USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Historical review of Riverside Cemetery Association, Cleveland, Ohio > Part 5
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and grandeur of the Western scenery, the freedom from all conven- tionalities which prevail in more densely settled sections, the stern, rugged virtues of the men whom he found in the wilderness, to- gether with the independent career opened to him, impressed his manly mind, and he resolved to cast his lot in the West. Saying nothing of the matter to his affianced, he wrote to his parents, making known his purpose to decline their kind offer, and future circumstances proved the wisdom of his decision.
For thirty years Mr. Rhodes was a resident of Cleveland, and the same restless and indomitable energy which prompted him to prefer the untrodden paths of the wilderness to the pleasures of an Eastern home, accompanied him throughout that time, and im- pressed his name upon many of the most important enterprises of the Forest City. He was one of the pioneers in the coal trade of Cleveland, which has since grown to such magnificent proportions.
His first enterprise in that line was at what are known as the old Brier Hill mines, in 1845, in company with Gov. Tod and Mr. Ford. Their production of coal was about fifty tons per week, and this was then deemed a large business. The difficulties in the way of introduction of even this, the very best of coal, were very great. Wood was the universal fuel for domestic use. The only chance to sell coal was to the lake steamers, and even there the old prejudices against any departure from the beaten track had to be overcome. Mr. Rhodes, who had charge of the Cleveland end of the business, was, however, well fitted to make a fight against ob- stacles, and by his steady perseverance he succeeded in introduc- ing coal largely for use on the lake boats. He was an untiring worker, ever on the watch for his customers, from early morn to the close of day, devoting his evenings to his correspondence, and other office work. The coal business of the firm grew rapidly, and the members turned their attention to other sections of the State, opening mines in both Tuscarawas and Wayne counties. In 1857 Mr. Rhodes formed a co-partnership with Mr. J. F. Card, and they went to work with great earnestness to develope the blackband ore and other mineral resources of Tuscarawas county.
In 1860 his attention was attracted to the mineral resources of Stark county, and, in that year, he opened the famous Willowbank mine, which proved to be one of the most extensive and profitable coal mines ever opened in Ohio. He became interested later in many other mines in the same county, so that from his original pro-
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duction of fifty tons weekly, he increased the amount until, at the time of his death, he had the controlling interest or was a large owner in mines which were capable of producing two thousand tons daily. His peddling steam-boat business of 1845-50 had in- creased under the direction of the firm, of which he was the founder, to a trade of two hundred and fifty thousand tons yearly.
He took an active part in the construction of the Northern di- vision of the Cleveland & Toledo railroad, and of the Massillon & Cleveland and Lake Shore and Tuscarawas Valley railways. His residence was on the west side of the Cuyahoga, and he did more than any other man to build up that portion of Cleveland. One great cause of contention between the two sections arose from the persistent efforts of the people on the West Side to obtain improved means of communication with the more important region east of the river. In all these contests, from the time when a float bridge was the only means of passage, to the inception and partial com- pletion of the splendid Viaduct, (for he died before it was finished ), he was one of the foremost in urging the claims of his section of the city. He, in company with H. S. Stevens, constructed the West Side Street Railroad ; he was a zealous promoter of the building of the West Side Gas Works, and was the founder of the People's Savings and Loan Association, of which he was the presi- dent at the time of his death. He was also one of the builders, and a large stockholder, in the Rocky River railroad, which connected the West Side with the favorite resort at Rocky River. He was a large real estate owner on the west side of the river.
Mr. Rhodes died on the 5th day of August, 1875.
JEREMIAH HIGBEE.
Among the first of the aged persons whose remains were con- signed to the sacred soil of this beautiful cemetery --- " God's Acre "- was Jeremiah Higbee, the son of a New England minister, to whom he was born, near the close of the last century, in a quiet hamlet, surrounded with the influences of a Christian home and a pious ancestry ; and, from which surroundings and associations he went out to try his fortunes in the sparsely settled districts of one of the southern States, adjoining our own, where, for several years, he was engaged in private teaching, subsequent to which he entered mercantile life in this State, in which he was actively engaged for
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more than a quarter of a century, retiring from it to enjoy another period of more than twenty years of exemption from the cares inci- dent to active business, surrounded by his family and relatives un- til the time of his decease (1878), at the ripe age of 86 years.
