Suffield Township (part 11 of 14)

DEACON ADAM POE (deceased) was a son of the famous Indian tighter, Andrew Poe, and a cousin of the poet Edgar Allan Poe. He was born in Beaver County, Penn., April 4, 1791; came to this county in 1819, and purchased 200 acres of land two miles west of Ravenna. He returned to Pennsylvania, where he married Miss Eliza Laughlin, in 1825, and again came to this county in 1828. Here he resided until his death, which occurred January 5, 1859. He was a professor of religion when thirteen years of age; joined the Congregational Church in 1829, and was a Deacon from 1831 till the day of his death.

JOHN PORTER, Clerk of Courts, Ravenna, was born in Dublin, Ireland, March 1, 1849, and was brought to this country by his parents when an infant. At the age of eleven years he was adopted by the Children's Aid Society of New York City, and with others sent to this county, where he found a home in the family of James H. Porter, of Freedom Township, with whom he remained about three years, when he began the struggle of life for himself, securing employment mostly on farms. In 1865 he visited the oil regions of Pennsylvania and of Trumbull County, Ohio, returning to Portage County in 1867. He made his home with William Hine, of Shalersville, and attended college at Hiram and Mt. Union. In 1870 he engaged in teaching, subsequently accepting a position as Principal of the school at Uniontown, Stark County. In 1872 he began the study of law in the office of Hart & Reed, in Ravenna, and in 1874 was admitted to the bar, but accepted a position as traveling salesman until 1878, when he opened a law-office at Mantua Station. In the fall of 1881 he was elected Clerk of the Courts, and this position he has very acceptably tilled. Mr. Porter was married January 1, 1877, to Miss Anna E. Hine, of Shalersville, this county, by whom he has one daughter - Hester E.

ship, this county, in 1824, where they resided until their death. Of their family but two are now living: Judge R. P., of Cleveland, Ohio, and Mrs. Mary Marc}', of Geauga County, Ohio. Our subject was a close student and in boyhood was often engaged until late at nights studying by the light of a hickory-wood tire. He attended school one year in Ravenna, and studied the profession of law in the offices of Judge Ranney and Ben Wade, of Ashtabula, Ohio. He married, February 26, 1836, Miss Eliza E. Remington. She was a native of Tolland, Mass., and in 1835 came to Freedom Township, this county, at sixteen years of age, with her parents, Josiah and Sallie Remington. To this union were born six children: Mrs. Mary Ann Hotchkiss (deceased), Joseph N. (deceased), Lewis R. (deceased - he was a soldier of the One Hundred and Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the close of the war), Mrs. Sarah C. McDonald (in Cleveland, Ohio), Flora Adelaide and Rufus H. (deceased). Mr. Ranney was admitted to the bar in 1839, and in 1840 located in Ravenna in the practice of his chosen prof ession. Mr. Ranney died February 22, 1866. He was a lawyer of rare ability, and a citizen of wide influence. He was for many yeai's President of the First National Bank of Ravenna. His memory will long be revered by his surviving associates and the citizens of Portage County. Mrs. Ranney afterward married, November 25, 1874, D. C. Day, and they now reside at the family homestead.

C. A. REED, Probate Judge, Ravenna, comes of Connecticut stock, a grandson of Abraham Reed, who settled in this county in 1804 and died in 1859. Horace, eldest son of Abraham Reed and father of our subject, was born in Rootstown in 1805, and at this writing is residing on the homestead where he was born. He married Lois E. Baldwin, daughter of John Baldwin, who came from Massachusetts and settled in Charlestown, this county, in 1811, and by her were born seven children, all now living: Melissa E., wife of E. E. Chapman, of Rootstown; Aryanett E., wife of A. Baldwin, of Akron, Ohio; John-H. , of Columbus, Neb.; Edward A., Poplar Creek, Tenn. ; Cornelius A.; Horace L., of Mansfield, Ohio, and Julia A. Our subject was born in Rootstown, this county, July 3, 1838. He worked on the farm and attended school until his twentieth year, when he entered the Normal School at Lebanon. In 1861 he began the study of law under Col. B. Burns and Judge Dickey at Mansfield, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in July, 1863. In September, 1863, he formed a partnership with A. Hart in the practice of the profession at Ravenna. This lasted about twelve years, after which Mr. Reed continued the practice alone until he was elected to his present position in 1881. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1869, occupying the office four years. Our subject was married February 1, 1865, to Miss PhebeF. , daughter of Capt. Albert Ray, of Nantucket, Mass. Two children were born to this union, both now living: Lorena B. and Julia May. The family is connected with the Congregational Church, and Judge Reed is at present Superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He is a Knight Templar.

JAMES REYNOLDS, Road-master of the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Railroad, P. O. Ravenna, was born May 12, 1822, in County Antrim. Ireland, and is a son of William and Bridget Reynolds. He early adopted the life of a railroad man and was engaged on the Carlisle & Lancaster Road, England, the Edinburgh & Berwick, the Hawick & Edinburgh and the Kircaldie & Dundee Roads, in Scotland, and the Londonderry & Strabane Road, Ireland. Coming to America October 16, 1849, he was engaged on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Road ten months, and on the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Road from 1850 to 1861. He then served tsvelve years on the Atlantic & Great Westei-n, and after being ten months on the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati

& St. Louis Road, he accepted the position which he now holds. He has been a very successful railroad manager, having held important positions. In 1883 he was presented with a handsome gold watch and chain by the officers and employes of the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Road, as a mark of esteem. Mr. Reynolds married Miss Almira O'Brien, of Stowe, Summit Co. , Ohio, in 1853. She died in 1854, leaving one daughter - Almira (now deceased). Our subject then married, in 1860, Miss Susan Clark, a native of Canada, who bore him five sons: James, Jr. (an engineer on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Road), R. Emmett and William J. (twins), Francis D. and Henry. In 1870 Mr. Reynolds purchased and located on his present farm of 115 acres near Ravenna. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church. He assisted liberally in building the church in Ravenna. He is a F. & A. M., 32°.

WILLIAM RICHARDSON, Supervisor of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad. P. O. Ravenna, was born in 1830 in Dalkeith on the River Esk, Scotland, where his parents, John and Jeanette Richardson, have since resided. Our subject received his education in his mother countrj' and there married Miss Agnes Downie. They left Glasgow for America June 1, 1851, and after living one year in Pomeroy, Ohio, they located at Ravenna, this county, where they have ever since resided. Their children are John, Alexander, William, James, Jeanette and George. On July 1, 1852, Mr. Richardson began working for the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad Company, with whom he has been employed ever since. He has held his present position since 1870. He discharges his duties faithfully and enjoys the entire confidence of the company with which he is employed. In 1876 Mr. Richardson purchased a farm of sixty-two and one-half acres of well -improved land two miles north of Ravenna, to which he and his family moved in 1877. The subject of this sketch is a man of large and powerful physique. He is a citizen of upright character, highly respected by the entire community.

GEORGE ROBINSON (deceased), late civil engineer, banker and capitalist, was born November 21, 1801, in Washington County, Penn., of Scotch- Irish descent. When eighteen years of age he lost his father, so he commenced obtaining an education, at the same time supporting himself by his own work. He learned the carpenter's trade, but met with an accident which confined him to his bed two years with a broken leg. During this time he perfected himself in the study of mathematics. He then devoted several years to teaching school and preparing for his chosen profession, that of civil engineer. In 1830 he became Assistant Engineer on the Ohio Canal, and at its completion, in 1835, he engaged on the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal, locating permanently at Ravenna, being soon made Chief Engineer. He retained that position until his retirement from the canal in 1845. He was Chief Engineer of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad, and its first Superintendent. In 1856 he engaged on the Cleveland & Mahoning Railroad, remaining its Chief Engineer and Superintendent until 1865. In 1854 he became the head of the banking house of Robinson, King & Co., and in 1864 the first President of the Second National Bank of Ravenna, from which position he retired in 1878, remaining a Director until his death. He also established, in 1868, in company with D. C. Coolman, the Diamond Glass Works, in which he remained until his retirement from business in 1879. His death occurred July 12,1882. He was a man of firmness, integrity and perseverance, and made a success of everything he undertook. Mr. Robinson married, July 26, 1831, Miss Maria Louisa Johnson, at Lancaster, Ohio. She was born in Mifflin, Penn., in 1810, and came to Ohio at ten years of age with her parents. To this union were born the following children: Capt. A. K. Robinson, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Wildes, Miss Frances H. Robinson, Lieut. W. Henry Robinson (deceased), Mrs. Emily H. Riddle, Capt. George F. Robinson and Mrs. M. Adelaide Hermann. The sons were all in the Union Army during the war of the Rebellion, and Henry was the first soldier from Ravenna to lose his life in his country's cause.

