USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 27
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EPHRAIM ALFORD SMEDLEY, M. D.
Dr. Ephraim Alford Smedley, a successful and well known representative of the medical fraternity in Huron county, has continuously practiced his profession in North Fairfield since the fall of 1883. He is a native of Brewerton, New York, his birth having there occurred on the 12th of October, 1857. His pa- ternal grandparents, Dr. Chester and Ann (Landon) Smedley, were both na- tives of Connecticut. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Daniel Light. Lindorf Smedley, the father of Dr. E. A. Smedley, was born in Litch- field, Connecticut, on the 12th of September, 1823, and when three years of age was taken by his parents to Brewerton, New York. On the 29th of Oc- tober, 1856, in Madison county, that state, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Light. In 1867 he came to Huron county, Ohio, taking up his abode at Townsend on the 20th of March of that year. Here he was success- fully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days, being widely recognized throughout the community as a most substantial and respected citizen. It was on the 12th of February, 1903, that he was called to his final rest. Unto him and his wife were born the following children: Eph- raim Alford, Chester D., Abbey C. and James, all natives of Brewerton, New York.
MR. AND MRS. E. A. SMEDLEY
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Dr. E. A. Smedley obtained his preliminary education in the common schools of this county and subsequently entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada. pursuing his studies there during the years 1875, 1876 and 1877. Having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he then entered the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which institution he received his degree of M. D. in 1883. In the fall of the same year he located for prac- tice at North Fairfield, where he has since remained as an active and successful representative of his chosen calling, enjoying a lucrative and constantly growing patronage.
On the 11th of August, 1885, Dr. Smedley was united in marriage to Miss Idalia Whitney, whose birth occurred in East Townsend, Huron county, Ohio, on the 5th of May, 1856. Her parents, Charles and Roxanna ( Palmer) Whit- ney, were natives of Wilton, Connecticut, and China, New York, respectively, the former born on the 23d of September, 1812, and the latter on November 12, 1816. Their children were six in number, as follows: Idalia, now Mrs. Smedley ; Palmer ; Ann ; Calvin ; John L .; and Richard B. The paternal grand- parents of Mrs. Smedley were Henry and Lucy (Grummond) Whitney, na- tives of Connecticut. Their children were as follows: Henry Fitch, Charles, William, Sally Ann, Esther, Hannah, Jeremiah, John, Lucretia and George. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Smedley were Lory and Elizabeth (La Mott) Palmer, natives of the Empire state, who reared the following children : John, Mary Ann, Sarah and Roxanna. Dr. and Mrs. Smedley have two chil- dren, namely: Roxanna Palmer, whose birth occurred November 15, 1886, and who is now in the Lakeside Training School for Nurses at Cleveland, Ohio; and Karl Lindorf, whose natal day was February 23, 1895.
Dr. Smedley is now serving as health officer of Fairfield township. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church. His life has been actuated at all times by high and honorable principles, manifested in his professional labors and in his private life. Anything which tends to bring to man the key to that complex mystery which we call life is of interest to him, and he has been a close and discriminating student of the science of medicine, realizing fully the obligations that devolve upon him in the practice of his chosen calling.
BENJAMIN BARNES.
Benjamin Barnes, who has been connected with railroad business for more than thirty years, has, during that time, gained a most creditable record for him- self and is numbered among the well known and prominent citizens of this com- munity. One of Ohio's native sons, he was born on the 8th of July. 1855, a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Fields) Barnes. The family has long been represented in this country, members of the name having come from England, in the early part of the seventeenth century.
The father of our subject, who was born in 1796, was a native of Virginia and came to Ohio from the District of Columbia in 1828. He was a painter and glazier
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by trade and served as a soldier in the War of 1812, assisting in the defense of the capitol and, after its destruction, aided in its reconstruction along the line of his trade. After his removal to Columbus, Ohio, however, he was identified with the butchering business, being thus engaged until 1856, in which year he removed with his family to Wakeman, where he operated a mill for a short time. He again entered the butchering business and was thus connected until his death, which occurred in August, 1874. A man of strong convictions, he based his opinions upon his own judgment rather than upon what others thought and, while he possessed a most positive disposition, he nevertheless was quick to forgive when proper apology was offered. He was married twice, Miss Elizabeth Fields becoming his second wife. She passed away July 3, 1905, and they were both laid to rest in the Wakeman cemctery. In their family were seven children, namely: Nimia, Morris P., Benjamin, Robert, Alice, Albert and Anna, the last two passing away in infancy while the other five still survive.
