History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 180

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 180

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

fitted up a room at East Liberty, he removed his establishment to that village, where he will undoubtedly succeed in building up a fine trade. Mr. Sweeten was married, Oct. 1, 1868, to Miss Lucetta J., daughter of Abraham and Nancy A. (Gerst) Hunsberger. The result of this union has been three children-Lula May, Winfred Claude and Edwin Roy. In the spring of 1870, Mr. Sweeten was chosen Justice of the Peace by the citizens of Green Township; he was re-elected in 1873; and again in 1879, but, after serving some twenty months on his third term he resigned, Dec. 1, 1880. Mr. Sweeten is an active member of the Disci- ples' Church at Greensburg, of which religious denomination he has been an Elder during the past eight years. He has also served as Superintendent and Assistant of the Union Sunday School at Greensburg.

HARRISON STIPE, farmer; P. O. Inland; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Dec. 6, 1824; the only son of Peter and Elizabeth (Gaetz) Stipe. Peter, the father, died in 1824, before his only child was born; after several years Harrison's mother married Henry Stroll, and they removed to Stark Co. and settled in Greentown; Mrs. Stroll is living in that vil- lage (February, 1881), and will be 80 years of age April 3, 1881. Stroll was a hatter by trade, but never followed that business in Greentown-he worked out by the day and

month. Harrison did not possess in his younger days many of the comforts and luxu- ries which are bestowed lavishly upon more fortunate children of this generation. He was early apprenticed to learn the cooper's trade, and served at this for nine years; occa- sionally he followed the occupation of a com- mon laborer, but, desiring to provide a home for himself and family, he rented of John Gougler the farm now owned by his son Sam- uel, situated southwest of Greensburg; after tilling this tract of 129 acres for about eight years, Stipe removed to the 140 acres also owned and now occupied by Samuel Gougler; he remained there for five years. In 1865, he purchased of David Coleman his present farm, paying $50 an acre for 80 acres; in 1866, he bought ten acres of wood-land of Henry Heiss; Stipe removed to this farm in 1867, and it has been greatly improved by him during the few

years it has been in his possession; his pres- ent fine brick residence was erected in 1874, and the neat and well-arranged barn in 1867; he also owns a house and lot in the city of Akron. Mr. Stipe started in life as a poor man; when he first rented a farm it was necessary for him to borrow $150 in order to purchase a team with which to farm on shares; at that time he had only 15 cents tax to pay, but, by industry and economy, he has at the present time a much larger income and declares it is now just as easy for him to raise his present tax of about $60, as he could the 15 cents not many years since. Harrison Stipe was married, June 22, 1845, to Miss Anna Neutcli- en, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Mottinger) Neutchen, who had six children-Anna, the oldest, was born Dec. 9, 1825; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Frederick Houser, of Springfield Town- ship; Lavina, now Mrs. Samuel Ream, of Springfield Township; Mary, now Mrs. Chris tian Spitler, of Greensburg; Catharine, mar- ried Jacob Hildenbrand, and they removed to Iowa, then to Illinois; Daniel, the youngest, died May, 1849, in the 18th year of his age. Daniel Neutchen, Sr., died about August, 1831, and his wife in May, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Stipe were the parents of three children-Franklin, Washington and one that died in infancy. Franklin, the oldest son, whose sketch appears among those of Akron City. Washington, the youngest son of Har- rison Stipe, assists his father in managing the farm. Washington was married, on Jan. 2, 1879, to Miss Lydia Baker, and they have one child-Irvin Franklin, who was born June 30, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Stipe are members of the Evangelical Association of Greensburg, of which congregation Mr. Stipe is an active member; he has served as Class- leader for six or eight years, and has been an Exhorter about the same period. He has also served for twelve years on the Township Board of Education.

THOMAS SHOEMAKER (deceased); was for many years a leading spirit in all the movements established by philanthropists, for the purpose of improving the moral and spirit- ual condition of mankind; he was born in Lehigh Co., Penn., Sept. 18, 1815, and died in Green Township Nov. 11, 1879; Thomas

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GREEN TOWNSHIP.

