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BIOGRAPHIES
 Source:
Biographical History of
Northeastern Ohio
Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake.
Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.,
1893
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JOHN D. GAGER
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties
of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. -
1893 - Page 838 |
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A. M. GATES,
who has been a resident of Rome, Ohio, for the past ten years, and
who has, during this time, been engaged in the patent-right
business, is one of the representative men of the place. His
specialty has been the sale of a patent singletree, in which
enterprise he has met with eminent success.
Mr. Gates was born in Lenox, Ohio, July 26,
1858, a son of Albert and Ruby (Hunter) Gates. His
parents had a family of four children, namely: Walter S.,
born in April, 1856, died in October, 1857; Amos W., who was
born Dec. 23, 1860, married Hattie Stoegt; and George A.,
born Oct. 4, 1864,,, married Effie Wright, who died in 1888.
Mr. Gates' father was born in Albany, New York, Aug. 24,
1824; came to Ohio in 1828; was married in 1854. He is a
carpenter and carriage maker by trade, but has been engaged in
farming for some years. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, as was also his wife, who died in September, 1890.
A. M. Gates was married in 1882 to Sarah J.
Woodworth, daughter of Andrew and Julia Ann (Giddings)
Woodworth. Her parents had six children: Lamira,
born in 1847, died in 1869; Stella, born in 1849, is the wife
of L. Mathews; John W., born in 1851; Ester L.,
born in 1853, is the wife of F. E. Phillips; Comfort A.,
born in 1856; and Sarah J., born Feb. 21, 1860. Mr.
and Mrs. Gates have had six children, their names being as
follows: Albert, born in August, 1883, died in October,
1884; Sadie L., born in May, 1885; Walter M., November
1886; Willie A., May, 1888; Ruby A., April, 1891; and
an infant, 1893.
Mr. Gates holds a prominent place among his
fellow-citizens. He takes an active interest in educational
affairs and all matters pertaining to the best interests of the
community. He served as School Director one term.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the
Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis
Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 717 |
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A. W. GATES, day
operator at Andover for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad,
was born at Sugar Grove, Warren county, Pennsylvania, Apr. 28, 1853,
a son of
M. D. Gates, a native of Marcellus, New York. The latter's
father, Norman Gates, was a native of New England, and
a son of George Gates, who was a cousin of General Gates
of Revolutionary fame. The mother of our subject was formerly
Mary Bartlett, a native of Wales, Erie county, New York, and
a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Ross) Bartlett, also born
in that State. In 1872 M. D. Gates came to Andover,
Ashtabula County, Ohio, and erected the first house on Gates street,
named in his honor. In early life he was a sailor on salt
water, having visited nearly every seaport of any importance, and
later was a ship carpenter on the lakes. He was also an expert
mechanic and gunsmith. In 1863 Mr. Gates enlisted for service
in the late war, entering the First Michigan Regiment Engineers and
Mechanics, consisting of 3,200 men. He served two years.
He was a Republican in his political views. His death occurred
at Andover, and his wife afterward married Allen M. Smith.
She now resides at Yuba, Michigan.
A. W. Gates, our subject, received a good
education in Chautauqua county, New York, and at the age of
seventeen years engaged in teaching. Two years later he was
employed as telegraph operator at Perry, Ohio; afterward held the
same position in Oil City, Pennsylvania, and since 1873 has
filled the position of day operator for the Lake Shore & Michigan
Southern Railroad at Andover, with honor and credit. Mr.
Gates is one of the best known railroad men in the city, and has
grown gray in the service of his present company.
In July, 1873, at Mayville, Chautauqua county, New
York, he was united in marriage to Virtue A. Daniels, a
daughter of Daniel and Lydia Daniels, residents of that
county. Mrs. Gates was a popular and successful teacher
before her marriage. Our subject and wife have four children:
Morris Norman, Edith V., Pearl D., and Merta May.
Edith is a graduate in music. M. Norman is a
photographer and crayon artist. One child, Rosa, died
at the age of six years. Mr. Gates affiliates with the
Republican party, and is a member of the Sons of Veterans. He
has served as Captain of his company, and also a member of the
Division, and as Commander in the Chief's staff. He si also a
member of Andover Lodge, No. 506, F. & A. M., and of Jefferson
Chapter. Mr. Gates has travelled extensively
through the United States and Mexico, and is intelligent and well
informed on the questions of the day.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 567 |
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W. K. GATES - He whose name initiates this
brief biography is an enterprising and, as a natural sequence,
prosperous farmer and stock-raiser, whose well improved farmstead is
located in Dorset township, Ashtabula county, Ohio. Mr.
Gates was born in beautiful old Chautauqua county, New York,
Mar. 12, 1836, being the son of George D. Gates, a native of
Rensselaer county, New York, whose father, Luther Gates, was
one of those stalwart patriots who aided in securing our national
freedom by the noble and efficient service in the war of the
Revolution. The father of our subject evidently inherited a
patriotic spirit, for chronology reveals the fact that he was an
intrepid soldier in the war of 1812. While in his adolescent
prime he was united in marriage to Miss Elmira Ward, who was
born in Herkimer county, New York, being the daughter of Caleb
Ward, who also was a Revolutionary soldier and who married a
Miss Rice, a cousin of Dan Rice, whose fame is as a
showman was as wide as the national domain.
While our subject was yet but a babe in arms, his
parents removed from the State of New York and took up their
residence in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where the father died,
at the age of sixty-eight years, and the mother at fifty eight.
Their children were: Alma, deceased; Rhoda, who
married Mr. Taylor; Henry; Harriet; Larkin; W. K. and
Robert.
Our subject, the next youngest of the children, was
raised on the farm and received his early educational training in
the district school. At the age of twenty years in the
district school. At the age of twenty years he began work in a
sawmill, with which undertaking he was concerned for some little
time. In 1878, he came to Dorset, where he purchased of W.
J. Ford a general merchandising business, which he continued
very successfully for more than a decade, securing, by reason of his
correct business methods, a large and representative patronage.
In 1890, he sold the stock and business to James Brown and
since that time he was devoted his attention almost entirely to the
operation of his fine farm, having given particular attention, to
the raising of good road horses and Angus cattle. The
farmstead is one that shows, in every portion, the well directed
care and the constant attention that have been given, the result
being a place that might well be taken as a model in many ways.
When he had attained the age of twenty-three years,
Mr. Gates became thoroughly convinced of the truth of the old
precept, "It is not well for man to live alone," and accordingly, in
Crawford county, Pennsylvania, he was wedded to a young lady of high
culture and refinement, Miss Jane Loucks, who was born in
Herkimer county, New York, being the third of the nine
children of John R. and Eunice (Malette) Loucks. It is
but consistent that, in this connection, be given the names of the
children - six sons and three daughters - of Mr. and Mrs. Loucks.
