ABEL G. RATHBONE, M. D., ne of the oldest and most successful physicians and surgeons in Ashtabula county, Ohio, has practiced medicine continuously in New Lyme since 1852, and won golden opinions from all who know him.
     He comes of hardy New England stock and inherits much of the indomitable courage and perseverance so characteristic of that race.  His parents were members of that daring company of pioneers who traveled toilsomely over hill and dale from New England to Ohio in an early day, settling on the present site of New Lyme, which they transformed from a forest to a beautiful village.  The father of the subject of this sketch was born in Salem, Connecticut, in 1800, and made his home in that city until 1830, when he removed to New Lyme.  Alice (Latimer) Rathbone, mother of Dr. Rathbone of this notice, is the youngest of a remarkably long-lived family, four of whom survive, all being octogenarians.  One, Eliza (Latimer) Reeves, now dead, was also an octogenarian.  Those surviving are:  Mrs. Rathbone, now eighty-four years of age; Albert Latimer, aged eighty-five, resides in New Lyme; Lucy Douglas, aged eighty-seven, lives in Rome, Ohio; and John Latimer of Delaware, Ohio, lacks but eight years of a century.  Dr. Rathbone of this notice was one of six children, four of whom survive.  Albert L. died in California, four of whom survive.  Albert L. died in California; Edwin lives in Rome, Ohio; Abel G., of this notice; John, Jeanette; and Leonora, who died at Rock Creek, Ohio.
     The subject of this sketch was born on a farm near New Lyme, Aug. 12, 1837.  His early educational advantages were secured in the district schools of his vicinity and supplemented by a few terms at Orwell Academy.  He then taught for several winters, at the same time carrying on farming.  In order to institute preparation for that work to which he had determined to devote his life, he commenced the study of medicine under the direction of an able preceptor, Dr. Porter Kee, and continued this preparatory study until 1859, when he removed to Kentucky, where he engaged in teaching.  In the winter of 1860-’61 he attended medical lectures in Cincinnati, and, in the spring of 1861, returned to his home, by reason of the breaking out of the Civil war.  His intention had been to remain in Kentucky and to give his attention to teaching until he had been able to complete his medical course at Cincinnati, but the war compelled him to alter his plans.  Notwithstanding the fact that he enjoyed teaching and was extremely successful in that line of work - as is witnessed by the commendation of his contemporaries - he early chose medicine as his profession and lost no opportunity for applying himself to the necessary work of preparation. In the winter of 1861-’62 he attended lectures at the University of Buffalo, New York, and, upon the completion of the prescribed course, graduated from that institution.
     He then returned to New Lyme, his early home, and at once entered upon the practice of his profession.  There, by careful and conscientious work, he succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice, and he now enjoys a handsome income and, what is more to be prized, the universal good will of his fellow men.  Although well fortified by experience and years of study, his habits of research and investigation are as strong as ever, and his large, well-filled library and numerous medical periodicals are constantly and carefully perused to his continual edification and satisfaction.  He is not, however, incapable of enjoying the beauties of general literature; on the contrary he is a man of broad and generous culture and a devoted student of all that is good and beautiful in science, literature and art.
     During the past ten years, the Doctor has profitably conducted a first-class drug and grocery store, which in appearance and completeness of stock is one of the best business houses in New Lyme.  Here is always a full line of drugs, groceries and notions, seldom to be found in a village of its size.  Here, also, several young men of special fitness and ability have prepared themselves for the drug business and the medical profession, an indirect contribution by Dr. Rathbone to the good of society.
     In 1857, Dr. Rathbone was married to Finette P. Watson, a worthy lady, daughter of Harvey Watson, an esteemed citizen of Rock Creek, Ohio.  They have three daughters: Alice J., born Aug. 19, 1860, married Alexander Switzer, a prominent cattle dealer of Butler, Richland county, Ohio; Anna Belle, born Feb. 9, 1876; and May Belle, born May 12, 1878, are at home and pursuing courses of study at the celebrated New Lyme Institute, which is presided over by the distinguised educator, Prof. Jacob Tuckerman, A. M., Ph. D.
     Politically, Dr. Rathbone firmly advocates the principles of the Republican party, although not an active politician.  Fraternally, he is allied with the Masonic order and the Ashtabula Medical Society.  As a business man, practitioner and citizen, the Doctor has ever been characterized by broad views and unswerving integrity, and is justly held in high esteem by his community.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 439

GEORGE W. RATHBUN, a venerable citizen of Conneaut, is one of the oldest native residents of the town.  Of his life and ancestry we make the following record:
     At an early day three Rathbun brothers came to America, landing at Plymouth Rock.  Two went back to Liverpool, whence they came.  The other remained, and all the Rathbuns of the United States are supposed to be descendants of his.  George W. Rathbun's grand parents, Joseph and Olive (Pearson) Rathbun, had a family of five sons and eight daughters, all of whom lived to be married except one.  Joseph and Edmund (the latter died in Cleveland some years since) were both Revolutionary soldiers.  Joseph lived to be ninety-three years old and Edmund was nearly a hundred when he died.
     Our subject's parents, Erasmus and Sallie (Lilley) Rathbun, natives of New York and Vermont respectively, were married in New York in 1815, and came direct to Ohio, settling in Newburg.  For many years Erastus Rathbun was engaged in milling in Ohio, having learned that trade after he came to this State.  While in New York during the war of 1812, he enlisted in the service of his country and was called out at Buffalo.  He was taken sick about that time, however, and never saw any active service.  His wife was a member of the Free-will Baptist Church.  She died at the age of sixty-three years.  Of their children we make record as follows:  Sylvester L., the oldest, married Fanny E. Kent, reared a family, and died in Amboy, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1885, aged sixty-eight years; Lavina and her husband,,,, William Tinker, are both deceased, their only child being William Tinker, Jr.; George W., the third born; Joseph, who died at the age of three years; and Adelia M., wife of L. L. Skinner, Pierpont, Ohio, has two children, Edger R. and Lillie L.
     George W. Rathbun was born at Conneaut, Jan. 15, 1825.  He began milling in Monroe and Sheffield townships, this county, and, like his father, was for many years engaged in the milling business.  In February, 1861, he moved to Conneaut and has continued to reside here ever since, being now retired.  He owned the Union Mills of Conneaut until 1892.
     Mr. Rathbun was married June 15, 1851, to Miss Maria Collins.  Her father, Thomas Collins, a native of England and a shoemaker by trade, came to America during the war of 1812, as a solder of the Crown.  He was taken prisoner and held at Cleveland, and after he was exchanged never returned; really, he deserted, preferring to remain in the United States.  He was married in Newburg to Susan Rathbun, and lived in Cuyahoga county the rest of his life.  His death occurred in 1835.  Some time afterward his widow became the wife or Ambrose Lockwood.  Both are now deceased.  She passed away in 1870, aged seventy-one.  She was a member of the Disciple Church.  Mrs. Rathbun is the only one now living in a family of eight children.  Four of the oldest died in infancy.  The fifth, Milton, was drowned, at the age of eight years, while out skating on the canal.  Mrs. Rathbun was the sixth born.  Orley, the seventh, died at the age of two years.  Mary Jane, wife of George Skinner, died at the age of twenty-five years.  Mrs. (Collins) Lockwood had two children by her last husband, - Clark I., of Illinois, and Sadie, who died in childhood.
     Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun have two children , namely: Mary Eleanor, wife of W. S. Montgomery, of Conneaut, has two children, Carl F. and Ernest O.; and William Ernest, who married Minnie Reels, has two children, George W. and Florence E.
     He and his wife have been members of the Christian Church for over twenty years.  He has also long been a member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degrees in the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery.  In all these he has held official position, and for the past two years has been General-issimo in the commandery.  He was a delegate to the Grand Council which met at Chillicothe, Ohio.  Politically, he is a Democrat.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page  431

