GARRETTSVILLE TOWNSHIP - 723
GARRETTSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
JOHN ADAMS, Clothier, Garrettsville, was born in Germany, February 26, 1841, son of John and Gretchen (Tobic) Adams, who were the parents of three children: Henry (deceased), John and Harmon (deceased). John Adams, Sr., a brick-maker by trade, died September 6, 1867. His widow survived him until November 12, 1883. Our subject received a common school education in his native country, served three years' apprenticeship to the tailor's trade, and followed that occupation until he came to America. He was married in Germany, October 8, 1864, to Miss Mary Bu.oky, who was born May 12, 1845, and by her he had four children: Mary, Gustave, Selena and Ludve, latter of whom died on the ocean on their way to America. Mr. Adams on coming to this country first located at Nelson Center, this county, where he remained a few months, then removed to Garrettsville and engaged in business, and has since conducted a gents' furnishing store, and from a small beginning his trade has gradually increased until he now has the satisfaction of managing a large and rapidly growing bupiness. He has traveled quite extensively, visiting twenty- one of the States and Territories here, and making a trip to the scenes of his boyhood days, Germany, where he has a large circle of relatives living. He has been an active member of the Portage Lodge, No. 456, I. O. O. F., for over thirteen years; is also connected with the Y. M. T. C. He is a consistent member of the Baptist Church.
JAMES ASHALD, furniture dealer and undertaker, Garrettsville, is a son of Abel and Elizabeth (Wright) Ashald, natives of England, who came to America in 1830, and settled at Stockbridge, Mass. They were parents of seven children, of whom James is the eldest. Our subject was born in Buckingham. shire, England, October 21, 1827. He received a limited education, and in early life commenced to learn his trade. Ho was married, March 19, 1851, to Miss Maria Doty, born in Green River, Columbia Co., N. Y., January 11,1832, by whom he has two sons: Albert IL, station agent of the Union Pacific Railroad at Brainard, Neb., and William W., train dispatcher for the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railway at Galion, Ohio. In 1852 Mr. Isliald went to Troy, N. Y., where he remained about four years, and then removed to Garrettsville, Ohio, and engaged with Manly & Beach, whom he bought out two years later. In 1860 the firm became Ashald & Demorest, and remained thus four years (they also had a large branch establishment in Youngstown, Ohio). In 1864 Mr. Ashald retired and formed a partnership with his brother, with whom he remained in business about two years, at the end of which time he engaged with E. A. Upham, as salesman. At the death of the latter, the business eventually came into the hands of Mr. Ashald, who has since continued
724 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
in the same building. He is one of the oldest undertakers in the county, having followed it since 1860. He has held nearly every office in Garrettsville and the township: Mayor, Justice of the Peace, member of the School Board, School Director, etc., etc. He has been a member of the Congregational Church since 1856, and one of the Trustees nearly all that time. During the same year he became a member of Garrettsville Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but now a Republican.
SOLON J. BUTTLES, Postmaster, Garrettsville, was born at Farmington, Trumbull Co., Ohio, April 14, 1835; son of Friend and Electa (Payne) Battles, natives of Connecticut, who came to Trumbull County, Ohio, in an early day. They were the parents of five children: Susan (deceased), Sherlock (deceased), Laura (deceased) Zeniah (wife of Homer Chapman, of Rootstown) and Solon J. Friend Battles, a shoe-maker by trade, received his first commission as Postmaster of Trumbull County, Ohio, which he held for several years. He died January 12, 1858, aged sixty-seven, his wife having preceded him in January, 1856. Our subject received a high school education, and early in life commenced to learn the trade of manufacturing boots and shoes, and eventually embarked in that industry, which he followed until 1861, when, owing to ill health, he retired from business for a period of about five years. He then removed to Garrettsville and re-entered the manufacturing business, which he followed about eight years, since when he has carried on the retail trade only. He was married, April 14, 1856, to Miss Mary Davidson, born at Farmington, January 22, 1838, daughter of William A. and Margaret (Fleming) Davidson, natives of western Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio, both now deceased. To this union were born three children: Willie F. (died at the age of thirteen months), Luetta D. (died in her fifteenth year), Elma, born Match 16, 1866 (she is her father's assistant in the post- office). Mr. Battles has been successful in business, and the courteous and obliging manner with which he has attended to the wants of his customers is his chief characteristic in the position he now sustains to the public as Postmaster, which office he has held to the satisfaction of all since February, 1882, at which date he received his appointment. Although always an attendant at church, he never became identified with any denomination until three years since, when he joined the Congregational Church. He is also an active member of the order of I. 0. 0. F., No. 456. Our subject cast his first vote for J. C. Fremont, and has since been identified with the Republican party.
MATTHEW D. CLARK, barber, Garrettsville, was born in Ireland, August 15, 1849, son of Michael and Jane (Sands) Clark, of Farmington, Ohio, who had a family of eight children, five now living: Mary, Matthew, Kate, Anna, and John, who married Celia Johnson (have three children: Elser J., Elton P. and Claud, deceased). Our subject received a common school education in his native land, and in 1864 came to America with his mother, brothers and sisters to join his father, who had preceded them seven years, locating at Farmington, Trumbull Co., Ohio. Our subject enlisted in Company D, Sixth.Ohio Cavalry, and on March 31., 1865, in the battle at Dinwiddie Court House, Va., he was wounded, and a week later his left leg was amputated by Dr. D. W. Bliss, Surgeon of the Army Hospital at Washington, D. C. After his discharge from the service he attended school a short time, then began to work at his trade, having learned it in Ireland. He was married, October 18, 1868, to Miss Alvira Johnson, boru in Copley, Ohio, March 14, 1850, daughter of Fayette and Eliza (Taylor) Johnson. By this union there is one daughter—Maud J., born April 14, 1873., Since locating in Garrettsville Mr. Clark has here remained continuously, with the exception of three years
GARRETTSVILLE TOWNSHIP - 725
spent in Akron, Ohio. He has been a member of Portage Lodge, No, 456, I. O. O. F., about nine years; also of tie Encampment at Ravenna, and of Buckley Post, G. A. R., of Akron.