They are: Helen, W. P., Jane, George, Miles, May, Jay, Lee
and Dayton. Of these W. P. was one of the first
to take up arms in his country's behalf at the time of the late
civil conflict, serving as a member of General McClellan's
staff until that general was removed from the command, when he
joined a cavalry corps and served in that connection until the
cessation of hostilities.
Mr. and Mrs. Gates have two children: Ruric
R., a popular and successful farmer at Dorset, Ohio, who married
Miss Jessie Ritter, by whom he had one son, Lloyd; the
second son is W. W., who married Miss Minnie Leonard,
by whom he has one child, Leonard, the family being residents
of Dorset township.
Mr. Gates was Postmaster at Dorset for a period
of twelve years, proving a capable and popular official. He is
a member of the Masonic fraternity, and both he and his wife are
prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs.
Gates is a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union.
A man who has proved his worth in the community in
which he lies, and to the advancement of which he has largely
contributed, Mr. Gates has not been denied that measure of
esteem which is his unmistakable due.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 533 |
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FRANK E. GEE,
a leading druggist of Ashtabula, Ohio, was born in Thompson, Geauga
county, this State, Mar. 8, 1849. His parents, Ebenezer and
Susan (Tilley) Gee, were natives of Ohio and England,
respectively. the former was a son of William Gee, who
came from Connecticut to Ohio in an early day, and the latter
accompanied her parents to America about 1827. This worthy
couple had four children, and when they were small the mother was
deprived of her husband by death, after which she was the sole
support of the family, until the subject of this sketch became old
enough to assist her. She reared them all in Geauga county,
giving them such advantages as her limited means permitted, while
her wise counsel and affectionate care proved a rich dower and a
liberal education.
The subject of this notice was reared on a farm and
enjoyed but limited opportunities for securing an education, being
thrown up on his own resources early in life. When about
eighteen eyars of age, he began clerking in a grocery in
Painesville, Ohio, where he remained three years. He had
during this time accumulated by careful economy sufficient means to
start in business for himself, and accordingly opened in Andover,
the same State, a grocery which he successfully conducted three yeas
and then sold out. He then returned to Painesville, where he
again clerked until 1878, at which time he came to Ashtabula and
entered the drug and grocery business with a partner, but eight
years ago became sole proprietor. Since 1888 he has handled
only drugs, and enjoys a large and lucrative patronage in his line.
In 1885 Mr. Gee was married to Miss Ida May
Stafford, a lady of domestic tastes, and they have one son.
Fraternally, Mr. Gee belongs to the Knights of
Pythias, the I. O. O. F., the Royal Knights of Pythias, the I. O. O.
F., the Royal Arcanum and the Foresters. As a business man he
is upright, energetic and obliging; as a citizen he is
public-spirited and progressive and justly holds a high position in
regard of his fellow-men.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties
of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. -
1893 - Page
363 |
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NATHAN A. GERMOND, contractor and builder,
Conneaut, Ohio, was born _. J in Dutchess county, New York,
in 1843, son of Barton and Harriet (Davis) Germond, also
natives of New York, came to Ohio in 1842, settling at Pierpont.
Grandfather Davis, a highly respected farmer is still living,
having reached his one-hundredth mile post Mar. 12, 1893. He
enlisted as a fifer in the war of 1812, but the war was over before
he was called into service. He has been twice married.
His first wife died about 1850, aged fifty-seven years. She
had three sons and three daughters, two of whom are deceased; two
reside in this State, one in Idaho, and the other in Oregon.
His present wife was, before her marriage. Miss Sallie
Turner. They have two children, residents of Pierpont.
Barton and Harriet Germond had four
children, namely: Oscar, a resident of this township;
Nathan A., and George and Harley, who have charge
of the home farm, both being unmarried.
Nathan A. remained on his father's farm until
the war came on. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company B,
Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and participated
in the battles of Winchester, Fort Republic, Antietam,
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Buzzard's Roost; was with
Sherman
on his famous march to the sea; and was one of the victorious
soldiers in the grand review at Washington. From Washington he
went with his command to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was
honorably discharged July 22, 1865. He was once captured by a
rebel, but made good his escape, and three times he was wounded,
first in the finger, at Fort Republic, in the head at the battle of
Chancellorsville, and in the foot at Buzzard's Roost. After
receiving the second wound he was disabled about five months,
remaining, however, with his regiment but not being able to carry a
gun. After being wounded in the foot, he came home on a thirty days'
furlough, at the end of that time rejoining his command at Atlanta.
While at home from the war in 1864, Mr.
Germond was married, January 14, to Miss Carrie
Colson. They have had two children, Minnie and Charles.
Minnie became the wife of B. M. Talbot, of Alliance,
Ohio, and her young life closed when she was twenty-one years of
age. For seven years she was a faithful member of the Congregational
Church, I and her whole life was characterized by the sweetest of
Christian graces. Mrs. Germond is a member of the
Congregational Church. Politically, Mr. Germond
is a Republican.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 249 |
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MESSRS. GIDDINGS BROTHERS
(Sidney C. and William A.), proprietors of the
Maple Grove stock farm, near Sentinel, in Cherry Valley township,
Ashtabula county, Ohio, are among the most prominent farmers and
stock growers of the State. They are devoted lovers of the
turf and have several horses of extensive local reputation.
Among these may be mentioned Walnut (2:41), a beautiful seal-brown
pacer by the noted trotter, Reveille (2:15). The former's
career has only just begun, as he is now but seven years old, but he
has won first money, with one exception, in every race in which he
was started. They also have a beautiful bay mare, Mabel G.,
by Gold Leaf (2:16¼), dam by Hull,
which was driven in 2:57 the fourth time it bore the harness.
Perhaps their most promising colt, however, is
May Lena by Crawford Wilkes (209¼), whose dam was Gold
Leaf (2:16½). A fine foal was recently sold by Messrs.
Giddings Brothers for $300. Among other fine horses
on this farm are Crinkle, a handsome eight-year old mare, which has
already been driven in 2:44¼, and has won nearly every race in which
she participated. They also have several very fine Gold Leaf
and Crawford Wilkes foals, and it will well repay all lovers of
horseflesh to visit this stock farm, to which visitors are made
heartily welcome by the genial proprietors.
Maple Grove farm is a thriving estate of 270 acres,
highly improved with buildings and all modern conveniences, and in a
fine state of cultivation. In addition to the management of this
large farm and the care of their horses, the Messrs.
Giddings have found time to speculate extensively in wool and
calves, and handled in one day in the present season (1893) 7,000
pounds of wool and shipped eight car-loads of calves, always paying
the highest market price for these commodities.
The father of the subject of this sketch, Josiah M.
Giddings, was a native of New York, and removed to Wayne,
Ashtabula county, Ohio, when a young man, and later in 1834, to
Cherry Valley, where he resided until his death, Dec. 4, 1892,
greatly lamented by all who knew him. He was one of the most
influential men of his town, an ardent Republican and of
considerable prominence in his party. He was married in Wayne,
to Miss Clarissa Clark of that township. Her father,
Russel Clark was one of Wayne's most prominent citizens, to
which place he removed to 1827, from Chenango county, New York.
