Brunswick City (part 2 of 2)

ERASTUS WAITE, farmer ; P. O. Hinckley Center. Among the pioneers of Hinckley is Erastus Waite. He is a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Franklin Co. Feb. 17, 1797. His parents were Benjamin and Polly (Mott) Waite. He was a native of Massachusetts, and his wife of Long Island. Erastus passed his early life working upon his father's farm. Upon the death of his father, which oc- curred in 1830, he determined to come to Ohio. He arrived in Hinckley Township in 1831, ànd bought 76 acres of land where he has since lived. He was joined, the next year after his arrival, by a brother, two sisters and his mother. His brother located in Hinckley and died in the township. His mother lived to be nearly 90 before her decease. His sisters are married and living in the township. Mr. Waite was married, April 12, 1821, to Miss Polly Burroughs, a native of Massachusetts. She died Jan. 21, 1851. The children are as follows: George A., now living in Cleveland ; Mary A. Woodley, living in Iowa; Emma I. Parish, widow, living in Cleveland; Seth A., living in Granger Township; Benjamin F., a resident of Cleveland ; Charles H., died in Cleveland aged 36 years; Charlotte V., widow of Johnson Wright, now living in Iowa; Nettie E. Backus, widow, living in Cleveland ; Sarah M., married to Edwin B. Wright and residing in Hinckley ; Julia A., wife of Albert Hannon, of Cleveland, died in 1870; Frederick P., now a resident of Colorado. Mr. Waite was married to his second wife, Laura Ferris, widow of T. N. Ferris, November, 1852. She died in April, 1878. Mr. Waite has served the township as Treasurer for three years, and as Supervisor two terms. He is a member of the Congregational Church, of which he is Deacon.

J. M. WAIT, farmer ; P. O. Hinckley ; was born in Massachusetts Sept. 4, 1817. He is a son of Enos and Martha (Allis) Wait, who were also natives of Massachusetts, and who located in Hinckley Township in 1832, where they resided until their deaths; his father's occurred March 2, 1869, and his mother's Dec. 18, 1878. Four of their sons now reside in Hinckley Township, and are extensive farmers and prominent citizens, namely, John, George, Hlisha and the subject of this sketch. He has been a resident of the township ever since his coming | with his parents from Massachusetts. Upon attaining his majority, his father gave him 50 acres of land, located upon the western township line, where he now resides ; he has at the present time 100 acres of fine improved land. He was married Feb. 17, 1841, to Miss Olive Miller; she is a native of New York, and was born in Monroe Co. Sept. 9, 1825. Her parents were Lyman and Celia (Wheeler) Miller, pioneers of Hinckley. Mr. and Mrs. Wait have six children, as follows: Mary, the widow of Elroy Williams ; she now resides in Brunswick ; Wesley, married to Miss Clarissa Collier, and a resident of Brunswick Township; Emory and Avery, living with parents ; Owen, married to Miss Ida Peebles, they are living in Hinckley Township; and Sanford, living at home. Mr. Waitis an industrious and prosperous farmer, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen. He has been an active worker in the school interests of his district, and has served as Director a number of terms.

R. M. WEBBER, farmer; P. O. Hinckley ; was born in Hampden Co., Mass, June 9, 1826. He is a son of Richard and Lovina (Bradway) Webber. They were natives of Massachusetts and early residents of Medina Co.; they located in Hinckley Township in 1839, and made it their home until their deaths. His father was a Wesleyan Methodist, and preached a great many funeral sermons ; he was a circuit preacher for one year; he afterward united with the Protestant Methodist Church. His death occurred in 1854; his mother died Oct. 8, 1877. Our subject's early life was passed upon his father's farm. He was united in marriage Nov. 5, 1848, to Miss Mary Hogue, daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Bevarstock) Hogue, who were natives of England, and who settled in Weymouth in 1837 ; they soon afterward removed to Hinckley Township. He died in March, 1861. In 1863, Merrill bought his father's old farm, and worked it for several years. In 1870, he purchased the farm where he now resides ; he has now, in several tracts, nearly 500 acres of land, all of which he has obtained by his own efforts. His family consists of fourteen children - Charles M., living in Medina Township ; Maria J. Hoddinott, living in Michigan ; Francis C., living in Hinckley Township; Joseph R., living on the old homestead ; Caroline L. Van Deusen, living in Michigan ; Minnie L. Fluent, living in Granger Township ; Ella J., Lucy A., John A., Elizabeth I, Harriet A., Sarah I., Addie T., Frederick J., deceased. Mr. Webber has been an active worker in the educational affairs of the township, and is an esteemed member of the community in which he resides.

