Portage County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1885 (part 4 of 14)

JOHN CKOSS, foreman New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad woodmachine shops, Kent, was born in the city of Ely, Cambridgeshire, England May 1, 1835, son of John and Elizabeth (Norman) Cross. He was reared and ednoated in his native plaoe^ where he learned the trade of brick mason, serving an apprenticeship of sevpn yoars. He landed in New York City April 1, 18W, whore ho romninod until the breaking oat of the war of the Rohellion, when he enli8ted,May 1,1861, in Company £, Sixty-seventh New York Infantry, serring until Janoaiy 1, 1868, at whioh date be was di8obai^;ed at Lincoin Hospital, Wa6hin{!:tou, D. C, by reason of bning appointed Hospital Steward in the United States Army. Ho ro- enlisted January '23, 18^53. for five years, aud served as Hospital Steward up to August 22, 1805, when he was honorably diseharged. He was married, December 17, 1856, to Sarah B., daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (Watkinson) Pearson, of Ely, England, by whom he had two children: Alexander and Sarah. Mr. Cross located in Kent, tliia county, in October, 1865, and entered the employ of the Atlantic & Groat Western, now New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad Company, with whom he baa been engaged to the present time, and since 1871 he haa held his present position as foreman of the wood machinery shops of the company. He and his wife aro members of the Univorsalist Church. Mr. Cross was olectpd to the Council of Kent in the spring of 1883. He is a F. & A. M., aud a member of the O. A. B. In politiea he ia a Demoerat

GEORGE W. DEAN, nurseryman, Kent, was born in Wayne Township, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, August 20, 1820, son of Horatio G. and Rebecca (Forbes) Dean, natives of Massachusetts, the former coming to Ashtabula County, Ohio^ about 1816, the latterin 1806. The paternal grandfather of oar snbjeei was Abia« iher Dean, of Massachusetts, and his maternal grandfather was Nathan Forbes, who settled in Wayne Township, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1800. Our subject was reared in his native township, and educated in the common schools and the academy at Farmington, Ohia His father being a shoe-maker, our subject engaged in that trade in his native town and in Auburn, Ohio, ontil thirty- five years of age. In the winter of 1S55 ho embarked, in Troy, Geauga Co., Ohio, in the nursery business, which he carried on there for eight yoars. In 1864 he removed to Franklin Township, this county, where he has been engaged to the fveaent time keeping a general nnraery afcoek, and up to 1874 he carried a fiorists' stock. Besides horticulture Mr. Dean ha.H of late interested himself in several branches of natural science, and has collections in marine, fresh water und land sheila, carefally selected and systematically classified and arranged. Mr. Dean was married September 1, 1852, to Maria, daughter of Col. Drayton Jonee, of Wayne Township, formerly of Connectiont,'and haa one daughter - ^Lillian, lur. Dean ia an aotive member of the Ooonty Horticultural Society, of whioh he was Yioe-Preaident for aeveral years. In politics he is a Republican.

GEORGE DEWEY, farmer, P. O. Kent, was born in Chester, Mass., September 10, 1801, sou of Stephen aud Persus (Morgan) Dewey, who settled in thia oonnty in 1824, locating in Franklin Townahip on land now owned by our subject and Samuel Beckwith, and where Stephen Dowoy died in 1S31. He had nine children: Morgan, Edwin, Electa, .\lmena, Julia, Editha, George, lioland and Alouzo, all now deceased except George and Roland. The subject of ttiia aketeh haa lived on the farm where he now reBidea aixty years, and ilanijhtor of Chrmiicov Moaley, of WosLfioUl, Afrits. By this union there were nine cbildiL'n, four now living: Margaret (Mi-s. Dr. I. S. King, of Montcalm County, Mich), George, Jr., Mary and Hattie (Mrs. Orlando Stewart, of Mbntoalm Ckranty, Mioh.). The deoeaaed are Jane» OUnton, Eluabeth, latej and Sarah. Of these Clinton diod in hospital at Na.shville, Tenu., dnrin^rthe late war of the Rebellion, leaving one child - Estnlle (Mrs. Ralph Dibblo. who has one child - Mary). Our subject is a membor of the Portage County Pioneer Society, and haa neld Tarioiis offieee in the gift of the townahip. Jn poli* tics he is a Republican.

FRED L. DUNNING, painter, Kent, was bom in Brimfield Township, this county, May 23, 1833, sou of Samuel L. and Sman H. ^Boetwick) Donning. Hia paternal grandfafher was Squire Danning, fmrmerly of New ho lived and died. He had four chiltlron: Almuii S., Snmucl L. (deceased), Almira (Mrs. E. Mouitpn) and Eliza (^deceased;. The maternal grandfather of omr subject wat Aahbel Bostwick, also from New England, who came to BaTenna Towiuhip about 1827, where he is said to have built the first frame house. Samuel L. Dunning, the father of our subject, was married Decomb^r 25, 1830, and the same year settled in Brimlield Township, this county. He was a carpenter by trade, though interested in farming, and always owned a farm mttil a short time before hia death. In 1842 he located in Franklin Mills (now Kent), t}iis county, and manufactured plows, being chiefly enga^^nd in that business for many years. He died Jnuunry 81, 1858. in bis tiftii th year, and his widow September 30, 1880, at the age of sixty-live. They had aix children, of whom the anbject of thia sketch ia the only one now living. He received a limited education in the common schools, and when fourteen years of age entered his fntber's foundry, where he worked until 1862. He served throe years in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting August 2, 1862, in Company F, Forty-fifth Ohio Yolnnteer Infantry. He was mnatered into the service as Corporal, but was promoted to Seoctfld Iiieotenant^ then Fini Lieutenant, and finally Captain. He was at the siege of Knoxviile, Tenn., twenty-two days, under the command of Gen. Burnside, and surrounded by Long»treet*e army, in the bafetlea of Franklin and Naahirille, Tenn., and in all the engagemenlH in which his regiment participated. For a time his le^- imont was mountml aiul detailed as the ndvance wouIb of Bumside^s army, with orders to never lose sight of the liebeis, and were sometimes twenty miles ahead of the army. He was with Sherman at Atlanta, Ga., then under Qen. Thomas till the close of the war, and was honorably discharged at Camp Harker, Teini., Aun^nst \2, 1805, when ho returned to Kent, since which time he has followed painting as an occupation in the car shops of that city. His first wife was Ann M. Fessonden, of Kent, by whom he had two children : Ella M. (Hire. Arthur Olin), and Cora (deceased). His eecond wife was Clara Fowler, and his present wife is Ellen, dau^^diter of Hiram and Clarissa f Mearham) Spencer, of Siiffiekl. this county. Tn politics Capt. Dunning is a stanch iiepnblioan. He is an active member of the K. of ii. and the G. A. li.

JOHN O. EVANS, merchant tailor, Kent^ waa bom in Oardijnnahire, Soafli Wales, December 25, 1845; son of John and Eleanor (Evans) Evans. He was reared and educated in his native land, where ho 8erve<l an apprenticeship of three years to the tailor's trade. In 1S66 he came to America and located in Pittaborgh, Penn., where he worked aa a jonmeyman tailor for aeven yeara From there he went to Butler, Penn., as cutter with'D. L. Byerer, which position he held five yean. He then embarked in the merchant tailoring bosi* years, when they removed to Akron, Ohio, and remained six montha, divided their ntock. anil in SHptember, 1880, our subject located in Kent. He was married September 13, 1^68, to Annie Mortimer, of Pittaburgh, by whom be has three ebildreo Kviiig: Rebecca, John O., Jr.» and Denniaon M. Mr. and lire. Eraoe are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Oar subject ia a member of the E. of P. and the I. O. O. F.; he ia a F. & A. M.; in politiea, a Republican.

JOHN A. FELT, maohiniat and manufaotnver of the Acme Paint Bnmer, Kent, was born in Petorboro, HiliabosFOOgh Oou, N. H., May 8, 1837, son of Sto]>hon and Mary K. (Ames) Felt. He was reared and learned his trade in Peterlxjro. In 1855 he came to Ohio, locating in Norwalk, and working in the Lake Shore Kailroad Shops for eleven years; then he moved to Fairfidd, Huron Ooanty, where he remained one year, and in 18G7 located in Kent, whore ht- has been employed as a machinist in the railroad shops to the present time. On October 3, ISS2, he received a patent on the Acrao Paint Burner, designed to remove old paint from railroad cars, vehicles, furniture, etc., and haa since been engaged in the mannfaotare of the aame. Mr. Felt was mar. ried, August 1, 1860, to Emma A. Willey, of Norwalk, Ohio, by whom he has two children: Corn A and £imer J. He ia an active member of the L O. O. F. In politics a Iiei)ublican.

BTRON FERREY, farmer, P. O. Kent, waa born in Franklin Townahip, ihia county, St pteraber 7, 1840; son of Aaron sod Mtuj (Dickinson) Ferrey, natives of MassachuBetts. Aaron Forrey waa twice married, and l)y his first wife, Elizabeth (Goodrich) Ferrey, he had eleven children, and by his second marriage (with Hary Bickinaon) he had two children^Eliza, wife of Henry A. Swan, and Byron. He settled in Franklin Township, this county, about 1832, locating on the farm now owned by Harley Judson, whore he lived about twenty years, when he removed to Kent and resided there until his death. He died in 1860, at the age of seventy eight. Our snbjeet has always lived in hia native township, where be was reared and educated. He was married, September 5. 1870, to Hannah, daughter of Harley and Chloe (LoomiH) Judson, of Franklin Township, this county, by whom he has three children : Minnie. Charlie J. and Georgia M. Mr. Ferrey is a representative farmer of Franklin Township; in politica be is a Demowai

FREDERICK FOOTE. qrocor, Kent, was born in Wood Comity, Ohio, November 14, 1835; son of Eimphroditus and Charlotte M. (Smith) Foote, former of whom settled in Wood County in 1827, and there lived until his death. Owt sobject waa reared on hia father*B farm and educated in tiie common schools. He farmed in his native county up to 1863, after which he served as a clerk in a general store till 1872. when he located in Kent and engaged in mercantile business with £. A. Parsons. November 1, 1873, he became maneuver of the Kent co-operative store, but in January, 1882, he embarked in tibe grocery business with C. F. Sawyer. October 1. l^'^B, Robert Reed became associated with him under the firm name of Foot** «fe Reed, one of the leading grocery firms of Kent Mr. Foote married, September 2, 1872, Alice, danghter of Freeman and Mercy A. (Lincoln) tJnderwood, of Brimfield, by whom he has had three children : Ernest N. (decease<l), Mary L. ami Cnrl F. He is a membor of tho R. A. nnd is a F. & A. M. ; has been Treasurer of the Township Corporation and a member of the School Board. In politica he is a Democrat

Furry. His paternal grandfaUier was John Fnrry, a native of ^ Pongh. keepaie, N. Y., who settled in Brimtield Towoship. this county, in 1810, >vlu>ro iio livpd nnd died, and whose wife was Julia A. Harris, a native of Philadelphia, by whom he had eight children: Joseph (deceased), William (deceased), Mooney (deceased), Ann (Mrs. Edward Boasell), Henry T., Laoy J. (deoeased), Mary J. (Mrs. George Ogle), and an infant son (deceased). The maternal grandfather of our subject was Edward lluHsell, an early settler of Brirafield Township, this county. The children of William Furry were Qeorge A., Helen E. (Mrs. David Tucker, of Kent), Lucy (Mrs. Theodore Oampbell, of Kent), and Wallaee W., of Oleteland. Oar anbjeot, after he became of age, farmed until April, 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was in the battles of Cross Lane, Winchester, Antietam, Chancel ioraville, Gettysburg, Cedar Mountain, Lookont Ifonntain, Ringgold, Resaea, Peaofa Tree Creek, and many other engagements, and was honorably discharged June 0, 1864. In that year he went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y. . where he attended the Eastman Business College for six months, thence went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he served as Clerk in the distributing department in the poetoffioe in that city; then retnmed to this oonnty and served as Clerk in Streetaboro. In 1878 he embarked in the grocery business in Kent, with George L. Stauffer, Esq., in which he ha?? since been successully engaged. He was married, May 19, 1870, to Lucy, daughter of James and Maria (Hopkins) Woodard, of Kent, by whom he has one child - ^Mattie M. Mr. Forry is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Q. A. &, and B. A. In politics he is a stanch Bepublioan.

