Portage County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1885 (part 7 of 14)

FEKEB OABLTON (deceased) waa bom Jnne 8, 1787, in Stafford, Conn., and was a son of Caleb and Margaret Carlton, who were the ]mrcnts of Hannah, married to John Bestor; Caleb; Lucy, married to Alvin Bestor; Peter; Elias; Sallie, married to Willis Kneoland; Dudley. Our subject was the tirst Carlton to settle in this county, coming in 1811, his parents following in 1814. He was married, November 2v, J810, to Clarissa, danghter of Daniel and Per* sis (Davis) Ladd, and bom FebruaiT 25, 1779, one week before the inauguration of George Washington as President. Says a writer: ''Here, amid the influence of the crude and imperfect civilization that existed in those early days, she was reared to habits of iudustry, and enjoyed only such educatioDal advantages as the limited means of her parents were able to bestow, until she was twenty-one years old." Soon aftor thoir mnrriap^e our subject and wife left for Ohio, and aftor a toilsome journey of twenty-seven days arrived at Painesville, Ohio, where they met Horace Ladd, who had preceded them a short time. With Mr. Ladd, Peter Oarlton and his wife left their wagon and goods, mounted their horses and struck out for Mantua, and on their way, at Welshlield, they met a man whose track in the leaves served as a guide to their right course. At night they reached Blackbrook, a small stream with muddy bottom, whioh with eare thsj managed to cross. While making preparations to cross they ntarted a hog, which ran away, as they supposed, toward a hoaae. They followed it, and soon came to the clearing of Elias Harmon, and from thei'e went to the clearingof Mrs. Carlton's brother, Eleazer Ladd, reaching tiiere about 10 o^eloek. Thfey were desirous of settling in Qeao^ Ooanty,bat the st ttlers of Mantua, being solicitons about inoreasing thmr settlemenli ofl'ered to build them a house and render other npcessary assistance. They were induced to make a iiual settlement. In 1812 the war broke out, and Mr. Carlton went forward to defend his ooantry. After several yean spent in clearing the farm, it was traded for the home now owned by their youngest son, P. A- Peter Carlton died in 1861; his widow survived him several years. One evening she listened to the reading of an excellent book, retired in her usual health, and was found the next morning apparently in a gentle sleep, bnt it was soon disoorared that she was stricken from life's roll on earth and gathered into life eternal. She was the mother of ten children: Georfxp. born September 5, 1811, died August 29, 1836; Sherman, born Juue 21, I S 1 3, died February 20, 1851; Caleb D., born May 22, 1815, died December 19, 1867; Fkrancis, bom April 2^ 1817; Olariasa, bom Jane 80, 1819, married September 27, 1841, to I. P. Sperr}-; P. A; Sallie, bom August 1, 1823, died May 27, 1845 (she married Kobert McMurdy); Lydia, born August 14, 1825, died September 27, 1845; Percis A., bom July 4, 1829; Uuldah E., born November 21, 1888. P. A., who waa bom Febraaiy 26, 1821, in Hantna Township, thia county, attended the ooimtry schools and the school at Kirtland. and was brought up on a farm. He was married September 27, 1848, to Sallie A. Parker, bora November 8, 1829, in Aurora, Onio, daughter of Horace and Achsa (HcEiwain) Parker, natives, the former of this coonty, the latter of Vermont The father, who was a member of the Presbyterian Ohnrch, died leaving her and Hnklnh. and the mother subsequently married James Pease, by whom she had eleven children, seven of whom are now living: Celia, Malinda, Sylvia, Aden, Abner, Bamnel and Frank. The mother was a mmnber of the Disoiplss Chnrch. To P. A. Carlton and bis wife were born ten children, nine of whom are now living: Arab, married to CaiTie Donnel (he is a dentist atMantuaStation); Herbert, married to Tillie Parker; John and James (twins |, the former married to Hettie Cobb, and the latter to Lon ^Hiittier; Clara; Guy E. ; Per- BIB E. ; Horace P. and Lncy A. P. A. Carlton and wife are members of the Dieciples Church. He owns the old homestead of 200 acres. Mr. Carlton was draftetl in the late war and hired a substitute. In politics he is a Republican. His brother Sherman's eon, Charles, was said, by James A Oarheld, who preached his fnneral disconrse, to have been the first Union man to shed blood in a regular engagement in the late war of the Rebellion. After boinn; seriously wounded lie was brought home by Franein Caj Itrm, whose Kketeh ap|>ears elsewhere. In this volume will be found the portraits of Peter and Clarissa Carlton, who were eocemplary Christian people.

FRANCIS CAKLTON, fanner, P. O. Mantua, was bom April 20, 1817, in Mantua Township, Portage Co., Ohio, son of Peter and Clarissa (Laidd) Carl- ton, natives of Stafford, Conn., and Marlboro, Mass., respectively, and who were the parents of ten children, five now living: Francis; Clarissa (Mrs. Bperry), in Tallmadupe^ Summit Oa, Ohio; P. A., residing^ on the old home* stead; Hulda (Mrs. Sperry), in Tallmadge, anil Percis A., wii^ow of Charles Taylor, also in Tallmadge, Ohio. Peter Carlton and wife came to this county in the spring of 1811, and settled in Mantua Township, where he bought a f ami, which in s few yean he traded for one owned hy B. F. Blair. He waa a pioneer fanner of Mantua Township, and died May 27, 18C1, aged seyentyfive yenrs. Clnrissn (Lndd) Carlton died January 10, 1883, aged ninety-four years. Our subject was married October 23, 1^39, to Polly, daiu^hter of Daniel and Margaret (Squires) Bidlake, who eame to Mantna funraehip, thia county; in 1810. To Mr. nod Mrs. Carlton have been born seven children: G. "W.. married to Chloe Hotchkisp; F. M. , fnarried to Mary Nelson; Lydia A., wife of S. T. Thayer; A. P., married to Helen Cobb; Abbie, wife Charles Parker; Ida B.. wife of Caleb Kettring, and Enuna M.

LEVI E. OABLTON, farmer, P. O. Mantua, waa bom March 7, 1824, in Mantua Township, this county, son of Dudley and Lydia (Eaton) Carlton, natives of Stafford. Tolland Co., Conn., former boru September 3, ]7V)0, latter August 31, 17U1, and who were married in 1814, and moved to Ohio in the eame year. There were boni to fhem five sona and one danghtar, two aona and the daughter being deoeaaed; two sons living in Ifantna and one in Kansas: E. D., a widower, residing in Mantua; B. P. in Kansas; and Levi E. in Mantua. Dudley Carlton died in 1878, and his wife in 1868. Capt Caleb Oarlton, Dndley Carlton's father, waa a aoldier thronghont the entire Bevoln* tionary war, serving seven years. Cfo moved to Ohio with his son, Dudley, and died in 182:1 Our subject was married, October 10, IS')!, to Mary L., daughter of Capt. John and Betsey W. Esty, and born December 18, 1830. To this nnion were bom two sons, both of whom died in infancy.

HENRY COBB, farmer, P. O. Mantua Station, was bom April 22, 1821, in Suffield, Hartford Co., Conn., son of Samuel and Harriet (Sheldon) Cobb, natives of Connecticut. His paternal p;reat grandfather was Dr. Samud Cobb, bom August 25, 1710, in Wales, and who emigrated to New England^ where he remained for a time at Barnstable^ near Oape Cod, Mass. In 1748 he removed to Tolland, Conn., and was a celebrated physician and magistrate. He died universally lamented April 0, 1781. He married Mary Hinkley, who died December 9, 1740, leaving two children. On April 11, 1749, he was again married, this time to Hannah Bieknell, by whmn he had twelve children. David, one of his sons, born June C, 1701, at Tolland, Conn., married Hope Norris, June 25. 1782, and by her had thirteen children; one of his sons, Samnel, was bom June 2, 1785, and married, June 1, 1820, Harriet, daoditer of OKtmp Sheldon, who bore him three childreni Henry (our snbjeoQ, Newton, born October 0, 182:^, and Harriet, born February 18, 1828, now the widow of J. M. Taylor, of Toledo, Ohio. Our subject's father purchased several hundred acres of land in the Wontern Reserve, and in June, 1833, removed with his family to Mantua Township, locating on Lot 19, known as **Oobb's Oornera,** a poetoCSce being established there, of which Mr. Cobb was Postmaster for seventeen years, receiving his oommission from Amos Kendal!, PostHULster-General under Andrew Jackson. Mr. Cobb was a stanch Democrat and died December 22, 1852, his widow sur him until December 16, 1860. Oar eabject paseed his early years in Ooonecticut, and after coming here assisted his parents to clear up the farm. His education was acquired dnrinjjj the winters in the primitive log-schoolhouse and by studying at nights. Ue thus fitted himself to be a teacher, and for many years followed this profetmiou. Ou October 10, 1849, he married Antoinette H., dangLter of Hesroa Taylor, natiTos of Conneetiont, by whom he has had five children: Helen F., bom Jtily 16, 1850 (mairied January 15, 1874, to A. P. Carlton. They have four children: Henry Lee, bom October 26, 1875; Howard A., bom June 25, 1880; Grace G., bom November 3, 1882, and Emma A., born October 24, 1884); Ffederiok H., bom July 12, 1854 (married Hamet A. Folder October 1, 1882, and died December 23, 1884, leavino; one son, Birchard F., horn February 26, 1884); Hnttie A., born April 26, 185U (married Johu D. Carlton, Noveml>er 9, 1882); Clara B., bom March 2, 1866, and Franoee £., bom January- 17, 1869, died Febraary 2, 1885. Our subject has been an active citizen of Mantua Township for jem, and haa filled all the important township offices acceptably. He holds twO OOmmiaaiona for Justice of the Pence, insued bv R. B. liaves.

NEWTON COBB, farmer, P.O. Mantua' Station, brother of Henry Cobb (whose sketob appears above), was bom in SiiMd, Hartford Co., Cknui., and came to this county with his father, Samuel Cobb, in 1838, locating on Lot 19 in Mantua Township. Ho was imited in marrin<;e March 2, 1854, with Aunis C. Carlton, and by this union has one child - Lura A., married to. John B. King, April 7, 1877.

STEPHEN J. DkYSS (deceased) was born October 10, 1816, in Delaware County, N. Y. ; son of Aca and Anna Davis. He was married August 31, 1848, to Philena, daughter of Alouzo and Emily (Mount) Gates, of Harbor Chreek Township, Erie Ga, Penn., who were flie parents of five diildren, all now living, viz. : Grandiaon, married to Lucy Dalley, residing in Dakota; Abby, wife of S. Brown, at Chautauqua Lake; Pamelia, wife of ^Villiam Trimble, formerly of Mt Vernon, Ohio, now of Erie, Penn.; Phileua, the widow of our subject, and George, married to Julia Bostwick, in Springfield, Penn. Mrs. DaTia was born in ^ie Gonnty, Penn., and eame here with bar husband (on account of his failing health) and bore bought a home. To our Kubjpct and wife was born one Hon - Clinton, married to Jennie, daughter of Ebenezer Mcintosh, of Mantua, Ohio. Stephen J. Davis dei^arted this life in Angost, 1878L Hia widow malwa her home with her aon, Qiiiloii, and ia carrying on a flourishing millinery and fancy goods alore at Ifontaa Oomers, where she is known as an affable, conscientious lady.

