Suffield Township (part 14 of 14)

EBENEZER W. EARL (deceased) was born in Braceville, Ohio, February 12, 1806, and came with his father's family to Windham, this county, in 1814. There were then fourteen families in the township, of which there are now but eight persons living: Eli Case, R. M. Higley, Lorin Higley, M. P. Higley, Moses A. Birchard, Jesse Lyman, Mrs. Eliza Birchard and Mrs. Clemens Snow. Soon after coming to Windham a friendly plan was hit upon, by which Mr. Earl was engaged as mill boy for a neighborhood of young married people - JohnSeley, Hardin Seley, A. P. Jagger, John Streator - who settled a mile or so south of the Center, so that they could clear up their farms without the delay incident to such necessary work. Mr. Earl's father and some others made it necessary that two or three trips a week should be made, as there were no roads opened, and only a bridlepath with blazed trees to guide the horseman. Two bushels of grain was a full load in those days, and Mr. Jagger owned the only horse in the syndicate. The most frequented road to Garrettsville led across the Rudd farm and very often a delay at the mill would necessitate young Earl's starting home w^hen near dark, and when it would be almost impossible to keep the path. Many a time the howling of wolves in every direction would announce their fearful proximity to the path he was following. Hunger and danger were mighty strong powers for a lad of twelve years to contend with, and sorely it taxed the youthful energies of our hero many times to the utmost limit of endurance, as he toiled along his forest path in these labors of kindness during the four or five years of this service. On one occasion he made a trip to Barnum's mill in Braceville, and a severe thunder shower prevented his starting for home until sundown. As he emerged from the woods to cross Eagle Creek Bridge, east of William Moore' s present farm, tlie darkness was complete, and some fox-fire on a stump in the State road frightened him greatly, as he imagined it to be the glisten of a bear's eyes or some more furious animal. It was 11 o'clock when he reached home, and found all the family a-bed and asleep. On another occasion Mr. Earl made a trip to New Falls with a horse that was extremely ugly and vicious and a blow from a whip would cause him to rear and kick with such violence as to pitch both boy and grist clean off his back on short notice. Young Earl found the mill so crowded with grists, that he was unable to stai't for home until late in the day, and at his arrival at Mr. Brooks' place, with a long swampy mudhole ahead, the horse refused to go any further. After every plan he could think of had been tried to make the animal proceed, the boy reluctantly took his back track to the mill and stayed with Ben Yale, who then ran the mill at night. In the morning on reaching the same place the horse refused to proceed, and neither leading nor coaxing would induce him to advance a step. In this dilemma Mr. Brooks saw the boy and came to his relief with a whip, which he applied so vigorously that the kicking up " racket " was suspended, and a rapid advance made for home. Chopping was a favorite employment with Mr. Earl in those days, forty or sixty acres in one job being not uncommon, and he would slash down an acre in a day by the windrow style of felling a long line of trees across a " bush " by cutting them half or two-thirds through and directing the course of each so that the first tree of the line would fall against the second, the second against the third and so on until the roar and crash of falling timber for fifty or one hundred rods would bear comparison with a first-class cyclone of modern times. Splitting rails was another work in which IVIr. Earl excelled, and he could split from 400 to 600 per day. The ordinary price for this kind of work was then 12|^ cents per 100. January 20, 1852, he left his home and started for New York with money to purchase eight tickets for California via the Panama route, and these were procured for $300. The company left in a few days for Chagres, Panama, and finding no boat on the Pacific side connected with the line they went by, they had to remain there eighteen days and were finally obliged to sue the purser of the boat they came on, whereby they received nearly enough returns to purchase tickets from there to San Francisco on an old sailing vessel; $252.50 secured their tickets and paid hospital fee at Chagres. They had a long, dreary voyage of sixty-five days, during which time they saw land only once and but one sail. A number of the passengers died on the passage, one of whom was Barnus Ives, of Nelson, this county. On arrival at May vi lie they were obliged to walk seventy-five miles to the mines. The following December deep snow stopped the mule train, which carried the supplies a distance of thirty miles, and all their provisions had to be carried by men. The scarcity brought flour up to $2 per pound, but Mr. Earl managed to secure from the three bakeries twenty-five one-pound loaves for fifty cents each, and thus escaped the higher prices that followed. He was successful in securing a considerable quantity of gold. May 26, 1884, he died. His widow is now residing on the old homestead. Mr. Earl was an active worker in the Sundayschool and was a devoted Christian.

