Granger Township (part 1 of 2)

Granger Township

out, when lie fell dead. The old woman saw the Indian approaching, brandishing his bloody tomahawk, and she attempted to divert him from his bloody purpose by kindly offering him some bread and beef. The offer had the desired effect. The savage asked where her papooses (children) were ; she pointed to each one of them, and was ordered by the cruel savage to take them to a certain corner in the fort and sit down. She did so, and while there thanked God for her deliverance, and of those with her, and she devoutly prayed that God would be a protector to her and to the children. That prayer was heard and answered. She lived long and happily after witnessing that cruel massacre, and died in Bath, at the age of seventy-seven, and is there buried. Four of the survivors who witnessed the Wyoming massacre, after being long separated during life, are buried within four miles of each other in Bath and Granger.

William Cogswell'S History

I was born February 20, 1794, at the Great Bend of the Susquehanna, N. Y. In 1797, my father, William, sold, and removed from New York to Alleghany county, Pennsylvania, near Redstone Old Fort. In 1801, he became the owner of two hundred acres of land in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, by virtue of a soldier's right. In April, 1802, he moved there. Provisions were then scarce and costly. Often he was forced to leave home and work for means to supply his family. Once, when leaving, my mother made the inquiry with anxiety what should she do if provisions were exhausted before his return ? I give his answer:" There is a half barrel of bran ; sift it and make bread of it. When that is gone, go to the potatoe patch and dig out the old potatoes without disturbing the roots, boil them and use them with milk. When they are gone, follow the cows in the woods, see whaf herbs they eat, pick of the same, boil them and eat that with milk." Having gone forty miles, secured employment and got paid in corn, he joyfully returned with his hard earnings. A tree was cut down, a hole burned in the stump, a sprirg-pole erected, by means of which the corn was pounded and made ready for use, and in that way fed seven in the family.

When ten years old, I was in the absence of my father, compelled to chop and prepare fuel. I had no shoes to wear in the winter season. To keep my feet from freezing I heated a board at the fire, carried out, stood on it when chopping. When it became cold I brought it in, heated it, and in that way made it answer for shoes and stockings.

In progress of time, rights to land were often in dispute, and among the unlucky, it was discovered that my father had settled on the wrong piece. Though he had made an opening, erected his cabin and settled down, as he then supposed, for years, another Soldier's Bight lawfully claimed the land, and he was forced to give up possession.

Becoming acquainted with Judge Oliver Phelps, then the owner of Granger township, my father visited that township in 1807 and found it wholly unsettled. Being pleased with appearances of soil, timber and its other natural advantages, he made a selection of three hundred and seventy acres, now comprised in the three lots owned by Isaac Low, C. 11. Spencer and Job Green. He went from Granger to Warren, Trumbull county, and contracted with Calvin Austin, agent of Phelps, for the land, and paid the sum required. Some time thereafter Phelps became insolvent, his title to lands seized by creditors and sold. My father having purchased on contract, was forced to loose what he had paid, and was again prevented from being a land holder. He resided in Beaver county until 1815, when he removed to Columbiana county, Ohio. In 1818 he again came to Granger, bought by article the lot now owned by Job Green, and settled thereon, and for six years struggled through the many hardships incident to first settlers. About the time his article expired he found himself unable to make payment, owing to want of price for produce. He sold his claim to his sons William, Samuel and Nathaniel, who continued to reside there and make improvements. In 1824 I became, by purchase, sole owner, concluded to select another locality, sold my right to land in Granger township and moved into Bath township, Summit county, where I now (1861) reside.

I must now make a break in my history, otherwise the pioneer community will cast me out of the synagogue. In 1810, in company with my uncle Gibson Gates and Hezekiah Burdick (two of the first settlers in Bath) I left the home of my father, traveled by way of Vannatt's Ford on the Mahoning river to the house of Gates in Bath. I remained there until August of that year, when, in company with Gates and John Manning, I started for Granger township. Our road (old settlers called it course) was through Richfield by way of L. May (now widow Biglow's land,) thence westwardly to Panther Cave in Hinckley. We visited that cave in search of game, but saw no panthers. From thence we traveled to where an Indian gallows was standing in the big bend of the Rocky River. In 1806, a squaw had been hung there, charged with witchcraft. The squaw had said that there would be darkness on the face of tlie earth in June, which the ignorant Indians decided to be undoubted proof of witchery. She was hung in May, and on the 13th of June, 1806, there was an eclipse of the sun. After viewing the gallows, we traveled on southerly, and at night encamped under a ledge of rocks near where Isaac Low now resides, about thirty rods from the last named place. I at that time, carved the initials of my name on a beach tree which can be seen to this day. After feasting on wild turkey, for breakfast, we pursued our course and came on to the " Smith Road," about where the Squaw Tavern now stands. This was my first visit into and through Granger. It was then truly a wilderness ; the marks of the pioneers were few. When my rememberance brings to mental view those times and contrast the changes, I am astonished, and must say that greater improvements are now seen than the most sagacious then anticipated.

In January, 1813, the War Department found it necessary to build three small gun boats to be used in annoying the larger vessels of the enemy. It was soon discovered by Captain Perry that small vessels, being more easily and rapidly managed, could do effective service in close contest. The contract for building the boats was awarded to Brimel Robins, of Alleghany Co., Pennsylvania, who selected Cl Old Portage," on the Cuyahoga River, as the place where to build them. The timber and lumber were furnished by Captains Rice and Stowe and sawed in the mill of Francis and Zcnas Kelsey, at " old. Cuyahoga village." Stewart Gaylord superintended the then boat yard. In June the three gun boats were launched, and dubbed with the names of " Tripp, Tigress and Portage." I was employed with others, to float them down to the Lake, f ith instructions that when we got to the '»Pinery,"wo

While floating downward toward our destination a tree was descried that had fallen into the stream and must, unless removed, stop the boats. Being then young and full of life, I attacked the log with axe, and when nearly ready to float, I lost my balance, falling into water about fifteen leetin depth. After sounding, I made vigorous efforts and came to surface with axe in hand, and swam to the shore. I name this occurrence, not as a feat, but to say how very difficult it is to rise to the surface or to swim when one^^ab of the body is heavier, than the other.

At the Pinery we were detained several days in procuring the necessary rigging for the boats. At that place I killed a porcupine, which was looked upon as an animal of great curiosity by our small crew. When we got to Cleveland the gun-boats were^examined by many .and the general opinion was that they were the kind needed. When at Cleveland I became very patriotic and wished to enlist under Captain Perry, but decided to go home first, and after making proper arrangements, to return and become a soldier. My mother, having tested in part the scenes and privations of the Revolutionary war, seemed opposed to my enlisting, and by rehearsals of incidents which she had witnessed, dampened my ardor, and I finally conrented to remain a private, and not brave the storms of Lake Erie in a small gun boat.

In the summer of 1814, I was employed by Messrs. Warner and Coit to make salt at the Liverpool salt springs, where I continued until the following December. I not only labored at making salt, but was compelled to keep watch against the Indians who at that time roamed much and often in Columbia and Liverpool neighborhoods and kept the few white inhabitants in

When winter fairly set in, I started for Granger in company with Dan Mallet, intending to make hunting our main business for some weeks. For some time we killed many small game. After some days we found a long-legged bear in an alder swamp. When he discovered us he commenced a retreat. As he passed near me I fired, but without effect. The two dogs next attacked him, which he siezed, and commenced hugging and biting them. I reloaded and fired a second time, the ball disabling his we-leg, when he immediately let go of the dogs and commenced biting his maimed limb. After venting his spleen upon the maimed limb, in despite of dogs, he came toward me in a very menacing manner. I retreated rapidly, but reloaded as I ran, and when fully prepared wheeled about and fired. The ball took lodgment in the mad bruins jaw, causing it to hang downward. At this juncture, Mallett came up to the chase from the opposite side of the swamp, and taking deliberate aim lodged a ball in the brain of the bear and ended the contest and the race. The next day we procured an old horse, on which we carried to Liverpool the game we had shot during our hunting excursion. In those days an axe and rifle constituted my chattel property, and it then seemed to me that I had all that was necessary.

After staying at Liverpool some time to complete a chopping contract, I again started for the residence of my uncle Gates, near the Cuyahoga. At this early date there were no iot lines in Brunswick or Hinckley; therefore I traveled a course by guess. I had got into the N. W. part of Bath when night came on. Wearied and hungry I halted, struck up a fire, peeled some bark with which to make a bed, arranged it in hunter's style and drawing my slouch hat over my face, fell into a pleasant sleep, and remained unmolested until morning. When I awoke in the morning I found my bark coverlet beautifully adorned with a covering of snow about three inches in depth. I arose early, and left my bed for the accommodation of any who might need it. I had designed to reach the cabin of Mr. E. Hale, when I left Liverpool ; still I was not there. On my way, in the morning, to Mr. Hale's, I killed two deer. Upon arriving at Mr. Hale's, I informed her that I stood in much need of dinner, supper, breakfast and dinner, having eaten nothing since 1 left Liverpool. Mrs Hale informed mo that she had some hominy that she would warm lor me. I told her to set it on the table and I would warm it by eating. She did so, and 1 fared sumptuously and thankfully on cold hominy. In traveling .from the cabin of Elijah to Jonathan Hale's, I killed a noble buck, which I sold to Jonathan for two dollars. After remaining a short time, I again commenced rambling from place to place in quest of work or game.

