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OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS

A Part of Genealogy Express
 

Welcome to
Huron County, Ohio
History & Genealogy

BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
History of Huron County, Ohio

 - Vol. I & II -
By A. J. Baughman - Chicago -
The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. -
1909

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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  CHARLES W. ABBEY is cultivating a farm of ninety-three acres in Norwalk township and is a farmer whose well directed energy and keen foresight are bringing to him a creditable measure of prosperity.  He was born in the northern peninsula of Michigan on the 24th of August, 1849, a son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Todd) Abbey.  On the paternal side he comes of Welsh lineage, the line of descent extending down from John Abbey, through his son Shuble, who married Sarah Sanford and in turn became the father of Aaron Abbey, who was born Sept. 10, 1825, in Ashtabula county, Ohio.  The mother of our subject was born in Buffalo, New York, Nov. 14, 1829, and is a daughter of Augustus and Anna (Cole) Todd.  On both the paternal and maternal sides the men have been long-lived, Shuble Abbey, the grandfather of our subject, having lived to the venerable age of ninety-six years.  He was extremely active during his entire life and when eighty-five years.  He was extremely active during his entire life and when eighty-five years old climbed a chestnut tree and shook down the nuts.  Henry Francisco, the great great grandfather, lived to the remarkable age of one hundred thirty-four years.  He was of French descent and resided in New York.  When one hundred years old he plowed with a yoke of oxen, and at the age of fourteen years he played the bugle at the coronation of Queen Anne.  In the family of Aaron Abbey and his wife were five children: Henry A., Albert A., Charles W., Edward A. and Walter S.
    
As a farm boy Charles W. Abbey spent the days of boyhood and youth and in the public schools he acquired a fair education that qualified him to take up the more responsible duties of life when he put aside the tasks of the schoolroom.  He remained at home until about eighteen years of age, when he purchased the farm upon which he now resides and started out in business on his account.  He has made his farm his home for forty-two years and in the meantime has methods and his well directed energy and close application to business have been the means of bringing to him a most gratifying degree of success.
     Mr. Abbey was united in marriage on the 1st of May, 1872, to Miss Matilda Florence Lockwood, a daughter of Eli and Anna (Howarth) Lockwood, of Huron county.  Their home as been blessed with one son, Bernard, who was born Feb. 3, 1875, and married Miss Orpha Allman.  Fraternally Mr. Abbey is a Mason and holds membership in a Michigan lodge, while his son, Bernard, belongs to the Elks and the Maccabees of Norwalk.  He is independent in politics and is governed by the character of the candidates rather than by any feeling of partisanship.  He is not neglectful of the responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship, but at all times lends his aid to further any measure which has for its object the substantial and permanent upbuilding and welfare of the community.  As he has made his home for many years in Huron county, he has a wide acquaintance here and his friends know him as an enterprising agriculturist and a man of genuine personal worth.
Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 321
  WASHINGTON IRVING ADAMS is one of the active and progressive agriculturists of Huron county, making his home on his farm of one hundred acres in Fairfield township.  He is a native of that township, his birth having there occurred on the 7th of November, 1842.  His parents were Sherwood and Delecta (Foote) Adams, the former a son of David and Betsy (Lyon) Adams and the latter a daughter of Ebenezer and Lydia (Gate) Foote.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood Adams were born two children, Linden and Washington Irving.
     The last named has been engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and has resided on his present farm of one hundred acres for the past twenty-five years.  As the result of his unremitting industry and capable management he has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity in his undertakings and has long been numbered among the substantial and enterprising citizens of the community.
     In 1864 Mr. Adams was united in marriage to Miss Lovisa Carbine, a daughter of Horace and Clarissa Carbine, by whom he has one child, Lena, who has in 1870.  She was educated in a college at Hillsdale, Michigan, and afterward taught in a high school of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, but is now in Logansport, Indiana.
     In his political views Mr. Adams is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, with which his wife is also identified.  Having spent his entire life in this locality, he is well known and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that his career is worthy of respect and confidence.
Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 42
  FRANK W. ADELMAN, owning and operating a fine farm of one hundred acres of land, situated in Norwalk township, Huron county, Ohio, was born upon this farm on the 27th of February, 1861, a son of John J. and Margaret (Klinding) Adelman, both natives of Germany.  In 1830, the father accompanied his parents, J. P. and Tracy Adelman, to the United States, and they located in Buffalo, New York, remaining in that city for a short time, after which a removal was made to Ohio, the family home being established in Ridgefield township, Huron county.  There the grandfather of our subject purchased one hundred acres of land and in that township, John P. Adelman spent almost his entire life.  He bought the farm upon which our subject now resides and placed many improvements thereon, devoting his energies entirely to agricultural pursuits.  He became well known in the community in which he resides and served for some time as road supervisor.  He passed away in 1870 in the faith of the Catholic church.  He has married Margaret Klunding, who was born in Germany in 1831 and left the fatherland when thirteen years of age, accompanying her parents to the United States, where they settled in Sherman township, Huron county, Ohio.  Her death occurred on the 17th of November, 1898.  In the family of this worthy couple, were seven children, namely: Francis, deceased; Charles, who has also passed away; Rose, the wife of Anthony Harr, residing in Norwalk, Ohio; Frank W., of this review; Clara M., also residing in Norwalk; Joseph, deceased; and Benjamin, of Norwalk.
     Reared amid the scenes and environments of rural life, Frank W. Adelman acquired his education in the district and German schools, while the periods of vacation were devoted to the work of the farm.  Upon attaining his majority, he decided to make the occupation to which he had been reared his life work and he has since directed his energies and time to general agricultural pursuits.  He has always resided upon the farm where he was born and has continued in the work of improvement and development until he has brought his fields under a fine state of cultivation, the excellent condition of the entire place today attesting the care and labor expended upon it.  He possesses good business ability and his energy and close application to work have been the means of bringing to him the prosperity which he now enjoys.
     On the 9th of October, 1888, Mr. Adelman was united in marriage to Miss Mary Shaeffer, a daughter of George and Angeline (Dehe) Shaeffer.  She was born in Peru township this county, Feb. 26, 1867, and on the 10th of October, 1907, was called to her final rest, leaving besides her husband, six children to mourn her loss, namely: George, Loretta, Emma, Elmie, Herbert and Clarence, all residing at home.
     Mr. Adelman holds membership with the Modern Woodman of Norwalk and is also a member of the Catholic church.  His long residence in this locality has brought him a wide acquaintance, and he is held in high esteem by his many friends.  The fact that he is best liked where best known is an indication of his personal worth.  Successful in his agricultural pursuits, he is ranked among the representative members of the German-American element of this county.
Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 191
  CORNELIUS W. ANDERSON, one of the most prominent and respected citizens of Norwalk, has served as vice-president of the Citizens Banking Company since its organization.  He is a native of Hackensack, New Jersey, his birth having there occurred on the 1st of September, 1869.  His maternal grandfather, Cornelius Wortendyke, was the originator and founder of the Knickerbocker Ice Company of New York city and became a heavy stockholder in the concern.  James Anderson, the father of our subject, did active duty in the Civil war as quartermaster sergeant of the Forty-seventh Regiment of New York Volunteer Infantry, being honorably discharged at the end of his three years' term of enlistment.  His name is inscribed on the soldiers' monument at Hackensack, New Jersey.   He was for many years engaged in the general commission business as a member of the firm of W. H. B. Totten & Company, of New York city.
     Cornelius W. Anderson received his preliminary education in the schools of Norwalk, coming here when a lad of ten years.  Here he has since made his home, being widely recognized as a most substantial, enterprising and progressive citizen of the community.  Throughout his entire business career he has been engaged in the buying and selling of real estate, improving the property before disposing of it.  He was likewise one of the organizers of the Citizens Banking Company of Norwalk and has acted as vice-resident thereof from the beginning.  The institution opened its doors for business on the 12th of June, 1902, and paid a dividend of four per cent the first year, setting aside two thousand dollars.  The company has since paid an annual dividend of eight per cent and now has a surplus of thirty thousand dollars.  Mr. Anderson has always been one of the bank's heaviest stockholders, while his keen discrimination, sound judgment and excellent executive ability have constituted important elements in its successful conduct.  His home place comprises fifty acres within the city limits of Norwalk and the fine buildings thereon are thoroughly equipped with all modern improvements.  The spacious residence is surrounded by an immense, well kept lawn, while a beautiful flowers garden also greatly enhances the attractiveness of the place.  Mr. Anderson is likewise the owner of a farm of one hundred and ten acres within a mile of Norwalk and at one time was quite an extensive breeder of high grade trotting horses, owning one with a mark of 2.11 ¼.
