History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 133

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 133

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Abner, George and Ben, Eli, Liberty and Hen, Levi, Shadrach and Dan, Isaac and Sarah Ann.

Isaac, the father of L. M., was a house-carpenter and farmer, member of Masonic Fraternity, and an officer of the militia, first commissioned as Ensign in 1824, promoted to Lieutenant in 1827, and Captain in 1829, and honorably dis- charged in 1832. His sons were Lorenzo M., William, and Benjamin, who was in the late war; was Justice of the Peace, and a Repre- sentative of the General Court in Boston; the youngest being Alva B. The father died April 28, 1867 ; his wife, Sept. 1, 1866. Lorenzo M. was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1833, he came West to Medina Co. and took up 112 acres in this township, which land he now owns, for which he paid $3.50 per acre. That season, he chopped down about 3 acres, and hired 4 acres cut. Sept. 23, 1835, he was married to Emeline Branch, born July 30, 1811, in the town of Worthington, Hampshire Co., Mass., the eld- est daughter of Elisha and Sarah (Thompson) Branch, who were early settlers in York Town- ship, and among the prominent families of the county, who eame West, locating in York Town- ship, in 1832. In June, 1837, Mr. Pierce and wife returned to this county, and soon erected him a cabin, moved into the same and was happy. He has sinee been a constant resident of the farm ; has been reasonably successful ; has an excel- lent farm, consisting of 170 acres, which is fa- vorably located, and but three miles distant from Medina. Of a family of eleven children, ten grew up, who are Ellen, now the wife of Norman Everson, President of the National

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Bank in Washingtou Co., Iowa; Amelia M., Mrs. C. J. Warner, of Medina ; Isaac L., lost his life in the defense of his country ; he was shot Sept. 13, 1864, and died the day follow- ing, near Harper's Ferry, where he was takeu and embalmed, and sent home to his parents ; he had served out his term of three years' eu- listment, and had re-enlisted ; he was a brave and valiant soldier; was among the number who pursued John Morgan in his raid through Kentucky and this State, and was present at his capture; Harriet, married Lieut. H. A. Howard, now uear Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb .; Sarah, Mrs. L. H. Kimball, in Neenah, Wis .; Elisha B., in Nebraska; Julia, wife of Mr. J. W. Warren, now Sheriff of Webster Co .; Ara B., in Nebraska ; Melva A. and Edwin D., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have, for many years, been members of the Congregational Church, of which he is Deaeon. Mr. Pierce, though 70 years of age, yet retains the vigor of his earlier years, and which is characteristic of the family. His grandfather, when at the age of 87, mowed, in one half-day, with a scythe, 1 acre of heavy grass. Mr. Pierce has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, aud his residence of over fifty years in the township has established in the community his eharacter as an upright man and a Christian gentleman.

S. S. PALMER, farmer ; P. O. Whittlesey ; was born Aug. 27, 1830, in Island Creek Towu- ship, Jefferson Co., Ohio, the second of a family of four children, born to George and Elma (Coulter) Palmer ; both were born in Jefferson Co., his birth occurring Oct. 17, 1806. He was a son of Nathaniel Palmer, who emigrated from Washington Co., Penn., to Ohio, when it was a Territory. Indians were, at that time, more plentiful than the whites. Jefferson Co. was the place of his settlement, where he raised a family of children, who were afterward among the early settlers in other localities. The cir- cumstances attending the deaths of Nathaniel and his wife are worthy of a passing notice. His death occurred in Richland Co., while ab- sent on business. A messenger was at once dispatched to his wife, informing her of the sad news. While on his way, at " Elkhorn Tavern,' he was met by a second messenger, bearing the intelligence to him of the death of his wife, their deaths occurring within twelve hours of each other. Of the family born to George and Elma Palmer, are James, now in Guilford ; S. S., of

