History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 131

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 131

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township in 1856, where he has since resided ; his farm consists of 215 acres, located in the southwest part of the township, a portion of it extending into Westfield Township. Since his occupation of the premises, he has improved the general appearance of the farm, as well as of the house and surroundings, which now pre- sent an air of thrift, neatness and comfort. The Dean family are all stanch Republicans. His father was a Whig, and, at the dissolution of that party, became a Republican. Mr. Dean has served as Township Trustee, and is in that office. Three children have been born to him- Ida M., David H. and Dora. Ida was the pride of her parents, had just emerged into lovely womanhood, and was upon the eve of her grad- uation at Lodi Academy, when she sickened and died, Oct. 17, 1873; she was a bright, in- telligent lady, beloved by all who knew her, and her death fell heavily upon the hearts of her parents.

A. FRETZ, farmer ; P. O. Chippewa Lake ; was born Aug. 8, 1813, in Bucks Co., Penn., he beiug the eldest of a family of three children born to Joseph and Mary (Souder) Fretz. Both were natives of Bucks Co. Joseph Fretz was a son of Jacob, whose ancestors werc from Ger- many, as were also the Souders. Our subject was reared upon a farm until 16 years of age, when he went to learn the carpenter's trade. In February, 1836, he was married to Elizabeth Rahn, who was born in Montgomery Co. March 7, 1818, of a family of nine children-five brothers and four sisters-all of whom attained their majority. Their parents were George and Magdaline (Hunsicker) Rahn. After Mr. Fretz was married, he carried on the cabinet-maker's business for four years, after which he resumed his trade. In the spring of 1848, he came West to Coshocton Co., this State, remaining a short time, then moved to Wadsworth, where he lived two years, coming to this township in the spring of 1851, purchasing 54} acres of land, which was unimproved, with the exception of 3 acres. No buildings of any kind adorned the premises. Until within four years past, Mr. Fretz has been engaged in contracting and building. His wife and boys carried on the farm in the meantime. Eleven children have been born to them, nine living, viz., Augustus, now of Elkhart, Ind .; Amanda, now the wife of Phineas Howe, of this township ; Emeline, now Mrs. Joseph Martin, in Seville ; Samuel, in La Fayette ; Elizabeth,

now Mrs. A. Pink, of Medina; Levi, in Guil- ford Township ; Joseph, telegraph operator on the Tuscarawas Valley Railroad ; Myra, now Mrs. Martin Frazier, of Westfield ; and Ella, yet at home. Mrs. Fretz's father died in 1878, in his 90th year ; his wife died in 1871. They were members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Fretz's father died in 1823; he and wife werc members of the Mennonite Church. Both Mr. Fretz and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

DANIEL E. FOOTE, farmer; P. O. Me- dina; born March 30, 1818, in Delaware Co., N. Y .; cight children composed the family, five brothers and three sisters, all of whom lived to see the years of man and womanhood. The parents of the above were William and Maria (Bailey) Foote; he was born in 1788, in Con- necticut, near Newtown ; his father was Peter Foote, who was a son of Abraham, whose par- ents came from Europe. Some of the relatives on his mother's side are of French extraction. The parents of Maria Bailey were Joshua and Olive (Glover) B., all of whom were natives of Connecticut. Peter, the grandfather of our subject, moved with his family to New York in 1804, making the trip carrying his effects and family in an ox-cart. To him were born Will- iam, Luther, Henry, Shermau, Jerusha, Mary A. and Sallie. All of the sons became hus- bandmen with the exception of Luther, who was a mechanic. Daniel continued with his parents until his manhood, having obtained a liberal common school education. He was employed as teacher for a time, teaching dur- ing the winter season, aud spending the sum- mer on the farm. June 7, 1842, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Betsey A. Griffin, who was a native of Delaware Co., N. Y., daughter of Samuel and Fannie (Beers) Griffin; his parents were Heth and Julia (Baldwin) Griffin. The father of our subject was drafted in the war of 1812, and sent Elisha Ingraham instead. Daniel E., after his marriage, began farming on land he had purchased, upon which he continued until 1857, when he came West and selected a place, but, his wife dying April 22, same year, his plans were, for the time, dis- concerted. She left one child-Griffin S. In the spring of 1858, he moved to his place of selection, returning in December of the same year, and married Sarah A. Gould ; the winter following, Feb. 23, 1859, was the time their