was the son of Peter Shoemaker, who was the father of seven children, viz., Moses, died some thirty years since in Mercer Co., Penn .; Thomas, the subject of this sketch: Levi, now a resident of Bartholemew Co., Ind .; Gideon, died about twenty years ago near Salem, Ohio; Ama, now Mrs. Charles Beil, of Hamburg, Penn .; Leah, now Mrs. Harmony, and a resi- dent of Indiana; Lavina, now Mrs. David Boyer, of Michigan. In his youth the subject of this sketch received very little instruction in consequence of the poor facilities for ob- taining knowledge, but he was naturally bright, and in after years acquired by reading and study a good education. He was married in Mercer Co., Penn., June 4, 1844, to Miss Sarah Ann Beatty; Robert Beatty, her father, was of Irish descent, and married Miss Anna McMillen, a "Scotch lassie;" both were born in this country. Robert and Anna were the parents of six children-Amelia, died aged 2; William, died aged 14; Sarah Ann, now Mrs. Shoemaker; Samuel, now a resident of Ashta- bula; Eliza, now Mrs. Weld N. Alden, of Meadville, Penn .; Isabella, who died at 42. Mrs. Shoemaker was born Sept. 1, 1809, and when about 7 years of age her mother died; at the age of 18, she went to live with her uncle and aunt, William and Elizabeth Beatty, remaining with them until they died; Will- iam, in April, 1847, and Elizabeth, in August, 1862. Robert, their brother, died December, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker sold the farm in Mercer Co., Penn., about 1865, and removed to Summit Co., purchasing the 50 acres upon which Mr. Shoemaker lived at the time of his death, and also the old Mottinger farm. They are the parents of three children-Eliz- abeth J., born March 26, 1845, now Mrs. Daniel Mottinger; Mary C., born Jan. 21, 1847, and married in 1864, to Oliver Weimer; he was the son of Gabriel and Elizabeth (Dunbold) Weimer; was a music teacher, and served in the army for two years; he died in 1867, at the age of 24, leaving one daughter -Jennie Trueanna. Mrs. Mary Weimer was afterward married to George T. Rankin, whose sketch appears among those of Akron City. William B., only son of Thomas Shoe- maker, was born Feb. 14, 1849; he is a thresher by trade, having worked at this busi-

ness during the summer season for ten years, owning for a time the half interest in a ma- chine. He was married, July 4, 1872, to Miss Sadie J. Fasnacht; they have two children- Gordon Gilbert and Thomas G., and reside at the homestead with Mrs. Shoemaker. In the year 1843, Thomas Shoemaker was con- verted under the ministry of the Evangelical Association, with which he united, and was always an active and worthy member of the church, and at the time of his death held the offices of Class-leader, Trustee, Assistant Superintendent of the Sabbath school, and teacher of the Bible class. By his decease the Sunday school, prayer meeting and public congregation lost one of their most active members; he was a firm believer and advocate of the doctrine and experience of Bible holi- ness; a liberal supporter of the Missionary cause, and the church in general. He was a man of principle, dicision and moral worth, who took great interest in the leading ques- tions of the day; was a stanch temperance man, radical in his views, and during the later years of his life always voted the Prohibition ticket.

CORNELIUS E. TRASTER, teacher, Sum- mit; is one of the finest educated young men of Green Township; he was born in Spring- field Township, Summit Co., April 3, 1853; the son of Daniel and Margaret (Kreighbaum) Traster. Daniel was born in Union Co., Penn., and moved to Summit Co. about the year 1832; he is at the present time living in Springfield Township; is the father of eight children as follows: Hester Ann, Sarah J., now Mrs. Samuel Ritsman, of Springfield Township; Jacob W., of Whitley Co., Ind .; Rebecca M .; John, of Suffield Township, Port- age Co .; Hiram, of Springfield; Cornelius E., subject of this sketch; and Mary M. Mrs. Daniel Traster is a member of the Lutheran Church at Uniontown. Cornelius attended the common schools of Springfield Township during his youth: he was raised on the farm and remained with his parents until about 17 years of age; then worked by the month for some three years; he entered Greensburg Seminary which he attended four terms, and was also a pupil in Warner's Normal Institute at Akron, and the Northwestern Ohio Normal

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School at Fostoria. He has taught school for seventeen terms as follows: First in Springfield, and then one term in District No. 11, Green; three in Springfield; one in East Liberty Dis- trict; one in Springfield; four in District No. 2, Green; two in District No. 4, Green; two in District No. 3, Green; and two in the East Liberty District. In April, 1881, he was elected Clerk of Green Township. He was married, Sept. 13, 1877, to Miss Lovina A., daughter of Henry and Sarah Elizabeth (Benner) Raber. Mr. and Mrs. Traster are members of the Re- formed Church of East Liberty. Henry Raber, father of Mrs. C. E. Traster, was born June 14, 1831, at the farm upon which he now resides. He was the son of Henry and Rossanah (Suder) Raber; Henry, Sr., was born in Germany about 1792, and, when 6 years of age, his father Conrad emigrated to America, and set- tled near Reading, Penn., and about twelve years later removed to Stark Co., Ohio. Hen- ry, Sr., married Sarah Huyerd; and after she died, Rosannah Suder; he died in October, 1859; his second wife in November, 1871; Henry Raber, Jr., was the father of six chil- dren-Mary Alice, died aged 3; Lovina Alma, now Mrs. C. E. Traster; William Madison, Anna Eliza, Minnie Levora and Norman Dayton. Henry has served as Township Trustee three terms, and as School Director nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Raber are members of the Reformed Church at East Liberty.

