Bios of Picturesque Huron  

Biographical Index to

Picturesque Huron

    The book "Picturesque Huron" has 74 biographies with approximately 250 different people mentioned within them. This is an every-name index to those biographies transcribed by Scott Gens. Click on a name below and you will be taken to the biography containing a reference to that person. When in a biography click on the "back to top" link to return here

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Adams, Bildad Adams, Nancy Baker, Adiline
Baker, James Whipple Baker, Timothy Baker, Timothy
Baker, M.A. Baker, Mary Jane (Carl) Bancroft, Lucy
Christian Wickham Barbour, Polly Bates, _______
Beattie, A.M Bedford, Miss ______ Benedict, Platt
Billings, Josh Bloomer, Emma Jane Bloomer, Emma Jane
Bloomer, Lois Bloomer, Reuben Boalt, Mr. ______
Boalt, Mrs. F.H.  Bogardus, Evert Bostwick, Rosaltha G.
Booth, Catherine E. (Hester) Booth, Rev. E.J.V. Brady, DJ
Brady, George F. (Peter?) Brainard, A.C. Breckenridge, Almira (Morton)
Breckenridge, Mrs. Esther Ann Breckenridge, Mrs. Esther Ann Breckenridge, Edward P.
Breckenridge, George W. Breckenridge, Henry C. Breckenridge, James
Breckenridge, Myron Breckenridge, W.C. Brown, Albert
Brown, Albert Brown, Emma Jane (Bloomer) Brown, Emma Jane (Bloomer)
Brown, Nancy Boughton, Maryetta Carl, Mary Jane
Case, Sophia Case, Sophia Chevraux, Charles V.
Cooke, Eleutheros Cooke, Jay Corwin, Ira
Corwin, Mrs. M.A. (Baker) Corwin, Thomas Coutant, Gideon B.
Coutant, Phoebe Edwards, ________ Fanning, Benjamin G.
Fanning, Sabra (Smith) Farr, Elizabeth (Higgins) Farr, Elizabeth (Higgins)
Farr, James M. Fay, Lucy Fitzgerald, Melvina
Gager, Edwin Gager, Permelia (Rose) Gallup, Caleb H.
Gardiner, Charlotte E. Gardiner, Frances Mae (Joslin) Leonard, Rev. George E.
Leonard, Rev. George E. Leonard, Mrs. George E. (nee Sherman) Leonard, Lucy
Leonard, Jacob Drake Leonard, Nancy (Brown) Manahan, George W.
Martin, Edgar Martin, Gilbert Martin, Hannah (Washburn)
McKelvey, John McKelvey, Martha McKelvey, Matthew
McKelvey, Matthew Jr. McKelvey, Nancy (Adams) McKelvey, William
McOmber, Ellen Mesnard, Eri Morton, Almira
Myers, ________ Newman, Charles E. Newman, Mary (Fay)
Newman, Samuel F. Painter, Carrie E. (Pitezel) Painter, W.H.
Palmer, Elizabeth Palmer, Lenius Parker, CS
Parker, Ora Parker, Rosaltha (Bostwick) Parker, W.L.
Perrin, William Peters, Eli Peters, Mary Jane (Weed)
Pitezel, Carrie E. Pitezel, Esther Ann (Gibbs) Pitezel, Esther Ann (Gibbs)
Pitezel, Henry Pitezel, John H. Pitezel, Mary P.
Powers, R.C. Pray, Ethan Allen Pray, Jacob
Preston, Lucy B. Preston, Samuel Read, Franklin D.
Read, Hanson Read, Melvina (Fitzgerald) Reed, David H.
Roberts, Harriet (Sherman) Roberts, Warren D. Rose, Permelia
Rowe, ________ Sawyer, Gen. Franklin Scovell, E.C.
Scovell, Martha (McKelvey) Severance, Warren Shannon, Gov.
Shaw, Henry Shaw, Henry W. Shaw, ______ (Bedford)
Shaw, Robert Sheldon, Dr. A. Sheldon, Albert
Sheldon, Caroline E. Sheldon, Elizabeth Sheldon, H.G.
Sheldon, Joanna Sheldon, Mary Sheldon, Mary (Griffin)
Sheldon, R.N. Sheldon, Rufus (Jr.) Sheldon, Rufus (Sr.)
Sheldon, Rufus (Sr.) Sheldon, Rufus (Sr.) Sherman, John G.
Sherman, Lemuel Sherman, Lucy S. Sherman, Polly (Jones)
Sherman, Samuel Sherman, Samuel Sherman, 
Simmons, Abby Smith, Hiram Smith, Sabra
Smith, Sherman Southgate, Judge ______ Starling, Maria
Stentz, Henry P. Stewart, Abby (Simmons) Stewart Stewart, Charles H.
Stewart, Gideon T. Stewart, Gideon T. Stewart, G.T.
Stewart, Harlon L. Stewart, Ora (Parker) Stickney, Betsey
Stickney, Charles Stickney, Charles B. Stotts, Abram D.
Stotts, Maryetta (Boughton) Stough, Mary Stowe, Myra B.
Strong, Laura Strong, Timothy R. Strong, William
Swayne, Attorney _______ Tennant, S.W. Tifft, Dr. John
Thomas, Adiline (Baker) Thomas, Dora E. Thomas, Ellen (McOmber)
Thomas, George Thomas, George T. Thomas Myra B. (Stowe)
Thomas, Orr Uri Thomas, Uri Baker Townsend, Charlotte
Townsend, Elizabeth (Palmer) Townsend, Ellen L. (Ward) Townsend, Hiram
Townsend, Hosea Townsend, Ira S. Townsend, John T.
Townsend, Mary A. (Ward) Townsend, Sophia (Case) Townsend, Sophia (Case)
Ward, Ellen L. Ward, Mary A. Washburn, Hannah
Washburn, Philena Weed, Mary Jane Welsh, Nicolas D.
Wickham, C.P. Wickham, Frederick Wickham, Frederick
Wickham, Frederick Wickham, Frederick Wickham, Frederick Christian
Wickham, Lucy (Bancroft) Wickham, Lucy B. (Preston) Wildman, Ellen Elizabeth (Howe)
Wildman, Frederick A. Wildman, F.E. Wildman, Samuel A.
Williams, Mary Isabelle (Goodnow) Williams, Theodore Williamson, James
Williamson, John A. Williamson, Phebe Wooster, Samuel T.
Worcester, Mr.

Myron Breckenridge    Back to the top

Myron Breckenridge was born December 9, 1795 at Charlotte, Chittenden County, Vt. He moved to Ohio in the fall of 1836, coming by wagon, bringing with him his family, and settled in Peru, Huron county, where he lived for twenty years. Afterwards, he lived on a farm near Plymouth, Richland County, for three years. For six years he was in business with his son Edward P. at Richmond, Ind. Then he moved to Norwalk where he remained until he died, February 6 1887 at the advanced age of 91 years. He was an honest, consistent christian man, and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church for more than 70 years, and commanded the respect of every community in which he lived.

Mrs Almira M. Breckenridge    Back to the top

Mrs. Almira Morton Breckenridge, wife of Myron Breckenridge, was born at Middlebury, Vermont, January 12, 1808, and married June 7, 1831. She shared with her husband the privations and hardships of pioneer life, and is the mother of eight children, all living. She is now living with Mr. And Mrs. Sampson Gray, at Norwalk, Mrs. Gray being her youngest daughter. She is in the enjoyment of good health and at the advanced age, 87, is a charming old lady, beloved by all who know her.

Hon Henry C Breckenridge    Back to the top

Henry Clay Breckenridge was born April 14, 1832, at Charlotte, Vt., a son of Myron and Almira Breckenridge. He came with his family to Ohio at the age of four years. He carried on the hardware business at Plymouth for some time, and was also a member of H.C. and W.C. Breckenridge, of Norwalk. He was elected by the republicans as representative for Huron County, in the general assembly, for the term of 1872-74. His present home is in Toldeo, O., where he is engaged in a large manufactory.