J. H. DITTO, of the tirm of J. fi. Ditto & Sons, dealers in floor, feed and groeeriea, and proprietors of a livery, Mantna Station, waa bom KoTomber 1, 1828, thirty miles aootbeaat of Montreal, Quebec; son of Peter and Mary (Buchoau) Ditto, who were the parents of twelve children, eleven now living. Our subject came to the United States in 1846, and during the year 1856 was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of Lawson and Emily (Ferris) Steams, of Newbury, Geauga Co., Ohio. They have a family of three children: Frank S., Henry E. and Charles J., all of whom are nssoriatod with their father in business near the railroad depot. Our Bubjoct and his sons are leading citizeuH of Mantua Township, and are regarded as enterprising, pub- JiO'qpirited men.

JOHN ESTY was born in Phelpstown, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 80, 1798, and his wife, Betsey W. (Jones) was born in Middlelield, Berkshire Co.. Mass., Febmary 1, 1799. They moved to Mantua, this county, in 1818, and were married the same year. There w«re bom to them four aona and three dangh* tera, of whom throe sons and two daughters are no^ living. The four sons and two daughters lived to have homes of their own, and all ro>ided in this State but one son, who died in Missouri August 13, 1871, aged forty seven years; one daughter died in infancy. John Esty waa a soldier in the war of

1812, and received a commission as First Lieatoaaat in 1S25 frou Gov. Morrow. In 1830, during the adminiBtraUon of Gov. Trimble, ha was promoted to be Oaptain of the First Regiment of Rifles. He was a Democrat until the organization of the Republican party, with which he allied himself, and which he sapported until his death. He was a man who maintained the best inlereeta of his ooontry, and was loved bj all who knew him. He died Novem* ber 15, 1863, aged BeTentj>one years; his wife died November 10, 1869. Oar subject is a citizen of wealth, inflifenoe and enterjMrise. He has served as Trastee of his township for two years.

ALONZO N. FABB, farmer, P. O. Hantna Station, was bom In East Claridon, Geauga Ca, Ohio, November 28, lS'i2, son of Abel and Betsey (Mastic) Farr. the former of whom was bom in Chesterfield, Mass., ^lay (), 17'.)5, and the latter in Dunsmore, Vt., July JO, 1796. Mrs. Betsey Farr's grandfather, John Mastic, was born in Scotland in 1717, and married Sarah Coy, bom in 1712 in Farmington, Mass. He was pressed into the English servioe, where he remained until reaching Boston Hnrbor, when he escaped, and in his flight exehanp^od clothes with a man digging a cellar under a mill, and also changed his name from Salter to Mastic, by which he was always known thereafter. Nathaniel Maatie, Mrs. Fan's father, was bom In Masaaflhnastta July 8, 1772, and married Lydia Caryl, born in 1771. Abel Farr, father of oor subjt^ct. was married in 1819, came to Ohio the same year, and for two years resided on the present site of Eivriuj thence he removed to Ciaridon, and in March, 1829, to this oonntj, where he lived nntil 1887, when he went to Troy, Geauga Gonntj, where he remained until his death, April 20, 1804. His children, ten in number, survive: Lorenzo A., Alonzo N., Lovell I., William H., Arvilla L., Edwin A-, Lutheria E., Asenath M., Eri M. and Orren S. Our subject was married November 20, 1845, to Annah P., daoghter of Eber Kennedy, and by her has fonr daughters: Adell N. (MDrs. L. IMmer), Edna M. (Mrs. S. Sanford), Frinda A. (^rrs. F. R. Mnnn) and Oeorgie A. (Mrs. J H Beecher). Mrs. Farr's grandfather, Simeon I'ryor, came to Ohio in ISiHt, ^nd was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. He settled in Portage County, Ohio, and died Jnne 29, 1887. Mm, Fair's father, Eber Kennedy, eame to Ohio from Blanford, Mass., in 1804; settled in Aorora, Portage Co., Ohio; married Polly Pryor July 4. ISOS; died May 15. 1837, aged fifty eight years. Polly, his widow died February 15, 1S80, aged ninety-one years. ,Our subject has held the offices of Jnatioe of the Peaoe twenty-one years, Township Trastee, Postmaster eight years, and is now a Notaiy l^bliOL He is a Demoorat in politics, a valued citizen and an enterprising man.

J. W. FOSTER, merchant, Mautua, was born June 20, 1S17, in Mantua Township, this county, son of Jonathan and Betsey (Eggleston) Foster, natives of New Hampshire and Maasachnsetta respectively, and who tirst came to Surtiold Township, this county, subsequently moving to Mantua Township, where they remained until their death. Jonathan Foster was a farmer by occupation, alive to every improvement. He endeavored to raise sheep, bttt his eHEorts proved a failure, ae the first night three of his six sheep were devoured by wolves. He was a 'Justice of the Peace for many years, a Kepresentativo of this county in the Legislature, Associate Judge, a man of very decided ability. His children were seven in namber, three now living: Martha and Mary, maiden ladies residing on the old home farm, and J. W. Our subject was married in April, IS.'u. to Aurelia, daughter of Joel and Julia Chapman, latter the first white child born in Mantua Townpbi]>. tliis county, a daughter of Elias Harmon. By the union of J. W. Foster and wife were bom four diildren, only one now living - Jessie A. Onr snbject haa been engaged ia mercantile trade in Mautua for forty-four years, and as Postmaster of the village nineteen years. He is one of the substantial bnaineea mea of this place.

JA.MES FROST (docoasotVl was born in Blandford Township. Hampc^pn Co., Mass.. si)n of John and Eleanor Frost. His educational advantag^os were limited, as his father died when he was but eleven years old, and he was then put oat to work. At the ezpixatioa of one yew he retanied home and took eha^ge of the farm, remaining thus occupied until ho was seventeen years ot age. In May, I8I6, being then twenty-fivo years old, he came to Ohio, and soon after married Semira, daughter of Samuel Forward, who came to Ohio in 1803, and whose family was the seoond to settle in Aurora Tosmship, this ooonty. Our subject and wife were the parenta of seven diildraii; Obarlen; Frank; John, a bachelor, a thorough business man, who is proprietor of the Mantua Steam Flouring Mills; Elmer, who was born October 22, 1820 (is now Trustee of the township, and has held other offidal positions; was married No?ember 8, 1848, to Rhoda, daughter of L. Koed, and they had two children: Jamsa B., marrie<l to Percis Barker, and Eva A., who died in infancy); Madison and Benton, living in Anlnirn Township, Geauga Co., Ohio, and Marj', wife o£ Nelson Blair (have two daughters now residing in Parkman, Ohio).

FRAME FB08T, fanner, Mantua Comers, was bom Bfaroh 0, 1821, in this township, son of James and Semira (Forward) Fi'oet, and grandson of Samuel Forward and James Frost natives of Massachusetts and early pioneers of Ohio, the former settling in Aurora Township, this county, in 1803, and the latter in Ifantoa in 1816. The father of onr subject had six bcndb (five now living) and one daughter, viz. : Charles, Frank, John, Elmer, lidMiaon, Benton and Mary, wife of Nelson Blair (have two dann^htors residing in Goauga County, Ohio). Onr subject was married November, 1844, to Rhoda C. Bump, who died in 1865. He aabeeqnently married Ifaniia A., daughter of Lot Mitrht ll, of Windham Ooonly, Conn. Mr. Frost has no childi^ He is a leading farmer and cheese manufacturer of this county, and has served his township as Assessor and Trustee. Politically he is a Democrat

JOHN FBOST (deceased) was bom in Mantua Township, this county, Haroh 21, 1828, son of James and S«sira (Forward) Frosty the former a native of ^rnsfinchusetta, and came to Ohio in 1*^10, thi-^ latter born in Connecticut, came in 1803. Thoy were the second family in Mantua Township, and settled two miles west of the present site of Mantua Station. They reared a family of eight ohildren, of whom five are now living: Frank, Jolm, MadiaoD, Mary and Benton; Elmer and his wife died of pneumonia, former, Fobmary 14, latter, Fobmary 17, 188-"), and their funeral obsequies were both held on same day. Oiur subject was a farmer and miller by occupation, and head ol the firm of John Frost A Oo., of the Centennial Mills, an establishment employing the new process roller system and [)>)ssessing a capacity of turning out seventy-five barrels of flour per day. The Centennial is the leadin;^ raill in the vicinity. John Frost died of pneumonia February 22, 1885, aged sixtyone years. He was a citizen of capital, enterprise and public spirit

EDWIN M. FROST, farmer. P. O. Mantna Station, was bom Angnst 22, 18.32, in Mantna TownHhi[\ this county; son of Marvin and ^Fnry Aim f Deraaw) Frost, former of whom, a native of Blandford, Mass., came to Mantua Township, thi.s county, in 1818, settling on Lot 33, now occupied by Nelson iirunn; lattinr a French-Canadian. Th^ had four children, three now living: J. K., who was a resident of Hudson, Ohio, wbi re he died in 1882 (leaving a widow and two children: Hallieand George); Lorenzo L. and Edwin M. lu iSfVi the parents of our subject removed to Hudson, where they passed the remainder of their dayn with their Bon J. K. Frost. In 1854 Edwin M. was married to Agnes A., daughter of Garrett C. Yauwagnen, who caine to Ohio from New Tork Stake uid was the parent of a family of fifteen children, of whom Mrs. Frost is twelfth. To Mr. and Mrs. Frost have been born three children: B. F., a physician in Ashtabula County, Ohio; Lou Y. and Arthur £. at home. In politics oar subject is a Democrat

DEICAS HARMON (deeeased) waa bom January 11, 1805, in Snffield, Conn., son of Cephas and Deborah Harmon. He was married to Rachel Gillett, April 21, 1830, by whom he LaJ live children: Maria R., wife of C. B. 'White (had six children: Elbridge (i., Arthur H., Charles C, Fred H., Mary E. and Marcia M. ; three are still liring: Charles C., Fred H. and Mary E.); EloiBa C, wife of E. M. Kent (have five children: Anna A.., Demas E., Zenaa A., Eloanor E. and Arthur A); Mary A., wife of F. Cantield, of Austin, Til. (had two children: LouiHa and Hattie B. ; Hattie B. is still living); Horace A., married Tryphena Roed (have two children: Yeruie I. and Demas), and Bilaa D., a baebdor. la 1888, aooompanied by hia wife, he came to diardon, Geauga Co., Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1834, whenhe moved to Mantua, Portage Co., Ohio, and bought 215 acres of land. He died May 19, 18-42. His widow, in October of the same year, married King Nooney, a brother of Gapt Nooney of ibs war of 1812, and by him had one daiaffhter - Sarah R. - now the wife of G. O. Reed Mr. Nooney died October ^ 1848. His widow still resides on the farm located by her first hnsband many years ago. Her son, Silas D., who lives with her, has charge of the farm, dairy, eto., and ia one ci the leading tarm&n of the town.