Josiah and Clarissa Giddings reared twelve
children, nine of whom survive. Besides the subject of
this sketch, the surviving members of the family are:
Lebbeus E., of Michigan; Catherine L. Hopkins, of
Florida; Sabra C., now Mrs. Dr. Craven, of Chicago;
Cassius M., of Lenox, Ohio; Seth H., of Dorset, the same
State; Julia A. Hall, of Cherry Valley; and Emma A. Munger,
also of Dorset. Three others, Almina M. Andrews, of
Cherry Valley; Carlton S., and Charles H., are dead,
the latter having given his life in his country’s cause in
suppressing the great rebellion. The devoted wife and mother
preceded her husband to the tomb, her death occurring Aug. 28, 1890,
leaving many friends to mourn her loss.
Sidney C. Giddings, was born on the farm where
he now lives, Nov.8, 1856, and this has ever since been his home.
He was reared to farming and received his education in the adjacent
schools, learning from his parents those lessons of thrift and
industry which have contributed to his present success.
He was married in 1880, to Miss Etta A. Allen,
an estimable lady. Her father, David Allen, was a
prominent citizen of Gustavus township, Ashtabula county, where he
died in April, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Giddings have
two children: Claude Blaine, born Mar. 20, 1884; and
Mattie Mabel, born June 22, 1886. These bright
children are enthusiastic lovers of horses and claim a large
interest in their father’s equine property.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 903 |
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HORACE F. GIDDINGS,
a successful farmer of Wayne township, Ashtabula county, where he
was born Jan. 24, 1808, is a son of Elisha Giddings, a native
of Connecticut. The latter's father, Joshua Giddings, Sr.,
was a Revolutionary soldier, and the father of Hon. Joshua R.
Giddings. Joshua Giddings, Sr. was twice married, first to
a Miss Jones, and afterward to Elizabeth Pease.
They remained in this county until their death, and are buried at
West Williamsfield. Elisha Giddings was married at
Batavia, New York, to Phioletheda Fish, a native of New
England, and a daughter of Josiah Fish. Mr. and Mrs.
Giddings came with ox teams to Ashtabula county, Ohio, locating
on the Hayes road, where they erected a cabin in October, 1805, and
being among the first settlers of the township. Mr. Giddings
voted first with the Whig party, later with the Republicans; was the
first Trustee of Wayne township, and was a member and active worker
in the Congregational Church. To him and his wife eleven
children were born, namely: Anson J., Joshua H., Horace F.,
William C., Josiah Marvin, Elisha Lester, Emery Sidney, Edwin,
Sophia, Phioletheda and Seth H. The father died at
the age of seventy-five years, and the mother at the age of
eighty-four years. They were buried at the old Hayes Cemetery,
in Wayne township.
Horace F. Giddings the subject of this sketch,
began working for himself at the age of thirteen years, receiving $6
per month, and at the age of fifteen years engaged in logging.
About 1853 he came to his farm in Wayne township, Ashtabula County,
where he now owns 279 acres of well improved land. Mr.
Giddings has two residences, good barns, an orchard, dairy, etc.
He raises the Jersey and Ayrshire cattle, and has taken many
premiums in cheese and butter, at the State and county fairs.
In Wayne township, Dec. 15, 1833, our subject was
united in marriage to Almira Jones who was born in
Connecticut, Sept. 27, 1808, a daughter of Samuel and Deborah
(Hayes) Jones, natives of that State. They came to
Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1811, and remained on a farm until their
death, the father dying at the age of ninety-eight years, and the
mother at eighty-one years. They have seven children:
Lineas, Flabel, Statira, Almira, Anson, Emily and Samuel.
Mr. and Mrs. Giddings have had three children, two now living:
Albert C., a contractor of Batavia, New York; and Statira,
wife of Henry Simkins, of Wayne township. Mr. and
Mrs. Simkins have eight children: Frederick
Merrick, William Herbert, Ernest, Frank, Carl, Herbery, Helen
and Arthur. The first of our subject's children,
Frederick Merrick, was born in 1834, reared and educated in
Wayne and Cherry Valley townships, and in 1861 enlisted in the One
Hundred and Fifth Ohio Infantry. He was wounded in the battle
of Perryville, Kentucky, remained in the hospital at that city for a
time, was ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, but contracted a severe
cold while on the Ohio river. This sickness proved fatal, and
Apr. 21, 1862, he died at the age of twenty-eight years and six
months. Horace F. Giddings, our subject, is a stanch
Republican, and has held many of the township offices. Both he
and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, in which the
former has served as Deacon many years.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 583 |
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JOSEPH ADDISON GIDDINGS.—The relation of
the subject of this sketch to Jefferson and Ashtabula county, Ohio,
is like that of a son to a mother, his birth having occurred in this
county February 17, 1822, his father having been the distinguished
jurist and worthy citizen,
Joshua R. Giddings.
Mr. Giddings, of this sketch,- was reared in
Jefferson, receiving his early education in the schools of this
city, which instruction was supplemented by a course in the
Allegheny College, in Pennsylvania. He afterward read law under his
celebrated father and was admitted to the bar in Cincinnati in 1843,
and shortly afterward commenced the practice of his profession in
Jefferson, which has ever since been his home.
Here his energy and inherited ability soon made their
influence felt and gained for him almost immediately a lucrative
clientage. This, however, he partly surrendered to publish the
county official paper, the Sentinel, which be bought in 1849 and
continued successfully to publish until 1853. At this time he was
elected Probate Judge of Ashtabula county, and in order to give his
attention to the important duties devolving upon him, he sold his
interest in the paper. He continued to be an incumbent of his
judicial position for six years, serving the people with ability and
honor, and retiring with the best wishes of the community. Having
come into possession of large landed interests in the meantime, he
entered extensively into farming and stock-raising, grazing many
cattle, horses and sheep, and doing a large dairy business, which
fruitful enterprises after all these years have left him scarcely
nothing to hope for or desire in the way of temporal acquisitions.
He has been a director in the First National Bank since its
organization, and to his financial ability and known business
integrity is due much of the phenomenal success of this institution.
Mr. Giddings was married in 1858 to Miss Mary
Curtis, an accomplished lady of Sheffield, Ohio. They have one
son and three daughters, all of whom have enjoyed liberal
educational advantages, the son being now one of the leading farmers
of Ashtabula county.
Politically, Mr. Giddings was first a Whig and
afterward a Free Soiler, since which time he has been a Republican.
Thus is briefly given a few facts germane to an
eminently busy and useful life, which has been crowned with the
world's fullest success.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 246 |
Joshua R. Giddings |
JOSHUA R. GIDDINGS,
one of the eminent statesmen of America and prominent in the
ante-bellum anti-slavery movement, was an honored resident of
Jefferson, Ashtabula county. He was a native of Pennsylvania,
born at Tioga Point, Bradford county, of Connecticut parents and of
remote English ancestry. When he was six weeks old the family
moved to Canandaigua, New York, and when he was ten yeas of age they
settled in the heart of the Connecticut Western Reserve, in Wayne
township, Ashtabula county, where their life and experiences were
those common to western pioneers; but the members of this family
were of broader intellect and more liberal and cosmopolitan views
than most of their neighbors.
