History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 142

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 142

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S. SIMMONS, farmer ; P. O. Le Roy ; is among the worthy representatives of Westfield Township, who have been associated with its interests for nearly onc-half a century, and has, since 1832, been a constant resident of the farm he now owns. He was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 10, 1805 ; son of Jonathan and Ruth (Gooding) Simmons. The old family Bible has the following record : Jonathan Simmons, born Jan. 31, 1768; Ruth Gooding, born Feb. 20, 1769. Their children were, Ruth S., born March 25, 1792 ; Lucy, born Jan. 24, 1794; Jonathan, born March 24, 1796; Isaiah, born Oct. 23, 1799 ; Simpson, born March 24, 1802 ; Sally, born Aug. 20, 1803 ; Simpson, born Oct. 10, 1805 ; Harriet, born Dec. 20, 1807 ; Elmina, born Oct. 16, 1810; Erastus, born Sept. 16, 1814. The Simmons family are of English descent, as were the Goodings. The first arrival of the Simmons family in Westfield Township was in 1820, hy Jonathan, the brother of the above, who settled and cleared up the farm now owned by Isaac Jones ; afterward removed West, where he died. The grandfather of Simpson was Con- stauee Simpson ; he was in the Revolution, and was born in Dighton, Bristol Co., Mass., and there raised his family. Simpson was mar- ried in April, 1832, to Sallie Austin, who was a daughter of Levi and Sarah (Mack) Austin, natives of Massachusetts. The Simmons fam- ily came from Maine to Massachusetts, and were mostly engaged in the lumber business. Simpson cmigrated West with his father in 1832, who located where Erastus now lives. Simpson, having bought 50 aeres where he now lives, remained with his father until he had erected a rude cabin, with one door, which he soon occupicd, and, notwithstanding its home- made furniture and rough interior, he lived happily for years. The first year, he put in 3 acres of wheat ; the next year 4 acres of corn, which the coons and other denizens of the woods harvested for him; could not raise enough to support his family ; worked out hy the day at excessively low wages, taking barter in exchange. For wheat, 3 shillings per bushel was all they could realize for it, and trade it out. He has a butcher-knife in his possession, for which he worked hard one day ; said knife had no handle, being made by the blacksmith ; hc afterward added 50 acres more. Mr. Simmons has heen a man of excellent health

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and of strong constitution, industrious and eco- nomical in his habits, and has accumulated a deal of property ; yet, through bailing, he has lost several thousands of dollars, yet has a good farm of 150 acres of good land, and, although he has passed the time allotted to mankind, he is now in the enjoyment of his quiet home, aud is held in high regard by all those with whom he has been associated. Has always been a man of retiring disposition, been a lover of books and instructive literature, and, though he never had the advantages of a good educa- tion, yet he has always been in favor of cduca- tion, and always been ready to contribute lib- erally toward school and church purposes. Politically, he is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school, yet never took an active part in polit- ical matters, yet has always been firm and dc- cided in his opinions, which he rarely failed to give expression to at the ballot box. In re- ligious matters, he has always been of the Uni- versalist faith. Has three daughters-Lucretia, now Mrs. J. P. Olin ; Lydia, Mrs. J. Branard, and Adaline, now Mrs. Ayers Alexander.

MRS. BENJAMIN SHAW, retired, Le Roy ; is the relict of Benjamin Shaw, who was one of the prominent farmers and highly esteemed citizens of Westfield Township, who was born Dec. 1, 1815, in Chenango Co., N. Y .; his father's name was Benjamin F., who died when his son was a small lad, who emigrated to this State with his mother and grandfather, Benja- min F., who raised his grandson to mature age ; early in life implanted in his mind the princi- ples which in after life were adhered to, and secured to him the success and reputation he acquired. Sept. 1, 1842, he was wedded to Miss Eleanor Lyons, whose name she now bears, who was born Dec. 23, 1820, in Jefferson Co., Ohio ; was the second of a family of seven chil- dren, five of whom attained to mature age. Of the number now living, are Thomas M., of Al- legany Co .; Eliza Aun, now Mrs. Elliot ; Mary M., Mrs. McFadden, both of Jefferson Co., Ohio. All of these were the issue of her par- ents, Hugh aud Sarah (Moore) Lyons. He was a native of Mercer Co., Penn., born in 1799, she of New York, in 1800 ; they were married in Virginia in 1818, and soon after emigrated to the Western wilds, to cast their lots with the pioneers of the Buckeye State, selecting as their future and permanent home, Jefferson Co., where they lived until their death, his occurring

