History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 138

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 138

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

878

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

GEORGE REPP, farmer; P. O. Lodi ; born Jan. 10, 1819, in Schuylkill Co., Penn .; born of a family of ten children, whose parents were Solomon and Eve (Delcamp) Repp. George is the eldest living male representative of the Repp family. He was 10 years of age when he emi- grated West with his parents, who located in this township, near the place where George now resides, where his father purchased 438 aeres ; but a very small portion was cleared at that time of his settlement. George continued his residence with the family until he was 26 years of age. About this time, he was married to Mary Kime, who was born in the same eounty and State. She died, leaving to his eare three children-Josiah, Emeline and Polly Ann, now the wife of William Harvic. His present wife was Mrs. Sarah Kime. To them have been born three children, William and Iverna V. and Idena V. who are twins. . Mr. Repp is among the well-to-do farmers of the township, having 270 acres of land. He is a member of the United Brethren ; his wife of the Evangelical.

FRANK RICHARDSON, farmer; P. O. Lodi; is a native of Lorain Co., Ohio, born Aug. 10, 1835. His parents were William E. and Mary (Dalton) Richardson; both were born in England, and emigrating to America in about 1830, locating in Grafton Township, where they lived until their deaths. He died 1868 ; she 1874, in March. Frank's father was a farmer, who raised his son to this vocation. At the age 19 he began the carpenter's trade, which he has followed since. In 1868, he turned his attention to farming, which he is now pursuing. In 1862, he volunteered and was assigned to Co. B, 42d O. V. I .; served about four months, and was discharged on ac- count of impaired health. Feb. 8, 1866, he be- came the husband of Margaret Minns, born 1845, in this township. She is a daughter of Edward Minns, one of the prominent farmers in the township. His children are Libbie, Charley, Cora and Bina. Since his mar- riage, he has been a resident of the township. His farm, situated north of Lodi one-half mile, consists of 784 acres. He is a member of the Republican party, and of the Masonie Frater- nity Harrisville Lodge, No. 137.

J. C. RITCHEY, farmer ; P. O. Lodi; is a son of John and Sarah (Norton) Ritchey. John Ritchey was born May 21, 1815, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was united by marriage

to Sarah Norton, who was born in Yorkshire, Eng., April 21, 1814. To them were born three ehildren, whose names are Julia, who is now the wife of George Nelson, of Chatham ; Flora, wife of S. W. DeWitt, of Harrisville, and John C., who was born in this township Aug. 12, 1846. His father died July 21, the same year of John's birth, hence they never saw each other. John's father made his first place of settlement in the southeastern part of the township, on the farm now owned by Joe Linnell, where he was for some time engaged in running a woolen factory, the first enterprise of the kind run in the township ; farther notice will be made of the same in the history of the township. John's mother was afterward married to Andrew Gil- ley, and with them our subject lived until he attained the age of 25. June 12, 1872, he was married to Arabella Rogers, born in La Fayette Township April 23, 1847, daughter of Isaac and Isabella (Chapman) Rogers; she was the eldest of a family of five children. Since the marriage of this couple they have resided on the farm he now owns, consisting of 80 acres on Lot 94, one mile and a half southwest of Lodi. Milo M. and Minnie M. are the names of the children born to them.

JESSE RICHEY, deceased. The above- mentioned personage, who now lies slum- bering in the grave, was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., Jan. 7, 1794 ; he was a son of John Richey, who emigrated West to Ohio, and set- tled near Wooster. Jesse Richey was twice married ; to the second wife, May 1, 1834, to Eliza George, who was born Dec. 12, 1812, in Columbiana Co., Ohio ; she was a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Arm- strong) George. The George family are of Irish stock. The day following the marriage of Mr. Richey, he moved into this county, pur- chasing 128 aeres of land in the southeast part of Harrisville Township-this land was entirely covered at that time with heavy growth of timber, which he cleared up; he died at his home Sept 1, 1847, was a member of the Pres- byterian Churcli, and a zealous worker in the same, and onc of the worthy members of society at large. To him were born four children by his second marriage, viz .: Sarah, now deceased, was the wife of W. B. Chapman, of La Fayette Township, died March 6, 1868 ; Andrew died Oct. 28, 1854, aged 16 years. Elizabeth, born in 1840, March 6, and Maria, wife of Adam

879

HARRISVILLE TOWNSHIP.

