History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 136

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 136

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HARRISVILLE TOWNSHIP.

cated in Huron Co .; lived there four years ; returning to Wayne Co., where he purchased 130 acres "in the woods," where he built him a cabin and began clearing up his land; re- maining here until 1848, when he located on his father's place, now owned by Eli M .; he died Sept. 1. 1852; was a consistent member in the M. E. Church, to which he was much at- tached, and gave the timber for building the first church erected in Burbank. Eli was born in Wayne Co., April 19, 1840, of a family of eleven, ten of whom grew to maturity. Octo- ber, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 120th O. V. I .; was discharged, on account of disability, De- cember, 1864 ; was at the siege of Vicksburg, and other important engagements. April 19, 1868, was wedded to Hattie Spiker, born in Wayne Co., Feb. 24, 1846, daughter of Jonathan and Eliza- beth (Wiler) Spiker, both natives of Pennsyl- vania, and now reside in Wayne Co. Mr. Frary is a member of the United Brethren in Christ ; has been Class-leader for several years.

ARCH T. FEAZEL, farmer; P. O. Lodi; was born in Wayne Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, March 15, 1818. He was the second of a family of twelve children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. His parents were William and Catharine (Clarke) Feazel, of Vir- ginia stock, but, tracing back, are of Scotch and German extraction. William Feazel came West with his father, Barnard, about the year 1809, they locating in Wayne Co., entering land one-half mile north of Wooster, which was composed of a log tavern and one or two cab- ins. At the outbreak of the war of 1812, Will- iam Clarke, who was the grandfather of Arch, on the side of his mother, enlisted, and was made Drum Major, and served in that capacity through the war. Barnard Feazel was also a participant ; he drove a four-horse team ; Arch T. remembers of hearing him speak of hauling off the dead upon his wagon, where they were bur- ied in long trenches. Arch T. made his father's house his home until after he was 30 years of age. During the early part of his life, he was engaged in carpentry. Jan. 24, 1856, he was united by marriage to Clara Hastings, born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1825, and is a daughter of Sidney Hastings, who was born in Massachu- setts, and emigrated West in 1843, locating in Guilford Township, where he purchased land two miles and a half east of Seville ; subse- quently moved to Westfield Township, where

he now lives. Feb. 22, 1872, he celebrated his golden wedding. Mr. Hastings has al- ways been prominently identificd with the Bap- tist Church, officiating as Deacon for many ycars ; he is a strong advocate of the principles of temperance. Mrs. Feazel was for thirteen years a successful teacher. After Mr. Feazel was married, he settled in Wayne Township, Wayne Co., remaining there until 1874, when he moved to this township, locating in Lodi, where they lived until 1879, when he purchased the farm he now owns, situated north of Lodi about one mile and a half, and is composed of 107 acres, and is well improved, and a good body of land. They have two children-Clara J. and Ella L., the latter now Mrs. Dell Rogers. Mr. Feazel is a self-made man, and is affiliated with the Republican party.

A. W. FULLERTON, insurance; P. O. Lodi ; was born March 23, 1834 ; son of John and Julia (Shriver) Fullerton, to whom were born ten children, A. W. being the eighth ; all of them came to maturity ; the first death oc- curred at the age of 32. John was born Sept. 11, 1791, in Franklin Co., Penn., and was mar- ried, Nov. 7, 1820, to the above-mentioned lady, who was born in Washington Co., Md., Nov. 18, 1799. Her father's name was Henry, and was born in Maryland ; his wife was Mary Ann Harbaugh. A. W.'s grandfather's name was John ; he was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to Maryland and settled near Cham- bersburg. John Fullerton, for several years ere he emigrated West, was superintendent of some iron manufactory in Pennsylvania. In May, 1844, the family emigrated West ; located in Milton Township, Wayne Co .; purchased a farm ; he remained until 1857, when he sold out and came to Westfield Township, and en- gaged in farming. April 3, 1866, the family moved to Lodi, where he died the year follow- ing, Dec. 9, 1867. For twenty years previous to his demisc, he was blind, and A. W. being the youngest boy, his duty was at home to care for his parents. In 1860, he began in business for himself, and, for twenty years past, has been engaged with the Ohio Farmers' Insur- ance Company, one of the stanch firms in the West. He is one of their most efficient repre- sentatives. The length of time he has been with the company fully attests the appreciation they have of him. April 12, 1860, he was married to Mary Ann Luce, born in Wayne Co.

