The Genealogy of Joseph Strock

Canfield Ohio Fair in 1906

This book touches on Joseph Strock’s origins in Wurtemberg, Germany, his migration to America, and his role during the Revolutionary War. It also explores his descendants, with careful attention to correcting past errors and clarifying uncertainties in the family narrative. Though minimally documented, it was extensively researched, and as such, The Descendants of Joseph Strock of 1757 remains a valuable resource for those seeking to research the genealogy of Joseph Strock.

Migration of Families out of Norwich VT

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Norwich, Vermont, experienced significant emigration, leading to a notable decline in its population. Initially home to 40 families in 1771, the town saw many residents relocate to newer settlements, such as Royalton and Randolph, during and after the Revolutionary War. Prominent families, including the Hibbards and Carpenters, contributed to the establishment of towns in northern Vermont and beyond. By the 1800s, the trend of outmigration intensified, marking a long-term shift in the region’s demographic landscape.

Biography of James H. Wright

James H. Wright, born on February 6, 1827, in Trumbull County, Ohio, is a prominent grain buyer in Arthur. He hails from a Scotch-Irish family, with his father, Rev. James Wright, being a Presbyterian minister. After relocating west in 1857, Wright engaged in farming before starting a grain business in Hindsboro in 1873, later moving to Arthur in 1886. Married to Sarah E. Rogers, they have seven children. An active community member, he has been an Odd Fellow since 1852 and served as president of Arthur’s town board.

Biography of David C. Chase

David C. Chase, born on April 26, 1853, in Ohio, is the secretary and treasurer of the Payette Valley Mercantile Company in Idaho. With roots tracing back to early Connecticut settlers, he overcame a challenging childhood following his father’s death. Educated in Pennsylvania, he began as a newsboy, later working in telegraphy for two decades with the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1891, he co-founded the mercantile company, contributing significantly to its success. Married to Alary A. Piatt, they have two children and are active members of their community.

Biography of Isaac Shafer

Isaac Shafer, born December 4, 1836, in Trumbull County, Ohio, is a notable pioneer of Union County who demonstrated honor and courage during pivotal times, including the Civil War. After his education in Wisconsin, he worked as a stone mason before enlisting in the Union Army. Post-war, Shafer focused on agriculture, successfully developing his land near Island City. He married Emma J. Hotchkiss, and together they had seven children. A proponent of progress, Shafer contributed significantly to his community as an industrious and reputable citizen.

Biographical Sketch of George Dana Adams

George Dana Adams, born on February 17, 1863, in Warren, Ohio, was a prominent manufacturer and businessman. After completing his public school education, he married Grace Field in 1887 and had one daughter, Margaret. Adams began his career in 1879, working with various companies, eventually becoming president and treasurer of multiple bag manufacturing firms. He was also a director at Cleveland National Bank and actively involved in various fraternal organizations and clubs in Cleveland.

Biographical Sketch of William Howard Brett

William Howard Brett, born in 1846 in Braceville, Ohio, served as a librarian at the Cleveland Public Library from 1884. He was educated in public schools and attended several colleges, graduating from Hiram College. Married in 1879 to Alice L. Allen, he had six children. Brett was a key figure in the development of public libraries, holding leadership positions in the Ohio Library Association and the American Library Association. He also became the Dean of Western Reserve Library School and created the Culminative Index.

Biographical Sketch of Jonathan Clayton Forman

Jonathan Clayton Forman was a printer born on September 11, 1830, in Gorham County, New York. He began his career at the age of 13 with the Western Reserve Chronicle and later apprenticed with Tait Walling. After a series of challenges, including a fire that destroyed his workplace, he secured a position at Sanford Hayward, eventually becoming a partner in the firm. In 1890, after another fire, the business was reorganized as Forman-Bassett-Hatch Co. He was also an inventor and a member of local clubs.

Biographical Sketch of Jacob Dolson Cox

Jacob Dolson Cox, born on May 15, 1852, in Warren, Ohio, began his career in the iron industry at age 17. In 1876, he founded the Cleveland Twist Drill Co., which specialized in manufacturing twist drills and tools. Cox held several influential positions, including director of the Cleveland Trust Co. and the Cleveland Pittsburgh Railroad Co., and served as a trustee for the Case School of Applied Science. He was active in various professional and social organizations, enjoying yachting, golf, and photography in his leisure time.

Biographical Sketch of Sylvester T. Everett

Sylvester T. Everett, a financier born in Liberty, Ohio, on November 27, 1838, began his career as a messenger boy and later became a bank executive. He held significant positions including vice president and general manager of the Second National Bank, and he founded the National Bank of Commerce. Additionally, he was involved in various companies, promoted street railroads, and held mining interests in multiple states. A prominent Republican, he served as city treasurer for fourteen years and enjoyed traveling and outdoor activities.

