FRANK E. BARNES, who has for 21 years been prominently identified with the interests of Conneaut as street commissioner, is a native of Pennsylvania.  He was born at Sharon, Feb. 2, 1874, and is a son of Zed and Della (Phillips) Barnes.
     Zed Barnes was born at Perry, N. Y., and when a young man removed to Sharon, Pa., and later to Ashtabula County.  He served throughout the Civil War and died June 22, 1918.  His wife lives at Conneaut, and is now 75 years of age.  Mr. and Mrs. Barnes were the parents of four children: Samuel, lives at Conneaut; Frank E., the subject of this sketch; Nellie, married Vernie Berniger, lives in Conneaut; and Cora, married Ross West, in Cleveland.
     Frank E. Barnes spent his boyhood at Erie, Pa., and received his education in the public schools there.  In 1886 he removed to Conneaut, where he has since lived.  The Barnes residence is located at 623 Sandusky Street.
     On Aug. 13, 1896, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage with Miss Rose M. Loesch, a native of Erie, Pa., born Oct. 11, 1872, and the daughter of Adam and Eva (Roth) Loesch, natives of Germany, both of whom are now deceased.  Mr. and Mrs. Loesch had five children as follows:  Adam, lives at Buffalo, N. Y.; Anna, married Robert Duncan and, after his death she married Henry Duncan, lives at Erie, Pa.; Mrs. Barnes; Joseph, lives at Erie, Pa.; and Mary married Joseph Fronkacht, lives at Erie, Pa.  To Mr. and Mrs. Barnes six children have been born, as follows: Stella born Sept. 14, 1896; Raymond, born June 8, 1898; Eveline, born Aug. 1, 1903; Laurena, born Dec. 28, 1905; Lewis, born May 17, 1907; and Alfred, born Apr. 25, 1910.  The children are all now living at home.
     Mr. Barnes is a Republican, and he and his family are members of the Christian Church, and are numbered among the substantial citizens of Ashtabula County.
Source:  History of Ashtabula County, Ohio by Moina W. Large - Vol. II - 1924 - Page 730

ARTHUR E. BARTHOLOMEW who is connected with the Jefferson Banking Company as assistant secretary and treasurer, is a substantial citizen of his community and widely known.  He was born at Eagleville, Ohio, Feb. 20, 1864, and is the son of Asahel and Lima (McNutt) Bartholomew.
     Asahel Bartholomew was a native of Ohio, born in Trumbull County, Mar. 21, 1833.  At an early date he removed to Ashtabula County, where he worked at his trade as a wagon maker.  He died in November, 1905, and his wife died in February, 1922. Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew had four children, as follows: Harry, lives in Ashtabula; Willis, lives at Waterbury, Conn.; Susan, the widow of David Woodburn, lives at Jewett, Ohio; and Arthur E., the subject of this sketch.
     Arthur E. Bartholomew spent his boyhood at Jefferson and attended the schools there.  He was employed as a clerk in the drug store of A. K. Hawley for four years and then entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad, where he remained as a clerk for 13 years.  Mr. Bartholomew has been associated with the Jefferson Banking Company since 1903.
     Mr. Bartholomew was married the first time in October, 1886, to Miss Hattie Haskins, a native of Ohio, born Dec. 27, 1864.  She died Apr. 17, 1900, leaving a son, Edwin, who now lives at Canton, Ohio.  In 1903 Mr. Bartholomew was married to Miss Clara Ruggles, a native of Jefferson and the daughter of Joseph and Charlotte (Mathews) Ruggles, both deceased.  Mr. Ruggles was a prominent attorney of Ashtabula County and died in 1904.  His wife died in 1884.  To Arthur E. and Clara (Ruggles) Bartholomew one son has been born, Joseph E., born in August, 1910.
     Mr. Bartholomew is a Republican and a member of the Methodist church.  He belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he has an extensive acquaintance in Ashtabula County.
