BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio
Vol. 2
by Warner, Beers & Co.
1885
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INDEX >
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BIOGRAPHICAL INDEXES >
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Nelson Twp. -
WILLIAM W. McCALL, farmer, P. O. Nelson, was born in
Nelson Township, this county, Jan. 13, 1834, son of Joseph and Mary P.
(Sherwood) McCall, natives of Connecticut, and parents of five children, who
attained McCall, natives of Connecticut, and parents of five children,
who attained maturity. Joseph McCall was born in 1804, came to Ohio
in 1820, and for fifty-three years resided on the homestead where he died June
26, 1884. His widow, who survives him, was born Sept. 6,k 1812, daughter
of Joshua B. and Anna (Bonny) Sherwood, who brought her to Ohio in
infancy. Mr. McCall was married Oct. 21, 1856, to Miss Mary A.
Knowlton, born in Nelson Township, this county, Sept. 13, 1836. Mr.
McCall was the daughter of James and Isabel Knowlton. James
Knowlton, a native of Blandford, Mass., came to Charleston in this county in
1809, and to Nelson in 1810. Isabel (Nicholson) Knowlton was a
native of Canaan, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. McCall were born five
children: Jonathan N. (Superintendent of Schools at Ithaca, Mich.),
Ella, Almon W. (a graduate of Garrettsville High School, and was engaged as
Principal of the Girard schools, to assume the duties of this position on
Monday, Sept. 8, 1884, but the evening previous was drowned while bathing),
Rosa M. and Ernest J. In early life our subject taught school,
but subsequently identified himself with agricultural pursuits, and has since
continued this occupation. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church about twenty-five years.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. -
1885 - Page 775 |
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Shalersville Twp. -
JOHN W. McCOMB, Superintendent of the Poor, P. O. Ravenna,
was born Mar. 26, 1833, in Ohio, son of John and Nancy (Dawson) McComb,
natives of Lancaster, Penn., who were the parents of ten children, seven of whom
are now living; John W., William, Nancy (wife of H. Tuttle), N.
N. (who enlisted in the Union Army during the war of the Rebellion, remained
till the close and came out without a scratch), Wilbur, Anna (married to
A. B. Christie, Principal of Convoy College, Van Wert Co., Ohio, where
she is also Assistant), and Sarah (wife of B. Godard, a silver-plater
in Charlestown, this county). Our subject's parents immigrated to this
county in 1841, and settled in Edinburg Township, where the father died.
Their previous home stood on the State line between Ohio and Pennsylvania, and
when our subject was born (in Ohio), his father, though not away from home, was
in Pennsylvania. John W. McComb was married Jan. 24, 1861, to
Emily L., daughter of James and Hira (Kneelan) Crane. By this
union is born one child - Ray W., a young man at present attending
Ravenna High School. Mrs. McComb died Mar. 8, 1885. Mar. 1,
1878, our subject was appointed Superintendent of the Poor by the County
Infirmary Directors, and still retains that position. He has been
proprietor of a saw-mill. At the time of the breaking out of the war, his
brother William was a resident of the South, where his effects were
confiscated, and he himself impressed into the Rebel Army. While at Fort
Scott he deserted to the Union lines, where he was identified by Ashley Crane,
a cousin of our subject's late wife, and who was then in the Northern Army, and
sent to this county.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 -
by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 884 |
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Streetsboro Twp. -
D. F. McGREW (deceased) was born in Springfield, Summit
Co., Ohio, July 18, 1830, son of William McGrew, an early settler of
Streetsboro Township, this county, who cleared and improved a farm here, on
which he lived and died. William McGrew was parent of six children:
Margaret; D. F., our subject; Willis, deceased; Delight; Newton,
deceased, and William Our subject was reared in Streetsboro, this
county, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed all his life.
He also conducted a small farm. He was married Oct. 24, 1852, to
Elizabeth, daughter of Stephen and Rebecca (Walker) Myers, first
settlers of Streetsboro Township, this county. Mrs. McGrew's
grandfather, Mr. Myers, was a pioneer of Streetsboro Township, and lived
to be one hundred and six years old. To our subject and wife was born one
child - Emma C., wife of E. C. Root. Mr. McGrew's
father dying when he was but eight years of age, he was thus early thrown upon
his own resources, and as a consequence his schooling was very limited, yet at
the time of his death he was a man well versed in matters of history and general
information. The young came to him for advise and counsel, and the
middle-aged found in him a friend and co-worker in all matters pertaining to the
elevation and improvement to society. He was a member of the
Congregational Church, took an active interest in the Sabbath school, and for
many years was Superintendent, teacher and one of its most earnest workers.
