History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 114

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 114

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John Life died Nov. 10, 1879, in the triumph of a faith in Christ. Mr. James Life was born Feb. 15, 1829, in Bury, Lancashire, England, and married Miss Susan Barefoot, of Oxford. They were married at Preswich, Lancashire, Aug. 29, 1854, and, for a wedding tour, the day after, set sail for the United States, and, after a safe sea voyage, settled in Royalton, Cuyahoga Co. Their children are William, born Sept. 12, 1855; Emily, born March 17, 1857; Henry, born June 1, 1859; Arthur Helm, June 10, 1861, and Celestia, born Aug. 20, 1865. Mr. Life, while in En-

gland, served as an attendant and nurse in the Preswich Hospital under the celebrated Dr. Joseph Holland and Dr. Willson, of Paris. It was while there he became proficient in the use of drugs and in the care of the sick. This enabled him to render his adopted country good and efficient service during the war, as he went south in the fall of 1862, as a volun- teer Hospital Steward under Drs. Harvey and Flack, of Illinois. The first service rendered was at the battle of Perryville, and here his experience in the English hospital was very valuable to this country, as there was a scarcity of educated help, and, night and day, he was busy dressing the wounded and caring for those in his charge. The battles of Lebanon and Murfreesboro followed, while the work of the hospital attendants was very severe and arduous. The soldiers whom he had relieved appreciated this, and in some of the news- papers published their thanks to Mr. Life for his kindness and devotion to the sick and wounded in his care. Mr. Life engaged in the drug business for some two years, and then went into the general merchandise business at Royalton, moving to Litchfield Aug. 1, 1880, where he now conducts the same business with the help of his sons. His thoughts and ideas of both religion and politics are of the liberal, progressive kind, and he has always lent a helping hand to the permanent reforms of the day, and toward such enterprises as help build up society and benefit the town in which he lives.

MILES LEACH, farmer; P. O. Litchfield; was born Oct. 16, 1809, in Litchfield, Conn., and was the fifth of a family of nine children. His father's name was Benoni Leach, whose ancestors came from Wales. Three of his grandfather's brothers served in the Revolu- tionary war. In his younger days, he helped his father in his occupations and worked very hard. After coming of age, he sold the clocks manufactured by North, in Connecticut, trav- eling principally in the State of Pennsylvania. He came into this State via Cleveland, and bought his present farm of one hundred acres, paying $6 per acre for it. There were only two and a half acres of slashing done on the place, and he has improved it to its present high state of cultivation by great industry and

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LITCHFIELD TOWNSHIP.

toil; his farm buildings are of the substantial sort, and no one has a better right to be proud of his achievements than Mr. Leach. He is independent in thought, so far as religious subjects are concerned, and believes truth should be taught in preference to creeds and dogmas. He was married in Litchfield, Ohio, in 1843, to Miss Martha E. Bradley, who was born in Suffield, Conn., July 8, 1817. Their children were William E., born April 2, 1844, who left the college in Oberlin, Ohio, and en- listed for one hundred days in the army, but, during what is known as Early's raid upon the capital, he was wounded, and died in front of Ft. Stevens, Washington, D. C., July 11, -13, 1864. Thus fell the eldest of the family, in his young manhood, for his devotion to the old flag. Harvey E., born Aug. 13, 1845; Byron B., born May 2, 1851, and died Nov. 4, 1851; Harvey E., who married Miss Matilda Kinney, who was born in La Fayette Town- ship, this county, Jan. 8, 1850; they were married Sept. 26, 1871. Their children are Willis E., born July 24, 1874; Orra L., born June 29, 1876; Carrie E., born Aug. 10, 1879. He takes an active interest in the temperance question, and has held for two terms the posi- tion of President of the Temperance Christian Union Association of Litchfield Township.

