Sharon Township

Sharon Township

a leak when on the eastern coast of South America, and was there abandoned by the crew. He returned home, and, watching for another sea-faring voyage, his wishes were again gratified, by going on board of a vessel as a common hand. By degrees he rose from the station of a common hand to that of commander, and next, to being part owner of the vessel. For many years he sailed, to the West Indies and other ports, where commerce seemed to invite ; yet he never crossed the Atlantic. Upon his return from sea, after having been absent some months, he learned that his kind companion had died on the 7th of April, 1825, leaving a family of nine children, the eldest onlv nineteen years old. All desire to leave his young family ceased, and duty and* affection prompted him to extend to them that aid which none but a parent can bestow. Therefore he remained a widower, and in company with his young family spent many years of pleasure.

In May, 1833, he removed to Sharon township, while it was still a wilderness, and settled down. Having long since lost all anxiety to travel, in search of some easy way to gain a livelihood, he willingly and profitably devoted his time and energies in opening up and improving a farm, and, by careful and proper culture, gaining a full share of the comforts of life. Having, in former years, tasted the advantages resulting from a thorough, practical education, he strenuously urged the formation and elevation of common schools, and schools of a higher order ; fully convinced that they were the nurseries of Republican institutions, intelligence, morality and religion.

Contrary to the faith in which he had been reared, and the earnest remonstrances of many friends, he was a strong advocate of Jefferson's political views, and a irra supporter of his administration. Often would he repeal the saying of Jeffferson - "thai one class of men are not born vvitli saddles on their backs, and another rtass booted and spurred, by (lie grace of God, to ride them."

Jackson \s policy and administration were fully endorsed by him. He was often heard to say that "the iron will and determination of purpose that Jackson exhibited, wore traits of character calculated to challenge the highest admiration. ,:

In middle life he had joined the Congregational Church, and had been a consistent member until 1840, when, becoming convinced of the fullness of the grace of God, as revealed in the bible, he united with the first Universalist Society in Sharon, continuing his membership with that body until his decease.

Although a sea faring man, and commander for many years, his most intimate friends never heard him use profane or obscene language ; or, when relating an anecdote, in which he often practiced, no words were used that could offend the moral or the religious taste. Moving in the society and in the times that he did, the use of spirituous liquor was generally practiced ; yet he was at all times, and under all circumstances so fully master of his appetite that alcohol, not himself, was the servant. When among the young he always advocated total abstinence, and urged them to practioe it ; yet he was frank to acknowledge that, owing to his training for many years, the jacket was rather straight for him to always wear. Outliving most of his children, he died at the residence of his son, on the third day of May, 1860. In death, as in life, he was calm, hopeful. patient, and resigned.

N'Abrative By G. A. B.Oot

For a number of years previous to its settlement, the township of Sharon, or "Hart & -Mather's," as it was then called, was noted as a common hunting-ground for the settlers of* surrounding townships. As there were no settlements in this township for a considerable time after those in townships adjoining, all kinds of wild game were here found in abundance, and furnished an inducement for the visits of numerous hunting parties.

This state of things continued uninterrupted until the arrival, in 1816, of Mr. David Point, who settled on the farm now owned by Jacob Rudesill, in the north-east corner of the township. The township at that time was called, after its proprietors. Hart & Mathers, a firm, the members of which lived in Saybrook, Connecticut. Mr. Point is a native of Orange county, New York, and was born in 1786. In 1814 his father moved to Bath, in Summit county, where Mr. Point married a daughter of John Dunbar, and removed to Sharon, as above stated. He yet resides near tr e scene of his early labors in the settlement of the township, having reared to manhood and womanhood a family of nine children, besides losing five others. During the first year of his stay in the township, Mr. Point, besides building his house, cleared six acres of land, and sowed the "girdlings" with grain.

The first marriage that took place in the township, was that of Joseph Willey to Melinda McFarlin, in 1829. They afterward moved to Porter county, Indiana, where Willey died, in 1856.

The first white male child born in Sharon was Stephen Green, in 1819. He now lives in Bath. The first white female child was a daughter to Mr. and Mr?.

The first death that occurred among the whites in <he township was in the family of Point. An infant child, five months old, was attacked by the whooping cough, and died at the end of four weeks. This occurred in 1822, before the township could boast of a physician- There was one in Wadsworth, however, and for him Mr. Point went, but for some reason the Doctor was so engaged otherwise that he could not attend. As there were no grave-yards located, at that time, in Sharon, the body was taken to Granger for interment. No funeral sermon was preached on this occasion ; a few neighbors gathered - for there were but few - at the house, where a prayer was offered and hymn sung, before starting for the grave.

The educational interests of the township were early attended to. A school meeting was called and held at the house of Mr. Point. Those who attended were David Poinx, Abram Yalland, Lyman Green and Charles McFarlin. It was then agreed to build a school-house on the site cow occupied by '-Link's Tavern." There was an objection to this, however, which was, that several years before, an Indian squaw had been buried on the identical spot, where the schoolhouse would stand, and ';spooks,? were as plenty those days as at present. But this objecfc:on did not prevail, and the school-house was built. According to tradition, this house w7as somewhat better than those commonly built in those times, it having an upper floor, (made of split logs.) and much care being devoted in its construction to make it comfortable ; and on the whole it would compare favorably with many of more modern construction. All things being now ready, the first school in the township of Sharon com- nienced under the charge el Mr. David Holme*. TLc following list of scholars answered to the calling of the roll during that term of school, commencing in the full of the year 1822: William, Polly, Rhoda and SaHy Valland ; John, Orville. Esther, Moses, Reuben, Marina, Almina and Wilson McFarlin ; Jane, Betsey and Marilla Point ; Lyman, Orpha, Dexter and Asenath Green. Myron, Chester and Tracy Hills.

Of the students above named all but three are now living. Mr. Holmes was married, while living in Sharon, to Miss Codding ; and, in 1840, moved to Michigan, where he died.

The Methodist Church in Sharon was organized in April, 1832. There were twelve members present at tho time. James Wilson was appointed Pastor in Gharge. The names of members were, Valentine Waltman, class leader ; Achsah Waltman and daughter, Charles Mc- Farlin, Irena McFarlin, Almira McFarlin, George Lowering, Susan Lowerman, Polly Lowempn, Rabecca Smith, Harriet Skinner and Martha Moore. During the following summer their number was increased to thirty members ; and their ministry by Rev. Lorenzo Livens, who was placed upon the circuit. In 1842 this denomination became strong enough to build a house of worship at the Center of the township.

From 1822, to 1821), nothing of much importance transpired except the arrival of new settlers, from time to time, and among whom, in .1828, came Mr. Peter A. Moore, who has been, since that time, and up to the time of his death, which took place at Omaha City, New York, in November, 1850, one of Sharon's most influential citizens. In 1829, the township was surveyed by Mr. Moore and George W. White, of Trumbull county, and the name changed from " Hart and Mathers,"' to that of Gash. 'Phis was done at the suggestion of Mr. Moore, in honor of his native State in Scotland This name, however, was retained by the township for only three motnhs, when it was again altered for the one it now bears.

