Ashtabula County, Ohio - Chapter 41: Miscellaneous, 1924 (part 3 of 5)

C. C. Deuress was a native of New Haven, Conn., born in 1846. He was engaged in the grocery business during his life and died at Ypsilanti, Mich., in 1916. His wife died there in 1906. They were the parents of three children, as follows: Emma, married Dr. N. M. Reed, who founded a hospital at Albuquerque, N. M., and is now deceased and his widow now conducts the hospital; Clyde, born Feb. 28, 1871, died in 1885; and Viola B., the subject of this sketch.

Miss Viola B. Deuress came to Ashtabula in 1904 and has been located in her present place of business at 245 Main Street since 1916. She is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Eastern Star, the County Club Golf Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and is vice president of the school board. She holds membership in the Woman's Club and is chairman of the committee of the Woman's Club, is on its board of directors, and is treasurer of the Y. W. C. A.

J. W. Laird, a well known and successful building contractor of 'Ashtabula, was born in Scotland, July 18, 1887, the son of J. G. and Jane (Whyte) Laird.

J. G. Laird was born in Scotland in 1864. He is a builder and has remained in his native land. His wife was born in 1864 and is also living in Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Laird are the parents of the following children: J. W., the subject of this sketch; Alec, born in 1891, a builder, lives in Ashtabula, married Miss Jane Roland; John, born in 1893, also a builder in Ashtabula, married Mabel Hackett, and they have two children, Robert and John; Harry, born in 1895, married Miss Betsy Smith, lives in Ashtabula, and has one son, James; William, twin brother of Harry, married Ruth Hackett, lives in Ashtabula, and they have two children, William and Gordon; and Charles, married Margaret Mason, lives in Ashtabula, and they have no children; and Mary, lives in Ashtabula.

J. W. Laird grew up in Scotland and received his education in the public schools there. He came to this country in 1913 and engaged in the contracting business at Ashtabula, where he has since been located.

His brothers are associated in business with him and it is among the leading firms of its kind in the county. Mr. Laird employs about 40 men and has six trucks in operation. During the year of 1923 he did $500,000 worth of business.

In 1914 Mr. Laird was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Liveston, also a native of Scotland, and they have one daughter, Margaret, who was born in 1920.

Mr. Laird is a member of the Masonic Lodge and belongs to the Congregational Church. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and takes an active interest in the affairs of his community.

George E. Close, deceased, was a prominent business man of Ashtabula and the founder of The Electric Laundry Company, one of the city's leading industries. He was born in Sunderland, England, in 1862, the son of Edmund and Harriet Close, both of whom are deceased. There were four children in the Close family, as follows: George E., the subject of this sketch; Robert J., lives in Duluth, Minn., has five children, Robert, , George, Harriet, Dorothy and Helen; Lily Close Sorensen, lives at Detroit, Mich., and she has a son, Edmund; and Harriet Close Morris, who died in 1919, leaving three children, Ada, Anna and George.

George E. Close was reared and educated at Port Huron, Mich., and in 1889 came to Ashtabula. The same year he organized the Close Laundry, which is now known as The Electric Laundry Company. It is one of Ashtabula's oldest and most substantial industries. After 14 years of business, Mr. Close's laundry burned and a new brick building was then constructed, which was burned four years later. In 1907 Mr. Close had erected the present building, which is located at the corner of Market and Joseph Streets. It ranks among the fine structures of the Harbor. In 1908 the business was incorporated as The Electric Laundry Company, and Mr. Close was elected president and general manager, which offices he held until the time of his death, April 16, 1916.

In 1888 Mr. Close was united in marriage with Miss Ana B. C. Burger, a native of Mt. Clemens, Mich., and to this union one child was born, George Edmund, who died in infancy.

Mrs. Close's parents, who are now deceased, were the parents of the following children: Louis A., lives in Cleveland; H. C., died Dec. 1, 1921; Mary Louise, who now lives with her sister, Mrs. Close; and Mrs. Close.

Mrs. Close assumed the operation of the laundry company at the death of her husband. She is treasurer and general manager. From a humble beginning 35 years ago, when the pay roll consisted of not more than two or three names, the industry has steadily grown until an average of 55 people are employed. From a little rowboat, which comprised the plant's sole delivery system, the delivery fleet has grown to a 30-foot gasoline launch and five Dodge automobile trucks. In connection with the laundry there is a dry cleaning establishment, which was

Mr. Close was a Republican and a member of the Second Congregational Church. He belonged to the Knights of Pythias and Royal Arcanum. Mr. Close was a director of the Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce, a director of the Marine National Bank, and for a number of years was a school director. He was a man esteemed in his community for his integrity and spirit of co-operation in all civic affairs.

Henry Archie Diehl, principal of the West End schools of Ashtabula, is a leading and influential citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born in Farmington, Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1876, and is the son of Howard and Charlotte (King) Diehl. .

Howard Diehl, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, followed blacksmithing during his life and is now deceased. His wife is also deceased. They were the parents of two children: Henry Archie, the subject of this sketch; and Mrs. A. M. Voorhees, lives at Kinsman, Ohio.

Henry Archie Diehl] has always lived in Ohio. In 1907 he came to Ashtabula and was appointed principal of the schools of East Harbor, which position he filled until 1916. Since that time he has held his present position as principal of the West End schools of Ashtabula.

On April 10, 1904, Mr. Diehl was united in marriage with Miss Ella May Knapp at Gustavus, Ohio. They have three children, as follows: Carrol K., born May 7, 1905; Larue Pearl, born May 27, 1908; and Henry Archie, Jr., born July 138, 1911.

E. L. King. One of the citizens of Ashtabula who has made his own way and built up a substantial business by his own initiative and enterprise is E. L. King, who is engaged in the summer resort and real estate business. He was born at Lima, Ohio, May 11, 1877, and is the son of Elias and Mary (Schaefer) King.

Elias King was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania, in 1856. He was a carpenter and millwright and spent most of his life at Lima, Ohio, and later lived in Cleveland. He died in 1918, and his wife, who was born in Ohio in 1857, died in 1919. They are buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. King were the parents of the following children: Albert M., lives at Sidney, Ohio, married Elizabeth Barber, and they have two children, Dr. Robert and Florence; Harry H., lives in Cleveland, married Catherine P. Hicks, and they have three children, Evelyn, Mildred, and Buddy; Milton O., lives in Ashtabula, married Lena E. Ainsley, who died in 1922, and he has one daughter, Thelma; Earl M., lives in Cleveland, married Anna E. Brown of New York, and they have one daughter, Helen; Nora Elizabeth, died at the age of five years; and E. L., the subject of this sketch.

E. L. King spent his boyhood at Sidney, Ohio, and attended the schools there. From the age of 15 years Mr. King worked at various occupations, and at the age of 20 years he was employed by the Kinney & Levan Company of Cleveland as a city salesman. Four years later he became superintendent of the American Washboard Company, and later engaged in the millinery business in Cleveland. In 1913 he came to Ashtabula and purchased the lease of Woodland Park pleasure resort, which he has since operated. He then purchased 32 acres of pasture land lying west of Woodland Park through to Minnesota Street. This was purchased for $12,000, against the advice of his many friends. A curved drive was cut through from Woodland to Minnesota Street and the property was allotted. It is known as Clifton Beach and is one of Ashtabula County's high-class subdivisions. Besides his many real estate interests, Mr. King operates Lake Shore Park and Walnut Beach, where bath houses and refreshment stands are located. There is also a tourist camp in connection with the parks. In 1921 the Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in having a steel mill locate there. A company was organized and Mr. King was elected Chairman of the campaign committee, and with the able assistance and hearty co-operation of 85 of the city's leading business men, $825,000 worth of stock was disposed of in

10 days. The mill was completed the following year and is now operating successfully. The following men are associated with Mr. King in the Avondale subdivision: O. C. Topky, Fred R. Mosley, J. L. Laird, B. A. Roller, C. L. Shayler and E. L. King. The Avondale subdivision consists of 85 acres and was purchased from the Harmon estate. Another subdivision, Park View, was opened on Lake and State roads, which was rapidly developed. In 1922 Mr. King was elected vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce. His offices are located in the National Bank Building, on Main Street.

In 1898 Mr. King was married to Miss Mary Herrod, and to this union a son was born, Earl Lairdon, born Jan. 1, 1899. In 1922 Earl Lairdon King was married to Miss Catherine Frayer of Jefferson, and they had a daughter, Beverly Virginia, who died at the age of 2 years and was buried at Jefferson, Ohio. In 1910 Mr. E. L. King was married the second time to Miss Lillian A. White, a native of Cleveland, born Sept. 25, 1884. She is the daughter of Lemuel and Nancy J. White. Mr. White died in 1906, and his wife lives with her daughter, Mrs. King. On Nov. 28, 1912, twin daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. King, Mabel T. and Marcia Helen. On Sept. 21, 1920, a son was born, Teddy Alton.

Mr. King is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church of Sidney, Ohio, and he belongs to the Masonic Lodge, the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Foresters and the Elks Lodge. In January, 1924, he was elected a director of the Marine National Bank of Ashtabula.

E. N. Tilton, who is engaged in the real estate business in Ashtabula, is among the successful and widely known business men of Ashtabula 'County. He was born in Rock Creek, Ashtabula County, in 1865 and is the son of Jacob and Harriet S. (Batchelor) Tilton.

Jacob Tilton was a native of New Hampshire and his wife was born in Massachusetts. At at early date they came to Ashtabula County and settled at Rock Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Tilton, now deceased, were the parents of the following children: Frank, lives in Ashtabula; Charles A., lives at Warren, Ohio; Jennie H., married Dr. H. N. Kinnear, and she died in China, where she and her husband had gone to do missionary work; Amy L., was the wife of B. F. Russell, deceased; E. N., the subject of this sketch; George R., deceased; C. T., lives at Painesville, Ohio; and Fred O., who died in 1916.

