History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 107

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 107

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(Pope) Lymau, who resided in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. By this union, there was born unto them one ehild-Willie Lyman, born Sept. 19, 1861, and died Nov. 26, 1871. Mr. Curtis has been a prominent and respected eitizen of this place ever sinee his removal here.

D. E. CRANZ, physician, Wadsworth ; was born Oet. 31, 1854 ; is a son of William and Mary (Drusehal) Cranz, the latter a native of Penn- sylvania, the former of Germany-both, how- ever, moving to this State in early life, resid- ing, after marriage, in Holmes Co. for several years, afterward moving to Summit Co., where they now reside. Dr. Cranz enjoyed the ad- vantages of a distriet sehool until about 17 years of age, and afterward attended Buehtall College, at Akron, two years, beginning the study of medieine with Dr. Childs, with whom he studied four years, graduating, in the mean- time, at Hahnemann Medical College, Chieago, Ill., in February, 1877, and loeating, Mareh 14, 1877, in Wadsworth, where he has been prae- tieing ever sinee, being the only homeopathic physician in the place, and has established a large practice. He was married, Feb. 26, 1880, to Mary E. Butts, born July 28, 1857, whose parents were John and Mary Ann (Leaeoek) Butts, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They moved to this county in 1852, and en- gaged in hotel-keeping at Wadsworth until about 1864, when the mother died. The father then went to Ashland, where he engaged in the restaurant business. Mrs. Butts embraced the opportunity for edueating herself, attending the Presbyterian Institute at Wyoming, Penn .; also, the Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, Penn. Dr. Cranz is a member of the Reformed Church ; his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Both are eousistent Christians, and esteemed by their neighbors.

THOMAS JEFFERSON DAGUE, minister, Wadsworth. Dague's Collegiate Institute is very pleasantly located in the village of Wads- worth. Its grounds consist of about 10 aeres of laud, a part of which is beautifully laid out in walks and drives, and ornamented with ever- greens and other trees, and elusters of shrubs and flowers. The main building is a massive briek, 65x35 feet, three stories high above the basement, and contains about thirty rooms. The first floor is devoted to the use of the school, for recitation and waiting rooms ; the second contains the chapel and family rooms of

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the Principal ; the third is devoted to the use of the assistant teachers and boarding students. The original cost of the property was about $17,000. The total expenses of a student boarder in auy department, exclusive of books, clothing and traveling expenses, are $200. The institute was organized in 1876, at Chillicothe, Ohio, and graduated its first class in 1877. The object of the institute is threefold : 1. To pre- pare young men most thoroughly for admission to our best colleges. 2. To provide a thorough course of collegiate instruction for young ladies. 3. To train young men and women who may not have either the means or inclination to fin- ish a collegiate course ; for the various avoca- tions of practical life. The plan of organization adopted was that of the leading preparatory schools of the East. There being a felt need of a first-class institution of this kiud in the West, a correspondence was opened with about twenty of the best Easteru sehools for seeond- ary instruction, which resulted in the present or- ganization and course of instruction. Its sub- sequent history has justified the plan adopted. During the first three years of its existence, though laboring under great disadvantages in the way of incommodious grouuds and build- ings, it attained quite a reputation among the best educators of this State, and won for itself no low rank among the best of our preparatory schools. In 1879, the Institute was removed to Wadsworth, where the present elegant grounds and buildings were purchased for its use by Mr. M. D. Dague, of Doylestown, Ohio, giving it facilities which, with an able board of instruction, give it a first-class standing among the educational institutes of the State. Thomas Jefferson Dague, A. M., the founder aud pres- ent Principal, is the second son of M. D. and Elizabeth K. (MeElheim) Dague, of Doyles- town, Ohio. His paternal ancestors were of German-English descent. His great grandfather Dague (or Deg, as it was then spelled) was born on the sea while his parents were en route from Germany to Ameriea. His grandfather, Gabriel Dague (or Dage, as he spelled it), be- longed to the pioucers of this region, having settled among the first in Milton Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, along with his two brothers, Michael and Frederick, accompanied also by other relatives, all emigrating from Washington Co., Penn. He was a man noted for his sterling good sense, and many excellent qualities of

