History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 105

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 105

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HON. ALBERT MUNSON, Probate Judge, Medina, whose portrait appears in this work, was born on his father's farm in Guilford Town- ship, Medina Co., Ohio, Aug. 8, 1830, and lived at home until he became of age. His educa- tion was obtained in the schools of his district, except one short term at Sharou Academy. On becoming of age, he engaged as Clerk in the general merchandise business of Allen Howes, in Sharon Township, remaining in that position for sixteen months. He then returned to River Styx, where he became a member in the firm of Colborn & Munson, which continued for nine months ; soon after this, Mr. Munson bought the old homestead, and farmed the same. In 1862, he was elected Colonel of the County Regiment of Militia. In 1869, he was elected on the Republican ticket, a Representative from Medina County to the State Legislature, and was re-elected in 1871, serving in all, four years.

As early as 1859, he began reading law, and read at times until 1873, when he was admitted a member of the bar by the Supreme Court at Columbus. But, owing to other business, he never devoted his time to the profession. In 1875, he was elected Director of the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Company, and served two years; he also acted as Adjuster for the con- pany during that period. In the fall of 1878, he was elected Probate Judge, after which, he sold his farm and moved to Medina, where he has since lived. He married Miss Harriet Easton, she was born in Guilford Township. They have two children, viz. : Cora E. and Ly- man E. His parents, Lyman and Nancy (Por- ter) Munsou were natives of Westfield, Mass. They, with one child, came to Ohio by ox team in 1816, he walking the entire distance. He entered 160 acres of land on Fall Creek in Guilford Township, and resided there for ten years, during which time he made two trips to Massachusetts afoot ; he then sold his place and bought wild land of Gen. Perkins, and cleared and made a farm of same; he also assisted in clearing in all, probably, 1,500 acres of wild land in his vicinity. He was one of the patri- ots of the war of 1812. The business of his life was farming. He died at the advanced age of 82, on his farm in Guilford Township, in 1863 ; his wife died about the year 1845. They had a family of seven children, of whom Allen is the only survivor.

LEWIS B. NETTLETON, farmer; P. O. Medina ; was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., Oct. 23, 1807, aud is the youngest of eight children born to Daniel and Eunice (Baldwiu) Nettleton, natives of Old Milford, Conn. After marriage, they removed to Washington, Litchfield Co., and farmed in that vicinity until their death. Of the eight children, three remained in Con- necticut, of whom one only is living. Five of the family came to Ohio, and settled in Me- dina Township, this county, between the years 1818-32. Of this family, three have celebrated their golden wedding. Lewis B. lived at home until he became of age. During that time, he assisted on the farm, and received a limited education at the district schools. He was mar> ried, April 15, 1829, to Miss Julia Baldwin, a native of Litchfield Co., and the eldest of a family of three children boru to Gehial Baldwin. They were natives of Connecticut; also their parents. His father lived to be over 100 years

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old. The August following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Nettleton eame to Cleveland, Ohio, by water ; thenee to Medina Township. Here he bought an improved farm of 60 aeres, the same being the property of Gen. Northrop, and was the first farm eultivated by him in the county. He lived upou this farm until 1852, when he moved to Medina that his children might enjoy the sehool advantages of the town ; but, in the fall of 1853, he returned to the farm, which, in the meantime, he had inereased to about 350 aeres, and upon which he eondueted an exten- sive stoek business. He remained on his farm until 1870, when he again removed to Medina, where he has resided ever sinee. In early days, he belonged to the militia, and rose from private in the ranks to the position of Lieutenant Colo- nel. He has been Assessor of the township, and has served as Director, Superintendent and Viee President of the County Agricultural So- eiety. In 1872, he became President of the First National Bank of Medina, which offiee he retained during the existence of the bank. Seven children have been born to him, of whom six are living-Edwin, Civil Engineer for the Colorado Mortgage & Investment Co., of Lon- don ; Hubert and Warren F., farmers in Medina Township; Jennie, now Mrs. Logan, lives in Conneetieut ; Austin G., lives on the old home- stead in Medina Township ; B. Franklin lives at home ; Austria died Nov. 12, 1864.