EDWARD R. MCKENZIE, M. D., Litch- field. Edward R. Mckenzie, M. D., was born in New Haven, Conn., Oct. 5, 1819. His father, Alexander McKenzie, was a woolen manufacturer, and removed from New Haven to Litchfield, Conn., when Edward was very young, whence he came to Ohio with his brother-in-law, Russell Brooker, when he was 13 years of age. He read medicine under Dr. L. E. Jones, of Cincinnati, and graduated from the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College, in 1851, coming to Litchfield, Ohio, immedi- ately upon finishing his medical course. He has since remained here in the successful prac- tice of his profession. Dr. Mckenzie's early educational advantages were not the best, and his success in life is due to his own exertions.

JAMES H. OLCOTT, farmer; P. O. Litch- field Center; was born in Litchfield, Conn., March 5, 1815. He came to Litchfield with the family of his father, Benoni, when he was 19 years of age. Together with a younger

brother, Mr. Olcott chopped down the trees and cleared the spot now covered by the Litch- field Hotel, and a portion of the park, about one square acre in area. After cutting, hewing and laying up the logs for his father's dwelling, he went through the mud for ten or twelve miles from the settlement, until he had col- lected sufficient lumber to finish the house. The roof was of what is known as "shake," no nails being used, but weight poles in their stead. With the exception of one small rock- ing-chair, which the family brought from their home in the Nutmeg State, the seating accom- modations of the family consisted of benches split out of whitewood. The table and floor were of similar material. When the young folks went to an old-fashioned country hoe- down, it was necessary to stoop when passing under the low joist of the ceiling, or a bumped head was the consequence. Mr. Olcott danced in the first set ever on the floor of the old Litchfield Hotel, some forty-three years ago. On the 4th of January, 1838, Mr. Olcott was married to Miss Lovisa Snow, of Chat- ham, Medina Co., who bore him two children. Newton R. Olcott was born Aug. 24, 1841, and married Miss Kate S. Murphy, of Marshall, Tex., Oct. 6, 1874, and is now living in Hous- ton, Tex. Adalaide D. Olcott was born Nov. 25, 1846, and is now living at home. Mr. Benoni Olcott donated the ground upon which the Congregational Church in Litchfield now stands, and subsequently assisted in building the edifice. He also gave one acre of ground to the Township Trustees, which was laid out for a place of interment for the dead, and is now used for that purpose. Also, one and a half acres of ground for the first steam saw- mill and grist-mill which was built in Litch- field; this he donated to David Hinman, now deceased.

A. C. STRANAHAN, farmer; P. O. Litch- field. Augustus C. Stranahan was born in Plainfield, Windham Co., Conn., Nov. 21, 1809; he came to Ohio in 1831, and remained in Columbia, Lorain Co., during the winter and summer of 1832, and then returned to Con- necticut; remaining there through the winter of 1832-33, he again came to Ohio, and bought a farm of 55 acres near Columbia, in the spring of 1833, for which he paid $3 per

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

acre. Jan. 1, 1834, he married Miss L. C. Rood, of Litchfield Township, Medina Co., Ohio. In 1842, he removed his family to Litchfield, and bought 80 acres of land, north of the village, where he lived until 1878, when he came to Litchfield, and has since resided there. Be- sides farming, Mr. Stranahan has worked at

the trade of a carpenter for some years, when not actively engaged in farming. His wife bore him two sons, both of whom are dead. Soon after his removal to Litchfield, Mr. Stranahan received a fall which dislocated his hip, and he has since been incapacitated for active labor.

LIVERPOOL TOWNSHIP.

