Hinckley Township

Hinckley Township

From the following narratives it appears that prior to 1818, very little was known of the township but what had been noticed and told by hunters, who when traveling had paid more attention to game, than to land, timber or natural advantages.

To those in search of level unbroken surface it did not seem very inviting. The many rugged jutting hills between which deep ravines intervene ; and the long, high and narrow ridges of land made by the sudden circuitous windings of the Rocky River, from north to south, and then from south north-westerly, are calculated to give the hasty explorer unfavorable impressions.

But after industry and perseverance came and sheared off the forest, and permitted the sun to shine upon the earth's surface, it was discovered that the fertility of the soil was not inferior to that of lands south and west, and that the many springs of pure water that gushed from the hill sides at all seasons in the year gave strong proof of its being a healthy township.

Not a few, who preferred health to a level surface, made choice of the township of Hinckley as their residence, and the homes of their families for which they toiled. Since the first organization up to the present time (18G1) the advances m.ide in cultivation of soil, planting orchards, erecting residences and encouraging industrial establishments will make it compare favorably with other townships of the same age in the county.

The following narratives, compiled by Doctor O. Wilcox, Mr. Cogswell and Riley the Rover, comprise many historical facts worthy of being read and preserved by the descendants of the first pioneers.

Narrative By 0. Wilcox

In the distribution of the lards of the Western Reserve, among the original land speculators who bought it of the State of Connecticut, the township of Hinckley fell to the lot of Judge Samuel Hinckley, of Northampton, Massachusetts. When or where he was born, T do not know, but he was educated for a lawyer and as I understand began life rather poor. He amassed considerable property and died about twenty years ago, in Northampton, esteemed and respected by his neighbors for his many virtues. He had a strong penchant for trading in lands and it almost seems that Heaven would be no Heaven to him unless he could trade in land there, as is illustrated by the following anecdote which is related of him.

Governor Strong, of Massachusetts, was a brotherin-law of Hinckley, and also owner of lands on the Reserve. One day they were discussing the propriety of putting their lands into market. Strong thought it best, as the saving in taxes and interest would more than equal the rise in value. Hinckley dissented. *- Why," said he "the time will come when those lands will sell for ten dollars per acre." "Yes," replied Strong, " but before that time comes, you and I will be in Heaven." "Ah! that's the Devil of it," said the .Tndj-e.

The Judge was owner of several townships and parts of townships besides Hinckley, and as this was a rough, broken township, he seemed to think less of it than he did of his others, consequently he had them surveyed and brought into market first. Hence all the adjoining townships were partially settled before Hinckley. The wild animals, disturbed by the cYash of falling trees, the barking of dogs, the loud shouts of merry children (the children were noisy in -those days,) and the crack of the settler's rifle, fled from the noise and confusion to the silent shades and deep recesses of Hinckley, where they were comparatively safe from disturbance. Of course Hinckley abounded in wild game and this led to the getting up of a grand hunt. The great Hinckley hunt was the first incident in its history worth relating and as this has been so often and ably described by others ; I will not write it, but leave the description to Cogswell and Riley the Rover, who are more conversant with its incidents than I am.

The hunt took place in 1818. The next year the township was surveyed by Abraham Freeze, Esq., of Brunswick, for the Judge." He made one hundred lots of it, each containing one hundred and sixty acres.

Lot No. One was in the north-west corner of the township, the next lot east was No. Two, and so on back and forth to the south-west corner of the township which was lot One Hundred. On lot Sixty-nine, Freeze found a squatter named Walton, who was the first settler in the township, and the only one at the time of its survey in 1819. Where Walton came from or where he moved to I never could learn. He was* an industrious man and had made considerable improvement on what is considered the best lot in the township. Freeze paid Walton for his improvements and bought the lot of Hinckley, and afterwards sold it, about 1835, to

The same or next year, Frederick Deming, of Brunswick, bought lot Fifty-two and a part of lot Forty-nine and built in the south-east corner of lot Forty-nine. Here he lived almost alone for a few years. A Mr. Stillman "bought the remainder of lot Forty-nine, and built nearly opposite Deming's, where Joseph Gouch now lives. A Mr. Beaumont, who was an acquaintance or relative of Stillman's, came with him and bought on lot Thirteen, where N. L. Usher now lives, and made some improvements. Stillman soon died - what year I cannot ascertain. Deming selected a knoll a little west of his residence for his burial. Here the Bidge burying ground is now located. The death of Stillman so discouraged his family that they moved back to the State of New York, whence they came, accompanied by Beaumont. Settlers gradually came in, among whom were Dorman Buck, Jared Thayer, J. Fisk, I. Loonrfe, A. Freeze, Ingersol Porter, D. M. Conant, Chester Conant, Easton, Piper, Stow and others ; so that they thought it best to have the township organized and named.