IRA BENNETT, farmer; P. O. Medina; was born in Medina Co., Ohio, Wadsworth Township, July 15, 1829. His father, Timothy S. Bennett, was born about the year 1794, in Vermont, and, in 1818, came to Ohio and settled in Medina Co., where himself and two companions purchased a farm in the northeast part of Wadsworth Township. Their partnership was of short duration, each preferring to develop his own part. In 1820, he was married to Rachel Brown, who came to this State when in her youth, passing through the city of Buffalo the day after it was burnt by the British. They lived a few years at Middlebury, in Summit Co., before coming here. Mr. Bennett developed his purchase, and, years after, moved to Granger Township, where he resided the rest He died Sept. 11, 1875, and his wife March 13, 1874. Their union proved fruitful of nine children, of whom the subject is the oldest living. When 18 years of age, he began the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years, and, Dec. 13, 1851, he started for the Pacific Slope, being lured thither by the gold excitement of that period. He passed

| two years there, with fair success, and then returned to his native county, where he has since followed agricultural pursuits. He was married, May 13, 1855, to Laura A., daughter of John S. and Laura E. (Parsons) Hatch. She was born April 9, 1834, in Granger Township, Medina Co. They have four children - Scott S., Grant E., Inez G. and MarthaG. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are members of the Christian Church at Medina. He is one of the charter members of the Patrons of Husbandry, in which he has served as Master, and is now Overseer. He has served as Trustee, and held other local offices. He is a Republican, and cast his first ballot for John P. Hale. WILLIAM P. CLARK, farmer, etc.; P. O. Medina; whose portrait appears in connection with the educational history of Medina Co., was born April 9, 1820, and is a son of John and Betsey (Tyler) Clark, natives of Rutland Co. Vt, where the subject was born. His father was a manufacturer of boots, shoes and leather, and removed to Ohio in October, 1832, locating in' Medina Co., on the farm on which William P. is now living. It was all forest then, with the exception of a portion which had been "slashed," as it was termed, by the early settlers. This farm he cleared up, and soon brought to a fine state of cultivation, and lived upon it until his death, which took place in 1846. Here it was that the subject of this sketch received his first lessons in pioneer life, receiving also such education as the country at that time afforded. He commenced teaching when 19 years old, and followed the profession for many years. He kept a select school in the village of Medina, being himself the principal and owner of the institution, and keeping pace with the class of the Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio. In the spring of 1852, he accepted a position in the Hillsdale |. (Mich.) schools, which he held for two years. From there he went to Norwalk, Ohio, in 1853, remaining one year, and, in 1855, was made Principal of the Kinsman Academy, at Kinsman, Trumbull Co., Ohio. Here he remained nearly three years, when failing health compelled him to withdraw from the profession until 1871, when he again became Superintendent of the Medina Schools for one year. He was assisted, both at Hillsdale and Kinsman Academy, by his wife. He was appointed one of the School Examiners of Medina Co. soon after he began teaching in Medina, an office he held, with a few exceptions, until May, 1880. He was married, Aug. 23, 1849, to Miss Sarah G. Fenn. She was born at Nelson, Portage Co., Ohio, Aug. 26, 1822, and graduated at Mt. Holyoke Seminary, and has been a successful teacher since, as well as before, her marriage. Three children have been born to them - Anna, who died in infancy; Herbert W., who died Feb. 26, 1880, when in his 21st year, and Sarah F. Both Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Congregational Church of Medina, in the Sunday School of which Mr. Clark has been Superintendent for twenty-five years. Mr. Clark was elected Surveyor of the county, an office he held two terms, having previously served as

Deputy for one term. He has also been for many years Notary Public, Township Clerk, and held other small offices. He is Republican in politics.