Shilling, of Wayne Co .; she was born Feb. 1, 1845. The family are all members of the M. E. Church. Elizabeth was married in July, 1861, to James Young, who was born in Penn- sylvania Jan. 23, 1830. After marriage they moved to Burbank, where he engaged in busi- ness ; he was among the number who offered up his life upon the altar of his eountry ; he was a member of Company F, 76th O. V. I .; he was killed at the battle of Vieksburg. Sinee his death Mrs. Young has resided with her mother, who yet oeeupies the homestead.

S. B. ROGERS, farmer; P. O. Lodi; was born in this township Sept. 4, 1828, the fifth child and third son of his parents, Isaae and Anna (Brainard) Rogers, who were among the pioneer settlers of this township; he died March 20, 1860 ; she in the year 1846. Sher- man left home at the age of 22, having $45; he applied it toward the payment on twenty aeres of land. August, 1850, he was married to Par- melia Dean, who was a native of this township, whose parents were David and Sophia (Brown) Dean. After his marriage he located in La Fayette Township, where he had made his pur- ehase, afterward adding to it 50 aeres, then 47; subsequently moved into this township, where he purchased one-half interest in the farm he now owns; has now 275 aeres; has one ehild, Wilbert W., born 1857, who is now settled on the farm, and married Jennie Gilbert. Mr. Rogers has devoted his life to agricultural pur- suits ; has always been a substantial member of the community ; October, 1880, was elected to the office of County Commissioner by a flatter- ing majority ; has always affiliated with the Republican party, and has ever been found loyal and true to the principles that party es- pouses.

ISAAC ROGERS, bakery, Lodi; 1825, July 25, was one of the most important eras in the history of Mr. Rogers' life, as upon that day he first began his observations on the farm his father located upon, which was situated near Lodi. His father was born in Connectieut ; his name was Isaae, and he was married to Anna Brainard, to whom were born eleven ehildren, Isaac being the third. The Rogers family came to this township in 1817; when Isaae, Sr., arrived, he had 50 eents in money and his ax, which he had bought on credit; he, however, sueeeeded in securing 75 aeres of land, which he settled upon. Indians still oeeupied and traversed

these woods ; bears, wolves and wild game were in great abundance. Isaae well remembers see- ing his father stand in his eabin door and shoot deer and other wild game as they passed through the woods in front of their premises. Isaae remembers at one time, when going to sehool with his sisters, of meeting a bear with two eubs in the woods, the eubs playing about them, while the mother stood upon her haunches a short distance away, watching with evident satisfaction the anties of her offspring; the children, being frightened, hied themselves away, but not molesting the eubs they were not pursued. Oetober, 1845, he was married to Isabela Chambers, born in Milton Township, Wayne Co., 1821, daughter of John Chambers, a native of Pennsylvania. After Isaae was married, he settled in La Fayette Township, where he engaged in farming, which business he has followed continuously until 1868, when he left his farm and moved to Lodi, where he has been engaged in milling and running buteher-shops ; more recently has been carry- ing on a bakery and groeery store ; has five ehildren-Arabela, Mrs. John Riehey ; Ursula, Arthur, William and Cora (Mrs. Lee Ellis).

MRS. ELIZABETH ROGERS, farming ; P. O. Lodi ; was born in Germany Dee. 19, 1831 ; daughter of Franeis and Catherine (Hanour) Moore, who emigrated to this State when Eliza- beth was a babe, loeating in Stark Co. Her father died when she was less than two years old ; her mother afterward was married to John P. Musser, and with them she lived until her marriage to Joseph O. Rogers, who was born in this township ; son of David Rogers. After their marriage, they located in the northeast part of the township, on the Medina road, upon a piece of land given him by his father, where they resided about thirteen years ; then moving to Harris Township, Ottawa Co., near Toledo ; here he had purchased a good farm, where they lived until 1877. He died Jan. 10, same year ; had purchased the Baker farm, where Mrs. Rogers now lives, in 1876, and purposed mov- ing there soon, thinking the ehange would be beneficial to his health, but death had marked him as his own. His remains now repose in the cemetery in Westfield Township, where a suitable monument marks his last resting-plaee. He died in the triumphs of a living faith in his Redeemer. He was past 52 years of age, was an exeellent man to his family, an aecommodat-

880

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

ing neighbor and valued citizen. In March, 1878, Mrs. Rogers was called to mourn the loss of her son, Joseph Franklin, who lost his life coming in contact with " the damps," while de- scending a well at her home; he was aged 21 ycars 1 month and 9 days. Emery T. died at the age of 4 years and some months; three children are now living-Isaac A., in Chatham ; William H. and Ida L., at home. Mrs. Rogers has 56 acres of land, and is comfortably sit- uated in life. She is a member of the M. E. Church, with which her husband was identified.