WILLIA3I R. GAKDNEK, baker, Kent, was born in Brimfield Township, this county, December 30, son of John V. and tSarah A. (Spear) Gardner, natires of Masaadraaetts, who settled in Brimfield Township in 1817, where they lived until February, 1888, when Mrs. Sarah A. Gardner died. John V. Gardner then, in 188'.). removed to Franklin ^Slills (now KentK where he embarked in mercantile business, in which he was engaged for several years. He died April 7, 1878, in his ninety-first year. He served as Justice of the Peace of Brimfield for fifteen years, also in Franklin abont the same length of time. He was married first to Sarah A. Spear, by whom he had nine children, seven of whom grew to manhood aud womanhood: John V. R. , Eliza and Julia Ann E. (deceased), William B., Bouben F. (deceased), iieuben F., Abigail L. (Mrs. John Morris), Caroline A. (Mrs. O. C. Holden), Sarah F. (Mrs. Nonrse). Then, in March, 1830, J. Y. Gardner was married to Margaret Beatty, nee Haymaker, by whom he had three children: George I)., Mary (Mrs. George Staufier) and Estella (Mrs. Mark Chase). The subject of this sketoh was reared in wimfield Township, and in 1889 oame to Kent with his parents and entered his father's store. He waa wiUi D. P. Bhodes, of Cleveland, for several years, and embarked in his present business in 1870. He was married, in 1851, to Sarah E. De Moss, of Coshocton, Ohio, by whom he has two children: John V. and Lewis D. Mr. Gardner one of the snbetantial business men of Kent. In politics he is a Bepnhlican.

CHAliLES A. GARRISON, veterinary surgeon, Kent, was born in Stowe Township, Summit Co., Ohio, August IS, 1842; son of James and Hannah (Walker) Garrison, who settled in Stowe Township about 1828-30, where they cleared and improTed a oonple of farms. They had aiz children: William, who died in the service of the Union, during the lato war of the Rebellion; Charles A.; Alice, wife of William Grubb; Fannie, wife of Henry Minnich; Maxwell; and Edward (deceased). The paternal grandfather of our subject was Joseph Gairison, a native of Pennsylvania, and an early aetUcr of Deer- native of Vilginia, was one of the first settlers of Stowe Township. Our subject was fpared in his native township, and pclncated in the Kent Hiju'li School, and at Twinsburg Institateu In 1875 he went to Seville, Ohio, and studied veterinary snrgery with Dr. Milleri of that place, with whom he remained three jears, and in 1878 entered the Ontario Veterinary College, Toronto, Canada, where he took a two-years' course of instruction. In 1880 he commenced the practice of his profession in Kent, where he has done a successful business to the present time. He was married Augu&t 18, 1804, to Mattie, dani^bter of William and Margaret Beeae, of Franklin Township, this county, by whom ho has three children livinp^: Frank|Maz and Minnio. Mr. Garrison and wifp are moinbers of the Di.sci[)le8 Church. In politics he is a Domocrat.

SENECA GREEN, farmer, P. O. Kent, was bom in Hampshire County, Haaa., Oetobctr 8, 1806; aon of (Hark and Snlmiit (Hastings) G^reen, natives of Massachusetts. He was reared on a farm until fourteen years of age, and then served an apprenticeship of six years at the shoe-makeif?' trade, afterward working in North Lee, Mass., as a joorneyman one year; then embarked in bnaineaa for himself in South Lee, where be was engaged up to 1886. In the fall of the same year he came to Ohio, and in February, 1S87, bought the farm where he now resides. There was n ]ihink cabin and a small bnrn on the place when he purchased it. In 1842 he erected a good barn, and in 1844 bnilthis present lesidenee. Mr. Oreen has been twiee married, bit first wife being Sarah Spellman, of Monterey, Mass., to whom he was married Ootober 3, 1832. She died May B, 1834. February 2«, 1836, Mr. Green next married Mary A. Holt, of Aunterlitz, N. Y., and the issue of this union was six children: Sarah (Mrs. H. L. Bnssell); Stephen; Spellman; Ann (Mrs. Q. H. Taylor), in Lansing, Mich.; Mary {Mrs. A. A. Roes) in Mount Vernon, Ohia, and George B., residing at home, who was married October 21, 1S74. to Clara, daughter of James D. and Mary R. (Olin) Haymaker, of Franklin, and by her he has two children - Mabel A. and James S. Our subject lost his second wife Jnne 6, 1870, in her sixty-fifth year. Mr. Green is one of the represent* ative farmers of Franklin Township. In politics he was formerly a Whi|f, but has been a ptaneh Republican since the organization of tlm jinrly.

WILLIAM GKIDLEV, carpenter and machinist, Kent, wan born m Hampden Oonnty, Mass., Angost 12, 1807; son of Oliver and Mary (Bradley) Gridley. His educational advantages were limited, as he was bound out on a farm in New Haven County, Conn., until he was twenty-one years old. When nineteen years of age he ran away, and arriving in Hampden County, Mass., be served an apprenticeship of two yean at the millwright trade; worked in the cotton-milla at Chieopoo Falls, Mtion., fourteen months as a journey man mechanic, after which he engaged as a master mechanic in the mill of A. Denslow, at Windsor, Conn., where he remained about three years. He made, bat did not invent, the first maehine that made eotton batting out of waste; then went to work on the Boston & Albany Bailroad as a mechanic and inspector of lumber, and in Anr^ust, 1S44. he came to Ohio, locating in 1845 in Kent, where he has worked at his trade of millwright, carpenter, etc., up to the prraent time; Mr. Gridley was married in December, 1882, to Clara, daughter of Calvin and Lydia (Grinnell) Bedortha, of Hampden County. Mass.. by whom he has had five children: Tallx^t. William (killed at the battle of Get tysburg, in July, 1803), 13ei»jamin (killed at the battle of Cedar Mountain), Laura (Mrs. O. S. Nichols) and Clara (deceased). Our subject's iBrst wife dying March, 1858, he next married Mary Chatman, daughter of John and Martha Twitohelit by whom he had one child, Lilian (Bfia. Dr. R. F. Hamb* lih). His eon Talbot Berved in tbo late war in the Seventh Regt. O. V. I., and was wouruled in the shoulder at the battle of Winchester; his son Will iaru was a member of the Eighth Regt O. V. L, and Benjamin was a member of the Seventh O. Y. I. Mr. Gridley ie ft member of the Episcoiial Ghnroh; the I. O. (). F. In politics he is a RepubHoan.

SAMUEL 13. HALTi, mercbnut, Kout. was born in Brim6eld Township, this county, July 2U, 1681; sou ot Henry aud Elizabeth (^Breck) Hall, natives of Yermoni His father was a son of Benjamin Hall, who settled in Brimfleld Township, this county, in 181S, and taught the first district school in the township; his mother was a dnui^htor of Daniel Breck, of Hartland, Vt. They had four children: Porter B., Caroline (deceased), Samuel B. (lirst, deceased), and Samuel B. (second). Henry Hall was a carpenter by trade, but aflXNr hia settlement in Brimfield Township was prinoipally engaged in fanuiug. In 1850 the family romovod to Franklin Mills (now Kent), where Mrs. Hull Jiod in 1852, Mr. Hall then married for his second wife Mrs. Sophia Kilboru, of Hudson, whither he afterward removed, and there resided until his death in 187G; he died At the age of seventy-eight He waa a member of the Ciongregational Church, in which he wa.s a Deacon for many year.s. Samuel B., tliB Kulijcpt of thisslcotch, was educated in the common schix)l8 and Kent Aca^lomy. Owiiitr to ill health, in 1853, be went to California, remaining there three years, when he returned to Kent and engaged in toning for several years. Aftnr tbut he embarked in mercantile trade; then was in the drug business for a time, and in 1S76 engaged in the boot and shoe trade, in which he has continued to the present time. Mr. Hall has been twice married, first in September, 1858, to Sarah, daughter of Ooy and Sarah Doolittle, of Brimfield. thia oonnty. ' The issne of thia union waa one child - Cora (Mrs. Charles Reed). Mr. Hall was married to his present wife, Jane Barton, of Kent, Ohio, in September, 1866, and by her has three children: Henry, Porter and Herbert Mr. aud Mrs. Hall are members of the Congregational Chnroh. In polities he ta a Republican; an aotive JF. & A. M.

