History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 135

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 135

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the milk business ; bought some cows, and in a short time sold out to his partner, with a gain of $800. Returned home in August, 1852, on the Pacific ; then on its trial trip on the mail route to New York. Upon his return home, located on the homestead now owned by his brother Nathan, where he engaged in farming. March 15, 1855, was married to Miss Bissell, daughter of E. Bissell, of Westfield, where she was born March 15, 1834, she being the second of a family of seven children, one brother and six sisters. Her mother's maiden name was Harriet Simmons. Since the marriage of Mr. Wightman, he has made several changes. but finally located at La Fayette Center, where he has 125 acres of land. Is a suc- cessful farmer, and raises the best of stock. Has 7-30 interest in twenty-one silver mining claims. Is one of the township's stanch men. Has three children-William B., Lncy M. and Charlie D. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M. at Seville. Also of Medina Chapter R. A. M.

C. WHEELER, farmer ; P. O. Whittlesey. Among the prominent farmers of this township that have attained their present position solely through their own individual and personal mer- its is Charles Wheeler, who was born in Wilt- shire, England, July 15, 1820. His parents were Richard and Elizabeth (Gasten) Wheeler He was raised a farmer, and was early in life kept closely at home, not even having the ad- vantages of the common school. His education was confined to the use of the plow and other agricultural implements, indiscriminately. Thus schooled to hard labor and rigorous economy, he launched out into the world with the re- solve that he would some day rise above the level of common yeomanry, and press his way up to the ranks of independent husbandry. July 31, 1850, he was wedded to his worthy helpmeet, whose uame was Mary Blizzard, born May 12. 1820 ; she was a daughter of Thomas and Catharine Pierce Blizzard, both natives of the same place as Mr. Wheeler. Soon after the marriage of our subject, he sailed for America, coming direct to tlie Buckeye State, and mak- ing his first halt in Jackson Township, Wayne Co., but remained there but a short time, when he moved to this township in 1851. When he started to housekeeping, after buying .a few necessary articles, all the money he had left was 25 cents. Their outfit was neither grand nor expensive, it all being second-hand. His stove

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(if sueh we may eall it) eost $2.50, with a leaky tea-kettle, an old bedstead, some dishes which were given them. These, with a stool and broken ehair, constituted, in a general way, their outfit for housekeeping. His first purchase of land was 9 aeres, which he sold soon after, and pur- ehased 65 aeres, but remained on it but nine months, making his first permaneut loeation where he now resides. His first purehase here was 40 aeres, for which he paid $30 per aere ; he next added 40 more, and yet another, and, lastly, he added 62}, making, in all, 182} aeres, which is under good improvement, and is well stocked with eattle and sheep. His farm, sit- uated northwest of and adjoining Chippewa Lake, is ornamented by a modern style farm-

house, ereeted in 1880, and one of the best in the township; and, for all of these, he owes no man a dollar. His motto in life has always been, "Pay as you go," and, for the last twenty- four years, he has never run an aeeount or made a bill with any man but what would be fol- lowed with immediate settlement ; has never entered suit against any man, nor has the same been served upon him. The fruits of his mer- riage have been four children, but three living, viz. : Lavina, now married, and residing in Guilford Township ; Richmond R. and Bradley, at home. Mr. Wheeler, though not a member of any ehureh, is an often attendant at the house of worship, and contributes to the sup- port of the Gospel.

HARRISVILLE TOWNSHIP.