Joshua grew up there, as a personal friend
described him, "a tall, raw, shapeless boy, with pleasant face,
frolicsome gray eyes and an abundance of light, curly hair that grew
dark-fairish till the sun tanned him." Having great ambition
and a studious and capacious mind, he attained that extraordinary
manhood of which we so often read in the life of great men. He
became great in spite of untoward circumstances, - yea, on account
of them. He read everything he could get hold of, and
thoroughly digested everything he read, no matter how abstruse.
When, during the war of 1812, Detroit and all Michigan
were surrendered by General Hull to the British,
Giddings, though only sixteen years of age, joined Colonel
Hayes’ regiment and marched to the Huron and on to the
stockade, later famous under the name of Port Stephenson. Very
soon he volunteered to engage in two attacks upon hostile Indians
near Sandusky Bay, in which he behaved gallantly. The Indians
left the peninsula never to trouble it again. These two
skirmishes were the first engagements fought in Ohio during the war
of 1812, and were overlooked by all historians of the war until, in
1813, Mr. Giddings himself contributed an account of
them to the public. Five months after enlistment Mr.
Giddings was mustered out of the service with his regiment and
returned to his home life.
At the age of nineteen years he taught school in his
neighborhood. At the age of twenty-three he made choice of his
life work, entering the law office of Elisha Whittlesey,
of Canfield, Ohio, as a student. Whittlesey was a good
preceptor, and Giddings made the most of this advantage.
Admitted to the bar in 1821, he began practice at Jefferson, his
home and the county seat, and thus continued until he entered
Congress in 1838, never to resume it. To all intents and
purposes he abandoned its practice forever. No lawyer could
have made better arguments in court than he did in Congress when
discussing the legal and constitutional bearings of the slavery
question, nor more moving appeals at nisi prius than were his
in behalf of the same cause from stump and rostrum; but all those
efforts contributed to his reputation as a statesman more than as a
lawyer. In those days the court-room was a place for the
display of ready wit and eloquence far more than at the present day,
and the practice he had, and the customs he observed at the bar,
constituted a school to train and discipline the young man for his
day in the American parliament. According to the old maxim,
both himself and the times fitted each other, and to a great extent
made each other. In the language of one of his biographers:
“With the first collection of Ohio Statutes, known as the old
“Sheepskin Code,” and such other books as he could command, and such
clients and cases as came, the young lawyer procured a horse and
portmanteau, joined his few professional brethren and started with
the presiding judge on the common-pleas circuit, through mud and
forest, legal lance in rest, stopping at log cabins and settling
grave cases in log temples of justice. Those were the days of
free manners, free lives and practical jokes, though the Grand River
presbytery expressed their disapproval of gathering sap on Sunday.”
Locally the young lawyer gained a wide fame in having won two
remarkable lawsuits with all the odds apparently against him.
Within ten years after beginning practice he seemed to be at the
head of the local bar.
In 1831 he formed a law partnership with the afterward
celebrated Benjamin F. Wade whose sketch is next given;
Wade was rather too modest for the rough work of the bar, but he
was excellent in the office preparation of cases, while Giddings
would present them at the bar, in which work he excelled.
Within the short space of five years these gentlemen made money
sufficient to enable them to retire from practice, at least
temporarily, for money was plentiful and largely invested in the
thousand wild-cat enterprises of that day, which all collapsed at
once, wrecking many public-spirited men. Giddings was
caught in the downward whirl, and had to resort to work again, to
earn a livelihood. Forming a partnership with Flavel
Sntliffe, a brilliant young man, who two years afterward became
insane, Mr. Giddings again prospered and made money.
In 1838 he was elected to Congress. Prior to this he had had
some legislative experience, as in 1826 he had served in the Ohio
House of Representatives. After the close of that legislative term
he ran for State Senator, but was defeated, - the only defeat he
ever met at the polls.
Of necessity, in order to appreciate the services of
Mr. Giddings upon his entrance into Congress, the reader
nrast call to mind the history of the slavery question up to that
time, and its status. The Missouri Compromise had been adopted
in 1820, with the hope that that finally and forever settled the
vexed slavery controversy; but the so called “ Abolitionists,” with
their leaders mostly in New England and New York, began to exert
themselves. African slavery in America, like a nauseating mass
in the stomach, would not remain down by any dosing. The
stomach will continue its efforts at emesis until the work is
complete, and thus Mr. Giddings was continually drawn
into the vortex of abolition effort.
On his way to and arrival at Washington, Mr.
Giddings made close observation of every politician and of every
event that might have a bearing upon his career at the capital.
“It is a fact,” said he, “which every man of observation must see,
by spending a few days in the Representatives’ hall, that there is a
vast difference in the character of the members from the North and
South. During this week every person present must have
witnessed the high and important bearing of the Southern men; their
self-important airs, their overbearing manners, while the Northern
men, even on the subject of slavery, are diffident and forbearing.
I have myself come to the honest conclusion that our Northern
friends are, in fact, afraid of these Southern bullies. I have
bestowed much thought upon the subject; I have made inquiry, and
think we have no Northern man who dares boldly and fearlessly
declare his abhorrence of slavery and the slave trade. This
kind of fear I never experienced; nor shall I submit to it now.
When I came here I had no thought of participating in debate at all,
but particularly I intended to keep silence this winter; but since I
have seen our Northern friends so backward and delicate, I have
determined to express my own views and declare my own sentiments,
and risk the effects. For that purpose I have drawn up a
resolution calling for information as to the slave trade in the
District of Columbia, which, among other things, calls for a
statement of the number of slaves who have murdered themselves
within that district during the last five years, after being sold
for foreign markets, and the number of children who have been
murdered by their parents during said time, under the apprehension
of immediate separation for sale at a foreign market, and the amount
of revenue collected on sale of licenses to deal in human flesh and
blood.”
“1 showed the resolutions to several friends, who
advised me not to present them, on two accounts; first, that it will
enrage the Southern members; secondly, that it will injure me at
home. But I have determined to risk both; for I would rather lose my
election at home rather than suffer the insolence of these
Southerners here.”
In his speeches before Congress on the subject of
slavery he was frequently called to order by the Southern members
and their Northern sympathizers, but generally his right to the
floor, to continue his argument, was recognized by the Speaker.
In 1839 he won a signal victory over the opposition in the advocacy
of the duty of Congress to respectfully consider the anti-slavery
petitions sent in, which made the Southern members mad and their
sympathizers from the North disgusted.
The prominent defections from the Free Soil party in
1848 and the persuasions to enter a course that would elevate him to
the United States senatorship, etc., were no temptation to Mr.
