History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 132

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 132

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ANDREW MARTIN, farmer ; P. O. Chip- pewa Lake; was born Jan. 9, 1824, in Wash- ington, Penn., and emigrated West with his parents in 1841, loeating in the eastern part of this township, where he remained (making his father's house his home) until July 1, 1852, when he was married to Maria McIntire, who was born Oct. 28, 1826, in Smithville, Wayne Co., being the ninth ehild of a family of ten, seven girls and three sons ; of those living- Mary, Mrs. John Vanarsdale ; Jane, Mrs. John Martin ; Rebecca, Mrs. James Wilson; Ann, Mrs. Robert Martin ; Nancy, Mrs. James Col-

lier ; Lydia, unmarried ; all of the above were born to Hugh and Lydia (Thomas) MeIntirc. He was born in or near Canada ; his parents died when he was a lad of 4 years, and lie was then taken to Washington, Peun., where he lived until he eame West, which was about the year 1821, and located in Wayne Co., near Sinitliville, where the family settled in the woods ; lived for some time in the wagon ; they came out before a suitable shelter could be erected for their reception. Here, for many years, under many discouraging surroundings, the family were raised to maturity. The par- ents died as follows : Hc, Jan. 17, 1854, aged 69 years and 9 months; she, Oct. 16, 1854, aged 67 years and 5 months. They lived highly respected in the community, both as citizens and efficient members and workers in the ehureh, he being for many years Deaeon of the Presbyterian Church. After the marriage of our subject, he located in Canaan Township, Wayne Co .; finally located in this township in 1857, where he has since been a resident. Of his father's family, there were seven children, he being the third, all of whom settled in this towuship. His parents were John and Agnes (Vaughn) Martin. He was born in New Jer- sey, and, after his settlement here, lived a eon- stant resident until his death, which occurred July 21, 1856, aged 62 years and 9 months ; her decease was April 9, 1873. Mr. Martin's farm consists of 50 acres of good land, well improved, and he is in good, comfortable cir- cumstanecs as regards this world's goods. While he has never been blessed with any off- spring of his own, yet he has raised one boy to manhood- Stephen Niekerson, who is now a teacher in the township; have one adopted daughter- Henrietta. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Chureh. Mrs. Martin's grandfather was Liverton Thomas. Mrs. Mar- tin's sister Ann settled in Stark Co .; Rebeeea, in Orville, Wayne Co., Ohio ; Nancy, in Woos- ter; Mary, in Holmes Co., Ohio; Jane, in Wayne Co., Ohio.

JOHN MAYTHAM, farmer ; P. O. Whittle- sey ; first bcheld the light of day April 25, 1813, in Barham Parish, Kent Co., England. He was the youngest son born to his parents, who were Edward and Elizabeth (Hopkins) Maytham. The grandfather of our subject was George Maytham, to whom were born six sons, viz .: George, Thomas, Daniel, Edward, James

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and John. Their father was killed by his own countrymen while conveying prisoners from Spain to England, being fired into by a British man-of-war, thinking them to be enemies. In 1832, at the age of 19, he bade farewell to the land of his fathers, and, in order to better his condition, sailed for America, the trip occupying eight weeks, arriving the season that the eholera was raging in this country. From New York he went to Essex Co., Mass., where he lived five years, and drifted West to Cleveland, where he lived about four years. His occupation was that of a landscape gardener, and assisted in planting the first trees that now grace and adorn Euclid Avenue. Jan. 1, 1837, he became the husband of Catherine Guckian, who was born November, 1820, in the Parish Kiltart, Leitrim Co., Ireland, whose parents were Charles and Nancy (MeDonald) Guckian. The McDonalds were natives of "Bonnie " Scotland. In 1840, Mr. Maytham and wife came to this township, locating where they now reside, he having some years previous purchased the land at $5.00 per acre. Coming as they did from the busy hum of business and city life to this place, to make the " woods " their future home, was not enjoy- able at first, particularly to Mrs. Maytham ; the contrast between the two places was as wide as two extremes could well be. No road near at hand, and the neighbors few and seat- tering. Time rolled on ; neighbors multiplied, and the wilderness appearance of the place was transformed to cultivated fields, and, after years of hard labor, assisted by his worthy helpmeet, they have secured to themselves a good home and a sufficiency of this world's goods to enable them to spend the remainder of their days in the enjoyment of the fruits of their severe toil and many years of self-denial. Their union has been crowned with a goodly number of representatives, fifteen in all ; ten of the num- ber attained the years of responsibility. Of those now living are Ann, now residing in Ho- mer, the wife of Francis Rolo ; Thomas, Will- iam and Edward, in Buffalo ; Mary, Mrs. John House, Mrs. Asa Blakeslee and Charles, of this township ; George died in Kansas, buried with the honors of Knights Templarhood ; Thomas is in the marine business, at Buffalo, owning and conducting a number of vessels. Mrs. Blakeslee's husband died Aug. 6, 1880 ; he was a native of Connecticut, and for twenty-five years was a resident of Blackstone, Livingston