RECELLUS ROOT, farmer, P. O. Ravenna, was born May 25, 1816, in Denmark, Lewis Co., N. Y., where his parents, Alpheus and Electa (Bardwell) Root, resided until their death. Our subject came to Ohio in 1837, and after spending a few months in Cuyahoga County, finally located in this county in the autumn of that year. Here he married, January 1, 1845, Miss Adeline Howard, born in Sistersville, Tyler Co.. Va. (now AY est Virginia), September 12, 1821, and brought to this place when a year and a half old by her parents, Salmon and Ruth (Taylor) Howard, and here Mr. Howard cleared and developed a farm, where the parents resided until their death. Mr. Root bought of Mr. Howard the homestead place, and has here I'esided since 1847. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Root are Mrs. Eliza H. King; Edwin R., attorney at law. New Y''ork City; Mrs Ollie J. Phelps; John H., agent of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, Medina, Ohio; Arthur W., in the office of the Cleveland, Colitmbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, Cleveland, Ohio; Fred and J. Wesley. Mr. Root is an ardent Republican. He and his family adhere to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ALBERT G. RUSSELL, carpenter and joiner, Ravenna, was born in 1822, in Nantucket, Mass., son of Capt. Reuben and Maria (Gardner) Russell, natives of Nantucket, and who came to Rootstown, this county, in 1847. They are descendants of the renowned Tristam Coffin, the heroic pioneer of Nantucket. They purchased a farm in Rootstown Township, this county, where they resided until 1873, when they located in Ravenna. Capt. Russell, who had been a Captain of whaling vessels since about 1817, died July 2, 1875, aged seventy-five years. His widow survives him at the advanced age of eighty - four, and is still in full possession of her faculties. Our subject learned his trade at Nantucket, and came to this county with his parents at twenty five years of age. He married, October 2, 1853, Yliss Caroline Russell, also a native of Nantucket, who came to Ravenna in September, 1839, with her parents, Capt. George G. and Louisa W. (Wyer) Russell, who resided in Ravenna until their death. She died in 1863, and he in 1865. To Mr. and Mrs. Russell have been born two children: Maria Louis (deceased at nine years of age) and Fred A., an architect, now residing in Boston, Mass. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Russell have resided in Ravenna. In 1853 he established a sash, door and blind factoiy, in partnership with his brother Reuben and Timothy Chase, retaining his connection with the establishment until 1853, since which time he has followed his trade. Mrs. Russell is a consistent member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Russell is a life-long Republican, and takes a deep interest in public affairs; one of the most active and earnest workers on the Board of Health in this city.

HENRY SAPP (deceased) was born August 2, 1768, in the State of Maryland, and married Miss Matilda Boosinger, of Oldtown, Va., October 7, 1796. He came to Ravenna Township, this county, in 1802, and, after making preparations for a home, returned and brought his family out in 1803. The property of 100 acres which he settled near Ravenna Village, he bought of Benjamin Tappan for $150. Their children who are now living are Henry; Mrs. Hannah Hall; Conrad; Jacob, in Y^andalia, 111.; Asa and Daniel F. They were among the early members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place. Mr. Sapp died September 18, 1856. Mrs. Sapp died in April, 1876, at the advanced age of one hundred and one years. On the occasion of her one hundreth birthday there was a gathering of her descendants at the homestead. At that time the entire number of descendants was ninety-eight, of whom seventy-five were living.

CONRAD SAPP, retired, Ravenna, was born December 1, 1812, in Ravenna Township, this county, son of Henry and Matilda (Boosinger) Sapp, former a native of Maryland, latter of an adjoining county in Virginia. Henry Sapp came in the fall of 1802, to this county, made preparations to locate his family, and brought them out in 1803, settling near the center of Ravenna Township, adjoining the city. Of their eleven children, six are now living: Henry, Mrs. Hannah Hall, Conrad, Jacob (in Mt. Vernon, 111.), Asa and Daniel. The father died in 1856, far advanced in years. He was a fine specimen of the pioneer, being large, muscular and active, a man of temperate habits and sterling integrity. The mother was a woman of wonderful energy and endurance. At the age of ninety, she spun flax enough to make forty yards of cloth. Her death occurred April 4, 1876, at the advanced age of one hundred and one years, and one month. Their memory will long be revered by a large circle of descendants, and honored by all who knew them. Our subject, when a boy, helped to set the type for the first copy of the first paper printed in Ravenna. At the age of twenty one he commenced learning tool-making, followed it for ten years, and then entered upon the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he made his principal life-work. He was known as a skillful mechanic, and had erected a large number of the farm buildings and private residences in Ravenna and vicinity. He married, December 8, 1841, Miss Clarissa E. Chapman, She died September 12, 1881, and Mr. Sapp then married, December 5, 1883, Mrs. Maline L. Phelps, daughter of Charles Jones, of Columbiana County, Ohio. This family came from England in 1834, where Mrs. Sapp was born, in 1845. She married on first occasion James Phelps, of this county, and then resided in Ravenna eight years, and in Rootstown until his death in 1879. Their children were Walter N., who died in 1871, aged sixteen ; Mrs. Alexine J. Moulton, of this county, who died in 1877, and Wykes Phelps, now in Rootstown. Mr. and Mrs. Sapp are now living at their residence on the corner of Prospect and Van Buren Streets. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sapp and his sister are the oldest members of the church in Ravenna.

DANIEL F. SAPP, farmer, P. O. Ravenna, was born September 28, 1821, in Ravenna, this county. He was brought up here on his father's faz'm, and attended the schools of the home district, and of Ravenna, and worked at the blacksmith's trade from 1839 to 1842. He married, June 13, 1849, MissLydia Hudson, daughter of Isaac Hudson, and they located on the family homestead, where they have ever since resided. Their children are Hiram, in Nebraska; Charles H. ; Isaac Hudson, and Mrs. Anna M. Rawlings. Mr. Sapp now owns the entire home farm of 103 acres, besides twelve acres which he has added to it. The New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad passes along the northern border of the farm.

GIDEON SEYMOUR, attorney, Ravenna, was born in East Granville, Hampden Co., Mass., February 23, 1836, son of Gideon D. and Corintha (Gibbons) Seymour, natives of Massachusetts, who came to Ohio in 1841 and settled in Rootstown Township, this county, where Gideon D. was a man of influence. Our subject was raised on a farm, receiving his education at the common schools of Rootstown Township, and employing the earlier years of his life in teaching. He studied law in the office of Hart & Reed, served as Justice of the Peace nine years, and for the same period as

Probate Judge, to which he was first elected in 1872. He was Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor (1858) of Fiootstown Township, and made the assessment of real estate for 1870, in that township. On September 15, 1859, he was married in Trumbull County, Ohio, to Lucy J., born in Ellsworth, Ohio, daughter of Frederick A. Parker, now of Newton Falls, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Seymour are the parents of the following children now living: Corintha M. and Fred P. Our subject and wife have been connected with the Congregational Church for years. The family are highly esteemed.

JOHN E. SHARP, agent of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, Ravenna, was born January 25, 1830, in Sharon, Schoharie Co., N. Y., where his parents, John and Elizabeth (Bodine) Sharp, resided until their death. Our subject came to Shalersville, this county, in about 1850, where he completed learning the trade of mason. After remaining there abovit six years, he located in Ravenna. Here he married Miss Lavinna S. Kellogg, November 11, 1856. Her parents, Alanson and Caroline (Bishop) Kellogg, were natives of this county, and very useful in building up the young village of Ravenna. Mrs. Sharp died August 1, 1877, aged thirty-seven years, leaving three sons: Alfred L., in Jewett, Leon Co., Tex., holding the positions of Postmaster, express agent, and agent of the International & Great Northern Railroad; Dwight E., married to Miss Eva G. Jones (he is in the employ of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad at Ravenna); and Harry S. September 26, 1878, Mr. Sharp married Mrs. Mary E. Cope, widow of Homer Cope, and daughter of C. D. Thompson, of this place. They have one son - Charles R. C. D. Thompson, of Vermont, came to Ravenna while a young lad with his father - Jonathan Thompson. He married Mrs. Abi Sweet, a native of Connecticut, widow of Franklin Sweet. Their sons, Denison C. and W. Wallace, died of typhoid fever, former December 25, 1864, latter February 10, 1865. Mrs. Thompson died in 1863. D. C. Thompson, brother of Mrs. John E. Sharp, had one son, named Dennison C, now twenty-one years of age, unusually active in business for one of his age. He went into the hardware business in Garrettsville, Ohio, alone, when but eighteen years of age, and he is now a partner in the Pierce Manufacturing Company, in Warren, Ohio. John E. Sharp has been connected with the service of the New Y'ork, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad at this place since about 1865, and was appointed the agent of the company in 1874, In religious belief he is a Universalist. He is a F. & A. M. In politics a Democrat.

I. T. SIDDALL, Prosecuting Attorney, Ravenna, is a son of Mahlon and Elizabeth (Gould) Siddall, of Puritan and Virginia stock, the former a pioneer of Mahoning and Columbiana Counties, Ohio, and who died while a resident of Atwater Township. Our subject, the youngest of nine children, was born in Atwater, and, left fatherless when an infant, early began the struggle of life. When but twelve years of age he purchased lands, employed a large force of men, and cut and delivered timber to the railroads. He also owned one-half interest in the home farm, in which he succeeded in buying the interest of the other heirs. Receiving a primary education in Atwater TownsMp, he in 1870 entered Mt. Union College, where he graduated in August, 1874, and began the study of law under the direction of W. B. Thomas, of Ravenna. He was' admitted to the bar by the District Court of this county in 1876, and opened an office at Springfield, Ohio, but his mother's illness necessitated his return, and he began the practice of his profession in this town in November, 1877. His mother died January 14, 1878, aged seventy-four years, an estimable lady, beloved by all who knew her. Mr. Siddall was chosen Prosecuting Attornev in 1883, the only Democrat elected to county office in the county since the Republican party came into power. He is Chairman of the Executive Committee; a member of the Masonic fraternity, Blue Lodge and Chapter; also of the Commandery of Akron, Ohio, and of the Consistory of Pittsburgh, Penn. He is now Master of Unity Lodge, No. 12, F. & A. M.

SOLOMON SLAUGHTER, farmer, P. O. Ravenna, was born August 31, 1805, in Kent County, Del. He started West at the age of twenty-three years and finally came to Ravenna December 10, 1828. He worked three years in the hotel for Salmon Carter. He then married Miss Ruth Burdick, August, 1831. Purchasing a small claim, which he has ever since occupied, and relying entirely upon his physical resources, he has acquired 100 acres of wellimproved land through which the Cleveland & Pittsburgh, and New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroads pass. He still owns a flock of sheep, descendants of the first sheep brought to the place, over fifty years ago. Mrs. Slaughter died October, 1841, leaving four children: John B. , of Goshen, Ind. ; Andrew; Lucy; and Betsey (deceased). Mr. Slaughter afterward married his deceased wife's sister - Lucy Burdick, who died three years afterward. He then married Miss Elizabeth Smith, who bore him four children: Mrs. E. B. Caris, of Akron, Ohio; Charles W., of Pullman, 111.; Martha D. (deceased) and Solomon E., of Ravenna. Mr. Slaughter is now living on the homestead, at the advanced age of eighty years. He still retains his faculties, and does his own work. He is the only pioneer now living in his part of the township, and on© of the original Republicans of the county, and was deeply interested in the anti-slavery movements. He has led an active and a very useful life, and is respected by all who know him.