SAMUEL HABMON, farmer, P. O. Mantoa, son of Alexander and Mary (Hanchett) Harmon, was honi in Snffield. Conn., July 30, 1S08, came to Ohio in 1834 and settled in the northern part of Mantna Townnhip. In 1835 our subject married Jane Doming, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Smith) Deming, and bom in Sandiafleld, Mum., November 1, 1815. By this onion eight children were born, seven now living: Esther A. (^Irs. H. L. Moore, in Kansas), Orcelia J. (Mrs. H. H. Convorse), Martha A (Mrs. G. W. Stitt), Carrie L. (Mrs. H. J. Sanford;, Rhoda J. (Mrs. M. H. Case, in Iliiuois), Samuel (who married Sylvia, daughter of Gharlea Streator, of ShalaKarille, thia eonnty), and Fred H., reaiding with his brother Samuel at the old homa January, 1875, Mr. Harrnon buried his wife, and March, 1878, he inarri<xl Mrs. W(K>d; they live near the old homestead. Our subject has held several offices of trust in the township^ and ia a quiet, unassuming, well-to-do farmer.

HORACE D. HINCKLEY, farmer, P. O. Mantua Station, was bom August 2y, 1817, the second white child bom in Auburn, Geaiiga Co., Ohio, son of Charles and Nancy (Turner) Hinckley, the former bom in 1793, in Connecticut, and the latter in 1791, in Massachusetts, but afterward removed to New York State, settling near Albany. They were married during the fall of 1816, at Walworth, "Wayne Co., N. Y,, and the following winter moved to GeaTiofa County, Ohio, making the journev on sleds drawn by oxen, and.e^ route, the party narrowly escaped death. While passing a clearing two trees fell, crushing one of ttie sleds and delaying the Teotureaome toilers in the unfrequented pathways two days. They arrived at their destination in safety, however, and lived for many years. Mr. Hinckley dying in 1842, and his widow during the year 1860. They reared a family of seven children, three sons now living: Jamea B., Gilbert and Horace D. Our aubjeot was married October 21, 1846, to Sylvia, daughter of Mc^es and Celia Bradley, natives of Yecmontand Bussell, Mass., respectively, and who had four children, three now living: Martha (Mrs. Burnett), Lydia (Mrs. Zabriskie), both residing in Geauga

PHIXEAS U. JENNINGS (dwpased) was bom May 4, 1706, iu Crnftsbury, Vt, sou of Benjamin and Serena (Bi^elow) Jenuinga, former born August 20, 1752, died April 14, 1886; latter born Iforah 16, 176q, died April 16, 1835. They were married November 13, 1786, and were the parents of eight children: Betsey, bom October 16, 1787; Anna, born January 8, 17U1; Lucretia, born October 13, 1793; Pbineaa U., bom May 4, 1796; TalmoD, bom Jnly 4, 1798; Lucy M., bom Deoamber 21, lw)l; Elial, bom July 15, 1S04; Benjamin, born May 1, 1807. Onr subject, when eight years old, was bound out to Daniel Freeman, a farmer and hotel-keeper, and with him remained until he reached his majority. He then started on life's career with one auit of clothes. 'When with Freeman he cat a omrd of wood, haoled it seven miles, and with the means obtained by the sale of the wood he purchased a "Scholar's Arithmetic," dated 1814, which is well preserved by his daughter, Mrs. Alvord. In 1821 he came to Ohio, driving a team for Benjamin Dow, whose wife was a sister to Judge Foster. The jonraey was made with a sled, and while crossing a lake the ice broke, «nd Mr. Jennings' cabinet got wet and with' it his family Bible, the only gift of 1)19 father, which is also held in good inesorvation by his daughter. Mrs. Alvord. It was published in 1780. Hib lirst purchase of land was iu 1621 in Mantna Township, this county, the tract being sizty-fonr acres of wild for> est, and clearing it, he made it his home for life, adding thereto, from time to time, until he became the possossor of 3(K) acres besides considerable other property, all acquired, not by fortunate speculation, but by honest and patient industry. With a limited edaeation he was a close obserrer, and with a strong and vigocOQS intellect he rapidly formed an accurate judgment of men and thinf:^s. and in active life was onp of tho substnutial and reliable citizens of the township. Being stricken with biindnHss iu his old age, he bore the affliction with cheerfnlness, patiently awaiting for his eyee to be opened in the **hoine over there,'^ where his aged companion had preceded him about two years. He was certain of good treatment by his son-in-law and daught«^r, ^fr. and Mrs. Alvord, and hence chose them to care for him to the close of his life, which ended June 26, 1882. June 16, 1822, he was married to Oleosa Wilmot, bom April 23, 1806, in Cheshire, New Haven Co., Conn., and in 1814 she came to Ohio with her widowed mother, sister and brother, Ella "Wilraot. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jennings were bom Serena, July 12, 1823; Cordelia, born May 28, 1828, died March 0, 1882; Boena C, born September 5, 1830; Cordelia E., born July 25, 1882, died December 7, 1835. Mrs. Jennings died March 26, ISSO. They united with the Disciples Church in 1838, and died in full faith. Their pro]>erty wa^^; divided equally betwoon their two daughters. Through a kindly regard for the memory of the deceased and a desire to perpetuate his name, llr. and Mrs. Alvord have contribnted to tiiis work a portrait of Phineas I'. Jennings. Elsewhere in this volume will be found a brief biography of Air. Alvord, who has always been closely identiiied with Portage County.

EDGAR 11 KENT, farmer, P. O. Mantna, was bora Norember 22, 1828, in Aurora Township, this coanty, son of Amasa and Eleanor (Juhnson) Kent» natives of Tolland, Conn., who came to Mantua Township, this county, at an early period and here passed the remainder of their days. Amaua Kent died Jannary 4, ISSl, his wife having preceded him Sfay 1, 1870. Oar subject, their only child, was married Jane 17, 1852, to Eloisa C, daughter of Demas and Baohel Harmon, who were the parents of five children, Mrs. Kent -being the second. Demaa Harmon died in iSl'i. and hia widow subaoquontly married King Noaey, and is dow a resident of Mantua. Mr. aad Mrs. Kent have live ehildrea: Annie A., wife of Albert A. GKIee (haw one child - Oeorgiaca); DomnsE. ; Zenas A., married to Emma E. Plumb; Eleanor E. , Arthur H. Mr. Kent, who lives on his father's old farm, is one of the leading farmers of Mantua Township, a member of the Disciplee Church; he is a Jiepublioan in politioi.

HOR V.OB LADD, Sr. (deceased), was born in Vernon, Oomn., October 18, 17S9, and came to Ohio in 1811, settling in Mantua ToNvnahip, this county. Four years later, in 1815, he married Eunice H., daughter of Samuel Moore, a native of Connecticut, and who moved to this State in 1806, locating on Lot 20, in the eastern part of Mantua, but dying on Lot 27, where Horace Ladd, Jr., now rewides. To Mr. anrl Mrs. Ladd were born Bovon children, five now living: CaliBta K. (Mrs. H. Hart); Eunice (Mrs. C. Woi.ils, Horace, Jr.; Perley (Mrs. A. W. Seymour) and liodolphus, who married iianiet C. Chapin. Horace Ladd, Jr., was manied, Janoary 9, 1858, to Abigail CL, daughter of Lorenzo and Maria Chapin, and widow of Mr. Griflfen, by whom she had one child - Frank P. Griffon, married to Mary J, Jones; and to Mr. and Mrs. Ladd have been born six children, five now living: AVillie H., George C, Hattie E., Henry K. and Eva J. George 0. married Charlotte A. Jones, of Indiana (have two children: Jesse and an infsnt) and resides in Malcolm, Neb. Horace Ladd, Jr., has served twelve years as Justice of the Peace, al«o for many years as Township Clerk and Trustee. He is a liepublican in politics. His grandfather and five brothers served in the Bevolntionary war and his father in the war of 1812.

RODOLPHUS LADD, farmer. P. O. Mantna, was bom July 27, 1830, in Mautua Township, Portage Co., Ohio, son of Horace Ladd (a soldier in the war of 1812) and Eunice K. (Moore) Ladd, former of whom came to this connty in 1811; the latter, a daughter of Samuel Moore, came to this county in 1806. They settled in Mantua Township, and were the parents of following children: Calista (Mrs. Hart), Eunice S. (Mrs. Wood), Lucy (deceased), Perley (Mrs. A. W. Seymour), Kodolphus and Horace, Jr. Our subject was married Jaonary 25, Iw^ to Harriet E., daughter of Lwenzo and Maria (Kent) Chapin, parents of seven children, four of whom survive: Henry A., Abigail, Charles E. and Harriot E. (Mr. and Mrs. Chapin settled in Mantna Township, this county, in 1814, owned the farm where our subject now resides, and died here, the former Maroh 14, 1875, and the latter six years later.) Mr. and Mrs. Kodolphus Ladd have had three childroii Emma (Mrs. Bliss) in Ellsworth, Kan., Frank C. at home, and Charlie G., who died at the age of ton years. Our subject has served his township as Treasurer for two years, and School Director many years.

JESSE LINQ was bom Maroh 8, 1842, in New York State, son of Edward E. and Betsey Ling, who were the parents of Mary A. , Edward, James, Jane, Walter, Jease and Robert He was married October 13, IblOO, to Roena C, daughter of Phineas U. and Cleona (Wilmot) Jennings (who were married June 1822), former bom May 4. 1796, in Craftslrary, Vt, son of Benjamin JenningB, whowaslHjrn Aui:;nst29, 1752, and Serena (Bigelow) Jennings, who was born March 1«\ latter born April 23, 1800, in New Haven County, Conn.

Phineas U. Jenuings came to Ohio in 1821 and purchased sixty.four acres of land in Mantna Township, paying $8 per aere^ and this he made his life home, adding to it from time to time till he became the owner of 300 acres besides much other propi«rty. Ho was a ru<^<^od pioneer liviufr in a riido cabin on his farm until 18-^3, when he erected a frame house in which he resided all his days. He made four trips to the East, sometimes bj sleigh and sometimee by wagon, and abo by rail; his last trip was made in 1870. His wife was a sister of £. Wilmot, who. accompanied by his mother and her family, came to Ohio in 1814 and settled in Mantua Township. Tliey were parents of the following children: Serena, born July 12, 1823; Cordelia, born May 28^ 1828, died Mareh 9, 1882; Boena O., bom September 5, 1880, and Cordelia K, born Jnly 25, 1S32, died December 1, 1835. Phineas U. Jennings died Jnne 26^ 188'2; bis wife, March 'ifV 1880. Jesse Ling was at one time a mariner, and for three years served in the United States Navy. He and his wife have no <:hildren of their own, but have an adopted daughter named Sadie J. Ling. They occupy a large tract of land in the sonthem part of this townahip, a portion of which is Mra Ling's share of hor father's estate.

HEZEKIAH MAY (deceased) was born April 3, 1782, in Pomfret, Windham Ca, Conn., son of Ithimer May. He was married February 10, 1812, to Artemesia White, who bore him fomr ehildren: Jnde S., Olivia S., Deloa W., and Norman (deceased in 1850 ). Jude S. was born in 1815, in Otsego Con&ly, N. Y., and married, September 3, 1845, Zelia, daughter of A. Patterson, by whom he had two children: Hezekiah and Florence, the former married to Beasie Luce, September 25, 1877, and has one ohild - Zelia. OliTia 8., the aeoond child, is married to E. ^ritoliell. and resides in Nebraska. Delos VT. was born in New Y'^ork State, May 15. 1822, and ban been twice married; his first wife. Miranda Mitchell, was a native of Connecticut, and die<l February 3, 1853, leaving two children: AdelbertD., married to liillian Bidlake, and Norman L., married to Cornelia Lester. On Aognst 21, 1853, DeloeW. married hiri Bocond sponse, Elizabeth A., dau^^'hter of Georo^e \V. King, also of New York State, and by her has two daughters: Emma M. (Mrs. A. Carltou) and Cora D. Our subject acoompuniod his family to Ohio in 1829 and settled in Mantoa Township, where he had purohaaed a traot of 100 acres from the Shel> don heirs, the deed being drawn up by Judge Harmon. This property was in an nnbroken wilderness and contained but a small improvement, a building reared by Mr. Olney for milling purposes. He cleared this laud, however, ereeted the eeoond mill in the township and aooamnlated a prodootiTe estate. He died in 1854. Belos May has been a successful miller for many years and 13 universally esteemed for his probity and enterprise. He has served his township in various official positions, such as Trustee and School Director.