Source: History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. II - 1924 - Page 1048

ALBERT B. BAUSS, a well known and highly respected citizen of Conneaut, was born in Germany, Feb. 29, 1860, and is the son of Albert and Amelia (Schmidt) Bauss.  Mr. Bauss died in 1890 and his wife died in 1873.  They were the parents of five children: Otto, Clara, living in Germany; Hugo, deceased; Selma, married Fritz Hemple, lives in Germany; and Albert B., the subject of this sketch.
     Albert B. Bauss lived in Germany until 1889, and after coming to this country located in New York City, where he remained several years.  From there he removed to Binghamton, N. Y., and in 1894 came to Conneaut.  Since 1897 Mr. Bauss has owned his own place of business there and is among the leading bakers of the city.  He owns his building at 215 Main Street and has a modern bake-shop.  He is now retired form active business.
     On Apr. 7, 1897, Mr. Bauss was married to Miss Anna B. Zimmer, a native of New York, born Aug. 13, 1864, and the daughter of Adam and Anna Zimmer.  Mrs. Bauss died July 29, 1923.  To Mr. and Mrs. Bauss were born two children:  Helen, born at Conneaut, married Henry Totman, lives at Denver, Colo.; and Otto, an invalid, lives at Orient, Ohio.
     Mr. Bauss is a member of the Lutheran Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Source: - History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. II - 1924 - Page 1055

WILLIAM A. BEAN, retired, was for many years a progressive farmer and stockman of Ashtabula County.  He was born in Mercer County, Pa., Feb. 1, 1852, and is a son of Corydon and Mary Anne (Orwig) Bean.
     Corydon Bean was a native of Crawford County, Pa., and is now deceased.  During his early life he engaged in farming in Mercer County, Pa., and in 1852 removed to Trumbull County, Ohio, where he was employed as an iron worker at Niles.  In 1877 he removed to Hartsgrove Township, Ashtabula County, and spent the remainder of his life on a farm there.  He was a Republican and a member of the Disciple Church.  To Mr. and Mrs. Bean the following children were born:  Mary Ellen, Eliza Mirah, and Mary Jane, all deceased; William A., the subject of this sketch; Rebecca Ellen, deceased; Emma, married first to Walter Jones, and later to Corry Pond, an engineer, who took part in the rescue work in the Ashtabula disaster, and he is now deceased; and J. J., deceased.
     William A. Bean is educated in the schools of Niles, Ohio, and has lived in Ashtabula County since 1877.  He owned a farm in Hartsgrove Township, and since the time of his retirement in 1912 has resided at East Trumbull.
     On June 4, 1881, Mr. Bean was united in marriage with Miss Edith Augusta Fales, who was born at Orwell, Feb. 12, 18652, the daughter of Clark and Arimenta (Stone) Fales, the former a native of Geauga County, Ohio, and the latter of Lorain County, Ohio.  Mr. and Mrs. Fales were early settlers of Orwell and are now deceased.  He was also a member of the 105th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.  There were seven children in the Fales family as follows: Bert, deceased; Mrs. Bean; Arthur, deceased; George, lives at Shelby,, Ohio; Rose, the widow of Bert Smith, lives at Akron, Ohio; Estelle, died at the age of 12 years; and Maud, married Claud Woodworth, lives at Conneaut, Ohio.  To William A. and Edith Augusta (Fales) Bean the following children were born:  Allie, born July 13, 1882, married Warren Eastman, lives retired at Rock Creek, Ohio; William, born Jan. 12, 1883, a farmer, lives in Hartsgrove Township; Virginia, born May 9, 1885, married first to Ford Nye, deceased and later to Clyde Scoville, lives at Rome, Ohio; Elbert, born Nov. 7, 1888, a farmer, lives in Hartsgrove Township; Ethel, twin sister of Elbert, married Jerry Wood, a farmer, lives at Trumbull, Ohio and Georgiana, born Nov. 11, 1901, married Harry Blenman, lives in Hartsgrove Township.  Mr. and Mrs. Bean have 21 grandchildren.
