History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 167

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 167

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TOWNSHIP.

in 1831, he bought a farm east of the center of Tallmadge, where he lived until he removed to the present farm. Oct. 27, 1831, he was united in marriage to Esther, daughter of Maj. John Treat, of Tallmadge, who still lives to share his happiness ; from that marriage there have been six children, four of whom are living, viz., Sidney C., Sylvester E., Francis N. and Clark B. Mr. Barnes united with the M. E. Church fifty-six years ago, and is one of its most proficient members ; Mrs. Barnes is a member of the Congregational Church, uniting with the same when a girl.

J. E. BALDWIN, carriage manufacturer, Tallmadge ; is a son of John and Mary Bald- win ; they were natives of Milford, Conn .; Mr. John Baldwin, while young, was apprenticed to a carriage-maker in New Haven, Conn., working for a Mr. James Brewster, who built the first carriages in the United States ; after serving his apprenticeship, he soon after began busi- ness for himself, which he carried on for twenty- five years ; he died in 1867 ; his widow sur- vived him and still lives in Milford. There were ten children in their family, the subject being the oldest. J. E. was born in Milford, Conn, Oct. 24, 1827 ; he attended school until he was 17 years of age, when he entered his father's factory to learn the trade of a carriage- maker ; after working in his father's shop for four years, he went to New Haven, where he worked for one year in order to get a thorough understanding of his trade ; he came to Tall- madge in 1848, and worked for Oviatt & Sperry for ten years as a wheelwright ; he then contracted to furnish wheels for their work, and furnished, while in connection with them, 1,950 sets of wheels : in 1859, he engaged in business for himself on the northeast corner of the pub- lic square in Tallmadge, where he carried on

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business extensively, at one time employing thirty men ; his works were destroyed by fire soon afterward, from which he suffered a loss of $3,000 ; he rebuilt, and carried on business until 1871, when he suffered the second loss by fire ; in 1872, he built the works he now occu- pies. In September, 1852, he was united in marriage to Harriet S. Wright, daughter of Francis H. Wright, of Tallmadge; from that marriage there were six children, all of whom are living.

C. C. BRONSON, Tallmadge; the eldest child of Jarius and Irena (Mallory) Bronson ; was born in Woodbury, Litchfield Co., Conn., July 5, 1804. Soon after, his father moved to Middlebury, New Haven Co., his native place, where young Bronson spent the first fifteen years of his life. In February, 1819, the father, in company with a brother, Angustus Bronson, and Ebenezer Richardson, with one horse and wagon, left for the West, arriving in Tallmadge the following March. Here the father selected Lot 1, in Tract 4, and his brother Lot 2. Going immediately to work, they cleared and planted six acres, and in June Jarius returned for his family, leaving his brother to build a log house and care for the crops. On the 25th day of August, with his family, consisting of his wife and seven chil- dren, together with the wife of Augustus and Dan Saxton, Jr., left with two yoke of oxen and a wagon for their new home on the Western Reserve. On the road they were attacked with dysentery, resulting in the death of two of the children, a boy of 5 years, in Oneida Co., and one of 3 years, in Livingston Co., N. Y. On the 3d of October, they arrived in Tallmadge. Jan. 21, 1820, the family moved into their newly constructed log house, which was with- out fire-place or chimney. Thus, at the age of 15, was C. C. Bronson brought face to face with the stern realities of pioneer life. Their lot had been cast in the midst of a dense forest, out of which they had undertaken the task of making a home. But with that sturdy will possessed by most of pioneers, they pressed forward, and, in time, became surrounded with comfort and plenty, and Mr. Bronson's father and mother lived to enjoy the fruits of their toil. The former died April 7, 1857, and the latter April 7, 1863, each at the age of 78 years. The farm which Mr. Bronson assisted his father to carve from the forest has been his

home until this day, where he still lives in comparative health and comfort a respected citizen.

JOHN CHAPMAN (deceased) ; was born in Cornwall, Eng., in the year 1812. He lived at home until he was 19 years of age, when he came to America, settling in Oswego, N. Y. He had worked in a flouring-mill before leaving home, and had a good knowledge of his trade. He was engaged in one of the mills in Oswego, where he remained until 1832. He then came to Akron for the purpose of putting the stone mill in operation which was being built. The owners not being prepared, he went to Middle- bury and worked for MeNorton & Noble, where he remained for some time. He then returned to Akron and finished the stone mill, and in June, 1832, he made the first flour ever made in Akron proper ; he continued to run the mill for about a year. In 1833, he went to Rochester and worked at his trade for about a year. He returned to Akron and took charge of the stone mill, where he remained for a short time. He was a practical mechanic and miller, and many of the early mills built in Summit Co. were erected under his supervision. He purchased a farm adjoining Akron, where he lived several years, then bought the farm his widow now lives on. In 1857, he married Phebe Budd, daughter of Solomon Budd, of Akron, who bore him four children-John L., Nellie, Caroline and Cora. Mr. Chapman died in April, 1881, after a short illness, at the age of 69 years. He was respected by all who knew him for his integrity and gentlemanly qualities. His widow and son John L. conduct the farming on the farm where Mr. Chapman had made many improvements.

