History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 184

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 184

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CHARLES H. HARRIS, Buckeye. Thomas N. Harris, father of this gentleman, was born in Beaver Co., Penn., Oct. 30, 1804. His father, Warren Harris, was a native of the " Old Dominion," and moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1812. Thomas N. was married, in Wayne Co., in 1828, to Miss Eliza Peach. She was born in Frederick Co., Va., Aug. 9, 1808, and is the daughter of Jacob Peach, a native of Virginia, from which State to Pennsylvania he removed with his family in 1809, and two years later, he came to what is now Jackson Township, Stark Co., Ohio. He came to Sum- mit Co. in 1830, and settled in Bath Township, where he passed the remainder of his days. He was twice married, and was the parent of twenty children. In Thomas N. Harris' family were six sons and six daughters, viz., Rachel A., William, Minerva, Louisa, Jacob P., Charles H., John S., Lewis H., George D., Angelina, Sarah and Lodelia. Of these twelve children, only five are now living. On the breaking-out of the rebellion. William, John S., Lewis H. and George D. entered their country's service.

Lewis H. was killed at the battle of Winches- ter, Va. George D., after being captured, and suffering untold privations in Southern prisons, was paroled, and took passage for home on the ill-fated Sultana. How or in what manner he met his death was never known. The other two boys lived to return home. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have been residents of Bath Township since 1832. They have a nice home, and have the respect and esteem of all who know them. Charles H. Harris was born in this county Feb. 27, 1838. He received a good common-school education, and, when 13 years of age, went to live with Jacob Peach, his grandfather. After reaching his majority, he worked two years for his grandfather, and then rented the farm of him. He has ever since remained upon the farm, and, after the death of his grandfather, he purchased the place of the heirs. He was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Harris July 14, 1860. She was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Nov. 7, 1840. This lady died Feb. 26, 1873. By this marriage there were four chil- dren, viz., Frank E., George R., Eber W. and Eleanor. Mr. Harris was married to Miss Lucinda Spraukle Jan. 22, 1874. She was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Dec. 18, 1836. Mr. Harris owns 106 acres of well-improved land, which he has obtained for the most part by his own endeavors. He is a Republican, a mem- ber of the Evangelical Association. and an enterprising, public-spirited citizen.

ABRAHAM HARSHEY, Ghent. This gen- tleman was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Oct. 18, 1843. He is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Beltz) Harshey (see biography of John Har- shey). Abraham was raised upon a farm, re- ceiving but a common-school education. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Baugh- man Feb. 23, 1864. This lady was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Feb. 10, 1844. Her parents were from the " Keystone " State, and settled in the township in Wayne Co., Ohio, which bears their name, in a very early day. In Mr. Harshey's family are two children, viz., John C. and Jessie M. Since his marriage, Mr. Harshey has followed farming, milling and cheese-making, in all of which he has been quite successful. Although his early education was quite limited. he has, since reaching his majority, surrounded himself with useful and standard books and papers, and by the careful study of them, has acquired quite a store of

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useful knowledge, which we find him daily putting into practice. Mr. Harshey is a stanch Republican in politics, though liberal in his views regarding religion and men. He has held offices of honor and trust in Bath Town- ship, where he is well and favorably known. He owns 145 acres of land, upon which are good, substantial farm buildings. Summit Co. would be much better off had it more such young men as Abraham Harshey.

JOHN HARSHEY, Ghent. The father of this gentleman, Jacob Harshey, was born in Leb- anon Co., Penn., July 12, 1812. His wife, Sarah Beltz, was born in the same county Dec. 25, 1812. They were married in their native State in 1803, and, two years later, removed to Wayne Co., Ohio, where they resided until 1849, when they came to Bath Township, this county, where they have since resided. They were the par- ents of the following family of children, viz. : John, Jacob, Abraham, Henry and Sarah. Ja- cob and Henry are now dead, the others are married and reside in Bath Township. Both the Harsheys and Beltzes were originally from Switzerland, and their coming to America dates back to Colonial times. Jacob Harshey's father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and his grandfather of the war of the Revolution. Jacob Harshey is one of the wealthiest farm- ers in the county. He began as a poor boy, and is a self-made man in the fullest sense of the term. He owns 536 acres of good land at the present time. He has given liberally to his children and to religious and educational enter- prises. His eldest son, John, was born in Leb- anon Co., Penn., Feb. 2, 1834 ; he passed his youth and early manhood assisting his father upon the farm. On the 6th of October, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Rice. This lady was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Feb. 22, 1836. They are the parents of five chil- dren, viz., Emma A., Sarah F., George W. and Otis R., living ; Leroy, who died in infancy. Mr. Harshey owns 345 acres of land, upon which are good substantial farm buildings ; he raises good stock of all kinds, and is one of the leading and successful agriculturists of the county. He has held a number of positions of honor and trust in Bath Township. Is a Re- publican in politics, and a consistent member of the United Brethren Church.

