History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 163

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 163

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).

898

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHIES:

township in 1804, but shortly afterward re- turned to Connecticut and was married ; return- ing with his wife, he built the first log cabin in the township, and cleared the first 10 acres of land ; he served through the war of 1812, his wife remaining in the township alone, sur- rounded by dangers of almost every description, as Indians and wild beasts were numerous ; however, she passed safely through all, and, with her husband, lived through the various changes of pioneer life to the days of modern improvements ; she died in October, 1859 ; her husband survived her several years ; he served as Justice of the Peace, and was a progressive and respected citizen ; he was finally killed by the cars, July 4, 1865, at Macedonia, while on a visit to his daughter. Mrs. Lemoin was born in Boston Township, Jan. 11, 1827. They have four children, viz. : Theodore, now station agent at Macedonia ; Lew D., Sylvia E. and Dollie O. Mr. Lemoin served Northfield Township four years as clerk ; he is a prominent Mason, being a member of Hudson Lodge, No. 510, and Akron Commandery, No. 25 ; he is P. H. P. of Summit Chapter, and P. M. of Hudson Lodge.

HIRAM LEE, farmer ; P. O. Peninsula ; is a son of Hiram and Ann Lee, who came to Boston Township in 1861. Hiram has fol- lowed the occupation of a farmer from the age of 16 years up to the present writing, and is considered one of the best, most practical and most industrious farmers of the township. He was united in marriage in December, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth A. Gillson, who is a daughter of John H. and Hannah (Schofield) Gillson. He was a native of England, his wife of New York. They were married in Ohio, and came to Boston Township in 1841. Mr. Gillson set- tled in the southern portion of the township, where he resided until his death, which oc- curred Feb. 1, 1877. His wife still resides upon the farm, which consists of 116 acres of finely located and well drained land, and is one of the best cultivated and improved farms in the township, being conducted by Mr. Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have four children-Herbert G., Parker A., Corda M. and Edwin H. He is one of the enterprising and progressive spirits of the township, and is a deserving and re- spectable citizen.

VOLNEY MILLER, farmer ; P. O. Ilud- son ; is a son of Samuel and Sally (Ozmun) Miller. Samuel Miller was born in Orange

Co., N. Y., and his wife in Tompkins Co., where they were married. They were pioneers of Boston Township, locating there in 1810, upon the State road, where he purchased 150 acres of unimproved land, and where for some years they resided, their lives being replete with the toil and hardships to which the "advance guards " of the army of civilization are sub- ject. They next removed to Hudson Town- ship, disposing of part of his farming interests in Boston. Here he resided for twenty-five years, engaged in farming, and then removed to Michigan, where he died at the age of 77, his wife having died in Summit County many years previous. Volney is the only child of this union living. He was born in Boston Township July 20, 1811, and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits for the most of his life. He has, with the exception of three years' residence in Hudson, lived at the old homestead, where his parents first settled. Ilis property now consists of 314 acres of land, a good portion of which is improved. He has improved the farm since it came into his possession with a fine brick residence and in commodious outbuildings until it is a most desirable home. Mr. Miller has served the township as Trustee and Constable. In educa- tion and its interests, he has always been for- ward, and as a citizen is respected and trusted. He was united in marriage, June 4, 1835, to Miss Susan Thompson, a daughter of Abram Thompson, one of Hudson's first settlers, where she was born June 3, 1813. They have had two children-Lonisa S., who died at home, and Virgil T., who resides with his par- ents upon the old homestead. He was mar- ried, July 3. 1862, to Miss Helen S. Danforth, of Hudson Township. She has borne him three children, viz., Millie L., Minnie M. and Ora V.

D. McBRIDE, butcher, Peninsula ; is a son of James A. McBride. who was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1816. He came with his parents to Boston Township at an early day, and has been a resident there since. He began life by working out by the month, as the death of his father left a large family. He then worked on the canal about two years, and then started a grocery at Boston with one Mr. E. Jackson, which they run for several years. He married, in 1842, Miss Melina Jackson, sis- ter of his partner. She was born in Brock-

899

BOSTON TOWNSHIP.

port, N. Y., in 1818. They are now living in Peninsula, where Mr. McBride is engaged in boat-building. D. McBride was born in Bos- ton Township in 1846. He first began life for himself as a butcher, in 1872, at Peninsula, where he has since successfully conducted the business. He runs a wagon through the coun- try during the summer months. He ereeted a building in 1875, in Peninsula, which is one of the finest business buildings in the town. A lower storeroom he now rents to W. W. Whit- ing for stoves, hardware, etc, and occupies the upper room himself, which is admirably fur- nished, for his business. Mr. McBride has a fine commencement for a young man, all the result of his energy and business qualifications. He has been Corporation Marshal, and is at pres- ent serving as Councilman. He was united in marriage, in 1872, to Miss Lucy Fitts, daugh- ter of Roswell Fitts, an old and respectable citizen of the township. They have one child Chrissie.

