History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 137

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 137

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Abram and Sarah. The family came West in 1856, locating in Chatham Township. Jacob Brinker was killed in July, 1876, being 67 years old. His wife now resides in Ashland Co. with her children. Since Mr. Mihills' marriage, he has been a resident of the farm ; has 161 acres of land. Since 1875, has been engaged in breeding and raising high-grade and thorough- bred short-horns and Berkshire swinc. His cattle are known as the Woodland herd, and he is doing what he can to encourage the intro- duction and growth of fine stock in his town- ship and county. Mr. Mihills' brother Mcrick was a Lieutenant in the 178th O. V. I., and served through the greater part of the war. Mr. Mihills is enterprising, and deserving of success. He has two children-Ida M., born July 9, 1869, and Lyman U., born Sept. 13, 1872. Mr. M. is a Republican and a worthy citizen of the township.

PERRY MUNSON, farmer ; P. O. Lodi ; was born on the farm he now owns May 4, 1830. His grandfather, Timothy Munson, emi- grated West with his family prior to the Indian war, and subsequently located in this township upon a traet of land now owned by E. C. Loomis. His first place of stopping was at Wooster, where he remained one season only, then made his final settlement in Harrisville Township. Perry was a son of Samuel R. and Maria (Stoekwell) Munson. Samuel was born at the close of the last century, in Vermont, and emigrated with his parents when a youth to Wayne Co. He was married to Maria S. Sept. 10, 1820, and soon after made the settle- ment where Perry now resides, and was one of the pioncers of the neighborhood. He died Nov. 9, 1842, aged 43 years ; his wife Jan. 14, 1879. Timothy Munson died Aug. 25, 1845, aged 78 years ; his wife, Abigail, May 5, 1828, aged 61 years. Perry was married, at the age of 25, to Rebecca Dawson ; she died in 1856, leaving one child-Henry D. Mareh 4, 1850, he was married to his present wife, whose maiden name was Emily Rogers, born Mareh 17, 1835, in this township; daughter of Perez and Polly (Phelps) Rogers, who was born in New York Aug. 24, 1800, she in Jefferson Co., saine State, Jan. 22, 1811, and came West at the age of 25; to them were born four ehil- dren ; Perez died Sept. 1, 1838. Mrs. Rogers' mother's name prior to her marriage was Cynthia Lee, who married Roger Phelps, the

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grandfather of Mrs. Perry Muuson. But three of Perry's brothers and sisters now survive- Polly, now Mrs. John Poe, of California ; Eliz- abeth, now Mrs. E. Chapman, of Wisconsin, and Lucy, Mrs. E. F. Miner, of Homer Town- ship. Mr. Munson has four children, viz., De Witt, Herman C., Vernon and Altha J.

S. C. MUNSON, stock-raiser and farmer ; was born March 24, 1825, in Wayne Co., Ohio, the third child of a family of seven ehildren, born to Henry and Mary (Cutler) Munson. The Munsons are of English stoek, and were among the early settlers in Connecticut. Isaae Mun- son, the grandfather of our subject, was a sol- dier under Gen. Washington, during the Revo- lutionary war, entering the ranks at the age of 15. Henry Munson was born in 1796, and came West to Wayne Co., in 1816, and was married, May 15, 1821, to Miss Cutler, and for nearly fifty years lived happily together, and raised a family, who have done honor to their parentage. He passed to his rest Dec. 1, 1861 ; his wife survived him until May 4, 1872. Samuel did not leave home until 23 years of age, March 16, 1848, when he was married to Jane Hughes, born in Wayne Co., Franklin Township, May 20, 1826, daughter of John and Jane (Fleuiken) Hughes ; he was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Mareh 13, 1785 ; she was born in Greene Co., Penn., and came West with her husband in 1816, loeating in Wayne Co., Ohio. The Hughes are descendants from the Emerald Isle, and, like the Muusou family, were among the early settlers iu Wayne Co. John Hughes settled in Franklin and was for some leugth of time Justice of the Peace ; he died April, 1861. For three years after Mr. Munson was married, he lived on his father's farm; sinee 1851, he has been a resident of this township, and is en- gaged in farming and stock-raising, sheep be- ing the kind he deals in most, and is suecess- ful as sueh, as well as his general farming ; he has 500 acres of land, which compares favora- bly with any in the township. Of seven ehil- dren born him, but six are living-Maria, Sophronia, Emma, Ezra, Cephas and Matie. Democratic in sentiment, yet not a partisan, he has always been independent of sects and de- nominations, and, though not at war with them, yet prefers to be unbiased and untrammeled by any strictures as sueh might impose. His aim has been to assist and co-operate with all meas- nres that conduce to the public good, honestly

