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BIOGRAPHIES
 Source:
1798
PIONEER and GENERAL HISTORY of
GEAUGA COUNTY
with
SKETCHES OF
some of the Pioneers and Prominent Men.
Published by
The Historical Society of Geauga County,
1880
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EDWARD PAINE, JR., a son
of General Edward Paine, and with his father a pioneer of
Painesville, was known through the long life of his father, as Edward
Paine, jr. He was a native of New England, and was born at one
of the seats of the Paines, so many of whom, with their
descendants, became settlers of the old county of Geauga, in the society
of which they were for many years a powerful, almost a controlling
element, the influence of which, doubtless, still remains.
He married Mary Phelps, daughter of Judge
Seth Phelps, and thus cemented the long-extending alliance of the
Paines and Phelpses. He was one of the real pioneers of
Chardon, taking up his residence there in 1812, where he continued to
reside until his death. He was the first auditor of Geauga county,
and held that office until 1822. He was also the first clerk of
the court of common pleas, the county-seat being New Market, now
Painesville. He issued the first marriage license to Isaac H.
Phelps and Penelope Gregory on the nineteenth day of
December, 1805, which marriage was solemnized by Noah Cowles,
justice of the peace. Edward, jr., was also known as
Captain Paine, and was among the most energetic of the younger
citizens during the darkness of the war of 1812, and went at once to the
most exposed points at the front. His father was then general of a
brigade, and he was an active member of his staff. Captain
Paine received a good English education; was a man of much general
information, approachable, and mingled with all the leading men of his
time.
Source:
1798 Pioneer and General History of Geauga County with Sketches
of
some of the Pioneers and Prominent Men. -
Published by
The Historical Society of Geauga County, 1880 - Page 348
NOTE: Page 349 is incorrectly number 346 which makes two page
346's in this volume. |
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ELEAZER PAINE,
also one of the pioneers of Geauga county, was a successful business man
of Chardon. He was elected county auditor in 1822, and held the
office one term. He died at the early age of thirty-seven, in the
midst of his usefulness. Among his children who survived him, are
the Hon. Halbert E. Paine, of Washington, D. C., George E. Paine, Esq., of
Painesville, James H., and Caroline Paine.
Caroline became the wife
of Eli Bruce, and died within a few years after his marriage.
Source:
1798 Pioneer and General History of Geauga County with Sketches
of
some of the Pioneers and Prominent Men. -
Published by
The Historical Society of Geauga County, 1880 - Page
349 |
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Parkman Twp.-
ROBERT BRECK PARKMAN
Source:
1798 Pioneer and General History of Geauga County
with Sketches of
some of the Pioneers and Prominent Men. -
Published by
The Historical Society of Geauga County, 1880 - Page
711 |
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Burton -
JAMES PEFFERS. The men who early took
hold upon this land, to possess it, were of strong will and
unflinching courage, brave in lonliness, in residstence to suffering
and disease, determined to overcome and to enjoy. Of such was
thsi comer to Burton, in 1829, James Peffers. Born in
Kingsbury, Washington county, New York, Sept. 4, 1800, at the age of
21, he packed all his effects in a handkerchief, and with 50 cents
in his pocket, started west. With his brother Michael,
they pitched upon a tract of land, near Chautauqua lake, cut a
field, and sowed it to wheat, were dissatisfied, sold the crop, and
moved on towards sunset. Relatives had preceded, and gone on
to Illinois. He traveled on to the great prairies, and in
several of the western States, but finally returned to Warren, Ohio,
about 1827. He taught school one winter in Champion. A
wagonmaker by trade, he worked at building plows, and Apr. 15, 1828,
went into Mr. Adams' employ, at $12.00 per month, in the
store in Warren, and in buying stock. With the family of
Mr. Adams his attachments were strong and life-long. Nov.
26, 1829, he married Julia Boughton, a lovely lady,
sister of George Boughton, he set up store, in the house
where Dr. Lawyer now resides. "Eb" Stickney
thinks he could have transported their entire stock in trade, that
early day, in three wheelbarrow loads. Small beginning upon
which to build a competence, such as these men both acquired.