     In 1893 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Anderson and Miss Katherine Lawrence, who was born in Norwalk, Ohio, on the 14th of December, 1872, a daughter of J. P. Lawrence.  By this union there are two children: Lawrence W., whose birth occurred July 31, 1897; and Margaret, whose natal day was Sept. 4, 1900.
Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 171
  JOHN J. ANDREWS, who since 1901 has lived retired in a beautiful home situated in the suburbs of the village of Wakeman, was formerly for many years actively and successfully identified with the agricultural interests of Clarksfield township.  He was born in New York city, on the 10th of August, 1833, his parents being Thomas Maria (Goodheart) Andrews.  His maternal great-grandfather, John Goodheart, served a s a soldier in the British army and after leaving England came to America, making his home in this country until the time of his demise.  He lived to be more than one hundred years of age.  Thomas Andrews, in early manhood removed to New York city, where he followed his trade of shoemaking.  He was married in the eastern metropolis to Miss Maria Goodheart, by whom he had nine children, two of whom still survive, John J. and Elizabeth.
     John J. Andrews
obtained his education in the schools of his native city and also of Philadelphia, living with an uncle in the latter city.  When eleven years of age he went to a farm in Orange county, New York, where he attended the country schools and remained until he had attained the age of fifteen.  He learned the trade of a brass finisher but only worked at that occupation for two years.  Subsequently he entered the employ of a large cooperage company in New York city, with which he was connected for a period of twenty-six years, his long retention in the service of the concern being unmistakable evidence of his efficiency and trustworthiness.  In 1872 he established his home in Clarksfield township, Huron county, Ohio, and turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits.  In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he was also engaged in dairying to some extent, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.  In 1901, having accumulated a comfortable competence, he left the farm and took up his abode in the suburbs of Wakeman, where he owns an attractive and commodious residence.
     On the 16th of July, 1856, Mr. Andrews was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ann Alsdorf, her parents being Hiram and Ann (Vandermark) Alsdorf, who were natives of Ulster county, New York.  Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have reared a family of five children, namely: Anna, the widow of Alfred Newhall; Jesse L., who follows farming in Clarksfield township; Sarah, the wife of Amos Scott, of Norwalk township; Thomas G., who is engaged in the mining business in British Columbia; and Dora, who conducts a millinery establishment in Wakeman.
     Mr. Andrews gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and, though not active in its ranks, is an intelligent and valued advocate of its principles.  He has served his fellow townsmen in the position of road supervisor and also as a member of the board of education, believing that improved highways and good schools are important factors in the growth and upbuilding of a community.  His aid and cooperation can always be counted upon to further any movement instituted to advance the general welfare and he is widely recognized as a most progressive and public-spirited citizen.  His fraternal relations are with the Masons and he is a worthy exemplar of the craft.  He finds his chief source of recreation and enjoyment in fishing and indulges his live of this sport at the expense of the finny tribe, who bask in the waters of the Vermilion river, which flows by Wakeman.  A congenial and courteous gentleman, he has a host of war friends, and never lacks companions on his fishing jaunts.  Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the community where they have now long resided and their home is noted for its genuine hospitality and good cheer.  Mr. Andrews is now passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey and can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear, knowing that his career has been an honorable and useful one.
Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. I - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 413
  LANNES LAMAR ANTRIM.  A history of Greenwich township would hardly be complete without mention of Lannes Lamar Antrim, one of the most prominent and highly respected citizens of the community.  He was born in West Middleburg, Logan county, Ohio, January 10, 1841, a son of Joshua and Mary (Grubb) Antrim.  His grandfather, Thomas Antrim, who came from Culpeper county, Virginia, was a Quaker and Daniel Antrim, was the first white child born in that county.
