History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 121

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 121

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MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP.

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Deputy for one term. He has also been for many years Notary Public, Township Clerk, and held other small offiees. He is Republican in polities.

E. R. CULVER, farmer and school-teacher ; P. O. Poe; was born in Montville Township, Medina Co., Ohio, Aug. 18, 1839. His father, Sidney Culver, was born Jan. 6, 1806, in the State of Vermont, and was son of Miles Culver, who removed to the State of Ohio as early as 1808, and settled at Middlebury, in what is uow Summit Co. He served in the war of 1812. Sidney learned the trade of a stone- eutter, which he followed for a few years, when he adopted the more eongeuial oeeupation of farming. In 1832, he eame into the eounty of Medina, and, in 1838, was married to a lady by the name of Elvira Smith, who had emi- grated here a few years previous from Madison Co., N. Y. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Culver la- bored for many years, and had the satisfaction of seeing their efforts erowned with sueeess, owning a pleasaut property in Montville Town- ship. He died Mareh 5, 1867, and his wife the 29th of May, 1880. The subject of this sketeh received a good eommon-sehool education, which was improved by an attendauee at the Medina High School, and, when 19 years old, he eommeneed teaching, a voeation for which he seems well adapted, and in which he has been eminently sueeessful. Reared to the pur- suit of farmiug, he superintends the farm, and teaches during the winter season. He was married, April 5, 1861, to Mary, daughter of John and Sarah Landes. She was boru Aug. 18, 1844, in Montgomery Co., Penn., and eame to Ohio when in her childhood. She is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Culver has held various towuship offiees, and in 1880 was Land Appraiser of Montville Township. He has always been identified with the Republieau party, and is one of the most influential and enterprising eitizens in this part of the eounty.

LYSANDER FRIZZELL, farmer ; P. O. Sharon ; was born in Franklin Co., Mass., Dec. 22, 1807. His father, Elijah Frizzell, was a farmer by pursuit; he married a Miss Mary Rowley, of Massachusetts ; about the year 1822, he moved into the State of Vermont, where he passed the rest of his life, and died in 1862, while in the State of Illinois visiting one of his sons. His wife died a few years

later in Vermont. When 12 years of age, Ly- sander went to live with a farmer in the Con- neetieut Valley, remaining until of age, when he eommeneed doing for himself. For two years he farmed in that State, and then went to Vermont, where he bought a farm; he re- mained there only a short time, however, be- fore he sold, and, in 1834, emigrated to Ohio and settled in the county of Medina, where he has sinee lived ; he was married, Nov. 1, 1835, to Harriet Robinson, who eame to Vermont from Ireland, when yet in her childhood, and thenee to Medina Co., a short time previous to her marriage. Mr. Frizzell first settled in Wadsworth Towuship, but, iu the spring of 1837, he moved to where he now lives, the farm at that time being mostly forest land. By many years of patient industry, he brought this to its present produetive and valuable state, although at times he eame near yielding to diseouragements ; he has been eareful in his investments, and ereeted suitable and eon- venient buildings many years ago. His eom- panion departed this life May 31, 1878, their union having been blessed with six ehildren, viz .: Theresa J., Mary E., Silva J., Harrison G., Henry G. and James R. The two eldest sons entered the army, serving in the 6th Ohio Battery, one of whom surrendered his life to the eause of his eountry. All grew to maturi- ty except the youngest daughter, althoughi none are living exeept the two youngest sons, both of whom are married and living in this eoun- ty, James being on the old homestead. He has served as Trustee, and is a Republiean.

L. & A. FRETZ, farmers and saw-millers ; P. O. Medina; are among the enterprising and prominent eitizens of Montville Township, and have materially assisted in developing and im- proving this part of the eouuty. They are sons of Samuel and Elizabeth Fretz, both of whom were natives of Bueks Co., Penn., the father being born Jan. 17, 1796, aud the mother April 26, 1806. He was a miller by trade, and in 1832, moved to Clintou, N. J., where he lived seventeen years, aud then eame to Ohio, loeating at Wadsworth, in Medina Co. The following year, he bought the mill property in Montville, to which he removed, conducting the same in company with his sons until his death, which oeeurred April 6, 1852. The three sous, Lewis, Anthony and Mahlon S., assumed control, and the following Mareh the mill