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She died Fcb. 5, 1865, aged 24 years and 10 months. Dec. 12, 1872, he was married to Katie Fasig, born Oet. 4, 1841, in Wayne Co., Ohio, daughter of John and Eliza Ann (Rickel) Fasig. Mr. Fullerton is a member of Harrisville Lodge, A., F. & A. M., No. 137.

WILLIAM F. FORD, Pension Clerk ; Wash- ington, D. C .; was born on the Emerald Isle, County Down, June 22, 1833, only son of John A. and Harriet (Hamilton) Ford, who were born March 12, 1778, and Aug. 23, 1790, respectively ; are yet living. April 4, 1851, William set sail from Belfast, and, after a voyage of twenty-six days, he landed on American soil. September, same year, he eame West to Ashland Co., mak- ing this his place of abode until 1855, when he came to Lodi. Up to this time, he was engaged in farming, not being afraid to labor. His hands were never idle. May 17, 1853, he was wedded to Lucinda Merryfield, who was born in Craftsbury, Vt., August, 1823. She died March 16, 1868, and her remains now repose in Lodi Cemetery. By her side lie her two daughters, Ellen A. and Effie E., the latter hav- ing attained 18 years of age at the time of her death. Had been attending Oberlin College, and only lacked two months of graduation. April 18, 1861, he was the first man in Medina Co. to respond to the nation's eall, joining the 8th O. V. I., Co. K, for three months. Before his time expired, he re-enlisted in a regiment, May 26, and served until his discharge, March 2, 1863, which was on account of a wound re- ceived at the battle of Antietam, being shot in the hip with steel ramrod, and for several years after his return home he was unable to walk without the aid of crutches. In 1870, he was appointed as census enumerator, and had charge of five townships. March, 1871, through the influence of his many friends, obtained a situa- tion as Pension Clerk at Washington, D. C., and has since been engaged in that city in the line of his duty, yet regards Medina Co., Har- risville Township, his home, showing his devo- tion to his friends and the town where the ashes of his loved ones sleep, by returning annually to vote, and, unlike the majority of the mass who hail from Erin's Green Isle, he is a true and loyal Republican, and has ever manifested his fidelity to the emblem of his adopted coun- try. He has never recovered from the injuries he received at Antietam, the Government ree- ognizing his disability, having him enrolled

upon their list as a life pensioner, setting apart to his individual use $288 per year. Was for- merly, before receiving his injuries, a man of superior strength and of splendid physique. Free and open in his manner, he is generous and public-spirited ; his frank and manly man- ner has secured him a host of friends and ad- mirers. In social life in Washington, he bears a prominent part. In Masonry, he is promi- nently identified, being officially connected with the Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of that city.