OHAUKCEY MESSENGER, farmer, P. O. Mantna, was bom December 9, 1821, inHantna Township, this county; son of William and Ruth (Miller) Messenger, natives of Connecticut and pioneers of Ohio, whither they cnme in 1815, and to this county one year later, settling on the farm where Mr. Kilby now (1885) reeidee. They were the parents of twelve children: William A. (deceased), married to Elisabeth Skinner (deoeased), afterward to Betsey Douglas; Jerome, now residing in Coldwater, Mich., married to Maranda Thomas (deceased); Clemon, married to Pletus Skinner; Zerina (Mrs. H. Coej now a widow; Yoyla, married to Mrs. Eliza VV illcatt Jadson, a widow (deceased); Oebra (deoeesed); Milton (deoeased); Beetina (Mrs. Rufus Edwards), a widow; Chauncey; Franklin, married to Caroline Goddard; Affa (Mrs. l{. K, ^Mclnt^osh), and Henry, married to Harriet Fuller. Our subject was twice married, iirst occasion September 23, 1857, to SnaaD Phelps, who died May 29, 1850, leaving one child - ^Maiy S. He next married, March 11, 18G0, Clarissa Walker, daughter of Josiah and Enniee CWis* well* Walker, by whom he hm had live children: Channcy L., Susan A. (deceased), Jenny E., Grant and John W. Mr. Messenger is one of the most substantial meu of this township, and had served as Trustee, School Director, afta, eto.

FKAOTLIN MESSENGER, farmer. P. O. Mantua, was born October 13, 1824, Id Mantua Township, this county; sou of William and liuth (Miller) M«SBenger, natives of Ghraaby, Hartfoxd Oa, Conn., who rsmoted to Ohio in 1814, settling in Mantna Township, this oonnty, where they reared a family of twelve children: Alvira (deceased); Jerome, residing at Coldwater. Mich.; dement, in Geauga County, Ohio; Zemia (Mrs. Coe), a widow; Viola, in

Oberlin, Ohio; Chauncey, in Mantua; Franklin; Affa (Mrs. Mcintosh), in Mantua; Henry, in Mantua. William Messenger, who was a farmer by occupation, died November 18, 1853, aged seventy three years and his widow August 13, 1875, at the advanced age of ninety-cue. Our subject was married, October 5, 1847, to OazoUne Ooddard, daughter of Dryden and Maria (jrerriiimn) Goddard, the former of whom died in 1871, aged sixty eight, and the latter in 1872, aged sixty-six. Mr. and Mrs. Messenger have had nine children: Ellen (Mrs. JEiogers^, George (deceased), Aivirus (deceased), Harriet (Mia Ooi), Flora, Ifila A. (Bin. Dinee), MarOu^ (Mn. Boasell), Frank and Alice.

SAMUEL NOBLE, manufacturer of cheese, P. O. Mantua Station, is a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, where he was born July 27, 1854; son of William and Elisabeth (Meggs) Noble, nativee of Ireland, who eame to Ohio in 1844, settling in Trumbull County. Here they reared and educated their family of nine children and fitted thom for the various duties of life. Oar anbjsct was one of twin brothers, and after completing his studies, acquired the art with which he has so long been identified. He now owns and operates a abeeee factory, located in the southern part of Mantoa Township, which is well organized, fully equipped and snj)plied with every facility for the business in which onr subject has Kcored a very pronounced success. The factory is operated eight months in the year and has a capacity of turning out 520 eheeses per month, most of whieh ie shipped to Boston, Mase. Our anbject was married, March 9, J 882. to Miss Emma, daughter of Capt Bissell.

GEORGE NOLD, miller, Mantua, was born March, 1840, in Fairtield Township, Colnmbiana Co., Ohio; son of Jacob and Catharine i^Ziegler) Nold, natiTes of Booka and Laneaater Oonnties, Peiui. , and among the earlieat aettlen in Columbiana County, Ohio. Jacob Nold was a miller, and broiight into that COOnty the first set of French buhr stones for milling purposes. He and his wife lived and died in Columbiana County after raising a family of fourteen children, twelve of whom are still living: Elizabeth Q/tn. Yoder); John, married to Esther Hnber; Susan (Mrs. EBterly); Mary (lua. Blosser;; Abraham, mar* ried to Sarah Sith^r; Barbara (Mrs. Detwiler); Jacob, married to Nancy Kindy; Samuel, married to Velina Sitler; David, married to Eraaline Moyer; Nancy (Mrs. Stauffer); Catharine (deceased); George, married to Lydia Sohwarts; Alevia (deoeaaed); and Sarah (Mn. Newoomer). George Nold and bin partner, John Frost, arc now mnninn; the leading flouring- mi 11 in Mantua. This mill is provided with all the lat4?st im[)rovomont8, rollers, etc., with a capacity of turning out seventy-five barrels of llour daily, and is of great advantage to the vulage.

OOL. C. H. RAY, merchant and Postmaster, Mantua, is a native of Mantua, Portap;p Co.. Ohio, born October 31, 1835, and now owns the farm -on which he was born and reared. His ^andfather served in the Bevolutionaxy Army, his father in the war of 1812, m a Mantaa oompany, and himself, with five brothers, served in the Union Army in the war of the Rebellion. He attended school at Hiram in the early days of that very excellent and popular school §t that place, and at the time Rev. Sutton Hayden was President of the iDPtitntp, and James A. Garfield a student and teacher of classes. Our subject worked ou his father's farm in summer and taught a district school in wint^. - From first to last ICr. Bay was an enemy of the slaTe power, and when Kansas commenced her strucr^le for freedom his attention was attraeted in that direction, and in 1850, while yet a boy, with ax\ oldor brother, he drove a team of horses attached to a covered wagon from Wisconsin to Kansas, a distance of nearly 1,00() miles, camping out and sleeping in the wagon nights during the whole jonmey, a trip he enjoyed very much. He remained in Kansas for two years clerkinc:^ in a store for an elder brother anrl working in a mill. Horo ho voted against the Pro-slavery Constitution and its propositions, and for a Free State Constitution for Kansas, \\ hile hero he was honored with an introduction to John Brown of Harper's Ferry fame^ who fireqnenUy called at his brother's house during those troublesome times, and whom he has ever regarded as a man of very high character, and a man of pure principles, a prophet born before his day, and in 1883 wrote a lengthy article for tlie I^attonal Tribune^ Washington, D. 0., on John Brown's work in Kansas, that was well received by the public and read with much interest. lie letomed to Ohio in the spring of 1859, worked on the farm at home and tanj^lit a winter term of school' io his home district where he had learned his A B G's. He enlisted in the army in the early part of the rammer of 1862; being the fifth one of a family of six boys to join the TTnion Army. On HhB fourth day of July, 1863, Mr. Ray was elected Captain of a Mantua company of Ohio militia and con:i missioned as such by His Excellency, David Tod, Ohio's great war Governor, and on the 22d day of September of the same year he was elected and commissioned Colonel of the First Begimeot Ohio Hilitia in Portage Goonty. At the close of the civil war be engaged in the milling business for a few years, and in 1867 engaged in mercantile business, which pursuit, together with farming, he is now in, having carried on the mercantile buainess in Mantua and in the same building for more than eighteen years. He is now and has been Postmaster at Mantua for the past eighteen years, having reOMTed his appointment under Andrew Johnson's administration. Col. Ray was married, on the 22d day of June, 1868, to Miss Martha A. Cochran, daughter of the Hon. Lererett Goehian, who represented Portage County in the Ohio Itiegiala* tore in 1854 and 1 855. Otir sabjeet has always taken an aotive part in politics, being a stanch and uncompromising Republican, and upon Gen. I A. Garfield receiving the nomination for President in 1880, he at once took the stump for his old teacher and neighbor and labored hard for the Republican cause in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and was rewarded for his labor by seeing his old friend seated in the Preeidential chair. Bom to labor and inured to toil. Col. Ray has led an active and industrious life, and by strict economy and close attention to business has accumulated a handsome competency, but has at no time allowed his bnsinees to oeonpy his whole time and attention, but has traveled quite extensively in this country, and seconded by a good wife, tries to enjoy life by getting the most out of it as it comes along. During the summei- of 1884 Col. and Mrs. Ray crossed the continent, traveling quite extensively in the preat West, and visited the Paoifie Coast and the wondsrfnl '*TeUowBtone National Park.'' He wrote up the country and their tour for a home ]^nper, and on their return the Colont^l took the lecture platform, wliere he has delivered his lecture entitled " The National Park." Col. Ray is one of the charter members of Mantua Lodge, No. 588, F. & A. M., also a charter member of Biehardson Council, No. 03, R. & 3. M., Cryptic Masonry, Ravenna, Ohio, and a oharter member of Bentley Post, Na 294, 0. A. B.» of Mantua.

SAMUEL S. BUSSELL, retired coal dealer, Mautoa, was bom Maj 14, 1807, in Jeffenon Comity, N. Y. ; son of E«tiim and (Jeiioshft) OabcNrn Bm. sell, natiTSS of West Windsor, Conn., who removed to New York at an sarly day. thonce to nenr Cloveland. in Wamersvillo Township, Cnvnlioga Co., Ohio, in 1822, where they lived and died. They were parents of eleven children, seven of whom are still living: Edward A.; Samnel S. ; Rachel A. (a maiden ladv rt'sidinjTj with the society of Shakers); Robert E., in Town; Mary A. (Mrs. Philips), in Gleuvillo; William H., in California; Sauford H. (a widower). Our subject was married April 1, 1860, to Adeline H., daut^hter of Elijah Russell, who died December 26, 1883, witbont issne. Mr. KuBHell was formerly a Shaker, and filled all the prominent ofiices in that society. Hs resided for a time in Wisconsin, where he was Justice of the Pence, but removod to tliis cimiityin 1S<)<), and is now one of the leadintjj citizens of Mantua. He has an adopted son, George S. Rui^ell, a photographer, married to Lovstta Kyle, by whom he haa two i^ildren. Onr subject is a Bepnbllcan in politics, and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraliani Lincoln.

C. H. SAOE, proprietor of the Mantua Hou.^e, Mantua Station, was bom July 28, 1847, in Freedom Township, this county; son of llcswell and Minerva (Hawley) Sai^, natives of Massachusetts, who came to Portage County. Ohio, in about 1830, and settled in Freedom Township, where the father hac remained to the present time. Roswell Sage was twice married, on first occasion to Miss Hawley, who bore him seven children: C. B. ;H. H. j Dwight; G. H.; Boswell; Clita, wife of E. Tnttle, JTr.,. and Harriet, widow of S. S. Hurlburt. Mrs. Sage died in 1850. and Mr. Sags snbsequently married Mrs. W. Parshall, bv whom he has three children living: Theodocin, F](M-a and George. Our subject, September 3, 1871), manied Anna Hare, whote pareut« are natives of Maryland. For a time Mr. Sage engaged in die grocery business at Mantua, but subsequently disposed of same to Mr. Beecher and took possession of the Mantua Hotel, located near the railroad depot in Mantui^ and which is known as one of the best appointed and conducted eatablish* ments of the kind in the township.

