USA > Ohio > Mahoning County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 16
USA > Ohio > Trumbull County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 16
USA > Ohio > Ashtabula County > Biographical history of northeastern Ohio : embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning > Part 16
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Mr. White, of this sketch, attended the dis- trict schools during his earlier years, after which he went to the Parkman high school for two years. In August, 1869, he entered the freshman class in Hiram College, at which institution he graduated June 19, 1873. He was engaged in teaching for three years, and then iu October, 1876, he entered the law department of the Michigan University, where he remained through the term. He then came to Jefferson, Ohio, where he was for a time in the law office of Hon. Stephen North- way, subsequently returning to the Michigan University, from which he graduated in March, 1878. He was admitted to the bar in Geauga connty in the following month, and in May opened a law office in Jefferson, where he has ever since resided and success- fully practiced his profession. Soon after establishing himself in that city he entered into a partnership with E. J. Pinney, under the name of Pinney & White, which associa- tion was pleasantly and profitably continued until Mr. Pinney's removal to Cleveland in 1890, since which time Mr. White has prac- ticed alone.
Politically Mr. White has been a life-long Republican, but during the last few years has not fully accepted the tariff policy of his party. Of open, candid disposition, honest in purpose and faithful to trusts, he enjoys the confidence of his community, which is exemplified in his recent election to the Mayoralty of his city. He had frequently
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declined office before this, but on this occa- sion a principle was involved with which he was in thorough touch, which accounted for his acceptance of the proffered honor. Jef- ferson has been a local-option town and free from saloons since 1886, but in the spring of 1892 a strong fight was made between the whisky ring and temperance men for suprem- acy. Mr. White was solicited to become the temperance nominee for Mayor, and as such was elected after a heated contest.
Mr. White was married October 8, 1876, to Amelia C., daughter of Seth and Mary (Russell) Burton, a lady of domestic tastes and social accomplishments.
Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Past Chancellor of that order.
Mr. White is a man of intellectual ability and moral worth, being a worthy descendant of an honorable family, and taking a com- mendable interest in the welfare of his city, State and country.
OHN ANSON CALDWELL, one of the prominent business men and worthy citizens of Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1838.
The Caldwells trace their ancestry to Ty- rone and Donegal counties, Ireland, and are of Scotch-Irish extraction. They were Prot- estants; were people of wealth, belonging to the landed nobility, and had a coat of arms.
John A. Caldwell's parents, Robert and Maria (Lowry) Caldwell, were both natives of Pennsylvania. Robert Caldwell was born December 14, 1798, and died in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in 1842. He was a farmer by occupation, was keenly alive to the best in- terests of the tarm, and was well known as an
honest, industrious and worthy citizen. From boyhood he was a devout member of the United Presbyterian Church. He had de- cided views on political matters, and was an ardent Whig. His wife, Maria, was born July 17, 1801, and died November 15, 1838. She, too, was a worthy member of the United Presbyterian Church, and was a woman of many estimable qualities, loved by all who knew her. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell were married February 1, 1821, and had a family of children as follows: Nancy, wife of Lewis Speer, was born January 16, 1822, and died in 1858; Mary, born March 3, 1824, became the wife of Richard Bran, his death occurring February 11, 1892, and hers February 19, 1892; Elizabeth L., born March 22, 1827, married William Catlin, her death occurring in 1891, and his in January, 1893; Emeline, wife of Elisha Stone, resides in Batavia, Illi- nois; Almira, wife of R. S. Whitney, is a resident of Westfield, Wisconsin; and John and Anson, the youngest of the family. By a second marriage Robert Caldwell had one child, Alfred Augustus, born May 7, 1841 This son, Alfred Augustus, enlisted in the Union army in 1861. He was taken prisoner on the battle-field and was sent to the An- dersonville prison pen, where, after months of suffering from exposure and starvation, death came to his relief. He sleeps his last sleep in the National Cemetery at Anderson- ville.
The subject of our sketch was deprived of a mother's loving care in infancy, and, his fa- ther having died a few years later, he remem- bers little of him. He lived at the old farm home until he was fifteen years of age. Then he worked two years at the tinner's trade, and after that went to school two years. In 1859, at the age of twenty, being of a rest- less disposition and having a desire for travel,
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he set out for California, via the Isthmus route, taking passage on the celebrated Star of the West. It will be remembered that this same vessel, while on the way to Fort Sumter with provisions and ammunition for General Robert Anderson in 1861, was fired upon by the rebels.
