History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 162

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 162

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FREDERICK. N BOIES, retired farmer, Peninsula. Perhaps none of the older settlers of the township have passed through such a varied and interesting career as the subject of this sketch. He was born in New Hampshire in 1800, and remained with his father, who was a farmer, until he was 17 years of age, when he engaged in lumbering upon the St. Croix River for three years. He then returned home, and for a year engaged in the mercantile trade, after- ward in the stock business, and finally in lum- bering, which he continued for four years, and then, after a few months, devoted to various occupations, he went to Portland, Conn., and farmed three years. While there, he was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Lewis, who was born in 1805. They were married Jan. 5, 1830. After- his marriage, Mr. B. was boss teamster in the

famous freestone quarries of Portland for three years. In the fall of 1834, he removed with his family to Ohio, and bought a piece of land in Northampton Township, remaining there three years, when he removed to Stow Township, and started a blacksmith-shop, which he conducted for some time, his family enjoying the superior school advantages of that township. He traded his shop, after a time, for 80 acres of land, upon which he remained one year, and then bought and located upon 110 acres of land in Boston Township. In 1849, he went to California, but returned in about one year, and resumed farm- ing and dairying. One day, while milking, he was stricken with paralysis, from which he par- tially recovered, and, exposing himself, caught cold, which resulted in the loss of his eyesight. Since June, 1876, he has not been able to see a ray of light. Mentally, Mr. Boies is as vigorous as he was in his prime, and relates, with minute dates, interesting reminiscences of the former days of his busy life. Himself and wife are members of the Episcopal Church, in which he is Senior Warden. They are now living in Pe- ninsula, and enjoy the satisfaction of having raised a worthy family of children, viz., Mrs. Ann L. Cole, Peninsula, Ohio ; Mrs. Mary Wor- thington, who died in Connecticut ; Charles E., Fred W., Mrs. Effie A. Worthington, of Portland, Conn., and Helen, who died at the age of 14, in Boston Township.

CHARLES E. BOIES is a young and promis- ing business man of Peninsula. He was born in Stow Township, in 1840. At about the age of 15, he went to Connecticut, from which place he took passage upon a coasting vessel. In Au- gust, 1862, he enlisted in the 20th Conn. V. I., and was in active service during all the rebellion, after which he again went to sea for a year. In the fall of 1867, he came to Peninsula, and started a meat market, after which he engaged upon the canal a year ; and, in 1872, went into partnership with his brother, F. W. Boies, who was engaged in milling at Peninsula, which business they operated together until January, 1880, when he sold out to his brother, who afterward disposed of the business to George Thomas & Son, with whom Mr. Boies is now engaged. He was married, in 1868, to Miss Alice A. Warburton, of Northampton Township. They have two children-Edith M. and E. Rice. Charles is now serving as Township Trustee, and as a member of the Council, and has served

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as Constable two terms. He is a member of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, A., F. & A. M. of Richfield.

FRED W. BOIES was born in Stow Township, Sept. 17, 1842, and, until 21 years of age, was an assistant upon his father's farm. In 1862, he enlisted in the 115th O. V. I., and served for three years in all the engagements of his regi- ment. Upon his return to his home, he engaged in business upon the canal, and followed boat- ing for himself six years, at the expiration of which time he engaged at farming for two years, and then, with his brother Charles, followed milling, at which he devoted his time exclusively up to February, 1881, when he sold out to George Thomas & Son. He is a young man, possessing good business qualifications, and will succeed at whatever he undertakes.

FRANK BUTLER, farmer ; P. O. Penin- sula ; is a young and extensive farmer of the township. His parents are Thomas and Catha- rine (Brennan) Butler, both of whom are natives of Ireland. They emigrated to America, and subsequently settled, in 1849, upon the farm which Frank now owns. Frank was born in Northampton Township, in 1851, but has re sided in Boston Township since the removal of his parents there, being engaged in farming and lumbering. He now owns 280 acres of land, which he previously shared in partnership with his brother John. He has improved the place with buildings, and has the farm under good cultivation. He is an industrious and deserv- ing yonng man, and is highly respected by his fellow townsmen. John Butler was born in Northampton, in 1848, and has been farming for the greater portion of his life. His health is such that he goes to the Southern States to spend the winter months, but the remainder of the time is identified with Boston Township as one of its most respected inhabitants.