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burned down, being a total loss. They re-built it better than ever, and were doing a good bus- iness, when the blast of war was heard in the land. Lewis captained the first company raised in Medina Co. The other two entered the 12th Ill. V. I., as musicians, and, while gone, Mahlon contracted a disease, from which he died soon after his return, leaving one child named Mahlon D. The last company raised in the county, the 166th O. N. G., Co. E, also con- tained the two oldest sous, Anthony as chief musiciau, and Lewis as 1st Lieutenant, with a Captain's duties, that officer being unfit for servicc. Lewis was born Dec. 26, 1826; has served as Trustee, Township Clerk, and has been Justicc of the Pcace since 1875 ; he is a member of the Presbyterian Church and also of the Masonic order. Anthony was born Jan. 5, 1829 ; was married in 1855, to Emily, daughter of Chester Hosmer ; she died soon after, leav- ing one child, Ida E., now the wife of Melvin Flickinger. He was again married, Sept. 19, 1862, to Hannah A., daughter of William and Rebecca (Smith) Crawford ; she was born Sept. 9, 1841, in Guilford Township. This union has been blessed with one child, Clara W., born Oct. 3, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Fretz are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. Both Lewis and Authony are Democrats.

JACOB GISH, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Medina ; was born in Milton Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, April 13, 1833; is a son of Jacob and Fannie (Shank) Gish, both of whom were natives of Lancaster Co., Penn. His father was a miller by trade, but relinquished it for the pursuit of farming, when married. Hc re- moved to Ohio in 1831, and made his first per- manent settlement in Wayne Co., securing a tract of forest land in Milton Township, that was traversed by the River Styx. This he ren- dered valuable and productive, by years of pa- tient labor and care. He died June 26, 1864, in his 63d year, and his companion is still liv- ing on the old homestead, being in her 74th year. The subject is the oldest but one of a family of eight children, and his educational privileges were quite poor, the greater part of his time being required on the farm. When of age, he went into the West, passing onc year in Iowa, and has since been one of the prominent farmers of this vicinity. His marriage was celebrated Dec. 17, 1857, Miss Leah Schrautz becoming his wife. She was born April 24,

1838, in Stark Co., Ohio. Her parents, Sam- uel and Catharine (Holl) Schrautz, coming there from Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1835. Her father dicd January 2, 1850, and her mother September 5, the same year. After the death of her parents, she lived with a sister in Wayne Co., from which place she was married. Mr. Gish has resided in Medina Co. since his mar- riage, where he owns one of the most pleasant and attractive homes in the township. He has paid some attention to the improvement of stock in this county, especially of cattle, and ranks among the enterprising citizens. By their uuion, three children have been born-Arba A., born Feb. 10, 1859 ; Laura L., born May 31, 1862 ; and Etha A., born April 5, 1867. Mr. Gish is a Republican.

MOSES HILL, farmer; P. O. Medina. Among the farmers of Montville Township, who have been successful and secured a competency of " this world's goods " by their industry and diligence, wc mention the family of Moses Hill. He was born in Orange Co., Vt., Sept. 24, 1812, and is a son of Moses Hill, Sr., who came there from Connecticut, and married Hannah Vincent. He was a farmer by pursuit, and in 1816 re- moved to Monroe Co., N. Y., where he remained uutil the latter part of the year 1833, when he came to Medina Co., Ohio. Here he passed the rest of his life, dying in November, 1856, in his 90th year, having voted first for Gen. Washing- ton. His companion died in August, 1845. The subject of this sketch has always been a farmer, and May 6, 1841, was married to Mar- tha S. Hemingway. She was born in this county, Wadsworth Township, Nov. 6, 1821. Her father, Luther Hemingway, was born in Worcester Co., Mass., in 1785, and was an officer under Gen. Scott in the war of 1812, being at Lundy's Lane and many other engagements. He was a miller by trade, and, coming West for the purpose of locating his claim to a farm, stopped to work in a mill in Geauga Co., Ohio. While there, he was married Dec. 5, 1816, to Mary Burroughs. She was born in Hampshire Co., Mass., Oct. 20, 1792, and came to Ohio in the year 1812. Iu 1818, Mr. Hemingway came to Medina Co. and built the first mill in Wads- worth Township, besides clearing a farm. He died in April, 1845, and his companion is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Hill. Mr. Hill developed a farm in this township, and his years of labor have been well rewarded. Their union

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has beeu fruitful of three children, the oldest dying in infancy ; those living are Luther H. and Winthrop. The elder was attending school at Oberlin when Morgan invaded Ohio; he dropped his studies for the life of a soldier, and was discharged at the end of seven months, only to again re-enlist as a teamster. Since the close of the war he has been roaming through the Western States and Territories. The other son served in the O. N. G., is married and set- tled near the old home. Mr. Hill was a Demo- crat in early life, but left that party in 1840, and has since been identified with the opposition.

