History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 172

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 172

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).

948

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

athan, William, Mary J., Ann and Sarah ; July 4, of the same year of their marriage, Mr. McNiece and wife started from Liverpool, and, after a vogage of fifty days, landed at Philadelphia, where they remained three months, then came direct to this township ; upon his arrival he was poor, and for three years he worked as a common laborer, and saved means sufficient to enable him to make a payment on a piece of land on Lot 59, pur- chasing at first 31} acres of Homer Oviatt, for which he agreed to pay $756 ; this he soon was enabled to call his own, and then added more at different times, until he acquired 120 acres, which, with the assistance of his worthy wife, he has earned by hard labor, much self-denial and constant savings, and is now among the substantial and opulent husbandmen of the township ; he has improved his slender oppor- tunities, and, in point of intelligence and gen- eral information, is well versed; his mind is well stored with historical events that are con- nected with the history of the old countries. Since his advent to this country, he has acted independent of sects and is a free and liberal thinker, and in matters of political nature is a sound Democrat, and still adheres to the prin- ciples and traditions inculcated in the old Jacksonian party. He is a worthy member of the community in which he resides. He has two children-Jonathan B. and Anna.

ANDREW S. MEANS, Macedonia ; born Feb. 17, 1814, in Allegheny Co., Penn .; is the third of a family of seven children, all of whom raised families of their own. The parents of the above are Nathan and Elizabeth (Coch- rane) Means. He was born July 20, 1784 ; son of John Means, of Irish descent, who had borne him Nathan, John, James, Joseph, Jane and Nancy Means. To Nathan was born John A., Samuel C., Andrew S., Elvira A. (Mrs. John F. Curry, in Allegheny Co., Penn.), Martha (Mrs. William Wood, same place), James (on the homestead), Robert S. (also in same place, on farm adjoining homestead). Nathan, the father of Andrew S., is yet living on the homestead, at the ripe age of 97. Elizabeth, his wife, was a daughter of Samuel Cochrane, to whom was born Polly, Sallie, Elizabeth, Ann, Margaret, Robert, Samuel, John and William, all dead. Nathan Means moved to Allegheny Co., Penn., in 1799, and was among the early settlers of that place. He was a tanner by occupation.

In 1810, he purchased and located on his pres- ent farm in Allegheny Co., Penn. Andrew S. was raised on the farm, and assisted his father in the tannery, remaining with him until 26 years of age. In March, 1840, he came to this township and purchased 160 acres of land, where he now resides. He had been out three years previously, and, liking the country, he returned and made the purchase as above men- tioned. There were no improvements whatever on this land. He built a light cabin shortly after his arrival. January, 1842, he was mar- ried to Mary J. Wilson, born in Pittsburgh, Penn., June 8, 1820, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Morrow) Wilson, who were old set- tlers in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Means died May 6, 1872. They have had nine children-Eliza- beth (now deceased), John W., Nathan A., Jo- seph M., James H., William R., Mary H. (Mrs. John A. Hibbard), Robert F. and Lillie. Mr. Means has 220 acres of land. He and his wife have been members of the Presbyterian Church for many years. He has now been a constant resident of this township for forty years, which long acquaintance has endeared him to his neighbors and friends.

MUNN BROS., Macedonia, sons of Hiram and Esther (Cranmer) Munn. Hiram Munn was born August 10, 1800, in Trenton, N. J., son of Nathan and Esther (Warner) Munn, who had nine children, viz., Warner, Myron, Oscar, Eri, Archie and Hiram, Ruth, Betsy Ann. Irene and Lydia. Myron and Warner were in the war of 1812. Hiram emigrated to this State with his father about the year 1817. Hiram was a carpenter and cabinet-maker ; he settled on Tinker's Creek, in Cuyahoga Co., where he engaged at his trade. Feb. 6, 1844, he became the husband of Esther Cranmer, who was born July 14, 1814, in this township, daughter of Abram and Nancy Voster. Abram was born in New Jersey Aug. 10, 1787 ; Nancy in Am- sterdam, Holland, Dec. 20, 1777 ; she was of a family of thirteen children ; her father, Adri- anas, died when she was young. Mrs. Munn came to this county with her parents about the year 1813, located on Lot 72, in this township, where they lived six years, then moved to Lot 54; about the year 1824, they moved to Mace- donia, where Mr. Cranmer purchased 90 acres ; it was a dense growth of timber ; on the East the nearest neighbor was three miles. To them were born five children-Nancy (Mrs. Rev. L.