The organization of the township took place in April, 1831. About seventy-five votes were cast, the result of which was the election of Peter A. Moore, Samuel Hayden and Charles McFarlin. Trustees ; Jacob Rudesill, Clerk ; Colonel Luther Fitch, Treasurer ; Jonathan Smith, Justice of the Teace ; Mark Smith, Constable. Of these, but one (Mr. Rudesill) is now living in the township.

Sunday, June 3, 1833, an event occurred which caused much excitement in Sharon, and at the same time, set the terrible consequence of intemperance in plain view of its inhabitants.

John Bleaks, a resident of the township, was in the habit of getting drunk occasionally. It was customary tor him to goto Granger-burgh for liquor. One evening he was seen returning from there, far along in the stages of intoxication. Four days having passed without his returning home, and his family growing concerned as to his whereabouts, search was instituted by the neighbors. For several days the woods were rambled through in vain, till, on Sunday, ten days after he was last seen alive, his body was discovered, with his jug of liquor beside it. From the position of the body it was thought that he was stooping over to drink from a little creek, when he lost his balance and fell, his face in the water, from which position, through drunkenness, he was unable to extricate himself. A coroner's jury was summoned and verdict returned as above. The body was buried on the land now owned by Erastus Bissell. Before the grave was filled up, Cyrus Taylor threw the jug of liquor in, which was buried with the body.

While the jury were convened over the buuy of Bleats, an accident occurred which came near proviiag fatal. A large tree, near by, was blown down, the to}' of which struck the head of William High and fractured his skull in a serious manner. Tie recovered, however, eventually. He was seven years old at the time of the accident.

It was during the year 1833, that "Win. Woodward, John Woodward, Joseph Daykin, Joseph Brunskcll, .John Bell, James Pratt and others, together with their families, came from England and settled in what is now known as the English Settlement, two miles northeast of the center of the township. Most of them yet reside in Sharon and are among the wealthiest and most substantial of its citizens. Their farms arc models of neatness and order, and are stocked with the best of cattle, horses, etc.

In 1835, a charter was granted by the Legislature, to erect the Sharon Academy, which was consummated. Mr. John McGregor was the first teacher, under whose supervision the institution made commendable progress, and from then to the present, the Sharon Academy has continued to be a good educational nursery.

Personal Property

If to the foregoing be added the amount that yearly accrues from the products of oats, potatoes, clover- seed, grass-seeds, orchards and gardens, it may safely be "as serted that the annual wealth of Sharon township cannot be less than 8158,000; a strong evidence that perseverance and economy have been strictly observed by those who toiled in the field and in the work-shop.

The original proprietor of the township was Samuel Parkrnan, of Vermont, who resided in the county of Geauga, Ohio, about thirty-four years since,

William Bishop kept the first school in a log cabin on the farm of John P. Marsh. Elizabeth Bissett, Phincas Davis, Phillip Bezard and John Space, composed his school. Seven of those scholars are, in 1861, residents in the township.

Rev. H. 0. Sheldon started the first Methodist Class, in 1827, with Ruth Bezard, Z. Harrington, Elizabeth Space, John Space and Phiebe Goodwin, members.

The township was organized in 1832, when twentyone votes were ca^t. Abel Wood, Phillip Bezard and John Park, were elected trustees; Henry Wood, Clerk; and Ira Cole, Treasurer. Samuel Sooy was the first Justice after the organization.

The township of Spencer formerly constituted a part of Lorain county, to which it remained attached until 1839. The first record that is found on the Duplicate of Medina county is in 1840.

The advance made in clearing off the forest and in the erection of neat dwellings indicate, that at least some parts of its territory must have been tamed from its original wildness prior to 1820. The first rudely constructed cabins are rapidly disappearing. The stumps of the sturdy trees of the forest are rotted, the advances made in agricultural improvements, and the herds that graze upon the tamed pasturage, tell that Spencer township must have existed more than thirty years.

Forty years since, it must have composed a part of a large plat of wilderness where the hunter delighted to roam, and where the wild game sheltered themselves. There are doubtless many incidents and many privations that the first settlers knew and endured that must remain unwritten, because the actors have, years since, ceased to live, and no man of historical inclination has penned them.

In respect to fertility, timber, water and other natural advantages, Spencer can appear favorably with other townships in the county. The zigzag course of the river, sluggishly flowing through a wide but fertile portion of the township, and, in season of heavy rains, inundating a large area of low land, may, to the hasty observer, create unfavorable impressions as to the probability of its ever becoming valuable; but in the course of twenty years hence, when internal improvements become the watch-word of the people, the channel of that same river may be straightened and widened, and the objection to its overflowing the lands cease to exist. It is not vain to prophecy such a result, and when that improvement is made, the price per acre of land will rise rapidly.

Sharon

Church edifices are erected that speak well for the taste, and generosity of the citizens. Mechanics of different orders have opened shops, and make and manufacture articles in demand. "Spencer Mills" had, and continue to have commendable notoriety. The farmers have given evidence of their design to become skilled in their avocation, by the arrangements they make as to their fields, grains, grasses, implements of husbandry, and every other article that is calculated to give fertility to soil, or add to productiveness.'

There was a year in past history when the township could only count a few settlers, few cattle, few facilities, and few necessaries. That year of trial is now gone, and its scenes only remembered by a few. The present generation are enjoying a prosperity that was gathered at the expense of much toil and many obstacles. A generous, hard laboring grand-parent hands over, without a murmur, what he gained, to his grand-children, with the wish that thej will use it frugally and with gratitude.

If to the foregoing be added the wealth that accrues from the products of oats, potatoes, grass, clover-seed, grass-seed, orchards and gardens, the yearly products of Spencer township may, with safety, be reported at one hundred and fifty-three thousand dollars.

How striking the contrast between the valuation given in 1832 and that given in 1861 1 Let the same perseverance and economy be practiced for a second twenty -nine years, as was in the past, and the annual productions of the township will count three hundred thousand dollars.

The first settlement in Wadsworth was on the 17th of March, 1816, hy Daniel Dean and Oliver Durham. Benjamin Dean, son of Daniel Dean, arrived on the 1st of March, and assisted in cutting the first tree for the purpose of making improvements R. F. Warner and his brother, Daniel, both came in the same year. Dean and Durham were originally from Vermont. They stopped awhile in Canfield, Mahoning county. Here they became acquainted with Elijah Wadsworth, the proprietor of tract One, of whom they purchased, and were to have any lots they might choose. Mr. Dean, on crossing the east line of the township, and stopping on the first lot, immediately made his selection, saying, I will take this lot. The township had previously been divided into nine tracts, among the different proprietors. Numbers two, three, four and seven, were small tracts. Number five, the north-east quarter, was called tbe Tappan tract; number six, the Smith tract; number one, the Wadsworth tract ; and number eight, the Ely tract. Number nine was owned by several proprietors.

In 1815 Salmon Warner and Henry C. Wright, Christian and John Everhard, Christopher and William Baron, and their families, arrived in the township. Tn

1816 there was quite an increase of inhabitants - Jacob Miller, Samuel M. Elayden, Frederick Brawn, Joseph Loomis, Jacob and Adam Smith, Benjamin Simeox, William Ally, Daniel Ware and Samuel Blocker, with their families ; and Sherman Loomis, Steward and William C. Richards and George Razor, single men ; in 1817, George Lyman, with his family, Lemuel North, Gordon Hillard and Timothy Hudson, single; - these all settled in the east part of the township. In 1S1-S, Augustus Mills and family, Philo French, Heman and Amos Hanchet, Ira and Ephraim Moody, came in. Within the next six years the whole of the township, except the south-west quarter, was taken up and settled on. The number of inhabitants had increased to about nine hundred.

