Biographies

Source:
History of Summit County,
with an outline sketch of Ohio
Edited by William Henry Perrin.
Illustrated.
Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers,
186 Dearborn Street
1881

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Boston Twp. - FREDERICK B. WADHAMS, farmer; P. O. Hudson; was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1804.  He is a son of Seth and Lucy (Davis) Wadhams.  His mother died when he was about 2 years old, and his father subsequently married her sister. His father died, leaving five sons and one daughter.  Frederick, who was but 4 years of age, lived with his step-mother until he was 16 years old, and then went to live with Gen. Abernethy, at Torrington, Conn., with whom he remained until he attained his majority, working in the mercantile business.  In the fall of 1825, he went to South Carolina, and was in the employ of Wadkins & Birge for six years, in the mercantile trade, having charge of one of their stores, located at Lawrence. After severing his connection with them, he engaged in business for himself there, peddling dry goods and notions, at which he continued for five years, meeting with good success.  He then returned to Connecticut, where he was married, September, 1830, to Miss Cornelia Phelps.  He then bought the Mansion House, of Litchfield, which he owned for several years, but which proved an unfortunate investment, and in 1835, he started for Ohio, with but little money, but rich in hope, perseverance, industrious habits and good business qualifications.  He located in Boston Township, purchasing 150 acres of timbered land at $16 per acre, borrowing most of the money to pay for it.  Mr. Wadhams has resided in the township from that day to the present time, and has been so largely engaged in various enterprises that our space will hardly afford a complete history. His farm at present comprises about 400 acres of as fine land as there is in the township, with superior improvements in buildings, and with a location unequaled for a commanding view of the landscape for miles around, together with good drainage, and a stone quarry of superior grade; he has also engaged in dairying.  His business transactions for many years were extensive.  He interested himself largely in the lumber trade, during which he ran saw-mills, cooper shops, canal-boats, etc.; he also owned at one time about 1,400 acres of laud, and has done much to promote the prosperity of the township.  Beginning life as he did, without money, it is a great source of satisfaction for him to review his past life, and reflect that to his perseverance, honesty of purpose, and industry alone, is due all of his well-deserved prosperity.  He was married again, Sept. 16, 1846, to Miss Jane Jones, who was born in New York in 1816, and is a daughter of Bees and Jane (Wright) Jones, early settlers of Northampton, in which township history a sketch of them appears.  Her grandfather Wright was also one of Northampton's pioneers.  Mr. and Mrs. Wadhams have three children—George, Ellen and Charles, all at home.  Mr. Wadhams has a son, Frederick B., by his former wife, living in Cleveland.  The Wadhams family are of English descent, tracing the line back to 1680, and were the founders of Wadhams College, in England. History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio - Edited by William Henry Perrin. - Illustrated. - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 - Page 904

Richfield Twp. - HENRY C. WADHAMS,  retired farmer; P. O. West Richfield; was born in Litchfield Co., Goshen, Conn., Jan. 15, 1802. His parents, Seth and Lucy (Davis) Wadhams, were both natives of Connecticut; his father was a merchant in Goshen, and died in 1808; his mother departed this life the year previous (1807).  After the death of his parents, Henry went to live with an uncle, with whom he remained until he attained his majority, working upon a farm.  He then started for Ohio, coming with Frederick Baldwin, in a one-horse wagon; they reached Hudson, where Baldwin stopped, and our subject came on to Richfield, where his brother, William S., and many old Connecticut acquaintances were located.  He reached Richfield in 1823, and bought a farm, upon which he lived until 1844, when he sold out to Schuyler Oviatt, and moved to West Richfield and engaged in the mercantile business with H. B. Pomeroy, with whom he continued one year.  In 1850, he went to California, where he remained five years, engaged in mining and keeping a public house. He then returned to West Richfield, where he has since resided, retired from active life.  He was married, March 23, 1825, to Miss Eunice Layton; she was a daughter of John and Eunice Layton, natives of New York, and residents of Ontario Co.; she was born in Ontario Co., May 5, 1805.  Their children are as follows: Louisa Bigelow, living in Michigan; Mandana M. Mansur, died in Hudson; Destine A., was educated at Mt. Holyoke, Mass., and died while teaching at Knoxville, Ill.; Clarentine, died at the age of 8 years; Eunice Carr, living in Cleveland; Henry P., a resident of Cleveland—he is the senior partner in the firm of H. P. Wadhams & Co., engaged in investments, securities, and brokers in stocks, grain, provisions, etc.  Mr. Wadhams, while a resident of Richfield Township, has served as Constable about seventeen years, and as Deputy Treasurer for twenty-five years.  He has been identified in many acts for the improvement of the township, and is a respected and progressive citizen. Source: History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio Edited by William Henry Perrin. Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 ~ Page 1012