E. N. Tilton spent his boyhood at Rock Creek and was educated in the district schools there. He has been engaged in the real estate business in Ashtabula for the past 18 years but is now planning to enter the nursery business and raise bulbs and flowers, in which he is greatly interested. Mr. Tilton has lived in Ashtabula for 34 years. In 1914 he was instrumental in obtaining Ashtabula's band stand, which was built with dollar subscriptions. He has always taken a keen interest in the affairs of the city and served as a member of the city council for five years.

On Jan. 1, 1889, Mr. Tilton was united in marriage with Miss Hattie L. Stevens, a native of Jefferson, Ohio. She is the daughter of George W. and Eliza H. Stevens, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Tilton have no children.

Politically, Mr. Tilton is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Alfred Swedenborg, who has been superintendent of the Raser Tannery for 27 years, ranks among Ashtabula's prominent business men. He is a native of Sweden, born Aug. 22, 1862, and a son of Andrew and Anna (Olsen) Swedenborg.

Andrew Swedenborg came to this country from Sweden in 1873 and located at Brockton, N. Y., where he remained six years. He then brought his family to Ashtabula County and lived on a tenant farm for four years, afterwards moving to Ashtabula. Mr. Swedenborg was a foreman at the Ashtabula Harbor docks for a number of years and died in 1909 at the age of 74 years. His wife died in 1921 at the age of 84 years. They were the parents of ten children, as follows: Alfred, the subject of this sketch; John, married Bertha Rictor, lives in Ashtabula; Sam S., married Anna Petersen, lives in Ashtabula; Levi, married Jarda Johnson, lives in Ashtabula; Augusta, Manda, Ida, Selma, Nicholas and George, all deceased.

Alfred Swedenborg spent his boyhood in Sweden and was educated in the schools at Brockton, N. Y., and Ashtabula. When a young man he learned the carpenter trade, which he followed for a number of years, being foreman on the construction of many of Ashtabula's business places. Mr. Swedenborg was employed' at the Ashtabula Docks by Mr. Raser, and they later with Mr. Walter C. Hubbard and Joe Melbin established the Raser tannery company, Mr. Swedenborg being superintendent since the time of its organization. The Raser Tannery Company has had a steady growth and is one of the leading industries of its kind in the state. The business has grown from a small building, 44x90 feet to one of the largest factories of Ashtabula. About 200 hides are handled daily and manufactured into leather for automobile and carriage upholstery. The number of men employed is 150.

Mr. Swedenborg was married to Miss Ellen Larson, a native of Sweden, born in 1871 and died in 1910. To that union five children were born as follows: Alvin, a graduate of Ashtabula High School and the Pratt Institute of New York, now assistant superintendent of the Raser Tannery, married Mabel Chapin, and they have two children, Jean and Loren; Ruth, a graduate of Ashtabula High School, Ohio State University and Simmons College, Boston Mass., and private secretary to the dean of Illinois University, died at the age of 25 years of influenza, after an illness of three days; Hazel, graduate nurse of Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland, married Gustav Olson, lives in Cleveland; Thelma attended the Ohio State and Dennison Universities, married George Duccro, lives in Ashtabula; and Mildred, graduated from Ashtabula High School and attended Dennison University and graduated from Oberlin College Training School as a Kindergarten teacher, now a teacher in the Ashtabula schools. Mr. Swedenborg was married in 1913 to Miss Carrie M. Burman, who was born in Sweden in 1891, and to this union two children have been born: Robert Bugman, born in 1915; and Bertha Jean, born in 1918.

Mr. Swedenborg is a Republican, a member of the Lutheran Church and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. He is well known in Ashtabula County and has many friends.

George W. Brown, a prominent business man of Ashtabula and a well known and substantial citizen of Ashtabula County, was born in that city, Oct. 26, 1882, and is the son of George and Louise (VanPelt) Brown.

George Brown was a native of Scotland and an early settler of Ashtabula, where he was employed in the shops of the New York Central Railroad for 35 years. He died in 1912, and his wife, who was born in 1851, lives with her daughter in Ashtabula. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were the parents of the following children: John R., lives in Ashtabula, married Catherine Richards, deceased, and he has one son, Kenneth; William, lives in Ashtabula, and he has one daughter, Emma; Robert, lives in Ashtabula, married Ruth Squires, and they have four children, Mabel, Roberta, lives in Ashtabula, and they have three daughters, Ethel, married Royal Smith, Louise, married Clinton Holly, and Leah, married Howard Williams ; Jeanette, married William Welch, lives in Ashtabula, and they have four children, Harry, married Wilma Fairbank, Wilma, George and Carolyn; and George W., the subject of this sketch.

After attending the public schools of Ashtabula Harbor, George W. Brown engaged in the grocery business at 45 Lake Street with Mr. Weiblen. After seven years he became associated with C. R. Starke and after a number of years he engaged in business for himself at 129 Bridge Street, where he remained until 1909. Mr. Brown then resumed his business relations with Mr. Stahre until 1912. From 1912 until 1918 Mr. Brown was manager for C. S. Sheldon, Sr. In 1918 he and Mr. C. S. Sheldon, Jr., formed a partnership, which business they now conduct. They have a fine store at 45 Lake Street, known as Harbor Grocery; they carry a complete stock of groceries and meats. Mr. Brown has had 27 years of experience in the grocery business and ranks among the pioneer merchants of the county.

Mr. Brown is a Republican and a member of the Congregational church. He belongs to the Masonic and Elks lodges. He is unmarried. Mr. Brown is esteemed as a progressive business man.

F. A. Mason, well known dancing instructor of Ashtabula, and proprietor' of the Mason Dancing Academy, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., Oct. 5, 1871, and is the son of Addison P. and Abbie (Smith) Mason.

Addison P. Mason was a native of Vermont, born in 1835. He died in 1918 and his wife, who was born in 1840, died in 1888. They were the parents of the following children: William A., died at the age of 18 years; F. A., the subject of this sketch; and four children died in infancy.

F. R. Mason was reared and educated in Buffalo, N. Y., and began his career as an instructor in dancing at Conneaut. He later conducted an academy at Warren, Ohio. Mr. Mason has been located at the old Haskel Hall in Ashtabula for 23 seasons and he is well and favorably known throughout Ashtabula County, as is also his wife, who assists him.

On Sept. 10, 1899, Mr. Mason was united in marriage with Miss Matie E. Gilliland, a native of Linesville, Pa., and the daughter of H. M. and

Florence E. Gilliland. Mr. Gilliland, who died in 1916, was a talented musician of Ashtabula County and conducted an orchestra in Ashtabula for many years. His wife died in 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Mason have no children.

Mr. Mason is a member of the National Association of Dancing Masters and the Ohio State Association of Dancing Masters. He has a first class orchestra for his assemblies and the Mason Dancing Academy is among Ashtabula's leading amusement centers.

W. C. Baird, now living retired, is a highly esteemed and well known citizen of Ashtabula. He was born at Wilmington, Il., Sept. 14, 1853, and is the son of W. C. and Malvina Baird. :

The Baird family originally came from Jefferson County, N. Y., and W. C. Baird's mother was descended from an old Connecticut family that came from England in the sixteenth century. W. C. Baird, Sr., was a wagonmaker by trade and died in 1853. His wife died in 1920. They had two children: W. C., the subject of this sketch; and Milton, lives in Los Angeles, Calif. By a later marriage, Mrs. Baird had a daughter, Alice Poush.

W. C. Baird spent his boyhood at Conneaut, and attended the schools there and was also a student in the old historical academy at Kingsville, Ohio. He began life as a farmer and during the winter months taught school. In 1873 he came to Ashtabula and worked at the carpenter trade for two years, after which he and his brother engaged in the manufacturing business there for ten years. In 1883 Mr. Baird was appointed mail clerk and after four years of service was dismissed during Grover Cleveland's presidential term. However, two years later, he was re-appointed as railway mail clerk and continued in that capacity until the time of his retirement in August, 1920. Mr. Baird lives at 57 Division Street.

In 1877 Mr. Baird was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Ring, the daughter of A. A. and Eliza Ring, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Baird died Feb. 11, 1918, leaving one daughter, Lorena M. Baird. Miss Baird has been in the employ of the Peoples Building & Loan Company of Ashtabula for the past 20 years as a bookkeeper.

In politics Mr. Baird is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Baptist church and his daughter belongs to the Congregational church. They are favorably known residents of the community and have many friends.

In 1833 Frederick Stoll came to this country from Germany and engaged in business at Erie, Pa., later going to Chicago. He finally settled at Amboy, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Stoll was a tanner. He and his wife are deceased.

Edward F. Stoll spent his boyhood at Conneaut and received his education in the schools there. When a young man he learned the tinner's trade at Kingsville, Ohio, and in 1871 he came to Ashtabula and entered the employ of the J. B. Crosby & Sons, hardware dealers, in whose employ he remained four years. On April 7, 1879, he took over the management of the Ashtabula House, which he operated for 26 months. Mr. Stoll then opened the Stoll Hotel at 14 Spring Street, which he has since conducted. This hotel has been in operation since 1882 and is the oldest hotel in the county to be operated by the same man since its opening.

On Nov. 29, 1873, Mr. Stoll was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Warmington, the daughter of Robert C. Warmington, at one time proprietor of the Ashtabula House. Mr. Warmington was a captain during the Civil War and Mr. Stoll has in his possession the flag carried by his company throughout the war. It has 76 bullet holes in it and is now 63 years old. Mrs. Stoll died Oct. 12, 1891, and Mr. Stoll was later married to Miss Alice Hall.

Mr. Stoll is a Republican, a member of St. Peter's Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Elks. He is widely known throughout Ohio as an enterprising and successful business man and during his many years in the hotel business he has built up a good business.

F. W. Whitaker, a well known merchant of Ashtabula, who is engaged in the grocery business at 196 Prospect Street, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Norwalk, in 1869, and is the son of John and Ella Whitaker.

John Whitaker was born at Clyde, Ohio, and was one of the pioneer railroad men of Ohio, having been a locomotive engineer from 1874 until the time of his death in 1906. His wife is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker had four children, as follows: D. D., lives at Zanesville, Ohio; B. A., lives at Columbus, Ohio; I. A., lives at Ashtabula Harbor; and F. W., the subject of this sketch.

