Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Part 36

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 36
USA > Ohio > Geauga County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 36
USA > Ohio > Lake County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 36

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September 4, 1847, Mr. Doolittle was mar- ried to Miss Alta P. Briggs, a lady of educa- tion and refinement, who is a native of Erie county, New York. Their four children are:

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George B., who died aged twenty-two; Kate, afterward Mrs. Albion Gardner, now deceased ; Mark R., Jr .; and Nellie, now Mrs. Hawkins.

In politics, Mr. Doolittle has been an ad- vocate of Republicanism ever since the or- ganization of that party and has championed the cause with more than ordinary vigor. He has been an active member of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows for more than forty years. In religion he is an Episcopa- lian, and as a business man and citizen is ranked among the best in the community, justly enjoying the deepest regard of all those who know him.

N ELSON OAKS LEE, of Painesville, Lake county, Ohio, is now living a re- tired life in his pleasant home, but for many years was one of the prominent business men of the place. His birth-place was in the town of Rose, Wayne county, New York, the natal event occurring September 12, 1832.

The branch of the Lee family from which our subject is descended have, for their common ancestor one John Lee, who emigrated to this country from Colchester, England, set. tling in Connecticut, in 1634. Great-grand- father Benjamin Lee was born in Dudley, Massachusetts. Joel Lee, grandfather of our subject, was a native of Uxbridge, Massachu- sette, born February 21, 1760. He was a Lieutenant in the war of the Revolution and was brevetted Captain about the close of that memorable conflict. He was a farmer nearly all his life but held many county and State offices of trust. Ile died October 9, 1822, at Townshend, Vermont.

John W. Lee, father of our subject, was born in Townshend, Windham county, Ver-

mont, March 7, 1803. Removing to New York, he there engaged in farming. Before leaving his native village, he married Philura Wells, who was born on the 5th of March, 1802. They reared three children, all sons. The father, who was a strong Abolitionist, was one of the " Underground Railroad " men, and kept many a colored man over night, lending him assistance on his way to Canada. He was a Whig and afterward a Republican. On March 26, 1881, he was called from the shores of time. His wife had died many years previously, on April 27, 1855. They were both active members of the Methodist Church. The maternal grand- father of Nelson Lee, Ira Wells, of English descent, was born in Massachusetts, was a farmer, and it is supposed that he died in Rock Island, Illinois.

Nelson Oaks Lee is the youngest child of his parents. He was brought up on a farm and such schooling as he obtained was in the sub- scription country schools. On arriving at his majority, he came to Ohio, landing in Mor- gan, Ashtabula county, in September, 1850. During the winter, he taught penmanship in the Austinburgh Institute, and afterward taught a private school. In 1855, he went into a drug store in Jefferson, as clerk, and after three years spent six months in the County Auditor's office. In the spring of 1858, he came to Painesville, and bought a drug store in which, with his son, he is still interested.

On the 27th day of September, 1860, Nel- son Lee and Miss Eliza A. Hickok were united in marriage. Mrs. Lee was born in Jefferson, August 14, 1835. Her father, Eben F. Hickok, came to Ashtabula county from Massachusetts, in 1812, when he was a lad of twelve years. The journey was made by ox and horse team. Upon reaching Ash-

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tabula county his father took up 1,200 acres of land. He developed a part of it and distributed the land among his twelve children. Mrs. Lee's father was a farmer by occupation. He died in 1870, being then just seventy years of age.

Three children have been born to our sub- ject and wife: Will G., who, upon attaining his majority, was given an interest in the drug store, and who now manages the busi- ness; Lizzie E. and Jessie W. The three children still remain as members of the home circle. Mr. Lee and his family are members of the Congregational Church, and for many years he was Clerk of the same. He has been a strong Republican ever since the or- ganization of the party, and has served as a member of the school board and council a number of times. He is a demitted member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For the past four years, Mr. Lee has been an invalid, having suffered much from muscular rheumatism. In spite of this affliction, his natural good nature and genial manner are the same as in former years. Every one who has had the pleasure of his acquaintance is his warm and true friend.

H ORACE BACON, another one of the prominent and highly respected farm- ers of Painesville township, Lake county, Ohio, was born in Perry town- ship, this county, March 21, 1849, grandson of one of the earliest pioneers of the county.

