PART III.


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.


CITY OF AKRON.


ALLEN FAMILY, Akron. Jesse Allen, Sr., the progenitor of the Allen family, was born in 1770, in Cornwall, Conn. His father Nathaniel Allen was killed in the Revolutionary war, when Jesse was rather young.' He (Jesse) lived with a family in Connecticut, until he grew up, and there learned shoemaking. When a young man he went to Tompkins Co., N. Y., where he married a lady of German origin named Catharine Teithrich, in 1796 ; she was born in Trenton, N. J., in 1776. He abandoned his trade for farming, and bought a farm near Ithaca, N. Y., but lost it by " bailing " a man, and thus his hard earnings were swept away, except a few hundred dollars, with which he determined to remove to Ohio, and, in the summer of 1811, set out with his family of seven children, and brother's family, bound hither ; he bought land which adjoins the Sixth Ward, then Middlebury. During the war of 1812, he served under Maj. Spicer, and, while gone an Indian spy came into the house, and the little boys working in the clearing came with their axes to hew him down ; it is supposed the same Indian was killed near Summit Lake. Mr. Allen continued to reside in Coventry Township until his death, Sept. 12, 1837. Mr. A. was a member of the Baptist Church, and in the early days, before ministers came to the country, he, being an excellent reader, used to read sermons at the pioneer religious meetings. He was the father of ten children, seven of whom were born near Ithaca, N. Y., as follows : Jonah (see sketches in Coventry Township).


LEVI, the second son, was born Feb. 10, 1799, and was 12 years old when the family came to Ohio; he walked all the *fay and drove cattle. The following incident is not inappropriate. When on the beach of Lake Erie, the wagons with the provisions were delayed by accident, and Levi and other boys, with John, a little fellow, were on before with the cattle and were without provisions, except the milk of the cows. At night, he (Levi) covered John with sand to keep him warm, and thus they passed the night alone. Their first work upon arriving, in July, 1811, was reaping in a harvest field for Mr. Norton. He (Levi) grew up a close thinker, and was a man of sound judgment.


DAVID, the third son, was born Dec. 2, 1800 ; when about 18, he learned the trade of machinist ; he and his brother Jesse and McMillin commenced the manufacture of carding machines about 1833. He (David) married, in 1829, Beulah Jones. He died in 1842.


JACOB, the fourth son of Jesse and Catharine Allen, was born in Lansing, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Feb. 11, 1803 ; he was 8 years old when his family removed to Akron ; he learned his trade with Humphrey & Bagley in the woolen mills at Middlebury, Ohio, and, when about 18, he went to New York State and built a woolen factory near Ithaca, where he lived until 1835, when he returned to Akron and built several woolen factories, which he started, and sold while in successful operation. He was in company with Simon Perkins and Jedediah Cummins for several years, and was interested in all the railroads, doing all he could to promote the interests of Akron, widening Howard street and making various improvements. He was interested in the manufacture of flour for several years, and established an office for its sale, which his son, Frank IL, is now conducting in


662 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


New York City. He was a Democrat ; never sought office, but was several times in the Council. He married Miss Catharine Van Sickle Feb. 16, 1830 ; she bore him five children, three of whom are living—Frank H., Mrs. Rufus Wright, of Brooklyn, Long Island, and Miss Lizzie Allen. He was liberal in the support of all churches, and died Nov. 25, 187 9, in his 77th year.


JOHN, the fifth son, was born Dec. 5. 1804 ; he learned the trade of stonecutter, and was a contractor on the locks of the Ohio Canal. He died at Piketon, Ohio, Nov. 23, 1829.

JESSE, the sixth son, was born May 1, 1807 ; he learned the trade of stonecutter also, and, with his brother David, manufactured carding machines in Akron in early times ; he engaged in flouring-mills in 1856, which he continued until his death, Sept. 24, 1863. He was a strong Whig during the last thirty years of his life, and an active business man, and firmly established in uprightness and integrity ; of high moral standing, talented ; to know him well was to esteem him.

CATHARINE was born Feb. 9, 1809, and died at the age of 32 years. She married Mills Thompson. of Hudson, Ohio ; leaves six children.

SARAH was born Jan. 3, 1812, and was the first one of the children born in Ohio. She married James M. Hall, March 22, 1832. She died Jan. 27, 1877.

HIRAM was born Sept. 14, 1814 ; he came to Akron in 1840, and, with Jacob Allen. his brother, erected in succession a woolen mill on Cherry street, the old portion of City Mills and brick mills, now occupied by Allen & Co., first used as woolen factories ; he erected the block north of the Beacon Block, and which burned in 1871, when he immediately put up the present one. He died Sept. 21, 1878, unmarried.

CHRISTIANA (Allen) Caldwell, the youngest of ten children, was born Jan. 30, 182 2 ; she came to Akron in 1840, where she still resides in a pleasant home on Broadway.


ALBERT Allen, the son of Levi Allen and the grandson of Jesse Allen, Jr., was born March 12, 1827, in Coventry Township, where, until he attained his majority, he was employed at farming and clearing, after which he learned millwrighting under John S. Gilcrest, of Springfield, and engaged in plying his trade for a period of nine years. In 1856, he built for J. & J. Allen & Co., the Allen Mill, and was employed as manager of the same for ten years. In 1867, in company with Alexander H. Commins, he purchased the Stone Mills, which then had but four runs of stone ; they conducted a successful business under the firm name of Commins & Allen, which continued up to the time of the death of Mr. Coramins, in 1880, since which time the firm name has not been altered. The mills do an entirely merchant business, and grind from two hundred and fifty to three hundred barrels of flour per day. In the spring of 1881, the mills were changed to the Hungarian process, which enlarges the capacity of the mills to four hundred and fifty barrels of flour per day.


FRANK ADAMS, President and Superintendent of Akron Sewer Pipe Company. Sixth Ward ; was born in Windsor Co.. Vt.. July 5. 1819, and is the son of Benjamin and Betsey (Crowley) Adams. who were natives of Massachusetts. and were married in Vermont. where they had moved with their parents when young. In 1838, they came to Ohio, the journey being made by a wagon to Troy. N. Y.; thence by canal to Buffalo ; thence by lake to Cleveland : and thence to Norton Township, in what is now Summit Co.. where they settled on a farm previously purchased ; they farmed there about ten years, when they removed to Akron. where they lived a retired life until his death, which occurred Nov. 22. 1849; Mrs. Adam died about twenty years later. They were members of the M. E. Church for more than forty years, and took an active interest in all church affairs. Frank remained at home until within a few months of his majority ; his education was confined to a limited attendance at the district schools. Upon leaving home, he went to live with his brother-in-law, Mr. Samuel Manning, who was publishing maps, and with him remained two years, in the printing department. He then engaged as clerk in the post office at Akron, remaining one year, when he left, and, at the expiration of another year, he returned to the post office, remaining this time two years. when he engaged in the map business. forming the partnership of Manning & Co.. and remained one year, when the firm became Adams & Egleston, the latter buying out Manning. They continued until the spring of 1848. when their building was destroyed by fire. which necessitated a dissolution of the firm and


CITY OF AKRON - 663


the discontinuance of the business in Akron. He then took an active part in the campaign, and was Treasurer of the Whig Club. In March, 1849, he was appointed Postmaster of Akron by President Zachary Taylor, and held the office during his administration and that of his successor, Millard Fillmore. After retiring from the post office, he opened a hat store, which was burned in the spring of 1855. In May following, he purchased an interest in the business of Merrill, Powers & Co., and, in 1859, the firm became Hill & Adams, which. continued until 1868, when the business was merged into a stock company, known as the Hill & Adams Sewer Pipe Company. and, in January, 1871, Mr. Hill retired, and the corporate name became, as now, "The Akron Sewer Pipe Company," of which Mr. Adams was made President, also Superintendent, which offices he still retains, having held them from the first formation of the stock company. During the war, Mr. Adams served as a member of the School Board. member of Council, Treasurer of School Board, Corporation Treasurer, and Treasurer of the Soldiers' Relief Fund. He was married Jan. 21, 1846, to Miss Sarah J. Gale, a native of Vermont, who came to Akron when young, with her parents. She died Jan. 11, 1863. They had three children, two living, viz., Julia Latham and May Perkins. both of Akron. He was again married, Sept 2. 1863. to Mrs. Janetta L. Murphy, formerly Miss Hart ; they have two children, viz.. Frank H. and Belle M. Mr. Adams was a Whig up to the formation of the Republican party, and a Republican since that time. He has been a member of the Episcopal Church for twelve years.


ISAAC C. ALDEN, Treasurer of Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Co.. Akron, Ohio ; is a son of Henry and Abbie C. (Smith) Alden, and was born Nov. 20. 1851, at Bridgewater. Mass. When very young, the family moved to Abington, Mass., where he went to school until he was 15 years old, and then entered a wholesale dry goods store in Boston, remaining two years. In 1869, he entered the knife manufacory at Fitchburg, which place he held until 1872, when he came to Akron and was made Assistant Treasurer of the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Co., and, in 1877, he was made Treasurer of the concern. He was married, Dec. 10, 1874, to Miss Emma L. Gifford, of Fitchburg, Mass


ANGELO ANDREW, of R. L. & A. Andrew, Akron ; was born Feb. 1, 1846, in Boston Township, this county ; he lived at home until 17 years of age, when he was apprenticed to the printer's trade with the Akron Beacon. After serving two years, he went to Cleveland and worked on the Ohio Farmer until Aug. 23, 1864, when he enlisted in Co. H, 177th 0. V. I., and served until the close of the war, taking part in all the engagements in which his regiment participated. On his return from the army, he followed the business of painting, in Peninsula, for three years ; he then engaged as clerk in the same village, in a general merchandise business, for a period of five years. He then came to Akron and worked at his trade with his brother, and, in 1877, formed the partnership indicated above. Their business is confined to wall paper decorations for public buildings and residences, which they handle by the wholesale as well as retail, and all kinds of painting, employing from six to twelve skilled workmen. Their store is 22x66 feet, with two stories and a basement ; church and hall decorations are a special feature of their business. Aug. 14, 1873, he married Miss Lizzie Warburton. a native of Northampton Township ; they have three children—Maybelle, Frank and Bessie.


R. L. ANDREW, of R. L. & A. Andrew, Akron. R. L. Andrew, senior partner of the firm of R. L. & A. Andrew. is a native of Boston Township. this county ; his parents, Robert and Ann A. ! Tubbs) Andrew. were natives of England ; his father came to America in 1838 and lived with a brother in Boston, Summit Co., Ohio ; in the following year, he returned to England and married, returning to Boston with his wife in 1840 ; here he followed the trade of ornamental painter, remaining in Boston until 1873, when he moved to Akron, where he has since resided. Mrs. Andrew died in Akron Oct. 3.1879. ! R. L. Andrew was born May 24, 1841, the eldest of three children ; he lived at home, learning the trade of his father, and clerking at Peninsula and Akron for some five years until 1862. In June of this year he enlisted in the 85th O. V. I.. Co. B. and served four months, taking part. in the meanwhile, in the engagements at Prentiss, Miss., and Vickburg. In August, he enlisted in Co. H, 177th O. IT. I., and served to the close of the war with the rank of Sergeant ; he was present at the battle of the Cedars, the engagement at Shelbyville Pike, Town Creek,.


664 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


and was present at Johnston's surrender. Returning home after the ar, he engaged as clerk in the store of E. H. Cole, at Peninsula. He subsequently went to Michigan and clerked in a store in Iona, then at Marshall, and finally at Ann Arbor, for E. B. Thompson & Sons, who moved their business about as indicated. Oct. 6, 1869, he came to Akron and took up the business connected with his trade of ornamental painting. In 1873, he built the present store property, 240 East Mill street, where he has since conducted his business. Jan. 1, 1877, he formed the partnership with his brother Angelo. Sept. 6, 1866, he married Miss Emerancy Hall, a native of Northampton ; she died April 3, 1879. Two children were born to them, both deceased.


JOHN H. AUBLE, real estate, insurance, railroad, steamship and foreign exchange agent, Akron, Ohio ; was born Dec. 2, 1842, and is a son of Daniel and Susanna (Orwig) Auble, natives of Mifflinburg, Union Co., Penn., where our subject was born. His parents came to Ohio in 1854, and settled near Wadsworth, Medina County. He worked on a farm until 15, when he entered the store of E. G. Loomis, at Wadsworth, as a clerk, until July, 1861, when he was made a partner, under the firm name of Loomis, Auble & Co. He was doing a prosperous business, when he enlisted in Co. I, 103d O. V. I., Aug. 2, 1862. Soon after enlistment he was detached as Clerk A. G. 0., under Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, and served in the army of Mississippi ; was in active service first against the rebel Gen. Kirby Smith, in Kentucky ; at the siege of Vicksburg, with Gen. Sherman, on the Yazoo, and Grant at its final surrender. He was in the Missouri campaign under Rosecrans, with Thomas at Nashville, and in Gen. Scofield's department during the last months of service. He was mustered out with his regiment at Camp Cleveland, June 24, 1865, and returned home. He was at once employed as salesman by M. W. Henry & Co., of Akron, where he remained five years, and, in 1871, engaged in the real estate, insurance, foreign passage and exchange business. In January, t875, he took the business management of the Beacon Publishing Co., leaving it in the fall of 1877 with its financial condition greatly improved. He is Secretary of the Akron Coal Co., operating rich mines in Guernsey County. In May, 1880, he was appointedagent for the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, a position he still holds. He was married in August, 1870, to Miss Harriet E., only daughter of Rev. W. F. Day, D. D., formerly of Akron M. E. Church. They have five children—Anna Helen, Susie Orwig, Hattie Day, Bessie Norris and John Henry, Jr.


J. PARK ALEXANDER. The subject of these lines was born to John and Mary (Scott) Alexander on Aug. 7. 1834, in Bath township, Summit Co., Ohio, where he worked on a farm until the age of 18, attending district school and the academy at Richfield. At the age of 20 he went to the normal school at Marlboro, entering the engineering class under Prof. Holbrook, being a classmate of Prof. Mendenhall. Having completed an engineering course, he was, in 1856, employed in the public schools of Akron, where he taught two years. In 1865-66, he bought the present site of his firebrick manufactory; then used as a manufactory of stoneware, being. at that time, a small concern. He enlarged the buildings. and at the same time contracted for such an amount of stoneware as twelve or fifteen manufactories of Summit county could make. The aggregate amount of some years was two million gallons of ware. He established a warehouse at Detroit, maintaining it eight years. and one at Chicago five years. In 1867. he began manufacturing firebrick, which he has greatly improved in quality. In 1875, he succeeded in obtaining a patent for the manufacture of a nearly pure (98.78) silica brick from white pebble. This was the first business of the kind in Ohio. They make about one and one-half million bricks per year, employing twenty men in the making, and a large number in the handling of them for market. In 1872, he bought two oil refineries in this city and ran them, in connection with the Standard Oil Company. for five years. In 1858, he was elected Secretary of the Summit County Agricultural Society, holding the position for five years, which were followed by seven years in the presidency of the same, during which time (1858 to 1870), great improvements were made in the society. In 1868, he was elected member , of the State Board of Agriculture, and, in 1872, Treasurer of the same. He was made member of the City Council in 1865, and, with the exception of two years. has continued such, being for the past eight years President of the same, and witness-


CITY OF AKRON - 665


ing during that time all the public improvements, the city having grown from 3,500 to 20,000 inhabitants. Religious and educational institutions have repeatedly been the recipients of his munificent gifts. On Sept. 5, 1860, he was married to Miss Martha D. Wright, of Tallmadge, Ohio, daughter of Francis H. Wright, of which union there were eight children, one of whom, George B., is dead. Those living are Clara W., Helen B., Grace F., Mattie D., Bessie H., J. Park, Jr., and Alice S.


DAVID S. ALEXANDER, agricultural implements, Akron, Ohio ; is a son of John and Mary (Scott) Alexander, both of whom were born in Washington Co., Penn., and were married in 1828. In February, 1831, they came to Ohio, and settled in Bath Township, where he had previously bought 175 acres of land, upon which was some improvements. He followed farming there for several years, and, about 1840, began to import fine sheep (Saxon breed) from Washington Co., Penn., of the McKeever stock, driving overland. He was for some years a prominent breeder and woolgrower, and brought into the county the first flock of Spanish merinoes. He died in 1856, aged 58, and his wife in June, 1880, at the age of 80 rears. They had four sons, of whom David, the subject, was the oldest. and was born July 7, 1829, in Washington Co., Penn., and was an infant when the tinnily came to this county. He grew up on the farm in Bath Township, receiving his education in the schools of Bath, and attending school in Akron from 1847 to 1849, under Gen. Leggett, now of Cleveland. At 24 years of age. he commenced business for himself, and, in 1851, bought the farm of J. P. Baldwin, and for eleven years followed grain and stock farming successfully. In 1861, he came to Akron, and bought several lots on "Ely Tract," and commenced dealing in sheep, but dogs were very destructive to them, and he quit the business. In 1871, he began to deal in agricultural implements, which he still continues. His establishment was destroyed by fire in 1879, entailing upon him a loss of $12,000. In rebuilding, he fell from a scaffold and broke his thigh. In June, 1853, he married Miss Sarah C. Hale, a daughter of William Hale, of Bath Township. Five daughters were born to them. Lucy J. was the wife of C. R. Grant, of Akron. and died June 8,1880. Three brothers of subject died when young ; those living are David S. (subject), Joseph H., J. Park and William G., who is a commission merchant at Toledo, Ohio.


FRANK M. ATTERHOLT, lawyer, Akron, son of John and Emeline (Williams) Atterholt, was born Dec. 19,1848, near New Lisbon, Ohio, where he lived on a farm until he was 14 years of age, in the meantime attending school, and then entered the New Lisbon High School, which he attended for three years. At the age of 17 he began teaching, and continued some twelve years, spending his summer vacations in the National Normal School of Lebanon. He graduated from Mt. Vernon College in 1870, having entered three years previous. He was for three years Superintendent of the Columbiana Public Schools, and for some time editor of the Independent Register of that place. In the Medina Normal School of 1872 he taught mathematics, and in 1873 was made Principal of the West Salem Public Schools, which position he retained for five years. In June, 1878, he began the study of law under the direction of Upson, Ford & Baird, and pursued his studies with them two years, being admitted to the bar on Oct. 5, 1880, at the session of the Supreme Court at Columbus, and has since been in practice here, having moved here in 1879. He was married to Miss Mary E. Beard, of Columbiana, Ohio, Dec. 31, 1872 ; she was a teacher in the public schools of that place. She bore him one child, a son.


O. C. BARBER, Vice President Diamond Match Co., Akron. The subject of this sketch is a native of Middlebury, now Sixth Ward of Akron, Ohio. He was born April 20, 1841, and is the fourth of eight children born to George and Eliza Barber, who were natives of Connecticut and Ohio respectively. George Barber was born in the year 1804. His parents, Ezriah and Ann Barber, moving to Onondaga Co., N. Y., when he was 1 year old, and where he remained until he became of age, his schooling was confined to a few months each year at the district schools of his neighborhood. At the age of 18, he was apprenticed to coopering, and worked for three years. In the year 1826—feeling the same pioneer spirit that had actuated his parents and grandparents before him (he being a descendant of a family that came to this country from England in 1620)—he thought he would take a look at what was then considered the far


666 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


West, i. e., Ohio, and, after a few years' travel through the State in the clock business, he . finally settled down at Middlebury, where a considerable milling interest was well established, and where and at Akron he followed his trade until the year 1845, when he began the manufacture of matches, being one of the first to take up the business in the West. Meeting with indifferent success at first, owing to the great difficulty of distributing the goods he manufactured. There being no railroads at that time that would transport matches. it was necessary to distribute his product by wagons. In the year 1852, feeling somewhat tired of the struggle, and the necessity of a rest, he concluded to retire from the business. and traded his fixtures and factory for a hotel at Middlebury, and was appointed Postmaster of Middlebury, under Pierce's administration. Of this he tired in about one year. and again engaged in the manufacture of matches and buttons, the latter part of the enterprise proving unprofitable was soon abandoned, and he again gave his entire time and attention to the manufacture of matches, the facilities for which were inproved from time to time, to keep pace with the growing demands of the trade ; and from making matches by hand in a barn. step by step the business was so increased that in the year 1880, the business was conducted in buildings that, if on one floor twenty-two feet wide, would be over one mile long, and in which are made enough matches every twenty-five days. if placed end to end, to span the earth. and from which the Government received for internal revenue stamps over $2,000 per day. Our subject, who is the only surviving son of the founder of this immense business, was raised in his native village, and received a course of study in the common schools. The circumstances of the family early ushered him into business affairs, thus at the age of 16, he began selling matches for his father, operating in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania, in which States, through his activity and industry, the reputation of the Barber match soon became well-established. In the year 1862, the entire management was left to his dictation, from which time the success of the enterprise became more marked. Very much of this success Mr. Barber attributes to his associate and active business friend, J. K. Robinson, who about this time took charge of introducing the goods intonew markets, as well as the taking charge o ' the markets where the reputation of the goods were established, and no man in the entire West is better or more favorably known to the jobbing grocer trade of the country than Jack Robinson, as he is familiarly dubbed by his many friends. In 1864, the business was merged into a stock company, known as the Barber Match Co., of which George Barber was the President and O. C. Barber the Secretary and Treasurer, and John K. Robinson was General Agent. In January, 1881, the company had by far the largest and best equipped match works on this continent. The same enterprise that had made it what it was, suggested to Messrs. Barber & Robinson the propriety and economy of consolidating all the match companies of the States into one ownership or one company. and through them and other active manufacturers. a consolidation was made of twenty-eight of the leading manufacturers of the country. under the name of the Diamond Match Co., with a capital of $2,250.000, of which William H. Swift, of Wilmington. Del., is President ; 0. C. Barber. Vice President ; and William B. Gates. of Frankfort. N. Y., is Treasurer. The business of this company is conducted or managed by these officers. as an Executive Committee. with co-ordinate powers, the subject of this sketch having charge more directly of all the company's factories in the States west and south of Pennsylvania; the sales department in the same territory being in the charge of John K. Robinson. 0. C. Barber married Miss Laura L. Brown, of Akron, Oct. 10. 1S66. By the marriage there have been two children, one of whom is living, viz., Anna Laura : Charles H. is deceased.


JOHN RICHARD BUCHTEL. manufacturer of reapers and mowers, Akron, whose portrait appears in this work, was born Jan. 18, 1822. in Summit Co., Ohio. He was the son of John Buchtel, a farmer, and the grandson of Peter Buchtel. who was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he moved to Ohio in 1809, entering service here as a soldier in the war of 1812, and dying in the army. He engaged in farming when a youth, with no opportunity of obtaining other education than such as he could acquire by himself, so that, when lie attained his majority, he could with difficulty write his name. At that age he began to work land on shares, continuing it for several years,


CITY OF AKRON - 667


until at length he was able to purchase a small farm of twenty acres. Finally disposing of this, he bought a farm of 160 acres in Coventry Township, Summit Co., Ohio, which he improved and lived upon until 1854. when he sold it, and purchased a farm in La Porte Co., Ind., purposing at the time to remove there, and continue farming. Before doing so, however, he modified his plans and entered into the employ of Ball, Aultman & Co.. of Canton, then just beginning to make and introduce very extensively the Ohio," and afterward the "Buckeye" mower and reaper. continuing as their agent until the spring of 1856. The firm was burnt out soon after. and made an assignment to him for the benefit of its creditors. They obtained an extension, and he gave them such important aid that the fiim, C. Aultman & Co., was again on a secure foundation. In 1864, he succeeded in persuading the Canton manufacturers of the " Buckeye " machines. to build a manufactory at Akron also. and he superintended the construction of the necessary buildings. and purchased a one-sixth interest in the new establishment. By the following spring they began manufacturing their machines in the new buildings. The next year the business was organized as a stock company, of which he was elected President. This company has over 51,000,000 of paid-up capital, and $500.000 surplus. Its works have capacity for building over ten thousand machines annually. The Akron Iron Company, with its large rollingmills and fine blast furnaces. and the Akron Knife Works, of the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Company. for the production of knives and sickles for mowers, grew indirectly out of the establishment of' the Buckeye works; and the Akron papermill of Thomas Phillips & Co.. the rubber works, the the chain works. and many other flourishing industries, owed very much to Mr. Buchtel for their location in Akron. He was an office of the Canton incorporation of C. Aultman & Co.. a Director of the Akron Iron Company, of the Bank of Akron, and of the Weary. Snyder & Wilcox Manufacturing Company, besides many smaller business interests. In politics a Republican, and in temperance matters a prohibitionist ; he was the candidate of the latter party for Secretary of State of Ohio, in 1874. He was appointed by Gov. Hayes. and confirmed by the Senate, one of the Trustees of State Agricultural College, and was a member of the executive committee during the erection of its buildings. Throughout the war of Secession, his services to the community were simply invaluable. When others deemed the obstacles to filling up the quota and escaping the draft to be insurmountable, he, by his direct and supervisory efforts obtained the apportionment laid upon his town. In religious belief, he is a stanch Universalist, but nevertheless contributed for the erection of every church built in Akron, after he began to take an active part in affairs. The crowning work of his unstinted liberality was reached in the establishment and endowment of Buchtel College, Akron. an institution under the control and patronage of the Universalist denomination of Ohio. As the outgrowth of three years of earnest thought and persistent effort, the cornerstone of this college was laid July 4, 1871. Horace Greeley delivering the address of the occasion. Besides donating at the out-set. his library to the institution, he from time to time contributed toward its completion and permanent endowment, until his gifts. in this direction, amounted to over $100,000. This college. at first an experiment, steadily made its way forward until it holds a place of acknowledged merit among the most flourishing institutions of the West. His generous contributions to the Akron Library Association, of which he was President. did much to place that organization upon a permanent basis. It may be safely said that he gave away all he earned, and was a great public and private benefactor. In 1844. he married Miss Elizabeth Davidson. and their union is without issue. In 1877. Mr. Buchtel went to Athens Co., Ohio, where he purchased for the Akron Iron Company, on the line of the Hocking Valley Branch Railroad. 1,400 acres, comprising some of the richest deposits of coal and iron in the State. During the same year, the railroad company located a station on these lands, and in honor of his efforts to develop the mines, they named the station Buchtel, and later, the post office there received the same name. As purchaser, projector and general manager of the company during the past I four years, he has made five openings and established large furnaces, which combined, require a force of over four hundred men to operate, with a mining capacity of 1.000 tons


668 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


of superior furnace coal. The rich veins of iron there are worked with great facility on account of contiguous quarries of limestone which produce lime suitable for fluxing.


CAPT. GEORGE BILLOW, undertaker, Akron, the representative of his line of business, has an eventful history. He was born April 2, 1833, in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Milljus) Billow, both natives of Hesse-Darmstadt. His parents, with five sons and two daughters, emigrated to the United States about the year 1844, and settled on a farm near Sandusky, Ohio. George remained with his parents till he was 17 years old, and then went to Fremont, Ohio, to learn the trade of a wagon-maker ; he spent three years there at learning his trade. and then he went to Cleveland, where he finished in fine workmanship ; he then came to Akron, and for a time was employed by E. A. Collins. About this time he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Conrad and Charlotte (Graff Fink ; their marriage took place on Sept. 19, 1854. His wife, as well as her father and mother, were natives of Germany. After his marriage he returned to Cleveland for a time, and then again came to Akron. when he engaged in the manufacture of spokes for Mr. Collins, and for Oviatt & Sperry, of Tallmadge. About the time he was engaged in this business, the war of the rebellion had grown to a point when President Lincoln issued a call for 300,000 men. Mr. Billow sold out and closed up his interests as best he could, and then entered the army ; he enlisted in Co. I, 107th O. V. I., as a private ; this was a German regiment, and was enlisted specially for Sigel's command ; he entered the army in July, and in the following November he was promoted to Second Lieutenant ; shortly after this he rose to the rank of First Lieutenant, and then was made Captain of his company. Much of his term of enlistment was spent in detail service, though he saw some hard fighting ; he was in the Fredericksburg campaign, and was at the battle of Chancellorsville from July 1 to 4 ; in the first bayonet charge at this battle, the Captain and thirty men of his company were lost. Hagerstown and Boonsboro will also be remembered by him as places of battle in which he participated. From Warrenton Junction they embarked for , South Carolina ; their command had been so cut up that the 1st Division of the 11th Corps was united with Gordon's Division, and the command known thereafter as Gordon's Division. They went to Folly island, under command of Gen. Q. A. Gilmore. Capt. Billow was at the capture of Fort Wagner, and about Christmas, 1863, he was at the battle of James' Island ; he was subsequently ordered to the assistance of the troops at Jacksonville, Fla. ; there he was stricken with typhoid fever, and, after recovering, he was detailed Brigade Commissary of Subsistence, which position he held for three months, and had the honor of having been complimented by Commissary General Kilbourn on his success. Again he was detailed, and this time on the staff of Gen. Foster, as Post Commissary at Fernandina ; he remained there about nine months. and was then sent to Jacksonville as local Provost Marshal, and was there for three months. and then he was returned to Fernandina. where he remained till the close of the war. When he returned from the army he engaged in the grocery business in Akron, with Mr. C. Kolb : they were in business for about two years, when he took charge of the co-operative grocery ; he then, for about one and a half years, was traveling and selling stoneware. Having seen much of the South during the war, he removed to Huntsville, Ala., where, for four years, he was on a cotton plantation ; finding this speculation unprofitable. he returned to Akron, where he arrived the 1st of April, 1875. He has now been Notary for five years, and is doing an extensive business as agent for different ocean steamship lines and in foreign exchange ; this, in connection with his business as undertaker, makes an extensive trade. He is a member of Akron Commandery, No. 25 ; and while he was in Alabama, he was a member of Huntsville Commandery, No. 7, and held the office of Grand Captain of the Guard of the order in that State. Politically, he is a Republican. His family consists of the following children : Anna, George W., Charles Fernando (named after the Major), Ida, Albert C., Jacob L.. Edwin M., and the baby, Claire.


WILLIAM BUCHTEL, lumber, etc., Akron; a son of John and Catharine (Richards) Buchtel, was born Dec. 23, 1822, in Green Township of this county. His father had but little means, except his land (106 acres) and his children only went to school when they could be spared from the farm in winter. He (subject) and his brother. John R., cleared a large portion of his


CITY OF AKRON - 669


father's farm. At 22, he commenced for himself, and in one year bought the homestead, and engaged largely in wheat-raising. He followed farming until 1856, when he bought an interest (having rented out his farm) in the Chamberlin Mills, which he operated for some time with good success. He served in the 164th O. N. G. during the late war, and was honorably discharged in the fall of 1864. After leaving the army, he removed to Akron, and in the following year he made one of the firm of Jackson. Buchtel & Co., and engaged in the lumber business for five years—subject being most of the time in the pineries near Saginaw, Mich., superintending the manufacture of lumber. He is at present in the lumber business. Since 1865; he has located and handled over 20.000 acres of Government and State lands, in Clare. Isabella and Missaukee Counties, Mich.. and still owns some 3.000 acres there. He was married March 7. 1842. to Miss Martha Henderson, of Springfield Township. By this marriage there are four children, viz.: James H., John D., Wm. 31. and C. J.


JOHN D. BUCHTEL, Akron, second son of Wm. and Martha (Henderson) Buchtel was born May 20,1849, in Coventry Township, this county. In 1864, when his father went into the army, he came to Akron, and worked in the mill until his return, when he went to school for two years. He then engaged in a flour and feed store ; attended commercial school in Poughkeepsie in 1868. and spent two summers at Saginaw. Mich. He was in the employ of Thomas & Son one year (1871). and teller in the Citizens' Savings and Loan Association, from May. 1872, to March. 1877, when his health failed and he lay sick for some time. In 1878, he was a member of Germania Printing Co. for a short time and then went to Chautauqua Lake where he clerked in a hotel for three months. He then came back to Akron. and in November, 1878, opened a feed store on Mill street, which he kept until the spring of 1881, when he became a member of the firm of Wm. Buchtel & Sons, lumber dealers.


CHARLES W. BROWN. barber, Akron, a son of John and Margaret (Groves) Brown, was horn in Cleveland. Ohio. May 7, 1843, where he lived until 15 years of age, attending the public schools of that city. At the age of 14 he entered his father's barber shop as an apprentice ; he, being a leading barber on Superior street for some fifty years. Subject worked in the shop until the war broke out. He had drilled with a company of colored men under Capt. Paddock of the " Cleveland Grays." This company, through John Brown (subject's father) tendered their services to Gov. Tod, who telegraphed in response : " When we want niggers we'll let you know." Subject then recruited fifteen men, and upon offering themselves to Rhode Island were accepted. He then returned and raised twenty men more, but Ohio had, in the meantime, discovered that "niggers " would stop bullets as well as whites, and got out an injunction against their leaving the State. Gov. Sprague of Rhode Island was notified, and sent two of his ablest attorneys to manage the case. In the trial of the case, Gov. Tod's telegram was offered in testimony, and after a full discussion of the pros and cons, the " niggers " were allowed to follow their own bent. and at once reported to Rhode Island, where they were mustered into the 14th Rhode Island' Heavy Artillery. They entered the service in October, 1862, and were discharged at New Orleans in the spring of 1865. Subject served in the Gulf Department, and was in the battles of Red River, Mobile, Plaquemine, La., and was 1st Sergeant of Co. K. He came to Akron in the fall of 1865, and has done a good business as barber ever since. His shop is located under the Academy of Music, and runs from three to five chairs with competent artists, and has a bath room attached. He has always been a stanch Republican and is the first colored man elected to office in Summit County, by a popular vote, being elected Trustee of Portage Township in 1880, an office he has faithfully filled. He was married, July 29, 1867, to Miss Laura V. Lewis, of Cleveland ; they have two daughters and one son. His parents were freeborn and came to Cleveland about 1820, where the mother still lives, aged 85 ; father died in 1868. They had two sons and two daughters. Subject is a fine musician, and was leader of the first colored band ever raised in Akron.


DAVID BUNN, policeman, Akron, Ohio ; a son of Jacob and Sarah A. (Whaler) Bunn ; was born in Wells Co., Ind., May 23, 1842; his father having moved to that locality in an early day. Subject worked on a farm, and helped to clear 200 acres of woodland. He went to school, two miles distant, and, at 19, came to Ohio, where he worked for David Gailhouse, of


670 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


Wayne County, on farm and in coal bank. He enlisted, Aug. 22, 1862. in Co. G, of the 120th O. V. I., and participated in the Trans-Mississippi and Vicksburg campaign, and the Red River expedition. He was captured at Snagg Point, Red River, and imprisoned at Camp Ford for thirteen months ; was at one time sentenced to be shot by the rebels. and taken out for that purpose, but was not executed for some cause. After being inhumanly treated, rendering him an invalid for five years, he was. in 1865. paroled at Camp Ford. and returned to Doylestown. Ohio, and clerked for one year for his old employer, on farm and in coal bank. He was married. October 11. 1866. to Miss Almira Springer. of Doylestown. where he lived until 1875. They have three children. two sons and one daughter. Mr. B.. in 1866. engaged in the grocery business. and afterward dealt in dry goods. In 1875, he came to Akron. and opened a boot and shoe store on Howard street. for about three years. when he closed out and entered the employ of Teeples & Maxim for about one and one-half years. In 1878. he was appointed. by Mayor Scott. policeman for the Fourth Ward. and has been on the force ever since, a faithful and vigilant officer. He has always been a stanch Republican in politics.


J. MARTIN BECK. Akron Varnish Works, Akron, Ohio, is a son of Adam and Christina (Hoefer) Beck. and was born in the town of Seib, Bavaria, Germany, Oct. 14, 1843. At 14, he entered as an apprentice in a wholesale grocery and drug house, and served four years without compensation, and paid over $300 to learn the business. He passed a regular examination, and came to the United States in 1862. and to Akron in August of the same year. Here he first entered the employ of M. W. Henry & Co., Mr. Wolf, his half-brother, being a partner. He remained six years. when his health failed, and he changed his location to Cleveland, where he was employed by E. I. Baldwin & Co. as a salesman for one year. In the spring of 1869, he went to Europe and remained till fall, and returned to the United States in improved health. He entered into partnership with John Wolf and H. J. Church, in the dry goods business, until 1878, when he sold out, and shortly after formed a partnership with E. G. Kubler, and established the Akron Varnish Works, the first and only factory of the kind in the county. The businesshas largely increased since its establishment. Jan. 12. 1871, he married Miss Kate J. Buchtel. daughter of William Buchtel, Esq. They have two sons and one (laughter.


SOL J. BUCHER, Constable, Akron: son of David and Catherine (Baird) Bucher. was born in Franklin Township. this county, April 10, 1846. He lived there until the war broke out. At 16. he entered the army. enlisting August 5. 1862, in Co. H, 104th O. V. I. He served in the Kentucky and East Tennessee invasion. and the Atlanta campaign. At Columbia. Tenn., he was wounded on the 28th of November, 1864. while on skirmish line ; he was shot by a sharpshooter. and the ball entered under his left nostril. crashing through the hard palate. grazing the base of the skull, and lodged between his ear and bones of the neck. The wound was probed by surgeons, and they removed a half ounce ball. His hearing and eyesight were affected for some time. He joined his regiment at Greensboro. N. C.. in May. 1865, and was mustered out at Cleveland with his regiment. On his return. he engaged in farming in Coventry Township. until 1869. when he removed to Akron. and was there in the employ of Thomas & Sons. in the planing business. for about a year ; then, for some time, engaged in the grocery business. Next. he worked in the different departments of the "Excelsior Works," on reapers and mowers, and subsequently in the Akron Rubber Works. In 1875. he was elected Constable for Portage Township, which position he has filled by annual elections ever since. He has been a member of the Republican County Committee for two years. September 28. 1866, he married. at "Millersburg, Ohio, Mrs. Harriet L. Bucher, widow of the late David Bucher, Jr.. and daughter of David Flickinger, formerly of Summit Co. His father was born in Maryland in 1808, and came to Canton with his parents in 1810, the present city having then but four cabins. He grew up there, and moved near Clinton, this county, in 1838. He married Miss Catharine Baird, of Canton, a lady of Scotch descent, born in 1813. He farmed in Franklin Township until his death, in 1858. He was one of the " Minute Men " during the Mexican war. He was the father of fourteen children, eleven of whom are deceased ; but six grew up, viz., David. Jr., John, Joseph, Solomon J., Lavina and Amelia, Henry (deceased).


CITY OF AKRON - 671


John was a member of the 1st Battalion of the 18th U. S. A., and died at Park Barrack, Louisville, Ky., Dec. 9, 1862. Mrs. David Bucher, Sr., is still living. Theobald Bucher, grandfather of subject, was a French soldier, and removed from Alsatia, France, to America, just after the American Revolution, settling at Baltimore, Md.; then removed to Bellefonte, Center Co., Penn., and. in 1810, to Canton, Ohio, with his family.


JAMES BUCHANAN, foreman in paper mills, Akron ; is a son of James and Elizabeth (Patterson) Buchanan ; she a daughter of Frank Patterson. All were natives of County Donnegal, Ireland ; but emigrated to America, and settled at Quebec, Canada, in 1853, the same year coming to Cuyahoga Falls. James and Elizabeth Buchanan had four children, two of whom are living—our subject, born in 1846, and Helen, now a Mrs. Fred Langs ; he a molder at Webster, Camp & Lanes. The youngest and the oldest children died in infancy. James received a limited education, and, at 9 years of age, began working in the paper mill at Cuyahoga Falls, where he worked a number of years, and learned the different departments of the work. In Aug. 2, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, 115th 0. V. I., and was afterward transferred to the Second U. S. Calvary, in which he served two and a half years. He was mustered out of service in August, 1865 ; returned home, and learned the harness-maker's trade. at which he worked three years. In 1868, he reengaged in the paper mill at the falls, working with the engines and machines, until, in the year 1874, from which time until, in 1876, he was employed at the Monroe Falls Paper Mills. In 1876, he came to the Akron Paper Company, and, in 1879, accepted the position of foreman of the works. He was married to Mary Ann Nesbitt, by whom he had four children. three of whom are now living, viz., Ellen. Emma and Frank. He is a member of Summit Lodge, No. 50, I. O. O. F. He is also connected with the Episcopal Church.


FREDERICK BISHOP, Superintendent Akron Iron Company, Akron ; son of Thomas and Ann (Warner) Bishop ; was born in the county of Warwickshire, England, October 30, 1843. When a child, his parents removed to the iron region of South Staffordshire. England. When 12 years old, he entered a rolling mill at Wednesbury, Eng., in the heart of the iron country. He worked in almost every department of the business there, and came to the United States in 1868, stopping at Pittsburgh, Penn., from August to November, when he came to Akron, and entered the employ of this company, as puddler's helper for some six months, when he was assigned the management of the finishing mills, a position he held some six years, after which he was employed in the mills of the Mahoning Valley as superintendent of mills (at different points) for four years. He then entered the employ of the Akron Iron Company, in September, 1878, as superintendent, which position he has held ever since. He has been in the iron business for twenty-six years, and is thoroughly acquainted with all the processes known as to its manufacture. May 31, 1869, he married Miss Ann Baldwin, of Wednesbury, England. He has two children living, and three dead. His father was a fanner, and is living with his wife in England. They were once in the United States.


JOHN BROWN, deceased. The champion of universal liberty, the zealous friend of the colored race, and the hero of Harper's Ferry, was born at Torrington, Conn., on the 9th of May, in the year 1800, and was the son of Owen and Ruth (Mills) Brown. His ancestry is traced back in an unbroken line to Peter Brown, one of the fugitive pilgrims, who landed from the Mayflower on Plymouth Rock in December, 1620. Without tracing the family back to this renowned ancestor, suffice it to say that Capt. John Brown (the grandfather of subject), was an officer in the Revolutionary army. and died of disease during his term of service. He was of the fourth generation from Peter Brown in regular descent. Capt. John Brown's youngest son was named Owen, and was the father of our subject. He came to Ohio in 1805, when the latter was but five years old, and settled in Hudson Township (now in Summit County), where he became one. of the principal pioneer settlers of that section. He was commonly called Squire Brown, and was one of the Board of Trustees of Oberlin College; was spoken of as being endowed with energy and enterprise, and of going down to his grave honored and respected, about 1852, at the age of 87 years. Subject's mother died when he was but 8 years old, a loss he mourned long and sincerely. When the war broke out with England (1812), his father engaged in fur-


672 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


nishing the troops with beef cattle. During this war he had some chance to form his own boyish judgment of men and measures, and to become somewhat familiarly acquainted with many who figured before the country in after years. A circumstance occurred during this war that made him a most determined Abolitionist, and led him to declare eternal war on slavery. He was staying for a short time with a man who owned a slave boy about his own age. This man made a great pet of him (subject), brought him to table with his first company and friends, and called their attention to every little smart thing he said and did, while the negro boy was badly clothed, poorly fed and lodged in cold weather, and beaten before his eyes with anything that came first to hand. At the age of 10 an old friend induced him to read a little history, by which he acquired some taste for reading ; formed the principal part of his early education and diverted him, in a great manner, from bad company. By reading the lives of great and good men, and their writings, he grew to dislike vain and frivolous conversation and persons. In early life he became ambitious to excel in anything he undertook to perform, and especially in the fall labor of a man in any hard work. At an early age he became, to some extent. a convert to Christianity, and was ever after a firm believer in the divine authenticity of the Bible. With this book he became very familiar, and possessed an unusual memory of its entire contents. He was married June 21, 1820. at Hudson, to Miss Dianthe Lusk, an industrious and economical girl of excellent character, earnest piety, and of good practical common sense. By this marriage he had seven children, viz., John, Jason, Owen, Frederick, Ruth, Frederick (2d), and an infant son, buried with its mother, Aug. 10, 1832. three days after its birth. By his second wife, Mary A. Day. to whom he was married at Meadville, Penn., he had thirteen children, viz., Sarah, Watson, Salmon, Charles, Oliver, Peter, Austin, Anne, Amelia, Sarah (2d), Ellen, infant son, Ellen (2d). From his 21st to his 26th year, he was engaged in the tanning business and as a farmer in Ohio. At 26, he went to Crawford Co., Penn., where he carried on his old business until 1835, characterized as a thoroughly honest man. In 1835, he moved to Franklin Mills, Portage Co., Ohio, where he remained until 1840, when he went to Hudson and engaged in the wool bussness with Mr. Oviatt, of Richfield. In 1844, he moved to Akron, and in 1846, to Springfield, Mass., where he lived until 1849, and then removed to Essex Co., N. Y. In 1851, he returned, with his family to Akron, Ohio, where he managed Mr. Perkins' farm and carried on the wool business. It was in 1839 that he first conceived the idea of liberating the Southern slaves. He had seen the blasting and blighting manhood of the nation, and had listened to the "voice of the poor that cried." This sentiment was cherished by him, and his efforts in that direction pushed forward. until he expiated with his life the zeal he felt for the down-trodden African. In 1855, on starting for Kansas, he again moved his household to Essex Co., N. Y., where now his "body lies moldering in the dust." But from the period of his' going to Kansas. until an ignominious death closed his eventful career, his acts and his deeds are a part of the nation's history, and require no repetition in this sketch.


JAMES N. BALDWIN, merchant miller, Akron. Benson C. Baldwin was born in 1797, in Granville, Mass., and his wife, Louisa A. Neal, in Tallmadge. Ohio, in 1812. He was a minister in the Presbyterian Church, and preached up to the time of his death, which occurred at Medina in 1844. He was the father of three sons, and James. the second child, was born Feb. 22, 1839, in Medina, Ohio. He lived in Middlebury from 1844 to 1851, when his mother moved to Hudson. Here he attended school until he was 19, when he came to Akron and clerked for the Hall Bros. until 1862, when he was employed as bookkeeper and Secretary of the Chamberlain Company, continuing until 1878, in which year he formed a partnership with George W. McNeil, and leased the Etna Mills, which they have conducted with fair success since. In March, 1864, he was married to Miss Augusta Eldred, of Akron, who bore him two children ; she died in January, 1875. In July, 1879, he married Miss Harriet L. Andrus, of Akron.


DENNISON BABCOCK; butcher, Akron, is a son of George, he of Samuel Babcock, who were natives of Groton, Conn. George, with two brothers and one sister, came to Ohio at an early date, he settling in Middlebury, and engaging in mercantile pursuits, which he afterward pursued in Akron City proper. He


CITY OF AKRON - 673


was married, June 14, 1829, to Clarissa Williams as a second marriage, by whom he had five children—Martha Calista, born July 1, 1830 ; Sarah Susannah, May 18, 1833 ; Williams Pierpont, Oct. 27, 1835 ; Clarissa E., July 31, 1840 (now deceased), and the subject of this sketch, born Feb. 12. 1844. Paul Williams, born in 1767, and Sarah Williams. horn in 1763, the grandparents of our subject. came to Akron and erected the first log-house in the city proper. the location of which was

on Broad street, near the knife works. The family nearly all died during the building of the canal, none being left except the grand! mother and the mother of the subject of this sketch. who lived until 1868. The grandmother died in 1832. from the effects of sickness in 1827. Dennison attended school in Akron until 17 years of age. when he learned butchering, and worked for a time at the carpenter's trade. At 18 years of age. he enlisted in Co. H. 104th 0. V. I., in which he served until .July. 1865. receiving in the meantime a wound at the battle of Knoxville which sent him to the hospital for a considerable time. which he occupied in filling the position of Hospital Steward. In the spring of 1867, he engaged with his brother in the feedstore business. but disposed of the same the following fall. Then engaged in butchering for about two years. after which time he traveled four years for Alfred Pitkin & Co.. steam-heating apparatus. subsequently engaging in the business of carpentering and pattern-making for W. Thomas. continuing for about three years. In March, 1879. he began the butchering business with a meat market at No. 322 East Mill street. where he is now engaged with W. Russell. doing an average business. He was married. Nov. 12. 1873. to Lucy Maria Upson, daughter of Julius Upson. a resident of Cuyahoga Falls. He is prominently identified with the Republican party.


JOHN H. BELLOWS. retired farmer ; P. O. Akron ; is the eldest son of Ithamar Bellows. who was born Feb. 11, 1794, in Groton, Conn., and died in 1868, he being a son of Ephraim, who came, among the early settlers, to Coventry and Springfield Townships. The wife of Ithamar was Lanah Haynes, born June 28, 1796 ; died Jan. 17, 1867. Her parents were Daniel and Jane (Haynes) Haynes, who were the first white settlers in Coventry Township. The fatherof our subject drove an ox-team from Groton, Conn., to Coventry, in the fall of 1811, for Capt. Amos Spicer, with whom he lived until his marriage to Lanah Haynes, by whom he had seven children—Laura, born March 30, 1816 ; John H., April 24, 1818 ; Samantha J., Oct. 20, 1823 ; Ephraim G., Dec. 15, 1825 ; Harriet D., March 11, 1830 ; Henry J., Dec. 18, 1833, and Mary E., Dec. 22, 1837. He was always a very hardworking man, honest and upright in all his dealing, by which he amassed a considerable fortune, although very liberal, and meeting with many reverses. John H., being the oldest son, received a very limited education, he being employed in assisting his father in clearing up the old homestead until about 25 years of age. He was married, Oct. 9. 1857, to Lydia Ann Myers, daughter of Simeon Myers. an old settler in Norton. They have two sons—Francis Leroy, born Dec. 25, 1859, now engaged as Assistant Superintendent at Akron Rubber Works—and Charles Orlando, born Oct. 25, 1861, now engaged in the manufacturing of brooms, with Buchtel & Pontius.


JAMES H. BURT, bookkeeper at Brewster Coal Chutes, Akron ; was born Aug. 19, 1843 ; the son of William Burt, whose father was also named William ; they were natives of England. Our subject is a native of Glamorganshire, South Wales ; and, in the fall of 1853, came from Liverpool to New York with his parents and four sisters. They resided at Wampum, Penn.. for one year ; then came to the city of Youngstown, Ohio, where the father now lives. and is engaged as an horticulturist. His mother was a sister to John Beese, whose history appears in Coventry Township. James attended school until 13 years of age, when he engaged as a mule driver in the Mahoning Valley until the breaking-out of the war, when he enlisted as drummer in an independent band called“Dixon's Baud ;" but was subsequently connected with the 155th Pennsylvania Regiment, the band being discharged some time after enlistment, he returned home, and re-enlisted in the 84th O. V. I. three months' men ; but were kept several months overtime, when they were-discharged. He then, immediately, Jan. 2, 1864, enlisted in the 15th Ohio Battery, in which he served until June, 1865, when he returned home, and worked on a farm and attended school until April, 1866, when he was engaged as bookkeeper by the Crawford, Davis & Co. Coal Mining


674 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


Company, near Youngstown, until 1874, at which time he accepted the position which he now occupies. He was married, Nov. 28, 1867, to Harriette E. Beatty, daughter of John and Lucretia (Darrow) Beatty, natives, he of Ireland, she of New England. By this marriage, there were five children—Harrison J., Franklin P., Clara May, Alfred and Martha J.


ARTHUR F. BARTGES, Akron ; son of Dr. Samuel W. Bartges ; was born in North Georgetown, Ohio, April 2, 1838, and came with his parents to Akron in 1842. where he attended the public schools until he was 16, entering Western Reserve College of Hudson in 1856, where he spent two years. In 1857, he entered the law office of Ranney, Backus & Noble, of Cleveland, being admitted to the bar at the session of the Supreme Court at Columbus, April 4, 1859. Returning at once to Akron, he formed a partnership with Gen. A. C. Voris, which lasted until 1864. In 1865, he opened a coal mine in Norton, and engaged in the coal business, gorng to Cleveland in 1869, where he had his principal office, and did a large business in the sale of coal until 1877. when he again came to Akron, and resumed the practice of law, being in active practice ever since.


CAPT, A. P. BALDWIN, Agent Akron Iron Company, Akron, oldest son of James and Mary (Robertson) Baldwin, was born Jan. 28, 1838, near 110 North Howard street, Akron ; at 14, he entered the employ of P. D. Hall & Co., as clerk, where he remained until 1859, when his father opened a hardware store on Howard street, under the firm name of James Baldwin & Son ; this they conducted until the war broke out, and, in October, 1861, he enlisted in the 6th Ohio Light Battery, organized at Mansfield, Ohio, by John Sherman, by whom he was commissioned 2d Lieutenant. After the battle of Mission Ridge he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, and during the Hood campaign he was made Captain of the 6th Battery ; he was mustered out at New Orleans September 1, 1865, having served nobly in the Pittsburg, Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta Campaign, Resaca, Atlanta (Jonesboro), Spring Hill and Nashville battles. For his gallant services at Spring Hill, of Franklin, Tennessee, he was offered a commission in the regular army, by Corps Commander Gen. D. Stanley, but declined it. On his return to Akron he went into the hardware business with H. W. Wetmore, under the firm name of Wetmore & Baldwin, and in 1867, it became Wetmore, Baldwin & Paige, so 1 continuing until 1869, when he retired, and in March became General Agent for the Akron Iron Company, a position he still retains, representing the company throughout the East, West and South. November 10, 1863, he married Miss Celia F. Ayres, of Akron ; he has four children—James A., John Sherman, Susie and Mary E.


JAMES BALDWIN, Akron, was born at Amsterdam. N. Y., in 1805, and came to Akron in 1831, having but little means he was a carpenter and builder. The firm of Kilbour & Baldwin was presented with lots on corner of Howard & Market streets, for the purpose of erecting a hotel, which they did, and named it the " Pavilion Hotel :" they rented it to Charles B. Cobb. who kept it for several years. Mr. Baldwin put up the present block, comprising Nos. 102.104 and 108 North Howard st. He went into the hardware business in 1859. continuing until 1864. when he retired. and died Sept. 19, 1865. His wife. Mary (Robertson) was born in Pittsburgh. Penn.. in 1805, came to Ohio, with her parents. in 1831, and was married. She died in 1872, leaving a family of six children, viz., Miranda P., resident of Akron ; Isabella R., wife of William C. Sullivan, of Oakland, California ; Aaron P. (of whom see sketch) ; James W., died in 1875. near Cincinnati ; Mary J., who was the wife of B. D. A. Melvin, of Akron, and died in 1877 ; and Olive J.. wife of C. L. Benjamin. of Dennison. Tex. James Baldwin was a civil engineer on the railroad from Schenectady to Albany, N. Y., in 1830, the first railroad in the United States, with Hon. Horatio Allen and James Mills ; he was a man of great industry, and possessed a character without a flaw.


JAMES F. BRUOT, Notary Public, general insurance and real estate agent, Akron ; was born Jan. 29, 1827 ; is the son of John Nicholas Bruot and Catharine Bruot, nee Guyot, of Valentigney, near Montbeliard, Department of Doubs, France, and the descendant of an ancient Huguenot family. He was educated in the normal school of his native town, and in 1843 came out best of his class and drew the first prize of honor ; in May, 1848, he came to the United States, stopping at Buffalo, N. Y., where he engaged to work for an attorney in


CITY OF AKRON - 675


order to learn the English language ; he went back to France in 1851 on a visit, and while there received a power of attorney from Mr. Peter Gressard, of Coventry Township, Summit Co. On his return to the United States, and at the solicitation of Mr. Gressard, he came to this eon my and visited the latter, when he first became acquainted with his wife ; he did not remain long, however ; he, being an only child was again called to France by his parents for the third time. While there his father died accidentally, and, after arranging matters relating to the estate, he returned to Buffalo, and, Dec. 1854, was married in Akron to Miss Rosalie Gressard. He took his wife to Buffalo. and remained there in the grocery and provision business until November. 1857, when he sold out his house, lot and business, at a good margin. and took his wife and first child on a visit to Europe. In 1860, he returned with his family to Akron. where, a few months later. after the death of his father-in-law, he purchased the latter's farm. In 1864, he erected a large building on South Main street, where he opened a wholesale and retail grocery store. and. a few years later. erected the Harmonie Block. at a cost of 823,000: in November, 1871, he engaged in the general insurance and real estate business, and is at present Notary Public, insurance and real estate agent. He has five children, all of whom are living. Mr. B. has made eight trips to Europe, which. with his original trip to the United States, makes seventeen times crossing of the Atlantic.


G. C. BERRY, merchant, Akron. of the well-known firm of G. C. Berry & Co.—of which so much is said in the sketch of Mr. Henry of this firm—is a native of Medina Co., Ohio, though he became a resident of Summit County when he was 3 years old ; in 1863, he became a partner in the firm of which he now stands at the head, which change was made in 1874. His has been a life without remarkable incident, yet crowned with success. During his early life he had the advantage of the public schools of Akron ; his opportunities were not left unimproved, the result of which was the acquirement by himself of a good education. In social as well as in business affairs, he is not given to ostentation. He was a member of Co. F of the 164th O. V. I., 100 days service during the war of the rebellion ; he has been a member of the Board of Education of Akron, which fact is pretty goodevidence of his ability and the confidence of the people ; he is a member of Summit Lodge, No. 50, I. 0. O. F., and a Republican in politics. He has been almost wholly dependent upon his own resources, and, however prominent his position may be in connection with the mercantile industries of Akron, that position has been attained by his own energy, ambition and honesty.


GEORGE BURKHARDT, retired, Akron, who is a representative of the industrious and enterprising German element of Akron population, was born in Baden, Germany. When he was 11 years old, his father died, and, at the age of 13, he was doubly orphaned by the death of his mother. He, however, had the advantage of attending school until he was 14 years of age. When 15 years of age, he was apprenticed for three years to a toolmaker to learn that trade, in addition to serving which time. he paid $32. At the closing of his term of apprenticeship, he began life among strangers on his own account, by beginning a tour of five years' travel through the States of Germany, and by special pass into France and Switzerland. This period of travel was for the purpose of working in the different States of Germany, and was what was known as his term of journeyman workmanship, at the end of which time he was termed a master workman. In 1848, he emigrated to America and came direct to Akron, where he has since resided. He first began work for a Mr. James Hale, at Lock No. 7, of Akron. His work has been principally in iron and brass. He has received good wages on account of his being a fine workman. By saving his money and investing it in real estate he has become the owner of valuable residence and business property in Akron. To aid him in succeeding better in his business, he for a time. shortly after his arrival in Akron, attended a night school for the special instruction of Germans in the American or English language. Mr. Burkhardt has not been a political office seeker, though he has held the office of Chief Engineer of the Akron Fire Department, and has been a member of the Akron City Council from the Fourth Ward. He is a member of the order of A., F. & A. M., and of a number of secret societies that are strictly German. He is also a member of the Reformed Church. In 1870, he paid his Fatherland a visit, where he remained for about three


676 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


months. He is now one of that class of the residents of Akron who are reaping the reward of their early industry and economy in the possession of a comfortable home and a competency for old age.


ALMON BROWN, County Coroner and Justice of the Peace, Middlebury (Sixth Ward, Akron), was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Nov. 26, 1801, on his father's farm, and is the third child of a family of eight children. born to Holland and Sarah (Mix) Brown. They were natives of Brimfield, Mass., and Litchfield, Conn., and were married in Tompkins Co., whither they had removed with their parents. In January, 1814, Mr. Brown and family, then consisting of seven children, came to Ohio. His means of transportation was a sled, drawn by two yoke of oxen, the stronger members of the family, of whom was Almon, our subject. walking the entire distance. The trip required twenty-six days. Upon his arrival he bought 160 acres of timber land, and, while building a cabin, lived with a friend. The cabin put up by Mr. Brown was twenty feet square. and of round logs ; there was one room. " cut down " inside, oiled paper window. board door, made from the sled box, and a stick chimney. He lived here two years. then sold his improvements and bought 135 acres adjoining, on which he erected another log cabin, and commenced clearing his land. He lived in the vicinity some ten years, making in the meantime several improvements. He then removed to what is now Wadsworth Township, Medina Co., where he bought land, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred in April. 1844. His wife died in Medina in 1861, where she had lived with a daughter most of the time after her husband's death. Almon Brown, our subject, made his home with his parents until he was 21 years of age. He received but a limited education—his schooling amounting to about four months' attendance, one month each at four different terms of district schools. He was married, Jan. 1, 1828, to Miss Rosalind Hinman, a native of Allegany Co., N. Y., who came to this county (Coventry Township) with her parents about the year 1818. She died May 13, 1847, leaving five children. He was a second time married, on Sept. 9, 1847, to Miss Evan Shively, a native of Columbiana Co., Ohio. She died June 17, 1857. Two children were born of this marriage. May 13, 1858, hewas again married. to Mrs. Read, formerly Miss Catharine Paulus. a native of Huntingdon Co., Penn. She was born June 13, 1811, and was the third of five children born to Danrel and Hannah (Miller) Paulus. They were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and were married in Pennsylvania, removing to Ohio in the year 1815. They settled in Jackson Township, Stark County, where Mr. Paulus died the next year after settlement. His widow, two years later, married Mr. Jacob Jubb. and bore him five children. They lived in Stark Co. until his death, when she went to Indiana, and passed the remainder of her life with her children. Catharine. the wife of our subject. lived at home until her first marriage to John Read, a wagon-maker in Middlebury. He died Aug. 18, 1856 ; they had no children. She has since resided here. with the exception of about eight years passed in the western part of the county. After the first marriage of our subject, he followed carpentering for about twenty years, and then worked at wood-turning in Norton Township. and, in 1866, came to Middlebury. where he has since resided. He has served most of the time as Justice of the Peace ; also served as Ward and Township Assessor some eight or nine years. He was mail agent for several years. and is now serving his fifth term as County Coroner. He was Mayor of Middlebury two terms—the last during the vote to annex it to Akron. He has been a member of the Disciples' Church since 1834; and an Elder of the same a number of years. Mrs. Brown was a Methodist about thirty years. but since 1860. has been a member of the Disciples' Church. Mr. Brown's first vote for a Presidential candidate was for John Quincy Adams. He was a Whig until 1840 ; then anti-slavery until the organization of the Republican party, since which time he has been a zealous member of it.


JUDGE CONSTANT BRYAN, lawyer. Akron. A son of Elijah and Content (Fowler) Bryan ; was born Sept. 6, 1809. in Delaware Co., N. Y., where he was brought up on a farm until he was 16 years old. He then commenced teaching, continuing it for three years, when he entered upon the study of the law at Bainbridge, Chenango Co., N. Y., in the office of John C. Clark, remaining with him about two years. In the fall of 1831, he went to Milford, Conn., and afterward to New Haven,


CITY OF AKRON - 677


where he continued his studies in the Law Department of Yale College, teaching in the public schools during the summer vacation. In . the fall of 1833, he came to Ohio and located in Akron, and, in 1834, was admitted to the bar at Columbus, he walking to Wooster, and going by stage from that place. He opened an office for practice at once ; was the partner of George Bliss for two or three years. In 1852, he was elected Probate Judge of Summit Co. Judge Bryan's practice has been chiefly in civil cases and in the chancery courts. He was the first Recorder of the incorported village of Akron, and long a member of the School Board. He was one of the early Free-Soilers, and was elected Probate Judge by that party and the Democrats. He was married in May, 1839, to Miss Sophia Dennison, a native of Rutland, Vt. Two children were born of this marriage, one of whom is living—Henry E., City Clerk of Columbus, Ohio. His wife died, and in September, 1854, he was again married, to Miss Susan L. Barnum, of Florence, Huron Co., Ohio. Of this marriage, there are two children living—Fred C., in the Cincinnati Law School, and Isaac J., at home. Judge B. is a member of the Congregational Church.


REV. JOHN B. BROUN. Pastor of St. Bernard's (German Catholic) Church, Akron, was born in Rennes. France, March 2, 1834. When he was 13, his family emigrated to the United States and settled in Monroe, Mich., in 1847. He entered Assumption College at Sandwich. Ontario, at the age of 20, remaining there three years, then entered St. Thomas College, near Bardstown, Ky., where he graduated in June, 1859 ; was in St. Mary's Seminary one year in Cleveland ; studied theology three years in Assumption College. and, Aug. 28, 1863, was ordained priest, in the Cathedral St. , Mary, by Bishop Baraga. He was located at Eagle Harbor. on Lake Superior, ,Mich., having a territory of fifty miles in length, containing three churches and sixteen missions. comprising over one thousand families. He visited each mission every month and church every two weeks, for three years, often traveling on foot. In 1866, he came to Cleveland, and was sent to St. Bernard's Church at this place, where he has since remained, with the exception of a short visit to Europe in 1873. The church had but sixty families when he came, and nowit has three hundred with about nine hundred communicants, full particulars of which are given in the history of St. Bernard's Church in another chapter.


J. W. BAKER, of Baker, Merriman & Co., Akron, was born in Auburn, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Jan. 27, 1827, and was the youngest of ten children born to Edward and Mollie (Sherman) Baker, who were natives of Massachusetts. He was an edge-tool maker. In 1843, he came to Ohio and settled in Akron. The subject of these lines lived at home about one year after coming to Akron, and then went to Columbus, Ohio, where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade, serving until he became of age, and then returning to Akron, working at his trade until 1850. In company with others, he then went to California overland, where he remained two years, engaged in mining. He returned via Panama and New York, and engaged in the manufacture of musical instruments, continuing until the spring of 1857. He then became a member of the Akron Melodeon Company, manufacturers of musical instruments, continuing in that business ten years, when he engaged in the manufacture of cigar boxes, and gradually added wood-turning and japanning. In about 1870, he and Mr. J. C. McWilliam established the present business, which they have since continued. In May, 1853, he married Miss Caroline Thayer, a native of New York, who bore him three children, two of whom are living, viz., Frank and Alice. Politically, he is a Democrat.


CHARLES BAIRD, Prosecuting Attorney, Akron. Is a son of Robert and Helen Knox (Moir) Baird; was born in Akron March 25, 1853. His father was the son of William and Susan (Smith) Baird, and was born in Kineff, Kincardineshire, Scotland, March 8, 1818. His father and grandfather were blacksmiths, and while quite a boy he learned the trade, which he has followed all his life. In 1842, he and his brother came to the United States, and he worked at his trade at Buffalo until May, 1843, when he came to Akron, engaging his services at his trade until 1846, when he established a shop of his own on Main street, at which place and in which business he still continues. On Sept. 21, 1846, he married Miss Helen Knox Moir, a native of Buchan, Forfarshire, Scotland. She bore him five children, viz., William (of Akron), Isabel, Charles and Mary (of


678 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


Akron), and Helen, who died at the age of 21. Charles, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools of Akron, from which he graduated in 1872. In August, 1873, he entered the office of Upson & Ford, where he studied law, being admitted to the bar at the session of the Supreme Court at Columbus Nov. 2, 1875, immediately afterward forming a partnership with William H. Upson, under the firm name of Upson & Baird. which continued until the return of Mr. Ford from Mexico Jan. 10, 1877. when the firm became Upson. Ford & Baird. Oct. 20, 1875, he was appointed Clerk of Portage Township, which office he retained until April, 1878, being twice elected. On Feb. 15. 1879, he was appointed Canal Collector for the port of Akron, which he continued to be until, on Jan. 15. 1881. he resigned the office to take charge of the Prosecutor's office, having been elected Prosecuting Attorney of Summit Co. in October, 1880. at which election he ran largely ahead of his ticket. With the exception of one year. he has been a member of the Republican Central Committee since 1875.


ALFRED BALDWIN, undertaker, Akron. William and Lucinda (Ladd) Baldwin were natives of Vermont, and were the parents of three sons and three daughters, their second son Alfred, the subject of these lines, being born to them on March 18, 1823, near Sackett's Harbor, in Northern New York. In 1836. they moved to Ohio, and settled on a farm in Portage County, where they lived until 1870. except a period of seven years. The subject of this sketch lived there on a farm until 1853, when he went to Ravenna, Ohio, there to assume the duties of Deputy Auditor, remaining such until 1856, when he was elected Auditor of Portage County on the Republican ticket, which position he held for two years, at the end of which time he again served as Deputy for two years. (At that time, the County Auditor was given but one term.) In 1863, he became Deputy Clerk in the Probate Judge's office, which he continued two years. During these years, he retained the farm which he owned at Rootstown, on which he lived until 1865, when he came to Akron and purchased the furniture establishment of E. D. Dodge, and, with E. A. Reed, continued the business one year. when Reed retired. In February, 1880, Mr. George W. Weeks became a partner, and the business since then has been conducted under the firm name of Baldwin & Weeks. They carry a full line of undertakers' goods, burial robes, caskets, and the elegant appointments of the business. On Sept. 29, 1850. he married Miss Anjanette E. Reed, of Rootstown, Portage Co., daughter of Horace Reed, who was born in 1806. in Rootstown, and who is said to he the first white male child born in Rootstown. One daughter—Lois E., was horn of that marriage. Subject is a member of the Congregational Church. His father died in 1870, aged 90 years, and his mother, nine years later, followed him, aged 91. Both were consistent members of the M. E. Church. His brothers and sisters are Wm. L.. Methodist minister, now located at Gilmore. Ohio ; Rev. Chancey. of Centralia. Ill.. and Encebia, wife of Thomas Kingsbury. of Berwick. Ill. His sister Sarah A.. who was the wife of Harvey Laughlin. died at Deerfield, Portage Co.. Ohio. in her 25th year. One sister. Amelia, died at 16 years of age.


TALMON BEARDSLEY. retired. Akron. On Dec. 15, 1799. to Daniel and Hannah (Bailey) Beardsley, was born a son. whom they named Talmon. and who. over eighty years later, becomes the subject of our sketch. and we would pen a few incidents in a life well spent. The place of his birth was Delhi Town' ship. Delaware Co., N. Y., where he lived on a farm until 1810, when his parents moved to Licking Co.. Ohio. settling on wild land. where Talmon aided at clearing and farming. making out of chaos a clean spot for a home; here also, he went to school. about three. months per year. The schoolhouse was one of those primitive kind, having slab-seats. paper windows. and a fireplace the full length of the building. with a "cat-and-clay" chimney. In the summer of 1818, he started for Middlebury with only his walking stick as a companion. intent upon finding something to do as a means of earning a livelihood, and further schooling. When he reached this place. he found the old Cuyahoga furnace in operation. and secured work there for a few months, going to school a part of the time. He was employed in 1819 by Henry Chittenden, and for fourteen years. he made his home-with him, working by the year at farming and teaming, doing a considerable amount of the latter, as his employer had contracted to furnish 16,000 bushels of lime for the locks


CITY OF AKRON - 679


of the Ohio Canal then in progress. In hauling the lime, he drove a six-horse team. On the memorable occasion of the first breaking of the ground on the Licking Summit for the Ohio Canal, he was present, and a witness to the formal and ceremonious reception of De Witt Clinton, two Van Rensselaers and other distinguished personages who, on their arrival, accompanied by their colored waiters, and a fine display of baggage, were met near Newark and greeted with cannonading and martial music. On that day, Mr. Beardsley drove the team which bore the waiters and baggage. Clinton, who threw out the first shovelfuls, did so with great ceremony. Under the contract of Chittenden & Crosby; Mr. Beardsley superintended the construction of the deep cut on the canal of a half-mile between Bolivar and Zoar, having charge of about fifty hands, and he built the locks near Zoar for a man named Rhodes. The first boat was sent on July 4. 1827, to Cleveland. In the years 1824 and 1825, he was employed in a hotel. On Oct. 27, 1831, he married Miss Temperance Spicer, who was the fourth daughter of Maj. Minor Spicer. The five children are, viz., Ann. wife of George Hart, a farmer of Stow Township ; Mills H., hotel keeper at Ogden. U. T.; Avery S., farmer in Portage Township ; Harriet, wife of A. G. Babcock. of Akron, and Louisa D.. wife of George Stover, Canal Fulton. Stark Co. A daughter. Emily. died at the age of 19. After marriage. he settled near Middlebury on a farm of 75 acres, which he purchased for $6 per acre. This land was where the shaft of Payne & Cross, of Cleveland. mines are now. At that time, the existent coal in that locality was unsuspected by any one. else he would not have sold the land as he did two or three years after for the small sum of $20 per acre. After selling that, he moved to Coventry Township where he bought 100 acres of land and farmed it. The date of his going to Coventry was 1833 ; a year previous to this. he was made Captain of the canal boat "Western Reserve." carrying iron ore from Zoar to this place, and provisions to Cleveland, Ohio, from 1832 to 1835, from which date up to 1858 he followed farming in Coventry, when he left that place and moved to Akron, where he has since retired from business, except attending to affairs connected with his estate. He was a Whig. cast his first vote for Henry Clay, and has been a Republican ever since the organization of the party. He was Justice of the Peace at Coventry, and filled many other township offices, He has been Assessor of the ward in which he lives a number of times. He is a Universalist, and a member of the church.