949

NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP.

E. Beardsley), Esther (Mrs. Munn), Elizabeth (Mrs. W. Storrs), Isaac W. and Jeremiah. Shortly after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Munn, they located at Macedonia. Mr. Munn died suddenly March 29, 1880 ; for fifty years of his life he was a member of the M. E. Church, and was a licensed minister. His life was adorned by an upright Christian walk. To him were born eleven children ; eight living -Irene (Mrs. Julius Brittan, of Portage Co.), Frances A. (Mrs. J. W. Caldwell, this township), Isaac W., Abram C. and Amos R. (twins), Zarada E. (wife of H. Bromley, general freight and ticket agent on the L. & S. R. R.), Ferdinand and Lillie (at home). Abram C. and Amos R., engaged in the mercantile business, in 1865, at Macedonia, and have since been doing a thriv- ing and prosperous trade. They are young men of enterprise-keeping a general stock of such goods as are in demand by the people- dry goods, groceries, Yankee notions, etc., etc. Abram C. was commissioned Postmaster, and also express agent since that time. He is a member of Twinsburg Lodge No. 375, A., F. & A. M., and of Summit Chapter, R. A. M., No. 74. In 1874, he married Mary MeLaughlin, has one child, Gracie A.

ALEX. NESBIT, farmer ; was born on the farm he now owns, 1843, March 10, son of William and Lucinda Nesbit. William Nesbit was born March 24, 1794, in Westmoreland Co., Penn., and came to Ohio, settling in the township during its early settlement. He was a participant in the war of 1812, entering the war before he attained his manhood. His wife Lucinda was born Oct. 27, 1806, in Herki- mer County, New York. She was a daughter of Asa and Phebe (Wood) Hungerford, to whom were born Lucinda, Asa and Horace. Horace, now in Portage County, Asa, in Allen County, both of this State. Phebe Wood was a daughter of Samuel and Petsey (Stewart) Wood, to whom was born Phebe, Henry, Bet- sey, Samuel, Silas, Lucy, Jonathan and Julia. Mrs. Nesbit removed west to Cuyahoga County with her parents when she was 3 years of age ; both of them died shortly after their arrival to the State. She was raised by her grandfather Samuel Wood. She was first married to Thomas Johnson and by him had six children, four living ; he died in 1837. Her second mar- riage was with Mr. Nesbit, and by him had seven children, of the number living, are Alex-

ander, David G., Emily L. and Caroline E. Mr. Nesbit was for many years a member of the U. P. Church. He died in October 1873. Dec. 16, 1874, Alexander was married to Jo- sephine Fillius, born Nov. 15, 1843, in Hudson Township, daughter of Phillip and Barbara (Keis) Fillius ; both were natives of the Old World ; he was born in Bavaria, April 12, 1806, she in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg at Stuttgart in 1817. He was a son of Phillip. The family came to America, and to Cleveland in 1836, the year following located in Hudson Township. To them were born nine children, who were Catharine, Elizabeth, John, Joseph- ine, Phillip. Jacob, Ella, Charles and Ernest. Mr. Nesbit has one child-Grace E., born Nov. 1, 1877. Her father (Mr. Nesbit) died 1878, her mother living.

