History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 144

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 144

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JAMES D. BLYTHE, merchant; P. O. Waynesburgh; was born in Stark Co., in 1854. He was upon the farm until the age of 14, when he commenced to learn the black- smith's trade in Carrollton, working at it over a year and then engaging at rail-roading for nearly three years. He then engaged in traveling for three months, in the Enlarging Picture-process business. He then engaged in trade with J. C. Elsass, in Waynesburgh, in the provision business, commencing in November 1875, and continuing over a year in partnership, after which he was engaged in that business alone for one year. He then disposed of that business, and in 1878 entered into partnership with Wm. Raedel, with whom he is still associated. He was married in January, 1879, to Miss Annie E. Newkirk, of Pennsylvania. They have two children- Mary M. and Richard H. Mr. Blythe has served as a member of the Common Council for two terms, and is one of the progressive and promising business men of the com- munity.

LEW. S. BONBRAK, tinware, stoves, etc .; P. O. Waynesburgh, was born in Magnolia, in 1857. He commenced to learn his trade when he was 15 years of age, with Robert Jones, remaining with him for two years, and then went to Salem and continued under in- structions there for about a year, finishing his trade; after which he returned to Waynes- burgh and worked at his trade with James Hewitt a year ; he then went to Minerva and worked for Alexander a short time, subse- quently returning to Waynesburgh and again entering the employ of Hewitt. In 1877 he became associated with Robert Jones, under the partnership name of Jones & Bonbrak; they bought out Hewitt and continued in partnership together until February, 1881, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Bonbrak commenced an enterprise in the Sweet and Painter block, where he still re-

mains. While with Jones they invented and patented the " Improved continous sheet and cap combined Iron Roofing," which L. Scott & Co. are now introducing upon the market with improving success-a more extended notice appearing elsewhere. Mr. Bonbrak is also the inventor and patentee of an "eave- trough," which is a most valuable patent, and can be manufactured without a seam, in lengths of 10 feet, the longest upon the mar- ket being 55 inches. This is to be placed upon the market as soon as suitable machinery can be made for its manufacture. He also has an eve-trough fastener, which he has ap- plied for a patent upon. Mr. Bonbrak is occupying one of the largest and finest salesrooms in the town; he car- ries a large stock of goods in tinware stoves and house-furnishing goods, and is constantly adding new features. He was elected to the office of corporation clerk at the last election, which office he is now ad- ministering. He is the local correspondent for several county papers, and ranks as one of the enterprising men of Waynesburgh. Mr. Bonbrak was married in January, 1879, to Miss Lizzie McElhinney, of Carroll Co .; they have one child, Jennie L.

GEORGE CASPER, farmer ; P. O. Mag- nolia ; was born in Alsace, now a German possession, in 1819. His parents, Jacob and Margaret Casper, emigrated to America about 1832, settling in Sandy Tp., where the re- mainder of their days was passed. George has followed the occupation of farming all of his life, and has been a resident of the town- ship since the removal of his parents there. He now owns 240 acres of land, and his home- stead farm is finely improved with buildings, and ornamented by a new and elegant resi- dence. He was married in 1846 to Miss Lou- isa Ullman, of Rose Township, Carroll Co. They have twelve children, all living-Wil- liam, a resident of Pike Tp .; Hannah Tresler, living in Sandy Tp .; Jacob, in Indiana ; Susannah Richards, in Indiana ; Isaac, living in Indiana, teaching school ; Henry, in the harness trade, Waynesburgh ; Annis Newton, Pike Tp. ; James, Ida, Edward, Curtis and Abraham. Mr. Casper is one of the solid, substantial farmers of the township, and universally respect .d.

AUGUSTUS R. ELSON, miller; P. O.

SANDY TOWNSHIP.

