OLIVER C. DARLING, a contractor and builder, Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Ashtabula County, this State, Sept. 27, 1836. 
     His parents were James and Maria (Hogle) Darling, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Genesee Flats, Otsego county, New York.  They were married in Rochester, where the father learned the trade of carpenter.  They came to this county about 1825 and settled in Conneaut, where he bought property and where he was engaged in work on vessels in the harbor.  Subsequently he exchanged his town property for a farm in Pierpoint township, moved there about 133, and lied at that place until his death, in April, 1861, at the age of fifty-six years.  He was a fine workman, had a good education, and stood high in the community in which he lived.  Both he and his wife were worthy members of the Congregational Church.  She died May 6, 1885, at the age of seventy-eight years.  They had ten children, nine of who are living to-day.  They are as follows:  Mary E., wife of Alexander Marin, of Pierpoint; James Ephraim, who married Matilda Stanton, and has three children, lives in Marysville, Missouri; Francis Marion, who died at the age of nineteen years; O. C., the subject of our sketch; Susan Alvira, wife of Orsemus Peters, lives in Winslow, Illinois, their family being composed of two children; Jane D., wife of Jonas Scramlin, of Climax, Michigan; Caroline, wife of Albert Hildum, of Warren county, Pennsylvania, has two children; Harriet P., wife of Edwin Trevit, Monroe, Wisconsin; and Esther Jane, wife of Richard Marvin, Corry, Pennsylvania; has two children.
     O. C. Darling began his trade at the workbench of his father, in this county, when a mere boy.  In 1856 he went to Illinois, and from there in 1859 made a prospecting tour to Pike's Peak.  On his return he stopped at Platte City, Missouri, and worked at his trade there for a time.  He built a commodious residence for Colonel Burns, a wealthy planter, and while he was there the Colonel took great fancy to him.  It was about that time that secession fever arose to a white heat.  Colonel Burns was an enthusiastic rebel.  He offered Mr. Darling a commission, $100 per month, and a horse and saddle, if he would enlist in the Southern cause, and when the offer was emphatically but respectfully declined, the Colonel said, "Then you must leave these parts."  That night, with a colored slave as driver, and the Colonel's own family carriage and fine horses, he was driven with his effects to the river, and upon their reaching the landing the negro begged him to sell the carriage and horses and take him along to "God's country," which, of course, Mr. Darling would not do.  At Quincy he enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Regiment, was drilled and stationed on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, and at the expiration of his term of enlistment came onto Ohio.  From Ashtabula county he went to the oil fields of Pennsylvania, and at Titusville followed his trade until September 8 1862, when he enlisted for three years in Company D, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.  He enlisted as wagoner, and had charge of a train of wagons until, on account of rheumatism, he was compelled to go to the hospital.  April 9, 1864, he was discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability.  This ended his army career.
     The war closing, he returned to Titusville, and for two years was unabled to do any work.  Indeed, he has never been very strong since.  He was engaged in contracting and building for some time in Titusville and afterward at Corry and North East.  He came to Conneaut in March, 1889, and has since been identified with the interests of the place.  He and his son are both maser workmen and are doing an extensive business here.  Many of the nice residences in which Conneaut abounds are examples of their handiwork.  Mr. Darling is a generous and pubic-spirited man, and while a resident of North East held various minor offices.
     He was married, Christmas, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Right, daughter of Josiah and Amy Bright, old settlers of Trumbull county, Ohio.  Her parents were the first white couple ever married in Trumbull county.  Mr. Bright died in Newton Falls, that county, at the age of forty-five years, his death resulting from the bite of a mad dog.  He was born Aug. 13, 1805, and died Sept. 2, 1851.  Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  The latter died July 18, 1881, at the age of seventy-eight years.  Their seven children are as follows:  Josiah, who died at the age of sixty-two; Rebecca, who died at the age of sixty-two; Jonathan, a resident of Dallas, Texas; David, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Amy, wife of A. P. Swartz, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Darling; and Margaret, wife of Sidney Thompson, Pierpoint, Ohio. 