NATHAN NETTLETON, retired, Medina ; was born on his father's farm iu Washington, Litehfield Co., Conn., Aug. 5, 1805, and is the seventh in a family of eight children born to Daniel and Euniee (Baldwin) Nettleton. They were natives of Milford, Conu., of which place their aneestors were pioneers. Daniel was a farmer. After his marriage, in 1789, he moved to Washington, and farmed there until his death, Jan. 21, 1829. His wife died at the same place, May 18, 1832. Nathan (our subjeet) lived at home until his father's death. Like others in those early days, his opportunity for obtaining an education was limited, he receiving but two terms at an academy, aside from a few winter terms at the distriet sehool. At the age of 18, he began teaching, and taught in the winters thereafter for a number of terms. April 26, 1832, he married Miss Laura Serene Logan, who is the third in a family of seven ehildren born to Mathew and Laura (Sanford) Logan. They were natives of Connectieut ; he of Washington

Litehfield Co., as was his father Matthew. His grandfather, John, was an emigrant to that place from Seotland, among whose deseendants are numbered several soldiers of the Revolution, one of the family, Abigail (Logau) Ford, eele- brating her eentennial birthday anuiversary on the 15th of September, 1880. The old home- stead of this family, in Conneetieut, in which six sueeessive generations have lived, is yet in good repair. Miss Laura Serene Logan lived at home until her marriage, which oeeurred at the age of 20. She early beeame au edueator, having taught in all five terms of sehool before her marriage, after which she, with her husband, moved to Medina Co., Ohio, and settled on some wild land lying northeast of Medina vil- lage, which Mr. Nettleton had bought during a prospeeting tour the year previous. They oceu- pied a frame house he had ordered built upon his first trip, and lived in the same for forty-two years. This house is now the residenee of his son, Matthew E. In 1874, they retired to Me- dina Village, where they have sinee lived. By this marriage, there are three children-Laura Helen, Matthew E. aud Ursula Eusebia. Mr. Nettleton beeame a voter during the adminis- tration of John Quiney Adams, and voted for his re-election. He associated with the Whig, Anti-Slavery and Republiean parties, remaining a member of the latter since its organization. Matthew Erskine, the only son, was married June 8, 1864, to Miss Ellen N. Wadsworth, a native of New York. Of this marriage there have been five ehildren- Laura Sarah, Bertha Serene, Pearlie Ellen, Hattie W. (deceased) and Edward W.

P. C. PARKER, contraetor and bridge- builder, Medina. This gentleman was born iu Hardin County, Ky., Sept. 6, 1821, and eame to Ohio with his parents about 1827. They stopped about four years in Lieking Co., and then eame to Bath Township, now in Summit Co. In 1838 Mr. Parker went to Canandaigua, N. Y., where he worked for Mr. James Lyon, a mill- wright, in which business our subjeet showed an aptness that in three years made him fore- man. In 1842, he returned to Ohio, and fol- lowed his business in this vieinity. Sept. 23, 1847, he married Miss Maria Bellus, a native of Vermont. She eame to Ohio with her parents, who settled in Hinekley Township, Medina Co., in 1833. In 1849, Mr. Parker went to Ken- tueky, where he remained two years, during