Although of a quiet and retiring temperament, and averse to dis- play, his friendships when formed were strong and abiding, and the memories of his kindness, affection, charity and justness are indelibly impressed upon the hearts of those who knew him well.
For a large portion of his life he was closely identified with church work and the great moral reforms of the day, keeping him- self thoroughly informed by diligent reading and observation upon political, social and scientific questions as well.
He met the trials and afflictions of life with manly, Christian resignation, having been called upon to part with children, and twice to bid farewell to an affectionate companion, and finally to leave his children, and also her with whom he had walked many years, to mourn his departure, being remembered by them as a faithful parent, a devoted husband, and a honored member of soci- ety.
BENJAMIN R. BEAVIS.
Benjamin R. Beavis was born in London, England, on March 12th, 1826. When an infant, his parents emigrated to America, and first settled in Brooklyn, Long Island. In 1834 his parents removed to Ohio, and settled in the then township of Brooklyn, Cuyahoga county. He received a common school education, and, after arriving at the age of majority, commenced the study of the law. He was admitted to the bar in July, 1851, and commenced the practice of law at Cleveland early in 1852, continuing in the prac- tice until his death, which occurred on March 4th, 1884, a period of over thirty-two years of professional life. He was elected as treasurer of Brooklyn township, and afterward as justice of the peace, and member of the board of education of Brooklyn
In 1867, that portion of Brooklyn township where he resided was annexed to the city of Cleveland, and he was elected one of the first councilmen of his ward in the Spring of 1868. As a member of the council he took great interest in the growth and pros- perity of the city, and was made president pro tem of its council. In 1870 he was re-elected to the council, and in 1871 he was by the partiality of his friends and without special effort on his part,
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nominated and elected to represent his county as one of its senators in the Senate of the Sixtieth General Assembly of Ohio. The iron bridge spanning Walworth Run, and the great Viaduct were built during his trustee and senatorship, and he was greatly instrumental in their agitation and construction. In honor of his services, he was appointed and acted as president of the day on the celebration of the completion of the Viaduct on December 27, 1878. As a mem- ber of the last city decennial board of equalization and board of re- vision in 1881 and 1882, he served as øts president, and thereafter practiced his profession until his death on March 4th, 1884, after a short illness, his wife, a son and daughter and a brother surviving him. His progress through life has been the result of a con- tinuous struggle with adverse circumstances, and he was what is usually termed a self-made man. Earnest and sincere in his ad- vocacy of whatever he attempted, a good husband and father, in- dustrious in his habits, considerate in his actions, a good, safe law- yer, and faithful to the interests of his clients and to the public, he won the confidence and respect of his neighbors, friends, constitu- ents and all with whom he came in contact. He was laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery, on March 6th, 1884, amid a large concourse of friends and neighbors, giving evidence of the great love and esteem in which he was held by the community.
DAVID S. BRAINARD
was born July 27th, 1815, in Brooklyn township, upon the farm where his parents had settled two years earlier. Cleveland was then a distant hamlet in the forest, which he lived to see the second city in the state, and whose limits now embrace the rural home of his boyhood. He died April 26, 1880, having lived the life of a farmer, and won the confidence and respect of his neighbors. He sought no office, but was often selected for official positions, in which he served the public faithfully. He was township trustee in 1856-7, and treasurer in 1845, 1847 and 1863. He was trustee of North Brooklyn Cemetery Association from its organization until his death. Rural life was his enjoyment. He was a true friend, a · genial companion, a kind neighbor, and an honest man. He was a liberal contributor to the advancement of the public welfare. A wife, a daughter and a grand-daughter revere his memory, and a memorial symbol of the solid worth of the man and an enduring monument marks his resting place.
01889 3
BRAINARD
----
KEN-CO.
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REV. THOMAS STUBBS,
who was more or less intimately associated with the religious life of Cleveland, for half a century, was born in the beautiful hill country of England, town of Kendal, 1801, and died at his home in Cleve- land, February, 1884.
He began preaching at eighteen, and preached his last sermon in the Franklin avenue M. E. church, about. eight months before his death, making a period of sixty-five years in the ministry.
