History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 144

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 144

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George M. Ganyard, the subject of this sketch, was born upon the farm he now owns, Nov. 7, 1834. His youth and early manhood were

passed assisting his father upon the farm, He was united in marriage to Miss Mary B. Haight, Feb. 22, 1864. She was born in Sharon Town- ship, this county, Sept. 12, 1844. They have two children, viz., Eudosia M. and Alida H. Mr. Ganyard owns a nicely improved farm of 220 acres, near the center of the township. He has devoted his energies to dairying and agri- eultural pursuits, and has been very successful in his business enterprises. He has never sought the publicity of office, although he has filled sev- eral township positions, at the solicitation of friends. He is a stanch Republican, and a man of broad and liberal views regarding men and religion. On taking a retrospective view of the Ganyard family, it can well and truly be said that they have most emphatically been a pioneer family. Coming, as they did, from the middle elasses, their progenitors brought with them those qualities and virtues which render them not unworthy of a place among a people who were to subdue a wilder- ness, maintain their liberties, found a new State -- in faet, create a new world.

M. W. GANYARD, Granger ; is the son of John N. and Lueinda (Turner) Ganyard, the former a native of Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., and the latter of Canfield, Mahoning Co., Ohio. Mr. Ganyard had previously married Miss Eliz- abeth Turner, by whom there was one child- Turner N. There was one child by his second marriage-Marshal W. In 1819, Mr. Ganyard came to Granger Township, this county, settling on the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. He was a hard-working man, and de- voted the greater portion of his life to agricult- ural pursuits, although he worked at coopering to some extent in an early day. He was a good and useful man, and contributed liberally to all religious and educational enterprises. He had great musical ability, and could perform on almost any kind of an instrument. He died Jan. 3, 1861, and his wife Nov. 10, 1876. M. W. Ganyard was born June 14, 1835, and passed his youth and early manhood upon his father's farm, receiving a common-school edu- cation. When about 18 years of age, he took a trip through Canada and the East. From this time on until he was about 25 years old, he traveled during the fall and winter months, his summers being passed in assisting his fa- ther upon the farm. He was united in mar- riage with Miss Roseltha E. Waters, Dec. 24,

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1868. She was born in Monroe Co., Mich., Dec. 13, 1845. From this union one child was born, Flora F. Mrs. Ganyard died June 26, 1875. Mr. Ganyard was married to Miss Kittie G. Bailey March 1, 1877. She was born in Canada East, Oct. 29, 1855. They have one child, John N. Mr. Ganyard has, for a num- ber of years, made a specialty of raising fine sheep, and has done much to better this class of stock in the county. He is a Republican in politics, and liberal iu his views regarding men and things. He owns 148 acres of as well improved land as can be found in Granger Township. Although he never learned any trade, he readily turned his hand to anything required to be done. He is a substantial and useful member of society, and one of the fore- most agriculturists and wool-growers in Me- dina County.

R. O. GANYARD, farmer ; P. O. Remsen's Corners ; was born in Granger Township in September, 1841. His parents were James and Sarah (Low) Ganyard, natives of New York and pioneers of Granger Township, locating in 1818, where they were resideuts for the re- mainder of their lives. James died in March, 1875, and his wife in September, 1869. A more complete record of their residence in the township appears in another portion of this work. Our subject remained upon his father's farm until 29 years of age. Iu September, 1867, he removed to his present location, where he has 82 acres of rich land, the most of which is improved. He was married, in September, 1862, to Miss Caroline Crocker. She was born in Montville Township in November, 1841, and is a daughter of Jeremiah Crocker, an old and respected resident of the county, now living in Granger Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ganyard have three children-Mary, William and Linn. Mr. Ganyard is a young and enterprising farmer, and is a trusted and esteemed citizen. He has taken an active interest in the educa- tional affairs of his district, and has served as Director and Clerk.

SEYMOUR A. GANYARD, Granger. This gentleman was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., April 24, 1830. He is the son of Seymour G. and Esther (Donaldson) Ganyard, both of whom were natives of the Empire State, where they were married and resided until 1834, when they removed to Bath Township, Summit Co., Ohio. They were the parents of two sons-

