History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 108

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 108

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WADSWORTH TOWNSHIP.

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Mrs. Lugenbeel is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

E. G. LOOMIS, Wadsworth. The subject of this brief notiee is the proprietor and Super- intendent of the Silver Creek Coal Mines, and is also Secretary of the C. & T. V. R. R. He is engaged quite extensively in farming, and is the lessee of extensive coal fields in various parts of this and adjoining counties, which are not, as yet, in operation.

GEORGE W. LEONARD, farmer; P. O. Western Star ; was born in Cuyahoga Co. June 1, 1857 ; is a son of Roland and Malinda (Nor- man) Leonard, the former a native of Stark Co., and the latter of Coshocton Co. His grand- father, James F. Leonard, eame to Stark Co. in about 1805, as a land-jobber and surveyor ; his great-graudfather on his father's side of the house eame from County Fermanagh, Ireland, early in 1700, and settled in York State. The subjeet of this sketeh attended the Cleveland Public Sehools until his graduation at about 19 years of age, when he attended Mt. Union Col- lege one year, his vaeations being spent in as- sisting his father in the dry goods business in the eity of Cleveland. He afterward engaged in the groeery and meat business, shipping stoek two years, with his brother-in-law. His father having retired from business in Cleve- land, is now farming near Kent, Portage Co., Ohio. George was married, Dee. 20, 1877, to Melissa Young, who was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Oct. 14, 1858, and is a daughter of Cyrus and Margaret (Shaffer) Young, who were also natives of Stark Co., Ohio, by whom he has one ehild-Florenee M .- born Mareh 27, 1879. Mr. Leouard is engaged quite extensively in the stoek business, and is also earrying on a large farm. He is of Irish-French deseent, a Republiean in his politieal belief, and a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

FRANK MILLS, farmer ; P. O. Wadsworth ; was born May 14, 1836, in a house built by his grandfather, on the farm which he settled in 1818, and in which Frank now lives with his family and aged mother, his father having died about two years ago. Frank is a son of Philo P. and Amoret (Bates) Mills, after whose father the village of Bates' Corners is ealled, the for- mer born in Norfolk, Conn., July 8, 1805, and the latter in Hartland, Conn., in 1808. Their parents were among the earliest settlers in this eounty. Frank received a distriet-

sehool education, and attended a graded sehool at Western Star a few terms, till about 20 years of age, when he engaged in farming with his father, having, before that time, rendered him considerable serviee while out of school, and, being the only ehild, his sister having died at 15 years of age, the eare and management of the farm would devolve upon him. He was married, Feb. 16, 1858, to Julia A. Grotz, born Jan 1, 1840, and daughter of Abraham and Caroline (Hayes) Grotz, of Copley, Summit Co. Ohio ; by this union, there are four children- Fred P., born Dee. 28, 1859 ; Edgar, born Dee. 16, 1860, and died Feb. 27, 1861 ; Mattie, born Oet. 14, 1862; Harry, born Mareh 20, 1866 : all those living are at home. Mr. Mills was eleeted for a term of three years to the office of Commissioner of the county about two years ago, which office he has acceptably filled, as well as that of Township Trustee for several years, and is also Treasurer of the Village Sehool Board, of which he has been a member for the last nine years. Mr. Mills is a strong Republiean in his political views. He is an extensive stoek dealer and shipper, in which oeeupation his time is diligently employed, in eonneetion with the duties of his office. He is a prominent and enterprising business man, respected and esteemed by all who know him.

ELI OVERHOLT, Postmaster, Wadsworth ; was born Jan 23, 1842, and is a son of Martin L. and Elizabeth (Tinsman) Overholt, both na- tives of Pennsylvania, but moving to this county at an early date-forty-eight years ago -and bought a traet of land of about 240 aeres, in the southwest part of the township, where the subject of this sketeh was born, re- eeived his education and lived until his enlist- ment in Co. H, 29th O. V. I., Oet. 28, 1861, serving two years and over, being discharged Dee. 3, 1863, on aeeount of a severe wound in the leg, received in the battle of Chaneellors- ville, Va .; he was also at the battles of Winehester and Port Republie, Va., being taken prisoner at the latter place on the 9th day of June, 1862, and sent to Belle Isle ; was released on parole and then exchanged after two months' confinement, and returned to his regiment, under Gen. Shields as division commander. He was married, Oet. 6, 1869, to Anna Baugh- man, of Wadsworth, daughter of David and Amelia (Deshler) Baughman, who were among the early settlers of the county ; their union

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was blessed with two children-Olive Bell and Albert-the former born Aug. 9, 1870, the lat- ter Sept. 6, 1872. Mrs. Overholt died Nov. 23, 1877, after a brief illness of two weeks, leaving two small children aud a loving husband to mourn her loss. Mr. Overholt was appointed to the office of Postmaster of Wadsworth, Oct. 1, 1871, which place he has filled creditably to himself and acceptably to the community. He is a stanch Republican, a member of the Con- gregational Church, a consistent Christian aud a good citizen. His mother is living iu his family, the father having died when he was quite small.