He was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace two terms, and was serving
in this office at the time of his death. In politics he was ever a
Democrat. Mr. McGrew died July 5, 1878, in his forty-eighth year.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page
890 |
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Streetsboro Twp. -
GEORGE D. McGREW, farmer, P. O. Earlville, was born in
Streetsboro, this county, Nov. 18, 1838; son of George B. and Susannah
(Martin) McGrew, latter of whom died Feb. 29, 1884. She was a daughter
of Robert and Mary Martin. George B. McGrew was born in
Springfield, Mahoning Co., Ohio, Mar. 6, 1803, son of Archibald and Margaret
(Baird) McGrew, natives of Westmoreland County, Penn. He was reared in
Springfield (now Summit County), Ohio, where he lived until thirty years of age,
and in 1833 settled in Streetsboro, this county, and cleared and improved the
farm now owned by R. H. Peck, where he resided up to 1860, when he
settled on his present farm in the southern part of the township, a part of
which he also cleared. He was married, Feb. 6, 1838, to Susannah,
daughter of Robert and Mary Martin, of Beaver County, Penn., by whom he
had ten children: George D., William T., Mary (deceased), Robert M.
(deceased), Margaret B., Archibald D., Marcia F., Sarah E., Scott M., Susan
D. (Mrs. A. N. Sperry). The father is a prominent member of and a
Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, with which he has been connected upward of
fifty years. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native place,
where he has always resided, and was educated in the common and high schools.
He served in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting Aug. 9, 1862, in the North
Ohio Independent Battery, and was honorably discharged June 16, 1865. He
was married, Nov. 18, 1869, to Alvira E., daughter of Samuel and Emily
(Newton) Stone, of Tallmadge, Ohio, by whom he has had five children:
George B. (deceased), Alvin N., Susan R., Emma D. and
Bertha M. Mr. and Mrs. McGrew are members of the Presbyterian Church,
of which he is an officer; he has been Superintendent of the Sabbath-school
several terms. Our subject is a member of the G. A. R. In politics
he is a Republican.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page
890 |
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Atwater Twp. -
JOHN MANSFIELD, farmer, P.
O. Atwater Centre, was born in Wallingford Conn., November 18, 1806; son of
Ira and Susan (Kirtland) Mansfield, who had a family of six children, of
whom our subject is the only survivor. His grandfather, John Mansfield,
was an officer of some distinction in the Revolutionary struggle. Ira
Mansfield, his father, betters known as Maj. Mansfield, made his way
through the wilderness of Ohio in 1806, and succeeded in making a trade of land
with Joshua Atwater, the original proprietor of the township, securing
360 acres. Returning to the East he brought his family back with him in
1808, and here founded a home This land he subsequently sold, and
purchased 150 acres near the present homestead. He raised a company of
volunteers for the war of 1812, in which he took an active part. While in
camp at Detroit his trsuted clerk decamped with $1,500 of his money. For a
time this crippled him, but his untiring ambition soon enabled him to retrieve
the loss. Ira Mansfield's death occurred in Atwater in 1849.
His widow survived him until 1851. our subject was married, in 1833, to
Miss Mary Hall, also a native of Wallingford, Conn., and who has borne him
two sons: Ira K., residing at Chicago, Ill., is married to Emma J.
Cook (their living children are Mary M., Susan M. and Bessie I.);
Silliman S., married to Margaret Goss, they reside in
Atwater Township, this county, (Their children are Charles K., Alfred H.,
Pearl W., Henry L., Carrie J., Frankie G. and Ira S.). Mr.
Mansfield is among the oldest settlers of Atwater Township. He
has served as Assessor several terms, and has ever taken an active part in the
development of his township.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885
- Page 583 |
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Atwater Twp. -
EDGAR H.