L. M. GRANT, farmer ; P. O. Lodi ; was born in the town of Smithville, Chenango Co., N. Y., July 22, 1810 ; son of Elihu and Amy (Marsh) Grant ; the former being a native of Massachu- setts. while the latter was born in Vermont. The Grant family are of Scotch deseent, and came West in 1831. At the age of 19, Loring began learning the shocmaker's trade, and since 1831, he has been a constant resident of this county. July 4, 1833, he was united in wed- lock to Sallie Rogers, who was born December, 1811, in Smithville, same county and State as her husband, whose parents were James and Betsey (Marsh) Rogers. The fruits of this union are Julius A., now of Eden Co., Mich. ; Francis O., now the wife of George Palmer, and Harriet (Mrs. William Drake). For several years after Mr. Grant came to this county, he was busily engaged at his bench, seeking to clothe the pedal extremities of his neighbors, and administer " lasting " benefits to the " soles " of his fellow-man. For several years past, he has abandoned his bench and "kit," and given his attention to his little farm. While his early school advantages were meager indeed, yet he has since his school-boy days, accustomed himself to continued reading and study, which have resulted in his being among the well-informed citizens of to-day. Has never been eager after this world's goods, being the rather content to have enough, than to " heap up " for others to absorb or squander, and has endeavored in his walk and life, to harmonize his religion with his aets in life, both socially and politically. During the existence of the anti-slavery party, he was in full accord with them, his sympathies being strongly enlisted in favor of the down-trodden race, and never failed to befriend them whenever opportunity afforded, and now that their shaekles have fallen, his farther desire is to see them enjoy their

HARRISVILLE TOWNSHIP.

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rights, such as the Constitution guarantees all its citizens.

ISAAC W. GATES, farming ; P. O. Lodi ; is a native of Medina Co. ; son of Martin and Barbara (Amsbaugh) Gates. Martin was born Aug. 17, 1805, in Washington Co., Penn., and cmigrated West, to Richland Co., when a young man, where he subsequently became the hus- band of Miss Amsbaugh, who was born in Richland Co. After their marriage, they lo- cated in Guilford Township, this county, where he had previously purchased land; here they located in the woods, and from that time for- ward have been constant residents of the town- ship. To them were born five children, among whom was Isaac W., whose birth oceurred July 21, 1842. Farming beiug his father's occupa- tion, Isaac's youth and early manhood were spent at school, and assisting his father in the home duties. At the age of 20, volunteered his serv- ices in defense of his country's flag, enlisting in Co. I, 103d O. V. I., and served from Aug. 11, 1862, until the termination of the war, and was engaged in many of the hard-fought bat- tles of the war; was in the 3d Division, and 23d Army Corps, and accompanied Sherman as far as Atlanta, thence with Gen. Thomas baek to Nashville, to look after Gen. Hood's interests, finally joining Sherman's army at Goldsboro, N. C. During his entire term of service, was only absent from his command one week. Since his return home, has been engaged in farming. January, 1866, he was married to Mary Carlton, who is likewise a native of the county, born in La Fayette Township Aug. 26, 1847, and daugh- ter of William Carlton, one of the prominent citizens and early settlers of that township. Two children, Eva L. and Lula H., are the fruits of their union.

W. B. GAYLORD, wagon-maker, Lodi ; is among the thrifty mechanics of Medina Co., and, since 1852, has been identified with the me- chanical, as well as the general interests of Harrisville Township. He was born July 8, 1827, in Portage Co., Ohio. His father was twice married. William being the second child of a family of four children born to his father's first wife, whose maiden name was Cynthia Bigelow, to whom he was married Jan. 14, 1819. Josiah, the father of William B., was horn in Middletown, Conn., about the year 1795, and made his advent into this State cotempo- raneous with the war of 1812, and was among

those worthy pioneers wliose strong arms and willing hands have leveled the forests and braved the hardships that have seeured to their posterity the improvements of to-day. William was raised to maturity in Portage Co .; re- maincd with the family until he arrived at maturity ; then learned the wagon-maker's trade, and, in 1852, he left the place of his na- tivity and east his lot with the people of Medina Co., locating at Lodi, where he associated in business with H. Selders, of this place, under the firm name of Selders & Gaylord, which part- nership cxisted about five years. Since that time has condueted business on his own aeeount. Oet. 10, 1853, he was wedded to Sarah Ann Gassan, a native of New York, born in 1831, and eame West with her parents about 1832. Have one ehild-Mabel M. Mr. Gaylord's father was an old-line Whig of the stanchest type. His son has always been affiliated with the Republican party, and has served the town- ship as Clerk for fifteen consecutive years ; upon his last election, he declined further serv- iee. Has also served as Judge of Election for many years ; and, since he was old enough to exercise his right of suffrage, has never missed an election.

