History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 127

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1104

USA > Ohio > Summit County > History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio > Part 127

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

G. L. W. EDAM, of Edam & Johnston, manufacturers of white lime, etc., Akron, is a native of Baden, Germany, and was born April 21, 1849, and came to the United States with his parents when but 3 or 4 years old. They settled in Cleveland, where they now live. In 1869, subject went to Marblehead, near San-

dusky, where he conducted a limestone quarry for five years ; he then engaged in the lime business in partnership with his brother J. A. (firm of Edam Bros.), in Cleveland, and in 1875 he came to Akron and built the present manu- factory. They continued business here and in Cleveland until January, 1879, when subject became the sole proprietor, and the following January he took Mr. C. N. Johnston in as a partner, and the firm still continues. At first the business was nothing more than a lime manufactory, and has since added commercial fertilizers, employing in the business ten men. He was married May 5, 1874, to Miss Mary Groh, a native of Cleveland. They had three children, two living-Mary Annie and George Adam ; Anna Clara is dead.

TIMOTHY ERASMUS, retired, Akron, is a native of Northampton Co., Penn., where he was born Oct. 6, 1810. His father, John Eras- mus, was a tailor by trade, though he taught school a considerable portion of the time, hav- ing qualified himself at Bethlehem College. He died in Philadelphia about 1817 ; he was a native of Lehigh Co., Penn., and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. At the age of 10 years, Timothy was put to work on a farm in his native county, where he worked until he was 18 years of age, when he was apprenticed to the cabinet trade, serving three years in Beth- lehem. He then went to Philadelphia, where he worked several years, participating, while there, in the celebration of Washington's birthday. From here he went to Easton, where he worked two years at the carpenter's trade ; thence to New York City, and in 1836, he went to Mas- sillon by wagon with a friend. Here he re- mained one year, working at the carpenter's trade, when he went to Clay Co., Ind., and entered some land. He made his way west on foot and returned in the same way to Massillon in the following spring. In the summer of 1839, he came to Akron, where he has lived since. He engaged at his trade of carpenter and builder until the past ten years, during which he has lived a retired life. October 19, 1841, he married Miss Clarissa K. Smith, a native of Connecticut ; she came West with her parents when young. She died in 1850, leav- ing three children, all of whom have since died. January 3, 1854, he married Mrs. Anson, for- merly Mary J. Barriball, a native of Baltimore, and came west with her people when young.

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CITY OF

AKRON.

In 1880, he served as Real Estate Assessor for the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Wards of Akron City.

JOHN GEORGE EBERHARD, Eberhard Manufacturing Co., Akron, Ohio, was born in Baden, Germany, March 21, 1829, where he went to school until he was 14 years old, and in addi- tion to public schools, he for three years had instruction in mechanical arts. He also worked in his father's shop (his father was a tool-maker), and at 16 could fashion almost any edged tool. At 19, he went to Berne, Switzerland, and worked for a short time in a carriage-shop ; also worked a short time in a mannfactory of agricultural implements, when he returned home. Soon after, he was drafted into the German army, when he left without pass, and went to France ; sailing from IIavre, he arrived in New York Aug. 31, 1850. From there he went to Newark, N. J., where he worked for a time in edge tools, carriage-shop, and at ship-building, and afterward in a harness and trimming shop and forging wrought-iron hames. In the fall of 1859, he came to Sharon, Medina Co., Ohio, where he bought a farm, when for six years he engaged in farming and in the manufacture of wooden and wrought-iron hames. In December, 1866, he came to Ak- ron, and built a shop for the manufacture of hames and machinery. Shop was in Akron until November, 1880, when he moved it to Cleveland, where it is now in successful opera- tion under the name of Eberhard Manufactur- ing Co. He was married May 22, 1852, to Miss Louisa Clanser, of Newark, N. J. She was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to the United States in October, 1850. Three sons and four daughters were born of this marriage-George F., Louisa, John J., Anna C., Frederick, Bertha and Katie. Mr. E., in 1875, invented the "hollow hame," now largely used. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, in which, for fourteen years, he has been an Elder, and long the Superintend- ent of the Sunday school.