MANSFIELD, farmer, P. O. Atwater, was born May 4, 1843, in Atwater
Township, this county; son of Henry E. Mansfield, born in Wallingford,
Conn., August 16, 1803, and grandson of Maj. Ira Mansfield, a pioneer of
1807 to Atwater Township. Henry E. Mansfield was twice married,
first to Miss Jane Stanly, a native of Newton Falls, Trumbull Co.,
Ohio, who died April 2, 1837. Jane, the only surviving child of
this union, married M. D> Motherspaw, and is the mother of two
children - Harry and Frank - and grandmother of Carl and
Ruby. His second union was with Ann S. Stanly, a
sister of his deceased wife, born August 16, 1815, daughter of Nathaniel and
Mary (Moore) Stanly, the former born November 15, 1768, died August 13,
1848, the latter born August 22, 1772, died June 11, 1847, and who had thirteen
children, of whom two survive: James, born July 23, 1801, and
Ann S. There are seventy-nine living descendants of this couple.
The subject of this sketch was married, in 1869, to Miss Lora E.,
daughter of Willialm Campbell, a native of Atwater Township, this county.
This family and its connections are among the oldest and most respected in
Atwater Township; they are both industrious and successful, walking in the steps
of their forefathers.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885
- Page 583 |
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Atwater Twp. -
SIDNEY A. MATTOON,
farmer, P. O. Atwater, is a native of Atwater Township, this county, born
December 25, 1832, son of Caleb and Betsey (Hall) Mattoon, of
Connecticut, and grandson of Caleb Mattoon, one of the earliest
pioneers of this township, coming here from Connecticut with an ox team.
Here he cleared a farm comprising 100 acres and lived the balance of his life.
The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, in Atwater Township, this
county, January 9, 1845, with Miss Elizabeth, adopted daughter of
Aaron Baldwin. This union has been blessed with five children, four
now living: Charles A., Jessie, Estella and Edwin. In
1858 Mr. Mattoon settled on his present farm of 240 acres. He is
Trustee of the Congregational Church and Superintendent of the Sabbath-school.
The family are among the oldest and most respected in Atwater Township.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885
- Page 584 |
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Palmyra Twp. -
O. B. MASON, merchant, Diamond,
was born in Marlborough, Stark Co., Ohio, Mar. 14, 1838,
son of Otis and Mary Mason, both deceased.
Mr. Mason is the founder of Diamond, being the
first business man to locate here in 1880, and is
deserving of great credit for his labors in building up
and improving the place. He erected the first
edifice here, now used as a depot and restaurant, and
opened a general stock of goods. In December,
1881, he erected his present structure, where he has
since continued doing a successful trade; has also for
years been engaged in the lumber business, and beginning
life as he did, empty-handed, he is worthy of a place in
the pages of history. He was appointed Postmaster
in 1881, a position he has filled acceptably to all.
Mr. Mason is an ardent supporter of the
Republican party. He holds the esteem and
friendship of all classes who have learned to appreciate
his moral worth. Our subject was married in
Marlborough, Ohio, in 1863, to Mary A., daughter
of Samuel "Campbell, of Atwater Township, Ohio,
in 1863, to Mary A., daughter of Susan
Campbell, of Atwater Township, Ohio, by whom he has
two living children, Frank, born in June 1871,
and Dawn, born Aug. 24, 1884.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 -
by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 781 |
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Garrettsville Twp. -
EDGAR W. MAXSON, lawyer,
Garrettsville, was born at Troy, Geauga Co., Ohio, Feb.
3, 1844; son of William and Salina C. (Mumford)
Maxson; the former a farmer by occupation, born in
Connecticut, in 1813, and who came with his parents to
this county in 1822; the latter a native of Otsego
County, N. Y., where she was born in 1820. They
had two children: Edgar W., and Victor R.,
a farmer now living on the old home farm in Hiram
Township. William Maxson died Sept. 20,
1876. The Maxson family are of English
descent. Daniel Maxson was one of the three
brothers: Edward, John and Daniel,
who came to America about the middle of the seventeenth
century and settled in Rhode Island, where Joshua
Maxson, the grandfather of our subject, was born.
His grandmother was a Morris, and was a
descendant of a Welsh family of that name who date back
to the early pioneers of New York State. Our
subject was raised on a farm in Hiram Township, where
his parents removed while he was an infant. His
time between the ages of ten and seventeen years was
spent in Hiram College and in school teaching. In
1863 he went to Michigan University at Ann Arbor and
graduated from the Law and Literary Department in 1865,
and was admitted to the bar in that State the same year.
He then returned to Ohio and was shortly after admitted
to the bar, but for three years following was engaged in
teaching graded schools in Michigan and Illinois.