Copley Twp.- WILLIAM WAGGONER, farmer; P. O. Copley Center; was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., Nov. 13, 1829, and is one of the following family born to William and Catharine (Spahr) Waggoner; Andrew (dead), Christina (dead), Anna, Almira, Peter (dead), and Amanda and Matilda, twins (dead).  In 1835, our subject and parents came to Copley Township, Summit Co., Ohio, and their first settlement was on Pigeon Creek.  They remained here in a log cabin one year and then removed to Lot 38, about a mile south of the Center.  Mr. Waggoner has at different times served in the capacity of stone mason, but at the time of his second removal in Copley Township, up to the time of his death, his chosen occupation was coopering.  Our subject lived with his parents until he was 20 years of age, and then went to Akron and learned the bricklayer's trade, which he has followed to a considerable extent since during the summer seasons and teaching school during the winter.  In April, 1857, he married Ann B. Stearn, and he and wife went to Iowa, where they remained seven years he was working at his trade.  In 1864, they returned to Copley Township, where our subject has made his home ever since.  Mrs. Waggoner died Nov. 15, 1863.  In December, 1863, he enlisted his services in his country's behalf, and served until the close of the war, participating in the battles of Franklin, Nashville and many others.  At the close of the war he went to Akron to work at his trade until he married Lydia A. Randolph.  This event took place Mar. 4, 1869.  They then moved to Copley.  Mr. Waggoner owns 96 acres of land; is a Republican in politics, and is highly esteemed by those who know him. History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio - Edited by William Henry Perrin. - Illustrated. - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 - Page 1038

Copley Twp. - PETER WEEKS (deceased), was born in Gilmanton, N. H., Jan. 29, 1793.  He was one in the following family born to John and Hannah (Moody), Celestia, Matthias and Mary, the youngest being the only surviving member of the family.  Peter remained with his parents at the place of his birth until about the age of 25, and then, in company with Abel Bennett, moved westward, locating in Wadsworth, Medina Co., Ohio.  They were among the earliest setters of that neighborhood, and coming as they did, with their knowledge of the carpenter and joiner business, they proved a valuable addition to the settlement.  Two years after his arrival in Wadsworth, Mr. Weeks' two brothers, Levitt and Moody, arrived, and the three brothers then formed a partnership in the carpentering business, the firm taking the name of Weeks Bros., and this firm erected nearly all the buildings of Wadsworth prior to 1832.  In November, 1821, Peter Weeks and Alathea Taylor were united in marriage.  This lady died, and his second wife was Catharine Francisco, daughter of Henry Francisco, and by her had three children, as follows - Alathea, born Nov. 1, 1863, died in infancy; Martha L., June 1, 1866, died June 16, 1878, and Charles P., born Sept. 1, 1870.  Besides his own family, Mr. Weeks reared three of Levitt's children, who were left motherless when quite small, and two of Moody's children, who were left orphans in childhood.  Mr. Weeks came to Copley Township in 1832, locating on Lot No. 23.  He was hard-working, industrious man.  He was kind and sympathetic in his family duties, and always gentlemanly and courteous in his intercourse with neighbors.  He early in life identified himself with the Disciples' Church, and in his religious duties, was always prompt.  He came to Ohio with no property, but by honest and upright dealings left 500 acres of excellent land at his death.  In 1872, he commenced suffering with heart disease, which finally terminated in his death Nov. 2, 1873.  On his 80th birthday, friends to the number of one hundred gathered in to celebrate the event, and, in his latter hours, Mr. Weeks recalled this scene with a happy heart to think he had so many friends who ere so much interested in his welfare.  But thus it is, one by one the old landmarks are fast fading away, but the hope of the present generation is to record the events of these old pioneers that in years to come their names and deeds will not be forgotten, but treasured up, and, in after years, prove an honor to their families. History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio - Edited by William Henry Perrin. - Illustrated. - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 - Page 1037