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Magnolia; is a son of Richard Elson, a native of Brooke Co., Va .; born July 12, 1:91. Richard E'son passed through a varied and interesting life; he was raised upon a farm, and began life for himself upon the Ohio river, engaged in carrying provisions down the river upon flat-boats, which he had built himself, and disposing of the whole cargo in Southern cities. This occupation he was engaged in for seven years. He would walk the entire distanc. back to his home at the end of his trip, carrying his money in a knap-sack and using it for a pillow, many nights lying out under the stars. Upon one occasion, upon arriving South, he found an epidemie raging with such violence that he was forced in order to get home, to make a coast-voyage to New York, from which place he walked home. He came to Ohio soon after his parents had set- tled in Osnaburg Tp. and bought a small piece of land near there. After the death of his father, he, with his brother, opera- sed and controlled the home farm. He soon after began large and extensive farming opera- tions in Sandy Township, entering a quarter section of land, where C. C. Elson now lives. About 1834-5 he purchased three quarters of tand in and around Magnolia, in partnership with John W. Smith. They erected a saw- mill, and sawed out the timber for the grist- mill, which was soon after erected. The mill was originally made 40 feet square; it has been in operation from that time forward, and bas made an extended reputation. They also located the town of Magnolia, which is now a thriving village. Soon after Mr. Elson moved his family upon his land, there occupy- ing a small log house for some years. He then disposed of his share in the mill property to Smith, and removed to his farm north of Waynesburgh, remaining there until 1839, when he bought the entire mill property and moved to Magnolia, where he resided until his death. lle disposed of the mill to his son, Augustus R., in 1851, and was extensively en- gaged in farming until his death. Ile was one of the largest lant owners in the township, and the land purchased by him, although con- demned by others, proved to be the most fer- tile and valuable in that region. He secured the post-office for Magnolia, and was Postmas- ter for many years; also served in many other offices of public trust. He was mar-

ried in 1827 to Miss Sophia F. Borgel, of Waynesburgh ; she died in 1829, leaving three children-Margaret and Catharine- twins. Margaret, now the wife of Wm. H. Greer, of Magnolia, and Catharine, wife of Dr. Whitacre, now living in Iowa, formerly of Mag- nolia, and the subject of this sketch. Mr. Elson was married to a second wife, Sarah .1. Brandon, of West Virginia ; she died in 1847, leaving three children-Mary F. Rod- man, living in Iowa, Corwin C., of Sandy Tp., and Richard, jr. Mr. Elson died Aug. 28, 1879. A. R. Elsoon was born in Sandy Tp., in 1829. He began life upon his father's farm, and upon their removal to Magnolia, and commencing milling operations, he en- tered the mill, and became thoroughly con- versant with that occupation. To this he has devoted his entire life, and at it he has achieved a wonderful success. Mr. Elson has, by continued re-building and enlarging, se- cured one of the largest mills in that section. He is continually adding new and improved machinery, and contemplates, during the sea- son of 1881, to build more additions to his buildings, and thoroughly overhaul it and add new features. His power is furnishel by the best water canal imaginable, and is sufficient to run his immense establishment day and night, during the entire year. Something of an idea can be furnished by the statement of the amount of business done by him; from the wheat season of 1880 until April, 18SI, ground over 31,000 bushels of wheat. Mr. Elson is one of the prominent, enterprising business men of Ohio. Honorable in all of his dealings, and possessing genial and social attri- butes of high order, he houors to the utmost the community in which he resides. He was united in marriage in December, 1855, to Mar- garet E. Ross, of Waynesburgh. They have seven children living -Austin R., born June 11, 1851; Richard R., born March S, 1860; Em- ma F., born Aug. 18, 1862; John R., born April 3, 1865; Frank, born Sept. 16, 1869; Maggie E., born Jan. 24, 1844, and Harry E., born Sept. 27, 1529. Mr. Elson has served as township trustee, has been of great service to the educational interests of Magnolia, and is identified with the development of all publie measures that promise to advance the interests of the people. He owns and oper- ates a saw and planing-mill, and was the

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originator of Chaddock & Sons' Woolen Mill of Magnolia. He erected in Magnolia, in 1878-79, an elegant brick residence, which is finely appointed.