in 1876, that of his consort, four years after- ward. They were among the prominent fam- ilies in that county, and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. In 1845, Mr. and Mrs. Shaw moved to La Fayette Township, and purchased 120 acres, 14 being cleared, upon which were a log cabin and rough barn. Re- maining here eight years, they sold out and lo- cated in the western part of this township, pur- chasing 120 acres, which was finally increased to 228 ; here he spent the remainder of his days, passing to his rest Dec. 27, 1872, leaving a family of seven children, whose names are, Emiretta V., the wife of H. McCrag, of Ashland Co .; Elvira E., Mrs. Al Reynolds, of Ashtabula Co .; Milliard F., now of Indiana ; Orrie E., Mrs. L. Jones ; Benjamin F., on the farm ; Mary and John E. Politically, Mr. Shaw was Republican in principle, active and positive in his sentiments, but not a partisan ; was a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, and always en- deavored to make its precepts the rule and guide of his life ; Mrs. Shaw is a member of the M. E. Church ; since 1877, has resided at Westfield Center, the farm being yet iu her pos- session.

DANIEL SHOOK, farmer; P. O. Seville ; among the solid and substantial farmers in this township, who have emigrated from the Key- stoue State, is Mr. Shook, who was born in Center Co., Penn., Dec. 31, 1821. His parents were John and Christina (Long) Shook, who were highly respected citizens in that com- munity, and among the enterprising farmers of that locality. Daniel was of a family of ten children. Remaining with his father until he was 22, he having entertained favorable opinions of the West, and seeking to better his condi- tion, concluded to drift Westward, arriving in Wayne County, this State, 1846. The year fol- lowing, he purchased 100 acres in this township, for which he paid $1,500. Not being conteut to fight the battle of life alone, he sought the hand of Caroline Coolman in marriage, its acceptance being celebrated June 6, 1847 ; she was born in Milton Township, Wayne Co., August, 1829; she was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Reed) Coolman, who cmigrated from Pennsyl- vania as early as 1812 to Stark County, where they remained until 1815, when they removed to Wayne County, where Mrs. Shook was born. Since Mr. Shook came to this county he has been one of its worthy citizcus. Has an excel-

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lent farm, consisting of 205 acres, which ranks among the best in the township. His farming has always been conducted on true business principles ; bcen hard-working and economieal, his farm bearing evidence of the enterprise and thrift of its owner. His health having failed him, he has given up active labor on the farm, and employs his spare time attending to his apiary, he being among the suecessful bee-cul- turists in the county. Has two children, John J. and Sarah Ann (now Mrs. Chauncy) Hollo- well. John J. is now carrying on the farm ; Mr. and Mrs. Hollowell residing on same farm. Mr. Shook is a member of the Lutheran Church, as were his parents before him. Takes but little interest in politieal matters-content to attend to his own business affairs, and rank among the useful members of society, than to aspire for politieal honors.

