History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 126

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 126

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ter ; born Sept. 30, 1809, in Otsego Co., N. Y .; son of Seth and Elizabeth (Rogers) Lewis, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. Seth was a son of Cyrus. The Lewis family came West about the year 1821, locating in Harris- ville Township, on the farm where Mrs. Elisha Lewis now resides. There were seven children born to Seth and Elizabeth; but two of the number are living, viz., Seth, the subject of this sketch, and Selinda A., now Mrs. John Jason, of Harrisville. Seth did not leave home until 25 years of age ; during this time was at work for his father. July 4, 1837, he was married to Phobe P. Clark, who was born in Catharine Township, Tioga Co., N. Y. Her birth occurred Oct. 1, 1820. She was a daughter of Peter and Hannah (Taylor) Clark. Peter was born in Orange Co., N. Y. ; son of Elias, a native of Connecticut, and a Colonel in the Revolution, and rode with Gen. Washington. Hannah Tay- lor was a daughter of John Taylor, a native of Scotland. Mrs. Lewis was of a family of thir- tecn children, nine of whom grew to maturity. The family came to this township in 1832, and remained here until their removal to Michigan in 1849, where they both died in the year 1858. Sept. 5, 1837, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis located on the farm they now own, which was but slightly improved at the time of their purchase. Of six children born to them, but two are living- Lester Allen, in Granger Township, who has three children-Harry S., Dolly and Charles Foster ; Harriet J., now Mrs. James Buck, of Gratiot Co., Mich. They have five children- Allen D., who resides with his grandparents ; Jennie A., Minnie M., John L. and Walter. Mr. Lewis lost one son-Shepherd E., who died at the age of 26. Mr. Lewis has 76 acres of land ; is a man of quiet demeanor, taking but little interest in matters outside of his own home and neighborhood circle. Mrs. Lewis is a lady that is well read in the general topics of the day, and always has had a desire to store her mind with the best knowledge and literature of the time. For forty-six years, they have been professors of religion, and are of Methodist belief.

EZRA LEONARD, farmer ; P. O. Chatham Center ; is a son of one of the early settlers in this township, who came here in 1835, cotempo- raneous with Levi L. Clapp and some other carly arrivals. Ezra was born Feb. 28, 1815, in what was then Ontario, now Yates Co., N. Y. He was the third of a family of ten children, all

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of whom grew to maturity, whose parents were Truman and Roxanna (Allis) Leonard ; both were born in Massachusetts. His native place was in Worthington. He was a son of Ezra, and of Irish descent. The grandfather of Rox- anna Allis was a Scotch missionary. Truman Leonard emigrated West with his family in July, 1835, locating in this township, one mile north of the Center, where he purchased 300 acres of land in a wild state ; settling on this, he cleared it up, and remained on the same until his death. He was not a man to mingle much in political matters, yet a man of good information for the chances afforded him. He was always a stanch and reliable member of the Whig party. At the age of 21, Ezra went to Akron, and began work in the Stone Mills, operated by Beach & Co., and, in less than four years from the day he entered the mill as a novice, he had pro- gressed so rapidly, that he was then placed in charge of the same, the mill having a capacity of 300 barrels per day. In a short time after his taking charge of the mill as head miller, his flour received the first premium at the New York Agricultural Society in 1843, it receiving the diploma over all of the many competitors. He became so thoroughly established as a first-class miller, that he retained the position for thirty- four consecutive years. He has been thrice married, first in 1842, to Alvira Weston, born in Cuyahoga Co., daughter of Asa Weston. She died in 1848, leaving two children, George M., now in Akron, and Alvira D., now Mrs. Frank Wadsworth. He was next married to Electa Wadsworth, daughter of Sardan and Alma Wadsworth. She died shortly afterward, leaving no issuc. His present wife was Mary M. Slater, a native of Massachusetts, a lady of education and marked intelligence, having, for several years, been a teacher in the public schools. Mr. Leonard has 240 acres of land in this township, which his father settled, besides valuable property in Akron. Hc cast his first vote for Henry Clay, and has always been an enthusiastic supporter of the Republican party. For five years past, he has been living on his farm, and engaged in farming and stock-raising. His stock is of the best, his cattle being about seven-eighths pure, and his horses, of which he keeps a goodly number, are of the best stock, which he breeds for the market; and, in the breeding of the same, he takes especial pride.

