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Portage
County, Ohio
History & Genealogy


BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio
Vol. 2
by Warner, Beers & Co.
1885
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O PQ R S T UV W XYZ

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  Edinburg Twp. -
WILLIAM RANSAW, (deceased) was born in 1802 in Germany; son of Fred Ransaw.  He emigrated to America, settling in this county, in 1840, and was married in Ravenna Township the same year, to Elizabeth Schriver, also a native of Germany, where she was born in 1822, and from where she emigrated to America the same year her husband arrived.  To this union were born seven children, five of whom are now living: William H., Lewis, Fannie, Fred and Henry C.  The deceased are George and Mary.  Our subject was a tanner by trade, but after arriving in this county engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until his death, in February, 1866.  He at that time owned fifty-two acres of good land on which his widow now resides.  He was universally respected, an honest, upright citizen, true to his obligations and a man who contributed largely to the development of this county.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 653

C. H. Ray
Mantua Twp. -
  C. H. RAY

Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 690 (Portrait Only)

  Deerfield Twp. -
ANTHONY REED, farmer, P. O. Deerfield, was born in Colunbiana County, Ohio, in Oct., 1811, son of William and Mary (Middlesworth) Reed; former born in the State of Delaware, the latter in West Virginia.  (Their history appears in another portion of this volume.)  The family settled in the southern portion of Deerfield Township, this county, in 1812, where the parents lived to the close of their lives.  Our subject's advantages for receiving an education were very limited, and his father realizing this fact, erected a log schoolhouse, in which he taught his own and the neighbors' children in his spare moments.  Anthony resided on the old homestead until thirty years of age.  He was married in 1842 to Miss Elizabeth Lazarus, a native of Deerfield Township, this county.  This union has been blessed with two children - Amelia, wife of William R. Shilliday (have four children, Maggie, Arad, Mattie and Mary), and Mary, widow of George Ganze (by whom she had two children, Joel and Mabel), and who is residing back on the old homestead with her children,  a comfort to her father in the declining years.  Mr. Reed, when twenty-one years of gage, purchased sixty-six acres of land, to which he subsequently added until he is now owner of 429 acres.  He inherited but a small amount of money, and his accumulations are the result of his own energy and industry.  He is a member of the Congregational Church.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 628
  Ravenna Twp. -
C. A. REED
, Probate Judge, Ravenna, comes of Connecticut stock, a grandson of Abraham Reed, who settled in this county in 1804 and died in 1859.  Horace, eldest son of Abraham Reed and father of our subject, was born in Rootstown in 1805, and at this writing is residing on the homestead where he was born.  He married Lois E. Baldwin, daughter of John Baldwin, who came from Massachusetts and settled in Charlestown, this county, in 1811, and by her were born seven children, all now living: Melissa E., wife of E. E. Chapman, of Rootstown; Aryanett E., wife of A. Baldwin, of Akron, Ohio; John H., of Columbus, Neb.; Edward A., Poplar Creek, Tenn.; Cornelius A.; Horace L., of Mansfield, Ohio, and Julia A.  Our subject was born in Rootstown, this county, July 3, 1838.  He worked on the farm and attended school until his twentieth year, when he entered the Normal School at Lebanon.  In 1861 he began the study of law under Col. B. Burns and Judge Dickey at Mansfield, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in July, 1863. In September, 1863, he formed a partnership with A. Hart in the practice of the profession at Ravenna.  This lasted about twelve years, after which Mr. Reed continued the practice alone until he was elected to his present position in 1881.  He was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1869, occupying the office four years.  Our subject was married Feb. 1, 1865, to Miss Phebe F., daughter of Capt. Albert Ray, of Nantucket, Mass.  Two children were born to this union, both now living: Lorena B. and Julia May.  The family is connected with the Congregational Church, and Judge Reed is at present Superintendent of the Sabbath-school.  He is a Knight Templar.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 845
  Franklin Twp. -
C. R. REED
, of the firm of Carlile & Reed, tinners and plumbers, P. O. Kent, was born in Franklin Township, this county, July 20, 1854, son of William and Mary E. (Day) Reed, whose family consisted of William, Charles (deceased), Charles (second) R., Robert, Nellie, John and Frank.  William Reed, father of our subject, was born in New Lisbon, Columbiana Co., Ohio, May 31, 1823, and was reared on his father's farm.  He served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which has been his occupation ever since.  His parents were John and Rebecca (Morgan) Reed, who settled in Franklin about 1828, and who were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom grew to manhood and womanhood: Reuben (deceased), Sperry, William, Hiram, Ellen (wife of M. Hulbert), Rebecca (deceased), Cassa (deceased) and GeorgeJohn Reed was a native of Maryland, a weaver by trade, which he followed for several years after coming to Franklin Mills (now Kent).  He then engaged in agriculture, clearing and improving a farm on which he lived and died.  C. R. Reed's maternal grandfather, Jacob Day, was a stone mason by trade, and one of the first settlers of Franklin Township, this county.  Our subject was reared in his native township, and in 1876 entered the employ of F. F. Carlile, to learn the business of tinner and plumber, and worked as journeyman up to 1882, when he became associated with his employer under the firm name of Carlile & Reed.  He was married, Feb. 12, 1884, to Cora S., daughter of Samuel B. and Sarah (Doolittle) Hall, of Kent, Ohio.  Mr. Reed is one of Kent's enterprising business men and a worthy citizen.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 699