F. W. Whitaker spent his boyhood in Cleveland and received his education in the public schools there. When a young man he learned the tinner's trade and later was employed in a grocery store. However, in 1888, he returned to railroading and the following year became a fireman. In 1899 he was promoted to engineer and ran until 1908 when he purchased the grocery store at 192 Prospect Street, Ashtabula, where he engaged in business for seven years. He then moved across the street to his present location. Mr. Whitaker has been successful in this undertaking and ranks among the prominent merehants of that section.

Mr. Whitaker was united in marriage with Miss Clara E. Quillman, a native of Napoleon, Ohio, and to this union two children were born: C. L., born in Cleveland, 1894; and Edna, born in 1896, lives at home.

Mr. Whitaker and his family are members of the Baptist church and ~he belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Loyal Order of Moose. He is favorably known throughout Ashtabula County and is a substantial citizen.

C. H. Gordon, proprietor and owner of the Gordon Motor Sales, at Ashtabula, is among the enterprising and successful business men of the county. He was born at Austinburg, Ohio, Jan. 3, 1888, and is the son of Herbert R. and Florence Gordon.

Herbert R. Gordon was a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, and a prominent farmer during his life. He died in 1896 and his wife now lives at Ashtabula and is 60 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon had three children: C. H., the subject of this sketch; Cresstella, married Floyd Aldridge, lives in Conneaut and they have one son, Gordon; and Catherine, married Ear] King, lives in Ashtabula.

C. H. Gordon was reared on his father's farm and attended the public schools. His first business occupation was in the shop of Mark Miller, a Main Street merchant of Ashtabula, in whose employ he remained for three years. In 1906 Mr. Gordon engaged in the automobile business at Daytona Beach, Fla., after which he went to Cleveland and became associated with the White Motor Company. In 1909 he went to Warren, Pa., where he was engaged in the automobile business. In 1914 Mr. Gordon came to Ashtabula, Ohio, and in 1916 engaged in business for himself at 553 Main Street, where he has since been located. Besides being the dealer for the Jordan and Hupmobile automobiles, Mr. Gordon carries a complete line of tires and automobile accessories and does general repair work. He has built up a large trade and has one of the leading business enterprises of the community.

On Aug. 10,1910, Mr. Gordon was united in marriage with Miss Bertha L. Weis, of St. Marys, Pa., who is the daughter of Edward and Margaret Weis, both deceased. Tio Mr. and Mrs. Gordon four children have been born, as follows: Margaret F., born Feb. 24, 1912; Herbert, born Oct. 4, 1913; Rita, born Aug. 24, 1916; and Walter, born Jan. 10, 1921.

Politically, Mr. Gordon is a Republican. Mrs. Gordon is a member of the Catholic church and Mr. Gordon belongs to the Elks lodge and the Y.M.C. A. He is a dependable citizen and stands high in the community.

J. M. Seymour is a successful and well known business man of Ashtabula, where he has been engaged in the real estate business since 1902. He was born at East Plymouth, Ohio, Oct. 15, 1875, and is the son of M. J. and Hattie E. Seymour.

M. J. Seymour was born in a log cabin near East Plymouth, Ohio, Nov. 6, 1844, and his wife was born Feb: 26th of the same year. They were the parents of five children, as follows: Wyatt; Frank and Fred, twins; J. M., the subject of this sketch; and William, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Seymour are deceased and buried at East Plymouth.

M. J. Seymour served in the Civil War, having enlisted in the 11th New York Battery on Feb. 25, 1864, and was discharged June 138, 1865, at Albany, N. Y. He then engaged in farming in Ashtabula County until his death, Aug. 11, 1912, his wife having died July 3, 1910.

J. M. Seymour spent his boyhood on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools of Plymouth, and in 1916 he attended the Ashtabula Business College. At the age of 17 years he became a street ear conductor at Ashtabula and later was employed by the New York Central Railroad for three years. He later learned the carpenter trade and built about 80 houses in Ashtabula, which he sold at reasonable prices. Mr. Seymour has been most successful in his undertakings and ranks among the prominent real estate men of the county. He has made some large sales in the real estate business during the past 18 years. In 1904 he held an auction sale of 30 lots; in 1906 had a 19 lot sale; 1908 a 50 lot auction sale; in 1912 a 96 allotment sale; in 1914 a 150 lot sale, and in 1920 a 27 lot sale. He also conducted a wall paper and paint business for 12 years, which he recently sold:

Mr. Seymour was married to Miss Ula Meyers, a native of Geneva, Ohio, and the daughter of A. D. and Ella Meyers. Mr. Meyers lives at Geneva. His wife died Nov. 2, 1923. To Mr. and Mrs. Seymour two daughters have been born, as follows: Melita, teaches school at West Geneva, Ohio; and Ella, attending the Lake Erie College at Painesville, Ohio.

Mr. Seymour is a Republican and always takes an active interest in the political affairs of Ashtabula. He is a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Eagles, the Sons of Veterans and United Commercial Travelers. Mr. Seymour is one of the substantial citizens of Ashtabula County and his family is representative of the best citizenship of the community.

W. A. Dawson, a well known and substantial citizen of Ashtabula is a native of Franklin, Ind., where he was born Oct. 6, 1871. He is the son of Elijah and Rachael Dawson.

Elijah Dawson, now deceased, was a native of Indiana and a successful farmer during his life. He died Feb. 4, 1920, and his wife died Oct. 17, 1884. They had two children: W. A., the subject of this sketch; and Mary, lives at Acton, Ind.

W. A. Dawson spent his boyhood at Franklin, Ind., and received his education in the schools there. Later, he attended the public schools of Indianapolis, Ind., where he studied mechanics. At the age of 21 years Mr. Dawson entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad, where he has since been employed. He is now signal supervisor and during his 31 years of service with the company has established a splendid record.

Mr. Dawson was united in marriage with Miss Maude Elliott, a native of Indianapolis, Ind., and the daughter of H. H. Elliott. Mr. Elliott died Jan. 31, 1922, and his wife died Jan. 18, 1917. To Mr. and Mrs. Dawson one daughter has been born, Merle, who was born Dec. 18, 1900. She was married on June 30, 1923, to Dr. Schwacofer, and they live with Mr. and Mrs. Dawson.

Mr. Dawson is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He holds membership in the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is highly esteemed throughout Ashtabula

Charles A. Halleen, who has been in the employ of the New York Central Railroad for 35 years, is a substantial citizen of Ashtabula. He was born in Sweden, Aug. 4, 1860, and is the son of C. F. and Mary Halleen.

C. F. Halleen and his wife spent their entire lives in Sweden, where he engaged in general farming and also followed his trade as carpenter. He died in 1907 and his wife died in 1922 at the age of 90 years. Mr. and Mrs. Halleen were the parents of seven children, as follows: Augusta, died in 1887; John, died in 1914; Frank, lives in Wisconsin; Richard A., lives in Portland, Ore.; Hulda, married M. Walene, lives in Washburn, Wis.; one child died in infancy; and Charles A., the subject of this sketch.

when a young man and settled in Pennsylvania, where he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Two years later he came to Ashtabula and worked for John H. Stewart for several years. After working on the docks for two years, Mr. Halleen entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad in 1889 as a car repair man. He was promoted to foreman of the shops in 1892 and now has charge of the Cleveland and Franklin Division of the New York Central Car Shops.

In 1883 Mr. Halleen was married to Miss Josephine Nelson, a native of Sweden, and to this union a son was born, John Edward, who married Nathalie Levers and they have four children: Edward, Carl, George and Richard. Mr. Halleen was married the second time to Miss Mary Johnson, of Sweden, and the third time to her sister, Miss Matilda Johnson. To the last union one son has been born, Clarence W., born June 4, 1905.

E. L. Scoville is a progressive and enterprising business man of Ashtabula, where he owns and operates a garage. He was born at Champion, Trumbull County, Ohio, May 5, 1882, and is the son of H. H. and Angie (Durest) Scoville. -

H. H. Scoville is a well known farmer of Rome, Ohio, where he has spent most of his life. He and his wife have three children, as follows: C. W., lives at Rome, Ohio; Lydia, the wife of Charles Supplee, lives on the Scoville and the home farm, in Rome Township, Ashtabula County,

Charles A, Halleen

KE. L. Scoville spent his boyhood on his father's farm and in 1903 came to Ashtabula, where he began working as a general machinist. In 1920 he purchased the old Tanner property and built his garage and machine shop, where he is now located. Mr. Scoville does general repair work and is also a locksmith. His shop is located at 317 Main Street and is known as the K. K. K. place.

Mr. Scoville was married to Miss Lydia Bergone, a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Charles Bergone. Mr. and Mrs. Scoville have no children. In 1924 Mr. and Mrs. Scoville adopted a boy, Leonard, born Jan. 15, 1924. They live at 68 Station Street.

P. H. O'Brien is a progressive and enterprising merchant of Ashtabula, where he has lived for many years. He is a native of Niles, Ohio, born Aug. 5, 1876, and the son of John and Margaret O'Brien.

John O'Brien was born in Ireland in 1845 and came to this country when he was 20 years of age and located at Niles, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1922 and his widow lives in Ashtabula and is 70 years of age. They were the parents of the following children: Michael, lives in Ashtabula; John, lives in Dunkirk, N. Y.; William, lives in Ashtabula; George, lives in Ashtabula; Mary, was the wife of P. C. O'Keef, deceased; Anna Stimell, lives in Cleveland; P. H., the subject of this sketch; and several other children who died in infancy.

P. H. O'Brien received his education in the public schools of Niles and Ashtabula Harbor, and began life as a meat cutter for E. H. Burrell, in whose employ he remained for 22 years. On Oct. 14, 1917, Mr. O'Brien engaged in business for himself at 403 Main Street, where he has established an excellent trade. He-deals in high grade meats exclusively.

Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage with Miss Winifred Brink, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Manus Brink, residents of Ashtabula. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien four children have been born, as follows: Gerald, lives in California; Donald; Robert; and P. H., Jr.