In 1815, I had an interview with a bear, that to this day causes me to shudder when I think of the hazardous adventure. I. Sippy, D. Willey, Wm. Ben and myself were felling a tree for coons, when the barking of our three dogs, at a distance, admonished us that they had found game. When we came to the dogs, we discovered that they were in close combat with a bear, in the hollow of a large tree that was fallen. I crawled in the length of my body,- caught the hind legs of two dogs and succeeded in dragging them out. I then crawled in a second time, got hold of the leg of the remaining dog and by hard pulling succeeded in rescuing him from the tight hug of the bear. The dog died soon after being brought out. Soon thereafter the enraged bear showed his head at the opening, when a blow from an axe, given by Sippy, nearly severed the snout from the head. The bear drew back, but in a very few minutes, again poked out his mutilated head for which Sippy had been anxiously watching. A second stroke burried the axe in the head of bruin, who ceased to draw back. We drew him out and estimated his weight, when dressed, at four hundred pounds. That encounter often makes me think of Putman and the wolf.

In 1816, in company with Sippy, I roamed over portions of Granger, Bath and Hinckley, in order to get up a supply of honey, hops and cranberries on" which to trade. During our wanderings from place to place, we often shot wild game and occasionally a bear. In the fall of the year, the bears were accustomed to visit wild groves where acorns or chestnuts grew, and very often a bullet from the well aimed rifle of the hunter caused bruin to fall from an oak or chestnut tree, on which he had perched himself to feed upon his favorite food.

In 1818, I became a permanent citizen of Granger, after having often roamed alone, and sometimes in company with others, over the territory now comprised in the townships of Liverpool, Brunswick, Medina, Granger, Hinckley, Bath and Copley, in quest of mime or in search of trade or employment. My brother-inlaw, Sippy and myself, purchased by article the land where 0. B. Spencer now lives, on which we paid one hundred and sixty dollars. That summer we cleared and planted six acres of corn and a large patch with potatoes. In the fall of that year, I visited the home of my father, and after a short stay he and family removed with me to Granger. My father, Sippy and myself cut the first opened road from Cuyahoga to Granger, at our own expense ; and while thus employed we camped out many nights, and our only vegetable food was potatoes roasted and eaten with the meat of wild game that we occasionally shot. I have assisted at the raisings of the first cabins in Richfield, Bath, Copley, Sharon, Granger, Hinckley, Brunswick and Liverpool townships. I have often walked eight or ten miles in company with others, to assist in raising a house or barn, and when done considered it no hardship to walk home in the evening, and not unfrequently after night, lighted by burning torches of hickory bark. To ride through the woods in 1818, was no easy or pleasant task.

When Sippy and myself articled for the land referred to, we were to have one hundred and forty acres at five dollars per acre. At the close of four years we had what was then considered tolerably good cabins put up, had cleared about forty acres, and were beginning to have some of nature's wildness tamed, when our article run out, and we were unable to pay as stipulated. Wheat was then twenty-five cents per bushel and other kinds of trade equally low. Trade was then, like the man who had a dog which he sold for one dollar, and gave the same for two pups, at fifty 'cents each. Stringency in money forced us to give up our right to the land. We lost all we paid, all our labor and improvements and had to start out anew, in search of homes that we wished to be permanent.

in the woods, the bark of the old dog gave notice that he had found some kind of game. When we came to the spot we descried an animal perched high in a tree, that looked to be of the panther tribe. We had no guns with us, and to dislodge the animal, we must have recource to a different mode of warfare. Upon a nearer approach, we discovered our supposed panther to be a wild cat of no common size. I proposod to climb the tree, and shake the animal off; but was reminded by Sippy that "pussey's" claws were not easily displaced by violent limb shaking. Determined to make battle, I cut a club of proper heft, and ascended the tree. When within ten feet of the limb on which pussy squatted, I stopped to take a look at the critter. The green glaring eyes made me feel uncomfortable, but my position indicated that I should be courageous. With left hand, I took firm hold of a limb, with my right hand I wielded the bludgeon. As I stood watching, pussy made, first, a few quick shakes of the short tail, and instantly bounded down towards my face. Instantly I parried off its descent with the club, and sent the animal rapidly to the ground. The dog was on hand, and made jaw-love to " pussy." A hard fight of scratching and biting ensued, which was terminated by Sippy giving pussy a blow (lucky or unluck-y) that terminated that critter's existence. I frankly acknowledge that the menacing of that cat made me feel rather unpleasant when on the tree, and I consider the risk of killing it more hazardous than when in a hallow tree, trying to extricate my dogs from the hug of the bear.

On July 8, 1820, the sparsely settled citizens of Granger had met, by invitation, to raise a barn on the farm now occupied by David Sheldon. Lyman Isbcl was there aiding. A log forty feet long was in prog- ress of being pushed on to the building. By want of necessary care, one end of the log got from the pikes used in pushing, causing the other end to be displaced and the log rolled from the building upon the body of Mr. Isbell, killing him instantly. The body was placed on a bled and hauled to his home. Late in the evening I was requested to go to the residence of Br. Henry Hudson, in the north cast part of Bath and get him to preach the funeral sermon, at the house of Mr. Isbell the following day at 11 A. M.

I started on foot and got to the house of Mr. Hale, (where the preacher boarded,) after dark, but found no preacher* Mr. Kale informed me that he was (as he supposed) at Cuyahoga Falls. I went there, and was informed that he had gone to Fish Creek to preach that evening. To Fish Creek I traveled, where I found him at three o'clock hi the morning. We then prepared to return to Granger byway of Cuyahoga Falls, and reached the house of the deceased in time to meet the appointment.

I name the sudden death of Mr. Isbell because he was a worthy man, and I give a statement of the journey after a preacher, to apprise young men of the present day that a trip of thirty miles, on foot in the night, and through (he woods was undertaken and accomplished with less complaint, in 1820, than a young man will now make after walking, in the day time, live miles.

Bear Hunt. - During the early settlement there was a she bear, who annoyed the settlers by frequently carrying off (without leave,) hogs, calves and other domestic animals. She was often threatened, and as often pursued. In the winter of 1822, I was hunting in the north-west part of Granger, when I came on her trail, which was known to all hunters, by the unusual length of the strides. She was escorted by two cubs. I called on Sippy and told him of my discovery and proposed that we should go in search, and if possible, bring the lady to terms. The next morning we were early on the trail, intending if possible, to rid the neighborhood of the " old pest." We followed the trail all day through Hinckley, and toward evening, discovered dead bees on the snow; We soon found the tree, which we chopped down and found more than one hundred pounds of beautiful honey. We scooped out a trough with the axe and filled it with choice honey-comb; and night coming on we encamped there, faring sumptuously on bread, (which we carried with us) and honey. Next morning we breakfasted early on honey and bread, and pursued the trail. After pursuing the zigzag tracks for some miles, we came to a large basswood, in which was the bear and her two cubs. . Marks about the tree seemed to say that it had been tenanted by the old depredator for years. We concluded we had the " old gal " in close quarters, and commenced by sturdy blows to fell the tree. The tree fell slowly, being impeded by limbs of other trees, of which occurence the bear took advantage and made a leap from the tree before it struck the ground. We supposed the u old sinner " would, at least, tarry till the tree fell, but she was off at bear speed. I fired, but the ball took no effect. Sippy sooji dispatched the two cubs with his axe. The next day, with horses and sled we hauled home cubs and honey.

Same Old Bear. - In October, 1623, 1 was hunting in the north part of Granger, and I had killed two turkeys and a deer ; and after traveling about a mile from where I had hung them up, I came across the identical thieving, old " she bear." She seemed as though she knew me, but did not tarry long. I raised my gun and fired ; the ball lodged in her hip. As I pursued, I reloaded and fired a second time, and broke a fore leg. When the leg was broke the bear stopped, sat up and bit the maimed limb, and then was off at full speed. I started in pursuit, from where John Truman now lives, through the south-west part of Hinckley, then into Brunswick, then across Plumb Creek, then down the creek, then east into Hinckley, and lastly into an alder swamp near where Earl Salsbury now lives. She secreted in the mud and water of that swamp, keeping her head up. I went within proper distance, fired, and killed her, and thus terminated her swinish propensities. The chase of that bear, was about the sweatiest, longest and hardest race I ever ran. The death of that " old huzzy " gained to me the plaudits of many whose, sheep, hogs and calves had been taken and devoured by that same thievish bear.

Contract for Land. - In 1824, my father finding himself unable to pay for his farm, according to the stipulations of his article, proposed that I should go to Mr. Seymour's, who lived in Canandaigua, N. Y., and get the same land articled to myself and brothers. I consented traveled to Cleveland, from thence, by schooner to Buffalo, and thence to Canandaigua. Mr. Seymoor heard my statement and consented to release the State's claim upon the two lots which Aaron Spencer had bought, provided Spencer would buy the lot on which my father was settled and then article it to me and my brothers, which was afterwards done.