The first school was taught by Harriet Warner, in 1816. It was kept in one end of her father's log house, which, as was customary in those days, was built double. Among the scholars were Moses, Eben and Polly Dean ; Orpha, Amos and Horatio Warner ; Betsey and Hiram Hayden ; Rhoda and Roman Agard ; Sylvia Pease : George and David Miller ; Lydia Blocker ; Lucia, John and Edward Brown ; and Levlra Durham. The first school-house was built in the fall of 1816. The first school in that house was taught by Marcus Brown, (now Dr. Brown, of Circleville, Ohio.)

The first child born in the township was Alonzo Durham. Mrs. Dean and Mrs. Durham came on the 17th of March, 1814. From that time Mrs. Dean saw no woman but Mrs. Durham until the next August, and Mrs. Durham saw no woman but Mrs. Dean till October following. In the meantime, in July, Alonzo Durham was born. He resides in Indiana. The first person born, who resides here, is Eli Baron, son of Christopher Baron, born June, 1817. The first person

The first persons married were George Baron and Margarett Smith, February 25th, 1814. The services were performed by Salmon Warner, Esq., one of the first Justices. The first religious meeting was at the house of Oliver Durham, in July, 1814. The services were conducted by Daniel Dean and Salmon Warner. The first sermon was preached in 1815, by the Rev. O. G. Gillmore, of the Methodis't connection. The first church organized was the Methodist, in 1815. The members were Salmon Warner and wife, Oliver Durham and wife, Harriet Warner, Mrs. Kirkham and Mrs. Wright, in all seven. All are now dead but two.

The Congregational church was organized August 8th, 1819. The members were Frederick Brown and wife, Augustus Mills and wife, George Lyman and wife, Benjamin Agard, Sherman Loomis and Jacob Lindley, in all nine. Only two are still living, George Lyman and wife. Rev. Joseph Treat officiated at the organization.

The Baptist church was organized in 1821. Members, Elder Obediah Newcomb and wife, William Eylea and wife, Richard Clark and wife, Samuel Green and wife, and Mrs. Batison.

The first board of trustees consisted of Frederick Brown, Samuel M.. Hayden and Jacob Miller. Justices of peace, Salmon Warner and Joseph Loomis. Constable, Reuben T. Warner. About forty voters. This was while the township was connected with Norton, and then called Wolf Creek township. At the first election after the township was detached from Wolf Creek, and organized by itself and called Wadsworth, held on the 6th day of April, 1818, were duly elected, Joseph Loomis and Salmon Warner, Justices of the Peace ; Frederick Brown, Jacob Miller and Daniel Dean, Trustees ; Samuel Blocker and Joseph Loomis, Overseers of the poor ; Samuel M. Hayden, Lister ; Lysander Hard, Treasurer ; George Lyman and Win. C. Richards, Constables ; Sherman Loon is, Clerk ; John Wilson and Jacob Miller, Fence Viewers.

George Lyman was constable two years in sucr-ession, and performed nearly or quite all the* business of constable. His fees amounted to one dollar; and that for advertising and selling a stray horse.

The first law-suit in the township was between John Reed and Henry Falkner, before Esq. Warner. Falkner had bought a cake of tallow of Reed, and found, on examination, that it contained a piece of green beech wood, weighing about three pounds, upon which he refused to pay. Justice Warner decided that Reed should pay the cost and lose the tallow.

The first installed minister of the Congregation;)! Church, was Rev. Amasa Jerome, in the fall of 1827. The Revs. Simeon Woodruff, Lathrop and Robins, officiated. The services were performed in Mr. Benj. Agard's frame barn, it being the most suitable place in the township.

While Dr. Smith was in practice, he had a patient, a young man, very sick with a fever. He was a single man and boarded at the house of Moody Weeks. Among the Dr's. prescriptions for the sick man, was a very large quantity of white coated pills, and these constituted the sum of the medicine. The unusual quantity the sick man was required to take, excited the curiosity of Mrs. Weeks to know what they were. On examination she found they consisted of unground bhaek pepper rolled in flour. After' Dr. Smith moved to the west, part of the township, he was in the habit of sending his boy to A. & J. Pardee's store for whiskey. The following is an exact copy of twenty or more orders, all exactly alike.

Timothy Hudson built the first frame barn, in 1819. Benjamin Agard built the first frame house, in 1824. Joseph Loomis, Sherman Loomis, Abel Beach and George Beach built the first saw mill, in 1824. They had every thing ready to start their mill except a very little fixing, and left it on Saturday evening, in the month of January. During the night it rained considerably, and that with the melting of the snow, caused a freshet ; os that the next morning the dam, mill and all, had gone down stream. They rebuilt again the next your. Allen and John Pardee built the first grist mill, in 1820. Benjamin Agard cleared the first land free from all the timber, in the spring of 1818. The universal method had been to clear off the small timber and girdle the large trees, and leave them standing. In April, 1817, there was not a tree cut on. .the center road, between the center of "Wadsworth and Harrisville, and no settlement in Sharon, which was then a part of Wolf Creek township, but afterwards called Hart & Mather.

In the spring of 1821, the daughter of Abel Beach, aged twenty-six years, was lost. She left her father's house in the dusk of evening, April 17th. There was a squall of snow following a thunder shower, a little before she was found to be missing. There was a large chopping around the house, with the brush unburned.

This chopping and all the vicinity were searched through the night in vain. To call was of no use, as she was a deaf mute. Tn the morning her tracks in the snow were discovered leading in a straight line, in a south-west direction, but as the snow melted early in the morning, all trace of the poor girl was lost. At once, and for two or three days, the search became general, east west, north and south, but all in vain. The girl was never found, nor any sign or vestage or scrap of clothing, or remains whatever.

In 1814, flour was very scarce. Aaron Norton and another man had been south and obtained some flour for the army at Cleveland. They boated up the Tuscarawas to New Portage, then passed over by teams to Cuyahoga Portage. Application was made to Mr. Norton for some of the flour, by Mr. Dean ; but Norton would not break a barrel or sell one for less than seventeen dollars. Mr. Dean had to go to Talmadge and procure a little, and in harvest go and work to pay for it. In 1814, flour was seventeen dollars per barrel, wheat three dollars per bushel, and salt twenty dollars per barrel, in Cleveland.

In early times we had some "mighty hunters" in Wadsworth. Among the most prominent were Orrin Loomis, Phineas Butler, David Blocker, Timothy Dascomb and William Simeox. Bears, deer, turkeys and coons were then plenty. Loomis and Butler killed the most bears and coons, and Blocker the most deer. Simeox was not far behind - he actually killed nine deer and one bear in a day.