JOHN ANDREAS, farmer; P. O. Lodi ; born in Northampton Co., Penn., Sept. 6, 1810 ; the eldest son and seeond child of a family of twelve ehildren, six girls and six boys, born to George and Margaret Habber- man, both of whom were born in Lehigh Co., Penn. At the age of 15, he went to learn the earpeuter's trade ; eame West to Mansfield in 1837, and to this township in 1839, where he purchased 913 acres, which was unimproved. He continued at his trade, hiring his elearing done. In 1850, he abandoned his tools, and sinee has eonfined his attention to farming ; has now 201 aeres of land, upon which are two sets of farm buildings, which were all ereeted by him. His present residence was constructed in 1874. His first marriage was with Hannah Balliet, in 1834, by whom he had one son, Jo- siah, now in Koseiusko Co., Ind. She died Jan. 12, 1837. His present wife was Maria Weider, born Dee. 25, 1812, in Hesse-Darmstadt, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Bessinger) Weider. She eame to this country in 1835. Their marriage bears reeord Feb. 13, 1840, and has been erowned with five ehildren, who are William, in La Grange Co., Ind. ; Phean, now Mrs. George Stone, of Michigan ; Susan, now Mrs. George L. Leashells, of Lorain Co., Ohio ; Louis, of this township ; Rebeeca, at home, a lady of intelligence and refinement, and was, for several years, engaged as a teacher of the

young idea. Mr. Andreas east his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and still adheres to those prineiples as essential to the maintenance of true government. A member of the Reformed Church, as well as the greater portion of his family, who have grown up to honor him and to perpetuate his virtues as well as his name.

H. AINSWORTH, banker, Lodi ; was born at Cape Vineent, N. Y., Sept. 14, 1812 ; son of Avery, whose birthplace was in Fair Haveu, Conn., Oet. 30, 1780, whose father's uame was Henry, born in January, 1755, in Old Wood- stoek ; who was a sou of Daniel, born about the year 1724, near Plymouth. The Ains- worths are of English deseent, and ean traee their aneestry baek to the time of the landing of the Pilgrims, in 1620. At the time of the birth of Mr. Ainsworth, the eouutry was in- volved in war, and, when he was but three weeks old, his parents, and all in the neighbor- hood, were driven off by the British and Indi- ans, and their houses burned and stoek driven away. Avery, the father of Henry, was a phy- sieian, and followed his oeeupation as loug as he lived. To him were born four sons-Tal- eott, Judah T., Henry and Avery. Three of the number came West-J. T., Heury and Av- ery. Judah T. settled in Medina ; Henry and Avery in Lodi. Mr. Aiusworth eame West in 1835, to Cleveland, having with him at the time $100 in money, which he lost through an

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unfortunate investment. He then turned out to work, and, in the summer of 1837, he camc to Lodi, having then $500 in money ; his brother having about double this sum, they re- solved to embark in the mercantile business- first building a house, which absorbed nearly all their funds ; but they succeeded in making a start, there being but a few houses in town at that time. This partnership continued about two years, when he engaged in the farming and milling business, continuing at this for two years ; he then went to Huron Co. and engaged in the mercantile business, where he stayed two years and a half, when his brother died, He returned to Lodi, and engaged in business, the agreement being, that, so long as his brother continued iu business at Lodi, he would never compete with him. Continuing merehandising until 1862, he sold out to Weleh & White. Subsequently, he and other parties started a National Bank, he acting as Cashier, this association lasting until 1876. He theu be- gan busines upon his own account, and has since been condueting it, and, notwithstanding his un- favorable beginning, he has now about 1,000 acres of land in Kansas, Missouri and this State, and a handsome competence besides. Jan. 1, 1839, he was married to Elvira Harris, born in this township, April 25, 1819, daughter of Judge Harris ; by this union, two children were born, neither of them now living. He is a zealous and stanch member of the Masonic Fraternity, and a liberal Republican.

