History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 165

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 165

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).

909

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.

where he now resides. He has engaged ex- tensively in buying and shipping stock. Mr. and Mrs. Brumbaugh are active members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Brumbaugh has always voted the Democratic ticket, and has held many offices of trust, and is one of the most successful business men in Springfield township.

JOHN T. BRITTAIN, farmer; P. O. Brit- tain. This gentleman was born on his fa- ther's farm in Columbia Co., Penn., Aug. 16, 1823. His parents moved to Springfield Township in 1832, and settled on the farm he now occupies. His early days were spent on the farm. At the age of 21 years, he mar- ried Hannah Rogers, daughter of Gerdon and Sarah Rogers, of Geauga Co., Ohio, and the following-named children were born, viz .: Amanda, wife of Wesley Corp, of Northamp- ton Township; John; Sarah, wife of Herman Newbower; and Hannah, wife of Thomas Gil- crest, of Springfield Township. Mrs. Brittain died in March, 1852, aged 24 years. His sec- ond wife was Catharine Potts, of Suffield Township; eight children were born to them, six of whom are living, viz .: Olive, Lemuel, Alice, Cora, Grace and Edith. Mr. Brittain is comfortably situated on a fine farm of 200 acres, which is valuable because of the amount of ore it contains. He takes an active part in the welfare of the township, and, when the people of Springfield petitioned for a post office to be located where Brittain is, it was their desire to have it given his name. Mr. Brittain has always voted the Republican ticket, and has held many township offices.

EDWARD BERRY, Postmaster and mer- chant, Brittain; son of Henry and Elizabeth Berry; was born in Union Co., Penn., April 4, 1832. At an early age, he left home and commenced to drive mules on a canal, run- ning between Pittston, Penn., and Baltimore, Md., and followed that occupation for four years. He then engaged with the Captain of a schooner, for whom he worked four years, sailing principally along the coast. He ar- ranged to take passage on a vessel that was to sail around the world, but, before leaving, returned home for the purpose of bidding his parents farewell, and was taken suddenly ill, being sick for about three months; abandon-

ing his sailor's life, he was apprenticed to a shoe-inaker to learn the trade; at the expira- tion of his apprenticeship, he began as jour- neyman, working and traveling extensively for three years. In 1853, in Stark Co., Ohio, he started a boot and shoe store and custom shop, doing business until 1856, when he began to sell other articles. In 1869, he pur- chased the property now occupied b. him and started a general store, conducting the busi- ness ever since. In February, 1880, he was appointed Postmaster at Brittain. On April 23, 1853, he married Maria Leib, daughter of John Leib, of Stark Co .; four children were born to them, three of whom are living- Sarah E., Martha A. and Henry L. He is a Democrat in principle, and has held many township offices.

JAMES BREWSTER, coal operator, Mid- dlebury; is the son of James G. and Mar- tha Brewster, and was born in Coventry, this county, Jan. 11, 1834. He lived on the farm with his father until he was 21 years of age, when he went to California, where he remained twelve years, engaged in mining. In 1867, he returned home and began farming. Then, in company with his brothers, he began oper- ating the coal mine which was located on their farm, and has been in that business up to the present time. They also own an inter- est in the Buckeye Sewer-Pipe Works of Mid- dlebury, and a grist-mill in Coventry Town- ship, and other property. In May. 1870, he was married to Mary Davies, daughter of Rev. David Davies, of Portage Co .: they have six children, viz. : Albert, Martha, Mary. Laura. Rose and Modena. Mrs. Brewster is a mem- ber of the Congregational Church of Akron. Mr. Brewster is a stanch Republican. always having voted with that party, and is consid- ered one of the stalwarts.

BENJAMIN COLDREN. miller, Lake. Stark Co. The subject was born on his fa- thers' farm in Lancaster Co., Penn .. May 5, 1821. His parents, Abram and Mary Coldren. were natives of Lancaster Co .. Penn., where they were engaged in farming up to the time of their death; he died in 1866. aged 75 years, and she in 1845, aged 40. The subject assisted his father on the farm until he ar- rived at the age of 18, when he left home

910

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

and worked on another farm for two years; but, being dissatisfied with this work, and having a desire to become a miller, he appren- ticed himself, two years later, to a miller in Lancaster Co., Penn., serving three years. He then took charge of a mill and followed that business three years. In 1847, he rented another mill, where he successfully carried on business for thirteen years. In 1860, he moved to Springfield and purchased the mill property known as the Phoenix Mill, where he has continued in business up to the present time. He has made many improvements, and it is now one of he first-class mills of Spring- field Township. In connection with that property, he owns a farm in Springfield. In 1853, he was married to Ann Sheets, daughter of John and Elizabeth Sheets, of Lancaster Co., Penn. Their children were Mary, wife of John Myers: Samuel, deceased; Caroline E., wife of Adam Swinehart; and Pansy. Mr. Coldren is Democratic in princi- ple, and has voted with that party since its organization.

