Ashtabula County OH

The Waitley family in the United States

The Waitley family in the United States

“Marian Drew Waitley’s ‘The Waitley Family in the United States’, self-published in 1956, documents the lineage and historical narrative of the Waitley family, tracing back to John S. Waitley, an early ancestor from Scotland. This book leverages details from a 19th-century biographical history specific to several Iowa counties to shed light on John S. Waitley’s life, including his migration from Massachusetts to Ohio and his role as a Free-will Baptist Church minister. The narrative explores his family connections, notably a disputed link to Josiah Bartlett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and outlines the broader familial contributions and movements across the United States, all while addressing discrepancies in historical and genealogical records regarding familial relations.”

Biography of Francis E. Ensign

Francis E. Ensign, a distinguished Idaho lawyer, has had an exemplary career spanning 45 years. Born in Ohio in 1829, he overcame early health challenges and pursued law, becoming a prominent attorney in both California and Idaho. Ensign served as district attorney and was active politically, holding significant positions within the Idaho legislature. He moved to Hailey in 1881, where he continued his legal practice and maintained extensive mining interests. A respected community member, he is also a devoted family man and Mason, embodying the ideals of a pioneering spirit.

Biographical Sketch of A. W. Mann

A. W. Mann, born on September 4, 1845, in Ashtabula County, Ohio, moved to Iowa and then to Jewell County, Kansas, in 1870, where he homesteaded near Burr Oak. He entered the drug business in 1875 and expanded into general merchandising by 1877, forming various partnerships, now known as Mann & Gilbert. A former Justice of the Peace, he served in the U.S. Army and Navy during the Civil War. Mann married Martha Steves in 1865 and had four children.

Biography of Henry H. Miller, M. D.

Dr. Henry H. Miller, M.D., was a dedicated physician and community leader in Rossville, where he practiced for 44 years after arriving in 1872. Born in Ohio, he pursued his medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Renowned for his compassion and commitment, he not only provided medical care but also supported education, religion, and civic responsibilities. A prominent Mason and community organizer, Miller contributed to local institutions and held various public offices. His legacy continued through his son, Dr. Henry B. Miller, who followed in his footsteps.

Biographical Sketch of Frederick B. Ayer

Frederick B. Ayer was born on October 27, 1874, in Unity, New Hampshire. He graduated from Williams College in 1896 and married Agnes Louise Goddard in 1899. Ayer initially taught at Kenyon Military Academy before becoming principal at a school in Versailles, Kentucky. In 1903, he entered the insurance business in Cleveland, eventually rising to vice president and director of The Fred P. Thomas Co. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and enjoyed tennis, baseball, and swimming. He had three children: Edwin, Ethel Louise, and Margaret.

Biographical Sketch of Tyler W. Brainard

Tyler W. Brainard was born on November 19, 1848, in Brooklyn, Ohio. He attended local schools and enlisted in the army in 1864, cutting his education short. After marrying L. Adella Puffu in 1872, he became a traveling salesman before establishing a wall paper and decorating business in 1876. Active in community affairs, he served on the city council and held various positions in local organizations, including the Brooklyn Heights Cemetery Board and the Cuyahoga County Soldiers and Sailors Association.

Biographical Sketch of Theodore Elijah Burton

Theodore Elijah Burton, born on December 20, 1851, in Jefferson, Ohio, served as a U.S. senator from 1909 to 1915 after being a congressman from 1889 to 1909. He was a prominent attorney, member of several commissions, and a delegate at the Republican National Conventions. An alumnus of Oberlin College, he gained honorary degrees and authored several works on finance and politics. Unmarried, he held various leadership roles, including president of the American Peace Society.

Biographical Sketch of Vernon H. Burke

Vernon H. Burke, born on December 22, 1865, in Saybrook, Ohio, was a prominent attorney and politician. Educated at Canisius College and the University of Notre Dame, he held multiple degrees and served as a Cuyahoga County senator from 1896 to 1900. Burke was active in the Republican Party and held various leadership roles in both legal and business sectors. He married Matilda B. Hahn in 1892 and had one son, all while enjoying pursuits such as motoring, hunting, and fishing.

Biographical Sketch of Herbert V. Barnes

Herbert V. Barnes was born on September 18, 1869, in Huntsburg, Ohio. The son of Virgil T. and Ella Cummings Barnes, he received his education in local schools and New Lyme Institute. After marrying Anna L. Barnes in 1892 and farming for several years, he relocated to Cleveland in 1898. Barnes initially worked with the Brumelage Company before becoming the manager of The Public Hand Laundry. He also held directorships at the Crystal Creamery Company and was involved in several local organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Warren Hervey Cowdery

Warren Hervey Cowdery was born on May 21, 1853, in Perry, Ohio. He was the son of Lyman Hervey and Sarah Holmes Cowdery and attended high school in Painesville, Ohio. Cowdery married Hattie Kelley in 1878 and had four children. He began his career as secretary of The Geneva Tool Co. at age 21, founded The Ashtabula Tool Co. in 1880, and later served as president of The American Fork and Hoe Co. and The National Handle Co. He was also a trustee at Hiram College.

