, he being then about sixty-five years of age. He was a member of the G. A. R. post at Hudson, was independent in politics, and was a hard-working, upright and temperate citizen, who commanded, by his virtuous life, the respect of all who knew him. Henry Wolfcomer, whose name opens this article, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 3, 1850, was educated in the common schools at Twinsburg and Cleveland and was reared to manhood on his father's farm. September 4, 1870, he married Miss Laura A. Fisher, who was born in Boston, Ohio, January 14, 1848, a daughter of Dudley and Jane (Fields) Fisher, both families being of Revolutionary stock. Dudley Fisher was born in Akron, Ohio, a son of a pioneer from New York state, and by trade a carpenter. He enlisted in Akron, in 1861, in the Twenty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years, fought at Vicksburg, but died before the close of his term, at his home in Akron, from lung fever. His children were named Laura A., Lucy, James, Maggie, Phebe (deceased) and Phebe, second. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfcomer settled on the old homestead at marriage, and they have been blessed with eight children, viz: Bert J., William D., Frederick J.,. Jessie L., Bessie J., Maggie M., Ethel G. and Hazel R. OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 809 The parents and four children are members of the Congregational church at Aurora, and in politics Mr. Wolfcomer is a democrat and is a member of the board of education. Fie is a substantial, upright and honored citizen, and his family is one of the most respected in Aurora township. CHRISTIAN KOEHLER, of Streetsboro township, Portage county, Ohio, is a gallant veteran of the Civil war, who is now totally blind from the effects of exposure while with Gen. Sherman on the famous march to the sea from Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Koehler was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March to, 1839, a son of Jacob and Barbara (Sweet) Koehler, received a good common-school education, and when about twenty years of age embarked at Bremen in a sailing vessel for America, and after a boisterous voyage of eight weeks, being nearly lost at sea, landed, in 1859, in New York city, whence he came to Ohio. In August, 1861, he enlisted at Akron, in company D, Thirty-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years. and at the end of the term was released from duty in order that he might reenlist, as a veteran, in April, 1864, in his old regiment, under the same conditions as those of his first enlistment. The war having come to a close in April, 1865, he was still retained in the service until July, of the same year, when he was honorably discharged at Little Rock, Ark. Among the many battles in which Mr. Koehler took part may be mentioned those of Fayettesville, and several others in what is now West Virginia; Raleigh, N. C., and Charleston, S. C.; the siege of Vicksburg, Miss. ; Champion Hills and Jackson, in the same state; Missionary Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Dallas, Pumpkinvine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, the general assault and battle of Atlanta, Ga., the charge at Stone Mountain Junction, etc., although these are not placed in chronological order. He was also at the capture of Fort McAllister, and of Columbia, having marched " from Atlanta to the Sea," and took part in the grand review, in May, 1865, at Washington, D. C., which is famous as the grandest review ever held in the world. The only wound Mr. Koehler sustained during his long service was a slight one in the right knee at the battle of Missionary Ridge, but he had a serious attack of camp diarrhea, and was confined in the hospital at Vicksburg, Miss., in 1863, for about five weeks. But the greatest misfortune which befell Mr. Koehler was on the march from Atlanta to Savannah, during which he was compelled to wade many rivers. In wading through the Edisto, he was seven hours in crossing, and much of the time was in the water up to his armpits. The consequence was a severe cold, which resulted in an inflammation of his eyes, terminating in total blindness in 1887. After the war, Mr. Koehler returned to Akron, Ohio, where he was sick with fever for awhile, but recovered, and for a short time was helper for a stonemason and was otherwise employed, being for twelve years janitor of the Spicer school building, blind as he was, and was also employed about five years in the Buckeye works at Akron. Mr. Koehler was united in marriage, in May, 1866, in Stark county, Ohio, with Miss Catherine Klink, and to this union were born five children, named, in order of birth, Emma (wife of Corwin Mooney, of Streetsboro township), Minnie, William, Frank, and Ida, but April 19, 1882, Mr. Koehler was bereft of his helpmate, who died in the faith of the Lutheran church. In 1885 Mr. Koehler came to Streetsboro township, bought 116 acres of land, and had built for himself a neat and 810 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD substantial dwelling. He is very happy in his disposition, and his hearty laugh gives no indication of his great affliction. He has done much for his adopted country, and, with his children, enjoys the respect and honor which all true Americans should yield to such as he and his offspring are fully entitled to. JOHN LEISURE, a well-known resident of Aurora, Portage county, Ohio, and for four years a soldier in the late Civil war, was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., November 26, 1837, a son of Joseph and Mary (Michael) Leisure, of French and Irish descent respectively. Joseph Leisure attended school until about fourteen years of age, when he shipped as cabin boy on board a sea-going vessel at New London, Conn., and for fifteen years led a sailor's life, making his last voyage on the ocean as second mate, but later sailed one season on the great lakes of the west. In April, 1861, he enlisted at Cleveland, Ohio, in Capt. Lovejoy's company D, Twenty-third Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years, but May 1 o, 1862, was captured by the rebels at Giles Court House, (now West) Va., and with his fellow-captives was sent to Libby prison, Richmond, and about two weeks later was transferred to Salisbury, N. C., where he was held until June 15, 1862, when he was paroled, being among the first of the Union prisoners of war to receive that favor. He reported at Camp Chase, Ohio, and was given transportation, by Gov. Tod, to his regiment at Flat Top mountain, West Va., but his colonel (afterward president), Rutherford B. Hayes, refused to permit him to rejoin the regiment, which was in active service, as he was on parole and not yet exchanged. Returning to Columbus, Ohio, Gov. Tod issued him an unlimited furlough, and advised him to enlist in another regiment. Mr. Leisure then went to New York city, where he enlisted in October, 1862, in company K, Fourth New York cavalry, Capt. Burga, and served until the close of the war, making a total service of over four years. Mr. Leisure fought at Carnifax Ferry, Cotton Hill, Fayette Court House, Raleigh Court House, Princeton and Giles Court House, while with the infantry; with the cavalry he fought at Kelley Ford, Va., the Wilderness, Chancellorsville, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Mine Run, and with Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley, and also at Mill Springs, and in skirmishes innumerable. At the battle of Cedar Creek he was shot through the left hand, and was in the hospital at Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa., for four months, but, beside this, his only other confinement was with typhoid fever for three weeks. He was a brave, active and willing soldier, and cheerfully endured the many hardships of a soldier's hazardous life. After his military service, Mr. Leisure shipped, at New York, for three years, January 6, 1866, on board the United States transport, Massachusetts, and was honorably discharged April 29, 1869, having contracted yellow fever in one of the West India ports, and his term of service having also expired. March 15, 1873, he came to Ohio, and for some time worked in Northfield township, Summit county, as a farm hand. July 15, 1874, he married, at Sharon, Pa., Mrs. Emma Alford, a widow, whose maiden name was Michael, and this marriage was blessed with four children, viz: George (deceased), Zelpha (deceased), Ella and William R. Mrs. Leisure was a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Hagett) Michael. She died in April, 1885, a member of the Disciple's church, and a truly good woman. Mr. Leisure is a republican in politics, cast his first vote for Abraham Lin- OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 811 coln, has been constable of Aurora sixteen years, and deputy sheriff of the county four years, during which time the Blinkey-Morgan trial was held. Joseph Leisure, father of John, was also a soldier in the Civil war, served three years in the One Hundred and Sixth New York volunteer infantry, and among the many battles in which he participated was that of the Wilderness. His three sons, John, Joseph, Jr., and Oliver, all served in New York regiments during the same struggle. Mr. Leisure came to Aurora, Ohio, October 13, 1874, and worked until 1881 for Frank Hurd, a capitalist, and for the past three years has been employed by W. J. Eldridge. The Leisure family are upright, straightforward in all their dealings, and enjoy the respect of the entire community. REES R. JONES, a prosperous farmer of Paris township, Portage county, Ohio, was born in southern Wales February 26, 1826, a son of Evan R. and Jane (Davis) Jones, and came to America with his father in 1838, his mother having died in her native country. Evan R. Jones was a carpenter by trade and was three times married. By his first wife, Jane Davis, daughter of Rothera and Mary Davis, he became the father of five children, of whom Rees R. is the only one living. Of the deceased, Mary died in October, 1831, aged eight years; Margaret died at the same date, aged three years, and one died in infancy. The mother passed away in 1832, at the age of thirty-five. Mr. Jones next married, in April, 1838, Miss Mary Morgan, daughter of Morgan and Elizabeth (Jones) Morgan, and to this union was born one daughter, Jane, who died in 1875, aged thirty-five years—the mother having died in 1845, also at the age of thirty-five. The third mar- riage of Mr. Jones was to Jane Evans. Mr. Jones departed this life in April, 1863, aged. seventy-five, and his third wife in 1881, when sixty-three years old, members, respectively,. of the Methodist church and Baptist church. Rees R. Jones lived on the farm in Palmyra township, Portage county, where his father settled in 1838, and faithfully aided in tilling the land until after the death of the latter. In 1867 he came to Paris township and purchased the farm on which he still lives, and which is one of the finest in the township. May 29, 1882, he married Miss Jane Davis, daughter of Evan T. and Sarah (Williams) Davis, and this union has been blessed with two children—Evan R. and J. C. Mrs. Jane Jones was born in Paris township March 22, 1845, her parents having come from Wales in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Davis had six children, of whom four still survive, viz: Mary, wife of William Thomas, Jane (Mrs. Jones), William and Thomas. Benjamin and Thomas were the names of the two deceased. Mr. Davis died in January, 1894, at the age of seventy-three, and Mrs. Davis is still a resident of Paris township, having reached the advanced age of eighty-six years. Mr. Jones has served his township as treasurer, school director and supervisor, and he and family are members of the Welsh Methodist church at Palmyra, of which he has been a deacon many years. The family are all highly respected, and Mr. Jones is recognized as one of the most upright citizens of Paris township. WILLIAM T. LEWIS, one of the most successful farmers of Palmyra township, Portage county, Ohio, was born in the southern part of Wales, May 5, 1834, a son of Thomas and Mary (Jones) Lewis, who came to Ohio in 1838, and 812 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD settled in Palmyra township, where the father engaged in farming. Thomas Lewis was born in Arding, Wales, in 1805, a son of David Lewis, and his wife, Mary, was born in the same place in 1803, a daughter of William Jones. To the marriage of Thomas and Mary Lewis were born eight children, viz: David, Issac, William T., John, Elizabeth (Mrs. Evan Jones), Mary (Mrs. Elisha Lord), John, who died in 1838, at the age of two years, and Thomas, who died in 1840, also at two years of age. The father of this family passed away August 6, 1889, and the mother's death took place February 2, 1896, both devoted members of the Methodist churh, in which Mr. Lewis had for many years been a deacon. William T. Lewis attended public school until eighteen years old and remained on his father's farm until twenty-three. March 22, 1858, he married Miss Ann George, who was born June 25, 1839, in Palmyra township, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Rees) George, natives of Wales, who settled in Palmyra township in 1832. Thomas George was a miller by trade and also a farmer. To his marriage with Margaret Rees, daughter of John Rees, there were born eight children, six of whom are still living, viz: Mary, widow of Thomas Lewis; John C. ; Ann, now Mrs. William T. Lewis; Margaret, wife of William Richards; Sarah, unmarried, and Thomas Jr., who is married to Maggie Williams. The deceased children were David, who died in infancy, and Evan, who died in April, 1857, at the age of twenty-one years. Mrs. George passed away February 1, 1892, at the age of eighty-four years; Mr. George, at the great age of ninety-two years, is now a resident of Paris township. Thomas George, paternal grandfather of Mrs. Lewis, came from Wales to America in 1833, and settled in Palmyra township. To his marriage with Miss Rees were born seven children, viz: Ann, Margaret, Thomas, Sarah, Rachel, Mary and Evan, all of whom are now deceased. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Lewis was killed by a falling tree in 1836. His wife's name was Mary. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. William T. Lewis has been blessed with eleven children, nine of whom still survive, viz: Margaret, wife of Felix Barger, of Diamond, Ohio; Isaac, who is married to Electa Gilbert; Thomas, married to Belle Thomas; Evan, married to Jane Spencer; Elezer, married to Dollie Manley; Mary Ann, wife of Charles D. Kistler; Arthur, Sarah and Edna, unmarried. The two children who have passed away were named David, who died in infancy, and Alfred, who died December 6, 1884, aged four years and nine months. In 1862, Mr. Lewis settled on his present farm, which he has placed under the best possible tillage and improved with modern structures, and everywhere about the premises are evidences of the care and good management of a master agriculturist. Mr. Lewis is greatly honored by his fellow-townsmen, whom he has served many years as school director and supervisor, and the entire family is held in the highest possible esteem. Mr. Lewis cast his first presidential vote for Gen. John C. Fremont, at the birth of the republican party, and has ever upheld the principles of republicanism. ISAAC LEWIS, a prominent citizen of Palmyra township, Portage county, Ohio, is a native of Wales, was born in March, 1832, and has been a resident of Palmyra township since 1838, having been brought hither by his parents, Thomas and Mary (Jones) Lewis. As Palmyra township was quite a wilderness when Mr. Lewis arrived here, at the age OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 813 of six years, his opportunities for school attendance were somewhat meager, still he succeeded in acquiring a fair education. He faithfully assisted his father, when old enough for the purpose, in clearing up the home farm from the woods until he reached man's estate, when he served an apprenticeship of four years at the carpenter's trade, under Owen Jones, and after the termination of his term of indenture continued with Mr. Jones, as a journeyman, three years longer, and altogether worked at the trade about fifteen years, when he engaged in farming. The first marriage of Mr. Lewis took place in September, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Evans, daughter of Lewis and Mary Evans, and to this marriage were born five children, of whom John D., David W. and E. T. are still living; William died at the age of three, and Evan at one year of age. Mrs. Elizabeth (Evans) Lewis was called away November 15, 1870, a devoted member of the Welsh Presbyterian church, and the second marriage of Mr. Lewis was solemnized September 16, 1873, with Miss Elizabeth Jones, who was born in Wales in 1848, a daughter of Llewellyn and Jane (Williams) Jones, and this union has been blessed with twins—Hattie and Nettie—now over twenty-one years old. Llewellyn Jones, father of Mrs. Lewis, was a general farm laborer, and a very industrious man. To his marriage, in 1842, with Miss Williams, daughter of John and Jane Williams, were born seven children, of whom five still survive, viz: Jane, wife of John Davis; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Isaac Lewis; Samuel; Margaret, wife of John Parry, and Isaac; John died at the age of eleven years, and Sarah died in 1872, aged fifteen. The parents died in Wales in 1877, the father at the age of seventy-seven, and the mother at seventy-one years, both members of the Presbyterian church—Mrs. Lewis having come to America in 1871, accompanied by her brother, Samuel. David Lewis, paternal grandfather of Isaac Lewis, reared a family of five children, viz: David, Thomas, John, Richard and Elizabeth, all now deceased. William Jones, maternal grandfather of Mr. Lewis, reared nine children, of whom one only--Ann—is now living. In 1866 Isaac Lewis settled on his present farm, and has met with much success in his vocation. He is an honored citizen, and has served as a republican as township supervisor and as a school director for many years. He and family are members of the Welsh Presbyterian church in Palmyra, in which he has held the offices of deacon and elder, and no family in the township is held in higher esteem than that of Isaac Lewis. JESSE LING, one of the sailors of the Civil war, and a respected citizen of Mantua township, Portage county, Ohio, was born in Monroe county, N. Y., March 3, 1842, a son of Edward and Betsey (Elsfeck) Ling. He received a common education and ran away from home when he was between sixteen and seventeen years of age, and shipped on board the United States man-of-war, Northern Light—Capt. McKnight. He was accompanied by an older boy, about nineteen years old, who shipped with him, but who became tired of a sailor's life after a month's experience, and was sent ashore. Jesse had more pluck and stuck to the ship. He was quick to learn his duties, and the captain took a liking to him from the first, and Jesse liked the captain. He was one of the ship's boys and did a little of everything at first, and was promoted to be coxwain's mate, and soon became an ordinary seaman, and finally, after about two years' service, an able seaman while on the Northern Light, which 814 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD was a full, square-rigged, three-masted ship, and carried a crew of about 250 officers one men. Jesse visited many parts of the world, including the English channel, and saw Scot. land, Ireland, England, the Isle of Wight, France, and even went as far as India and through part of Calcutta. He was on the South American coast and saw Honduras. HE was finally transferred to the ship Tennessee off the coast of Virginia. She was a first-class man-of-war, and he served one year and four months on her as an able seaman. She was stationed on the blockade during the wai —most of the time in the Gulf of Mexico—her duties being to chase and capture the English blockade runners. She captured several of them, being a large and powerful ship, well armed. Jesse received a share of the prize money. He was an active sailor, served faithfully and did his duty promptly. He stood well with the captain, officers and men, and became a thorough sailor, and caused nc trouble of any kind. He was honorably discharged from the navy at New York in 1862, and went to Oneida county, N. Y. He then sailed two years on the great lakes, as first mate under Capt. England, owner and master, and came to Mantua, Ohio, in 1864, and has since been engaged in farming. Mr. Ling married, October 15, 1866, in Mantua township, Roena C. Jennings, who was born September 5, 1830, in Mantua township, a daughter of Phineas U. and Cleona (Wilmot) Jennings. Phineas U. Jennings was born in Vermont, May 4, 1796, at Craftsbury, a son of Benjamin, who was born August 29, 1752, and Serene Jennings, who was born March 16, 1765, and died April 16, 1833. They were the parents of eight children, viz: Betsy, Ann, Lucretia, Phineas U., Telmon, Lucy M., Elida, and Benjamin. The Jennings were an old colonial family of New England. Phineas Jennings came, when a young man, to Mantua township, and here was married, June 16, 1822, to Miss Cleona Wilmot, daughter of a pioneer. Mr. Jennings settled in Mantua township, and cleared up a good farm from the woods. He at first bought sixty-four acres on credit, paying $8 per acre, and by his steady industry and thrift, he prospered, and finally owned about 30o acres, and became a substantial farmer. His children were Serene, Cordelia (died young), Roena, Cordelia, and Eugenia. Mr. Jennings lived to the venerable age of eighty-six years and died June 26, 1882. His wife died March 26, 1881, aged seventy-four. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jennings were members of the Disciples' church, in which he was a deacon many years. Mr. Jennings was a man of high character and well-known for his sturdy and straightforward course in life. He was much respected by the old pioneers, and all who knew him, and in politics was a republican. Jesse Ling, after his marriage, settled in Mantua township, and is now one of the most substantial and prominent farmers in his present locality. In 1882 he built a pleasant and tasteful residence, and has a fine farm of 240 acres. He is very independent in his views on all subjects. In politics, he is a stanch democrat, and a bi-metalist, and voted for William J. Bryan, and is strong in the faith. Mr. Ling is an honored citizen of his township, and has been township trustee several times. Fraternally a Mason, he is a member of the Blue lodge, at Mantua, and chapter, at Garrettsville, Ohio, and is chaplain of the Blue lodge and member of the Prudential committee. Mrs. Ling is a member of the Disciples' church. Jesse Ling owes much of his success in life to his early training when a boy on a man-of-war. He is a true gentleman, kind and obliging, and is one of the few men who has carried into his daily walk in life gentle treatment to all who meet him. OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 815 His frank, manly expression is in a great part due to his life as a sailor. He looks every man square in the face, and a stranger in his house is treated as well as an old acquaintance. Mr. and Mrs. Ling adopted a daughter when she was but two years old—Sadie J. Ling, By them she was reared as kindly as if their own. She received a good education in the district school, and later attended Hiram college. Mr. Ling has an excellent record in the service of his country, and his record as a man and as a citizen is equally as good. SYLVANUS LOVELAND, a respected citizen of Mantua Station, Portage county, Ohio, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born April 22, 1824, in Vienna township, Trumbull county, a son of Aurora and Meloda Loveland, and descends from English Puritan ancestors, who settled in New Jersey. Aurora Loveland was born in Hartford, Conn., July To, 1805, a son of Aaron Loveland, and was reared a blacksmith. Aaron, also a blacksmith, was a pioneer of Northfield township, Trumbull county, Ohio, where he settled on a farm, the first in the township, and there passed the remainder of his life, dying at about the age of eighty years, the father of six children, viz: Aurora, Horace, Azael, Lucinda, Louisa and Eliza. Aurora Loveland was a boy when he was brought to Ohio by his parents, learned his trade under his father, and at manhood's estate married Mrs. Meloda Lora, a widow, who had borne the maiden name of Hallibut, the union resulting in the birth of seven children, viz: Sylvanus, Susannah, Harriet, Jehiel, Almeron, Jane and Aaron. In politics Aurora Loveland was a democrat, held the office of constable under the auspices of his party, and died a most respected citizen at the age of about seventy-two years, at Niles, Trumbull county, Ohio. Sylvanus Loveland learned the blacksmith's trade under his father, but when a young man went to Michigan, where he worked in various towns, among them Kalamazoo. At the first call of President Lincoln for three-month volunteers, at the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Loveland enlisted in company I, Capt. Hubbard, of the First Michigan volunteer infantry, in April, 186r, and served faithfully through his term, being honorably discharged at Detroit, having fought at the first battle of Bull Run and doing other service in the District of Columbia and Virginia. After his discharge Mr. Loveland returned to his native state, and enlisted at Warren, in 1861, in the Second Ohio cavalry, for three years, served about two months over the term of his enlistment, received a second honorable discharge, and was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. Although Mr. Loveland was a great deal on detached duty as a blacksmith, he experienced considerable active military service, and fought in Kansas, southwest Missouri, the Indian Territory, Tennessee and Kentucky. After his return from the war Mr. Loveland went to Greenville, Mercer county, Pa., on a visit, and there married Mrs. Clarinda Loveland, who was born in Mecca, Trumbull county, Ohio, September 7, 1834, a daughter of Grosvenor and Elizabeth (Headley) Bailey. Clarinda Bailey had first been married to Almeron Loveland, a brother of Sylvanus, and was born in Knox county, Ohio, January II, 1832; he was an iron worker by trade, to whom she bore one daughter—Rosa. Grosevenor Bailey was born in Pennsylvania, January 5, 1799, and was of English descent, was a stonemason by trade, and passed the greater part of his life in Cortland, Trumbull county, Ohio, of which he was one of the first settlers. His 816 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD children were Sarah, Joseph, William, Samuel, Wesley, Clarinda