JOHN W. REDINGTON  - Among the countless occupations to which men lend their time and energies there are few that are fraught with greater responsibilities or that demand a more perfect mental and physical balance than that of the locomotive engineer. A grave responsibility rests upon the shoulders of him who essays the duties of such a position, and careful preparation and discipline are demanded. John W. Redington, of Conneaut, Ohio, is one of those clear-headed men to whom has come such preferment as a result of unmistakable ability and fitness for the work, and he now holds a desirable position as engineer on the Nickel Plate Railroad. Mr. Redington was born at Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio, May 5, 1864, his parents being Michael and Ellen (Burke) Redington. The father was born in Ireland and the mother in England, though she also was of Irish descent. They were married on " the ould sod," and while still in the fresh vigor of their young life turned their faces toward the land of promise and came to America in 1862. They located at New Haven, Connecticut, where, for a time, Mr. Redington followed his trade, that of stone mason, subsequently being concerned as a railroad contractor, and having charge of the construction of the roads. He removed, after a few years, to Salem, Ohio, and for twelve years gave his attention to railroad contracting. He held various offices in the gift of the people of Columbiana county, having served two terms as County Commissioner. He-has ever taken vital interest in the political affairs of his adopted country, having, in early years, been a member of the Democratic party, but for the past eighteen years of the Republican. He is now retired from active business, and at the mellow age of sixty-eight years abides in well-earned repose at his pleasant home in Salem. Mr. Redington has been twice married, and two children were the result of the first union and six of the last. The second wife, a gracious helpmeet, is still living, at the age of forty-six years, secure in the love of husband and children. Of the eight children death has claimed not one, and it is but consistent that we make the following record concerning them: Mary is the wife of William O'Brien, who is a resident of Kinsey, Kansas, and is Road master on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad; Stella is the wife of John McGlyntcy of Salem, Ohio; Maggie, the oldest of the second family, is the wife of Jefferson Crouch, and resides at Salem; our subject; John W. was the second-born of the second family; Patrick; Michael; Sadie and Alice, the three youngest of the family, are still at home. All, with but one exception, are devoted members of the Roman Catholic Church.
     John W. Redington, to whose life this sketch has particular reference, learned the machinist's trade in the engine works at Salem, Ohio, continuing his connection with that concern for about three and one-half years. He then found it to his advantage to make a change, and accordingly he resigned his position and accepted one in charge of the machinery utilized in the operation of extensive coal mines in the Ohio coal fields. In this connection he remained about two years, then went to Alliance, Ohio, and took charge of the great engine of the Alliance Hammer Works. After six months, and looking to ultimate results, he accepted a position as fireman on one of the engines of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad. After about three years, and again descrying an opportunity for a better field of labor, he came, in 1886, to Conneaut and took position as fireman on the Nickel Plate Railroad. Eight months of faithful and capable service in this connection resulted in his promotion to the position of engineer, and he has remained thus employed ever since. Each of the changes made was purely voluntary on his part and each was the result of a wise discernment. Good luck, so called, has attended his labors as engineer: he has never met with any accident. It is fatuous to ascribe this condition to luck, for, rather, it is the result of constant care and practical ability on his part.
     Mr. Redington was married October 16, 1889, to Miss Ida, daughter of Benton and Julia (Joseph) Smith, residents of Columbiana county, Ohio. Mrs. Redington is the younger of the two children, her brother, John, being a prominent farmer of Columbiana county, Ohio. He is happily married and has two children: Nellie and Lida.
     Mr. and Mrs. Redington have one child: Sophronia Juliette, a precocious and winsome little maiden, about two years of age. Mr. Redington and his estimable wife are consistent members of the Congregational Church, and he is prominently identified with the Masonic and other civic societies. He is a member of the blue lodge, chapter, council and also of Cache Comrnandery in the Masonic order; of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the American Protective Association. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Reddington is a man of fine physique, tips the beam at about 210 pounds and has a pleasing address. He is a man who has made it a point to acquire a broad intelligence upon general affairs, and he is especially well informed in regard to all matters pertaining to his line of work. He is one of the eighty-four individuals who compose the local Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers at Conneaut. It is somewhat doubtful whether there exists in the State another organization, of equal membership, representing but one line of occupation that can show a better class of men, nor those who, as a rule, are better versed, in their profession; have better information in regard to the general topics of the day, or who have more just cause for being proud of their organization.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 1009

ARTHUR REEVE of Rome, Ohio, is a son of Honorable L. C. Reeve, of whom further mention is made on another page of this work.  He was born Jan. 31, 1852, and received his education in the academy at Austinburgh, and the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, Iowa.  Sept. 28, 1872, he married Jane E. Stineman, daughter of Abram and Ann Stineman, formerly of Pennsylvania but now of Michigan.  Mr. and Mrs. Reeve have had three children, as follows: N. Leander, who died at the age of three weeks; T. Effie, born Sept. 27, 1873, is now a teacher in one of the primary schools of this county; Amelia D., born Feb. 12, 1876.
     Mr. Reeve and his entire family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  He joins issue with the Republican party, and at this writing, 1893, is serving as Justice of the Peace.
     For a number of years Mr. Reeve has given special attention to the breeding of fine horses, and as a dealer in fine horses he is well known all over Ashtabula county.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 225

HEZEKIAH A. REEVE - There are within the limits of New Lyme township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, few more efficient and successful farmers than the subject of this sketch.  During a residence here of nearly seventy years he has attained an enviable local reputation as a man of sound judgment, progressive ideas and strict integrity.  His father was Rumsey Reeve, mention of whom may be found in this work in connection with the sketch of Captain L. C. Reeve, a brother of H. A.
     H. A. Reeve was born on his father's farm, Feb. 4, 1826.  Early inured to a life of toil, he was deprived of educational advantages.  What education he received in the crude district schools has, however, been supplemented by extensive reading and study in later life.  Remaining on the home farm and working faithfully until he reached his majority, he then received from his father a deed to a small portion of the farm he now occupies.  Rumsey Reeve designed to give to each of his children $300 or its equivalent, but it has been well said that he gave to them that which was of still more value, the example of a noble life.  After his father had given him this land, H. A. Reeve built upon it a small log house, in which he lived for several years.  This cabin in time gave place to a comfortable farm dwelling.
     Jan. 1, 1849, Mr. Reeve married Lamira Peck, daughter of Elijah Peck.  Her father was one of three brothers who were closely identified with the early history of New Lyme.  He long since passed away.  Mrs. Reeve died Aug. 4, 1872.  To her industry, economy and thrift, Mr. Reeve  ascribes much of the financial success they attained.  They had five children, all of whom are living: Viola Lamira, born Aug. 22, 1850, married George C. Stevenson, and lives in Dunbridge, Ohio; Wells H., born Feb. 22, 1853, married Hattie A. Soden, and lives in New Lyme township, this county; Elsworth S., born July 20, 1858, resides with his father; Celia Adell, born May 20, 1862, married Horatio V. Meeker, of Sugar Ridge, Wood county, Ohio; and Wilson, born June 27, 1872, is at home.
     Two fo the above named family are lovers of fine horses, and are the owners of some valuable ones.  Among these we mention the celebrated pacer, Belden Boy, formerly owned by Captain Reeve, now property of Wells.  Elsworth Reeve has a nice farm of eighty acres, situated about two miles west of New Lyme Center.  On this farm are some of the finest horses in Ashtabula county. Among those deserving special mention are the five-year-old stallion, Stannard Wilkes, by Allie Wilkes, a pacer of great promise, as yet untrained; the two year old bay, Allie Leaf, by Gold Leaf; the dam, Mollie Wilkes, by Allie Wilkes; also foals by Gold Leaf, 2:16½; King Sultan, 2:33, etc.  George Stevenson, a son-in-law of our subject, is also a lover of the turf.  He owns the celebrated stallion, Rupert, with a record of 2:33.  This was the first standard-bred horse introduced into Wood county.
     August 11, 1874, H. A. Reeve was again married, espousing Julia R. Hawkins nee Wescott, a native of Rome, Ohio.  Her parents, Rufus Wescott and wife, died in Sheffield, Ohio, the former in 1874, and the latter in 1893.  Mrs. Wescott attained the advanced age of over ninety years.  Mrs. Reeve is greatly devoted to the charming home over which she so gracefully presides.
     Of Mr. Reeve's farm, we further state that it comprises over 200 acres and is well improved with excellent buildings and supplied with all the modern conveniences.  His large fields of grain indicate a soil of the strongest fertility, while the general appearance of the place shows the owner to be a thorough farmer, a man who conducts his farming operations not only with his hands but also with his head.
     He is a Republican, and both he and his son Wells have served their township faithfully as Justices of the Peace.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page  641