this township; Allen, and Sarah (Mrs. John D. Grafton), of Jefferson Co., Ohio. All of the above were born in the log house their grand- father Nathaniel built, which had but one small window, several feet from the floor. The door was a massive one, of two inches in thickness, of black walnut. The father of our subject died Oet. 29, 1863. His wife yet survives him, and resides in Guilford Township. S. S. remained at home until his 22d year ; came to this county in 1852 ; worked one year for his brother in Guilford. Feb. 10, 1853, was wedded to Eliza- beth Vaughn, who was born July 10, 1832, in Washington Co., Penn. Her parents were An- drew and Drusilla (Shane) Vaughn. He was born Jan. 2, 1806, in Washington Co., Penn. ; he was a son of Joseph Shane, whose wife was a Storer ; he was from New Jersey, and settled in Washington Co., Penn. Drusilla was born Aug. 10, 1812 ; she was a daughter of Henry Shane, whose wife was Elizabeth Palmer before marriage. Henry Shane was born at the foot of " Ginger Hill," iu Washington Co., and emi- grated to Jefferson Co. at an early day, and finally located in Montville in the spring of 1845. After our subject was married, he moved to the extreme southeast corner of this towu- ship, where he purchased 75 acres, remaining on the same until 1875, when he sold, and re- moved to his present place, consisting of 101 acres, situated one mile south of the Center. He and wife are members of the Congregational Church. Mrs. Palmer's family, on both sides, were strict adherents of the Old School Presby- terian doctrine. The father of S. S. was a man of excellent information-a great reader-and had a very retentive memory, aud was an ex- cellent citizen. S. S. and wife compose their entire family, having no issue.

THOMAS PALMER, farmer ; P. O. Chip- pewa Lake ; is a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Dicky) Palmer; Jonathan was born Oct. 12, 1804, in Jefferson Co., Ohio ; son of Nathaniel Palmer, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio when it was a Territory, lo- eating in what is now Jefferson Co. Jonathan, his son, at the age of 16, went to learn the blacksmith's trade. March 19, 1829, he was married to Elizabeth Dicky, who was born in Jefferson Co. Dec. 15, 1803 ; of a family of ten children-five brothers and five sisters-she being now the sole survivor of the family. Her parents were William and Margaret (Fraucis)

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Dicky ; he was a Pennsylvanian, and was there married, and came West to Jefferson Co. about the time the Palmer family arrived. Mrs. Palmer's mother was a native of Ireland. Will- iam Dieky was a blacksmith by trade, at which he worked for years. His son John eamc to this eouuty at au early time, purchasing 800 aeres of land located iu Westfield and Guilford Townships. To him were born three children ; but two of the number grew to man- hood-Samuel R. and Abram. Jonathan came to this township in Mareh, 1835, and purchased 90 aeres in the southeast part of the township, which land was unimproved-not a stiek had been cut. He afterward built a frame house- the first one that was built in the neighbor- hood-and, for several years, experienced many of the ills and inconveniences which are ineident to pioneer life in the settlement of a new country. After a life of usefulness in the community, as an upright man and worthy eit- izen, he passed to his rest Oet. 4, 1875. His wortliy companion yet lingers to cheer and comfort her son Thomas, with whom she has resided since the death of her husband, both having been members of the Presbyterian Church for many years. He was an old-time Whig, and, afterward, was affiliated with the Republican party, and was Postmaster at the time of his death. During the existence of slavery, he was always strenuously opposed to slave traffie and the extension of slave territory. The subject of this sketch was born on the farm upon which he now lives, Dee. 15, 1839, and has ever been a resident of the home fam- ily. Oet. 10, 1872, he was married to Almira Henry, who was born in Montville March 10, 1841, daughter of Robert and Almira (Clark) Heury. He was boru in Cambridge, Washing- ton Co., N. Y., April 20, 1789, she June 7, 1801 ; they were married Nov. 20, 1826, and emi- grated West in 1835, to this county, settling in Moutville. To them were born six children- Patrick, Horace, Andrew, Albert, John and Hiram ; but five are living-Horace, in Mieh- igan ; Albert and Andrew, in Chicago ; Hi- ram, in Montville (and herself). Her father died Sept. 29, 1862 ; his wife yet survives him. Thomas Palmer, our subjeet, is the only son of his parents ; he has one sister, Mrs. Joseph H. Barrett, of this township. When Mr. Palmer died, he had 150 acres of land, to which Thomas has since added 110, making now in all