The first frame barn put up in town was for A. Freeze; it was a large barn thirty-five by forty-five feet on the ground, and for all the work, which was done by con-' tract Freeze paid only seventy-five dollars ! At present prices of labor it would cost nearly double. At the raising of this barn, which was in the spring or early summer of 1824, and which required the help of all the able-bodied men in the township, as well as many from Bich field, the question of organizing and naming the township was discussed. Freeze stated to the people that Judge Hinckley had. promised him that if the citizens would name it Hinckley in his honor he would deed them a lot of one hundred and sixty acres for school purposes, or any use they choose to put it to. They therefore voted to name it Hinckley. The next year when the Judge made his annual visit to collect his dues, Freeze reminded him of his promise. The Judge hemmed and hawed, said he had been very unfortunate the past year, had met with heavy losses, had had much sickness in his family, and really did not feel able to make so large a gift; but he would donate two and one-half acres at the center for a public square, and two burying grounds, each containing one and onefourth acres, which was the best he could do: these he accordingly deeded to the township. The first township election was held at the log school house built on A. Freeze's land, the site of the present school house in District No. One, September 25, 1825. Thomas N. Easton, Jared Thayer and D. M. Conant acted as Judges of e'ection and Eeuben Inverse-! and A. Freeze, Clerks. They elected Jared Thayer Clerk ; It. Ingersol, T. N. Easton and Josiah Piper, Trustees ; Joab Loomis and Samuel Porter, Overseers of Poor ; Curtis Bullard and Richard Swift Fence Viewers; D. M. Cenantand Jonathan Fisk. Listers and Appraisers of property; Fred. Doming, Treasurer ; Thomas Stow and P. Babcock, Con' tables ; John C Lane, Chester Conant, Abra - ham Freeze, David Babcock, Supervisors.

Of all the above named officers, Easton, Piper, Swift and Babcock only live in Hinckley now. Stow and Porter died in Hinckley. The rest moved away and have died or are living elsewhere.

Curtis Bullard was the first Justice of the Peace elected, and the first couple he married, and the first couple married in the township ; were a Mr. Carr and Miss Harriet Wallace. Wallace livrd on the farm now owned by Andrew M'Creery. Among the guests pres- ent were Mr. Piper and wife; Billiard and wife, IL Bangs, E. Bangs, and others, and they had a right jolly time. Among other amusing performances they sang " Scotland is burning, run boys run, Scotland is burning, fire, fire, fire, Pour on water, pour on water," &c. They were excellent singers and carried all the patte to perfection. The time and occasion and spirit in which it was sung rendered it ludicrous and laughable in the extreme.

The first child born in Hinckley was a daughter to Mrs. F. Deming. I can't ascertain whether that child is living now or not, but the impression of the neighbors is that she died when young, in Hinckley. The first school taught was in the log school house already mentioned, by Miss Julia Curtis, of Rich field. The house was built by Freeze and neighbors in 1824. To her went the young of the neighborhood, but of all that went and all that sent to that school ,uot one now lives in Hinckley. Miss Curtis married Erastu* Oviatt, of Richfield. After Oviatt's death, she niarrisd Dr. Hiram Wheeler.

The Congregational Church was organized in Hinckley, May 5, 1828, with the following members : James Porter and Mary his wife; Cornelius Northrop and Mary his wife ; John Jones and Myra his wife ; Mrs. B. Thayer, wife of Jacob Thayer ; Mrs. Temperance Easton, wife of Thomas Easton ; Harriet Carr, wife of John Carr ; Curtis Bullard, and Sarah his wife ; Zilpah Loomis, wife of Jacob Loomis ; Mary Fisk, wife of Jonathan Fisk ; Thomas W. Easton and Samantha Loomis. Rev. Simeon Woodruff and Israel Shaler conducted the exercises at the organization.

The oldest person who died was Mrs. Damon, mother of the late Caleb Damon. She died at the advanced age of one hundred and three years. The next oldest was Mr. Brown, father of Mrs. Salmon King; his age was eighty-nine years. Of the deaths, some were accidental and violent. T. N. Ferris was killed by the fall of a tree ; Richard Swift, Jr., was killed by the accidental discharge of a rifle in his own hands ; J. B. Dake was killed by the kick of a horse ; Caleb Damon was shot by A. Shear, while hunting turkeys-,, Damon had secreted himself behind a log, and was imitating the call of a turkey. This called up Shear, who was hunting, and who saw Damon's head move just above the log. Mistaking it for the turkey, Shear took aim, and on going to find the turkey he found his friend and neighbor in the agonies of death. S. P. Woodruff was killed by lightning, and some children have been so badly burned as to cause their death : so that Hinckley on

(he whole may be called a healt|iy township. Tlic deaths scarcely averaging one per cent. If time permitted I might record some anecdotes, hunting stories and i'un. but the above must suffice. The history of Hinckley does not abound with stirring incidents of Meld and flood. Such as occurred to my mind I have hastily written as above. I believe them to be generally correct. If I have made mistakes it is through misinformation and treacherous memory. After a lapse of thirty or forty years it is very difficult to get at the exact truth of things. I have enquired of more than a dozen who were present at the great hunt as to the day of the month it took place on, and but one pretended to know. He said it occurred on the 24th of December, for die recollects the next day was Christmas. Should a, second edition be called for I may perhaps enlarge and improve - till then this must suffice.

