History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 140

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 140

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HENRY FETZER, farmer; P. O. Friends- ville ; born in Canaan Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, Dec. 25, 1838. He is of a numerous fam- ily, who originated from across the sea. His grandfather's name was Barnhard, who was a native of Alsace, then a part of Frances, who emigrated to this State with seven sons and three daughters, whose names are Jacob, Barn- hard, Martin, Frederick, George, Valentine, Peter ; the girls are Magdaline, now Mrs. Oller, of Spencer ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Demus Summers, of Canaan Township, and Margaret, Mrs. Jacob Repmen, of Spencer. Canaan, Wayne Co., was the place the family settled, where they still remain, the seven brothers residing iu the town- ship, where they have remained since their ar- rival, which was when the country was of forest growth. The father, Barnhard, has long siuce gone to his rest, yet in his stead remaiu a hardy set of farmers, who have done him honor by their thrift and enterprise, and as worthy cit- izens of the community. Henry's father was Martin, the third of the family, who was mar- ried to Margaret Younker, who is likewise a native of the same locality as ber husband ;

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her father's name was Jacob. Henry is the second of a family of six children ; but four are now living, who are John, now of Canaan Township ; Henry, our subjeet; William and Sarah of Canaan ; Daniel and Mary died young. Henry, when of age, turned out for himself ; was raised to hard labor, and began by the month, and worked on until the year 1868, when he was, married, Dee. 23, to Julia A. Shook, born Nov. 26, 1846, in Guilford Town- ship, being the fifth child of a family of nine children, who were born to George and Cath- arine (Walker) Shook, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and removed to Guilford when the country was new, and cleared up a farm. In the spring of 1869, Mr. Fetzer moved to the farm he now occupies, which he bought from A. Coover, which consists of 85 acres of choiee farming land, which is chiefly the result of his own labor and judieious management. Himself and wife, as well as his father and uneles, are all members of the Reformed Church. To Mr. Fetzer have been born two sons-Elmer F. and Alvin M. Mrs. Fetzer's father, George, was twice married, she being the issue of the first marriage ; six children in all, who are Phillip, Harriet, William, Edward, herself and Adaline.

JOSEPH H. FREEMAN, farmer ; P. O. Seville. The Freeman family have borne a prominent part in the history of this township. Joseph was born on the farm on which he now lives, Jan. 8, 1826 ; he was a son of Rufus, whose father was likewise named Rufus ; Joseph's father was born in Vermont State, and was married to Clarissa St. John, a native of Cortland Co., N. Y. Rufus, the elder, had moved and settled in Ashtabula Co .; subse- quently his son, Rufus, Jr .. came out by wagon in 1823. From Medina they reached what is now Seville, by the blazed trees, and cut a road into the place he located, uow owned by Joseph H .; here he settled, and lived a life of useful- ness ; was a minister of the Baptist Church, also his father before him, who afterward beeame blind, and was a fluent and ready speaker, and was generally selected as the orator on Fourth of July occasions. Both of these geutlemen were pioneer ministers, and were instrumental in doing a great amount of good in their time, in administering to the spiritual wants of the pioneer members, for about forty years. Rufus. Jr., whose portrait appears in this work, was, for several years prior to his death,

President of the Farmers' Insurance Company. His efficieney as a ruling officer was fully attested by his long occupancy of that honored position. Our subject remained at home until 28 years of age ; was married to Caroline Wil- cox, who was boru in 1827, in Lewis Co., N. Y., daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Ward) Wilcox, who came West in 1835. After leaving home, he removed to Scott Co., Iowa, where he pur- chased 360 aeres of land, and engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising. In 1861, he was among the number who responded to the nation's call for volunteers, and went out with Co. C, 2d Iowa Cavalry, and was afterward commissioned as Adjutant of the regiment, and did effective serviee. In 1875, on account of the deeease of his father, the home farm was about to go into other hands, and desiring to retain the same in the family, he was eonstrained to dispose of his interest in Iowa, and returned to the place that gave him birth, where he will, in all probability, spend the remainder of his days. His farm consists of over 300 acres, and is one of the best in the township, excel- lent land, and farm premises being desirable for situation. Four children have been born to him, who are James A., now of Davenport, Iowa ; Horace, Charles D. and Clara E. Farm- ing and stoek-raising has been the business of his life ; keeps a choice stock of cattle of the Durham class. Mr. Freeman has always been a friend of progress, publie-spirited and always ready to lend a helping hand to any worthy enterprise which promises to redound to the interests and common good of the community, always endeavoring to do his part as a good citizen, faithful friend and consistent Christian ; has been liberal in his contributions to educa- tional and charitable purposes. He and wife are both members of the Baptist Church. Po- litieally, he has always been identified with the Republican party, yet is not partisan, but ever willing to abide by the expression of the major- ity as evinced by the result at the ballot-box.