     Joshua Antrim, the father of our subject, was identified with the tailoring business and was also a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church for some time, while later he became an adherent of the Swedenborgian faith.  He was also greatly interested at all times in the pioneer organizations of Logan and Champaign counties and at the solicitation of the Logan County Pioneer Society, in 1874, he prepared and published a history of that county.  His death occurred in November, 1874.  He had wedded Miss Mary Grubb and unto them were born twelve children, namely:  Avarilla, the wife of Eli Cowgill; Lannes Lamar, of this review; Hester, the wife of William Stoop, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Elizabeth, wife of Moses Euans; Matilda, deceased; Joseph, also deceased; Sarah, who wedded William Glasgow, of Muncie, Indiana, Ida and Anna, who have passed away; Thomas, residing in Columbus; Mary, deceased; and one who died in infancy.  Joseph Antrim was a prominent minister of the Episcopal church and preached the funeral sermon over the remains of General Gordon, the well known of eloquent lecturer.  He passed away several years ago in New Orleans.
     In a home of culture and refinement, Lannes Lamar Antrim passed the days of his boyhood and youth, acquiring his education in the public schools of West Middleburg, and at the age of sixteen years took up the blacksmith's trade, in which line of work he has continuously engaged to the present time.  He remained in his native town until 1896, when he came to Greenwich and has since made his home in this city.  Here he has devoted his time and energies to the conduct of his business affairs, in which he has met with most gratifying success.
     On the 18th of January, 1862, Mr. Antrim was united in marriage to MissAnna Prall, a daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Hutchins) Prall, natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio about the year 1844.  Her father was a prominent horse dealer and bought horses for the government during the period of the Mexican war, being considered an expert in this line of business.  He passed away many years ago in Logan county.  The union of Mr. and Mrs. Antrim was blessed with six children, as follows:  Catherine, the wife of Scott Norvall, of Arizona; Jessie, engaged in teaching in the public schools of Cleveland; Homer, deceased; Louise, also teaching in the Cleveland public schools; Carl, of Greenwich; and Crystal, the wife of Fred Hines, the cashier of the Farmers Bank of Greenwich.
     The family were for years members of the Methodist Protestant church, while Mr. Antrim acted as superintendent of the Sunday school most of the time for twenty-five years and was always active in the work of the church and Sunday school.  Since coming to Greenwich, however, the family have attended the Methodist Episcopal church, there being no Methodist Protestant organization in this city.  Mr. Antrim now gives his allegiance to the republican party, although for some years he was affiliated with the prohibition party, being deeply interested in and active in the support of the cause of temperance.  He is a splendid type of the American citizen who at all times stands for that which is highest and best in the world, supporting many measures of reform and improvement that uplift humanity and work for the common wealth.
Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 41
  D. J. C. ARNOLD.  The business ability and enterprising spirit of D. J. C. Arnold have found tangible expression in the establishment and control of an extensive manufacturing enterprise at New London.  He is engaged in the manufacture of brick-yard supplies and machinery and the business has now reached large and profitable proportions.  It is growing year by year.
     Mr. Arnold was born in Adams, Massachusetts, in 1854.  His father, Elisha Arnold, was also a native of that locality and a representative of an old New England family.  He married Electa Hemmingway and, establishing their home in Adams, Massachusetts, their son, D. J. C. Arnold, was there reared, pursuing his education in the public schools.  He was a young man of about 523nty-two when in 1876 he came to New London.  From the time that he put aside his text-books he has always been identified with manufacturing interests and the lumber business and in New London he became associated with trade interests as a manufacturer of brick-yard supplies, starting business in a modest way, his outpost consisting only of molds, trucks, etc.  Under his capable supervision and wise direction the trade constantly expanded and the factory is now one of the leading industrial institutions of the county.  He now manufactures a full line of brick machinery and the business is very extensive and increases annually.  Mr. Arnold has been watchful of all the indications pointing to success.  Prompt, energetic and notably reliable, he does not delay in filling contracts and lives up to the spirit as well as the letter of the law in all of his business relations.  His reliability stands as an unquestioned fact in his career and his enterprise has enabled him to accomplish important and gratifying results.  In addition to his manufacturing interests he likewise figures prominently in financial circles, having for many years been the vice president of the New London National Bank.