mind and heart. In early life, he became a member of that branch of the Baptist Church called the Dunkards, in which communion he lived a humble, pious life, and died a triumph- ant death, at the age of about 80 years. His wife, Rachel Howe, was a niece of the celebrated English General of that name, who figured so couspicuously in the war of the Revolution. She was a lady of excellent sense and judg- ment, well edueated, and of very refined man- ners. She was, through a long life, a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and in that faith died a triumphant death, at about the same age as her husband, having survived him some years. The maternal aucestors of Prof. Dague are of Seoteh-Irish deseent. His grand- father, Thomas D'Armon McElheim, furnishes the Seottish, and his grandmother, Margaret Aiken, the Irish, element. These, in their younger days, came also as pioneers to this re- gion, from Center Co., Penn., and settled in Chippewa Township, Wayne Co. They both lived and died members of the Presbyterian Church, esteemed and honored by all who knew them. Mr. MeElheim was a man of more than ordinary influence in the community where he resided, having held for many years the office of Justice of the Peace in Chippewa Township. Both died but a few years ago, at the age of more than 80 years. The father and mother of the subject of this sketch were, respectively, the second son and the second daughter of their respective pareuts ; both natives of Pennsylva- nia, but migrated with their parents to this State when quite small, were brought up in the same neighborhood, and in due time were united in marriage by Rev. Varnum Noyes, of Seville. They are still living, honored citizens of Doylestown, Ohio. Their seeoud son, the subject of this sketch, was born Dec. 1, 1843, in Chippewa Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, on what is known as the Slagle farm. In early life, he displayed a fondness for books, being averse to farming pursuits, the occupation of his father. His first lessons at school were taken at the old north schoolhouse, in Wadsworth Township, his father having moved to what was then known as the Agard farm, about two and one-half miles northeast of Wadsworth Village. He afterward attended the village school, when 8 years of age, when his father purchased the old Griswold farm, in Norton, Summit Co., Ohio, near Western Star. He there attended the

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public school during the winter, his summers heing speut on the farm, until his 18th year, when he set out as a teacher, his first school being near Arlington, Hancock Co., Ohio, in an old log barn, at $22.50 a mouth without hoard. During this winter, the political troubles of the country reached their climax, and the war for the Union broke out. Fircd with the enthusi- asm of the times, he enlisted on the 22d of Au- gust following, as a private soldier in Company G, 120th O. V. I., but was taken severely ill at Camp Mansfield, and was allowed to return home on furlough, where he remained for months, just on the verge between life and death. In the month of July, 1863, hc rejoined the regiment in the rear of Vicksburg, arriving just the day before the surrender. From this time on, he served in the ranks, participating in the battles at Jackson, Miss., Snaggy Point, La., and Blakely, Ala. He was one of those on board the ill-fated steamer City Belle, hut was fortunate enough to make good his cscape ; he was then transferred to the 104th O. V. I., and afterward to the 48th O. V. V. I., where he remained until the expiration of his term of service ; he was mustered out ou the 14th day of October, 1865. Engaged iu business in the South until the fall of 1866, when ill-health ohliged him to return Nortlı. During the whole of his army life, his fondness for books and study never left him, and even on the most tiresome marehes there was found a place in his knapsack for his favorite hooks. He was also a regular correspondent of the press. Upon his return home, he devoted himself to teach- ing in the public sehools for a time, and then opened a private academy in Doylestown. In the fall of 1869, he closed his institution, and entered as a student of Miami University, from which place he was graduated as a Bachelor and Master of Arts, in June, 1873. On the 26th of December preeeding this event, he was married to Miss Martha Josephine Reid, daugh- ter of the late Andrew Reid, Esq., and Sarah C. Kelso, of Rockbridge, Va. Immediately upon his graduation, he was elected Principal of the Old Salem Academy, which position he oecu- pied nearly four years, when he resigned his position, and established what is known as Dague's Collegiate Institute, at Chillieothe, Ohio. Since removing to Wadsworth, he has heen li- censed to preach, hy the Presbytery of Cleve- land, with a view to fully entering the work of

