Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Part 115

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 115
USA > Ohio > Geauga County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 115
USA > Ohio > Lake County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 115

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901

OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.

The subject of this sketch was the eldest, and received his education in the district schools of Warsaw, New York, where he was reared to the age of fifteen. In 1865 he ac- companied his parents to Painesville, where he graduated at the high school, after which he became a clerk in his father's store. On his reaching the age of twenty-one he was taken into partnership, and since the death of his father he has successfully conducted the business alone, enjoying a large and lucrative trade. This prosperity is due to the high standard maintained in the grade of goods, and the uniform courtesy displayed toward customers.

' In 1878 Mr. Higgins was married to Miss Clara P. Ladd, of Painesville, a lady of many worthy qualities, who came to this city with her parents when she was an infant. Silas Ladd, her father, who for many years was a prominent merchant of this city, was a de- scendant, through his mother, of the cele- brated Elder Brewster, who came over in the Mayflower in 1620. Silas Ladd was for many years an active member of the Congrega- tional Church in this city, and was one of the foremost residents of the place of which he was one of the earliest pioneers. He died in 1879, aged seventy years, sincerely regretted by all who knew him. Mrs. Higgins' mother, nee Elizabeth Williams, was a native of Lake county and daughter of one of the very earliest settlers of this vicinity, who emigrated from Connecticut with his wife and seven children, Elizabeth being born shortly after their arri- val in this county. Mr. Williams kept a hotel in Lake county in an early day, and be- came well off. Mrs. Ladd, mother of Mrs. Higgins, died in 1864, leaving her family and many friends to mourn her loss. Of her five children, Mrs. Higgins is the youngest, and all are now living, most of whom have

become celebrated scholars. The oldest, Prof. George T. Ladd, a graduate of Western Re- serve College, is now professor of meta- physics in Yale College. The eldest daugh- ter is the wife of Prof. J. A. Towl, instructor of Greek in Westminster College at Dobbs' Ferry, New York. The second daughter married Prof. Bristow, who occupies a chair in the Theological Department at Yale; and the third daughter is the wife of H. H. Shaw, of Lincoln, Nebraska. Mrs. Higgins is a graduate of the same class in the Paines- ville high school as her husband, and is a woman of much natural ability and worth of character. She has two daughters, Martha Bacon and Katherine Ladd.

In politics, Mr. Higgins is a Republican. He has been a member of the Board of Edu- cation of Painesville for several years, and in that capacity has lent his influence and counsel to the general advancement of the schools in his vicinity. Both he and his wife are useful members of the Congregational Church, in which he is a Deacon, and has served as Sunday-school Superintendent for the past four years. Few men take a deeper interest in the welfare of the community than Mr. Higgins, and few are more deservedly popular, combining as he does the best quali- ties of a business man and citizen.

S AMUEL A. BELL, an adopted citizen of the Republic, was born in county Norfolk, England, February 10, 1855, a son of John and Mary (Avey) Bell, also natives of England. The father was born in 1816, and was reared to the blacksmith's trade, the occupation of his ancestors as far back as the history can be traced; he was prosperous in his own country and accumu-

903

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

lated a considerable amount of property. In 1872 he emigrated to America, landing on the fifteenth of April, after a voyage of twelve days; he came directly to Geneva, Ohio, and has met with moderate success. Samuel A. is the fifth of a family of six children; George, the oldest, is married and has had a family of six children, three of whom are living; Martha married Mr. Groom and still resides in England; she has four children; Christiana married Mr. Can- ham and lives in Kansas City, Missouri; they have a family of four; Maggie married John Austin and is the mother of two chil- dren; Mary is the wife of Mr. Warren and the mother of two children; they reside at Cleveland, Ohio. Samuel A. received a common-school education in his native country, and until the time of his coming to America was employed as a moulder in his father's shop; after coming to this country he worked in his father's shop for a period of five years, at the end of which period he entered the employ of the Geneva Tool Company. Serving the interest of this cor- poration with great fidelity for sixteen years, he passed through the different grades of iron working until he arose to the position of contractor. He now has five men in his em- ploy, and makes all the ferrules used in this establishment.

