USA > Ohio > Ashtabula County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 79
USA > Ohio > Geauga County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 79
USA > Ohio > Lake County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake > Part 79
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OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.
the slavery States. He was a charter mem- ber of Orion Lodge, F. & A. M., a member of the Disciples' Church, and a strong believer in its doctrines. He died at Kingsville, February 19, 1888, his wife having entered into eternal rest May 29, 1870.
When Dr. Hiram H. Webster was five years of age his parents moved to Franklin, Delaware county, New York. After two years passed at this point, his father made a trip to "New Connecticut," as the Western Reserve was then called, and without mak- ing a purchase of land put in a piece of wheat on the Ashtabula flats. This land was owned by Matthew Hubbard. Returning to Franklin for his family, he soon started for Ohio, calculating to reach Buffalo on runners. At Skaneateles be found two families named Pratt and Bartlett, also en route for the " promised land," and in company with them proceeded onward, and in due time arrived at Black Rock, where they found a large open boat, which was offered them at a low price, as it had become unseaworthy, -- indeed was almost a wreck. However, an arrangement was effected whereby Mr. Webster repaired the boat, and in return was given a passage for his family and goods to Ashtabula land. ing. It was not altogether a safe voyage, as not one of the company was acquainted with handling a boat except Mr. Webster. The motive power was supplied by oars and set- ting-poles, aided by extemporized sails of bed blankets and sheets. There were twenty-one on board. At night the boat was beached and made fast, the greater portion of the passengers going ashore to sleep. Reaching Ashtabula, they tarried there until June, 1809, when the family removed to Kings- ville and made a permanent settlement. In the nineteenth year of his age Hiram Hall Webster commenced the study of medicine,
and in 1824 entered upon the practice of his profession. For over thirty years he was a practitioner at Kingsville, where he became well known and had the respect of all.
Dr. E. M. Webster is one of a family of eight, namely: Corinna N., who died Jann- ary 17, 1861, was born March 10, 1825, and was the wife of Rev. Erastus C. Williams, a minister in the Presbyterian Church at Kingsville for many years; Dr. Elizur Mi- chael, the subject of this article; Laura Ann, who died in infancy; Ann Eliza, wife of D. P. Venan, was born December 14, 1830, and died August 23, 1852: Clarinda L., born August 19, 1833, is the wife of D. P. Venan; Charles H., born July 21, 1836, lives in Kel- loggsville; Emily F., born September 6, 1839, is the wife of A. L. Newcomb and lives at Hiawatha, Kansas; and Henry C., born Feb- ruary 11, 1842, a soldier in the late war, died in the hospital at Philadelphia, October 8, 1862
The subject of this sketch had excellent educational advantages for his day. He read medicine under the instruction of his father, and in due time entered the medical depart- ment of the Western Reserve College at Cleveland, Ohio, where he was graduated February 22, 1854. Ile began the practice of his profession at Kingsville with his father, and has continued his professional career here up to the present time. meeting with eminent success. He is examiner for several insurance companies, and for twenty-three years served as county physician. In the winter of 1874-'75 he was at London in Guy's Hospital with Dr. John C. Hubbard, of Ashtabula.
Dr. E. M. Webster was married June 4, 1851, to Miss Emily A. Beckwith, daughter of Lemuel and Sarah (Palen) Beckwith, her parents having located in Kingsville, Ohio,
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
in 1838. The Doctor and his wife have had two children: Darwin P., who died in in- fancy; and Dr. George E., born July 25, 1858. Dr. George E. is a graduate of the Western Reserve Medical College with the class of 1880. He spent two years in the Cleveland City Hospital, and since then has been a practitioner in Ashtabula county. He mar- ried Alice M. Blodgett, daughter of Ira A. and Alice J. (Kent) Blodgett, December 31, 1883, and they have two children, George Kenneth and Alice Geraldine.
Dr. Webster and his son are Knights Templar, and affiliate with Cache Command- ery, No. 27, at Conneaut. They are Repub- lican in politics. Both are elders in the Presbyterian Church, of which their wives are also members. The father and grand- father of Dr. E. M. Webster were station agents and conductors on the underground railway before the war. They kept the sable sons of Ham in the garret in Clark Webster's house. For many years the senior Dr. Web- ster has been an honored leader not only in the professional ranks but also in business and political circles. He is still active in his profession, and, although now well ad- vanced in years, has no occasion to retire from the large and lucrative practice which he has so successfully established. It is but just to say of the younger Doctor that he takes rank as a leader among the rising phy- 'sicians of the county.