I have now given a few of the incidents of my Pioneer life ; and when I look back where I was, what I have encountered and endured, I seem astonished to think that I yet live. An over-ruling Providence watched over and graciously guided. And "in 18G1, I look upon and roam over hills and valleys, once vocal with the yell of the red man, and the many wild sounds of the beasts of the forest. I have lived to pee a wilderness blossoming and budding. I have lived to see a younger generation happily enjoying the rich boons resulting from their fathers' toil, and in my years of decline I not only wish them present comfort and happiness, but a full share of all that kind Providence may in future bestow.

Granger Statistics Personal Property

If the products made and sold by families, eggs, rags, and all other articles of trade or commerce were strictly counted, the yearly personal value of the township would exceed $175,000.

Source changes here: from History of Medina County and Ohio, Containing a History of the State of Ohio, from Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time ... a History of Medina County, Giving an Account of Its Aboriginal Inhabitants ... Pioneer Incidents, Its Growth, Its Improvements, Organization of the County ... Biographical Sketches; Portraits of Some of the Early Settlers and Prominent Men, Etc., Etc. .., by Perrin, William Henry, D. 1892?, Comp, published 1881; 13,629 words in this source stream.

Granger Township

JOHN AMERMAN, Granger. Albert and Ellen (Peterson) Amerman, parents of this gentleman, were natives of New Jersey. The former was born in 1784. and the latter in 1791. They were married in 1813, and are the descendants of old and respected Holland families who came to America in Colonial times. Mr. Amerman, in early life, learned the shoemaker's trade, but after his marriage he devoted his entire time to farming and stock-growing. In 1826, he removed from his native .State to Long Island, where he remained some eight years, and then came to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, where he and wife passed the remainder of their days. They were the parents of three children - John, Peter, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Amerman departed this life in 1863, and his wife in 1843. John Amerman was born Sept. 6, 1819, in Somerset Co., N. J. He was raised upon a farm, and received the benefits of a common-school education. He was united in marriage with Miss Emeline Castner April 28, 1847. She was born in New Jersey Aug. 21, 1823. Five children were the fruits of this union, viz.: Albert S., born Jan. 7, 1849; Edward E., Nov. 27, 1850 ; Edith J.. July 20, 1856 ; John M., Oct. 24, 1852, and died March 21. 1853; John C., born April 5, 1859, and died Nov. 4. 1861. Albert S. is single and resides in Dakota Territory ; Edward E. married Miss Ada A. McMillan Dec. 31, 1873, and now resides in Nebraska; Edith J. married Mr. Henry Hawks Nov. 26, 1874. lie was born June 4, 1853. They have one child - Ethel E., born May 16, 1879. Mrs. Amerman died March 27. 1870. Mr. Amerman has been a resident of Granger Township since 184S. He owns 200 acres of well-improved land, and is one of the successful farmers and wool-growers of the county. He is a man of retiring disposition, broad and liberal in his views, but firm in his convictions of right and wrong. Politically, he is a Republican.

BENJAMIN BURT, P. 0. Granger. Daniel and Hannah (Trafton) Burt, parents of this gentleman, were born, reared and married in Massachusetts. During the early settlement of Ontario Co., N. Y.. they were among the first to go there. Here, in 1813, Mr. Burt died, leaving his wife and eight children to mourn Iris loss. Some five years later, when quite a number of persons from Ontario Co. came to settle in Medina Co., Ohio, John and Daniel Burt, sons of the above gentleman, came to the count}' and began the improvement of a piece of land in what is now Granger Township, which they had traded for the same year. In February, of 1819, the mother with the family, started for the new home in Ohio, arriving at their destination on the 5th of March the same year. The two sons had been out the year previous and built a log cabin, into which the family moved on their arrival. The house had no windows or doors, and to make matters worse, the day after they arrived there was a heavy snow-storm. The mother, however, supplied this deficiency by hanging quilts at the doors and windows, which in a measure kept out the cold until warm weather set in. Benjamin Burt was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1804, and was but 15 years of age when the family came to Ohio. He started a day or so before the family, with the cows, and expected they would overtake him in a short time. This, however, they did not do. for he arrived the day before the family at their new home, having walked almost the entire distance. In 1820, John Burt built a double log cabin where the village of Grangerburg now stands, and the next year returned to New York, where he was married, returning to Ohio in the spring of 1822 ; his wife dying the same year that Benjamin went to live with him. the two brothers kept bachelor's hall for about eighteen months. Their house served the various purposes of a dwelling, a church, a tavern and a schoolhouse. John Burt taught school in the house in the winter of 1822, and quite frequently the scholars arrived at the schoolhouse before the two brothers had their work done up. In this case the larger girls would assist in sweeping, washing dishes, etc. The year after their arrival in Ohio, Benjamin wanting a pair of shoes, and not having the money to purchase them, worked nine days at 25 cents per day for a man who obtained them for him by making a turn with a third party.

In 1826, Timothy Wilder and wife came in a lumber wagon from New York, to visit their friends in Ohio. On their return, Benjamin Burt and his mother accompanied them, and spent some time visiting friends in New York and Massachusetts. Mr. Burt remained in his native State some years, working by the month. He was united in marriage with Miss Parmelia Hatch, Dec. 31, 1829. She was born in Ontario Co.. N. Y., in 1812. In the spring of 1830, he returned to Ohio, bringing his wife with him, Eben Bissell and wife being also in the company. On their arrival at Cleveland, it was necessary that one of the men should go to Granger and procure teams to bring the women and goods to that place. The distance was about thirty miles, and Mr. Burt walked the distance in a half-day, and this when the country was almost an uninhabited wilderness, filled with logs, groups of underbrush, ravines, etc. The furniture of their new home was of regular pioneer order. They used a chest for a table until a more fashionable article could be procured. When they had company, two chests were placed together, one being much lower than the other. In this way began Benjamin Burt and wife, who have been well and favorably known to the people of Medina Co., for over half a century. They are the parents of three children, viz.: Ozro Seymour, born Jan. 31. 1831 ; Charles Milton, born Oct. 9, 1833, and Lucretia E., born Oct. 3, 1837. These children are all married and the heads of families. Ozro S., was married Nov. 1 1. 1854. to Miss Mercy A. Shaw. She was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Oct. 7, 1834. They have a family of eight children - Elroy C., Bion U.. Diana, Minnie, Benjamin, Elbridge, Grace E. and Mary G. After marriage and until 1867, this gentleman was engaged in farming, dairying and dealing in live stock. At this time, he purchased a half-interest in a store in Grangerburg, of his brother-in-law, although he remained on his farm. In 1870, he purchased the entire stock of goods and has since conducted the business alone. He carries a large stock, and is doing a ollice of County Commissioner six years, and large and steadily increasing business. In was a member of that body during the period 186S, he and James McMillen erected a large when the new court house was built, and was cheese manufactory at Grangerburg, having a the only member who voted against the remodmanufacturing capacity of 1,300 pounds daily, eling of the old house. He has always acted It is now, and ever has been since built, in independent of sects and denominations, favoractive operation, during the cheese-making ing everything known to be right, and promptly season. Besides the above property, he owns opposing everything known to be wrong. He and a nicely improved farm of 250 acres adjoining sons are stalwart Republicans, and have been the village. He is an intelligent, progressive since the organization of that party. He is now gentleman, and has held all the township offices in his 78th year, and, with his silver locks and in the gift of the people. He has been for some tardy steps, is quietly awaiting the last of years a member of Medina Lodge, No. 76, F. & earth." Ilis wife is nearly 70 years of age.

Charles M. Burt, like his brother, was raised Codding was originally Coddington. and their upon a farm. He attended the common schools progenitor was from England. Some years after of the neighborhood until he was about 17 years , the Plymouth C0I0113' had established itself on of age, when he attended school at Oberlin, this continent, there came to the colony one Sir Ohio, for some time, and then came home and William Coddington, from England. He was worked for his father until about 24 years of descended from the nobility of his native counage, at which time he and his brother Ozro S. try, but, through misfortune, had lost his proppurchased the old homestead of 170 acres, erty, and, to recuperate, had come to America, which they farmed in common for two years, He was a man of much more than ordinary w*hen he purchased his brother's interest. He ability, and of very decided views regarding continued to deal in real estate and make addi- religion and men. He held that infant baptism tions to the home farm until he owned 400 was not necessary to salvation, and that every acres in one body. In 1871, he went to Wads- man had a right to worship God as he saw fit. worth and purchased the Exchange Hotel, which He was pronounced by the Council a heretic, he owned and run for about eighteen months and an order issued that he should be sent back and then traded it for one-fifth interest in the j to England. Before this could be executed, Eureka Lead Works of that place. After about however, he had left the colony, gone to Rhode two years, he disposed of this and he and Mr. Island and joined the Williams Colon}*. Here H. Z. Chandler purchased 2,700 acres of pine he remained the rest of his life, becoming, at lands in Michigan, paying $30,500 for the same. last. Governor of Rhode Island, and one of the This he now owns, together with 234 acres of wealthiest men in the colony. All the Cod- ; land in Granger Township, and a valuable and dings now in the New World, so far as known, nicely improved home property in Wadsworth, are descendants of this gentleman, and the coat which he now makes his home. He was united of arms used by himself and family is still to j in marriage with Miss E. A. Hills. March be seen in the old State House at Newport. 28, 1859. She was born in Granger Township George Codding, the father of our subject, was in 1841. They have two children - Elno O. born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y.. March 31, and Abbie J. Lucretia E. Burt married Mr. 1800. He was reared upon a farm, receiving James Hopkins, and is now residing in Akron, but a limited education. In 1821, he left his Ohio. Thus it will be seen that the three chil- native State and came to Granger Township, dren of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Burt are well- this county. lie had traded for Lot 28 before to-do people, and have profited by the examples leaving home, and, upon his arrival in the townof sobriety, economy and industry set them by ship, he at once began preparing his land for their most worthy parents. Benjamin Burt has tillage. Ilis marriage with Miss Jerusha Spendevoted nearly all his life to agricultural pur- cer occurred Nov. 22. 1822. She was born in suits, never seeking the publicity of office, Seneca, Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 18, 1802. although he has filled many township offices From this union there were seven children^ with much credit to himself and lasting benefit viz., Myron C.. Spencer F., Nancy T., Albert T. to those for whom he labored. He held the Harriet M., William E. and Lucy A. Mrs.