     In 1875 MR. Arnold wedded Miss Mary Hemingway, a native of New London who died in 1886.  His present wife bore the maiden name of Julia West and is a native of Wellington, Ohio.  By the first marriage there were three children and two of the second marriage, namely:  J. H., who is an able assistant of his father in business; Charles H.; Mrs. Anna A. Rorick; Louise; and Gracie.  The family attends the Methodist church, to which Mr. Arnold belongs, and politically he is a republican and has served as a member of the city council.  He consented to hold office from a sense of duty rather than from any desire for political preferment but at all times takes a warm interest in the city's welfare and does everything in his power to promote its progress and advancement.  His labors are of a practical nature and the worth of his work is widely acknowledged by his fellow townsmen.
Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 454
  FRANK M. ARNOLDOne of the many farmers of Ohio who have studied their acres and applied their own theories to agriculture and stock raising in general and have made a success is Frank M. Arnold, of Wakeman township.  On May 20, 1853, he was born in Bristol township, Trumbull county, Ohio, a son of Samuel D. and Catherine (Kinnaman) Arnold, who came to Huron county in 1857, settling on a farm in Clarksfield township.  After a long and busy life, the father passed away in 1903, but the mother is still living.
     Frank M. Arnold received his education in the district schools of Clarksfield township and learned the practical work of the farm under his father's efficient guidance.  He married, Mar. 15, 1876, Miss Mary C. Hand, the daughter of John G. and Clarissa (Fletcher) Hand.  Her father was a farmer in Wakeman township, owning the farm where the Arnolds now reside.  Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have two children: Ethel M., and Frank Merwil, both single and at home.
     After marriage, Mr. Arnold turned his attention to farming, locating in Clarksfield township, where he remained twenty-two years.  In 1898, he came to Wakeman township, and, as above stated, located on the J. G. Hand place.  Mr. Arnold studies his land and crop rotation, in a manner which never fails to bring forth fruit under his careful tilling, and he also engages in the breeding of fine " general purpose" horses and thoroughbred Chester White hogs, selling only for breeding purposes.  His stock has  come to such a high standard that he has quite a large custom.
     That our subject is well known as a public spirited, honest citizen is shown by his election to the offices of road supervisor and school director, both needing skill and tact in their handling.  He always votes to keep the republicans uppermost and has never missed an election day, at the same time keeping up an active interest in local issues and stands for continued and substantial advancement in the community's affairs.  He and his family are members of the Methodist church and unfailing in their attendance.
     Mrs. Arnold believes in centering her first energies on the home, as her great interest in domestic and educational matters shows.  She finds some time, however, to look about in a social way, and is highly esteemed by a large circle of close friends for her intelligence and refinement.  The house, in which she is the moving power, is one of the few brick farm residences in Wakeman township.  Its modern external architecture and convenient interior is in sharp contrast to her nearby girlhood home, built of logs in the usual old style way by her father when he came to this district.  The present home, situated in the midst of grounds, which, like many other Wakeman township yards, knows as much of the lawnmower's ravages as the average suburban lawn, radiates hospitality and cheerfulness throughout the county.
Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 434
  ROBERT ARTHUR, who has the distinction of being the largest landowner of Huron county, Ohio, resides upon a farm of thirteen hundred acres in Greenfield township, to the cultivation of which he is directing his entire energies.  He was born in this township on the 4th of March, 1829, in an old log house situated about three-quarters of a mile from his present home, and is a son of John and Martha (Easter) Arthur.  The father was born near Londonderry, Ireland, in 1797, and in 1822 he brought his wife and one child to the United States, purchasing a small farm in Greenfield township, Huron county.  Upon the land stood a log house in which they began their housekeeping, while Mr. Arthur at once commenced clearing the land for the purpose of cultivation.  Soon he had improved the entire tract and was so prosperous in his undertaking that as the years went by he was able to add to his original holdings and at the time of his death he was the owner of an excellent farm of three hundred acres.  He was a member of the Congregational church of Steuben and assisted in building that church, in which he was an office-holder up to the time of his death.  He was a man of fine principles who was respected and esteemed throughout the community in which he resided.  He passed away in 1890, while his wife, who was also born in Ireland, was eighty-four year of age at the time of her death.  In their family were six children, namely: Margaret, who was born in Ireland and is the deceased wife of Alexander Lewis, who has also passed away;  Anna J., who married James McPherson and resides at Steuben, Ohio, being the oldest resident of that town, a sketch of whom is found elsewhere in this volume; Mary, who married Thomas Irving, both of whom are now deceased; William, who passed away at the age of seventy years; Robert, of this review; and Kathryn, also deceased.  All were born in this township with the exception of the exception of the eldest, whose birth occurred before the parents left Ireland.