and Orilla, of whom Joseph served in the 100-day call for volunteers in the late Civil war. In politics Mr. Bailey was a democrat, and he and wife were devout members of the Methodist church, in the faith of which they both passed away. After marriage Sylvanus Loveland and wife located in Cortland, Ohio, where he followed his trade for several years, thence moved to Mecca, in 1874 moved to Cuyahoga Falls, and November 1, 1885, settled in Mantua Station, which has since been his home, and where he has been living the past few years in quiet retirement, respected by all who know him, and in the enjoyment of the society of his beloved wife and three children —Clara, George and William. WILLIAM JARVIS WILLSEY, notary public, ex-justice of the peace, and a prominent farmer of Edinburg township, Portage county, Ohio, was born in Fulton township, Schoharie county, N. Y., October 3, 1823, a son of Henry T. and Orpha (Snow) Willsey, both natives, also, of the Empire state. Henry T. Willsey brought his family to Ohio in 1840, arriving at Atwater, Portage county, on the 9th day of December. He purchased a tract of about thirty-six acres in the wilderness close by, went to work with a will, and in a short time cleared off the forest, and made a comfortable home for his family. He soon afterward added to his first purchase sixty acres from the old Snow homestead, and later purchased 121 acres of unimproved land one-quarter of a mile north, to which he removed and on which he resided until 1853, when he moved to Ashtabula county and purchased 160 acres in Denmark township, about six miles east of Jefferson, which he cultivated until his death, which occurred January 6, 1854; his widow survived until March 28, 1884, when she expired at the home of her son, A. V. Willsey, in Atwater, Ohio. To this couple were born five children, viz: Alexander V., now deceased; William J., the subject of this biography; Catherine A., wife of Rev. Adam Moor; James H. and Moses D. William J. Willsey, the subject, was educated in the public schools of his native state and in Portage county, Ohio, which he attended until twenty-one years old, and then attended the Atwater academy two years; for five winters following he taught school in various parts of Portage county, working on the home farm during the summers. October 6, 1853, he married Miss Samantha L. Clover, at Edinburg, the lady being a daughter of Nathan and Hannah (Roll) Clover. The father, Nathan Clover, was born in New Jersey, August 16, 1792, and died in Portage county, Ohio, September 17, 1872; his wife was born June 26, 1797, and died May 15, 1877. They were the parents of seven children, viz: Dr. Davenport C., who died January 25, 1876; Hadassah Hester, Mary Jane, Dr. Roll F., who died December 28, 1861; Samantha L., Horace Bigelow and Susan Keron. Mrs. Samantha L. (Clover) Willsey was born in Deerfield, Portage county, July 3, 1833, was primarily educated in the village school, and later attended the high school in Edinburg, and after finishing her education remained at home with her parents until her marriage. She is deeply imbued with the faith of the Disciples' church, of which she is a member, and has borne her husband one child, Celia Lois Adelia, who was born September 30, 1854, is now the wife of D. Gilbert, and is the mother of two children—David William and Edith Polly. After marriage, subject purchased thirty-six acres of land in Atwater township, on OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 821 which he lived four years. In the spring of 1857 he removed to the Nathan Clover farm at Edinburg, of which he had the full management for thirteen years, but in the spring of 1871 he purchased his present farm of 100 acres of excellent land, on which he lives in comparative retirement. A republican in politics, he has been elected justice of the peace of Edinburg, and has also served as township trustee, assessor, supervisor, school director, and as president of the board of education. He at present holds a notary public's commission, and in every position he has held has performed his functions with eminent ability and to the entire satisfaction of his fellow-citizens, in whose esteem he stands very high. In con junction with a brother, Mr. Willsey owns forty-five acres of land at Atwater, on which are a store and elevator, and a brick dwelling. He has always been industrious and practical, and well deserves the esteem in which he is universally held. PHILIP LONG (deceased) was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, April 9, 1813, a son of John and Mary (Cope) Long, and was reared to manhood in his native province, receiving a good education in the public schools the meanwhile. In 1836 he embarked for America, and after a voyage of three months reached the shores of the United States. He was a skillful carpenter, and for some years followed his trade in Pennsylvania, where he first located after reaching this country, but later engaged in farming. On leaving the Keystone state he settled in the woods of Portage county, from which he developed a fine farm, and made a comfortable home for himself and family. He was married, August 7, 1838, at Canton, Stark county, to Miss Athus Gondy, daughter of Joseph and Catherine Gondy, - 34 - the union resulting in the birth of nine children, viz: Catherine, born May 27, 1839, and now the wife of Jacob Wise; Mary, who died March 3o, 1894, at the age of fifty-three years; Philip, born November 15, 1842; Christopher, who died May 21, 1881, when thirty-seven years old; John, born February 27, 1846; Adam, July 21, 1848; Elizabeth, March 21, 1850, married to Peter Andes; Joseph, born February 29, 1852, is a bachelor, and is the owner of the old homestead; Eva was born. December 18, 1854, and lives with her brother at the old home. Philip Long, the father of this family. became one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of Randolph township, and reared his family to he equally respected with himself. He had the full confidence of his neighbors, who chose him supervisor of the township and selected him as a member of the board of school directors. He was active as a member of the Catholic church, in which he was a steward for many years, and in the faith of which he died March 13, 1889, at the age of seventy-five years, his wife being called to join him at the advanced age of eighty-five. John Long, father of the late Philip Long, was also a carpenter by trade, and followed this vocation as long as his physical powers permitted. On coming to Ohio he located in Canton, Stark county, and there assisted in the construction of the first church erected in that city. On retiring from carpenter work he came to Randolph township, Portage county, and purchased the farm on which his grandson, Joseph Long, now resides, and here passed the remainder of his days. To his marriage wits Miss Mary Cope were born nine children, all now deceased. Joseph Gondy, father of the late Mrs. Philip Long, was a native of Germany and came to America in 1826; he was a mason by trade, and for many years lived in Canton, 822 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Ohio, but eventually settled in Suffield, Portage county, where he lived the remainder of his days. He married Miss Catherine Bare, to which union six children were born, all of whom have passed from earth. JOHN LYONS, one of the brave defenders of his country's flag during the late Civil war, and now a highly-respected citizen of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is a native of Essex county, N. J., was born April 1, 1843, and is a son of John B. and Susan (Freadline) Lyons, well known and prominent residents of the Old Line state. John B. Lyons, father of John, the subject, was also born in Essex county, N. J., a son of Benjamin and Charlotte Lyons. He was an expert hatter, and also learned the shoemaker's trade, in which he became equally skillful. He was united in marriage at Orange, Essex county, N. J., with Miss Susan Freadline, a daughter of John A. and Susan (Wagoner) Freadline, the former of whom came to America from Germany. To this happy union six children were born in New Jersey, and in 1853 Mr. Lyons brought his family to Ohio, located at Cuyahoga Falls, and engaged in farming. At the outbreak of the Civil war, however, Mr. Lyons, who was a true American, enlisted, in 1861, in battery D, First Ohio volunteer light artillery, under Capt. A. J. Konkle, to serve three years unless sooner discharged by reason of the cessation of hostilities, but did not live to see the termination of the great struggle, as he died from sickness while still in the service. He had proven himself to be a brave and faithful soldier, and had fought under Gen. Nelson at West Liberty and Piketon, was with Gen. Buell on the advance from Green River, Ky. , to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. ; was at Corinth, Munfordville, and with Burn side at the siege of Knoxville, and at Rockford and Cumberland Gap, and with Sherman through the Atlanta campaign, and was always ready and willing to do his duty until overcome with sickness. As a civilian, Mr. Lyons was an industrious and moral man and was greatly respected for his many personal merits. Since the lamented death of her husband, Mrs. Lyons has patiently and worthily labored to rear in respectability her family of nine children, who are named Almira, John, Charlotte, Fannie, Katie, Minnie, Julia, Mattie and Naomi; Aurelia, the tenth child, died young. John Lyons, whose name stands at the head of this biography, was about ten years of age when brought by his parents to Ohio, and here he was reared until his enlistment, in July, 1862, at Cuyahoga Falls. He was mustered in, July 18, at Camp Massillon, Ohio, in company G, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years, and served until honorably discharged, July 4, 1865, at Cleveland, Ohio. He fought in the second battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn., when the rebel, Hood, made his raid on Nashville, and was then placed on guard duty at Fortress Rosecranz, Murfreesboro, for about eighteen months, having many skirmishes with guerrillas. In 1862, however, he was seized with erysipelas, which caused his confinement in hospitals at Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio, for about one year, and after having experienced much suffering, he rejoined his regiment and faithfully did his duty until mustered out. Since his return to Cuyahoga Falls, Mr. Lyons has been engaged in various kinds of business, but has always been industrious and straightforward, and has achieved an excellent reputation and made many sincere friends. He is a member of Eadie post, G. A. R., is strictly moral, and is ever willing to lend a helping hand toward the promotion of any project designed for the good of the public. OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 823 HENRY C. McGIRR, one of the most enterprising and successful young farmers of Deerfield township, Portage county, Ohio, was born in Lexington township, Stark county, September 9, 1861, a son of John and Mary (Reeves) McGirr. James McGirr, paternal grandfather of Henry C., a native of Maryland, born March 25, 1786, was reared a farmer, came to Ohio a young man and married Sarah Hamlin, the result of the union being seven children, four of whom are still living John, William, James and Henry and three deceased-Elizabeth, Lydia and Harpley. The mother of this family died June 16, 1866, at the age of seventy years, seven months and eighteen days, and the father's death took place March 6, 1876, at the ripe age of seventy years and twelve days. Samuel C. Reeves, the maternal grandfather of Henry C. McGirr, was born in New Jersey April 4, 1803, and when a mere boy was brought to Ohio by his parents, who settled in Columbiana county, and in his early manhood was engaged in school-teaching, but later became an agriculturist. He married Miss Ann Ellyson, who was born June 4, 1803, and to this marriage were born eight children, viz: Melicent and Mark, still living; Anna Jane, who died November 23, 1861, aged twenty-five years and five months; Joshua, who died March 21, 1888, when forty-eight years, three months and twenty-four days old; Mary, who was married to John McGirr, and died March 28, 1890, aged fifty-eight years, two months and eighteen days; Benjamin, who died July 14, 1890, aged sixty-two years, five months and two days, and John, who died June 7; 1897, at the age of fifty-five years. Samuel C. Reeves, the father of this family, passed away December 17, 1883, at the age of eighty years, six months and thirteen days, and his widow died July 25, 1885, aged eighty-two years, one month and twenty-one days, all the family having been adherents of the Quaker society. John McGirr, father of Henry C., was born in Stark county, Ohio, March 15, 1825, learned the spinning-wheel trade, later engaged in stair building, and also did some carpenter work, and is now engaged in the manufacture of extension ladders. November 6, 1850, he married Miss Mary Reeves, a daughter of Samuel and Ann (Ellyson) Reeves, to which union were born seven children, viz: Thomas, of Deerfield township; Webster and Albert, of Iowa; Henry C., whose name opens this article; Sarah A. and Benjamin R., of Iowa, and Charles, who died in infancy, all of whom were reared in the Quaker faith. Henry C. McGirr lived on the home farm until fifteen years of