Loomis had a dog that was famous for treeing bears and when once fairly treed, they might as well surrender and come down as to wait for Loomis to shoot, as he hardly ever failed of securing his prey. Judge Brown told me that in 1816*. the settlers were in fi great measure dependant on Loomis and his dog for meat through the summer. One thing the Judge remarked was a little peculiar - the old dog was altogether the most successful on the Sabbath ; yet owing to the scarcity of provisions they did not deem it best to prosecute the dog.

There were likewise plenty of rattle-snakes. Geo. Lyman killed eight in one day ; seven of them he found in a small hollow log, the eighth was by himself, and a very large one indeed.

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; 7,001 words in this source stream.

Sharon Township

P. P. AMERMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Sharon Center ; was born in Somerset Co.. N. J.. Nov. 28, 1816. He is a sou of Albert and Ellen (Peterson) Amerman. They were the parents of three children - P. P., John and Ellen. The subject of our sketch lived with his parents in .New Jersey until the age of 9 years. His parents then moved to Long Island ; they remained there eight years ; they then came to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio. Daring this time, Mr. Amerman spent his time at school and on the farm. At the age of 22. he returned to New Jersey and taught school eighteen months. In that time, he was. united in marriage with Man* Cherry, daughter of Isaac Cherry. To them were bom four children - Sarah E., born Nov. I 16, 1844, dead ; Maria E., born Jan. 1, 1848; 1 Ida L.. born Feb. 20, 1851, and Perry Ellsworth, born Oct. 11, 1S63. At the time of Mr. and Mrs. Amerman's marriage, the}* came to Sharon Township, Medina Co.. Ohio, and located in the southern part. Here they erected their cabin, in which they spent their honeymoon. Their furniture consisted of six home made chairs, two bedsteads, which were covered with basswood bark, used as a substitute for cord, and a large cupboard, all of which wrere Home made. But, notwithstanding this, they lived as happily as people of the present day do in elegant mansions. Mr. Amerman has always lived a quiet, peaceable life, never having trouble with his fellow- men in any way. He now resides in the southern part of Sharon, on the old homestead of his parents. He is a Republican in politics, and one of the prominent citizens of his township.

PETER BRANIGAN (deceased) ; was a native of Ireland, and was born in 1817. He went to Scotland when a young man. and Jan. 1. 1S44, was married to Margaret Digney. and by her had five children - Margaret, born Jan. 14. 1S45, died Sept. 4. 1854: Tom. born Feb. 24, 1847, and is now living with his mother in Sharon Township ; Peter, born Feb. 23. 1849. died March 6, 1853 ; John, born Dec. 18, 1850 ; Ellen, born March 10, 1852, died March 11, 1856. Mrs. Branigan is a native of Scotland, and was i born Aug. 16. 1826. They came to the United ! States in 1S50, and afterward to Sharon Township. Medina Co., Ohio. Mr. Branigan departed this life Sept. S, 1854. He was an honest, upright man, and his death was mourned by a large i circle of friends and acquaintances. Mrs. Branigan was married again, her second husband being William H. Varney, and to this union was born one son - Perry 0.. born Nov. 9. I860. Mr. Varney died at Ft. Scott, Kan.. April 9. 1862. from wounds received in the army. John Bran- j igan, a son by the first marriage, married Ida Wise, Dec. 8, 1S78. Tom, his brother, at the age of 14, entered the army, and his comrades j all say there was no braver soldier in that bit- | ter struggle than Tom Branigan.

| In 1833, he together with his parents, John and Mary (Coates) Bell, came to the United States, and on their arrival, started for the in- j ' terior, and the same year, located in Sharon ! Township. Medina Co., Ohio. He is one of the 1 ! following family : John, Elizabeth, James C., :

; Ann, Sarah. Hannah. Metcalf. Mary, and two j that died in infancy, unnamed. Mr. Bell passed his youth with his parents, on the farm and at- : j tending school. In 185S, Mr. Bell and Miss Ellen J. Connell were united in marriage, and to them were born four children - DeForest,

| born Jan. 15, 1859 ; John, born April 1, 1860 ; i Warren, born April 9. 1862. and Nettie, born July 7, 1S74. DeForest married Miss Rena Tot man, and lives in Sharon Township. Mr. Bell is a Democrat in politics, and a man of considerable intluence in the township. He has held the position of Justice of the Peace for the past twelve years. He is a member of the Universalist Societv in Sharon Township.

DANIEL G. BRIGGS, farmer; P. 0. Sharon Center. Among the many enterprising and influential citizens of Sharon Township, is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of Ontario Co., N. Y., and was born Oct. 13, 1818. He is a son of Thomas B. and Abigail (Gregg) Briggs, who were parents of the following family - Louisa, Almeda, Daniel. Silas, George G., Ben- jamin B., Maria A.. John G. and Joseph W. Our subject lived with his parents in Ontario Co., X. Y., until he was 15 years of age. assisting on the farm. The only schooling. he received, was during the winter, when he attended the district school. In 1833, he made a trip to Illinois, where he remained a short time, when he came back East, and finally settled in Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, where he has ever since resided. In 1839, he was united in marriage with Miss Rhoda Pratt, and to this union was born one son - Thomas G., born April 2, 1841. This son, and his wife, Mary C. (Crane) Briggs, live with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs commenced married life with scarcely anything, but, by hard labor and frugality, have accumulated a fine farm, consisting of 207 acres. This farm is situated one and a half miles directly north of the center of Sharon Township, and is one of the best improved farms in the township.

ERASTUS S. BISSELL, deceased ; another of Sharon's best citizens that has passed away, is the subject of this sketch ; he was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., April 18, 1812, and was a son of Xathaniel and Anna (Smith) Bissell. Mr. Bissell spent his youth with his parents until the age of 21, he then taught school three years. In the year of 1836, he was married to Mar}* A. More, born Dec. 11, 1818, a daughter of Lawrence More ; to this union were born five children, as follows: Julia A., born Xov. 2, 1850; Willis M., born April 12. 1853; George L., born Jan. 25, 1856 (dead); Claude L., born March 30, 1857 (dead); Irene L.. born Xov. 29, 1862. In the year 1836, Mr. Bissell came to Sharon Township, Medina Co., and located in the northeastern part, where he resided until his death, which occurred Jan. 20, 1875. Mr. Bissell was a most highly respected citizen ; he was honest in his dealings, and always attentive to business matters. Mrs. Mary A. Bissell died Dec. 15, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Bissell were -Christian, church-going people ; they each died a Christian death, and left a large circle of friends to mourn their loss.

S. W. BEECH (deceased), Sharon ; was born in Canaan, Essex Co., Vt., Aug. 17, 1811. He -was a son of Samuel and Mary (Bailey) Beech, who were parents of eleven children, as follows: Phoebe, Mary, Martha, Samuel, Israel, Isaac, Abigail, Thomas, Xathaniel, Elias and Sargeant W. The father of these children died in 1813.

