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Summit County, Ohio

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Biographies


Source:
Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio
and Representative Citizens
Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.
Chicago, Ill -
1908

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
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RAY F. HAMLIN, a young but able member of the Akron bar, now serving his second term as city clerk, in spite of his youth has been nominated by the Republican party for the important office of city treasurer.  Mr. Hamlin was born at Akron, Apr. 24, 1881, and is a son of Byron S. Hamlin, a native Summit County and for forty years a resident of Akron.  He was reared in his native city, where he attended the public schools, and then took a two-years' course in the law department of Columbia University at Washington, D. C, and was graduated from Baldwin University at Cleveland in 1903.  Upon his return to Akron he took the bar examination and in the same year was admitted to practice.   He was at once appointed city clerk and thus, from the beginning of his career, has been recognized as a political factor.
     On May 28, 1907, Mr. Hamlin was married to Mabel J. Gordon, who is a daughter of Fred F. Gordon, of Akron.  He is a member of Woodland Methodist Episcopal Church.  Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.  He and wife are participants in the pleasant social life of the city, and both are valued for their personal attributes.
Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Ill. - 1908 - Page 284

 

CHARLES EDWARD HANSON, residing on his finely-improved farm of 124 acres, in Stow Township, is one of this section's representative agriculturists.  Mr. Hanson was born Aug. 24, 1856, in Hudson Township, Summit County, Ohio, and is a son of Richard and Susanna (Briggs) Hanson.
     RICHARD HANSON was born Aug. 10, 1827, in the town of Whapwood, Lincolnshire, England, and was there married.  He came to his country with his children, and immediately afterward engaged in the wagon-making business, with his brother Charles, under the firm name of Hanson Brothers, later becoming sole proprietor.  Subsequently he purchased a farm in Stow Township, which he cultivated until his retirement from active farm work, when he removed to Hudson Township, and there his death occurred in his seventy-fifth year.  Originally a Whig, Mr. Hanson later became a Republican, but he never aspired to political office.  He was married to Susanna Briggs, who was born in 1828, and to them there were born the following children:  Charles Edward; Richard and Hewson, of Stow Township; Thomas Henry, of Hudson Township; William George and Charlotte, both of Hudson Township; and Albert David.  The family belong to the Episcopal Church.
     Charles Edward Hanson resided in Hudson Township until he was eleven years old, at which time his parents came to Stow Township, and here he worked on the farm until 1880, at which time he purchased his present 124-acre tract, which he has cultivated to the present time.  He also manages twenty-four acres belonging to hsi sister-in-law.  He devotes considerable attention to cattle-raising and has from twenty to twenty-five head.  He ships milk to the condensing milk factory at Kent, Ohio.  Mr. Hanson recently remodeled his home, which now includes twelve rooms and a bath, and built his present barns, one being a combined horse-barn and wagon-house 30 by 60 feet, with 18-foot posts, and the other 58 by 60 feet, with 22-foot posts, for his stock, and, in addition, has a fine granary, 20 by 28 feet.  He keeps his buildings in the best of condition, and his farm in general presents a fine appearance.
     Mr. Hanson was married to Orrie Stewart, who was a daughter of Thomas and Catherine Stewart of Stow Township.  She died in 1896, aged thirty-eight years, having been the mother of six children, namely:  Rose E., Zena, Charles Frederick, Abigail I., Thomas S. and Eddie, the latter of whom died aged seven years.  In his political views, Mr. Hanson is a Republican, and he has filled the offices of school director and supervisor, and been township trustee for sixteen years.
Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Ill. - 1908 - Page 824

 