EDWARD BLAKESLEY, retired farmer ; Peninsula ; is a son of Edward and Rhoda (Dag- gett) Blakesley. His father was a native of Hartford, Conn .; his mother, of Schenectady, N. Y., where they were married. They emigrated to Ohio, in 1835, locating in Richfield Town- ship, where they resided for many years. His father was an extensive land-owner, owning land in Hinckley, Granger, Royalton and Brecks- ville Townships. He died, Jan. 14, 1876, in Royalton. His mother died at his home in Peninsula, Feb. 11, 1879, at the advanced age

of 92 years. The subject of this sketch was born in Onondaga town and county, JJan. 11, 1815, and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits his entire life. He commenced farm- ing for himself in Richfield Township, remain- ing there nearly nine years ; from there he re- moved to Boston Township, where he has since resided. He has now disposed of his land, and is living in retirement in Peninsula. He is naturally endowed with a genial and liberal spirit, and is a respected and progressive citizen. Mr. Blakesley was married to Miss Ellen Robin- son, of Richfield, in 1844; they had three children, but one of whom is now living-Ellen Tate. His wife died Feb. 14, 1857. July 5, 1879, he was married to a second wife, Mrs. Betsey McBride, widow of John McBride.

JOHN CONGER (deceased). Job and Roby (Potter) Conger, were married in Vermont, and settled upon his father's farm, at St. Albans. He was one of eleven children, all of whom were Methodists and took a great interest in the church. His father is believed to have been the progenitor of all of the name in the United States. He was a native of New York, and she of Vermont. To them was born, at St. Albans, Vt., the subject of this sketch- John Conger-in September, 1805, who, as soon as he became old enough, worked upon the farm at home, and, they having a brick- yard, he learned to manufacture brick. He was married to Hannah Beals, a daughter of Enoch and Hannah (Hurlburt) Beals, she being a na- tive of Massachusetts. Her father was a farmer, and lived a mile and a half from St. Albans, at which place he and his wife lived and died. Of their daughters, but one other than Mrs. Con- ger survives ; her name is Mary Ann Beals, and her home near Avon, in Wisconsin. Mrs. John Conger was born in Massachusetts, in 1805. After her marriage with Mr. Conger, they remained in St. Albans five years, where he was employed on the farm and in the briek- yard. In 1833, he came to Ohio, and for one season clerked at Cleveland for one Ira Jewell, when he was joined by his family, which then consisted of his wife and two children-Sidney l'. and George S., an infant, who died when 3 years of age. Subsequently, they moved to Boston, Ohio, where, in company with one Silas Eaton, he established a yard for the manufacture of brick, at which occupation they continued for some time. In 1844, Mr. Conger went into

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partnership with one Erastus Jackson, with whom he was associated until the time of his death, and who was, from the date of their co- partnership, his fast friend. Seven children were born to him, viz., Sidney P., Sandford L., George S., John C., Arthur L., and Lucy Cole, wife of Dr. A. M. Cole, of Peninsula. He was Postmaster under Polk and Pierce ; was also Constable. Trustee, and frequently called upon in settlement of estates and arbitration of dif- ferences between parties. He was Captain of Artillery, in Vermont. and was deeply interested in the militia service in his adopted State. He lied Nov. 30. 1853.