WILLIAM EBERHARD, Akron ; son of George F. and Mary Catharine (Miller) Eber- hard ; was born in Baden, Germany, June 17, 1837. His father was a manufacturer of edged tools, near Millheim, Baden, and with him our subject worked at odd times from his 10th to his 16th year. When 10 years old, he made a pocket knife. When 16, the family came to the

United States, reaching Akron in December, 1852. William worked for Lorenzo Chamber- lain, in Copley Township, during the first year, at agricultural implements, and on the farm. Afterward, for two years, he worked with his brother at Sharon in the blacksmith-shop. In 1857, he went to Keokuk Co., Iowa, and worked there a year in his brother's shop ; thence to Washington, same State, where he engaged in the forging department of the engine machine- shop, working his way up until he was given a partnership in the business for his services. In the summer of 1861, he enlisted in the 5th Iowa V. I. He passed through the Missouri cam- paigns with Gens. Fremont and Halleck ; was at New Madrid, and Island No. 10, and was in the battle of Iuka, Miss. September, 1862, he was wounded by a musket ball, while his regi- ment was making a desperate attack on the rebel ranks of Gen. Price. Only twelve men of his company (F) came out of the battle alive. Twenty of these brave men were buried in one grave, and twelve were badly wounded. The shot fractured the bone, one and a half inches below his left shoulder, and fourteen pieces of bone were taken out; the ball split and tore away a large portion of the muscles of the up- per arm. He lay twenty-four hours, weak from loss of blood, on the field, and then walked some miles to Iuka. By constant application of water he saved his arm from amputation ; but it is still badly disabled. While at Corinth, Miss., in the camp hospital, weak and covered with vermin, from which, in his helplessness, he could not proteet himself, the surgeons decided to amputate his arm ; but a woman, named Mrs. A. M. Penfield, dressed and bound it, setting the bone, and attended him for a week. thus saving it for him. He was discharged at Keo- kuk, Iowa, Feb. 27, 1863. He was foreman and partner in the machine-shops at Washington, Iowa, for two years ; and, in 1865, he came to Akron, Ohio, where, on July 2, 1867, he mar- ried Mrs. Matilda Allgayer, of Sigourney, Iowa. He established a machine-shop here in 1865, and has been engaged in that business ever since. He is now a member of the firm of W. & J. G. Eberhard, and manufactures oat-meal machinery, engines and boilers. He has taken out several patents, the principal ones being for the improvement of oat-meal machinery and steam boilers. He has suffered by fire several times ; but is doing a good business, with fair

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

prospects for future success. He has two chil-

dren.

HON. SIDNEY EDGERTON, lawyer, Akron, Ohio, is a son of Amos and Zervia (Graham) Edgerton, and was born Ang. 17, 1819, in Cazenovia, Madison Co., N. Y. His father died when he was but two years old, and, having been blind for some time, left his family in actual proverty. His widow moved with her family to Ontario Co., N. Y., where he (sub- jeet) lived until he was 8 years old, when he started in life for himself, and by his own in- domitable energy managed to educate himself out of his wages, and at the age of 16 set in to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner with his brother. At 17 he began teaching, and, at 18, entered Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y .; after remaining two terms, he was employed as teacher. In April, 1844, he came to Akron a stranger, and with bnt $3 in money ; after being here a few days, he be- gan the study of law with Judge Rufus P. Spaulding, and, in 1846, graduated from the Cincinnati Law School, and was admitted to the bar in that city. He opened an office here in 1846, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1852, serving four years ; in 1858, he was elected to Congress, and re-elected in 1860, the second Republican elected from this district ; assisted in organizing the Republican party at Pittsburgh, in 1856. His term expired in Con- gress in 1863, when he was appointed Chief Jus- tice of Idaho by President Lincoln, and took his family from Omaha to Bannock City in wagons ; in January, 1864, he came on horseback from there to Salt Lake City, sleeping on the ground during the trip, and via coach to Mississippi River ; proceeding to Washington, he succeeded in having Montana organized, the bill for which he prepared himself. After its passage, he set out to return home, and upon his arrival at Salt Lake City, he found that he had been ap- pointed Governor of Montana by President Lincoln ; this position he held until Feb. 23, 1865, when he resigned, his resignation being accepted in July, 1865. He returned to Akron in January, 1866, overland, and has been in active practice here since. In April, 1849, he married Miss Mary Wright, of Tallmadge.

