NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP. - 853

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP.

JOHN A. BOTZUM, Buckeye. John George Botzum, father of this gentleman. was born in Germany in 17911. He was the son of John Botzum. who was a native of Germany, and the parents of one son (John G .). and two daughters. John G. was married to Miss Catharine Dragaser, in 1819. She was a native of the village of Urmmerspach. Germany, where she was born in 1796. Her parents moved to Poland when she was 7 years of age, leaving her with her mother's brother in Germany. She never saw her parents afterward. and continued to reside with her relatives until her marriage with Mr. Botzum. They were the parents of the following family of children : Michael. born in 1820 : Catharine. in 1821. and died in 1825 ; Susan born in 1823 ; Nicholas. in 1825 ; George. in 1827 ; John. in 1829, and died in 1834 ; Adam, born in 1830 ; Catharine, in 1832 ; John A., in 1834, and Conrad in 1836. All of these children were born in Germany, except Conrad. In 1836. Mr. Botzum and family left their native village, and went by ox team to the seaboard, where they took passage on the vessel Princeosa for the United States. arriving at New York on the 17th of July of the same year. Here they met an agent, who, after some talk, persuaded Mr. Botzum to go to South America, where he was told a fortune awaited him. Before they had completed arrangements for the voyage, however. Mr. Botzum learned from the authorities that it was a plan to get himself and

854 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

family to that far-off country, where they would be sold into slavery. This decided him in his course, and, in a short time, we find the family aboard a flatboat on their way to Albany. From there they went by canal to Buffalo : thence by the lake to Cleveland, Ohio. Here the family were compelled to stop for a time. owing to sickness in the family. After a snort time. they took passage on an open flatboat on the canal for Niles. From there they went to Ghent, in Bath Township. Here Mr. Botzum obtained work at 50 cents per day, digging a mill race. They remained at this place two years. and. while the father was at work so hard. his good wife found time to go into the wheat fields of the farmers of that neighborhood. and glean. as did Ruth of old. The first season her gleanings.. when threshed. amounted to eight bushels of nice wheat. After a stay of two years at Ghent. they removed to Niles. and. after that. years. purchased a farm. upon which they ever afterward resided. Mr. and Mrs. Botzum were members of the Catholic Church. and would often walk great distances to attend church. in 1839. they walked to Canton. Ohio. to attend church at that place. They were frugal. Industrious people. and respected by all who knew them. John A. Botznm was raised upon a farm. receiving but a limited education. When about 18 years of age, he went to Cleveland. and. for about a year, was engaged as clerk in a mercantile house. He then returned home. and. until 1858. was variously employed. He then engaged in mercantile pursuits at Botznm Station, where he has since remained. and, during that time., has been prominently identified with the growth and prosperity of that place. He has been quite an extensive dealer in lumber. live stock and real estate. and. when the Valley Railroad was building, took the contract for grading one and a half miles of the road. near Botzum Station. The man he contracted with proved worthless. and Mr. Botzum lost. in this undertaking, over $5.000. Mr. Botzum was married to a Miss Stout. a native of Northampton Township, this county. She is the daughter of George and Eliza (Woolford) Stout, appropriate mention of whom is made in another part of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Botzum are the parents of two sons, to whom they have given superior advantages for obtaining educations. Mr. Botzum is a self-made man, in the fullest sense of the word. He is a good and useful citizen. and has the respect and confidence of the entire community.

A. G. BILLMAN. farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Akron : was born near Wooster. Wayne Co., Ohio. Dec. 18, 1833. He is a son of Henry and Maria (Best) Billman. and grandson of David and Mary (McDonald) Billman. and great-grandson of John and Julia (De Caveren) Billman. The last two were natives of Prussia. and John was one of the regular soldiers there. Becoming tired of the service. he ran away and shipped on board a vessel bound for the United States. where he arrived in safety. Soon after his arrival the war between the colonies and Great Britain broke out. and Mr. Billman immediately offered his services in behalf of the colonies to Gen. Washington. Owing to his previous experience he was commissioned Captain. but by bravery was promoted to Colonel He served through the Miele eight year. participating in the battle of Lexington. the campaign of Virginia. and was with Gen Washington at Valley Forge. where. in connection with the rest of the troops. passed one of the most severe winters of suffering ever known in the history of war. He was wounded three times. but never quit the service. After the close of the war. he married .Julia De Caveren, and was made overseer of "Hamilton's Plantation'' in Virginia. four miles from Gen. Washington's. At the end of tour years he had saved sufficient money to purchase a large farm of unimproved land. but in time. turned it into a plantation. In 1818. he sold this property and purchased a large farm near Baltimore. Md.. and. in 1819. his death occurred. His eldest son David moved to Lancaster Co.. Penn.. soon after his father's death. and lived there until about 1825. when he was induced by Gen. Bell. whom he had served under a private in the war of 1812. to remove to Wayne Co.. Ohio. He purchased a large tract of land near Wooster. He died here in 1866. His third child was Henry Billman who is the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in Lancaster Co.. Penn.. and married his wife. Maria Best. in Allegheny Co. He came with his parents to Ohio in 1825. and. in 1845, came with his family to Northampton Township. Summit Co.. and purchased the farm on which his son Alexander now resides. He was one of the few men who commanded the respect and esteem of every one, and of him could be

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP - 855

truly said he was one of nature's noblemen. At the time of his death he was a member of the 31. E. Church. Alexander G. Billman was reared principally on the farm, and in youth he received a good education. He was married, Feb. 21. 1861. to Eliza Hartman, daughter of the Rev. Peter Hartman, of Wayne Co., Ohio. and to this union there were born the following family-George. Frank. Arthur, one that died in infancy. and Blanche G. Mrs. Billman was born Feb. 11. 1 839. Mr. and Mrs. Billman are members of the M. E. Church. and Mr. Billman is a Republican in politics. He owns 207 acres of well-improved land, which has been in his family ever since it was a forest.