and fearlessly laboriug to promote good morals and encourage fallen humanity. His benevo- lence and generosity are eommensurate with his means, and he is among the stanch eitizens of the county.

ALEXANDER MAIN, farmer ; P. O. Lodi ; is a native of Scotland, born May 13, 1807. His parents were William and Margaret (Reed) Main, to whom were born thirteen ehildren, seven boys and six girls. Alexander was raised to farming, and lived at home until he was 18 years of age, when he deeided to learn the stone- mason's trade. At the age of 20, he was mar- ried to Elizabeth Wilson, who was born July 22, 1809, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Richie) Wilson. In 1835, Mr. and Mrs. Main bade old Scotland good-bye, and embarked for America to cast their lots with the Western pioneers, arriviug in July. They came to Me- dina Co., and located in Chatham Township, where he purchased 100 acres of land for $350. No improvement had been made ; " not a stick was amiss." They ereeted a rough log eabin, 12x12 feet ; parlor, kitchen, hall, dining-room and up stairs were all embraced in one. With some poles aud an auger a bed was eonstrueted, and some pegs inserted into bloeks, afforded them chairs, and, with a few dishes they had brought with them from Seotland, they managed to make a showing of furniture, which, simple as it was, enabled them to make a commencement. They visited their neighbors, though distant, guided by the " blazed " trees. He subsequently added to his original purchase 75 aeres, making 175 in all. In 1870, he sold 100 aeres at $50 per aere, and the remaining at $35, and moved to Medina, pureliasing 30 acres within the eor- poration. Disposing of it in 1873, he moved to Harrisville ; located on a small place three- quarters of a mile north of Lodi, where he and wife are enjoying the evening of their life in quiet and happiness. Of eight children born them, six are living-William, now of Ashtabula ; John, in Down ; Henry, traveling ; Elizabetlı, Mrs. George Coy, of Westfield ; Mary, Mrs. Alonzo Hyatt, and Margaret Ann, at home.

EDWARD MINNS, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Lodi. Foremost in the ranks of self- made men, who have arisen from poverty to plenty, is Edward Minns, who is a native of England, born in Norfolk Feb. 9, 1818, whose parents were David and Margaret (Dunt) Minns, all of whom emigrated to this State in

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1836, locating in what was then Lorain Co., since Ashland. Edward's father was a man of limited means. He purchased, however, 23 acres of land, which he was unable to pay for, whieh Edward, from savings accumulated by day's work, applied to the discharge of the debt, and saved the home for his parents in their declining years. Edward remained with his parents and assisted in their maintenance until he was 25 years of age. Dec. 10, 1845, he sought the hand of Rachel Norton in mar- riage, who was horn in Yorkshire, Eng., Jan. 1, 1819. Her parents were Richard and Sarah (Richardson) Norton. Six children have crowned this nnion, viz. : Margaret (now Mrs. Frank Richardson), Russell (who is now farm- ing in this township), Sarah P. ( Mrs. H. Wag- goner), Emeline and Cecelia ; Nelson died in infancy. Mr. Minn's association with this township hegan in the year 1841, when he worked the Timothy Burr farm (where he now resides ) on shares for two years. He then moved to Chatham Township, where he had purehased 120 acres of nnimproved land at $6.50 per acre. Building a log eahin and harn, he lived on this place two years, then moved across the line into this township, where he had purchased 100 acres at $17.50 per acre. Upon this farm he remained until his removal to his present farm, in 1861, consisting of abont 362 acres, costing him nearly $9,000. He has since deeded to Russell his farm in the north part of the township, and now gives his atten- tion to his home farm, where he combines stock-raising with his farming, shcep heing the kind he deals most in. From a poor boy, work- ing at low wages, making his eommencement by day lahor, cutting and splitting rails at 50 cents per hundred, working for snch wages he could obtain, making it a rule, if he could not get his price, he would accept such as was offered him, rather than remain idle. He has at length, by these means and the exercise of rigid economy, risen to his present position. Is an Episcopalian, receiving his confirmation before leaving England.

