JOHN ANSON CALDWELL, one of the prominent business men and worthy citizens of Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, Nov. 3, 1838.
     The Caldwells trace their ancestry to Tyrone and Donegal counties, Ireland, and are of Scotch-Irish extraction. They were Prot­estants; were people of wealth, belonging to the landed nobility, and had a coat of arms.
     John A. Caldwell's parents, Robert and Maria (Lowry) Caldwell, were both natives of Pennsylvania. Robert Caldwell was born Dec. 14, 1798, and died in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in 1842.  He was a farmer by occupation, was keenly alive to the best in­terests of the farm, and was well known as an honest, industrious and worthy citizen.  From boyhood he was a devout member of the United Presbyterian Church.  He had decided views on political matters, and was an ardent Whig.  His wife, Maria, was born July 17, 1801, and died Nov. 15, 1838.  She, too, was a worthy member of the United Presbyterian Church, and was a woman of many estimable qualities, loved by all who knew her.  Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell were married Feb. 1, 1821, and had a family of children as follows: Nancy, wife of Lewis Speer, was born Jan. 16, 1822, and died in 1858; Mary, born Mar. 3, 1824, became the wife of Richard Bran, his death occurring Feb. 11, 1892, and hers Feb. 19, 1892; Elizabeth L., born Mar. 22, 1827, married William Catlin, her death occurring in 1891, and his in January, 1893; Emeline, wife of Elisha Stone, resides in Batavia, Illinois; Almira, wife of R. S. Whitney, is a resident of Westfield, Wisconsin; and John and Anson, the youngest of the family.  By a second marriage Robert Caldwell had one child, Alfred Augustus, born May 7, 1841.  This son, Alfred Augustus, enlisted in the Union army in 1861.  He was taken prisoner on the battlefield and was sent to the Andersonville prison pen, where, after months of suffering from exposure and starvation death came to his relief.  He sleeps his last sleep in the National Cemetery at Andersonville.
     The subject of our sketch was deprived of a mother's loving care in infancy, and, his father having died a few years later, he remembers little of him.  He lived at the old farm home until he was fifteen years of age.  Then he worked two years at the tinner's trade, and after that went to school two years.  In 1859, at the age of twenty, being of a restless disposition and having a desire for travel, he set out for California, via the Isthmus route, taking passage on the celebrated Star of the "West.  It will be remembered that this same vessel, while on the way to Fort Sumter with provisions and ammunition for General Robert Anderson in 1861, was fired upon by the rebels.
     Mr. Caldwell spent two years in California in mining operations, and several years more in mining and prospecting through the territories of Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Montana.  He returned east as far as Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1866, and the following year made a visit to the home of his childhood.  In 1868 he went to Omaha, Nebraska, and for several years worked at his trade there. Jan. 6, 1872, be removed to Conneaut, Ohio, and engaged in the grocery business, under the firm name of Bosworth & Caldwell. Two years later the firm became Poole & Caldwell, and since 1882, having bought out his partner's interest at that time, he has continued the business under the name of J. A. Caldwell.  He carries a full line of groceries, provisions, crockery, queensware, notions, etc., and has a large trade, numbering among his customers the best people of the city and surrounding country.
     Mr. Caldwell was married in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Apr. 29, 1869, to a daughter of Calvin and Harriet Poole.  It was his father-in-law with whom he was engaged in business, under the name of Poole & Caldwell. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have two children, viz.: Jessie A., wife of C. B. Stoke, of Conneaut; and Harriet Almira, a pupil in the Conneaut public school.  Mrs. Caldwell is a member of the Episcopal Church.
     In social as well as business circles Mr. Caldwell ranks with the leading citizens of Conneaut.  He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Cache Commandery, in all of which bodies he holds the office of Treasurer.  He is also Treasurer of the, Knights of Honor, National Union and the Elks of Conneaut.  He is a charter member of the Knight of Pythias Lodge, at Conneaut; was the first Past Grand Chancellor of said lodge, and has also served five years as District Deputy of the same - Maple Lodge, No. 217.  He is also a member of the Mystic Shrine.  Aside from his activity in secret organizations, he has always shown a public spirit worthy of commendation and has been deeply interested in the public enterprises of the city.  He holds decided views on political matters of county, State and Nation, and affiliates with the Democratic party.