H. MORGAN, farmer ; P. O. Chatham Cen-

ter ; born Sept. 8, 1822, in the town of Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Mass. His parents were Elijah and Polly (Strong) Morgan. Elijah was the youngest of a family of fourteen children. The greater portion of the family were born in Litchfield Co., Conn., the remainder of them in Berkshire Co., Mass., where James removed and lived until his death. Elijah and his wife were born in Massachusetts. To them, were born a family of eight children, seven lived to be grown, five now living-Lydia, in Bur- bank, Wayne Co., Ohio, who married John Perkins ; George, in Michigan ; Harriet, mar- ried John Burry ; Hiram, this township, and Phoebe A. Prentice, of Lodi, relict of Squire W. W. Prentice. Elijah came West in June, 1829 ; came first to Lodi, and settled in Harrisville Township, and cleared up the farm now owned by Charles Fenstermaker. He died on this farm in October, 1848. His wife survived him until 1877. Upon this farm, our subject took his first lesson in pioneering ; remained with his father until Nov. 17, 1847, at which time he was wedded to Delilah Sanford, born May 28, 1830, in Erie Co., Penn., daughter of Beers and Rachel (Ackley) Sanford. After Mr. Morgan was married, he remained about three years on his father's farm. In 1851, he purchased 60 acres of W. W. Prentice, at $13.66 per acre, upon which place there was a small cabin, and a partial improvement; here he located, aud has since been a constant resident, remaining in the log cabin until 1871, when he built his present neat and comfortable dwelling. In 1857, August 5, after having his entire crop safely stored in his barn, it was struck by light- ning, all destroyed, including harness, tools, etc .; with the exception of about $225 insur- ance, was a total loss. Has three children- Adaline, Mrs. Stephen Fellows, this township ; Evalaide, at home ; Orville, in Jasper Co., Mo., who married Alice Sheldon , Orlow died at 14 years of age. Mr. Morgan has a comfortable and pleasant home, his yard being tastily set out with evergreens and hedge. For thirty-one years Mr. Morgan has been a member of the M. E. Church. His father was a Whig; he a consistent Republican.

M. MOODY, M. D., Physician, Chatham Cen- ter ; is one of the practicing physicians of this county, whose birth and entire life have been in connection with Medina Co .; was born in this township Nov. 29, 1843. His parents were E.

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S. and Cynthia (Brown) Moody, both of whom have been citizens of the county for many years. The mother of Milo is a relative of John Brown of historic fame, whose "body," as the song goes, " lics moldering in the grave as we go marching on." Our subject was raised ou the farm, but early in life entertained a desire to enter the medical profession. At the age of 17, he began teaching, and taught two terms. At the age of 18, he began the study of medicine, reading with Dr. J. K. Hol- loway, of Chester Co., Penn., and pursued his studies until his graduation, taking his first course of lectures at the Cleveland Medical Col- lege ; second at Charity Hospital, now known as the University of Wooster, where he grad- ualed iu the spring of 1865, and began practic- ing at Howard, Center Co., Penn .; returning then to this county, he began practice in this township in January, 1866, and has since con- tinued without interruption or loss of time to the present. Nov. 17, 1869, he married Celes- tia A. Packard, who was born in this township Sept. 10, 1843, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Young) Packard ; he was born in Plainfield, Hampshire Co., Mass., May 11, 1816, and was a son of Amasa Packard. He came West to this township in 1832. Elizabeth Young was born in Harrisville Township, Sept 8, 1819, daughter of Collins and Naomi (Ayers) Young ; the latter was born in New Jersey Jan. 10, 1778. To them were born a family of four children, who are Flora A., now Mrs. D. B. Allen, of Van Buren Co., Mich .; Milan, and Perlia N., now Mrs. Ira P. Holcomb, both of Colorado Springs, and Mrs. Moody, the wife of the Doctor. They have one child-Archer N. Our subject is a member of the Union Medical Association of Northeastern Ohio, and, though not engrossed in political matters, yet is a strong advocate of the principles of Prohibition, and hopes for the ultimate success of the party. He is a mem- ber of the Disciples' Church. Having been raised in the township, his merits as a citizen and a medical man have been fully tested, and his widely extending and lucrative practice, gives ample testimony of his worth and staud- ing in the community.

