History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 55

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 55

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).

But, better than all, a keen sense of honor and integrity above suspicion, seemed to add security and a high and commanding value to all the mental qualities of the man. His death, and its melancholy surroundings-far from home, where his wife was detained with a sick child-shed a deep and lasting sorrow throughout his acquaintance.

Charles G. Ladd was a native of Vermont. He came to Ohio in his youth, and read law with his brother-in-law, Gen. L. V. Bierce, with whom, after being admitted to practice, he became a partner, in the firm of Bierce & Ladd. With no shining advantages, Mr. Ladd soon began to show what influence can be ob- tained over common minds by self-assurance, and apparently an undoubting confidence that one's own knowledge is one's own exclusively,

and can be shared in by others only as he himself imparts it. This quality of unflinch- ing boldness he used with the address and tact of a master. He entered the arena of politics simultaneously with that of his profession, youthful as he was, and very soon passed through a succession of minor trusts and offi- ces, all of which he discharged faithfully and with fair ability.

On the adoption of our present constitution, in 1851, he was elected to the office of Probate Judge of Summit County in October of that year, but died in the following winter, with- out entering upon the duties of the office.

Rolland O. Hammond was born in Bath Township, in Summit County. He displayed in his childhood rare aptness in learning-so much so that his parents singled him out from among a large family of children for a liberal education. He fitted for entering a college course at the Preparatory Department of the Western Reserve College, which he entered in due time, and, in the regular progress of class- ical and mathematical studies, showed brilliant powers of acquisition. Chafing against the common restraints of a college upon his irreg- ularities, he left that institution and entered Oberlin College. Finding the restraints there quite as stringent as those at Western Re- serve, he took leave of Oberlin some time in his junior year. Not long afterward, in the winter of 1846-47, he commenced the study of law in the office of Carpenter & McClure, at Akron. He mastered the customary text- books with great facility, and, at the end of the statutory two years of law-reading, was admitted to the bar.

A brief run of practice revealed in him the elements of a fine legal mind, and a ready tact at picking up business and inspiring confi- dence in his clients. But such guaranties of success were weakened by a ceaseless itching for office and the wonted intrigues to secure it. In mid-career, however, a fatal disease set- tled upon his brain, from which, after a linger- ing illness, he died, in 1866, leaving a widow and one daughter, and his memory for their heritage.

George Kirkum was a native of Connecticut. He was for many years Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Portage County, before the erection of Summit. His skill in putting

310

HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

in order and systematizing the affairs of the office of Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas was of public utility. In 1838, Mr. Kirk- um was elected to the House of Represent- atives of Ohio, from the county of Portage. The special interest his election was expected to subserve was the erection of Summit County out of Portage, Stark, Wayne and Medina Counties. Though a man of large influence in a popular body, so strong was the opposition that his indefatigable labors failed to carry the measure through the Legislature.

About the same time, Mr. Kirkum took up his residence in Akron, where he opened a law office and practiced his calling for several years. His health failing, he moved his resi- dence to his farm in Norton Township, which he managed for a few years, and then moved to another farm in the vicinity of Cleveland. All the while, his inevitable tormentor, dyspep- sia, followed him up, till he died at his last- mentioned home some years since.

Frederick S. Hanford was born at Cuyahoga Falls, and was educated at Western Reserve College, where he graduated with distin- guished honors. He studied law in the office of Mckinney & Tibbals in Akron, and at the Columbia Law School in New York City, where he was admitted to practice May 12, 1869. He entered into a law partnership with Hon. S. C. Williamson (now Probate Judge of Summit County), and afterward with Hon. N. D. Tibbals (now Judge of the Court of Com- mon Pleas). He rose rapidly in practice. But, suffering from hemorrhage of the lungs, he spent some months in Colorado in hopes of invigorating his health by change of climate. On returning to professional labor, hemor- rhages followed from time to time with fatal effect. He died at the home of his father-in- law in Ashland, Ohio, January 29, 1879.

