Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Part 102

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1094

USA > Ohio > Ashtabula County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 102
USA > Ohio > Geauga County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 102
USA > Ohio > Lake County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 102

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Having chosen farming as his vocation in life, he determined to conduct his business with intelligence, and became a subscriber to the New England Farmer and later to other agricultural periodicals as they appeared. As his means permitted and opportunity came, he bought books, and has collected as fine a library as there is in the county. He has always taken a deep interest in the founding and support of the public-school system, wisely judging that in this field lies the mission of the American educator and reformer. He was one of the first school examiners appointed by the courts. He was appointed, in 1830, Adjutant of Colonel C. C. Paine's regiment, and soon after was elected commander by the commissioned officers, quickly winning popularity, the title thus acquired yielding only to that of Judge. In 1830 he was appointed Land Appraiser for the tract granted by the Government to the Western Reserve for school purposes, sixty thousand acres in all, lying in Tuscarawas and adjoining counties. In 1832 he was elected Representative of Geauga county to the General Assembly of Ohio, and was re- elected in 1834. In 1835 he was present at the special session called by Governor Lucas on account of the threatened war between Ohio and Michigan over the boundary line of the States, and was largely instrumental in holding Ohio quiet during the excitement.

In 1846 he was elected one of the Associ- ate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas with Judge Aiken and Judge Converse. He had, in his younger days, often appeared in the magistrates' courts, and has presided as Justice of the Peace. Possessed of quick and discerning comprehension and a keen sense of justice, he made an excellent offi- cer. He filled the place of Associate Judge until the change under the constitution of 1851. He was then, in politics, a Whig, of the Giddings and Wade school; he became a Free-soiler in 1848. In 1854 he was again elected a member of the House of Repre- sentatives, and with the admirable record of the past at once took a high position. He was the candidate of the Free-soil and Whig parties for Speaker, but Democrats, being in the majority, elected Le Bland. He was elected to the Senate in 1855, representing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake. Tom Ford was then Lieutenant Governor, and, as he was seldom in the chair, Judge Taylor was elected President of the Senate pro tem., and presided over the Senate chain- ber in the fine new State house. The first winter Ford was out of the State settling up an estate; the next winter he was unable to attend to official duties on account of illness. He was regarded as one of the most able and efficient presiding officers during his term, and was highly esteemed throughout the State as a faithful and conscientious leg- islator.

Reared with a profound respect for New England orthodoxy, he joined the Congrega- tional Church early in life, and was Mod- erator of the Geauga and Lake county Church conferences for twenty years. He was chosen a Representative at the first National Council of the church, held in Boston in 1865, and also at the National Council at Detroit in

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1877. He was an energetic and enthusiastic leader in the organization of the Geauga Historical Society, and was elected its Presi- dent, and has continued at its head since. He has devoted much time to securing competent persons to write the early history of the county; and the large volume published in 1880, recording the settlement of the county, owes much to his efforts. He bas been active in the organization of farmers' clubs, and has been prominent in all of the associations of this section having for their object the forwarding of the interests of humanity.

Judge Taylor is an orator of no mean ability; he has an easy flow of language and a logical mind that grasps all points of a situation in their proper relationship. He is just, liberal and pure in spirit, and has led a blameless life. Mrs. Taylor was born August 7, 1800, and died May 5, 1870, a rare example of true womanliness. She was the mother of seven children, and was deeply attached to her home. Of the children, we offer the following brief record: Robert 'De Witt; Laroyal; Mary J .; Lester De Witt; Lucy W., who was married to Clinton Good- win; Jane, who married William Brigland; Susan, who became the wife of Ozro New- comb; Robert, Lester and Jane are deceased; Mary remains at home, devoting herself to the care of her father.

An extraordinary and most interesting oc- currence was that which took place in 1882, when Judge Taylor visited Columbus to cele- brate the fiftieth anniversary of his taking his seat in the Legislature. To the members of the House the Judge was introduced, in eu- logistic terms, by Hon. I. N. Hathaway, then Speaker pro tem. The venerable ex- member of the body then delivered a very interesting speech, which called forth fre-

quent applause; and the circumstance of his appearance, after the lapse of so many years, was a source of great satisfaction, both to him and to those who listened to him. On the day following his visit to the House of Representatives, Judge Taylor entered the Senate chamber, where a like ovation was tendered him.