the Gospel ministry, a work toward which lie has long been drawn. In addition to his labors as Principal of the school for the past year has beeu engaged as supply to the La Fayette Church, situated near Chippewa Lake. As a writer, Prof. Dague is rapidly winning a high place among literary men. During his resi- dence at Chillicothe, he wrote for the Scioto Gazette, principally, artieles on infidelity, that were widely read, and exeited mueh comment. As a lecturer and writer, he is gaining a flatter- ing reputation. He was honored by heiug ap- pointed one of the members of the Board of Examiners for teachers, of Ross Co., which office he held for three years.

W. N. EYLES, farmer ; P. O. Wadsworth ; was horn Jan. 31, 1838, in Wadsworth Town- ship. in the house in which he now lives, and is a son of William M. and Matilda Newcomb Eyles. The former was a native of Connecticut, who moved to this State at 3 years of age ; the latter, of the province of Nova Scotia, whose an- eesters werc noted for their Christian graees. His grandfather, Hon. William Eyles, settled on the farm now owned by W. N. Eyles, in 1820. The subject of this sketch attended dis- triet school in winter, and assisted in the gen- eral work on the farm until about 16 years of age, when he attended one year in Wadsworth, and then went to Hiram College four terms, a part of the time under the instruction of Gen. James A. Garfield. After scvering his conncc- tion with Hiram College, he taught several terms ; then read law two years with Aaron Pardee, of Wadsworth ; he afterward attended the Law College at Cleveland for one term, and was admitted to the bar in Cleveland in 1860. From there he went to Hillshoro, Ill., where he engaged in practicing law and teach- ing school for some time, and afterward en- gaged in farming on account of his father's health ; at which business he has remained ever since. He was married Oct. 29, 1869, to Miss C. L. Hard, daughter of Dr. Hanson and Elizabeth (Whitney) Hard ; the former horu in Middlebury, Summit Co., Ohio, the latter of York State. Their union has been blessed with three children, Frederiek William, born Aug. 4, 1870 ; Caroline M., horn Oct. 14, 1872 ; Harry Han- son, born Dec. 10, 1874, all of whom are living at home. Mr. Eyles and wife arc members of the Disciples' Church, and much csteemed by the people of the community in which they live.

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SOLOMON EVERHARD, farmer; P. O. Wadsworth ; was born June 22, 1825, iu a log cabin on the farm on which he now lives ; his parents, John and Ann M. (Harter) Everhard, were natives, he of Armstrong Co., Penn., she of Center Co., Penn ; they came to this State in about 1810, the former to Mahoning, and the latter to Stark Co. They were married and came to Wadsworth Township in 1814 ; John was in the employ of Gen. Wadsworth, after whom this township and village was named, engaged in farming and dairying in Mahoning Co. for some time ; afterward purchasing from him the heavily timbered farm upon which he worked, clearing and tilling the soil until his death in 1854, aged 62 years. His wife died on the same old place, in the care of her son Solomon, in 1876, at an advanced age. The subject of this sketch attended school but a short time each year until about 18 years of age, when he attended one term at McGregor's Academy in Wadsworth, then taught school and engaged in farming ; he was married in 1852, to Catharine A. Rensimer, daughter of Jacob and Ann M. (Snyder) Rensimer, who were natives of Pennsylvania. There were fif- teen children born to them, six of whom died in childhood ; those living are Alverna Alvira, who married Andrew Keckler; Frances Irene, married Rudolphus Heller ; seven are at home, named respectively, Otto O., Solomon L., Jacob A., Effie A., Laura A., Orpha D. and Nathan N. Mr. Everhard is a prominent man in the township, having filled the office of Jus- tice of the Peace, and Township Trustee for a number of years ; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F., having passed the chairs in the sub- ordinate lodge, and is a member of the Encamp- ment ; he and family are members of the Lutheran Church.