     Marmaduke Bright, Mrs. Darling's grandfather, was born in England, Aug. 23, 1773, and his wife, nee Amy Duffield, was born in the same country, Sept. 20, 1775.  Their four children were Elijah, Josiah, William and Paul.
     Mr. and Mrs. Darling have four children, namely: Burton A., who married Bertha L. Huffleman, of Chicago.  They have one child, Lester Edwin; Ida May, wife of William Huller, of Climax, Michigan, has two children; Floyd C. and Claud; Louella A., wife of Melvin Scramblin, also of Climax, Michigan, has one child, Henry; Frank Ulysses, who married Elma Jenkins, lives in Battle Creek, Michigan.
     Mr. Darling and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Conneaut, of which he is a Trustee.  He is also a member of the A. O. U. W., and Custer Post, No. 9, G. A. R., of Conneaut.  Mrs. Darling belongs to the W. R. C., and the Royal Templars of Temperance.  They are among the most excellent people of the city.
  Source: Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago:  Lewis Pub. Co. - 1893 - Page  213

M. L. DAVIS, news reporter on the Ashtabula Daily Standard, was born in Cortland county, New York, Apr. 14, 1842, a son of Julius and Matilda (Van Denschoten) Davis, who were born, reared and married in that State.  The father was engaged in farming until 1860, and in that year began operating in oil, having been one of the first men to engage in that business in western Pennsylvania.  He afterward located at Oil City, where he remained until his death, in May, 1890.  He became a member of the Baptist Church in early life, was one of three who organized the church at his home, and served as Deacon of that church from its organization until his death, at which time he willed the church a parsonage at Oil City.  Mrs. Davis now resides with her daughter, Mrs. J. H. Fulmer, aged seventy-seven years.  She has also been a life-long and devout member of the Baptist church.  Mr. and Mrs. Davis had two children, and the daughter, Ellen, is now the wife of J. H. Fulmer, a contractor and oil operator.
     M. L. Davis, the subject of this sketch, received good early education advantages, and also completed an academic course.  He was afterward engaged in fruit culture in Cortland county, New York, until 1870, and from that year until 1890 followed the same occupation in Kingsville, Ashtabula county, Ohio.  In the latter year he opened a hotel in this city, which he conducted two years, and during that time was, as he now is, special reporter on the Ashtabula Daily Standard.  In 1862, Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Boynton, a daughter of Rev. A. V. Boynton, of McLean, New York.  To this union has been born two children, - Virginia A. and Nellie A., both at home.  The eldest daughter graduated at the Alleghany College in the class of 1891, has had five years of successful teaching and is now the most successful and cultured teachers of the county, and is worthy the responsible position she now holds.  Nellie A. is a teacher in music, and is one of the finest contralto singers in Ashtabula county.  Mr. and Mrs. Davis and their youngest daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Davis holds the office of Treasurer.  He is also a member of the K. of P., and has been Commander of the G. A. R. Post for the past three years.  He is one of the progressive and public-spirited citizens of his township, and stands abreast in all enterprises that favor the welfare of of his vicinity.
  Source: Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago:  Lewis Pub. Co. - 1893 - Page 982 

ROLLIN W. DAVIS, proprietor of the Pymatuning Stock Farm, at West Williamsfield, at Ashtabula county, Ohio, for nearly thirty years a breeder of fast horses and a well-known turf man, is a native son of the Buckeye State, having been born in Dorset, Ashtabula county, in 1838.  He comes of good old American stock, his parents, Richard S. and Elvira (Humphrey) Davis, having been natives of Virginia and Connecticut, respectively.  They were early settlers of Ashtabula county, where the father was a farmer and cheese and flour merchant, supplying the people with his commodities for many miles around.  The mother, Elvira (Humphrey) Davis, traced her genealogy back through many notable families, for some 500 years, to Sir John Humphrey, who lived in the latter part of the fourteenth century.  She also had a copy of his coat-of-arms, the same being a facsimile of the original that is now in the British Museum.  Their four children were: O. H., deceased, was a prominent attorney of Omaha, Nebraska; Henrietta is the wife of James McWan, a prosperous citizen of Cambridge City, Indiana; George M., deceased, was a miller of Brazil, Indiana; and Rollin W., whose name heads this notice.