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which time he built the Spring Mills, later the location of a battle by that name, in which the rebel Gen. Zollicoffer was killed. He also built large mills at Harrodsburg. In 1851, he went to Michigan, where he lived one year. He then returned to this vicinity, aud took charge of a mill he owned. In 1867, he went to Marquette, Mich., where he spent one year as overseer ou the Government breakwater. In 1854, he built the covered bridge at Liverpool, and from that date forward he begau turning his attention to that business, and has built many of the bridges of Medina, Cuyahoga, Summit and Lorain Cos., he building in iron or wood, and contracting for the complete job. In 1874, he moved to Medina Village, where he has since lived. About the year 1853, Mr. Parker was employed as an expert by mill- owners, fighting a patent known as the Parker patent water-wheel. Mr. Parker set forth that the patent was a detriment, and carried his point by his excellent judgment of the princi- ples governing the mode of applying the power, and, by a skillfully constructed model, the jury were made perfectly acquainted with those prin- ciples and the fallacy of the claims of the pat- ent. His parents, Johu and Olive (Foster) Parker, were natives of New York. They had a family of seventeen children, niue of whom are living.

EDWARD PERKINS, farmer ; P. O. Wey- mouth; was born in New Haven Co., Conn., July 21, 1804. He was brought up ou the farm. May 11, 1828, he married Miss Delight Smith, a native of the same county. Shortly after his marriage, he began working at car- pentering, which he followed until 1833, when he moved West to Ohio, stopping one year in Portage Co., after which he came to Medina Co., and settled in the neighborhood of Wey- mouth, and has lived in that vicinity since. working at carpentering some fifteen years, after which he followed farming. June 11, 1876, he was called to mouru the death of his wifc. Of their five children, but two are living, viz .: Edward S. and Sarah O. Mr. Perkins has served as Township Trustee aud Justice of the Peace. He has taken an active interest in religious matters, and has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the past fifty years. His parents, Edward and Betsey (Peck) Perkins, were natives of New Haven Co., Conn. The business of their

life was farming. They came west to Ohio with their son Edward. They died in Medina County, Feb. 11, 1854, and Dec. 10, 1856, re- spectively. Of their two children but one is living, viz .: Edward.

HON. E. S. PERKINS, farmer ; P. O. Wey- mouth ; was born in Tallmadge, Summit Co., Ohio, July 7, 1833. The following year his parents settled near Weymouth, in Medina Co. E. S. was raised on the farm and lived with his parents until Aug. 3, 1856, when he married Miss Clara A. Stoaks, a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., and came to Medina Co. with her parents in 1844. Shortly after his marriage, he moved on the old homestead, and has managed the place since. He has been a member of the Board of Education of his district for the past fifteen years ; he has also served as Township Trustee and Justice of the Peace. Iu 1875, he was elected a Representative, on the Repub- lican ticket, of Medina Co., to the State Legis- lature, and was re-elected in 1877. During his first term he served as a member of the Com- inittees on Public Works and Library ; also appointed to fill vacaucy on that of Finance ; and during his second term served on the committees of Schools and School Lands, In- surance, the Joint Committee on Enrollment, of which he was Secretary, and the Select Com- mittee of five to codify the school laws. Hc prepared and earnestly supported the bill aim- ing to reduce the price of school-books. In the spring of 1880, he was a candidate for nom- ination for State School Commissioner, but was defeated by D. B. De Wolf, the present incum- bent, the vote standing 203₺ to 209}. By his marriage, there have been nine children, of whom cight are living-E. A., foreman for King Iron Bridge Company, of Cleveland, Ohio ; Mary D., Adaline H., James S., Bessie L., Willie L., Ru- bie E. and Morton O. All except E. A. live at home.

O. P. PHILLIPS, farmer ; P. O. Medina ; was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 22, 1829. His father was a stonemason, aud came to Hu- ron Co., Ohio, in 1831, their location being in- cluded in the portion set off for Erie Co. In 1840, they came to Medina Co. aud kept hotel at what was kuown as Wilson's, now Morse's Corners, in Westfield Township. Two years later, they moved to La Fayette Township and located on a 20-acre tract. In 1848, O. P. went back to Ontario Co., N. Y., where he worked