He was united in marriage June 1, 1876, to Miss Sarah Jane Sodant, native of England, born in Warwickshire, January 15, 1852; she accompanied her mother to this country in 1858, the father having preceded them five years. Mr. and Mrs. Bell are the par- ents of three children: Archie, the only son, was born March 17, 1877; showing a marked artistic taste as a young child, at the age of six years he was given music and drawing lessons; he has developed an unusual talent,

and has already, at the age of sixteen, pro- duced some meritorious work with his brush and pencil; Katie, the second child, was born August 15, 1880; Bessie was born October 2, 1882.

Mr. Bell is a member of Geneva Council, No. 303, Royal Arcanum, and has passed all the chairs of that order; he is also a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is now Past Chancellor; he is one of the charter members of this body in Geneva. He and his family are highly esteemed members of the Baptist Church. Politically, he ad- heres to the principles of the Republican party, believing that body most nearly able to secure justice alike to all American citi- zens.

C HARLES W. ANDERSON, of the firm of C. W. Anderson & Son, Ge- neva, Ohio, was born at Girard, Penn- sylvania, September 3, 1841. His parents, Asa and Phila (Cass) Anderson, were natives of Chautauqua county, New York; the father was a Republican in his politics, a farmer by occupation, and in his religious faith a Methodist; he was of Scotch descent, his great-grandfather being the first member of the family to emigrate from Scotland to America. Charles W. spent his early life ou the farm, and attended the common schools.

When there was a call for men to take up arms in defence of the nation, he responded, and for three years was in the service, a member of the Fifteenth Ohio Independent Light Artillery; he participated in thirty or more engagements without receiving a scratch, but, through exposure, lost his health and is now receiving a pension from the Gov- ernment in recognition of his service. He is an active member of the G. A. R.

903

OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.

In 1887 he embarked in the milling busi- ness, under the firm name of C. W. Ander- son & Son, and they have established a large and profitable trade.

Mr. Anderson was married in June, 1861, to Lottie F. Tye, of Morgan township, Ash. tabula county; she is a daughter of John and Mary Tye, who were born and reared at Northampton, England, emigrating to this country soon after their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have a family of three chil- dren: John E., born July 4, 1863, is in busi- ness with his father; he married Cora Mc- Nutt, of Jefferson, Ashtabula county; Eu- gene M. was born March 11, 1878; and Fred L., September 13, 1879. Politically, Mr. Anderson is identified with the Republican party; he is a Knight of Pythias, and he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a self- made man, and through his own persever- ance and wise management has accumulated a competence.

M ESSRS. GIDDINGS BROTHERS (Sidney C. and William A.), propri- etors of the Maple Grove stock farm, near Sentinel, in Cherry Valley township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, are among the most prominent farmers and stock-grow- ers of the State. They are devoted lovers of the turf and have several horses of extensive local reputation. Among these may be mentioned Walnut (2:41), a beautiful seal- brown pacer by the noted trotter, Reveille (2:15). The former's career has only just begun, as he is now but seven years old, but he has won first money, with one exception, in every race in which he was started. They also have a beautiful bay mare, Mabel G., by

Gold Leaf (2:164), dam by Hull, which was driven in 2:57 the fourth time it bore the harness. Perhaps their most promising colt, however, is May Lena, by Crawford Wilkes (2:091), whose dam was Gold Leaf (2:16}). A fine foal was recently sold by Messrs. Gid- dings Brothers for $300. Among other fine horses on this farm are Crinkle, a handsome eight-year old mare, which has already been driven in 2:444, and has won nearly every race in which she participated. They also have several very fine Gold Leaf and Crawford Wilkes foals, and it will well repay all lovers of horseflesh to visit this stock farm, to which visitors are made heartily welcome by the genial proprietors.

Maple Grove farm is a thriving estate of 270 acres, highly improved with buildings and all modern conveniences, and in a fine state of cultivation. In addition to the manage- ment of this large farm and the care of their horses, the Messrs. Giddings have found time to speculate extensively in wool and calves, and handled in one day in the present season (1893) 7,000 pounds of wool and shipped eight car-loads of calves, always paying the highest market price for these commodities.