JOHN H. ELSON, farmer; P. O. Waynes- burg; is the oldest representative of an old and prominent pioneer family; his grand-parents were pioneer settlers of West Virginia; his father, John Elson, was a native of Maryland; he married in West Virginia Miss Margaret Wiggins, a native of that State; they emigra- ted to Ohio in 1820, locating near Mapleton, in Osnaburg Township, where they purchased some land and began to improve it; his father, however, only lived a short time after their arrival, dying in 1822; his mother sur- vived several years after; there were ten children in the family, only three now living -- Thomas \V., a resident of Wayne Co., Iowa ; Charity Wilson, living in Mapleton; and John H., the subject of this sketch. John was born in West Virginia in 1806, and was fifteen years of age at the time of his parents removal to this county, since which time he has been a resident of the county, and of Sandy Town- ship since 1833; his purchase of land in San- dy was in 1829; he was married in 1833 to Miss Osie Wilson, born in Osnaburg Town- ship in 1815, and daughter of Douglas Wil- son, also a pioneer, a more extended sketch of him appearing elsewhere. Mr. Elson has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his days, and is one of the prominent farmers of Stark County; he is one of the large land- owners of that section, part of which he has disposed of to his children. Mr. and Mrs. El- son have had thirteen children, eight of whom are now living-Sarah Ann Wilson, living in Pennsylvania; James W. died at the age of 13; Wm. P., a resident of Missouri; Douglas W. died an infant; John H. Elson, Jr., died in the service of his country. He enlisted in September, 1861, in Fremont's body guard, which was soon disbanded, and soon after he became a member of the 51st O. V. L., and served until Jan. 2, 1863, when he was wounded at the battle of Stone River, and died a few days after in the hospital. Henry C., Sandy Tp .; Vallonia V .; Venilia Frame, living in Missouri; Owen T. died an infant; Edwin W., living in Missouri; Em- ma L., in Missouri; B. Frank, married to Miss Olive M. Sickafoose, of Sandy Tp., in

1880, and now farming in Sandy Tp .; and Florence N., who died at the age of 12 years. Mr. Elson has served the township as Trustee, and always been an advocate for measures to promote the prosperity and best interests of the township. He has devoted his time exclusively to his farming interests, and has made it a successful life-work.

H. C. ELSON, farmer; P. O. Waynesburgh; was born in Sandy Township in 1842. He is a son of John and Osie (Wilson) Elson of Sandy Tp. Our subject was an assist- ant at home until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted Nov. 12, 1861, in the 19th O. V. I. He was in severe service all through the struggle, and participated in the following battles : Pittsburg Landing, Farmington, Corinth, Perryville, Crab Orchard, Stone River, Chattanooga, Pickett's Mills, Pine Knob, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoo- chee, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Lovejoy Station, Columbia, Franklin and Nashville. He was taken prisoner Jan. 2, 1863, in the Stone River fight, and upon the same day his brother, John, was wounded, and confined in Libby Prison for one month, fortunately being exchanged after one month. He passed through all of the engagements of the regi- ment, and was mustered out at San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 25, 1865. Returning home he rented his father's farm for three years, and in the spring of 1869 bought eighty acres of his father, where he has since resided. Mr. Elson has one of the finest locations in the township, and has improved his place with superior build- ings. He was married Oct. 22, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth C. Hewitt, daughter of William Hewitt, of Waynesburgh. They have four children-Loretta O., Eliza B., Jessie M. and Margaret E.

C. C. ELSON, farmer; P. O. Waynes- burgh; is a son of Richard and Sarah A. (Brandon) Elson; he was born in Magnolia in 1841, and assisted when a youth in the management of his father's land; he was in the service, enlisting in Oct. 1861, in Co. K., 51st O. V. I. under the command of Stanley Mathews, and served all through the war; enlisting first in the three years service, and subsequently as a veteran he served in all of the battles of his regiment-and never missed a day's service in 38 months, at the time of the discharge he was ranking First Sergeant; upon

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his return to Magnolia, he assisted at home for about two years, and in 1868 moved to his present location, north of Waynesburg., upon land first entered by his father; he was married March 28, 1872, to Miss Salina L. Rutter, of Waynesburgh; they have three children-Mary Kate, Fannie B., and Paul R. Mr. Elson has now 320 acres of rich valley land, which he has under superior cultivation and elegantly improved in buiklings. He has served the township as Trustee, and is one of the most respected and enlightened citizens of the township; he devotes his time entirely to his farming interests, but also keeps up to the spirit of the advanced times in matters of intelligence and progress.