David Bacon, his grandfather, a native of Montpelier, Vermont, was taken at the age of three years to Cayuga county, New York, by his father, who was a native of Massachu- setts. David was reared on a farm in Cayuga county, and in 1817 with his wife and two

children he emigrated to Lake county, Ohio, making the journey with ox team and wagon, and coming from Buffalo along the lake shore. Buying land near the lake, in what is now Perry township, he built a log cabin in the woods and there established his home. There were few settlers here then, the Indians being the most frequent visitors at the Bacon cabin, and the forest around abounded in deer, bears and wolves. Amid these surroundings he went to work to cut away the timber and im- prove a farm. In 1842, having partially developed his land, he moved to Painesville township and here improved another farm. His life was one of useful activity. He died at the age of seventy-three years, honored and respected by all who knew him. His wife, whose maiden name was Deborah Bruntage, was a native of New York State. She passed away at the age of forty-five. Both were worthy members of the Disciple Church, and, politically, he was a Whig. They reared a large family of children, namely: Adaline, David Nelson, Charles T., Alonson, Orlis J., Austin, Aceneth, William L. and George B. Of this number only two are living -- David Nelson and George B.

William L. Bacon, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Perry township, in 1828, and in the primitive schools of the pioneer settlement he received his education. After his marriage he settled in a log cabin on the farm now occupied by his son Horace. This place was then a wilderness of woods and water. Mr. Bacon was a man of fine physique and industrious habits, and as the years rolled by he developed his land into a fine farm. He was not fond of hunting, but it is said of him that he once killed a bear. Politically, he was a Republican, and, like his parents, he was a member of the Disciple Church. He died at the age of sixty-eight years. His

Yours Truly SA Northway

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widow still survives, a highly respected resi- dent of Painesville. Her maiden name was Miss Ester Race. She was born in New York State and came to this county in her girlhood days. She has had three children, Horace, the subject of our sketch, being the oldest; Minnie, deceased; and T. Ida.

Horace Bacon received his education in the district schools and in the academy at Painesville. He launched out in business for himself in 1871, and for four years ran a feed store in Painesville. Then he went to Wayne county, Michigan, where he had a farm of 217 acres, to the cultivation and im- provement of which he devoted his time and attention for ten years. Disposing of his Michigan property in 1884, he came to his present farm, comprising 150 acres of fine land. He also has a half interest in another 150 acres, all improved. While he is engaged in general farming, he keeps a dairy of twenty-three cows and also gives special at- tention to the raising of onions.

Mr. Bacon was married December 23, 1874, to Mary B. Hine, eldest daughter of Homer Hine. They have had two children, William L., who died May 23, 1880, at the age of six years, and Homer.

Mr. Bacon is a Republican and at the same time independent in his political views. He and his wife are members of the Disciple Church.

H ON. S. A. NORTHWAY, a widely known public man, eminent lawyer and ripe scholar, was born at Chris- tian Hollow, Onondaga county, New York, June 19, 1833, being the second of five children. The tide of emigration stead- ily setting westward, and ever since continu-

ing thus to move, was joined in July, 1840, by the parents of the subject of this sketch, who moved to Orwell township, Ashtabula county, Ohio. In December of the same year, they took up their habitation in a log house, which was built in the woods, some distance from any road. Here each member of the family who was qualified by age and strength took part in the work of clearing away the forest and making a new home. Amid these invigorating surroundings, which were eminently calculated to strengthen and build up character, young Northway passed his early years.

Mr. Northway began his education in a schoolhouse nearly three miles from his home. This he attended until he was old enough to go to Kingsville Academy, which was then a flourishing school in the northern part of his county and which he attended one term. In 1851 Orwell Academy was opened under the charge of the now celebrated Jacob Tuckerman, and at this institution young Northway pursued such studies as the school offered. He taught during the winter to ac- quire the means wherewith to pursue his studies at the academy the remainder of the year. Thus was continued that experience which was calculated to mold and strengthen a worthy character. In: 1858 he commenced the study of law with the then leading firm of lawyers, Messrs. Chaffee & Woodbury, of Jefferson, the county seat of Ashtabula county, and in September, 1859, was admitted to the bar.