JOHN NESBIT, farmer ; P. O. Northfield ; is a native of the Keystone State, born Oct. 22, 1830, and came West with his parents when he was a babe. His parents were John and Ann (Mathews) Nesbit who were natives of Penn- sylvania. John Nesbit traded land in Penn- sylvania for 160 aeres on lot 83 in this township, upon which he settled, afterward purchasing 56 acres on Lot 73. There were no improvements upon lot traded for, a small cabin and 3 acres on Lot 73. Upon this farm our subject was raised ard has since passed his life, remaining with his father on the home- stead until he was 36 years, and, but for the timely meeting of Florilla J. Nesbit he "might have been" a bachelor during the remainder of his life. Oct. 11, 1866, he became the husband of the lady who now bears his name. Her father's name was Joseph Patterson, who mar- ried soon after the death of her mother. She was then raised by Dr. Allen Nesbit, and ever after bore the maiden name of her mother who was Florilla Nesbit, who had two children by Mr. Patterson-Anna and Florilla. Mrs. Nesbit was born in Lawrence, Penn., March 20, 1842, her parents she knows but little of. They have five children-Anna W., James, John C., Ambrose and babe ; one named Will- iam died when three years of age. Since Mr. Nesbit has married has remained on the farm, he having 120 acres. He and wife are mem- bers of the U. P. Church and is one of the val- uable members of the community.

JOHN PACKARD, farmer ; P. O. North- field ; son of Isaac and " Polly " (Smith) Pack-

950

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

ard, was born Feb. 7, 1823, in Massachusetts. Isaac was born in Massachusetts, April 14, 1788. Ile was the son of Ichabod, who was born March 29, 1763, and Lorania Tower, born June 20, 1763. To this couple were born Isaac, Jonathan, Oriek, Sylvester, Hart, Emily, Emery H., Hart 2d, and Sylvester 2d. Polly Smith was a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Gagg) Smith, to whom were born Jeanette, John, Mary, Harriet, Sarah, Minerva, David, Anna, Roxana and Levi. Andrew Smith was born Sept. 14, 1764; Margaret Gagg, March 19, 1762. Ichabod Packard was a soldier in the war of the Revolution ; Sylvester, his son, was Fife Major in the war of 1812. John, our subject, came West with his father, Isaac, in in June, 1823, when a baby. His father lo- cated at Brecksville, where he kept the first tavern of that place ; his occupation was that of elothier, which business he carried on at Brecksville, Hinckley and Strongsville. He died at Independence, in September, 1854, and his wife on Feb. 12, 1865 ; he was a Baptist in belief, and she a Presbyterian. John began for himself at the age of 21 ; he left home with an empty pocket, and an ax on his shoulder, re- solving to hew his way through life, and to ob- tain a home at some future day and become a business man. He commenced cutting timber in a small way, and sold his products, which were borne off on the canal ; this he continued for several years. The panic came on, which destroyed the sale of his timber, and he aban- doned the business and purchased 50 acres of land in Brecksville Township, and began farm- ing ; several years after, he purchased 35 acres more. In 1868, he sold his first purchase, and bought 812 aeres in Independence, and moved on the same ; this he retained five years, when he sold it. About this time he caught the " Iowa fever," and bought 640 acres in Shelby and Carroll Counties, and went out to see his pur- chase. Being unfavorably impressed with the outlook, he returned home, after having an interesting and eventful trip. He afterward traded this land with his brother Ichabod, for other in Michigan, and yet retains 160 acres of it. Jan. 9, 1871, he married Sarah E. Bramley, born March 1, 1845, in Lorain County ; she was the daughter of Matthew and Sarah E. (Oldershaw) Bramley ; they were natives of Derbyshire, England, and came to this country in 1840 ; they had a family of thirteen children.

Mr. Packard removed from Independence to this township in 1872, locating on Lot 92, where he owns 185 aeres. He also owns 49 acres in Brecksville, 250 acres in White Co., Tenn .. 100 aeres in Van Buren Co., Mich., be- sides land in Iowa. Matthew Bramley was born Jan. 9, 1802. The children born to him were John P., Anna, Hannah, Martha, Marian J., Mira, Frank M., Matthew, Rebecca, Julia, Sarah E., George and Elias. Parents of the above live in Lorain Co., where they settled in 1840. Mr. Packard's children are Mary M., Myra A., Julia E., Sadie B., and an infant. Mr. Packard is one of the most successful business men and safest financiers in the township.

