USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > Portrait and biographical record of city of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the locality, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 55
USA > Ohio > Wood County > Portrait and biographical record of city of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the locality, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 55
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58
Such was the interest taken by Mr. Griffin in the affairs of the city, and his broad information upon matters of public import, that his friends urged him to accept the nomination for the State Legis- lature. He yielded to their persuasions, accepted the nomination, and at the election was chosen by a decided majority to represent his district in the State Legislature. In the Sixty-eighth General Assembly he rendered efficient service in the inter- ests of his constituents, who, appreciating his fi- delity and devotion to them, elected him to the Sixty-ninth Assembly, and afterward to the Sev- entieth. He is still the incumbent of this respon- sible position, and is rendering the same able and energetic service that has characterized him from the first. From the beginning of his legislative career, all matters pertaining to local legislation have received his careful attention, and he has al- ways been in hearty sympathy and co-operation with his constituents. In the introduction and management of a large number of legislative en- actments of a general nature, he has been active and influential, and his record is that of an able and wise legislator. In all the long contests for the establishment and maintenance of the city's gas plant, he has been the champion of the rights of the majority. He also introduced bills, which became laws, providing for a more equitable dis- tribution of the costs of extensions and openings, requiring the city to pay the cost of paving all
street intersections, and to pay at least one-half the cost of street lighting.
During the late war, Mr. Griffin was an ardent supporter of the Union cause, and his patriotic spirit led him to enlist as a member of Company C, Seventh Ohio Infantry. As a citizen he has always been loyal to the Government and devoted to the best interests of the people. In him the friendless find a sympathetic helper and the poor a benefactor. He is serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Toledo Workhouse, and has filled other local offices of trust. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights Templar.
On the 8th of March, 1870, Mr. Griffin was united in marriage with Miss Isabella, daughter of Dr. H. L. Harris, of Bellevue, Ohio, and they have established a pleasant home in Toledo, where they entertain hospitably their large circle of acquaint- ances.
S AMUEL W. BELL is one of the leading manufacturers and business men of To- ledo, and has enjoyed that distinction for nearly two decades. In 1876 he started in the manufacture of a laundry and toilet soap, with his factory at the corner of Fifteenth and Lucas Streets. At the present time he lias a fine new plant in process of construction at the corner of Eleventh and Vance Streets, which will be com- plete in all its appointments, and will be supplied with modern machinery and appliances of every description.
The father of our subject, William Bell, was a native of County Derry, Ireland, but in 1834 emigrated to the United States with his family, and by way of New York City proceeded direct to Toledo, and from here went to Monroc Coun- ty, Mich., where he purchased a section of Gov- ernment land, but soon afterward removed to Dun-
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dee, where he got out timber for a gristmill, which he soon disposed of to a stock company. He then went to Belleville, Wayne County, Mich., where he purchased ten sections of Government land and erected a large grist and saw mill and estab- lished a general store. He remained here until 1844, when he sold out his interest in that section and removed to Dundee, where he invested in a sawmill and engaged in manufacturing lumber. In 1862 he disposed of the mill and moved to Buffalo, N. Y., where his death occurred in 1871. His wife, Mary, survived him for two years.
Samuel W. Bell was born in County Derry, Ire- land, in 1831, being one of eleven children. His education was extremely limited, and he left home while still quite young. His youth was passed in Michigan, and in 1859 the gold fever reached him. Being desirous of adventure and fresh scenes of interest, he took a trip to San Francisco, Cal., sold teas for an importing house for five years, and in 1863 went to Nevada and engaged in the cattle business and ranching for three years.
In 1866, on his return to the East, Mr. Bell went to Buffalo, where his parents were then liv- ing, and spent ten years in that city. In 1876, as previously mentioned, he became a resident of this city. His new factory is 50x100 feet in dimen- sions, and is conveniently located near the track of the St. Louis, Toledo & Kansas City Railroad, thus affording good shipping facilities. He finds ready sale for all the products of his manu factory, and has an extensive annual income from this source.