The father of the subject of this sketch, Josiah M. Giddings, was a native of New York, and removed to Wayne, Ashtabula county, Ohio, when a young man, and later in 1834, to Cherry Valley, where he resided until his death, December 4. 1892, greatly lamented by all who knew him. He was one of the most influential men of his town, an ardent Republican and of considerable prom- inence in his party. He was married in Wayne, to Miss Clarissa Clark, of that town- ship. Her father, Russel Clark, was one of Wayne's most prominent citizens, to which place he removed in 1827, from Chenango county, New York. Josiah and Clarissa

904

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

Giddings reared twelve children, nine of whom survive. Besides the subject of this sketch, the surviving members of the family are: Lebbeus E., of Michigan; Catherine L. Hop- kins, of Florida; Sabra C., now Mrs. Dr. Craven, of Chicago; Cassius M., of Lenox, Ohio; Seth H., of Dorset, the same State; Julia A. Hall, of Cherry Valley; and Emma A. Munger, also of Dorset. Three others, Almina M. Andrews, of Cherry Valley; Carlton S., and Charles H., are dead, the latter having given his life in his country's cause in suppressing the great rebellion. The devoted wife and mother preceded her hus- band to the tomb, her death occurring Au- gust 28, 1890, leaving many friends to mourn her loss.

Sidney C. Giddings, was born on the farm where he now lives, November 8, 1856, and this has ever since been his home. He was reared to farming and received his education in the adjacent schools, learning from his parents those lessons of thrift and industry which have contributed to his present success.

He was married in 1880, to Miss Etta A. Allen, an estimable lady. Her father, David Allen, was a prominent citizen of Gustavus township, Ashtabula county, where he died in April, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Gid- dings have two children: Claude Blaine, born March 20, 1884; and Mattie Mabel, born June 22, 1886. These bright children are enthusiastic lovers of horses and claim a large interest in their father's equine prop- erty.

William A. Giddings, senior member of the co-partnership, was born July 11, 1846. He also has passed his life in the scenes of his nativity, finding in the quiet enjoyment of rural life and the society of his family his greatest happiness. He married Miss Martha North, a lady of domestic tastes, a native of

Colebrook, and they had one child, Hayes Milton, born August 27, 1881, who still sur- vives to cheer his father's heart. Mrs. Gid- dings passed to her last home several years ago from the midst of many sorrowing friends. She was a noble woman, a consist- ent and active member of the Baptist Church, a faithful wife and devoted mother, and en- joys the esteem of all who knew her.

In politics, both subjects of this sketch advocate the principles of Republicanism, but take no active interest in public affairs. They enjoy the reputation of being industri- ous, thrifty farmers, and successful horse raisers and trainers, and have attained their present high degree of prosperity by persist- ent hard work and intelligent management.

M ATHEWS C. ROCKAFELLOW was born in Livingston county, New York, May 19, 1837, a son of Jere- miah M. Rockafellow, a native of New Jersey, born March 23, 1810. John Rockafellow, the grandfather, was also a na- tive of New Jersey, born December 5, 1779. The first members of the family in this coun- try came from Denmark. Jeremiah Rocka- fellow was a blacksmith by trade, and when a young man went to Livingston county, New York, where he followed his calling. He was married November 8, 1832, to Clarissa Guy Chandler, who was born in New York. In the fall of 1837 they removed to Geauga county, Ohio, and located in Chardon town- ship. Here Mr. Rockafellow took up land, which he lived to clear and improve. He died in October, 1866. He still worked at his trade in connection with his farming, but gave more of his time to agricultural pursuits.

905

OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.

His wife died March, 1888. They were both worthy members of the Baptist Church.

M. C. Rockafellow is one of a family of four children, two of whom survive. He has lived on the old homestead since he was an infant six months old. He attended the dis- trict schools and worked with his father in the old blacksmith shop from the time he was old enough to swing a hammer. When the demand came for carriages and wagons he built a shop which he has operated in con- nection with the blacksmith shop. He owns 129 acres of excellent land, and is numbered among the progressive citizens of the town- ship of Chardon.

Mr. Rockafellow was united in marriage, July 3, 1858, to Angeline C. Coman, a native of Lake county, Ohio, and a daughter of Uriah Coman. Mr. and Mrs. Rockafellow are the parents of three children: Ardelia C., who died at the age of five years; Victor Lowell, who died at the age of twenty-two months; and Louise May. Our subject and his wife are consistent members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Rockafellow is an uncompromising Republi- can, and he is a member of the Masonic order.

A DAM AND FRANK CALLANDER, father and son, proprietor and man- ager, respectively, of the extensive Callander estates, situated in Morgan, Orwell and Rome, and who have been for many years among the most extensive rais- ers, buyers and shippers of stock in the United States, are the subjects of this sketch.