His rise in his chosen profession was rapid, -thanks to that energy and unflagging per- severance which had become characteristic of the man by reason of the hardships endured and difficulties overcome in former years! In 1861 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney and at once moved to Jefferson, where, Jan-

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uary 1, 1862, he opened an office, and where he has ever since made his home. He dis- charges the duties of his official position with ability and integrity, distinguishing himself as a logical, forcible and eloquent speaker and as a profound lawyer. In 1863 he was re- elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney, which was but a precursor of other positions of trust conferred on him by an appreciative people. In 1865 he was nominated and in due time elected Representative in the Ohio Legislature, whereupon he resigned his posi- tion as Prosecuting Attorney and served two years in the higher office. On the expiration of his term, he returned to the practice of his profession. From 1867 to 1880, he took no active part in politics, except to do campaign work for the Republican party. In 1880 he was a candidate for Congress to succeed Gen- eral Garfield, but Judge E. B. Taylor was the successful candidate. He was then engaged in the practice of his profession until 1892, when he was nominated by the Republicans of the nineteenth district to succeed Judge Taylor in Congress, the latter having declined to be again a candidate. Mr. Northway was elected by a plurality of about 8,000. This was a great compliment to him, and the posi- tion is one that affords him ample opportu- nity for the exercise of those powers of oratory and debate that have won for him the plaudits and admiration of the people and that have conspired to establish him so strongly in their confidence and esteem. He will be a distin- guished figure in the halls of Congress and betimes will take his place in the front ranks of that body, as one of its most gifted orators and statesmen.

Mr. Northway was married January 1, 1862, to Miss Lydia A. Dodge, an intelligent and accomplished lady of Lenox, Ohio, who has been to him a helpful companion during

all of life's vicissitudes. They have but one living child, a daughter, who is now the wife of Herbert Williams, Mr. Northway's law partner.

Thus is briefly considered the life of an em- inently busy and useful man, whose influence has always been cast in the scales of justice for the uplifting and advancement of the people.

S ANFORD D. BARBER, the efficient and popular Sheriff of Lake county, Ohio, residing in Painesville, was born in Kirtland, this county, November 14, 1847. The Barber family is one of the oldest in the State, the father of the subject of this sketch having been born in Ohio in an early day. When but two years of age, Sanford Barber accompanied his parents to Madison town- ship, Lake county, where he was reared and educated, attending the district schools. The earliest thrilling adventure of his boyhood occurred in this wise: He with others had been accustomed to setting lines in the lake at night for catfish, and in June, 1858, when eleven years of age, he with his elder brother Dwight, and an old man named Parker, rowed in a skiff a mile from shore to set some lines. After effecting their object they started for shore, and when within a half-mile of their destination their boat was struck by a south- east wind, and an oar, which was hand-made and frail, broke, leaving them to the mercy of wind and waves. This was about one o'clock in the afternoon, and they drifted about all day and night and until sundown the next day. Every wave left its quota of water in the boat, and they took turns during the long day and night in bailing it out and endeavoring to keep the frail bark afloat.

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The waves rolled high and thoroughly drenched the occupants of the boat, while they were nearly famished from lack of food and exhausted from sleeplessness. Just be- fore sundown on the second day they were sighted by the captain of the schooner George Davis, who was bound from Buffalo to De- troit, and who saw them through his scanning glass. He at first thought the floating object was a log, but on looking closer fancied he could discern a man, so he directed his course toward them and took them on board. They had then drifted eighty-five miles from shore. Two days later they landed in Detroit, Michi- gan, with but 35 cents between them. They traded the old skiff to a captain of a boat bound for Cleveland, who in turn brought them to that city. From there they were furnished railroad passes to Madison, and on their return home found preparations made for preaching their funeral sermon the fol- lowing day, the people of Madison having in the meantime rigged up a sailboat and scoured this side of the lake in search of the missing ones, and, not finding any trace of them, had given them up for lost.

At the time of the war the subject of this sketch enlisted, August 23, 1862, being then but sixteen years old, in Company M, of the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery. Four of his brothers were in the war, two of whom were killed, and he also determined to enlist, and after several attempts he succeeded, although not then old enough. He was in the Army of the Cumberland, and experienced much active service; was in the battle of Knoxville and in the almost continuous fighting from there to Chattanooga. One of his brothers was killed at Atlanta, and the other at Cross Lanes, Virginia. Mr. Barber served in the army until September 1, 1865, and was then mustered out at Columbus, Ohio.