His wife died Aug. 15, 1834, leaving three children: Julia,
who married E. J. Estep, a lawyer of large practice, in
Cleveland; died there Dec. 2, 1878; Emily, married to D.
J. Merriman; and Ellen, married to James Herendeen,
both living. In October, 1831, at Franklin (Kent), O., he
married the second wife, Amanda Wright, a lady highly
esteemed, who now survives him. Lucy, their only child,
was marrred to W. P. Russell, in 1863. They
remained with the old people, in the care of the farm.
His family occupied a frame house where the Hickox
brick now stands, during the building of the present home on the
five acres southwest of the square. He continued in
merchandizing about 25 years. Through the influence of
Elisha Whittlesey, he was appointed postmaster, successor to
Peter B. Beals, and continued 16 years, through four
administrations, beginning in Jackson's time, 1830. Eighteen
years he served the township, as justice of the peace. On
Rocky run, he built a saw-mill. Long after it went down he
tilled his farm, along the bank of the stream. Part of the
Rose property, and finally the Hickox farm, was his
purchase. In later years, his time was much given to
agriculture. He was an interested supporter of the county
fairs, served as chief of police several years, and always had
cattle or something to exhibit. From Maryland, in 1858, he
brought a full-blooded Devon heifer, and bred the stock. Since
then, he has also raised Ayershires and Alderneys, doing much to
improve the breeds. A man of integrity, and good judgment, the
esteem of his townsman was expressed by his long continuance in
office. In the State militia of New York he was an ensign.
In that State he had membership with the Baptist Church.
Oct. 21, 1879, suddenly, in the night, scarcely
awakening him, the lungs were paralyzed, and death came, claiming
another of the early pioneers.
His funeral was attended, Oct. 23d. Many citizens
gathered at the house, to pay their last respects to the dead.
He had been sleeping, the face could have worn no pleasanter look
than it did in this last rest, at the age of 79. In the closed
hand were leaf and blossom, and on the coffin, a cross of flowers.
Old men came to look upon him, who had long been one with them.
Tears expressed unwritten words, "passing away."
The old pastor, Rev. Dexter Witter, conducted
service. To this home had come the angel of death, and at the
midnight hour the shadow had fallen, bringing sorrow and lamentation
to the household. Text - Psalms, xc:10. After service,
beneath the hill, the young people sang sweetly, when he was laid to
rest.
Source:
1798 Pioneer and General History of Geauga County
with Sketches of
some of the Pioneers and Prominent Men. -
Published by
The Historical Society of Geauga County, 1880 - Page
573 |
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ELIJAH POMEROY
Source:
1798 Pioneer and General History of Geauga County
with Sketches of
some of the Pioneers and Prominent Men. -
Published by
The Historical Society of Geauga County, 1880 - Page
755 |
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STEPHEN B. POMEROY
Source:
1798 Pioneer and General History of Geauga County
with Sketches of
some of the Pioneers and Prominent Men. -
Published by
The Historical Society of Geauga County, 1880 - Page
757 |
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D. L. POPE
Source:
1798 Pioneer and General History of Geauga County
with Sketches of
some of the Pioneers and Prominent Men. -
Published by
The Historical Society of Geauga County, 1880 - Page
761 |
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Newbury -
LEMUEL PUNDERSON was
born in New Haven, Connecticut, June 4, 1782. "Boys should
know well the value of labor," was a belief held by the thrifty and
well-to-do classes of the east. From one of the first families
in New Haven, the youth named started out to learn the carpenter's
trade, and was master of it, under the training of such skillful
workmen as John and Elias Ford. The well kept account
books, written in his own hand, signify that he had some early
mental training, and a fair share of schooling. When
twenty-one, he appeared in Poland, Ohio - this was in the year 1803
- and afterwards went to Warren, where he made acquaintances, and
engaged to build a house for General Perkins, the land
agent. His ability was assured from the first, or he could not
have secured the job of building a mansion for this first family.
