History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 133

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1060

USA > Ohio > Stark County > History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio > Part 133

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among the latter there being a treatise enti- tled "The Supremacy of Law," embodying all that this title implies. As a writer and author, his style is clear and logical; as a public speaker, whether in the pulpit or on the platform, his style is characterized by its force and appropriateness of thought, natural- ness, energy and purity of expression, the use of proper words in proper places, and its directness of argument and freedom in deliv- ery. He likewise knows how and where to be silent. But as a teacher of youth, whether in the recitation or lecture-room, all his pow- ers, both natural and acquired, find their freest and fullest play. It is in the school that his great usefulness and influence are most widely and effectively felt. Among his leading traits of character are concentrative- ness, simplicity, frankness, animation, mag- nanimity, courage, force of will, breadth and integrity of purpose. His powers of inde- pendent and consecutive thought, discern- ment of motives and of character, physical endurance, combined with his unswerving at- tachment to friends and sympathy with needy youth and the masses of the common people, have not only enhanced his efficiency, success and growing usefulness as an organizer, disci- plinarian and instructor of youth; but also as a trusted guide and benefactor of society. Besides being actively connected with the educational associations in his native state, he is a member of the American Philological Society; also a member of the American Asso- ciation for the promotion of Science. Ap- pointed in 1851 by the Stark County Teach- ers' Institute to represent, with his friend and the eminent teacher, Prof. Lorin Andrews, then superintendent of the Union Schools of Massillon, that body in the National Teachers' Association, he was, in this year, elected one of its life members. As early as 1850, he was recognized as a faithful worker in vari- ous important reforms demanding carnest attention, among which may be named the cause of Anti-slavery, Sunday Schools, Tem- perance, Graded and Normal Schools, County and State School Supervision. He has usu- ally participated in the State and National Temperance Organizations, Sunday School Conventions, and Young Men's Christian Associations. Being a member of the National Christian Temperance Association;

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he was elected by its annual meeting in the spring of 1825 al Chicago, as one of its two delegates from Ohio to represent that body in the International Christian Temper- ance I'nion that met June, 18:6, in Philadel- phia. Being a member of the first class, which, in 1864 graduated at Chautauqua in the National Sunday School Assembly's Course of Study. He was. at its annual meeting in 1816. elected by its Alumni Association to aet in connection with ten judicious represen- tatives appointed from as many evangelical churches, to prepare the Chautauqua Normal Sunday School Course of Study. Though Dever an active politician, Dr. Ilartshorn was urged at the beginning of our late war to accept a position of important trust in the Union army: and later, a responsible service in the civil affairs of his country. Though in no sense lacking in patriotism, nor inappre- eiative of these honorable avenues to em- inenee and usefulness; yet he has foregone these and other inviting fields of state and national distinction, from a dominent convie- tion that his unbroken life's work should be in the direction of humbly aiding to make a thorough, liberal Christian education, econom- ically and easily accessible to every energetic, right minded young man or woman, however poor or neglected. He also sincerely aims to discharge properly all his political and relig- ious duties, with a patriotism above partyisin, and with a Christianity above sectarianism. His accurate and practical knowledge of hu- man nature, and especially of the distinctive la- bors, varying motives and influences incident to student life, and his tested experience with other extensive qualifications, admirably adapt him to the arduous and peculiarly re- sponsible duties of the President of a live, modernized, aggressive college, as actually needed by our American people. Naturally blest with an excellent, physical constitution, as well as with a highly social, cheerful, sym- metrical disposition, with his simple, genial, syste mat.c habits, he readily forms personal acquaintances, and strong attachments for students and friends; and though in his fifty- eighth year, he seems now in his prime. He has frequently during his life, made as might be expected, serious mistakes; but scarcely would any one question either his willingness to correct them, or the purity of his purpose.