ELISHA HAYES, farmer ; P. O. Le Roy ; was born Oct. 21, 1808, in Jefferson Co., Ohio. His parents were Thomas and Mary (McCoy) Hayes. He was born in 1776, in Baltimore Co., Md., she in Berkeley Co., Va., in 1778. Both the Hayses and McCoys are of Scotch descent. The grandparents of Elisha died of the plague when their offspring were young, hence but little, if anything, ean be given of

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their history. Thomas Hayes and wife emi- grated to Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 1802, where they raised a family of twelve ehildren, Elisha being the seventh. All of this number grew up; none died under 40 years of age. Elisha was a member of the household until he was 23 years of age. His father was in limited eir- eumstanees, and could not afford his children any peeuniary assistance, which threw them upon their own resources. Aug. 25, 1835, he became the husband of Jane MeElroy, born Feb. 4, 1813, in Cross Creek Township, Jeffer- son Co., Ohio, daughter of James and Jane (Hallowell) MeElroy, both born in Pennsylva- nia. He died in Washington Co. in 1870. James MeElroy's father's name was William, who was born in Ireland, emigrated to this country when 8 years of age, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Hayes eame to Guil- ford Township in Deeember, 1838, where he bought 40 aeres of land and eleared it up, re- maining there fifteen years. He then moved to Westfield Township, where he purchased 60 acres (which was settled by A. King), where he has settled for life. Six children have been born to him, but are now sleeping beneath the ground ; William J. died at 16 months from birth ; Thomas lived to be 9 years old; Mary died at 6; Aliee when young. Three of the above named died in May, 1847, of searlet fe- ver, inside of three weeks. Lawrence died when very young ; Aliee M. was the wife of Richard Hogan ; she died in 1866, leaving one ehild-Lawrenee-then five weeks of age ; he now resides with his grandparents, and will bear their name in the future. Mr. Hayes and wife are now spending the eve of their life in the enjoyment of their home, which has been seeured through the exereise of hard labor and frugality. Reared in log-eabin times, sehooled to privation, early in life he was taught self- denial, all of which have been eondueive to his sueeess. He has always acted independent of seets and denominations. Early in life, he was identified with the Whig party, and has al- ways been a warm friend to the bondsman, and acted with the Abolition element, aud later has been a Republican, and has ever aeted the part of a worthy eitizen and good neighbor.

AMBROSE HOUGHTON (deceased), whose portrait, with that of his wife, appears in this book, was born Sept. 4, 1788, in the town of Colerain, Hampshire Co., Mass .; he was the

son of Nathaniel and Anna (Stone) Houghton, both of whom were natives of the town of Roxbury, Mass. The Houghton family is de- seended from three brothers, John, Jonas and Ralph, who eame early from England. This was a prominent family in the old country, and possessed a large estate, Houghton street in London, England, taking its name from this faet. This property has been in litigation for years, owing to the difficulty in traeing back the connection of the American branch of the family. The grandfather of our subject was Ebenezer Houghton, whose children were Na- thaniel, Reuben, Oliver, Hannah, Jerusha and Rachel. Nathaniel's children were Oliver, Thomas, Nathaniel, Ambrose, Pattey, Prudy, Pollie, Roxie and Lueretia. Ambrose Hough- ton, Esq., was thus the fourth son in a family of nine ehildren. He remained at home in Massachusetts until he was 20 years of age, when he went to the State of New York. Three years later, he went to Canada, but stayed only about eighteen months, when he returned to New York State. While in Canada, he was in- itiated into the mysteries of Masonry in the Prince Edward Lodge. He was very fond of the order, and, during the Morgan exeitement, when his relatiou with the Baptist Church or with the lodge must be broken, he severed his eouneetion with the ehureh, though he had been a member sinee 1820. In 1832, he re- moved from New York to Ohio, settling in Westfield, where he lived until his death, Nov. 15, 1880. He was married, June 11, 1815, to Miss Luey Powell, at Fabius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., by whom he had eight children, only two of whom are now living-Mrs. Elbridge Cole and Franklin A. Mrs. Ambrose Hough- ton died Jan. 27, 1876. She was born in Great Barrington, Mass., April 21, 1797, and was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (King) Powell. Elizabeth King's mother was Rebeeea Naslı, and her grandmother Experi- enee Clark. Her parents died before she was 10 years of age, when she eame to Fabius, N. Y., living with a sister until she was married, when she removed to Cortland, N. Y., where all her family were born. Mrs. Elbridge Cole was born Oet. 6, 1822, and lived with her father until his death. She was married, Jan. 13, 1862, to Elbridge Cole. He was the son of Ira and Susan (Hill) Cole, and was born in MeDonougli, Chenango Co., May 12, 1825. He

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came with his parents, who were natives of New England, when a mere lad, and settled in Spencer. He died March 26, 1867, leaving a wife and two children-Martin E. and Oresta I. Mr. Houghton was a Royal Arch Mason, and was buried with Masonic honors.