Biographical Sketch of William Downie

William Downie, born in Cleveland in 1874, was a master painter and successful businessman. He married Cora Evarts Green in Warren, Ohio, in 1896 and had two sons. Downie held various leadership roles, including president of the Wm. Downie Co. and Downie Real Estate Co., and secretary-treasurer of the Whittle, Downie Sign Co. He was an active member of several organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Clan Grant, and various clubs in Cleveland.

Biographical Sketch of William George Dietz

William George Dietz, born on April 7, 1857, in Warren, Ohio, was an investment banker and educator. He graduated from Hiram College in 1881 and served as deputy auditor of Trumbull County before becoming a secretary to a Cleveland public school superintendent. Dietz contributed to night schools and organized his banking firm in 1893. Following a varied career in banking, he held several directorships and was involved with various organizations, including Hiram College and the Investment Bankers Association. He married Jessie B. Pettibone and had one daughter, Marian.

Biographical Sketch of Chalmer G. Geodes

Chalmer G. Geodes, born on December 25, 1871, in Liberty, Ohio, was a sheet metal contractor. After receiving a district school education, he trained as a machinist at the Warner Swasey Co. He married Lilon A. Bliss in 1899 and had two daughters. In 1900, he partnered with C. R. Bliss to open a hardware store, later transitioning to the sheet metal business in Glenville. Geodes was active in real estate and served on the official board of the Glenville Christian Church for ten years.

Biographical Sketch of Francis J. Peck

Francis J. Peck, born September 7, 1866, in West Farmington, Ohio, was the son of Dr. Allen Francis and Cordelia A. Fuller Peck. He received his education in public schools and the University of Michigan. Peck married Caroline Margaret Cramer in 1901, and they had one daughter. He served as city chemist in Cleveland and was chief engineer of his own firm. An active member of numerous professional associations, he also held director positions in various companies. His father was a prominent surgeon during the Civil War.

Biographical Sketch of John Corydon Hutchins

John Corydon Hutchins, born on May 8, 1840, in Warren, Ohio, was an accomplished lawyer with a distinguished public service career. He was educated at local schools, Oberlin College, and Albany Law School. After serving as a first lieutenant in the Civil War, he settled in Cleveland in 1868. Hutchins held various positions, including prosecuting attorney and Common Pleas Judge, and was a member of the School Board and Public Library Board. He married Jane M. Campbell in 1861 and had five children.

Biographical Sketch of William Henry Hunt

William Henry Hunt was born on January 28, 1868, in Warren, Ohio. He received a public school education and married Mary Fairchild Sanford in 1912. Hunt held numerous leadership roles, including chairman of the Municipal Art and Architecture committee and president of various associations, such as the National Brick Manufacturers Association and the Ohio Face Brick Association. He served as president of the Cleveland Life Insurance Co. and was involved in community organizations like St. Luke’s Hospital and the Civil Federation of Cleveland. His hobbies included travel.

Biographical Sketch of Francis Joseph Wing

Francis Joseph Wing, born on September 14, 1850, in North Bloomfield, Ohio, was a notable judge and legal figure. He graduated from Phillips Academy and Harvard University, marrying Mary Brackett Remington in 1878. Wing served as an assistant United States district attorney in Ohio from 1880 to 1881 and later held positions as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas from 1899 to 1901 and as a United States district judge from 1901 to 1905 before resigning. He was also a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon.

Biographical Sketch of Thomas H. Wilson

Thomas H. Wilson, born on October 9, 1841, in Liberty, Ohio, was a prominent banker with a modest education. He married Louise Fellows in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1863 and had two sons. Wilson began his banking career in 1860 as a clerk and later moved to Cleveland in 1888, where he served as cashier and then vice president of First National Bank. A trustee at Calvary Presbyterian Church and a Chamber of Commerce member, he was esteemed for his banking expertise in Northern Ohio.

Biographical Sketch of James D. Williamson

James D. Williamson, born on March 12, 1849, in Cleveland, was a prominent clergyman and educator. He attended Cleveland public schools and earned a degree from Western Reserve College, followed by advanced studies at Andover and Union Theological Seminaries. He received an honorary D.D. from Western Reserve University. Williamson served as pastor at several Presbyterian churches in Ohio from 1875 to 1901 and held various leadership roles in educational and civic organizations. He was married to Edith Day Ely and had four children. His leisure activities included golf.