He then returned to Madison, and in 1867 became a brakeman on the Lake Shore Rail- road, where he remained one year, and then accepted a position on the Atlantic & Great Western Railway, on which he served as both freight and passenger conductor for fourteen years. He was then employed on the Lake Shore Railway for a short time, when he was appointed City Marshal of Painesville, and was re-elected several times to the same posi- tion. He was serving his third term in the latter capacity when, in 1892, he was elected Sheriff of the county. He assumed the duties of this office January 2, 1893, and is now fill- ing the responsible position with his cus- tomary ability and energy.

October 7, 1870, he was married to Miss Lizzie V. Rust, a lady of domestic tastes, a native of Concord township, Lake county, and they have two children: Louis C. and Erma D.

In politics Mr. Barber is a Republican. As a citizen he is progressive and public- spirited, of unimpeachable honor and genial personality, and enjoys the respect of all who know him.

D AVID NELSON BACON, one of the oldest residents of Lake county, Ohio, now living retired at Painesville, dates his arrival in this county back to 1817, when he was in his second year. Of his life and ancestry we present the following résumé:

David Nelson Bacon was born in Cayuga county, New York, May 9, 1816, son of David and Deborah (Bruntage) Bacon, the former a native of Montpelier, Vermont, and the latter of New York. David Bacon, left an orphan at the age of three years, was reared in Cayuga county, New York, and was

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

there married. In 1817, with his wife and two children, he came out West to Ohio, jour- neying hither with an ox team and wagon. Arriving in Lake county, he first settled in the northern part of Perry township, where he built his cabin in the woods and developed a small farm of about forty-five acres. The Indians were numerous here then and there was plenty of wild game in the forest. On this farm Mr. Bacon lived for twenty-five years. Then he moved to Painesville town- ship and developed another farm. His wife died at the age of forty-five years and he lived to be seventy-three. Both were mem- bers of the Disciple Church and were among the most highly respected pioneers of the community. The latchstring of their cabin door always hung out, and both friend and stranger received a cordial welcome. Politi- cally, Mr. Bacon was a Whig. He and his wife reared a family of children, as follows: Adaline, David N., Charles T., Alonson, Orlis J., Austin, Aceneth and George B. David N. and Orlis J. are the only ones now living.

Amid these frontier surroundings David N. was reared, receiving his education in one of the log schoolhouses of that period. These schools were conducted on the rate-bill sys- tem, and the teacher " boarded around." David N., being the oldest son, worked out and helped to provide support for the rest of the family, for some time being employed in hauling iron ore and wood to Fairport on the lake. During those early years he saw some hard times. Letter postage was twenty-five cents. It took more than the price of a bushel of wheat to pay the postage on one letter. After his marriage in 1838, Mr. Bacon settled in Painesville. He had a farm of eighty acres near town and a year later moved to it, residing there ten years and at

the end of that time going back to Paines- ville. For twelve years he ran a mill, lo- cated on the river, and after that devoted his time exclusively to farming until 1889, when he sold his farm. He has since lived retired.

Mr. Bacon has been twice married. In December, 1838, he wedded Harriet Stever, who was born and reared in Pennsylvania. They had six children, five of whom reached adult years, namely: Harriet D., Elizabeth J., Charles N., Mary A., deceased, Madison H., deceased, and Ester. The wife and mother departed this life February 12, 1851. In July, 1852, Mr. Bacon married Mary S. Chappell, who was born in New York State and who came to Lake county, Ohio, in October, 1829, when she was seven years old. Their only child is named Ella.

Mr. and Mrs. Bacon are members of the Disciple Church. In early life he was iden- tified with the Whigs, and since the organi- zation of the Republican party he has es- poused its cause. As one of the oldest citizens of the county he has been an eye witness to most of the changes which have taken place here during all these years; and, although well advanced in life, he is still act- ive and interested in the further development of the town and county.

P B. DOTY, a real-estate dealer of Con- neaut, Ohio, was born in Delaware county, New York, November 21, 1814. His parents, William and Lucinda (Chapman) Doty, were natives of New York and Connecticut respectively. William Doty was a hotel proprietor and was also interested in the lumber business, owning fulling and saw mills, and rafting lumber on the Sus- quehanna and other streams. He died about

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1852, aged sixty-eight years. His wife passed away in 1845, at the age of sixty-six. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was a Universalist. They had a family of eleven children, four of whom are still living.