JAMES P. HALL, shop clerk. New York. Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad Shops, Kent, was born in Brimfield Township, this county, September 12, 1832, son of William and Maria (Law) Hall, ^a paternal grandparenta were Benjamin and Sarah (Brown) Hall, of Windsor, Yt, who settled in Brimfield Township in 1819, where they lived and died. They had six children: Henry (deceased). Betsey (deceased), Charles (deceased), Mary A. (deceased), William, Susan S. (M.vs. Henry Sawyer). By his second wife Mr. Hall had one child - Sarah (lira. Sylvester Woloott). The fotber of our subject lived on the old boniostoad till 1807, when he removed to Kent,^vh< rr* lie Ktill resides. He was twice married, first to Maria, dan^'hter of Jonathan and Mary Law, of Brimfield, by whom he had lout children: James P., Duraud C, Mary E., Lucy M. (Mrs. I. P. Griawold); and second to Berthia Palmer, of Brimfield, by whom he had three children: Newton H., Helen M. (Mi-s. Henn,' Wilcox) and Anna (Mrs. B. F. Shewart). Our subject was reared in Briratield Township, enga^^ed in farming until twenty-eight years of age. then removed to Kent and embarked in the grocery trade, in w&eh he was occupied two years. Since then, with the exception of four years, he has been in the em]doy of the Atlantic & Great Western nn<l New York. Pennsylvania 6c Ohio Railroad Companies to the present time. He was mairied September 27, 1854, to Myra T., daughter of Harmon and B^uriet (Bishop) Bnidley, of Brimfield, bv whom he had four children: Will H., Charles E., Fred P. and Georgie D. (deceaaed). Mr. Hall and wife are member.^ of the (yongrer'ntional Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and K. of H. ; has held the office of Township and Corporation Clerk one term. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

NEWTON H. HALL, lumberman, P. O. Kent, was bom in Brimfield Township, this county, August 4, 184*2, pon of William and Bt^thinh (Pfilmer) Hall. His paternal grandfather, Benjamin Hall, a native of Vermont, settled in Brimfield IWiiBhip, this county, in 1819, axtid his maternal gnmdlalbw, John Palmer, was a native of Comiecticnt, a soldier of the Bevolution. Our subject was reared in his native township and was educated in the common aohools. He was in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting August 4, 1862, in Oompany I, One Hnndivd and Fonrth Ohio Volnnteer Infantry. He participated in the Tennessee campaign, under Burnside; the Atlanta campaign, under Sherman, and the Nashville campai^, under Thomas; was in all the engagements of bis regiment, and at FranKlin, Tenn., November 30, 1804, he cap* tured aflag from Gen. P. Clayburn's division of the Rebel Army, for which act he leeeived a medal from OongrMa in January, 186S. He was honwably diechnrgod in Juno, ISf^o, when he returned to Brirafinld Township and engaged in fainiinfT thorB up to 1881, and then removed to Kent, Ohio. The same year he embarked in business at Boardman, Ohio, where he is still interested in a planing-mill and lumber trade. He was married April 15, 1874, to Stella, daughter of James and Maria (Hopkins) Woodard, of Kent, this county, by whom he has two children: Anna and Helen. Mr. Hall is a F. & A M. In politics he is a Republican.

JAMES D. HATMAKER, farmer, P. O. Earlrille, was bom September 2, 1809, a short distance from the spot where Brady made his famous leap across the Cuyahoga River, in Franklin Township, this county, son of Frederick and Bachel (Davis) Haymaker. His father, who was a native of All^heny (Joonty, Fenn., eame from that State to Ohio in 1806, and located at Franklin Mills February 18, that year, in that part of Kent now known as the Upper Village. He was thrice married. His first wife was Eleanor Robinson, by whom he had seven children, all now deceased. His second wife was Rachel Davis, who died in this county, by whom he had one child - James D., the subject of this sketeh. By his third wife, Polly Swan, he had twelve children, of whom six are now living, none residing in this county. Mr. Haymaker was a resident of Franklin off and on up to 183(3, when ho removed to Trumbull County, -Ohio, where he died in 1852. His remains and those of his third wife are intoned in Warren, Ohio. He was Private Seeretarj- to Aaron Bnrr, while on the expedition for which ho waB tried for trenson in 18*17. Jacob Haymaker, the father of Frederick and grandfatlier of our subject, settled at Fraukliu Mills (now Kent) in 1805, and built the hrst grist mill ever operated in the township; it was on the site now boeapied by " Keni^s Mill." He was a esrpenter and millwright by trade; he died at Kent, as did also his wife. Our subject received only a limited education, and never saw a schoolhonse until ten years of aga In his youth he became thoroughly acquainted in his father's factory with uie woolen mannfaetoring business. This factory was loeatsd at Franklin Mills (now Kent). At the age of twenty-one he engaged for two years in the manufacture of wooden pails in the same town; the next two years he had charge of a hotel at Fairport, on Lake Erie; then returning to fhmklin he engaged in fanning, to which ooonpation be has erer since devoted his time. November 20, 1835, he was married to Mary R. Olin, who was born February 22, 1820, in Geneseo County. N. Y., and a daughter of Arvin Olin, who came to Ohio in 1834 and settled in Franklin, where he passed the remainder of his lif^. By this union were bom the following children: Frank* lin, born Deceu]il)er 10. 1836, and died April 80, 1851; Oscar F., born May 21, 18HS; Rachel D., l)orn May IS, 1840; Ann Maria, born May 17. 1842; Arvin O., born April 5, 1844} Mary R., bom April 15, 1846, died July 27,

Biooraphicai. Skbtchss

1806; James A., born June 21, 1848; Clara L., born August 30, 1850; Aimira E., bom January 27, 1854; Martha A., born May 20, 1856; Cora E.. born May 5, 1858, died February 2. IS'jU; William J., born February 2, 1860, and Abbie IVF., lK)rn November 27, 1Sf);3. J. D. Haymaker has always been an ardent Republican and during the darkest days of the civil war was tirin iu his support of the administration in aid of (he Union cause, contributing lib- «rall7 of his means, and invariably exerting his inflnenes to the end that the Union should be jirescrved. One of his sons, Jnmos A., enlisted in the One Hundred nnrl NiEotv tliiid Rct^'imont, Company 1, and served in the Union Army during the civil war. Mr. aud Mrs. Haymaker are admirable typos of Ahe pionsers who first settled in Portan^e County, and possess in a large' degree 'those traits which have become traditionary among us as ascribed to the pioneers, the sterling qualities, good, strong, well balanced minds, athletic and healthy physique, unimpeachable integrity and a desire to do unto others as they would be d<nie by - qualities, too, whidh they have transmitted to their lart^e family of children, in an eminent degree. During their long lives they have clieerfnlly given to the needy and in support of the religious and educational interests of the community. They are now living in the midst of their friends, possessed of an ample competence to make their ooming years oomfortable, and in the enjoyment of that content which comes from reflecting on a life well and worthily spent. Mr. Haymaker has serve*! his township in various oihcial capacities. He was Trustee for several yearsi Justice of the Peace for sereral terms and a School Director many times.

OSCAR F. HAYMAKER, farmer, P. O. Earlville, was born in Franklin Township, this county, May 21, 1838; son of James D. and Mary R. (Olin) Haymaker. He was reared in his native township and educated in its common and select schools. He remained on the old homestead with his father until tweiity*foar years of age when, in partnership with his bro4her- in-law, S. H. Green, he Ixmght a farm in Franklin Township, this county, which was carried on for four years and then sold. Our subject then worked his father's farm for three years and in 1879 purchased of D. i^. Hopkins his present farm, where he has resided erer since He was married. Hay 21, 1882, to Mary S., daughter of Dr. J. M. and Marj- (Ferris) Burlingamo, of Newbury, Geauga Co., Ohio. By this union he has three children: Ida A., wife of F. A. Merrill, Cora M. and Lillie £. Mr. and Mrs. Haymaker are members of the Uni- Ohoreh of Kent. Our sabject ia serving his fourth term as School Examiner of Portage County. He ia a F. & A. H; in polities a Repablioan.

ABVIN O. HAYMAKER, farmer, P. O. Earlville, was bora in Franklin Township, this connty, April 5, 1844; son of James D. and Mary R (Olin) Haymaker. His patenial grandfather, Frederick Haymaker, settled in Franklin in 1800. His maternal grandfather, Arvin Olin, settled in Franklin Township, this county, in 1834. Our subject was reared iu Franklin Township and educated in the common schools, and in connection with his farming Interests, has taught school for twenty consecutive winters. He has been twice married, on first occasion. April a, I8fir», toHattieE. . daughter of Joseph and Jeannette (Graham) Norton, of Brimtield Township, this connty. By this union there were two children: Charles A. and Hattie E. May 26, 1870, Mr. Haymaker married his present wife, Hattie, daughter of William and Catherine (Burger) Powell, of Hnmeworfli. Coltimbiana Co., Ohio. The issue of this union Lias 1>een three cliihiren: Homer .V.. DebViie J. and Frank 1^. Mr. and Mrs. Haymaker are meml^ew of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; iu politics he is a Republican.

JOSEPH HEIGHTON, farmer, P. O. K«iit, was bom in Hargrave, Northamptonshire, England, February 4, 1827; Hon of Thomas and Sarah (Qoodes) Heighten, who, in 1832, settled in Edinburg. PorUige Co., Ohio, where they cleared and improved the farm on which they lived and died. Thoir children ivera William (deceased), Thomas, Sarah (deoeased), Elisabeth (deoeased), Ann (deceased), John, Joseph, Hannah (deceased) and an infant (deceased). Thomas Heighten, Sr., was a blacksmith by trade, and the first one to follow this buBsiness as an occupation in that part of the county where he settled. He was a man of peculiar ideas, a thorough American in feeling, a loTer of the Republican fbrm of government (which was his main reason for coming to America) and was on© of tlio first men in Portage County to advocate the antielavery doctrina Ue was a prominent member of the Baptist Church. He died at the age of fiffy-two years, honored by all who knew him. Onr subject was reared in Edinburg, tiiis cgunty, and received bis education in the common schools. He was married July 19, 184S. to Olive Cornelia, daughter of Ariel Lewis and Minerva (Colton) Case, of lioot^stown. and born April 8, 1829, iu iiootstown. She had the advantages of a common school education and taught sdiool at one time. Her father was bom July 81, 1804, in Oorentry, Tolland Co., Conn. Her mother was born May 20, 1805, in Tolland, Tolland Co., Conn. Her paternal grandfather, Ariel Case, a native of Tolland County, Conn., and a soldier of the war of 1812, settled in Bootstown Township, this county, in 1809. Her maternal grandfather, Stephen Oolton, a native of YermoQt, settled in Bootstown, Ohio, in 1805. Mr. Heighton and wife have four children: Marius H. ; Ann, wife of N. E. Olin; Parker H. and Lloyd B. After coming of age, Mr. Heighton, with his brother, John, purchased the old homestead, where he resided until the fall of 1862 and in the spring of 1868 he located in Franklin Township, this county, on the farm now owned and occupied by his son Marius, where he remained till 1879, when he moved to hi?; present property east of Kent. He has always been a temperate man, never having used tobacco, spirits, tea or coffee. He is a member of the Pioneer Association; one of the repreeentative eitisena of Franklin Township; in politics ho is a Bopublican.

MABIUS HEIGHTON, farmer, F. O. Kent, was born in Edinburg Township, this county, June 14, 18-19, and is a son of Joseph and Olive C. (Case; Heighton (see sketdi of Joseph Heighton). Onr snbjeot was resrsd on the farm and as an occupation has always followed agricultural pursuits. IJib name to Franklin Township, this county, with his parents in 1863 and has since resided here. Ue was united iu marriage January 1, 1879, with Ida, dan^tsr of John H. and Bebeooa (Bergin) Hubbard, of Kent, this oonnfy, by whom he has one <^ild - ^Harins Hubert In polities lb. Heighten is a Bepnblican.