HON. LEANDER C. REEVE, proprietor and manager of the celebrated Lone Tree Stock Farm, at Rome Centre, Ashtabula county, Ohio, and a representative of one of the oldest and most highly esteemed families of the county, was born in New Lyme, this State, Sept. 6, 1828.  His father, Rumsey Reeve, was a native of Lyme, Connecticut, and removed with his family to New Lyme, Ohio, in 1821, where he was a prosperous farmer until death.  His wife, Mary (Baldwin) Reeve, was born in Chester, Connecticut, and was a woman of rare judgment and energy, whose sage advice and assistance contributed much to her husband’s prosperity.  They had ten children: James B., a Captain in the Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, who died in the service, at Fort Pillow, Tennessee; Henry L., died on the old homestead in New Lyme, in 1881; John R.; Leonidas, a well-to-do farmer and stock-raiser, near Colebrook, this county; Hezekiah; Leander C., whose name heads this sketch; Flavius J., who also died on the old homestead; Maria A., wife of J. S. Peck, a prominent citizen of New Lyme; Arthur T., who enlisted in the Seventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry as a private and retired with the rank of Colonel in the United States army, was at the time of his death Chief of the Seed Division of the Agricultural Department at Washington; William H. H., also a soldier in the late war, who died in the service.
     The subject of this sketch was reared on his father’s farm in New Lyme, and received his education in the public schools and at Jefferson union school.  On attaining his majority, he went West, where he remained three years, when he returned to Ohio and settled on a farm in Rome, where he has ever since resided. This place, which is widely known as the Lone Tree Stock Farm, comprises 140 acres of excellent farming land, is well cultivated to general farming and improved with a substantial and comfortable residence and good barns, besides other valuable accessories.  The air of thrift and contentment prevailing on the place is a recommendation for the management of Mr. Reeve, who ranks second to no one in the county as0a farmer and stock-raiser.  On this farm may be seen a fine string of registered and standard-bred horses, about thirty at the present time (1893), at the head of which stands Belden Boy, No. 3020, whose record is 2:34¾.  Belton (3), with a record of 2:28¼, is the only one of Belden Boy’s colts that has ever been trained; he is not only speedy but game to the last.  Bashaw Drury, Jr., has a trial record of 2:35.  An extended mention of the length of this article, but sufficient has been given to show the high grade which is maintained.  The liberal patronage which his stable receives is the best proof of his wisdom in selecting and breeding stock.  Captain Reeve has also two other good farms near Rome station.
     The military record of Captain Reeve is quoted from a contemporary review as follows:  “Captain of Company G, Second Regiment Ashtabula County Militia, and Captain of Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; also Lieutenant, with commission to recruit; recruited sixty-eight men in thirty days for Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He served under Major-Generals Milroy, Rousseau and Schofield in Tennessee in 1864, participating in the battles of the Cedars and Shelbyville Pike.  In North Carolina he served under Major-General Cox, in General Schofield’s Twenty-third Army Corps, from Fort Fisher up the coast to New Inlet, Fort Sugar-Loaf, Fort Anderson, Town Creek, Wilmington, Kinston, Goldsborough and Raleigh, and retired from service with an untarnished record.”
     Politically, Captain Reeve is a Republican, and has been elected by his constituents to various offices of trust.  His public career began by his election to the office of Justice of the Peace, which he filled with commendable ability and impartiality.  He was a member of the board of commissioners of the fund for the relief of indigent soldiers and sailors for many years,—in fact up to the time of his election as Representative to the Sixty-ninth General Assembly.  He there made himself famous by presenting and urging the passage of a bill, as petitioned for by his constituents, to bond Ashtabula city for $150,000, to assist the city of Ashtabula in obtaining the removal of the courthouse from Jefferson (the present county seat) to that city. The bill failed to pass, and on this account a feeling was created against him to such an extent that at the county convention Captain Reeve failed to get the nomination for re-election.  At the request of his friends he then allowed his name to be used as au independent candidate, and was elected by an overwhelming majority, receiving a heavy Democratic support.
     Jan. 22, 1851, Captain Reeve was married to Miss Harriet E. Peck, a lady of superior attainments, who was born in New Lyme, Ohio, Nov. 13, 1827.  Her father, Samuel G. Peck, came with his parents to New Lyme when he was but nine years of age.  They were hardy and progressive pioneers, and to them and their son Samuel is due much of the advancement made by New Lyme township.  Samuel Peck died in 1888, at his home in New Lyme, where he had lived from childhood, his loss being generally and sincerely mourned.  He was the father of five children: the youngest died in childhood; Harriet, wife of the subject of this sketch, was the first in order of birth; Zipporah married Sidney S. Stults, a well-to-do farmer of Rome township; Edwin A. resides in Michigan; and Amos A. died in Warren, Ohio, in March, 1893.  Captain and Mrs. Reeve have five children: Arthur L., born Jan. 31, 1852; Asher A., born July 24, 1854; H. Amelia, born June 9, 1857, married Isaac N. Chapin, a prominent resident of Silver Bow county, Montana; Rose A., born Nov. 23, 1859, is the wife of Dr. W. O. Ellsworth, a well-known physician of Austinburgh, Ohio; Mary B., born June 23, 1867.  Mrs. Reeve has been for many years a zealous worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, as, indeed, are the whole family, with the exception of the youngest daughter, who belongs to the Presbyterian denomination.
     Such universal commendation of his merit leaves little to add in favor of Captain Reeve, other than to call attention to the fact of his material contribution to the general advancement and welfare of the community, of which he is a representative citizen.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 135

LEONIDAS REEVE, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser near Colebrook Center, Ashtabula county, Ohio, and for twenty-seven years Justice of the Peace in his district, was born in the pioneer log cabin of his parents on the homestead in New Lyme, this State, June 23, 1823.  He belongs to one of the oldest families in this county, his father, Ramsey Reeve, a native of Old Lyme, Connecticut, having come with his wife and family to New Lyme, Ohio, in 1821, where he became a prosperous farmer and resided until his death.  The mother of the subject of this sketch, May (Baldwin) Reeve, was a native of Chester, Connecticut, and a typical pioneer woman, inheriting in a marked degree those qualities of common sense, courage and perseverance for which people of New England are noted.  Their ten children were: James B., Captain in the Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, who died in the service at Fort Pillow, Tennessee; Henry L., who died on the old homestead in New Lyme in 1889; John R.; Leonidas, whose name heads this sketch; Hezekiah; Leander, proprietor and manager of the Lone Tree Stock Farm, in Rome Centre township, Ashtabula county; Flavius J., who also died on the old homestead; Maria A., wife of J. S. Peck, a prominent citizen of New Lyme; Arthur T., who enlisted in the regular United States army as a private and retired with the rank of Colonel, being at the time of his death Chief of the Second Division in the Agricultural Department at Washington; William H. H., who also was a soldier in the late war, and died in the service.
     The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the district and select schools of his vicinity, and in 1846 received a certificate to teach, from the first Board of School Examiners in the county, and taught district schools for several terms.  He then learned the carpenter and joiner’s trade, at which he worked several years, and at one time, in 1853 and 1854, worked for the Illinois Central Railway Company and helped to build all the depots from Freeport to Warren in Illinois.  He later engaged in farming and stock-raising, and now owns 148 acres of the choicest land in the county, with excellent modern improvements, a comfortable residence, good barns, etc.  He is notable as a breeder of fine horses, in which line he is very successful and from which he realizes a comfortable income.
     Apr. 28, 1846, Mr. Reeve was married to Miss Sophia Knowles, who was born in New Lyme, Aug. 19, 1826.  She received the best educational advantages afforded by the pioneer schools and also held a certificate to teach.  Her father, James Knowles, was one of the representative farmers and earliest pioneers of the county.  He was born in Lyme, Connecticut, in 1801, and came with his parents to New Lyme, Ohio, 1811.  He married Ann Doty, of Nantucket, Rhode Island, and they had three children: Sophia, wife of the subject of this sketch; Harriet, now Mrs. John Thompson, who resides in Colebrook; and Emily, afterward Mrs. H. D. Miner, of Colebrook, who died in 1868.  The father died in 1880, universally lamented on account of his many estimable qualities.  Mr. and Mrs. Reeve have had four children, the two eldest of whom died aged fourteen and fifteen years.  Florentine O. was born Jan. 28, 1851, and graduated at Mt. Union College, in Stark county, Ohio, and has followed teaching for twenty years, but is now studying medicine, being at present assistant to the physician of the college and dispensary at Cleveland.  He married Miss Thirzah Walling, of Colebrook, of this State, and they now reside at Cleveland.  The other child of Mr. Reeve, Viola, was born Mar. 21, 1865, and is unmarried and at home.  She received a musical education at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, is now organist at the Baptist Church of Colebrook, Ohio.
     Mr. Reeve’s present prosperity is due entirely to his own unaided efforts, persistently and intelligently applied, and he justly deserves the esteem in which he is so widely held.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 133

