History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 110

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 110

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THOMAS HUNTER, physician and surgeon, Seville ; is a son of John and Mary (Patton) Hunter, and was born Jan. 14, 1814, in County Donegal, Ireland. His father was a physician

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and dispensary surgeon in that place, and was a man of generous impulses and kindness of heart toward all. 'He died in 1843, and his companion two years later. The subject of this sketch, possessing a mind both intuitive and retentive, passed the required examination in Latin and Greek to secure his apprenticeship to an apothecary, when only 15 years old. Three years later, he entered the Medical Department of the Trinity College at Dublin, where he re- mained two years, and then passed the same length of time at the University of Edinburgh. April 17, 1837, he graduated at Glasgow, and, although a good situation was open to him in his native land, he shortly embarked for America. He landed at New York, and, making his way from there to Baltimore, passed his first winter in an apothecary store. Determining to locate and practice his chosen profession, he came to Ohio, and, after remaining a short time in Zanes- ville, he pushed on to Seville, in Medina Co., where he has since remained, except a short time that he was in Trumbull Co. He has here had a large and lucrative practice, although he has of late years been endeavoring to get on the retired list. He was married, Dec. 10, 1846, to Martha R., daughter of Daniel and Sophia (Gray) Terboss. She was born Sept. 11, 1824, in Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., and was liv- ing in Mahoning Co., Ohio, when she accepted her Irish lover against the wishes of her parents. Their union has given two children-Martha A. and John T. The daughter died Nov. 6, 1868. Dr. Hunter is a man of mature judgment, and one who has made his way unaided through the world. He is a Democrat.

JUDGE HENRY HOSMER, retired farmer ; P. O. Seville. Among the emigrants to America from County Kent, England, were three broth- ers by the name of Hosmer, who settled at Cambridge, Mass., and one of these was a mem- ber of the Hooker colony that went from there to Connecticut. The subject of this sketch is a descendant of that emigrant. His father, Will- iam Hosmer, was born at Hartford, and he and seven brothers entered the Continental Army, and fought gallantly for the cause of American Independence, one laying down his life at the battle of White Plains, and another dying in hospital from wounds received in battle. Will- iam married Elizabeth Barker, a native of his own State, and for many years was engaged in the manufacture of coaches and chaises ; but

eventually relinquished it for farming. In 1814, he moved into Southern Massachusetts, where he remained until his removal to this State, where he died July 18, 1839, lacking only three months of being a centenarian. His wife de- parted this life, the 19th day of August the previous year. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this history, was born May 22, 1793, and was apprenticed to a black- smith when in his 17th year, and worked for him two years after coming of age. On his 23d birthday, he started for the great West with a single companion, accomplishing the whole journey of over 600 miles in eighteen days, on foot. After prospecting through several coun- ties, he selected a tract of land where the village of Seville now stands, and returning home on foot by the way of Pittsburgh, told the story of the new country. The last day of December, 1816, together with his brother Chester, sister Mary and Shubael and Abigail Porter, he again made the journey to this place. It being mid- winter, they bought an Indian cabin for $1, in which they lived until better accommodations could be prepared, and immediately went to work clearing away the forest and getting ready for a spring crop. Henry returned once more to the Old Bay State, and brought the rest of his father's family to the pioneer home. He has done much for the improvement and ad- vancement of this part of the county, and is a respected and esteemed citizen. He has held various township offices ; was the second Coro- ner of the county ; served as County Commis- sioner, and for five years was Associate Judge of Medina Co., being on the bench when the present Constitution of Ohio was adopted. He was married, Oct. 30, 1820, at Avon, Lorain Co., Ohio, to Lucy Hayes. She is of Scotch descent, and was born April 10, 1798, in Hampden Co., Mass. Her mother dying when she was young, she was reared by her grandparents, and came to her sister's home in Ohio after reaching ma- turity. Their union has been fruitful of ten children, five of whom are living, viz., Louisa M., Henry H., Julia J., Mary Y. and Leavitt K. Judge Hosmer is still living on a part of the farm he secured when he first came here. He served in the war of 1812, and has been a mnem- her of the Masonic Order since 1824. He is a stalwart Republican.

HON. J. C. JOHNSON, attorney, Seville. Among the members of the bar of this county,

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who have risen to prominent positions from the humble walks of life through their own ex- ertions, we mention Mr. Johnson, who was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 1820 ; a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Crabtree) Johnson, who were natives of the State of Maryland. His father moved to Ohio in 1804; served in the war of 1812, and, in 1832, moved to Medina Co. He was a farmer by pursnit, and passed the rest of his life here, dying in 1857, and his companion in May, 1874. James passed his early life on his father's farm, receiving only an ordinary common-school education, and, in 1840, com- menced studying law. Some three years later, he was admitted to the bar, and has since been one of the leading practitioners at the Medina County bar. He was first elected to the State Legislature in 1848, and has served three terms there as member of the lower branch, being Speaker of the House the last term. For many years, he has been prominently identified with the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Co., at first as a Director, but latterly as President of the board. He is a Democrat.