ORLANDO L. EARL, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born July 29, 1838, on the farm which is still his home. His father, James Earl, a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer by occupation, and a plastering mason by trade, was married to Elizabeth Higley, who bore him three children: Edwin D. (killed in the army), Amanda E. (deceased) and Orlando L. James Earl was a prominent man in his day, an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

He died November 25, 1846. His widow, who still survives, was married in 1879, to David P. Robinson, who died the same year. Our subject was educated in the common schools and the academy of this county, and farming has been his life's avocation. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company. A, Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years, participating in the engagements at Port Gibson, siege of Vicksburg, Thompson's Hill and Black River. He was married October 11, 1865, to Jane E. Cutts, born April 18, 1842, in Paris, and by whom he has three children: Edwin C, Mabel A. and Ernest B. Mr. Earl is a member of the School Board, and has served as Township Trustee for three years. He is connected with the Congregational Church; is a member of Earl-Milliken Post, G. A. R., at "Windham. In politics he is a Republican.

MATTHEW P. HIGLEY, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born in Windham Township, this county, September 12, 1813, the second white child to see the light of day in the township, and the oldest living resident now that was born here, son of Benjamin and Sally (McCown) Higley, who were the parents of seven children: Robert M., Edward, Loren, Matthew P., Sarah, Hannah and Alfred M. Benjamin Higley was a native of Berkshire County, Mass., born in 1877; came to this township in 1811; served as a Colonel in the war of 1812, and died about 1865, his wife having died several years previous. Our subject was raised on a farm, and made farming the principal occupation of his life. He was married September 25, 1839, to Miss Luna C. Robbins, born in Windham Township, this county, February 16, 1821, by whom he has had six children: Lodisa H., Philander R., Marion C, Benjamin P., Franklin (deceased) and Mack D. In 1869 Mr. Higley removed to Windham Center, still retaining his farming interests, however, for a few years. During the Rebellion he offered his services to the country, but they were not accepted. Politically he is a Republican, and though not an office-seeker he has held some of the minor township offices. He has been a member of the Congregational Church for forty-live years, and always took an active part in Sabbathschool work, until within a few years past, when deafness interfered with those duties.

HENRY A. HIGLEY, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born in Becket, Mass., February 21, 1814, son of Joseph and Sybel (Cogswell) Higley, the former of whom was born April 25, 1774, in Berkshire County, Mass. The latter, also a native of Massachusetts, was born March 14, 1776. They were the parents of eight children: Sybel R., born September 21, 1804; Joseph N., born September 6, 1806; Sarah M., born November 6, 1808; Ezra C, born August 22, 1810; Elizabeth D., born April 22, 1812; Henry A., born February 21, 1814; John L., born January 17, 1816; Oliver B., born March 18, 1818. Joseph Higley was a farmer by occupation, an influential man, and an active church member. He died October 18, 1825; his widow December 1, 1864. Our subject was brought by his parents to Windham Township, this county, when but two years of age, and here he grew to manhood, fully inured to the hardships of pioneer life. He has always followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. Higley was thrice married; first on May 7, 1840, to Mary E., daughter of James Seeley, born October 16, 1821, died October 4, 1866, leaving to his care one child - Henry J. (Charles O. died January 21, 1862). Our subject next married, November 7, 1867, Marion M. Udall, who died October 7, 1870, and by her he^had one son - Frank S. August 24, 1871, he then married Sarah Joslin, born in Mesopotamia, Ohio, April 6, 1825, daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Parker) Joslin, natives of Connecticut and Vermont, respectively, and early settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio, and who were the parents of eleven chii- dren, of whom Mrs. Higley is the ninth. During the war Mr. Higley was one of the Township Trustees, and has held other offices of trust. He is a regular attendant of the Congregational Church, in which his wife is an active member. He has always been identified with the Republican party.

JOHN L. HIGLEY, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born January 17, 1816, in Windham, son of Joseph Higley (see sketch of Henry A. Higley). He was married in 1841 to Miss Elizabeth K. Frary, born in Becket, Mass., in 1820, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Gilford) Frary, and has a family of sis children. Mr. Higley is one of the self-made men of Windham Township, this county, and the property he has accumulated represents mauy hours of hard labor with his own hands. Though he took no active part in the late war of the Rebellion, he aided the soldiers' families at home. He has been a consistent member of the Congregational Church since 1841, and has also been an active worker in the Sabbath-school. Mr. Higley bears the reputation of being one of the substantial farmers of his township, which he has served as Justice of the Peace for one term and in other offices of trust. Politically he is identified with the Republican party.

