History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 158

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 158

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The animal became frightened and commeneed to kick, one foot striking her face disfig- uring it frightfully, one of the corks pene- trating the skull. She was sensible when taken up and continued so until the next Sunday, when life became extinct, and the spirit of Georgie Hart forsook its clay tenement and returned to God who gave it. She was a bright, winsome child, the pride of her friends and playmates. Of an active and cheerful disposi- tion, she was always willing and ready to assist in whatever was required of her. Her faith was firmly fixed in God. After the accident, she asked her mother if she thought she would die ; she was told that they did not know, but were fearful she would. She answered that she was willing, and seemed not to fear death to the last. Her untimely fate was a sad blow to her parents, and the deplorable accident cast a gloom over the entire community. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have been singularly unfort- unate. Of a family of six children, only two are now living. Ever since their marriage, they have lived on their place in Stow Town- ship. The farm consists of 150 aeres of well- improved land. Mr. Hart is a stanch Repub- liean in politics, and he and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. There is no family better known, or more highly esteemed than that of George W. Hart.

SIMPSON HIBBARD, farming and dairy- ing ; P. O. Hudson ; among the early settlers of Stow Township were William and Catharine (Sadler) Hibbard, who were natives of Ireland. Mr. Hibbard was a poor boy, and, often hearing of the beauties of America from friends who had come here previously, he determined to brave the perils of a long voyage and cast his lot among the pioneers of Ohio; in 1833, he left his native country, and, after a long voyage, arrived in the United States in safety ; he came directly to Stow Township, Summit Co., Ohio, and subsequently married the mother of our subject-Catharine Sadler. who bore to him the following family : Simpson, Eliza J. and Mary E. Eliza married S. P. Donaldson, and lives in Geauga Co., and Mary lives in Peninsula. Mr. Hibbard first began life by farming on 40 acres, which he had purchased on his arrival in Stow ; by hard labor and economy this has been so increased as to make one of the finest farms in Stow Township. Mr. Hibbard's wife is dead, but he is yet living with his son, at

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the advanced age of 75 years. Simpson was born in Stow Township. June 5, 1844 ; he was reared on the farm, assisting his father in clearing and improving the place ; he was married May 18, 1864, to Sarah J., daughter of John Senter, and by her had a family of five children, as follows : Eddie A., Fred, John S., Garret F. and Rollon. Mr. Hibbard owns a farm of 200 aeres. which has about 1,000 rods of tileing on it ; he is Democratic in his politi- cal views, and is a quiet, unassuming gentle- man, having the friendship and good will of a large circle of acquaintance.

W. L. HANDFORD ; Cuyahoga Falls ; was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., April 13. 1811 ; he is a son of Uriah and Rhoda (Boalt) Han- ford, and grandson of Charles Hanford, of Norwalk, Conn. Our subject's father was a sea-faring man, and his son remained at home during his father's voyages ; in his youthful days he learned the hatter's trade ; in 1826, he came to Ohio. and his home ever since has been in Summit Co. In 1844, he married Mary San- ford, daughter of Frederick and Clarissa (Par- melee) Sanford, who came from Litchfield, Conn., to Ohio, in 1834. During 1837, the cyclone, that passed through Stow Township, struck Mr. Sanford's house, completely demol- ishing it, killing Mr. Sanford and his aged father and two sons. Mrs. Sanford and the present Mrs. Hanford were the only ones saved of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Hanford have had born to them one child that died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hanford are members of the Epis- copal Church ; they own a farm of 100 acres, on which they are pleasantly located.

GEORGE NORTH. farmer ; P. O. Cuyahoga Falls ; was born in Middletown Conn., Dec. 6, 1819. He is a son of Selah and Anna (Newell) North, and grandson of Simeon North, who was the inventor of the breech-loading carbine. Simeon North was a man of more than ordi- nary ability, and as a master mechanic was known far and near. About the time of the breaking-out of the war of 1812, the Secretary of War came to Mr. North and made the prop- osition, that if Mr. North would build a fae- tory for the manufacture of guns for the United States Army, he would give him $52,000. This proposition was accepted. Mr. North erected a large brick factory (which is yet standing) in Middletown, and employed a large force of men in the manufacture of his improved car-