Benjamin Barnes, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared under the parental roof and attended the schools of Wakeman in the acquirement of an education. He remained at home until twenty years of age, in the meantime assisting his father in the butchering business. In 1876, he entered the railroad service and has been engaged in this line of work to the present time. He en- tered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad in 1879, and has been connected with that company for thirty years, operating on the Cleve- land & Toledo division. He has been eminently successful in his relations with railroad business, being promoted from one position to another until he is today serving as passenger conductor, having acted in that capacity since 1890. Through- out his entire connection with the railroad, he has been most careful and has never had a wreck, has never been seriously injured and none of his crews has ever been injured, a record which is indeed most unusual.
Mr. Barnes was united in marriage on the 29th of November, 1874, to Miss Sarah M. Flower, a daughter of Isaac and Ann (Stratton) Flower, natives of England. Upon coming to America in 1851, her parents settled in Oswego, New York, where they remained for one year, and then, continuing their westward journey, located at Cooks Corners, in Huron county, in 1852. In 1856, they re- moved to Clarksfield, four years later to East Townsend and in 1865 came to Wakeman. They resided here until 1870, when they removed to Missouri, where they remained two years, returning to Wakeman in 1872. Throughout these years Mr. Flower had been engaged in the harness business, being a manufacturer and dealer, but in 1874, he became identified with the hotel business in this city, being thus connected until 1894. In the latter year, he retired from active life while his demise occurred on the 13th of January, 1903, when he had reached the ven- erable age of ninety-three years. His wife had passed away December 8, 1896. In their family were five children, Emma, Alfred, Anna, Sarah and Frederick, all of whom survive with the exception of Anna, who died in infancy.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes has been blessed with one son and one daughter, William O. and Lulu May. The latter is now the wife of James I. Sey- bert, of this city, and they have one son, Howard Benjamin. William O. Barnes is also married and lives in Toledo. He has followed in his father's footsteps and is a conductor on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad.
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Mr. Barnes is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in Gibson Lodge, No. 301, F. & A. M., and belongs to Webb Chapter, R. A. M., of Cleve- land, Ohio, while he has taken the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry. He likewise is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors. He is a stalwart champion of the democracy and in former years has been very active and influential in local politics, having frequently represented his party as a dele- gate at various district, county and state conventions. He is intensely loyal and public spirited in his citizenship, aiding in all movements and measures which have for their object the substantial and permanent upbuilding and improvement of the community. He is a great athlete, enthusiastic in the matter of outdoor sports and takes especial delight in fishing and hunting, frequently enjoying, in the company of other kindred spirits, a ten-days' trip into the woods and along the streams in the pursuit of his favorite pastimes. As a young man, he was particu- larly fond of baseball and yet maintains a keen interest in this national game, possessing considerable skill himself in this line and often joining in games with local teams. The Barnes home is modern and attractive in its architecture and surroundings and is a favorite resort with a host of friends to whom its cordial hospitality is freely extended. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are genial. companionable people, who not only understand how to enjoy life themselves, but possess the happy faculty of making others enjoy it also, the influence and good fellowship of their home being a potent factor in the social circles of the community.
WILLIAM H. KIEFER.
William H. Kiefer is well known not only in Norwalk, but in the surround- ing country as well, having been engaged in the undertaking business here since 1897. He is a native son of this city, his birth having here occurred May 2, 1874. His father, Robert Kiefer, was born in Germany and when a young man emi- grated to the United States in 1869. He at once made his way to Norwalk and engaged in the undertaking and furniture business, continuing in the same until his death, which occurred in 1889. His wife, Mrs. Mary Kiefer, then succeeded to the business, the fitm name being M. Kiefer, and thus continuing until 1896, when the establishment was destroyed by fire.