SAMUEL SMITH, farmer ; P. O. Le Roy ; born March 5, 1821, in Canaan Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, of a family of nine ehildren, five sisters and four brothers, born to James and Keziah (McCollough) Smith. Both were na- tives of Washington Co., Penn. They were married June, 1812, and emigrated West to Wayne Co. in 1820. Samuel left home at the age of 15, and was engaged for some time as clerk in a store ; afterward in buying stock and running a threshing machine. Then went into the mereantile business at Canaan Center, associated with Mr. Solomon Zuver, under the firm name of Zuver & Smith, which partnership continued several years. His next enterprise, was in the milling business, running a saw and grist mill for ten years. Then removed to Seville, Guilford Township, embarking in the mercan- tile business until 1873, when he located on the farm he now owns, situated one mile south of Westfield Center. His farm consists of 140 acres. March 1, 1855, formed a matrimonial alliance with Jane Armstrong, who was born July 12, 1836, in Canaan Township, Wayne Co., daughter of William and Mary (Rose) Arm- strong. The former born in Pennsylvania, and came West in 1815, locating in Wayne Co., where he was married, six children resulting from this union. His wife dicd when Jane was 15 years of age, and was afterward married to Catharine McPherson. Two children were the issue. Mr. Smith was out in the late war, serv- ing as Captain in Co. K, 16th O. V. I. Since 1875, has been serving on the official board of

the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Co. as Director. Five children have been born to him, but three living-Frances E., Rebecca Jeannette and William C.

JAMES H. TAYLOR, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. O. Scville. Among the noted horse- men in this county is J. H. Taylor, who was born in Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., July 4, 1830. His parents were E. W. and Jane (Nel- son) Taylor, all of same county and State. The Nelsons are of Irish, and the Taylors of Yan- kee deseent. James was ten years of age when his parents came to Guilford Township, his father dying three years after his arrival. J. H. then lived with his mother until he at- tained his major years. Early in life he mani- fested great love for a horse, and, at the age of 10, he began riding races, which he kept up until 19. and, being an expert driver, he drove and fitted horses for the speed ring ; for several years has driven some very important races, where a high rate of speed and a large amount were at stake; in 1861, was offered $1,000 and expenses to go to California and drive Sherman, Jr., in a single race where $15,- 000 was wagered ; he went and won the race. Upon his return home came upon the steamship America, on her trial trip, having on board 900 passengers. Shortly after leaving Gray- town, they were caught in a gale and came near being "swamped ;" lost their rudder, and were for several weeks without the use of engine or rudder, being, as sailors would say, " water- logged." While on this trip, came on to the ill- fated Golden Gate, and took aboard her pas- sengers and erew. He succeeded in reaching his destination, losing his baggage and effects. For several years past, he has been engaged in buying and selling horses ; his superior judg- ment combined with his ripe experience have served to eause his opinion to stand as an oraele among the lovers of fine horses ; his ex- tensive acquaintance with horsemen and deal- ers has given him an enviable reputation in that direction. Persons at a distance often send orders for him to fill, for faney matched- teams, trotters or heavy draft, and are fur- nished and guaranteed to suit. He is now en- gaged in farming and raising horses for the market, which are of superior kind and quality, they having taken some flattering premiums at the State and agricultural fairs. May 1, 1854, was married to Julia Hosmer, born in Guil-

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ford Township, May 1, 1838, daughter of Judge Hosmer, of Seville, one of the old pioneers of the county. Her mother's maiden name was Lucy Hays, who was one of the pioncer school teachers in the southern part of the county. After Mr. Taylor was married, he located in Seville until 1872, when he moved to his farm, consisting of 100 acres, located one-half mile west of Seville; has three children-Wallace E., Hubert E. and Maude B.