Codding died May 1, 1S41. On the 18th of May, 1842, Mr. Codding was united in marriage to Eliza Johnson, who was the mother of one child - Helen L. This lady died June 20, 1861. Mr. Codding departed this life April 15, 1845. Although never aspiring to political prominence, he was honored, during his lifetime, with a number of positions in Granger Township, and was, for a number of years, Captain of a company of militia. He was of a retiring disposition, devoting his entire lifetime to agricultural pursuits, the temporal and spiritual welfare of his family, and the promotion of the best interests of the community in which he lived. Myron C. Codding was born upon the farm he now owns and resides upon, March 1, 1824. Although his educational advantages are somewhat limited, }*et he has become a failscholar in the English branches, and has held, during the last decade, many positions of honor and trust in Granger Township. He was united in marriage with Miss Phoebe H. Ganyard Sept. 13, 1848. This lady was born in Granger Township Feb. 8, 1828, and is the daughter of Festus Ganyard, Esq., one of the first settlers of the township. From this union, four children were born, viz., Albert T., George, Harriet E. and Lena R. Mr. Codding has, for a number of years, been engaged in farming, stockraising and dairying, in all of which he has been very successful. Although he never learned any trade, he readily turned his hand to anything required to be done, especially excelling as a wood-workman. He has been a remarkably industrious and hard-working man, very frugal in his habits, and has accumulated quite a competency by his regard for these manly virtues. He is a substantial and useful member of the community, and has been quite liberal in contributions for charitable and educational enterprises. He owns a nicely improved farm of 1 32 acres ; is a stanch Republican in politics, and a consistent member of the M. E. Church. Medina Co. would be much better off had it more such men as M. C. Codding.

JASPER A. CODDING, farmer; Remson's Corners; is a native of Granger Township, where he was born in 1819 ; lie is the oldest person born in the township now living ; his parents were John and Hannah Spencer Codding ; his father was a native of Ontario Co., N. Y., born May 2, 1797 ; his mother was a native of

Connecticut, they were united in marriage in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., and came to Granger Township in March ISIS ; his mother died in the township ; his father subsequently sold his farm and removed to Medina, where he departed this life Oct. 20, 1S66. after a stirring, eventful life, regretted by all who knew him ; he served in active public life for a great many years, representing all of the township offices, and serving as Justice of the Peace for many terms ; he was well posted in law and business, and was largely employed b}T his townsmen, to transact their business and legal matters ; he represented his district in the : State Legislature, and subsequently was chosen State Senator, offices which he fulfilled with | ability and honor ; he was chosen as one of the Commissioners for the appraisement of the j Western Reserve school lands, and at one time ! was a Presidential Elector. In his early manhood, John saved the life of a neighbor named Moore, who was bitten by a rattlesnake, by applying his mouth to the wound and drawing the poison out ; it was an office of great danger, and illustrates the nobility and courage of his nature ; his children now living are as follows : Jasper A., Wilder M., a resident of Wadsworth Township; Elsie A. McFarland, living in Summit Co.; Charles G., a resident of Medina. Our subject passed his early life upon his father's farm, j teaching school several winter sessions, until ! 25 years of age, when he was united in mari riage to Miss Phoebe J. Huntley April 17, j 1844; she was born in New York State in j March. 1827; her father was John Huntley, an i old resident of Medina Co. Mr. and Mrs. C. i have been blessed with the following children : John S., living in Portage Co.; Frank D.,a resident of Knox Co., 111.; Emma L. Perrin, living i in Granger Township. After his marriage Mr.

| Codding engaged in farming for a year and a half in Summit Co., and then removed to i Granger, where he has since resided ; he located in 1850 one-half mile east of Itemson's Corners, where he now lives ; he has 63 acres of fine improved land ; he is a useful and respected citizen of the township, having served the township for six terms as assessor, and always taken an active interest in schools and township matters.

Penn., where he was born in 1S01 ; his parents were Samuel and Mary (Cole) Cutter, natives of New Jersey, they were pioneers of Holmes Co., where the}' located in 1S19, and residents of that county the remainder of their days. Samuel when a youth went to Wooster and learned the blacksmith's trade, which occupation he followed there for a number of years. While a resident of Wayne Co., he was elected to the office of Sheriff of the county, and served for two terras ; at the expiration of his last term of office he farmed in Wayne Co. for three years, and then removed to Homer Township, Medina Co., where he resided for nine years upon a farm. In 1861, he removed to his present location in Granger Towmship ; he has a farm of 125 acres, located in the northeastern portion of the township, wrell improved. He was united in marriage in 1831, to Miss Deborah Sprague, she bore him two sons, Henry and Charles - both now deceased. Henry was in the service nearly three years and Charles 100 days ; his wife died in Wooster. Mr. Cutter was married to a second wife, Miss Mary Mason, Jan. 9, 1840 ; she is a native of New Hamphire, and was born in 1804, they have two children living. Harvey, he is married to Miss Ann Baker, a native of Michigan, they have four children - Frank, Charles, Israel and Mar}' ; Harvey resides with his parents; Ellen Young, another daughter living in Kansas ; Mr. and Mrs. Cutter are both members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Cutter, while out hunting in Chatham woods, in the night of Nov. 13, 1833, was a spectator of the great meteoric showers which occurred at that date ; he relates that the sight w'as one of grand and indescribable splendor, and lasted from 12 o'clock until daybreak.

EBENEZER COMSTOCK; P. 0. Granger; was born Oct. 20. 1820, in Montville, XewT London Co., Conn. He is the son of Ebenezer and Hannah (Stimpson) Comstock, both natives of Connecticut. By this union there w'ere the following family of children : Mark, Jeremiah, Ebenezer, Mary S. and Elizabeth A. Mr. Comstock's first wife was a Miss Turner, who was the mother of ten children, viz. : Elisha, Henrietta, Nancy, Ficha, Desiah, Lucretia, Catharine, Artlissa and two not named. The father served his country in the navy during the war of the Revolution ; he w'as taken prisoner by the British, but escaped and joined Gen. Greene's army. He died in Connecticut in 1835, and his

! years after the death of his father, the subject J of this sketch follow' ed the life of a sailor ; he ! served in all capacities, from a common sailor ; to commander and owner of a vessel. In 1848, he came to this county, whicli he has since ! made his home. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Krieble May 2, 1856 ; she was born in Pennsylvania March 9, 1838. They j have had four children, three of w hom are yet j living, viz. : Eunice, William and Frank ; the one deceased was named Job. Mr. Comstock ; began life as a poor sailor boy, and has made | what he now possesses by his own exertions, j He owns a w'ell-improved farm of 153 acres, j near the center of Granger Township. He has ; in his possession a number of old deeds that ! were made to his grandfather for Connecticut i land during the reigns of George the Second j and Third, of England. In politics, he is a stalwart Republican. He is a w'ell-informed man, of broad and liberal views, generous to a fault, but firm in his convictions of right and wrrong. The county would be much better olf had it more such men as Mr. Comstock.

DANIEL FLUENT, farmer ; P. O. Weymouth ; was born in Steuben Co.. N. Y., in 1814. His parents \vere Jonathan and Mehitable (Dudley) Fluent, natives of Maine, w'here i they w'ere married, subsequently removing to | New York State and then to Ohio, locating in j Steuben Co. Our subject passed his early life in j that county ; at the age of 20, he came to Hinck- j ley Township, wdiere he took up 50 acres of land, ; remaining there about eight years ; he then ! moved to Granger Township, where he has J since resided. His farm consists, at present, of j 88 acres, located in the northwest corner of the I township, and is fine farming land and well improved in every respect. He was united in marriage in 1837, to Miss Alice Conant, a daughter of Timothy Conant, of Hinckley Township ; she was born in Richfield Township, Summit Co., July 6, 1821. They have six children, as follows : Louisa Hall, living in Wayne Co.; Jennie Williams, a resident of Cleveland ; Margaret Smedley, living in Weymouth ; J. K. Polk, Viola and Edgar B. Mr. Fluent has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, and is spoken of as a first-class farmer and a prominent and respected citizen.