After leaving school, William H. Kiefer was employed in the undertaking de- partment of his mother's business, becoming thoroughly trained in that line of work, and was ready to take charge of the business on his own account after the fire in 1896. He then opened an undertaking establishment and has thus been iden- tified with the business interests of the city to the present time. He is a graduate in embalming of four different colleges and was the first to advocate the law re- quiring an examination for embalmers. He is a charter member of the National Association of Embalmers, which was organized in 1896, and it was through the efforts of this society, that a state board was appointed for examination of em- balmers. Interested in everything that tends to promote his knowledge of the business to which he is devoting his attention, Mr. Kiefer today stands among the foremost undertakers, not only in his home city but throughout the state of
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Ohio, and he has secured a very large and lucrative patronage, his services being in demand throughout a vast section.
Mr. Kiefer is also a prominent figure in the public affairs, being an ardent supporter of the democratic party. He served on the city council four years, being the youngest member of that body. He has also for the past six years been chief deputy of the Huron county board of supervisors of election, while for several years he has served on both county, central and city committees. He is regarded as a leader in democratic circles and his opinions carry weight and influence among his fellow citizens.
Equally prominent in fraternal circles, Mr. Kiefer was one of the organizers of the Knights of Columbus in Norwalk, of which he is a member, and he also holds membership with the Catholic Order of Foresters, of which he has been chief for the past eight years. He is also identified with the Elks, the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Concordia Society. Courteous and affable, he is popular among a wide circle of friends, while as a funeral director, he has won a wide reputation.
WILLIAM B. McCULLOW.
William B. McCullow, the mayor of Greenwich village who has engineered many of the noticeable municipal improvements here, was born February 22, 1870, in Fairfield township, and is the son of Joseph Edward and Lucena (Baker) McCullow. The mother was born in Huron county, Ohio, but the father's birth- place was Tuckerton, New Jersey, though he was only four years old when brought by his parents to Ohio, in 1830. His father was a farmer and became prominent and influential in the community in which he lived. Joseph Edward McCullow also followed the life of a farmer and besides owning the old home- stead, acquired considerable property in Greenwich village. He was a man active in local affairs and filled many of the offices of township and village with distinc- tion, winning for himself a reputation for sterling integrity. The had a family of two sons, Charles and William B., both of whom are living, the former being a merchant in Greenwich. On the Ist of April, 1901, he completed his earthly course, and his widow, who resides in Greenwich, still survives him.
As the family became residents of Greenwich village in 1877, William B. Mc- Cullow received his education in the schools there, though he was prevented from graduation by ill health. Upon leaving school, he clerked for his brother Charles in a clothing store for a period of seven years, at the end of which time he took up the trade of watch and clock repairing and investigated the jewelry business. In 1898, he engaged in the latter for himself, succeeding W. B. Burt, of Greenwich, and also offered his services as a graduate optician, for he had completed the requisite course at the South Bend College of Optics. His stock of jewelry is both large and in good taste, comparing very favorably with that of the best firms in larger towns, and in his business dealings has been found both honorable and desirous of satisfying his customers. Besides being a good man of affairs, he is also a public-spirited citizen, and has, among other things,
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been instrumental in establishing several of the flourishing industries of the community.
In politics, Mr. McCullow is a republican and is an active representative of the party. For a period of seven years, he served as clerk of the village, and the record of his work was so satisfactory, that in 1907, he was the people's choice for mayor, an office he holds to the present. His administration has been active in promoting public improvements of a substantial kind, in establishing a sewerage system and in inaugurating street paving, which, by the close of 1909, will extend through a full mile of the village streets, and in advancing other matters that make for the material prosperity of the village.
On the 29th of March, 1896, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. McCullow and Miss Felicia Mary Kraft, a daughter of John and Barbara Mary (Bauer) Kraft, of Galion, Ohio. Mr. Kraft was a retired business man of that city and never became a resident of Huron county. To Mr. and Mrs. McCullow was born one child, who did not survive the period of infancy.
In the O. K. Lodge, No. 616, of the Knights of Pythias, Mr. McCullow is an ardent worker, and in it has filled most of the chairs. He is a popular man who makes friends easily and is present at most of the lodge meetings. His principal relaxation from the cares of business and administration, however, is obtained in the enjoyment of a day's hunting and fishing, when opportunity affords, but he is not a faddist ; on the contrary an enterprising business man and an able executive, fully imbued with the spirit of public progress, which he does all in his power to promote, realizing that a community must keep abreast of the time, or else slip to one side and be wholly engulfed in the world struggle. Under the wise guid- ance of Mrs. McCullow, who by the way is a member of the German Reformed church, devoted to the performance of good works, and a member of the Twen- tieth Century Reading Club, the McCullow home occupies a prominent place in the social and intellectual life of the village. A woman of culture and refinement, she is an able assistant to her husband and is fully in sympathy with his plans for the advancement of the community.