Game being numerous in this section, in 1818: especially bears and wolves, which were a great annoyance to the settlers, a big hunt was resolved on, and appointed to come off on the 24th of December, by a proclamation to the following towns: Cleveland and Newhurg, who were to form on the north line of Hinckley ; Brecksville and Richfield, on the east line ; Bath and Granger on the south line ; and Medina and Brunswick on the west line, and thus complete the square. It was the intention to sweep the whole township of Hinckley, and orders were given to be on the ground about sunrise. Uncle Gates and myself started from his residence, on the Cuyahoga river, the day previous to the hunt, with the intention of taking a little look for game through the woods as we went, and in order to be on the.gnfbilnd the next morning. When we were near the north line-of Bath we separated with the understanding that we would meet at another certain point. I had not gone far. when I "discovered where a coon had come off of a large oak tree, and had turned hack and went up the tree again. I knew if there was an Indian there he would contrive some wa}T to get the game without the trouble of cutting the tree. I looked about to see how this could be accomplished. There was a large limb on the oak, about sixty feet from the ground, and not far from the tree was a small hickory, which if fell would lodge on the limb. I chopped the hickory, it lodged, and made as I supposed, a safe bridge by which I could reach Mr. coon. But I was mistaken, for when within ten or twelve feet of the limb, I discovered that there was a very little of the top of the hickory that was above the limb, and that it was sliding down further every move that I made. This was a perilous situation indeed, and I saw that something decisive must be' done. I first thought of retreating, but I soon found that this would be as bad as proceeding, as every move I made brought the hickory further off the limb. I therefore resolved to reach the tree if possible, and with several desperate grabs, I did so. I now thought I would make things safe, and I took the few remaining twigs that still sustained the hickory and withed them around the limb of the oak. I soon discovered the retreat of my coon, and chopping in I pulled him out and threw him down to my dog. I descended safely, and by the time T had reached the ground my uncle Gates came up. I showed him what I had done, and he declared that he would not have undertaken it. for all the land on the Tuva- hoga river, from Old Portage to Cleveland. T did not undertake it for the value of the coon, but because I thought I would not be outdone by the Indians. We stayed over night at Mr. Rial Bray's, near the cast line of Hinckley. The next morning we were on the line by sunrise. We waited some time before they were all to their places, and then the word " all ready" was passed from mouth to mouth. The word was forty seconds going round the twenty miles, the first telegraph known. Then came the sound of the horns, which was the signal for a start. The managers had made a circle, half a mile in diameter, in the center of the town by blazing trees, and when we came to that circle we were ordered to halt. It soon became evident the ring was too large as the game had a good chance to secrete themselves. The managers now came to me and said they wished I would select some good man, and go into the ring and shoot some of the large game, which would drive the rest toward the outside. I selected my uncle Gates, and we proceeded toward the center. I soon came in contact with plenty of wolves and bears, and had shot several when I saw near the center a monstrous bear, I think the largest I ever saw of that species. I wounded him twice so that he dropped each time, when he retreated toward the south line, and I followed in close pursuit. About this time the south line advanced about forty rods, which brought them within a short distance of myself and the bear. My dog seeing me after the bear broke away from the young man who had him in charge, and came running to my assistance, and met the bear just as he was crossing a little creek on the ice. I ran up to the bank, within twenty-five or thirty feet of the bear, and stood several feet above him. About this time the men in the south line commenced shooting at the bear, apparently regardless of me or my dog. There were probably one hundred guns fired within a very short space of time, and the bullets sounded to me very much like a hail storm. As soon as the old fellow got his head still enough so that I dare shoot, I laid him out. While they were firing so many guns, a great many persons hallooed to me to come out or I would be shot, but as it happened neither myself nor dog were hurt, and even the. bear was not hit by their random shots, for when he was dressed there were but three ball holes found in his hide, .and those I made. I now returned to the center alone, as my uncle Gates had got frightened out,and finished the bears and wolves, then commenced on the deer. I killed twenty-five or thirty so fast that I did not pretend to keep count. I stood 'by one tree and killed eight as fast as I could load and shoot. The last animal that I killed was a wounded wolf that had secreted herself in the top of a fallen tree. We were then ordered to go down where the big bear was, discharge our guns, and stack them, and proceed to draw in the game. It was found, when the men were all together, that there were four hundred and fifty-four, and it was estimated that there were about five hundred on the lines in the morning. The amount of game killed was, about three hundred deer, twenty-one bears, and seventeen wolves, that were killed in the ring, and it was estimated that about one hundred deer werej killed while marching to the center. The night was spent merrily in singing songs, roasting meat, &c. In the morning we tried to hit on some plan to organize, and divide the game, but it seemed impossible to get any plan to work. About this time Major Henry Coyt came from Liverpool, and I went and asked him to assist us in bringing about an organization, lie did so and succeeded in eettins: a com- mittee appointed, consisting of himself, Cap.t. John Bigelow, of Richfield, and myself. We proceeded to divide the men into four divisions, as follows : first divisien, Cleveland, Royalton and Newburg; second division, Brecksville and Richfield ; third division, Bath and Granger ; fourth division, Medina, Brunswick and Liverpool ; and then we divided the game as well as we could in proportion. This was probably the greatest hunt that ever has been, or ever will be in the United States ; and strange to say, but one accident happened. Captain Lothrop Seymour received a buck shot in his shoulder and one in his leg. I frequently heard bullets whistle near me, and saw one bush cut off by a ball not more than a rod from me. Many of the proceedings through the night, I have not written in detail, as it will probably be graphically given by Riley the Rover, and perhaps some others.

It is a wild and thrilling sight, To see the baffled herd's affright, To see the eye-balls of the deer, Out-straining from his head appear : To hear old bruin's sullen growl ; To hark the wolfs despairing howl; To sec the hunter in. his place, Snatch up his rifle to his face, The flash and dust and fire let fl}', With rattling echo's quick reply; To see game stricken in their bound, Fall noisless, lifeless to the ground ; Or if they 'scape, as many did, To see-how quickly they were hid. Without a pause to bid adieu, As from the carnage scenes they flew.

[f to the foregoing amount was added the sum that yearly accrues from the production of clover-seed, grass-seed^ oats, potatoes, orchards and gardens, the products might safely be set down at one hundred and fifty-two thousand dollars.

