Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records
of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio
- Illustrated -
Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.,
1894

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	JAMES PARK, one of the prominent farmers of Huron county, was born Apr. 2, 1832, in County Donegal, Ireland, within eighteen miles of Londonderry.      His father, JOSEPH PARK, son of Joseph Park, a farmer of County Donegal, Ireland, was born in 1802 on the farm of his father and there reared to manhood.  In early manhood he married Sarah McAdoo, who was born in 1805 in County Donegal, Ireland, and to this marriage six children were born in Ireland, namely: Joseph and Robert, both farmers of Bronson township, Huron Co., Ohio; James, the subject of this sketch; William H., a farmer, who served in the Third Iowa Cavalry, and was for seven years U. S. guager at Cincinnati (he died in 1886); Alexander, a farmer of Bronson township, and Matthew, who served in the One Hundred and First O. V. I., and after the war was clerk for an iron company in Missouri, where he was taken ill (he returned home and died in Bronson township, Jan. 20, 1874).  The father of this family was the owner of two good farms near Londonderry and the employer of many farm hands until 1847, when he sought a home in the United States, where a wide field was open for himself and his children.  In 1847 Joseph, his wife and the six sons proceeded to Liverpool, England, and embarking on the ship "Royalist," sailed for the United States.  The voyage was a stormy one from the start, so much so that the old experienced Scotch captain of the vessel recommended his passengers to prepare for death.  The old captain, fortunately, was out in his reckonings, the storm abated, and the good ship anchored in the shadows of Quebec's heights twenty-eight days after leaving Liverpool.      The Parks proceeded westward by river and lake boats until they reached the port of Huron, Ohio.  They proceeded by wagon from that village to William McPherson's house in Bronson township, Huron county, and there rested for a few weeks.  Later the family went to Ashland county, Ohio, and remained among friends from Donegal for a few months.  In the fall of 1847 the father returned to Bronson township, purchased seventy-five acres of land at ten dollars and fifty cents per acre, and there resided until his death, Nov. 6, 1860; he was followed to the grave by his wife Jan. 1, 1861, and the remains of both lie in Olena cemetery.  The land which he purchased was all wild with the exception of three acres, and in clearing it the father and sons expended much labor; for the work was new to them and their financial condition, lowered by the extraordinary expenses of the journey to Huron county, Ohio, caused them to exercise the closest economy while making their home in the wilderness.  The fact is that he had to buy his first farm on credit, but through the persistent industry of himself and sons he prospered, and before his death had made a comfortable home.      James Park received an elementary education in the schools of his district in Donegal, Ireland, and as soon as he was old enough assisted in the farm work and cattle herding.  In 1847 he accompanied the family to America, and gave his best labors here until their first home in the New World was made and clear of debt.  He next entered the employ of Isaac Selover, in Bronson township, the consideration being one hundred and sixty-two dollars for the year ending in October, 1855.  The next three months our subject worked at carpentry, and on Jan. 20, 1856, embarked at New York on board a vessel bound for Aspinwall, and after crossing the Isthmus of Panama took passage in the "John L. Stevens" for San Francisco.  During the two years he passed in California he was engaged in various pursuits, such as mining packing merchandise between Humboldt Bay and Salmon river, and butchering.  On July 4, 1858, he re-embarked on the "John L. Stevens" for the Isthmus, crossed to Aspinwall, and thence sailed to New York on the "Moses Taylor."  He paid another visit to California, and also revisited his native land - Ireland.      In April, 1859, Mr. Park was married to Catherine Ernsberger, who bore him two children, William H. and Emma, both of whom died in youth.  The mother of these children dying in February, 1863,  Mr. Park married Martha Ernsberger, sister of his first wife, and to this union were born three children: Jennie, Mrs. Charles F. Brown,  of Hartland township; Emmett, who resides at home, and Lizzie, Mrs. A. D. M. Pratt, of Norwalk.  After the death of Mrs. Martha Park, he married, for his third wife, Mary A. McPherson, and she became the mother of four children, namely: Louise E. (a student in Oberlin College), Clara B., Edna M. and Edna M. and Alice F., residing at home.  On the death of his first wife Mr. Park took up his residence with his father-in-law, Mr. Ernsberger, on the farm which he now owns, later purchasing this place and adding to it gradually, until his estate now comprises over 200 acres of the best land in the township.  In 1884 he selected a natural elevation on his farm for a residence, and thereon built the finest dwelling house in the township.  He is an indefatigable worker and a most systematic agriculturist.  Endowed with the vim and energy characteristic of the sons of Erin, he carved out for himself a fortune and gave to the fairest portion of Ohio one of its best improved farms.  Politically a Republican, he has always been loyal to the party, and is one of its most trusted members of Huron county.  