     The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and attended the district schools in his vicinity.  In the free out of door life of his youth and the industrious, persevering duties on the farm, was laid the foundation of that physical and mental strength and vigor which have contributed to his present success.  He worked on the home farm until the outbreak of the Civil war, when, in August, 1861, he enlisted in Wade and Hutchins' cavalry, serving efficiently for one year and eight days, when he was disabled by the fall of his horse in a skirmish, and was subsequently discharged at Fort Scott, Kansas.
     On his return home, Mr. Davis followed his natural bent by engaging in the horse business at Dorset, his native town.  Blazing Star, his first selection, made a record of 2:40, and the books show that he sired Sleepy Tom, 2:28½, and the dam of Dandy, 2:18½, the fastest descendant of Atlantic.  Not being satisfied with his place at Dorset, Mr. Davis removed to West Williamsfield and at once began the cultivation and stocking of Pymatuning Farm.  He began to breed and develop trotters, in which he has had more than average success.  One of his first moves was a trip to Rushville, Indiana, where he purchased the gray horse, St. Omer, 2:28½, by Blue Bull, the sire of Chapman, 2:19½, Johnny B., 2:30, and the dams of Sankey, 2:25; Sir Walter Scott, 2:31, etc.  He also bred and developed Redwood by Blue Bull, and started him in seventeen races, all of which he won.  In those days a record was something to be avoided, on which account he never entered the 2:30 list.  After this, "Roll" Davis became something of a Blue Bull man, as his next investment was made in Molly Kistler.  He developed his mare and drove her to her record of 2:29½, the campaigning ground being in the Oil and Iron Circuit, in which she won all of her engagements.  He also bought the fast Blue Bull mare, May Bird, 2:23, and gave her a record of 2:30 over the half-mile track at Columbus, Ohio, in 1891.  The desire to get something better than could be found in Ohio led Mr. Davis to go to Kentucky and purchase the three year old black colt, Atlantic, by Almont, out of Isabella Clay by Kentucky Clay.  At that time the black horse was untrained, so that all of his schooling traces to Pymatuning Farm.  Mr. Davis put him through his early lessons in good style, and that he was an apt pupil may be seen by the records.  In his six year old form he gave him a mark of 2:24, while his most stubborn race was trotted at Jefferson against Reveille.  Davis drove a great race that day, and while the battle was in doubt to the finish and the contest was sharp, the black horse pulled off the victory.  That was a proud day for Davis, and among the relics of his success that day is a $100 suit of clothing for Atlantic, he having been presented with the outfitting after the race.  This suit of clothing is still at Pymatuning Farm as a reminder of Atlantic, who is now in Italy.  That Atlantic should have proved a success in the stud is shown by the performance of the few foals that he got before Mr. Davis sold him to Andy Welch, at Utica, in 1887.
     Soon after selling Atlantic, a move was made to purchase another stallion, and, in company with James McClurg, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, the Lumps colt, Luminator, was selected.  He was a good individual and promised to be fast, as he stepped out and took the three year old record of 2:37 early in July.  Death, however, robbed the turf of what promised to be a 2:20 performer, but fortunately Luminator left a few foals, some of which are very promising.  Among the royally bred horses that have been owned at Pymatuning Farm, the books show the names of Woodman by Wedgewood, and Sprague Pilot, 2:24, as game a race horse as ever trimmed round on a race track.  He proved a successful campaigner while at the farm, but was sold to make way for the young stallions coming of which the most noted were St. Lookout, 2:26, the two year old champion of Ohio, his brother, King Sultan, and Grand Master by Wilkes Boy.  Mr. Davis purchased the Administrator mare, Daisy B., while on one of his trips to Kentucky, and she has since become noted as the dam of Ashland Wilkes, 2:22, and Kitty Wilkes, the dam of St. Lookout, 2:26.  The latter won the two-year old stake at the Ohio Breeders' meeting from a large number of contestants, including Gift O'Neer and Oakburne, and two days later turned the track at the first time in 2:26, trotting each half of the mile in 1:13.  Mr. Davis has at the head of his stud at this writing (1893) King Sultan, sired by Sultan, 2:24, sire of Stamboul, 2:07½, by Kitty Wilkes; and Harry Davis, with a record at one year of 3:12, sired by Luminator by dam Kitty Wilkes.  Kitty Wilkes is the mother of St. Lookout, with a two year old record of 2:26; and King Sultan, of 2:33; as well as of Harry Davis, previously mentioned.  This mare was reared by Mr. Davis and is now eight years old.  He also owns five Atlantic brood mares and three gilt-edged three-year-old fillies.  The Pymatuning Farm is now operated by Mr. R. W. Davis and consists of 300 acres of as choice land as is to be found in the county, and is devoted to general farming and stock raising.