HON. AARON PARDEE, lawyer, Wads- worth; was born Oct. 8, 1808, in Skaneateles, which was then Marcellus, iu Ouondaga Co., N. Y. He is a son of Ebenezer and Anna (Minor) Pardee, natives of Norfolk, Conn., the latter a daughter of Dr. Minor, of that place. There were ten sons and two daughters in the family, of whom Aaron was the youngest son ; his father died in December, 1812, leaving the mother with a large family in her care, the old- est 22 years, the youngest 2 years of age. Aaron attended district school in his native county until past 15 years of age, when he moved to this township with his mother and the family in wagons, one of which he drove. After coming to this county, hc attended school one wiuter and taught two winters. He was married on his birthday in 1827, at 19 years of age to Eveline B. Eyles, daughter of Hon. William Eyles, who was prominent in the early legislation of the State, and Polly Derthick, his wife, who were natives of Litchfield Co., Conn. By this union, there were nine children -William, Henry, Charles, Don A., George, Evelyn S., Almira, Fanny and Elle. Six are now living, four sons aud two danghters. Don A. was a Major, and afterward promoted to Lieu- tenant Colonel, under Gen. James A. Garfield. He has also held the office of District Judge in New Orleans, where he located after the war. George K. was a Captain in the same regiment, under Gen. Garfield, and is now an Attorney- at law in Akron, Ohio. Aaron Pardec began the study of law in 1833, in connection with farm labor, aud was admitted to the bar in 1837, after which time he practiced law in Wadsworth, where he has been ever since. He was elected in the State Senate in 1850, was re- elected under the new constitution and served

until the expiration of his term. Under Abra- ham Lincoln's administration, he was appointed Assessor of Internal Revenue, at the adoption of that law, serving in that capacity until 1866. He was the first Mayor of Wadsworth, and has filled other responsible offices in the village and township. He is an old citizen, and is re- spected and esteemed by the community in which he lives.

JUDGE ALLEN PARDEE, retired ; P. O. Wadsworth ; was born Feb. 7, 1790, in Norfolk Township, Litchfield Co., Conn., and is a son of Ebenezer and Annie (Minor) Pardee, who moved to Onondaga Co., N. Y., where the father died. Allen came to this State in July, 1818, to Wadsworth Township, where he has lived ever since. He worked in the capacity of farmer until about 1835, when he engaged in buying and selling stock, he and a younger brother, using the name of another brother in York State to strengthen the firm, engaged in mercantile pursuits, in which they were very successful. They afterward built a large flour- ing mill, and made flour for the New York market, filling a contract of 600 barrels of superfine flour, for which they received the sum of $6.50 per barrel, to be supplied in the month of June of that year. Another quite remarka- ble incident in the Judge's life, was that he, with his own hands, unheaded, packed and re- headed 600 barrels of pork in one season, which he sold at a good price. They also built sev- cral of the first buildings iu the village, besides improving the country and building and ma- nipulating mills. The Judge's education was very limited, having attended school but a few days after 8 years of age; he acquired, how- cver, by his own energy and remarkable ability, a good education. He served two terms on the bench (fourteen years) under the old con- stitution, and has been prominently identified with the carly affairs of the county, and is probably better known in all parts of the county than any other man who ever lived in it. Hc was married in December, 1812, to Phobe Foster, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Gage) Foster, who resided in Onondaga Co., N. Y. By this union, there were the following children-William N., Eugene, Lauratte, Ann S., Norman C. and Editha, all of whom are liv- ing, except one who died in infancy. His wife dicd iu 1842, and he was remarried to Louisa Bates (Wilcox) in 1844, by whom he had no

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children. She had two children by her former husband, who were well provided for by their : stepfather, whom they loved. Their mother died in 1875. The Judge's children have all married ; his daughter, Ann S., who is a widow, is living at home with her father, in his old age. They are all respected and admired by the citizens of the community in which they live.

