OHIO STATEWIDE FILES OH-FOOTSTEPS Mailing List Issue 313 *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** OH-FOOTSTEPS-D Digest Volume 00 : Issue 313 Today's Topics: #1 Bio - 1885 - Portage Co, OH, Palmy [Betty Ralph ] #3 Bio - 1885 - Portage Co, OH, Palmy [Betty Ralph ] #4 Bio - 1885 - Portage Co, OH, Paris [Betty Ralph ] Administrivia: To unsubscribe from OH-FOOTSTEPS-D, send a message to OH-FOOTSTEPS-D-request@rootsweb.com that contains in the body of the message the command unsubscribe and no other text. No subject line is necessary, but if your software requires one, just use unsubscribe in the subject, too. ______________________________ ------------------------------ X-Message: #1 Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2000 10:29:30 -0500 From: Betty Ralph To: OH-FOOTSTEPS-L@rootsweb.com Message-Id: <2.2.32.20001024152930.009a7510@HiWAAY.net> Subject: Bio - 1885 - Portage Co, OH, Palmyra # 2 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Bios: Diver, Evans, Gillingham, Jenkins - Portage County, Ohio, from "History of Portage County, Ohio" published by Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885 ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net GEORGE R. DIVER, a member of the firm of Carson & Diver, Palmyra, was born in Deerfield Township, this county, September 12, 1865. His father, Orison, was also a native of Deerfield Township, born August 20, 1829, the youngest son of John and Christena (Hartzell) Diver. At the death of his father, Orison Diver accepted his responsibilities, became proprietor of the "Diver House," and attended to the transportation of mails between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. He was twice married, first to Samantha Mowen, who died one year after marriage, leaving one child named Manty, who died at the age of five years and seven months. His second marriage was with Sarah Gross, by whom he had one child - George R., our subject. He was a man of sound moral worth, widely and favorably know. He died September 21, 1877, and his widow is now the wife of D.D. Carson. Our subject received school advantages, and, possessing business ability, engaged in the livery business at Deerfield, this county. This he subsequently disposed of and in May, 1884, formed the present copartnership. The firm carry a general stock of goods, and enjoy a lucrative trade. E.M. EVANS, Postmaster, Palmyra, is a native of Wales, where he was born in 1837. He emigrated to the United States in July, 1866, and came to Chicago, and on recovering from a three months' sickness he left for Milwaukee, where he worked at his trade as cabinet-maker until the spring of 1868. He then removed to Arena, Iowa Co., Wis., where he conducted a furniture store. In 1869 he was licensed to preach by the Welsh Baptist Church of Ridgeway, Iowa Co., Wis., where he held membership. In the fall of 1871 he was called to supply the Welsh Baptist Church in the settlement near Oshkosh, Wis. In the spring of 1882 he came to Chicago and held a position in the retail department of A.H. Andrews & Co. In the fall of 1882 the Welsh Baptist Church of Frostburg, Md., extended him a call, and he was ordained to the ministry by said church in December, 1883. While in Frostburg he published a volume of his compositions in the Welsh language, including prose and poetry, which volume had an extensive sale, and has been used by the Welsh Sabbath-schools of the United States for recitations in their anniversaries and exhibitions. For the sake of arranging his business affairs in the West, Mr. Evans resigned his charge of the church in Frostburg, and when he was about to depart from his people they presented him with a beautiful gold watch valued at $140. After his visit to Wisconsin he returned to Johnstown, Penn., where he had accepted a call from the Welsh Baptist Church. The church being crippled by a strike of seven months, and the panic of 1873 and 1874, Mr. Evans concluded to accept the call of the Baptist Church of Paris, Portage Co., Ohio. He came to Paris in the fall of 1875, and while there he was invited to Palmyra by the Baptist friends there to reorganize the church and to repair the old church building that had been abandoned for many years. He soon found the two charges and preaching once in Palmyra and twice in Paris every Sabbath too much of a task, so he concluded to relinquish his charge of the church in Paris, and in 1877 he opened a drug store in Palmyra and in the same year he was appointed Postmaster at Palmyra, which position he has acceptably filled since that time. He was without means when he came to this country, but by close economy, integrity and perseverance has accumulated a good home and substantial business. Mr. Evans was married in 1879 to Miss Elizabeth V. Evans, a native of Palmyra, Ohio. Their living children and John V. and Alfred D. Mr. Evans devotes all his spare time to his ministerial duties. THOMAS EVANS, proprietor of saloon and restaurant, came to Palmyra, this county, in June, 1879, and was engaged in the mines about one year, when he struck a coal shaft and opened a bank which he sold to a profit. Subsequently he opened a saloon, in which business he has since been actively engaged. He erected his present structure in 1882, where he carries a large