Mr. Caldwell spent two years in Califor- nia in mining operations, and several years more in mining and prospecting through the territories of Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Montana. He returned east as far as Coun- cil Bluffs, Iowa, in 1866, and the following year made a visit to the home of his child- hood. In 1868 he went to Omaha, Nebraska, and for several years worked at his trade there. January 6, 1872, he removed to Con- neaut, Ohio, and engaged in the grocery busi- ness, under the firm name of Bosworth & Caldwell. Two years later the firm became Poole & Caldwell, and since 1882, having bought out his partner's interest at that time, he has continued the business under the name of J. A. Caldwell. He carries a full line of groceries, provisions, crockery, queens- ware, notions, etc., and has a large trade, numbering among his customers the best people of the city and surrounding country.
Mr. Caldwell was married in Council Bluffs, Iowa, April 29, 1869, to a daughter of Calvin and Harriet Poole. It was his fa- ther-in-law with whom he was engaged in business, under the name of Poole & Cald- well. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have two chil- dren, viz .: Jessie A., wife of C. B. Stoke, of Conneaut; and Harriet Almira, a pupil in the Conneaut public school. Mrs. Caldwell is a member of the Episcopal Church.
In social as well as business circles Mr. Caldwell ranks with the leading citizens of Conneaut. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Cache Com-
mandery, in all of which bodies he holds the office of Treasurer. He is also Treasurer of the, Knights of Honor, National Union and the Elks of Conneaut. He is a charter member of the Knight of Pythias Lodge, at Conneaut; was the first Past Grand Chancellor of said lodge, and has also served five years as Dis- trict Deputy of the same-Maple Lodge, No. 217. He is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. Aside from his activity in secret organizations, he has always shown a public spirit worthy of commendation and has been deeply interested in the public enterprises of the city. He holds decided views on politi- cal matters of county, State and Nation, and affiliates with the Democratic party.
R EV. SIMON B. HERSHEY .- Of the many bright stars that form the clus- ter of Ohio's advanced theological thinkers, whose rays illuminate life's pathway for the happiness and betterment of humanity, there is none more conspicuous than the Rev. Simon B. Hershey, the sub- ject of this memoir, whose benign light has a moral, elevating and religious influence upon all who come within his circle.
There is no calling so sacred as that of a minister of the Gospel; none comes so near the domestic fireside or the heart of man, and there is no calling the members of which have so potent an influence in shaping the conditions of society or the destinies of a nation. Hence church societies should exer- cise the greatest care in securing the pastors that are to preside over their congregations. That the people of the First Congregational Church have exercised this care in the selec- tion of their pastor is evidenced by his efficiency and his long time of service with them.
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Mr. Hershey was born in Wayne county, Ohio, September 21, 1847. His parents, Ben- jamin and Susannah (Wellhouse) Hershey, were early settlers in the State, the former carrying on the business of farming. Both of these good people were widely and favor- ably known for their moral and religious qualities. The elder Hershey was a native of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania. He died in Wayne county, Ohio, at the age of fifty- four years. His wife, Susannah, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, where she died at the age of sixty-nine years. The former was of Swiss extraction. The latter's father, Mr. Wellhouse, was a native of Holland, and came to the United States when a boy. He was a man of prominence in his section of the country, and was successful in his busi- ness operations. He was connected with the banks at Wooster and at Akron, and was generally known as Judge Wellhouse. By his wife Susannah he became the father of seven children: Abraham, George W., Simon B., William O., Mary (wife of W. Henne- berger), Edward A., and Ella (who was mar- ried to David Leonard).
Rev. S. B. Hershey was reared at home, where he received his preliminary education. At an early age he was sent to the Otterbein University, Ohio, which institution he left in his sophomore year, and for a year sub- sequently taught school. At the expiration of that time he entered Oberlin College, at which institution he graduated in 1870 with the degree of Master of Arts. Leaving col- lege, he taught school for a year in Ohio, and then entered Oberlin Theological Sem- inary for a two-year's theological course. This student of divinity was not yet satisfied with his theological researches, and later he is found at Yale delving deeper into biblical lore. He graduated in May, 1874, with the
degree of Bachelor of Divinity. Leaving college, he served his first pastorate in the Second Congregational Church of Danbury, Connecticut, where he remained until the spring of 1881, when he visited Europe, re- turning in the fall. Soon after his return from abroad he received from the Congrega- tional Church of Ashtabula a call which he accepted, taking charge as pastor January 1, 1882. So eminently qualified was he to preside over this congregation, so able and satisfactory his ministry, that he has been retained ever since, to the full gratification of all. So able and zealous have been his labors that the church has grown stronger year by year, until now it is one of the strongest and most prosperous religious societies in the State.
