History of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Part 87

Author: Johnson, Crisfield
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott & Co.
Number of Pages: 716

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Seth was born June 9, 1733, and married Merey Parker in 1758. Both died in 1802. They had nine children-Seth, Timothy, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Job (who died carly), Mercy, Job, John M. and Deborah. The two Seth Doans, father and son, were taken pris-

oners by the British from a merchant vessel in 1776, during the Revolution, the father at the time being mate of the vessel on which he was captured. They were released in 1972, and soon after the younger Seth died from sickness contracted while a prisoner, and dne to his captivity.

Nathaniel, fourth child of Seth and Merey Doan, was born about the year 1764. He came to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1796, with the party which surveyed the Western Reserve, and in 1798 moved thither with his family. The route of emigration was down the Connecticut river, along the coast by vessel to New York, up the Hudson river, across by land to Lake On- tario and thence by boat to the mouth of the Cuya- hoga river. The family lived in the then little village of Cleveland until the next fall, when they removed to what is now the east part of the city of Cleveland, settling at the "Corners," just west of Wade Park.

Nathaniel Doan was a man of great piety and of sterling qualities. The first Presbyterian church- society in the Western Reserve was organized in his house, and was known as the First Presbyterian church, of which he was appointed deacon. Hle mar- ried Sarah Adams, of Chatham, Connectient. ITis children were Sarah, Job (who died young), Job, Delia, Nathaniel and Mercy. He died November 29, 1815.

Job, his eldest son, was born June 10, 1789, and was nine years of age when he came with his father to Ohio, where he experienced in his youth all the pri- vations of pioneer life. At the age of twenty-six he was married to Harriet Woodruff, daughter of Na- thaniel and Isabel Woodruff, of Morris county, New Jersey. She was born August 31, 1797, and came to Ohio in 1814. Job Doan took a prominent part in the affairs of the town and county. He was a Whig in politics, and in 1832 and 1833 was a mem- ber of the legislature. Ile was also a justice of the peace for many years. He likewise built and kept the first hotel in East Cleveland. Although he had but a limited education himself, he was a liberal supporter of educational interests, and was also an enterprising and public-spirted citizen, charitable and generous to a fault. He died on the 30th of September, 1834, of cholera. Ile had eight children, Nathaniel Adams, Sarah C., who is now the wife of John Walters, Ilar- riet J., Lucy Aun, Martha M. (who died in infancy), William II., Martha M., and Edwin W.

William II. Doan, the subject of this sketch, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on the 3d of July, 1828. Ile was edneated in the public schools, and the Shaw Academy of Enclid, also attending Mr. Beatty's pre- paratory school in Cleveland. At the age of twenty he entered the law office of Hitchcock, Wilson & Wade where he remained nine months. Soon after- ward he generously voluntered to go to Sandusky to assist in caring for the sufferers by the cholera, and rendered faithful service until the disease abated.

In 1849 he went to California, and remained in that State a period of ten years, engaged in various

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

pursuits, such as mining, trading, etc. His business ventures proving unsuccessful, he returned to Ohio, and, after remaining one year in Cleveland, went to Corry, Pennsylvania, where he resided from 1861 to 1865. During that time he was engaged in build- ing shanties along the line of the Atlantic and Great Western railroad, and served as an employee in various positions on the Oil Creek railroad. He also went into the commission business, selling crude oil, with a partner, under the firm name of W. Il. Doan & Co. The trade in oil rapidly increasing, he removed to Cleveland, where he entered more extensively into the traffic. Ile subsequently engaged in the mann- facture of oils and naphtha, which has proved moder- ately successful. He employs at the present time fifty hands, having considerably extended the busi- ness.

As a citizen Mr. Doan deservedly takes a high rank. A member of the Congregational church, in which he holds the ofliees of deacon and trustee, he has contrib- nted freely, both in time and money, to the interests of Christianity and charity. In public enterprise and benevolent projects he is ever ready and willing to lend a helping hand.

Hle originated and built, mostly with his own funds, the Tabernacle, located on the corner of St. Clair and Ontario streets, which he has devoted to the use of the people of Cleveland. He is deeply interested in the Sunday school work, serving at present as superin- tendent of the Tabernacle school. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, being an active and untiring worker in the cause of temperance. His many social qualities and personal virtues have won the esteem of a large circle of friends, and the respect of all with whom he he has been brought in contact. He was married on the 31st of July, 1861, to Miss E. J. Hemmel, of New York City.