(Transcribed from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 167)

REV. PRENTICE A. CANADA, or Canaday, as the older generation spelled the name, was born near the village of Losantville, Randolph county, Indiana, Dec. 18, 1859.  His father, Jonathan Canada, in 1830, at the age of eight years, emigrated from Randolph county, North Carolina, with his father, Walter Canada, settling in the then young but now staid old Quaker settlement near Economy, Wayne county, Indiana.  There they lived, Jonathan having few opportunities for anything save toil until young manhood, when he located in Randolph county.  He immediately began to pay for what is now known as the Canada homestead, where he lived and reared a large family, and died in 1890, at the age of sixty-eight years, after a brief sickness.  Brought up a Quaker and a Whig, he early became a member of the Christian Church, and was one of the first members of the Republican party.  He married Susanna Moore in 1843.  Her people were Virginians, but on account of their dislike for slavery emigrated some time in the '20s to southern Ohio, and shortly afterward to Randolph county, Indiana, where she died in February, 1886, at the age of sixty-two years.
     Prentice A., our subject, was the tenth in a family of twelve children, and the youngest of five sons, all of whom attained maturity, and all of whom are now living but one.  Mr. Canada was reared to farm life, and was taught to love work, and to respect only people who were honest and industrious.  The meager opportunities for schooling during the winter season were improved, and at the age of fifteen years the common branches had been mastered.  Two terms in the Winchester high school and the help of an older brother, William Walter, enabled him to enter Union Christian College, at Merom, Indiana, in the autumn of 1877.  By sawing wood, acting as janitor, teaching classes in the preparatory school, teaching two terms of district school, and by hard manual toil during vacations, Mr. Canada earned sufficient money to pay all bills, and graduated with class honors in 1883.  The following year was spent in charge of the graded school at Greentown, Howard county, Indiana, and the next year in Oberlin Theological Seminary, and in preaching at the East Norwalk Mission Church, in Ohio.  In the autumn of 1885, Mr. Canada removed to Columbus Grove, Putnam county, Ohio, where he was ordained to the work of the ministry in January, 1886.  In that year also he located at Hagerstown, Wayne county, Indiana, near his old home, having charge of the Christian Churches at that place and Hanna's Creek, Union county.  In 1888 he was called to the more important pastorate of the Christian Church at Versailles, Ohio, where he remained nearly three years, and from that place was called to his present field.  Apr. 1, 1891, he entered his third year of work in this church with every evidence of prosperity.
     Feb. 28, 1888, Rev. Canada was united in marriage to Miss Addie R. Spencer, who was born at Oxford, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1861, a daughter of Frank and Catherine, (McArthur) Spencer, natives also of that place.  Mrs. Spencer's father, Rev. John McArthur, D. D., and the venerable Dr. Scott, father of Mrs. Benjamin Harrison, were intimately associated in ministerial and educational work.  Mr. and Mrs. Spencer now reside at Chillicothe, Ohio.  Mrs. Canada received her education mainly in the high schools of Connersville and Liberty, Indiana, graduating at the latter place at the age of seventeen years.  She also attended the State Normal, at Terre Haute, and was a successful teacher.  Rev. and Mrs. Canada have three daughters:  Susannah S., born Mar. 18, 1889; Catherine, Dec. 30, 1890; both at Versailles, Ohio; and Marguerite, born Nov. 12, 1892, at Conneaut.  Our subject also represents his denomination as one of the executive officers of the Ohio Christian Endeavor Union, is Superintendent of Christian Endeavor Work in the State for the Christian denomination, and has been appointed by the Church Missionary and Extension board to oversee the missionary efforts of the Endeavor Societies of his church in the West.
(Transcribed from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 590)

PROF. C. E. CAREY, Superintendent of Schools, Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Dutchess county, New York, Nov. 20, 1860, son of John and Julia (Williams) Schoonover, both natives of New York.
     John Schoonover, leaving his wife and four children, enlisted in the army at Stanford, New York, Aug. 28, 1862, for three years, and was mustered into Company C, One Hundred and Fiftieth New York Volunteer Infantry, as a private, Oct. 11, 1862.  During his absence in the war, in the early part of 1864, his wife died, leaving her little ones to the care of friends and relatives.  About three months after her death, news of the father's death reached them.  He died at Louisville, Kentucky, June 28, 1864, aged forty years.  He was a man of sterling qualities, was in the prime of a vigorous manhood, and freely gave his life for his country.  Of his army experience little is known.  Three of the Schoonover children were reared and educated by three of their mother's sisters, each taking the name of the aunt who reared him, and all growing up to occupy honorable positions in life.  Of them we make the following record:
     William, the oldest, retained the name of Schoonover.  He married and settled in life, and his untimely death occurred at the age of twenty-six years.