IBA L. HEBBIFF, furniture dealer, Kent, was b<iru in Bootstown, November 19, 1846, son of Samuel and Lydia (Hartlerhode) Herriff. His patenial grandfatiier was John Herriff, a native of Pennsylvania and among the early settlors of Rootstown. His maternal grandmother was Elizabeth Hartlerhode, who with seven children - Lawrence, John, Samuel, Christian, Kate, Mary and Ludia - settled in Bootstown in an early day. She afterward married Samuel Hartle, of Bootstown. Samnel HerrifE^ the father of onr subject, is a farmer and resident of Bootstown. His children were six in number: Ira L., Ezra, Everett, Cecelia (deceased), Emma (deceased) and John (deceased). The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm and edneated in the common schools, When twenty-one yeara of age he located in Kent and embarked in the manufaotnre of briek, in which he waa engaged for seven years. In 1881 he entered the furniture business with L. CL Beed, which partnerrtbip is existing at present. He was married December 1, 1800, to Belle E., daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Wardj Caris, of Boot«< town, by whom he has one child - Amy L Mr. Herriff enlisted in 1865 in Company H, One Hundred and Eighty fourth Ohio Volnntoor Infantry, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He is an active member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. K. In politics he is a Democrat.

OBOBOB HILDBBHOr, velail liqiuir deder, Kent, was IxHrn in Baden, Germany, April 23, 1839, son of George and Mary (Hardle) Hilderhof, who came to America in 1854 and located in Randolph Township, this county, where they lived nntil 1800, then removed to Baveuna. George Hilderhof, Sr., ma a gaidener, an ooeapation he followed ontil his death. They had eeren diildren: Maigaxet, deceased; Lena; Henry (first), deceased; Gleoige; Henry ^pecond); Susan, and Katy, deceased. Our subject when fifteen years of age learned the tanner's trade, which he followed op to 1874, when he embarlMd in the liqoor boaineee in Bavenna, and in lv79 loeated in Kenti where he has been similarly engaged up to the present time. He was maniad June 3, 1802, to Mary Dawson, of Bavenna, by whom he has eight children: George, Henry, Nelly, Walter, Mary, Alexander B., Anguata and Minnie. Mr. Hilderhof ie a member of the Genn'an Reformed Church; is a member <^ the L O. O. F. In politics he is a aianoh Democrat

ALONZO JOHNSON, farmer and butcher, Kent, was born in Shalersville Township, this county. May 25, 1835, son of Ebenezer and Annis (Stoddard) Johnson, natives of Vermont and New Hampshire respectively, the latter bom April 8, 1811. His paternal grandfather, Sylvester Johnson, was a fanner of Rnt« land, Vt , nnd his matpmal grandfather, Stoddarrl a native of New Hampshire, settled in Freedom Townshiji in 1884, afterward it.'movcd to Iowa and died there. The parents uf our subject settled in Stowe Township in 1S34, and in 1835 loeated in Shalerarille lV)wnahip, thia ooonty, where they porehaeed an eightyacre tract of heavily timbered land which they cleared and improved, and where they lived until the death of the father in 1850, in his forty-second year. They had seven children: Alonzo, Lucinda (deceased;, Emeline (Mrs. Will* ard Seward), Sylresier, Leander, Silas (died in the army daring the late war) and Bben. The mother next married Rufus Newton, of Franklin Township^ this oonnty, in 1857. He died in 1802 and she moved to Daviess Countv, Ma, in 18o9, and subsec^uentlj married William Hughes, who died in l87d, and hie widow retomed to Ohio in 1880, and is now reaiding in Kent. Onr aabjeot was reared in Shalersville Township, this county, and was educat'Od in the oommon schools. He resided in Shnloraville Township until 1803, when he removed to Kent^ Ohio, and embarked in the grocery business, in wluoh he was engaged two years. Hethenbnilt the hotel Imown aathe ''Golline Honse," which be conducted for three year^, aud during that time opened a meat market, which he carried on from 1800 to March 30, 1885, when he retire<l from that business. He is also engaged in farming, now owning three farms in Franklin Township, this county, in company with his two eldest sons, living on the farm formerly occupied by Warren Burt. Mr. Johnson was married in November, 1855, to Mary J., daughter of William and Lavina Cook, of Franklin Township, this county, by whoiu had twelve children, nine now living: Willard, Perry, Emma (Mrs. Henry Barker), Allx-rt, Ora, Nella, Clayton, Oora and Selah. Mr. Johnson is a repreeentatlTe oitiaen of the township. In politics lie is a Democrat.

fatliLT, with two brothers, Garaham and Enoch, came to Mantua from Hart< ford, Conn., about 1800, and hero cleared and improved a farm. In a few Tears Geisham and Enoch sold out and went West, while Samuel remained. The latter was twice married, his first wife being a Misa Atwater, sister of Judge Atwater, early settlers of Mantua Township, by whom he had five children: Alma (Mrs. Enos Ford), Alvin {deceased), E)ly (deceased), Elijah (deceased) and Cyrus (deceased). His second wife was Lucy Moss, of Hartford, Conn., by whom he had four children: Harley, Sally (Mrs. T. Vaughn), Iiocy (Mrs. James McElroy) and Mary (deoeased). Samuel Judson resided in Mantua Township until 1S21, then rotnovod to Hiram Township, where he lived until his death. The subject of this Bketch was roared in Mantua and Hiram TuwnsihipH, hm education being received in the district schools. After ba became of age be worlnd on a farm by the month for two jean, then on bis father's farm for seven years, after which he purchased a farm of sixty acres, which he kept only one year. In 1848 he purchased the farm in Franklin Township where he now resides. Mr. Jadson's first wife was Chloe, ^ngbter of Horace Loomis, of Cbarleatown Township, by whom he bad Ihree children: Jnlia (Mrs. Darwin Furry), Hannah (Mrs. Byron Ferry) and Honry D. His present wife is Almira, daughter of Noah and Hannah (Shaw) Lemoin, of Stowe,Sammit Co., Ohio, by whom he has two children: Samnel £. and Barton H. Mr. Jodaon is a repreaentatiTe farmer of Franklin Townahip. Id politice be is a Democrat

ZENAS KENT was bom in Middletown. Conn., July 12. 1786. He came of good old Puritan stock, a nobility of descent whioh rests ita claim upon a cobnat manhood and hardy virtue. His father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and carried a moaket in the war for American independence.

"When Zenas Kent was a boy. even New England had made but a beginning in the development of the common school system, and though he made the beet of his opportunities - exhausting the facilities of the country school of that time and place - bis early advantagea ware Tevy limited, aa compared to the common-school privileges enjoyed by the youth of to-day. Mr Kent has left at least ouo monument of the methodical perseverance with which he addressed himself to every task A copy of Adam's Arithmetic, published iu 1802, which Mr. Kent naed at acbool, ia now in poeaeaaion of hia m» Marvin. It is a well-thumbed book, now yellow with age, and a plodding student has left his impreHH on every page: indeed, he has left considerable additions to the original text The publisher had had the forethought to bind numerous blank pages with hia lettar-praaa, to aland the pupil imiead of the alate, and to remain a record of hia indnalKy. On these leaves joang Kant carefnlly worked out and proved ©very example in the book. Here was a combination of excellent traits - application, method, thoroughness - in which the boy well foreahadowed Ihe man. He entered hia work on the leavea of the book of hia lifa^ and he left not a blank page in it all. In selecting a pursuit in life Zanan Kent chose the trnd(> of his father and to make himself master of it.

By the time he reached his twenty-fifth year young Zenas Kent was united in marriage with Pamelia Lewia, a native of Farmiugton, Conn., a young woman of most excellent traita, and withal a fitting helpmeet for him. Her father, like the elder Kent, was n veteran of 1776. and a carpenter and joiner by vocation. The two young peoplw joined their honest hands and humble fortunes for the battle with the world. In 1812 Zenas accompanied his father's family to the far Weei The ftunily locatAd in Mantna, Ohio, where the elder Kent died at an advanced atjp. Zenns had loft his young wife in ('onnecticut while he went prospecting in the Western wilds, and as soon as he had choeen a place for bis home he retarned for bis wife. Together they set oat for tilt t^'li )in janrney to tho West, and arriving in Ohio, settled in Hudson, then a township of Portage County. This was a fortunate selection for ilr. Kent Here he met Capt Hemaa Oviatt, to whose friendship it was bis pleasure to acknowledge himself indebted for manj Idiid offices. Here be built a taiUMVy for Owou Brown, fnthor of John Brown, of Ossawatomie fame. Mr. Kent tau<ijht school in the winter while he remained in Hudson. His friend. Capt Oviatt, impressed by Mr. Kent's upright walk and industrious habits, waa disposed to do bim a good tnni, and belp bim to start fairly in tbo world. Conferences led to conflnsinn.s. and in the sucnraer of 1815 the firm of Oviatt & Kent was formed, to condnct a typical pioneer store, in Ravenna. Thither Mr. Kent went to erect a building before the tirm would begin business. The site obosan waa tbat upon wbiob the Seoond National BanJk now stands. With his saw and plane and hammer Mr. Kent helped to put up the wooden building which was to serve for store and dwelling. This hTiikling was moved to the south side of Main Street, in Little's Block. Aftar the firm of Oviatt ft £ent had been in snooessfol operation for several yean Ifir. Kent was able to refund the money advanced by Mr. Oviatt, and the firm dissolved, leaving the junior partner in sole control of the business.

In 1826, while managing his growing business, Mr. Kent entered into a oontntet to erect the oonrt boose, which still stands in Ravenna, one of the most substantial buildings of its kind in the State. In its early days it was looked upon as a wonder in architectural art. From 1831 to 1850 Mr. Kent was senior partner in the lirm of Kent & Brewster, which did a profitable trade in Hodson. In the meantime Mr. Kent was accumulating a store of the world's goods, and making investments where there was fair prospeot of good returns. In 1832 he joined David Ladd in the purchase of a tract of land, embracing between 500 and OOO acro^, m the township of Franklin, now the village of Kent. This tract embraced the water-power of the Cuyahoga Hiver at that plaoe. The oonoeotion of Mr. Ladd with this property was short, Mr. Kent soon becoming sole proprietor. In the year of the purchase he erected Kent's Flourinj^ Mill, the product of which has been held in high repute for more than the third of a century. The mill produced the first flour shipped from northern Ohio to Cleveland, going by way of ttie Ohio Oasal.

Having dissolved business connections with Mr. Ladd, Mr. Kent made arrangements with John Brown to carry on the tanninj^ business in an establishment already under way. In 1830 be sold bis lari^e tract to the Franklin Land Company, which afterward became the Franklin Silk Oinnpany. Ja 1849 the Franklin Bank, of Portage County, was established, and Mr. Kent - was chosen its Presidpnt. This important post he held until 1864. when the Franklin Bank gave place to the Kent National Bank, of which he was also made President, holding the position at the time of his death.