WILLIAM SMITH (deceased), son of Capt. Jonathan Smith, a soldier in the Revolutionary war, was born at Mount Holly, N. J., February 8, 1809, and when nine years of age he came, with his parents, to Youngstown, Ohio, and there married, November 29, 1832, Miss Jane Trotter, by whom he had the following children: Jonathan S. , Mary (Mrs. Day), Alvin T., Isaac W. and Frank, residing in this county; Judson, Chester and Edgar H. in Peabody, Kan. ; Charles M., killed in Kansas in 1877 by a boiler explosion, Zenas K. , died in this city, January 27, 1878, and William, died in infancy. Four of the sons fought in their country's defense during the late war of the Rebellion, making an aggregate of twelve years' service, and all returned home safe. Charles M. served four years in an Illinois regiment; Alvin T. , a member of the Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, also a veteran, served four years and three months, and was mustered out as Sergeant; Zenas K., of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served over three years, and Judson served three years in the One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1843 Mr. Smith and family came to Deerfield Township, this county. Our subject, while in the midst of preparations for voting for Garfield, November 4, 1880, was stricken by the hand of death on the morning of that day. His widow survived him until November 16, 1884. They were a worthy couple, highly respected by all who knew them. Jonathan S. Smith in 1857 located in Ravenna, where he married Miss Lillian L. I'reeman, October 31, 1861. He engaged in the dry goods business with H. L. Day in 1864, and in 1865 formed a partnership with his brother, Zenas K., which lasted until 1871, and Jonathan S. then carried on the business until 1878. He established his present grocery and provision store in 1880, having as partner his only son - Henry F. Alvin T. Smith married, September 12, 1867, Miss Lucy H. Harris, daughter of S. D. Harris, and they have one daughter - Nellie. He established in 1878 a dry goods and carpet store, which he still carries on.

borhood of Canandaigua, N. Y., a miller by trade, came to Ohio in very early times and married Miss Mary Reed at Parkman, Geauga County. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served with distinction to the close of the struggle. One year after their marriage our subject's parents came to Ravenna Township, this county, where the father carried on for several years the mill on Mahoning Creek east of Ravenna, and after about two years' residence in Brimfield Township, this county, they finally located permanently in Ravenna. Moses D. Smith had learned the trade of carpenter while in his native State, which trade he followed here. He was an excellent mechanic, and many buildings now standing testify to his superior skill. He died here in November, 1853. His widow survived him until February, 1867. Of their six children, Robert is the second. Our subject married, May 2, 1855, Miss Elvira B. McMannus, daughter of Philip and Harriet McMannus, who came here from Erie County, Penn., when she was but seven years of age. They were wellknown and highly respected residents of Ravenna, where they died, the mother December 8, 1863, and the father June 24, 1872. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born three children: Frank F., Mrs. Addie E. Swain and Harriet E. Our subject learned his father's trade, that of carpenter, which he has followed about twenty years. He established a lumber yard in the place in 1873, and had as a partner, for about eight months, his brother-inlaw, Edwin Smith, who sold his interest to J. S. Marvin in July, 1874. The firm is now known as R. Smith & Co. They do a general trade in lumber, and manufacture the "Common-sense Wooden Bed Spring." Mr. Smith served seven months in 1865 in the One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He is a Master Mason; a member of the A. L. of H., the R. A. and G. A. R.

P. W. SNYDER, merchant, Ravenna, was born May 22, 1845, in Rootstown, this county, son of Peter and Henrietta (Wagner) Snyder, former a native of Allentown, Penn. They came to Franklin Township, this county, in 1840, and in 1843 located in the southwest part of Rootstown Township, where they resided until his decease, which occurred June 23, 1845. The cause of his death was erysipelas, which was then raging as an epidemic in the county. Mrs. Snyder lived to bring up her family of four boys and four girls, and died in the same township January 6, 1873. She was a lady of fine business capabilities, and of most estimable character. Our subject has taken care of himself almost ever since he was nine years of age, making his home with his sister, Mrs. William P. Collins. At eighteen years of age he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards, April 27, 1864, and was in the service four months, part of which time he was confined in the hospital at Covington, Ky., suffering from a severe attack of typhoid fever. Returning home he spent three years clerking in Rootstown and Randolph, this county, Mr. Snyder married, April 18, 1869, Miss Emma E. Rowe, of Ravenna. They moved to Lyons, Iowa, where Mrs. Snyder died March 1 5, 1870. In the following autumn Mr. Snyder returned and located permanently in Ravenna. Here he clerked two years with N. Converse, and five years with Smith Bros. On April 1, 1878, he entered into partnership with N. Converse, which was continued until 1880, when Mr. Freeman purchased Mr. Converse's interest. The firm is now known as Snyder & Freeman. Mr. Snyder married, October 19, 1873, Miss Orpha A. Brobst, of Brimfield Township, this county. She is a member of the Disciples Church.

WILLIS STRICKLAND, retired farmer, was born June 10, 1801, in Sandisfield, Berkshire Co., Mass., and at the age of fourteen went with his father's family to the township of Otis, Berkshire County, where he lived till he came to Ohio. In 1827 he married Miss Lucy Hawley, and in June, 1839, came to Windham Township, this county, where Mrs. Strickland died in January, 1841, leaving three children: Seth, in Minnesota; Selah, in Wisconsin; and Lucy H., who died at the age of twenty-four. Our subject next married, in June, 1841, Mi's. Caroline Gardner, of New Lebanon, N. Y., and came at once to his home in this county. To this union were born three children: George (a farmer in Ravenna), John (died, aged sixteen), Willis (killed at the age of sixteen, by a kick from a hoi'se in 1875). This wife dying in January, 1866, Mr. Strickland married, November 27, 1866, Mrs. Sarah E. Richards, who had at that time one daughter - Alice - now the wife of Milton R. Furry, of Ravenna. Mr. Strickland moved to Ravenna in April, 1855. Mr. Strickland has been very successful as a farmer and business man, devoting himself principally to live stock. He was active in public afifairs up to 1855, and while in Massachusetts was called to various public offices, including Postmaster and Representative in the Legislature. In July, 1875, he, in company with N. D. Clark, went to Dakota, taking $125,000 in Northern Pacific Railroad bonds owned by themselves and other citizens of Portage County, where they were exchanged for land in Cass County, which has proved to be a good investment for the bond-holders in Windham Township, this county. He was twice elected Justice of the Peace. He is now and has been for the last twenty years a stockholder and one of the Directors in the First National Bank of Ravenna, Ohio. Mrs. Strickland is a member of the Disciples Church.

DR. ISAAC SWIFT (deceased) was born in Cornwall, Litchfield Co., Conn., January 30, 1790, the youngest son and fourth child in a line of five children of Dr. Isaac Swift. His father was a Revolutionary patriot. When the British opeoed the war at Lexington, Dr. Swift, with a company of his neighbors, at once proceeded to Boston and entered the ranks of the patriot army. Dr. Swift was assigned the position of surgeon, in which capacity he served during the war. He died in 1802, when his son, the subject of this biography, was twelve years of age. Mrs. Swift, a most estimable woman, followed her husband to the grave in about six years, her son Isaac then being in his eighteenth year. Young Swift entered upon a course of study, attending medical lectures in New York City, and after completing his studies, was admitted or licensed to practice in New Jersey. In the spring of 1815 he set out westward, with a view to select a desirable point at which to establish himself in the practice of medicine. Mounted upon horseback, with all his worldly effects in a portmanteau attached to the saddle, he commenced his pilgrimage, and after rough riding, reached Cleveland City, as the natives called it, though its population was the mere handful of a hundred or two. After halting here for a short time, the young doctor resumed his journey, and in the month of June, 1815, drew rein upon his steed in the village of Ravenna, having then ridden over 1,000 miles. His horse, in swimming Grand River, at Painesville, took cold, and upon arriving at Ravenna was too sick to proceed farther. This obliged the Doctor to remain in Ravenna, riolens volens; thus the ti'ifling matter of the sickness of a horse located him for life; his search after "a home in the West" ceased, and for over half a century he was a prominent resident of Ravenna. In 1816 Dr. Swift formed a partnership with the late Seth Day, for a term of five years. The firm bought out a store kept by a man named Hazlipp, adding to it a stock of medicines, Day carrying on the store and Swift continuing his practice. In 1817 Mr. Day was appointed Clerk of the Court and Recorder of the county. In 1820 the partnership was dissolved, and the store eventually passed back to Hazlipp, the Doctor retaining the stock of medicines. January 15, 1818, he was married to Eliza Thomp- son, and immediately after marriage the newly married couple commenced housekeeping in a dwelling then standing upon the ground now occupied by the Etna Block. In 1823 the erection of the Swift homestead, on Chestnut Street, was commenced, the building being completed in 1824, since which time it has been the residence of the family. After the dissolution of Day & Swift in 1820, the drug store was continued by the Doctor for a time in the Hazlipp store, and afterward, from 1822 to 1825, in the store of Cyrus Prentiss (that place of business being upon the corner now occupied by the First National Bank), in connection with which his medical practice was retained. In 1824 Dr. Swift was elected Treasurer of the county, and held the office until 1831. In 1825 he built a drug store upon the east corner of his lot on Chestnut Street, and established his business there. In 1828, after a practice of thirteen years, he retired permanently fi-om the practice of medicine, devoting his time exclusively to the Treasurership and drug store. In 1842 the drug store was moved to the brick building on Main Street, known as Swift's Block or building. A brief partnership with the late Curtiss Hatch ensued, aud the drug business was continued vintil 1859, when Dr. Swift disposed of it to his son. Dr. Charles E. Swift, and retired from active business. In 1846 the State Legislature conferred the appointment of Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, of this county, upon Dr. Swaft. He occupied the position with usefulness and dignity for five years, at which time the office was abolished by the adoption of the new State Constitution. Mrs. Swift united with the church in 1826, but her husband was not led to such a step until September 11, 1831, a conviction then coming upon him from attending a protracted meeting held by Rev. Charles B. Storrs, at Hudson. At this time Rev. Alvan Nash was pastor of the Ravenna Church. Dr. Swift took an active interest in the church, and became a leader in its affairs and counsels, and so remained up to the day of his death. For over forty years he was the church Treasurer, and he tilled various positions within the scope of the church organization. Dr. Swift died at his residence on Chestnut Street, Ravenna, on Tuesday evening, July 14, 1874, in the eighty- fifth year of his age.

