Brunswick City (part 1 of 2)

By Ephraim Lindley

In giving a detail of my pioneer life I may use words that may seem strange, perhaps offensive, to many of the present day. I was not raised in the lap of plenty nor educated in the school of refinement. I was born in Ira, Rutland county, Vermont, in 179G. In 1803 my father moved to Bristol, Hartford county, Connecticut, to take charge of the farm of his aged and infirm parents - a region of country once noted for clock-making and various other arts carried on by machinery. While living at Bristol I commenced attending school, and to give some idea of my young thounghts on good manners, I will relate a school adventure. A boy called Charles Bartholomew, during the absence of the teacher from the schoolroom, thought proper to leave his seat and come and sit ^facing me in what I considered a very saucy manner. Feeling my dignity insulted by his continued gaze, and believing him to be a violator of good order and of the rules of the school, in the absence of the teacher, I laid down my book, walked up to Charles, gave him a severe slap on the side of the head and authoritatively ordered him to return to his seat and attend to his studies. Soon the teacher came in and seeing Charles crying inquired the cause. Being informed that that new scholar (meaning me,) had slapped him because he had neglected his studies, the teacher kindly addressed herself to me and informed me that it was contrary to the rules of her school for one scholar \p correct another, and I got clear of correction under the plea that I was new. Once I saw a great gnat biting a comrade in school, and feeling full of sport I raised my hand, aimed a blow at the gnat with the force that felled my schoolmate to the floor. Upon being interrogated why I struck the boy, my answer was, that I would not stand still and see such a contemptible little insect as a gnat sucking blood from a comrade without using means to kill it. My laconic answer shielded me, that time, from merited chastisement.

After the decease of my grandfather and the apportionment of his estate among heirs, my father was persuaded by my uncle, Eliada Lindley, to move to Ohio. On 4th July, 1811, we left. Bristol. We had an ox team headed by one horse. We toiled and traveled over rough roads, mud, and the many obstacles that had then to be encountered, until we .came to the Cataraugus Swamp, where we were compelled to hire an additional force of horses, and a man to drive. Though the distance across that swamp was only four miles, yet we were a whole day getting over. After a toilsome journey of two months we arrived at Hudson.

Soon after our arrival in the then wilderness, intelligence of war greeted our ears often and sadly. After the surrender of Hull, many were forced to prepare for the tented field, who were very poorly supplied with the necessaries of life. The whole country was new - provisions were scarce and very high in price, and laborers few. Danger and privation were dreaded and experienced. Salt, one of the real necessities, was high in price and very scarce. A neighbor had been at

Liverpool and had got all the salt he contracted for7 except one peck, which he said my father might have if he would send for it. The offer was considered a great accomodation, and my father selected me as the person who should go to Liverpool, a distance of 25 miles, for the peck of salt. I was then 16 years old. An empty sack was got, in which was stowed bread and wild meat, and on a cold blustering morniDg in the month of December, 1813, 1 left Hudson for Liverpool. There was a blazed road from Hudson to Richfield. From thence I had to go to the north line of the township, and from thence find my way by blazed trees to Timothy Doan's, in Columbia. Between the house of widow Payne (Brecksville) and Mr. Doan's was an unbroken wilderness of 15 miles, excepting the blazed line made by surveyors. My first day's travel brought me to the cabin of Mrs.. Payne. On the second day I got to Liverpool Salt works, took possession of the peck of salt and learned that I could buy another peck which I willingly purchased. I shouldered my half bushel of salt on the afternoon of the second day, and with elastic step started, homeward bound. The second night I tarried at the house of Horace Gunn, who lived near Thos. Doan's. Liverpool salt dripped much, and my own exercise causing sweat, the two came in contact and kept me uncomfortable. The next morning after leaving Mr. Gunn's, I had to repass through the 15 miles of continued wilderness, with a short allowance of bread, laded with a half bushel of wet salt: The snow was about four inches in depth. After I had passed over about two miles of my lonely forest road I met a company of wolves, who seemed to be on the track I made when going to Liverpool. In passing along, I discovered that they followed, though at respectful distance. There were five in number, and their frequent stopping and pawing in. the snow caused me to conjecture that they meditated an attack. I furnished myself with a- stout club and felt determined to tree and fight if they should attack me. After following for a distance of five miles or more they left keeping company and I traveled on very well satisfied with their absence. I am of the opinion that the bitterings of the salt and my own sweat was what they scented and prompted them to follow me. I got home safely with what remained of my half bushel of salt after a full share of bitterings had eked out. This was my first important errand, and I can assure you that I then traveled that distance and carried the salt more willingly than a young man of 16 years will now carry a half bushel of potatoes from the grocery to his home.'

Eaely Settlers

Solomon Harvey, James Stearn and Henry Parker were the first settlers in Brunswick in the months of October and November, 1815. Shortly after, Samuel Tillotson and family came in. The next was W. P. Stevens and family. On March 4, 1815, Solomon and Frederick Deniing with their families settled. During the summer of the same year, John Hulet, Seymour Chapin, John Stearn, Andrew Deming and Henry Bogue with their families came in. In 1817, Jacob Ward, Rhoda Stowe, Harvey Stebbins, John Freese, B. W. Freese, W. Root, Seth 'Blood, L.Thayer, P. Clark, Peter, John and A. Berdan and others came and settled in various parts of the township. In 1818, the noise of the axe could be heard during the hours of labor in various parts of the township, and the smoke rising from the hastily constructed cabins gave proof that settlements were rapidly increasing. The hum of industry could be heard and seen as the wilderness gradually yielded.

Deaths Of Early Settlers

Of those who braved the toils and privations incident to a Pioneer life, and who aided each other in making the full sunshine upon the long bedimmed surface the following are deceased :

Of those enumerated among the early marriages, the following, at the close of more than 40 years, are still husband and wife. To them it is a pleasure to see the changes that have taken place since they wedded :

From these aged individuals the inquirers after the history of the first settlers can gather information that would be perused with interest fifty years hence. They

Brunswick Died At A Good Old Age

To give evidence that industry and daily toil tends not to cut short our days, I here give names and age of Pioneer Fathers and mothers. Those of the first settlers yet living can attest the truth of my remark when they read the names.

Making an average age of 80 years to each one named. It is not probable that any fourteen descendants of those named will, when deceased, be able to have it noted that they had lived so long. The increase of idleness and the various and varied kind of dissipation adopted and practised must enfeeble and shorten life. Industry is a physician that produces health, creates wealth, secures comfort, dispels gloom and lengthens

Busying Ground

Capt. John Stearns, who was the owner of about thirteen hundred acres of land, being advanced in years and wishing to provide for the future, generously donated two acres to be used as a Burying Ground for the township, and requested the citizens to meet and clear off a portion of the lot, that it might be used for that purpose when needed. The citizens generally sanctioned the proposition, and soon was heard the sound of axe and falling of forest trees. -In a few days a portion was cleared, and now is the resting place of many, young and old, who once lived. In that lot the bodies of the first resident settlers were one after another deposited, and here and there can be read upon headstones the names of many who once labored actively to tame the wilderness.

For several years prior to the erection of Medina county, the establishment of roads was unsettled. Each settler undertook to make a road to suit his own convenience, and not unfrequently he joined with his next neighbor, in opening a way that could be of mutual advantage. The making of bridges generally called together the whole force of the then sparse community, and many days would be wholly devoted to construct a bridge that would probably be carried away by a succeeding freshet. After the organization of the county, small appropriations were made for opening roads and making bridges. As cash was then scarce, a man would work at road-making from rising to setting sun for fifty cents and board himself.

It was much easier to get timber necessary for a bridge to the allotted spot than to get. the logs placed. Ox teams were used in hauling, but rendered little aid in placing timbers. .Rocky River was the largest stream meandering through several of the newly settled townships, and the intercourse between small settlements forced the inhabitants, as a matter of convenience, to decide upon places and unitedly aid in building bridges for general accommodation. Many of the first settlers spent days at their own expense and did not consider it oppressive. It was no uncommon act to see all the men in a community congregated early, and without stockings or shoes, laboring all day in water fixing abutments and placing the long heavy stringers thereon. As puncheons were used for flooring in nearly every dwelling, they were considered equally good for bridging. No saw-mills were erected when settlements first commenced, therefore the necessity of using puncheon and clapboards. It is not hazardous to say that in 1815 and for five years thereafter, five men actually performed more labor on roads than twenty men did in 1860. Necessity forced them to be industrious and their future prospects urged them to labor. It was not unusual for the men, while engaged in putting up a bridge, to see their wives issuing from the wilderness from various directions, laded with cooked provisions intended for those employed in bridge-making. It was uot unusual for the mothers in the days of first settling to travel two or three miles laded with provisions for their husbands who would necessarily lose time if compelled to go to their dwellings for their dinners. The present generation would consider such an undertaking too wearisome and too hazardous. Few of the modern females would be willing to travel three or four miles to hunt the cows once -each day,' as was the practice among the families of early settlers.

In my details of the first openings and settlements made in the township of Brunswick, I may wholly fail to please those who feed on refined literature. It has always been my fortune (some would say misfortune) to gain a competence by industry, and to be measurably deprived of spending much time in reading. I have enjoyed a full share of the toils of life without many of the luxuries.

First Election

On 6th April, 1818, the first election was held and the following comprised all the legal voters then in the township, to wit: John Stearns, Solomon Deming, John Hulet, Harvey Stebbins, Jacob Ward, Thomas Stearns, Andrew Deming, Joel Curtis, Elijah Hull, Henry Bogue, Ephraim Lindley, James Stearns, George J. Baldwin, Solomon Harvey, Horace Root, Darius Francis, Henry Parker, Daniel Stearns and John Hulet, Jr. Nineteen votes were polled that day, and it Was considered a large election.