Our subject continued to reside with his widowed mother until 1822, when he went to live with his sister Phoebe in Maine. He remained with his sister, going to school, until 15 years of . age. and then returned to live with his mother. In 1834. he emigrated to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, locating on a farm about one mile west of the Center, where he resided up to the time of his death. In October, 1842, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Shaw, daughter of Dr. Ichabod Shaw, and by her had | the following famil}7 : Edgar L., born Oct. 1, 1843, and died in infancy ; the second, also . Edgar L., was born Sept. 1, 1S45, died Aug. 1, 1864, in the Saratoga hospital, from diseases contracted while in his country's service ; the youngest child, Arthur, was born April 10, 1847, died in infancy. The mother died Aug. 17, 1847. Mr. Beech's second marriage was solemnized in September, 1S48, his wife being Mary L. Shaw, a sister of his former wife. To this union were born five children - Arthur J. P., born July 6, 1849, died in infancy ; Arthur W., born June 26,1851; John P., born Oct. 29, 1853 ; Harry M., born May 27, 1856, and Walter E.,born Aug. 16, 1857. 5lr. Beech's chosen occupation was that of farming and stock-raising, and this he followed through life. In 1853, he commenced suffering from a cancer in the left cheek, but, being a man of strong will-power, refused to give up work until 1878. By degrees the cancer spread from his cheek to his nose and left eye, completely destroying the eye and the left side of his face. It then spread to his neck and shoulder, and, after untold sufferings, God came to relieve the sufferer. His death occurred July 22. 1880. Through all his illness, Mr. Beech bore his lot uncomplainingly, and, up to the day of his death, always waited on himself. His unspoken sufferings drew the family ties of love more closely about him, and, when death relieved him, he was mourned by a large circle of friends. Mr. Beech was one of Sharon's best and most respected citizens. He was a great reader, and, losing the power of speech and sense of hearing about a year before his death, it was a source of much comfort to him.

JOHN BEXXETT, Sharon Center; was born in Somersetshire, Eng., Jan. 25, 1820 ; lie is a son of John and Mary (Miller) Bennett, who were parents of the following family : Ann. Edwin, John, Eliza, Edmund and Harriet.

Biographical Sketches

Mr. Bennett lived with his parents until he was ! 13 years of age, and then worked hard for ! neighbors until he reached his majority. In 1841, he invested his hard-earned savings in a passage to America. On his arrival he immediately engaged in farming in Onondaga Co., N. Y., where he remained over two years ; he then emigrated to Medina Co.. Ohio, locating in Sharon Township. For some time after his arrival in Sharon. Mr. Bennett worked for the settlers by the month. He then purchased a farm in the English settlement in northwestern Sharon, where he has ever since resided. In 1847, he was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter of John and Buth Woodward, and to this union were born the following family : Lorenzo, born Aug. 28, 1848 ; Maria, born Aug. 11, 1850 ; Edwin, born Jan. 1G, 1S53, and Edline, born Jan. 1G. 1853, and died in infancy. Lorenzo and Edwin are in the mercantile business in Colorado Springs, Colo. Maria is the wife of James Waters, and resides in Dubuque, Iowa. Mr. Bennett is one of the selfreliant men of Sharon Township. He started out in life with nothing but a strong will and willing hands ; he now owns 125 acres of good land, which he and his estimable wife have acquired by hard labor ; he is a Democrat in politics and is an adherent of the principles laid down by the National Democratic party.

M. A. CHANDLER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Sharon Center ; was born in Windsor, Conn., July 24. 1804. He is a son of Isaac Chandler, and his grandfather bore the same name. He is one in a family of seven children, whose names are as follows : Roger, Mary A., Edward, M. A.. Louisa, Agnes L. and Isaac. Mr. Chandler lived with his parents, assisting them until he arrived at the age of 17. He then went to Great Falls, N. II., and commenced work in the great woolen-factory at that place, lie had remained in the employ of the owners of the factory but one year, when, by his diligent and faithful services, he was advanced to the honorable position of foreman. After remaining at the factor}' some time, his health failed, and he came to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, purchasing a farm in Lot G, where he now resides. In 1837. Mr. Chandler and Miss Elmira Moore were united in wedlock, and to this union were born eight children h - Lucy E., Julia E.. John M.. Edgar L. (dead).

The first experience in farming Mr. Chandler ever had was when lie first came to Sharon Township. By industry he has prospered sufficiently to be the owner of 112 acres of land, clear of all encumbrances. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and a Republican in ' politics. He has always lived a quiet, unpretentious life, and is regarded by his neighbors ! as an honest and upright citizen.

GUY C. CHATFIELD, retired farmer ; P. 0. Sharon Center ; was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., July 23, 1S05. His father, William C. Chatfield. was by trade a carpenter and joiner, and he was a native of Litchfield Co.. Conn. In 1796, Mr. Chatfield, the father, emigrated to Cayuga Co., N. Y.. and, in 1798, married Miss Hope Goodrich. This estimable lady died in 1799, and, in 1800, Mr. Chatfield married Susanna Coy. and has had by her the following family : Hopapa. John M.. Guy C., L. C.. Olive,

Mary, Fillmore, William C.. Laura and D. M. The mother of these died in February, 1842. It is needless here to dwell on the life of the father, suffice to say that his life was filled with trials and hardships which he finally overcame, and, in his later years, derived much comfort and pleasure from his labor of years before. ' In May, 1834. he, together with his family, came from New York to Sharon Township. Medina Co., Ohio, via Erie Canal. Buffalo, Cleveland and overland, until they reached their destination. Mr. Chatfield first settled on the farm now owned by our subject. In November, 1831, Guy C. Chatfield married Abigail M. Barber, a daughter of Solomon and Cynthia Barber, and to this union were born seven children - Coy B., born March 19. 1834: Mahlon. March 27, 1837; Ellen B.. Nov. 16. 1840: Elmer, Aug. 2G, 1843 ; Orson K., Jan. 1G. 1847 ; and two that died in infancy. Mr. Chatfield's father died Feb. 6, 1842. Mr. Chatfield was one of Sharon's earliest settlers, and he was often selected by his friends and neighbors to hold the different township offices. Mr. Chat- . field, since his arrival in Medina Co., has never enjoyed the best of health. He has always been a farmer, and is at present the owner of 1 14 acres of excellent farming and grazing land. Politically speaking, Mr. Chatfield is a Republican. firmly adhering to the principles laid down by the National Republican party. Religiously, he is a Spiritualist, believing that the spirits of departed friends can communicate with living beings. In conclusion, we can say of Mr. Chatfield that there is not a man more respected or one that enjoys the confidence of the people more than does this gentleman. Since his 29th year, he has always lived more or less in the township of Sharon, seeing the young children growing to be men and women, and the old ones passing away ; he has lived until he now in the eve of his life, can fold his hands and look back on his past life, as one filled with selfdenial and usefulness.