W. B. THOMAS, attorney, Ravenna, is a son of William D. Thomas, who was born in South Wales, February 18, 1810, and married Miss Ann Davis, of Llandowey, Carmarthenshire, South Wales, June 10, 1832, and April 14, 1836, with his wife and two small children - Sarah and David - left a large number of relatives and emigrated to America. They were forty days on the ocean. Arriving at New York they took passage up the Hudson River, through the Erie Canal to Buffalo, N. Y., thence to Cleveland, Ohio, by boat, and thence, with others who settled in Palmyra, this county, to Ravenna on foot (having a wagon to carry their baggage), arriving at the old Exchange Hotel June 10, 1836, unable to speak a word in English, and $30 in debt. He was a very industrious man. For years he worked for Zenas Kent as a farm laborer in summer, and threshed with the old hickory flail in the winter. He was ever grateful to David Jennings and others who aided him when in need. In April, 1846, he removed to Paris Township, and after some years of constant labor and economy on the part of himself and wife, who is a good financier, became the owner of a large farm and pleasant home, where he lived to the close of his life, April 10, 1881. He was a man of sympathetic nature, conscientious and honest. Mr. and Mrs. William D. Thomas were the parents of sis children: Sarah A., David W., Mary A., John R., William B. and Amelia (the first and last named are deceased). Our subject, W. B., was born in Franklin Township, this county, about three miles west of Ravenna Village, on the Kent farm, May 1, 1845. He was brought up on the farm, and knew what it was to milk ten cows night and morning, and to mow his own swath. He first acquired a common school education, then attended the academy at Newton Falls, Ohio, then taught district and select school, saving from his earnings enough to complete his education. In 1863 he attended Hiram College, this county, at which time political proscription and intolerance was indulged in by the Faculty to such an extent that he and seven others refused to submit and withdrew from the college. This subsequently caused the removal of the President of the college, J. H. Rhodes. Young W. B. then attended college at West Farmington until the fall of 1864, when he entered the law school at Ann Arbor, Mich., where he graduated on March 22, 1866; was admitted to practice in Michigan, intending to remain at Ann Arbor, but was called home by his parents. He was admitted to practice in Ohio September 12, 1866. at Canfield, Ohio. Again he taught school and aided his parents upon the farm until April 23, 1868, when he hung out his shingle as a lawyer in the Empire Building, Ravenna Village, and has ever since occupied the same rooms as his office. He is earnestly devoted to his clients and is in every sense a successful lawyer and an enterprising citizen. On June 22, 1870, at Chardon, Ohio, he was married to Willia Abbie Belden, born in Farmington, Trumbull Co., Ohio, July 22, 1850, and daughter of Dr. C. L. Belden, now of Portage County, Ohio, and by her he has the following children, all living: Winnie B., born in 1874; Ida T., born in 1876, and Charlie B., born in 1881; and of his children our subject is very fond.

RICHARD J. THOMPSON, farmer, P. O. Ravenna, was born January 13, 1809, in Stockbridge, Berkshire Co., Mass. His parents, Isaac and Polly (Campbell) Thompson, came to Ravenna Township, this county, in 1814, driving from Stockbridge, Mass., with a yoke of oxen, one wagon drawn by one horse and another wagon drawn by two horses. They had seven children with them and the journey occupied forty-two days. At that time Isaac Thompson was offered land in Cleveland, Ohio, anywhere east of the square, on Euclid Avenue, for $10 per acre. Their children were Mrs. Eliza Swift, who died in Ravenna, Ohio, in December, 1884, at the advanced age of eighty-five; Harry C, deceased; Charles B., deceased; Rev. Orrin C, in Detroit, Mich., who has been a Congregational minister for over fifty years; Richard J. and his twin brother Robert W., latter deceased; Mrs. MaryH. Sabin, and Mrs. Charlotte Carnahan, deceased. The mother died about 1844, aged seventy; the father followed her in about 1859, aged eighty five years. They were upright pioneer people and won the respect and esteem of all who knew them. Our subject married, November 16, 1834, Miss Adelia Benton, of Guilford, Conn., and to this union were born four daughters: Mrs. Julia B. Hall, of Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Hattie L. Hanna, of the same place; Mrs. Helen C. McLain, deceased, and Mrs. Frances D. Smith, deceased. Mrs. Thompson died January 11, 1883. She was a member of the Congregational Church and a lady of estimable Christian character. Mr. Thompson is one of the original Republicans of Portage County. In early days he took a deep interest in the movement against the cause of slavery. He is one of those devoted men who will be honored by future generations as the sustainers of the famous " Underground Railroad." His present i^esidence, where he has lived over seventy years, was the building in which the first court of Portage County was held. He is now one of the oldest continuous residents of the township. Mr. Thompson bought and used the first mowing machine brought into the Western Reserve, one of the old Ketchum patent. People used to come from all points to see it work. This would be about the year 1855, or perhaps earlier.

JULIAETTE THOMSON was born in Shalersville March 3, 1823, daughter of William and Sina (Crane) Thomson, former of whom died October 3, 1852, latter August 26, 1853, in Shalersville, and grand- daughter of Abiah Crane. William Thomson and Sina Crane were married in Surry, Cheshire Co., N. H., in 1810, and in the winter of 1812-13 came to Ohio, and when they arrived in Shalersville they found but twelve families in the town. Her father removed to Ohio in 1812 and settled in Shalersville Township, this county, where he encountered the trials incident to the life of a pioneer, and established a home. Our svibject was there raised and educated, and contributed by her efforts and association to the progress and development of that township. She was twice married, on first occasion January 1, 1845, to Levi L. Colton, of Freedom Township, this county, and who died April 27, 1860. Her second marriage, December 8, 1862, was with Mr. Whitney, who died May 19, 1882. The widow now resides in Ravenna, and, though she has no children of her own, delights in doing for others, and is beloved by all who know her.

WILLIAM F. TOWNS, dealer in boots and shoes, Ravenna, was born May 8, 1844, in Paris Township, Stai-k Co., Ohio. His parents, Joseph and Harriet Towns, former a native of Maine, latter of Maryland, settled in Stark County, Ohio, in early life, and moved to Ravenna Township, this county, in 1864. Here Mr. Towns departed this life March 5, 1871. Of their ten children five are now living: T. H. (in Pomeroy, Ohio), William F., Mrs. W. S. Churchill (in Ravenna Township, this county), M. N. (in Brookville, Kan.), and L. J. (in this city). Mrs. Towns is now living in Ravenna. Our subject received his early education in the schools of the home district and in attending college at Alliance, Ohio. He established and carried on the Salem Business College, Salem, Ohio, during the winter of 1869-70. Mr. Towns was united in marriage October 24, 1870, with Miss Hattie M., daughter of W. D. Durham, of this city, and they have two children: Florence I. and Nellie A. In 1882 Mr. Towns established a boot and shoe business on Main Street, in Ravenna, and by courtesy to his customers and strict business principles he has built up an extensive trade in the city and vicinity. He is quite a church worker, a member of the official board of officei's of one of the leading churches of the city, and does a good portion of its financial work; he is at present Church Treasurer, which position he has held several years.

WILLIAM WADSWORTH, deceased, was born December 16, 1820, in Canfield, Ohio, son of Edward and Pamelia Wadsworth, natives of New England, and who moved to Ohio from Litchfield, Conn. At fourteen years of age our subject came to Ravenna, where he learned the printer's trade in the office of the Ohio Star. He then embarked actively in the profession of journalism, for which he was especially fitted. He acted as foreman of the Cabinet and Visitor three years and then became joint proprietor with Mr. Dewey of the Ohio Star. He afterward purchased his partner's interest and conducted the paper alone until 1848. He became a member of the firm of Hall, Herrick & Wadsworth, proprietors of the Portage County Democrat in 1854, relinquishing his position in 1856, to assume his duties as a member of the banking house of Robinson, King & Co. He held the position of Treasurer of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad during the time the office of the company was located in Ravenna. Mr. Wadsworth married. May 8, 1844, Miss Elizabeth R. King, born in Ravenna, January 10, 1819, and daughter of the well-known pioneers, John and Polly King, who came here from Blandford, Mass., in 1814, having lived four years previously in Charlestown Township, this county. Mr. Wadsworth. died April 22, 1860, leaving a widow and four children: Mrs. Francelia

E. Dewey, Edward W. (deceased), Charles B. and Coi'a B. Mrs. Wadsworth now resides at the family homestead. Mr. Wadsworth was a business man of wonderful energy and sound integrity, of firm Christian character, and as a citizen of liberality and enterprise, one who was respected and esteemed by all classes. Their son, Charles B., adopted the profession of civil engineering, and has been engaged on the Wheeling & Lake Erie, Cleveland & Pittsburgh and Alliance, Niles & Ashtabula Railroads, and for several months on the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. He was elected Surveyor of Portage County, Ohio, at the general election in October, 18S4:.