In 1832, in May, he landed in Cleveland, camping over night on the beach. At once he began his ministry, becoming a member of the then Pittsburgh Conference, from which was formed the Erie, of which he was an honored member all his life.
For a number of years he traveled the then wilderness, called the Western Reserve. Along the lake shore, and into the interior, as far as Youngstown, his name was a household word.
In 1848 he was stationed at the First M. E. church, located on the corner of St. Clair and Wood streets. During his two years' ministry, the church was greatly prospered. There, as everywhere, large revivals prevailed.
From 1854 to 1857 he had charge of the Erie street church, which has since removed to another part of the city, and the Mis- sion located on East St. Clair.
In 1866, on account of his wife's health, he located in Cleveland, West Side, where he resided the remainder of his life. During this time he served East Cleveland, Ashtabula and the Bethel.
For a few years he was not in charge, yet he was vigorous in body and mind, preaching in various pulpits to the delight of the people. He was catholic in spirit, and beloved by all denom- inations. He was a man of rare mental gifts-of a poetical temper- ament-of noble thought-a great lover of nature and his fellow men. In his prime no man in his conference surpassed him in eloquence. He was a most ardent lover of his adopted country, and his voice rung out for the slave when it took nerve and courage, and when the applause often came in rotten eggs and stones. The war for the Union waked his eloquence and enthusiasm, and in the darkest hours his inspiring voice gave hope to the people.
He had great power over men in attaching them to him person- ally. Friends once, friends always. Beloved by all who knew him; a man of remarkable purity of character and life, traits that
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shone in his benevolent and winning face, and exemplified in his walk and conversation.
Of more than ordinary ability, clear and vigorous in mind, orig- inal as a thinker, fluent, graceful and powerful as a speaker, his discourses abounded in beautiful figures and bright, poetic fancies. Coupled with a brilliant mind was a big heart, that found expression in charity and kindness, which will endear him to thousands all over his extensive field of labor.
When eighty, he was able to walk ten miles. When eighty-one, he preached a sermon in his son's pulpit that, for enthusiasm and buoyancy, would have done credit to a young man-that for noble thought and elevation of sentiment would have honored a man in his prime.
The grasp of his mind ceased only as he ceased to breathe.
RUSSELL PELTON.
One of the earliest of Cleveland's enterprising business men and promoters of the commerce of the lakes entered upon his final rest in Riverside, in April, 1888. He was of English ancestry, which came to New England about the middle of the 17th century. He was born in Portland, Connecticut, July 20th, 1803. In 1821 he married Pamelia, daughter of Joseph Abbey, of Chatham, Conn., spent his early life in his native state, living for a time in Chester, Conn. He came to Cleveland in 1835, locating in Brook- lyn, now embraced within the city limits. They had two sons and three daughters. Mrs. Pelton died in June, 1879. He established one of the first foundries in Cleveland, located on the site of the gas works, near the Union railway station, and where he made all the iron castings used in the construction of the Weddell House.
About 1852 he established a line of canal packets plying between Columbus and Chillicothe, and in 1865 retired to his farm on Lorain street and Denison avenue, now in the city, and was inter- ested as a capitalist in the Northern Transportation Company on the lakes. He was an upright, thorough business man, an exem- plary member of the Methodist church, and a man of broad and liberal sentiments. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ozias Fish, in Brooklyn village.
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FRANCIS S. PELTON,
second son of Russell and Pamelia Abbey Pelton, was born in Chester, Middlesex county, Conn., June 8th, 1833; removed with bis parents to Ohio in 1835, they locating in Brooklyn, where he also remained until 1868, when he became a resident of the city of Cleveland.
In 1854, he married Miss Mary Knight, of Glens Falls, New York. Of this marriage were born eleven children, five sons and six daughters.
His name was prophetic of the man, for he was always "Frank." and open, genial and warm hearted, kindly disposed toward every- body, especially the needy and unfortunate, making firm friends wherever he made acquaintances.
He was strongly attached to his home and his family, spending with them as many of his leisure hours as possible. His life as husband and father is well deserving of imitation.
He was possessed of rare business qualifications, having good judgment, with an energy and "push " that overcame all obstacles and surmounted all difficulties.