Co., Ill .; a farmer and prominent business man at that plaee, and a man possessed of marked intellectual abilities. Mrs. Blakeslee and father are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GEORGE A. McCABE, farmer ; P. O. Chip- pewa Lake; was born in Guilford Township, Jan. 4, 1839 ; is the eldest of a family of ten children, whose parents were James and A. (Houghton) MeCabe. The grandfather of George was a native of the Emerald Isle, and came to this State many years ago, locating in Guilford Township, where he died, as did his son James, in 1878, June 13; his wife died May 3, 1855. George was raised to hard labor, and spent his minority at home with his parents, who afforded him the advantages of the common school, and, when he attained his early manhood, was made thoroughly ae- quainted with the use of agricultural imple- ments. After attaining his major years, he began to shift for himself. Dec. 24, 1862, he became the lawful protector of Miss Mary Dicky ; she was born Dec. 12, 1841, in West- field Township; her parents were Samuel and Harriet H. Dicky, who were among the early settlers in that township. Subsequently, after the marriage of G. A., they resided two years in Westfield, and moved to this township in 1864, and has a farm of 93 aeres, which is well improved and favorably located at Lake Sta- tion, and close to Chippewa Lake. Mr. Mc- Cabe is among the enterprising young farmers in the township, and will probably, in time, be- come one of the opulent agriculturists in the county. To him have been born four children -William A., Hattie A., John D. and George.

EARL MOULTON, shoe store, Whittlesey ; is one of the pioneers and worthy representa- tives of this township. His place of birth was in Vermont State, Randolph Township, Orange Co .; here he first beheld the light Sept. 29, 1800. His father's name was William, who lost his life at sea when our subject was about 1 year old. He was a native of Massachusetts, as was his wife Lueia Miles ; her father was Timothy Miles, who purchased 1,900 acres of land in Canada, and gave his daughter 100 aeres, 50 of which she intended for her son Earl ; but her father became involved, by going sure- ty, and lost all. In 1816, Earl, in company with his mother and step-father, came West to Richfield Township, Summit Co. Soon after our subject went to Wayne Co., and began

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work clearing land ; July 4, 1822, married Esther Stanley, born Oct. 22, 1803, in Broome Co., N. Y., daughter of Alexander and Nabbie Stanley; she came West with her parents in 1813, who first located in Trumbull Co., Ohio. Mr. Moulton settled on a section of school land in Canaan Township, and cut the first stiek in Canaan Center; he remained here un- til April 1834, when he came to this township and took up 50 acres in the woods, where he built him a cabin, and lived on this tract until 1840, and, with the exception of six years spent in Michigan, has been a resident of the county, and quite prominently identified with its inter- ests ; in the fall of 1844, was elected to the State Legislature, and was re-elected ; was first eleeted Justice of the Peace in 1854, and served until his departure for Michigan ; upon his return was re-elected, and is now the present incumbent of the office ; during President Tay- lor's administration was commissioned Post- master, being the first in the township, and during the early settlement of the township served as Township Clerk and Trustee several years, and, in all the various offices of trust that have been placed upon him, he has ever sustained the dignity and character of an up- right man and Christian gentleman. His wife died leaving seven children, one son and six daughters : Olivia E., now in Michigan ; Lueia, Mrs. George E. Miller, of this township, also Louisa A., the wife of Alfred Bowman ; Will- iam E., who married Eliza Waltz, is also a resi- dent of this township ; Eliza M., Mrs. John W. Bowman, and Cynthia M., who resides with her father. Mr. Moulton has never been a man that has aspired to become wealthy in this world's goods, seeking rather to secure treas- ures in that land beyond the River of Death. For many years past he has been a member of the Christian Church at this place, being one of its original members, and a stanch Repub- lican.

