History of Portage County, Ohio, Part 91

Author: Warner, Beer & co., pub. [from old catalog]; Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Norris, J. E. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Chicago, Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 958

USA > Ohio > Portage County > History of Portage County, Ohio > Part 91

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THOMAS EVANS, proprietor of saloon and restaurant, came to Palmyra, this county, in June, 1879, and was engaged in the mines about one year, when he struck a coal shaft and opened a bank which he sold to a profit. Sub- sequently he opened a saloon, in which business he has since been actively engaged. He erected his present structure in 1882, where he carries a large stock of liquors, wines, cigars, etc., and has a pool table in connection with his place. He has been successful in this business. Mr. Evans is a native of Wales, where he was born in 1852, and is a son of George and Ellen Evans. He was married in his native land in 1878, to Miss Eliza Griffith, by whom he has three children: Arthur, David G. and Mary Ellen. He is a member of the K. of P. He numbers among the active business men of this place.

H. H. GILLINGHAM, Superintendent Hutson Coal Company, Diamond, was born in Deerfield Township, this county, November 21, 1856, and is a son of John W. and Mary A. Gillingham, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Mahoning County, Ohio. They were the parents of six children, all of whom are now living, viz .: Elizabeth, wife of F. J. Powell; Samuel O .; Reuben; Hiram H .; Delia A. and Charles E. The family settled in Deerfield Township, this county, in 1854, where they have since made their home. The subject of this sketch was married in Deerfield Township in 1880, to Miss May O. Vaughan, a native of Robinson, Ill. One son-Willie D. - has been born to this union. Mr. Gillingham and Mr. Hutson sunk the shaft for the coal bank in August, 1883, since which time Mr. Gillingham has assumed the superintendency, and enjoys an interest in the concern. He is a F. & A. M. As a citizen he is highly esteemed.

WILLIAM JENKINS, M. D., Diamond, was born in Treforest, Wales, in 1852, a son of Thomas and Ann (Jones) Jenkins. His father, who was a clergman, came to the United States in 1863, and after locating at various places he set- tled in Waterville, N. Y., where he presides in the pulpit of the Congregational Church. The subject of this sketch was married in Delaware County, in 1875, to Mary E. Thomas, by whom he has the following children now living: Mary A. and Thomas S. Mr. Jenkins received his collegiate education in the Uni- versity at Delaware, where he graduated in the class of 1876. He attended two courses of lectures at the Howard University of Boston, Mass., and grad-

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uated at the Columbus Medical College in 1881. His brother, Dr. Jenkins, of Plain City, Madison Co., Ohio, was his preceptor, from whom he received all the advantages for his studies. He subsequently became assistant to Dr. Hamilton, in the college at Columbus, with whom he was connected until he came to this place in May, 1884. Dr. Jenkins has built up a rapid and increas. ing practice, and is well established in the hearts of the people and all who know him. He is a consistent member of the Congregational Church; an hon- ored member of the Masonic fraternity.

O. B. MASON, merchant, Diamond, was born in Marlborough, Stark Co., Ohio, March 14, 1838, son of Otis and Mary Mason, both deceased. Mr. Mason is the founder of Diamond, being the first business man to locate here in 1880, and is deserving of great credit for his labors in building up and improving the place. He erected the first edifice here, now used as a depot and restau- rant, and opened a general stock of goods. In December, 1881, he erected his present structure, where he has since continued doing a successful trade; has also for years been engaged in the lumber business, and beginning life as he did, empty-handed, he is worthy of a place in the pages of history. He was appointed Postmaster in 1881, a position he has filled acceptably to all. Mr. Mason is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. He holds the esteem and friendship of all classes who have learned to appreciate his moral worth. Our subject was married in Marlborough, Ohio, in 1863, to Mary A., daughter of Samuel Campbell, of Atwater Township, Ohio, by whom he has two living children: Frank, born in June, 1871, and Dawn, born August 24, 1884.

NOBLE MERWIN, farmer, P. O. Diamond, was born in Palmyra Town- ship, this county, May 22, 1853, son of Nathaniel R. and Jane (Hitchcock) Merwin, natives of Connecticut. The parents and grandfather, David Merwin, settled on the farm in 1814, purchasing one section of land, a portion of which

they lived to clear, and here they passed honored and useful lives. Nathan- iel R. Merwin was twice married. By his first wife, nee Mary A. Stilson, two sons were born: George and David. Of the children born to his second mar- riage four are living: Eliza (wife of L. Thomas), Lucy (wife of R. Whittle- sey), Charles A. and Noble. The subject of this sketch was married in Pal- myra Township, in 1873, to Helen Brainerd, of Boardman, Mahoning County. Flora M. and Noble H. are the living issue of this union. Mr. Merwin resides on a portion of the homestead farm, consisting of 150 acres. The family is an outgrowth of pioneer stock, and bears the respected and honored characters of worthy and esteemed parents.