Mr. O'Brien is a member of Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church and his wife belongs to the Congregational church. He is a successful business man and is highly esteemed in Ashtabula,

J. M. McClure is a successful and well known merchant of Ashtabula. He is a native of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, born Sept. 30, 1875, and the son of James and Margaret McClure.

James McClure was born in Scotland, as was also his wife. Manv years ago they settled in Canada and later removed to Chicago, where Mr. McClure was employed by the Chicago & Alton Railroad for a number of years. He and his wife are now deceased. They were the parents of seven children, five now living: Jessie, lives in Chicago; Anetta, deceased; Mena, deceased; David, lives in Chicago; Elizabeth, lives in Chi- -cago; Ferguson, a twin brother of J. M., lives in Houston, Texas.

on March 20, 1899, came to Ashtabula, where he entered the firm of D. L. Daves Company, where he remained until 1916. Since that time Mr. McClure has been in business for himself at 227 Main Street. He deals in glassware, chinaware, boat and hotel supplies, and general household goods and has one of the largest stores of its kind in Ashtabula County. ,

' Mr. McClure was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude E. Harmon, a native of Ashtabula, and the daughter of Frank and Eliza Harmon. The Harmon family is one of Ashtabula's leading pioneer families and for many years lived on Lake Road, east of Ashtabula. Mr. and Mrs. Harmon are deceased. There are no children in the McClure family.

of the city council and the local health board. Mr. McClure holds membership in the First Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Elks lodge and the Chamber of Commerce. He is known as an upright and honorable citizen of Ashtabula County.

W. W. Callender, an upright and honorable citizen of Ashtabula, was born at Hartsgrove, Ohio, Nov. 30, 1856, and is the son of Robert and Louise Callender. Robert Callender was a farmer during his life and met with marked success. He died. at Hartsgrove, Ohio, in 1886 and his wife died in 1902 at the age of 80 years. They were the parents of the following children: John F., lives in Hartsgrove township; Guy S., deceased, was a professor at Yale University; Robert, Jr., died when two years old; Sherman, an attorney, lives in Detroit, Mich.; Caroline, died at the age of 18 years; Jeanette, died at the age of 18 years; Ellen, married James B. McIntosh, lives at Geneva, Ohio; Florence, married John Y. Hall, lives

W. W. Callender received his education in the schools of Hartsgrove, Ohio, and later attended Grand River Institute of Ohio. He remained on his father's farm until 1904, at which time he went to Cleveland and engaged in the real estate business. Later he removed to Ashtabula and became interested in the automobile business there. In 1919 he engaged in the real estate business and is now interested in same, having a lake front allotment at Van Buran Bay, N. Y. Mr. Callender has many interests and owns a large amount of real estate in Ashtabula.

Mr. Callender was married to Miss Addie Olin, a native of Windsor, Ohio, and the daughter of Arvin A. and Laura Olin, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Callender four children have been born, as follows: Bessie C., born July 12, 1886, a graduate of Spencerian School in Cleveland, and now a bookkeeper and stenographer for her brother, Elmo O.; Lynn W., born March 29, 1888, engaged in the oil business at Wichita Falls, Texas, is a veteran of the World War, having served in the aviation; Elmo O., born Aug. 14, 1890, married Jessie Conley, and he is engaged in the automobile business at 13 Spring Street, Ashtabula; and Paul R., born March 5, 1892, married Laura Stewart, and they live at Paris, Tenn. Elmo O. Callender has two children: Albert West, born Nov. 17, 1916; and Helen Lucile, born Feb. 28, 1921. Paul R. Callender has two sons, West W. and Robert Paul.

In politics, W. W. Callender is a Republican. His first presidential vote was cast for President Garfield. Mrs. Callender is a member of the First Congregational Church of Ashtabula and is president of the Bunker Hill Club. Mr. Callender belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

E. E. Gardner, now living retired, is a well known and highly respected citizen of Ashtabula. He was born in Geauga County, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1855, and is a son of Lorenzo D. and Margaret Anne Gardner.

Lorenzo D. Gardner was a native of Otsego County, N. Y., born Aug. 15, 1818. He was a farmer during his life, most of which was spent in Ohio: In 1893 he removed to Jefferson, Ohio, and lived. there until his death, in October, 1898. His wife was born in New York, May 8, 1822, and died April 14, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner were the parents of the following children: Albert, born Nov. 27, 1844, in the West; Edmund

EK. E. Gardner received his education in the common schools of Troy Township, Geauga County, Ohio, and in early life was a farmer. After coming to Jefferson he engaged in the livery business until about 1899, at which time he removed to Ashtabula. Here he established a grocery business at 418 South Main Street, which he successfully conducted for 20 years. The Gardner home is at 487 Main Street.

Mr. Gardner was married to Miss Ione A. Baldwin, who was born at Rock Creek, Ohio, May 12, 1858. She is a daughter of Luther and Eliza (Wright) Baldwin, both deceased. Mr. Baldwin was a native of New York and settled at Rock Creek, Ohio, in 1875, where he owned and operated the Baldwin tannery. Mrs. Gardner's maternal grandfather, David Wright, was one of the earliest settlers of Rock Creek, coming there when that part of the county was still inhabited by Indians. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner's only child died in infancy. An adopted daughter, Mrs. Laura Sweet, lives at Ashtabula and has a son, Vincent, now a high school student.

Mr. Gardner is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Elks lodge. He has always been an energetic man and stands well in the esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens.

Patrick Monaghan, retired, is a substantial and highly respected citizen of Ashtabula Harbor. He is a native of Ireland, born in 1844, and the son of John and Rose Monaghan.

John Monaghan was a native of Ireland, as was also his wife. They both died at an early age, leaving the following children: Rose, married Mike King, both deceased; Edward and John, both deceased, were Civil War veterans; Anna, James, Margaret and Mary, all deceased; and Patrick, the subject of this sketch. ;

Patrick Monaghan spent his boyhood in his native land and attended the schools there. In 1866 he came to the United States and located in Chicago for nine years. In 1873 he removed to Ashtabula, where he en- | gaged in dredge work on the river. He later was employed at the Raser Tannery for eight years, after which he engaged in the liquor business at the harbor, representing the C. E. Gary Brewing Company. Mr. Monaghan is now retired and lives at 165 High Street.

Elizabeth Sheil, both deceased. Mrs. Monaghan's sister, Ellen M. Sheil, has made her home with the Monaghan family for the past 40 years. Her brothers, John, Richard, Nicholas, and William, are all deceased. To Patrick and Margaret Theresa (Sheil) Monaghan the following children have been born: John, born Dec. 4, 1874, an architect; James Richard, died in infancy; Edward Patrick, born July 28, 1880, a physician and surgeon, married Miss Isabel Saunders, and they live in Cleveland; Rev. Nicholas, born Sept. 22, 1882, pastor of St. Charles Church in Cleveland, having been ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 21, 1907; Charles, born Dec. 9, 1886, married Mary Lynch, and they live in Ashtabula; William A., born June 10, 1889, died in infancy; Frederick Andrew, born May 3, 1891, married Mary Wilkinson, and they live in Cleveland; Elizabeth Rose, born Jan. 28, 1878, married Edward Malony, lives in Detroit, Mich.; and Theresa Mary, born Dec. 3, 1884, married J. P. Mahoney, lives at 20 Hubbard Street, Ashtabula.

Mr. Monaghan is a Democrat and he and his family are members of Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church at the harbor. He has always been an energetic man who stands well in the esteem of his many friends and acquaintances.

Benedetto Castiglia, an enterprising and progressive merchant of Columbus Street, Ashtabula, was born in Italy, Jan. 1, 1874, and is the son of Joseph and May Castiglia.

Joseph Castiglia was a farmer and spent his entire life in Italy. He died March 23, 1922, and his wife is 82 years of age and lives in Italy. They had five children, as follows: Stephen, Joseph, Benedetto, the subject of this sketch; John, and Charles.

Benedetto Castiglia spent his boyhood in Italy and attended the schools there. He came to this country in 1898 and located at Ashtabula Harbor, where he engaged in the saloon business. Since 1922 Mr. Castiglia has owned and operated a feed store at 425 Columbus Street. He handles all kinds of grain, hay, flour, etc., and has an extensive trade.

In politics, Mr. Castiglia is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Catholic Church and a substantial citizen of his community.

Harry A. and William H. Anderson, grocers, are progressive business men of Ashtabula. They were.born here and are the sons of Edward and Seiverina (Benson) Anderson.

Edward Anderson is a native of Sweden, born Oct. 12, 1851. At the age of 18 years he came to the United States and located in Ashtabula, where he was employed on the docks for a number of years. Later, he engaged in the coal business. He is now retired. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have six sons, all of whom live in Ashtabula. They are: J. A., a conductor, employed by the New York Central Railroad; Harry Andrew, was born April 20, 1891; William H., born Jan. 11, 1896, and George, employed in the grocery store of his brothers; Arthur, a twin brother of George, employed by the New York Central Railroad; and Verne, employed by the Van Sweringen Company of Cleveland.

The Anderson Brothers have always lived in Ashtabula. They were educated in the public schools and in 1916 Harry A. and William H. engaged in the grocery and meat business at 430 Columbus Street, where they are now located. They have a fine store and are dealers in high grade meats, groceries, cigars and candies. The Andersons are ambitious men, whose success in life is practically assured. They attribute their success to early business training, which was received in the offices of the Ashtabula Star-Beacon. They and their brothers began as carriers for this paper and had large routes, which gave them business experience of great value.

In politics the Andersons are identified with the Republican party. They are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church of Ashtabula Harbor and rank among the excellent business men of the community.

Dr. J. B. Sharkey, a leading optician of Ashtabula, with offices at 69 Lake Street, is a native of Scotland. He was born Bees 24, 1870, and is the son of William and Mary Sharkey.

William Sharkey was a native of Scotland, as was also his wife. He died in 1904 and she died in 1918. They were the parents of the following children: John, lives in Scotland; Jane Patterson, lives in Pennsylvania; Margaret Raymer, lives in Letsdale, Pa.; Mary Thompson, lives in Pennsylvania; Martha, deceased, was the wife of Ernest Whitcombe; Mrs. Frank George, lives in Pittsburgh, Pa.; and J. B., the subject of this sketch.