JOSEPH WAGGONER, physician and surgeon, Ravenna, was born near Richmond, Jefferson Co., Ohio, December 30, 1821. His father, William Waggoner, of German-Irish parentage, residing in northeastern Maryland, married Miss Sarah Jackson, of northwestern Delaware, and of Scotch English descent. Loading their household goods into a wagon, they began the tedious journey over the mountains to the wilderness of Ohio, landing in Jeflferson County, in 1805, and locating on a quarter-section near Richmond. Here they built a log-cabin, began their pioneer labor, and spent their useful and honored lives, raising a family of eight boys and four girls. Our subject, the tenth in the family, grew up on the farm, working during the summer and attending the district school in the winter. In his eighteenth year he began teaching during the winters and attending a select school at Richmond during the summers. On attaining his majority he entered the Steubenville Academy, to prepare for entering college, but his health failing, a further classical course was by his friends deemed inadvisable. After resting and recruiting his health for nearly a year he commenced the study of medicine under Drs. Johnson and Henning. of Steubenville, in the spring of 1843, continuing until the fall of 1846. During the winter of 1846-47 he attended medical lectures at the Cleveland Medical College, and subsequently had the degree of Doctor of Med icine conferred on him by that institution. In the spring of 1847 he located at Deerfield, this county, in the practice of his chosen profession, where for sixteen years he was engaged in its duties and responsibilities. In the spring of 1863 he removed to Ravenna, where he at once entered upon an enlarged and constantly increasing practice. During the year 1864 he visited Washington, D. C, tendering his services to the Government, which were accepted. He entered the army as Assistant Surgeon, and was placed on duty at Lincoln Hospital, but his stay there was shoi't. His wife's health became precarious, and he was induced to resign his position and return home. Since that time he has been continually and assiduously engaged in the practice of medicine, his life work, allowing nothing to interfere with its duties. The Doctor is a

F. & A. M., a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Northeastern Ohio Medical Society, and the Portage County Medical Society. His literature consists of society papers and an occasional political article. He is very liberal in his professional views, and willing to fraternize, when humanity calls, with medical gentlemen of the socalled different schools. In theology he is also very tolerant of the views of the different sects, gladly welcoming the day when those differences will disappear. He supports the different churches liberally, believing in the doctrine of Christianity and its ennobling influences on mankind. Politically in early life the Doctor was a Whig, and a great admirer of Henry Clay, for whom he cast his first Presidential vote. When the Republican party was organized, he joined it, and has ever since been battling for its political ascendancy, voting for its nominees, Fremont, Lincoln, Grant, Hayes, Garheld and Blaine. Dr. Waggoner is known as a straightforward, honest man. He is courteous and gentle- manly in manner, genial in disposition, and liberal in spirit and action. He enjoys the esteem of all those with whom he is acquainted professionally or socially. As a general practitioner and family physician, he has few equals, always endeavoring to keep his patients well, as much as to cure them. In June, 1862, our subject married Miss Mary M. Regal, of Deertield, this county, who by her domestic virtues has proved a life helpmate. Four children were born to them: George Joseph, Arthur Judson, William Wallace, and Mary Josephine, the first and last of whom are living. Arthur and William, two lovely and promising boys, aged eleven and eight, respectively, died of that dread disease, diphtheria, in January, 1880, and were buried on the same day, January 18. This is the one great sorrow of his life, and is the only shadow that hangs over an otherwise happy home.

EDWIN R. WAIT, jeweler and watch-maker, Ravenna, was born in Aurora, this county, July 4, 1830. His parents, Jonathan and Abigail Wait, of Chester, Mass., settled in this county about 1825. They lived the lives of useful pioneers, and raised a family of ten children, of whom but three are now living in this county. The mother died February 23, 1877; the faiher January 17, 1881, at the age of eighty-four. Our subject at the age of twenty-one began learning the trade of jeweler and watch-maker, with R. A. Baird, of Ravenna, and was for many years engaged with him, finally purchasing the entire business. He carried on the enterprise alone for many years, taking in as a partner his brother, Alva F., in 1871. The firm is now known as Wait Bros. They enjoy an extensive custom as manufacturing jewelers, watch-makers and dealers in a complete line of jewelers' goods. Theirs is the oldest business house (with one exception) in Ravenna. Mr. Wait married Miss Mary E. Swift, November 18, 1858. She is a daughter of Dr. Isaac Swift, one of the early settlers of this city, and for many years prominently identified with the medical profession. To Mr. and Mrs. Wait have been born one son - Henry M. and one daughter - Emily M. Our subject and wife are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Wait is a life- long Republican, casting his first vote for Fremont. He takes a deep interest in public affairs. Has been a member of the Board of Education for fifteen years.

WALLACE WILLIAMSON (deceased) was born in Washington County, Penn., December 15, 1817, but was brought up principally in Bethlehem, Stark Co. , Ohio. At sixteen years of age he started on foot to the Maumee Swamps, Ohio, where his uncle, George Robinson, was acting as a civil engineer on the Ohio Canal. He learned that profession under his uncle, and followed it for about twenty-five years on that and the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canals. He married, January 4, 1842, Miss Alvira S. Judd, born May 5,1822, in Ravenna Township, this county. Her father, Charles Judd, of Hamilton, County, N. Y., came, when a young man, in 1818, to this county, where he mar ried Miss Lucina, daughter of the pioneers, Moses and Marj^ (Abels) Smith, who settled here from Litchfield County, Conn., in 1805. Mr. Judd died November 17, 1864. His widow still survives him at the advanced age of eighty five years, being the oldest continuous resident of Ravenna Township now living. Mrs, Williamson is their only child. Seven years after their marriage Mr. Williamson purchased the old Judd family homestead of 126 acres near the corporation line of Ravenna. He devoted his time partly to this, and partly to canal and railroad engineering. He had an accidental fall on his premises on Februarj' 12, 1881, which resulted in his death on the 21st of that month. He was an active man in agricultural affairs, taking a very prominent part in the Portage Agricultural Society. He was a leading member of the P. of H., being an influential member of the State and

National Granges. His widow and their only son - Marshall - survive him» and reside at the family homestead. Mrs. Williamson is a pious member of the Disciples Church, the faith of her father and mother.

ANDREW WILLYARD, farmer, P. O. Ravenna, was born March 27, 1830, in Ravenna Township, this county. His father, Benjamin Willyard, came from Maryland to this county in 1808 with his parents, and here he married Miss Elizabeth Eatinger, daughter of John and Christiana Eatinger. They had a family of live children: Mrs. Julia Ann Caris, Andrew, Phylena (deceased), John and Charles (latter deceased). The father died April 6,1868, and the mother January 12, 1878. They were upright pioneer citizens, pious members of the Lutheran Church, enjoying the respect of all who knew them. Our subject married Miss Susan Welk, of Mahoning Couuty, Ohio, January 25^, 1859, and they then settled where they now reside. They own a fine farm of 150 acres in Ravenna and Rootstown Townships. Their children now living are Charles H.; Judson C, in Dakota; Clara E.; Calvin B. and Kate E. Two died in infancy. The subject of this sketch is a worthy descendant of one of the oldest and most influential pioneer families of Portage County.

GEORGE WISMAN, farmer, P. O. Ravenna, was born March 23, 1823, in Beaver County, Penn. ; son of William and Hester Wisman, natives of same county, and who came to this county in 1824, settling in Rootstown Township. (Mrs. Wisman was a daughter of the famous scout and Indian hunter, Andrew Poe). Here Mr. Wisman met his death in 1826 by being accidentally shot while out hunting wild hogs with a friend, Mr. Carl. Mrs. Wisman then returned with her family to her native county, where she resided until 1839, when they located in Ravenna Township, this county. The children were Mrs. Elizabeth R. Hall, of Rootstown; Andrew Poe, in Van Wert County, Ohio, (deceased); George and Sarah (latter deceased). Mrs. Wisman died in 1873, at the age of seventy-six years. Our subject married, in 1848, Miss Sarah Jane, daughter of Daniel Clark, of Rootstown. She died in 1854, leaving one daughter - Mrs. Mary Merrill, of Meadville, Penn. Mr. Wisman afterward married, March 22, 1855, Miss Eliza Uncapher, of Columbiana County, Ohio. They have five children: Samantha, George, Eliza Eldora, John Poe and William. Mr. Wisman purchased his present place south of Ravenna, to which he has added until he now owns an excellent farm of 160 acres of wellimproved land. He has recently erected a fine residence thereon. He and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Wisman is a man who has begun upon his own resources and risen to his present prosperity by his own industry and good management. In politics he is a Democrat.

ROBERT B. WITTER, proprietor of livery, etc., Ravenna, was born October 29, 1829, in Truro, Nova Scotia, where his father, Ezra Witter, died about 1848. Our subject came to this county about 1849, settling in Ravenna in 1854. His mother, Margaret Witter, came to this county in 1850 and died in Rootstown September 5, 1853; his sisters, Mrs. Isabella Butler and Mrs. Mary A. Day, and his brother Charles now live in Ravenna, Ohio. Our subject followed his trade as harness-maker until 1863, and has conducted a livery stable since 1875. He married, in October, 1872, Mrs. Mary A. Steadman, widow of Dr. Charles E. Steadman, and daughter of Robert and Mary Ann Hamilton, of New Baltimore, Ohio. Mrs. Witter died May 30, 1879, leaving one daughter - Mary A. Witter.