JACOB WIDEMAN, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Seville; was born Jan. 23, 1826, in Mark- ham, near Toronto, Canada West, the seventh child born to his parents, who were Jacob and Hannah (Geisinger) Wideman, who were natives of Bucks Co., Penn., aud emigrated to that province at or near the beginning of the present century. To them were born eleven children, who were Sarah, Barbara, Mary, Phillip, Daniel, Ludwick, Jacob, Catharine, Henry, John and George, all of whom attained maturity, and came to this State with their parents. Sarah was the wife of John Leatherman, who settled in Wadsworth; she died in 1879; Barbara, Mrs. Bartshee, in Guilford; Mary, now in Spen- cer; Phillip, in Indiana ; Daniel, in Lorain Co .; Ludwick, in Seville ; Catharine, Mrs. Ephraim Wright ; Henry, in La Fayette ; John died in 1879, never married ; George in Michigan. Jacob was about 1 year old when he left Can- ada with his parents, who settled in Guilford Township and purchased 200 acres of land, which they cleared up, remaining on the same until their death, which occurred Oct. 28, 1855, and April 18, 1879, respectively. They were among the solid and highly respected citizens in that locality, and identified with its religious interests, both being members of the M. E. Church. Jacob grew up under the paternal roof; attaining his major years, remained upon the farm. At the age of 27, was married to Martha A. Webster, which eveut was celebrated in April, 1853. She was born in Clearcreek Township, Ashland Co., Ohio, May 12, 1833. She was the fourth of a family of ten children born to Francis E. and Rachel (Cowell) Web- ster. He was born in New Jersey, she in Greene Co., Penn. They came West about the year 1829. He was a shoemaker by trade, but car- ried on farming also. To them were born four children, who are Cordelia, Mrs. Smith ; Har- riet, Mrs. Wideman, in Wooster ; Martin V., in Michigan, and Mrs. Jacob Wideman, the wife

of this subject. Parents died in Lorain Co., he in 1879, she seven years previous. Since Mr. Wideman was married, he has made several changes. After one year's residence on the home farm, then moved to North Chatham, pur- chasing a farm, lived nine years ; then returned to Guilford, lived four years ; sold out, moved to Seville, lived one year ; then purchased a farm in Wayne Co., where he lived seven years, then traded farm and came to his present farm in 1876. Has now 227 acres of good land, and is among the best farmers in the township, as well as one of its first-rate citizens. Is raising the best of stock, consisting of Durham cattle, full-blooded Cotswold shcep, and the best of horses, of the Percheron, Jersey, Eclipse, Hia- toga and Hambletonian. Has three children- Justin, Altha O., Mrs. Foskett, in Wellington, and Elmer E.

JAMES WAGONER, farmer ; P. O. Le Roy ; born Feb. 15, 1815, in Markham Township, near Toronto, Canada West. His parents were James and Margaret (Long) Wagoner, who were na- tives of Pennsylvania, and migrated to Canada about the commencement of the present cen- tury. In 1825, when a lad of 10, our subject came to this county with his uncle, John Long, who located in Wadsworth Township, remaiu- ing with him until his majority. Nov. 11, 1834, he was united in wedlock to Mary Wideman, who was born Feb. 25, 1816, in same locality as her husband. Her parents were Jacob and Anna (Geisinger) Wideman, who were Pennsyl- vanians. Mr. Wagouer's school advantages were of limited character, what he did obtain was within the confines of the rude log-cabin which the neighbors hastily constructed-hiring the teacher by subscription fuud. After taking upon him the marital relations, he set about seeking a livelihood for himself and spouse ; he had neither money nor land, but had his hands and will-power, which were brought into requisi- tion. He cut a cord of wood for 25 cents ; cut and split rails at 40 cents per 100, taking store pay, $7 per month was the rate received. One bushel of wheat was often given in exchange for a day's labor, which would not command in money one-fourth of a dollar. Hc did a great deal of "slashing " timber (cutting down), the price being $1.50 per acre, and about $3.50 for cutting and trimming. He afterward took leascs of land. After a succession of years, he suc- cceded in saving enough to enable him to pur-