Early in life the subject of this sketch learned the mason's trade, which he followed seven years in New York. Afterward he was engaged in the lumber business, manufactur- ing and buying and selling. He came to Conneaut in 1848, and enlarged his business operations, manufacturing and dealing in lumber very extensively and shipping by water to Albany. This he continued until 1854, when he turned his attention to the refining of petroleum oil, being thus engaged until 1862. That year he returned to New York, and until 1865 was engaged in street and other speculations. He then came back to Conneaut. He owned a large tract of land here, and upon his return engaged in the real- . estate business, in which he has since con- tinued, being very successful in his oper- ations. He takes a commendable interest in political matters, but has always declined to accept office.

Mr. Doty was first married in 1840, in New York, to Miss Ann Cook, daughter of Barna- bas Cook, who died July 29, 1856, at the age of thirty-six years. They had six children, as follows: Wallace W., manager of the hotel, The Grand, at Pueblo, Colorado, is married and has four children: Callie, Wallace, Mau- rice and Leona; Celinda Ann, wife of a Mr. Waldo, and a resident of Chicago, was first married to D. Knight Carter, by whom she has one child, Clara Cordelia; Lucinda A., born December 20, 1845, died April 16, 1887; Mary A., born January 6, 1848, died April 3, 1851; Frances E., widow of George Eram- bert, and a resident of Conneaut, has two

children: George D. and Maude E .; and De Ette E., born October 11, 1853, died May 28, 1866. In 1857 Mr. Doty married Miss Caro- line E. Beach, his present companion.

He is one of the old settlers of the town, is widely and favorably known as a quiet, unobtrusive and most worthy citizen, and commands the respect and good will of all who know him.

S AMUEL JONES, JR., County Com- missioner of Ashtabula county, Ohio, was born in Wayne, this State, De- cember 6, 1822.

His parents, Samuel Jones, Sr., and Deb- orah (Hayes) Jones, were natives of Connec- ticut, the former born in Litchfield county, June 29, 1781, and the latter in Hartford county, in 1782. Both were members of the Congregational Church, and in their native State were engaged in teaching school. In 1811 they came to Ohio and settled at Wayne, where they passed the residue of their lives. The father died May 16, 1880, at the ad- vanced age of ninety-nine years, and the mother in 1863, aged eighty-one.

The subject of our sketch remained with his parents until 1846, when he started out in life for himself. He was extensively en- gaged in farming until 1867, at which time he turned his attention to merchandising in Wayne, doing business first under the firm name of Jones & Way, and afterward S. Jones & Son. Upon retiring, he left his son in charge. Mr. Jones served in various town- ship offices until 1871, when he was commis- sioned Postmaster at Lindenville, Ohio. In 1875, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served in the two offices until 1883, when he resigned both and came to Conneaut, where

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he has since resided. In 1883, he was elected Infirmary Director, and served as such until January 1, 1889, when he assumed the du- ties of County Commissioner for a term of three years. January 1, 1892, he entered upon a second term of three years. He has been closely identified with the progress and development of this city and county, and that his services have been appreciated is evinced by his re-election as Commissioner. In all his intercourse with his fellow men, both public and private, he has been found true to every trust. Politically, he is a Republican; fraternally, a Mason, having taken the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter, council and com- mandery, and being a member of the Ever- green Lodge, No. 222, Conneant Chap- ter, No. 76; Conneaut Conncil, No. 40; and of Cache Commandery, No. 27. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars.

Mr. Jones was married September 3, 1846, to Samantha L. Fobes, who died January 9, 1866. February 21, 1867, he wedded So- phronia Beckwith, of Colebrook, Ohio, who is still living. Following are the names of Mr. Jones' children: Estella T., Willis Ed- win, Jennie L. and Ralph H. Estella T. was born in Wayne, Ohio, September 11, 1851; married Elmore H. Wilcox, of Colebrook, Ohio, December 23, 1869. Of her children, we record that Lilian was born December 17, 1870; Perry H., March 23, 1872; Maud, March 14, 1874, and an infant son born May, 1893. Lilian was married Christmas Day, 1890, to Charles Waldo, and has one child, Libbie. Willis Edwin, the older of Mr. Jones' sons, was born in Wayne, Ohio, Sep- tember 28, 1853; married Sarah G. Mc- Neilly, a native of Ellsworth, Ohio, born April 20, 1856; they have two children: Samuel Willard, born December 18, 1891,

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Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Part 36

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