Bath Twp. - JOSEPH F. WHITCRAFT, Bath; John Whitcraft, the father of this gentleman, was born in Fayette Co., Penn., in 1797.  While he was yet a small boy his parents removed to Jefferson Co., Ohio, and from there, after a few years, to Stark county.  Here his youth and early manhood was passed, his education being such as the log schoolhouse afforded.  He was united in marriage in 1823 to Miss Eleanor Harkins, a native of Westmoreland Co., Penn., where she was born in 1800.  Her parents had removed from the Keystone State to Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1813.  Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Whitcraft took up their residence in Stark County, where they resided until their removal to Bath Township, this county, in 1832.  The year previous Mr. Whitcraft had come to the township and purchased 82½ acres of land.  He did some clearing and erected a log cabin, in which the family moved upon their arrival.  The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitcraft, viz., William, Thomas, Hugh, Samuel, Joseph F., Esther, John, Silas, Nancy and Eleanor, seven of whom are yet living.  Mr. Whitcraft was a prominent and respected citizen, and held during his lifetime many positions of honor and trust.  He was renowned for his strict business principles, integrity, and readiness to promote the public good.  This good man and pioneer departed this life in 1842.  His wife survives him at the advanced age of 81 years.  She has a very retentive memory and is as smart and active as many ladies at 50.  Joseph F. Whitcraft was born Sept. 22, 1830, in Stark Co., Ohio.  His early education was limited, being confined to such as could be obtained in the log-cabin schoolhouse.  He was but 12 years of age at the time of his father's death, and he remained at home helping to care for the younger members of the family until he was of age.  He then took charge of the farm, which he resided upon until four years ago, when he came to Hammond's Corners and engaged in mercantile pursuits.  He was united in marriage to Miss Adaline A. Miller, Mar. 22, 1855.  This lady was born in Richfield Township, this county, June 20, 1834, and is the daughter of Moses C. and Anna (Compton) Miller, who were among the first settlers of this county.  Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitcraft, four of whom are yet living, viz., Clara B., Jennie E., Mariam I. and Sigel B.  The deceased were named Cora E. and Sherman.  Mr. Whitcraft  is a stanch Republican and is Postmaster at the "Corners."  He has held positions of honor and trust, and is highly spoken of as an official.  He was a delegate to the Kent Convention i 1855, and voted for James A. Garfield for State Senator.  He is a pleasant courteous gentleman and one of the county's best citizens. History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio - Edited by William Henry Perrin. - Illustrated. - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 - Page 1025

Springfield Twp.  - ABIA WHITE, farmer; P. O. Mogadore; son of Jacob and Rachel (Brittain) White, was born in Luzerne Co., Penn., Oct. 18, 1816.  His father and mother were natives of New England, and settled in Luzerne Co. in an early day. In 1824, his father moved to Summit Co., and settled on a farm, afterward moving on another of 150 acres near North Springfield.  He died on May, 25, 1858, and his wife on April 8, 1855, aged 76.  At the age of 21, our subject learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked a few years, and then turned his attention to farming, which business he still engages in.  On Feb. 21, 1844, he was married to Martha Hagenbaugh, daughter of Christian Hagenbaugh, of Medina Co., of which marriage there were five children, four deceased.  The only child, Milo, is living on his father's farm.  Mr. and Mrs. White are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Mr. White has always voted the Republican ticket. History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio - Edited by William Henry Perrin. - Illustrated. - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 - Page 919

Northampton Twp. - WILLIAM H. WILLIAMSON, farmer and dairyman; P. O. Akron; was born in Orange Co., N. Y., Aug. 7, 1829.  He is a son of Palmer and Amy (Horton) Williamson, natives of New York, who were parents of the following family: Mary F., William H., Bradner, Susan, Jane, Alveretta and Julius O. Bradner, Jane and Alveretta are dead.  The father was a farmer.  In 1831, he emigrated Westward, where he had friends, and to better his circumstances.  He first located in Tallmadge Township, Summit Co., Ohio, on the Demmick farm, renting that two years.  He then purchased the Isaac Gaylord farm. In 1835, he sold that place and went to Stow, where he has ever since resided.  His wife died Sept. 27, 1879.  William H. lived on the old place and worked his father's farm, excepting three years, until he was 31 years of age.  He was married Nov. 15, 1860, to Mariette, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Chapman) Stark, and to this union were born the following family: George B., born Aug. 18, 18G1; Amy H., Feb. 20, 1863; Emily, born Nov. 13, 1865, and Frank P., born Dec. L 1872, died Oct. 18, 1878.  Mrs. Williamson was born in Stow Township June 7, 1838.  After his marriage, Mr. Williamson farmed in Stow Township eight years and Hudson Township one year.  He then came to Northampton and located on his present place, where he has since remained.  He owns a fine farm of 166 acres.  Is a stanch Republican in politics, and his wife is a member of the Disciples' Church. History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio - Edited by William Henry Perrin. - Illustrated. - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 - Page 863