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on the farm and taught school. In 1854, he came back to the old home in La Fayette Township, which he had bought of the heirs, his father having died in the fall of 1844. In 1859, Mr. Phillips sold his place and bought another in the southern part of the township, where he lived until 1873. In 1863, he served as Captain of Co. D, O. N. G. ; they were called into service, and became Co. D, 166th O. V. I. They served four months. In the fall of 1872, he was elected Sheriff, and served one term. In 1873, he bought and occupied his present place. April 15, 1855, he married Miss Sarah S. Case, a native of Ontario Co., N. Y. ; of their seven children, six are living-Fremont O., Frank O., Fred O., Elery O., Mary L. and Em- ma L .; J. E. died. Mr. Phillips' parents, Dan- iel and Achsah (Simmons) Phillips, were natives of Vermont and Massachusetts ; they were of Scotch and English descent; they died in La Fayette Township, he in 1844, and she in 1848. Of their ten children, five are living, viz., Mrs. Silence S. White, of Norwalk, Ohio ; Mrs. Amanda Badger, La Fayette Township; Mrs. Lydia J. Foskett, of Butler Co., Kan .; Mrs. Theresa A. Brooks, San Antonio, Texas, and O. P., here in Medina. The latter's grandfather, Zebelin Phillips, was a native of Vermont, and served for seven years in the Revolutionary War.

C. E. PARMELEE, Sheriff, Medina; was born in Liverpool, Medina Co., Ohio, Oct. 14, 1843. His father was engaged in the manu- facture of woolens, he conducting the woolen- mill in Liverpool, also the flour and grist mill. Young Parmelee early began to assist in his father's woolen-mill, working in the summers and attending school during the winters until he became of age. He then attended two terms at the Commercial College of Oberlin, and, re- turning home, took charge of the carding and spinning room in his father's mills. In 1874, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and, in 1877, he resigned the office, taking his seat as Sheriff, to which office he was elected in the fall of 1876, and was re-elected in the fall of 1878. After his election in 1876, he moved to Medina, where he has since lived. Feb. 19, 1868, he married Miss Nellie A. Adams ; she was born in Columbia, Lorain Co., Ohio. They have two children, viz., Edith F. and Albertine A.

DANIEL B. PRATT, farmer ; P. O. Medina ; was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., on the 26th of

June, 1810, on a farm where he was brought up, and lived until about the year 1840, with the exception of three years he spent on canal (boating). In 1840, he moved to Lorain Co., Ohio, and bought some wild land in connection with his brother Benjamin. They put up a log cabin and kept " bachelor's hall," clearing the land they had bought, which amounted to about 120 acres. He was married on the 21st of October, 1841, to Miss Fannie H. Herrick, a native of Jefferson Co., N. Y., but had removed with her father's family to Lorain Co. in 1835. The fruit of this union was five children, four of whom are living, viz., Jay D., Marian T., Charles W. and Henry O. After his marriage Mr. Pratt and his brother divided the land they had bought and cleared ; the former occupied his portion until the spring of 1871, he then traded his place there, which had increased to 152 acres, for the place he now resides on, two miles northcast of Medina, and upon which he has since resided. His present place originally contained 225 acres, but he has sold off portions to his sons, retaining for himself 131 acres. Jay D. and Charles W. are married, and farm- ing small tracts purchased from their father. Jay D. was born in Lorain Co., and lived at home until his marriage Dec. 30, 1868, to Miss Achsah Hamilton, a native of Medina Co. They have four children-Elzy, Etta, Adda and Harry. Charles W. was also born in Lorain Co., and lived at home until his marriage, Feb. 20, 1879, to Miss Minerva Clark, of Lorain Co. Mr. Pratt was formerly a Whig, and is now a Republican in politics. He has been a member of the Congregational Church for twenty-three years, and his wife a member for eighteen years.