GEORGE CARPER, farmer: P. O. Mid- dlebury ; is the son of Samuel and Ester Young, who came to Stark Co. from Pennsylvania at an early day, where they settled on a farm of 160 acres, where they lived until their death, the mother dying in 1864, and the father in 1868. The subject's early life was spent in assisting his father on the farm. At the age of 21, he left home and worked on a farm for three years. On Dec. 22, 1861, he was united in marriage to Elizabetlı, the only child of Henry and Elizabeth Young. Five children were born to them, as follows: Amanda, Mar- garet, Samuel, Ruben and Henry (deceased). Mr. Carper settled on a farm after his mar- riage, and has continued in that calling up to the present time, in addition to which, having been licensed to preach in 1872, he has accept- ably filled the pulpit of the German Baptist Church. He owns 250 acres of valuable land, and also has an interest in a clay bank. He lives with his father-in-law, Mr. Young, who was a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., where he was born in 1819, and came to Springfield at an early day. Being a cooper by trade, he followed that calling for several years, until about 1842, when he engaged in

farming, and, by his industry and economy, has become one of Springfield's wealthiest men. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church.

HENRY CRAMER, farmer; P. O. Moga- dore; is the son of Daniel and Catharine (Myers) Cramer, and was born in Uniontown, Summit Co., Ohio, Oct. 15, 1822. In his early life, he assisted his father on the farm. At the age of 21, he left home and purchased 80 acres of land in Green Township, and worked at chopping and clearing for three years, when he discontinued the same. He was married to Elmira Stall, daughter of Simon and Deb- orah Stall, May 6, 1846, and six children were born to them, viz .: Calvin, Melancthon, Sy- bella (deceased), William H. (deceased), Mar- tha E. and Cora A. After his marriage, he settled on 208 acres of land in Springfield Township, where he labored diligently, until he has one of the best-improved farms in the township. Subsequent to the death of his first wife, he married Isabella Jones, daughter of William and Jane Jones, and she bore him two children-Jennie B. and Arthur H. (de- ceased). His wife died March 1, 1880, and her loss was keenly felt by neighbors and friends, who greatly esteemed her.

WILLIAM F. CROTZER, retired farmer; P. O. Mogadore. Among the early settlers of Summit Co. is the subject, who was born on his father's farm Oct. 30, 1799. His father, John Crotzer, came to Springfield in 1816, the subject accompanying him. In his youth, he assisted in clearing the farm, obtaining such education as the early schools afforded. On Dec. 28, 1820, he was married to Margaret Dunbar, daughter of Alexander Dunbar, of Pennsylvania. They had no children, and his wife died on June 5, 1872. He settled on his present farm at an early day, and did the first plowing done at Brittain. He was united in marriage to Mrs. George Rehard, formerly from Pennsylvania; her maiden name was Sarah A. Degarmo. They are both active members of the Presbyterian Church, he hav- ing been a member for a number of years. In politics, he is a Democrat.

JOHN W. CHAMBERLIN, farmer; P. O. Krumroy; son of Joseph and Agnes (Deal) Chamberlin; was born in Springfield Town-

911

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.

ship March 22, 1845. He remained at home until, and for several years after, his marriage, which occurred Oct. 21, 1869, the lady being Elizabeth Wise, daughter of Samuel Wise, of Stark Co .; there were three children. In 1877, he purchased of the heirs 83 acres of the homestead farm. He has made many im- provements, and his is considered one of the pleasantest homes in the neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin are members of the M. E. Church. Joseph Chamberlin, his father, soon after settling in Springfield Township, built the grist-mill known as the Chamberlin Mill, and conducted business therein for several years, when he again fol- lowed farming. He died in 1873, aged 64.

DAVID ELLET, school-teacher, Akron. This gentleman is the son of David and Sarah (Fite) Ellet, and was born in Springfield, Summit Co., Ohio, Feb. 7, 1827. His parents died when he was young, and he lived with his grandparents. At the age of 11, he went to Findlay and lived there a year, when he returned to Springfield Township and lived with Jehu Ellet until he was 17, when he attended school at Middlebury; from there he went to Wadsworth, where he entered Wads- worth Academy, subsequently attending the institute at Twinsburg, where he remained for some time. In order to acquire a more com- plete education, he attended Franklin College, where he remained until his health began to fail. He was considered one of the best- informed students in the college. and was especially noted for his proficiency in the Latin language. On June 14, 1849, he was united in marriage to Keziah Ellet, daughter of Jehu Ellet, of Springfield Township. There were three children, viz .: Lucinda E., Minnie J., Arthur L .: Sarah E., is deceased. Since his marriage, he has been engaged in farming and teaching. He is a member of the Board of School Examiners of Summit Co. Mr. and Mrs. Ellet are devout members of the Presbyterian Church.