Adam Callander is a native of bonny Scotland, the home of Bruce and Burns, and inherits many of the sterling qualities of that

hardy race. In 1850, he crossed the ocean in the employ of his uncle, George F. Cal- lander, of Painesville, Ohio, with whom young Adam remained six months, after which he removed to Chardon, where he was variously engaged for a year. He then went to the northeastern part of Orwell township, where he purchased a farm of 187 acres, which he still owns and upon which he then moved and made it his home for six months. At the end of that time, doubtless becoming homesick from the contrast between the old and new world, he returned once more to his native land, which he visited for six months, renewing acquaintance with former happy scenes and reviving old friendships. At the end of that time, in 1853, he once more " turned his face westward, returning to Rome township, accompanied by his parents, John and Willie (McLoud) Callander, his brother, John, and two sisters, Jessie and Mary. On Mr. Adam Callander's return, he purchased the fine farm of seventy acres, situated a mile from New Lyme, on which he now re- sides. He erected on this a magnificent new residence, beautifying and improving the grounds, and making other valuable and modern improvements, until he now has one of the handsomest places in Ashtabula county.

He then began those stock speculations which have since become so extensive as to give him the reputation of being one of the heaviest dealers in the country. Before the completion of the Ashtabula, Youngstown and Pittsburg Railroad, Mr. Callander drove his stock to Waterford, Pennsylvania, for shipment, driving to this point every week large herds of cattle, sheep and other stock.

Since the completion of that road, however, Mr. Callander has made New Lyme his prin- cipal shipping point and greatly increased

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

his business. During the year following the finishing of that road, he shipped from that point, horses, cattle, veal calves, sheep and hogs, amounting in value to more than $300,000.

He finally turned over this immense busi- ness to his son, Frank Callander, and began buying sheep and lambs at the Pittsburg market for shipment to Eastern cities. Here he was recognized as one of the most exten- sive shippers in the country, his shipments from that point exceeding in value $400,000 a year. During one month, he shipped thir- ty-eight car-loads, the proceeds of which was nearly $50,000. While in Pittsburg, he also established a wholesale meat market in Youngstown, to supply the retail markets of the former city; and about twenty head of cattle, fifty head of sheep, together with large quantities of hogs and other stock, were sold in Youngstown every week.

Since leaving Pittsburg in 1887, Mr. Adam Callander has devoted himself to rearing, buying and shipping fine carriage and coach horses for the best eastern markets. He han- dles nothing but the best horses and realizes the best market prices. He raises on his home farm every year, four or five excellent carriage and coach horses, for which he re- ceives the average price of $450 a head, his annual sales of horses alone averaging about $10,000. Few men have been more uniformly successful than Mr. Adam Callander, the se- cret of which may be found in excellent financial ability, untiring energy and strict integrity, the power to conceive great enter- prises and the will to execute them.

Mrs. Adam Callander was before marriage Miss Nettie Hopkins, a native of Chardon, Ohio. Her father, James Hopkins, a widely and favorably known pioneer of the Western Reserve, died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in

1840, greatly regretted by all who knew him. Mrs. Callander is devoted to her early home and is an exemplary wife and mother, her taste and refinement being manifest in both the interior and exterior of her beautiful home.

Frank Callander, as well known in com- mercial circles as his father, was born in Or- well township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, June 7, 1864, where he was reared and educated and has ever since resided. He early took part in his father's business, evincing an apti- tude and ability which would have been com- mendable in an older person. He now super- intends the entire Callander estate of more than 700 acres, situated in Morgan, Rome and Orwell townships. He also does a heavy business in stock shipments, being one of the largest dealers in veal calves in the market. He has, during some seasons, about thirty buyers in various parts of the country, and in ten weeks has shipped from New Lyme, Austinburg and Espyville, about 4,500 calves, at the same time doing a large busi- ness in other stock. He evinces the same indefatigable energy, which is such a marked characteristic of his father, and inherits much of that financial insight and executive ability which have contributed to his father's phe- nomenal prosperity.

September 3, 1890, Mr. Frank Callander was married to Miss Minta A. Laird, a lady of culture and refinement, daughter of J. H. Laird, a prominent citizen of Mesopotamia, Ohio. Mr. Frank Callander and wife have an attractive home a few rods north of the residence of his parents, where, surrounded by all the comforts and luxuries of life, they are prepared to enjoy life to its fullest ex- tent.