     Richard S. Thomas, the second-born, has been a teacher ever since he was fifteen years old.  For two years he was superintendent of the Jefferson, Ohio, schools, and is now superintendent of the schools at Warren, Ohio.  He married Miss Stella Saxton, of Madison, this State.
     Calvin T. Northrop, the third of the family is also a teacher.  He has been engaged in this profession for the past thirteen years in the schools of Ohio, and is now superintendent of the Garrettsville schools.
     C. E. Carey is the youngest.  He and his brothers are all prominently identified with the leading educators of the State, and wherever known their scholarly attainments and ability as instructors and organizers have been recognized.
     The subject of this sketch received his education at Cazenovia and Syracuse, New York.  He first began teaching in the country schools, and taught there several terms.  Then he was two years at Masonville, New York, and in 1885 located in Conneaut, where he has since been superintendent of schools, having rendered a high degree of satisfaction here.  He is a member of the County Examining Board and also of the Board of Health.  Professor Carey's being selected for these important positions and his long continuance here are ample proof of his qualifications.
     He was married Feb. 25, 1885, to Miss Elsie M. Smith, daughter of Frederick W. and Electa M. (Wells) Smith.  His parents are natives of New York, and her father is a farmer in that State.  Of their family we make record as follows:  Mrs. Carey is the oldest; Olivia died in 1872, aged eighteen years; Hosea died at the age of six months; Fred W., a New York farmer, married Mattie Vail and has one child; Jennie B., wife of John Hochtitzky, has three children; Addie died at the age of two years; Delia died in childhood; Jessie, wife of Fred Ostrander; and Frank A., at home.  Mrs. Carey's grandfather was Hosea Smith.
     The Professor and his wife have one child, Charles Schronover Carey.  They are members of the Congregational Church, and he is also identified with the Masonic fraternity, being W. M. of the blue lodge.  Politically he is a Republican.
(Transcribed from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 865)

CAPTAIN THOMAS J. CARLIN, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, Conneaut, Ohio, dates his birth at Chautauqua, New York, Jan. 12, 1816.
     His parents, James and Mary (Smith) Carlin, were born, reared and married in Ireland, and in 1814 came to the United States and settled in Westfield, New York.  James Carlin was a brick mason, which occupation he followed all his life.  He was an honest and straightforward business man and in him were the truest and purest types of religion united.  He died in September, 1826, about the age of fifty years.  Both he and his wife were Presbyterians.  Later in life, however, Mrs. Carlin united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she died a consistent member, at the age of seventy-seven years, her death occurring about 1874.  During the latter part of her life she made her home with the subject of this sketch, and her last resting place is at Conneaut.  This worthy couple were the parents of three daughters and four sons, only two of whom, Captain James Carlin and the subject of this article, are living.
     Thomas J. received his education in the public schools and the Westfield Academy.  His first business was that of making brick at Westfield.  He also followed the same occupation at Conneaut in an early day, having made this place his home since 1838.
     Early in 1861, although forty-six years of age and not in reach of the draft, being too old, he enlisted in the service of his country; raised and took into the service the Second Ohio Four-gun Battery, General Fremont subsequently adding two twelve-pound howitzers to their force.  Mr. Carlin was made Captain of the battery and served as such until his health failed in 1862, when he resigned.  He served in western Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi.  He was then appointed assistant enrolling officer, under Governor Tod, for the Nineteenth Congressional District, and served in that capacity until the close of the war.  The battery was in the first battle of Pea Ridge, later at Black River bridge, at Raymond, Mississippi, and also at Vicksburg.  On one occasion the Captain, with twenty-non-commissioned officers, was detailed to capture a ton of reel powder near Warsaw, Missouri.  He accomplished the task, delivering the ammunition over to the United States Arsenal in October, 1861.  While out on this raid his horse shied at a large rock which was on a dug-out road, thereby causing Captain Carlin to strain his back.  An hour later he was compelled to dismount, and from the effects of this strain he has been troubled ever since.  At the time he enlisted in the army two of his sons, Orson A. and James M. also entered the service, leaving the mother and two daughters alone.