He has served his township in various official positions, as director of the County Infirmary for nine yeas, and township trustee for thirteen years.  During the Civil war he helped in raising nineteen thousand dollars to clear the township of demands arising from the draft.  He has taken a prominent part in the organization of agricultural societies, and has held various positions in Agricultural fair associations throughout the county.   A man of excellent judgment, his opinion is sought on questions affecting township and county; while, in private affairs, his reputation for honesty and sincerity causes him to be selected as guardian and executor.  In religious connection he and his wife are members of Olena Presbyterian Church, in which he has been elder for over twenty-five years, superintendent of Sabbath -school and over twenty-seven years, and is from every point of view a pillar in the society. Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 508
	JOSEPH PARK - See JAMES PARK Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 508
	WILLIAM C. PENFIELD, one of the prominent and prosperous farmers of Norwalk township, is a native of Huron county, born in North township, is a native of Huron county, born in North Fairfield township in 1839.      His father, Samuel Penfield, was born near Danbury, Conn., in 1804, where he passed his boyhood on a farm, and when a young man learned the trade of wagon maker.  In 1827 he moved to North Fairfield, Ohio, with his mother and two sisters, a third sister with her husband and family accompanying them.  He had previously walked from Connecticut to North Fairfield, taken possession of a tract of wild land inherited from his father, and built a log cabin upon it, and on the arrival of the family they found this primitive home awaiting them.  He occupied and improved the farm for a number of years, during which time, in 1831, he was married to Miss Clara A. Woodworth, of North Fairfield, a native of Central New York, and daughter of James Woodworth.  A few years after his marriage he rented the farm and moved into the village of North Fairfield, where he worked at his trade for a short time, and then engaged in mercantile business for several years.  About 1846 he returned to the farm, and there passed the rest of his days dying at the age of fifty three years.  There were six children born in the family, namely:  Ephraim P., Franes E., James W. (deceased), William C., Charles (deceased) and Henry B. (deceased in infancy).  Of these, Ephraim P., a physician, resides in the States of Washington; Frances E. married T. H. Kellogg, an attorney of Norwalk, Huron County; Charles enlisted in the One Hundred and First O. V. I., attached to the army of the Cumberland (he was seriously wounded in the battle of Stone River, and died in 1871).  The father of this family died in 1857, in politics a stanch Abolitionist, a strong temperance man, and in religious faith a member of the Baptist Church.       William C. Penfield received his elementary education in the common schools of his native township, after which he attended the Normal School at Milan, Erie County, also a select school, and then became a teacher himself, pursuing the vocation three years.  In 1860 he took a trip to Pike's Peak, and for one year mined for gold, with fair success.  The following year he returned home, and the Civil war having broken out he enlisted for three years in the Fifty-fifth O. V. I.  He participated in Fremont's campaign up the Shenandoah Valley in pursuit of Stonewall Jackson, ending in the battle of Cross Keys; with Sigel along the Rappahannock, the second Battle of Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Peach Tree Creek, and in numerous minor engagements.  At Chancellorsville he had some remarkably narrow escapes, being struck by bullets no less than three times in less than a minute - one bullet drawing blood on his knuckle, another striking his elbow, while a third pierced his knapsack.  At Gettysburg he was taken prisoner, conveyed by way of Shenandoah Valley to Richmond, and continued in Belle Isle prison.  After his exchange the following spring, he rejoined his regiment on the Atlanta campaign.  At the close of his three years service he was mustered out at Atlanta, but early in 1865 re-enlisted, being this time attached to Gen. Hancock's corps, and was on duty in Washington during the trial and at the execution of the conspirators who took part in the murder of President Lincoln.  In 1866 he was mustered out of the service, having been in the army over four years, and during all this time of service he was never absent from his company except while a prisoner.      On his return home from the army Mr. Penfield went to Michigan, and was there engaged in milling for five years, at the end of which time he once more came to Huron county and engaged in farming.  He has a nice property of about ninety acres, just outside the city limits of Norwalk.  In 1869 he married Miss Agnes A. Perry, a farmer, and three children were born to this union, viz.:  Clara M.; Leah, who died in infancy; and Louis P.  Politically our subject has always been a stanch Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 246