JACOB FULMER, farmer : P. 0. Sharon Center ; was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., Dec. 6. 1S14. He is a son of Daniel and Catharine (Stiver) Fulmer, who were parents of nine children - -William, John. Daniel, Catharine, Samuel, Jacob. Jeremiah. George and Anna. Our subject passed his early years on his father's farm, and, at the age of 15. started in the ashery business for himself. In 1838, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of John Lamb, and by her has had two children - Minerva, born Mav 23, 1839 : and William H., May 29, 1841, died Jan. 3, 1844. The mother departed this life June 18, 1856. Mr. Fulmer's second marriage was solemnized in October, 1856, the bride being Matilda High, daughter of Abraham and Hettie High, who was born Aug. 8, 1831. To Mr. Fulmer's second marriage, there were born the following family : Ida, born Oct. 8, 1857 ; Allen, July

2, 1859, and died in infancy ; Norman, June 25, I860 ; Kent, Feb. 27, 1863 ; Jennie, Sept. 22, 1865'; and Abbey, March 30, 1868. In 1865, Mr. Fulmer came to Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, and engaged in the asheiy business at the Center. He worked at that for some time, and then located on a farm east of Sharon Center, where he has since resided. In politics, Mr. Fulmer is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

C. E. FRENCH, farmer ; P. 0. Medina ; is one of the following family, born to Timothy and Mary (Towle) French - Cyrus E. Eliza J., Josiah W., Abigail T., Mary J. (died in infancy), Mary, Timothy (died in infancy), Timothy B., Joseph F, and another that died in infancy. Cyrus E. was born in Loudon. N. II., April 1, 1811, where he remained until he was 24 years of age. In 1835, Mr. French emigrated Westward, making his home in Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, where he has since resided. In November of the same year, he married Sarah J., daughter of E. and C. Stebbins. and to this union were born the following family : James II.. born Jan. 31, 1838 ; Mary J., born Jan. 7. 1S39 ; Philomela E. and Timothy B.. born Oct. 29, 1S46, died May 4, 1874 ; Timothy wTas an intelligent and industrious young man. and gave promise of being at the head of his profession - law - but death claimed him while pursuing his studies. Mr. French had been married but about four years when his house took fire, in the family's absence, and his total possessions were thus destroyed. as his grain was all stored in the house. He luckily had loaned eleven bushels of wheat to a neighbor, and. with this, re-commenced the start he had made. It was at this time in his life that Mr. French realized what it was to . have good neighbors, and he undoubtedly would have had a severe time of it had not his neighbors been free to loan him implements, and assist him in various ways. Since that time, Mr. French makes it a point never to refuse the loan of anything if it will assist a friend or neighbor, knowing, as he does, that it was by this means that he was enabled to recover what he had lost by fire. Mr. and Mrs. French are honest and upright people, and are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

SETH GOODWIN, deceased. He was a son of Nathaniel and Lovira (Low) Goodwin, and was born April 11.1812. In 1817, Nathaniel Goodwdn and family moved to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and, after one year's residence there, moved to Granger Township. Medina Co.. Ohio. Seth remained with his parents, assisting them on the farm until he was 20 years of age. and then began ' for himself in life. In December, 1834. he married Pamelia Wolcott, daughter of Joseph and Lucy Wolcott, who were among the earliest settlers in Granger. To this union were born four children - Marcia M..born Sept. 17,1835; Russell W.. born April 19. 1839; Laura ()., born June 20, 1843, and Clarinda L.. born Oct. 18, 1849. At the time of Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin's marriage, the}' moved to Sharon Township, where they have ever since resided, excepting the years of 1844 and 1845, when they lived in Granger. After suffering fourteen months of paralysis, Mr. Goodwin died Nov. 24, 1878. Mrs. Goodwin still survives him. She is one in a family of seven children and whose average age is eighty years.

JOSHUA HARTMAN, farmer; PO. Sharon Center. Among the few early pioneers of Sharon Township still living is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Pennsylvania Jan. 9, 1S13, and is a son of Peter and Catharine (Zollnar) Hartman. Mr. Hartman spent his youth with his parents, not being allowed the privilege of attending school but six months during his youth; at the age of 15, he commenced working at the mason's trade ; this he followed six years. At the age of 20, Joshua Hartman, with his parents, came to Medina Co., Ohio, locating in Wadsworth Township. One year from this time, he was married to Julia Wall, daughter of Christian Wall. To them was born one child, Eli, born Oct. 31, 1834. Mrs. Julia Hartman departed this life May 1, 1835. Mr. Hartman was again married, in 1837, to Catharine Meyer, daughter of Simon Meyer. To this marriage were born seven children, as follows : Paul, born July 3, 1838 ; born Nov. 4, 1854 ; Clara B., born Sept. 26, 1857 ; William K., born Feb. 27, 1860 ; Viola L., born Oct. 26, 1862; Nora E., born May 8, 1866; Ida, born Sept. 19. 1370, and Jennie L., born Nov. 19, 1871. Mr. Hartman is a successful farmer and stock-raiser, and owns 133 acres of well-improved land. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an influential man in society. He is highly respected by the citizens of Sharon Township.

HIRAM HAYDEN, farmer; P. O. Sharon Center ; was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, Aug. 9, 1815. His parents were Samuel M. and Asenath (Sprague) Hayden, who were parents of the following family: Julia, Lucinda, Belsey, Louis, Mary, Hiram and Harriet. In 1817. this family moved to Medina Co., Ohio, locating in Wadsworth Township, where they remained, farming until 1S31 . In that year they removed to Sharon Township, same county, and settled on the farm now owned by 51. A. Chandler.

The first settlement in Sharon Township was 1 made in 1830, and, at the time of Mr. Hayden's arrival, it was an almost unbroken wilderness, their nearest neighbor being about three miles : distant. It was here they erected a log cabin, and commenced life in the wilderness. April 20. 1837. Hiram Hayden and Emeline Briggs i were united in matrimony, and to this union : were born three children - George, born April i 5, 1840 ; Henry S., born April 29, 1842 and Daniel H., born Oct. 6, 1845. George is the ! present County Clerk of Medina County, his j biography appearing in another part of this I work. Henry enlisted in Company* I, 42d O. V. I., under Gen. James A. Garfield. ! He valiantly served in his country's defense, | and was mortally wounded at the battle of Chickasaw Bayou. He was conveyed to the ! hospital at Young's Point, and, on the 25th of January, 1863, all that was mortal of Henry S. j Hayden passed away, and he died bravely the ; death of a soldier. Daniel married Genevra J. . Hagermau, and he died Sept. 13, 1880. His widow yet survives him. her home being in Sharon .Township. Mrs. Hayden, beloved wife of Hiram Hayden, departed this life March 10, 1S79. By honest}' and hard labor, Mr. Hayden has, by his own exertions, bought and paid for 344 acres of land. He is a radical Republican in politics, and a member of the Universalist Society in Sharon Township. He is ; an active, energetic man, and, in his time, has j done much to advance the education and mor- ! als of the township.

WILLI AM HOPKINS, Sharon Center. This gentleman is one of the oldest pioneers of his neighborhood, now living ; is a native of Luzerne Co., Penn., and was born Feb. 19, 1814. His parents, Isaac and Susanna (Harrison) Hopkins, had born to them this family : Lucy, lari us, Sally, William, Stephen, Clarrissa, Isaac R. and Maria. At the age of 15, he left his father's home in Bath Township, Summit Co., and went to Richfield to learn the carpenter's trade. After six years' labor at that place, he returned to Bath Township, and at that time married Mary L. Goodwin. At a very early period in the history of Sharon Township, they emigrated to and settled in the eastern part. They first erected a rude log cabin and lived in that until their circumstances improved. Mr. Hopkins was one of the pioneers of Sharon Township, and takes much pleasure in relating the hardships and incidents of the pioneers life. To his marriage with Miss Goodwin, there were born one son and one daughter - H. H., born Dec. 1, 1836, and Louisa, born Oct. 10, 1841. These children are both married ; the former to Betsey A. Kennedy, and the latter to J. C. Hatch. Mr. Hopkins started in life without an}' capital, but by hard work and economy has gained him a nice farm of 117 acres of excellent land. He is, in the fullest sense of the word, a self-made man ; is a Republican in politics and a member of the Lutheran Church.