MARY L. REEVE, widow of Flavius J. Reeve, and a woman of superior business ability and sterling worth of character, owns one of the best farms in New Lyme township, Ashtabula county, Ohio, which she has successfully managed since her husband’s death, in 1872.  Flavins J. Reeve was one of the most prominent farmers of New Lyme township, respected alike for his upright character and genial personality.  He was born in Orwell, Ohio, in 1831, and was reared on a farm near that city, receiving his education in his birthplace and in Cincinnati.  He taught school in Iowa during his younger days, but after marriage settled on fifty acres of land near Hart’s Grove, Ohio, which he cultivated for two years, when he removed to the old homestead of his father, in New Lyme township.  This includes eighty-seven and a half acres of the best farming land in the county and was the home of Mr. Reeve until his death, Apr. 8, 1872.  He was careful and methodical in his ways, thoroughly making up his mind as to his course and unwaveringly pursuing it to the end.  He was a man of ability and energy, a fluent speaker, prominent in all matters of local interest and very enthusiastic in all he undertook.  He was a Republican in politics in early life, but later espoused the cause of Prohibition, and spent money and energy in its behalf.  He was an active member of the order of Good Templars and a Free-will Baptist in religion.  For twelve years prior to his death he had very poor health and died of lung disease, expiring suddenly, in the midst of friends with whom he had been conversing only a few moments before.  His loss was greatly lamented by all who knew him.
     Mrs. Reeve was born in Windsor, Ohio, May 5, 1884, and was a daughter of S. P. and Hannah (Bell) Alderman, her father being a native of Ohio, and her mother of Vermont, the latter coming of a well-known and historical family of the Green Mountain State. Mrs. Reeve’s father was a tanner and currier by trade, but in later life followed farming. He was a man of industry and energy, a Republican in politics and for many years Justice of the Peace, making an able and honorable official.  He was in his younger days an Episcopalian in religion, but later joined the Disciples’ Church, of which he was a devoted member and in which faith he died.  He was an enthusiastic temperance worker, doing much good for that cause.  His worthy wife was also a devout adherent of the latter denomination.  He died at the age of sixty-seven on his farm near Hart’s Grove, leaving his family and many friends to mourn his loss.  His widow survived him a few years, expiring in the midst of friends at the age of seventy-two.  They were the parents ef thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, four of whom died in infancy and early childhood.  Of those who attained maturity, Olinthus G., resides in Dos Moines, Iowa; H. Jane, now Mrs. H. Fairchild, lives in Diller, Nebraska; Lucy A., who became Mrs. H. Scheverell, died aged twenty-two; Eurissa is unmarried; Anthony is a resident of Ottawa, Kansas; De Elbe, is now Mrs. Worthy Newcomb; and Emerson, resides in Hart’s Grove.
     Mrs. Reeve has had eight children, of whom Wendell P. died aged live months; Wendell P., the second, died aged seven years; Harrison J. died at the age of twenty-two, of inflammatory rheumatism, after an illness of live years.  He was a young man of unusual promise and an active Republican; Mary Ann died aged five and a half years; one died in infancy; and Luella M., born January 31, 1867, is a young lady of education and talent. She is a graduate of the institution at New Lyme and a successful teacher, having taught her first term at the age of sixteen.  She has much musical talent and is prominent in all social matters.
     Mrs. Reeve has managed the farm for twenty-one years, never shrinking from the most arduous duties, feeding her own cattle and other stock and doing other manual labor.  She sold her stock profitably May 13, 1893, and has otherwise been very successful in her efforts, which fact fully testifies to her energy and ability.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 826

CAPT. CALVIN REEVES, for the past thirteen years traveling salesman - throughout the Western States for the Broad head Worsted Mills, of Jamestown, blew York, a genial gentleman and respected citizen of Orwell, Ohio, was born in Gaines, New York, Mar. 26, 1834.  He comes of an old and well-known English family, his grandfather, George P. Reeves, having been a prominent citizen of Edington, Somersetshire, England, all his life.  William, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in that city, Aug. 26, 1806, where he lived to manhood.  Concluding to seek his fortune in the new world, William set sail from his native land for America May 8, 1830, arriving at his destination July 2, of that year.  He settled in Pompeii, now called Cardiff, New York, where he followed his trade of tanner and currier, in which he was a master workman.  In 1835 he removed to Orwell, Ohio, where he became a prosperous and influential citizen, his death occurring June 6, 1872.  His wife, nee Clora Northway, was born in Pompeii, New York, Mar. 13, 1813, and was a daughter of Zenas and Sallie Northway, old and esteemed residents of that place.  Mr. and Mrs. William Reeves had nine children, eight sons and one daughter, of whom we offer the following brief mention:  Calvin, whose name heads this sketch; George P., born May 1, 1835, a prosperous jeweler, residing in Helena, Montana; Charles S., born May 8, 1838, died in the United States army; Truman, born Aug. 17, 1840, at present (1893) serving his second term as Treasurer of San Bernardino county, California; Edwin, born September 19, 1842, also residing in Helena, Montana; Maria J., born Jan. 4, 1845, is the wife of Henry Pickett, a prominent citizen of Andover, Ohio; Collings E., born July 31, 1847, was drowned, at the age of two and a half years, in a tan vat in his father’s tanyard; Andrew J., born Jan. 8, 1849, died in Orwell, Ohio, Nov. 29, 1869, unmarried; and Emery A., born Oct. 10, 1851, died in California Feb. 26, 1883, unmarried.
     The subject of this sketch received his primary education in the district schools of pioneer times in Ohio, and, being the oldest of a large family, early learned to rely on his own resources, thus acquiring that self-reliance and perseverance which have contributed to his success in life.  Possessing a good intellect and a studious disposition, he desired above all things to obtain a good education, and secured the necessary funds to enter Orwell Academy—at that time the best school in the county—by chopping four-foot cordwood and hauling it a mile and a half to sell it.  By hard labor, strict economy and close attention to his studies, lie was soon at the head of his class, and, after a few terms at this institute, obtained a license to teach.  His first school was in Windsor, Ashtabula county, where he successfully taught three terms, at the same time pursuing his own studies in the higher branches. At the close of his school in Windsor, he entered the employ of Messrs. McCombs & Smiths, dry-goods merchants of Warren, Ohio, as bookkeeper and remained with that firm for some time.  He then accepted the principalship of a grammar school in Janesville, Wisconsin.  This change was made at the beginning of the late war.  The spirit of patriotism predominating over the fascination of the school room, Mr. Reeves enlisted as a private in the Twenty-second Wisconsin Infantry, shortly afterward being raised to the commission of First Lieutenant, in which position he served until 1863, when he was discharged on account of sickness, and returned to his home in Ohio.  On recovering his health, he went to Rochester, Minnesota, where he clerked in the dry-goods store of J. D. Blake until Aug. 15, 1864.  He then again enlisted as a private, and was promoted, Aug. 25, to Second Lieutenant, and on Nov. 24, 1864, received a commission as Captain of the First Minnesota Artillery, in which position he served until the close of the war, being discharged in November, 1865.  He was in the battle of Nashville, and was engaged on the trail of the famous raider, John H. Morgan.  Captain Reeves also commanded Fort Creighton for some time, there being only one remaining of eighteen forts which were erected at Chattanooga during the war.
     One year later, in 1866, Captain Reeves, in partnership with M. M. Hilliard, of Orwell, entered the general merchandise business in that city, where they successfully continued until 1871, when Captain Reeves once more went West to Minnesota.  In 1881 he returned to Orwell and entered the employ of Messrs. William Broadhead & Son as their traveling salesman throughout the West, in which capacity he has efficiently acted for thirteen years, winning golden opinions from his employers and the people alike.  A good business man, fundamentally, and a cultured, courteous gentleman always, he would reflect credit on any calling, and is one of those who have been instrumental in raising the standard of the ordinary commercial traveler, until at the present time that ubiquitous personage occupies an honorable position in the commercial world.  The commercial travelers are the pathfinders, the distributers, and as such are entitled to universal esteem.
     Apr. 2, 1863, Captain Reeves was married to Miss Carolina H. Baker, a lady of domestic and social accomplishments, daughter of Josiah W. and Mary Ann Baker, old and esteemed residents of Orwell.  Mrs. Reeves was born Apr. 20, 1840, in that city, and educated at Orwell and at the Painesville Seminary.  A lady of unusual culture and geniality, she impresses favorably all whom she meets, and she ever shares the popularity of her husband.  They have four children:  Fannie M., born Oct. 24, 1864, who will be mentioned more at length further on; H. Clayton, born Jan. 17, 1867, married Miss Cora B. Hunt, on May 22, 1889, and has one child, Marian, born Aug. 21, 1890; Julia M., born Oct. 2, 1875, an estimable young lady, and John B., born Sept. 29, 1877, are at home.  Fannie M. married Samuel Runner, now a prominent merchant of Canal Dover, Ohio.  He is a native of Buzmka, Hungary, born Mar. 12, 1859.  He left the land of his birth when he was seventeen years of age, on account of the conscription act, and came to America.  He settled at Garrettsville, Ohio, where he made his home with a Mr. Johnson, whom he regards as a father.  His first business venture was as a pack peddler and later as a merchant in Orwell.  He finally engaged in the general merchandise business at his present place, where he has a well selected and complete stock of goods.  Mr. Runner is a man of good education and business ability, well posted on the topics of the day and of the highest financial standing.  Mr. and Mrs. Runner have two interesting children: Zella, born Apr. 1, 1884; and Hilda, born Oct. 19, 1889.
     Politically, Captain Reeves advocates the principles of the Republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of the F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F.
     In his substantial and attractive home, surrounded by an interesting family and a host of personal friends, Captain Reeves may be truly said to have gained the highest success in life, and is rightly regarded as a representative citizen of the place, to whose welfare he has materially contributed.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 644