JEDEDIAH COLE, civil engineer and County Surveyor, Garrettsville, Ivas born in Nelson Township, this county, May 26, 1830; son of Jedediah and Elizabeth (Noah) Cole, the former a native of Vermont, born in 1797, the latter of Chester County, Penn., born in 1802. They were parents of four children, three of whom are still living: Rebecca J., wife of Uriah Craig, of Kid der, Mo.; William C., a farmer, also in Missouri, and our subject Jedediah Cole, Sr., was a carpenter in early life. He came to this county in 1816, and 'for a year or two worked at his trade, but for the balance of his life he was engaged in farming. . He was a prominent man in religious circles, being one of the few to organize the Disciples Church. His, death occurred 'May 10, 1850. His wife died August 5, 1834. Our subject in early life was employed in attending the neighboring schools and rendering what assistance he could to his parents on the homestead farm. He was married, September 6, 1855, to Miss Katie M. Dickens, who was born March 18, 1833, at Jacksonville, Ill., by whom he had five children: Augustus S. (an attorney at Ravenna, Ohio), Helen (deceased), James D., Katie E. and Paul H. Mr. Cole entered upon his career in life as a school teacher at Salem, Ill., where he remained until 1856; then for two years was in northern Iowa engaged in different enterprises, such as merchandising, contracting and land surveying, and while there he did his first work as land surveyor. From this point he went to Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he was employed principally in building and teaching. While there the war broke out, and he responded to the first call for men in 1862, enlisting in Company A., Thirty-first Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out in. November, 1864, for promotion to Captaincy in the One Hundred and Twenty-third U. S. C. I., and was honorably discharged as such at the close of the Rebellion, after which he retired to his home in Ohio and embarked in lumbering, in which he continued till the fall of 1869, when he was elected to the office of County Surveyor, a position he still retains. He has served one term as Justice of the Peace, and has held the same office in Iowa and Wisconsin. Has also served as Clerk of the. Board of Education two terms. In addition to his labors as County Surveyor he is engaged in collecting and in real estate business. Mr. Cole is a F. & A. M.
EDWARD L. DAVIS, grocer, Garrettsville, was born in Shropshire, England, March 8, 1840, and was brought to America when eleven years of age by his father, Ellis Davis. They first located in Ravenna, and from there went to Hiram Rapids, where they lived a few years. Ellis Davis, who was a miller by trade, died in Garrettsville September 3, 1865; his wife died in England about 1843. Their children were two in number: Ellis, who is in the insurance business in Cleveland, Ohio, and Edward L. Our subject received a common school education, and early in life began to work at the miller's trade. He was twice married, on first occasion November 3, 1861, to Ann Ferry, who died August 19, 1875, leaving to his care two children: Mary G. and Ellis F. Mr. Davis was again married March 23, 1876, this time to Emma L. Morgan (widow of H. Morgan, of Hartsgrove Township, by whom she had one daughter—Maud, now living with her step-father). By this union there were two girls: Grace and Daisy. Mrs. Davis died October 18, 1880. Our subject in 1861 took charge of the grist-mill at Garrettsville and five years later purchased an interest in the same, but in 1880, owing to the effects of dust on his lungs, he was forced to retire from milling. He then purchased an interest in a grocery, but two years later again gave up active busi-
726 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ness. The following year he purchased a stock of groceries, and is still engaged in that business. Mr. Davis has served the people as City Clerk two terms, and on the. Board of Education three years. He is an active member of Portage Lodge, L 0. 0. F.
JAMES DUNN, farmer, P. 0. Garrettsville, whose portrait appears in this volume, was born October 11, 1822, in Hartford, Windsor Co., Vermont. His father, James Dunn, was a native of Massachusetts, and early engaged in brick making. When over thirty years old he went to Vermont, where he was employed in the manufacture of brick for a Mr. Udall, and while there was married to Mary Udall, a niece of his employer, and with her, in 1882, moved to this county, settling on the farm where their son, our subject, now resides, and there remained until their death. The father died in 1858 and the mother in 1864. He (the father) had some reverses financially before his marriage, having lost the first $500 which he had saved by economy, but such vicissitudes only served to make them more ambitious, and prosperity was the outcome of their efforts. They had seven children: William, a resident of Troy, Ohio; Mary, married to Albert Gage (they reside in Freedom Township, this county); Belinda, married to Benjamin Baker (they reside in Crawford County, Penn.); James; Amanda, married to James M. Bowman; Cosmo
L. (deceased), and Rachel (deceased). Our subject was taken from the summer schools when ten years old to assist his father in farm duties, and was permitted to attend school during winter terms until 1844-45, during which .period he, was a student in the Troy, Ohio, schools. He was the only son to remain cloSely associated with his parents in their farm labors, and was given the greater portion of their property in return for his labor and care of them in their old age, and to this he has added until he now ranks among the well-to-do men of this county, having 180 acres of well-improved land lying part within and part adjacent to the village of Garrettsville. He also owns a good share in the old bank building and the livery stable where Truesdall now conducts a general livery business, Mr. Dunn being partial owner of the stock. At one time he was interested in banking. During his farming and business career he has been fortimate, scarcely meeting any reverses. On his beautiful farm he has some fine Holstein cattle. October 14, 1846, Mr. Dunn was married to Armona S. Reed, who died March 31, 1873, and to this union were born the following children: Elma E., married to Charles Truesdall; Mary A., married to James VanHorn, and George J., recent graduate of the Garrettsville High School. Our subject was married„ February 3, 1874, on second occasion, to Cordelia S., widow of Dr. 0. Manley. Garrettsville has been an incorporated village for twenty years, and as an appreciation of Mr. Dunn's ability and judgment, the citizens have retained him as a member of the Council for eighteen years; he has also been interested in the public schools, and is a member of the School Board. In politics he is a Republican., Mr. Dunn, in his lifetime, has experienced some miraculous escapes from sudden death or serious injury. About the year 1860 he was driving an ambitious horse attached to a sulky, and while moving at a rapid rate by the farm of Zeb. Rudolph, the father of Mrs. James A. Garfield, the animal became frightened at a load of straw, and made a sudden bound to one side, breaking the axle and throwing Mr. Dunn with such force against the fence or ground as to render him unconscious from that time, 3 o'clock P. M., till 4 o'clock A.
M. the next day. Within ten days he was back to his farm duties. At another time he was clearing debris from his farm well, and the bucket, in which the dirt, etc., were drawn up, became detached from the rope when about twenty feet above him, and descended with tremendous force, just glancing off his
GARRETTSVILLE TOWNSHIP - 727
head and inflicting an ugly incision, fracturing the frontal bone in three directions. In three weeks he was himself again. In October, 1883, our subject was engaged inserting blinds in a cupola of his barn, and by a misstep he fell down a three-eighth pitch roof with rafters about sixteen feet long, and to the ground, a distance of twenty-seven feet from the save, and eleven feet from the sill. It was nearly one hour before his hired hand found him in an unconscious condition, covered with blood, and leaning against a trough about eleven feet from where he struck the ground. The depression in the earth showed that he struck on his toes and head, within eighteen inches apart. It was the spring in his toes which saved his head from utter destruction, and it appears as an act of Providence he received no serious injury. The bones in one foot were broken, which was his only hurt, and he is now hale and hearty.