Source: - History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. II - 1924 - Page  970

B. E. BEARDSLEY, the able and highly esteemed chief of police of Conneaut, is a native of Ohio.  He was born at Monroe, June 165, 1878, and is the son of Eugene and Cornelia (Hicks) Beardsley.
     Eugene Beardsley was born at Monroe, Ohio, and was a well known farmer of Ashtabula County.  He also engaged in the lumber business.  Mr. Beardsley died at the age of 38 years, leaving a wife and one son,  B. E., the subject of this sketch.  Later Mrs. Beardsley married a Mr. Waterman, and to this union one son was born, P. H. Waterman, captain of the police department of the Ashtabula  Buffalo Dock Co., at Buffalo, N. Y., where he now lives.  Mrs. Waterman is also deceased.
     B. E. Beardsley received his education in the schools of Pierpont, Ohio, and started life on hi father's farm.  After being in the employ of Herb Mixer at Pierpont, Mr. Beardsley engaged in the meat business there for four years, after which he removed to Conneaut.  He served as deputy sheriff under Sheriff Carey Sheldon and in 1913 became a member of the Conneaut Police force.  Mr. Beardsley has served in the capacity of chief of police since 1920.
     On Nov. 11, 1900, Mr. Beardsley was married to Miss Grace Aldrich, a native of Pierpont, Ohio, and the daughter of George and Sophronia (Hardy) Aldrich, natives of Ohio.  Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich died in July, 1922, 21 days apart.  They were the parents of the following children: Chester, governor of Nebraska; Chan, lives in Colorado; Charles, a retired physician, lives in North Carolina; Harley, lives in Oregon; and Mrs. Beardsley.  Mr. and Mrs. Beardsley have no children.
     Mr. Beardsley is a Republican, a member of the Baptist Church and belongs to the Masonic lodge.  He and his wife live at 692 Main Street and are well and favorably known in Ashtabula County.
Source: - History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. II - 1924 - Page 673

LESTER R. BECKWITH is a prosperous dairy farmer of Ashtabula County, where he has spent his entire life.  He was born on a farm in Saybrook Township, Oct. 29, 1864, and is the son of W. R. and Adeline (Stephens) Beckwith.
     W. R. Beckwith was a farmer during his life.  He was born at Mentor, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1830, and died Jan. 13, 1913.  He served as township trustee for many years and owned a well improved farm of 87 acres in Saybrook Township.  His wife was born in Geneva Township, July 6, 1837, and died Oct. 21, 1907.  Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith had five sons, as follows:  A. R. lives in Saybrook Township; Irwin, who was killed by lightning in Utah in 1914; Lester R., the subject of this sketch of this sketch; Asahel C., lives in Oregon; and Norman, deceased.
     Lester R. Beckwith spent his boyhood on his father's farm and attended the district schools of Saybrook Township.  In 1890 he purchased a farm on the shore of Lake Erie, which he sold in 1903.  He then moved to his present location in Geneva Township, where he owns 63 acres of good farm land.  Mr. Beckwith is a director and stockholder in the Geneva Milling Company and the Mason Tire Company of Kent, Ohio.
     On Dec. 24, 1885, Mr. Beckwith was united in marriage with Miss Mabel A. Jeffers, a native of Saybrook Township, born Sept. 20, 1865, and the daughter of Julius Arthur and Eliza (Harley) Jeffers, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of England.  The Jeffers were early settlers of Saybrook Township and there were two children in their family: Mrs. Beckwith; and Harlan P., who lives on the old home place in Saybrook Township.  Mrs. Beckwith attended Austinburg Institute and was a teacher for several terms before her marriage.  To Lester R. and Mabel A. (Jeffers) Beckwith two children have been born: Sydney graduated from the American College of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Mo., in January, 1925, now a practicing physician at Greenville, Ill.; and Leonard, a graduate of Geneva High School, now a resident of Saybrook, Ohio.