NELSON HARRIS, merehant, Lodi; is a grandson of Judge Joseph Harris, who settled in this township prior to the war of 1812. Here upon the same ground that his grandfather purchased, was born Nelson Harris, the only child born to Albert and Evira Harris, whose birth occurred Sept. 11, 1831. Nelson was raised to farming, which he followed until 1865, when he turned his attention to mereantile pur- suits, under the firm name of White & Harris ; this partnership existed one year and a half; then M. E. Mihills bought out Mr. White ; then the business was continued on under the firm name of Harris & Mihills, which partnership lasted until 1875, when Mr. Harris bought his interest and carried on the business until April, 1879, when he moved to the place he now occupies, where he keeps a general stock of goods, including millinery. Fcb. 22, 1855, was married to F. E. Jenne, who was born in this county, Litchfield Township, and is a daughter of A. S. Jenne, who was one of the early settlers in the county. By this union he had four children-Joseph W. (who, at his birth, had eleven grandparents), Rachel J., Ada- line and " Bert." Is now serving as one of the

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Directors of the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Com- pany, which position he has filled for several successive years. His farm, which is adjoining the town, he keeps stocked with cattle, and farms successfully. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 137, and, like his father, he is true to the principles which Gen. Jackson advocated.

ALBERT HARRIS, retired farmer ; P. O. Lodi. Prominently identified with the history of this township is the Harris family, whose name it now bears. Albert, whose name heads this sketch and also whose portrait appears in this work, was a son of Judge Joseph Harris, who was born in Middletown, Conn., and emi- grated West to this State in 1801, locating in Randolph Township, Portage Co., where he was married, Dec. 20, 1807. to Rachel Sears, who was born Dec. 22, 1792, in Connecticut. By this union, two children were born-Albert and Elvira. His birth occurred Sept. 20, 1808, and three years afterward moved with his parents to this township, his father having been out the year previous and made the selection and built a house for the reception of the family, which spot is where the town now stands. Here amidst the early and exciting scenes attending the Indian war, Albert Harris was reared. The settlements being far distant from each other, his early associates and playmates were the dusky youths of the red men, who roamed in lawless freedom over these hills and dales. As could be reasonably expected, school privileges were few, and Albert was not schooled within college walls, but received his "rudiments " within the confines of a log cabin, with its rude paraphernalia. At the age of 18, his father's health failing, the carc of the farm devolved upon him. Feb. 15, 1830, he was joined in wedlock to Adeline-DeWitt, who was born in Westminster, Vt. She died Feb. 21, 1873, leaving one child-Nelson. Since Mr. Harris' first arrival in this township, he has been a con- stant resident, and during a residence of nearly seventy years among the varied scenes, from the earliest to the present, he has ever main- tained that uprightness and dignity of manhood that have been characteristic of him as a neigh- bor and valued citizen. Farming has been the business of his life. For several years was en- gaged in stock-trading, buying mostly for East- ern dealers. Oct. 28, 1874, he was married to Mrs. Lovica Parsons, whose maiden name was

Thayer. She was a native of Massachusetts. The Harris family trace their nationality to Wales, whence emigrated three brothers, who settled in Middletown, Hartford and New York, respectively, and it is supposed that from these brothers, have sprung the Harris family.

J. W. HARRIS, clerk, Lodi; is of the fourth generation of the Harris family, beginning with Judge Joseph Harris ; Joseph W. is the son of Nelson, who was the son of Albert, who was the son of Joseph, the pioneer of Harris- ville Township. Joseph W. was born Oct. 1, 1859, in Lodi, and is the eldest of a family of four children born to Nelson Harris. Since at- tending school, he has been clerking in his father's store. June, 1879, he was married to May Loomis, only daughter of T. G. Loomis, one of the prosperous merchants and success- ful farmers in the township. ()ne fact is worthy of especial mention, in connection with this brief sketch; at the time of Joseph's birth he was blessed with eleven living grandparents.