OLIVER B. HIGLEY (deceased) was born in Windham Township, this county, March 18, 1818, son of Joseph and Sybel (Cogswell) Higley. He was twice married, on first occasion to Eunice West, who bore him one son - Milton. His second marriage, June 14, 1849, was with Betsey Case, born in Pennsylvania June 4, 1827, daughter of Daniel and Phalley (Peck) Case, natives of New York. By this union there were five children: Charley, Mary, July, Clint and Edwin. Our svibject was reared on a farm and received a common' school and academic education, and entered upon his career in life as a teacher. At the age of twenty- one he went to Iowa, and for several years taught school in the Western States. Returning to Ohio in 1851 he turned his attention to farming and sheep-raising. He soon had his farm under a state of cultivation which won for him the reputation of being a practical as well as a representative farmer of his township. His motto was to excel, and all his efforts were to that end. He filled several of the township offices, and, although not identified with any religious denomination, was for many years previous to his death a professed Christian, and took an active part in the support of religious and educational institutions, as far as his limited means would allow. He died February 19, 1866, and since his death the farm haa been successfully carried on by his widow with the assistance of her children. JESSE LYMAN, farmer, P. O. Mahoning, was born in Windham Township, this county, November 29, 1813. His father, Jeremiah Lyman, a tanner by trade but in later years a farmer, was a native of Connecticut, and was reared in Massachusetts, where he lived with an uncle until 1811, when he came to this county and became one of the original owners of what is now Windham Township. On his way to his new home his wife, Rhoda Fuller, died, leaving to his care four children: Anna, Hulda, Milton and Laura, all of whom are now deceased. He subsequently married Hannah Sperry, of Connecticut, who bore him two children: Hannah (deceased wife of A. West) and Jesse. Jeremiah Lyman was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died August 19, 1845, his widow surviving him until 1863. The subject of this sketch was married, March 27, 1839, to Miss Dorcas Finch, born in Otis, Mass., September 9, 1821, and by her has two children living: Clara H., wife of C. L. Bryant (they had three children: Stowell, Vernie, died March 8, 1885, aged twelve years, and Belle, died March 7, 1885, aged sis years), and Lettie M., wife of E. J. Hill. Mr. Lyman, who has always been a farmer, resides on the old homestead. He has held several offices of trust in the township, and is energetic, enterprising and highly esteemed by the community.

WILLIAM A. MESSENGER, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born March 12, 1827, in Windham Township, this county. His father, William Anson Messenger, was a native of Massachusetts, born December 28, 1794, son of Ebenezer N. Messenger, one of the original owners of Windham Township, where he was drowned October 13, 1828, in a spring on his farm. He, Ebenezer N. , had married Miss Campbell, who bore him ten children: Ebenezer O., Nathan H., Polly, Sarah, Susan, Lucinda, William A., Benoni Y., Wells and Marvin. William Anson Messenger came to Windham Township, this county, in 1811, with his parents, in company with several other families. He was thrice married; first, February 24, 1819, to Desire Fowler, who died September 30,1822, leaving one daughter - Phebe F. (Mrs. West). His second marriage. May 31, 1826, was with Edna Prentice, born May 2, 1798, died January 25, 1859. By this union there were four children: "\7illiam A. (our subject); Edna D., born October 12, 1831 (died in infancy); Edna A., born April 30, 1833, married N. Whitney, of Oberlin, Ohio, and died June 5, 1854; and Adna C, born May 19, 1835, now a resident of Anderson County, Kan. Mr. Messenger married for his third wife, August 31, 1861, Lydia Cadwell, born April 6, 1833, and who is still living. He held nearly all the township ofifices, and was an influential man, a liberal supporter of all public enterprises, and for many years was a consistent Christian and attendant at the Sabbath- schools. He died March 27, 1864. The subject of this sketch was married, September 26,1852, to Elizabeth Ann Chaffee, born in Becket, Mass., October 5, 1831, daughter of Newman and Elizabeth (Phelps) Chafifee, natives of Massachusetts, both now deceased. Three children were the fruit of this union: Arthur W., Hattie E., wife of P. B. Higley, and Nettie E., wife of F. B. Jagger. During the late war of the Rebellion Mr. Messenger enlisted in the lOO-days service in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-tirst Ohio National Guard. He has always followed farming as an occupation and came to his present place in 1867. Though at one time the Messengers were most numerous in W^indham Township there are now but two male representatives of this name in the township - our subject and his son.