MARY A. BUTLER. the daughter of Joseph Wallace. was born in Franklin Township. Portage Co.. Ohio. Feb. 22. 1841. On the 22d of February. 1841. she was united in marriage with Jackson Beau. sou of Henry Beau. and by him had three children : Charles A.. Frank W. and Manson J. Mr. Beau was a widower with two children at the time of his marriage with Miss Wallace. His occupation was auctioneering. He died July 10. 1869. and Feb. 6. 1874. his widow married Henry Butler. who was a widower with four children. To this union there were born three children: Fronie. Byron E. and Maud L.. By the death of her first husband Mrs. Butler and her children were left 78 acres near Old Portage. At present she lives on a farm of 56 acres which was given her by her father. Mr. Butler is a Democrat. and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

L H. COX. proprietor of atone quarry. Cuyahoga Falls : was horn in Northampton Township. Summit Co.. Ohio. Sept. 24. . He is one of the following children born to Leonard and Lydia (Thompson) Cox : Lyman H. Lenora M.. Frances. deceased. and LeRoy. Mr. Cox died July 7. 1862. Lyman H. Cox passed his youth and early manhood on the farm. receiving a good common-school education. When he was 21 years and 11 days old he commenced life on his own responsibility. He was married Aug 6. 1861. to Ann M. Fitts. daughter of Roswell Fitts. and by her has one son. Fred. born Dec. 8. 1865. Mrs. Cox was horn April 8. 1336. In 1866. Mr. Cox came to his present place and purchased 4 acres. This tract of land is underlaid with the best quality of building rock in Summit Co. For a better description of this rock see the history of

Northampton Township in another part of this work. This quarry is undoubtedly one of the best in the county. Besides this property, Mr. Cox owns a half interest in the old homestead which consists of 100 acres in the western part of the township. Mr. Cox is a member of Lodge No. 187. A., F. and A. M.. and he is a Greenbacker in politics.

WILLIAM CARTER, farmer ; P. O. Cuyahoga Falls : is a sou of William and Jane (Carter) Carter and grandson of Jared Carter. His fattier was a native of Middletown, Conn., and was born Feb. 13. 1792. June 16. 1814. he married Chloe Wadsworth. and by her had five children as follows : Maria E., born May 30. 1813 ; Sarah. born June 7, 1818: Mary. born Jan. 7.1820 : Emily. born Oct. 31. 1822. and Amelia. born .Jan. 31, 1835. The mother was born March 10. 1794; she died Oct. 17. 1826. Mr. Carter was a bricklayer by trade ; he came to Northampton Township at a very early time, and. being a master of his trade, received plenty of employment. The first brick building in the village of Cuyahoga Falls was built by him. as was also the jail at Akron. and many other of the best buildings in the county. His second wife was Jane Carter. to whom he was married in Northampton Township, Oct. 17. 1834. and by her had the following family : William (the subject of this biography). born Sept. 26. 1836 ; Patty, born July 25. 1838 : Mahala. born Oct. 11. 1842. and Helen. born April 27. 1845. Patty married Wallace Harrington. and Mahala married Fred Harrington. brother,. gr. Carter died April 24. 187 6. William Carter. Jr.. passed his youth and early manhood on the farm; he was married Nov. 19. 1863. to Martha Pardee. daughter of Harry and Fanny ( Benedict) Pardee, and to this union were born two c children—Eleanor F. born in 1864. and Harry. born in 1865. Mrs. Carter was horn Sept. 16. 1838. Our subject's mother is yet living on the old Carter homestead. which consists of 72 acres. The Carters are among the old pioneers of Summit County. and are also among the leading citizens.

SIMEON DICKERMAN, farmer and dairyman ; P. O. Cuyahoga Falls : was born in Norton Township. Summit Co. (then Medina Co.) Ohio. June 22. 1824. He was one in a family of six children, born to Clement C. and Almira M. (Ormsby) Dickerman. The names of these children are Gilbert C., dead ; Simeon. Orlando,