OSMON S. FERRIS, attorney, Garrettsville, was born in Versailles, .Wyandot Co., Ohio, June 1, 1843, son of Osmon and Lydia (Streator) Ferris, natives of Portage County, Ohio, and who shortly after marriage removed to Wyandot County. Both are now deceased. The former, who was a practicing physician of Mantua, Ohio, died October 10, 1884. Our subject for some time Offended the Eclectic Institute, of Hiram, and then entered Hillsdale College, of Michigan, where he graduated in 1870. While not engaged with his studies he taught school, and in 1872 graduated from the law schools of Cleveland, Ohio. In January of the year following he came to Garrettsville, this county, and entered upon the practice of his profession. Mr. Ferris was married November 9, 1876, to Miss Ellen Rhinehart, of Union, Cass Co., Mich., born October 9, 1853, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Rhinehart, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. By this union there are two sons: Arthur R., born September 4, 1879, and Mark S., born April 27, 1884. Mr. Ferris was elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney in 1877 and filled that office one term, during which he prosecuted the case of Ohio vs. Mathew Powers, who was convicted of manslaughter. In this case Mr. Ferris was assisted by Alfonzo Hart, ex-Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. The opposing counsel were John McSweeney, of Wooster, and W. B. Thomas and I. T. Siddall, of Ravenna. Our subject has been twice Mayor of Garrettsville, has also served as Clerk and Solicitor, and is now holding his third commission as Notary. He is a member of Garrettsville Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M.
ASEL C. HAWLEY, retired farmer, Garrettsville, was born December 9, 1814, in Berkshire County, Mass., eldest of the family of seven children of Asel and Esther (Clark) Hawley, natives of Massachusetts, who came to this county in 1829, when our subject was fifteen years of age, and settled in Freedom Township. Here Asel C. grew to manhood, fully acquainted with the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. His education was limited to what could be obtained in the common schools of that early date. Mr. Hawley was married in 1836, to Sarah M. Gross, of Grantville, Conn., who died October 5, 1874. He was married on second occasion, July 1, 1875, to Betsey Clark, of Collins, Erie Co., N. Y., who was born October 2, 1831. Our subject entered upon his career in life as a farmer, and has always followed this pursuit, until 1874, when he retired from active labor, and removed to Garrettsville, Ohio, the better to enjoy the fruits of a well spent life. He was ever an energetic, enterprising man, and considered one of the practical as well as substantial farmers of Freedom Township.
N. WRIGHT LEEZER, photographer, was born in Noble County, Ohio, November 12, 1859, son of William C. and Sarah E. (Hill) Leezer, natives of Morgan County, Ohio, the former of whom is a mechanic and pattern-maker by trade, at present engaged with his son in the photographing business. They
728 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
were parents of three children: Wright, Maud and Ella (deceased when but three years of age). The subject of our sketch was brought by his parents to Athens, Athens Co., Ohio, where he received but a common school education. Mr. Leezer's first business enterprise was manufacturing confectionery, but he eventually gave that up and learned photography. He first entered this industry in Athens Ohio. In order to perfect himself in the art, he soon entered a large studio at Logan, Hocking Co., Ohio. The following year he removed to Attica, Seneca Co., Ohio, where he stayed for about one year, then returned to Athens, Ohio. In 1882 he came to Garrettsville, Ohio, and entered the employ of C. M. French, photographer. In 1884 he embarked in the photographing business for himself and has since followed the art with good success. one 1883 he became a member of Portage Lodge, No. 456, I. 0. o 0. F., and is ne of the charter members of the Young Men's Temperance Council (Y. M. T. C.). Religiously he is a member of the Congregational Church. He was married August 13, 1884, to Almeda Stearn, who was born in Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio, October 22, 1859.
EDGAR W. MAXSON, lawyer, Garrettsville, was born at Troy, Geauga Co., Ohio, February 3, 1844; son of William and Salina C. (Mumford) Masson; the former a farmer by occupation, born in Connecticut, in 1813, and who came with his parents to this county in 1822; the latter a native of Otsego County, N. Y., where she was born in 1820. They had two children: Edgar W., and Victor R., a farmer now living on the old home farm in Hiram Township. William Masson died September 20, 1876. The Masson family are of English descent. Daniel Masson was one of three brothers: Edward, John and Daniel, who came to America about the middle of the seventeenth century and settled in Rhode Island, where Joshua Masson, the grandfather of our subject, was born. His grandmother was a Morris, and was a descendant of a Welsh family of that name who date back to the early pioneers of New York State. Our subject was raised on a farm in Hiram Township, where his parents removed while he was an infant. His time between the ages of ten and seventeen years was spent in Hiram College and in school teaching. In 1863 he went to Michigan University at Ann Arbor and graduated from the Law and Literary Department in 1865, and was admitted to the bar in that State the same year. He then returned to Ohio and was shortly after admitted to the bar, but for three years following was engaged in teaching graded schools in Michigan and Illinois. He was married November 27, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth C. Mull, a school teacher by profession, and a native of Otsego County, N. Y., who died September 10, 1875, leaving to his care one daughter—Maud. Mr. Masson then married, December 14, 1876, Miss Eudora Lockwood, also of Otsego County, N. Y., and a near relative of his first wife. In the spring of 1868 he returned to Garrettsville and entered in the practice of his profession, in which he has since been engaged. He has been Solicitor of Garrettsville for seven years and has refused several offices of honor, which at different times he has been urged by his friends to accept. He is Past Grand of Portage Lodge, No. 456, I. 0. 0. F., and an active member of Garrettsville Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M. He has been connected with the Congregational Church about four years.
HENRY NOBLE MERWIN, produce dealer, Garrettsville, was born in New Milford, Litchfield Co., Conn., February 25, 1818; son of Daniel and Laura (Marsh) Merwin, who were of Welsh and English descent respectively (both now deceased) and parents of four children: Susan A., Abbie M., Henry N. and Amos M. The Marsh family were among the first settlers of New Milford, Conn. Amos Marsh, grandfather of our subject, was commissioned District Attorney of Vermont by George Washington. Our subject was raised
GARRETTSVILLE TOWNSHIP - 729
on a farm and received a common school education. He was married November 27, 1845, to Miss Betsey N. Hine, born February 11, 1822, daughter of Isaac and Alta (Riggs) Hine, both now deceased, all natives of New England. In 1850 Mr. Merwin removed to Newton Falls, Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he engaged in farming for a period of twenty-two years. In 1873 he retired from farm labor and removed to Garrettsville, where he purchased a manufacturing establishment, formed a partnership with three others, and engaged in manufacturing butter tubs, etc., for one year. Since then he has dealt more or less extensively in produce. Mr. Merwin is serving his second term as Justice of the Peace. He and his wife have been consistent members of the Congregational Church for forty years. He is connected with Portage Lodge, No. 456, I. 0. 0. F. In politics he is identified with the Republican party.