	EDWIN L. PERRY, a prominent and well-to-do farmer and stock raiser of Fairfield township, was born Nov. 13, 1841, on his father's farm in Peru township, Huron Co., Ohio.       Joseph Perry, grandfather of subject, was born in Orange county, N. Y., in 1785, and was there educated and reared.  Some time after marriage he was induced to go to Cayuga county, N. Y., and there remained until 1832, when he came to Ohio, settling in Peru township, Huron county.  The journey was made by boat from Buffalo to Sandusky, and from there by wagon to Peru, where Mr. Perry took up wild land and cleared same.  In New Jersey he married Miss Sarah Seward, a second cousin of Gen. Seward, and the children born to this union were Horace, Emeline, Catharine, Daniel S., Eliza, Julia, Sarah A., Joseph and C. O. H.  The mother of these died in October, 1861, the father on May 31, 1859; he was a hardy pioneer of sterling worth, much respected, and in politics he was first an Old-line Whig, later a Republican.      Daniel Seward Perry, father of Edwin L., was born, in 1815, in Cayuga county, N. Y., and was reared to agricultural pursuits.  He was married Dec. 11, 1840, to Elizabeth Dowe Tilson of Peru township, Huron county, and children as follows were born to them; Edwin L., Charles H., in Nebraska; Seward N., a farmer, of Kansas; William D., in Nebraska Dorcas A., Mrs. Wilcox, in Peru township; and Annie L. and Libbie C. (both deceased).  The father died in 1866, the mother in 1886; they were members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he was a straight Republican.  He was a hard-working, plodding man, and not only assisted in the clearing of his father's farm, but also developed his own from the wild woods.      Edwin L. Perry, the subject proper of this sketch, was educated in Peru township, Huron county, where he continued to reside until 1876, when he moved with his family to Fairfield township, settling on the farm where he has since had his residence.  In November, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Emily T. Ruggles, and there were ten children born to them, seven of whom are yet living:  Ralph, Edith, Irene, Daisy, Gladdey, Branch and Thayer; those deceased are: One that died in infancy, Floyd, and Bethberyl.  Mr. Perry owns eighty-eight acres of land, where he successfully follows general farming and stock raising.  Politically he is a Prohibitionist, and, with his wife and family, he is an active member of the Baptist Church. Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 192
	JOSEPH PERRY - See EDWIN L. PERRY Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 192
	COMMODORE O. H. PERRY, well-known and respected in Peru township, where he is a prosperous agriculturist, is a native of New York State, born in Cayuga county Apr. 12, 1829.      Joseph Perry, father of subject, was born in Orange county, N. Y., in 1785, and was there educated and reared.  Some time after marriage he was induced to go to Cayuga county, N. Y., and there remained until 1832, when he came to Ohio, settling in Peru township.  Huron county.  The journey was made by boat from Buffalo to Sandusky, and from there by wagon to Peru, where Mr. Perry took up wild land and cleared same.  In New Jersey he married Miss Sarah Seward, a second cousin of Gen. Seward, and the children born to this union were Horace, Emeline, Catharine, Daniel S., Eliza, Julia, Sally A., Joseph and C. O. H.  The mother of these children died in October, 1861, the father on May 31, 1859; he was a hardy pioneer of sterling worth, much respected, and in politics he was first an Old-line Whig, later a Republican.      The subject proper of this sketch received his education at the common schools of his native place and was reared to farming pursuits.  He was three years old, as will be seen, when he came to Huron county, and has ever since lived on the home place in Peru township.  On June 27, 1867, he was united in marriage with Frances J., daughter of W. H. Snyder of Peru township, Huron county and the children born to them were:  (1) Fannie, married to J. C. Wheeler, by whom she had three children, Perry, Alto and Mary; and (2) Oscar, deceased at the age of two years.  The mother of these being called from earth on May 31, 1892, Mr. Perry married Miss Mary M., daughter of S. P. Towne, of Norwalk, Huron county.  A Republican in politics, Mr. Perry has served as county commissioner six years, commencing in 1886.  He was a most efficient and popular officer.  He is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Peru, of which he has been an elder for eleven years past.      Prompt and decisive in action, practical and steadfast in purpose, industrious and painstaking, a man of judgment and probity, he is held in high esteem by his neighbors and wide acquaintance.  Social and lively in temperament, with a keen sense of the humorous, which is apparent in many a droll and witty remark, "Uncle Com," as he is familiarly called, is welcomed everywhere as "good company" by young and old.  His hospitality is unbounded.  He is a model farmer and a natural mechanic, and has always been noted for his fine stock.  After busy himself, he has no sympathy for the shiftless and idle, but to the unfortunate he is a kind and helpful friend, whose sympathy is shown in acts rather than words.  In any plan for the advancement of his community, his active co-operation is relied upon. Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 110