bine. Mr. North remained in the employ of the Government fifty-two years. Our subject's father learned the gunsmith's trade in his father's factory. To his union with Anna Newell there were born the following family : Nancy, Julia, Egbert, George, John, Philly, Charles, Sarah and Newell. The mother of these died in Connecticut, and Mr. North then married Sarah Duran, a widow lady, and by her had six children-Charlotte, Ellen, Bessie, Selah (dead), Selah and one that died in in- fancy. In 1834, Mr. North and family came to Stow Township, Summit Co., Ohio, and first located on Lot 8. After living here a number of years, they sold out and moved near Monroe Falls. Mr. North had just built a honse there, when one day during a heavy thunder shower the house was struck by lightning and Mr. North was killed. The date of his death is Ang. 13, 1850. He was a member of the M E. Church and an excellent citizen. In 1841, George North went back to Middletown, trav- eling the entire distance on horseback. For the first few years he farmed there, and then bought a large flouring-mill which he ran three years, doing an extensive business. He was married March 10. 1847, to Catharine Wright, daughter of Daniel and Patience Wright, of North Stonington, Conn. To this union there were born four children-Charlotte, Wallace N .. Linus and George. Charlotte is the wife of Benjamin Brown, and lives in Michigan ; Wallace and Linus are dead ; George is single and lives with his parents on the home farm in Stow. Mr. North returned to Stow in 1853. He now owns a fine farm of 100 acres on which he resides. besides two lots and a house in Cuyahoga Falls. Mrs. North was born in Rhode Island June 27. 1820, but moved to Connecticut when 9 weeks old.

HIRAM REED, farming and dairying ; P. O. Hudson ; was born in Columbiana Co .. Ohio, Jan. 13, 1825 ; he is one in a family of twelve children born to John and Rebecca Reed. Mr. Reed's father was by trade a weaver, but he dis- continned weaving when Hiram was 6 years old, and moved to Portage Co., where he went to farming. At the age of 18. Hiram appren- ticed himself to a boss carpenter to learn the trade ; after three years' servitude, he com- menced plying his trade in his neighborhood. continuing for a number of years. In October, 1851, he was united in marriage with Phebe

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Sadler, daughter of Arthur Sadler, and the three succeeding years he and his wife lived with her father. At the time of Mr. Reed's marriage, his total possessions was only $10, but for three years he worked at his trade faithfully until he had acquired some capital with which to commence housekeeping ; his father-in-law then gave to Phebe 20 acres of land, which was increased to 83 acres in 1861, by Mr. Reed ; in 1866, he sold all his possessions at this place. and purchased the original Fred- erick Wolcott farm of 127 acres, at Monroe Falls ; after three years, he purchased 63 acres more adjoining him, and, in 1871, sold out and went to Hudson ; he purchased a farm at the latter place, but, after two years, sold out and moved where he now resides ; he now owns a farm of 300 acres, delightfully located, half of which lies in Hudson and half in Stow Township ; during the year 1880, this farm yielded 1,762 bushels of wheat from 63 acres of land. Not being content with farming alone, Mr. Reed erected a cheese factory in 1877, in which he manufactured the American cheese ; in 1878. abandoning that, and in its stead manufactured Swiss cheese. In this last venture, Mr. Reed has been reasonably successful; during the season of 1880, this factory turned out over fifty-three and two-fifths tons of an excellent quality of Swiss cheese. By his judicious management and honorable dealings. Mr. Reed has proven to be one of the best business men in Stow Township ; he has also proven that in order to be successful one must not necessarily be born wealthy. His wife bore him the follow- ing family : Angeline, Elizabeth. H .. Ellen, Harriet, Arthur and one that died in infancy ; the mother of these died Feb. 7. 1871, and, March 20. 1873, Mr. Reed married Mrs. Sophia Galloway, widow of Henry Galloway and daugh- ter of Broady Mckenzie. Mr. Reed is a Re- publican in politics.

REV. L. SOUTHMAYD, minister, Cuya- hoga Falls; was born December 19, 1826, in Stow Township, Summit Co., Ohio. He is a son of Erastus and Anna (Wetmore) South- mayd, and grandson of Partridge and Hannah (Fanning) Southmayd. Erastus Southmayd was a native of Middletown, Conn .. and was born March 29, 1787. He was the sixth child in a family of nine children. When a young man he left home and went to New York City, engaging in the mercantile business. He failed