RICHARD ELSON, JR., farmer; P. O. Mag- nolia; was born in Magnolia, May 4, 1842, in the house in which he now lives; he has been identified with farming interests from his youth up, and now owns over 300 acres of the rich land of the "Sandy Valley;" he makes a specialty in sheep; and also in raising garden products, for which his rich s il seems espec- ially adapted. Mr. Elson has been a resident of Sandy Tp. his entire life, and is foremost in all public measures and in good works; he gives his whole attention to the management of his land. He was united in marriage Nov. 4, 1874, to Miss Catharine A. Baxter; she was born in Hancock Co. Va., in November 1850; they have two children living-Mary R., born in August, 18:3, and Ella D., born in March, 1877; Charley B., died an infant.

WILLIAM HI. EVANS, merchant tailor, Waynesburgh ; was born in Chester Co., Pa., in 1849. Ile commenced learning his trade at the age of 12 years, in Wilmington, Dela- ware, remaining there about six years ; he then went to Elkton, Md., where, for two years, he was engaged at his trade, as eutter ; from thence to Philadelphia, where he was employed in the trimming department of Wannamaker's establishment ; subsequently returning to Elkton, Md., where, under the firm name of Evans & Desmond. he embarked in a business venture of his own, continuing there two years ; he then disposed of his in- terest and came to Ohio, locating at Saline- ville, where he was employed at his trade about a year, and then, for a little recreation, took a short trip abroad, visiting many of the continental cities. Upon his return to Amer-

ica he located in Waynesburgh, in 1812, start- ing in a small way in the merchant tailoring line. Here he has since resided, having estab- Jished a large and flourishing trade, and carry- ing a complete and extensive line of goods. Mr. Evans has been making a specialty of military and band uniforms, and in that branch has secured an extended trade, which is not confined to Ohio, but extends to neighboring States. He is a skillful and proficient artist in his profession, and fully deserving of the success which has attended his business. Ile was united in marriage in 1812, to Miss Ruha- mah Herbert, of Salineville, O. They have one child, Annetta. Mr. Evans is a member of Waynesburgh Lodge, No. 538, I. O. O. F., and of Sandy Encampment, No. 190. He has served as a member of the Corporation Coun- cil, and is one of the enterprising and progres- sive citizens of Waynesburgh.

JOHN W. GLESSNER, mayor and jew- eler: P. O. Waynesburgh; is a son of Jacob Glessner, who was born in Somerset Co., Pa., in 1794; he learned his trade of cabinet maker at Wheeling, and was subsequently engaged in traffic upon the Ohio river, taking a load of produce upon a flat-boat, and dis- posing of them in Southern cities, walking the entire distance back. In 1818 he came to New Lisbon, Columbiana Co., and in 1822, came to Waynesburgh, where he engaged at his trade of cabinet-making and undertaking, until 1836, when he removed to New Lan- easter, O., where he remained four years, sub- sequently returning to Waynesburgh, and has sinee been a resident there. He continued at his trade until 1874, and since 1876, has been totally blind. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Ranne, was from Ra- venna, O. They have one child living, John W .; he was born in New Lancaster, O., in 1840. He was a salesman in a Hardware Store for three years previous to the war, and was a member of the 19th O. V. I., enlisting in 1863, and in service until the close of the war in 1865. Ile participated in many of the battles, notably, Rich Mountain, Corinth, Port Gibson, Raymond, Siege of Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, and in all of the engage- inents of his regiment. He was in the army of the Tennessee under MePherson and Logan, and was the principal musician of his regiment; while in the service he learned,

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from an old experienced watchmaker, his trade. Upon his return to Waynesburgh, he engaged at that calling, at which he has since been engaged. 2 Mr. Glessner has been a member of the Common Council, Mayor four terms, and is the present incumbent of that office. Ile is a member of I. O. O. F., of which order he has passed through all grades. He was married in 1867 to Miss Josephine Keagle, of Pennsylvania ; they have five children-George E., Charles L., Kittie, Madge and Harry.