K. J. ELLET, farmer; P. O. Middlebury; is a son of Jehu and Elizabeth Ellet. His father was from Hartford Co., Md., and came to Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 1802 with his par- ents, where they remained until 1810, when they came to Springfield and settled a farm of

640 acres. His mother's parents were from Pennsylvania, and settled in Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 1820. After their marriage, they lived on a farm up to the time of their death; he died March 23, 1860, aged 66 years, and she in September, 1865, aged 73 years. The subject was born in Springfield Dec. 27, 1831. He lived at home, doing farm work and at- tending district school, until March 16, 1854, when he was married to Lucinda E. Norton, daughter of Lester Norton, who came to Springfield from New York State in 1808. Three children were born to them, viz .: Mat- tie, wife of Milo White, of Springfield; Cora J., wife of Frank Weston; and King Fred. Mr. Ellet lives on the homestead farm, consist- ing of 132 acres of valuable land. He is a stanch Republican, and has held many town- ship offices.

ROBERT GILCREST, miller, Brittain. The subjcet of this sketch was born in Wash- ington Co., Penn., Feb. 28, 1810. He lived at home until he was 22 years of age, working on the farm during summers and attending school in winters. At the age of 22, he left home and went to Wellsburg, Va., where he began working in a boat-yard, remaining for four years. In 1838, he came to Stark Co., Ohio, where he became engaged in the mill- wright's trade, which he continued eight years in different parts of Ohio. In 1849, he came to Springfield and purchased the mill prop- erty known as the Western Reserve Mill, in which business he has been engaged ever since. In 1832, he was married to Mary Mar- tin, daughter of Robert Martin, of Brooke Co., Va. Mrs. Gilcrest died in 1838. His second wife was Rebecca Myers, of Springfield. They have five children-Caroline, wife of Frederick Schnee; Thomas: Matilda, wife of Benton Adams, of Akron; Mary A. and Anson. Mr. Gilcrest is a stanch Democrat.

A. W. HALL, stoneware manufacturer, Mogadore; is the son of Robert and Mary (Warner) Hall; born in Portage Co., Ohio, Aug. 15, 1843, on his father's farm, where his boyhood days were spent. At the age of 7, he came to Mogadore with his mother, at- tending school until he was 14 years old, when he began to work on a farm in Portage Co., continuing for two years, when he went to

912

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Oshkoshı, Wis., remaining but one year, dur- ing which time he was working on a farm. Returning to Ohio, he went to Tallmadge, where he again attended school, remaining until the breaking-out of the war, when he enlisted in Co. F, 7th O. V. I., remaining in that company but three months, when he enlisted in Co. G, 29th O. V. I. He was taken prisoner at Chancellorsville May 3, 1863, being released on the 1st of June of the same year. He served through many battles, and was with Sherman while on his march to the sea. He returned home in 1866 and engaged in the pottery business, the firm name being Martin & Hall. Their works were destroyed by fire in 1868, and he then bought more extensive works. The firm is now Myers & Hall, and are doing a flourishing business. In March, 1867, he was married to Helen Warren, daughter of William H. and Phoebe Warren. From their union two children were the issue-Harry R. and Eva. Mr. Hall is an active Republican, and enjoys the confidence of all.

HARLIN HILL, farmer; P. O. Mogadore; is a son of John and Eunice Crane Hill. John, the father, was born in Rhode Island, but removed to Clarence, N. Y., where he was engaged in farming; he remained there but a short time when he removed to Allegany Co., N. Y., and settled on a farm, where he lived for several years. At the breaking-out of the war of 1812, he volunteered his services and was engaged in the battle in which Gen. Brock lost his life, and after the war he moved to Canada, where he remained until the time of his death. The subject of this sketch was born on his father's farm in Clarence, N. Y., in the year 1810, and his early life was spent on his father's farm. At the age of 18 years, he learned to manufacture woolen goods in Canada, and was engaged in the same for ten years, when he sold out. In 1844, he came to Summit Co., settling in Tallmadge Township, remaining there eight years. He then pur- chased the farm he now lives on, consisting of 300 acres of land. In May, 1835, he was married to Mary M. Church, daughter of John K. and Mary Church, who were natives of Vermont, and settled in Summit Co. at an early day. From that marriage there were

six children born, as follows: John H., Hiram C., both killed in the late war; Franklin F., William E., Eugene H., and Edith P., wife of Albert Kent, of Mogadore. Mr. Hill has always been identified with the Republican party.