G. A. MACK, farmer ; P. O. Whittlesey ; was born February, 1806, in Canandaigua Township, Ontario Co., N. Y., the only child of his parents, Gurdon and Mary (Gillet) Mack. He was born about the year 1781 ncar Hartford, Conn., a son of Gurdon Mack, whose parents were of Scoteh-Irish nationality. The Gillets are of Yankee extraction, and were all natives of Con- necticut, so far as known. Immediately after the marriage of our subject's parents, they re-

moved to the Empire State, where Mr. Mack died when our subject was 6 months old. Sub- sequently, his mother married Mr. Hickox, with whom our subject lived until his manhood. Gurdon A.'s father was a shoemaker by trade, but was engaged in farming also, which he ear- ried on in coujunction with his trade. The hard labor he bestowed in clearing up his farm and working at his trade at night was too ex- cessive for him, and brought him to an early and premature grave. Our subject was raised to farming pursuits, but, taking naturally to tools, he easily learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years ; worked at wood-turning, and also did millwright work. Feb. 8, 1829, he was married to Eliza Ruseal, who was born in Bloomfield Township, Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1809. He remained in New York uutil 1848, when he came West to this county, locating at Westfield Center. Prior to his com- ing, he built a large saw-mill in the pineries in Steuben Co. Soon after his arrival at West- field, he built a sash and blind factory at the Center, which he carried on until 1855, when he sold out to G. C. Wright, and moved to his present place of residence, situated at La Fay- ette Center, where he has since resided and beeu engaged in farming. Mr. Mack has been unfortunate, having buried two wives. His first wife died Aug. 10, 1842, leaving five small ehildren-William A., Henry, Franees, Sarah M. and Miles. April 24, 1844, he was married to Florinda Hickox. She died in Mareh, 1870, leaving no issue. She was beloved by her step- children, who loved her and lamented her de- mise. His present wife was Mrs. Delia Rieh- ards, who was boru in Montville Township Aug. 15, 1835. She was a daughter of James and Lavina (Welton) Reynolds, who were born, respectively iu Massachusetts and Connecticut, and were married in New York, and emigrated West to this county when the country was new. To them were born seven ehildren, five brothers and two sisters. Six of the uumber attained maturity. Her father died in 1853 ; her mother is yet a resident of Montville. The children living are James, Hiram (who resides in Granger), Clark (in Chatham) and Sallie (now Mrs. H. Foskett, of this township). Mrs. Mack was married to her first husband May 6, 1858, wliose name was Adam Richards, whose birth- place was Riehland Co., Ohio, born in 1833. He died Feb. 9, 1862, leaving two children-

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Lavina M. and Siegel D. Mr. Mack has raised a family, who revere the memory of their pater- nal ancestor, and are all married and doing business on their own account. William A. is the inventor of the Domestic Sewing Machine, and resides at Norwalk ; Henry is in Paines- ville; Sarah M. (Mrs. N. Newman), of Norwalk ; Frances and Miles, in Cleveland, partners in the sewing-machine business. For over half a century, Mr. Mack has been a soldier of the cross, and has been an efficient and zealous worker in his Master's vineyard, and has en- deavored to live the life of a consistent Chris- tian. Has acted for the last forty years as Class-leader, Steward and Trustee of the M. E. Church, of which he has been a member. In political matters, he has never taken an act- ive part, but has always been a true Repub- lican.

DUNCAN NAIRN, farmer ; P. O. Whittle- sey ; was born in Scotland in 1810, in Morrow- shire, the youngest of a family of eleven chil- dren, all of whom grew to the years of respon- sibility. His parents were William and Isabella (McDonald) Nairn. The grandfather of our sub- ject was John. William Nairn was a farmer, and raised his boys to be tillers of the soil. In 1831, our subject emigrated to this country, to try his fortunes in the West, of which he had heard so much while in Scotland, and, with the determination, which is characteristic of the race, which when made, is generally carried out to its full realization, he decided that he would some day have a home of his own, and be independent. Having excellent health, a robust frame, a cheerful disposition, he soon made friends ; being a No. 1 stone-mason, which he had learned in Scotland, his services were immediately brought into requisition ; worked in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and other places. His first purchase of land was in Columbiana Co., of 100 acres, costing $5 per acre. Subsequently sold this, and removed to Congress Township, in Wayne Co., where he purchased 77 acres, for which he paid $850, there being some improvements on the same, consisting of a small cabin and a log barn. After his advent to this place, he gave his at- tention more particularly to farming pursuits. He has been twice married, first, to Jeannette Lidell, who died in 1872, leaving no issue. Sept. 14, 1875, was married to his present wife, whose maiden name was Catharine Rupley, who