ROBERT HAMILTON, deceased ; was born in Donegal, Ireland, June 5, 1795. Ile emigrated to America and first located in New York city, where he married Finniah Henry, April 1, 1823; she was born in that city Oct. 6, 1803. They remained in that city for 15 years, keeping a grocery and provision store on the corner of Elm and North streets. Emigrating to Ohio they located about 23 miles north of Waynesburgh, and commenced keeping a country travern and also a small country store, the goods being purchased by Mr. Hamilton in New York. They remained in that location for about six years, and in 1837 removed to Waynesburgh and started the Hamilton House, which has been in operation up to the present time, and has extended its reputation far and near as one of the best hotels in the country. Here the worthy couple passed the remainder of their days, dispensing their hos- pitalities with a liberal hand and receiving in return a large and liberal patronage. They were both old and respected members of the Presbyterian Church and were esteemed uni- versally by their friends and neighbors, and the traveling publie generally. Mr. Hamilton died Aug. 31, 1876, his wife Oct. 12, 1879. They were the parents of ten children, eight now living-James MI., the oldest, has been as- sociated with the management of the house for many years; Cordelia, married to Dr. A. F. Atwell in 1858; Adeline, wife of John E. Wilson, of Waynesburgh; Finnialı Taylor, living in Kentucky; Alecia M., Laura, now Mrs. Rogers; Edward H. was born in Waynesburg in 1838. ITe has been engaged in the livery busi- ness for the most of his life and is now doing an extensive business in that line; married June, 1869, to Sarah J. Morledge, of Waynesburgh; they have three children, Nora, Harvey and

Frank. Robert B. Ilamilton, the second son, was born in New York in 1829, and for many years was engaged in mercantile operations at Waynesburgh, doing a large business, which, however, resulted disastrously, since which time he has been engaged in farming, and at his trade of wagon-making; he was married to Miss Usher Robertson, of Carroll Co .; they have six children; he has served as Township Trustee, President of Board of Edu- cation and member of council for several years; is a Knight Templar, of Massillon Commandery No. 4. Mr. Robert Ilamilton was appointed Postmaster of Waynesburgh in 1845, the original commission from C. Johnson, Postmaster General, being now in possession of the family; also served as Post- master several years later. The Hamilton House is now under the management of James C. Rogers, assisted by his wife, Mrs. Atwell and Miss Alecia Hamilton. The traveling public who patronize the "Hamilton" will find their "lines east in pleasant places." James C. Rogers was born in Sandy Tp., in 1850-son of John B. and Elinor (Creigh- ton) Rogers, of Sandy Tp. James passed his early days upon his father's farm during his earlier years, and then upon a farm of his own, where he continued until April, 1880, when he assumed the management of the Hamilton House. He has a small and well improved farm of 50 aeres in the township. He was married Oct. 12, 1816, to Miss Laura Hamilton.

JOHN HEWITT, retired farmer; P. O. Waynesburgh; is a son of James and Eliza- beth (Thompson) Hewitt, natives of Ireland. His father came to America at the age of twenty years, in 1791, and his mother in 1790, when ten years of age. They were married in Pennsylvania in 1808, and soon after came to Sandy Tp., where he had previously taken up and improved some land, coming out in 1807 with John Creighton and John Reed for that purpose. They continued residents of this community until their death. H. served as one of the first Justices of the Peace; his death occurred in or about 1852; his wife had died in 1844. They had ten children, six boys and four girls. William Hewitt, the oldest, was the first white male child born in what was then Sandy Tp. William followed farming in Sandy and Brown town-