     Captain Carlin had been a Postmaster at Conneaut for eight years previous to his enlistment, and at the close of the war he was elected Justice of the Peace, holding the office by re-election up to the present time.
     He served as Mayor of Conneaut three terms, not in succession, however.  In the educational affairs of the town he has been an important factor.  He served continuously for twenty-one years on the Board of Education, his associates retaining him even while in the war.  With fraternal organizations he has also taken an active part.  He organized the first lodge of Good Templars in Conneaut and was its first Worthy Chief, which office he held for two years.  He has taken a prominent part in all temperance work of the town ever since and has ever been an ardent Prohibitionist.  He is the oldest member of Evergreen Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of which he served four years as Worshipful Master.  At the breaking out of the war he was Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and was in a fair way for promotion at that time.  He took part in the unveiling of the Perry monument at Cleveland Ohio.  He signed for a carter for a lodge of I. O. O. F. nearly fifty years ago; remained with the organization, was its Noble Grand for several terms, and had a working place in it until it surrendered its charter.  His name is the first on a petition for a charter for Custer Post, No. 9, G.A.R., and it is he who had the honor of naming the post in Conneaut.  He is a United States pensioner.
     Captain Carlin was married Nov. 22, 1838, at Conneaut, Ohio, to Miss Mary Ann Dibble, daughter of Ezra Dibble, a soldier in the war of 1812, the marriage ceremony being performed by S. F. Taylor, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Huron county.  After fifty years of happy married life they made arrangements to celebrate their golden wedding, but Mrs. Carlin's health would not permit them to carry out their plans.  She died June 22, 1889, aged seventy-two years.  From her girlhood she was a member of the Conneaut Congregational Church.  Her life as far as health would permit, was one of activity.  It was an inspiration to gentleness, patience, faith and courage:  these virtues in her were luminous, and never more so than in her last protracted illness.  She was a woman of rare intelligence and Christian character, and all who knew her cherished her memory with grateful affection.
     The Captain and his wife had four children, of whom we make the following record:  Orison A., who married Miss Allie Loomis, is agent for the Adams Express Company at Greenville, Pennsylvania; Ellen J., wife of J. C. Kuchler, agent for the Erie & Pittsburg Railroad Company at Greenville, Pennsylvania, died Jan. 17, 1893 in the fifty-third year of her age.  She was a member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and was the mother of an only child, Miss Carlin.  James M., who married Miss Doty Crane, died in September, 1889, aged forty-two; and Artimisia Blanche is the wife of G. W. Bigelow, of Conneaut.  Mr. & Mrs. Bigelow have four children, as follows:  Mamie C., who has been a successful teacher in the Conneaut public schools since her graduation in 1889;  Brownell, a graduate of the Conneaut high school with the class of 1893; Helen K.; and Orsie Carlin.
     Captain Carlin is the oldest member of the Conneaut Congregational Church, having been a member for more than forty years.  During his official career he has had an enviable reputation as a brave and efficient public officer.  In church, with eye bedimmed and enfeebled voice, he still remains a working member as in former years.  On all questions of moral reform he has always been, and still is, at the front, laboring for the true and good.
(Transcribed from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 621)

For reference: See
1860 Census, Conneaut, Ashtabula Co., Oh
Thomas J. Carlin, ae. 34; Mary Ann Carlin, wife, ae. 33; Helen J., dau., ae 10; Orson A., son, ae 8; James M., son, ae 6; Blanche, dau, ae 1. (Thomas b. Ireland, all others born Ohio.
 See 1860 Census, Borough of Conneaut, Ashtabula Co., Oh
Thomas J. Carlin, ae 44; Mary A. Carlin, ae 43; Helen J. Carlin, ae 20; Orran A. Carlin, ae 18; James M. Carlin, ae 16; A. Blanche Carlin, ae. 11
Also See 1870 Census, Borough of Conneaut, Ashtabula Co., Oh
Dwelling 58 Family 60 Thomas J. Carlin, ae. 54; Mary A., ae. 54; George Bigelow, ae 24, sailor; Blanche A. Bigelow, ae 22.
Dwelling 59 Family 61 James M. Carlin, ae 37; Josephine A. Carlin, ae 33.