RUSSELL E. MINNS, farmer ; P. O. Lodi ; is a yonug and enterprising farmer of this township, who was born March 7, 1850, in Township ; is the second ehild and only son born to Edward Minns, one of the self-made men of Medina Co. Edward was raised upon the farm, having received common and select

school advantages. Oetoher, 1871, formed a matrimonial alliance with Helen F. Brown, who was horn in Cleveland Oct. 29, 1850. She is a daughter of John C. and Orpha (Richards) Brown. He was horn in the Empire State in 1829 ; she in Connecticut in 1830. In 1872, Russell located on the farm he now owns, sitnat- ed in the north part of the township, and con- tains 95 acres, which is high, arable land. Fonr children have been horn to him, three girls and one son, whose names are Loua E., Eva L., Orpha R. and Edward R. Mr. Minns and wife are both members of the Congre- gational Church, and, like his paternal ancestor, is a good Republican.

SAMUEL NORTON, farming ; P. O. Lodi ; was born Dec. 17, 1825, in Yorkshire, England ; horn of a family of nine children, he heing the seventh, eight of the number lived to he grown. His parents were Richard and Sarah (Richard- son Norton. He was horn July 24, 1784 ; she Nov. 5, 1787. Their nuptials were celebrated Dee. 17, 1806. Emigrated to this township from England Jnne, 1832, making his selection on the spot where Samnel now lives, where he purchased 49 aeres, there being hut 5 aeres cleared. Erecting a rough cahin, he moved into the same ere it was graced with either doors or windows. Upon this plat of land he spent the remainder of his life, passing over . May 12, 1860. His wife joined him Junc the year following. Samnel always has lived upon the home place. In 1860, Jan. 6, he was mar- ried to Mary Jane Berge, who was born Feb- ruary, 1842, in Sullivan Township, Ashland Co., Ohio. She is a danghter of Jacoh and Mary Ann Minns. He was born Jan. 31, 1814, in Germany, and came to this State in 1832. She was born April 15, 1815, in En- gland, and, arriving in this State, located with her parents in North Amherst, Lorain Co. Mrs. Norton was the eldest of a family of five children, three girls and two boys. To Mr. and Mrs. Norton have been born five ehildren, three of whom are living, viz., Sarah J., Clara E. and Eva M. George L. died aged 14 months, and Clarenee S., aged 5 months. Mr. Norton has a farm of 120 aeres of land. His father was a memher of the old-line Whig party. Since the dissolution of that party, Samnel has been affili- ated with the Republican element.