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nuptials were celebrated; she was born March 9, 1827, in Delaware Co., and was a daughter of Cilick and Sallie (Blish) Gould, who is a cousin to Jay Gould, both natives of New York State. Their ancestors were natives of Connecticut. Returning to his farm in Lorain Co. that spring, he remained on the same until 1865, when he came to the farm he now owns, in the spring of the same year, where he pur- chased 163 acres, which was first settled by one Brooks, which is situated two and one- fourth miles from Medina. Since his owner- ship, he has greatly improved the appearance of the farm, having erected an excellent house, and other substantial buildings on the prem- ises. Farming has employed his time sinee his advent to the place. Since the spring of 1879, he has been conducting a cheese-factory, and though now but two years in operation, yet from the suceess that has crowned its early beginning, it seems destined to become one of the luerative and substantial manufacturing interests of this township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Foote are members of the Episcopal Church at Medina, having been identified with that de- nomination for the last thirty-five years. To them have been born two sons-William C. and Fayette D.

LORENZO HYATT, farmer ; P. O. Lodi ; was born July 29, 1823, in Rodman Township, Jefferson Co., N. Y., was the oldest son of Aaron and Prudence (Ross) Hyatt, to whom were born eight ehildren, three sons and five daughters ; of those living, are Alonzo, now of Chatham ; Sarah, Mrs. Winters, Rosaltha, Mrs. James Crouch, Gilbert, settled in Wisconsin, and went out in the late rebellion as soldier in the 48th Wis. V. I. and died ere his return. The father of Lorenzo, was born near Hoosick Falls, in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in December, about the year 1790 ; was a son of Roger Hyatt, who trace their ancestry to English stock. The Ross family claim their ancestry as descended from Scotland. John Ross was the grand- father of Lorenzo on his mother's side, whose father was also named John. Lorenzo emi- grated West with his parents in 1832, locating in Westfield Township, his father purchasing 40 acres of land. Lorenzo remained with his father until he was 23 years of age, then went to Erie Co., Penn., where he worked in the lumber business until his union with Sarah Mershon, which took place Sept. 17,

1850. She was born Nov. 19, 1832, in Spring- field Township, Erie Co. Penn .; her parents were Aaron and Sarah (Linscy) Mershon, both were natives of Pennsylvania, he was born in Erie Co., she in Crawford. After Mr. Hyatt was married he was not oppressed with an over flush of coin or of this world's goods and for several years made several changes, renting land and shifting about wherever circumstances seemed to promise the most satisfactory finan- cial returns. In April, 1859, he purchased 50 acres, where he now resides, and has sinee been a resident on the same-has since added 14 acres and has a comfortable and pleasant home, in which to spend the eve of his life ; is a man that has a great desire for good litera- ture, and is one of the greatest readers in the neighborhood. Of three children born him, but two are living. Gilbert was the eldest, now de- eeased ; Carrie Inez and Frank are the sur- viving ones. Mrs. Hyatt's mother yet resides in Erie Co., Penn., her father deceased in April 1848. Mr. Hyatt has been a man of good health, and of industrious habits, and aeeumu- lated what he has by an observanee of the laws of economy and rugged industry, having devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, aud has the esteem and commendation of his neighbors and friends, as an excellent citizen and accommodat- ing neighbor ; he is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an ardent Republican.

ELI HOUSE, farmer; P. O. Whittlesey ; was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Sept 30, 1820 ; son of John and Sarah House ; the former born in 1777, in Chester Co., Penn., the latter born the same year in York Co., Penn. The House family are originally from the " Fatherland," and, after coming to Pennsylvania, were among the fol- lowers of William Penn. John House was a soldier of the war of 1812; he had moved West from Pennsylvania before the war began, and located on land he had previously pur- chased. The war breaking out, he cast his fort- unes into that struggle, and returned to his land after the war ; but, in the meantime, the currency had depreciated, and, being in debt, he had a hard time to weather it through. He was a man of great industry, a carpenter by trade, which he followed for several years, and built many buildings which are yet standing in that locality. He owned 200 acres of land, which lie retained until his death, Dec. 3, 1833.

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At the time of his death, he was preparing to build a large brick house on his own premises. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the M. E. Church. Her death occurred in May, 1853. To them were born eight chil- dren, but five of whom are now living-Ele- azer, in Mason Co., Ill. ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. U. Nichols, in the same county ; Mary, wife of W. Nichols, in the same place; Catharine, Mrs. Charles Crocker, now in Montville ; Eli, in this township. Joseph, his brother, settled in this township, but died in 1877, leaving two sons and four daughters. Eli remained with his father until 27 years of age. Dec. 16, 1846, he was married to Rebecca Smith, who was born Feb. 20, 1824, in Allegheny Co., Penn., daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Grover) Smith ; he was a native of Chester Co., Penn .; he was a sou of Andrew Smith. The Groveses are of French extraction ; Rebecca's grandparents came from France. After Mr. House was mar- ried, he remained on the home farm and, hav- ing bought out the heirs, he continued to farm- until the fall of 1852, when he moved to this township and purchased 185 acres of land, to which he has since added, until now he owns 400 acres. Stock-raising and farming has been his business since he settled here; he has been engaged quite extensively in the dairy business, running fifty cows. Seven children have been born to him, but five now living-John W., George W., Mary E., Lorinda J. and Sarah, wife of James Bachtell, of York Township. Mr. House is one of the most prominent farm- ers in the township. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

