Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Part 129

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 129
USA > Ohio > Geauga County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 129
USA > Ohio > Lake County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 129

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Charles T. Sunbury moved to Johnson, Trumbull county, Ohio, at the age of four- teen years, where he worked as a blacksmith for a number of years. . He also worked at

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Gustavus and Wayne, learning his trade. In 1849 he began work at his trade in Richmond Center, where he was the pioneer blacksmith, and continues up to the present time, and has worked at it fifty-two years. Mr. Sunbury has improved a farm of 175 acres near Richmond Center. In 1878 he began the erection of one of the finest residences at the Center, two stories high, 30 x 30 feet, with an L, 22 x 26 feet, and his place also contains many other improvements.

July 3, 1844, our subject was united in marriage with Charlotte J. Platt, a daughter of Hezekiah and Julia (Seager) Platt. To this union has been born two children: Cor- nelia J. and Marion E. Mr. Sunbury affiliates with the Republican party, has served as Jus- tice of the Peace twenty-five years, has been Notary Public thirty years, and Township Clerk thirty-one years. Socially he is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., and of the Masonic order, Tuscan Lodge, No. 342: also of the chapter. He is a member of the Methodist Church.

H ON. DAVID L. POPE, one of the prominent men of northeastern Ohio, and a resident of Troy township, Geauga county, has long been identi- fied with agricultural interests and is an authority on the subject. Of his life we present the following resume:

David L. Pope was born at Richfield Springs, Otsego county, New York, March 25, 1827, son of Lewis S. Pope, a native of Fairfield county, Connecticut, and a grand- son of Lewis Pope, who was born, lived and died in the latter State. Lewis S. Pope was a farmer and stock dealer. He emigrated to Otsego county, New York, after his marriage and in 1835 came to Ohio, settling in Au-

burn, Geauga county, where he lived three years and from there he removed to Troy township. In 1865 he located at Chagrin Falls, where he spent the residue of his life retired from active duty, and where he died in 1876, aged seventy-nine. His life was characterized by honest industry and was crowned with prosperity. At an early day he dealt extensively in horses and cattle, driving large numbers of them to Eastern markets. He served as a Justice of the Peace for several years. Of his life compan- ion, we record that her maiden name was Sarah Smith, and that she was a daughter of David Smith. Her father came from Con- necticut to Auburn, Ohio, at an early day and was engaged in farming here. For many years he was Postmaster of Auburn. He died at the advanced age of ninety-two. Mrs. Pope was one of two children, her brother, at one time a prominent citizen of Chagrin Falls, is deceased. She died in 1883, aged eighty-eight. Lewis S. Pope and his wife had seven children, five of whom are still liv- ing.

The subject of our sketch received a dis- trict-school education and also attended a select school one term. About the time he reached his majority he was married to. Emily Fox, daughter of Captain John Fox, one of the first settlers of Troy township, this county. Captain Fox was a wealthy farmer and public-spirited citizen. He gave liberally of his means to the poor and also donated a large sum to Oberlin College. He died in 1849, and his wife the previous year. The latter was a prominent physician in her day, being called far and near to attend the sick among the early settlers.

After his marriage, Mr. Pope located in Troy township. Subsequently he bought out the Fox heirs and secured the old Fox

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homestead, which he traded for the Pope homestead. Mr. Pope is a business man of more than ordinary ability, which has been evinced all along his life by the success that has attended every enterprise with which he has been connected. For a number of years he owned and operated a sawmill at Benton. He erected the Geauga county fair buildings at Benton. In the winter of 1859-'60 he rented the grounds, and the following season conducted the fair himself. In the winter of 1864-'65 he returned to the Fox homestead and built a large cheese factory. This factory was the first one in the vicinity, and the third one in northeastern Ohio, and is still being operated by him. He also conducted a store for some time. In 1875 he operated seven cheese factories, four of which he owned. All these years and up to the present time he has been extensively engaged in farming, much of the time keeping a dairy of from forty to sixty cows. He now owns 325 acres of land at what is known as Pope's Corners in Troy township.

Mrs. Pope died in the fall of 1865, leaving one son, Lewis L., who is a member of the firm of Lawrence William & Co., of which he is secretary and manager. Mr. Pope was subsequently married to Miss Lucy Ann Hodges, a native of New York, her parents having moved to Ohio when she was a child.