John Hulet, John Stearns and Solomon Deming were elected trustees ; Darius Francis, Treasurer ; Henry Parker, Constable ; John Stearns and Jacob Ward, Justices of the Peace.

Nearly all the parents who first settled in the township had been members of some one of the christian churches in their native State, which they failed not to exhibit and practice in their wilderness cabins. Sectarian feelings were not cherished as now ; but when Sabbath came. Episcopalians. Congregationalists, Methodists and other denominations united and held religious meetings. At the first religious meetings, citizens from Liverpool and Brunswick united. When meeting was held at William Warner's cabin, Justus Warner, who was an Episcopalian, took the lead in meeting, and when in Brunswick the leader of religious exercises was of the Methodist or Congregational denomination. Generally the small family dwelling was filled with those who revered the sabbath and church duties. The exercises commenced with singing, in which all took part, and were able to keep time and sing in unison without jthe aid of organ or other musical instrument.- After singing, prayer devout and fervent was offered, then a sermon was read, one or more exhorted, then closed by singing. Many of those who witnessed those religious exercises in the then wilderness cannot have forgotten the zeal, the good feelkig, the solemnity that was apparent. God smiled graciously on the first settlers and conferred upon them many and rich blessings while employed in rearing homes in the then wilderness. At the sabbath prayer-meetings there was a marked reverence and not a few can date back to those times and places their first and lasting religious impression. It was at one of those meetings the writer of this narrative felt convinced of his sins and resolved thereafter to seek', by intercession, the pardon of his sins and live a new life. With pleasure, thankfulness and gratitude he looks back to the time when God, by his Spirit, showed to him the beauty of the christian religion

In pioneer days it was a universal practice to furnish whiskey at house or barn raisings ; and though few drank to excess, yet at raisings, ministers, deacons and church-members would participate in drinking, and not ^infrequently one or more could be seen staggering and not fully able to set and keep their feet properly. Capt. John Stearns had got every thing in readiness and had fixed upon a day to raise his new barn, when it was discovered that no whiskey could be bought or even borrowed in the township, and more unfortunate still, that none could be had nearer than Talmadge. To go to that place and return would require two days. Mr. Stearns made known the matter to some of his neighbors who told him that under the present circumstances ' they thought perhaps the barn might be raised, though they could not fully approve of his course in not seeing about the whiskey sooner. On the day appointed, thepeople assembled, went to work, raised the barn and from that circumstance made the wise discovery that a building could be safely and speedily built without the use of whiskey.

First Sleighing Visit

The young folks in Brunswick desiring to form the acquaintance of those of their age in other townships, concluded to visit the family of Rufus Ferris, who then lived north from the present County seat. Each young man got his female partner, and rigging jumpers made of long poles that answered for runners and thills, we fastened on a few boards on which we sat and traveled. Our road was marked out by blazed trees. We started from what is now Brunswick center, and following the blazed trees we got to Weymouth safely ; from thence by some kind of marks we got to the Joseph Northrop farm where we crossed Rocky River and from there to the cabin of Rufus Ferris. We tarried there engaged in youthful sport until a late hour, and then started home by the same road we had got there. A whole night was spent in paying that visit. We then had no buffalo robes to protect us from the storm. A bed quilt was the traveling robe used in those days, and while thus clad, the young ladies of those days considered themselves fashionably protected against inclemency of the season. A log across our path was not considered an obstacle of great moment, neither did we consider it a great detriment if hats or bonnets were taken from our heads by hanging limbs. We considered the distance from Brunswick by way of Weymouth, to the residence of Mr. Ferris but a short distance, and while there partaking of his hospitality we considered ourselves well accommodated if chairs could be furnished for one-half of our company. We went to pay a friendly visit, not to seek out matters about which to sneer thereafter. We were one portion of a wilderness family going in kindness to visit another. Our meetings in those times, were characterized by friendship and solicitude for each other's welfare and comfort.

Although no original records exist, there are living witnesses to testify that the Methodist Episcopal Church organized in April, 1817, and that Jacob Ward was instrumental in procuring the organization. The first members of that church were Jacob Ward, Rhoda

Stowe, John and Lucy Stearns, John and Hannah Hulet, Samuel and Sarah Tillotson, Thomas and Phebe Stearns, Polly Harvey, Lydia Crittenden and Olivia Ashley. The last two named then resided in Grafton, the others resided in Brunswick. Of the first founders, of that church the following yet live : Jacoh Ward, Hannah Unlet and Mrs. Hurlbcrt (formerly Lydia Crittenden.)

The Congregational Church was organized Febuary 19, 1819, by Reverends Simeon Woodruff and William Hanford. then acting missionaries. The names of those who united at the organization were Jabez and Persis Kingsbury, Andrew Deming, Fredrick Deming, Roxanua Deming, William P. and Lydia Stearns, Geo. J. and Nancy Baldwin, Lydia Woodbridge and Clarissa Stearns. Of the above not one is now living.

It was the general practice for all to be seen at one church when there failed to be preachers, on the same day, for each denomination. Disputations on doctrinal points were few and far between among the members of those churches. The gospel was preached and listened to, with due attention. All were neighbors, friends and brethren. The Episcopal Methodist's erected the first meeting-house, the Congregationalism the second. As the members of each denomination had often prayed together, and often listened to the same preacher; with the same christian feeling they mutually aided each other in erecting church 'edifices.

School Houses

The first school house was erected on the west line of Brunswick in order to give accommodation to families in Liverpool township. Sarah Tillotson was the teacher, and her school in 1817 numbered 16 scholars. The second school house was built one-fourth of a mile west from the center, in the fall of 1817, and Col. John Freese was the teacher during the following winter. The third public building was built, by subscription, of hewed timber at (he center, and was used for school, religious and town purposes. Could the young students of this day he permitted to look back forty years and view the narrow paths that led to the school houses where their fathers and mothers congregated, the rude building in which they, when children assembled, the rough and uncomfortable seats, the puncheon floor and the dim lights afforded, he would certainly be led to ask himself who accomplished the great change between w,0tt£and fhni? No greater evidence of progress can be seen than to contrast "the present educational facilities with those that the first settlers possessed. What great, profitable and good changes may not t;ike place in the coming forty years if untiring perseverance be exercised, and our aim to elevate be observed?

In pioneer days there were neither loungers nor lounging places. Every person, young or old had some profitable employment in which to engage. There were no groups of the idle or indolent to be seen standing or sitting at corners or stores, taverns or groceries. For many years after the first settlers eame, in smokers of cigar or pipe were seldom seen. If the last ten years had been as profitably employed as were the first ten years from and after the first openings made by the original settlers, an improvement would have been made in morals, in physical power, in agriculture and in wealth. Degeneracy, in many things, has taken the place of refinement, and many, too many, are reared wholly untrained in any useful, necessary or profitable employment. To make a contrast I will, in old fashioned poetry, give you a description of a modern lounger :

Our now-a-day loungers I'll describe, now I'm for it, And in doing the same I'll ask them no pay for it; If I charged them Dr., I should suffer a loss, For the scamps are too mean to pay what it costs. To tell you the truth, and just where you'll find them, Get on to their track and keep close behind them.

Jim starts in the morning, says, to-day, I must work, But when he gets to the ''corners" he's seized with a jerk, Of the mind and the will to the tavern to go, (For he's too ill to work and he'll tell you so,) And turning the corner marches on to the door, Finds Tom, Dick and Harry, and of such a few more, Who are all of a stripe, and who all jerked together, With ailments alike for all seasons or weather.

Now Tom says to Jim, You're the last one come in, It is your treat; come, bring in your gin : But Jim says to Tom, I am strapt of a dime, So you pay for it now, I will the next time.

Now keep a good lookout and you will discover There is a fire at one end, and drunk fools at the other; And to tell you the fact without any joke, Their mouths are the chimneys that draw off the smoke, And the longer they suck them, 'tis just as one s'poses, Their cigars shorten up till they heat their red noses. Having shortened their fuel to about an inch long, They then are prepared for a chat or a song, But before they commence they have an instinct, They can do nothing right without more to drink. From smoking they say they feel themselves thirsty, From drinking again they feel themselves lusty ; And having secured more of the good creature, Are now qualified to be each other's teacher ; And the feats of such loungers proves to us very clear Where rum takes the lead the men have no fear.

Now each can tell over what feats he has done, How wealth has poured in - how poor he begun. In politics too they talk mighty brave, Say the nation without them its union can't save.

They build mighty rail-roads, and ride the world ovGr, Get on at one end, and get oft' at the other, Can tell what they saw in Paris or London, And know all the streets in Moscow or Canton, They helpt lay the telegraph under the ocean, Turned the world upside down and set all in commotion, Esteeming themselves the best of men, Nothing great could be done without them.

And now please to pardon the pioneer digression; For the good of our country I have given expression That those who come after, bad example may shun, And be saved from disgrace, or the ruin of rum.

The Past

Our mail matters then were placed in a sack, And laid on a man to lug on his back. And to pick his way best you would think by his track, Went this way and that way, likea horse that did rack. Our four horse' teams, then, if they hauled a ton, Thro' the rough road and mud 'twas tlio't had well done. Then in a log stable, straw and provender before them, For feed and for rest their strength to restore them, Then for their drink used the cool running water, Or through ice cut a hole to dip in their snorter. Their harness was then made of leather to the tug, Which would glisten like oil made out of mud. Their bodies composed of bone, flesh, and skin,

Our meadows were mown by scythe and rough snath, Our boys then spread grass with a fork or a staff. When our hay became dry, and some signs of a shower, Then boys, girls, and mothers raked by the hour. Our harvest then gathered with sickle in hand, One clip at a time till none was left to stand. And other things then worked after such a fashion, Toil hard, was the word, but don't get in a passion*

Wise men from the East soon sought out the way To the Star of the West to carry their sway, In the arts and in science of civilized life, Expelling the darkness of wildness and strife. With much toil and hardship o'er a long, rough road They sought out their way#o make their abode, Where the wild beasts and savages together run wild, And the church bell and Sabbath never had smiled.