Abram D. Jenney    Back to the top

Abram . Jenney was born at Acushnet, near Fairhaven, Mass., May 19 1813, the son of John and Catharine Jenney. At an early age, he came with the family to Scipio, in the western part of New York, and from there to Greenwich township, Huron county, in 1824. He is the youngest of ten children, four of whom were boys. His brothers were Benjamin, Obediah and Mordecai, all of whom becmae well known in the vicinity where they resided. Obediah was for a long time a resident of Norwalk. Abram and Benjamin lived in Greenwich, where they have been leading members of the Friends church, and influential and highly respected citizens. In 1841 Abram married Sally A., daughter of Henry Griffin, of Fitchville township. Her death occurred in 1895.

Hon H.L. Stewart    Back to the top

Harlon L. Stewart was born in Norwalk, O. Dec. 12 1861, the son of Hon. G.T. Stewart. Harlon received his early education in the public schools of the city, and later at the Ohio State University. In 1882, he entered the newspaper business, first publishing the Daily News, and afterwards, the Experiment-News. He waas nominated, by the democrats, for their candidate for Congress in 1890, but as the district was republican, he was defeated. In 1891, he was elected as State Senator, and was the youngest member of the body. He was nominated for reelection in 1893, but was defeated. He devotes his time to his publishing business. He married Ora, daughter of W.L. and Rosaltha G. (Bostwick) Parker, of Norwalk.

Rufus Sheldon    Back to the top

Rufus Sheldon was born in Oneida county, N.Y., February 8, 1809. He was the son of Rufus and Joanna Sheldon. In 1824, the family came to Greenwich township and settled upon a farm near the "Center". When Rufus grew up he purchased the farm, and made his home upon it. In 1836 he married Mary Griffin, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Griffin, who had moved to Fitchville township, from Greene county, New York, in 1833. Rufus and Mary had six children, among whom are Albert, present auditor of Huron county, ; Elizabeth, wife of J.F. Laning,; H.G., a leading attorney of Delaware, Ohio; and R.N., a physician residing at Kelley's Island, O. Rufus Sheldon was justice of peace for many years, and for twelve years, before a railroad was built through Greenwich, kept at his house, the post office, on the stage line from Wooster to Norwalk. He resided upon the old homestead until 1872, when he moved to New London, and from there to Fitchville in 1873. His death occurred January 1, 1875. He was a leading citizen, a christian gentleman, and his demise was mourned by a large circle of friends and relatives.

Hon. David H. Reed    Back to the top

David H. Reed, M.D., was born in Greenwich township, Huron county, January 26, 1832. He taught school, and studied medicine, until 1855, when he began practice at North Fairfield, where he has since resided, and followed his profession. In 1863 he was commissioned captain and organized the militia of the southern district of Huron county. He was elected colonel of the third regiment, and served until the organization was disbanded. In 1893, he was elected by the Republicans of the county as Representative, and was re-elected in 1895. He is eminent in his practice, and an able and devoted legislator.

Hon Edgar Martin    Back to the top

Edgar Martin, M.D., was born in Fitchville township, Huron county, October 10, 1826. His parents were Gilbert and hannah (Washburn) Martin. He began the practice of medicine at Townsend in 1851, and continued at his profession at that place until 1885. In 1859, he was elected justice of the peace and held the office in Townsend for twenty-four years. In the early part of the war he was commissioned first lieutenant in the 123d O.V.I., and was soon promoted to a captaincy in the 166th O.V.I. In 1873, he was elected by the Huron county republicans as member of the state legislature. In 1885 he removed to Norwalk, and has since made the city his home. In 1888, he was elected a justice of the peace, and has held the position since, making over thirty-two years he has served the public in that capacity, a testimonial of high order. He is a genial gentleman and is a much respected citizen.

Hon George F. Brady    Back to the top

George F. Brady was born in Ireland, january 19, 1831, and came to this country with his parents the following year, settling in Maryland. In 1847 he enlisted at Baltimore, in the 11th U.S. Infantry, and went to the Mexican war. After its close he served five years in the 2nd U.S. Dragoons. In 1858, he took up his residence in Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio. In September 1861, he enlisted in the 42nd Ohio, Garfield's regiment, entering the service as a private. At Camp Chase, before going to the front, he was made First Lieutenant. In the summer of 1862 he came home and recruited company H, 103rd O.V.I., and became its captain. In 1863, he resigned on account of disability. In 1870 he came to Norwalk. He was the democratic nominee for representative from Huron County in 1887, but was defeated. In 1889 he was elected to state senator, and served his constituents with ability.

Hon W.D. Johnston    Back to the top

Vice president of the Huron County Banking Company of Norwalk,was born in Alleghany county, Pennsylvania in 1844. He was educated at Darlington Academy , Penn., Wetherspoon Institute, Butler Pa., and at Oberlin College, Ohio. He became a citizen of Huron County in 1866, at which time he engaged in mercantile pursuits at East Townsend. He was elected a member of the House of representatives of the General Assemby of Ohio in 1883 and reelected in 1885, serving in the 66th and 67th general assemblies. In June 1894 he was elected to the vice presidency of the banking house above referred to, of which he has been a member of its board of directors since its organization.

George Kennan    Back to the top

was born in Norwalk, Huron County, Ohio, February 16 1845. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, and in 1862 attended the Columbus Ohio, high school, while working at night as a telegraph operator. In 1864, he was assis6tant chief operator in the telegraph office in Cinncinnati, and in decmber of the same year went to Kamchatka by way of Nicaraugua, California, and the North pacific. As leader of one of the Russo-American telegraph company's exploring parties in northeastern Siberia in 18655-'6, and as a superintendent of construction for the middle district of the Siberian division from 1866- 1868, he explored and located a route for the Russo-American telegraph line, between the Okhotsk sea and the Bering Strait, spending nearly three years in constant travel in the interior of northeastern Siberia, and returning to the United States on the abandonment of the enterprise in 1868. In 1870 he went to Russia to explore the mountans of the eastern Caucasus, proceeded down the Volga river to the Caspian sea, made extensive explorations on horseback in Daghestan and Chechnia, crossing the great range of the Caucasus three times in different places, and in 1871 returned to this country. In 1885-6 he made a journey of 15,000 miles through northern Russia and Siberia for the purpose of investigating the Russian exile system, visiting all the convict prisons and mines between the Ural mountains and the head waters of the Amoor river and explored the wildest part of the Russian Altai. Since his return from Russia he has become very famous as a lecturer and writer on what he saw upon his travels.

Hon C.S. Parker    Back to the top

Was born July 15, 1819, at Burlington Vermont. He was educated in the common schools. He removed to Ohio in 1836, settling in Vermillion, now Erie county, but formely Huron county. Here he assumed control of a furnace business and was engaged in this enterprise for ten years. During the gold excitement in California he spent three years in that state. When the desperadoes inaugurated the reign of terror which threatened to drive all reputable people from the golden state, he was made captain of the famous vigilance committee at Sacromento, which taught villains that justice was abroad, even in that rude society, by hanging Rowe, the brutal murderer of Myers at Mt. Vernon Ohio. He removed to Ohoio, and located at Norwalk in 1853, engaging in the Mercantile business. In 1868, he was nominated on the democratic ticket for sherriff. In 1874 he was the democratic candidate for representative; at bothe elctions he ran way ahead of his ticket. In 1875, he was elected sergeant-at-arms of the Ohio Senate. In 1877, he was elected to the state senate. He was a highly esteemed citizen and made an excellent representative.