In 1850 he began the erection of a cotton factory and a private residence in Franklin, where his interests had centered. Thither ho removed, on the completion of his dwelling-house, in 1851. In the spring of 1853 be was elected Treasnrer of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad Company, filling the position efficiently for one year. In April, 1860, he moved into an elegant mansion which he had built on Euclid Avonuo, Cleveland. AVbilo on a visit to Kent on the 21st of October, 1804, death took from him the partner of his early toils and of bis years of ease. Thus bereft, he longed for q^uiet and repose, and in the following mouth he returned to Franklin (the name of which had been changed to Kont to pa«s the remainder of his days.

success by Ueberving it He was poesessed of a great fund of solid common aenao, to wbich it had pleased God to add an indomitable will, native busineaa tact, t'liergy that never flagged, and, above all, an unyielding integrity, whieh gained him the coniidence of all with whom ho had relations. He was a cantiouB, methodical business man, not given to speculation, watchful of little things, and thrifty. An instance will show how dearly he held bis integrity and the good opinion of his fellowB. 'While Freddent of the banking department of the Franklin Silk Company he required to be placed in his hands the means to redeem the company's issues, remarking that he would put his name upon DO paper without the power to protect it from dishonor. The arrangement was meted. Notwitbttanding the diaaateom tennination of the nUc company, thanks to Ifr. Kent's honor and foirelhoagbt» its p^wr was all redeemed at face value.

His life-reoord was made up of deeds that reflect luster on his memory, and mark him as one of Hie pioneer noblemen of the West. In personal appearance Zena8 Kent was tall of statore, ereot and graceful of carriage, dignified of mien. Little given to society, he wan, nevertheless, affable and agreeable in all of his relations. Though fair and equitable dealing made bim popular as a tradesman, his retiring nature forbade many intimate frimd* ships. While malice did not enter into hie heart, the very firmness of his character made him quick to resent an abuse of his confidence. Beneath a dignified exterior, bordering at times upon austerity, be wore a warm and sympathetic heart He held a kind act in tender remembrance, and the few frieadflhipe he formed remained onbroken to the end of his days. His tastes were simple and his habits the most correct. He never used tobacco or stimulants of any kind, and for thirty years did not have an hour's sickness.

Mr. Kent was blessed with a family of thirteen children, nine of whom snrriTe him. Theee be liTed to see arriTe at mainrity, ail oeonpyin^ positions of prominence and influence in their res}>ective homee. The snrnving chil. dren are Mrs. Harriet Clapp. of New York City; Henry A., Edward and G^rge L., of Brooklyn, >i. Y.; Marvin, Charles H. and Mrs. Amelia L. Shively, of Kent, Ohio; Mrs. Franoee E. Wells, of Brownsville, Fenn., and Mrs. Emily K., wife of K. B. Dennis, Esq., of Cleveland, Ohio. Of the fonr children deceased, Mrs. Eliza A. Poag died in Brooklyn July 4, 1804; three - Louisa, Amelia and an unnamed infant - lie in Ravenna Cemetery. Zenas Kent died suddenly, at his residence iu Kent, October 4, 18G5, in the eightieth year of his age. His remains were intened in Woodland Cemetery, Cleveland's beautiful city of the dead. In a lovely spot, removed from the hurly-burly of a busy world, under the shade of the cypress and willow, by the side of the wife of his bosom, sleeps all that is left to earth of a man who fought the battle of life taravely, and left a good name - the best of all heirlooma

MARVIN KENT, projector and ex President of the Atlantic & Great Weatem Kailroad (now ^ew York, Pennsylvania, & Ohio liailroadh was born at BsTenna, Portage Co., Ohio, September 21, 1816. ffis fatiier, Zenas Kent, was a joiner and carpenter by trade, who, when a young man, made the acquaintance of Capt. Heman Oviatt He discovered in Mr. Kent business qualitications of a very high order, and in 1815 he induced him to engage in mercantile business at Bavenna. The executive and financial ability which Mr. Kent displayed, eonpled with entevprise and methodical management of bis affairs, soon placed him in the front rank amon|f the reptttable and soccossful busineRB men of northern Ohio.

Biooraphical Sketches

of nineteen his timo was divided between his father's store and the aehoolroom wherein he combined, in the acquirement of a knowledge of books, a practical knowledge of business and dealing with men. Ho received such odtipation as was afforded at Tallmadge Academy, under the instruction of E. T. Sturtevant. A. M., Prineipal, and Glaridon Academy, nnder the inatroolion of Ber. Sherman B. Canfield. In his nineteenth year his father entrusted him with the purchase of his spring stock of goods, and for this purpose he visited Philadelphia and New York, with special instructions to bay on his own judgment, and to disregard the ad^iee tendered bf others, relative to the invesbnents had in oontomplatioiL His father was pleased with his purchases and the basiness sagacity displayed by his son. The year following his V>ecoming of aero, Marvin became associated with his father in mercantile business, at Franklin Mills, Ohio (now Kentji, bnt he soon relinqnished this, by reason of the precarions condition of hk health, and assumed the management of a tannery, in a building erected by hia father and Capt. John Brown (of Harper's Ferry notoriety). While thus engaged he was married to Maria, daughter of the late Col. William Stewart- He conducted the tannery for some time, with success, and in 1844 returned to meicantile pnrsnits, becoming, at the same time, largely interested in the mannf acture of flour. In the latter boatnesa he continued without intennption, for about twenty years.

In 1850 in company with others he engaged in the manuf aotare of windowglass, ai Franklin Ifills, and erected and placed in snceeasfnl operation extensive works. It was daring the same year that he entered upon Uie most irapornnt enterprise of his life, and which secured to him a business reputation coextensive with the inauguration and completion of a great public transportation rente between the East and the West He devised, planned and projected, in 1850, the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, deeigned to connect the Erie with the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, thus forming a grand trunk line, with uniform gaoge throughout, from New York to St Louis. In 1851 the necessary legislation was procured, bnt in order to secure the charter he was obliged to anbseribe for the fnll amount of stock required by law for tiie organization of the compnny, as well as to indemnify some of the first Board of Directors for the payment of one share subscribed by each to render them eligible for election, which fact furnishes a siguiticant iiiusiratioaof the want of faiUi in (he success of an undertaking of that magnitude at that time^ The organization of the new company was completed, and Mr. Kent made its first President The position he filled with a success characteristic of his great business tact energy, and ability, until the final completion of the road in 1864, save an interval of three years. On the 2l8t of June, of that year, he had the proud satisfaction of looking bade over many years of unremitting labor and anxiety at last crowned with success, and nlso of driviiirr home the last spike in the last rail. In his maiden speech on that occasion, he referred to the fact that on the foarth day of July, A. D. 1858, he broke ground for the new road, bj removing the first shovelful of earth vrith hia own hands. There were none then towitlibold from Mr. Kent n most generous compliment for the completion of this road, which, uniting tlie Erie and Ohio & Mississippi Railways, formed a grand coutiueutal line from New York to St Louis. The construction of this road encountered, perhaps, more obstacles and greater opposition than any other in the country. Yet Mr. Kent showed himself equal to any and every emergency, nnd with heroic faith and one purpose, he made snocees possible and victory u verity. The Portage County Democrat^ of June 3, 1863, contained this truthful tribute:

Frankun Towhship

" Thti locatiou of the shops atFraDkliu Mills isdoubtlees due to the positioa and inflaenoe of Marrin Kent, Esq. , the President of the road* who reaideB at that point. If any man ought to be gratified and benefitted by the location of the shopa it is President Kent. Ho was not only the early friend of the road, but if we are correctly informed, he origiuat«^ the idea of its oonstructiou. lo carrying fbrwaxd this great improvement to its oompletion, be has toiled and struggled for over twelve years amid doubt and discouragement, amid jeers and sneers and oblo(|ny. While others hesitated, he stood fast; when the faint hearted turned aside, he persevered with unfaltering nerve and cooraee; when timid friends forsook, he snooesded in raising up omer friends, and m attracting capital tu this great work; and thus, with a patience, a courage, an assiduity, and tinswerving fidelity to n single aim that roaches the point of real heroism, has he held on his way through twelve laborious years of fluctuations, vicissitudes, and uncertainties, neglecting or abandoning his private business, pledging or imperiling, or at least oasting into the haaud of snooess, his large private lor^ tune, for the benefit of his cherished enterprise. And yet ho has labored all this time without general appreciation, the select few more intimately associated in official relations with him only knowing and appreciating his trials and his toils. Ikit it is time the man to whom more than to any other the oonntry is indebted for ill great and leading road should be understood and appreciated, for every man and every community benefited by the construction of this road, owes to Marvin Kent a debt of gratitude. He is to be congratulated on the saccess wbieh the intelligence, the ability, and tiie fixed and rssolnte piirpose^ which he has brought to bear on the enterprise, have aooomplished. Who* under these circumstances, can grudge to Mr. Kent the location of the extensive machine-shops in the placeof his residence? Who more than he, and what community than the one favored by his residence among them can be more entltted to the benefit P

Upon the successful completion of this road, Mr. Kent substantially retired from active business, to the enjoyment of private life. Upon the death of his father in 1865, he became his successor as President of the Kent National Bank, which position he has held ever since. In October, 1875, he was elected State Senator from the Twenty-sixth District of Ohio, and he served bis con> stituents with credit and ability. Mr. Kent is a gentleman of varied experience and of varied business qualifications - equally capable as an engineer or aa lloaneial manager to ooncract a great pnbne work. He has remarkimle tenacity of purpoee, and once resolved as to the value of an enterprise, no ordinary obstacle can prevent him from carrying it out. He is a man of liberal viewa and generous impulses, and has in a great variety of ways aided in advancing the material welfare of those among whom he lives. He has been a generous promoter of every business enter^ise in the city of Kent, whidi \mas hia name. There are enduring monuments of bis public spirit on every hand in the eommuuity in which he lives, such as public and private edifices, business blocks, mills and factoriea, and about them all there is an evidence of per* manenoy and dorability, of enaetnees in details, and adaptability to the nses designed.

As an evidence that Mr. Kent has been disposed to serve himself last, he has jost completed one of the most elegant and palatial private residences in northern Ohio. Within and without there are evidences of a cnltnred tastein art and adornment, but never at the expense of ntility and the every-day nses of domestic life. Mr. Kent has in every respect been a successful man, and prominent among the secrets of that success are i^tiring energy, methodical methods of work, and strict integrity.

Bavenna until oici^hteen years of age, when he received a common pchcx^l education, after which he attended the Canandaigua Academy, at Canandaigua, N. Y., for two years. In 183U he embarked in mercantile business at Franklin Milla (now Kent), with Olapp & Spellman, under firm name of Clapp, Spellman & Kont. In 1841 the firm divided np their stock, and our Fuliject succeeded to the business. In 1845 Mr. Kent and his brother Marvin were associated in business in Franklin, at the same time they purchased the goods of their father, Zenaa Kent, at BaTenna, and continoed the bnaiaeaB thera la 1850 Mr. Kent, in connection with two oQieni built a iaxAaty iox the mana* factnre of window ^lass, with which he was identified for several years. Previous to 1860 he was connected in business with Kent, Wells & Co., and Kent, Qrinnell St Oo. In 1860 he embarked in dry goods bosinees, in which he has been engaged to the present time. Mr. Kent was married, January 14, 1841, to Mary E., daughter of Rev. Stephen W. Barrett, of Franklin, by whom be hae one child - Charles B. Mr. Kent is the oldeet established merchant in Kent, and one of its representative business men. In politics he is a Bepab> lioan. He has served as Mayor of Kent tor fonr years.