Also See 1880 Census Conneaut Village, Ashtabula Co., Oh
T. J. Carlin, ae 62; Mary A., ae 59.
Also See 1900 Census Conneaut Township
413 Harbor Street
Dwelling 294  Family 329
T. J. Carlin, ae 84; Emeline Carlin, Wife, ae 77; Bertha Meinke, Servant, ae 23

IRA F. CASE, yard master of the Nickel Plate Railroad at Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, Nov. 15, 1862.
     His parents were Orson and Rhoda A. (Wilmarth) Case, both natives of Pennsylvania.  His father was a soldier in the Army of the Potomac during the late war, serving several years.  Previous to the war he conducted farming operations, and afterward was engaged in railroading, beginning as yard master and subsequently serving as baggage master.  He continued as baggage master up to the time of his death, Apr. 24, 1891, aged sixty-eight years.  From his boyhood up he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, his whose life being characterized by honesty and industry.  His widow is a resident of Pennsylvania.  She is a member of the Universalist Church.  Of their three children we make record as follows:  Orney E., the oldest is a conductor on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, having been on the road for nine years; Ira F., the subject of this sketch; and George M., a farmer in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, has a large stone quarry on his farm, to which he gives considerable attention and which affords him a handsome income. 
     Ira F. Case was reared on a farm in his native county.  At the age of fifteen he began learning telegraphy at Foster, Pennsylvania, and remained there six months.  Then he had charge of different offices along the line until he obtained a steady situation at Homer, New York, remaining at that place a year and a half.  After this he served as station agent on the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad for three years.  Then he served as brakeman on the same road, and subsequently as conductor on the Buffalo & Southwest.  Since 1888 he has been in the employ of the Nickel Plate at Conneaut, first as yard conductor and then as yard master, his present position.
     Mr. Case was married in New York, Oct. 8, 1884, to Mrs. Sarah J. Thompson daughter of Samuel Peacock, native of Canada.  They have one child, Myrtle E.  Mrs. Case is a member of the Christian Church.
     He affiliates with the Democratic party, and is a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen of Conneaut.
(Transcribed from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 926)

GEORGE H. CLEVELAND,(1) a retired merchant of Conneaut, Ohio, was born at this place Nov. 18, 1840, son of Cyrus and Ann Eliza (Latimer) Cleveland, the father a native of Fair Haven, Vermont, and the mother of Dryden, New York.
     Cyris Cleveland, late of Conneaut, was well known in this vicinity and was highly respected by all.  He was born in Rutland county, Vermont, in 1807, and at the age of sixteen was left an orphan, dependent upon his own exertions and the kindness of an older brother.  He made his home with his brother at Saratoga, New York, for three years.  At the age of nineteen he started out in life on his own responsibility, working by the month, and after he had saved $60 he returned to Saratoga and entered into a co-partnership with his brother in the general merchandise business.  This partnership lasted two years, at the end of which time he purchased his brother's interest, and continued the business five years longer.  It was while he was in Saratoga that he married Miss Latimer, who proved herself a helpmate to him not only in name but also in deed.  They had two sons, both now residents of Conneaut.
     In 1833, we find Mr. Cleveland established in business at Conneautville, Pennsylvania, where he remained two years, coming from there to Conneaut, Ohio, in 1835.  In 1836, he became the landlord of the Mansion House, then the hotel of Conneaut, and had fairly good success, but the business was not congenial to his taste and he relinquished it at his earliest opportunity.  In 1837, his brother Oliver and family came to Conneaut, and the same year Messrs. Cyrus and John B. Cleveland commenced to erection of the building where Mariam's planing-mill now stands.  When it was completed they filled it with goods, and carried on business for fourteen years.  During these years Cyrus was the active manager and did nearly all the business.  From 1851 until 1862, he was in business by himself, was very successful and accumulated property rapidly.  In 1862, he took in his youngest son as partner.  In 1861, he began the erection of the block which bears his  name and which at that time was the best in the county.  The substantial structure is still an ornament to the city.  He also owned and occupied on of the finest residences in the county.  Besides accumulating a large amount of property, he gave liberally of his means toward advancing the best interests of the town.  He was the first president of the Conneaut Mutual Loan Association.  Mr. Cleveland continued in business here until 1868, when he retired.  His death occurred Mar. 5, 1892.  He was a man loved and respected by all who ever had the pleasure of his acquaintance.  He was possessed of a strong constitution, a vigorous intellect and a cheerful disposition.  In the family circle he was a kind husband and an indulgent father; in church work he was earnest, and in business enterprising and progressive.  Mrs. Cleveland also lived to an advanced age, her death occurring in 1891, aged eighty-two years.  Hers was the first death in the family for a period of sixty-three years.  For over sixty years she was a member of the Baptist Church.  She was a conscientious Christian, always ready and willing to assist in all good works for the Master and for humanity.  She and her worthy husband had a happy married life of more than sixty hears, by their many amiable qualities made hosts of friends, and their memory will long be cherished with grateful affection.