SAMUEL WISE, farmer; P. O. Summit; born in Union Co., Penn., July 3, 1818; was the youngest son of Peter and Elizabeth (Vo- nieda) Wise; Samuel received a knowledge of

the common branches in the schools of Penn- sylvania; he was early apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in Union Co .; in 1842, he removed to Green Township, and for six months worked for Phillip Seecht, who kept a shop at Greens- burg. He was married, Oct. 22, 1843, to Miss Catharine Raber, daughter of Henry and Rosannah (Suder) Raber; he then farmed his father-in-law's land on shares for several years, until he purchased the farm of Mr. Raber; he also bought some land of Daniel Evans, and owns at the present time 143 acres; was the father of nine children, three died in infancy, six are living-Rosannah, now Mrs. George Hinland, of Akron; Eliza- beth, now Mrs. John Chamberlain, of Spring- field Township; Sarah, now Mrs. Edward Mc- Chesney, of Springfield Township; Aaron, now residing on the farm with his father, and married some five years since to Miss Mary Miller, of Union Co., Penn .; Lovina, now Mrs. Huston Kreighbaum, of Green Township; and Catherine Jane, now at home with her father; Mrs. Wise died Feb. 1, 1867. Sam- uel Wise when a young man united with the Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania; since mov- ing to Green Township, he has been connected with the Reformed congregation at East Lib- erty, in which society he was an Elder for some two years. His wife was also a member of this denomination. Samuel has frequently been chosen to serve in several minor offices in the township; his present brick residence was built about the year 1855; a short time previ- ous to this, his home was destroyed by fire.

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SAMUEL B. AXTELL was the fourth child in a family of twelve children who lived to be men and women-six boys and six girls. His mother is still living, now in her 89th year. His parents emigrated from Morris Co., N. J., to Franklin Co., Ohio, where he was born Oct. 14, 1819. His parents were poor, and his early life was that of most boys in the West, working on the farm and in the woods, and in the meanwhile picking up a little educa- tion. In his 17th year, he went to Oberlin, because it was a manual-labor school, and he could pay his board by work, earning 10 cents an hour at work clearing land, and paying about $1 per week for board. He finished fit- ting himself for college at the Shaw Academy in Euclid, now East Cleveland, and entered Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio. He did not graduate, but has had an honorary degree conferred on him by this college, and is also an honorary member of the Alumni. In 1840, he was married to Adeline S. Williams, of Bath, Summit Co., Ohio. They have three children living at this date (1881) and five grandchildren. In 1851, he went from Rich- field to California, and his wife followed and joined him there in 1856. In California, he was a practical miner and laborer, working with all his might at whatever his hand found to do, and continuing the study of law, which he had commenced before leaving Ohio. He was admitted, upon examination, to the Su- preme Court of the State of California in 1854, and commenced the practice of law in Jack- son, Amador Co., in that State. He was three times elected District Attorney. Removing to San Francisco, he was elected, in 1867, to rep- resent that city and district in the Fortieth Congress, and was re-elected to the Forty-first Congress. In politics, he was known as a War or Union Democrat, and was the only man on the Democratic side of the House who voted for the reconstruction acts and the act of 1869 to strengthen the public credit. On the tariff, he was also in sympathy with those who sought to build up by judicious protection the " American system." In January, 1875, he

was appointed by Gen. Grant Governor of Utah Territory, and in the summer of that year was transferred to New Mexico, where he acted as Governor for three years and a half, assisting during two Territorial Legislatures to obtain much needed and progressive legisla- tion. In 1876, he was chosen by the Execu- tive Committee of the Centennial Exhibition as one of the Judges in the mineral depart- ment, and, in the same year, was a delegate in the Cincinnati National Republican Conven- tion, where he assisted to pass the resolution which sought to restrict the importation of Chinese to this country. He is a firm believer in non-sectarian public free schools, liberally assisted by the General Government, and in the supremacy of the general Government as opposed to the doctrine of State sovereignty. His home is now at Richfield.