was born Oct. 5, 1832, in Dauphin Co., Penn., daughter of Michael and Catharine Himmilrich, both were natives of same place, to whom were born a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to be men and women. The family emigrated West in 1855, locating in Millbrook Township, Wayne Co., this State, where they made their subse- quent permanent abode. Her father died in 1872 ; his worthy companion yet survives him, being now 86 years of age ; both of the above were professors of religion, he of the Baptist Church, she of the M. E. Church. Mr. Nairn finally disposed of his interests in Wayne Co. at a large advance of his first purchase, and bought 160 acres about one mile southwest of the Cen- ter, and has for several years past been a citi- zen of this township. Is now enjoying the fruits of his labor, having an abundance of everything about him that is requisite to his maintenance, and for his enjoyment, all of which has been the outgrowth of his industry and frugality. He is a member of the Old Se- ceder Church, of the good old kind ; his wife of the Lutheran denomination. Mr. Nairn, though no politician, is of Republican sentiment, and a substantial member of the community.

JOHN NORTON, farmer ; P. O. Lodi; was born Jan. 12, 1830, in Yorkshire, England, and emigrated to America with his parents when he was but 2 years of age. His parents were Richard and Sarah (Richardson) Norton, and were born, respectively, July 24, 1784, and Nov. 5, 1787. His parents located in the south- east portion of Harrisville Township, now owned by Samuel Norton, the brother of the above. John was raised to farming, and con- tinued under the paternal roof until he was 30 years of age, at which time he formed a matri- monial alliance with Sarah Winters, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, Aug. 7, 1842 : their marriage was duly celebrated according to the laws of the commonwealth, March 7, 1860. Her parents were William and Ann (Freeman) Winters, who emigrated to this county from England in the year 1848; her father, now a resident of Chatham, having passed his three-score years and ten ; his wife passed to her rest March 19, 1879. After Mr. Norton was married, he resided three years in the northeast part of the township, then remov- ing to Chatham, resided until 1866, when he located in the extreme southwest corner of the

LA FAYETTE TOWNSHIP.

849

township, a part of which farm was settled and eleared np by Isaae Rogers. To Mr. Norton have been born six ehildren-Ira D., Charles E., John A., Aliee E., Clara E. and Albert Fos- ter. Mr. Norton has a good farm of 212} aeres, and, with the exception of $400, has acquired it through hard labor, and the daily praetiee of rigid economy.

WILLIAM F. NYE, farmer and Infirmary Superintendent ; P. O. Whittlesey; was born April 2, 1816, near Glen's Falls, Washington Co., N. Y. His father's name was Timothy, who was born Sept. 6, 1780, in Woodstock, Vt., and was married to Mary Lewis, Dee. 19, 1806, she was born May 1, 1788, in same State. Timothy Nye was a millwright and built many mills in that locality and in Canada. To this couple were born eight children, five of the number grew up. The family emigrated West in the fall of 1817, arriving Nov. 1, to West- field, loeating a short distance west of the " Center," where he purchased 63} aeres of land and built the log cabin where Ezra Booth's house stands, it being at that time, about the third one in the township ; at least, there were not enough men in the township to raise it ; assistanee necessary was obtained from Harris- ville Township. Here he died July 5, 1846; his wife survived him many years, and died at her daughter's in Iowa, November, 1878. Will- iam F. remained at home until he was 22 years of age. He learned the earpenter's trade, and worked with his brother for several years, in this and other counties, and some in Illinois. Sept. 15, 1845, he was married to Fannie Phil- lips, who was born in Westfield Township Sept. 20, 1823 ; is of a family of six children, herself and five brothers, who were born to Calvin and Sallie (Briggs) Phillips ; he was born near Ben- nington, Vt., May 13, 1785, she in Taunton, Mass., Dee. 9, 1789, and emigrated to Westfield, in 1819, and was elected Justiee of the Peace, his eommission being signed by Gov. Jeremiah Morrow, May 5, 1823, and was probably the first Justiee of the Peace in the township; the instrument of judicial authority is now in the possession of Mr. Nye. After the death of Mr. Nye's father, he purchased the homestead, and bought the heirs' interest, and was a resi- dent of the township until 1874. Sinee that time, he has been Superintendent of the County Infirmary, taking possession Mareh 1, same year, which position he has sinee retained ; his

administration and good management of the institution have been satisfactory to the people. To him have been born three children-Mary, uow the wife of Ebenezer Bissell, of Westfield ; Clara, now the wife of Rev. A. MeCullough, of Coshocton County, and George, yet at home. Mr. and Mrs. Nye are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His father was identified with the Free-Will Baptists, and was one of the prominent and official members of that denomination, and largely influential in the formation of the church society in that township. Sinee 1863, Mr. Nye has given his attention to farming exelusively, his tools are laid by, as the companious of other days. Cast his first vote for Harrison, and has, to the present, been true to his first eoneeptions of politieal preferenee. The old Phillips farm, consisting of 160 aeres, in Westfield, is under his eontrol and ownership.