JOHN S. HART, contractor, Middlebury; was born in Middlebury, Summit Co., Ohio, Dec. 5, 1833, to John C. and Margaret A. (Sterling) Hart, and lived on his father's farm until he was 16 years of age, when he entered the high school at Abingdon, Mass., where he remained one year, and then attended the high school at Winchester, Mass., where he remained for a short time, and then returned home and assisted his father at farming and other busi- ness. On March 12, 1856, he was united in marriage to Zilpha M. Tinker, daughter of Daniel Tinker, of Rochester, N. Y. Two children were born to them, viz .: Louise Sumner and Hiram S. (deceased). In Sep- tember, 1873, his wife died, and on the 19th of July, 1874, he married Rose Henry, daugh- ter of Jacob Henry, of Pittsburgh. They have no children. In 1856, he engaged in farm- ing, which business he followed until 1861, when he adopted the stoneware business, in company with William E. Smith, at which he continued until 1873. In July, 1875, he was engaged by the Akron Strawboard Company -the largest establishment of its kind in the State-as contractor, which business he is now engaged in. In addition to this, he carries on the old homestead farm. Mr. Hart is a stanch Republican, always having voted with that party.

AUSTIN M. HALE. farmer and nursery- man; P. O. Mogadore. Among the first set- tlers of Portage Co. was the subject's father, Thomas Hale, who, in 1806, left his home in Suffield Co., Conn., for the State of Ohio. Upon his arrival in the new country, he was engaged to teach school, which business he carried on for several years. In 1810, he was united in marriage to Laura Moore, who was a native of Vermont. The subject has in his possession a letter written by his father to Mr. Moore, asking his approval of their mar- riage. Thomas Hale came into possession of 1,800 acres of land in Portage and Medina Cos. at the death of his father. He served as

913

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.

Justice of the Peace for upward of forty years. His death occurred in June, 1841. The sub- ject's early life was spent on his father's farm. At the age of 17, he moved on the farm which he now occupies. On Jan. 1, 1838, he was married to Samantha Bellows: four children were born to them-Thomas, Albert, Laura and Mary. His wife died in 1870. He mar- ried his second wife, Laura Brown, on Feb. 6. 1871, and of that marriage there is one child -Nellie May.

PETER HILE, farmer; P. O. Mogadore; is the son of Henry and Maria Hile, and was born Nov. 11, 1824. When but 5 days old, his mother died and left him in charge of a brother, where he lived until he was 10 years - of age, when he commenced to work on a farm in the summers and attending school during the winters, which life he led for seven years. He then learned the blacksmith's trade, serv- ing three years as an apprentice; he worked in company with his brother for two years, when they dissolved partnership and he con- ducted the business alone for a time. On Feb. 25, 1846, he was married to Olive L. Boyd, who bore him two children, viz .: Emily R., wife of Quinn Monroe, of Texas; and Sarah L., wife of Henry Weimer, of Springfield. Mr. Hile began life a poor boy, but, by his industry and economy, has acquired a fine property. Mr. and Mrs. Hile are members of the Disciples' Church.

GEORGE W. HART, farmer; P. O. Mid- dlebury; is the son of John and Sarah (Dun- bar) Hart, who were natives of Pennsylvania. where they were engaged in farming. In 1819, they came to Springfield and settled on a farm. In 1839, they bought and settled on the farm now owned by George, where they lived until their death. The father was a sol- dier of the war of 1812, and died at the ripe age of 82; and the mother, at the age of 66. The subject was born on his father's farm in Springfield, March 17, 1833, and is the young- 1

est of a family of seven children. His younger days were spent on the farm and attending school. In 1864, he enlisted in Co. H, 4th Battalion O. V. I., and served 100 days. On Nov. 23, 1856, he was married to Rebecca Myers, daughter of John D. Myers. There were three children. as follows: Arilda J.,

wife of Oren Swinehart; Ira L. and Luther E. Mr. Hart's grandfather was a soldier under La Fayette, serving seven years.