JESSE HARRINGTON, retired farmer; P. O. Medina. The above gentleman was born Dec. 27, 1809, in the towu of Arlington, Ben- nington Co., Vt., is the fifth of a family of twelve children who were born to Henry and Sarah (Manchester) Harrington. Henry was born February, 1770, son of Henry, born 1730, in Rhode Island. He was a son of Job, whose father was likewise named Job, who was born 1645, in Roxbury, Mass. The wife of Job sec- ond was Anna Spencer. The father of Job, 1st, was drowned in Boston Harbor. Henry Har- rington, the grandfather of Jesse, was a Captain, and held his commission under the crown. After the war of the Revolution broke out, he took up arms against the British. Jesse's great-grandfather on his mother's side was

drafted in the British army, from North- eastern New York, and died at Ft. Edward. The prevalent religion of the Harringtons has been of the Baptist order; many of them, how- ever, married into Quaker families. Jesse's father was a carpenter by trade. After his marriage, engaged in farming, and remained in the same until his death. Spring of 1839, Jesse was married to Lydia Burnett. She was born in Bennington Co., Vt., in 1814, daughter of Job and Luey Burnett, who were of Scotch descent. Mr. Harrington emigrated West in 1844, locating in this township, where he now resides, purchasing 109 acres, at $10 per acre, of his brother, Dr. Rowe owning it before him (his brother). With the exception of a little " slashing," there were no other improvements.

Mr. Harrington built the first cabin, which he lived in eight years, when he moved into the house he now occupies. Of five children born him, one is now living-Henry B., who married Mary Hall. They have one child-Mabel. Elias died 1876. He was a Superintendent on the Valley R. R. His wife was Sarah Smith. They had one child-Sapphira, called "Gay." Stephen J. enlisted in the war; went out first in the three months' service, in Co. H, 8th O. V. I .; served his time, eame home, stayed one year, then re-enlisted in Co. I, 103d O. V. I., and, after serving in many battles, such as Stone River, Stagol's Ferry, Rhea Town, Blue Springs, Leesburg, and in seventeen days' fight between Holston and Loudon Rivers. He was taken prisoner in January, 1864, and taken to Belle Isle, where he was confined until his death, which occurred June 28, 1864, of bron- chitis, after being exposed a long time iu the rain and wet without shelter or proper clothing. The first two soldiers killed at the battle of Lexington were Caleb and John Harrington, who were sons of Henry Harrington. Jesse's father was a Democrat, but, after Jackson's administration, he was a Whig. Mr. Jesse Harrington is a stanch Republican, and one of the solid and substantial farmers in the neigh- borhood. Has 140 acres in this township, and 62 in Medina, and is quite a successful bee farmer. Has had but little sickness in his fam- ily. Since he began keeping house, $10 would pay his entire doctor bill. He is a man of powerful memory, retaining in his mind events and dates with astonishing exactness. He is now living in the quiet of his home, having

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given over the eulturc and management of his farm to Henry B., who resides with him.