H. S. CARTER, retired merchant, Tall- madge; is a son of Adoniram and Arilla (Sackett) Carter. They were natives of Litch- field Co., Conn., where Adoniram, the father, was engaged in farming. He was connected with the company who had the contract to dig the race from Cuyahoga Falls to Akron. He furnished part of the capital, and sent his son. H. S., to look after his interests. Ile never moved from his home in Connecticut, and died in 1842, while on a visit to some friends living in Illinois. After his death, his widow came came to Tallmadge, where she died in 1848. H. S. Carter, the subject of our sketch, was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., in the year 1817.

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He lived on the farm until he was 21 years of age, and attended the seminary at Warren, Conn., and was about to enter Yale College, when his classmate, to whom he was much at- tached, died. He then abandoned the idea. He was then sent by his father to look after his interests in the company of which he was a member. H. S. was to bring considerable money with him to put into the enterprise, but upon his arrival, he not being satisfied with the manner in which the business was conducted, refused to furnish the money. He engaged in mercantile pursuits in Tallmadge, in company with W. A. Hanford, which firm did business for three years, when E. V. Carter purchased Mr. Hanford's interest. This partnership con- tinued until 1846. He then took in as part- ners C. and B. D. Wright, with whom he con- tinned in business until 1872. He owns con- siderable real estate, including a small farm. In 1846, he was united in marriage to Martha Wright, daughter of Alpha Wright, of Summit Co. From that marriage seven children were born, five of whom are living-H. W., a prac- ticing physician of Fond du Lac, Wis .; Mary A., at home; H. H., studying music in Leipzig, Germany ; Starr V. V. and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are members of the Congregational Church. In 1846, was appointed Postmaster at Tallmadge, holding the office until 1872.

JAMES CHAMBERLAIN, farmer ; P. O. Tallmadge; is a son of Luther and Caroline (Davenport) Chamberlain, who were natives of Litchfield Co., Conn. The father was a car- penter by trade, and worked at the same for several years. In 1811, he came to Ohio, set- tling in Tallmadge, where he settled on a farm north of the center of the town. After remain- ing there two years, he purchased a farm east of the center, and worked at his trade in con- nection with farming. He was called out in the war of 1812, but, owing to ill health, was dismissed from the service. He died in 1870. at the ripe age of 89 years ; his wife died in 1839, at the age of 57 years. Our subject was born in Tallmadge, May 10, 1817. He re- mained at home until he was of age, and then worked his father's farm, which he inherited and lived on until 1867. He purchased forty acres of well-improved land, where he now re- sides. In 1844, he was married to Harriet Heath, of Livingston Co., N. Y. They had no children, but took George H. Chapman to raise,

to whom they gave a good education, and cared for him as if he were their own child. He is now a practicing physician at Grand Cross- ing, III. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain are de- vout members of the Congregational Church of Tallmadge.

P. C. CARUTHERS, farmer, P. O. Tall- madge ; is the eighth of a family of ten chil- dren born to John and Nancy (Allen) Caruthers. John Caruthers was born in Carlisle, Penn., where he lived until 1811, when he came to Ohio, settling in Tallmadge Township. He was a tanner and shoemaker by trade, and worked for several years at the same. Upon his arrival in Tallmadge, he purchased a farm in the southeast corner of the township, where he lived until he died. He was in the war of 1812, for a short time, and died Dec. 14, 1853. Our subject was born in Tallmadge, May 1, 1818. His childhood was spent on the farm, obtaining his education in the schools of his neighborhood. At the age of 21, he began farming the homestead, which he afterward purchased, where he lived until 1870 ; he then sold it and purchased the farm he now occu- pies, consisting of 83 acres of well-improved land. Oct. 21, 1840, he was united in marriage to Cynthia N. Clark, daughter of William L. Clark, of Akron. From that marriage there were three children, as follows : Elmer P .. Charles Clark and Lois N., wife of Park John- ston, of Akron. Elmer was a graduate of the Western Reserve College, of the class of 1865, and was employed as Principal of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, at Little Rock, Ark., where he remained for seven years. He was con- sidered one of the most successful teachers in the country. After remaining there for seven years, he took a trip across the plains for his health, but received no benefit therefrom, and died Sept. 3. 1876, at the age of 37 years. Charles, the younger son, was a graduate of the Western Reserve College. studied medicine and attended lectures at the Starling Medical College. He enlisted in a company attatched to the 60th O. V. I. He was with Grant until the close of the war, being wounded in the bat- tle of Petersburg, and was offered a discharge, but would not accept it. He returned home, and after three months again joined his com- pany. After his return at the close of the war. he lived at home until his death, which oc- curred May 10, 1871, at the age of 24 years.