D R. R. L. ASHLEY, one of the leading members of the Lake county medical fraternity, practicing at Perry, was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, in 1840.
Dr. Rufus Ashley, his father, was born in New York, September 28, 1793, and was one of the pioneer physicians of Crawford county, Pennsylvania. He died in Crawford county, August 6, 1865, at the age of seven- ty-two years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Diadema Bigelow, was born in New York, April 17, 1799, and died July 13, 1865. She was an active member of the Methodist Church. They had a family of fourteen children, three of whom followed their father's profession. One of these three, Dr. Mica B. Ashley, a practicing physician of Topeka, Kansas, died at that place in 1856. Another, Dr. C. D. Ashley, is an old practitioner of Cleveland, and has two sons who are doctors.
Dr. R. L. Ashley is next to the youngest in this large family. He was reared and ed- ucated in his native county, and when quite young began reading medicine under the in- structions of his father. He subsequently studied under the tutorage of his brother in Cleveland. In 1870 he entered the Cleve- land Medical College, where he graduated the following year. He began his profes- sional career at Hydetown, in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and afterward prac- ticed four years in Muskegon county, Michi- gan. He located at Perry August 8, 1881, since which time he has been identified with the best interests of this place, having estab- lished a large general practice here. He is not only regarded as a skillful physician, but also as a public-spirited and worthy citizen, ever having at heart the best interests of the community.
When the war came on he was among the first to offer his services to protect the Union. He enlisted August 15, 1861, in Company B, Eighty-third Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers; October 19, 1861, was made
.
Ervin Hannin
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OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.
Third Sergeant, and was subsequently pro- moted to First Sergeant; served most faith- fully until, on account of disability, he was honorably discharged at New York city, November 24, 1862. He was in the siege of Yorktown and the seven days' fight before Richmond. At Malvern he received a wound in the left arm.
Dr. Ashley was married September 7, 1865, to Carrie M. Wilder, she, too, being a native of Crawford county, Pennsylvania. Their only child is Lura A.
Politically, the Doctor affiliates with the Republican party, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has been one of the committeemen of the Republican County Central Committee from this district for the past three years. He has also served three years as a member of the United States Ex- amining Board of Surgeons at Painesville. Fraternally, he is an 1. O. O. F., having passed all the chairs in the lodge.
Mrs. Ashley is a member of the Congrega- tional Church.
E DWIN HARMON .- He who seeks to promote the general welfare of his country, and labors to further the growth and development of his own immediate community ; who seeks to strengthen the cause of justice and morality and advance the stand- ard of civilization, become's a public bene- factor, and as such is worthy of special men- tion on the pages of history. Such is the character of one of the old pioneers of north- eastern Ohio, Edwin Harmon, whose name heads this memoir, and who has passed from the busy scenes of this life to the life eternal.
Edwin Harmon was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, May 6, 1803, a son of
Anan and Tryphenia (Harmon) Harmon, of English ancestors, who settled in America in early Colonial times. In 1816, they became imbued with the spirit that was moving.the people westward, and, joining the tide of emigration that was following the setting sun, journeyed as far as Ohio, then the Western frontier. They settled on a tract of wild land situated about one mile north of where the city of Ashtabula now stands. They, with their children, traveled overland in wagons, the only conveyance in those times, and were many days on the journey. Having made his location, Mr. Harmon, with that energy that belonged to the pioneer, began his labors for the building up of a home, and laying the foundation for the future prosperity of his fam- ily. He engaged in farming, trading and mer- chandising. Here the old pioneer lived for many years, working his farm and attending to his other interests, until he moved to near the present homestead of the Harmons, where he died, in 1855, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He and his good wife be- came the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters: Clarissa, Edwin, Roxana, Achsah, Anan and Polly.