DAN P. EELLS.

Major Samuel Echs came to this country from Barnstable, England, and settled in Dorchester, Mas- sachnsetts, probably in the year 1633, where his son, Samuel, was born. Major Eells returned to England while his son was yet a babe, and remained until Samuel, Jr., was twenty-one years old, who then re- turned to the land of his nativity, and settled at Mil- ford, Connecticut, where he was a lawyer and an officer in the army. He died at Hingham, Massachusetts, at the age of sixty-nine. Nathaniel, his third son, was graduated at Harvard University, and was settled as pastor over the church at Scituate, Massachusetts. Edward Eells, son of Nathaniel, was also graduated at Harvard, and was settled over the church at Middle- town, Connectient. James Eells, son of Edward, was graduated at Yale College in 1763, and like his two preceding ancestors became a clergyman, being settled over the church at Glastonbury, Connecticut. His son, James, was also gradnated at Yale in 1799, and was pastor over the Presbyterian church in Westmore-

land, Oneida county. New York. in 1804. lle re- moved to Ohio in 1831, where he resided in Worth- ington. Franklin county, in Charlestown, Portage county, and in Amherst, Lorain county, until the death of his wife. in 1849, after which he lived in the families of his sons until May 3, 1856, when he died at Grafton, Lorain county, from being injured by a locomotive on the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati railroad.

Rev. James Eells had seven children, one of whom, a daughter, died in infancy. The remaining six, five sons and one daughter, all born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, New York, lived to mature years.

James Henry was educated at Hamilton College and Princeton Theological Seminary, was pastor of the Presbyterian church at Elyria, Ohio, and after- ward at Perrysburg, where he was drowned in the Maumee river, December 7, 1836. Samuel, born May 21, 1810, was educated at Hamilton College, where he was graduated in 1832. He became a lawyer and settled in Cincinnati, where he was for a time a part- ner of the late chief justice. S. P. Chase. He was the founder of the college society. Alpha Delta Phi, and, though less than thirty-two years of age at the time of his death, he was ranked among the very ablest lawyers of his time, and as an advocate had no superior at the Cincinnati bar. Mary Lucretia, born June 18, 1812, married Dr. Asa B. Brown, at Elyria Ohio, December 31, 1835, and died at Cleveland February 9, 1855. Timothy Dwight, born November 1, 1815, died at Cleveland. April 18, 1826. James, born August 22, 1822, was edu- cated at Hamilton College and Auburn Theolog- jeal Seminary. Ile was first settled over the Pres- byterian church at Penn Yan, New York; was after- wards pastor of the Second Presbyterian church in Cleveland, and also of the Dutch Reformed church on the Ilights, in Brooklyn, New York, whence he removed to San Francisco, and became the pastor of the First Presbyterian church of that city. He is now pastor of the First Presbyterian church in Oakland, California, and professor of pastoral theology in the San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Dan Parmlee Eells was born April 16, 1825. He entered Hamilton College, but before completing his course removed to Cleveland, where he continued his studies, being graduated with the class of 1848. In March, 1849, he was given a position in the Com- mercial Branch of the State Bank of Ohio. Here he remained nutil 1852, manifesting such decided financial abilities and winning so many friends among business men, that he was solicited to become a part- ner in a private banking honse, and the firm of Hall, Eells & Co. was formed, Mr. Eells being the manag- ing partner. In November, 1858, the managers of the Commercial Branch Bank, desirons of regaining his services, elected him their cashier. In this posi- tion he remained until 1865, when the charter of the institution expired. The Commercial National Bank was now organized, and the business of the Commer-

THE CITY OF CLEVELAND.

al Branch Barde sp- transferred to it. Mr. W. A. Ofis was chosen presplant, and Mr. Bells, vice presi- lent. On the death of Mr. Otis, in 1868, Mr. Eells was elected president, and has remained in that posi- rion until the present time. This has been one of The flourishing banking institutions of the city, having The capital stock of $1,250,000, and a large surplus. It has always pursued a liberal but prudent policy under Mr. Eells' management; the wisdom of which is manifest by its large and profitable business. He has also been interested in other large business enter- prises: being a director and the vice president of the Republic Iron Company: a director in the Otis Steel and Iron Company, and having large investments in numerons manufacturing and other enterprises.