	PAUL WILLIAM PFRANKLIN, proprietor of meat market, Bellevue, was born at Venice, Erie Co., Ohio, Feb. 6, 1866, son of David and Elizabeth (Keiser) Pfranklin.  The parents were born in Baden, Germany, whence they came to the United States, settling at Sandusky, Ohio, where the mother still resides.  The father died Apr. 29, 1888, aged sixty years.  Of ten children born to them, seven are yet living.      Paul W. Pfranklin grew to manhood in Sandusky, and received a practical education in the German Catholic schools of that city.  When school days were ended he entered a meat market, and there learned all the details of the butcher's trade.  About two yeas ago he purchased a half interest in a meat market, later bought out his partner's interest, and is now sole proprietor of the house.  By industry and equitable dealing he has built up a large trade, and is unquestionably the leading dealer in fresh and cured meats at Bellevue.  He carries in stock all kinds of meat foods, while his abattoir furnishes fresh meats to supply the daily demand.  His enterprise has made Mr. Pfranklin an important factor in the community. Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 184
	C. C. POST, the well-known liveryman of New London, is a native of town, born April 6, 1841.  He is a son of Hizah and Roxanna (Culver) Post, both natives of Madison county, N. Y., the father born in 1808, the mother in 1826.  They were married in New York State, and about the year 1840 came to Huron county, Ohio, locating in New London township, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits.  The mother died there in 1862, and the father afterward moved to Wisconsin, making his home there until about 1889, when he went to New York, and there passed from earth in 1892.      Their son, C. C. Post, the subject proper of this sketch, received a liberal education at the common schools of his native town, and at the early age of twelve years went on the "Big Four" Railroad as water boy, from which position he was promoted to brakeman, and ran the first sleeping car that was run from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Pittsburg.  Not long afterward he was promoted to the position of traveling agent for the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad, with headquarters at Indianapolis, Ind., thence moving to Chicago, having been appointed city passenger agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad; then became ticket agent, with office at the corner of Clark and Randolph streets, same city.  His next incumbency was a yet more responsible one- general traveling agent for the same Company, over the united States and Canada a a position he filled with characteristic ability and energy five years, after which he came to New London, locating on a farm with G. W. Bissell, father of his first wife, Sabra L. (Bissell), who died in 1883.  He then bought the livery business in the town of New London, which he has since successfully conducted.  Our subject by his after marriage with Miss Ella Gates had two children:  Clarence and Arline.      Politically Mr. Post is a Republican; he served four years on the city council of New London and four years as deputy sheriff of Huron county. Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 257
W. H. Price	WILLIAM H. PRICE   Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 84
	EDWIN S. PROSSER, well known in Wakeman township as a progressive and enterprising agriculturist, was born in Clarksfield township, Huron Co., Ohio, Mar. 6, 1843, a son of Daniel Prosser      Our subject received his education at the public schools of his native place, and was reared to agricultural pursuits on his father's farm.  At the commencement of the Civil war he enlisted in Company F, Third O. V. C., Capt. O. G. Smith, in which he served over a year.  His regiment was attached to the army of the Cumberland, and participated in many battles.  At Shiloh Mr. Prosser was seized with heart disease, but continued on duty at the front in the advance on Corinth until its evacuation.  On May 30, 1862, he was taken ill of a violent fever, was sent to Cincinnati, Ohio, and was discharged on account of heart disease, returning home very much emaciated.  For some years thereafter he moved from place to place, being for a time in Iowa and Minnesota.      In 1871 he returned to Clarksfield township, Huron county, where he married Mrs. Nancy J. Byron, daughter of Robert and Mary T. Barnes, and widow of John Byron.  Mr. Byron was a member of Company H, Seventy-sixth O. V. I., and died in Georgia, leaving a son, Frank J. Byron, who was thirteen yeas old when his mother married Mr. Prosser.  They moved to Minnesota in April, 1871, locating on a farm he had bought some time before marriage.  Here they lived until 1872, when Mr. Prosser sold out and moved to Nebraska.  On June 4, 1873, he entered a homestead of 160 acres and eighty acres under the timber culture Act; also, a guardian of F. J. Byron, he entered 160 acres, all being prairie lands, and all adjoining, in Franklin county, Neb.  While residing there they engaged in farming and the raising of live-stock, chiefly cattle, and there they remained until 1882, in which year they sold their stock and returned to Clarksfield, Ohio, in July, same year.  On Aug. 8, following, Mr. Prosser and Frank J. Byron entered into copartnership and bought a farm of 103 acres in Wakeman township.  In 1883, owing to impaired health, Mr. Prosser sold his land in Nebraska, as did also Mr. Byron.  They have since added 170 acres to their property in Wakeman township, and have now one of the finest farms in this part of ht county.  Here, in addition to general agriculture, they are extensively to general agriculture, they are extensively engaged in the raising of stock, making a specialty of sheep, and bestowing considerable attention to fruit raising.      Mr. Prosser has one child, Guy O., born in Franklin county, Neb., Oct. 14, 1884.  Politically our subject is a Democrat; socially, he has been a member of the F. & A. M. some twenty-five years. Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 159

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