SIDNEY P. CONGER, deceased ; was born in Vermont in 1829, and came with his parents when they removed to Boston Township, where ! his early life was passed. He was married Nov. 6, 1853. to Miss Bridget I. Codey, of Bos- ton Township ; she died in January 1861, leav- ing two children-Lucy Jeanette Warburton, living in Peninsula, and Sidney Jolin, a resi- dent of Akron. He married a second wife,. Miss Rose McIlwain, of Boston Township, April 10, 1862. Mr. Conger was a prominent business man of the township, engaged in vari- ous enterprises. He was engaged in the man- nfacture of brick for a number of years, and also owned 180 acres of land which he operat- ed, making a specialty of dairying. He served one term as County Commissioner, and held various township offices of trust. He was a member of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, A., F. & A. M. His death occurred in August, 1874, in his life's prime, and was a severe blow to the business interests of Boston. Mrs. Conger is living in Boston Village ; she has three chil- dren living-George C., Mary Belle and Allie Blanche.

JOHN C. CONGER, farmer ; P. O. Penin- sula; was born in Boston Township in 1835. His early days were passed engaged in home duties, receiving a good district-school educa- tion. He first left home and was gone one season with Lieut. Reynolds upon a topo- graphical survey of the lakes. Returning to Boston Township, he engaged at farming and brick-making until the breaking-out of the war, when he enlisted Aug. 16, 1861, in Co. A. 2d O. V. C., and was in active service until April 8, 1863. He returned to Boston Town- ship and engaged in farming, at which he has continued up to the present time. He has 135

acres of land, commandingly located a short distance from Peninsula, and well improved. As a citizen, Mr. Conger ranks as one of the most intelligent and honorable. He was mar- ried in September 1867, to Miss Eunice M. Stillman, who was born in Rhode Island in 1844. They have been blessed with five chil- dren -Fanny S., Luen J., Elmer B., Pamela P. and Mary G. Mr. Conger has served as Township Clerk and is a member of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, and of Summit Chapter of Twinsburg A., F. & A. M.

A. M. COLE, merchant, Peninsula ; is a son of Edmund H. and Ann L. (Boies) Cole. Edmund H. Cole was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1824, and came with his parents to Ohio at the age of 8 years. His ventures for himself commenced at an early age, first engaging in school-teaching, and then buying and shipping stock. In 1856, he commenced his mercantile career, at which he continued until his death. He first associated himself with F. & T. Wood, under the firm name of Wood, Cole & Co., continning until 1863, when he bought out his partners and continued in business alone in the same locality, which he carried on until his death, Jan. 11, 1876. He was a man prominent in all objects of charity, enterprising in all movements tending to the growth, the advantages and welfare of the com- munity, foremost in educational and township affairs, and taking a leading interest in agri- cultural fairs, serving as Marshal at the fairs in Akron each year. Throughout the excite- ment prevalent during the war, he was found most loyal and patriotic, aiding with all the means within his power to protect and save the Union. He opened in 1868, the stone quarry south of the town to give employment to laboring men, and was one of the incor- porators of the Put-in-Bay Grape and Wine Co., which he was successfully connected with for several years. His death was a severe loss to the business interests of Peninsula and vi- cinity. He was married in 1848, to Miss Ann L. Boies, daughter of Frederick N. Boies, of Peninsula. Mrs. Cole is living in Peninsula, educating her younger children. Four chil- dren now living were the result of this mar- riage-A. M., H. W., Nellie and Fred.

DR. A. M. COLE was born in Everett, July 6, 1850. His education was common school and Commercial College. For several years he was

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assistant in his father's store. He then entered upon the study and practice of medicine. commenced his studies in the office of Dr. located in the township in 1820, where they He still reside. Our subject started out in life for himself at the age of 18; he sold osage- Morton, of Peninsula, and finished with Dr. orange hedge for two years, and then engaged in the lightning-rod business for five years. He next engaged at farming for two years, and still owns, with his brother James, a farm of 170 acres in the township. In December, 1880, he in connection with John Russell opened a grocery store in Peninsula, and are now en- gaged in trade there under the firm name of Cassidy & Russell. Mr. Cassidy also owns and is operating a saw-mill in the village. He is now serving the third year as Township Trustee, and is a pushing and enterprising business man. He was married in 1877, to Miss Anna Cody, of Boston Township. They have one child-Archimedes.