G. W. REINHARDT, bakery and restaurant, Medina ; was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Aug. 25, 1850, and lived on the farm for fifteen years. He then apprenticed to the baker's trade with J. F. Redd, of Loudonville, for two years, and worked with him one year thereafter ; and next worked one ycar in Ashland and two years in Seville. After which, he and his brother B. O., bought the bakery business of H. A. Thayer, in Medina. They did business under the firm style of Reinhardt Bros. for one year, after which Mr. G. W. Reinhardt conducted the business alone. He was doing business in the old Empire Block, which was destroyed by fire in February, 1877, his loss amounting to $500 or $600 over

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and above his insurance. After the fire, he oc- cupied a room in the American House, where he did business until April, 1880, when he moved into his present brick business stand. Aug. 19, 1874, he married Miss Catharine Gross, a native of Germany ; she came to the United States with her parents while in her infancy ; her folks settled in Ashland Co., Ohio. She was married in Wooster. Of the four children born to the marriage, two are living-Ethel and Edith, born Sept. 18, 1880 ; Gracie May and Harry G. died.

A. I. ROOT, apiarian, Medina ; was born on his father's farm, near Medina, Ohio, in the year 1840. His early life was spent at home and attending school. In 1860, he engaged in the manufacture of silver watch-chains, rings, charms, etc., hiring a skilled workman from the East, who instructed him in the tradc. The business was successful, and grew to employ from twelve to twenty men, who used about two hundred silver dollars per week in the man- ufacture of goods, which were shipped far and near. The business flourished most during tlie war, after which it was gradually curtailed, and made to give place to bee culture, a subject Mr. Root first became interested in in 1865. He secured a swarm and began to study the best modes of culture, and, though he met many discouraging circumstances, he was, by his energy and perseverance, led to success, and now stands at the head of his profession. In 1860, Mr. Root was married to Miss Susan Hall, a native of England. She came to this county when she was but 8 years of age. They have four children, viz., Earnest, born in 1862 ; Maud, in 1864; Constance, in 1872; and Car- rie, in 1877.

JOHN A. RETTIG, retired, Medina; was born in Reichenbach, Germany, March 9, 1816, and lived there until 14 years of age, when he came with his parents to the United States and settled in Frederick City, Md., remaining there about two ycars, and then removed to Wash- ington, Penn. Here John A. learned the sad- dle and harness making business. In 1836, he traveled, working as journeyman, visiting Ken- tucky, and, in 1841, came to Medina Co. and worked at his trade in Seville; later, worked at Wadsworth. In 1842, he came to Medina and opened a saddle and harness shop, a busi- ness he conducted for twenty-two years, when he sold out to Messrs. Renz & Brenner. In

1863, he became mail agent from Cleveland to Cincinnati, but, from illness, resigned the posi- tion after a few months. He also became Col- lector of Internal Revenue the same year (then 14th District of Ohio), and continued the same four years. In 1870, he served as Assistant Marshal in La Fayette, Medina, York and Litchfield Townships. He was married, Jan. 1, 1843, to Miss Caroline Case, a native of Roch- ester, N. Y., and came to Ohio with her parents about 1832. Since selling out his business, Mr. Rettig has not been actively engaged in business. His father, John Philip Rettig, was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, Aug. 7, 1788, and died in Medina March 22, 1875. He married in 1811, and came to Amer- ica in 1830, settling in Medina in 1846. He lived with his son, John A .; was a member of the Lutheran Church, and was much respected. His wife was Miss Ann Elizabeth Tracht, and was born in Germany Nov. 21, 1787 ; was mar- ried May 16, 1811, and died Sept. 23, 1876. They had four children, two of whom are liv- ing-John A. (the subject) and John, who lives in Evansville, Ind.