JOHN STERN, farmer ; P. O. Lodi ; born March 23, 1827, in Pennsylvania. His father's name was Christian, and he was a native of Pennsylvania, and was married to Elizabeth Miller, who was a native of Maryland. To them were born nine children, six of whom grew to maturity. Emigrating West in 1829, they made a halt of about three years in Wayne Co., and located permanently, in 1835, on the farm now owned by our subject ; only one-half acre was cleared. Upon this place they spent the re- mainder of their days. His death took place in 1867 ; two years later, his wife joined him in the "house appointed for all the living.' John has made the homestead farm his home ever since the family located. Nov. 13, 1870, he took the hand of Ardella Smith in marriage, who was born in Wayne Co. July 1, 1850, being a daughter of George and Margaret (Hutchin- son) Smith. He was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 26, 1815 ; slie was born in Allegheny Co., Penn., April 12, 1821, and they were married Dec. 25, 1838. To them were born nine children, six now living. After their union, they located in Wayne Co., where they resided until 1859, when they came to this county. Mr. Smith died Nov. 15, same year of their advent to this town- ship. To Mr. and Mrs. Stern have been born two children, whose names are Rena L. and Mark B. His parents were members of the church, Lutheran aud Presbyterian, respectively. Politically, Mr. Stern was formerly affiliated with the Democratic party, more recently with the Greenback element. He is a snug and cconomical farmer, whose real estate comprises 75 acres of land.

ELI SIMCOX, farmer; P. O. Lodi ; born in Wadsworth Township Feb. 6, 1822; is the eldest of a family of children born to Benjamin and Jane (Falconer) Simcox, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Benjamin was a son

of Samuel Simcox, who was one of the early arrivals to Wadsworth, there being at the time of his coming less than one-half dozen families in the township. In 1832, Benjamin located in Harrisville, on the farm now owned by Eli, where he purchased 144 acres, and lived upon the same until his demise, which occurred Dec. 30, 1855. Since the death of his father, Eli has continued his residence on the same place. March 10, 1853, he was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Polly M. Stern, born November, 1832, who was a daughter of Christian and Eliza- beth (Miller) Stern. Her grandparents were na- tives of Germany. Mr. Simcox has a snug farm of 41 acres, which he farms quite successfully. Four children have been born to him, none of them are now living. His family, consisting of himself and wife, who enjoy their solitude, but mourn the loss of their little ones, as those only who have had similar experiences.

ALFRED SARGEANT, retired farmer ; P. O. Lodi. Among the old residents of this township, who was born on British soil, is the above-named gentleman, whose birth occurred May 5, 1805, in the District of Montreal, in Shefford Co., Lower Canada. His parents were Roswell and Phoebe (Allen) Sargeant, both of them born in Brattleboro, Vt. To them were born nine children, Alfred, the third in order, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, after- ward learning the carpenter's trade, which he worked at the greater portion of his life. March 3, 1830, he was married to Irene Brill, who was born April 23, 1807, at St. Armand, Lower Canada ; daughter of W. and Eunice (Chapman) Brill, who were born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., at Fishkill, in the year 1777, and Connectient, respectively. Mr. Sargeant, like many others, in order to better his condition, emigrated West, and cast his lot with the rug- ged frontiersmen who had preceded him, he reaching this State upward of fifty years ago, and, since 1838, he has been a resident of this township. His first purchase was 50 acres, for which he paid $8 per acre ; afterward added to it until he now has 110 acres, situated in the north part of the township. Has now retired from active business, his farm being carried on by his son. Mr. Sargeant has been a man of good information, having been considerable of a reader and close observer. Eight children have been born to him, five of the number liv- ing, who are Elnathan S .; Freedom E., now

881

HARRISVILLE TOWNSHIP.

Mrs. John N. Ward ; Harry A., in Iowa; Al- fred A .; and Irene A., Mrs. William Sayles. Politically, he is on the side of Republicanism and its principles.