Judge Charles B. Stickney    Back to the top

The eldest son of Charles and Betsey Stickney, was born at Moira N.Y. January 29th 1810. Until the age of twenty-one he remained upon the home farm gleaning such education as possible by attendance of the public schools of the community. After leaving the farm, he entered an academy at Potsdam N.Y., where he remained for four years, supporting himself by teaching school during the winter months. In 1841, while upon a visit to Ohio, he was induced by a former fellow student, the late Jairus Kennan, of Norwalk, then a practicing attorney, to enter his office and commence the study of law. In 1844 he was admitted to the bar, and upon the creation of the Court of Probate in 1851, was elected judge of that court in Huron County. Judge Stickney also served upon the city council,, as Mayor of the City of Norwalk, School Examiner, member of Board of Education, and was also a member of the Whittlesey Academy. He was a kind-hearted and benevolent gentleman, esteemed by all who knew him. He died at the good old age of 86 years, February 25th 1896.

Henry W Shaw    Back to the top

("Josh Billings") Henry W. Shaw was born in Lanesbord, Berkshire County, Mass. April 21 1818. His father was Hon. Henry Shaw, a prominent citizen of Berkshire County, who was a member of Congress at the age of twenty-five years, and at that time the youngest ever elected to Congress; and for twenty-five years was in the public life as a member of Congress or the legislature of Massachusetts. In 1832, Henry W. Shaw entered college at hamilton, N.Y. and remained one year, when he returned home to spend his vacation. When on his return trip to college, on a canal boat between Albany and Utica, he met as passengers, two adventurers on their way to St. Louis, and their stories of the wild west so captured the student that college was left in the rear, and he continued his journey until he reached Saint Louis, where he joined a band of adventurers who were going across the plains to the Pacific, but owing to troubles with Indians, the party broke up, leaving young Shaw a tramp in the streets of St. Louis, from which city he wandered east, arriving in Norwalk, sometime in the winter of 1835-6, where his brother Robert was then engaged in mercantile business. Here "Josh" spent his younger years, boarding at the hotel and having all the fun he could get out of the small village, such as Norwalk was at that time. Many anecdotes of "Josh's" pranks are still remembered. His father was athe owner of a large tract of land in Townsend on the Medina road, and he gave Henry a farm where the Hill family now live, where he stayed part of the time, though the hotel in town was his home. His principal business was trading horses, and it made little difference whether he got a good trade or a poor one, so that he traded. But he was a good judge of horses and hard to beat, though occaionally he got worsted. In 1845, Henry married Miss Bedford, of Lanesbord, Mass. And brought his wife to Norwalk for their home. , much to the surpirse of his friends and acquaintances who had never mistrusted that Henry thought of marrying. Then they were much more surpised at his marrying such a charming, accomplished, and agreeable young lady; whose influence seemed to change him at once to a man of stability, with good habits, a kind husband, and an indulgent parent. Henry purchased the house on Whittlesey avenue of John Tifft and lived there with his family for some eight years, when he sold the property back to Dr. Tifft, and removed to Saratoga, for the purpose of educating his two daughters, who were born in Norwalk. After three years, "josh" returned to Norwalk, and spent the winter, and in the spring he located in Poughkeepsie NY, thence to New York City. In 1863, Henry W. Shaw commenced writing short essays in phonetic character style, signing "Josh Billings", the first being "On the mule", for which he received $1.50, and from that time onward until his death he continued to write and lecture, until his writings were known and appreciated as those of one of the happiest and most pleasing in the country. As a young man of liesure about town, he was always full of wit and ready at reparteee. At one time he commenced studying law with Boalt & Worcester, prominent lawyers in this city, but after a few weeks he did not appear at the office, and Mr Boalt meeting him on the street one day said to him "Henry I haven't seen you at the office lately." "No." Says Henry, "I think the office has moved away; I haven't been able to find it." And that was the last of his studying law. Henry W. Shaw died at Monterey Calfornia October 15, 1886 and was buried at Lanesbord , Mass and has a block of rough granite, six feet long, four feet square, laid horizontal at the head of the grave with "Josh Billings " cut on the face and "Henry W Shaw" on the upper surface.

Edwin Gager    Back to the top

Was born in Pleasant valley, Dutchess county, N.Y. March 4, 1808. In 1831 he married Miss Permelia Rose, and in 1834 they settled in Camden, Lorain county, where they resided a number of years, and where Mr. Gager did a vast amount of pioneer work in the then unbroken wilderness. In 1851 he came to Norwalk and for a number of years was actively engaged in Mercantile pursuits. His death occurred April 14, 1894.

Eri Mesnard    Back to the top

Was born in Norwalk, Conn. In 1797 and was there reared. He received his education and was graduated ia practical engineer at Ithaca N.Y. He assited in the location and construction of one of the first railroads constructed in the state of N.Y., known as the Ithaca and Oswego Railroad. In 1836, he moved to Huron Co. He first located upon a farm in Fairfield township, but after a brief period, became a permanent resident of Norwalk township. In 1850 he was elected county surveyor, and for fourteen consecutive years he performed the duties of that office with great credit. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a man of sterling integrity and christian virtues. He died Jan 28 1879.

James Riley Griffin    Back to the top

Was born April 29 1812, in the town of Hunter, Greene County, N.Y., His boyhood was passed upon his father's farm and in attending winter school. When a youth he learned the trade of a carpenter, though he continued to give his attention to books. After settling in Greenwich township he taught several terms of school in Fitchville Township, the highest salary being $15 per month and "boarding round". January 21, 1839 he married Philena Washburn, who was brought by her parents to Greenwich Township in 1819. She died febuary 20, 1863. January 21 1864 he married Mrs. Mary Jane (Carl) Baker. Mr. Griffin settled upon a farm of 100 acres in Greenwich Township in 1834 and there resdied until 1876, when he removed to the town of Greenwich, where he has since resided, living a semi-retired life.

John M. Whiton    Back to the top

Whose portrait appears elsewhere in this volume, was born in Berkshire county, Mass. In 1830. About 1831 the parents of the subject, (J.M. and Sallie Bradley Whiton) removed to the Western Reserve. And settled in Huntington, Lorain county. Here the subject waqs reared, attending such schools of the community afforded and when a youth learned the trade of a blacksmith. In 1849, he left for California and for several years devoted his attention to gold mining. 1852 found him returned to Lorain county, and embarked in mercantile pursuits at Huntington. In 1855 he removed to a farm purchased and pre-empted in Hardin county Iowa where, in 1856, he assited in the assisted in the organization of Pleasant township of that county. In the spring of 1857 he again returned to Lorain county, and until 1872 was engaged in business at Brighton. He then purchased a farm in Wakeman, Huron county, which he conducted until the opening of his present business establishment in Wakeman village. He is a member of the Congregational Church and has for years been an active Sabbath School worker. He is also a valued member of the Firelands Historical Society.

George T. Thomas    Back to the top

Probate Judge of Huron county, son of Uri B. Thomas and Ellen (McOMber) Thomas, was born in Greenwich township, Huron county, Ohio, September 11 1856. He attended school for some time at Oberlin College and Buchtel College at Akron; then studied law and admitted to practice February 2 1886. Hewas the mayor of the village of Greenwich, 1883 to 1885, and about the same time held the office of township clerk, member of the board of education, and secretary of the Greenwich Land and Building Association. In November 1886, he began the practice of law at Norwalk. In 1890 he was elected Probate Judge, and was re-elected in 1893. He is a fluent speaker and is often called upon to make public addresses. Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Emma J. Miller, of Fairfield township, this county, April 10, 1880, and they have one child, Alton Orr Thomas.

William H. Price    Back to the top

William Henry price, one of our energetic business men, was nborn in Wales. Educated in England, he came to America in his twenty-second year, loacting in Cleveland O., where he was for several years in the shipping and packing business. His health failing him, he sold out and went to Europe where he spent one year. After his return, and three more years in business, his health again failing him, he sold out and located in Norwalk on a farm within a short distance of the city. As soon as he recuperated, he again established himself in business, engaging in several enterprises. In 1889 he with C.H. Stewart and W.O. Monnett organized the Norwalk Savings Bank Co. of which he is now president. He is vice president of the First national Bank, and is also interested in Cleveland Banks, and in a great many industries of Norwalk. When the Sandusky, Milan, and Norwalk electric railroad was projected he took an active interest in it, and was for a considerable time one of its directors. He, with Mr. C.H. Stewart, has built more than 100 houses in Norwalk, and has a great deal towards the extension and building up of the city.