HORACE GREELEY SHEETS, farmer ; P. O. Wadsworth. Among the enterprising young men of Medina Co., a sketch of whose lives shall help to embellish the pages of this volume, is the subject of this sketch. No one is more widely known, none more deserving, and none more prominent in the respect, con- fidence and affections of the people than he. He was born Jan. 30, 1851, in Chippewa Town- ship, in the northern part of Wayne Co., where his parents, John F. and Catharine (Schrautz) Sheets, now live, respected farmers. They 1 came to this State from Pennsylvania ; he, when 18 years of age, and was born Jan. 24, 1821; she in 1835, and was born Mareh 27, 1827 ; they were married in 1845, in Stark Co., where they both settled when first coming into the State, and moved to the place which they now occupy. His father learned the cabinet- maker's trade while yet in Pennsylvania, at which he was employed for some time, finally devoting his life to agriculture. His earliest ancestors were natives of Switzerland, emigrat- ing to this country at an early day. Mr. Sheets passed the first twenty-two years of his early life on his father's farm, and was married on his twenty-seeond birthday to Rebecca Hilde- brand, daughter of Manasseh and Rebecca (Hoover) Hildebrand, natives of York Co., Penn .; her father died in 1854; her mother afterward married a Mr. Rohrer and eame to Milton Township, Wayne Co. Mr. Sheets' mar- riage has been blessed with two ehildren-John Franklin, born Dec. 30, 1875, and Clara Maud, born May 3, 1879. Mr. Sheets was educated in the district schools of his native plaee, with the additional advantage of two terms at the Doylestown Academy and two terms at the Smithville High School, afterward teaching for a short time. During his school days, he was looked upon as a thorough student and an ac- knowledged leader, which, in after life, is being more thoroughly developed. He was elected Real Estate Appraiser of his township in the

fall of 1879, the people thus showing their ap- preciation of his good judgment. He moved to Wadsworth Township, this county, in March, 1873.

WILLIAM STEVENS, hotel-kcepcr, Western Star ; was born Dec. 15, 1824, of English origin, in Middlefield, Conn. His parents, Ruben and Rebeeea (Ives) Stevens, moved to Western Star in 1838, where they lived until their death. The father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and a man noted in his occupation. William, the subject of this brief sketch, in his early life received a common-school education, and as- sisted his father, who afterward became a farmer. For two years after arriving at the age of 18, he assisted his brother in the mercantile busi- ness. At 21 years of age, he was united in marriage to Mary McDermott, daughter of Thomas McDermott, a Presbyterian minister and farmer at Doylestown, Wayne Co. By her he had one child, Fraucis U., who died in infancy. In 1853, he and his brother Henry started for California with a drove of cattle, arriving in the fall, after three months' traveling. Dispos- ing of their stock, they engaged in the mer- cantile business, and meeting with consider- able success in their enterprise. They then purehased a farm, and engaged in the stock business on the Sacramento River, where they remained for five years ; then sold their prop- erty, and went to Virginia City, where he en- gaged in hauling goods to Austin to sell to the trading posts there. One year later, he returned to California, where he again engaged in the stock business for a time ; then engaged in the mereantile business until his return to Western Star in 1857. His brother returned about four years earlier on the ill-fated Golden Gate ; was saved, being more fortunate than some of his companions. However, he lost several thou- sand dollars of partnership moncy. After his return home, he was re-married to Julia MeDer- mott, a sister of his first wife, by whom he had two children-Willie C. and Malcolm Chisholm.

JOSEPH TYLER, farmer; P. O. Wads- worth. This gentleman was born iu Copley Township, Summit Co., Ohio, Aug. 14, 1822. His parents, Benjamin and Olive (Brown) Ty- ler, were natives-he of Uxbridge, Mass., she of Bennington, Vt. They were among the first settlers of Norton Township, formerly Medina Co., now Summit, settling in that vicinity in 1816, and uniting in marriage June 8, 1820,