ISAAC KULP, boot and shoe dealer; Se- ville; among the enterprising and prosperous business men of this town, we mention the gen- tleman above named, who was born in North- ampton Co., Penn., Aug. 3, 1813, and a son of Samuel and Lydia (Naragang) Kulp, both of whom were natives of Bucks Co., Penn. His father was a shoemaker by trade, and, in the spring of 1827, moved to Ohio and settled in Wadsworth Township, Medina Co., where he developed a piece of land, besides working at his trade. He passed the rest of his life in this county, living successively in Wadsworth, Sharon, Montville and Guilford Townships, dying in the one last named. Isaac received only a meager education, as one might judge from the schools here when he was a youth, but, in all the elements that relate to labor, he ob- tained a proficient drilling. Learning the trade with his father, he commenced doing for him- self when 18 years of age, and would travel through the country from house to house, carry- ing his "kit of tools," and perform all the work pertaining to his trade before leaving. He at length settled down in Guilford Town- ship, where he has since lived. His marriage was celebrated Jnne 4, 1832, Miss Elizabeth Walker becoming his wife. She was born in Center Co., Penn., September 3, 1813, her

father, Matthias Walker, being a native of Ger- many, coming to America when in his youth, and her mother, a native of Maryland, her maiden name being Elizabeth Zigler. They moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1818, where they passed the rest of their lives. Mr. Kulp con- tinued to work at his trade a number of years after his marriage, when he relinquished it for the pursuit of farming, as he desired to bring np his family of children to habits of industry, and wisely considered the farm the most desira- ble place. After their growth to maturity, he again returned to his old vocation, and con- ducted a large business in manufacturing, but now is only a dealer. Mr. Kulp's marriage has been fruitful of seven children, six of whom are living-Mary Ann, Samuel, Elizabeth, Sarah, Lovina and Rebecca. All these are married, except the youngest, who is attending the Cleveland Homoeopathic Hospital College. Mrs. Kulp is a member of the Lutheran Church.

HON. ALVAN D. LICEY, attorney at law ; River Styx; was born Sept. 13, 1832, in Hill- town Township, Bucks Co., Penn. His father, John Licey, was a native of the same town- ship, and was born Sept. 20, 1798, being a descendant of an emigrant from Alsace, Ger- many, who bought his land from William Penn. He married a lady by the name of Catharine Derstine, who was born Feb. 28, 1810, in Bucks County. In the spring of 1849, he removed to Medina Co., Ohio, where he ever after lived a respected and nseful citizen. Death, the com- mon enemy of mankind, deprived him of his companion, Dec. 12, 1874, and Nov. 3, 1880, he, too, passed away. The subject of this sketch had few advantages for obtaining an education, his school life terminating when he was only 12 years old. He then engaged as Clerk in a store, and, finally, entered the mercantile busi- ness on his own account at River Styx, Ohio, in which he was eminently successful. While thns engaged in April, 1857, he was elected Justice of the Peace for Guilford Township, and, recognizing the ntility of a better knowl- edge of law, he employed his leisure time in that study. Upon retiring from the business of merchant, his ability had already been recog- nized as an Attorney, and he immediately en- tered into a lucrative practice. He served as Jus- tice for a period of eightcen years, and, in 1870, was a member of the State Board of Eqnaliza- tion. In 1879, he received the nomination of

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the Republican party for Representative to the Ohio Legislature, and was elected by the strongest majority ever given in Medina Connty. He was married Oct. 19, 1858, to Martha, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Sweet) Wil- son ; she was born in Medina County, Feb. 17, 1829. Her father, one of the first settlers of the township, was, for eighteen years, Justice of Guilford Township. He died Nov. 30, 1861. Their nnion has been erowned with four chil- dren-Desdemona, Ilzaide, John O. and Kate. His wife is a member of the Disciples' Church, and he of the I. O. O. F.