He was one of the first to note the adaptability of Riverside to cemetery purposes, and was one of the first trustees of the Cemetery Association.
Full of enterprise and public spirit, he was always ready to do his part for the promotion of the general welfare, and his judgment upon what was right and just determined his action.
As a Mason and Odd Fellow he was a faithful and conscientious worker, and both orders will long remember his good deeds and mourn his too early death.
He died at his residence, in the city of Cleveland, aged forty-three years, loved and lamented most by those who knew him best.
JACOB GRAF,
a native of Germany, was born February 9th, 1813; emigrated with his family to America, May 31st, 1848; lived upon his farm in Rockport until his wife's death, which occurred May 11th, 1885. He then removed to this city and lived with his son-in-law, Hon. Chas. Herrman, and died January 2d, 1889, as a highly respected citizen. He left a family of ten children, of which six survive him.
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MARTIN KELLOGG.
Martin Kellogg was born in Easthampton parish, Chatham, Middlesex Co., Conn., on the 16th of February, 1793. His an- cestors were Irish, and settled in this country at an early date.
His father, whose name was Martin, was a native of Marlboro, Conn., having been born there about the year 1765. He was a man of great integrity and enterprise; was often called upon for advice and counsel, and, although not a member, was a constant attendant and liberal supporter of the Episcopal Church. He mar- ried Rachel Hosford, daughter of Dudley Hosford, of Marlboro, by whom he had six children, viz: Rachel, Martin, Joel, Alfred, Rechelsea and Lucy Ann. The latter is the only member of this family now living. Mr. Kellogg died in Easthampton in 1825. His wife survived him twenty-five years, and died in January, 1850.
The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and, until he reached his majority, remained upon his father's farm. He was then employed in laboring by the month, which he con- tinued for four years. In 1817 he came to Ohio, and remained one year. Returning to Connecticut, he was married, on the 2d of June, 1818, to Laura Adams, daughter of Benjamin Adams, of Colchester, New London county. They at once set out for Ohio, in company with the families of Judge Barber, Mr. Watkins, Mr. Branch and Mr. Ansel Young. They traveled the entire distance with ox- teams, the journey consuming forty days. Arriving at Cleveland in July, Mr. Kellogg settled in Brooklyn, on the place situated on Scranton avenue. He immediately commenced clearing his farm, and, although subjected to all the hardships of pioneer life, was never discouraged. At the end of a comparatively few years he possessed a comfortable home, and on account of its location his land subsequently became very valuable.
In 1856, his wife died, and he was married on the 8th of March, 1860, to Mrs. Laura Walker, who died July 17th, 1863. He only survived her a little more than one month, his death occurring on the 25th of August following.
Mr. Kellogg was a man of staunch integrity and high moral character ; an enterprising citizen, and one who took an active part in forwarding local improvements and the best interests of the com- munity in which he lived.
Mr. Kellogg had four children-Alfred, Horace, Charles M. and Sanford B., all deceased except Alfred, the eldest.
ROWLEY KELLOCC
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HENRY JOHNSON BROOKS,
born April 30th, 1813, at Berlin, Conn., came to Ohio with his father at the age of six years, traveling with an ox team and requir- ing six weeks to make the journey. His father settled in Carlisle township, Lorain county, being one of the first settlers.
He was married to Abigail Hart, November 6th, 1832, the cere- mony being performed by Rev. J. J. Shipherd, at Elyria, O., where they first commenced house-heeping.
Having learned the carpenter trade, he commenced business for himself ; his brother Samuel, learning the trade from him, afterward became his partner.
Their first important contract was the building of the Presby- terian Church in that place, which at the time was one of the finest structures in the State.
·Later on, his brother Samuel removed to Cleveland, and in 1862 Henry followed him, and again they became partners in business. They at once took a leading position, the firm of S. C. Brooks & Co. being identified with many of the important public and private buildings. Soon after his death, which occurred June 10th, 1882, his eldest son Herbert and his grandson Henry succeeded to the business, and it is still carried on under the name of the Brooks Building Co. His wife's death followed about one year later, they leaving three sons, all of whom are married and living in this city, the eldest, Herbert, succeeding him in business; the second son, Henry, being a member of the insurance firm of Brooks, Manning & Co., and the youngest, Stephen, being a member of the publish- ing and stationery house of Brooks & Co.