Biographical Sketch of C. Kenneth Chisholm

C. Kenneth Chisholm, born in Ontario in 1865, served as the president of Chisholm Shoe Company. He married Laura Ford in 1899 in Ashtabula, Ohio, and they had one daughter, Ruth. Chisholm was a 32nd-degree Mason and an active member of several organizations, including the Cleveland Athletic Club, Mayfield Country Club, Hermit Club, and Rotary Club.

Biographical Sketch of James McCreary Gee

James McCreary Gee, born December 24, 1875, in Kingsville, Ohio, was a real estate broker with a diverse professional background. After completing his education at Allegheny College and Western Reserve University, he worked as a traveling salesman and later in life insurance and sales management. He held leadership roles in various companies before becoming engaged in real estate brokerage in Cleveland. A Republican and active in local organizations, Gee’s family included four children from his marriage to Helen Mills.

Biographical Sketch of Paul Howland

Paul Howland, born on December 5, 1865, in Jefferson, Ohio, was a prominent lawyer and congressman. He graduated from Oberlin College and Harvard Law School and practiced law in Jefferson and Cleveland. Howland served in the U.S. Congress for Ohio’s 20th District from 1907 to 1913 and was a member of the Republican Party. In addition, he served as a second lieutenant in the 1st Ohio Cavalry during the Spanish-American War. He married Jessie F. Pruden in 1905.

Biographical Sketch of Virgil P. Kline

Virgil P. Kline, born on November 3, 1844, in Conneaut, Ohio, was a prominent lawyer educated at the Electric Institute and Williams College. Admitted to the bar in 1870, he initially practiced with Albert T. Slade until 1876. Kline later became part of several law firms and was known for his oratory skills and expertise in financial and economic matters. A dedicated Democrat, he often ran for office but faced defeat due to the Republican majority in his region.

Biographical Sketch of Albert Joseph MacAdams

Albert Joseph MacAdams was a merchant born in Chicago on August 19, 1868. After his education, he initially engaged in the grocery business in Ashtabula in 1886, then moved to Cleveland in 1888, working first at a wallpaper store and later with a shirt manufacturing company. In 1898, he became a partner in haberdashery with W. B. Davis. MacAdams established The MacAdams Co. in Cleveland, managing two stores and actively participating in local commerce and social clubs. He married L. Jean Sowers in 1913.

Biographical Sketch of George Edward Tower

George Edward Tower was born on July 18, 1877, in Ashtabula, Ohio, to Herbert Bascom and Alice Jane Hart Tower. He attended public schools in Ashtabula and Chattanooga, Tennessee, graduating from high school and later earning a B.S. and an LL.B. He worked in various roles in engineering and manufacturing before founding the Tower Machinery Company in 1908. Tower was actively involved in his community, serving as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Cleveland Engineering Society, and several Masonic organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Jacob Edward Tuckerman

Jacob Edward Tuckerman, born on August 23, 1876, in Austinburg, Ohio, was a distinguished surgeon and medical educator. He studied at South New Lyme Institute, Cleveland Central High School, and Adelbert College, later earning his M.D. from Cleveland College. Tuckerman contributed significantly to the medical field through his work as a commissioner, vice president, and secretary-treasurer of various medical organizations. He also authored notable publications on medical issues and served as a director at Glenville Hospital, while enjoying figure ice skating in his leisure time.

Biographical Sketch of Thomas Henry Wells

Thomas Henry Wells, born October 13, 1857, in Lurgan, Ireland, was the son of John and Sara McMurray Wells. He received his education in Ohio and married Ella E. Rader in 1882, with whom he had two children. Wells devoted 24 years to Y.M.C.A. work before starting his business career in 1908. Active in his community, he served as a trustee and treasurer for Collinwood Congregational Church, enjoyed various recreational activities, and had a notable family background in athletics.

Biographical Sketch of Herman J. Nord

Herman J. Nord was born on March 31, 1877, in Ashtabula, to Otto and Mary Nord. He received his education at Adelbert College and Western Reserve Law School. He married Elizabeth B. Custy in Providence on November 20, 1908. Nord was an active member of the Cleveland and Ohio State Bar Associations, the Phi Gamma Delta College Fraternity, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Athletic Club.