CLAYTON H. REEVES, of Orwell, Ohio, popular in the mercantile world as a traveling salesman and representative of the Broadhead Worsted Mills Company, of Jamestown, New York, throughout Iowa and other western territory since 1887, was born in the city where he now resides, Jan. 17, 1867.  He is of English ancestry and comes of an old and prominent Ohio family.  George F. Reeves, his grandfather, was a life resident of Edington, Somersetshire, England, where William, the originator of the family in America, was born.  William, the originator of the family in America, was born.  William remained in his native country until he reached manhood, when, in 1830, he emigrated to America, settling first in Pompeii, now called Cardiff, New York, and later, in 1835, removing to Orwell, Ohio, where his death occurred Jan. 6, 1872, to the regret of many friends.  He was the father of nine children, eight sons and one daughter, of whom Calvin, father of the subject of this sketch, was the eldest.  He was born in Gaines, New York, Mar. 26, 1834, and thus was only about a year old when his parents settled in Orwell, Ohio.  Calvin was reared and educated in Orwell and taught school for some time.  He served efficiently in the late war, retiring with the commission of Captain.  He was afterward in the mercantile business in Orwell for some time, when, in 1881, he became traveling salesman for the Broadhead Worsted Mills, of Jamestown, New York, which position he has ever since retained, meeting with eminent success, the result of his energetic and capable exertions.  He was married, Apr. 2, 1863, to Miss Caroline Baker, born in Orwell, Apr. 20, 1840, and educated at Orwell Academy and the Painesville Seminary.  They had four children: Fannie M., now Mrs. Runner, of Canal Dover, Ohio; Clayton H., whose name heads this sketch; Julia M. and John B., at home.
     The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native city, receiving liberal advantages and enjoying the cultured influence of a refined home.  When twenty years of age he entered the employ as traveling salesman, of the Broadhead Worsted Mills Company, with whom he has since remained, his field of operations now covering the State of Iowa and other western territory.  He is an efficient and upright businessman, a courteous, genial gentleman, and esteemed alike by his employers and patrons.
     May 22, 1889, Mr. Reeves was married to Miss Cora B. Hunt, an accomplished lady, born Jan. 15, 1871, only daughter of Wilburn and Mary Ellen (Welsh) Hunt.  Her parents died in 1874, when she was about three years old, both expiring within three months of each other.  They left one son, Charles C., born in 1868 by a former marriage of Mr. Hunt; and Cora B., wife of the subject of this sketch.  The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Reeves, Samuel H. and Mary Sophronia Welsh, of Bloomfield, Ohio, immediately adopted her as their own, providing for her with more than parental affection.  From them she learned all she knows of her parents, learning to love and reverence their memories.  She was carefully reared and liberally educated, her kindly disposition, intelligent conversation and the neatness and order prevalent in her home, are all convincing evidences of her early training.  Her grandfather, Samuel Welsh, is one of the oldest settlers of Ohio.  He was born in Cumberland county, New Jersey, Apr. 6, 1811, and when but five years of age, came, in 1816, with his parents to Warren, Ohio, the family traveling the entire way overland by team.  Owing to the lack of schools on the frontier, he received no education except such as was taught him at home by his father, who was a well educated man and a Baptist minister.  In early life, Samuel learned the tailor’s trade, which he followed through life, or as long as health and age would permit.  He was twice married, first to Matilda Flower, of Bloomfield, and they had five children, three of whom survive: Matilda J., wife of Rev. Charles Foote: Edward H., a prosperous grocer of Cumberland, Maryland; and Marian L., wife of Harry S. Pickands, of Chicago, Illinois, senior member of the Pickands-Brown Iron Ore Company, with office in the Rookery building, and also head of the Pickands-Mather Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, and interested in other enterprises.  His first wife died in 1846, leaving a number of children to his care.  In 1848 he was again married, his second wife being Sopronia King, and they had six children, of whom three survive: Samuel H., a prominent hardware merchant of Milford, Nebraska; George K., also a successful hardware dealer, residing in New Castle, Pennsylvania; and John J., a railway fireman, living in Mahoning, Pennsylvania; the first born died in infancy; J. Albert passed away in early manhood; and the only daughter, Mrs. Hunt, died in the flush of womanhood. His second wife died May 7, 1878, greatly regretted by her family and many friends.  Mr. Welsh now resides with the subject of this sketch, where all that thoughtful care can do to brighten his life is cheerfully done.  He is commendably interested in public affairs, having cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay, and is now (1893) a firm supporter of Republican principles.
Mr. and Mrs. Reeves have one child, an interesting little daughter, by the name of Marian, born Aug. 20, 1890.  She is a vivacious, intelligent little creature, whose discernment exceeds that of others of her years.
     In politics, Mr. Reeves advocates the principles of the Republican party.  He belongs to several fraternal societies, being a member of Symbol Lodge, No. 452, F. & A. M., of New Lyme; also Chapter Master of Rock Creek Lodge of the same order; also affiliating with the Knights of Pythias, of Orwell, and the I. O. O. F. of the same place.  He is progressive and public-spirited, a man of the highest integrity and moral character, and is a credit to his community.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 267