Seymour G. and William N. Mr. Ganyard has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and owns one of the best farms in Bath Town- ship, upon which he now resides. He is a man of decided religious and political views, and a useful and influential member of society. His wife departed this life Nov. 21, 1869. Seymour A. passed his youth aud early manhood assist- ing his father upon the farm. He was educated in the common schools of that day. Aug. 25, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Alme- da Griffin. This lady was born in Copley Town- ship, Summit Co., Ohio, Feb. 1, 1833. From this union there were two children, viz., Louisa and Sherman. Mrs. Ganyard died Jan. 2, 1873. Mr. Ganyard was united in marriage to Miss Alzina Wolcott Dec. 30, 1873. She was born in Granger Township, this county, Oct. 18, 1838. There is one child by this marriage-Eldo I. Mr. Ganyard, when 21 years of age, was given a colt by his father. This he sold for $70, and put the amount at interest, and for the next eight years worked by the month and year upon a farm. He was careful of his earnings, and at the expiration of that time, had accu- mulated quite a little sum, which he invested in land. He now owns 112 acres of land, which is well improved. He is a Republican in poli- tics, and a consistent member of the Disciples' Church.

HOEL HATCH, farmer ; P. O. Remson's Corners ; whose portrait, with that of his wife, appears in this book, is, with Beujamin Burt and John McCloud, one of the oldest settlers in the township. He was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., March 10, 1803. His father, Nathan Hatch, was born in Connecticut Feb. 19, 1769. His mother's maiden name was Lucy Wilder ; she also was a native of Connecticut, and was born Sept. 14, 1776. They were married in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1796. They emigrated to Ohio, aud located in Granger Town- ship in October, 1818, locating on the western town line, where they took up 700 acres of land. Nathan died Jan. 10, 1850; his wife Feb. 17, 1858. Hoel, at 20 years of age, started out in life for himself. His father divided up his land among the children, and he received as his share 137 acres, located on the center township road. He was uuited in mar- riage, Dec. 26, 1827, in Granger Township, to Miss Saloma Treeman. She was born in Canan- daigua, N. Y., Oct. 8, 1805. Her parents, Jere-

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

miah (born Aug. 23, 1782) and Hannah (Gillett) Treeman (born Feb. 20, 1787), were natives of Connecticut and pioneers of Granger Township, locating there in 1818, and residents of the township the remainder of their lives. After his marriage, Hoel resided upon liis farm for twenty years. In 1856, he removed to the farm where he now resides. He has 80 acres of finely improved land, some of which is the richest soil in the township. Their children are as follows : Nathan F., born July 9, 1830 ; he served all through the rebellion, and for sev- eral months after its close among the Indians. He now resides in Kansas. Emily E., born July 13, 1832, married Oct. 7, 1852, to Uriah F. Skin- ner. They removed to Iowa in 1853, where he died July, 1873, and she followed him October, 1873. They left five children in good circumstances- Hannah A., born Aug. 10, 1834, living at home ; Milton L., born June 15, 1837, now a resident of Litchfield Township ; Nancy S., born April 18, 1839, married to Thomas Sylvester, living in Granger ; Lydia L., born April 23, 1842; Jeremiah J., born April 5, 1844, a resident of Granger Township ; Julius C., born Feb. 20, 1846, now a resident of Sharon Township. Mr. Hatch has been prominently identified with the growth and development of the township, and contributes a great many incidents and dates to the township history. He was one of the first Abolitionists of the township. A very pleasant incident in the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Hatch was the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of their married life, upon which occasion Mr. H. was presented with a valuable and beautiful gold- headed cane, and his wife several picces of sil- verware, by their children. Their years sit lightly upon them, although they are passing into the "sere and yellow leaf." They are lo- cated in a pleasant and comfortable home in a community where they are respected and be- loved, and where the record of their well-spent lives can never be effaced.

JOHN S. HATCH, SR., deceased; was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., June 7, 1810. His father, John Hatch, was a native of Connecticut, and one of the pioncers of Ontario Co. John S. passed his youth aud early manhood in his na- tive State, receiving the benefits of a common- school education. He was united in marriage, Feb. 19, 1832, to Miss Laura E. Parsons, a na- tive of the Empire State, where she was born Sept. 3, 1806. The year following their mar-

riage, they came to Medina Co., Ohio, purchas- ing the land now owned by Mrs. Hatch, in Granger Township. They went to work with a will, and erelong were very comfortably situ- ated. They had a family of six children, viz. : John S. (whose biography appears in this work), Laura A. (wife of Ira Bennett, of Mont- ville Township), Martha P. (wife of Arthur Crane, of Sharon Township), Altha L. (wife of Edward Woodard, of Sharon Township) and Lydia N. and Timothy W. (single, and living with the mother). Mr. Hatch died Oct. 31, 1873, of paralysis. He was an intelligent, in- dustrious man, and one whom every one re- spected and loved. His wife survives him, and resides upon the old homestead in Granger Township. Timothy W., son of the above gen- tleman, has always remained at home. He is a young man of ability and energy, and owns a nicely improved farm adjoining the home place. He is a member of the Republican party, a friend to education and all enterprises that tend to build up the community in which he lives or benefit his fellow-men.