NEWTON FORD, City Clerk, Akron, son of Marvin and Lydia (Cornwell) Ford ; was born on March 24, 1852, in Northfield Township, this county, where he resided on a farm until

1863 ; he resided in Hudson from 1863 to 1868, assisting father in post office and store at Maee- donia ; in the spring of 1870, he entered the Western Reserve College, remaining until 1873, when he began teaching in the publie schools of this county. The following year, he began the study of law under H. B. Foster, of Hud- son ; two years later, he came to Akron to con- tinue his studies with Foster, Marvin & Grant ; being admitted to the bar at this place on Aug. 28, 1876, and in April. 1877, located here for the practice of his profession, up to which time he had continued at intervals in the vocation of teaching. In February, 1878, he associated him- self with H. C. Sanford, having since continued under the firm name of Sanford & Ford. He was elected Clerk by the City Council in April, 1879, and re-elected in 1880. In November, 1879, he married Miss Rosine MeKinley, of Hudson.

GEORGE TOD FORD, lawyer, Akron, son of James R. and Julia A. (Tod) Ford ; was born May 21, 1841, in Akron, where he attended the publie schools until he was 16 years of age. In 1865, he graduated from Yale College, and, two years later, entered upon the study of law under the direction of W. H. Upson ; he was admitted to the bar in 1869, and entered upon the practice of his profession at Akron. In 1873, he formed a partnership with W. H. Upson, which continues.

SAMUEL FINDLEY, Superintendent of Schools, Akron, is a son of Abel Findley, a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subjeet was born in New Concord, Ohio, Dee. 1, 1831, where his grandfather, David Findley, settled in about 1806. His grand- father was Judge of the court in early times, and gave each of his six sons a one-fourth see- tion of land near New Concord. Samuel is the second son living of his father. He lived on the farm, entering the Preparatory Department of the Muskingum College when quite young, and continuing there until about 17 when his father moved to a farm in Greene Co., Ohio, where he assisted in farm labor two years, and then taught country schools in the same county some four years, in the meantime teach- ing one year in the Xenia Public Schools. In 1855, he went to Cincinnati, and for two years was publisher and manager of the Presbyterian Witness, carrying a religious book concern with it. : In the spring of 1857, he removed to Mon-

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CITY OF AKRON.

mouth, Ill., where he engaged in the book busi- ness for a short time, selling his interest to his partner, and again resuming school-teaching near Monmouth, continuing two years with good success. In the fall and winter of 1859, he was the agent of Monmouth College, work- ing in Ohio. In 1860, he began teaching in Greene Co., and in the fall of 1861, became teacher in the Xenia Union Schools, leaving that position after a few months to accept a call to the principalship of a ward school of Columbus, Ohio. Here he taught two years. In June, 1864, he was called to the principal- ship of the old Brownell Street School of Cleveland. In 1865, a new building was sub- stituted, and he organized the new school, with eighteen teachers, remaining until the fall of 1868, when he was called to the superintend- ency of the Akron Schools, which position he accepted and retains. Then the schools had but twenty-three teachers in all, there being but eleven little frame buildings of one room each, in addition to the central building. There are now fifty-seven teachers. Since 1869. he he has been County Examiner here ; most of that time, Clerk of the Board, and member of the City Board of Examiners since 1870. For twenty years he has been a member of the State Teachers' Association. In 1873, he was Presi- dent of the Superintendents' Section, and Presi- dent of the Association in 1877. He received a State certificate ; was given the degree of A. M. by Buchtel College in 1876, and, in 1880, that of Ph. D. from Wooster University. In March, 1853, he married Miss Mary A. Hardie, of Xenia, Ohio. She bore him four sons and two daughters ; all are living.