Doctor Sharkey received his early education in the schools of his native land and in 1885 came to Ontario, Canada, where he remained several years. He was graduated from the Northern Illinois College of Optometry on April 21, 1894, and from Needles Institute of Kansas City in 1920. Before attending the latter institution, Dr. Sharkey spent 16 years practicing his profession in Chicago and four years in California. He has been located in Ashtabula since Oct. 1, 1921, and is recognized as a capable and progressive man in his profession.

On Sept. 23, 1915, Dr. Sharkey was united in marriage with Miss Mary Farrell, a native of Mississippi. She is the sister of George Farrell, editor and owner of the Coast Beacon, widely known newspaper of Pass Christian, Miss. Another brother, Fred Farrell, also lives in Mississippi.

Charles C. Strausser, a successful and well known merchant of Ashta-: bula, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born at Stonebury, in 1890, and is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Strausser.

Charles C. Strausser grew up on his father's farm and attended the public schools. He has been in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad for 14 years and at present is conductor in the passenger service. Mr. Strausser's grocery business, which is located at 507 Lake Street, is conducted by his wife.

On Dec. 7, 1913, Mr. Strausser was married to Miss Isabel Reed, a native of Beaver, Pa., and a daughter of Elmer and Mary (Boyer) Reed, residents of West Bridgewater, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Strausser have a son, Charles, born Dec. 23, 1914. By a former marriage Mrs. Strausser has two sons: Wilber, born Sept. 14, 1908; and Fred, born April 25, 1910.

Ernest S. Johnson is a successful and well known merchant of Ashtabula. He owns and operates the Johnson Meat Market at 68 Station Street. Mr. Johnson is a native of Sweden, born May 2, 1873, and the son of Alfred and Johanna (Hanson) Johnson.

Alfred Johnson was a native of Sweden, as was also his wife. In 1881-they came to this country and settled at Ashtabula, where Mr. Johnson was employed on the docks. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson both died in 1921. They were the parents of the following children: Charles, died in 1914; John; Margaret, married Carl Bergman, deceased; Augusta, deceased, was the wife of Ernest Olson; Ernest S., the subject of this sketch; and two children died in infancy.

Ernest S. Johnson was reared and educated in Sweden and in 1893 came to the United States. After farming a short time, he engaged in the meat business at Ashtabula Harbor, where he was located for 1914 years. In 1920 Mr. Johnson removed to his present location, where he carries on a large volume of business. He deals in high grade products exclusively.

In 1902 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Selma Swanson, a native of Ashtabula and the daughter of Swan Nelson and Anna (Nelson) Nelson, natives of Sweden, who settled in Ashtabula in 1880. Mr. Nelson lives at Ashtabula. His wife died in 1928. A son, Nelson Swanson, lives ' at Ashtabula Harbor. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have six children: Edith, Irene, Ruth, Dorothy, Hazel and Naudean: :

Mr. Johnson is a Republican, a member of the Lutheran church, B. | P. O. E. Lodge and a highly esteemed citizen of Ashtabula. His residence is located 44 Todd Avenue and is one of the attractive homes of Ashtabula. ;

William M. Allyn is a prosperous groceryman of Ashtabula. He was born in Hartsgrove, Ashtabula County; March 12, 1902, Pa is a son of Frank and Alma (Rice) Allyn.

Frank Allyn was born at Rome, Ohio, in 1876, and his wife is a na- | tive of Des Moines, Iowa. They live in Ashtabula, and are the parents 4 of three children, as follows: William M., the subject of this sketch; and | Mabel and Irene, both students.

William M. Allyn has always lived in Ashtabula. After attending the public schools he entered the employ of A. F. Day, where he remained one year. He then was associated with C. N. Newlon for two years, after which he was employed in the Bunker Hill grocery for two years. In |

Ernest S. Johnson

June, 1923, Mr. Allyn engaged in business for himself at 325 Main Street, wl ere he established an excellent trade. The 22nd of September, 1924, Mr. Allyn sold his grocery store. He has become manager of the store for W. D. Ludwig.

On April 2, 1924, Mr. Allyn was married to Miss Dorothy Gochneaur, born April 30, 1905, Denmark Township, daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Brockett) Gochneaur, natives of Jefferson, Ohio, and Denmark Township. They now reside on a farm in Denmark township.

Joseph R. Cock, a veteran of the World War, is among Ashtabula's prominent young attorneys, and a member of one of the county's honored pioneer families. He was born in Ashtabula, July 29, 1891, and is a son of Mack R. and Nettie A. (Davis) Cook.

Mack R. Cook was a native of Ashtabula, born April 1, 1864, and the son of Joseph R. Cook, deceased, who was born in Ashtabula County in 1819. Joseph R. Cook was a widely known attorney, being admitted to the bar in 1843. He was the son of Rev. Erastus Cook, a native of New Yorl, who was a son of Philip Cook, a well known textile manufacturer of Troy, N. Y. Mack R. Cook, father of the subject of this sketch, was a farmer in early life and later engaged in the grocery business at Ashtabula Harbor until 1924 when he became engaged as a fruit grower. His wife was born at Rome, Ashtabula County, July 21, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of four children: Joseph R., the subject of this sketch; Perry D., born April 21, 1894, lives at Meadville, Pa., married Ruby Flower, and they have one son, Perry, Jr.; Mack D., born March 29, 1897, lives in Ashtabula; and Harry C., born Dec. 15, 1899, a student at Western Reserve University, Cleveland.

Joseph R. Cook received his education in the public and high schools of Ashtabula and was graduated from the Law School of Western Reserve University in 1917. After practicing his profession in Ashtabula a short time, Mr. Cook enlisted for service during the World War with the army transport service, having sailed overseas in August, 1918 and returned Oct. 14, 1918. He again crossed Nov. 3, 1918, returning to the United States March, 1919. He returned from service in March, 1919, and resumed his practice in Ashtabula. Mr. Cook's office is located at 1604 Main Street.

Joseph R. Cook was nominated at the August, 1924, primaries for prosecuting attorney on the Democratic ticket. He has been a notary public since 1917, and served as Justice of the Peace four years and is now serving his second term. He also served two years as deputy clerk to the Board of Elections.

On June 20, 1917, Mr. Cook was united in marriage with Miss Clara M. Salchli, a daughter of Frederick and Rose Salchli, natives of Berne, Switzerland, and residents of Erie, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Salchli have eight children as follows: Frederick Jr., Cambridge Pa.; John, a veteran of the Spanish-American War, Erie, Pa.; Henry, Erie, Pa.; Rosalia, a teacher in the public schools of Erie, Pa.; Charles, Erie, Pa.; Mrs. Cook; William, at home; and Bertha M., a high school teacher in Erie, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Cook have been born two children: Ruth Clara, born Feb. 15, 1920; and Marjorie Marie, born Oct. 27, 1922.

Mr. Cook is a member of the Congregational Church and belongs to the Masonic lodge. He is a capable lawyer and has a wide acquaintance in Ashtabula.

M. B. King, a well known coal dealer of Ashtabula, who has been successfully engaged in business for 33 years, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Cleveland, Nov. 25, 1858, and is the son of Benjamin and Mary (Holmes) King.

Benjamin King was a leading farmer of Ashtabula County for many years, having settled there in 1865. He died in 1884 and his wife died in 1907. Mr. and Mrs. King were the parents of the following children: M. B., the subject of this sketch ; Emma, lives in Ashtabula; Joe McCune, lives in New Jersey; Mrs. Fannie Ackley, lives in Ashtabula; and several others who are now deceased.

M. B. King came to Ashtabula with his parents at the age of seven years. He was educated in the schools there and at Saybrook, Ohio. Mr. King has lived in Ashtabula for 42 years and has been interested in the coal business for 34 years. Previous to this he was employed by the Ashtabula Docks for nine years as an engineer. Mr. King has established an excellent trade in Ashtabula and ranks among the reliable coal dealers of the county.

Mr. King is a Republican and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife are widely and favorably known in Ashtabula County.

Roy J. Sweet, deceased, was_a successful business man of Ashtabula and a member of one of the county's prominent pioneer families. He was born in Ashtabula, Sept. 13, 1871, and was the son of Adelbert Sweet.

Adelbert Sweet, also of Ashtabula, was born May 12, 1840, and died in 1915. He was the son of Myles Sweet, who was born in Massachusetts and the son of Peleg Sweet. Peleg Sweet settled in Ashtabula County in 1812, after having traded his land holdings in Massachusetts for a tract of 600 acres in Ashtabula County. This trade was made without Mr. Sweet having seen the land, yet it proved satisfactory. When he settled here Indians were still roaming the banks of the river, which was known as the "Hash-tah-bush-lah", or the River of many fish. Peleg Sweet owned and operated one of the first taverns in the county and his quaint personality made him one long to be remembered by the weary traveler. Ox teams and lumbering wagons were the chief conveyance those days, later followed by the stage coach, and Mr. Sweet's tavern was a regular post house. Edgewood cemetery, one of Ohio's largest and most beautiful cemeteries, stands as a monument to Peleg Sweet, who donated the land to the township for that purpose, and the township has faithfully preserved it. His daughter, Mrs. Sheppard, was the first white child born on the east side of Ashtabula.

Roy J. Sweet spent his entire life in Ohio. After attending the schools of Ashtabula, he took a business course at New Lyme, Ohio, and was associated in business with his father until 1900. He then engaged in the moving and transfer business which he operated until the time of his death, Jan. 11, 1922. The business, which is now conducted by his wife and son, is located at 1254 Main Street, and is known as the R. J. Sweet Moving & Storage Company. A specialty is made of razing smokestacks, moving boilers, etc., and there is a large fireproof warehouse in connection with the business.