HALSEY HULBURT. Some time before 1630, William Hulburt, a native of Wales, came to the United States and settled near Dorches- ter, Conn. He married, and from him sprang a hardy and intelligent race. One of his descend- ants- perhaps his grandchild-was Obadiah, the great-grandfather of the subject of. this sketch. Obadiah, born in 1703, was the father of Obadiah, born in 1738, and the latter was the father of Obadiah, born March 9, 1769. On the 2d of April, 1805, the last-named mar- ried Rachel Burr, a near relative of the dis- distinguished Aaron Burr, and to this union was born the following family : Halsey, born Jan. 27, 1806 ; Daniel B., born April 23, 1808, who is yet living at North Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, and William, born Dec. 20, 1810, who settled in Westfield Township, and died May 5, 1875. The father of Halsey died when the lat- ter was but 8 years old, and soon afterward the boy was thrown upon his own resources, and began to carve his future from the busy world about him. He began teaching school when 20 years of age, and followed that occu- pation eight winters. In 1830, he came to Westfield, where he spent the summer in com- pany of Mr. Chapin, the two, in the meantimc, "underbrushing" 17 acres. In the fall of 1830, he returned to Connecticut, where he passed the winter, and there was united in marriage with Miss Betsey, the daughter of Thomas and Abigail (Brown) Moses. Mrs. Hulburt is the only member of her father's family of five sons and five daughters now living. In the spring of 1831, Mr. Hulburt and wife moved to West- field Township, Medina Co., Ohio. Here the husband and wife began their married life in a rude log cabin, and, for many long years, they shared together the bitter experiences of pio- neer life. After the lapse of many years, and after countless trials and denials, they have a comfortable home in which to pass their declin- ing days. Eight children have been born to them as follows : Julia, William, Mary, Hiram, Obadiah, Rachael, William and Eleanor. All are dead except Julia, William and May. The latter is the wife of H. E. Matteson, and Will-

iam became the husband of Caroline Chambers. To the last couple have been born the following children : Flora, May and Harold C. Hiram was killed by a threshing machine when a boy, Julia and William are living at the old home. Mr. Hulburt served as Township Trustee sev- eral years, and, in 1856, was elected to the responsible position of Director of the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Company, in which two capacities he served with fidelity and honor. He was formerly a Whig, and was one of three in Westfield to cast the first vote for the Anti- slavery party. He has been a Republican, is at present a Liberal, and has always been identi- fied with movements to advance the interests of education and morals.

JOHN HYATT, farmer ; P. O. Burbank ; born near Williamstown, Oswego Co., N. Y., July 19, 1828. The eldest child born to his parents, Valentine and Rachel (Devereaux) Hyatt, to whom were born seven children. This couple were born in 1799 and 1802 re- spectively, in same county and State. The Hyatt family descended from the Emerald Isle. The Devereauxs, as the name implies, are of French extraction. The family emigrated West in 1850, and have since been residents of this township. Soon after John came to this county, he set about planning for himself, and, having nothing to commence with save a pair of will- ing hands, he at once resolved that, as he was the architect of his own fortunes, the sooner he set about its construction, the earlier his ex- pectations would be realized. He was not ad- verse to labor, and began with a right good will, and betook to any labor that promised the most satisfactory returns. At the age of 26, he was married to Sarah Shaw, born in Steuben Co., Ohio, in 1833; daughter of Otis and Sallie (Day) Shaw ; their marriage was celebrated April, 1856. After marriage, he located in this township, upon land that he had previously purchased ; remaining upon it a short time, he sold out after making several minor changes ; he moved to Steuben Co., Ind., purchasing 75 acres of land, which he owned a short time ; then returned and located in October, 1870, on the land he now owns, situated in the southwest part of the township, consisting of 97 acres, formerly owned by Henry Baldwin ; lost his wife in February, 1867, leaving two children- Otis T. and George. Feb. 25, 1868, he was married to Jane Stone, born Oct. 16, 1831, in

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Jefferson Co., Ohio. She was a daughter of William and Anna (Elliot) Stone, both of Irish descent. Mrs. Hyatt was the second of a family of four children, herself and three brothers. To Mr. and Mrs. Hyatt have been born two children-Anna and Jennie. He and wife are both members of the United Brethren Church. In the earlier part of his life, was identified with the Democratic party, but of late years has affiliated with the Republican party.