     G.  H. Cleveland, with whose name this article begins, attended school at Conneaut and also received instruction under Prof. Brayton at Painesville.  In early life he engaged in business with his father, and continued in mercantile life until 1882.  After his father retired he was a member of the firm of Cleveland, Benton & Cheney, and subsequently did business under his own name, closing out about 1882.  From the spring of 1891 until the spring of 1892, he was proprietor of the Commercial House.
     He was married Dec. 16, 1863, to Miss Lydia A Stafford of Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Kelly) Stafford.  They have four children, namely, Minnetta E., Merrit C., Laura H. and Clarence S.; Merrit married Miss Frances Adair.
     Mr. Cleveland is a member of Evergreen Lodge A. F. & A. M.; Conneaut Chapter Council and Commandery, being a charter member of the Commandery; is a member of the Order of the Elks, and in politics joins issue with the Democratic party.  In every way he is an honorable and upright man, progressive and public-Spirited.  To him have been transmitted many of those sterling qualities of mind and heart that characterized and ennobled his worthy ancestors.
(Transcribed from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 759)
(1) See George H. Cleveland in 1880 Census Conneaut, Ashtabula Co., OH, pg. 384C

G. H. CONNELL, assistant shipping clerk in the employ of the Nickel Plate Railroad, Conneaut, Ohio, is a native of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, born Nov. 24, 1845, son of Jonah and Eliza (Zielie) Connell.
     Jonah Connell was born in Schoharie county, New York, oldest in the family of seven children - five sons and two daughters - born to Isaac and Eva (Fink) Connell, both natives of Scholarie county. Isaac Connell moved West, and died in Illinois. Following are the names of their children: Jonah, Cornelia, Peter, John, Christopher, Margaret, and Martha, the last two being the only ones now living. Margaret is the widow of Aaron Colly, and Martha is the wife of Omri Goodwell. Jonah Connell was married Apr. 3, 1845, to Miss Eliza Zielie, daughter of David and Sallie (Stokes) Zielie, her father a native of New York and her mother of Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Zielie had four children, viz.: Catherine, who married Charles Fink, both being deceased; Margaret, widow of Daniel McLaughlin, has one child, Matilda; Mrs. Connell; and Peter who married Susan Brown, both being deceased, and leaving two children—Caroline, wife of John McGee, and Sarah, wife of Martin Rawley. Mrs. Connell is nearing her seventy-eighth mile post, the date of her birth being Oct. 14, 1815. Her worthy companion passed away Oct. 11,1887, aged seventy-four years, two months and six days. He was a consistent Christian from his boyhood days, and filled most acceptably in his Church all the offices accorded to laymen. His many estimable traits of character and his pure Christian life endeared him to a large circle of friends. For more than sixty years Mrs. Connell has been a member of the church. In their family of five children, G. H., whose name heads this sketch, is the oldest; Jane, born Aug. 9, 1848, died Apr. 15, 1853; Sallie, born Feb. 17, 1850, died Apr. 18, 1853; James, born Mar. 7, 1852, died Apr. 20, 1853; and Mary, born July 15, 1854, died May 27, 1858.
     G. H. Connell was educated in Erie, Pennsylvania, finishing his studies with a commercial course. After leaving school he was engaged in farming until 1883. In the mean time, in 1865, his father's family had moved to Conneaut. In 1883 he began working for the Nickel Plate Railroad Company, first, in the shops, and subsequently as foreman in the yard, continuing in the latter capacity nine years. He was promoted to his present position Oct. 20, 1892, and has since been rendering efficient service here.
Mr. Connell was married Apr. 23, 1869, to Miss Amelia Cathcart. Their only child, James, is engaged in agricultural pursuits, having charge of his father's farm.
