Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning, Part 12

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 786

USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 12
USA > Ohio > Trumbull County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 12
USA > Ohio > Ashtabula County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 12

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January 22, 1851, Captain Reeve was mar- ried to Miss Harriet E. Peck, a lady of superior attainments, who was born in New Lyme, Ohio, November 13, 1827. Her father, Samnel G. Peck, came with his parents to New Lyme when he was bnt nine years of age. They were hardy and progress- ive pioneers, and to them and their son Samuel is due innch of the advancement made by New Lyme township. Samuel Peck died in 1888, at his home in New Lyme, where he had lived from childhood, his loss being generally and sincerely mourned. He was the father of five children: the youngest died in childhood; Harriet, wife of the sub- ject of this sketch, was the first in order of birth; Zipporah married Sidney S. Stults, a well-to-do farmer of Rome township; Edwin A. resides in Michigan; and Amos A. died in Warren, Ohio, in March, 1893. Captain and Mrs. Reeve have five children: Arthur L., born January 31, 1852; Asher A., born July 24, 1854; Il. Amelia, born June 9, 1857, married Isaac N. Chapin, a prominent resident of Silver Bow county, Montana; Rose A., born November 23, 1859, is the wife of Dr. W. O. Ellsworth, a well-known physician of Austinburgh, Ohio; Mary B., born June 23, 1867. Mrs. Reeve has been for many years a zealous worker in the Meth-

odist Episcopal Church, as, indeed, are the whole family, with the exception of the youngest daughter, who belongs to the Pres- byterian denomination.

Such universal commendation of his merit leaves little to add in favor of Captain Reeve, other than to call attention to the fact of his material contribution to the general advance- inent and welfare of the community, of which he is a representative citizen.

A MOS FISK HUBBARD .- Another landmark of the growth and prosper- ity of Ashtabula, Ohio, fell with the death of the subject of this sketch, who contributed his share to the advancement of the city which his uncle, Matthew Hub- bard, founded.

The Hubbards are of English ancestry, who settled in Connecticut in 1640, and the first six generations of whom were farmers. In 1697 Captain Isaac Hubbard and wife (nee Ruth Coleman ) removed to Trenton, Oneida connty, New York, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Among their chil- dren were Matthew, previously mentioned, and Colonel William Hubbard, father of the subject of this notice. The latter married Catherine Hulbert, and they had five chil- dren: John C., for many years a prominent physician and surgeon of Ashtabula, who died in 1883; William F., deceased in 1880; George C., a merchant, who died in 1876; Catherine, deceased in 1859, who was the wife of O. H. Fitch: and Amos F., the subject of this sketch. In 1834 Colonel William Hub- bard removed with his family to Ashtabula, near which city he engaged in farming, which he continued successfully until his death. The genealogy of this family represents a

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long line of distinguished and honorable men, who not only achieved financial prec- edence, but also enjoyed in an unusual de- gree the respect and esteem of their fellow men, conspicuous among whom may be inen- tioned the subject of this sketch.

Amos Fisk Hubbard was born July 8, 1822, in Holland Patent, New York, where the first eleven years of his life were passed. At the end of that period he accompanied his parents to Ashtabula, Ohio, which was ever afterward their home. He received an academic education, and after completing his studies taught school four years, first in East Village and afterward in St. Catharines, Canada. At the end of this time he bought land on the lake shore in Ashtabula county, intending to engage in the nursery business, but resigning this plan when he was offered a position in the bank with which Messrs. Henry Parsons, Frederick Carlisle and O. H. Fitch were connected. The date of his en- tering on his duties was December 7, 1848, which date he carved on a piece of plaster that he cut from the wall of the building, the fragment being now preserved and cher- ished by his family. Two years later he be- came cashier in the same institution, in which position he faithfully and efficiently served forty-two years, until his resignation, Jan- uary, 1892, on account of ill health. His condition did not improve, and a year later, January 22, 1893, he died, leaving his fam- ily and many friends to mourn his loss.

Although taking a deep interest in the welfare of his city, State and country, he was devoid of political aspirations, finding his greatest happiness in the care and society of his family and in association with those friends whom he had known from childhood. He had religions convictions from early life, with which his conduct was in thorough con-

formity. He was a consistent supporter of the Christian Church. His theology was broad and his religion was charitable. He loved science in all of its phases, and his philosophy was remarkably pure and enno- bling.