JASON SANFORD (deceased) was born December 80, 1800, in Massachu. setts, son of Samuel and Rhoda Sanford. He came to this county in ISlft and lived for a time with Squire Atwater, an early settlor, when he learned the trade of a blacksmith. On November 1, 1827, he married Hannah, daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Burt) Ladd, tiie former of whom was a native of Massachusetts; settled in Mantna Townsbiy) in 1811, and here passed the mainder of Ijis dny^. He was a tanner, cui i ior and shoe maker. He reared a family of nine children, three of whom now live: Mary (Mrs. Penman); Daniel B., residing in Clarid<Hi Ohio; and Hannah, widow of our subject Ts Mr. and Mrs. Sanford were bom seven children: Persis J., Martin B., Henry J. and Laura L. living; Delia M. died June 15, 1855. Alice A., May 22, 1862, and Sylvia, August 21, 1877. Persia J. became the wife, in 1853, oi W. H. Bowen, a native of Vermonti and has borne him two children: 0. WL and Willie B., both educated at Hiram College and Akron College, the fonuer of whom married Enmia Wesf>enkor, and the latter Hattie Baldinger. Mr. Sanford died in 1848, and his widow now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Bowen, whose husband's family came from YMmont and settled in Hiram in 1SP,8, where they spent the rt iuaii der of their days. Mr. Bowen is a member of Masonic Lodge, No. 533, ol Mantua. He is a leading man in the community.

Bioqeapbical Sketches

natives of Massachusetts, who catue to this county and settled in Mantua Township in 1811. Thejr had seven children, four of whom are now living: Penis (Hre. Bowen), M turtin, H. J. and Lsnn (Ifra. Crane). Our snbjeet was naarried April 10, 1867, to Carrie Harmon, the fourth of nine children, whose father, an old settler, now re8i<le8 in the north part of Mantua. Mr. and Mrs. Sanford are the parentfi of three children: Alice J., Mary C. and iiboda M. Our anbjeot is now loeated on a farm in the oeoM pinrtion of Mantoa Townahip; he has been Trustee of this Township three tenns, School Director, Assessor, etc., besides filling offices of minor importan<^ He is one of the leading citizens of this county; a prominent member of the DisoipleA Church.

SAMUEL SANFOBD, ftooier, P. O. Mantoa, was bom Mardh 7, 1844. in Mantna Township, this county; son of Edwin and Harriet (Wihnot) Sanford, natives of this county. The grandfather of our subject, Samuel Sanford, with the Atwaters, came to this county at an early day and settled in Mantua Township. Edwin Sanford was a farmer by occupation. He reared a family of two children: Lncia, now Mrs. Johnson, who has one child, Anna M. ; and Samuel. Our subject married October 4, 1870, Edna iL, datifi^htor of A. N. Farr, by whom he has two children: Huttio A. and Annie B. Mr. Sanford is now building himself a handsome brick residence of modern style.

0. H. SBIBEIi, ealtiTator of small froits and music teacher, P. O. Mantua Station, was bom in Germany, Ootobcv 5, 1828, son of Andrew Seibel. He immigrated to America in 1844, accompanied by one brother, and after a brief sojourn in New York, removed to Cleveland, Ohio. Here they founded a school of tnatramental music, whidi has indvded apon its roster of pupils the names qt the most celebrated leaders of bands in Cleveland. The brothers are now attending to their music classes in Cleveland, Ravenna, and other cities of this State. Wearying of the rounds of city life, some years ago, our subject became a resident of Mantua, and purchased a small estate, on which he has made many improvements, among which might be mentioned a fishery, stocked with tb.e choicest varieties of the finny tribe, principally black bass. The lai'ger Bpeciniens are retained in an aqueduct, so to speak, supplied with spring water, while the smaller ones are developed in an addition. The runway loading to tiiefidiery is shaded with grape vines, highly coHivatod and productive, and here the Professor enjoys the fullest complement of pleasures peculiar to a German gentleman of taste and leisure. Mr. Seibel has been twice married, on first occasion, in 1851, to Maryann Johnson, by whom he had two children: Lottie and Maria. This wife dying, he snbseqnently married, in 1861, LepoUUna Heitzman, who bore him two children : Lillian and Andrew.

SYLVAN SKINNER, farmer, P. O. Mantua, was born February 16, 1845, in Mantna Township, this county, son of William and Delight (Finney) Skin> ner, natives of Massachusetts (Mrs. Skinner had been previously the widow (tf Mr. Wait,* by whom she had two. children, one now living - Otis Waiti in Hiram). William Skinner, Sr., and wife came to this county in 1806, settling on the farm where their grandchildren now reside. William Skinner, Jr., was born September 9, 1804, a sou of William Skinner, Sr., and by trade was a maker scythes, snaths, rakes and wagons, but in later life tonied his attention entirely to farming. He had a family of three children, two of whom are now living: Adelbert L. and Sylvan. Our subject was married, February 25, 18G5, to Pastoria, daughter of John C. White Kirtland, by whom he has one son - ^William. The iSinner &mily vras the twelfth to sem in Mantna Township, this county, and the laod on which our subject resides was ento^dby his grandfather eighty years ago, who also built the house, and this property at his death descended to his son (our subject's father) enoombered with a mort- gage of 61,8(X), which the latter cleared, and in the course of time, by industry and perseverance, he became a well to- do man worth upward of $10, (XK), Oar subjeot is a progressive man, highly esteemed by the community. He has filled the office of Gmistable for three years.

WILLIAM A. SMITH, proprietor of saw mill, tub and bucket manufact* urer and lumber dealer, Mantua, was born April 13, 1832, in Litchfield. Litchfield Co., Conn., son of Minus and Emma (Blakemaa) Smith, whu came to BBvenna Township, this oonnty, in 1883, thenoe reinoved to the northeast part of ShalersYille» where Mr. Smith operated a saw-mill for about twelve years. Our subject, the second in a family of five children, was married, September 4, 1861, to Martha, daughter of Seth and Nancy (Perkins) Sanford, who were the parents of four children: Mary J., married to H. S. Granger (they reside in Phillips County, Kan.); Sarah, wife of 3. li Peck, in Elkader, Iowa; Ifirs. Smith : and Delos C. . a solcHor under Garfield, serving in Company A. Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and who was wonndcd, from tho pfleotH of which he died at forty years of age. The Sanfords are of English origin, and trace their genealogy baolc throogh ten generations. The sraodfatherof Mrs. Smith enlisted when sixteen years of age in the war of 1812, and at his death, when ninety-three years of age, he was buried with military honors befitting the last soldier of that straggle. Mrs. Smith is carrying on a millinery and fanoT notion trade in one of the finest bnsiness homes in the village, in the Smith m Bowen Block, which she built in 1883. Oar subject and wife have no ohlldzeii of their own, but have adopted a daughter named Clara.

CHARLES M. TAYLOR, farmer, proprietor of saw mill, and cheese-box mannfacturer, Mantua, was bom September 11, 1818, at Suffolk, Hartford Co., Gonn. ; son of Hezron and Mary Ann (Mix) Taylor, who, in 1881, oame to thia oonnty and settled in Mantua Township, on the farm where our subject now resides. They hero raised a family of five children: Charles M. ; Mary H., deceased in infancy; Joseph M., married to Harriet Cobb (he died in lS7i^); Antoinette, wife of H. Ck>bb; Andrew HI, married first to Marr MoFarland, subsequently to Almeda A. Curtis. Hezron Taylor served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a farmer by occnpation. He brought his family here by way of Albany in wagons, and came across the lake during the prevalence of the equinoxial gales. He purchased the '*BIaekbum traet" of Mr. Trimble^ and here died in 1806, his wife having preceded him in April, 1803. Our subject was married in Soptemht^r, ]S4l). to Sabrina A., daughter of Alfred Day, by whom he had six children, tive now living: Henry C, Laura M., Lusira V., Lillian E., Herman H. and Herbert T. (deceased 1878), all of whom save the last mentioned have been heads of families His wife dying in 1852, Mr. Taylor was married. October, 1855, to Clara Parker, by whom he has eight children: William, Edward, Charles, Ezra, Frank, ^rinnie, Mattie and John. He carried on a farm at the old homestead, and for the past twelve years has been proprietor of a cheese-box fbctoiy and sawrmill looated in the northera part of the township. He is an enterprising citizen, a member of the Methodist Chnrch; a Republican in politics.

ANHREW H. TAYLOR, hotel proprietor, Mantua Station, was born May 1, 1834, in Mantua Towndiip, this county; son of Heaon and Mary A. (Mix) Taylor, natives of Hartford County, Conn., who came to Ohio in 1828, and settled in the wost piirt of Mantua Township, near what was known as **CoI>b'8 Corners," where they began life in the woods. Of New England stock, they were earnest workers in the cause of civilization in the wilderness, and devoted their lives to the education and happiness of thoir children. Of the five children bom to them, three now live: Charles M., Antoinette, wife of

Heury Cobb, and Andrew H. Oar subject has boon twice married, the lirst time^ JaDoary, 1808, to Mary P. MeFarland, who died July 8, 1865. His second raarriage, April, 180S, was with Almeda A. Cnrtis. In- whom he bad one child -Bortha M,, at home. Mrs. Taylor died in March, 1875. Mr. Tayl uwas raised oa his father's farm, but early iii life begau business on hi;> ovvu aueoant, for the past thirteen years in Itotoa, wh«re four years ago be ereoted the hotel which he has since succensfully conducted.

LEWIS TUKNEli, farmer, P. O. Mantua Station, was born, March 30, 1810, in Wayne County, N. Y. ; son of Amasa and Polly (Thayer) Turner, natives of Oonneetieat and New York respectively, and who came to Geauga County, Ohio, in 1817, remaining until 1827, when they removptd to this county, where they lived until their death. The father of our suVijoct kojit hotol for many years (during this time McCarson was hanged) but linally became a farmer. His family consisted of six eons and two danghters, fonr of the - fonner still living: Norman in Geauga County; Preston in Mantoa Township, tllis county ; Henry in Freedom, this county, and Lewis. Our suliject married Sarah Merri man, in 1886, by whom he had the following children: Harry (deceased); Lewtou, married to Adeil Farr; Lomira M. ; Sanford; Charles, married to Ella Nelson; Stanton, married to Martha Benninger; Egbert^ married tO Ida Clark; Emma (Mrs. Chalker), and Bell (T^Frs. YanAllen). Mr. Turner occupies the old homestead, a large tract of land one and a half milte north of Mantua Station. He in a genial, hospitable gentleman.