Now in came the Gospel refulgent with light, To chase out the darkness and bring to their sight, The endearments resulting from civilization, And plant in the wild a God-fearing nation. Their God is their trust; as saints they adore him. The wilderness falls and the fields rise before them ; The promising harvests tossed by breezes do wave, All the wants are supplied that the appetite crave. Our flocks and our herds our hills they adorn, While our valleys still yield an abundance of corn. The schools, academies and colleges combined, Give proper instruction and expand the mind. Our churches are reared with spires pointing to heaven From which learned pastors pour fourth gospel leaven, Which raises dull minds from low grounds of sadness, To those fairer climes in the high plains of gladness,

The Present

Our roads are now graded, blazed trees have retired, Our forests have faded and our swamps have dried. We now pass in safety ove^ permanent bridges, And our valleys are passed by grading the ridges. Our teamsters now travel full three times the distance, With three times the load, with far less resistance. And now in our meadows we'll just take a peep, And see the man ride his scythe, perhaps half asleep. But look how the grass falls all perfectly spread, Ten acres each day he lays prostrate 'tis said, But once do look, there is no mistake, You see the man lazily riding his rake ; And yet, slowly riding, his hay comes together. All these we now do without lifting a feather. Another thing now-a-days, the fools it may tickle, For the lazy old scamp is now riding his sickle, And by the exertion of merely a motion, See grain cut and gathered and laid to his notion. Should inventions improve as we're inclined to be led We will soon use a machine to ride us to bed. But one thing's desired, yet almost without hope, That we have a machine to help us to get up.

Source changes here: from History of Medina County and Ohio, by Various, published 1881; 14,560 words in this source stream.

Brunswick City

CORNELIUS SHERMAN, farmer; P. O. Brunswick ; was born in Newport, R. I., May 14,1805. He worked at the trade of cooper, and came to Brunswick in 1832. He was married to Samantha A. Hier, a native of Vermont. They have, seven children living - William H., who married Lucia Cleveland, has the following children - Frank, Eva, Anna and Ida S.; Frank W., who married Ida Oviatt; Cornelius, who married Louisa Allen, has three children ; - Irvin, Nora, Harland ; Charles H., who married Addie Cole, has three children - Howard, Grace, Charles ; Richard M., who married Elizabeth Liew, has one child - Ora ; Sarah Ann, who married E. Piper, two children - Luella and Ford; Ida E. who married Harry Williams, two ehildren - Earle and Maud ; Hiram went into the war, took sick and died.

JOHN WARD STOW, farmer; P. O. Brunswick. Jonathan Stow, a native of Connecticut, who carried on the business of " chaisemaker," was married, in 1802, to Rhoda Ward, anative of Connecticut ; her father, John Ward, was a soldier in the Revolution. Jonathan

Stow died Dec. 14, 1813, and his wife, Rhoda, Jan. 10, 1841; they had two children to perpetuate their name - Dainel B. and the subject of this sketch. He was born in Pittsfield, He attended the schools of his native village, and came to Brunswick in company with his uncle, Isaac Ward, in 1818. He completed his education in the district school of Brunswick. He obtained his livelihood in clearing land and fitting it for farming. He was married, Jan. 12, 1837, to Fidelia Avery, a native of Massachusetts; they had two sons - Charles A., who was born Oct. 21, 1842, and Frederic S., who was born March 10, 1850. His wife died Oct. 10, 1853; he was remarried, April 12, 1855, to Sarah Rounds, a native of England; they have one daughter - Clara F., who was born Aug. 25, 1856. He has by hard labor amassed some property, and what he now has was obtained by hard and excessive toil. He has the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, and has served as County Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee, Clerk and Constable.

JONATHAN D. STOW, Sheriff, Brunswick. He is the son of Daniel Stow, and was born in Brunswick in 1832. He attended the schools of Brunswick, and spent the major part of his life on the farm. He was married in 1860, to Georgia N. Root, a native of Brunswick. They have three children - Ernest D., Libby B. and Katy I. He is a member of the Congregational Church; has been Township Clerk six years, and Trustee two years. He was recently elected Sheriff, aud will begin the duties of that office on the first Monday in January, 1881. Heisa member of the I.O. O.F. He is a good citizen, and has, by his good character, won the esteem and confidence of the people of Medina Co.

ROBERT TIBBITTS, farmer ; P. O. Brunswick. Thomas Soden Tibbitts was a native of England, and was married to Jane Carter. They had nine children, the youngest of whom was the subject of this sketch. He was born in Soham, England, Feb. 6, 1840, and came here with his parents in 1852. He carried on the business of huekster and worked on the farm. He was married Nov. 2, 1862, to Margaret Soden, who was born in Shilton, England, Nov. 26, 1837. They have two children - Matthias and Walter; the former is attending college at Berea, Ohio. They had no opportunity to obtain an education, and intend to give their children all the advantages of education possible.

MARY WHEELOCK; P. O. Brunswick. Solomon Harvey, a native of Massachusetts, was married to Polly Stearns, of the same State. He was a farmer, and emigrated to this county at an early date. He was one of the pioneers of this township. They had six children, five of whom are now living - Mary, John, Sarah, George and Solomon. Mary, the subject of this sketch, was married to Ithamar-Wheelock in 1830. He was a native of Massachusetts, and came into this county in 1825. His education was obtained in the common schools. He was a useful and honest citizen, and a kind and obliging neighbor. He, by his industry, became the possessor of real estate. He died, leaving a widow and five children - Louis, Sarah Ann, Adeline, John and Lester. Sheis a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The following is the marriage record: Lewis, married to Jane Blackman; Sarah Anne, married to Joseph Bell; Adeline, married to Daniel Brant; Lester, married to Katie Tibbitts. JOHN W. WELLING, farmer; P. O. Brunswick. He was born in New Brunswick, July 2, 1807. His parents came to New York State the same year; he attended the common school, and went to Vermont in 1826; he learned the trade of carpenter. He came to Brunswick in 1835, and cleared 70 acres of

JUSTUS A. BABCOCK, farmer ; P. O. Bennett's Corners ; was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., Feb. 11, 1808. Heis ason of William and Anna (Lovejoy) Babcock. His father died when he was but 4 years old ; his mother subsequently married Martin Benjamin, and removed to Brunswick Township, Medina Co., where she resided up to the time of her decease, Sept. 18, 1861. Justus remained in New York State until he was 24 years of age, following the occupation of a farmer. He was united in marriage in Columbia Co., Sept. 13, 1829, to Miss Rachel Jones, also a native of that county ; she was born May 7, 1811. In the fall of 1833. they removed to Ohio, locating in Hinckle, Township, upon the western township line, where they are still living, enjoying the fruits of their industry. Mr. Babcock first took up 10 acres of timbered land, and cleared it by his own individual efforts. He has since added 60 acres adjoining, and has 17 acres in the southern part of the township; his land is well imland, where he has ever since resided. He was married in 1829 to Margaret Carpenter, a native of Vermont, who was born Sept. 23, 1809. The following is the record of the family births : Edward, born Sept. 26, 1831; Peleg J., Aug. 19, 1833; .Jemima, Aug. 27, 1835; Orvill M., Nov. 25, 1838; Eunice M., Oct. 11, 1841. The deaths were Orvill M., aied at Harper's Ferry, Nov. 26, 1862 ; Mrs. Welling died Nov. 6, 1878. All the living children are married.

JAMES D. WILSON, farmer; P. O. Brunswick. Darius Wilson, a native of New York, was born March 28, 1803. He was a carpenter, and was married Oct. 13, 1825, to Temperance Chace, who was born Jan. 8, 1806, in Pompey, N.Y. Three of their children are now living - Homer E., Martha A. and the subject of this sketch. He was born in Brunswick May 13, 1841, and was married to Helen A. Porter, a native of Springfield, Ill, May 24, 1862. They have two children - Clara B., born Sept. 8, 1863, and Minnie F., born March 7, 1872. He has served as Township Trustee several terms, and is a member of the Disciples' Church.

proved and conveniently located. Their family consists of the following children - Eliza Ann, married to Uri Squiers, now living in Michigan ; James S., who died at the age of 3 years; Esther J., married to Harvey Crooks, now residing in Michigan. Susan H., the wife of Darius Conant, living in Hinckley Township; Dan J., married to Miss Ann Waite, and living in Michigan ; Jay, married to Miss Helen Olds, living with parents ; Mary, married to Frank Brooks, and residing in Brunswick Township; and Celia, who died aged about 14 months. Mr. Babcock has served the township in many offices of trust, all of which he has discharged with ability and honor. He has been actively identified with the educational matters of the township, having been a teacher for about ten winter sessions.

HARRISON H. BEACH, farmer; P. O. Remson's Corners ; was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in August, 1817. His parents were Alger and Mary (Near) Beach ; his father was a na- tive of Connecticut; his mother was born in Hudson, N. Y. They moved from Schoharie Co., to Ohio in 1818, and first located in Richfield Township, which was in Medina Co. at that time; they remained in Richfield about fifteen years and then removed to Granger Township, where they resided about two years. About 1835, they removed to Hinckley Township, locating on the south town line, where they remained until their deaths ; his father's death occurred in November, 1838 ; his mother's in August, 1847. Their children, who are now living, are as follows: Elijah, now living in Knox Co., Ill.; he was a soldier in the Mexican war. James now a resident of Ionia Co., Mich., where he is an extensive farmer; Harriet Post now residing in Knoxville, Ill; and the subject of this sketch. Harrisons occupation all through his life has been that of a farmer, commencing in his youth, when the land had to be cleared of timber before it could be tilled, up to the present time when ingenious machinery makes the occupation less laborious. He was united in marriage Aug. 18, 1842, to Miss Sylvia L. Bradley ; she was born in Canada West, May 1, 1822; her parents were residents of Hinckley Township for several years, but finally returned to Canada, where her mother still resides. Her father died in Canada; he was in the English service during the war of 1812. In 1844, Harrison bought the old homestead farm, where he has since resided ; it contains sixty acres, and, with the exception of a few acres of woodland, is finely improved land. They have four children, all residents of Hinckley - Emi]y E. Vaughn, Henry, O. G. and Mary A. Duncan.