CHARLES W. BROWN, Akron, whose portrait appears in this work, son of Jonas 1 and Mary (Williams) Brown, was born Oct. 2, 1796, in North Stonington, Conn. His father died when he was 5 years old, at New London, Conn., of yellow fever. After the death of his father, he went to district ! school until he was 18 years of age, attending about two months per year. When he was 16 years old, he commenced learning the carpenter and joiner trade, serving as an apprentice two years, at the end of which time he commenced working at Lyme, Conn., where he remained a year. On Feb. 3, 1817. with one year's wages as his only capital. he, in company with two other young men, shouldered their knapsacks and started, on foot, for Ohio—for the purpose of making places for themselves in the great, bustling world—reaching Middlebury, on the evening of the 28th of February, after a journey of about 700 miles. On his arrival he found about sixteen buildings, the majority of which were log, there being but a very few frame houses then at this place. (Previous to his coming here, he was married in Connecticut. to Miss Henrietta Halsey. which marriage occurred on June 9. 1816 ; his wife came here in August, 1817, with Capt. Gear, who drove through with an ox team.) At Middlebury he kept house some fifteen years, engaged at his trade, and putting up many of the first frame houses there, and in that vicinity. In 1825, he purchased 45 acres of woodland, where his present place is situated. moving there in 1832. and adding to it various lots, until he owned 115 acres. Several of the early bridges were built by him, and quite a number of buildings in Akron are of his handiwork, among which is the Baptist Church. He helped to cut the way for Market street, and, in after years, graded the same road for five miles. reaching from Akron to Copley. After 1840. he devoted himself to other pursuits. For five years he held a Lieutenant's commission. He raised five daughters and one son, viz., Mary, wife of Edward F. Pulsifer. of Chicago. and Prudence, wife of


680 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


J. W. Sabin, of Akron, both of whom are dead. Antoinette, wife of Benjamin McNaughton, of Akron ; Lucy, who died in 1850, and was the wife of Robert Henry ; Alice, wife of William H. Mills, of Akron, and Henry H. Brown, of Akron. His wife, Henrietta, died on Sept. 23, 1859. On May 14, 1864, he married Mrs. Lydia Williams, of Connecticut, who died on Sept. 6, 1865. For some years he has enjoyed the rest which his toiling has so richly deserved. At the present time, in the same house, are four generations of the Brown family, each of which is represented by a male member.


PHILO BENNETT, retired, Akron. This gentleman was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Feb. 16, 1810, and is the oldest of three children born to Ephraim and Lucinda (Hutchins) Bennett. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Brownville, where he lived until he was 22 years of age. At the age of 16, he was apprenticed to the harness and saddle trade, and served until he became of age. A year later, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and worked at his trade and at carriage trimming until 1837, when he moved to Tallmadge, and worked at his trade. The following year he visited St. Louis, returning in 1839. In 1842, he came to Akron, engaged in the harness business, and was identified with the same until 1862, since which time he has retired. In September, 1852, he married Miss Emma Francis, a native of England, who came to Akron about the year 1843, where she lived with her sister until her marriage. By their marriage there was one child, now deceased.


ANTON BERG, lock and gunsmith, Akron ; is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. He was born Feb. 14, 1820. His father, Christian, was a farmer, and Anton assisted in work on the farm until he reached his 16th year, when he was apprenticed in the city of Worms, on the Rhine, to the locksmith business. After serving three years, he worked as a journeyman for a year, when he was drafted into the army. He served twenty-one months in active military service, but during the remainder of his six years' term of service, he worked at his trade. A part of the time he was employed at the arsenal, manufacturing friction cannon caps, the inventor of which was his commanding officer, Capt. Hartman. After serving his full term of service, and being discharged, he began preparations for emigrating to America. He manufactured the tools he needed for his trade, and on June 9, 1847, he started for the new country, landing in New York in the following August. He left immediately for Buffalo, where he met friends and got work at his trade, being employed by Mr. Ketchum, an inventor of a reaping and mowing machine. Mr. Berg made the first knife bar for machines, a business that has since grown to large proportions. In the spring of 1848. he came to Cleveland, Ohio, where he had relatives, and worked at his trade until 1849. On June 16 of that year, he walked to Akron; and found work, on stove mounting, which he followed five years. Sept. 6, 1854, he returned to his old business, manufacturing and repairing guns, etc., which he still continues. Mr. Berg is a Republican in politics, beginning as a strong anti-slavery man. He was a personal friend of John Brown, and when the latter went to Kansas. Mr. Berg repaired his arms free. working nights in order to escape the detection of hostile parties. Dec. 17. 1849. he married Miss Augusta Cappella. a native of Germany, who had that year come from her native land, and came to Akron the same clay he did, though not formerly acquainted. Four children have resulted from this marriage, three of whom are living : Sarah. now Mrs. William Durand ; Edward, grain dealer in McPherson, Kan.; and Libbie, a teacher in the South School, in Akron. Ohio ; Hermann died in infancy.


CAPT. EDWARD BUCKINGHAM. ex-County Auditor, Akron ; was born in Watertown, Conn.. July 15, 1835, and is the eldest of three children of George and Betsy (Merriman) Buckingham, who were natives of Connecticut. In 1844, they came to Middlebury, Ohio. where he engaged in the manufacture of woolen machinery, and followed the same until his death in 1861. Mrs. Buckingham is still living on the old homestead. At about the age of 18. Edward engaged as clerk in a wholesale house in Cleveland. A few years later, he became a clerk in the post office at Indianapolis, a posrtion he obtained through his acquaintance with Judge Weeks, the Postmaster, and served there some 'three years. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 115th O. V. I., and served until the close of the war ; he entered the service as First Lieutenant, and in three months was promoted to Captain of his company. During this term, he served as Provost Marshal of Cincinnati for awhile, also of Murfreesboro ; of Cincinnati


CITY OF AKRON - 681


during the Morgan raid. After the close of the war, he returned to Akron, and became Collector of Internal Revenue, which office he held until 1871, when he entered the office of County Auditor—serving continuously for nine years, being elected to the office on the Republican ticket. He was married March 10, 1863, to Miss Frances Johnston, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Newton) Johnston, old residents of the county. By this marriage there have been born six children, of whom four are living, viz. : George E., John S., William J. and Hulda ; all of them are living at home.


G. S. BEATTY, dentist, Akron ; is an old member of the dental profession, though located in Akron but for a few months. He began the study of dentistry in Meadville, Penn., and after finishing his studies, he went to Mercer, Mercer Co., Penn., and practiced there for one and a half years. In 1844, he removed to Canton, Ohio, where he practiced until the fall of 1860, and then he went to Silver Creek, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. From there he removed to the city of Toledo, Ohio, and for thirteen years he was engaged in the practice of his profession in that city. He was married in Silver Creek, and while a resident of Toledo, his wife died. From Toledo he went to Pennsylvania, and in the fall of 1880, he returned to Ohio and located at Akron. During all these travels. he has been an earnest student of the profession, and now, after so many years of practice, he is able to do the very finest of operating ; the fitting of celluloid plates, or of the artificial palate, known as the Kingsley patent. In his short term of practice in Akron, he has already become well and favorably known, and bids fair, in a short time, to stand as an equal in reputation to any of the dentists of the city. He is a member of the Order of A.. F. & A. M., and has made frequent contributions to scientific journals.


DR. WILLIAM BOWEN (deceased) , was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., July 30, 1805 ; his father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and, having served out his term of enlistment, was returning to his home across Lake Erie on the ice, and, losing his way, perished from cold. His widow was left with six small children, and in very limited circumstances. Our subject was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade when very young, and, completing his term of service, he came West, stopping in Stark Co.. Ohio,where he obtained employment with John Brown, at that time building a grist-mill near Canton, for William Reynolds. The subject was what was termed a " bookworm," and had but little taste for the pleasures and sports in which young men usually indulge, but preferred spending his leisure hours with some favorite book. These facts coming to the knowledge of Mr. Reynolds, who being pleased with the young man, he kindly proffered to lend him assistance. Mr. Reynolds also assisted him to attend the select school of Barak Michener, at that time a popular teacher in the higher branches of education. Upon the completion of a term at school, he commenced teaching in the village of Paris, Stark Co.; while thus engaged, he made the acquaintance of Dr. Robert Estep, then living in Paris, and a warm friendship at once sprang up between them. Through the influence of Dr. Estep, our subject was induced to undertake the study of medicine ; but as this part of Dr. Bowen's life is given in the chapter devoted to the medical profession, it will be omitted here. In 1853, he purchased a tract of land near New Portage, in Summit Co., and, without giving up his practice, he devoted considerable attention to farming. He moved to Akron in 1857, where he remained until his death, which took place Jan. 14, 1880, in the 75th year of his age. He married Miss Huldah Chittenden while engaged in the study of his profession ; there were born of this marriage nine children, seven girls and two boy, only three of whom, with their mother, still survive him. Dr. Bowen was emphatically a selfmade man ; his success was the result of his own individual efforts, improving the circumstances and advantages as they presented themselves.


S. M. BURNHAM, Secretary Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company, Akron ; was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Jan. 23, 1824, and is the second of ten children of Simeon and Anna (St. John) Burnham, natives of Massachusetts and New York. He moved to New York with his parents about the year 1809, and lived at home with them until his marriage, about the year 1821 ; his wife moved to New York with her parents a few years after he did, and after their marriage, Mr. B. followed farming, and also was in the insurance business as an agent—a business followed during the latter years of his life ; he died May 10, 1862. his death resulted from an accident with a run-


682 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


away team she continued on the old homestead, and died a few days later. S. M. (the subject) lived at home until 1844, and received an academic education in a neighboring village, finishing off at the Wyoming Academy. In 1844, he came to Ohio and taught school in Madison, Lake Co., and the following summer he returned to New York and attended school at Wyoming Academy ; after this he took a commercial course in Buffalo, where he afterward taught penmanship. In April, 1848, he settled in Akron, and engaged as a clerk in the Rattle & Tappan warehouse on the Ohio Canal ; two years after, Mr. Tappan retired and opened an iron store, where Mr. B. went with him as clerk and with his successor until 1855: he then engaged with the Austin Powder Co.. and was with them two years, and, after being bookkeeper in Franklin Mills for a time, he, in January, 1858, engaged as Deputy Auditor for G. W. Crouse, and also as Deputy for S. S. Wilson, County Treasurer. serving in both nearly four years, and serving as Auditor for an unexpired term by appointment. In March, 1862, he became County Auditor by election, and was re-elected for the three succeeding terms. In the fall of 1872, he was elected to the Legislature, from the Summit County District in the Sixtieth Assembly, in which he took an active part. Upon his return in vacation, he was made Secretary and one of the Board of Trustees building Buchtel College. In 1873, he engaged in his present business, and was made Secretary. He was married, Nov. 5, 1848, to Miss Anne M. Row. a native of Connecticut ; she came to Medina Co., Ohio, with her parents when quite young ; they had six children, three of whom are living, viz., Lillie M., Charles S. and Clifford D.


A. A. BARTLETT, Recorder, Akron ; is a native of Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and was born June 22, 1840. Until the age of 17, he lived upon the farm ; he then went to work in a sawmill for a year or two, subsequently conducting the mill on the shares. He was thus engaged at the breaking-out of the war. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 49th N. Y. V. I., for three years or during the war. He served with the regiment in the Potomac army, and was in all the engagements of the command up to the battle of Antietam, where he was wounded, which occasioned the loss of his left arm. April 6, 1863, he was discharged, and returned to his home in New York, and gave his attention to a small place he owned. Some two years later, he went to Corry, Penn., where he engaged in a steam sawmill as engineer, and, one year later, took charge of the business. In the spring of 1867, he came to Akron, and soon engaged in the planing-mill of George Thomas & Son, and was connected with the business until 1879. During the latter eight years of that time, he served as foreman of the establishment. though conducted under several different firm names. In the fall of 1878, he was elected on the Republican ticket as County Recorder. and entered upon the duties of his office in January following. In 1860, he married Miss Imogene Travers, a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y.: by the marriage, there has been three children. two of whom are living—Mary and Jennie.


ALEXANDER BREWSTER, President Brewster Coal Co.. Akron ; was born in Augusta Township, Oneida Co., N. Y., Sept. 10, 1808. on his father's farm, and is the youngest of six children, born to Stephen and Lydia (Bellows) Brewster, who were natives of Connecticut. Mr. Brewster traces his ancestors back to Rev. William Brewster, one of the Pilgrims who came over in the Mayflower. Stephen Brewster, the father of our subject, was born May 4, 1770; in 1797 he moved to New York. with his wife and one child, and, in 1811, he came to Ohio. He bought 160 acres of land in what is now Coventry Township, and then returned to New York. and the next year brought out his family. They started in June, and came by ox team, and were thirty-three days on the way, landing in Coventry July 4, 1812. His cabin was the fourth built in the township, and was the proverbial log cabin. They lived here until 1815, when they were enabled to build a better one. He was a carpenter, and worked at his trade. building many of the houses of the early settlers. He died July 4, 1858, at the advanced age of 88 years ; his wife died in the fall of 1842, aged 71. Our subject lived at home until of age, receiving a limited education at the district schools. He learned the carpenter's trade with his father. He was married Jan. 9, 1830. to Miss Margaret Ann Kinney, a native of Ontario Co., N. Y., and who came to Springfield, Ohio, about the year 1813. She was the youngest of three children, born to Ephraim and Mary (Danes) Kinney, natives of New


CITY OF AKRON - 683


York. They settled in Springfield Township in 1813, where they lived until their death ; he died about 1820, and she in 1861. Mr. Brewster now owns the place on which they settled. Mrs. Brewster, the wife of subject, died in November, 1854, leaving five children, four of whom are living, viz., Alfred A., General Agent of the Brewster Coal Co.; Austin K., Secretary and Treasurer of the Brewster Coal Co.; Louisa, now Mrs. J. F. Mecham, of Akron ; Mary M., now Mrs. Russell Kent. of Akron. Mr. Brewster married a second time in December, 1857, to Mrs. Brown, formerly Minerva Dyer, a native of Cuyahoga Co.. Ohio; she died June 27, 1873. In September, 1877, he married Mrs. Chamberlain, formerly Lucy Jane Gale, a native of Massachusetts, who came to Ohio with her parents in the year 1825. Mr. B., after marriage, followed farming in Coventry until 1848. Coal having, in the meantime, been discovered on his farm. he turned his attention to mining, and, in 1849, shipped over 1,000 tons to Cleveland via canal. In 1850, he left his mines in competent hands. and went to California overland, his object being mining. He remained in the land of gold but a short time. and returned home via Panama and New Orleans, arriving home in 1851. He prosecuted his coal mining, and, about the year 1865, formed a stock company. of which he is the President, the capital being S100.000. He and his sons subscribed the stock. They built a railroad from the mines to the basin of the Ohio Canal, a distance of five miles. which cost about $120,000, the rolling stock making it about $150,000. They mine from 30,000 to 60,000 tons of coal per year, and own docks in Cleveland for the purpose of handling coal, and sell as high as 200.000 tons per annum. In July, 1872, Mr. B. moved to Akron, where he has since resided. In 1871. he visited California, in company with his eldest daughter.


GEORGE G. BAKER, physician. Akron ; is a native of Ohio ; he was born at Norwalk, Huron Co., Dec. 3, 1849, and is the third of four children born to Daniel A. and Harriet (Vandercook) Baker. They were natives of Connecticut and New York. Daniel A. Baker came to Ohio when about 17 years of age. or about the year 18M, and located in Huron Co., where he began as a clerk in a mercantile business, and, alter a number of years, he became a partner, and was identified with the mercantile interests of Norwalk most of the time until the year 1858 or 1859, when he became interested in the banking business of that place, and has continued in the same to the present time. Our subject entered the Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio, at the age of 17, and graduated in 1869 ; he began reading medicine in 1868. with Drs. Read & Ford, of Norwalk. Ohio. and, having in the mean time taken two courses of lectures at Ann Arbor and Brooklyn, N. Y., he began practice in 1872 with Dr. George P. Ashmun, of Akron ; in 1875, he graduated at Ann Arbor, Mich. The Doctor is a member of the Summit County Medical Society. and also a member of the Union Medical Association of Northeastern Ohio, of which he has been Recording Secretary a number of years. In June. 1873, he married Miss Celia, a daughter of Dr. George P. Ashmun, of Akron ; by this marriage there has been four children, of whom three are living, viz.. Fred A., Harry and an infant.


B. F. BATTELS. photographic art gallery, Akron, was born in Wadsworth, Medina Co.. Ohio, April 21, 1832, and is the second child in a family of seven children born to Caleb and Juliana (Hard). Battels ; they were natives of Massachusetts and Vermont ; he came to Middlebury, Ohio, when he was young ; arriving before the canal was built, he overseeing the building of locks on same. Mrs. Battels came to Ohio with her parents. who settled in River Styx. Medina Co.. Ohio, at an early day, they being pioneers in that locality. After the marriage, Caleb, who is a natural mechanic, worked as a carpenter and builder ; about the year 1852, he came to Summit Co., Ohio, and bought and occupied his present place where he now lives. Our subject lived with his parents until he was 20 years of age ; he was brought up on the farm, and received a common school course of study ; also taught a number of terms during the winters. In 1852, the family moved to Mount Vernon ; B. F., tiring of farm life, began looking around for a suitable change. and was favorably impressed with daguerreotyping, then quite a new business ; he soon obtained an opportunity, and learned the new business, and such was the ability he displayed that within a few weeks he had a set of tools and was on his way to Wadsworth, where he opened an office ; the business those days was of a transient character. and he moved from place to place. In 1852, he located at Bucyrus, Ohio, and in the winter of 1855 he


684 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


came to Akron, and opened his present place 'in the spring following, and has remained in the same location since. In his chosen field he has found ample room for his genius, and his popularity as an artist attests the appreciation of his patrons for his genius. He married Miss Sarah M. Edgerly, a native of Hudson, Ohio.


A. M. BARBER, buyer and shipper of grain and produce, Akron. The subject of this sketch was born in Bath Township, Summit Co., Ohio, Oct. 2, 1830, and is the fourth of five children born to Isaac W. I. and Mary (Brown) Barber ; they were natives of Connecticut and New York. Isaac W. I. Barber was raised on a farm ; about the year 1820, he left Connecticut for the West. coming with a wagon load of boots, shoes, etc.; arriving in Bath Township he bought 110 acres of wild land, which he cleared and improved. March 1. 1824, he married Miss Mary. a daughter of Samuel and Lucinda (Coy) Brown. Samuel Brown was a Revolutionary soldier and a pensioner during latter years ; he was a native of New York, and came to Ohio about the year 1810, settling in Boston Township, and later moving to Springfield Township, where he died in 1845 ; he was twice married ; his first wife died in Boston Township soon after they came there ; in 1817, he marrried Miss Lucinda Bishop. I. W. I. Barber settled on his land in Bath Township after his marriage, and lived there until his death, in 1833 ; he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, in the affairs of which he took an active interest ; foremost in improvements, he was well known, and his death was lamented by a wide circle of friends. Some years after his death, Mrs. Barber married Capt. Fanning, who died in 1845, she continuing on the old homestead until 1856, when she sold her interest to A. M. Barber and moved to Kansas, where she lived with her children until her death, about the year 1874. A. M. Barber was raised on the farm ; the country being new, and he losing his father during his infancy, afforded him limited opportunities for obtaining an education. Oct. 6, 1857, he married Miss Sarah, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Emmons) Vansickle ; after the marriage, he remained on the farm one year. and in January, 1859, came to Akron and bought the Pearl Mills, which business he was identified with for four years ; he then engaged in the grain and produce business, in which he has done an extensive trade ; the volume of his transactions have amounted to $1.500,000 per annum ; he was a director upon the formation of the Bank of Akron, and is also identified with several of the leading manufacturing interests in the city. In 1880, he had finished his elegant and commodious brick block, Nos. 150 and 152 South Howard street. known as Barber's Block. which ranks among the leading business blocks of the city. Though starting out in life in the most adverse circumstances. he has by his energy and perseverance' been successful, and, while remembering that he has been the architect of his own fortune, he has also lived so as to not only win. but also to deserve the respect and confidence of all who know him.


JUDGE JAMES S. CARPENTER. attorney, Akron ; is the son of William and Lucina (Sumner) Carpenter ; he was born at Swanzey, Cheshire Co., N. H.. on Aug. 17, 1805. from which place his father moved eighteen months later to the woods of St. Lawrence Co., at Potsclam. N. Y. ; here he labored hard on the farm and at clearing. He does not know when or where he first learned the beauties and mystery of the alphabet, but it was probably at home. for his earliest recollections of school experience was spelling in his a-b, abs, in one of the primitive log cabin schoolhouses, where subscription teachers applied the lubricating oil to the complicated machinery of the human mind ; his first lessons in reading he well remembers were at the side of his mother's foot-wheel, which was fast flying. when. after some assistance on her part, and utter unbelief of his ability to read in readings," he astonished himself by finding that with a little help from her he could and did read The history of a lrttle boy found under a haycock." He spent the greater part of his youth on the farm, and at the age of 17 attended the St. Lawrence Academy, in Potsdam ; he taught in the State of New York a part of each year until he attained his twentieth year, by which time he had acquired a fair knowledge of the English branches. In the winter of 1825-26. he taught in New York, and in the spring of 1826 he went to Lower Canada, where he taught until the fall of 1828,,a part of the time in Montreal ; from there he went to Amherst. Mass., and became assistant teacher in the Amherst Academy, and later teacher of the Ladies' Seminary at Springfield. Mass.. during the summer of 1829 ; in


CITY OF AKRON - 685


the fall of that year he entered the freshman class of Amherst College, where he remained until his health failed from overwork, being engaged simultaneously in the capacity of both pupil and teacher. He then returned to his home in New York, where he resumed teaching, and kept up his studies in the branches of the college course. In June, 1832, he came to Cleveland, Ohio, where he taught languages in the Cleveland Academy, but the school was shortly after broken up by the sudden appearance of cholera, which was brought to Cleveland by the steamboat " Henry Clay." Mr. Carpenter next removed to Ravenna, Ohio, where he organized a class in French, but departed soon after for Massillon. where he taught that winter ; in the spring of 1833. he returned to Ravenna, and became Principal of the Ravenna Academy, which position he held for two years. He retired then. being still in a poor state of health, and rented a portion of a farm near there, which he farmed one season. On May 1. 1835. he was married to Miss Frances C. Saltonstall. of Geneva. N. Y. In November of the same year. he went to Medina. Ohio, and there started the Medina Constitutionalist, a Whig and anti-slavery paper, of which he was the editor, at the same time studying law under the direction of Camp & Canfield ; he continued with the paper until the winter of 1838-39. On May 29, 1833. he was admitted to the bar. at Springfield. Ohio. reaching there on horseback. after a journey of four days. He practiced at Medina. with Judge McClure, from 1840 to 1850. In the fall of 1839, he was elected a member of the Ohio Legislature, and of the Ohio Senate in 1840. serving with distinction in both houses ; in the Legislature he was the only avowed Abolitionist. While he was a member of the House, Mr. Fisher, of Shelby. introduced a set of resolutions denouncing the Abolitionists with barbaric vituperation. It was in a speech upon these resolutions that Mr. Carpenter declared that slavery and freedom could not co-exist in this Government, a doctrine which, ten years later, blazed from a higher standard. when Mr. Seward proclaimed the irrepressible conflict." in the United States Senate. While in the Senate. Mr. Carpenter had frequent occasion to defend his Abolition principles, on bills introduced by him to charter institutions for the education of the colored people ; they being then v holly excluded from

the common schools and from the common school fund, and yet taxed to support that fund, and in numerous other ways, when the course of legislation brought before the Senate the injustice and cruelty they were suffering in Ohio, both under and against its laws. About the last' of these conflicts was on a bill to repeal the charter of Oberlin College. It was defeated. Our subject never joined the Liberty party ; he said he was for the abolition of slavery everywhere. The Liberty party was organized not for the abolition of slavery, but to stop its advance. The abolition movement was by the diffusion of moral truth, while the Liberty party was political. Whatever moral truth it disseminated was outside of its platform, and but auxiliary to its political end. He was Secretary, in 1834, of the first County Anti-Slavery Society, at Ravenna, and has held various prominent positions of trust. He came to Akron in 1846, and has practiced law here ever since. In 1856, he was elected Judge of Court of Common Pleas, and served a term of five years. He is the father of three children, viz., Gilbert S., Captain in regular army at Camp Douglas, near Salt Lake City, Utah ; Dr. William T. Carpenter, of Ishpeming, Mich., and Abbie L., still at home. He is a member of the Congregational Church.


N. A. CARTER, contractor and builder, Akron, Ohio ; was born in Twinsburg, Summit Co., Ohio, and is the second of nine children born to Thaddeus A. and Esther A. (Marshall) Carter ; they were natives of Connecticut ; he was brought up on a farm and early went to peddling clocks, operating principally in the Western Reserve ; about the year 1826, he settled in Twinsburg Township, Summit Co., Ohio, where he cleared a farm upon which he lived until his death in 1870. He was twice married ; his first wife died Sept. 1, 1845. In December of that year. he married Miss Margaret McKisson, a native of Maryland ; she died about the year 1846. He was a member of the Methodist Eprscopal Church, and took an active interest in its affairs ; he was well-known and respected by all. Our subject lived at home seventeen years ; he then apprenticed to the carpenter and joiner's trade at Hudson. serving three years, after which he worked as a journeyman in that vicinity until 1871, when he came to Akron, where he has continued in the business as contractor and


686 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


builder. In all he has followed the trade for a third of a century, during which time he has built many buildings, principal among which are the Buchtel College, the Buckeye office and many other leading structures. He served on the Board of Education of Hudson, and also as a Councilman. In 1879, he was elected a member of the Akron Council for Second Ward and was re-elected in 1881. June 24. 1852. he married Miss Jane R. Herrick. a native of Twinsburg ; they had five children. four of whom are living—Ella J.. Frank N.. Walter T. and Emory J. Mr. Carter is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. in which he has held many of the offices usual to that denomination. and has otherwise taken an active interest in its affairs.


DR. MASON CHAPMAN. dentist. Akron : was born on his father's farm in Copley Township. Summit Co., Ohio. June 28. 1838. His parents. Lucius and Sally B. (Mason) Chapman were natives of New York : he was a farmer ; was born Nov. 20, 1807. on a farm called Cone Hill. in Onondaga Co.; were married in Sennet, N. Y.. June 2, 1829 ; they came to Ohio in June. 1833. and settled in Copley Township. where they lived until 1857. Mrs. Chapman died in 1852. In 1857. he moved to Wisconsin. and later, to Anamosa. Jones Co.. Iowa, where he now resides. His father, Ashbel Chapman. was born in Massachusetts May 20, 1775 ; he came to Ohio about the year 1836, and settled near Copley Center. where he died Jan. 25, 1865 ; his with also died there March 9. 1862 ; they were married in Massachusetts Aug. 8. 1800. Our subject lived with his father until December. 1864; his early life was spent on the farm. In Wisconsin he clerked in a grocery and boot and shoe store. after which he joined his father in Iowa. and assisted on the farm. The following winter, he attended Cornell College at Mt. Vernon, Iowa. alternating on the farm and at college for two years. He then taught school for two terms. and, in the fall of 1862, he began the study of dentistry with Dr. Matson, of Anamosa, with whom he studied for two years ; he then visited in New York State, and, in the spring of 1865, he came to Akron and practiced one year with Dr. Bolles, after which he bought the business, and has continued the practice since. Nov. 3, 1867, he married Miss Alice L. Randall, a na 1 tive of Copley Township, Summit Co., Ohio. They have one child—Cloyd M. Chapman. During the term 1878 to 1880. the doctor served the city of Akron as Councilman.


DR. JOSEPH COLE. deceased : was born in Winfield, N. Y.. in September. 1795 ; he was raised on the farm and began reading medicine in 1820, with 1)r. Clark. graduating from the Fairfield. N. Y.. Medical College. In 1824. he came to Summit County. Ohio. and practiced for three years at Old Portage ; he then came to Akron. where he practiced until his death in 1861 ; he was married in November. 182G. to Miss Charlotte Dewey. a native of Westfield. Hampden Co.. Mass.: she came West with her parents in 1822 : there were ten in the family ; all came in one wagon. the male members often walking : they settled at Old Portage and within three years. father. mother. three brothers and one sister died from the fever then prevalent in that locality. Charlotte lived with her brothers, who were farming in that vicinity. until her marriage: by the marriage were seven children. all of whom have since died. Mrs. Cole is living in the old homestead, where she has lived since 1832. and by her family has three grandchildren—Helen L. Agard. of Saratoga. N. Y.. and H. D. and Fannie F. Cole. living with her. Their father. H. D.. was the youngest son of Dr. Joseph and Charlotte (Dewey) Cole ; he was born in Akron in 1840 : he received a high school education. and in his latter years was engaged in the livery and undertaking business : he died in April. 1876. In 1864. he was married to Miss Hattie Farnam. a native of Akron. daughter of Daniel Farnam ; they had two children, viz.: H. D. and Fannie F. Mrs. Hattie Cole is also living in the old homestead with her mother-in-law.


CHARLES A. COLLINS, carriage manufacturer, Akron ; is a native of Richmond, Berkshire Co., Mass. He was born July 26, 1816, and is the youngest of six children born to Ralph and Hannah (Hickox) Collins : they were natives of Connecticut ; he died in Massachusetts Aug. 4. 1817. Our subject lived with his mother until 1827, when they moved to Berkshire. Tioga Co., N. Y., where she lived for three years with her married daughter. Charles A.. while in Massachusetts. worked about at farm work, and attended district school. In New York he lived with an uncle, working on the farm in summers, and attending select school winters. In the fall of 1830,


CITY OF AKRON - 687


he and mother came to Ohio and settled at Tallmadge, where his brother-in-law, Mr. Amos Avery, was engaged in the manufacture of wagons. Charles A. apprenticed with his uncle, and remained until he became of age. His mother lived there with a daughter until her death in November, 1849. In 1838, the firm of Collins & Hale established a carriage manufactory in Middlebury, now Sixth Ward, Akron. They continued until 1841, though Mr. Collins was identified with the business until it was burned in 1860. During this year, the business was established by Collins & Bell in South Akron, where the business was conducted until 1869. In February, 1870, the present firm of C. A. Collins & Son erected a shop corner of Main and Church streets. Akron, where they have clone business since. While residing in the Sixth Ward, Mr. Collins served as a member of the Board of Education for several terms, a member of the Village Council, and Mayor of Akron for the years 1862 and 1863, also member of City Council, 1876 to 1878. Jan. 16, 1839, he married Miss Louisa Hine, a native of Milford. Conn., and youngest child of Abraham and Abigail (Elton) Hine, who came to Summit Co., Ohio. about the year 1820. By the marriage there have been seven children, of whom four are living, viz.: George A., with father ; Mrs. Josephine A. Kent, of Kent, Ohio ; Charles E., formerly cashier Second National Bank of Akron, now with the Colwell & Collins Manufacturing Co. of Cleveland, and Nettie E., at home.


A. L. COTTER, retired, Akron City ; was born in Cornwall, Conn., Dec. 28, 1795, and is the second of five children born to Andrew and Rhoda (Rogers) Cotter, natives of Connecticut, and who died in their native State. Our subject lived at home until he was 22 years of age. He assisted his father at farming, and in his blacksmith-shop. His education was limited, and confined to the district schools. At the age of 22 years, he opened a blacksmith-shop of his own some three miles from his father's. where he continued in business for about two years, when he went to Bristol, and worked there for one year, engaged in ironing wagons. He returned to his native place, where he was identified with the blacksmith business until 1824, when he came to Ohio, with a cousin who lived in Middlebury. Satisfied with the country, he returned home, made himself a wagon,and removed to Ohio with his family, consisting then of a wife and one child. He located in Middlebury, where he 'followed blacksmithing until about the year 1868, when he retired to his present place, where he has since resided. His residence was destroyed by fire on Feb. 12, 1875, and the following year he built his present dwelling. He served a number of years as Trustee of Tallmadge Township while a resident of Middlebury. He was married, Nov. 21, 1821, to Miss Mary Ann Pratt, a native of Killingworth, Conn. ; she died July 28, 1836. The result of this marriage was seven children, of whom five are living. Samuel A. and James P. live in Connecticut ; Charles S. lives in Ravenna, Ohio ; Mary E., now Mrs. Myers, lives near the old home ; Henry C. lives in Toledo ; Edward died in 18M and Emily in 1868. Mr. Cotter was married on Nov. 1, 1837, to Miss Mary Talcott, a daughter of Alvin and Philomelia (Root) Talcott. Mr. Talcott traces his ancestry back to the family of Warwickshire, England. The original emigrant, the Worshipful John Talcott, came to Boston, Mass., Sept. 16, 1632, in the ship Lyon. He soon after went to Hartford, Conn., where he was married, and afterward lived. Mr. Cotter is a Presbyterian, and has been a member of that church for over fifty years ; Mrs. Cotter has been a member for over forty years. Mr. C. has been a Republican in polities ever since the organization of that party.


JAMES H. CASE, druggist, Middlebury (Sixth Ward), Akron ; was born Dec. 23, 1844, and is a native of Middlebury, Ohio. He is the eldest of two children, born to S. S. and Jane (McDowell) Case, who were natives of New York. S. S. Case came to Ohio in an early day, and located in the vicinity of Painesville, where he followed harness-making; and, about 1842, came to Middlebury. Here he followed the harness business, and later, became an extensive dealer in stoneware. He also took some contracts on the Mount Vernon Railroad. In 1864, he enlisted in the army, and was transferred to the Government shops at Chattanooga for the manufacturing of harness, etc. He served until the close of the war, and then located in Cincinnati, thence to Xenia, where he died June 9, 1879, at the age of 67 years. James H. (the subject), has always made his home in Middlebury. At the age of 17 years. he apprenticed himself to the carriage-ironing trade, at Greenville, Penn.;


688 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


he did not complete his apprenticeship, but retired to Middlebury, and worked one and a half years in the machine shops of Kent & Baldwin. In 1863, he enlisted in the Second Ohio Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of the Wilderness, Petersburg, Shenandoah, Cedar Creek, Winchester, Five Forks and at the surrender of Lee. He was at the grand review at Washington, and then moved West, remaining at Springfield, Mo., until the September following, when he, with regiment, was mustered out at St. Louis, and returned home. He then completed his trade as a machinist, and followed it some four years. He then worked in the Buckeye Reaper Works until the spring of 1876, when he opened his present business. He was married, Jan. 1, 1872, to Miss Ella S. Farrar, a native of Massachusetts, and a daughter of C. S. Farrar, of Akron, whither they came about the year 1870. By the marriage, there is one child. viz.. Charles F. Case.


DR. W. E. CHAMBERLIN. physician, Akron. was born in Allegheny City, Penn.. Nov. 29, 1840. and was raised in Maryland and Virginia, where his parents lived during his infancy, moving to Peninsula. Summit Co., Ohio, in 1858. His father, C. W. Chamberlin, was a physician and druggist. Our subject began at the age of 12 years to assist in his father's store and to read medical works, which he continued in connection with his schooling, which consisted of a high-school course and a course by a special instructor, which included French and German. At the age of 18, he began practice under his father, and Sept. 9, 1861, he enlisted in Co. D, 1st Ohio Light Artillery, and was detailed by Gen. Nelson as physician and surgeon, in which position he served until October, 1862, when, owing to ill health, he was discharged and returned home. During the winter, he attended lectures at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, resuming his profession in the spring at Brimfield, Portage Co.. Ohio. In September, 1865, he removed to Clinton, Summit Co., where he practiced until January, 1875, during which time he became well known as a newspaper correspondent, corresponding for the Akron Beacon, City Times, Cleveland Herald, the Plaindealer and numerous others. From Clinton he came to Akron and located at 104 North Howard street, where he has remained since. In 1869, he graduated at the Charity Hospital Medical College of Cleveland. A member of the Union Medical Society of Northeastern Ohio, he has served the same as delegate to the State and National Medical Conventions. March M, 1862, he married Miss Mary E. Pritchard, of Medina Co., Ohio, Of their two children, one is living, viz., Myrtle. June 22, 1875, he married Mrs. McCoy, formerly Miss Wilhelmina Kohler. While in Franklin Township. the Doctor served as Justice of the Peace and Notary. He also conducted a drug business, which was destroyed by fire in 1874.


B. S. CHASE, M. D. (deceased). was born Jan. 9, 1834. He was a native of Vermont. and lived on a farm until he came of age, gaining an education in the meanwhile at the public schools and an academic course at he Chester Academy. On reaching his majority, he came West and engaged in the sale of some maps for which he had secured territory in Michigan. After several years spent in this way, he came to Akron and began reading medicine with his uncle. Dr. E. W. Howard. of Akron, and afterward graduating at Ann Arbor, Mich. He began his practice in partnership with his uncle and preceptor, continuing in this way until 1862, when the war opened up a new avenue for his services. He entered the army as Assistant Surgeon of the 16th O. V. I., remaining with the regiment until June. 1863. when he was transferred to the 53d Mississippi (colored) Regiment as Surgeon. He continued with this regiment to the close of the war, acting on the Operating Board at the battle of Chickasaw Bayou and during the siege of Vicksburg. Subsequently he returned to Akron, where he continued his practice until his death Feb. 23, 1878. Jan. 26, 1863. he married Miss Henrietta Sabin, a native of Akron, and a daughter of Joseph W. Sabin, a longtime and prominent merchant of Akron. Mrs. Chase's mother was Prudence, a daughter of C. W. Brown (who is mentioned elsewhere), a native of New York and an early pioneer of the Sixth Ward of Akron. Mr. Sabin died March 5, 1876; his wife died Dec. 27, 1880. Mrs. Chase's family consists of five children—William S., Charles H., Martha, Byron S. and Sabin Ford, the latter a nephew whom she has adopted into her family.


J. G. CASKEY, of Diehl & Caskey, Akron ; is a native of Lancaster Co., Penn.; was born


CITY OF AKRON - 689


in Strasburg Township, Sept. 3, 1832. His parents, Samuel and Mary (Brown) Caskey, were natives of York and Lancaster Cos., Penn. His father was a miller by trade, and was born July 1, 1798. In 1835, his parents, with four children, came in wagons to Norton Township in this county. Here his father bought wild land, cleared a farm, and, in the meanwhile, worked at milling on shares. The latter business occupied the principal part of his time until 1869, when he gave up a calling in which he had engaged for nearly fifty years. Feb. 1, 1875, his wife died at the age of 75. Both were members of the M. E. Church, in which he still takes an active interest. In politics, he followed the fortunes of the Democratic party until the rise of the Republican party, to which he has since given his suffrage. He still lives at the old homestead in Norton, and lacks but a few days of being the oldest man in the township. J. G. Caskey lived at home until he reached his majority, working on the farm and in the mill, gaining a practical knowledge of both occupations. On becoming of age, he entered the Baldwin University at Berea, where he studied for two years. At the expiration of this term, he returned to the farm. spending his winters in teaching school for some two years. He then turned his attention exclusively to milling, which he followed until 1871. save two years while in the army. Aug. 30, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D. 29th O. V. V. I.. and served two years, taking part in the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Mr. Caskey was subsequently taken ill and confined in the hospital at Murfreesboro. and later received a furlough and discharge. He returned home, and, after regaining his health, lie resumed his milling business. In 1871, he moved to Akron and conducted a restaurant for some nine years. In 1880, he became a partner in the present business. Feb. 15, 1860, he married Miss Harriet B. Burget, a native of Wayne Co., Ohio. They have two children, Sybil A. and Charlie E.


JOHN S. CLEMENS, foreman gearing department of Aultman, Miller & Co., Akron ; a native of Stark Co., Ohio, was born Aug. 30, 1832, and is the oldest son in a family of three children born to Daniel and Leah (Cameron) Clemens, natives of Stark Co. His (subject's) grandfather, Nicholas Clemens, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and came from Pennsylvaniato Stark Co. previous to that war. At the age of 19, subject was apprenticed to learn blacksmithing at "Paris, in Stark Co., where he worked until 1857, when he entered the employ of Aultman, Miller & Co., at Canton, as a blacksmith. He remained here until 1864, when, at the opening of the company's shops at Akron, he came here to take charge of the blacksmithing department, and was foreman of that department until 1869, when he was made foreman of the gearing department, which he has made very efficient. He was married in November, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Flickmyer, of Paris, Ohio. They have two sons ; a daughter died in childhood.


JOEL R. CARTER, of Carter & Steward, millers, Akron, a son of Joel R. and Mary (Dyer) Carter, was born in Devonshire, England, March 13, 1841. His father was a miller, and when but a boy he began to learn the milling business. He worked in the City Mills of London, England, about five years, and in 1865, he came to the United States and to Akron. He entered the present mill, where he worked for Robert Turner one year, and, in 1868, bought a fourth interest in the firm. He became half-owner in 1873, with Mr. Steward, firm Carter & Steward. In February, 1869, he was married to Miss Jane Rhodes, daughter of John Rhodes, of Cuyahoga Falls. There has been born of this marriage one son and one daughter. Mr. C. came here without capital, and by his own exertions has become one of Akron's stanch business men. His parents still reside in England, where his father has followed milling all his life, at Dotten, twelve miles from Exeter.


JOHN COOK, deceased, was born April 18, 1818, in Bavaria, Germany. On leaving school in his native country, he learned the trade of stonemason, at which he worked until he came with his parents to the United States in 1839. He came at once to Akron, and found employment in the AEtna Mills, where he soon became foreman in the packing department. He went overland to California in 1850, encountering many perils and hardships. He remained there two years in the provision business, and returned home via Panama route. In 1855, he started a grocery on Market street, and by close application to business built up a large and lucrative trade—was one of the largest dealers in Akron, and for several years the


690 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


business partner of Jacob Dussell. When his sons John J. and William H. Cook grew up, he took them into partnership, which lasted until his death, Dec. 1, 1880. He was raised a Catholic, and at the organization of the German Catholic Church became a member, and was for many years a trustee and liberal supporter of it ; later in life was a member of the St. Vincent's Church. He was Councilman two years, and took an active interest in public affairs. He was married October 17. 1843, to Miss Mary Bilz, of Akron. She was born in Germany, Dec. 5, 1821, and came with her parents to the United States in 1836, and were among the early residents of Akron. Subject has two sons living—William H. and John J.; oldest son, Francis, died when he was but two years old.


DR. ISRAEL E. CARTER, retired. Akron. was born in Concord, N. H, April 8. 1810. where he lived in the vicinity until 1836. He began the study of medicine in 18M. and at the same time supported himself by teaching school during the winters. He graduated in June. 1835, from the Vermont Medical College at Woodstock. and came to Ravenna, Ohio. in May, 1836 ; being in poor health. he found he could not stand regular practice, so took up the study of dentistry with Dr. M. T. Willard. of Concord. N. H.. in 1835. and after coming to Ravenna began its practice. He did a successful business then from 1836 to 1843. when he came to Akron and located here permanently. He remained in active practice here until his election as County Treasurer in 1862, holding the office until 1867, being elected each time by the Republican party. He was Mayor of the incorporated village of Akron in 1848 and 1849, and member of the School Board two terms. Owing to failing health, he has retired from active business. He was married July 4. 1840, to Miss Mary L. Williamson, of Ravenna. Three children by this marriage are living—Frances L. (Mrs. T. D. McGillicuddy); William H., bookkeeper ; and Charles E. His wife died June 19, 1862, in her 43d year. He is a charter member of Summit Lodge, No. 50. I. O. 0. F., organized in 1845, and has always been an active and zealous member of it ; was Deputy Grand Master one term.


HENRY J. CHURCH, merchant. Akron. Calvin Church was born in East Haddam, Conn., in 1794, where the Church family set! tied on their arrival from England. in the latter part of the seventeenth century. The early members of the family were in the war of the Revolution, and he was in the war of 1812, and Adjutant in the Ohio militia. He settled in I Rome. Ashtabula Co.. Ohio. in about 1804. j Miss Susan Crowell, whom he married. was a sister of Judge Crowell. of Cleveland, Ohio. The Crowell family came from Connecticut about the same time that the Church family did, and were among the first pioneers of Rome. Ohio. Both families were strong churchmen of the Episcopal faith, and Bishop Chase preached in his grandfather William Crowell's kitchen. as early as 1819. The descendants have been Episcopalians ever since. To Calvin Church were burn seven children. of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest. His wife died in her 73d year. in 1876. and he in his 63d year, in 1856. Henry J. Church was born at Thompson. Geauga Co.. Ohio. on April 16. 1845. In December. 1858, two years after his father's death, he came to Akron. where he entered the employ of Henry & Oberholser. as clerk, attending school during the winters for six years. at the end of which time he became salesman. with Oberholser. Keller & Co.. continuing for five years. when he received an interest, which. at the end of one year, he sold out. April 20. 1870. the copartnership of Wolf: Church & Beck was formed, and they did a large wholesale and retail business in dry goods. In 1878. Mr. Beck retired, and the firm dropped his name, being Wolf & Church. Their business rooms are at Nos. 200 and 202 East Market street, being 100x37 feet dimensions, with basement and second story. They employ eleven men and two ladies as clerks, salesmen and bookkeepers. On May 6, 1868, he married Miss Mary H. Sanford, daughter of D. G. Sanford, of Akron ; she bore him six children, five living. He was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 1869, as was also his wife. For ten years he has been Superintendent of the Sabbath school. He is a member of Summit Lodge, No. 50, I. O. O. F., and has been its presiding officer. and was one of the charter members of Akron Lodge, No. 547, whose organization he was among the first to suggest.


THOMAS W. CORNELL, Akron ; was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y.. Jan. 8, 1820, raised on a farm, and, at 22, with but little capital, com-


CITY OF AKRON - 691


menced in life for himself. He was for some time in a brewery in Auburn, N. Y. He came to Cuyahoga Falls in December, 1855, where he bought a distillery, which he conducted seven or eight years. In 1863, he came to Akron, Ohio, and became one of the original stockholders of the First National Bank at their first meeting, being elected President, which position he has since retained. The original capital stock was $100,000, and the deposits have reached to $250.000. Since 1865. he has been President of the Akron Gas Works.


REV. W. W. CASE. Pastor of First M. E. Church. Akron ; is a son of William and Polly (Hempsted) Case. natives of Rensselaer County. N. Y., and was born Dec. 13, 1838. His father was a farmer, and he was brought up on a farm until 17 years of age, when he commenced teaching, and at 19 became Superintendent of Schools of Dunkirk. N. Y. During the year 1858, he was converted. and soon after entered the ministry under the auspices of the M. E. Church, laboring for the first five years in Western New York. In 1864, he was transferred to the Wisconsin Conference, and filled successively the pulpits at Edgerton. Beloit. Milwaukee (latter place three years). and then at Fond du Lac. He was transferred to the Cincinnati Conference in 1875.. and stationed at Mt. Auburn Church, Cincinnati. for three years, and was then transferred to First M. E. Church of Akron. He is a member of the Examining Committee of Mt. Union College ; has been a member of the Board of Management of Lawrence University, and of Phoenix Literary Society of that institution.


CHARLES CRANZ, Secretary of Wadsworth Coal Co., Akron ; is a son of Daniel and Wilhemina (Benz) Cranz, and was born Feb. 13, 1817, in Wiesenbach Village, Wurtemberg, Germany. He was educated in his native country, and spent two years as an apprentice in a drug store. At the age of 17 he came to the United States with his parents. arriving in Baltimore in July, 1834. They journeyed by team to Wheeling, Va., when the river proved too low for navigation, and they continued on their journey by land to Holmes Co., Ohio, where the father, who was a Lutheran minister, had letters of introduction to parties. He resided there until his death in 1876, in his 87th year, having continued preaching until the age of 82. Subject worked on a farm in Holmes County two years, when he started out for himself, securing a clerkship in Nashville, Holmes Co., for a short time, when he went to Canton and became a clerk in a hardware store for six years. In 1842, he came to Akron, and together with F. A. Schneider (firm of C. Cranz & Co.), opened the first hardware store in the city ; while in business, donated arms to " Old John Brown." Continued for about ten years, when Mr. C. bought out his partner, and in 1865, L. B. Schneider became a partner, remaining as such until 1875, when subject sold out to him. Mr. C. was one of the original stockholders and incorporators of J. F. Seiberling & Co., and was consecutively Director, General Agent, Secretary and Treasurer. and upon the failure of the company became one of the assignees by request of the creditors and stockholders. He is at present Secretary of the Wadsworth Coal Co. In September, 1845, he was married to Miss Margaret D. Schneider, daughter of F. A. Schneider, of Akron. They have four sons and one daughter, viz.. Charles, Jr., and Frank are in the mines of Arizona ; Harry, clerk in a hardware store in Omaha, Neb.; William S., a student in Lehigh University, and Emma R., is the wife of Thomas K. Perkins, of Akron.


FRANK D. CASSIDY, lawyer, Akron ; is a son of William P. and Caroline M. (Kohler) Cassidy. and was born Jan. 29, 1849. at Peninsula, Summit Co. His father was a carpenter and joiner, and moved to Akron about the year 1853 ; was a native of Blair Co.. Penn., and was born in October. 1811. He was of Irish descent, his great-grandfather coming to Pennsylvania from Ireland, and the larger portion of the family still living in Blair County, where the elder Cassidy laid out the town of Newry, named for their native town in Ireland. The father of subject was for fifteen years foreman in the factory of W. B. Doyle & Co., of Akron, and died in June, 1878. leaving two sous and one daughter—Frank D. (subject); James H., physician at Sharon Centre, Medina Co., and Mary E., wife of D. G. Steese, of Akron. In 1869, he (subject) became assistant bookkeeper in the Akron Iron Co., remaining one year, and then went to Cleveland and accepted the position of assistant bookkeeper in a wholesale coal concern, which he held for three years, when he became a partner in the firm of Steese & Co., coal dealers and shippers, continuing until


692 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


1875, when he returned to Akron, and for some time assisted his father in the management of his real estate business, In 1877, he began the study of the law with Edgerton & Kohler, and was admitted to the bar in March, 1879, and has been in practice here ever since. He was married Dec. 30, 1878, to Miss Sarah J. Francis, a daughter of Joseph Francis, Sr. They have one child—Carrie M.


JOHN H. CAMPBELL, lawyer, Akron ; is a son of John and Matilda (Ervine) Campbell ; was born Nov. 9, 1848, in Wayne Co., and when an infant, the family moved to Hancock Co. He lived there on a farm until 1861, when the family moved back to Wayne Co. He began teaching in 1868, and in 1870 graduated in Mt. Union Commercial School ; in the fall of 1871. he entered the Law Department of the Michigan University, from which he graduated March 26, 1873. and was admitted to the bar at Wooster in June, 1872. In April. 1873, he came to Akron. and began practice, and January, 1875, became a member of the firm of Edgerton, Kohler & Campbell. until August, 1876, when the firm was dissolved, and he has been alone since. He is now located in Mathews' block, over No. 127 South Howard street. In October, 1870. he was married to Carrie E. Oswald, of Wayne Co. They have three sons. His father (John Campbell) was born in Greene Co., Penn., Oct. 29, 1810, and came there with his father, George Campbell, in 1822 ; his father dying three years thereafter. John virtually became the head of the family. and worked on the farm until the youngest child was 21 years old. January 21, 1842, he married Matilda Ervine, of Baughman Township, of that county. John H. is his only son.


NEWTON CHALKER, lawyer, Akron. James Chalker was born in Southington, Ohio, his parents being natives of Connecticut, as were also those of Miss Eliza Hyde, whom he married, and whose birthplace was Farmington, Trumbull Co.. Ohio. His ancestors settled in Saybrook, Conn., in about 1640, and his parents moved to Ohio in about the year 1805, as also did hers. To James and Eliza (Hyde) Chalker, at Southington, Ohio, on Sept. 12, 1842, was born the subject of this sketch, Newton Chalker, who spent his early youth at his native home, on a farm, until he was 15 years of age, a year previous to which time he entered the Western Reserve Seminary of Farmington,continuing with his studies there until he was teaching in the district schools, in the meantime, from the age of 16. In June, 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 87th O. V. I., his term expiring in October of the same year. In the spring of 1863, his 21st year, he entered Alleghany College, at Meadville, being assigned to the freshman class ; taking a classical course. he graduated in June, 1866. In the fall of the same year, he was elected by the Trustees of Dixon Seminary, at Dixon, Ill.. Principal. which position he filled for one year, when he was elected Superintendent of the Darlington Union Schools, Wisconsin. filling that position for the same length of time. In August, 1868, he entered the Law Department of the University of Albany, N. Y., graduating there in June. 1869. Shortly after his graduation, he opened an office for the practice of law in Cameron. Mo., where he remained five years. On Aug. 14. 1874, he came to Akron. where he has practiced law ever since.


CHARLES S. COBBS. City Solicitor. Akron. was born near Alliance, Columbiana Co.. Ohio. July 7, 1853. and lived on a farm until 18 ; he entered Mt. Union College in the fall of 1872. and graduated in July. 1877. He then became Superintendent of the Malvern Union Schools, continuing two years. studying law in the meantime. May. 1879, he came to Akron and entered the law office of J. J. Hall. studying until his admission to the bar in May. 1880, at the session of the Supreme Court at Columbus, Ohio. after which he located in Akron, and has been in active practice since. In April, 1881. he was elected City Solicitor. on the Republican ticket.


JAMES CRISTY, tanner, Akron. James, oldest son of Patrick and Eliza (McMoran) Cristy, was born Feb. 4. 1820, in Springfield Township, this county. where he lived on a farm until he attained his majority, attending district school in his earliest school days, and select school at Middlebury from the time he was 16 until he reached his 19th year. At the age of 20, he began teaching, in which he engaged for two terms. Soon after he was 21, he came to Akron, where he soon established a tannery on North Howard street, in company with one James Sawyer, who was his partner, running it under the firm name of Cristy & Sawyer, until 1851, when the partnership dissolved. The year following, he and his brother, John H. Cristy, fitted up a small


CITY OF AKRON - 693


tannery on the same street, which they ran until 1856. when they built the present one, continuing as partners until 1879, when the firm dissolved, leaving subject proprietor, who then took in, as partners, his sons James, Jr., and William, under the firm name of James Cristy & Sons. They are doing a good business at the present time, manufacturing leather, buying and selling leather, hides, furs and leather findings, and making a specialty of harness leather. In 1841, he started in business at this place with but $500, and whatever of success he has attained is the result of his own labor, energy and perseverance. In politics he is a Republican, having been such since the organization of the party. A member of no church, he attends the Congregational, and gives it his support. For several years he has been a member of the City Council. His father, a native of New Jersey, was of Irish descent, and his mother, a Scotch lady, was born in Scotland. In 1812, they came to Stark County from Northumberland Co., Penn., settling in Springfield Township, this county, two years later, purchasing 30 acres of land of Judge Hinckley, for whom the father of our subject was land agent. Our subject was one of nine children, of whom but three are living—himself, a brother and Mrs. Sawyer, widow of his former partner. His father died in 1864, being in his 74th year, and his mother's death occurred in 1872, in her 83d year. Subject was married October, 1849, to Miss Jennie Warner, of Akron, Ohio, and of this union five children were the issue, all of whom are living.


ALEXANDER H. COMMINS (deceased). His father. Jedediah D. Commins, was born in the town of Charlotte, Vt., on the 9th day of July, 17 90 ; in 1814, he was united in marriage with Sophia Field, of Wethersfield, Windsor Co., Vt. They soon after removed to Western New York, where they resided until 1832. At that date he came to Akron ; here he found but few improvements, but being a keen lover of nature, he selected for his home the most desirable site adjacent to the village, and erected a residence on Fir street, ever since retained by the family. Mr. Commins opened the first drug store in the village, and for many years was the leading druggist of the town ; he was a very careful and precise merchant, sustaining his credit through the panic of 1837, which wrecked all the other merchants ofthat period except his friend P. D. Hall. He espoused the principles of Democracy, and at once became a leader of his party in this section. Among the first he saw the advantages which would arise from the organization of a new county with Akron as its center, and, with unceasing efforts, he gave time and influence to that end ; he was sent as a lobby member to the Legislature, and to his labors with that body we are indebted largely for the organization of Summit County. But this was not his only measure of beneficence ; he originated the idea of a rural cemetery, and secured the passage of a bill authorizing corporations to purchase lands for such purposes, and put his beautiful theory into operation in the purchase of 40 acres for the Akron Rural Cemetery, probably the first of its kind in the State. That he was denied the discipline of school training did not discourage a mind which could draw a lesson from every object of nature. He gathered, studied and classified a fine collection of insects, minerals and flowers. He was an excellent botanist and a thorough student of nature ; he was familiar with the best works of French and English literature ; he greatly admired Shakspeare, and could repeat many passages from memory, and could read the French language with ease. He was a highly esteemed and influential citizen, who labored earnestly for the public weal as foremost champion of every good work. He died in 1867, respected by all. Alexander H. Commins, oldest son of Jedediah D. Commins, was born at Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 21, 1815 ; at 17, he came with his father to this locality, and ere-long entered the Western Reserve College, at Hudson. where he spent some time in laying the foundation for his future usefulness. On leaving college, Mr. Commins entered the drug store of his father, and for several years devoted his talents to that business. In 1845, with Col. Simon Perkins, he became interested in the woolen mills of Akron ; he continued in the manufacture of woolen goods for a period of ten years, and, in 1856, converted it into a flouring-mill ; he at this time formed a partnership with Jacob and Jesse Allen, which lasted until 1866. In company with Albert Allen, in 1867, he purchased the old stone mills, which have since been known as the Commins & Allen Mills, on account of the large and important additions made to the original structure by


694 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


them. During the period of copartnership of Mr. Commins with Mr. Albert Allen, mutual friendship and confidence became so strong that Mr. Commins so fashioned his will that his es teemed partner was given entire control of his large business and estate until the heirs should reach their majority, and, in case of the death of their mother, he should become the guardian of his children and executor of his will, and all without bonds (de bonls non). This partnership continued with the most cordial relations, until his death, Aug. 17, 1880. Mr. Commins was raised in the Presbyterian Church, but later in life gave his support to the Episcopal Church. He inherited many of the admirable traits of his father, having excellent business capacity ; an extensive reader. he was well informed on all current topics. He, like his father, was a stanch Democrat. and although he never sought office, had those qualities which stamped him as a leader of his party in this county and district, hence he was nominated for many positions of honor and trust. Oct. 8, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Addle H. Starks, of Buffalo, N. Y.; of this marriage nine children were born, seven of whom are yet living Mr. Commins was a public-spirited citizen. whose loss was deeply felt.

GEORGE W. CROUSE, manufacturer, Akron. George W. Crouse, manufacturer of reapers and mowers, at Akron. Summit Co.. Ohio. was born November 23, 1832. at Tallmadge, same county. He is the son of George Crouse, a native of Pennsylvania, and Margaret H. (Robinson) Crouse, of Irish descent. His boyhood was passed on a farm, during which period he acquired such knowledge of the English branches as, at the age of 17, enabled him to teach school in a creditable manner, which occupation he engaged in for a period of five years. Ambition, which country school-teaching and farming could not satisfy, having entered " the chamber of the gifted boy," he commenced looking about him for more congenial employment, and so it happened that, in 1855, he came to Akron with no other capital than energy, integrity, common sense and determination to aid him in securing such a position as he desired. Arriving here, he very soon found employment under the County Auditor and Treasurer, as accountant and penman, in both of which he excelled. He held these positions for three years, during which time he became so familiar with the work of each, and had also extended his acquaintance so favorably, that, in the fall of 1858, he was elected County Auditor, being only 25 years of age, and, at that time, the youngest officer ever elected in the county. He held this office during the following two years, and was then re-elected, but. before the expiration of his second term, a vacancy occurred in the office of County Treasurer, which the County Commissioners appointed him to fill. This led to the resignation of his office as Auditor. His conduct in these offices had become so favorably known throughout the county that he was solicited to accept a responsible agency for the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad Co., the road having been completed as far as Akron. The agency being local. he accepted. and conducted both the business of his county office and that of' his new engagement with great care and efficiency. About the 20th of August.. 1863. he connected himself with the firm of C. Aultman & Co.. being financial manager of their branch concern at Akron. In co-operation with J. R. Buchtel, he superintended the erection of the new buildings of the same, at the same time attending wholly to the financial management of the branch house. In the summer of 1865. it was reorganized as a stock company. under the firm name of Aultman. Miller & Co.. of which, as a stockholder, Mr. Crouse was elected Secretary and Treasurer, his duties being to manage the finances and dispose of the goods. The first year of its existence, the company manufactured 2.900 machines. Under the able management of its executive officers, the business so rapidly increased that, in 1880, the machines manufactured were 12,000. the gross sales amounting to $1,800,000. The capital invested is $1.000,000, the business giving employment to over 400 men. Decidedly successful, this company has returned a dividend each year to its stockholders. Mr. Crouse has done his fall share in achieving a well-merited success for the Buckeye Mower and Reaper." His qualities of industry and rare ability have caused him to be much sought by his townsmen for local offices. A member of the City Council, he has served as its President ; member and President of the Board of Education, he has been three years a County Commissioner, and Chairman of the County Central Republican Committee. He is a member of the Protestant


CITY OF AKRON - 695


Episcopal Church, and, for some years, has been a Vestryman of the same. In addition to the business in which he is principally engaged, he has encouraged and aided other business enterprises in Akron, among which were the Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Co., the Akron Rubber Works, doing business as B. F. Goodrich & Co., a joint stock company in which he is a Director ; the Akron Manilla Paper Co., doing business as Thomas Phillips & Co., a copartnership in which he is a one-third owner. In 1870, he assisted to organize the Bank of Akron, in which he is a stockholder, and of which he is President. In politics, he is a Republican, carrying the same earnestness into the partisanship of his political convictions that characterizes him elsewhere. He married Miss Martha K. Parsons, of Poetage County, on Oct. 18, 1859, of which union there are five children, four daughters and one son, viz., Martha P., Julia M., Mary R., Nellie J. and George W., Jr.


ARTHUR L. CONGER, manufacturer, Akron, was born to John and Hannah (Beales) Conger Feb. 19, 1838, in Boston, this county, Ohio. He spent his early days working on his father's farm and in his brickyard, until he was 20 years old, when he spent two summers boating on the Ohio Canal, attending school in winter, by his own efforts gaining such knowledge of the English branches as enabled him to teach, which vocation he followed from 1860 to July, 1862, when he enlisted in the 115th O. V. I. as a private soldier, having recruited a large number of men before entering the service. Of this company he was successively made 1st Lieutenant and Captain, serving with it nearly three years in the Army of the Cumberland under Gen. Thomas, being mustered out in July, 1864, having been for much of the time on detached duty. Assigned to the staff , of Gen. Ammon, as Acting Assistant Adjutant General, at Covington, Ky.; there he acted also as Provost Marshal, and served as a member of the court martial under Judge Advocate R. M. Corwin, serving on this court 100 days, during which time a large number of important cases were disposed of. By Mr. Corwin's special request, he then became a member of a new court martial subsequently organized, but his regiment being ordered to the front, he went with it, and was detailed in the Engineer Corps as an Assistant Inspector of railroad defenses in the Department of the Cumberland. His experience in this branch becoming known to Gen. Thomas, that officer recommended his ' appointment as a Captain and Commissary of Subsistence, with the view of having him issue rations by special train to the garrisons of the block-houses and railroad defences throughout the Department of the Cumberland, in addition to his duties as Inspector, but the war came to a close before this appointment could be made, and Mr. Conger returned to Boston, and for a year after worked on a farm, when, in 1866, he was elected Treasurer of his native county, serving one term, when he was re-elected and served the second term, in all four years. His wife, formerly Miss Emily V. Bronson, of Peninsula (second daughter of H. V. Bronson, one of the pioneers of Boston Township, of whom see sketch), whom he married Nov. 1, 1864, proved herself truly worthy by assist' ing him at that time, doing whatever of writing he could place in her hands, which saved for him no small amount of the salary which otherwise had been placed in the pocketbook of a deputy. It cannot be estimated how much of men's success, financially and otherwise, is due to their wives' helpful, loving hearts and hands. In 1867, Mr. Conger moved to Akron, and, in 1870, he became a stockholder and director in the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Co., and at the close of his official duties as Treasurer of Summit Co., he became the traveling salesman for this company, and much of its western business was built up by his sagacity and personal efforts. The business of the company was manufacturing mower and reaper knives, sickles, sections, etc. In 1876, he was made Vice President of this company. In 1877, the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Co. was consolidated with George Barnes & Co., of Syracuse, N. Y., under the name of The Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Co.. with works at Akron, Ohio, and Syracuse, N. Y. Of this new company he was made Vice President, with increased responsibilities. Later the company established works at Canton, Ohio, and St. Catharines, Ontario, and Mr. Conger was given the management of the western business. The new company make a specialty of manufacturing mower and reaper knives, sickles, sections, guard-plates, spring keys and cutlery, and complete cutting apparatus for mowers and reapers. It is the larg-


696 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


eat establishment of the kind in the United States or in the world, employing in all over five hundred men, and its business aggregating over $1,000,000. In 1879, Mr. Conger, in company with G. W. Crouse, Col. George T. Perkins and John McGregor reorganized the old Akron Steam Forge Company. Of this new organization, Mr. Conger was elected President. The company have done a prosperous business in the manufacture of car-axles and heavy bridge works, with an annual product of $150.000. He has been a member of the Board of Education of Akron, and Secretary of the same. Has served several years as Treasurer of Portage Township and the city of Akron. He is a prominent Republican, and an active and sagacious worker in its organization. Has been for many years a member of the Republican County Central and State Committees, and, in 1880, served as Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee. He is a member and vestryman of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Akron. He has four children, viz.: Kenyon Bronson, Erastus Irving (deceased), Arthur Whitman and Latham Hubbard.


WILSON M. DAY, associate editor of the Daily Beacon, Akron, is of New England parentage. His father, Rev. William F. Day, D. D., now of Titusville. Penn., was born in West Springfield, Mass., Nov. 11, 1821, and his mother, whose maiden name was Ann Delia Grover, was born in Tolland, Conn., March 19, 1822. Both came to the West early in life. Mr. Day, their second son, was born in Clarion, Clarion Co., Penn., Nov. 5, 1850. Following the fortunes of a Methodist minister's family, he lived successively in Clarion, Penn., in 1850 ; Franklin, Penn., in 1851-52; Northeast, Penn., in 1853-54; Akron, Ohio, in 1855-56 ; Poland, Ohio, in 1857-58; Cleveland, Ohio, in 1859-60; Ravenna, Ohio, in 1861-62; Meadville. Penn., in 1863-65 ; Jamestown, N. Y., in 1866-67 ; removing to Akron for the second time in August, 1868. Completing his preparatory studies in the Jamestown, N. Y., Union School and Collegiate Institute, from which he graduated June 17, 1868, he entered the Sophomore Class of Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, in the fall of 1868, graduating from the classical course June 29, 1871, one of a class of 46 members. In 1874, he received from his Alma Mater the degree of M. A., in cursu. He accepted the position of city editor of the Akron Daily Beacon, under Mr. S. A. Lane, in August. 1871, and upon the accession of Mr. T. C. Reynolds to the editorship, in December of that year, became associate editor, which position he has since held, with the exception of an interval ! of about six months—from November, 1874, to May, 1875—when he served as night editor of the Cleveland Leader. In March, 1876, he sailed for Europe, spending six months abroad, and visiting England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Bavaria, Germany and Switzerland. He was married, May 15, 1878, to Mattie A., eldest daughter of Judge N. D. Tibbals, and has had two children, one of whom died June 7, 1880.


WILLIAM F. DRESSLER, grocer, Akron, eldest son and second child of Reuben and Matilda Dressler, was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, May 4, 1841, and lived on a farm until he was 25, when he came to Akron. His father and mother were of German descent, and natives of Berks Co., Penn.; they both came to Ohio when young and were married in Wayne Co. His father still lives in Wadsworth ; he was a plasterer, and our subject learned the trade of him when a boy and engaged at it at Akron until 1877, controlling from fifteen to thirty hands and executing plain and ornamental work on the principal buildings of Akron. October, 1877. he opened a grocery and provision store at 624 East Mill street, which since he has conducted with good success. March 9, 1871, he married Miss Sue F. Zwisler, of Canfield, Mahoning Co., Ohio. They have one child. His sisters and brothers are :. Miss Flora, of Akron ; Samuel, of Akron ; Mary M., wife of J. H. Armstrong, Wayne Co., Ohio ; Miss Laura, of Akron, and Miss Adelia, a student at Oberlin.


REV. JACOB DAHLMAN, minister, Akron ; was born at Barmen, Rhenish-Prussia, to John Jacob W. and Helena (Hahn) Dahlman, on the 11th day of April, 18M. He was baptized on the 27th, and confirmed at the adjoining town of Elberfeld April 7, 1846, by the Rev. F. W. Krummacher, D. D., afterward court preacher of William IV. After his confirmation he entered as apprentice in a counting-house at Elberfeld, where he remained two years. In the spring of 1848, with the family of his father, he sailed for the United States. and landed at New York City in June. They journeyed westward to Wooster, Ohio, where


CITY OF AKRON - 697


our subject, not being able to speak English, found employment in a tannery, and served a thorough apprenticeship at the tanner and currier's trade for three years with one Harvey Robinson. He then worked at his trade as journeyman throughout the cities of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Michigan, and while sojourning at Detroit in 1854, from his convictions of duty for some time impressed upon his mind, he determined to study for the ministry. From this time he so shaped his affairs that in September, 1855, he entered Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Penn., from which he graduated in 1860. He then entered for two years the theological seminary at Mercersburg, Penn., graduating in 1862. He became a member of the Philadelphia Classis of the Reformed Church, and was by it ordained to the work of the ministry June 15, 1862, and simultaneously began his ministerial labors in the organization of a German congregation in West Philadelphia, which was effected in 1862, and was known as the German Evangelical Reformed Emanuel's Church. On Sept. 23, 1862, he married Miss Catherine M. Kopp, of Lancaster, Penn. His first pastorate extended over a period of over eighteen years, during which he built a large church and commodious parsonage, and raised the membership to 245 communicants. But Mr. Dahlman's labors were not confined to simply his own congregation. He was Stated Clerk of the Philadelphia Classis from 1863 to 1873, and while in that body labored, and also in the General Synod of which he was Assistant Clerk, for the interests of the German portion of the church, and to his efforts are largely due the organization of the German Classis, which leaves that element in the Church unfettered to advance the interests of their people without the restraint of geographical limits. He also labored for the organization of the German Synod, of which he is Stated Clerk. Mr. Dahlman received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Ursinus College, of Collegeville, Penn., in 1880. In November, 1880, Dr. Dahlman received a call to the pastorate of the First German Reformed Church of Akron, and severing the valued and cordial relations with his first charge, he assumed the new duties in 1880.