Settling his accounts in the east, in February, he
started for Ohio, with the purpose of making a settlement there, and
arrived in Burton early in 1807. Esquire Law had
employed him to build a house and barn on the lot near the Beard
house, which were put up that summer. The building of a
saw-mill for Esquire Law at the Cuyahoga rapids -
finds mention on the books in a credit to Andrew Durand,
for rounds to trundle-head to saw-mill, Apr. 12, 1808, $1.50."
It may have been begun in the fall and winter of 1807. It was
run-in the spring of 1809, and Seth Harmond and
Amzi Atwater are charged withboards, to pay them for work
done on the mill. Esquire Law is charged with
$50, Apr. 25, 1808, to pay John Ford towards finishing
the college. Hay in 1808 was sold at the rate of $7.50 per
ton. Simeon Moss and Thaddeus Bradley
being charged for it at 37½
cents per hundred. It is not intimated whether this was wild
grass or timothy. The first notice of Burton as a county seat
occurs under date of May 2, 1808, where he charges Law with
the day, "waiting on committee to look at Burton for county seat."
Punderson favored Burton, and kept this committee away from
Chardon hill in the woods below, looking a long time, but one of
them persisted, and he finally said if they could find the way on to
the hill, he would go with them. The ascent began, and when
once on top, the stakes were set, and the county seat located.
October 12th is charged "two days time and one and a half gallons of
whiskey, given to get the Cuyahoga cleared from lower to upper
bridge."
Into the wilderness of Newbury, he went, also, in 1808,
with mind full of plans for the building of a grist-mill, and a
distillery, at the foot of the "Big Pond," just over the eastern
line of the township. Of this enterprise, in which Eleazer
Hickox joined with him, the general history of the township
gives an interesting account. Purchasing a large tract of land
surrounding this inland lake, that he might forever control it to
the high water mark, it became known as Punderson's pond.
Southward, by a big spring, was built a cabin, in the woods, for the
men while building the mill. This busy man questioned his own
heart as to who should keep this cabin of the forest, when the hands
were gone. Sybil, the sister of Hickox, had put
the house of her brother, in Burton, in order, and it had not
escaped notice that it was well done. Of her spirit and
courage there was no doubt. looking for Hickox one night, the
Indians came to her bed, and, seeing their mistake, said: "Squaw,
squaw!" and went off. The dancing frolics and yells of the
savages used to cause her some alarm. It is not told of the
oftentimes Punderson went round to this house of her brother,
by special invitation, to a Sunday dinner, and how the afternoons in
her society passed quickly. Burton square was a wild garden of
blackberries, and the shining fruit, picked by her own hand, was
fresh on the table.
One autumn day, Oct. 20, 1808, there were two weddings
- Lemuel and Sybil, Eleazer and Stella;
and after this, for nearly two years, Sybil kept house in the
brother's store-building. Her husband must have been much of
the time from home, at the mills and at the Rapids. Not strong
in health, her will more than compensated for the loss, and when the
mills were up, July 12, 1810, the wife moved into the cabin,
completing the home, and it became the radiating center of a great
work.
Punderson, a strong, heavy man, of full height,
cared more for business than style, and went with sleeves rolled up
and barefoot. Eastern people coming in would inquire of this
stalwart man for Punderson. He would answer, "He's
'round about somewhere," and with a merry twinkle in his eye would
say, "Come in," and then pass to them the courtesies of the house, a
draft of whisky in a tin cup, with compliments of Mr. Punderson.
Once in Warren, it is told of him, as going barefoot into a store,
and the clerk would not sell him goods. He went to another
store, where he was known, his credit being high, and was busy
trading, when in came the owner of the first store to apologize for
the slight offered by his clerk. Punderson laughed, but
went on buying, all the same.
Once lost in the woods of Mantua, on the low banks of
the Cuyahoga, he was so chilled in the night as to feel that he
would die. Near morning he was aroused by the howling of the
wolves. The blood started in his veins, and mounting his
horse, he rode off, ever after having a friendly feeling for the
wolf, believing their howls had saved his life.
His barn, built in 1814, has on it still the same oak
siding fastened with wrought nails.