On Dec. 4, 1892, Mr. Sweet was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Lovejoy at Ashtabula. She is a native of Ashtabula and a daughter of Franklin and Frances (Fox) Lovejoy. Mr. Lovejoy died when Mrs. Sweet was but 12 days old. Her mother is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lovejoy had three children: Mrs. Edith Lockwood, lives in Ashtabula; Mrs. Carbaa HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY rie Munsell, lives in Ashtabula; and Mrs. Sweet. To Mr. and Mrs. Sweet three children were born, as follows: Franklin, died at the age of seven years; Charles, died in infancy; and F. A., who lives in-Ashtabula. He was educated in the public and high schools of Ashtabula and attended Washington & Jefferson College. Before completing his college course he enlisted in the Marines during the World War and was later transferred to the Navy, and was in service for more than three years. Mr. Sweet is well known as an athlete and during his college career was a member of the basketball team, and took part in other activities. He was injured while playing basketball and was obliged to use crutches for almost a year. He was married to Miss Helen King, of Ashtabula, and they have a son, Buddy, born in 1920.

Mr. Roy J. Sweet was a Republican and the Sweet family are members of the Episcopal Church. He was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Sweet was esteemed throughout the community as a reliable business man and an excellent citizen.

Fred G. Kerger, who is successfully engaged in the grocery business at 15 Center Street, is among Ashtabula's substantial citizens. He was born in Cleveland and is the son of Martin S. and Althea (Kennedy) Kerger.

Martin S. Kerger, a native of Germany, came to this country when a young man and settled on a farm near Cleveland. He is now living retired in Jefferson, Ohio. He came to Ashtabula County in 1887, and engaged in farming in Jefferson Township until 1920. His wife was born at Georgetown, Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Kerger the following children were born: Martin A., lives at Warren, Ohio; Allie Olson, lives at Flint, Mich.; Angeline Jones, lives at Jefferson; and Fred G., the subject of this sketch.

Fred G. Kerger spent his boyhood on his father's farm and attended the Jefferson schools, and was graduated from high school in 1901. He farmed for several years and was a teacher for two years. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Jefferson from 1902 until 1905, after which he clerked in an Ashtabula grocery store for three years. Mr. Kerger then traveled for a wholesale grocery firm for two years and in 1910 engaged in business for himself. He has one of the finest grocery stores in the city and does a large volume of business.

Chauncey and Mary L. (Lawyger) Marvin, natives of Andover. Mr. Marvin died July 7, 1897, and his wife lives at Jefferson. To Mr. and Mrs. Kerger two children have been born: Raymond Franklin, born Oct. 8, 1908; and John M., born Oct. 26, 1914. They are both students.

In politics Mr. Kerger is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Gilmore Methodist Episcopal Church of Ashtabula, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Elks, Rotary Club, and the U. C. T. Mr. Kerger is a citizen who holds the high regard of the entire community.

Daniel E. Tracy, now living retired, is a substantial citizen of Ashtabula, and a member of a well known pioneer family. He was born in Addison County, Vt., April 24, 1861, and is a son of Eber B. and Sarah R. (Her- Fick), Tracy:

Eber B. Tracy was a native of Bristol, Vt., born Nov. 29, 1834, and his wife was born at Danby, Vt., in 1835. In 1865 Mr. Tracy brought his family to Ashtabula County and settled at Plymouth, where he engaged in the contracting business. He later engaged in general farming and owned 226 acres of land. Mr. Tracy died in 1918, and is buried in Plymouth Township, Ashtabula County. To Eber and Sarah R. (Herrick) Tracy one son was born, Daniel E., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Tracy was later married to Miss Alpha Cassidy, of Sheffield, Ohio, and to this union three children were born, as follows: Alice, wife of Fred Seymour, lives in Ashtabula; Raymond C.; and Clyde, deceased.

and was the owner of several barber shops. In 1915 Mr. Tracy engaged in the furniture business in Ashtabula, in which he continued for five years. The business was known as the Tracy & Rennick Furniture Company and was located at 12-14 Center Street. During its existence it was one of the leading enterprises of Ashtabula. Since 1920 Mr. Tracy has lived retired at 386 Prospect Street. This was formerly the Granger homestead and is among the attractive residences of the city.

On Feb. 10, 1885, Mr. Tracy was united in marriage with Miss Edith Runkle, a native of Ashtabula, and a daughter of Isaac L. and Fidelia F. (Hendrick) Runkle, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio. Mr. Runkle was born Nov. 27, 1824, and died Dec. 14, 1908. His wife was born Aug. 18, 1848, and lives at 11 McKinley Street, Ashtabula.

Mr. and Mrs. Runkle had three daughters; Mrs. Tracy; Carrie G. Prentice, died Feb. 9, 1907; and Alice Louth, who lives with her mother. To Mr. and Mrs. Tracy a son was born, Kenneth William, born Sept. 15, 1887. He attended the public schools of Ashtabula and was graduated from the University of Michigan in 1912. He lives at Jamaica, N. Y., where he represents the William R. Warner Company of New York city, manufacturing chemists. Kenneth William Tracy was married on July 20, 1912, to Miss Ethel Tibbetts, of Boston, Mass., and they have two children: Marion, born Aug. 29, 1917; and William, born Sept. 27, 1920.

In politics Mr. Tracy is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Elks lodge. Mr. Tracy is esteemed throughout his community as a man of integrity and uprightness of character.

J. G. Salisbury, retired, is a veteran of the Civil War and an interesting pioneer of Ashtabula County. He was born at Erie, Pa., Feb. 16, 1840, and is a son of Schuyler and Maranda (Force) Salisbury.

Schuyler Salisbury was a native of Pennsylvania and a butcher of Erie for 38 years. He died in 1898 at the age of 77 years and his wife died in 1901, at the age of 81 years. J. G., the subject of this sketch, was one of a family of ten children. He and a sister, Ida, are the only survivors.

J. G. Salisbury was reared and educated at Erie, Pa., and 1861 became a brakeman on the Lake Shore Railroad now known as the New York Central. In 1862 he enlisted in the Civil War, from Erie, Pa., in the 145th Infantry, Pennsylvania Regiment, and served three years. In 1866 he returned to railroading on Lake Shore Railroad as a brakeman. In 1867 he was promoted to conductor and was freight conductor until he was injured about 1902, when he resigned. Mr. Salisbury was at Collinwood, Ohio, on the night of the Ashtabula bridge disaster, Dec. 29, 1876, and he was sent to the scene of the disaster on the first relief train as conductor of that train, the engineers being Jeff Newell and Frank Pease, both now deceased. I. C. Reeds was the man in charge of the wrecking crew and the brakemen were John Garner, Charles Burrell and Zack Salisbury. J. G. Salisbury was personally acquainted with both engineers of the wrecked train, Daniel McGuire and Mr. Follson; the former, was badly injured and Mr. Follson died about a year after the wreck. Mr. Salisbury worked con- tinuously all that night and the following day and extricated 12 people from the wreckage. In 1899 he moved to Kingsville where he now lives, retired.

In 1888 Mr. Salisbury was married to Miss Lina Marsh of Conneaut, and to this union four children were born as follows: Schuyler Marsh, a professor at Ohio State University; Joseph Gardner, engaged in the insurance business at Ashtabula; Laura A., a teacher; and Helen, the wife of J. J. Snyder, lives at Conneaut. By a former marriage Feb. 19, 1866, to Laura Fuller, of Buffalo, N. Y., born 1843 and died April, 1885, three sons were born: William, C. Jay, and Bert, all living in Cleveland.

Mr. Salisbury is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He is widely known and is one of the leading citizens of Ashtabula County.

F. J. Nearpass, who is successfully engaged in business at North Kingsville, where he owns a garage and lunch room, is a native of Ashtabula County. He was born at South Kingsville, April 1, 1888, and is the son of I. V. and Winona (Morris) Nearpass.

I. V. Nearpass was a veteran of the Civil and Black Hawk wars. He was a native of Michigan and an early settler of Ashtabula County. For many years he owned and was editor of the Kingsville Tribune. Mr. Nearpass made four trips west after the Civil War and his companion, Frank Kirkwood, was killed by the Indians while enroute to California. Mr. Nearpass died in 1904. His wife, who died in 1928, was the daughter of Dr. J. L. Morris, Kingsville's pioneer physician and surgeon. To Mr. and Mrs. Nearpass one son was born, F. J., the subject of this sketch.

F. J. Nearpass received his education in the schools of Kingsville and began his career as a mechanic in Ashtabula, which trade he followed for seven years. He was employed by the Ashtabula Fork & Hoe Company and the Phoenix Iron Company. In 1921 Mr. Nearpass engaged in his present business on North Ridge Road, which he and his wife purchased from Mrs. Celia Morse. He has an uptodate garage and does general repair work. There is also a filling station in connection with the garage. Mrs. Nearpass conducts the restaurant, which is first class and well patronized. Both the garage and restaurant are on the-same property. The brick building on this property was the first of its kind to be built at North Kingsville, having been built in 1860. The upper portion of the

On Sept. 30, 1909, Mr. Nearpass was married to Miss Charlotte Harmon, the daughter of Reuben and Charlotte (Hammond) Harmon. Mr. Harmon was born at North Kingsville in 1858 and his family is among the leading pioneer families of Ashtabula County. Mr. Harmon now lives 'retired on his farm of 35 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Nearpass have a daughter, Charlotte Jane, who was born in 1916.

Mr. Nearpass is identified with the Republican party, and he and his family are members of the Presbyterian church. He is a public spirited and progressive business man and has many friends and acquaintances.

R. W. Knowlton, a prominent business man of Ashtabula, engaged in the drug business at 40 Depot Street, is a native of Ashtabula County and a member of one of the county's oldest and most prominent families. He was born at Rock Creek, Ohio, Feb. 22, 1867, and is the son of Stephen and Mary (Payne) Knowlton.

Stephen Knowlton was born on a farm in Morgan Township, Ashtabula County, in 1824, the son of Calvin Knowlton, who was the son of Stephen Knowlton, a native of Connecticut and a soldier of the Revolutionary War. Stephen Knowlton was a member of the 5th Company, Colonel Spencer's Regiment of Connecticut Militia. - Calvin Knowlton was born in 1783 and was a farmer all his life. His son, Stephen, also engaged in farming and stock raising and died at the age of 84 years. His wife, a native of Orange County, N. Y., died at the age of 74 years. The first frame house to be erected in Morgan Township was built by Calvin Knowlton on May 30, 1830, after he had moved his family to Ashtabula County from Connecticut by oxen teams. To Stephen and Mary (Payne) Knowlton three children were born, as follows: Dwight, died at the age of two and one-half years; K. P., born in 1865, married Addie Brockway, and they live at Rock Creek, Ohio; and R. W., the subject of this sketch.