     In 1866, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Harriet Bridgman, a native of Williamsfield, Ohio, and daughter of Asa Bridgman, a well known citizen of this locality and one of the first settlers.  By reason of his enterprising spirit he was able to render much assistance to the pioneers in the early days.  He established the first ashery, or pearling factory, in the county and thus furnished to the settlers a market for their ashes and black salts as they cleared up their farms.  In many instances the only revenue by which the early settlers were enabled to meet their taxes was that derived from the sale of the products noted, and Mr. Bridgemen offered them a convenient and reliable market.
     Mr. and Mrs. Davis have four children: Walter H., May E., George M., and Harry H.  Fraternally, Mr. Davis and is an active member of the Andover lodge.
     Being of a thrifty turn, Mr. Davis has made for himself and family a comfortable home, in which he may spend his declining years.  Of a progressive and public-spirited disposition, he has contributed materially to the advancement of his community, doing more to raise the standard of thorough-bred stock in his vicinity than any other man, and he well deserves the commendation he so universally receives. 
  Source: Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago:  Lewis Pub. Co. - 1893 - Page 139 

Source: Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio - Publ. Chicago - The Lewis Publishing Co., 1893 - Page 965

JOHN P. DEVNEY, a prominent real estate, loan and insurance agent of Ashtabula, Ohio, a progressive business man and respected citizen, was bon in Buffalo, New York, July 22, 1855.  His father, James P. Devney, was born in Ireland and accompanied his parents to America about 1835, when he was seven years of age.  He here learned the trade of ship building, which he has successfully followed for more than fifty years, being now a resident ship builder of Ashtabula.  He married Margaret John, a native of Canada, of German and French descent, and they have five sons and five daughters.
     The subject of this sketch was reared in the city of his birth, where he gained a high school education, after which he took a commercial course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Buffalo.  He then learned the ship carpenter's trade, at which he worked during the winter for about ten years, sailing on the lakes during the summer.  He became part owner of several vessels and was Captain at the age of nineteen.  This occupation he finally discontinued, and in 1879 came to Ashtabula, where he became interested with his father in ship building, in which he was engaged until 1886, when he was appointed Deputy Collector of Customs, at Ashtabula, which positions he held until the spring of 1891.  He has also, since 1886, been interested in the real estate and insurance business, being regarded as an active, pushing and successful man.  He is connected with a number of local enterprises, being a stockholder in the Daily Standard, a newspaper of worth and wide circulation.  He is also a stockholder, in the East Side Railway Company and a stockholder and Director in the Driving park Association, doing much by his ability and energy to develop the resources and advance the interests of his community.
     In 1882, Mr. Devney was married to Miss Mary Barrett, an estimable lady, and they have five children.
     Mr. Devney is Democratic in politics, while fraternally he affiliates with the Knight of Pythias and the National Union of Foresters.  In private and public life alike he has been distinguished by a high sense of honor and superior ability, and has the best wishes of all for his future prosperity.