SAMUEL BAKER, farmer ; P. O. Burbank ; was born in Loudoun Co., Va., June 28, 1832 ; his parents were David and Melinda (Coeherell) Baker, the former born in 1796, in Franklin Co., Penn., the latter same place, removing to Lou- doun Co., they remained until about the year 1833, when they came West to Wayne Co., Ohio, near Doylestown, remaining a short time, after- ward moved across the line into Medina Co., Guilford Township, where his father purchased 80 acres of land, for which he paid $4 per acre ; he finally returned to Wayne Co., where he dicd Dec. 11, 1864 ; his mother still survives, be- ing 68 years old. Upon the Baker side of the family, they are of English, and upon the mother's of Dutch, descent. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812. Samuel learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for several years. At the age of 27 he became the husband of Jane Norton, who was

born in York Co., Penn., March 4, 1830, of a family of eight children born to Hugh Norton. After his marriage, he located ou the farm he now owns, having now 120 acres, and is located southeast of Lodi two miles ; he is a self-made man ; began without means, and has accumu- lated what he has by hard labor ; he, having been prudent iu his management, has secured his present home and surroundings ; he is a member of the United Brethren Church, and, though not much interested in politieal affairs, yet votes the Republican ticket.

W. C. BAILEY, hotel, Lodi ; " Mine Host " of Lodi Hotel, who is the owner and proprietor of said institution, was born May 6, 1823, in Middletown (now Cromwell), in the State of Con- nectient, and is the eldest son of William and Betsey (Combs) Bailey, to whom were born eight ehildren, five girls and three boys. He was born in 1786, in Haddam, Conn .; he was a ship carpenter by trade, which business he fol- lowed until his death, which occurred in 1858. William C. early in life entertained a desire to follow his father's chosen vocation, and, as soon as the opportunity presented itself, he com- meneed learning the trade which he has sinee followed for the greater part of his life ; he came to Cleveland November, 1861, where he worked at his trade two years; at this time there be- ing a demand for gun-boats, he went with others into Alabama and Tennessee, where he spent the winter of 1863-64, at Bridgeport, Ala., where the Government had a force of men building vessels to go into immediate service. From this point, he went to Chattanooga, then to Decatur, remaining until the elose of the war, at which time he returned to Cleveland, and to Huntington, subsequently, where he en- gaged at the house earpenter business, follow- ing the same for eight years. Feb. 22, 1872, he moved to Lodi, where he purchased the Lodi Hotel, and has since been the proprietor of the same, is a kind and obliging landlord, and is ever ready to gratify the wishes of his guests, and well merits the liberal patronage which he receives ; was married to Harriet Worthington, born at Deep River March 23, 1826, in Middle- sex Co., Conn., daughter of Alfred and Sarah Southworth. Of three children born him, two are living-Alfred W. and Edwin C. Not a member of any church or of any society, but is a man of broad and liberal views, kind-hearted and of ten- der sympathies, square and upright in his deal-

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ings. Politically, he was formerly Democratic, but, since Buchanan's administration, has been a stanch and solid Republican.

MRS. CECILIA CRISWELL, P. O. Lodi. Mrs. Criswell was born March 21, 1838, in La Fayette Township, and is a daughter of Will- iam A. Carlton and Lydia Ann Thomas, his wife. He was born in Canada Feb. 7, 1812, and is of English descent. His wife was a native of New York, and came West with her parents when she was an infant. He came West to Portage Co. at the age of 15, where he married Miss Thomas, Nov. 11, 1836, and camc to La Fayette Township, where they settled in the woods. Of twelve children born them (eight boys and four girls), ten of the number grew to manhood and womanhood. Mr. and Mrs. Carlton still reside in that township. Mrs. Criswell was first married Jan. 29, 1857, to William Lewis, who was born in this township April 12, 1832, son of Elisha and Jane (Hunts- man) Lewis. Mr. Lewis was accidentally shot April 1, 1873, leaving no issue. He was member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Criswell was married to B. F. Criswell, who was born in Stark Co. Feb. 6, 1826, who was a son of John and Dorothy (Gregory) Criswell. Mr. Criswell began in business in Lodi May 5, 1879, in the merchant tailor and clothing business. Mrs. Criswell has a good farm, which she carries on, yet resides in Lodi. Mr. Criswell is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and of a good family.