LYMANKENNEDY, farmer ; P. O. Medina ; is one of the leading farmers of the township in which he has passed the greater part of his life, and has devoted his most useful years toward her improvement. He was born Sept. 1, 1821, in Ontario, Canada, about fourteen miles from the city of Toronto. His father, Samuel Ken- nedy, sou of John Kennedy, one of the soldiers of the Revolution, was a native of York State, and was there married to Eleanor Press. He soon after moved to Canada, where he remained until the spring of 1838, when he came to Me- dina Co., Ohio, securing a piece of compara- tively new land, in Montville Township, south of Medina, which he and his sons developed. He died in July, 1861, and his wife in the year 1858. The subject of this sketch passed the early part of his life on his father's farm, and in 1845 commenced doing for himself. He clerked in a grocery for one year, and then for two years was clerk of the American House at Medina. He has since been one of the tillers of the soil of this county, where he owns a tasty and well- improved farm. He was married Nov. 10, 1847, to Ursula, daughter of Michael and Catharine Gramer. She was born in Wittenburg, Germany, July 20, 1827, and accompanied her parents to America, when in her childhood. They located in Medina Co., Ohio, where the father soon after died, and the mother in January, 1877. Their union has been blessed with two children-Re- becca U., now the wife of William H. Zimmer- man, and Thomas A., who died June 15, 1873, when in his 22d year. The daughter taught school nine terms before her marriage. Mrs. Kennedy is a member of the Congregation- al Church at Medina. He has served as Treas- urer of the township, being identified with the Republican party.

CYRUS KING, farmer ; P. O. Medina ; was

born in Pompey, N. Y., Scpt. 30, 1820, son of Joel and Esther (Matteson) King, both of whom werc natives of Rhode Island. His father was Captain of a militia company in the war of 1812, and, throughout the rest of his life, was known as "Captain King." He was a carpen- ter by trade; passed the rest of his life a resi- dent of the Empire State, dying in 1866, in his 83d year. His companion passed away many years previous. Cyrus received a good com- mon-school education, and, when 19 years of age, commenced teaching school, working at the carpenter's trade during the summer. He came to Ohio in 1842, and has ever since been a resident of Mediua County. He was married, March 21, 1848, to Harriet O. Bennett, of Wadsworth Township. She died in June, 1852, leaving one child, Edmund B. June 4, 1854, he was united in marriage with Climena, young- est daughter of Deacon Pliny Porter, of Pom- pey, N. Y. Three children have blessed this union-Ida E., David Porter and Mary A. Mr. King has been a resident of Montville Town- ship since 1848, where he owns a well-improved and productive farm. Each of his children has received the advantages of good schools as soon as they reached the proper age. The eldest son attended successively at Medina, Oberlin and Berea, besides a business course at Sandusky. He taught for a time, studied law, and, before his admission to the bar, was nomi- nated for Prosecuting Attorney of Medina County. He filled the office satisfactorily for one term, and then located at Sandusky, where he has a lucrative practice. Ida E. took a full course at the Medina Normal School, taught successfully for eight years, was married Dec. 4, 1878, to Samuel M. Wolcott, and died Oct. 9, 1879, leaving one child-Ida Winnie. David entered the Ohio State University, but, owing to over-study, was obliged to abandon the course, and is now at home. The parents and daughter are members of the Christian Church at Medina. He is a Republican.

MICHAEL KAPP, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Poe; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Gish) Kapp, of Lancaster Co., Penn., and was born May 3, 1823. His father was reared in a hotel, but, on coming to maturity, adopted the pursuit of farming, and, in the spring of 1834, moved to Ohio and purchased a farm in Wayne County, that was but slightly cleared. He and sons, by years of patient

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labor, rendered this productive, and valuable as well, and there he died April 29, 1852, and was followed by his companion Feb. 9, 1861. The subject of this sketch received but few advan- tages iu carly life, much of his school life being devoted to labor on the farm, their threshing, which was done in the winter season, materi- ally affecting his attendance at school. He commenced doing for himself when of age, and, for six years, did nothing but make shingles, the hardest kind of labor. Iu the fall of 1850, he and his brother Martin bought the saw-mill at Steamtown, in Guilford Township, and he has since been a resident of Medina County. For two years they conducted it with fair success, and then sold out, Michael conducting a farm there which he liad purchased while in the mill. Seven years later, he came to where he now lives, owning a valuable and well-managed farm. For many years, he dealt quite exten- sively in stock, but has recently determined to pay more attention to breeding and the care of his farm. He was married, Oct. 4, 1850, to Leah Overholt. She was born in Bucks Co., Penn., March 14, 1827, and, the year following her birth, her parents removed to this county, Wadsworth Township. By this union four children have been born, viz .: John O., born Feb. 12, 1852; Martin, born May 24, 1857; Samnel S., born Oct. 7, 1859, and Michacl W., born March 13, 1866. The eldest commeuced teaching when 16 years old, being two years at Chicago, where he attended a commercial school and taught also. The second son died when in his 19th year. Mrs. Kapp is a mem- ber of the Mennonite Church. He has, ou three different occasions, been Assessor of the township. He has been a Republican since the war, but previously was a Democrat.