ALBERT H. SANFORD, farmer ; P. O. Lodi. Mr. Sanford now resides upon the same plat of ground where he was born, which event took place Feb. 24, 1835, where his father, Beers Sanford, located in 1833. Albert's moth- er's maiden name was Rachel Ackerley, and was married, in New York, to Beers Sanford, who was a native of Chenango Co., and of Yankee stock, the Ackerleys being of Dutch extraction. To this couple were born nine children, two sisters and seven hrothers, Albert being the youngest of the family. With the exception of two years which he spent in Mich- igan, he has been a constant resident of the township. In December, 1863, he went out with Co. E, 128th O. V. I., and remained with them until the termination of the war. In No- vember, 1857, he became the husband of Har- riet Bissell, born Feb. 3, 1839, in New York ; daughter of John and Harriet (Parker) Bissell. This couple emigrated West in 1845, locating in Chatham Township. Mr. Bissell is a native of Otsego Co., N. Y., his wife of Massachu- setts. To Mr. and Mrs. Sanford have heen born two children-Riley A., died eight months from birth, and Harmon, born April 12, 1867. Both Mr. S. and wife are members of the M. E. Church. His farm of 574 acres is well tilled, and yields the possessor a good return for his labor rendered. His farm is located in the north part of the township, and has never changed hands since his father located upon it, in 1833, when it was unimproved and covered with a heavy growth of forest trees.

GEORGE L. SHAW, farmer; P. O. Lodi ; the Shaws are of Scotch descent. George was born April 7, 1828, in Orleans Co., Vt., being the third of a family of six children born to his parents, Hiram and Mahala (Washburn) Shaw ; he was born 1800 in Massachusetts, she one year later in Vermont ; 1834, came West to Wayne County, loeating in Canaan Town- ship; 1838, they moved to Medina County, locating in Guilford Township, where he made his first purchase of land. George began learn- ing his trade at the age of 19, as carpenter and joiner. Aug. 3, 1849, was married to Cynthia Litehfield, who was born in Canandaigua Co., N. Y., Sept. 12, 1825, whose parents were Israel

and Chloe (Keth) Litchfield, both born in Hampshire Co., Mass., and settled in Lorain Co., Ohio, 1833, when leaving the Bay State. George L. was married in Lorain, where he found his wife; living here two years after marriage, he removed to Whiteside Co., Ill., purchased 80 acres of land, remaining two years and a half, when he returned to this State ; he located in Wellington, where he engaged in the groeery business two years ; 1859, he pur- chased 184 acres in Westfield Township, which he retained ahout ten years ; leaving the farm in 1867, he located in Lodi, and has sinee been a citizen of the town ; has since sold his land ; 1870, he started a cheese-factory at this town, which he condueted successfully about six years. Of four children horn him, two are now living, viz. : Hubert L. and Alvin L .; Ethan A. and Frank C. died at the ages of 12. Sinee the organization, he has been a member of the Republican party. Mr. Shaw is self-made ; what he has accomplished in life, has been done by hard toil and economy. Mrs. Shaw was the fifth child of a family of nine, all of whom grew to maturity.

HENRY SELDERS, blacksmith, Lodi; was born Jan. 24, 1829, in Tusearawas Township, Stark Co., Ohio. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was born ahout the year 1772, and emigrated West soon after the expiration of the war of 1812, when he after- ward married Mary Aukerman, to whom were born eight children, Henry heing the youngest. The family are somewhat remarkable for their longevity ; three of his grandparents lived to be over 100 years of age, one lived to be 101, another 103, and the other, 105. George Sel- ders, the father of Henry, was a blacksmith, which trade, having attraetions to his son, he, likewise, turned to it naturally; his father pur- ehased land and cleared it up, yet did it through others, he, himself, worked continuously at his trade, hiring others to do the farm work. Henry left home at 18, when he went to Holmes County, where he learned his trade; after its completion, he returned to Stark County, where he worked a short time, afterward worked nearly two years in Wayne County. Sept. 4, 1850, he came to Lodi, where he afterward asso- ciated, in a business way, with W. B. Gaylord, for ahout five years ; since that time, lias been doing husiness upon his own account, formerly did general blacksmithing, but, of late years,

882

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

makes more a specialty of horseshoeing, being one of the best in the country ; although com- ing here poor, he has since acquired a good property and a pleasant home. Has always been identified with the Republican party, has filled different offices of trust and responsibility as Trustee of the Academy, Director and Teller of the bank, and is now serving as Township Trustee, which he has filled for thirteen years ; has always been on the side of progress, a man of sound judgment, public spirited, and a use- ful citizen in the community. June 10, 1854, he was married to Juliet Towslee, who was born Feb. 22, 1832, in Chenango Co., N. Y., daughter of Darius and Sarah Marsh. He was born in Nine Partners Township, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, 1778, and died Sept. 20, 1850 ; she was born Nov. 21, 1787, in Bennington, Vt. To Mr. Selders has been born one sou, Adel- bert, who was boru March 14, 1855.