E. R. CULVER, farmer and school-teacher ; P. O. Poe; was born in Montville Township, Medina Co., Ohio, Aug. 18, 1839. His father, Sidney Culver, was born Jan. 6, 1806, in the State of Vermont, and was son of Miles Culver, who removed to the State of Ohio as early as 1808, and settled at Middlebury, in what is now Summit Co. He served in the war of 1812. Sidney learned the trade of a stonecutter, which he followed for a few years, when he adopted the more congenial occupation of farming. In 1832, he came into the county of Medina, and, in 1838, was married to a lady by the name of Elvira Smith, who had emi-- grated here a few years previous from Madison Co., N. Y. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Culver labored for many years, and had the satisfaction of seeing their efforts crowned with success, owning a pleasant property in Montville Township. He died March 5, 1867, and his wife the 29th of May, 1880. The subject of this sketch received a good common-school education, which was improved by an attendance at the Medina High School, and, when 19 years old, he commenced teaching, a vocation for which he seems well adapted, and in which he has been eminently successful. Reared to the pursuit of farming, he superintends the farm, and teaches during the winter season. He was married, April 5, 1861, to Mary, daughter of John and Sarah Landes. She was born Aug. 18, 1844, in Montgomery Co., Penn., and came to Ohio when in her childhood. She is à member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Culver has held various township offices, and in 1880 was Land Appraiser of Montville Township. He has always been identified with the Republican party, and is one of the most influential and enterprising citizens in this part of the county.

LYSANDER FRIZZELL, farmer; P. O. Sharon; was born in Franklin Co., Mass., Dec. 22, 1807. His father, Elijah Frizzell, was a farmer by pursuit; he married a Miss Mary Rowley, of Massachusetts; about the year 1822, he moved into the State of Vermont, where he passed the rest of his life, and died in 1862, while in the State of Illinois visiting one of his sons. His wife died a few years later in Vermont. When 12 years of age, Lysander went to live with a farmer in the Connecticut Valley, remaining until of age, when he commenced doing for himself. For two years he farmed in that State. and then went to Vermont, where he bought a farm; he remained there only a short time, however, before he sold, and, in 1834, emigrated to Ohio and settled in the county of Medina, where he has since lived ; he was married, Nov. 1, 1835, to Harriet Robinson, who came to Vermont from Ireland, when yet in her childhood, and thence to.Medina Co., a short time previous to her marriage. Mr. Frizzell first settled in Wadsworth Township, but, in the spring of 1837, he moved to where he now lives, the farm at that time being mostly forest land. By many years of patient industry, he brought this to its present productive and valuable state, although at times he came near yielding to discouragements ; he has been careful in his investments, and erected suitable and convenient buildings many years ago. His companion departed this life May 31, 1878, their union having been blessed with six children, viz.: Theresa J., Mary E. Silva J., Harrison G., Henry G. and James R. The two eldest sons entered the army, serving in the 6th Ohio Battery, one of whom surrendered his life to the cause of his country. All grew to maturity except the youngest daughter, although none are living except the two youngest sons, both of whom are married and living in this county, James being on the old homestead. He has served as Trustee, and is a Republican.