Giddings to abandon his anti-slavery aggression, and he
joined the “Free-Soilers.” He had a conscience, not only with
reference to the slavery question, but also in regard to the public
treasury. Hence it pained him to see the servants of the
people at Washington wasting their time with frivolous adjournments,
etc., while pressing and important claims received no attention.
The following anecdote is taken from Mr.
Giddings’ journal:
“An incident occurred in my view that illustrates the
difficulty of obtaining justice from the Government. A man
named Nye has claimed about $6,000 from the Government for
several years, and has himself personally pressed the matter for
some sessions past. During the last session Mr.
Whittlesey, chairman of the committee on claims, reported
against it, although the Senate had reported in favor of it.
Mr. Whittlesey was looked upon as an infallible
authority on the subject of claims. Nye was put in jail for
want of money and suffered much. Nye himself wrote an able review of
Whittlesey’s report and pointed out its errors, but many things
intervened to prevent the committee from passing on it until to-day.
I agreed with two or three others that we would get together and
pass upon this claim, provided that it were possible to get a quorum
to the committee room. This we effected, and agreed to report
the bill giving him his whole claim. This was done as late as
two o’clock p. m. When we left the room I was in front, and
Nye was at the door. I told him we had agreed to report
his bill for the amount claimed. He attempted to thank me, but
tears choked his utterance, and I felt deeply myself, - so much so
that I found tears were running down my own cheeks, and, unwilling
that my weakness should be discovered, I averted my face to disguise
my feelings from those passing by me in front. As I turned my
face my eye rested upon Mr.
Chambers, our chairman, who, though a man of rough exterior, and
has been through many a bloody battle, was so wrought upon by Mr.
Nye’s feelings that he wept profusely.”
Mr.
Giddings advocated the right of slaves when upon the high
seas to free themselves, and he presented to Congress resolutions to
the effect that it had no right to compensate the owners of such
fugitives; but he was persuaded by his friends to withdraw them.
For offering such resolutions he received the censure of the House,
but he was not permitted to speak in his own defense. He
thereupon resigned, but was soon re-elected to Congress by a greater
majority than before. He was opposed to the admission of Texas
into the Union, with the constitution offered, as he regarded it as
an extension of slave territory. In 1850 he had the fugitive slave
law to fight, also the compromise slave measures of that year, and
in 1852-’56 the Kansas-Nebraska bill of Stephen A. Douglas,
etc. When Nathaniel P. Banks, an anti-slavery
representative, was elected speaker of the House, Feb. 4, 1856,
after more than two months’ failure to organize that branch of
Congress, - which was the first signal victory of the anti-slavery
party in Congress, - Giddings felt rewarded for his
life-long fight.
For a number of years he was the real editor of the
Ashtabula Sentinel. He was a delegate to the famous Republican
national convention at Chicago in 1860 which nominated Lincoln
for president. He endeavored, but in vain, to induce that
convention to incorporate anti-slavery resolutions in its platform.
In 1861 he accepted a consul-generalship to Canada under Lincoln,
and while serving in that capacity at Montreal he died, May 27,
1864.
“Giddings, far rougher names than thine have grown
Smoother than honey on the lips of men;
And thou shalt aye be honorably known
As one who bravely used the tongue and pen
As best befits a freeman; - even for those
To whom our laws’ unblushing front denies
A right to plead against the life-long woes
Which are the negroes’ glimpse of freedom’s skies.
Fear nothing and hope all things, as the right
Alone may do securely; every hour
The thrones of ignorance and ancient Night
Lose somewhat of their long usurped power;
And freedom’s slightest word can make them shiver
With a base dread that clings to them forever.”
—Bryant
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 125 |
| |
DR. W. L.. GILCHRIST. - Among the
well known medical practitioners of Ashtabula, Ohio, the subject of
this sketch and his worthy wife hold foremost rank in skillful and
conscientious work, and justly enjoy a large and remunerative
patronage.
William Gilchrist, his father, was born of
Scottish parentage in Dunsford, county Down, Ireland, in 1814 and
when ten years of age accompanied his widowed mother and a large
family of brothers and sisters to Brunswick, Medina county, Ohio.
Here he was reared and received such educational advantages as his
mother could afford and such as were provided by the schools in that
early day. When old enough he found employment as a day
laborer, at which work he continued until he attained his majority,
when he engaged in the butchering and general stock business, in
which he remained until nearly forty-five years of age. He
then joined the westward tide of emigration, removing to Waterloo,
Black Hawk county, Iowa, and there engaged in the grain and
mercantile business, in which he continued until the fall of 1872.
At this time he returned to Ohio and settled in Cleveland, where he
conducted a small store until two or three years before his death,
in July 1883. His was a striking example of what native
intelligence can accomplish, being an excellent financier and making
money rapidly in his younger and more vigorous days. His wife,
nee Lucinda Lewis, was a native of New York State,
whence she accompanied her parents to Brunswick, Ohio. She was
one of eight children: Hiram, Leonard, William, Harvey,
George, Rosanne and Nancy. Mr. and Mrs. William
Gilchrist had seven children: Lorenzo, now a resident of
Cleveland; James, a Kansas farmer; Jennette, wife of
Mr. George Mixer, of San Francisco, California; W. L.
the subject of this sketch; Lucinda, wife of Mr. H. E.
Howarter, of Cleveland; George, a resident of Ashtabula;
and Nancy, wife of Samuel Allen of Cleveland.
Dr. Gilchrist, whose name heads this notice, was
born in Columbia, Lorain county, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1845, where his
earlier years were passed. He attended the district school and
assisted his father in the latter's merchandising establishment
until he was about fifteen years of age. At that time,
General Kirby, of the Confederate army, was threatening to
capture Cincinnati, and young Gilchrist joined a squirrel
rifle company, which, with other troops, prepared to defend that
city. In the course of two weeks, the subject of this sketch
was discharged, after which he enlisted regularly, but was released
on the application of his father on account of his youth. When
his father removed to Waterloo, Iowa, the subject of this notice
accompanied him, and remained there supplementing his common-school
education by a course at Waterloo high school until he attained the
age of twenty-four, at which time he commenced the study of medicine
in Chicago. A year later he returned to Waterloo, where he
read and practiced medicine with
Dr. Barber of that city. He next removed to Chetopa,
Kansas, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession a
years, at the end of which time he returned to Ohio, whithers his
parents had preceded him. In consequence of a sunstroke
received while in the West, Dr. Gilchrist was obliged to give
up medical study and practice for a time, and was appointed a member
of the Cleveland police force, where he served five years.
Having regained his health, he once more resumed his chosen
vocation, giving one year to the study of homeopathy, after which he
entered the medical department of the Western Reserve University,
graduating in 1886, immediately following which he settled in
Ashtabula, and engaged in active practice, meeting with deserved
success.