July 30, 1853, Mr. Bell married Susan Chase, of Dundce, Monroe County, Mich. Her parents were Alvin and Phoebe (Ward) Chase, natives of New York and New Jersey, respectively. Two sons and two daughters came to bless the union of our sub- ject and his wife, and are named as follows: August J., Frank S., Helen and Emma. Frank S., an en- terprising young business man, is general manager of the Northern Pacific Express Company's traffic department at Chicago. Helen is the wife of Ed- win D. Robbins, of Buffalo, N. Y.
Though his parents were members of the Pres- byterian Church, Mr. Bell is not identified with any denomination. In his political faith he is an
ally of the Republican party. He has never been an office-seeker, but has preferred to give his cn- tire time and attention to the proper management of his business affairs.
AMES H. CAMPBELL. This well known citizen, the owner of a valuable farm situ- ated on section 20, Springfield Township, Lucas County, was born July 2, 1851. When he was three years old his mother died of cholera. At the time of her sudden death she was employed as a domestic in the family of Chief Justice Waite, and the orphan child remained in the home of that gentleman for a short time afterward. He was then adopted by Mrs. Askland, with whom he remained until he attained his majority, meantime assisting his foster father in the various duties of farm life, and also attending the public schools of the neighborhood.
Mr. Campbell was united in marriage with Miss Anna E. Huftier. They are the parents of seven children who still survive, namely: Nellie C., a successful teacher in the public schools of Lucas County; Lizzie, who is similarly engaged; Brad- ford, Mercy, Maude, Mary and Opal A. Two died unnamed in infancy. The farm upon which Mr. Campbell now resides was bequeathed to him by his adopted parents and consists of fifty-two acres. The land is well cultivated and higlily im- proved, and upon it will be noticed a substantial residence, furnished with all the comforts of life. He has all the modern farming implements, and takes great pride in cultivating the soil, assisting nature in producing the best results and causing the fields to bring forth an abundant harvest.
Politieally Mr. Campbell is a Republican, and, although not an office-seeker, takes an active inter- est in local politics. He has served as a delegate to various conventions, and is deeply interested
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in cvery enterprise for the promotion and upbuild- ing of the community. He and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, giving liberally to the support of that denomina- tion, and are always found ready and willing to assist in cvery good work calculated to advance the welfare of the people.
A LBERT S. HAUGHTON owns and oper- ates a good farm situated on section 24, Sylvania Township, Lueas County. The homestead is mainly devoted to dairy purposes, and the neighboring eity of Toledo affords a ready market for milk and butter. A good grade of stock is kept on the place, and all the convenien- ces of a model estate are to be found here. The success which has rewarded the efforts of Mr. Haughton is largely due to his energy, though he was given a good start in life by his father.
Grandfather Hyman Haughton was born May 19, 1799, and died June 28, 1872. Hc came to Wash- ington Township, Lucas County, with three of his brothers, Stephen, Cyrus and Marvin, about the year 1833, settling within a mile and a-half of each other. A few years later the two other brothers, John and William, settled here. With the excep- tion of a few years, Grandfather Haughton spent the remainder of his life on the farm on which he first settled, which consisted of two hundred and eighty acres. He passed away at the age of sev- enty-three ycars. Upon the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks.
Stephen Haughton was one of the early physi- cians in this part of the state and practiced here for a number of years, but later sold his farm of two hundred and forty acres and removed to Ful- ton County, where he followed farming and also practiced medicine. Hc dicd at Wauseon, Ful- ton County, aged about eighty-four years. The
following is taken from the records kept by Stepli- en Haughton: "Territory of Michigan. The 7th day of May I started with my family from Sand Lake, Rensselaer County, N. Y., for Michigan, and landed at Detroit on the 19th day of the same month, in the year 1833."
Smith and Ann Eliza (Wiggins) Haughton, the parents of our subject, were natives of New York. The mother was born May 6, 1827, and passed away December 4, 1857. The father, who was born February 11, 1821, and is therefore now (1895) seventy-four years of age, is the oldest per- son living bearing the name of Haughton. He came to Ohio in the early '30s, and soon afterward settled in Lueas County. He has for many years been considered one of the efficient and represent- ative farmers of Washington Township, where he owns some seventy acres of valuable land. His benefactions to those in need have always been liberal. A man of noble and upright character, he is strictly conseientious in his dealings with his fellow-men, and a progressive and liberal-spirited citizen. In politics he affiliates with the Republi- can party.