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ships for many years. He is now living in Waynesburgh in retirement. as he is badly crippled by rheumatism, which has troubled him for forty years. William was married when twenty-six years of age to Eliza Broth- ers of Paris Tp. They have had three children-Amanda J., deceased; James T., living in Sandy Tp; and Elizabeth C., the wife of H. C. Elson of Sandy T'p. John Hewitt, the subject of this biography, was born in what is now Brown Tp., Carroll ('o., in 1811. He continued a resident of the old homestea 1 farm until he was 32 years of age, when he was united in marriage in 1842, to Miss Isabella Arbuckle, who was at that time hving in that portion of Stark, which has since been transferred to Carroll Co. She is a daughter of John Arbuckle, an early settler in that locality. Mr. Hewitt was engaged actively in farming operations until 1813 when he removed to Waynesburgh, and has since resided there, retired from active busi- ness. He owns 150 acres of land in C'arroll Co. Mr. Ilewitt lost his wife April 8, 1813. They had two sons and two daughters-Alon- zo, a resident of ('arroll Co .; he was a meni- ber of the 26th Ohio Battery, and in service abont 18 months; James A., living in town; Martha E. Maddock, of Carroll Co., and Jane 1., living at home; this young lady possesses rare musical accomplishments, being a superior performer and also composer. . Mr. Hewitt was married to a second wife in September, 1844, Mrs. Mary A. Mays, Ile is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elders nce 1846.

ROBERT JONES, foundry, plows, stoves and tinware; Waynesburgh; is the pro- prietor of the leading industry of Waynes- burgh: he is a som of John Jones, born near Dublin, Ireland, in 1292; he married there in 181% Eliza Ince, and in 1819 emigrated to America, landing at Philadelphia, where he remained for a short time, subsequently re- moving to the vicinity of Wilkesbarre, Pa., where he remained until the spring of 1821. While living there Robert was born. in the year 1820. They next emigrated farther west, remaining in Pittsburgh a short period, and finally settled abont 8 miles north of the city, near "Braddock's Field." Here htey remained until the spring of 1823, when they again took up the line of march and came to

Ohio, and in the fall of that year he entered some land in what is now Rose Tp., and owned by Andrew Jimeson, upon which he erected a small cabin and began life in the woods. Here he remained with his family until the spring of 1828, when he sold out and removed to Pittsburgh, where for eight years he was employed as spinning master in a cotton manufactory, at the end of which time he again removed to Carroll Co., where he had in the meantime purchased a piece of land ad- joining his original purchase, upon which he settled and lived until about 1859, when he removed with his wife to Waynesburgh, re- tiring from active labor. Here the couple re- mained until their deaths; he died at the age of 13 years, and his wife aged 10 years. Robert remained with his parents until they removed from Pittsburgh in 1836, where he re- mained behind, and apprenticed himself to learn the machinist's trade in a cotton machin- ery manufactory. He received his freedom when about the age of 19, and immediately came to Massillon, obtaining employment with MeMillan & Partridge about 3 months, and then engaging with C. M. Russell & Co., with whom he remained until the fall of 1847, engaged in the manufacture of threshing ma- chines. Ile then removed to Waynesburgh and embarked in a business enterprise for himself, purchasing a small foundry of Pat- rick Call, which he has enlarged and continued up to the present time. He manufactures several different brands of plows, many of which have an extended reputation; he is also the patenter of Jones' Iron Plow, and has several valuable improvements in that line not patented; ahout 1851 he added a line of stoves and tinware to his other business, which he has continued at, with the exception of ten years. In 18;t, he associated with him in business in that department, Mr. Low S. Bon- brak, who continued with him until ISSI. They are the inventors and patentees of the Iron Roofing, which bears their name, and in connection with 1. Scott, commenced its manufacture in January, 1880. Mr. Jones, with B Iding, has applied for a patent upon a " Quadruplex Spamer," for joining this roof- ing. H . was united in marriage in Sept .m- ber, 1842, to Miss Margaretta Taupert, a native of Germany, who came with her parents to Massillon in 1836. They have one son --

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 144

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