WILLIAM A. LKE. proprietor of rosfanrant, and dealer in wine?, liquors, etc., Kent, was born in Ithaca, N. Y., March 29, 1829; a son of Daniel and Mary (Davenport) Lee, who settled in Peru, Huron Co., Ohio, in 1834; former a wagon makar by trade, at which he worked in Pern until hia deallL Onr subject was reared in Huron County from five years of age. 1^ was married, April 6, 1855, to Martha, daughter of William Moore, of Plymouth, Richland Co., Ohio, by whom he has four children: Ida, wife of Henry iStruckrad; Flora, wifb of J. Otia Smith ; Hattie^ and Bertie, wife of F. M. Townaend. Mr. Lee learned the machiniBt's trade in New HaTen, where be remained until 1861, and was then employed in the railroad shoj>s at Norwalk until 18fi5. He then came to Kent, this county, and worked in the railroad shops for two years, when he opened a billiard room, which he conducted for one year, after which he moved to Warren, and engaged in the same business for fonr yeaza. Ha subsequently returned to Kent and embarked in the restaurant and saloon business, which he lias continued iti to the present time. On November 1, lb^4, ho bupplied a lung- felt want by opening a iirst-class restaurant in the Carver Blook, which ia OMidneted in m metropolitan atyle. He ia a pushing, energetic man, and his experience in the business, taken in connection with his natural fitness for this pursuit, will no donbt prove his new venture a anooeea. In politics he is a Democrat

BTBON A. LONOOOY, farmer, P. O. Kent, waa bom in Franklin Township, this ooonty, Jane 6, 1854, son of David and Abby (Woodard) Longeoj. His father, a native of Now York, born May 30, 1808, son of Anthony and Ann (Thompson) Longooy, settled in Franklin Township, this county, in 183U, and woitoa in David Ij. Ladffa linseed oil-mills for aeveral years. He afterward mannf actnred brick, and furnished thia material for the constmction of the Earl Block, and a large portion of those used in wdat is now known as the Carver Block. He was married, May 4, 1834, to Abby, daughter of Joshua and Bebecca (Woodin) Woodard, early settlers of Bavenna Township, this ooimty, and later of Kent, by whom he had nine children: Anna (deaeaaed), Victoria (deceased), Nettie (wife of Samuel Putnam), Maretta, Francis and Frank (twins), Mjraott, Balph (deceased) and Byron A. In 1 S53 David Longcoy located on the farm noy occupied by oiu- subject, where he resided until hia death, August 5, 1878. I>oring the laat eight yeara of hia life he waa engaged in butchering and had a market in Kent. Our subject was married, April 15, 1875, to Dolly A., daughter of Dr. J. S. and Delia (Bockwell) Sweeny, of Kent, this eoontj, bj whom he has two ehildxen: Bertha and DaTid. Mr. Longcoy is a member of the Congregational Church, Mrs. Long* coy of the Episcopal denomination. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.

COKNELIUS C. MEACHAM, farmer, P. O. Kent, was bom in Litchfield, Litchfield Co., Coim., Janaary 29, 1814, son of Seih and Sally (Weefeon) Meacham, who aefcUed in Tallmadge (now Summit County ) in 1816, where th^ lived for many years. Mrs. Seth Meacham died in 1872 in her eightieth year, and in the spring of 1874 Seth Meacham removed to Franklin Township, this county, where he died in 1870, at the lige of eighty-four. They had ten children: Fanny (deoeased), Cknnelinii O., Esther (deoeased), Oofdelia (deoeaaed), Esther second (Mrs. James McCormick), Samuel, Flora (deceased), Sally (dpceased), Lois (doceased) and Seth. Our subject was reared in Tallmaiige, where he lived until twenty-five years of age. He was married, February 1, 1889, to Bebeeea D., daughter of Jamea lioCkHrmiok, of Armstrong Ckmnty, Penn., by whom he had two children: Clara and Sarah, both deceased. In 1841 >rr. Moacham settled in Brimfield Township, this county, where he lived seven years, then removed to Sofield Township, and resided there seven years. In 1^5 he looated in FranUin Township, and for the pa^ fifteen Tears has been a resident of Kent. In politics Mr. Meacham is a Bepnbliean.

HIKAM MERRELL, retired, Kent, was born in what is now Wyoming County, N. Y., May 29, 1818, son of Noah and Clara (Pearsons) Merreli, who settled in Franklin Township, this county, in 1837, renting a house of Joeeph Strattom, on whidk th^ lived two years, ^en bi^ng a farm of ten acres in the north part of the township, where they lived and died. Noah Merroll was a native of Connecticut, his wife of Holland. Thoy reared a family of ten children: Althea (deceased), Norman, Oral (deceased;, Hiram« Louisa (Mrs. Darioa Davis), Freedom, Rosy, Nosh, Cass and Jane* (deoeased). The snbjeot of this sketch when twenl^ ymm ol age worked on a farm ])y the month one summer, and the following year he engaged in the manufactare of brooms, which business he followed for eight years, acquiring a, farm of eighty acres, now owned faj A O. Haymaker, a part of which he euared and improved, and where he resided ten years. In 1858 he purchased a large farm in Rootstown Township, whore bo resided one year, when he returned to Franklin, and since then he has owned several farms, having speculated coDsiderably in farm property, and has accumulated a competency. Mr. Merreli was married, Febraary 24, 1842, to Sarah, daughter of Frederick Williard, an early settler of FranUin Townflhip. this county, by whom he has had poven children, four of whom are now living: Ani^eline (Mrs. Byron Fessenden i, Wallace, Earl and Frederick. Our subject moved to Kent in 180S, where he has since resided, one of its repxeeentative oitisena In politics he is a Bepnblican.

N. J. A MINICH, ©ditor and proprietor of Kent Saturday Bulletin, was bom in Columbia, Lancaster Co., Penn., October 2, 1849; son of Henry i3t. - and Ann C. (Albright) Minioh. His father was a stock-dealer and son of Jacob Minich, a distiller of Landisville, Penn., of German descent His maternal grandfather was Anthony Albright, a native of Philadelphia, and the publisher of the Lancasterian at Lancaster, Penn., son of John Albright, who published the tirst paper in the city of Lancaster. Our subject was roared in Colombia up to twenty-three years of age, and is a graduate of the Columbia Cnasaieal Lutitota In 1868 he entered the office of the Columbia Spy^ where he served an apprenticeship of three years at the case. In 1872 he went to Akron, Ohio, and worked in the job department of the Akron Daily Beacon as a journeyman, and was for some time connected with the editorial department of the same paper. In 1874 he with others organized the Ai^^ Printing^ Company, of whieh be was President, and founded the AlDon Daily ATffu$t with which he was connected np to May, 1876, when ho romoverl to Kent and pnrchaHed the Kent Rulletin, which at the time of his purohasp had silspended pulilicatiou for tive weeks. At that time it was a Bix-coiuinn folio, but has since been enlarged to a six^oolamn qoarta By the management of Mr. Minich it has been made a f^rnnd sucoofs. and witii one exception has the largest circulation in this county. Since locating in Kt*nt. ^Ir. Minich has been identified with nearly every enterprise of a public nature that tended toward the improTsment of the dty, many of whieh originated in the columns of ihe Bulletin. He was married August 3, 1875. to Lottie E., daughter of Henry and Emily (Hodges) McMasters. of Akron, Ohio, by whom ho has one child - Henry S. In poliiios Mr. Minich is a Kepublioan. Uis paper is independent in all things.

VALORUS NEEDHAM, retired farmer, Kent, was bom in what is now Wales, Hamy>den Co., Mass., March 2<.>, 1800; son of Alvin and Abigail (Walbridge) Needham, who were the parents of live children: Alfred, Erasmus (deoMsed), Valoras, Iffinerva (deoeased) and Bsbeoea (deceased). Mr. and "Hbn. Needham settled in Brimfield Township^ this connty, in 1837 ; located on the farm, a part of which they improved, now owned and occupied by I. G. Wise, and there lived and died. Our subject settled in Brimfield in the fall of 1887. He was a carpenter by trade, at which he worked up to 1844, when he settled on the farm (now occupied by his son-in-law, S. B. Gathbert,) which he improved nnd lived on until ISH:', when he moved to Kent, where he etill resides. He has been twice married; on tirst occasion, in 1843, to Mary L., daughter of Henry and Chloe (Chapman) Smith, of Chenango County, N. Y. The issne of this nnion was six ehildren: Henry (deoeased), Hamar (decsased)* Minerva (wife of S. B. Cuthbertl. Ellen (doceased), Aiiii (wife of L. M. Tracy) and Chloo (deceased). October I'.l, 1S62. Mr. Needham man-ied Airs. Lucia M. Earle, daughter of Abel and Frudeuce (Lyon) Burt, who came from Brimfield, Mass, to Brimfield, this coonty. in March, 1828. Mr. Needfiam is a representative citizen of Kent. In politics he is a Republican.

HARVEY C. NEWBERRY (deceased) was bom in Rootstown Township, this county, January 21, 1812; son of Chaonoey and Fanny (Coe) Newberry. His father was a native of East Windsor, Oonn., and his mother of Granyille^ Mass. They settled in R(X}tstown Township, this ooimty, about 1810, where thny lived until 1823. when they removetl to FrRnklin Township nnd there died. They had nine children: Harvey C. (deceased), Cynthia (deceased), Fredsriok (daosased). Oliver H., Stoddard (deceased), Lnra, Maiy, Oscar (died in the late war of the Rebellion) and George (deceased). The snbjeot of thia sketch was reared in Rootstown Township, this county, until ten years of age, when his parents removed to Franklin Township, and here he afterward resided. He was first married November 24, 1838, to Sarah Slaughter, of Franklin Township, this county, and had two children: William and Thomas. April 10, IS V), Mr. Xt^wberry married Flora Raver, also of Franklin Tu wii ship, a native of (iermany, and by her he had four children: Fanny (deceased), Jane (Mrs. A. D. Clark), Byron C. and Frederick. Our subject died very suddenly while in conversation with some friends, in Kent, Ohio, March 19, 1885. Ho was elected to the oflSce of Connty Trc asiirer in 1S59, serving one term, and was, previous to his death, TrettBUrer of the corporation of Kent. In politics he was independent

Franklin Township, this county, about ISOO, locating on the farm now owned by Mr. Kindioe, which thej eleared and improved. They bad tweWe obildren: Geoi^ (deceased), Clariasa (deceased), Catherine (deceased). John (decoased), Margaret (deceased), Henry, Polly (deceased), William (deceased), Emily, Frederick, Eliza and David (deceased). Our subject remained with his parents until twenty oue years of age, and then bought a farm of fifty aorea in Strootsboro, this county, where he lived four years. He then bought a farm of 1(K) acres in the same township, which ho lived on til! lSr)8, thon removed to the north part of Franklin Township, in 1878 locating on the farm where he now reaidee. He has been twice nunried. By his first wife, Parmelia Van, of FraaUin Township, he had seven children: Vvrry, George (deceased), Orrin, Alvin (deceased), Almond, Electa (Mrs. Josso Nelson) jind Lnnra. Alvin died in the service of his country during the late war of the Rebellion. Mr. Nighman's present wife {nee Sally Stewart) was bom in Stowe Township, Portage (now Summit) Ca, Ohio. Mr. Nighman has been a resident of tbia county seventy oignt years, and is one of its reprfBontative citizens. In pdl> itic8 he is a Deiaocrat. always having voted the Democrnlic ticket.