EDWARD HELLER; P. O. Ghent ; was born in Northampton Co., Penn., May 23, 1826.

He is the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Evenrider) Heller, the former a native of Bucks Co., Penn., and the latter of Lehigh Co. The father was a miller by trade, a frugal, industri- ous man, who had the respect and confidence of a large circle of friends. He was the parent of seven children, five of whom are yet living ; he died in 1852. His wife survives him, at an advanced age, and is a resident of the Quaker City. Edward Heller received a common-school education, his youth and early manhood being passed upon his father's farm and in the mill. He was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Dutt, in 1851. This lady was born in North- ampton Co., Penn., in 1827. From this union four children were born, viz., Quintus A., Benjamin F., Amanda E. and Emma D. Mr. Heller remained in his native State until 1852; he then came to this county, and purchased a farm in Copley Township, upon which he re- sided until 1870, when he sold out and came to Bath Township, and purchased the Ghent Mills. This is a large, three story steam and water grist and saw-mill, and is the largest and best in the western part of the county. Mr. Heller also owns a grist-mill, one-half mile east of Ghent, and 21 acres of good land in the town- ship. He is a Republican, and a member of the Evangelical Association. He is an upright busi- ness man, a consistent Christian gentleman, and has the respect and confidence of the entire community.

ROSWELL HOPKINS, Ghent. This gen- tleman was born in Bath Township, this county, April 3, 1825. He is one of a family of eight children born to Isaac and Susan (Harrison) Hopkins. Isaac Hopkins was a native of the " Empire " State, where he resided until reach- ing his majority, when he went to Pennsylva- nia, and while there met the lady who became his wife. She was a native of Connecticut, but had come with her parents to the "Keystone " State when a child. On the 10th of September, 1813 (the day of Perry's victory on Lake Erie), Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins left their home in Penn- sylvania for Bath Township, Summit Co., Ohio. They came in a large wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen, and, after a journey of six weeks, arrived safe and sound at their destination. They located on what is now known as the McMillan farm in the southwestern part of Bath Township. Mr. Hopkins had purchased quite a tract of land, but after the war was

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over everything depreciated in value to such an extent and money became so scarce that it was only by the greatest exertions and strictest economy that he was able to keep his property. It took years, however, to accomplish this, and few men would have had the energy and perse- verance to have done as much. He was hon- ored during his lifetime with a number of offices which he filled with much credit to him- self and lasting benefits to those for whom he labored. He was ever ready to advance the public good, and renowned for his strict busi- ness principles and sterling integrity. He departed this life in 1852, followed by his faith- ful wife ten years later. Roswell Hopkins received but a limited education, as his services were required at home nearly all the time. Whenever he had a spare day, however, he would work for some of the neighbors, and his earnings would go toward clothing him. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Lee Oct. 8, 1846. This lady was born Dec. 18, 1828, in New York. From this union there were ten children, viz .: George, Wait, Ira, Burt, Ami, Cecil, Edna, Irene, Grant and Emma. Wait, Ami, Cecil and Emma are the only ones now living. Mr. Hopkins began life as a poor boy, his wedding suit being of "home-spun," and he now says, "I was very glad that I had as good." He followed farm- ing exclusively until 10 years ago, a business he was very successful at. Since that time he has dealt quite extensively in lumber. He owns a saw-mill which is propelled by water, and which is supplied with the latest and most approved machinery. He owns 250 acres of land which is nicely improved. He has held positions of honor and trust, and is a Repub- lican in politics, although not a strict party man. His rule is to vote for men and measures and not for party. The county would be much better off did it contain more such men as Mr. Hopkins.

