Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Part 55

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 55
USA > Ohio > Geauga County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 55
USA > Ohio > Lake County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 55

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).

Mr. Moore, of this notice, remained in Jefferson until he was thirteen years of age, when his mother and stepfather removed to Ashtabula, where, at the age of fifteen, young Moore became self-sustaining. He later learned photography which he continued to follow until recently, when he sold out and engaged in the insurance and real-estate busi- ness. He has resided continuously in Ash- tabula since he was thirteen, except three years spent in Lima, this State.

Politically, he has always been a Demo- crat, but his popularity among his fellow citizens is attested by the fact that he has been elected to several important positions by a Republican constituency. In 1886 he was elected City Clerk, in which capacity he serve l efficiently four years. He was then, in 1890, elected Mayor of Ashtabula, to

which position he was re-elected in 1892, and is now filling that office. Since becom- ing Mayor, more public work has been done in Ashtabula than in all its previous history. He is a pusher, and has been especially in- strumental in the improvement of Ashtabula harbor, to which $75,000 was appropriated at the instance of the people of the city, actu- ated by Mr. Moore. He is the youngest man ever elected to the office namned and has proved the most successful of all incum- bents.

In 1872 Mr. Moore was married to Miss Arabella Bugbee, an estimable lady of Ash- tabula, and they have two living children, both sons, Percival H. and Frank C., Jr.

Socially, Mr. Moore is a prominent mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Elks. As a private citizen and public man, he has ever been the same honorable, genial and public-spirited gentleman, win- ning and retaining the affectionate regard of all who know him.

H ON. HENRY S. SMITH .- Among those who have filled the mayoralty of Jefferson, Ohio, and otherwise en- joyed positions of trust in the gift of the people, the subject of this sketch is con- spicuous for his worth of character and gen- eral efficiency in the community's behalf.

Henry S. Smith was born in Lenox town- ship, Ashtabula county, Ohio, October 7, 1847, son of Solomon H. and Orrazetta ( Mon- roe) Smith. His father also was born in Lenox township and was a son of Asahel and Fannie (Hire) Smith, the former a native of Vermont, who removed to Ohio shortly after marriage and were among the pioneer set- tlers of Lenox township. They were accom-

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panied by Asahel's brother and the young men took up wild land which they industri- ously improved making for themselves homes in the wilderness. They had nine children, four sons and five daughters. Of these, Solo- mon H. grew to manhood in his native town- ship, and, as previously stated, married Orra- zetta Monroe, a native of New York State, whose parents were pioneers of Ohio. After marriage, Solomon began farming, in which he was successfully engaged until his death, which occurred when he was thirty-one years of age. He left three children, of whom the subject of this sketch was one, being then five years old.

H. S. Smith lived with his mother on the home farm until he attained his majority, se- curing a fair education- at the Kingsville Academy. When eighteen years of age he began to teach school and was thus employed for thirteen successive terms during the winter months, being engaged during the alternate summer seasons in farming on his land in Lenox township. He afterward laid down the ferule of the pedagogue to take up the mace of the Justice of the Peace, in which responsible position he served with efficiency and impartiality for twelve consecu- tive years. In the spring of 1883 he removed to Jefferson to assume the duties of Deputy Treasurer, in which capacity he faithfully served bis community during the years of 1883, 1884 and 1885. For two terms, dur- ing 1891 and 1892, he was at the head of the municipal government of Jefferson, in which he was distinguished for his usnal energy and ability.

March 30, 1867, he was married to Miss Lucy Rood, a native of Vermont but who was residing at that time in Ashtabula county. They had two sons: Charles E., who died in 1889; and Roy C. Mrs. Smith

and son are earnest and useful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Smith is a Republican who always votes the straight ticket of his party, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., Ensign Lodge, No. 400.

Few men enjoy in a fuller degree the con- fidence and esteem of his community, which good opinion has been earned by a life of earnest and honest endeavor.

M ILO CLENCY SKINNER was born August 7, 1835, on the old farm where he now resides at Windsor, Ohio.

His father, Jeptha Skinner, son of Hezekiah and Meriam Skinner, was born in Connecti- cut, December 23, 1796. The grandparents were among the earliest settlers of the West- ern Reserve, and here on the frontier, De- cember 24, 1824, Jeptha Skinner married Miss Eliza Aldeinan. Soon after his mar- riage he settled on the farm on which the subject of this sketch was born and has ever since resided. Their four children are as fol- lows: Freeman, Eliza, Milo C., and Laville. The second born died in infancy, and the rest are still living, occupying honorable and use- ful positions in life. Jeptha Skinner died October 5, 1855, and his wife departed this life May 21, 1873.