     Amid the wholesome scenes and environments of agricultural life Robert Arthur was reared to manhood, and during the intervening years he attended the district schools in the acquirement of a good education that fitted him for the responsible and practical duties of life.  Under the direction of his father he also learned valuable lessons concerning the best methods of cultivating the fields, and in the broader school of experience received thorough and comprehensive training.  He has devoted his entire life to general farming, in which he has been eminently successful, and by indefatigable energy, untiring diligence and intelligently applied labor he has been able to add, from time to time, to his property holdings until today he is the most extensive landowner in Huron county, having in his possession about thirteen hundred acres of fine farming land.
     On the 27th of February, 1867, Mr. Arthur was united in marriage to Miss Julia Cook, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wyet Cook, residents of Peru township.  In that township she was born in 1843 and on the 20th of April, 1901, was called to her final rest, her death being the cause of deep regret to a large number of warm friends.  Beside her husband she left to mourn her loss five children, namely: Mattie, who still resides at home; Clarence, who married Inez Hill, by whom he has two children, Margaret and Francis, and who resides upon the operates the home farm; J. V., who married Irene Otes and with his wife and three children, Aubrey, John M. and Annetta, resides near Steuben, Ohio; Laura, the wife of James Trimmer of Fairfield township, by whom she has six children, Helen, Arthur, Marioan, Julia, Jeanette and Charles, the family residence being at North Fairfield, Ohio; and Fred, residing at Steuben, who married Alice Barre and has two children, Robert and Malcolm.
     Mr. Arthur's religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Congregational church of Steuben, in which he has been a trustee for a great number of years.  He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has served in several township offices on that ticket, being trustee of the township for four terms and a school director for a long period.  He has already passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, having reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey, while his entire career has been passed within the borders of Huron county, where his fellow citizens known him as a straightforward and reliable man and an enterprising farmer, who well deserves the esteem and high regard that is uniformly accorded him.
Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 377
  LYMAN ASHLEY, a resident of Chicago, Ohio, who is now living retired from the labors of the farm, is still the owner of valuable farming property, having one hundred and eight acres of land in Greenfield township.  He belongs to the native sons of Huron county, having been born here, Feb. 20, 1832, and during a long and useful life has borne his part in the upbuilding of his locality.  He is a son of Dennis and Lurany (Bliss) Ashley, and grandson of Luther and Eunice Ashley, and Jacob and Bertha (Brown) Bliss.  These grandparents were all natives of Massachusetts.  Dennis Ashley was a farmer all his life, and at the time was the eldest of the children born to him and his wife, the others being: Luther, who lives in California; Lucy and Norah, both of whom are deceased; E. S.; Mary, the deceased wife of Charles McMasters; Deptor and Ward, also deceased; and charlotte, who married J. A. Wheeler and lives in Huron county.  Luther and E. S. served in the Civil war.
     Lyman Ashley attended the district schools until he was sixteen, at which time he was forced to leave school and go to work in the mills, learning to be a stationary engineer, which occupation he followed for twelve years.  Then, in 1853, he went to Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of government land for one hundred dollars, and during the two years he owned it, the property increased so in value that he sold it for eleven hundred and seventy-five dollars.  Following this sale he returned to Huron county, which has been his home ever since.  The farm he owns in Greenfield township has been in his possession since 1856 and for thirty-eight years, he successfully operated it.