Ganyard by name, embarked from France, their native country, in a merchantman owned by them, for the West Indies, intending to establish themselves in the mercantile business on the Island of Hayti. They must have been quite wealthy, for they owned several vessels, and, after establishing themselves in business, j opened trade with the colonies of North America and their mother country. Both had received i good educations in their native country, but ! they soon found that to do a successful business with the people of the New World, would ! necessitate their becoming more proficient in j their English education. To this end, Peter, who was at this time a minor, was sent by his older brother to America to attend school, while he remained in Hayti to look after the business. The younger brother was supplied with plenty of money and admonished to improve his time and talents acquiring an English education, and learning the customs and habits of the Colonists. Quite the contrary did he do, however, for, after a time, he ran away from school and went to what is now the State of Connecticut, where, at Killingworth. he apprenticed himself to a shoemaker. While here he became acquainted with Miss Esther Merritt, to whom he was married in 1760. The elder brother not hearing from Peter, made diligent search and inquiry, but could learn nothing of him. He had, in the meantime, become Governor of Hayti, and was very wealthy. After about fourteen years, the Captain of one of his vessels hearing that there was a shoemaker by the name of Ganyard, in Killingworth, Conn., determined to visit the place and see if it was not the long-lost brother. Arriving at Killingworth, he visited the shop of the shoemaker and began questioning him in regard to his ancestors. The younger brother stoutly denied his identity, and it was only after the earnest entreaties of his wife and the Captain, that he confessed and expressed his willingness to go to Hayti and see his brother. The younger brother's family, at this time, consisted of himself, wife and five children. He was placed in charge of a large sugar and cotton plantation belonging to his brother, where he remained some years. At last he became tired of his occupation, and the year 1772 found himself and family at their old home in Killingworth, and he working at his trade. It may be as well to state here that James, the elder brother, died of yellow' fever, and that his wife returned to France. They had no children, and it is said that all the Ganyards in America are descendants of Peter Ganyard, the shoemaker. The older brother's property was nearly all destroyed during the rebellion on the Island, in 1772 and 1773. The younger brother went there after order was restored, and managed to obtain about $3,000, which, on his return, was invested in a farm of 300 acres in Litchfield Co., Conn. Here he passed the remainder of his days, as did his wife. The}' were the parents of ten children, one of whom, James, being the grandfather of our subject. He was born Jan. 14, 1772, and married Miss Phoebe Hatch, who was born at Saybrook, Conn., April 26, 1767. The}' were married in Hartland, Conn., Nov. 30, 1792, and began housekeeping in a portion of Peter Ganyard's house in Litchfield Co., Conn. They were the parents of quite a large family, of whom appropriate mention will be made in another part of this work. In j 1798, James Ganyard went to what was then known as the " Phelps and Gorham Purchase," j | in the Genesee country, New7 York. Liking the country, he returned to Connecticut, and. in | January of the following year, removed to that country, which, at the time, was considered the very verge of civilization. He purchased 90 ; acres of land of Simeon Hatch, in North Bristol, Ontario Co., and began its improvement. He i was a hard working man, and, in a few years, j had a comfortable home for himself and family.

; In October of 1817, Mr. Ganyard, in com- 1 panv with Elizur Hills, Anthony Low and Burt Codding, came to Ohio to view Town 3, Range : j 3, of the Western Reserve. After viewing the i ! land, and being satisfied with soil, climate, location, etc., they returned to New York and contracted with Gideon Granger, the proprietor of the land, for three-fourths of the township, at | $4 per acre, giving their lands in Bristol, N. Y., i i in part pay, and securing the balance by giving . , mortgage on their lands in Ohio. This mort- ; ; gage, in after years, was a great draw-back ! to the settlers of the township, and caused | | many of them considerable expense and anxii ety. After the agreement was made, and ! I before the article was signed by the purchasers,

! Mr. Ganyard transferred his right to Mr. John j Codding, reserving only to himself such lands j as he had paid for. This is the reason why i his name never appeared on any of the origi-

Biographical Sketches

Dal records of the company. He came to Granger Township in 1819, and located on Lot 35, where he ever afterward resided. He died Dec. 20, 1844, and his wife March 2, 1840. They are buried on the old home farm, and a humble stone, bearing their names, is the only memorial which marks the spot where rest two of the first pioneers of Granger Township. Their son, Festus Ganyard, was born March 27, 1795, in Litchfield Co., Conn. When his parents removed to New York, he was but a child ; his earl}* education was quite limited, but in later years he acquired quite a knowledge of the sciences ; he became quite proficient in botany and history, and was often called on to prescribe for the sick of the neighborhood. He attended his first term of school in East Hollow, Ontario Co., X. Y.; in this school he was taught his A B C's by Miss Jane Giddings ; she was a sister of the Hon. Joshua R. Giddings, so well known to the people of the United States. In after years, Mr. Ganyard ! often spoke of this school and of Miss Giddings ! as being a model teacher. Festus Ganyard came to Granger Township one year prior to j his parents, and began improving the land owned by his father. He was united in mar- ! riage with Miss Betsey Burt, March 27, 1822 ; I she was born March 13, 1802. The}* were the parents of three children, viz., Harriet, Phoebe j and George M. Mr. Ganyard, during his life, held many positions of honor and trust ; he assisted in the organization of civil government in Granger Township ; it was he who, with others, formed the Congregational Church of Granger, the first Christian organization in the township, and he and his wife continued worthy and exemplary members of this church until their deaths. Mr. Ganyard was a man of much more than ordinary ability and natural powers of mind. He was of a retiring dispo- i sition, and did not meddle much in political affairs, yet he held decided opinions, which he 1 did not fail to express at the ballot-box. He j did his part as a faithful father, husband and Christian. He died March 22, 1868, and his faithful wife and companion Nov. 10, 1866. He and wife were buried in the cemetery on the old homestead, upon land cleared by his own hand when he was a young man.

passed assisting his father upon the farm. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary B. Haight, Feb. 22, 1864. She was born in Sharon Township. this count}*, Sept. 12, 1844. They have two children, viz., Eudosia M. and Alida H. Mr. Ganyard owns a nicely improved farm of 220 acres, near the center of the township. He has devoted his energies to dairying and agricultural pursuits, and has been very successful in his business enterprises. He has never sought the publicity of office, although he has filled several township positions, at the solicitation of friends. He is a stanch Republican, and a man of broad and liberal views regarding men and religion. On taking a retrospective view of the Ganyard family, it can well and truly be said that they have most emphatically been a pioneer family. Coming, as they did, from the middle classes, their progenitors brought with them those qualities and virtues which render them not unworthy of a place among a people who were to subdue a wilderness, maintain their liberties, found a new State - in fact, create a new world.

M. TV. GANYARD, Granger ; is the son of John N. and Lucinda (Turner) Ganyard, the former a native of Bristol. Ontario Co., N. Y., and the latter of Canfield, Mahoning Co., Ohio. Mr. Ganyard had previously married Miss Elizabeth Turner, by whom there was one child - Turner N. There was one child by his second marriage - Marshal W. In 1819, Mr. Ganyard came to Granger Township, this county, settling on the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. He was a hard-working man, and devoted the greater portion of his life to agricultural pursuits, although he worked at coopering | to some extent in an early day. He was a good i and useful man, and contributed liberally to all religious and educational enterprises. He had great musical ability, and could perform on almost any kind of an instrument. He died Jan. 3, 1861, and his wife Nov. 10, 1876. M. TV. Ganyard was born June 14, 1835, and passed his youth and early manhood upon his father's farm, receiving a common-school education. When about 18 years of age, he took a trip through Canada and the East. From this time on until he was about 25 years old, he traveled during the fall and winter months, his summers being passed in assisting his father upon the farm. He was united in marriage with Miss Roseltha E. Waters, Dec. 24,

1S68. She was born in Monroe Co.. Mich., Dec. 13, 1845. From this union one child was born, Flora F. Mrs. Ganyard died June 20, 1875. Mr. Ganyard was married to Miss Kittie G. Bailey March 1, 1ST 7. She was born in Canada East, Oct. 29, 1855. They have one , child, John N. Mr. Ganyard has, for a num- i ber of years, made a specialty of raising fine j sheep, and has done much to better this class ! of stock in the county, lie is a Republican in politics, and liberal in his views regarding men and things. He owns 148 acres of as well improved land as can be found in Granger Township. Although he never learned any trade, he readily turned his hand to anything required to be done. He is a substantial and useful member of society, and one of the foremost agriculturists and wool-growers in Medina County.

B. 0. GANYARD, farmer ; P. 0. Remsen's Corners ; was born in Granger Township in September, 1841. His parents were James and Sarah (Low) Ganyard. natives of New York and pioneers of Granger Township, locating in 1818, where the}' were residents for the remainder of their lives. James died in March, 1875, and his wife in September, 1869. A more complete record of their residence in the township appears in another portion of this work. Our subject remained upon his father's farm until 29 years of age. In September, 1867, he removed to his present location, where he has 82 acres of rich land, the most of which is improved. He was married, in September, 1862, to Miss Caroline Crocker. She was born in Montville Township in November, 1841, and is a daughter of Jeremiah Crocker, an old and respected resident of the county, now living in Granger Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ganyard have three children - Mary, William and Linn. Mr. Ganyard is a young and enterprising farmer, and is a trusted and esteemed citizen. He has taken an active interest in the educational affairs of his district, and has served as Director and Clerk.