Although so largely engaged in business, he has al- ways found time to assist in all the benevolent projects of the time. He is the treasurer of the Cleveland Or- phan Asylum, and the Bethel Home has always had his warm support. When the Cleveland Bible Society was organized, in 1857, Mr. Eells was chosen its treas- nrer, which position he held until 1877, when he was elected its president.

Mr. Eells married Mary, daughter of George A. Howard, of Orrville, Ohio, on the 13th of September, 1849. They had two children; Howard Parmlee, born June 16, 1855, and Emma Paige, born April 8, 1857. Ile married as his second wife, Mary, daughter of Stillman Witt, of Cleveland, on the 15th of June, 1861. By this marriage there have been four children, Eliza Witt, born July 1, 1867, who died from injuries by explosion of the steamer "Chautauqua," on Chantan- qua lake, Angust 15, 1871: Stillman Witt, born April 24, 1823; and William Hamilton and Winifred Doug- lass, (twins), born October 20, 1824; of whom William H1. died July 16, and Winifred D. July 17, 1875. Mr. Kells is an elder of the Second Presbyterian church, and is one of its most active supporters. A descend- ant of a long line of honorable and educated ancestors, six generations of whom have been clergymen in the New England Presbyterian and Congregational churches, Mr. Eells' life has been an example, socially and morally, of what may be expected from such a lineage.

SYLVESTER T. EVERETT.

The subject of this sketeh, a son of Sanmel Ever- ett, a prominent merchant and manufacturer, was born in Liberty township, Trumbull county, Ohio. on the 22th of November, 1838. He was educated in the common schools of his native town and lived on his father's farm until 1850. In that year he came to Cleveland, to reside with his brother. Dr. Henry Everett: attending the public schools until 1853, when he entered the employ of S. Raymond & Co. In March of the succeeding year he was admitted to a clerkship in the banking house of Brockway, Wa- -on, Everett & Co., and three years after his en- trance was promoted to the position of cashier. In

1859 he was called to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to aid in settling up the affairs of his uncle, Charles Everett, Esq., a well known merchant, who was about to retire from active busmess life. After a year spent in that work he returned to Cleveland and resumed his position in the banking honse.

In 1867, the firm having changed by the retirement of two of the partners, he became a member of the new firm of Everett, Weddell & Co. In 1869 the Republicans nominated him for city treasurer, and he was elected by a decided majority. At the end of the first year he presented to the council a clear, con- cise and complete statement of the financial affairs of the city. This had not been done for some time be- fore. The outstanding obligations of the city were at the same time managed with sneh ability that the outlay for interest was largely reduced, and the credit of the city was so greatly improved that the municipal bonds were sought for by investors at a decided ad- vance, and in many instances a premium. This im- proved condition of the city's financial management continuing, he was renominated at the end of his term of two years, and re-elected by a large majority.

In 1873, at the end of his second term, he was nominated by both the Republican and Democratie conventions, and was again elected, receiving the largest vote that had ever been polled for one candi- date from the organization of the city to that time. In 1845, and again in 1877, the same compliment was paid him: he being a third time the nominee of both parties, and elected by a unanimous vote. In 1879 he was unanimously nominated by the Re- publican party-the Democrats making a separate nomination. This election was hotly contested upon local issues, but he nevertheless was elected by about tive thousand majority, running nearly three thousand votes ahead of his ticket.

The confidence of the public m Mr. Everett's abil- ity as a tinancier, and his trustworthiness as a man, was shown not only by his election for six consecutive terms to one of the most important and responsible positions in the city government, but also by the other offices of trust to which he was chosen without his seeking. In 1876 he was elected one of the direc- tors and also vice president of the Second National Bank, one of the leading institutions of the State. Ile assumed the management on the 1st of June. 1876, and the following year was made the president, which position he still holds. He is also vice presi- dent and treasurer of the Valley Railway Company, and it was largely through his influence that funds were raised for the completion of this road. He is a director of the Cleveland Rolling Mill Company; of the Union Steel Screw Company; the Citizens' Savings and Loan Association; the Saginaw Mining Company, Lake Superior; the American District Tel- egraph Company, and of Everett, Weddell and Co., bankers; he is also a direetor and the treasurer of the Northern Ohio Fair Association. All these enter- prises have found in him an efficient and trustworthy

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officer. In addition, the managers of several others have secured his co-operation, feeling assured that the trust confided in him would be wisely and faithfully managed. His capacity for work is almost unlimited, and his financial ability is unquestioned, while his uni- form good temper, displayed in all business transac- tions, renders him one of the most popular of Cleve- land's citizens. He is enterprising and public spirit- ed, liberal and benevolent in regard to charitable institutions and causes, and highly esteemed in all the relations of life.