JACOB SCOTT, farmer, P. O. Diamond, one of the oldest native residents of Palmyra Township, was born on the homestead farm in 1834, and is a son of Alexander and Christian (Bean) Scott. His father was a native of Ireland and a son of Robert Scott, who settled in Mifflin County, Penn., in 1800, where he lived to the close of his life. Alex. Scott is the oldest living pioneer of Palmyra Township, having passed his ninety-first birthday. His estimable wife died in September, 1872, the mother of twelve children, eight of whom are now living: John, Nancy, Mary, Alexander, Robert, Jacob, Roswell and Margaret. The subject of this sketch was first married to Miss Sarah J. McElvey, who died, leaving one child-Sarah J .- wife of A. V. Lewis. He was married on second occasion, in 1865, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Will- iam Stewart (deceased), who was born in County Down, Ireland, in Novem- ber, 1802, immigrated to this country and settled in Palmyra Township, in 1832. In 1837 he married Rebecca Gilbert, and soon after settled on the farm where he and his respected wife passed the remainder of life's journey, and which is still occupied by his children. Mr. Scott's farming lands in Pal-

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myra Township and in Milton cover 147 acres. In the spring of 1884 he erected his present commodious residence at Diamond. He is a member of the Grange.

EDWARD SEEDHOUSE, proprietor of saloon and restaurant, Palmyra, is a native of England, where he was born in 1833. In 1866 he came to America, and was engaged in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. While there he met and married Sarah Lemm, who died in Pennsylvania. His second marriage was with Nora Anna Stone, by whom he has two sons and two daugh- ters: Joseph, Harriet (wife of William Bailey), William, and Mary A. (wife of Richard Davis). Mr. Seedhouse came to Palmyra in 1882, and opened his present place, where he conducts a prosperous business. As a citizen he sus- tains a good reputation.

W. G. SMITH, M. D., Palmyra, was born in New Wilmington, Lawrence Co., Penn., July 11, 1854, and is the eldest son of Samuel and Sarah (Banks) Smith, who were the parents of eight children, all of whom are now living: W. G., Robert, Ella S., Maggie E., Eddie, Edith, Ida and Samuel A. His father was a farmer and died at New Wilmington, Penn., in 1875. The sub- ject of this sketch received his primary education in his native place, and there served as clerk in the postoffice, and also secured five years' experience in the drug business. During a greater portion of this time he studied medicine under the direction of Dr. A. C. Pettit. He was sober, industrious and fru- gal, securing means through his own exertions with which to educate himself. In September, 1875, he entered Miami Medical College, graduating in the class of 1877. In May of the same year he located in Palmyra. Though a stranger without means and in competition with old practitioners, from the first success attended his efforts, and his calls have been continuously increas- ing, until now he controls the largest practice in and about the township. He - is a member of Portage County, Ohio State Medical Societies. Is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor was married, October 26, 1879, to Mary A. Force, born in Palmyra, this county, March 12, 1862, daugh- ter of David and Abigail P. Force, latter of whom died of heart and lung trouble at her residence in Palmyra, February 24, 1885. One child-Willie- is the living issue of this union.

PARIS TOWNSHIP.

ELIJAH HAWLEY, farmer, P. O. Newton Falls, Trumbull Co., Ohio is the oldest living resident of Paris Township, this county, and was born near his present residence October 11, 1815; son of Chauncy and Mercy (Selby) Hawley, natives of Massachusetts, the former born March 24, 1780, the latter March 24, 1786. Chauncy Hawley was reared and educated in his native State, and there married May 27, 1808. He was a hatter by trade, at which he worked in connection with farming. In 1815 he with his family came to Paris Township, this county, where he resided till his death, which occurred June 17, 1846. His widow died June 18, 1875. Of their six children the following survive: Elijah; Eliza, widow of Joseph Brown; and Urania, wife of M. M. Seymour. Elijah Hawley left home when seventeen years of age and began working at the trade of cabinet-making, but gave it up after three months, and served an apprenticeship at carpentering, at which he worked many years.

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RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP.