Sept. 13, 1876, Dr. Gilchrist was married, in
Kingsville, Ashtabula county, Ohio, to Miss Rosetta Luce, a
highly educated lady, daughter of Jeremiah Luce, a pioneer of
the County and one of the seven men who voted the Giddings abolition
ticket, in Kingsville. He was born in Barre, Massachusetts,
Oct. 24, 1799, and in 1816 came with his father, Reuben Luce,
and family to Kingsville, Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he was for
many years prominently connected with the farming interests of that
county, or until his death, Apr. 21, 1888. His wife, nee
Tamer Barton, was born in Plainfield, Massachusetts, Oct. 12,
1808, and was a woman of more than ordinary beauty and intelligence.
She died at the age of eighty, Dec. 22, 1888. They had four
children: Cornelius, who died Mar. 14, 1893; Betsy,
wife of Mr. Adolph Williams; Sarah, wife of Mr.
Albert Luce; and Mrs. Gilchrist. the latter had
liberal educational opportunities. After completing the usual
studies of the common schools, she entered Kingsville Academy, in
1864, at the age of thirteen; finished her academic course in 1867,
and attended Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music in 1868 and
1869, giving especial attention to music and the languages.
she prepared herself for teaching, in which occupation she was
engaged in Ashtabula county, Ohio, in Iowa, Illinois, and in
Cleveland. After marriage she began the study of medicine,
with her husband, later entering the Homeopathic Hospital College,
in Cleveland, at which she graduated with honors in 1890.. She
is now actively engaged in practice with her husband, with whom she
has secured an extensive patronage, being everywhere justly esteemed
as a woman of more than ordinary ability and judgment. She is
a physician, poet and author. Her only volume yet published is
"Apples of Sodom, or a Story of Life." She has written several
serial stories and other articles for magazines and papers, all of
which are distinguished for elegance of diction and power of
thought. She is an active member of the National and State
Press Association. Dr. and Mrs. Gilchrist have three
children: Edward Luce, aged fourteen; Jessamine
Louise, aged eleven; and Catherine Gertrude, aged seven.
So ably encouraged and sustained, it is not surprising
that Dr. Gilchrist should have attained the highest success
in life, which consists not alone in financial prosperity, but in
those multiform acquisition is which go to satisfy the needs of a
human soul.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 152 |
| |
CHARLES R. GODDARD, one of the leading
attorneys in northeastern Ohio and a prominent citizen of
Conneaut,
was born in Windsor, Ashtabula county, this State, February 7, 1835,
a son of one of the early pioneers of the State.
Ranney Goddard, his father, was born in
Connecticut, in October, 1800, and in 1820 came to this county.
It was not long after his arrival in Ohio that the family of
Rawdons came out here from Connecticut and settled in Windsor
township and in 1826 he married Miss Lucy Rawdon. In
him were found those sterling qualities so characteristic of the
true pioneer. He knew what it was to endure hardship and
privation, and heroically did he meet every emergency. In the
primeval forest he established his home and developed a fine farm,
and there he and his good wife passed useful and happy lives.
Nobly did he do his part in opening up the frontier an preparing the
way for a higher civilization and progress which the present
generation now enjoys. Politically, he was a Democrat until
the war broke out and from that time on he was a Republican.
He was a Captain in the militia and took a lively interest in
training day. In 1880 he passed away at the ripe old age of
eighty years. His wife died in 1881, aged seventy-four years.
She was for many years a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and her life was characterized by the sweetest of Christian
graces. For more than half a century she and her worthy
husband lived happily together, their many amiable qualities
endearing them to a large circle of neighbors and friends.
They had a family of four sons and three daughters, all of whom grew
up to occupy honorable and useful positions in life, and of them we
make the following record: Lucy, the widow of a Mr. Tracy,
is now in South Africa with her daughter, Mrs. Clara Hankins,
wife of the Rev. Mr. Hankins, a missionary to that dark
continent, in the interest of the Adventist Church. Mrs.
Tracy had a son, Ward Tracy, residing in this county.
Harriet Goddard became the wife of William Barnard.
They reside on a farm near Windsor in this county. The next in
order of birth is Charles R., whose name heads this article.
Erastus C. is a resident of Unionville Center, Ohio.
His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Cook, is
deceased. Roland married Mary Ware and lives in
this county. Will F., also married and living in this
county, is engaged in farming. Mariette, wife of
Charles W. Babcock, died many years ago.
Mr. Charles R. Goddard was educated at
Orwell and Hiram College. He entered Hiram about the time
Garfield was promoted to a professorship in that institution, and
Mr. Goddard recited mathematics to him. He afterward
attended law school in Cleveland, where he graduated with the class
of 1859. In 1861 he began the practice of his profession in
Conneaut, where he has since remained, meeting with eminent success,
and in point of time is now the oldest attorney in the place.
He has been a member of the City Council several terms and for a
number of years has served on the School Board, taking an active
interest in the educational affairs of the city.
He was married, August 30, 1876, to Miss Sina
Baldwin, a lady of domestic attainments and rare social graces.
She is a daughter of L. I. Baldwin of Conneaut. Mr.
and Mrs. Goddard have four children: Charles, Harry W.
and Wilfred and Winfred, twins. He and his wife
are members of the Congregational Church, and he is also a prominent
member of the Masonic fraternity.
Mr. Goddard is a lawyer of marked ability.
He has been engaged in many of the principal litigations in this
part of the country, and during his long and successful career here
has gained an enviable reputation and made many warm friends.
He is still in the prime of active manhood, and much may be expected
of him.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 907 |
| |
MERVIN GODDARD, a prosperous farmer and
prominent citizen of Orwell township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, was
born in that township July 27, 1845. He comes of New England
ancestry, his father, Hiram Goddard, having been a native of
Connecticut, born Apr. 12, 1811, while his mother, nee
Harriet Amidon, was born in 1816. This worthy couple were
early settlers of Ohio, contributing their share to that prosperity
which is now the pride of the country. They were the parents
of three children:
Juliet, wife of W. H. Henderson, a well-to-do farmer of
Orwell township, has four children, two sons and two daughters;
Mervin, whose name heads this sketch; and Edwin, a
prominent citizen of Ashtabula.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and
received his primary education in the district schools of his
vicinity. He later attended Orwell Academy, after which he
went to Oberlin College one term, and subsequently to Hillsdale
(Michigan) College one year. He then taught school
successfully several terms, which occupation not being to his taste,
he discontinued it, and in 1868 commenced the study of law. He
attended the Albany (New York) law school a year, graduating in
1869, and was admitted to the bar in the same year. He has,
however, never practiced his profession to any extent, which fact is
a matter of constant perplexity to his friends. Shortly after
returning from Albany he became a collector for the Pennsylvania
Lightning Rod Company, in which capacity he continued five years.
He then ceased traveling and purchased his present farm, on which he
settled down for life. He here has 128 acres of the finest
agricultural land to be found in the township, a good and
substantial barns, with all other modern improvements. Mr.