age, receiving in the meanwhile a good common-school education, and then hired out among the neighboring farmers until twenty-four years old. In 1886 he began farming for himself in Stark county, and June 9, 1887, married Miss Maggie Pickens, born in Stark county, January 2, 1866, a daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Brown) Pickens, and this union has been blessed with two children-Edna May and Myrtle Ivy. In 1891, Mr. McGirr rented the present farm in Deerfield township, Portage county, where he has ever since been most successfully engaged as a tiller of the soil. Samuel Pickens, father of Mrs. Maggie McGirr, was born in Franklin county, Pa., March 8, 183o. He is a carpenter by trade, and married, September 15, 1850, Miss Nancy Brown, who was born August 12, 1829, and to this union were born three children, viz: William H., Susie, wife of Joseph Balmat, and Maggie, now Mrs. McGirr. Mr. Pickens enlisted as a volunteer, in company I, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, in 1862, and served two years. The 824 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD family are members of the Reformed church, and the parents still reside in Stark county. Henry C. McGirr has a very pleasant home in Deerfield township, and he and wife are among the most respected residents of the township, Mr. McGirr being one of the steady-going, intelligent farmers who always lend a dignity to the calling of a husbandman, and advance the prosperity of any community in which they may chance to cast their lot. RICHARD H. McGOWAN, a prominent farmer and highly esteemed resident of Deerfield township, was born October 6, 1833, in Smith township, Columbiana (now Mahoning) County, Ohio, son of Adam and Mary (Davis) McGowan. Adam McGowan was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1802, lived all his life on the same farm, and died in 1866. In 1828, he married Miss Mary Davis, a native of Wales, daughter of John and Mary (Humphreys) Davis. To them were born seven children: Richard H., Adam, third, Theresa, wife of William Foutz; Eliza Jane, wife of Stewart Taylor, deceased; Peter H., Thomas, and J. Miller, deceased. Of the eleven children of Adam McGowan, first, and Elizabeth Miller, but one, Deborah, wife of Ebenezer Hoadley, who resides in Indiana, survives. The others were: Eliza, Polly, wife of E. Hubbard; Ann, wife of Jacob Hartzell; Elizabeth, wife of Joshua Calvin; Beniah, who was shot in California during the gold fever; Samuel, John, Adam, second; Rachael, wife of Peter Hartzell; Rebecca, wife of Samuel Walker. Our subject's maternal grandparents were Welsh people who came to this country in 1820, and settled in Mahoning county, Ohio, where they acquired a large farm. They had eight children; two of them, John and Thomas, survive. The others were Mary Ann, wife of Thomas Gray; Mrs. McGowan; Jane, wife, first, of Martin Becket, and, second, of David Borden; Margaret, wife of William Wharton; Elizabeth, wife of Hiram Hoadley, and Ann, who died during the twelve weeks' voyage across the ocean. Richard H. McGowan was reared on his father's farm, in Mahoning county, receiving the common-school education afforded by the public schools of that place and period. This he supplemented by a course in Mount Union college, and in the fall of 1854 he began teaching school. For two years he was thus occupied and May 1, 1856, he married Miss Harriet Mowen, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Roodasell) Mowen. Five daughters, all of whom are living, have graced this union: Cora May, wife of Alonzo Baldwin, of Rootstown, Ohio; Mary I., wife of C. Pettit, who resides in Kansas; Elizabeth O., wife of William Waithman, of Mahoning county; Rosa A., wife John Calvin, of Cleveland, and Lula, wife of John Robb, of Deerfield. Most of Mr. McGowan's life has been passed in agricultral pursuits, although he has not occupied the old home farm all of that time. For eight years after their marriage, the McGowans resided on the home farm, and then moved to Van Buren county, Mich., where for ten years they lived on a farm, during part of which time Mr. McGowan worked in a blast furnace. In 1875 they moved to Deerfield, remaining a year, after which they moved to Atwater, Ohio. While here our subject held the elective offices of township assessor and supervisor, and followed farming and saw-milling. In 1888 the family moved back to Deerfield, where they have since resided on the farm, being prominent among the most substantial and highly regarded familes of the community. Both Mr. and Mrs. McGowan are members and active supporters of the Disciples' church, at Deerfield, in which the former has held the office of deacon. OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 825 CHARLES C. MEAD, a thriving farmer of Boston township, and an old soldier of the Civil war, was born in Springfield township, Summit county, Ohio, January 14, 1846, a son of Abner R. and Barbara (Klofinstein) Mead. He springs from old New England ancestry, of English descent on his father's side, and from French ancestors on his mother's side. Charles C. Mead received a good common-school education, and was reared to farming. He enlisted, at sixteen years of age, in 1862, at Peninsula, Ohio, under Capt. Means A. L. Conger, recruiting officer, for three years, or during the war, but being under age, the mustering officer would not accept him. He tried again, in the winter of 1862-3, to enlist in the Twenty-first battery, but was again rejected, as he was taken sick with measles—which rendered him deaf. He finally succeeded in enlisting, July 19, 1864, at Cleveland, Ohio, for three years, or during the war, in company A, Second Ohio cavalry, and was honorably discharged at Benton barracks, St. Louis, Mo., September 1, 1865, the war having closed. He was in Sheridan's command, and served under Gens. Wilson and Custer. He was in the battle of Opequan Creek, at Winchester, which was Sheridan's first engagement. Mr. Mead was through many skirmishes, being nearly every day under fire. He was in the battle of Cedar Creek, which was desperately fought, and in which the Second Ohio cavalry took an active part. This was, in reality, the battle of Winchester, to which point Gen. Sheridan made his famous ride from Winchester, twenty miles away. Mr. Mead saw Sheridan on the battle field as he rode up. The Second Ohio cavalry had escorted Sheridan to the railroad train about two days before. Mr. Mead was in the great raids down the Shenandoah valley, in which all the barns, straw stacks, and all the mills that could give food to the enemy, were destroyed. The dwellings alone were excepted, but many of these were burned by accident. Sheridan said that a " crow could not fly over the valley without his rations with him." Mr. Mead also assisted in the defeat of Early, and was always an active soldier, and in all the battles, raids, skirmishes and marches in which his regiment was engaged, except when sick in hospital, two months, at Baltimore and Philadelphia, with typhoid fever. He was not wounded, nor a prisoner, and endured the hardships and privations of war with fortitude. After the war, Mr. Mead returned to Ohio and married, in Richfield township, Summit county, Miss Julia A. Carter, of Boston township, a daughter of William and Emeline (Gillett) Carter. William Carter was born in Ohio and his children were Charles, Prof. William, a prominent school man, Albert, Edwin, Fanny, Julia, Nettie and Lilly. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mead first located in Richfield township and moved to his present farm about twenty years since, where he has a pleasant home. In politics he is independent and voted with the free-silver democrats in 1896. He is an honored member of George L. Waterman post, G. A. R., at Peninsula, Ohio, and has always been an industrious and respected citizen. Abner R. Mead, father of subject, was born in Vermont, a son of Ira Mead, a pioneer of Summit county, Ohio, and came to Ohio when young. He married, in Summit county, Miss Barbara Klofinstein, daughter of Christopher Klofinstein, who was born in France and who was a teacher of foreign languages. His children were Joseph, Truman, Charles C., B. Frank, Cynthia, Mary, Martha, Flora, and Josie. Joseph was a private of Capt. Coulter's battery, and was among the missing, supposed to be drowned in the Ohio river. Abner R. went to Kansas and there lived about 826 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD fifteen years, but returned and died in Summit county. He was at one time a prominent farmer of Richfield township, and on one occasion, with his brothers and father, who were all potters as well as farmers, discovered a valuable bank of potter's clay in Springfield township, and they were the first to open the manufacture of pottery in that township. The following congratulating address to the Third cavalry division, issued by order of General Custer, at the close of the war, is self-explanatory: HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION, APPOMATTOX COURT HOUSE, VA., APRIL 9, 1865. Soldiers of the Third Cavalry Division: With profound gratitude toward the god of battles, by whose blessings our enemies have been humbled, and our arms rendered triumphant, your commanding general avails himself of this, his first opportunity, to express to you his admiration of the heroic manner in which you have passed through the series of battles, which to-day resulted in the surrender of the enemy's entire army. The records established by your indomitable courage is unparalleled in the annals of war. Your prowess has won for you even the respect and the admiration of your enemies. During the past four months, although in most instances confronted by superior numbers, you have captured from the enemy, in open battle, one hundred and eleven pieces of field artillery, sixty-five battle-flags, and upwards of ten thousand prisoners of war, including seven general officers. Within the past ten days, and included in the above, you have captured forty-six pieces of artillery, and thirty-seven battle-flags. You have never lost a gun; never lost a color, and have never been defeated; and, notwithstanding the numerous engagements in which you have borne a prominent part, including those memorable battles of the Shenanhoah, you have captured every piece of artillery which the enemy had dared to open upon you. The near approach of peace renders it improbable that you will again be called upon to undergo the fatigues of the toilsome march, or the exposure of the battle field, but should the assistance of keen blades, wielded by your sturdy arms, be required to hasten the coming of that glorious peace, for which we have so long been contending, the general commanding is proudly confident that, in the future, as in the past, every demand will meet with a hearty and willing response. Let us hope that our work is done, and that, blessed with the comforts of peace, we may be permitted to enjoy the pleasures of home and friends. For our comrades who have fallen, let us ever cherish a grateful remembrance. To the wounded, and those who languish in southern prisons, let our heartfelt sympathy be tendered. And now, speaking for myself alone, when the war is ended, and the task of the historian begins—when those deeds of daring, which hove rendered the name and fame of the Third cavalry division imperishable, are inscribed upon the bright pages of our country's history, I only ask that my name may be written as that of the commander of the Third cavalry division. G. A. CUSTER, Brevet Major-General Commanding. Official. L. W. BARNHART, Capt. & A. A. A. G. LEELAND A. MERWIN, a retired farmer of Nelson township, Portage county, Ohio, and residing in Garrettsville, was born in Nelson township, September 29, 1840, a son of Leeland P. and Mary E. (King) Merwin, the former of whom was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., September 18, 1803, a son of Dr. Jesse and Sallie Merwin, pioneers of Portage county, Ohio. Dr. Jesse Merwin was of New England ancestry and came from New York state to Ohio in 1821, settling in Nelson township, Portage county, where he cut the first timber and cleared up the first farm from the wilderness. He was a practicing physician and was well known throughout the surrounding coun- OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 827 try, the pioneers fully appreciating his ability and skill. His son, Leeland P. Merwin, father of subject, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., September 18, 1803, and came to Ohio with his father in 1821, being at that time about eighteen years of age. He assisted in clearing up the Nelson township homestead, and a few years later married Miss Mary E. King, to which union were born Louisa, Sallie, Helen, Hannah, Martha, Van B., Leeland A., John C. and Todd S. All the sons were soldiers in the late Civil war—John C. and Leeland A. having served in the Second Ohio cavalry and Todd S. in the Sixth; Van B. was in the 100-day service, was captured by John Morgan at Cynthiana, Ky. , but was held two days only. Beside these four brothers of the Merwin family, a brother of Mrs. Merwin served throughout the same struggle. Her sister, Angeline, married Harry Daily, and Mr. Merwin's sister, Sallie, married Henry Merwin, and these two gentlemen were also soldiers who fought in defense of the Union. The father of this family was called to rest November 18, 