Mr. Hershey was united in marriage, Angust 18, 1874, to Thirza E., the accom- plished danghter of Dr. Homer and Mrs. Anne (Pierce) Johnson, of Oberlin, Ohio. Mrs. Hershey was a graduate of Oberlin Col- lege, and a classmate of her husband. Dr. Johnson was the leading physician of Ober- lin, where he practiced for upward of half a century. He was a man of high standing as a physician and as a citizen. He departed this life about three years ago. IIis widow still resides at Oberlin.
Mr. Hershey paid his own expenses from his sophomore period through the different educational institutions by teaching. He was ordained at Danbury. Connecticut, in 1874.
A few thoughts touching some special features of Mr. Hershey's ministry and per- sonal traits of character will close this biog- raphy. Ile is a man a little above the medium stature, well formed and of pleasing personality. His features, which are genial, open and reassuring, are indicative of a broad
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intellectuality, while at the same time they impress the beholder with the fact that he is by nature a man of warm impulses, chari- table, benevolent, and in full sympathy with humanity. As a minister he stands for lib- eral and progressive theology; lie is not a stickler for creeds, but preaches Christ and his great love for mortal man, reaching out for the hearts of his hearers, laboring to impress upon them the great and priceless value of a Christian life. He is a close stu- dent, a deep thinker, and a logical reasoner. He is happily endowed with a clear, rich voice, superior oratorical powers and personal magnetism. Thus possessed, it is but natural that his influence for good, for Christianity, is potential; that he has the love and confi- dence of his congregation, both the old and the young, and that he is a bright ornament in that noble profession to which he has de- voted his life.
EVI RITTER, of Dorset township, Ashtabula county, was born December 7, 1829, a son of Christian Ritter, a native of Pennsylvania. The latter's father, Jacob Ritter, was of German parentage, and one of the first settlers of Canfield, Maho- ning county, Ohio, Christian Ritter was mar- ried in Mahoning county, to Mary Dustman, a native of that county, and of German de- scent. They afterward spent four years in Wood county, Ohio, returned to Mahoning county; later went to Champion, Trumbull county, Ohio, and in 1857 removed to Lenox township. Ashtabula county. Mr. Ritter, a farmer by occupation, died at the age of eighty-four years, and his wife departed this life at the age of eighty-three years. They had nine children, viz .: Rebecca, Jacob,
Adaline, Levi, Barbara, Elias, Sarah, Christo- pher, Washington, and one deceased in in- fancy.
Levi Ritter, the subject of this notice, was early inured to farm labor. He has followed carpentering inost of his life, and also owns a well improved farm of forty-eight acres. He lias a good one-and-a-half story residence, 16 x 24 feet, with an " L " of the same dimen- sions, and a barn 30 x 40 feet.
Mr. Ritter was married at the age of twenty-three years, to Eveline C. Kibler, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Brandon) Kibler, natives of Virginia, members of old and prominent families in that State. The father died at the age of sixty years, and the mother at the age of seventy-two years. They had cleven children, namely: Saralı, Julia, Martha, Polly, William, Eveline, George, Zachariah, Eliza, James and Nancy. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter have four children: George, at home; William, married, resides in Windham, Portage county, Ohio; Emma, wife of Com- fort Struck, of Canfield, Mahoning county; and Floyd, at home.
M. DOW, editor of the Andover Citi- zen, of Andover, Ohio, was born in Chicago, in 1859, a son of Jolin and Aurelia (Marshall) Dow. The father, one of the publishers of the Northwestern Home Journal, died when our subject was one year old. The mother was from the same stock as the late Chief Justice Marshall.
J. M. Dow, onr subject, moved to Frank- lin, Venango county, Pennsylvania, and when seven years of age removed to Orwell, Ohio, receiving his education in the Orwell Nor- mal Institute. He began the printing busi- ness at about the age of eighteen years, in
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the office of the Orwell Welcome. His pres- ent paper was established in 1883, by E. M. Dewey, and was purchased by Mr. Dow in 1886. It has a circulation of about 800 copies, at a yearly subscription price of $1.