856 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Henry, Asenath and Chloe, dead ; Henry married a Mrs. Renn, of Pennsylvania; Asenath is the wife of Charles P. Gardner, and lives in Minnesota ; Orlando married Elizabeth Pearson, sister of our subject's wife, and lives in Medina Co., Ohio. The parents were married in Norton Township, Jan. 11, 1821. Clement C. Dickerman came to Medina Co., Ohio, at the early period of 1816, and his first location was in Norton Township, now in Summit County. Mr. Dickerman was a poor, but hard working citizen. His death occurred March 21. 184-, leaving a widow and family to mourn his loss. His widow is yet living with her son Simeon, at the advanced age of 81 years. Simeon Dickerman passed his early career on the farm assisting his mother in the care of the family. receiving but a limited chance for an education. On the 9th of October. 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Pearson, daughter of Arza and Achsah Pearson. old settlers in York Township, Medina Co., Ohio. After his marriage, Mr. Dickerman still continued to reside on the old place in Norton Township, until the spring of 1852, when he moved to Akron, and for one year engaged in teaming. The next year he engaged in the grocery business in that city and so continued for about four years. In 1858, he came to his present place and engaged in farming and sheep-raising. He soon discontinued this and engaged in his present pursuit, in which he has ever since been engaged. Mr. Dickerman owns 300 acres of excellent land, 192 acres of which are in Northampton, and the balance in Boston Township. To his union with Miss Pearson, there were ; born the following family : Henry A., born Nov. 23, 1856, died Nov. 16, 1865 ; Lydia A., born Aug. 26, 1863, and Charles E., born Dec. 20, 1866, died Sept. 5, 1874. Mrs. Dickerman was born in Rutland Co., Vt., April 18, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Dickerman are among the best connected families in the township, and are good and hospitable people. Mr. Dickerman is a stanch Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

EDWIN FOLK,' farmer ; P. 0. Cuyahoga Falls ; is a son of John and Mary (Fulwiler) Folk, who were natives of Pennsylvania. John Folk was born in 1796, and Mary his wife was born in 1798. This couple were the parents of ten children-Catharine, Mary, Sally, Jesse, Edwin, Hannah, John, Daniel, Polly and David. The three last were born in Ohio. All these children are living. In 1833, this family came to Mahoning Co., Ohio, where he commenced farming and weaving, the latter being a trade he had learned years before. Mrs. Folk died July 20, 1865. ' Mr. Folk is still living making his home with relatives in Trumbull Co. Edwin Folk was born in Pennsylvania, Feb. 25, 1826. He came with his parents to Ohio in 1833, and, in his youth, received a common-school education. His people were very poor on their arrival in Ohio, like a good many other pioneer families. An incident in their life is here worthy of mention, and one that shows what people were sometimes compelled to do to keep from starving. At one time they cleared one acre of timberland for three bushels of shelled corn. When 19 years of age. Edwin. like the rest of his brothers, was given his time. and for a number of years farmed and followed the carpenter's trade. He was married. Aug. 26, 1849, to Rebecca J. Hart. daughter of Samuel Hart, and by her had four children—Minnie S., born June 17. 1851, and who is now the wife of Rev. O. O. Osborn. and resides in Michigan ; Ida J., born Jan. 16, 1855, now the with of Griffith G. Roberts, farmer, and resides in Northampton ; Charles E., born June 17, 1860, died Sept. 29, 1861 ; and Ella M., born May 3, 1863. Mrs. Folk was born May 1. 1829. Mr. Folk is a hardworking, industrious man. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. and he is a member of the Lutheran Church.

MARVIN GIBBS, farmer ; P. 0. Buckeye.; was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, July 13. 1832. He is a son of Charles and Isabelle (Steele) Gibbs, who were parents of the following family : Margaret, James (dead), Mary A.. Marvin, John S. (dead), Warren (dead), and one that died in infancy unnamed. The father was a native of Virginia, and was born in about 1799. He was a farmer, and was reared on a farm. He married Isabelle Steele in 1825 ; she was born in 1801. Mr. Gibbs came to Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, in about 1825, and after a residence there of eleven years, came to Northampton Township, Summit Co., Ohio, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject. At the time of their settlement in Northampton, there was no clearing whatever on their place, and being a man of very little means, Mr. Gibbs was compelled to go in debt for it. He

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP - 857

was a hard worker, and an honest, upright man in his dealings with men ; and, at the time of his death, the place was cleared of all incumbrances. Mr. Gibbs died July 28, 1869. His widow still survives him, and resides with her son, Marvin, on the old homestead. Marvin passed his youth and. early manhood on the farm. Was married Feb. 19, 1861, to ,Amanda E. Burgan, and her parents were among the .pioneers of Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio. To this union there was born one son, Charles N., born in 1865. Mr. Gibbs is a Democrat in politics, and his mother is a member of the M. E. Church. The homestead consists of 85 acres of well-improved land.