Milo C. Skinner was married March 16, 1865. to Miss Jane Clapp, daughter of Icha- bod and Hannah (McIntosh) Clapp. Mr. and Mrs. Clapp, prominent and highly re- spected people of this vicinity, are the parents of five children, namely: Milo S., Jane, El- verton J., Carroll F., and Deette, all highly respected. Mrs. Skinner is not inferior to her brothers and sisters, as her church work and home life amply testify. Mr. and Mrs.

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Skinner have a beautiful and attractive home. A piano and well-filled bookcase are evi- dences of the culture and refinement there. They know full well how to dispense true hospitality, and their friends are always sure of a royal welcome. They have two daugh- ters, Austa Vietta and Augusta Mable,-the former born May 18, 1870, and the latter September 10, 1872. Miss Austa V. is a graduate of the Euclid Avenue Business College, Cleveland, Ohio, and is now stenog- rapher and typewriter in the law office of Mr. Rogers, No. 236 Superior street, Cleve- land. The younger daughter turned her at- tention to music, beginning to practice on the piano at the age of nine years. She is now a music teacher of more than ordinary ability, and will soon graduate at Dana's Musical In- stitute, at Warren, Ohio.

Politically, Mr. Skinner is a Republican. He has held but few positions of public trust, never having aspired to office. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Windsor, and in every respect is a most worthy citizen.

RUMAN RICHARDSON, of Wil- loughby, Lake county, Ohio, is one of the preserved men of his age in the county. He came to Ohio when a young man, and was possessed of those char- acteristics which win success. He was vigor- ous and robust in body and mind, willing to work, and was one of those who could turn his hand to anything and do it well. For years he was very industrious and energetic, and often endured untold hardship. How- ever, through it all he was honest, always kept his word to the letter, and consequently never lacked for friends; in short, his motto

has always been that it is better to be right than to be president. His fine farm borders on the shore of Lake Erie, and he has brought it to its present high state of cultivation en- tirely by his own efforts. Everything is kept in good repair and bears the marks of the thrifty owner.

Our subject was born in Madison county, New York, August 20, 1812, and is a son of Captain Joseph Richardson, of Massachu- setts. His ancestors for generations lived in New England. He was a carpenter, and won his title in the war of 1812, as Captain of a company of cavalry. About the year 1833 he emigrated to Ohio, settling in the wilderness near Willoughby. Few roads had been cut, and the settlers were far from numerous. The house which he erected was the first frame structure between his farm and Mentor. He also put up a sawmill on the lake shore, and was killed when abont fifty years of age by a team of horses, which becoming frightened overturned the wagon, upsetting the owner into the lake, where he was drowned. He was a member of the Baptist denomination, as was also his wife, who was before her marriage a Miss Wood, of New York. Her death occurred in her eighty-sixth year. She was the mother of four sons and two daughters, who with one exception are all living.

Truman Richardson, being the eldest son, was obliged to lend his assistance in carrying on the work of his father's farm. His edu- cational advantages were extremely limited, as he never attended but one term of school in his life. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed more or less for many years. For awhile he hired out by the month as a carpenter in Willoughby, and then re- turned to the home farm. He took his father's team once and rode to Cleveland to buy flour

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for the family, having $50 of "wildcat" money for the purpose, but to his great chagrin and annoyance found on his arrival that it would not be accepted, and he was therefore obliged to return without his in- tended purchase. His father was a strictly temperate man, and his sawmill and dwelling house were the first in the country to be "raised" without the use of intoxicating liquor, dealt out to the friends and neighbors whose assistance was lent on the occasion. Instead he gave all the men a substantial and good dinner, and for this unusual treatment he was afterward much commended.

After his father's death our subject was given a deed for 100 acres of land, located in Mayfield township, Cuyahoga county, Ohio. This was on a debt which was owing to him by his father. About this time he built a frame house and barn, and in the six years of his residence on the place he cleared and im- proved thirty-five acres of the land. He was made Supervisor of the township where he lived, and was noted for the efficient manner in which he superintended the roads. At one time the township trustees made him a handsome present, as a mark of their appre- ciation for the good work which had been done under his direction on the roads of the neighborhood.