The incident above referred to was excep- tional in its privileges; but that the patri- archal Judge should have been able to repeat the visit subsequently, and after the lapse of a full decade, seems almost incredible. True it was, however, that, at the session of 1892, Judge Taylor, then in his ninety-fifth year, again made his appearance in the Legislative halls, and was accorded a reception which gave due recognition to his extreme age, wonderful preservation of faculties and honored career. Honorable E. J. Clapp, Representative from Geauga and Lake, called the attention of the House to the presence of Judge Taylor, and introduced him with many appropriate and complimentary re- marks. The rules were suspended and a committee of two appointed by the Speaker to wait upon him and escort him to the Speaker's chair, which he had occupied sixty years before. The Speaker then formally in- troduced him to the house, and, in response to the general call for a speech, he arose and addressed the Assembly, his voice full and resonant, penetrating to the farthest recesses of the chamber. It is assuredly befitting that space be given to a reproduction of his address in this connection, and we according- ly append the same.

" Gentlemen of the Ilouse of Representa- tives: I thank you kindly for your courtesy in unanimously adopting the motion of my friend from Geauga, to suspend the rules, that we might have the opportunity of making a

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mutual acquaintance. Time, age and past official duties may give increased interest in this interview. Born in the last century, 1798, I became an adopted citizen of Ohio in 1819, a member of the popular branch of the General Assembly in 1832, and now am permitted to address you in the ninety-fifth year of my age. It is generally understood that I am the only surviving member of the Legislature of 1832. When I took my oath of office sixty years ago. I realized the great responsibility resting on me to discharge my duty with fidelity to the State, but when I contrast the present improvements in Ohio, in a goodly measure the results of wise and liberal legislation, in the increase of popula- tion, wealth, general education, rapid transit in travel for exportation of the productions of the State to the markets of the world, the discoveries in the arts and sciences, and their application to industrial pursuits, the develop- ment of such mental, moral and material progress as constitutes the glory of any State, are so much greater than anticipated that the dignity and responsibility of legis- lators are greatly heightened. Should any of you gentlemen live and return to your pres- ent seat of legislation, is it probable that you will find as great improvements, as valuable discoveries, as have characterized the past sixty years? Let us not limit the power which In - finite Wisdom can bestow upon His created intelligence upon earth, that the coming century may equal, if not surpass, the present in universal blessings bestowed and happiness enjoyed. In early legislation as well as in later, there were those who were not so ad- vanced with the spirit of the times, and con- sequently opposed to liberal appropriations, fearing repudiations or bankruptcy might follow. Even our benevolent institutions, which virtually give eye to the blind, ears

to the deaf, understanding to the imbecile, normal control of the mind to the lunatic with great opposition; but the majority por- trayed their sympathy in laying the found- ation with suitable asylum buildings, and suitable instruction to the extent which has given Ohio eminence if not pre-eminence in her charitable institutions. Schools, roads, internal improvements have shown grand re- sults, aided by the financial ability which has kept the credit of the State in the highest repute.

"With the present facilities for travel, members present can hardly conceive the difficulty of reaching the capital in the early sessions of our legislative history. I have made the journey on horseback much out of my direct course on account of high waters to the location of some bridge or ford less dangerous than the direct route. On account of an exceedingly wet fall and deep mud, supplemented by a very deep snow, I had to take a circuitous route from my home thirty miles east of Cleveland. I went by the way of Warren, Trumbull county, with two horses and a hired man to accompany me, each carrying my trunk alternately a mile or so before us on the pommel of the saddle. I was in company with Judge Peter Hitch- cock, then Senator of this district. From Warren we took the stage to Wellsville on the Ohio river, thence by boat down the river to Wheeling, Virginia; from Wheeling we took the national pike to Licking county, then by stage, with six horses, to Columbus, en route from Monday morning till Satur- day. I can now leave my home in the morn- ing, if making suitable connections, and take my dinner at the capital.