In 1842 he married Jane, daughter of Thomas and Anna (Sefton) Stewart, by whom he had six children; five now living: Henry, Miles, Charles, William and George. Our subject at his marriage had but little capital, and his first purchase of land was twelve acres, which he paid for by building a house for Stephen Bingham. The result of his industry is 380 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Hawley was successful in architecture and bridge building, and was the author of a design for a substantial wooden bridge. He has held several township offices; was first Assessor of Paris Township. In politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN LEONARD (deceased) was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, March 8, 1815; son of George and Margaret (Hoffman) Leonard, natives of Pennsyl- vania and Virginia respectively. George Leonard, who was reared, educated and married in Washington County, Penn., was a farmer and also a carpenter and joiner. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. On coming to Ohio he first settled in Mahoning County, as did his parents. He then moved to Paris Township, this county, in 1832, and here died in the fall of 1843, aged fifty- five years. His widow died in Michigan in 1860, aged seventy-four years. Eight of their twelve children survive: Nancy. Henry, Catherine, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Sarah and Hannah. Of these, Joshua and Aaron served through the late war of the Rebellion. John Leonard, the subject of this sketch, was married. September 1. 1835. to Fanny, daughter of James and Susan (Shaffer) Patterson, natives of eastern Pennsylvania and early settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio. To this union was born one child-Lura L., who died in 1871, aged twenty years. Mr. Leonard died March 16, 1885, of heart disease. He was a consistent member of the Congregational Church at New- ton Falls. He followed farming, and at his death was owner of 241 acres of good land. He filled several of the township offices of trust.

RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP.

ROBERT ALEXANDER, farmer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Pennsyl- vania November 22, 1807; son of James and Elizabeth Alexander, natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland respectively, the latter of whom emigrated to America when nine years of age. They were married in Pennsylvania, and there lived and died. Our subject came to Ohio in 1834, and married Nancy Merriman December 22, 1836. She was born in Randolph Township, this county, July 5, 1817, daughter of Isaac and Esther Merriman, natives of Connecticut, and who located in this county, being among the first settlers, where they remained permanently. Mrs. Merriman died in 1834, and Mr. Merriman subsequently married Harriet Bush, a native of New York State, and who, on the death of her husband in 1841, moved to Pennsylvania, where she now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are the parents of thirteen chil- dren, eight of whom survive: Esther, Elizabeth, Lavina, Eliza, Martha, Alice, Clara and Edger. The deceased are Sarah, Charles, Joseph, William and an infant. Our subject is a carpenter and joiner by trade, but of late years has been engaged in farming. He owns fifty-six acres of land where he and his family reside.

D. C. ALLEN, brick mason, Randolph, was born in Randolph Township, this county, May 14, 1842; son of Ben Ammi and Minerva Allen, the former

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a native of New York State, the latter of Connecticut, but who removed to this county in 1815, where they located and remained until the father's death in 1880; the mother is still living. Our subject is a brick mason by trade, and has thus been engaged through life. July 3, 1867, he was married to Mattie Anderson, born May 13, 1845, in Randolph Township, this county, daughter of Caldwell and Rachel Anderson, both deceased, the former November 14, 1883, the latter May 16, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have five chil- dren, of whom one only survives-Viola M., born October 29, 1871. The deceased are Myrtle R., twin infants, and Gertrude D. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the Methodist Church. They own forty-five acres of land in Randolph Township, this county, and a beautiful home where the family resides. During the late war of the Rebellion our subject enlisted in Battery . A, First Ohio Light Artillery, and served his country seventeen months.

HIRAM AUSTIN, retired farmer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., February 2, 1818; son of Cyrenius and Clarissa (Stanly) Aus- tin, natives of Connecticut, whence they moved to New York, thence to Por- tage County, Ohio, February 21, 1821, and here remained until their death. The mother died June 17, 1840, the father who had been a farmer all his life, July 13, 1852. On June 1, 1841, our subject was married to Elizaette A. Sears, born in Randolph Township, this county, February 21, 1820, daughter. of Elias and Ruth (Culter) Sears, both deceased, and to this union have been born four children, two now living: Duane S. and Montgomery O .; also one

The grand-daughter, Cora E. Hatcher, living with her grandparents. deceased are Emma E., died April 18, 1864, and Ann Eliza C., died February 7, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Austin are members of the Methodist Church, in which connection he has held the offices of Class-leader, Steward and Trustee. He has filled the office of Trustee in his town several times. He was elected President of the Building Board of the High School building in Randolph. He owns land in the village of Randolph on which he and his family reside, and property in different parts of the county. He acquired a common school education and taught early in life.