R. W. Knowlton received his education in the public schools of Ashtabula County and studied pharmacy in Chicago. In 1901 he established himself in business at Ashtabula, and now owns one of the fine and up-todate drug stores of the city. Mr. Knowlton has lived in Ashtabula since 1895.

In 1895 Mr. Knowlton was married to Miss Jeanette Fortune, a native of Scotland, born in 1870, and the daughter of George and Isabella (Hunter)

Fortune, who came to this country in 1880, locating in Canada. Later, they removed to Conneaut, Ohio, where Mr. Fortune engaged in the building business. He died in 1923 and his wife lives at Conneaut. Mr. and Mrs. Fortune were the parents of the following children: Cornelius, born in 1868, married Hattie Oakes; Mrs. Knowlton; Margaret, born in 1872, married W. K. Wood; James, born in 1874, married Delia Richards, lives at Mansfield, Ohio; William, born in 1877, married Grace Tate, lives at Conneat; George, born in 1882, lives at Lorain, Ohio, married Pearl Montigney ; and John, born April 29, 1884, married Ruby Loomis, lives at Conneaut. To R. W. and Jeanette (Fortune) Knowlton three children have been born, as follows: Robert F., born in 1897, married on Nov. 17, 1923, to Florence Kugel, lives in Cleveland; Neal A., born in 1899, at home; and Margaret E., born in 1903, at home.

Mr. Knowlton is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Rotary Club. He is a man of progressive ideas in his business and a citizen of whom the community is proud.

Henry Harrison Starkweather. The family of Starkweather was founded by Robert Starkweather, born in Wales, Scotland, or the Isle of Man, who settled in Roxbury, Mass., as early as 1640. He owned land in that place and, according to tradition, also in Boston, a part of what is now known as "Cornhill". He eventually disposed of his estates in Boston and Roxbury and moved to Ipswich, Mass., where he died. He married Jennett Roberts, daughter of John Roberts, of Roxbury, and they were the parents of four children.

John Starkweather, son of Robert Starkweather, was born in Roxbury, Mass., and was baptized there Aug. 2, 1646, and died Aug. 21, 1703. His wife, Ann, died in Preston, Conn., in 1727, the mother of seven children.

Thomas Starkweather, son of John Starkweather, was born probably at Ipswich, Mass., about 1677, and died in Preston, Conn., April 3, 1751, where he seems to have lived for many years. He was a land owner in that place as early as 1702. He and his wife, Patience, had ten children.

Daniel Starkweather, son of Thomas Starkweather, was born at Preston, Conn., and there baptized Feb. 15, 1722. He married, March 26, 1746, Mary Geer, daughter of John and Zerviah Geer, who were born in Preston, Conn., Oct. 11, 1727. They were the parents of ten children.

Billings Starkweather, son of Daniel Starkweather, was born in Preston, Conn., Aug. 12, 1764. He resided in Preston, Shaftsburg, Bennington County, Vt., and Hune, Allegany County, N. Y. He enlisted in Captain Hutchins' Vermont Militia and served for six months, again enlisting in Captain Stark's Company and serving for 11 months. He was honorably discharged when peace was declared. He drew a pension of $20.00 per annum from April 7, 1837, to June 11, 1846, when it was increased to $34.88 per annum. The Starkweather Genealogy, from which the foregoing facts are taken, has no record of his marriage or of his children. The following facts are from data in the possession of his descendants. Billings Starkweather died in Saybrook, Ohio, in 1856, and was buried in the rear of the Baptist Church, now where the Ashtabula Public Library stands. Among his children were: George, who was a resident of Jefferson, Ohio, and who had descendants in Erie, Pa.; Chauncey; a daughter who married a Wickham, and had at least one son, Dr. W. W. Wickham, who, at his death, lived with his daughter, the wife of Dr. W. B. Kreider, of Goshen, Ind.; Isaac Gottlieb; and Sylvester, lived in Connecticut.

Isaac Gottlieb Starkweather, son of Billings Starkweather, was born March 4, 1815, and died March 22, 1897. He was for at least 55 years a resident of one locality, and for 25 years or more lived on the same farm. He was an interesting, exemplary character of artistic tendencies, and his home, presided over by his sweet, gracious helpmate, was always open to every wayfarer. He is recalled by a grandchild as a great friend of children, for whom he often whittled toys and animals, and he was a lover of music, possessed of a good singing voice. He married first in Portage, N. Y., at the age of 20 years, Marilla Barlow, who died in November, 1842. Isaac Gottlieb Starkweather married second on Nov. 24, 1843, Ann Janet Downing, a girl of 18 years, and two years later they came overland by team, settling in Saybrook, Ohio, on the shore of Lake Erie, about five miles from Ashtabula Harbor. Ann Janet (Downing) Starkweather's death followed her husband's in the same year, Dec. 18, 1897, at the home of her daughter, Lorraine, and it is said of her that she was never happy or contented after his death. The children of Isaac G. Starkweather's first marriage were: Emmeline, married Charles Colburn; Emerette, married Reuben Knox, and had four children, Howard, of Erie Pa., Bert, of Saybrook, Ohio, Carrie and Belle; Henry Harrison, the subject of this sketch. The children of Isaac G. Starkweather's second marriage were: Marilla, born Nov. 29, 1845, died May 12, 1920, married William Butcher, and had five children: Jerome, born in 1846, died from black measles in the Cleveland Hospital, March 24, 1864. He enlisted in the Sixth Regiment of Ohio Cavalry as a bugler, and in the Battle of Gettysburg was wounded; Mariette, born in 1847, married James Rowley, and resides in Sentinel, Ohio, with her only child, Flora, wife of George Munger; Fanny, born in 1848, married Ed Welton, and met a tragic death by fire in the winter of 1883-4, survived by a number of small children, some of whom are now residents of Ashtabula; Ella, married M. L. Atwater, and lived in Rock Creek, Ohio, for the greater part of her married life. She had four or five children, one of whom, Ralph, lives in Akron, Ohio; Lorraine, married Emory Latimer, she has two children, both of whom are married; Ellsworth, married Mary Wormel, and they are residents of Ashtabula, their three sons all married.

Henry Harrison Starkweather, the subject of this sketch, son of Isaac G. Starkweather, was born in Portage, N. Y., Feb. 22, 1840. His mother's death from typhoid fever occurred when he was a child of not quite three years of age, and his early life was spent on the home farm. Even as a boy he was a strong and fearless, yet gentle character, and struggled for the meager education it was possible to get between the long hours necessary for chores before and after school, and the additional discharge of a long walk to the schoolhouse. He had a keen, observing and retentive mind, and was able to sift the grain from the chaff in his early study. On Sept. 18, 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army, and became a member of the Eleventh New York Battery. He was wounded in action at Manassas Station at the beginning of the second Battle of Bull Run, and was diseharged from the army because of resulting physical disability, Feb. 5, 1863. After his recuperation he joined the army of the west and served through the remaining years of the war as wagon master. The patriotism that sent him back into the service after serious injury was a distinguishing mark throughout his entire life. After being mustered out of the service he returned to the home farm.

The next few years were spent in various lines, including a partnership with B. M. Barber in the sale of pumps and harvesters, and a contract for cutting timber on the Ashtabula river flats, which occupied about one year. When the Nickel Plate road was built through this section he held the grading contract under Mr. Hepburn, the engineer in charge, and this gentleman was so impressed with Mr. Starkweather's energy and initiative that he wished him to continue in railroad construction with him. This was the great business opportunity of Mr. Starkweather's life, and he was strongly tempted to accept, but his father's approaching old age and need for the aid and counsel of his son were the determining factors in his rejection of this offer. His filial affection and practical devotion were beautiful to behold, and day after day, upon the completion of his own duties, he would drive five miles to advise and help his father.

In 1880 Mr. Starkweather entered into a partnership with his old associate, B. N. Barber, in the lumber and stave business, later devoting himself entirely to his general contracting business. He was connected with the Ford brothers and Mr. Redhead in the development of that part of the city lying east of the river at the harbor, and at the time of his death was associated with Elon G. Pulman. During the years of his residence in Ashtabula he was the chief builder of the city streets, and perhaps 90 percent of the pavement that was laid here during his lifetime was built under his direction. Of this fact he was justly proud. King Street, on which his residence stood, was almost entirely the product of his energy, even to the planting of the trees along its entire length, and all Ashtabula is honeycombed with his work in streets, sewers, and pavements. He also built a large number of residences in the city, and in every way showed his belief in the future development and prosperity of Ashtabula. He was street commissioner of the city for a term of six years, receiving in his | candidacy for his second term the support of both of the leading parties.

Mr. Starkweather was a man of genial, sociable nature, well liked by ; all of his associates, and it is said of him that while he insisted on diligent _ service from his employes, no employer held more implicitly the confidence . of his men, and none had less trouble in securing their services. His quickness of temper was forgotten in his unfailing justice, and his ringing laugh was a most pleasing, heartening sound. He was particularly fond of children, and his road cart was usually filled with his little friends. His word given in business or personal relation he considered a sacred obligation, and no sacrifice or privation was too great in support of his pledged word. His life was filled with good works quietly performed. It was his beautiful team that drew the fire engine to the scene of the Ashtabula bridge disaster and for more than 50 hours he worked tirelessly to relieve the sufferers, bringing many of the stricken to the warmth and shelter of his own home. His daughter writes of him: "He was a dear, loving, loyal son, husband and father," and the words of his fellow citizens bear out amply this estimate of his character.

son, who was born in Watervliet, N. Y., March 4, 1842, and died Feb. 25, 1919. She was the daughter of Isaac Henry and Eliza (Ferguson) Johnson. Mrs. Starkweather came to Ashtabula with her parents and seven brothers when a girl of 16 years. She had been a teacher in the east and soon took up that calling in Ohio, teaching for a time in Saybrook, and then in the Ashtabula public schools until her marriage. "She was of a beautiful, serene Christian character, and loved by everyone who knew her'. Isaac Henry Johnson, probably of Holland parentage, was a prosperous farmer and the father of a family of boys whose records in active life are those of useful and successful citizens. Isaac Henry Johnson was a lover of horses, and always had a spirited team in which he took great pride. His wife was a loyal member of the Methodist Church, a woman of many good works.