Let those who resided in the township in 1819, when there were listed for taxation nine horses and fifty-two cattle, contrast then and now and they must acknowledge that the advances have been onward.

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; 11,209 words in this source stream.

Hinckley Township

tive of Connecticut ; liis mother was born in Hudson, N. Y. They moved from Schoharie Co., to Ohio in ISIS, 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. I About 1835, they removed to Hinckley Township, locating on the south town line, where they remained until their deaths ; his fathers death occurred in November, 1838 ; his mother's in j August, 1847. Their children, who are now j living, are as follows : Elijah, now living in ' Knox Co., HI.; he was a soldier in the Mexican j war. James now a resident of Ionia Co., Mich., j where he is an extensive farmer : Harriet Post j now residing in Knoxville. 111.; and the subject j of this sketch. Harrison's occupation all ! through his life has been that of a farmer, com- ; mencing in his youth, when the land had to ! be cleared of timber before it could be tilled, j up to the present time when ingenious machinery makes the occupation less laborious, j He was united in marriage Aug. 18, 1842, to j Miss Sylvia L. Bradley ; she was born in Cana- ; da West, Ma}T 1, 1822 ; her parents were resi- I dents of Hinckley Township for several years, j but finall}* returned to Canada, where her mother still resides. Her father died in Cana- ; da ; he was in the English service during the war of 1812. In 1844, Harrison bought the j 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 j land. They have four children, all residents | of Hinckley - Emily E. Vaughn, Henry, 0. G. and Mary A. Duncan.

S. F. CODDING, Postmaster and merchant, > Hinckley. One of the prominent business men i 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 w*ere 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., S. F., Nancy, who died aged 16 years; Albert died when young: Harriet M., deceased ; Luc}' A., deceased ; William E., living in Ottawa, 111. Mr. Codding, by a sec- j ond 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 1S4S. 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 occupation 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 Center, 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 3*ears, and as County Commissioner two terms ; is a member of Hinckley Lodge, No. 304, 1. 0. 0. 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. 0. 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. The}r were married April 4, 1794. They came to Richfield, then in Medina Co., in July 1319, and in the fall of 1825, removed to Hinckley Township, locating on the Ridge road. They resided in Hinckley Township most of their da}*s. 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 living in Michigan ; Aaron L., the subject of this sketch ; Rhoda Darrow, widow, living in Michigan, born July 4, 1S04 ; Patty McGoon, 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, died Oct. 12. 1S12. Aaron worked with his father until 20 years of age, and then started out in life for himself. He went to Xew York and farmed for three years ; he then returned to Hinckley and bought a farm upon the "ridge," remaining there until 1334. 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. He was married 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, living in Michigan : Daniel, deceased ; Elvira V. Perrin, living at home, aud Ethan, living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Conant are members of the Methodist Church.

TIMOTHY B. COX A XT, farmer; P. O. Hinckley. One of the pioneers of Hinckley Township is T. B. Conant. He is a native of Xew Y"ork, and was born in Herkimer Co. Sept. 22, 1798. His father, Timothy Conant, was a carpenter aud 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 Xancy Buck, daughter of Enoch and Alice (Babcock) Buck, pioneers of Richfield Township ; she was born in Xew Yrork 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 Xew 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, living at home.

JULIUS and XATHAX DAMOX, farmers; P. O. Vest Richfield. The}* are the sous of Nathan and Hannah (Shaw) Damon, who were natives of Massachusetts. Xathan was born in 1793, and his wife in 1797. They were married in Massachusetts, and came to Ohio in 1S2S, j 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, Xov. 29, j 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. Da- i moil'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 laud, all improved, lie 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 As- I sessor two terms. Xathan 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 par- \ ents, it has fallen into his possession. He has ! 83 acres of land, about 30 of which is in tim- j ber. He devotes his time to general farming, ! making no specialty. 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 j 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, j 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, mar- ried 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 1S5S to Miss Rosetta Keyes : she died in February, 1S61. leaving one child. Fred W. He was married to his second wife, A. E. Edgerton, Oct. 1, 1S65. The}' have four children - Elmer C., George L.. Rosa R. and Lillie. Mr. Ellsworth enlisted Aug. 12, 1862. in Company A, 124th O. Y. I., aud served uearl}' 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, 1SG5, 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 propertv.

Z. Wl ELLSWORTH, farmer : P. 0. 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, 18G2, in Company A, 124th 0. V. I., 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, 18G5. 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 attended 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 lectures at the Cleveland Medical College during the sessions of 18G4-G5 and 1866-67, and, at the end of these terms, he graduated aud 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 Bald wick, Jan. 9, 1S68. 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, Reuel 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, IS 79. 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 18S0, 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. 0. West Richfield ; is a native of New England, and was born in Northampton, Mass., in 1821. He is a son of Joseph and Keziah (Alvord) Gouch, natives of New England. The}' 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 0. V. I., commanded by Col. Ilazen ; 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 i to the hospital, but his constitution had bej come so weakened by previous disease that he died April 20, 1863. He entered the service i as a private and was distinguished for his brav- : ery 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 de- ' plored by them all. Frank A., also a volunteer in the service ; he now resides in Hinck- I ley Township ; Norman, living in Cleveland ;