OTIS S. NEWCOMB, retired farmer, Garretsville, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., March 13, 1814; eldest child of Orrin and Pamelia (Robison) Newcomb, natives of New York and Connecticut respectively, and who had a family of twelve cbildrem. Orrin Newcomb, who was an early settler of Geauga County, Ohio, a farmer and shoe-maker by occupation, died in 1836.
His widow died in 1878, aged eighty-five years. Our subject was raised on a farm and obtained a limited education. His parents removed to Geauga County, Ohio, in October, 1818, and he grew to maturity fully acquainted with the vicissitudes of pioneer life. He entered on his career of life as a farmer, and followed agricultural pursuits until 1873, when he retired from active labor and removed to Garrettsville, where he built a fine residence in which he now resides. He was married in November, 1841, to Mary A. Wright, of Geauga County, Ohio, born in 1819 and died in 1864, the mother of five children: Selah W. (died in Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862); Neri, engaged in the Buckeye Works at Akron, Ohio; Wallace E. and Andrew B., farmers, and Annie V., wife of W. S. Freeman. Mr. Newcomb married on second occasion, October, 1864, Lucy A. Chapman, who died March 2, 1884, leaving to his care two children, George A. and Gertie A. Our subject has never been a politician or office seeker, but has been content with the plain home life of a farmer. He may be considered a self-made man, and was one of the practical as well as substantial farmers of Geauga County, Ohio. He is a member of Garrettsville Lodge, F. & A. M.
JAMES NORTON, real estate, insurance and collection agent, and Notary Public, Garrettsville, was born September 9, 1833. His parents were then living in a log-house on their farm, on the west part of Lot 29, in Hiram. At an early day the homestead was changed to a farm on Lot 49, in the south part of Hiram Township. Here the subject of our sketch passed his childhood and youth, except four or five of his earlier years. When thirteen years of age a great misfortune came upon him, the result, as supposed, of being thrown from a horse about a year before. For seveial months his life hung upon such a slender thread that the community were in daily expectation of hearing that he had passed away. A surgical operation was performed upon the injured limb December 31, 1846, by Dr. De Wolf, of Ravenna. Not until the spring following did it appear that he could possibly survive the fearful attack disease had made upon him; an iron constitution alone was in his favor. For three years his health was so poor, and his disability so great, that he did not attend school at all. At sixteen, his health being still very far from good, he recommenced his studies at the district school in Freedom, about one and a half miles from home, to and from which he walked with crutch and cane. The advancement of those who had been his class-mates and associates before his sickness, caused a very dark cloud to envelop him. To
780 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
hear them recite about numerator and denominator, reduction ascending and descending, and use other terms which it seemed to him he could never comprehend or understand, brought humiliation, sorrow and weeping. Energetic and determined application to his books soon dispelled the darkness and gloom, and at the close of the term he was fully up with his class. Thereafter every resource available for improvement was made use of, and at the commencement of the autumn term in 1851, he was permitted to enter the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, well advanced in the common branches. During this term a physician, learning of the existence of an unhealing and dangerous sore of some years' standing, upon an arm of our subject, engaged with his father for a stipulated price to effect a cure. After about six monhs the doctor's efforts were rewarded with permanent success. The acquaintance with young Dr. Smith (who died the next year) our subject looks back upon as being of the highest importance to him. About a year later, after three terms' attendance at the Eclectic Institute, he engaged as teacher of a district school in Freedom, on the Freedom and Ravenna diagonal road. After this and until the close of the year 1861, his time was occupied in attending school and in teaching. Most of the time he attended school at Hiram, but one term he attended the academy at Shalersville. He took a commercial course at the college in Cleveland, and took lessons in penmanship of P. R. Spencer, Sr., at his log-writing academy in Geneva, Ohio. He taught the district school at the center of Shalersville three terms, taught two terms in different districts in Hiram, and in 1858 commenced as teacher in Garrettsville, and there remained as teacher of the fall and winter terms until December, 1861, when he resigned as teacher to enter the Recorder's office at Ravenna, to which the citizens of the county. had elected him in October by a proud majority. Much of his day school work was supplemented by evening lessons given in penmanship. Of his services as Recorder we find the Portage County Republican-Democrat of January 8, 1868, speaking as follows: " Mr. James Norton retired from official connection with the County Recorder's office on Monday, after a six years' term of service. Mr. Norton has proved himself a model Recorder, and there is no risk in pronouncing his records as handsome and accurate as any in the State. Mr. Norton entered upon the duties of this office January 6, 1862, and up to January 6, 1868, has recorded 6,302 deeds, 2,039 mortgages, 134 leases, 409 soldiers' discharge papers, and released 1,705 mortgages. When it is taken into consideration that every deed, mortgage, etc., contains, say, 700 words, some estimate of the amount of work performed may be arrived at. In the entire six years Mr. Norton has not been absent from his office one single business day, and has made nearly all the records himself." Our subject declined to go into the convention as candidate for a third term because there were several disabled soldiers seeking the place at that time. The suddenness of the change from years of close application to blisiness to days of leisure, subdued the anticipated enjoyment and comfort of the latter. A line of business did not readily open up to our subject. He therefore spent the summer and autumn of 1868 in reviewing his studies at the Commercial College in Cleveland. It was his desire and purpose to go into the real estate agency business in the city, but as no satisfactory opportunity presented itself or was found, he engaged with others, in the winter of 1868-69, in organizing a banking institution at Garrettsville, and for a time was its Cashier. The perils incident to banking in those days, added to other harassing features then existing, were a severe strain upon his undisciplined and overly sensitive nerves, and he withdrew from the business, one of the acts of his life, as he says, upon which he looks back with regret. A vacancy having occurred in the superintendency of
PAGE 731 - A. C. LARKCOM
PAGE 732 - BLANK
GARRETTSVILLE TOWNSHIP - 733