OLIVER O. UNDERWOOD.
Oliver O. Underwood, numbered among the active and prosperous farmers of Fairfield township, owns and cultivates one hundred acres of rich and produc- tive land, which is now highly improved in accordance with the most modern methods of farming. His entire life has been passed in Huron county, for he is one of the native sons, his birth having occurred in Greenwich township, January 14, 1862. He represents one of the old families of this part of the state, his parents being Levi and Catherine (McCullough) Underwood, the former a native of Pennsylvania. Their family numbered three sons and two daughters : Oliver, James, Charles, Ola and Eva.
In the usual manner of farm lads Oliver O. Underwood spent his youthful days. As soon as old enough to handle the plow, he took his place in the fields and was there busily employed from early spring planting until crops were harvested in
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the late autumn. He was thus carefully trained in the occupation which he has made his life work. In early manhood, he also learned the carpenter's trade and engaged in that pursuit for a time but gives his entire attention to farming at present. His educational privileges were those afforded by the public schools and reading and observation have also largely broadcned his knowledge.
On the 24th of December, 1887, Mr. Underwood was united in marriage to Miss Anna Gibson, who was born in Greenwich township, June 13, 1866, and is a daughter of Jerome and Hulda (Healy) Gibson. The father was born in 1840 and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gibson, whose other children were: Mary, Edward, Lena and Isaac. Having arrived at years of maturity, Jcrome Gibson wedded Hulda Healy, whose birth occurred in 1843. She was one of the children of Jacob and Anna ( Brooks) Healy, and her sisters are Edith, Elizabeth and Sarah. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Gibson there were born three daughters and two sons: Anna, Samuel, Carrie, Fletcher and Jennie. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Under- wood has been blessed with nine children : Clinton, Harry, Arlie, Ruth, Hulda, Eva, Blanche, Charlie and Ralph. The family home is on a farm of one hundred acres in Fairfield township, which is the property of Mr. Underwood. There are good buildings upon the place, furnishing ample shelter to grain and stock and these are surrounded by well tilled fields. The latest improved machinery is used in carrying on the work of the farm and the entire property presents a neat and attractive appearance. Mr. Underwood gives his political allegiance to the demo- cratic party and keeps well informed concerning the leading questions and issues of the day, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, as he prefers to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. In their capable management, he is meeting with success and providing his family with many of . the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
RUNDELL BEECHER PALMER.
Rundell Beecher Palmer, well known as one of the progressive, prosperous and representative agriculturists of Huron county, owning five hundred acres of valuable land, was born August 28, 1832, in Fitchville, Ohio. He represents one of the oldest New England families. The Fortune which sailed for America soon after the arrival of the Mayflower numbered among its passengers the first Pal- mer in this country, and the family became connected by marriage with the Pil- grims who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620. It was in 1621 that ( 1) William Pal- mer left Noddinghamshire, and on the Fortune crossed the Atlantic to Salem, Mas- sachusetts. He afterward lived at Plymouth and Duxbury, Massachusetts. (2) Walter Palmer, who also came from England, landed at Salem in 1629. He went to Charlestown, afterward to Rehobeth, Massachusetts, and finally to Pawcatuck, now Stonington, Connecticut. His descendants are largely found in Connecticut and New York. (3) Abraham Palmer sailed from England in 1628 and landed at Salem, Massachusetts, but afterward removed to Barbadoes. (4) Thomas Palmer, in the vessel Expectation from Ipswich, England, landed on American shores in 1635. He resided at Boston and at Bowby, Massachusetts, and one branch of his
RUNDELL B. PALMER