He went extensively into the selling of lands, and was
agent for Andrew Hull, jr., for Henry
Thorndike, and a Mr. Ely, of Massachusetts, and
also for William Law, whose account figures largely on his
books. Hickox looked after this camp, while
Punderson was away constructing Law's mill at the Rapids.
When the family had possession of the cabin it was the
first permanent settle ment in town, and fixed near the outlet of
the beautiful lake, where the crystal waves of spring water pass on
beds and roll on shores of sand. In this day, to the woods of
these shores come the tourists and anglers of the cities and towns
and set up their tents for the summer vacation, and in the generous
kindness of Daniel, the eldest son, and the Pundersons,
are permitted to hunt and fish at will. Here, where the pure
brook starts off to the sea, at the cabin and beside the young wife,
Punderson studied, and mapped out a wide field of work.
In the great brain of this active man were surveyed and dotted
compass points, that seemed touched with the foresight of prophecy.
In the outlook on the advancing civilization that was so soon to
convert the wilderness into pathways of commerce, and into lots
teeming with the busy hands of agriculture, he comprehended, more
than any man of the region, where the great centers of business
__uld be fixed, and the ships of the inland seas would come and go,
laden with the wealth of the world. Perhaps the masts and the
harbor of New Haven grew large on the imagination, and he painted,
in visions, her shipping in ports of the west. Years have
proved the vision true. He had lands in Painesville, and over
two hundred acres in Cleveland, on the north side of Euclid, now the
finest residence street in all the great west, and also tracts in
other localities. His real estate transactions were on a
liberal scale, commensurate with the ideas of the man. When
the war had passed by, the land business increased, and the agency
for first owners was extensive. He felt the stringency of the
times, foresaw danger, and began wisely preparing to meet it.
A letter, written to his father, so well expresses the condition of
the currency then, and is so good a showing of a large business, in
those days, that a portion of it will be of interest here. It
bears date at Newbury, Nov. 12, 1819, and says:
"I begin to feel alarmed on account of the scarcity of
money in this country. The little we have is not good for
anything abroad; is not worth much at home, as .there is but little
of it that is redeemed at the banks. * * * *
* I have thought test to make you a true statement of my
situation, that you might judge of the propriety of assisting me in
case it should be convenient for you.
| Demands against me, now due . . . . . |
|
$4,704.57 |
| In addition, demands due in one year . . . .
. . . |
|
990.79 |
| " "
"
" " two years . . . . . . . . |
|
523.63 |
| " "
"
" " three years . . . . . . . . |
|
726.00 |
| |
|
________ |
|
Total . . . . . . . . . . . |
|
$ 6,944.99 |
| I have been so particular as to cast the
interest upon all my debts up to the time they became due. |
|
|
| Due me at this time . . . . . . . . . . . .
. |
$ 6,489.10 |
|
| " " one
year from this date . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
2,243.32 |
|
| " " two
years " "
" . . . . . . . . . . . . |
1,391.14 |
|
| " "
three years from this date . . . . . . . . . . . . |
466.29 |
|
| " " four
years from this date . . . . . . . . . . . . |
726.00 |
|
| " " from
the store concern . . . . . . . . . . . . |
4,000.00 |
|
| In the hands of Mr. Phelps, for lands
sold . . . . . . . . . . . . |
2,000.00 |
|
| I have in bank . . . . . . . . . . . . |
900.00 |
|
| Asa Gilbert's note . . . . . . . . |
500.00 |
|
| |
|
________ |
|
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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$18,715.85 |
Home farm, 250 acres, 140of which is well cleared, and with
the grist- and saw-mills, barns and other buildings, ought
to be worth $9,000, but we will say . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
$ 8,000.00 |
| 373acres of first rate timber land in this
township, @ $5.00 per acre . . . . . . . . . . . . |
|
1,865.00 |
| 1075 acres in different parts of this
county, @ $3.00 per acre . . . . . . . . . . . . |
|
3,225.00 |
| Neat cattle, horses, sheep and hogs, now on
the farm . . . . . . . . . . . |
|
1,136.00 |
| 150 yards of fulled cloth, at $2.50 per yard
. . . . . . . . . . . . |
|
375.00 |
| |
|
________ |
| Making in the whole . . . . . . . . . . . . |
|
$33,316.85 |
| Subtract what I owe . . . . . . . . . . . . |
|
$ 6,944.90 |
| |
|
________ |
| Balance in my favor . . . . . . . . . . . . |
|
$26,371.86 |
He adds, that he believes
the above statement is within bounds, and that he has between two
and throe hundred bushels of wheat, and as much corn, besides hay
and oats, to keep all the cattle, thirty acres of wheat sown, cart,
wagon, plows, drays, etc. His credit had been good, and he did
not like to sacrifice property now, nor to destroy a good reputation
by forcing a collection of debts due him. In such cases
property was sold at sheriffs sale, and was usually bid in, by the
creditor at his own price, and he did not want to get property in
that way, or to risk his own going so. The indebtedness was
small, compared with large, though unavailable, resources.