FREDERICK WELLS WOODBRIDGE, Ravenna, was born at Manchester, Conn., in 1824. His father, who had been wealthy, lost his all in the financial panic of 1837, and came to Ohio with his son in 1839, In 1841 the boy began to clerk for Clapp & Spellman, at Akron, and soon after for Zenas

Kent, of Ravenna, wbo had noticed his character and ability. With characteristic unselfishness, young Woodbridge gave his father his wages to help him buy a farm, denying himself many comforts for that purpose. Too poor to venture into society, he was yet too rich in self-respect and principle to indulge in bad habits. He went into business for himself in 1846. Mr. Woodbridge's head, heart and life all testify that the clock of his fortune struck twelve in 1847, when he married Mary A. Bi-ayton, of Ravenna. He engaged in business soon after with his father-in-law; removed to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1853, where with others he built the Cleveland Powder Mills, which he operated successfully for several years, when he again entered a mercantile life and prosecuted an extensive business in connection with the Cleveland Rolling MilJ Company. He returned to Ravenna in 1873, where he still lives, engaged in the manufacture of glass. He is emphatically a Christian business man, enterprising, energetic, sagacious, successful, and of invulnerable integrity. He is domestic in his tastes, and more than beautiful in his home life. A patient and dutiful son, a kind and wise father, a genial friend, the idol of his children, the king of his wife's affection, as she is the queen of his heart. He is as tenderly devoted as the most ardent young lover, aiding her enthusiastically in all her reform work. - Rev. A. M. Hills.

MRS. MARY A. WOODBRIDGE. - Mary A. Brayton was a Nantucket girl, which explains much in her brave career and character. Left to themselves during the long and dangerous voyages of men who sought the northern seas for "light, more light" (in the halcyon days of spermaceti, before Col. Drake struck oil from Pennsylvania's bosom), the women of Nantucket were by nature and nurture hardy, strong and self-reliant But with these qualities not sufficiently emphasized in the "regulation pattern " of the softer sex, these unique islanders combined great tenderness and depth of head and conscience. How could it fail to be so, when they fervently prayed for the safe home-coming of their best-beloved, and kept their memory green by constant recitals to their children of the virtues of their absent sons and sires ? From the same lineage that has given us Prof. Maria Mitchell, of Vassar College, and Phcsbe Hanaford, the preacher and poet, comes their cousin, Mary A. Woodbridge, whose name has already lent to temperance annals one of the brightest pages this century can show. Her father, Capt. Isaac Brayton (see page 814), a man of character and substance, repeats his noblest traits in his most gifted child, but more than all we trace the gentle, tender spirit which makes more firm her stand for truth, and the unfailing trust in God which were the gift and teaching of a devoted mother to a tenderly loved daughter, and see in her those rare qualities possessed by that mother (Love Mitchell Brayton) and her brother. Prof. William Mitchell, the brilliant astronomer, of whom it is said "none knew them but to love." Her sunny years of childhood were sedulously turned to account under the guidance of wise parental counsel and able teachers. Little Mary was the prodigy of the school-room, especially in mathematics. That most progressive educator, Horace Mann, on witnessing some of her exploits at six years of age, said: " Persevere, my child, you will yet make a notable woman." At eighteen our heroine was both wife and mother, having married Frederick Wells W^oodbridge, Esq., a successful young merchant, who made her acquaintance in the pleasant town of Ravenna, for some years her father's home. A residence in Cleveland followed her marriage, where two daughters are now living. One son, though of the stature of manhood, is the joy of his parents, while the elder awaits their coming to the home beyond. Home cares did noi prevent Mrs. Woodbridge's constant growth in mental acquisitions and acu- men. Books have always been her "next of kin," and of few can it be said with greater truth, that "she lived on her ideas.'-' She was Secretary of a literary club, over which Gen. James A. Garfield presided (in his frequent visits to Cleveland), and all unconsciously she was preparing for the great work awaiting the Christian women of her native land. Finally the clock of God struck the hour of the crusade, and among the leaders which, in the sacred exclusion of their homes and manifold activities of their church life, had been serving their novitiate, forth came Mary A. VVoodbridge into the peaceful war for God, and home, and native land. Of the three-fold call - " opportunity, adaptation and success" - by which she was ushered into gospel temperance work, let her own pastor, Rev. A. M. Hills, tell in the fitting words that follow: "The crusade came with the suddenness and the power of Pentecost, bringing, also, like it, a baptism of the Holy Ghost. In common with thousands of others of her Ohio sisters, she felt the movings of the Spirit. Her eyes were opened to see in a new light the woes caused by intemperance. She went to her closet, and there, when alone with her God, heard the Divine voice asking, 'Whom shall I send?' She had the grace given her to lay hex'self upon the altar in consecration, with the prayer, 'Here am I; I will be or do whatever pleaseth Thee.' But she did not yet understand the vision, nor realize that a live coal had touched her lips. She had been a professing Christian for thirty years, but had never spoken a word in public or offered an audible prayer. Soon she attended a great union meeting which had come together in the excitement of the hour without anyone haviog been appointed to preside when gathered. It was thought best that this should be done by a woman. Who should it be? Oue after another thought of her, and she was asked to take the place. She was utterly overcome with fear and a sense of inability, and pleaded to be excused. Her aged father came to her side and tenderly reminded her of her consecration vow, and then left her. Her pastor came a second time, when, with a struggle, she said to one standing by, 'Doctor, ask the audience to rise and sing Coronation; I never can walk up the aisle with these people looking at me.' As they sang, she went forward, trembling with weakness and praying every step 'Lord, help me! Lord, help me!' She called upon a brother to pray: then she read a verse of Scripture, and began to say - she knew not what. But God put his own message into her anointed lips. The deeps of her woman's heart were moved ; self was forgotten in her message. She pleaded for the degraded victims of drink; for their heartbroken wives and mothers, and for their suffering and degraded children. Her words poured forth in tender and resistless eloquence, till the multitude were moved as one man. The strong were melted to tears. Christians wept and prayed together. A cool-headed Judge arose and solemnly declared that he had never been in an audience so manifestly moved by the Holy Ghost. In that one sacred houi" she was lifted by the providence of God into a new life. Her mission had come. Like St. Paul, she had had a revelation, and she has not since that time been disobedient to the heavenly vision." Ever since then the histoiy of Mrs. Woodbridge is part and parcel of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, "that sober, second thought of the crusade." She has risen to her present eminence by sure and regular gradation, being at first President of the local union of her own home town at Ravenna, then for years President of her State, and in 1878 she was chosen Recording Secretary of the National W^omen's Christian Temperance Union, a position which she tills with unrivalled ability, her minutes being almost never susceptible of improvement by even the slightest verbal change. This is, indeed, a fact ''significant of much," for only the quickest ear, keenest perception and readiest hand could so " keep the run " of proceedings to the last degree intricate, rapid and changeful. Upon the resignation of Mrs. J. Ellen Foster (at the St. Louis National W. C. T. U. convention, in October, 1884,) Mrs. Woodbridge was unanimously chosen National Superintendent of the Department of Legislation and Petitions. She is now in the field addressing large audiences at leading centers of influence, and is received with the consideration due to her character, talents and influence. But the crowning work of Mrs.AVoodbridge thus far, was her consummate conduct of the Constitutional Amendment campaign, especially when the stage of submitting the prohibitory clause had been successfully passed. Her wonderful alertness of mind, facility of leadership, patience and far-reaching wisdom, had here a splendid field. Political leaders in Ohio said "they were out- worked, outwitted and out-generaled. " Almost unaided by the partisan press, with faithlessness in camp and field, the parties making a promise to the ear only to break it to the hope, this steadfast nature still held on its way, trusted by the people of Ohio and devoutly trusting them. But in God were the hidings of her power. Whether she edited the Amendment Herald, which under her leadership attained a weekly circulation of 100,000 copies, or directed the appointments of the temperance workers who were "out campaigning, stirred the zeal of her local workers by letter and telegram, or pleaded for the sinews of war, her faith failed not," and words of prayer were ever on her lips, or promises of God from the Book with which she has so great familiarity. What wonder that more than 300,000 voters responded by "Yes" ballots to such earnest workers as the White Ribbon women of Ohio, under such splendid leadership. Later on, when the amendment was counted out, Mrs. Woodbridge has taken positions so far advanced as to the safe conduct of prohibition movements, that many good people have been unable " to see light in her light," but she goes bravely forward, undaunted, undeterred, "with firmness in the right as God gives her to see the right," exhibiting in this the choicest quality of her noble character, viz. : fidelity to her convictions at cost of comfort and of praise. The W. C. T. U. is unspeakably dear to Mrs. Woodbridge, but the temperance reform is dearer still, and what she believes to be for its best interests, she will steadily pursue, "with malice toward none and charity for all." Happily for this gifted woman, '- her husband's heart doth safely trust in her." Her noble son, now up to man's estate, is so truly "mother's boy," that he drinks in of her spirit and appreciates her work. Out of gratitude to God for the immunity of her own family circle, Mary A. Woodbridge works - not out of grief or desperation. Her home furnishes salient refutation to the foolish fallacy that women of brains, enterprise and public spirit are not good house-keepex's. Mrs. Woodbridge is a rare florist; many varieties of roses embellish her garden. Rare exotics flourish in her sunny house: viands prepared by her own skilled and industrious hands render attractive her hospitable board. " These things ought ye to have done and not left the other undone," seems to have been her motto. A model wife and mother, a royal friend, an earnest Christian, long may she live and labor for a sacred cause. - Frances E. Willard.

R. N. ANDREWS, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Rootstown, was born in Rootstown Township, this county, July 9, 1808; son of Thaddeus and Lydia Andrews, natives of Connecticut, and who came to this county in 1804, being among the first settlers of Rootstown Township, and here died, the former in 1845, the latter in 1843. Our subject was married, September 20, 1830, to Emily Norton, born in Guilford, Chenango Co., N. Y., February 22, 1812, daughter of Ancil and Lucy Norton, Eastern people, who settled in this county in 1822, and remained here all their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have been born three children, one now living - Seth N. The deceased were both named Emma J. Mr. Andrews, who has been a farmer all his life, owns 130 acres of land where he and his wife reside.