S. F. CODDING, Postmaster and merchant, Hinckley. One of the prominent business men of Hinckley is S. F. Codding, the subject of this biography ; he was born in Granger Township in 1826, and is the son of George and Jerusha (Spencer) Codding, who were pioneers of Granger Township. They were both natives of New York State; he was born in Bristol, Ontario Co, and his wife in Geneva; they were residents of Granger Township up to their deaths; he died in 1845 and she a few years previous, about 1841. They had seven children - Myron C., 8. F., Nancy, who died aged 16 years; Albert died when young; Harriet M., deceased ; Lucy A., deceased ; William E., living in Ottawa, Ill. Mr. Codding, by a second wife, had one child, who is now married and living in Medina. Our subject's early life was passed upon his father's farm, assisting in clearing up the land ; he remained upon the farm until he attained his majority. He was married to Miss Sarah M. Newton in 1848. Her parents, Mathew and Relief (Straight) Newton, were natives of New York, and old residents of Granger Township. Mr. Codding bought a farm in Granger Township in 1849, and for several years followed the oceupation of a farmer in different parts of the township; he came to Hinckley in 1864, and bought 75 acres of land, located northwest of the Cent-r, remaining upon it for eight years, he then sold it and bought a general stock of goods in Hinckley Center, and has been in trade there up to the present time (1880). For the past six years he has been Postmaster ; has also served the township as Trustee one term, as Assessor one term, Justice of the Peace for five years, and as County Commissioner two terms; is a member of Hinckley Lodge, No. 304, I. O. O. F. Mr. Codding's family consists of five children, as follows: Nancy J., Evangeline M., Henry H., Willis L. and Jesse, deceased. A. L. CONANT, farmer ; P. O. Hinckley ; was born July 18, 1802, in Herkimer Co., N. Y. His parents were Timothy and Rhoda (Lyon) Conant, natives of New York State. His father was born April, 1771, and his mother June 18, 1769. They were married April 4, 1794. They came to Richfield, then in Medina Co., in July 1819, and in the fall of 1825, removed to Hinckley Township, locating on the Ridge road. They resided in Hinckley Township most of their days. She died in the township June 29, 1845. After her death her husband went to Chesterville, Morrow Co., and resided with his son, Rev. Daniel M. Conant, where he died March 21, 1859. The children were as follows: Rev. Daniel M. Conant, born Feb. 19, 1796, died at Nevada, Ohio, Dec. 27, 1873; Timothy B., now living in Hinckley Township ; Chester, born Sept. 27, 1800, now «ving in Michigan; Aaron L., the subject of this sketeh ; Rhoda Darrow, widow, living in Michigan, born July 4, 1804; Patty MeGoon, born May 6, 1806, deceased ; she was the first person married in Hinckley Township, which occurred in the spring of 1826 ; Almeda Buck, born Feb. 23, 1808, now a widow, living in Putnam Co.; Lewis Conant, born June 13, 1810, father until 20 years of age, and then started out in life for himself. He went to New York and farmed for three years; he then returned to Hinckley and bought a farm upon the "ridge," remaining there until 1834. He then purchased the farm where he now resides, and has made his home there up to the present time. He has 70 acres of fine, improved land, and about 10 acres of timber. Sept. 16, 1830, to Miss Victoria C. Kellogg, daughter of Joshua and Clarissa (Alvord) Kellogg, old residents of Hinckley Township. She was born in Hadley, Mass., Sept. 3, 1809. They have had six children - Hiram, deceased ; Mortimer, deceased; Emeline Dunham, fiving in Michigan ; Daniel, deceased ; Elvira V. Perrin, living at home, and Ethan, living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Conant are members of the Methodist Church.

TIMOTHY B. CONANT, farmer; P. O. Hinckley. One of the pioneers of Hinckley Township is T. B. Conant. He is a native of New York, and was born in Herkimer Co. Sept. 22,1798. His father, Timothy Conant, was a carpenter and joiner, and, while a youth, young Timothy learned the trade, and assisted his father until he was about 20 years old. He then decided to come to Ohio, and arrived in Richfield in March, 1819. He went to farming immediately, and remained there about fifteen years. He then disposed of his property and came to Hinckley Township in 1834, buying a farm, on which he has resided up to the present time. He has 121 acres of wheat, and about 25 acres in woodland. He was married, Oct. 11, 1820, to Miss Nancy Buck, daughter of Enoch and Alice (Babcock) Buck, pioneers of Richfield Township; she was born in New York State Dec. 23, 1797, and died Aug. 19, 1837. They had eight children - Alice Fluent, living in Granger; Parmelia Fluent, deceased ; Lewis, living in Hinckley ; Plympton, living in Kansas ; Timothy, living in California; Melissa Richardson, living in Ashtabula Co.; Nancy Ganyard, deceased ; Amanda Sylvester, living in Kansas. Mr. Conant was married to a second wife - Miss Abigail B. Buck - April 1, 1838; she was born in New York Jan 23, 1810, and died Oct. 20, 1880. They had four children, as follows : Sanford, deceased ; Olive ; Darius, living in Hinckley Township, and Isaiah, liviug ai home.

JULIUS and NATHAN DAMON, farmers ; P. O. West Richfield. They are the sons of Nathan and Hannah (Shaw) Damon, who were natives of Massachusetts. Nathan was born in 1793, and his wife in 1797. They were married in Massachusetts, and came to Ohio in 1828, locating in Hinckley Township, buying 178 acres of: land. They were residents of the township up to the time of their decease, which occurred in September, 1843, and June, 1869. Julius was born in Massachusetts, Nov. 29, 1824. He was married in 1848, to Miss Electa Eastman, of Cuyahoga Co.; she died in 1855, leaving one child - Ella - who is married and living in Cleveland. He was married the second time to Miss Kate Babcock, daughter of Joshua Babcock, now living in Michigan. They have three children - George J., Herbert L. and Lulu J. - all living at home. Mr. Damon's occupation has always been that of a farmer, and in it he has been very successful. He now owns about 240 acres, and, with the exception of 50 acres of timber land, allimproved. He is making a specialty in stock and sheep, and has devoted some time to fruit culture, having at present about 35 acres of apple orchard and several acres of peaches. He has served the township as Trustee several terms, and as Assessor two terms. Nathan A Damon was born in Hinckley Township in 1832. He has, since his youth, been at home and working on the old homestead, and, since the death of his parents, it has fallen into his possession. He has 83 acres of land, about 30 of which is in timber. He devotes his time to general farming, making no specialtv. He was married Feb. 11, 1869, to Miss Adeline Searles, a daughter of Daniel Searles, of Hinckley Township. They have three children - Harley A., Owen H. and Fred S.

OLIVER E. ELLSWORTH, saw-mill; Hinckley ; was born in Vermont in 1833. He is the son of Walter and Ruth (Peckham) Ellsworth, natives of Vermont, and who came to Ohio in 1836. They first located in Royalton, Cuyahoga Co., on the township line joining Hinckley. In 1852, they came to Hinckley Township, and settled upon the farm where they now reside. They have had ten children - Melinda, a widow, now living in Michigan; William, who died in Royalton, aged 23 years; Oliver E., the subject of this sketch; Rhoda, living at home; Z. W., now working the old homestead; Ruth, married and living in Cleveland; Dela, married and residing in Cuyahoga County; J. P., now living at home; Chancy, living in Cuyahoga County, and Frank; living in Cleveland. Oliver has been a resident of the township since his parents' removal there. He was married in 1858 to Miss Rosetta Keyes; she died in February, 1861, leaving one child, Fred W. He was married to his second wife, A. E. Edgerton, Oct. 1, 1865. They have four children - Elmer C., George L., Rosa R. and Lillie. Mr. Ellsworth enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, in Company A, 124th O. V. L, and served nearly three years. This regiment was in active service, and he passed through some of the most severe battles of the war, going through the whole Atlanta campaign, and escaping unhurt. He received his discharge June 9, 1865, and returned to Hinckley. Previous to going to the war, he built a saw-mill upon his land, and; since his return, has been operating it. His property is located in the northeastern part of Hinckley Township, and consists of 8 acres of land with the mill property.

Z. W. ELLSWORTH, farmer; P. O. Hinckley; a son of Walter and Ruth (Peckham) Ellsworth, was born Jan. 1, 1842, in Royalton, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. He passed his early life upon the farm, and about two years in Michigan, previous to the war. He was married in Michigan, to Miss Lodema Lamphear, Dec. 25, 1871. He enlisted July 29, 1862, in Company A, 124th O. V. L, and was in the active service that his regiment saw, numbering some twentyeight battles; he was wounded at Chickamauga, slightly, but not enough to disable him, and, after three years of arduous service, was discharged Jan. 9, 1865. In 1867, he returned to Michigan, and resided there about nine years, at the end of which time, he returned to Hinckley, and is now working the old homestead. The farm consists of 100 acres of good improved land, and is situated about three and a half miles northeast of Hinckley Center. He has one child, Jarella, a girl, born May 8, 1879.