WILLIAM L. McDONALD, farmer ; P. O. Medina ; is one of the enterprisiug and indus- trious farmers of the county, and possesses a good property, on which good buildings liave been erected. He was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Feb. 28, 1830. His father, John McDon- ald, was born in Laucaster Co., Penn., Dec. 17, 1793, and while yet in his youth accompanied the family on their journey to Ohio. He served in the war of 1812, under Harrison, and was married, Dcc. 24, 1818, to Rachel Day, who was born June 25, 1801, in Jefferson Co., Ohio. He was a shoemaker by trade in early life, but at length relinquished it for the occupation of

farming. In the spring of 1832, he removed to Wayne Connty, and two years later came to Medina connty, where he secured a farm of new land in Westfield Township, which he developed and rendered valuable and product- ive. Iu the spring of 1865, he sold this prop- crty and retired to the village of Seville, where he dicd March 9, 1867. His companion is still living, passing the greater part of her time at the homes of her children. William is the eldest son of a family of nine children, and, when 18 years of age, went to the trade of car- penter and joiner, which was his chief occupa- tion for some fifteen years. His marriage was celebrated October 14, 1852, Miss Sarah C. Betz becoming his wife. She was born in this county, Wadsworth Township, May 3, 1832, being daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Byers) Betz, who moved to Summit County in 1847. Her mother died Feb. 13, 1873; her father Jan. 8, 1878, in Chatham Township, this county. Mr. McDonald moved to Van Wert County, in the fall of 1853, where he remained over three years, then returned to this county, where he has since lived. Their uniou has been blessed with four children, viz .: Myron H., born July 22, 1853; Curtis V., born May 27, 1857 ; Ila I., born March 9, 1859; and Rodney C., born May 25, 1863. The second child died Oct. 17, 1858 ; Myron is a printer by trade, married, and living at Denver, Colo., having been propri- etor of the Hudson Enterprise, at Hudson, Ohio, before he was yet of age. Mr. McDon- ald entered the service, being in the 42d O. V. I., was absent nearly one year, and, during that time, participated in seven engagements. He also served in the O. N. G. Mrs. McDon- ald and danghter are members of the Congre- gational Church. He is a Republican.

JOSEPH K. OVERHOLT, retired farmer; P. O. River Styx; was born Feb. 3, 1804, and is a son of William and Gertrude (Kulp) Overholt, of Northampton Co., Peun. His father was a farmer by pursnit, aud, when past 40 years of age, commenced preaching in the Mennonite Church, a position he occupied until his death. In 1830, he moved to Medina Co., Ohio, where he was the first minister of his denomination in the connty. He died in 1838, his wife hav- ing passed away three years previons. When 16 years old, the subject of this sketch began the shoemaker's trade, which he followed ten ycars, and has since paid his chief attention to

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agricultural pursuits, and has also been a vet- erinary surgeon of local prominence for some twenty-five years of his life. He was married, Oct. 15, 1829, to Margaret Angelmyers. She was born in Bucks Co., Penn., Sept. 11, 1808, and has given birth to the following ehildren, viz., Anna, Hannah, Mary, William H., Susan- nah, Margaret, Joseph A., Johu M. and Amelia. These children are all living in Medina Co. ex- eept two, who are residents of the State of Michigan, and all but two are married. Five of them have taught school, which speaks well for the intelligence of the family. Mr. Over- holt moved to this State in a wagon, being nearly four weeks on the way, aud here owns a pleasant farm of 100 acres, all of which is self- made property. Mr. and Mrs. Overholt have have always been consistent members of the Mennonite Church, and all the children, except two, are members of the church, although not all of this denomination. Politieally, Mr. Over- holt was at first a Federalist, and voted for Johu Q. Adams, and has since beeu identified suc- cessively with the Whig and Republican parties.