PROF. ELIAS FRAUNFELTER, Professor of Mathematics in Buchtel College, Akron ; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Reaser) Fraun- felter, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1846, settling near Ashland, where they resided until their death, she in 1871 and he in 1879, leaving three sons and six daugh- ters. Of this family, the subject is the second son, and was born near Easton, Northampton Co., Penn., April 3, 1840, and came here when but 6 years of age. He lived on a farm until 17, when he began teaching in the public schools of Ashland, and about the same time entered Vermilion Institute, and was made Tutor of Mathematics in 1859, continuing as such until 1862, when he enlisted in the 120th

O. V. I., organized at Mansfield. He entered as a private, and was soon after made Sergeant, then Orderly Sergeant, and after the battle of Chickasaw Bluffs and Arkansas Post was com- missioned First Lieutenant. He was detailed as aide-de-camp to Gen. Osterhaus, command- ing Ninth Division of Thirteenth Army Corps. In May, 1863, he was commissioned Captain of Co. F in his regiment, and commanded it in all the engagements during the seige of Vicksburg. He was made Adjutant of the 120th O. V. I., and was with Gen. Banks in the invasion of Louisana after the fall of Vicksburg. His reg- iment was with Gen. Banks on the Red River Expedition, and on the 4th of May, 1864, he and a large portion of the regiment were cap- tured at Snaggy Point, on Red River, and were taken to different points, until finally landed at rebel prison in Texas called Camp Ford, where they were confined for thirteen months, and were badly treated and ill-fed on chopped corn. He and Capt. Miller were the only ones ex- changed at New Orleans in July, 1865, were furloughed home and mustered ont at Colum- bus in August. He then returned to Vermil- ion Institute as teacher of mathematics, remain- ing until spring of 1866, when he with Rev. S. T. Boyd organized Savannah Academy, at Sa- vannah, Ohio, a private school, where he con- tinned until 1873, successfully put up large buildings, and in the fourth year (1870) cata- logued 385 students. In 1873, he came to Akron, and accepted the Chair of Mathematics in Buchtel College, which he still fills. He was married April 2, 1867, to Miss Laura J. Cald- well, a daughter of Rev. J. P. Caldwell, of Barnesville, Ohio. They have one son and one daughter. Prof. F. received the degree of Master of Arts in Bethany College in 1873, and the degree of Ph. D. in Lombard University at Galesburg, Ill., in July, 1879.

CHARLES WHITTLESEY FOOTE, lawyer, Akron ; is a son of Horace and Rosanna (Whittlesey) Foote, a sister of Col. Charles Whittlesey, and was born in Tripoli, Syria, near Beyrout, Jan. 21, 1853; his parents were mis- sionaries. When he was about 2 years old, they returned to America ; his mother died Dec. 24, 1854, off Sandy Hook; his father came on with his child to Tallmadge, where he lived with his uncle, Dr. L. C. Walton. In the fall of 1870, the subject entered Western Reserve College, and graduated as valedictorian of class

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

of 1874. He spent the next three years in Cornell University in post-graduate studies, received the degree of A. M. in 1876, Ph. D. in 1877 ; the next year was spent in Tallmadge with his father, and during the summer and fall of 1878 was assistant historian on Cuya- hoga County History, published by Lippin- cott & Co. In the fall of 1878, he began read- ing law with Marvin & Grant, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1879, at Wooster. He at once became a member of the firm, with whom he had studied. He was married July 30, 1879, to Miss Harriet M., daughter of Prof. Hosford, of Hudson.

