History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 103

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1014

USA > Ohio > Medina County > History of Medina county and Ohio > Part 103

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ford Township April 4, 1828. The straitened circumstances of his parents rendered early self-support an urgent necessity, and he began to work away from home, as a day-laborer, or by the month, at the age of 12 years. His early cducation was such as the meager advantages of the common schools afforded at that early period, with about a year and a half of academic instruction ; he was a close stu- dent, and employed his leisure hours to such advantage, that, at the age of 16, he was en- gaged as an assistant teacher in a select school at Seville, and, in the following year, success- fully taught a winter school. He continued teaching school in the winter for a number of years, when he was engaged as Principal of a Normal School at Weymouth ; this school, numbering over one hundred pupils, he taught with but one assistant, and with such distin- guished success that he was at once elected Superintendent of the Medina Public Schools. This position he filled with great acceptance, until his failing health forced him to resign. But teaching had become his chosen life work, and, after a few months' respite, he opened a Normal School at Medina. Here his cfficiency as a teacher was displayed in a marked man- ner, and attracted a large attendance from a wide area of country. This school was a great success in every respect, and Mr. Barnard has the gratification of knowing that under his guidance many of his pupils laid the foundation of an education which has placed them in prominent and responsible positions. Probably the leading characteristic of Mr. Barnard as an educator, was his skill in directing young minds, and he was recognized as particularly successful in influencing those who were re- garded as especially wayward. It was this fea- ture of his school that gained for it so wide a reputation and made it sought by thoughtful and careful parents for their children. It is needless to add, that his school was highly suc- cessful, financially as well as professionally. Mr. Barnard was appointed a member of the County Board of School Examiners in 1853, and remained in that position until about 1870, save while occupying the position of Probate Judge. At the close of his second term in the latter position, he was again elected to the su- perintendency of the Medina Public Schools, which he held until he resigned to accept a similar appointment at Ravenna, Ohio. Here,

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again, his zeal made too heavy demands upon his strength, and his declining health admon- ished him that he must resign his chosen work. Since then, Mr. Barnard has been obliged to decline many invitatious to resume his work as teacher, and has, of late years, devoted himself to the practice of the law. He was admitted to the bar in 1852, and commenced his prac- tice with J. C. Johnson, but abandoned it for teaching after six months' experience. Since 1874, bowever, he has been regularly engaged in bis profession, and has made an enviable position at the bar. In 1876, he was chosen Presidential Elector on the Republican ticket ; was made a member of the Judiciary Committee in the Ohio Electoral College, and cast his vote for Rutherford B. Hayes for President and for William A. Wheeler for Vice President. As a citizen of Medina, Mr. Barnard has been prompt in identifying himself with every worthy move- ment, and, in all the trying experiences through wbich the village has been called to pass, has ever been ready to cheerfully act well his part. A zealous Republican in politics, he has not sougbt political preferment, though an efficient organizer and attractive speaker when the oc- casion demauds. As a public speaker, Mr. Barnard is clear and logical in thought, ready and apposite in expression, aud forcible in delivery. Though a man of inteuse couvic- tions, he surveys the public questions that arise, with a calm, dispassionate judgment that rarely leads him astray. Of a generous, sym- pathetic, confiding nature, his real character is best known in the home circle and among his intimate friends, where his genial influence sheds a glow of cordiality which acts like a benison upon his friends. Mr. Barnard was married, Oct. 7, 1849, to Miss Malvina M. Mar- tin, daughter of Asa (born in Bath, Grafton Co., N. H., Feb. 14, 1807) and Nancy (Wether- bee) (born in Bath, Sept 25, 1805) Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Martin were married at Bath, Aug. 8, 1826, and moved to Medina, arriving here Nov. 31, 1832. Four children were born to them-James, born in New Hampshire ; Malvina M., born in New Hampshire ; Jirah, born in New Hampshire; Ariel M., born in Ohio ; Augusta A., born in Ohio. Mrs. Barnard, the second child and first daughter, was born at Bath, N. H., Sept. 16, 1828, aud came with her parents to Ohio in 1832. Notwithstanding the meager opportunities for gaining an educa-