"Such were then the difficulties and slow- ness of travel. There were no adjournments to visit home, continuing the public labor to

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the close of the week and commencing at the usual time Monday morning. The members of the early legislatures possessed good physical systems, and, like the early settlers, naturally strong mental powers, although they might not have been as well cultivated, not having such good facilities as their descendants. Through the instrumentality of our public schools and liberally endowed institutions of learning, and the general dis- semination of literature through the press, and the genius of our institutions, have been the motor power in producing statesmen of such high repute, and so much appreciated by their countrymen, that she is rightly claimed the ' mother of presidents.' In this survey of the appearance of the Assembly, with their intellectual mien, and business- like habits, together with that numerous class of men in the honorable professions and occupations of life, who have gained a national reputation so that the different political parties possess such good material that selections for future national executives may continue to give a laudable State pride of ' mother of presidents ' for this and future generations, with the fond hope that you may be so guided by wisdom that our citizens may be protected in all their inalienable rights and such future developments, fol- lowed by wise enactments, may promote the future welfare and happiness of the people of the Buckeye State.

"Again I thank you for your kindness and attention. To you, Mr. Speaker, thanks for your friendly and courteous introduction."

Then followed a personal introduction to the members and officials of the House.

In passing into the Senate Chamber, Sen- ator Lampson courteously informed the Senate that Judge Taylor was present, and by his motion, after a complimentary notice

of his being present, similar ceremonies and respects were paid as had been in the House. In response to their call, he made a speech much the same in sentiment, adding a de- tailed account of his having presided, by virtue of his being president pro tem., when the new State house was finished, in open- ing the session for legislative purposes for the first time in the then new State house.

At Columbus, in 1888, Judge Taylor was one of the orators of the day at the Ohio centennial celebration. He was one of the members of the National Congregational convention, which met at Minneapolis, Min- nesota, in October, 1892, and enjoyed the proud distinction of being the oldest dele- gate in attendance, much interest being man- ifested in him on the occasion. He frequent- ly addresses large gatherings, and recently spoke before the Cuyahoga County Pioneer Association at Cleveland. Vigorous in mind and body, he is a worthy type of manhood, reflecting the image of his Maker.

D R. HENRY HARRIS, a retired drug- gist and grocer of Ashtabula, Ohio, who was for twelve years Postmaster of that city, a gentleman widely known and highly esteemed for his many estimable quali- ties, was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island, June 24, 1805. His ancestors were early set- tlers of America, the paternal grandfather of Dr. Harris having been born in Providence, Rhode Island, April 3, 1752. He was for many years in charge of an extensive linen factory in Smithfield, from which point linen goods were exported to all parts of the world. He was religionsly a Quaker and opposed to all warfare, in consequence of which he did not participate in the Revolutionary war.

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He was married in 1779 to Hepsibah Bunker, whose ancestors were French and originally spelled their name "Bonquor." They had nine children: David F., father of the subject of this sketch; Hannah, the first, born June 3, 1783; Sarah, born August 28, 1784; Will- iam, the first, born December 1, 1781; Will- iam, the second, born December 28, 1785; Joseph, December 26, 1787; Daniel, the first, August 23, 1789; Hannah, the second, May 27, 1791; Samuel, May 7, 1793; and Daniel, the second, October 23, 1795. David F. Harris, father of Dr. Harris of this notice, was born August 17, 1780, and December 31, 1800, was married to Lydia Streeter, born Jan- uary 27, 1783. The father was a Quaker in re- ligious faith and a farmer by occupation. He removed from Rhode Island to Dutchess county, New York, when the subject of this sketch was an infant; and when the latter was fourteen years of age his parents settled in Saybrook township, the same county. Here the father followed farming until elected Postmaster of Saybrook, in which latter posi- tion he efficiently served for many years. He died as he had lived, a consistent Christian gentleman, universally beloved and respected, his death occurring in 1848, when he was a little more than sixty-eight years of age. The devoted wife and mother died February 11, 1837. They had nine children: Edward, born October 3, 1801; Sophia, October 10, 1803; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Samuel, January 2, 1807; Rufus, December 25, 1809; Paul B., August 9, 1812; Beulah Ann, Janu- ary 6, 1815; Hepsibah H., January 29, 1817; and Rhoda, December 13, 1819. Edward, the oldest born, became the celebrated manufac- turer of woolen goods, known as the Harris cassimeres, his factory being in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He amassed great wealth in this business and died in 1873. Samuel,

another brother, was also a woolen manufac- turer, first at Leeds and later at Catskill, New York. Rufus was a farmer, and Paul was for many years a merchant in Ashtabula, Ohio.