BENJAMIN HART, a representative citizen of Springfield Township, where he owns a fine, well-improved farm of eighty acres, has been a resident of the village of Mogador since 1902.  Mr. Hart was born June 5, 1832, and is a son of Jesse and Freelove (Ives) Hart.
     Mr. Hart
belongs to an old and honorable pioneer family of New England stock, his ancestors having been among the first settlers of Springfield township and among the very early residents of Summit County, coming here a few years after the admission of Ohio as a state. 
     Jesse Hart, father of Benjamin, was born in Connecticut, in 1773, and died in Summit County, Ohio, July 18, 1868, aged ninety-four years.  When twenty-eight years of age he married Esther Warner, in Connecticut, and they had the following children:  Worthy,  who was born Mar. 12, 1803; Amy, who was born Jan. 29, 1805; Esther, who was born Jan. 15, 1808; Patience, who was born Apr. 10, 1809; and Welcome, who was born Feb. 19, 1811.  The mother of these children died Mar. 28, 1811.  Jesse Hart was married (second) also in Connecticut to Freelove Ives, Sept. 15, 1811.  She was born in Vermont and died in Summit County, Ohio, Nov. 7, 1863.  The children of Jesse and Freelove Hart were:  Louisa, who born Au. 2, 1812, married Homer Root; Jesse, who was born Apr. 27, 1813, married Rachel Richards; Phoebe, who was born Sept. 17, 1816, married Otis Merriman; George who was born Oct. 22, 1818, married (first) Eliza Nelson, and (second) Mrs. Lizzie (Hile) Bean; Elizabeth who was born Oct. 18, 1821, married John Hixon; Amos, who was born Apr. 28, 1824, died from an accident, when two years of age; Harriet, who was born Aug. 27, 1826, married (first) William Chapman, and (second) John Smith; Sarah who was born Aug. 1, 1828, married (first) Joseph Conrad, and (second) Robert Fisher; and Benjamin, who was born June 5 1832, the youngest of family of fourteen children.
     In 1812 Jesse Hart left Connecticut with his family and made the journey in Summit County, Ohio in covered wagons, bringing along many household treasures, and probably as did many other early settlers his cows and horses.  He settled on what became known as the Hart homestead in Springfield Township, west of Logtown, where the remainder of his life was passed.  He found only a small portion of the land cleared, heavy timber covering the balance, and it required years for himself and sons to cut down this timber, blacken and then grub out the stumps and place it all under cultivation.  His experience was that of other pioneer settlers, a little easier in his case because he possessed more ample means than many others.  His older children, however, were all daughters and years passed before his sons could materially assist in the heavy labor.  He first erected a log house of fair dimensions and in this the family lived and increased for ten years.  About 1822, he erected a substantial brick house, in which he lived until he died and which still remains on he farm in habitable condition.  In all that went to promote the civilization of this section and to advance the welfare of the community in which he had been an early pioneer, Jesse Hart was a man to be depended upon.  He lived to witness wonderful changes in the country to which he had come so early, and on which he left an impress on account of his sterling character.  The Hart connections are found all over this section, almost all of his children having married and left descendants.
     Benjamin Hart was born in the brick house above mentioned and resided in it until 1892.  His education was obtained in the early district schools near his home and he enjoyed one term's instruction at a private school in Mogadore.  He continued to cultivate the patrimonial farm until 1892, when he passed it on to his children and grandchildren and at last the old place was sold, but it is still called the old Hart homestead.  In 1892, Mr. Hart moved from the old farm, which contained 150 acres, to a farm of eighty acres, which he purchased of R. L. Ewart, and that farm he occupied and operated until he moved to Mogadore, in 1902.
     On November, 15, 1855, Benjamin Hart was married to Mary L. Meacham, who is a daughter of Benjamin and Prudence (Force) MeachamBenjamin Meacham was born in Connecticut, came as an early settler to Summit County, and lived in both Tallmadge and Springfield Townships.  The mother of Mrs. Hart died when she was two years old, but her father survived some forty year.  The children born to Banjamin and Mary L. Hart were the following: Alice, Clara, Mary L., Sarah L., Wilbur Judd, and Raymond.  Alice who married Clark Woolf, resides in Springfield Township, and they have three children, May, Mahlon and
BessieClara, deceased, married Edward Daugherty, and at death Dec. 12, 1886 left two sons, James Benjamin, who has become a prominent citizen of New Berlin, and Irvin Garfield, who is a successful dentist residing at New Berlin.  May L., who married Homer L. Hudson, Oct. 7, 1882, died Sept. 7, 1883, leaving one daughter, Clara Louise; Sarah L., was married Aug. 27, 1885, to Amos K. Douglass and they have four children, Rosamond, Ray Hayes, Ethel and Helen.  Wilbur Judd Hart was married June 3, 1890, to Viola Funt, and they have eight children, Jennie, James, Edith, Clara, Gertrude, Irvin (deceased), Elwood, and Florence V.  Wilbur Judd Hart is engaged in farming in Tallmadge Township.  Raymond Hart, the youngest member of the family, conducts a meat-market at Mogadore.  On Oct. 14, 1900, he married Mrs. Maggie (Flick) Kline.
     Benjamin Hart
has been a life-long Republican and was a strong supporter of the policies of the late Governor Pattison.  He has always been a vigorous fighter for the cause of temperance and lives up to his convictions.  He has never used intoxicants nor tobacco, and in the vigor of his seventy-five years may be read an excellent and convincing temperance lecture.
     Mr. Hunt is one of the prominent and substantial men of the part of Summit County, not only on account of his material possessions, but for the sturdy qualities and sterling attributes which have marked the family name.  The years have touched him kindly, silvering his hair but leaving his heart young.  In the friendly clasp of his hand and the hearty sound of his voice is a cheer that speaks of a well regulated life, a clear past and a hopeful future.
Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Ill. - 1908 - Page 657