G. S. PALMER, farmer; P. O. Bnrbank. This branch of the Palmer family originated

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from England. Three brothers emigrated to America several years prior to the Revolution, one locatiug in Dutchess Co., N. Y., the other in Connecticut, and were associated with those stirring and eventful scenes which occurred in the Colonial period. One Gabriel Palmer served seven years under Gen. Washington. He was the grandfather of Sherwood Palmer, who is the father of our subject, and who was born in Warren Co., N. Y., May 23, 1811; he was a son of Hanmer, a native of New York, who emigrated West in 1816; landed at what is now Akron, but was then Portage Co., Nov. 18, the family arriving the year following ; re- mained there during the winter, and came to Westfield Township April 3, the ensuing year, where he purchased 340 acres of Thorndyke, remaining here until 1845, when he moved south into Jackson Township, Wayne Co., where he lived ten years, then returned to this county, and died at his son Sherwood's home, in Harrisville Township in 1871, being in his 93d year. His wife was a Lewis, who died as early as 1840. The Lewises are of Quaker stock. Her father, or grandfather, An- drew, was one of three who were captured by the Indians and taken across the line to Que- bec. He was a millwright, and was engaged at his vocation when taken; the object of his captors was, probably, the hope of a ransom ; after three months' captivity, he escaped from them, and for some time afterward kept him- self and family secreted in a cellar, where his eldest son was born. Sherwood Palmer, the father of our subject, was the second of a fam- ily of six children, he being now the sole sur- vivor. When he came with his father into Westfield, they had to cut their way through, the country being an unbroken forest. His early life was during the days when labor was severe, and compensation low. He worked some time on the public works and cutting and clearing timber, receiving therefor 37} cents per day to $12.50 per month. Was mar- ried March 26, 1833, to Rebccea Reynolds, born in Hillsboro Co., N. H., May 23, 1808. She was a daughter of Joseph and Rebceca (Jaqueth) Reynolds. Since 1833, he has been a constant resident of Harrisville Township, having 96 acres situated in the southeast part of the township. To him have been born seven children ; all grew to manhood and woman hood; they are George S., Louisa, Mrs. G. S.

Winston; Charles H., Milton A., Elizabeth (deceased) and Harriet; Alfred H. died at the age of 22. Mrs. Palmer died Feb. 2, 1877; since her death his daughter Harriet keeps house for him. Mr. Palmer, the father of G. S., is a devoted member of the Masonic Frater- nity, as was his father, who was a Royal Arch Mason. Mr. Palmer has always been a stanch Democrat. Sent two sons to the late war- Milton A., who served three years in Co. K, 16th O. V. I., and George S., who was in the 66th O. N. G., who was born on the farm where he now lives, Nov. 18, 1836. Was married Jan. 5, 1859, to Sevilla Mohler, born in Wayne Co., Ohio, 1838; daughter of John and Susan Mohler ; four children have been born to him ; but two are living-Charles and Jennie L. G. S. is now serving as Township Trustee for third term. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. His farm, consisting of 72 acres, is situated adjoining Westfield Township.

ROBERT PARK, farmer ; P. O. Lodi; was born July 6, 1808, in Beaver Co., Penn. His parents were David and Margaret (Patterson) Park, who were of Irish and English deseent. John was a lad of 13 years when his parents came to this State, first stopping in Chester Township, Wayne Co., about two years, then moved to Congress Township. Robert left home before he was of age. His father was a cripple, and had bought land, and was unable to pay for it, which debt Robert took upon him- self to liquidate. Robert first went to work on the Ohio Canal, where he worked until the same was completed, and rode into Cleveland on the first boat. He then went to Pennsylvania and worked on the eanal running from Pittsburgh to Johnstown; remaining here until it was completed, he returned home and paid off his father's indebtedness. He then went to Homer Township, where he purchased 237 acres of land, at $1.37} per acre, giving his horse, sad- dle and bridle in payment, and the balance to stand in yearly payments of $100 each. At this time there was but one other house in the township. Shortly after, he purchased 200 acres more, at $2 per acre. Building him a cabin on his first purchase, he kept bachelor's hall for a time, which, becoming severely mo- notonous, he wooed and won the hand of Jane Machan. Their nuptials were duly eelcbrated Oct. 28, 1835. She was a native of Beaver Co., Penn .; she was a daughter of Robert and