He was married Nov. 27, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth C.
Mull, a school teacher by profession, and a native
of Otsego County, N. Y., who died Sept. 10, 1877,
leaving to his care one daughter - Maud.
Mr. Maxson then married, Dec. 14, 1876, Miss
Eudora Lockwood, also of Otsego County, N. Y., and a
near relative of his first wife. In the spring of
1868 he returned to Garrettsville and entered in the
practice of his profession, in which he has since been
engaged. He has been Solicitor of Garrettsville
for seven years and has refused several offices in
honor, which at different times he has been urged by his
friends to accept. He is Past Grand of Portage
Lodge, No. 456, F. & A. M. He has been connected
with the Congregational Church about four years.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 728 |
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Randolph Twp. -
CHARLES MEACHAM, farmer, P. O.
Randolph, was born in Tallmadge, Summit Co., Ohio, May
6, 1822, son of Russell and Betsey Meacham,
natives of Litchfield County, Conn., and who came to
Ohio in 1818, and after moving about from place to place
finally settled in Suffield, this county, when he turned
his attention to farming, and there they remained until
their death. Russell Meacham engaged in the
clothing trade when the country was new, and there was
no money current, in order to provide for a large
family. He died in 1852; his widow died in 1861.
Our subject was married Feb. 14, 1853, to Lucy A.
Coburn, born in Brimfield Township, Portage Co.,
Ohio, Mar. 18, 1829, daughter of David and Nancy
Coburn, natives of Massachusetts, and who came to
Ohio, and died in this county. To Mr. and Mrs.
Meacham have been born ten children:
Milford O. (deceased), Myra A., Ira Co., Joy E.,
Ura D., Iona A., Eva A., Van F., Melvin C. and
Louela M. Our subject has been engaged in
farming the greater part of his life, and now owns 202
acres of land in Randolph Township, this county, on
which he has a beautiful residence, fine large
barn and other necessary outbuildings. He has had
some experience in the woods, having had to clear off
the timber before he could get a crop in . Mr.
Meacham has met with good success; has been Township
Trustee several times and has filled other offices.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner,
Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 799 |
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Garrettsville Twp. -
HENRY NOBLE MERWIN, produce
dealer, Garrettsville, was born in New Milford,
Litchfield Co., Conn., Feb. 25, 1818; son of Daniel
and Laura (Marsh) Merwin, who were of Welsh and
English descent respectively (both now deceased) and
parents of four children: Susan A., Abbie M., Henry
N. and Amos M. The Marsh family
were among the first settlers of New Milford, Conn.
Amos Marsh, grandfather of our subject, was
commissioned District Attorney of Vermont by George
Washington. Our subject was raised on a farm
and received a common school education. He was married
Nov. 27, 1845, to Miss Betsey N. Hine, born Feb.
11, 1822, daughter of Isaac and Alta (Riggs) Hine,
both now deceased, all natives of New England. In
1850 Mr. Merwin removed to Newton Falls, Trumbull
Co., Ohio, where he engaged in farming for a period of
twenty-two years. In 1873 he retired from farm
labor and removed to Garrettsville, where he purchased a
manufacturing establishment, formed a partnership with
three others, and engaged in manufacturing butter tubs,
etc., for one year. Since then he has dealt-more
or less extensively in produce. Mr. Merwin
is serving his second term as Justice of the Peace.
He and his wife have been consistent members
of the Congregational Church for forty years.
He is connected with Portage Lodge, No. 456,, I. O. O.
F. In politics he is identified with the
Republican party.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 728 |
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Palmyra Twp. -
NOBLE MERWIN, farmer, P. O.
Diamond, was born in Palmyra Township, this county, May
22, 1853, son of Nathaniel R. and Jane (Hitchcock)
Merwin, natives of Connecticut. The parents
and grandfather, David Merwin, settled on the
farm in 1814, purchasing one section of land, a portion
of which they lived to clear, and here they passed
honored and useful lives. Nathaniel R. Merwin
was twice married. By his first wife, nee Mary
A. Stilson, two sons were born: George and
David. Of the children born to his second
marriage four are living: Eliza (wife of
L. Thomas), Lucy (wife of R. Whittlesey),
Charles A. and Noble. The subject of
this sketch was married in Palmyra Township, in 1873, to
Helen Brainerd, of Boardman, Mahoning County.