Four children were born to our subject's par- ents: Frances, Electa, Cecelia and Albert S. The three sisters arc all living in Washington Town- ship. Our subject was born in Washington Town- ship, Lucas County, October 3, 1854, and was or- phaned by his mother's death when he was but three years of age. His father afterward married again.
April 15, 1877, Albert S. Ilaughton was united in marriage with Miss Minnic H. Barton, who was born in this eounty November 8, 1856. She and her brother, William J., a resident of Washington Township, are the only surviving children of Amos and Elizabeth (Snell) Barton, natives re- spectively of Pennsylvania and England. Mr. and Mrs. Haughton are the parents of a daughter, Grace E., who was born December 22, 1885, and is now attending school. At the time of his mar- riage Mr. Haughton was given by his father a tract of eighty acres lying in Fulton County, Ohio. Thither he moved, and settling upon the place, gave his attention to its cultivation for six years. He then disposed of the property and bought the
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eiglity-acre tract on which he has since resided, and which at the time he bought it was unim- proved. The farm has been placed under a good state of cultivation, and farm buildings have been erected.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Haughton believes that the principles of that party arc the most con- ducive to the public good, and to them he there- fore gives his stanch support. He always endeav- ors to do his duty as a citizen, but has not been desirous of serving in a public position, as he finds his time fully taken up with his numerous im- portant business affairs.
ENJAMIN F. KERR, one of the leading merchants and prominent business men of Grand Rapids, Wood County, Olio, was born in Richland County on the 7th of February, 1843. He was the second child in a family of six born to Jesse and Eliza (Evans) Kerr. The former was born March 4, 1818, in Cumberland County, Pa., and came to Richlaud County, Ohio, with his parents, when only six years of age. He was reared on a farm and cducated in the common schools. He remained in Richland County for some years after his marriage, and then removed with his family to Lucas County, and located in 'Monclova Township, on the Maumee River. He was among the early settlers of this part of the state of Ohio, and followed the occupation of a farmer until his death, which occurred July 3, 1862. The Kerr family dates back in this country to 1700, and the aucestors of our subject took an active part in the early wars of our country. The grand- father was born in Pennsylvania, and was of Scotch descent.
The mother of our subject was born in 1819, near Shippensburg, Pa., and her death occurred here. . Her father was a native of Wales, but came
to America with his parents when but twelve years of age. He was among the early settlers of Rich- land County, and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. His brother served in the War of 1812. Mrs. Kerr's mother, the grandmother of our subject, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and was of German extraction.
The subject of this sketch remained at home on the farm and assisted his father in the arduous duties of farm life until he was about eighteeu years of age. He attended the public schools of his home locality, and at the age of sixteen taught one term in Lucas County, after which he took a course in a high school. At the breaking out of the Civil War, he answered the call of "Uncle Sam" for volunteers, and took up arms in defense of his country. He enlisted September 5, 1861, in Com- pauy I, Fourteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and served for three years, taking part in a num- ber of engagements, among the number being those of Wild Cat and Mill Springs, Ky. He served in the capacity of an uncommissioned officer, and rend- ered valuable service to his country. He was dis- charged on account of poor health, after having served about one ycar, but returned again to serv- ice in a few months, and was assigned to office work, as he was not able to take part in the active duties required of the regular soldier.
At the close of the Rebellion, he was honorably mustered out aud returned to his home in Lucas County, but in the fall of the same year came to Grand Rapids and embarked in the mercantile business. He purchased the general store of Las- ky & Bro. and has continued in thic same business to the present time. He owns the largest and most flourishing store of the kind in Grand Rapids, and is considered one of the leading business men in the city. In connection with his other business, he is extensively engaged buying and selling grain. Being wide-awake and full of energy and perse- verance, he is very successful in his business career, and is honored and esteemed by all who have any business transactions with him, as well as his most intimate friends.
Mr. Kerr and Miss Ann S., daughter of James and Susan (Reed) Pratt, were united in marriage. Her parents were honored pioneers of Lucas Coun-
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ty, and her mother was the oldest settler on the Maumee River, having come here in 1815. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are the parents of seven children, as follows: Carrie, the wife of J. K. Williams, of Delphios, Ohio; Clifton, who is assisting his father in the store; Jessie M., now attending Dana's Mus- ical Conservatory in Warren, Ohio; Frank E., Glen B., and two others who died in infaney.