R. N. DOWNEY. proprietor Cascade House, Akron ; was born in Yates County, N. Y., Aug. 1, 18M, where he spent his youth on a farm, receiving common school advantages. He entered a hotel when 21 at Watkins, N. Y., serving as clerk some four years. In 1858, he removed to Elmira, N. Y., and clerked in a hotel until 1862, when he went to Penn Yan, N. Y., remaining two years in a like position. July 13, 1864, he came to Akron and clerked for Brown & Folger, in the Empire House, until April 1, 1866, when he bought the entire stock and furniture and leased the building, conducting the house with fair success until 1876, a year later leasing the Cascade House, which hotel he still conducts. The house is convenient to the depot, and has thirty-six light, airy, comfortable rooms for guests, and the proprietor furnishes his table with the substantials and luxuries of the season. He was married July 4, 1864, to Julia A. Kitchen, of Wayne County, N. Y. They have one daughter.


WILLIAM A. DURAND, Chief Clerk and Cashier N. Y., P. &. 0. R. R, Akron Depot, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in Providence Township, Luzern Co., of that State, April 30, 1848, and is the second of five children born to Silas and Phoebe (Drake) Durand, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work. William lived at home until he was 26 years of age. At the age of 16 he was apprenticed to a brass molder and served about three years ; he then came to Akron and took the position of laborer in the freight house of the N. Y., P. &. O. R. R., and has been in the employ of the company ever since, save about eighteen months. By strict attention to business, he has been advanced through the different positions up the important one he now holds. During some ten years of his time with this company, he had charge of the ticket department of the road at this station. In November, 1877, he accepted the position of bookkeeper for Barber & Grant, grain dealers, but returned to the employ of the railroad in the spring of 1879. He has held his present position upward of eleven years, save the time stated. Feb. 25, 1874, he was married to Miss Sarah Berg, a native of Akron, and daughter of Anton and Augusta (Capella) Berg. By this marriage there are two children—Lottie A. and Edward J.


DIEHL & CASKEY, house furnishing, decoration and floor covering, Akron. This firm was established in 1875 by Diehl & Oviatt. In 1878, the business was moved to Nos. 219 and 221 East


698 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


Market street, where the business occupies the entire three floors, 90x40 feet. In 1880, the present partnership succeeded the old firm, Mr. Caskey buying the interest of Mr. Oviatt. This is the only house in the city dealing exclusively in this line of goods. W. H. Diehl of this firm is a native of Summit County, being born in Manchester July 5, 1843. His father, Daniel Diehl, came here from York County, Penn., and settled in Franklin Township, this county, in 1827 ; he married Miss Hannah Harter. W. H. Diehl was the second of four children born of this marriage. His younger days were spent in Manchester, but at the age of 11 years his parents moved on a farm, where he remained until 1861. In August of this year he enlisted in the 2d O. V. C., and served three years, taking part in the engagements and raids led by Gen. Sanders to Knoxville ; at Bull's Gap, Richmond, Ky., where he was slightly wounded, but remained with his company ; at Lebanon, Ky., Huff's Ferry, Tenn., Campbell's Station, at the siege of Knoxville, and in the march to Atlanta. In September, 1864, he returned home and attended school at Akron. In the following spring, he entered a dry goods store of Akron as clerk, where he was engaged for eight years. In 1871, he engaged with Oliver Baker as clerk in the carpet business, and some four years later, opened up a business of his own. Mr. Diehl, on Sept. 26, 1867, married Miss Mary A. Sisler, a daughter of Dr. William Sisler, of Akron. This marriage has been blessed with three children—John, Jennie and Fred.


SILAS DURAND, General Station Agent New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, Akron ; was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., ' March 7, 1822, and is the third child of a family of five children born to Samuel and Phoebe (Barner) Durand ; his father was a farmer, and Silas assisted on the farm, gaining his rudimentary education at the district schools until the age of 19 ; at this time, he began attending an academy, and, after studying a year, he began teaching, following this occupation for a number of years in York State and Pennsylvania, in Providence and Scranton. In 1848, he engaged with a mercantile establishment in Dunmore, near Scranton, as bookkeeper, where he reremained until 1850. Moving then to Monroeville, Ohio, he engaged with the firm of D. Squires & Co., merchants of that place, and continued with them for about two years, when the business was destroyed by fire, and the firm dissolving by mutual consent, the business was not revived. Mr. Durand then went to Crestline and took charge of the books of a ware' house and lumbering establishment, continuing here some four or five years, during which time he served one term as Mayor of the village. From this point he went to Delaware, and became Auditor and Treasurer of the S., Mt. V. & P. Railway, holding the position until the sale of the road some three years later ; he then moved to Galion, Ohio, where he was appointed Ticket Agent of the C., C.. C. & I. Railway ; subsequently he engaged with the A. & G. W. R. R. Co., and was assigned to the office at Urbana, which he opened ; being versed in the business and the first agent here. he instructed the agents along the line toward Galion ; November, 1864, he was sent by H. F. Sweetzer, General Superintendent, as agent at Akron, Ohio ; in the following spring, he moved his family to Akron, and has since been a resident of the city. While teaching at Providence, Penn., he married Miss Nancy Drake, a native of that city ; five children have blessed this union—Mary H., now Mrs. Parrott, of Bryan. Ohio ; William A.; Norman N.; Frank S., baggage master and car clerk at Akron ; and Eugene, deceased November, 1864, at Galion. Mr. Durand is an old member of the Methodist Church, dating his connection with the church some thirty-eight years back. In politics, he affiliates with the Democratic party, but is more influenced by the fitness of the candidate than by his party connections.


JOHN H. DIX, Superintendent of W. B. Doyle & Co., Akron ; was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Oct. 25, 1823, and is the eighth of ten children of John and Polly (Bigelow) Dix, who were natives of Vermont and came to Portage Co. in 1813 ; he was a stonecutter by trade, and also followed farming ; he cleared up a farm in Portage Co., on which he died July 4, 1839. Mrs. Dix is still living in the vicinity of the old homestead at the advanced age of 91 years. The subject lived at home until 1846 ; in the fall of that year, he married Miss Rosette Durham, who died in 1857 ; they had three children, two of whom are living—Ella R. and Edwin H. Mr. Dix came to Akron in 1847, and worked as a carpenter until 1852 ; in company with Nathaniel Finch the firm of J. H. Dix & Co. was


CITY OF AKRON - 699


formed and leased a water-power near the AEtna Mill, and fitted up a planing-mill and flouring-mill—the first in the city—and continued until 1856, when the mill was burned ; after burning out, the firm erected the brick mill now occupied by W. B. Doyle & Co.; in 1857, the firm of J. H. Dix & Co. sold out, and Mr. Dix worked as foreman seven years in the same mill with different firms ; he in September, 1865, became a partner in W. B. Doyle & Co., which has since continued. April 10, 1863, he was married a second time to Miss Celia Stowell, a native of Connecticut, who came to Summit Co. with her parents about the year 1853 ; three children are the result of this marriage, viz., Harry N. G., Marian J. B. and Bertie C. W. Mr. D. has affiliated with three political parties—was raised a Democrat, then was a Republican, and of late years has been a Green backer.


W. B. DOYLE, of the firm of W. B. Doyle & Co., lumber dealers and manufacturers, Akron, Ohio, was born in Franklin Co., Penn., March 5, 1825, and is the youngest of three children born to Thomas J. S. and Ann (Taylor) Doyle. His mother was a native of Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn. His father, Thomas J. S., was a native of Franklin Co., Penn.. and was the son of Barnabas, the son of Felix Doyle, who came from Ireland to this country, and, as near as can be learned, first settled in Eastern Pennsylvania, and afterward joined a party of pioneers who attempted to make a settlement at Burnt Cabins, in Southwestern Pennsylvania, which was then Indian territory. These settlers were driven out by the soldiers under orders of the Governor, and their cabins burned. This was before the French and Indian wars. Afterward he purchased 1,000 acres of land in Franklin Co., then a wildeiness, and settled there, where four generations have since lived. Thomas J. S. Doyle was raised a farmer ; during the latter part of his life he engaged in mercantile business at Concord, in his native county. W. B. Doyle was also raised on the farm, and received a limited common-school education. At the age of 13, he went to Shippensburg, Penn., where he apprenticed to the cabinet trade, and served for three years ; he then returned home, and soon after visited his brother, a manufacturer of fanning-mills at Williamsport, Md. While here, he determined to go to Tiffin, Ohio, taking a boat on the canal, which met with an accident at Johnstown, Penn., and he walked from there to Pittsburgh (ninety miles), where he worked a few months and then resumed his journey, stopping at Akron, where he got a job at his trade, and concluded not to go to Tiffin. He worked at his trade, and in the fall bought the business of his employers. Being short of funds, he fell back with the rent, and in the spring he made a trip to Pennsylvania, where he made some collections, and returned and paid his rent, continuing in the business several years, when he sold out and engaged in the meat business, which he followed for fifteen years. He then occupied a farm near Akron he had previously bought, and lived on same for four years, when he sold the place and stock for $16,000. Going back to his old home in Pennsylvania, he decided to go to Tennessee, but having some business in Akron, he visited the city, and while there bought the lumber manufacturing business of S. G. Wilson, the consideration being $35,000, and associated J. H. Dix and Daniel Farnam with himself, styling the firm W. B. Doyle & Co.; they have continued to the present. Mr. Doyle has been four times married ; first in 1845 to Miss Phebe Budd, a native of Ithaca, N. Y.; she died about the year 1850. The second wife was Miss Harriet Sage, a native of Monroe Co., N. Y.; she died in 1862 ; of their two children one is living. The third wife was Miss Mary Ann Lantz, a native of Akron, Ohio ; she died in her native city ; they had three children. viz.: Willie, Della and Dean. all at home. His present wife was Mrs. Louisa Baird, a native of Springfield Township, Summit Co., Ohio. They have one child, viz., Anna.


WILLIAM EMMITT, retired, Akron, whose portrait appears in this history as a representative pioneer of Springfield Township, was born Sept. 20, 1805. His people are of Scotch origin, though his grandfather was a native of Ireland. He emigrated to the United States in an early day and settled in Lancaster Co., Penn. During the war of 1812, when the Indians were. giving the settlers in Montour Co. (whither they had removed) so much trouble, he returned to Lancaster Co. When the Indian troubles had subsided, he removed to what is now Columbia Co., Penn. There John Emmitt, the father of William, was married to Jane Aikman, whose people were formerly of New Jersey. William was the young-


700 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


est of eight children, and when he was about 6 months old his father died. His mother, with a large family of small children, was left to manage the farm and bring her family to honorable manhood and womanhood. William attended school until he was 12 years old, and then had no more opportunities for doing so until he was 18, except a few weeks in his 17th year. When 18, he spent three months only in school, but he had a natural aptitude for learning, and with the poor opportunities afforded him he succeeded in getting a good education, and in becoming a good civil engineer, a business that he has spent more or less time at since his becoming a resident of Summit Co. In September, 1829, he married Miss Mary McBride, an old schoolmate, and, in the following April, they began a twelve days' journey westward by team, which brought them to their new home in Springfield Township. Two children were born to them—Franklin and John, both of whom are well-to-do farmers of Tallmadge Township. They were given a liberal start by their father, and have profited by his kindness. Mr. Emmitt first bought 125 acres of land upon his arrival in Springfield, and though he has bought, sold and given away other tracts since that time, he still owns his original purchase. During his residence in the township of Springfield, he held the different offices of Township Trustee, Clerk and Justice, besides, in 1870, he took the census of several townships of Summit Co. The 1st of April, 1875, he bought a neat little home in Akron, whither he and his wife removed. Mrs. Emmitt, however, lived but a short time to enjoy the rest she had so richly earned. On April 27, the same month of their arrival, she died, leaving Mr. Emmitt but little hope of happiness in the new home that had been looked forward to with so much of gladness. Mr. Emmitt is a member of the Disciples' Church, and during his life he has always taken an active interest in the building-up of churches and schools and in the cause of temperance.


G. L. W. EDAM, of Edam & Johnston, manufacturers of white lime, etc., Akron, is a native of Baden, Germany, and was born April 21, 1849, and came to the United States with his parents when but 3 .or 4 years old. They settled in Cleveland, where they now live. In 1869, subject went to Marblehead, near Sandusky, where he conducted a limestone quarry for five years ; he then engaged in the lime business in partnership with his brother J. A. (firm of Edam Bros.), in Cleveland, and in 1875 he came to Akron and built the present manufactory. They continued business here and in Cleveland until January, 1879, when subject became the sole proprietor, and the following January he took Mr. C. N. Johnston in as a partner, and the firm still continues. At first the business was nothing more than a lime manufactory, and has since added commercial fertilizers, employing in the business ten men. He was married May 5, 1874, to Miss Mary Groh, a native of Cleveland. They had three children, two living—Mary Annie and George Adam ; Anna Clara is dead.


TIMOTHY ERASMUS, retired, Akron, is a native of Northampton Co., Penn., where he was born Oct. 6, 1810. His father, John Erasmus, was a tailor by trade, though he taught school a considerable portion of the time, haying qualified himself at Bethlehem College. He died in Philadelphia about 1817 ; he was a native of Lehigh Co:, Penn., and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. At the age of 10 years, Timothy was put to work on a farm in his native county, where he worked until he was 18 years of age, when he was apprenticed to the cabinet trade, serving three years in Bethlehem. He then went to Philadelphia, where he worked several years, participating, while there, in the celebration of Washington's birthday. From here he went to Easton, where he worked two years at the carpenter's trade ; thence to New York City, and in 1836, he went to Massillon by wagon with a friend. Here he remained one year, working at the carpenter's trade, when he went to Clay Co., Ind., and entered some land. He made his way west on foot and returned in the same way to Massillon in the following spring. In the summer of 1839, he came to Akron, where he has lived since. He engaged at his trade of carpenter and builder until the past ten years, during which he has lived a retired life. October 19 1841, he married Miss Clarissa K. Smith, a native of Connecticut ; she came West with her parents when young. She died in 1850, leaving three children, all of whom have since died. January 3, 1854, he married Mrs. Anson, formerly Mary J. Barriball, a native of Baltimore, and came west with her people when young.


CITY OF AKRON - 701


In 1880, he served as Real Estate Assessor for the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Wards of Akron City.


JOHN GEORGE EBERHARD, Eberhard Manufacturing Co., Akron, Ohio, was born in Baden, Germany, March 21, 1829, where he went to school until he was 14 years old, and in addition to public schools, be for three years had instruction in mechanical arts. He also worked in his father's shop (his father was a toolmaker), and at 16 could fashion almost any edged tool. At 19, he went to Berne, Switzerland, and worked for a short time in a carriage-shop ; also worked a short time in a manufactory of agricultural implements, when he returned home. Soon after, he was drafted into the German army, when he left without pass, and went to France ; sailing from Havre, he arrived in New York Aug. M, 1850. From there he went to Newark, N. J., where he worked for a time in edge tools, carriage-shop, and at shipbuilding, and afterward in a harness and trimming shop and forging wrought-iron hames. In the fall of 1859, he came to Sharon, Medina Co., Ohio, where he bought a farm, when for six years he engaged in farming and in the manufacture of wooden and wrought-iron hames. In December, 1866, he came to Akron, and built a shop for the manufacture of hames and machinery. Shop was in Akron until November, 1880, when he moved it to Cleveland, where it is now in successful operation under the name of Eberhard Manufacturing Co. He was married May 22, 1852, to Miss Louisa Clause'', of Newark, N. J. She was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to the United States in October, 1850. Three sons and four daughters were born of this marriage—George F., Louisa, John J., Anna C., Frederick, Bertha and Katie. Mr. E., in 1875, invented the " hollow hame." now largely used. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, in which, for fourteen years, he has been an Elder, and long the Superintendent of the Sunday school.


WILLIAM EBERHARD, Akron ; son of George F. and Mary Catharine (Miller) Eberhard ; was born in Baden, Germany, June 17, 1837. His father was a manufacturer of edged tools, near Millheim, Baden, and with him our subject worked at odd times from his 10th to his 16th year. When 10 years old, he made a pocket knife. When 16, the family came to the United States, reaching Akron in December, 1852. William worked for Lorenzo Chamberlain, in Copley Township, during the first year, at agricultural implements, and on the farm. Afterward, for two years, he worked with his brother at Sharon in the blacksmith-shop. In 1857, he went to Keokuk Co., Iowa, and worked there a year in his brother's shop ; thence to Washington, same State, where he engaged in the forging department of the engine machine-shop, working his way up until he was given a partnership in the business for his services. In the summer of 1861, he enlisted in the 5th Iowa V. I. He passed through the Missouri campaigns with Gens. Fremont and Halleck ; was at New Madrid, and Island No. 10, and was in the battle of Iuka, Miss. September, 1862, he was wounded by a musket ball, while his regiment was making a desperate attack on the rebel ranks of Gen. Price. Only twelve men of his company (F) came out of the battle alive. Twenty of these brave men were buried in one grave, and twelve were badly wounded. The shot fractured the bone, one and a half inches below his left shoulder, and fourteen pieces of bone were taken out ; the ball split and tore away a large portion of the muscles of the upper arm. He lay twenty-four hours, weak from loss of blood, on the field, and then walked some miles to Iuka. By constant application of water he saved his arm from amputation ; but it is still badly disabled. While at Corinth, Miss., in the camp hospital, weak and covered with vermin, from which, in his helplessness, he could not protect himself, the surgeons decided to amputate his arm ; but a woman, named Mrs. A. M. Penfield, dressed and bound it, setting the bone, and attended him for a week, thus saving it for him. He was discharged at Keokuk, Iowa, Feb. 27, 1863. He was foreman and partner in the machine-shops at Washington, Iowa, for two years ; and, in 1865, he came to Akron, Ohio, where, on July 2, 1867, he married Mrs. Matilda Allgayer, of Sigourney, Iowa. He established a machine-shop here in 1865, and has been engaged in that business ever since. He is now a member of the firm of W. & J. G. Eberhard, and manufactures oatmeal machinery, engines and boilers. He has taken out several patents, the principal ones being for the improvement of oatmeal machinery and steam boilers. He has suffered by fire several times ; but is doing a good business, with fair


702 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


prospects for future success. He has two children.


HON. SIDNEY EDGERTON, lawyer, Akron, Ohio, is a son of Amos and Zervia (Graham) Edgerton, and was born Aug. 17, 1819, in Cazenovia, Madison Co., N. Y. His father died when he was but two years old. and, having been blind for some time, left his family in actual proverty. His widow moved with her family to Ontario Co.. N. Y., where he (subject) lived until he was 8 years old. when he started in life for himself, and by his own indomitable energy managed to educate himself out of his wages, and at the age of 16 set in to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner with his brother. At 17 he began teaching, and, at 18, entered Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y.; after remaining two terms, he was employed as teacher. In April, 1844, he came to Akron a stranger, and with but $3 in money ; after being here a few days, he began the study of law with Judge Rufus P. Spaulding, and, in 1846, graduated from the Cincinnati Law School. and was admitted to the bar in that city. He opened an office here in 1846, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1852, serving four years ; in 1858, he was elected to Congress, and re-elected in 1860, the second Republican elected from this district ; assisted in organizing the Republican party at Pittsburgh, in 1856. His term expired in Congress in 1863, when he was appointed Chief Justice of Idaho by President Lincoln, and took his family from Omaha to Bannock City in wagons ; in January, 1864, he came on horseback from there to Salt Lake City, sleeping on the ground during the trip, and via coach to Mississippi River; proceeding to Washington, he succeeded in having Montana organized, the bill for which he prepared himself. After its passage, he set out to return home, and upon his arrival at Salt Lake City, he found that he had been appointed Governor of Montana by President Lincoln ; this position he held until Feb. 23, 1865, when he resigned, his resignation being accepted in July, 1865. He returned to Akron in January, 1866, overland, and has been in active practice here. since. In April, 1849, he married Miss Mary Wright, of Tallmadge.


NEWTON FORD, City Clerk, Akron, son of Marvin and Lydia (Cornwell) Ford ; was born on March 24, 1852, in Northfield Township, this county, where he resided on a farm until 1863 ; he resided in Hudson from 1863 to 1868, assisting father in post office and store at Macedonia; in the spring of 1870, he entered the Western Reserve College, remaining until 1873, when he began teaching in the public schools of this county. The following year, he began the study of law under H. B. Foster, of Hudson ; two years later, he came to Akron to continue his studies with Foster. Marvin & Grant being admitted to the bar at this place on Aug. 28, 1876, and in April, 1877, located here for the practice of his profession, up to which time he had continued at intervals in the vocation of teaching. In February, 1878, he associated himself with H. C. Sanford, having since continued under the firm name of Sanford & Ford. He was elected Clerk by the City Council in April, 1879. and re-elected in 1880. In November, 1879. he married Miss Rosine McKinley. of Hudson.


GEORGE TOD FORD. lawyer, Akron. son of James R. and Julia A. (Tod) Ford ; was born May 21, 1841, in Akron. where he attended the public schools until he was 16 years of age. In 1865, he graduated from Yale College, and, two years later, entered upon the study of law under the direction of W. H. Upson ; he was admitted to the bar in 1869, and entered upon the practice of his profession at Akron. In 1873, he formed a partnership with W. H. Upson, which continues.


SAMUEL FINDLEY, Superintendent of Schools, Akron. is a son of Abel Findley, a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subject was born in New Concord, Ohio, Dec. 1, 18M, where his grandfather, David Findley, settled in about 1806. His grand! father was Judge of the court in early times, and gave each of his six sons a one-fourth section of land near New Concord. Samuel is the second son living of his father. He lived on the farm, entering the Preparatory Department of the Muskingum College when quite young, and continuing there until about 17 when his father moved to a farm in Greene Co., Ohio, where he assisted in farm labor two years, and then taught country schools in the same county some four years, in the meantime teaching one year in the Xenia Public Schools. In 1855, he went to Cincinnati, and for two years was publisher and manager of the Presbyterian Witness, carrying a religious book concern with it. In the spring of 1857, he removed to Mon-


CITY OF AKRON - 703


mouth, Ill., where he engaged in the book business for a short time, selling his interest to his partner, and again resuming school-teaching near Monmouth, continuing two years with good success. In the fall and winter of 1859, he was the agent of Monmouth College, working in Ohio. In 1860, he began teaching in Greene Co., and in the fall of 1861, became teacher in the Xenia Union Schools, leaving that position after a few months to accept a call to the principalship of a ward school of Columbus, Ohio. Here he taught two years. In June, 1864, he was called to the principalship of the old Brownell Street School of Cleveland. In 1865, a new building was substituted, and he organized the new school, with eighteen teachers, remaining until the fall of 1868, when he was called to the superintendency of the Akron Schools, which position he accepted and retains. Then the schools had but twenty-three teachers in all, there being but eleven little frame buildings of one room each, in addition to the central building. There are now fifty-seven teachers. Since 1869. he he has been County Examiner here ; most of that time, Clerk of the Board. and member of the City Board of Examiners since 1870. For twenty years he has been a member of the State Teachers' Association. In 1873, he was President of the Superintendents' Section, and President of the Association in 1877. He received a State certificate ; was given the degree of A. M. by Buchtel College in 1876, and, in 1880, that of Ph. D. from Wooster University. In March, 1853, he married Miss Mary A. Hardie, of Xenia, Ohio. She bore him four sons and two daughters ; all are living.


PROF. ELIAS FRAUNFELTER, Professor of Mathematics in Buchtel College, Akron ; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Reaser) Fraunfelter, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1846, settling near Ashland, where they resided until their death, she in 187] and he in 1879, leaving three sons and six daughters. Of this family, the subject is the second son, and was born near Easton, Northampton Co., Penn., April 3, 1840, and came here when but 6 years of age. He lived on a farm until 17, when he began teaching in the public schools of Ashland, and about the same time entered Vermilion Institute, and was made Tutor of Mathematics in 1859, continuing as such until 1862, when he enlisted in the 120th O. V. I., organized at Mansfield. He entered as a private, and was soon after made Sergeant, then Orderly Sergeant, and after the battle of Chickasaw Bluffs and Arkansas Post was commissioned First Lieutenant. He was detailed as aide-de-camp to Gen. Osterhaus, commanding Ninth Division of Thirteenth Army Corps. In May, 1863, he was commissioned Captain of Co. F in his regiment, and commanded it in all the engagements during the seige of Vicksburg. He was made Adjutant of the 120th O. V. L, and was with Gen. Banks in the invasion of Louisana after the fall of Vicksburg. His regiment was with Gen. Banks on the Red River Expedition, and on the 4th of. May, 1864, he and a large portion of the regiment were captured at Snaggy Point, on Red River, and were taken to different points, until finally landed at rebel prison in Texas called Camp Ford, where they were confined for thirteen months, and were badly treated and ill-fed on chopped corn. He and Capt. Milier were the only ones exchanged at New Orleans in July, 1865, were furloughed home and mustered out at Columbus in August. He then returned to Vermilion Institute as teacher of mathematics, remaining until spring of 1866, when he with Rev. S. T. Boyd organized Savannah Academy, at Savannah, Ohio, a private school, where he continued until 1873, successfully put up large buildings, and in the fourth year (1870) catalogued 385 students. In 1873, he came to Akron, and accepted the Chair of Mathematics in Buchtel College, which he still fills. He was married April 2, 1867, to Miss Laura J. Caldwell, a daughter of Rev. J. P. Caldwell, of Barnesville, Ohio. They have one son and one daughter. Prof. F. received the degree of Master of Arts in Bethany College in 1873, and the degree of Ph. D. in Lombard University at Galesburg, Ill., in July, 1879.


CHARLES WHITTLESEY FOOTE, lawyer, Akron ; is a son of Horace and Rosanna (Whittlesey) Foote, a sister of Col. Charles Whittlesey, and was born in Tripoli, Syria, near Beyrout, Jan. 21, 1853 ; his parents were missionaries. When he was about 2 years old, they returned to America ; his mother died Dec. 24, 1854, off Sandy Hook; his father came on with his child to Tallmadge, where he lived with his uncle, Dr. L. C. Walton. In. the fall of 1870, the subject entered Western Reserve College, and graduated as valedictorian of class


704 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


of 1874. He spent the next three years in Cornell University in post-graduate studies, received the degree of A. M. in 1876, Ph. D. in 1877 ; the next year was spent in Tailmadge with his father, and during the summer and fall of' 1878 was assistant historian on Cuyahoga County History, published by Lippincott & Co. In the fall of 1878, he began reading law with Marvin & Grant, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1879, at Wooster. He at once became a member of the firm, with whom he had studied. He was married July 30, 1879, to Miss Harriet M., daughter of Prof. Hosford, of Hudson.


REV. JOSEPH F. FAHS, minister, Akron ; was born at York, Penn., Jan. 18, 1825. At 14 he entered a store as clerk at Litiz, Penn., remaining four years, in the meantime, through his own endeavors, obtaining a fair knowledge of the English branches. At 18, he returned to York, where he again clerked in a store and recited, in his leisure moments, to a Moravian minister. In two years he began teaching in a private school, continuing about two years, at the same time carrying on his studies, when he was appointed a teacher in the York Co. Academy, and there pursued the languages. At the expiration of one year, he taught vocal music, and engaged in the study of theology and languages. At this time, through his own efforts, he was proficient in Latin and Greek. In 1851, he placed himself under the instruction of the Rev. Dr. Seiss, of Cumberland, Md., for about one and one-half years. In 1852, he was licensed to preach by the Maryland Synod of the Lutheran Church, and began his ministerial labors at Hancock, Md., where he remained three years, at the end of which time his health failed. After recovering, he took charge of a Lutheran Church in Newtown, Va., for fourteen months, when his health again failed. His next field of labor was at Williamsport, Penn.; here he continued five years, and was then called to Allentown, Penn., where he labored for about ten years with good success, pert of the time teaching in Nuremburg College. In October, 1872, he came to Akron, where he became Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, which position he still retains, having more than trebled the membership of the church in less than a decade. May, 1854, he married Miss Emma Miller, of Norristown, Penn. Therewere four children of' this marriage, three of whom are living.


CHARLES S. FARRAR, Akron, oldest son of Sumner and Sophia (Bruce) Farrar ; was born in Old Concord, Mass., Feb. 22, 1825. Here he lived until he was 14, when he lived at Millbury, same State, for four years, after which he went to Fitchburg, Mass., where he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until he was 29, when he entered the employ of Page, Whitman & Co., first as wood-worker for a year, and he subsequently worked on the knives, sickles and edged tools, working as journeyman and foreman there until 1869, in April of which year he came to Akron, Ohio, and took charge of the manufacturing department of the Akron Knife Works, having charge, also, of the erection of the buildings, which at that time were not commenced. He has since been Superintendent of the works. Aug. 21, 1847, he married Miss Emma Bruce, of Fitchburg, Mass. She bore him three children, viz., Mary T., Freddie S. and Ella S. They adopted two children, viz., Willie, who died when ten months old, and George Francis, who died at Akron Sept. 18, 1880, in his 30th year. Sumner Farrar died ten years after the birth of our subject, leaving him to battle for himself.


NAHUM FAY, manufacturer, etc., Akron ; is a son of Hannaniah and Rebecca (Mansfield) Fay, and was born July 26, 1811, in Reading, Windsor Co., Vt. His youth was spent there on a farm until he was 20 years old. He received a common-school and academic education, and began teaching at the age of 18, continuing for six winters. He then traveled for three years for a map publishing company, during the time learned the art of printing them from copper-plates. In July, 1836, he came to Akron in the interest of his company. Their maps were of the United States, also of Ohio and other States. He worked in the establishment (except winters) for six years. In 1837, he went back to Vermont and was married to Miss Lucia Cumings, of Windsor Co., Vt., and at once returned to Ohio by canal and lake. They have two children—Henry C. M., and Emma V., wife of James W. Chamberlain, of Akron. Mr. F. taught five winters in North Akron, the first two winters in the old post office building. In the fall of 1843, he was elected by the Whig party County Recorder


CITY OF AKRON - 705


and re-elected in 1846, serving in all six years; he had also been City Clerk and Marshal and Township Clerk. He was appointed Deputy Treasurer in 1849 under Wm. H. Dewey for two years, and under Frederick Wadsworth two years. and under Dr. Rice two years, afterward bought grain for several years. About the year 1860, he began the manufacture of cordage, which he has continued ever since. His machines are run by hand, and the articles of cordage thus made are of the best quality. Mr. Fay is the third son in a family of three sons and four daughters, two of whom are living.


DR. W. K. FOLTZ, physician, Akron ; is a native of Mifflin Co., Penn. He was born Nov. 15, 1829. His father was a carpenter and joiner, and he was raised to the same business. At the age of 18, he began teaching, which he continued till 1850, when he began reading medicine with Dr. C. F. Stauber, of Wooster, Ohio, and read with him for two years. He then attended the Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio, and alternated teaching for two years. In the summer of 1855, he began practice in La Fayette Center, Medina Co., and, the following year, he moved to Sharon Center, where he remained until 1867. He graduated from the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati. In 1867, he engaged in a drug business, and practiced his profession at Ashland, Ohio. April 14, 1877, his business was consumed by fire, and, the following August, he came to Akron, where he has practiced since. He is a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association. He was married, May 12, 1856, to Miss Carrie L. Lehman, a native of Wayne Co., Ohio ; they have one child—Kent O.


DR. A. E. FOLTZ, physician, Akron ; is a native of Wayne Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, and was born Jan. 29, 1840. His father, Moses Foltz, was a carpenter by trade, and taught school during winters. A. E., the subject, learned his father's trade. At the age of 17, he began teaching, and lived at home until 1862. In July, of that year, he enlisted in the 102d U. V. I., Co. I, in which company and in one tent were his four brothers. He served until the close of the war. The five brothers were in the various engagements of the regiment. among which were the siege of Decatur, and the battle of Athens. They returned home at the close of the war. Our subject beganreading medicine in October, 1865, at Sharon Center, Medina Co., with Dr. W. K. Foltz, and graduated in the spring of 1869 at Charity Hospital Medical College of Cleveland, which is now known as the Medical Department University of Wooster. In the summer of 1869, he began practice at Ashland, Ohio, and, after one year, came to Akron, where he has since practiced. He is a member of the Summit Co. Medical Society, and also the Union Medical Society of Northeastern Ohio. Oct. 6, 1870, he married Miss Frances, a daughter of Dr. William Bowen. She is a native of Stark Co., Ohio.


L. H. FARRAND, groceries, Akron ; is a somewhat recent addition to the list of grocery merchants of Akron, yet one who has, by good financiering and a close attention to his business, placed himself among the rank of successful merchants, and, as such, is entitled to more than a passing mention. His name is of English origin, and he is a native of Wyoming Co., N. Y., where, at the age of 18 years, he began work at the carpenter's trade, and followed it as a business until he engaged in the grocery trade, except the time spent in the army during the war of the rebellion. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, of the 140th N. Y. V. I., but was transferred to the 1st N. Y. Dragoons, with which force he served for a time, and was then detailed as Sergeant of a corps of engineers, which was stationed near Fortress Monroe. In due time he received an honorable discharge from the proper authorities, after which he returned to his old home in New York. Seven years ago, he came to Akron, when his first introduction into the business in which he has been so successful was in the capacity of a salesman for Messrs. Heaston & Smith, with whom he remained for about four months. He then, in company with Mr. N. B. Allen, engaged in the business on his own account, and located in South Akron. The firm was known as N. B. Allen & Co., Mr. Farrand having almost exclusive charge of the business. His next step was to buy Mr. Allen's interest in the business, and, a few years thereafter, he moved to his present place of business, corner Main and Exchange streets, which is a well-finished business room, 20x65 feet. His success in the future can hardly be questioned, if the past may be taken as a criterion, as he began business on a capital of


706 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


$150, and has now a business of an aggregate annual sale of $3,200. He employs two clerks, and runs a delivery wagon. Lest he may think we design this as an advertisement, instead of a brief sketch of his business career, as well as other historical facts, we will only add that, in 1854, he was married to Miss Tryphena H. Lancaster, who is the mother of their only child, Master Alfred, aged 4 years.


DANIEL FARNAM, of W. B. Doyle & Co., Akron, was born in Essex Co., N. Y., April 8, 1816, and is a son of Amasa and Polly (Thompson) Farnam, natives of the Eastern States, who were married in New Hampshire, and moved to Northern New York at an early day, and to Vermont in 1817, where they resided until 18M, when they came to Ohio, their mode of traveling being by team and canal to Buffalo, thence by lake to Sandusky, Ohio, and by team to Marion County ; thence a few years later to Hardin County. Here they died, and their son, the subject of this sketch, came to Akron on a visit to relatives and concluded to remain. He worked awhile in a sawmill, and then in the powder factory, where he remained for six years. He then bought an interest in the linseed oil works, and three years later, the oil and powder business were consolidated. Mr. F. was identified with the business some three years, when he sold out and bought a farm in Hardin County. Two years later, he rented his farm and went to Xenia, where he became superintendent of the powder works, continuing for two and a half years. during the time buying an interest in the powder works of Akron, and finally returning to that place. He continued in the business until 1865, when he sold out and became a partner in the present business. He was married Dec. 23, 1843, to Miss Lydia Todd, a native of Seneca Co., N. Y. She was living in Akron with her sister, Mrs. Andrews. Seven children were born of this marriage, of whom six are living, viz., Harriet A., now Mrs. Cole, of Akron ; George D., who lives in Akron ; Abbie T., now Mrs. Reed, of Iowa ; Francis J., Carrie, and Mary E., at home. Mr. F. voted first for Gen. Harrison, and has voted with the Whig and Republican parties ever since. He is a Baptist, and has been a member of that church for over fifty years.


DR. H. M. FISHER, physician, Akron, is a native of Warren, Penn., where he was born Sept. 1, 1848, and is the eldest of six childrenand one of two surviving, born to Andrew and Elizabeth (Shafer) Fisher. He is a native of Alsace, France, and came to the United States when but 13 years of age, with his parents, who settled at Warren, Penn. He is a dentist by profession, and has followed it for the past thirty years. His wife is a native of Pennsylvania. They now live at Warren. H. M. (the subject), lived at Warren until 1872, except six years spent with his parents in Illinois and Wisconsin. He received an academic education in the Franklin and Warren Academies, and entered and pursued a collegiate course at the Allegheny College, at Meadville. Penn.. for two and a half years, when, owing to ill health, he was compelled to discontinue his studies. He began reading medicine in 1867. with Dr. Daniel Shanahan; of Warren, and in March, 1872, he graduated at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. In June following, he began practice in Warren, remaining a few months, when he came to Akron. In December. 1872, he removed to Allegheny City, Penn., where he practiced in partnership with Dr. Thomas Elliott until March, 1876, when he again came to Akron, and has since practiced here. He was appointed surgeon for the N. Y.. P. & O. R. R. at Akron Jan. 26. 1881. He is a member of Union Medical Society of Northeastern Ohio, and of the Summit County Medical Society, of which he has been Recording Secretary. He was married May 21, 1873, to Miss Mary Talbott, a native of Warren. Penn. They have two children, viz., Frank T. and Clara E.


NATHAN L. GLOVER, teacher of music, Akron. The subject of these lines is a son of Joel and Elizabeth (Shannon) Glover. He was born in Coshocton Co., Ohio, Dec. 1, 1842. Here he grew to manhood, employed by the multifarious duties of farm life, until he reached the age of 28. When but a boy, however, he began the study of music, and, at 10 years old, could read it quite readily. Impelled solely by his love for the art, he struggled on with only the meager advantages afforded at home and at the singing school until, in 1865, he gained such a mastery of vocal music that he began teaching and forming classes, first in Indiana and subsequently at various points in his native State. In 1868, he became a pupil of the Normal Music School held that year at Painesville, Ohio, under the management of N. Coe Stewart and S. B.


CITY OF AKRON - 707


Hamlin, and, in 1869-70, he resumed the work of teaching, with increased success. During the summer of 1870, he entered the school again at Painesville, Ohio, as pupil. In 1871, the Normal Music School, which for several years has been under the direction of Prof. N. Coe Stewart, of Cleveland, Ohio, who has associated with him some of the finest musicians and prominent teachers in the West, was held in Akron, Ohio. This school, held each year (except 1876) in some town or city of Ohio, has educated a large number of pupils throughout Ohio and adjoining States, who have done more, perhaps, to popularize music than any other agency in the State. Mr. Glover became assistant teacher in the Normal of 1871, and, in the spring of 1872, he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and placed himself under the personal instruction of Prof. Stewart, remaining until the summer session opened in Akron, where he was again employed as instructor. In September, 1872, he was employed as teacher of music in the public schools of Akron. Up to this time, no systematic attempt had been made to introduce music in the Akron schools. A few lessons had been given by Mr. N. C. Stewart at long intervals. While a vast number desired musical instruction for their children, many believed that only the " favored few " could be taught to sing and read music, and among the last-named were some of the members of the board, who looked upon the introduction of music as a doubtful experiment. It was during this crucial period that our subject began his labors in the Akron schools, and nine years of persistent, earnest work have removed this branch of study from the realm of uncertainty. It has demonstrated that every child not deformed can be taught to sing. The course, which begins with the elements in lowest primaries, carries the pupil step by step over a twelve years' course to the high school, where classical music is sung. The results which follow the systematic study of music are second to none in importance, and offer discipline of mind and culture of the heart that can be obtained in-no other way. In addition to Mr. Glover's continuous nine years' work in the Akron schools since 1872, he has simultaneously taught six years in the Wooster schools, seven years in Kent, seven years in Ravenna, two years in Wadsworth and one year in the Cuyahoga Falls public-schools, and has at present over five thousand pupils under his immediate instruction. Since 1871, he has been associate teacher during the summer sessions of the Normal Music School, held successively at Akron, Zanesville, Wooster, Sandusky, Delaware, Warren, Youngstown and Shelby. Mr. Glover was chorister of the Congregational Church of Akron from 1872 to 1877, when he was called to a like position in the First M. E. Church, where he still remains. He has also been leader of the Choral Society of Akron for several years. He was married, Aug. 21, 1873, to Miss Kate Morledge, of Waynesburg, Ohio. Of this marriage there are two daughters—Mary M. and Nellie L.


CHARLES R. GRANT, attorney at law, Akron ; son of William T. and Esther (Treat) Grant ; was born Oct. 23, 1846, in Orange, New Haven Co., Conn., where he lived until the war of the rebellion broke out, when he enlisted in the 12th Conn. V. I., under Gen. Butler, and held the position of dispatch bearer (which was oftentimes a very perilous one, as at times he was obliged to journey from 400 to 500 miles), on Gen. Butler's staff in the Department of the Gulf, and continued in that position on Gen. Banks' staff until October, 1863, when he was discharged. In April of the following year, he located at Cuyahoga Falls, where he engaged in farming until 1868, in the meantime employing his spare moments in study. In September of the same year, he entered the freshman class of the Western Reserve College, from which he graduated in 1872, as valedictorian of his class, which was composed of eighteen students. He then went to Denver, Colo., where he remained until the fall of 1873, recruiting his health. In October of that year, he returned to Ohio, and married Miss Frances J. Wadhams, of Boston Township, after which he entered the office of Judge Tibbals, of Akron, as student, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1874, at this place. His wife died Sept. 14, 1874. His health failing him, he again engaged in farming, until January, 1876, when he formed a partnership with H. B. Foster, and began the practice of law at Hudson, continuing until Nov. 9, 1876, when he married Miss Lucy J. Alexander, of Akron, and at once located here, where he has since continued practice, under the firm name of Foster, Marvin & Grant. He has contributed sew :al articles to the Central Law Journal, of St. Louis, and the Southern Law Review, which


708 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


the University of Pennsylvania to attend a course of lectures, returning to his old post in the army in the spring of 1863, and serving until September, 1864 ; a short time in charge of a hospital at Aquia Creek. In 1865, he went to New York City and engaged in real estate business until 1870, when he came to Akron, and, in the following fall, built a factory and commenced the manufacture of rubber goods, and, in partnership with H. W. Tew, conducted the business until 1875. The first year, $60,000 worth of goods was manufactured, which was increased under his management to $300,000. The business was conducted until June, 1880, under the partnership of B. F. Goodrich & Co.. when a stock company was formed, with subject as President ; A. Work, Vice President, and Geo. T. Perkins, Secretary and Treasurer. This was the first factory of the kind west of the Alleghany Mountains. It employs from eighty to a hundred hands in the busy season. Mr. G. is President (1880) of City Council. He was married. in 1869, to Miss Mary Marvin, a daughter of Judge R. P. Marvin, of Jamestown, N. Y. Three children are the fruit of this marriage.


HON. NATHANIEL W. GOODHUE, lawyer, Akron, is a native of Lincoln Co., Me.; was born Dec. 20, 1818. and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Perkins) Goodhue, also natives of Maine. They were married in Grafton Co., N. H. Father died at village of St. Christopher in 1866, in his 83d year, and mother died in 1867, in her 80th year. They had seven children ; five living—Julia, second daughter, is Mrs. Aaron Morrill, of Danville, Quebec ; James, a merchant at St. Cristopher ; (subject); Jacob P. died in 1852 on his way to California and is buried in the Pacific Ocean ; Joseph L. is merchant and manufacturer at Danville, and Elizabeth P. is teacher in Summit Co. The grandfather of subject, Stephen Goodhue, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and, but 17 years of age, was in the battle of Bunker Hill, where he was wounded ; he was within a few feet of Gen. Warren when he fell in that battle. When subject was 3 years old, the family moved to the Province of Lower Canada, now Quebec, where they lived on a farm in the woods for a number of years, the nearest house to them being thirteen miles distant ; followed lumbering and farming. In May. 1837, he removed to Canaan Township, Wayne Co., have attracted considerable attention from the legal magnates, some of his subjects being as follows, viz., " Statutory Liability of Guardians," " Constitutionality of Local Option Laws," and " A Monograph on the Monroe Doctrine." His second wife died on June 8, 1880, leaving one daughter. His father is a native of Virginia, of Scotch descent. His grandfather, William Grant, was shot by a Tory, on his return from the Revolutionary war. His mother was a descendant of Gov. Robert Treat, one of the early Colonial Governors of Connecticut. The father of our subject moved to Connecticut when a young man, and married, in about the year 1830. He was a shoemaker by trade, and an intelligent, well-read man, being a member of the Connecticut Legislature in 1844-45, and Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years. He was the father of three sons and four daughters, of which family our subject is the youngest son. One of the children is now deceased. Charles R. Grant is a very able attorney, and possesses rare intellectual endowments.


EDWIN P. GREENE, lawyer, Akron, a son of Charles and Mary T. I. (Bowen) Greene, and was born March 10, 1828. at Gaysville, Windsor Co., Vt. He lived in the village until about 15 years of age, receiving his education at common schools, and at Bradford Academy. Afterward, he commenced the study of law at Littleton, N. H., and, in 1852, came to Akron, where he finished his studies with Upson & Edgerton, and was admitted to the bar in Akron in September, 1853. In the fall of 1854, he was elected Clerk of the Court, which office he held for six years, when he resumed his practice of the lay , and has continued it ever since.


BENJAMIN F. GOODRICH, President of rubber goods manufactory, Akron, is a native of Ripley, N. Y., and a son of Anson and Susan (Dinsmore) Goodrich, and was born Nov. 4, 1841. He was brought up on a farm until 12 years of age, when his parents died. About four years were spent in schools at Fredonia, N. Y., and Austinburg, Ohio. In 1858, he commenced the study of medicine at Westfield, N. Y., and graduated at the Western Medical College at Cleveland in February, 1861. He went into the 9th N. Y. V. C. as Hospital Steward, and, the following spring, was made Assistant Surgeon, and assigned to the Battalion of U. S. Engineers, serving in that capacity until November, 1862, when he entered


CITY OF AKRON - 709


Ohio, where subject employed himself teaching during winter and peddling in summer. Most of his education, except two terms at Danville, Canada, was obtained around the fireside. He commenced teaching at 18, and, in April, 1840, he came to Greensburg in this county, where he taught during the summer, and in the winter in Greentown village (Lewis Miller, C. Aultman, Jacob Miller, Geo. Cook were pupils). Early in the summer of 1841, he became a clerk for Johnston & Irving, of Middlebury, Ohio ; afterward, Kent & Co. He taught the Middlebury school in the winter of 1845-46. In February, 1845, he began the study of law with Hand & Nash, and, in the winter of 1846-47, was Engrossing Clerk of the House of Representatives at Columbus, and was admitted to the bar at the September term of the Supreme Court, at Akron, in 1847. In October, 1848, he was elected County Auditor, and re-elected in 1850, both times on the Whig ticket. On the expiration of his last term as Auditor, he opened a law office in Akron; where he has been in practice ever since. He was, by appointment of Gov. Chase, Canal Collector from 1856 to 1858, and, from September, 1862, to September, 1866, was Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue, having entire charge in Summit County. In 1873, he was elected on the Republican ticket to the State Senate from the district composed of Summit and Portage Cos. He declined a renomination to the position. He was chosen Republican Elector for the Eighteenth Ohio District in 1880, and was President of the Electoral College of Ohio. His first vote was cast for Harrison in 1840, and has been Whig and Republican ever since. He was married, Dec. 20, 1841, to Miss Nancy Johnston, of Green Township, in this county. They have four children—James P., died at 8 months old in January, 1844 ; Allan J., manufacturer at Rochester, N. Y., and served three years in the 104th O. V. I.; Mary H., wife of Rev. Samuel Maxwell, Rector of St. Paul's Church of Youngstown, Ohio, and Nathaniel P., law student and assistant in his father's office. Mr. G. is a member of the Episcopal Church.


JOHN T. GOOD, retired, Akron ; was born Oct. 25, 1818, and is a son of John and Margaret (Richert) Good, natives of Alsace, France, lived within twenty miles of Strasbourg. He attended common schools until 14 years of age and one year at a private school. His father was a farmer and grain dealer, and took contracts to convey emigrants from Bavaria and Baden to Havre, a distance of 500 miles, in wagons ; in 1838, he came to the United States, arriving in New York on the 5th of May, where he took canal to Buffalo, and lake to Cleveland, Ohio, thence to Chicago, and from there to Cincinnati by stage, and on foot thence to St. Louis ; thence to New Orleans, where he had intended staying, but fearing yellow fever, went to Pittsburgh, remaining there and working in brewery until the next year, when he came to Canton, Ohio ;. he secured work with a wealthy farmer in the neighborhood of Canton, where he remained until December, when he became a clerk in the store of John Robinson, at Canal Fulton, the largest establishment outside of the cities. For eighteen months he continued in the store, and in May, 1842, came to Akron, where he obtained employment in the store of P. D. Hall, then the largest in the city ; he remained in this store about three years, and went into the grocery business. In 1845, he built the first brewery in Summit County, which he operated until 1855, and kept a grocery until 1865, with good success. In March, 1850, in company with about forty others, he went to California, under Capt. Howe, reaching Placerville in August ; he worked in the mines for awhile, but his health failing, he went into a grocery and provision store, and in December returned to Akron, via Panama. In 1865, he bought the oil refinery on Furnace street, which he enlarged until it had a capacity of 250 barrels per day. His son, Charles W., was his partner in this business, and, as J. T. Good & Co., conducted it successfully until 1872, when he retired from active life. He was married, April 16, 1844, to Miss Barbara C. Yost, of Stark, Co., Ohio ; four children living—Charles W., hardware merchant, of Cleveland ; Charlotte, wife of Edward Schweyer, of New York City ; George P., wholesale merchant, of Joplin, Mo. ; J. Edward, student in Kenyon College. Mr. G. is a member of the English Lutheran Church, and is Republican in politics.


OMAR N. GARDNER, Akron, son of James and Elvin. C. (Chamberlain) Gardner ; was born in Akron on Dec. 2, 1854 ; his parents were natives of New York State, and came here from Genesee Valley in about 1850 ; here his father followed the trade of brickmason, and died in


710 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


the spring of 1873 ; his mother died in 1876. He is the only son, and has one sister in Jamestown, Lottie S., now Mrs. R. P. Robertson. Until the age of 16 he attended the public schools ; in 1872-73, he was engaged as engineer on the Valley Railroad, and in the fall of 1873, he entered Buchtel College, remaining one year. In 1875, he entered the City Engineer's Office, as assistant, and remained nearly a year ; from that time to 1878, he was engaged in engineering and surveying. In the spring of 1878, he was elected to the office of City Engineer, and has been re-elected every year since. In 1880, he got up a system of sewer-age for the entire city, and superintended the sewering, grading, curbing and guttering of Carroll street. In September, 1877, he married Miss Ella J. Bush, of Jamestown, N. Y.


THEODORE GORNER, Akron, senior member of the firm of Gorner & Planz, file manufacturers. He purchased the establishment of a Mr. Harter the founder, in 1873. and carried on the business one and a half years, when he sold to H. Pohle, he taking in Mr. Planz, and being unable to pay for the business, it reverted to the former owner. He was born Dec. 15, 1845, in Saxony, near Waldenberg, to Gotlieb and Catharine (Magenhammer) Gorner, she a native of Bavaria, the father a native of Saxony, a shoemaker by trade, and came to his son in this country about five years ago. The subject of this sketch learned the trade of file-cutting in 1859, at which he worked in Germany, Denmark, France and Austria, until his departure for this country in 1867. After his arrival in this country, he worked in the principal Eastern cities and traveled throughout the Western country, returning in 1868, and began working for Mr. Harter, who had, in that year, started the works. He was married in 1873 to Elizabeth Miller, a native of Akron and daughter of Jacob and Christine Seidle. They have no children. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.


ALDEN GAGE, deceased ; son of Elijah B. and Margaret (Hoffman) Gage, was born in Herkimer, Herkimer County, N. Y., July 27, 1836. The family moved to Norfolk, N. Y., where his mother died when he was but 4 years old, and he lived on a farm adjacent to Norfolk, attending a school taught by one E. P. Greene. When a young man, he entered the Academy at Potsdam, N. Y., to prepare for college, and spent two years in Amherst College, when his father died, after which he came to Akron in 1856, and secured the position of Deputy Clerk of the Court under Edwin P. Greene, whose pupil he had been in Norfolk. In the fall of 1861, he became Assistant Quartermaster under Capt. Myers, and followed the fortunes of the Union army until the fall of 1864. In November, 1865, he secured a clerkship under Capt. Nash in the Provost Marshal's office at Cleveland, Ohio, remaining in that position a year, during which time, on Sept. 20, 1865. he married Miss Belle Webster, second daughter of Charles Webster, of Akron, Ohio. Mr. Gage returned to Akron in 1865, and became Cashier of the Second National Bank. continuing five years. In July, 1870, at the opening of the bank of Akron, he became First Cashier and held that position until his death. November 12, 1875. at Santa Barbara. Cal., where he had gone to find relief from consumption. He was highly esteemed. public spirited and well informed. He Was an ardent Republican, but never sought office. His only child. Martha. I died when but 8 months old.


H. G. GRIFFIN, groceries, notions, etc., Middlebury, is a native of Ohio ; he was born on his father's farm in Geauga County, Oct. 8, 1840, his parents. S. B. and Huldah (King) Griffin. were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. He came West and settled in Geauga Co., Ohio, in the year 1829, and farmed there until his death. He was well known and respected ; he was a member of the Baptist Church, and took an active interest in its affairs. Mrs. Griffin lives on the old homestead ; our subject lived at home until 1861. On Sept. 10 of that year. he enlisted in Company G, 41st O. V. I., and served two and a half years ; he was in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and the other engagements of the Army of the Cumberland to which he belonged, up to the time of his discharge, by reason of ill health. After recuperating on the farm about a year he began the manufacture of cheese for Budlong & Stokes, of New York, the factory being located in Geauga Co., Ohio. He continued some three years ; then started a creamery for L. J. Randall, being the first in this State ; about a year later, he went to Kentucky and managed a cheese factory in Woodford County for two years, when he moved to Painesville, Ohio, and, in company with L. F. Miller,


CITY OF AKRON - 711


opened a grocery and crockery establishment, and about one and a half years later, he came to Middlebury, where he became connected with the grading of the Valley Railroad. In 1875, he engaged in the general merchandise business with George Viall & Co., and, in September, 1880, he began his present business. On Dec. 22, 1865, he married Miss Hattie Taylor, a native of Ohio. They have two children, viz.: Lizzie T. and Lucy H. He is a member of the School Board of Akron, a Republican in politics, and has taken an active interest in the party.


NOAH HODGE, lawyer, Akron, Ohio ; was born in Springfield, Ill., Feb. 6, 1842, to Richard and Catharine E. (Divelbiss), and lived there until 1868. His father started to California with his family in 1852, and died of cholera about seventy miles west of Ft. Kearney, where he is buried, near the Platte River. After the father's death, the family returned to Springfield, where the subject of these lines attended the Illinois State University, now St. Paul's College. From this he graduated in June, 1862, and the following month he enlisted in the 124th Ill. V. I., and fought in the Vicksburg campaign. In September, 1864, he was commissioned 1st Lieutenant ; he held the regimental position of Adjutant in the 52d U. S. Colored Regiment until his resignation in 1865, the war being over, immediately after which he became a tutor in the college from which he graduated, continuing one year, when he was made Professor of English and Latin, and Principal of the Preparatory Department, in which capacity he acted until 1868, when he received the degree of A. M. from the college ; and the same year became Superintendent of the public schools of Mt. Carmel, Ill., continuing a year. In September, 1868, he married Miss D. L. 0. Johnston, of Clinton, Miss., whom he had met while in the army. In June, 1869, he went to Clinton on a visit, and in the fall he removed with his family to Jackson, Miss. He was appointed by the military commander, Gen. Ames, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hines County, Miss., and subsequently, by Gov. Alcorn; in November, 1871 ; he was re-elected to the same position, retaining it until 1876. He began the study of law in 1865, continuing it at intervals, and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Mississippi in January, 1875. His wife died Aug. 10, 1874, at Jackson, Miss., of typhoid fever, and is buried there. She left a son, Edgar 0., and a daughter, D. L. 0. In February, 1876, he came to Columbus, Ohio, was examined by the Supreme Court, on the 2d, and admitted to the bar ; in March following, he opened an office in Akron, and has since been in active practice here. May 16, 1876, he married Miss Sarah W. Ashman, daughter of the late Dr. George P. Ashmun, of Akron ; she bore him a daughter, Fanny A., who died in her third year.


MILTON W. HENRY, merchant, Akron, Ohio, is a son of William and Rachel (Frary) Henry, and was born Oct. 13, 1816, in Blanford, Hampden Co., Mass., where he lived on a farm until 13 years of age, engaged, as he says, in useful employment. In May, 1830, the family came to Westfield Township, Medina Co., by teams, and settled in the woods, where a home was carved out of the great wilderness. In the fall of 1835, subject entered McGregor Academy, at Wadsworth, remaining one year, and during the time aiding Roswell, H. B. Kent & Spelman in their store of mornings and evenings and of Saturdays. At the expiration of his year, he was employed by them at $100 per year. He remained with them until they sold out in the latter part of 1837, and was employed by the new firm, G. & J. Miller, until 1841. In the meantime, Mr. Spelman located in Akron, and with Mr. Clapp, opened a store under firm name of Clapp & Spelman. An urgent letter from Mr. Spelman to subject brought him to Akron in October, 1841, and as a clerk he remained with them until the spring of 1843, when, having saved up $1,000, he bought a third interest in the store, Mr. Spelman owning the balance, and Clapp having retired. The firm was now H. B. Spelman & Co., and so continued until 1848, when Mr. Henry bought out Spelman, and subsequently sold an interest to Jas. Zwisler, and firm name, M. W. Henry & Co., lasted three years. Dec. 27, 1849, a fire destroyed a large portion of building and goods, on which was a small insurance. At 10 o'clock he had rented another building, and with the few goods left began bush ss, continuing three years, when the owner rebuilt on the present site and Mr. H. bought an interest in the building and entered it in 1854, and has remained in it ever since. He remodeled it in 1857, and rebuilt it in 1877. The firm of G. C. Berry & Co. was formed in 1875. The first floor of this


712 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


elegant store is 40x65 feet ; the second is same size, and comprises the wall paper, shawl and underwear departments ; the third floor, carpets, oil cloths, matting, etc. The upper floors are utilized by the aid of an elevator ; there are fourteen persons employed, three of whom are ladies. The cash principle was adopted in 1876. Mr. H. has been a member of the City Council for a number of years, and a member of School Board for nine years. He is a stockholder and director in Taplin, Rice & Cos'. foundry, and in Austin Powder Co., of Cleveland. In 1863, he became one of the original stockholders of the First National Bank of Akron, and has since been its Vice President and Director. He was married Dec. 5, 1843, to Miss Abigail Weeks, a daughter of Moody Weeks, of Copley Township. Of this marriage there are six daughters and one son, viz.: Olive C., Ella C., Julia A., Hattie A., Charles M., Grace P. and Mattie W., all of whom are living.


PHILANDER D. HALL, prominent and oldest merchant of the city of Akron, Ohio, represents the seventh generation of the Hall family, who came from Lancashire, England, with the New Haven colony in 1639. They soon afterward took possession of a grant of land given them by Charles I, extending from Long Island Sound northerly, twelve miles long and three-fourths of a mile wide, and near the city of Bridgeport, Conn., a part of which city it now includes, and where the subject of this sketch was born Oct. 10, 1808. He was educated at Weston Academy, where his family `held a free scholarship, the academy being endowed by land given to it by his family. At the age of 20, he left the school at Weston, and taught in the academy at Saugatuck, Conn., afterward entering a dry goods store at that place, where he remained one and one-half years. Returning to Bridgeport, he engaged in the grocery shipping business, and importing West India products. In July, 1834, he made his first visit to Akron, and in May, 1835, opened his goods in his present then called Cascade Store ; he rented of Dr. Crosby, the assignee of Howard, Iredell &Fenn, who had recently failed ; the crash of 1837 destroyed the credit of all the merchants, fourteen in number, except his own, J. D. Commina and Kent's. Feb. 17, 1851, his store building was destroyed by fire, and the present building was rebuilt and occupied in December of the same year. From 1835 to 1857, Mr. Hallgave his entire attention to the business, removing in the fall of 1857 to New York City, where, as buyer for Hall Bros., he still resides ; 1858, Mr. Hall spent most of the year in traveling in Europe, visiting the principal countries on the continent and the British Islands, and has since made two journeys to the Pacific Coast. Mr. J. D. Commins, Mr. R. P. Spalding and Mr. Hall were among the original subscribers to the Akron Rural Cemetery, and he, with Dr. Ackly, originated, and helped support the Episcopal Church. Orlando Hall, deceased, the younger brother of P. D. Hall, was born on the family place near Bridgeport, Conn., in 1820. He joined his brother in business at Akron in 1842. He was married to Sophia R. Towne Dec. 12, 1854, and died March 10, 1855. He was a popular business man, greatly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances for his many virtues, and sincerely lamented.


CALVIN P. HUMPHREY, lawyer, Akron, Ohio ; is a son of Van Rensselaer & Laura (Pease) Humphrey, and was born in Hudson, Ohio, June 21, 1840. His father was a native of Litchfield Co., Conn., and his mother of Trumbull Co., Ohio. She was a daughter of Judge Calvin Pease, and married first G. W. Tallmadge, who died in Tallmadge Township, where she afterward married Mr. Humphrey. Subject graduated at Western Reserve College in 1863, and began the study of law with his father, Judge Humphrey, who died in 1864. In the fall of 1865, he (subject) entered Cleveland Law College, from which he graduated in 1866. After graduating, he located at Cuyahoga Falls, and lived there until 1874, when he came to Akron. He was elected City Solicitor in the spring of 1879. On the 20th of September, 1864, he was married to Miss Della Whedon, of Hudson.


WILBUR F HAWXHURST, insurance agent, Akron ; second son of Isaac and Clarissa (Miller) Hawxhurst ; was born in Elyria, Lorain Co., Ohio, June 19, 1844, He was 14 when his father died. Shortly after, in 4860, he entered Baldwin University, at Berea, where he studied two years, and was then employed by the Western Union Telegraph Co. about two years as operator at the stations at Elyria and Youngstown. March 20, 1864, he enlisted in the 65th O. V. I. as private soldier. In the summer of the same year, he was detached as clerk for the Assistant Inspector General of


CITY OF AKRON - 713


the District of Etowah, and located at Chattanooga, Tenn., for Capt. Mills and his successor, Capt. George M. Brayton, until June, 1865, when he was ordered to his regiment, then in Nashville, and again detailed as clerk to the Assistant (James I. Wilson) Commissary of Musters for the Second Division of the Fourth Army Corps, and served in that position until March 4, 1866, when he was discharged at Indianola, Texas. On his return, he was in the commercial school at Oberlin for some time. He again entered Baldwin University in the fall term of 1866, remaining two years. In 1868, he became bookkeeper for Charles W. Stearns & Co., of Cleveland, and continued until 1870, when he entered the insurance office of W. F. Fox, of Cleveland, State agent for the old Putnam Insurance Co., and, in the fall of the same year, he opened a local agency fire insurance office at Lebanon, Ohio, which he conducted one year. In November, 1871, he was given the Ohio and Indiana State agency for the Watertown Fire Insurance Co., and continued in that field until January, 1874, when he accepted a like agency for the Royal Insurance Co., of Liverpool, England, serving one year. In 1875, he was employed for a year as rating agent at Cincinnati, Ohio, by the National Board of Fire Underwriters, and served also another year as rating agent throughout the Western States. In 1877, he was special agent in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan for the Connecticut Fire Insurance Co., of Hartford, and, in December of the same year, he located at Akron, and associated with M. Mattison in local insurance, representing several of the leading fire and life companies. Sept. 22, 1868, he married Miss Clara L. Mattison, of Hinckley, Medina Co., Ohio. They have one son living, and one son deceased.


JOSEPH HAYS, foreman molders department Aultman, Miller & Co., Akron ; a son of Hugh and Mary (Pollock) Hays ; was born Oct. 17, 1843, in Stark Co., Ohio, and is the youngest son in a family of ten children, five of whom are living ; parents are both deceased and were both natives of Ireland. In 1858, he began to learn the trade of molder with E. Ball, at Canton, Ohio, where he worked at molding until June 5, 1861, when he enlisted in Co. F. 4th 0. V. I., for three years. He was with McClellan in the Army of West Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley, with Gen. Shields, and joined the Army of the Potomac after the seven days' fighting before Richmond, and remained with it until the battle of Chancellorsville, March 3, 1863, where he was wounded by a musket-ball, which shattered his elbow joint. He was disabled eighteen months, and in Washington Hospital about eight months, when, in February, 1864, he was discharged. He draws a pension. He came to Akron soon after, and began work as a molder for Aultman, Miller & Co., in March following. He worked as a journeyman until Feb. 21, 1880, when he was made foreman in the molding department, which, when full, employs 110 men, and melts about twenty-eight tons of iron per day. He was married Aug. 10, 1865, to Miss Cora Dunbar, of Canton, Ohio ; they have one son.


JOHN W. HOLLOWAY, master of machinery on C., Mt. V. & C. R. R., Akron, a son of Joseph T. and Susan (Hawk) Holloway, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, May 26, 1831. In 1848, he apprenticed himself to the trade of machinist, first at Cleveland, but in 1849 came to Akron and entered the machine shops of G. D. Bates & Co., serving with them two years. He went to Cumberland, Md., and took a place in the shops for a time, and during one year run a locomotive from Cumberland to the mines. He next became an engineer on a steamboat on the Ohio River, plying between Shawneetown, Ill., and Paducah, Ky., and was so employed for about one year. In the fall of 1854, he went to La Fayette, Ind., and was employed in the shops of the La Fayette & Indianapolis Railroad Company for one and one-half years, and, in 1856, became master of machinery on the Cleveland, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railroad, now the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus, a position he has held ever since. In November, 1854, he was married to Miss Caroline E. Tufft, of Cuyahoga Falls. Of this marriage there are five children. His (subject's) father was a native of New Jersey, and came to Stark Co., Ohio, about 1820, where he lived until 1831, when he removed to Cuyahoga Falls, and resided there until his death in 1878. He was a cabinet-maker, and in later years was an insurance agent, Justice of the Peace, etc.; served also as Coronor of the county.


REV. JOSEPH D. HOLLINGER, deceased (widow resides at No. 1203 South Broadway, Akron), died Oct. 4, 1871, and was buried at


714 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


Manchester, Franklin Township, with other of his relatives. His birth occurred near the place of his burial Jan. 22, 1839. His education was obtained in the district schools, with the additional advantages of the seminary at Greensburg, Summit Co., Ohio. He was the oldest son of Jacob and Barbara (Daily) Hollinger, she a daughter of Jacob Daily, one of the old pioneers of Franklin Township. The father of our subject was a twin brother to Michael Hollinger, who has resided in Franklin Township the longest of any person now living. Our subject connected himself with the Evangelical Association and began preaching in his 23d year, first serving at North Lima, Ohio, for one year ; then at New Salem, Penn., one year ; near New Hamburg, Mercer Co., Ohio, one year ; thence back to North Lima, where he served two years; thence to Osnaburg, Stark Co., Ohio, where he served two years, subsequently returning to the State of Pennsylvania, where he filled the pulpit at Fulton Street Mission, Pittsburgh. While there, he was elected as Presiding Elder of Franklin District by the Church Conference then in session. While serving in this office, his lamentable death occurred as stated above. The supposition is that his fatal sickness was caused by overwork, as the ministers of that church are required to go through a four years' course of study before becoming regular members of Conference, their examinations occurring every year, the successful termination of their second examination being the occasion of their ordination as Deacons, and the fourth entitling them to the highest honors of the church, that of Elders, receiving license in full. The spring following the death of her husband, Mrs. Hollinger moved to the city of Akron, where she now resides. He was married, Dec. 13, 1858, to Mary E. Leuszler, born May 5, 1836, of Holland Dutch extraction, to John and Catharine (Long) Leuszler, he of Hesse-Darmstadt. Germany. Came early with his parents from the land of his nativity and settled in Doylestown, Penn., and, hi 1853, settled near Wadsworth, Medina Co. Their children are Anna M., born Aug. 23, 1859, teacher at No. 7, south building public school ; Harvey M., Aug. 28, 1861, engaged in the Buckeye works ; Clara E., May 7, 1863 ; Royal E., April 10, 1866.


LEVI S. HERROLD, ex-Mayor, 958 South Main street, Akron ; was born on the 17th day of November, 1820. Is a son of Col. John George, the son of Frederick Herrold, who came from Germany to that part of Northumberland Co., Penn., now known as Snyder County, deriving its name from a distinguished gentleman of that name. The Herrolds were the first settlers in a township of the above-named county, where they took up several hundred acres of land and have always resided. The family having grown numerous, occupy the principal part of one or two townships in that section of country. His mother was Mary Steese, daughter of Frederick Steese, a very prominent man and mill-owner in Union and other counties in Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch, on account of the indigent circumstances of his parents, was compelled to labor in various employments to support himself and secure the meager educational advantages which he received, amounting to three terms of district school. He at one time was employed as driver on the canal from McKees' Half-Falls to Havre de Grace on the. tidewater ; then steadily advancing, as his own energy and natural tact in business have shown in following him briefly through his subsequent business life of about ten years in general merchandising. Immediately after marriage, his official career began by being elected for a term of five years as Justice of the Peace in Snyder County, at the expiration of which he was re-elected for a second term, but after having served two years, he was called upon by the people of his county to serve a term of three years as second Sheriff of the county after its organization. In the spring of 1865, he came with his family to Akron, having purchased, the preceding summer, the grist and saw mill now owned by Brewster .& Sons, which he run successfully for ten years ; he served as Assessor of the Fifth Ward, a term of three years as Infirmary Director, and, in the year 1875, was elected Mayor of the city of Akron ; after having filled successfully the last-named office until the expiration of his term, he retired to a quiet life and the superintendency of his farm in Springfield Township. He was married Aug. 2, 1842, to Lydia Motz, daughter of John and Barbara (Moyer) Motz, who were Union County people. They had eight children—four sons and four daughters—Mary M., born Sept. 9, 1843 ; George I., April 26, 1845 ; Alfred, Jan. 21, 1847 ; John S., Sept. 6, 1850 ; Henry S., Dec.


CITY OF AKRON. - 715


12, 1853 ; Ada B., April 24, 1856 ; Martha A.. Aug. 4, 1858 ; Ida, Oct. 3, 1865. Mary M, married Capt. H. Harrison in the fall of 1863, and died Oct. 18, 1867, of hemorrhage of the lungs, in the depot at Cleveland, on her return home with her husband, having gone there for medical aid. She left one child, Mary Ida, born Aug. 23, 1865. George died Feb. 26, 1859 ; Alfred, April 9, 1847 ; Henry, Dec. 20, 1853 ; Ada B., Feb. 9, 1859 ; Ida, May 9, 1867. John was married to Mary Cook, daughter of Louis Cook, of Akron ; she dying in the spring of 1875, leaving one child, Lilly May, born Sept. 26, 1872. Both grandchildren are living with the subject of this sketch.