SEYMOUR A. GANYARD, Granger. This gentlemau was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., April 24, 1830. He is the son of Seymour G. and Esther (Donaldson) Ganyard, both of whom were natives of the Empire State, where they were married and resided until 1834, when they removed to Bath Township, Summit Co., Ohio. They were the parents of two sons -

Seymour G. and William N. Mr. Ganyard has ! always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, J and owns one of the best farms in Bath Township, upon which he now resides. He is a man of decided religious and political views, and a useful and influential member of society. His wife departed this life Nov. 21, 1869. Seymour A. passed his youth and early manhood assisting his father upon the farm. He was educated in the common schools of that day. Aug. 25, | 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Almeda Griffin. This lady was born in Copley Town- j ship, Summit Co., Ohio, Feb. 1, 1S33. From this union there were two children, viz., Louisa and Sherman. Mrs. Ganyard died Jan. 2, 1 S73. Mr. Ganyard was united in marriage to Miss Alzina Wolcott Dec. 30, 1873. She was born , in Granger Township, this county, Oct. 18. 1838. j There is one child by this marriage - Eldo I. ' Mr. Ganyard. when 21 years of age, was given a colt by his father. This he sold for $70, and put the amount at interest, and for the next eight years worked by the month and year j upon a farm. He was careful of his earnings, and at the expiration of that time, had accumulated quite a little sum, which he invested in land. He now owns 112 acres of land, which is well improved. He is a Republican in poli- ! tics, and a consistent member of the Disciples' j Church.

HOEL HATCH, farmer ; P. O. Remson's j Corners ; whose portrait, with that of his wife, 1 appears in this book, is, with Benjamin Burt and ' John McCloud, one of the oldest settlers in : the township. He was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., March 10, 1S03. His father, Nathan Hatch, was born in Connecticut Feb. 19. 1769. ; His mother's maiden name was Lucy Wilder; ; she also was a native of Connecticut, and was j born Sept. 14, 1776. They were married in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y.. Nov. 9. 1796. They emigrated to Ohio, and located in Granger Town- ' ship in October, 1818, locating on the western town line, where they took up 700 acres of ; land. Nathan died Jan. 10, 1850 ; his wife Feb. 17, 1858. Hoel, at 20 years of age, j started out in life for himself. His father j divided up his land among the children, and lie received as his share 137 acres, located on the center township road. He was united in marriage, Dec. 20, 1827, in Granger Township, to j Miss Salorna Trceman. She was born in Canandaigua, N. Y., Oct. 8, 1805. Her parents, Jere- i raiah (born Aug. 23. 17S2)and Hannah (Gillett) Treeman (born Feb. 20, 1787). were natives of Connecticut and pioneers of Granger Township, locating there in 1818, and residents of the township the remainder of their lives. After his marriage, Hoel resided upon his farm for twenty years. In 185G, lie removed to the farm where he now resides. He has SO acres of finely improved land, some of which is the richest soil in the township. Their children are as follows : Nathan F., born July 9. 1830 ; he served all through the rebellion, and for several months after its close among the Indians. He now resides in Kansas. Emily E.. born July 13, 1832, married Oct. 7, 1852. to Uriah F. Skinner. They removed to Iowa in 1853. where he died July, 1873, and she followed him October, 1873. They left five children in good circumstances - Hannah A., born Aug. 10, 1834, living at home ; Milton L., born June 15, 1837. now a resident of Litchfield Township ; Nancy S., born April IS, 1839, married to Thomas Sylvester, living in Granger ; Lydia L.. born April 23, 1842 ; Jeremiah J., born April 5, 1844. a resident of Granger Township ; Julius C., born Feb. 20, 1S4G, now a resident of Sharon Township. Mr. Hatch has been prominently identified with the growth and development of the township, and contributes a great many incidents and dates to the township history. He was one of the first Abolitionists of the township. A very pleasant incident in the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Hatch was the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of their married life, upon which occasion Mr. II. was presented with a valuable and beautiful goldheaded cane, and his wife several pieces of silverware, by their children. Their years' sit lightly- upon them, although the}' are passing into the " sere and yellow leaf." They are located in a pleasant and comfortable home in a community where the}' are respected and beloved, and where the record of their well-spent lives can never be effaced.

JOHN S. HATCH, Sr., deceased: was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., June 7, 1810. His father, John Hatch, was a native of Connecticut, and one of the pioneers of Ontario Co. John S. passed his youth and early manhood in his native State, receiving the benefits of a commonschool education. He was united in marriage, Feb. 19, 1S32. to Miss Laura E. Parsons, a native of the Empire State, where she was born Sept. 3, 1S0G. The year following their marriage, they came to Medina Co., Ohio, purchasing the land now owned by Mrs. Hatch, in i Granger Township. They went to work with a ' will, and erelong were very comfortably situated. They had a family of six children, viz. : John S. (whose biography appears in this work), Laura A. (wife of Ira Bennett, of Montville Township), Martha P. (wife of Arthur Crane, of Sharon Township), Altha L. (wife of Edward Woodard, of Sharon Township) and Lydia N. and Timothy W. (single, and living with the mother). Mr. Hatch died Oct. 31, 1873. of paralysis. He was an intelligent, industrious man, and one whom every one respected and loved. Ilis wife survives him, and resides upon the old homestead in Granger ; Township. Timothy W., son of the above gentleman, has always remained at home. He is a young man of ability and energy, and owns a nicely improved farm adjoining the home place. He is a member of the Republican party, a - friend to education and all enterprises that tend to build up the community in which he lives or benefit his fellow-men.

JOHN S. HATCH, Jr., P.O. Granger. This j gentleman was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 14, 1833. He is the son of John S. and Laura E. (Parsons) Hatch, both natives of the *- Empire " i State, where they were married and resided until 1834, when they came to this county, locating in Granger Township, where they ever afterward resided. They were the parents of six children - Johfi S., Laura N., Martha 1\, Lydia N., Timothy W. and Altha. Our subject was raised upon a farm, receiving the benefits : of a common- school education. Mr. Hatch is : of a mechanical mind ; even when a boy he would seize every opportunity for using whatever tools he could obtain, notwithstanding he . was greatly discouraged in their use by his father, who took no interest in that line of industry. He began, however, at 1G years of age, to work at carpentering in a small way, and has for over thirty years, with the exception of some slight interruptions, worked at his trade. He was economical and industrious, and as fast as he earned money would invest it in real estate. He now owns 290 acres of well-improved land, which he has obtained by his own exertions. Ilis marriage with Miss Mary F. Tailman occurred Dec. 6, 1860. She was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., June 26, 1840. By 1 this marriage there were six children - George

C.. Florence M., Sarah E., Robert W., Nellie i and John S. Mrs. Hatch died Aug. 11, 1ST9. ' She had been a faithful wife and affectionate i mother, and it is greatly owing to her assist- | ance and advice that Mr. Hatch owes his sue- I cess in lil'e. Mr. Hatch was united in marriage with Miss Hannah A. Pratt, Dec. 2, 1880. This lady was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., May 17,* 1845. Mr. Hatch has devoted his life to his trade and in agricultural pursuits, and is. in the fullest sense of the term, a self-made man. lie is of a retiring disposition, and does not meddle much in political affairs, yet he is decided in his opinions, which he never fails to express at the ballot box.

CARTER HUNTLEY, P. O. Granger. Mr. Huntley is one of the leading agriculturists and live-stock dealers of Medina Co. He was born June 17, 1830, in Ontario Co., N. Y., and is one of a family of nine children born to William A. and Eunice (Newton) Huntley, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of the Empire State. They wrere married in Ontario Co., N. Y., and resided there until 1831, when they came to this county and purchased a farm of 47 acres in Granger Township. Mr. Huntley died Dec. 24, 1875, followed b}~ his wife Nov. 27, 1880. Carter remained at home until he had reached his majority. The fall following he entered the employ of William Davis, who ran a distillery in Copley Township, Summit Co. He was to receive $8 per month, but, after working two weeks, he so pleased Mr. Davis that his wages wrere raised to $12 per month. At the expiration of three months, he had, by working extra time, earned $40. Not needing the money, he took Mr. Davis' note, lie says the happiest period of his life was when lie carried the note home and showed it to his father. The next summer he farmed his father's place on shares, and in the fall again went to work for Mr. Davis. Some time after this, he entered the employ of Dr. I. C. Isbell, of Summit Co. Dr. Isbell was a wealthy man, and owned a large tract of land in Western Y isconsin. In 1854, he sent Mr. Huntley with a number of men to Wisconsin to chop cordwood to supply the Upper Mississippi steamboats. In 1856, while shearing sheep for his uncle, E. E. Huntley, he was bantered by his uncle to purchase fifty head of sheep of him. After some thought, young Huntley purchased them, and, on his return home, was severely i reprimanded by his father for this his first j- venture in the live-stock trade. The father's | fears, however, did not affect the son, for the ! next day he purchased twenty more sheep, and i the day following, sold the entire lot at a profit of 124 cents per head. This was his first experience in the sheep trade. He has. from that time until the present, dealt largely in sheep, with the same success that attended his early effort. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Cook, Nov. 5, 1861. She was born Jan. 9, 1S38, in Medina Co.. Ohio. They have a family of three children, viz.: Elnora 0., born Oct. 31, 1862 ; Viola E., Jan. 9, 1865, and Royal N., Oct. 21, 1867. On the 10th of January, 1880, their only son. Royal N., was accidentally killed by a large chestnut tree falling on him. This was a severe blow to Mr. and Mrs. Hunt- 1 ley. He was an unusually bright and intelligent boy, and gave promise of a life of future usefulness and greatness. Mr. Huntley owns 337 acres of well-improved land, which he has obtained by his own endeavors. He is a Democrat, but liberal in his views. He is, in the fullest sense of the word, a self-made man, and ! one of the county's best citizens.