McKENDKEE D. NORTON, farmer, P. O. Earlville. was born in Wadsworth, Medina 06., Ohio, November 9, 1886; son of Joseph and Jeaanetls (Graham) Norton, who were the parent.s of nix children, of whom foor are now living: McK. D.; Charles S. ; Angeline, wife of A. J. Powell, and Maxwell G. Joseph Norton, a native of Mil ford. Conn., came to this county in 1834, and looatod in nrimfield Township, where he worked at shoe-making far several years. He afterward went to Edinbnrg and from there to Franklin, where he now resides. The subject of this sketch was in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting in the Ninth Ohio Independent Battery. He served as a private, CSorporal and Sergeant, and particip>atod in all the engagements of the battery. January 19, 1802, they had their first engagement, flft Fishing Creek, Ky., nnd March 22, 1802, they were under fire sevon honrs, and threw 200 bhellsi August, 1862, they were shut in the Cumberland Gap by the enemy for one month, without communication and short of rations. The battery })nrticipaied in many engagements, in which they were tilwaya victorious. Since the war Mr. Norton has been engnfj^od in farming and has resided on his present farm since 1874. He was married, August 20, 180?^, te Rachel D., daughter of James D. and Mary B. (Olin) Haymaker, of Franklin, by whom he had one child - ^Nettie (deceased). Abrs. Norton is a member ot the Universalist Ohoroh. Mr. Norton is a Democrat in polities; a member «C the G. A. R

PARMELEE FAMILY. The annals of tbia family heretofore published trace their lineage back to the year 1447, to an and«it and noble Belgian family. This noble house flourished for several centuries in a parish of the same name located three lePigues south of the city of Liege when Belgium waa under the dominion of Spain. They were reformers in religious matters and to escape perseention fled to Holland and afterward settled in England la this volume apace will only permit of a record dating back to one, John Parmelee, a native of Guildford. England, who with his family and twenty-four other men, presumably also with families, set sail for America in 1639. While on shipboard, a few days' sail from Boston, the company entered into the fol* lowing covenant or agreement; ""We, whose names ai-e hereunder writtien, intending by Clod's gracions permission to plant onrpelves in New England, and if it may be in the southern part about Quinnipisack (or New Haven) we do faithfully promise each to each for ourselves and fapiilies and those that belong to ns, that we will, the Lord asaistiDg ns, set down and join onrselves t(^ther in one entire plantation, and be helpful each to the other in any common work, acoordiog to every man's ability and as need shall roquii-e, and we psomiM not to desert or leave eadh other on the plantation bat with the eonaeot of the rest of the greater part of the company who have entered into this engagement, as for onr gathering together in a church way. and the choice of officers and members to bo joined together in that way we do refer our&elTee nntil each tioie as it please 0od to settle na in onr plantatton, in witoess whereof we do subscribe our hands this Ist day of June, A. D. 1639. - iJofxrf Rirfcell, John Bishop, Francis Bushnell, William Crittenden, William D'cte, Thomaa Joans, John Jurden, Wm. Stone, John Hoadley, John Slvne, William PUxm, Richd. Sutiridge^ John Mousinger, William Dudley, John Parme- Im, Jchn Uejpham, Thoma» Norton, Abrakam Orittendent Franem Chatfieidt William Xobh, Thomas Naish, Henry Kingston, Henry Doxidr, Thomas C'>ok, Henry Whitfield.^ They were Presbyterians and the last-named was tbeir Minister. This company located at Guilford, Conn. The generations of the FOnnelee family may be named shortij as follows: Lather H., now a leaident of Kent, Portage Co., Ohio, was the son of Elisha, the son of Theodore, the son of Abram, the son of Abraham, the son of Isaac, the son of John, Jr.. the son of John Parmeiee, who settled at Guilford, Conn., in 1639. John and John, Jr., were bom in Guildford, England; Isaae wasboniatOailfocd,CQnn., November 21, 1665; Abraham was bom at Guilford, Conn., May 18, 1692; Abram was }x)rn at Guilford, Conn., April 28, 1717, and was a warm and earnest patriot during the Revolutionary war; Theodore was born April 3, 1751, and served in the same war for about four years as Captain of a oompany of horse on the patriot side* and thongh he took part in many desperate engnrremonts was never wounded. He was a man of extraordinary resolution and courage, and once in a hand- to hand encounter, when completely surrounded by the enemy, and ordered to surrender, he cut his way through and escaped. This same Theodore Parmelee, in company with his brother-in-law, David Hudson, Birdseye, Norton and two others, bought the entire township of Hudson in Summit County, Ohio, in 1797 or 1798. Elisha Parmelee was bom at Goshen, Conn., February 16, 1785. In 1807 he made his first U'ip to Ohio to look after a one*half section of land in Hndson Tbwnship, which his father had given him. He soon afterward returned to Connecticut, where he was married, November 9, 1809, to Koza Stanley, a daughter of Deacon Jesse and Eunice (Bailey) Stanley. The following yeariic moved to Mt. Morris, N. Y. At this place his wife died, January 31, 181*3, leaving two children: Ifynm N., bom at Qoehen, Oonn., September 19, 1810 (since deceased) and Lather H., bom at Mt. Morris, N, Y., August 31, 1812. He was married a second time at Mt Morris, N. Y., October 20, 1813, to Elizabeth M. Satterleo, and to this union were born Elisha H., July 21, 1814, died in infancy (August 23. 1815); Boxa S., bom Ifay 27, 1816; Bmily B., bom Joly 26, 1819; John F., born Jnne, 1821 ; Mary H. , born May 1 , 1824. About 1817 he moved to Warsaw, N. Y.. where he was a merchant, and in 1824 moved to Batavia, N. Y., and kept a hotel. In 1832 he came to Ohio and bought a farm in Hudson Townahip, Summit Oonnty, where he remained for twelve years, and in 1844 went to Louisville, Ky., bat retomed the following year to this oonnty and located at Franklin Mills (now Kent), whore he was a successful merchant For many years. He sold out in 1858 and retired from active business. He died September 4, 1865, at Kinsman, Trumbull Co., Ohio, at the home of his sonin-law. Rev. Thomas Corlett, and was baried in the Kent Cemetery. His widow died March 2o. 1 807, and was interred by his side. Elisha Parmelee was a man of marked ability, thorooghly enterprising, and aniTersally

Parmelee, natives of Goshen, Litchfield Co., Conn. He was educated ia Batavia, N. Y. , find came to Hudson, Summit Co., Ohio, with hiw parents ia February, 1832. He worked on his father's farm two years and taught school winters, after which he was employed three years as clerk in a store at Copley* Ohio. In 1888 he embarked in mevoantile trade in Copley, which he contiiintnl there op to 1845, when ho removed to Akron, Ohio, and there resided ten years. In 1S55 he camo to Franklin Mills (now Kent), this county, and has since been chieily ungoged in farming. He owns a dne farm of 170 acres in Franklin Township. ICr. Parmelee was married. May 14, 1888, to Tamma, daughter of Noah and Mary (Stickles) Ingersoll, of Copley, Ohio. By this nnion there were seven children: Helen E., wife of George O. Kiee; Walter M.; Caroline G., wife of A. L. Ewell; Lather H., deceased; Mary li., wife of Henry A. Bea; Frank H., and Boza S., wife of W. L Oaris. Ux. Parmelee is one of the representative citizens of Kent He has satisfactorily discharged the officeH of Coroner and Commissioner of Portage County, has been Justice of the Peace, and has filled minor official positions in Franklin TowushiDi He was Cashier of the Kent Savings and Loan Association from 1874 to 18m In politics our subject is a stanch Republiean.

EDWARD A. PARSONS, Kent, Secretary and Treasurer Railway Speed Recorder Company, was born in Northam|>ton, Mass., January 25, 1829, son of Edward and Clementine (Janes) Parsons, who settled in Brimfield Township, this county, in 1881, where they lived nntil 1868, when they removed to Kei^ and here the father died, April 4, 1874, aged seventy -seven years. The mother, now eighty-two years old, resides with her son-in-law, C. H. Berber. (Her lather's name was Peleg C. Janes). Their children were six in number? Bdward A., Timothy G., ihrrlet J. (deoeased), Martha K. (Mrs. Qwrm W. Cronse, in Akron), William C, in Akron, and Clementine (Mrs. C. HTBai^ ber). Eilward Parsons (the father) was a native of Northampton. Mass., soa of Moses Parsons, and Clementine, his wife, was a native of Brimfield, Mas& Oor subject was reared on his lather's farm in Brimfield Township, this oonnty, and educated in the common schools. He farmed up to 1863, when he removed to Kent and embarked in the lumber businesn. In 1871 he sold his business to his brother and engaged in the produce una Rbippin;:^ interr>st. In 1870 the Railway Speed Recorder Company was formed, of which he has sinoe been Secretary and Treasorer. He was married September 25, 1858, to Mary J., daughter of Freeman and Mercy A. (Lincoln) Underwood, formerly of Massachusetts, who settled in Brimfield Township in 1818. They have no children, but aa aiiopteil daughter - Efiie S. P. {Jidrs. J. B. Miller.) Mr. Parsons has held several offioes in Franklin Township, this county. He served aa County Commissioner from 1874 to 1878, and was the main projector in building the fine arch stone bridge over the Cnvahorrji River at Kent. In politics Mr. Parsons is a Republican. He is a representative business man and worthy citizen.

TIMOTHY G. PARSONS, lumberman, Kent, was born in Brimfield Township, this county, Septeml)er 17, 1832, son of Edward and Clementine (Janes) Parsons, who settled in Brimfield Township in 1831 (see skHtch of E. A. Parsons). Our subject was reared on his father's farm, educated in the common schools and Twinsbnzy Academy. In January, 1853. he went to California, wliere he was enfpiged in mining and farming np to Novonber, 1859, wh«i ha retnrneil to Brimtield. He served in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting in September, 1801, in Company A, Forty -Becond Ohio Voimieer Infantr)', Garfield's regiment; served twentj^siz months, and reeeived an honorable diecharge. He was then employed as a clerk in the Qaartor master's Department, holding that position till the war closod. In September. 1865, he located in Kent, and engaged in the lumber bubiuess with his brother E. A. Parsons up to 1870, wh«i he porohaaed his brother's interest, and eanries on the business himself. In addition to this, he rans a large planing-mill, the only establishment of the kind in the place. Mr. Parsons was married, December 12, 1866, to Eleanor M., daughter of Henry and Sosan (Hallj Sawyer, of Brimfield, by whom he has three ehildrsii living: Edward S., John T. and Dwight L. Mr. Parsons is a F. & A. M. In politics he is m Bepobliean. He is known in Kent as an active, honast and successful business man, cue who takes a lively interest in all afl'airs promotive of the town's welfare.