the Garrettsville schools in the midst of a school year, he engaged as Superintendent and occupied that position four terms. Subsequently he has twice been elected Justice of the Peace, twice as Mayor of the incorporated village of Garrettsville, four times as member of the Board of Education, and has also been Clerk of the Board many years. He has often acted as Executor, Administrator, Assignee and Guardian in the settlement and management of estates. In politics Mr. Norton is Republican. In 1848 he united with the Disciple Church at Hiram, and had his membership with that denomination at Hiram and at Ravenna. There has been no Disciple Church in active working condition in Garrettsville for several years, and he has therefore worshiped with the Baptists, the church wherein his wife was reared. For five years he was Superintendent of the Baptist Sunday-school, and for many more years was teacher of the Bible class. December 17, 1859, he was married to Miss Ann Eliza Taber, at the home of her parents in Garrettsville, which was also the home of her birth. Her father, John Taber, was born in Providence, R. I., April 29, 1798, and died suddenly when on his way to worship, March 12, 1871. Her mother, whose maiden name. was Mary Henrietta Greene, a relative of Gen. Greene, of Revolutionary note, was born in Barre, Mass., June 21, 1799, and died June 2, 1884, in Garrettsville, in the house where she had lived a little more than half a century. John Taber and Mary IL Greene were married in Providence, R. I., October 19, 1819. Mr. Taber was carpenter on board of ship, and made some very long sea voyages. His ship was at Callao when Bolivar entered Peru with his Columbian Army. They took a ship load of royalists to Cadiz, Spain, with immense quantities of gold and silver. This was a six years' voyage, mostly in South American waters. The next was a three years' voyage, chiefly doing a coasting business in European seas. In early life Mr. and Mrs. Taber were members of the First Baptist Church of Providence, which was founded by Roger Williams. They moved to Ohio in 1829, and after a residence of four years in Mogadore, Summit County, they moved to Garrettsville. Mr. Taber spent about three and a half years among the gold mines of California, starting for that then far-away country in the spring of 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Taber were the parents of four children: Mary Henrietta, born November 15, 1829; John Herman, born August 10, 1832; James Hunter, born June 21, 1835, and Ann Eliza, born September 23, 1837. The first three, after living to mature years, deceased before their parents. Mary Henrietta (Mrs. Dr. A. M. Sherman) died in Garrettsville, October 26, 1853; John Herman died in Council Bluffs, Iowa, November 8, 1856, and James Hunter died in Adrian, Mich., December 5, 1866. Three sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. James Norton. The first born died in infancy and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Ravenna; James Edgar was born in Ravenna March 18, 1866; John Herman was born in Garrettsville February 12, 1869. James Edgar graduated from the Garrettsville High School in 1883; the subject of his graduation oration was " The Heirs of the Ages." He is now upon a classical course at Hiram College. John Herman is ,still (1885) in the Garrettsville High School. There is a chart and record of the Norton families reaching back nineteen generations. Originally the name was Norville, a corruption of the French "Nord-Ville" (North-Villa or North-Town), and Nor-ton or Norton was subsequently. adopted. The family have published a pamphlet showing the Norton families back seven generations. This is as far back as most people care to trace the ancestral line. To those, however, whose curiosity may lead them, the chart and record is accessible, although but few copies are known to the families here to be in existence. Thuel Norton was born at New Hartford, Oneida Co., N. Y., March 10, 1801. He was third son
734 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
of Peter and Elthina (Thompson) Norton. He died in Hiram, April 2, 1880, in a few hours after, and from injuries received by, being thrown from a buggy by a runaway horse. When he was six years old his parents moved to Ohio, stopping two years in Vernon, Trumbull County, a short time in Tallmadge, and then located permanently in Springfield, then in Portage County, but now Summit County, a short distance east of Middlebury, the old home farm being still occupied by his brother Thomas. Here Thuel grew from childhood to manhood. Where the city of Akron is now was dense forest then. He shot his first deer upon the hillside in the vicinity of where Howard Street is now. At hunting large game, however, he was never as successful as his older brother, Almeron, although for a close shot he had no superior in those days. He learned the carpenter's trade, and put up many buildings in and about Middlebury and Tallmadge. He was an expert at scoring and hewing timber, and in " bossing raisings." He was a man of powerful muscle, and often would astonish the people at " raisings," by picking up and carrying to its place a stick of timber that ordinarily would require two men to carry. As a framer of timber he was notably a close workman. At Hiram, August 4, 1822, Thuel Norton was married to Harriet Rebecca Harrington, who was born July 15, 1803, at Salisbury, Litchfield Co., Conn., but the most of whose childhood and youth was passed in Utica and Rochester, N. Y. Her father's name was John Harrington, and her mother's maiden name was Asenath Marvin. Her father was a boot and shoe-maker, and lived in Hiram a short time, nearly sixty years ago. Her mother is buried in the family lot at Hiram. John and Asenath Harrington were the parents of a large family of children. One year Mr. and Mrs. Norton resided in Rootstown, this county, nine years in Springfield, Summit County, and in 1832 they moved to Hiram, first locating on a farm on the West center road, but subsequently moved to the south part of the township, and there lived upon a farm many years. Although Mr. Norton preferred the carpenter's trade to farming, he gradually quit the former and took up the latter. But his fondness for timber work was somewhat gratified by operating a saw-mill which he had upon one of his farms. It was more of a diversion, however, than a money-making business. When old age had come upon Mr. and Mrs. Norton, they left their home farm and lived the remainder of their years at the center of Hiram. In August, 1880, Mrs. Norton went to visit a son and a daughter in Garrettsville, and while at the home of the latter she became worse and died in the evening of August 30. Their remains rest in the family lot in Hiram Cemetery. Thuel and Harriet R. Norton were the parents of ten children, as follows: Anna, born October 21, 1823; Seth D., born August 19, 1825; Edwin, born July 16, 1827, and died September 8, 1827; Amelia C., born January 4, 1829; Julia M., born April 24, 1831; James, born September 9, 1833; Lois E., born November 28, 1835, and died in Trenton, Mo., April 27, 1866; Emily E., born May 6, 1838; Richard C., born June 16, 1840, and Harriet R., born January 28, 1846. Seth D. is an attorney-at-law, living in Ravenna. Richard C. is President of South East State Normal, at Cape Girardeau, Mo.