In 1844 Mr. Richardson returned to the old homestead in Willoughby township, and at once purchased a piece of timber and began operating a sawmill, which he ran for several years, shipping lumber to Cleveland. In this branch of trade he was very successful, and in time cleared considerable land. His farm comprises 100 acres, only thirty of which was improved when he first located upon it.

Mr. Richardson and Miss Maria Sarah Gray were united in marriage in 1837. She became the mother of six children, two of

whom died in childhood. Calvin J. is a farmer in this vicinity; Morillous O. is en- gaged in operating the old homestead; Ella is the wife of William Graves, of Mentor; and Nettie, who married Martin J. Willy (now deceased), is teaching in a kindergarten school in Chicago. Mrs. Richardson, who was born in the Empire State, departed this life in 1878, at the age of sixty-four years.

In politics our subject has recently became a supporter of the Prohibition party, but for many years deposited his ballot in favor of the Republican nominees. He has always been a strong temperance man, and has never used liquor or tobacco in any form. He is an earnest worker in the Baptist Church, and his life is above reproach.

A BNER T. ALLEN, who is perhaps better versed in experimental horti- culture than any other man in Lake county, Ohio, and whose fine farm of 120 acres is located in Willoughby township, is the subject of this article.

Abner T. Allen, bearing the entire names of both grandfathers and one uncle, was born in Warren, Worcester county, Ma-sachusetts, February 9, 1813, son of Hon. Pardon Allen and grandson of Abner Allen, both natives of Massachusetts. The Allens trace their ancestry back to England, the family having been awarded a coat-of-arms in London. Grandfather Allen was a soldier in the Revo- lutionary war, and a participant in the battle of Bunker Hill. He spent his life on a farm in his native State, and died there at an ad- vanced age. Hon. Pardon Allen was also a farmer. He lived to be sixty-three, and was a man of considerable prominence. In early life he was a school-teacher, afterward he

OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.

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filled various local offices, and was finally elected to the Massachusetts Legislature, in which he served most efficiently for two terms. He was a Universalist in belief, and was identified with that church. Of his life companion be it recorded that her maiden name was Ruth Tyler, that she was a native of Warren, Massachusetts, and that at the time of her death she was ninety-six years old. Her father, Deacon Abner Tyler, was a leading member of the Congregational Church, and at an early date was a slaveholder in Mas- sachusetts. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Allen was composed of six sons and one daughter, four of whom are still living.

Abner T. Allen is the oldest member of his father's family. He was reared on the farm and received a common-school and aca- demic education, being an academy student in Amherst at the time of the falling of the stars in November, 1833, and being among the first to witness that remarkable phenome- non. He taught several terms of school in Worcester county. In 1834, at the age of twenty-one, he directed his course westward, journeying by stage to Albany, thence by canal to Buffalo, and expecting to board a lake vessel at that place. At Buffalo, how- ever, he found the lake in great commotion, and decided to continue his journey on foot. He walked most of the way from there to Cincinnati. He remained in Cincinnati only one night, and the next day started back to Buffalo, again covering most of the distance on foot. The money he spent on this trip he earned by rearing silk wormns and making silk in Warren, Massachusetts, and after his return home he worked at the carpenter's trade. He started West again on the day the first train ran over the Boston & Albany Railroad from Worcester to Springfield, and he rode on that train from Warren to Spring-

field, coming along with the governor and other State officials who were celebrating the event of the completion of the road to Spring- field. That was a great day in the Connecti- cut valley.

Landing in Ohio in 1839, Mr. Allen set- tled at Chagrin Falls, where he bought a partially improved farm. He had stopped over night in Chagrin Falls during his for- mer trip through the State, when there was not a frame house finished in the town. The first year of bis residence on this farm he lived in a log house. Then he built a frame house, and continued on that place twenty- four years. In 1863 he sold out and bought land in Willoughby township, and three years later purchased the farm on which he now lives. This place comprises 120. acres of choice land, which, under the careful man- agement of Mr. Allen, has been developed into one of the best fruit farms in the coun- try, its owner being known far and near as a successful fruit-grower. He has eight acres devoted to vineyard, and in the season of 1893 he raised more than 100 bushels of cherries. Previous to his coming West, Mr. Allen took an interest in fruit-growing, and ever since has been more or less interested in it. Of a nature to be always experimenting, he has developed some valuable results. He originated the Allen peach and Wilder pear, selling the latter to Green, the Rochester nurseryman. He also originated the Allen seedling grape. While he has raised almost every variety of fruit adapted to this climate, he gives special attention to pears.