Henry William King, son of the late Hon. Leicester King, of Ohio, was born at Westfield, Mass., September 24, 1815. He was brought to Warren, Trumbull County, when his par- ents settled there, in 1817. He was fitted for college partly at Warren and partly at Hart- ford, Conn., where he entered Washington (now Trinity) College, and graduated August 4, 1836. He studied law with the late Hon. Milton Sutliff at Warren, and also at the Cin-

cinnati Law School, under Judge Walker. He was admitted to the bar at Gallipolis in February, 1839. In the fall of the same year, he opened a law office at Akron, Summit County. June 1, 1844, he formed a law part- nership with James D. Taylor, which was dis- solved June 1, 1849, on account of the failing health of Mr. Taylor, who immediately re- moved to Peru, Ill., where, his health improv- ing, he carried on a very prosperous law busi- ness for a few years, until his pulmonary weakness could undergo the wear of strife no longer.

Meanwhile, Mr. King entered into partner- ship with his brother, David L. King, and vigorously pursued the business of the profes- sion. In 1850, the Legislature of Ohio elected him Secretary of State. The duties of this office he discharged for two years with his cus- tomary exactness and punctuality. Mr. King was an indefatigable worker. He shrank from no legal drudgery. This intense labor, how- ever, bore down upon a constitution never strong, until 1853, when his health gave way, and he was therefore compelled to re- linquish his professional practice. As a means of recovering, he betook himself to a more active life in open air, at Suamico, in the lumber regions of Wisconsin. He also tried a sea voyage, one or more, at mackerel fishing, and a voyage to the Bermudas. But his malady had laid fast hold on his life, and, in spite of remedies, and hopeful friends, and their tenderest cares, and the watchful nursing of her who for years had held her own life sec- ond to his, on the 20th of November, 1857, he left all for another and a better life.

The following are the names of lawyers who once practiced in Summit County, but who are still living elsewhere, or of whose decease we have no certain knowledge: Rufus P. Spalding, a native of Connecticut, graduate of Yale College, was one of the Supreme Judges of Ohio, when our State constitution took effect in 1851. He represented this dis- trict in Congress three successive terms, be- ginning in 1862; and now enjoys a healthy old age in Cleveland. Daniel R. Tilden, a native of Connecticut, began business as a lawyer in Portage County about 1836; was twice elected to Congress from this district.

311

HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

He opened a law office in Akron about the winter of 1847-48; removed to Cleveland about 1850; was elected Probate Judge of Cuyahoga County in 1851, and has held that office without interruption ever since. Abel B. Berry, a native of New Hampshire, gradu- ate at Dartmouth College, and was admitted to practice in New England; came to Akron in 1844; read law one year in the office of Judge Spalding, and was admitted to practice in Ohio in 1845. He opened a law office in Akron, and after a few years returned to New England, and is now practicing law in Boston, Mass. Alvah Hand opened a law office in Akron about 1827; removed to Oshkosh. Wis., many years since. Seneca L. Hand kept a law office in Middlebury (now Sixth Ward, Akron), from about 1828 till about 1851, when he moved to Dubuque, Iowa. Frederick A. Nash was for some years a partner in law bus- iness with Seneca L. Hand; afterward with N. W. Goodhue, Esq., and still later with Messrs. King & Green. For the last twelve years or so. he has resided at Brattleboro, Vt. Philemon Bliss. a native of Central New York, and liberally educated there, opened a law office at Cuyahoga Falls about 1841. After a practice there of some three or four years, he removed to Elyria, Lorain County, and there continued his law practice. While residing there he was twice elected to Con- gress. After some years' service in a Terri- torial judgeship, he took up his residence in Missouri and became one of the Supreme Judges of that State. He has recently pub- lished a book of some note on code pleading, and is Professor of Law in the Missouri State University. H. H. Johnson kept a law office some years in Akron, but, upon the erection of the county of Aslıland, he took up his resi- dence and pursued his law practice at Ash- land, the county seat of that county, where he was soon afterward elected to the House of Representatives in Congress. David K. Cart- ter is a native of Western New York, where he was admitted to the bar. He opened a law office in Akron about 1837, and removed to Massillon, Stark County, about 1845. He was elected to Congress in 1848, and again in 1850. Early in Mr. Lincoln's administration he was appointed Chief Justice of the Su-