at this in 1812, and seven years later, emigrated westward, locating in Stow Township, Summit Co., Ohio. where he remained until his death. On his arrival in Stow, Mr. Southmayd began teaching school, which vocation he followed for some time. April 18, 1822, he was united in marriage with Anna Wetmore, daughter of Caleb Wetmore, and of this union were born three children-Lucy, Charles and Leonard- the mother dying after giving birth to the last- named. Soon after his marriage Mr. South- mayd moved to Stow Corners. where he opened a tavern. He afterward married Clarissa Rice, who became his wife March 21, 1827 ; this lady was born Feb. 6, 1805, and she is the second white child born in the township of Stow ; to his second marriage four sons were born, viz. : Walter, William, and Horace and Henry- twins ; of these William alone is living. Mr. Southmayd's services, as agent, were secured and retained for a number of years by Joshua Stow, the proprietor of the township, before it was sold to the settlers. He finally died Oct. 10. 1866, and his wife March 14, 1879. In his political views, Mr. Southmayd was a Re- publican. and a strong temperance man ; he was identified with the Disciples' Church, and his descendants are members of the same. Leonard Southmayd received a good education in youth. and, in 1850, married Elizabeth A. Stark. daughter of the old pioneer, Benjamin Stark ; their nnion there was without issue ; but Mr. and Mrs. Southmayd have raised three of their neighbor's children-Charles H. (who died in the army). Fredrick W. and Jessie R .- the last named being the only one that received the name of their foster parents. Mrs. Southmayd was born Jan. 14, 1826. At the close of the war, Mr. Southmayd was ordained a minister of the Disciples' Church, in which capacity he has served ever since. He owns the undivided two-thirds of the old Stark homestead, which consists of 144 acres. Of the Southmayds. there are but two others in the State of Ohio ; these are Charles and William ; the former a farmer in Stow Township, and the latter an insurance agent, located at Cuyahoga Falls.

NELSON SEARS, retired farmer, Cuyahoga Falls. This gentleman, one of the old land- marks of Stow Township, is one in a family of ten children, born to Daniel and Betsey (Thomas) Sears. and was born in Middletown, Conn., in 1802. When 3 years of age, Mr. Sears, together

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with his parents, moved to New York. At the age of 14, Nelson determined to accompany his father, who was at that time preparing to go to Randolph, Portage Co., Ohio, and, with well- filled knapsacks, they began their walk of nearly 500 miles through the forests of New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mr. Sears' father only remained in Portage Co. that winter, and the next spring he built a sleigh, and, loading it with deer skins, went back to Lewis Co., N. Y. Nelson, however, remained, working for his grandfather at Randolph for three years. Be- coming homesick, he concluded to go back to his friends in York State, and, in due time, reached home in safety. On Jan. 17, 1828, he married Lucy Roberts, of Middletown, Conn., and from that place removed to New York, where he continued to reside until the fall of 1831, when he came to Stow Township, Summit Co., Ohio, locating on Lot No. 11. He has ever since resided in Stow, helping to clear and im- prove the township, and build up the town. By legitimate farming alone, Mr. Sears has earned valuable property. He only had $1.50 on his arrival in Stow. Until recently, he possessed 225 acres of land ; but gave his two living chil- dren 100 acres apiece, reserving for himself and wife about $10,000 worth of property. This couple were parents of the following children : Sarah A. (deceased), Robert, Angeline, Julia A. (deceased), Harris (deceased), Ellen M. (de- ceased) and Horace (deceased). Robert and Angeline are both married, and they are the only children living. Robert married Elsie Haz- zard, and Angeline became the wife of B. R. Bucklin. Robert served his country in the war of the rebellion. Mr. Sears is a Republican in politics, and he has at times held various town- ship offices. He is regarded as one of Stow Township's best citizens.

ROBERT STEWART, farmer ; P. O. Hud- son ; son of Joshua and Margaret (Walker) Stewart was born in Stow Township April 8, 1805. He is the first white male child born in Stow Township. His father, Joshua, was a native of Virginia, and his grandfather, Thomas Stewart, was an old Revolutionary soldier. Joshua Stewart came from Virginia to Ohio in 1803, walking the entire distance. His total possessions at this time was only an ax. He married Margaret Walker soon after his arrival, and then, in 1803, came to Stow Township, and located on Lots 88 and 89. His family were

the second white settlers in the township. Here they passed through a long period of suf- fering, clearing the land, making their own clothing and enduring the hardships incident to a pioneer's life. There were born to his mar- riage with Miss Walker eight children-Robert, Betsey, Thomas, George, Margaret, James, Sally and Joshua. James and Joshua are dead. Robert Stewart, as well as his brothers and sisters, were raised in the woods of Stow Township. He remained at home, working and assisting his father in clearing the home place until he was 25 years of age. He then started out in life for himself. He was married, Sept. 11, 1858, to Nancy Tracy, daughter of William and Nancy (Ish) Tracy, of Wayne Co., Ohio, and to this union were born Franklin F., Will- iam, Margaret J., Jeanette, Sherling P., Nancy E. and George I. (twins). Mr. Stewart started in life a poor boy with but $5 he could call his own. By hard labor and economy he has made for himself and family, with the aid of his wife, a fine home. They now have 54 acres in Stow Township, and 155 in Hudson Township. Mr. Stewart's father and mother were the first couple married in Hudson Township. Much more of the Stewarts will be found in the his- tory of Hudson and Stow Townships.