Pixley, who was at that time in practice at Cleveland. He graduated in the Med- ical Department of Wooster University, of Cleveland, in 1873-74; attended two courses of lectures in Cleveland, and one course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York. He then returned to Peninsula and was urged to remain there by his father, who was in ill health. He practiced there two years, the last year in company with Dr. Pixley. Upon the death of his father, he entered upon a mercantile career, at which he is now engaged. In 1879, in company with his brother, H. W. Cole, who conducted the business there, he opened a store in Deerfield, Portage Co., which was carried on to a successful termination, by the disposal of the stock. His brother then came to Peninsula and entered into partner- ship with him under the firm name of Dr. A. M. Cole & Bro. They carry a large and well- selected stock of dry goods, groceries, drugs, medicines, etc., and have built up a large and still increasing trade. Dr. Cole, although not in active practice, has an office in his store, and does a good office business. He is a prominent Mason, and takes a leading interest in all the political issues of the day. He has served as School Director two years, and has been Treas- urer of the School Fund for three years. He is an advocate of temperance, and is ready to aid any movement for the advancement of the business, social and intellectual good of the community. He is a director and one of the principal owners of the "Tri-Union Telegraph Co.," which runs from Chagrin Falls to Medina, and which is a good paying investment. Mr. Cole was united in marriage in 1876, to Mrs. Lucy J. Truscott, of Cleveland, a widow with two children-Harry and Jessie. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have one child-Sam.

H. W. COLE was born in Peninsula in 1857, received a good education, and for some time acted as a commercial traveler from Cleveland. He is now the junior partner of the firm, and brings to the business good commercial at- tributes.

H. H. CASSIDY, grocer, Peninsula ; was born in Boston Township in 1850. His par- ents are Patrick and Margaret Cassidy, who

ANDREW R. CASSIDY, hotel, Peninsula ; was born in Boston Township in 1844, and is a son of Patrick and Margaret Cassidy ; he at- tended school until he became 16 years of age, after which he engaged for several years in teaching-in all about eighteen terms-in dif- ferent portions of the county ; in 1866, he started for the West and was gone about eight months, visiting many different localities ; upon his return home, he taught school one term in Hudson ; he then engaged in farming in Boston Township, at which he continued about seven years, still owning the farm ; in 1875, he rented the hotel where he is now living, in Peninsula, and, in 1878, bought the property, which he has carried on up to the present time, but devoting most of his time to cheese and butter making, at which he has been largely engaged for the past five years ; he owns one factory and rents two others, and, during the season of about eight months yearly, makes upon an average 1,700 pounds of cheese and 250 pounds of but- ter daily ; two of these factories are located in Boston, and one in Richfield Township. Mr Cassidy has served the township as Assessor for seven years, as Township Clerk for three years, and the past year as Real Estate Asses- sor. He was married in 1869, to Miss Agnes Doherty, of Cleveland ; they have three chil- dren-Grace E., Helen M. and Andrew H.

CHARLES FISH, farmer ; P. O. Boston. The Fish brothers, Charles and Buel, own 362 acres of land in Boston Township. which they are rapidly clearing and improving ; at the time of its purchase, a few years ago, it was

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covered with underbrush and timber ; now they have over 50 acres in a good state of eultiva- tion, and, being young and industrious men, they will in a few years have a large portion in eleared and fertile fields. Charles was born in Cuyahoga Co. in 1842 ; he was married to Miss Mary Campbell in 1865 ; they have two children-Willis and Millie. Charles has asso- ciated with him in his farming enterprise, a cousin-Deming B. Fish-who was born in Cuy- ahoga Co. in 1846, and is an enterprising and industrious young man. Buel Fish was born in Cuyahoga Co. in 1847 ; he was united in marriage, in 1868, to Miss Lela Hollister, of Cuyahoga Co .; they have two children-Nellie and Lida. Charles and Deming were both vol- unteers in the late war, serving long and faith- fully in the defense of their country ; Charles was a member of the 7th Ky. V. C., and served over three years ; Deming was a member of the 52d O. V. I., and also served three years, during which time he was onee a prisoner for five weeks.