preme Court of the District of Columbia; and is still the incumbent of that office. Henry Mckinney was born in Portage County, Ohio; studied law under Judge S. W. McClure at Cuyahoga Falls, was admitted to the bar and entered into partnership with him in 1850. After some years he removed his residence to Akron, where he formed a partnership with Judge N. D. Tibbals. He was elected to the Senate of Ohio in 1869, and, in 1871, he re- moved his residence to Cleveland. John A. Pleasants is a native of Virginia. He settled in Akron in 1848, where he practiced law for several years, and then returned to Virginia. Charles Baldwin entered into a law partnership with Gen. L. V. Bierce, of Arkon, about 1859 or 1860. He continued in that partnership till the General's appointment to the office of Assistant Adjutant General, when he a few years later removed to Omaha, Neb. Wilbur F. Sanders was born in New York, and read law under Hon. Sidney Edgerton, at Akron. He was admitted to practice and formed a law partnership with Gov. Edgerton in 1857. Upon Gov. Edgerton's appointment as Judge for the Territory of Idaho, Mr. Sanders became a resident of that part of the Territory now included in Montana, where he has been in practice as a lawyer ever since. Charles Rhine- hart was born in Hopkinton, N. Y. He was elected Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Summit County in 1863; and was re-elected in 1866. At the end of the second term of that office, he opened a law office in Akron, where he continued practice till the fall of 1880, when he removed to Denver, Colo. Eugene Pardee was born in Wadsworth, Me- dina Co., Ohio; read law under Judge Van R. Humphrey at Hudson. He resided respect- ively in Wadsworth, Wooster and Akron, where he practiced his profession, and, in 1880, again removed to Wooster, where at present he resides.

[This closes the sketch of the bar of the past, of Summit County, and brings us down to those now living. As the present members of the bar have biographical sketches in another department of this work, we deem it unneces- sary to repeat the same in this chapter. One of the oldest representatives of the present bar is Judge McClure, and to whose biograph-

312

HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

ical sketch the reader is referred, as unto most of the others following .- ED. ].

Judge James S. Carpenter studied law with Camp & Canfield, at Medina, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar May 29, 1838, at Spring- fleld, Ohio. He came to Akron in 1846, and has practiced here ever since. Judge C. Bryan located in Akron in the fall of 1833, and was admitted to the bar in Columbus in 1834. Hon. Sidney Edgerton. (See biographical sketch.) Judge S. H. Pitkin studied law in Fulton County, Ill., and was admitted to the bar at Lewiston (same county) about 1836, and came to this county in 1852. William H. Up- son (see biographical sketch), was admitted to to the bar at Cleveland in September, 1845: Edward Oviatt, in September, 1846, at Medina; N. W. Goodhue, at the September term of the Supreme Court, at Akron, in 1847; Edwin P. Greene, at Akron, in September, 1852; Judge N. D. Tibballs, at Akron, in September, 1855; John J. Hall, at Canton, Ohio, in May, 1857; Gen. A. C. Voris (see biographical sketch else- where); J. A. Kohler was admitted to the bar in 1859; H. W. Ingersoll, at Columbus, March 29, 1859; Judge U. S. Marvin, in May, 1860; Gen. Thomas F. Wilde, at Cincinnati, in 1866; Calvin P. Humphrey was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1866; Edwin W. Stuart, at Cleve- land, in 1866; H. C. Sanford, at Ravenna, in April, 1868; George T. Ford, in 1869; Newton Chalker graduated from the Law Department of the University of Albany in 1869; James M. Poulson was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1870; G. K. Pardee, in 1870; George S. May, in 1872; Richard P. Marvin, in May, 1873; John H. Campbell graduated from the Law Depart- ment of the Michigan University in 1873; Charles Baird was admitted to the bar about the year 1874; John M. Fraze, at Louisville, Ky., in 1874; Charles R. Grant, in December, 1874; Newton Ford, at Akron, in August, 1876; Noah Hodge was admitted to practic in the Superior Court of Mississippi, in January, 1875; John C. Means was admitted to the bar in the District Court of Summit County, in August, 1876; John Johnston was admitted to the bar in 1876; James McNaughten was admitted to the bar in 1876; Charles Robin- son, at Columbus, in December, 1877; E. T. Voris, at Cleveland, in October, 1877; J. V.

Welsh, at New Lisbon, Ohio, May 26, 1877; L. D. Seward, in 1878; R. J. Young, in June, 1879; Rolin W. Saddler, in April, 1878; Frank D. Cassidy, in March, 1879; Charles W. Foote, at Wooster, in June, 1879; L. D. Watters, March 17, 1879; D. A. Doyle, in May, 1880; F. M. Atterholt, October 5, 1880; A. F. Bartges (see sketch).

[The following sketch of the medical pro- fession of Summit County, is by Dr. A. K. Fouser .- ED.]