R. H. OBER, Mayor and furniture dealer, Garrettsville, was born October 30, 1849, in Newbury, Geauga Co. Ohio, son of Hermon and Hannah (Hall) Ober, former born August 15, 1806, in Hollis, N. EL, died August 20, 1862, coming to Ohio when a young man; the latter born August 10, 1808, in Salem, N. H., and is still living. They were parents of eight children: John, born in 1832; Almira, in 1833; Sarah, in 1836; George,-.in 1838; Melissa, in 1840; Charles, in 1845; Mary, in 1847, and R. H. The parents were Congregationalists. Zechariah Ober, the father of Hermon, was born in 1775 in
GARRETTSVILLE TOWNSHIP - 735
Tewksbury, Mass., and married Abigail Hardy, born in 1775 in the same State. Our subject remained on the farm, attending the country schools, and worked in a machine shop with his brothers, John and George, until eighteen years of age when he entered school at Hillsdale, Mich. He soon after bought one-half interest in a saw-mill with his brother-in-law, C. W. Wright, and assisted in operating the same at Newbury for three years. He then engaged in shipping lumber with his brother, C. H., until 1874, when, August ?0, that year, he was married to Martha Patterson, born August 20, 1855, in Troy, Ohio, daughter of Nelson Patterson, born May 12, 1812, in Hanover, N. Y., and Eliza (Wales) Patterson, born April 8, 1812, in Gettysburg, ,Penn., parents of six children: Avery, born July 9, 1834, and died October 10, 1863, at Chattanooga, Tenn., bf a wound received at the battle of Chickamauga September 19, 1863; Francis, born August 16, 1836; William, born September 30, 1841; Zylphia, born November 20, 1847; Mary, born November 15, 1849, and Martha. The mother was a member of the Disciples Church, and both parents are deceased. To our subject and wife were born four children: Edna, born August 6, 1876; Ethel, born January 5, 1879; Harmon, born December 29, 1881; Elgy, born December 16, 1883. Soon after marriage Mr. Ober came to Garrettsville and opened a furniture store on a small scale. By economy and strict attention to business he has been enabled to add to his enterprise until he now owns one of the best establishments of the kind in Portage County. In 1884 he was nominated by the Prohibitionists for Mayor of Garrettsville, endorsed by the Citizens' Convention, and was elected. He has served the city well in that honorable position. He united with the Congregational Church when twelve years old, and has held various offices in the organization; is at present Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is a member of the Y. M. T. C., and has held the highest office in the same. His estimable wife is also a worthy member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Ober is in the prime of life, and the various positions his talents may merit his being called to by his neighbors and friends will be chronicled in the coming years.
THOMAS REED, policeman, Garrettsville, was born in Ireland, August 13, 1823, son of William and Margaret (Nelson) Reed, natives of that country, who were the parents of seven children, of whom Thomas is the youngest. He came to America in 1842, and located in Philadelphia, where he remained two years engaged in wharf building. He then came to Geauga County, Ohio, and hired to a man for five years as a farm hand. He purchased a small farm near Cleveland in 1854, but sold it six years later and bought a still larger farm in Trumbull County, where he remained until 1873, when he came to Garrettsville with the intention of retiring from active labor, but for a year or two dealt in stock. In 1855 he married Miss Caroline A. Pierce, of Geauga County, Ohio, and by her has three children: Marc A., a graduate of Scio College, who has taught school nine years, and is at present Superintendent of Schools in Girard, Ohio; Della, also a school teacher for six years, and who is a graduate of the Garrettsville schools, and Guy W. Mr. Reed received an appointment by the Council as Night Policeman, and has held that position nine years, and has also served as Constable five years. In April, 1880, while trying to quiet a drunken row he received a blow on the head, fracturing his skull, from which six pieces of bone were taken. It was a narrow escape, but be still continues to keep the peace in the streets of Garrettsville to the full satisfaction of the people. He is a member of Garrettsville Lodge, No. 246, F. & A M.
E. C. SMITH, hardware merchant, Garrettsville, was born October 19, 1829, in Hart's Grove, Ashtabula County, Ohio. His father, Norman Smith, was born in 1801 in Sherburne, Vt., and came to Parkman, Ohio, in 1818, and
736 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
later to Nelson Township, this county, where he died in 1850. His wife, the mother of our subject, was Sallie M. Hickok, born in New York State, and who came to Ohio in 1820. She is now living in Manchester, Ill. with a daughter. She is the mother of the following children: E. C.; M. H., a physician in Manchester, ; Maria L., wife of H. C. Ctawford, and living at Troy, Ohio; Ellen, wife of S. C. Bates, in Clinton, Iowa; Mary A., widow of James Guthrie; George D., residing in Garrettsville; Sarah, wife of Jefferson McConnell, residing in Manchester, Ill. Our subject, who was educated in the country schools and township academy, began teaching when twenty years old at $16 per month. He farmed for a while, and later clerked in a drug store at Garrettsville. January 27, 1852, he, in company with Ebenezer Earl and others, went to the gold mines in California, remaining there five years. He was married, August 27, 1857, to Marion B. McClintock, born July 4, 1829, in Trumbull County, Ohio, daughter of William McClintock, born in Whitehall, N. Y., in 1793, and Chloe (Ferry) McClintock, born in 1'798 in Brookfield, Orange Co., Vt., and came with her parents to Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1814. They came to this county in 1832, settling in Garrettsville, where they died, the father August 7, 1873, and the mother June 17, 1878. They were members of the Baptist Church. The father had been a teamster in the war of 1812. They were parents of nine children, of whom six are now living: Polly, Sallie, Marion B., Helen, John C. and William W. In 1858 Mr. Smith engaged in the hardware business in Garrettsville under the firm name of Barber & Smith, and has been very successful. He began his career in life with a willing heart and strong hands, and of the large amount of property which he possesses in hardware, mines, bank stock, 'etc., he is certainly the artificer. He has served as Mayor and Councilman of Garrettsville, and has been put forward at times by his friends for the Legislature, a position he may yet covet, and one he would surely fill with honor to himself and credit to his constituents He has been Vice-President of the First National Bank of Garrettsville since 1870, and is also a Director in the same. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the L 0. 0. F., and is a K. T. Portage County has but few, if any, more substantial, upright and honest citizens than him whose name heads this biography, and whose portrait appears elsewhere.
ELIAS C. SWEET, drayman, Garrettsville, was born in Summit County, Ohio, February 14, 1835; seventh in a family of eight children born to Alfred and Clarissa (Capron) Sweet, the former of whom, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in 1824 and died October 14, 1872, his wife having preceded him in 1838. Our subject early in life learned the cooper's trade and opened a shop in Bath, Summit Co., Ohio, where he remained four years, thence went to Copley, same county, and two years later to Wellington, Lorain County, and from thence to New London, Huron County, where he built the first cooper shop in the place. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted in the 100 days' service in Company B, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after his return home he married, September 22, 1861, Delia J. Niles, born in Lorain County, Ohio, May 22, 1842, daughter of Albert and Sophia (Loveland) Niles, natives of Massachusetts and early settlers of Lorain County. Mr. Sweet subsequently returned to Bath, Ohio, and farmed in connection with his trade. In 1869 he removed to Garrettsville, this county, and worked as a carpenter and cooper. He then spent a year on a dairy farm in Nelson Township, this county, and finally returned to Garrettsville, to his present place of residence. Here he has a small farm, and is engaged in the express and dray business, and since 1882 has carried the mail from trains to the postoffice. He has been a member of the I. 0. 0. F. about nine years.