260. He is a successful farmer, and one of the township's best citizens. His matrimonial union has not been crowned with auy family additions in the way of children. Mr. P. is a man of good information, and, like his worthy paternal ancestor, is a stanch Republican.

L. D. PHINNEY, retired farmer; P. O. Whittlesey ; is a native of Connecticut, born September 7, 1807, the youngest child of his parents, who were Benjamin and Hannah (Yeo- man) Phiuney ; he was born about the year 1876, his wife one year later. To them were born nine children, eight of the number at- tained to man's estate. The family were all born in Connecticut, but removed to Oneida Co., N. Y., when L. D. was a lad of tender age. His boyhood days were spent at home, and at- tending the common distriet sehool, which he did not appreciate as he might have done, eon- sequently his education was not as thorough and comprehensive as his opportunities af- forded ; he continued at the parental home un- til he attained his 4 and 20 years. During this time he was engaged on the farm, assisting his father in the duties of the farm. Oet. 20, 1831, he was married to his present companion, whose maiden name was Laura Houghton, whose place of nativity was Maryland Township, Otsego Co., N. Y., time of birth April 15, 1809 ; her parents were Ebenezer and Margery (Bige- low) Houghton ; to them were born eleven ehil- dren, but five lived to be grown. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Phinney, they re- mained on the farm of his father until 1856, when he emigrated to this State, settling at La Fayette Center, where he has since been a con- stant resident. Their marriage has been Growned by the birth of three children, whose names are Loring H., Eben H. and Emily J. Mr. Phinuey is now the only surviving member of the Phinney family. Mrs. Phinney has two sisters, Emily, Mrs. Seth P. Dunean, in Oswego, N. Y., and Rebecca, Mrs. Isaac Blair, of this township ; her parents died in this township, her father in 1857, mother in 1860. They were both members of the Congregational Church, of which Mrs. Phinuey has been a member sinee 16 years of age. Mr. Phinney has been successful sinee his advent to this place-coming here with but $50 in money, he has acquired his present home, and 136 aeres of land ; having sold off a portion, has now 104 aeres, and is enjoying the comforts of his home

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in the eve of his life, surrounded by his wife and children. Mr. Phinney has always lived a quiet life, taking but little interest in political matters, living, in the main, a quiet and unosten- tatious life ; he is a member of the Congregational Church, and a respected member of the eommu- nity. Sent one son, Eben H., to defend our na- tion's honor, he serving as a member in Company " B," 42d O. V. I., for three years, and re- turned home to his parents safe and sound, from the changing vicissitudes of eivil strife. Hc was married Oct. 22, 1865, to Caroline Jacobs, adopted daughter of John Jacobs ; has two children, Elsie D. and Ervine L.