HARRINGTON FAMILY. Job Harrington was born in Bennington, Vt., March 9, 1792. He was a sou of Richard Harrington, who was of English descent. During the fall of 1814. Job Harrington and Susan Hartle, who was born in Georgetown. Penn., Jan. 27, 1796, were married. To this union there were born the following : John. born Feb. 2. 1818 ; George, born Aug. 20. 1819 ; Seth W., born June 13, 1821 ; James. born Nov. 17. 1823 ; Clarissa. born June 8. 1827: Warren A.. born July 18,1829 ; Alvin. born July 17, 1831 ; William. born July 11. 1833 : Fred L.. born Oct. 14. 1835 ; Wallace, born April 27, 1837, and Newton S.. born May 22, 1840. John married Calista Prior and lives in Iowa ; George married Clarissa Turner. but has since moved to Michigan and died : Clarissa married Alvin A. Wheeler; Warren has never married ; he went to California in 1853, and has never returned ; Alvin died in childhood ; William married Chloe Carr; Wallace married Patty Carter. a sister of Fred L.'s wife ; Newton served in the late war and died from diseases contracted while in his country's service ; Seth W. married Freelove Jones, daughter of Rees and Jane (Wright) Jones, on the 12th of November, 1846. and by her had the following family : Ethelbert S., born April 17. 1848. died March 3. 1852 ; Robert W., born Oct. 25. 1857 ; J. Athaliah, Oct. 7. 1853 ; Delbert R., born Feb. 7. 1857 ; Grace N.. born Nov. 30, 1865. and J. May, born April 2. 1868. The mother of these was horn in Northampton Township. Sept. 6.1824. Seth Harrington died Oct. 23, 1876. He joined the M. E. Church when 16 years old, and always remained in it. He was active in his duties for the advancement of education and religion. He taught school quite a number of terms, and also held various township offices. He left a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. James Harrington married Lydia M. Hawley, daughter of Richard and Esther (Gorman) Hawley, on the 7th of March, 1850. To this union there were born the following : Amoret A., born Dec. 30, 1850, died Feb. 21, 1864 ; Ezra J., born Dec. 10, 1854 ; Wilfred J., born May 11, 1858, and Cora M., born Aug. 6, 1861. The mother was born Feb. 28, 1832. Mr. Harrington owns 70 acres of land, on which he resides in Northampton. Fred L. Harrington married Mahala Carter, Oct. 10, 1866. She is a daughter of William Carter, a sketch of whom accompanies this work, and was born Oct. 11, 1842. This union was blessed with four children—Charlie E., born Feb. 24, 1869 ; Burt C., born April 19, 1872 ; Frank L., born Dec. 13, 1874, and Myron E., born May 22, 1877. This family resides on the old Harrington homestead, which consists of over 100 acres. Job Harrington, the father and grandfather of the foregoing named individuals, in 1812, started on foot from Bennington, Vt.. to Tallmadge Township. Summit Co., Ohio, where he arrived the same year, having traveled all the distance on foot On his arrival, he purchased a farm for his parents, and the next year, 1813, his parents came there, and, building them a log cabin in the heart of the wilderness, commenced life there. In 1813, Job and his wife purchased and moved on the farm now owned by Fred L., in Northampton, and there remained until their respective deaths. Mrs. Harrington died Nov. 9. 1849. Mr. Harrington's second wife was Mary M. Paige, to whom he was married Nov. 30,1851. She is yet living and resides in Cuyahoga Falls. Mr. Harrington died March 24, 1869. He early became identified in the history of Northampton Township, by the active part he took in advancing the best interests of his township and county. By his generous disposition and kind actions toward the Indians, he made lifelong friends of them, and they regarded their white friend as a most good and noble chief. The first four years after his arrival in Northampton, Mr. Harrington was unable to work, owing to ill-health. His whole life in Ohio was one filled with the stern realities of a pioneer's life, in which innumerable hardships presented themselves. By the time he had begun to realize the comforts he had secured by his hardships, his life labors ceased,

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP - 858

and he was laid away at rest in the grave ; a rest that he had denied himself in life. Mr. Harrington was regarded as among the best citizens Northampton ever had, and his descendants are among the first families in the township.

JOHN HOVEY. farmer ; P. O. Buckeye. Among the old and time honored residents of Northampton Township, is the subject of this biography. He was born in the District of Montreal, in the Province of Lower Canada, June 1, 1814. He is the son of Abiel and Martha (Hardy) Hovey, who were parents of the following family : Amos, Ira, Aurelia. Mary, Abiel, James. John, Martha, Silas and Paulina. Of these. only James. John and Silas are now living. The parents were natives of Massachusetts. They came to what is now known as Boston Township, Summit Co., Ohio. in 1819. and settled first on the farm now owned by Thomas Woods. After living here and enduring the hardships of a pioneer's life two years. Mrs. Hovey died. His widow survived him until 1837, when she too died. John Hovey was reared on a farm, and not having the school advantages in those early days that we of the present have, his education was limited. He was married, June 18, 1835, to Maria Chamberlain. daughter of Ephraim and Deborah (Schoonover) Chamberlain, who emigrated to Northampton Township, Summit Co.. Ohio. from New York. in 1820. To this union there were born five children—Nelson A., Simeon E., Aurelia. Harvey T. and Ephraim C. Of these, only the oldest and youngest are living. Nelson married Mary Howland, and lives in Old Portage. Ephraim married Lovisa Allen, and lives in Northampton Township. Mrs. Hovey was born in September, 1813, and is one in a family of six. Mr. Hovey's whole life has been passed in farming and lumbering. He now owns a farm of 76 acres of well-improved land. and is a stanch and unflinching Republican in politics.