FREDERIC A. BAYER, Abbeyville, Ohio. Among the talented and prominent citizens of his township is Frederic A. Bayer, who was born in Westphalia, Prussia, in 1830. He attended the school of his native town, after which he learned the trade of tailor with his father. In this he proved an adept, completing his trade and becoming a journeyman when but 15 years of age, thus learning it in a remarkably short time. He embarked in life by going to Brus- sels, where he spent one year, at the end of which he went to Paris. This was in 1847, when the French Revolution raged in all its fury. During this time, he witnessed the sudden departure and escape of King Louis Philippe, of France, to England. He left Paris in 1848, re- turning home. Here he remained one month, when, in company with his parents, he emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans by sailing vessel, from which place he went to St. Louis, and remained there six years. He then went to New Orleans, but, the yellow fever being prev- alent, he went North as far as Jacksonville, Ill. Here, by appointment, he met Barbara A. Walker, a native of Liverpool Township, to whom he was married in 1855. They remained in Jacksonville until 1859, when they returned to St. Louis, remaining there until 1875. Dur- ing this time he was an eye witness to the bat- tle of Camp Jackson, the first battle of the civil war. He came to Medina Co. Jan. 1, 1876, and has resided there since. On Nov. 13, 1880, they celebrated their silver wedding. The Gruninger, Renz, Eckert, Stoss- kopf, Hertneck, Gayer, Wagener, Spith, Beutel, and Walker families being present, they all being highly respected pioueer families of the township. A most glorious time was had. Mr. Bayer is a gentleman of refinement and cul- ture, and, by his application of the " Golden

Rule," has the esteem and good will of all with whom he is acquainted. He is a Republican in politics, joining the party in 1856, when it was formed.

IRA BURKE, Copopa ; residing in Colum- bia Township, Lorain Co. ; is one of the oldest and first settlers in this region. Although never a resident of Medina Co., his younger days were passed in it. Many a hunt has he taken with Dan Mallet, who figures such a prominent part in the history of Liverpool and York Town- ships. It was he who carried the chain when the latter was being surveyed into lots. Many a turkey, bear, wolf and deer has fallen lifeless from the effects of his sure flint-lock rifle. He and Dan Mallet ate many wild turkeys that were roasted over their camp-fires. When the can- nons on Lake Erie thundered, foretelling Perry's victory, he was one who heard them, and now survives to tell of their deadly peals. He was born in Euclid, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, in 1803. His parents were " Yankees." He came to Co- lumbia, just north of Liverpool, in 1809, and has resided there ever since. He was married in 1828 to Relief Adeline Fuller, a native of New York State. She was born in 1811. They have no children. He was at one time a member of the Methodist Church. Is a Republican in politics, and has served as Township Trustee.

JACOB BAUER, farmer ; P. O. Liverpool ; he was born in Liverpool Township in 1842, and attended the common school, beginning his early manhood by working on the farm. He is one of the model farmers of his county. He was married in 1861 to Christena Behner, a na- tive of Liverpool Township, and has three chil- dren-Julia, Ida and Edward. He is a Repub- lican in politics.

GILES B. DAVIS, farmer ; P. O. Liverpool ; was born in 1825 in Liverpool. His father,

LIVERPOOL TOWNSHIP.

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Clarke Davis, was married to Mary Bates. They were both from Rhode Island. They eame to Liverpool when "it was all woods," and here the subject of this sketeh was born. He worked on his father's farm, and attended the distriet sehool of his township. He was married, in 1850, to Alethia Ames, a native of New York, her parents coming to Liverpool when she was but 4 years old. They have two ehildren-Frank M. and Lillie I. The former had the good fortune to have a father who took an interest in his education. He was sent to Leipsie, Germany, where he developed and eul- tivated the musical talents with which he was born. He is at present one of the Faculty of Oberlin College, and has charge of the musical department of that institution. He is married to Annie MeGraw. Mr. Davis is a Republican in polities, and was one of the first to vote that tieket in his Demoeratie township.

WILLIAM DUECKER, shoemaker, Liver- pool ; born in Saxony in 1846. He emigrated to Ameriea in 1867. Learned the trade of shoemaker in Medina, Ohio. Is at present a thriving and industrious business man of Liver- pool. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Su- sanah B. Friedt, a native of Pennsylvania. He has five ehildren-Noah, Mary, Luther F., Eliza- beth, Christian J. C. They are both members of the Evangelieal German Lutheran Church. He is a Republican in politics.