EDWIN R. RICE, farmer ; P. O. Whittlesey ; was born Sept. 22, 1832, in Genesee Co., N. Y., and came West with his parents when he was but 2 years of age. His parents were James and Rhoda (Ellsworth) Rice. He was a native of Genesee Co., born 1805 ; his parents were of German descent. Rhoda was a daughter of Ira Ellsworth, of Scotch parentage. James Rice, upon his arrival to this county, selected as his place of location the center of this town- ship, on a tract of 110 acres, upon which there had been but slight improvements. His family consisted of his wife and nine children. But five of them attained their major years, who were Jane, now Mrs. Horaee Prouty, of Lincoln Co., Kan .; Amanda, Mrs. Amos Boice, of this town ; Phoebe Ann, now in Kansas (unmarried); Edwin R. and James A., of this township. Edwin was but 13 years of age when his father died, but remained with his mother on the home- stead until he was 23 years of age, when he went to Bureau Co., Ill., where he spent three years. During this time, spent one winter iu Allegan Co., Mich. Returning to this town- ship, on the homestead, remained until Sept. 24, 1861, when he enlisted for three years in Co. B, 42d O. V. I., and served out his term of en- listment. For one year served in the Regi- mental Hospital. Was at Arkansas Post and Cumberland Gap, and participated in several skirmishes, and returned home, receiving an honorable discharge Sept. 24, 1864. Sept. 26, 1865, married Alvira McDougall, born Sept. 4, 1843, in Hinckley Township, daughter of Doug- all McDougall, whose wife was Rosilla Doane, born July 17, 1818, in Greene Co., Vt. He was born Aug. 22, 1814, in Canada. He was a son of Dougall, whose father was likewise of the same name. Mrs. Rice's grandfather on her

mother's side was Isaiah, and of Yankee stock. Since Mr. Rice was married, he has been a con- stant resident of the township. Since 1872, has resided on the homestead, which consists of 80 acres. Five children have been born them-Rhoda R., Perry J., Ruthie P., Anna E. and Libbie E. Mr. Rice and wife are of Chris- tian faith. His father and mother were mem- bers of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Rice's par- ents were members of the Christian Church, termed by some "Diseiples." Farming has been the business in which he has beeu en- gaged. While his ancestors were members of the old Democratic party, the young stock of the name have walked in Republican ranks.

ANSON RANDALL, farmer and trader ; P. O. Medina. Esquire Randall was boru Feb. 6, 1823, in Saybrook, Middlesex Co., Conn., eldest of a family of three children born to Stephen and Phoebe (Wood) Randall. He was born in Norwieh, Conn. He was a surveyor and a seafaring man ; was a Captain of a mer- chantman. He went on the sea at the age of 10 years, and followed the ocean for forty years. His father before him was a seafaring man also. Phoebe Wood was a daughter of Richard, who was a son of Jesse Wood. The Randalls are of Scotch descent. Stephen was twice married ; first to Cetura Fanning, and by her had ten children, two of them died at sea. Stephen eame to Connecticut, Middlesex Co., where Anson was born. After abandoning his ocean life, loeating in Susquehanna Co., Penn., in 1825, where he lived until 1832, when he came West, locating in Bath Township (then Medina Co.), where he purchased 70 aeres of woodland ; lived there two years and taught school ; then moved ncar the " Croton House," where he lived two years ; duriug these times, he experienced no little privation. Finally came to this township after living one year in Chatham, and settled in the north part of the township, where R. B. Hart now resides. This farm, he cleared up and remained on it up to the time of his death, which occurred in his 82d year. Anson took charge of the farm at the age of 18. Oct. 18, 1844, was married to Elizabeth Jamison, born in Canada, daughter of Samucl and Sarah (Long) Jamisou ; he was born Sept. 24, 1792 ; both natives of Canada. After the marriage of Mr. Randall, he settled on the homestead. His wife died March 25, 1863, leaving five children ; thirec living-

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Minerva, in St. Joe Co., Mich .; Stephen H., in Gratiot Co., Mich .; Lewis G., in Sturgis, St. Joe Co., same State. Mr. Randall's present wife was Maria Zimmerman, born in Plain Town- ship, Wayne Co., Ohio, Nov. 25, 1829, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Patterson) Zimmerman, he was a native of Pennsylvania, she of Mary- land, Mrs. Randall being their only child. April, 1879, Mr. Randall located on the farm he now owns, consisting of 109 acres, situated on the south side of the Smith road, which Mr. Randall helped cut out when he was a lad of 16. For several years he has been engaged in im- porting and breeding Spanish merino sheep. For sixteen years, was engaged as traveling salesman, selling and introduciug agricultural implements and all kinds of farm machinery, having a range of several counties. Mr. Ran- dall's father was a Jackson Democrat. Anson was first identified with the Abolition party, but, in later years, has been a Republican. Has served as Justice of the Peace nine years, and been twelve years Assessor. Has two children by last wife-Lillie M. and Alfred B.