P. L. ALLEN, saddlery and harness, West Richfield. Prominent among the sucessful business men of West Richfield, and one that has been long established, is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Allen is a native of New York State, being born in New York City in 1826, and where his parents resided until, at the age of 10 years, when they removed to Hinckley Township, where they resided for several years. His father, Peter Allen, subse- quently removed to Cleveland, where he con- tinued a resident until his decease. Our sub- ject came to West Richfield at the age of 17, and began to learn his trade with Jonathan Page. After perfecting himself in all the various branches of his chosen occupation, he engaged in business for himself, and in which he has continued up to the present time. His stock consists of saddles, harness and trunks. which he manufactures, and which he has con- stantly on hand in large assortments of finished work, and is also a dealer in buffalo robes. blankets, whips, etc., together with a depart- ment devoted to repairing of all kinds, making in all a complete and reliable establishment.

JAMES E. BUCK, farmer ; P. O. West Richfield ; is a son of Heman Buck, who, together with his father, Denton Buck, were

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pioneers of Richfield, locating in 1811, one- half mile south of the Center, but soon after- ward removed to the farm, which is now known as the " Buck Homestead." Heman was born in Massachusetts Dec. 16, 1792, and came to Richfield with his father in 1811, but he did not locate permanently until 1813. He con - tinued a resident of the old homestead until his death. He married the Widow Worden, her maiden name being Polly Mace, who was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., April 14, 1795. He died Oct. 11, 1852, aged 62 years ; she died April 16, 1874; aged 79 years. Their children now living are as follows : Mrs. Arvilla Prick- ett, in Richfield Township ; Mrs. Mary Wheat- ley, living in Virginia ; Mrs. Martha Chandler, Mrs. Julia Hart, and James E., residents of Richfield Township ; Orson H., a son, deceased. He enlisted in the 177th O. V. I., and died in 1865, at Goldsboro, N. C., from disease con- tracted while in service. James was born in Richfield Township, in June, 1830, upon the old homestead where he has resided for the whole of his life, following in the profession of his ancestors, and to which he gives his whole time and attention. His farm consists of 160 acres of land. He was married in March, 1859, to Miss Josephine Watkins ; she was born in New York State, in 1839. They have five children-Charles E., Martha G., Luella F., Orson H. and Lois E.

J. A. CHANDLER, Justice of the Peace, West Richfield, is a son of Capt. Joel and So- phia (Smith) Chandler, natives of New Hamp- shire. Capt. Chandler was born in 1789, his wife in 1798 ; they were married in the town of Alstead, Cheshire Co., in 1820, where they lived until 1835, when they immigrated to Ohio and settled in Richfield Township upon a farm in the western portion of the township, where they resided for the rest of their lives. He died in March, 1874, and she in April, 1854. Sophia M., a daughter, married Judson Culver, an old resident of the township; she died in 1873. Mary J., and the subject of this sketch are the descendants. J. A. Chandler was born in Alstead, N. H., in 1824, and worked upon the farm in Richfield, after their removal there, un- til he attained the age of 28. He taught school winters for sixteen years, and has always been interested in educational affairs. From 1863 to 1865, he was engaged in the book trade at Alliance, Ohio, and for nearly six years was in

the mercantile business in Richfield. He has served the township as Clerk, Assessor, Trustee, and is at present serving his fifth term as Justice of the Peace. He was married, May 17, 1848, to Miss Martha M. Buck, a daughter of Heman and Polly (Mace) Buck, whose his- tories appear in other portions of this work. Martha was born in Richfield Township in 1825. They have three children-Francis M., living in Cleveland, where he is serving as Deputy Coun- ty Clerk ; Jennie A. and George L.

DR. M. S. CHAMBERLIN, West Richfield, was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 1843, his father was a farmer by occupation and our sub- ject's early life was passed upon the farm until. at the age of 18, he went to California, where he remained for five years. He then returned to Ohio locating in Garretsville, where he en- gaged in the drug trade and the study of medi- cine. Dr. Chamberlin is a graduate of the Philadelphia Medical College in medicine and surgery, and of the Meadville (Penn.) College of Pharmacy ; he is also a member of the National Eclectic Medical Association. He removed to West Richfield in 1876, where he has since been a resident engaged in the han- dling of drugs and the practice of his profession. He was united in marriage, in 1866, to Miss Corlin J. Stone in Garrettsville ; they have three children-Norris D., Irving R. and Preston. Mr. Chamberlin is a member of Richfield Lodge, No. 266, A., F. & A. M., and of the Port Clin- ton Lodge, I. O. O. F. With his wife he is a member of the Baptist Church.