A. A. JOLINE, agent and farmer; P. O. Lodi. The Joline family are of French ex- traction. Henry, the father of Aaron, was born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1797, and em- igrated to this State about the year 1820, locating in Chatham. His father's name was John, and was born in France, and emigrated to the United States not far from the middle of the seventeenth century, finally locating in Princeton, N. J., where Henry, his son, was born. The elder Joline was a minister, grad- uated at Princeton, N. J., and for forty years hold the pastorate of one church-Presbyte- rian-and was an able divine. Henry, the father of Aaron, was a great hunter, and the woods and his gun had a greater fascination for him than the ax or agricultural implements. His wife was Eleanor Parsons, whose family were early settlers. Aaron's mother died when he was quite young, and he was then thrown upon his own resources early iu life, without a friend or advisor. School advantages being of a limited character, working at whatever he could get to do at 25 cents per day, and by the month, he continued on until he obtained means to better his coudition. April 20, 1853, he was joined in wedlock to Elizabeth J. Lewis, who was born in this township Feb. 1, 1835 ; she is a daughter of Elisha and Jane (Huntsman) Lewis. After Mr. Joline was mar- ried they moved to Chatham Township, where

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they lived until 1867, at which time they moved to Black Hawk Co., Iowa, where they lived un- til 1872, then returned to Lodi. Mr. Joline has an excellent stock farm of 320 acres near Waterloo, in Black Hawk Co., all of which is improved, and is uow rented, bringing its owner a good per cent. Mr. J. has also choice property in town, which is snug, neat and at- tractive. He is a member of A., F. & A. M., Harrisville Lodge, No. 137, and is J. W. of said body, and agent for the White Sewing Machine.

JOSEPH W. LINNELL, farmer ; P. O. Lodi ; was born in Hartford Township, Lieking Co., Oct. 14, 1838, the eldest of a family of three children, who were born to Joshua P. and Han- nah B. Sampson. He was born in Lickiug Co., Granville Township, Dee. 11, 1809. His fa- ther's name was Joshua also. He is of the Linnell family who came from Granville, Mass., and located in Licking Co., in the early part of that county's history, mention of whom is made in the " Historical Collections of Ohio." Mrs. Linnell, the mother of Joseph W., was born in Newark, Essex Co., N. J., Feb. 14, 1816. She was a daughter of Benjamin Samp- son, who was from Pennsylvania, and was a hatter by trade ; afterward became a farmer, then settled in the West. He died Dec. 12, 1861. He was born in 1770. His wife (the mother of Mrs. L.) was Abigail Ball before marriage ; she was born in 1775, in New Jer- sey, and married in New York, and to them were born twelve childreu, Mrs. Linnell being the fourth in order of birth ; but six of the number came to maturity. After Joshua P. was married, he settled in Licking Co., where he was born, making this his home until 1842, when he moved to Brunswick, this county. He was a trader, and dealt in patent rights, and was a successful manipulator in this direction. He died in March, 1870, in Pittston, Penn., while on a business trip. Joseph W. was raised at home aud had excellent sehool ad- vantages afforded him, attending the common district school, and, afterward, Heidelberg Col- lege at Tiffin. After leaving school, his time for several years, was spent in seeing the sights and sowing his wild grain. Jan. 18, 1870, he was married to Clare Partridge, who is a native of Licking Co., born in November, 1843, a danghter of David and Laura (Gale) Partridge, who were natives of Vermont. In April, 1872,

Joseph moved to the farm he now owns, sit- uated two miles southeast of Lodi, cousisting of 85 aeres. Three children have been born to him, who are Mary, Mabel and Harry. For a young man, Joseph is mueh interested in polit- ical matters, and would think more highly of a man that would vote the Democratic tieket than one who was of his own political faith, and would not exercise his right of suffrage ! Has served the township as Trustee for two years, and is enterprising and thorough in his business transactions.