DR. G. S. GILLET, Hinckley Center; was born in Eaton, Lorain Co., Ohio, March 7, 1841. His early life was passed in that county, and his education commenced in the common schools. He learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade when a youth, and, as he grew older, worked at his trade in the summer and taught school in the winter. He then went to Oberlin and at- tended school there for several terms, and then, having decided upon the practice of medicine, went to Plymouth, Ohio, and entered the office of Drs. Tucker & Sykes. He also attended lecthe sessions of 1864-65 and 1866-67, and, at the end of these terms, he graduated and commenced the practice of medicine in Hinckley Center, in 1867, at which place he has been in active practice up to the present time, being the only practicing physician in the township until 1880. He was married in Milwaukee, Wis., to Miss Rachel Baldwick, Jan. 9, 1868. Her parents were natives of England, and came to America in 1847, first locating in New York, and afterward in Wisconsin. They have had the following children - David, Ada, deceased ; Lida, Reue! S. and Ralph. Mr. and Mrs. Gillet are members of the Church of Christ, of Hinckley, and have always taken an active interest in the affairs of the church, Mr. Gillet having been an Elder during the past ten years. Though a young man, he has had an extensive experience in the practice of his profession. One of the most noteworthy cases coming under his professional skill, was a compound comminuted fracture of the skull, the subject being the doctor's son, a bright lad, who had been kicked on the head by a horse Nov. 12, 1879. The boy, David N. Gillet, aged 10 years, received the kick: on the right temple, and, by actual measurement, four and one-half inches of skull bone were removed. The stroke was so severe as to have loosened the cranial sutures in the region of the removed skull segments, and lacerate the inclosing brain membranes by slivers of bone which penetrated the anterior lobe of the cerebrum, causing an ounce or more of brain to escape. No signs of consciousness were shown until the end of four days, and no certain signs until six days had elapsed. Two weeks passed away before the patient was sufficiently recovered to know what had happened. Four days after the accident, fungus of the brain set in, and, at the end of a week, the growth was as large as a hen's egg. An eminent surgeon of the county was called in for consultation and assistance, and, after the wound had been dressed, gave as his professional, opinion that the boy could not possibly recover. But Dr. Gillet, with a father's love to actuate him, refused to believe that there was no hope, and immediately employed his utmost skill and at- tention to save the child. A different mode of treatment was adopted than the one laid down in the books, and, at the end of two weeks of incessant care and sleepless anxiety, the devotion of the father was repaid by the gradual recovery of the son; it was five weeks before the boy was sufficiently recovered to be removed home. The recovery was one of the most remarkable ever occurring in the field of surgery, and reflects high honor on the professional skill of Dr. Gillet. No effect of the accident can be seen upon the boy, who is as bright and intelligent as though nothing had happened. Dr. Gillet, since February of 1880, has devoted part of his time to ministerial duties, a movement he has long contemplated, and which he expects to continue. If in the future he discontinues the practice of medicine, as he at present contemplates, he intends to devote his whole time to preaching the Word of God. JOSEPH GOUCH, farmer; P. O. West Richfield; is a native of New England, and was born in Northampton, Mass., in 1821. Heisa son of Joseph and Keziah (Alvord) Gouch,-natives of New England. They were neighbors of Judge Hinckley, in Massachusetts, and received from him the first deed of land given in the township of Hinckley. They located in Hinckley in 1875, on the farm where Joseph now resides. With the exception of eight years' residence in Berea, where he removed to give his children the advantages of these schools, he has always been a resident of Hinckley and of the old homestead first settled upon by his parents ; his farm consists of 88 acres of land, 20 acres of which is woodland, which contains a great number of sugar maples, from which he makes annually about 1,000 pounds of sugar. He also makes a specialty of fruit, and has taken a great many prizes on specimens of peaches and pears, having at one time, seventy-five different varieties of pears. He has given considerable attention to small fruits, which have proven generally profitable. He was united in marriage, in 1842, to Miss Charlotte C. Culver, of Rochester, N. Y. Their union has been blessed with eight children - Frederick; he enlisted in the 41st O. V. I, commanded by Col. Hazen; he served for two years in all the engagements of his regiment. At the battle of Stone River he waded the river and lying down went to sleep ; when found, his clothes were frozen upon him, and he was taken to the hospital, but his constitution had become so weakened by previous disease that he died April 20, 1863. He entered the service as a private and was distinguished for his bravery and daring in the last battle, for which, had he lived, he would have been promoted to Second Lieutenant, although at the time of his death he was but 19 years old. From the letters received by the bereaved mother, from his Colonel and the officers and commander of his regiment, it appeared he was a favorite of the whole regiment, and his death was deplored by them all. Frank A.,also a volunteer in the service; he, now resides in Hinckley Township; Norman, living in Cleveland ; George L., Lyman deceased, Florence J., Charlotte and James, who died in Berea, aged 12 ears.

WILLIAM HEACOX, farmer ; P. O. Brunswiek. Mr. Heacox is a native of Connecticut, and was born in Litchfield Co., March 29, 1800. His parents were Harvey and Elizabeth (Newton) Heacox; who were also natives of Connecticut. His father was a sea-faring man and went to sea when he was 3 months old; he did not see him again until he was 14 years, of age ; his early life, until about 15 years, was passed in Connecticut; at this time his parents removed to Ashtabula, Ohio, and he went upon the lakes, which occupation he followed nearly all the time for twenty years. In the spring of 1836, he removed to Medina Co., locating at Weymouth, at which place he bought a farm of 80 acres and a mill property ; he devoted his time to farming and milling until 1868, when he removed to Hinckley Township, buying 50 acres of land, where he now resides ; his farm, with the exception of 14 acres of timber, is all improved, and is located about two and onehalf miles west of Hinckley Center, on the town line road. Mr. Heacox was married in 1822, to Miss Harriet Welton, also native of Connecticut ; she is the daughter of Mark and Sarah (Davis) Welton, and was born June 17, 1801; she is the lineal descendant of, and the sixth generation from, John and Mary (Upson) Welton, who came from England about 1679, and located at Waterbury, Conn. Nine generations of this family have been reared in this country ; they have nine children - William J., deceased ; George H., deceased ; Harvey F., deceased; Harriet M., married to Jehiel Squires, and living in Sharon Township ; John

H., now living in Cleveland ; Sarah J., married to O. W. Avery; Edward L., now living in Brunswick Township; Samuel W., deceased ; Anson F., deceased. During his residence in Medina Township, Mr. Heacox served as Justice of the Peace for nine years, as Township Trustee for one term, and, since his residence in Hinckley, three terms.

G. W. HURD, farmer; P. O. Bennett's Corners ; is one of the prominent farmers of Hinckley Township; he was born in Amsterdam, N. Y. May 20, 1827; his father, Hiram Hurd, was a native of Vermont, and was born Nov. 27, 1805 ; his mother was Louisa Sherburn; she was born Aug. 12, 1806; they emigrated to Ohio and located in Strongsville, Cuyahoga Co., about 1832, where they remained about ten years, and then removed to Bennett's Corners, where they resided until his father died, Feb. 22, 1865. His mother is still living, residing with his family. Our subject, as was the custom, remained with his parents until he attained his majority ; he was united in marriage March 8, 1848, to Miss Abigail C. Brown, a daughter of John and Orrilla (Warner) Brown, who were early settlers of Hinckley Township ; she was born in New York State. Mr. Hurd has, since his marriage, with the exception of one year's residence in Minnesota, always been

Stead is located on the western township line, and consists of 186 acres, which, with the exception of about 30 acres of woodland, is as fine farming land as there is in the township, presenting, with its improvements, commodious and extensive outbuildings, barns, etc., and a new and attractive residence, a picture of thrift and prosperity. Their family is as follows: Wilson H., born Dec. 15, 1848, he was married to Miss Jennie E. Pay, Sept. 25, 1870 ; he removed to Kansas in 1880, where he is now living engaged in farming ; Clark S., born Dec. 18, 1852; he was united to Miss Josephine Olds, a daughter of .M. Olds, of Hinckley Center, May 18, 1873, they are now living in Hinckley Township ; Arthur E. was born Oct. 12, 1861, and Martha J., both living at home. Mr. Hurd has served the township in several offices of trust, and has taken an active interest in schools, but devotes nis time principally to the eultivation and care of his extensive farm.

is the son of Truman and Matilda (Dickson) Isham, vld residents of the township. He came to Hinckley Township when but 2 years old, and has resided in the township ever since. He was married, Aug. 17, 1854, to Mary Mc- Creary, daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Truman) McCreary. He was born in Washington Co., Penn., March 16,1798. She was a native of Seneca Co., N. Y., and was born Jan. 24, 1805. She died May 21,1853. Mr. McCreary was one of the pioneers of Hinckley, coming there in 1829, and a resident of the township up to his death, Nov. 20, 1880. They had the following children: Sarah born July 2, 1825, married, and living in Nebraska; Peter, born Aug. 15, 1828, deceased ; Margaret, born March 17, 1830, deceased ; Mary, born May 13, 1836; Eliza, born June 2, 1840, married, and living in Trumbull Co.; Emma, born Dec. 27, 1844, deceased. Mr. McCreary was married to his second wife, Louisa A. Finch, Dec. 6, 1854. She died May 6, 1880. Mr. Isham is a tinner by trade, and worked at it for ten years in Hinckley Center. He is now living on his farm, about one and a half miles north of the Center.