GEORGE P. LEE, farmer ; P. O. Seville ; was born in Guilford Township, Medina Co., Ohio, Ang. 6, 1840. His father, Henry Lee, was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Aug. 30, 1812, and is a son of John and Sarah (Lance) Lec, who eame to Wayne Co. in 1821, where they underwent the usual hardships and privations that fall to the lot of early settlers. Henry re- ceived but little schooling, and the experience he obtained while helping develop his father's farm, fitted him for the task of elearing the one he now owns in this eounty. He bought it in 1833, and, in 1836, was married to Eleonora Bowen, who was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 8, 1819, and came to Wayne Co. in her youth. Mr. Lee's farin was covered with a dense forest, which he cleared away as fast as possible, and, by a lifetime of industry, created a valuable and productive property. He is now living a retired life, enjoying the reward that usually follows a well-spent and industrious manhood. Both he and his wife are members of the Bap- tist Church. George remained under the paren- tal roof until his marriage to Aldisa, daughter of R. B. Squires, of this township. He has re- sided on the one farm ever since his marriage, erected substantial and tasty buildings, and surrounded his home with many attractions. On his farm we find one of the finest orchards in the county, and other evidences of thrift and industry. When 20 years old, he learned the trade of broom-maker, which he has since fol- lowed with favorable results. His marriage has been fruitful of seven children, viz., Jndson (deceased), Chester R., Richard, Graeie, Bertie, Earnest, and one unnamed. It is the purpose of Mr. Lee to give his children a good and thorough education, wisely considering this of more value than riehes. He is an earnest ad- voeate of the eause of temperanee, and a mem-

ber of the Baptist Church, of which he is Trns- tee. He is a Republican.

JACOB MILLER, farmer; P. O. River Styx ; is the youngest son of Samnel and Elizabeth (App) Miller, and was born Nov. 12, 1842, in Medina Co., Guilford Township. He received a good common-school education, and, having a natural taste for music, he cultivated this, and, for three summers, was a music teacher. He also has aeted as agent for the Estey Organs for several years, but does not allow this business to interfere with the man- agement of his farm. His marriage was cel- ebrated Feb. 3, 1867, Miss Laura Rasor becom- ing his wife. She was born in Wadsworth Township, Medina Co., March 22, 1848, and her father, Eli Rasor, son of Christopher and Chris- tiana Rasor, born June 15, 1815, is said to be the first white child born in Wadsworth Town- ship. As may be inferred, his educational privileges were poor, the greater part of his youth being devoted to the improvement of his father's farm. He was married Nov. 21, 1834, to Eliza, daughter of James and Sabilla (James) Boak. She was born Aug. 29, 1813, in Danphin Co., Penn., her parents removing to Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1824. After his marriage, Mr. Rasor developed a farm, their first home being a cabin, and, for some time, she did the cooking by a fire out of doors, as they possessed neither stove nor fire-place. They were, in later years, in qnite pleasant circumstances, and had a valuable home, ereated through their early labor. He died Dec. 20, 1871; his companion is yet living, making her home with her danghter, Mrs. Mil- ler, since 1878. Mr. Miller has a pleasant home, and is noted alike for his hospitality and so- ciable disposition. Their union has been blessed with one child-Edwin J., born Dec. 27, 1867. Both are members of the Lntheran Church. in which he fills the offices of Treas- urer and Organist. He is a Republican.

JOSEPH H. MILLER, veterinary surgeon, Wadsworth ; is a son of Samnel and Elizabeth (App) Miller, and was born in Northampton Co., Penn., Feb. 28, 1836. His father was a carpenter by trade in early life, and, in the fall of 1837, removed to Ohio, where he has since lived, being a resident of Medina Co., Guilford Township. For a few years after his arrival, he worked at the trade, bnt relinquished it for the pursuit of farming, himself and eldest sons developing a large farm. He withdrew from

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the active duties of farm life several years ago, and is yet a vigorous and well-preserved man ; his companion departed this life April 6, 1879. The subject of this article was reared to the pursuit of farming, which he followed in the main until 1869; he, early in life, evinced a great desire to understand the nature and dis- eases of the horse, and, whenever possible, would buy books treating on this subject. He soon, through his own exertions, became well informed, and, his services being demanded mueh of the time, he withdrew entirely from the farm to follow the profession for which he seems desigued by nature. He has been uncommonly successful, aud after a two years-course, grad- uated iu the spring of 1879, from the Ontario Veterinary College, at Toronto, Canada ; he was married in February, 1859, to Miss Eme- line Greisemer; she was born November 28, 1840, in Bucks Co., Penn., and eamc to Me- dina Co. in the spring of 1853, being a daugh- ter of Isaac and Mary Greisemer ; their uuiou has proved fruitful of eight ehildren, of whom the youngest three are living-Isaae Gilbert, Clayton Forest and George Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Lutheran Church ; he is a Republican.