REV. JOSEPH F. FAHS, minister, Akron ; was born at York, Penn., Jan. 18, 1825. At 14 he entered a store as clerk at Litiz, Penn., remaining four years, in the meantime, through his own endeavors, obtaining a fair knowledge of the English branches. At 18, he returned to York, where he again clerked in a store and recited, in his leisure moments, to a Moravian minister. In two years he began teaching in a private school, continuing about two years, at the same time carrying on his studies, when he was appointed a teacher in the York Co. Acad- emy, and there pursued the languages. At the expiration of one year, he taught vocal music, and engaged in the study of theology and langnages. At this time, through his own ef- forts, he was proficient in Latin and Greek. In 1851, he placed himself under the instruction of the Rev. Dr. Seiss, of Cumberland, Md., for about one and one-half years. In 1852, he was licensed to preach by the Maryland Synod of the Lutheran Church, and began his minis- terial labors at Hancock, Md., where he re- mained three years, at the end of which time his health failed. After recovering, he took charge of a Lutheran Church in Newtown, Va., for fourteen months, when his health again failed. His next field of labor was at Williams- port, Penn .; here he continued five years, and was then called to Allentown, Penn., where he labored for about ten years with good success, part of the time teaching in Nuremburg Col- lege. In October, 1872, he came to Akron, where he became Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, which position he still retains, having more than trebled the membership of the church in less than a decade. May, 1854, he married Miss Emma Miller, of Norristown, Penn. There

were four children of this marriage, three of whom are living.

CHARLES S. FARRAR, Akron, oldest son of Sumner and Sophia (Bruce) Farrar ; was born in Old Concord, Mass., Feb. 22, 1825. Here he lived until he was 14, when he lived at Millbury, same State, for four years, after which he went to Fitchburg, Mass., where he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until he was 29, when he entered the employ of Page, Whitman & Co., first as wood- worker for a year, and he subsequently worked on the knives, sickles and edged tools, working as journeyman and foreman there until 1869, in April of which year he came to Akron, Ohio, and took charge of the manufacturing department of the Akron Knife Works, having charge, also, of the erection of the buildings, which at that time were not commenced. He has since been Superintendent of the works. Aug. 21, 1847, he married Miss Emma Bruce, of Fitchburg, Mass. She bore him three chil- dren, viz., Mary T., Freddie S. and Ella S. They adopted two children, viz., Willie, who died when ten months old, and George Francis, who died at Akron Sept. 18, 1880, in his 30th year. Sumner Farrar died ten years after the birth of our subject, leaving him to battle for himself.

NAHUM FAY, manufacturer, etc., Akron ; is a son of Hannaniah and Rebecca (Mansfield) Fay, and was born July 26, 1811, in Reading, Windsor Co., Vt. His youth was spent there on a farm until he was 20 years old. He re- ceived a common-school and academic educa- tion, and began teaching at the age of 18, con- tinuing for six winters. He then traveled for three years for a map publishing company, during the time learned the art of printing them from copper-plates. In July, 1836, he came to Akron in the interest of his company. Their maps were of the United States, also of Ohio and other States. He worked in the establish- ment (except winters) for six years. In 1837, he went back to Vermont and was married to Miss Lucia Cumings, of Windsor Co., Vt., and at once returned to Ohio by canal and lake. They have two children-Henry C. M., and Emma V., wife of James W. Chamberlain, of Akron. Mr. F. taught five winters in North Akron, the first two winters in the old post office building. In the fall of 1843, he was elected by the Whig party County Recorder

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CITY OF AKRON.

and re-elected in 1846, serving in all six years; he had also been City Clerk and Marshal and Township Clerk. He was appointed Deputy Treasurer in 1849 under Wm. H. Dewey for two years, and under Frederick Wadsworth two years, and under Dr. Rice two years, afterward bought grain for several years. About the year 1860, he began the manufacture of cord- age, which he has continued ever since. His machines are run by hand, and the articles of cordage thus made are of the best quality. Mr. Fay is the third son in a family of three sons and four daughters, two of whom are living.