ELIAS KEYES, farmer; P. O. Hinckley ; was bornin New York in 1811. His parents were Elias and Elizabeth (Noble) Keyes, who were pioneers of Royalton, Cuyahoga Co. They located there in 1819, and were citizens of that county up to the time of their decease. Elias worked for his father, as was customary, until he was of age. In 1837 (Feb. 2), he was, united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Swift. She was born in Cecil Co., Md., March 2, 1817, and was the daughter of Richard and Letitia (Welch) Swift, who were also natives of Maryland. Her parents were old residents of Hinckley Township, coming there in 1825, where they lived the rest of their lives. They had ten children, as follows: Mary Ann Keyes; Eliza Cleveland, deceased ; Martha Wait, living in Hinckley; Edward, now a resident of Michigan; Richard, accidentally shot at Hinckley ; Harriet Wait, living in Hinckley Township ; Henry, now living in Oberlin, Ohio; Lois Howland, residing in Michigan; Jane E. Swift, now living in Hinckley, and Frank Swift, living in Hinckley. Mr. and Mrs. Keyes moved to Royalton, and were residents of that township for seventeen years subsequent to their marriage ; then came to Hinckley, and located where they have since made their home. They have 85 acres of good improved land, and are comfortably situated in their old age. They have had the following children: Charles D., now a resident of Royalton, Cuyahoga Co. He was born Nov. 8, 1837; Melissa, born May 11, 1840, died May 22, 1842; Elizabeth, born May 6, 1842, died Jan. 16, 1880; Richard B., born April 1, 1845 ; he enlisted in 1864, in Co. H, 2d O. V. C.; he was wounded at the battle of Five Forks, Va., in 1865, and was discharged June, 1865; he died May 3, 1873; and Ellen R., born Dec. 28, 1853, wife of James Mattingly, now living in Hinckley.

HIRAM B. MILLER, farmer; P. O. Hinckley. One of the best-known men in Hinckley Township is Hiram B. Miller; he is a native of New York State, and was born April 3, 1807, in Ontario Co.; his parents were Lyman and Celia (Wheeler) Miller, also natives of the Empire State. While a youth, his parents removed to Henrietta, Monroe Co., where they purchased a hotel property and a farm. The hotel was known as the * Coffee House," and run by the Millers for over twenty years. Hiram was married in 1829, to Miss Maria Deming, daughter of David and Sarah (Lewis) Deming, who were residents and old settlers of Monroe Co., N. Y.; Maria was born in Massachusetts, and, at the age of 10, walked the entire distance from Massachusetts to Rochester, N. Y., at the time of her parents' emigration to Monroe Co. At the time, of his marriage, Hiram had nothing to begin life with, excepting good health, energy, and a determination to succeed; thus, without a dollar of spare money, did he begin the battle of life ; how well he has succeeded, the following lines will portray. In 1831, with his wife, he went to Canandaigua, N. Y., where his grandfather resided, and for two years he worked one of his farms. At the end of that time, he removed back to Henrietta, having saved about -$800 within that time ; he then went to work upon his father's farm, but, after having put in the crops, finally induced his father to sel] out the whole property. Ohio at this time was presenting an inviting field to emigrants, and here the Miller family came, locating in Hinckley Township, in 1833, on the western township line; here they bought, together, 650 acres; Hiram buying about 100 acres; his parents died on the old homestead after living to see the unbroken forests blossom into fertile fields. Hiram has resided, ever since coming to the township, upon the land he purchased on first coming into the county, and which he has cleared by his own exertions; his wife died March 10,1876; he has seven children living - Cordelia M., Arethusa H., Sherman L., Henrietta; Betsey A., Frank D. and Harvey T. Frank D. was in the service, belonging to 150th O. N. G., serving 100 days. Harvey T., was in Barber Sharpshooters, and served all through the war. Mr. Miller has been one of the foremost men in the township upon educational matters, always taking an active interest; he has also been an efficient worker in the temperance cause ; he is a member of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, A., F. & A. M., of Richfield. Prior to the war he gained an extenaed reputation from his prominent connection with the underground railroad. Even before the enactment of the fugitive slave law, in 1850, he had deemed it his religious duty to use his best efforts in aiding runaway slaves to escape. But, upon the passage of that law, believing as he did, that Divine approval would sanction its violation and avoidance, he made it a part of his religious duty to assist the frightened and fleeing slaves to Canada. Some residents in his neighborhood were hostile to his movements of humanity, and often sought to discover slaves in his care, in hopes of getting the promised reward ; but no runaway who sought his protection was ever captured. "Why," said he, " Mr. Reporter, I've had as high as five poor runaways eating at my table at one time, for each of whom a reward of $500 was offered. One day, while moving in the field, suddenly a gigantic negro rose from the grass in front of me and said: Oh, Massa, can ye tell me whar 'Nigger' Miller lives? 'Why bless your soul, you poor fellow,' said I, 'I'm 'Nigger' Miller.' 'Oh Massa Miller,' exclaimed the delighted slave, while his dark face lighted with joy, 'you look better to me than money." Itis needless to say that the runaway reached Canada. In company with Joe Mason, a gifted colored man, Mr. Miller began lecturing in schoolhouses and barns in this and adjoining counties. He was announced to lecture at his home schoolhouse, but a neighbor was determined that he should not do it. In an altercation at the house, the neighbor seized Mr. il- ; ler by the throat, threw him with great force on the floor, cutting an ugly wound on his head, from which the blood flowed in streams down his neck. Money was offered to repair the injury, but Mr. Miller nobly refused, saying that money was not what was wanted, that the sin of slavery and the irreparable wrong done the poor slave was what he wished every one to seriously consider. Scores'of instances can be mentioned, but these will suffice. Mr. Miller, for his noble efforts, deserves to be classed with such men as * Old" John Brown, Owen Lovejoy, and others, who fought for years against the degrading and cruel influences of slavery. ! JOHN MUSSER, retired farmer; P. O. Hinckley Center. Mr. Musser was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Nov. 9, 1814. He is the son of David and Polly (Reed) Musser, who were natives' of Pennsylvania and came to Trumbull Co. in 1813. In 1840, they removed to Norton, Summit Co., where they remained until their deaths. Mr. Musser's early life was passed in Trumbull Co., where he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which occupation he followed until about 30 years.of age. Aug. 12, 1843, he was married to Esther F. Canfield; her father, William, was a native of Litchfield Co., Conn., and her mother, Submit (Post), a native of West Hampton, Mass. They came to Summit Co., in 1817, and lived there all of their lives, her father dying in 1852, and mother in 1867. After his marriage, Mr. M. went to Huron Co., and worked at his trade for one year, at the end of which time he moved back to Summit Co., buying a farm of 50 acres and working it about four years. He then eame to Hinckley Township, April, 1851, and bought a farm of 110 acres, located in the southern part of the township. He remained upon this place until 1876, when he sold out and bought 25 acres about one-fourth of a mile north of the Center, where he now resides. They have had four children - Daniel O., born June 27, 1844; he was married September 1863, to Nancy M. Wait, daughter of John and Martha (Swift) Wait, residents of Hinckley Township, and is living about one and one-half miles west of Hinckley Center. He enlisted in

SOLOMON G. NEWTON, deceased, was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, 1825; he was ason of Mathew and Relief (Straight) Newton, old residents of Granger Township. Our subject came with his parents to Granger Township when he was quite young, and where his early life was passed. He was married Jan. 4, 1849, to Miss Sarah A. Oviatt. She was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Jan. 4, 1827; her parents were Stephen and Prudence (Davidson) Oviatt, pioneers of Wayne Co., where her father died ; her mother subsequently moved to Hinckley Township, Medina Co., where Sarah was married. Since their marriage they resided most of the time in Hinckley Township. In April, 1863, they removed to the southern portion of the township, purchasing a farm which consisted of about 100 acres ; here Solomon died Nov. 6, 1878. His wife and family still reside upon the old homestead. Mr. Newton was a member of the Baptist Church, and had always been an earnest and active worker in the church and Sabbath school; his earnest Christian life and the honorable and upright manner which characterize all his dealings, make his death deplored by all who knew him. The children are as follows: James P. was born in Hinckley Township, in June, 1853, and lived with his parents until he attained his majority ; he was married Feb. 28, 1875, to Miss Rowena Morris; her father, George Morris, was an old resident of Granger Township ; her mother was Rebecea Waltman; she also was an early resident of. the county ; they have two children - Earnest J. and Minnie. James now resides in East Cleveland, where he is engaged in raising fruit and gardening. Gertrude I. deceased, May, Allie R., Stephen M., Gertie S. and Dell. Mrs. Newton and the four elder children are members of the Baptist Church. His family will cherish through their lives, with loving regret, the memory of the devotion and goodness of the husband and father.