Mr. Hubbard was twice married, first on November 15, 1853, in Buffalo, New York, by Rev. G. W. Heacock, to Miss Ursula Pomeroy Graves, danghter of Josiah Dwight Graves, an esteemed citizen of Springville, Erie county, New York. They had ten chil- dren: Clarissa, born September 12, 1854, died aged seventeen; William, born June 3, 1856, died aged twenty-seven; Dwight Graves, December 31, 1857, died in infancy ; Thomas Hulbert, born July 22, 1859, now a physician of Toledo, Ohio, is married and has one son, Amos Holland; Saralı Casky, born July 24, 1861, resides in Toledo; Catherine, June 14, 1863, died in infancy ; Jolin Coleman and Amos Fisk, twins, born March 11, 1865, the former now on the staff of the Standard of Ashtabula and the latter studying dentistry in the Indiana Dental College at Indianapolis; and Graves, born March 13, 1870, died in infancy. March 22, 1870, the family were called upon to mourn the death of the devoted wife and mother, who had watched over their interests for so many years. Four years later, October 15, 1874, Mr. Hubbard was married, in St. Peter's Church, at Ashtabula, to Miss Emily Holland, a lady of many worthy qualities, daughter of Ashley Holland, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, later of Ashtabula. Mr. Hol- land was born June 26, 1808, and was a machinist by occupation. He married Pene- lope Graves, and they had three children, two of whom survive: Mrs. Hubbard and Mary, now Mrs. C. E. Graves, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Mr. Holland passed his last years

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in Ashtabula, where he died at the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Hubbard has two children: Abigail, born August 16, 1875; and George Holland, born March 5, 1878.

In the various relations of life Mr. Hub- bard was characterized by the same whole- souled honor and geniality, winning and re- taining the regard of all with whom he came in contact.

R OLLIN W. DAVIS, proprietor of the Pymatuning Stock Farm, at West Williamsfield, at Ashtabula county, Ohio, for nearly thirty years a breeder of fast horses and a well-known turf man, is a native son of the Buckeye State, having been born in Dorset, Ashtabula county, in 1838. He comes of good old American stock, his parents, Richard S. and Elvira (Hum- phrey) Davis, having been natives of Virginia and Connecticut, respectively. They were early settlers of Ashtabula county, where the father was a farmer and cheese and flour merchant, supplying the people with his commodities for many miles around. The mother, Elvira (Humphrey) Davis, traced her genealogy back through many notable fami- lies, for some 500 years, to Sir John Hum- phrey, who lived in the latter part of the four- teenth century. She also had a copy of his coat-of-arms, the same being a fac simile of the original that is now in the British Mu- seum. Their four children were: O. H., de- ceased, was a prominent attorney of Omaha, Nebraska; Henrietta is the wife of James McWan, a properous citizen of Cambridge City, Indiana; George M., deceased, was a miller of Brazil, Indiana; and Rollin W., whose name heads this notice.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a

farın and attended the district schools in his vicinity. In the free out-of-door life of his youth and the industrious, persevering duties on the farm, was laid the foundation of that physical and mental strength and vigor which have contributed to his present success. He worked on the home farm until the outbreak of the Civil war, when, in August, 1861, he enlisted in Wade and Hutchins' cavalry, serving efficiently for one year and eight days, when he was disabled by the fall of his horse in a skirmish, and was subsequently dis- charged at Fort Scott, Kansas.

On his return home, Mr. Davis followed his natural bent by engaging in the horse business at Dorset, his native town. Blaz- ing Star, his first selection, made a record of 2:40, and the books show that he sired Sleepy Tom, 2:283, and the dam of Dandy, 2:18}, the fastest descendant of Atlantic. Not be- ing satisfied with his place at Dorset, Mr. Davis removed to West Williamsfield and at once began the cultivation and stocking of Pymatuning Farın. He began to breed and develop trotters, in which he has had more than average success. One of his first moves was a trip to Rushville, Indiana, where he purchased the gray horse, St. Omer, 2:28}, by Blue Bull, the sire of Chapman, 2:193, Johnny B., 2:30, and the dams of Sankey, 2:25; Sir Walter Scott, 2:31, etc. He also bred and developed Redwood by Blue Bull, and started him in seventeen races, all of which he won. In those days a record was something to be avoided, on which account he never entered the 2:30 list. After this, " Roll" Davis became something of a Blue Bull man, as his next investment was made in Molly Kistler. He developed this mare and drove her to her record of 2:293, the campaigning ground being in the Oil and Iron Circuit, in which she won all of her engagements. He