SAMUEL S. CLARK, farmer ; P. O. West Richfield ; is a prominent citizen, and a son of Samuel and Lucy (Sheldon) Clark, early settlers in Richfield Township. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother. of New York State ; they were married in New York State, and immediately removed to Hampshire Co .. where they resided about eighteen years. In May, 1833, they moved to Richfield Township, taking up some 200 acres of land and resided upon it until their deaths. His father was a prominent and respected citizen, and, in the early years of his residence in the township, taught school and served in various township offices. He and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which, for a number of years, he was Deacon ; he died May 1, 1876, and his wife followed him in March, 1877. They were parents of eleven children, nine of

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whom grew up. Those who are now living are as follows : Lorinda Hills, living in Medina ; Mary Payne, Samuel S., and Eliza Swan, resi- dents of Richfield Township ; and Alfred A., a resident of Cleveland. Samuel S., onr subject, was born in Hampshire Co., Mass., in December, 1823, and was in his 10th year when his parents removed to the township. He remained upon the farm, at home, until about 19 years of age, and, after a year's residence in Granger Town- ship, Medina Co., went to West Richfield and engaged in the drug and jewelry trade, at which he continued for nearly fifteen years ; he then disposed of his business in town, and soon after bought the old homestead farm, where he has since resided, engaging his attention in agrienlt- ural pursuits. He has always interested him- self in educational matters, and is one of Richfield's most progressive citizens. He was married in September, 1846, to Miss Caroline Prickitt, a daughter of Samuel and Hannah Prickitt, old residents of the township, whose biographies appear in another sketch. Caro- line was born in New Jersey in September, 1824. They have but two children living- Mary C. and S. Earl, living in Akron ; two are deceased-Ellen A. and Eva A. Mr. Clark has 110 acres of improved land, conveniently locat- ed, about two miles south of town.

GEORGE B. CLARKE, farmer; P. O. Richfield ; was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1835. His parents were William and Harriet Clarke ; his father was a native of Connecticut ; his mother of New York ; they removed to Twinsburg, where they continued to reside up to his death ; he was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and built many of the houses and churches of that township ; his mother is still living, residing with her oldest son, H. D. Clarke, in Michigan. George has passed most of his life in mercantile pursuits and book-keep- ing. He came to Richfield in 1863, and was in the employ of Weld & Farnum for fifteen years-a year at Medina at book-keeping, and a year in the produce commission business. In 1880, he returned to Richfield and purchased from the heirs the old Wilcox farm, where he is now engaged in farming. He was married. in December, 1865, to Miss Amelia Wilcox. They have three children -- Archie B .. Anna G. and Louie. Mr. Clarke has served the town- ship as Trustee two terms, and ranks as one of the leading progressive men of the community.

He is a member of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, A., F. & A. M.

FRANK I. DUNBAR, druggist, West Rich- field ; is a young and enterprising business man of West Richfield. He was born in Brighton, Lorain Co., Ohio, in 1856. His father, Simeon T. Dunbar, is a native of New York, and his mother, whose maiden name was Ellen E. Ackley, was born in Connecticut ; they are now residents of Richfield, his father being Pastor of the M. E. Church. Frank has had the advantages of a classical course of education at Berea, where he graduated. In 1879, he came to West Richfield to reside, and, in 1880, bought out a stock of drugs, medi- cines, etc., and is now permanently located there engaged in that business. His stock is large and complete, and, as it is his intention to keep all the sundries of a first-class drug store, is a great and welcome addition to the business interests of West Richfield.

THOMAS E. ELLSWORTH, retired, West Richfield ; was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., March 7, 1797. and is a son of John and Anna (Birge) Ellsworth ; also natives of Connecticut. Our subject's early life was passed in Connec- ticut, where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. He came to Ohio on a visit in 1821, but did not locate permanently until January, 1822, when he came to Richfield Township. He now resides in West Richfield, which is indebted to him for most of its buildings, and for the start and impetus given to it by his acts of enterprise, a more extended account of which appears in the township history. He now carries on a cabinet-shop, which is operated by his son Ransom. He was married, June 15, 1825, to Miss Mary Bigelow, daughter of John and Lydia (Benedict) Bigelow, pioneers of Richfield Township, locating in 1814, and residents of the township up to their deaths. He died June 17, 1841 ; she died March 24, 1866. Mr. Ellsworth lost his first wife Jan. 14. 1864. They had five children-Elisha T. (died March 2, 1879, in Cleveland, leaving a wife and five children), Ursline (died May 1, 1853), Ran- som C. (living in West Richfield, where he is engaged in the cabinet-making trade ; he is married to Miss Cora Humphrey, a daughter of Norris Humphrey, Esq. ; they have three chil- dren) ; James W. (a resident of Cleveland), Mary C. (died Aug. 20, 1853). Mr. Ellsworth was married to his second wife, Louisa Waite,

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History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 180

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