Flora M. and Noble H. are the living issue
of this union. Mr. Merwin resides on a
portion of the homestead farm, consisting of 150 acres.
The family is an outgrowth of pioneer stock, and bears
the respected and honored characters of worthy and
esteemed parents.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by
Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 781 |
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Nelson Twp. -
THOMAS MERWIN, local minister.
Nelson, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., July 16,
1816, son of Jesse and Lydia (Ewers) Merwin,
natives of New England, and who came to Ohio in 1822,
settling in Nelson Township, this county, where the
former was the first physician to practice. Our
subject received a common school education and began
life as a farmer. In 1853 he was ordained a
minister of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ,
in Stark County, Ohio, Oct. 17, and appointed to preach
at Nelson, McClintocksburg, Southington and Middlefield.
He was obliged to retire, however, on account of his
wife's precarious health. He was also called to
the pulpit at Pierpont, Ohio, but declined, and at the
following annual conference he withdrew from the
itinerancy, and since then has held a local membership.
He has since given his attention somewhat to his farming
interests. Mr. Merwin was twice married.
His first wife was Lucy M. Messenger, a native of
Windham Township, this county, who died Nov. 17, 1854,
aged thirty-four years and four months, leaving two
children to his care: Matthew A. and Wealtha
Almina. His second wife was Mary A. Palm
born in Austintown, Mahoning Co., Ohio, by whom he has
one son - John P.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. -
1885 - Page 775 |
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Mantua Twp. -
CHAUNCEY MESSENGER,
farmer, P. O. Mantua, was born Dec. 9, 1821, in Mantua
Township, this county; son of William and Ruth
(Miller) Messenger, natives of Connecticut and
pioneers of Ohio, whither they came in 1815, and to this
county one year later, settling on the farm where
Mr. Kilby now (1885) resides.
They were the parents of twelve children;
William A. (deceased), married to
Elizabeth Skinner (deceased, afterward to
Betsey Douglas; Jerome,
now residing in Coldwater, Mich., married to
Maranda Thomas (deceased); Cebra
(deceased); Milton (deceased);
Rectina (Mrs. Rufus Edwards), a widow;
Chauncey; Franklin, married to
Caroline Goddard; Affa (Mrs. R.
E. McIntosh), and Henry,
married to Harriet Fuller. Our
Subject was twice married, first occasion Sept. 23,
1857, to Susan Phelps, who died May 29,
1859, leaving one child - Mary S. He
next married, Mar. 11, 1860 Clarissa Walker,
daughter of Josiah and Eunice (Wiswell) Walker,
by whom he has had five children: Chauncey
L., Susan A. (deceased), Jenny E.,
Grant and John W. Mr. Messenger
is one of the most substantial men of this
township, and has served as trustee, school Director,
etc., etc.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885
- Page 764 |
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Mantua Twp. -
FRANKLIN MESSENGER,
farmer, P. O. Mantua, was born Oct. 13, 1824, in Mantua
Township, this county; son of William and Ruth
(Miller) Messenger, natives of Granby, Hartford
Co., Conn., who removed to Ohio in 1814, settling in
Mantua Twp., this county, where they reared a family of
twelve children: Alvira (deceased);
Jerome, residing at Coldwater, Mich.;
Clement, in Geauga Co., Ohio;
Zernia (Mrs. Coe), a widow;
Viola, in Mantua; Sebradid;
Milton (deceased); Rectina
(Mrs. Edwards), residing in Oberlin,
Ohio; Chauncey, in Mantua;
Franklin; Affa (Mrs. McIntosh),
in Mantua; Henry, in Mantua.
William Messenger, who was a farmer by
occupation, died Nov. 18, 1853, aged seventy-three years
and his widow Aug. 13, 1875, at the advanced age of
ninety-one. Our subject was married, Oct. 5, 1847,
to Caroline Goddard, daughter of
Dryden and Maria (Merriman)
Goddard, the former of whom died in
1871 aged sixty-eight, and the latter in 1872, aged
sixty-six. Mr. and Mrs. Messenger
have had nine children: Ellen (Mrs.
Rogers), George (deceased),
Alvirus (deceased), Harriet (Mrs .Cox),
Flora, Mila A. (Mrs. Dines), Martha (Mrs. Russell),
Frank and Alice.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885
- Page 765 |
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Ravenna Twp. -
A. MOSELY (See history of press, page 368)
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 18855 - Page 841 |
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Edinburg Twp. -
EDWIN C. MYERS, farmer, P. O.