ALBERT HINSDALE, farmer ; P. O. Wads- worth ; is a native of Torrington, Litchfield Co., Conn., where he was born on the 18th day of July, 1809. He was the fifth child, and only sur- viving one, of a family of six children born to Capt. Elisha Hinsdale, who was a son of Jacob and Mary (Bracc) Hinsdale, also natives of Con- necticut, and Elizabeth Holcomb, his wife. The Captain was in the war of the Revolution three years ; was also one of those who, in the most discouraging time of that struggle, wintered at Valley Forge under that great commander La Fayette. He was a member of the Connecticut

Legislature; also manufacturer of the cele- brated "Clover Leaf" scythes and axes, in Torrington, Conn. He moved to Ohio in 1816, and settled in 1817, in Norton Township, Sum- mit Co., formerly Medina, Co., on the Akron Road, where he set up a blacksmith-shop, which was resorted to for work for miles around, on account of the ingenuity of the pro- prietor, who was naturally a thorough me- chanic. The year of their moving to this State was that memorable cold season, when the spots on the sun were visible with the naked eye ; they started in October, well equipped with two ox-teams, but suffered all the incon- veniences atteuding such an extended trip, be- ing nearly eight weeks on the journey, at such an unpropitious time. He was several times elected Justice of the Peace in Norton Town- ship, where he acceptably served for many years as a peacemaker to the people, but was finally called by the great Peacemaker above, his spirit taking its flight June 22, 1827, he being in the 67th year of his age. Albert, the subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Clarinda Eyles ; moved to the northern part of Wadsworth Township, in 1835, where he still resides, a respected citizen, with his youngest son and a housekeeper, his wife having died April 28, 1880, aged 65 years. There were five children born unto them, namely : Asenath, born Oct. 2, 1834, died aged 13 years ; Burk Aaron, born March 31, 1837; R. O., March 27, 1840 ; Louisa, April 23, 1844, dying greatly lamented Sept. 8, 1876, aged 32 years. Hers was a beautiful life in every respect, it being devoted to thought and the careful preparation of her mind as a teacher, and for the upbuilding and elevation of humanity. Those coming in contact with her, seemed to catch the inspiration which characterized her, and rise up to nobler and purer purposes in life. Wilbert B., the youngest and only one living a single life, was born May 23, 1850 ; he graduated at Hiram College. Rev. Burk A,, the oldest of the family living, was educated at the institution now known as Hiram College, and received the degree of A. M., in 1871, from Bethany College, West Virginia, and from Williams College, Massachusetts. He entered the ministry of the Christian Church (called also Disciples'), in 1861 ; was Pastor in Solon, Ohio, and Cleveland, until 1868 ; also assistant editor of the Christian Standard from 1866-69 ;

WADSWORTH TOWNSHIP.

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Professor of History and English Literature in Hiram College, in 1869-70, and became Pres- ident of this College in 1870, performing the duties of Professor of Philosophy, History and Biblical Literature, where he continues to the present time. He is also assistant editor of the Christian Quarterly, Cincinnati. Mr. Hinsdale is the author also, of the "Genuineucss and Authenticity of the Gospel," published in 1873 ; also, "The Evolution of the Thcological and Doctrinal Systems of the Ancient Church," and he has contributed much to periodical lit- erature, also au essay on common school edu- cation, published by order of the Northeastern Ohio Teachers' Association. R. O. Hinsdale is a prominent farmer and fine-stock dealer in Wadsworth. The mother of the subject of this sketch died at his home Aug. 27, 1846, at the advanced age of 77 years. His youngest brother, George, a single man, also died at his home in March 1842, aged 25 years ; was a carpenter and joiuer by trade, who, when stricken down by the disease which took his life, had the contract for building the Congre- gational and Disciples' Churches ; was a good mechanic, a young man of promise, loved and respected by all; his was the first funeral held in the Disciples' Church. The wife of Mr. Hins- dale was born on the present site of Akrou when a wilderuess. The family of this old gentleman are all people greatly respected.