J. F. AUSFAHL, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 14, 1821; son of John G. and Christiana Ausfahl, who immigrated to Marlboro, Stark Co. , Ohio, there remaining until the death of the mother in 1838. The father then moved to this county and here passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1848. Our subject was married, December 13, 1842, to Sophia Smith, born in Bedford County, Penn., May 4, 1824, daughter of David and Susan Smith, both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs, Ausfahl were born three children, two now living: Rosie and Mary. John G. is deceased. Mrs. Ausfahl died October 10, 1883, after living a long and useful life. Our subject is a cabinet-maker by trade but has been engaged in farming for several years.

JAMES S. AUSTIN, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born in Arkansas, May 13, 1810; son of Horace and Peaceable Austin, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Pennsylvania, who settled in Arkansas, where they remained until the father's death in 1818, when the mother and family moved to Natchez, Miss., thence to Portage County, Ohio, where she died in 1845. Our subject was married, May 13, 1834, to Mary E. Reed, born in this township in 1812, daughter of Abram and Siley Reed (both now deceased). To this union have been bora six children, three now living: Olive (wife of Caleb Elye), Mary and Horace. The deceased are Rebecca. Dayton H. and James M. Our subject is a carpenter by trade, at which he worked about forty years, since when he has been engaged in farming. He owns forty-nine acres whereon he and his family reside. He has filled several offices of trust in the township. Mr. Austin, wife and daughter are members of the Congregational Church.

ALBERT BABCOCK, farmer, P. O. Ravenna, was born in Ravenna Township, this county, September 12, 1824; son of Almon and Mary Babcock. The former, born in Granville, Mass., November 9, 1788, came to this county in 1810; the latter, born in Hartford, Conn., August 15, 1789, came to this county in 1812. They were married December 25, 1814, and remained here until their death, May 4, 1850, and May 28, 1859, respectively. Our subject was married, April 26, 1854, to Betsey E. Avery, born in Portage County, Ohio, May 30, 1831, daughter of Reuben and Corinne Avery, the former born in Hoosenick Colony of Connecticut, March 2, 1772; the latter in Farmington, Hartford Co., Conn., December 23, 1789. Mr. Avery was married the first time in 1804, to Rachel Baldwin, of his native State, and they resided in New York until 181(3, when they moved to Aurora, this county, where she died in 1822, and he then married Corrinne Faxon February 9, 1823, the widow of Isaac Faxon. Mr. Avery died May 25, 1873, his widow June 9, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have had six children: John F., Adalaide A. (wife of Kelsey S. Wing), Mary C. (wife of Charles D. Hughs), Martha M., Nettie M. and Josephine B. Mr. Babcock has been engaged in farming through life, and owns 190 acres where he has resided since 1840. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

A. H. BAELOW, retired, P. O. Rootstown, was born in New York State January 3, 1815; son of John and Mary Barlow, natives of Connecticut, the former of whom died in New York, his widow coming to this county and remaining with our subject until her death. Our subject was married, JanuarA'^

3, 1837, to Clara Sanford. born in Connecticut in November, 1813, daughter of Robert W. and Mabel Sanford, both deceased. Mr. Barlow settled in this county in 1836, has lived here ever since and is a member of the Pioneer Association. Mr. and Mrs. Barlow have had five children, two now living: Laura M. (wife of J. H. Bradshaw) and Addison M. The deceased are Sarah E., Frederick W. and Robert L. Our subject has been engaged in the boot and shoe business most of his life. He is the present County Coroner, has tilled nearly all the oflSces of trust in the township, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace eighteen years. He is now I'etired from business. Mr. and Mrs. Barlow are members of the Congregational Church.

JOSEPH BASEL, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, born on the Atlantic Ocean in June, 1840, is of German descent, son of Adam and Lena Basel. He was reared to manhood in this county and married, August 26, 1872, Mary A. Kline, born in Randolph Township, Portage Co., Ohio, June, 1851, of German descent, daughter of Peter and Margaret Kline. Mr. and Mrs. Basel are the parents of three children, two of whom are now living: Sophronia and Emma. The deceased was an infant. Our subject, who has been a farmer all his life, owns seventy- nine acres of improved land where he and his family reside. He served his country during the war of the Rebellion in Company H, One Hundred and Eighty- fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church.

DANIEL BOGUE, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born in Connecticut. December 1, 1815, son of Henry and Sarah Bogue, natives of Connecticut, who came to Medina County in 1816, and remained the balance of their lives. Our subject was married in 1839 to Hitty Lewis, born in Massachusetts in 1817, daughter of "William and Sarah Lewis, natives of Massachusetts, who came to this county, where they remained until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Bogue are the parents of ten children, nine of whom are now living: Ellen, Henry L. , Newell E., Byron J., Milo, Augustus H., Emma A., Edwin L. and Charles D. Our subject owns 140 acres of land where he and his family reside. They are among the early settlera of the county, and the name Bogue is familiar to every citizen, '

GEORGE W. BOW, merchant, Rootstown, was born in Rootstown, this county, December 24, 1843, son of Oliver and Maria Bow, natives of the East, the former born in Berkshire County. Mass., and the latter in the State of New York. - They weie married in Rootstown Township, this county, where they remained until 1882, when they moved to GarrettsviHe, this county, where they I'eside at present. Our subject was married December 27, 1865, to Ellen E. Chapman, born in Brimfield Township, this county, October 27, 1844, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Chapman (both deceased, the former March

Charlie M. and Stephen W. Our subject engaged in farming until 1880, when he and his father purchased the store at the Center, formerly owned by S. L. Burget, and after one year he bought his father's interest, since when he has conducted the business alone, the only general store at the Center. Mr. Bow is Postmaster, and has jSlled other offices of trust in the township. He owns 113 acres of improved land. He and his wife and children are members of the Congregational Church, in which he was leader of the choir for ten years, and Superintendent of the Sabbath-school eleven years.

WASHINGTON L. BUKT, farmer, P. O. Kootstown, was born in Brimtield Township, this county, March 26, 1825, son of Abel and Prudence Burt, native of Brimtield, Mass., who came to Ohio in 1822, locating in this county, where they remained until their death, the father dying October 25, 1867, the mother August 20, 1870. Our subject was married in 1846 to Electra D. Babcock, born in Franklin Township, this county, October 15, 1828, daughter of Sylvester and Electra A. Babcock, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of Vermont, and who came to this county, where the mother died November 3, 1827, after which the father went to Indiana, where he died March 27, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Bui't have had eleven children, live of whom survive: Caroline, wife of Henry Shumway; Julia, wife of Henry Spellman; John W. ; Daniel V. and Henry B. The deceased are Charles B., Eliza E., two infants. Flora E. and Charles. Our subject, who has been engaged in farming all his life, owns fifty acres of land and other property. He is one of Portage County's oldest pioneers.

L. F. BUTLER, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born in Atwater, this county, August 21, 1836, ,son of Luther and Eliza Butler, the former of whom was born in Connecticut October 8, 1801; the latter in Atwater Township, Ohio, in 1808. Both are now living in Atwatei*. Our subject was married July 9, 1862, to Elvira R. Huffman, born in Rootstown Township, this county, June 6, 1843, daughter of Abraham and Jane Huffman, who reside in Atwater Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have two children: M. Lillian, born September 29, 1863, and Clarence M., born April 19, 1870. Our subject engaged in farming for several years; then for eight years in merchandizing at Atwater. He sold out and moved to Rootstown Township, this county, where he has a farm consisting of 150 acres. Mr. Butler is a good citizen.

GEORGE A. CALE, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 18, 1857; son of Stephen and Adaline Cale, natives of Windham, Portage Co., Ohio; former of whom died in Shalersville, Ohio, in 1860. The latter subsequently married Willet Prosser, and they reside in Ravenna, Ohio. Our subject was married November 8, 1876, to Ibbie E. Colton, born in Rootstown Township, this county, May 26, 1857, daughter of Alva and Mary M. Colton, natives of Ohio, and who settled in this county. The father died in 1881. The mother resides in Rootstown Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Cale have had two children: Alva H., and Bertha V. (deceased). Our subject has been a farmer all through life. He and his wife are members of the Disciples Church.

SAMUEL CARIS, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born in Rootstown Township, this county, December 27, 1823; son of John and Betsey E. Caris, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this county and settled, and here died. Our subject was married July 7, 1849, to Rachel Ward, born in Ravenna Township, June 20, 1824; daughter of William and Betsey E. Ward, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Caris are the parents of three children, two of whom are now living: Belle E., wife of Ira L. Heriff, and William I. Frank D. is deceased. Mr. Caris, like liis brother (whose sketch appears below), is a farmer and brick-maker. He owns forty-live acres of improved land. He is a pleasant, agreeable citizen.

HENRY C. CARIS, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born in Rootstown Township, this county, May 23, 1832; son of John and Betsey E. Caris, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Rootstown Township in a very early day, and here remained until their death. Our subject married, March 17, 1861, Flora E. Ward, born in Portage County, Ohio, in 1834, daughter of William and Betsey E. Ward, early settlers of Rootstown Township, where they remained until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Caris have three children: Frank L., James H. and Arlie L. Our subject, who has been a farmer and brick-maker all his life, owns seventy-three acres of good land where he and his family reside. He has filled the office of Trustee of his township. He and his family are descended from some of the first settlers of this county.

JULIA C. CASE, widow of Gad Case, who was born in Canton, Hartford Co., Conn., May 5, 1796, son of Silas and Mary Case. The boyhood of Gad Case was passed on a farm and his educational advantages were limited to the common schools. At the age of seventeen he learned the edge-tool and blacksmith trade, which he followed until 1836, In 1833 he moved to New York, and in 1838 to Ohio. In this year, also, he married Mrs. Tirzah Gibbons, widow of Alpheus Gibbons. She was born April 18, 1796, at Granville, Mass.: came to Ohio and located in Rootstown Township, this county, about the year 1821. She went to Colorado May 5, 1873, and died on the 8th of the same month, while visiting friends thei'e, after a long and useful Christian life, aged seventy-seven years. Mr. Case then married, December 31, 1874, Julia C. Porter, born in Hinsdale, Mass., April 11, 1829, daughter of James and Lourinda Porter (deceased). Mr. Case was Deacon of the Congregational Church for more than twenty years, and served the people in many township offices of trust. He died June 20, 1883, leaving his widow in comfortable circumstances.