I WILLIAM HEACON, farmer ; P. O. Bruus- | wick. Mr. Heacox is a native of Connecticut, i and was born in Litchfield Co., March 29, 1800. His parents were Harvey and Elizabeth (Newton) Heacox, wdio 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 jn | 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 i 80 acres and a mill property ; he devoted his ! time to farming and milling until 1S68, 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 1S22, 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 j sixth generation from, John and Mary (Upson) Welton, who came from England about 1679, j | and located at Waterbury, Conn. Nine generi ations of this family have been reared in this country ; they have nine children - William J., deceased ; George II., deceased ; Harvey F., j deceased; Harriet M., married to Jehiel Squires, and living in Sharon Township ; John j

H., now living in Cleveland ; Sarah J.. married to 0. W. A very ; 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. 1IURD, farmer ; P. 0. 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 a resident of Hinckley Township ; his homestead 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. Pa)', 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 his time principally to the cultivation and care of his extensive farm.

is the son of Truman and Matilda (Dickson) Isharn, old residents of the township. He ! came to Hinckley Township when but 2 years | old, and has resided in the township ever since, j He was married, Aug. 17, 1854, to Mary Me- , Creary, daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Truman) McCreary. He was born in Washington Co., Penn., March 16, 179S. She was a native of Seneca Co., N. Y., and was born Jan. 24, 1805. She died May 21, 1S53. Mr. McCreary was one of the pioneers of Hinckley, coming there in 1S29, and a resident of the township up to his death, Nov. 20, 1880. They had the following children: Sarah, born July 2, 1825, 1 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, bom Dec. 27, 1844, deceased. Mr. McCreary was married to his second wife, Louisa A. Finch, Dec. 6, 1S54. 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. 0. Hinckley; ' w'as born in New York in 1811. His parents were Elias and Elizabeth (Noble) Keyes, who were pioneers of Royalton, Cuyahoga Co. They located there in 1S19, 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 resi- i dent of Royalton. Cuyahoga Co. He was born Nov. 8, 1837 ; Melissa, born 51 ay 11. 1840, died May 22, 1842 ; Elizabeth, born May 6. 1842, ' died Jan. 1G. 1S80 ; Richard B.. born April 1, 1845 ; he enlisted in 1S64, in Co. H, 2d 0. V. C.; he was wounded at the battle of Five I 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. 0. Hinck- j ley. One of the best -known men in Hinckley I Township is Hiram B. Miller ; he is a native of New York State, and was born April 3, 1807. i in Ontario Co.; his parents were Lyman and Celia (Wheeler) Miller, also natives of the Empire State. While a youth, his parents re- j moved to Henrietta, Monroe Co., where they purchased a hotel property and a farm. The I hotel was known as the " Coffee House," and run by the Millers for over twenty years. 1 Hiram was married in 1829, to Miss Maria I Deming, daughter of David and Sarah (Lewis) 1 Doming, who w'ere residents and old settlers of Monroe Co., N. Y.; 51 aria was born in 5Iassachusetts, and, at the age of 10, walked the entire distance from 5Iassachusetts to Rochester, N. Y., at the time of her parents' emigration to 5Ionroe 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 j spare money, did he begin the battle of life ; how ! well he has succeeded, the following lines will i 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 $S00 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 sell out the whole property. Ohio at this time was presenting an inviting field to emigrants, and here the 5Iiller family came, locating in Hinck- ! ley Township, in 1833, on the western township line ; here the}' bought, together, 650 acres ; j Hiram buying about 100 acres ; his parents ! died on the old homestead after living to see 1 the unbroken forests blossom into fertile fields, j 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 5Iarch 10, 1876 ; he has seven children living - Cordelia 51., Arethusa IF. Sherman L.. Henrietta; Betsey A., Frank D. and Harvey T. Frank D. was in the service, belonging to 150th 0. X. G.. serving 100 days. Harvey T., was in Barber Sharpshooters, and served all through the war. 5Ir. 5Iiller 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 5Ieridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, A.. F. & A. M., of Richfield. Prior to the war he gained an extended 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 humanitv, 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, 4; 51 r. 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 : 4 Oh, 51assa, can ye tell me wkar 'Nigger' 5Iiller lives?' ' AYliy^ bless your soul, you poor fellow,' said I, 4 I'm 'Nigger' 5Iiller.; 4 Oh 5Iassa 51 iller,' exclaimed the delighted slave, while his dark face lighted with joy, 4 you look better to me than money.' " It is needless to say that the runaway reached Canada. In company with Joe 5Iason, a gifted colored man, Mr. 5Iiller 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 51 r. 51 iller by the throat, threw him with great force on the floor, cutting an ugh" wound on his head, i from which the blood flowed in streams down his neck. Money was offered to repair the injury, but Mr. Miller nobly refused, saying that 1 mono}* 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, j for his noble efforts, deserves to be classed ! with such men as li Old " John Brown. Owen 1 Lovejoy, and others, who fought for years against the degrading and cruel influences of slavery.