Goddard is also a breeder of fine sheep, mostly of the Cotswold
strain, and has a good number of Short-Horn cattle. He
ordinarily manufactures large quantities of maple sugar and syrup,
for which he always finds a ready market. His product of these
commodities in 1893 is 1,000 pounds of sugar and 200 gallons of
syrup. Mr. Goddard's prosperity is due to a thorough
knowledge of his business, combined with unflagging industry and
careful attention to details, and he is justly entitled to great
credit for his enterprise.
Jan. 15, 1873, Mr. Goddard was married to
Miss Frances M. McIntosh, a worthy lady of Windsor, Ohio, born
Apr. 12, 1850. She was educated in the common schools and the
Orwell Normal Institute, and is a lady of culture and refinement, a
good housewife and devoted mother. Her parents, James and
Rachel (Rawson) McIntosh, were early settlers of Ohio. Her
father died when she was but five years of age, leaving his widow
with four children, two sons and two daughters. Her mother
afterward married S. C. Wilson, a respected citizen of
Windsor, Ohio, and they had four children, three sons and one
daughter. The latter, born Mar. 12, 1861, became Mrs. John
Howes, and died Feb. 17, 1893, at the age of thirty-two leaving
a sorrowing husband and seven children. Mr. and Mrs.
Goddard are the parents of three children: Roy W., born
Jan. 29, 1876; Jessie Louise, born May 23, 1879; and Mary
Adelaide, born Sept. 19, 1880.
Politically, Mr. Goddard is a strong advocate of
Democracy, and is ever on the alert to advance the principles in
which he believes, being honest in his convictions and earnest in
his espousal of the came. He has represented his constituents
in several offices of public trust, having served as Assessor of
Orwell township one year, and in 1880 being elected Justice of the
Peace, in which capacity he acted faithfully and efficiently for
twelve years. At present (1893) he is the able Deputy
Supervisor of Elections for Ashtabula County. He is also
president of the Board of Education for the special district of
Orwell, and has been a member of the School Board for many years.
He is now Postmaster of Orwell.
Fraternally, Mr. Goddard is a member of Orwell
Lodge, No. 477, I. O. O. F. Of genial personality, upright
character and enterprising, progressive disposition, he holds an
enviable position in his community, and has the best wishes of all
for his success and happiness.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 678 |
J. W. Goodrich |
JOSEPH W. GOODRICH
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 605 |
| |
PERRY GREEN,
a farmer of Cherry Valley township, Ashtabula county, was born in
Monroe county, New York, Apr. 15, 1827, a son of Caleb and Mary
(Oaks) Green, both of Connecticut. When Perry was
three years of age the parents came to Ashtabula county, Ohio,
locating in Cherry Valley township, where they were among the first
settlers. The father owned a farm of 600 acres. He died
at the age of forty-eight years, leaving a widow and twelve
children, seven of whom still survive, namely: Lois Clark,
of Ottawa, Illinois; Marilla Gay, of Ohio; William O.;
Eveline L.; Chapman; Leander L., of Genoa,
Nebraska, has served in the Illinois Legislature; Perry, our
subject; and Dewitt, of Wyoming. The deceased children were:
A llen J., who died in Indiana; Mary Ann Brower died
at Ottawa, Illinois; A. N., in this county; H. S., in
Pottawattamie county, Iowa; and Charles D., at La Honda,
California, having been a soldier in the Mexican war. The
mother died in LaSalle county, Illinois, at the age of eighty-eight
years.
Perry Green, the subject of this sketch, was
reared to farm life, and was also engaged in the manufacture of
cheese many years. He now owns 120 acres of fine farming land
in Ashtabula county, where he is engaged in general farming and
stock raising. He was married Mar. 24, 1849, to Marie Clark,
who was born, reared and educated in Wayne township, this county, a
daughter of Alfred and (Jane) Oatman Clark, the former a
native of Chenango county, New York, and the latter of Vermont.
The father died at the age of seventy-eight years, and the mother at
seventy-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Clark had six children:
Marie Green; Andrew, of Richmond; Willard and
Wilbert, twins; Charles E., of Colebrook township,
Ashtabula county; and Dillon, deceased at the age of seven
years. Mr. and Mrs. Green have two children:
D. L., at home, and Roscoe, deceased at the age of two
and a half years. In political matters, Mr. Green votes
with the Democratic party, and has held the position of Township
Trustee and other offices of trust.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties
of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. -
1893 - Page
366 |
| |
GEORGE
GRIFFIN
is a leading and successful agriculturist of Orwell township, where
his well-cultivated farm of ninety-three acres is situated.
This property, which he purchased in 1879, lies on section 3.
When the exception of ten acres, the land is arable and yields
abundant crops in return for the care and attention bestowed upon
it. The owner is engaged in general farming and stock-raising
and keeps good grades of stock. He is practically a self-made
man, as whatever fortune he has acquired is his through his own
industry and well-directed efforts. Although he was born in
England, he is a patriotic son of America, although an adopted one,
and declares that America is good enough for him.
Mr. Griffin was born in Devonshire, England, May
30, 1849, and is a son of Robert and Ann Griffin. The
former died in 1880, but the latter is yet living. They were
the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters, namely:
Mary Ann, Eliza J., William, George, Charles and James.
Of this number two are now living in this country, our subject and
his brother, William, who also resides in Orwell township.
In the year 1869, Mr. Griffin emigrated to
America and landed in Boston. Later he removed to New York,
from which city he came directly here, his brother having preceded
him by some three years. Several years prior to this, his
uncle, James Chilcote, had settled in this, his uncle,
James Chilcote, had settled in this vicinity. As Mr.
Griffin was entirely without means upon his arrival in Ohio, he
went to work by the month for Harvey Hill of New Lyme.
At the end of eight months he entered the employ of a Mr. Gee,
for whom he worked for three years. Until 1880, he continued
working by the month, carefully putting aside a large share of his
earnings, and with this money he purchased his present farm, which
he has since cultivated.
On Christmas day, 1879, George Griffin and Miss
Jennie L. Gillmore were united in matrimony. The lady is
the daughter of Nathan and Esther Gillmore, old residents of
Orwell. The former, who was a successful farmer, is now
deceased, but his wife is still living on the old homestead.
Mrs. Griffin has one brother and three sisters, namely:
George; Belle; Ruth, wife of Ambrose Fenner
whose home is in the Empire State; and Anna, wife of
Joseph Dixon. Mrs. Griffin has a good public-school
education and was given a certificate to teach. She is the
mother of two daughters: Anna, born Aug. 2, 1881, shows
a decided musical talent; Ruth, whose birth occurred Dec. 22,
1884, is a bright and engaging little girl. The mother is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Griffin
holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
belonging to Orwell Lodge. In politics, he supports the
nominees and the platform of the Republican party. He and his
family are widely and favorably known in this vicinity, and are
justly numbered among the leading citizens.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 297 |
| |
CORYDON T. GROVER, M. D.,
is one of the prominent physicians of Orwell, Ashtabula county,
Ohio. He is a native of Hart's Grove, Ohio, his birth having
occurred Dec. 5, 1840. His father, Gilbert Grover, is a
farmer and still living in Windsor, Ohio, where he was born in 1814.