WILLIAM L. PALMER, farmer ; P. O. Northfield ; was born Nov. 4, 1820, in Wind- sor, Hartford Co .. Conn., to Hezekiah H. and Abigail (Taylor) Palmer. His father was born Jan. 19, 1781 ; his mother in Buckland, Mass., Jan. 12, 1792. They were married May 29, 1811. To them were born a family of eight children-Julia A., Emeline, Abigail T., Will- iam L., Horace H., Henry T., and two de- ceased. The Palmers are of old Connecticut stock, who came over in the Mayflower. Some of our subject's ancestors were soldiers in the war of the Revolution. The father of our subject first came West to this State, loeating in Willoughby. in 1822, where he lived a short time, but, because of the prevaleney of ague, he returned with his family and lived on the Holland Purchase in New York for some time, and then returned to his native county and State. In 1831, he came out and selected 160 acres at the Center of this township. Return- ing, he brought out his family in June, 1832, by canal from Albany, N. Y., and with the family settled in the woods, which in a short time was transformed to productive fields. Upon this tract the elder Palmer lived until his death Oct. 7, 1863; that of his wife oe- curred Dec. 10, 1875. He was a man of hardy constitution, a worthy citizen and a Jaeksonian Democrat. William L. was reared among the early pioneer surroundings of the township ; deer and wild game were plentiful. His first ideas of the fundamental principles of " book learning " was obtained in a log school which stood on the site where the town pump now stands. Nov. 15, 1849, he was married to Amelia Whitney, born in Uniontown, Stark Co., Oct. 6, 1827, daughter of William and

951

NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP.

Hannah (McNaughton) Whitney, both natives of Vermont. Her father was born Feb. 22, 1795 ; her mother in Rutland Aug. 25, 1795. He was a son of William Whitney, and she a daughter of Daniel McNaughton. Mrs. Palmer was of a family of eight children, five living- Louisa, Helen, Harriet, Parmelia and Mrs. Palmer. Since Mr. Palmer came to the town- ship he has been a constant resident. Has served several terms as Justice of the Peace, and is at present fulfilling the duties of that office. He was seven years Postmaster, and bore well his part as a citizen and a neighbor. He has but one child, Helen, still at home. His nephew, William Palmer, has resided with him since a mere child, and recognizes no other place as home.

HENRY T. PALMER, carpenter, North- field ; was born in Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., Dec. 12, 1829, and came West with his parents when 2 years of age. Raised to farm- ing, he, in his early manhood, learned his trade and worked for his brother-in-law, A. W. Bliss. March 2, 1854, he married Mary J. Ilillman, who was born in 1836, daughter of David and Mary (Derrick) Hillman, to whom three chil- dren were born, Mrs. Palmer being the youngest ; her mother died when she was very young, and she was raised by Mrs. Hollister, and saw her father but little afterward. She learned but little of her parents farther than that her mother was born in Canada, and was of Scotch parentage. She has a brother, Benjamin B., in Salamanca, N. Y., and one sister, Eliza (Mrs. Lyman Allen). After Mr. Palmer was married he resided fourteen years at the Center, and, in 1873. moved to the place he now owns, where he has erected new buildings throughont, and has a very pleasant and desirable residence situated a short distance north of the Center. They have had one child-Freddie, born March 20, 1864, who died Feb. 5, 1877, of spinal dis- ease. He was beloved by all who knew him, both by his companions and those of riper years, being kind-hearted to his associates and obedient to his parents. Henry T. was a son of Hezekiah H. and Abigail (Taylor) Palmer, who were among the first settlers at the center of Northfield, where they lived as its honored citizens, and in all the relations of life they were universally esteemed and beloved. Mrs. Palmer, at the age of 16, made a profession of religion and united with the Baptist Church,