Edwin Harmon, of this biography, was educated in the common schools of his time, in his native State, and in the one of his adoption, where he assisted his father in his labors. As a youth he possessed unusual brightness and activity, and embraced every opportunity afforded him for increasing his knowledge and bettering his condition. Attaining his majority he started in life for himself, and, after earning a sufficient amount of money, purchased some horses and a vehicle, and established a stage line between Erie, Pennsylvania and Cleveland, Ohio, also, soon afterward, secured the contract for carrying the United States mail. This gave
40
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
him a fair start in life, and was the founda- tion of his future prosperity. From this enterprise he extended his operations to farm- ing, trading and shipping. For the latter enterprise, Mr. Harmon built several vessels, which sailed on the lakes. A large part of his trade was with the Indians at Mackinaw and vicinity. He would load his vessels with articles that they were accustomed to buy, and sail for their villages. These trips were made annually, when the Indians secured their annuity from the Government, and in exchange for his goods would receive gold and silver. The Indians held him in great confidence and would often make him deposi- tor of their money. He continued this and other business interests for many years, and, through energy, strict industry and financial ability, amassed a fortune. One of his enter- prises, which indicates his broad conception of business affairs, was the erection of a grist- mill on Ashtabula creek, at the foot of Main street. It began operation in 1846, and at- tracted wide attention, people having visited it from far and near. It was also a great benefaction, affording the people a convenient means of turning their grain into flour and meal. It did good service until burned down in 1887. The dwelling Mr. Harmon erected sixty-five years ago, in 1828, now known as the Harmon homestead, was so far in ad .. vance of the residences of those days that it not only was an attraction but a source of wonder. This building indicates the broad mind, liberal character and refinement of Mr. Harmon. For beauty of architecture, stability of construction, elegance, completeness of finish, solid grandeur and comfort, it has no superior in this section of the country. It has a commanding location and extensive grounds, which are ornamented with fine shrub trees. He moved into this elegant
home with his young bride in 1829, and it has been the residence of the Harmons ever since. Mr. Harmon's farm, which surrounds the mansion, was brought to a fine state of cultivation, and was a model in itself. There was not a thistle to be seen on its broad acres, or a fence rail out of place. It was the ad- miration of all who passed it.
Mr. Harmon was united in marriage Janu- ary 21, 1829, to Miss Miranda Cunningham, a native of Hamilton county, New York, born November 21, 1808. To this union were born eight children, six of whom grew to years of maturity: Adelaide, born August 7, 1830, died July 21, 1845; Miranda, born February 19, 1832, was married to James A. Wilkinson, and died Angust 6, 1892, leaving one child, Edwin Harmon. She was a woman of refined tastes, and was a devoted wife and mother; Mary, born June 18, 1834, was married to Charles Collins, and died April 15, 1893; Harriet, born June 27, 1836, died August 22, same year; Charles, born February 10, 1838, died March 19, same year; Francis Edwin, born June 24, 1839; Albert, born February 18, 1842, and Ger- trude (Kittie), born December 10, 1844, died June 29, 1891. Gertrude, or Kittie, as she was familiarly known, possessed an even temperament, and a very amiable disposition. She seemed not to have a selfish thought, but lived to make those around her happy. She was most lovable in character, and was deeply mourned by all who knew her. Francis E., the elder of the two children now left of this large family, was reared at home, where he secured a common-school education. He assisted his father in his business until the latter's death, when the estate was divided. He remained on his portion until 1881, when he disposed of his farm and shipping interest and embarked in the mercantile business.
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OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.
Mr. Harmon was married in Ashtabula, October 24, 1867, to Miss Emeline, a daugh- ter of Bennet and Levia (Mann) Seymour. They have one child, Louise Gertrude. In politics, Mr. Harmon is a Republican.
Edwin Harmon departed this life August 13, 1863. His loss was deeply felt by his family and a large circle of friends. His widow, who had been an affectionate wife and mother, and possessing rare social qualities, survived him about ten years, joining him in the other world February 5, 1872.