The Doctor's mother, who bore the maiden name of Selima M.
Alderman, was also born in Windsor some four years after her
husband's birth. She became the mother of five children:
Marian who died at the age of eight yeas; Corydon
T.; Luellen S., now Mrs. Thomas A. McElroy of
Hart's Grove; Lavernon, who died at the age of twenty-nine
years; and John who died when eight years old.
Doctor Glover passed his boyhood on his father's
farm in the usual work and play of farmer lads, attending school
during the winter months until he was about twenty years old., when
he commenced teaching and proved quite successful as a pedagogue.
Five years later he began the study of medicine with Dr. A. L.
Pomeroy. In 1866, he attended lectures in what was then
known as the Cleveland Medical College, but is now called the
Western Reserve University, Medical Department, of Cleveland, having
passed the intervening time, about equally divided, in the offices
of Drs. William M. Eames and J. C. Hubbard, of Ashtabula,
Ohio. He returned to the medical department of the University
of Wooster, Ohio, where he finished the required years of study and
graduated from the institution Feb. 2, 1868.
Returning to Hart's Grove, the scenes of his childhood,
Dr. Grover began the practice of his profession and continued
there until his removal to Orwell in October, 1885. He has
built up a successful practice here and owns considerable property
in the village as well as a desirable farm, comprising 150 acres of
arable land. Dr. Grover is one who makes it a point to
keep abreast of the times and in addition to completing a number of
post-graduate courses and reading the best medical journals and
literature of the day, is a member of the Ashtabula Medical Society.
In politics, he is a strong Prohibitionist.
In Jefferson township, Ohio, Mar. 5, 1858, the Doctor
was united in marriage to Miss Unice A. McElroy, who was born
May 10, 1846. She is a lady of culture and much ability, but
her educational advantages were limited, owing to the fact that her
father was stricken with palsy; and as Mrs. Grover was the
oldest living child in the family she was obliged to assist in the
support of the others. She possesses a self-reliant
disposition, executive ability, good judgment and excellent literary
talent, and in a large share, her husband's success both in a
professional and financial way is due to the help she has afforded
him. Two of her brothers are yet living; Thomas A.,
married a sister of our subject; and Truman A., who lives in
Montville, Ohio.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Grover:
Delo C., who was born May 29, 1869, graduated from the New
Lyme Institute when eighteen years of age and was honored by being
made valedictorian of his class. He espoused the cause of
Prohibition and is a very earnest and able speaker in the cause of
temperance. His oratory is almost faultless and delivery
unexcelled for one of his years. Going to Oberlin College, he
there pursued a course of study and graduated from that justly noted
institution of learning in June, 1891, taking the degree of Ph. B.
He next went to Cleveland, where he commenced the study of law with
the firm of Norton & Pinney and after remaining with them for
a year went to the State University at Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he
passed an examination so creditable that he entered the senior class
of the law department, taking the degree of LL. B. in June, 1893,
following. Previous to graduation he, with other
University of Michigan students from Ohio, admitted to practice in
the Buckeye State. He is now located at Cleveland, his office
being No. 716 Cuyahoga Building. He is a member of the
Methodist Church and has preached occasionally. On the 19th of
July, 1893, Delo C. was united in marriage to Miss Anna E.
Diedler, a well known Cleveland lady, who has been a prominent
worker and teacher in the charity kindergarten in that city, and who
is prominently identified with the work of the Epworth Memorial
Methodist Episcopal Church. The younger son of our subject,
who was called Gilbert J., was born June 1, 1871. When
only fourteen years old, he was with his brother, a student at the
New Lyme Institute, but was taken sick with the measles, his father
being in Cleveland at the time, pneumonia followed and on Apr. 21,
1885, he was called from the shores of time. His schoolmates
familiarly called him "Little Grover," and y teachers
and all he was greatly loved. At his funeral, they turned out
en masse and strewed flowers over his grave.
In religious belief, the doctor and his wife are
Methodists, belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church of Orwell.
They are both energetic workers in the cause and the Doctor is one
of the Church Trustees. He is a strong advocate of temperance
and is an ally of the Prohibition party.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 681 |
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JOHN
GUDMUNDSON, a
well-known, prosperous and highly esteemed citizen of Harbor, Ohio,
was born on a farm near Guttenburg, Sweden, Mar. 20, 1849. His
parents were Gudmund and Johanna (Anderson) Anderson, who
reared ten children. The devoted wife and mother died in 1863,
and ten years later the father also passed away. They were
industrious, worthy people, and enjoyed the respect of all who knew
them.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm,
and received his education in the adjacent schools. He labored
faithfully on the farm until his departure for the United States, to
which country he was induced to come by the greater
opportunities afforded to young men. He arrived at Castle
Garden, New York city, June 6, 1871, and two days later reached
Jamestown, New York, whence he went to Meadville, Pennsylvania,
where he secured his first employment on the streets of that, city,
next engaging in farm work. He next came to Ohio and was for a
time employed on the Jefferson & Painesville Railroad, between
Jefferson and Ashtabula, under the superintendence of Mr.
McKenzie as contractor. Concluding that the far northwest
afforded better inducements for a laboring man, Mr.
Gudmundson went to Minnesota, 100 miles from St. Paul, where he
did railroad work for six weeks. At the end of this time he
decided to return to Ohio, and accordingly came to Cleveland and
worked two months on a gravel train on the Lake Shore & Michigan
Southern Railroad. He then came to the Harbor, where, after
working a short time on the Pennsylvania Railroad, he secured
employment two months on Mr. Fargo’s farm.
He next worked eight months for Captain Brown, after
which he worked five years for Albert Field, and
concluded his services in other people’s employ, with six months on
the Nickel Plate Railroad. He then started in life for himself
by renting Captain Brown’s farm, which he
continued to manage successfully fourteen months. After this
he engaged in teaming at the Harbor with his own team, which
business he has ever since followed, meeting with deserved success,
and by economy and persistent industry has accumulated a comfortable
income. He owns 123½ feet of valuable property on Bridge
street, at the Harbor, besides other desirable real estate, and is
numbered among the substantial men of the community.
May 30, 1878, Mr. Gudmundson was married,
at the Harbor, to Miss Breta Larson, an
estimable lady, who is a native of his own country, whence she came
to the United States in 1873. Rev. Dr. H. N. McGiffert
performed the marriage ceremony, a gentleman well known and highly
esteemed in this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Gudmundson
have one child, Carl Oscar, born January, 1879, who is
a bright and promising boy, and whom his father intends shall enjoy
the highest kind of privileges for an exceptional education.
Thus is it a pleasure to note the reward of merit and
industry which in Mr. Gudmundson’s case have secured
financial prosperity and the universal regard of his fellow-men.
Source:
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Publ. by Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co.
- 1893 - Page 771 |
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