DR. A. E. ELLIOT, physician, Lodi ; born Aug. 15, 1851, in Port Robinson, Welland Co., Ontario, Canada, son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Darvy) Elliot. Andrew Elliot was born in Albany Co., N. Y., on the site where the city now stands. He was a son of Audrew, who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. Elizabeth was a daughter of George A. Darvy, to whom were born four children-Barrett, Mary, Mar- garet and Elizabeth. Andrew Elliot, the father of our subject, was a cattle dealer, and was quite extensively engaged in the stock trade in Canada. The early boyhood of the Doctor was spent in school. At the age of 18, began reading medicine, and pursued his studies until graduation, receiving his honors in 1873, at Cleveland Medical College, when he began practice in Medina with Dr. Bean. In January, the following year, he moved to Lodi, and has

since remained. His training and education in a medical way, being of the Homeopathic school, is in accord with the major portion of the citizens in this locality, and with the Doc- tor's popularity as a practitioner. He is hav- ing quite au extensive and lucrative practice. Few young men in the line of Materia Medica have been more successful than he, or are hon- ored with a larger practice. Feb. 17, 1875, was married to Ella Gilbert, born in Akron, Summit Co., daughter of Joscph and Jerusha (Pettibone) Gilbert, both of whom were natives of Hartford, Conn. Jerusha was a daughter of Theophilus and Esther (Wetmore) Pettibone. Esther was a daughter of Jabius Pettibone. To Theophilus were born eleven children. Jo- seph Gilbert was a soldier in the late war ; was a member of Co. G, 64th O. V. I., and died of disease at Nashville.

AARON ELDRED, farmer; P. O. Lodi. Among the old and highly respected residents of this township, who have seen much of frontier life, and was among the number who, during the war of 1812, were driven from home to seek shelter from the bloodthirsty savage, is Aaron Eldred. He was born Nov. 19, 1803, in Rome, N. Y., son of Moses and Pattie (De Witt) El- dred, to whom were born twelve children, Aaron being the fifth in order of birth. The family moved to Cleveland in 1811, which was, at that time, but a trading-post-one rude tavern, kept by one Carter, who was the first settler ; also, Nathan Perry, who kept a store and traded with the Indians. The war breaking out, they were driven from their home at Dover, where they had located, they fleeing to Newbury for refuge. His father was out in the war, and was shot in the arm by an Indian, which rendered him unfit for further duty during the continua- tion of the war. His mother, in the meantime and afterward, kept tavern to maintain the fam- ily while at Lockport. He remembers being at the river, one day, and helping to transport some of Hull's prisoners across the river in a canoe, who, when across, said to him: "Son, we have no money ; bnt, if we could get hold of Hull, we would use his hide for razor strops !" After the family left Lockport, they moved to North Ridgeville, where his father kept public house. At the age of 15, Aaron left home to " paddle his own canoe." He first learned the tanuer's trade, at which he worked three years ; tlien went to New York, where he

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worked as eommon laborer on the eanal ; after- ward returned to this State, where he was mar- ried to Louisa Emmons, who was boru in Hart- ford, Conn .; she was a daughter of Harris Em- mons. After marriage, he located at Elyria, where he purehased 60 aeres of land in the woods, where he remained until 1838, when he located in this township, purchasing 101 aeres, which has sinee been his constant home. He was formerly a Demoerat, but, the question of slavery perplexing him, he could not harmonize it with his eonstruetion of Demoeraey, and has sinee east his lot with the Republicans. Eight children have been the fruits of his marriage ; all grew to maturity. Three of his sons served in the late rebellion-Jackson, in the 100-day serviee ; Columbus and Danford served through the entire struggle, and were true and valiant soldiers. Danford is now an engineer on the Ft. Wayne Railroad ; Wesley, in Michigan ; Jackson, on Kelley's Island ; Columbus died at Washington ; Dama, now Mrs. H. Palmer, of Green Springs ; Rosilla, Mrs. George Swift; La Fayette, a bachelor, and at home.