JAMES A. McBRIDE, boat-builder, Penin- sula ; was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1816. He is a son of William and Agnes (Duncan) McBride, who were early residents of Boston Township, coming there about 1822. His father was by trade a millwright, and built, for the Wallace family, the Brandywine grist and flouring mill, one of the pioneer industries of Summit Co. Wm. McBride died in Boston Township, about 1829; his wife lived to be about 65 years of age. James A. McBride has been a resident of Boston Township the greater part of his life, engaged in different occupa- tions, but has devoted the major part to boat- building and repairing. For several years, he was in partnership with Erastus Jackson, Esq., in the grocery trade, at Boston, and also em- barked in an edge-tool manufactory, at Boston, for several years. He removed to Peninsula in 1861, where he has since resided, and has been working at his trade. He was married to Miss Melina Jackson, sister of E. Jackson ; she is a native of Brockport, N. Y. The members of this family now living are Harriet, Mott, Dunean, James and John, all living in Boston Township. Mr. McBride has served as a mem- ber of the Corporation Council for two or three years. His grandfather, James Dunean, a Presbyterian elergyman, was one of the earliest writers against slavery, and was the author of a book which was published many years before

the war, and awakened a great interest for the cause.

O. J. MOTT, blacksmith, Peninsula; was born in Franklin, Portage Co., Ohio, in 1841. He commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade with L. Beers, at Peninsula, Ohio, when he was 16 years of age. He remained with him for four years, at the expiration of which time he en- listed in the 2d O. V. C., and was in the service for more than three years. Upon his return to Peninsula, he entered into partner- ship with his former employer, L. Beers, which continued for ten years. In 1875, he erected the large and commodious shop where he is now located, and where he is doing a lucrative and leading business. Mr. Mott is a skilled workman, and one of Peninsula's representative and honored men. He has served the town- ship as Treasurer for four years, and has been a member of the Corporation Council several times. He was married in 1868, to Miss Phobe McArthur, who died in June, 1879, leaving four children-Arthur, Sylvia, Jessie and Le Grand. He was united to a second wife, Miss Mary Lightfoot, in June, 1880.

FRANKLIN OZMUN, farmer ; P. O. Hud- son ; is a son of Isaac and Maria (Neuman) Ozmun. His father was born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1785, and his mother in Pennsylvania, in 1787. They were married in Tompkins Co., N. Y., where they settled upon a farm, remain- ing four years, during which time Franklin was born, in 1807. In 1811, they emigrated to Ohio, and in October of that year located upon 59 acres of timbered land (where subject now resides), and possessing, like most pioneers, in- dustrious habits, they became large land-own- ers, adding to their land until they possessed about 400 aeres, which they divided among their children. He served the township as Trus- tee and as Justice of the Peace for twenty-one years, as Township Treasurer, and held various offices of trust and honor. He was also greatly interested in the militia, in which he ranked as Captain and Major. He died May 26, 1866. His wife, aged 94 years, still lives upon the old farm with her son Franklin (our subject). The children of this worthy couple are as follows : Margaret Crossman, of Michigan ; Hector, who died in Boston Township; Polly M. Carter, of Richfield ; Catharine Ashley, of Strongsville ; Abram N., who was born Jan. 26, 1827, and married, on July 3, 1862, Miss Eliza Veers.

900

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

He commenced life farming in Northfield Town- ship, but returned to Boston in 1866, where he has since resided ; he has three children-Laura A., Mary M. and Charles V. Franklin has re- sided upon the farm where his parents settled, during his entire life ; he has always followed farming, and now owns about 170 acres of im- proved land. He is considered one of the solid, substantial citizens of the township.