Portage Twp. - GEORGE H. WISE, (deceased); born Nov. 10, 1800, in Longstown, Union Co., Penn., a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Seibald) Wise, whose children were John, Jacob, Henry, William, George, Christopher, Daniel, Mary and Abram. Henry Wise came West about the year 1812; John, his son, served in the war of 1812; Henry Wise settled in Lake Township when the country was new, remaining upon the place of his settlement until his death, which took place in 1839.  George H. was raised a farmer; about the year 1820, was married to Catharine Wise, who was born May 11, about the year 1803, daughter of David and Catharine (Denious) Wise; he was a son of Frederick and Catharine, who came from Germany and were sold to pay their passage.  The parents of Mrs. Wise came West when she was but 9 years of age, settling in Stark Co., where they remained until their death.  To them were born Betsy, Polly, Catharine, Barbara, John, Sarah, Nancy and David; of those living are David, John and Mrs. Wise.  For a time after the marriage of Mr. Wise, he located in Greentown, where he kept tavern and carried on the butchering business; was a carpenter by trade at which he worked in the early part of his life.  In 1860, came to the township and purchased 349 acres of land, upon which he lived until his death which occurred Aug. 22, 1880; was father of thirteen children who were Jacob, Elizabeth, Sarah, Harriet. Lydia, Eliza, Washington, Jefferson, Wesley, Emma J., Melissa J., Washington and Nettie D. Wesley was born Nov. 1, 1838, died Dec. 25, 1862; married Clarissa Pryor, born in October, 1843. in Northampton, daughter of Samuel S., and Aura Everet.  The Pryors were from Vermont, and the Everets from Germany.  Mr. Wise has three children—Mary, Addie and Freddie; there are 312 acres in the estate. Source: History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio Edited by William Henry Perrin. Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 ~ Page 822

Copley Twp.- GEORGE W. WISE (deceased).  A native of Summit County, and a prominent and influential citizen of Wadsworth, Medina County, for many years; born in Green Township Nov. 17, 1828, and died Dec. 28, 1879.  He moved to Medina County when a young man, and purchased a farm near Wadsworth; was so engaged in business at that place.  He erected a number of building in the village, among which were the schoolhouse and Odd Fellows Block.  He served as township Trustee, was chosen to other minor offices, and elected Commissioner of Medina County; was connected with various societies, among which were the Masons, Odd Fellows, Good Templars and Knights of Honor.  In April, 1871, he moved to Michigan with his family and located in Isabella Co., being one of the pioneer settlers of Wise Township, which was named in his honor.  He served there as Justice of the Peace and Tax Collector; was engaged in the lumber business and kept a store.  For about twenty years he was a partner with E. G. Loomis, both at Wadsworth and in Michigan.  Mr. Wise was married, June 1, 1861, to Miss Electa M. Pettibone; they were the parents of three children - George Grant, born Dec. 16, 1865; Nettie P., born Aug. 18, 1868, and William Dennison, born June 4, 1870.  After Mr. Wise's death, the family returned to Summit Co., and now reside in Copley Township.  Mrs. Wise is the daughter of Dennison and Jane (Barber) Pettibone.  The Pettibones are of French descent, their ancestors having left France during the Revolution, and after staying in England a few years removed to America.  Dennison was born Oct. 22, 1807, in Hartford, Conn.; the son of Norman and Amelia (Whitmore) Pettibone;  he was married Feb. 26, 1834, to Jane Barber, who was born Nov. 6, 1816.  After residing in Norton Township over thirty years,  Dennison died, Jan. 18, 1872, leaving four children - Pamelia, now Mrs. Colbetzor, of Copley; Electa M., now Mrs. G. W. Wise; Phebe Ellen, now now Mrs. Albert Beach, and Jared B., of Akron. History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio - Edited by William Henry Perrin. - Illustrated. - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 - Page 1038