By possessing deep and positive convictions, with true teachableness, firmness and well- poised character, his course would inevitably antagonize those of opposite or erroneous pur- pose and action ; nevertheless, he is accus- tomed simply to perform his duty, and thus honorably exercise the natural right to think and act responsibly for himself, in strict ac- cord with the nature of things and with his deliberate judgment and conscience-being always equally willing to concede cheerfully the same personal rights and freedom to oth- ers. His daily and minutest acts, as well as his more momentous or public duties, being so frequently and intimately in the presence, and thus open to the varying scrutiny and conflicting criticisms of those knowing him from childhood, it might be expected that his motives, plans and actions, however sincere or correct, would be constantly subjected to opposite or diverse opinions and utterances, and that those failing to appreciate or approve them would, at least in some instances, be notedly slow either to condone or forget them. Under these as well as all other circumstances, his favorite motto is: "Take a square view, trust God, then act, leaving to Him the con- sequences." Impartial and tolerant to all, conservative in retaining whatever is good in the past, and progressive in radically apply- ing the wise and good to new and worthy objects, he has been uniformly accustomed, with head, heart and hand, to go directly for- ward, exercising envy or malice toward none -it being his rule and happiness to cherish for all a charity that is kind, that thinks no evil, and suffers long. His entire life, though characterized by severe conflict, labor and re- sponsibility, has been one of hope, happiness and benefit. Respecting his public life's work, he has, under Providential guidance, been eminently fortunate in his choice of wise, prudent and efficient counselors. asso- ciates and helpers. Nor has he been unfortu- nate in his domestic relations. Nov. 1, 1849, he was suitably married to Miss Amanda Mel- vina Brush, who, during the three preceding years, had been an apt and faithful student in the Seminary. being one of the first six stu- dents in attendance, Mrs. H rtshorn, a daugh- ter of Charles and Fanny Brush, of Mt. Un- ion, was born in New York city, March 13, 1828. To Dr. and Mrs. Hartshorn have been

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born six children, five of whom are living, viz .- Lucetta (now Mrs. Dr. B. U. Jacob, of Chicago); Dora (now Mrs. Otis D. Crocker, of Cleveland); Homer Chase and Emma (twins); and Walter. The State and Union Law College, of Cleveland, in 1860, conferred on President Hartshorn the degree, pro marito, of Doctor of Laws. His whole life and study having been devoted cheerfully, assiduously and unselfishly, to the equal advancement of Christianity and of popular and higher educa- tion, he has thereby efficiently promoted the true interests and elevation of the masses, and the free diffusion of knowledge and hap- piness among the lowly and common people. Mt. Union College, to whose normal growth he has, with right purpose, so unostentatiously yet effectively given his untiring energies, and uniformly has, with many others whose noble acts, cooperation and benefactions form the chief part of its history, only humbly helped to make it an impartial and beneficent source of continual blessings to self-depend- ent youth of both sexes, though for years this institution was interposed by stiff obstacles- does now nobly attest that this his life's work of love has not been in vain.

HON. EDWIN NORMAN HARTSHORN, A. M., Professor of International and Com- mercial Law, and superintendent of the Com- mercial Department of Mt. Union College; was born near Alliance, Ohio, May 27, 1835. His parents, Norris and Asenath Hartshorn, having moved from New England, settled at an early day in Nelson, Portage Co., Ohio. He is the youngest of five children, and was raised to farm life, and enjoyed for some years the advantages of the common schools. Hle received from his parents, especially from his cultured and devoted mother, systematic and affectionate training, until at the age of nearly twelve; and being then put under the care of his older brother, Dr. O. N. Ilartshorn, he entered in the fall of 1846 upon a course of study at Mt. Union Seminary, being one of its first six students. He regularly continued his studies at this seminary until it was, Jan- uary, 1858, chartered as a college, defraying his entire expenses by doing janitor service during the first four years, and during the next seven or eight years by teaching a part of the time in the Seminary, but chietly by teaching public schools during the winter