JOHN S. HATCH, JR., P.O. Granger. This gentleman was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 14, 1833. He is the son of John S. and Laura E. (Parsons) Hatch, both natives of the " Empire " State, where they were married and resided until 1834, when they came to this county, lo- cating in Granger Township, where they ever afterward resided. They were the parents of six children-John S., Laura N., Martha P., Lydia N., Timothy W. and Altha. Our subject was raised upon a farm, receiving the benefits of a common-school education. Mr. Hatch is of a mechanical mind; even when a boy he would seize every opportunity for using what- ever tools he could obtain, notwithstanding he was greatly discouraged in their use by his father, who took no interest in that line of in- dustry. He began, however, at 16 years of age, to work at carpentering in a small way, and has for over thirty years, with the exception of some slight interruptions, worked at his trade. He was economical and industrious, and as fast as he earned money would invest it in real es- tate. He now owns 290 acres of well-improved land, which he has obtained by his own exer- tions. His marriage with Miss Mary F. Tall- man occurred Dec. 6, 1860. She was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., June 26, 1840. By this marriage there were six children-George

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C., Florence M., Sarah E., Robert W., Nellie and John S. Mrs. Hateh died Aug. 11, 1879. She had been a faithful wife and affectionate mother, and it is greatly owing to her assist- anee and advice that Mr. Hateh owes his sue- eess in life. Mr. Hateh was united in marriage with Miss Hannah A. Pratt, Dee. 2, 1880. This lady was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., May 17, 1845. Mr. Hatch has devoted his life to his trade and in agricultural pursuits, and is, in the fullest sense of the term, a self-made man. He is of a retiring disposition, and does not meddle much in politieal affairs, yet he is decided iu his opinions, which he never fails to express at the ballot box.

CARTER HUNTLEY, P. O. Granger. Mr. Huntley is one of the leading agrieulturists and live-stoek dealers of Medina Co. He was born June 17, 1830, in Ontario Co., N. Y., and is one of a family of nine ehildren born to William A. and Euniee (Newton) Huntley, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of the Empire State. They were married in Ontario Co., N. Y., and resided there until 1831, when they came to this county and purchased a farm of 47 aeres in Granger Township. Mr. Hunt- ley died Dee. 24, 1875, followed by his wife Nov. 27, 1880. Carter remained at home until he had reached his majority. The fall follow- ing he entered the employ of William Davis, who ran a distillery in Copley Township, Sum- mit Co. He was to receive $8 per month, but, after working two weeks, he so pleased Mr. Davis that his wages were raised to $12 per month. At the expiration of three months, he had, by working extra time, earned $40. Not needing the money, he took Mr. Davis' note. He says the happiest period of his life was when he carried the note home and showed it to his father. The next summer he farmed his father's place on shares, and in the fall again went to work for Mr. Davis. Some time after this, he entered the employ of Dr. I. C. Isbell, of Summit Co. Dr. Isbell was a wealthy man, and owned a large traet of land in Western Wisconsin. In 1854, he sent Mr. Huntley with a number of men to Wisconsin to ehop eord- wood to supply the Upper Mississippi steam- boats. In 1856, while shearing sheep for his unele, E. E. Huntley, he was bantered by his unele to purchase fifty head of sheep of him. After some thought, young Huntley purchased them, and, on his return home, was severely

reprimanded by his father for this his first venture in the live-stoek trade. The father's fears, however, did not affect the son, for the next day he purchased twenty more sheep, and the day following, sold the entire lot at a profit of 12} eents per head. This was his first ex- perienee in the sheep trade. He has, from that time until the present, dealt largely in sheep, with the same success that attended his early effort. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Cook, Nov. 5, 1861. She was born Jan. 9, 1838, in Medina Co., Ohio. They have a family of three children, viz .: Elnora O., born Oet. 31, 1862 ; Viola E., Jan. 9, 1865, and Royal N., Oet. 21, 1867. On the 10th of January, 1880, their only son, Royal N., was accidentally killed by a large chestnut tree falling on him. This was a severe blow to Mr. and Mrs. Hunt- ley. He was an unusually bright and intelli- gent boy, and gave promise of a life of future usefulness and greatness. Mr. Huntley owns 337 aeres of well-improved land, which he has obtained by his own endeavors. He is a Dem- oerat, but liberal in his views. He is, in the fullest sense of the word, a self-made man, and one of the county's best citizens.