Mr. Dow was married in 1886, to Fred- erika E. Bond, a native of Rock Creek, Ohio, and a daughter of Frederick N. and Mary K. (Barr) Bond. The father died in 1877, in Rock Creek, where he had been engaged in the harness trade for a number of years. The mother is a sister of Hon. Matthew Barr, of Erie, Pennsylvania, and now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Dow. Mrs. Dow is of Eng- lish and Scotch-Irish descent. She has a fine musical talent, and a number of musical scores of her composition have been pub- lished.
E DGAR L. HILLS .- Ohio is peculiarly fortunate in her public officers, who are universally men of worth and ability. Conspicuous among these is the gentleman whose name initiates this sketch.
Edgar L. Hills, the efficient and popular Recorder of Ashtabula county, worthy citi- zen and successful business man, was born in Albion, Erie county, Pennsylvania, Septent- ber 4, 1852, and is a son of Humphrey A. Hills, a widely known and highly respected resident of that State. Humphrey Hills was born in Goshen, Connecticut, August 10, 1811, and was married at Cranesville, Penn- sylvania, September 11. 1834, to Antha, daughter of Georde and Eunice (Green) Reed, by whom he had nine children: Charles W., Marcus A., Alice P., Henry II., Mary A., W. Scott, Lucy E., Humphrey A. and Edgar L. Of these all are living except Alice. His second marriage occurred at Albion,
Pennsylvania, December 11, 1853, when he wedded Louise Adelia, daughter of Hiram and Susan (Powers) Williams, by whom he had four children: Willis P., James L., Vic- tor F. and Jessie May. Four of the sons responded to their country's call and took arms in the great civil conflict. The four were Charles, Marcus, Henry and Scott. Charles was Captain of the Seventh Iowa In- fantry, and afterward in command of Com- pany B, One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois Infantry; Marcus was First Lieutenant of the Third Iowa Infantry; Henry served in the First Colorado Regiment; Scott served in the Navy, on the United States man-of-war " New Ironsides." In early years Mr. Hills secured various official preferments in Erie county, Pennsylvania, having served as Constable, Justice of the Peace, School Director, and in 1847 County Commissioner. In 1850 he was Surveyor in charge of the work of establish- ing the county line between Erie and Craw- ford counties. Later on he was the incumbent as United States Marshal for his district, and in 1852 and 1853 was a member of the House of Representatives in the State Legislature. He died March 14, 1887, at Springfield, Penn- sylvania.
Edgar L. Hills, concerning whose life this sketch has mainly to do, was reared in his native county, receiving a common-school education. He then took a position in a dry- goods establishment at Springfield, Pennsyl- vania, and after a time took a course in the Spencerian Business College at Cleveland, Ohio. Upon the completion of his studies in this institution he entered a dry-goods es- tablishment at Cleveland, as salesman, re- taining the position for about three years. He then returned to the Keystone State, where he clerked for four years longer. He was then married, and shortly afterward re-
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mnoved to Conneaut, Ohio, where he entered the mercantile field upon his own responsi- bility, continuing in business until his elec- tion, in 1886, to his present office as Recorder of Ashtabula county. In December, 1886, he removed to Jefferson. the county seat, where he has since resided. He has twice been elected as his own successor,- at the expiration of his term, in 1889, and again in 1892, his election for the third term being the first instance of the kind in many years, and serving to show the high regard in which he is held, both as an officer and a man.
Mr. Hills was united in marriage June 28, 1877, to Miss S. Louise Doty, an estimable lady of Springfield, Pennsylvania, who was born in Eagleville, Ashtabula county, Ohio, June 28, 1855, and they have two daughters, Maude L., who was born at Conneaut, Ohio, February 19, 1879, and Margaret, who was born at Jefferson, Ohio, December 24, 1887.
Politically, Mr. Hills sympathizes with the Republican party, and socially, is a member of Columbian Lodge, No. 491, Knights of Pythias, at Jefferson, and the Royal Arcanum, at Conneaut, while, as a citizen and business inan, he enjoys pre-eminence in his commu- nity.
P ERRY GREENE BECK WITH. Among the pathfinders of Ohio who blazed a way for future generations to follow, none is more worthy of men- tion than the subject of this sketch, who materially assisted in starting her car of progress on the road which has led to her present prosperity.