Mr. Allen is not only well posted on hor- ticulture, but he also has a fund of general information, and, while he makes no boast of literary talents, he has written some excellent poems. Ile is a natural genius in more ways than one. He has made some inventions out

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of which many a man would have realized a fortune. He, however, has never applied for any patents. Among his inventions is a wire brace wheel, such as is now used on bicycles. This he invented years ago, as early as 1838, making a buggy with such wheels and ex- hibiting it at a fair in Worcester county, Massachusetts. He is now planning a rain- producing device, in whose practical working he has unlimited confidence.

Mr. Allen was married in 1839, to Eunice Shepherd, of Warren, Massachusetts, who was his devoted companion for nearly half a century, and whose death occurred in the spring of 1886. She had four children, namely: Mary, wife of Mark Abel, a farmer; Olive, wife of Orrin Cridley; Ellen, wife of George Mosher; and Pardon, who married Louise Roberts, and is engaged in farming at the old homestead. All the children are resi- dents of Willoughby township.

Mr. Allen and his wife have both been teachers, and all their children have at vari- ons times been engaged in the same occupa- tion. In politics he was first a Whig, then a Free Soiler, and now a Republican. He was always an Abolitionist, but did not vote that ticket. He has filled various local offices. Mrs. Allen was a member of the Congrega- tional Church.

R UFUS B. MUNGER, deceased, was born at Saratoga, New York, May 16, 1796, a son of Solomon and Ruth Munger, also natives of New York State: the father was born February 10, 1767, and died May 8, 1814; the mother, born in 1762. died October 17, 1836. Rufus B. was reared to agricultural pursuits, which oc- cupation his father followed during life. He

attended the common schools, and, making the most of his advantages, fitted himself for a teacher, and was one of the pioneer educa- tors. He emigrated to Ohio about the year 1816 and in 1819 returned to New York, where he was united in marriage to Maria, daughter of Jason Andrews. Coming again to Ohio he settled on a farm, which he culti- vated until 1841; then exchanged this tract for the homestead, which is still occupied by his daughter, a portion having been sold for lots within the corporation of Geneva. He wit- nessed the growth of this thriving town from a cluster of four or five houses, and was al- ways a staunch supporter of those enterprises which tended to develop and increase the re- sources of this section of country.

Mr. and Mrs. Munger were the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters: Ann, born in 1820, married Plymton Sweet, and died in 1846; Mary M., born in 1822, married John O. Swan. They had one son, Heber R., who is the father of one son, John O., who died in California January 26, 1891. George P., the first son, was born February 8, 1824, and died November 26, 1884, being the father of five children, all of whom are living; Henry S., the second son, was born in 1826; he married Hulda Gould, and they had nine children, five of whom are living: Frank, W. H., Henry, Charles and Jennie; he died May 20, 1883, having amassed a large for- tune. Maria Theresa was born March 25, 1829; she married Dr. Joseph Edson, and died November 24, 1849. The mother of this family died April 23, 1845.

Mr. Munger retired from active occupa- tion in 1860 and spent the remainder of his days in making careful investments of the capital he had accumulated: he was a large stock-holder in banks, railroads and other coporations,and possessed excellent judgment.

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Politically he adhered to the principles of the Republican party. For fifteen years he filled the office of Justice of the Peace. A man of sterling worth and unquestioned integrity he was deeply mourned when the hand of death was laid upon him, November 22, 1888, at which time he had attained the age of ninety- two years, six months and six days.

Mr. Munger was a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church for more than half a century, filling some of the most important offices in the Church and contributed largely for its benevolence and for its benefit and support. He died in full hope and faith in the life eternal.

A C. COWIN, station agent at Andover, was born at Latimer, Trumbull coun- ty, Ohio, July 24, 1867, a son of George Cowin, who was born, reared and educated near Dublin, Ireland. He was there married to Hannah Taylor, and in 1861 they came to the United States. Mr. Cowin departed this life in 1881.

A. C., the subject of this memoir, was reared and educated at Latimer, Ohio. At the age of eighteen years he began railroad work, first serving as targetman at Latimer, then as telegraph operator at different towns, and later was employed as station agent at Williamsfield, Ashtabula county, four and a half years. On account of his ability to fill a more responsible position of trust, he was promoted to the position as station agent of Andover in 1892, where he has ever since remained.