ISRAEL JAMES, Cuyahoga Falls ; was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., March 13, 1814. He is a son of Moses and Polly (Vining) James who were parents of three children—Israel, Orin and Joseph.' all of whom are living. Mrs. James died in 1824, and Mr. James' second wife was Catharine Williams, and by her had one daughter, Lucretia. Mr. James came to Portage Co., Ohio, from Massachusetts in 1818. driving overland with an ox team. After ajourney of six weeks they reached their destination, where Mr. James' parents had preceeded him one year, and where he had purchased a tract of land containing 1.000 acres. Here Moses James and family lived for a number of years, undergoing innumerable hardships incident to the pioneer's life. In about 1858. he moved to Geauga Co.. Ohio. where he lived until his death, which occurred in his 78th year. Israel James remained at home until he was fifteen years of age. He then apprenticed himself to learn the blacksmithing trade. In 1832, he came to Cuyahoga Falls and has remained there ever since. For the first fifteen years following his arrival he followed blacksmithing. and at the end of that time started a forge. which finally turned into one of the best manufacturing houses in the town. Soon after his starting this enterprise, Mr. James gave $12.000 for the property on which his mill was situated. He then. in connection with two other men. began the building of the "James Block." the largest building in Cuyahoga Falls. but his two partners failed before the work was accomplished. throwing the whole cost on Mr. James. He also built the building in which the Schumway drug store is situated. but the building has since been sold. In his enterprises. Mr. James has been most unfortunate. In 1866. he built a sawmill on the site of where the Heath & Thompson mill now stands. In 1869. this mill took fire. and all in it, including his lath. shingle and latheing machines were burned to the ground. In six weeks time by the enterprise of Mr. James. a new mill was erected at a cost of about $4.000. In 1871, the mill-dam gave way and was destroyed. This was replaced at a cost of $4,000. Mr. James has clone more to build up the town of Cuyahoga Falls. than perhaps any other man. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He first married Hannah T. Steel, Sept. 25, 1835, and by her, there were born two children —Henry and Israel. This wife died Nov. 9. 1847. and Mr. James. for his second and present wife married Mary E. Randall, March 11. 1848. To this union there were born three children—Laurel E., Frank, dead ; and Minnie. who is the wife of E. J. Squire. Mrs. James was born Sept. 15, 1821.

DAVID G. MYERS, farmer and stock-raiser : P. O. Cuyahoga Falls, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Aug. 30, 1819. His parents, George

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP - 859

J. and Anne (Welty) Myers, were both natives of Maryland. The father was born in 1786, and mother in 1788. They came to Stark Co.. Ohio. in 1810, and Mr. Myers. besides farming. carried on the mercantile business for a time. He owned the first dry goods store in Uniontown. Mr. Myers died Dec. 2. 1853, and Mrs. Myers died March 26, 1858. They were the parents of nine children. only four of whom are yet living. David G. Myers was reared principally on the farm. In 1839. he came to Akron. and for ten years was captain of a boat on the Ohio Canal. Sept. 11, 1841, he was united in marriage with Matilda P. Corp. daughter of Elias and Sarah (Pratt) Corp, and by her had the following family : Francis A.. born Aug. 10. 1842, now the wife of Cyrus Shoemaker ; Adrian. born May 9, 1845. died March 21. 1847: Ellen I., born Sept. 15. 1847 ; Alma L.. born April 6. 1850. now the wife of L. N. Foust; George E.. born March 1, 1852 ; Mary A.. born June 8. 1854 now wife of Lewis Keck ; Rena V., born May 26. 1856. now wife of J. A. Johnson. and Milton J.. born Sept. 13. 1858. The mother of these was born April 27. 1819. in Saratoga Co.. N. Y. In 1849, Mr. Myers retired from canal life and settled upon a farm in Boston Township. He remained there until March. 1857. when he moved to his present place in Northampton Township. and where he has ever since resided. During his farming experience in Northampton. Mr. Myers has done more, perhaps. to build up the stock interest than any other man. He owns 8G acres of land. is Independent in politics. and is a gentleman in every respect.

WILLIAM NORTON (deceased) ; was a native of York Co.. Penn.. and was born in June. 1803. His early years were passed on a farm, and during that time he received a good practical education. In 1827. he married Selah Deniston. and in 1829. he and two brothers. with their families, moved to Wayne Co.. Ohio Mr. Norton's first location was on a farm two miles south of Wooster. where they resided two years. At the conclusion of that time. they purchased a farm of 80 acres, four miles north of Wooster. where they resided four years. At the time of Mr. Norton's settlement in Wayne Co.. it was but thinly populated. and the citizens of the township often made his house their place of voting at the regular township elections. In 1835, Mr. Norton movedfrom Wayne Co. to Northampton Township, Summit Co., Ohio, where his widow yet lives. To his union with Miss Deniston there were born nine children—Elizabeth. now the wife of Daniel Darrow ; James. who died when 19 years of age ; Mary J., widow of Abner Canmer Amanda, widow of Wesley Appleton, and present wife of Josiah Starr ; Charity A.. wife of Miles Oviatt ; Rebecca. who died when 14 years old ; William H., married Mary Smith. resides in Northampton; Josiah. married Mary Hart, and lives in Michigan. and Cyrus L.. who is single and lives with his mother on the old homestead. which consists of 70 acres. Mrs. Norton was born in York Co.. Penn.. in 1808. During the latter end of Mr. Norton's life, he began suffering from a cancer in the stomach, and after a very long period of uncomplaining sufferings, he died as he had always lived—an upright man and a devoted Christian. The date of his death is July 29. 1866. Mr. Norton was a man of considerable ability and self-reliance. He proved an invaluable assistant in his neighborhood. in making shingles for himself and neighbors. In his political views. he was a Whig, until the Republican party was organized. when he became identified with the latter. and, for his honest and fair dealings. held various positions of honor and trust in the gift of that party. In conclusion. it can he said that Mr. Norton was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