Rev. George F. Leonard    Back to the top

The son of Jacob Drake and Nancy Brown Leonard, was born in the state of Maryland in 1832. His boyhood days were spent in Marietta O. He received his education in Marietta Academy, Granville College (now Denison University), and in Newton (Mass. ) Theological Institution. He graduated A.B. from Granville College in 1852. ; received the degree of A.M in 1855and the degree of D.D. from the same institution in 1888. He was ordained the pastor of the baptist church in Mt. Vernon O. in 1854 and subsequently served as pastor of the baptist church in Lockland O, Ironton O, Elyria O., Wauseon O., and 1871 to 1882 in Peru Ind. In 1882 he was elected secretary and superintendent of missions for the Ohio Baptist Convention, and having accepted, removed to Norwalk where he resided until August 1895, when he removed to Granville O. During the rebellion he was in the service of the chrsitian commission on the field and in the hospitals. Mrs. Leonard is the youngest daughter of Samuel Sherman, deceased, one of the pioneer citizens of Norwalk.

Hon R.C. Powers    Back to the top

Is a prominent attorney, residing at New London O. He came to that place at an early day, and has for many years been one of its most esteemed citizens. In 1882 he was chosen to represent Huron county in the state legislature and served for two years.

Rev Charles V. Chevraux    Back to the top

Father Chevraux was born in the eastern part of France January 22 1848. When a boy of six years his parents emigrated to America and located in the town of Louisville, Stark County, Ohio. Here he attended the local schools and subsequently the diocesan college at that place. He later entered St. Mary's seminary at Cleveland where he was graduated in 1874, and was ordained at South Bend Indiana by Bishop Gilmour. He was then stationed at the cathedral, Cleveland, for more than eleven years, and proved himself a priest of eminent qualities. In 1885, when the pastorate of St. Mary's, Norwalk, was made vacant by the death of Rev. Father Halley, Father Chevraux' s appointment to the incumbency was eminently fitting and to his efforts may be ascribed the excellent parochial schools, conducted by the sisters of St. Joseph, and the erection on the corner of State and League Streets, Norwalk of St. Mary's one of the most handsome church edifaces in northern Ohio.

Benjamin G. Fanning    Back to the top

For many years a well-known and highly respected resident at Clarksfield Township, was born in Ontario county New York, September 11 1823. At the age of about ten years, he accompanied his mother, mother, brothers, and a sister to Huron County, Ohio, locating in Clarksfield township. While a youth he learned the trade of a shoemaker, and after devoting some years to that industry he transferred his attention to the cultivation of fruit, fruit trees, and general farming, which proved a successful venture. He married on July 4, 1846, Miss Sabra, daughter of Sherman Smith of Clarksfield township, and to them were born five children. Mr. Fanning died December 11, 1891, at his home four miles north of New London.

Ira S. Townsend    Back to the top

The subject of this sketch was born in New London Township, Huron county, June 14, 1831, and was the first child born in a frame house in that locality. Upon the completion of his studies at Oberlin College, he returned to his father's farm, sharing in the labor of its successful conduct until he embarked in personal enterprises. September 27, 1855 he married Miss Mary A. Ward, of Milan Ohio who died October 14, 1881. Later in life he married Miss Ellen L. Ward, a sister of his deceased wife. His entire life was spent upon his excellently conducted farm in New London township, where he died September 12, 1893. He was director of the First National Bank of New London, from its incorporation in 1872, and for eleven years served as its vice-president, and as its president for six years. In 1892 the institution was reorganized under the name of The New London Bank, of which he became president, serving until his death. Upon the seas of commerce and in the field of agriculture he was alike successful.

Mrs Phoebe Coutant    Back to the top

Was born in Newburgh, N.Y. January 22 1796. She with her husband were residents of Greenwich township for a great number of years. She died May 7 1896, at the home of her son, Gideon B. Coutant. At the time of her death, she enjoyed the distinction of being a centenarian and the oldest resident of Huron Co.

Hosea Townsend    Back to the top

The subject of this sketch was one of the pioneers of Huron County, and of New London Township. He was born at Greenbush, N.Y., May 25 1794. On August 15, 1815 he first visted New London, and after a few weeks of investigation, became convinced of the desirability and the fertility of the soil, and despite the exceeding wildness of the land and the many dangers to be encountered, determined to establish his home here. He however, first returned to his eastern hom, and on February 4 1816, accompanied by his brother Hiram Townsend, started for their future home in the wilds of New London. After fifty-two days of travel, with an ox team, they arrived at their destination on March 28, 1816. With him he brought the iron from which he made the first plow used in the turning of the virgin soil of New London. To him also belongs the credit of having planted the first orchard (in 1820) and the erection of the first frame dwelling (1826) in the township. March 25, 1821, he maried Miss Sophia Case, who taught the first school established in the township. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and by an act of Congress he was granted 160 acres of land, to the cultivation of which, he always gave his attention, and at his death he was the possessor of more than one thousand acres in New London and Fitchville townships. At the time of his death he, which occurred December 18, 1884, he was a citizen of New London village, having resided there and in the township for nearly seventy years. He was indeed a pioneer.

John T. Townsend    Back to the top

Of Fitchville township, the eldest son of Hosea and Sophia Townsend, was born July 22, 1824, in New London, township and there reared. In youth he attended the public schools and Oberlin College, after which he devoted his attention during the winter months to teaching in the schools of Fitchville and Clarksfield Townships. September 20, 1849, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Lenius Palmer, who was the youngest of the four Palmer brotherswho settled in Fitchville township in 1818. Mr. Townsend has always been an agriculturalist, though he has devoted much of his time to the interest of his township and county, as is evident from the fact that for more than twenty-three years he performed the duties of the office of justice of the peace, and resigned at the expiartion of the period mentioned. In 1880 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, serving until 1886.

Nicolas D. Welsh    Back to the top

Was born January 11 1819, in Arundel county, Maryland. In 1836 he became a resident of Ohio, Champaign County. In September 1843, he removed to Huron county. The country was yet new, thinly settled and neighbors were few and far between. Mr. Welsh now resides in Greenwich, honored and respected by a large circle of acquaintances.

Abram D. Stotts    Back to the top

Whose protrait appears elsewhere in thes epages, was born in Belmont County, Ohio in 1822, and in 1823 he came with his parents to Huron county, locating in Ripley township. The absence of schools rendered our subject's earlier education very meager, but in youth, by close study after hours of toil in the forest, he acquired a knowledge of the common brances much in advance of the average. In 1850, Mr. Stotts married Miss Maryetta Boughton, of Fitchville Township, in whose honor the village of Boughtonville was named. Although devoting his attention almost exclusively to agriculture, Mr. Stotts has, since 1879, been the president of the Huron County Farmer's Insurance Company. He is a member and a liberal supporter of the Fairfield Baptist Church.

Hiram Smith    Back to the top

Was born in Essex Co. N.Y. jan 23 1816. At the age of fourteen he "bound" himself to and apprenticeship of nearly seven years, learning the trade of machinist and moulder. He was employed at various points in New York State until 1846 when he removed to Norwalk, making the journey from Dunkirk N.Y. to Milan Ohio by boat. Until 1850, he was employed at making threshing machines in the old building now known as the Empire Building, Norwalk. Then followed two years with the Michigan Central Railway at Detroit. In 1853, he became connected with the Toldeo, Norwalk, and Cleveland Ry. For thrty-six years he was employed by that line, and during that time making many valuable improvements in mechanical devices. He now lives in retirement in Norwalk.