  Rootstown Twp. -
HARVEY O. REED, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born in Rootstown, this county, June 2, 1856, son of Otis and Laura M. Reed, who were also born in Rootstown Township, the former Jan. 10, 1810, the latter Apr. 17, 1813.  They were married Sept. 18, 1832, and settled where our subject resides, and here they remained until the father's death, Jan. 18, 1881.  The mother resides on the old homestead.  They were the parents of seen children, four now living.  Our subject, who is the youngest, was married Oct. 1, 1879, to Emma J. Deming born in this township Oct. 2, 1855, daughter of Gideon Y. and Lucia Demming, who died Oct. 25, 1877, and Jan. 16, 1884, respectively.  Mr. and Mrs. Reed had one child - Elsie, born Dec. 23, 1883, died Sept. 28, 1884.  Mrs. Reed died dec. 25, 1883.  She was a faithful member of the Congregational Church.  Our subject is a farmer by occupation.  He is a member of the Congregational Church.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 875
  Rootstown Twp. -
HORACE REED
, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Rootstown, the first white male child born in Rootstown Township, this county, was born near his present home, Oct. 8, 1805, son of Abraham and Silie Reed, natives of Connecticut, who immigrated to Rootstown Township, this county, November, 1804.  This was then called the Western Reserve and there we're only two little shanties in the place.  Abraham Reed died Jan. 6, 1849, his wife in 1834.  Our subject was married May 24, 1826, to Lois E. Baldwin, born in Massachusetts Feb. 7, 1803, daughter of John and Esther Baldwin, natives of Massachusetts, who came to this county in 1811, and remained until their death.  Former died Apr. 18, 1845, and latter Sept. 17, 1848.  Mr. and Mrs. Reed are the parents of seven children: Melissa E., wife of Edward E. Chapman; Anjanette, wife of Alfred Baldwin; John H., in Nebraska; Edward A., in Tennessee; Cornelius A., present Probate Judge of this county; Horace L., of Mansfield, Ohio, and Julia A.  Our subject has engaged in farming all his life, and for about twenty years dealt in stock.  He now owns 200 acres of land, but has been possessor of as much as 500 acres at one time.  Mr. and Mrs. Reed are a worthy couple and command the love and respect of all who know them.  They celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary nine years ago, and are now the only couple living together in town that were alive at the time of their marriage.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 875
  Deerfield Twp. -
JAMES REED, farmer, P. O. Deerfield, was born in Brooke County, W. Va., in 1809, a grandson of Anthony Middlesworth, a Hollander by birth, and son of William and Mary (Middlesworth) Reed, the former born in the State of Delaware, August 23, 1778; the latter a native of West Virginia.  They had a family of twelve children, of whom eight are still living.  The family were among the pioneers of this county of 1812, and settled two and a half miles south of the center of Deerfield Township.  William Reed here cleared eighty or ninety acres of land and passed the remainder of his life, attaining the ripe age of eighty-five years.  Our subject was brought up on a farm receiving the limited education obtainable in that early day.  Being reared in the wilderness one early learned to swing the ax and to toil with his hands.  At  the age of twenty-one he began the struggle of life for himself, and by perseverance, industry, and frugality he accumulated a fine estate, comprising over 290 acres of land.  He was married September 14, 1852, to Miss Rebecca A. McMillen.  The family are connected with the Presbyterian Church.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 628
  Franklin Twp. -
JAMES H. REED, veterinary surgeon, Kent, was born in Boston, Summit Co., Ohio, Aug. 12, 1815, son of James and Catherine (Stough) Reed, natives of New Jersey and Germany respectively, and who settled in Boston Township, Summit County, about 1810.  James Reed, who was a millwright, also a carpenter and joiner by trade, was a soldier in the war of 1812, being "out" two years, for which he drew a pension and land warrant, and on his return settled in Ravenna Township in 1816. He had nine children: Robert, James H., George, Peter, John, Calvin, Orrin (deceased), Melinda (Mrs. Spencer Smith), Irena (Mrs. Burt A. Smith).  Our subject served an apprenticeship at cabinet-making in Medina until he was nineteen years of age, when he returned to Ravenna and worked at his trade one year.  In 1837 he located and partly cleared the farm he now owns in the northeast part of Franklin Township, this county.  He has been a veterinary surgeon upward of forty years.  He was married, Aug. 13, 1835, to Tussey Scranton, daughter of Joseph Scranton, of Franklin Township, this county, by whom he has ten children, seven now living: Lawrence, Levi, Lucy (Mrs. Luther Johnson), Paulina (Mrs. Fred Myers), Martha (Mrs. C. A. Ferguson), Amelia (Mrs. Frank Brown) and Elber.  Mr. Reed located in Kent in 1876, where he has since resided, principally engaged in the practice of his profession.  He has held several offices in the township with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people.  In politics he is a Republican.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 699