GARRETTSVILLE TOWNSHIP - 737
CHARLES A. THAYER, Justice of the Peace, Garrettsville, was born in Williamsburg, Mass., February 10, 1825; son of Jacob and Sarah (Porter) Thayer, the former a native of Braintree, Mass., born January 25, 1793, the latter born in Hampshire County. Mass., in 1795. They removed to this county in 1832, settling in Freedom Township, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Their family consisted of. four children: Henry N., a farmer and stock-dealer of Freedom, Ohio; Mary, wife of E. E. Torrey, a farmer and mechanic; Edward P., a farmer, and Charles A. Jacob Thayer was of English descent, dating his ancestry back to the seventeenth century, among whom were the early pioneers of Braintree, Mass. He was a hard-working, energetic farmer, very prominent in the history of his township, and devoting the best part of his life to church interests. He died April 17, 1884, his wife having preceded him in 1867. Our subject was married, December 1, 1847, to Mary Nistetter, born in Stark County, Ohio, January 8, 1827. By this union there are five children: Wilbur D., in the meat market with his father; Albert A., a lawyer at Warren, Ohio; Byron E. and Andrew A. (both farmers) and Lenora. Mr. Thayer, a self-made man, has dealt more or less extensively in stock, in which he is still interested, and, along with his son, also carries on a meat market. He has held several of the township offices and is now serving his first term as Justice of the Peace. He is a member of Garrettsville Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M., and.Chapter of Royal Arch. Politically he is a Republican.
A. H. TIDBALL, physician and surgeon, Garrettsville, Ohio, whose portrait appears in this volume, was born October 2, 1831, in Millersburg, Holmes Co., Ohio. His father, Joseph Tidball, who was born June 24, 1787, in Allegheny County, Penn., a hatter by trade, died in Shelby, Ohio, January 16, 1884, and his moher, Eliza K. (Linn) Tidball, born in Easton, N. J., August 13, 1801, died February 26, 1885, in Shelby, Ohio. They were parents of ten children. Our subject was educated in the common schools, studied medicine with Dr. J. Y. Cantwell, of Mansfield. Ohio, and graduated with high honors at the Cleveland Medical College. He began practicing his profession for which he had so well prepared himself, at Freedom, Portage County, in 1853. He practiced successfully for two years in northern Indiana and for the sabre length of time in Santa Cruz, Cal., and from 1859 to 1871 in Mesopotamia, Ohio. In 1871 he located in Garrettsville, this county, where he has merited a lucrative patronage. He is an A. F. & A. M., a member of the lodge and chapter at Garrettsville, St. John's Commandery, K. T., of Youngstown, and Ohio Consistory of Cincinnati, A. A. S. R., 32̊. During the summer of 1880 he traveled extensively through Europe. Dr, Tidball was married, May 17, 1854, in Freedom, Ohio, to Lizzie J. Webb, born in Holley, Orleans Co., N. Y., March 23, 1833, daughter of James Webb, whose biography and portrait appear elsewhere in this work. To this union were born the following children: Frank Warren, Fred Luther, Linn Alonzo, and Stella Gertrude (latter deceased when three years old). Our subject, in politics, is a Democrat. He and his wife are earnest Christians, she being a member of the Congregational Church. Dr. Tidball is an eminent physican, a skillful surgeon, and although his home is in a small and comparatively quiet town, yet his opinions have been asked for, and in consultations his influence has been felt, in places of the highest rank. No trouble is too irksome, and no undertaking too severe for hitp, where human suffering is to be alleviated in any way. The Doctor always has time for such duties. In his intercourse with his fellow-men he is dignified and courteous, and his sociability gains him many friends. To all enterprises tending to the prosperity of Garrettsville,
738 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Dr. Tidball has given of his means freely, and the financial interests of any organization to which he may belong, either at home or abroad, are generously benefitted by his unstinting hand.
JOSIAH S. TILDEN, Cashier First National Bank, Garrettsville, was born in Geauga County, Ohio, January 29, 1852. His parents, A. P. and Harriet B. (Davis) Tilden, were natives of this county, and had a family of four children, of whom two attained maturity: Ella H., wife of James Thresher, of Geauga County, and Josiah S. A. P. Tilden was born in 1816, a son of one of the first settlers in this county. He removed to Geauga County when about twenty-five years of age, and engaged in merchandising. In 1864 he removed to Chardon, Ohio, held the position of County Auditor for nine years, and is still a resident of that place, but has retired from business. His wife died in 1865. Our subject received a common school and academic education. He was married, April 17, 1879, to Miss Clara Crane, a native of this county, and daughter of E. M. Crane. In 1874 Mr. Tilden came to Garrettsville and engaged as Assistant Cashier in the First National Bank, a position he held six years, when he was elected Cashier, which office he still fills. He is also Treasurer of the corporation of Garrettsville. In connection with banking, he carries on a general insurance agency. He is a member of the Garrettsville Lodge, F. & A. M., and K. T. at Youngstown, Ohio.
SMITH E. WADSWORTH, hotel proprietor, Garrettsville, was born in Windham Township, Portage Co., Ohio, October 15, 1848; son of Elmer and Emiline (Smith) Wadsworth. He was raised on a farm and educated at the common schools. His first enterprise for himself was clerking for a year in a meat market at Ravenna, this county. He then came to Garrettsville, and along with his father and brother engaged in the meat market business, dealing in connection with the same quite extensively in hides, pelts and tallow, buying and shipping for about seven years, which required our subject to be on the road more or less. He was married January 5, 1876, to Miss Hannah Styles, born in Paris Township, this county, July 26, 1847, daughter of James and Eleanor Styles, early settlers of that township, and by this union there is one child—Arthur Jameg. In March, 1880, Mr. Wadsworth purchased the Cannon House, which he combined with the Wadsworth House, adopting the name "Cannon House," of which he has since been " mine host." He is an active member of Portage Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., and is a F. & A. M.
STEPHEN G. WARREN, physician, Garrettsville, was born in Geauga County, Ohio, April 7, 1841; son of Gamaliel and Patience (Burden) Warren, natives of New Jersey and Rhode Island respectively, and who had a f amily of ten children: Eliza, Maria, Harriet, Jane, Ann, Matilda, Catherine, Polly, Burden and Stephen G. They removed to Geauga County, this State, in about 1835, and here the father died in 1876, the mother two years later. Our subject was raised on a farm, and at the age of sixteen years entered the Western Reserve Seminary at Farmington, and from there went to the medical schools of Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated in 1864. He entered upon his profession at Erie, but owing to ill health had to retire for a time, and the following two years were spent in West Virginia. He was married June 27, 1864, to Miss Julia M. Gladding, born in Attica, N. Y., November 9, 1841, daughter of Horace and Juliette (Taylor) Gladding, natives of New York, the former of whom is now deceased. By this union there is one child—Clyde T. In 1863 Dr. Warren located at Garrettsville, Ohio, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He is an active member of Garrettsville Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M., also of Silver Creek Chapter, No. 144, and Oriental Commandery No. 12, K. T., of Cleveland.