James Breckenridge    Back to the top

A native of Charlot, Vermont, came to Ohio in 1816 or 17, settling for a brief period in Venice, Ohio. He then removed to Monroeville, where he passed the remainder of his life.

Eli Peters    Back to the top

Was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated. In 1850 he came to Norwalk and embarked in the clothing business. His parents having died when he was yet a boy,, he had to shift for himself; and his remarkable success in life - considering his advantages - was entirely due to his plodding perseverance, sound judgement in business transactions, and unquestioned integrity. It has truly been said of him that his character was without a blemish and his honor pure and unsullied. On December 15 1852, at Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio he was married to Mary Jane Weed, a native of Wayne County, and two children were born to them. Mr. Peters was a member and senior warden of the Episcopal Church at Norwalk for many years. He died December 12 1890, at the age of 65 years.

John G. Sherman    Back to the top

Mr. Sherman was born in Wakeman Township, Huron County, November 14 1830 and his entire life was passed upon the farm of his nativity. In the active years of his life, he was a successful farmer, but gave some attention to newspaper reporting. For thirty-five years, he kept a diary, recording not only events of a personal character, but those also of general interest. His weather reports were published by many of the leading newspapers. Though not a politician, he was frequently a delegate to the conventions and councils of the Republican party, and had the honor to assist in the renomination of President Grant at the at the National Republican Convention at Philadelphia in 1872. He was for years an active member of the Congregational Church at Wakeman, and was one of its deacons at the time of his death, which occurred May 27 1893.

DJ Brady    Back to the top

Was born in Cayuga County, New York, in 1816. In 1817 his parents moved to Staten Island, New York, and there the subject was reared. In 1824 they moved to Greenwich Township, Huron County, locating in the woods. And Mr. Brady assited greatly in clearing the forest and opening to cultivation the present broad and fertile acres of the southern portion of the county. Mr Brady, at a ripe old age, is still residing amid the scenes of his labors.

Warren Severance    Back to the top

A well known resident of Chicago, Ohio was born October 9, 1836, in Sandusky County, Ohio. After having received a thorough education he devoted some nine years to teaching in the schools of his native county and Huron County. In 1863, he purchased a farm near New Haven, which he conducted successfully without interfering in his professional duties as instructor. That Mr. Severance possesses great energy and progressiveness is proven by the fact that in March 1878 at the age of forty-two, he was admitted to the Huron County bar, and immediately began the practice of that profession, at Chicago. In 1891, he was appointed local counsel for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad company. He has been identified with every movement calculated to advance the moral and material interests of the community in which he resides.

Franklin D. Read    Back to the top

Was the first white child born in Huron County, which event occurred April 25, 1812, in what is now Greenfield Township, of which his father Hanson Read, was one of the first, if not the first settler. He married Miss Melvina Fitzgerald, a native of New York State, May 6 1834, and they reared five children. In his youth he learned the trade of a stone mason, though nearly, or quite his entire adult life was spent as a farmer. In the earlier days when wild game abounded, he gained considerable fame as a hunter, and his ability as a naturalist was widely recognized. He died August 13, 1891.

Lemuel Sherman    Back to the top

Was born in Barre, Vt. Sept. 20, 1811. He came to Huron County with his parents early in life, settling in what is now Townsend Township. In 1834, he married Miss Polly Jones. They settled upon a farm in Norwalk Township and began their united career in a log cabin with its primitive furnishings. Industry and frugality soon brought a competence, and pioneer structures gave place to more pretentious buildings. He built and operated the first sawmill in the Firelands, and lumber for all purposes, for miles around, came from that mill. He was a staunch abolitionist and was one of the leaders in the operation and maintenance of the underground railway. He died in Norwalk, September 24, 1891.

William Gathergood    Back to the top

This subject was born March 10 1823, near Kingslynn, County of Norfolk, England, and was there reared. He married July 2 1846 Maria Starling, also of the county of Norfolk, and to the union nine children have been born, five of whom were born in England. August 16 1854, he embarked for America, arriving at New York October 6 1854, and immediately proceeded to Monroeville, this county, where he has since resided. In 1865 he was engaged by the officials of the county to establish certain grades, to improve roads, etc. and the success and skill to which he performed the labor was so great as to recommend his services to those having such work in charge, even to this date. It may be said truly that when Uncle Billy (as he is familiarly known) completes a job, it displays the master's touch and remains a monument to his genius.

Martin M. Hester    Back to the top

Was born September 23, 1822, in Orange Township Richland (now Ashland) County, Ohio. He removed with his father and family to Bronson Township, Huron County, Ohio, in 1827. He has lived for sixty nine years on the same farm, a man of untiring industry, activity, perseverance, and integrity. He was married May 21 1850 to Miss Mary Finlay of Coshocton County, Ohio. To them were born three children, Wm. J. of Cambridge Ohio, Catherine E., wife of Rev. E.J.V. Booth, of Doyleston Ohio, and Finlay on the home farm. While has had been diligent in business he has been faithful in church service. For forty-nine years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For forty-seven years, continuously the recording steward of the circuit, and for over forty-two years has not missed being present at quarterly meeting. He was absent but twice on account of sickness out of 188 quarterly meetings. He has been 45 years the secretery and treasurer of board of trustees; twice chairman of building committee, has had charge of building two churches. He has been forty years a class leader; more than twenty years district steward; more than twenty years Sunday School superintendent; more than thirty years Sunday school teacher, and twenty-four years continuously Justice of Peace.

Hon. Evert Bogardus    Back to the top

Was born September 15, 1813. He died June 28 1892. As a man he was upright and honest in his dealings; as a citizen he was public spirited. He served the county twelve years, as commissioner, as representative in the general assembly, and as justice of the peace. As a Christian his life was exemplary, and his memory is green and fragrant in the minds of his friends and neighbors.

Samuel Sherman    Back to the top

Was born in the state of Vermont in 1778. He came to Huron County Ohio, in 1817. In 1820 he was married to Miss Polly Barbour, a native of Delaware, who came to this county in 1818, when 19 years of age. Their first home was in Townshend. It was a log cabin in the woods, and contained only one room, 14 feet square. It was not only the kitchen, bedroom, and parlor, but also a miniature factory - for here stood the old-fashioned loom and spinning wheel, on which she spun the wool and wove the cloth from which their clothing was made. In the construction of this house there was nothing of iron, not even a nail, and no sawed board or timber. The woods around the house abounded in bears, wolves, deer, and other wild animals, and less than a mile distant was an Indian camp. In 1831, they removed to their home on Medina Road, two and a half miles east of Norwalk. Here Mr. Sherman died in 1880, and Mrs Sherman in 1888. They were both, from their youth, esteemed members of the Baptist Church. There were born to them seven children, only two of whom are now living: Mrs. Harriet Roberts, widow of Warren D. Roberts, and Mrs. Lucy S., wife of Rev G.E. Leonard, D.D.

William Perrin    Back to the top

A representative business man of Norwalk, was born at Wilkesbarre, Penna. March 31 1835. IN 1837 his parents removed to Huron County, Ohio. The subject was educated at the Huron Institute of Milan and in youth taught school in this county. Later he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, stone quarrying, and dealing in real estate. He assisted in laying out the route of the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway.

Deacon Albert Brown    Back to the top

Was born in Thornton, Grafton Co. New Hampshire, May 6 1801, where he resided until 1812, when he removed with his parents to Hopkinton, N.H. In 1817 his parents again removed to Middlesex NY where they resided until 1823, in which year they removed to Ridgefield Township, Huron County. The subject of the sketch came in the fall of the same year, covering the entire distance on foot. April 22 1832 he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Jane Bloomer, who died October 9, 1888. When a young man he learned the trade of a carpenter, and though he became a master workman in that line, he abandoned it, devoting his attention to farming. In 1882 he removed to East Norwalk, where he resided until his death, which occurred May 22 1894.