R. B. HART, farmer ; P. O. Medina; was born June 30, 1846, in Monroe Co., N. Y., ninth of a family of ten children born to George and Caroline (Sanford) Hart. The father was born Sept. 10, 1792, in Massachusetts ; the mother in Vermont, March 6, 1805. His father, George Hart, was a farmer, which voeation was taught his son George, who in turn, set the example to his son Romain, who, before attaining his ma- jority, responded to the call for volunteers in the late war, and enlisted July 27, 1862, for three years, in Co. B, 108th N. Y. V. I., Sept. 17, at the battle of Antietam ; was wounded three times, and did not leave the field or cease fighting, until he received his third wound ; his injuries were of such a nature as to entitle him to a discharge, which he received, and returned home. Upon his recovery, he returned to the scene of conflict, and after driving team for nearly five months in the Cumberland depart- ment, re-enlisted in Co. H, 22d N. Y. V. C., re- ceiving the rank of Sergeant, and, after serving one year, the regiment was placed on detached service, in charge of a portion of the ambulance train. During his service with the cavalry, he met with a thrilling experience, by the explo- sion of an ammunition wagon, which was in close proximity, throwing him several rods, and, were it not for his landing in a pond of water, the fall would have undoubtedly killed him. By careful treatment in hospital, he was again restored to duty, and served until after the termination of the war, receiving his dis- charge Aug. 8, 1865. Returning home to New York, he attended school that winter, and in the spring of 1866, came West, first to Illinois, then to this county, to Spencer Township, where he was married Nov. 3, same year, to Matilda G. Inman, born 29th October, 1847, in Spencer Township. Her parents are Stephen and So- phronia (Robbins) Hart. He was born in New Jersey, and came West about the year 1831. For several years, Mr. Hart was engaged in conducting a cheese manufactory in Spencer. Since that time, he has been engaged in farming pursuits. February, 1875, he located in the northwestern part of this township, having a farm of 82 acres, formerly owned by Anson Randall. The fruits of his union have been five children, who are Bertha M., Mary A., Gracia A., Melva L. and Mabel S.

ROBERT LOWE, farmer and horse dealer ; P. O. Whittlesey ; is a son of William Lowe, who was born in August, 1799, in Skine, Aber- deenshire, Scotland ; son of John Lowe. William Lowe was married to Jane Beatton, who was born in the same shire Sept. 5, 1805, daughter of Peter Beatton, whose great-grandfather was Lord Beatton, of historic fame. Col. Beatton was his great-grandfather, and participated in the battle of Kaladon, called by some Culloden. Mrs. Lowe's mother's name prior to her mar- riage was Margaret Cooper, who was a daughter of William. Gen. Arthur Burnett was her father's unele. Peter Beatton was a Forrester, and, upon his side of the family, flowed as good blood as Bonny Scotland produced. William Lowe and family emigrated to this country in 1854, first locating in Homer Township, where his brother, Skeine Lowe, had located several years previous, being one among the early set- tlers in that township. Mr. Lowe did not re- main in Homer long, ere he located permanently in this township, and remained until his death, which occurred in April, 1879. His wife yet survives him. Both were members of the old Seoteh Church. To them were born a family of thirteen children, twelve of the number came to maturity. Five of the Lowe brothers were volunteers in the late war; James, in Co. K, 8th O. V. I., was killed at the battle of Antietam ; Alexander died at Nashville ; was a member of Co. B, 124th O. V. I .; Robert served two years in the same regiment and company ; George was a member of the O. N. G. ; John enlisted, and was afterward discharged ; Robert was mar- ried, May 2, 1866, to Mary Parks, who was born Dec. 15, 1847, in Homer Township, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Kelly) Parks. He was a son of David Parks. Her father's name was Ezra Kelly. Both families were natives of New York State. For several years past, Robert Lowe has been engaged as a horse-dealer, buy- ing and selling and fitting and preparing for the market, and is a shrewd and successful trader. In 1869, he purchased the farm he now owns, consisting of 40 acres, formerly owned by Mr. Needham. The Lowes are all strongly Re- publican.

T. S. MARTIN, farmer and agent ; P. O. Me- dina; is the fourth child born to John and Nancy (Vaughn) Martin. Thomas was born June 13, 1826, in Washington Co., Penn. John Martin, the father of our subject, was left an

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orphan at an early age, and but little is known of the family back of himself. The grandfather of Mr. Martin on his mother's side was Joseph, and was a native of New Jersey. The Martins are of Irish descent. John Martin and family came West in 1831, locating in Jefferson Co., Ohio, where he purchased 160 acres of land, which was but partially improved. In 1841, he moved to this township, where he lived until his death. Thomas S., at the age of 22, was mar- ried to Mahala J. Lance, born June 16, 1826, in Milton Township, Wayne Co., Ohio. Their marriage took place Sept. 28, 1848. Her par- ents were William and Clara (Lee) Lance. He was born in Washington Co., Penn., Feb. 14, 1788 ; his wife born May 3, 1799. William was a son of Christopher Lance. Mrs. Martin's grandfather on her mother's side was John Lee. His son, William, was a teamster in the war of 1812. The family were among the early arrivals in Wayne Co. Mrs. Martin's father died March 23, 1861 ; mother, Jan. 28, 1846. Mr. Lance was a Deacon in Presbyterian Church, and always took an active part in church matters ; a man of good information and a worthy citizen. After Mr. Martin's marriage, he resided a short time in Homer Township. In 1851, he moved to this township and pur- chased 60 acres of land where he now resides, situated in the east side of the township. Has now 82 acres. About the year 1865, he began work for the Domestic Sewing Machine Co., and has since been in their employ the greater part of the time, and is one of the best agents in the employ of the company. Of his chil- dren living are Clara A., Mrs. W. Pease, of Washington Co., Penn. ; James W., in Medina Co., in same business as father ; Harriet E., Mrs. L. W. Strong, of Guilford ; William J., in La Fayette Center ; Frank M., married and in Chatham Township ; Violet I., Mrs. Rufus L. Gechman, in Poe, Montville ; Allen W., at home. For thirty years, Mr. Martin has been a mem- ber of the Congregational Church, and is rec- ognized as one of the standard men in the town- ship.