GEORGE AUSTIN, farmer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Suffield Town- ship, this county, August 10, 1826; son of Anthony and Mariana Austin, natives of Connecticut, who immigrated to Ohio about 1809, and who remained in this county until 1853, in which year they moved to Indiana, remaining there until 1865 and then returning to Randolph Township, this county, where they died, the mother in 1869, the father in 1870. Our subject was united in marriage, March 9, 1860, with Sarah Nash, born in Indiana, June 24, 1836, daughter of Calvin and Emily Nash, natives of Ohio, and who moved to Indiana and there remained until their death, in 1853 and 1841 respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Austin have been born five children: Lorenzo G., Theresa E., Cora B., Emmet D. and Eliza E. Mr. Austin, who has been engaged in farming all his life, owns seventy-seven and a half acres of land where he and his family reside. Mrs. Austin and Lorenzo G. and Theresa E. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

AARON AUSTIN, farmer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Randolph Town- ship, this county, February 22, 1829, the son of Bissell and Artemesia Austin, natives of New York. Bissell Austin was in the war of 1812, and immedi- ately after that struggle he removed to and settled in this county. Here he and his wife died, aged fifty-five and eighty years respectively. Our subject was united in marriage, November 9, 1867, with Sarah Pendleton, born in Brimfield Township. this county, December 25, 1840, daughter of Hubbard and Betsey Pendleton, natives of Connecticut and Ohio respectively, and who

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settled in this county in a very early day, and here remained until their death, the father dying in 1857, the mother in 1844. Our subject, who has been engaged in farming all his life, has bought and sold considerable property and now owns eighteen acres improved land where he and his family reside. He has filled the office of Township Trustee with credit to himself and to the sat- isfaction of his constituents.

ALVIN BANCROFT, farmer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Randolph Township, this county, May 19, 1832; son of Aralziamon and Phoebe Bancroft, natives of Granville, Mass., who came to Portage County, Ohio, remaining until 1850, at which time they moved to Marlboro, Stark Co., Ohio, where they settled and died, the father in 1872, the mother in 1881. Our subject, was united in marriage, September 28, 1861, with Sarah A. Don- nell, born in Randolph Township, this county, January 16, 1844, daughter of A. P. Donnell. Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft are the parents of one child -Jennie L., wife of Henry Brockett. Our subject when twelve years of age started in life for himself with nothing. He traveled all over the West engaging in miscellaneous trade until 1860, when he became associated with his uncle in mercantile business. This he continued for five years when he closed out and engaged in other enterprises for several years, after which he resumed mercan- tile ventures at Marlboro with I. S. France, with whom he remained until 1878; then he opened a store in Randolph, this county, with S. B. Trescott, and with him remained until 1881, then bought him out, and sold an interest to Albert Stanbaugh, with whom he is now associated under the firm name of · Bancroft & Stanbaugh Our subject owns about 200 acres of real estate, forty of which, where he and his family reside, are in Portage County, the remain- der being in Iowa.

W. BASSETT, farmer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Connecticut, Jan- nary 14, 1830, son of Ezra L. and Susan Bassett, natives of Connecticut, who moved to this county about 1833, and remained here until the death of former in 1866; the latter is now nearly ninety-six years of age. Our subject was married December 4, 1860, to Celinda Winchell, born February 19, 1838, in Randolph, daughter of David and Eunice Winchell, natives of Connecticut, who came to this county in a very early day and remained until their death. To Mr. and Mrs. Bassett have been born three children, one of whom is now living-Emmett, born May 22, 1877. The deceased are Wilbur, born in 1863, drowned June 16, 1870, and Rosie, born December 22, 1872, died September 4, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Bassett are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They own thirty-three acres of improved land, on which they reside with their family.

ORLANDO BENTLEY, retired farmer and merchant, Randolph, was born in Berkshire County, Mass., March 9, 1824; son of Caleb and Anna Bentley, the former a native of Massachusetts and a farmer, the latter a native . of New York. They were married in Massachusetts and moved to New York, where they remained several years, thence went to Ohio, settling in Cuyahoga County, where they remained until their death. Caleb Bentley died August 19, 1835, his widow surviving him until June 27, 1865. On May 7, 1850, our sub- ject was married to Caroline D. Sears, born in Randolph Township, this county, June 26, 1828, daughter of Elias and Ruth Sears. Mr. Sears was a native of Middletown, Conn., and, with his wife, came to Ohio, where they remained till their death. Mr. Sears died March 4, 1840; Mrs. Sears in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Bentley have been blessed with one child-Charles G., born January 1, 1867, residing at home with his parents. Our subject engaged in carriage- making until he was twenty-four years of age, then followed farming for a

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few years, and finally went into mercantile business, in which he has been engaged most of the time since. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Subor- dinate Lodge, No. 65, of Ravenna; has filled the office of Trustee of Randolph for five years at one time, and also at different other times. He owns 120 acres of land and a fine residence in which he and family reside, also town lots. He is living a retired life on his farm.