     Mr. Beckwith is a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows..  He is a reliable and efficient member of the community and has the esteem of his fellow citizens.
Source: - History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. II - 1924 - Page 1006

CYRUS M. BEEBE, who is successfully engaged in dairy farming and gardening, is a well known citizen of Ashtabula County.  He was born in Dodge County, Nebraska, July 17, 1860, and is the son of Chauncy and Mary (Scott) Beebe.
     Chauncey Beebe was a native of New York, as was also his wife.  At an early date they removed to Nebraska and settled near Omaha, where Mr. Beebe followed his trade as carpenter.  He died near Jefferson, Ohio, a number of years after his wife's death in Nebraska.   Mr. and Mrs. Beebe were the parents of four children, as follows:  Cyrus M., the subject of this sketch; Emma, widow of Ed Lawrence, Omaha, Neb.; Elsie, unmarried, lives with her brother, Cyrus M.; and Leslie, who lives in Nebraska.
     Cyrus M. Beebe received his schooling in the schools of Fremont, Neb., and when a boy clerked in his father's store.  In 1895 he came to Ohio and settled at Jefferson, where he remained until 1910, at which time he purchased his present farm of 40 acres near Ashtabula.  Mr. Beebe raises berries extensively and is also interested in dairying.
    In 1895 Mr. Beebe was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Knapp, a native of Austinburg, Ohio, and the daughter of Irving and Nancy (McMillan) Knapp, the former a native of Andover, Ohio, and the latter of Belfast, Ireland.  She was a direct descendant of Mary Queen of Scots.  Mr. Knapp was a successful farmer of Ashtabula County for many years and died Nov. 6, 1897.  His wife died in 1892.  To this union three children were born, as follows:  W. G., married Laura Tallman, lives at Austinburg, Ohio; Alice, married O. R. Blanchard, lives in Nebraska; and Mrs. Beebe.  Mr. Knapp was married a second time to Miss Celestia Mosier.  To Mr. and Mrs. Beebe have been born five children as follows: Alice, married Alexander Emery, lives in Ashtabula Township, and they have two children, Archie Leroy and Agnes Garrie; one child died in infancy; Chauncey, lives at home, and is employed at the Ashtabula Steel Plant; Theodore Charles, lives at home and is employed in the steel plant; and Olive Agnes, lives at home.
     Mrs. Beebe graduated in 1893 at Grand River Institute of Austinburg, Ohio.  She began teaching school in Ashtabula County.  She went to Nebraska after her graduation and taught school in Dawes County, Nebraska, for two terms.
     Mr. Beebe and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church of Ashtabula and are favorably known in Ashtabula County.
Source: - History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. I - 1924 - Page 494

MOSES WORTHING BEEDE, now deceased, was one of Ashtabula County's prominent citizens, for many years serving as president of the Soldiers' Relief Commission.  He was a member of the Republican Central Committee and was one of the county's first jury commissioners.  For years he was a leading man in reform politics and put forth every effort to conquer the saloon element and elect good men to office.  Before the Civil War he belonged to the Black String Society, which was organized to protect and assist fugitive slaves.  He was also one of those who actively resisted the U. S. Marshal and prevented his taking John Brown, Jr., to testify against John Brown.  He became a Mason at 24 and reached the chapter degree and was also a member of Giddings Post G. A. R. at Jefferson.  In his own township of Lenox, his executive ability, his public spirit and his useful service to the town made him a leader.  He served as president of the school board and was township trustee for many years.  He was first elected in 1869 and during his administration in that office many improvements were made, including building of the town hall, establishing public watering places, erecting the township vault, buying additional land for cemeteries, and many other improvements.