  Source: Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago:  Lewis Pub. Co. - 1893 - Page  304

HENRY ALLEN DE VOE, deceased, during his life-time one of Orwell's most influential citizens and most successful business men, was born in New York city, January 13, 1829. He was, as his name indicates, of French parentage, his parents having crossed the ocean a few years before his birth. Thrown on his own resources at an early age, he at first learned the printers' trade, following that occupation in connection with the Harpers establishment till twenty years of age.
     September 18,1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Bockover, of New Jersey, who yet survives. Her father, George Bockover, although a native of New Jersey, was of pure German ancestry, his parents having removed to that State some years previous to his birth. Mrs. DeVoe was born July 18, 1831. The fruits of this union were seven children, four of whom survive; Willie T., the eldest, born July 8, 1851, did not live to fulfill the bright promise of his youth, but passed away September 6, 1872; the second, George B., born July 15, 1853, formerly a prominent factor in business circles in Ashtabula county, is now a leading merchant of Warren, Ohio; Jason, born July 7, 1856, also passed away in early youth, deeply regretted by all, the date of his demise being November 3, 1875; Emma H., born February 20, 1859, is elsewhere spoken of as the wife of Ward B. Stone, whose sketch appears in this work; Charles W., born October 20, 1862; and Fred H., born April 12, 1865, prominent business men of Orwell, are also spoken of elsewhere; the youngest, Henry A., born July 20, 1868, attained only his twelfth year, passing away July 28, 1879.
     After his marriage our subject removed to Greenville, Pennsylvania, and embarked in the mercantile business, which he conducted successfully till his removal to Orwell. In that village he began his business career in the Good rich block, where he remained for some time, when he purchased the building and stock of Hilliard & Reeves on the site now owned by H. B. Saterlee. Here Mr. DeVoe did an extensive business till his decease from typhoid fever, October 30, 1869. Since his death the business has been conducted by his heirs, under the name of DeVoe Bros. & Co., who are recognized as among the most successful merchants in Ashtabula county.
     Politically, Mr. DeVoe was a Republican and took an active interest in the upbuilding of his town, both morally and financially. A member of the Presbyterian Church, an ardent temperance man, his influence was ever distinctively felt on the side of reform. His death left, in the social and business interests of the place, a void which it will be difficult to fill.
     Mrs. DeVoe resides in Orwell, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and a host of friends. She is descended upon one side from a very old English family, her maternal grandfather, Barrabas Horton, having crossed the ocean in 1660, and settled in Southold, Long Island. For many years Mrs. DeVoe has been a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, ever ready to lend a helping hand to the poor and needy, and beloved by all who know her.
  Source: Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago:  Lewis Pub. Co. - 1893 - Page  1013

ELI DILLON, a well-known resident of Orwell, Ohio, was born in Austintown, Mahoning, Ohio, Feb. 20, 1817.  He is a son of David and Polly (Osborn) Dillon.  The former died in 1850, at the age of eighty-two years, and the latter in 1830, aged fifty-five.  They had a family of nine children, two of whom died in childhood.  Jonathan Dillon, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Philadelphia, his parents, natives of England, but descendants of Irish ancestors, having emigrated to that place.  Eli Dillon's maternal grandfather, Nicholas Osborn, traced his ancestry back to the early settlers of of New England, the Osborns being of German Descent.
     Eli Dillon was reared to farm life, and for some years was more or less engaged in agricultural pursuits.  By trade he is a carpenter.
     Nov. 27, 1836, he married Miss Nancy E. Erwin, daughter of William and Joanna (Lanterman) Erwin.  She was born Nov. 27, 1816.  Her paternal grandparents were Christopher and Mary (Folk) Erwin, natives of Virginia.  Her maternal grandfather was William Lanterman.  Eli Dillon and his wife became the parents of ten children, four of whom died in infancy.  A brief record of others is as follows:  Ann Eliza, born Aug. 30, 1839, is now the wife of William H. Treat, of Madison, Ohio; Kirtland, born Nov. 7, 1841, married Florence Bailey, who died Oct. 10, 1881, leaving him with an infant daughter and one son; Granville W., born June 4, 1843; Erwin, born Sept. 5, 1846, died Aug. 29, 1883, leaving a widow and three children, Herbert A., Ethel A., and Edwin, his widow, whose maiden name was Anna Rice, subsequently being married to Ashley M. Harrington, who is now deceased; Edith  the next of one of the Dillon children, was born May 11, 1857;Warren, born Dec 3, 1850, married Miss Eunice Armstrong, and has three children.