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TALLMADGE TOWNSHIP.

NEWTON DUNBAR, farmer ; P. O. Tall- madge ; was born in Springfield Township, Summit Co., Nov. 10, 1853. His parents, John and Fanny (Hostler) Dunbar, were natives of Summit Co., and lived there several years. John Dunbar was a plasterer by trade, and worked at the same until 1856, when he engaged in the stock business, in Iowa. He was very successful, and was considered a thorough stock-

man. He removed to Springfield, where he died in 1859; Mrs. Dunbar died in 1856. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm and attending the schools of his neighborhood. At the time of his father's death, he being then but 6 years old, he went to live with Sherman Pet- tibone (whose sketch appears in this work), where he remained on the farm until 1877. In 1877, he was married to Mary E. Pero, dangh- ter of Jasper and Elizabeth Pero, of Tallmadge. From that marriage there have been two chil- dren, one of whom is living. Although a young man, Mr. Dunbar has accumulated considerable property. Upon the death of Mrs. Dunbar's father, she inherited the homestead, consisting of 156 aeres of well-improved land.

DR. D. E. FENN, dentist and farmer ; P. O. Tallmadge ; is the eldest of a family of twelve children born to Wyllys and Hannah (Root) Fenn. They were natives of Connecticut. The father was from Milford, and came to Ohio in 1819, settling in Tallmadge ; he was a carpen- ter, and worked at his trade for several years after his arrival. He built many buildings in the Sixth Ward of Akron. In 1838, he bought a farm, and settled on the same, where he lived until he died, his death occurring in 1880, at the age of 78 years. Hannalı (Root) Fenn was a native of Waterbury, Conn .; she died in 1870, at the age of 62 years. Dr. D. E. Fenn, the subject of this sketch, was born in Tallmadge March 16, 1828. His early life was spent at home, where he lived until he was 34 years of age. He obtained his education in the schools of his neighborhood. In 1852, he purchased the farm he still occupies. In 1861, he began the study of dentistry. He was an apprentice but a short time, when he opened an office, and has since been engaged in the profession. He is a skillful workman. and has gained a repu- tation which is a credit to any one. He owns 215 acres of well-improved land well stocked with cattle and horses of excellent pedigree. Oct. 12, 1851, he was united in marriage to

Charlotte A. Wolcott, daughter of Guy and An- nis Walcott, of Connecticut, formerly. From that marriage there were three children, as fol- lows : Wilbur W., associated with his father in business ; Annis E. and Harriet W., both at home. Mr. and Mrs. Fenn are devout members of the Congregational Church, of Tallmadge ; the two oldest children are members also.

T. H. FENTON, pipe and stoneware manu- facturer ; Tallmadge ; was born in Mogadore Oct. 22, 1847. His early life was spent in at- tending the school of his native town. At the age of 18, he began learning the potter's trade in his father's works at Mogadore. After work- ing in his father's shop five years, he started the works he now manages, in company with H. H. Stahl. At the close of one year, he pur- chased Mr. Stahl's interest. and conducted the business alone until 1876, when he took in as partner his brother, Curtis Fenton, who is still connected with him. The shop's capacity is about 6,000 gallons per week, and about 150,000 pipes. In 1870, he was united in mar- riage to Mary Stahl, daughter of A. M. and Laura Stahl, of Trumbull Co., who bore him two children. His brother Curtis married Katie, daughter of Dr. James Ferguson, of Mogadore.