J. H. HOWER, of Hower & Co., manufacturers of oat meal, Akron, is a native of Stark Co., Ohio, and was born Feb. 22, 1822. His father, Jesse Hower, was a native of Center Co., Penn., and came to Ohio with his parents about the year 1815. His father, Jacob Hower, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a shoemaker by trade. He moved to Stark County, where he settled and improved a farm. Jesse moved to Clinton about the year 1823, and bought a farm of his father, upon which he built a sawmill, but died soon after completing same. Mrs. Hower then moved to her folks', near New Berlin, where she lived some five or six years, when she married Mr. John Snyder, and located near Doylestown, where she died about the year 1855 or 1856. J. H. (the subject) lived at home until he was 30 years old, receiving a common-school education, working on the farm and teaching school during the winters from the time he was 18 years of age. At the age of 28, he bought an interest in a general store at Doylestown (firm Graham & Hower), and continued for five years, when he sold out and bought a pottery, which he operated for two years, and then sold out and organized the Excelsior Reaper and Mower Works of Doylestown, now conducted by Seiberling, Miller & Co. Mr. H. was connected with the works until 1875, though he came to Akron in 1866, Ind was one of the organizers of the Excelsior Reaper Works, as above, of which he was Vice President, and continued for some ten years. In 1879, he bought an interest in the Turner Mills of Akron, and, in 1881, his sons, Harvey Y. and M. Otis, bought out the interest of Mr. Turner, and formed the present firm of Hower & Co. He was married in 1852, to Miss Susan Youngker, daughter of J. Youngker, of Doylestown. By this marriage there have been three children—Harvey Y., M. Otis and Charles H. Mr. H. and his wife are members of the English Lutheran Church, in which he has always taken an active interest, being one of its organizers, and a Trustee since. He was originally a Democrat, but a Republican since the organization of that party.


JACOB D. HOLLINGER, druggist, Akron, junior member of the wholesale and retail drug firm of Warner & Hollinger ; was born in 1844, and is a native of Summit Co. His people were among the early pioneers of Franklin Township. The early life of J. D. was spent on a farm. He was educated at the Evangelical College of Greensburg, and is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Commercial College. This latter attainment led to his accepting the situation of bookkeeper for Mr. George Weimer, who, for many years, was one of the leading druggists of Akron. During Mr. Hollinger's connection with the firm as bookkeeper, Mr. Warner was employed as prescription clerk. Though both young men, they now compose a firm that ranks among the leading druggists of the city. Their house was established in 1852, and the dimensions of their present house, No. 213 and 215 East Market street, is 33 feet frontage by 80 feet in depth, two floors and double basement cellar. Politically, Mr. Hollinger has taken no active part, he choosing rather to devote his time and energies to the building up of a good business. He is a member of Akron Lodge, No. 547, I. O. O. F. During the war of the rebellion, he served as a volunteer in Co. G,. 19th O. V. I., three months' service, and also in the 104th O. V. I., three years' service.


H. B. HOUSEL, millwright, Akron ; was born April 9, 1821, in Stark Co., Ohio. When he was about 1 year old, his parents moved to Brewster's Corners, Summit Co. He was the oldest of a family of sixteen children, ten of whom are still living, and, at that early day in the settlement of Summit Co., but little opportunity was afforded him for getting an education. At the age of 19, he began learning the trade of a millwright with one John Gilcrist, with whom he served an apprenticeship of two years, which included six months of schooling given him by Mr. Gilcrist. The first summer after completing his trade, he worked at the carpenter's trade ; and, in the following winter,


716 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


he came to Akron, and helped to build the city mills. He followed " jour " work for about eight years, and since that time he has been contracting and building mills in Ohio and adjoining States. In 1847, he bought the old homestead farm, which was the home of his family until 1865, when he removed to Akron. In 1877, when the co-operative store was organized, he became interested in it ; and, in 1880, he was made one of the directors ; and, at present, when not otherwise engaged, he spends his time at the store. Jan. 24, 1844, he was married to Miss Eunice Meach, a native of Connecticut, but who came to Wayne Co., Ohio, with her people, when she was a child. Six children have been born to them, of whom but one son and two daughters are living. George, the son, has a decided talent for music, and, at present, he is connected with the schools of Muscatine, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Housel are both members of the First M. E. Church of Akron. He is well known throughout the county, and is a man whose name and reputation stand above reproach.


D. W. HOLLOWAY, merchant. Akron ; is a native of Center Co., Penn., and is the son of Daniel C. and Sarah M. (Speaker) Holloway, bath of whom lie buried at Aaronsburg, Penn., the former home of the subject of this sketch, and the place where most of his early life was spent ; there he also received a fair education, and, though he was left an orphan at the early age of 14 years (he is now 24), and principally dependent upon his own resources, he has succeeded not only in establishing himself in a good business, but has, by carefully associating with that class of people who are possessed of a self-respect, built for himself a worthy name and reputation. His mercantile life began in Aaronsburg when he was 14 years old, and, though a part of his boyhood days were spent on a farm, he soon became partial to the life of a merchant, and how great his talent in that direction lay is evidenced by his present position and success. Nov. 1, 1879, he and Mr. Harrison became the successors of Mr. E. P. Holloway, under the firm name of Harrison & Holloway ; their place of business is located on the corner of Main and Exchange streets, South Akron ; it is a large storeroom, 27 feet frontage by 78 feet in depth, stocked with everything pertaining to the dry goods business. Mr. Holloway began first as a salesman for E. P. Holloway, and, the better to enable him to do business successfully and accurately, he attended the night school of the Commercial College of Akron, from which he graduated ; he now keeps the firm's books, and, though still a young man, he stands upon an equal footing with many of his competitors who are double his age.


H. HARRISON, merchant, Akron ; senior member of the dry goods firm of Harrison & Holloway ; has been a resident of Summit Co. since 1865 ; he is a man now 42 years of age, and a native of Snyder (formerly Union) Co., Penn. His boyhood was spent on a farm, and the most of his early life in his native State. Sept. 16, 1861, he entered the Federal army, and gave his services to his country to aid in the suppression of the war of the rebellion ; he was made Captain of Co. F, of the 172d Penn. V. M., and remained in the service until Aug. 1, 1862. In 1865, he came to Summit Co., and for about one and a half years he was in the employ of E. P. Holloway ; subsequently he engaged in milling ; he and ex-Mayor Herrold, under the firm name of Herrold & Harrison, were proprietors of the South Akron Mills. For about one year he resided in the country and was interested in farming ; again he became a resident of Akron, and, after having spent some time as a clerk for Mr. E. P. Holloway, he and W. H. Holloway bought the establishment on Nov. 1, 1879. He is a member of Aetolia Lodge, No. 24, K. of P.. and a man in every way worthy to be identified with the business and social interests of Akron.


DR. ELIZUR HITCHCOCK, physician, Akron ; is a native of Summit County. He was born on his father's farm in Tallmadge, Aug. 15, 1832, and is the fourth of seven children born to Lucius W. and Eleanor (Wolcott) Hitchcock. His parents were natives of Connecticut, his father coming on foot in 1822, to Tallmadge, where he bought a farm, married and raised his family. In 1873, he lost his wife, and left the farm, coming to Akron, where he now resides. Dr. Hitchcock remained at home until the spring of 1850, working on the farm and gaining such education as the schools of the neighborhood afforded. At 18, he entered the Western Reserve College at Hudson, where he studied two years, and then entered the Junior Class in Yale College, graduating there in 1854. During the next four years, he


CITY OF AKRON - 717


taught select schools in Tallmadge and Gustavus, dividing the time between them. In 1857, he began reading medicine with Dr. Dudley Allen, at Kinsman, Ohio, and in 1860, graduated at the Medical Department of the Western Reserve College, at Cleveland, having taken a course previously at Ann Arbor, Mich. He began his practice at Mecca, but in the following spring located at Orwell, where he remained two years. He then went into the army as Surgeon of the 7th O. V. I., and resigned after serving about six months. In the fall of 1863, he located in West Williamsfield, Ohio, where he remained until 1869, when he sold out his business and attended the Bellevue Hospital. In 1870, he came to Akron and has since practiced his profession here. He is a member and President of the Summit County Medical Society, and also a member of the Union Medical Association of Northeastern Ohio. On Nov. 24, 1861, he married Miss Hattie Reed, a native of Mecca, Trumbull Co., Ohio, by whom he had one child, Gertrude R. His wife died in May, 1864. In November, 1864, he married Miss Lucretia Kellogg, a native of West Andover, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. by whom he has two children—Halbert K. and Lucius W.


H. P. HITCHCOCK, general insurance and local and special adjusting agent. Akron ; is a native of Summit Co., Ohio. He was born on his father's farm in this county, July 18, 1841, and lived there until he was 16 years of age. He then engaged as clerk in the general merchandising business of Starr Bros. & Co., in Elyria, Ohio, where he remained one year, when he returned to his parents' home and remained until, at the age of 20, he entered the employ of the A. & G. W. R. R.. now known as the N. Y.. P. & O. Railway Company. He continued in this employ some seven and a half years, serving in all the subordinate positions up to that of conductor. During the construction of the road from Marion to Dayton, he had charge of the construction train with from fifty to seventy-five men. for about a year. Upon leaving the railroad company, he began working for the Continental Life Insurance Company of New York, as solicitor. During the year he was engaged with this company, he took 8360.000 worth of risks. At the expiration of this time, he engaged with the Enterprise Fire Insurance Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio.


This was about 1870, since which time he has been constantly engaged in the insurance business, adding to his agency various companies until now the combined assets of the companies which he represents reaches the immense sum of $100,000,000. His list of companies includes some of the oldest and most reliable in this and the old countries. In 1876, he took the field as an adjuster, and has served with distinguished ability in this department since. For the past three years, Mr. Hitchcock has served as a special agent and adjuster for the Meridian, Fanieul Hall and Fairfield Companies, and is now acting in the same capacity for the Niagara of New York. He married Miss Elizabeth C. Upson. a native of Summit Co., Ohio. By this marriage there have been two children—one. Eva, living.


JOSEPH HUGILL, contractor and builder in stone and brick, Akron ; was born in Yorkshire, England, September 1, 1834. His father, George Hugill, was a railroad contractor. Joseph was apprenticed at the age of 14 to the stone mason's trade and served three years, when he came to the United States and settled in Cleveland, where he lived with a married sister. Remaining in that vicinity several years, he went to Canada, where he worked at his trade on the Grand Trunk R. R., for two years. after which he contracted stone work on the Buffalo & Lake Huron R. R. He went to California via New York and Panama during the Frazer River excitement in 1858. He went to El Dorado Co., and worked at his trade in Placerville one year ; the next year, he followed mining, and, in 1860, imbued with the excitement which then prevailed, he went to Nevada, working at his trade in Carson City, where he built the county buildings. He next went to Virginia City, where he did the stone work on the Gould & Curry Quartz Mills. He returned to Cleveland in 1S64 via Panama and New York. and thence to Canada, where, on September 28 of the same year, he married Miss Sarah Wells. at Hamilton. She was a native of South Dumfries, Brant Co., Canada. ln the spring of 1866, they came to Akron where he has since conducted the business of contractor and builder in stone and brick. In I 1872, he purchased some land upon which he has developed a stone quarry which furnishes an inexhaustible supply of building material. By their marriage there have been four chil-


718 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


then, of whom three are still living, viz., Willie E., Franklin W. and Daisy.


A. J. HUSE, cabinet-maker, is a native of Vermont ; he was born in Windsor County, June 7, 1804. His father, Robert Huse, was a shoemaker by trade, but followed farming ; he was a native of Massachusetts. His father was a sea captain, and lost his life in a storm at sea. Robert moved to Rochester, Vt., about the year 1797, of which place he was one of the pioneers. Our subject was born and raised on the farm. At the age of 22 he was apprenticed to the cabinet trade, and on Sept. 6, 1829, he married Miss Louisa W. Austin, a native of Vermont. The following year they moved to Cayuga County, New York, where he worked at his trade until 1836, when he took the water route to Ohio and settled in Middlebury, where he worked at his trade until 1844 ; he then worked in a woolen machinery manufactory until 1872, since which time he has done general business pertaining to his trade. By his marriage there were five children, of whom but one lives, viz., Charles W., of Akron, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Huse have been connected with the Universalist Church for the past forty years. September 6. 1879, they celebrated their golden wedding, on which occasion friends to the number of 300 joined in the ceremonies.


WILLIAM FOSTER HOPE. manager of Akron Malleable Iron Works, Middlebury (Sixth Ward of Akron), is a native of Pittsburgh, Penn.; was born Aug. 4, 1838 ; his father, Richard Hope, was a contractor and builder, in which capacity he is well known in Pittsburgh, where he built many of the leading buildings of that city. William F. (subject) lived in his native city until September, 1880, receiving his education in the city schools, and also a course at Jefferson College. At the age of 18, he engaged as a bookkeeper with Holmes & Co., edge tool manufacturers. where he remained two years ; he then engaged in the grain commission business for himself, continuing for four rears, when he took a position as general ticket agent for the Allegheny Valley R. R. for seven years. Next; he engaged as bookkeeper for a wholesale grocery house for two years, after which he became bookkeeper in the Second National Bank of Pittsburgh, remaining ' two years, and then went into the Auditor's Department of the Allegheny Valley R. R, andremained there until 1880, when he came to Akron, Ohio, in September following, having formed a partnership, in August previous, with John F. Greer, under style of Akron Malleable Iron works, which is spoken of elsewhere in this Work. He was married in February, 1864, to Miss Lizzie E. Greer, a native of Pittsburgh. They have three children, viz.: Mary E., Annie W. and Nellie M.


A. M. HEATHMAN, groceries, provisions. flour and feed, 432 Centre street, Akron, is a native of Coventry Township, Summit Co., and was born July 28, 1832 ; is the eldest of seven children born to Elijah and Melintha (Westphall) Heathman, natives of Springfield and Coventry Townships. Elijah was the third son of Bennett Heathman, a native of Maryland, who came to Coventry in the early pioneer days, and followed farming there until his death. He was brought up on a farm, and worked also at carpenter's trade ; also worked on Ohio Canal. Mrs. Heathman died at the residence of her daughter, in Copley Township, in the summer of 1880. A. M. (subject) lived at home until twenty years of age, brought up on the farm ; also worked at carpentering, and visited Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. He was married Nov. 28, 1861. to Miss Agnes R. Kidder, a native of Akron, a daughter of John and Phoebe (Savage) Kidder, who were old residents of the place. In 1872, he engaged in the grocery business, the firm, Breniger & Heathman, continuing seven years; he then sold out and engaged in his present place. Five children have been born to him, four of whom are living, viz. : Melintha, George, Etha and Alexander—Ida, deceased.


DAVID E. HILL, President of the Hill Sewer Pipe Co., Akron, was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., May 25, 1825, and is the youngest of four children born to David and Avis (McMillan) Hill, natives of Rhode Island, and who removed to New York in an early day. He was a carpenter by trade, and died in Cattaraugus Co. at the age of 77 years ; she died at the age of 79 years. David E. (the subject) lived at home eighteen years ; his brother was a cabinet-maker, and he learned the same trade with him. His education was received at the district schools. In 1843, he came to Middlebury, Akron, and worked for his uncle, Reuben McMillan, manufacturer of woolen machinery, until 1849, when the firm of Hill, Foster & Co., for


CITY OF AKRON - 719


the manufacture of stoneware, was formed. They occupied the old " Black Mills," and continued in business until about 1851, when Mr. McMillan sold his interest to Hill & Foster. Mr. Hill was identified with the business until 1855, and retired for one year, at the end of which time he came back, and the firm became Hill & Powers, and later, Hill & Adams, which continued until 1868, when it was merged into a stock company, known as the "Hill & Adams Sewer Pipe Co.," Mr. Hill being President. He retired from the business in 1871. The old firm of Hill, Merrill & Co. made the first machine for the manufacture of sewer pipe in America. About the year 1866, Mr. Hill became one of a company of five men, who bought the present building, and engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods—known as the " Middlebury Woolen Mills." The business finally passed into the hands of Mr. Hill and John Townsend, and in the spring of 1873, the machinery was sold, the building was fitted for the manufacture of sewer pipe, and the Hill Sewer Pipe Co. was formed and incorporated, with Mr. Hill as President ; his son, George R., being Secretary and Treasurer, with James Viall as Superintendent. Mr. Hill has always been a public-spirited man, favoring all improvements for the benefit of town or county. He served several years as a member of Middlebury School Board ; also as a member of City Council of Akron, and as a County Commissioner for six years. He was an Abolitionist until formation of Republican party ; since then he has voted with that party. He was married in June, 1848, to Miss Harriet L. McMillan, a daughter of Reuben McMillan. They have had three children, but one of whom is living—George R.


DENNIS A. HINE, deceased ; was born in Milford, Conn., in the year 1808. His parents moved West and settled in Tallmadge Township, Summit Co., Ohio, at an early day. Our subject lived on the farm until 1829, when he came to Middlebury, and engaged as clerk in a general merchandise business of John McMillan's, and some years later, in company with Mr. M. L. Sherman, he engaged in the general merchandise business in Middlebury, they continuing a number of years, after which he clerked in Middlebury and at Tallmadge, and later conducted a butchering usiness in Middlebury, and next engaged in the fishing business on Lake Huron, after which, in companywith Drs. Jewett and Wright, conducted a water-cure establishment for a number of years in Middlebury ; he then engaged in the nursery business, which he followed many years. He died July 27, 1878. Dec. 29, 1831, he married Miss Lucy A. Smith, a native of Groton, Conn. Of their eleven children, but five are living, viz.: Henry and Lewis C., both married and live in Akron ; Addle, now Mrs. L L. Bevis, of St. Louis, Mo.; Augusta, now Mrs. B. M. Allison, of Middlebury ; and Jennie, now Mrs. Jacob Replogle, of Middlebury. Mrs. Hine is living on the old homestead.


DR. E. W. HOWARD, physician, Akron ; is a native of Andover, Windsor Co., Vt., and comes of a family noted for its longevity ; his father reached the age of 89 ; his father's mother reached 95 ; a great-aunt reached 115, and his great-grandmother the age of 97. Dr. Howard's parents, David and Cynthia (Crossman) Howard, were natives of Massachusetts. His father's family was one of those that contributed all their available male force .to the Revolutionary war ; his grandfather David, with his brothers James, Solomon, Joseph and Elias, went as soldiers, the latter being killed in the service of his country. Dr. Howard, the seventh child of a family of ten children, was born April 14, 1816 ; his youth was spent upon the farm, acquiring the rudiments of an education in the schools of the neighborhood, and more liberal advantages in a course at the Chester Academy. At the age of 19, he made a visit to the West, calling on his cousin, Prof. R. L. Howard, a physician in Elyria ; was by him persuaded to study medicine, and accordingly began reading with him ; this was in 1835. He subsequently attended lectures at Pittsfield, Mass., going later to Windsor Co., Vt., to read with L. G. Whiting, with whom he read for two years. In 1838, he graduated at the Berkshire Medical College, at Pittsfield, Mass., when he formed a partnership with Prof. R. L. Howard, in Elyria, Ohio. He practiced at Elyria only a year when he came to Akron, where he has remained in the practice of his profession up to the present. During the late war, he was sent by Gov. Tod to assist in caring for the wounded after the battle of Antietam. He was assigned to the hospital at Frederick City, Md., where he served about a month. In the following winter, the Governor again sent him to assist in caring for the troops, this time spending several months in hospital


720 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


work at Nashville, Tenn. Dr. Howard has been a member of the Summit County Medical Society since its organization, of which he has also been President. He is also a member of the Union Medical Association of Northeastern Ohio, which he has served two terms as President ; of the Ohio State Medical Association. and of the American Medical Association. In 1876. lie was a delegate to the International Medical Congress, held at Philadelphia. June 16, 1840, he married Miss Elizabeth Chittenden, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Sprague) Chittenden, who were natives of Connecticut. and pioneers in Springfield Township. There are two children—Henry C.. for the past seven years practicing in partnership with his father ; and Frank D., engaged in the foundry business.


B. C. HERRICK. of Herrick & Cannon. wholesale and retail china. crockery and glass goods, Akron ; is a native of Twinsburg Township, in this county, and is the eldest of five children, born to J. E. and Philo (Clark) Herrick ; his parents were natives of New England ; his father came when a young man from Massachusetts to Ohio, settling, in 1825, in Twinsburg, where he met and married his wife, a native of Connecticut ; she came there with her parents in 1826. The older members of the family. including herself. walked a greater part of the way. while an ox team transported the household effects. After marriage they settled on a piece of land, cleared it. and are still living there, at the advanced age of over 75. In 1878. they celebrated their golden wedding. B. C. Herrick was born Oct. 25. 1829. and lived at home on the farm until 25 years of age, gaining the foundation of his education at the district schools, and later graduated at the Twinsburg Institute ; at the age of 18 he began teaching winter school, continuing through ten seasons. In 1854, he went to Newbury, Geauga Co., Ohio, and, with his brother Earle, bought the business of E. Stone, Esq., and continued dealing in general merchandise. butter and cheese. for some two years. under the firm name of Herrick & Bros. He then sold his interest and bought a farm in Twinsburg, where he resided until 1867, traveling. however in the meanwhile, as a commercial traveler for four years. At this time he came to Akron, and in company with his brother-in-law, W. B. Cannon, formed the present business partnership. Mr. Herrick is a Trustee and Steward of the Methodist Church, and takes an active interest in church matters. Feb. 4, 1858, he married Miss H. C. Cannon, a native of Aurora. By this marriage he has three children, Oakley C., Winnie C. and Victor M.


DAVID HANSCOM (deceased) ; was born Oct. 18. 1814, on his father's farm. near Portland, Maine ; at the age of 6 years, his parents removed to Monroe Co., N. Y.; at the age of 18, he began learning the cooper's trade, and, when of age, he came to Ohio, stopping at Middlebury, where he remained one year, working at his trade ; he then went to Lake Co.. and pursued the same business there for three years. In 1840. his father's family came to Summit Co. and settled on a farm in Portage Township which the boys bought. the parents living with them. Our subject worked at Cuyahoga Falls some two years. then went to Ravenna. where he kept a hotel ; also kept a hotel (halfway house) between Bedford and Twinsburg ; he afterward came to Akron. where he conducted a cooper shop for two years; he then kept grocery until 1830, when he sold out to James Gardner, his partner ; he then became one of a party of about one hundred and fifty going to California ; he went to Pittsburgh and chartered a steamboat for the party, they embarking at Wellsville ; they went direct to St. Joseph and thence overland to California. being three months on the way. Our subject engaged in the grocery business, and, after a year's stay in the land of gold, returned home by way of Panama and New York. Soon after his return, he and his brother Charles (the firm D. & C. Hanscom) engaged in the grocery business. and, some five or six years later, built on the northeast corner of Howard and Market streets. also taking their brother George in as a partner, under the firm name of Hanscom Brothers ; they continued until about 1862, when they sold out, and, about a year later, engaged in the business again and continued about three years, when he again sold out ; one year later, one of his rooms becoming vacant, he put in a stock of groceries and once more engaged in the business, continuing about seven years, since which time he lived retired until his death, March 26, 1881. The deceased was twice married—first, to Miss Sarah Pemberton, of Lake Co., Ohio; she died Oct. 21, 1844 ; they had three children, viz., Mrs. Thayer, of Westville, Ohio, and John and Cornelia.


CITY OF AKRON - 721


March 17, 1845, he married Miss Sarah Stimson, a native of New York, and came with her parents to Ohio about 1840 ; there are two children—Mrs. Jennings, of Akron, and Frank.


COL. JOHN C. HART, deceased, was born in Cornwall, Litchfield Co., Conn., April 17, 17 98. In 1802, his father, Rufus Hart. moved to Genesee Co., N. Y., where he lived until 1815, when he moved to Ohio. In the war of 1812, his father was a Lieutenant in a company commanded by Capt. Mallison, and was in the battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane and the burning of Buffalo. Between the age of 14 and 15, John C. enlisted in a company of cavalry at Rochester, N. Y., under Capt. Stone, and was with his father at Newark, Fort George and other contested points. He was at Black Rock as a bearer of dispatches when the British attacked Fort Erie in 1814. After the war, he and his father returned to Genesee Co., and, in 1815, they removed to Ohio, and settled at Middlebury, now the Sixth Ward of Akron. At the age of 21, John C. started south, going on foot to Steubenville, thence by raft clown the Ohio. His raft lodging, he went on foot to Cincinnati, thence by canoe or skiff to Shawneetown. Ill.. thence on foot to St. Louis. where. for a time, he worked in a mill, and. later. made bricks at Milton. The June following, he returned home and bought 50 acres of land just south of Middlebury. which he improved. He was married. Feb. 24. 1831, to Miss Margaret A. Sterling, by which marriage he had six children—four sons and two daughters. She died March 7. 1869. and. Dec. 22, 1870. he married Mrs. Mary A. Sterling. formerly Miss Todd. a daughter of Stephen Todd, of Beaver Co.. Penn. She was born May 1. 1828. and. when 16 years of age. her parents removed to Wooster. Ohio, and. two years later. to Canal Dover. where she married John Sterling. a merchant of that place. He was born June 16. ISIS. and died Dec. 14. 1854. By this marriage there were two children—John S., of Cleveland. and Flora E.. now Mrs. Beardsley, of Cleveland. After her husband's death, she moved to New Lisbon. thence to Cleveland, where she lived until her marriage with Col. Hart, Dee. 22, 1870. Col. Hart obtained his military title by raising a regiment of cavalry at Middlebury under the old militia law of the State, and of which he was commander at the time it was disbanded.


HIRAM HART, retired, Akron ; was born in Batavia, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 19, 1804, and is the fourth child in a family of seven children born to Rufus and Esther (Cotter) Hart, who were natives of Goshen, Conn. They were married in that State, and moved to New York about the year 1798, where they farmed until 1815, when he moved to Ohio. Two of his sons had come out the preceding spring. He settled on 100 acres of land in what is now Coventry Township, which he had bought before coming to the State, and which had been partly improved by a man named John Collins. Mr. Hart lived in this vicinity until his death, which occurred in 1840, his wife's death also occurring about that time. Hiram Hart (our subject) lived at home until he was 25 years of age. His educational advantages were limited, and confined to the district schools in New York, and a short period in Ohio. He was married, July 18, 1830, to Miss Sarah Smith, daughter of Moses and 1 Sarah (Haley) Smith, who were natives of Massachusetts, and came to Ohio about the year 1825. After his marriage, he occupied a piece of land containing 50 acres, and continued upon it until 1844, when he bought the old homestead. In October. 1863, his wife died, leaving seven children, three of whom are living—Delos, a farmer in Springfield Township ; Milton, cigar manufacturer, Akron, and Louisa, now Mrs. Thos. F. Cleveland, of Akron. Soon after the death of his wife, Mr. Hart moved to Akron, where he has since resided. He was married to Mrs. Pratt. formerly Miss Sophia M. Packer, a native of New York, who came to Ohio with her parents about 1832. They settled in Portage Co., where he died ; she died in Akron, where she was living with her daughter. He was a prosperous farmer, and was widely known as a leading dairyman.


O. W. HALE, Deputy County Clerk ; Akron ; was born in Bath Township, Summit Co., Ohio. April 1, 1841, and is the third of five children born to William and Harriet (Carlton) Hale. They were natives of Connecticut and Ohio. She was the daughter of John Carlton, who died from wounds received in the war of 1812. William Hale came to Ohio with his parents in the year 1810, they being among the first permanent settlers in Bath Township. He was raised on the farm where he lived until 1857, when he located in Hudson, and in 1861


722 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


he moved on his farm, where he died the year following. He was three times married. His first wife, Miss Sallie C. Upson, of Tailmadge, died about six months after marriage. His second wife, who was Miss Harriet Carlton, died in 1853. His third wife, Miss Adaline Thompson, survives him, and is now the Matron of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, at Fairbault, Minn. Our subject lived at home on the farm until 1861, when he enlisted in the 29th 0. V. I., but, owing to his father's illness, received his discharge and returned home. Sept. 23, 1862, he married Miss Elizabeth Hanson, a native of England, who came with her parents to Summit Co. at the age of 13. By the marriage there were two children, one, H. C. now living. In 1868, Mr. Hale moved to Portage Co., where he lived two years. He then went to Corry, Penn., and engaged in the lumber business, and two years later he removed to Huntingdon, W. Va. where he also engaged in the lumber business. While at the latter place, he lost his wife, in 1874. He next moved to Akron and engaged as bookkeeper in an agricultural implement store. In 1879, he took the position of Deputy County Clerk in the office under Sumner Nash, and has filled the position since. Nov. 26, 1876, he married at East Cleveland, Mrs. Cozad, formerly Miss L. E. Hine. She has one child by her former marriage, viz., Henry Irving Cozad.


LEVERETT JOSEPH IVES was born in Westfield, Mass., on the 19th day of September, 1806. He was a son of Joseph Ives and Sarah Bishop, both natives of New Haven, Conn. His paternal ancestor, William Ives, likewise recorded " Eves," came, it is supposed, from England, previous to 1639. He settled in New Haven, and was one of the sixty-three original free planters, who, upon the 4th day of June, 1639, signed the " Fundamental Agreement of Quinnipiack " in, as tradition states, the barn of Mr. Robert Newman. Joseph Ives, son of William, married Jan. 2, 1672 or 1673, Mary Yale, born April 16, 1650, daughter of Thomas Yale, Esq., and Mary Turner, of New Haven. Mary Turner was a daughter of Capt. Nathaniel Turner; he, with Mr. Thomas Gregson, of' New Haven, were of that " Godly company " who perished in the Phantom Ship, and both were direct ancestors of Leverett Joseph Ives. Gov. Elihu Yale, in honor of whom, through his munificent donations, Yale College received its name, was likewise a son of Thomas Yale, Esq., and brother to Mary (Yale) Ives. Ensign and Deacon Samuel Ives, son of Joseph Ives and Mary Yale, was born in New Haven, Nov. 6, 1677 ; he died there Nov. 24, 1726, aged 49 years ; he was one of the first two Deacons of the First Society Church of New Haven. He married Jan. 3, 1706, Ruth Atwater, born Dec. 31, 1688, daughter of Jonathan Atwater and Ruth Peck, of New Haven. Ruth Peck was a grand daughter of the Rev. Jeremiah Peck, who, " in 1660, was established, according to an act of court, in the Hopkins Collegiate Grammar School, of New Haven, and there taught the languages and sciences." Capt. Jonathan Ives, son of Deacon Samuel Ives and Ruth Atwater, was born March 14, 1716, which perhaps is 1716-17." He married Feb. 19, 1737-38, Thankful Cooper, daughter of Joseph Cooper, of New Haven ; she was born, probably, April 11, 17 21. Capt. Jonathan Ives had four sons, all of whom served faithfully in the Revolutionary war. Jeremiah Ives, son of Capt. Jonathan Ives and Thankful Cooper, was born in New Haven, Nov. 19, 1738 ; he married June 7, 1768, Hannah Bassett, born Dec. 26, 1739, daughter of Abraham Bassett, of New Haven, and Mehitable Street, of Wallingford. Joseph Ives, son of Jeremiah Ives and Hannah Bassett, was born in New Haven, Feb. 2, 17 71 ; he married Sarah Bishop, born Feb. 3, 1777 ; she was a daughter of Isaac Bishop and Sarah Macomber, of New Haven. Joseph Ives and Sarah Bishop, as already stated, were the parents of Leverett Joseph Ives. On the 25th of April, 1832, he married in Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Fidelia Elvira Field, born April 31, 1805, at Grass Hill, Gill, Mass. ; they settled in the adjoining town of Lodi. About 1833, Mr. Ives removed to Hamilton, Canada, West. In the spring of 1837, owing to the occurrence of the Canada rebellion, being unwilling to swear allegiance to the British Crown, he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and in the following autumn, became a resident of Akron, Ohio, where he lived twenty-three years, acquiring there prominence as a druggist ; he identified himself largely in the interests of the town ; was energetic in promoting its early growth, and may be truly styled one of its pioneers. In 1860, he removed to Chicago,


CITY OF AKRON - 723


Ill. After remaining in the West a number of years, he returned East, and died at his residence, in East Orange, N. J., on the 20th of September, 1876, aged 70 years and 1 day. He was honest and upright in his dealings with men, a good citizen, a kindly friend and neighbor ; his manners were pleasing, and full of hospitality ; in politics, he originally belonged to the school of Whigs ; in 1848, he voted the Republican ticket, and adhered thereafter firmly to the Anti-Slavery party. He gave to " Old John Brown, the martyr," the rifle he took to Kansas. Prominent in the early history of Akron, was the wife of the subject of this sketch. Fidelia Elvira Ives, daughter of Rodolphus Wright Field and Hannah Dwight Hollister, of Grass Hill, Gill, Mass. She traces her lineage through a number of the original settlers of New England, among whom may be mentioned Samuel Wright, of Springfield, Mass. ; Elder John Strong, of Northampton, Mass. ; Thomas Ford, of Dorchester, Mass. ; Lieut. John Hollister and Richard Treat, both of Wethersfield, Conn. ; and Zachariah Field, of Northampton, Mass., grandson of John Field, of England, the astronomer, who, in 1556, wrote the first astronomical work ever published, based upon the tables of the Copernican system ; through it he has become known to history as the " Proto Copernican " of England. Like her ancestors, Fidelia E. Ives possesses energy, activity and strength of character ; through all the years of her residence in Akron, her gentleness of spirit and large benevolence secured her many friends.


HENRY WARD INGERSOLL, Akron, Ohio. Lemi Ingersoll was born in Lee, Berkshire Co., Mass., and was raised on a farm. Theodosia S. Humphrey, whom he married, was born at Goshen, Conn. They both came, when young, with their respective families, to this county. Six sons and two daughters were the fruit of their marriage. The subject of this sketch was born to them Oct. 23, 1833, in Richfield Township, Summit Co., Ohio. When he was 2 years old, his family moved to Hudson. In 1857, he graduated from the Western Reserve College, and at once entered upon the study of law with Van R. Humphrey, of Hudson, then with Wolcott and Upson, of Akron, being admitted to the bar at the Supreme Court of Columbus, on March 29, 1859, after which he located in Akron, where he has practiced ever since, except during the period passed in the army. He enlisted in September, 1861, in the 2d 0. V. C., as a member of the regimental band, serving in the Western campaign in the division of Gen. Blount. During that and the following years the regiment made an excellent record. After the band was discharged by order from the War Department, he enlisted at the call of Gov. Brough, in 1864, in 164th Regiment, Company A., 0. N. G., and served on the Potomac, where they were garrisoned in six forts. In 1862, he was commissioned by Gov. Tod, Captain in the 124th O. V. I, but owing to the consolidation of the companies, he was mustered out. He came again to Akron in the fall of 1864, and has been in continuous practice since. For several years he has been a member of the Council, and Recorder and Attorney for the corporation. In 1863, he was a member of the Council and took the census and prepared the necessary papers and obtained from the Secretary of State, the present charter as a city of the second class. For many years he has been chorister of the Congregational Church. June 6, 1866, he married Miss Sarah H. Boardman, of Newton Falls ; there are two children living.


JAMES IRVIN, deceased ; was born in Center Co., Penn., May 29, 1806. His father was a farmer. and he was raised to the same business. He came to Ohio about the year 1838, and located in Middlebury, at that time one of the most energetic business places on the Reserve. He here formed a partnership with Mr. John Johnson, and did a general merchandise business for a number of years, when Mr. Irvin retired, and so lived until his death, Sept. 4, 1863. He married Nov. 2, 1842, to Miss Martha Clark, a native of Springfield Township, Summit Co., and a daughter of Wm. L. and Sarah (De Haven) Clark. Mrs. Irvin is living still on the old homestead, in Middlebury, where so many years of her life have been passed ; she has no children. Her father, William L. Clark, was a native of Union Co., Penn.


DANIEL A. JAMES, Akron ; youngest son of Daniel and Mary (Pella) James, was born in Paris Township, Portage Co., Ohio, Oct. 13, 1846. His father was a native of Wales, and died in Portage Co., Ohio, in 1846 ; his mother was a native of New York State. He learned cabinet-making in Ravenna, Ohio ; in 1866, he


724 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


came to Akron, and worked for Miller, Thomas & Co., until 1875, when he started a manufactory of office and church furniture and interior decorations, which business he has carried on since with fair success ; in 1876. he located at 218 West Market street, employing five skilled workmen constantly; he experiences a steady growth of business. He is the youngest of sixteen children, of whom but five are living. In February, 1879. he married Louisa Thomas, daughter of George Thomas, of Akron.


M. JEWETT, physician, Middlebury ; is a native of Massachusetts ; he was born in Greenwich, Sept. 4, 1815. He came to Ohio in the year 1836, and located at Hudson, where he read medicine with Drs. Noble and Town ; in 1839, he began practice at Mogadore, and the years 1850 and 1851 he spent in California. after which he returned to Ohio, and during the winters of 1835-56 and 1856-57. he represented Summit County in the State Legislature. In 1858, he removed to Middlebury, where he has since practiced his profession. The Doctor attended lectures at Willoughby, Ohio, and graduated from that college after its removal to Cleveland. Now 66 years of age. he is one of the oldest practitioners in the county ; he has been associated in practice with Dr. Ferguson (a former student), of Mogadore, Drs. L. S. Esbright and S. T. Odell, of Akron, and at the present time with Drs. C. C. Davison and F. W. Reed. Having a great love for horticultural matters, he has given his leisure moments to the management of a small farm. and has now in bearing the largest peach orchard in the county, besides a great variety of other fruits, the care of which afford an appreciated recreation.


DR. W. C. JACOBS, 603 High street. Akron, is a native of Lima. Ohio, where he was born Feb. 26, 1840. His parents, T. K. and Ann (Elder) Jacobs, were natives of Juniata Co., Penn., whence they came, in 1836, to Ashland, moving two years later to Lima, where they have since lived. His father was a tailor by trade, though turning his attention to farming in the new country. and was one of the early pioneers of the latter place. Dr. Jacobs, the fourth in a family of nine children, spent his early years on the farm and in the village until the age of 16, when he received an appointment to the National Naval School at Annapolis, Md. He resigned in 1859, andbegan the study of medicine in Cincinnati with Dr. William Carson, graduating in 1862, at the Ohio Medical College in that city. In April, 1862, he was appointed Assistant Surgeon in the 4th O. V. C., and served with the regiment until December, 1862, when he was promoted to the position of Surgeon and assigned to the 81st 0. V. I., with which he served until the end of the war. During the Atlanta campaign, he served on the Operating Board of the Second Division. Sixteenth Army Corps. October, 1865. he came to Akron, where he has since practiced his profession. He is a member of the Summit County Medical Society. of the Union Medical Society of Northeastern Ohio. of the State Medical Society. and of the American Medical Association. Of the second named society Dr. Jacobs was the first Secretary, and has held offices in other of the societies. September 10, 1863, he married Miss Huldah M. Hill. a native of Knox Co., Ohio. Her father. Luther Hill. was a native of New York. and settled with his parents in Richland Co., Ohio, in 1811. Dr. Jacobs has one child—Herald L.


TIMOTHY S. JONES. of the firm of Jones. Wait & Co.. potters, Middlebury. was born in Venango Co.. Penn., April 22. 1829. His father. Alpheus Jones. was a blacksmith. At the age of 16. our subject began the potter's trade, and worked at same for five years. He then went to Tionesta. Penn.. where he was lumbering until 1855. In this year he came to Ohio and settled in Middlebury. working for three years in the Sewer Pipe Company. He then worked as a potter one year, when, in company with Harvey Baldwin. he opened a pottery, which they conducted a number of years. when he sold his interest and worked at his trade as a hand. In November, 1880. the present company of Jones, Wait & Co. was formed. They have liberal facilities for making all kinds of stoneware, and will add double their present capacity during the summer. April 25, 1842, he married Miss Martha H. Watson, a native of Venango Co., Penn. Of their seven children. four are living, viz., Sarah, now Mrs. D. C. Allen, of Middlebury ; Onna, now Mrs. C. M. Wait ; Ada H., now Mrs. H. Akers ; and Wilburn L., the latter and Mr. Wait Akers and T. S. Jones forming the company.


PARK B. JOHNSTON, Akron, is a native of Middlebury (now Sixth Ward of Akron). He was born Sept. 23. 1846, and is fifth in a family


CITY OF AKRON. - 725


of ten children horn to John and Elizabeth R. (Newton) Johnston. Our subject lived at home until the year 1865, when he took a position as clerk in the Post Office Department at Washington, D. C., where he remained until 1871. He then returned to Akron and took the position of Deputy Auditor, which office he held until November, 1880. Oct. 16, 1878, he married Miss Lois Caruthers, a daughter of Perry C. and Cynthia Clark Caruthers. of Tallmadge Township. By the marriage there is one child, viz., Ethel Lois Johnston.


MRS. ELIZA KENT, Middlebury (Sixth Ward), is the widow of Roswell Kent. He was born in Leyden, Mass., May 18, 1798, and was a son of Zenas and Ann (Plumb) Kent, who were natives of Massachusetts. They removed to Ohio about the year 1812, and settled in Hudson, where he followed his trade of carpenter and joiner. He soon after settled on a farm in Portage Co., and lived in that vicinity until his death, which occurred in 1824. Mrs. Kent lived with her son Roswell until her death, which occurred in Middlebury about the year 1838. Roswell Kent lived at home until some time after attaining his majority. His educational advantages were limited. When he became of age, he went to Ravenna, where he clerked in his brother's store. About 1820, he came to Middlebury to establish a business for his brother and Mr. Oviatt, and about the year 1826 he bought the establishment. continuing in the business for a number of years. He then engaged in the manufacture of woolen machinery and later in the manufacture of sewer-pipe, which he followed until his death, which occurred July 19, 1871. He was married to Miss Eliza Hart, who was born August 6, 1808, in Middlebury, and was the first white child born there, and the third in Tallmadge Township. She was the seventh child in a family of eight children of Joseph and Annie (Hotchkiss) Hart. He was a native of Nova Scotia, and at the age of 12 years went to sea, being a sailor for a number of years, and finally became captain of a vessel. His wife was a native of New Haven, Conn. In 1804-5, they came to Ohio and stopped at Deerfield, and in April, 1808, came to Tallmadge Township, where the same year they erected a saw and grist mill. He died about the year 1830. Mrs. Hart lived in this vicinity with her son William until her death. Mr. and Mrs. Kent had seven children, of whombut three are living—Ella K., now Mrs. Finley McNaughton, of Akron ; Russell H., of the Akron. Stone Ware Company, of Middlebury, and Flora K., now Mrs. T. S. Paige.


DAVID L. KING, manufacturer, Akron ; was born in Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, Dec. 24, 1825. He was the third son of a family of eight children born to Leicester and Julia Ann (Huntington) King, both natives of New England. Mr. King's father commenced business as a merchant in Westfield, Mass., but, in 1817, desiring to establish himself in business at. Natchez, Miss., he came West, spending some weeks in Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio. He proceeded to his destination, where, although the prospect of success was very bright, he could not reconcile himself to the thought of rearing his family under the degrading influences of slavery. He finally abandoned his scheme, and returned . to New York by vessel, narrowly escaping death front the yellow fever on the voyage. The same year, he removed to Warren, Ohio, and engaged in a successful mercantile business until 1833, when he became interested in the land upon which Akron is built. He served one term as Associate Judge, and subsequently represented the Trumbull County District in the State Senate for two terms, from 1835 to 1839. He became an ardent opponent of the institution of slavery, and afterward allied himself with the Liberty party, refusing the most flattering offers of advancement from the Whigs, in obedience to his convictions upon the question of slavery. He was the nominee of this party for Governor in 1844, and of the Free-Soil party for Vice President in 1847. though he subsequently declined, and gave his support to Martin Van Buren. He died Sept. 19, 1856, just as the principles for which he had labored were made the foundation of that great political party which has carried them on to such glorious fruition. The subject of this sketch, David L. King, graduated at an early age at Harvard College, and removed to Akron in 1846, where he at once entered upon the study of law in the office of King & Taylor. He was admitted to the bar in Cleveland in 1848, and, in 1851, established his residence there, practicing his profession with success until 1856. when he returned to Akron. Here, in 1867, he abandoned his profession and accepting the offices of Secretary and Treasurer in the Akron Sewer Pipe Co., the largest


726 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


institution of the kind in the world, he engaged in the manufacture of "vitrified sewer pipe." Since that time, this constantly increasing business has absorbed his whole attention. Rapid success followed his management of this company, the product of which in the past year reached the amount of $400,000. The completion of the Atlantic & Great Western Railway, in 1864, gave a great impetus to the manufacturing interests of Akron, and to Mr. King's intelligent activity and financial ability is largely due the advanced position as a manufacturing point of which Akron is justly proud. All enterprises for the promotion of the city's growth have found in Mr. King a liberal supporter and a capable worker. He was prominent in securing the extension of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and, in 1871, was elected President of the Valley Railroad, the establishing of which he did so much to secure. At the death of his father, Mr. King assumed the management of the large landed estate which his father owned in company with Gen. Simon Perkins, pursuing a policy in the disposal of these lands which materially aided the interests of the growing city. A member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and for fourteen years an active Superintendent of its Sunday school, he has ever been found a prominent worker in all charitable and benevolent enterprises. He is known throughout the community as an indefatigable worker, and is highly esteemed. He was married, May 1, 1849, to Miss Bettie Washington Steele, of Charleston, Va., a grandneice of Gen. Washington. Of this union were born Ellen Lewis. Bettie Steele, Howell Steele, Susan Huntington and Martha Perkins King, all of whom are living except Ellen Lewis, who was married, Jan. 19. 1870, to David R. Paige, of Akron, and died Dec. 20, 1878, leaving two sons, Charles Cutler, born Nov. 25, 1870, and David King, born May 20, 1872. The second daughter, Bettie Steele, was married, Dec. 10, 1873, to John Gilbert Raymond, of Akron, and has one child, Harry King, born April 29, 1877.


FRANK J. KNAPP, manufacturer of stoneware, Akron, is a native of Baden, Germany. His parents, John and Barbara (Schneider) Knapp, came to America in 1847 and settled at Pittsburgh, going thence to Minnesota, and, in 1850, to Akron. His father was a stone-mason and followed the trade in this country ; he died about 1867; his wife died three years previous Frank J. was horn in Germany June 4, 1840 he came to this country with his parents, wit] whom he lived until he was about 22 years o age. At the age of 13, he was apprenticed to the potter's trade, and six years later, he was conducting his own shop ; entering his ware: at an agricultural fair, he secured the firs premium over five competitors. He has beef conducting the business here ever since, sae( for eight years, during three of which he was engaged at the business in Stark County, an( later, worked five years with Johnson &Baldwin, in the Sixth Ward. He started his present business in 1868 or 1869. which has growl: until he now employs about thirty hands and from four to six teams, turning out from 12,000 to 15,000 gallons per week. His business is done entirely upon orders. although he employs no agents. In 1862, he married Miss Louisa Hines, of Coventry, Summit Co., Ohio, and by her had three children, two of whom are now living—Mary and Emma. In the fall of 1878, he married Miss Katie Strumk, of Wadsworth, Medina Co., Ohio.


REUBEN N. KRATZ, bookkeeper, Akron ; was born in Milton Township, Wayne Co.. Ohio, July 2, 1845 ; at 18 lie began teaching, having received a good high-school education at Smithville. Until 1870, he taught in Medina, Summit and Wayne Counties. In 1871, he went to Pentwater. Mich., where, for two years, he had charge of the Union schools. In 1873, he came to Akron, and, in August of the same year, was married to Miss Amanda Miller. daughter of Charles Miller. of Akron ; she bore him two sons ; one is deceased. He entered the employ of Mr. Miller, having charge of the shops and lumber yards ; finally, the firm was changed to Miller & Kratz. In 1877, he became a partner with Harvey F. Miller. continuing one year, followed by a year of teaching in the public school, since which time he has been bookkeeper for D. W. Thomas. His mother was a native of Bucks Co., Penn., and his father, Jacob Kratz was of German descent, also a native of Bucks Co., Penn., where he engaged in farming ; he came to Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1838, and resided on a farm there until his death in 1872, leaving a family of five sons and one daughter, all now living, viz.: Samuel, a farmer in Wayne County ; Maria, wife of J. C. Stiner, of same county ;


CITY OF AKRON - 727


Reuben N. (subject) ; Henry E., of Bucyrus, Ohio ; Jacob L., farmer at Salt River, Mich., and Lee G., a student in the Cincinnati Conservatory f Music. Reuben N. Kratz is a member f the English Lutheran Church, and Superintendent f the Sabbath school.


J. A. MOHLER, lawyer, Akron, Ohio ; is a son of Henry Kohler, and was born Aug. 15, 1835, in Franklin Township, in this county. He received his education at the public schools of the neighborhood, and at 18, went to the Lodi Academy. In 1853, he came to Akron, where he apprenticed himself to one Sanford for four years, and then began the study of law with N. W. Goodhue, and was admitted to the bar in 1859 ; elected Prosecuting Attorney two terms, beginning in 1868 and continuing to 1872 ; practiced with Hon. Sidney Edgerton for a number of years, and since 1881, in firm of Kohler & Saddler. He was married in May, 1860, to Miss Frances Coburn, daughter of Dr. Coburn, of Akron. They have two children—Burt and George. Subject's grandfather came from Holland, and settled in Berks Co., Penn., at beginning of 19th century. He was born about 1788, and was a soldier in the war of 1812 ; he came to Franklin Township, this county, about 1836, where he lived until his death in 1843.


RICHARD H. KNIGHT, publisher of Akron City Times, Akron, Ohio ; is the second son in a family of seven children born to Jonathan and Deborah (Barber) Knight, Connecticut. The father was of English descent, but was born in Norwich, Conn., where he followed farming until 1832, when he came to Ohio and settled at Ridgeville, and resided there until his death. He had three sons and four daughters ; five children still living. Richard H. (subject) was born Nov. 11, 1813, in Litchfield Co., Conn., and came with his father's family to Ridgeville as above (in 1832) and followed farming and stonecutting in Lorain Co. for fourteen years, and then moved to Dover, Cuyahoga Co., where he lived until 1873. He owned a farm there, on which was a stone quarry, and he worked in the various departments of stonework at Elyria, and on the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati R. R. In 1873. he removed to Akron, and purchased the Akron City Times, and has devoted himself to the business management of it since. He was married Dec. 31. 1837, to Miss Emma Beebe, of Ridgeville, Ohio. They have three children, viz.: Eber H., carpenter, at Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Ellen, a teacher at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Clarence R., editor of the Akron City Times, who was born at Dover, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, Aug. 9, 1850. He (Clarence R.) entered Lombard University, at Galesburg, Ill., at the age of 17 years, for four years, and in 1871–72 was in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. Came to Akron in 1872, and at the opening of Buchtel College, matriculated and finished the course in 1873; when in the December following he took charge of the editorial department of the Times, which position he has since retained.


ARZA KELLOGG, retired, Akron. The birthplace of our subject was in Addison Co., N. Y. His parents were David and Christiana (Traver) Kellogg. From the date of his birth, which was Feb. 11, 1799. he lived there for thirty-five years, attending school in his boyhood, and acquiring a thorough common-school education. When he attained his majority, he began to fight his own life-battles, and farmed at that place until 1834, when he discontinued the vocation, and, with a good team, started for Akron, which place he reached in September. For several years he engaged in teaming, but when, in 1848, the "gold fever" reached Akron, he grew discontented, and, in the spring of the following year, he, in company with fifteen others, driving three six-horse teams, traversed the overland route, arriving at Sacramento in August, which was five months from the time of his leaving Akron. There he engaged in the dairy and gardening business, within two miles of Sacramento, on the river, all the products selling for high prices ; this he followed with good success for four years, at the end of which time he returned to Akron. It was in the spring of 1854 that he bought his present place, on Maple street, the lot consisting of 5* acres. In 1856, he was employed as Sexton of the Akron Rural Cemetery, which place he held for twelve years, since which time he has farmed land which he owned here. In 1874, he was appointed Superintendent of the Akron Cold Spring Co., and is one of its principal stockholders. In March, 1825, he married Miss Polly Marshall, of Starksboro, Vt., from which union one child was the issue, whom they named Julia 0., and who died at Akron in her 19th year. His wife, Polly, is a granddaughter of Rev. Joseph Marshall, a noted and eccentric clergyman of Starksboro, Vt.


728 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


SAMUEL A. LANE, Mayor of Akron, and whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Suffield, Hartford Co., Conn., June 29, 1815. His father, Mr. Comfort Lane, commonly called by his townsmen " Judge Lane," beside cultivating a small farm, carried on quite an extensive carriage building establishment, his specialty being the old fashioned, ante-railroad, thorough-brace stage coach; " Judge" Lane was also something of an inventor, and beside fabricating a number of labor-saving devices for facilitating his own business, was the inventor of a cotton-picking machine called the " Suffield cotton gin," that, when perfected, he expected, would rival if not entirely supersede the celebrated Whitney cotton gin. then and ever since mainly used by the cotton planters of the United. States. The letters patent, on parchment, for this machine, bearing the autograph signatures of John Quincy Adams, President, Henry Clay, Secretary of State, and William Wirt, Attorney General, and the great seal of the United States, under date of March 24, 1825, are still in the possession of the subject of this sketch. Mr Lane, the father, dying before successfully introducing his machine to the public, it was never utilized, and the expenses incurred in its invention, construction, patenting, etc., were of course a dead loss. The boyhood of " Lant," as he was familiarly called, was about equally divided between the district school, the farm, and the painting room of the carriage-shop, it being the intention of his father to bring him up to the trade of a carriage painter—his next elder brother, Henry Leander, being designed by the provident father to be a wood-workman in the same line of business. The death of the father, however, Sept. 20, 1828, when Alanson was but 13 years old, thwarted this plan so far as he was concerned, though the brother, who had already been at work a year or so as an apprentice to the trade, was enabled to secure a situation in the then celebrated establishment of George & Henry Francis, in Hartford, and complete his trade. The condition of the deceased father's affairs was such,. on settlement of the estate, that it became necessary for the sons old enough to do so to win their own bread. By working for the neighboring farmers in summer and doing chores for his board while attending school winters, Alanson was not only able to provide for himself but also to contributesomething toward the replenishment of the family larder until the spring of 1831, when, by an arrangement made for him by his eldest brother, Comfort U. Lane, who had been for several years a clerk in the store of Owen & Hurlbut, extensive paper manufacturers in the village of South Lee, Berkshire Co., Mass., he entered the adjoining store of Mr. Billings Brown, quite an extensive mill owner in the same village—the distance from Suffield to South Lee being about fifty miles. Commencing with Mr. Brown May 1, 1831, being then not quite 16 years old. the relations of the merchant and his clerk were of the most friendly and confidential character for a year and a half, when Mr. Brown, by reason of his other more important interests. substantially abandoned his mercantile business. and, in the fall of 1832, young Lane's clerkship was transferred to the store of Mr. Austin Hayden, in the more important village of Pittsfield. in the same county. Here he remained until the spring of 1833, when, on visiting home (after an absence of just two years, during which time he had outgrown the knowledge of his most intimate acquaintances), he entered into an arrangement with a Hartford book publisher to canvass Merrimack Co., in the State of New Hampshire. for Goodrich's History of the United States. Simultaneously with his arrival at Concord, the county seat of Merrimack Co. and the capital of the State, was the arrival of Gen. Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, who, with his Cabinet. was at that time making a grand triumphal tour through New England. The military and civic display on that occasion was probably greater than was ever witnessed in that State, either before or since, and though the embryo book agent was obliged to sleep for two consecutive nights in a stage coach in the stable yard of the hotel where he had intended to stop, he laughingly remarks that he has always felt gratified at the honors then and there paid to him and "Old Hickory." Though his father had been a stanch Democrat before him, the sight of the old hero and the pomp and circumstance " of that occasion, probably had a tendency to confirm young Lane in his Democratic proclivities, and in making him, for many years after attaining his majority, an active member of the Democratic party. The display over, the canvassing business was vigorously proceeded with, every family and business establishment in the city


CITY OF AKRON - 729


and county being visited, and the work so satisfactorily done, that on his return to Hartford, though then but a little over 17 years old, he was detailed to do similar work in Georgia and South Carolina, with his headquarters at Augusta. Arriving at his destination in January, 1834, the principal towns in the river counties above that point, in both States, were canvassed during the winter, spring and early summer, and a good portion of the books delivered. A hitch in the receipt of books from the North occurring, in the latter part of the summer, young Lane entered the office of the Southern Spy, an anti-nullification or radical Union paper, as assistant editor and general helper, in the village of Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., then and for many years afterward the home of the since notorious Southern politician and rebel General, "Bob" Toombs. At the close of the election campaign, in October, 1834, in which the Unionists of Wilkes Co. were triumphant over the Nullifiers for the first time in several years, and having closed his canvassing matters, young Lane, with a view of resuming mercantile operations somewhere in the South, visited Mobile and New Orleans, in both of which cities, in January, 1835, he made a diligent effort to obtain a clerkship, but being a stranger, and there being at least twenty applicants to each vacancy, he was unsuccessful, and concluded to return North. Leaving New Orleans by steamer, and making short stops—at Louisville, Cincinnati and Columbus—he reached Cleveland about the 1st of March, whence he proceeded directly to Aurora, in Portage Co., where an aunt and other acquaintances from Connecticut resided. After a somewhat prolonged visit among his Aurora friends, and a short time spent at Ravenna, the county seat of Portage Co., he wended his way to the then new village of " Cascade," now the busiest portion of the city of Akron, taking up his abode at the "Pavillion House," kept by Mr. Charles B. Cobb, now residing on his magnificent farm just west of the city limits. This hotel stood on the northwest corner of Howard and Market streets, where the fine brick block of Dr. E. W. Howard and Edward Oviatt, Esq., now stands. Being now rather short in funds—in fact, substantially "dead broke "—our young adventurer was glad to avail himself of Mr. Cobb's offer to let him work for his board—clerking, tending bar, waiting on guests, etc. until something more favorable should " turn up." This was on the 10th day of June, 1835, and nineteen days before he had attained his 20th birthday. Mercantile clerkships being less plenty than aspirants therefor, and no eligible situation presenting itself, our impecunious young friend continued to mix whisky toddies and perform the multifarious duties of a village hotel tapster for about two months, when he was offered and accepted a temporary situation in the shop of a house and sign painter by the name of Burt, as a sort of half-apprentice, half-journeyman, at very low wages, and to board in the family of his employer—the very first jobs assigned to him being some ornamental work beyond the skill and capacity of his employer and so-called instructor. Applying himself diligently to the business in hand, with his natural taste for designing, lettering, etc., and his youthful experience in and about his father's carriage-shop, he was in three months the peer of his employer in all branches of the business carried on, and, in some, his superior. This arrangement continued until about the 1st of December, 1835, when work substantially closing down for the winter, our young " artist " returned to his old quarters at the Pavilion. Shortly afterward, however, he was offered and accepted the position of "pedagogue," in School District No. 7, Portage Township, about a mile and a half west of Akron, on the Medina road. Though not liberally educated, having graduated from the district school of his native town at the age of 15 years, and though several of his scholars were older than himself, and one or two in some branches greatly his superiors, he managed to get creditably through his term of three months, or at all events to draw, if not earn, the munificent salary which the Trustees had stipulated to pay him, to wit : $11 a month and board 'round. In the spring of 1836, yielding to his natural tastes in that direction, his dire necessities, and the encouragement of his friends, Mr. Lane, then not quite of age, rented a shop and started in business on his " own hook," as a full-fledged " house, sign and ornamental painter," soon attaining, and for many years maintaining, a fair standing in that profession.


In September, 1837, while successfully pursuing his chosen avocation as a painter, availing himself of the slight knowledge of the printing business and journalism acquired in the office


730 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


of the Southern Spy, and taking an active interest in the reformatory measures then being inaugurated for ridding the village of certain professional gamblers and other disreputable characters, Mr. Lane commenced, and for a year and half maintained, the publication of a small semi-monthly paper, under the unique title of the Akron Buzzard, a more extended history of which will be found under the head of the " Press of Summit County," Mr. L., however, continuing his painting business without interruption. November, 11, 1838, Mr. Lane then 23 years old, was married to Miss Paulina Potter, of Castleton, Ontario Co., N. Y., the foster-sister of Mr. Paris Tallman, now living in happy retirement from active business, at No. 803 East Market street. A few days later, Mr. Henry L. Lane, the carriage builder heretfore spoken of, arrived in Akron from Connecticut, with the view of establishing himself in business here, and at the earnest solicitation of the brother, and to allay the fears of his young wife for his personal safety, by reason of his fearlessly exposing the disreputable characters and practices of the village, combined with other causes, in March, 1839, the Buzzard was discontinued, and a copartnership was formed between the two brothers, under the firm name of H. L. & S. A. Lane, for the purpose of carrying on a general carriage making and painting business. Shops were erected on the site now occupied by the brick blacksmith-shop of James A. Moody, on South Main street. Though quite limited in means, everything in those days having to be done on the " truck and dicker " principle, a fair business was being done, when, on the 20th day of July, 1841, the elder brother, Henry L. Lane, suddenly died, about two months, only, after his marriage to Miss Sarah Hovey, of Granville, Ohio. The surviving junior partner continued the business, though to great disadvantage, by reason of his non-acquaintance with the main branches thereof, until the close of that year, when he associated with himself an old graduate of his father's establishment, lately arrived from Connecticut, Mr. Jonathan Remington, the father of Mr. O. H. Remington, the jeweler now doing business on Howard street. The new firm of Lane & Remington continued in operation about two years, when the concern was sold to other parties. Too close application to his own branch of the business (painting) having by this time very materially impaired Mr. Lane's health, and having meantime also become deeply interested in the success of the Washingtonian Temperance Reform, then agitating the country, in the spring of 1844, Mr. Lane again embarked in the newspaper business, in connection with Mr. William T. Coggeshall, as detailed elsewhere, reviving the Buzzard as a temperance organ, but soon changing its name to the Cascade Roarer, which was continued with a fair degree of success for something over two years, Mr. Lane leaving to his partner the general conduct of the office, and devoting most of his own time to lecturing, canvassing for subscribers to the paper, correspondence, etc. One novel feature adopted by Mr. Lane, as a lecturer, was to take the other side, i. e., traveling in connection with another lecturer, and discussing the question pro and con, Mr. Lane using the same arguments in favor of drinking, selling, etc., usually urged by drinkers and venders, and by carrying them out to their legitimate results, with the introduction of ludicrous illustrations to show that the use of intoxicating liquors, instead of shortening, prolongs life ;. instead of poverty, brings riches ; instead of sorrow, happiness, etc., often producing a greater impression upon the minds of those addicted to their cups, and those engaged in the traffic, than the most eloquent straight-forward lecturing could possibly do, the " discussions," unlike the regulation temperance lecture, calling out the very classes sought to be reformed and benefited. On the discontinuance of the Cascade Roarer, in the fall of 1846. Mr Lane continued to occupy the lecture field, for the most part, until the fall of 1847, when, with improved health, he again embarked in the painting business, assiduously devoting himself thereto until the spring of 1850, so closely, in fact, that during the previous year a serious relapse of his old malady—a sort of paralysis of the stomach, or an aggravated form of dyspepsia —had substantially unfitted him for that or any other active business. With the view of bettering his physical as well as his financial condition, with some 200 other Summit Co. men, he started overland for California on the 14th day of March, 1850, and though many of his friends believed that, in the precarious condition of his health, he would never live to reach the Pacific Coast ; and though the journey was very hazardous and fatiguing, he not only got


CITY OF AKRON - 731


safely through, but heavier by thirty-two pounds than when he left Akron, and six pounds heavier than ever before in his life ; a condition of things—thanks to the pure air, vigorous exercise and coarse food of the plains and mountains, and the salubrious climate of California—more than maintained during his entire two years sojourn upon the Pacific Coast. Arriving at Placerville, the first town entered in California, August 4, 1850, after a day or two spent among the mines, and a stop of one day at Sacramento, Mr. Lane proceeded immediately to San Francisco, where he remained during his stay in California, making his rooms the general headquarters of Summit Co. gold-seekers visiting the city, whether en route for home or on their way to the mines via the Isthmus route ; also acting as the regular semi-monthly correspondent of both the Beacon and the Democratic Standard, in keeping the " loved ones at home " posted as to the movements of their friends in the mines and other portions of California—a service very greatly appreciated by the people of Akron and Summit Co.


On reaching San Francisco, a few days were spent in " prospecting," and finding nothing better suited to his tastes or his finances, Mr. Lane, having thoroughly regained his health and youthful vigor, then being 35 years of age, again embarked in the painting business, renting a small second floor room for a shop, and earning with his own hand over and above his board and expenses, about $200 per month. At that time, Mr. James G. Dow, a former Akron merchant, one of the " Forty-niners," was engaged in the retail auction business, which was netting him about $3,000 per month. In October, Mr. Dow disposed of his stock of goods, with the view of spending the winter with his family in Massachusetts. . Before leaving, Mr. Dow advised Mr. Lane and Mr. Charles G. Caldwell, also a " Forty-niner," and an Akron boy, then operating a small " ranch "—growing milk, butter, eggs, etc.—at Sacramento, to embark in the auction business, in which he had done so well, offering to lease to them for six months a building owned by him, on the corner of Jackson and Montgomery streets, for which he was then receiving $800 per month in rents, for $600 per month, $350 of which was to be paid monthly in advance to the landowner, the remaining $250 to remain in their hands until his return in the spring. The plan appearing perfectly feasible, Mr. Lane added his little " pile" of about $600 to the Mr. Caldwell's cash surplus of about $1,400, the firm of Lane & Caldwell borrowing $1,000 from a mutual friend, and with a cash capital of a little over $3,000, " sailed in," Mr. Dow aiding them in the purchase of their goods and in getting started. The " grand opening " took place Dec. 1, 1850, and for a time gave promise of abundant success. Within three weeks, however, and almost before Mr. Dow had got outside the harbor, one of those sudden and disastrous commercial revulsions then peculiar to the Pacific Coast—a regular panic and stagnation in almost every branch of trade—occurred, in consequence of which not only was it almost impossible to sell anything, at any price, but affecting the wholesale trade to such an extent that they could go into the market and duplicate the very goods they had in stock at less than one-half the prices they had paid for them. This condition of things continued for several months, the result being, that though they struggled hard, and held on in hopes of better times, they sunk every dollar invested (though managing finally to refund their borrowed money), besides coming out, at the end of the six months, nearly $1,500 in debt to their generous-hearted landlord ; the building, however, having been destroyed in the big fire of May 4, 1851, about one month before the expiration of the lease. Before this, however, Mr. Lane had returned to his paint-pots and brushes, and Mr. Caldwell to his cows and chickens, which, in the mean time, had been in charge of Mr. William H. White, also an Akronian, and now the head miller in the Allen Mills of Akron. On his return, about the 1st of June, 1851, Mr. Dow, after listening to the lugubrious story of the broken-down merchants, philosophically remarked : " Well, boys, you've had a pretty rough time of it, but it's all in a life-time ; and there's one consolation about it, the more you have of it the shorter'll be the life-time. But," he continued, " I'll not be hard on you, boys, for I know how it feels to be a ' busted-up community ' myself. and if you'll make me up 50 cents on the dollar, I'll call it square." This offer was of course gladly accepted, each contributing his equal share, Mr. Lane at this time earning at his trade about $300 per month, net. Soon after this, Mr. Dow and Mr. Charles W. Tappan, a lately-arrived Akronian, embarked in the


732 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


same business which had proved so disastrous to Messrs. Lane & Caldwell, in which, the panic being over, they made money very rapidly, their net profits averaging over $150 per day for a year or more thereafter. Mr. Lane continned to wield the brush with varied success all the time, however, earning good wages, until about the middle of September, 1851, when he entered the service of Messrs. Dow & Tappan, as an auctioneer, on a salary of $275 per month. About the 1st of November, the firm established a branch store on the same street, with Mr. Lane and a young Massachusetts Yankee by the name of Humphrey Sawyer, as salesman. Dec. 1, Messrs. Lane and Sawyer, and Hallett Kilbourn, another Akron boy, (now a well-known operator in Washington City), each bought a one-fourth interest in the " branch," Messrs. Dow & Tappan retaining the other one-fourth, Mr. Dow doing the purchasing, and the junior partners running the " chebang." Feb. 1, 1852, Mr. Kilbourne withdrew, Messrs. Lane & Sawyer, then, with the old firm of Dow & Tappan, becoming each one-third owners. March 1, Messrs. Lane & Sawyer bought of Dow & Tappan the remaining one-third interest, thus becoming the sole owners of the concern, Mr. Dow still doing their purchasing on a small commission. The plan was to buy at auction from wholesale houses, by catalogue, goods that would retail readily, such as clothing, boots and shoes, hats, blankets, watches, jewelry, revolvers, notions, etc., and sell them either at auction or private sale, always, of course, aiming to obtain a good liberal margin over and above the original cost of the goods, but very often selling them at less than one-half the original cost of production. Business slowing up somewhat during the months of March and April, Mr. Sawyer became disheartened, and insisted on closing the concern out, which was accordingly done on the 1st day of June, 1852, Mr. Lane not having sufficient capital to purchase his partner's interest and run it alone. Dividing their goods, Mr. Sawyer immediately disposed of his share at a loss, through a wholesale auction house, while Mr. Lane packed and stored his share to await the " logic of events." While " waiting and watching " for something else to " turn up," Mr. Lane something more than paid his current expenses by doing occasional jobs of lettering for an established house and sign painting firm,until the latter part of August, when, yielding to a strong desire to see his wife and children, from whom he had then been absent about two years and a half, and the rather urgent solicitations of several Akron boys just in from the mines, en route for home, he sold his goods at a slight margin above cost, closed up his affairs, and on the 1st day of September, 1852, on the new and stanch steamer " Winfield Scott," set sail for Panama, by no means rich, but still with quite a fair showing for his thirty months' time and labor, considering the utter failure of the first half thereof ; and with what was far better than gold, good health.