Politically, both father and son are sup- porters of Republicanism, but their personal

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OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.

affairs necessarily absorb most of their atten- tion, although deeply interested in the pub- lic welfare. They have done much to de- velop the resources and add to the prosperity of their community, and are justly regarded with the highest esteem by their fellow-citi- zens.

C HARLES R. GODDARD, one of the leading attorneys in northeastern Ohio and a prominent citizen of Conneaut, was born in Windsor, Ashtabula county, this State, February 7, 1835, a son of one of the early pioneers of the State.

Ranney Goddard, his father, was born in Connecticut, in October, 1800, and in 1820 came to this county. It was not long after his arrival in Ohio that the family of Raw- dons came out here from Connecticut and set- tled in Windsor township, and in 1826 he married Miss Lucy Rawdon. In him were found those sterling qualities so characteristic of the true pioneer. He knew what it was to endure hardship and privation, and heroically did he meet every emergency. In the pri- meval forest he established his home and de- veloped a fine farm, and there he and his good wife passed useful and happy lives. Nobly did he do his part in opening up the frontier and preparing the way for a higher civilization and progress which the present generation now enjoys. Politically, he was a Democrat until the war broke out and from that time on he was a Republican. He was a Captain in the militia and took a lively in- terest in training day. In 1880 he passed away at the ripe old age of eighty years. IIis wife died in 1881, aged seventy-four years. She was for many years a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and her life was characterized by the sweet-

est of Christian graces. For more than half a century she and her worthy husband lived happily together, their many amiable quali- ties endearing them to a large circle of neighbors and friends. They had a family of four sons and three daughters, all of whom grew up to occupy honorable and useful positions in life, and of them we make the following record: Lucy, the widow of a Mr. Tracy, is now in South Africa with her daughter, Mrs. Clara Hankins, wife of the Rev. Mr. Hankins, a missionary to that dark continent, in the interest of the Adventist Church. Mrs. Tracy has a son, Ward Tracy, residing in this county. Harriet Goddard became the wife of William Barnard. They reside on a farm near Windsor in this county. The next in order of birth is Charles R., whose name heads this article. Erastus C. is a resident of Unionville Center, Ohio. His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Cook, is deceased. Roland married Mary Ware and lives in this county. Will F., also married and living in this county, is en- gaged in farming. Mariette, wife of Charles W. Babcock, died many years ago.

Mr. Charles R. Goddard was educated at Orwell and Hiram College. He entered Hiram about the time Garfield was promoted to a professorship in that institution, and Mr. Goddard recited mathematics to him. He afterward attended law school in Cleve- land, where he graduated with the class of 1859. In 1861 he began the practice of his profession in Conneaut, where he has since remained, meeting with eminent success, and in point of time is now the oldest attorney in the place. He has been a member of the City Council several terms and for a number of years has served on the School Board, taking an active interest in the educational affairs of the city.

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

He was married, August 30, 1876, to Miss Sina Baldwin, a lady of domestic attainments and rare social graces. She is a daughter of L. I. Baldwin of Conneaut. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard have four children: Charles, Harry W. and Wilfred and Winfred, twins. He and his wife are members of the Congrega- tional Church, and he is also a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity.

Mr. Goddard is a lawyer of marked ability. He has been engaged in many of the princi- pal litigations in this part of the country, and during his long and successful career here has gained an enviable reputation and made many warm friends. He is still in the prime of active manhood, and much may be expected of him.

AMES E. GOODRICH, who is engaged in the manufacture of interior wood- work at Geneva, Ohio, was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. His parents, Ephraim F. and Emily S. (Francis) Goodrich, were natives of the same city as himself and were of English descent. The father of the subject of this sketch was for many years a successful teacher, his scholarly attainments and genial nature peculiarly fitting him for that calling, but in later life he became a clergyman. In 1834, he joined the tide of emigration to the West, settling in Madison, then Geauga, now Lake, county, Ohio, where he was for many years pastor of the Baptist Church. His later days were passed on his farm, near Geneva. His death oc- curred in April, 1880, at the age of eighty- two, after a long life of usefulness, his loss being greatly lamented by all who knew him. His worthy wife survived him only two years, dying in 1882, at the age of

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Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Part 115

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