S. S. HASTINGS, farmer ; P. O. Seville. According to tradition, in the year 1636, three brothers bearing the name of Hastings, came from England and settled in Plymouth Colony. From these have sprung a numerous progeny, now widely dispersed throughout the country. One of these brothers was named " White " Hast- ings from the color of his hair ; from this one sprung the Hastings so noted as composers of music. The two other brothers settled in Hamp- shire Co., Mass., and were among the promiucnt and substantial citizens of that commonwealth. In 1703, when the town of Deerfield was burned by the French and Indians, one Hinsdell Hast- ings was carried away captive by the Indians. In 1753, when the town of Greenfield was or- ganized, Benjamin Hastings was chosen Mod- erator and Town Clerk, Constable and " Sealer of Leather," and was for many years Deacon of the church. In the Revolutionary struggle, the Hastings family bore a prominent part. The reader is referred to Willard's " History of Green- field," where may be found an account of the events succeeding the reception of the news of the battle of Lexington, in which especial ref- erence is made to some members of the family. The father and grandfather of our subject were in the battle of Bunker Hill, and present at Burgoyne's surrender. After the war, he settled with his sons upon a large farm in Greenfield, and lived until the age of 80. S. S. Hastings, our subject, was born March 10, 1800. His father's name was Oliver, who was born in Massachusetts in 1764, and afterward became the husband of Dolley Carey. To them were born eight children, six sons and two daughters, S. S. being next to the youngest. His brothers Richard, States, Warren and Onesimus were soldiers in the war of 1812. Benjamin, the grandfather of S. S., was Lieutenant and after- ward Captain in the Revolutionary war. His son Oliver was only 15 years of age when he

was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and, at one time, had a narrow escape from being captured by the Indians. A party of thirteen were cut- ting hay and were surprised by the Indians, all of the party being captured save two. His grand ancestor was of the twain. At the age of 17, S. S. was apprenticed to learn the wagon-mak- ing and carpenter's trade. After the completion of which, he went to Jefferson Co., N. Y., and set up in business as wagon-maker, having no capital to start with. Feb. 22, 1822, he was married to Miss Clarissa Fitch, who was a na- tive of Delaware Co., N. Y., born July 26, 1799, daughter of Col. Silas Fitch, whose wife was Clarissa Howell. In the spring of 1837, Mr. Hastings emigrated West to this State, lo- cating in this county, first in Guilford Town- ship ; subsequently to the southern part of the township, where he now resides ; where he pur- chased 230 acres, having now 168 in all. For over sixty years Mr. Hastings has been a con- sistent member of the Baptist Church ; for twenty-five years has been Deacon, and been active and zealous in his Master's cause. The fruits of his marriage, aside from the acquisition of a good home and a competence, have been nine children, of whom five are living, viz., Clarissa, now the wife of A. Feazel, of Harris- ville Township ; Sidney, in Gratiot Co., Mich .; Russell J., at home with parents ; Esther, Mrs. O. Graves, of Merrick, Neb .; Emeline, of Pike Station, Wayne Co., Ohio, the wife of J. A. Dyer ; Silas, the eldest son, lost his life before Vicksburg ; was a member of the Engineer Corps from Michigan. Feb. 22, 1872, Mr. Hastings celebrated his golden wedding, and is yet in good degree of health, and is a constant worker. He has been a worthy and substantial member of society and community at large ; has been liberal in his contributions to charita- ble, church and educational purposes, and a stanch and useful citizen, and will be long re- membered.

A. H. HAWLEY, insurance, Le Roy ; is a native of this State, born Dec. 14, 1840, in Worthington, Franklin Co. His parents were A. G. and Helen M. (Brown) Hawley. The former was born Aug. 18, 1814, in Madison Co., Ohio, son of Dr. Gideon Hawley, a native of Vermont, who emigrated West to this State in the early part of the present ceutury, locat- ing in Madison Co. He had three children born him, viz .: A. G., Micah and Mary. One