A. R. McCONNELL, farmer ; P. O. Chatham Center ; born Sept. 23, 1813, in Colerain Town- ship, Lancaster Co., Penn. He is a son of Will- iam and Mary (Russell) McConnell. William was born in Lancaster Co., his wife in Chester

Co. William was a son of Hugh, of Scotch an- cestry, and had children born him as follows- Rebecca, Hannah, Jemima, William and Samuel. Of this number, none came West but Samuel and Jemima. She married James Caughey, and settled in Hancock Co., and raised seven children-three sons and four daughters. To William McConnell, ten children were born- Hugh, Alexander R., Francis, Samuel H., Will- iam W., Esther R., Robert D., John J., Ann E. and Abram. In 1827, the father of the above emigrated West to Milton Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, where he settled in the woods, and cleared up a farm, and lived on the same until his death, which occurred July 3, 1862. His wife died at the age of 84. William McConnell was in the war of 1812, and was a man of vigorous constitution. Alexander did not leave the home of his father, until he was 28 years of age. Oct. 14, 1841, was married to Harriet M. Conkey, of Scotch descent. She was born Oct. 3, 1823, daughter of John and Chloe (Prior) Conkey. To John and Chloe Conkey were born ten children. They emigrated West to Bel- mont Co., Ohio, in 1820, where Mrs. McConnell was born. Soon after the marriage of Mr. Mc- Connell, he moved to the farm he now owns, situated on the Smith road. His first purchase was 115 acres, for which he paid $4 per acre. He has since added to it, until he now has 233 acres. Few men have done more pioneer labor than Mr. McConnell, having cleared up fully 200 acres, and is yet quite vigorous and healthy for one of his years. Mr. McConnell has been a constant resident of this township since his first settlement, and is one of the sub- stantial citizens of the community. He and wife are members of the Congregational Church. Of eight children born him, five are living- Chloe, Mrs. Aaron Stranahan, of Litchfield Center ; Orlando, in the township ; also Lenora, now the wife of James Sears ; Alleta M. and Edith, at home.

JONATHAN PACKARD, retired, East Cleveland ; one among the prominent business men in this township is J. Packard, who was born December 9, 1824, in Hampshire Co., Mass., son of Amasa and Abigail (Pettingill) Packard, and came West at the time his parents did, in the year 1832. After attaiuing the years of responsibility, the first enterprise he embarked in was building a water-mill on the East Branch of Black River, which ran near