A. W. HANCOCK, farmer ; P. O. Peninsula ; was born in Massachusetts in 1832, and came to Ohio with his parents, who settled in Rich- field Township, their sketch appearing in that township history. He passed his early days upon the farm until he became 20 years old, when he engaged in various occupations- farming, droving, ete., until 1857, when he was married to Miss Lydia M. Humphrey, who is a daughter of Isaiah and Almira (Waite) Humphrey ; her father was born in Connecticut in 1807 ; her mother in Massachusetts in 1809. Her father came with his parents to Twinsburg at an early day. He was a lawyer by profes- sion, and, after his marriage, resided a number of years in Twinsburg, engaged at his profes- sion, subsequently removing to Boston Town- ship, where he bought a farm, dividing his time between the two vocations. He died in 1877 ; her mother is still living in the township, upon her farm. After his marriage, Mr. H. worked upon his father-in-law's farm for two years, and then enlisted in the 64th O. V. I., Co. G. He was in active service all through the war, and rose from a private, through all the different grades of merit, to that of Major, as which he was mustered out in 1865 ; his regiment par- tieipated in a great many severe battles-Stone River, Chickamauga, Pittsburg Landing, Nash- ville, and the siege of Atlanta being the most

memorable. Through them all he passed, and only received a slight wound in the leg at Chickamauga. Our space forbids an extended notice of his military career, and suffice it to say that his duty to his country was performed most honorably. After his return home he removed to Cleveland, where, for four years, he was engaged in training horses upon the Cleve- land Driving Park. He then entered the em- ploy of the American Express Company as messenger, and had the route from Cleveland to Erie for a short time, after which he aeted as their agent at Vernon, Ohio ; from there going to Mansfield, being the messenger from there to Toledo for two years, and from Cleveland to Columbus four years. In 1877, he returned to Boston Township, where he has since resided, engaging in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Haneoek have two children-Sylvia E. and Harry H.

ERASTUS JACKSON ; James Jackson, a native of New York, was born near King's Bridge, now New York City, and, in A. D. 1800, he went to (then) Hollwell, C. W., where, eight years after, he married one Celia Whitney, who was visiting her sister, a Mrs. Palmer, at that place. Miss Whitney was a native of Litehfield Co., Conn. Her mother was a near neighbor and acquaintance of Israel Putnam, and, previous to her death, could re- member many events which have sinee become matter of history. Two years after the mar- riage of Mr. Jackson and Miss Whitney, they moved to New York State, settling where Brockport, N. Y., now is. The same year, 1810, the subject of these lines was born to them. Mrs. Whitney Jackson died in 1827, leaving eight children, of whom Mrs. Milina McBride, of Summit Co., Ohio, is the only one living ex- cept our subject. James Jackson, of Kalama- zoo, Mich., Mrs. E. Gardner and Willett Jackson, Broekport, N. Y., are now living. Mr. E. Jack- son passed his minority on the farm. In 1832, he started Westward for the purpose of paying a visit to his aunt, Mrs. Palmer, who had moved to Marietta, Ohio, stopping on his way at Bos- ton, Ohio, where he elerked in a grocery one summer ; the ravages of cholera, and the con- sequent stagnation of business, inducing him to discontinue the elerkship, when he made the visit to Marietta, and returned to his native State, where, the following winter, he began school-teaching, which, in connection with other vocations, he followed until 1837, when he re-

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turned to Boston. At the " Lock " in Boston, he clerked in a grocery, teaching school the first winter, and the following spring he went into business at that place for himself, continu- ing for four years, when he started a furnace at the same place, which now is existent at Hinck- ley ; he conducted its business about two years, when, in 1844, in partnership with Mr. John Conger, he went into the brick business. They manufactured the bricks for all the first brick buildings of Akron, many of which are stand- ing, and among which may be mentioned the Empire House, P. D. Hall's, Baldwin's, Exchange, Gardner & Hanscome's, M. W. & Haney, William Upson's, and Perkins