HECTOR OZMUN, deceased ; was born Feb. 19, 1815, in Boston Township ; was a son of Isaac and Maria (Neuman) Osmun, pioneers of Boston Township. He married Aug. 24, 1840, Miss Nancy Long, who was a daughter of Christian Long, an early settler of Sminmit County, and a resident of the county until his death. Nancy was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., Jan. 1, 1822. After their marriage, they removed to the western part of Boston Township, where she still resides. He was a farmer and interested in dairying ; he died May 19, 1879. Mrs. Ozmun still resides upon the farm of 236 acres of improved land, which is cultivated by her sons. The children are as follows : Isaac and Andrew, both married and farming in Michigan ; Mary Viall, of Boston Township ; Margaret and Lucius, at home ; Augusta Peach, living in Boston Township ; Edward, a resident of Hudson ; Sarah, at home ; Henry, in Michigan ; and Lincoln, at home. Mrs. Ozmun has a sister living in Bath Township, Mrs. Elizabeth Huntley ; and two brothers in Indiana, Andrew and Christian Long.

DR. SUMNER PIXLEY, Peninsula ; is a son of Stephen Pixley, one of the pioneers of Richfield Township. Dr. Pixley was born in Massachusetts in 1816, and was not quite 1 year old at the time of his parents' settlement in Richfield. His early days were passed upon the farm there. After deciding to make the medical profession his life-work, he entered the office of Drs. Trask & Leonard, of Strongs- ville, remaining with them about two years, also studying in the office of Dr. Munson, of Richfield, one and a half years. He then at- tended the Western Reserve College, graduat- ing in the medical department in 1846 and 1847. He also took a full course of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, and at the Jefferson Medical Col- lege of Philadelphia. He began the practice of his profession at Wooster, Ohio, where he

continued ten years. He then removed to California, where he practiced in Marysville about eighteen months. In 1854, he returned to Richfield, where he remained until 1869, when he removed to Cleveland, where he prac- ticed until 1876, at which time he removed to Peninsula, where he has since resided. Dr. Pixley has an extended practice, and occupies an elevated rank among his professional brothers. He is a member of the State Medi- cal Association and of the Northeast Medical Association. He also served as Surgeon of the 110th O. V. I., and was in field and hospital service nearly two years. He was married in April, 1847, to Elmira A. Tupper, who is a daughter of Charles and Julia H. (Briggs) Tup- per, natives of Vermont, and early settlers in Strongsville, Cuyahoga Co., where they resided up to the time of their deaths. Mr. and Mrs. Pixley have two sons-Chelins S., who gradu- ated from the Cleveland Medical College in 1873, and is now engaged in practice in Elkhart, Ind .; Will H., a promising young law student, now in the office of Gen. Wildes, of Akron. He was elected Justice of the Peace of Peninsula when 21 years old, and is now serving as such.

JORGEN PETERSEN, painter, Peninsula ; was born at Elsinore, Denmark, within a short distance from the castle, made celebrated by Shakespeare in his " Hamlet." His father was a sailor, and served in the Danish navy many years. He afterward engaged in fishing, at which occupation our subject passed his earlier years. At the age of 15 he served on an English collier, remaining upon it four years as a sailor. Next upon an English vessel for four years, and, in 1842, shipped upon the American bark " Richmond," of Plymouth, and landed in New Orleans. After serving as a sailor for six years, sailing from American ports, he engaged with a firm in New York and learned the painter's trade, remaining with them five years. He then worked at his trade three years there, and, in 1855, emigrated to Ohio. He locat- ed in Peninsula in 1864, and was first engaged as a painter of canal-boats, afterward building the boat "Scandinavia," which he conducted for fifteen years, since which time he has been following his trade. He was married, in 1849, to Miss Marie V. Miller. They have seven children living -- Charles M., Emma C., Francis E., Albert, Ada M., Lizzie and Edith. Mr. Petersen has always been an industrious and

901

BOSTON TOWNSHIP.

respected citizen, and has been Township and Corporation Clerks. He has a most entertain- ing fund of reminiscences of his varied life, which makes him an interesting companion. He is also familiar with several languages.

LYMAN C. POST, farmer ; P. O. Hudson ; is a son of Henry Post, Jr., and Lucy A. (Curtis) Post. His father was the first white male child born in Boston Township. His mother was born in Hudson. After their mar- riage they lived in the northeast corner of the township the most of the time until their deaths. He died in September, 1879, and she in November of the same year. The grand- parents of our subject were the first settlers in the township, and an extended sketch of their lives and pioneer experiences will be found in another portion of this work. Lyman is the youngest of a family of six children-Minerva Hine (of Twinsburg), Lydia Warrell (of North- field Township), Mary A. Clisby (Trumbull Co.), George H. (of Michigan), Sophronia John- son (a resident of Macedonia), and the subject of this sketch, who is a native of Boston Township, born in 1850, a resident of the township and of the old homestead up to the present time. IIe has followed farming for the most of his life, and, in connection with his farm, he erected, in November, 1879, a steam saw-mill, to the operation of which he devotes a part of his time, and which is proving a profitable enterprise. He was married in 1873, to Miss Ella Johnson, of Geauga Co., who died May 22, 1875.