1887, honored by all who knew him. Leeland A. Merwin, just before his twenty-first birthday, left the Nelson township homestead and enlisted, in Windham township, September 25, 1861, in company G, Second regiment, Ohio volunteer cavalry, to serve three years, and continued in the army until honorably discharged at Baxter Springs, Kans. , October 10, 1862. He fought against Quantrell's guerrillas through all the border counties in Missouri and Kansas and in the Indian territory, taking part in many skirmishes. He suffered a great deal from typhoid-pneumonia, contracted from exposure and sleeping on the ground in swampy localities, and was confined in the hospital at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., for six weeks, when he rejoined his regiment at Fort Scott, but two months later, on account of disability, was discharged at the place and time above mentioned. When not confined by illness, Mr. Merwin was always prompt and cheerful in the performance of his military duties and was a good and brave soldier. On his return to Ohio, Mr. Merwin attended Hiram institute two terms and then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed ten or twelve years, and then settled on the old Nelson township homestead of about 123 acres, which he stills owns, but from the active and practical care of which he retired to Garrettsville in 1892, The marriage of Mr. Merwin took place in Vienna township, Trumbull county, Ohio, June 5, 1873, to Miss Margaret J. Lyon, who was born in Clarion county, Pa., a daughter of John B. and Catherine (McNaughton) Lyon, parents of the following-named children: James S., Calvin W., Franklin, Thomas, Angeline, Margaret J., Barbara A. and Ellen. The father, John B. Lyon, was a farmer, was a republican in politics, and two of his sons, James S. and Franklin, served during the Civil war, in a regiment of Pennsylvania volunteer infantry—Franklin dying from wounds received in battle and his remains being interred at City Point, Va. The father, who descended from one of the oldest pioneer families of the Keystone state, was born in 1815 and died in 1894. His daughter (Mrs. Merwin) is a lady of great natural abilities, is a member of Ora Rebekah lodge, No. 240, I. O. O. F., of Garrettsville, held the office of president of the state assembly from 1895 to 1896, and has been presented by the state lodge with a beautiful emblem of solid gold, set with seven diamonds, as a testimonial of her gracious conduct and administrative impartiality. In politics Mr. Merwin is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has filled the office of township trustee two years, is a member of Mark Horton post, G. A. R., at Garrettsville, in which 828 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD he has served as junior and senior vice-commander, and is also a member of Portage lodge, No. 456, I. O. O. F., at Garrettsville, in which he has filled all the chairs, including that of noble grand. In religion, the family affiliate with the Congregational church, and is one of the most highly esteemed in Nelson township. NEWTON SPERRY, a prominent citizen and one of the wealthiest farmers of Streetsboro, Ohio, descends from one of the New England pioneer families of the Western Reserve, and is of sterling English ancestry. Lyman Sperry, grandfather of Newton Sperry, was born in Woodbury, Conn., and he first married Deborah Newton, to which union were born the following-named children: Amadeus, Mary, Amanda, Phebe and Adna. After the death of his first wife, Lyman married Lydia Peck, and the children born to this marriage were Lyman, Lydia, Elizabeth L., Levinus, Lewis, Ira P., Samuel, Ebenezer, and Dr. Willis, the last two born in Ohio. Lyman Sperry moved with his family to Ohio in 1819, making the journey with horse and ox-teams—quite a party coming together. Lyman Sperry settled on the north line of Tallmadge, a little east of Monroe Falls. He bought a lot of 160 acres, which he cleared from the woods, aided by his sons. He and wife were members of the Congregational church, and in politics Mr. Sperry was a whig. He died on his farm, quite an aged man, greatly honored for his integrity of character. Amadeus Sperry, father of Newton, was born in Woodbury, Conn., March 16, 1798, and March 22, 1819, married Esther Upson, who was born November 25, 1799. They came to Ohio on their wedding trip, with the Lyman Sperry party, in 1819. Andrew settled on forty acres, a part of his father's tract of 160 acres, which he cleared up, sold, and bought too acres, in 1834, in Streetsboro township, Portage county, all in the woods. His sons cleared this land, as Mr. Sperry lived but eight years after settling in Portage county, his death taking place September 18, 1842, aged about forty-four years. He and wife were members of the Presbyterian church, of Tallmadge, and the Presbyterian church at Streetsboro, and in politics Mr. Sperry was a whig. He was a man of sterling worth and straightforward character. Mrs. Sperry died September 12, 1866, aged sixty-seven years, a woman of many virtues. Their children were Newton, Lucius, Mary, Clark, Alonzo, Ornan, Olive E., Eunice and Celia M. Newton Sperry was born in Tallmadge township, on the old Sperry homestead, September 2, 1821. He is entirely self-educated, and by his home study acquired much practical information, being possessed of unusual intelligence. He began work at clearing when a small boy, and when but twelve years of age was hired out to a farmer in Tallmadge to drive a yoke of oxen and plow, and even at that early age could do a full day's work, and plowed, at this age, with James Chamberlain for Andrew Treat. As he was the eldest son, he had to work young; when he was twenty-one years old, his father died and he was left with the care of his mother and eight children, and the homestead was not yet paid for; he, therefore, worked with great perseverance to support the family and pay for the farm. Mr. Sperry married, May 13, 1849, in Aurora township, Lucy L. Cannon, who was born July 8, 1825, at Kirkland, Lake county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Lydia (Rice) Cannon. John Cannon was born January 11, 1787, in Blanford, Mass., of sterling Scotch ancestry. The name was originally Carnahan, OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 833 and the genealogy is traced to the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. His parents were John and Mary Cannon, whose family consisted of eight children, viz: John, Stephen, George, Eli—one daughter who married a Cochran, one who married a Spencer, Lucy L., and Polly, who married Charles Starr. John Cannon came with his mother, brothers and sisters to Ohio in 1806, when he was a boy. The farm had been selected by his brother Stephen, in 1804, in the southwest part of Aurora township. He made some improvements, and in 1806 returned for his mother and the children, and on the 20th, with a genuine pioneer outfit, a huge wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen, lead by a trusty horse, upon which the young pioneers of the family took turns riding, and for forty days they continued their march, crossing hills, scaling mountains, wading swamps, threading forests, in the early days of December, and, all tired out, they made their home in the woods of Ohio. John Cannon and his brother Eli were both soldiers in the war of 1812. John was in the regular United States service three years near the Niagara river. He had a good education for his time and taught school in Darrowville, and there he married, September 10, 1820, Lydia Rice, who was born February 2, 1787, in Massachusetts. She was a school-teacher in Darrowville, and came from Massachusetts with William Blair and family to Painesville, Ohio. John Cannon lived in Painesville for five years on fifty acres of land, and in after life lived in Aurora, Northampton and Streetsboro as a farmer. His children were Lucy L. and Norman S. Mr. Cannon was a Methodist in religion and democrat in politics, but became a republican during the war. He was a man of good character and temper and very upright. He died April 1, 1872, aged eighty-five years, his wife having died November 2, 1868, the death of both occurring at the home of Newton Sperry. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sperry settled on the farm which he had bought and paid for, consisting of 110 acres, and which was the old home of his father. He had also assisted his mother to bring up her family. Mr. Sperry prospered and eventually became the owner of 600 acres, and was one of the most substantial farmers in Streetsboro township, and still owns a fine estate of 370 acres. This property he has acquired by his thrift and sturdy industry and sagacity, working every day early and late, and is an entirely self-made man. Mrs. Sperry died October 24, 1896, a member of the Presbyterian church at Streetsboro, of which Mr. Sperry has been an elder for twelve years, and was deacon several years, and to the support of which he always liberally contributed. In politics he is a prohibitionist, being a strong temperance man. Mr. Sperry is well preserved and a man of active manner, and has always been well-known for his straightforward honesty of character. Mrs. Sperry was a woman of marked character and strong personality, of great industry and perseverance and for eight years cared for her parents in their declining years. The children born to Newton and Lucy L. (Cannon) Sperry are Alice E., wife of William J. McDowell, an agriculturist, of Woodstock, Ill., with a family of four living children—Laney A., Emma M., William A. and Elmer N., and one deceased, Mary S. Arthur N., was married, but is now deceased, having left two children—Robert M. and Arthur G. Fred A., a carpenter and builder at Colorado Springs, Colo., was first married to Fannie E. Kerr, of Tallmadge township, and had three children—Berrie L., Ethel B. (deceased), and Marjorie A.—and after the death of his first wife in Colorado, October 12, 1895, married Mrs. Fannie A. Beebe, of Des Moines, Iowa. 834 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Lucy E. is at home with her father, is a member of the Presbyterian church, is president of the C. E. society, secretary of the local union of the W. C. T. U., and is superintendent of the L. T. I. department, W. C. T. U., for Portage county. WILLIAM T. MENDENHALL, of the firm of Mendenhall & Shuman, the well-known furniture dealers and undertakers, of Atwater, Portage county, Ohio, was born in Chester county, Pa., May 8, 1832, a son of Stephen and Mary (Thomas) Mendenhall, also natives of the Keystone state. Stephen Mendenhall and wife were the parents of five children, viz: Margaret (deceased), William T. (subject), Edwin D., Maria and Thomas C. In 1834, accompanied by his wife, and Pennsylvania-born children, Mr. Mendenhall crossed the mountains in a wagon, and in the course of four weeks arrived in Columbiana county, Ohio, where he bought a tract of land, cleared up a farm, built a log cabin, and engaged in his trade of wagon-making, and finally added carriage and buggy manufacturing; did a good business for a number of years, but eventually moved to Indiana, where his wife died in January, 1874, and where his own death also took place in November, 1894. William T. Mendenhall received his earlier education in the common schools of Columbiana county, and later attended high school in Marlboro, Stark couuty, then for a number of years worked at carriagemaking, and then came to Portage county, and for ten years operated a saw-mill in Randolph; for the twenty years following he was engaged in farming, and in 1883, settled in Atwater, where he entered into the furniture trade in partnership with Mr. Stanford; three years later Mr. Stanford sold his interest in the concern to E. M. Chapman, and in 1893, Mr. Chapman sold to Mr. Shuman, since when, the firm has been conducted under the title mentioned at the opening of this notice, and now does the largest house-furnishing business in the township, to which has been added a complete undertaking equipment. June 13, 1855, Mr. Mendenhall was married at Canton, Ohio, to Miss Asenath Michener, who was born in Goshen, Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1831, a daughter of James and Eliza Michener, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in the same year in which their daughter, Asenath, was born. To Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall have been born three children, viz: Carrie, now Mrs. D. S. Perkins; Nina, married to C. J. Stanford, and Ella, wife of Dr. C. S. Hiddleson, whose biography appears on another page. Mr. Mendenhall is a republican in politics, and has held the office of township trustee, for a period of six years. He is very popular personally, and his family, as well as himself, are among the most respectble residents of Atwater township. ELIAS MILLER, one of the most respected, old-time farmers of Bath township, Summit county, was born in Jackson township, Stark county, Ohio, March 12, 1824, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Williams) Miller, the former of whom was born October 5, 1796, and was a son of George Miller, who was born November 7, 1763. Peter Miller married Miss Mary Williams, February 13, 1823, and came to Bath township, Summit county, in 1838, and settled on a farm, one-half mile east of the center thereof, where he continued to follow his life-long vocation as an agriculturist, and