SAMUEL SCOTT, wool-buyer and auction- ecr, Medina ; is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in Washington Co. Feb. 28, 1827, and is the third child of a family of eight children born to Alexander and Sarah (Moffet) Scott. They were natives of Pennsylvania. He was a wagon-maker by trade. In 1831, they moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, where they followed farm- ing until their death, in 1845 and 1846 respect- ively. Our subject lived at home until the death of his parents. He then apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, serving for three years, after which he did journeyman's work for about two years, when he began work at mill- wrighting, at which he worked several years, during which time he came to Medina Co., and Jan. 25, 1853, he married Miss Adaline Tru- man, a native of Mcdina Co., Ohio. She died Oct. 8, 1856. They had no children. April 20, 1857, he married Mrs. Spitzer, formerly Miss Melissa Perkins, a native of New York. They have two children-Etta A., now Mrs. Richardson, of Ashtabula, Ohio, and Elmer J. Mr. Scott worked at his trade in La Fayette Township until 1860. They then came to Me- dina, and, soon after, began buying wool, which he has followed ever since. He also has auc- tioneered from the time he apprenticed to car-

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pentering. In March, 1867, he bought and oc- cupied his present place, located on the north side of Medina. In 1875, Mr. Scott was elected Sheriff of Medina Co., aud served for two years. His majority was seveuty-two, and he was the first Democrat elected to the office since before the war.

J. H. SEDGWICK, farmer ; P. O. Wey- mouth ; is the second child of a family of three children born to Hiram and Elmira S. (Merri- man) Sedgwick. These pareuts were natives of Connecticut, where they were married and all their children born. In 1831, the family moved to Monroe Co., N. Y., where they farmed for four years. They then came to Medina Co., Ohio, and settled in the vicinity of Weymouth, where, in January, 1875, Mr. Hiram Sedgwick died. His wife is yet living with her grand-daugh- ter at Weymouth. Our subject was born in Con- necticut Jan. 9, 1827, and lived with his parents twenty-two years. Jan. 6, 1848, he married Miss Louisa E. Francis, a native of Granger Township, Medina Co., Ohio. After his mar- riage, he farmed his father-in-law's place for ten years. He then came to his present place, located one mile from Weymouth, and has lived there since. He has served in the office of Township Trustee, and, iu 1870, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and held the office for nine years. He was drafted during the war, but furnished a substitute. By this mar- riage, there have been born four children-Will- iam F. (married, and lives in Weymouth), Lucy R. (now Mrs. Stoddard, of York Township), Pearl L. and Albert L. (live at home). Mrs. Sedgwick's parents, Rhodes and Hannah (Tay- lor) Francis, were natives of Ontario Co., N. Y. They were born Dec. 12, 1800, and Feb. 10, 1802, and married Sept. 7, 1826, in New York. They came to Granger Township, Medina Co., Ohio, the year they were married, and followed farming there until their deaths, Feb. 14, 1837, and Feb. 7, 1838. Of their two children, Mrs. Sedgwick alone survives.

W. F. SIPHER, brick manufacturer, Me- dina ; is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany ; he was born in Esslingen Sept. 7, 1833. He early learned the shoemaker's trade in his father's shop, and, in 1848, in company with his brother Christiau (aged 16), came to the United States ; they entered at New York, and the following spring came to Medina via Buf- falo and Cleveland, they having relatives in

Liverpool Township. W. F. worked as jour- neymau at his trade in Medina until 1853. Hc then, in partnership with Mr. B. Morse, opened a shop-firm Sipher & Morse; they continued nearly one year, wheu Mr. Sipher sold out, and worked as jour some three years. He then opened a shop and conducted the same until 1873, when he closed out and engaged in the manufacture of brick, in which he employs about seven men, they turning out over one- half million brick per annum. In the fall of 1863, lie joined a company of National Guards, who were called into active service in May, 1864, they forming Co. E, 166th O. V. I., and served until September following, Mr. Sipher being chief musician in the regiment. In 1871, he was elected Corporation Treasurer, and has beeu re-clected each term since. Aug. 1, 1853, he was married to Miss Jane L. Gile. She was born in Massachusetts, and came to Medina Co. with her parents about the year 1839 ; by this marriage there are six children, viz., Clara B., Carl A., William H., Newel J., Mary and John A. Carl A. is married, and in the em- ploy of Messrs. Morgan, Root & Co., wholesale dry goods, Cleveland. William H. bought the grocery business of E. D. Munn, in Medina, and has conducted same since 1878.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 105

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