  Franklin Twp. -
LEVI REED, liveryman, Kent, was born in Franklin Township, this county, Sept. 8, 1842; son of James H. and Thirza (Scranton) Reed, who were among the early settlers of the township.  He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and the Oberlin Commercial College.  After he became of age he worked on a farm by the month for two years, and in 1864 enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the war.  He was married, Oct. 3, 1867, to Clarissa C., daughter of Joseph B. and Ruth (Olin) Stratton, who settled in Franklin Township, this county, in 1837, and by this union there were live children: Willie, Lorena, Joseph A. (deceased), Leona and Leroy.  After his marriage Mr. Reed engaged in farming for two years, and in 1869 located in Kent. For three years he worked in the railroad shops, after which he engaged in the coal business, feed and grocery store and livery business with his brothers Luther A. and L. G.  In 1882 Mr. Reed embarked in the livery business on his own account, in which he has been profitably engaged till the present time.  He is a member of the G. A. R. , and both he and wife are members of the Universalist Church. In politics he is a Republican.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 699
  Deerfield Twp. -
LINUS REED, farmer, P. O. Deerfield, was born March 30, 1815, in Deerfield Township, this county, son of William and Mary (Middlesworth) Reed, whose history appears elsewhere in this work.  Our subject attended the school taught by his father, and held  in the log schoolhouse erected by the latter,  and resided on the old home farm until his marriage in 1838, in Stark County, Ohio, with Sarah B., daughter of David Swaine, and a native of New Jersey.  To this union were born two children, Mary A. (deceased), and Ardelia.  Our subject is a self-made man; commencing with but $50, he has accumulated a comfortable competency.  He taught school for fifteen terms at $12 per month, and from his savings made his first purchase of land at $9 per acre; for his next purchase he paid #30, and the residence which he is now building to replace one destroyed by fire will cost $1,800.  when he first settled on his present farm it was covered with woods, which had to be cut away to make room for his log cabin.  His first purchase was twenty-six acres, to which he added seventy-two, and he has also bought lands elsewhere which he disposed of advantageously.  Mr. Reed is one of the oldest residents of Deerfield Township.  He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 631
  Garrettsville Twp. -
THOMAS REED, policeman, Garrettsville, was born in Ireland, Aug. 13, 1823, son of William and Margaret (Nelson) Reed, natives of that country, who were the parents of seven children, of whom Thomas is the youngest.  He came to America in 1842, and located in Philadelphia, where he remained two years engaged in wharf building.  He then came to Geauga County, Ohio, and hired to a man for five yeas as a farm hand.  He purchased a small farm near Cleveland in 1854, but sold it six years later and brought a still larger farm in Trumbull County, where he remained until 1873, when he came to Garrettsville with the intention of retiring from active labor, but for a year or two dealt in stock.  In 1855 he married Miss Caroline A. Pierce, of Geauga County, Ohio, and by her has three children: Marc A., a graduate of Scio College, who has taught school nine years, and is at present Superintendent of Schools in Girard, Ohio; Della, also a school teacher for six years, and who is a graduate of the Garrettsville schools, and Guy W.  Mr. Reed received an appointment by the Council as Night Policeman, and has held that position nine years, and has also served as Constable five years.  In April, 1880, while trying to quiet a drunken row he received a blow on the head, fracturing his skull, from which six pieces of bone were taken.  It was a narrow escape, but he still continues to keep the peace in the streets of Garrettsville to the full satisfaction of the people.  He is a member of Garrettsville Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 735
  Deerfield Twp. -
MARK B. REGAL, farmer, P. O. Deerfield, was born November 5, 1840, in Deerfield Township, this county, son of John and Lucinda (Laughlin) Regal, who are among the oldest living pioneers of Deerfield Township.  They were parents of ten children and have sixteen grand-children.  The subject of this sketch was brought up on the home farm and , after securing an education, for several years worked during summer and taught in the winter seasons.  He was married in 1877, to Anna, daughter of John and Margaret Hartzell, and widow of Miller McGowan (by whom she had five children, all now living: Lelia, wife of James Watson, Margaret, Alsora, John and Gertrude).  The home farm consists of 166 acres, and is one of the best cultivated and improved in the township.  Mr. and Mrs. Regal are members of the Disciples Church.
  Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 631
  Ravenna Twp. -
WILLIAM RICHARDSON, Supervisor of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad, P. O. Ravenna, was born in 1830 in Dalkeith on the River Esk, Scotland, where his parents, John and Jeanette Richardson, have since resided.  Our subject received his education in his mother country and there married Miss Agnes Downie.  They left Glasgow for America June 1, 1851, and after living one year in Pomeroy, Ohio, they located at Ravenna, this county, where they have ever since resided.  Their children are: John, Alexander, William, James, Jeanette and George.  On July 1, 1852, Mr. Richardson began working for the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad Company, with whom he has been employed ever since.  He has held his present position since 1870.  He discharges his duties faithfully and enjoys the entire confidence of the company with which he is employed.  In1876 Mr. Richardson purchased a farm of sixty-two and one-half acres of well-improved land two miles north of Ravenna, to which he and his family moved in 1877.  The subject of this sketch is a man of large and powerful physique.  He is a citizen of upright character, highly respected by the entire community.
  Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 846
  Streetsboro Twp. -
HART L. RISLEY, farmer, P. O. Streetsborough, was born on the farm where he now resides, in Streetsboro Township, this county, Mar. 7, 1838, son of Nathaniel H. and Emily (Loomis) Risley, who were the parents of two children: Celinda (wife of Wesley Lewis) and Hart L.  His paternal grandfather, Nathaniel Risley, was among the first to settled in the south part of Aurora Township, this county, where he cleared and improved the farm on which he lived and died.  His children were Nathaniel H. (deceased), Julia A. (deceased), Emily E., Amanda M., Roxany L., Henrietta (deceased, Mary M., (deceased, Austin (deceas4ed, Andress, Caroline A. (deceased), Freeman (deceased) and Susannah C. (deceased).  Our subject was reared on and has always resided on the old homestead in Streetsboro Township, where his father first commenced.  HE has been twice married; on first occasion Sept. 10, 1866, to Adda, daughter of Josiah and Eliza Combs, of Streetsboro.  The issue of this union was two children: Louie H. and Jay C.  Sept. 10, 1879, Mr. Risley married his present wife, Minnie A., daughter of Rev. P. P. and Sarah (Grow) Kennedy, of Streetsboro.  Mr. and Mrs. Risley are members of the Baptist Church.  He is a member of the I. O. O. F.; has served his township as Trustee one term.  In politics he is a Democrat.
  Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 894
  Franklin Twp. -
LUCIUS E. RODENBAUGH, contractor and builder, Kent, was born in Springfield, Summitt Co., Ohio, June 3, 1844, son of John and Laura A. (Purdy) Rodenbaugh.  His father was born September, 1809, in Westmoreland County Penn., son of Peter and Betsey (Hornbecker) Rodenbaugh, who settled in Springfield Township in 1816 and reared a family of seven children:  Polly (deceased), Sally (deceased), John (deceased), William (deceased), Isaac,, Peter and Eliza.  John Rodenbaugh was reared and educated in Springfield, Ohio and was a farmer and auctioneer by occupation.  He was married Nov. 1, 1832, to Laura A., (daughter of Solomon and Nancy (Backus) Purdy, formerly of Vermont, who settled in Springfield, Ohio, in 1829.  Her father was a manufacturer of stone-ware and established the second pottery in Springfield.   The issue of this marriage was six children, of whom five grew to manhood and womanhood:  John M., Henry C., Calvin P., Lucius E. and Emma R. (wife of J. C. Converse).  In 1853 John Rodenbaugh located on a farm in Franklin Township, where he remained until his death, Oct. 24, 1865, being murdered within a half mile of his home, for his money, by two men, one of whom (Jack Cooper) was hung for the crime and the other (Joel Berry) was sent to State prison for life.  He was a man of sterling business qualifications; a Democratic in politics.  Our subject was reared in Franklin Township, this county, from nine years old, and received a common school education.  He was in the late war of the Rebellion, enlisting Aug. 8, 1862, in Company I, One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He went through the Atlanta campaign and was also in the battles of Franklin, Fort Fisher, Knoxville and all the engagements the regiment participated in, and was wounded at the battles of Dallas, Ga., and Columbia, Tenn.  He was  honorably discharged June 17, 1865, when he returned to this county and located in Ravenna Township, and soon after entered the employ of the Atlantic & Green Western Railroad, with whom he was engaged for several years.  In 1870 he embarked in business for himself ans a contractor and builder, which he was made a success, having all the business he can do.  In the spring of 1882 he located in Kent, where he still resides.  He was married Sept. 29, 1867, to Flora L., daughter of Ozias and Anna (Knowlton) Buzzell of Ravenna.  Mr. Rodenbaughis a wide-awake, thorough business man.  In politics he is a stanch Republican.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 703
  Randolph Twp. -
VOLNEY ROGERS, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Randolph, was born in Randolph Township, Portage Co., Ohio, Aug. 1, 1837, son of William and Minerva Rogers, former a native of Connecticut, latter of Pennsylvania, and who settled in this county, where they remained until their death in 1850 and 1857 respectively.  Our subject was united in marriage, Apr. 23, 1859, with Mary E. Perkins, born in Suffield Township, this county, Feb. 10, 1844, daughter of David and Electa Perkins, who died in this county.  To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have been born five children, three now living: Dennis E., born May 16, 1868; Nellie I., born Sept. 9, 1880, and Ruth V., born Feb. 9, 1884.  Those deceased are Benjamin V., born Jan. 31, 1860, died Jun. 8, 1867, and Blanche A., born Apr. 19, 1875, died June 15, 1882.  Our subject has been engaged in farming and dealing in stock, and owns 130 acres of good land.  He engaged in farming and dealing in stock, and owns 130 acres of good land.  He enlisted in 1861 in Company6 I, One Hundred and fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out June 22, 1864.  Mr. Rogers, who went to school to James A. Garfield, and boarded with him one term, was also a teacher, and taught fifteen terms.
Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 805
  Streetsboro Twp. -
WALLACE ROOT, farmer, P. O. Streetsborough, was born Feb. 2, 1830 in Streetsboro, this county, son of Alonzo and Susan (Streator) Root, parents of four children: G. Wellington, Wallace, Augusta (wife of J. F. Wing) and Alonzo D.  His paternal grandfather, Benjamin Root, was a native of Vermont, and among the first settlers of Shalersville and later of Streetsboro, clearing and improving farms in both townships.  He removed to Kentucky in 1850, and died there.  His children were eight in number: Alonzo, Herod, Nelson, Obediah, Decalvous, Albert, Theresa and Worthington, who is the only one now surviving.  Alonzo, the eldest, settled in Streetsboro, this county, about 1826, locating on the farm now owned by Henry Sawyer, which he cleared and improved, and in 1835 he settled o the farm now owned by our subject, which he also cleared, and where he lived until 1843, in which year he died aged forty-three.  The maternal grandfather of our subject, Isaac H. Streator, settled here in 1826, being the third settler in Streetsboro, clearing and improving a farm.  In 1849 he removed to Cleveland and died there.  Wallace Root was reared in his native town and received a common school education.  He was married Nov. 13, 1851, to Lucy, daughter of Josiah and Eliza Combs, of Streetsboro, by whom he had four children, of whom but one is now living - Ernest C., married to Emma C., daughter of D. F. and Elizabeth McGrew, of this place, by whom he has tow children:  Wallace F. and Earl A.  Mr. Root and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is Steward and Class Leader, and for upward of ten years he has been Superintendent of hte Sabbath-school, in which he takes an active interest, being one of its earnest workers.  He has served his township three terms as Justice of the Peace, also several terms as Trustee, which latter office he now holds.  In politics he is a Democrat.
  Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 894
  Windham Twp. -
ALVAN V. RUDD
, farmer, P. O. Windham, is a son of Nathaniel Rudd, who was born in Becket, Mass., May 17, 1795, and came to Windham Township, this county, in 1816, purchasing land on which he made some improvement.  The following year he returned to his native State and married, Jan. 15, 1817, Sophia Messenger, born May 22, 1797.  In 1818 they returned in company with Xenophon Wadsworth and wife to this township, making the trip of about 500 miles with a team of horses and oxen in six weeks entered upon pioneer life, and in a few weeks had erected the log-cabin which was to be their home for so many years, and where were born to them five children:  William B., Alonzo M., Samuel V., Alvan V. and an infant all of whom are now deceased but our subject.  Nathaniel Rudd was an influential man in his day, always first in any enterprise tending to the improvment of the county and a liberal supporter of its public institutions.  He was Captain of the State militia and also served a short time the war of 1812.  He was a Whig in politics.  He filled several offices of trust in Windham Township, was an active member of the Congregational Church and a leader in Sabbath - school work for several years previous to his death, which occurred Dec. 19, 1844.  His widow still survives him.  The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 15, 1830, in Windham and still resides on the farm which has always been his home.  His father dying when he was but fourteen years of age his educational advantages were limited, but by reading and observation he has acquired an average education.  Having a taste for live-stock, he early became the possessor of some Shorthorn cattle and has gradually increased his herd till it is now one of the finest in the county, and he is considered one of the oldest cattle-breeders in the same, having made his start in 1852.  He has served in several of the minor township offices.  During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards, and served 100 days.  Since he was fourteen years of age he has been identified with the Congregational Church.  Feb. 16, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Irene Franklin, born in Lewis County, N. Y., July 2, 1833, daughter of Alonzo and Dianthia (Torrence) Franklin, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively, and early settlers of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the former of whom is now deceased.  To Mr. and Mrs. Rudd have been born four children: Willis A., Orton N., Emma S. and Ann D.
  Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 921
  Ravenna Twp. -
ALBERT G. RUSSELL
, carpenter and joiner, Ravenna, was born in 1822, in Nantucket, Mass., son of Capt. Reuben and Maria (Gardner) Russell, natives of Nantucket, and who came to Rootstown, this county, in 1847.  They are descendants of the renowned Tristam Coffin, the heroic pioneer of Nantucket.  They purchased a farm in Rootstown Township, this county, where they resided until 1873, when they located in Ravenna.  Capt. Russell, who had been a Captain of whaling vessels since about 1817, died July 2, 1875, aged seventy-five years.  His widow survives him at the advanced age of eighty-four, and is still in full possession of her faculties.  Our subject learned his trade at Nantucket, and came to this county with his parents at twenty-five years of age.  He married, Oct.  2, 1853, Miss Caroline Russell, also a native of Nantucket, who came to Ravenna in September, 1839, with her parents, Capt. George G. and Louisa W. (Wyer) Russell, who resided in Ravenna until their death.  She died in 1863, and he in 1865.  To Mr. and Mrs. Russell have been born two children: Maria Louis (deceased at nine years of age) and Fred A., an architect, now residing in Boston, Mass.  Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Russell have resided in Ravenna.  In 1853 he established a sash, door and blind factory, in partnership with his brother Reuben and Timothy Chase, retaining his connection with the establishment until 1853, since which time he has followed his trade. Mrs. Russell is a consistent member of the Congregational Church.  Mr. Russell is a life-long Republican, and takes a deep interest in public affairs; one of the most active and earnest workers on the Board of Health in this city.
  Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 847
  Brimfield Twp. -
EDWARD A. RUSSELL
, farmer, P. O. Brimfield, was born in Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., July 21, 1818; son of Edward and Love (Spencer) Russell, the former of whom, a native of Washington County, N. Y., died at our subject's residence in December, 1883, aged ninety-two years; the latter, a native of Rupert, Bennington Co., Vt., died on the old homestead in Brimfield Township, this county, in 1845.  The paternal grandfather of our subject was Capt. William Russell, a son of Ebenezer Russell, a native of Branford, Conn., whose ancestors settled there in 1660.  He wa the first Treasurer of Washington County, N. Y., and held the office of fifty consecutive years.  The maternal grandfather of our subject was Phineas Spencer, a native of Vermont, and a farmer by occupation.  The parents of our subject settled in Brimfield Township, this county, in 1829, on the farm now owned by William Kruger, which they cleared and improved.  They had eleven children: Phineas S., Martha L. (deceased), Edward A., Mary L. (deceased), William, John (deceased), Frank F., Delia M. (deceased), Eliza J. (Mrs. E. Osgood), Nancy S. and an infant (deceased).  Our subject was married, June 2, 1846, to Ann, daughter of John and Julia A. (Harris) Furry, formerly of Dutchess County, N. Y., who settled in Brimfield Township, this county, in 1817, and to this union were born five children:  Homer B., Albert E., Warren A., Merritt E. and Myra J. (twins).  Mrs. Russell died Nov. 24, 1884.  Our subject has always resided in Brimfield Township, this county, where he followed his trade, that of a wagonmaker, for eight years engaged in farming, and has resided on his present farm since 1855.  He is a Republican in politics, he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
  Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 614
  Suffield Twp. -
FRANKLIN P. RUSSELL, M. D., P. O. Suffield, was born Oct. 29, 1852, in Valparaiso, Ind., son of Newell Russell, a native of Aurora, this county, who married Miss Paulina Blakeslee, of Porter County, Ind.  They removed to Iowa and remained until 1860, when they located at Quincy, Ill.  Mr. Russell served three years in the army, after which he engaged in mining in the Western Territories and died at Denver, Colo., Nov. 5, 1874.  His wife died at Quincy, Ill., July 29, 1867, leaving the following children:  F. P.; Chester N., in Streetsboro, this county, Ohio; Agnes V. (Mrs. Seaton), Omaha; Lola L. (Mrs. Folger), of Akron, Ohio, and Charles Henry, of Streetsboro, Ohio.  Our subject came to this county when fifteen years of age, and in 1877 began the study of medicine under Dr. Belden, of Ravenna, taking the degree of M. D. at the University of Wooster, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1880.  After practicing nearly two years in Streetsboro, this county, he, in December, 1881, located at Suffield, this county, where he has built up for  himself a large and influential practice.  On May 13, 1880, the Doctor married Miss Lillie E. Tucker of Streetsboro, this county, and is the father of one daughter - Cora Leona.
  Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 907
  Franklin Twp. -
ISAAC RUSSELL, carpenter, Kent, was born in Woodbridge, New Haven Co., Conn., Feb. 12, 1810, son of Lemuel and Elizabeth (Hotchkiss) Russell.  When he was five years of age his parents removed to what is now Knox, Albany Co., N. Y., where he resided until seventeen years of age and received a limited education in the common schools.  In the fall of 1827 he came to Ohio, and located in what is now the village of Kent, where he has since resided and where he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, and occupation he has followed up to the present time. He has been twice married; first, in June, 1835, to Abigail, daughter of Ebenezer Fenton, of Manlius, N. Y.  The issue of this union was six children, four of whom grew to manhood and womanhood: Martha (Mrs. W. H. Palmer), Nelson, Darwood C. (deceased) and Frances A. (Mrs. W. H. Cole).  Our subject's present wife was Mrs. Mary M. Clark nee Lake, to whom he was married Nov. 9, 1889.  Mr. Russell has been a resident of what is now the village of Kent for fifty-seven years, and has filled several offices in the township, and the village of Kent.  He has been elected to the office of Justice of the Peace for seven consecutive terms, and was previously elected to serve an unexpired term; was also Mayor of Kent one term, and held other minor offices.  In politics, Mr. Russell has been a Republican since the organization of the party.
  Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 704
  Streetsboro Twp. -
LUTHER RUSSELL (deceased) born Nov. 9, 1801, in West Windsor, Conn., was descended from William Russell, who early emigrated from England.  His father, Return Russell, was born in West Windsor, Conn., Mar. 1, 1778.  His mother, Jerusha (Osborn) Russell, was born Dec. 20, 1780, in Connecticut.  They left their Connecticut home when our subject was a child and settled in Rodman, Jefferson Co., N. Y., whence they removed to Ohio in 1822.  They soon joined the Shaker Society near Cleveland and here lived, died and were buried.  Luther, the eldest of eleven children, remained in  Rodman to settle up his father's business.  The children were very fond of their father, who, physically, was large and well developed.  He was a genial, intelligent and agreeable.  He died Oct. 5, 1834.  They also reverenced their gentle and loving mother, who died Mar. 23, 1854, having lived a life of self-sacrifice.  Of the members of the family who joined the Shakers only two remain with the Society, the other members of the family living in different States, excepting Mrs. Nelson Phillips, of Cleveland, and Samuel S. Russell, of Mantua.  The latter was born May 14, 1807, and Sept. 15, 1840, he has chosen by the Shaker Society Presiding Elder, which position he filled satisfactorily until Aug. 19, 1858, when he withdrew, leaving a prosperous membership of about 200.  The interest he still maintains and the affection and confidence the Society has in him, are manifested by the many pressing invitations to return.  In 1867 he became a resident of Mantua, where he still survives, a worthy and respected citizen.  His estimable wife died Dec 26, 1883.  In June, 1823, Luther Russell came to Ohio and Mar. 13, 1828, he was married to Polly Russell, of Aurora Township, Portage Co., Ohio, born Mar. 25, 1806, in Chester, Mass., daughter of Samuel Russell, born Jan. 14, 1781, in West Windsor, Conn., and Hepsabeth (Ellsworth) Russell, born Aug. 30, 1785.  Her parents came to Aurora Township, this county, in 1811, after a long and toilsome journey on foot, horseback and in cart, and they were soon settled and contented in their new home in the Western Reserve.  Here they died, the father June 8, 1863, and the mother Feb. 6, 1837.  In 1830 Luther, with his wife, located on a farm in Streetsboro Township, this county, where they lived, toiled and endured such hardships as befall the early settlers of a new country, and in after years they took pleasure in relating to their children many incidents of pioneer life.  In his early life our subject was deprived of elaborate educational advantages, but during his mature years he devoted considerable time to study.  In politics he was a life-long Democrat, and took a deep interest in public affairs.  In 1845-46 he represented the county in the State Legislature.  For many years he filled the office of Justice of the Peace, acceptably not only to his own political party, but to his entire township.  In all his acts he aimed to be true to his convictions of truth and right.  Not finding satisfaction in the orthodox faith he espoused the cause of Spiritualism and was firm in the belief that this life would continue after death.  Happy in this belief he died Aug. 5, 1878, after an illness of fourteen months, during which he received the most devoted care at the hands of his family.  His children were Martin L., born Dec. 29, 1829, died July2, 1855; Cynthia M., born May 22, 1832, died Dec. 25, 1834; Sarah E., born June 3, 1834; Marion B., born Nov. 10, 1837, died Jan. 18, 1879; Helen M., born Nov. 16, 1841, married to Johnson J. Sadler, both deceased, former Nov. 28, 1881, latter May 19, 1882 (their daughter, Nellie Agnes, born Sept. 24, 1874, now resides with her grandmother, the widow of Luther Russell)Chester N., son of Newell Russell, was another orphan who found a home with Mr. Russell.  He was brought from Quincy, Ill., Apr. 28, 1864, at the age of nine years.  His father served in the late war and at the death of the mother, Laura Lola and Charles H. were brought to the same happy home of their brother - Chester N.  Laura Lola married Walter A. Folger, of Akron, Ohio.  Her sister Agnes V. is now Mrs. J. H. Seaton, residing in Omaha, Neb., and her eldest brother Frank P. is a physician in Suffield Township, this county.  A portrait of Luther Russell will be found elsewhere in this volume.
  Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 895
  Windham Twp. -
PHILIP RUSSELL, farmer, P. O. Windham, was born in Madison County, N. Y., Oct. 25, 1811, son of Philip and Nancy (Sanford) Russell natives of Connecticut and Madison County, N. Y., respectively.  They were parents of thirteen children, of whom seven are now living:  Nancy, Philip, William, Daniel, Madison, Webster and Delia, latter wife of Ira S. Cutts, of Windham Township, this county.  Philip Russell, Sr., a carpenter and joiner by trade, but by occupation a farmer, came to this county in 1815, and located in Nelson Township, but removed to Windham Township in 1822.  He died in Windham, July 1 1879, aged ninety-three years; his widow, Oct. 8, 1882.  Our subject early learned the carpenter and joiner trade, through farming has been his principal occupation.  He has been twice married, first to Sally E. Jagger, born Oct. 5, 1815, in Windham, who bore him six children:  Sarah E., Elmina, Alanson R., Augusta, Abby C. and Daniel J.  Mrs. Russell died in April, 1877, and on May 3, 1881, Mr. Russell married Margaret Owen, born in Ontario, Canada, June 20, 1857, daughter of Anson and Antoinette (Bliss) Owen, natives of Portage County, Ohio, and New York, respectively.  Mr. Russell is an energetic, enterprising and successful farmer, having his farm under a high state of cultivation.  He takes deep interest in all public improvements, and has filled several offices of trust in the township.  In politics he has ever been a Republican.
  Source:
History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 922
  Mantua Twp. -
SAMUEL S. RUSSELL
, retired coal dealer, Mantua, was born May 14, 1807, in Jefferson County, N. Y.; son of Return and (Jerusha) Osborn Russell, natives of West Windsor, Conn., who removed to New York at an early day, thence to near Cleveland, in Warnersville Township, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, in 1822, where they lived and died.  They were parents of eleven children, seven of whom are still living: Edward A.; Samuel S.; Rachel A. (a maiden lady residing with the society of Shakers); Robert E., in Iowa; Mary A. (Mrs. Philips), in Glenville; William H., in California; Sanford H. (a widower).  Our subject was married Apr. 1, 1860, to Adeline H., daughter of Elijah Russell, who died Dec. 26, 1883, without issue.  Mr. Russell was formerly a Shaker, and filled all the prominent offices in that society.  He resided for a time in Wisconsin, where he was Justice of the Peace, but removed to this county in 1866, and is now one of the leading citizens of Mantua.  He has an adopted son, George S. Russell, a photographer, married to Loretta Kyle, by whom he has two children.  Our subject is a Republican in politics, and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln.
  Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 767
  Franklin Twp. -
YALE RUSSELL
, farmer, P. O. Kent, was born in Russell, Mass., Mar. 10, 1802, son of Richard and Sarah (Yale) Russell, natives of Connecticut, of English descent.  Our subject was reared on the farm until seventeen years of age, after which he worked at wagon-making for three years of Chatham, N. Y.  He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed twelve years.  In 1824 he came to Ohio, and settled at Franklin Mills (now Kent), where he worked at his trade ten years.  The year of his settlement he purchased the farm where he now resides and on which he has lived since 1834.  He was married Apr. 7, 1834, to Lucy, daughter of Joshua and Rebecca (Woodin) Woodard, of Kent, by whom he had five children:  Cornelia (Mrs. Cornelius Latimer), in Westfield, Ohio; Darwin, in Michigan; Wilson H.; Celestia (Mrs.. Lemuel Reed) and Sarah, deceased.  Mrs. Russells father served through the war of 1812 with the rank of General.  Darwin, the eldest son of our subject, was in the late war, a member of One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Wilson H., the second son, resides on the old homestead farm with his parents.  He was married Oct. 6, 1875, to Ella, daughter of J. T. King, of Kent, by whom he has two children:  Myrtle and Lottie.  Our subject comes of a long-lived race, his father having lived to be upward of seventy-five years, his mother to be ninety-nine years and ten months old.  Mr. Russell is now eighty-three, and is hale and hearty.  He and is wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Kent.  In politics he was formerly a Whig, but has been a stanch supporter of the Republican party since its organization.  He has filled several offices in the township with credit.
  Source: History of Portage County, Ohio - Vol. 2 - by Warner, Beers & Co. - 1885 - Page 704

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