L. & A. FRETZ, farmers and saw-millers; P. O. Medina; are among the enterprising and prominent citizens of Montville Township, and have materially assisted in developing and improving this part of the county. They are sons of Samuel and Elizabeth Fretz, both of whom were natives of Bucks Co., Penn., the father being born Jan. 17, 1796, and the mother April 26, 1806. He was a miller by trade, and in 1832, moved to Clinton, N. J., where he lived seventeen years, and then came to Ohio, locating at Wadsworth, in Medina Co. The following year, he bought the mill property in Montville, to which he removed, conducting the same in company with his sons until his death, which occurred April 6, 1852. The three sons, Lewis, Anthony and Mahlon S., assumed control, and the following March the mill burned down, being a total loss. They re-built it better than ever, and were doing a good business, when the blast of war was heard in the land. Lewis captained the first company raised in Medina Co. The other two entered the 12th Ill. V. I., as musicians, and, while gone, Mahlon contracted a disease, from which he died soon after his return, leaving one child named Mahlon D. The last company raised in the county, the 166th O. N. G., Co. E, also contained the two oldest sons, Anthony as chief musician, and Lewis as 1st Lieutenant, with a Captain's duties, that officer being unfit for service. Lewis was born Dec. 26, 1826; has served as Trustee, Township Clerk, and has been Justice of the Peace since 1875; he is a member of the Presbyterian Church and also of the Masonic order. Anthony was born Jan. 5,1829 ; was married in 1855, to Emily, daughter of Chester Hosmer ; she died soon after, leaviug one child, Ida E., now the wife of Melvin Flickinger. He was again married, Sept. 19, 1862, to Hannah A., daughter of William and Rebecca (Smith) Crawford ; she was born Sept. 9, 1841, in Guilford Township. This union has been blessed with one child, Clara W., born Oct. 3, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Fretz are members of the Presbyterian Church. Both Lewis and Antnony are Democrats.

JACOB GISH, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Medina; was born in Milton Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, April 13, 1833; is a son of Jacob and Fannie (Shank) Gish, both of whom were natives of Lancaster Co., Penn. His father was a miller by trade, but relinquished it for the pursuit of farming, when married. He removed to Ohio in 1831, and made his first permanent settlement in Wayne Co., securing a tract of forest land in Milton Township, that was traversed by the River Styx. This he rendered valuable and productive, by years of patient labor and care. He died June 26, 1864, in his 63d year, and his companion is still living on the old homestead, being in her 74th year. The subject is the oldest but one of a family of eight children, and his educational privileges were quite poor, the greater part of his time being required on the farm. When of age, he went into the West, passing one year in Towa, and has since been one of the prominent farmers of this vicinity. His marriage was celebrated Dec. 17, 1857, Miss Leah Schrautz becoming his wife. She was born April 24,

1838, in Stark Co., Ohio. Her parents, Samuel and Catharine (Holl) Schrautz, coming there from Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1835. Her father died January 2, 1850, and her mother September 5, the same year. After the death of her parents, she lived with a sister in Wayne Co., from which place she was married. Mr. Gish has'resided in Medina Co. since his marriage, where he owns one of the most pleasant and attractive homes in the township. He has paid some attention to the improvement of stock in this county, especially of cattle, and ranks among the enterprising citizens. By their union, three children have been born - Arba A., born Feb. 10, 1859; Laura L., born May '31. 1862; and Etha A., born April 5. 1867. Mr. Gish is a Republican.

MOSES HILL, farmer; P. O. Medina. Among the farmers of Montville Township, who have been successful and secured a competency of *this world's goods" by their industry and diligence, we mention the family of Moses Hill. He was born in Orange Co., Vt., Sept. 24, 1812, and is a son of Moses Hill, Sr., who came there from Connecticut, and married Hannah Vincent. He was a farmer by pursuit, and in 1816 removed to Monroe Co., N. Y., where he remained until the latter part of the year 1833, when he came to Medina Co., Ohio. Here he passed the rest of his life, dying in November, 1856, in his 90th year, having voted first for Gen. Washington. His companion died in August, 1845. The subject of this sketch has always been a farmer, and May 6, 1841, was married to Martha S. Hemingway. She was born in this county, Wadsworth Township, Nov. 6, 1821. Her father, Luther Hemingway, was born in Worcester Co., Mass., in 1785, and was an officer under Gen. Scott in the war of 1812, being at Lundy's Lane and many other engagements. He was a miller by trade, and, coming West for the purpose of locating his claim to a farm, stopped to work in a mill in Geauga Co., Ohio. While there, he was married Dec. 5, 1816, to Mary Burroughs. She was born in Hampshire Co., Mass., Oct. 20, 1792, and came to Ohio in the year 1812. In 1818, Mr. Hemingway came to Medina Co. and built the first mill in Wadsworth Township, besides clearing a farm. He died in April, 1845, and his companion is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Hill. Mr. Hill developed a farm in this township, and his years of labor have been well rewarded. Their union