A. L. Johnson, a brother of Mrs. Henry Harrison Starkweather, was a very distinguished citizen of Ohio and Indiana for many years. He was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., and at the age of 12 years came to Ashtabula with his parents. At an early age he became interested in the lumber business and owned and operated a wood factory at Bluffton, Ind., and later engaged in the hardwood lumber business at Montpelier, Ind., with J. T. Arnold, under the firm name of A. L. Johnson & Company. In 1880 he went to Muncie, Ind., where he made his home the remainder of his life, and where he established a hardwood lumber mill. In 1884 he formed a partnership with William F. Hitchcock and founded a factory for the manufacture of skewers and other hardwood products. This plant was known as the Muncie Skewer Company. Mr. Johnson was a devout member of the First Baptist Church, a trustee of the Y. M. C. A., a member of the Board of Governors of the Muncie Home Hospital and president of the Delaware Country Club. He was also a 33rd degree Mason and a member of the Muncie Rotary Club. Mr. Johnson died at the age of 70 years and is buried in Muncie, Ind. -

To Henry Harrison and Sarah Marie (Johnson) Starkweather three children were born, as follows: Martha Jeanette, lives at 28 Park Street, Ashtabula; Harrison Henry, married Ella Crotts and they have two daughters, Audrey Marie and Thora Jean; and Mayme Audrey, born Oct. 27, 1876, died April 16, 1906. She was married on Aug. 17, 1897, to Marriott A. Soules.

Mr. Starkweather while engaged in the paving of South Main Street, Ashtabula, was struck by a railroad train on the morning of Nov. 2, 1906, and died in an ambulance while being taken to the hospital. His death came with crushing force to his family and cast a pall of sorrow over the entire community. He and his wife, who survived him 15 years, are buried in Edgewood Cemetery, where a beautiful monument marks their last resting place:

Joseph Murcerio, who owns and operates the Ashtabula Market House, is a progressive young business man of that section. He is a native of Italy, born April 13, 1891, and the son of Joseph and, Theresa Murcerio. In 1901 Joseph Murcerio, Sr., came to this country and located in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he engaged in business. He is now deceased.

Joseph Murcerio came to the United States with his father in 1901, and remained in Pittsburgh until 1914, at which time he removed to Ashtabula. Four years later he engaged in business at 28 Spring Street, where he remained until February, 1922. Mr. Murcerio's present place of business at 185 Main Street, which is known as the Ashtabula Market House, is the only market of its kind in the city. He deals in groceries, meats, vegetables and fresh fruits.

On Feb. 4, 1912, Mr. Murcerio was married to Miss Sadie Chieramont, the daughter of Joseph and Josephine Chieramont. Mr. and Mrs. Murcerio have two children: Theresa, born Dec. 23, 1919; and Josephine, born Jan. LY 1922:

R. E. Fowler, proprietor of the Elmwood Fruit Farm, ranks among the leading fruit farmers of Ashtabula County. He was born on North Ridge Road, one mile west of North Kingsville, March 2, 1879, and is a son of Henry W. and Ella Frances (Harmon) Fowler.

Henry W. Fowler, who lives retired, was born in Conneaut Township, Ashtabula County, is engaged in dairy farming and for many years has met with success. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have four children as follows: R. E., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Martell, North Kingsville Village; William, deceased; and one child died in infancy.

R. E. Fowler received his education in the Kingsville schools and also attended Spencerian Business College in Cleveland. He engaged in dairy farming with his father until 1913, at which time he became interested in the fruit business. Mr. Fowler now owns three fruit farms, which total 92 acres.

In 1899 Mr. Fowler was married to Miss Pearl Jacobs, a native of Gambier, Ohio, and a daughter of Alonzo and Catherine Jacobs. Mr. Jacobs died in 1909. He was a veteran of the Civil War and a leading merchant of Gambier for 40 years. His son, L. H. Jacobs, now owns and operates the shoe business there which was established by his father. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs had three children: H. C., lives in Chicago; Mrs. Fowler; and L. H., who married Frances Young of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have two sons: Harold, born Nov. 18, 1900, lives at home, and Theodore Alonzo, born May 16, 1903, was married May 29, 1922, to Virginia Sturgeon and two children have been born to them, Theodore Allen and Donna May. Theodore Alonzo is engaged in farming with his father.

Mr. Fowler is a Republican and belongs to the Masonic lodge. He is recognized as one of the representative and substantial citizens of this county and the Fowler family are highly respected citizens of the county.

Mrs. R.-E. Fowler is interested in the breeding of Chinese Chows and she has won many ribbons at various dog shows. The dogs are highly valued and during the past year Mrs. Fowler sold several puppies, the sale of which totaled $1,100.00. Mr. Fowler is a breeder of Black Silver Foxes, having paid $3,000.00 for his first pair.

C. M. Peck, rural mail carrier out of Kingsville, is a substantial and highly esteemed citizen of Ashtabula County. He was born at Kingsville, Oct. 17, 1860, and is the son of Anson and Ellen (Loomis) Peck.

Anson Peck was an early settler of Ashtabula County. He lived at Kingsville for many years and was a wagon maker by trade. He died in 1920, and his wife died in 1917.

C. M. Peck received his education in the schools of Charlestown, Ohio, and also attended the old academy at Kingsville. For a number of years he was employed at the basket factory there and later engaged in the general merchandise business. After being in business for 15 years, Mr. Peck became a rural mail carrier in 1910 and has since served in that capacity.

In 1882, Mr. Peck was married to Miss May Morris, a native of Charlestown, Ohio, and a daughter of S. B. and Sophia (Brown) Morris. Mr. Morris died in 1918 and his wife died in 1923. They were the parents of two children: Mrs. Peck; and Mrs. R. H. Richa, whose husband is a professor of English in the University of Kansas. To C. M. and. May (Morris) Peck five children have been born as follows: Carl M., married Jessie Sheldon, lives in Ashtabula, has one son, Sheldon; Raymond, principal of the high school at Garrettsville, Ohio, married Frances Karnes ; Nora; Ellen, lives in Columbus; Lucile, wife of Z. J. Davis, postmaster at Kingsville, has four children, Allen, Stanley, Rosamond and Elizabeth ; Zada, wife Homer C. Porter, lives at Kingsville, and has five children, Charles, Raymond, Jean, Rachel and Fay.

M. K. Udell, who is successfully engaged in the taxi. business, is a well known citizen and a member of one of Ashtabula County's honored pioneer families. He was born in Ashtabula, May 3, 1883, and is the son of Benjamin Franklin and Nellie (Wakefield) Udell.

Benjamin Franklin Udell was a native of Ashtabula County, born Jan. 7, 1829, and the son of Frederick Udell, who was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1781. At an early date Frederick Udel came to Ohio and settled on the banks of the Mills Creek in Ashtabula. He owned one of the early day inns and was also a farmer, having entered a quarter of a section of land between Jefferson and Ashtabula. Mr. Udell was a prominent church worker of his time and walked between 12 and 15 miles each Sunday to attend services. John Udell, a brother of Frederick, was also widely known as one of the pioneers of the county. He wrote a history of his travels and experiences, which he believed would be of great value to the early day traveler. Mr. Udell made many trips across the county to California and his records show that he traveled 110,000 miles, 16,000 miles of which he walked. .

Benjamin Franklin Udell was a farmer during his life and died in 1914. His wife, who was born at Plymouth, Ohio, July 30, 1844, is still living on the home place in Jefferson. Mr. and Mrs. Udell had three sons as follows: Benjamin, born Aug. 17, 1875, a farmer, lives at Jefferson, married Miss Cornelia Battington; Henry, born Oct. 25, 1879, a locomotive engineer, lives at Cleveland, married Lottie Freeman, and they have three children, Henry, Mary and Grace; and M. K., the subject of this sketch.

M. K. Udell spent his boyhood on his father's farm and received his education in the public schools of Jefferson. He engaged in farming when a young man and later was employed in Ashtabula as a street car conductor. For three years he was a fireman on the New York Central Railroad and in 1908 engaged in the grocery and meat business at 23 Station Street, which he conducted successfully for 11 years. In 1919 Mr. Udell became interested in the taxi business in Ashtabula and was located at 23 Station Street. In 1921 he built a garage, 120x35 feet at 49 Station Street, where he is at present located. He owns and operates seven large automobiles and does a large volume of business throughout the city. Mr. Udell claims he was the first man in the community to lower taxi rates, his fare from uptown to the depot being only 15 cents. His mileage rate is also 15 cents per mile.

On Feb. 17, 1908, Mr. Udell was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Kelley, a native of Erie, Pa., and the daughter of James and Anna Kelley, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Udell have two sons: Richard, born in August, 1909; and Donald, born Feb. 18, 1914.

G. N. Crowther, an enterprising and successful young merchant of North Kingsville and postmaster of that place, was born in that village, March 6, 1896, and is the son of C. E. and Elizabeth (Lyon) Crowther.

C. E. Crowther was a native of Kingsville, born in 1856. He was a prominent fruit farmer of Ashtabula County for many years and retired in 1920. Mr. Crowther died Aug. 4, 1924, and his wife died Nov. 16, 1924, both are buried in East Lake Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Crowther were the parents of the following children: Herman E., lives at Jefferson, Ohio, married Ida Powers, and they have a daughter, Harriet; Catherine, married C. D. Force, lives at North Kingsville, Ohio, and they have five children, Robert, Elizabeth, Charles, Glenn and Homer; C. V., lives in Cleveland, married Miss Sylva Mullen of Alliance, Ohio; and G. N., the subject of this sketch.