JOHN MUSSER, retired farmer; P. 0. | 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 j passed in Trumbull Co., where he learned the i carpenter and joiner's trade, which occupation i he followed until about 30 years of age. Aug. j 12, 1843, he was married to Esther F. Can- j field ; her father, William, was a native of i Litchfield Co., Conn., and her mother, Submit 1 (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 1S52, and ) mother in 1867. After his marriage, Mr. M. ! went to Huron Co., and worked at his trade for i one year, at the end of which time he moved \ back to Summit Co., buying a farm of 50 acres j and working it about four years. He then came to Hinckley Township, April. 1 So 1 , 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. The}' have had four children - Daniel 0., 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 a son of Mathew and Relief (Straight) Newton, old residents of Granger Township. Our subject came with his parents to Granger Township wdien 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 subsequent!}* moved to Hinckley Township, Medina Co., where Sarah was married. Since their marriage they resided most of the time in Hinckley Township. In April, 1S63, the}* 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. 1S75. to Miss llowena Morris ; her father. George Morris, was an old resident of Granger Township ; her mother was Rebecca 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

Biographical Sketches

184S, at Royal ton. Our subject was born in Cayuga Co., X. Y.. Feb. 22. 1S25, and came to Ohio with his parents. He worked on the farm for a number of years, and then, at the age of 1G, went to Cleveland, and commenced learning his trade at the Cuyahoga Steam Furnace Company's works ; he remained with them about two 3*ears. 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 VYetmore 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 the township. In 1S59, 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 finalh' learned he was killed at Chickamauga. He immediateh* 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 immediate^' sent to the front, joining his battery on the Tennessee River. In the 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 a 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 sawmill 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 vear, and while there lost his right hand. The next 3'ear, he took the contract for supplying the city with water, and, at the expiration of his contract, on account of his health, returned to IIinckle3' Center, and bought the old Wetmore place, where he at present resides. He has added several pieces of laud to the original purchase, until he has about SO 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 oecup3' part of his leisure hours. Mr. and Mrs. Olds have had six children - Cla3*ton, 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 Mwman, and living in Hinckley Center ; and Frederick, living at home. Mr. Olds is a member of Hincklev Lodsre. No. 304. I. 0. 0. F.

NATHANIEL PORTER, farmer ; P. 0. West Richfield. New York has furnished the majorit3* 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 Albairy Co., Aug. 4, 1796. His parents removed to Schoharie Co. when Samuel was but 4 years j old, locating in Broome Township. Here he j passed his early life, and was united in mar- i riage to Miss Rebecca Jacobs. She was a na- ; tive of New York, and was born December. 1796. After remaining at his father's house until the spring of 1818, the3* started for Ohio with all their worldly effects in a wagon which was drawn b3' a yoke of oxen. After a month's journey, the3* finally reached Richfield (now Summit Co.), where they first located, remaining there until the spring of 1825, when they removed to IIinckle3' Township, locating j 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, 1S69. 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 l father ; it is a most interesting work, giving

! 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, 1S73. he bought a small piece of land where he now resides. He was married, November, 1S37, to Almira Brown. She died May 5, 184S, 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. 10, 184S. 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 bo3'S - 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. 31 r. Porter has been a resident of the township for nearly threescore years, and has been closely identi- i tied with the growth and development of this part of the count}', 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 oflices of trust by his townsmen, and is now serving his third term as Justice of the Peace.

N. W. PEEBLES, farmer ; P. 0. Brunswick , was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., July 21, 1828; he is a son of John W. and Eliza A. (Eaton) l Peebles, and came with his parents to Ilinck- I ley 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 j that trade ; lie worked in all about nine years I at that calling, and then traveled in the patent- | right business for some six years ; he then en- : tered the employ of the King Iron Bridge Co., ! of Cleveland, as traveling salesman, and was j connected with that company eleven years. Since that time he has been back upon the old 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. The}' have three children - Frank W., Ida Wait and Alice. Mr. j Peebles has served the township in various offices, as Trustee and also as Assessor, his active business life for so man}* 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 j years in Hincklev Township.

JOHN II. 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, 1SS0. 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 several pieces of land to his possessions, until at present he has over 300 acres. He was married August, 1854, to Miss Parinelia Johnson.

daughter of Sherman and Anna (Patterson) in Massachusetts Aug. 20. 1S24. and was about Johnson, who came to Hinckley Township in the 14 years of age at the time of his parents' respring of 183G ; he was a native of Connecticut moval to Ohio. His early life was passed in and was born Nov. 30, 1798; his wife was a Granger Township at farming, which pursuit he native of New York, and was born July 3. has followed all his life, lie was united in 1797 ; died in Hinckley Township May. 1807 ; marriage in August, 1S49, to Miss Mary Ganhe died September. 1880. in Michigan. The yard, a daughter of James Ganyard, pioneer of children are Hannah, married and living in Granger, and a prominent citizen of the early Illinois ; Parmelia. wife of John H. Peebles ; days of the township. Mary was born in Gran- Erastus, now living in Hinckley Township ; ger Township. April, 1829. They have three William A., a resident of Granger Township, children - Jay, Belle and Helen ; after his mardied Pec. 18, 1873; Sherman, now living in riage, Mr. S. engaged in farming for himself Royalton. Cuyahoga Co., and Elizabeth, mar- and was a resident of Granger Township until ried and living in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. 1864, he then removed to Medina Township, Peebles have but two children - Francis A. where he resided for fourteen years. In April, and William. Mr. Peebles has served one term 1878, he bought the farm in Hinckley Townas township Supervisor. His land is nearly all ship, where he at present is located ; his farm improved, and devoted chiefly to the raising of consists of 87 acres of improved land, and is grain. He has one brother, Nathaniel, living the southwestern farm in the township. Mr. on the old homestead. S. is an intelligent and respected citizen of the