M. OLDS, retired engineer, Hinckley Center ; is the son of Rufus and Abigail (Kent) Olds, natives of New York State, who came to Ohio in 1836, locating in Royalton, Cuyahoga Co. They were residents of the county, where they settled, up to their deaths. His father died in Ft. Wayne, Ind., in 1838, and his mother in

1848, at Royalton. Our subject was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 1825, and came to Ohio with his parents. He worked on the farm for a number of years, and then, at the age of 16, went to Cleveland, and commenced learning his trade at the Cuyahoga Steam Furnace Company's works; he remained with them | about two years. He was married, in 1850, to Miss Amelia Marcelus, daughter of John and Esther (Hall) Marcelus, pioneers of Cuyahoga Co., and residents of Royalton Township. Mr. Olds came to Hinckley Township in 1856, and bought the old Wetmore saw and grist mills, which he ran for two years and then sold out. He built (in 1857 - 58) the first steam grist-mill in tne township. In 1859, he went to the Lake Superior country, and had the management of building a large lumber mill, taking charge of the whole work until the year was out. Returning to Hinckley, again went into the milling business, which he continued for two years, and then bought an interest in the Durham Foundry. In September, 1862, he responded to the call of Gov. Tod to repel an attack upon Covington and Cincinnati ; 16,000 men responded ; they were known as the " Squirrel Hunters." Upon his return to Hinckley, within a few days, he was drafted. He went to Camp Cleveland, where he procured a substitute ; he watched the course of his substitute, and finally learned he was killed at Chickamauga. He immediately determined to try it himself, and within a few days he enlisted, at Wooster, Ohio, as a private in Co. E, 1st Ohio Light Artillery, and was immediately sent to the front, joining his battery on the Tennessee River. Inthe spring of 1864, was detailed to go on the gunboat fleet of the Upper Tennessee, as engineer. He placed the engine in the gunboat General Sherman, and remained with the fleet until July, and then joined his battery at Bridgeport, Ala.; he remained with it until the close of the war. He was in the siege and battle of Nashville, which lasted for sixteen days, a heavy artillery fire being waged by both sides every day. He was mustered out July 17, 1865. Upon his return home, he built a tin-shop in Hinckley, and ran it for one year, then bought a saw-mill, which he ran about à year. In 1868, he went to Sand Lake, Mich., and built several saw-mills for Capt. Small In 1869, went to Missouri, and had charge of clearing out the Buckeye copper mine; returned to Hinckley, and bought a saw- mill at Bennett's Corners, which he ran for about one year. In 1873, he removed with his family to Marquette City, Mich., and had charge of the city water works for one year, and while there lost his right hand. The next year, he took the contract for supplying the city with water, and, at the expiration of his contract, on account of his health, returned to Hinckley Center, and bought the old Wetmore place, where he at present resides. He has added several pieces of land to the original purchase, until he has about 80 acres of improved land, which is worked by his son-in-law, Mr. Olds having retired from active business, only doing some fire insurance business to occupy part of his leisure hours. Mr. and Mrs. Olds have had six children - Clayton, died at the age of 21; Willie, aged 19, at Marquette City; Josephine Hurd, living in Hinckley Township; Frank and Carrie, twins; Carrie, married to John Wyman, and living in Hinckley Center; and Frederick, living at home. Mr. Olds is a member of Hinckley Lodge, No. 304, I. O. O. F. NATHANIEL PORTER, farmer; P. O. West Richfield. New York has furnished the majority of the pioneers of Hinckley Township, and, in Schoharie Co., Sept. 7, 1815, our subject was born. His father, Samuel Porter, was also a native of that State, and was born in Albany Co., Aug. 4, 1796. His parents removed to Schoharie Co. when Samuel was but 4 years old, locating in Broome Township. Here he passed his early life, and was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Jacobs. She was a native of New York, and was born December, 1796. After remaining at his father's house until the spring of 1818, they started for Ohio with all their worldly effects in a wagon which was drawn by a yoke of oxen. Aftera month's journey, they finally reached Richfield (now Summit Co.), where they first located, remaining there until the spring of 1825, when they removed to Hinckley Township, locating upon the "ridge." Here the worthy couple remained until they were called to their heavenly home. He died June 6, 1848, and his wife, at the home of her son Nathaniel, May 10, 1869. Their children are as follows: Nathaniel, Almira, deceased, Rev. Joseph Porter, a minister of the Methodist Church, now a resident of Steuben Co., Ind.; he published, some years ago, a small volume relating the life of his father; it is a most his pioneer life and Christian experience ; Olive S., deceased, and Marietta, deceased. Nathaniel was about 10 years of age when his parents came to Hinckley, and he has been a resident of the township ever since, following the occupation of a farmer. Nov. 3, 1873, he bought a small piece of land where he now resides. He was married, November, 1837, to Almira Brown. She died May 5, 1848, leaving one child - Julia J., now the wife of H. W. Davis, Deputy Sheriff of Grand Rapids, Mich. Mr. Porter was married to a second wife, Sarah Ann Crofoot (widow of Cyretus Crofoot, a resident of Brunswick Township), Nov. 19, 1848. Her maiden name was Sarah A. Brown. She was a daughter of John and Orella (Warner) Brown, old residents of the county, who located in Hinckley in 1829. She was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., Jan. 23,1818. At the time of her marriage with Mr. Porter, she had three boys - Levi L., Joseph J. and Lewis L., each of whom died while in the service of his country. Levi and Joseph enlisted, and, while in service in Missouri; both contracted diseases which resulted fatally, Joseph dying Nov. 16, 1861, and his brother Levi Nov. 28, 1861. Lewis L. enlisted to guard prisoners at Camp Douglas, and died from disease contracted while on duty, Sept. 14, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have two children - Sanford P., married and residing in Richfield, Summit Co., and Emma V., living at home. Mr. Porter has been a resident of the township for nearly threescore years, and has been closely identified with the growth and development of this part of the county, and is one of its most valued citizens. In religious belief, with his wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a man of generous impulses, a friend to the poor, and, although assailed frequently by misfortune, has always been disposed to look upon life's bright side. He is intelligent, social and genial in his manner, and a thorough Christian gentleman. He has been honored with many offices of trust by his townsmen, and is now serving his third term as Justice of the Peace.

N. W. PEEBLES, farmer; P. O. Brunswick , was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., July 21, 1828; he is a son of John W. and Eliza A. (Eaton) Peebles, and came with his parents to Hinckley Township, when they removed there from New York State in 1836. He remained at home until 20 years old, when he went to Brunswick and entered a machine-shop to learn that trade; he worked in all about nine years at that calling, and then traveled in the patentright business for some six years; he then entered the employ of the King Iron Bridge Co., of Cleveland, as traveling salesman, and was connected with that company eleven years.

homestead, having bought out the heirs of the estate, and is now engaged in farming; he has 130 acres in Hinckley and about 35 acres in Brunswick Township. His land lies on the western town line road, and consists of as good land as there is in the township. He was united in marriage, July 1, 1857, to Miss Polly A. Jenkins, a daughter of Solomon and Margaret (North) Jenkins. They have three children - Frank W., Ida Wait and Alice. Mr. Peebles has served the township in various offices, as Trustee and also as Assessor, his active business life for so many years having adapted him to discharge any office with ability. In educational matters, he has taken a very active interest, serving as a member of the Board of Education. The district in which he resides now ranks as the second in interest in the township. Mr. Peebles has two brothers and two sisters living, and a brother deceased, as follows: John H. (see biography) ; Jane A. Chidsey, married and living in Hinckley Township; Rensselaer R., a dentist living in Cleveland, and Elizabeth A. Card, living in Cleveland. William H. died at the age of 33 years in Hinckley Township.

JOHN H. PEEBLES, farmer; P. O. Hinckley. John H. Peebles, the subject of this sketch, was born in Otsego Co. N. Y., in 1823. His father was John W. Peebles, a native of Ireland; he was born May 15, 1797, and his mother was Eliza Eaton, a native of Cooperstown, N. Y.; she was born March 26, 1801. They came to Hinckley Township from New York State in 1836, and always resided there ; he died May 1, 1879, and his wife followed Jan. 16, 1880. John H. was 13 .years old when his parents came to this county, and he worked upon his father's farm until he was 21. In 1845, his father gave him 50 acres of land, where he now resides. Since that he has added daughter of Sherman and Anna (Patterson) Johnson, who came to Hinckley Township in the spring of 1836 ; he was a native of Connecticut and was born Nov. 30, 1798; his wife was a native of New York, and was born July 3, 1797 ; died in Hinckley Township May, 1867 ; he died September, 1880, in Michigan. The children are Hannah, married and living in Illinois; Parmelia, wife of John H. Peebles; Erastus, now living in Hinckley Township ; William A.,a resident of Granger Township, died Dec. 18, 1873; Snerman, now living in Royalton, Cuyahoga Co., and Elizabeth, married and living in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Peebles have but two children - Francis A. and William. Mr. Peebles has served one term as township Supervisor. His land is nearly all improved, and devoted chiefly to the raising of grain. He has one brother, Nathaniel, living on the old homestead.

DANIEL SEARLES, farmer; P. O. West Richfield ; is a son of Daniel 4nd Phoebe (Fisher) Searles, natives of New York, and pioneers of Hinckley Township, locating there in the fall of 1833. They bought 600 acres of land on their arrival and were residents of the township up to their deaths. He died Aug. 28, 1854, and his wife, May 5, 1861. Daniel remained at home until he was 23 years of age. He was married Sept. 6, 1837, to Mary Ann Halsted, daughter of James and Phoebe Halsted, pioneers of Hinckley; she died in 1839, leaving a son, Edwin, ten months old. He is married and living in Hinckley. Sept. 10, 1840, Mr. Searles was again married, to Miss Sally Ann Searles, of Montville Township. They had three children - Henry, married and living in Richfield, Summit County; Adeline A. Damon, who died in 1878, and Hattie J. Eastwood, living with parents. Mr. Searles has followed farming all his life. In 1852, he came back to the old homestead to work the land, and to take care of his parents in their old age, where he has since resided. He has divided up his land with his children, until he has now but 53 acres. He has served the township as Trustee, and has taken an active interest in the schools, having been School Director several terms.

HENRY SYLVESTER, farmer; P. O. Weymouth ; is a son of Francis and Cynthia (Hatch) Sylvester, who are prominent in the early history of Granger Township. Henry was born in Massachusetts Aug. 20, 1824, and was about 14 years of age at the time of his parents' removal to Ohio. His early life was passed in Granger Township at farming, which pursuit he has followed all his life. He was united in marriage in August, 1849, to Miss Mary Ganyard, a daughter of James Ganyard, pioneer of Granger, and a prominent citizen of the early days of the township. Mary was born in Granger Township, April, 1829. They have three children - Jay, Belle and Helen; after his marriage, Mr. S. engaged in farming for himself and was a resident of Granger Township until 1864, he then removed to Medina Township, where he resided for fourteen years. In April, 1878, he bought the farm in Hinckley Township, where he at present is located; his farm consists of 87 acres of improved land, and is the southwestern farm in the township. Mr. S. is an intelligent and respected citizen of the county.