 

GEORGE W. HART, who, for twenty years was a highly respected resident of Cuyahoga Falls, and formerly a successful agriculturist of Stow Township, was born at Middleburg, Summit County, Ohio, July 12, 1832, and died at Cuyahoga Falls, Dec. 15, 1900.  He was a son of Colonel John C. and Margaret (Sterling) Hart.
    
The Hart family originated from England and came to Connecticut among the early colonists.  Rufus Hart, the grandfather of George W., was born in Goshen, Connecticut, in 1771, and in 1795 he married Esther Cotter.  In 1802 he moved o Genesee County, New York, and in May, 1815, to Middlebury, Ohio, which is now the Sixth Ward of Akron, which city was then represented by less than a half dozen log cabins, the whole surrounding country being then covered by a heavy forest growth.  As an officer in the War of 1812, he participated in the battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane, and the burning of Buffalo.
    
COLONEL JOHN C. HART, father of George W., was born in Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut, Apr. 17, 1798, and was only fourteen years of age when he joined Captain Stone's company of cavalry.  He was in his father's regiment at various points and bravely faced hardships with the veterans at the evacuation of Fort George.  He continued in the service until the close of the war, and then accompanied his father to New York and subsequently to Ohio.  when he was twenty-one years old he left the paternal roof and started out to seek the proverbial fortune, incidentally to find employment.  He was of robust constitution, and the mere fact of being obliged to walk a hundred miles or so probably did not discourage him to any great degree.  When he reached Steubenville he boarded a lumber raft and floated a distance down the river; from that point he walked to Cincinnati, and from there made his way to St. Louis.  For about two months he worked in a mill in that city and later engaged in the manufacture of brick at a small place when material conditions prevailed to such an extent that he was taken ill with chills and fever, and his adventures abroad were brought to a close.  He managed to return home, and when he regained his health purchased a farm of fifty acres just south of Middlebury, and there passed the rest of his active life, dying Aug. 20, 1880.  He always remained interested in military affairs and late in life he raised a regiment of cavalry of which he was elected colonel.
     On Feb. 23, 1831, John C. Hart was married to Mrs. Margaret A. Sterling, and they became the parents of the following children:  George W., John S., Charles S., Hiram, Elizabeth and Fannie A.  The last mentioned married, Clinton Ruckel.  Hiram died from disease contracted in the Civil War.
     The late George W. Hart was reared and educated in his native township and attended the local schools, in the meanwhile assisting on the home farm.  After his marriage he settled on a farm of 160 acres situated in Stow Township, where he resided until he retired to Cuyahoga Falls in 1880.  He made his main interest dairying and sheep growing.  He was a man of sterling character, strong in the advocacy of what he believed to be right, but just in his dealings with all men.  For many years he was a vestryman of St. John's Episcopal Church at Cuyahoga Falls.  In his political life he was a stanch supporter of the Republican party and was a man particularly well fitted for public office, but his ambitions were not in the direction.  He served as township commissioner and always, took an interest in the public schools.  He was connected with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Star Lodge, No.187, at Cuyahoga Falls.
     On Aug. 18, 1853, George W. Hart was married to Anna H. Beardsley who was born in Middlebury (Akron) July 18, 1832, and is a daughter of Talman and Temperance (Spicer) Beardsley.  To this marriage six children were born, the two who reached maturity being being:  Emma F. and Clarissa.  The latter married R. D. Morgan, and resides at Cleveland.  Mrs. Hart and her daughters are members of the Episcopal Church.
     Talman Beardsley, father of Mrs. Hart, was born Dec. 23, 1799, in Delhi, Delaware County, New York, and accompanied his father's family to Licking County, Ohio, in 1810, and to Middlebury in 1818, where he worked for a short time in a foundry, and then bought a farm which is the present site of the Leggett school.  He disposed of that property and bought another in Coventry Township on which he lived for thirty years.  He became a leading citizen in this part of Summit County, was a prominent Republican, and served many years as a justice of the peace and also as township clerk.  His parents were Daniel and Hannah (Bailey) Beardsley.
    