P. C. HARD, lawyer, Wadsworth ; was born May 19, 1831, in Wadsworth, and is the son of Cyrus and Lydia (Hart) Hard, who moved to Middlebury, Portage Co., Ohio, in 1816, aud, after a residence there of eight years, moved to Wadsworth Township in 1824. The father of our subject established the first carding and cloth-dressing factory in this part of the State, at Middlebury, Summit Co., in 1819, which place became noted for the manufacture of woolen goods, and which is still a manufacturing town in that class of goods. He also started a fac- tory in this county in 1824, where it is carried on at present. The subject of this sketch at- tended the district school in Wadsworth uutil about 11 years of age, and then attended the academy until about 17 years of age, when he engaged in the study of law with William Cun- ningham, Esq., at Canal Fulton. While en- gaged in the study of law with that gentleman, he also learned telegraphy, which proved to be valuable knowledge to him in after life in a po-

sition which he occupied for several years after his return from the army-that of traveling agent for the A. & G. W. R. R. He graduated from the National Law School at Ballston Spa, N. Y., in August, 1832. He practiced law at Seville with James C. Johnson for some time, then went to Summit Co., Ohio, where he was a member of the bar for about six years at Ak- ron. He then enlisted in the service of his country under the first call ; afterward came home, and recruited for and was a member of Co. D, 29th O. V. I., known as Joseph Gid- dings' Regiment, until March, 1862, when he was discharged on account of disability. In 1871, he resumed the practice of law in Wads- worth, where he now lives. He was married Aug. 19, 1855, to Miss Sarah C. Wittner, daugh- ter of Abraham and Jane J. (Metlin) Wittner, who were uatives of Pennsylvania-the former of Lancaster and the latter of Newcastle-who came to this State, and are still living in Sum- mit Co., Ohio, Mrs. Hard being the only child. Their union has been blessed with thrce chil- dren-Lydia Jane, Charles W. (who died in in- fancy) and Metlin W. Lydia was married to William Fedder, of Pittsburgh, Penn., who is interested in the steel works at that place. Mr. Hard is a member of the Republican Central Committee, and has taken a prominent part in the affairs of the community in which he lives, and in campaigning for Republicanism. He is also the inventor of the Imperial Spiral Spring Bed-bottom, which has been manufactured and sold extensively throughout the States.

WILLIAM KOPLIN (deceased) was born March 25, 1829, in the State of Pennsylvania. He was a son of William and Mary (Simpson) Koplin, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of English-Irish descent. His parents moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, about the year 1831, where they lived for about eighteen ycars, and then moved to Rock Co., Wis., where they re- sided for about ten years, when they again took up their residence in Wayne Co., Ohio, where they lived out the remainder of their days. William received a moderate education, and assisted his father in the blacksmith-shop, where he learned the trade, afterward working at it several years in connection with farming, until within a few years of his death, when he engaged in the livery business. For two years prior to his death, which occurred Jan. 29, 1880, of that dread disease, consumption, he