G. C. \N'AY, phyrieian and surgeon, P. O. luntna Station, was born June 20, 1848, in Shalersvillo Township, Portage County, Ohio; son of Robert and Lucinda O. (Work) Way, who were the parents of eight children, of whom the following survive: J. H., residing on the old homestead in Shalersville; W. O.; A. B.; Celeatia M., wife of Dr. S. L. McCarthy, of Altoona. Penn., and Dora E., wife of H. W. Fields, also residing in Altoona, and G. C. Mr. and Mrs. liobert Way, formerly of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in 18-35. and settled in Shalersville, where they remained until the death of the former, May 10,1867; bis widow now resides with G. O. Onr subject was edncated at Jefferaon Ck>l' lege, Penn., and at the college at Alliance, Ohio. He began the study of meditine under Dr. George M. Proctor, of Shalersville, in 1800. a lul afterward with Dr. Johnson, of Alliance, and his brothor-indaw, Dr. McCarthy, of Altoona, and matricnUted at Michigan XTniversity, Ann Arbor, whence be graduated at the Jefferson Medical Oolle<;e of Phil;ule*l])hia in the spring of 1874. He began the practice of medicine with Dr. S. L .'\rrrarthy in 1873. After graduating be practiced alone at Allen vi He and Altoona, and in 1881 he came to Mantua, nie Doctor baa a large and successful practice and is (K}n8idered the leading ^ysician of Mantoa Township. He was married. May 9, 1883, to Caroline^ daughter of Chauncey and Percis (Parker) Winchel. Mr. Winchel! was an early settler of Mantua Townshij^ and a very succefasful man, owning at one time nearly 1,000 acres of laud, which is now inherited by his children.

SYLYESTEE E. WILCOX, physician and sorgeon, Mantna Corners, was born August 4, 1824, in Chester, Hampden Co., ^fass. ; son of Ralph and Bet- Boy (Nouey) Wilcox, latter of whom "was a nister of Capt. Nouey, of the war of 1812. The father of our subject, lialph Wilcox, a farmer, came to Ohio in an early day and settled at Mantoa Comers, where he passed the remainder of his life. His children were Norman (deceased); Reuben G., a blacksmith at Hiram Rapids; Eliza (deceased), and Sylvester K. Onr subject was educated to the profession of medicine, at the Medical Department of Western Reserve Ck)llege, Cleveland, Ohio, whence he graduated in 1846, and then settled in Mantna Township, Ohio; thence he removed to Hiram Township, but after ten remained. Dr. Wilcox has been twice married; the first time, September 10, 1845, to Harriet M. Stodard, by whom he had two children: L. D. , and Harriet, wife of DeloePeck, in California. His second marriage occurred in Mecca, Tmmble Ca, Ohio, in 1882, with Olive 8. Whitney, by ^om there isno ieraa The Doetor is a grandson of a BeTolutioiiary soldier, and is an aooompltshed {diyeieian, a valuable citixen. In politics he is a Demoerai

ZINA R. BANCROFT, farmer, P. O. Garrettsville. was born in Nelson Township, this county, March 11, 18B8, son of Thompson Bancroft, a native of Conneetiout, who was Inonj^t to this county in infancy, and here he attained his maturity, helping to cut down ttie forests, and following the oceu* pation of a farmer. Thompson Bancroft was unite<l in marriage with Lucy G. Atwater, also a native of Connecticut, who bore him live children: Sylveetor, deceased; Edwin L., deceased; Zina R; Augusta P., and an infant, deoeased. He died in 1877, and his widow in 1879. Our subject, who has always lx>en a farmer, was married October 6, 1859, to Clara Reed, born September 1. 1887, in Crawford County, Penn,, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Moore; Heed, natives of Connecticut and early settlers of Mead Township, Crawfoird Go., Bsnn. Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft are the parents of three diildren: Lucv C. Henry T. and Eddie H.

MILTON COLE, farmer, P. O. Garrettsville, was born in Nelson Township, this county, February 23, 1830; son of Jedediah Cole (see sketch of J. Cole), a native of Vermont, who was twice married. In March, 1885, he was married (second occasion) to Parthena (Sanford) Hamlin, bom in Harrington, Conn., April 10, 1810, who bore him five children: Milton; Francis, in Lorain County, Ohio; Mrs. Aurilla Thompson, in Garrettsville, Ohio; Mrs. Cordelia Bancroft, in Michigan, and Edwin R, bom in 1848, and died in his seventeenth year. Jedediah Cole is deceased; Ms widow still survives. Our sub. ject received a common school education, and has followed farming all his life, still living upon the old farm originally settled by John Noah, the eighth settler in Nwson Townshipi On April 22, 186S, our subject was mar> ried io Miss Jennie M. Dotj, born in New York 8tato A})ril 22, 1840, daughter of Ebenezer and Rebecca fPierce) Doty, natives of Massachusetts, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Cole are the parents of one daughter - Lottie M., bom March 5, 1864. Our subject is an active member of Portage Lodg<^, No. 480, 1. O. O. F.

JOHN B. COLTON, fanner, P.O. Garrftteville, a native of Connecticut, was bom November 27, 1811, son of Theron and Elizabeth (Clark) Colton, natives of Connecticut, who moved to this county in 1815, and who were the parents <tf eleven children, one deoeased in infancy, the remainder attaining maturity, fonr of whom are now living, whose combined ages aggregate three htindreti years. Theron Colton, Ijorn in Granby, Conn., pstablished the tirst blacktimith bhop in Nelson Towubhip, this county, and conducted an extensive business for tkm townships. He died in 1851 at the age of seventy-eight years, his widow surviving him about fourteen yeara Our subject was raised . on a farm, his education l^ing limited to that obtainable in the log-school- house of that early day. He has always followed the occupation of a farmer. He was married in 1^7 to Vary L. Tilden, a native of Hiram Towndiip. this ooonty, where she was bom in 1829. They are the parents of three children: George H., a PrnfosRor in Hiram College; Emily N., wife of Q. W. Newcomb, and Sheridan B. Mr. Colton has added several acres to the old homestead where his parents lived vad died, and whidi he now owns. Ifr. Colton haa served the people of his township in aeveral offices of inwt He has never been a politician or office seekeTi bat haa ever lived contented with the plain home life of a farmer.

BUBT F. COUCH, farmer, P. O. Garrettaville, vraa bom in Nelson Township, this connty. A.ngii8t 22, 1850, son of Ferris and Antoinette (Johnson) Coach, natives of Leo, Berkshire Co., Mass., and Cornwall, Conn. They , were the parents of Eve children, three of whom attained maturity: Sarah A. (wife of Edward Bark), Emily J. and Bart F. Ferris Coach settled here in 1817, and became very prominent, serving as Sheriff of the connty, having b«*en elected in 1S54. and in an early day aa Captain of tho militia. He died Angnst 27, 1881, upon tlie samo farm on which he ate liis tirst meal npon his arrival in town July 25, 1817. His widow died at the same place July 6, 1884. Oar snbjeet- was married Jnly 2S, 1872. to Miss Slla a MeElwain, bom in Garrettsville, this connty, December 7, 1855. By this imion there are two children: Mvrtle A., born June 24, 1874, and Lela B., bom July 10, 1876. Mr. Couch is an enterprising young man, who has always followed the occupa* tion of a farmer. He is now living on his father's old homestead; ia a member of Portage Lodge, Xn. 450, 1. O. O. F. In politics he is a Republican.

CYRENILS CKAWFOKD. farmer, P. O. Nelson, was horn in Genesee County, N. Y., August 5, 1818; son of Stephen and Rebecca (Carpenter) Crawford, natives of New York, and parents of eight children, all of whom attained maturity, and of whom our subject is the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Crawford came to Ohio in 1819, residing at Southington for eight years, thence moved to Farmington for one year, and finally settled iu Nelson Townahipb The father died in 1868| the motlier was Jcilled in 1844 by l)eiQg thrown from a bacfgj. Our anbject has resided in Nelson Township since his pfirents came here, and engaged in fanning, in connection with which he has recently gone into tho raising of a superior breed of stock. He was united in marriage, Augu-^t, 1858, with Miss Mary Brown, a native of New York, and a daughter of Thomas Brown.

BENJA:SIIN fowler, retired farmer, Gnrrottsvillo, was bom July 25. 1807, in Northumberland County, Penn., and removed when nine years old to Lycoming County, same State, with his parents, James Fowler, bom in Northumberland Connty, Penn., end Ann (Craft) Fowler, bom in England, and who cnrnn. ff^ America at the age of sixteen years. The father was a distillor during early manhood, and later a farmer. Ho died at the age of seventy five years, of palsy. Ho and his wife, who died in 1824, were members of the Presbytorian Gbnrdi. Their lAildren were eight in number, five of whom are now living: Benjamin, Daniel, Deborah, Nancy and Kate. Our subject was educated in the log cabin schoolhouse, and during his short terms in the winters he progressed rapidly. It is a remarkable fact that he mastered every problem in what is now known aa "Pike's Arithmetie" in twenty-one da>-Band nights. At seventeen yeara of age he began labor on a vessel which plied on Baltimore Bay. and tb(>rp remained five years. In 1829 he rented a lai-ge farm along the Susquehanna liiver, and tive years later left there for Trumbull Connty, Ohio, where be settled among the wolves and other fsrooionsanimala Here he improved abont 114 acres, besides clearing other ftems. In 1858 he moved to this ooanty, and settled where be now resides. He owqb 175 acres» known as the old Speaew fam,** for wbioh h» paid $8,000. SinM^ loeating here he has made aspeeialty of stock-raising and dairying; he also continued the cheeee-making business, which he had commenced in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1848, but this industry he withdrew from in 1881. While in Trumbull Coontj thefe me added to his TarlooB other dntiea the operating of a eswmill, and tiie flxet threshing machine ever used in that county. At one time he was interested in a banking business at G arret tsvillo, this connty, which proved a loss to him. Our subject married, in 1829, Elizabeth, daughter of John and Abbie (MoCIow) Shaffer, natives, former of Pennsylvania, latter of New Jersey. To this union were born eleven chiltlren, eight of whom are now living: J. Wilson, marrieJ to Flora Do Lon; Henry ^t. C, married to Caroline Bristol, born October 5, 1833, daughter of Lot and Lucy (Towsley) Bristol, natives of Connecticut and early settlers of Portage County (her father died in 1806| leaving two children: VnA and Oaroline); they have two children: Ransom and Virginia; Harriet, married, for her Recond husband, to . Oscar Hoskins; Sarah J., married to Fred "Bristol; Lorendn, married to Samuel Craig; Comeliufi, married to Hannah MiHsuer; Johi^ married toHosaDoty; Watson, married to Oeorge Oollina Mrs. Fowler died in 1874 She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which our subject has been closely attached for over forty years. Mr. Fowler cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, and has since adhered faithfully to the principles of the Demoontic party. The Fowler family are deseended from three brothem who emigrated bom England at an early period, and soon after aeparaled. One, Nathan, was married and lived in New York, and his son Benjamin was on board a vessel which remained out of sight of land for three years and six months. He was with George Washington during the Revolutionary stmg* gle. His father was killed in the French and Indian war. Another of the three brothers, Elithan, married and resided in Connecticut; and the third brother, David, married a French woman and settled in PennsylvaniSi and from him the race, of which our subject is a member, sprang. The Fowler family as a role are long lived. Benjamin, the grandfauier of our subject, died at the age of one hundred and six years.