     Mr. Connell is a member of Maple Lodge, No. 217, K. of P.; the Uniform Rank, K. of P.; and the State Police, of which he is a Special Officer. For six years he was School Director in Conneaut township, and one term was Clerk of the Board. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
     Of Mrs. Connell's family we make record as follows: HUGH CATHCART, her father, was born Sept. 10, 1803, was a pattern maker by trade; died Feb. 14, 1869. Her mother, Caroline (Giddings) Cathcart, was born Apr. 30, 1820, and died Feb. 1, 1855. Both were old school Presbyterians for many years. They had six children, namely: Earl, who died at the age of six months; Emma, wife of Eugene Maxfield, born Aug. 3, 1842, died Dec. 29, 1878; Holmes, born Jan. 3, 1845, died July 26, 1845; Amelia; born Dec. 12, 1849; Hubert, born July 24, 1852, died Oct. 10, 1852; and Addison, born Jan. 8, 1855, died May 4, 1855. By a former marriage to Olive Youngs, Mr. Cathcart had three children -  Solomon H., of Elyria, Ohio; Elizabeth, born Sept. 13, 1835, died in April, 1849; and Augusta, wife of M. Z. Andrews, Centralia, Kansas.
(Transcribed from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 282)

CAPTAIN SIDNEY HARRIS COOK.   - The subject of this sketch is doubly deserving of notice, as having helping to preserve the Union and as now belonging to that class on which the stability and prosperity of the Union depends, the farmer.
     Captain Cook, a successful farmer and esteemed citizen of Jefferson, Ohio, was born at Newton Falls, Trumbull county, this State, Aug. 11, 1838.  His parents, Carlos P. and Alzina (Barden) Cook, were both natives of New York, in which State they were married in 1834.  They shortly afterward turned their faces westward, journeying to Ohio and settling in Trumbull county, of which they were pioneers.  Their home was on wooded land, where the father began to clear off the forest and industriously to cultivate the soil.  About seven years later, in 1844, the father was killed by the fall of a tree, leaving several children to the care of the bereaved mother.  She subsequently married Dr. David Webster, who died in 1865.  She is now living, at the age of seventy-eight years.  She has resided in Ashtabula county since 1849, having removed to Lenox township from Geauga county shortly after her second marriage.  There were seven children by her first marriage: Emily; Charles P.; Sidney Harris, the subject of this sketch; Cornelia, deceased; Harriet L., once a successful teacher in the Jefferson schools, who died in 1865; and two sons who died when very young.
     After the death of his father, the subject of this notice made his home with his uncle for a time.  He was subjected to many changes, and circumstances were such that he was afforded but limited educational advantages; but, gifted with quick observation, good judgment and retentiveness of memory, he has worked out his walk in life to honor and success.  On attaining the age of fourteen years, he worked at the carpenter's trade four or five years, under the instruction of his stepfather.  At the age of eighteen he went to Illinois, and was there employed at his trade a year and half.  Next he went to Wisconsin, where he followed his trade until 1860, when he returned to Ashtabula count.
     When the Rebellion broke out he felt that it was his duty as a patriot to do what he could for the preservation of the Union, and accordingly, in August, 1861, he joined an independent company of sharpshooters, which however, was not long afterward disbanded.  In October following he enlisted in what was known as "Lane's Brigade Band," under the command of Captain W. R. Allen, of Jefferson.  His service in that connection also was of short duration, as the company was by general order soon disbanded.
     Young Cook was not a little discouraged by these failures to get to the front, where the enemy was.  However, he concluded to make one more effort, which met with success, and Aug. 16, 1862 he became a member of Company A, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  The first important battle in which he engaged was that at Perryville, Kentucky, October 8, in which he was wounded in the right shoulder and ankle.  He however, refused to go to the hospital, but marched with his company, using his musket for a crutch.
     After this battle he was appointed Corporal.  Oct. 15, 1862, he was promoted Assistant Quartermaster, and November 16, following Assistant Brigade Quartermaster.  Mar. 15, 1863, he was raised to the rank of Sergeant Major, in which position he served twelve months.