C. GUISE, farmer : P. O. Munroe Falls ; is a son of Elias and Christiana (Marsh) Guise, and was born in Manchester, Summit Co., Ohio. Jan. 28, 1849 ; he attended the schools in his native town until 1865, when he entered the grammar school at Akron, and, one year later, the high school of the same city, where he re- mained for twelve consecutive terms. After completing his education, he returned to his father's farm and remained one year. In Jan- nary, 1871, he was nnited in marriage to Viana. daughter of Samuel Thornton, of Akron, Ohio. and from whom he received 117 acres of well- improved land. There are two children from that marriage-Nellie Bell and Newton H. Elias Guise, the father of our subject, was born in Snyder Co., Penn., where he lived until 1835. He learned the tailor's trade while young, and upon his arrival in Summit County in 1835, he opened a shop in East Liberty and one at Johnston's Corners, and conducted the business successfully until 1845. He then disposed of it and settled on a small farm in Franklin Township. where he lived five years. He then moved on his father-in-law's farm and remained nine years, and, in 1865. purchased

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and settled on 65 acres of land, where he still resides. There were five children in his family, two of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Guise are members of the Evangelical Church of Akron, Ohio.

ALVAN A. HINE, farmer ; P. O. Tallmadge ; son of William and Phila (Root) Hine, whose sketch appears in this work, was born in Tall- madge in September, 1831. His youth was spent on his father's farm. He obtained his education in the common schools, and the academy at Tallmadge. After leaving school he returned to the farm, where he lived until he was 22 years old. In 1853, he went to Knox Co., Ill., and engaged in the clothing business in company with Mr. Atwood. They were en- gaged in business for eighteen months, when he returned to Portage Co., and lived there but a short time. He then removed to Mogadore, where he remained one year, and while there he was engaged by J. Welsh as clerk in a general store. In 1859, he removed on his father's farm where he has since resided. In 1852, he was married to Sarah J., daughter of Philo At- wood, of Springfield Township. From that mar- riage there has been five children-Elton, Arthur, Frank, Leora and William. Mr. and Mrs. Hine are members of the Congregational Church.

WILLIAM HINE, farmer ; P. O. Tallmadge. This gentleman was born in New Haven Co., Conn., his birth occurring July 22, 1801. He lived at home until he was 9 years old, and then went to work for a farmer in the neighbor- hood, where he remained five years, and then returned home where, for about two years, he attended school during the winter season, and worked on the farm in the summer. In 1820, his father's family came to Ohio, and with them came our subject, who worked for his father until 1823, when he began clearing a piece of land of 50 acres, a part of the farm he now lives on. He now owns about 235 acres of well- improved land. Dec. 24, 1823, he was united in marriage to Melia Root, who was a native of Waterbury, Conn. From that marriage there were three children-William E., of Livingston Co., Ill .; Alvin A., of Tallmadge ; and Melia A., wife of T. F. Metlin, of Akron. Dec. 24, 1873, Mr. and Mrs. Hine celebrated the fiftieth anni- versary of their wedded life ; about seventy of their friends assembled at the home of Mr. Hine, where they showed the love and esteem

they cherished for the pioneer couple. Jan. 25, 1881, Mrs. Hine departed this life at the age of 75 years. She was a Christian lady, a kind mother, and a loving wife. Mr. and Mrs. Hine were members of the Congregational Church.

DANIEL HINE, farmer ; P. O. Tallmadge ; was born in New Haven Co., Conn, May 23, 1806. At the age of 14 years his parents came to Ohio, settling in Tallmadge, Daniel assist- ing in clearing and working the farm until he was 27 years of age, when he purchased a piece of new land, which he cleared and occupied until 1837 ; then selling his farm, he went to Kentucky, where he remained the winter of 1838-39 ; when he returned to Tallmadge and settled on the farm he now occupies. Soon after he settled, he started a vineyard, carrying on the same successfully for several years. In 1830, he was married to Sally Caruthers, of Tallmadge, with whom he lived happily until 1869, when she died, at the age of 62 years. He married for his second wife, Sarah, widow of Caleb S. Clevis, of Yarmouth, Me. Mr. and Mrs. Hine are members of the Congregational Church, of Tallmadge. In politics, he is a Republican, and has always been identified with that party. He served as Coroner, and was appointed Deputy Sheriff. His father, Abraham, was a native of New Haven Co., Conn .. where he was engaged in farming. In 1820, he came to Ohio, settling on a farm in Tallmadge ; he lived on the farm up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1856, at the age of 81 years. Mrs. Abraham Hine was born in Hartford Co., Conn., and lived until 1864 ; she was 88 years of age.