H. E. MATTESON, elothing store aud insur- ance agent, Seville ; was born Oet. 11, 1826, in Cortland Co., N. Y., and is son of Cyrus aud Catharine (Maydole) Matteson. His father was a farmer by oceupation, and in 1836 moved to Medina Co., Ohio, and settled iu Litchfield Township, where he cleared over 200 aeres of forest land, being ably assisted by his sons ; he was a frugal and industrious farmer and devoted to his chosen pursuit. He died in 1870 in his 71st year, and his earthly compan- ion is yet living, being in her 82d year. The subject of this sketch commenced teaching school when 18 years old, a profession he fol- lowed during the winter season for several years. He commenced as agent for the " Ohio Farmer's Insurance Company," in May, 1848, and has the honor of writing the first applica- tion ever presented them. A few years later he commenced carrying various kinds of silver- ware and jewelry on his tours through the country, at the same time attending to his du- ties as insurance agent ; he followed a business of this nature for twelve years, when he en- gaged in the mercantile and clothing business at Seville, keeps a grocery store, boots and

shocs, etc., and for the last eight years has beeu a heavy dealer in wool. He has been uniformly successful in his undertakings, and is an ener- getic and prosperous business man. He was married in 1852, to Mary, daughter of Halsey and Betsey (Moses) Hulburt, of Westfield Towuship, Medina Co. Their union has been fruitful of seven ehildren-Ida M., Charles F., Claude L., V. Clifford, Halsey H., Mary aud David M. ; the eldest is married. Mrs. Matte- sou is a consistent member of the Baptist Church ; he is a stalwart Republican, aud cast his first vote for James G. Birney, for Presi- deut.

JAMES S. PALMER, farmer ; P. O. Seville. Among the successful farmers aud enterprising eitizeus of Guilford Township, we have no hes- itatiou in rauking the above-named gentleman as one of the first iu the county. He was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, March 20, 1829, his father, George Palmer, being also a native of the same eounty. Nathaniel Palmer, George's father, was one of the first to secure a farm there of Government land, and died when but little of it had been cleared, leaving a family of small children to the mother's care. George was reared in the family of a neighboring farm- er, and, after reaching maturity, he secured the whole of his father's farm, by purchasing the interests of the other heirs. He was married to a lady of that county, by the name of Elma Coulter, and passed his life in the development and care of his farm, dying in October, 1863. His companion is yet living on the " old home- stead " with her youngest son. James passed the early part of his life on his father's farm, and has always been devoted to agriculture and stock-raising. His marriage was celebrated Nov. 21, 1850, Miss Margery Grafton becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Isaae and Jane (McFarland) Grafton, and was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, March 30, 1830. Her mother died in the fall of 1863, her father is yet living. Mareh 20, 1851, Mr. Palmer removed to Guil- ford Township, Medina Co., where he has siuce resided, owning a pleasant and attractive farm uorth of the village of Seville. Their union has been erowned with one child, Stella, born Jan. 15, 1855. Death has visited this family once, taking their only child, the 12th day of June, 1862. Mr. Palmer is independent in his political views, being at preseut identified with neither of the leading partics.

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JACOB N. REESE, farmer ; P. O. River Styx ; was born in Stratford Township, Mont- gomery Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1814. His father, Nicholas Reese, was a native of that county, and was married to a lady by the name of Auna Putnam, her parents being emigrants to that county from New England. He was a farmer by pursuit, and in 1834 removed with his fam- ily to Ohio, settling at Middlebury, in Summit Co., where he passed the rest of his life, dying at the advanced age of 75 years. His compan- ion departed this life in the month of October, 1872, in her 82d year. Jacob has always been a tiller of the soil. Dec. 31, 1835, he was mar- ried to Jane S., daughter of William and Aurelia Phelps. She was born May 22, 1819, in what is now Summit Co., Ohio, her parents coming there from Vermont in 1815, and thence to Me- dina Co., in 1836, settling iu Wadsworth Town- ship. In the spring of 1837, Mr. Reese re- moved to Medina Co., where he has since re- sided, owning a valuable and attractive farm, on which he can pass the rest of his life a con- tented and happy man. By the union of this couple, twelve children have been born, viz .: Aurelia A., born Dec. 1, 1837 ; William J., born Sept. 2, 1840 ; Elizabeth J., born Dec. 25, 1842 ; Newton N., born April 2, 1845 ; Lucia V., born Sept., 15, 1847 ; John B., born Dec. 4, 1849 ; Jacob L., born Dec. 23, 1851 ; Clara J., born Jan. 5, 1854 ; John C. Fremont, born June 13, 1856 ; the twins, Frederick S. and Frank S., born Aug. 5, 1860 ; Gertrude J., born Nov. 27, 1862. John died Feb. 14, 1854; Frederick, Oct. 28, 1860 ; and Fremont, April 20, 1875. The two eldest sons served in the army during the late war, and all are married except the youngest two. Mr. Reese has served as Justice of the Peace, and held other local offices, beiug now one of the Trustees of Guil- ford Township. He is a Republican.