ANTON PFAUS, shoemaker, Peninsula ; is a native of Germany, where he was born in 1847. His parents emigrated to America when our subjeet was only 5 years of age, they locating in Cleveland, where they remained until they died. Anton learned his trade in Cleveland, serving an apprenticeship of nearly three years, after which he worked at the trade there about one year. In 1867, he came to Peninsula, after a few months in Hudson, where he located, and has since followed his chosen trade. It is now his intention to add to his business by- placing upon sale a line of boots, shoes, etc., and carry on a first-class boot and shoe store. Mr. Pfaus was married to Miss Laura MeClure, of Peninsula, in 1870. They have one child-Herman.

LUTHER B. RANNEY. farmer ; P. O. Hud- son ; is a son of Comfort and Betsey (Hubbard)

Ranney, both natives of Connecticut. Comfort was born March 20, 1788, and Betsey April 2, 1790; they were married in Connecticut, Dec. 25, 1808, and came immediately to Hudson. The same year, accompanied by his father and brother Jacob, they started from Connecticut and his father died upon the way, and Jacob fol- lowed him soon after reaching Hudson. Com- fort Ranney's father was a soldier in the Revo- lution, and owned, at the time of his death, a traet of land in Richfield. Comfort located in Hudson ; he was a ship-carpenter by trade, and soon after moved to Cleveland and followed his calling there. But, because of poor health, his stay there was brief and he soon after returned to Hudson and engaged in running a saw-mill, which was finally burned, when he removed to Boston Township about 1820, and purchased a piece of land where he resided only a few years, when he died July 14, 1823. His wife sur- vived him until Jan. 4, 1868, when she died, aged 78. Of the children born to them the following are now living : Luther B. ; Julia A. Shields, residing in Kansas, and Eliza S. Shields, of Boston Township; Ruth L. Bron- son, of Peninsula, Betsey J. Hurlburt, living in Cleveland, and Moses, of Northfield Town- ship. Mrs. Ranney was subsequently married to Mr. Collier, by whom she had two children -Capt. M. J. Collier, of Cleveland, and Fred M. Collier, of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Ranney were both members of the Methodist Church. Luther B. Ranney was born in Hudson Nov. 28, 1809. After the death of his father in 1823, their farm was sold and our subject, with the laudable ambition to regain it, worked by the month for Deacon Hudson at $5 per month, and was, by industry and perseverance, finally the happy owner ; the farm is located upon the State road, and now consists of well-cultivated fields and is improved with good buildings and all modern comforts. Mr. Ranney is, essen- tially, a self-made man, having begun life un- der many difficulties. He is a most intelligent and well-informed man. Mr. Ranney has served in various offices of township trust, and ranks as one of the citizens par excellence. Mr. Ran- ney was married in 1833, to Miss Sally M. Car- ter, who died July 29, 1846, leaving five chil- dren, three now living-Comfort, of Michigan ; Harriet S. Leach, of Michigan, and Sarah M., living in Akron ; he was married April 6, 1847, to a second wife, Miss Caroline Clapp, daughter

902

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

of Richard and Anna (Alvord) Clapp, natives of Massachusetts, and early settlers of Brecks- ville ; she was born in Massachusetts May 3, 1821. Their children are three in number - Julia Ann Criss, of Akron ; Luther K., and Carrie M. Evans, also a resident of Akron. Mr. and Mrs. Ranney resided in Akron three years to secure for their children superior school ad- vantages. Luther K. entered for a classical course at Bnchtel College, of Akron, but on account of ill health was forced to leave; he is now studying at home where he has a well-se- lected library of books. Mr. Ranney, during the gold excitement of 1850, went to California, where he remained for four years, mining with good success. He relates many stories and reminiscences of the pioneer days of his par- ents ; he has, in his possession, a wooden bottle, which was carried by his great grandfather, and by his grandfather through the Revolution, and which descended through his father to himself.