Mr. Cowin was married at Williamsfield, Ohio, October 29, 1890, to Sada M. Tickner, a daughter of M. II. and C. P. (Croven) Tickner, of that city. Mr. Cowin affiliates

with the I. O. O. F., No. 728, of Andover, and both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church. Our subject has all the desirable qualities of a successful rail- road man, is affable and courteous to all, and zealous and trustworthy.

W ALLACE R. FLOWER, M. D .-- The medical profession has no more worthy or devoted disciple than the subject of this sketch, whose labors are those of love and devotion to the cause of suffer- ing humanity.

Dr. Wallace R. Flower, able physician and esteemed citizen of Ashtabula, Ohio, was born in Rome township, this county, July 31, 1851, son of William C. and Permelia (Stone) Flower, old residents of this vi- cinity. His father's parents, who were of Scotch ancestry, removed from the East to Portage county, Ohio, when their son, Will- iam, was a boy. When William grew to manhood, he came to Ashtabula county, and there followed farming the rest of his life. He was here married to Permelia Stone, a native of this county and a daughter of Stuk- ley and Harriet (Richmond) Stone, well known residents of this vicinity. Her father was a native of New York, and her mother of Connecticut, the latter being a daughter of Edmond Richmond, an able Baptist minister and a pioneer of Ashtabula county. William Flower and wife were the parents of six chil- dren, two sons and four daughters, of whom the subject of this sketch is the sole survivor.

Dr. Flower lived on a farm until about fif- teen years of age, gaining, in free out-of door life, strength for the future struggles of ex- istence, and learning those lessons of indus- try and perseverance which have contributed

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to his present success. He received a gen- eral education at Orwell Institute and at the age of twenty took a course of study in Rush Medical College, at Chicago. He then en- tered Western Reserve Medical College, in Cleveland, Ohio, at which he graduated in 1875. Being obliged to defray the expenses of his medical education, he was for two years an attendant in the Insane Asylum in Cleveland, and after graduating was an as- sistant in the Insane Asylum at Dayton, Ohio, for a year.

In 1876, he settled in Austinburg, Ohio, where he began the general practice of medi- cine, being thus engaged for about five years. He then removed to Lake county, this State, where he practiced his profession about a year and half, when, in 1883, he came to Ashta- bula, where he has since continuously resided, enjoying a profitable and increasing patronage.

June 15, 1876, Dr. Flower was married to Miss Winona M. Johnson, whose presence was destined to brighten his home only a short time, her death occuring in 1879. The Doctor afterward married Miss Carrie A. Shipman, and they have two interesting chil- dren, Winona M. and William H.

The Doctor is an active member of the County Medical Society and a prominent Master Mason and Knight of Pythias. In politics he is a Republican. As a physician he is conscientious, painstaking and capable, and as a citizen and man he is upright, enter- prising and progressive, and justly enjoys the high regard of his community.

OHN A. DICKSON, M. D .- The med- ical fraternity of Ashtabula, Ohio, has no more worthy representative than the subject of this sketch, whose natural and ac-

quired abilities amply fit him to take front rank in his profession.

J. A. Dickson, M. D., was born in West Ely, Missouri, January 13, 1851. His par- ents, William T. and Harriet (Libby) Dick- son were natives of Pennsylvania and Port- land, Maine, respectively, the former a son of Robert Dickson, who was born in Ireland. William T. Dickson was a teacher and Pres- byterian minister, who died in 1877, at West Sunbury, Pennsylvania, where he had preached and been principal of an academy for several years. His wife, mother of the subject of this sketch, a lady of unusual ability and culture, was reared and educated in Port- land, Maine, where she early taught school. She afterward went to Missouri with a sister and brother-in-law, where she met and mar- ried William T. Dickson. They lived for some time in Maine, but later removed to Grove City, Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Dick- son personally taught her son and afterward taking other students, founded the Grove City College, which is now a flourishing institu- tion. A few days after the death of her hus- band the trustees of West Sunbury Academy elected her principal to succeed him, which position she held from her sixty-seventh to her seventy-fourth year. For the last seven years she has made her home with her son, being, now, 1893, seventy-nine years of age. She had eight children, of whom Dr. Dick- son is the sole survivor. With one exception, all the children who died passed away when young. William S. enlisted in the army when sixteen years of age and served four years, when he was captured and confined for eight months in a prison in Florence, Ala- bama, where he died.

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Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Part 55

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