In the spring of 1853, Mr. Lane invested his California savings in a clothing and merchant tailoring establishment in Akron, which business he conducted with reasonable success until the spring of 1855, when every dollar was swept away by fire. In the fall of 1853, the Temperance Reform party of Summit Co. put Mr. Lane forward as an Independent candidate for Representative to the State Legislature, in competition with the regular nominees of the Whig Democratic and Free-Soil parties. Afterward, an arrangement was made between the friends of Mr. Lane and the Whig and Free-Soil leaders, by which all three candidates should submit their claims to a union mass convention, which was accordingly done, the contest being between Mr. Lane and Dr. Porter G. Somers, of Cuyahoga Falls. Union Hall was completely packed, and the vote was taken by passing around the hat, with no check whatever as to the number of ballots cast, or the right of any person to vote. The count resulted in a small majority for the Doctor, who was triumphantly elected over the pro-slavery, pro-whisky, Democratic candidate; though it was more than suspected at the time that the honest sentiment of that mass convention was defeated by partisan " strategy," and that Mr. Lane should have been, by right, declared its nominee. In January, 1854, Mr. Lane was appointed by the Town Council of Akron to fill the vacancy in the Board of Education of the incorporated village, occasioned by the death of Mr. Horace Canfield. On the reorganization of the board in the following April, Mr. Lane was elected Treasurer of the Board, holding the position until the expiration of his term in 1856. In the fall of 1855, Mr. Lane having been thrown out of business by the fire above spoken of, and having naturally allied


CITY OF AKRON - 733


himself with the newly organized Republican party, presented himself before the Republican County Nominating Convention as a candidate for State Representative ; but the honors were fairly won by that then stanch Republican, Dr. Mendall Jewett, of Mogadore, now an equally stanch Prohibitionist of the Sixth Ward in Akron. On the accession of Salmon P. Chase to the Gubernatorial Chair of Ohio, in January, 1856, Mr. Lane, backed by a majority of the business men of Akron, both Republicans and Democrats, applied for the position of' Canal Collector for the port of Akron ; but his genial and rotund friend, Nathaniel W. Goodhue, Esq., carried too many political guns for him, and won the prize for himself. Thus far, though doing his best to establish and maintain Reformatory and Republican principles, Mr. Lane's political aspirations had proved such utter failures that, though still working both on the rostrum and with the pen and the paint-brush, in the fabrication of party banners and mottoes, he had concluded to make no further efforts in the office line, when, in the fall of 1856, during the celebrated Fremont-Buchanan campaign, the Republicans in different parts of Summit Co. spontaneously fixed upon him as their candidate for Sheriff, and in their Nominating Convention nominated him for that position on the first ballot, by the very handsome majority of 17 over all competitors, some six or seven in number. Though bitterly opposed, on account of his radical temperance proclivities, he was triumphantly elected, and in 1858, was renominated by acclamation, and re-elected by a greatly increased majority. On the expiration of his second term, January 1, 1861, Mr. Lane became the editor-in-chief of the Summit County Beacon, then, as now, the sole Republican organ of Summit Co. Some three months after assuming his editorial duties, he was appointed by Gov. William Dennison, without solicitation on his part, or on the part of his friends, Probate Judge of Summit Co.. to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge William M. Dodge. The honor, however, was respectfully declined, his editorial duties not permitting him to fill both positions, and as the appointment was only until the ensuing October election, about three months, and as he had but just retired from the office of Sheriff, he did not feel like asking the people for another county office so soon. Mr. Lane continued to devote thebest energies of his mind and body to the building-up of the Weekly Beacon, and its later adjunct, the Akron Daily Beacon, as detailed elsewhere in this volume, for nearly fifteen years, meantime becoming the one-third owner thereof, when, from causes entirely beyond his control, he was obliged to retire therefrom in the fall of 1875, without a dollar. At this crisis in his affairs, he again, in the fall of 1876, asked the people of Summit County for his old position of Sheriff, which, notwithstanding the objections urged against him that he was too old (being then 61 years of age) ; that he had already held the office two terms, and that he was too radical in his temperance and other reform notions, was generously given to him by a handsome majority of the voters of the county ; as was also another term, by a still larger majority at the October elections in 1878. Notwithstanding his "advanced " age, his administration of the office was so successful and satisfactory to the people, that still another term would undoubtedly have been tendered to him, but for the constitutional provision that no incumbent of that office shall serve more than four years in any consecutive six years. Transferring his office to his successor, William McKinney, Esq., on the 3d day of January, 1881, Mr. Lane continued to make himself generally useful about the court house, as Mr. McKinney's Chief Deputy, some three months, when, on the 1st day of April, 1881, the Republican Convention of the City of Akron placed him in nomination for Mayor, by the very decisive vote of 36 to 12. At the election, April 5, almost superhuman efforts were made to compass his defeat, not only by his old-time bitter enemy, Democracy, but by the entire " bummer" and " hoodlum " element of the city, and though in no way seeking or working for the office himself, Republicanism and Law and Order principles so far prevailed as to secure the election of Mr. Lane by a small majority, to be the Mayor of the city of Akron for the period of two years.


In thus presenting the merest outlines of the varied and somewhat eventful history of Mr. Lane, compiled mainly from data furnished by himself, we have, at his request, omitted a large number of interesting, thrilling, as well as ludicrous reminiscences of his life—his youthful exploits as a " Gay Lothario " among the girls, and otherwise ; his rich experiences as clerk


734 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


and book agent ; his getting lost in the woods and spending a night among the untamed Creek Indians in Alabama ; his frequent personal rencontres with blacklegs and other desperate characters, while publishing the Buzzard and Cascade Roarer; the numberless egg-peltings and other indignities received while preaching the gospel of temperance ; the hazards and hardships of his overland journey to California ; scenes, tragical and comical, including the excitements of the vigilance committee period, in San Francisco ; his " hair breadth scapes by land and sea," from shipwreck and pestilence upon the journey home ; the successful system of criminal detection pursued by himself and others, while filling the office of Sheriff from 1856 to 1861 ; his many encounters with both male and female desperadoes in and about the jail during his eight years of official service ; his experiences with the fire-fiend by which he was twice reduced from comparative affluence to substantial beggary ; his struggles with poverty, with disease and with domestic afflictions ; all possess an interest of no ordinary type, but which Mr. Lane thinks would occupy more space in this volume than their importance to the public would justify. But a few words more regarding the family matters of Mr. Lane should not be omitted. With the wife of his youth, Mr. Lane lived harmoniously and happily for almost a third of a century, her death occurring on the 2d day of July, 1871. To them were born eight children, four of whom, three sons and one daughter, were taken from them by death, in infancy and early childhood. Of the survivors, the eldest, Julius Sherman Lane, now in the 40th year of his age, is an honored citizen of Akron, a machinist by trade, and is one of the proprietors and the superintendent of one of Akron's most successful manufacturing establishments—The Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company. The next son, Frederick Alanson Lane, now in his 32d year, is an engineer and pressman ; at present, after about ten years acceptable service in the extensive newspaper and job press rooms of the Beacon Publishing Company, in Akron, is in charge of the presses and machinery of the Ohio Farmer in the city of Cleveland. The third son, Arthur Malcolm Lane, now 25 years old, is under the training of his elder brother, both a practical machinist and an experienced draughtsman, and, after about three years' service in the draughting room of the celebrated Baldwin Locomotive Works, in Philadelphia, is now filling a similar position in the Rhode Island Locomotive Works, in the city of Providence. The youngest, a daughter, Carrie Maria Lane, now 23 years of age, was married, Sept. 11, 1878, to Mr. Albert J. Pitkin, also a graduate from the works of the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company, in Akron, who, after four years experience in the draughting rooms of the Baldwin Locomotive Works, at Philadelphia, is now the superintendent of the draughting department of the Rhode Island Locomotive Works, above alluded to, at Providence. And now, in summing up this brief sketch of his family, Mr. Lane bids us say that each and all of his living children are in every respect the superior of their paternal ancestor, a circumstance which he attributes entirely to the careful early training bestowed upon them by their sainted mother. Nov. 11. 1872, Mr. Lane married, for his second wife, Mrs. Emeline Manning, a sister of the former Mrs. Lane, with whom he has since lived in perfect harmony and happiness. Thus, in the 66th year of his life, though not rich in this world's goods, Mr. Lane is comfortably situated, and, in the companionship of his most excellent wife, the society of his children and grandchildren, and surrounded by kind friends and neighbors, he is happy in the thought that during his nearly half a century's residence among them, he has so largely attained and retained the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens of the city of Akron and of Summit Co.


CARSON LAKE was born March 17, 1852, at Fredonia, N. Y., being descended on his fathers side from stock of Gen. Warren, of Bunker Hill fame, and on his mother's side from the family which numbered among its branches the noted scout Kit Carson, and the Hills of Southern fame. He was the sole survivor of a family of six children. His father died when he was quite young, and in 1861, his mother going into the hospitals of Alexandria, Va., he spent some two years amid the thrilling surroundings of Washington and Alexandria at that period, a portion of the time serving as a Government messenger. Returning North, after some time in the Akron schools, he was sent for a year to the well-known Academy at Madison, Ohio, and then entered the office of the Weekly Beacon as an apprentice. His first newspaper work was


CITY OF AKRON - 735


done about this time as local correspondent for the Cleveland Herald. He was finally promoted to the position of reporter, after the starting of the Daily Beacon. For some months, although not yet 18 years of age, during an unsettled condition of the office affairs, he had entire editorial charge of the paper. Resigning to enter college, he was for a year a student at Dennison University, Granville, Ohio, and a year at Buchtel College, leaving the latter just before graduating, to accept a position on the Tri-Weekly and Weekly Times, which was resigned a year later, the Tri- Weekly having suspended, and the Times changed hands, to accept the position of managing editor of the Toledo Democrat and Herald, the organ of northwestern Ohio Democracy. He occupied this position for a year and a half, when he was for a year business manager of the Toledo Daily Commercial. In December, 1876, he purchased the Akron Daily and Semi- Weekly Argus, which he sold in July, 1879, to Messrs. Weiner & Nelson, in order to accept the position of corresponding secretary of the Democratic State Executive Committee. This position kept him in Columbus for a year, during which time he was managing editor of the Times and Statesman, and State correspondent of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. In September, 1878, he became editor and manager for the Gazette Co. of the Sunday Gazette. In 1878, he was appointed an aide on the staff of Gov. Bishop, with rank of Colonel, but resigned the following year. He has a wide acquaintance throughout the State, and has several times been prominently mentioned in connection with State offices. He has, however, never desired such mention. Being warmly attached to Gen. Ewing's cause, it is probable he would have been given a prominent position, had that gentleman been elected Governor. He was married in 1873 to Olie E. Helfer, by whom he has four children.


DENNIS J. LONG, Agent Union Express Company, Akron ; was born in Albany, N. Y., Nov. 28, 1844, where he lived until he was 15 years of age, when he came to Akron with his brother, J. A. Long. In 1859, he became an apprentice in the Beacon office, where he served about four years. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, 104th O. V. I., serving the first two years as private soldier. In February, 1864, he was appointed to a clerkship in the office of Gen. Schofield, where he remained inthe Department of Ohio until the close of the war. June 28, 1865, he was mustered out at Greensboro, N. C. On his return, with A. L. Paine, he started a new weekly paper entitled, the Summit County Journal, in 1865, with . Judge Carpenter as editor ; this they conducted with good success two years, when Mr. Long sold out his interest and bought a one-third interest in the Beacon, being connected with that paper as stockholder and proprietor until 1875, when he became hookkeeper in the office of the Akron Iron Company, continuing for two years. March 1, 1877, he was appointed agent of the Union Express Company ; he is now agent of the Union, American and Adams Express Companies. In May, 1870, he was married to Miss Eliza A. Potter, of Akron.


CHARLES LIEBMAN, Akron ; was born at Dayton, Ohio, June 30, 1854 ; when very young, his family removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, that he might have better opportunities for studying music. His father, Rev. L. Liebman, was a Rabbi at Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland ; also twelve years at Youngstown, Ohio. At each of these places the subject f this sketch studied music, for which he had early formed a great love. From 1874 to 1876, he attended the New England Conservatory of Music, at Boston, Mass., studying the piano and violin. In 1876, he went to New York City where he was under Prof. Mills and other noted teachers. In 1877, he became director of the Youngstown Maennerchor, where he remained two years ; in June, 1879, he came to Akron, and, at the solicitation of the Akron Harmonic Society, he became the leader, also engaged in teaching piano, organ, violin and theory ; he is a director of the society. Oct. 26, 1877, he married Miss Emma Ritter, of Youngstown, Ohio.


REV. W. LOTHMAN, Akron ; oldest son of Ernest Lothman, was born in the village of Buer, situated in the southren part of the Kingdom of Hanover, Jan. 31, 1845. He was but 24 years old when his parents came to Cleveland, Ohio, where his mother still lives, and where his father was in the employ of Morgan, Root & Co., having charge of their grocery until his death in 1861. The subject of this sketch attended the Cleveland Public Schools until he was confirmed in 1858, when he entered Concordia College at Fort Wayne, Ind., and graduated from the gymnasium of that


736 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


school in 1862. He then entered the Concordia University at St. Louis, Mo., from which he graduated in June, 1866, when he entered the ministry, serving the German Lutheran Church at Elyria and the St. Paul's Church at Liverpool, Medina Co., on alternate Sabbaths for six years, during which period, the membership of the Elyria Church largely increased, a new building was erected and a school established. In 1872. he received a call from Zion's Lutheran Church of Akron, and became its Pastor in August, having since continued. On June 20, 1867, he married Miss Betty Husmann, daughter of Rev. F. W. Husmann, Pastor of the German Lutheran Church of Euclid. Ohio. She bore him five children, and all are living.


J. A. LONG, Secretary and Treasurer of Akron Iron Co., Akron ; is a son of John and Margaret (Reilley) Long, and was born April 10, 1837, at Albany, N. Y., where he lived until 18 years of age, when he left school and took the position of clerk in a lumber yard. In 1855, he came to Akron, Ohio, and became teacher in the public schools of Summit Co. for eleven terms, and working during vacation at various employments. In 1864, he became bookkeeper for Aultman, Miller & Co., remaining with them for five years, when he was appointed Secretary and Treasurer of the Akron Iron Co., which position he still holds. Since his connection with the establishment, its business has increased threefold. He was married, Nov. 10, 1859, to Miss Mary A. Falor, daughter of Geo. A. Falor, one of the pioneers of Coventry Township. Twelve children have been born of this marriage, seven of whom are living—Ludie M., Celia R., Bennie A., John H., George A., Mary A. and Lloyd G. Mr. L. is Republican in politics ; is a member of the Central Committee. Was first City Clerk, and held the office from 1865 to 1867, and Councilman from 1867 to 1869.


FRANK F. LOOMIS, an engineer in fire department, Akron ; is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Taylor) Loomis ; was born in Akron April 2, 1854, where he attended public schools until his father died, when he lived with an uncle at Wadsworth for some time. In 1869, he went into a pottery, working in it for one year; then learned the blacksmith's trade, and, in 1870, he became a minute man in Steamer No. 1, and served as fireman and blacksmith in the city fire department. At the death of James H. Stanford, he was made engineer of steamer in January, 1881. He was married, July 10, 1879, to Miss Barbara Grad, of Akron. His father was born in Medina Co., and lived there till he was 14, and then went to Lake Co. When grown, he came to Akron, and became captain of a canal-boat for the Navigation Co. He followed this business until the war broke out, when he enlisted in the 29th O. V. I., and after a hard campaign with the Army of the Cumberland, he caught cold from fording a river, and died at Cumberland, Md., in January, 1862. Subject is the oldest son ; one brother, Charles H., is a farmer, near Sears, Mich. Mother still lives in Akron.


DR. THOMAS M. LEIGHT, physician, Akron ; was born on his father's farm in Perry Township, Snyder Co., Penn. (then included in Union Co.), on the 8th of August. 1827, and resided in the vicinity until 1857. He was married, Feb. 8, 1853, to Miss Bella R. Bobst. of Milton, Penn. They have no children. He commenced the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Wilson & Bibighouse, of Selin's Grove, then Union Co., Penn. (now Snyder Co.) He read with them some four or five years, and then began practice at McKee's Falls, in Snyder Co., where he remained about nine years, during which time he attended lectures at Philadelphia (Jefferson Medical College); also the University of Pennsylvania, attending a month or two each year, graduating at the Jefferson Medical College in July, 1857. From McKee's Half-Falls, he removed to Mifflin, Juniata Co., Penn., where he practiced in partnership with Dr. E. D. Crawford about seven years, during which time they served as surgeons of the Pennsylvania R. R. Co. He then came to Akron, Ohio, where he has since practiced. He is a member of the Summit County Medical Society, of which he is now (1881) Vice President, and is also a member of the Union Medical Society of Northeastern Ohio.


HON. SAMUEL W. McCLURE, son of Jairus McClure and Amma Hobbs, was born Nov. 8, 1812, at Alstead, Cheshire Co., N. H. His parents, when he was about 3 years old, returned to the place of their nativity, Brookfield, Worcester Co., Mass., with their children, two in number, consisting of the subject of this sketch and an elder sister. There they remained until he was about 7 years old, when they emigrated to Western New York, ultimately


CITY OF AKRON. - 787


settling in Monroe County, near what is now the city of Rochester. There they remained until the spring of 1828, when they removed to Medina, Medina Co., Ohio, where both died—the father in 1865, in the 89th year of his age, and the mother several years earlier, at the age of 71. His parents were of Scotch ancestry, though, on the paternal side, they had lived in the North of Ireland for two generations or more before emigrating to the United States, or rather to the British colonies of America, for such they then were. The mother, inheriting the fervent religious sentiments f her Scotch ancestry, intended to devote her son to the Christian ministry, and molded his youthful efforts and education in that direction ; and, she was so far gratified that she saw him enter into full membership with the Congregational Church at the age of 15. With the ministry in view, he pursued his academical studies while he lived in New York, and until he was near 16 years old. At the age of 18, he commenced teaching in the public schools of Medina County during two or three years ensuing, when he entered Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn., and where he prosecuted his collegiate studies with great zeal, embracing in them other branches as well as the prescribed course. At about the expiration f three years, he retired from the institution and took private instruction for nearly one year of Rev. Lee, who was then Pastor of the church to which he belonged. He was in advance of his class when he left college. In 1837, he opened a select school in Medina, taught the same two terms, and at the same time entered the law office of Canfield & Camp as a student, with the view of entering the legal profession. In 1838, he went to Ashland, then in Richland County, and organized a select school there, which was afterward called the Ashland Academy when transferred to a new building erected by the citizens expressly for its accommodation. In this school he was employed less than two years, successfully managing the same, and also prosecuting his legal studies, a portion of the time in the office of Silas Robbins, Esq., and the residue in the office of' the late Northern District Judge, Hon. Charles S. Sherman. During a part of the above time, he also edited the Ashland Phoenix, a non-partisan paper, and made of it a first-class literary and racy paper for his readers. In 1840, he returned to Medina, and took charge of the editorial department of the Medina Constitutionalist, its former editor, then James S. Carpenter, Esq., having been elected to the State Senate for the Medina district. All through the exciting campaign which resulted in the election of William H. Harrison to the Presidency, both through the columns of his paper and upon the stump, he advocated, with much success, the cause of the Whig party, whose candidate Harrison was. Soon after his return to Medina County, be formed a law partnership with Senator Carpenter, and in the organization of the new county of Summit, Grant B. Turner, of Cuyahoga Falls, was added to the firm—Carpenter and McClure residing in Medina County, and Turner in Summit. In January, 1842, he married Miss Matilda E. Deming, of Ashland, and, in the spring of the same year, settled in Cuyahoga Falls, where he continued to live until 1865, when he removed to Akron, where he now resides. Grant B. Turner did not remain long in the practice of the law, and, retiring from the firm, it was left as originally formed, until 1850, when it was dissolved. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney f his county in 1847, but the next year, and before his term as Prosecutor had expired, he was nominated and elected to a seat in the Ohio Legislature, which office he held for one term only. From 1850 to 1864, he had associated with him, as law partner, the Hon. Henry McKinney, late State Senator from Summit and Portage District, and now Common Pleas Judge of the Cleveland sub-division. In 1865, he associated with himself as law partner, Edward Oviatt, Esq., and that firm continued until the spring of 1871, when he was elected to the Common Pleas Bench, for the subdivision composed of Summit, Medina and Lorain Counties, serving in that capacity five years; and, not desiring a re-election, he retired to private life, and measurably from the practice of his profession. Possessed of an ample fortune, it was not necessary for him to endure the drudgery and fatigue of active practice. Still he is largely called upon for counsel in important business matters and suits, and occasionally engages in the trial of causes, especially in the District Court. In the mean time, he has visited Europe with his younger daughter ; and with his wife and same daughter he visited California, making thorough tours


738 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


in each of those great sight-seeing portions of the globe.


He had by his marriage two daughters : Julia E., who became the wife of Mr. Henry G. Mathews, with whom she lived fourteen years, and died in February, 1881 ; and Ida M., who continues to live in her father's family. Judge McClure possessed elements of strength which gave him extraordinary power as a lawyer. He was an incessant and tireless worker, intensely enthusiastic in whatever he undertook to accomplish ; had great courage, and was wonderfully quick in his perceptions. These qualities, combined as they were with a remarkable grasp for business affairs, rendered him a most dangerous adversary, and, for many years, made him one of the very foremost lawyers of the. State. Probably no lawyer in Ohio tried more causes during the twenty-five years of his life between 1846 and 1871, than he, or was more successful. He more than made the cause of his client his own. With all his zeal, however, he never forgot the courtesy due from one gentleman to another ; and while dealing the hardest kind of blows, in any given professional contest, he always left opposing counsel feeling kindly toward him personally, and to young men especially he was considerate and encouraging. Naturally he possessed a very quick, fiery temper, which required for its control constant watchfulness and a strong will, and this, as a general rule, he succeeded well in accomplishing, under all the varying changes of practice at the bar. For ready wit, vigorous thought and thrilling eloquence, he had no superior among his associates at the bar. He was always systematic, logical and ready in his public addresses ; a fact somewhat surprising, since, at the commencement of his career, he dared not venture an attempt at speaking extemporaneously, and until he was 30 years old he had always carefully to write and commit to memory all his public addresses, being too timid and nervous to trust himself before an audience without such preparation.


He never was a politician, in the popular acceptation of the term, though he always took an earnest interest' in public affairs, and occasionally took anctive part in political contests ; not so much from a partisan standpoint as from his thorough convictions of what, in the given contest, was the better public policy ; that is, what was right. From his first appearance before the public until the close of the war of the rebellion, he was a most earnest anti-slavery man, and took a resolute and pronounced position against the system of slavery and its aggressions ; and on all proper occasions sought to educate public sentiment in harmony with his own convictions. He was, as already stated, elected to represent Summit County in the General Assembly, in 1848, and as a Whig, and was a candidate for re-election in the fall of 1849, but was beaten by the united votes of the Democrats and Free-Soilers, by a majority of less than one hundred, while the balance of the ticket was beaten by about four hundred votes. He occupied a more flattering position in the Legislature, being universally recognized as one f its ablest and most useful members. His nomination for legislative position both times was much against his wishes, and he only consented to accept as a matter of public duty, on account of the peculiar attitude of the two leading political parties upon the slavery question, that then being the all absorbing question with the electors of Northern Ohio.


Judge McClure's industry and painstaking preparation of his cases when a practitioner, made him exceedingly restive when he was on the bench, at the heedless and dilatory modes of lawyers who came into court unprepared to try their causes ; and, occasionally, provoked him into sharp reminders, that the public interests before him should not be sacrificed to the indolence of attorneys, and occasionally caused the summary disposition f their cases. But, as his modes and motives became understood and appreciated, the lawyers ascertained that their true interests were best subserved by willing co-operation with the court. He disposed of his judicial business with great dispatch, and to the general satisfaction of the bar. His sense of justice and fair play, always acute, led him first to find where justice lay, and then, he was almost sure to find some rule of law by which justice could be upheld. His great experience as a lawyer made him a very able tryer of causes, and his general knowledge of the law and the practice of the courts, made him a very first-class Judge, when exercising the jurisdiction of an appellate court, sitting as he did, during his entire term, mainly in Cleveland and Toledo.


In the early years of his practice, he was appointed United States Commissioner because


CITY OF AKRON - 739


of his strict standup to his convictions, especially to cope with a band f counterfeiters, who, for years, had been preying upon the coin and currency f the country, headed by the notorious Jim Brown. While acting as such Commissioner, a singular incident occurred, in which he was a prominent actor, and it illustrates a peculiar social condition in the community where it occurred. Brown, for years, had defied the State authorities in his raids upon the currency, and thus far had been singularly successful in eluding the vigilance f the General Government. Though notoriously recognized as the leader of these lawbreakers, he was elected and served term after term as Justice of the Peace of Northampton Township ; and, to his credit it may be said, that he performed the duties of the office well: Complaint had been made before Commissioner McClure, and he had issued his warrant for the apprehension of Brown upon a charge of counterfeiting, and, while this warrant was out, standing in the hands of the Sheriff and unexecuted, Judge McClure appeared before Brown for one of two parties litigant. The trial being concluded, the Justice took the case under advisement, but was arrested and lodged in jail before he decided the case. He then rendered his judgment in favor of McClure's client, remarking, as he did so, that he hoped the Commissioner would take a similar favorable view of his case, and in his favor, whenever the same came up for hearing. Judge McClure did so, by holding Brown under $20,000 bond for his appearance before the United States Court at Columbus, which, however, was afterward reduced to $5,000 by the Federal Judge.


There is no telling how much the pulpit lost by the making of so able a lawyer. There is no question, however, that he would have won distinction as a divine. But his logical and independent cast of mind, on reaching full maturity, led him to distrust, and, in fact, to despise dogmatism, and to demand demonstration ; or, at least, that every proposition and doctrine should challenge the approval of right, reason and common sense before his continued assent could be secured for the toleration of any given tenet, theory or system, whether in ethics, philosophy or religion. Consequently, at an early period of his life he abandoned, or, rather, never fully fell into the ways that had been with the very best motives marked out for him. He may be classed with those who are popularly known as Free-thinkers or Liberalists : who believe in being good, and doing good for goodness' sake, irrespective of religious creeds, beliefs or sanctions, for they are legion ; who advocate a greater degree of religious influence in the world than even sectarians, but it is the religion of humanity—the only genuine human ideal. It consists in loving human beings and other deserving objects, such as we know and can benefit, and not in loving a God or gods about whom we know nothing, and who, if they exist at all, are infinitely beyond the reach of the adoration of mortals.


LEWIS MILLER, manufacturer and inventor, Akron, the youngest of three sons of John and Elizabeth (York) Miller, was born in Greentown, Lake Township, Stark Co., Ohio, Aug. 24, 1829. His parents were respectable and industrious people. His father, a cabinet-maker, house-builder and farmer, originally came from Maryland, removing to the West in 1812. He was a man f sterling integrity, and universally esteemed, holding a prominent position in his community. Lewis, the subject f this article, spent his boyhood on a farm, until about 17, attending school in one of the old-time schoolhouses built of logs, having slab benches, etc. In 1846, he learned the plastering trade, serving two years with a man named Wm. Essig ; he worked at this trade for five years, also attending acadamies in Illinois during winter seasons and teaching in Stark Co., Ohio, two terms, in that time having moved to Plainfield, Ill, near Chicago, in the meanwhile. In 1851, he returned to Greentown, where he connected himself as a partner with the manufacturing firm of Ball, Aultman & Co. (afterward f Canton) and by patience, determination and energy, soon mastered the machinist's trade, serving for but 50 cents per day at first while learning. In the fall of 1851, the company with $6,000 capital in all, removed to Canton. The partners were six in number, viz : E. Ball, C. Aultman, David Fouser, Lewis Miller, Geo. Cook and Jacob Miller. They first manufactured threshing machines, stoves and plows, and old Obed Hussey reapers, and did repairing. They had no competition in reapers except one shop on the Ohio River. During 1849, our subject worked on the old "Hussey" reaper, and ever since that time he has been experi-


740 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


menting on reapers, every season, in harvest field. His remarkable aptitude for the machinist's trade, manifested itself so plainly, that, in a short time after his apprenticeship he was advanced to the superintendency of the works, and while in this position he invented the world-renowned "Buckeye Mower and Reaper" —known in the market as the double-hinged floating-bar—a distinctive feature from which all two-wheeled floating-bar machines are patterned. To this great and valuable invention he afterward added others of scarcely less utility, chief among which is his table rake (a self-rake), which he invented in 1865, and which attained a wonderful popularity, within a few years. With the manufacture of the "Buckeye" the business of the Canton house became so largely increased that, in 1863, it was found necessary to establish a branch concern at Akron, under the incorporated name of Aultman, Miller & Co., and in the following year he removed to Akron to take charge of the works here, since which time he has been superintendent and had full charge of the same. In this position he has lived to see the once insignificant shop expanded into wider halls, wherein is executed a business which, of its kind, is one of the most extensive in the country, which grand success is due, no doubt, to each partner giving all his time and attention to active work, wearing, so to speak, when the business was first commenced at Canton, the work apron himself, instead of hiring other men to do it. No dividends were declared until 1866. They attained success through hard labor, and some disappointments. On May 5, 1855, while they were all filled with machines ready for market, their entire establishment burned to the ground, with a loss of $50,000, there being only $7,000 insurance. It was in June, 1856, that the first patents were granted for the "Buckeye," and at various times over one hundred patents were granted to the firm, one of which was for "Miller's Binder," which machine is the result of Mr. Miller's study. The business has increased from six threshers and ten or twelve reapers per year, to twelve hundred threshers and about twenty thousand reapers and mowers per year, or one complete machine to every four and one-half minutes during working hours. They began building the traction engine in 1877, the capacity now being five hundred engines per year. At thepresent time, he is President of the Canton manufactory, and of the Akron Iron Co.; also Superintendent of the Akron manufactory, and member of Board of Directors of the Weary, Snyder Manufacturing Co., of Akron. He is a Director of the Bank of Akron, and a stockholder in the First National Bank of Canton. He is a member of the Board of Education and was twice President f the same. He has taken a deep interest in politics, and worked in the Republican party, being an anti-slavery man, he is now connected with the National party. He became a member f the M. E. Church in 1843, has held all positions in the church, and been Sunday School Superintendent for twenty-eight years. He was three times a lay delegate to the General Conference of the church, and has been honored from time to time with other prominent positions of trust. He was President of the Ohio Sunday School Association ; and of the Chautauqua Association, having been the originator f the Chautauqua scheme, and, as co-worker with Dr. J. H. Vincent, has infused new life into the methods of Sabbath school work, always the President. In educational matters he has taken a great interest, especially so in the case of Mt. Union College. He is President of Mt. Union College Board of Trustees, and is a Trustee of the Ohio Wesleyan University, and of Allegheny College. On Sept. 16, 1853, he married Mary D. Alexander, f Plainfield, Ill., who bore him eleven children, ten of whom are living, and are viz., Jennie, Ira M., Edward B., Robert A., Lewis A., Mina, Mamie, Grace, John V. and Theodore W. Eva died when 16.


JOHN McGREGOR, Secretary and Treasurer of the Akron Steam Forge Company ; he was born in Columbiana County, near Wellsville, June 14, 1836 ; his parents, John and Margaret (McBean) McGregor, are natives of Scotland ; they emigrated to America in 1828, and settled in Columbiana County, where they now reside. The subject of this sketch was raised on his father's farm, and, in 1861, entered Jefferson College at Cannonsburg, Penn., from which institution he gr. 'mated in 1863, standing sixth in a class of thirty-nine ; he then entered Ohio Law College, at Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained one year. In 1864, he entered upon the practice of his profession at Akron, continuing at this for seven years, during which time he was elected City Solicitor, filling this position two years, from 1869


CITY OF AKRON - 741


to 1871 ; he then purchased an interest in the Akron Steam Forge Works, and when the establishment was re-organized in 1872, under the control of a joint-stock company, he was elected Secretary and Treasurer of the association, which position he has faithfully filled ever since. Mr. McGregor is, at the present time, Treasurer of Portage Township ; he was first chosen for this office in 1877, and has been re-elected each succeeding spring since then. He was married Nov. 11, 1868, to Miss Hattie E. Folger, daughter of William M. and Julia A. (Hayden) Folger ; they are the parents of three children—Julia F., John and Mary.


CHARLES MERRIMAN, Akron ; youngest child of Jesse and Rhoda (Fox) Merriman ; was born July 1, 1800, in Berkshire Co., Mass., where he lived on a farm. When he was 10 years of age his mother died, leaving two sons besides our subject, and one daughter, viz.: Andrews, a physician, who settled in Madison, Lake Co., Ohio, in 1816, and practiced in that place forty-nine years and ten months ; Clarissa, oldest of the children, who married Justin Cole, now one f the pioneers of Lake Co., and Alvin, who was a tanner by trade, going to Parkersburg, W. Va., in about 1840, where he lived a few years, then went to Centralia, Southern Illinois, and lastly to Bloomington, Ill., where he died. Mr. Merriman received, in his boyhood, a good common school education. Soon after his .mother's death the other children married, and left home, but he remained and farmed there until 1835, taking care f his father, who was quite aged, and who afterward came here, and died in his 89th year. In 1834, accompanied by his father, he came, by canal and lakes, to visit friends in Lake Co., and in March, 1835, bought 272 acres f wild land in Portage Township, on the canal, two and a half miles from Akron, for which he paid $1,200. On May 5 they started, with a team, to Madison, Ohio, completing the trip in fifteen days ; they remained, improving some property there, until August, when they came on to their wild land. There they lived in a .small coopershop with Charles Webster and family for two weeks. They could only with great difficulty obtain lumber ; he built a house of round logs hewn down inside, and having unplaned boards for the floor, living there for seven years, when he built a large frame house, in which he lived until 1869, when he moved to Akron. Heowned 125 acres in Lorain County, which he exchanged for 95 acres near New Portage. He was a successful stock farmer, and a natural mechanic, putting up his own buildings. On Dec. 1, 1824, he married Miss Harriet Allis, of Dalton, Mass., who bore him four children, viz., Rhoda F. (who died in her seventh year, and was buried at Dalton), Charles Rector (now a physician of Akron, Ohio), Wells E. (a machinist of Akron, being a pattern-maker), and Louisa E. (who died in her second year). In politics he is a Republican, and has held several offices of trust in that party ; he was formerly a Whig. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, he having joined it at the age of 17.


ANDREWS MAY, retired, Akron. The parents of the subject of this article were Dexter and Sarah (Andrews) May. He was born at Royalston, Hampshire, Co., Mass., on Aug. 6, 1792. When 6 years old his parents moved to Concord, Vt., where they lived about six years, then moved to Montpelier ; when he was 12 years old, he went to district school, and continued to attend about three months per year, until 16 years of age, when he learned painting, and helped to paint the first State House ever constructed in Vermont. Finding that the poisonous preparation of lead used in paint was not conducive to his health, he abandoned the trade, and commenced the carpentering, millwrighting and joiner trades, which he followed in Vermont until 1816. On July 1, 1818, he came to Ohio, sending his tools by wagon, having been employed for four years previous at Champlain, N. Y., by William H. Price in building mills. In the spring of 1812, he volunteered in the service, and three companies were drilled three months, and assigned to the command of Gen. Dearborn. The regiment to which our subject belonged, all volunteered to the expedition against Montreal, but were ordered back to Swanton Falls, in winter quarters to guard the frontier against the encroachments of Gen. Mayo with 1,000 hostile Indians. These three companies remained until spring, when they were mustered out. Subject again participated in the battle of Plattsburg; he rode on horseback through the neighborhood, rallying the men, who marched in good spirits to the battle. His employer, William H. Price, bought a tract of land at Kent, of 700 acres (Kent was called Franklin Mills post office).


742 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


Subject then built a large flouring-mill at Kent, supposed to be, at that time (1818), the largest in the State. Remaining in that vicinity, he built a large house for Judge Whitmore, in Stow, in 1820 and 1821. This place is now called Cuyahoga Falls. In 1821, he went to Thorndyke, and there went into partnership with Israel Thorndyke ; started a nail factory, bringing good machinery from Massachusetts, grind stone from Nova Scotia, and nail plate from Albany, N. Y., the freightage on all f which being over $6 per hundred. Although they made excellent nails, they failed to collect their pay for goods, and were, therefore, obliged to abandon the business. In 1823, he went into the plow business, employing Dr. L. Croby, of Middlebury, to mold over two hundred cast plows. They were called " Jethro Woods, No. 4." This was before the canal was put through, and he had five counties to work in, viz.: Portage, Medina, Cuyahoga, Wayne and Stark, and being obliged to travel on horseback to collect bills, he could not make it successful, even failing to collect enough to pay traveling expenses. At Franklin, he established a cupola furnace, using charcoal to cast plows. This he continued some four years, when he let it drop because of some infringements on the patent, which Wood did not litigate. In Dec. 31, 1824, he married Miss Ann L. Uttey, of Hartford, Conn., which marriage was blessed with five children, two of whom, Horace U. and Horace U. second, died, the former at Akron in his sixth year, and the latter (his namesake), at Akron in his 22d year. Those living are Albert D., of Yosemite Valley, Cal. ; Helen M., at home, and Frank H., fruit dealer at Chicago, Ill. After leaving the plow business, he farmed in Franklin about one year, sending sixty barrels of flour to New York, this was in 1833. In about 1834, he built a house for Ithiel Mills, of Akron, which is still standing. In 1835, he moved to Akron, and in that year built the "Summit House," which is also standing. This place becoming then so unhealthy, he moved to Wadsworth, Ohio, where he lived five years employed in building. He returned in 1840 to Akron, and, having a carriage then, he drove in that year to all the meetings with the Democrats. After moving here he engaged in teaming and building until about 1875, when he was afflicted with paralysis. In belief, he is a Universalist, but belongs to no society, and is thoroughly a cosmopolitan. He is a Republican and a Whig, and voted his first Presiderstial ticket for James Madison.


GEN. GEORGE W. McNEIL, miller, Akron. son of Samuel and Martha (Coakley) McNeil was born Sept. 16, 1813, in Montgomery Co., N. Y. At the age of 10, with his father's family, he moved to a spot near Syracuse, N. Y. His father was a boatbuilder, and George began to assist him when a boy, continuing to do so until 1837, when he came to Massillon, Ohio, where, in the fall and winter of the same year, he worked at carpentering and boat building. In the spring of 1838, he entered the employ of Beach & Co., in the stone mills at Akron, acting as clerk, which position he retained until 1840, in the fall of which year he was made captain of the canal-boat " Cornelia." of Akron, which he ran to Cleveland, Buffalo and Albany, a distance of 900 miles, it being the longest run f any boat previous to that time. In the spring of 1841, he and Nicholas Rector put a run of stone in the old Center Mills, conducting it about one year. when they sold out, purchased the site for and built the City Mills, of which they sold a part interest to Philo Chamberlain, in 1843. Subject remained in that mill until 1874, when he took charge of the manufacturing department of the firm of Chamberlain & Co., which firm purchased the AEtna Mills, in 1862, both mills continuing under the control of Chamberlain. up to 1880. In July, 1874, Mr. McNeil withdrew from the company, and engaged in the manufacture of grain-cleaning machinery, which occupation he followed until 1878, five years previous to which date he invented the " McNeil Grain Scourer," which is still manufactured by G. W. McNeil & Sons, f this place. In December, 1877, the firm of McNeil & Baldwin was formed, and they rented the Etna Mills f Chamberlain & Co. In 1879-80, they repaired it, and arranged for the new process of making flour. He was elected Brigadier General of the Eighteenth Division Ohio Militia in 1858-59. In 1858, he was elected on the People's Ticket Mayor of Akron. He was raised in the Whig school, and became a Prohibitionist in 1872. For twelve years, he has been connected with the Sons f Temperance as a prominent worker. Nov. 4, 1842, he married Miss Eleanor C. Martin, of Akron, who bore him one daughter and two sons, viz., Em-


CITY OF AKRON - 738


ma (wife of A. E. Angier, of Columbus, Ohio), Charles A., f Akron, and George W., Jr., f New York.


REV. THOMAS E. MONROE, minister, Akron. Rev. Thomas E. Monroe, the able Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Akron, Ohio, is of Scotch descent, and one of four children of Job and Phebe (Collins) Monroe, being born at Plainfield, Conn., on April 28, 1829. His father was born in Massachusetts, and, in his early manhood, studied law ; but, his health failing, he engaged in farming. In the war of 1812, he was Captain. He died in Oberlin, Ohio, in 1872, being in his 87th year. His three sons and one daughter, excepting the subject of these lines, are Abel, a banker of Woonsocket, R. I. ; Prof. James Monroe, of Oberlin College, and Mary, who is deceased. The subject spent his youth on a farm, attending to farm duties, and receiving such an education as the New England schools afforded, including Latin. At 17, he began teaching in the public schools of Rhode Island, continuing for three years, when he entered a preparatory school at Providence, R. I. The year following, he entered Oberlin College, taking a classical course, in which he graduated in 1856 ; and, in two years after, graduated in a theological course. In the summer of 1859, he was ordained by the Cleveland Conference a minister f the Gospel. For one year, he was located at Amherst, Lorain Co.. Ohio, becoming Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, in 1860, which place he filled until 1873, in the meantime having increased the membership from 150 to 437. During his stay with that people, they built a church costing $38,000. On April 1, 1873, he came to Akron, and became Pastor of its First Congregational Church, which position he holds, having now 650 members, exclusive f 122 absent ones, being an increase of 504 over the membership when he took charge of it. In June, 1859, he married Miss Mary Bernard, of Philadelphia, who bore him one child.


JAMES MATHEWS, insurance, Akron, is a son of James and Jane (Archer) Mathews, and was born April 23, 1803, in Washington Co., N. Y. When he was 8 years of age, his parents moved to Crown Point, and, a few years later, to Vermont. He was brought up on a farm, and, at the age of 22 years, commenced learning the cabinet-making business and painting, giving special attention to ornamental painting. His health failing, he discontinued the business, and was appointed Constable of Orange Co., Vt., and was thus employed until 1839, when he came to Akron, Ohio. He first commenced the manufacturing of grain shovels, and then engaged in building ; and, in 1840, in working on Perkins & Co.'s Woolen Factory, now used as a mill. He next embarked in the grocery business, which he continued until 1845, when he built the Mathews residence, corner of East Market and Broadway, which was the second brick building in that part of the city. In the spring of 1849, he went into the insurance business, as agent of five of the leading companies, viz., AEtna, Phoenix, Springfield, Home of New York, and Hartford, continuing fire insurance, until, in 1873, when he gave it over to his son, Henry G. In January, 1857, he became agent of the Mutual Life of New York, and has retained it ever since, a period of twenty-four years. He is now the oldest agent of that company in the State, and has the best ratio of business, and has insured to the amount of over $12,000,000. He was married in January, 1833, at Wells River, Vt., to Miss Agnes Grant, of that place. Three children were born of that marriage—George H. (died in December, 1872, in his 33d year) ; Henry, of Akron, and Charles H., bookkeeper f Booth's Theater, New York. His wife died in April, 1870. Mr. Mathews was a Jackson Democrat ; but, after the campaign of Gen. Cass, in 1848, he became a Whig ; and, upon the organization f the Republican party, adopted its principles. In 1865, he was elected Mayor of the city of Akron for two years by a unanimous vote, and during his term f office made many needed improvements in streets, etc. He was a member of the first Board of Education of Akron, which was elected in 1847. He was a second time married, on the 23d of November, 1871, to Mrs. Isabella Tayler, widow of the late James D. Tayler, and a daughter of Alonzo Howard, one f the pioneer merchants of Middlebury, where she was born. Mr. M. built the Mathews Block on Howard street, in 1850, and rebuilt it in 1871. He is a writer of considerable merit is of Scotch descent, and has a warm admiration for the ballads and verses of Scotia's immortal bard. During the residence in Vermont, he was thrown among the Scotch people of Caledonia Co., where he acquired a taste and


744 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


aptness for the Scotch dialect, which he speaks " like a native "—if occasion requires it. He was a member of the Town Council in 1842-43, and is now the only survivor of those bodies.


CHARLES MILLER, manufacturer, Akron; was born in Upper Nazareth Township, Northampton Co., Penn., Nov. 29, 1815 (a more complete history of whose family appears under the head of Norton Township). The first nineteen years of his life were spent on the farm and in receiving a very meager education ; the following spring, he went to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade with one Charles Glass, hiring for two years, which he served with the exception of about three months ; his salary was board, washing and mending, with a few tools at the expiration of his apprenticeship ; the cause f his not serving the full time was on account of a hard master, and being compelled to do a great deal f work after night. During the time of his apprenticeship, he was engaged on the Beaver Meadow & Hazleton Branch Railroad, from Beaver Meadow to Mauch Chunk, which was at that time one the first railroads in the State. In the spring f 1838, he came to Guilford Township, Medina Co., where he followed his trade until late in the fall, when he returned to Pennsylvania, and worked at White Haven, which was at the head f the Lehigh Canal; later he returned to Northampton Co., remaining there until in 1843, when be again came to Ohio, stopping for a time in Wayne Co. He worked at his trade and engaged in farming until in 1857, when he entered into a partnership with Abraham Krotz in the sale of farming implements for C. M. Russell & Co., of Massillon, in which they continued two years; the partner appropriating the money obtained from sales and dying on his way home from Illinois where they had been operating, left Mr. Miller in almost destitute circumstances when the indebtedness was paid up. In 1861, after John F. Seiberling began the manufacture of the Excelsior, at Doylestown, Mr. Miller acted as general agent, operating in a large territory and selling, himself, nearly half f the machines. manufactued by that company. In 1863, he purchased a quarter. interest in the Seiberling patents, and subsequently was compelled to expend hundreds of dollars in the purchase f other prior inventions to make their patents valid. In 1865, he having prior to that time formed a partnershipf several of Akron's prominent business men and purchased the ground for the manufacture f the Excelsior Mower and Reaper, they built the works of that company on Broad street in the city of Akron. John F. Seiberling afterward became connected with the firm which stood until in 1875, when they made an assignment, at which time Mr. Miller was the owner of $65,500 in stock, besides having loaned the firm several thousand dollars, which has been almost a total loss. In 1879, he, in connection with his sons, purchased the chain works of a Mr. Matherson; at Cuyahoga Falls, and moved the same to Akron, having purchased the Schevere works where they are now extensively engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of chains and running from sixty to eighty men. He was married in February, 1843, to Hannah Bechtel, daughter of Abraham Bechtel ; by this marriage there have been four sons and three daughters—Emma Elizabeth, Henry D., Amanda Ann, Harvey F., Levin J., S. Samuel, Cora 0.; four are married and residents of Akron—Emma E., now Mrs. Frank Reifsnider, he a traveling salesman for the rubber works in Cleveland ; Henry, married to Miss Minnie Sigley ; Amanda, now wife of Mr. Kratz, superintendent at the Thomas Planing Mill ; Harvey, married to Miss Mary Hayes. Levin J. is engaged in business in the West. Mr. Miller has been a man of great energy and business ability, and the manner in which he has adjusted the great losses which he has suffered has made him many warm friends in his declining age.


JUDGE ULYSSES L. MARVIN, lawyer, Akron ; is a son of Ulysses and Elizabeth (Bradley) Marvin, and was born March 14. 1839, in Stow Township, this county, where his youth was spent until the age of 15, when be began painting with his father during the summer. His education was received, in addition to the public schools, in Twinsburg Institute, and Franklin Institute, at Kent, teaching in the meantime from the time he was 16 years of age. In 1858, he entered the law office of H. R. Foster, at Hudson, and the next spring came to Akron and completed his studies with Hon. Sidney Edgerton, and was admitted to the bar May 2, 1860. In 1861, he became Principal f the Union School of Kent, where he married Miss Dorena, only daughter of Hon. David Rockwell, of that place, Nov. 27, 1861. In


CITY OF AKRON - 746


August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in the the 115th 0. V. I., and served as a clerk in the office of Judge Advocate, at Cincinnati, until August, 1863, when he was commissioned as 1st Lieutenant in the 5th U. S. Colored Infantry, and as a part of the 18th Army Corps participated in the Peninsular campaign of 1864. In the attack on Petersburg and that campaign, he commanded the skirmish line at the Burnside mine explosion. During the siege of Richmond, he was promoted to Captain, and was wounded while leading his company at New Market Heights, Sept. 29, 1864, which disabled him for two months, when he returned to his command and was assigned to duty as Adjutant General on Gen. Shurtlif's staff, was sent to Ft. Fisher, then to Raleigh, N. C., and was at the surrender. He was brevetted Major at the close of the war for gallant and meritorious service, and made Judge Advocate on the staff of Gen. Paine, serving as such until mustered out f the service in October, 1865. He then returned to Kent and opened a law office, and two years later removed to Akron, forming a partnership with J. J. Hall for eighteen months. In the fall of 1869, he was elected Probate Judge, serving until February, 1876 ; since then he has been in practice of law first as the firm of Foster, Marvin & Grant, now the firm f Marvin, Grant & Foote.


EDWIN H. MERRILL, of E. H. Merrill & Co., manufacturers of stoneware, Akron, is a son of Abijah and Abigail (Scott) Merrill, and was born Feb. 9, 1808, in Painesville, Ohio, where he went to school in winter, and began his trade of potter with his father when but a boy, growing up with the business. In 1830, when he was 22 years old, he came to Springfield Township, working successively for Fisk and for Purdy, when he bought out Fisk. (The pottery and sewer-pipe business is one f the most extensive of Akron and Summit County, and receives full notice in the chapter devoted to the industries of the city.) After he bought out Fisk, his father's family came on (about 1835), and they began the manufacture of beer bottles, by machinery invented by subject, and upon which he had secured a patent. They remained in Springfield until 1847, and had in the meantime began the manufactory of tobacco pipes by machinery. They then moved to Middlebury, and made principally beer bottles, tobacco and water pipes—making 300,000 bottles per year. They also invented a machine for making stone pumps, which they manufactured for a time. In 1854, they (Merrill Brothers), invented a machine for making sewer-pipe, and began their manufacture, under firm of Merrill, Powers & Co., the brothers owning one-half interest. They did well until 1857, when the panic came, and their principal buyers of Chicago could not sell, and having a large amount on hand, were forced to sell at reduced prices. About the same time, subject bought his brother's interest in the bottle factory, which he continued until 1860, when it was destroyed by fire, with total loss. He then came to his present place, 404 South Main street, and purchased the building now in use, where he has done a good business. The firm was Merrill & Sons, and they employed a force of some thirty men and boys. He was married, in 1838, to Miss Emily Gleason, of Bedford, Ohio. They have two sons and one daughter living. Henry E. is a member of the firm ; William G. is in the pottery business in Virginia; Grace, now Mrs. F. W. Butler, who is a member of the present firm. In February, 1880, William G. re-retired from the firm of Merrill & Sons, and F. W. Butler became a partner, and the firm was changed to E. H. Merrill & Co.


CYRUS MILLER, merchant, Akron, Ohio ; was born in 1831, in Allegheny Co., Penn. At an early age he was left an orphan, and that portion of his life was spent in the homes of different families, as chance might offer and as his services were counted as compensation. He had no opportunities of gaining an education, and at the age of 14 he began as a driver in the coal mines at Chippewa, Ohio, he having for some years previous to this been a resident of the State. He continued at driving in the mines for about five years, and then he spent three years in mining. He then accepted the position of shipper for Mr. David Morris, who was engaged in the shipment of coal from Girard, Trumbull Co., to Cleveland. For about nine years he was engaged in shipping, when he purchased a hotel in Girard, of which he spent the following eight years as landlord and proprietor. His last change, little over ten years ago, was to come to Akron, and with a capital of 8500, engage in the grocery trade. With this small amount as a beginning,


 746 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


he has built up a business that ranks among the leading mercantile houses of the city, as, in the year 1880, the aggregate sum of his sales was $80,000. His place of business is located at No. 142 South Howard street. Mr. Miller is a quiet, unassuming man, who has given his whole attention to his business, and though he began a poor boy, and was left dependent upon his own resources, he holds a position among the business men of Akron of which he may justly be proud. In 1849, he was married to Miss Delilah, daughter of John Wilson, of Stark Co., Ohio.


GEORGE S. MAY, lawyer, Akron, Ohio ; was born Jan. 31, 1851, and is a son of Horace and Eleanor (Stow) May, the latter of the same family of Mr. Stow, the founder f Stow Township. His (subject's) father was born in Cazenovia, N. Y., July 6, 1811, and came to Akron in 1837, where he engaged in general mercantile business ; having stores at Lock 1, one in North Akron, and a branch at " Slankertown." By prudence, economy, and a general adaptation to the business, he was successful, and retired on account of failing health in 1856, having accumulated a competency, which he managed with care until his death, in August, 1867. Mr. M. was always at the front in all enterprises of a public nature, and did much to establish the commercial and political importance of the town. A man of sterling worth, and with the reputation f being an excellent business man, he had the respect and confidence of all who knew him. Those who have listened with interest to his stories of business experiences of Akron in the early times, will remember with what pride he would boast of never having paid a debt a day after it was due in his life. His social qualities drew about him a host of friends and intimate acquaintances, and his home was always filled with company. Among others, Hon. B. F. Wade, R. P. Ranney, Judge V. R. Humphrey, were life-long friends, and always found a welcome with Mr. May. Subject was but 16 years old when his father died, and of the solicitation of Mr. Wade, took up the study of the law in the office of Edgerton & Kohler, where he remained until his admission to the bar, Sept. 2, 1872. In October following, he made a trip to the Old World, visiting the larger portions of Continental Europe and Great Britain, spending one year in the Law Department of the University of Heidelberg, Germany. He returned home in 1874, and began the practice of law in Akron, where he has since remained. He was married Sept. 30,1875, to Miss Elizabeth S. Rogers, of Boston, Mass. She died June 10, 1877, leaving two daughters.


REV. HENRY F. MILLER, Akron ; a son of John S. and Ann (Forer) Miller ; was born in Athens Co., Ohio, Aug. 22, 1829. His youth was spent on a farm, and, at the age of 18, he entered the Ohio University at Athens, and graduated in the class of 1853. He then became Principal of Transylvania University at Lexington, Ky., remaining one year. He taught in Meigs Co., Ohio, two years, and in Pomeroy two years. In 1859, he entered the ministry of the Universalist Church, and removed the next year to Madison, Ind., where he became Pastor of a church until 1863. He was then sent as general army agent to look after the sick and wounded soldiers in the Southwest, and distribute sanitary stores and attend to other charitable work, under the auspices of his church, with headquarters at Louisville, Ky. In July, 1865, he returned to Madison and was appointed by the Northwestern Conference f the Universalist Church General Financial Secretary to raise an endowment fund for Lombard University at Galesburg, Ill., and succeeded in raising $100,000 in two years, He was appointed to a like work for the building and equipment of Smithson College at Logansport, Ind. He resigned the position in 1869, and was elected general agent of the Ohio State Convention, Universalists, for the founding of an institution of learning in Ohio, and in pursuance of this object, during same year, he made the acquaintance of John R. Buchtel, f Akron, and enlisted him in behalf f the enterprise. The result was the founding of Buchtel College, a history of which is given elsewhere. He continued in management of its finances until the building was erected and opened for the admission of students. He conceived and carried to success the idea of having Hon. Horace Greeley deliver an address at the laying of the cornerstone, which gave the college considerable prestige. Since 1871, with somewhat broken health, Mr. M. has divided his time between the work of the ministry and business pursuits. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Apphia Brown Cable, of Athens, Ohio. Of this marriage there were seven chil-


CITY OF AKRON - 747


dren, five of whom are living Henry E. was educated in the Akron schools, and is now farming in Medina Co.; Clinton D. is proprietor of the " 99-cent " store of Akron ; Paul R., a student of the Class of 1881, in Buchtel College ; Mattie C. and Ernest still reside at home. Subject's parents were born in New Jersey. and settled in the woods of Athens Co., Ohio, in the early part of 1829.


C. H. MYERS, boots and shoes, Akron ; is a good representative of the boot and shoe trade f South Akron, and, in fact, one f the leading dealers in the city. In speaking personally of some f the promoters of Akron's business industries, his name is worthy f more than a passing mention. He was born Dec. 6, 1852, in Middlebury, or what is now known as East Akron, and is the son of Charles F. and Elizabeth (Swope) Myers, the former a native of France, and a carpenter and architect by trade. When C. H. was about 10 years old, his father moved to the country and engaged in farming. About seven years of the life of C. H. was spent at hard work on the farm, when his people removed to Akron again, which move gave him a better opportunity of getting an education, both of a commercial and literary nature. After leaving school he spent about one year in the gearing department of the Buckeye Reaper Works. With the money earned by himself in this way he took a thorough course and graduated at the commercial college of Akron. After leaving college, he spent one year on the road as traveling salesman for a hardware house. He then began clerking for Mr. E. P. Holloway, with whom he remained till the spring of 1876, when he and C. A. Holloway, also an employe of E. P., engaged in the boot and shoe trade under the firm name of Holloway & Myers, and so continued to do a very prosperous business until the spring of 1881, when he purchased the interest of Mr. Holloway, and is now conduct ing the business alone in the old successful way. In the spring of 1877, he was married to Miss Catharine, daughter of Albert and Mary (Braenton) Corney. She was born May 11, 1854, in Bridgeport, Conn., and,' when a child, came to Cuyahoga Falls with her parents. She lived there about twelve years, when her people removed to Akron. They were married by the Rev. Henry Baker. They are both members of the First M. E. Church of Akron ;he has been a member for the past fourteen years. One child has been born to them—Gracie, who was born on March 30, .1878, and died on March 4, 1880.


J. A. MYERS, foreman of the shipping department at Aultman, Miller & Co.'s, Akron ; is a son of David B. and Elizabeth (Moller) Myers—she a native of Wayne Co., Ohio, he of Germany, but he came to Ohio with his widowed mother when about 6 months old ; she married, in Cleveland, a Mr. Green, and moved to Independence, where she still lives, at the advanced age of 83 years. David, the father of our subject, moved from Wayne Co. to LaPorte Co., Ind., where he lived thirteen years, when he returned to Ohio in 1864, and resided at Canal Fulton and Clinton until 1868, when he came to Akron, where he now resides'. He had three children—J. A., the eldest, born Jan. 15, 1847 ; Nancy, a Mrs. Henninger, and Etta, a maiden. The subject of this sketch received a very limited education, and, at twelve years of age, went into a drug store, in which business he continued until 1866, making rapid advancement in the knowledge of the business. He then worked with his father, who was a carpenter by trade, until Oct. 27, 1867, when he accepted the second position in the shipping department, where he is now employed, serving nine years in that capacity, after which he accepted his present position. He was married, Sept. 12, 1869, to Emma Clark, born Dec.

1848, in Sheffield, England, but came when 1 year old to this country with her parents, Samuel and Sarah Clark, who were farmers in Springfield Township, both of whom are now deceased. By this marriage there are five children—Clarence Arthur, born July 1, 1870 ; Edna May, July 9, 1872 ; Daisy Emma, April 3, 1875 ; Myrtle Grace, Oct. 27, 1877 ; Chester Albert, April 6, 1881. Mr. Myers is a stanch Republican, greatly interested in education, a liberal supporter of churches, and he, with his family, are members of the Evangelical Association.


FATHER THOMAS F. MAHAR, Akron ; was born in Scranton, Penn., Sept. 28, 1851. In 1866, he entered St. Louis College at Louisville, Stark Co., Ohio, and remained three years, having been for four years previous a student in St. Mary's College. In 1869, he went to Rome, Italy, where he began his ecclesiastical studies in the American College, con-


748 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


tinning until 1875, when he came to Cleveland, Ohio, and was made Assistant Pastor in St. John's Cathedral, serving until Aug. 1, 1880, when he was sent to the pastorate f St. Vincent's Church of Akron. He received the degrees of Ph. D. and D. D. at Rome, Italy. He is the oldest son living born to Thomas and Ann (Hart) Mahar, both of whom were born in the United States and are now residents f Cleveland, where the husband superintends a rollingmill.


RUDOLPH A. MAY, of the firm of May & Fiebeger, Akron, dealers in stoves and tinware, also galvanized iron cornices, etc. Mr. May, f this firm, was born in Bohemia, Austria, April 3, 1847, and is the fourth of six children born to Anthony and Rosialia (Dreythaler) May, natives of Bohemia, Austria. Anthony May came to the United States in 1848, and in 1850, his wife and one child, (the three other children having died), came also to Akron, where he had been working. Mr. May first worked in the woolen factory, and in 1851, he engaged in the grocery business, which he followed until his death in 1855. Mrs. May soon after married Mr. Joseph Fiebeger, who was also a native of Austria. They live now in Akron. Rudolph A., the subject. lived at home until he was 14 years old, when he went to Columbus, where he worked at silver-plating. Some months after he apprenticed to the tinning trade, receiving wages after the first year ; he lived in Columbus two years, and then returned to Akron, and a year afterward formed a partnership with J. B. Cramer (firm Cramer & May), continuing until 1880, when the firm dissolved and was succeeded by the present one of May & Fiebeger. He was married Sept. 9, 1874, to Miss Susan R. Rhodes, a native of Portage Co., Ohio. They have three children—Mary M., Lewis R. and Nellie L.


DR. THOMAS MoEBRIGHT, physician, Akron ; was born April 14, 1824, at Carlisle, Penn. He is the youngest of eight children born to George and Barbara (Brunner) McEbright. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania ; moved in 1833 to Wayne Co., Ohio, where his father, though a tanner by trade, devoted his attention to farming. Here both lived until their death, living to an advanced age. Dr. McEbright lived on the farm until the age of 16 years, when he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, continuing his studies at intervals until 1848, teaching district and selectschools in the meantime to support him in college. He finally abandoned his college course, before completion, on account of his health. He at one began reading medicine at Wooster, Ohio, with Dr. T. H. Baker, and graduated at the Starling Medical College; of Columbus, Ohio. He began practice at Nashville, Ohio, where he remained seven years, going from there to Millersburg. In 1861, he went from the latter place to the army as Surgeon of the 8th 0. V. I., remaining with the regiment two years. Resigning, he returned to Millersburg, and soon after raised the 59th Battalion, consisting of five companies, which, upon the call for 100 days' men, was attached to the 166th Regiment. Dr. McEbright was made Colonel, but preferring to act as Surgeon, at his request, Gov. Tod appointed Col. Blake to succeed him, and commissioned Dr. McEbright as Surgeon. He soon after rose to the position of Brigade Surgeon, and in this position was detailed as Chief of the Operative Board at the battles of Antietam, Winchester, Wilderness seven days' fight, Rich Mountain, and the other engagements up to Gettysburg. In the fall of 1864, he was mustered out with his regiment and returned, coming to Akron to resume his practice, where he has since been engaged. Dr. McEbright is an active society man ; a member f the Summit County Medical Society ; was one of its founders, and among its earliest Presidents. He is a member also of the Union Medical Society of Northeastern Ohio, the State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association, serving in different official capacities in the two former. In June, 1853, he married Miss Nancy, daughter of Judge Thomas Liggett, of Millersburg, Ohio. They have had five children, only two of whom are now living : " Kit," who received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, at the Cornell University, at the age of 19 ; she has also received the same degree at the Buchtel, and is now completing a French course at St. Marie De Monoir, Canada. Carrie, the younger daughter, is attending school in her native city, Akron.


WILLIAM McKINNEY, Sheriff, Akron ; was born in Franklin County, Ohio, Dec. 29, 1833, and is the youngest of five children born to Cineum and Abigail (Patterson) McKinney ; he was butcher by trade, and dealt largely in stock ; he died in 1834. Mrs. McKinney afterward married Mr. Luther R. Prentiss, a farmer


CITY OF AKRON. - 749


to the machinist trade, with Webster & Taplin, f Akron, and served until he became of age ; he followed the trade about six years in Cleveland, with the Cleveland & Mahoning R. R. Co.—three and a half years foreman of shops and two and a half years engineer on railroad—and then returned to Akron, and took charge of the machinery in the Akron Barrel Factory, where he continued for two and a half years. In 1866, the firm of Moffatt & McNeil was formed, and engaged in the manufacture f boilers and boiler plate-work ; they continued four years, when Mr. McNeil became sole proprietor and has continued ever since. In 1880, Mr. McNeil built the present brick shop, 64x96 feet ; he does a large business, and is a practical man ; employs from twenty-five to thirty hands. He was married, in 1859, to Miss Mary Gale, a daughter and youngest child of Justus and Sarah (Hyde) Gale, a prominent family, and a native of Akron ; they have two children, viz.: Grant C. and Sarah G. He has been a Republican since organization of the party, and from 1866 to 1869, was Chief f the City Fire Department.


J. C. McMILLEN, of Baker, Merriman & Co., Akron ; was born in Clarion County, Penn., March 8, 1827, and is the second of a family of four children born to John and Sallie (Maxwell) McMillen. Mr. McMillen's parents were natives of Westmoreland County, Penn. ; his father was a farmer, and subsequently, in 1862, moved with his family to Iowa, where the mother died, July 4, 1876. The family then moved to Michigan, where he is now living with a son. J. C. McMillen lived with his parents, assisting on the farm, until he was 18 years f age, when he was apprenticed to a cabinet manufacturer, with whom he remained until he attained his majority ; he continued about three years longer as a journeyman, when he came to Akron and engaged in his trade. Some four years later, he united with others in establishing the Melodeon Company, and has been in company with Baker ever since. Nov. 29, 1853, he married Miss Evaline Reed, a native of Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio ; she died Feb. 21, 1858, leaving one child, Laura, now Mrs. Brush, f Michigan. Sept. 19, 1861, Mr. McMillen married Mrs. Fulton, formerly Miss Catharine Schley, a native of Chambersburg, Penn. ; three children have blessed this union—Guy, Mary and Emma.of Cuyahoga County, where she lived until her death, about the year 1855. Mr. Prentiss is yet living in Cuyahoga County, aged 78 years. Our subject lived with his mother until he was 16 years of age, when he was apprenticed to shoemaking and served three years, after which he followed his trade in Twinsburg, and in Iowa and Kansas for three or four years. In 1860, he returned to Twinsburg and opened a shop ; in 1862, he left his shop in his brother-in-law's care, and enlisted in Co. G, 115th O.V.I., serving until the close f the war ; he was first appointed Corporal and afterward promoted to 2d Sergeant; in 1863, he was detailed with Lieut. Nash to take charge of a block-house at Luverne, near Nashville, and, upon the transfer f Lieut. Nash, the Sergeant was left in command, and so remained until Dec. 5, 1864, when the place was captured by Forest ; they were held prisoners, and, in March following, were moved to Black River, near Vicksburg ; here the Sergeant escaped the guard and went to Vicksburg, where he took a hospital boat to St. Louis, and, from there, returned home, his weight being eighty pounds ; after remaining home about a month, he went to Camp Chase, where he received his discharge, and returned to Twinsburg, where he resumed shoemaking, which he continued there until 1871, when he was appointed Postmaster by President Grant, and held the office until Jan. 1, 1881. In the fall of 1880, he was elected Sheriff on the Republican ticket, and entered upon the duties of his office in January following. Feb. 8, 1853, he married Miss Sarah A. Carver, a native of Twinsburg, and a daughter of George W. Carver, whose father was one of the pioneers of that Township ; by the marriage, there has been born six children, f whom three are living, viz.: Clara, Perry and Paul.


JAMES C. McNEIL, proprietor of Akron Boiler Works, Akron, Ohio ; was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., May 8, 1836, and is a son of Samuel and Nancy (Cokely) McNeil, who were natives of New York, and emigrated to Ohio about the year 1838, and settled in Coshocton County ; they carried on farming there until his death in 1847, when his widow continued same until 1859, when she came to Akron, to live with James C., and died in 1867. The subject came to Akron in the year 1847, to live with his brother, and attended the public schools ; at the age of 18, he apprenticed


750 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


A. J. McNEIL, boots and shoes, Akron ; is the youngest son of William and Sarah (Pursell) McNeil, of Peninsula, and was born Dec. 23, 1850. He lived at Peninsula until 1864, when he came to Akron as clerk in the employ of David Snyder, in the grain and produce business, continuing for two years. In May, 1866, he became a clerk for Cutter & Howe, of Akron, where he remained until January, 1870. He then went to Indianapolis and clerked in a shoe store, but returned to Akron the next year and entered the employ of his old firm, Cutter & Howe. In company with A. L. Bowman, he, in 1873, bought the shoe establishment of C. R. Howe, and, under the firm f Bowman & McNeil, did business four years. In 1878, was engaged as traveling salesman for Childs, Groff & Co., wholesale boot and shoe dealers, f Cleveland, and continued with them two years. In 1880, was employed by M. T. Cutter as salesman for one year, and in March, 1881, associated himself with his brother, S. C. McNeil, at 121 S. Howard street. He was married, in July, 1873, to Miss Emma E. Ladd, f Akron. They have one daughter.


S. C. McNEIL, boots and shoes, Akron ; is a son of William and Sarah (Pursell) McNeil, and was born at Sharon, June 28, 1843. He was ten years old when the family moved to Peninsula, Summit Co., where he grew up. He clerked here for some time, and, in 1862, became the partner of Frederick Wood in general store, continuing until about the year 1865, under the firm name of Wood & McNeil. In 1865, he went to Denver, Colo., remaining six months ; then returned to Peninsula, and, in the fall of 1866, purchased a canal-boat, and ran from Peninsula to Cleveland, with stone, lumber, etc., until the fall of 1870, when, in company with Thomas Wood, he engaged in the lumber business under the firm f Wood & McNeil. In March, 1881, he opened a shoe store at 121 South Howard street, with a large stock f new goods, embracing every variety of boots and shoes, and a shop for custom-work. The entire stock was bought at the most favorable season, direct from the manufacturers for cash, also including the largest stock f trunks and valises in the city. Mr. McNeil has secured the services of his brother, A. J. McNeil, who has had fifteen years' experience in the shoe business. He was married, April 24, 1872, to Miss Jennie Beers, daughter of L. Beers, a pioneer of Boston Township. They have one son and one daughter.


CAPT. THOMAS W. NASH, Recording Clerk, Akron ; is a native of Williamsburg, Hampshire Co., Mass. ; he was born Dec. 7 1832, and is the fourth of five children born to Hophni and Lovisa (King) Nash. They were natives of Massachusetts ; he was born Jan. 10, 179 7 ; his father was a farmer, and he was raised to the same pursuit ; in the fall of 1817, he came to Ohio in company with his cousin, John A. Nash ; he settled in Richfield Township, where he was burned out, after which he moved to Bath Township, of which locality he was one of the pioneers ; he lived in Bath Township, except a few years in his native State, until the fall of 1880, when he retired to Akron, where he now lives. Our subject lived at home on the farm until the year 1861 ; he received a common school course of study, and taught at home and in Indiana, where he was visiting. Oct. 3, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 29th O. V. I., and served throughout the war, during which time he was several times promoted, ranging from Orderly Sergeant to Captain (see record of regiment in this work) ; he was taken prisoner at the battle of Port Republic, and held three months in Libby and Saulsbury Prisons, after which he was paroled. He returned home in July, 1865, and soon after visited in Livingston Co., Ill., where he purchased a farm. Feb. 14, 1866, he married Miss Nettie Culver, a native of Richfield Township, Summit Co., Ohio, and the following month occupied his farm in Illinois, and farmed until the spring of 1873 ; he then moved to Chatsworth, Ill., and became agent for Howe's sewing machines, and also taught school. In 1879, he returned to Akron, and has resided there since, and has followed his present business. By the marriage there has been two children, viz., Effie M. and Clyde C.


SUMNER NASH, County Clerk, Akron ; was born in Bath Township, Summit Co., Ohio, May 10, 1836, and is the youngest of five children born to Hophni and Lovisa (King) Nash, who are spoken of elsewhere in this work. Our subject remained on the farm until he was 20 years of age, receiving a common school and academic course of study ; he then went to Wisconsin, where he took a contract to clear a way through the forest near Plymouth for the Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad, making


CITY OF AKRON - 751


ties and cording the timber. He next drove stage between Oshkosh and New London. In the Spring of 1857, he took charge of a hardware store in Oshkosh, for E. H. Barber, and the following summer he returned home and took charge of the farm which he managed and taught school during the winters until 1862. Aug. 6, f that year, he enlisted in the service, and was assigned to the 115th O. V. I., and served three years ; he enlisted as a private and was successively promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. In 1863, he was detailed to relieve Lieut. John Eadie, in command of the military forces at Dayton during the election. In 1864, he was placed under Maj. Willet, and served as Assistant Inspector of Railroad Defenses, which position he held until the close of the war. In July, 1865, he returned home, and in September following bought a farm in Livingston Co., Ill. March 8, 1866, he married Miss Rebecca M., daughter of John A. Means, of Summit Co., Ohio ; after the marriage, he occupied his farm in Illinois, and lived there until 1868, when he returned to Summit Co., where his wife died July 18, 1869. They had one child, M. Maud. He managed his father-in-law's farm for two years ; in the spring of 1872, he engaged as agent for G. G. Baker & Co., manufacturers of lightning rods, etc., and traveled for them in Illinois until the following winter, when he returned to Summit Co., and was appointed Deputy County Clerk by John A. Means, which office he held until the term expired ; he then served as Deputy for George W. Weeks, and in the fall of 1878 he was elected County Clerk on the Republican ticket, and entered the duties f the office Feb. 10 following. June 23, 1874, he married Miss Linnie A. Cross, of Columbus, Ohio.