WILLIAM PRIOR, Cuyahoga Falls. There is not a more appropriate biography for the history of Summit Co.. Ohio. than is the history of the Prior family. who are so intimately connected with the early history of Northampton Township; the earliest records of this family are traced back to Joseph Prior. who was a native of the Highlands of Scotland. The next. in the order of descent. is Joshua. son of Joseph Prior. who was born in Northern England. Of Joshua Prior. not much is known, nor is the exact date of this family's coming to America known. Simeon Prior. son of .Joshua Prior, was born in Hampshire Co.. Mass.. May 16, 1754. On the 1st day of .January. 1781. Simeon Prior and Katharine Wight were united in marriage. The history of the Wight family is of considerable importance and interest ; Katharine (Wight) Prior was a daughter of one of the proprietors of the Isle of Wight, after whom the island received

860 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

its name ; in their religious belief, this family was Protestant, and during the church disturbances, the property was confiscated by the Catholic Church Government, and the Wights were compelled to flee to the Netherlands for safety ; after the Restoration, the family returned to England to reclaim their property ; they were successful in their petitions, but the papers made out that gave them the property were destroyed in the Great London Fire, and the estate was lost. To the anion of Simeon Prior and Katharine Wight there were born fifteen children, only one of whom, Gurden, is yet living. At the time of the breaking out of the Revolutionary war. Simeon enlisted in the cause of the colonies and was under the command of Col. Derby ; he participated in the battles of Princeton, Trenton and others, and was one of the men who piloted Gen. Washington across the Delaware River at Trenton. In the year 1802, he and family moved westward; they started with an ox team and afterward took a boat, landing at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. where Cleveland now is situated. At this early time there was not a frame building in the village, and only a few log huts marked the place ; the Priors abandoned their boat at this point, and started toward the interior ; after some indecision, they finally located on what is now known as Lot No. 15, Northampton Township, Summit Co., Ohio. and to them can be accredited the first settlement in that township. In the family born to Simeon and Katharine Prior, there was one son, William, who was born April 6, 1783 ; this son was married twice ; first to Sarah Wharton, by whom he had seven children ; his second wife was Polly Culver, by whom he had two children—William and George ; George served in the late war, and was killed in the battle of the Wilderness. William was born in Northampton Township, April 20, 1825 ; he received a good common-school education in youth, and on the 20th of April, 1847, married Ruth Woodrow, daughter of Henry Woodrow, Esq., and to this union were born two children—Matilda, who died in infancy, and Minnie, who is now the wife of L. E. James. Mrs. Prior was born June 17, 1826. Mr. Prior is a gentleman who takes quite an interest in the advancement of education, and is a teacher of thirty-three terms of successive school teaching. The political complexion of the present generation of . Priors is Republican, and they are among the best families of Summit Co.

SAMUEL S. PRIOR, farmer; P. 0. Cuyahoga Falls ; was born in Northampton Township, Summit Co., Ohio, Dec. 4, 1815. He is a son of Elisha and Harriet (Stiles) Prior, and grandson of Simeon and Katharine (Wight) Prior of whom appropriate mention is made in the biography of William Prior. Samuel Prior is one in a family of seven children : Laura, Delia, Samuel, Amanda, L. R, Benjamin and Harriet. He was reared on the farm, and received a good common-school education. He has passed his whole life on the homestead of his father. with the exception of five years, from 1835 to 1840. while he was at Cuyahoga Falls, having charge of an oil mill there. Dec. 12, 1839, he was united in marriage with Miss Ann Everett, daughter of John Everett, and by her had a family of nine children, as follows : Harriet, born March 4, 1841 ; Stiles S., born Sept. 16, 1842 ; Clarissa, born Oct. 4., 1843 ; B. H., born June 23, 1845 ; F. S., born Jan. 23. 1847 ; Amanda, born April 15, 1851.; died Sept. 15. 1853 ; Florence A., born May 25, 1854 ; Olive M., born May 1, 185 7 ; and Della K.. born April 12, 1863. Mr. Prior owns a nice farm near the beautiful city of Cuyahoga Falls. He is a Republican in politics, and is an intelligent and enterprising citizen.

AMOS L. RICE, farmer ; P. O. Cuyahoga Falls. Dr. Lewis Rice was a native of Massachusetts, and was born about 1782. He practiced medicine when quite a young man, and during the war of 1812, served in the capacity of Assistant Surgeon. At the close of the war, Dr. Rice began looking for a congenial place in which to practice his profession. The young and popular State of Ohio was, at this time, attracting considerable attention, and this State suiting his fancy, Dr. Rice, in 1814, emigrated westward, and located in what is now known as Stow Township, Summit Co.. Ohio. There being no other physician in the whole neighborhood. Dr. Rice immediately received a very large practice, being quite on called ten and fifteen miles distant. He continued his practice there until 1835, when he moved to Northampton Township, and settled on a farm of 108 acres. He did not discontinue his practice on his removal, but still pursued it up to a short time before his death. Dr. Rice was twice married, his first wife being Lucy Rice, by whom