In 1831, Talman Beardsley married Temperance Spicer, who was a daughter of Major Minor and Cynthia (Allen) Spicer.   Major Spicer was a native of Connecticut and a soldier in the War of the Revolution.  He was a very early pioneer in Summit County, where he acquired large tracts of land.  He donated the land on which Buchtel College now stands, it formerly having been his private burying ground.  He was twice married.   Mrs. Beardsley being a child of his first union.
     The children of Talman Beardsley and wife were:  Anna H. (Mrs. Hart); Emily, Mills and Avery, all of whom are deceased; and Avery, second, residing at Adrian, Michigan.  The family were reared in the Universalist faith.  Talmon Beardsley died July 18, 1891, surviving his wife by but three months, her death having taken place March 22, early in the same year.  Mrs. Hart was reared at Akron and was one of the first students of the Akron High School when it was under the direction of M. D. Leggett.
Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Ill. - 1908 - Page 593

  IRA L. HART, who resides on his well improved farm of eighty-seven acres in Springfield Twp., is one of the best known farmers in the township and a representative member of one of the oldest families of this section.  He was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Oct. 8, 1861, and is a son of George W. and Rebecca (Myers) Hart.  He is a grandson of John D. Hart, who came to Summit Co. from Pennsylvania, at a very early date which has not been preserved, but at that time there were few other settlers in this region.  John D. Hart made his first permanent settlement where his grandson, Ira now resides.  A log cabin had been built on the land by a former tenant and in that rude but sufficient abode this worthy pioneer and his wife rounded out their lives.  John D. Hart was a soldier in the war of 1812, and he was a son of the John Hart whose name is appended to the Declaration of Independence.  John D. Hart's family included four daughters and two sons who reached mature age, namely: Mrs. Margaret Gillen, Mary A., who married John A. Myers and died in Springfield Twp.; Rebecca, who married Abraham Rodenbaugh, and spent her life in Springfield Twp.; Jane, deceased, who survived her husband Benjamin Clay; John, who died in 1900, aged eighty years, and who married Margaret Hawk, and George W., father of Ira L., who died in 1898.  John D. Hart and his wife died soon after the close of the Civil War, and were buried in the cemetery of the Presbyterian Church at Springfield.  He owned a farm of ninety acres at that time.
     The parents of Ira L. Hart were both born in Springfield Twp., Summit Co., Ohio.  The mother, Mrs. Rebecca Hart, died when Ira L. Hart was about seven years of age.  Her husband survived her until Apr. 10, 1898, when he died at the age of sixty-six years.  They had eight children, the three survivors being: Arilda J., who married O. J. Swinehart, residing at Springfield Lake; Luther E., residing at Akron, but owning a farm in Springfield Township, who married Minerva Ritzman, daughter of Samuel Ritzman, and Ira L., whose name begins this sketch.  After marriage, George W. Hart and wife started housekeeping in the old log house which still stands on the farm, and his life was mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits.  He was one of the organizers of Pomona Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.  He owned a farm of sixty acres which he placed under good cultivation and he built an excellent barn, of which his son now makes use.  The old home was comfortable and neither he nor his wife desired any other.  They were quiet, virtuous, godly people, members of the Presbyterian Church, and estimable in every relation of life.  Their remains lie in the Presbyterian cemetery.  Mr. Hart was a patriotic citizen and served in the Union army during the Civil War.
     Ira L. Hart was born in the old family residence which still remains standing on the farm.  He obtained his education in the district schools.  He and his brother Luther worked some years for their father, after which they purchased the Henderson farm.  After the father's death they returned, Ira L. receiving a small portion of the estate, to which he subsequently added by purchase until he now owns a fraction over eighty-seven acres.  Formerly he was largely interested in growing potatoes for the Akron market, but now carries on mixed farming and raises small fruit.  In 1903 he completed his fine modern residence, of eight rooms, which, in architecture and convenience, is one of the handsomest in Springfield Township.  All his surroundings show thrift and good management.  In a large measure, Mr. Hart is a self-made man, having acquired his popularity through industry and frugality.
     On Dec. 22, 1885, Mr. Hart was married to Ida B. Traster, of Springfield Twp., and they have three children, namely: Jessie, Willard and Dawn, all residing at home.  The family belong to the Presbyterian Church at Springfield.
     In politics, Mr. Hart is a Democrat.  In the spring of 1901 he was elected township treasurer, and subsequently served efficiently four years and four months in this responsible office.  He is a man of liberal, broadminded views on public matters, and is interested in all that promises to be of benefit to his locality.
Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Ill. - 1908 - Page 703
  K. H. HAYS, secretary of the Akron Cultivator Company, with which enterprise he has been identified since 1890, was born at Manchester, Ohio, in 1862, and is a member of an old and representative family of that section.
     After leaving the Manchester schools, he entered the Ohio Northern University and later attended Oberlin College, following which he taught school for eight years.  He then came to Akron and entered the office of the Akron Cultivator Company, of which for the past eight years he has been secretary.  He has proved the affirmative in his own east of the much discussed question as to whether a college man makes a good business man.  In 1888, Mr. Hays was married to Francis Everhard, who died in 1903, leaving one daughter, Marguerite.  He was married (second) in 1906 to Lena Wilson, a native of Akron.  Mr. Hays is a member of the First Church of Christ, and is one of its board of elders.  Fraternally, he is connected with the order of Maccabees.
Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Ill. - 1908 - Page 332
  CHARLES P. HELLER who is carrying on extensive farming operations on his excellent tract of 148 acres situated about three-quarters of a mile west of Bath Centre, Bath Township, Summit County, Ohio, has served as assessor of this township for the past five years, and is one of the most influential Republicans of his section.  Mr. Heller was born Oct. 1, 1855, in Guilford Township, Medina County, Ohio, and is a a son of Levi and Elizabeth (Dutt) Heller.
     Levi Heller
, who was a native of Northampton County, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated, removed to Medina County, Ohio, a short time after his marriage, and there cultivated a seventy-seven acre farm until his death in 1865.  He married Elizabeth Dutt, who survived him until 1893, and to them was born one child.  Charles P.
     Charles P. Heller
was but nine years of age when his father's death occurred, and when he was thirteen years old he took full charge of the farm in Medina County, where he and his mother lived alone.  In 1881 this farm was sold, and Mr. Heller and his mother removed to his present home in Bath Township, where he erected a fine home in 1882.
     Here he has carried on successful agricultural operations to the present time.  He has been prominent in the ranks of the Republican party in this section, having been a member of the Summit County Republican Executive Committee for several years, served four years as a member of the Bath Township School Board, and was president thereof for two yeas, and since 1902 has served in the capacity of assessor, filling that position to the satisfaction of all concerned.  In 1883 Mr. Heller was united in marriage with Mary Strunk, who is a daughter of William Strunk, of Wadsworth, Ohio.  Mr. Heller is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and of the Masonic order.
Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Ill. - 1908 - Page 1065
CHARLES HENRY

Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Ill. - 1908 - Page 513

  ROSWELL HOPKINS, residing on his valuable farm of 100 acres, which is situated in Bath Township, owns a second farm of 156 acres, in the same township, and in addition to farming, has been interested in the lumber business since boyhood.  Mr. Hopkins was born in the house in which he resides, Summit County, Ohio, in 1872, and is a son of Roswell and Emily (Briggs) (Case) Hopkins.
     The grandparents of Mr. Hopkins, Isaac and Susannah (Harrison) Hopkins, were natives of Connecticut, from whence they moved to the State of New York, and removed from there to Summit County, Ohio, locating in Bath Township, Sept. 10, 1814, where the grandfather later bought a farm on which they lived the rest of their lives.  Roswell Hopkins, Sr., was born in Bath Township, and resided here until his death.  In 1860 he went into the lumber business, in partnership with William Barker, and they operated a sawmill and bending works.  Mr. Hopkins sold his interest at a later date and commenced to operate the sawmill near Ghent, which  his son still conducts, this old mill having been in use over seventy-five years.  He married Mrs. Emily (Briggs) Case, who is also deceased.
     Roswell Hopkins, son of Roswell, was reared on the home property, and ever since leaving school he has been engaged in the lumber business.  In 1905 he bought the planing mill and lumber interests of former Sheriff Barker, and moved the mill to its present location on his own land, one mile west of Ghent.  Here he has large lumber yards and does a great amount of business.
     Mr. Hopkins married Ossie Pierson and they have seven children, namely: Cecil, Ruth, Helen, Anna, Paul, Juanita, and HowardMr. Hopkins is one of the leading citizens of his community and is interested in all that pertains to its welfare.  He is a member of the township Board of Education.  Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the Maccabees.
Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Ill. - 1908 - Page 677

John H. Hower

JOHN H. HOWER until recent years one of Akron's most notable captains of industry, formerly president of the Hower Oatmeal Mills, owing to his early and close identification with the industrial growth of the city has been often called the father of its manufacturing interests.  He was born at New Berlin, Stark County, Ohio, Feb. 22, 1822, but was reared in Summit County.  He is one of a family of five children born to his parents, who were Jesse and Catherine (Kryder) Hower.  Jesse Hower, who was a wheelwright by trade, died in 1829, when this section was still a wilderness.  He was a son of Jacob Hower, who was of German parentage.
     John H. Hower had comparatively few educational advantages in his boyhood, owing to the poor schools existing.  When he was seven years old his father died, and he subsequently found it necessary to become self-supporting at an earlier age than is customary with more favored youths.  Learning the trade of painter, he followed it after he was eighteen years of age, in Summit County during the summers, teaching school, both English and German, during the winters.  When about thirty years old he embarked in a mercantile business at Doylestown, Wayne County, Ohio, where he remained for some years.  In 1861, he organized the Excelsior Mower and Reaper Company, in Doylestown, Ohio, to manufacture the invention of J. F. Seiberling, the inventor of the dropper, etc., on the reapers, for whom Mr. Hower procured the patents for a good remunerative interest.  The great demand for the machines soon outgrew the capacity of the plant.  The Excelsior factories, established here through Mr. Hower's influence and by means of his personal exertions, formed a sort of industrial nucleus around which gathered other new and varied industries.  The large royalties which they received from other manufacturing concerns, both in this and other states, amounting to nearly $500,000 were reinvested here, and helped largely to give that strong impulse in the direction of manufacturing activity, which found its logical outcome in the widespread and substantial business prosperity which we behold here at the present time.  As Mr. Hower was one of the first to build a manufacturing plant in Akron of the kind above mentioned, the title of "father of the industry," so frequently applied to him, seems peculiarly appropriate.  Some of the largest works of this kind in the city were built by his influence and for a long period, during his ripest years of business activity, he was closely associated with the initiation and subsequent progress of many of Akron's most successful industrial enterprises, and finest of homes.  In 1865 he assisted in the organization of the J. F. Seiberling Company, of Akron, of which he became vice president.