W. H. BETTES, farmer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Summit County, Ohio, July 10, 1824, son of Silas and Fannie (Ryder) Bettes. Silas Bettes was born in Massachusetts July 16, 1791, and immigrated to Ohio, where he remained until his death, December 31, 1832. His widow then married, in 1834, Frederick Dye, who died in 1855. She next married S. B. Spellman in 1866, and he, also, died, leaving her a widow for the third time. Our sub- ject was married, June 25, 1856, to Lodema Brockett, born in Randolph Town- ship, this county, December 13, 1829, daughter of Albert and Betsey Brock- ett, former a native of Connecticut, latter a native of England. Mrs. Brock- ett died in Portage County, Ohio, August 5, 1843, and Mr. Brockett then mar- ried, October 12, 1844, Fannie Ward, who lived only a few days; afterward, in March, 1846, he married Frances Hanson, who is still living. He died February 6, 1878, in Portage County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bettes are parents of four children: Charlie E., born October 23, 1857; Carrie L., born October 2, 1859; Viola L., born October 21, 1866, and Mae A., born October 5, 1868. Mr. Bettes, wife and three eldest children are members of the Disciples Church. Our subject taught school during the early part of his life, his wife being a teacher also. Since then he has engaged in farming. He was in the late war of the Rebellion. Commissioned as First Lieutenant, May 11, 1861, in an independent company of militia, known as the Randolph Guards; enlisted in September, 1861, as a private in the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry; commis- sioned as Second Lieutenant in November, and promoted to First Lieutenant in December; resigned commission in April, 1863; was commissioned as Major, August 23, 1863, in the Third Regiment of Militia in Portage County; re-enlisted in the United States service in December, 1864, and was commissioned as First Lieutenant in Company H, One Hundred and Eighty- fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. Mr. Bettes was commissioned Justice of the Peace April 25, 1859; re-elected January 22, 1866, and again October, 1882. He was Democratic candidate for Representative in 1875, but was defeated; was renominated in 1877, and again defeated by a majority of 250 votes, the rest of the ticket being defeated by 500 and over. In 1879 he was nominated for Probate Judge, and defeated by a small major- ity. Our subject owns eleven acres of splendid land in this township, where he and his family reside.

FREDERICK BILES, farmer, P. O. Marlborough, Stark Co., Ohio, was born in Germany, September 18, 1820, a son of Frederick and Dora Biles, who first immigrated to Columbiana County, Ohio; afterward moved to Stark County, where they remained until the father's death in 1842. The mother subsequently moved to Seneca County, Ohio, where she died in 1872. Our sub- ject was married, October 8, 1848, to Elizabeth Frederick, born in Columbiana County, Ohio, January 10, 1828, daughter of David and Charlotte Frederick, who moved to Stark County, where the latter died in 1848, the former August 20, 1883. To this union have been born eleven children, nine of whom sur- vive: David, Jacob, Samantha, Catharine, Eldora, William N., Ada, Delbert and Ona M. Mary and Rebecca J. are deceased. Mr. Biles owns sixty- six acres of first-class land, where he and his family live. He settled in the county in 1860; has met with good success, and is now one of the enterpris- ing farmers of Portage County.

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RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP.

LEWIS M. BLOOMFIELD, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Marlborough, Stark Co., Ohio, was born in Bloomfield Township, Crawford Co., Penn., December 10, 1815, son of Lewis and Susan Bloomfield, former a native of New Jersey, latter of Fayette County, Penn. They settled in Stark County, Ohio, in 1830, and there remained until their death. Our subject was united in marriage, June 7, 1838, with Lydia Ingledue, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1813. To this union were born five children: Alpheus S., Celestine, Thomas M., Susan G. and Ascenath. The mother of these children died December 8, 1876. She was one of the true and noble women of her day, and an exemplary mother. Her death was sadly regretted by a large circle of friends. Our subject married, March 17, 1882, Mrs. Hen- rietta Hotchkiss, of Meadville, Penn., who died January 1, 1883, after which he married, June 4, 1884, for his third wife, Rachel A. Beans. Our subject has been engaged in farming, stock-raising and dealing, and owns about 240 acres of improved land. He has given each one of his children $1,000, either in land or money. Mr. Bloomfield has filled the office of Township Trustee about seven years. He is a member of the School Board.

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History of Portage County, Ohio, Part 91

Author: Warner, Beer & co., pub. [from old catalog]; Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Norris, J. E. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Chicago, Warner, Beers & co. Number of Pages: 958

Author: Warner, Beer & co., pub. [from old catalog]; Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Norris, J. E. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Chicago, Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 958