JONATHAN HOOVER, farmer; P. O. Lake; is the youngest of a family of eight children born to Samuel and Susan Hoover, who were natives of Huntington Co., Penn., where they followed farming until their death. The subject was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., Feb. 8, 1818, and lived at home until he was 10 years of age, when he came to Stark Co., Ohio. with John Harley. When he reached his 18th year, he began to learn the shoemaker's trade: served three years as an apprentice, and then started in business for himself in Lake Township, where he contin- ued for twelve years. In 1851, he bought and settled on a farm of 113 acres, where he lived until 1867, when he sold his farm and bought the one he now lives on, consisting of 155 acres of valuable land. In 1843, he married Catharine Fouse: nine children were born to them, viz .: Franklin, William, Elizabeth, Priscilla, Sarah, Ellen, Daniel, Wilson and Ida. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover are members of the Ger- man Baptist Church. Mr. Hoover is a stanch Republican.

SAWYER M. IRISH, farmer; P. O. Mid- dlebury: is the third of a family of six chil- dren born to Jonas and Sallie (Sawyer) Irish. They were natives of Rutland, Vt., and moved to New York State in 1810. settling on a farm, and afterward moving to Knox Co., Tenn., in 1866, where he engaged in farming, which he continued until his death, which occurred in 1873, his age being 73. His companion died in New York State in 1860, her age being 65. The subject of this sketch was born on his father's farm in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., July 12, 1820. Here he assisted his father at farm- ing until he attained his majority, when he left home and worked on another farm. In 1842, he came to Summit Co. and began farm- ing in Springfield Township, where he re- mained for some years. He afterward pur- chased 40 acres of land, where he has since resided. In 1842, he was united in marriage to Julia Decker, danghter of John Decker, of Orange Co., N. Y .: four children were born to them, viz .: Melvin, Elizabeth (wife of H. Crosier, of Portage,) Carrie (wife of H. Neli,

914

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

of Springfield), and Hattie (wife of J. K. Kimes, of Portage Co.). Mr. Irish has been successful in his pursuits. His wife has been a member of the M. E. Church for several years. Mr. Irish is a stanch Republican, and has voted the Republican ticket for sev- eral years.

WILLIAM H. JONES, farmer; P. O. Brit- tain; son of John and Lucy C. Jones, was born in Lodi, Medina Co., Ohio, Aug. 3, 1841. His father died when he was young, and he lived with his grandparents until he was twelve years of age, when he left them and worked in different parts of the county. In 1858, he began working at the carpenter's trade, serving his apprenticeship, afterward continuing at the trade until 1862, when he enlisted in the 120th O. V. I., and served three years. He was with his company in Texas the greater part of the time. At the close of the war he returned home, and, in 1866, came to Akron where he again worked at his trade and at contracting. In Septem- ber, 1862, he was married to Sarah A. Sum- merton, of Wayne County. Ohio, she bore him five children, viz., Ora A., Berties E., Frank E. (deceased), John V. and Lucy E. J. In 1878, he purchased a farm of 90 acres on which he now lives. In politics he is a Republican, and is among the stalwarts of the township.

ALFRED KREIGHBAUM, farmer; P. O. Lake; is the oldest of a family of fourteen children born to William and Sarah Kreigh- baum, who were natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., and came to Stark Co. at an early day, where they settled on a farm of 235 acres. The father was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1869. His wife sur- vives him and lives in Greentown, Stark Co., at the present time. The subject was born in Stark Co., Ohio, April 14, 1835, on the farm, where he remained until 1858, where he was married to Mary A. Pontius, daughter of Sam. uel and Catharine Pontius, of Stark Co. From that marriage there were three children-Sa- die C., Emma L. and Louise D. (deceased). Soon after his marriage he bought a farm of 45 acres, where he resided for five years, and, in 1870, bought and settled on the present farm, consisting of 154 acres of valuable and well improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Kreigh-

baum are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. K. is Democratic in principle, and has always voted that ticket.

ELIAS KURTZ, farmer; P. O. Lake; Is one of eleven children born to Jacob and Cath- arine (Gibble) Kurtz, who settled in Portage Co., Ohio, in 1856, on a farm where he still lives, his wife having died in 1873. They were natives of Lebanon Co., Penn., where the subject was born in May, 1833. He lived at home until he was 18 years of age, when he began to learn the carpenter trade, serving two years as an apprentice, and working at it in Pennsylvania until 1856, when he came to Portage Co. with his parents, where he con- tinued at his trade for several years. He was also engaged in contracting. In 1854, he married Catharine Kunse, daughter of John Kunse, of Dauphin Co., Penn. There were twelve children, nine of whom are living. In 1868, he bought and settled on a farm of 140 acres, where he lived three years, and then bought 102 acres of valuable and well-improved land where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz are members of the German Baptist Church of Springfield, which they have at- tended for many years. He is one of the most successful farmers in Springfield Township.

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 165

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