and for sixty-eight years she ever remained true to her allegiance, and never faltered in her Christian course, ever adhering with tenacity to the church of her early choice. Mr. Palmer never united with any church, yet he was not opposed to religion, but always acted inde- pendent of sects and denominations, yet favor- ing everything known to be right. In his daily intercourse with others he was unassuming, obliging and courteous ; was scrupulously up- right in all his dealings, ever diligently prose- cuting his own legitimate business, and never meddled with the affairs of others; yet he was a man of decided opinions, which he rarely failed to express at the ballot-box ; he died as he lived, an honored and substantial member of the community. Henry T. is an official member of the Presbyterian Church, is a man of few words and of a retiring nature, shun- ning publicity and preferment, and is a worthy citizen. " Aunt Mary," as she is familiarly called, is, like the good Samaritan, ever ready to do good, both in sickness and in health.

HENRY PHILE, farmer ; P. O. Macedo- nia ; born May 30, 1804, in Bucks Co., Penn., to Henry and Mary G. (Allshouse) Phile. His father was born in Germany. Mary G. was a daughter of Gabriel, to whom were born five children, three sons and two daughters. Henry Phile, Sr., was a wagon-maker by trade. He came to Pennsylvania in 1795. Twelve children were born him, viz., Mary, Betsy, Katie, Rebecca, Priscilla, Eliza, Sarah, Hannah, Lydia, John, Joseph and Henry. Henry moved with his father to Columbiana Co., the last day of 1808 ; afterward to Green Township (now Mahoning Co.). Here his father settled on land purchased from the Government, his death oc- curring in 1833, at the age of 77. His wife died seven years later. At the age of 18. our subject left home, learned the cabinet-maker's trade in Trumbull Co., and afterward estab- lished business with a partner at Ellsworth ; this association lasted two years, the partner walking off with the money, leaving Mr. Phile with the experience. He then came to Frank- lin, where he engaged in the carpenter and cabinet work. In April, 1830, he came to this township. Dec. 16, same year, he was married to Roxie Cranmer, the second child born in this township, which birth is recorded March 22, 1812, on Lot 72 ; she was a daughter of Jeremiah and Hannah (Cole) Peck. Jeremiah

952

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

was born in New Jersey in 1762, and served all through the war of the Revolution. He was a son of Jeremiah, who was a native of Scotland. Hannah Cole was a daughter of Joshua and Eunice (Bennett) Cole, both being natives of New York. Mrs. Phile was one of ten children. The family came first to Cha- grin Falls, and, in 1811, they located in this township. Mr. Phile located on the farm he now owns, in April, 1837. There were but few improvements on the place. He came here with very limited means. His first location was a short distance west of Macedonia, where he worked at his trade. When he located on his present farm, he engaged in both farming and practicing his trade. Corn was $1.50 per bushel, wheat $2, and other things in propor- tion ; meat was out of the question ; wages very low and money hard to get ; yet, by the aid of his rifle, he obtained venison and wild turkeys, then plentiful. Though Mr. Phile was twice bankrupted by bailing and by a dishonest part- ner, yet he has been successful, having now a good home and 118 acres of land. Of nine children born, five are living-Eunice (Mrs. A. E. Salsburg, of Ottawa Co.); also Henry and George, in same place ; Mary, at home ; Ava G. (Mrs. James Wolcott, of this township). Mr. Phile has always been a true Republican.

JOHN POPE, deceased ; born in Aberdeen- shire, Scotland, in 1793 ; was son of John, to whom were born two children, Barbara and John. John Pope, whose name heads this page, married Isabella Centers, daughter of William and Isabella, whose children were Alexander and Isabella, all natives of Scotland. John Pope emigrated to the county in 1837, lived three years in Twinsburg, and then located on Lot 27, this township, purchasing 80 acres, on which a log cabin and a small patch was all the improvements made at the time of his arrival. Here he remained until his death, which occurred Dec. 14, 1859. His life was characterized by a sincere devotion to the prin- ciples of Christianity. For many years prior to his death, he was a devoted member of the U. P. Church, having been a member before his departure from Scotland. He was brought up under the ministrations of the good old Bun- yan, of Whitehill, and united with the church at the age of 16; he afterward was chosen Ruling Elder, and became identified with the Sabbath-school interests in his native country.