THOMAS NORTON, retired, Middlebury ; was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., April 16, 1806, and is a son of Peter and Elethina (Thompson) Norton, natives f Farmington, Conn. There is a record of the Norton family running back through nineteen generations, and the American branch of the family trace their ancestry through the same line. The earliest of the name—Lord Norville. of France—was an officer under William the Conqueror, and went into England in 1066. A genealogical chart f the family is kept at Cambridge, Mass.: " Norville is a corruption of the French term Nordville, Northville, or Northtown, and Norton or Norton was subsequently adopted." Peter Norton, the father of our subject, was a farmer, and, in 1806, moved to Smithfield, Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he worked for his uncle, Luther Thompson, who settled there four years previous. In 1809, Mr. Norton moved to Tallmadge, Summit Co., and purchased fifty acres of timber land, on which he settled and lived for several years. In 1812, he was drafted, but, owing to family affairs, his son Almeron went in his place, serving a short term. In 1813, the family settled on the place where Thomas (subject) now lives, Mr. N. having bought 200 acres of wild land, upon which he lived until his death, Aug. 23, 1822. He was Treasurer of Tallmadge Township for many years. Mrs. Norton afterward married Elisha Farnam, and died Nov. 24, 1844. The subject lived with his mother until her death, and remained on the place, which now belonged to his brother Almeron. In 1851, his brother died, and subject bought out his brother's heirs, thus becoming the owner of the old homestead. He has always followed farming. He was married, Jan. 10, 1847, to Miss Hannah M. Coney, a native of Stark Co., Ohio, who was born April 13, 1812, and is a daughter of James and Nancy (Hamlin) Coney, he a native f Pennsylvania, who came to Stark Co. a young man, and she a native of Virginia, who came to the same county with her parents. Subject has one child—Martha M. (now Mrs. Theodore Johns, boot and shoe dealer, Des Moines, Iowa). Theodore Johns was born in Middlebury, Summit Co., Ohio, March 23, 1845,. and is a son of John and Nancy (Grant) Johns, he having been born on the line between Delaware and Maryland, and she in New Jersey. They were married in Philadelphia, and lived in New Jersey until about the year 1832, when they came to Middlebury, where he carried on shoemaking. About the year 1852 he moved to Akron, and, in 1855, to Des Moines, Iowa. He there opened the shoe business, which he conducted until 1874, when he retired, and his son Theodore took his place, continuing with the old firm name. He (Theodore) was married to Martha M. Norton (daughter f Thomas Norton) June 2, 1873. They have had two children, one of whom is living, viz., Nettie.


WILLIAM ACER NOBLE, foreman C.B. Dep't., Akron ; a son of Theron and Lydia Dow (Acer) Noble ; was born Dec. 1, 1851, and is a


752 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


native of Pittsburgh, Penn. When a year old, family removed to Akron, where his father had lived before. Subject was educated in Akron in the public schools, and, at 16, was apprenticed to the trade of machinist, in Taplin, Rice & Co.'s foundry, where he remained three years. He then went to Florida, where he remained two years, and, in 1873, returned and entered the employ of Taplin, Rice & Co., until the spring of 1876, and, in December of that year, engaged with Aultman, Miller & Co. as a mechanic, and, Sept. 1, 1877, was made foreman in cutter-bar department, which embraces three rooms and employs fifty men. He was married, in October, 1877, to Miss Kate Bigelow, of Mansfield, Ohio ; one daughter living. Mr. N. and wife are members of the Episcopal Church ; is Republican in politics. His father was born in New York, and came to Akron about 1835, and was one f the first Auditors f this county. He was a tanner, but followed milling, and ran the old Black Mill in Middlebury several years. Afterward, he owned the Cascade Mills ; died Sept. 20, 1877, aged 73 years.


EDWARD OVIATT, Akron. Edward Oviatt. son of Marvin and Mary (Foot) Oviatt ; was born on May 19, 1822, at Hudson, Summit Co., Ohio. He spent a part of his time on a farm during his youth, and attended school at the Richfield Academy at Granville, and Western Reserve College, during a portion f his minority. In May, 1842, he came to Akron, entering the Hon. D. K. Cartter, now the President Judge of the District of Columbia, for purpose of studying law, where he remained four years, and until Cartter removed to Massillon. In September, 1844, he was admitted at Medina as a practitioner at the bar in the State Courts, and, in November, 1856, at Cleveland, as a practitioner in the courts of the United States. He practiced law alone until July, 1865, when he formed a partnership with Hon. S. W. McClure, which lasted until May, 1870, the latter having been elected as one f the Judges of the Court f Common Pleas. He continued the practice alone till September, 1876, when he formed a partnership with George G. Allen, who had, a short time before that, been admitted to the bar, and with whom he still continues, under the firm name of Oviatt & Allen. He was one of the members of the Board of Education of the city for several years ; was City Attorney from 1854 to 1862, and Prosecuting Attorney for this county from 1865 to 1869 inclusive, having been almost unanimously nominated by the Republican party early in September, 1864, and, on the day f his return from the 100 days'\ service, leaving Akron as a member of Co. A, 54th Battalion O. N. G., but, on arriving in camp at Cleveland, in the organization f the 164th Regiment O. V. I., Col. John C. Lee commanding, he was appointed and served as Color Bearer f the regiment until his return home. the regiment having been located on Arlington Heights, Va., during the entire summer. He started in life without capital, and, for whatever of success in business he may have acquired, it was gained by industry and economy. On Sept. 8, 1847, he married Anna M. Wadsworth, daughter of Frederick Wadsworth, who bore him one daughter—Emma, now the wife of Calvin Edgerton, a lawyer residing in San Francisco, Cal. His wife died Aug. 9. 1854. Dec. 5, 1855, he married Frances A. Lansing, of Saratoga Co., N. Y., who bore him two children—Olivia F., wife of George G. Allen, and Edward Ailing, the three above named being his only children. An ardent Republican, but not ambitious for office or political preferment, he has devoted his time and energies to his prfession, seeking a reputation for fidelity and trustworthiness in business. rather than political honors. He adopted the' rule early in life to owe no man anything pecuniarily, and if a debt was contracted in the purchase f real estate or otherwise, he lost no time or opportunity in meeting the obligation. and to this principle he gives the credit for much f his success in business.


HERBERT A. PRUNER, Palmer & Pruner, artificial stone, Akron ; is a native of Dundas Co., Ontario, and was born July 5, 1849, receiving a common-school education. At the age of 16 years, he came to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., where he worked on a farm for two years, when he returned to Canada, remaining there one year, and then went back to New York. For two years he was employed in a cheese factory in Chautauqua Co., and then returned to his old employment in Cattaraugus Co., where he remained two years. About the year 1873, he went into the shops of the N. Y., P. & O. R. R. at Randolph, in the blacksmithing department, but again returned to the farm. In April,


CITY OF AKRON - 753


1878, he came to Akron, and was employed by S. Matherson, in chain works at Cuyahoga Falls for one year, when he returned to New York. In October, 1879, he came back to Akron, and, in January, 1880, became a member of the firm of Palmer & Pruner, manufacturers of artificial stone. (See Mr. Palmer's sketch.) He was married, March 24, 1880, to Miss Belle Le Vere, of Akron. He started without capital, and, until the age of 21 years, gave his earnings into the hands f the family.


HARRY A. PALMER, Palmer & Pruner, artificial stone, Akron, Ohio, is a son of William and Sophia (Brock) Palmer, and was born July 16, 1851, in Somersetshire, England. The family came to the United States in 1852, when he was but 8 months old, and settled in Tallmadge Township on a farm, where he was brought up until he was 15, when he went to work in a paper mill at Cuyahoga Falls, remaining about one year, and then became engineer for his brother-in-law at Mansfield, in Richland Flouring Mills. Two years later, mills were burned down and firm removed to Ashland, and he was again employed as engineer. In 1870, he went to Shelby and ran an engine about one year and then returned to Tallmadge in 1872, and took charge of a farm. In the fall of 1873, he went to Onarga, Ill., and Jan. 1, 1873, was married to Miss Mary C. Risser, of Ashland, Ohio. He bought a fruit farm near Onarga, Ill., and did well for two years, and in 1876, bought a farm in Edinburg Township, Portage County, where he farmed two years. In 1878, he went to Ashland, as engineer in the mills, until September 1879, when he came to Akron and bought the right f manufacture and sale f artificial stone in Summit County. Jan. 10,1880, he formed a partnership with Herbert A. Pruner, and opened a manufactory at 203 North Howard street. The following is given as a matter of scientific interest: Artificial stone has been in use probably as long as any other building material, and is unquestionably one of the lost arts. In conformation of this, history informs us that the Moors long ago manufactured a durable artificial stone, specimens of which may yet be found at Gibralter, which have withstood successfully the storms of ten centuries. The Coliseum at Rome is a sample of artificial work by the ancients. The Cisterns of Solomon, near the city of Tyre, are of still more ancient origin, yet these immense structure arealmost complete in their preservation. The noted Small Cob, together with a large number of scientific men, is of the opinion that the Pyramids were built of artificial blocks, manufactured upon the ground from the sands of the surrounding plains, by some cunning process that perished with the builders. Some of the largest and most permanent harbors and government works in the European countries, the great aqueducts of Central Europe, together with the Seagirt railroad station, and piers of the great bridge at New York, are instances where artificial stone is used almost entirely and with the best of success. Business blocks that are not surpassed in beauty and grandeur in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and many of the principal cities of the United States, are constructed entirely of this material. The great advocates of this building material are the eminent chemists and engineers of English fame, together with Maj. Gen. Gilmore, corps of engineers United States Army, whose engineering skill has given him a worldwide fame. Many different processes have been invented, yet all have met with more or less difficulty in trying to obtain a solid, durable stone. Under the patent process which Messrs. Palmer & Pruner now control in this county, these difficulties have been overcome, and they are now manufacturing a quality of artificial stone, perfect in appearance and adapted to all classes f work where natural stone or any other building material is used. Being of a hydraulic nature, it will harden and improve in solidity under water, it resists the action of steam, acids, and other disintegrating influences as well as our best building stone. The Boston Journal of Chemistry says that artificial stone is as safe and durable as natural stone, that its chemical nature is such that it becomes almost as hard as granite, and that there cannot be a doubt that it will subserve all the desirable purposes for which that material is employed. In some of our larger cities this stone is fast superseding the use of other building material, and is being extensively used for walks, trimming brick buildings, lawn vases, fountains and ornamental work of all descriptions. The sand in this location is particularly adapted to making this stone, it being coarse, sharp and siliceous. Ornamental work can be furnished at about one-half the cost of natural stone and will stand fire much better.


754 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


GEORGE K. PARDEE, lawyer, Akron : is a son of Hon. Aaron and Evaline (Eyles) Pardee, and was born March 1, 1839, in Wadsworth, Ohio, where he was brought up, and where he lived until 1862, when he enlisted as a private in Co. K, 42d O. V. I., Gen. Garfield's regiment. He took part in the battle of Chickasaw Bluffs, where he was wounded by a musket ball. He was Second Lieutenant, and for gallant services was promoted to Adjutant of the regiment. He was also at Young's Point, Grand Gulf, Thompson's Hill, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., and in the Red River campaign and other engagements f his regiment ; finally promoted to Captain of Co. D. He returned to Wadsworth, and kept a dry goods store for three years, during which time he completed his study f the law under his father, and was admitted to the bar in 1866. He commenced practice in the courts f Medina until 1875, when he removed to Akron. where he has been in active practice since. He was admitted to practice in the United States Court in 1878. He was married, in December, 1860, to Miss Caroline C. Hard, daughter f Cyrus Hard, of Wadsworth. Four children have been born to them, viz., Karl A., Lionel S., Julia and William E. His father's family consisted of five sons and three daughters—William E. was an attorney, and died April 6, 1866 ; Henry C., attorney, at Medina ; Almira S., wife of John G. Houston, of New Orleans ; Judge Don A., attorney and United States Circuit Court Judge at New Orleans ; George K. (subject); Fanny, deceased, was wife of P. B. Wilkins ; Ella N., wife of Dr. Wallace A. Briggs, of Sacramento, Cal., and Sutliff E., attorney at Wadsworth, Ohio.


CHARLES E. PERKINS, Akron ; sixth son of Col. Simon Perkins ; was born in Akron, May 7,1850 ; attended public school, and made further preparations at Hudson College ; and, in about 1868, he entered the Troy Polytechnic Institute, where he pursued the engineer's course for three years, taking both a civil and mining course. On his return to Akron, he was elected City Engineer of Akron, continuing six years, the first year acting as assistant, and the last five being in the West. In the spring of 1878, he opened an agricultural warehouse on Canal street, where he has since conducted business with good success. He handles all kinds ofagricultural implements, carriages, wagons scales and feed. In January, 1880, he married Miss May Adams, daughter of Frank Adams of Akron.


COL. GEORGE T. PERKINS, banker, Akron, son of Col. Simon Perkins, was born in Akron May 5, 1836. His education was acquired in the schools of Akron and at Marietta College. In April, 1861, he enlisted as private soldier in the 19th 0. V. L, and at the organization of Co. B was elected its Second Lieutenant, and participated in the West Virginia campaign. In August, 1862, he re-enlisted in the 105th O. V. I., and was promoted to the rank of Major. He was with the army f Gen. Sherman and Gen. Thomas in th Atlanta campaign. In 1864, he was made Colonel of the gallant 105th Regiment, and was its commander until the close of the war, being mustered out at Washington in June, 1865. On his return to Akron, he became Secretary of Taplin, Rice & Co., and held that position until July, 1870, when, at the organization of the Bank of Akron, he became its President, continuing in that office until 1876, when, at the demise of Mr. Alden Gage, Mr. Perkins became Cashier. He is also Secretary of B. F. Goodrich & Co., of the Akron Rubber Works.


COL. SIMON PERKINS, of Akron, son of the late Gen. Simon Perkins, of Warren, Ohio, was born at the latter place Feb. 6, 1805, where he remained until 1834, when he came to Akron and settled upon a tract of wild land containing some 5,000 or 6,000 acres, which he purchased in 1827. For a number of years prior to his removal to Akron, he assisted his father in the management: of various land agencies, and in earlier years had experience in clearing up the wild lands of his native town. His education was at the common schools of Warren. In September, 1832, he married Miss Grace L Tod, daughter of Judge Tod, and sister f the late Gov. David Tod, of Youngstown, by whom he had eleven children ; eight of them are still living. Col. Perkins came of good Puritan and Revolutionary ancestry, being the descendant of John Perkins, who came to America with Roger Williams in 1661. His grandfather was Captain in the war of the Revolution, and his father commanded the forces raised in Northern Ohio for the defence of the frontier in the war of 1812. His mother was a Douglass, descendant of William Douglass, one of a


CITY OF AKRON. - 755.


Boston colony which founded New London, Conn. After settling in Akron, Col. Perkins devoted himself to the improvement of his property, selling farms to settlers as they were wanted ; raising improved breeds of stock and sheep, employing for a series of years, as Superintendent of these farming and stock operations, John Brown, afterward famous in the antislavery annals of the country. An eventful period, financially, in the life of Col. Perkins was that in which the Cleveland, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railroad was constructed to Millersburg. He was President of the road from the first organization of the company until it passed into other hands, and in the construction and equipment of the same, embarked his private fortune as well as all his energy and weight of character, and ultimately sank in the enterprise his own accumulations and what he had inherited from the estate of his father. In the later years of Col. Perkins' life, he has found congenial employment in superintending the improvement of the grounds of the " Akron Cemetery Association," and whatever of beauty and attraction those grounds now possess beyond their natural wildness and suitableness are clue mainly to the Colonel's good judgment and love f the picturesque. Col. Perkins was never an office-seeker, always feeling probably that the man was more than any office, and that office should seek the man to fill it. Grace Park will always witness to his magnificent liberality. It was a gift to Akron before Akron had thought of being a city, and bears the name of his wife. There is no flaw in Col. Perkins' character. It is sterling throughout, and sound to the very core. His business integrity and the purity of his private life have always been above suspicion.


JUDGE STEPHEN H. PITKIN, lawyer, Akron ; is a son f Rev. Caleb and Anna (Henderson) Pitkin, and was born Oct. 5, 1810, in Old Milford, Conn. When he was 7 years old, his father removed to Ohio, and settled in Charleston Township, Portage Co., where he preached to the church at Charleston Center until 1827, when he went to Hudson, and was one f the founders of Western Reserve College, its Vice President and financial manager-was its Vice President until his death, which occurred about 1864. Subject worked on a farm in Charleston Township until he was 17 years of age, when he entered Western Reserve College, from which he graduated in June, 1834. In the following October, he went to Fulton Co., Ill., where he engaged in teaching, and at the same time entered upon the study of the law, and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1836. He entered upon the practice of his profession at Lewiston, the county seat of Fulton Co., Ill., and practiced under Stephen A. Douglas, who was his personal friend. He was elected County Surveyor of Fulton Co., and Probate Judge of that county in 1838 ; served two terms—four years. He remained there until 1852, in active practice, when he returned to Hudson and took charge f the homestead, and assumed the care of his aged parents ; his mother is still living, aged 97 years. In 1862, he was elected Probate Judge of Summit Co., to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge Dodge ; was reelected, serving until February, 1870. About the year 1872, he resumed his profession, and has been in active practice ever since. In January, 1871, he was elected Secretary of the Summit Co. Agricultural Society, holding same nine years, and was President of the society for 1880. He was married in October, 1854, to Miss Julia Lusk, of this county, who was sister of the wife of " Old John Brown." She died Oct. 7, 1873. They had five children, two of whom are living—Julian H., Superintendent i\of C. Aultman & Co.'s Works, Canton ; Mary, wife of Abner Caldwell, of this township. He was married a second time, Sept. 24, 1879, to Miss Helen B. Bell, of Cuyahoga Falls.


S. E. PHINNEY, merchant, Akron; is a son of Calvin and Emeline (Martin) Phinney ; his father was born in Massachusetts, and his mother in Vermont. His father came, when a boy, to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, where he lived until his death in about 1870. He was for many years a merchant at Dover, meeting with fair success. S. E. is the oldest of five children, and was born at Dover, Ohio, Oct. 25, 1838. He employed his time until 20 in acquiring a good common school education and assisting in his father's store. He was for two years clerk in the store f Edwin Phinney, of Bath, this county. In September, 1860, he came to Akron and was employed as clerk with F. McNaughton & Co., in the dry goods business, four years. In 1865, he was employed by the Government as clerk for the Superintendent of Railroad Repairs, and traveled throughout


756 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


the South and West. He returned to Akron in 1867, and became the partner of S. G. Bardorf in the shoe business, continuing in that house until a year after the death of his partner, when he sold out, and was in the employ of Cutter & Howe for three and a half years. In 1870, he opened a shoe store in Hanscom's Block, and has been in that business ever since in the corner room, No. 101 Howard and Market streets. His store includes a full stock of all goods in his line, and a repair shop. Oct. 30, 1868, he married Miss Nellie G. Abbey, f Akron, daughter of H. S. Abbey. They have two children.


HENRY PERKINS, Akron ; son of Simon Perkins, was born in Akron, on the old homestead, April 8, 1842. He attended the public schools until he attained his 20th year, when he became clerk in the Quartermaster's Department, under his brother, Simon, Jr., who ranked as Captain and Assistant Quartermaster for the Army of the Cumberland, and followed the fortunes of the army until the close of the war. On his return, he accepted a clerkship with the Cleveland Rolling Mill Co., having charge of the Lake Shore mill office for a period of five years. In 1870, he became Secretary for Taplin, Rice & Co., and has had charge f the business department of the office ever since. Oct. 20, 1868, he married Miss Emma White, of Cleveland, Ohio ; One daughter is the result of the union. He is Superintendent of the Congregational Sabbath School, and Deacon in the church.


AUGUSTUS D. POWER, foreman blacksmith department in Aultman, Miller & Co., Akron ; a son of Hiram and Hester (Parker) Power; was born at Augusta, Ky., April 14, 1831. When about 2 years old, the family removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where his father died in 1834, and the mother, with family, removed to Norwalk, Ohio. Here subject grew up, and, at the age of 20, entered upon the blacksmith's trade at Norwalk, at which he worked, except two years, until 1864. He then went to Meadville, Penn., and, in the employ of the A. & G. W. R. R., was made foreman of the blacksmith department in 1865 in the company's shops at Kent, Ohio. In 1870, he came to Akron, and at once entered the employ of Aultman, Miller & Co. as foreman of the blacksmith department, consisting of three shops employing sixty men. He was married, March21, 1855, to Miss Jane L. Rule, of Norwalk, Ohio. They have two daughters. He is a member f the M. E. Church, f which he was chorister until 1877. He studied vocal music, and was leader f the choir at the several places where he has lived.


J. H. PETERSON, dentist, Akron, Ohio ; who began the practice of dentistry in Akron in 1854, and who now ranks as a pioneer member of the profession of Summit County, was born July 9, 1830, in St. Johns, New Brunswick. He is the second son and fourth child of a family of eight children born to John and Elizabeth (Laidley) Peterson, the latter of Scotch ancestry, and the daughter of Robert Laidley, a Captain in the British service in 1784. John Peterson was a native of Bath, Me., and, during the war of 1812, he entered the service of the United States, sailing from Boston in his own ship. He subsequently became a resident of St. Johns, N. B., where he was obliged to take an oath to become a loyal citizen, so long as he might remain a resident of the place. He afterward removed to Buffalo, N. Y., where he engaged in land speculations, by which means he lost his fortune. He then removed to Portage County, Ohio, where his family grew to their majority, and chose for themselves a business or profession. The Doctor first tried the study of medicine, but gave it up, and completed a course in the study of dentistry with Dr. B. T. Spellman, of Ravenna, Ohio, after which he spent one year in Cleveland in practice, and then at the date above stated removed to Akron. In his residence of almost thirty years, the Doctor has progressed step by step as the science of dentistry has advanced to an important place among the sciences. While he has held a position among the first professional men of Akron, he has also devoted much of his time to other duties and social affairs. Politically he was first a Democrat, then a Free-Soiler, and finally a Republican ; with the latter party he has been identified for many years. During the war of the rebellion, he was Secretary of the Republican Central Committee of Summit County. lie is a member of Akron Lodge, No. 83, and of Washington Chapter, No. 25, of the order f A., F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Masonic Relief Association. Nov. 29, 1856, he married Miss Caroline Van Evera, a native of Cherry Valley, N. Y., but a resident of Akron at the time of their marriage. Three


CITY OF AKRON. - 757


children have been born to them, two girls and one boy. Of the Doctor's three brothers, the youngest, William, entered the service of his country during the war of the rebellion. He was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, from the effects of which he died, and his body now lies in the National Cemetery, with a Government tombstone marking his last resting-place. George K., the brother next older than the Doctor, was a civil engineer of some note, and was with John C. Fremont on his exploring trip to California. The eldest brother, Daniel C., went in an early day to the gold regions of California, and was one of the first company of miners that ever located at Sutler's Fork.


ROBERT S. PAUL, surveyor, Akron ; is a native of Summit Co., Ohio ; was born in Cuyahoga Falls Oct. 3, 1842, and is the fourth of seven children born to Hosea and Ellen (Gamble) Paul. His parents were natives of Northfield, Vt., and County Down, Ireland. His mother came to this country when a child with her parents to Colebrook, N. H., subsequently moving to Canaan, Vt., where she married Mr. Paul, who was then Postmaster there. In 1834, they came to Wadsworth, Medina Co. Mr. Paul had early studied and worked at surveying, and at Wadsworth taught school. In 1835, he moved to Cuyahoga Falls, where he lived until his death. May 29, 1870. Mrs. Paul is still living on the old homestead in Cuyahoga Falls. Robert lived at home until he was 20 years old, completing in the meanwhile a course in the high schools of Cuyahoga Falls, and teaching in Stow and New Portage. He worked at times with his father at civil and mining engineering. In 1862, he surveyed the narrow guage road for the Brewster Coal Company. In August, 1862, he was assigned for duty with the Topographical Engineer Corps under Col. J. H. Simpson, in the Army f the Cumberland, where he served until 1865. Upon his return from the army, he attended the college at Lebanon, Ohio, for a year. He then went to the oil regions and followed his profession there about eighteen months. He also followed his profession in Cleveland for two years, where he spent a year in the Pennsylvania Polytechnic College. He then came to Akron, and soon after was appointed County Surveyor, to fill out the unexpired term of his father. He has since filled the position save one term, during which time he was employed as Chief Engineer f the Ohio & Toledo Railroad. July 25, 1872, he married Miss Sarah M. Romig, a native f Indiana By this marriage, there have been six children, five f whom are living, Ellen, Ada, Laura, Martha (deceased), Mary and Edward. Mr. Paul is President f the County Surveyors' Association, and is serving his second term. He was elected in 1881, as Secretary and Treasurer of the Ohio Institute of Mining Engineers, making him a recognized authority on these matters

.

W. H. PAYNE, boat-builder, Lock No. 2, Ohio Canal, Akron ; was born in Columbia, Lorain Co., Ohio, Aug. 10, 1822, and is the youngest f three children born to Willis and Rhoda (Bronson) Payne. He was a native of Connecticut, and emigrated to Lorain County when a young man, about the year 1816 ; while there he married Rhoda Bronson, a daughter of Herman Bronson, one of the pioneers f Boston Township. After his marriage, he came to Akron, where he died in 1836 ; she died in Boston Township in 1879. W. H., the subject, lived with his grandfather, Herman Bronson, from childhood until he was 20 years old, and received a common-school education. He was married Feb. 22, 1845, to Miss Julia Jaynes, a native of Vermont, who came here with her parents when young. After his marriage, he worked with his step-father, Jacob Barnhart, in his boat-yard in Boston Township, and in other similar establishments until 1864, when he came to Akron and bought out W. B. Storer's boat-yard, located at Lock No. 3, and continued the business for six years. He then sold out, and in 1873 established his present yard and has followed the business of boat-building ever since. During the six years he was in Akron, he built forty-two boats, and since beginning the business, he has built about one hundred and twenty-five boats. By his marriage, four children were born to him, of whom three are living, viz., Martha E., now Mrs. George Scott, of Akron ; Anna L., at home; Charles H., who married Miss Martha Storm, of Knox Co., Ohio. He lives at home and conducts the business originally established by his father.


J. H. PENDLETON, Vice President, Second National Bank, Akron City ; was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., Feb. 1, 1810, and was the eldest of eleven children born to Ward anti Sallie (Cook) Pendleton, who were natives of Connecticut, and


758 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


came to Ohio in 1819, in a covered wagon. They settled in Stow Township, Portage Co., now Summit Co., where they bought wild land, upon which they built a cabin, and proceeded otherwise to improve their purchase. His death occurred here March 5, 1865 ; his wife died a few years previous, June 6. 1860. J. H. lived at home until he was about 20 years of age, with limited opportunities for receiving an education. At the age of 20, he engaged as a clerk in a general store owned by Stowe & Wetmore at Cuyahoga Falls. He continued with them until about 1835, and traveled for them through Northern Ohio selling goods. He then, in company with his brother, opened a general store at Brunswick, Medina Co., and, after one season, removed the business to Franklin Mills, in this county, where he remained until about 1840, when the business was sold, and he engaged in business with B. F. Hopkins, conducting flour and saw mill, also woolen factory (as Center Manufacturing Company) and general merchandise store. About 1847, the business was dissolved ; and, in 1850, Mr. P. went to Cincinnati, where he was engaged in the construction of railroads until 1860, with headquarters at Cincinnati and Dayton. He then returned to Akron, and, in 1863, upon the organization of the Second National Bank, he became Vice President of it, a position he has held ever since. He has served as Trustee f Buchtel College several terms. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, in the affairs f which he has taken an active interest. Mr. P. has been three times married—first in 1832, to Miss Julia Corp ; she died July 5, 1833 ; second, in November, 1834, to Miss Sybil Fletcher ; she died May 29, 1841 ; third, Sept. 13, 1842, to Miss Eunice M. Post, a native f Summit Co. They have one child, viz., Nellie A.


LOUIS J. PROEHL, physician, Akron, Ohio ; is a native of Akron, Ohio ; he was born July 18, 1850, and is the eldest f seven children, born to George and Mary Louisa (Loose) Proehl ; they were natives of Saxon-Altenburg, Germany, and were born near Leipsic, the famous battleground of Napoleon. He came to the United States in the fall of 1848, and settled in Akron the same year. In the spring of 1849, Miss Loose came to Akron (she was acquainted with Mr. Proehl in the old country). They were married July 1, 1849. He first employed himself at chopping wood, and then became ahelper at the Empire House. In the spring of 1849, he began work at his trade (stonemason), and continued at the same until 1858, when he bought a farm in Coventry Township, and occupied the same the following spring, where he has lived since, working at his trade in the summer. By the marriage there have been seven children, viz., Louis J., George A., William F., Tillie M., John F., Emma and Ida. Our subject lived at home until the spring of 1864. He then apprenticed with his father, working during summers and attending school during the winters, until he was 20 years of age, when he began teaching during the winters, and continued until the spring of 1873. He then entered the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, graduating from the same in August, 1876. after which, he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, attending one course of lectures, and read with Dr. W. C. Jacobs, of Akron, until the fall of 1878, when he returned to the college, and graduated from the same in the spring of 1879. He then came to Akron, and has practiced his profession there since, occupying an office with Dr. W. J. Underwood. He is a member of the Summit County Medical Society, and the Union Medical Association of Northeastern Ohio.


C. H. PALMER, Superintendent f the Barber Match Company, Akron ; began to work for this company in 1864, at printing labels on a hand press and making the boxes, the Company being at that time located at Middlebury. In 1866, he took charge of the shipping department—printing the labels, making the boxes. covering the cases and doing the billing ; and now on account of his faithfulness and general knowledge of all the different departments. he has been called upon to fill the high and responsible position which he now occupies. His father was Albert Palmer, son of Stephen M.. who were natives of Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y. They came to Middlebury in 1836, at which time the father of our subject was but 11 years f age. His grandfather started the first fanning-mill manufactory in this part of the country, under the firm name f Palmer & Stafford. the latter a brother-in-law ; they did an extensive business for a few years when they dissolved partnership, the latter subsequently becoming extensively engaged in a stencil manufactory in the city f New York. The father of our subject after the death of Stephen M., in


CITY OF AKRON - 759


1849, in connection with his brothers Charles and Henry, carried on the business for several years, when they moved to Goodlettsville, Tenn., where they remained until near the outbreak of the Rebellion, when they dissolved partnership and returned to the North. The mother was Ann Hoy, daughter of James and Shedrick (Furgeson) Hoy, who is still living. The subject of this sketch was married, Oct. 4. 1876, to Mary Ann Peckham, daughter of Thomas Peckham, a former partner in the firm of Barber & Co.; he is now one of the traveling agents. Mr. Palmer by his marriage has one child, Thomas Albert, born July 4, 1877. He is a stanch Republican politically ; a member f the K. of P., Royal Arcanum and of the K. f H. He and wife are members f the Disciples' Church, greatly respected and loved by all who know them.


CHARLES PARISETTE, merchant, Akron. There are probably few, if any, of the business men of Akron whose life has been so full of adventure as that of the subject of this sketch. He was born November 19, 1836, in Wesel on the Rhine, Rhine Province, Prussia. Until he was 14 years of age his life was spent most of the time in school. He was then apprenticed by his father to learn the grocery business, the terms being that he must serve three years' time and pay $100. The old gentleman was for 49 years in the civil and military service of his country. Is at present living in New York City, though he and his wife, who was a Miss Mary Banhaus, and a native of Prussia, were at one time for about three years, residents of Akron. When our subject had finished his term of apprenticeship, he entered the employ of the firm whom he had served, at a salary of $50 for his first year's service. He remained there until he was 21 years old, and then emigrated to America. He remained in New York for about 13 months, engaged as a grocery clerk, and then sailed for California. Once landed there, however, it was not long until he thought of the mines, and the wealth that possibly awaited him. Joining a company he was soon in what has since proved the richest mining district in the world, as he was 1 one of the first seventy-six men who pitched their camp and began prospecting on the site of Virginia City. The cabin built and occupied by himself and partners was erected only about 200 yards from the mouth of the great Comstock lode. He remained in Virginia City about three months, when the Indian war broke out between the miners and Piute Indians. The organization of miners was under the command of Maj. Orsbry. The Piutes soon made it so warm for them that mining was out f the question. July 3, 1860, the terrible and decisive battle was fought at Pyramier Lake. Maj. Orsbry and his son were killed, with many others. Probably none would have escaped, had not the Indians been anxious to capture the horses, and therefore were careful not to shoot them. This desire on their part was the means of Mr. Parisette's escape. He had a splendid horse, and though surrounded by the yelling painted demons, he watched his opportunity, and broke through them and gained the Carson River, across which he swam his horse and rode for the mountains. He did not escape, however, without some severe arrow wounds, one of which was in the right hand and proved to be very painful. His only course now was to work his way to San Francisco, which he did, via the Hanes pass. Arriving at San Francisco he remained quiet until the recovery f his hand, when he again started for the mines. This time, however, he took good care to keep as far away from the Piutes as possible. He spent some time in the gold mines of what was known as Dry Town, where he made some money. Winter coming on, he and his partners went to San Francisco. and not caring to lie idle, they enlisted in the First Cal. V. I. for three years, thinking about three months would wind up the war of the rebellion. Instead of this, he found himself booked for three years of hardships and privations. Their regiment numbered 1,600 men, and was known as the First Column of California. It was placed on duty most of the time in the West, and served its country in that mode f warfare known as bush-whacking, or fighting the Indians. At one time Mr. Parisette's bunk-mate was so careless as to fall somewhat in the rear of the command, and when found, he was completely skinned, a deed that had been done by the Apaches. Mr. Parisette was an excellent shot and at one time wore the company badge for two years in succession. At last he was discharged at Las Cruces, New Mexico, on August 31, 1864. He was one of a company made up to cross the plains on their way to New York City, which they did, making the


760 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


journey in two months and fourteen days, though this included a few days' time spent at Ft. Lamed, Kansas, to join in a buffalo hunt. In this hunt he used a Springfield rifle, and killed a number of buffalo. Arriving in New York, he stopped for a time with his brother, and then came to Akron in the fall of 1864. On December 25, of 1864, he began as salesman for N. Wagnor, groceryman, with whom he remained for about one year and three months, when he entered the employ of the old grocery-man, John Cook, with whom he remained until 1870. He then bought the property where he now does business corner Main and Exchange streets, South Akron, and engaged in the grocery business on his own account. His business has been growing year by year, till now his aggregate sales per annum are about $40,000. He is a live, energetic business man and has established this extensive business by his own energy and good financiering. He is a member of Granite Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., No. 522. In 1867, he was married to Miss Susan Selzer, a native f Bavaria. Five children have been born to them, all f whom are girls.


MARTIN QUIGLEY, late of Middlebury, in this county, was a member of the ancient and noble family of O'Coigley, now written Quigley, originally from the neighborhood of the Giant's Causeway, in Ireland, later of Queen's County, near Dublin. The Rev. Dr. Quigley, who was honored with a state prosecution by the British Government in the memorable rebellion of '98, and whose intimacy with Lord Cloncurry caused the imprisonment f the latter in the Tower of London the same year, was a member of this family. Dr. Quigley was one of the first victims of '98, having been executed at Penenden Heath on the 7th of May of that year. The ancient arms of the family, on which is cantoned the celebrated "Red Hand of Ulster," still borne by the members here, attest their illustrious station in Irish history. In early times, individual names were indicative of personal qualities. Quigley, in Irish, signifies tall hero. and the four young men of the family here, all of whom are over six feet in heighth, and each of whom has fought his way to honorable distinction, show that they are in every sense worthy of their ancient name.


Martin Quigley, the subject of this article, was born in Timahoe, Queen's County, Ireland, Nov. 11, 1805. His father was a prosperous

gentleman farmer, with fourteen children—seven sons and seven daughters, Martin being the thirteenth child. The children were editcated partly in the parochial school, partly by private tutors. The eldest son, Cornelius, was a distinguished graduate of Dublin University. His brother Patrick was a Magistrate of Queen's County, and died there a few years ago at the age of 84. He founded the Leinster Independent, the leading paper of the county ; owned more than a hundred houses in Maryboro, the county seat of the county ; farmed over five hundred acres of land, and was one of the most popular men in the country, not only for his dignity and ability as a magistrate, his enterprise and public spirit as a citizen, but for his unfailing fund of wit and humor which delighted all with whom he came in contact. The writer of this notice had the pleasure of being entertained by him at his hospitable mansion near Maryboro, during quite a little visit there some years ago, and thus had personal knowledge of these facts.


Martin Quigley, subject of this notice, married there, in 1839, Miss Mary Ann Moore, of the old family of the O'Moore's, once Princes of Leix and Offaly, and formerly Kings of Leinster. Her brother, the Hon. James Moore. who had, in part, represented the city of Boston for four terms in the Legislature of the State of Massachusetts, prevailed on Mr. Quigley to come. to this country, which he did with his family in 1848. It was expected that Mr. Quigley would settle in Boston, but he had his eye on the broader fields of the West. Mr. John Dunne, well known forty years ago in Summit County, was a cousin of Mrs. Quigley. and his reports of the prospects of Summit County induced them to locate here. They came in July, 1848, and, in illustration of the rapidity with which Mr. Quigley acted in business matters, it may be mentioned that in three days' time from his arrival in Akron, he had purchased a tract of land in Springfield Township, and had his family settled on it. He afterward bought the Landis farm. within half a mile of Middlebury ; later, another farm in Copley Township, and, finally, a residence property on High street in Middlebury, which is still the family homestead.


One of the chief industries of this county now is the manufacture of stoneware, hut when Mr. Quigley came here thirty-three years ago.


CITY OF AKRON - 761


this industry was almost unknown. With rare sagacity Mr. Quigley saw from the start that something could be done in this matter. He had bought land immediately on his arrival with the intention of engaging in fanning, but he soon began studying the stoneware business. There were then but two small potteries in Middlebury doing a trifling business. Mr. Quigley prospected around, found a bed of good clay, bought it and began to push things. He soon furnished the Middlebury potteries better clay and at lower rates than they had been able to get before. They could not take anything like all his output, so he looked abroad for a market, and was the first man to ship this clay out of the State. He sent it first by canal, and later, by rail to Cleveland, and thence by boats to Michigan. Wisconsin and other neighboring States. He became an enthusiast on the subject. Unable to persuade the timid owners in Middlebury to enlarge their works, he bought into the business himself and began to spread it. Clay, until his time, had been ground here in the old horse-power mill. This was too slow for his quick, Celtic blood. He went to Cleveland, bought a twenty horse-power engine and began grinding clay by steam. His partners got frightened ; he bought them out and ran the business alone until 1862, when his two eldest sons, Thomas and William (twins, by the way), came on the scene. Having now reared and educated men to run the business according to his own ideas, he turned the manufactory over to them. Thomas and William were soon re-enforced by Hugh, and they, under the name f the Quigley Brothers, have pushed the business until they have warehouses now of a storage capacity f nearly three million gallons of ware. They send their goods by rail and water all over the United States, doing a business of over a $150,000 a year. Though Mr. Quigley turned the business over to " the boys," he still watched over it fondly to the day of his death, and much of its success is, doubtless, due to his continued supervision. He found the business in Middlebury a small affair. employing only a few men. He lived to see it grow to be one of the leading enterprises f the State, with millions of dollars invested, and thousands f men employed in it. He was always proud of his connection with it. He loved to sit on the broad, shady porch of his house on High street and look out on the blaze everywhere rising from the stoneware kilns ; on the volumes of white smoke caused by " salting off" the ware ; to hear the, to him, sweet music of the factory whistles while the smoke rose in clouds from the stacks f the steam clay-mills he had been the first to introduce, all telling of triumphs of industry, skill, patience and intelligence—triumphs which to him, probably, more than to any other man, the country was indebted. These triumphs would, doubtless, have come in time without him, but, how long the clay lay there, comparatively untouched until his arrival How quick the whole country heard of it when he put his hand to the work His sons still carry on the business, but they exert themselves in the larger field of handling the manufactured ware.


William married in November, 1864, Miss Theresa Smith, eldest daughter of Mr. John Smith, of Cleveland, one of the " solid " men of that city. Hugh married, May 2, 1876, Miss Helena Daly, eldest daughter of Mr. Peter Daly, likewise a prominent citizen of Cleveland. " Tom," being still a Benedict, does the traveling for the concern. William, on his marriage, withdrew from the firm, but carries on the same business on his own account.


Patrick, the youngest son, now known as Dr. Quigley, showed from his youth an inclination for the church. He made his college course in Cleveland, and, later, also his theological course, and was ordained a priest in the Catholic Church in 1869. Having shown unusual talents, the Bishop encouraged his going to Rome to profit by the higher instruction there. He spent four years in the Eternal City, attending the celebrated Collegio Romano, and came back with the proud distinction of being the only American student who ever won the title of Doctor from that institution. He has acquired considerable celebrity in this country as an authority on Canon law, having given to the public the result of some of his studies on some recondite branches of that subject, and being at this present writing attending Court in Pittsburgh as an expert in a case there in which a question of Canon law is involved. He has been for eight or nine years a professor in the Diocesan Seminary at Cleveland, in this State. He has the fine personal appearance characteristic of his family and, rare thing for a thorough student, is possessed of fine oratorical powers. His services are in great demand for addresses


762 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


on special occasions, and he has taken a very prominent part lately in the public discussion of the land league question, attracting now so much attention in this country as well as in Ireland. He learned German while a youth in this country, and French and Italian in Rome, so that he preaches in English, German, French or Italian, as occasion requires. To return to the subject of this memoir. Mr. Quigley died in Akron, Oct. 8, 1878, being then 73 years of age.


The Akron Daily Beacon, the oldest newspaper, we believe, published in Summit County, had the following notice f his death, from which, as furnishing a contemporaneous account from a public print, we copy the concluding portion, as follows :


" Mr. Quigley's earnest religious convictions and his uniform readiness to discuss, amicably, and defend the tenets of his church—the Roman Catholic—have, for years, been greatly respected by the whole community. His regularity and vigor in attending the services of his church ' in season and out of season have for long years been praised and admired by members of all denominations. And more—his religion gave him a rule of conscience in all his business transactions. Mr. Quigley's wonderful devotion to his most estimable wife, as well as to all his sons' interests, have often been commented upon as a beautiful example f a most affectionate and large-hearted husband and father. His obsequies were held yesterday, the 10th inst. The procession from the family home in the Sixth Ward, to St. Vincent de Paul's Church was one of the largest our prosperous city ever witnessed. The services at the church were solemn and impressive and the spacious and magnificent edifice was filled with the friends of the deceased. The remains were met in the vestibule of the church by clergy in cope or surplice and with solemn chant escorted to the altar railing. The Rev. Dr. Quigley, of Cleveland, youngest son of the deceased, celebrated a Solemn Requiem Mass, assisted by Revs. John Brown, of this city, and A. R. Sidley, Pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church, Cleveland, as deacon and sub-deacon. The pall-hearers were Messrs. P. Smith of Cleveland ; E. Rowley, H. Baldwin, T. Johnston, John Cooke, Sr., and James McCalister, Sr., of this city. Amongst the clergy in the sanctuary, besides those above mentioned,were Rev. N. A. Moes, Rector of the Catholic Seminary, Cleveland ; Rev. William McMahon Pastor of St. Bridget's Church, Cleveland ; Rev. Dr. Mahar, of the Cathedral, Cleveland justify">Rev. M. Murphy, of Warren ; Rev. P. O'Mara, of Hudson ; Rev. William Finucan, of Massillon ; Rev. oF. O'Neil, of Kent, and Rev. Father Mahony, Pastor of the deceased. After the Solemn Mass, Rev. Father Mahony delivered an able funeral oration in which he paid a high tribute of respect to the deceased as a most devoted husband, a good father, and a practical, fervent Catholic, and stated that he had a golden record on the parish books, and was equal, if not superior, to any other member of the congregation in supporting the interests of religion, and in contributing to the erection of St. Vincent de Paul's splendid church. The preacher even described the generosity of the deceased as ' princely' and applied to him the words of the Apostle Paul : I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.' After the funeral sermon, some excellent chanting was done by the clergy in the Sanctuary, and Rev. Dr. Quigley pronounced the last absolutions. The funeral procession was formed again and proceeded to the vault f the Soldiers' Monument, accompanied by all the above mentioned clergy, where the remains, were deposited temporarily. Later they are to be interred in the family burial lot in the Catholic Cemetery on West Hill."


Mr. Quigley was a most agreeable companion, always overflowing with wit and humor, and had the full measure of characteristic Celtic vivacity. A small book could easily be filled with most interesting accounts f his humorous and numerous controversial contests, political and religious, with various celebrities of the county, but lack f space forbids further mention of them here.


His beloved wife, a lady of well-known intellectual powers and womanly virtues, now past her 80th year, sorrowing, survives him. She is of a long-lived family, her great-grandfather having attained the patriarchal age f 132 years. She resides with her son, Hugh, in Akron, and will long be most affectionately remembered by all who have enjoyed the pleasure f her acquaintance.


Mr. Quigley was one of the few of whom it may be truly said, not only that he was without fear and without reproach, but that, by


CITY OF AKRON - 763


reason of his skill in opening up new avenues of trade, his energy in developing new sources of wealth and his success in furnishing new fields for employment, he ranks as a public benefactor, one who has deserved well of his country. He is a man whose memory this community will always delight to honor.


THOMAS CRAIGHEAD REYNOLDS, A. M., editor of the Akron Beacon. was born Sunday, June 18, 1848, at Reynolds' Mill, just south of Canton, Ohio. He was the fourth child of his father, Mr. George Reynolds, oldest son of Mr. William Reynolds, first Clerk of Stark Co., Ohio. He was the oldest son of Mr. R.'s second wife, Jane (Lamb) Reynolds, oldest daughter of Thomas Craighead, of Cumberland Co., Penn., where men of that name were the earliest settlers of the Scotch-Irish, and the first Presbyterian preachers west of the Susquehanna River. Mr. George Reynolds' paternal ancestors were Virginians, his mother being a daughter f a Newport (R. I.) sea captain, and both of English stock. T. C. Reynolds spent his boyhood with his maternal grandparents in Canton, attending private school, and in Akron with his parents, who owned and kept the Empire House, attending the public schools. Thence, in April, 1863, he went to the Western Reserve College Preparatory School, and remained there through his freshman year. His college studies were completed at the University of Michigan, graduating from the classical course June 24, 1868, at 20, the youngest of his class, except Mark W. Harrington, since Professor of Astronomy at the University. His long vacations were spent upon the United States Survey of the Northern and Northwestern Lakes, that work being then under the superintendence of his uncle, Gen. W. F. Reynolds, of the United States Engineers, to whom Mr. R. also owes the liberal advances of money that secured his education and his interest in the Beacon Publishing Co. After graduating, and while upon duty with a longitude party of the Lake Survey at Oswego, N. Y., Mr. Reynolds was offered a reporter's place upon the Detroit Post, and began journalistic work July 14, 1868. Six months later, he went home to Akron as the Beacon's first reporter, soon being offered and declining a recall to Detroit with a better position and salary, and in January, 1869, he began work upon the Beacon, and on Dec. 6, 1869, the daily editionwas begun. Six months later, he left the paper because f an attempt to divide his pay with another, and, July 14, 1870, began work upon the Pittsburgh Commercial, next under C. D. Brigham, as paragraph writer and associate, succeeding Bartley Campbell, the dramatist, and being succeeded by Col. Richard Realf, the brilliant poet. In March, 1871, he visited St. Louis, Mo., with a view to starting an evening paper there with H. H. Byram, relinquishing his Pittsburgh situation. This was not practicable, and finally he got a place in Cincinnati upon an insurance and manufacturing journal, owned by one Tillinghast, Mr. R. being associated with Levi E. Thorne, since editor of the Daily American Exchange, at New York. Thanksgiving Day, 1871, he returned to Akron as editor of the Beacon, the internal trouble being terminated by the purchase of the interest of the trouble-makers by a number of business men as a stock company, with Mr. S. A. Lane, as business manager. Nov. 1, 1873, Mr. Reynolds left Akron, Mr. W. Scott Robison having offered him nearly a double salary to edit the Cleveland Sunday Voice and the Trade Review. During this time, he also wrote upon the Leader's editorial page. In June, 1874, Mr. R. went to Toledo as Clark Waggoner's associate editor of the Morning Commercial, remaining until January, 187 5, when a reorganization of the Beacon Company brought him back to Akron to stay. This had been Mr. R.'s fixed purpose in all his changes, and he was joined in accomplishing it by Mr. Frank J. Staral and John H. Auble. Two years later, Mr. Auble's interest was bought by Reynolds & Staral, the latter since being business manager. When Mr. Reynolds first went to the Beacon in January, 1869, Mr. Stand, then a Bohemian boy, had just entered the office as the only bindery workman. He began then to board with Mr. R.'s parents, making that his home until his marriage in July, 1877, the two being associated as brothers since. In June, 1873, Mr. Reynolds united with the Congregational Church of Akron, and Jan. 3, 1878. he married Lillian Alice, only daughter of John H. and Laura A. Waggoner, of Akron. In December, 1878, a son was born to them—William Waggoner Reynolds. Mr. has held no office, and seeks none.


GEORGE T. RANKIN, carpenter, Akron City ; brn in the City of Hudson, N. Y., Feb.


764 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


21, 1843 ; he was the son of Matthew and Mary (Linn) Rankin, who were the parents f nine children, as follows : Ellen, now Mrs. Amos Macy ; Charles, died in 1880 ; Matthew, now of Cleveland ; Mary, now Mrs. Peter Decker ; Esther, now Mrs. B. F. Harris ; George T., of Akron ; Joseph, f Hudson, N. Y. ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Cornelius Shaw ; John, of Cleveland. Mrs. Rankin was a lady of fine mental attainments, but died in 1849, while most of her children were quite small. Her husband died Jan. 15, 1871, in the 61st year of his age. The subject of this sketch, when 12 years of age, moved to Waterloo Township, Jefferson Co., Wis., where he remained about four years. In the fall of 1859, he returned to Hudson, N. Y., where he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years ; he then removed to New York City and worked at ship joinering, pattern making and general carpenter work, from the year 1862 to 1871. He was married, Sept. 8, 1870, to Mrs. Mary C. Weimer, who was born Jan. 21, 1847 ; in May, 1871, they settled in Akron, and since then have resided in the city. Mr. Rankin has frequently been employed at fine designs, which required much skill, and his workmanship on these tasks is a lasting prof that he is a master mechanic at his trade ; he was employed for several years at millwright work since settling in Akron, and was agent, for some five years, for the Cleveland Electric Supply Company. At the present time, Mr. Rankin is a general carpenter and builder, employing, at times, six and eight hands. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin are members of Methodist Episcopal Church, of Akron ; they are the parents of two children—Irving Cornelius and George Thomas. By her former husband, Mrs. Rankin had one daughter, Jennie T. Weimer.


W. G. ROBINSON, stationer, Akron, was born in Middlebury, now included in the city f Akron, March 20, 1838, and is the eldest of six children born to John C. and Margaret (Kelly) Robinson. His parents were natives of Union County, Penn., and came to Middlebury in the Spring f 1836. Mr. John C. Robinson was a farmer and followed this business in Ohio until his death in 1875. His wife's death preceded his some four years, occurring in 1871. Both were active members f the Presbyterian Church and were highly respected in the community in which they lived. W. G. Robinson was brought up on the farm, gaining his education in the select schools in the neighborhood and in the High School of Akron. In 1857, he began as a clerk with Mr. A. Sawyer, in his book and stationery establishment, where he continued for four years. He then bought the business of Mr. Sawyer and has since conducted it with signal success. In August of 1879, he associated himself with other gentlemen in the formation f stock company, known as the Akron Telephone Company, for operating Bell's telephone in the cities f Akron, Canton, Massillon, Youngstown and Springfield, of which he was made President, a position he still occupies. He is also Manager of the Akron Academy of Music. which has been under his direction ever since its erection in 1869. Mr. Robinson made his home with his parents until his marriage in 1861. On the 1st of January in that year. he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Buckingham, a native of Watertown, Conn.


ENOCH ROWLEY, retired, Middlebury, is a native of Staffordshire, England, and was born Dec. 22, 1814. His father, William Rowley, was a potter and Enoch was taught the trade. In February, 1849. he landed in New York, prepared to try his fortune in the new country. He came to Cuyahoga Falls, having heard f that place in England. He worked at farming and gardening for about eight months, and in the fall of the same year, he came to Middlebury and bought his present place, where he has since resided. In the Spring of 1850, he and his two brothers-in-law, Edwin and Herbert Baker, began the manufacture of yellow and rockingham ware ; it was the first made in the county. and was represented at the county fair in 1851. In 1853, he erected a stoneware manufactory and has been identified with the same ever since. He married Miss Eliza Baker April 21, 1834. She is a native of England. Of their eleven children but one is living, viz., William ; of the deceased but two were married, one of whom leaves a family, viz., Ann J., married Mr. F. Manton, a native of England, who came to America about the year 1852, and is now a farmer located near Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. By their marriage there were three children, viz., Charles F., Francis C. and Eva E. Mr. Rowley, though coming a stranger to a new country has by industry and economy been


CITY OF AKRON - 765


successful in business, securing for himself and wife an ample competency for their old age. Both have spent over one-half a century as members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has taken an active interest, and has served in its several offices, being a class, leader for the past twenty-two years. In politics, he has taken his stand in the ranks of the Republican party.


WM. ROWLEY, stoneware manufacturer, Middlebury, Ohio ; is a native of England, and was born in Staffordshire, Dec. 17, 1837. At the age of 12, he came with his parents to America, and settled in Middlebury, now Sixth Ward of Akron, where he has since lived. He began to work in a pottery, and, at the age of 18, established a business of his own, erectinga shop where his present establishment is. Since the destruction of his shop by fire, the building has been rebuilt of brick and he is now enlarging it so as to double its present capacity, which will employ from twenty-five to thirty hands. Mr. Rowley was one of the incorporators of the Middlebury Clay Company, and since the first year he has held the office of Secretary and Superintendent of the same. May 10, 1864, he married Miss Mary Jane Wills, a native of England. She came to the United States with her parents, and was living with them at Cuyahoga Falls at the time of her marriage. Of their four children, three are living, viz.: Arthur J., Maud L., and an infant.


WILLIAM H. RAGG, Marshal, Akron, Ohio. Wm. Ragg. Sr., was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and came to the United States when 18 years of age, pursuing here the calling of baker and confectioner. He was prominently connected with the bakery of Queen, Victoria, 1 in England. He died in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1854, in his 43d year. Jane (Farquer) Ragg, (his wife), died at Paterson, N. J., in 1840 ; she was of French parentage. The only son of their marriage is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Paterson, N. J., Dec. 6, 1840. When 8 years old, he went with his father to Syracuse, N. Y., afterward living in Watertown, N. Y., until 1853, when they came to Cleveland, Ohio, where subject lived until 1871. At 16, he was apprenticed to H. P. Hopkins, where he served nine years at sign painting—the last six as journeyman. Then he opened a paintshop in Cleveland, and carried on business until 1871, when he removed to Oil City, Penn., and there engaged at his trade four years. In April, 1875, he moved to Akron, Ohio, and entered the employ of Charles E. Kidney, as painter, continuing six months, when he again established a paintshop and successfully carried on business until 1878, when he was elected on the Republican ticket to fill the unexpired term of Jacob Koplin, (Marshal), and was re-elected in the spring of 1879 for two years, and in April, 1881, was again re-elected Marshal, on the Republican ticket by a large majority. Sept. 10, 1861, he married Miss Mary Pauline, daughter of Prof. Pierre A. Gollier, of Cleveland, Ohio. They have three sons living and one daughter deceased.


REV. JOHN F. ROWE, minister and journalist, Akron, son of Martin and Mary M. (Alshouse) Rowe, was born at Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Penn., March 23,.1827. In his youth, he worked for several years at brick-laying, being master of' the trade. In 1839, his father moved to Wooster, Ohio, where our subject prepared for college at Parrott's Academy, Wooster; and he entered Bethany College in 1850, graduating four years later, receiving B. A. degree. He was editor f the college paper. At 24, he entered the ministry, being ordained by Wooster Church in 1851. In 1855, he went to Springfield, Ill., where he became associate editor of the Christian Sentinel, continuing two years, preaching at the same time. In 1857, he went to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he became associate editor f the Christian Evangelist, being at the same time solicitor for Oskaloosa College for two years, when he came to Wadsworth, Ohio, and was Pastor of the Church of Christ for several years. In 1865, he went to Corry, Penn., and organized a church ; under his administration a church and parsonage were built ; he labored there two years, and then came to Akron, where he has since remained. When his labors closed in Corry, he became associate editor of the American Christian Review, at Cincinnati, Ohio, for seven years. In April, 1874, the Akron Argus, a non-partisan and independent newspaper, was started in Akron, and he was editor-in-chief for a period of about two years ; severing that relation, he was elected editor-in-chief of the American Christian Review, a position he still retains. It is one of the oldest papers extant devoted to the interest of the


766 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


Church of Christ. In the last twenty years, he has visited the churches of about twenty States and of Canada, being engaged in an evangelical work; he has been throughout the West as far as Salt Lake City, and South and East. He has brought many hundred persons into the Church. He has written several works on evangelical subjects, and is a public debater of ability. Sept. 28, 1852. he was married to Miss Editha M. Pardee, daughter of Judge Allen Pardee, of Wadsworth. Ohio. He has five children, all at home, viz., Eugene P., local editor of the Beacon; Kittie F. L., Ada E., Frank E. and Louis F.


THOMAS RHODES, retired, Akron ; is a son of Thomas and Miriam (Garside) Rhodes, and was born April 18, 1826. in Lancashire, England, seven miles from Manchester. When 7 years of age, his parents came to America, landing at New York on the 10th of April, 1833. Soon after, they came to Massillon, Ohio, where they stopped for a short time, and then settled in Sharon Township, in Medina Co., where his youth was spent. His education was limited to the district schools, and to instruction received from an older brother. About the year 1854, he and his brothers bought a tract f land on " Chuckery Plains," which they farmed until 1859, when they sold out and removed to Portage Township, and bought 546 acres f land, which they cleared, improved and drained ; he still owns 280 acres. In 1867, he purchased his present place, consisting of 11 acres, where he has since lived. He has been a careful student, and has gathered a valuable collection f books. In 1865, subject and his brother Samuel went to Panama, to examine there specimens of natural history. Samuel was taken sick, and, three days after leaving, died on board the steamship, Jan. 4, 1866, on the way to New York. In 1862, his brother Samuel was drafted, when he took his place, serving about ten months in Co. A, 72d O. V. I., during which time he took part in the siege of Vicksburg. Subject was married Dec. 21, 1876, to Miss Sarah B. Garside, of Wisconsin. He was a Republican from 1860 to 1872, when he joined the Prohibition party, and is now Financial Secretary f the Ohio Anti-Liquor Alliance, and a thorough temperance worker.


N. B. STONE, Secretary and Treasurer of the Weary Snyder Wilcox Manufacturing Company, Akron ; is not only a pioneer f Akron,but he has for many years been prominently identified with the lumbering interests of Summit Co., and, as a representative and promoter of this branch of the county's industries, his portrait appears in this work. Having for many years acted in concert with those citizens who are first looked to in the forwarding of any local enterprise resulting in the general welfare of the citizens of Akron, his name is worthy of more than a passing mention. A tracement of the genealogy of the family proves the name of that branch of the ancestry of which Mr. Stone is a descendant to be f English origin. He was born Sept. 18. 1816, in Mahoning Co.. Ohio, and was the third child of a family of four children horn to Milo and Sarah (Beardsley) Stone, both of whom were natives of Connecticut, and who, in the year 1815. quitted their native State, and, with an ox team, made their way westward to the much-talked-of Western or Connecticut Reserve ; they settled in that part of Trumbull now known as Mahoning Co., and subsequently removed to Tallmadge Township, Summit Co. ; this, also. at that date, was a part f Portage Co. Their settlement in Tallmadge was in 1817, which at that date was a tract of almost unbroken forest. By trade, Mr. Stone was a carpenter and joiner, but in that early day there was but little demand for mechanics f any kind ; he therefore purchased and began the clearing up f a farm, though he devoted a portion f his time to working at his trade. The early settlers of Tallmadge Township being almost exclusively Connecticut people, it was not long before they established educational facilities far surpassing those f the surrounding new settlements ; the result f their efforts in this direction, was the establishing at the Center of Tallmadge an academy of more than the ordinary standard. E. T. Sturtevant, a graduate of Yale College, was for many years their principal instructor, and to him many of the now prosperous and influential men of the Western Reserve owe the foundation of their success, N. B. Stone among the number. To Milo Stone is due a fair share of the credit f thus early paving a way for the education f his children ; the church, however, received his greatest encouragement and most liberal support ; by his early and persistent efforts, he succeeded in organizing the first M. E. Church of Tallmadge. Such offices as he would accept were given him, and,


CITY OF AKRON - 767


upon the organization of Summit Co., he was appointed one of the Real Estate Appraisers. His death occurred in April, 1856, and that f his wife on Feb. 8, 1861. Nelson B. Stone, after having received a fair education at the Tallmadge Academy, began in earnest the battle of life on his own account ; he spent several years in West Bloomfield, N. Y., Ravenna, Ohio, and Wheeling, W. Va. ; in the latter place he spent two and a half years at bookkeeping ; in December of 1840, he came to Akron, and, a short time after his arrival, he accepted the Deputy Clerkship of Summit Co.; he continued to discharge the duties f Deputy until 1851, when he was elected to the office of County Clerk for a term of three years ; he discharged the duties and increased responsibilities devolving upon him to the satisfaction of all interested, and, at the close of his term of office, he accepted the position of Deputy County Clerk of Cuyahoga Co., though he continued his residence in Akron ; returning from Cleveland, or rather severing his connection with the official management of Cuyahoga's affairs, he became for a time connected with the firm of Aultman, Miller & Co. In 1865, he became a partner in the firm with which he is now connected, and in which he has since held the offices of Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Stone has given liberally toward supplying Akron with the different railroads that are and have been so largely conducive to her success, and, in the building-up of churches and schools, he has been an earnest worker. Both he and Mrs. Stone are members of the First M. E. Church ; in 1843, when the present Sabbath school f the First M. E. Church was organized, with an attendance f thirty-three pupils, Mr. Stone was elected Librarian, and has been officially connected with the school almost continuously to the present date, quite a period of time as Superintendent. He is an earnest, zealous worker in the Sabbath school, and at present is Secretary of the organization. In May of 1852, he was married to Miss Mary H. Clark, a native of North Springfield, Summit Co.; her death occurred in April of 1853 ; the issue f this marriage was one son—Nelson C. —who is now bookkeeper for the Weary Snyder Wilcox Manufacturing Co. In August of 1854, Mr. Stone married Miss Elizabeth H. Beardsley, who was born within the incorporate limits of Akron, and whose people were among Summit County's early and prominent pioneers. Two children have been born to them—Philo C., who died in 1872, and Dwight M., living at home.


INCREASE SUMNER (deceased) ; was born in Townsend, Vt., Feb. 25, 1800, and was a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Sumner. He lived in Vermont about sixteen years, and then came to Ohio and settled in Middlebury, where his brother Charles was living, and where he lived until his death, Nov. 18, 1868. He was quite a prominent man, was connected with the milling business, was also one of the early merchants of Middlebury, and also a stone con, tractor, and built many of the bridges of the county, and dams in Akron, besides doing much stone work on the canal. In 1849, he fitted up an ox-team, and with a party of sixteen or eighteen men, of whom he was Captain and Treasurer, went to California, arriving in safety. Throughout the trip, he disdained to carry firearms, feeling confident in his own natural powers. Arriving in California, he opened a store in a mining district and continued it for nearly three years, when he returned to Middlebury. When he left, he said he would return in three years to prevent his wife getting a bill of divorce. On his return, the first question he asked his wife was, if the bill had been obtained, and was answered in the negative. This was one of the jokes peculiar to himself. On his return, he devoted his attention to farming, but finally sold his farm and bought a piece f land upon which he opened a stone-quarry, and contracted stone work. He continued in this until his death. He was married March 29, 1837, to Mrs. Miller, formerly Miss Elizabeth Hammel, they have no children. The first marriage of Mrs. S. to Arthur Miller occurred Jan. 29, 1827 ; she was a native of Ithaca, N. Y., and was born Sept. 21, 1812. Mr. Miller died July 16, 1830, leaving two children, both of whom have since died. In September, 1836, Mrs. Miller came to Ohio and lived in Norton Township with friends f Mr. Miller until the February following, when she came to Middlebury, and in March was married to Mr. Sumner.


COL. JULIUS A. SUMNER, retired, Akron, whose portrait appears in this history as a representative of that class of the pioneers of Summit County who have been identified with the progress of almost every improvement that


768 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


has placed Akron and Summit Co. among the leading cities and counties of Ohio, is a descendant of one of the old and prominent families of the United States. The name f Sumner is familiar to the people from the fact of different members f the family having from time to time held prominent positions in civil and military life. Theirs has been a remarkably robust, large of stature, and long-lived race of people. An examination of the records traces the genealogy of the family back to 1634, when one George Sumner, who was of the third generation by the name, emigrated from Bicester. England, to the United States, and settled at Freeman, Mass. He removed from there to Milton, of the same State, where he was Deputy to the General Court in 1693, 1703. 1708-09. He was ordained Deacon, July 30, 1699. and died at Milton, in 1715. Edward Sumner, of the fourth generation, and son of George, was born at Milton, Mass., Aug. 29, 1676. He lived and died a resident of Massachusetts. John Sumner, of the fifth generation, son f Edward and the grandfather of our subject, was born August 1. 1705. He graduated at Harvard College, in 1723. Nov. 20, 1729, he married Susanna, daughter of Samuel Stevens, of Roxbury. She died Feb. 2, 1733. In 1737–38 he was Representative from Roxbury. He settled on Martha's Vineyard, where, on Sept. 22, 1738, he married Jedidah Smith. He was Judge f the Court of Common Pleas for Duke's Co., from 1761 to 1774, when he removed to Spencer, where he died in 1787. Thomas Sumner, of the sixth generation, and father of Julius A., was a son by the second marriage f John Sumner. He was born June 2, 1757, and was married at Brookfield, March 9, 1780, to Miss Elizabeth Holland, of the same place. They lived for a time at Spencer, and then went to Townshend, Vt., and in 1817 they removed from there to Middlebury, Ohio, where he died April 19, 1825, and his wife Oct. 10, 1842. Col. Julius A. Sumner, the subject f this brief memoir, was born Jan. 2, 1802. at Townshend, Vt., and from the time of his 14th year he has been almost wholly dependent upon his own resources. At the' age of 14 years he went to Boston, and from there across the country on foot to Tyrone, Huntingdon Co., Penn. He remained there for a time, and then started again on foot a distance of 130 miles, across the Alleghany Mountains to Pittsburgh. Therehe began work in a nail factory, in the maimfacture f handmade nails. He remained there until 16 years of age, and then went to the country and engaged in teaching school, which he followed for one year. It may seem improbable that a boy of this age, and with the meager opportunities for attaining an education that were afforded him, should be able to teach a common school, but it may be as well to state here, that Col. Sumner was a boy of more than ordinary ability, energy and determination, all of which traits of character have in later life placed him in a position far beyond the average pioneer of Summit Co. In the spring of 1818, he began his journey on foot and alone to Middlebury. He arrived there in February, and began in company with his father and brothers the erection of the first rollingmill in what was then Portage Co. This was for the purpose of rolling strap and bar iron from which to manufacture nails. and to them must be given the credit of making the first market nails ever made in Ohio. In 1824, he married Miss Margaret, daughter of Rev. Obadiah Newcomb, of Wadsworth, Ohio. She was a native of Nova Scotia, and was the mother f his children.


About the time of his marriage, the Colonel engaged in the mercantile trade, in which he has since been interested, and stands today as the oldest or pioneer merchant of Akron, as he is still interested in business as a member of the firm of Clark & Sumner, grocerymen. When he began business, freights from New York to Middlebury were $12 per 100 pounds. He sometimes ran as many as three stores at a time, but when freights came down to $5 per 100, he found so much competition springing up, that he gave up a part of his mercantile business and opened a woolenmill. In 1832, his health being somewhat impaired by confinement, he sold his mill and store and moved to the country. He purchased a tract of land, f which he cleared 175 acres the first year. He began farming as he did everything else, on a scale that surprised some his neighbors. In a short time he owned 1,200 acres, most of which he soon put in a state f cultivation. At this same time, he built a distillery at Lock 17, on the canal, which (the latter) was finished Aug. 25, 1828. He also ran a pottery on his farm, and was engaged extensively at merchandising. As an evidence


CITY OF AKRON - 769


of his executive ability, he was at one time running a farm of 1,200 acres, a pottery, two distilleries and three stores, and at the same time he was Colonel of one of the finest militia regiments in Ohio. He has built many costly buildings in Akron, among which is the Sumner House, erected in 1868 and burned in 1876, and immediately rebuilt and enlarged. This fire was a loss to him of $50,000 ; this, with his previous losses of $75.000, was a fortune of itself, especially as it was accumulated from a start of $1, and yet today he is counted one of the wealthy men of Summit Co. During his early career, the Colonel made eight different trips East with cattle, and crossed the Alleghany Mountains on horseback as many times. He and a brother also were the first shippers of cattle from the Western Reserve to Philadelphia. Col. Sumner's first wife died in 1849. In 1853, he married the widow of H. Bradley, who was one of the early settlers of the County. They lived together for twenty-seven years, when her death occurred, Oct. 18, 1880. His children are, Charles A., now a prominent merchant of Baraboo, Wis. ; Mary, wife of C. Ferguson ; Nellie, wife of J. B. Haughton ; Eliza, wife of E. Stilwell, and Vick, wife of Geo. S. Clark, the Colonel's associate in business. He is still a hale, vigorous man, of commanding appearance, extensive knowledge, and in his matured age enjoying the rich possessions of the fruits of his varied efforts.


EDWARD SUMNER, Akron, a brother of Charles Sumner, was born at Townshend, Vt., June 27, 17 96 ; came to Middlebury about 1817, and in 1818, in connection with his brothers Julius and Joseph, built the first rolling mill and rail factory in the State, with which establishment he continued a number of years. He was married at 2 o'clock A. M., Jan. 1, 1822, to Miss Lucinda Hart, a sister to the wife of his brother Charles. He subsequently engaged in merchantile business until his departure, in 1848, for Baraboo, Wis., where he built a large hotel ; also the court house for that county ; he served one term in the Wisconsin Legislature, and, about the close of the war, went to a place near San Francisco, Cal., where he engaged in the hotel business and mining. At an early date he was Colonel of' the 5th Ohio Militia, at that time the finest in the State ; he has always taken an active part in Masonry, joining, as soon as age would permit, in theState of New York, and soon after his settlement in Middlebury he organized the lodge by that name, fitting up a hall in his own house, which was used for several years, subsequently, with Judge Spaulding, organized the Akron Lodge.