DYER STRONG, retired farmer ; P. O. Lodi. Mr. Strong, whose portrait appears in this book, was born March 6, 1802, in Litchfield Co., Conn., town of Warren, son of Stephen and Lydia (Hine) Strong, to whom were born seven chil- dren, he being the sixth in order. Dyer was raised to farming, and remained with his par- ents until he was married to Hannah Griffen, born July 17, 1809, daughter of John and Electa (Wares) Griffen, who were born, respect- ively, in Connecticut and Vermont. Their wed- ding was duly celebrated Feb. 5, 1831. Soon after their marriage, they came West, locating in this township, on 90 acres of land, which he had purchased the fall previous. Building him a log cabin in the woods, they lived happily to- gether for years. Soon the forest was hewn down, and the old log house was replaced by one more convenient and modern. In 1867, having his farm under excellent improvements, and being desirous of retiring from business, he sold his farm, and has since been a resident of Lodi, where he is very comfortably and neatly situated, having built all of his build- ings according to his own plans, and has every- thing handy and convenient about him, and is en- joying the evening of his life in peace and quiet- ness. No children have graced their fireside. The only thing that will be left behind him to perpetuate his memory is a beautiful shaft of Scotch granite, which he has caused to be erected in the cemetery adjoining the town, which was erected at considerable expense.

Though not a member of any church or soci- ety, he has ever been charitably disposed.

G. W. TOWSLEE, farmer; P. O. Lodi; was born June 10, 1825, in the town of Smithville, Chenango Co., N. Y .; is of a numerous progeny, of a family of fourteen children, who were born to Darius and Sallie (Marsh) Towslee. The Towslees are of French origin. Three brothers of that name emigrated to America many years ago, and from them have descended all those of the name. Darius was born in " Nine Part- ners," Vt., and went from there to the Empire State, and finally to this State, locating in this township in 1839, purchasing 872 acres, but a small portion of which was cleared, having a small cabin and log shed, and threshing-floor outside. George W., being a lad of 14 years at the time of his father's arrival, well remem- bers the unpromising surroundings. His par- ents remained on this farm until their death. His father died Sept. 21, 1850, aged 71 years 9 months and 4 days ; she, Sept. 16, 1858, aged 70 years 9 months and 26 days. June 10, 1854, George was married to Maria Pollock, who was born in Painesville, Lake Co., Ohio, July 26, 1826, whose parents were Samuel and Sarah (Harper) Pol- lock; both were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Towslee is among the well-to-do farmers in the township; has a farm consisting of 220 acres of excellent land, all of which is under cultiva- tion except 20 acres. In connection with his farming, he is interested in the township dairy, and furnishes about twenty cows for the same. His family consists of two daughters-Lillie G., graduating in June, 1881, in the Conserva- tory of Music at Oberlin ; Ella Harper, a miss, now "sweet 16." Mrs. Sarah E. Pollock died Dec. 1, 1870; Samuel, her husband, in July, 1874. Mrs. Towslee is a member of the Con- gregational Church.

A. B. TAYLOR, manufacturer, Lodi. Among the young representatives of this township, who have a bright and prosperous future awaiting them, is A. B. Taylor, who was born in this county July 12, 1846, the only son of John Taylor, one of the prominent and self-made men of this township. Mr. Taylor's father was a tinner. This business not interesting him sufficiently to make it a life business, he en- tered the store of T. G. Loomis at the age of 14, remaining with him until 18 years of age, at which time he engaged in business, under the firm name of F. R. Loomis & Co., at Lodi,

883

WESTFIELD TOWNSHIP.

which relation existed a term of years ; then F. R. Loomis dropped out, T. G. taking his place. The new firm was then known as Loomis & Taylor, which partnership lasted un- til 1877. Since 1874, Mr. Taylor has been Postmaster at this place. Sept. 1, 1869, he was married to Mary J. Strong, who is a native of Westfield Township. Both he and wife are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Taylor is now engaged in running his mills at Lodi. Has recently refitted the mill property formerly owned by Mr. English. In connec- tion with his saw-mill, he has a planing-machine and turning-lathe, where he is prepared to do work in that line, and is also manufacturing step-ladders and clothes-racks, which are light, durable and cheap. This enterprise of Mr. Taylor's is destined to be a very useful one to the people and lucrative to its proprietor, who is a young man of thorough business qualifica- tions, and will drive his business in such a manner as to insure success.

JOHN WISE, farmer ; P. O. Lodi; first saw the light of day June 1, 1832, in Congress Township, Wayne Co., Ohio. His father's name was Peter, who married Christina Grove. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and emi- grated to Wayne Co. about the year 1820, and were among the early settlers in that locality. To them were born ten children, John being the sixth in order of birth. Nine of this num- ber grew to maturity. After many years of

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 138

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