stock of liquors, wines, cigars, etc., and has a pool table in connection with his place. He has been successful in this business. Mr. Evans is a native of Wales, where he was born in 1852, and is a son of George and Ellen Evans. He was married in his native land in 1878, to Miss Eliza Griffith, by whom he has three children: Arthur, David G. and Mary Ellen. He is a member of the K. of P. He numbers among the active business men of this place. H.H. GILLINGHAM, Superintendent Hutson Coal Company, Diamond, was born in Deerfield Township, this county, November 21, 1856, and is a son of John W. and Mary A. Gillingham, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Mahoning County, Ohio. They were the parents of six children, all of whom are now living, viz.: Elizabeth, wife of F.J. Powell; Samuel O.; Reuben; Hiram H.; Delia A. and Charles E. The family settled in Deerfield Township, this county, in 1854, where they have since made their home. The subject of this sketch was married in Deerfield Township in 1880, to Miss May O. Vaughan, a native of Robinson, Ill. One son - Willie D. - has been born to this union. Mr. Gillingham and Mr. Hutson sunk the shaft for the coal bank in August, 1883, since which time Mr. Gillingham has assumed the superintendency, and enjoys an interest in the concern. He is a F.&A.M. As a citizen he is highly esteemed. WILLIAM JENKINS, M.D., Diamond, was born in Treforest, Wales, 1852, a son of Thomas and Ann (Jones) Jenkins. His father, who was a clergyman, come to the United States in 1863, and after locating at various places he settled in Waterville, N.Y., where he presides in the pulpit of the Congregational Church. The subject of this sketch was married in Delaware County, in 1875, to Mary E. Thomas, by whom he has the following children now living: Mary A. and Thomas S. Mr. Jenkins received his collegiate education in the University at Delaware, where he graduated in the class of 1876. He attended two courses of lectures at the Howard University of Boston, Mass., and graduated at the Columbus Medical College in 1881. His brother, Dr. Jenkins, of Plain City, Madison Co., Ohio, was his preceptor, from whom he received all the advantages for his studies. He subsequently became assistant to Dr. Hamilton, in the college at Columbus, with whom he was connected until he came to this place in May, 1884. Dr. Jenkins has built up a rapid and increasing practice, and is well established in the hearts of the people and all who know him. He is a consistent member of the Congregational Church, an honored member of the Masonic fraternity. ______________________________ ------------------------------ X-Message: #3 Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2000 14:04:16 -0500 From: Betty Ralph To: OH-FOOTSTEPS-L@rootsweb.com Message-Id: <2.2.32.20001024190416.0074c1c0@HiWAAY.net> Subject: Bio - 1885 - Portage Co, OH, Palmyra # 3 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Bios: Mason, Merwin, Scott, Seedhouse, Smith - Portage County, Ohio, from "History of Portage County, Ohio" published by Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885 ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net O.B. MASON, merchant, Diamond, was born in Marlborough, Stark Co., Ohio, March 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, by whom he has two living children: Frank, born June, 1871, and Dawn, born August 24, 1884. 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. JACOB SCOTT, farmer, P.O. Diamond, one of the oldest native residents of Palmyra Township, was born on the homestead farm in 1834, and is a son of Alexander and Christian (Bean) Scott. His father was a native of Ireland and a son of Robert Scott, who settled in Miffin County, Penn., in 1800, where he lived to the close of his life. Alex. Scott is the oldest living pioneer of Palmyra Township, having passed his ninety-first birthday. His estimable wife died in September, 1872, the mother of twelve children, eight of whom are now living: John, Nancy, Mary, Alexander, Robert, Jacob, Roswell and Margaret. The subject of this sketch was first married to Miss Sarah J. McElvey, who died, leaving one child - Sarah J. - wife of A.V. Lewis. He was married on second occasion, in 1865, to Miss Mary A., daughter of William Stewart (deceased), who was born in County Down, Ireland, in November, 1802, immigrated to this country and settled in Palmyra Township, in 1832. In 1837 he married Rebecca Gilbert, and soon after settled on the farm where he and his respected wife passed the remainder of lifes' journey, and which is still occupied by his children. Mr. Scott's farming lands in Palmyra Township and in Milton cover 147 acres. In the spring of 1884 he erected his present commodious residence at Diamond. He is a member of the Grange. EDWARD SEEDHOUSE, proprietor of saloon and restaurant, Palmyra, is a native of England, where he was born in 1833. In 1866 he came to America, and was engaged in the coal mines in Pennsylvania. While there he met and married Sarah Lemm, who died in Pennsylvania. His second marriage was with Nora Anna Stone, by whom he has two sons and two daughters: Joseph, Harriet (wife of William Bailey), William and Mary A. (wife of Richard Davis). Mr. Seedhouse came to Palmyra in 1882, and opened his present