WARREN ELMER, retired, Lodi ; was born Dee. 3, 1811, in Otsego Co., N. Y., son of Warren and Sarah (Johnson) Elmer. He was born in 1788 in New York, and died about the year 1818, leaving his son without a home. At the age of 14, his first business adventure was to borrow $10 of a friend, which he invested in medieine, and peddled. He eommeneed learning the shoemaker's trade, which, on ae- eount of the loss of an eye, he abandoued. In 1833, at the age of 21, he eame West on the Erie Canal, reaching this township May 12, 1833. Began working out and has worked at 25 eents per day, and paid it out again to post a letter. Taking Mr. Elmer's life through, he has had quite a checkered eareer. July 10, 1836, he was married to Margaret Park, who was born in Green Towuship, Beaver Co., Penn., Nov. 12, 1811, daughter of John and Sarah (Patterson) Park, who came to this State in 1818. Came first to Wayne Co., and then to this eounty in 1830. He died in this eounty in 1864, she in 1876. Soon after Mr. Elmer was married, he moved into the hotel at Lodi. After running this a short time, he moved to the West part of the township and engaged in farming. Then followed teaming for several years. Afterward purehased a farm, which he subsequently traded for a stoek of goods at

Crawford's Corners, remaining here about five years. He then engaged in the show business of the panorama order, which he plied for three years. In 1861, he bought the Myer Hotel, and rau the same until the fall of 1870. Dur- ing this time, he ran a haek and mail line from Wooster to Oleary's ; at the same time carried on a livery stable. Sold out his hotel in 1870, and bought the place where Albert Harris now lives. Kept it but a short time, then sold out and built the house he now oeeupies in Lodi. He has siuee been retired from aetive business. Has been a stirring and bustling personage, sharp and shrewd, keen and quiek sighted in a horse trade, always having an eye to the "main ehanee." As a hotel proprietor, his table was always well furnished, and he was noted as be- ing an exeellent provider, and, whatever the traveler might have to say against Mr. Elmer personally, he could never find fault with his table. Is a member of the Masonie Fraternity aud a Demoerat in sentiment, and has been from Jackson's time, and will ever remain true to those principles. Of seven children born him, but one is now living-Warren, born April 10, 1841. He was married, March 12, 1865, to Virginia M. White, who was born in Westfield Township Dee. 3, 1844. She was a daughter of Earl and Mary Ann (Mallory) White. War- ren has three children-Katie, Maud and Mor- gan.

CHARLES FENSTERMAKER, farmer ; P. O. Lodi. The above-mentioned gentleman was born Aug. 8, 1816, in Bedford Co., Penn., be- ing the second ehild of a family of ten ehildren who were born to his parents, John and Eliza- beth (Smouse) Fenstermaker. Charles emi- grated to Trumbull Co., Ohio, with his parents, when a lad of 8 years. His grandfather's name was Dewald. His wife was from Germany, whose serviees were sold, upon her arrival in this country, to pay her passage money. Charles' youth and early manhood were spent in hard labor. His father settling in the woods, mueh labor was required to prepare the land for eultivation. His father died in 1840, leaving the farm in his eharge. He remained on the same and cared for his mother until Feb. 19, 1846, when he united his fortunes with Deliah Moyer, born in Pennsylvania, daughter of Gabriel and Hannah (Andrews) Moyer, who eame West when she was quite young. Until 1853, Mr. F. has lived in Trumbull (now Mahoning).

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Since that time, he has resided in this town- ship. Has now 196 acres of land, which he has been enabled to attain by laborious appli- cation to his business and the exercise of fru- gal habits. Began with his hands and two shillings, which his father gave him. He worked hard and faithfully several years at low wages, the accumulation of which enabled him to make a purchase of a few acres, which was subsequently augmented by other pur- chases at different times, until he acquired what he now has, and with it the esteem of his neighbors and associates. Seven children have been born to him in the following order, viz. : Melissa (now Mrs. Levi Dague, of Chatham Township), John W. (this township), Gabriel F. (in Homer), Alice (Mrs. Dr. Britton, of Spencer Township), Augusta (Mrs. Joseph Rice, of Chatham), Hannah E. and Elsie May (at home). Is a member of the Reformed Church, his wife enjoying the same relation. In politics, he is liberal, yet adheres mostly to Jeffersonian principles.