Richfield ; is a son of Daniel and Phoebe (Fisher) VAN DEUSEN FAMILY, Hinckley. An- Searles, natives of New York, and pioneers of drew and Orpha Joyner Van Deusen were na- Hinekley Township, locating there in the fall tives of Massachusetts. He was born Sept. S. of 1833. They bought 600 acres of land on 1794, and his wife. Aug. 2, 1796. They were their arrival and were residents of the town- married Sept. 20, 1815, in New York State, and. ship up to their deaths. He died Aug. 28, as they were living in Massachusetts near the 1854, and his wife. May 5, 1861. Daniel re- New York line, in order to avoid being pubmained at home until he was 23 years of age. lished - as was the custom in Massachusetts - He was married Sept. 6, 1837, to Mary Ann they crossed the line and were united, without Halsted, daughter of James and Phoebe Hal- going through so many forms as were necessted, pioneers of Hinckley ; she died in 1839, sary in Massachusetts. In 1817. they removed leaving a son, Edwin, ten months old. He is to New York State, settling near Dunkirk, married and living in Hinckley. Sept. 10, which was, at that time, a wilderness, up to 1840, Mr. Searles was again married, to Miss within a mile oft the city. Here the}' remained Sally Ann Searles, of Montville Township, for a period of about eleven years, and then They had three children - Henry, married and decided to remove still further West, and the living in Richfield. Summit County : Adeline tide of emigration drifted them to Hinckley A. Damon, who died in 1878, and Hattie J. Township. In 1828, they bought a piece of Eastwood, living with parents. Mr. Searles land upon the -Ridge," containing about 30 has followed farming all his life. In 1852, he acres, and commenced to clear it up ; 90 acres came back to the old homestead to work the more were added to their farm in time, and. land, and to take care of his parents in their after eight years' residence there, traded for a old age, whore he has since resided. He has saw-mill, on Rocky River, and about 30 acres of divided up his land with his children, until he land. Here they resided until the husband's has now but 53 acres. He has served the town- death, which occurred in 1841. Mrs. Van ship as Trustee, and has taken an active inter- Deusen, whose portrait appears in this work, est in the schools, having been School Director was left, by the death of her husband, with no several terms. property and no means of support, except

- HENRY SYLVESTER, farmer; P. 0. Wey- through her own efforts; she went to work mouth ; is a son of Francis and Cynthia (Hatch) with energy and perseverance, and, by her own Sylvester, who arc prominent in the early his- individual efforts, paid for 30 acres of land and tory of Granger Township. Henry was born a comfortable dwelling-house, where she now

I resides, over SO years of age and infirm in bod}' ; 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; lloe G., born April 27, 1S20, 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, 1S45. Rush L., born Aug. 3, 1823.

RUSH L. VAN DEUSEN, farmer ; P. 0. 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

I 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 laud is mostly improved, portions of which is finel}' 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, 1870, 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 1 ! Jessie Conant, daughter of Hiram Conant ; they j ; are now living in Hinckley Center ; George E.. I born June 13, 185S, living at home; Emma M.,born Nov. 23, 1862, living at home ; Charles j M., born March 15. 1865, also living at home ; ;

' Ralph FI., born June 20, 1825. in New York ; he was married to Marietta Rockwell, whose | parents were old settlers of Hinckley ; they 1 : are now living in Shiawassee Co., where he also , is farming extensively ; Esther A., born Nov. 4,

* born Aug. 3, 1830, in Summit Co.. Ohio ; on ac- ! count of his feeble health, he learned the print- : i er's trade, and, finally, shipped on a whaler, in | hopes the sea air would be of benefit to him : j he was gone from home for seven years, and.

! as his people read no tidings from him, he was i given up as lost, but he finally returned rough i and rugged, entirely restored to health ; he ,

I they removed to Michigan in 1861, where they j now reside. Martin B., born Sept. 27, 1835. in i Hinckley ; he went to Iowa in 1858, and settled 1 in Benton Co., near Laporte City ; he married Harriet Treanor. daughter of George Treanor ! a former resident of Medina Co.; he is an exi tensive farmer there, owning about 500 acres.

! DON C. VAN DEUSEN, farmer; P. 0. ! Hinckley ; born in Hinckley Township March 4. 1839 ; he w'as married, Oct. 29, 1864, to Miss I ! Ella Nichols, she is a daughter of Nathaniel and Dorcas Nichols, and was born in New York j 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, 1S63.

; Returning to Hinckley, he resumed his occu- : pation as a farmer. In 1879, he traded with , Robert Whip for the farm on which he now rei sides, consisting of 75 acres, and located two ; miles northwest of Hinckley Center ; his family ! consists of two children - Linconia ])., born j Aug. 5, 1865, and Ruth A., born May 12, 1S76.

1878 ; Lawrence, an infant, deceased ; Daniel D., an infant, deceased ; Edmund 0., died at the age of 2 years. Irena A. (Van Deusen) West, was born Jul}* 21, 1S17 ; she was married to William K. West, March 22, 183G ; he was a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Lee Sept. 4, 1812 ; he died Oct. 3, 1SG2 ; 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, 185S, to Erastus Johnson, son of Sherman Johnson, one of Hinckley's pioneer settlers ; the}* are residing in Hinckley Township ; Henry 0., born Xov. 15, 1840, married, May 29, 1870, Miss Lucy Wilcox, daughter of Dr. O Wilcox ; they are now living in Montville Township ; Elmer A., born Xov. 10, 1844; he was married, Oct. 18, 1876, to Miss Addie Kelley, of Cleveland ; they are now residing in Cleveland ; Lucy L., born Xov. 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 WORDEX, farmer ; P. O. Remson's Corners ; is a native of Xew 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 Homan Buck. Hiram passed his earl} 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 i 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 1S49, leaving four children - Heman D., died while iu the service of his country. He en- i listed in 74th 111. 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., i who was also in the service. He enlisted in Co. B, 189th O. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He was in service nearly a year. ; He is now a resident of Richfield Township, j Summit Co., Ohio. Mr. Worden was married , in 1851 to a second wife, Miss Melissa Bissell. j She was born in Granger Township Jan. 19, 1828. Her father, Harvey Bissell, was a na- j tiveof Connecticut ; her mother, Matilda Jones, of Xew Yrork. The}' located in Granger Township about 1826. remaining there up to the j time of their death. Her father's occurred in May, 1842, while on a visit to Westfield Town- , ship; 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 favorabl}' with some of the efforts of our wellknown artists. Lynn and Xettie. Mr. and Mrs. Worden are members of the Methodist Episco- , pal Church of Granger.