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the homestead. This mill he run about three years, then sold out and engaged at the carpen- ter's trade ; although never having served a regu- lar apprenticeship, yet his skill in the natural use of tools enabled him to turn his attention to the business, commauding wages from the first ; he continued iu the trade until Sept. 1, 1854, when he engaged iu partnership business with his brother Josiah, at the Center, in the mer- cantile business, which lasted about fifteen ycars, during this time did a heavy business -having to pay wholesale dealer's tax, al- though doing a retail business. About 1869, he purchased his brother's iuterest, and carried on the business himself, until 1876, when he sold out to C. P. Thatcher and Charles H. Packard, his son. For eighteen consecutive years, Mr. Packard held the office of Postmas- ter, receiving his first commission during the last days of President Johnson's administra- tion. The Packard family are all stalwart Re- publicans, and men of upright character. Mr. Packard began his business career without much means, but has been a man of great cn- ergy and business enterprise, having had excel- lent health ; he has always taken a part in whatever was calculated to conduce to the gen- eral good and prosperity of the town and com- munity at large. Since 1840, he has been a member of the Congregational Church. Nov. 2, 1848, he married Lucinda Bisbee, boru Nov. 27, 1824, in Plainfield, Hampshire Co., Mass., daughter of Galen Bisbee, who was a son of Ebenezer, who was born in Bridgewater, Mass., whose descendants were of the Mayflower stock. Galen Bisbee's wife was Penelope Patch, of Warrington ; her father was Ephraim Patelı, who married Rebecca Andrews. Mrs. Pack- ard's parents started out with the colony of families who came out in 1832, but their trip was interrupted by the death of her father, who died on a canal-boat Oct. 10, 1832, while on his way, and was buried at Buffalo, N. Y .; the fam- ily then turned aside to Geauga Co., where they remained about three years before they joined their companions in this township, in 1835, locating one mile and a half south of the Center ; her mother died Feb. 20, 1869. But two children are living, Charles Bisbce, now of Washington Co., Neb., and Mrs. J. Pack- ard ; both her parents were members of the Congregational Church. For several years past, Mr. and Mrs. Packard have resided in

Cleveland, where he has valuable property which he is improving. They have three chil- dren-Lida E., the wife of Charles P. Thatcher ; Charles H. and Myra E. at home.

FRANCIS PACKARD, drug store, Chatham Center ; born Oct. 7, 1827, in Hampshire Co., Mass., is the youngest of a family of seven children, but five of whom grew to man and womanhood. Their parents were Amasa and Abigail (Pettingill) Packard. Amasa was born Jan. 6, 1788 ; his wife Aug. 8, 1781. Both of Hampshire Co., Mass. He was a son of Phillip, who was a uative of Bridgewater, ncar Boston, and, at the age of 14, went into the war of the Revolution, and served five years. His wife was an Edson, prior to her marriage. Amasa, the father of our subject, was twice married. His first wife was Lucinda Ford, who was born July 11, 1787 ; by her he had three children, but one of whom is now living-William, who resides in Van Buren Co., Mich .; Francis being the issue of the second marriage. The family came out in company with several others from the same locality, locating in this township in the fall of 1832, on the place now owned by D. B. Sanford, where he purchased 110 acres of land, situated south of the Center one mile and a half. Here he lived for thirty-three years, his death occurring Aug. 30, 1865. He was one of the township's best citizens. He was, for many years, a member of the Congregational Church, and officiated as Deacon in that body and, in fact, he and wife were among the first' members at the time of its organization. Polit- ically, he was formerly an Old Line Whig, but 'in after years became affiliated with the Re- publican party, and, though not a partisan, yet was a man of decided opinions, which he did not fail to express annually at the ballot box. Francis, being the youngest of the family, re- mained with his parents until he entered the marriage relation, and for some time afterward lived on the homestead farm. His marriage occurred May 28, 1851, thus uniting his inter- ests with Hannah Thayer, who was born in Hampshire Co. Nov. 1, 1827, whose parents were Alvin and Mercy (Marsh) Thayer. Alvin was a son of Asa and Lovisa (Haskins) 'Thayer. The father of Mercy Marsh was Ephraim Marsh, whose wife's maiden name was Hannalı Simon. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Packard, they remained on the homestead until 1868. Since that time, he has been engaged in the drug

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business at the Center, successor to Dr. Palmer. Since 1874, he has been serving as Justice of the Peace, meting out justice and equity to the people with credit to himself and to the evident satisfaction of his constituents. Like his paternal ancestor, he has been a representative of the Republican party, and has served the people in several township offices, and borne well his part as a citizen and member of tlie commonwealth. For several years has been a consistent member of the church of his parents' choice, as well as an upright and correct busi- ness man. Of three children borne him, but one is living-Vara, now the wife of George Johnson.