LEVI SWINEHART, farmer; P. O. Kent ; was born in Springfield Township, Summit Co., Ohio, Jan. 26, 1836. He is a son of Benjamin and Catharine (Garl) Swinehart, and grandson of Christian Swinehart, who was one of the brave men that freed the colonies in America from the tyrannical rule of Great Britain. Benjamin Swinehart was born in Northumber- land Co., Penn., Jan. 30, 1811. He came to Uniontown, Stark Co., Ohio, in 1829, where he worked at his trade-shoemaking-for a time. March 10, 1835, he married Catharine Garl, and had the following children-Levi, Samuel, Sarah, Lucinda, Harriet and Daniel. Lucinda lived to become the wife of Jacob Brumbaugh, but has since died. Samuel married Elizabeth Brambangh, Sarah married Isaac Sausaman, Harriet married Frank Ewell, and all three live in Portage Co., Ohio. Daniel married Catha- rine Nittle, and is a resident of Sandusky Co., Ohio. The father came to Ohio a poor boy, but, by industry and economy, amassed a good fortune by the time of his death. Mr. Swine- hart was well known by a large circle of neigh- bors, and his death, which occurred Feb. 11,

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1878, was deeply deplored by a large concourse of friends who followed his remains to their last resting-place. His widow never fully recovered from the shock occasioned by the death of her husband ; she died June 28, 1878. Levi Swinehart was raised in every sense of the word a farmer hoy. His early life was filled with hard work and privations. He carefully saved his hard-earned money until he could place it to a good advantage. On the 4th of March, 1859, his wedding with Sarah Myers was celebrated. To their union were born Almeda E., Celestia C., Eldora C. and Nelson E. (deceased). Mrs. Swinehart is a daughter of Daniel and Esther Myers, and she was born in Green Township, Summit Co., Ohio, Feb. 9, 1835. In 1875, Mr. Swinehart purchased his present farm in Stow Township. This place consists of 96 acres of the best land in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Swinehart are mem- bers of the Darrow Street Grange.

VIRGIL M. THOMPSON, son of Dr. Moses and Elizabeth (Mills) Thompson, was born in Hudson Township, Summit Co., Ohio, March 14, 1810. Dr. Thompson was a native of Goshen, Conn., and being one in a large family, his father gave him his time as his own when he was 17. With no money to his name to speak of, and a small bundle of patched clothes on his back in a pack, Moses determined to hew his way, and become a physician, and, being a young man of spirit, in time accomplished his desires. In 1800, he started on foot, and trav- eling the miles of unbroken forest, arrived in what is now known as Hudson, Ohio, whither friends had gone the preceding year. Arriving in Hudson in April, he immediately purchased a large tract of land (600 acres), for friends back East, and 160 acres for himself. He at once commenced clearing the land he had se- lected for himself, and in July went back to Goshen, married Elizabeth Mills, and in 1802, removed to Hudson, where they remained un- til their respective deaths. To his marriage with Miss Mills there were born thirteen chil- dren : Eliza M., Susan, Mills, Emily, Sylvester, Virgil, Ruthy, Sarah A., Mary, Martha, Eliza- beth and two that died in infancy. All that are now living (five in number) reside in Sum- init Co. Virgil was reared on the old home- stead in Hudson. In 1836, he married Maria Smith, who died about two years after their marriage. Mr. Thompson's second wife was

Marie Antoinette Turner, to whom he was mar- ried in May, 1842, and by whom he had three daughters-Celia M., married to H. H. Cham- berlain, but has since died ; Mary A., and Emma P. Mary is the wife of her dead sis- ter's husband, H. H. Chamberlain, and Emma married E. D. Ellsworth, by whom she had two children-Fred and Mamie. Mr. Thomp- son purchased his present place in 1836. He owns 355 acres of good land, and is a stanch Republican.