A few thoughts voicing the sentiment of the community in which the subject of this record so long dwelt, and the biographer will close. Mr. Harmon was a man of great force of character, to which attribute was united untiring energy and perseverance. His in- tellect was bright, clear and comprehensive; he was quick to grasp a subject, and was seldom at fault in his conclusions. He had a broad humanity, was liberal, charitable and benevolent, and strictly conscientious in all his dealings. Mr. Harmon was deeply imbued with that divine principle, “Do unto others as ye would others should do unto you." For half a century he dwelt and did business among the people of Ashtabula, and not a breath of suspicion was ever breathed against his honesty of character, but was universally esteemed and beloved by the people in whose confidence he was well fortified. He was public-spirited and active in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his city, and labored during his long asso- ciation with it toward its advancement. He was greatly attached to his home, which he had surrounded with elegance, and to his family, having been a devoted husband and an affectionate and sympathetic father. In his death, Ashtabula lost one of its most beloved, prominent, useful and attractive
citizens, and the country a true patriot.
Albert Harmon, of Ashtabula, Ohio, and son of Edwin Harmon, that grand pioneer whose biography and portrait appear in this connection, was born in this city, February 18, 1842. He was tenderly reared at home, where he received his education. As soon as of sufficient age he was inducted into his father's business, and was a very useful assist- ant up to the time of the latter's death. Albert was twenty one years of age when his father died, and when the estate was divided among the heirs he took charge of his por- tion, which included a half interest in the homestead. His sister, Gertrude, who never married, had the remaining half interest in the homestead, where she continued to reside until her demise in 1891. Aside from look- ing after his large estate and stock interests, being a man of refinement and cultivated tastes, he has given much attention to the greater adornment of the homestead, keeping up with the advancement of the age. He has made a specialty of breeding high trotting Hambletonian horses, in which he is success- ful. Like his father, Mr. Harmon is public- spirited, and keenly alive to all matters tend- ing to the development of Ashtabula. He has been very zealous in his efforts to secure a bridge across the river at the foot of Main street. In this movement, of which he is the originator, he is the leading spirit, and, as it now appears, his labors will justly be crowned with success at no distant day. In politics he is a Republican. A deep gloom was cast over his happy home lately by the loss of his only surviving and beloved sister and com- panion of his household, Mrs. Mary Collins. She was very attentive and winning in her manners, warm and generous-hearted, and liberal to the poor, by whom as well as by her many friends, she is greatly missed. Mr.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
Harmon is of medium height, well and com- pactly built, and pleasing in his address; is generous in his disposition, and social and genial in temperament. He worthily fills the place of his lamented father, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of the community and of all who know him.
G EORGE BLISH, Mayor of Mentor, Lake county, Ohio, is a member of a pioneer family and is one of the sub- stantial men in Lake county. Of his life and ancestry we present the following resume.
George Blish was born in Painesville, Lake county, Ohio, February 1, 1834, son of Ben- jamin Blish, a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and a grandson of Benjamin Blish, Sr., who was born in Connecticut. Sev- eral generations of the Blish family were natives of Connecticut. Grandfather Blish was a farmer. He went from Connecticut to Massachusetts, and from there, in 1805, emi- grated to Ohio, being one of the earliest set- tlers of Painesville, Lake county. This jour- ney was made by wagon to Buffalo, and from that city to Fairport Harbor by boat. Upon reaching his destination, Mr. Blish purchased a tract of timber land, and here, in the forest, built his cabin home and spent the rest of his life, devoting his energies to the improve- ment of his land. He died at the age of sev- enty-six years.
Benjamin Blish, the father of George, was twenty-one when he came with his parents to Ohio in 1805. He located on land adjoin- ing that of his father, which, as the years rolled by, he developed into a fine farm. From the time he located here he was prom- inently identified with the best interests of
this section of the country. He was a mem- ber of a militia company that went to Cleve- land during the time of Perry's victory on Lake Erie. For many years he was a Jus- tice of the Peace. An active member of the Disciple Church, he served as Elder and Deacon for many years and was familiarly known as Deacon Blish. He died in 1864, at the age of eighty years, being one of the oldest pioneers in the county. Of his life companion we record that her maiden name was Artimishia Perkins, that she was a native of Connecticut, and that her people came to Ohio at an early day and settled near Aurora, She, too, was a member of the Disciple Church. Her death occurred in 1852. Ben- jamin Blish and his wife had two children, George and James. The latter, a member of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Orderly Sergeant of his company, died in the army, in 1861.
George Blish attended the district schools and Kirtland Academy and also spent one year at Hiram, being at the latter institution when Garfield was there. Returning from college, he took charge of the home farm, his father being then advanced in years. This home place, 165 acres in Painesville township, he still owns. He also owns a farm at Mentor, having made his home at Mentor since 1887.