tion at that time, her quick perception as a child, and her carnest devotion to her studies, enabled her to make such rapid advancement, that, at the age of 14, she was granted a certificate, and began teaching in the public schools. She continued in this profession until some time after her marriage. Possessed of fine mental abilities, excellent forecast of mind, good taste and judgment, and lively wit, she is, above all, womanly ; a devoted mother, and an earnest member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Four children have blessed her marriage -- F. J., born in Medina, March 26, 1852 ; edu- cated at Cornell University, N. Y., he is now a popular educator in Ohio, having been con- nected with the schools of the State some nine years ; he was Superintendent for several years at Brooklyn, then at Selina for two years, and is at present serviug on the third year at Mid- dleton ; the second child, Lily, was born at Me- dina March 23, 1856, deceased Aug. 12, 1856 ; Bertie A., born at Medina Aug. 12, 1857, is a teacher in the Medina Public Schools ; and Harry, born at Medina Sept. 29, 1865.

EPHRAIM BRENNER, proprietor Brenner House, Medina ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., July 6, 1840, and is the second in a family of teu children born to Adam and Mary (Sitz) Brenner ; they were also natives of Lan- caster Co., Penn. ; they moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1851, and followed farming. Ephraim lived at home until he was 16 years of age ; he then apprenticed to the harness and saddle business with John A. Rettig, of Medina. After his marriage, he farmed his father-in- law's farm for one year ; he then rented the latter's store, in Abbeyville, and next formed the partnership of Renz & Brenner, and pur- chased the business of Mr. John A. Rettig (whom they formerly apprenticed to), and have conducted the business since. In 1870, he be- gan the hotel business, and, though he was burned out of hotel and business in the great fire of that year, he has been identified with each ever since, building a large brick hotel in 1879. Socially, Mr. Brenner is a genial gentle- mau, and has a large and intimate circle of friends. He was married, Feb. 12, 1863, to Miss E. E. Miller, a native of Liverpool Town- ship, Medina Co., Ohio, and eldest of two sur- vivors in a family of ten children born to Jacob and Abbylonia (Dechand) Miller ; by the marriage, there bave been three children, of

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whom two are living, viz., Hattie V. and Pearle B. Jacob Miller was a native of Wurtemberg, where the name appears as Muller. He came to the United States with his parents in 1831. They arrived in Philadelphia with only 94 eents, and worked in the city a short time, until they had enough to move West on. They moved to Liverpool, Medina Co., Ohio, and settled in the timber, building a rude hut of bark and brush, in which they lived until their log house was completed. They lived on the place until her death, in about 1848. He mar- ried again, and lived in the vieiuity until his death, in 1871 ; his second wife died in 1880. Jacob lived at home a few years after they came to Medina Co., when he hired in the store of Mr. Walbridge, at Brunswiek Center. Remaining there a few years, he next went to Cleveland and worked about a wholesale store, and, during his residence there, he married Miss Abbylonia Deehand, a native of Baden, Germany. She eame to the United States with an unele, who settled in Cleveland, where she hired out. After the marriage, they took a farm at Parma, where they lived two years ; they then went to Liverpool and settled on part of his father's land, occupying the original log house. He did teaming to Cleveland, and, on one trip, got seven pounds of coffee, and, on his return home, offered same for sale, and gradually worked into a store business, which he conducted successfully for many years ; he also carried on farming extensively. He was well known and highly respected. He died on the old homestead July 30, 1880; she died in Cleveland Nov. 14, 1880.