JOHN REEVES, familiarly known as “Uncle John,” whose bright, cheerful countenance is daily seen in Orwell, Ohio, was born Feb. 25, 1803, in Glastonbury, Somersetshire, England.  He comes of an old and respected English family, his father, George F. Reeves, having been a prominent citizen of Edington, Somersetshire, England. The subject of this sketch was one of seven children, but three of whom, two sons and one daughter, grew to maturity.  Of these, Mr. Reeves of this notice is the oldest; William, his brother, was born in Edington, Somersetshire, England, Aug. 26, 1806, and resided in that city until manhood. Determining to seek his fortune in the new world, William set sail for America May 8, 1830, arriving at his destination July 2 of the same year.  He settled in Pompeii, now called Cardiff, New York, where he followed his trade of tanner and currier, in which he was a master workman.  In 1835 he removed to Orwell, Ohio, where he became a prosperous and influential citizen, his death occurring, Jan. 6, 1872, in that city where he was greatly regretted by all who knew him. Betsey, sister of the subject of this sketch, died in her native country.
     Mr. Reeves of this notice is a man of superior education, yet the opportunities afforded him after the age of ten years were obtained through his own hard labor and economy, and he deserves great credit for his perseverance and industry.  He learned the trade of tanner and currier and that of tine leather dressing, at which he worked all his active years.  He is a good Latin scholar and well versed in science, and is also a good penman.  He is an apt and accurate mathematician, and is the author of “Reeves’ Tabulated Forms for Commercial Calculations,” an exhaustive and extended as well as valuable work.  He is also a poet of some note, although his poems have never been published, as he has never tried to turn this talent to profit, but has written for pastime only.
     May, 1828, Mr. Reeves was married to Miss Ann Jeanes, a lady of many worthy traits of character, a native of Lamyatt, England, and they lived happily together until her death in 1850, her loss being widely and sincerely mourned.  They had no children.
     In 1851 Mr. Reeves came to America, crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel, being five weeks on the voyage.  On his arrival in the United States, he at once began work at his trade, his skill readily finding and retaining employment in the best establishments.  He worked in all the principal cities in the East, being employed all the time as a journeyman, with the exception of a few years during which he owned and managed a business of his own in Newburg, Ohio.  This he sold, owing to his advanced age and its attendant infirmities.  He has never remarried and being childless makes his home with a nephew, Captain Calvin Reeves, a genial, whole-souled gentleman and prominent citizen of Orwell, who is a son of William Reeves, deceased, brother of the subject of this sketch.
     In politics, our venerable subject advocates the principles of the Republican party.  He is a useful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and beloved and respected by all who know him.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 697

EDWARD REID, a loyal citizen of the United States of America, was born in the south of Ireland, Jan. 29, 1839, a son of Rassland and Eliza (Vickers) Reid, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle.  The father began life as a cattle drover, buying and shipping to England; he was an excellent judge of fine horses, and continued in the live-stock business until he emigrated to Canada during the Turko-Russian war; he located in Toronto and began the trade of brick-making, which he followed until his death; he met his death by accident, falling from a wagon which passed over his body.  He reared a family of eight children: George; John died on the Mississippi river; Mary Ann; Samuel, now living in Melbourne, Australia, is married and has had three children, two of whom are living; Margaret married Thomas Hamilton, lives in Toronto and they have had nine children, four of whom are living: James, Nellie, Thomas and Tillie; Edward, the sixth-born is the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth died at the age of seventeen years; Ross died in Michigan at the age of forty-five years.
     Edward was left in Ireland by his parents at the age of seven years; he lived with a great aunt until her death, and then remained with her husband until he was fourteen years old; at this early age he went to sea and for seven years was upon the deep.  Locating in Toronto, Canada, he lived there ten years, engaged in brick-making; thence he went to Cleveland, and afterward to Geneva; here he has established a large brick and tile- making business, and has met with gratifying success. He also owns a fine farm, which he manages with the same sagacity which characterizes his commercial transactions.
     Mr. Reid was united in marriage, in Toronto, Canada, Dec. 23, 1801, to Jane Thompson, widow of John Thompson, and daughter of William and Mary (Rumsey) Jones: they are the parents of seven children: George Arthur, born Oct. 11, 1863, married Miss Pauline Newton, of Bastrop, Louisiana, Nov. 22, 1891; they have one child, Jannett, born Nov. 14, 1892; Lilah was born Feb. 9, 1865; Vickers, born in August, 1867, died in the same month; Anna Gertrude was born Dec. 25, 1869; Edward Vickers, born Dec. 29, 1871, was married to Mrs. Zada Hyde, Jan. 18, 1893; William Jones was born Jul. 4, 1874; and Mand Alice, Nov. 11, 1876.  By her first marriage Mrs. Reid had three children: Hugh Thompson, born May 8, 1855, died Sept. 21, 1889; Mary Jane, born Mar. 3, 1857, married Robert Gilmore Jul. 9, 1873; Elizabeth was born June 11, 1859, and died in January, 1862.
     Mr. Reid was reared in the faith of the Episcopal Church.  He is a most worthy member of Geneva Lodge, Nov. 334, F & A. M.  In politics he adheres to the principles of the Democratic party.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 770

JOHN P. RIEG, a newspaper man of Conneaut, was born at Baldenheim, Canton de Markolzheim, France, Apr. 18, 1840, was an only child, and was left an orphan at the age of fourteen years.  He attended the public schools the number of years required by law, and afterward was placed under a private tutor to fit himself for college.  Becoming restless and having an uncle living in Warren Pennsylvania, he conceived the idea of coming to America.  At the age of fifteen years he found himself in Warren, possessed of a fair education in German and French, but entirely ignorant of the English language.  He attended the public schools for six months, in the meantime looking about for some kind of employment that would suit his taste, when he finally entered the printing office of D. W. C. James, and learned the "art preservative of arts."  In 1861 he purchased the office of the Conneaut Reporter, and has ever since been at the head of that office and been a resident of Conneaut.
     June 12, 1861, Mr. Rieg married Julia K. Brooks, of Erie, Pennsylvania, and they have four children: Frank F., born May 8, 1863; Mary S., Dec. 15, 1865; John B., Dec. 5, 1872; Florence F., Oct. 28, 1881.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 764

E. RISDON, a venerable citizen of Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Genesee county, New York, Nov. 20, 1820, son of Almore and Cynthia Risdon, both natives of that county.
     Almore Risdon was a man of prominence in his day.  He filled the office of County Sheriff in Genesee county.  In 1833 he came West and settled in Vermillion, Erie County, Ohio, where he opened up a farm and was engaged in agricultural pursuits the rest of his life.  He was accidentally drowned in the Huron river in 1835, aged forty-four years.  His first wife, the mother of our subject, died in 1822, at the age of twenty-five, leaving three children: George, and E. and Eliza, twins.  George, a prominent farmer of Erie county, Ohio, died Jan. 26, 1893, aged seventy-five years, leaving a widow, Charity (Goldsmith) Risdon, and four sons and five daughters.  By his second wife, Elcina (Lewis) Risdon, the father of our subject had two sons and four daughters, all deceased except one son.  The mother of these children died some in the '50s.
     In early life Mr. Ridson said the lake and superintended a dredging-machine in the employ of the United States for four years, and for Her Majesty's Government in Canada for a little more than twelve years, performing faithful and efficient service.  He took out every coffer-dam from Ogdensburg to Montreal.  After leaving government employ, he located in Conneaut, and engaged in ship-carpentering.  This was in 1858.  He worked at that business for a period of thirty years, at the same time being interested in farming operations.  Mr. Risdon's first visit to Conneaut was in 1835, and since 1837 he has called this place his home.  For fifty years he has voted the Democratic ticket here.  For the past five years he has conducted the sprinkling business of the town.  He was Street Commissioner twelve years, and was Marshal about six years.
     Mr. Risdon was married in 1844, to Miss Lucretia M. Fredericks.  Her father, John Fredericks, a Hollander by birth, was a soldier in Bonaparte's war.  He went on board an English vessel, came to America, and at New York deserted.  He lived to be ninety-three years of age, dying about 1867.  His wife died twenty years before.  They had a family of four sons and three daughters, six of whom are now living.  Mr. and Mrs. Risdon have five daughters, namely: Harriet, wife of Glover Ashley, has three children, Frederick, Lulie and Freddie; Emma Jane, a member of the home circle; Mary, wife of John Cummins, of the Conneaut Canning Factory, has four children, Thomas R., Mabel, Margaret and Robert; Clara, wife of Burton Thayer, has four children, Lee, Alice, Hazel and Harry; and Helen, wife of Burt Capron, has one child, Bertha.
     Mr. and Mrs. Risdon are attendants of the Presbyterian Church.  He has long been identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery; has been Tyler in the four bodies for twenty years, and during all this time has never missed more than half a dozen meetings.  He has attended all the conclaves until the one at Denver last year, and has been in all the State conclaves.  Mr. Risdon is also a member of the Knights of Honor, of which organization he is second officer and a Steward.  Few men in Conneaut are better known or have more friends than Mr. Risdon.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 810
Sharon Wick's Note:  Pictures of Cummins Canning Factory and other things pertaining to it can be found in the photo section at www.conneautohio.us