     In early colonial times there landed on the New England coast the first of his ancestors to seek the new world.  This one came from Alsace-Lorraine.  He pronounced his name Beede, but it has since been Anglicized.  Except that some were Quakers, little is known of the family until the latter part of the 18th century, when Thomas Beede was born.  He was graduated from Harvard College in the class of 1798 and numbered among his classmates the distinguished Channing Tuckerman, Judge Story and Stephen Longfellow.  Thomas Beede, was the third minister of the first church of Wilton, N. H., and who from 1818 to 1825 served his state legislature as chaplain, was throughout his ministry one of New England's most noted clergymen.  His ordination sermon was preached by Rev. William Emerson of Boston, the father of Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Thomas Beede's cousin, Caleb Sleeper Beede, the father of Moses W., was born in Vermont in 1805.  When very young he was left an orphan and although obliged to support himself he determined to secure a thorough education.  One means which he took to reach his goal was to associate himself with several other young men and hire a teacher of Greek, a language in which he became proficient.   Endowed kith a keen intellect and an insatiable desire for learning, he habitually spent half the night in study.  Until his voice failed, he was a minister of the Gospel in a New England Methodist Episcopal conference, but after that misfortune he became a contractor and builder until his removal to Ohio in 1849.  Here he engaged in the lumber business and farming.  His death was caused in 1877 by a wound which he had received while serving in the Union army.  Mary Worthing, his wife, was of English descent.  In the 12th century her ancestors were enlisted in the English army, while those living in the colonies at the time of the Revolutionary War fought for the American cause.  Among them were her grandfathers, Major Theophilus Sanborn; Lieutenant Samuel Worthen; also her great-grandfather, Captain David Sleeper who, as soon as he learned of the battle of Lexington, marshaled his command and marched to Boston to Volunteer for the defense of that town.
     Caleb Sleeper and Mary Worthing Beede had nine children, of whom Moses Worthing Beede was the fifth.  He was born at Bristol, N. H., Aug. 28, 1839, and when he was 10 years old left his home and came to the Western Reserve.  Three years later his father's family moved to Lenox, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life.  Although he did not receive a college education, by ceaseless study, observation and thought, he subjected his mind to practically the same training.  His mental ability was extraordinary and varied as he was a deep thinker along lines of science, archeology, history, philosophy and religion, subjects in which he was particularly interested.
     At Lincoln's first call for troops in 1861, Mr. Beede enlisted for three months in Company D, 19th Ohio Infantry.  He served under Generals McClelland and Rosecrans in the campaign of 1861 in West Virginia and fought in the battle of Rich Mountain.  After his discharge he volunteered again but was rejected on account of physical disability.  He was, however, appointed by Governor Todd to serve as first lieutenant of the state militia, subject to call of the president.  At this time he began the manufacture of lumber and boat oars, furnishing many of the oars that were used on the Mississippi River by the government during the war.  About 15 years later he opened a factory for the manufacture of sucker rods, and connecting rods used in oil wells, and was interested in this line of work for several years.
     In 1863 Mr. Beede was married to Miss Eliza Henderson, a member of the Henderson family of Austinburg, a woman of more than ordinary mind and culture.  She died in 1874, leaving one son, Owen Beede, and one daughter, Bernice Gertrude, who married Leonard Worchester.  In July, 1876, Mr. Beede married Mrs. Harlow Watson, a refined and charming widow, daughter of Amos Curtis of Augusta, Ill.  To this union were born two daughters: Martha Frances, a graduate of Jefferson High School and Grand River Institute and Oberlin College, specializing in art and music in the latter institution.
     Mr. Beede was a member of the Congregational church and was for a number of years trustee and superintendent of the Sunday School.
     Whenever circumstances permitted, Mr. Beede traveled quite extensively.  He was the first white man to climb Mount Massive, the highest mountain in Colorado, which he ascended in July, 1915, and at that time he began the monument of stones upon its summit, to which each succeeding visitor has added a stone.  In his travels he always made interesting additions to his collection of curios.
Source: - History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. II - 1924 - Page 988

F. D. BEER, a prosperous farmer of Orwell Township, was born on the farm where he now resides, Sept. 24, 1866, and is a son of Richard and Sarah (Potter) Beer.