GEORGE KIRK, Bath. Michael Kirk, the grandfather of this gentleman, removed with his family from the Keystone State to Stark Co., Ohio, in 1817 ; his son William was at this time about 22 years of age, and the year fol- lowing was united in marriage to Miss Maria Miller, a native of Pennsylvania. From this union there were eleven children, viz., George, Margaret, Rufus, Albert, Bazil, Ezra, Rebecca, Maria, Clara, Lodema and Melissa. Mr. Kirk

always followed farming and stock-raising, a business he was eminently fitted for, and one he was very successful at. He died Feb. 24, 1870. He had been a good and useful man, and a respected and honored citizen ; his wife survives him and resides at Freeport, Ill. George Kirk received a common-school educa- tion, and remained at home working for his father until he had reached his majority; he then, for two years, worked for his father at $100 per annum, and at the expiration of that time he, in company with his father, took a trip throughout Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. While in Iowa, Mr. Kirk purchased 125 acres of land in Cedar Co. After an absence of some months they returned to Stark Co., this State, where for a period of four years George was variously employed. He was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Shisler, March 26, 1846 ; this lady was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., July 18, 1826 ; they have been blessed with seven children, six of whom are yet living, viz., Seth, Lilla, Frank, Ira L., Miller S. and Cora ; the one deceased was named Ralph. In 1846, Mr. Kirk came to Bath Township and located on the farm he now owns. There were but few improvements on the place, and he has by his industry and good taste so improved it that it is second to none in the township. He deals quite extensively in sheep, which he has been very successful in handling ; he also has paid considerable at- tention to the raising of Durham cattle, and has at the present time some fine specimens of this valuable breed upon his farm ; it can truly be said of him that he is one of the most practical and successful farmers and stock- raisers in Bath Township. He is a Republican of the stalwart kind, and has filled many offices in the township with much credit to himself and lasting benefits to those for whom he la- bored. He and wife are members of the Evangelical Association, and, though passing into the "sear and yellow leaf," their years sit lightly upon them. They are located in a pleasant and comfortable home in a community where they are respected and and beloved, and where the record of their well-spent lives can never be effaced.

MORRIS LYON ; Montrose. Jolin Lyon the father of this gentleman, was a native of the "Bay " State ; his father served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and, although a hard-working, energetic man, never succeeded

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in accumulating much property. The conse- quence was that John Lyon, when quite young, was bound out to the miller's trade, and had but few of the advantages boys of the present day enjoy in the way of obtaining an education and gaining a knowledge of the world. He was united in marriage, in Rhode Island, to Miss Elizabeth Holden, a native of that State. Some time after his marriage, he removed to Ontario Co., N. Y., and resided there, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until his removal to Copley Township, this county, which was in 1834. In his family were eight children. He died in 1849, and his wife in 1873. Morris Lyon was born in Bloomfield Township, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 1, 1823. He was brought up on his father's farm, his education being such as the common schools of that day afforded. In 1840, he entered the wagon-shop of S. A. Lane & Co., of Akron, and after remaining with them some time went to Medina. Ohio, where he worked at his trade some two years. He at length located at Copley Center, where he worked at wagon and carriage making for quite a number of years. He followed farming some years, and three years ago he came to Mont- rose, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which business he has since followed. He was united in marriage to Miss Laura A. Briggs, Sept. 11, 1848. This lady was born in Copley Township, this county, in 1824; from this union six children were born to them, viz., Duane C., Irvin E., Julien W., Fremont E., Os- sian G. and Albert. Mrs. Lyon departed this life in 1868. Mr. Lyon has given his sons such advantages as his means would admit of ; Jul- ien W. is a graduate of the Ohio Medical Col- lege of Columbus, and is located at Akron, Ohio ; Fremont E. is a graduate of the Ann Arbor School of Dental Surgery, and is also located in Akron ; Irvin E. is engaged in mer- cantile pursuits in Cleveland ; Albert lives in Adair Co., Iowa, and Duane C. and Ossian G. re- side in Copley Township. Mr. Lyon is a stanch Republican in politics, and is well posted on the important issues of the day. He has always been a strong advocate of the temperance re- form, and those who have heard him in his quiet way sum up the evidence against this great social and moral evil, cannot help agreeing with him that the preponderance of evidence is strongly against it. Both the moral and intel- lectual standing of Summit County would be of

a much higher order, were there more such men as Mr. Morris Lyon.