EVELETH PACKARD, farmer ; P. O. Chatham Center ; was born Oct. 7, 1838, in this township ; son of George and Jane (Young) Packard. George was a son of Phillip Pack- ard. Collins Young was the father of Jane, the mother of Eveleth ; he moved West to this State, locating in Harrisville, he being the fifth family that came in. His worldly possessions upon his arrival consisted of wife, eight chil- dren, ax, hoe and gun ; buckskin pants were the kind he used, his wife being clad in linsey woolsey ; here he remained until his death. George Packard, the father of Eveleth, came out to this county at the time the colony came, and made his settlemeut on the farm now owned by H. Homan, here he settled and cleared up that farnı. But two children were born him- Harrison G., now in Ionia Co., Mich., and Eveleth. Mr. Packard died in November, 1872 ; his wife still survives him. March 17, 1858, Eveleth was married to Harriet A. Sandall, born in Lincolnshire, England, April 30, 1843, daughter of William aud Martha (Roberts) Sandall ; he was born in same shire in 1805 ; she three years later. She emigrated to America with her parents in 1845, locating first in Cuyahoga Falls, where they resided until their location in this township. Her father resides in the southwest part of the township ; her mother died in 1863. To them were born a family of four children-Joseph, Catharine, Henry and Mrs. Packard. After Mr. Packard married, he moved to the southwest part of the township, where he lived four years. Then moved west of the Center, and lived on the farm adjoining him. where he remained until 1874, when he located where he now resides. Has 103 acres. Of the children born him are

George, Milo and Warren. Mr. Packard and wife arc both members of the Congregational Church.

MRS. ERASMUS D. PARSONS, farming ; P. O. Chatham Center; was born Nov. 23, 1808, in Otsego Co., N. Y .; eldest daughter of Peter and Celinda (Ross) Crush. Her maiden name was Hope Crush, and came West with her parents in 1822. Dec. 25, 1831, she was married to Erasmus D. Parsons, who was born Aug. 2, 1813, in Ontario Co., N. Y. His par- ents were Moses and Elizabeth (Crafts) Parsons. He was born in Parma, N. Y., in 1769 ; she in Wooster, Mass., in 1776. Elizabeth Crafts was a near relative of Maj. Benjamin Crafts, who was a Mason of high rank, and was a inan of scholarly attainments as well as an efficient exe- cutive officer. To him is ascribed the honor of reading the Declaration of Independence in Faneuil Hall, for the first time it was read be- fore an audience. The Parsons are the real pioneers of Chatham Township, arriving in this township in 1818, May 10, Moses Parsons lo- cating on the farm where Mr. R. Shaw now lives. To him were born three children, but one of them now living-Elizabeth C., who was born March 26, 1834. Mr. Parsons died in 1876. He had been a Democrat, and, though not a member of any church, yet was an ardent and enthusiastic admirer of the principles taught in ancient Freemasonry, and endeavored to con- form his life to its teaching. Elizabeth was married, March 30, 1854, to William Packard, who was born Sept 18, 1826. He was a son of Caleb and Sallie (Stowell) Packard. She was a daughter of David Stowell. Mr. Packard came West in 1852, and for several years has been residing on the Parsons farm. Has one child. Mr. Packard is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. They have 125 acres of land. Mrs. Parsons is residing with them.