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also bought the fast Blue Bull mare, May Bird, 2:23, and gave lier a record of 2:30 over the half-mile track at Columbus, Ohio, in 1891. The desire to get something better than could be found in Ohio led Mr. Davis to go to Kentucky and purchase the three-year- old black colt, Atlantic, by Almont, out of Isabella Clay by Kentucky Clay. At that time the black horse was untrained, so that all of his schooling traces to Pymatuning Farm. Mr. Davis put him through his early lessons in good style, and that he was an apt pupil may be seen by the records. In his six-year-old form he gave him a mark of 2:24, while his most stubborn race was trot- ted at Jefferson against Reveille. Davis drove a great race that day, and while the battle was in doubt to the finish and the contest was sharp, the black horse pulled off the victory. That was a proud day for Davis, and among the relies of his success that day is a $100 suit of clothing for Atlantic, he having been presented with the outfitting after the race. This suit of clothing is still at Pymatuning Farm as a reminder of At- lantic, who is now in Italy. That Atlantic should have proved a success in the stud is shown by the performance of the few foals that he got before Mr. Davis sold him to Andy Welch. at Utica, in 1887.

Soon after selling Atlantic, a move was made to purchase another stallion, and, in company with James McClurg, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, the Lumps colt, Luminator, was selected. He was a good individual and promised to be fast, as lie stepped out and took the three-year-old record of 2:37 early in July. Death, however, robbed the turf of what promised to be a 2:20 performer, but fortunately Luminator left a few foals, some of which are very promising. Among the royally bred horses that have been owned at

Pymatuning Farm, the books show the names of Woodman by Wedgewood, and Sprague Pilot, 2:24, as game a race horse as ever trimmed round on a race track. He proved a successful campaigner while at the farmn, but was sold to make way for the young stallions coming, of which the most noted were St. Lookout, 2:26, the two-year-old champion of Ohio, his brother, King Sultan, and Grand Master by Wilkes Boy. Mr. Davis purchased the Administrator mare, Daisy B., while on one of his trips to Kentucky, and she has since become noted as the dam of Ashland Wilkes, 2:22, and Kitty Wilkes, the dam of St. Lookout, 2:26. The latter won the two- year-old stake at the Ohio Breeders' meeting from a large number of contestants, includ- ing Gift O'Neer and Oakhurne, and two days later turned the track at the first time in 2:26, trotting each half of the mile in 1:13. Mr. Davis has at the head of his stud at this writing (1893) King Sultan, sired by Sultan, 2:24, sire of Stamboul, 2:073, by Kitty Wilkes; and Harry Davis, with a record at one year of 3:12, sired by Luminator by dam Kitty Wilkes. Kitty Wilkes is the mother of St. Lookout, with a two-year-old record of 2:26; and King Sultan, of 2:33; as well as of Harry Davis, previously mentioned. This mare was reared by Mr. Davis and is now eight years old. He also owns five Atlantic brood mares and three gilt-edged three-year- old fillies. The Pymatuning Farm is now operated by Mr. R. W. Davis and consists of 300 acres of as choice land as is to be found in the county, and is devoted to general farm- ing and stock raising.

In 1866, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Harriet Bridgman, a native of Williamsfield, Ohio, and daughter of Asa Bridgman, a well known citizen of this locality and one of the first settlers. By reason of his enterprising

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spirit he was able to render mueli assistance to the pioneers in the carly days. He estab- lished the first ashery, or pearling factory, in the county and thus furnished to the settlers a market for their ashes and black salts as they cleared up their farms. In many instances the only revenue by which the early settlers were enabled to meet their taxes was that derived from the sale of the products noted, and Mr. Bridgman offered them a conveni- ent and reliable market.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis have four children: Walter H., May E., George M., and Harry H. Fraternally, Mr. Davis affiliates with the A. F. & A. M. and is an active member of the Andover lodge.

Being of a thrifty turn, Mr. Davis has made for himself and family a comfortable home, in which he may spend his declining years. Of a progressive and public-spirited disposition, he has contributed materially to the advance- ment of his community, doing more to raise the standard of thorough-bred stock in his vicinity than any other man, and he well de- serves the commendation he so universally receives.

J OSEPH DEWEY HULBERT, a prom- inent and representative citizen of Ash- tabula, Ohio, was born in Holland Patent, Oneida county, New York, Novem- ber 24, 1809. His parents, Joseph Clark and Phyana (Dewey) Hulbert, were natives respectively of Middletown, Connecticut, and Bennington, Vermont.