GEORGE H.IIODDINOTT.P.O. Granger; j born in Granger Township, this county, Aug. j 2, 1860 ; he is the son of Richard and Ann (Hodges) Hoddinott, both of whom were na- j tives of Somersetshire, England. They were j married in their native country in the spring ! of 1856, and a few weeks afterward took pas- j sage for the United States, where they hoped to make a home for themselves. They had but little or no means, and on their arrival in this country came almost immediately to Granger Township, where they ever afterward resided. They had one child, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Hoddinott was an intelligent and industrious man, and by his own exertions purchased and paid for 100 acres of land, upon which he resided at the time of his death, Jan.

6, 1874. His wife died Aug. 21, 1879. During their lives, by their exemplary conduct and j kindness of manner, they greatly endeared themselves to the people of Granger Township. Mrs. Hoddinott's sister came to this 'country with herself and husband. She married Mr. Y'm. Valleau. and is now a resident of Grangerburg. Jacob Hodges had come to this country some years previous, and located in 1 this county ; he died some years ago. leaving a family of two children. Onr subject was three years. He was married to Miss Ella j raised upon a firm, receiving a good common- Amerman, and at the time of his death farm- ; school education. After the death of his ing the old homestead. Mr. McCloud has aided ; parents he went to live with his guardian, Mr. liberally even' act of enterprise and charity Benjamin Burt. He now has charge of the within his reach. He was one of the first tern- > village school, and is spoken of as a superior perance advocates in the township, and has instructor ; although yet young, we have no been an efficient worker in reforms of all kinds, j hesitancy in predicting for him a brilliant and At one period he withdrew from his church on ! successful future. account of the opposition to free thought and

JOHN McCLOUI), farmer; P. 0. Remson's speech, and erected a church of his own, wffiich Corners ; is one of the three oldest settlers now he christened the Church of Liberty/' on the living in Granger Township. His early residence spot nowT known as Liberty Hill. He has been and identification with the pioneer history of a local preacher, and preached as many as two the township, and the prominent part taken by hundred funeral sermons, uniting in marriage 1 him in all public questions, make his personal about one hundred couples. For thirty years, history one of interest to all. He is a native he was an agent of the underground railroad, of the State of New Hampshire, and was born being one of the first men engaged in the pur- Dec. 25, 1799. His parents were Samuel and pose of aiding slaves to escape, and continuing Hannah (Holt) McCloud, also natives of New until the emancipation proclamation. He paid Hampshire, subsequently removing to Ontario out in this worthy manner several thousands of Co., N. Y., where our subject's early life was dollars, and considers it well spent. Many passed. At the age of 9 years he was bound grateful souls, once slaves, send him from time out to a farmer ; here his life was one of ex- to time worthy expressions of their gratitude, treme hard work and cruelty until, at the age He is universally respected and esteemed, of 14, the neighbors interfered and he was re- PAGE MOON ; P. 0. Granger. This genleased. At the age of 19, he started for Ohio as tleman was born in Granger Township, this i the driver of an ox team for a party who were count}', Sept. 10, 1842 ; he is the son of Moses emigrating, and after a trip of twenty-two days Moon, who was born in Brandon, Vt., May 27, they arrived and located in Granger Township, 1803. He was married to Miss Dorcas Page in October, 1818. where he has been a resident Nov. 5, 1835, a native of the Green Mountain up the present time. The many pioneer tales j State, where she was born Feb. 16, 1803. A and incidents of his early life and residence in few months after their marriage, they came to the township, we will pass by, as many of the ! this county and purchased the farm now owned dates and facts furnished by him will appear in by their son Page. They were the parents of the township history. His first purchase of four children, viz.: Martha, Harriet, Maria and land was 50 acres in the eastern portion of the Page. Mr. Moon was a stone-cutter by trade, township ; here he resided for a number of but, after his marriage, he for the most part years, adding to his land until at times he followed farming. He was a quiet, unassuming owned 200 acres. In 18G8, he removed to his man, never aspiring to any prominence, but ; present location, near Remson's Corners ; he has devoting his entire time to the improvement of 50 acres, where he resides. Mr. McCloud was his farm and to making his home comfortable married March 13, 1823, to Miss Anna Wolcott ; and pleasant. He was a strong anti-slavery j her parents were Joseph and Lucy (Hills) Wol- man, and intimately connected with the " undercott, natives of Connecticut and pioneers of ground railroad'* of Northern Ohio. He died i Granger, locating about 1822. and residents of Oct. 5, 1879. his wife Oct. 31, 1863. Page the township the remainder of their days. She Moon was raised upon a farm and received the was born in Vermont Oct. 6. 1803. They have had benefit of a common-school education. He was six children - Azubah Botsford, living in Mis- united in marriage to Miss Parthenia Willits, souri; Louisa, deceased ; Kmeline, the wife of Dr. a native of Sharon Township, this county. By Albertson, of Remson's Corners ; Caroline Wil- this marriage there were tw'o children, viz. : cox, living in Brunswick Township ; Melissa Dora M. and Frank P. Mrs. Moon died Feb. Arnold, deceased ; Henry, deceased, he enlisted 22.1872. Mr. Moon's second wife was Miss in Co. I, 103 0. Y. I., and was in the service Alice Barnett, to whom he was married Feb.

12, 1874. This lady was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Doc. 11, 1847. From this union there are two children, viz. : Lena D. and Mark H. Mr. Moon owns 94 acres of good tillable land. He is a Republican in politics, and one of the county's most enterprising citizens.

JONATHAN MUSSER, farmer ; P. 0. Remson's Corners ; is a son of David and Mary (Reed) Musser, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Trumbull Co., Ohio ; they subsequently removed to Norton - which was at that time in Medina Co. - where the}' resided the remainder of their lives ; his decease occurred June 1 1 ,1S6S, and his wife's Feb. 22, 1852. Jonathan was born in Trumbull Co. March 22, 1822; he remained with his parents until he was 23 years of age. He was united in marriage, March

13, 1845, to Miss Sophia Randall, who was a daughter of Isaac and Patience (Hill) Randall ; her father was a native of Vermont, and her mother of Connecticut. She- was born in New York May 27, 182G, and came with her parents when they removed to Ohio in 1834 ; they located dn -Norton^ now Summit Co., where they resided for a number of years ; her mother died in Norton in 1836 ;. her father subsequently returned to New York State, where he died in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Musser have but one child - Ellen, born Jan. 20. 1849. She was married in November, 1875, to William H. Hanson ; they reside in Wadsworth Township. With the exception of one year, Mr. Musser has been a resident of Granger Township since April, 1851, when he purchased the farm where he now resides. He has 58 acres of fine improved land located on' the northern township line. Since his residence in the township, has served as Trustee, and has taken, in former years, an active interest in schools. Mr. and Mrs. Musser are both members of the Disciples' Church of Hinckley. They are genial and hospitable in their manners, and in the community in which they reside are esteemed members of society.