DR. W. K. FOLTZ, physician, Akron ; is a native of Mifflin Co., Penn. He was born Nov. 15, 1829. His father was a carpenter and joiner, and he was raised to the same business. At the age of 18, he began teaching, which he continued till 1850, when he began reading medicine with Dr. C. F. Stauber, of Wooster, Ohio, and read with him for two years. He then attended the Heidelberg College, at Tif- fin, Ohio, and alternated teaching for two years. In the summer of 1855, he began prac- tice in La Fayette Center. Medina Co., and, the following year, he moved to Sharon Center, where he remained until 1867. He graduated from the Eclectic Medical College of Cincin- nati. In 1867, he engaged in a drug business, and practiced his profession at Ashland, Ohio. April 14, 1877, his business was consumed by fire, and, the following August, he came to Akron, where he has practiced since. He is a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association. He was married, May 12, 1856, to Miss Carrie L. Lehman, a native of Wayne Co., Ohio ; they have one child-Kent O.

DR. A. E. FOLTZ, physician, Akron ; is a native of Wayne Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, and was born Jan. 29, 1840. His father, Moses Foltz, was a carpenter by trade, and taught school during winters. A. E., the subject, learned his father's trade. At the age of 17, he began teaching, and lived at home until 1862. In July, of that year, he enlisted in the 102d O. V. I., Co. I, in which company and in one tent were his four brothers. He served until the close of the war. The five brothers were in the various engagements of the regi- ment. among which were the siege of Decatur, and the battle of Athens. They returned home at the close of the war. Our subject began

reading medicine in October, 1865, at Sharon Center, Medina Co., with Dr. W. K. Foltz, and graduated in the spring of 1869 at Charity Hospital Medical College of Cleveland, which is now known as the Medical Department Uni- versity of Wooster. In the summer of 1869, he began practice at Ashland, Ohio, and, after one year, came to Akron, where he has since practiced. He is a member of the Summit Co. Medical Society, and also the Union Medical Society of .Northeastern Ohio. Oct. 6, 1870, he married Miss Frances, a daughter of Dr. William Bowen. She is a native of Stark Co., Ohio.

L. H. FARRAND, groceries, Akron ; is a somewhat recent addition to the list of grocery merchants of Akron, yet one who has, by good financiering and a close attention to his busi- ness, placed himself among the rank of success- ful merchants, and, as such, is entitled to more than a passing mention. His name is of En- glish origin, and he is a native of Wyoming Co., N. Y., where, at the age of 18 years, he began work at the carpenter's trade, and fol- lowed it as a business until he engaged in the grocery trade, except the time spent in the army during the war of the rebellion. In Au- gust, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, of the 140th N. Y. V. I., but was transferred to the 1st N. Y. Dragoons, with which force he served for a time, and was then detailed as Sergeant of a corps of engineers, which was stationed near Fortress Monroe. In due time he received an honorable discharge from the proper authori- ties, after which he returned to his old home in New York. Seven years ago, he came to Akron, when his first introduction into the business in which he has been so successful was in the capacity of a salesman for Messrs. Heaston & Smith, with whom he remained for about four months. He then, in company with Mr. N. B. Allen, engaged in the business on his own account, and located in South Akron. The firm was known as N. B. Allen & Co., Mr. Far- rand having almost exclusive charge of the business. His next step was to buy Mr. Allen's interest in the business, and, a few years thereafter, he moved to his present place of business, corner Main and Exchange streets, which is a well-finished business room, 20x65 feet. His success in the future can hardly be questioned, if the past may be taken as a cri- terion, as he began business on a capital of

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History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 127

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848- Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1104