Politically, Mr. Pope is a Republican. Formerly he took a part in politics, and has held various local offices. He was a member of the State Board of Agriculture from 1875 to 1881, and had charge of the dairy depot at the Centennial in Philadelphia in 1876. Fra- ternally, he has for several years been identi- fied with both the Masons and the Odd Fel- lows. He assisted materially in the building and rebuilding of the I. O. O. F. hall at Au- burn. Mr. Pope and his estimable wife are

among the most highly respected people of Geauga county. The hospitality of their charming home has been extended to many distinguished people. Hayes and Garfield were on various occasions entertained by them, both being warm friends of Mr. Pope.

B YRON E. MANN, a farmer of Cherry Valley township, was born in New Lyme, Ashtabula county, August 28, 1837, a son of John Mann, who was born in Vermont, in December, 1785. Ile was mar- ried, in New York, to Anna Bromley, who was born in that State in 1796. In 1818 they removed to New Lyme, this county, and in 1820 located in Cherry Valley township, where the mother died at the age of eighty- six years, and the father at the age of ninety years. The latter was a farmer by occupa- tion, voted with the Republican party, and was a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Mann had nine children: Sophia, Nancy, John, Melissa, Alta, Lucinda, Mary- etta, Byron E., and Irving. Four of the children are now deceased.

Byron E. Mann now owns 292 acres of fine farming land in Cherry Valley township, where he has three large barns and a good dairy, keeping twenty cows. He was mar- ried, in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, at the age of twenty-eight years, to Charlotte M. Grokenbarger, a daughter of John and Jane (Williams) Grokenbarger. The father was a native of Germany, but came to Amer- ica at the age of seven years. His death oc- curred at the age of forty-one years, leaving a widow and four children: John, who died in McPherson county, Kansas ; Edd O., of Union- ville, Ohio; Charlotte M., wife of our subject; and Harriet. The mother, a native of New

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York, now resides in Wayne township, Ash- tabula county. Mr. and Mrs. Mann have had five children, viz .: Myrtle Jane, wife of L. M. Loveland, of Wayne township; Truman E., engaged in farming with his father; Anna L .; Jessie A .; and John Lee, deceased at the age of six years. Mrs. Mann is a member of the Baptist Church. In political matters, our subject affiliates with the Republican party.

E DWARD L. ANDREWS was born at Burton, Ohio, May 14, 1839. Thrown upon his own resources early in life, he is purely a self-made man, and has won an enviable reputation both in educational and agricultural circles for his progressive meth- ods and advanced ideas. He attended the subscription schools in his boyhood, and when a mere lad began working by the month, usually receiving about $8 for ser- vice until he could do a man's work. In August, 1861, he enlisted for three years to aid in the defence of the nation's flag, join- ing Company B, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After nearly a year he was attacked with inflammatory rheumatism, and was confined in different Southern Hospitals for some time, his life being despaired of at times. He was discharged on account of disability at Laynesville, Kentucky, in June, 1862. He then returned to Burton, Ohio, and has since been engaged in farming.

He was married soon after his return, to Emily S. Silvernail, of Burton, and they have one child, Minnie, the wife of Frank Hosmer, an enterprising young farmer of this town- ship.

Mr. Andrews is a Republican but not an active politician. He has been a Mason for over thirty years, and belongs to the G. A. R.

He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is Steward.

He has been very successful in the man- agement of his property, and has 232 acres of splendid land in an advanced state of cultivation. For many years he has been a close student of botany, and is familiar with the life of every tree, shrub and plant in Ohio. He has also given much attention to geology, and has mastered the subject so that he clearly understands the earth formation of northeastern Ohio, and has corrected many errors made by men claiming to be experts. Although making no pretentions he is a thoroughly scientific student, and his opinions are considered with great deference by geologists throughout the country.

Mr. Andrews took charge of two old pio- neers, John and Nancy Fox, who were helpless for several years, and as a return for his kindness they gave him a deed to their farm, which he now cultivates. Josiah Fox, the father of John, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. He came from Pennsyl- vania to Burton and bought his farm of the Connecticut Land Company. A brother of Josiah went into the war also, but was never heard from afterward.