CHARLES ROSS, farmer ; P. O. Chatham Center ; is oue of the men in this county whose success in life has been the result of hard la- bor and the exercise of the most rigid economy. He was born May 22, 1823, in the town of Rochester, Windham Co., State of Vermont. His parents were Daniel and Susan (Whitcomb) Ross, to whom were born a family of eleven children. The family came West in 1834, lo- cating in La Fayette Township. Our subject was raised to farming. At the age of 14, he left home and secured a place to live, where he

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worked for his board and clothes, and got some schooling in the meantime. At the age of 16, he bargained with his father to buy his time in consideration of $56, which he paid him in work; afterward he engaged in running a thrashing machine, and, by the time he was of age, he had saved about $400, when he sold out his interest and engaged at work at $10 per montlı, investing his means in some wild land in Wiseonsin, 94 acres. Nov. 8, 1846, he mar- ried Nancy Eldred, born in Truxton, N. Y., Feb. 26, 1828, daughter of Daniel S. and Ra- chel (Soule) Eldred, who came West about the year 1833, locating in York Township. To them were born six children, two sons and four daughters. Soon after the marriage of Mr. Ross, he rented a saw-mill in La Fayette Town- ship, and, after running it for some time, he traded it for 50 acres of land, which he now owns. His Wisconsin land he traded and in- vested in land in this township, and has since operated in land considerably, having at times over 500 acres. In 1873, he moved to the farm he now owns, having, in all, land to the amount of 348 acres. He has two children-Daniel S., born Jan. 27, 1864 ; Seth P., born Dce 16, 1867. He is a man of strong will-power, and has, from ill health and bodily infirmities, been using stimulants since 1848 ; used a gallon of whisky per month constantly since, yet he has never been intoxicated in that time. Mr. Ross is one of the wealthiest farmers in the township, and has always lived an honest and sober life, and has accomplished more than the mass of successful business men.

ORRIN ROGERS, farmer ; P. O. Chatham Center; born Dec. 20, 1815, in Chenango Co., N. Y., son of Bela and Mina (Hale) Rogers. Bela was born near Cape Cod, and was a son of Solomon, to whom were born Thomas, Solo- mon, Bela, James, Sarah, Sevira and Hannah. Bela and wife were united in marriage, April 4, 1808; he was born June 25, 1787, she July 23, 1788 : ninc children were born to them, viz. : Lucinda, Orrin, Silas, Isaac, Sophia, Han- nah, James, Mary, Sanford, all living but Sophia, all in Ottawa Co., Mieh., except Orrin, Silas and Sanford; the two former are in this town- ship, and Sanford is in Indiana. Bela Rogers came to this county in 1834, stopping first year in Harrisville Township, the year following lo- cated in the northwest part of this township, where Silas now lives, and cleared up the farm

with the assistance of his boys; he died May 15, 1857, his wife, April 6, 1854; both were members of the Baptist Church. Orrin left home at 21, and began his career by working out by the month. Feb. 19, 1838, he was mar- ried to Sarah Grant, who was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., Feb. 15, 1819, daughter of Elisha and Amy (Marsh) Grant. The Grant family came West about the year 1830. Soon after Mr. Rogers was married, he moved to Harris- ville, where he rented a farin for two years, then came to this township and purchased 52 acres, a part of his father's farm, for which he paid $6 per acre ; settling upon this, he cleared it up; cight years after, he sold the same and purchased land in Indiana, but never moved on it ; moving then to the south part of this town- ship, he rented land two years ; then purchased 65 acres in Harrisville Towuship, where he lived until 1860, when he sold out and bought 126 aeres, where he has since lived. His wife died July 8, 1863, leaving one son, Orange H., born Oct. 5, 1839, who married Corinthia C. Barnes, and by her had three children-Oliver, Wilson and Eudora, but one now living, Wil- son, born in 1871. His wife died Aug. 28, 1876. Orange lives with his father on the home farm, which they carry on in partnership. In October, 1865, Mr. Rogers was married to Mrs. Emily Crush, whose maiden name was Gridley, daughter of Shubael, and sister of Orrin Gridley, of this township. Mr. Rogers has, by his own exertions, secured himself a competence.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 126

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