season. At the organization of the Institu- tion in 1856 as a college, he was elected one of its Charter Trustees, also Professor of Natural Science, having previously devoted most of his teaching to giving instruction in mathematics. Soon after it was chartered, he regularly graduated at Mt. Union College in both its Scientific and Classical courses, and three years later in the degree of Master of Arts. In the spring of 1862 he was elected Superintendent of the Graded or Union Schools of Brownsville, Pa .; but after faith- fully and acceptably conducting for a few months the Brownsville Schools, he accepted the urgent request of the Trustees and Fac- ulty to return and resume his teaching and du- ties in Mt. Union College. His labors as Pro- fessor until 1868 were chiefly confined to Natural Science and Mathematics, though during part of this time he was required to teach Ancient Classics, Logic, Rhetoric, Po- litical Economy and History. In 1868 the Commercial Department being duly organiz- ed under the charter of the college, Prof. Ilartshorn was elected its Superintendent, and was appointed to teach Book-keeping, International and Commercial Law, and Act- ual Business. He had a few years before taken a full course in Duff's Commercial Col- lege at Pittsburgh; and having there in 1856 graduated, received a Diploma from that Busi- ness College. Having been a close student during the preceding fifteen or twenty years, and being an original and systematic thinker, and possessing the physical as well as men- tal stamina to endure a large amount of con- seentive and thoughtful labor, he exerted all his energies to systematize this Commercial or Business Department, and to put it on a sub- stantial basis. He prepared a thorough and systematic course of study, and of actual busi- ness, and so organized the department as to re- duce all its features to a complete system, prob- ably not surpassed in thoroughness and practi- cal detail by any business college, East or West. He has instructed in this department over 2,000 students, who are now occupying re- sponsible and lucrative positions in various respectable business houses, where the most thorough and approved modes of doing busi- ness are required. Quite a number of the graduates of this department are ladies, who are, by their thorough and practical qualifica_

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7 tion in the Theory of Accounts and Actual Business, making themselves a necessity to their respective employers, and are receiving for their services a salary not excelled by gentlemen of equal experience. Prof. Harts- horn has thus from the first been a mem- ber of the General Faculty, and has judi- ciously borne during this time a respon- sible part in its general internal manage- ment, involving the government, instruction and classification of the students. He has likewise been, from the origin of the college, an effective member of its Board of Trustees and of its Executive Committee; and during the past fourteen years has acted as its assist- ant treasurer, receiving all the internal funds, disbursing the same and keeping the books therefor. Though his chief labors have been in the college, yet Prof. Hartshorn has also discharged various responsible duties as a citizen. He has from its origin served on the Board of Education for the union schools of Mt. Union; also for several years on the Board of Councilmen for that incorporated village. Having been treasurer of its Board of Education during some ten years, and having taken an active and efficient part in the planning and erection of its new and excellent Union School building, he has also been required to take a responsible share in the selection of teachers, and in the proper management of this union school. In all his duties he trusts nothing to luck, but depends solely on the prompt, honorable and exact compliance with all the conditions of success. In all his plans, duties and transactions with either the public or with private parties, he is uniformly straight-forward, decisive, respect- ful, prompt, temperate, firm, generous, reliable, and faithful. As to church relations, he is a Methodist; as to politics, he is a Republican, and as a neighbor and citizen he has given ample evidence of his enterprise, kindness, honesty and fidelity. During the late war he took with his means and time a highly gener- ous, patriotic and active part, both in raising numerous recruits, and in nobly sustaining our Union soldiers at the front; and, indeed, he would also have eagerly relegated to others these patriotic home supports, and entered the active service in the field, had it not been that his presence and stipulated services were also imperatively needed in the college. He has

devoted considerable time to the study of law; also in conducting Teachers' Institutes, and in delivering educational and other pub- lic addresses. Both as a speaker and a writer his style is logical, clear and forcible. In 1st8, he was nominated and cleeted State Senator for the Twenty-first District of Ohio, embracing the counties of Stark and Carroll. During his two years of public service in the Senate, he was appointed chairman of some important committees, as "Common Schools and School Lands; " " Universities, Acade- mies and Colleges." He also served ou other important committees, as " Soldiers' and Saifors' Orphans' Home and Schools for Imbecile Youth ; " " Public Printing:" " Revision." While a member of the Ohio Senate, during the 64th General Assembly, he introduced the following Bills, which passed both Houses, and are now law, viz .- Senate Bill No. 70, amending Section 1,155 (Revised Statutes), providing compensation to county recorders for keep- ing up general indices; Senate Bill No. 89, dividing Washington Township, Stark Coun- ty, into two election precincts; Senate Bill No. 144, amending Section 5,251 (Revised Statutes), relating to the demand of witness' fees; Senate Bill No. 158; Senate Bill No. 333, providing for the appointment of an as- sistant to the Mine Inspector; Senate Joint Resolution No. 39, granting the use of battle- flags, guns, tents and accontrements to the Reunion of Soldiers and Sailors, held Sept. Ist, 1880, at Canton, Ohio; also a Senate Joint Resolution, providing for admitting Sarah Curan, of Marlborough Tp., Stark Co., into the Cleveland Asylum for the Insane; Senate Resolution No. 14, fixing the pay of the pages. Three other Bills were introduced by Senator Hartshorn (Nos. 110, 426 and 336), and passed the Senate, but did not get through the House. He has recently ( 18SI) been nomi- nated without opposition to serve another term of two years in the Ohio Senate. Mr. Harts- horn was happily married January Ist. 1855, to Miss Elvira, daughter of John and Martha Allerton, of Alliance, Ohio. To Senator and Mrs. Hartshoin have been born six children- Loyal Douglas, Carrie T., Wilber A., Jessie G., Gertrude Josephine, and Florence; all of whom are living except the eldest son, who died at the age of eighteen, and Gertrude