JOHN W. FENSTERMAKER, farmer ; P. O. Lodi ; was born in North Jackson Township, Mahoning Co., this State, Jan. 11, 1849 ; son of Charles and Delia Fenstermaker, who are among the highly respected citizens of the county. John was raised to farming ; remained with his parents until he was a free man. Jan. 7, 1873, he was joined by the laws of the com- monwealth to love, cherish and maintain Miss Nancy J. Woods, who was born in this county in 1851, whose parents were William and Catha- rine (Berkey) Woods, both from Pennsylvania. Since his marriage, he has been a resident of the place he now occupies, and is engaged in harassing the soil for his maintenance. He has three children-Myrtie, Maudic and Willie.

HIRAM A. FULLER, farmer ; P. O. Bur- bank ; was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 22, 1830 ; was the second of a family of six children ; three of the number grew to maturity. His parents were Augustus and Eunice Perkins. He was born June 28, 1804, in Bristol, Conn. He was a son of John Fuller. The Fullers and Perkinses are of English descent. Eunice Per- kins was born Feb. 28, 1802, and a daughter of Elias Perkins, whose wife was a Hitchcock. Augustus Fuller emigrated to this State from Connecticut in 1836, and located in Wayne Co. at a place called Jackson, in Canaan Township, where he purchased 80 acres. Here the elder

Fuller resided until his death, which occurred June 28, 1843. His business had been for several years in traveling for the Seth Thomas Clock Company in Connecticut. Hiram was but 12 years of age when his father died ; was then raised by his uncle. After becoming of age, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he worked at some time. Afterward, he was engaged with Howard, Peebles & Company, and traveled for them four years. He then purchased 83 acres of land in Canaan Township, where he lived three years ; then moved to Erie Co. February, 1860, purchased the farm he now owns, situated in the southeast part of Harrisville Township. He was twice married, first Feb. 12, 1857, to Amanda High, born in Springfield, Ohio, in 1833, daughter of John High, whose wife was a Sailor by name. Mr. High is of Wayne Town- ship, Wayne Co., parents of Dutch descent, and from Lancaster Co., Penn. She died Dec. 28, 1869, leaving three children, two boys and one girl-David B., Sarah J., dead, and Frank. Nov. 2, 1872, was married to Mary J. Burns, born in Canaan Township, Wayne Co., Nov. 28, 1843, daughter of Edwin and Martha (McCreary) Burns. Has one child-Myra. He is a mem- ber of the United Brethren Church-wife, of the Presbyterian Church. His father lost his property by bailing, and Hiram began poor. He has now a good farm of 100 acres, and one of the best farm residences in the township, and an excellent farmer.

ELI M. FRARY, farmer ; P. O. Burbank ; son of Orange Wells Frary, who was born in Ver- mont in 1801, in the month of May, and emi- grated West with his father, Elihu, who located in East Union Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, when Orange was 12 years of age. Elihu Frary, hav- ing been a man of business and considerable means, he became embarrassed in Vermont, by bailing the Sheriff, and, having it to pay, sought to better his fortune by migrating Westward. He was a blacksmith by trade. After several years' residence in Wayne Co., he moved to this township, locating in the south part, where he purchased 120 acres. Orange W. was married in 1828, to Jerusha Perkins, who was born in 1803, in New York State ; her father's name was Jo- siah ; the Perkins family are known as early settlers. Orange had learned the stone-cutter's occupation, which he worked at some time, assisting in preparing the stone for the Nor- walk Court House. After his marriage, he lo-

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 135

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