FRANK O. PHILLIPS, farming; P. O. Whittlesey. Born Jan. 1, 1858, at La Fayette Center, the second ehild born to Osear and Sarah (Simmons) Phillips. Frank's early boy- hood was spent in sehool, receiving the advan- tages afforded both in common distriet and the high school, at Medina. His father being a farmer, our subjeet has been reared to this bus- iness, and is now engaged in carrying on the farm for his father, who resides in Medina. Jan. 29, 1879, he was married to Emma Steele, born April 13, 1860, in Canaan Township, Wayne Co., Ohio. She is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Blizzard) Steele. Mr. Steele was born in Orleans Co., Vt., July 11, 1822. He was a sou of Samuel, who was born in Connect- ieut, 1781, and was a lumberman. The mother of Samuel Steele, was Betsey Hoisington, daughter of John S. Hoisington. Samuel Steele eame West, loeating in Wayne Co., in 1826, where he lived until he eame to this eounty, in 1872. Elizabeth Blizzard, the mother of Mrs. Phillips, was born in Wiltshire, En- gland, March 1828, daughter of Thomas and Catharine (Pieree) Blizzard, to whom were born six children. Mr. and Mrs. Steele were married Nov. 13, 1853. Three children have erowned their union, who are-Luey J., uow Mrs. Charles Stiekney, of this township ; Emma, the wife of Frank Phillips, our subjeet, and Samuel, at home. The Phillips farm entire con- sists of 260 aeres. For a more extended his tory of the Phillips family, the reader is re-

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ferred to the biographical sketeh of Capt. Oscar Phillips, of Medina, who is the father of our sub- ject.

H. S. PROUTY, carpenter and joiner, Whit- tlesey. Among the worthy mechanics of this township, is Henry S. Prouty, who was born Sept. 22, 1841, in the town of Madrid, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and eame to this county with his parents, when but 2 years of age. His father's name was Jefferson, born Aug. 4, 1804, in Ver- mont State, son of Stephen Prouty, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. The mother of our subject, was Esther Underwood, prior to her marriage with Mr. Prouty. To them were born five children, all of whom are now living, whose names are Adelia, now the wife of F. B. Clark, Treasurer of the County ; Celestia, now Mrs. N. P. Robbins, of Fostoria, Seneca Co. ; Henry S., of this township ; Horaee F., of Lineoln Co., Kan., and Lydia L., unmar- ried. Henry S. left home at the age of 16, and for eight years worked out by the month on a farm, then learned the earpenter and joiner's trade, and, since that time, has been engaged in that business, being a good mechanic, his serv- iees are always in demand, and is known as an honest workmau, and has been employed in the erection of many of the farm structures in the surrounding county. Has good property at La Fayette Center, all of which has been the re- sult of his own industry. Aug. 18, 1872, he married Florence A. Prentice, born Aug. 17, 1850, in Harrisville Township, the second child of William and Phoebe Prentice. Her father is deceased, her mother yet resides in Lodi. Mr. and Mrs. Prouty have no issue. Mr. Prouty's brother, Horace F., was for three years a soldier in the late war, serving in Co. B, 42d O. V. I. Mr. Prouty's ancestors have been Democratie in their political sentiments, but our subject, since liis majority, has been affiliated with the Republican element.

L. M. PIERCE, farmer ; P. O. Medina. The Pierce family traee their ancestry to Abraham Pieree, who came to America three years after the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, and settled in Plymouth Colony. From him has deseended the above-mentioned gentleman, who was born July 20, 1810, in Hardwick Township, Otsego Co., N. Y. He was the eldest child born to his parents. His father was Capt. Isaae Pieree, whose wife was Polly Webb. Isaac was born Sept. 15, -1784, in Peru Township, son of Levi,

who was born in Millbury, Mass., Feb. 26, 1739. He was a son of Shadrach, whose birth occurred July 8, 1717, who was a son of Isaac, who was a son of Abraham, who was the patriarchal an- eestor of the family. In referring to the pub- lished history of the Pierce family, are found some very interesting facts in relation to the family, several of whom held high official sta- tions in both civil and military life. The marked characteristics of the family seem to have been great manly vigor, longevity, and a high sense of probity, honor and moral integ- rity. Levi was the grandfather of our subject, to whom were born eleven children-ten sons and one daughter-whose names were as be- low, which he arranged in rhyme, as follows :

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 132

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