JOHN DYE, farmer ; P. O. Liverpool ; was born in New York in 1818. He went to Por- tage Co., Ohio, in 1830, and remained there five years, learning the trade of stone-potter, after- ward eoming to Medina Co. in 1835, and has been a resident ever sinee. He was married, in 1840, to Sarah Kibbe, a native of New York State, and has three children-Edith E., Lloyd and Olive. He is one of the most industrious farmers of his township, and takes pride in rais- ing fine hogs and eattle. He has held the office of Constable, Supervisor, Trustee and Assessor a number of times. He is a Demoerat in poli- ties.

SAMUEL DOLLAMORE, farmer ; P. O. Liverpool ; was born in England in 1826. He emigrated to this country in 1841, and settled in Lorain Co., Ohio, living there until 1850, when he removed to Medina Co. He was mar- ried, in 1851, to Mary Marsh, a native of Liver- pool Township. They have two sons, both of whom are married-David and Franklin. He

has by his industry and economy amassed some wealth and property, and ranks as a very popu- lar farmer of his township. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and is a Republiean in politics.

DAVID DOLLAMORE, farmer; P. O. Liverpool ; was born in Liverpool Township in 1854 ; the son of Samuel Dollamore. He was married to Emma Betsieover, who has born him one son- George. Mr. Dollamore is one of the prosperous young farmers of his township. Is a member of the Methodist Church, and a Democrat in polities.

JOHN EUGA, farmer ; P. O. Liverpool ; was born in Liverpool Township in 1842. He at- tended the common sehool, and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. He labored in Michigan, Indiana, and Geauga Co., Ohio, at different periods, up to 1878. He was married in 1864, to Mary MeWilliams, and, she dying, lie was remarried in 1869, to Rhoda Reed. He has three eliildren-Russell, Burt and Clara. He has been Township Trustee three terms, and is a Demoerat in polities.

DANIEL FORD, farmer ; P. O. Abbeyville ; was born in Grafton Co., N. H., in 1796. He removed into the State of Maine in 1802, and in 1812 into Genesee Co., N. Y., and obtained his edueation in the common sehools of New York State. In 1817, his parents eame into Medina Co., settling in Liverpool. He went to Marietta, Ohio, and remained there until 1821, when he also came to Liverpool. He began to farm, at the same time manufacturing wooden bowls and repairing watehes and eloeks. He was married in 1825 to Joanna Golden, a na- tive of New York. Five children were born to them, two of whom are. dead. Those living are William Fayette, Vienna and Clarinda. He has been elected Justiee of the Peace on several oeeasious, and has also been Notary Public for twenty-five years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a staneh Republiean.

MICHAEL GRUNINGER, farmer; P. O. Abbeyville. Among the oldest settlers of the eounty is the subject of this sketeh. He was born in Wurtemberg in 1817; attended the schools of his native eountry, and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. He eame to Ameriea in 1837, and settled in Liverpool Township, working in Cleveland at his trade for a period of three years, his place of resi-

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

dence being in Liverpool Township. He was married in 1838 to Frederica Kaufman, a na- tive of Wurtemberg. They had three chil- dren-Charles, Caroline and Louise. In 1843, death robbed him of his bosom companion, and he was remarried, in 1847, to Rosanna Renz, a native of Wurtemberg, she arriving

in this country when 6 years of age. They have nine children-Audrew J., George F., Gustave W., Helen, Katherine R., Lydia M., Anna B., Julia F. and Eva S. He is a mem- ber of the German Lutheran Church, and has been Deacon for twenty-five years. He has carried on the business of undertaker, in con- nection with farming, for the last thirty years.