LEVI RITTER, of Dorset township, Ashtabula county, was born Dec. 7, 1829, a son of Christian Ritter, a native of Pennsylvania. The latter's father, Jacob Ritter, was of German parentage, and one of the first settlers of Canfield, Mahoning county, Ohio, Christian Ritter was married in Mahoning county, to Mary Dustman, a native of that county, and of German descent. They afterward spent four years in Wood county, Ohio, returned to Mahoning county; later went to Champion, Trumbull county, Ohio, and in 1857 removed to Lenox township, Ashtabula county. Mr. Ritter, a farmer by occupation, died at the age of eighty-four years, and his wife departed this life at the age of eighty-three years. They had nine children, viz.: Rebecca, Jacob, Adaline, Levi, Barbara, Elias, Sarah, Christopher, Washington, and one deceased in infancy.
     Levi Ritter, the subject of this notice, was early inured to farm labor. He has followed carpentering most of his life, and also owns a well improved farm of forty-eight acres. He has a good one-and-a-half story residence, 16 x 24 feet, with an " L " of the same dimensions, and a barn 30 x 40 feet.
     Mr. Ritter was married at the age of twenty-three years, to Eveline C. Kibler, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Brandon) Kibler, natives of Virginia, members of old and prominent families in that State. The father died at the age of sixty years, and the mother at the age of seventy-two years. They had eleven children, namely: Sarah, Julia, Martha, Polly, William, Eveline, George, Zachariah, Eliza, James and Nancy. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter have four children: George, at home; William, married, resides in Windham, Portage county, Ohio; Emma, wife of Comfort Struck, of Canfield, Mahoning county; and Floyd, at home.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 170

ANDREW L. RODGERS, a prominent ex-employe of the Lake Shore Railroad Company, in the capacity of superintendent of buildings and bridges on the entire Toledo Division, was born in Randolph, Orange county, Vermont, Apr. 4, 1818.  His father, Adonijah B. Rodgers, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and was a carpenter by occupation.  He married Alsa Woodard, also a native of the New England States.  The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was wounded in the battle of Lundy's Lane, losing a knee-cap.  He emigrated to Vermont about 1812; some years later moved to New York, and died in Syracuse, that State, at the age of eighty-two years.  This worthy couple had six children: one died in infancy; A. L., subject of this sketch; Frederick, living near Syracuse, New York; Cornelia died with cholera in 1832, when young; Betsy; and Adaline, who married Charles Leer, and died at the age of forty.  The paternal grandfather of the subject of this notice, Adonijah Rodgers, was a merchant by occupation.  He married a Miss Noble, a native of Scotland.  Eight children were born to them; Andrew, Pelatiah, Nehemiah, Benjamin, Sallie, Betsy, Clara and Harriet.  The grandfather died at the advanced age of probably ninety years, and while our subject was serving his apprenticeship.
     The gentleman whose name heads this brief biography was reared and liberally educated in his native city.  At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to Samuel Doyl, of Montpelier, in the same State, to learn the carpenters' trade, requiring a service of seven years to became its master, during which time he worked in Vermont and in Essex county, New York.  His trade learned, Mr. Rodgers decided to settle in the West, toward which emigration was turning, and accordingly, in his twenty-second year, commenced his journey to Ohio.  He visited, however, along the way for a few months, finally stopping in Trumbull county, Ohio, securing work in Niles, Youngstown and other points, and being there employed for about seven years.  He next removed to Orwell, Ashtabula county, the same State, and there built many substantial structures, which may yet be seen, after a lapse of forty years, in good condition.  Five or six years later he came to Ashtabula to reside, which has since been his permanent home.  In 1852 he secured employment with the Lake Shore Railroad Company as a carpenter, at $1.25 a day, and after working three weeks was given charge of a gang of men and ordered to report direct to the engineer's department.  One year later he was given general supervision of the repair work on buildings and bridges, and was sent to superintend the construction of all the wooden structures on a railroad line running from Jamestown to Franklin, and afterward extended to Oil City. On his return to the Lake Shire Railroad Mr. Rodgers was promoted to be foreman of construction on the Toledo Division of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, then consolidated.  After erecting the iron bridge at Ashtabula he was ordered to Cleveland to superintend the construction of the new depot, a building 185 x 300 x 66 feet.  These and many other important services were rendered by Mr. Rodgers to his company during his twenty-eight years of faithful and efficient service, which ended in 1880.  Mr. Rodgers has invested largely in real estate in Ashtabula and other cities, and these investments yield him a handsome income, and to them be now devotes his attention, enjoying in comfort the products of his earlier years of labor.
     In September, 1841, Mr. Rodgers married Lydia Ann Raxford, a lady highly esteemed for her many excellent qualities, and daughter of David and Jane (Smith) Raxford.  They have had three children, two of whom survive:  Andrew Benjamin, residing in Geneva,
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 584

Dr. C. F. RODGERS, a dentist of Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Hamilton county, this State, June 16, 1863, son of Robert E. and Clara R. (Allison) Rodgers, natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively.
     Robert E. Rodgers started out in life as cashier of the First National Bank of Ironton, Ohio, of which institution his father, James Rodgers, was president.  James Rodgers died some time in the early '60s.  After leaving the bank Robert E. turned his attention to the wholesale grocery business in Cincinnati, in which he was engaged previous to the war.  When President Lincoln called for 75,000 soldiers he enlisted as a private for three months, and at the end of that time returned and raised a company of his own - Company C, which was a part of the Fourth Ohio Cavalry.  With that company he served until late in 1864, when, having contracted chronic diarrhea and being unfitted for service, he returned home on furlough.  A few months later he was discharged on account of disability.  He participated in numerous engagements, and a braver and truer soldier than he never went into battle.  He was promoted to the rank of Major and also served as Colonel, but was discharged before he received his commission as Colonel.  Twice he was wounded.  After his discharge he went to Minnesota, hoping a change of climate would benefit his health.  He, however, received little relief and his disease finally merged into consumption, of which he died in 1872, aged forty-one years.  His widow is still living, now a resident of Ithaca, New York.  They had a family of four children, namely:  H. O., manager of the Acme Oil Company at Hazleton, Pennsylvania; Dr. C. F., whose name heads this sketch; Mirina H. and Eleanor, who reside with their mother.
     Dr. C. F. Rodgers received his education in the public schools of Cincinnati.  He spent two years with Dr. Charles Mason, at Wheeling, West Virginia, from which place he went to the Philadelphia Dental College, graduating there in 1888.  After practicing his profession nearly two years in Philadelphia, he entered into a partnership with Dr. W. E. Magill & Son in Erie, Pennsylvania, and remained there until December, 1891, when  he came to Conneaut.  Here he has built up an excellent practice and is regarded not only as a skillful dentist but also as a most worthy citizen.
     He was married July 22, 1891, to Miss Catherine Nellis, of Gerald, Pennsylvania, daughter of P. H. Nellis, of Gerald, Pennsylvania, daughter of P. H. Nellis, a prominent hotel proprietor of that place.  They have one child, Geraldine Allison  Both the Doctor and his wife are members of the First Congregational Church of Conneaut.  He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, of which organization he is Vice Chancellor.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 856