Mr. Blish has been married twice. In 1861 he wedded Edith Prouty, who was born in Mentor township, and who died in 1883, without issue. In 1886 he married Mrs. Hellen Pardee, a native of Mentor and the widow of William Pardee. Her maiden name was Dickey and her parents were early settlers of this place. She had four children by her former marriage.
While in Painesville township Mr. Blish served as Trustee and also filled other minor offices. He is now serving his second term
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OF NORTHEASTERN OHIO.
as Mayor of Mentor. He has voted for every Democratic candidate for President since 1856. In his religious belief he is a Univer- salist. Fraternally, he is a Knight Templar Mason.
H' EZEKIAH A. REEVE .- There are within the limits of New Lyme town- ship, Ashtabula county, Ohio, few more efficient and successful farmers than the subject of this sketch. During a residence here of nearly seventy years he has attained an enviable local reputation as a man of sound judgment, progressive ideas and strict integrity. His father was Rumsey Reeve, mention of whom may be found in this work in connection with the sketch of Captain L. C. Reeve, a brother of H. A.
H. A. Reeve was born on his father's farm, February 4, 1826. Early inured to a life of toil, he was deprived of educational advan- tages. What education he received in the crude district schools has, however, been sup- plemented by extensive reading and study in later life. Remaining on the home farm and working faithfully until he reached his majority, he then received from his father a deed to a small portion of the farm he now occupies. Rumsey Reeve designed to give to each of his children $300 or its equivalent, but it has been well said that he gave to them that which was of still more value, the ex- ample of a noble life. After his father had given him this land, H. A. Reeve built upon it a small log house, in which he lived for several years. This cabin in time gave place to a comfortable frame dwelling.
January 1, 1849, Mr. Reeve married Lamira Peck, daughter of Elijah Peck. Her father was one of three brothers who were closely identified with the early history of |
New Lyme. He long since passed away. Mrs. Reeve died August 4, 1872. To her industry, economy and thrift, Mr. Reeve as- cribes much of the financial success they attained. They had five children, all of whom are living: Viola Lamira, born August 22, 1850, married George C. Stevenson, and lives in Dunbridge, Ohio; Wells H., born February 22, 1853, married Hattie A. Soden, and lives in New Lyme township, this county ; Elsworth S., born July 20, 1858, resides with his father; Celia Adell, born May 20, 1862, married Horatio V. Meeker, of Sugar Ridge, Wood county, Ohio; and Wilson, born June 27, 1872, is at home.
Two of the above named family are lovers of fine horses, and are the owners of some valuable ones. Among these we mention the celebrated pacer, Belden Boy, formerly owned by Captain Reeve, now the property of Wells. Elsworth Reeve has a nice farm of eighty acres, situated about two miles west of New Lyme Center. On this farm are some of the finest horses in Ashtabula county. Among those deserving special mention are the five- year-old stallion, Stannard Wilkes, by Allie Wilkes, a pacer of great promise, as yet un- trained; the two-year-old bay, Allie Leaf, by Gold Leaf; the dam, Mollie Wilkes, by Allie Wilkes; also foals by Gold Leaf, 2:163; King Sultan, 2:33, etc. George C. Stevenson, a son-in-law of our subject, is also a lover of the turf. He owns the celebrated stallion, Rupert, with a record of 2:33. This was the first standard-bred horse introduced into Wood county.
August 11, 1874, H. A. Reeve was again married, espousing Julia R. Hawkins, nee Wescott, a native of Rome, Ohio. Her parents, Rufus Wescott and wife, died in Sheffield Ohio, the former in 1874, and the latter in 1893. Mrs. Wescott attained the
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
. advanced age of over ninety years. Mrs. Reeve is greatly devoted to the charming home over which she so gracefully presides.
Of Mr. Reeve's farm, we further state that it comprises over 200 acres and is well im- proved with excellent buildings and supplied with all the modern conveniences. His large fields of grain indicate a soil of the strongest fertility, while the general appearance of the place shows the owner to be a thorough farmer, a man who conducts his farming op- erations not only with his hands but also with his head.
He is a Republican, and both he and his son Wells have served their township faith- fully as Justices of the Peace.
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