From boyhood he was a professing Christian, and until his re- moval to Cleveland a member of the Presbyterian Church of Elyria, of which he was a deacon. He was also a great Sabbath school worker, being superintendent for many years of the school connected with that church.
He continued his labors in this direction on his removal to Cleve- land, being superintendent of the First Congregational Sunday- school for many years, and a deacon and prominent worker in the church.
NICOLAS MEYER,
born July 7th, 1809, at Niederalben, in the Bavarian Palatinate in Germany, son of Nicolas and Barbara Meyer, nee Schneider, emi-
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grated to the United States in 1833, and arrived in Cleveland in 1834. In 1836, he married Dorothea Jacob, twelve children being the fruit of said union, seven of whom survive him.
Being by occupation a carpenter and builder, he worked at his trade about three years, when he became a contractor, and success- fully continued so until 1869. In 1838 he made his first land pur- chase of Diodate Clark, which he sold at a fair profit in 1851, to become a part of the Jno. G. Jennings allotment on University Heights. From that time on until his death, Mr. Meyer became largely interested in various real estate transactions on the south side of the city, and by his sound judgment, close application to business and reputation for fair dealing succeeded in the acquisition of a large estate, when, in the zenith of prosperity, he was suddenly cut down by disease, and died May 23d, 1884, deplored by his wife and seven surviving children.
He was a good, conscientious Christian man, of strong character and sterling integrity, and the community lost in him a citizen who had ever assisted generously in the promotion of any measure that promised to benefit a good cause.
THOS. H. LAMSON
was born at Sheffield, Mass., July 16th, 1827. The story of his life is in a sense but a repetition of the familiar story of the straight- forward, industrious, persevering Berkshire boy-his life apparently hemmed in by circumstances as hard and immovable as the hills that shut in his little home. He left the parental roof at the age of twenty, going to Southington, Conn., where he remained twenty years. That he was successful, the extensive factory of The Lam- son & Sessions Co., which was moved to this city from Connecticut, in 1867, and of which he was the originator, stands to-day a monu- ment to the well-earned and brilliant success of the firm of which he was always an honored member. During his short business career, he established a healthy public sentiment in favor of temper- ance, sterling integrity, justice, charity and commercial fidelity. Social and genial in his nature, his friends were many. His sym- pathy was great, his generosity far-reaching. After a brief illness, he died at Lenox, Mass., whither he had gone, hoping the air of his native hills might restore him to health.
Broad in his views, sincere in his religious convictions, noble
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and generous in his impulses, a safe counselor, a tried Christian, a public benefactor, a faithful friend, he peacefully sleeps at River- side, our beautiful city of the dead, of which he was one of the founders.
JOSIAH BARBER
was born December 3d, 1825, at a farm located on what is known as the South Side. He was for a number of years engaged as a civil engineer, and took a prominent part in the construction of the C., C., C. & I. Railway. He was also employed in a similar capacity in the building of the L. S. & M. S. Railroad. The Bee Line curve at Delaware and the Rocky River road were constructed under the direction of Mr. Barber. He removed to Columbus in 1850, and in the following year was united in marriage to Miss Caroline J. Cooke, daughter of one of the pioneers of Franklin county. In 1862, he enlisted, at Columbus, in the 95th Regiment, O. V. I., and served with honor to the close of the war. He entered the service as a lieutenant, and retired at the close of the long struggle with the rank of captain. Mr. Barber then removed to Cleveland, and resided in this city until the time of his death. He was the first president of the Riverside Cemetery Association, and for a number of years had occupied the position of superin- tendent. His re-election to the position occurred only a few days before his death. Mr. Barber was a prominent member of the Army of the Tennessee, and was also identified with Memorial Post, G. A. R., No. 141, of this city.
R. F. HUMISTON
was born in Great Barrington, Mass., July 29th, 1821, and died April 4th, 1889. When he was about twelve years of age his fam- ily moved to Hudson, O., where Western Reserve College was then located, and he early became imbued with a desire to acquire more than a common school education. His mind once made up to this, it was not lost sight of, and to this end his efforts led him in various ways, now as store-boy or clerk, again to carpentry, and later on to teaching in country schools.
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