     Richard Beer was born in Devonshire, England, June 18, 1818, and came to this country in 1853.  He located on a farm in Orwell Township, and after several years removed to Hartsgrove, Ohio, where he remained until 1866.  He then purchased his present farm, which is now owned by his son.  In 1865 Mr. Beer was married to Miss Sarah Potter, who was born in Geauga County, Ohio, Apr. 30, 1841, and the daughter of J. K. and Dolly (Thompson) Potter.  Mr. Beer died Mar. 21, 1900, and his wife died Dec. 22, 1921.  They were the parents of five children, as follows: F. B., the subject of this sketch; Georgia, lives in Trumbull County, Ohio; Lucy, died in infancy; Guy O., died Dec. 15, 1912 ; and Kate Beach, lives at Warren, Ohio.
     F. D. Beer attended the district school of Orwell and was a student at New Lyme Institute for three years.  He has always followed general farming and stock raising and is well known as a dairyman.
     On Jan. 1, 1893, Mr. Beer was married to Miss Amelia Crum, a native of Colebrook, born Oct. 9, 1871, and the daughter of James and Olive (Gillett) Crum. To F. D. and Amelia (Crum) Beer four children were born, as follows: George A., born Feb. 7, 1894, lives at Warren, Ohio; Harry R., born Oct. 23, 1895, lives at home; Richard J., born Mar. 17, 1901, and John W., born May 30, 1905.
     Mr. Beer has served as township trustee and has been a member of the school board for twenty-five years.  He is a capable and reliable citizen of his community.
Source: - History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. II - 1924 - Page 1095

E. A. BLACK is a substantial and highly esteemed citizen of Ashtabula.  He was born at Williamsfield, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1851, and is the son of Erwin Black and Lucy (Bates) Black.
     Erwin Black is a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, as was also his wife.  He was born in 1826 and she in 1828.  Mr. Black was a farmer and also a manufacturer of cheese boxes.  He died in 1902 and his wife in 1875.  Mr. and Mrs. Black had one son, E. A., the subject of this sketch.  His grandparents were Archibald and Mercy Black.
     E. A. Black was reared at Williamsfield and received his education in the schools there.  He was associated with his father in the manufacturing business for several years and later moved to Andover, where he learned the tinner's trade and worked for L. H. Merrell for two years.  Mr. Black then purchased Mr. Merrill's interest in the business and operated it for two years, when his health failed and he was obliged to sell the business.  In 1885 he entered the employ of the Lake Shore Railroad, now known as the New York Central Railroad, in the water supply department, and he later helped survey the road from Youngstown, Ohio, to Sharon, Pa.  In 1887 Mr. Black came to Ashtabula as foreman tinner and worked under F. A. Beeman.  In 1889 the business was moved to Cleveland and Mr. Black continued to work for the company at Cleveland, and in 1896 he was promoted to foreman, and in 1904 was promoted to supervisor of signals, with headquarters at Ashtabula.  The following year he moved to Ashtabula and served in this capacity until the time of his retirement, Sept. 22, 1921.  ON Sept. 30th of the same year he was tendered a banquet by the employees of the company at the Hotel Ashtabula and presented with a victrola and a miniature signal, which he highly prizes.  Mr. Black was married the first time to Miss  Flora L. Lashure, the daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Moore) Lashure, natives of Ohio.  Mrs. Black died in 1901, leaving two children: Arthur E., born in 1875, married Grace Moran, now lives in Cleveland, and they have one son, Harold E.; and Homer, born in 1880, married Theo Bates lives at G'leen Ridge, N. J., and they have two children, Everett A. and Dorothea.  In 1905, Mr. Black was united in marriage with Miss Mertie E. Burnett, a native of Ashtabula, and a daughter of David D. and Louise (Dickenson) Burnett.  Mr. Burnett was born at Plymouth, Ohio, Aug. 90, 1839, and his wife died Sept. 27, 1912.  Mr. Burnett was a merchant and owned a store on Center Street, Ashtabula, for 30 years.  He was a Civil War veteran, having served with Company B, 1st Iowa Cavalry.  There were five children in the Burnett family, as follows:  Mrs. Black; Anna L., lives on the old home place; Ada D., married A. J. Dittenhaver, lives in Ashtabula; Bessie Irene, died in 1892; and Julia, died in infancy.