ERASTUS WAITE, farmer ; P. O. Hinckley Center. Among the pioneers of Hinckley is Erastus Waite. He is a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Franklin Co. Feb. 17, 1797. His parents were Benjamin and Polly (Moft.) Waite. He was a native of Massachu- j setts, and his wife of Long Island. Erastus passed his earl}' life working upon his father's farm. Upon the death of his father, which oc- , curred in 1830. he determined to come to Ohio. He arrived in Hinckley Township in 1S31, and bought 76 acres of land where he has since lived. He was joined, the next year after his arrival, by a brother, two sisters and his mother. His brother located in Hinckley and died in the township. His mother lived to be nearly 90 before her decease. His sisters are married and living in the township. Mr. Waite was married, April 12, 1S21, to Miss Polly Burroughs, a native of Massachusetts. She died Jan. 21, 1851. The children are as follows : George A., now living in Cleveland ; Mary A. Woodley, living in Iowa ; Emma I. Parish, widow, living in Cleveland ; Seth A., living in Granger Township ; Benjamin F., a resident of Cleveland ; Charles H., died in Cleveland aged | 36 years; Charlotte V., widow" of Johnson Wright, now living in Iowa ; Nettie E. Backus, widow, living in Cleveland ; Sarah M.. married to Edwin B. Wright and residing in Hinckley ; Julia A., wife of Albert Hannon, of Cleveland, died in 1870 ; Frederick P., now a resident of Colorado. Mr. Waite w'as married to his second wife. Laura Ferris, widow of T. N. Ferris,

. November, 1852. She died in April, 1878. Mr. Waite has served the towmship as Treasurer for three years, and as Supervisor two terms. He is a member of the Congregational Church, of which he is Deacon.

J. M. WAIT, farmer ; P. 0. Hinckley ; w-as born in Massachusetts Sept. 4, 1817. He is a son of Enos and Martha (Allis) Wait, who were also natives of Massachusetts, and who located in Hinckley Township in 1832, wdiere they resided until their deaths ; his fathers occurred March 2, 1869, and his mother's Dec. 18, 1878.

'Four of their sons nowr reside in Hinckley Towoiship, and are extensive farmers and prominent citizens, namely, John, George, Elisha and the subject of this sketch. He has been a resident of the township ever since his coming with his parents from Massachusetts. Upon attaining his majority, his father gave him 50 acres of land, located upon the western township line, where he now resides ; he has at the present time 100 acres of line improved land, lie was married Feb. 17, 1841, to Miss Olive Miller; she is a native of New York, and was born in Monroe Co. Sept. 9, 1825. Her parents were Lyman and Celia (Wheeler) Miller, pioneers of Hinckley. Mr. and Mrs. Wait have six children, as follows : Mary, the widow of Elroy Williams ; she now resides in Brunswick ; Wesley, married to Miss Clarissa Collier, and a resident of Brunswick Towmskip ; Emory and Aver}-, living with parents ; Owen, married to Miss Ida Peebles, they are living in Hinckley Township ; and Sanford, living at home. Mr. Wait is an industrious and prosperous farmer, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen. He has been an active worker in the school interests of his district, and has served as Director a number of terms.

R. M. WEBBER, farmer ; P. 0. Hinckley ; j was born in Hampden Co., Mass., June 9, 1S26. He is a son of Richard and Lovina - (Bradway) Webber. They were natives of Massachusetts and early residents of Medina Co.; they located in Hinckley Township in 1839, and made it their home until their deaths, i His father w"as a Wesleyan Methodist, and preached a great many funeral sermons ; lie was a circuit preacher for one year ; he afterward united with the Protestant Methodist Church. His death occurred in 1854 ; his mother died Oct. 8, 1877. Our subject's early life was passed upon his father's farm. He was united in marriage Nov. 5, 1848, to Miss Mary Hogue, daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Bevarstock) Hogue, w'ho were natives of England, and who settled in Weymouth in 1837 ; they- soon afterward removed to Hinckley Township. He died in March, 1861. In 1863, Merrill bought his father's old farm, and worked it for several years. In 1870, he purchased the farm where he now' resides ; he has now, in several tracts, nearly 500 acres of land, all of which he has obtained by his own efforts. His family consists of fourteen children - Charles M., living in Medina Township ; Maria J. Hoddinott, living in Michigan ; Francis C., living in Hinckley Township; Joseph R., living on ; the old homestead ; Caroline L. Van Deusen. living in Michigan ; Minnie L. Fluent, living in Granger Township ; Ella J., Lucy A., John A., Elizabeth I., Harriet A., Sarah I., Addie T., Frederick J.. deceased. Mr. Webber lias been an active worker in the educational affairs of the township, and is an esteemed member of the community in which he resides.