Mrs. Albert Brown    Back to the top

Emma Jane Bloomer was born in Dorset, Vermont, May 18, 1808. She removed to Ridgefield with her parents Reuben and Lois Bloomer, in 1817. April 22 1832 she married Albert Brown, and for more than fifty-three years they were residents of Monroeville. Mrs. Brown united with the Presbyterian church in 1840, and was a consistent Christian and member until her death, October 9, 1888.

Uri Baker Thomas    Back to the top

Large land owner and stock raiser of the northern part of Greenwich Township, second son of George Thomas and Adiline (Baker) Thomas, was born in the town of Exter, Ostego County, New York, October 24, 1818; obtained a common school education in the district school of his neighborhood, and at a school academy at Clinton New York. IN the winter of 1840-41 he taught district school at Birmington Flats, NY. Studied law for one summer in 1843, afterwards taught school winters and worked on the farm of his father in summers. April 1846he came to Ohio and settled on the farm where he now lives. In 1849 Mr Thomas was united in marriage with Miss Ellen McOmber at Columbus, Ohio; from this union the following children were born: Orr Uri Thomas, Geogre T. Thomas, present probate judge of Huron County, and Dora E. Thomas. In 1861, Ellen Thomas died, and in 1864 Mr. Thomas married Miss Myra B. Stowe of Huron, Erie County, Ohio. Mr. Thomas is a man of wide reading, highly intelligent and of great perseverance.

Martin Hester    Back to the top

Eldest son of Martin and Elizabeth Mason Hester, was born in 1787 in Greene County, Penn. And was there reared on the farm of his father, attending during the winter months, the subscription schools of his community. When his parents removed to Columbiana County, O. he accompanied them, where for four or five years he devoted his attention to farming. He then removed to Orange Township, Richland (now Ashland) County, where he became the possessor of 160 acres of land, and resided until 1824, when he removed to Bronson township, Huron County, settling upon land purchased from Judge Southgate, and there spent the remainder of his busy life, dying in 1870. In 1809 he married Miss Mary Stough, of Fayette County, Pa. and to the union were born five children.

James G. Gibbs    Back to the top

The subject was born in Norwalk, August 7, 1852, and there reared. After being graduated from Norwalk High School in 1869, he learned the trade of a printer. He then attended Lafayette College at Easton, Penna. After which he became connected with the Chicago Inter Ocean. In 1873, he purchased an interest in the Norwalk Reflector, and has for many years been the manager of that successful journal. He is vice president of the Laning Printing Co.; treasurer of the National Editorial Association of the United States; president of the Ohio Savings, Loan, and Investment Co.; president of the present board of education of the city of Norwalk, and is also connected with various enterprises calculated to advance the moral and material interests of the community.

Hon Jay F Laning    Back to the top

Was born at New London O. May 15 1853, where he resided until January 1882, when he moved to Norwalk, which city has since been his residence. He was educated chiefly in the public schools. From the age of 15 to 21 his time was spent winters teaching. During these years his spare hours were devoted to the study of law. IN 1875 he was admitted to the bar, and followed the practice for 8 years. After moving to Norwalk, he gradually abandoned the law, and built up the publishing business in which he is now engaged. In 1875, he married Caroline E. Sheldon, youngest daughter of Rufus and Mary Sheldon, for many years residents of Greenwich Township, and six children have blessed their union. He was a member of the council of this city for many years, and is at present the member of the state senate, having been elected in 1893 and reelected in 1895.

A.M. Beattie    Back to the top

A.M. Beattie was born June 10 1853, in Ruggles Township, Ashland County O. During his early years he labored on the farm of his father and attended the country school in the neighborhood. At the age of 19 he began teaching school, which occupation alternated with periods spent attending higher schools, until 1879 when he graduated from the law department of the Indiana State University. In the spring of 1880 he was admitted to the bar and located in New London and practiced the profession of the law until 1885, at which time he removed to Norwalk to assume the duties of the clerk of courts, to which office he had been elected in the fall of 1884. This office he continued to hold for six years, when he retired from it and began again the practice of law. For seven years he has been a member of the city board of education.

H.H. Hoyt    Back to the top

Son of Elmon and Elizabeth Hoyt, was born October 22, 1860, at North Fairfield, of this county. His boyhood was passed upon the farm and in attendance of the public schools. After clerking for a general store at North Fairfield for one year he was given the management of it and for six years successfully conducted same. In 1883 he and his father became owners of the stock, and erected, in the same year, a large brick building where Mr. Hoyt established perhaps the best country store in Ohio. In 1887 he removed to Norwalk, engaging in the dry goods business. In 1893, he with Mr. C.F. Jackson, purchased the lot upon which the old Methodist Church stood for many years, and erected the large building known as the Glass Block. In his ventures Mr. Hoyt has displayed excellent judgement and as a gentleman and business man he is highly esteemed.

SA Wildman    Back to the top

Samuel A. Wildman was born in Clarksfield, Huron County, March 28, 1846. He is the son of Frederic A. Wildman, a resident of this city. At the age of 15 he entered a printing office, but not quite 18 years old, in February, 1864 he entered as a private in the 28th Ohio Infantry Volunteers, and served until the muster out of the regiment on June 8 1866, more than a year after the close of the war. His rank at muster out was that of sergeant. In 1867 he entered Western reserve College at Hudson, O. but did not complete his course. Upon leaving college he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1870, and has been engaged in practice ever since. At present he is president of the Children's Home Association of Huron County, president of the Norwalk board of education, was for years trustee of the Firelands Historical Society, and has been for many years secretary of the Whittlesey Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was a nominee of the Republican party for circuit judge in 1887. Mr Wildman is one of the prominent leaders of the Norwalk bar and one of its brightest ornaments. His literary ability is of a very high order. He was married on July 13, 1870 to Ellen Elizabeth Howe, daughter of Samuel P. Howe, of Norwalk.

Charles H Stewart    Back to the top

Son of Hon. Gideon T. and Abby (Simmons) Stewart, was born in Norwalk, November 6, 1859. He attended the schools of Norwalk and completed his education at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, O., after which he commenced study of law in the office of his father and in 1882 was admitted to the bar. He spent some time in successful practice, but at the same time was operating lŭ˙˙˙‚

Dr. A. Sheldon    Back to the top

Eldest son of Rufus and Mary Griffin Sheldon, was born in Greenwich, township. He passed his early years upon a farm. At quite a juvenile age he commenced teaching school, and for several years divided his time between teaching and going to school at Oberlin. He graduated at the Cleveland Medical College, and practiced medicine, until in 1884, he became connected with the Laning Printing Co., and took up his home in Norwalk. His affable ways made him many friends, and in 1892 he was elected Auditor of Huron County. He has been a very popular elected official, and was re-elected in 1895.

Frederick Christian Wickham    Back to the top

The third son of Judge Frederick and Lucy Bancroft Wickham was born in Norwalk, Huron County, Ohio August 5, 1842. When a lad he attended the public schools of Norwalk. When ready to complete his education, enlisted in August 1862, in the 123rd OVI regiment, serving as commissary of the regiment until mustered out with his regiment in June 1865. Was postmaster of Norwalk for eight years. Is a printer by trade, and assistant local editor of the Norwalk Daily Reflector. He resides with his family in Norwalk, Ohio.

Hon L.C. Lavlin    Back to the top

L.C. Laylin was born in Norwalk, O., September 28, 1848. He graduated from Norwalk High School in 1867. In 1869 he was elected superintendent of the Bellevue Public Schools, which position he held for six years. He was admitted to the bar in 1877. He was city clerk of Norwalk for two years and member of the Huron County board of examiners, three years. In 1879, he was elected prosecuting attorney of Huron County and held that office seven years. He was elected to the state legislature in 1887 and twice re-elected. In 1892, he was chosen speaker of the house of representatives. Mr. Laylin is now engaged in the practice of his profession, ranking among our leading attorneys and most public spirited citizens.