     On Mar. 29, 1863, Mr. Ashley married Mary L. Young, who was a daughter of the late James and Sarah (Frost) Young, farmers of Huron county.  Mrs. Ashley is the older of the two children born to her parents, her brother being Curtis Young, who resides in Miami, Florida.  Mr. and Mrs. Ashley are the parents of the following named children: Cora B., who married James Baker, of North Fairfield, and has two children Glen and Nina; Joseph B., who married Lucy Reed and has five children, Eunice, Leo, Lois, Carl and Ralph; and Lewis C., who married Hattie M. Lindley and has two children: Helen M. and Mary Louisa.
     Mr. Ashley has served very acceptably as township trustee, school director and road supervisor, and upon six separate occasions has served as juryman at Norwalk.  While a republican in national matters, having cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, in local affairs, he uses discrimination, preferring to select the man he deems best fitted for the office, rather than confine himself strictly to party lines.  Neither he nor any member of his family are connected with a church organization.  They are possessed of many good qualities which have won for them the friendship of the people whose opinion counts, and while enjoying the comforts of life their hard work has gained them, Mr. and Mrs. Ashley are tenderly remembered by their old friends in Greenfield township, where they lived for so many years.
Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 172
 WILLIAM T. ASHTON, who is now living retired on his fine farm of one hundred and ninety-two acres in Peru township, was born in this township on the 10th of January, 1850.  His parents, William and Sallie (Burch) Ashton, were native of Lincolnshire, England, and New York state respectively, the father's birth having occurred on the 9th of March, 1819.  The paternal grandparents of our subject were among the first settlers of Peru township, having made the journey to this part of the state by wagon in 1831.  The grandfather erected log house and resolutely set himself to the task of clearing a tract of one hundred and thirty acres of land which he had purchased, but died within a year of his arrival in this county.  His family numbered seven children, all of whom are now deceased, namely: James, Thomas, William, John, Edward, Mary, and one who passed away in infancy.
     William Ashton, the father of William T. Ashton, was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Peru township, Huron county, and there he continued to make his home until called to his final rest on the 17th of March, 1890.  In 1866 he purchased the farm which is now in possession of his son, William T., erected a commodious residence and barns and also placed many other substantial improvements on the property.  As the years passed by he won a goodly measure of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests and became widely recognized as a substantial and representative citizen of the community.  His wife, who had accompanied her parents on their removal from the Empire state to Huron county, passed away in 1872 when forty-eight years of age.  Unto this worthy couple were born five children, as follows:  Mary, who is now deceased; Anna, who is the wife of C. A. Howe and resides at Monroeville, Ohio; William T., of this review; and Lewis J. and Eva, who are likewise deceased.
     At the usual age William T. Ashton began his education by becoming a student in the district schools of this county.  His training at farm labor was not meager, for at an early age he began work in the fields and soon became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops.  He was successfully and energetically identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career but ahs recently retired from the active work of the fields and now rents his farm.  It is a well improved and valuable tract of land comprising one hundred and ninety-two acres and he still makes his home on the farm, having here a commodious and modern residence.  His well directed and untiring industry in former years brought him the competence that now enables him to live practically retired, and throughout the community in which his entire life has been spent he is well known and highly esteemed as a most worthy and prosperous citizen.
     On the 3rd of February, 1872, Mr. Ashton was united in marriage to Miss Emma P. Knoll, whose birth occurred in Ridgefield township, Huron county, in 1856, her parents being Christian and Elizabeth Knoll, of Ridgefield township.  The three children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Ashton are as follows:  Clara, a graduate of the Zenaium Art School at Columbus, is now the wife of P. W. Clark, who conducts a business college of Louisville, Kentucky.  Their union has been blessed with one son, William A.  Alice, a graduate of the Monroeville high school, gave her hand in marriage to Professor Oscar Erf, who is professor of the dairy department at the Ohio State University.  They reside at Columbus and have one son, Lowell.  Myrtle, likewise a graduate of the Monroeville high school, lives at home with her father.  The wife and mother was called to her final rest in the 7th of September, 1907, her loss being deeply mourned by an extensive circle of friends as well as her immediate family.
     In his political views Mr. Ashton was formerly a democrat and on that ticket was elected to the office of township trustee, in which he served for a number of years.  At the present time, however, he gives his allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party, believing its principles to be most conducive to good government.  His religious faith is indicted by his membership in the merited and received the confidence and respect of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 200

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