MISS LOUISE SUMNER, stock-raiser and farmer, P. O. Akron ; the only child of Charles Sumner and Clarrissa Hart, daughter of Rufus and Esther (Cutter) Hart, who were natives of Cornwall. Conn., and migrated to Middlebury about 1815, after a residence of eleven years in the State of New York. She was born May 6, 1796, and died March 30, 1877, after a long and useful life. The Sumners moved to Vermont about 1800 from Roxbury, Mass., where the father f our subject was born, June 6. 1794 ; he resided in Vermont until the fall of 1816, when he came to Middlebury, arriving in the spring of 1817, and was married the June following ; his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Holland) Sumner, arrived in the fall f 1817. During the early part f his life in Ohio he worked at the clothiers' trade and served the people as a minister of the Gospel ; he built the first frame dwelling house in the village of Middlebury, hauling the lumber for the same from Wooster and Cleveland, and raising the frame on the day of his marriage ; he also, in connection with Peleg Mason, kept the first store in the village, and about the same time he built the first carding mill, making subsequent extensive additions to the business ; his congregation, until the time of the building f the canal, had grown quite extensive, but was almost totally broken up on account f the ravages of disease at that time, there being only four of his flock left to tell the story which had been so friendly imparted from the lips of their earnest and energetic leader, who rendered great assistance during that dark time to the widows and orphans, in providing for them—raising and finding homes for the orphan children, and building houses upon his own farm for the shelter f the poor and sick. He was a very enterprising, energetic, successful and liberal man, having, a few years after his removal to this State, purchased a large tract f land in Springfield Township, upon which he kept a large amount of stock of all kinds, and engaged in the business of drover, in which he was very successful, although at many times meeting with several narrow escapes in crossing the mount-


770 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


tain.. The following is an eulogy by his of friend and teacher, J. Park Alexander: To the Past and Present Members of the Akron Fire Department, this eulogy of our dead friend of and comrade is respectfully dedicated by his former teacher and constant friend throughout

period of twenty-five years:


On the 1st of April, A. D. 1856, upon promotion there appeared in the Grammer Department of the Akron High School, a boy small of stature, rugged in appearance, fair in complexion with round visage and rounder head, covered with intensely curled auburn hair, which boy entered into all the labor and tasks of the schoolroom with the same vigor courage and determination that marked him in after years. in our estimation, as a man. The writer se lected for him as a declamation in our school exer cises at that time, "Cutter's Ode," to the sentimen uttered by Henry Clay at the dedication of a monument at Lexington. Ky., erected over the remains, of those who had fallen in the battle of Buena Vista among whom were those of his son:


"And I would cover all its height

And breadth before that hour of shame,

Till space should fail whereon to write,

Even the Initial of a name.


"Dissolve the Union, mar, remove

The last asylum that is known,

Where patriots find a brother's love

And truth may shelter from a throne.


"Give up the hopes of high renown,

The legacy our fathers willed,

Tear our victorious eagles down,

Before their mission is fulfilled.


"Dissolve the Union, while the earth

Has yet a tyrant to be slain,

Destroy our freedom in its birth

And give the world to bonds again.


"Dissolve the Union, God of Heaven,

We know too well how much It cost;

A million bosoms shall be riven

Before one golden link is lost."


Many times during the years 1856 and 1857, our boy patriot was called out before school and visitors to recite this ode, a portion of which is here given —recite it because he did it so well he rejoiced in 1 its grand national sentiments—his heart beat in unison with its expressed patriotism, the brightness of his eye and the color upon his boyhood cheek, told how enthusiastically he drank at these fountains of national existence. And now that his spirit has fled, who is there to doubt but that with this banner in his heart he was found in 1862, enrolled among the magnificent army of patriots who fought at Knoxville, Kenesaw, Resaca and in the siege of Atlanta. Three ears of service in the 19th Ohio Battery in the great war of the Rebellion; christened the boy into manhood, unobtrusive of its merits, but nevertheless recognized. Before the war, in the year 1859, he entered the Mahoning Railroad shops as an apprentice machinist, under his subsequent Chief in the Fire Department, James McNeil, as foreman. He served in these shops until August 1862, the date of his enlistment. After his discharge from the army, which occurred June 20, 1865, he ains ; his stock consisted f horses, cattle and mules. He moved to the farm, upon which his daughter now lives, in 1834. He was for nine years Associate Judge of Portage County, and was instrumental in the organization of Summit Co., in which he served as Associate Judge from its organization until his death. His death occurred June 22, 1845, his daughter acting as administratrix of the large estate, in connection with John Hart, and, being the only child, became heir to the large amount of property, which she has managed with great tact and skill since her 20th year. She is a lady of rare ability and business tact. which was undoubtedly inherited from the father, and by her great love and superior knowledge of all kinds of stock, in which business she has been very successful ; having no little playmates she, in her attention to the pets of the farm and the care of the herds with her father, acquired that great love for the brute creation which she has. She has owned the finest flocks of Spanish Merino sheep in Northern Ohio, having imported some of the finest thoroughbred sheep in the country ; the stock of her horses can be determined from the prices sold at, ranging from $500 to $2,000 singly ; she is now dealing in cattle principally. Her coal interests have been very extensive for several years, she realizing from $3,000 to $5,000 annually in royalty from the Middlebury Shaft and the Sumner Bank.


JAMES H. STANFORD (deceased), Akron, Ohio, is a son f William and Jane (Stevenson) Stanford, and was born at Rochester, N. Y., Aug. 29, 1843. When a boy he came with his parents to Akron, where he attended the public schools and learned the trade f machinist, beginning in a Cleveland shop and finishing in the shops of Taplin, Rice & Co., where he worked until 1868, when he became engineer of steamer in the Fire Department ; he had been a fireman for some time. He filled the position with ability until his death, which occurred Jan. 3, 1881, an event that was deeply felt by the city. He had by close attention brought the appointments of the engine house to great perfection. He was a competent electrician, and was one f the oldest firemen f the service, having been a member since the organization f the department in 1866. He served in the late war in Shields' Battery for three years. He was a member f the Buckeye Post, G. A.


CITY OF AKRON - 771


was engaged for a short time in the railroad shops here and with Taplin, Rice & Co. until in 1868, when he entered the employ of the city. He died with his armor on in the thirteenth year of his service for the city, faithful to the last, his life stands a shining example of his ability, his integrity, his worth. A silent captain among men—he led, they followed. An indefatigable student, he was at the same time an accomplished mechanic. Theory enticed him along her intricate paths, yet he never lost sight of the real, the practicable, and today all over our city and all through this department, are to be seen examples of his handiwork. Like a great balance wheel in motion, he moved steadily forward, stopping not at trifles nor moving more rapidly from mere imagination and without cause. Thirty-seven year from the cradle to the grave. Thirty-seven years onward, upward ! Thirty-seven years and this star has risen to its zenith, blotted out in its pathway at midday, it bath fallen into the grave beneath our feet, and now, as the shadows of life point toward the east, with joined hands around this open tomb, we pledge anew our faith, our love, our hope in all that makes man immortal, as found in the remembrances of the life and character of our dead brother. We bow our heads in sorrow at the taking-away of our friend, and as we turn our footsteps away from this tomb, we exclaim in one voice, surely the ways of Providence are inscrutable and beyond finding out. James Stanford, as at the rising of the sun, we bid thee a glad welcome, as through the journey of life we stood near thee, loved and admired you, so now we, in our constancy of friendship, although with broken hearts, stand around thy grave at this final separation, and bid thee, noble hearted, grandly gifted, true hero, all hail and farewell.


FERDINAND SCHUMACHER, manufacturer, Akron. Ferdinand Schumacker was born in Celle, Hanover, on March 30. 1822, where 1 he attended school until he was 15 years old, at which age he had completed the High School course; he then went to Harburg, where he Worked five years as an apprentice in a wholesale and retail grocery, receiving no remuneration during that time. In 1842, he commenced clerking with his father, and continued for two years, when he went to Hanover, and clerked in the extensive sugar refinery of Egestorf & Hurtzig, for about six years, his salary at first being $150, and finally $200 per year. In 1850, in company with his brother Otto, he emigrated to the United States. He bought 46 acres of land in Euclid, twelve miles from Cleveland, where he farmed for a year and a half, at the end of which time he left the farm in charge of his brother, and came to Akron, where he at once formed a partnership with Theodore Weibesahn, and, in company with him, kept a fancy goods, toy and notion storein the basement of P. D. Hall's store. After eight months he retired from this, and started for himself a small grocery store in the site of the First National Bank ; this was attended with success, and he continued with it until 1863. In 1856, he rented water-power on the Ohio Canal, on North Howard St., and put in the necessary machinery for inaugurating a branch of manufacture, which steadily grew in value, and which was the manufacture of oatmeal according to ideas received by him as to the proper method of making palatable food out of the grain of the oat, while learning the grocery business in his native country. Into this, his adopted country, he introduced excellent oatmeal, by substituting machinery, driven by power, for the handmill he had been accustomed to see used by his employer in Germany. His experiment was successful, and the next year apparatus for pearling barley was added to what were appropriately called " German " mills, and the year following that, greater capacity was given to the mill itself, by increasing the water power. In 1863 the Empire Barley Mills were built, which were enlarged in 1876. He built, in 1879, an elevator for the storage of grain. In 1872, the first mill burned, but within thirty days after the fire, a new structure, known as the present German Mills was begun, and quite finished early in 1873. He bought the Cascade Flouring Mills in 1868, enlarged and supplied it with modern machinery. The capacity of the Barley Mills is 1,000 bushels per day; of the Cascade Mills, 250 barrels of flour; of the German Mills, 250 barrels oatmeal, consuming about 3,000 bushels of oats, in addition to which large quantities f pearl cracked wheat and feed are turned out. His three mills give employment to about 120 men and women, and the business amounts to $1,000,-000, or more, annually, extending to all parts of the country, all of it being under his personal direction, and with but one traveling solicitor. When he began, all the oatmeal in this country was imported from Canada and Europe, but at present the importations f this valuable food are trifling in amount. The secret of his success is perseverance, energy, and his determination to excel in the quality of his goods, being quite dissatisfied with anything short of excellence in the way of machinery. On Oct. 7, 1851, he was married, at Cleveland, Ohio, to his cousin, Miss Hermine


772 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


Schumacher, of Bevern, Brunswick, Germany, by whom he had seven children, five of whom are deceased. Louis and Adolph are living. He has been a Prohibitionist since 1870, has given support to the various churches, and has been a member of the City Council.


AVERY SPICER, Akron, Ohio. Avery, oldest son of Miner and Cynthia (Allen) Spicer, began life's voyage on Oct. 26, 1799, at Groton, New London Co., Conn., since which time he has rowed steadily and carefully upstream. He attended school but little in Connecticut, his family moving from there to this site when he was only 12 years old, at which time they were the only white settlers where Akron now stands, although there were three white families at Middlebury. Here he started to school, in company with six sisters, the schoolhouse being a frame building, at Middlebury, built by his father ; his first teacher there was named Skinner, whom Mr. Spicer remembered as a very severe man, priding himself more on being a "master" than a teacher. On arriving here, his father bought 260 acres on the present site, none of which, at that time, was cleared. The three white families then in Middlebury were Aaron Norton, Rial McArthur and Capt. Hart. Mr. Spicer's father lived in Mc Arthur's house for about four days, when he moved into a cabin, built of round logs, with no chinking ; there was timber all around the house. Deer came in sight f the house frequently, and it was not an unusual occurrence to see bears. Mr. Spicer recalls one occasion when, on going to a neighbor's, he saw what he had at first supposed to be a hog standing on his hind feet, but which he soon discovered to be a bear; his dog, which accompanied him, advanced and received the " hug," in which affectionate embrace he left him, while he soon lengthened the distance between them and himself. It was about a mouth after this occurrence, that a dog's prolonged barking attracted his attention, and on investigation he found the disturbance to be at a hog-pen. Securing a candle and a gun, he and his father followed the dog, and discovered a bear, at which he took aim and fired, but it escaped. He returned, and, on finding the hog dead, hastened to build a fire to protect it, but the bear succeeded in stealing it away before he accomplished his purpose. The next morning, he sought and found them, killing the bear withgun-shot. They had great difficulty in obtaining salt here at that time, and, after being here two years, he, a boy of 14, led a horse to Cleveland, and returned on foot with a bag of salt, having been gone four days. The year following he took a horse, loaded with three bags of flour, to the Liverpool Salt Works, at Rocky River ; for about fifteen miles of the way he had no guide but blazed trees, and when in the woods night came on, he tied the horse and went to sleep on the bags. Before morning the wolves began to howl, and he slept no more that night. One morning, as he was just about to start a fire in his father's house, blowing the embers, he saw a rattlesnake coiled up about one foot from his hand, and to escape he threw himself backward, and when the light shone up struck the snake with the shovel, and then sprang on the bed in the dark, the fire having gone out ; the snake was not killed, but badly hurt ; it was but one of the many which were then existent. When they settled here, Indians were plenty. After Hull's stirrender, Mr. Spicer's father enlisted and went to

Cleveland, from which plae he was sent back as Captain, with about 100 men in his command ; he established a guard line from old Portage to new Portage, and part way to Cleveland. Subject was at Hudson when Perry won his memorable victory, and he distinctly heard the guns. He reverences greatly his name. While his father was in Cleveland, during the war of "'12," his mother went each night, taking her family with her, to lodge in the home of Amos Spicer, who had settled in Coventry Township ; and one morning, on returning home with subject and his cousin, Pierpont Spicer, she discovered that the door had been opened, and supposing it had been done by Indians, they made cautious reconnaissance. Pierpont, on going to the loft, sprang down and said he saw Indians in bed. All three ran from the house, but Mrs. Spicer, being unable to go swiftly, found a treasure in her boy, who slacked his gait to accommodate hers. On reflection, they all returned, and subject cautiously and tremblingly started up the ladder leading to the loft, followed very closely by her whose mother-heart bade her now urge him on, and now restrain him, which she did by gentle pushing or pulling at his coat, according as she grew brave or fearful. On reaching the loft, however, they found no one, although


CITY OF AKRON - 773


common and high-school advantages. In 1856, he came to Akron, and for two years engaged in the drug business. He returned in 1858 to Norton Township, and there ran a sawmill for some two years, and, while working in the mill, became interested in the improvements of mowing and reaping machines, and, lacking favorable opportunities, constructed a machine which he brought out in 1859. In 1860, he experimented with this machine and named it the "Excelsior." In 1861, he took out his first patent—the main feature being the "dropper," which was the first made or conceived. From 1861, he gave his whole time and attention to the business, going to Doyleston, Ohio, where he established a manufactory which is still in operation. He experimented every season, and, in 1861, he invented the side-brace bar coupling, and, in 1862, the horizontal folding finger-beam. He was the first to discover the adjustable reel, which he did in 1870, or thereabouts. In 1875, he brought out the empire table rake, and in 1880, the single-wheel reaper. * * * He worked at Doylestown, until 1864, when he went to Massillon, where he established a manufactory, remaining one year. In October, 1865, he came to Akron and organized the firm of J. F. Seiberling & Co., for the manufacture f the " Excelsior," from which firm he withdrew in ' 1869. In 1871, he organized the Akron Straw Board Company, located at Middlebury, of which he is still a member, now being the President and Treasurer of the same ; to this, by means of his own inventions, he has added several new improvements. In 1875, he commenced the building of the "Empire," a new machine with new features, which was invented by him during the time not engaged in manufacturing. The commendable features of the "Empire" are numerous, but it is especially valuable because of its strength and durability (the gears being inclosed, and all the parts made of iron), and the new principle making light draft and little noise. The present capacity is 5,000 machines per year, which meet a ready sale. In 1880, he purchased the old "Excelsior" works, and the business is controlled by himself, he being President and general manager. In September, 1859, he married Miss Catharine L. Miller, f Norton Township, and f this union there were nine children, all of whom are living, their names being as follows : Anna E., Frank A., Charles W., Cora D., there was evidence of some two or three persons having occupied their bed, who, no doubt, were some of Hull's men, and not the looked-for Indians. At the age of 21, he began earning his own living, working for his father two years at "truck and dicker," which employment brought him but $7 per month. Later, he became foreman of a large number of hands on the Ohio canal, furnishing stone for its locks. In this he engaged for one season, and, in 1824 or 1825, he and his uncle rented a sawmill and sawed lumber for the locks for a period of two years. He was boss f the hands who built the log bridge across the Cuyahoga, east of Mustle's, being paid the same amount they received, which was 31 cents per day. He married, on Sept. 3, 1826, Miss Harriet King, daughter of Joshua King, who settled on the Cuyahoga in 1810. Harriet was born on Sept. 27, 1810. and is said to have been the first white child born on the Cuyahoga from Portage to Cleveland. After his marriage, he bought forty acres of land at $8 per acre, on the southern part of his father's farm, to which he made additions until he owned seventy-five acres, which he farmed until 1837. The first wheat he raised sold for 30 cents per bushel. In 1837, he bought 150 acres of land in Coventry Township, making additions thereto until he owned 366 acres, which he farmed with good success, keeping a dairy for several years. He was Trustee of Coventry Township for many years. In 1857, he moved to his present place, corner of Spicer and Carroll streets, Akron, where his father formerly lived. He was Infirmary Director of this county for fifteen years, serving during the construction of the present building. He has five children living, viz., Cynthia, wife of George Cogshall, of Akron ; Austin A. (see sketch in Coventry Township), of Coventry ; Harriet, wife of James T. Trowbridge, of Akron ; Harrison M., farmer in Coventry ; and Ella C., wife of Charles Parmenter, of Waltham, Mass. Four children are deceased, viz., Isaac A., who died in California in his 23d year ; Sarah C., who was the .wife of John Newton and died in Michigan, and Olive and Oliver, twins, who died when 5 months old.


JOHN F. SEIBERLING, Akron ; oldest son f Nathan and Catharine (Peters) Seiberling, was born March 10, 1834, in Norton Township, this county, where he spent his youth, having


774 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


Hattie M., Grace L, Kittie G., Mary B. and Ruth. The subject of this sketch has been member of the School Board ; he is a member of the English Lutheran Church, and is now Trustee.


ROLIN W. SADLER, lawyer, Akron ; was born to James J. Sadler, July 7, 1856, in Centerville, St. Joseph Co., Mich.; eleven years later, moving to Bryan, Ohio, where he remained two years, followed by a two years' stay in Wauseon, at both f which places he attended school. In 1871, he entered Baldwin University, and remained one year, when he entered Mt. Union College, from which he graduated in 1874, after which date he engaged in teaching for some time. In the summer of 1876, he came to Akron, entering the law office of Edgerton & Kohler, as student, and was admitted to the bar in 1878, since which time he has been in active practice. Although young, he is a competent lawyer, and owes his success mainly to his own efforts, as, indeed, do nearly all truly successful men. On Sept. 15, 1880, he married Miss Carrie M. Comstock, of Bedford, at which place he was engaged a few years ago as Principal of the schools, previously having served in like capacity in the Reading, Mich., schools. The old firm name, Edgerton & Kohler, is changed to Kohler & Sadler. His father, James J. Sadler, was born in New York City, and moved thence to Pennsylvania, after which he came to Stow Township, where he grew to manhood, receiving his education in Twinsburg Institute. He began teaching at the age of 17, engaging in that vocation in different parts of Summit Co., and at Middlebury. He is now Superintendent of the public schools of Stanton, Mich. He has six children, of whom Rolin is the second son.


LOUIS B. SCHNEIDER, hardware merchant, Akron. Frederick A. Schneider was born in Altona, near Hamburg, Germany, and immigrated to Pennsylvania at an early day, where, when quite a youth, he became engaged in mercantile pursuits. His father was a Captain in the regular German army, and gave him a good education in German, French and English. In Pennsylvania, he engaged in bookkeeping for a large house in Philadelphia, and teaching school ; subsequently kept a hardware store at Chambersburg, where he met and married Miss Rebecca Faber, who bore him nine children, viz., Mrs. Chas. Cranz, and Mrs. Judge G. W. Raff, of Canton, Ohio ; Anton G. a of Akron ; F. A., of Omaha ; Louis B.; Edward F. (deceased), who was an Adjutant uncle] Gov. Hayes ; Mrs. Henrietta R. Wallace, of Canton, Ohio ; Mrs. W. J. Broatch, of Omaha and Emma S. (deceased). In 1828, the father of subject moved to Canton, Ohio, where he engaged in the hardware business, and was very successful. Positions of trust were given him. among others, that of Mayor of Canton. He died in 1867. His fifth child and third son, Louis B., was born in Canton, Ohio, Nov. 15, 1834, where he lived until he was 16 years of age, at which period he came to Akron. where he engaged his services as clerk in the hardware store of C. Cranz & Co., retaining his position seven years. In 1858, he went to Omaha, Neb., where, for two years. he conducted a hardware store for his father, and then returned to Summit County, where he established a store of his own at Mogadore. which he managed for three years. at the end of which time, he established and conducted another at New Portage, which continued in operation but two years, both adventures being successful. In 1865, he came to Akron, and reentered the store of Charles Cranz, this time as a partner, which for ten years he continued to be, and in 1875, he bought out the store. having since done a good business. In June. 1859, he married Miss Emma L. Welch, of Mogadore, and they have two children—Flora M. and Faber E.


JAMES B. STORER, Postmaster, Akron ; son of W. B. Storer ; was born in Akron Jan. 22, 1839, where, until he was 17 years of age. he attended the public schools, after which he learned the jeweler's trade, serving with W. H. Fallmon, and for a short time with H. S. Abbey. He was subsequently engaged in an iron store for a year, when the war broke out, and he enlisted as soon as the news reached Akron, being among the first on the roll of Co. G, 19th 0. V. I., and was in service three months, rising, in the meanwhile, to the rank of Sergeant. He re-enlisted in Co. H, of the 29th O. V. I., engaging in the battles of Winchester, Port Republic, Cedar Creek, South Mountain, Antietam. Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. He was appointed Adjutant and recruiting officer, and recruited almost every man present with the regiment in December, 1863, as veterans. In May, 1864,


CITY OF AKRON - 775


on the Atlanta Campaign, in the first engagement at Rocky Race or Dug Gap, he was wounded by a minie rifle-ball, which struck his spinal column, which resulted in paralysis of his legs. He was carried from the field, and lay in the hospital at Nashville for three months. He was discharged in November, 1864, and after almost a year he was able to walk with the aid f crutches. Then he purchased a jewelry store at 116 Howard street, in which he still retains an interest, the firm name being J. B. Storer & Co. In June, 1870, he was appointed, by President Grant, Postmaster of Akron, for a term of four years ; reappointed in 1874, and again in 1878, by President Hayes. On Jan. 11, 1864, he married Miss Lucy M., daughter of Gibbons J. Ackley, of Akron. She bore him one child, a daughter. He is a member f the G. A. R.


EDWARD W. STUART, lawyer, Akron ; son of Sylvanus and Caroline M. (Whittlesey) Stuart, who were natives of Connecticut, was born in Washington Township, Litchfield Co., Conn., on May 9, 1840, and two years later came with his father's family to Erie Co., Ohio, where they still reside. He is the oldest of their two children, his sister being now Mrs. Helen M. Gibbs, of Salina, Kan. Until he was 18 years of age, he farmed during vacations from school, and in 1858, he entered Western Reserve College, from which he graduated in October f 1862, the graduation of the class having been postponed because of their enlisting in the service. About seventy students formed Co. B, 85th O. V. I., and served, doing guard duty, four months, after which, for a period of four years, he was engaged in teaching. He was two years the Principal of Shaw Academy, of Collamer, Ohio. In 1866, he was admitted to the bar at Cleveland, having made law a study for four years. He commenced practice at Kent, Ohio, with S. P. Wolcott, Esq., continuing there until May, 1870, when he came to Akron, there forming a partnership with C. P. Humphrey, which continues. In April, 1871, he was elected City Solicitor, which office he held until January, 1877. In October, 1876, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Summit Co., and acted in that capacity two terms. In May, 1864, he married Miss Harriet Whedon, of Hudson.


LOUIS SEYBOLD, editor Germania ; born on Sept. 22, 1854, in Hohenschwangan, Bavaria.

Attended the Gymnasium at Ellwangen, Wurtemberg, Germany. Came to America in 1873, and lives in Akron since 1875. Has been musical director of the Akron Harmonie, from 1876 to 1879, and accepted the editor-ship f the Akron Germania in 1878. Married in 1879, to Louisa Doppstatter, of Akron ; has wife and one child.


FRANK J. STARAL, business manager of the Beacon, Akron. The subject of this sketch is a son of John and Julia (Podstatny) Staral. He was born Feb. 25, 1847, in the town of Beroun, Bohemia, where at the age f 12 he learned book-binding. He pursued this calling in his native town until 1865, when he came to the United States f America and erelong found employment in Cleveland, Ohio. Here he worked at book-binding about four years. He came to Akron Jan. 1, 1869, to assume the duties of foreman in the bindery of Lane, Canfield & Co. Mr. Staral held the same position in the Beacon Publishing Co., organized in 1871, until 1875. By his thrift and energy he became a stockholder in 1871. When the stock passed into present hands in 1875, Mr. Staral, with a larger share of stock, became its bookkeeper, and succeeded Mr. J. H. Auble as business manager in 1877 ; a position he has since ably filled. July 10, 1877, he married Miss Bertha Weisenberger, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Of this union there is one son.


ALOIS STRAUB, musical instruments, Akron, Ohio ; is a son of Alois and Magdalena (Gudfried) Straub, and was born Sept. 11, 1826, in Baden, Germany. He learned cabinet-making at 14 years of age, and after working two years, he began to work on musical instruments in Fernbach, which he continued for four years, when he entered the German Army. After leaving the army, he came to the United States, arriving at New York in the latter part f the summer of 1849 ; he went to Philadelphia ; and remaining in different parts of Pennsylvania until October 1851, he came to Akron, Ohio, and worked a short time in a cabinet-shop. He commenced the manufacture f musical instruments for Horton & Rose, which he continued about five years, when. his health failed, and, in the spring of 1857, he was employed as a traveling salesman for the company. About the year 1861, he began dealing in instruments on his own account, it being the first music store in the city, and about 1870-71,


776 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


commenced this manufacture, which he continued some five years, at the same time keeping a music store, which he has continued ever since. He sells the celebrated Weber Pianos and the Mason & Hamlin organs, also the Burdette organs. He was married Jan. 5, 1857, to Miss Elizabeth Eisenhauer, of Akron. Mr. Straub is a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church.


H. C. SANFORD, lawyer, Akron ; a native of Portland, Me., was born Sept. 11. 1833, and is a son of John Q. and (De Lano) Sanford, who were natives, the former of Brunswick, Me., and the latter of Plymouth, Mass. His father was an extensive lumber dealer, and suffered heavy losses from the embargo laid by the General Government, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. He died when subject was but 8 years of age, and, being anxious to do something for himself, he left home at the age of 9. and went to Manchester, N. H., where an older brother resided. He worked in the locomotive shops there, and attended the public schools, and spent one year, also, in Kendall Academy, of that city. At the age of 18, he came to Ohio, and was engaged successively on the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark, and the Cleveland & Toledo R. R. He commenced as fireman, but was soon promoted to Engineer, and ran a passenger train before he was 21 years old. He continued on the C. & T. R. R. until 1855, when he went to Quincy, Ill., and at once began running on the " Northern Cross Road," now the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, and, when the road was completed, he took the first passenger train over it from Quincy to Galesburg. He remained on this road about six years, and then gave up his position for a train at Augusta, Ill., that he might be at home, and also to have an opportunity for the study of law, which he had resolved upon. He procured some law books, and read them on the foot-board of his locomotive, at the rate of thirty miles an hour. While running on this road, he saved a passenger train of cars from running into a river near Plymouth Station, where a bridge had been washed away, by running his locomotive into the train. At the time, he was bringing out the construction train in the morning, and taking it back in the evening. The passenger trains transferred their passengers at the river, and, to facilitate matters, 'the locomotive was put behind the train a the last station, to push it to the river, and coming down grade one day. at a rate of speed they were unable to stop before arriving at the broken bridge, where the water was about twenty feet deep, and to prevent the train go ing into the river, Mr. S. started his engine under a full head of steam, and struck the bag gage car, which was in front. When the train: stopped, his engine was within a few feet of the end of the rails over the yawning river, and he still standing at his post. The train was crowded with passengers, and, but for this act of heroism of his, doubtless many would have lost their lives. The engineer of the passenger train was at once discharged. Mr. S. left Illinois in 1861. and came to Amherst. Ohio, where he engaged in the dry goods business, but soon after went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania. but was unsuccessful in strikingly," and he found employment on the A. & G. W. R. R. He did not stay long with this road, but went to Fort Wayne, Ind., and took an engine on the Wabash Railway ; returned to Meadville, and ran between that place and Akron. until the shops were put in operation at Kent, when he ! took charge of the engineers and men at that place, and also of an eating-house for the railroad company at $175 per month. He left their employ in the summer of 1867. and went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and attended the law school one college year, and was admitted to the bar at Ravenna, Ohio, April 24, 1868. He then formed a partnership with Hon. N. W. Goodhue, of Akron, for one year, at the end of which time he went to Kent. but returned to Akron in 1870, where he has since practiced. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney on the Republican ticket, and served one term ; was elected City Solicitor in 1877, served one term. when he declined further honor. He was married on the 19th of January, 1857, to Miss Emily J. Fairchild, of Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio. a daughter of Elam and Lydia Fairchild.


ERHARD STEINBACHER, merchant and banker, Akron ; is a son of John and Catharine Steinbacher, and was born March 30, 1825, in Bavaria, Germany. He attended the common schools until 14 years of age, and spent two years at Heidelberg. In 1844, he came to the United States, remaining two years, a portion of the time as clerk in a hotel (Cobb's Exchange, of Akron) at $8 per month ; then went


CITY OF AKRON - 777


to Cleveland, Ohio, and, in the fall of 1846, went back to Europe. He stayed there five or six months, and then returned to the United States, and came to Akron in 1847. In 1849, in company with fifteen others, went to California by the overland route, arriving in the land of gold in the latter part of July. He was successful, and returned to Akron, leaving California in December, 1850, via Panama, reaching Akron in February, 1851. He now opened a drug and grocery store (firm of Weimer & Steinbacher—Weimer retired in 1865), and has been an enterprising business man of Akron ever since. He has been President of " Citizens' Saving and Loan Association," ever since its organization in May, 1872 ; he has also been a stockholder in the First National Bank for fifteen years. and a stockholder and director in the Akron Iron Co., from its beginning. He was married, in April, 1853, to Miss Phoebe Potter, of Suffield, Ohio ; they have three children, viz., Kate L., Edward E. and Georgia Belle.


CHARLES E. SHELDON, Superintendent of Whitman and Miles Manufacturing Company, Akron. Is a son of Samuel D. and Augusta (Smith) Sheldon, and was born July 18, 1 S50, in Fitchburg, Mass., where he attended school until 16 years of age. He then spent two years in the office of City Engineer of Fitchburg. In 1867, he became a clerk in the office of the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Co., at Fitchburg, Mass., of which establishment his father was foreman previous to that time. He was made Superintendent at Fitchburg, which position he held until 1876, and the next year he came to Akron, and has since been Superintendent of the Whitman & Miles works here. He was married in November, 1870, to Miss Ruth L. Gifford of Fitchburg, Mass.


HARRY J. SHREFFLER, Akron, son of Frederick and Mary A. (Auble) Shreffier was born in Center Co., Penn., March 26, 1847. At 18, he worked on a farm near Wadsworth, Ohio, one summer. In 1866. he went into partnership With his father at West Salem, engaging in the manufacture of carriages, and continuing two years, when they removed to Burbank, Wayne Co., Ohio, where they continued in the same business. In July, 1871, he came to Akron and clerked two years in the post office, he was made Assistant Postmaster in April,1874, and has held that position ever since. He is superintendent of carriers and registry, and has general charge in the absence of the Postmaster. Oct. 29, 1872, he married Miss Eva Cubbison, of Akron ; she died Oct. 31, 1873. Aug. 6, 1878, he married Miss Fannie I. Fouser, of Akron, who bore him one daughter.


LOREN N. SMITH, Akron. . Moses Smith was born at Stonington, Conn., Nov. 30, 1783, and died at Akron in his 83d year, Feb. 4, 1866. His wife, nee Miss Sarah Haley, was born Nov. 2, 1792, at Groton, Conn.; she was married to him on June 19, 1807, being only 15 years of age. They moved to Akron in 1826, and the following year he purchased a tract of land containing about 100 acres ; here he farmed and engaged at the cooper's trade, having erected a shop for the purpose. He was an excellent marksman, and, as game was plentiful, he had many opportunities to display his skill. He regarded his word and was very exact in dealing. He was a stanch Democrat. Six children were born to him, viz., Sarah, wife of Hiram Hart, of Coventry ; she died in 1862; Warren H., who died in 1865, on the Atlantic Ocean, in which he was buried, while on his return from California, being in his 53d year ; Lucy A., wife of the late D. A. Hine, now living in the Sixth Ward ; Henry, who died in his 6th year ; Harriet H., who was the wife of J. B. Curtis, and died at Kent, in 1853, in her 35th year ; Caroline S., widow of the late Alvin Austin, now residing in Akron ; William H, the only one of the family born in Ohio, died in Chili, South America, in 1872, in his 45th year ; and Loren N., thesubject of these lines who was born in Dalton, August 16, 1823, being 3 years old when his family moved to Akron ; he remembers seeing the first tree cut where his present residence stands. He went to school about six months per year until he was 17, learning the cooper's trade and to do farm work, from his father. In 1841, he became a clerk for the firm of James Sawyer & Co., remaining in their store until 1844, in the summer of which year he became proprietor of a confectionery and grocery store, it being the first one established on North Howard street. He was afterward engaged in the same business on the site of 'the First National Bank ; from which place he removed to South Howard street until 1851, thence to Xenia, where,


778 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


under the firm name of Austin & Smith, he did a large business in confectionery ; thence he removed to Cincinnati, in 1858, where he met with great success, remaining until 1878. While there he was President of the Phcenix Insurance Company ; and a member of the City Council for several years. On account of failing health he relinquished his business in Cincinnati and located in Akron, taking charge of the old homestead. Nov. 6, 1845, he married Miss Sarah J. Adams of Akron ; she was born in Cavendish, Vt., and came to Akron in 1837. They have three sons and one daughter, viz., Henry N., of Cleveland ; Fred. A., of Cincinnati ; Frank E., of Cincinnati ; and Ida M., wife of R. S. Kirtley, of Cincinnati.


PROF. GUSTAV SIGEL, musician, Akron ; was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Jan. 30, 1848. He studied music in the conservatories of Germany until 1868, when he came to the United States, and- for four years taught in Milwaukee, Wis. In 1872, he came to Akron, Ohio, at the call of the Liedertafel Society, and has since been its Director. From 1872 to 1878, he was teacher of instrumental music in Buchtel College. He is now teacher of piano and stringed instruments. He was Director of the Saengerfest held in June. 1880, at Akron, and through his efforts it was a success. He owns some valuable stringed instruments.


GEORGE G. SCHAFFER, Akron. son of John and Mary (Good) Schaffer, was born in Alsace (then a province of France), March 13, 1846. He learned weaving from his father, and engaged in that until he was 18 years of age, when, alone and with but a few dollars, he came to the United States, where he entered the employ of John T. Good, in whose oil refinery he worked for three years, followed by one year's employ at Oil City, after which he clerked for some time for Jacob Good, and six years was with Cook & Sons In 1878, he opened a grocery on West Hill, where he did a good business. In 1880, he built the present two-story building, following out his own ideas and improving on the failures of others. As a matter of interest, we give the following from the Daily Beacon, descriptive of this establishment :


The grocery room is 22x60 feet in the clear; it has counters on either side with a cross counter in the rear end of the room; the side counters contain one of the new features in the way of glass front cases 12 inches high and 10 inches wide. These cases are about 14 inches long and are directly on the frontmargin of the counter, leaving about 22 inches of counter room in the rear. There are some 60 of these cases which will at once be seen serve to display a large amount of goods, doing away with having boxes standing around with the lids half off. Sugar, crackers, etc., are kept in barrels incased in separable apartments behind the counters, and directly above them are all kinds of packages and canned goods on shelves, protected from dust by glass doors. The old style of drawers is superseded with permanent boxes with glass door covers, showing the goods without exposure. Beneath the counters on three-inch-high platforms is large space for apples, potatoes, etc., in full sight but not under foot as is the case in so many places, and all this class of matter being on platforms is free from the dust that naturally accumulates on any floor in a public place. All classes of goods are classified and all articles of a greasy nature are separated entirely from other goods, occupying the space behind the rear counter. The entrance to the cellar is from the warehouse which is conveniently reached by a partition door. By this arrangement no odors from the cellar can reach the grocery proper and furnishes every precaution against anything objectionable in the grocery department. The warehouse is arranged just as systematically as the grocery. In one department is a tier of shelves with the name of streets. When an order is filled, the goods are put in a basket and placed on the proper shelf. A driveway leading through the warehouse, the deliverving man can drive directly to his place, load his goods and be off, doing away with carrying loads of goods through the store. Tackling is provided so that all heavy articles do not have to be lifted. Molasses. eider, oil, etc.. are kept in a department in the wareroom; in fact, there will be nothing on which to tear or grease your clothes as you walk about in the storeroom, and everything will be open to inspection, and yet protected against dust or soiling by evaporation.


Jan. 29, 1874, he married Miss Caroline Buchman, of Wayne Co., Ohio. and have one daughter and two sons.


HIRAM J. SPICER, Akron, son of Maj. Miner Spicer, was born in Akron, Oct. 24. 1816, near the springs, about forty rods from his present residence, that being the spot where his father first built his cabin. He worked on the farm until he was 19 years old ; he went to school at Middlebury, his first teacher being one Squire Brown, a very severe man, who resorted to the " gad " upon the slightest misdemeanor, real or imaginary, of the pupils. These gads" were first roasted and then twisted to make them tough in order that they might hurt more, and some were notched for the same purpose. Subject shared the same lot with other school children in those days for three months per year, until he was 19. When he was but 9 years old, he carried the mail once a week


CITY OF AKRON - 779


from Akron to Bolivar, a distance of forty miles, traveling on horseback, and continuing four years, except during the winter seasons. At the age of 19, he learned the carpenter's trade with one Gideon Gardner, serving for board and clothing two years ; he soon after began taking contracts, working with his brother Miner, who was a millwright, on several of the early mills of this vicinity. He worked for ten years on the Austin Powder Mills, and for several years on residences. Feb. 31, 1839, he married Miss Marina A. King, daughter of Joshua King, who was one of the pioneers of Northampton Township. Their children are Avery King, of Akron, and Alice M., wife of Sevillian Payne, of Davis Co., Mo. Three died when young. Our subject entered the employ of Aultman, Miller & Co., in 1865, and has since continued. He has worked in woodwork, and had charge of the repairs of the shop-machinery for the last nine years. He was a Whig and cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Harrison ; became a Free-Soiler in the days of Van Buren, and a Republican at the organization of the party. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1872. His wife died Jan. 19, 1861, and, in August of the same year, he married Mrs. Cerenia L. Barnett, of Akron. Ohio.


JOSEPH S. SMITH. druggist, Akron ; son of Christian Smith, was born in Warren, Warren Co., Penn., Dec. 4, 1855 ; at 14, he entered a drug store in Warren, where he remained four and a half years as clerk, after which he entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from which he graduated in the spring of 1877, being engaged as clerk in a Philadelphia house at the same time. In the fall of 1877, he and his brother bought a drug store at Wilkesbarre, Penn., continuing until 1878, when they sold out and bought the present store in September, 1878, of Sisler & Sorrick, located the first door north of the post office ; they have a full stock of pure drugs, chemicals and sundries ; they have a laboratory for the manufacture of fluid and solid extracts, gelatine-coated pills, elixirs and pharmaceutical preparations in general ; they are doing a prosperous wholesale and retail business.


SIMON C. SMITH, druggist, Akron ; was born in Warren Co., Penn., May 25, 1850 ; he attended the public schools of Warren until he was 15, when he clerked in the post office underhis father for five years ; in 1868, he clerked for his father in a shoe store, and, the following year, became his partner, continuing as such until January, 1877, when he became a partner with his brother, Joseph S., at Wilkesbarre, Penn., in a drug store, remaining a year, when they sold out, and, under the firm name of Smith Bros., purchased their present drug store at 193 South Howard street ; the business rooms are 80x22, with elegant modern appointments. He was married at Indianapolis September, 1873, to Miss Mary E. Cale, of that place ; they have one son and one daughter.


EDWARD C. SIMPSON, Chief Engineer of Fire Department, Akron ; is a son of Thomas C. and Mary J. (Hildreth) Simpson, and was born in New Haven, Conn., Feb. 18, 1836 ; in his 17th year, he came to Cincinnati, Ohio, with his father's family, and, in 1854, came to Cuyahoga Falls, where he served an apprenticeship with Bill Bros., at the machinist's trade, for about three and a half years ; he worked at different points in Ohio until 24, when he went to Hartford, Conn., where he worked two years at his trade ; in November, 1864, he came to Akron and entered the employ of the A. & G. W. R. R. Co. as mechanic until June, 1865, when he went to Kent in the employ of the same company until 1873, when he came back to Akron, and was employed in the C., Mt. V. & C. R. R. shops ; in 1875, he became foreman of the finishing department of Aultman, Miller & Co.'s shops, employing a force at present of ninety men ; he entered the fire department in 1876. and was appointed Assistant Engineer, which he held until June, 1878, when he was appointed Chief Engineer, a position he still holds. He was married June 3, 1862, to Miss Abbie Wilson, of Warrensville, Ohio ; they have three children.

WILLIAM SHUTT, retired farmer ; P. O. Akron ; is a son of George, the son of Jacob Shutt, who came to America from Zweibrechen, Germany, before the war of the Revolution, and was told by the ship's captain to pay his passage ; after his marriage, he took up a large tract of land at Pittsburgh, where he resided at the time of Gen. Braddock's defeat, and, on account of the troublesome Indians, they returned to Maryland, to a farm near Boonesboro, Washington Co., two miles northeast of the battleground of Antietam. He had seven sons and one daughter—Jacob, born Aug. 15, 17 64 ;. John, born May 20, 1766, died at the age of 96,


780 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


in Stark Co., Ohio ; Peter, born Jan. 18, 1768 ; Philip, born Dec. 1, 1770 ; George (the father of the subject of this sketch), and Henry, his twin brother, born Jan. 10, 1772 (George died Sept. 17, 1847); Adam, born March 15, 1774 ; Catharine, born Jan 16, 1776 ; all are dead. The father of our subject married Mary Magdalena Kreitzer, who was also a native of the State of Maryland ; they had seven sons and two daughters—Henry, Elias, John, Susannah, Jacob, George, Abraham, William (our subject, born July 16, 1822), and Margaret; William and George are the only two living. The parents sold the old homestead formerly owned by the grandfather, and moved in 1836 to Paint Township, Holmes Co., Ohio, where they resided until their death ; in 1852, William moved to Tuscarawas Township, Stark Co., where he resided fifteen years, and, in 1867, removed to Coventry Township, where he remained until in December, 1877, when he came to the city of Akron, where he has since resided. He was married Nov. 7, 1844. to Catharine Moyer, who died about five years later, leaving one daughter. who died May 2. 1873 ; he was re married Oct. 24, 1850, to Amanda Cook, daughter of Adam and Regine (Harmon) Cook, natives of Franklin Ca., Penn ; they had two children—Samantha, born May 6, 1852, now Mrs. W. M. Vandersall, residing near East Liberty ; and Uriah, born Nov. 29, 1856, died May 9, 1873. He is a stanch Republican. He received a liberal education, and began teaching school in 1844, which he followed for several terms. He and family are members of the Evangelical Association.


COL. DUDLEY SEWARD, Justice of the Peace, Akron ; was born in Utica, N. Y., Jan. 14, 1819. He is a son of T. G. and Elizabeth Seward, and the fifth of a family of nine children. His parents, in 1812, removed to Watertown, N. Y. In 1835, Dudley went to Manchester (same State), where he clerked in a general store some four years, after which he taught school in winter, and worked on the farm in summer, until 1842, when he came to Ohio, and first located in Middlebury, but went to Wadsworth, then to Tallmadge, and finally to Akron. In the fall of 1847, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, and served five years, when he was elected Sheriff, and served two terms. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the 19th O. V. I., Co. G, , of which he was Sergeant. At the end of histerm of three months' service, he, in company with George A. Purington (now Captain in the 9th U. S. C.), recruited Co. A, for the 2d O. C., Purington being Captain, and Mr. Seward First Lieutenant. He remained in the service until October, 1865, and was promoted successively, by regular gradation, to Colonel of the regiment, which position he held when mustered out. He was in the battles of the Wilderness, Rich Mountain, etc., on the Morgan raid, the Wilson raid and in other hard service. Upon his return from the war, he remained two years in Akron, and was assistant clerk in Ohio Senate one term. He was then appointed Captain in 8th U. S. Cavalry, and served in California, Oregon and the Territories ; in the regular army four years. In 1871, he returned home, and in 1873, he was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he has held ever since. He was married, Nov. 2, 1848, to Miss Lois Clark, a native of this county. Three children were the fruit of this marriage ; two living, Louis D. and Mary C.


DAVID A. SCOTT, machine forger, Akron ; was born in Springfield Township, Summit Co., Ohio, Nov. 21, 1812, and is a son of Josiah and Mary J. (Irvin) Scott, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and were married in Pennsylvania. In 1811, they moved to Ohio, by team, and settled in Stark Co., in the fall of the same year moving to Springfield, now Summit Co. He was a blacksmith, and followed his trade, in connection with a small farm, on which he located, near Mogadore, where he lived until his death in 1824 ; she died in 1820. David A. (the subject), lived at home until he was 9 years old, and was then apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, with Mr. Abraham De Haven, of Springfield, and served with him until he became of age. He then went to Middlebury, where he worked at his trade until the fall of 1836. After some time spent at Madison, he went into business for himself, and in 1845 removed to Tallmadge, Summit Co. Four years later, he removed to Akron, and has worked at his trade since, except a few years, when he served as Constable, later as Deputy Sheriff, and, during the war, as Deputy United States Marshal. He held the office of Deputy Sheriff eight years. He was married, Nov. 21, 1838, to Miss Mary Ann Burton, a native of Montgomery Co., N. Y., and a daughter of Smith and Elizabeth (Wilcox) Burton, who


CITY OF AKRON - 781


came to Middlebury, Ohio, in 1831. He conducted a sash and blind factory there, it being the first of the kind in the county. Four children were born to him, two of whom are living, viz., George S., merchant in Akron ; Lois E., at home. Of the two deceased, William L was telegraph operator, and died in 1866, and Walter B. was Captain of Co. H, 104th 0. V. I, and died in Cincinnati, April 23, 1862. Mr. Scott was an early resident of the county, and often has shot deer and turkeys where Akron now stands.


M. SEIBERLING, Secretary and Superintendent of the Akron Straw Board Company, Middlebury (Sixth Ward), Akron ; is a native of Norton Township, Summit Co., Ohio, and was born on his father's farm Jan. 16, 1839, and lived at home until he was 25 years of age. He is the fourth in a family of twelve children, born to Nathan and Catharine (Peters) Seiberling, and received a common-school education. In the spring of 1844, he took the management of a farm and sawmill he and his brother J. F. had previously purchased, and conducted the business for five years, when he sold to his brother and moved to Canton, where he engaged in the lumber business for three years. He then sold out and came to Akron, and purchased an interest in the Akron Straw Board Company, and was made the Superintendent, and the following year he also took the office of Secretary ; both offices he has held since. He was married in the fall of 1863 to Miss Sarah L. Miller, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John Miller, who came to this county about 1843. By this marriage, there have been nine children, seven of whom are living, viz., Emma, Alton, Katie, Ella, Frederick, Laird and George. Mr. S. has always been a Republican in politics. He is a member of the English Lutheran Church, in the affairs of which he takes an active interest. and has been both Deacon and Elder. In the spring of 1880, he bought a farm of 100 acres, located in Norton Township, about eight miles southwest of the city, which joins the old homestead, and which he operates, hiring the labor.


FRANKLIN G. STIPE, painter. Akron, eldest son of Harrison and Anna (Neutchen) Stipe, of Green Township. He was born at Greentown, Stark Co., April 23, 1846, and when quite small his parents removed to Green Township, Summit Co., where Franklin wasraised and educated. He attended the common schools, and at the age of 14, entered the Seminary at Greensburg, in which institution he received instructions for three or four terms. During the next few years he taught school in various districts of Summit County, teaching during the winter and assisting his father on the farm in the summer. He was a member of the Ohio National Guards during the rebellion, and as such was called into active military duty in 1864, serving from May to September in Co. H, 164th 0. V. I. About the year 1866, he removed to Akron, and since that time has been engaged in that city at painting. He was married Sept. 7, 1865, to Soviah Koontz. who was born Nov. 17, 1843. She is the daughter of Jonas and Sarah (France) Koontz. Mr. and Mrs. Stipe are members of the First Methodist Church of Akron. They have four children, —Nora Elnor, Harry Jonas, Mable Lonely and Hattie Maria.


JACOB SNYDER, President of W. S. & Co., and architect, Akron ; was born in Columbia Co., Penn., March 12, 1823, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Miller) Snyder, natives of Eastern Pennsylvania. He was a contractor and builder, and died in Columbia County, in 1849. She died there about 1854. Jacob, the subject, lived at home until 1845, during which time he learned the trade of carpenter and builder, and also received an academic education. In 1845, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Penn., and remained there three years, taking a general college course, also a theoretical course in architecture. He returned home and for two years engaged in contracting and building and practical architecture. He was married May 21, 1849, to Miss Mary A. Rinehart, a native of Cumberland Co., Penn. He came to Ohio in 1853, and settled in Akron, where he was for a time connected with the grocery trade. About 1855, he engaged in his business of contracting and building and architecture, which he followed until 1870, since which time he has devoted most of his time to architecture. In 1863, he formed a partnership in the lumber manufacturing business, with Messrs. Weary, Wilcox & Jackson; and still continues his interest in the business, most of the time having been President. He has served as a member of Board of Education and as Trustee of Portage Township. Of his marriage there were four children, one of whom is


782 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


living, Mrs. B. L. Dodge, of Akron. He was raised a Democrat and adhered to that party until the second election of President Lincoln, since which time he has been a Republican. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1842, and taken an active part in its affairs. He was Superintendent of the Sabbath school a number of years, and is now a teacher and historian of the same. Mr. S. stands among the first in having contributed to the modern and advanced idea of Sabbath school architecture, and at present his practice in this kind of design extends throughout the State.


HUGO SCHUMACHER. bookkeeper, etc.. Akron, Ohio ; the oldest son of William Schumacher, was born in Saxony, Germany, Jan. 14, 1853 ; he was 6 years old when he came with his parents to the United States and to Akron ; from 1865 to 1868, he attended a private school at Braunschweig. and returned to Akron in the latter year, and entered the mills as packer, until 1871, when he became head bookkeeper and cashier for F. Schumacher. a position he has ever since held. In May, 1875. he was married to Miss Amelia Mills. of Akron ; they have one sou.


DR. WILLIAM SISLER, Akron, is a native of Lycoming Co.. Penn., and was born Sept. 12, 1819. He is the sixth child in a family of ten children born to Lewis and Margaret (Marsh) Sisler. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and moved to Erie Co., N. Y., in 1826, and engaged in farming, where he died. Mrs. Sisler continued her residence there until 1850, when she came to Manchester. Ohio, and lived with her children until her death, in 1872. At the age of 21 our subject came to Manchester, Ohio. where he followed teaching and farming. In 1843 he began reading medicine with Dr. Fernando Dalwick, of Canal Fulton, and in 1846 or 1847, he moved to Manchester, Summit Co., Ohio, and began to practice, his graduation at the Medical Department of Western Reserve College having been delayed because of his limited means. Upon the graduation of his brother, in 1852, they formed a partnership which continued until 1873. During the war, he responded to the call of Gov. Tod, and served in the hospitals after the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. In the fall of 1867, he was elected on the Republican ticket Representative from this County, to the State Legislature, and servedone year. Upon coming to Akron, he, in company with his brother-in-law, John F. Hoy, opened a drug store, which was continued until the fall of 1879. During his residence in Akron, the Doctor has not practiced medicine. except to accommodate some of his friends. In the fall of 1875, he was elected County Commissioner, and was re-elected in the fall of 1878. On July 23, 1846, he married Miss L. R. Hoy. a native of Manchester, Summit Co., Ohio, of which place her parents are pioneers. Six children were born. of whom three are living, viz.. Mary I., now Mrs. Diehl ; Emma, now Mrs. Neiburg, and Henry.


JUDGE NEWELL D. TIBBALS, Akron. Alfred M. Tibbals was born in Granville. Mass., Aug. 4, 1797 ; he came to Ohio with his father in 1804. and settled at Deerfield, Portage Co.. on wild land ; here he followed farming until his death, in 1858, being 61 years old ; he was a successful farmer, and one of the early and influential members of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; he never sought public office. He married, in 1821, Miss Martha Swein, a native of New Jersey, and one among the early settlers of Salem. She was born in 1800, and is still living ; she was the mother of five sons. one of whom died at the age of 13 ; those living are J. Lincoln. a farmer near Kent ; Frederick D., a farmer on the old homestead ; Curtice S., a farmer in Deerfield. and Newell D., the subject of this sketch, who was born in Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio, on Sept. 18, 1833, where he remained until he was 17, at which age he entered the McLain's Academy, at Salem, Ohio, from which he graduated in the spring of 1853. In September of that year he came to Akron and entered the law office of Otis & Walcott, where he studied until September, 1855, when he was admitted to the bar at Akron, and at once opened an office, engaging in active practice until 1875, when he was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Second Subdivision of the Fourth Judicial District—Summit, Medina and Lorain Counties. To this position he was re-electeu in 1880, for five years, to date from May, 1881. In the spring of 1865, he was elected City Solicitor (first), and filled that office two terms, having been influential in securing the present charter for the city of Akron, being employed by the Council to assist Mr. H. W. Ingersoll, Recorder of the incorporated village of Akron


CITY OF AKRON - 783


under old charter. In the fall of 1865, he was elected to the State Senate from Summit and Portage Counties ; in 1860, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney, and re-elected two years later ; in 1870, he participated in the preparation of the charter and other papers for the organization of Buchtel College, and has been a member of its Board of Trustees ever since its organization. He was a member of the City Board of Education, and served as a member of the Ohio National Guards. Oct. 22, 1856, he married Miss Lucy A. Morse, of Akron, Ohio ; she bore him three daughters and two sons.


COL. DAVID W. THOMAS. lumber and planing-mill. Akron ; a native of Millersburg, Ohio ; was born March 9, 1841, and is a son of George and Jane (Wilson) Thomas. His father was mostly brought up in Columbiana Co., Ohio, and at the age of 20 went to Holmes Co., where he was married in about 1840. His wife died in 1842. leaving an only child, David W., the subject, but an infant. In 1845, Mr. Thomas came to Akron, and about the year 1847, married, Miss Mary Caldwell, of Akron, who survives him. and had six children. He died in 1873. Only two of the last family of children are now living—Louisa J., wife of D. A. James, of Akron ; Eva, wife of William Picton, of Akron. For some years, Mr. T. did a large contracting business, and added lumber, finally establishing planing-mills on Market street. He built many of the public buildings of Akron ; was a member of the Council for several years, and prominently connected with the interests of the city. He was a Free-Soiler and one of the first Republicans ; was a member of the Baptist Church and a devoted Christian. David W., the subject, was 4 years of age when his father came to Akron. He here attended school until he was 16 years old, when he went to Tallmadge to learn carriage-making with Oviatt & Sperry, serving an apprenticeship of four years, returning to Akron in February, 1861. In April following, he enlisted in Co. G, of the " old 19th," 0. V. I., for three months, under Capt. Lewis P. Buckley, afterward Colonel of the 29th O. V. I. The 19th served in West Virginia until its term expired, and was in the battle of Rich Mountain. In October, 1861, Mr. T. enlisted in Co. H, of the 29th O. V. I. Their first engagement was at Winchester in which they were commanded by Gen. Shields. He was also at Port Republic, in which his company came out with but fifty me; ; at Cedar Mountain ; Chancellorsville, where he was slightly wounded by a fragment of shell, and at Gettysburg. They were next sent to New York to quell the riot there, consequent upon the draft. Upon their return they were sent to the department of the southwest, and were at Wauhatchie and Lookout Mountain. Dec. 10, 1863, the almost entire regiment re-enlisted, and at the expiration of veteran furlough, joined Gen. Sherman in the Atlanta campaign. Mr. T. participated in all the engagements of that stirring period. He was made Sergeant Major, and for a time commanded Co. H, as Orderly Sergeant. At Atlanta he was commissioned First Lieutenant ; went with Sherman in his " march to the sea," and, reaching Savanah, he was promoted to Captain, and assigned to Co. A, the post of honor. He was mustered out of the service at Louisville, Ky., June 22, 1865. On his return to Akron he engaged in the lumber and planing-mill business with his father, until 1873, when, upon the death of his father, Charles Miller and son became partners with him, remaining so until 1877, when subject sold out his interest to R. N. Kratz. The firm of Miller & Kratz closed up in 1878. and subject leased the planing-mill and lumberyard, and conducted the business two years, when he bought it and has since done well in it, employing in the building season from sixty to one hundred men. In 1876, subject was elected Colonel of the 9th O. N. G., which was afterward consolidated with the 8th Regiment, and he was assigned ten full companies ; it is one of the best-drilled and appointed regiments in the State. He has been an active member of the G. A. R. since its organization, and at the annual Encampment in 1880, he was elected Department Commander. He was married Sept. 11, 1868, to Miss Alice Hale, a daughter of J. M. Hale, of Akron. They had four children, viz.: George H., James A., Frank and Elizabeth. His wife died Jan. 11, 1880.


ALBERT B. TINKER, Financial Secretary of Buchtel College, Akron ; was born Jan. 28. 1852, and is a son of Horace and Sophronia (Skinner) Tinker. He is a native of Portage Co., and was brought up on a farm until 18, when he entered (in 1870) Hiram College, teaching during the winters. In the fall of 1873, he entered Buchtel College, and gradu-


784 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


ated in June, 1876, when he retired to the farm, his health being impaired. He taught during the winter until 1878, when he came to Akron, and entered the law office of Green & Marvin, where he studied until 1879, when he was elected Financial Secretary of Buchtel College, a position he has since filled. He was married Dec. 25, 1876, to Miss Georgie Olin, of Windsor, Ashtabula Co., Ohio.


JAMES B. TAPLIN, Akron. In Clermont, N. H., on Aug. 12, 1812, was born to John and Abigail (Sperry) Taplin, the subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work. At the age of 5 years, his parents moved to New Haven, Vt.. where he lived three years, at the end of which time, he was taken with them to Franklin Co., N. Y., in which region he lived until about 22 years of age. His youth-time was employed in farming and attending school; the last six months of his school life were passed in the Franklin Academy, at Malone, N. Y. When 20 years of age, he began to learn carpentering, but only worked at that a short time, when he began mill wrighting, and followed that in New York State until 1834. In the fall of 1834, he came to Akron, Ohio, partly by canal, and partly on foot ; he then worked at carpentering for a short time, but followed millwrighting until 1848, during which time he worked on most of the early mills. In October, 1839, he married Miss Rachel Grandy, of Port Byron, N. Y., who had taught for some time in Akron. In 1840-41, he built a large mill in Constantine, Mich.. returning to Akron in July, 1841. In company with G. D. Bates and Chas. Webster, under the firm of G. D. Bates & Co.. he started the Globe Foundry at Akron, in 1848, in a small building, and on a small scale. In some two or three years, Bates retired, and the business was continued by the firm of Webster & Taplin, which continued with some changes until 1860, when fire destroyed a portion of the work, and the subject retired ; in 1861, the present foundry was built, the firm being Taplin, Rice & Ford, as partnership until 1867, when a stock company was formed, and the business incorporated under the name of Taplin, Rice & Co., which continues. Of his marriage, there are two sons and a daughter, viz., John L., superintendent of machinery department; Chas. G., bookkeeper for Standard Oil Co., Cleveland, Ohio, and Ella, who is still at home. In addition to these, there were three children,two of whom died in infancy, and one son, Jas. F., died at 7. The subject is a member of the Congregational Church, and was a member of the Council.


WILLIAM H. UPSON. attorney, Akron, son of Daniel and Polly (Wright) Upson, was born Jan. 11, 1823, at Worthington, Franklin Co.. Ohio, where he lived until his 10th year, when, with his father's family, he moved to Tallmadge Township, this county. At the age of 15, he entered Western Reserve College. Hudson, as a member of the Freshman Class, and graduated from that institution in July, 1842, standing second in his class in scholarship. and delivering the salutatory at its commencement exercises. Directly on leaving college. he began the study of law under the direction of Judge Reuben Hitchcock. of Painesville, Ohio, with whom he remained for the period of two years, when he entered the Law Department of Yale College. where he attended one year. In September. 1845. he was admitted to the bar at Cleveland. and, in January of the following year, began his profession at Akron. where he has continued in successful practice ever since. As general attorney for the Atlantic & Great Western Railway Company (now the N. Y.. P. & O. R. R. Co.), and, later, as counsel for its Receiver, his attention for years has been especially directed to railway matters, in the important litigations of which he has been called much into other States, and twice to Europe. In politics he is a Republican. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of this county in 1848, and served in that capacity two years. He was elected to the State Senate in 1853 ; to the Forty-first Congress from the Eighteenth District, comprising the counties of Cuyahoga, Summit and Lake (usually called the Cleveland District), in 1868, by a majority of over 6,000, and was re-elected in 1870. He was a member of the Committee on Reconstruction in the Forty-first Congress ; Chairman of the Committee on Private Land Claims, in the Forty-second, and a member of the Committees on Elections and Manufactures, in L AI. He was one of the leaders of the opposition to the measure giving back-pay to members, from its inception. When under cover of a general appropriation bill it was brought before the House for adoption, his moral sense was keen enough to discover at once the wrong sought to be perpetrated, and


CITY OF AKRON - 785


securing, by persistent effort, a recognition from the Chair, he denounced it in no uncertain words, and made the motion to strike out the objectionable clause. This was the keynote of opposition to what is known as the " salary grab ; " others, recognizing the justice of his position, joined him in that strenuous fight against the measure, that gained for him and them the hearty approval and thanks of an undivided country. The old Eighteenth (Cleveland) District was recognized as one of the most important and influential in the nation. Its wealth, its growing and diversified interests and industries, the character of its people. all combined to make the office of its representative one of peculiar honor, responsibility and influence. The trust reposed in him was so well performed that when. upon the close of his second term, he withdrew from political life, its press and people. without regard to party, gave him the warmest and most gratifying approval. He was a delegate to the National Convention. at Baltimore, which renominated Abraham Lincoln in 1864. and was a delegate at large from Ohio to the Convention at Cincinnati. which nominated Rutherford B. Hayes. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Western Reserve and Oberlin Colleges, and also of Lake Erie Female Seminary. at Painesville. Ohio. He was first President of the Summit Co. Bar Association. and is now a member of the Executive Committee of the State Bar Association. On May 20. 1856. he married Miss Julia A. Ford. of Akron. They have two sons and two daughters.


P. UPINGTON. harness-maker. Akron ; the leading dealer in South Akron in harness, saddles. etc. Came to Akron in 1848, and began at " jour " work ; he followed his trade in this way for about one year. and then began business on his own account. He was born March 3. 1821. in County Cork, Ireland ; he learned his trade with his father, and received a fair education in his native land. In 1847—the year of the great famine in Ireland—he was one of a committee whose business it was to distribute the donations. In 1848. as before stated, he came to Akron, where. after engaging in business on his own account. he continued it without interruption, except during the war. when he spent a time in the trimming department of Mr. Collins' carriage factory. In 1876. he built the store he now occupies. which is 24 feet frontageby 55 feet deep, three stories and basement, and located near the corner of Main and Exchange streets ; he also owns considerable real estate in different parts of the city. He is a member of the order of A., F. & A. M.. and of the following Lodges : Akron Lodge, No. 83 ; Washington Chapter, No. 25 ; Akron Council, No. 42 ; and Akron Commandery, No. 25. He was formerly a member of Massillon Commandery No. 4, and, upon the organization of Akron Commandery, he became one of the charter members.


W. R. UPHAM, boot and shoemaker, Middlebury ; was horn in Windsor Co., Vt., in 1810, and was brought up on the farm. At the age of 17, he was apprenticed to his trade, and, after completing same, went to Burlington, Vt., where he worked for one year, thence to Rochester, N. Y., remaining there one year, and, in the fall of 1833, came to Akron. In the spring of 1844, he moved to Middlebury, where he has since resided. He worked at shoemaking until 1850, when he went to keeping hotel in the Temperance House : also conducted a livery and feed stable until 1856. He then sold matches for six or seven years, traveling in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, after which he resumed his trade, and has worked at it ever since. He served as Constable in 1848 ; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1870. but did not qualify or serve. He was a Whig in politics, and, upon the organization of the Republican party, adopted its principles. He was married, in 1834, to Miss Susan E. Burns, a native of Albany, N. Y., and ten children have been born to them, seven of whom are living—William Potter (lives at Red Wing, Minn.), Almira (Mrs. Robert Vance, also lives at Red Wing), Elizabeth (now Mrs. George Capell, lives in Detroit, Mich.), Ella (Mrs. James Currans, lives in Middlebury), George (Red Wing, Minn.), Charles (lives in Iowa), Walter Potter (lives at home) ; all are married except George and Walter.


DR. W. J. UNDERWOOD, physician, Akron ; was born in Dillsburg, York Co., Penn., March 20, 1840. and is the fourth of five children born to Joseph and Hannah (Wells) Underwood. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, his father being of Quaker descent and his mother of German. His father was a whip-maker, and followed his trade in Dillsburg until his death in 1842. Mrs. Underwood was subsequently


786 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


married again, but is now a widow and living at Wooster, Ohio. Dr. Underwood lived at home until 1860, acquiring such education as the schools of the neighborhood afforded, at the same time teaching during the winters up to the time of his beginning the study of medicine. In 1860, he began reading with Dr. Ira Day, of Mechanicsburg, Penn., and graduated from the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1864. In 1862, he went out with the 19th Penn. V. M. as medical officer, and after a short period, the regiment being disbanded, he was assigned to the hospital at Chambersburg as Assistant Surgeon. A month later he was transferred to the hospital at Camp Curtin, where he served about two months, being assigned at the expiration of that time to the 151st Penn. V. I., with which he served as Assistant Surgeon during the term of that regiment's enlistment. Returning from the army, he completed his studies, graduating as noted above. In the spring of 1864, he came to Ohio and began practice in company with Dr. A. Houtz, in Canal Fulton. This partnership was continued for two years, when it was dissolved. After practicing a year by himself, he came to Akron in August, 1867, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Underwood is a member of the Summit County Medical Society, of the Union Medical Association of Northeastern Ohio, of the Ohio State Medical Society, and of the American Medical Association. In the two first he has served in various official capacities. In December, 1864, he married Miss Harriet, daughter of John J. Shoemaker, Esq., of Harrisburg, Penn. ; she died Dec. 9, 1873; three children were born, of whom two only are living—Edward S. and Alfred C. Feb. 28, 1877, he married Mrs. Francis C. Pizzala, of Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1878, Dr. Underwood was appointed Examining Surgeon for Pensions, an office he now holds. He has also served the city of Akron as Councilman.


ALVIN C. VORIS, Brevet Major General United States Volunteers, whose portrait appears in this work was born in Stark County, Ohio, on the 27th of April, 1827, the eldest of nine brothers and four sisters, children of Peter Voris and Julia (Coe) Voris, all of whom lived to attain manhood and womanhood ; the first death among them occurred in the summer of 1864, from starvation, in the Andersonville rebel prison pen ; five of these brothers served in the Union Army in the war of the Great rebellion, three of whom lost their lives by reason of that service, and the other two were badly wounded and' will carry to their graves broken down and painful bodies in consequence of these wounds. His father was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and, at the age of 16, with his parents, settled in Stark Co., where he continued to live till the spring of 1834, when he moved into what is now Summit Co., then Portage Co. Peter Voris represented Summit Co. in the General Assembly in 1847-48, was the Whig candidate for the State Senate for the Summit and Portage District in the fall of 1848, but was defeated by a combination of Democrats and Free-Soilers ; in 1850, was appointed one of the Associate Judges for his county, and served in that capacity till the office was abolished by the present Constitution. In 1857, he removed to Illinois, where he (lied in January. 1880, at the age of 81 years. Judge Voris always had the confidence of all who knew him, possessed rare intelligence and purity of character, was public spirited, fearless and outspoken with his convictions, and a most sturdy hater of all kinds of meanness. Gen. Voris says of his father that he never heard him utter an oath or obscene expression, that, not only in manners, but in essense, was he an everyday Christian gentleman. Julia (Coe) Voris was a Connecticut Yankee by birth and education, and possessed great force of character, intelligence and grace of manners, was richly endowed with those womanly qualities that eminently fitted her for society, and the nurture and moral development of her children; she was a most devoted Christian and was universally respected and beloved. The subject of this sketch says of himself that there was nothing remarkable about his birth or early life, except that he was the first baby in the family, but supposes that he was as good and bothersome, as studious and frolicsome, and heedless and playful as boys in general ; that he was a good scholar and took his juvenile switchings as complacently as any other of the boys, is not denied. He lived with his parents till after he was 18 years old, when he went from home to school, one year at Twinsburg Institute, and the two following years at Oberlin College, Ohio, taking an elective course, teach-public school, in the winter months, and working


CITY OF AKRON - 787


for a couple of hours each day at the shoe bench, in the meantime, to pay for books, tuition and board, for all which he paid as he went along, without being a burden to any one for a cent. In February, 1850, he came to Akron, where he has since resided, and was employed by Auditor Goodhue, in his office, for a few weeks, when he went into the Clerk's office, under L. S. Peck. Esq., where he served for two years as one of his deputies. On the new Constitution going into effect. in February, 1852. Charles G. Ladd, an attorney of the Summit County bar, who had been elected Probate Jude. but by reason of sickness, of which he (lied in August following, was never able to get to his office personally. appointed young Voris his Deputy Clerk, which place he filled till the decease of Judge Ladd ; the entire business of the office was thus thrown upon him ; that he opened the office well, and devised proper modes for doing its business and keeping the records, is attested by the fact that they have been since followed, and that he correctly and faithfully acted for some six months as de facto Probate Judge is also attested by the fact that his acts in that behalf have never been legally questioned. During all this time, since he came to Akron. he was a close student of the law, with reference to entering upon its practice. was admitted to the bar in June. 1853. and at once formed a partnership with the late Gen. L. V. Bierce, his law preceptor; this arrangement continued till 1857. As a young lawyer, he was singularly successful, both in getting business to do and in his manner of handling it: with the next term after his admission till the outbreak of the rebellion, he was constantly pitted against the strongest lawyers of the Ohio bar ; his great energy, ceaseless industry. courage and thorough preparation of his cases. gave him a recognized standing with the best of them.