GEORGE H. HODDINOTT, P. O. Granger ; born in Granger Township, this county, Aug. 2, 1860 ; he is the son of Richard and Ann (Hodges) Hoddinott, both of whom were na- tives of Somersetshire, England. They were married in their native country in the spring of 1856, and a few weeks afterward took pas- sage for the United States, where they hoped to make a home for themselves. They had but little or no means, and on their arrival in this country eame almost immediately to Gran- ger Township, where they ever afterward re- sided. They had one child, the subject of this sketeh. Mr. Hoddinott was an intelligent and industrious man, and by his own exertions pur- chased and paid for 100 aeres of land, upon which he resided at the time of his death, Jan. 6, 1874. His wife died Aug. 21, 1879. During their lives, by their exemplary eonduet and kindness of manner, they greatly endeared themselves to the people of Granger Township. Mrs. Hoddinott's sister eame to this country with herself and husband. She married Mr. Wm. Valleau, and is now a resident of Gran- gerburg. Jacob Hodges had come to this country some years previous, and located in this county ; he died some years ago, leaving

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a family of two children. Our subject was raised upon a farm, receiving a good common- school education. After the death of his parents he went to live with his guardian, Mr. Benjamin Burt. He now has charge of the village school, and is spokcu of as a superior instructor ; although yet young, we have no hesitancy in predicting for him a brilliant and successful future.

JOHN McCLOUD, farmer ; P. O. Remson's Corners ; is one of the three oldest settlers now living in Granger Township. His early residence and identification with the pioneer history of the township, and the prominent part taken by him in all public questions, make his personal history one of interest to all. He is a native of the State of New Hampshire, and was born Dec. 25, 1799. His parents were Samuel and Hannah (Holt) McCloud, also natives of New Hampshire, subsequently removing to Ontario Co., N. Y., where our subject's early life was passed. At the age of 9 years he was bound out to a farmer ; here his life was one of cx- treme hard work and cruelty until, at the age of 14, the neighbors interfered and he was re- leased. At the age of 19, he started for Ohio as the driver of an ox team for a party who were emigrating, and after a trip of twenty-two days they arrived and located in Granger Township, in October, 1818, where he has been a resident up the present time. The many pioneer tales and incidents of his early life and residence in the township, we will pass by, as many of the dates and facts furnished by him will appear in the township history. His first purchase of land was 50 acres in the eastern portion of the township ; here he resided for a number of years, adding to his land until at times he owned 200 acres. In 1868, he removed to his present location, near Remson's Corners ; he has 50 acres, where he resides. Mr. McCloud was married March 13, 1823, to Miss Anna Wolcott ; her parents were Joseph and Lucy (Hills) Wol- cott, natives of Connecticut and pioneers of Granger, locating about 1822, and residents of the township the remainder of their days. She was born in Vermont Oct. 6, 1803. They have had six children-Azubah Botsford, living in Mis- souri; Louisa, deceased ; Emeline, the wife of Dr. Albertson, of Remson's Corners ; Caroline Wil- cox, living in Brunswick Township; Melissa Arnold, deceased ; Henry, deceased, he cnlisted in Co. I, 103 O. V. I., and was in the service

three years. He was married to Miss Ella Amerman, and at the time of his death farm- ing the old homestead. Mr. McCloud has aided liberally every act of enterprise and charity within his reach. He was one of the first tem- perance advocates in the township, and has been an efficient worker in reforms of all kinds. At one period he withdrew from his church on account of the opposition to free thought and speech, and erected a church of his own, which he christened the "Church of Liberty," on the spot now known as Liberty Hill. He has been a local preacher, and preached as many as two hundred funeral sermons, uniting in marriage about one hundred couples. For thirty years, he was an agent of the underground railroad, being one of the first men engaged in the pur- pose of aiding slaves to escape, and continuing until the emancipation proclamation. He paid out in this worthy manner several thousands of dollars, and considers it well spent. Many grateful souls, once slaves, send him from time to time worthy expressions of their gratitude. He is universally respected and esteemed.