MRS. LAURA T. McMILLAN; Mont- rose ; this lady was born in Bath Township, Summit Co., Ohio, March 17, 1836. She is the daughter of Morris P. and Hettie B. (Looker) Miller, the former a native of Ontario Co., N. Y., and the latter of New Jersey. They were married in the "Empire" State, where they re- mained until 1817, when they came to this county and located in the northwestern part of Northampton Township. Six years later they removed to Copley Township, where they lived some time and then moved to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, and thence after a few years to Bath Township, which they ever afterward made their home. They were industrious, in- telligent people and were the parents of seven children (a complete history of the Miller family will be found in another part of this work). Laura T. lived with her parents until her marriage with Mr. G. W. McMillan, which occurred June 11, 1863. This gentleman was born in Bath Township, this county, Oct. 10, 1838. He was raised upon the farm he owned at the time of his death, and received the bene- fits of a good common-school education. He was one of the most successful and practical farmers of Bath Township. He dealt quite ex- tensively in live stock, and was noted for his fair dealings and and straight business habits. He died after a short illness, May 13, 1878. Thus passed away in the prime and vigor of his manhood, one of the coun- ty's most useful and honored citizens. He was a man of broad and liberal views, en- couraging everything known to be right and promptly rejecting everything known to be wrong. His widow survives him and re- sides upon the old homestead. which consists of 116 acres of nicely improved land. She is a lady of refinement and intelligence, and has the respect of the entire community.

HARVEY MILLER ; Montrose ; this gentleman was born in Hartford Co .. Conn., June 12, 1818. He is the son of Elisha and Sarah F. (Woodford) Miller, both natives of Connectient, where they were reared, married and resided until 1827, when they moved to this county, arriving in Bath Township. Feb. 27. They came the entire distance in a sleigh, but .the latter part of their journey was per- formed on ground that was nearly bare. Mr.

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Miller had purchased about 800 acres of land in the southwestern part of Bath Township, which he immediately began to improve. In his family were the following children-Lyman R., Anson, Elisha E., Sarah E., Clarinda, Low- ley, Nathaniel O., George, Harvey and Evelina; all these children were born in Connecticut, and six of them are yet living, attesting to the vigor and vitality of the original stock. Mr. Miller was a man of more than ordinary ability, and was noted for his integrity and straight business habits. He kept a tavern for eighteen years on the home place, and was for years Postmaster. He creditably filled a num- ber of positions of honor and trust, and was respected by all who knew him. This worthy man and pioneer died at his home in Bath Township, Feb. 14, 1854, and his good wife, Aug. 17, four years latter. Harvey Miller was raised upon his father's farm, and receiving such education as the log schoolhouses of that early day afforded. His union with Miss Ann Wagar occurred Oct. 16, 1844. This lady was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Feb. 7, 1825. They have an adopted daughter-Rosetta, who is the wife of Mr. T. F. Porter. Mr. Miller has always followed farming, and stock raising, a business he is eminently fitted for. He owns 88 acres of land which is nicely improved, and under a high state of cultivation. He has al- ways been a strong anti-slavery man, and an earnest advocate of temperance and sobriety. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and have contributed largely toward its sup- port. In fact they are ever ready to support any enterprise that has a tendency to build up the community in which they live, or benefit their fellow-man. They are worthy people who enjoy the respect and confidence of all who know them.

RALSAMON MILLER, Ghent. Ralsamon Miller was born Dec. 7, 1838, in Granger Township, Medina Co., Ohio. He is the son of William and Electa (Crosby) Miller, both of whom were natives of the "Empire " State. The Millers came to this county in 1817, and settled in the northwestern part of Northamp- ton Township. William Miller is one of the wealthy and leading agriculturists of Summit Co. He resides in Copley Township, where he is well and favorably known. Ralsamon Mil- ler was raised to farm labor, receiving the ben- efits of a common-school education. He was

united in marriage to Miss Sarah Harshey, Oct. 21, 1858. She was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Oct. 12, 1832. From this union there were four children, viz., Elizabeth, Sarah L., Ida M., and Alpha L. In early boyhood, Mr. Miller manifested a strong liking for handling and being where live stock were being handled. After reaching man's estate, he embarked in the live-stock trade, and has since that time handled a great deal, usually buying and then preparing them for market. He has been uni- formly successful, and his judgment is seldom at fault. He owns a well-improved farm of 240 acres, also a grist-mill two miles east of Ghent, and is quite extensively engaged in the manufacture of cheese. He is a stanch Re- publican in politics, and has creditably filled several township offices.