John Gardiner    Back to the top

Was born September 5, 1816, at Gardiner's Point, Connecticut. In 1831, he attended school at the Bacon Academy, Connecticut. In the fall of 1832, he was persuaded by his uncle, J.M. Latimer, to visit Ohio and in May, 1833, he arrived at Norwalk. After clerking for some time in the store of P. and J. Latimer he took a clerkship in the Bank of Norwalk and afterwards became its cashier. In 1840 he began the business of merchandizing and continued in that until 1847, when he, with others, established the Norwalk branch of the State Bank of Ohio, with which he remained as cashier and manager until the bank closed its business in 1865. He then organized the Norwalk National Bank and has since been its President. Mr. Gardiner was one of the original incorporators of the Toledo, Cleveland, and Norwalk Railway Company, which afterwards became the Cleveland and Toledo Railway Company. He was director in that company and for a considerable time its president. He is a director of the Sandusky, Mansfield and Newark Railway company and has been its president for a number of years. He has also been connected with other railway enterprises and projects of a similar character. By industry, integrity and perseverance he has accumulated a handsome fortune and is one of the largest property holders in Huron County. He married, in 1843, Miss Frances Mary Joslin and four children have been reared.

Hon Caleb H. Gallup    Back to the top

Was born in Norwalk in 1834. His grandfather, Platt Benedict, built the first house in Norwalk, in 1817. He graduated at Madison University, Hamilton, N.Y., in 1856, and at the Cincinnati Law School in 1858. Practiced law in Michigan until 1872, was prosecuting attorney in that state ten consecutive years, and member of its legislature in 1866-7. Since his return to Norwalk in 1872, he has been an active friend and promoter of all its worthy public enterprises and to his efforts and energy Norwalk is largely indebted for the possession of the possession of the Wheeling and Lake Erie RR and its shops, the A.B. Chase factory and many other improvements. He is the President of the Home Savings and Loan Co. of Norwalk.

Matthew McKelvey    Back to the top

Was born in Westmoreland County, Pa. January 30, 1794. The records of the pension department show that his father, William McKelvey, was granted a pension for six years actual service in the Revolutionary War. The family moved from Pennsylvania to Portage County, Ohio in 1804, and from there to Trumbull County, in 1806, and from there to Greenfield Township in 1815. Nancy Adams was born in Windom county Vermont July 30 1798 and with her parents moved to Greenfield Township in 1815. Her father, Bildad Adams, was one of thefirst three commissioners of Huron County, and she taught the first school in Peru Township. It was at Maxville, and was one of the first in the county. Nancy Adams and Matthew McKelvey were married March 27, 1818 in Greenfield Township. Soon after their marriage they moved to the Town of Portland, now the city of Sandusky, where the originals of the portraits appearing elsewhere in this volume were painted. They are believed to have been the first portraits painted in what was then Huron County, now Huron and Erie Counties. Mr McKelvey was engaged in the mercantile business at Portland until 1825, when he moved to Paris, now Plymouth, Huron and Richland Counties, where he purchased and completed the third frame building in that locality, opened the first general store, and materially aided in advancing the growth of the town by building a considerable number of houses. In 1830, he erected a building for the purpose and established a Seminary for Young Ladies. They resided at Plymouth until 1841, when they moved to Hardin ounty, but returned to Plymouth in 1842. MR. McKelvey died in Greenfield Township in March 18,1853. They had ten children, seven girls and three boys. The three youngest of the children are still living: Martha, Mrs. E.C. Scovell, in Greenfield Township, Matthew in Tiffin, O., and John, in Sandusky, O.

Hon Eleutheros Cooke    Back to the top

Died at his home in Sandusky December 27 1864. For nearly a half century, his name was identified with many public enterprises and improvements incident to settling the Firelands. He was the pioneer of railroad enterprise in the West, having been the original projector and earnest co-worker in the construction of the Mad River Railroad, which was the first railroad built west of the Alleghany Mountains and the fourth in the United States. He served in both branches of State Legislature and as a member of Congress. As a lawyer he had few equals in Ohio. He was born in Granville, N.Y., December 25, 1787, the year in which the constitution of the United States was framed by the general convention, and his name Eleutheros was given in commemoration of that event. He was at one time a resident of Lyme Township, at Cooke's Corners, this county, and a view of his home, the birth place of his son, the eminent financier, Jay Cooke, is given elsewhere in this volume.

F.E. Wildman    Back to the top

Mr. Wildman was born September 24, 1846 in Clarksfield Township, Huron County, where he was reared and became the recipient of a good education. When a young man he engaged as a helper in the milling firm of Bates and Gilbert, of Norwalk. Later he removed to Iowa Falls, Iowa where he was employed in a mercantile establishment. In 1880, having returned from the west several years previous, he embarked, in a small way in the dry goods and notions business at Oberlin, and later at Kipton, in Lorain County. IN 1889 he removed to Clarksfield, and in 1891 to West Clarksfield, where until 1895 he successfully conducted a large general store. Mr. Wildman is a staunch Republican and in April, 1892, was appointed postmaster at West Clarksfield. He now resides in Norwalk, having retired from active business engagements.

George Harrison Gibbs    Back to the top

Came to Norwalk, Ohio from Norwalk, Conn., with the family of his father in 1818. The portrait appearing elsewhere was made when he was thrity-five years old.

Theodore Williams    Back to the top

Mr. Theodore Williams is a native of Norwalk, O., and was born January 3, 1820. His father was a lawyer of prominence and was for several years prosecuting attorney of Huron County. Mr. Williams elemenrtary education was obtained in the district and private schools of that early date, and was completed in the Norwalk Seminary. In 1834, he commenced clerking in the store of P. and J.M. Latimer, in Norwalk. In 1837, he commenced upon a clerkship in the store of Milton W. Goodnow, succeeded in a short time by the firm of Goodnow & Edwards. In 1843 he became an equal partner in the firm of Goodnow & Williams. This partnership continued until January 1851 when by the death of Mr. Goodnow it terminated, and Mr. Williams purchased the Goodnow interest in the business. Mr. Williams continued in the business of merchandising until 1885, a period of 42 years. Upon retiring, he found himself the owner of two merchant flouring mills, one located in Norwalk, and the other near Toledo, and these together with the managing of his several farms, occupy most of his time and attention. In 1882 he was elected president of the First National Bank of Norwalk, holding the position for eight years, when he resigned after being re-elected to the position. He has also held other offices of trust and responsibilty, and is at present president, secretary, treasurer, and superintendent of Woodlawn Cemetery. In 1870 he was elected on the State Board of Equilization. For 17 years he was a member of the board of education of the public schools of Norwalk, and occupied during a large part of the time the position of President of the board. In September, 1861, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Mary Isabelle Goodnow, by which union six children were born.

Rev John E Pitezel    Back to the top

Was born in Frederick County, Md., April 18 1814, son of Henry and Mary E. Pitezel; moved to Licking County, Ohio in the spring of 1823. Here his parents twice went into the unbroken forest, in each place building a log house and clearing land. May 15, 1828, the father died. In the spring of 1829 the mother with her six children moved to Tiffin, O., where John, during five years, learned the trade of saddler. In spring of 1834 he entered the old Norwalk Seminary. The next year he entered the Methodist Itinerancy, with which, in Michigan and Ohio, he has been connected sixty-one years. He has been a member of the Methodist Church nearly seventy-two years. Of a former wife one only child survives, Mrs. Carrie Painter, wife of Rev. W.H. Painter, of Vermillion Ohio. He married Mrs. E.A. Breckenridge, December 14 1887, with whom, his home has been of late, in Norwalk.