RICHARD B. SQUIRES, retired farmer ; P. O. Seville ; was born July 10, 1819, at West Windsor, Conn. His father, Sherman Squires, was a native of that place, aud son of Abner Squires, one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, and a life-long resident of Windsor. Sher- man was a farmer by pursuit, aud married a lady of his native place by the name of Aldisa Blanchard. In May, 1824, he removed to Cuya- hoga Falls, Ohio, where he conducted a saw- mill for Henry Newberry, and boarded the hands engaged in the mill, living in the first

house ever built there. In 1826, two years later, he came to Medina Co. and settled on a small tract of land in Guilford Township, which he had previously secured. He developed this, and added materially to its size as well as value. He taught school during the winter season for a few years in order to assist him financially, and in his latter days relinquished the farm entirely. His wife died June 10, 1862, having borne two children-Henry aud Richard. He was again married, and himself passed away in 1869, at the residence of his youngest son, with whom he was living. Rich- ard commenced teaching school when 20 years old, and followed this during the winter season for six years. The rest of his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was married, Feb. 3, 1842, to Caroline Miller. She was born Sept. 15, 1817, in New York State, her father, Jacob Miller, coming to this country from Holland when 14 years old, and, his father dying soon after, he was compelled to do for himself. He served in the war of 1812, and lost his property through reverses that overtook him at that time. He was married to Sally May, who died after having borne one child, also named Sally. He was then united to Emma Dix, who was born in Massachusetts, and was fruitful of twelve children. In 1837, they came to Ohio, and settled in Medina Co., which was ever after their home. He died in 1860, and his com- panion Sept. 13, 1876. After his union, Mr. Squires lived in Montville Township for some time, and there partly improved a farm. He sold it, however, to buy the old homestead when it was offered him by his father, and re- sided on it until May, 1879, when he removed to his present residence in the suburbs of Se- ville. Three children have blessed their union -Victoria A., Amy Aldisa and Sherman B. All are married, and the oldest and youngest have taught school. In this profession, the family is somewhat remarkable, the father, mother, son, daughter and grandfather having, at various times in life, been teachers. Mr. Squires has served as Trustee for several years. He is a Democrat, and cast his first ballot for Wilson Shannon.

JAMES C. STOAKS, planing-mill and lum- ber-dealer, Seville ; was born March 13, 1827, in Steuben Co., N. Y. His father, John Stoaks, was born in New Jersey, reared in Orange Co., N. Y., and is a son of Alexander Stoaks, who

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came to America from Ireland. He was a school-teacher by profession, and served with distinetion in the Revolutionary war. John was a wagon-maker by trade, and married a lady by the name of Clarissa Sutton, a native of Orange Co. Her father, William Sutton, was of Seoteh deseent, and one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, in which he was taken prisouer, and suffered without a murmur in de- fense of his country. In 1844, John Stoaks, with his wife and family of nine ehildren, re- moved to Seville, Ohio, where he died the fol- lowing year, being then in his 50th year. His wife died in 1852. James learned the trade with his father, but, unlike many others who leave the parental roof when of legal age, he supported the family until the death of his mother, which separated the family. He fol- lowed the trade, and was doing a good business in Seville, but, in 1864, he elosed his shop, and he and his thirteen hands, with one exception, entered the army, that one being unfit for mili- tary duty. He enlisted in Co. F, 166th O. N. G., and was detailed for duty in the eommis- sary department. On his return, he farmed four years, and then engaged in the hardware business, which he followed until recently, when failing health indueed him to withdraw and enter into his present business relations. His marriage was celebrated Sept. 26, 1851, Maria L. Cook becoming his wife. She was born July 4, 1830, in Medina Co., Ohio, being a daughter of Alva and Lydia (Cooper) Cook, old settlers of the county. Mr. Cook died in 1860, and Mrs. Cook in February, 1880. Mr. Stoaks' union has been fruitful of three ehil- dren-Hattie (wife of William Cunningham), Mary E. (teacher in the Seville schools) and Sarah B. They are members of the Presby- terian Church, which Mr. Stoaks joined when 14 years old, and in which he has been Elder twenty-five years. Is a Republican, and voted first for Van Buren, on the Free-Soil tieket.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 110

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