The history of the medical profession in Summit County dates back to the year 1800, or the time of the earliest settlements, the demands for a doctor's services being then as now proportionate with the spread of civiliza- tion. The New England and Middle States having furnished most if not all of our earliest physicians, we have only to look at the history of the profession in those States to become acquainted with the material which made up the pioneer doctors of this county. At, and previous to, the period before mentioned, the greater number of the physicians in the East were what are called "regulars " -those who bled, blistered, gave calomel, jalap, tartar- emetic and the like. Homeopathy was scarce- ly known on this side of the Atlantic, while Thomsonianism, hydropathy, physiopathy, ther- malism, magnetism and kindred dogmas had not yet found their way into the world.

But without entering into an extended de- scription of the different systems in vogue, then and now, we will pass to the local history of the different towns and townships, giving as nearly as possible the succession of physi- cians who have practiced in each with as much of their personal history as could be ascer- tained concerning the dead, and all that would be expedient of the living.

Dr. Titus Chapman was probably the first physician who practiced in the vicinity of what is now known as Akron. He came to Middlebury, now Sixth Ward of Akron, soon after the war of 1812, and practiced there about thirty years, after which he went to Tallmadge and thence to Oberlin where he died.

Dr. Luther Hanchett was born and educated in Connecticut, and after practicing in New York State a few years, came to Ohio, locating

313

HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

in the vicinity of Middlebury while that place was yet in its infancy. He was born in 1778, and probably came to Akron about 1815. After practicing about twenty years, he re- moved to Michigan where he died in 1840. Dr. Elijah Hanchett, a brother, was born in Connecticut in 1776, and began practice in Saratoga County, N. Y., in 1798, where he remained until 1832, when at the solicitation of his brother, he came to Middlebury. He then practiced in the vicinity of Middlebury until 1836, when he removed to Tallmadge where he died in 1843.

Dr. Joseph Cole was probably the first reg- ular practitioner of medicine in what was at that time Akron proper, and for many years was the "old stand-by " of the profession. He was born in Winfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1795, and lived on a farm until the age of twenty. He then began the study of and a few years later graduated from Fairfield Med- ical College in his native State. In 1824, he came to Ohio and located at Old Portage, in this county, where he practiced until 1827, at which time he came to Akron where he remained in practice until near the time of his death-1861.

Dr. Richmond came from Taunton, Mass., and settled in Akron about 1833. After prac- ticing here for three or four years, he fell a victim to consumption, went to Kentucky and died soon afterward; his idea of going South was, " to die among strangers," as he expressed it. Dr. E. F. Bryan, brother of Judge Bryan, came to Akron in the summer of 1833, and remained until 1836 or 1837, going then to Granville, Licking County. He was a na- tive of Delaware County, N. Y., and received his medical education at Yale College. Dr. Ackley came from Rochester, N. Y., about 1834, and practiced in Akron for a few years, going from here to Cleveland, where he be- came quite prominent in his profession, and in his connection with the medical college. Dr. Crosby came to Middlebury some time about 1835, and remained there and in Akron for a number of years. Though originally of the regular school of medicine, he latterly embraced the homœopathic faith and made some pretentions toward practicing it. How- ever, medicine was a secondary matter to him,

as most of his time and energies were spent in speculations of different kinds. Dr. Cleveland practiced in Akron between 1830 and 1840. Dr. D. D. Evans was a native of New York State; came to Akron in 1836, and practiced here until the time of his death which occurred in December, 1849. He was a doctor of more than ordinary ability for the time in which he lived, enjoyed a good reputation and an exten- sive practice; was universally esteemed, and for many years was the leading man in the profession of this section of the State. In connection with the death of Dr. Evans, a sad but very interesting circumstance is related, which in substance is as follows: While treat- ing a case of malignant erysipelas at Cuya- hoga Falls, Dr. Evans in some manner became infected with the poison and died within a few days thereafter. A post-mortem examina- tion of Dr. Evans was made at which quite a number of physicians were present, and among them were Drs. Huntington and Angel, both of whom either became inoculated or absorbed the virus, the former dying within a few weeks, while the latter suffered immediate sloughing of one arm, and died from the poi- son a few years later. Nor was this all. A Mr. Chapman, a brother-in-law of Dr. Hunt- ington, while nursing the doctor in his sick ness, also absorbed the virus and died from its effects.