Cumming's Block. During their partnership, they invested their money in land-some of their purchases being 169 acres, for which they paid in bricks, which they sent to Cleveland, 134 acres of Sheldon C. Leavitt, where the Con- ger homestead now is ; McBride's farm of 150 acres, and 409 acres from the C., C., C. & I. R. R. Co., west of Boston Village, Ohio. By putting their money directly into land they made a sure, steady progress toward affluence. His partner, Mr. Conger, died on Nov. 30, 1853, and, for two years, he conducted the business in partnership with the sons of the deceased, at the end of which time he withdrew and commenced farm- ing, which occupation he has since followed. Commencing in life as a poor clerk he has grown to be one of the wealthiest land-owners in the township, and his success is due to his own energy, and perseverance. He has served as Justice of the Peace for about twelve years, as Township Clerk five years, and, for some time, as Township Treasurer. He was Postmaster of Boston from 1848 to 1852, and is present Post- master of Peninsula, having held the position since Hayes' administration. On June, 1854, he was married to Mrs. Conger, widow of his former partner.

HENRY KERST, coal dealer, Peninsula ; was born in Germany in 1840; his parents emigrated to America in 1854, and first settled in Cleveland, remaining their one year, and in 1855, removed to Boston Township, remaining there until their deaths. Henry began life as a boatman upon the canal, and finally, in partnership with another gentleman, bought a boat and began business for himself; he sub- sequently disposed of his share of the boat and bought one alone, continuing in that

business for a number of years ; he began his coal operations by bringing up a boat load in the fall and selling it during the winter : in 1880, he disposed of his boat, and started a coal-yard in Peninsula, at which he is now en- gaged. He was married Dec. 25, 1879, to Mrs. Esther Noah, of Boston ; she has two children -Andrew and George. Mr. Kerst is a popular and deserving citizen with progressive business habits ; he is a member of Hudson Lodge, No. 510, A., F. & A. M.

LEWIS LEMOIN, station agent Valley R. R., Peninsula ; is a son of Benjamin and Priscilla (Pray) Lemoin ; his father was a na- tive of Massachusetts, and his mother of Con- necticut. They were married in Pittsfield, Mass., in 1821, and in 1827, they emigrated to Ohio, locating first in Medina Co., but only re- mained there one year, when they removed to Massillon, where for ten years he was engaged in the tailor and clothier business with Charles Skinner ; about 1838, he removed to Akron, and worked at the trade, for Jacob Allen, for two years. when he removed to Brandywine, Northfield Township, when for eight years he was employed in a woolen-mill ; he has served as Justice of the Peace, as Township Trustee, and has always been prominent in educational affairs, and in all movements toward the ad- vancement of humanity. He is now living with his son at Macedonia, and is in the 87th year of his age. His wife died in the summer of 1876. Lewis was born in Pittsfield, Mass., Dec. 24, 1822 ; when 18 years old, he com- menced driving on the canal, and passed through the several gradations from driver to packet Captain, his experience in that line covering about twelve years ; he next became connected with the railroad business, and com- mencing at Cuyahoga Falls with the C. & Mt. V. R. R. Co. as switchman, going thence to Clinton as station agent, where he remained two years, and thence to Macedonia, where, with the C. & P. R. R. Co .. he served seventeen years as station agent ; he was next employed two years at Columbus, as night watchman of the Treasury ; he is at present in the employ of the V. R. R. Co. as station agent for Boston and Peninsula. Mr. Lemoin was united in marriage, Feb. 28, 1853, to Miss Lucinda Post, daughter of Henry and Mary A. (Clark) Post, who were natives of Connecticut and pioneers of Boston Township. Mr. Post came to the

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History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 162

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