TIMOTHY G. LOOMIS, merchant. One of the prominent and influential eitizens of Har- risville Township was born in La Fayette Township, Medina Co., Jan. 28, 1834. He was the child of Milo and Lucy Ann (Greenly) Loomis. His father was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., in November, 1802. He emigrated West with his family in 1833, loeating in La Fayette Town- ship, Medina Co. At a later date, he removed into the Harrisville settlemeut, and located per- manently. In common with nearly all of the other settlers, his store of earthly goods was rather limited. At the age of 13, young Tim- othy, the subject of this sketeh, after having been given an education such as the settlement afforded, was indentured out, and, after serving a term of three years as clerk in the village store, he hired out to others, and gathered expe- rience and showed business tactics. At the age of 21, he commenced business on his own re- sponsibility, at Homer, having Mr. H. Ainsworth as a special partner. He remained in Homer two years, and then returned to Lodi, entering into the business firm of Mr. Ainsworth, and became one of its regular partners. This lasted for two years, and then, he, in the fall of 1856, embarked in a business venture of his own in Lodi, continuing in it until the present day. His portrait will be found in another part of this work. On March 27, 1855, Mr. Loomis was married to Susan Richards, who was born March 25, 1836, in Connecticut, and is a daughter of Chauneey and Susan (Root) Richards. Of this union there were two ehil- dren, May C., now Mrs. J. W. Harris ; and Milo R., who died at the age of 13 years. Mr. Loomis and his wife are members, in full con- nection, of the Congregational Church of Lodi. He is also a member of the Masonic Order, be- longing to Harrisville Lodge of F. & A. M. In the fall of 1861, he enlisted in Co. G, 42d

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O. V. I. (Garfield's regiment) as private. He was soon elected First Lieutenant, and served until July, 1862, when, on account of failing health, he returned to his home in Lodi. Two brothers, Aaron M. and Finney R., served in the Union armies from the beginning of the war until its close. Another brother is now Judge of Common Pleas, of Cook Co., Ill. Although Mr. Loomis has most of his life-time been engaged in commercial pursuits, his ineli- nations arc decidedly for farming. He owns one of the finest farms in Medina Co., being lo- eated a mile west of Lodi, and embracing 375 acres of fertile land. He was the first to intro- duce short-horn cattle in Harrisville Township. The Loomis family traces its ancestors back to Joseph Loomis, who came over with the Pilgrim Fathers in the Mayflower. He has at all times been prominently identified with all eduea- tional, religious and social movements, and has always taken an energetic hand to promote the welfare of the community and the eounty.

MOSES A. MIHILLS, farmer and stoek- raiser ; P. O. Lodi ; is among the worthy young farmers and representative stoekmen in this township ; was born Sept. 29, 1846 ; a son of William L. and Caroline (Frost) Mihills ; he was born in Canada Nov. 15, 1816 ; son of Moses, to whom were born a family of ten children-William L., Washington, Norris, Uriah, Darius, Sylvester, Charlotte, Mary E., Alice and Amanda. To Aaron Frost were born Caroline, Harriet, Matilda, William, John ; by Mr. Frost's second marriage were born Aaron, Rosetta, Charlotte and Sarah. William L., the father of our subject, came West in 1839; first located in Chatham, where he lived until 1847, when he purehascd 50 acres in this township, where Moses now lives. To him were born four children-Meriek A., now a manufacturer at Painesville ; Merib A., in Ashtabula Co., the wife of William Main; Lee K., now in Os- borne Co., Kan., an attorney at law. Moses A. was reared to farming, and has always re- mained on the farm. Nov. 29, 1866, married Elizabeth Brinker, born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., Jan. 17, 1844 ; daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Poorman) Brinker ; her father's name was Jacob Poorman, to whom were born Leonard, Jacob, Elizabeth, Catharine, Marga- ret and George. To Jacob Brinker were born George, Catharine, Henry, Mary, Elizabeth R., Abram, Sarah C., John S .; all living but

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 136

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