The early life of the subject of this sketch was passed in Saybrook, New York, where he received his education. His first business experience was as a clerk in the store of D. I. Boyd & Co., when there were but three stores in Saybrook. He was thus engaged until 1829, when he formed a partnership in the merchandise business with Levi Jenks, with whom he continued 1830. Young Harris then joined the western tide of emigration, coming to Ashtabula, Ohio, where he entered the drug and gro- cery business, in which he was successfully engaged until 1842. He then began travel- ing and selling medicine from a wagon, establishing agencies wherever he went. He was thus employed five years, traveling in the meantime all over the States of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn- sylvania and Missouri. At the end of this time, in 1848, he returned to Ashtabula and for a number of years was not engaged in any business except settling up his father's estate. In 1861, he was appointed Postmaster of Ashtabula and capably filled this position twelve years, when he was succeeded by Joseph F. Sexton, now at Spokane Falls, Washington. Since leaving the post office he has been in business but two years, during which time he was railway mail clerk between Ashtabula and New Castle, Pennsylvania. With an ample income assured him, the ne- cessity for further exertion is eliminated, and the Doctor is enjoying in retirement those pursuits which he finds most congenial.

December 2, 1851, Dr. Harris was married in Bloomfield, Wisconsin, to Miss Mary S.

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Whittier, a native of Newburyport, Massa- chusetts, and a relative of the celebrated American poet, John G. Whittier. They have had six children: Ella, born September 18, 1852, married Joseph F. Sexton and has two children: Mary Louise and Katie; Emma, born November 29, 1843, died young; Har- riet, born June 24, 1855, also died young; Henry Fremont, born September 25, 1856, now lives in Warren and is editor of the Daily and Weekly Tribune of that city; he married, on March 16, 1881, Bessie Isabel Darling, of Elyria, Ohio, and they have one child, William Russell; Antoinette, born February 25, 1857, died young; Walter Whittier, born February 21, 1867, is single, and is employed in the Lake Shore & Mich- igan Southern Railroad office at the Harbor.

The Doctor is public-spirited and progres- sive in disposition and takes a deep interest in the welfare of Ashtabula, to the advance- ment of which he has materially contributed.

D R. EDWARD D. MERRIAM, of Con- neaut, Ohio, and now the oldest resi- dent practitioner in Ashtabula county, was born at Niagara Falls in Canada West, December 11, 1827, son of Joseph and Clara (Hudson) Merriam.

Joseph Merriam was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and was descended from a family noted for longevity. Ile was by trade a cabinet and fanning-mill maker and was also engaged in farming. At an early day he went to Canada, where he lived for a number of years. About 1860, he came to Conneaut, and died at the home of his son, Dr. Mer- riam, in 1866, aged eighty-four years. The Doctor's mother was a native of Kinderhook, New York, and was a schoolmate of Martin

VanBuren. In her girlhood days she gave her heart to Christ and became a member of of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which she remained in loving communion the rest of her life, her death occurring in 1869, at the age of eighty-three years. She was married to Mr. Merriam January 11, 1804. Following are the names of their children: Edward B., who died at the age of eleven years and nine months; Caroline Eliza, wife of Sayre Beach, died in 1892, leaving six children; Sarah Maria, now Mrs. Stevenson, was born in 1817, and is now residing in Illi- nois; Henry Douglas, born in 1819, died in 1821; John H., born in 1821, died in 1863; James H., who was born in 1824, is now in company with his son, running a planing mill in Conneaut; Dr. E. D., whose name heads this article; and Charles Wesley, who was born in 1831, and who died in London. He had gone to Australia to prospect for gold, was taken sick, and on his way home died, in London, May 3, 1855. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and was buried by the order he loved. Mrs. Merriam was a member of the distinguished family of Hud- sons in New York, a descendant of Henry Hudson, in honor of whom the Hudson river was named.