James Whipple Baker    Back to the top

The edlest son of Timothy Baker, was born in Fairfield, Herkimer County, N.Y., May 11 1819, and came to Norwalk the same year arriving September 27. His education was in the Norwalk Academy, and a short time in Denison University, in Granville Ohio. From 1841 to 1845 he was engaged in the mercantile business in company with his father under the firm name of J.W. Baker & Co. And again from 1848 to 1851 with N.H. Jennings, under the name of Baker & Jennings. From 1845 to 1858 he carried on the foundry and machine business, corner of East Main and Medina (now Woodlawn) Streets. From 1841 to 1845 he held the office of township clerk; 1845 and 6 he was a member of the city council. From 1877 to 1882, he was deputy collector of internal revenue, having the counties of Huron, Seneca, and Crawford as his district. He has for many years been prominently connected with the Baptist Church.

Mrs. Mary Higgins Gibbs    Back to the top

Was born in Bath, New York, May 17, 1826, the daughter of James Gilbert Higgins. Her mother was Charlotte Townsend. In 1835 she came to Norwalk, living with her grandfather, Rev. David Higgins, a pioneer Presbyterian preacher and a Revolutionary Soldier. For a few years she lived in Ottawa, Ill. and with her father enduring the countless privations of genuine pioneer life. Her father died in 1840, and she returned to Norwalk, marrying here in 1846, Ralph Marvin Gibbs (son of one of the earliest Norwalk settlers, David Gibbs), who was born in 1824 and died suddenly of cholera in 1854, leaving her a widow with four small children, three daughters and one son - James G. Gibbs. She made her home with her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth H. Farr, and until the death of Mrs. Farr in 1893, the two were inseparable in works of religion, benevolence and temperance. For half a century she has been a zealous member of the Presbyterian Church, and for as long she has taught a class in Sunday school. For forty years she was a member of the choir, most of the time as organist, leader, and as the principal soprano singer of the town; her musical talent was always ready to respond to every call of a public nature. For twenty years she has regularly conducted religious services on Sunday in the jail; and in many other ways her time and talents have been devoted to the good of others.

Elizabeth Higgins Farr    Back to the top

Was born in Bath N.Y. June 17 1823, and with a sister came to Norwalk in 1835, and was reared by her grandfather Rev. David Higgins, a pioneer minister. In 1855, she married Joseph M. Farr, one of the founders of the Norwalk Experiment. She was a life long member of the Presbyterian Church, and was a faithful and beloved teacher in the Sunday school. As a worker in the temperance cause, in the Relief Socierty, among the poor, and among the unfortunate, the sick, the dying, in every walk of life, her labors were constant and marked by that tender sympathy and that forgetfulness of self which attested their genuineness. She died July 25, 1893.

Mrs EA Pitezel    Back to the top

Miss Esther Ann Gibbs was born in Norwalk, Conn., April 21 1815. With her parents, Samuel R. Gibbs, SR., and wife, and six children, herself included, she came to Norwalk Ohio in June 1818, and settled on a farm in East Norwalk. The family lived in several places but returned to Norwalk, where she became a student in the old Norwalk Seminary. She was a teacher one year at the Wyandot Mission. In 1836, she married Rev. George W. Breckenridge, and spent 33 happy years with him in the itinerancy; blest with a family of seven children, four boys and three girls, of whom one daughter and three sons survive. She has lived in Norwalk now nearly twenty years. In 1887 she was married to Rev. J.H. Pitezel with whom in her quiet home she expects to spend the remnant of her days. She has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 62 years.

Mrs M.A. Corwin    Back to the top

Is a daughter of the late Hon. Timothy Baker, one of the earliest pioneers of Norwalk. She was educated at the old Norwalk Seminary when it was a leading institution of the state. In 1840 she married Rev. Ira Corwin. Mrs. Corwin has been a prominent leader in promoting the literary and social culture of Norwalk, where she now resides at an advanced age, respected and beloved by all who know her.

Charles E Newman    Back to the top

Was born June 6, 1820 in Greene County, New York. He came to Norwalk in 1834 with his parents, who located upon a farm in Bronson township. He attended the Norwalk schools, and when a young man devoted some attention to teaching. In 1846 he embarked in mercantile pursuits in Norwalk and continued in the same for many years. He at one time constructed the St. Charles Hotel. September 15 1842, he married Mary Fay, who was born in Norwalk, in 1821, her parents being among the first settlers. He was distinguished for his earnest work in the church and Sunday school. He was one of the most active members of the Fiorelands Pioneer Society, and took great interest in its work. His life among us was well spent, and at his death Nov 14, 1887 many who cherished his friendship were left to mourn his departure.

Samuel F. Newman    Back to the top

Samuel F. Newman was born July 10, 1826, at Greenville, Green County, New York. IN 1834, he moved with his parents to Huron County, Ohio where he received his education in the district school, augmented by a short course at Baldwin's institute located at Berea O. After teaching district school for five years, he was called to fill the chair of mathematics and natural science in Norwalk Institute in 1852, teaching three years. He then taught in the public schools until the year 1858. Resigning, he, with Rev. A.C. Brainard, established the Western resreve Normal school at Milan O. Reverend Brainard resigning after two years, Mr Newman conducted that school as principal for 11 years. During that time over 1,000 teachers were educated. In 1870 he returned to Norwalk and engaged in the insurance business he now follows. In 1852 he was appointed county examiner of schools, a position he has filled almost constantly since that time. He was a member of the Norwalk City Council, and of the board of education, for several terms. In 1860 Kenyon College granted him the honorary degree of A.M.

Col. C.L. Kennan    Back to the top

Cortland L. Kennan is the son of Jaras and Charlotte E. (Gardiner) Kennan, one of the pioneer families of Huron County, the father having taken up his residence here in 1831. The son was born December 29, 1847. He was educated in the public schools of Norwalk, and at Adelbert College, from which he graduated in 1876. He afterwards studied law, and has been one of the prominent members of the Huron County bar. Mr. Kennan has a decided love for military affairs. In 1877 he joined Co. G, 16th Regt. O.N.G. He was promoted rapidly and became First Lieutenant in 1882. In 1887 the company was transferred to the 5th regiment and in 1887 he became Lieutenant Colonel. He was elected as Colonel in 1893. Col. Kennan, as a commanding officer, is regarded as one of the best in the National Guard.

Rev TF Hildreth AM DD    Back to the top

Is a native of Tompkins County N.Y. born November 19, 1826. He came with his parents to Huron County in 1833. His education was obtained in the country schools and at the old Norwalk seminary. He studied law in the office of the Hon. Samuel T. Wooster, but before completing the course necessary to admit him to the bar, he was licensed as a local preacher in the M.E. Church. He occupied several leading appointments and had so risen in prominence in 1864 that he was stationed at Trinity M.E. Church, New York City. Failing health obliged his resignation of that charge, and in 1867 he returned to Norwalk. A year later he was given charge of the local M.E. Church. He has since held many pastorates of prominence in Michigan and Ohio. Dr. Hildreth is a very eloquent speaker and few excel him as a lecturer or pulpit orator. Having retired from active ministry, he now lives in a quiet way in Norwalk. He retains a high degree of vigor of both body and mind and his services in the pulpit or on the platform are much sought.

Edward Evelyn Husted    Back to the top

Son of Samuel Husted, was born in Danbury, Conn., December 13 1805, and came with his father to Clarksfield, Huron County, Ohio in 1810. He married Deborah Gray, December 15, 1831. In 1841 Mr. Husted was elected Sheriff of the County, and served two terms, receiving his first commission from Thomas Corwin, and his second from Gov. Shannon. Afterwards, he held the office of County Treasurer for two terms. For many years, Mr. Husted was in the boot and shoe business with his brother-in-law, Erastus Gray, who came to Norwalk in 1832. Mr. Husted died December 24 1878, his wife September 28 1884. They were active members of the Norwalk Congregational Church, transferring their membership to that body soon after its organization. To Mr. And Mrs. Husted were born ten children, seven of them living to become, themselves, parents. For several years he was a member of the Union School board, and always took an active part in whatever would advance the best interests of Norwalk.

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