  Source: Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago:  Lewis Pub. Co. - 1893 - Page  447

GRANVILLE W. S. DILLON, who is well and favorably known in commercial circles throughout Ashtabula county, is the leading carriage and wagon dealer in Orwell.  Several years have passed since he purchased "the old red hall" and converted nearly the entire second story into a repository for vehicles; this wareroom is always filled with a choice selection of wagons, carriage and buggies, which are demanded by a large and increasing patronage.  Dr. Dillon also represents the Youngstown Carriage & Wagon Company, and sells many goods of their construction.  A man of excellent business ability and strict integrity he has won a wide patronage and enjoys the confidence of the entire community.
     It was near Austintown, Mahoning county, Ohio, that his parents resided when he was born June 4, 1843; his father, Eli Dillon, was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, Feb. 20, 1817; his wife, Nancy Irvin, was born Nov. 17, 1816, in the same place where they grew to maturity and were united in marriage Nov. 27, 1836.  Seven children were the result of the union: Ann Eliza, born Aug. 30, 1839, married W. H. Treat and resides in Madison, Ohio; Kirtland, born Nov. 7, 1841, is a prominent farmer of Ashtabula county; Granville W. S. is the subject of this sketch; Irvin, born Sept. 5, 1846, died in Virginia in 1883; Edith Louisa, born May 11, 1849, resides with his parents; Warren, born Dec. 3, 1850, is a harness maker in Orwell.  Granville W. S. Dillon was married Dec. 2, 1865, to Miss Amanda Keen, daughter of John A. and Mary (Fisher) Keen, born July 4, 1842.  Mr. Keen was a native of Sussex county, New Jersey, born Dec. 21, 1793; Mary Fisher, his wife, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Sept. 9, 1798; they were married Jan. 20, 1820, and were the parents of six children: William C., Mary M., Perida, Clara, J. J. Adison and Amanda E.; Perida died in 1853; Mary M. married I. H. Smith, and resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania;  Clara married Dr. I. J. Elwood, who died eleven years later; she afterward married Samuel Adams; and her death occurred Feb. 13, 1890, her husband surviving her but a few days; William C. began to preach at the age of eighteen years, but failing health interrupted his ministrations from time to time until his death in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1886; J. J. Adison is a prominent farmer and dealer in live-stock in Clay county, Kansas.  The father of this family was a man of sterling worth, the friend of the oppressed and a generous supporter of the church.  His death occurred Sept. 24, 1862; his wife survived him sixteen years, her last days being passed at the home of her daughter, Mr. Dillon.  She departed this life Mar. 15, 1878.
     Mr. and Mrs. Dillon are the parents of four children: Mary A. was born Dec. 6, 1866, and died Feb. 7, 1883; Nannie Elivesta was born Sept. 20, 1869, and was married Dec. 10, 1890, to C. E. Williams, they have one child, Jesse Irene, born July 29, 1892; Bertha L. was born April 25, 1873, she married Harry C. King, Apr. 12, 1893; Kirtland Edson was born Aug. 20, 1875, and is assisting his father in business.
     Mr. Dillon is a worthy member of the Junior order of American Mechanics; in politics he is a Republican, and has ever stood by his party.  In his religious faith he adheres to the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a consistent member; Mrs. Dillon in her younger days was a faithful member of the choir, where her service was much appreciated.  She has also been actively identified with Sunday-school work.  Her leisure time is now devoted to literary pursuits and to correspondence for local newspapers.
     For four years Mr. and Mrs. Dillon lived in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, thence they came to Wayne, Ashtabula County, Ohio, and in February, 1884, they came to Orwell.  Faithful to all the duties of life as they have been presented, they have won the peace and tranquility born of a just and upright career.