E LDRIDGE BURR, a self-made man and prosperous farmer of Burton town- ship, Geauga county, was born at Smithfield, New York, February 10, 1818, a son of Moses and Eunice (Austin) Burr, also natives of the Empire State. The father was a farmer by occupation, and at an early day emigrated to Newbury township, Geauga county, Ohio, where he passed the remainder

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of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. Eldridge Burr thus passed his boyhood upon the frontier, and secured his education in the primitive log school-house, cutting wood to pay his tuition. At the age of eighteen years he went to work on the farm by the month, and since that time he has made his own way.

He located permanently in Burton town- ship, where he cultivated land on the shares, but by economy and industry he saved suffi- cient means to bny land, and has occupied his farm for more than thirty-tive years. At one time he lived in Troy township, where he owned a small farm, which he sold.

Mr. Burr was united in marriage in 1838, to Louisa Minor, who died in 1865. They had born to them two children: Correll, who died at the age of eighteen years; and Eunice now the wife of Sidney Hall, of Huntsburg township. Mr. Burr was married a second time in 1866, being united to Mrs. Densly Warren. They have no children.

The principles of the Republican party form the political faith of our subject. He has accumulated a competence for his declin- ing years, and through all the struggles of life he has preserved a reputation for unswerving rectitude, and has made a host of friends who respect his many sterling traits of character.

R EV. AUSTIN WILSON is Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Orwell, Lake county, Ohio. He comes of a family noted for their nat- ural literary attainments, several having been brilliant orators of fine address and not the lest among them stands the gentleman of whom we write. He was born on a farm near Warren, Ohio, June 6, 1849: his pater-

nal grandfather was of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, Mr. Wilson, was a pious and God- fearing man. He was the first white child born in Youngstown, Ohio, the date of the event being November, 1811. His wife, who was in her girlhood Miss Nancy Welty, was born March 11, 1811, in Maryland. Her father was also a native of Maryland, while her grandfather, who was a minister, was born in Holland. On her mother's side the lineage goes back for generations to the founders of the family in America who located in Maryland.

The subject of this brief notice is one of fourteen children, three of whom died in in- fancy: Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Mr. Loomis; Catherine is now Mrs. Beach; Harriet became the wife of Mr. Loomis; William H., who was a minister for thirty years, died while a Presiding Elder of the Canton (Ohio) district; Julia L., deceased, was the wife of Mr. Grant; W. J. is Pastor of a church in Canton, Ohio: C. V. is in charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Olean, New York; J. F. is one of the leading lawyers of Warren, Ohio; next in order of birth is our subject; while the youngest brother, E. B., is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Welshfield, Ohio. This family is truly worthy of note, as five of the six sons have chosen to renounce worldly af- fairs and are devoted workers in the cause of Christ. J. F. is a brilliant lawyer and has made his mark at the bar. The sisters as well have the family trait of eloquence and su- perior intellect, and like their brothers are possessors of five conversational powers and social attainments.

The education of Mr. Wilson was acquired at Warren, Ohio, and in Alleghany College, of Meadville, Pennsylvania. He began the study of law with Messrs. Hutchins, Tuttle

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& Steele, of Warren, and was admitted to the bar. After practicing for six years he de- cided to devote himself more entirely to his Master's work and commenced his ministry at Imlay City, Michigan, where in course of time a fine church edifice and parsonage were erected by the congregation who flourished under his guidance. A small church was also built in the county, and there he preached oc- casionally. The next pastoral work of Mr. Wilson was at Lexington, Michigan, where he labored for two years and was active in the erection of a house of worship there. For the next four years he was located at Thomp- son, Geauga county, Ohio, and while he was there the congregation put up a pleasant par- sonage. For two years in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and after closing his labors there, he came to dwell and work with the good people of Orwell, settling here in the fall of 1892.

On the 20th day of September, 1877, Mr. Wilson and Miss Jennie E. Johnson were united in marriage. She is the daughter of Edward M. and Mary C. Johnson, of Leavitts- burg, Ohio, and is one of four children. Ida became the wife of Reed Stowe and was called from this life in 1875. Dora E. wedded Charles Reedes, and Mary is living with her parents. Mrs. Wilson is an educated lady® of quiet and sociable disposition and has that rare personality which attracts and makes people become her friends. She is well adap- ted to fill the sometimes trying position of a minister's wife, and with her kindly counsel and motherly way assists her husband to a great extent in his work. She is the mother of four children: Nansie, born July 24, 1878; Ben J., August 15, 1880; Harry J., August, 1884; and Ruth B., March 8, 1891. The two older children manifest a decided talent for music, while Benjamin, for a boy of his years, has a wonderful memory and is

local authority on all historical topics of national and general importance. He is a great book-worm and takes great delight in his fathers' large and well assorted library.