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Hester (Carlin) Machan. After his marriage, he located in this township, where he now re- sides, where he had purchased 240 acres ; but a small portion of the same was cleared. Of ten children born unto him, but four are living, viz., David, Robert (in this township), Joseph (in Wayne Co.) and Matilda (now Mrs. E. J. Moore, of Michigan). Mr. Park, in his young days, was an officer in the Light-horse Cavalry. His father served in the war of 1812; died in 1848, aged 62. When Mr. Park first came to Wayne Co., it was fifteen miles to Ashland from his father's house, but one house between the two places, and that eourse was only traced by blazed trees. He has always been a loyal and true Democrat, and whose faith has ever been that a change in the administration is yet to occur. He cast his first vote for Jackson, and yet expects to live to see a Democratic execu- tive officer in the White House. Twelve years ago, he was stricken with the palsy, and is now, in a great degree, helpless, but his mind is yet active, and he is a great reader, and a liberal patron of the public journals.

HAIL A. PRENTICE, farmer ; P. O. Lodi; was born in Lodi, March, 1848 ; son of W. W. and P. A. (Morgan) Prentice. When Hail was about the age of 20, his father died, and the care of the homestead farm devolved upon him. He was subsequently married to Lucy Haskins, whose parents were Samuel and Louisa (Kench) Haskins. He was a native of Canada, and finally located at Cleveland, where Lucy was born, May 14, 1856. Her father died when she was very young, and she knew but little of his family. Her mother was born in London ; she is now the wife of W. W. Griffen, of this town- ship. Sinee the marriage of our subjeet, he has been a resident of the old Prentice estate, which was settled by his grandfather. He is a young man of temperate and industrious habits and bids fair to become one of the township's prominent farmers.

CHESTER PROUTY, farmer ; P. O. Lodi ; was born Sept. 28, 1836, in La Fayette Town- ship ; the eldest son of W. D. Prouty, to whom were born two children. Feb. 3, 1859, Chester was married to Jane M. Logan, born Aug. 31, 1837, in Montville Township. She is a daugh- ter of Robert and Jennett (Conning) Logan, who were natives of Glasgow, Scotland, who emigrated to this country about the year 1835, and located in Montville Township. To them

were born seven children, five boys and two girls. Four of the boys volunteered in the late war. Mrs. Prouty's parents are both dead ; her mother died in August, 1848 ; her father several years afterward. After Chester's mar- riage, he located in La Fayette Township ; in 1869, he moved on the farm he now occupies. Mrs. Prouty's parents were members of the " Seceders." Mr. P. and wife are identified with the M. E. Church, being consistent mem- bers of the same.

M. L. PANCOAST, farmer and mechanic ; P. O. Burbank; is a native of the Keystone State, born Feb. 26, 1810, in Union County. His parents were William and Vashti (Cooper) Pancoast, who emigrated to this State in a wagon, when Mr. L. was a lad of 4 summers. There were seven children born to them, our subject being the fifth in order of birth. Upon the family's arrival, they located in Wayne County, near Wooster, upon 160 acres of land, which he had purchased previous to his arrival. There being no house for their reception, they lived in their four-horse wagon until they could provide themselves with a suitable domicile. They drove out with them a cow, which, soon after their coming, got ehoked to death, and her ealf, of premature birth, was skinned, and the family Bible was covered with the same, which is now held in the family as a valued heirloom. His father was a splendid mechanic, and manufactured augers and gimlets, and had no superior in this direction. Mr. L., early in life, turned his attention to the anvil and forge, and though equal to his paternal aneestor iu general work, in the manufacture of tools, he could never come up to his standard. In 1847, he was married to Mary Cook, who was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., 1811, daugh- ter of Samuel and Mary (MeFarland) Cook, both of whom were from Maryland. After Mr. Pancoast was married he lived eight years in Meigs County, where he carried on a large shop, running four hands. Subsequently moved to this township, where he has been a resident about thirty-four years. Has a snug farm, and, for the last twelve years, has aban- doned his trade and attended only to his place. Began poor, made a good start, but parties owing him took the benefit of the bank- rupt law, and he lost nearly all he had ; went to work again with renewed vigor ; he soon re- trieved his loss, and afterward became fore-

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handed, and has a good home and plenty for his maintenance. Of seven children born him, five are living-Elizabeth, Mrs. Lewis Frank, of Michigan ; Mary Jane, Mrs. John Hellman; Samuel ; William ; and Drucilla, Mrs. H. Snyder. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, has been identified with that church for many years, and has always been found in Republican ranks.