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descent are found at Norwich, New London county, Connecticut, (5) William Palmer, of Newburg, was made a freeman in 1638. He settled at Hampton, New Hampshire, and his descendants are found throughout New England and New York. (6) John Palmer sailed as a passenger on the Elizabeth in 1634 and settled at Hingham, Massachusetts. (7) Lieutenant William Palmer, who was made a freeman at Varmouth, Massachusetts, July 7, 1636, settled at Long Island. (8) William Palmer went to Virginia and his descendants are scattered throughout the south. The Palmers of the present day are principally descended from Walter Palmer (2), Thomas Palmer (4), and William Palmer (5). Walter Palmer, born in 1598, married Rebecca Short and their children were : John, Grace, Jonas, Wil- liam, Hannah, Elihu, Nehemiah, Moses, Benjamin, Gresham, Rebecca and Eliza- beth. Of this family Nehemiah Palmer married Hannah Stanton and their children were: Lieutenant Joseph, Elihu, Jonathan, Daniel, Nehemiah and Hannah. Of these Lieutenant Joseph Palmer married Frances Prentice and their children were: Dea- con Joseph, Hannah, Benjamin, Sarah and Jonathan. The first named, Deacon Joseph Palmer, wedded Mary Palmer and their children were: Sarah, Mary, Jo- seph, Francis, Amos, Moses, Hannah and Phoebe. The eldest son, Joseph Palmer, married Catharine Coats and to them were born: Joseph, William, Phoebe, Cap- tain Amos, Elijah, Elisha, Jonathan, Hannah, Benjamin, David and Thomas. Of these Elijah Palmer married Lucretia Palmer and for his second wife a Miss Powell. His children were: Gresham, Doley, Rebecca, Phoebe, Joseph, Elisha, Lydia, Benjamin, Jesse and Hulda. Hulda Palmer married Stephen Palmer and their children were: Charles H., Lucretia, Sylvanus B., William L., Noves G., Henrietta, Marietta, Andrew, Priscilla, Martin, George W. and John Jay.
At present it is impossible to trace the ancestry down from Hulda Palmer to Seeley Palmer, the father of our subject. He was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, November 24, 1797, and grew to manhood in that state, there learning the car- penter's trade under Levi Palmer. About 1819 in company with his five broth- ers he came to Huron county, Ohio, where they took up land from the govern- ment, and, in following his trade, Seeley Palmer built the first courthouse here and also many of the first buildings in Norwalk and also in Fitchville. In addition to this he also cleared and improved his farm of one hundred and sixty acres and erected and operated the first sawmill in this part of the state. On the 14th of June, 1826, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Abigail Post, and unto them were born the following children who are still living : Rundell Beecher ; Hubbard Dennison ; Lucy ; Eliza Ann ; Nannie ; and Seeley Burdette. Those of the family now deceased are : Delia ; William ; Hannah A .; and Julia Blanch. The wife and mother was a daughter of Ashabel Post, whose ancestors came from Holland to America, settling at New York city, then known as New Amsterdam. Ashabel Post was a sea captain in early life and later built a large wharf at Middletown, Connec- ticut, becoming extensively engaged in the shipping business at that place. He was twice married and by his first union had two children, Ashabel, Jr., and Betsey. There were also two children by the second marriage, William and Nancy A. Mr. Palmer's parents both lived to an advanced age and at their death were laid to rest in Fitchville cemetery.
During his youth Rundell Beecher Palmer was engaged in agricultural pursuits. After he had attained his majority he made arrangements for having a home of
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his own through his marriage to Miss Julia Bliss, and they have one daughter, Minnie Palmer, who is now married.
Throughout his entire life R. B. Palmer has carried on general farming with the exception of three years spent in the service of his country in the Civil war. Ile enlisted in the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the First Brigade of the Second Division of the Twelfth and Twentieth Army Corps. He joined the regiment as a private and saw much hard service. His first engage- ment was at Cross Lane and he was also at Blue Gap. He likewise participated in the battle of Winchester and in others of equal importance, and he was in the tele- graph department before and after the war closed. He received many close calls while in the service but never sustained any severe wounds. With the exception of the time spent at the front he has always carried on general farming and he now occupies and owns the old homestead, comprising about four hundred acres of rich and arable land. The place is under a high state of cultivation, responding readily to the care and labor which Mr. Palmer bestows upon it. He follows the most modern methods in his farm work and still gives active supervision to his place although he leaves the actual work of the fields to others, for he has now reached the seventy-seventh milestone on life's jonrney. His sister, Miss Eliza Ann Pal- mer, resides with him.
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