W. W. RICHARDSON, merchant, Everett ; is the principal representative of the mercan- tile business of Everett, and was born in Liek- ing Co., Ohio, in 1840. His parents were Will- iam and Jane Richardson, his father being a native of New York and his mother of Ver- mont. They first settled in Licking County, where his father followed the carpenter and joiner's trade. He died while living in Illinois where he was practicing medicine. His mother is still living in Delaware Co., Ohio. Our sub- ject began his business ventures upon the canal being the owner of a boat, and was en- gaged for three years in the transportation of stone to Cleveland, the most of which was used by the A. & G. W. Railroad. He next turned his attention to farming, following that occupa- tion in Boston Township for three years, and for the next ten years in Bath Township. In March, 1879, he removed to Everett Station, where he has since devoted his attention to the mercantile business. His store is located upon the banks of the canal, and his stock con- sists of groceries, dry goods and a general line of boat supplies. He was married Feb. 25, 1863. to Miss Sylvia Myers, who was born in Portage County in 1840. They have three children-Margaret A., Dora B. and Eva P. Mr. Richardson is the owner of the celebrated chestnut stallion "Sunshine."

WILLIAM RICHARDSON, farmer ; P. O. Boston ; was born in Bucks Co., Penn., in 1814.

Ilis father was a mechanic, but subsequently became a farmer, and our subject's early life and experience was in the care and cultivation of his father's land. He remained at home un- til he was 27 years of age, and then engaged in farming in Bucks County for himself, con- tinning there three years, and one year in Philadelphia County ; he then rented another farm which he cultivated for two years, at the expiration of which time, he was engaged as a drover for a year. In 1856, he removed to Brooklyn, Cuyahoga County, and engaged in milling there for a few years, after which he again resumed farming, continuing until 1864, when he removed to Boston Township, where he has since resided. His farm consists of 200 aeres, about two-thirds of which is in cultiva- tion. He has improved the place in buildings and erected a neat and desirable residence. Like the most of his neighbors, he is making the dairy business a specialty. Mr. Richard- son was united in marriage, in 1840, to Miss Mary M. Hagstoz in Philadelphia. They have an adopted son-Franklin E.

LEWIS B. ROSWELL, Marshal, Peninsula ; was born in Lake Co., Ohio, in 1832. His parents were Ambrose and Elizabeth (Van Looven) Roswell; his father was a native of New York and his mother of Pennsylvania. They were married in Canada, and subse- quently removed to the States. locating in Lake County, where they remained about three years, then removing to Hudson where they were residents for the remainder of their days. Lewis started out in life for himself at the age of 15, working upon a farm for over a year. He then learned the shoemaker's trade at Twinsburg, and followed that trade in different localities, chiefly Hudson and Peninsula, for many years, since which time he has engaged in various occupations. He is at present serv- ing the corporation of Peninsula as Marshal. He was married in 1873 to Miss Nettie Wilson.

GEORGE STANFORD, farmer : P. O. B s- ton ; is one of the oldest settlers now living in Boston Township. He was born in Beaver Co., Penn., Oct. 9, 1800. His parents were James and Polly (Johnston) Stanford. His father was a native of Ireland ; his mother of Pennsyl- vania. They emigrated to Ohio and settled in Warren, Trumbull Co., about 1802, where they remained about three years, moving thence to Bristol, remaining one year. His father then

903

BOSTON TOWNSHIP.

joined a surveying party to locate and survey Boston Township, and he removed his family in March, 1806, taking 169 acres upon the west bank of the Cuyahoga River, near Boston. Here they resided for the remainder of their lives. Many of their pioneer incidents and ad- ventures appear in the township history. She died in July. 1814, and James in January, 1827, leaving nine children-George being the only one now living-who has been engaged in agri- culture, and has resided upon the old homestead farm since his parents' death. He furnishes many of the dates and reminiscences of pioncer days, found in the township history. The farm (which now consists of 284 acres) has been greatly improved by him. He has served in various offices of township trust, having been Justice of the Peace for six years. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Church. He was united in marriage, Jan. 17, 1828, to Catharine Carter, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Carter, early settlers of the town- ship, locating there about 1819, and remaining there during their lives. Catharine was born in Ireland, in 1804 ; she departed this life Dec. 20, 1872. Eight children were the result of this marriage-Emily, who died an infant ; James M. and Ellen, both of whom died at 20 years of age ; William Irwin (deceased) ; Per- kins W. Stanford, who enlisted as a private in the 2d O. V. C., Co. A ; he was subsequently promoted to Sergeant ; was finally captured a prisoner in 1864, and died in Andersonville Prison ; Eliza, who died at the age of 3 years, and George C., born April 18, 1839. He was married to Miss Lida Wetmore, Dec. 23, 1869. They have three children-Ellen, Perkins W. and Clayton J. George is now serving as Postmaster of Boston.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 163

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