REV. WILLIAM MOODY, farmer; P. O. Whittlesey ; born Aug. 29, 1810, in Bogaire Township, Coos Co., N. H .; the eldest of a family of nine children, seven of whom came to the years of responsibility ; but two are now living-our subject and Ebenezer S., now of Chatham Township. Of those who came West

and became members of families, were Abi- gail, who married Albert Boynton, of Harris- ville Township; to them were born four sons- E. M. Boynton being one of the number, who is the inventor and patentee of the Lightning Saw. George first settled in Virginia, after- ward in Iowa; he was a minister of the Chris- tian Church for many years ; his children were Lewis, Ida, Harvey, Watson and Daniel settled in Chatham, finally in Michigan, where he died, leaving one son-Watson Moody. Charles came to Ohio, afterward went to Cali- fornia, and never was heard from since. Lucy moved to Michigan; was the wife of Alonzo Hildreth, to whom were born four sons and one daughter. All of the above were born to Ebenezer and Lucy (Wood) Moody. He was born in 1783, in Newbury, Mass., thirty miles from Boston. The Moody family originated (according to tradition) from three brothers who left England for America soon after the establishment of the Plymouth Colony, D. L. Moody, the evangelist, being one of the branch. The father of our subject was a shoemaker by occupation, which vocation was learned by William, who, at the age of 18, bought his time for $75, and began business on his own responsibility. In 1833, the family came West, located in Wadsworth Township, and, in 1835, settled permanently in Chatham Township, where the paternal head died September, 1850; that of his wife in 1864, while in Michigan. When William first came to this State, he car- ried on the boot and shoe business for a time in Dover, near Cleveland ; subsequently took a contract of building turnpike in Cleveland, where he worked three summers; cut and logged about twenty acres from St. Clair street, next the lake, digging many of the trees out by the roots. At this time the woodland ex- tended within one and a half miles of the city. After leaving Cleveland, he came to La Fayette Township, and was for some time engaged in administering to the spiritual wants of the peo- ple, expounding the Gospel from Alexander Campbell's standpoint, and, although he en- countered a great deal of opposition, yet was successful in awakening a good deal of inter- est in the minds of the people, several of whom obeyed the Gospel, and, through his instrumen- tality, the church took root and a society was soon organized, and since grown to its present dimensions. His first purchase of land was in

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Chatham Township. in 1837, where he pur- ehased 50 acres, afterward adding to the same until he had 118 acres, which he eleared up. Aug. 29, 1838, he was joined in wedloek to Maria Ross, who was born in Windsor Co., Vt., Nov. 13, 1817, the eldest of a family of two children who were born to Daniel and Keziah (Ainsworth) Ross, who were natives of Ver- ment, and emigrated to this eounty in 1834. Mrs. Moody's brother Jerry Ross, is a resident of Montealm Co., Mich. Mr. Moody remained on his farm in Chatham until 1871, when he purchased the farm he now owns, consisting of 124} aeres, of Isaae Blair, who was its former owner and pioneer. Of seven children born him, all grew up. Silas, now in Gratiot Co., Pine Tree Township, Mich., who is one of the prominent farmers in that locality, having 300 acres. Solon and George lost their lives in the late war; both were members of Co. B, 42d O. V. I., and were valiant and true soldiers. Mary, in Michigan, the wife of Mr. Charles Judson, of Ottawa Co. Harriet, at home. Henry, married, and residing near his father's. John, a teacher, unmarried and at home. At the age of 19, our subjeet was converted, and joined the Baptist Church, remaining in this eonnection until he was 24, when his views submitted to a ehange, and, joining the Disei- ples' standard, has sinee that time preached the truth as understood by him, as revealed by the words of Holy Writ. Although giving his attention to farming, yet he has in the mean- time preached a great deal, and, for the most part, received but small compensation therefor. Has been an active worker in the Master's eause, and has been instrumental in doing much good in the ehureh, and through his in- strumentality many souls have been brought from darkness to light.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 131

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