attained a OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 835 considerable degree of popularity and influence with his fellow-townsmen, whom he served as township trustee, school director, and justice of the peace, having been elected by the republican party. In religion, he was converted to the Evangelical faith fourteen years prior to his death, and was a consistent member of the church of that name. He lost his wife, Mary, in 1826. She had borne him two children—Elias, the subject of this biography, and Robert S., who died in infancy. For his second helpmate, he married Nancy Sprankle, who gave birth to three children—James, Joseph (died in infancy), and Milton, the death of Peter Miller occurring March 31, 1867. Elias Miller was tolerably well educated in the district schools of Stark and Summit counties, and was reared by his father to the honorable and noble pursuit of agriculture. He married, April 16, 1848, Miss Sarah Sprankle, who was born June 16, 1827, a daughter of Jacob Sprankle, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1798. Mrs. Sarah Miller died of a tumor, May 10, 1895, the mother of the following-named children: Jacob S., born November 12, 1849—died of consumption of the lungs, May 7, 1878; Etta Ann, who was born November 28, 1851, was married to Wait Hopkins, and died of a tumor, January 13, 1896; Nancy, born December 18, 1854, now the wife of Daniel Mull, and a resident of Cleveland; Mary A., who was born February 27, 1857, is married to Newton Hockett, and resides in Bath township; Ama G., born February 19, 1859, died of typhoid fever, October 3, 1871; Dora, born June 13, 1864, was married to John Rothrick, and died of consumption of the lungs, July 18, 1892, and Peter Milten, born in Bath township, February 6, 1867, died of consumption of the bowels, October 22, 1885. The subject of this sketch was married again, April 11, 1897, to Margaret A. Drushal, which was her maid- en name, but who was twice married before she married Elias Miller—first to Samuel Tinsler, and secondly to William Watts. Mr. Miller had led a very active and industrious life, having cleared up nearly all of his 130-acre farm and made all the improvements, the buildings being substantial and neat and tasty in appearance, while the farm itself, which is situated three-fourths of a mile east of the center of Bath, presents an aspect of thrift and good management unsurpassed by any farm of its dimensions in Bath township. In politics Mr. Miller affiliates with the republican party. He has long been a member of and leader in the Evangelical church, and fraternally is a member of Richfield lodge, No. 266, F. & A. M., in which he has held the chair of junior deacon. He is now living in comparative retirement in Homer township, Medina county, Ohio, having done no practical farm work for the past ten years, his ample means affording him the privilege of enjoying in ease the fruits of his early industry, although he keeps a general oversight in the management of his estate. He is an honorable and upright gentleman in every sense of these words, and holds with a lasting tenure the respect of his neighbors. WILLIAM B. MICLE, long arespected resident of Aurora township, Portage county, Ohio, and for over three years a soldier of the Civil war, was born in Pottsdam, Saint Lawrence county, N. Y., a son of Benjamin W. and Mary (Hoggett) Micle, who were of French descent and had a family of four children, viz: Malinda, Emma, George and William B. The family early came to Ohio, but the parents some years afterward returned to the state of New York, where the father 836 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD passed the remainder of his life, and died at about the age of forty-five years. William B. Micle, when about nine years old, was brought to Aurora township by his parents, received a good common-school education, and was reared a farmer. October 7, 1861, he enlisted, at Streetsboro, in company F, Forty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until honorably discharged, November 19, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio. He fought in seven rebel states during this period—Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas—and among other battles in which he took part were those of Middle Creek, Chickasaw Heights, Fort Hinman, Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge and Vicksburg, and was, beside, in several severe skirmishes, but passed through all without a wound, although several rifle-balls passed through his clothing. Mr. Micle is small of stature, being but five feet, three inches in height, and weighing but 137 pounds, yet he endured the long marches better than the large men, many of whom fell in the ranks from fatigue. His hardest march was with Gen. Morgan, from Cumberland Gap to the Ohio river, a distance of 237 miles, many skirmishes occurring on the way. The troops were without regular rations and subsisted on the forage of a very poor country. The rebels captured all the stragglers, and blockaded all the roads, and when the troops reached the Ohio river, they were dirty, ragged, shoeless and hungry, a little green corn having sustained Mr. Micle through the march. On two occasions he marched with his company 700 miles, and while many a robust soldier fell exhausted, Mr. Micle came through intact. He was not in the hospital, excepting about three weeks in the early part of his service, when he was suffering from measles, although for four months, during the latter part of his term, he suffered from chronic diarrhea, yet did not leave his company. Mr. Micle was united in marriage, January 14, 1869, at Shalersville, Portage county, with Miss Margaret J. English, who was born at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, in 1851, a daughter of John and Martha (Piburn) English. John English came to America shortly after the birth of his daughter, Margaret J. , and settled in Shalersviile, where he engaged in saw-milling. His children were seven in number, and were named Eliza, Martha, Elizabeth, Hattie L., Margaret J., Joseph and John, and of these, Joseph was in the three months' service in the late war. Mr. English departed this life in Shalersville, at the age of sixty-four years, a respected citizen, and an industrious, temperate, honest man. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Micle, have been born the following-named children: John, Henry, Eugene Arthur, Harry, Maud and Maggie. Since the war Mr. Micle has been much disabled, and for a year at a time has been unable to do any work. Generally, he has engaged in teaming in Shalersville, Ravenna, Newburg and Aurora, having lived in the last-named place since 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Micle are consistent members of the Disciples' church, and in politics Mr. Micle is independent, voting for the candidate he deems to be best fitted for office. He is a quiet, unassuming, honest man, and is held in great respect in the community in which he lives. GIDEON H. MILLS, JR., of Twinsburg, Ohio, an old soldier of the Civil war, springs from old New England ancestry, of Holland-Dutch stock, and is the seventh generation of his family named Gideon. Gideon Mills, grandfather of subject, was one of the pioneers of Hudson, and Gideon OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 837 Mills, father of subject, came with his father, when a boy, to Hudson, Ohio. The last-named Gideon was reared a farmer, and married Matilda Case, daughter of Gideon and Temperance (Minor) Case, and to this union were born six children, viz: Julia. Lucy, Gideon, Eliza 0., Almon D. and Harlow. Mr. Mills located in Streetsboro, where he cleared up a farm. He enlisted as a soldier in the Civil war in the fall of 1861—probably September—for three years, and had nearly served out his time when he was honorably discharged on account of disability, and returned to Streetsboro. His first wife died, and he next married, in Streetsboro, Mary Wilcox, and- they were the parents of two children--Edward and William. Mr. Mills was a member of the Congregational church, and in politics was a Whig and republican. He was an honored and respected citizen, a well-known and substantial farmer and owned a good farm, and died at the age of eighty-four years. Gideon H. Mills, Jr., was born October 29, 1834, at Twinsburg, Ohio, received a common-school education and became a farmer. He enlisted in Capt. George Wetmore's Ninth Ohio independent battery, November 2, 1861, to serve three years or during the war, was promoted to corporal in 1863 and re-enlisted in the same organization as a veteran volunteer February I I, 1864, at Tullahoma, Tenn., and was honorably discharged July 25, 1865, at Camp Cleveland, Ohio. He was in the battles of Mill Springs, Cumberland Gap, Franklin, Tenn., second battle of Franklin, Tazewell, Tyrone, Nashville, Stone River, Tullahoma, and Chattanooga, and several others, fifteen battles in all. His service was principally in Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama, and he was always an active soldier, prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duty. He kept a memorandum in a diary of each day's events while in the army, which is of great interest. He was not sick in hospital nor wounded, nor a prisoner, but was all the time with his battery, although he was ruptured in 1863. After the war Mr. Mills returned to Summit county, and married, January 22, 1868, in Twinsburg township, Sarah White, widow of Elisha White (nee Sarah Lane), daughter of Luman and Irene (Thomas) Lane. Luman Lane was born at Killingworth Conn., in 1796, and came on foot to Ohio, with a pack on his back, in 182o, when a young man of twenty-four years, in company with Hanford White, the father of Elisha White, the first husband of Mrs. Mills, and located at the place now occupied by our subject, then all woods. They built a cabin and lived together nearly two years, as bachelors, when Luman Lane married Irene Thomas, who came from Connecticut with Ethan Ailing and family. He cleared up a farm of too acres and made a good home. His children were Charles, Albert, Augusta, Edward, Emeline and Sarah. Mrs. Lane died and he married Emma Parrish, and they had one child—Philena. Mr. Lane was an honored pioneer and upright man. He lived to be eighty-two years old, and died a member of the First Congregational church at Twinsburg, and in politics was a republican. Gideon H. Mills, Jr., after marriage, first lived on the White farm and then twelve years in Hudson township, where he bought 106 acres; then returned to the White farm, bought a lot and built a feed-mill, cider-mill and a factory, and for twenty years ran a threshing machine and a portable saw-mill. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mills are Lottie P., and Gideon L. Lottie P. is the wife of George M. Wall, a bookkeeper of Wilmington, Del. They have one son and daughter, Adelbert, Marion. Gideon L. is a resident of Solon, Ohio, and is an engineer; he married 838 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Miss Electa Sheets, a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Mills were pupils in the Rev. Samuel Bissel's Twinsburg institute, and are now members of the Twinsburg Congregational church, in which he has held the office of deacon. In politics he is a republican, casting his first presidential vote for Gen. John C. Fremont, is a member of the W. T. Sherman post, G. A. R., at Hudson, and has held the office of vice-commander. He is a member of the school board, and for two years was a supervisor. Mr. Mills is a veteran of the late war, with a fine military record. The famous John Brown of Kansas was a relative of Mr. Mills, John Brown's mother having been a sister of 'Squire Gideon Mills of Hudson, the grandfather of our subject. The Mills are of Holland-Dutch stock. The first of the name was Peter Walter Mulen, as the name was spelled, who came from Holland to America. Gideon Mills, Jr., and Samuel Bediant made the first traction engine, at Hudson, and ran this engine twenty years. JOHN B. MOECK, an ex-soldier of the late Civil war and a well known resident of Streetsboro, Portage county, Ohio, is a native of Germany, born in Wurtemberg November 12, 1830, ason of John and Margaret (Ruetz) Moeck. He received a good education in the excellently managed public schools of his native city, and then learned the butchering business. In the latter part of May, 1851, he embarked at Havre, France, on board the A i swift-sailing packet ship Isabel for New York, and landed in that city July 2, after a short passage, for those days, of a little more than thirty days. He readily found employment and worked in New York city, Albany, N. Y., Philadelphia, Pa., and then for a few years in Bucks county, Pa. In March, 1862, Mr. Moeck came to Ohio and worked in Stowe township, Summit county, then moved to Brimfield township, where he lived until his enlistment, October 2, 1862, at Cleveland, in company C, Sixth Ohio cavalry, Maj. Bingham commanding, for nine months, but served ten, and was honorably discharged, at Cleveland, July 29, 1863. He was assigned to the army of the Potomac and took part in the destructive raid through the Shenandoah valley. He fought at Kelly Fort, Va., was in the charge on Fort Thompson, was in the battle at Cross Roads, and the engagements at Warrenton, and was in many brisk skirmishes during Gen. Stoneman's famous raid. At Stoneman's headquarter's, Mr. Moeck's company acted as body guards, and its members were selected as bearers of dispatches, according to trustworthiness and daring, and in this hazardous service Mr. Moeck met with many adventures and hairbreadth escapes from capture. He endured many hardships and privations, and at one time, when his boots were burnt up by accident in camp, was barefoot for a whole week in cold weather. He was taken sick and was in field hospital on the Potomac river for about a month, was then taken to Washington, D. C., and thence sent to Cleveland, where he was discharged at the date mentioned above, and given transportation to Ravenna, where he was confined to his bed for three months, and after recovering engaged in farm work. Mr. Moeck married in Ravenna, October 15, 1863, Mrs. Barbara Shaffer, who was born April 2, 1845, in Germany, a daughter of John and Mary (Mades) Shaffer. John Shaffer was a farmer in Baden province, Germany, and Owned his land, which had been in the family for generations. To his marriage with Miss Mades, daughter of Jacob Mades, a farmer, were born Joseph (who died at twenty-four years of age), Mary, Visula, Mary A., Elizabeth, Catherine, Eva and Barbara. Mr. OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 839 Shaffer died March 25, 185o, when his daughter Barbara (now Mrs. Moeck) was but five years of age, and when six years old she came with her sister, Mary, to America. She was reared by strangers in Randolph, Portage county, Ohio, and at the age of eighteen years she became the bride of Mr. Moeck. After marriage, Mr. Moeck continued to reside in Ravenna until 1867, when he went to Minnesota, where he lived three months and then returned to Portage county and located in Kent, where he resided until 1879, when he came to Streetsboro and bought his present home. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Moeck has been blessed with one child—Rosa—who is married to William Shoemaker, and is the mother of one son, John. In politics Mr. Moeck is a republican. He and wife attend the Methodist church, although Mr. Moeck is in belief a Lutheran. He has always been an industrious, moral, temperate man, and is as good a citizen as he was a soldier. WALTER E. MOWEN, M. D., a physician and surgeon of Portage county, Ohio, was born July 31, 1856, in Deerfield, in the county named, and here he still has his residence, his ability in his profession being fully recognized by those among whom he was born and reared to manhood—a recognition not usually accorded professional men. He descends from a long line of American ancestors, of whom three generations, at least, have been residents of the Buckeye state. Daniel Mowen, the paternal grandfather of the doctor, was a native of Berks county, Pa., was a tailor by trade, but came at a very early day to Ohio and engaged in farming in Columbiana county, and later moved to Fredericksburg. To his marriage with Elizabeth Rudisall were born nine children, of whom six are still living, viz: Humphrey, T. R. (father of the doctor), both residing in Deerfield; Simeon J., of Chicago; Oliver P., of Deerfield; Harriet, wife of Richard McGowan, and Sophina, wife of Daniel Koons, of Cleveland. Of the three deceased, Nancy died April 8, 1857, at the age of nineteen years; Hiram, who was a soldier in the Civil war and died in Tennessee, and Samantha, the deceased wife of Orison Diver. The father of the family died April 9, 1845, a member of the Lutheran church, of which his deceased wife was also a member. Ephraim Hubbard, the maternal grandfather of the doctor, was born February ro, 1792, in Stratford, Conn., and in 1800 was brought to Ohio by his parents, who settled in Deerfield township, Portage county, where they purchased a farm. On this farm Ephraim was reared to manhood. He took part in the war of 1812, and later became a prominent citizen and a leader of men, representing his district in the state legislature two terms, and later serving for a number of years as chaplain in the state penitentiary, his political affiliations having first been with the whig party and later with the republican, and by the latter was elected to nearly all the township offices. He first married Miss Mary McGowan, who bore him eight children, of whom two are still living, viz: Mrs. T. R. Mowen, the mother of the subject of this sketch, and Mary, wife of Jesse L. Slack, of Deerfield. The deceased were Rebecca, wife of M. L. Streetor; Homer, Edgar, Cyrus, Horatius, and Samantha, who died suddenly in the railroad station at Alliance, the wife of Andrew Slack. Mrs. Mary (McGowan) Hubbard was also called away, dying in 1838, and Mr. Hubbard next married, in 1840, Mrs. Julia Reed, who bore him two children, viz: Alma, wife of Michael Edler, and Helen, who died in infancy. Mr. Hubbard died on his farm July 840 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 10, 1876, at the age of eighty-four years, and Mrs. Julia (Reed) Hubbard, his wife, departed this life a few years later, aged eighty-eight years, and both in the faith of the Disciples' church. The father of Ephraim B. Hubbard, above alluded to, was also named Ephraim B., was a resident of Dutchess county, N. Y., where he married Miss Mary Kidd, a niece of the famous Capt. Kidd, for whose supposed buried treasures visionaries are digging along the banks of the Hudson river, and elsewhere, up to the present day. From New York Mr. Hubbard came to Ohio and bought a tract of land near Deerfield, on which he died in 1825, at the age of sixty-one years, the father of four children--Sophia, who was married to Harvey Mills, of Nelson, Ohio; Ephraim B., subject's grandfather, and Stephen A., who became a minister of the Methodist church. T. R. Mowen, father of Dr. Walter E. Mowen, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, April 14, 1824, and when a small boy was bound out to a farmer, with whom he remained until he attained his majority, when he began work as a farm hand for the neighboring agriculturists, and through frugality was enabled to purchase his first farm in 1859, which was situated in Deerfield township, and on which he resided until 1887, when he retired to the town of Deerfield, where he had purchased a fine residence, and where he still resides in ease and comfort. The marriage of T. R. Mowen took place December 25, 1844, to Miss B. E. Hubbard, who was born January 3, 1824, a daughter of Ephraim B. and Mary (McGowan) Hubbard, of whom full mention is made in a foregoing paragraph. To this union there was but one child born--Dr. Walter E. Mowen—who still resides with his parents, and of whom further mention will be made in the paragraph following. T. R. Mowen and wife are devoted members of the Disciples' church, of which Mr. Mowen has been a deacon for more than thirty years, and no family in Deerfield is more highly esteemed than theirs. Dr. Walter E. Mowen, with whose name this biographical memoir is opened, was reared on his father's farm, which, to some extent, he assisted to cultivate, but the major portion of his early days was passed in attending the district school and Mount Union college, after which he engaged in selling farm machinery and agricultural implements until 1886, when he succumbed to an urgent desire to become a physician. Accordingly, in that year, he began reading under Dr. Oglesby, of Deerfield, and for six months was an assiduous student under his preceptorship; the next six months' study was had under Dr. C. M. Hoover, of North Benton, Ohio, and in the following fall he entered the Cleveland Medical college, where he studied three years, graduating March 9, 1889. He then returned to Deerfield and purchased the business which had been established by Dr. Henry Powers, and this he has since increased from year to year, until he has the longest list of patients of any physician in Deerfield. Dr. Mowen was united in marriage July 1, 1877, with Miss Alice B. Randall, daughter of H. S. and Sarah (Alberta) Randall, and this happy union has been blessed with four children, named, in order of birth, Don T., Clif S., Blanch and Ned W. The doctor and family are members of the Disciples' church at Deerfield, and Mr. and Mrs. Mowen are free contributors of their means to its support. Fraternally the doctor is a member of Charity lodge, F. & A. M., and also of the Cleveland Medical society. In politics he is an active republican, and is the present chairman of the republican township committee. The social standing of the doctor and his family is with the most respected of the residents of Deerfield township, and individually he is highly es- OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 845 teemed as a gentleman of integrity, morality, and unfailing• charity, reaching, in fact, the virtue of philanthropy. MRS. LAWSON WATERMAN, of Peninsula, Ohio, is one of the patriotic ladies of the Civil war. Her husband, Lawson Waterman, was born in Otsego county, N. Y.. at Decatur, January 21, 1811, and at the age of nineteen years went to Rochester, N. Y., where he was employed in a ship-yard. He went on the lakes as a sailor the following summer and for several years was engaged working in the ship-yard winters and sailing summers. He came to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1836, and here met Angelina C. Rogers, to whom he was married October 24, 1840. Immediately after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Waterman came to Peninsula, where Mr. Waterman died, after a short illness, September 21, 1892. There were two sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Waterman—George Lawson, who was born September 5, 1841, and who grew to manhood in Peninsula, and Lewis Rogers, who was born August 6, 1844, and died October 20, 1844. Mr. Waterman was a very charitable man, and no worthy person in need ever applied to him in vain. He was many years in the canal boat building business and prospered by his steady adherence to his vocation. He began a poor man at Peninsula, in 1838, but succeeded in establishing a large business, employed many men, built many canal boats, and in 1852 built the home where his widow now lives. He was a man of sterling integrity of character, and much respected by all who knew him. The home place consists of 300 acres of fine land, cleared from the woods. Politically a democrat, he was postmaster at Peninsula several years, also a member of the town board, and was township trustee; like wise a member of Meridian Sun lodge, No. 266, A. F. & A. M., West Richfield, Ohio. He lived to be nearly eighty-two years old, and was well known for his sterling qualities. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. H. H. Miller, from which is taken the following paragraphs: In his life Mr. Waterman was a man of charity. He was a friend to the poor. No worthy person in need ever applied to him for assistance in vain. Many there are who can testify of his charitable acts to them. He clothed the naked and fed the poor. I knew him but a few months, but those who knew him best give this testimony. In his giving he was very unostentatious. In a quiet way, his charity was bestowed. He has come down to a good ripe age. We can truly say of him: The world was better because he lived." His end was a gracious one; sick but a few days, suffering but little pain, he passed away as one going to sleep. He is in the hands of an all-wise and merciful God. Mrs. Angelina C. (Rogers) Waterman was born April 11, 1821, in Kingsville, Geauga county, Ohio, a daughter of James Whitelaw Rogers, who was born in Swanton, Franklin county, Vt., December 23, 1794, a son of George, who was born in Rhode Island of English descent, and Mary Whitelaw. March 3, 1816, he married Martha Thayer, of Batavia, N. Y., and their children were Malvina, Harriet, Angelina, Candace, John Randolph Maranda and Susan Ettelina. Mr. Rogers was a carpenter and joiner; and not long after marriage came to Ohio, but a few years later returned to New York, and died of fever in 1828 at Cold Creek, where he had bought a farm, at only thirty-four years of age. He was an industrious, hard-working man and a Universalist in religion. Mrs. Martha (Thayer) Rogers, daughter of Berick and Mary (Bingham) Thayer, was born in Williamstown, Berkshire county, Massachu- - 35 - 846 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD setts, January 14, 1799. She was a woman possessed of more than ordinary strength of character and perseverance, being left at her husband's death to battle the world alone, with a family of six children, the eldest being but twelve years of age, but she bravely met her task and succeeded in bringing them up respectably. She lived to see them all well settled in life, and respectable members of society. She returned to Ohio with her family in 1837, and settled in Cleveland, where she died February 28, 1864, at the age of sixty-five years; her remains now lie in Lakeview cemetery, Cleveland, by the side of two of her grandchildren. Mrs. Waterman is a member of the Episcopal church, and a lady of many virtues, well known for acts of charity, and much beloved. She is a woman of high patriotism and gave her only full-grown son as a soldier to his country. Her maternal grandfather, Berick Thayer, was a Revolutionary soldier and was also in the war of 1812. He was of a colonial family, married in Waterbury, Conn., Mary Bingham, and finally settled as a pioneer at Batavia, N. Y., and died there a respected citizen. Mrs. Thayer lived to