Here was the foundation of an extensive fortune, and in
the hands of this large-minded man, would have proved a public
blessing. Not only were the mills and land business attended
with care, but he was prompt to aid in cutting roads, and cleared a
way over and by the hills, leading the travel to the settlement by
the mill. In 1820 he helped to open the road to Chagrin Falls.
He was the first justice of the peace, the first postmaster, and was
the leading and foremost man of all that region.
The breath of the Destroyer was in the wind.
Fevers raged at noonday and at midnight the summer of 1822, and he
was prostrated. All the skill of the medical profession was
called, including Drs. Scott, Goodwin, and,
finally, Denton, and he so far recovered as to be called
convalescent, but ate of watermelon within his reach, and died.
This was Aug. 20, 1822. So sudden and so startling was the unwelcome
news, Mr. Riddle wrote: "What an almost commotion, as
the word ran along roads and trails through the woods, Punderson
is dead! It could hardly be believed, so many interests were
centered in his life. An immense concourse assembled at the
funeral. The elements of a fortune great in possibility, the
achievements of the coming years which were to be and were not, all
the hopes and expectations of others, resting in the net-work of his
life, vanished, leaving fragments, broken hopes, sad, sad memories,
and for wife and children heartbreak and anguish. All the
large and small schemes and plans of a strong brain and will, an
extensive web reaching in various directions haddissolved like
frost-work.
Men buried him, talked, wondered, and went their ways.
They laid him in the new, little burying ground, on the beautiful
hill-side, near his own mill-pond, where the rays of the afternoon
sun fell pleasantly in the heart of the new world his brain and hand
had created, and the world went on." However well the
condition of his affairs - as would seem from his statement in 1819
- so sudden was the break that some things known only to him must
have passed away with his life.
The settlement of so extensive an estate, involving so
many interests, was not accomplished without loss. How well it was
settled in the hands of administrators, running along through the
years, may not be known. There were many losses in those
perilous times.
The widow, a woman of high intellectual qualities, with
a resolute will, determined on saving what she could, and went
through the lonely years training the family, and with a mother's
heart watching over the flock, led it on to the age of
responsibility. Known in all the region round about as "Aunt
Sybil," the home lost none of its hospitality and kindness in
her care. For almost fifty years she was spared to the
children, but followed him Mar. 31, 1872.
Samuel the eldest son, died early.
Daniel married Miss Ann Shaw,
and in a pleasant home across the road from the mill, they enjoy
what of good cheer the world has to give. He is miller, and
tolls the sacks as they used to seventy years ago in his large mill,
standing on the veritable spot where turned the wheels of that first
mill in the far away time.
John and his sister Betsy remain single, and have a
home in Burton - the old Nettleton place - and are
much respected citizens. Betsy was famous as a school
teacher in the early time.
Miles lives in Troy.
Eleazer, the youngest son, occupies the old
homestead by the spring, near where the cabin stood, and the
grand-children play in the willow tree's shade by the brook where
rested the father so long ago.
Source:
1798 Pioneer and General History of Geauga County
with Sketches of
some of the Pioneers and Prominent Men. -
Published by
The Historical Society of Geauga County, 1880 - Page 241 |
NOTES:
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