MICHAEL HAWK, farmer ; P. O. Middle- bury ; son of Philip and Margaret Hawk. They were natives of Germany, where they were en- gaged in farming. In 1839, they came to Ohio, settling in Portage Co., on a farm ; they lived on the farm up to the time of their death. The father died in 1862; the mother, in 1874. There were five children in the family, our sub- ject being the youngest who was born in Ger- many, Sept. 27, 1835, and came to Portage Co., Ohio, with his parents, in 1839. At the age of 21 years he began farming, first working the homestead. In 1870, he bought the farm he now lives on. He began life a poor boy, but, by industry and economy, has accumulated a nice property, owning 144 acres of well-improved land in the southern part of the township. He

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was married to Albertenia Bleteler, daughter of Michael Bletcler, of Randolph, Portage Co. They have two children-Albert and Lydia. Mr. and Mrs. Hawk are members of the Grace Church, of Akron.

C. A. JOHNSTON, farmer ; P. O. Tall- madge ; son of William and Elizabeth John- ston, whose sketch appears in this work. The subject was born in Green Township, Summit Co., July 16, 1842. His early life was spent on the farm and attending school: In 1860, he entered Mt. Union College, when he remained three years. After leaving college, he engaged in the oil business, in Pennsylvania and Medina Co., where he conducted business successfully for two years. He then engaged in the coal business, in company with W. G. Johnston, which they carried on for six years. He then carried on the milling business, in the State mill, for one year. In 1876, he bought the farm he now lives on, of 104 acres of well- improved land. In 1870, he was married to Sarah A. Swartz, of Franklin Township ; from that marriage there were three children, two of whom are living-Lizzie M. and Clara B.

CAPT. J. A. MEANS, Ex-County Clerk, Tallmadge; was born in Allegheny Co., Penn., in February, 1811. He obtained his education in the common district schools, and, at an early age, was apprenticed to the tanner's trade, at which he worked until he was 22 years old. In 1833, he came to Summit County, settling in Northfield Township on a farm of unimproved land, and by hard work and economy, accumu- lated a fine property. In 1836, he was ap- pointed Deputy County Surveyor. He remained on the farm until about 1860, when he was elected Clerk of the county. After serving part of his term, he organized Company C, 115th O. V. I., of which he was made Captain, serving his country three years ; at the close of the war, he returned home and again engaged in farming. In 1870, he was re-elected County Clerk, holding the office for three years, and, at the expiration of his term of office, he was elected Clerk of the city of Akron, serving three years. In 1877, he purchased 12 acres of land adjoining Tallmadge Center, upon which he has made some very fine improvements. In 1835, he was united in marriage to Eliza Cha- pin, daughter, of A. Chapin, of Northfield. From that marriage there were six children, two of whom are living-Nathan A., of Akron,

and E. A., wife of W. B. Marsh, of Tallmadge. In September, 1879, his wife died at the age of . 68 years. In October, 1880, he married Mrs. M. V. Walton, widow of Dr. L. C. Walton, of Tallmadge. Mr and Mrs. Means are members of the Congregational Church of Tallmadge.

C. B. MAURER, barrel manufacturer, Tall- madge ; is a son of John J. and Sophia Maurer, who were natives of Prussia; they came to Rochester, N. Y., in 1833. John J. was a barrel- maker, and worked at his trade previous to I his coming to Rochester, where he was one of the largest manufacturers, doing business there for several years. He died from the effects of a wound caused by the explosion of a sky rocket, while celebrating the day the Atlantic cable was first laid. After his death, his oldest son carried on the business. C. B. was born in Rochester, N. Y., May 14, 1842, and obtained his education in the public schools of that city. At an early age, he entered his father's shop and worked there until he was of age. In 1864, he went to California and worked at his trade for about one year, when he returned home, where he remained but a short time, when he went to Sandusky, Ohio, and thence to Dayton, where he was engaged as leader of an orchestra in a concert troupe. He traveled about six months, when he abandoned the troupe and came to Akron, where he has since been engaged in business, at first working at his trade. In 1868, he built a factory which has' since been enlarged. He employs about fifty men and manufactures about 180,000 bar- rels per year. In 1873, he, in company with Commins & Allen, built a large stave factory in Union City, Penn. In 1870, he was married to Miss Mary A. Dunnigan, of Akron, Ohio, who bore him four children. He purchased the property known as the Francis II. Upson prop- erty, in 1880, where he still lives. By his in- dustry and economy, he has accumulated con- siderable property.

MORRISS SISTERS, farmers ; P. O. Middle- bury ; are the daughters of Aaron and Sarah (Isbell) Morriss. Mr. Morriss was a native of Winstead, Conn., where he lived until he reached manhood, in the meantime learning the carpen- ter's trade, and, at the age of 21, left home, and in company with Peter Hepburn went to Georgia. Mr. Hepburn returned home soon after, leaving Mr. Morriss in a strange city among strangers. He was not among strangers but a

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History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 167

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