Dr. Kendrick came to Middlebury about 1837, and remained a few years. Dr. J. O. Wade practiced in Middlebury about the same time. Dr. Wyram West was also one of the early doctors in Middlebury. Dr. E. L. Mun- ger, a native of Vermont, located in Akron about 1838, but after a few years removed to Portage County. Dr. Kilbourne (Botanic), came to Akron about 1838, and, after practicing about fifteen years, removed into Coventry Township and began farming. Some time after this his mind became somewhat deranged, and in a fit of temporary insanity he committed suicide on his own farm. Dr. W. T. Huntington, a native of Connecticut, located in Akron in 1839, and continued in practice until early in the year 1850, when he died as stated above.

Dr. Mendall Jewett was born in Greenwich, Mass., in 1815, and came to Ohio in 1836. He soon afterward began the study of medi

314

HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

cine with Drs. Noble and Town, of Hudson, and, in 1839, began practicing in Mogadore, then in Portage County, where he remained until 1858, in the meantime having taken a course of lectures at Willoughby Medical Col- lege, and graduated after that college had removed to Cleveland. He spent two years- 1850 and 1851-in California, and, from 1855 to 1857, represented this county in the State Legislature. Since 1858 up to the present time, he has lived in Middlebury (Sixth Ward of Akron), and has during all this time followed his profession, besides being engaged in other business.

Dr. William P. Cushman was born at Ran- dolph, Vt., in 1810, and up to the age of twenty-two he worked on a farm during most of the time. In 1832, he went to New York State and taught school, and, in 1834, came to Ohio and attended school at Oberlin, at the same time reading medicine with Dr. Dascom. He afterward attended the Cincinnati Medical College, and, in 1838, began practicing his profession in Elyria, remaining there two years and then coming to Akron. He still lives in Akron, but has retired from practice en- tirely.

Dr. E. W. Howard was born in Andover, Windsor Co., Vt., in 1816, and until the age of nineteen lived with his parents on a farm, securing in the meantime a liberal education at the Chester Academy. He then took a trip West, during which he visited his cousin, Prof. R. L. Howard, at Elyria, Ohio, and was by him persuaded to study medicine. He at once began reading in the office of his consin, where he continued until the following year, when he attended a course of lectures in Pitts- field, Mass. He then went home and read two years with Dr. L. G. Whiting. and, in 1838, graduated from the Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass. After practicing one year with his preceptor, he came to Akron in 1839, and has since practiced here up to the present time. being now the oldest practitioner in the city. During the late war, he was sent South by Gov. Tod, and served several months in the hospitals at Frederick City, Md., and Nashville, Tenn.

Dr. Edwin Angel was born in Providence, R. I .. in 1802, but when a few years old

removed with his parents to Canandaigua, N. Y. At the age of fourteen, he entered Union College at Schenectady, and graduated two years later. He then began the study of medicine with his father, and soon afterward attended lectures, finishing his course at the age of nineteen years. He then practiced some as an assistant to Dr. Valentine Mott, and on becoming of age received his degree after which he returned to Canadaigna, and assisted his father. In 1840, he came to Akron. where he practiced until the time of his death, September, 1855. With his death passed away the last physician in a family which. for at least four generations, had been represented in the regular profession.

Dr. Samuel W. Bartges ( Uriscopist). was born in Union City, Penn., in 1814. and, in 1833, came with his parents to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he was engaged for a few years in a general merchand se store. In 1837, he began reading medicine with Dr. John Dellen- baugh, with whom he remained for five years, during the last two of which he practiced to some extent. In 1842, he came to Akron, where he has continued to practice until the present time. Dr. Perkins Wallace came to Akron in 1843, and practiced here a short time.

Dr. William Sisler was born in Lycoming County, Penn., in 1819, and at the age of twenty-one came to Manchester, in this county, where for several years he was engaged in teaching school and working on a farm. In 1843, he began reading medicine with Dr. Fernando Dalwick, of Canal Fulton, Stark Co., Ohio, and continued there until about 1846. when he returned to Manchester and began practicing. His brother, Adam. joined him soon after, and while one carried on their practice the other attended lectures, William graduating from Cleveland Medical College in 1851. and Adam in 1852. They then continued in practice together until 1873, when William came to Akron and engaged in the drug busi- ness which he carried on until 1879, when he sold out and since then has been practicing some in Akron besides being engaged in other business. He served three months in the hospitals during the late war, under the call of Gov. Tod. and, in 1867, was elected on the

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 55

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