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ehase a small traet of land in Putnam Co., where he removed, but, finding it very siekly, he returned to this eounty after two years' resi- denee ; le sinee has been a constant resident of this township. Notwithstanding his unfavorable beginning, he has acquired of this world's goods sufficient to enable him to spend the remainder of his days in the enjoyment of his family and comparative independence. He has always ad- hered to the tenets embraced in the Old Whig party. At the outbreak of the rebellion, he sent two sons, who did him honor by their true and soldier-like deportment. Jacob went out in the first eall, serving three months in Co. K, 8th Ohio ; afterward enlisted in the 103d, Co. K ; served as Orderly Sergeant, remaining until the elose of the war. Ludwiek E. served three years in the 42d Ohio. Both returned home sound in health and limb. To Mr. Wagoner have been born eight ehildren ; of those living are Jaeob, now residing with his father-was married in 1875 to Ella White, born in 1849, in Westfield Township, daughter of Squire E. O. White, of Lodi, whose wife was Mary Mallory ; he was a native of Vermont, she of this eounty ; Jaeoh has two children-Gertrude M. and Early. Ludwiek E., now of Detroit ; Henry, in Lodi ; and Francis A. Religiously, Mr. Wagoner is a Universalist in belief and profes- sion. He has the esteem of the community in which he has been a resident for over one-half a century.

G. C. WRIGHT, window blind manufaet- urer, Le Roy ; was born July 1, 1829, in Liteh- field Co., Conn., and eame West with his parents in May, 1839. There were seven children in the family, of which number he was the third in order of birth ; their names were Joel, H. B., G. C., Clarissa, Sarah, Phoebe aud Fannie, all of whom were born to Martin S. and Fan- nie (Halloek) Wright, both being natives of Litchfield Co., and were born June 21, 1803, and July 4, 1800, respectively. Upon their arrival they located on the farm now owned by M. T. Ward, south of the Center ; there were 96 aeres in the farm, but a small portion of which was eleared. He was a earpenter by oeeupation, which business he followed for sev- eral years, being one of the best workmen in the county, and one of its worthy eitizens, whose influence was felt for good, both in church and in the community at large. Both he and wife died of erysipelas in 1849, in the

month of April-her death oeeurring on the 15th, his the 17th. George C. worked with his father at his trade during his minority. Nov. 12, 1852, was married to Maria Collier, who was born Nov. 28, 1830, in the township, her parents were George and "Heppie" (Steele) Collier, both born and reared in Hartford, Conn .. there married, in 1817, and emigrated West shortly after ; located on the farm now owned by Henry Yergin, one mile southwest of Westfield Center. Their family consisted of nine ehil- dren, of those living are-Henry, now of Cin- einnati ; George, now Chaplain in the U. S. Army, in Dakota Territory ; Emeline, now Mrs. H. B. Farnum, of this township; Maria, the wife of Mr. Wright ; Mary, Mrs. C. W. Norton, of Cedar Co., Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Collier died in 1864 and 1879, respectively. Mr. Collier was one of the charter members of the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Company, as well as Di- reetor of the same, and was one of the staueh citizens of the community. In 1853, Mr. Wright engaged in the business which he is now condueting, where he manufactures window blinds. Having some ingenious deviees of his own invention, in the way of machinery, which enables him to manufacture work which sur- passes that imported of the kind, receiving therefor better prices, he and son, Almon J., are doing a good business, which is largely on the inerease. Having a buhr attached to his maehiuery, is prepared to do grinding to order. Six ehildren have been born to him, who are, Almon J., Emma, Clara, Edna, Henry and Clarenee.

HIRAM WHITMORE, farmer; P. O. Bur- bank ; boru in Franklin Co., Penn., Nov. 30, 1827. Early in life, he learned the wagon and earpenter's trade, which voeation his father fol- lowed for a livelihood. At the age of 22, Hi- ram eame West, living one year in Canaan Township, Wayne Co., with his brother, who had preceded him two years. Hiram returned to Pennsylvania and assisted in removing his parents to this country. After three years' res- idenee with them, he returned to his native State, and was married, Nov. 23, 1853, to Sarah Harnish, born Mareh 8, 1828, in Washington Co., Md., daughter of John Harnish, whose wife's maiden name was Fetterhoff. After his mar- riage, he returned to this eounty, loeating at Morse's Corners, now Friendsville, where he pur- ehased 40 aeres at $1,300, and engaged in farm-

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ing. After nine years' residenee at this place, he disposed of his interests there and purchased where he now resides, where he has 118 aeres, situated in the southwest eorner of the town- ship. Mr. Whitmore began life poor, without any peeuniary aid. He has seeured his present competenee, and, with it, has merited the esteem with which he is held in the community. For thirty-five years, he has been a member of the United Brethren, and Class-leader for twenty- five. In politieal matters, he takes but little interest. Prohibition principles are more in harmony with his views than either of the others. To him have been born six ehildren- John A., Jane, Valeria, Elmer, Laura and Ar- minta. The father died in 1867 ; the mother is now in her 91st year.