HENRY PALMER, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born in Palmyra Township, this county, June 25, 1820; son of Jesse and Amanda (Rogers) Palmer, the former of whom was born in Connecticut September 1, 1780, the latter in Connecticut November 7, 1782. They were married March 29, 1808, and had a family of eight children: Frederick, Caroline (deceased), James R., Laura A. (deceased), Clarissa (deceased), Milton, Henry and Harriet. Jesse Palmer, who was a farmer by occupation, a strict Christian man, died April 15, 1834, his widow surviving him until Aiigust 12, 1837. His parents dying when he was young, our subject worked as a farm-hand until he was twenty-five years of age. since when he has engaged in farming on his own account, and has the reputation of being enterprising and energetic, and is esteemed for his many good qualities. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guard, and participated in the engagement at Cynthiana, Ky. He was married, September 11, 1845, to Rebecca Turner, born in Windham June 28, 1817, daughter of Levi Alford, and widow of Samuel Turner, who was born August 1, 1810, married September 10, 1834, and died December 17, 1842. (By Mr. Turner she had three children: Joseph L., Edna R. and Edward W.) To Mr. and Mrs. Palmer has been born one daughter - Emogene, born November 21, 1849, now the wife of J. Ramsdell, of Erie County, Ohio. Mr. Palmer and wife have been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly forty-two years, and have also taken an active part in Sabbath- school work.

SAMUEL A PARDEE, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born in Addison County, Vt., September 10, 1829; son of Benjamin F. and Harriet (Perkins) Pardee the former of whom, a hatter by trade, was a native of Connecticut, the latter of Vermont. They were parents of ^^^ children: Chauncey A born July 1. 1816; Benjamin F., born August 27, 1818; Marcus L born October 19 1820; Azro A., born November 6, 1823, and Samuel A. Benjamin F Pardee died February 28, 1830, when our subject was not a year old, and when he was seven years of age his mother married Samuel H. Pardee (a brother c,f her deceased husband), who was elected County Assessor i^ l^.^o and eventually became State Representative from Portage County, and ^ith him our subject lived till he reached his majority. His mother died May 1 18bb. Samuel A. Pardee was brought to this county by his parents m 1835. He acquired a common school education, and early in life learned the carpenter and joiner trade, which he followed more or less for fifteen years, since when he has given his entire attention to farming. He was married July ^ IS^I; to Diadama Owen, born in Lebanon Springs, N. Y^, December 30 1828 and has live children: Salmon A., civil engineer in California; ^\i ham C. a physician in Warren County, Ohio; Ella A. ; Howai^d L and Silas O. Mr^ Pardee, with the exception of five years, has lived m the same neighborhood for forty-eight years. During the |war of the Rebellion he served m the 100 days service, enlisting in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards. He has held several offices of trust m the township.

ALT AN Y RXIDD, farmer, P. O. Windham, is a son of Nathaniel Kudd, who was born in Becket, Mass., May 17, 1795, and came to Windham Township, this county, in 1816, purchasing land on which he made some improvement. The following year he returned to his native State J^f rried, Janu^ ary 15, 1817, Sophia Messenger, born May 22, 1797. In 1818 they returned in company with Xenophon Wadsworth and wife to this township, making the trip of about 500 miles with a team of horses and oxen in six weeks entered upon pioneer life, and in a few weeks had erected the log-cabm jbich was to be their home for so many years, and where were born to them five children: William B., Alonzo M., Samuel V., Alvan V. and an infant all of whom are now deceased but our subject. Nathaniel Rudd was an influential man in his day, always first in any enterprise tending to the improvment of the county and a liberal supporter of its public institutions. He was Captain ot the State militia and also served a short time the war of 1812. tie was a Whig in politics. He filled several offices of trust m Windham Townshp, was an active member of the Congregational Church and a leader m Sabbath - school work for several years previous to his death, which occurred Decembei 19, 1844. His widow still survives him. The subject of this sketch was bom Auo-ust 15, 1830, in Windham and still resides on the fai-m which has always been his home. His father dying when he was but fourteen years of age his educational advantages were limited, but by reading and ^bservation he has acquired an average education. Having a taste for live-stock, he e^^ly b^^ame the possessor of some Shorthorn cattle and has gradually increased bi^ W till it is now one of the finest in the county, and he is considei;ed one ot the oldest cattle-breeders in the same, having made his start m ^»0f ^ J^J served in several of the minor township offices. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards, and served 100 days. Since he was fourteen years of age he has been identified with the Congregational Church. February 16, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Irene Franklin, born m Lewis Count), N.

Y., July 2, 1833, daughter of Alonzo and Dianthia (Torrence) Franklin, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively, and early settlers of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the former of whom is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Rudd have been born four children: Willis A., Orton N., Emma S. and Ann D.