JAMES FARMER.

James Farmer is a native of Georgia, having been born near Augusta on the 19th day of July, 1802. Ilis ancestors came from England during the early part of the seventeenth century, where the family had been honorably mentioned since the days of Henry the Eighth, and especially so during the time of Charles the Second.

Mr. Farmer's grandfather took an active part on the patriot side in the stirring scenes of the Revolution, participating in numerous battles fought in Georgia and the Carolinas. His father, on account of slavery, decided to leave the South, and in 1805 moved to the then newly admitted State of Ohio, settling upon a traet of land in Columbiana county, where he re- mained until the fall of 1818, when he removed to what is now known as Salineville, in the same county.

Ilere young James grew to manhood, availing him- self of such opportunities as then existed for acquir- ing an education, while devoting a large share of his time to helping on the farm and in the manufacture of salt, which his father had undertaken. In 1824, at the age of twenty-two, the young man leased his father's salt works, and, having enlarged them, de- voted himself for four years to this industry.

In 1828, however, he coneluded to extend his busi- ness, and therefore crossed the mountains to Phila- delphia and purchased a stock of goods suitable to the demands of a new country; thus beginning a mercantile career in which he continued nearly thirty years.

In 1834 Mr. Farmer was married to Miss Meribab Butler, a young lady of English parentage who had previously removed with her parents to Ohio from Philadelphia.

In 1838 he built what was for those times a large flouring mill, after which he increased his business by purchasing wheat and manufacturing it into flour. which he shipped to the cities of New York, Phila- delphia, Boston and New Orleans. In carrying on these pursuits, Mr. Farmer had occasion to travel very widely, thus acquiring a knowlege of the great com- mercial interests of the country, and coming into business relations with a large circle of wealthy and influential men.

In 1844, before the era of railways in Ohio, when the transfer of freight and passengers was carried

on principally by water. Mr. Farmer built a fine steamer which was employed several years in the protitable trade of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers: running between Pittsburg, Cincinnati, St. Louis and New Orleans. In the year 1846 Mr. Farmer, with huis usual enterprise, was foremost in scouring a char- ter for the Cleveland and Pittsburg railroad company. He was made its president and devoted his time. his money and, what was most important of all, his untiring energy, to the construction of the road. Under his able management it was completed from Cleveland to the Ohio river in about tive years. This road opened up a large amount of mineral wealth. and gave a great impetus to the business of Cleveland. especially to the coal trade.

In 1856 Mr. Farmer removed with his family to the " Forest City," and engaged in the coal business; having mines of his own which he has worked success. fully for the past twenty-five years. Since coming to Cleveland he has also identified himself with the man- ufacturing of iron, and with the banking interests of the city.

In 1858 Mr. Farmer was again called to the presi- dency of the Cleveland and Pittsburg railroad com- pany, and in order to facilitate its management the superintendeney was also assigned him. It was mainly through his wise and economical administration that the road was kept from falling into the hands of its bondholders, a fate that befel many railroads after the disastrous financial crash of 1852. In 1839 Mr. Farmer, feeling that the company was again upon a safe footing, retired from the presidency. He re- mained a member of the board of directors, however, for several years longer, when he withdrew entirely, having served the company. in all, nearly twenty years.

Mr. Farmer, although devoting himself principally to his own business, ever kept the welfare of Cleve- land in view, and, as he was convinced that the city's greatness depended on its manufactures, he deter- mined to labor for the construction of a new railway line to the nearest coal fields. In 1820 he began, through the press and otherwise, the agitation of the subject, as one of vital importance to the future pros- perity of the city.