NATHANIEL PIERCE, Granger. This gentleman was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y.. July 22, 1813 ; .he is the son of George and Lydia (O'Brien) Pierce. The father was a native of Rhode Island, but when he was a child his parents removed to New York, where they had a large tract of land. While here working to clear up his farm, the father was killed by a falling tree. There were two children in the family at the time of his death - George and

Polly. George was married in Rensselaer Co., and resided there during his lifetime. He was a prominent and much-esteemed man and was the Recorder of Rensselaer County for a num- . ber of years ; besides this he held other civil ; and military positions - he having been a soldier of the war of 1812 ; he was the parent of nine children, Nathaniel being the only one now living. Nathaniel was raised on a farm, and his education is such as could be obtained ! in the common schools of that day. When about 16 years of age he purchased four stands I of bees. By care and attention these so in- ! creased that, in a few years, he had become ! quite noted as a bee-raiser. During his entire I life, when circumstances permitted, he has ' handled bees, and the same degree of success I has always attended his efforts ; he has also ! been a very successful wool-grower. At 22 years of age he had obtained by his own exer- ! tions about 400 head of sheep. In 1S34, he ! came to Ohio, and traveled over a considerable portion of the State, when he returned to his native State. In 1837, he again came to Ohio, bringing with him a number of fine sheep which he readily disposed of in Licking Co., where he had stopped ; he remained in this county some time, being variously employed ; he was for the period of three years employed by an Eastern company to purchase wool for them. During this time he traveled over great portions of the State and purchased large quantities of wool. In 1840, he came to this county, and, on the 28th of October, the following year, was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Spencer, a native of Granger Township, where she was born Oct. 1, 1821. She was the only child of Thomas and Hannah (Phelps) Spencer, both of whom were natives of Connecticut, from which State they moved to Ontario Co., N. Y. They were married in Ontario Co., and removed from there to this county in 1818, which they ever afterward made their home. Mr. Spencer was a man whom every one respected and looked up to, and in his lifetime did much to advance the religious and educational interests of Granger Township. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce now own and reside upon the old Spencer homestead, which consists of 127 acres of well-improved land. I They are the parents of two sons - George S. i and Jeffrie S. Mr. Pierce is liberal in his | views ; his rule has ever been to support men and measures, and not parties ; he acts indel * pendent of sects and denominations, and has always endeavored to throw his influence in whatever direction he thought it would accomplish the most good.

HENRY M. REID. farmer ; P. 0. Rem son's ! Corners ; is a native of Granger Township, where he was born in 1S34. His father was Harris Reid, a native of Connecticut, born in 1795 ; his mother was Sally Spencer. She was born in Canandaigua, X. Y., in 1S00. They were married in Canandaigua, and came to Ohio about 1S28, first locating near Sandusky, where they remained about three years. They then removed to Granger Township, and were residents of the township for many years. His father's death occurred in March. 1S66 ; his mother is still living with a daughter in Hinckley Township. Our subject's early life was passed upon his father's farm. He was married to Miss Persis Treeman April 15, 1857. She was born Dec. 28, 1834, and is a daughter of John M. and Betsey (Hatch) Treeman, old residents of Granger Township. He was born in Canandaigua, X. Y., July 12, 1811, and came with his parents to Granger in 1818. She was a native of Berkshire Co., Mass., where she was born Dec. 24, 1811. and came with her parents to Granger Township in 1833. They were married in Granger, and first located on a farm on the Granger and Medina Road, where they resided for fourteen years. The)' then removed to the Remson Tract, where Mr. Treeman first purchased 104 acres, and afterward added to the original purchase until he had 210 at the time of his death, which occurred April 23, 1875. His wife still resides upon the old homestead with her daughter Persis. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Reid remained in Granger Township about nine years, then removed to Michigan. After a residence of four years there, they returned to Granger Township, where they have since resided. In 1878, they removed to her mother's farm, and have been located there up to the present time. They have two children - Lynn L. and Frank L.

JACOB SPELLMAN, blacksmith. Remson's Corners ; is a native of Greene Co.. Penn., where he was born in 1825. His father. Charles Spellman, was a native of Pennsylvania ; his mother. Jane Wells, was born in Summit Co., Ohio. They were married in Ohio, and removed to Pennsylvania, where Jacob was born. In 1834, they returned to Ohio and located in

Wadsworth Township, where they resided for nearly twenty years ; then removed to Mont- j ville Township, where they were residents until 1 their decease. His father's death occurred in j October, 1877, aged 95 years; his mother's in j October, 186S. Jacob, at the age of 18, began j to learn the blacksmith's trade with his brother j Joseph at Wadsworth. He remained with his ! brother three years, and then w'ent to Bedford, where he w'orked at his trade for one year ; ! thence to Montville for one year, and, in 1S48, j located in Remson's Corners, w here he has since ; been engaged at his trade. He was united in marriage, in June, 1850, to Miss Mary Wiard. She w'as born in New' York in 1829. Her : father's name was John ; her mother's maiden i name was Julia French. They came to Granger Township in 1847. John died in October, 1867 ; his wife still resides at Remson's Corners. Mr. and Mrs. Spellman have five children - Laura, now the wife of A. Crooks ; they reside in Remson's Corners; John, born July 8, 1S54 ; he w'as married to Miss Sarah E. Bradley March 17, 1878 ; she is a native of Canada, where she was born Sept. 12, 1S57. J ohn ! entered the store of Isaac Whitman, at Rem- j son's Corners, in 1872, and has been engaged there since. He is a popular and obliging | clerk, and has added considerable to the large i trade now enjoj'ed by Mr. Whitman. Anson is | married to Miss Leonora Straight, and is a resident of the towmship ; Lucia and William are j at home. Mr. Spellman is one of Granger's most esteemed citizens. He has served as Constable about fifteen years. In 1862, he enlisted in the 1st Ohio Sharpshooters, and served until the close of the war. As a neighbor, he is kind and obliging, hospitable in every sense of the word, and well worthy of the respect, aw'arded him by his fellow-townsmen.

FAIRFAX R. SMITH, farmer; Remson's Corners ; was born in Madison Co., X. Y., Dec. 10, 1812 ; he is the son of Fairfax and Abigail j (Thayer) Smith, old residents of Montville j Township ; his father was a native of Massa- i chusetts, and his mother of New York, and were located in Madison Co., previous to their removal to Ohio. Our subject worked upon the farm in Madison Co. until he was 20 years of age. His father, about this time, desired to come to Ohio, which he did, and bought 260 j acres of woodland in Montville Township in i the year 1S33 ; returning to New York State ; family did not remove until the following spring, in 1834 ; his parents were residents of the township from that time up to their decease, his father's death occurring in 1S48, anti his mothers about five years subsecpient. Our subject, Fairfax IF, worked at home upon the farm for three years after he became of age ; he then bought 50 acres of new land, which he cleared, and then disposed of it. In February, 134S, he removed to Granger Township, purchasing 80 acres of land near Remson's Corners, where he at present resides ; he has added about 42 acres to the original purchase, making a total of 122 acres, about 40 of which is timbered land ; he was married I)ec. 10, 1835. in Montville Township, to Miss Desdemona Wilbur, a daughter of Smith and Nancy (Falkner) Wilbur, early settlers of Montville Township ; she was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1 SIS ; her father was a native of Massachusetts, and her mother of Rhode Island ; the}' removed from New York to Ohio, locating in Montville in the spring of 1834 ; her father died in 1861, while on a visit to Michigan, and her mother August. 1876, at the home of her brother, 0. F. Wilbur, in Granger Township. Mr. and Mrs Smith have four children living - Halsey R., married to Miss Nancy Crumb, of Hinckley Township, now living in Nebraska, farming : Fairfax W., married to Josephine Simmons, they are living in Granger Township ; Polly F., married to John W. King, and living in Nebraska, and Ella V., living at home ; a son of Francis B., died at the a<re of 21 in Grander Township.

FRANKLIN SYLVESTER. P. O. Granger. Francis Sylvester, father of the above gentle man, was born Nov. 7, 1798, at Kinderhook (now called Stuyvesant), N. Y. He was the eldest of a family of six children, and, at the death of his father, when he was 12 years of age, he went to live with his grandparents, with whom he remained until 18 years of age, at which time he began learning the wagon-maker's trade, with Mr. Jason Clapp, of Pittsfield, N. Y. He was united in marriage with Miss Cynthia !

! tinued to work at his trade in his native State until 1833, when he removed to Granger Township, this county, where he ever afterward resided, working at his trade. 1 le was a man of much more than ordinary intelligence and information, noted for his great conversational powers, kindness of heart, and social qualities. ! He departed this life May 10, 1878 ; his wife survives him, and is a resident of Granger Township. They were the parents of seven j children, all of whom are now living, the oldest being 56, and the youngest 40 years of age. This family of Sylvesters are descended from a ; | gentleman of that name who came from Holland to America previous to the war of the Revolu- ( tion, and located in New York. He afterward became a J udge in the Empire " State, and was well and favorably known throughout the Eastern and New England States. Franklin j Sylvester was born in Bristol. Ontario Co., N. ! IF, March 28, 1831. The limited means of his parents and the disadvantages of those early I days afforded but a limited education in early < life. He began when about 10 years of age to work for the farmers of the neighborhood in : which he resided, eagerly accepting any houor- , able business that promised a reasonable comj pensation, and carefully hoarding up his hard- ! earned wages. He was always fond of the j horse, and, when yet quite a boy, by trading in | sheep and cattle, which he had bought with his ! earnings, found himself the possessor of a fine | young horse. He kept on trading and working j by the month and day until after he had reached ! his majority. At 25 years of age, we find him j the possessor of the snug little sum of $3,000, i which he had accumulated by his own exertions.

! About this time, he and Mr. R. N. Ilickox embarked in the mercantile business in the townj ship, also ran an ashery and dealt quite largely ! in live stock. He was united in marriage with I Miss Eunice M. Reid Oct. 4, 1857. This lady was born in Granger Township, this county, Aug. 4, 1839. She is the daughter of Harris and Sally (Spencer) Reid, who came to the township in a very early day. Since his marriage, Mr. Sylvester has for most part been engaged in real estate transactions, and raising and shipping live stock. For some years past he has paid con- ! siderable attention to the raising and breeding of short-horn cattle. His two-year-old bull,