PHILIP RUSSELL, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born in Madison County, N. Y., October 25, 1811, son of Philip and Nancy (Sanford) Russell, natives of Connecticut and Madison County, N, Y., respectively. They were parents of thirteen children, of whom seven are now living: Nancy, Philip, William, Daniel, Madison, Webster and Delia, latter wife of Ira S. Cutts, of Windham Township, this county. Philip Russell, Sr., a carpenter and joiner by trade, but by occupation a farmer, came to this county in 1815, and located in Nelson Township, but removed to Windham Township in 1822. He died in Windham, July 1, 1879, aged ninety- three years; his widow, October 8, 1882. Our subject early learned the carpenter and joiner trade, though farming has been his principal occupation. He has been twice married, first to Sally E. Jagger, born October 5, 1815, in Windham, who bore him six children: Sarah E., Elmina, Alanson R. , Augusta, Abby C. and Daniel J. Mrs. Russell died in April, 1877, and on May 3, 1881, Mr. Russell married Margaret Owen, born in Ontario, Canada, June 20, 1857, daughter of Anson and Antoinette (Bliss) Owen, natives of Portage County, Ohio, and New York, respectively. Mr. Russell is an energetic, enterprising and successful farmer, having his farm under a high state of cultivation. He takes deep interest in all public improvements, and has filled several offices of trust in the township. In politics he has ever been a Republican.

EBENEZER S. SHAW, druggist, Windham, was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, October 6, 1851, son of James and Sarah A. (Seward) Shaw. The former was born in Ashland County, Ohio, in 1808, and after graduating at the Western Reserve College and Allegheny Theological Seminary at Allegheny, Penn. , was regularly ordained a minister of the Gospel at Chillicothe, Ohio. He removed to Windham in 1859, where he served as pastor of the Congregational Church until a few weeks prior to his demise in April, 1875. James Shaw had been twice married, first to Harriet Metcalf, who bore him one son - James M. , a graduate of Western Reserve College, Hudson, Ohio, and Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. He went to China in 1874, as a missionary, and there died in June, 1876. His widow and one child still reside in China. James Shaw's second wife was Sarah A. Seward, born in New York in 1817, and brought to Summit County, Ohio, when an infant. She is now residing with her only son, Ebenezer S. The subject of this sketch passed the year 1876 attending the Dental College at Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1S79 he opened a drug store at Windham, in partnership with Dr. Longhead, and the year following graduated at the Dental College, Ann Arbor, Mich. His partner having retired he carries on the drug business in connection with dentistry. He is a member of the Congregational Church and Librarian of the Windham Circulating Library.

NELSON C. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born December 1, 1826, in North Becket, Mass., son of Champion and Achsah (Little) Smith, natives of Massachusetts, born in 1803 and 1806, respectively, parents of five children: Nelson C, Elmira, Martha, Mary (deceased) and Leona. They came to this county in 1834, and the original homestead tract consisted of seventy acres, to which they added until it contained 150 acres, and from a state of nature was gradually placed under a high state of cultivation. Champion Smith died June 6, 1881, his wife having preceded him January 2, 1879. Thesubject of this sketch was married December 10, 1857, to Mary E. Ford, born in Trumbull County, Ohio, March 2, 1831, daughter of Augustin and Susannah (Krahl) Ford, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively, and early settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio. To this union was born one daughter - Alice Blanche, born November 8, 1863, and married, January 4, 1883, to Arthur Roper, of Nelson, Ohio, by whom she has one child - Esther Beuno, born January 4, 1884. The principal occupation of our subject has been farming, thou.gh for two or three years he peddled jewelry. He offered his services two or three times in his country's defense, but was not accepted on account of the loss of one of his eyes. He has filled the office of Constable three terms. For nearly twenty years he has been actively connected with the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. fraternities. As a rule the Smith family have been Republican in politics.

JUSTIN E. SNOW, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born May 10, 1828, in Windham Township, this county. His father, Erastus Snow, was born in Connecticut in 1782, and came to Windham Township, this county, in 1813. He was a prominent farmer, strictly honest in all his dealings, a consistent member of the Congregational Church. Erastus Snow was first married to Anna Alford, who died May 23, 1828, and by her had foui- children, two attaining majority: Anna L. and Justin E. For his second wife he married Polly Hawley, who bore him five children: Frank, Sarah, Lucretia, Francis and an infant. Erastus Snow died February 23, 1850; his widow January 1, 1870. Our subject, who was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and early in life learned shoe-making, which occupation he followed for twenty-five years, part of the time in Pennsylvania. He married. May 22, 1850, Eunice JL. Rockwell, of Pennsylvania, who died February 16, 1855, leaving to his care one daughter - Elda, wife of Washington Beach, of Missouri (have three children: Nora, Cora and Millie). Mr. Snow was married the second time September 27, 1857, to Fanny H. Watson, of Pennsylvania, born May 22, 1833, at Appledore, County of Kent, England, daughter of George and Sarah (Fullagur) Watson, and by this union was born November 13, 1863, one child - Linda L. Mr. Snow served in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards, during the late war of the Rebellion. He returned to this county in 1876, and has since devoted himself to farming. He is a member of Garrettsville Lodge F. & A. M., Portage Lodge I. O. O. F., and Ravenna Encampment. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