GREGOR HUTTINGER, farmer ; P. O. Liv- erpool. He is an old settler of the township, and was born in Baden, Germany, in 1821. He attended school, and learned the trade of wagon- maker. Came to Medina Co. in 1842, and has been residing here ever sinee. He was mar- ried, in 1844, to Catharine Eharte, a native of Baden. They have eight children-Theresa, married to George Armbruster; Louise, to Charles Pfeil ; Frank, to Mary Feist ; Ambrose, to Theresa Vonderhart; Catharine, to John Hoeffler ; Mary, to Jacob Hoeffler ; Henry and Anna. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He has been Township Trustee for eighteen years. He has, by industry and econ- omy, amassed some property. He is a Demo- crat in politics.

ALBERT G. HEATH, farmer ; P. O. Liver- pool ; was born in 1816, in Massachusetts. He came to Medina Co. in 1824, and was married, in 1845, to Maria Green, a native of Vermont. They have four children-Giles, Sarah, Albert and Alvin. He is a very industrious farmer, and has been Clerk of the School Board several terms. He is a Democrat in politics.

ROBERT LOOMIS, farmer; P. O. Liverpool ; was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., in 1797; the son of Loreu Loomis. He attended the com- mon school, and, when sixteen years of age, en- listed in the army, and was a participant in the war of 1812. He served under Gen. Brown and enlisted under Captain Ingersoll. After the war closed, he returned to Massachusetts and remained there several years, coming to Medina Co., in 1825, when the land was yet un- settled. He located on the banks of a creek, and has lived there ever since. He was married in 1817, to Ruth Davis, a native of Massachu-

sctts. Their children are-Melvin, Truman, Robert aud Phebe. His wife died in 1870. He is one of the few old settlers who can relate of the times when deer, bears and wolves reigned in the thick forests of the county. He is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and has served as Township Trustee several terms. He is a sturdy old veteran Democrat, having always voted that ticket.

CHARLES J. MESSMER, lawyer ; Liver- pool ; was born in Bavaria in 1839. His parents emigrated to America in 1841, settling in Liverpool, where he has spent the major part of his life. He attended the commou school, and, by industry, obtained an education, thus enabling him to teach, which he did very suc- cessfully for a number of years. He studied law and was under the instruction of Judge Walker, of Medina, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in 1872. He was married, in 1877, to Mary Bay, a native of Liverpool. They have one sou-George F. He has held the offices of Township Clerk and Assessor, for five years and three years, respectively, being at present serviug the second term as Justice of the Peace. He has, by his honesty and fidelity, won the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, which he richly deserves.

CHARLES M. METZGER, farmer; P. O. Liv- erpool ; is one of the most prominent farmers of Liverpool. His parents arc natives of Germany. He was born in Liverpool Township in 1844. He was raised ou a farm and at present is fol- lowing that oceupation. He was married in 1868, to Sophia E. Seffner, a native of Summit Co., Ohio. They have one child, Charles Ed- ward. He has been Township Trustee for sev- eral terms, has served as Justice of the Peace and also Land Appraiser. He is one of the in- fluential and enterprising farmers of his town- ship, and is very popular throughout the couuty, as was demonstrated when he was a candidate for County Auditor, he running ahead of his ticket, his party being iu a minor- ity. He occupies the position of Director of the Farmer's Life Insurance Company, and is a member of the German Lutheran Church.

JOHN MARSH, farmer; P. O. Liverpool ; was born in Bennington Co., Vt., in 1804. He is oue of the pioneers of the town- ship; coming into it as early as 1819, and has made it his residence ever since. He learned the trade of cooper with his father, and was

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LIVERPOOL TOWNSHIP.

married in 1824, to Hepzibah Brainard, a na- tive of Connecticut. They had four children- Mary, Franklin, Elezar and Elmer. His wife died in 1844. He was remarried in 1853, to Sallie E. Webster, a native of Massachusetts, by whom he had one son-Irvin J. He has been Constable and Trustee of his township several terms; has been Justice of the Peace for fifteen years, and is a Democrat. All his children are married. He is, at present, living a retired life, and has the reputation of being an upright citizen and a good neighbor.