place, where he conducts a prosperous business. As a citizen he sustains a good reputation. W.G. SMITH, M.D., Palmyra, was born in New Wilmington, Lawrence Co., Penn, July 11, 1854, and is the eldest son of Samuel and Sarah (Banks) Smith, who were the parents of eight children, all of whom are now living: W.G., Robert, Ella S., Maggie E., Eddie, Edith, Ida and Samuel A. His father was a farmer and died at New Wilmington, Penn., in 1875. The subject of this sketch received his primary education in his native place, and there served as clerk in the postoffice, and also secured five years' experience in the drug business. During a greater portion of this time he studied medicine under the direction of Dr. A.C. Pettit. He was sober, industrious and frugal, securing means through his own exertions with which to educate himself. In September, 1875, he entered Miami Medical College, graduating in the class of 1877. In May of the same year he located in Palmyra. Though a stranger without means and in competition with old practitioners, from the first success attended his efforts, and his calls have been continuously increasing, until now he controls the largest practice in and about the township. He is a member of Portage County, Ohio State Medical Societies. Is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor was married, October 26, 1879, to Mary A., Force, born in Palmyra, this county, March 12, 1862, daughter of David and Abigail P. Force, latter of whom died of heart and lung trouble at her residence in Palmyra, February 24, 1885. One child - Willie - is the living issue of this union ______________________________ ------------------------------ X-Message: #4 Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2000 18:26:14 -0500 From: Betty Ralph To: OH-FOOTSTEPS-L@rootsweb.com Message-Id: <2.2.32.20001024232614.0074d12c@HiWAAY.net> Subject: Bio - 1885 - Portage Co, OH, Paris # 1 of 1 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Bios: Hawley, Leonard - Portage County, Ohio, from "History of Portage County, Ohio" published by Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885 ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ELIJAH HAWLEY, farmer, P.O. Newton Falls, Trumbull Co., Ohio, is the oldest living resident of Paris Township, this county, and was born near his present residence October 11, 1815; son of Chauncy and Mercy (Selby) Hawley, natives of Massachusetts, the former born March 24, 1780, the latter March 24, 1786. Chauncy Hawley was reared and educated in his native State, and there married May 27, 1808. He was a hatter by trade, at which he worked in connection with farming. In 1815 he with his family came to Paris Township, this county, where he resided till his death, which occurred June 17, 1846. His widow died June 18, 1875. Of their six children the following survive: Elijah; Eliza, widow of Joseph Brown; and Urania, wife of M.M. Seymour. Elijah Hawley left home when seventeen years of age and began working at the trade of cabinet-making, but gave it up after three months, and served an apprenticeship at carpentering, at which he worked many years. In 1842 he married Jane, daughter of Thomas and Anna (Sefton) Stewart, by whom he had six children, five now living: Henry, Miles, Charles, William and George. Our subject at his marriage had but little capital, and his first purchase of land was twelve acres, which he paid for by building a house for Stephen Bingham. The result of his industry is 380 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Hawley was successful in architecture and bridge building, and was author of a design for a substantial wooden bridge. He has held several township offices; was first Assessor of Paris Township. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN LEONARD (deceased) was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, March 8, 1815; son of George and Margaret (Hoffman) Leonard, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. George Leonard, who was reared, educated and married in Washington County, Penn., was a farmer and also a carpenter and joiner. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. On coming to Ohio he first settled in Mahoning County, as did his parents. He then moved to Paris Township, this county, in 1832, and here died in the fall of 1843, aged fifty-five years. His widow died in Michigan in 1860, aged seventy-four years. Eight of their twelve children survive: Nancy, Henry, Catherine, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Sarah and Hannah. Of these, Joshua and Aaron served through the late war of the Rebellion. John Leonard, the subject of this sketch, was married, September 1, 1835, to Fanny, daughter of James and Susan (Shaffer) Patterson, natives of eastern Pennsylvania and early settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio. To this union was born one child - Lura L., who died in 1871, aged twenty years. Mr. Leonard died March 16, 1885, of heart disease. He was a consistent member of the Congregational Church at Newton Falls. He followed farming, at his death was owner of 241 acres of good land. He filled several of the township offices of trust. -------------------------------- End of OH-FOOTSTEPS-D Digest V00 Issue #313 *******************************************