be between ninety-eight years and ninety-nine years old. George Lawson, son of Lawson and Angelina Waterman, was born September 5, 1841, and was a boy of sterling and reliable characteristics, acquired a high-school education, and was in a commercial college at Cleveland when the Civil war broke out. He was a member of the Cleveland Greys and volunteered with his company for the three months' service at the first call of President Lincoln, and was the first soldier to enlist from Summit county. He left Cleveland with his company for the front, April 18, 1861, when he was but nineteen years of age. He took part in the first battle of Bull Run and was an active soldier, served out his three months' service without being disabled, and returned safely to Peninsula, being honorably discharged, and then, owing to the wishes of his mother, remained home one year, but could withstand his patriotism no longer and applied for and received a commission as second lieutenant August 22, 1862, recruited company C, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, at Peninsula, Ohio, and was mustered in at Massillon September 19, 1862. The ladies at Peninsula, as a token of the high esteem they had for him as a man and soldier, presented Lieut. Waterman with a beautiful sword. His company was assigned to guard duty at Cincinnati, Ohio. In the summer of 1863 they were sent to Dayton, Ohio, to preserve order, political disturbances having resulted in riot at that place. While there Lieut. Waterman secured leave of absence for himself and several comrades, for a visit home. On the evening of their departure, while awaiting the hour in their tents, a disturbance occurred which called them out, and Lieut. Waterman was shot by one of the ruffians. Although at first his wound was not considered even dangerous, it later became serious, and his mother was sent for, but all efforts to save his life proved futile, and death resulted September 19, 1863, just one year from the day the company was mustered. His mother remained to the end, and the remains were brought back to the old homestead, where the funeral was held. The services were conducted by Rev. T. B. Fairchild, and it was without doubt the largest funeral ever held in Peninsula. After his death the officers of the One Hundred and Fifteenth regiment passed resolutions in testimony of his character and sorrow at his removal, and the private soldiers did the same. The day he was shot he had received an appointment on the staff of Maj.-Gen. Cox, commander of the department of Cincinnati. His comrades who still linger on the shores OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 847 of time, when they came to organize, in Peninsula, the Grand Army of the Republic, perpetuated his memory, and in their hall may be seen the charter naming the organization "George L. Waterman post, No. 272." Although it is now thirty years since his demise, he yet lives in the hearts of his comrades, his friends, and, most of all, in the heart of his aged mother, who yet survives her husband and her son. Mrs. Waterman also had two nephews who served in the Civil war, to-wit: One, Edward I. Ranney, was a son of Moses and Maranda (Rogers) Ranney, and enlisted at the beginning and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 4, 1863; the other, Richard H. Snow, is a son of Palmer and Harriet (Rogers) Snow, who enlisted in the Second Ohio volunteer cavalry, served until the close of the war, and was then honorably discharged. The parents of Lawson Waterman, the husband and father, were Elisha and Diana (Young) Waterman. Elisha was a son of a Revolutionary soldier who served through the entire struggle of seven years. Elisha was born in Decatur, Otsego county, N. Y., in 1791, married Diana Young in 181o, enlisted at the opening of the war of 1812, and was taken prisoner by the British at the battle of Qneenstown, but was soon released on parole, and was eventually honorably discharged. To his marriage with Miss Young were born four children—Lawson, Onesimus, Marietta and Ellen. In 1843 he brought his family to Ohio and settled on a farm in York township, Medina county, where Elisha died. at the age of eighty-four years, and his wife at the age of eighty-six. Diana (Young) Waterman was also born in Decatur, N. Y., in 179o, a daughter of a soldier of the Revolution, and became the wife of a soldier of the war of 1812, and the grandmother of a soldier of the Civil war. The father of her husband was also a warrior in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Diana Waterman was one of nature's noblewomen, deeply beloved by her children and respected by all who knew her. SAMUEL R. MOORE, a prominent farmer of Deerfield township, Portage county, Ohio, and a veteran of the Civil war, was born in Meadville, Pa., October 1o, 183o, a son of James and Margaret (Finley) Moore, natives of Ireland, who, on first coming to America, located in Pittsburg, Pa., where the father followed his trade of stonemason for several years, and then went to Meadville, where he engaged in farming until 1835, when he brought his family to Ohio, settled in Mahoning county, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying on his farm, November 11, 1848, at the age of forty years; his widow survived until July, 1873, when she expired, at the age of eighty-one years—both in the faith of the Presbyterian church. To their marriage were born three children, viz: Samuel R., whose name opens this paragraph; Andrew, who resides in Nebraska, and James, who died in November, 1873, at the age of thirty-three years. Samuel R. Moore was educated in the common-schools, which was supplemented by an attendance of three months at the high-school at Waldron. He then taught school three winter terms, working during the summer months on his father's farm; he then devoted his entire attention to the assistance of his father, until the latter's death, the family having, during the interval, moved to Smith township, in the same county. He then managed the farm for his mother, until the outbreak of the rebellion, when he enlisted October 11, 1861, in company B, Sixty-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years, but December 31, 1863, was honorably discharged for the 848 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD purpose of enabling him to veteranize in the same organization, which design was consummated, January 1, 1864, the service of Mr. Moore extending to June 9, 1865, when he received his final honorable discharge, the war having been brought to a close. Mr. Moore took part in some of the severest engagements of the war, among which were those of Shiloh, Stone River .(where he was shot in the left shoulder, which confined him to the hospital two months); Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, and Peach Tree Creek, and others, besides skirmishes too numerous to mention, and was, beside, twice captured and imprisoned, at one time being confined for nearly eleven months in the foul stockade at Andersonville. When not held as a prisoner, or laid up with his wound, Mr. Moore was always promptly at his post of duty, was a brave and cheerful soldier, and ever ready to do his share of the dangerous work in the field, and with indomitable fortitude took part in all the marches, battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged while in the service. After the war, Mr. Moore returned to Mahoning county, resumed agricultural pursuits, and became an influential and popular citizen, being elected to serve as constable and township supervisor. In April, 1872, Mr. Moore was united in matrimony with Miss Ellen C. Cooper, and this union has been blessed with six children, viz: Annie T., James W., George L., and Howard B., at home; Bessie S., who is attending the high school at Deerfield, and Edward F., still under the parental roof. James Cooper, the father of Mrs. Ellen C. Moore, was born in Chambersburg, Pa., and when a young man was engaged in school-teaching, and also learned the trade of bricklaying. In 1831 he married Miss Susan Thom, who was born in Somerset county, Pa., in J814, and to this union were born six children, of whom four are still living, viz: Frank; Ellen C., now Mrs. Moore; James, of Somerset county, Pa., and Sylvester, of Iowa. Thomas died in Andersonville prison in 1864, and Samuel died in Tennessee in 1877, at the age of thirty years. James Cooper, the father, died in January, 1854, and his widow in January, 1892, at the advanced age of eighty years—the death of both occurring in Somerset county, Pa. In 1893, Samuel R. Moore brought his family to Deerfield township, Portage county, and here he bought the farm on which he still resides and which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Moore enjoy the good opinion of their neighbors to the fullest extent, and Mr. Moore is esteemed for his many fine personal qualities, while his services as a gallant defender of his country's flag, in the hour of peril, is never lost sight of. ARVAN MURPHRY, of Northfield township, Summit county, Ohio, with his post-office at Chaffee, Cuyahoga county, is an old soldier of the Civil war, was born in Onondago county, N. Y., May 26, 1847, a son of Thomas L. and Catherine (Hill) Murphry, of Irish ancestry. He received a common-school education, was reared to farming and teaming, and came to Cleveland, Ohio, when a small boy, and then came to Independence township, Cuyahoga county, Ohio. He enlisted at Cleveland, in 1863, when only sixteen years old, in company B, Twenty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years or during the war. He served two years on detached duty, guarding cattle in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky. He returned Cleveland and re-enlisted, January 16, 1865, in company B, One Hundred and Eighty-eighth regiment, Ohio OF PORTAGE AND SUMMIT COUNTIES - 849 volunteer infantry, to serve one year, or during the war, and was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., September 27, 1865. During a three days' rain in March, at Murfreesboro, he took a severe cold, and in June received a sunstroke in Tennessee, on a march between Murfreesboro and Tullahoma, and was sick in camp about two weeks, and this resulted in deafness. Mr. Murphry endured all the harships and vicissitudes of a soldier's life with courage, and was a good soldier. After the war, Mr. Murphry settled in Northfield township, and followed farming and teaming. He married June 25, 1894, in Lorain county, Ohio, Emma Miller, who was born November 18, 1865, in LaGrange, Lorain county, Ohio, a daughter of Warren and Esther (Underhill) Miller. Warren Miller was born in Ohio, of Pennsylvania-German ancestry. Dr. G. C. Underhill, grandfather of Mrs. Murphry, was born in Rutland, Vt., of English colonial descent. He was a surgeon in the Civil war, and a prominent physician in Lorain county, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Murphry, one child has been born—Edward L., July 15, 1895. Thomas L. Murphry, son of William, and father of subject, was a carpenter and ship builder and cabinetmaker, was born in county Wicklow, Ireland, married there, and came immediately after to America—first settling in New York state, and followed his trade, and farmed also. There were born to this marriage the following children: Francis D., William, Ulton, Urvan, Lois I. and Florence, and of these, Francis D. was also a soldier in the Civil war, serving in the Sixty-second Ohio volunteer infantry. Thomas L. moved to Ohio when our subject was a small boy, and worked in the ship-yard at Cleveland, where he lived three years, and then came to Independence township, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and engaged in farming. In politics he was a democrat, and a Catholic in religion, and lived to be sixty-five years old. Warren S. Miller was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, May 2 1 , 1 842 , a son of Samuel and Susan (Smith) Miller. Samuel Miller was a native of Wyoming county, Pa., and married there, and settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he had a good farm. Warren S. Miller was a farmer of LaGrange, Lorain connty, Ohio, having moved there with his parents when a small boy. His children were , Margaret, Lulu, Esther, Bernice, Eola and Emma. Mr. Miller is a Baptist in religion, is a respected citizen, and has held several townsip offices. In politics Urvan Murphry is a republican, and in religion he and wife are devoted to the faith of the Methodist church. They are highly respected in the community in which they live, and, individually, Mr. Murphry is regarded as one of the township's most industrious and useful citizens. WILLIS MYERS, a native of Streetsboro township, Portage county, Ohio, prominent farmer and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born on the farm on which he now resides, February 13, 1841, received a good common-school education, and was reared to the pursuit of agriculture. Stephen Myers, grandfather of Willis, was born in Wheeling, Va., whence he moved to Beaver county, Pa., where he married Catherine Graham, and to this union were born nine children—Stephen, John, Adam, Jacob, William, Charles, Daniel, Frederick and George. About 1838 he brought his family to Portage county, Ohio, settled in Streetsboro township, within a mile of the place where Willis Myers now lives, and cleared up a farm of 160 acres from the forest, but later moved, and cleared