Politically, Mr. Kerr is a stanch Republican, and has been sent as a delegate to the state conventions by his party many times. He has served as a mem- ber of the Board of Education for a number of years, and also as Township Treasurer. Socially, he is identified with Bond Post, G. A. R. He and his excellent family are members of the Presby- terian Church, of which he is a Deacon, and lias served in that capacity for a number of years. The family occupy a high social position, and their many friends find a warm and hearty welcome in their pleasant home.
S AMUEL SCOTT, deceased, was one of the early settlers of north western Ohio, and for many years lived in the vicinity of Millbury, where his widow uow resides. He was a good business man and prospered iu his many ventures, during his lifetime owning a number of farms iu Ottawa County, Ohio, and in the vicinity of Monroe, Mieh., besides town lots in Genoa. At the time of his demise his homestead com- prised two hundred acres, this being located near Millbury, and herc he passed from this life March 11, 1882, beloved and deeply mourued by all who knew him.
Samuel Scott, who was born near Allentown, Pa., in 1793, was a son of James Scott, who died when the lad was quite young. By birth he was a native of Scotland, and his calling in life was the carpen- ter's trade. His wife, formerly Miss Susan Katz,
was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of eleven sons, of whom Samuel was the eldest. On the father's death they went to live with neigh- boring farmers and werc reared to agricultural pursuits. To Samuel Scott fell the lot of caring for his aged mother, aud in company with her aud his brother James he cmigrated to Ohio about 1842. Prior to this time he had followed boating on the Lehighi River between Mauch Chunk and Allentown. After stopping for about four weeks near Tiffin, Ohio, Mr. Scott bought a farm in Sen- eca County, but sold out at the end of two years and invested the proceeds in the old Palmer Farm, ncar Genoa, where he made his home for many years. Subsequently he bought three farms near Monroc, Mich., but lived there only two years, then returning to Ottawa County, where he spent the remainder of his days.
In 1847 Samuel Scott was married, in Genoa, to Mary E. Shiffert, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Badeau) Shiffert, uatives of Pennsylvania. Miss Shiffert was born iu Allentown, Pa., about 1830, aud when the Scott family removed from the Key- stone State, as they had no daughters they adopted the young girl and brought her to Ohio. Her par- ents later settled ncar Genoa, Ohio. By the mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Scott the following children were born: Moses, who cultivates the old home- stead; Susan, deceased; Maggie, widow of Jamcs Emerson, formerly a conductor on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad; John, who was in- jured in a mine explosion in Arizona, but is still living there; David, a resident of this place; Sam- uel and Mina, who are next in order of birth; Thomas, who died in 1883; Charlie, a traveling mau; Cora, Mrs. Philip Glasser, and Annie, who died in infancy. Mrs. Scott's brother Allen is a farmer of Ottawa County, and her brothers Van- Ness, Joseph, Jr., Amos and Charlie are deceased. Van Ness, who died in Pennsylvania, was a car- penter by trade and had a family of three sous. Charlie died about 1872, in Allentown, Pa. The two sisters are Amanda and Lovina, the latter of whom is the widow of Daniel Gunower.
During the war Samuel Scott was a Republican, but with that exception was a life-long Democrat. He was a member of the Evangelical Church, but
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was a liberal benefactor of all churches, and do- nated the ground on which the Methodist Church of Genoa was built. Mrs. Scott holds member- ship with the Lutheran Church of Genoa.
J UDGE DAVID R. AUSTIN was born in Wil- lougliby, Lake County, Ohio, in 1836. His father, Andrew Yates Austin, one of the pio- neers of Ohio, was born at New Haven, Conn., and was a son of John P. Austin, of English de- scent. His mother was before her marriage Miss Susan (Tennant) Rogers, who was born in Doyles- town, Bucks County, Pa. In a family of eight children, seven sons and one daughter, the Judge is the third in order of birth.