REV. WILLIAM B. MOODY, Bath. This gentleman was born in Kennebec Co., Me., Feb. 17, 1808. He is the son of Joseph and Bridget (Davis) Moody, both of whom were natives of Shapley, Me., where they were married and resided until 1806, when they moved to Ken- nebec Co. In 1813, they removed to Ontario Co., N. Y., and from there to Richfield Town- ship, this county, in 1821. They were the parents of nine children, viz., Daniel, Joseph, Davis, Samuel, Ephriam, Rhoda, Priscilla, Bridget and William B. Bridget and William B., are the only ones now living. Mr. Moody and wife were intelligent Christian people. He died in 1824, and his wife in 1847. William B. Moody was reared upon a farm, and, during his youth and early manhood, received no edu- cation to speak of. After he had reached his majority, he surrounded himself with good and useful books and began a course of self-in -. struction, which extended over a period of four years. He was ordained a minister of the M. E. Church by Rev. Robert R. Roberts, at Woos- ter, in 1840. Some years later he withdrew from this church on account of their position on the slavery question, and connected himself with the Protestant Methodist Church. In 1850, he became a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, with which denomination he has ever since labored. During his life his ministerial labors have not been confined to Summit Co. alone, but has been extended over the counties of Medina, Geauga, Lorain and Cuyahoga. He was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Osborn May 14, 1828. She was born

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in East Cleveland, Ohio, in 1811, and died Aug. 20, 1856. From this union there were nine children, viz., William B., Deborah, Joseph, Rhoda, James, Samuel, Ira, Davis, and one that died in infancy without naming. He was mar- ried Oct. 11, 1856, to Mrs. Julia (Adams) Spen- cer, who again brought to his hearthstone the genial influences of a home left desolate by the death of his first wife. One child, John B., has blessed their union, and with this interesting son and most excellent wife, he enjoys in ad- vancing years the pleasure and comforts of a happy home, and an ample competence. In social and public life, Mr. Moody occupies a highly honorable position. From early life a " worker in his Master's vineyard," he exempli- fies in his life the duties and doctrines of a pure Christianity, and has frequently been a repre- sentative in the highest councils of his Church. Such is a brief outline of Rev. William B. Moody's life. May his declining years rest lightly upon him, and Summit Co. long be spared the life of one of her noblest men.

OLIVER MOORE, West Richfield ; this gentleman was born in Hamilton Co., Mass., Jan. 6, 1811 ; he is the son of Roswell and Sarah (Clark) Moore ; the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Rhode Island ; after their marriage they resided in Massachu- setts until 1819, when they moved to what is now Franklin Township, Portage Co., Ohio, where they ever afterward resided. They were the parents of six children, viz., Roswell, Oliver, Joseph, Sarah, Almeda and Electa ; four of these children are yet living and are the heads of families. Mr. Moore was killed while at work in the woods by a falling tree, in 1831. His wife lived until 1868, when she quietly passed away. Mr. Moore was a farmer, but worked at the stone and brick mason's trades at times ; he was an energetic, public-spirited man, and his untimely death was deeply re- gretted by his family and a large circle of friends. Oliver Moore was raised upon a farm, and his education was such as could be ob- tained in the log schoolhouses of that early day. He was united in marriage to Miss Ann Rockwell, July 6, 1835 ; she was born in On- tario Co., N. Y., April 9, 1812. The fruits of this union were three children, viz., Lecester O., Lewis A. and Roswell P. Lecester O. was born in Portage Co., Aug. 30, 1837 ; he was married to Mary E. Longfellow, Aug. 2, 1868 ;

she was born in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, July 28, 1842 ; they have one child, viz., Stella L. Ros- well P. was a soldier in the late war, was severely wounded at Gettysburg, and was a brave and gallant soldier; he is now dead. Lewis A. has been a resident of New Mexico some years. Mrs. Oliver Moore departed this life April 6, 1864. Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Emily Hopkins, June 2, 1868. This lady was born in Franklin Co., Vt., Dec. 17, 1808. Mr. Moore has always followed farming and stock-raising, and has owned at different times large quantities of real estate ; he has given liberally to his children, and still owns 93 acres of well-improved land. He was, during the days of slavery, a strong pro-slavery man, and has ever advocated temperance in all things. He has been an exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church a great many years. and at the building of a church of that denomination in Bath Township, in 1869, Mr. Moore gave $600 of the $2,000 that it cost to build it. The church was named " Moore's Chapel " in honor of him, and will for years to come be a fitting monument to his memory. Summit Co., would be much better off had it more such men as Oliver Moore.

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History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 184

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