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their union being blessed with six children, namely, Benjamin, Jr., Joseph (the subject of this sketch), Solomon, Mary, Rosanna and Abra- ham-three of whom are living, Joseph being the oldest. He takes great pride in the pres- ervation of the history of the family. his rec- ord extending through seven generations, and dating back to the birth of his great-great- great-grandfather, Job Tyler, born in the North of England, but of Scotch descent, in 1620, emigrating to this country when a very young man. He died in 1700, being the father of five children, his son John, born in 1653, standing at the head of the second generation, dying in 1742, leaving seven childreu, his son Joseph, born in 1701, heading the third generation ; he died in 1779, leaving ten children, one of whom was Solomon, born in 1757, head of the fourth generation ; he died, having twelve chil- dren, one, Benjamin, of the fifth generation, born in 1796, and father of the subject of this sketch ; died in 1875. Joseph received but a meager education, attending district school but a short time each year, until about 19 years of age, the remainder of his early life being spent in assisting on the farm. The following five years were spent in different occupations, in which he was quite successful ; also, in later life, his career has been one of signal success, the elements of which are found in an excellent judgment, a remarkable business tact, an in- domitable energy and perseverance, a strict in- tegrity in dealing, and a power, which few men possess, of commanding the respect and confi- dence of the people. He was married, Dec. 22, 1846, to Eliza Ann Williams, a native of Stark Co., and daughter of John and Hannah (Al- bright) Williams, by whom he has three chil- dren-Augusta T., born Oct. 16, 1847 ; Rush S., Oct. 15, 1851, married to Laura S. Stanard, by whom he has one child, Winifred Pearl, born June 21, 1876; he is engaged in farming in Wadsworth Township; and Jessie R., born Sept. 17, 1856, now Mrs. J. W. Culbertson, liv- ing in Lorain, Ohio ; her husband is engaged on the railroad ; they have one child, Guy W., born Sept. 26, 1878. Mr. Tyler is a prominent man in his township, having held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Township Trustee for a number of years, acceptably filling both, be- ing a stanch old Republican in politics, and has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for about thirty years. During the late rebellion, he en-

listed in the naval service, but, after the lapse of three weeks as a sailor, was discharged, and appointed Paymaster Steward, with headquarters at Cairo, on the Clara Dolson receiving ship. After the surrender of Vicks- burg, he resigned his position and returned home.

SOLOMON TYLER, deceased, who was born July 18, 1803, in the State of Massachusetts, came to Summit Co. in the year 1825, on foot. After prospecting a short time among the for- est hills, he returned to his native State, mak- ing the journey the second time on foot. Four years later, having been married in the mean- time, he returned, and began clearing up the home selected by him on his first trip to this part of the State, which has since been made beautiful and fruitful by himself and his com- panions in pioneer life, who have long .since golle to a more beautiful home than the pio- neers of this State eujoyed. His wife was Lu- cretia Cook, by whom he had five children, two of whom were scalded to death in infancy ; Cynthia (by whom this sketch was given) and Lemuel, living in Jasper Co., Ind., and Malcolm, living near Wadsworth ; Cynthia was married to a farmer, H. F. Hodges, May 28, 1853, at 22 years of age, by whom she had three sons- Tyler, born June 16, 1856 ; H. F., Jr., Sept. 29- 1858 ; Cyrus J., May 8, 1860, died in infancy ; H. F., Jr., engaged in farming in Iowa, Tyler farming near Western Star. The Tyler family were quite noted in their uative State, his only brother being a Representative to the State Legislature, and prominently identified with the interests of his native State. Mr. Tyler and family were members of the Disciples' Church. The 18th day of December, 1878, the life of this prominent Christian man came to a close, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn the loss of one who was greatly es- teemed and respected by them.

EPHRAIM WRIGHT, farmer and fine-stock raiser ; P. O. Wadsworth. This gentleman, born in Northampton Co., Penn., is a descend- ant of Jacob and Elizabeth (Schall) Wright, who were natives also, of Northampton Co., Penn., but came to this county in 1842, set- tling on the place on which the son now lives, and where they died, the mother Feb. 26, 1877, at 72 years of age, and the father following her to that " beautiful shore" eleven months after, where

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"The winds breathe low, the yellow leaf Scarce whispers from the tree ; So gently flows the parting breath When good men cease to be."