Sept. 25. 1853. he married Lydia Allyn, daughter of Israel Allyn, Esq., then residing near Akron, with whom he lived till March 16, 1876, when Mrs. Voris died, after a most painful illness of over four years. She was a most devoted wife and mother, and left three children, Edwin F., who is an attorney and practicing with his father, and two daughters, Lucy A. and Bessie Coe. Edwin has settled down in life, married a wife, and like his father, is zealously engaged in raising a family of children.


In 1859, A. C. Voris was elected to represent his county in the General Assembly, which office he held for two years. In which, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, Chairman of Penitentiary Committee, and several important select committees, he was distinguished for his great industry and practical knowledge, which was also true of every matter in which he engaged. Instead of being a society man, or employing his efforts in mere partisan contests, he directed his attention to the practical business matters before the Legislature, and in which he at once took rank as a leader. He was regarded as one of the ablest men on the floor of the House. He was apt and convincing as a debater, and always ready as a parliamentarian. He was selected Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House when the general appropriation bills were under consideration, because of his sleight at dispatching business, and was complimented with having managed so as to get through in half the time expected to be consumed. Before his legislative term expired, the war of the rebellion broke out. All through the long session of 1861, he took a most decided stand against backing down to the demands of the South, and fearlessly urged resistance to and no compromising with treason or traitors, and fought with all his might, all efforts from whatever source they came, aiming to prostitute the Legislature of the State in the interests of slavery, or the treasonable demands of State Rights as interpreted by the planter States.


In September, 1861, the demand for men became so urgent for the army that he felt it his duty to go to the war himself, and enrolled himself as an enlisted man in the 29th O. V. I., but, without solicitation on his part, Gov. Dennison appointed him a Second Lieutenant for the recruiting service, under which he was mustered into the United States volunteer service on the 2d of October ensuing, for the organization of a regiment, to which he applied himself with such zeal and effect that, in the organization of the 67th Ohio, to which his men were assigned, he was entitled to a Lieutenant Colonelcy of the regiment. and would have gone into the field as its Colonel, if he had said so ; but having had no previous military training, he chose to go as its Lieutenant Colonel. His regiment went into the field in Western Virginia, Jan. 19, 1862. He was its chief instruct-


788 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


or from the date of its organization, Dec. 18, 1861, drilling and teaching men and officers, at such intervals as active service in the field permitted. On the 16th of March following, he became its commanding officer. On the evening of the 22d of the same month, he took his regiment into its first fight, against a reconnaissance of Stonewall Jackson, before Winchester, Va., which was, in fact, the opening of the first battle of Winchester, one of the most obstinately fought infantry battles of the war, the brigade to which the 67th Ohio was attached being ordered out to repel this attack, which was on our picket lines, to the south of Winchester. Lieut. Col. Voris turned out his command so rapidly that he took the lead of all our troops, and, in one hour from the time he got his orders, was four miles from camp, and pushing the enemy, his being the first Union troops in the fight. He, with his men, held the front the entire night, and kept the advanced position toward the enemy next morning till ordered to support a battery of artillery, which he did under a brisk fire from the enemy's batteries, till the infantry battle opened, when he was directed " to pitch in ;" not very definite orders, as the enemy were then three-fourths of a mile off, and extended over a wide front, and mainly obscured by woodland and hills. He led his men at a double-quick, against a terrible fire of shot and shell directly in his front, and right for the point where the infantry fighting appeared to be fiercest, and formed his men immediately to the left of Col. Tyler's brigade, which was lying on the ground in front of a rebel brigade, within point-blank range, the latter being thoroughly protected by a stonewall fence. Both sides kept up an incessant fusilade of small arms, neither daring to advance on the other, with the advantage all on the side of the enemy. The 67th formed obliquely on the head and front of the wall, and not more than 150 feet from the right flank of the rebel brigade, from which it got a deadly fire, without being able to do much execution in return. He held this position but for a short time, and, not securing the desired results, undertook to place his men so as to deliver an enfilading fire from behind the stone wall. While making this movement, he was shot in the right thigh, getting a very painful though not dangerous wound. The Color Sergeant hesitating, Lieut. Col. Voris seized the colors, and, supported by two men, under each shoulder, notwithstanding his wound, called on his men to follow him, and, placing them in such position that this wall afforded no protection to the enemy, they opened a most destructive fire upon them. Two or three volleys caused the rebels to waver, when he ordered a charge upon them, which was executed with such impetuosity that the enemy broke in great disorder, and the 67th dashed through their lines with a yell that , was plainly heard above the din of the battle. Tyler's brigade soon followed suit, and the whole left wing of Jackson's army was thrown into a disordered retreat. Gen. Voris deservedly thinks this one of the very best public acts of his life. Seeing that the stone wall was as good as a fort for the enemy, and that no decisive movement could be made against them till they were dislodged from it, he, of his own motion, pitched into them on their flank, a movement that was decisive of the only Union victory ever gained over Stonewall Jackson. He was promoted to the coloneley of his regiment July 18, 1862, and served with it in the most arduous enterprises in Eastern and Southeastern Virginia, till the end of that year. Among the thrilling incidents of the year, he had the ill luck to be shipwrecked, with six companies of the 67th Regiment, off Fortress Monroe, Va., en route to reenforce Gen. McClellan on the. Peninsula. This was described by an eyewitness as follows : " In the middle of the night, the waves tumbled the old barge at a fearful rate, and soon all hands were aroused by the startling cry that the line towing the barge had parted, and that she was going to the bottom. To us on the steamer this was terrible intelligence for half our regiment. Its Lieut. Colonel, Adjt. Girty and several line officers were on the wreck. As the barge broke from the steamer, its rudder was crushed to atoms, leaving the crazy craft entirely at the mercy of the waves. We could see, through the darkness, that the upper deck had broken down, and every indication showed that the craft was really going to pieces. The steamer was swung round as rapidly as possible, to give help. As we passed round, we could see fragments of the wreck floating by. The shrieks of the frightened ones on the barge were truly distressing to us. For a long time, we could get no intelligence that gave us any hope, it being impossible to get near the vessel. Fi-


CITY OF AKRON - 789


nally, we heard the clear voice of Col. Voris, giving orders and urging the men to be quiet. He tried to soothe them by saying that 'all would end well, if they would let him boss the concern.' By the way, the Colonel says that bossing that rickety old barge in a storm is worse than fighting Stonewall Jackson. By great exertion, the boys were able to cast the anchor of the barge, and in a little time a hawser was fastened to the wreck, and the steamer came to the rescue. Such a scramble to get off never was seen on dry land. One poor boy, in his overhaste, jumped overboard and was drowned, and five others were severely wounded. Col. V. was the last man to leave the wreck, directing the delivery of his men till all were safe, before he thought of himself. He came on board the steamer in rather au un-officer like plight, bareheaded, in shirt sleeves, with naught but shirt, pants, vest and shoes in the line of dress ; all his other fixens went with the barge ; " and in that undress he reported to Gen. J. A. Dix, the next morning, for new supplies for his men.


In January. 1863, he was transferred with his command to the Department of the South, where he participated in the siege operations before Charleston. S. C.. till the close of that year. He commanded his regiment in the disastrous assault on Ft. Wagner, the night of the 18th of July. in which he was very severely wounded. and was sent north in a few days after to nurse his wound. In less than sixty days after he got this wound. he reported back to his command for duty, and shortly after was in the trenches before Charleston.


When the expedition was about to start from Hilton Head to attack Charleston, Col. Voris, with his regiment. was ordered to report for duty to Gov. Saxton. at Beaufort, S. C., to aid him in his civil administration. He did not relish Provost Marshal and other fancy work while a great enterprise was on foot, and went at once to Gen. Hunter. who had command of the department. and inquired of him if he really intended to capture Charleston. Being answered in the affirmative, he told Gen. Hunter that he was making a fatal mistake in leaving his (Voris') regiment out ; that there was not a man in the ranks of the 67th Regiment whose pockets were not full of locofoco matches with which to burn the cursed rebel city. Col. Voris carried back in his pockets an order tojoin the expedition. The 67th did not go to Beaufort.


In the spring of 1864, he was assigned to duty with his regiment in the movement up 1 James River, Va., against Richmond, under Gen. Butler, and thenceforth was identified with the Army of the James till the close of the war. On the 9th and 10th of May, 1864, with less than 2,000 rifles and eight pieces of artil! lery, he successfully fought and repulsed confederate Gen. Ransom with four times as large a force, some ten miles below Richmond. In this engagement, he was specially conspicuous for gallantry and ability. and gained a brilliant victory, the first success for Gen. Butler in his advance on the confederate capital. On the night of the 9th, when it became apparent that there would be a renewal of the fight the next morning, and (Col. Voris had sent for re-enforcements) Gen. Gilmore, to whom Col. Voris had sent for re-enforcements, directed his Adjutant General to send him assistance, but not to send them under command of an officer senior in rank to Col. Voris, that he wanted the way left clear for him to fight with the enemy without interference from a superior officer. Gen. A. H. Terry said of this engagement, that if he had 10,000 such men as Col. Voris and the 67th O. V. I., he could take Richmond with them. For this fight Col. Voris was recommended for promotion as Brigadier General of Volunteers ; but political reasons in his Congressional district prevented so well-earned advancement. He was then suffering from his Ft. Wagner wound, and was so prostrated by the fatigue and anxiety of the clay, that he had to be helped to camp. Again, on the 20th of the same month, he fought the enemy at the Win Bottom Church, on the Bermuda Hundred front, retaking our picket line, from which our troops had been forced ; at the same time taking confederate Gen. Walker prisoner. He still keeps Gen. Walker's sword as a trophy of that affair. The 16th of June following, while in command of the picket line, as general officer of the day, he took the line of rebel works, by which Gen. Butler had been bottled up on the Bermuda Hundred, taking quite a number of prisoners, and several heavy guns in the enterprise.


At Deep Run, on the left bank of the James, below Richmond, in August next, he led the skirmish line in an attack on the enemy's lines, protected by temporary field works, which


790 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


were carried with so much impetuosity that the rebels could fire but one volley, but so destructive was it, that one-third of the attacking force was killed and wounded; before they could reload their pieces, our boys were clubbing them over their heads with the butts of their rifles. In an engagement on the 13th of October ensuing, he commanded a brigade of colored troops ; also below Richmond, where he urged his dusky soldiers to remember that now was their time to wipe out many an old score. If what the boys say is true, he told the contrabands to give their old oppressers h—l. Again, on the 27th and 28th of October following, he commanded a brigade of white troops on the Charles City road, in an attack upon the outworks for the protection of Richmond ; and in the latter part of the next November. he commanded a division against an attempt of the enemy to turn our flank on the north side of the James. On the 2d of April, 1865, he led the charge on Fort Gregg, Petersburg, Va., and after having been in the ditch of the fort up to his neck in mud and water for nearly half an hour, he climbed up on its walls by the aid of a ladder made by the boys with their guns with bayonets fixed, and thrust into the walls one above the other, being the first Union officer on the fort. This was the last fort taken by storm of the confederate works surrounding Richmond and Petersburg, after being most tenaciously defended, at a loss of fully one-fourth of the garrison in killed. At Appomattox he was in the fight at the last ditch, and got a receipt for that day's work from a fragment of a shell on the left arm. He was breveted a Brigadier General in 1864, and a Major General of Volunteers in the year following, "for distinguished services in the field," as the order appointing him recites.


Upon the close of hostilities, he was assigned to command the politico-military district of South Anna, Va., embracing a territory of triangular form, one angle at Richmond, the other two in the crown of the Blue Ridge, extending each way more than a hundred miles ; the duties of which were both of a political and military sort, including the supervision of all that relates to civil and military administration. He was for more than six months as absolute a satrap as ever governed, there being no other governing power except by and through the military, not a single civil, police or political

officer being recognized except by and under the military authorities. The colored people just emancipated had to be especially cared for and protected, all the interests of society looked after and conserved, the prejudices and cruelties of the system of slavery resisted and eradicated, a new system of labor organized, the mutual distrusts of the whites and negroes allayed, and confidence created between the late slave-owners and the freedmen. He called together both white and colored people at their county seats, and publicly and together kindly tried to instruct them as to their new relations. urging fair dealing, justice and humanity in their future intercourse, and upon terms of impartial equal rights. To protect the late slaves, and especially the infirm. old and little ones from ill-treatment and want. he found it necessary to make and publish orders prohibiting all sorts of personal violence. and turning off such infirm and helpless ones without adequate provision for their present support ; and, in default of which provision, he directed adequate assessment to be made and collected by military power. He absolutely put a stop to the devilish practice of flogging colored people, and permitted no penalties to be inflicted on them that were not visited upon white people for like grade of offenses. So considerate was he in the administration of his public duties. that he never had a matter appealed from his orders or decrees to depart ment headquarters during the whole time he was in command of this district, though every ! class of disputed right came before him. coinmon to community from murder down. His Department Commander said of him that his was the only district in the State that did not make him trouble. Gen. Robert E. Lee was a resident of his district, and under his command for several months after the surrender. The Charlottesville Daily Chronicle wrote concerning his administration, when he left the district. that " Gen. Voris has conducted himself in command here in the kindest and most considerate manner, and has shown himself an energetic. faithful and just officer. He leaves with the best wishes of our people." The colored people found in him a most valued friend and protector.


As illustrative of his way of putting things. we narrate the following incidents : When he went first to Charlottesville. Va., to organize for


CITY OF AKRON - 791


the civil administration of Albemarle Co., and parol and amnesty those who had been in open rebellion against the United States, he was interviewed by a delegation of citizens as to what relations the freedmen would thenceforth sustain. To whom he replied, that the freed men were citizens of the United States, and, as such, possessed equal rights with all other Virginians ; that the General Government would protect them as such ; that he would do all in his power to reconcile and harmonize any antagonisms and distresses existing between the two races ; but that they would be required to adjust their intercourse with them on terms of reciprocal equality of rights. A fiery planter, not relishing this equality doctrine, spoke up, " I tell ye what it is, if my niggers don't do as I say. I will flog them." Gen. Voris instantly replied. " In that case, if I was your nigger, I would take your life, Sir." The Episcopalian Rector of the same place, and afterward a high dignitary in his church. came to him to get indulgence from the military authorities to omit from the prayer of their church service, the President of the United States and all others in authority, etc.. alleging, as a reason. that such prayer would he insincere, and that his congregation could not. with their present feeling, join lionestly in it. Let us see." said the General. “Is it because they look upon the President and those in authority as still being enemies?" It being admitted that this was substantially their feeling, he replied, I am not much of a Christian. and may not appreciate the gravity of the situation, nor do I know how your church people regard the New Testament Scriptures; but if you mean to set them a truly Christian example. I would advise you to do as Christ commanded, ' Love your enemies, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.' instead of coming to the military authorities to get excused from obeying the commands of Almighty God."


As a soldier he never shirked duty or exposure. He always shared with his men their hardships. dangers and privations, and never asked of them what he would not do himself. So prompt was he in the execution of whatever he had to do that the boys called him "Old Promptly," a name certainly not inappropriately applied. All through the war, in ease of sudden danger, he was always first in place for action with his men. His watchfulnessand strict attention to business, caused him to be assigned to the command of his brigade when he was junior colonel in it.


He was greatly beloved by his men, who, at the close of the war, gave him one of the finest presents given to any officer during the war, a magnificent sword, belt and sash, costing nearly a thousand dollars ; every man of his old regiment contributing toward its purchase. A leading Ohio daily paper in referring to this present, said :" A worthy gift from one of the best regiments ever mustered into the service to one of the best soldiers that has entered the field." He always saw to it that his men had every thing the commissariat and quartermaster's departments could furnish. and ever stood up for the just rights of every enlisted man ; was a strict disciplinarian, requiring exact and prompt performance of duty from men and officers alike. He looked most carefully after the honorable character and standing of every man and officer in his command, not only as soldiers. but as men and American citizens. Not a man under him but felt always free to approach him at all proper times, on terms of pleasant intimacy, nor ever felt that any grievance would be slighted by him, merely because he was a private soldier. He was proud of his men. We quote from his report for the War Department regarding the meritorious part the 67th O. V. I. had taken in the war. After having given the various campaigns and actions in which it had participated. he says : " The good order always observed by the 67th. the fidelity with which it discharged all its duties. and the fortitude with which it met all its vicissitudes. amid shipwreck on the sea, heat, cold and storm by land, and hate in an enemy's country. are worthy of as high place in the archives of the country as its most glorious deeds on the battlefield, than which no regiment can claim more glorious. I cannot close without saying I am proud, PROUD. PROUD of the glorious, triumphant, bully 67th."


We quote the following from the editorial columns of a leading Ohio paper. as showing in what estimation he was held by his superior officers as a soldier : " Every General under whom Voris has served has esteemed him highly as brave and discreet. Gen. Terry, one of his corps commanders, says Col. Voris, in every action in which he has been engaged. has exhibited fine qualities as a soldier, and on sev-


792 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


eral occasions has been conspicuous for capacity and courage." The editorial notice of him by the leading Ohio papers are fairly represented by what George A. Benedict, editor of the Cleveland Herald, published concerning his record : " Among civilians appointed to the service, not a recipient has proved himself more worthy the trust than Gen. Voris. He has shown industry, perseverance, discretion, talent, and an utter fearlessness of danger." His regiment won a great reputation in the war, much of which was due to the efforts and leadership of Gen. Voris. He is not only a brave man in danger, but possesses that higher order of courage in an eminent degree—the courage of his convictions. He thoroughly believes in the policy of frank, honorable, fair dealing in all things. He was mustered out of the service in December, 1865, after having served in the army fifty and a half mont Lis, and then returned to Akron and engaged in the active labors of his profession, but under great difficulties, owing to the disability occasioned by his Fort Wagner wound.


In November, 1873, he submitted to one of the most remarkable surgical operations in the annals of surgery. His wound had apparently healed. The bullet which caused it was cut in two parts on his sword-belt ring, the smaller part lodging in the circular abdominal muscle, and was removed by the surgeon at the time of the injury ; the other part passed downward and backward in the abdominal cavity, and lodged on the crown of his bladder and became impacted in the walls of that organ until the fall of 1872, when it penetrated them and became loose within. Up to this time it had been a source of great annoyance and bodily infirmity, the cause not being suspected even by Gen. Voris. Nov it became most torturing, giving constant and almost unendurable pain, so much so that his friends supposed he must speedily die. His physicians did not suspect the nature of his disorder till early in the summer of 1873, too late in the season for a desirable operation. He waited, under the advice of his surgeon, until the ensuing fall, when he underwent the lateral operation in lithotomy, by which three-fourths of an Enfield rifle shot was extracted, weighing one and one-eighth ounces. The great wonder is that he ever survived the first effects of this shot, and then that he should carry it over ten years and havehis bladder perforated by it, endure the torture and systematic derangement it caused and not die, to say nothing of the surgical operation. Nothing but pluck and an extraordinary constitution saved him. His surgeons say that he was the coolest and most self-possessed subject they ever witnessed at the operating table. All the years of his life since the 18th of July, 1863, have been weighed down by this injury, the pangs of which are still borne in nerves which never cease to ache.


In the spring of 1873, he was elected a delegate to the late Constitutional Convention, and, though suffering terrible agony from his army wound, much of the time of its session, he took a leading part in its deliberations and was one of its most efficient and influential members. He is an ardent Republican, politically, without being partisan, either in feeling or action, and a distinguished champion of protection to American industry. His late campaign speeches on the protective policy were conceded to he masterly efforts and were widely circulated. As a public speaker he is frank, candid, earnest, eloquent, never abuses, and always addresses his hearers as if they were intelligent and self-respecting. He is invariably listened to with interested attention.


As a lawyer, though his education was not what is strictly denominated liberal, was ample for all the requirements of his chosen profession, especially when it is considered that he was endowed by nature with a most vigorous and exceedingly wiry constitution, and a mind whose vigor, tenacity and comprehensiveness compared admirably with his physical organization. What he lacked of ancient classical erudition was more than compensated by the carefulness and thoroughness with which he had mastered the special science that covered the field of his future professional efforts. It was not long after he came to the bar till he took his position permanently in the foremost rank, composed though it was, of the ablest competitors. Whatever he undertook to do, he did with all his might, mind and strength, utterly fearless, though by no means regardless of the degree and character of the opposition to be encountered. In his arguments to the court upon questions of law, he was always clear, logical and concise. In his addresses to the jury, he was equally clear, systematic, and cogent in his statements of facts deduced from


CITY OF AKRON - 793


the evidence, and his own inferences and conclusions therefrom ; and in such efforts he often rose to the very highest plane of exalted and refined forensic eloquence. At the commencement of his professional career, he occasionally fell into a style of oratory somewhat too verbose and ornate, and also into action and gesticulation too continuous and violent ; but increasing years and experience soon enabled him to excide such objectionable superfluities. In practice, and in his social intercourse with his brethren of the bar, he was always courteous and considerate in regard to the feelings of others, however much heated in debate. He was truthful insomuch that arguments made with him orally could be relied upon as implicitly as it' reduced to writing. In his demeanor toward the court, he always recognized its assumed dignity, and accorded corresponding treatment. As to deception. chicanery, and trickery of all sorts. he simply despised them, and he equally despised and condemned every professional slyster who practiced or attempted to practice such arts, with a view to thwart the ends of justice.


EDWIN F. VORIS. Akron. only son of Gen. A. C. Voris, was born in Akron, July 31. 1855. He graduated from the High School in 1872, and entered Buchtel College at its opening, graduating June 30. 1875. In the fall of the same year, he entered the Harvard Law School, and graduated in June, 1877, being admitted to the bar at Cleveland, Ohio. in Oct. 8, of that year. June 8, 1878, he went to St. Louis. and the following month was admitted to the bar in Missouri. He practiced and studied with J. M. & C. H. Krum. of St. Louis. until February 1879, when he returned to Akron, and there associated himself with his father, since which time he has continued to practice under the firm name of Voris & Voris. October, 1879. he married Miss Lizzie H. Slade, of Columbus. Ohio.


NICHOLAS EMMONS VANSICKLE. tobacco merchant, Akron ; one of seven children, was born in Germantown, N. J.. November 10, 1816 to Henry and Mary (Emmons) Vansickle, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. In 1825. they moved to Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., where the subject of this sketch engaged in farm labor and blacksmithing with his father. walking two miles to school three months per year. In May,1837, by canal, they moved to Ohio, settling in Bath Township on a farm. After settling in this State, our subject learned to make cloth, and from 1838 to about 1845, with his brother-in-law, Jacob Allen, was engaged in the cloth business, during that period being one of the proprietors of the City Woolen Factory, now occupied as the City Mills. In September, 1844, he married Miss Margaret Mathew, of Akron. Of this union there are two children, Ella (now Mrs. E. R. Grant, of Norton) and Dora (now Mrs. N. H. Bassett, of Cleveland). In 1848, he removed to Bedford, Ohio, where he kept a hotel on the old stage line from Cleveland to Pittsburgh, for a short time, after which he engaged in the railroad business, at which he has been very successful, having built considerable portions of several roads. In 1861, he returned to Akron, and for some years following, was employed in the public works of this place. In 1871, he built twenty miles of the Tuscarawas Valley Railroad. In 1875, he bought his present tobacco store on Market street. He has taken an active part in the Agricultural Society of Summit County, having been a member of the Executive Committee and of the Board of Directors of the same. He was formerly a member of the City Council. He is a stanch Republican, because of which fact he was several times burnt out during the three years he was in Hannibal, Mo. (from 1857 to 1860), the last time at a loss of $30,000, in railroad contracts and buildings.


H. C. VIELE, County Treasurer, Akron ; was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. 29, 1841, and is the second in a family of five children born to Hiram and Abbie M. (McFarland) Viele. He was a native of Pittstown, Renssalaer Co., N. Y., and was born Sept. 5, 1813. His father was a farmer and he was brought up on a farm until he was 20 years old, when he engaged as a clerk in the stove trade business at Rochester, Monroe Co., and two years later he became a partner in the business, in which he continued for five years ; he then lived a year in Washington Co., when the family came to Akron (1842), he engaged as a clerk and bookkeeper in the Stone Mills and continued there until 1868, when he opened a flour and feed store, in which business he remained until his death, July 25, 1874. He was married to Miss Abbie M. McFarland Oct. 17, 1838.


794 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


She is a native of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. Of their five children, three are living, viz., H. C., Mary L and Fannie G. Mrs. Viele is living on the old homestead. Our subject received his education in the schools of Akron, and at the age of 16, began clerking in the Stone Mills with his father for eight or nine years. He then became the agent for the Merchants Union Express Co., and after one year he entered the office of the C., Z. & C., now C., Mt. V. & C. R. R., and served two or three years, when he became a partner with his father in the flour and feed business, and after one year he was appointed County Recorder to fill the vacancy of Granville Thorp. deceased. He next served as a clerk in the County Treasurer's office, and continued as such until 1878, when he was elected on the Republican ticket as County Clerk, and was re-elected to the office in 1880. Oct. 16, 1873, he married Miss Libbie F. Mack, a native of New York. They were married at her home, at Flat Bush, Long Island. By the marriage there is one child. viz., Fannie Mack.


GEORGE VIALL, Treasurer Middlebury Clay Co., Akron (Sixth Ward); is a native of Middlebury (Sixth Ward of Akron), and was born March 12, 1834 ; is the only child of Thomas C. and Mahala (Atwood) Viall, who were natives of Vermont and Connecticut, and when young came to Ohio with their parents. He built a woolen and saw mill in Middlebury which he conducted until his death in 1834. She settled with her parents in Springfield Township, where her father owned 1.000 acres of land. They were married in 1832. After the death of her husband in 1834, she was again married in 1840, to Nathaniel Munson, and in 1845, they moved to New York, but returned about 1850. He was a tanner by trade, and followed the business in Middlebury. He died in New York while on a visit to his relatives about the year 1865. She is still living, and makes her home with her son, Leroy Munson, in Talimadge Township. George Viall lived at home with his mother until he was 19 years of age, receiving a common-school education. At the age of 19 .he engaged in the grocery business at the old forge north of Middlebury. He followed the business some eighteen months, and then sold out and bought a canal-boat, following boating for three summers, when he again embarked in the grocery business in Middlebury, which he continued for three years,then sold out and opened business in Akron, where he did business three years longer. He then sold out and commenced the manufacture of stoneware in Middlebury, continuing for eight years. He sold out and went into general merchandise in Middlebury, and after nine years again sold out. He was one of the incorporators of the Middlebury Clay Co., of which he is Treasurer, and has also served as Secretary. He has served two terms in the Middlebury Council. He was married Aug. 24, 1857, to Miss Maria Reepsomer, a native of Trumbull Co., Ohio. They have had three children, one of whom is living, viz.. Nannie L.. also an adopted child, Edward Carl.


JOHN F. VIALL, undertaker, corner Water and River street, Akron ; is a native of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. ; was born April 30, 1825. and is the fourth of a family of nine children I born to Bennett and Wealthy (Arnold) Viall. They were natives of Vermont and Connecticut. and were married in New York. whither he had gone when a young man, and she with her parents. He farmed there until 1832, when he came to Ohio, and settled in Springfield Township, farming there some two years. He then came to Middlebury and took an active interest in a saw and woolen mill, built by himself and brother Thomas, continuing until the latter's death, after which he continued some three years longer. He then went to Wisconsin, where he remained for two years, and then returned to Middlebury, and soon after went to Granger Township, in Medina Co., where he followed farming until his death in 1877, aged 84 years. She died in 1845. He married a second time to Mrs. S. Hinckley, who died about four years after her marriage. A third marriage was to Mrs. Rhoda Baker ; she survived him about one month. John F. (the subject) lived at home until he was 22. He learned the cabinetmaker's trade with his brother in Middlebury. After three years his brother died, and himself and brother Eli engaged in the furniture business under the firm of Viall Brothers, and continued about ten years. Subject then sold out and worked for G. W. Barber & Co. twelve years, then worked for Kent & Baldwin, woolen machinery manufacturers, for two years. He then bought an interest in his brother's cabinetmaking business, continuing three years, when the firm became Viall & Replogle, the latter succeeding


CITY OF AKRON - 795


Eli Viall, and three years later he sold to Mr. Dewey, and about three years after John F. Viall became sole proprietor, and quit the furniture business and followed the undertaking business since. He was married, Nov. 4, 1847, to Miss Cornelia C. Wheeler, a native of Tallmadge Township. They had seven children, five of whom are living—Francis (now Mrs. Obendorf, of Middlebury). Edwin W. (married. and lives in Middlebury), Laura C. (now Mrs. Charles B. Macey, of Middlebury), Arthur G. and Otis live at home.


C. VOGT, carriages, Akron. Though identified with the manufacturing interests of Akron for but a few years, he has already established quite an extensive business. He is the son of John and Susan M. (Seltzer) Vogt, and was born in Rhine Province, Germany, in 1846. In 1852, his people emigrated to the United States and settled in Springfield Township, Summit County. There he worked on his father's farm until he was 15 years old, and then he spent one year in the mines. He began to learn his trade in 1865, after which he spent three years with E. A. Collins as finisher for him. He then spent one year in Tallmadge. In 1874, he began business in Akron on his own account ; his capital was small, and competition lively, but with a determination to succeed he pushed along, and in 1880 built this present manufacturing establishment, which is located on the corner of Main and Middlebury streets, South Akron, and is of the following dimensions : 22 feet front by 136 feet deep. three floors, and blacksmithing and trimmingshop in the rear. The ground floor is the woodworking room, the second is used as a repository and office, and the third is devoted to painting and finish. ing. Mr. Vogt has taken quite an interest in political affairs, though he has been no officeseeker ; however, he was pressed into the service so far as to have served four years as a member of the City Council from the Fifth Ward. This was by the courtesy of his Democratic friends. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mary E. McDonald.


JAMES VIALL. Superintendent Hill Sewer Pipe Co., Akron (Sixth Ward) ; is a native of Akron. Summit Co., Ohio. Was born Jan. 15, 1828, and is the sixth of nine children born to James and Sarah (Hubbard) Viall, natives of Vermont, where they were married, after which they came to Ohio (about 1822) and settled in Summit Co. Here he followed for a time charcoal burning, and later he became a contractor on the canal. After its completion, he engaged as bridgebuilder. and built many of the bridges ! in this county. He died in February, 1837 ; his wife lived in the vicinity until her death, in the summer of 1880. at the age of 84 years. James (the subject), lived at home until 22 years of age, receiving but a limited education at the district schools. In 1841. he went on the canal, following the same until 1865, the first two years as driver, and in 1843—then but 15 years old—began as steersman. continuing as such as long as he remained on the canal, running between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. He embarked, in 1865, in the manufacturing of stoneware, buying the business of Wm. Owens, which was located in Springfield Township, and has conducted the same ever since. About the year 1876. he sold a halfinterest to George Markle, under the firm name of Viall & Markle. He also became interested. in 1865, with J. B. Woods, in the mining and manufacturing of clay, which he has since continued. and which has been incorporated into the Middlebury Clay Co. In March, 1873, he, in company with Mr. Hill and others, incorporated the Hill Sewer Pipe Co.. of which he is Superintendent. He was also engaged for several years. with Moses J. Huggins. in the grocery business iii Middlebury, and for a time were the only representatives in that line in the place. He was married, Jan. 29. 1850, to Miss Mary Davis, a native of Middlebury. and daughter of Benjamin and Mary Davis—the former deceased. Mrs. Davis still living with her daughter. aged 86 years. Mr. Viall served as Councilman several terms in Middlebury before its incorporation. He has always been Republican in politics.


W. W. WARNER, abstracter of titles, etc., Akron ; was born in Springfield Township, in this county. Feb. 28. 1848, and is the eighth of nine children born to John and Mary (Ettie) . Warner. His parents were natives of Connecticut, and came to Ohio about 1839 and settled in Portage Township. Summit Co., Ohio. His father was a worker in iron. and was principally engaged as forgeman after coming to Ohio. Aug. G. 1863, he was drowned in the Cuyahoga River at Cuyahoga Falls. His mother died Dec. 3, 1859, Mr. Warner lived at home until the death of his father, when he went to live with Mr. Charles Curtiss, working on his farm


796 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


for a year, when, Mr. Curtiss selling out, young Warner remained with the purchaser of the farm. After a year, he went East, finishing the education begun in the district schools and those at the " Falls," in the Quaker City Business College of Philadelphia. After an absence of two years, he returned to Cuyahoga Falls and engaged as bookkeeper for Hanford & Yeamans, and Hanford Brothers. who succeeded the former. The following year, he came to Akron and served as Deputy Recorder for James A. Lantz, and later. for Mr. Thorp, continuing some two years in all. In 1871, he began the business of preparing abstracts of titles. In 1874, he added the feature of real estate and loan agency to his business, forming a partnership with E. C. Ruggles, under the firm name of Ruggles & Warner. Two years later, the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Warner continuing the business alone to the present. April 15, 1869, he married Miss Annie M. Yeamans, a native of Philadelphia ; she died Oct. 27, 18—, leaving two children—Arthur Lee and Harry Albert, who were twins. Oct. 25, 1877, he married Miss Alice G. Littleton, a native of Cleveland. There is one child by this marriage—George Littleton.


AARON WAGONER, Auditor, Akron ; was born on his father's farm in Franklin Township, Sept. 19, 1844. His early years were spent on the farm, and in the schools of the neighborhood, until the fall of 1862, when he enlisted in the army, joining Company B, 6th O. V. C. Soon after his enlistment, he was appointed Corporal, and later, a Sergeant, finally reaching the rank of Second Lieutenant in command of the company. He was mustered out as Second Lieutenant in 1865. This regiment was with Sheridan in the Potomac Army, took part in the battle of the Wilderness, on the raid to Richmond, at Appomattox Court House, and all the engagements of the army. At Aldie he was wounded, and for several months was disabled for active service. Returning from the army, he came to Akron and engaged as salesman in the dry goods establishment of Overholser, Keller & Co. After serving in this capacity for some eighteen months, he engaged as their bookkeeper, continuing for four and a half years. when the firm dissolved. In 1872, he entered the City Bank as Teller. continuing there until 1880. In the fall of this year, he was elected on the Republican ticket as Auditor, entering upon his duties in the following November. April 30, 1868, he married Miss Amanda Smith, a native of Summit County ; by the marriage there have been born two children, viz.: Mabel Blanche and George Edward.


DR. JOHN WEIMER, physician, Akron ; is a native of Alsace, France, and was born Aug. 23, 1813. His father was a farmer. Our subject received an academic course of study, and at the age of 19 set out for America. On his arrival he felt the necessity of being able to speak the language of the new land. He engaged his services to a Yankee family, with whom he remained several months ; then entered a store in Buffalo, N. Y., as clerk. and after about three months, while in Ohio on business, he met Dr. Underwood, of Baltimore, Stark Co., and arranged with him to read medicine. under his instructions, which he began to do in the latter part of the year 1832 ; two years later, he read one year at Canton with Dr. Breisacher, and in April of 1836, he began to practice at Uniontown. In 1847. he removed to Akron, where he has practiced since. The Doctor is a member of the Summit County Medical Society. In September, 1839. he married Miss Catharine Christy. a native of Springfield Township. Summit Co.. Ohio. She died in January, 1875. There were four children and but one is living, viz., Mrs Valentine Hay, of Somerset Co., Penn. Dec. 25, 1879, he married Miss Mary C. Miller. a native of Stark Co., Ohio.


CHARLES WEBSTER, President of the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company, Akron, was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, Sept. 3, 1810, and is a son of Samuel H. and Elizabeth (Knowles) Webster, natives of Hartford, Conn. When Charles was 3 years old his parents removed to Hartford, where they lived some twentythree years. His education was confined to a limited attendance at the district schools. At the age of 16, he (subject) was bound to the carpenter's trade until of age. After this he worked one year in a manufactory of window blinds. He then followed his trade until 1835, having established his residence in Massachusetts. He was married, April 30, 1833, to Miss Martha A. Atherton, a descendant of the Rev. Hope Atherton, who came over in the Mayflower. The fruit of' this marriage was eight children, but one of whom is now living—Isabella, Mrs. Gage, of Akron. In


CITY OF AKRON - 797


1835, Mr. W. came to Ohio with his family in a onehorse wagon, in company with Charles Merriman and family. They left Dalton, Mass., May 5, 1835, and were fifteen days on the journey, arriving at Matteson on the 20th. He worked for a time on a hotel for Mr. Merriman, after which he visited Akron, settling on a tract of land belonging to Merriman. He built a cabin on it, but the following spring he moved to the then village of Akron, where he has ever since resided. He worked at his trade, and at millwrighting until 1848. when on the 15th of May, in company with G. D. Bates and James Taplin. he formed a partnership under the firm name of G. D. Bates & Co., which continued until 1869. when a stock company was formed, of which Mr. Webster is President. Their business is the building of stationary engines and boilers, and mining, milling and pottery machinery. also of general machine work. Mr. Webster has been identified with this business ever since its establishment in 1848. When he came to Ohio. he was in very limited circumstances, and has accumulated his means by his own industry.


T. G. WILLIAMS, of Williams & Abbott. stoves. tinware, etc.. Middlebury (Sixth Ward) ; was born in Durham. England. May 2. 1843. In 1846. his parents. Rev. Michael and Mary (Wilkinson) Williams. came to America, and resided successively in New York City, Paterson. N. J., Johnstown. Penn.. Alexandria. Ind.. Pittsburgh. Penn.. New Castle. Penn., when they remained at the latter place several years. While there the subject went to Johnstown and learned the tinner's trade. and. at the beginning of the late war. enlisted in Co. K, (Johnstown Zouaves) 3d Penn. V. I.; served three months, when the command reenlisted for three years, and again, at the close of the term, as veterans. In the first enlistment for three years. his command became Co. A. 54th Penn. V. I. In the reenlistment as veterans. Mr. Williams was commissioned as First Lieutenant of his company. He participated in the battles of the first Bull Run, Petersburg, New Market. Lynchburg. Winchester. Antietam, Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill. at Appomattox. and all other engagements of his command. He was in the army from the first battle of Bull Run to the surrender at Appomattox ; was wounded twice in the battle of Lynchburg. and was confined some two weeks in hospital, when he rejoined his regiment ; was again wounded at Winchester, but kept with his command rather than go into a hospital. His regiment was taken prisoners a few days before the surrender. and were afterward paroled. They were in full view when the surrender took place. He was discharged at Harrisburg, and afterward came to Ohio. his father being on a circuit at the time in Twinsburg Township, Summit Co. T. G. (subject). lived in Twinsburg, and, about 1866, went to Cleveland and worked at his trade, serving as foreman of Parrish & Knight's shop for four years. He then engaged in business for himself at Atwater, Portage Co., and one year later came to Middlebury, where he engaged in business and has since lived. He was married. in 1878, to Miss Julia A. Koon, a native of Springfield Township. By this marriage they have three children, viz., Maud D.. May and Archibald. His parents came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, and his father has preached in Ohio since, until recently. He and his wife now live at New Philadelphia, Ohio, retired.


S. C. WILLIAMSON, Probate Judge. Akron ; was born in Randolph. Portage Co., Ohio. Aug. 18. 1837, and resided there until 1854. when he entered the preparatory school at Hudson, Ohio, and. in 1860, graduated from the Western Reserve College. In the spring of 1861. he enlisted in Co. G.. 19th O. V. I., and served three months. when he reenlisted (October. 1861) in the 18th U. S. I. He was appointed Sergeant. and served in this capacity until the battle of Stone River. where he was wounded and was confined to the hospital for three months. After a leave of absence of several months. having been promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant. he was assigned to duty at Detroit and Grand Rapids as mustering and disbursing officer, and subsequently was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. and. in 1864. he was ordered before the Retiring Board at Wilmington. Del., and retired with the rank of First Lieutenant, and was next ordered to Missouri on duty in the Provost Marshal General's Department, serving as assistant until the closing of the office ; he was then assigned to duty as Post Adjutant and Inspecting Officer at Benton Barracks. and later, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., as Assistant Commissioner of Musters, where he served until January, 1867, when he was commis-


798 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


sioned Captain of the 42d U. S. I., and was stationed with the regiment at Hart's Island and Madison Barracks, N. Y., until the consolidation of his regiment with the 6th at Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, where he was placed on waiting orders. and resumed the reading of law with Tibbals & McKinney, completing a course interrupted by the war, and was admitted to the bar in 1870. and began practice in company with F. S. Hanford, and after a year or two practiced alone. In the fall of 1875, be was elected Probate Judge on the Republican ticket. and was reelected in 1878.


J. H. WISE, deceased, was a native of Green Township, Summit Co., Ohio. He was born March 24, 1821. His father, George H. Wise, was a merchant of Greentown. Our subject was raised in his native township Dec. 14, 1853. He married Miss Catharine Middlekauff, a native of Hagerstown, Washington Co., Md. At the time of the marriage, and for five years thereafter, he was engaged in the mercantile business in Greentown. with his brother-i-nlaw. In 1858. he sold out his interest in the business and came to Akron, superintending the farm he had bought just north of the city. In 1861, he engaged as agent for the United States Express Company at Akron, and continued in that employ for four years, and next clerked in the Buckeye Works; he was interested in and became Secretary and Treasurer of the Akron Straw Board Company, but sold his interest after one year, after which he served as assignee for a number of concerns. By the marriage, there were three children, all since deceased. Their sou. W. W., was Quartermaster of Co. L, 2d O. V. I., and died in the service of his country at Ft. Scott, Kan. Mr. Wise died March 30 1877. Mrs. Wise has continued her residence in the old homestead in Akron.


ANDREW WILSON,* a descendant of a family of martyrs. The late Andrew Wilson, of Stow Corners, was a man of sterling worth and integrity, withal a just man in all his relations. He was born Oct. 23, 1799, at Acworth, N. H., and as he was known to state, he lived during the lifetime of Washington, Washington dying the 14th of December, 1799. Mr. Wilson, with his father's family, moved from Acworth, N. H., to Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1815, in an oxwagon, driving their stock before them.


*Akron Beacon.


Their nearest neighbor was three miles distant, and they were obliged, on one occasion, to carry a firebrand the three miles to start a fire. He left his father's home in the wilderness. bought his time until he became of age. and came to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1819, and was employed with Judge Kingsbury in the grading of the streets around the public square, and in clearing the forests in the county roads, when Cleveland was but a hamlet with but a score of houses. On two occasions he returned to New Hampshire, walking all the way there and back again to Cleveland in midwinter. He considered the soil of no consequence. which he could have purchased at $3 per acre. in the heart of the town, but instead purchased a large farm a few miles east, in Warrensville. paying more for it—believing it to be the best investment—where he resided for fortytwo years, cleared off the native forest, built buildings. and made a beautiful home. He held many offices of' trust and honor. He married in 1829. Miss Lurancy Thomas, of Hudson, formerly from York State. and reared a family of eleven children, of whom eight survive him. In 1866, he sold his farm, and located at Stow Corners. Summit Co.. where he resided to the time of his death. His was a family of noble lineage. As far back as 1606, the family of John, Wilson and many others in Scotland were Presbyterians and comeouters from the Church of England. and were subjected to many martyrdoms and persecutions for religion's sake. It is related of the family that there was a grandmother and granddaughter, both by the name of Margaret Wilson, who were bound to stakes at low water tide in the sea, and were permitted to perish at high tide with others who would not recant, and thus died in their faith. The name Margaret has been perpetuated, in commemoration, in each generation down to the present. The family subsequently emigrated to Londonderry, Ireland, and from there to this country, in 1718, and located with others in New Hampshire, and named the town Londonderry, after the city of their adoption in Ireland. In William Cullen Bryant's recent history 1 the United States, page 138, Vol. III, we quote the narrative of their history. He says :


"The emigration of some Scotch Presbyterians to New Hampshire, in 1718, while Shute was Governor, was of much importance. The people who undertook to better their condition in America, were


CITY OF AKRON - 799


descendants of the colonists who had been transferred by James the First to the North of Ireland, where their condition,from penal laws against Protestants and from local taxation, had become intolerable. Arrived first in Boston, they dispersed in various directions; but sixteen of the families holding together, settled upon lands a few miles northeast of Haverhill, in New Hampshire. The disputed title of the land gave them some trouble, but under the Governor's protection they remained upon the spot of their choice, and, being joined from time to time by other families, they called their place Londonderry in 1722. Their minister, MacGregor, informed Gov. Shute how offensive it was to them to be confounded with the Irish, against whom they had fought always in the defense of Protestantism: but the New Hampshire people were jealous of the newcomers, who went into quiet possession of the soil at a time when their own lands were threatened with litigation. The Presbyterians did the province the good service of introducing the manufacture of linen by the spinning wheel and the cultivation of the potato. The vegetable was first planted at Andover. whose inhabitants began by boiling the balls instead of the bulbs, wondering when the result was served up at their simple tables, that a potato was considered an esculent. The prosperity attending the new colonists led other people to petition for grants of land."


Andrew Wilson's grandfathers. for six generations in direct descent, were named John Wilson. His own grandfather. John Wilson, was an original settler at Londonderry, N. H., and his own father was a triplet, and was so small that he was placed in a quart cup at birth, but subsequently grew to be a very large man, and was known as "Big John Wilson." to distinguish him from another family, who were known as "Little Wilsons." "Big John Wilson's " family consisted of twentyone children, all living to grow up and meet together at one time. Andrew Wilson was one of the oldest sons. The family descendants are now numbered by the hundreds, and are scattered from New Hampshire to Oregon. He lived a serene and happy life, and died at the ripe old age of 81 years and 2 months, Dec. 23. 1880. He was a stanch Whig and Republican in politics during life. In later years a member of the Disciples' Church where he resided. His wife passed on before him in 1856 to the reward of a faithful life. Some years later, Mr Wilson married for the second time, Mrs. Nancy Lindsey, a sister of his first wife. who survives him. Andrew Wilson's children were : first, Harriet. who married Austin B. Burdick, and resides at Grand Rapids, Mich.; Nancy W., married Lansford W. Perry. of the lumber firm of Woods, Perry & Co., Cleveland, Ohio ; the first son, Emery, died in infancy ; Julie E., married William H. Hower, junior partner of the firm of Hower & Son, dry goods, Cleveland, Ohio ; died Aug. 25, 1871, aged 37 years, leaving one child, a daughter, Birdie E. Hower ; Andrew J., farmer and blacksmith, a soldier for three years, on the Union side in the great rebellion ; married Miss Laurie Lindsay, and resides on his farm in Stow. Hiram V. resides in Cleveland, and is a member of the lumber firm of Fisher, Wilson & Co. ; married Miss Alma Fisher. Abbie A., married E. C. Simpson; Chief of the Akron Fire Department (see biography) ; also connected as foreman of the machine department of the Buckeye Mower & Reaper Works, and resides in Akron. John W. was accidentally killed by the fall of a tree at his home, then in Warrensville. Ohio, at the age of 15 years ; Solon N., lumber dealer at Akron, where he resides (see biography) ; Mary Z., married Daniel Tuttle, and resides at Grass Valley, Cal.; Hattie L., married Harpin A. Botsford, a brother of Solon N. Wilson's first wife ; resides at Cleveland, Ohio.


JOHN J. WAGONER, President Wadsworth, and Manager Franklin Coal Company, Akron ; was born in Franklin Township, Summit Co., Ohio, Dec. 17. 1832, and is the fifth child in a family of nine children, born to George and his second wife Rebecca (Sowers) Wagoner. They were natives of Cumberland and Lancaster Counties, Penn. George Wagoner was a farmer. He came to Ohio in 1812. and settled near Canal Fulton. in Stark Co.. where he lived about four years, during which time he lost his first wife. Her maiden name was Sarah Rhodes. By the marriage, there were four children. In 1816, he came to Franklin Township. where he bought some wild land, which he improved, and lived upon until his death, on April 23, 1873. The deceased was a member of the Lutheran Church, in the affairs of which he took an active interest. He served his township as Treasurer for sixteen consecutive years ; was well known and respected by all. Mrs. Wagoner, his second wife, survives him. She is living on the old homestead, and is now (1881) past 77. She is a daughter of Henry Sowers, Sr.. who settled in Franklin Township about the year 1814. He was a blacksmith, and followed his trade in Manchester. John J. Wagoner received a commonschool course of study. At the age of 19. he


800 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


began teaching in East Liberty, and the following spring he came to Akron, where he engaged as a clerk with J. D. & J. M. Edson, with whom he remained until 1855, when he formed a partnership with John Sisler. and conducted a general merchandise business at Manchester, this county, until 1862, when he sold his interest and returned to Akron, where, in the following October, he engaged in the mercantile business with Mr. Jacob Wise, and later became first a partner, and, upon the formation of a stock company, the Secretary and Treasurer of the J. F. Seiberling Company, of Akron, manufacturers of the Excelsior Reapers and Mowers, which position he held until 1874, when he withdrew, and purchased an interest in the Wadsworth Coal Company. of which he became President. In February, 1880. his son, C. F. Wagoner, purchased the Franklin Coal Mine, of which his father is General Manager. Nov. 8, 1855, be married Miss Catharine Weaver, a native of Franklin Township. By the marriage, there are two children, viz.. Charles F. and Carrie May.


S. N. WILSON, lumber dealer and contractor, Akron ; was born in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, Oct. 19, 1843, and is the sixth of eight children born to Andrew and Lurancy (Thomas) Wilson. Our subject was brought up on the farm. He received an academic course of study ; also attended one year at Oberlin, which place he left to enlist in the 150th 0. V. I., in which command he served about four months, and was at Washington, D. C., when attacked by the rebel Gen. Early. He returned home from the army, and took the management of the home farm, owning a place on becoming of age. when he went to Kent, and conducted the lumber business three years. He then came to Akron, where he has conducted the business since. Jan. 15, 1868, he married Miss Alice E. Botsord, a native of Middlebury, now Akron, Ohio. She died Jan. 14, 1870. June 20, 1872, he married Miss Nannie C. Albertson, a native of Millersburg, Ohio. They have three children, viz., Lena L., Ralph B. and Ross A.


B. F. WHEELER, grain buyer, Akron ; was born in Salem, Mass., June 9, 1808, and is a son of Oliver and Hannah (Ashby) Wheeler, who were natives of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and were married in Salem. He removed to Rochester, N. Y., about the year 1817, and, some ten years later, to Cattaraugus Co., where he engaged in cabinet manufacture, in connection with his trade of millwright, and lived there until his death, in about 1856. Mrs. Wheeler then removed to Akron, Ohio, and lived with her son, B. F. Wheeler, until her death, in 1865. Our subject lived at home eleven years ; he then went into a drug store for two years, after which he went to Rochester and clerked in a dry goods store for six years. He then returned to Cattaraugus Co., and worked at the cabinet business for a time. He was married, July 11, 1829, to Miss Eliza Miles, a native of Vermont, and, in 1836, he moved with his family to Ohio, and settled at Franklin Mills. now Kent, Portage Co. In the spring of 1840, he moved to Akron. and worked at painting several years. and then engaged in the grocery business, being the second in that line in the place. He was located where the Empire House now stands, and followed the business some ten years. After clerking for his soninlaw a few years, he went into the grain trade. During the war, he bought and shipped grain, and, after its close, he engaged as buyer for Mr. F. Schumacher, and has continued in that capacity ever since. Mr. Wheeler was formerly a Democrat, and. upon the enactment of the Fugitive Slave Law, he became a Free-Soiler, then a Whig, and finally a Republican, upon the organization of that party. His wife died in 1844 ; she was the mother of five children, three of whom are now living—Sarah, Mrs. John Starr, of Akron ; Julia, Mrs. M. Simpson, of Michigan. and Henry F. Mr. W. was again married. October 30. 1845, to Miss Catharine F. Butts, a native of Columbiana Co., Ohio. Three children is the result of this marriage—011ie L., now Mrs. W. H. Thompson, of Meadville, Penn.; Minnie E., now Mrs. M. R. Hayne, of Akron, and Harry E., of Akron. In 1851, Mr. W. joined Summit Lodge, No. 50, L O. 0. F., and has been an active member ever since ; has been Permanent Secretary of his Lodge for the past fifteen years. He is a Past Grand and a Past Patriarch, and was Representative to Grand Encampment three times. He has been an active worker in the temperance cause for over half a century, and was the first man in " old Cattaraugus " to attempt to raise a house without the use of liquor.


JOHN WILLSON, livery, feed and sale stable, Middlebury; is a native of Staffordshire, En


CITY OF AKRON - 801


gland, and was born Nov. 15, 1834. He lived at home, engaged in different kinds of labor, until he was 23 years of age. His education was wholly original. never having attended school a clay in his life, except Sabbath school. At 23, he began, in a small way. trading in green groceries at his house. and also using a wagon in same business. which he continued several years, when lie went to work in a brickyard. and, in 1862. lie came to America, to accomplish which he borrowed onehalf of his passage money. He landed in Quebec, Canada. and soon located in Toronto. where, for a time. he worked as a hostler. He then went to Meadville, Penn.. and worked on the Broad Gauge Railroad, and. in the summer of 1863. came to Akron, where he has since lived. He first commenced work in the potteries by the day. and afterward began teaming ; next ran an omnibus for awhile. and finally engaged in his present business. In the summer of 1880. his stable was burned. and, the following fall, he erected his present brick stable. 1125 Market street. which is 33x100 feet. and two stories high. He keeps from nine to twelve horses in livery, and six at teaming and jobbing. In the summer of 1S49. he was married to Miss Esther M. Cooper. a native of Staffordshire. England. There have been nine children. six of whom are living—Henry. Elizaheth (now Mrs. James White. of Akron.) George. Albert Edward and Francis. Mr. Wilson has always been Republican in politics.


ALANSON WORK. Vice President of Akron Rubber Works. Akron. Alanson Work. Sr.. was a native of Connecticut. and moved to Illinois. He was one among the first of the Antislavery men. He was imprisoned. in 1841, for helping slaves to escape. the sentence being for twelve years. but he was pardoned out after three years. and with one George Thompson, went as a missionary to Africa. Alanson Work. Jr.. was born at Quincy. Ill. on March 1. 1842. and when he was about 5 years old his parents moved to Middletown. Conn.. thence to Hartford, where he attended public schools until he was 17, spending one year in Trinity College. When 19, he was employed in the Metropolitan Bank of New York. and continued seven years. In 1868. he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and, as partner in the firm of Chamberlain, Gibbs & Co., engaged in building railroad bridges and railroads, for two years, and when he went to Rhode Island and took a contract to rebuild the bridges on the Providence & Wooster Railroad, putting up fourteen double track bridges in about one year. Next he took charge of a fire engine manufactory, at Providence. R. I. He was Superintendent of the Allen Fire Department Supply Co. for five years. and during that time took out several patents on fire engine supplies, one now adopted by the United States, being Work's Patent Coupling. January 1, 1879, he became Vice President and Superintendent of the Akron Rubber Works, where he has since been employed. He was married, in 1865, to Miss Henrietta Lane. of Brooklyn, L. I. She bore him seven children.


JOHN WOLF. merchant, Akron. Christopher Wolf, physician, a native of Bavaria, was the father of John Wolf. and died three years after the birth of' our subject. leaving him with no means other than such as his own ingenuity might invent. John was born in Town Sell), Bavaria. Jan. 25. 1837. He attended German schools until he was 14 years of age. In 1851, became to the United States, reaching Aurora. Ind., in December ; at this place he clerked in a store until 1853. in September of which year he came to Akron. and here clerked nine years, two of them with G. T. McCurdy, and seven for M. W. Henry. In 1S62. he became a partner in the firm of M. W. Henry & Co.. which partnership continued seven years ; he sold out in 1569. In the spring of 1870. he became a member of the firm of Wolf. Church & Beck, in the Academy of Music building. remaining there five years. when they moved to their present place, and have since done a large wholesale and retail dry goods and notion business. Oct. 25, 1S64. he married Miss Anna Howe, of Akron, daughter of Richard Howe, one of the pioneers of Akron. He is a Director of the Savings & Loan Association. and was one of the members of the firm of Taplin, Rice & Co., and a director and stockholder in the same.


WILLIAM WATERS, foreman puddling department Akron rollingmill, Akron ; son of John and Ann (William) Waters ; was born in Monmouthshire, South Wales, Dec. 27, 1823. At 14, he entered a rolling-mill as helper in the British Iron Works of Monmouthshire, and worked at different places as puddler. In 1846, he came to the United States, and located


802 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


at Troy, N. Y., where he worked in a rolling-mill some three years, and then came to Pomeroy, Meigs Co., Ohio, and was employed in the same manner four years. He then moved to New Castle, Penn., remaining until 1860, and moved thence to Niles, Trumbull Co., Ohio, until 1864, returning to New Castle, remaining until 1867, in each of these places being employed in rolling mills. In April, 1867, he came to Akron, and, at the opening of the mills here engaged as puddler, until December, 1869, when he was made foreman of that department, a position he still retains, having now about ninety men in his department. Oct. 3, 1843, he married Miss Ann Rodrick, of Monmouthshire, South Wales. He has eight children living, viz., Eliza, Thomas, Lewis, Ann, Mary, Kate, John and James. He has been a member of the M. E. Church for twenty years.


LORENZO D. WATTERS, lawyer, Akron, son of Hiram and Elizabeth (Croninger) \Vatters, was born Oct. 4, 1855, in Carroll, Fairfield Co., Ohio. When he was 14 years old, his parents came to Akron, where he attended public schools until 1872, when he entered Buchtel College, at its opening, remaining until 1875, when he spent one year with his father in the construction of a mill. In the spring of 1877, he entered the law office of J. J. Hall. for the purpose of studying the profession, and was admitted to the bar March 17, 1879, when he at once formed a partnership with Mr. Hall, and has since been in active practice under the firm name of Hall & Watters. He is one of Akron's best lawyers.


JAMES WILDES, Akron ; son of Patrick and Mary (Gough) Wildes was born in Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1838. His parents were born near Dublin, Ireland ; when James was but a child they came to Portage Co., near Ravenna. Patrick was Superintendent of the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal from Breakneck to the junction of the Ohio Canal at Lock 1, and for about four years James assisted him, after which he went to California by the Panama route, and remained about four years. He worked in the gold mines for some time, and afterward in the copper mines of Calaveras Co. He returned by water route in July, 1864, and located with his father on a fruit farm in Berrien Co., Mich., near St. Joseph, remaining a year, after which he came to Kent and entered the employ of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad Company as fireman and mechanic. In 1868, he left that position and came to Akron, where he laid the track of the Brewster Railroad, reaching from Main street to the mines of Coventry Township, a distance of some five miles. He remained in the employ of Brewster & Sons as manager and engineer for ten years. In 1878, he opened a coal office on Mill street, where he was located until 1879, when he became the agent for O. S. Jacobs, dealer in coal, and has since continued, doing a large business. November, 1864, he married Miss Lizzie Callahan, of Tallmadge, Ohio, and there are two sons and two daughters of their marriage. He was elected Street Commissioner of Akron in April. 1881, by a large majority.


GEORGE I. WRIGHT. lawyer. Akron. is a son of James Wright and was born Aug. 29,1849 in Suffield Township, Portage Co. His father was a native of England. and in 1821, when 9 years old, came with his parents to the United States, and in 1832 they settled in Springfield Township ; he was a Justice of the Peace, and was successively farmer, sawmiller, etc., in Lucas Co., Ohio. He bought a place on North Hill in about 1865, where the family now reside, on Tailmadge avenue. He died in November, 1876 and was an enthusiastic Republican. In. the winter of 1870, subject entered Alleghany College, at Meadville. Penn., from which he graduated in 1874, with the first honors of his class. He was three years Superintendent of Chagrin Falls schools, when he removed to Meadville, Penn., remaining there until the summer of 1880, when he returned and became the law student of N. Hodge. In August. 1875, he was married to Miss M. A. Williams, daughter of Prof. S. D. Williams, of Meadville, Penn. They have two sons.


GEORGE W. WEEKS, of the firm of Baldwin & Weeks, Akron, a son of Leavitt and Celestia (Taylor) Weeks, was horn Nov. 24, 1831, in Wadsworth Township, Medina Co., Ohio. In June, 1832, the family removed to a farm in Copley Township of this county, where his youth was spent, and where he attended the common and select schools of the time. His mother died when he was 17, and the family was broken up. At 18, subject went to Iowa and worked on a farm near Burlington until 1854, when he went to the "gold diggings " near Georgetown. Cal.. by way of Panama.


CITY OF AKRON - 803


He returned the next year, by the same route, to Copley Township, and engaged in farming. In 1864, he moved to the village of Copley Center and taught school for a time. In 18(36, he leased a farm in the vicinity, and operated it until 1873. when he came to Akron and assumed the office of County Clerk, to which he had been elected the year previous. He filled the office six years. Feb. 4, 1880, he became a partner in the firm of Baldwin & Weeks doing a large business in furniture. undertaking and upholstery. He was married in February. 1856. to Miss Mary A. Coon. of Copley Township. They have six children living—Vira E.. George W., Jr.. Leavitt A.. Olie M., Irving H. and John L. Mr. W.'s father. Leavitt Weeks, was horn in 1792. and when a child. the family removed to Vermont. where they followed farming until about 1819. when he came to Wadsworth Township. There were three brothers—Moody. Peter and Leavitt ; the two latter were carpenters. Leavitt married Celestia Taylor. a native of Connecticut. and died in Michigan in 1866. They had ten children—Darius died at Middlebury in 1879 : Cyrus. a farmer near Des Moines. Iowa : Mandred F., is sheep-raiser in Sandwich Islands : our subject : Rossney M.. oil producer at Bradford. Penn.; Martha. wife of late Mr. Ford. at Santa Barbara. Cal.; Mary. wife of M. L. Warner. of' Cuyahoga Co.; Harrison. a farmer in Copley ; Peter. a grain merchant at Beason. Ill.: Henry. at same place.


HORTON WRIGHT. Akron. Horton. son of Chester and Abigail (Davis) Wright. was born at Elyria. Ohio, Sept. 22. 1525. The greater portion of his youth was passed in Cleveland, to which city the family removed in 1836. Peninsula. Summit Co. and Ft. Wayne. Ind.. having in the meantime, been places of residence. Remaining here for a period of thirteen years, occupied for the most part in attending school. working at the printer's trade, and in the grocery business. He removed, in 1849. to Columbus, and in 1850. accepted a position at Cincinnati as tuner in a musical instrument factory. In this business he remained until 1875, being employed successively by H. B. Horton & Co. Akron; Child & Bishop, Cleveland, and the successors of the firm of H. B. Horton & Co., of Akron. and as a general piano tuner. At the lastnamed date (1875), the became Librarian of the Akron Public Library, which position he now holds. With the exception of two years' residence in the West, he has lived in Akron continuously since 1862. In November 1856, he was married in Columbus to Miss Susan W. Baker. daughter of Edward Baker, of Akron, and has two sons, John B. and Charles B., both of whom reside at home.


GEN. THOMAS F. WILDES, Lawyer, Akron ; son of Patrick and Mary (Gough) Wildes, both of whom were natives of Balbriggan, near Dublin, Ireland, where they were married. They came to Montreal, Canada, in 1832, where they lived until 1839, when they removed to Ohio and settled on a farm near Ravenna. Mr. Wildes died there in January 1877, and his wife in November, 1875. Three sous were born to them, viz., Thomas F. (the subject), John C., who enlisted in Co. A., 4th Michigan Cavalry, and died in Murfreesboro Hospital, April 2. 1863 from wounds and typhoid fever; and James. a coal dealer of Akron. Thomas F. Wildes, the subject of these notes, was born near Montreal. Canada West. June 1, 1834. He came with his father's family to Portage Co., Ohio, in 1839; and remained there on a farm until he was 17 years of age, when he left home with an education limited to reading and writing, and for several years worked for farmers near Ravenna during the summer, and went to school in the winter time. He attended the Twinsburg Academy, and also an Academy at Marlboro. Stark Co.. Ohio. and still later. 1857 and 1858, spent two years at Wittenburg College, Springfield. He became Superintendent of the Wooster Graded School during the years 1859 and 1860. He purchased the Athens, Ohio, Messenger, of which he became editor anti owner on the 1st of' January, 1861, and remained in charge of it until August 1862, when he relinquished it to become Lieutenant Colonel of the 116th O. V. I. He was almost constantly in command of this regiment or its brigade, until February, 1865, when he was promoted to Colonel of the 186th O. V. I. The 116th was in twentyeight battles, and according to the report of the War Department made in 1855, it stood fourth among Ohio regiments in point of number of men and officers killed in action, and sixth in these regards and number of men who died of disease. In all these engagements, Gen. Wildes was in command of the regiment or of the brigade to which it was attached. He was wounded several times during the war ;


804 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


some of these wounds were so serious, that he has not yet recovered from their effects. One of these wounds was received at the battle of Cedar Creek, when " Sheridan was twenty miles away," and in which Gen. Wildes commanded his brigade. He got off his horse, bound up the wound, which was in the thigh, with his handkerchief, and then returned to his saddle and there remained until the battle ended. His brigade was the only one of Crook's corps which remained unbroken when the Confederate Gen. Gordon struck and flanked it that memorable morning. This brigade was composed of the 116th, 123d Ohio, 34th Massachusetts and battalion of the 5th New York heavy artillery—the battalion being captured on the picket line. The three regiments stuck together through that awful flankfire, made four separate charges during the clay, and at night camped in their old quarters. This was the only brigade in the corps that saved its camp equipage and stores from the disaster of the early morning, and it was done by hard fighting. For his gallant conduct in this battle, Col. Wildes was commissioned Brevet Brigadier General. In February preceding this promotion. he was made Colonel of the 186th, as already stated, and was sent with it to Chattanooga, where, in command of a brigade he served until the close of the war. September 18, 1865, he was mustered out, having been in the service over three years. the larger portion of the time as Brigade Commander in the Army of West Virginia. the Army of the James and the Army of the Tennessee. Upon leaving the army, he turned his attention to the law, and on the 2d of April, 1866, he graduated from the Law Department of the Cincinnati University. and was simultaneously admitted to the bar. He entered upon the practice of his profession at Athens, Ohio, where he resided until 1872, when he removed to Akron, and has been an active practitioner in the courts of Summit and surrounding counties ever since. In 1866, he was a candidate before the Republican State Convention, and lacked but three votes of a nomination for Secretary of State. He was also prominently mentioned for the same office in 1880, but declined the candidacy. He is an able lawyer, a pleasing speaker, an enthusiastic advocate and an energetic worker in political campaigns.


RICHARD B. WALKER, Akron. Aaron Walker was born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Mass., as was also Miss Submit Clark, whom he married. They were the parents of ten children, of whom but one was a daughter. In 1850, they removed to Illinois, where they died. Richard B. was born to them in Belchertown, Mass., Aug. 11, 1825 ; he was the seventh of their nine sons. In January, 1852, he married and came to Akron, previous to which time he had been engaged in mercantile pursuits. After his arrival here he purchased a stock of agricultural implements which he sold at retail, it being the first store of the kind in Akron. Connecting this with hardware he did a thriving business until 1862, in which year he was employed by Aultman. Miller, & Co.. as traveling salesman for Northern Ohio. As at that time there were but few of the now popular " Buckeye " machines in his assigned territory. he was successful in effecting great sales. Owing to their superiority over the mowers and reapers he had previously sold. he devoted his time exclusively to them from 1858. It required a great deal of labor to introduce the first machines ; when set up ready for action, there was always a great crowd of spectators. anxiously awaiting its movements. In the winter of 1858–59 he purchased one hundred of them. and, in spite of the frost, sold ninetyseven. From that time the business has been constantly and rapidly increasing. At one time there were many competitors. but the number is lessened now ; each year he has conducted numerous field trials and has done the active outside work. In 1859, the " Buckeye " won a $10prize offered to the machine among the best then made that would most quickly mow a halfacre of land. In January, 1852, our subject married Miss Mary E. Jennie, of Ware, Mass. ; they have four sons, viz., William, a hookkeeper at Cleveland, Ohio ; George R., a lawyer at Chicago ; Charles, also a bookkeeper at Cleveland, and Arthur H., a student at Williams College. He is a member of the Congregational Church.


ADAM E. WALKUP, painter and grainer, Akron ; born in Van Buren Co., Iowa, June 28, 1847, to David and Elizabeth (Brower) Walkup. The Browers are of old Holland Dutch extraction and heirs of the famous Anneke Jans Bogardus estate now in litigation. The subject of this brief sketch is the youngest of three sons ; four daughters younger composing the family.


CITY OF AKRON - 805


At the death of his mother in 1856. he went to live with a man by the name of John Clark, who resided in Decatur Co., Iowa, with whom he lived until his 19th year, learning carding and spinning. which he subsequently followed in different parts of Iowa and Illinois, until in the year 1869. In the year 1868, while working at the mills in Warsaw, Ill., he was caught in a pair of steel cog wheels, which tore the flesh from the bone of his right leg, from the knee to the ankle, making a very painful wound, which laid him up for a considerable time ; also at Burlington, Iowa, he narrowly escaped death by being accidently caught in machinery. His father, with the two oldest sons, fought nobly in the late war, and, after a second marriage. moved to Nebraska. where he is now living. In 1870, the subject of this sketch came to Millersburg. Ohio. where he engaged in his present occupation. and in the spring of 1871, came to Akron, where he was married the following November to Susie Henry, daughter of William and Susan (Evans) Henry. residents of Green Township. this county. By this marriage there have been born three sons—William Edmond, born .Jan. 2, 1874 ; Royal Andrew. Jan. 3. 1876 ; Orvil Stephen. June 22. 1878. They are members of the Evangelical Association, and he is a stanch Republican.


HENRY YOUNG, son of Daniel and Anna M. Young. was born in Wiltshire. England. Feb. 22. 1831. and was but a babe when the family came to the United States. settling in Wayne Co.. Ohio. There the father had preceded them. and had rented a mill three miles from Wooster. He operated several mills in Wayne and Richland Cos. until his death in 1845. The subject of this sketch worked on a farm until he was 18 years old, when he learned the cabinet trade at Millersburg, Ohio, with one Isaac Harpster, serving three years. He worked at La Grange, South Bend and Logansport, Ind., returning to Millersburg in 1854, where he opened a cabinet shop, and carried on business until 1864. He then came to Akron, and at the opening of the Buckeye works entered as a wood machinist. In October, 1867, he was made foreman of the woodwork department, which position he still retains, having over a hundred men under his supervision. Mr. Young is a member of the Congregational Church, is a Democrat in politics, and has been in past years, and and is now. a member of the School Board for the Second Ward. On the 30th of May, 1854, he married Miss Elizabeth C. Justice, of Millersburg, Ohio. Their only child is Robert J.. of Akron.


ROBERT J. YOUNG was born at Millersburg, Ohio, on the 1st day of 1855, and came to Akron with his parents at the age of 10. He graduated from the Akron High School in the summer of 1871 ; entered Western Reserve College in the fall of 1872, where he remained two years, and completed his collegiate course at the University of Michigan. being a member of the class of 1876. of which he was class-day orator. Having studied law for a time in the office of Hon. Wm. H. Upson, he went to Toledo where he served as city editor of the Daily Commercial until the summer of 1878. Returning then to Akron, he resumed his law reading, and was admitted to the bar in June. 1879. Since that date. he has practiced in the city. first as junior member of the firm of Hodge & Young, afterward alone. On the 28th of June. 1877, he was married to Miss Ida Mount, of Ann Arbor. Mich.. who died at Akron on .Jan. 30. 1881.