  Source: Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago:  Lewis Pub. Co. - 1893 - Page  712

JOHN J. DODGE, a farmer and stock dealer of New Lyme, Ohio, was born in New Lyme township, Ashtabula County, May 16, 1822.  His father, Jeremiah Dodge, a native of Lyme, Connecticut, emigrated to Ohio, in 1811.  His mother, nee Harriet Jackson, was also a native of Connecticut.  Jeremiah Dodge was fourteen years old at the time he came to Ohio, he having made the journey here in company with his parents.  Grandfather Dodge traded land in Connecticut for a tract of 1,200 acres in New Lyme township, this county.  A part of this tract was given away to other settlers, but the greater part of it is now owned and occupied by his descendants.  There were eight children of the Dodge family, of whom the following record is made:  Calvin, the oldest, married Rhuhanna Riley, and resided in New Lyme up to the time of his death; Lucinda married Harry Wilcox and both died in New Lyme; Nancy, wife of Henry Baldwin died in Jefferson, Ohio; Johannan married A. R. Beckwith, one of the most prominent citizens of Jefferson, Ohio; Hirams is a prominent merchant of Dodgeville, Ohio; Temperance, deceased, was the wife of Perry Hyde, of New Lyme; Orlo, married Judge E. J. Betts, a prominent attorney of Jefferson, Ohio.  Jeremiah Dodge  erected teh first store in Dodgeville in 1831.  He took a great interest in local affairs and did much to promote the growth and development of the town.  Both he and his wife passed away a number of years ago.
     John J. Dodge remained at home until he was twenty-five years of age, at which time he married Mary Manly, daughter of Leonard Manly, of Jefferson, Ohio.  Their two children are: Stiles, born Apr. 24, 1848, married Lucy Kelley, of Geneva, Ohio, and now resides in Ashtabula; and Henry, born Apr. 22, 1851, married Alice Rose Swift, daughter of Oliver Swift of Kingsville, and is engaged in farming and stock raising near his father. 
     Mr. Dodge has always taken a warm interest in political affairs and has been a zealous worker for the party of his choice, the Democratic.  He has long been a member of the County Committee of that party.  Frequently he has represented the county Democracy at State conventions, and has filled to the entire satisfaction of his constituents several township offices, such as Trustee, Assessor, etc.  Being a man of considerable financial ability, an earnest student of political affairs a man of sound judgment and progressive ideas, he is ranked with the leading citizens of the county.
  Source: Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago:  Lewis Pub. Co. - 1893 - Page  841

Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 835

MILES DORMAN, dealer in real estate, Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1837, son of Edwin and Sarah (Brown) Dorman¸ natives respectively of Canada and Vermont.
     Edwin Dorman came from Canada to the United States with his parents when quite young, and for some thirty years was engaged in farming in Pennsylvania.  About 1874 he came to Conneaut.  Here he dealt in agricultural machinery the rest of his life.  He died in July, 1888, at about the age of seventy-nine years.  He was a man of excellent business ability and was well known and highly respected.  His wife Sarah died about 1853, aged forty-five.  Her father, Steven Brown, was a wealthy farmer in Pennsylvania, and, moving to Ohio, settled on a farm about two miles from Conneaut – the property now owned by Frank Blood.  Mrs. Dorman was member of the Christian Church.  The nine children composing the family of Edwin and Sarah Dorman are as follows: Austin, who went to California in the 1850, was for many years a wealthy rancher; Salina, wife of George Moe, resides in Ashtabula county; Dorence, the third born is a resident of California, where he was for some years engaged in mining; Miles was the fourth born; Isaac, a member of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was the tallest man in his company, and was flag-bearer; he was killed at the battle of Gettysburg; Lucy, wife of Myron Hall, resides in California; Sarah, wife of F. A. Majors, is also a resident of California; Thomas B. married Emma Putney and lives in this county; and Sidney died at the age of two years. 
     Mr. Dorman was married the second time about 1858, being then united to Mrs. Sarah McKee, who is now living at Conneaut in her eighty-seventh year.  She has been one of the kindest of foster-mothers, devoted to her step-children, by whom she is held in most tender and loving regard.