REUEL W. MILLS (deceased); was a native of Litchfield Co., Conn., and was born June 5, 1805. His parents, Ebenezer and Lucretia (Hinman) Mills, were parents of live children - Corel II., Fenel W., Flora E., Ebenezer R. and Iieuel W. When but a small child, Mr. Mills' father died, and he went to live with a Mr. Dyer. In 1821, he, together with Mr. Dyer, j moved to Trumbull Co., Ohio. In about 1826, Mr. Mills went to Onondaga Co., N. Y., and engaged there in the hatting business with an uncle. Aug. 2, 1829, he wTas united in marriage with Mira Beswick, who died June 19,

1849. To this union were born four children - Leroy, born Feb. 22, 1850 ; Sally M., born April 9, 1852, died Feb. 12, 1863 ; Cyrus N., born Oct. 28, 1855, and Lucretia, born July 20, 1858. During the fall of 1835, Mr. Mills came to Western Star, Medina Co., Ohio, and engaged with his brother Ebenezer in the wTagon-making trade ; in April 1840, moved to the southeastern part of Sharon, wrhere he lived until his death, which occurred in 1849. In religion, Mr. and Mrs. Mills were of the Universalist faith.

JOHN S. MERTON, farmer; P. 0. Sharon Center ; was born in Bloomsburg, Columbia Co., Penn., Nov. 21, 1813. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Smith) Merton, who were the parents of the following children - Andrewr II., Belinda, Mary, Oliver P., Jacob, Catharine and Margaret A. Mr. Merton remained on the farm with his parents until the age of IS, receiving a commonschool education during that time. At the age of 18, he left the farm and went to learn the tanning and currier's trade, which he followed five years, then w'ent to Summit Co., Ohio, and during the year of 1840, Mr. Merton was married to Susannah May, a daughter of John May, | To this union were born the following children - Gertrude A., Walter S., T. C., Charles B., Henry G., Irene M., Clara A., Edward M., Ar- i thur M. and Florence R. In the year 1872, j Mr. Merton came to Sharon Township, Medina j Co., where he has since resided. lie is a highly ! respected citizen. In politics, he is a Republican. He owns a farm of 122 acres of wellimproved land, and is an industrious farmer.

WILLIAM McCOY, farmer ; vTas born Jan. 19, 1836, in Wadsworth Township, Medina Co., Ohio, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Freeborn) McCoy, and grandson of Samuel McCoy, w'ho was a native of the " Emerald Isle.'' across the Atlantic. William remained with his parents until he reached his majority, and then went to Illinois. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, 2d O. Y. C., and, after one year's * service, was discharged on account of poor ! health. In August, 1863, his health had so improved that he again enlisted in the service of his country, but this time in the infantry. In 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss M. E. Nixon, daughter of Charles and Catharine Nixon, and to this union were born the follow- I ing family : Minnie D., born May 3. 1866 ; , Okie E., born July 12, 1867 ; Henry A., born j Aug. 25, 1870; and Zara and Zada, twins, born j Dec. 19, 1871 . After his return from the army, j Mr. McCoy located in southwestern Sharon, j w'here he has remained farming up to the present. Mr. McCoy is a Republican in politics, j and is an intelligent and enterprising citizen.

PETER A. MORE, deceased ; was born in 1 Scotland July 9, 1797, and was a son of Lawrence and May (Beid) More, who emigrated to the United States, landing at Philadelphia in 1801. Soon after their arrival, this family moved to Pittsburgh. At the age of 17. Peter came still further westward, locating in Copley Township, Summit Co. After remaining here four years, he returned to Pittsburgh and the j following nine years was employed in a paper manufactory at that place. In 1827, Mr. More removed to his old home in Summit , Co., Ohio, and in 1829 moved to Sharon Town- i ship, Medina Co., Ohio. He was among Sharon's ; very earliest settlers, and was, perhaps, the first land-owner in the township. Mr. More was very intimately connected with the early history of Sharon Township, and more of him will be said elsewhere in this volume. In 1821. he was united in marriage with Martha W. Boggs, \ and this union was blessed with a family of 1 thirteen, as follows: Andrew B.. Eleanor Thomas W., A. P., Henry H.. Martha J., May i B., Cornelia A., Lawrence W., John F., Cor- ( nelia, Eliza T. and Augusta. Mr. More was a j gentleman whose private and public life was ; above reproach, and his sterling qualities made j him many warm and sincere friends ; his death occurred Nov. 11, 1859 ; he and wife were members of the Methodist Church.

ELI SHANK, farmer ; P. 0. Sharon Center ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn.. Jan. 3, 1S23. He is a son of Christian and Nancy (Raudfung) Shank, who were parents of the following family : John, Jacob, Christian, Reuben. Elizabeth, Eli, Barbara and Sebastian. When Eli was but 8 years of age, his father died, leaving a widow and eight children in almost destitute circumstances. When old enough to do anything, the children would work out and contribute their earnings for the general family i use. When 9 years old, Eli made his advent in the world. He worked at different kinds of | emplo3'ment, and, up to his 26th year, assisted j his mother in the care of the family. In Jan- j uary, 1850, he married Harriet Mellich, and by her had one son - Augustus W., born Sept. 2, 1853. This son married Matilda Hartman, and to them was born one child - Jessie, Nov. 4, 1876. At the time of our subject's marriage, ; in 1850, his cash capital amounted to only $2, ; but since that time he has, by hard labor and economy, acquired valuable property. They j came to Sharon Township first in 1832, but , have moved away since, and also returned, j Mr. Shank and family are plain, honest and upright people, and deserving the respect of their large circle of friends and acquaintances.

JEHIEL SQUIRE, retired farmer ; P. 0. Sharon ; was born in Roxbury, Litchfield Co., j Conn., May 1, 1793 ; his parents, Benjamin and Patience (Ward) Squire, were of that class of New Englanders that were very strict in their religious belief, and highly honored people ; they were the parents of five children - Solomon R., Miram, Abigail, Jehiel and Abraham. Jehiel , Squire was married to Miss Ida Amerman. daughter of Albert Amerman, April 28. 1819. ; After a wedded life of many \'ears, this lady died, | the date of her death being Aug. 31, 1871, | Mr. Squire remarried Jan. 7, 1873. his second ; wife being Harriet M. Allen, daughter of Will- i iam and Harriet Heacox. Mr. Squire passed his youth and early manhood on the farm, receiving but a limited education. In 1S16, his health began failing, and he discontinued farming, and commenced teaching district school in New Jersey ; he continued this busi- , ness some four years. In 1S20, he went west to the then new State of Ohio, locating in i Columbiana Co. After seven years' residence ! there, he removed to Wadsworth Township, Medina Co. During the spring of 1832, 51 r. ! Squire moved into Sharon Township, same county, and commenced farming. His health failing, he was compelled to relinquish active life, and accordingly moved to Akron, Summit Co., where he remained until 1860, and then went to Wadsworth. He again moved to Akron in 1863, and remained there until 1867, and then moved to his old home in Sharon Township, Medina Co., where he has remained ever j since. Mr. Squire is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Universalist Society ; he is an old and honored citizen, and is among the few men that follow the Golden Rule.