HENRY B. WALDEN, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born May 8, 1832, in Windham Township, this county, on the place that has always been his home. His father, Joshua Walden, who came to Ohio in 1818, locating in Windham Township, this county, where he spent the remainder of his days, was married to Esther Wilmot, born in Connecticut in 1798 (she was the widow of Harry Blair, by whom she had one son - Orrin H. Blair - who attained his majority, now deceased). To our subject's parents were born two children: Caroline (deceased wife of Seth Strickland) and Henry B. Joshua Walden was a prominent farmer, and by industry and economy amassed a large property. He died October 4, 1865. His widow is still living. Our subject in early life was employed like farmer boys of the present day, and farming has been his principal occupation. He was married December 24, 1864, to Lovisa H. Higley, born August 15, 1841, daughter of M. P. Higley, and by this union are four children: Frank H., Luna E., Delia A. and Carrie M. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Walden enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards. He has served in several oflices of honor and trust in his township. He is a member of Earl Milliken Post, G. A. R. In politics a Republican.

ISAAC N. WILCOX, fanner, P. O. Windham, was born near Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County, Ohio, December 24, 1833. His father, Capt. Isaac Wilcox, was born in Berlin, Conn., May 17, 1779; married first December 26, 1800, to Lucy North, who bore him ten children. In 1809 he came with an ox-team to Stowe, Summit Co., Ohio; served in the war of 1812, and eventually became one of the most influential men of that township, by industry and economy accumulating quite a large property. He was married on the second occasion April 23, 1822, to Mary Kandall, of Washington, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and a native of Baltimore, Md. , where she was born October 18, 1792, and by whom he had six children, our subject being the fifth. Capt. Wilcox was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and died September 15, 1847; his widow surviving him until March 1, 1883, when she died at the advanced age of ninety years. Our subject was raised on the farm, and received a common school and academic education. At the age of nineteen years ho entered upon his career in life as a teacher, and continued in that profession, more or less, for fifteen years; some of his labors in that capacity being in the Windham Academy, and in the graded schools of Akron, Ohio. For two years he was one of the County School Examiners, and at various times has taken an active part, as instructor and lecturer, in the County Teachers' Institute. He was married May 26, 1857, to Miss Melissa S. Scott, born in Freedom Township, Ohio, February 24, 1836, daughter of Elijah Scott, late of Eootstown. Thev have three children: Ida M., born July 17, 1858; Scott S., born June 14, 1864; Wesley W., born August 31, 1881. About 1858 Mr. Wilcox came to Windham, this county, and has owned a farm most of the time since, upon which he and family have resided, and although he has never given his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, the management of his farm has been under his direct superintendence. He at one time owned an interest in a coal mine in Coshocton County, and for some time was the Secretary of the company, but owing to an accident at that time, he disposed of his interest in that enterprise, and resigned his position. In answer to the first call for troops in April, 1861, he offered his services and enlisted in Company F, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three months as Second Lieutenant. He afterward, in company with Capt. Prior, of Kavenna, raised a cavalry company which was attached to the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and served as First Lieutenant until near the close of the war, when he received a Captain's commission. He is now Quarter-Master of Earl-Milliken Post, No. 333, G. A. R., of Windham. Since 1872 he has been a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, of which he is Committeeman and one of the leaders in this township. He has, at different times, been correspondent for Eastern papers, and several of the weekly periodicals of Portage County.

THE WOODWORTH FAMILY OF WINDHAM. There is a tradition in this family that some time near the close of the seventeenth century, in England, a gentleman named Wood married a lady named Worth, but instead of adopting his name, they blended both names, thus originating the name " Woodworth." Two sons by this union came to America, one settling in Brooklyn, N. Y., the other in New Lebanon, Conn. The grandsons of the latter were young men at the outbreak of the Pvevolutionary struggle, in which some of them served; others took part in the war of 1812. Joseph Woodworth participated in the noted New Jersey retreat, and in the battles of Monmouth, Princeton and Trenton, wintering at Valley Forge. He was with Wayne at Stony Point, and served under Gates in the campaign preceding the surrender of Burgoyne. He was also present at other of the stirring scenes of that war. Some portion of his service was in the regiment of Col. Tilden, late of Hiram, this county. After the war he moved to Schoharie County, N. Y., and about 1816 to Madison County in the same State. He was blessed with a very large family of children, of whom fifteen lived to adult years, and to raise families. Late in life he removed with some of his sons to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where he died in 18-12 in his eighty-fifth year. Two of his sons, William and Thomas J., became residents of Windham. William and family are noticed in an accompanying sketch.