Thomas Hulbert, the remote paternal an- cestor, was of English origin, and came to America about 1635, and later settled in Say- brook, Connecticut. His descendants are now numerous and far scattered, many of them

having filled prominent places before the pub- lic. Thomas was a blacksmith by trade, and during the Indian troubles was engaged against them, under Levi Granger. He was the father of six children: Thomas, Jr., John, Samuel, Joseph, Stephen and Cornelius. John, the direct ancestor of the subject of this biography, was born at Wethersfield, Connecticut, March 8, 1642, and was brought np to the trade of his father. At the age of twenty-seven years he received a proposition from the settlers of Middletown to come there and work as blacksmith of the town, which overture he accepted, and was thus engaged there for seven years. He married Mary, daughter of John Dunning and Honor Treat, at Wethersfield, December 15, 1670. Their first child, John, Jr., was born December 8, 1671, and July 8, 1698, married Rebecca Warner, and John, the first child of the mar- riage last noted, was born October 14, 1701, and June 11, 1724, married Elizabeth Sage, of Middletown, Connecticut. His first son and second child, Hezekiah, was born in Mid- dletown, June 2, 1727, and became a farmer, living at the place of his birth. lle was married February 2, 1749, to Anna, daughter of Daniel and Phoebe Hall, and they became the parents of two children,-Hezekiah, Jr., and Daniel. The former of these, who was the grandfather of the subject of this memoir, was born May 23, 1749. His second mar riage occurred June 12, 1779, when he espoused Hannah Clark, and their eldest son, Joseph Clark, was born at Middletown, Sep- tember 4, 1778. Their other children were Anna, Elizabeth, Hezekiah, Margaret, Mariah, Jonathan O. and John. Joseph Clark, the elder son, was married at Bennington, Ver- mont, March 11, 1804, to Phyana Dewey, by whom he had two children,-Julia Ann and Joseph Dewey Hulbert, both born in Holland

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Patent, New York, the former April 1, 1806. Joseph C. died at Ashtabula, Angust 21, 1861, and his wife died at Holland Patent, January 16, 1853.

Thomas Dewey, the maternal ancestor of Mr. Hulbert, was born in England, in 1600, and came to America in 1630, settling in Chester, Massachusetts, May 4, 1634; he was made a freeman; March 22, 1638, he mar- ried Frances C. Clark, and lived at Chester until 1642, when he sold his property and re- moved to Windsor, Connecticut, at which place lie died, April 27, 1648. Rev. Jedediah Dewey, liis great-grandson and the maternal grandfather of Mr. Hulbert, was born April 11, 1714, and married Mindwell Hayden, July 3, 1736, at Westfield, Massachusetts. February 20, 1761, he married for his second wife, Betty Buck, by whom he had six chil- dren, the fifth of whom, Phyana, was Mr. Hulbert's mother. Jedediah Dewey died December 21, 1778, and his widow, June 21, 1792, at Bennington, Vermont. He was the first minister of the Congregational Church in Vermont.

Hezekiah Hulbert, grandfather of Joseph D., was a native of the grand old State of Connecticut, which is so full of historio re- miniscences of interest to this country. The father of Mr. Hulbert of this notice, was reared to the age of nineteen years in his native city, when he accompanied his parents in their emigration to New York State. He was here married to Phyana Dewey, to whose father, Rev. Jedediah Dewey, reference has just been made. For liim the first Congre- gational Church building in Vermont was erected, and it was captured by General Stark at the battle of Bennington, and used for the confinement of Hessian prisoners. This worthy couple had but two children who sur- vived to maturity, namely: Julia Ann, who

married Henry Hubbard and resided at Ash- tabula; and Joseph D.

The subject of this sketch grew to man- hood on the home place, where his father was a farmer, and for a time attended Remsen Academy. In 1834, when twenty-four years of age, he left home and proceeded to Ashta- bula, Ohio, then a new and but slightly set- tled country, where he lias ever since resided. At first he clerked in a store, but later en- gaged in farming and in the storage and for- warding business at Ashtabula harbor. For about forty years he continued to prosecute these important enterprises, simultaneously owning and operating vessels plying the lakes and eventually accumulating a comfortable property.

He was also engaged with Henry Hubbard in the stave and lumber business and the car- rying trade for a number of years. About 1875, he discontinued all other enterprises to give his attention principally to liis real-es- tate interests, and has been instrumental in greatly furthering the growth and aiding in the development of Ashtabula harbor and the surrounding country.