AUSTIN BADGER, retired ; P. O. Mediua ; he (whose portrait appears in this work) was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., Sept. 3, 1793, and lived at home until 1818, during which time he worked on the farm and in a grist-mill and woolen-factory. His education was eonfined to the distriet schools. In 1812, he enlisted in the army, and served under Col. William Dob- bins, of Gen. Wadsworth's command, six months. Upon the burning of Buffalo, in 1813, the militia of which he was a member was called out and fought at Black Rock. In 1814, the company was drafted, and served as guards over prisoners at Greenbush, Mr. Badger serving as Orderly Sergeant. Upon the close of the war, he returned home and worked on a farm and in a saw-mill until the

spring of 1818, when he started for Ohio, walk- ing the entire distauce to Buffalo, thence by water to Cattaraugus Creek, afoot to Erie, by water to Ashtabula, and afoot, via Cleveland, to Medina, where he took a contract to clear the publie square, and next to build the court house. It was built of hewed logs, two stories high, the court-room being in the second story. In the spring of 1819, he and a Mr. Hecox opened hotel in the lower room of the eourt house, and entertained the first court held at the couuty seat. In 1820, he entered some land (now Montville Township) ; his and some land entered by Abraham Freese was the first land entered iu that section. He entered 100 acres and put up a log cabin (round logs) and began clearing ; he also started a uursery, which furnished most of the early orehards of that locality. In October, 1820, he married Miss Catharine Rouple, who was born in Penn- sylvania ; they were married in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio ; she died July 30, 1822, leaving one child-Lueia, now Mrs. Booth, of Medina. April 3, 1823, he married Miss Naney Bell, who died March 5, 1849. Oct. 22, 1849, he married Mrs. Wells, formerly Miss Mary S. Sibley ; she died Oet. 14, 1852. Nov. 29, 1854, he married Mrs. Loring, formerly Miss Elizabeth Whelock ; she died Nov. 17, 1878. There were no children except by the first mar- riage. In 1853, Mr. Badger retired from his farm, aud has lived in Medina since. He was one of the first Trustees of Montville Town- ship ; also served as Justiee of the Peace, and was for three years Adjutant of the county militia. In 1816, he was commissioned by De Witt Clinton as Captain of an independent rifle company, in New York. In 1854, he took a trip to Iowa and located some land warrants he received for service in the war of 1812. Being one of the early settlers, he is known and esteemed by all.

C. B. CHAMBERLIN, manufacturer of cheese, Medina ; was born on his father's farm, iu Franklin Co., Vt., April 21, 1820, and lived at home until 1847, assisting on the farm aud attending school. May 11, 1845, he married Miss Nancy Shattuck, a native of Windsor Co., Vt. About his 22d year, Mr. Chamberlin be- came the manager of his father's business, the latter deeding his property, to take effect at his death. In 1847, the business was sold, and Mr. Chamberlin and wife, with his father and

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mother, came to Ohio and occupied a log eabin on the farm they had bought in Montville Township, Medina Co. They began elcaring the land and built a frame house, barn and cheese-honse ; he also started a dairy with 100 cows. In 1866, lie came to his farm adjoining Medina, and lived there about four years. He then moved to his present residence in the corporation, where he has since lived. During his residence in this county, Mr. Chamberlin has been engaged in farming, dairying and the manufacture of cheese, at present owning four factories in the county. Mr. Chamberlin's par- ents. Moses M. aud Lucy (Kendall) Chamber- lin, were natives of Vermont. They died in Montville Township, and were buried in Me- dina.