JOSEPH C. RODGERS is the proprietor of the largest mill for the manufacture of staves and lumber in Ashtabula county.  A sketch of his life and some mention of his business enterprise will be of interest here, and is accordingly here incorporated.
     Joseph C. Rodgers was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, Feb. 23, 1859.  His father, William Rodgers, emigrated from Ireland to this country in 1827 and located in that county.  He subsequently removed to Butler county, Pennsylvania, and still later came to Colebrook, Ohio, where he purchased 428 acres of land, upon a portion of which he still resides.  The mother of our subject, nee Mary Pettit, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.  By a previous marriage with Catherine Crow, also a native of Pennsylvania, William Rodgers had three children:  Andrew, a resident of Colebrook; Robert, who died in infancy; and Martha, now Mrs. David Humphrey, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.  By his second marriage he had twelve children, of whom the subject of our sketch was the fourth.  Cassie and Mahala, the first and second, died in infancy; William H., the third, resides in Crawford county, Pennsylvania; the fifth, Samuel E., lives in Colebrook, Ohio; the next two were twins and died in infancy; David E. is a resident of Kingsville, Ohio; Daniel C., of Colebrook, is connected with the Salvation Army; Mollie I., is the wife of H. D. Allen, and they own a farm near Gustavus, but are at present living in Colebrook; Maud N. the eleventh, is the wife of Bert Allen, a prominent farmer and thresher of Austin, Minnesota; and Gaylord F., the youngest, is still under the parental roof.  Of the original 428 acres, comprising the Rodgers farm,  William Rodgers had given fifty acres to each of his surviving sons and divided eighty-two acres among his daughters.
     Joseph C. Rodgers lives on the land given him by his father.  It is upon this place his mill is located, the same having been erected by him in December, 1885.  Some ideal of the proportions to which this plant has grown may be gleaned from the following facts:  During the past year M. Rodgers has cut and shipped 2,314,000 nail-keg staves.  The present year he will manufacture not less than than 3,500,000. 
From ten to fourteen men are employed during the entire year, while the pressure of business requires the constant operation of the mill by day and night during two or three months in the year.  During the past year he purchased about 300,000 feet of timber, and this year the amount will reach 500,000 feet.  This industry is of great benefit to Colebrook, and its people will use all proper endeavors to retain it.  Other towns with superior railroad facilities and constantly negotiating for the plant, however, and it may eventually to be Mr. Rodgers' interest to accept their propositions.
     Mr. Rodgers also has a sawmill department, where he annually does custom sawing to the amount of about 200,000 feet per year.  It is the only sawmill in Colebrook.
     The subject of our sketch has been twice married.  In November, 1881, he married Maggie Kelley, a native of Pennsylvania, who died Feb. 27, 1887, leaving an only child.  This child, Martha Beryl, was born Dec. 25, 1883.  In 1889 Mr. Rodgers married Emma O. Andrews, whose maiden name was Thurber.  They have had two children: Carlie, born June 20, 1890 died in infancy; and Joseph C., born May 4, 1892.  By her former marriage Mrs. Rodgers had children as follows: Guy Le Roy, born Mar. 25, 1876; Myra Mahala, Nov. 28, 1877; Lulu May, Jan. 2, 1880; William F., Dec. 19, 1883 - all living except Lulu May, she having died in infancy.
     Mr. Rodgers is an active politician, being identified with the best elements of the Republic party.  Fraternally, he is associated with the Masonic order and the J. O. U. A. M.  In the latter organization he is Deputy State Counselor of his district.  Mr. Rodgers is a liberal supporter of local institutions, a progressive business man, and is highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 691

CYRUS RUSSELL, of the firm of C. Russell & Son, furniture manufacturers and proprietors of a saw and planing mill at Andover, was born in Williamsfield township, Ashtabula county, July 21, 1840, a son of Julius Russell, a native of Tyringham, Massachusetts.  The latter was two years of age when he was brought by his father, John Russell, to Ashtabula, to Ashtabula county, Ohio, where they were among the pioneer settlers.  The mother of our subject, nee Polly Wilcox, is a native of New York, and now resides at Conneautville, Pennsylvania, aged seventy years.  Mr. and Mrs. Russell had three children: Cyrus, Phyletus and Lovill.
     Cyrus Russell, the subject of this sketch has been a natural mechanic from youth, and has been an active business man in Andover for twenty-one years.  The manufacturing house of Russell & Son is located on East Main street, and is one of the leading institutions of the kind in the southern part of the county.  The factory is two-stories high 50 x 100 feet in dimensions, the sales room being 44 x 60 feet.  The packing room is located on the second story.  Their mill is also a large building, and has a brick engine house 18 x 24 feet.  The firm employ twenty-five skilled workmen, and select the best of lumber for the mill.
     Mr. Russell was married at the age of twenty-two years, to Esther Gaugh, a native of North Chenango, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Alexander) Gaugh.  To this union have been born four children: Manson P., John B., Elmer C. and Lottie E.  Mr. Russell is identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the Masonic order, Andover Lodge No. 506, also of Jefferson Chapter, No. 141.  Religiously, he is a member of the Congregational Church.  He takes an active interest in education and religion, and is one of the leading business men in Andover.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 385

GEORGE RUSSELL - That self-made men are the most successful in life’s uncertain race, is a fact almost too hackneyed to mention, but it is so applicable in the present instance that forbearance is requested for again calling attention to it.
     That energy, perseverance and judgment, so characteristic of his New England ancestors, is inherited in a marked degree by their descendant, the subject of this sketch.  His grandfather, Enoch Russell, was born in New Hampshire, and was a farmer and Revolutionary soldier, receiving a pension for his faithful service in that memorable struggle.  He died in Petersburg, New Hampshire, at the venerable age of ninety-six years.  He possessed the sterling worth of those Revolutionary heroes, who fought for liberty and home.  His children were: Ebenezer, Samuel, James, Jedediah, Liab Ephraim, and Hepsy, who married Samuel Chamberlain.  Ephraim, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the Old Granite State, in 1773, where he was reared and educated, learning the trade of stone masonry.   He also engaged in agriculture, and like his father, served patriotically in the war for independence.  He married Olivia Ordaway, daughter of Daniel Ordaway, a farmer and Revolutionary soldier, whose children in order of birth were: Daniel, Enoch, Fannie and Olivia.  Ephraim Russell and wife were the parents of six children: Enoch, who died in Wisconsin in 1888; Jedediah, who died in Indiana in 1889; William, killed by a thresher in New York; Jane, deceased; the subject of this notice; and Julia, deceased, who married Frank Rounce.
     George Russell, whose name heads this biography, was born in Phelps, Ontario county, New York, Dec. 29, 1823, and, his father being a man of limited means, young George early found it necessary to earn his living.  His educational acquirements were limited by his circumstances, but have been amply supplemented by extensive reading and a varied experience, while his natural capabilities were a legacy from those men and women who founded a republic in this country.  Mr. Russell learned his father’s trade of stone masonry, at which he worked, thus gaining his start in life.  He was also engaged in teaming for three years in New York State, by which means he accumulated a small capital.  While thus engaged, he received a proposition to come West as agent and representative of Mr. Crane, who owned a tract of 390 acres near the village of Ashtabula, Ohio, which is now platted and sold.  This was accepted, and Jan. 16, 1849, Mr. Russell found himself in this village, which was to be his home for so many years.  With his small means, carefully accumulated in the East, Mr. Russell secured some land of his own, which he began to clear and cultivate as a farm, on which the depot of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad now stands.  During the four years of Mr. Russell’s service as agent for Mr. Crane, there were $13,000 worth of lots disposed of and much of the farm cleared.  Mr. Russell then erected two houses on Prospect street, both of which he sold advantageously, having decided to move farther West for a permanent location.  He accordingly went to Indiana, where he remained but three months, however, as he received a favorable proposition from Mr. Harmon, of Ashtabula, to return and take charge of that gentleman’s farm.  He was in Mr. Harmon’s employ for three years, at the end of which time he settled in the city and began contracting and building, his former experience in stone masonry and later knowledge practically acquired well fitting him for this new undertaking, as the good buildings erected under his supervision amply testify.  He built the Methodist and Congregational churches, besides dozens of other important structures, including the Opera House.  He built the wagon bridge which spans the river on ain street, and did the grading on the Pittsburg, Youngstown & Ashtabula Railroad from the latter city to Rock Creek.  He has, however, not confined himself to this alone, but has been quite extensively engaged for the past twenty-live years in the tile and brick business, and for the last fourteen years bas also been successfully engaged in packing and shipping ice.  In all these years of activity, Mr. Russell has probably given employment to more working men than any other person in the city, and materially advanced the interests of the place in which he takes such a commendable pride.  He has also been quite active in real-estate transactions in Ashtabula, having laid out and disposed of an addition on Parsons’ street and an addition on another street.  He owns an excellent farm one mile east of the city and another near Plymouth.  Altogether, few men are better situated financially, and his prosperity is entirely due to his own untiring and honorable exertions.
     June 15, 1844, Mr. Russell was married, by Elder Rennett, to Elsie Cobb, a well known and highly esteemed lady of this vicinity, daughter of Abner Cobb, a worthy pioneer of the State.  They have six children: William, born in 1849, married Ellen Turner; Frederick, born in 1856, married Emma Proctor; Hattie, born in 1860, married W. D. Belknap; Ida, born in 1865, unmarried; Charles, born in 1867; and May, born in 1869.
     Politically, Mr. Russell adheres to the principles of the Republican party; and fraternally is a Royal Arch Mason.  As a citizen, he has proved himself worthy of the deepest regard of his fellowmen, which he so universally enjoys.
Source:  Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing the Counties of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1893 - Page 814