JOSEPH ROBB, farmer ; P. O. Chippewa Lake ; was born Oct. 7, 1808, in Chester Co., Penn., of a family of thirteen children, he being the second in order of birth, all of whom were born to James and Sarah Russell ; his father's name was Joseph, who was a native of Scot- land. The Russells are likewise of Scotch ex- traction. Joseph's father had four sisters and three brothers-William, John and James ; the sisters were Isabella, Hannah, Jane and Mary. Joseph was raised to farming pursuits. In 1827, he removed West with his parents to Mil- ton Township, Wayne Co., Ohio. His father was in limited circumstances, aud was not in pos- session of means to purchase land at his com- ing, but reuted several years before purchasing. Joseph lived with his father several years after he became a man. and attended to his father's business. April 2, 1835, he was wedded to Mary L. Lance, who was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 1814. She was a daughter of Henry and Lucinda (Lee) Lance. The Lances are from New Jersey, and the Lces from Virginia. After Mr. Robb was married, he lived one year in Guilford ; then returned to Wayne Co., where he lived three years. In 1839, he came to this township, and has since remaincd ; first pur- chascd 100 acres of unimproved land and be- gan in the woods ; the first year he cleared 15

acres, and, continuing on, he in time trans- ferred the forest growth to cultivated fields. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, and, though beginning with nothing, he has, by patient industry and frugality, acquired a good home and a competence for his declining years. To him have been born two children-Henry N. and Sarah. Henry died in February, 1870, aged 29 ; his death fell with such force upon the mind of his mother that her reason became dethroned, and she died in 1871. Sarah is the wife of John Stone, of Milton Township, Wayne Co. March 5, 1874, Mr. Robb was married to Mrs. Sarah Chapin, whose maiden name was Hawley. She was born in Solon, Cortland Co., N. Y., April 9, 1813. She was a daughter of Stephen and Polly (Welch) Haw- ley ; he was a native of Connecticut, she of Dutchess Co., N. Y. To them were born a fam- ily of seven children .. The family came West in 1837, and located in Pittsfield, Lorain Co., Ohio. Mrs. Robb's first husband was Norman Chapin, a native of Cortland Co., N. Y .; to them were born two children, none living ; he dicd in 1868. Mr. Robb has three brothers- Jackson, in Weymouth ; Franklin, in Kansas, aud John, in Henry Co., Ill. Mr. Robb has for mauy years been a consistent member of the Baptist Church. He has now an excellent farm of 125 acres.

REV. PEMBERTON RANDALL, farmer and minister ; P. O. Whittlesey ; is among the acceptable and efficient ministers who, for many years past, have proclaimed the glad tid- ings of the Gospel, and endeavored with anx- ious solicitude to administer to the spiritual needs of sinful humanity in this county. He was born Oct. 6, 1807, in Lebanon Township, New London Co., Conn., of a family of three sons and four daughters, he being the eldest of his brothers and the second of the number born. His parents were James and Joanna (Pemberton) Randall. His place of birth was in Chatham, Conn., in December, 1778, his wife being born in August, two years later, in the same State. The Randalls are of Scotch and the Pembertons of English descent. Mr. Ran- dall's father was a blacksmith, which trade he followed nearly his entire life. Our subject's early life was spent in the agricultural dis- tricts, and, while he attended school to some extent, his hands were not strangers to the use of the implements of husbandry. About the