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP - 861

he had three children—Orlo. Lucy A. and Arethusa. These children are all living. His second wife was Chloe Pratt, to whom he was married Jan. 5. 1823. To his second marriage there was born one son, Amos L., the subject of this biography. Dr. Rice's second wife died Oct. 28, 1845. After a long life of usefulness, Dr. Rice died March 25, 1861. His journey to Stow Township from Saybrook. Conn., in 1814. was a very eventful one, coming with two yoke of oxen ; he was fifty-two days on the road. Amos L. Rice was born in Stow Township, Summit Co., Ohio. July 13, 1824. He received a common-school education, and on the 21st of October. 1856, was united in marriage with Phoebe O. Jaguays. daughter of John and Agnes (Osborn) Jaquays, and by her has two children—Chloe A., born July 19, 1863 ; and Lewis P., born June 23. 1874. Besides these two. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have one child by adoption—Martin H., born May 27, 1857. Mrs. Rice was born May 3. 1836. Mr. Rice is one of the prosperous farmers of Northampton Township. He is nicely situated near Cuyahoga Falls, and he and family are highly respected citizens.

ISAAC SCOTT. farmer ; was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio. March 31. 1817. He is a son of' Banfield and Lydia (Norris) Scott, who were parents of two children, Isaac and Sarah. The father was a native of the " Bay State." while Mrs. Scott was a native of Connecticut. Prior to her marriage with Mr. Scott. Mrs. Scott had married Stephen Lamonyon. and by him had three children—Charles. Cornelius and Stephen. After the death of Mr. Lamonyon. his widow married Mr. Scott. who died during the fall of 1832, in Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio. Mrs. Scott's third and last husband was Joseph Dean. and by this gentleman bore one son. James. Our subject, Isaac. at the age of 15 commenced the battle of life on his own responsibility. and from then until he became 22. worked at different employments in Summit and neighboring counties. He was married Dec. 28. 1837, to Fannie Wallace, daughter of Henry and Clarissa (Strong) Wallace, cud to this union were born three children—Henry, born Dec. 28. 1840 ; Wallace. born Sept. 15, 1843. and Walter, born Jan. 23. 1852, who died Dec. 9. 1864, of cerebra spinal meningitis. Henry. who married Miss Ida Bishop, is a farmer and resides in Northampton. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 29th 0. V. I., Capt. Schoonover, and was discharged for ill health in 1862. He re-enlisted the next year in Co. H, 177th 0. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He was First Corporal, but was promoted to Sergeant. Wallace is a farmer, married Mary Best and also resides in Northampton. Mrs. Scott was born in Stow Township, April 14, 1822. Mr. Scott has the most part of his life lived in Northampton. In 1852, he purchased 160 acres on lot No. 51, but has since sold 7 acres of it. He started in life a poor boy, with no one to depend upon, but by hard labor and economy. has secured a pleasant home. He is a Democrat in politics, but favors a strong anti-license law, and he and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for almost half a century. Mr. Scott's father was a soldier in the war of 1812. as was also his mother's first husband. Mrs. Scott's grandfather, Theodore Strong, was Captain of a man-of-war, under the command of Admiral Porter. Mr. Scott has been a hard working man, knowing comparatively little of the ease and comforts of life until later years. He is an excellent farmer and an honorable, upright gentleman.

WILLIAM VIALL, dairyman and farmer : P. O. Cuyahoga Falls ; son of Burrill Viall who came from Chautauqua Co., N. Y. during the winter of 1831. on a sled to Middlebury in what is now known as Summit Co.. Ohio. He is of English descent on his father's side. but his mother, Sarah (Ferguson) Viall was of Scotch descent. At the time of their removal from New York to Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. Viall were the parents of six children. and after their arrival. there were born to them six more. making a total of six sons and six daughters. Eleven of these grew to be adults. There are now living in this family of children only nine. The Vialls were in very poor circumstances at the time of their arrival. and Mr. Viall had to labor early and late to keep his family decently supported. He first settled on the farm now owned by Uriah Horner. In 1850, h and family emigrated to Jackson Co., Iowa. where they lived until the death of their parents. The father's death occurred Dec. 23, 1862, of heart disease. He was buried on Christmas Day. 1862, in Sterling Cemetery, Jackson Co.. Iowa, age(' 69 years 8 months and 25 days. His wife never

862 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

survived the shock of her husband's death, and she died Jan. 4, 1863, aged 62 years 6 months and 15 days, and was also buried in Sterling Cemetery. The father was a Republican in politics, and he and wife were consistent and devoted members of the M. E. Church. The names of the children are Eliza, Burrill, Elzina, dead ; Sullivan, John N.. William, Mary. Julia. dead; Adaline. Clark. dead: Amelia and Lafayette. William, the subject of this biography, passed his youth and early manhood on the farm. receiving a common-school education. He was married Oct. 17, 1849, to Sabina, daughter of James and Mary (Dickerson) McPherson. and by her had four children —Charles W.. born Aug. 9. 1852, died April 24. 1833 ; Martha T., born April 19. 1854, now wife of George W. Hanson. and resides in Medina Co., Ohio ; Mary D., born April 4, 1856. and is now the wife of Fred S. Prior. and resides in Northampton, and James F., born April 25. 1860. Mrs. Viall was born Oct. 16. 1832, in Utica. N. Y., and Mr. Viall was born Aug. 20. 1828, in Chautauqua Co.. N. Y. After fifteen years of farming on the prairies of Iowa, our subject returned to Ohio, and for the first year lived on the Lindsey farm, in Stow Township, Summit Co., Ohio. He sold that soon afterward. and the following year purchased the old "Lewis farm" in Northampton Township, where he has ever since resided. He now owns 134 acres of well-improved land. Is a Republican in politics, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for twelve years. He and wife are members of the Disciples' Church, and are among the first citizens of Northampton Town ship.