Dr. Merriam went to Buffalo when he was twelve years old, and at the age of sixteen began the study of medicine in that city, un. der the instruction of Dr. Horace M. Congar. He attended the first course of medical lec- tures ever delivered in Buffalo, by Doctors Fiint, White and Hamilton, eminent men of their day, all now deceased. After complet- ing bis course, Dr. Merriam began the prac- tice of his profession in Buffalo in the spring of 1852. This was in the cholera season, and his first calls were to attend cholera patients, in the treatment of which malady he had

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

considerable experience. In 1853, he came to Conneaut, and has been engaged in prac- tice here ever since. Dr. Merriam is a mem- ber of the County and State Medical Socie- ties, and has been Health Officer of the city ever since this office was established. He has also served as a member of the City Council. He has taken an active interest in the educational affairs of Conneant and for many years has been a member of the School Board. Dr. Merriam entered the service of the Union army in the spring of 1862, as act- ing assistant surgeon. His first service was at Pittsburg Landing, where he had charge of the Second Indiana Cavalry ; later he was in charge of General Nelson's division at Shiloh hospital. From there he was assigned to the field hospital at Monterey, Tennessee, where he remained about a month. By rea- son of his failing health he resigned this charge and returned home.

May 2, 1855, Dr. Merriam was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe A., daughter of General Henry and Vesta Keyes, who were prominent and highly honored pioneers of Ohio. General Keyes had been twice mar- ried and had three children by his first wife and seven by his second, who was the mother of Mrs. Merriam. The children of the first marriage were: Henry P., Alvin C. and Mary C .: those of the second were: Marcus B., Mar- tin B., Charles W., Elias A., Phoebe A., Russell M., and Milo O. General Keyes was at one time an extensive land-owner.

To Dr. and Mrs. Merriam four children were born, two of whom attained maturity. Henry and Clara died in infancy; Charles K. followed in the footsteps of his father, stud- ied medicine and became a physician. He was for some time successfully engaged in the drug business in Illinois, but, on account of failing health, he returned to Conneaut,

where he died, June 15, 1892, at the age of thirty-five years. His widow is a daughter of Dr. Bockes. Dr. Merriam's only daugh- ter, Miss Carrie M., is an artist of some note, both in painting and music.

Politically, the Doctor votes for the Repub- lican party ; fraternally, he is a member of the blue lodge and chapter, A. F. & A. M., and has se. ved as Master of the lodge.

E RISDON, a venerable citizen of Con- neaut, Ohio, was born in Genesee county, New York, November 20, 1820, son of Almore and Cynthia Risdon, both natives of that county.

Almore Risdon was a man of prominence in his day. He filled the office of County Sheriff in Genesee county. In 1833 he came West and settled in Vermillion, Erie county, Ohio, where he opened up a farm and was engaged in agricultural pursuits the rest of his life. He was accidentally drowned in the Huron river in 1835, aged forty-four years. His first wife, the mother of our subject, died in 1822, at the age of twenty-five, leaving three children: George, and E. and Eliza, twins. George, a prominent farmer of Erie county, Ohio, died January 26, 1893, aged seventy-five years, leaving a widow, Charity (Goldsmith) Risdon, and four sons and five daughters. By his second wife, Elcina (Lewis) Risdon, the father of our subject bad two sons and four daughters, all deceased except one son. The mother of these children died some time in the '50s.

In early life Mr. Risdon sailed the lake and superintended a dredging-machine in the em- ploy of the United States for four years, and for Her Majesty's Government in Canada for a little more than twelve years, performing

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faithful and efficient service. He took out every coffer-dam from Ogdensburg to Mon- treal. After leaving government employ, he located at Conneaut, and engaged in ship- carpentering. This was in 1858. He worked at that business for a period of thirty years, at the same time being interested in farming operations. Mr. Risdon's first visit to Con- neaut was in 1835, and since 1837 he has called this place his home. For fifty years he has voted the Democratic ticket here. For the past five years he has conducted the sprinkling business of the town. He was Street Commissioner twelve years, and was Marshal about six years.

Mr. Risdon was married in 1844, to Miss Lucretia M. Fredericks. Her father, John Fredericks, a Hollander by birth, was a soldier in Bonaparte's war. He went on board an English vessel, came to America, and at New York deserted. He lived to be ninety-three years of age, dying about 1867. His wife died twenty years before. They had a family of four sons and three daughters, six of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Risdon have five daughters, namely : Harriet, wife of Glover Ashley, has three children, Frederick, Lulie and Freddie; Emma Jane, a member of the home circle; Mary, wife of John Cummins, of the Conneaut Canning Factory, has four children, Thomas R., Mabel, Margaret and Robert; Clara, wife of Burton Thayer, has four children, Lee, Alice, Hazel and Harry; and Helen, wife of Burt Capron, has one child, Bertha.

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Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Part 102

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1094

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1094