S. S. TOTMAN, farmer ; P. O. Sharon Center. He is a son of Ira and Nancy (Gregg) Totman, and grandson of Samuel and Naomea (McCartney) Totman, who are parents of the following family of children: Ira, Delos, Jonathan, Melinda, Caroline and Adaline. Ira and Nancy Totman are parents of three children, as follows : Maiy and Martha, born July 18, 183S, and S. S. Totman, born in Ontario Co., N. Y.. 1845. S. S. Totman was married in the year 1867, to Lucy Crane, daughter of Barnabas Crane. To this union were born four children, of whom only one is living : Ira C., born April 1, 1878. Mr. Totman is an able farmer, owning 115 acres of well-improved land, situated two miles north of Sharon Center. He is a noted athlete, being a Captain of the Sharon Base Ball Club during the past eleven vears.

ADAM TURNER, farmer; P. O. Sharon Center ; was born in Canfield, Mahoning Co., Ohio, Nov. 16, 1810. He is a son of John and Dorothy (Waldrof) Turner, and grandson of Adam Turner. Our subject is one of a family of ten children - Elizabeth, Adam, Loviua. James, Lucinda, Peggy, Clark. John, Alvin and Almira. When but 4 years of age, Adam, together with his parents, moved to Copley, Summit Co., Ohio, and for nine years followed farming. They then returned to Canfield, where 1 they remained four years, and, in the fall of 1S29, moved to Sharon Township. Medina Co., i Ohio, locating in a wilderness full of wild beasts | and game. Mr. Turner Sr., was quite a hunter ; at the beginning of his residence in Sharon, and was often known to go out, and. in one day, kill three bears. The following story is related of him : One evening he was watching for a bear, and, seeing what he supposed to be the bear in the distance, fired, and the beast fell dead before the unerring rifle of the hunter. On examination, it proved to be a neighbor's steer that had strayed away from its owners. Mr. Turner is said to be the first land-holder in Sharon Township, and this place is situated in Lot 6, in the north part of the township, on the center road. In 1S32, Adam married Aurelia E. Crosby, who was born April 12, 1812, and by her has the following family : Henry X., born March ! 29. 1834; Betsey E., born Nov. 6, 183(3, died ; July 14, 1845 ; Milton W., born May 17, 1S46, died April 12, 18(35, from disease contracted in the army, and Dwight M., born Dec. 29, 1847. Mr. Turner remembers vividly the scenes of his youth, and one incident he remembers is here worthy of mention. At an early date, his father gave for a barrel of salt a good twoyear-old colt, which, in comparison with the price of a barrel of salt now. is quite noticeable. Mr. and Mrs. Turner are devoted members of ' the Congregational Church, and Mr. Turner is - a Republican in politics.

CHRISTIAN WALL, farmer ; P. 0. Sharon ! Center ; is a native of the township in which he ! now resides, and was born Feb. 24. 1834. He is one in a family of ten children born to Charles and Sophia (Fredrick) Wall, and their names respectively are Jonas. John, Christian, Saloma, Thomas, Reason. Charles, dead ; William, dead ; Margaret, dead, and Franklin. These children, with the exception of the eldest, were all born in Sharon Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wall were among the township's earliest settlers. They settled in the southeastern part in 1831, and in 1835. located on the farm they now occupy. Mr. Wall figured quite prominently in the early history of Sharon, and it was he that located and cut the road through the woods from the Montville liue to Sharon Center. An item of interest in Mr. Wall's history is. that lie owned the first wagon in his neighborhood, and for this he gave seven good three-year-old steers and $35 cash. At that early day this wagon was considered a great luxury, and was only ; used on Sundays, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Wall are i members of the Lutheran Church. Christian ! Wall remained with his parents on the farm until he was 20 years of age. Sept. 30, 1855, he was united in marriage with Ann M., daughter of Jacob and Mary (Koonkle) Giger, and to this union was born one child - Jennie L.. born March 20, 1805. From the time of Mr. Wall's j marriage, until 1S67, he lived in different localities, and at that date he settled in Sharon Township on a farm one mile east of the Center, where he has ever since resided. Mr. Wall owns 107 acres of good land, and his vocation in life is that of farming and stock-raising. He and family are members of the Lutheran Church, and for the past nine years he has held I the position of Deacon in the same. Mr. Wall takes quite an interest in church matters, and is one of the many excellent citizens of Sharon Township.

BENJAMIN J. WILLET (deceased); was a native of New Jerse}*, and was born Jan. 10, 1800. His parents, George and Rebecca Willet, were the parents of eight children. When but an infant, our subject, together with his par- ! ents, moved to Columbiana Co., Ohio, where they remained until the death of the father, j which occurred in 1828. In the same year, ' Benjamin J. was united in marriage with Mary J. Rudisill, and to this union were born a large family of children, as follows : Rebecca B., born April 6, 1829, died June 28, 1864 ; Harriet, j born Nov. 16, 1831, died February 1835 ; George, born April 20, 1834 ; Roswell W., born Aug. 27, 1830, died Aug. 30, 187S ; Alonzo D., born Jan. 7. 1839 ; Parthenia J.. born June 24. 1841, died Feb. 22, 1872 ; Benjamin F., born Dec. 4, 1843 ; William W., born Oct. 25, 1840. and Harriet M.. born April 20, 1849. In 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Willet came to Sharon Township, where they have ever since resided. Mr. Willet was a farmer and a hard-working and enterprising citizen. He settled on a farm that was all woods, and by his own labors, cleared and improved it. On the 29th of June, 1S75, after a short illness, Mr. Willet's death occurred from heart disease. He was a man that had many friends, and the news of his sudden death filled not only the hearts of his relatives with sorrow, but those of a large concourse of friends that followed his remains to their last resting-place in the city of the dead. Mr. and Mrs. Willet j were consistent and devoted members of the Disciples' Church in Granger. Their two sons, George and Alonzo, served three years each in our late civil war, and deserve much credit and praise for their brave and meritorious conduct in the time of trouble.

T. C. WOODWARD, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Sharon Center ; is a native of Sharon Township, Medina Co., Ohio, and was born Oct. 16, 1S10. He is a son of John and Ruth (Waters) Woodward, who were parents of the following family : Nanc}*, Mary, William. Dinah, Elizabeth, John, Thomas, James, dead ; Edward, and Victory E., dead. Thomas C. lived

with his parents, assisting them on the farm ; until he was 25 years of age. In 1865, he was | united in marriage with Joanna, daughter of Richard Amerman, and by her had three chilj dren - Elnoadell, born Nov. 16, 1866 ; Verna, j born Feb. 1, 1875, died Aug. 21, 1S76, and Lena, j born Feb. 21, 1877. At the time of his marj riage, Mr. Woodward settled on the old Woodi ward homestead, in the northeastern part of I Sharon Township, and has made that his home i up to the present. In politics, he is a Republican, and is regarded as a genial, intelligent gentleman.