In politics, Mr. Wilson is a Republican of the conservative order, and fraternally is a member of the Masonic order. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum, to the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the "Junior Order of United American Mechanics."

OHN W. REDINGTON .- Among the countless occupations to which men lend their time and energies there are few that are fraught with greater responsibilities or that demand a more perfect mental and physical balance than that of the locomotive engineer. A grave responsibility rests upon the shoulders of him who essays the duties of such a position, and careful preparation and discipline are demanded. John W. Reding- ton, of Conneaut, Ohio, is one of those clear- headed men to whom has come such prefer- ment as a result of unmistakable ability and fitness for the work, and he now holds a de- sirable position as engineer on the Nickel Plate Railroad. Mr. Redington was born at Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio, May 5, 1864, his parents being Michael and Ellen (Burke) Redington. The father was born in Ireland and the mother in England, though she also was of Irish descent. They were married on "the ould sod, " and while still in the fresh vigor of their young life turned their faces toward the land of promise and came to America in 1862. They located at New Haven, Connecticut, where, for a time, Mr. Redington followed his trade, that of stone mason, subsequently being concerned as a railroad contractor, and having charge of

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the construction of the roads. He removed, after a few years, to Salem, Ohio, and for twelve years gave his attention to railroad contracting. He held various offices in the gift of the people of Columbiana county, hav- ing served two terms as County Commis- sioner. He has ever taken vital interest in the political affairs of his adopted country, having, in early years, been a member of the Democratic party, but for the past eighteen years of the Republican. He is now retired from active business, and at the mellow age of sixty-eight years abides in well-earned re- pose at his pleasant home in Salem. Mr. Redington has been twice married, and two children were the result of the first union and six of the last. The second wife, a gracious helpmeet, is still living, at the age of forty-six years, secure in the love of husband and chil- dren. Of the eight children death has claimed not one, and it is but consistent that we make the following record concerning them: Mary is the wife of William O'Brien, who is a resi- dent of Kinsey, Kansas, and is Roadmaster on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fé Rail- road; Stella is the wife of John Mc Glyntey of Salem, Ohio; Maggie, the oldest of the second family, is the wife of Jefferson Crouch, and resides at Salem; our subject; John W. was the second-born of the second family; Patrick; Michael; Sadie and Alice, the three youngest of the family, are still at home. All, with but one exception, are devoted members of the Roman Catholic Church.

John W. Redington, to whose life this sketch has particular reference, learned the machinist's trade in the engine works at Salem, Ohio, continuing his connection with that concern for about three and one-half years. He then found it to his advantage to make a change, and accordingly he resigned his position and accepted one in charge of the

machinery utilized in the operation of exten- sive coal mines in the Ohio coal fields. In this connection he remained about two years, then went to Alliance, Ohio, and took charge of the great engine of the Alliance Hammer Works. After six months, and looking to ultimate results, he accepted a position as fire- man on one of the engines of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad. After about three years, and again descrying an opportunity for a better field of labor, he came, in 1886, to Conneaut and took position as fireman on the Nickel Plate Railroad. Eight months of faithful and capable service in this connec- tion resulted in his promotion to the position of engineer, and he has remained thus em- ployed ever since. Each of the changes made was purely voluntary on his part and each was the result of a wise discernment. Good luck, so called, has attended his labors as en- gineer: he has never met with any accident. It is fatuous to ascribe this condition to luck, for, rather, it is the result of constant care and practical ability on his part.

Mr. Redington was married October 16, 1889, to Miss Ida, daughter of Benton and Julia (Joseph) Smith, residents of Columbi- ana county, Ohio. Mrs. Redington is the younger of the two children, her brother, John, being a prominent farmer of Columbiana county, Ohio. He is happily married and has two children: Nellie and Lida.