January 31, 1837, Mr. Hulbert was mar- ried to Miss Mary Ann Fisk, and they had three children, all of whom died young, as also did the wife and mother, who passed from this life August 25, 1842. January 3, 1844, Mr. Hulbert married Miss Lucinda C. Hall, an estimable lady of Ashtabula, and they had tive children, namely: Julia Ann, born at Holland Patent, New York, November 3, 1844, and married D. W. Haskell, of Aslı- tabula; Mary F., born October 31, 1846, and married Andrew C. Stone, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; Phyana D., born October 2, 1848, is now the wife of Walter R. Rowe, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; Eliza Maria, born October 27, 1850, married Milo L. Rice, of

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Ashtabula; and Joseph Clark, born April 25, 1852, died in September following. Mrs. Hulbert departed this life August 29, 1878, leaving a bereaved husband and four children, to whom her life had been devoted. She was a woman of sweet disposition, rare amiability, refined and winning manners, and as a nat- ural sequence she was greatly beloved by those who knew her well, and by them is still held in grateful and affectionate renieni- brance.

January 24, 1885, Mr. Hulbert was mar- ried to Mrs. Cornelia A. Reece, daughter of Ralph and Catherine (Sanford) Williams.

In politics Mr. Hulbert was formerly a Whig, later an anti-slavery Whig, and was connected with the " underground railroad " thinkers and actors. He became a Republi- can when that party was formed, but, ever independent and courageous in his convic- tions, he has not endorsed every specific prin- ciple advocated by the party, and has mani- fested his approval of certain of the policies brought forward by each the Greenback and People's party.

He is a man of deep patriotism, but has never sought office, his numerous private in- terests absorbing most of liis time and atten- tion. However, he held for several years the position of County Commissioner, at the ear- nest request of the people. Indeed, it is to be regretted that he has not served the pub- lie welfare in some official capacity, possessing as he does business and moral qualifications peculiarly fitting him for a position of trust and responsibility.

In person, Mr. Hulbert is six feet in height, and although he is now crowned with the full- ness of years, being eighty-four years of age, he is in the enjoyment of excellent health, with faculties unimpaired. He still maintains a personal control and supervision of his busi-

ness interests. He grew to manhood under Presbyterian discipline, but, following out his personal convictions, he now coincides witli certain of the views of the Unitarians and Spiritualists.

He was instrumental in securing railroad facilities at Ashtabula, being associated with Mr. Henry Hubbard in rendering tangible aid in the way of money and donation of land. During the memorable contest between the Pittsburg, Youngstown & Ashtabula and the Ashtabula, Jamestown & Franklin (under the control of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern) Railroad Companies, to determine the right of ground at the harbor, by pacific measures the former company was induced to give up its division on the east side, and thus both lines were given entry to the harbor. John Harmon, Albert Fields, H. E. Parsons and Hulbert & Hubbard gave the land which the railroads demanded and thus settled the matter in a satisfactory way.

0 BED KNAPP, a farmer of Cherry Valley township, Ashtabula county, was born in Steuben county, New York, October 11, 1826, a son of Rufus and Anna (Burgess) Knapp, natives also of that State. The paternal grandfather of our sub- ject, David Knapp, was also born in the East. When Obed was a lad of eight years his parents came to Cherry Valley township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, settling in the woods. Their nearest neighbor was one mile distant and their nearest gristmill was at Espyville, some nine miles distant. The father had to work out by the day in order to supply his family with the neces- saries of life, and in going to his labor Monday morning he would order either

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bushel of corn or wheat, and returning a

home at the completion of his week's work, he would carry the ordered grist-meal or flour, as the case might be-home, on his back, walking, thus burdened, the entire distance of nine miles. He was a stone mason by trade and in early days he was principally employed in the district lying about five miles beyond Espyville. The father died here, at the age of sixty years, and the mother at the age of seventy-three years. The former was a farmer by occupation, a Whig in his political views, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp had thirteen children, viz .: David, Benjamin, Eliza A. (de- ceased), Ira, Sophia, Edwin (deceased), Mary Jane, Martin (deceased), Rufus, Margaret (deceased), Lewis, Elizabeth and Edd. Lewis was a soldier in the late war, a member of the Sixth Ohio Cavalry.

Obed Knapp, the subject of this sketch, with the other children, assisted in clearing the home farm. At the age of twenty-one years he began working by the month for himself. After being thus occupied for a period of four years, and having earned and saved an adequate sum of money for the pur- pose within that time, he moved onto a farm of fifty acres, which he had purchased in the township of New Lyme. In 1860 he sold the first farm and purchased the one he now occupies. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 29th Ohio Infantry, Co. C, was with Sherman in his famous march to the sea, was wounded in the right leg at the battle of Gettysburg, and also received a wound at Dug Gap. He was honorably discharged at Lonisville, Ken- tucky, July 13, 1865. Mr. Knapp now owns eighty-seven acres of fine farming land, which contains a residence, 18x26 feet, with an L, 18x26 feet, a good barn, sugar and fruit or- chard, etc.

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Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning, Part 12

Author: Lewis Publishing Company Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 786

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 786