OSCAR D. FREEMAN, farmer, P. O. Nelson, was bom in Fredonia, N. Y., January 20, 1836, son of Joseph and Phebean (Freeman) Freeman, nativee of New Yoric, and to whom six children were bom, our subject being the third. Joseph Freeman was a molder by trade, but Mil s« qncT.tly adopted the life of a farmer, and is now a resident of Michicrnn. His wife died in 1843. Oscar D. Freeman was raised in Michigan, where he obtained a common school education and began his career in life as a farmer. In 1862 he removt'd to this county, and the year following was married to Miss Lavinia Knowlton, a native of Nelson Township, this connty. By this union there is " one son - Porter C. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Freeman enlisted with the lOO'days' men in Company I, One Hoadzed and Seventy-first Ohio National Qnards, was wounded at the battle of Eelley's Bridge and discharged on account of disability. He has served one term each as Township Treasurer and Constable.

COLUMBUS G. FULLER, farmer, P. O. Nelson, was bom April 28, 1818, on the farm in Nelson Township, this county, which is still his home, and is a son of Jeremiah R. and Hannah B. (Bierce) Fuller, natives of Coimecticut, who had a family of iive children,. two of whom are now living: Chauncey, in Iowa, and Oolumbna C. Jeremiah B. Fnller eame to this oonntj in 1817 and died in 1851; hia widow died in Febraary, 1882» aged nlnety<two years. Oar this county, iti 1830, and who has borne him the following'children: Harry B., who was highly educated, and was a successful tt^acher, died at the at^o of twenty-seven years; William J.; Lucius B., a graduate of Oberlin (College and a flieoiogioal atadent, died in hia twenty sixth year; Bfarena B., twin brother of Lucius B., who graduated at the same time and is now a missionary in India; Gornld M.; Columbus C, Jr., and George N. Mr. Fuller has always been a farmer, and for tifteen years has been an extensive breeder of AycBhire eattle. He is a member of the Cktngregational Ohorch; has held aeveral of the township offices; in politics be is a Bepnblican.

AMOS F. IIANNAH, hotel keeper. Nelson, was born in Nelson Township, this county, January 3, 1836, the second in a family of four children bom to John and Clarissa (Foot) Hannah, natiyee of Connectient and M^esachnsetts, xeflpeetively. John Hannah came to Ohio in 1813, lost his wife in 1844, and rabaequently married Susau Hannah, who now resides with her step-son: John Hannah dieil in 187'2. Our subject was married, in 1861, to Maria L. Clark, a native of Nelson, who has borne him tive children, only two of whom, Archie and Bnby, are living. Mr. Hannah followed the ooenp«ti<»i of a fanner until the spring of 1877, when he pxu'chased the " Cascade House," erected in 1S68 by H. L. Bancroft, at Nelson Ledges, one of the most romantic spots in northern Ohio, which has become a very popular summer resort, and under Sir. Hannah*^ able management the boainesa of tbia hotel has ateadily increased.

GEORGE E HEDGER, farmer, V. O. Garrettsville. was born in Trninbull Ck>anty, Ohio, May 24, 1837; son of Calvin and Sally (^Richards) Hedger, natiTes of Oonneeticat and Vermont respectively, and early settlers of Tnaubnll Oounty, both now deceased. They were the parents of ueven children: Amanda, Aionzo, Joseph, Martha, Mary, John and George E. Our subject was brought up on a farm and has been ougngeJ more or less extensively in raising and dealing in thoroughbred cattle. He came to this county in 1659, and on November 7, 1861, was married to Oaroline Onrtis, who was bom J one 11, 1837, on the place which has always been her home, daughter of Jiilin? Curtis, who was lx)rn in Glastonbury, Conn.. December 25, ITwT, and who at the age of eighteen removed to Ohio, locating in Geauga County, where he remained five yeara and thenretomedtoOonneotimii Later Ifr.Goiiisonoe mora became a resident of Ohio, and in 1822 married Khoda McCall, who is still living, aged seventy-six, and who bore him four children: Catharine, Ebenezer, Barsheba and Caroline. Mr. Curtis soon after his marriage came to thb ooonty, where he died Marbh 6, 1888; he waa a prominent atoek-dealer and fanner. Mr. and Mrs. Hedger have two children: Wdter J. and Susie A. Our subject has served nine years as Justice of the Peaoe^ and has also been Trustee and Assessor of Nelson Township.

JOHN S. HOB ART, farmer, P. O. Parkman, Geauga County, was bom in New Hampshire, November 25, 1806; aon of Benjamin and Mary ^Wheeler) Hobart, natives of Massachusetts, Our subject came to Ohio in ISl 4. and ha? always boon a farmer. He was twice married, on the first occasion, iu \'^'-A. to Margaret Moore, who died October 29, IboG, the mother of nine children, as follows: Thomas if., Benjamin E., Mary B., Jefferson R., William W., Marsena, Freedom, Hannah and Marcellus. His second marriage occurred March 1, 1^58. with Aurilla C. Alton, born at Warren. Ohio, December 16, 1823, daughter of William and Nancy (Budd; Netterfield, natives of southwestern Penu^lvania, and early settlers of Thunbnll Oonnty. Ohia Three children were bom to this union: Addison, Allison and John S. Mr. Hbbarl has been a mMnber of the Congregational Church at Nelaon for forty years.

Coiin., May 8, 1820;' son of Luman and Anna (Clark) Hopkins^ oativeB of thai State, who had a family of six children: Harriet (deceased), Catharine (deceased), Ann, Luman C, Palmer jdeceased) and Charlotte. Luman Hopkins eamB in 1824 to the Hrm where Luman O. now liree and has always liTed, when the latter was four years old. Oar Kubjset received a comiuoa school education, and chose the occupation of a farmer, which he has alw.iys followed, and for several years has conducted a large dairy, fie has hiyen twice married, on the first occasion, in 1844, to Miss Janette L. Sackett, who died in 1847. His second marriage, in April, 1848, was with Eliza Stilson, bom in Palmyra Township, this coanty, June 10, 1^528. By this union there wore six children: Philo. Georpft*. Ernest, Nettie, Herbert (deceased) and Artliur. Mr. Hopkins has held the oiiice of Township Trustee several times, also that of Township TrMsnrer. He has been a member of the ICeihodist Episcopal Church for fourteen years.

WILLIAM W. McCALL, farmer. P.O. Nelson, was born in Nelson Township, this county, January 13, 1834, son of Joseph and Mary P. (Sherwood) MmJall, natives of Gooneelieat, and parents of five children, who attained maturity. Joseph MoCall was bom in 1804, came to Ohio in 1820, and for fifty-three years resided on the homestead where he died June 20, 1884. His widow, who survives him, was born September 0, 1812, daughter of Joshua B. and Anna (Bonny) Sherwood, who bnmght her to Ohio u inbmey. Mr. McCall was married October 21, 1850, to Miss Mary A. Enowlton, born in Nelson Township, this county, September 13, 1830. Mrs. McCnll waa the daughter of James and Isabel kaowltoo. James Knowlton, a native of BlandiorC Mass., came to Oharleetown in (his county in 1809, and to Nelson in 1810. Isabel (Nicholson) Enowlton waa a native of Canaan, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. McCall were born five children: Jonathan N. (Superintendent of Schools at Ithaca, Mich.), Ella, Almon W. (a graduate of Garrettsville High School, and was engaged as Principal of the Girard schools, to assume the dintiee of this position on Monday, September 8, 1884, but the evening previous was drowned while Imthiiigj, Rosa M. and Ernest J. In early life our subject taught school, but subsequently identified himself with ap^-icultural pursuits, and has since continued this occupation. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Ohnrch about twenty-fiTS yeaie.

THOMAS MERWIN, local minister, Nelson, was Ixirn in Onondaga County, N. Y., July 10, 1810, son of Jesse and Lydia (Ewers) Mar vin, natives of New England, and who came to Ohio in 1822, settling in Neibou Township, this county, where the f<Hrmer was llie first physician to practice. Our subject received a common school education and be':fan life a? a farmer. In 1853 he wan ordained a minister of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, in fitark County, Ohio, October 17, and appointed to preach at Nelson, McClintooksburg, Sonthington and Middlefield. He was obliged to retire, however, on account of his wife's precarious health. He was also called to the pulpit at Pierpont, Ohio, but rlwlined, and at the following annual conference he withdrew from the itinerancy, and since then has held a local membership. He has since given his attrition s<Hnewhat to his farming interests. Mr. Merwin was twice married. His first wife was Lucy M. Messeu^<'r, a native of "Windham Township, this county, who tlieil November 17, lsr)4, aged thirtyfonr years and four mcmths, leaving two children to his care: Matthew A. and Wiealtlia Almina. His second wife was Mary A. Palm, born in Anstintown, Mahoning Co., Ohio, bv whom he has one son - John P.

KETCHEL B. PAYNE, farmer. P. O r.nknmn. Gean^^a County, was bom in New York, August 18, 1812, son of Solomon J. and Lucretia (Biercej Payne, and township. Tbey were the pannto of uix childron. Solomon J. Payne dif><l at tho n^^ of forty-six years; his widow at the age of fifty eicjht. Afforded bat little opportunity to attend school, the education of our subject has been largely obtained in hia interoonrae with the world, and through business and social relations. He was married, April 18, 1844, to Mary Jane Chaffee, lx)rn in Vermont, February 7, 1820. Thoj hnvp four children living: Robert K., Benjamin F., MolindaE., wifo of Kobeit Everett, and Solomon. Our subject has always been a farmer, and' his ax has helped ent down the foreeta and to prepare the way tot the many pleaaaat homee that now adcni the county. He has filled the offices of Treasurer and Constable; for many years he has been a consistent member of the Congregational Church.

BENJAMIN F. PAYNE, farmer, P. O. Nelson, was born May 20, 1851, in Nelaofn, aon of Ketohel B. and Mary Jane (Chaffee) Payne, natives of New York and Vermont respectively. (See aketeh of K. B. Payne.) Oar aubjoct availed himself of the advantages of a common school education, and has devuted his life to farming, in which he has been pronouncedly successful. He waa married September 20, 1871, to Miss Belle Brown, bom December 80, 1854, in Parkmau, daoghter of James and Susan (Hannah) Brown. By this union there is one son - Algernon, }>orn June 8, 1872. ^Ir. Payne purchased his present farm in 1872, and has a Jine herd of Shorthorn cattle. During the spring he engages quite extensively in the manufacture of maple sugar, having an orehard of 800 maple treea. He ia regarded aa one of ibe laromiaing young men of the county. He is now serving Nelson Township as Constable.

EBENEZER T. PRENTICE, farmer, P. O. Nelson, was bom in Onondaga County, N. November 29, 1811 , son of Salmon and Edna (Sweet) Prentice, also natitea of the above ootinty and State, and who were the parenta of eight children, of whom Ebenezer T. is the sixth. Our subject was mar" ried in Chautauqua County, N. Y., June 15, 1836, to Sarah Val lance, liora October 0, 1817, in Dutchess Couuty, N. Y. By this union there are five children: Samuel, Byron, Charles, Cyras and Eri (latter deoeaaed). Mr. Frei^oehaa always followed agricultural pursuits, clearing in all three farma. He came to Nelson Township, this connty, in 1849, and located the farm on which he now lives. He has served the people aa Trustee, and for nearly twenty years has been a F. & A. M.