City of Akron - J. H. WISE, deceased, was a native of Green Township, Summit Co., Ohio.  He was born Mar. 24, 1821.  His father, George H. Wise, was a merchant of Greentown.  Our subject was raised in his native township Dec. 14, 1853.  He married Miss Catharine Middlekauff a native of Hagerstown, Washington Co., Md.  At the time of the marriage, and for five years thereafter, he was engaged in the mercantile business in Greentown, with his brother-in-law.  In 1868, he sold out his interest in the business and came to Akron, superintending the farm he had bought just north of the city.  In 1861, he engaged as agent for the United States Express Company at Akron, and continued in that employ for four years, and next clerked in the Buckeye Works; he was interested in the Buckeye Works; he was interested in and became Secretary and Treasurer of the Akron Straw Board Company, but sold his interest after one year, after which he served as assignee for a number of concerns.  By the marriage, there were three children, all since deceased.  Their son, W. W., was Quartermaster of Co. L, 2d O. V. I., and died in the service of his country at Ft. Scott, Kan.  Mr. Wise died Mar. 30, 1877.  Mrs. Wise has continued her residence in the old homestead in Akron. History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio - Edited by William Henry Perrin. - Illustrated. - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 - Page 798

Green Twp. - SAMUEL WISE, farmer; P. O. Summit; born in Union Co., Penn., July 3, 1818; was the youngest son of Peter and Elizabeth (Vonieda) Wise; Samuel received a knowledge of the common branches in the schools of Pennsylvania; he was early apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in Union Co.; in 1842, he removed to Green Township, and for six months worked for Phillip Seecht, who kept a shop at Greensburg.  He was married, Oct. 22, 1843, to Miss Catharine Raber, daughter of Henry and Rosannah (Suder) Raber; he then farmed his father-in-law's land on shares for several years, until he purchased the farm of Mr. Raber; he also bought some land of Daniel Evans, and owns at the present time 143 acres; was the father of nine children, three died in infancy, six are living—Rosannah, now Mrs. George Hinland, of Akron; Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Chamberlain, of Springfield Township; Sarah, now Mrs. Edward McChesney, of Springfield Township; Aaron, now residing on the farm with his father, and married some five years since to Miss Mary Miller, of Union Co., Penn.; Lovina, now Mrs. Huston Kreighbaum, of Green Township; and Catherine Jane, now at home with her father; Mrs. Wise died Feb. 1, 1867.  Samuel Wise when a young man united with the Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania; since moving to Green Township, he has been connected with the Reformed congregation at East Liberty, in which society he was an Elder for some two years.  His wife was also a member of this denomination.  Samuel has frequently been chosen to serve in several minor offices in the township; his present brick residence was built about the year 1855; a short time previous to this, his home was destroyed by fire. History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio - Edited by William Henry Perrin. - Illustrated. - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 - Page 996

Copley Twp. - JOHN WYLIE, farmer, P. O. Akron; was born in Washington Co., Penn., Dec. 25, 1809, and is the only child of John and Sarah (Hewitt) Wylie.  When 3 years of age, John's parents died and he then went to live in Stark Co., Ohio, with his uncle, Henry Everhard, who was appointed his guardian.  His uncle was the owner of a mill, and young Wylie was reared to the milling trade; he received a good common-school education, and when he became of age, commenced milling, which business he followed many years afterward.  In September, 1833, he married Ruemma Gaff, daughter of James Gaff, and by her had six children - Amanda, died in infancy; Sarah J.; Elizabeth, died in childhood; Paul, dead; Theron G. and Minerva.  After his marriage, Mr. Wylie carried on the milling business in Springfield, and Coventry Townships, in Summit Co., Ohio, until 1855.  He then discontinued milling and removed to Lot 16, in Copley Township, same county, and has made that his home ever since.  His son Paul served with distinction in the late war as Color Bearer in Company H, 104th O. V. I.  He served three years and was in a number of engagements.  Mrs. Wylie died Apr. 14, 1859; Mr. Wylie's second wife is Jane Ayers, widow of Orin H. Ayers, who had one son, Melvin, by Mr. Ayers.  This son was one of the brave boys in the 6th Ohio Battery that gave such efficient service.  He finally died of disease at Chattanooga Tenn.  Mr. Wylie is a stanch Republican in his political views, and is an honorable, upright man in every respect. History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio - Edited by William Henry Perrin. - Illustrated. - Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street - 1881 - Page 1038