Edinburgh, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, Apr. 21,
1834; son of William and Alice Myers, natives of
Chester County, Penn. They lived some time in
Columbiana County, Ohio, and from there moved to
Edinburg, this county, in December, 1834, and here
remained until their death. William Myers
died in 1859 and Alice Myers in 1857. Our
subject was married, May 21, 1857, to Anna M. Stretch,
born in Salem, Ohio, Nov. 25, 1840, daughter of
Abiner and Ann Stretch, who are both now deceased.
To our subject and wife were born five children:
Willis E., born July 8, 1863; Emmet E., born
Aug. 11, 1867; Friend E., born June 27, 1870;
Telula E., born Mar. 2, 1874, and Clyde P.,
born Aug. 7, 1877. Our subject, who has been
engaged in farming all his life, now owns forty acres of
good land, where he and his family reside. Mr.
Myers took part in the late war of the Rebellion as
a member of Company F, Forty-second Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, commanded in by Col. James A. Garfield,
enlisting in the fall of 1861 and remaining in the
service a little over one year. He was discharged
at Ashland, Boyd Co., Ky., for disability, and gave his
discharge paper to Maj. H. H. Willard, who lost
it. Mr. Myers then obtained a second one at
Cumberland Gap, and when he returned to his regiment he
was ordered to Columbus for examination, and there
received his final discharge. Mr. Myers
died of consumption Jan 15, 1880. She was a
consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 653 |
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Atwater Twp. -
JOHN MYERS, Atwater, Ohio, was born in Berlin Township,
Mahoning Co., Ohio, Dec. 22, 1828, son of Daniel and Polly Myers from
Pennsylvania, and early pioneers of Mahoning County, Ohio. The subject of
this sketch had not the advantages of acquiring an education that many boys,
even of his time, possessed. Arithmetic was his "main fort," and in that
branch he got as far as the "double rule of three." His constant practice
in compound numbers, interest, percentage and mensuration has made him so
proficient in these departments of arithmetic, that better scholars than he
frequently acknowledge his superiority in these departments. When about
twenty years old he commenced to battle with life for himself, and his first
undertaking was a contract to cut 100 cords of four-foot wood at 25 cents per
cord for John Boles, of Campbellsport. Taking for a partner his
brother Henry, they accomplished the feat of ten days, going to and from
their work twice during the time, a distance of fifteen miles. With his
share of the proceeds, as part payment, Mr. Myers purchased a "Canfield
grain thresher" for which he paid $200. This was his first investment, and
he continued to follow threshing for sixteen years. In February, 1851, he
was married to Miss Sophia Betts, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio,
but who when two yeas old moved with her parents to Trumbull County, Ohio, where
she lived until united in marriage to Mr. Myers. Our subject and
wife spent one year of their married life in Berlin Township, and in the fall of
1852 they moved to Atwater Township, this county, on the farm where they now
live, consisting of 120 acres, for which Mr. Myers paid $17.50 per acre;
about ten acres of this farm were cleared off when Mr. Myers moved on it,
but being possessed of a strong constitution and a tireless ambition, with the
best elements of character and natural frugality, his life's work has been
crowned with merited success. He is owner of over 500 acres of land in
Atwater Township, and notwithstanding the vast amount of labor connected with
operating such a farm, he has always taken an active interest in educational
matters, giving his children every advantage of acquiring a thorough education.
The record of his family, all of whom are now living, is: W. C., born
Nov. 3, 1852; Lucy A., born July 11, 1854, married to L. I. Glass;
Chester A., born Dec. 16, 1856, married to Clara E. Hawn; H. Alva,
born Aug. 20, 1859, married to Jennie T. Douthitt; Vinnie M., born
Aug. 27, 1861; Eddie M., born Dec. 11, 1864; Hattie J., born Jan.
8, 1867; Jesse O., born May 26, 1870, and Worthy Allen, born Dec.
14, 1873. Six of these have taught school, viz.: W. C., Chester A., H.
Alva, Vinnie M., Eddie M. and Hattie J. Mr. Myers is a strong
supporter of Democracy, casting his first Presidential vote for Franklin
Pierce and voting for every Democratic candidate for President since that
time.
Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 -
Page 584 |
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