Perry Greene Beckwith, deceased, a sturdy Ohio pioneer, was a native of Connecticut, and in 1811 joined the westward tide of emi- gration, moving his family by ox team from
Lyme, his native State, to the southern part of Ashtabula county, Ohio, being six weeks on the way. To the small settlement which was started in his vicinity he gave the name of New Lyme, in remembrance of his East- ern home, which name it still retains. At the time of his settling here, Indians were plentiful, and many of these would visit the family and ask for food and clothing. He had six sons and two daughters: Elijah, Perry G., Alvin, Ezra, Edward and Samuel; the daughters being Esther and Joanna. This worthy man passed a truly patriarchal life among his children and friends, and died at an advanced age, sincerely lamented by all who knew himn.
Ezra M. Beckwith was six years of age when his parents came to Ohio, where he has since resided, his present home being in Colebrook, Ashtabula county. He was reared on a farm and received the educational ad- vantages afforded by the country in his day. He married Lucinda Phillips, whose father, Halsey Phillips, was the second settler in what is now Colebrook township, Ashtabula county, and they had four children: Halsey P. and three daughters.
Halsey P. Beckwith, for many years a prominent citizen of Jefferson, Ohio, was born in New Lyme, on the old homestead of his paternal grandfather, September 28, 1837. He was reared on a farm and received a com- mon-school education in the pioneer schools of the day. On arriving at maturity he began to farm, which occupation he followed until he was appointed Deputy Treasurer of Ashtabula county in 1879. He served in that capacity for three years, when, in 1882, he was elected County Treasurer, serving one term of two years, at the expiration of which time he was re-elected for another term. When his second term of office expired, he
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was retained by his successors as Deputy Treasurer, covering in all a service of eleven years and six months, in all of which time he proved himself to be an able and faithful officer, never being absent from his post of duty bnt thirty days during this entire time. He has since lived retired from active busi- ness, looking after his landed interests in this county and town.
In politics Mr. Beckwith has affiliated with the Republicans since the organization of that party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. As a citizen and man he is deserving of the high esteem of his fellow-men, which he so universally enjoys.
H ON. ISAAC N. HATHAWAY. Were this volume being compiled for the present generation only it would be unnecessary to give place in it to the record of the life of the worthy citizen whose name is presented above, for he is so well and favorably known, not only to the people of northeastern Ohio, but of the State, that little can be said of him but what is already known. As general history is writ- ten for the future, so to a large degree is bi- ography, and to place in a substantial book form the memoirs of one of Geauga county's most noble and distinguished citizens is the object of this sketelı.
Books are permanent chronicles which transmit to future ages the memory of those whose lives are recorded within their sacred pages; and when the subjects treated of are as worthy as the one whose name heads this memoir they become an inspiration for good to the present and future generations.
Isaac Newton Hathaway, of Chardon, Ohio, was born Jnne 8, 1827, and is the oldest attorney in practice in Geauga county, of which he is a native. The first of his an- cestors of whom anything definite is known was William Hathaway, who was born at Fall River, Massachusetts, of Welsh descent. He was a seafaring man and was chiefly engaged in whaling, and would often make voyages of three years' duration. He was an enterprising, thrifty man, and was held in high respect. Heavy depredations were com- mitted upon his marine interests by priva- teers during the war of 1812, and in recom- pense he received in liquidation from the State of Connecticut 6,000 acres of land on the Western Reserve in Ohio. He died at Fall River, at an advanced age. His son, James Hathaway (father of the subject of this biography), accompanied by a cousin, came to Ohio in 1816, making the journey on foot. He was born at Fall River, Massa- chusetts, January 1, 1799. He settled on a grant of 400 acres of land made to him by his father in what is now Geanga county. Upon this he subsequently made extensive improvements. Having established himself in his new home, he returned to Massachu- setts for the companion of his heart's choice, Miss Miranda Ashley, of Springfield, born in 1806, to whom he was united in marriage. With his bride he returned to the West, this time making the jonrney with a primitive team. While East he had been appointed agent for the Connecticut Land Company for some of the lands in Geauga county. He immediately upon his first arrival set abont the great work of his life,-that of develop- ing a new country and recovering it from a wilderness. He became identified with the early pioneer interests of the section of the country in which he located, taking a leading
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