CYRUS E. CLARK, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Medina. This family tracc their eounee- tions back through a long line of aneestors to the early days of the country. The first of these to appear is the name of William Clark, who, in company with twenty-seven young men, from Hartford, Windsor and Weathersfield, set- tled at Haddam, in 1662 ; he died in 1681, leav- ing nine children-fonr sons and five daughters, all of whom were born before his removal to Haddam ; hence, he was probably upward of 35 years of age at that time, aud, doubtless, was the original immigrant. His property, at his death, amounted to 412 pounds sterling. One of his sons, Sergeant John Clark, was the father of John Clark, Jr., who was the father of Deacon Ebenezer Clark. Hc was the father of Ebenezer Clark, Jr., who was the father of Ebenezer Clark, the father of the subject of this sketeh. Ebenezer Clark, last mentioned, married Sallie Sanford abont the year 1812; their births oceurred Dec. 4, 1786, and Oct. 6, 1792, respectively, in Litehfield, Conn. They came to Medina Co., Ohio, in 1838, settled on a farm and followed cultivating the soil nntil their death ; she died in 1861, and he in 1867. Cyrns E. Clark, the subject, was born in Wash- ington Township, Litchfield Co., Conn., Feb. 20, 1818, and is the third son of a family of six children, born to Ebenezer and Sallie (Sanford) Clark. He lived with his parents until his mar- riage, May 31, 1847, to Miss Harriet A. Oviatt, also a native of Washington Township, Litch- field Co., Conn., and the second child of a fam- ily of four, born to John A. and Caroline (Ma- son) Oviatt, who were also natives of Connecti-

cut; her father, Mr. Elisha Mason, was a sol- dier in the Revolutionary war, and received a pension to the time of his death. After mar- riage, Mr. Clark settled on his present place, where he has ever since resided. He owns 180 aeres of laud, lying three miles northeast of Medina, which he has made by his own labor and management. Four children have been born to him-Porter O., farmer, single, lives at home ; Fannie R., at home ; Arthur L., a mer- ehant at Winsted, Conn .; and Franklin J., at home.

C. J. CHASE, Connty Auditor, Medina, is sec- ond of a family of three children, born to John B. and Sophia (Gates) Chase. His birth occurred June 21, 1854, on his father's farm, in La Fay- ette Township, Medina Co., Ohio. His early life was speut upon the farm and in attending the schools of his district, until 1870, when he entered the Preparatory Department of Oberlin College, and graduated from the Department of Arts in the fall of 1876. In 1879, his Alma Mater conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. Upon his return from eollege, he be- came Principal of the publie schools of Lodi, and, the following ycar, he was called to Le Roy, where, for three years, he served as Prin- cipal of the publie schools of that place. In the summer of 1880, he received the nomina- tion for Auditor by the Republican County Convention, aud was duly elected, taking his seat on the second Tuesday in November fol- lowing. In August, 1877, he married Miss Jo- sie L. Woodworth, at her home in Ashtabula Co., Ohio. They have one child-Paul L. In the fall of 1880, Mr. Chase took up his resi- dence in Medina.

F. B. CLARK, County . Treasurer, Mediua ; was born on his father's farm in Medina Co., Ohio, April 7, 1830. He lived at home for twenty years, when he came to Medina, and read medicine with Drs. Tolman and Smith for three and a half years. He then attended lect- ures at Westeru Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, and, in 1853, went to Lockbourne aud begau the practice of medicine in partuer- ship with Dr. MeLean. But, his father dying that winter, he returned to the homestead farm, and lived on same until 1878, having bought out the other heirs in the property. In 1854, he was appointed Township Clerk, and has held the office some twenty years. He also served four years as Township Trustee. He was