GARRETTSVILLE TOWNSHIP - 739
GUY WARREN, physician, Garrettsville, was born at Newton Falls, Trumbull Co., Ohio, January 22, 1844; son of John J. and Louisa M. (Bishop) Warren. The former, born in Eden, Erie Co., N. Y., came to Nelson Township, Portage Co., Ohio, at an early date, and is now a retired M. D. of that place; the latter, a native of Nelson Township, this county, was born February 29, 1823, and died May 29, 1852. They were parents of five children, of whom our subject is third, and he was seven years old when his parents moved to Nelson Township, this county. Here he spent his early days assisting on the farm, and attending the common schools. He finished his classical education and medical course at the Eclectic Institute in Philadelphia, graduating in 1870, immediately entering on the practice of his chosen profession at Garrettsville, Ohio, where he has since resided. He was married August 2, 1871, to Ellen M. daughter of Henry C. and Lucinda (Hopkins) Tilden, and born in Nelson M., this county, January 12, 1851. By this union there are two children: Louie B. and Carrie. Thus far the Doctor's practice has proven a success, and from a small beginning he now has a ride extending over six or seven townships, the result of a thorough knowledge of his profession and a strict attention to business. He is an active member of Portage Lodge, No. 456, I. O. O. F.
PHILANDER WATERS, farmer and mechanic, Garrettsville, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, July 31, 1838, eldest in the family of nine children of Milton and Plums (Moore) Waters, natives of New York. The former, a farmer by occupation, and an early settler of Trumbull County, Ohio, died September, 1882; his widow still survives. Our subject's facilities for obtaining an education were limited to the common schools. He entered on his tamer in life as a farm hand, but having a natural inclination for mechanics, eventually entered a shop, and has since been engaged in the latter occupation. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted with the 100 days men in Cora. party I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards. Mr. Waters was married July, 1867, to Miss Maria Reynolds, a native of Windham Township, this county, by whom he has two children: Virdie, born in November, 1872, and Pearl, born in February, 1874. In 1881 Mr. Waters removed to Garrettsville, purchased a small farm and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits.
ROLLIN S. WEBB, lawyer, Garrettsville, was born in Freedom Township, Portage Co., Ohio, January 4, 1844, son of Dr. James and Eliza L. Webb. His early life was employed on the homestead farm and in attending the neighboring common school and academy. At the age of eighteen he entered upon his career in life as a clerk in a furnishing establishment in Youngstown, where he remained about a year, and then returned to Garrettsville and entered the employ of W. S. Wright, who at that time was Postmaster and owned a grocery store. He remained in his service several months, then enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Ohio National Guards, Company H, 100 days regiment, and immediately went to the front and participated in numerous engagements, and returned home. He spent the following year on the homestead in Freedom Township, this county; then taught school one winter in Ravenna Township, then went to Trumbull County, Ohio, and devoted his time for two years to the study of dentistry. Returning to Garrettsville he followed this profession for ten years, when he was obliged to retire on account of ill-health. He was married October 12, 1871, to Vine F. Gillson, born in Geauga County, Ohio, November 23, 1848, daughter of Willard and Sylva (Frisby) Gillson, natives of Vermont and early settlers of Geauga County, and who were the parents of six children: Norman, Luther, Flavilla, Frank L.,
740 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Josephine and Anna. Mrs. Gillson is deceased/ Mr. and Mrs. Webb have one child—Roscoe J. Having a natural inclination for law, our subject began the study of the same in 1877, and was admitted to the bar at the January term of the Supreme Court in 1880, and opened an office in Garrettsville, where he has since remained in the practice of his profession. He has served the people of his township as Justice of the Peace one term of three years; is an active member of Garrettsville Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M. Politically he is a strong advocate of the principles of the Republican party.
CHARLES B. WEBB, editor, Garrettsville, was born in Freedom Township, Portage Co., Ohio, May 28, 1848, son of Dr. James and Eliza (Landfear) Webb, the former of whom was born in Genesee County, N. Y., February 26, 1799, and came to Freedom Township about 1835, where he practiced medicine for over twenty years; the latter was born in Hartford, Conn., November 18, 1807. They had ten children, viz. : Cornelia B. Warren J., a lawyer in St. Louis, Mo., who died in 1866; Lizzie J.; Carrie DI.; Sarah M., died in Garrettsville in 1873; Merwin F., died while in the army at Natchez, Miss., in 1863; Rollin S.; Helen M.; Charles B. and Mary R. Dr. James Webb tied at his residence in Freedom Township November 9, 1852. Our subject was educated in the common schools and academy at Freedom, and Hiram. College, and afterward taught school in Freedom and Shalersville. He resided in his native township until twenty years of age, when he came here and worked two years at the printing business, then went to Cleveland and was employed nearly two years in the Leader office. September 1, 1873, he purchased the Garrettsville Journal, and has since been its editor and proprietor. He was married January 6, 1875, to Miss Ella S. McHenry, born April 13, 1856, at Sandyville, Ohio, daughter of Reuben and Adeline McHenry, the former born in Leesburg, Va., February 4, 1812; latter in Lynn, Mass., March 7, 1814. By this union were born three children: Estella Adeline, Gertrude Eliza and Lawrence Mervin. Mr. Webb is Clerk of the Congregational Church, with which he has been connected several years, and of which he was Treasurer six years. He is a member of Portage Lodge, No. 456, I. 0. 0. F., at Garrettsville. Politically he is identified with the Republican party.
CHARLES A. WHITE, retired farmer, Garrettsville, is a native of Vermont, born September 14, 1825, son of Noadiah and Wealthy (Hazen) White, natives of New England and early settlers of Garrettsville, parents of ten children, eight of whom were boys over six feet in height. Our subject came here with his parents when eight years of age, and grew to maturity amid pioneer scenes, acquiring such an education as could be obtained in the common schools of those early days, and entered upon his career in life as a farmer. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, returning in about a year. Mr. White was married in 1853 to Lucinda Landfear, a native of Connecticut, born September 5, 1830, who has borne him three children: Clara, Will and Hattie. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. White enlisted in 1861. in Company H, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry 100-days men. In 1862 he re-enlisted. this time in Company D, Eighty-fourth Regiment, and served four months; then in 1864 he enlisted in Company E, Sixtieth Regiment, serving till the close of the war. Mr. White has filled the offices of Deputy Sheriff about four years, Constable six years, and as Marshal of Garrettsville five years. In 1880 he took a mail route of a circuit of three offices, which he controlled four years. He retired from farm labors in 1882, and removed into the village. He is a member of Bentley Post, G. A. R., of Mantua.