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was unable to perform any labor at all. He was married, Mareh 5, 1854, to Mary Long, daughter of John R. and Elizabeth (Rasor) Long, of German descent. By this union, there were six children, three of whom are liv- ing-Ella Letitia (born Mareh 4, 1857), Reuben A. (Dee. 28, 1862) and Clara Belle, Sept. 28, 1865) ; all are living at home and assisting their widowed mother, who is proprietress of the Koplin House, situated on Broad street, Wads- worth, Ohio, which hotel she has managed for the past two years for the purpose of providing for her family. A distressing accident occurred to them about four years ago, which caused the death of one of their sons, a bright boy, who was mueh esteemed and loved by all who knew him. He was riding with his father, who was driving a team of young horses, which be- eame frightened, throwing him out over the dash-board, entangling him in the wagon and dragging him over the rough roads until life was extinet. Mrs. Koplin and family are members of the Congregational Church of this village.

C. N. LYMAN, physician, Wadsworth ; was born May 14, 1819, in Wadsworth Town- ship, Medina Co., Ohio, and is a son of George and Ophelia (Cook) Lyman. George moved to this eounty in 1816, his family following him from Torrington Township, Litehfield Co., Conn. They engaged in farming on the Connecticut Western Reserve, suffering all the inconvenienees characteristic of a very early pioneer life in a wild, wooded eouutry. The Doctor attended the common district sehool, as held in the township, and assisted his father, until about seventeen years of age. His parents being New England people, they were concerned about the education of their children, and gave them all the advantages that a new country could afford. After his 17th year, he assisted his father in the manufacture of fanning-mills, until about 19 years of age, when he entered the office of Elijah Kendrick, M. D., of Wads- worth, with whom he studied for two years, when he was deprived of the instructions of his old preceptor, on account of his having re- eeived the appointment of Superintendent of the Insane Asylum at Columbus, Ohio. He then pursued his studies with Dr. G. K. Pardee, of Wadsworth, with whom he entered into part- nership, after attending lectures at Lexington, Ky., and graduating Mareh 1, 1843. After the

death of Dr. Pardee, he attended to their ex- tensive practice himself. He is a member of the National Medical Association, the North- western Medical Association, of which he was President one term, and of the State Medical Association. He was married, Mareh 3, 1844, to Miss C. E. Beach, daughter of Luman and Lydia (Wright) Beach. By this union, there has been no issue. The father of Dr. Lyman is still living, in his 91st year, and they both advocate the principles of true Republiean- ism.

JUDGE JOHN LUGENBEEL, deceased; was born Dee. 26, 1792, in Frederick Co., Md., the son of John and Sarah (Worman) Lugen- beel, who were also natives of Frederiek Co., Md. He received a meager district-sehool ed- ueation, which, with a great amount of natural ability, enabled him to reach the goal of sue- eess in his long and cheekered life. He first engaged in farming. Was elected Judge of the Court in Frederick City, Md., and also engaged in mereantile pursuits for several years, when he moved, with his family, to Delaware Co., Ohio, about 47 years ago, and engaged in farming there for about fifteen years. He was eleeted Judge of the Probate Court there one year after his settlement in this eounty, which office he filled for seven years. He afterward sold the farm and moved to the eity of Dela- ware, where he lived a retired life for a few years, and then moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he resided in retirement four years, at the end of which he went to Akron, Ohio, where he was not permitted to live the retired life which he desired, but was elected to different offices of responsibility, which he filled cred- itably for a number of years, when he again withdrew from aetive life, and moved to Wads- worth, thence to Western Star, where his wife is now living, at the advanced age of 84 years, a bright and interesting old lady, he having died Dee. 26, 1874, on his 80th birthday. He was married May 12, 1814, to Pamela Poole, who was born Sept. 27, 1796, and is the daugh- ter of Briee and Achsah (James) Poole. By her he had five children-Ephraim, Henry, Pinkney, Susan C., De Witt C. and Lueretia, three of whom are living-Col. Pinkney, a graduate of West Point, who is now located at New York Harbor ; De Witt C., a sehool-teacher in Delaware Co., Ohio, and Lueretia, now Mrs. Burnham, a widow living at Burlington, Iowa.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 107

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