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eleeted Couuty Treasurer in 1877, on the Re- publiean tieket, and was re-elected in 1879. Upon his election in 1877, he moved to Medina, where he has sinee lived. Mr. Clark has been thriee inarried. His first marriage was to Miss Adelaide Pritehard, which oeeurred Mareh 1, 1855. She was a native of Medina Co., and died leaving one ehild-Frank Eugene. The second marriage was to Miss Minerva Braneh. She was also a native of Medina Co., and died leaving one ehild-John L. His present wife was Miss Delight A. Prouty, of La Fayette Township, Medina Co. They were married in 1864, and have one child-Forrest W. Mr. Clark's parents, John L. and Almira (Stevens) Clark, were natives of Connecticut and Massa- chusetts. The former was born Aug. 8, 1799, the latter in April, 1804. They came to Ohio when young, and were married at Grafton. At the age of 20, he began elearing a piece of land which his father gave him, now the property of his son. He lived on the place until 1836, when he was elected County Sheriff, and served four years, after which he returned to his farm, where he lived until his death, Dee. 29, 1853. Mrs. Clark lived with her son, F. B., for some twelve or fifteen years. She then went to Cirele- ville, Ohio, and lived with her daughter Evaline until her death. By the marriage there were seven ehildren-Evaline, now Mrs. Dr. Sheri- dan, of Cireleville ; George (deceased) ; F. B. ; Helen, now Mrs. James Loughry, lives in Pitts- burgh ; Mary Ann, in Pittsburgh ; Emily, now Mrs. A. Weaver, lives in Pittsburgh ; John, lives in Fremont Co., Iowa (farmer). John Clark, the father of John L., and grandfather of F. B., was a native of Conneetieut, and mar- ried Miss Mary Munson, also a native of Con- nectieut. They came to Ohio in the spring of 1818. Those of their nine children who did not come with them had come out before. John settled in the woods a mile west of the present Medina Center. Hc eleared a large farm, on which he died about the year 1838. Mrs. Clark lived with her children, and died in 1859, at the residence of her son, Dr. Jeremiah Clark, of Franklin Co., Ohio. All their children grew up and were married. They were Dr. Munson Clark, who died in Ashland ; Dr. Bela B. Clark, who also died in Ashland ; Polly, the only daughter, married Horaee Porter, and died in Franklin Co .; Ranson and John L. died in Medina Township ; Dr. Jeremiah died in Frank-

lin Co .; Rev. Anson (Episcopal) died in Me- diua ; Dr. Abel died in Xenia, Ohio ; Amos, the only survivor, lives in Huron Co., Ohio.

JUDGE C. G. CODDING, lawyer, Medina ; is a native of Granger Township, Medina County, Ohio. He was born Sept. 9, 1829. His early life was spent on the farm. At the age of 22, he began work with his brother, in the cooper business, which business he followed during the summers for six years, teaching sehool during the winters. In 1858, he began reading law in Medina, with Mr. John B. Young. In 1860, he was admitted to the bar, and, the following year, the partnership of Young & Codding was formed, and continued until the fall of 1864. In the fall of 1865, Mr. Codding was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the county, and was re-elected in the fall of 1867. In 1871, the firm of Blake, Woodward & Codding was formed, and continued until 1873. In February of that year, he entered the office of Probate Judge, to which he was elected the fall previous. He was re-elected in 1875, serving, in all six years. Since the expiration of his term of office, he has devoted his time to his regular praetiee. Aug. 9, 1863, he mar- ried Miss Cornelia J., a daughter of Isaae W. and Ann (Oatman) Babcock. The Judge's par- ents were the Hon. John and Hannah (Speneer) Codding. They were natives of New York. He was born May 2, 1794 ; his father, John Cod- ding, Sr., was a blacksmith by trade ; the latter and wife died in Ontario Co., N. Y., during the plague in 1813. The Hon. John Codding, Jr., came to Ohio in the year 1818, and settled in Medina Co., where he followed farming. He served a number of years as Justice of the Peace, and was one of the early County Assess- ors. In 1837, he was elected on the Whig tieket, a Representative from Medina County to the State Legislature, and was re-elected in 1838. In 1844, he was elected Seuator from the Medina and Lorain Distriet, and was re- eleeted in 1845, after which he lived retired on his farm until his death, Oct. 20, 1865; his wife died Sept. 3, 1854.