DUANB E. SHEBWOOD, farmer. P. O. Nelson, waa bom on the place where ho now resides. November 1(5, 1854, son of Ebnnpzor B. and Joanna (McC'alb Sherwood, who were the parents of three cliildren: Duane, Laura (now Mra Uodden) and Carrie (now Mrs. Mattisonj. Ebenezer B. Sherwood waa a natiTe of Oonneotiont, and eame to Nelaon Townahip, thia eonnty, in 1813. Ho wa.H an energetic, enterprising raaB» and cleared a large tract of land. He died in 1^82, nered sovontv twd venrs. His widow still resides on the old homestead, at the advanced age of sixty -seven years. Oar subject, who haa been a farmer all his life, was raised on a farm and edneated in the common schools of the district and at Hiram College.

FR ANKLIN SMITH, retired farmer, P. O. Garrettsville. was bora in Ben niugtou County, Vt, October 26, l8t)4. He was married to Alvira White, a native of Connecticut, who bore him two sons and two daughters: Harriet (deceased). Warren, Albert 9. and Eleanor, wife of George Combs. Ife. Smith immigrated to Geanrra County, Ohio, in 1818. and is one of the oldest pioneers now living of that county. In 1825 he removed to Michigan for four years, and then returned to Geauga County, Ohio, purchiised a large f arm^ upon whidk he reaided for seventeen years, and then came to thia county. Hia wife (lied, in Septerr.her, 1880, and he has disposed of his farm and retired from the labors of an active life. He has been an energetic^ enterprising man, and was erw oonaidered one of the snbetantial, practical fanners of nelson Tovnshipi At an earlj d^jr Mir. Smith became a F. ds A. M.

GUSTAYDS P. BACON, farmer, P. O. Palmj ra, was born May 29, 1818, in Palmyra Township, this county, on the homestead farm where he now resides, son of William and Polly (Thorber) Bacon, natives of Vermont. William Baocn ^sited this coimly io 1800, and after securing his land, retomed, aH hebadoome^ on foot. In 1802 he came back to Palmyra Township with his family, and was assisted by the Indians in raising a cabin, and hero he passed the remainder of his life. Of the ten children born to this pioneer opuple bat four snrviire: William R, Gnsta^ns P., Almon T. and Ohanncy 0. . like subject of this sketch was married in Deerfield, October 9, 1836, to Chris> tens Woodward, a native of Pennsylvania. To this union have been bom ten children, seven of whom are living: John W., married to Lizzie Burnett, who died leaving fonr children: John, Charles, Delia and Mary (his second marriage was with Mrs. Mary Homeeby); Emeline L., wife of William G. Byers; Hiram G., married to Lis^zie Crai^' (their children are Frank and Nellie); Cozzens, married to Josej>hine P^dsall (tliey reside in Throckmorton Couuty, Tex , have two children: Blanche and ^\'arren; j Mary C. ; Martha; and Lodica rebiding on the homestead. Mr. Bacon is the oldsst native-bom residsnt of Pahnyia Township, this county.

ALVA BALDWIN, farmer, P. O. Palmyra, Portngo Co., Ohio, was bom in Warren, Litch^eld Co., Conn., July 4, 1795, son of John T. and Catherine (MaArtliar) Baldwin, nati^ of Milford, Oonn., who came to thjs county by wagon in 1805, arriving at the farm on July 7. Theirs was the first wagon that crossed the county, there being but two or three families in the southern part of the township. John T. Baldwin took up eighty acres of land, and after paying for his land had $7 left He and onr snbject participated in the war of 1812. They went out at HulTs surrender, witli the Fourth Division of Ohio Militia under Gen. Wadsworth. Our subject had his father's team, and while at Cleveland they met Gen. Harrison, who employed John T. Baldwin to pick np all the provisions for the army he oonld find. They were ont all winter. Soon after the close of that struggle they went to Detroit, and from then<», in IHIT), to Toledo with a party of twelve men. The party consisted of CoL McArthur; Maj. Mansfield, of Atwater; Horatio Day} Lewis Ely and Merrick Ely, of Deerfield; Capt John T. Baldwin and Alva Baldwin, of Palmyra; Judge King, of Stowe, with some discharged soldiers from Detroit, nil on foot, with each a United States knapsack on his back, well stored with provisions and blanket.s. There was no settlement at Toledo at that time. John T. Baldwin took up land on Beau Creek, and through bis landed possessions became wealflij. Three sons accompanied him from Palmyra to Toledo. He subsequently built a vessel on the Cuyahoga. He died at the a^'o of sixty-three years at Toledo, Ohio, where his estimable wife bad also departed this life. The youngest son, Marcos, who is a resident of Toledo, and Alva, our sabjecl» are the only sorviyora of their children. The latter returnod to the homestead farm in Palmyra Township, this county, where be remained, and is now passing the declining years of his life bjbis ehild«»n and grandohildTCii. Mr. BBldwin was married in Ravenna, in 1818, to Sally Andras, daughter of Benjamin Andms. To this union two children were l>om: Andrus T., and Lncinda, who died October 4, 1838, at the age of twelve years. Andrus T. was bom on the homestead farm in 1820. He has been engaged in Tariona pnraiiita, and for twelve years was in the hardware trade at Medina and Kavenna. In 1884 he disposed of his business and removed to the homestead to CRre for and live with his respected parent through the latter part of his existence. He was married NoTember 5» 1889, in Palmjrra, to Samanfha Daniels, a native of Medway, Mass., bom Angast 29. 1821. She died February 23, 1861, leaving one son - Alvah V., who was born July 2, 18 40, was thoroughly educated for a physician and surgeon, and was a graduate of the old and new schools of Cleveland. He was a student of the lamented President Garfield, and was a young man of pronoonoed ability, and gained a strong hold on the bearfes of all who knew him. He was married to Eliza Merwin, who bore him three children, all now living: Ida S.. Gustavo W. and Clayton R. His widow resides in Palmyra. Andrus T. was married the second time in 1873, the lady being Ella Ohoastead, a native of Palmyra. By this union are two eliil> dren, both now living: John B. and Minnie EL

D. D. CAKSON, a member of the firm of Carson & Diver, merchant*!. Palmyra, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, July 23, 1843, a son of Georc^e and Catherine (Gross) Oanion, natives of Penn^lvania, who reared a familj of ten children, nine of whom are now living: Catherine J., Harriet, Uriab W., David D., Emily M., Elmer, William F., (Mara and Kllen. His father, an early pioneer of Berlin, Mahoning Co., Ohio, where he and his estimable wife still reside, has always followed farming as an occupation. He has served as Justice of the Peace for upward of twenty-seven years and at present is Notary PuMic. The isnlijectof this sketch was mnrried in 1804 to Miss Sarah A. Buck, who died in Union, Mo., in 1880. He was married on second i-ccasion to Sarah A., daughter of John Gross, of Berlin, Ohio. Mr. Caison in 1864 enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-fifCh Ohio Volnnteer Infantry, serving five months, and participated with his regiment in active service at Martinsburg, Va. Subsequently Mr. Carson removed to Franklin County, Mo., where for sixteen years lie encaged in teaching school and forming. After bis return to Berlin be taught school for a time. In the spring of 1883 he formed a partnership with E. J. Shively in mercantile trade at Palmyra. In Deccmhcr of the sRme year Mr. Shively retired from the concern, and our subject carried it on alone until May, 1884, when G. B: Diver was admitted to the firm The house carries about $5,000 in general stock and drugs, and has a lucrative trade. Mr. Cai*son served as Justice of the Peace while a resident of Mis.souri. He is a F. & A. M., and holds a memberabip in the K. of P. and I. O. O. F.

SAMUEL A. CHUKCH, farmer, P. O. Palmyra, was born on the homestead farm in Palmyra Township, this county, February 16^ 1854, and is a grandson of Samuel and Tryphena (Teirell), who settled in Palmyra Township in 1833. His father, James M. Church, was born in Litchfield County, Conn., December 19, 1815; his mother, Phebe (Olmstead) Church, was also a native of Conneetieni They are among the oldest living pioneers of Pal* myra Township, parents of four children, all of whom are now living: Anna, wife of W. D. Edwards; William S. ; Jane, wife of N. K. Goss. and Samnei A. The subject of this sketch, who occupies the homestead, was married in

1870 to Dassie, tlnnfirhtpr of Alexander Scott, and a native of Palmyra Township. One son - James Scott - has blessed this union. Mr, Church is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the I. O. O. F. He is one of the leading farmers of fbe township^ Politieallj he rapports the Demoeniio pisiform .

WILLIAM C. DAVIS, propriotor of rcstaurMtit and billiard room, Diamond, was born in Taris Township, this co\^nty, in August, 1844, son of John D. and Margaret (Jones) Davis, and grandson of William DaTis, one of ihe earliest pioneers of Palmyra Township. His father moved from Paris Township to Palmyra Township in 1847, settling on a farm, where he died in February, 1883, aged seventy-one years. The widow, who subsequently married William Edwards, now resides in AUianoe. The snbjeot of this sketch, obe of eight children, was brought up on the farm, and served an apprenticeship of three years in Cleveland as a stone entfer. He worked at his trnde until he came to this place in the summer of 1880, and, purchasing a lot, built his present residence and billiard room. This was the second building erected in the place, and Mr. Davis h;us carried on a large and successful business. He was married at Cleveland, Ohio, in May, 1872, to Mary, daughter of Silas Betta, of Can field. Three children have been bom to bless this union: lioscoe, Daisy and Gracio, latt«r of wliom died in 1881, aged twenty-threo days. Mr. Davis is a man of infinenee in the commnnity, highly respected by all who know him.

GEORGE R. DIVER, a member of the firm of Carson & Diver. Palmyra, was bom in Deerdeld Township, this county, September 12, 1805. His father, Orison, was also a native of Deerfield Township, born Angnsi 20, 1829, the youngest son of John and Christena (Hartzell) Diver. At the death of his father. Orison Diver accepted his responsibilities, became proj>rietor of the " Diver House,'^ and attended to the transportation of mails between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. He was twice married, first to Samantha Mowen, who died one year after marriage, leaving one child named Ifanly, who died at the age of five years and seven ranntlip. His second marriage was with Sarah Gross, by whom he had one child - George li.. our Biil)j(»et. He was a man of sound moral worth, widely and favorably kuuwu. Uo died September 21, 1877, and his widow is now the wife of D. D. Oarson. Oar sabject received school advantages, and, possessing business ability, engaged in the livery business at Deerfield, this county. This he subsequently disposed of and in May, 1884, formed the present copartnership. The firm carry a general stock of goods, and enjoy a Incraiive trade.

S. M. BVANS, Postmaster. Palmyra, is a native of "Wales, where he was bora in 18^7. He emigrated to the Uniteil States in July, ISOU, and came to Chicago, and on his recovering from a three months' sickness he left for Milwinkee, where he worked at his trade as cabinet-maker nntil the spring of 1808. He then removed to Arena, Iowa Co., Wis., where he conducted a furniture store. In 1869 he was licensed to jireach by the Welsh Baptist Church of Ridgeway, Iowa Co., Wis., where ho held membership. In the fall of 1871 he was called to supply the Welsh Baptist Church iu the settlement near Oshkoeh, Wia In the spring of 1882 he came to Chicago and held a position in the retail department of A. H. Andrews &Co. In the fall of 18S2 the Welsh Baptist Church of Frostburg, Md. , extended him a call, and he was ordained to the ministry by said church in December, 1883. While in Frostburg he published a volume of his compositions in the Welsh language, including prose and poetry, which volume had an extensive sale, and has Ihh n used by the Welsh Sabtwih-Bohoola of the United States for recitations in their anni-