     Mr. Black is a Republican, a member of the First Congregational Church, where he served as deacon and trustee for a number of years, and he is a Mason and belongs to Rising Sun Lodge No. 22, Ashtabula.  He is well known in Ashtabula County and has many friends.
Source: - History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. I - 1924 - Page 477

FRANK J. BLAIR, civil engineer, is among Ashtabula's enterprising and substantial business men.  He was born in Ashtabula, July 26, 1873, and is the son of Henry James and Cordelia V. (Jeffords) Blair.
     Henry James Blair was born in Waterford, Pa., March 31, 1831, and came to Ashtabula at the age of 12 years, when his parents died.  He was one of the pioneer lake captains of this section and died Feb. 14, 1907.  His wife was a native of Chautauqua, N. Y., born Nov. 28, 1837, and came to Ashtabula with her parents when she was tow yeas of age.  She died Feb. 28, 1915.  After coming to this county from New York Mrs. Blair's parents settled on a farm near Rock Creek.  Her father served throughout the Civil War and died in Nashville, Tenn.  A sister of Henry James Blair, Sarah A., married Charles V. Bowers, lumber dealer.  She is now deceased.  To Mr. and Mrs. Blair the following children were born:  Jennie A., Ashtabula; Joseph, born Oct. 25, 1863, died Sept. 27, 1904; Laverne L., married H. M. Kunkle, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Charles, barn Jan. 7, 1876, died Nov. 1, 1902; Frank J., the subject of this sketch; and John, born Aug. 29, 1871, died July 23, 1921.
     Frank J. Blair spent his boyhood in Ashtabula and attended the public schools.  When a young man he entered the employ of the city of Ashtabula for 16 years.  Mr. Blair has been connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central Railroad in the capacity of civil engineer.  He was also located in Cleveland and Youngstown at various times.  He was also connected with the Great Lakes Engineering Company and with H. E. Mann of Ashtabula.  Mr. Blair  is now in business for himself and handles all kinds of engineering.
     Politically, Mr. Blair is a Democrat.  He holds membership in St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Masonic and Elks Lodges and the Modern Woodmen of America.  Mr. Blair with his sister lives at the old homestead at 531 Lake Street.  He is a man esteemed throughout Ashtabula County for his reliability and industry.
Source: - History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. II - 1924 - Page  560

FREEMAN M. BLANCHARD, retired, is a veteran of the Civil War and a member of one of the early pioneer families of northern Ohio.  He was born at Orwell, Jan. 18, 1847, and is the son of William P. and Cordelia M. (Bates) Blanchard.
     William P. Blanchard was born in Vermont, Dec. 19, 1818, the son of Orlin Perry and Zippary Blanchard.  Orlin Perry Blanchard, who was born in Vermont, April 9, 1786, served throughout the War of 1812.  He was among the first settlers of the Western Reserve, having come here in 1836.  He purchased land from the Connecticut Land Company along the Grand River, and engaged in farming during his entire life.  He died Sept. 30, 1857, and his wife, who was born Feb. 28, 1787, died Oct. 23, 1857.  To Orlin Perry and Zippary Blanchard six children were born, as follows:  Charlotte, born Mar. 19, 1815; Clarissa, born Aug. 13, 1816; William P., father of the subject of this sketch; Laura, born Apr. 1, 1820; Phoebe, born in Nov., 1822; and Rachael, born Jan. 15, 1824.