H. P. FOSKETT, groeer, Medina ; was born in Leroy, Genesee Co., N. Y., March 31, 1836 ; his mother died when he was but 5 years of age, and, the following year, he eame to Ohio with his grandfather, who settled in La Fayette Township. Young Foskett was raised on the farm with his grandfather's family, living with

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them, except one year's residence on a farm in New York, until 1860, wheu he began reading law with J. B. Young, of Medina, and read with him for oue year. In the fall of 1861, he enlisted in a company formed iu Medina Co., which was, after arriviug at Camp Chase, dis- tributed throughout the 42d O. V. I. (Garfield's regiment). He was assigned to Co. K, of which company he was elected 2d Lieutenant. He was in the service nearly three years, and was twice promoted, last serving as Captain of Cos. I and D. In 1863, the Captain was de- tailed to the Provost Department at New Or- leans, where he inspected the passes and pass- ports of passengers on all water craft except war vessels, that came to that port. He was in the battles of Middle Creek, Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, Charleston, Va., Chickasaw Bluff, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, and the other bat- tles of the regiment. From the army he re- turned to Medina, and eugaged in the clothing business, under the firm name of Sanders & Foskett, who continued for three years, when he sold out and occupied a farm he had for- merly bought, and lived on same for five years. In the fall of 1872, he was elected County Treasurer, and served two terms. He then en- gaged as salesman in the clothing house of Lewis Leon, in Cleveland, remaining with him about eighteen months, when he returned to Medina and engaged in his present business, buying out Mr. A. H. McClure. In the fall of 1865, he married Miss Nancy B. Swan, a native of Sharon Township, Medina Co. They have three children, viz., Harry S., Helen R. and Burr A.

HIRAM GOODWIN, carpenter, Medina ; was born in Granger Township, Medina Co., Ohio, June 10, 1826, and lived at home on the farm until the spring of 1848, during which time he apprenticed to carpentering. He was married, March 5, 1848, to Miss Martha Swan, a native of Sherbrooke Co., Canada. She died in Iowa Nov. 2, 1871, leaving two children-Charles S. and Erva L. In 1865, he moved to Medina, where he has siuce lived, except one and one- half years' residence in Iowa. In 1866, Mr. Goodwin engaged in the grocery business in Medina, and continued same for five years. Sept. 3, 1872, he married Miss Cornelia, daugh- ter of Robert and Mary (Prentis) Jackson, who were natives of New York. She came West in 1854, and was a student at Oberlin a number

of years, and graduated at the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, after which she fol- lowed teaching, and liad taught, the three years previous to her marriage, in the grammar school at Akron. Mr. Goodwin served as Justice of the Peace in Granger Towuship for eight years ; he also held the office of Clerk in that town. He served four years in Montville Township as Justice, and for past eight years has been Clerk of Medina Village. He is serving on his fourth term as Coroner, and has served as Deputy Sheriff for three terms.

NATHANIEL A. GOODWIN, deceased; was born in Litchfield, Conn., March 18, 1788. He was the second child of a family of four chil- dren born to Seth and Deborah (Allen) Good- win. These parents were natives of Connecticut, as were their parents. Seth Goodwin was a soldier with the rank of Captain in the Revolu- tionary war, and ranked as Major in the war of 1812. The business of his life was shoemaking and farming. He moved to Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1804, and to Granger Township, Medina Co., Ohio. in 1817. His wife died there July 1, 1829. He lived with his children until his death, in 1849. They had four children, one of whom was Nathaniel A. He married Miss Le- onia H. Low, a native of Ontario Co., N. Y. They came west on ox-sleds, the winter of 1815-16. They stopped a short time at Strongs- ville, but, owing to the land titles there, came to Granger Township, Medina Co. They had ten children, one of whom, Deborah M., born Aug. 2, 1818, was the first female child born in that township, and her cousin, Hamilton Low, boru Aug. 2, 1818, was the first male child born in the same. Mr. Goodwin followed farming. He was one of the early pioneers of the county. He died Jan. 21, 1843, and Mrs. Goodwin died February 5, 1868.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 103

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1014

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1014