HENRY YERGIN, farmer ; P. O. Le Roy ; is of good old Pennsylvania stock, born in Hunt- ingdon Co., Penn., Feb. 24, 1816. His paternal ancestor was Henry Yergin, born April 30, 1788, and was married Feb. 18, 1809, to the mother of dur subjeet, whose maiden name was Catharine Coble, born June 21, 1791, in Wash- ington Co., same State. This union was blessed with an offspring of twelve ehildren, who were as follows : John, Susanna, Elizabeth, Henry, Mary, David, Christian, William, Andrew, So- phia, Catharine and Joseph-all of whom lived

to be men and women. The family emigrated West to Wayne Co., arriving in March, 1816, Henry being but 3 weeks old. The country being new and the family large, industry and economy were essential to the establishment of a home, as well as to obtain the common nee- essaries of life, henee our subjeet was reared amidst privation and the attending hardships of pioneer life. His sehooling was principally obtained with the use of the ax and the imple- ments of husbandry. What little education he got of a literary character was within the eon- fines of a log "academy," where he was in- itiated into the rudiments of reading, writing and arithmetie. His marriage was with Chris- tina Kintner, born in May, 1817, who was a daughter of Jacob and Christina (Ihrig) Kint- ner, natives of Washington Co., Penn. To Mr. Yergin have been born five children, but three living, viz .: Rosana E., Caroline (now Mrs. Eli Stahl, of Wayne Co.), and Priscilla ; Rebecca died in 1879 ; she was the wife of Jacob Farmer. Mr. Yergin remained in Wayne Co. until 1874 ; sinee then he has been a resident of this Township. He has a good farm of 103 aeres, which he has aeeumulated by his own industry ; beginning poor without a dollar, he has made a sueeess, and is one of the neat and substan- tial farmers in the township.

GRANGER TOWNSHIP.

JOHN AMERMAN, Granger. Albert and Ellen (Peterson) Amerman, parents of this gen- tleman, were natives of New Jersey. The for- mer was born in 1784, and the latter in 1791. They were married in 1813, and are the de- scendants of old and respected Holland fami- lies who came to America in Colonial times. Mr. Amerman, in early life, learned the shoe- maker's trade, but after his marriage he devoted his entire time to farming and stoek-growing. In 1826, he removed from his native State to Long Island, where he remained some eight years, and then came to Sharon Township, Me- dina Co., Ohio, where he and wife passed the remainder of their days. They were the parents of three children-John, Peter, and one that died in infaney. Mr. Amerman departed this life in 1863, and his wife in 1843. John Amer-

man was born Sept. 6, 1819, in Somerset Co., N. J. He was raised upon a farm, and received the benefits of a common-school education. He was united in marriage with Miss Emeline Castner April 28, 1847. She was born in New Jersey Aug. 21, 1823. Five children were the fruits of this union, viz. : Albert S., born Jan. 7, 1849 ; Edward E., Nov. 27, 1850 ; Edith J., July 20, 1856 ; John M., Oet. 24, 1852, and died March 21, 1853; John C., born April 5, 1859, and died Nov. 4, 1861. Albert S. is sin- gle and resides in Dakota Territory ; Edward E. married Miss Ada A. MeMillan Dee. 31, 1873, and now resides in Nebraska ; Edith J. married Mr. Henry Hawks Nov. 26, 1874. He was born June 4, 1853. They have one ehild -Ethel E., born May 16, 1879. Mrs. Amer- man died March 27, 1870. Mr. Amerman has

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 142

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