PAGE MOON ; P. O. Granger. This gen- tleman was born in Granger Township, this county, Sept. 10, 1842 ; he is the son of Moses Moon, who was born in Brandon, Vt., May 27, 1803. Hc was married to Miss Dorcas Page Nov. 5, 1835, a native of the Green Mountain State, where she was born Feb. 16, 1803. A few months after their marriage, they came to this county and purchased the farm now owned by their son Page. They were the parents of four children, viz .: Martha, Harriet, Maria and Page. Mr. Moon was a stone-cutter by trade, but, after his marriage, he for the most part followed farming. He was a quiet, unassuming man, never aspiring to any prominence, but devoting his entire time to the improvement of his farm and to making his home comfortable and pleasant. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and intimately connected with the "under- ground railroad " of Northern Ohio. He died Oct. 5, 1879, his wife Oct. 31, 1863. Page Moon was raised upon a farm and received the benefit of a common-school education. He was united in marriage to Miss Parthenia Willits, a native of Sharon Township, this county. By this marriage there were two children, viz. : Dora M. and Frank P. Mrs. Moon died Feb. 22, 1872. Mr. Moon's second wife was Miss Alice Barnett, to whom he was married Feb.

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12, 1874. This lady was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Dec. 11, 1847. From this union there are two children, viz. : Lena D. and Mark H. Mr. Moou owns 94 acres of good tillable land. He is a Republican in politics, and one of the county's most enterprising citizens.

JONATHAN MUSSER, farmer ; P. O. Rem- son's Corners ; is a son of David and Mary (Reed) Musser, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Trumbull Co., Ohio ; they subse- quently removed to Norton-which was at that time in Medina Co .- where they resided the re- mainder of their lives ; his decease occurred June 11,1868, and his wife's Feb. 22, 1852. Jon- athan was born in Trumbull Co. March 22, 1822; he remained with his parents until he was 23 years of age. He was united in marriage, March 13, 1845, to Miss Sophia Randall, who was a daughter of Isaac and Patience (Hill) Randall ; her father was a native of Vermont, and her mother of Connecticut. She was born in New York May 27, 1826, and came with her parents when they removed to Ohio in 1834; they located in Norton, now Summit Co., where they resided for a number of years ; her mother died in Norton in 1836 ; her father subsequently returned to New York State, where he died in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Musser have but one child -Ellen. born Jan. 20, 1849. She was married in November, 1875, to William H. Hanson; they reside in Wadsworth Township. With the ex- ception of one year, Mr. Musser has been a res- ident of Granger Township since April, 1851, when he purchased the farm where he now re- sides. He has 58 acres of fine improved land located on the northern township line. Since his residence in the township, has served as Trustee, and has taken, in former years, an act- ive interest in schools. Mr. and Mrs. Musser are both members of the Disciples' Church of Hinckley. They are genial and hospitable in their manners, and in the community in which they reside are esteemed members of society.

NATHANIEL PIERCE, Granger. This gen- tleman was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., July 22, 1813 ; he is the son of George and Lydia (O'Brien) Pierce. The father was a native of Rhode Island, but when he was a child his par- ents removed to New York, where they had a large tract of land. While here working to clear up his farm, the father was killed by a falling tree. There were two children in the family at the time of his death-George and

Polly. George was married in Rensselaer Co., and resided there during his lifetime. He was a prominent and much-estecmed man and was the Recorder of Rensselaer County for a num- ber of years ; besides this he held other civil and military positions-he having been a sol- dier of the war of 1812 ; he was the parent of nine children, Nathaniel being the only one now living. Nathaniel was raised on a farm, and his education is such as could be obtained in the common schools of that day. When about 16 years of age he purchased four stands of bees. By care and attention these so in- creased that, in a few years, he had become quite noted as a bee-raiser. During his entire life, when circumstances permitted, he has handled bees, and the same degree of success has always attended his efforts ; he has also been a very successful wool-grower. At 22 years of age he had obtained by his own exer- tions about 400 head of sheep. In 1834, he came to Ohio, and traveled over a considerable portion of the State, when he returned to his native State. In 1837, he again came to Ohio, bringing with him a number of fine sheep which he readily disposed of in Licking Co., where he had stopped ; he remained in this county some time, being variously employed ; he was for the period of three years employed by an Eastern company to purchase wool for them. During this time he traveled over great portions of the State and purchased large quantities of wool. In 1840, he came to this county, and, on the 28th of October, the following year, was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Spencer, a native of Granger Township, where she was born Oct. 1, 1821. She was the only child of Thomas and Hannah (Phelps) Spencer, both of whom were natives of Connecticut, from which State they moved to Ontario Co., N. Y. They were married in Ontario Co., and removed from there to this county in 1818, which they ever afterward made their home. Mr. Spencer was a man whom every one respected and looked up to, and in his lifetime did much to advance the religious and educational interests of Granger Township. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce now own and reside upon the old Spencer homestcad, which consists of 127 acres of well-improved land. They are the parents of two sons-George S. and Jeffrie S. Mr. Pierce is liberal in his views ; his rule has ever been to support men and measures, and not partics ; he acts inde-

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History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 144

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