On completing his elementary education, whichi was acquired at the common schools of his native village, Willoughby, Judge Austin attended the academy at Warren, Mass., for a year, and after- ward completed his academie course at the West- ern Reserve Seminary at Kirtland, Ohio, after which he taught school for several terms at Mau- mee City, Ohio. In 1858 Judge Austin came to Toledo and read law in the office of Hon. Morri- son R. Waite, late Chief Justice of the United States, and was admitted to the Bar in Lueas Coun- ty in 1860, after which he began his professional career, and has continued in the practice of law at Toledo ever since.
In 1862 our subject enlisted in defense of the Union, and was made First Lieutenant of the One Hundredth Ohio Infantry, and with his regiment entered the field in August, 1862. He served with his regiment on staff duty in Kentucky and Ten- nessee until the fall of 1863, when he was dis- charged on account of disability. He then re- turned to Toledo and resumed the practice of his profession.
In 1861 our subject married Julia Gregory, of
Maumee City, who died in 1864. In 1875 he mar- ried for his second wife Anna M. Prentiss, of Co- lumbus, Ohio, a daughter of the late S. V. Prentiss, of that city. His family consists of his wife and two daughters.
In 1873 Judge Austin was elected Probate Judge of Lueas County for a term of three years, on the expiration of which he was re-elected for a second term. Declining a unanimous nomination for a third term, he resumed the practice of liis profes- sion.
In 1891 Judge Austin was appointed by Presi- dent Harrison Collector of Customs for the Dis- trict of Miami, Ohio, with headquarters at Toledo, which office he now holds. Politically the Judge is a Republican. He is President of the Toledo Medi- eal College, is a member of Toledo Post No. 107, G. A. R., and also a member of the military order of the Loyal Legion. He was Judge Advocate General of the Grand Army of the Republie dur- ing the administrations of Commanders-in-Chief Russell A. Alger and John S. Kountz. He is a member of Sanford L. Collins Lodge, F. & A. M .; Toledo Commandery No. 7, K. T., and also a mem- ber of the Scottish Rite, Thirty-second Degree.
H ENRY H. CUSHING is one of the most enterprising young business men of To- ledo, where he has resided for the past four years, during which time he has been engaged in the real-estate business. No one has done more to make known to the outside world the advan- tages of this place to those expecting to embark in manufacturing or as a desirable city in which to found a home. He believes in the value of printer's ink, and through liberal advertising has built up an immense trade and added greatly to his own wealth.
In the "History of Hanover, Mass.," by J. S. Barry, of Boston, published in 1853, we find these
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remarks: "Few families in the country have been more celebrated thau the Cushings, and probably no other one has furnished more judges for our Probate, municipal and Supreme Courts. In all its branches it has been highly respectable, and still maintains its ancient standing." The family can be traced backward to 1400, or even further. The name was then spelled Cusheyn, Cushion, Cushiin and Cussen. In 1416 one Thomas Cushing was a large land-owner of Hardingham aud Kingham, Norfolk County, England. Matthew, the sixth in deseent from him, with his wife and five children, embarked on the sailing-vessel "Diligent" at Grave- send, England, April 26, 1638, and landed in Bos- ton on the 10th of the following August. He and his fellow-passengers began the settlement of Hing- ham, Mass., which was named after their former home in England. From Matthew Cushing have descended all who bear the name in New England, and most of those to be found in the United States. The lot on which his dwelling was built below "Pear Tree Hill" was on the five acres granted him for building purposes on Bachelor (now Main) Street, and it continued in possession of the family until 1887. Matthew's eldest son was Daniel. Daniel's eighth child was Matthew; Matthew's fourth son bore the name of Solomon; Solomon's sixth child was Benjamin; Benjamin's eldest son and child was William; William's third son and fifth child was George; George's fifth son and seventh child was Henry Howard, the fa- ther of our subjeet.
The birth of Henry Howard Cushing occurred in Boston, June 11, 1831, in which city his parents lived for some time, but afterward moved to the oneestral home on Main Street, in Hingham. H. H. Cushing was educated at Harvard College, and on coming West in early manhood married Saralı Per- erval, daughter of Digby V. Bell, a prominent eiti- zen of Detroit, Mich. Mr. Bell came of an old English family, and when he was twelve years old came to the United States. His father was an of- fieer in the English army statioued at Jamaica, one of the West Indies. In the early history of Mich- igan Digby Bell took an active part in publie af- fairs and politics, and was elected to the position of Judge. He died at Battle Creek, Mich., when
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