THOMAS J. WOODWORTH (deceased!, a younger brother of William, was born at Rensselaerville, Schoharie Co., N. Y., June 9, 1808. His parents removed to Madison County, N. Y. , when he was about eight years old. When about nine he was afflicted with what was known as the putrid epidemic, and of a large number of cases in that region, he was the only one who survived. But from its effects he never recovered, his hearing being permanently affected and in other respects he suffered. Growing up amid the rugged activities of pioneer life, he was thrown upon his own resources, and was thus trained to habits of persevering industry and self-reliance. Having secured such intellectual training as was afforded by the district school, he entered Oneida Conference Seminary, Cazenovia, N. Y., where he spent some time in study. His name appears on the records of that institution for 1829. He was dissuaded from entering the legal profession, which he had contemplated doing, on account of his imperfect hearing. Some three years were then spent in the employ of Col. Hezekiah Sage, of Sullivan, a part of the time as foreman on his extensive farm. One fall he sowed 300 bushels of seed wheat by hand. With the means thus obtained in the employ of Col. Sage he made the first payment in the purchase of a farm in Fenner in the same county. In 1833 he was united in marriage with Sarah S. Wager, daughter of Philip Wager, Esq., of Sullivan. Her father was in early life a pioneer preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church He joined the itinerancy in 1790. In 1792 he was one of the eight ministers who formed the first New England Conference as organized by Bisho]D Asbury, with Jesse Lee as Presiding Elder. He was the first minister of this conference sent into the States of Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. He located about 1800. He was brother of Rev. David Wager, of Columbia County, N. Y., and of Henry Wager, father of Hon. David Wager, law partner of Horatio Seymour, and grandfather of Gen. Henry Wager Halleck. Immediately after his marriage Mr. W^oodworth removed to his Fenner farm. Twenty-six years were passed here in the enjoyment of the respect of the community, shown by the many positions of honor and trust he held in township and county; among them Commissioner of Deeds and Magistrate for several years. One incident of his life exemplifies his indomitable energy and perseverance very forcibly. When he had nearly paid for his farm and began to feel in somewhat easy circumstances, he undersigned a friend and relative to a large amount, and by so doing lost heavily and was plunged into debt so deeply that his friends despaired of his saving his farm. But he at once sold off everything except the bare necessaries for farming purposes, and with an industry that knew no flagging, set to work to pay off the debt, a task which took more than ten of the best years of his life to accomplish. In 1859 he sold his farm and removed to Cazenovia in the same county, and from there to Windham, this county, in 1860. His deafness increasing, he led a more retired life in Windham than in former years. Home was the most attractive place to him and to make it enjoyable he gave his best energies. He was a keen observer of men and things, and all his actions and words evinced a sound judgment which was held in high esteem by all who knew him. From the days of his majority he was a Democrat in politics, voting for Buchanan, but supporting Lincoln in 1860, and ever after the Republican party with zeal. During the Rebellion he was a member of the War Committee of Windham, and did what lay in his power to support the X^nion cause. Mr. Woodworth was of an inquiring, active cast of mind, was a great reader during the intervals from more active duties, always seeking information. His knowledge of the political history of our country was extensive. He delighted in discussion, and his sword of argument was edged with a satire and wit which rendered it keen and cutting. Though jSrm and decided in his convictions, he extended to others in the sphere of thought the suffrage he secured to himself. In early life he became a Methodist, he while here holding a certificate of membership from the Methodist Episcopal Cburch, of Cazenovia, N. Y. Thorough honesty was his admiration, and for hypocrisy he entertained the highest contempt. To be more than he seemed rather than less was his highest aim. These traits were exemplified in his character. In business he was successful in spite of his misfortunes, and he accumulated a handsome competency, far in advance of those whose dishonesty robbed him of years of toil. To be a good farmer, according to his ideal, was his highest happiness as an occupation. On coming to Windham he bought Lot 33, then known as the Willis Strickland farm. It was ever after his residence. He made his home in Fenner an attractive place, and his Windham home will long bear the impress of his energy and love of order. He died suddenly of paralysis, January 30, 1884.