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only of the number is living-Micah, in Can- ada. Helen M. Brown, the mother of Amos H., was born at Haverhill, N. H. A. G. Haw- ley moved to this county and settled in Se- ville in 1849, remaining there until 1857, when he moved to Westfield, and the following year was elected Secretary of the Ohio Farm- ers' Insurance Company, and served until the fall of 1866. Amos H., our subject, has, since his youth, been identified with the county. He received the advantages afforded in the schools of Seville, and a thorough commercial business education at Duff's College, Pittsburgh. Re- turning, he became his father's successor in 1866, and has since filled that position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the patrons. Oet. 16, 1867, he married Sarah E. Phillips, born Feb. 13, 1848, in this township, daughter of Ellery and Ellen (Doty) Phillips, who were natives of New York, and were among the early settlers in the township. Mr. Hawley has three children-Frank H., born May 24, 1869; Emma N., born Sept. 1, 1870; Robert A., born Aug. 16, 1877. Mr. Hawley's parents were, for many years, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A. H. and wife are of the same faith. Mr. Hawley is an en- thusiastic member of the Masonie Order, hav- ing been advanced thirty-two degrees ; mem- ber of Harrisville Lodge, No. 137, A., F. & A. M .; Medina Chapter, the Commandery at Mas- sillon, of Eliadah, Grand Lodge of Perfection of Bahurim Council of the Princes of Jerusa- lem, Ariel Chapter of Rose Croix at Cleve- land, and also of the Orient of Ohio, of Cincin- nati, Ohio (located).

WILLIAM H. H. JONES, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. O. Friendsville ; born in this town- ship Oct. 25, 1840 ; is the youngest of a family of six children ; all grew to maturity, save one ; names of children are Eleanor J., now Mrs. G. W. Collier, of Dakota ; Chaplain in the United States Army ; Julia, now Mrs. Ezra Boothe ; A. P., now a minister of the North Ohio Con- ference ; Nathan S., who died in the service of his country, at Cumberland Gap, was a mem- ber of the 86th O. V. I .; Sylvanus, died young ; all of whom were born to Sylvanus and Elvira (Hossington) Jones. He was born in Bristol, Mass., May 8, 1794, and removed with his par- ents to Oswego Co., N. Y., and to Wayne Co. in 1820. In 1824, he was married to Miss Hossington, and settled in this county and

township in 1831, on the farm now owned by George Berry, where he remained until the death of his second wife. March 17, 1864 ; then lived with his ehildren until his demise, which occurred at the home of our subject in Febru- ary, 1880. He was during his life a successful business man, and gave liberally to the church and to all benevolent enterprises ; was a valued and worthy member of society ; was a man of eharacter, decided and firm in his purposes of action, and a friend to the poor and the bond- man ; his trust in his Maker was firm and un- wavering, and died in the triumphs of a living faith, exelaiming as his feet touched the " chill- ing wave," "All is bright." "The Lord is my Shepherd " -- Rev., xiv, 13-was the text preached from at his funeral. His wife pre- eeeded him June 14, 1845. William H. H. be- ing the youngest, remained at home. At the age of 20, he enlisted, 1861, in Co. I, 2d O. V. I., and serving in the Western Department until February 1863, when he was discharged on ac- count of disability from brain fever, indueed by sunstroke. Upon his return home, he resumed labor on the farm. Nov. 26, same year, he was united in matrimony to Adaline Rogers, born in Harrisville Township, being the youngest ehild of Isaae and Anna (Brainard) Rogers, who were pioneers in that township. The old fam- ily Bible tells the following tale : Isaae Rogers, born Feb. 3, 1794; Anna Brainard, April 8, 1801 ; Amanda, May 18, 1820 ; Clarissa, Dec. 25, 1821; Isaac, July 25, 1824 ; James O., Sept. 10, 1826 ; Sherman, Sept. 4, 1829 ; Sylvanus, Sept. 18, 1832 ; Cordidon, April 20, 1838 ; Hen- rietta, Dee. 20, 1840 ; Adaline, April 23, 1843. Mr. Jones has 175 acres, which he keeps stoeked with sheep of a good quality. He is an official member of the M. E. Church at Lodi ; experi- enced religion at the age of 12. His children are Frank S., Carrie B., Willis C. and Carl Shurz. Mr. Jones is a true and loyal Republiean and an enterprising member of the community.

GEORGE KUDER, farmer ; P. O. Chippewa Lake ; born April 21, 1822, in Columbiana Co., Penn. His parents were Adam and Esther (Pealer) Kuder, to whom were born twelve children ; our subject being the third in order of birth ; of the number born, ten lived to be grown. The number living and places of residence are as follows : Susanna, Mrs. George Traver, in Iowa; Sylvester and George, in Clinton Co., Iowa ; Eli, in St. Joseph Co., Mich. ;

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 140

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