     William P. Blanchard was a prominent farmer of Ashtabula County during his life.  He spent many years on the old home place on Hudson Road and died Sept. 23, 1901.  His wife, Cordelia M. Bates, was born July 29, 1818, and died Dec. 29, 1851.  To this union the following children were born:  Laura B. Runyan, born Apr. 27, 1842, deceased; Amelia C., died in infancy; Marie C. Ledwell, born Feb. 22, 1844; U. C., born June 22, 1845; Freeman M., the subject of this sketch; William P., born Sept. 29, 1849, died in infancy; Annette Bigelow, born Oct. 10, 1850, died Feb. 5, 1910; and Frank A., born Dec. 29, 1851, died Mar. 2, 1917.
     Freeman M. Blanchard grew up on the farm of his father and attended the district schools of Orwell.  At the age of 18 years he volunteered for service during the Civil War and took part in some important battles of the war.  He was wounded and taken prisoner until the close of the war.  Since 1867 Mr. Blanchard has engaged in the building business at Orwell and for many years was a widely known architect of this section.  He has lived retired since 1915.
     On July 3, 1867, Mr. Blanchard was united in marriage with Miss Lucy M. Ritter, of Windsor, Ohio, born March 4, 1848.  She died Aug. 24, 1919.  to Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard a son was born, Dr. Charles Elton Blanchard, born Aug. 29, 1858.  He is a leading physician and surgeon of Youngstown, Ohio, where he has been located since 1905.  Dr. Blanchard  has two children:  Ruth Pierce, lives in Lakewood, Ohio; and Lucille Collister, lives at Lykens, Pa.
     In politics Mr. Blanchard is a Republican.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a highly respected member of his community.
Source: - History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. II - 1924 - Page  945

JAMES D. BONNAR, manager of the Ashtabula Telephone Company, is a progressive businessman and prominent citizen of Ashtabula County.  He was born there, June 11, 1884, and is the son of John S. and Libbie (Zeile) Bonnar.
     John S. Bonnar was a native of Ashtabula and the son of Reverend James Bonnar, for many years rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church of Ashtabula.  John S. Bonnar was ticket agent at Ashtabula for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad for a number of years and later freight agent.  He died in 1895 and his wife died two years later.  Mr. and Mrs. Bonnar were the parents of the following children: James D., the subject of this sketch; Mary E., married Robert Richards, lives in Ashtabula; Effie C., married Claud Shannon, lives at Little Rock, Ark.; Lucy C., married G. B. Arrington, lives in Montgomery, Ala.; and John Douglas, born in 1893, died in 1894.
     James D. Bonnar received his education in the public and high schools of Ashtabula and in 1901 entered the employ of the local telephone company as an office boy.  The following year he went to Cleveland, where he was associated with the North Electric Company, manufacturers of telephones and switchboards.  Mr. Bonnar returned to Ashtabula and again entered the employ of the telephone company, but later returned to Cleveland with the North Electric Company.  He went to Chicago in December, 1912, and in May, 1915, returned to the Ashtabula Telephone Company as wire chief.  Since 1919 Mr. Bonnar has been manager of the company.
     On Oct. 16, 1909, Mr. Bonnar was united in marriage with Miss Susie Gerald, a native of Saybrook, Ohio, and the daughter of Fred C. and Jennie (Garner) Gerald, natives of Saybrook.  Mr. Gerald is a leading meat dealer of Saybrook and vicinity and his business is known as the F. C. Gerald and Sons.  Mr. and Mrs. Gerald are the parents of four children, as follows: Persie, married Ray P. Cook, lives at Geneva, Ohio; Anson S., married Lillian Callow, lives in Saybrook, Ohio; Mrs. Bonnar; and Ralph.  To Mr. and Mrs. Bonnar three children have been born: James Gerald, born Dec. 1, 1911; Mary Elizabeth, born Jan. 18, 1918, died May 5, 1919; and Robert Douglas, born Sept. 25, 1920.
     Mr. Bonnar is a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church.  He is a member of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce and takes an active interest in the affairs of his community.
Source: - History of Ashtabula County, Ohio - by Moina W. Large - Vol. I - 1924 - Page 468