VAN DEUSEN FAMILY, Hinckley. Andrew and Orpha Joyner Van Deusen were natives of Massachusetts. He was born Sept. 8, 1794, and his wife, Aug. 2, 1796. They were married Sept. 20, 1815, in New York State, and, as they were living in Massachusetts near the New York line, in order to avoid being published - as was the custom in Massachusetts - they crossed the line and were united, without: going through so many forms as were necessary in Massachusetts. In 1817, they removed to New York State, settling near Dunkirk, which was, at that time, a wilderness, up to within a mile of the city. Here they remained for a period of about eleven years, and then decided to remove still further West, and the tide of emigration drifted them to Hinckley land upon the "Ridge," containing about 30 acres, and commenced to clear it up; 90 acres more were added to their farm in time, and, after eight years' residence there, traded for a saw-mill, on Rocky River, and about 30 acres of land. Here they resided until the husband's death, which occurred in 1841. Mrs. Van Deusen, whose portrait appears in this work, was left, by the death of her husband, with no property and no means of support, except through her own efforts; she went to work with energy and perseverance, and, by her own individual efforts, paid for 30 acres of land and a comfortable dwelling-house, where she now resides, over 80 years of age and infirm in body ; but, mentally, she is as bright and cheerful as though her life was new, and, in the evening of her days, sits in comfort in a home her own hands has reared, surrounded by prosperous children. Her children are as follows: Irena A. West, born July 21, 1817; Roe G., born April 27, 1820, in State of New York, came with parents to Hinckley Township, and remained there until the fall of 1859, when he removed to Shiawassee Co. Mich., where he owns about 500 acres of land, and is carrying on farming on a large scale; he was married to Susannah Foss, July 10, 1845. Rush L., born Aug. 3, 1823.

RUSH L. VAN DEUSEN, farmer; P. O. Hinckley ; whose portrait appears in this book, was born Aug. 3. 1823, in New York ; he came with his parents to Hinckley, and has, since that time, been a citizen of the Township; he was 14 years of age at the death of his father, and, in connection with his brother, ran the mill until he was about 21 years old ; at that time, he bought 21 acres of land on Rock River, and in that humble way commenced life for himself. By energy and perseverance he added year by year small pieces of land to his tract, until at present he has 435 acres; he commenced the purchase of his land at about $10 per acre, and has paid up as high as $75 per acre; he makes a specialty of dairying, and is recognized as the foremost man of the county in this line, and has at present sixty cows; he has conducted a cheese factory, also, for the past nine years ; his land is mostly improved, portions of which is finely adapted for stock, lying along the Rocky River, and about one-half mile east of Hinckley Center. Mr. Van Deusen was married, Jan. 30, 1844, to Miss Maria Damon, daughter of Nathan and Hannah (Shaw) Damon, who were pioneers of Hinckley ; she was born June 23, 1822, in Chesterfield, Mass. They have had ten children - Edmund A., born Oct. 30, 1844, died Nov. 30, 1851; Newman L., born Feb. 19, 1847, he was married Dec. 23, 1876, to Miss Emma Barber, and is living on his father's farm; Dexter N., born Dec. 27, 1848, and married Miss Carrie Webber, daughter of R. M. Webber, of Hinckley Township ; they are now living in Michigan; Byron R., born April 27, 1853, living at home ; Julia J., born Feb. 15, 1851 ; she is married to George Proulx, and they are living in Michigan ; Omar

O., born Sept. 13, 1855 ; he was married to Jessie Conant, daughter of Hiram Conant ; they are now living in Hinckley Center; George E., born June 13, 1858, living at home; Emma M., born Nov. 23, 1862, living at home ; Charles M., born March 15, 1865, also living at home ; Ralph H., born June 20, 1825, in New York ; he was married to Marietta Rockwell, whose parents were old settlers of Hinckley ; they are now living in Shiawassee Co., where he also is farming extensively ; Esther A., born Nov. 4, 1827, in New York ; she was married to L. H. Van Orman, and removed to Shiawassee Co., Mich., where she died Jan. 31, 1878; Ray L., born Aug. 3, 1830, in Summit Co., Ohio ; on account of his feeble health, he learned the printer's trade, and, finally, shipped on a whaler, in hopes the sea air would be of benefit to him ; he was gone from home for seven years, and, as his people read no tidings from him, he was given up as lost, but he finally returned rough and rugged, entirely restored to health; he was married, in Hinckley Township, to Mary Williams, a granddaughter of Joseph Gouch, one of the pioneers of Hinckley Township ; they removed to Michigan in 1861, where they now reside. Martin B., born Sept. 27, 1835, in Hinckley ; he went to Iowa in 1858, and settled in Benton Co., near Laporte City ; he married Harriet Treanor, daughter of George Treanor a former resident of Medina Co.; he is an extensive farmer there, owning about 500 acres. DON C. VAN DEUSEN, farmer; P. O. Hinckley ; born in Hinckley Township March 4, 1839 ; he was married, Oct. 29, 1864, to Miss Ella Nichols, she is a daughter of Nathaniel and Dorcas Nichols, and was born in New York State Sept. 25, 1843. Don enlisted, in the fall of 1861, in the 42d O. V. I., Co. K, and was in the active service of his regiment until May 20, 1863, when in the battle of Vicksburg he received a gunshot wound in his right arm, which resulted in its amputation ; he was discharged from the service in consequence, Sept 29, 1863. Returning to Hinckley, he resumed his occupation as a farmer. In 1879, he traded with Robert Whip for the farm on which he now resides, consisting of 75 acres, and located two miles northwest of Hinckley Center ; his family consists of two children - Linconia D., born Aug. 5, 1865, and Ruth A., born May 12, 1876. A son, Earl R., born Sept. 30, 1871, was instantly killed by the kick of a horse Jan. 29,

Biographical Sketches

1878 ; Lawrence, an infant, deceased ; Daniel D., an infant, deceased ; Edmund O., died at the age of 2 years. Irena A. (Van Deusen) West, was born July 21, 1817 ; she was married to William K. West, March 22, 1836; he was a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Lee Sept. 4, 1812; he died Oct. 3, 1862; since his death his wife has conducted the farm, and now owns 78 acres of good improved land. Her children are as follows: George C., born December 25, 1836, was married, June 12, 1859, to Rowena Shaw, daughter of Jacob Shaw, an old resident of Hinckley; he died in Hinckley Aug. 6, 1862; Mary A., born Aug. 26, 1838, in Hinckley ; she was married June 20, 1858, to Erastus Johnson,son of Sherman Johnson, one of Hinckley's pioneer settlers; they are residing in Hinckley Township; Henry O., born Nov. 15, 1840, married, May 29, 1870, Miss Lucy Wilcox, daughter of Dr. O Wilcox ; they are now living in Montville Township; Elmer A., born Nov. 10, 1844; he was married, Oct. 18, 1876, to Miss Addie Kelley, of Cleveland ; they are now residing in Cleveland ; Lucy L., born Nov. 27, 1848; she was united in marriage Feb. 11, 1870, to Ethan Conant, son of A. L. | Conant; they are residing in Hinckley Township; Fred A., born Oct. 20, died Aug. 19, 1854; Stephen C., born Oct. 4, 1855; he was married, March 4, 1879, to Luella Bigelow, daughter of Jonathan Bigelow, an old resident of the township; Ella A., born Jan. 28, 1858, died May 6, 1861.

HIRAM WORDEN, farmer ; P. O. Remson's Corners ; is a native of New York State. He was born in Broome Township, Schoharie Co., Dec. 2, 1818. His parents were. William L. and Polly (Mace) Worden, who were pioneers of Richfield Township, now Summit Co., settling there as early as 1819. His father died in 1821. His mother was subsequently married (about 1822) to Heman Buck. Hiram passed his early life upon the farm in Richfield. In 1841, he purchased, with a brother, 75 acres of land in Hinckley Township, where he resided until 1845. He then disposed of his property and removed to Michigan, where he remained for two years, farming; he then returned to Hinckley. In 1854, he purchased the farm where he is now living. With the exception of the two years' residence in Michigan, Mr. Worden's entire life has been passed in the neighborhood of his present home. His narration of the deprivations and trials of the early settlers contrasts strangely with the homes and surroundings of the farmers in his vicinity of to-day, located in comfortable homes, and surrounded with most of the improvements of our modern civilization. The past, with its hardships, seems to them like some "tale that is told." Mr. Worden was united in marriage, in | 1841, to Miss Betsey Gordon. She died in 1849, leaving four children - Heman D., died while in the service of his country. He enlisted in 74th Ill. V. I. in 1862, and, while in service, contracted a disease which resulted in his death on his way home, in 1863; George W., deceased ; Ora H., deceased, and Elmer C., who was also in the service. He enlisted in Co. B, 189th O. V. L, and served until the close of the war. He was in service nearly a year. He is now a resident of Richfield Township, Summit Co., Ohio. Mr. Worden was married in 1851 to a second wife, Miss Melissa Bissell. She was born in Granger Township Jan. 19, 1828. Her father, Harvey Bissell, was a native of Connecticut ; her mother, Matilda Jones, of New York. They located in Granger Township about 1826, remaining there up to the time of their death. Her father's occurred in May, 1842, while on a visit to Westfield Township; her mother's occurred in June, 1854. Their union has been blessed with four children, as follows: Cora I., now the wife of Constance Shaw, living in Bath, Summit Co.; Frank E., residing at home. This young man possesses talent of a high order as a sculptor. He has carved in stone several life-size busts of Sumner, Washington, Lincoln, etc. all of which show a high degree of talent. He has enjoyed no advantages of tuition, and the tools which he uses are constructed by himself. His works show a degree of finish that would compare favorably with some of the efforts of our wellknown artists. Lynn and Nettie. Mr. and Mrs. Worden are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Granger.