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Josephine, who died when four years of age. ELLIS HAZEN, farmer; P. O. Alliance; was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, April 19, 1824. His father, Daniel Hazen, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. He came to Ohio in 1801, and settled in Colum- biana, now Mahoning Co., and was a well-to- do farmer, and a man of considerable influ- ence in the neighborhood in which he resided. He was married to Polly Wood, and to them were born four children, viz .- Ellis, Thomas, Elizabeth and R. J. C. The family removed from Mahoning Co. to Lexington Tp., Stark Co., in 1833, and located on Sec. 16, where Thos. Hazen now lives, and on said location Mr. Hazen remained until called away by death in 1869. He was a man worthy of trust and much respected in his own vicinity, and was almost continuously serving in some township office. After the organization of Lexington was effected, Daniel Hazen was the first Township Treasurer, an office which he held about twenty years. The subject of these notes is the oldest of the family. Ilis early education was received in the public schools, and limited at that, as delicate con- dition of his father's health, demanded that Ellis' attention and labor should be directed to the care of the farmn. Dec. 18, 1845, he

was married to Emeline Wickersham. She was born in Columbiana Co., April 20, 1824, and came to Stark Co. with her parents in 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Hazen began on their own account, and farmed in this township ever since, and in this they have been quite successful. They have had eight children, six of whom are living-Almiretta, Lewis (deceased), Curtis (deceased), Eva, Lyde, Ed- ward, William and Adelbert. Mr. Hazen had but little means when he began for himself, but by industry and care, he is now financially well fixed, having a good farm of 226 acres in a high state of cultivation. He was elec- ted to the office of Township Trustee, which he held four years, and in October, 1878, he was elected County Commissioner, which office he now holds. He is in inanner unas- suming and pleasant, and although holding an office, the gift of the people, he is no pol- itician; but a man who has gained and retains the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens.

HARVEY V. MERRICK, A. B., Pro-

fessor of the German Language in Mt. Union College; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, March 27, 1855, son of Wm. and Jane (Coulson) Merrick, who are both natives of the same county. They reared six children, viz :- Martin, who enlisted for the late war in the 115th O. V. I., and served three years, and returned home and died in 1866 ; Sarah; Lizzie (deceased); Harvey V., Allen and Har- per. Harvey V. was the fourth child and second son ; his boyhood was spent on the farm, and in attending the public school ; af- ter he had taught one term, he entered Mt. Union College in 1875, and took a five years' course, employing himself teaching in the winter terms as a means of support during the succeeding college term. During his col- legiate course he studied the German language thoroughly, and was appointed professor there- of immediately after his graduation in July, 1880. July 26, 1880, he married Carrie P. Chapman, daughter of John B. Chapman, who was a pioneer-settler and attorney, of Warsaw, Ind. Subsequent to the death of her father, Mrs. Merrick, with her mother, removed to Adams Co., Iowa, and settled near Corning ; there, in early childhood, Mrs. Merrick be- came familiar with the Icarians, a French- speaking community, of whom she readily ac- quired the rudiments of the French language; and having access to their libraries, and a natural taste for such studies, she soon became familiar with much of their literature, and a proficient French linguist. She attended Mt. Union College, from which she graduated in July, 1879 ; and in February, 1880, was appointed Professor of the French Language and History.