     Miles Dorman was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools.  In 1861 he engaged in the livery business in Titasville, Pennsylvania, continuing the enterprise four years.  Then for a short time he was in the mercantile business in the same place, turning from that to hotel life.  He was proprietor of the hotel at Petroleum Center, where he did a successful business.  From the hotel he went onto a farm which he bought on the lake shore,  and where he lived two years, selling out at a good advantage at the end of that time.  He came to Conneaut in the spring of 1871, and for two years kept the Central House.  This hotel he traded for the Commercial, which he conducted nineteen years, and which he still owns.  In the mean time he engaged in the livery business, running a bus line in connection with it.   For twenty-four years, all told, he was engaged in the livery business.  Since 1891, Mr. Dorman has devoted his attention to real estate transactions, in which he has met with good success. Indeed his whole business career has been characterized by prosperity.  He served as Councilman of Conneaut eight successive years, from 1878 to 1886. 
     Mr. Dorman was married in the spring of 1861 to Miss Elizabeth Armstrong, daughter of Thomas Armstrong, of Conneaut.  Their children are Elmer A. and Edwin T.  Elmer A. is successor to his father in the livery business.  He married Nellie Brandle, and has one child, Edwin Miles.  Edwin T. is engaged in the clothing business at Conneaut, being in partnership with S. J. Smith, and doing business under the firm name of E. T. Dorman & Co.  His wife, Lois, is the only daughter of S. J. Smith.
     Mr. Dorman affiliates with the Republican party and takes a lively interest in political matters.  He is a man of more than ordinary business ability, is enterprising and public-spirited, and is a favorite with his many acquaintances. 
  Source: Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago:  Lewis Pub. Co. - 1893 - Page  281

P. B. DOTY, a real estate dealer of Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Delaware county, New York, Nov. 21, 1814.
     His parents, William and Lucinda (Clapman) Doty, were natives of New York and Connecticut respectively.  William Doty was a hotel proprietor and was also interested in the lumber business, owning fulling and saw mills, and rafting lumber on the Susquehanna and other streams.  He died about 1852, aged sixty-eight years.  His wife passed away in 1845, at the age of sixty-six.  She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was a Universalist.  They had a family of eleven children, four of whom are still living.
     Early in life the subject of this sketch learned the mason’s trade, which he followed seven years in New York.  Afterward he was engaged in the lumber business, manufacturing and buying and selling.  He came to Conneaut in 1848, and enlarged his business operations, manufacturing and dealing in lumber very extensively and shipping by water to Albany.  This he continued until 1854, when he turned his attention to the refining of petroleum oil, being thus engaged until 1862.  That year he returned to New York, and until 1865 was engaged in street and other speculations.  He then came back to Conneaut.  He owned a large tract of land here, and upon his return engaged in the real estate business, in which he has since continued, being very successful in his operations.  He takes a commendable interest in political matters, but has always declined to accept office.
     Mr. Doty was first married in 1840, in New York, to Miss Ann Cook, daughter of Barnabas Cook, who died July 29, 1856, at the age of thirty-six years.  They had six children, as follows: Wallace W., manager of the hotel, The Grand, at Pueblo, Colorado, is married and has four children: Callie, Wallace, Maurice and Leona; Celinda Ann, wife of a Mr. Waldo, and a resident of Chicago, was first married to D. Knight Carter, by whom she has one child, Clara Cordelia; Lucinda A., born Dec. 20, 1845, died Apr. 16, 1887; Mary A., born Jan. 6, 1848, died Apr. 3, 1851; Frances E., widow of George Erambert, and a resident of Conneaut, has two children:  George D. and Maude E.; and De Ette E., born Oct. 11, 1853, died May 28, 1866.  In 1857 Mr. Doty married Miss Caroline E. Beach, his present companion.
     He is one of the old settlers of the town, is widely and favorably known as a quiet, unobtrusive and most worthy citizen, and commands the respect and good will of all who knew him.
  Source: Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago:  Lewis Pub. Co. - 1893 - Page  Page 320