W. W. PRENTICE, deceased, Lodi; was born in the Empire State April 20, 1813, son of John P. Prentice, of Yankee birth and par- entage. He emigrated to this county about the year 1829, locating in the north part of Harrisville Township, where he purchased 100 acres of land, then densely covered with heavy growth of timber. Here, upon this farm, Mr. Prentice spent his early manhood, and was schooled in a log cabin, and was thus educated to discharge the duties which afterward de- volved upon him. Jan. 18, 1843, he was united in matrimony to Miss P. A. Morgan, who was born in Litchfield Co., Conn .; was a daughter of Elijah and Polly (Strong) Morgan, who came West, locating in this township about the year 1830. After Mr. Prentice's marriage, they lo- cated in Lodi. He was a carpenter, aud fol- lowed this vocation for several years. Subse- quently, was elected Justice of the Peace, in which position he served the people acceptably, who honored him by repeated re-elections. During his first terms of service, before render- ing his decision in case of doubt, would defer giving it until he could consult good authority. His mature judgment and ripe experience, com- bined with his strict integrity in business affairs, being recognized, secured for him quite an amount of business as administrator in settling estates. For sixteen consecutive years, he meted out justice to his constituents, and died in the discharge of his duty. He was, for sev- eral years, President of the Bank at Lodi, and, though not a member of any orthodox church, yet endeavored to act upon the square with all mankind, guided by the principles of morality and virtue; was a member of the Masonic Fra- ternity, and aimed to be governed by its pre- cepts. May 26, 1868, he was called from his labors on earth, and his remains now repose in Lodi cemetery, where a suitable monument was erected by loving hands, to perpetuate his memory as a worthy citizen, kind husband, and an affectionate father. His wife and four chil- dren survive him-Hail, who resides on the

Prentice farm ; Florence, now Mrs. H. Prouty, of La Fayette Township; Wade and Elsie, at home. Mrs. Prentice is a member of the M. E. Church, and is yet a resident of the town. Her mother died March, 1876, her father about the year 1848.

WILLIAM D. PROUTY, retired farmer ; P. O. Lodi. Is a native of Vermont, born in Wiudham Co, May 23, 1813. His father, Stephen, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, enlisting in the service at the age of 16, and served in that struggle for five years. He was afterward married to Udith Devol, by whom he had eight children, William D. being the youngest of the number. The family emigrated to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in the year 1826, when William was a lad of 13. In the spring of 1833, William came West, having 75 cents in money upon his arrival. He worked by the month for his brother some time, and after- ward worked by the day at 50 cents, and did job work wherever it was to be had. He finally purchased 135 acres of unimproved land in La Fayette Township, at $4 per acre, paying $100 down. No improvements had been made, it was all woods, being at this time, but nine voters in the township. Erecting a rude log cabin. he began clearing up the timber for the reception of a crop. He marketed his wheat at Cleveland, at 3 shillings per bushel, pork being then sold for $1.50 per hundred, other products proportionately low. Such articles as they re- quired for home consumption, were purchased at high rates. Dec. 17, 1835, he was wedded to Lydia D. Foster, who was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Nov. 6, 1815, daughter of Albrough Fos- ter. To Mr. Prouty have been born two chil- dren, viz .: Chester, who now occupies the home farm, and Luther, of Chatham Township. Dis- posing of the greater portion of his land to the infirmary, he came to this township in 1835, locating where Chester now resides, living on the same until May, 1879, when he left his farm and moved to Lodi to spend the remainder of his days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his labor in quiet and retirement, enjoying the esteem of the citizens with whom he has been associated and identified for nearly one- half a century. Though a Democrat in principle, yet has never been ultra in his opinions, having always been contented to abide by the decision rendered by the masses, and to cheer- fully conform to the " powers that be."

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 137

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