WILLIAM H. NEWTON, farmer ; P. O. Brunswick. Hollis Newton, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in South- boro, Worcester Co., Mass., in 1798. At 8 years of age, he went with his parents to Onon- daga Co., N. Y .; after living there eight years, he moved to Cayuga Co., N. Y .; at the end of two years, they moved to Canandaigua, N. Y. He was married to Debbie F. Beebe in 1824; he set out for Ohio in 1824, loading his house- hold goods and wife in a lumber wagou, drawn by two yoke of oxen. He arrived at Abram Beebe's, in Liverpool Township, Sept. 17, 1824, making the journey in eighteen days. He pur- chased land of Daniel L. Coit, one mile south of the northeast corner of Liverpool Township. Here he settled and lived in habits of industry, temperance and religion, raising a family of nine children, of whom William H. Newton, the subject of this sketeh, was one. He was born in Liverpool Township in 1838, and was mar- ricd in 1861 to Mary E. Thomas, a native of Stark Co., Ohio. They have two children- Charles H. and Addie C. He is a devout mem- ber of the Frec-Will Baptist Church.

CHARLES H. PARKER ; P. O. Liverpool ; was born in Liverpool in 1836, and spent his youth in working on the farm and attending school. He was married in 1861 to Lucinda Lewis, a native of Lorain Co., Ohio. They have two children-Edna and Arthur, who are possessed of rare and wonderful musical talent. Mr. Parker is selling sewing machines, and is a leading business man of his community. He is a Republican in politics.

DWIGHT A. PARMELEE, Liverpool ; was born in Liverpool in 1852. He attended the common school of his native village, and, after going through the regular course there, attended Oberlin College. He was married in 1876, to Ella M. Jordan, and has one daughter,

Pearl. He is one of the prominent young men of Liverpool.

A. S. PARMELEE, miller, Liverpool ; was born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1808 ; attended common school and learned the trade of car- penter and joiner. He came to Medina Co. in 1834, and built a saw and grist mill, and has been in the business ever since. He was mar- ried, in 1840, to Clarinda Wilmot, a native of Liverpool. This marriage brought forth two children-Ashel D. and Charles E. His wife died in 1844; he was remarried, in 1845, to Fannie W. Bates, a native of Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and is the father of four children from this marriage-Susan C., William E., James S. and Dwight A. Mr. Parmelee's parents were of Massachusetts, and he may be properly termed a "Yankee." He is, at present, run- ning a woolen-faetory and grist mill, and is do- ing a flourishing business. He is the pioneer miller of the township, and his acquaintance is very extensive. He is a Republican in polities.

WILLIAM W. PURDY, farmer, Liverpool ; was born in Westchester Co., N. Y., in 1813 he attended the common school and learned the trade of shoemaker, and came to Medina Co. in 1846, and has lived here ever since. He was married, in 1833, to Olivia Dean, a native of Westchester Co., N. Y., her aneestors being the Deans who took such a prominent part in the Revolutionary war. They have seven ehildren-Louise M., Hannah L., Thomas D., Zachary T., Sarah O., Joseph V. R. and Will- iam W. Mr. Purdy has been Supervisor and Trustee for a number of terms; he is at pres- ent living on the farm he cleared, on which are white sulphur springs ; his home oceupies one of the finest sites in the county, which he has made pleasant and comfortable by hard labor and industry. He boasts of being an old-time Democrat, and remains one to this day.

WILLIAM E. PARMELEE, Justice of the Peace, Liverpool; was born in Liverpool in 1848, and attended the common school of that village. He was married in 1871, to Melissa E. Noble, a native of La Grange, Lorain Co., Ohio ; they have two children, a daughter named Ella, and an infant. Mr. Parmelee was Postmaster of his village for five years, and, though he is a Republican in politics, was elected Justice of the Peace, which is all the more an honor, inasmuch as Liverpool is a strongly Democratic township ; he is a young

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 114

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