II. E. TALCOTT, farmer; P. O. Kent ; is a native of Lewis County, N. Y., and was born May 9, 1809. He is a son of Joel and Zilpah (Kelsey) Talcott, who were parents of four children-Electa, Lucy, Lanra and Heze- kiah E. When but four years old, Hezekiah's father died, leaving the widow and four children to struggle through life as best they might. Hezekiah remained with his mother until he began doing for himself, and afterward the mother made her home with her son. In 1830, he came to Ohio, and having relatives in Stow Township, Summit Co., he selected a place there on Lot 19, which was at that time an al- most unbroken forest. The fall succeeding his coming, his mother and family came out, and together they started life in the wilderness. Dec. 29, 1833, Hezekiah married Betsey Bur- diek, daughter of John Burdick, and by her had a family of ten, as follows : Henry L., Asher M., Charles G., Myra V., Zilpah A., Ellen J., Emma E., Lorenzo A., Ethe W. and Electa M. ; all these are living, and all are married ex- cepting the two youngest. Mrs. Talcott was born in Stow Township, in 1816, and her parents came to the township from Massachusetts, in 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Talcott had three sons in the late war -- Charles, Asher and Lorenzo ; Charles passed about four years in actual serv- ice, participating in some of the most hotly- contested engagements. He was with Sherman on his memorable march to the sea, but during all his army career he never received a wound. Mr. and Mrs. Talcott's children are married as follows : Henry L. married Mary Anthony, and lives in Michigan; Asher married Sarah Thomas, and lives in Kansas ; Charles G. married Mary Evans, and is an employe at the Buckeye Works, at Akron, Ohio ; Myra is the wife of Edward Peck, and lives in Hudson ; Zilpah married Orson E. Moore, of Bath Township ; Ellen married D. Barnard, and is a resident of Stow ;

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Emma married Martin Holdridge, and lives in Kent, Ohio ; Lorenzo is an artist in St. Paul, Minn., and he married Mary Peck. Mr. Talcott is a Republican in politics. and he and his wife are hospitable, kind and courteous people.

WETMORE FAMILY. The Wetmores, of Stow Township, were originally from Wales. It was some time during the sixteenth century that three Wetmore brothers, Seth, Chauncey and one whose name is forgotten, emigrated from Wales to the United States, and all the Wet- mnores in America are said to be the descendants of these three brothers. One of them settled in Connecticut, one in Massachusetts, and one in New York. The Wetmores of Stow Town- ship are the descendants of Seth, who settled in Connecticut. William and Titus were the sons of Seth. In 1804, William and Titus- the former with his family- started for what is now known as Stow Township. Summit Co., Ohio, where they arrived in June, the same year, locating on Lots 36, 25 and 35. William's wife's maiden name was Anne Ogden, and they were parents of the following family : William, Edwin, Clarissa and Henry. William Wetmore, Sr., was a man very decided in his views, and of great energy of character. Before the county in which he resided was divided, he was selected as Judge of the Common Pleas Court. of Portage Co., and in that capacity served with general satisfaction. Of his sons, William and Edwin imbibed some of the political attributes of their father, William at one time serving as State Senator and Edwin as County Commis- sioner. Of the children of Judge Wetmore. only one son, Henry, is yet living. Edwin Wetmore was twice married ; first to Polly Wet- more, by whom he had three sons -- Silas, Luther and Charles. His second wife was was Polly Bell, by whom he had two daughters-Clara and Hattie. The three sons are dead, but the two daughters. with their mother, are yet living. Silas Wetmore was born July 4, 1821. He married Mary Birge, Aug. 27, 1846. and to this union were born two sons-Charles B. and Ed- win S .; the latter is single. Charles married Adaline Kelly, and by her has three children- Arthur, Ida and Jennie B. Silas Wetmore died March 12, 1871. He was an excellent citizen, and his death was greatly deplored by a large circle of friends. His widow, with her two sons, resides on the farm left by the husband and father in Stow Township. In 1807, William

Wetmore's brother, Titus, who came with him to Stow Township in 1804, married Sarah Wet- more, daughter of Caleb Wetmore, and by her had three children-Seth, Willard and Josiah. Of these, Willard died in 1831. and Seth in 1832. Josiah was born in Stow Township, in 1816. His youth and early manhood was passed on the farm, during which time he re- ceived the education the common schools of that early day afforded. In 1839, he married Elizabeth R. Brainard, daughter of Enoch S. and Abbey Brainard, and by her had two sons -Willard W., born in 1843, and Luther B., born in 1847. The former married Julia Gaylord, and the latter Julia Darrow. To the first union there is born one daughter, Jessie, and to the last, four children-Burt D., Harry J .. Leona and Celia. Josiah Wetmore's wife died in August. 1879, and his second and present wife was Velonia Le Moin, daughter of Noah and Hannah Le Moin. In their political faith, the Wetmores early espoused the cause of the Whigs, but when the Republican party was ere- ated, they joined its ranks, and have since been among its most powerful supporters in Stow Township. On their arrival here, they settled on land devoid of a particle of clearing, and commeneing at the foot of the ladder, have, by their honorable, upright dealings, become among Summit Co.'s best and most respected citizens.

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History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 158

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