He did his part as a faithful friend, as a good citizen, and as an earnest Christian. The sub- ject of this narrative received only a meager education in the schools, but, by his own abil- ity, perseverance and industry, he has acquired a store of knowledge. When quite a young man, he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed for about seven years. On Sept. 10, 1846, he was united in marriage to Catharine Widman, daughter of Jacob and Annie (Geisinger) Widman, who resided in Guilford Township at the time of her birth, emigrating, in 1822, to that place from Can- ada, the native place of her mother, the father being a native of Pennsylvania, but served in the British army, receiving a decd from the queen for 106 acres of land near Toronto, which the family knew nothing of until after his death, when it was litigated, the right of title being contested by parties who had held possession for many years ; it was, however, de- cided in favor of the holder of the grant from the Queen. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have been blessed with eleven children, four having died in childhood; seven are living-William H., born Nov. 9, 1850, married Christa Eichelber- ger March 4, 1870; Edgar J., born Nov. 9, 1854, married Clara C. Lahr June 16, 1878; Elmer Francis, born March 9, 1857, married to Ada Bechtel July, 1880 ; Ida Ellen, born April 25, 1861, married to William H. Dolmer Nov. 29, 1877; Oliver Otis, born Feb. 26, 1864; Dora May, May 1, 1867; Charles Watson, June 8, 1872. Mr. Wright is a great temper- ance worker, and was the first man in his town- ship to refuse to give the whisky bottle to men in the harvest-field and at loggings, etc .; he was remonstrated with by his neighbors, and even his own father, but he was firm in the be- lief that it was an evil and useless practice, and was determined to abandon it, notwith- standing the declarations of the men that they would not work for him; nevertheless, his

plan worked well, and soon his neighbors fol- lowed him. Mr. Wright has been engaged in raising finc Spanish merino sheep and Durham cattle for several years, and has done more to improve the stock in Wadsworth than any other resident in the township. He has filled several township positions, at the solicitation of his many friends, with credit and satisfac- tion. He is, also, with his family, connected with the U. B. Church, and has been for over twenty years.

PETER YODER, farmer; P. O. Wads- worth; was born Jan. 7, 1808, in Lehigh Co., Penn., and is a son of John and Susannalı (Moyer) Yoder, who were, also, natives of Le- high Co .. and of German parentage. Mr. Yoder received a very meager education, at- tending school but a few weeks in each year, being employed the remainder of the time in assisting his father on the farm, until about 16 years of age, after which he engaged in farming for his father until about 22 years of age, when he engaged work with a man at $7 per month. Some time afterward he built a saw-mill, which he run for about fifteen years, when he again became a tiller of the soil, in which occupation he has been steadily employed ever since. Mr. Yoder moved to this State about twenty-six years ago, settling where he now lives. He was married in December, 1836, to Susannah Bech- tel, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bechtel) Bechtel, who were natives of Berks Co., Penn., by whom he had eleven children-Lovina, born Jan. 12, 1838; John B., July 28, 1839 ; Henry, Dec. 1, 1840 ; Elizabeth, Sept. 1, 1842; Susan- nah, May 15, 1844; Catharine, June 1, 1846 ; Peter, Dec. 3, 1848; Franklin, March 11, 1851; William Harrison, July 24, 1853 ; David, May 17, 1856 ; Edwin, Oct. 4, 1859; all of wliom are living, the two youngest at home. All the rest are married, and living in Wadsworth Township, except two, who are living just over the line in Summit Co. Mr. Yoder and his wife are members of the Mennonite Church of this place.

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GUILFORD TOWNSHIP.

JOSEPH L. BECK, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. River Styx ; was born in Northampton Co., Penn., Feb. 10, 1818. His father, Ludwig Beck, was a native of that county, being a son of Jacob Beek, who came there from Germany when in his youth. The country was then un- der English dominion, and the family were often compelled to flee from their homes when the country was harassed by the Indians. Ludwig secured his father's farm, and, being an ener- getie man, possessed at his death a fine property. His companion through life was a uative of Bucks Co., Penn., her maiden name being Eliza- beth Shuch. He died July 22, 1841; and his wife May 18, 1876. At the death of his father, Joseph commenced doing for himself, and afterward he and his brother secured the old homestead. He afterward sold his interest to his brother, and, eoming to Medina Co., Ohio, in the summer of 1850, bought the farm on which he now lives. The following April, he moved here, and has sinee been one of the leading farmers of the county, having donc more, perhaps, than any other person for the improvement of stock in Medina Co. He brought the first Cotswold sheep here in the spring of 1853, and is one of the leading breed- ers in other kinds of stock, such as horses, cat- tle and hogs. That he is one of the honorable and conscientious breeders, is known to all, the herd books of Ohio bearing us out in the tes- timony. He is a stoekholder in the Medina County Agricultural Society, and one of the lead- ing fair men of Northern Ohio. He was mar- ried, in October, 1841, to Eliza Long. She died Dec. 24, 1874, leaving seven childreu- Sarah, Catharine Jane, Maria, Mary, Jacob, Josephine and George. Jan. 10, 1878, he was united to Sarah Berry, of Northampton Co., Penn, where she was born Oct. 30, 1836. The family are all members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been Elder for the last fifteen years. He is a Republican.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 108

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