HON. E. S. WOODWORTH, son of Thomas J. Woodworth, was born in Fenner, N. Y. , August 24, 1841. His boyhood years were spent on the farm and in the district schools of the neighborhood. In 1858 he entered Oneida Conference Seminary, and completed a three years' course in 1860. In the winter of 1 858-59 he taught his first term of school in Lenox, N. Y. , and so well did he succeed that the next winter he was employed to take charge of one of the principal school in Cazenovia, the village of his home, his parents having moved to this place in 1859. In July, 1860, after leaving school, he came to W^indham, Ohio, his parents having made their home there in May previous. He at once began labor on their farm. In the winter of 1860-61 he taught in Ravenna, and for many succeeding winters in different schools of Windham. In 1862 he spent some time in school at Hiram, thinking to enter the Junior Class of Michigan University in 1863, but the events of the war and other circumstances changed that plan, as well as his ideal for life-work - the study of law. In 1864 he was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Regiment Ohio National Guards, and in the battle of Kellar's Bridge, Ky., he was severely wounded by a ball shattering his right leg below the knee. On the morning of this battle he volunteered at the request of Gen. Hobson to gain what knowledge was possible of the situation of the Rebel force under John Morgan at Cynthiana, some two miles away, who earlier in the day had an engagement with a small detachment of our men under Col. Garis. He was to advise Col. Garis to fall back to Kellar's Bridge if practicable. However, it was found that our force there had already been forced to surrender, and Woodworth, who succeeded in getting within the enemy's picket line and almost in the town, was happy to get out much faster then he went in, after a close range encounter with a calvary- man who followed him and after exchanging several shots got the benefit of a ball from Woodworth's revolver. On reporting to Gen. Hobson he received his thanks as well as much credit by all who knew the circumstances of the exploit. Being much exhausted on his return to his company the officers advised him not to go into the right that was commencing, but he insisted on going, and was wounded as stated. With the wounded from this battle he was taken to Covington, Ky. , where he remained nearly four months before he was able to be removed home. He refused to have his leg amputated when advised to do so by the post surgeons, and so saved his limb. In 1871 he married Belle C, daughter of William Rudd, late of Sullivan, Ashland Co., Ohio, who, while a member of the Forty -second Ohio (Garfield's regiment), received a wound at Champion Hills, from which he died. The William Rudd family at present reside at McMinnville, Tenn. The children of this union are Nellie E., born October 20, 1873; Glenn R., born January 29, 1877, and Clyde W., born November 26, 1880, but who died March 19, 1885. He was an attractive child who won all hearts. Mr. Woodworth is in politics an ardent Republican, and enjoys the remembrance that his first vote was cast for Garfield on his first election to Congress, and his first Presidential vote was for Lincoln on his second election. He has held many positions of trust, among them Justice of the Peace some eight years, which position he resigned on his election to the Legislature in 1881. In that body he was esteemed for his strict and assiduous attention to the duties of his position, and for a new member was more highly honored than is usual by being placed in important positions on committees. In the County Convention of 1888 he lacked only seven votes of a re-nomination. Like many others of the Sixty-fifth Ohio General Assembly he 8ufi"ered because of his vote favoring the " Scott Law " and kindred temperance legislation. However, his friends believe he has nothing to regret, for even in defeat is sometimes high honor. He has been an active worker politically for several years, and in the campaign of 1884 served his party as member of the Republican County Central and Executive Committees. Mr. Woodworth lives in the enjoyment of an attractive farm-home, made so by the joint labor of his father and himself, he having added to his paternal acres. He is at present Senior Vice-Commander of Earl-Milliken Post, No. 333, G. A. R. , and is a member of Silver Creek Lodge, F. & A. M. He is a member of the Congregational Church of Windham, in the Sabbath-school of which he is an active worker. Wherever known he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact, and in all the relations of life he sustains such a character as to stand high in the esteem and honor of the people of Portage County.

SAMUEL YALE, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born September 15, 1844, in Windham Township, this county, son of Edmund and Nancy (Russell) Yale, the former born in 1806 in Mahoning County, Ohio, and the latter in 1809 in Hamilton County, N. Y. They had a family of five children: Edwin, Celia, Sanford S. (died in the army during the late war of the Rebellion), Samuel and an infant (deceased). Edmund Yale was a good farmer, a thorough business man and an influential citizen. He died in 1878, and his loss was not only felt in his family but by the whole community. His widow still survives. Our subject was reared on a farm, his educational advantages being limited to the common schools of his township. He was married September 5, 1867, to Miss Savilla S. Shibley, born in Windham Township, this county, March 30, 1848, and by her he has three children: Edmond, Alta C. and Edith A. Mr. Yale has made farming the principal occupation of his life, having no specialty but growing the usual crops and handling stock. He is a consistent member of the Congregational Church, energetic and enterprising. Mr. Yale is one of the substantial men of this township.