ABIEL L. WAITE, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Everett. Walter Waite, father of Abiel Waite, was a native of Massachusetts, and was born in 1789. Oct. 10, 1811, he married Elizabeth Blackford, who was born April 18, 1789. In 1811, Mr. and Mrs. Waite started westward overland with one horse and a wagon, and in this wagon was conveyed all of Mr. Waite's possessions, which consisted principally of the following : His wife, a skillet, a gun and an as. They arrived in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, the same year they started, and, thus equipped, commenced life in the wilderness. In about 1820, they moved into Richfield Township, Summit Co., Ohio. It was here, April 14, 1829, that the mother of six children, and the wife of Walter Waite died. Of the six children, only two are now living—Frederick and Rufus. October. 1829, Mr. Waite married Mary Hovey sister of John Hovey, whose biography will be found in another part of this work. To Mr Waite's second marriage, there was born the following family : Abiel L., John M., Martha E., Walter S., Mary V., Alfred C. and Lucetta M. John and Mary are dead. Abiel was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. He was married. Jan. 6. 1833, to Mary McLoney, daughter of William and Mary (Stephens) McLoney, and to this union were born seven children—James E.. born Sept. 28, 1853 ; Walter F., born Sept. 29, 1856 ; Mary V., born

Aug. 22, 1859 ; Scott. born Dec. 22, 1861. died Jan. 7. 1863 ; Ezra Mc., born May 20. 1864 ; Sherman A., born May 30, 1871, and Elnora. born Oct. 1. 1874. Mrs. Waite was born in

Northampton, Dee. 29, 1833. Mr. Waite's father died Sept. 2, 1869, and his mother Oct. 29. 1868. In our subject's family. there is one child— Mary V., who is married. Her husband is Eugene Hancock. In about 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Waite, Sr.. came to Northampton Township. and settled on the farm now owned by Abiel L. This place consists of 187 acres, on which our subject has always lived, with the exception of five years in Wisconsin. Mr. Waite is a stanch Republican, and an influential citizen.

JOSEPH WALLACE, farmer ; P. 0. Buckeye ; was born on the Holland Purchase, in New York. Dec. 18, 1813. He is a son of Joseph and Ruth (Robinson) Wallace, who were parents of nine children, only the following named being alive : Ruth (Baldwin), Sophronia (Crawford), Sobrina (Butler) and Joseph. Joseph Wallace, Sr., was a native of Vermont, and, in the war of Independence, he was one of' the " Green Mountain Boys," under the command of Col. Ethan Allen. He served six years in this war. His death occurred in 1828. His widow survived him until 1840, when she too died. Joseph, Jr., was reared on a farm, receiving a good education. In 1840, he purchased land in Northampton Township, Summit Co., Ohio, where ..e now lives, and the same year moved to and located on it. He was married, in 1836, to Amanda Wolford, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Worthinger) Wolford, and by her had six children—Alexander ; Mary A., now with of Henry Butler ; James E., dead ; Lewis B., dead ; Sophronia, now wife of James Smith,

STOW TOWNSHIP - 863

and Byron E. Mrs. Wallace was born Feb. 27, 1814, at Portage Co., Ohio. Her son, Alexander, served in the late war, in Co. H, 29th 0. V. I., for nine months, and then was discharged for disabilities. In his time, Mr. Wallace has taught eighteen terms of school. He is Independent in his political views. voting in all cases for the man instead of the party. He has held various township offices, among which might be mentioned Township Treasurer, which office he held eleven years. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and they are excellent citizens in every respect. Mr. Wallace owns a fine farm of 210 acres. nicely situated near church, school and railroad.

WILLIAM H. WILLIAMSON. farmer and dairyman : P. O. Akron ; was born in Orange Co., N. Y.. Aug. 7. 1829. He is a son of Palmer and Amy (Horton) Williamson, natives of New York. who were parents of the following family : Mary F., William H., Bradner, Susan, Jane. Alveretta and Julius 0. Bradner, Jane and Alveretta are dead. The father was a farmer. In 1831, he emigrated Westward, where he had friends. and to better his circumstances. He first located in Tallmadge Township, Summit Co., Ohio, on the Demmick farm, renting that two years. He then purchased the Isaac Gaylord farm. In 1835, he sold that place and went to Stow, where he has ever since resided. His wife died Sept. 27, 1879. William H. lived on the old place and worked his father's farm, excepting three years, until he was 31 years of age. He was married Nov. 15, 1860, to Mariette, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Chapman) Stark, and to this union were born the following family : George B.. born Aug. 18, 1861 ; Amy H., Feb. 20, 1863; Emily, born Nov. 13, 1865, and Frank P., born Dec. 1. 1872, died Oct. 18, 1878. Mrs. Williamson was born in Stow Township June 7, 1838. After his marriage, Mr. Williamson farmed in Stow Township eight years and Hudson Township one year. He then came to Northampton and located on his present place, where he has since remained. He owns a fine farm of 166 acres. Is a stanch Republican in politics, and his wife is a member of the Disciples' Church.