In 1821 the Valley railway company was organized. the object of which was to build a road from Cleve- land by way of Akron and Canton, into the very heart of the great coal and iron fields of Ohio. Mr. Farmer was chosen president of the company and the work of construction begun in the spring of 1823. Owing, however, to the great financial crash in the fall of that year, the work was suspended, but the company's affairs kept in such trim that it was able to go on at the first opportunity, and in 1828 the first rails were laid. At the present time the road is nearly completed to Canton, a distance of sixty miles from Cleveland, and its entire success is fully assured. Mr. Farmer has thus been the principal promoter of two railways, one of which has given to Cleveland its

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THE CITY OF CLEVELAND.

great manufacturing importance as well as that large part of its commerce which depends on its manufac- tures, and the other of which promises largely to in- crease both its commerce and its manufactures.

Mr. Farmer is now seventy-seven years of age, but is still hale and hearty. He has the companionship of his wife and five children, and with his children's children around him still looks forward to many years of useful life. Ile is an honored member of the Soci- ety of Friends. He has never sought political prefer- ment, but has moved quietly in the business walks of life, devoting his time and energy to enterprises for the public good, believing that a man has higher duties than the mere acquisition of wealth, and that he who lives to benefit mankind has ennobled his own soul, and may well rest when life's labor is done.

lle possesses a well-balanced mind, maturing all his plans by careful consideration, has a calm judgment, is serene in disposition, and is charitable to the fail- ings of others. He is genial as a friend, kind and indulgent as a husband and father, and is generally esteemed, respected and beloved. Ile is a close ob- server of both men and things, and may truly be said to be the architect of his own fortunes. Ile possesses a strong will which has carried him over all obstacles in his business enterprises. He has lived to see his efforts for the public good crowned with success, and is entitled to enjoy the honorable old age that is his.

SENECA O. GRISWOLD.

This gentleman, a prominent member of the legal fraternity of Cleveland, was born at Windsor, Con- necticut, on the 20th of December, 1823. He is a direct descendant in the sixth generation from Ed- ward Griswold, who settled in Windsor in 1635, and who was the ancestor of a considerable number of men, distinguished in literature, science and pro- fessional life.

In his youth, Mr. Griswold attended the Suffield Connectient Literary Institute until he attained his seventeenth year. In 1841 he came to Ohio, and the following year entered Oberlin College as a member of the freshman class, lle was graduated in 1845 and immediately afterward returned to Connecticut, where he taught for one year in the academy of his native town.

Returning to Ohio at the expiration of that time, he entered the law office of Messrs. Bolton & Kelly, of Cleveland, and remained with them until admitted to the bar in 1842. In the spring of 1848 he formed a partnership with the Hon. John C. Grannis, and at once entered on the practice of his profession. After remaining in that partnership three years he entered the firm of Bolton & Kelly, the name of which then became Bolton, Kelly & Griswold. In 1856 Mr. Bol- ton was elected to the bench, and the firm then changed its name to Kelly & Griswold, which appel- lation it retained until the death of the former gentle- man in 18:0.

In 1861 Mr. Griswold was elected a member of the general assembly, and served one term. While a mem- ber of the legislature he afforded valuable assistance in organizing the railroad sinking-fund commission and also in procuring for the eity a paid fire depart- ment. The year after the death of Mr. Kelly he formed a copartnership with Mr. Isaac Buckingham, a former student, with whom he was associated two years.

He was then, in 1813, elected one of the judges of the superior court of Cleveland, and during the same year was elected, by both Democrats and Republicans, as a member of the State constitutional convention. In this convention he held a prominent position, serv- ing, with marked ability as chairman of the commit- tee on corporations and as a member of the appor- tionment committee. Mr. Griswold was chielly in- strumental in establishing the Cleveland Law Library association, of which he was, for many years, the pres- ident.

Upon the expiration of his judicial term Mr. Griswold returned to the practice of his profession with renewed ardor, and in 18;8 again became associated with Mr. Grannis, which connection he has maintained to the present time.

Ile delivered an oration at the centennial celebra- tion in the city of Cleveland, on the 4th of July, IS26, which was acknowledged by all to be an eloquent and able address, well worthy of the occasion which called it forth.

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History of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Part 87

Author: Johnson, Crisfield Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott & Co. Number of Pages: 716

Author: Johnson, Crisfield
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott & Co.
Number of Pages: 716