S. M. THAYER, farmer ; P. O. Medina ; was born in Lebanon Township, Madison Co., N. Y., Feb. 21, 1823. His father, Russell Thayer, was born in Berkshire Co., Mass .; was a son of Jon- athan Thayer, one of the old Revolutionary he- roes, who participated in the struggle for his country's independence, and was Captain of a eavalry company, under Gen. Putnam, his pe- riod of serviee extending from Bunker Hill, the first deeisive struggle, to the surrender of Corn- wallis at Yorktown. Removing to York State, he lived successively in Delaware and Madison Cos., in the latter of which he died. Russell and an elder brother were engaged in the mer- cantile business in Lebanon, besides eonducting an extensive ashery, and there Russell was mar- ried to Betsey Smith. In 1825, he engaged in farming, and, in 1833, removed to Ohio and settled in Medina Co., where he passed the rest of his life. He bought a farm south of Me- dina, in Montville Township, the only improve- ment being a log cabin. He died Nov. 2, 1877, at Medina, where he had retired some years previous. When 20 years old, the subject of this sketch commenced teaching school, which he followed, during the winter season, for ten years, farming during the summer. He has re- sided in this township since the settlement here by his father, except one year he farmed in

Granger Township. He was married, March 22, 1848, to Antoinette, daughter of Ransom and Elizabeth (Adams) Clark, her grandfather, John Clark, serving iu the Revolutionary war. She was born Jan. 4, 1826, in Medina Town- ship. By this uniou three children have been born-Russell Clark, William C. and Mary Cornelia. The youngest died in infancy. The elder son graduated from the Charity Hospital College at Cleveland; in 1874, located in Knox Co., where he remained two years, when failing health induced him to return to his father's farm. The younger son is a sueeessful teacher, having taken a course at the Medina Normal School, and was married, Dee. 25, 1878, to Lil- lian L., daughter of Dr. Albertson, of Granger Township. Mrs. Thayer is a member of the Episcopal Church, as is the elder son. Mr. Thayer is serving his second term as Justice of the Peace. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. siuce its organization. He is a Democrat, and voted first for James K. Polk for President.

LINUS S. THAYER, farmer ; P. O. Medina ; was born in Madison Co., N. Y., Lebanon Town- ship, Sept. 15, 1832, son of Russell and Betsey (Smith) Thayer, who removed to this county in 1833. When 18 years old, Linus commenced teaching school, which he followed for some time during the winter season. He was mar- ried, Mareh 13, 1856, to Charlotte, daughter of Theodore and Polly (Johnston) Perkins, who settled in Brunswiek Township, Medina Co., Ohio, about the year 1830, and where they are both yet living. She was born Dee. 7, 1834, and, shortly after their union, Mr. Thayer re- moved to Eaton Co., Mich., where he remained until the spring of 1858, when he returned to Medina Co., where he has since lived, owning at present a good and tasty farm, near where his father settled uearly half a century ago. He is, in all respects, a worthy and estimable citi- zen, and has served as Clerk of his township, being at present Trustee. By his marriage, three children have been born-Cora E., now the wife of Frederick H. Curtis, of York Town- ship; Frank J. aud Eva Mae. The eldest taught school before her marriage, and she and her brother attended the Medina Normal School. The parents and eldest ehild are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Thayer served as a soldier in Co. E, 166th O. N. G .; was a charter member of the Medina Grange, of which he was Secretary. He is a Republican.

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SHARON TOWNSHIP.

P. P. AMERMAN, farmer ; P. O. Sharon Center ; was born in Somerset Co., N. J., Nov. 28, 1816. He is a son of Albert and Ellen (Peterson) Amerman. They were the parents of three children-P. P., John and Ellen. The subject of our sketch lived with his parents in New Jersey until the age of 9 years. His par- ents then moved to Loug Island ; they remained there eight years ; they then came to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio. During this time, Mr. Amerman spent his time at school and on the farm. At the age of 22, he returned to New Jersey and taught school cighteen months. In that time, he was united in marriage with Mary Cherry, daughter of Isaac Cherry. To them were born four children-Sarah E., born Nov. 16, 1844, dead ; Maria E., born Jan. 1, 1848; Ida L., born Feb. 20, 1851, and Perry Ellsworth, born Oct. 11, 1863. At the time of Mr. and Mrs. Amerman's marriage, they came to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, and located in the southern part. Here they erected their cabin, in which they spent their honeymoon. Their furniture consisted of six home made chairs, two bedsteads, which were covered with bass- wood bark, used as a substitute for cord, and a large cupboard, all of which were nome made. But, notwithstanding this, they lived as happily as people of the present day do in elegant man- sions. Mr. Amerman has always lived a quiet, peaceable life, never having trouble with his fellow-men in any way. He now resides in the southern part of Sharon, on the old homestead of his parents. He is a Republican in politics, and one of the prominent citizens of his town- ship.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 121

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