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age of 20, he embarked for himself, having ob- tained education sufficient to enable him to teach the " young idea," which vocation he fol- lowed during the winter, and working by the month on the farm, $10 being his compensation per month at the time he embarked in the pro- fession. Until 31 years of age, he was thus alternately employed. Three years later, he married Maria T. Beebe, who was born in On- tario Co., N. Y., and then moved westward to this county, locating in Granger Township. Being impressed that it was his duty to enter the ministry, and the better to qualify himself for that important position, he attended Geau- ga College, and studied the languages until he obtained satisfactory knowledge of the same. Upon his return, came to Medina, where he had the pastoral charge of the Free-Will Baptist Church at that place for some time, and since has preached regularly up to 1878, and at regular intervals up to the present time. He has been instrumental in doing much good, and through his efforts many have been caused to turn from the error of their ways and found comfort and salvation through the atoning merits of the Redeemer. Mr. Randall's father moved to this county in 1838, and settled in Granger ; finally moved to Summit Co., where he died in 1849 ; his wife survived him until 1854. Of the brothers of our subject living are D. P. Randall, now of Sharon Township, and David A., who is the author of that interest- ing work entitled "The Handwriting of God in Sinai and the Holy Land." . He resides in Cleve- land. One sister is in Medina Township, Catha- rine, now Mrs. W. H. Witter. To Mr. Randall have been born ten children ; but five of the num- ber are living-Theodore B .; Thomas P .; Maria T., now Mrs. G. O. Chapman ; Sarah A., Mrs. MeKay, and Lydia E. T. B. is now teaching in this county; Thomas P. is in Lincoln Co., Kan., also Mrs. Chapman ; Mrs. McKay is in Cleveland ; Lydia E. at home. Mr. Randall has always been a man of great industry, never desiring to be idle. Early in life, he took up the trade of his father, and has had for many years on his place a shop, in which he spends much of his time in mending and keeping in repair such implements and tools as may need such attention upon his farm. Though never much interested in political matters, yet he lias always been Republican in sentiment. He sent three of his sons to defend the flag of our

Union. David A. died in the service ; Theo- dore B. served three years in Co. K, 8th O. V. I. Thomas P. was in the 166th, and re-enlist- ed and served until the close of the war. Mr. Randall's youngest son met with a tragical death by the discharge of a gun in his own hands in December, 1879, while in Kansas. He was 23 years of age.

G. M. SHAW, farmer; P. O. Whittlesey ; boru July 19, 1838, in York Township, this county. His parents were William and Han- nah (Peacock) Shaw, both of whom were natives of England. He was born June 1, 1800, in Yorkshire, and was a son of John, also ; Han- nah Peacock was born in the same shire, Nov. 20, 1800, daughter of Thomas Peacock, of En- glish birth and parentagc. Moody, the middle name of our subject, was from his grandmother, who was a Moody. The Moodys in England were of the best families, and were heirs to a large estate, which one of the number forfeited by marrying contrary to the wishes of her parents. George M.'s grandfather's daughter was a Moody. She ran off and married a foot- man, and, as a result, her parents cut her off with a shilling. The parents of our subject emigrated to this country in 1829, locating four years in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and came to this county in 1833, and purchased 60 acres in York Township, for which he paid $3 per acre. A log cabin was hastily constructed. The for- est soon melted away under the devastating in- fluence of his labor and perseverance. After eighteen years' residence, he had accumulated 209 acres of land, which was at this time pretty well improved. He then moved to Montville Township, where he remained until his death, Sept. 3, 1869, being worth at the time of his death about $20,000, all of which he had made since he came to this county. G. M. is of a family of ten children, whose names are John, now of Montville ; Ann (Mrs. John Eggleston), in Se- ville ; Jane (Mrs. A. G. Miner), in Medina ; Thomas, in Montville ; William, in Brunswick ; Hannah (Mrs. Thomas Peacock), in St. Law- rence Co., N. Y .; G. M., in this township ; Emelina, in Medina ; Mary A. (Mrs. Daniel Harrington), in Michigan ; all now living. Our subject remained at home until Dec. 25, 1859, when he was married to Ann Fretter, who was born June 15, 1839, in Avon, Lorain Co., Ohio, daughter of Henry and Mary (Askill) Fretter. He was born in Northhamptonshire, Eng., Nov.

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 133

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