     In 1879 Mr. Hower bought an interest in the Turner Oatmeal Mill, and in 1881 he became the owner of the plant.  Then, with his sons, Harvey Y., M. Otis, and Charles H., he organized the firm of Hower & Company, which was incorporated in January, 1888, as the Hower Company, this being merged in June, 1891, with the American Cereal Company.  On the incorporation of the Hower Company the board was made up as follows:  John H. Hower, president; Harvey Y. Hower, vice president; M. Otis Hower, secretary; and Charles H. Hower, treasurer.  Mr. Hower was also one of  the incorporators of the Akron Reed and Rattan Company, of which he was elected president.
     In 1852 Mr. Hower was married (first) to Susan Youngker, who was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and who died at Akron in 1895.  Their family consisted of the three sons mentioned above, who, besides being associated with their father, have been prominent in many other lines of business enterprise.
     In 1900 John H. Hower married, for his second wife, Rebecca Ralston, a daughter of William Ralston of Massillon.  Mr. and Mrs. Hower reside in a beautiful home at No. 356 Buchtel Avenue.  Mr. Hower is a charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and served as a member and trustee from its organization in 1870 to 1879.  In politics he was in his earlier years a Democrat, but has been identified with the Republican party since its organization.
     Harvey Y. Hower, eldest son of John H. Hower and Susan (Youngker) Hower, was born Oct. 16, 1855, at Doylestown, Wayne County, Ohio.  He was educated in the public schools of Doylestown and Akron, and at Smithville Norman Academy, and then entered the employ of J. F. Seiberling & Company, first in their shops and later as a traveling representative.  This was followed by a two years' business connection with Aultman, Miller & Company.  In the spring of 1879 he became interested with his father in the manufacture of oatmeal and cereals, and became a partner in 1881, when the business of Robert Turner & Company passed into the hands of the Howers.  He was connected with his father and brothers in the organization of the firm of Hower & Company, whose business location was the corner of Canal and Cherry Streets, Akron.  On Nov. 29, 1877, Harvey Y. Hower was married to Helen M. Stone, who was born at Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, June 25, 1865/.  They have four children - John Frederick, Harvey Burt, Lloyd Kenneth and Lewis Stone.
     M. Otis Hower
, second son of Mr. Hower, was born in Doylestown, Wayne County, Ohio, on Nov. 25, 1859.  He received his education in the Akron schools and at Buchtel College, after which he joined his father in the cereal milling business until the transfer to the Cereal Milling Company.  He remained with that company in the different capacities of general manager, director, etc., until 1901, when he embarked in various succesful enterprises.
     Charles H. Hower, third son of John H. and Susan (Youngker) Hower, one of the incorporators of the Hower Company, and since June, 1891, a stockholder in the American Cereal Company, is also one of the incorporators and a stockholder in the Akron Reed and Rattan Company.  He was born Aug. 31, 1866, at Akron, Ohio, and completed his education at Oberlin College.  When seventeen years of age he became a traveling representative of the oatmeal firm of Hower & Company, and meeting with success, remained so engaged until the incorporation of the company as above detailed.  On Sept. 27, 1887, he married Nellie E. Long, who was born at Copley, Summit County, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1868.  He and his wife are the parents of one child - Helen M.

Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Ill. - 1908 - Page 413

  MILTON OTIS HOWER, one of the foremost business men of Akron, was born in Doylestown, Wayne County, Ohio, Nov. 25, 1859, son of John H. and Susan (Youngker) Hower.  His early ancestors in this country were of German origin.  Removing with his parents to Akron in 1866, he was educated in the Akron Public Schools and Buchtel College, paying particular attention to those studies best calculated to equip him for a successful business career.  With his father and two brothers he was associated in the organization of The Hower Company, oatmeal millers, of which company he was elected secretary.  This company was, in June, 1891, merged with the American Cereal Company, and Mr. Hower was one of the directors, later filling the position of vice-president and chair-man of the Executive Committee.  His active business connections have extended until he is now a leading officers in some of the most important business enterprises of Akron and elsewhere.  He is president and general manager of The Akron-Selle Company and The Akron Wood Working Company; vice-president of The Central Savings & Trust Company; president of the Lombard & Replogle Engineering Company; president of the Jahant Heating Company, president of the Bannock Coal Company; president of The Akron Hi-Potential Company, of Barton; president of the Akron Skating Rink Company and The Automobile Club.  He is also a director of The Akron Gas Company and the Home Building & Loan Association, and is active in the promotion of all private and public enterprises, having for their object the moral or material advancement of the community.
     Mr. Hower was married, Nov. 16, 1880, to Miss Blanche Eugenia Bruot, daughter of James F. and Rosalie (Gressard) Bruot, of Akron.  Of this marriage there are two children, Grace Susan Rosalie and John Bruot.  Mr. Hower resides in the old Hower homestead, NO. 60 Fir Street, one of the largest and most commodious residences in the city.  He is an independent Republican and noted for his fight against corruption and graft in any party.

Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Ill. - 1908 - Page 692

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