FREDERICK E. POISTEB, photographer, Kent, was born in Wetzlar, Rhenish Prussia. May 9. 1857, and is a son of John and Elisabeth (Shaeffer) Poister. His father, after =;prvlncr his time in the Gennan Army in the Twi-n ty nintb Tlegiment Infantry at Koblenz, settled in the city of Wetzlar, where he held u poiiiLiou in the Provincial Court On the 3d of June, 1861, uur sub< jest's mother died in that oiiy, and the following year his father resigned his position and immigrated to America, where he arrived in December, 1862, and located in Gallon, Ohio, where he still resides, and where Frederick E. was reared and educated. In the spring of 1874 oar subject entered the photograph gallery o( L. M. Beek, of that place, where he served an apfHrenUeeship -f five years. He then went to Norwalk, Ohio, where he afltsd as operator in the galleries of George Butt and G. M'. Edmundson for two years. In February, 1882, he located in Kent and embarked in bosinees for himself. He is a fhotographer and artist not only in name, bat in edoeatioo, vAo mderatands the art principles of lighting and posing his sabjeets, wherein lie 1^ true merits of a photographic portrait.

ABRAHAM PRATT, farmer, P. O. Earlville, was born in Marion, Wayne June 28, 1823, son of Darius and Phebe (Baker) Pratt^ the former of whom was born June 25, 1780, and th*^ hater February 5, 1784. They were the parents of twelve children: Asahel, Zina, Harriet, Lorinda, Presson, James, Sidney, Elizabeth, Phebe, Darius, Abraham and Mary (twins). All are now deceased but Abraham, who is the only member of the family now living. In 1834 Darins Pratt settled on the farm now owned by Marias Heighton, in Franklin Township, this county, but in 1^12 removed to the farm where he ditnl in 1842, aged sixty-1 wo ) ears, ilis widow died February 25, 1858, aged seventy- four years. Abraham Pratt, paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of New England, and his maternal grandfather, James Baker, a native ©f Marion, N. Y. Our subject was reared in Franklin Township, this county, from eleven yeare of age, and assisted his father to clear the farm. He was married, June 1637, to Marilla, daughter of Arvin and Betsey (Bennett) Olin, who settled in Franklin Township in 1884. By this union thoe were the following children: Francis B. (deceased), Mary E. (wife of Perry Williard), James A., Diantha M. (decea-seil wife of Knimet Barber), Emma (wife of Aimon Cackler), Almira R., Ransom O., Wilson and Willis (twins), the latter decoasod, and Gharles H (deceased). Bfr. Pratt in 1845 went to Michigan, where he lived one year, then removed to Indiana, where he resided eight years, and finally returned to Franklin Township, this county, purchasing his present farm, on which he has since resided. He is one of Franklin Township's representative men. In politics he is a Democrat.

Franklin Towmbhip

JAMES H. B££D, veterinary surgeon, Kenfc, was born in Boston, Summit Oo., Ohio, August 12, 1815, son of James aadOa&erine (Stough) Beecl,nativ«8 of New Jersey and Germany respectively, and who settled in Boston Townfihip, Sumiuit County, about 1810. James Reed, who was a millwrii^ht. aleo a carpenter and joiner by trade, was a soldier in the war of 1812, being "out" two years, for which he drew a pendon and land wanrant, and on his retom settled in Ravenna Township in 1816. He had nine children: Robert, Jamsa H., George, Peter, John, Calvin, Orrin (deceased), Melinda (Mrs. Spencer Smith), Irena (Mrs. Burt A. Smith). Our subject served an apprenticeship at -cabinet-making in Medina until he was nineteen years of age, when he returned to Bafsnna and worked at bis trade one year. Itx 1837 he located and partly cleared the farm ho now owns in the northeast part of Franklin Township, this county. Me has been a veterinary surf^oon upward of forty years. He was married, August 13, 1835, to Tussey bcranton, daughter of Joseph Scranton, of Franklin Township, this county, by whcnn he has ten children, seven now living: Lawrence, Levi, Lucy (Mrs. Luther Johnson), Paulina (Mrs. Fred Myers), Martha (Mrs. C. A. Ferguson), Amelia (Mrs. Frank Brown) and Elber. Mr. Reed located in Kent in 1876, where he has since resided, principally engaged in the practice of IdspiofeiMion. He has held aemal oflfioes in the township with credit to himself and to the saliBfiotion of the people. In politics he is a Republican.

LE^^ REEID, livexyman, Kent, was bom in Franklin Township, this oonnty, September 8, 1848; son of James H. and Thina (Scranton) Beedt who were among the early settlers of the township. He was reai'ed on a farm and educated in the common schools and the Oberlin Commercial College. After he became of age he worked on a farm by thel month for two years, and in 1864 enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Eighty- eighth Ohio Yolnntesr Infantry, and served till the close of the war. He was married, October 3, -1867, to Clarissa C, daughter of Joseph B. and Ruth (Olin) Stratton, who settled in Franklin Township, this county, in 1837, and by this union there were live chiidren: Willie, Lorena, Joseph A. (deceased), Leona and Leroy. After his marriage Mr. Beed engaged in farming for two yeara, and in 1809 located in Eent. For three years he worked in the railroad shops, after which he engaged in the coal business, feed and grocery store and livery business with liis brothers Luther A. and L. G. In 1882 Mr. Reed embarked in the livery bnsinosB on his own aoooont, in which he has been profitably engaged UU the ptesent tima He is a member of the G. A. B., and both he and wife are members of the Universalint Church. In politics ho i.s a Republican.

0. R. REED, of the tirm of Carlile & Reed, tinners and plumbers, P. O. Kent, was bom in Franklin Township, this oonnty, July 20, 18(^ son of - William and Mary E. (Day) Reed, whose family consisted of William, Charles (deceased), Charles (second) R., Robert, Nellie, John and Frank. William Reed, father of our subject, was bom in New Lisbon, Columbiana Co., Ohio, May 81, 1828, and was reared on his father*s farm. He served an appventioe. ehip at the carpenter's trade, which has been his occupation ever since. His parents were John and Rebecca (Morgan) Rood, who settled in Franklin about 1828, and who were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom grew to manhood and womanhood: Reuben (deceased), Sperry, William, Hiram, Ellen (wife of IL Hnlbsrt), Rebecca (decessed), Oassa (deceased) and George. John Reed was a native of Maryland, a weaver by trade, which he followed for several years after coming to Franklin Mills (now Kont). He then engaged in agriculture, clearing and improving a farm on which he lived and died. C. B. Bead's matsmal grandfather, Jacob Day, was a stone mason by trade, and one of the first settlf^rs of Franklin Towuship, this county. Our subject was reared in bis native township, and in 1876 entered the employ of F. F. Carlile, to learn the InuiiieaB of tinner and plumber, and worked aa Joamejman up to 1SS2, when he beoiine aaaociated with his employer under the firm name of Carliln Sc Reed. He was married. February 12, 1SS4, to Cora S., daufjhter of Samuel B. and Sarah (Doolittle) Hall, of Kent, Ohia Mr. Keed is one of Kent's eaterpriainfif basinees men and a worth j eitiaen.

GEORGE O. RICE. Kpnt, Ohio, was born in Brandou,Vi, April 22,1819. son of Hastings and Nancy A. (Bates) Rice, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts, and in later years residents of Brandon, Vt. wi\ore they were married and lived nntil death, and where our subject resided till tbirty-fiTe years of age. In 1850 he removed to Kent, Ohio, where he still resides, and for nVxtnt ten years be carrie<l on the harness tradn. then for about ten years he was engaged in thr* general produce buRinoss, and for the last ten years he has been interested in the real estate and iusorance bosiuess. Mr. Rice has been genemllj saooeaafal, and ia posaeaaed of a oompeten<7 of tfato worldPa goods. At the age of twenty-one years our subject was married to ICiaa Joanna P., daughter of John H. Lincoln, of Pittsford, Vt., nnd by this union there were seven children, of whom none survive. Mrs. Rice died at Kent, Ohio, December 19, 1874, and Mr. Bioe then manned, Jnne 10, 1877, Miaa Helen & Parmelee, daughter of Luther H. Parmelee, of Kent. As a oitiaen Mr. Bioe is enterprising and public-spirited, and ban given his influence Hnd means invariably and liberally to everything calculated to benetit the people and town in whidi he reeidea He and bis wife are members of the Congregational Church, in whidi he has served as Deaoon and Sabbath -school Saperintendenl for eighteen years. His politics have been Whig, Al>olition, Ropubiican, and at this time he has a strong tendency toward Prohibition Mr. Rice is now, and has been for the last eleven years, a Notary Public He does a large part of the real estate and inanranoe boaineas in Kent

GEORGE RISK, Jb., retired, Kent, was bom in Stowe, Summit Co., Ohio, July 19, 1883, son of George and Isabella CMcCauley) Risk, natives of Ireland, of Scotch descent, who settled in Stowe Township, Summit Co., Ohio, in 1830, and there lived nntil 1886, when they removed to BrimfteM, where Mrs. Risk died October 13. 1S06. They had eight children: Samuel, George, Jr., Sarah J. (Mrs. J. W. Sapp), Eliza (deceased), Martha (Mrs. R. S Hazlett), John W., iiobert M. and William (latter deceased). Onr subject was reared on a farm. Owing^torheumatiamheliaaneverwallradaatepsinoehewBa eight years old, but fHMisessing indomitable will, perseverance and indualry* he secured an pdnoation. F^r many years he was a huckster, and by economy and frugality has gained a competency, and is owner of a double business block opposite the depot, from which he derives a good rent. He is a gentle* man of pleasing addiess; politieally a Bepnblican.

HON. DAVID L. ROCKWELL (deceased) was born in Pierpont, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, October 22, 1813, son of Harvey Rockwell, a native of Connecticut and a pioneer of Ashtabula County. He was reared in his native * town, where he reoeived a liberal edneation for thoee days, and waa a 8ihoe>malrar by txade. Ho was married in 1880 to Mary R, daughter of Ephraim Palmiter, of Pierpont. The ifssne of this union was four children: I)orema(wffe of Judge U. L. Marvin), David L., Jr., Charles H. and Orio S. In 1839 Mr. Boekwell settled in Brimfidd Township, this oounty, where he remained one year, then removed to IVanklin Mills (now Kent), Ohio, where he worked at liis trade for several years, and while working on bis l)ench he was elected to the Legislature from Portage County, 1848-49. He was engaged in the hotel and meroantile busiuesa in Kent for many years and, 1862-63, was re-elected to the Legislature, where he werwed with credit to himBelf and to the natisfacti<»i of his oonstitnents. During the war of the Rebellion our snbjeot wau a hearty supporter of the Union cause; in politics be waa a BepnbHe»n. Both he and his wife were membera of the Episoopal OhoTOh. He died Febroarj 2y, 1868, his widow in June, 1875.