FRANCIS CHAPMAN (deceased) was born in Connecticut June 30, 1799; son of Nathan Chapman, also deceased. He was married January 29, 1829, to Margaret Morey, born in Connecticut January 3, 1809, daughter of Tillinghast and Elizabeth Morey, natives of Connecticut, who emigrated to Ohio in 1810, settling first at Milton, thence moving to Rootstown Township, this county, in 1835, where they remained until their death. Mr. Morey died January 30, 1844; his widow June 5, 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Chapman were born seven children, six of whom are now living: James E., Virgil M., Charlotte S., Mary E., Albert and Julia A. Orville died soon after his marriage. Our subject, at the time of his death, April 17, 1877, owned 100 acres of improved land where his widow now resides. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Chapman is a member of that church.

LEWIS B. CHAPMAN, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born in Campbellsport, this county, November 25, 1806; son of Beamon and Sarah Chapman, natives of Vermont, who were united in marriage there and came to Ohio in 1805, where they remained until their death, Mr. Chapman dying June 15, 1864, and his wife about 1844. Our subject was first married, March 1, 1836, to Mary S. Loveland, born in Aurora, this county, September 22, 1814, daughter of Ephraditus and Anna Loveland, both of whom died in Aurora. Mrs. Chapman died April 24, 1863, the mother of three children, one now living - Wilbert. Mr. Chapman, June 29, 1863, next married Catharine A., widow of Urich Ackley, and born in Pennsylvania October 15, 1832, daughter of Elisha and Ruth Weaver. The latter died in Pennsylvania in 1836, and Mr. Weaver afterward removed to Wisconsin, where he died in 1859. Our subject and wife raised a child named Susie A. Mr. Chapman is a farmer, and owns 100 acres of land, whei'e he has lived fifty- four years. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is one of the present Trustees of this township.

PLIMPTON O. CHAPMAN, farmer, P. O. New Milford, was born in Rootstown Township, this county, May 6, 1822; son of Stephen and Barbara Chapman, natives of Connecticut, the former of whom came to Rootstown Township, this county, in iSO-i, and the latter in 1820. They were married in 1821, and settled in Rootstown Township, where they remained until their death. Stephen Chapman died in 1872, his wife in 1861. They were worthy pioneers of this township, and the parents of two children: Plimpton O., born May 6, 1822; and Daniel V., born in 1825. Our subject was united in marriage, December 12, 1854, with Sarah A. Huffman, born in Mahoning County, Ohio, October 11, 1831, daughter of Adam and Margaret Huffman, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Mahoning County, Ohio, in a very early day, and from there to this county in 1833, where the mother died in 1846, after which Mr. Huffman married Cyntha French, who died in 1878. He died in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman have had ten children, eight now living: Wilber O. ; Ida M. (wife of Joshua Ely, a resident of Rootstown); Clifton G. ; Elwin V.; Corry G. ; Howard I. ; Stella Z. and Erzula G. The deceased are Ella and Floyd. Our subject, who has been a farmer through life, owns seventy-six acres of land, where he and his family reside. He has tilled the oflSces of Trustee of his township, and has been member of the School Board for a great many years.

D. V. CHAPMAN, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born near the farm where he now resides November 1, 1825; son of Stephen and Barbara Chapman, of whom the former, a native of Connecticut, came to Rootstown, this county, in 1804; the latter, born in Connecticut, came here in 1820. They were among the first inhabitants of the township. They were married in 1821, and remained in Rootstown Township until their death, the mother dying in 1861, the father in 1872. They were the parents of two children: Plimpton O. and D. V. Our subject was married, October 30, 1856, to Lucy A. Case, born in Rootstown Township, this county, September 16, 1836, daughter of Erastus and Minewell Case, the latter of whom is deceased. Mrs. Chapman died July 16, 1860. Mr. Chapman is now engaged in farming, and owns ninety- four acres of improved land where he resides. He is a very sociable and genial old gentleman.

HOMER CHAPMAN, farmer, P. O. New Milford, was born in Rootstown Township, this county, November 19, 1831; son of Nathan and Mary Chapman, natives of Connecticut, the former born February 5, 1783, coming to this county in 1805; the latter, born October 2, 1787, came to this county in 1806. They were married in 1806, and remained here until the death of the father in 1881. The mother still survives. Our subject, the youngest in their family, was married, February 2, 1857, to Zeviah E. Buttles, born in Bristol, Trumbull Co., Ohio, March 18, 1832, daughter of Friend and Electa Buttles, natives of Connecticut, and who after marriage settled in Trumbull County; they died in West Farmington. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman have four children: Leora E. (wife of F. P. Rood); Carrie M. (wife of W. W. Phelps); Eda M.; and Charles H. Our subject is a farmer and owns thirty-seven acres of good land where he and his family reside, and are respected by all who know them.

where they were married. They came to this county in 1817, and remained until the death of Mrs. Clark in 1829. After this event Daniel Clark married Lucy Norton, widow of Ancil Norton, and they resided in Kootstown Township until their death, the former dying December 30, 1847, and the latter in 1863. Our subject was married, December 15, 1839, to Catharine E. Norton, born in New York February 15, 1815, daughter of Ancil and Lucy Norton, the father a native of Connecticut, the mother of New York. They settled in this county in 1822, where they both died. Mr. Norton died in 1831, and his widow subsequently married Daniel Clark, of whom mention has already been made in this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. James F. Clark have been born two children, one now living: James P., married to Emma Sadler; they have a son - Clarence. Our subject has been a farmer, and owns 100 acres of improved land where he and his family reside.

L. COE, agent Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad, also Postmaster and express agent, New Milford, was born in Edinburg Township, this county, Febniary 23, 1838; son of Samuel A. and Jane Coe, former born in Massachusetts in 1806, latter in Connecticut in 1805, and who were married in Rootstown Township, this county, in 1829, settling in Edinburg in 1830, where they remained for several years, then moved to Rootstown, where they resided until the father's death, November 21, 1878. The mother now resides with her children. Our subject was married, March 12, 1868, to Electa Decker, born in Cleveland, Ohio, August 16, 1842, daughter of Rev. Nelson and Anna Decker, the former born in New York, June 15, 1810; the latter in Carlisle, England. December 14, 1812. They were married in New York, in 1828. Mrs. Decker died December 28, 1878; Mr. Decker March 26, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Coe, have one son - Howard D. , born December 21, 1868. Our subject was reared on a farm and learned harness and shoe-making, but since 1866 has been agent for the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad, also Postmaster and express agent at New Milford. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

WILLIAM P. COLLINS, farmer, P. O. Ravenna, was born on the farm where he and his family reside, February 5, 1831; son of Daniel and Nancy Collins, natives of Connecticut, who settled in this county in 1811, and here remained until their death. The father died in May, 1884, the mother in 1878. Our subject was married, June 11, 1856, to Harriet Snyder, born in Pennsylvania, April 21, 1836, daughter of Peter and Henrietta Snyder, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Rootstown Township, this county, about 1837, where they remained until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have had six children: Irving L., Charles W., Wilford E., Ella H., Judd D. and Clayton R. Mr. Collins was reared on his present farm, which consists of ninety-seven acres, and his family are among the leading citizens of the county.

JAMES COX, farmer, P. O. Kent, was born in Devonshire, England, December, 1837; son of Edmund and Jane Cox, natives of England, where the former died in 1869, and where his widow is still residing. Our subject was married the first time in England, in 1858, to Willmot Randle, a native of England, where she died in 1868. He immigrated to America April 9, 1870, and married, February 9, 1872, Mary Curten, born in Ireland, July 28, 1845, daughter of Timothy and Mary Curten, who reside in the State of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are the parents of eight children, seven now living: James, William J., Samuel E., Ernest C, Frank H., Anna W. and Mary J. Willmot is deceased. Our subject is a carriage and wagon-maker by trade, but of late years has engaged in farming. He owns 125 acres of land, where he and his family reside. He has been a member of the School Board of this township.

S. CRAIG, farmer and horse-dealer, P. O. Ravenna, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, March 10, 1881; son of Andrew and Sarah Craig, natives of Virginia and Trumbull County, Ohio, respectively, and who immigrated to this county in 1845, remaining nine years, then moved to Sandusky County, Ohio, where they are now residing. Our subject was mai'ried, March 26, 1854, to Mary D. Colton, born in Rootstown Township, this county, June 16, 1835, daughter of Roswell and Ibbey Colton, former born in Tolland, Conn., latter in Deerfield, this county, who came from Massachusetts to this county, where they remained until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Craig have had four children, one now living - Nellie L. The deceased are Jutson, Ernest, and an infant. Our subject, who is a farmer and horse-dealer, owns forty-eight acres of improved land, on which he and his family reside. He is also a veterinary surgeon and has practiced for twenty-five years with good success.

H. T. CUSHING, farmer and contractor, P. O. Ravenna, was born in Knox County, Me., April 11, 1839; son of Thaxter and Sarah Cushing, 'former of whom was a resident of Maine until his death, in 1839, at sea. His widow still remains in Maine. Our subject was married, December 3, 1866, to Sarah A. Bumpus, born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., August 8, 1843, daughter of Joshua G. and Mary A. Bumpus, who died in New York, former in October, 1874, latter in May, 1873. To our subject and wife have been born three children, two of whom are now living: Minnie M. and Henry P. Thaxter R. is deceased. Mr. Cushing followed the sea until he was twenty years of age. He then went West, engaged in stone-cutting, and is now a contractor and builder. He owns 118 acres of improved land. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , and is a F. & A. M.