Upon his arrival here he cast his lot with the U. P. Church at Northfield Center, where he served as Ruling Elder for twenty years, and, as in Scotland, he was much interested in the Sabbath-school cause, and was ever an able and enthusiastic worker in the same. He was a man possessed of a good mind, a great reader as well as a sober thinker. He loved to read and comment on the Word of God, and the in- spiration and light which he derived from its careful study was ever demonstrated in his every-day life and association with his fellow- men. When in the discharge of his duties as a Christian, his true character manifested itself. His disease was exhaustion of the nerves of the brain, occasioned by a partial sunstroke. His last words were, " I die, trusting in Jesus." His worthy companion united with the Seces- sion Church in Scotland, at the age of 17, and was a professor for sixty years ; her father was also a member for many years. Mrs. Pope was a very exemplary woman in her family, ever striving to impress upon their minds that God- liness was more to be esteemed than riches, and to live with an ever-ready preparation for the mansions above ; though not a lady of strong constitution, yet her accustomed seat in the sanctuary was rarely ever vacant on the Sab- bath. To them were born ten children, six liv- ing-Isabella (now in Portage, the wife of James Sterling), William (in Cleveland), Mar- garet (Mrs. Thomas Mackey), Alexander (in Indiana), Ellen and George L. (on the home- stead, unmarried). The farm is situated im- mediately south of the town of Macedonia, and consists of 200 acres of land. All of the children are members of the church of their parent's choice.

MRS. S. POWELL, farming ; P. O. Mace- donia ; was born June 1, 1824, in Salem, Co- lumbiana Co., this State ; daughter of Thomas and Mary (Perkey) Baum. Her father was born June 20, 1798 ; her mother June 28, 1797. Thomas was a son of John George Baum, who was a native of Germany. To him were born George, Joel, John, Sarah, Ann, Betsey and Thomas. Mary Perkey's father's name was Daniel ; he too, came from Germany. Mrs. Powell removed with her parents to this coun- ty, locating on Lot 34, where there were some improvements. Thomas Baum died Dec. 24, 1860 ; his wife died June 28, 1855, of cancer. To them were born John, Sarah, Mary, Martha.

953

NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP.

Elizabeth, George, Madison and Emeline ; but five are living. Mrs. Powell was married Jan. 30, 1840, to William Powell, who was born Sept. 10, 1814, in New Jersey ; son of Henry, whose father was George, who was a native of Germany, and was among the number who re- sisted the tyranny imposed upon the people at that time, and wore placards in their hats, " Liberty or death." His son Henry was sold to pay his mother's passage money to this coun- try. From New Jersey, he came to Salem, in Columbiana Co., where he took a lease for five years, but sold it soon afterward, and the money he invested in land in Mahoning Co., upon which he settled, and afterward became a man of wealth. His son William remained in Ma- honing until a young man, when he went to Michigan, where he lived a short time, and, re- turning to this State, came to this township- three years afterward, he formed the alliance as above recorded-locating on the farm, where he died Oct. 26, 1869. Five children were born to him, four living-Maria L., now the wife of Elihu Griswold, of this township; Harriet E., Mrs. A. J. Kelty, also of Northfield ; Mary R. and William J., at home. The farm consists of 122 acres (Lot 33). Mrs. Powell has been a member of the church of her parents' choice (Methodist Episcopal) since 14 years of age. At the age of 8 years, she heard a sermon preached by Rev. Ghee, which carried convic- tion to her heart, and was then impressed with the importance of becoming a Christian. This discourse was delivered in a log cabin, the speaker's desk was a rude bench. Her first union with the church body was at Macedonia, under the ministration of Rev. Whorlon. Mr. Walker never took an active part in religious matters ; having been raised among the Society of Friends, or Quakers, he was ever afterward imbued with the doctrines of that sect, and never affiliated with any church afterward, yet was a consistent and upright member of society, and highly esteemed for his good qualities.

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 172

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