MICHAEL MCGRATH, deceased; was born in County Kildare, Ireland, in Octo- ber, 1826. When about 20 years of age he emigrated to the United States, and spent his first year in this country at Auburn, N. Y. He removed thence to Cleveland, Ohio, and entered the employ of the Cleve- land, Pittsburg & Wheeling R. R. Co., as overseer on a portion of that road during its construction. In March, 1852, he came to Alli- ance, and engaged with the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. Co., as overseer of a gang of repairers; this position he occupied until his late illness, which resulted in his death, May 15, 1881. lle was quiet, sober and industrious, and al-

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though working for nominal wages, he was. through industrious habits, enabled to pur- chase a farm of 78 acres adjoining the city corporation of Alliance, on the west. On Jan. 22, 1854, he married Phoebe A. Rock- hill. They had nine children, seven of whom are living, viz :- Josephine, John H., Michael D., James E., Idla M., Joseph F., and Ellen O. In September, 1878, their oldest son George. took his gun and with several others went hunting. When several miles away he step- ped to the wagon in which his gun was lying, and while in the act of taking it out it was acci- dentally discharged; the muzzle being toward him and in close proximity with his body, the load took effect in the upper part of his body, which caused death instantly. Ile leaves a young wife and one child to mourn their un- timely loss. Mr. Michael McGrath leaves bis family in very comfortable circumstances, with a good home surrounded by all the com- forts necessary. Ile was through life a con- sistent member of the Catholic Church.

JOHN NEILER, farmer; P. O. Alliance; was born in Chester Co., Pa., April 3, 1811. His father Samuel, and his mother, Sarah (Evans) Neiler, were both natives of Pennsyl- vania. His father was a miller and farmer, and from boyhood up, John being the oldest of the family, was kept at the milling business, in which he soon became practical and thorough. He received at intervals, a fair common school edneation. He conducted the business for some time after the death of his father; and at the settlement of the affair, of the estate he removed to Ohio, and located in Goshen Tp., Mahoning Co., where he began to farm and remained five years; thence to Salem, Columbiana Co., and purchased the Allison Mills, which he ran seven years. Ile sold out his mill property in Salem, and re- turned to Mahoning Co., where he resided until 1862, when he sold out and removed to Lexington Tp., Stark ('o., and purchased a farm of 46 acres; on which he has resided ever since. He married Beulah W. Morris, March 12, 1853; she was a daughter of Joseph and Rachel Morris, of Mahoning Co., who with their ten children, emigrated from New Jersey, in a two-horse wagon, and located in Goshen Tp., Mahoning Co., in 1821. Her par nts re- mained in the same place where they settled until she died, many years since. Mr. Neiler

is unassuming and plain in his manger, a man of unquestioned candor, and highly respected by those with whom he becomes acquainted. They had two children, both deceased.

JOHN M. PETTIT, grocery merchant, Alliance; was born in New Lisbon, Columbi- ana C'o., Ohio, May 15, 1812; he was the second child and oldest son of Austin and Elizabeth (Middleton) Pettit, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1812, and located in Columbiana Co., where he engaged in tarm- ing and stock dealing. When John M. was about S years old, his mother died, leaving four children. His father married Elizabeth Schooley for his second wife, and by this union six children were born. Until Mr. Pettit ar- rived at his 19th year his life was similar to that of most young men reared in the country, variously occupied on the farm and in attend- ing school, after which he accepted a clerk- ship in a store of general merchandise in Salem, which he retained about six years. In March, 1845, he came to Mt. I'nion, Stark Co., and in partnership with Isaac Wilson opened a general store; shortly afterward, at the demise of Mr. Wilson, Mr. Pettit purchased the entire business, and conducted it until 1>53, when the partnership of Pettit and Park was formed. In 1859 Mr. Pettit em- barked in the general produce business with one Nixon, as Pettit & Nixon, which continu- od until 1865, when Mr. Reed took Nixon's place in the establishment; the latter partner- ship lasting about five years. In Ist0) Mr. Pettit engaged in the fire and life insurance business for about four years, and then in partnership with his son, established his pres- ent business in Alliance. Dec. 28, 1843, he married Mary Bean, daughter of Israel and Jane Bean, of Salem, Ohio. They had four children; two died in ch Idhood and two are living, viz :- Presley C., who is Cashier of the First National Bank, and George P., now in Colorado. Although these many years en- gaged in active business in Alliance, he has always been a resident of Mt. Union since the spring of 1845. He has been in active busi- ness since 19 years of age, a man of public spirit and enterprise, and decided business ability.

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 133

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1060

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1060