Mr. and Mrs. Redington have one child: Sophronia Juliette, a precocious and winsome little maiden, about two years of age. Mr. Redington and his estimable wife are con- sistent members of the Congregational Church, and he is prominently identified with the Masonic and other civic societies. He is a member of the blue lodge, chapter, council and also of Cache Commandery in the Ma- sonic order; of the Brotherhood of Locomo-

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tive Engineers and the American Protective Association. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Reddington is a man of fine physique, tips the beam at about 210 pounds and has a pleasing address. He is a man who has made it a point to acquire a broad intelligence upon general affairs, and he is especially well in- formed in regard to all matters pertaining to his line of work. He is one of the eighty- four individuals who compose the local Broth- erhood of Locomotive Engineers at Conneant.

It is somewhat doubtful whether there exists in the State another organization, of equal membership, representing but one line of occupation that can show a better class of inen, nor those who, as a rule, are better versed in their profession; have better infor- mation in regard to the general topics of the day, or who have more just cause for being proud of their organization.

LAYTON L. PECK, formerly identified with the business interests of Ashta- bula county and one of its best known and most successful merchants, resides upon a fine farın in Colebrook, Ohio. Mr. Peck was born June 19, 1860, in the township in which he now resides. His parents, Josiah and Minerva (Phillips) Peck, were also na- tives of Colebrook. The former was born July 6, 1834, and the latter May 14, 1838. For many years they occupied a fine farm near the center, removing to Jefferson town- ship in 1885, and purchasing the hotel form- erly belonging to Joseph Ruggles of that place. This Mr. Peck conducted with great success till 1892, when he returned to his former vocation, that of farming at Penn Line, Pennsylvania, where he now resides.

Our subject is the oldest of five children, all of whom survive. The second, B., boru September 30, 1862, resides in Colebrook; Urbine W., born June 16, 1865, holds a re- sponsible position at Andover, Ohio, as a dis- patcher for the Lake Shore & Michigan South- ern Railway Company. He was formerly a most successful teacher in the public schools of Ashtabula county, an energetic student, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. The third, Betsey Eldora, born November 9, 1867, a lovable and accomplished young lady, resides at home; Clark, the youngest, born November 6, 1869, is also a resident of Penn Line, Pennsylvania,

The early educational advantages of our subject were those usually granted to the average country lad, consisting of one term a year in the district schools. Later, however, this was supplemented by a few terms at the celebrated Grand River Institute and Orwell Academy. The next few years he spent upon a farm and as a clerk in a general store at Triumph, Ohio. December 29, 1880, he was united in marriage to Jennie E. Smith, daugh- ter of Alozo R. and Marcia Smith, old resi- dents of Colebrook. Mr. Smith at present resides with our subject; Mrs. Smith passed away in April, 1883. The fruit of this mar- riage is one child, Bernard J., a bright little . fellow of eight years, born September 5, 1885.

Returning to Colebrook in 1885, our sub- ject embarked in the mercantile business in connection with his baother, L. B., with whom he was associated for two years. Dur- ing this time the Peck brothers did the heav- iest business, probably, that has ever been done in Colebrook, averaging over $2,000 per month. His health, however, compelled our subject to leave the mercantile business for a time, and, selling his interest to his brother in 1887, he engaged in the insurance

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business for a few months, representing eleven old companies. Partially recovering his health, he soon after purchased the stock of goods from his brother in Colebrook and re- moved to Jefferson, where he occupied, for two successful years, a part of the Flitch Block. The business done here exceeded anything previously done in that village, reaching nearly $40,000 per year. The con finement and care of the business again impaired his health, however, to such an ex- tent that he was once more compelled to re- tire from business for a time, and he resumed the management of his fine farm in Cole- brook. He was soon after offered a very lu- crative position as general agent for the State of Ohio of the Read Fertilizer Company of New York city, a position which he accepted and has since constantly filled with profit to himself and his employers. In 1891 he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Cole- brook and has since been a very active worker in Christian work. He holds a local preach- er's license from that denomination, and finds time to occupy many pulpits in this locality. Fraternally, our subject is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Jefferson and the J. O. U. A. M. of Colebrook, Ohio. As a business man, as a citizen, as an earnest church worker, our subject is highly esteemed by his many friends in Ashtabula county.

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Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Part 129

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