     May 9, 1864, at the beginning of the movement toward Atlanta, Mr. Cook was promoted as Second Lieutenant of Company E, which he most gallantly commanded during that remarkable campaign, his regiment being in General Schofield's corps.  Almost at the beginning of this campaign, at Dalton, he was wounded in the left arm, but continued with his company.  After the fall of Atlanta, his corps was attached to General Thomas' army, which followed Hood on his march on Nashville.  In this last campaign, Mr. Cook fought in the battles of Columbia, Franklin, Nashville and Spring Hill, in all of which engagements he, with his company, was most of the time at the front and in the hottest of the fight.  At the battle of Spring Hill, he was taken prisoner during the night, but made his escape before morning.  He never seemed to like the idea of being a prisoner.  After the battle of Spring Hill, Dec. 20, 1864, and the total defeat of Hood, his command followed the fleeing enemy as far as Columbia, almost destroying the late opposing forces.  December 24, Captain cook was transferred to Company G.  At Clifton, his command embarked on transports going down the Tennessee, then up the Ohio to Cincinnati, from which place they were ordered by rail to Washington, and went into camp at Alexandria for a time.  In February, 1865, Captain Cook was appointed Provost Marshal of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Corps, and in March following, was promoted to the position of Division Provost-Marshal on General McLean's staff, same division.  In April, 1865, he was still further advanced to an important position by the appointment to the place of field Ordnance Officer on General Schofield's staff.  His first and most important service while holding this important position was that accomplished when General Schofield detailed him with a thousand men, to rebuild the railroad which the rebels had torn up from New Berne to Kingston, North Carolina, a distance of sixteen miles.  The rapidity with which Captain Cook accomplished this work astonished his superior officers and brought him the highest commendations.
     To return to his command: Leaving Alexandria, they embarked for Fort Fisher; from there they went to Wilmington, North Carolina, thence marched to Goldsboro, where they again joined Sherman's army, after a separation of almost six months.  the two armies then operated together until the surrender at Appomattox.  After General Joseph E. Johnston's surrender at Greensboro, North Carolina, Captain Cook was with a detail of eight officers sent under a flag of truce, to receive the ordance stores in behalf of the United States.  Later his command went into camp at Salisbury, North Carolina, where he with his regiment was mustered out, June 26, 1865.  His old company (A) had been left without a captain, and Captain Cook was ordered to take command of it on the homeward journey.  They embarked for Baltimore, thence via Pittsburg to Cleveland, remaining there two weeks, then took the cars for Camp Dennison, Ohio, where they were paid off and finally discharged, July 26, 1865.  The Captain then returned to his home.
     Thus briefly is given the military career of one of Ohio's bravest soldiers.  He was always ready for duty, even though wounded.  He was a special favorite of his superior officers, and particularly was this so with General Schofield.  when that general desired any service done that required judgment, dispatch and bravery he would send for Captain Cook, and the work was generally accomplished, and satisfactorily so.
     After he returned home, Captain Cook engaged in mercantile business in Lenox, Ashtabula county, where he continued for thirteen years.  He was brought out for County Treasurer by the Republicans in 1877, and was elected.  His administration of the office was so satisfactory to the people that he was re-elected, his second term ending in 1882, when he retired to private life on his beautiful farm in the suburbs of Jefferson.
     Captain Cook was married Nov. 1, 1865, to Miss Laura C., daughter of Rev. Rufus R. Clark, a prominent citizen of Conneaut, Ohio.  They have two children: Hattie, now a popular teacher in the public schools; and Carlos C., at home, attending school.
     Captain Cook is a member of the Masonic order of the Giddings Post, No. 7, G. A. R., and is a pensioner.  For the last five years he has been trustee of Jefferson township, and three years member of the Board of Education, two years of which he has been president of the same.
     As a citizen Captain Cook is much respected, having the confidence of all who know him.  He is public-spirited, laboring for the welfare of the people.  At present he is talked of by many as the Republican candidate for Representative for Ashtabula county.  He is a man of pure character and domestic habits, and has an interesting family, to whom he is much devoted.
(Transcribed from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 349)

DR. DURAN S. COSSITT, a popular young physician of Conneaut, Ohio, is just starting out in a career of usefulness and is already winning his way to the front ranks of his chosen profession. As one of the representative young men of the town, it is fitting that some personal mention of him be made in this work.
     Dr. Duran S. Cossitt was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, Mar. 6, 1866, son of Dr. Henry De La Cossitt and Elizabeth (McClimans) Cossitt, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Pennsylvania. Dr. Henry De La Cossitt was a practicing physician of Greenville, Pennsylvania, for over fifty years, having settled there when he was twenty-six. He had two brothers, Epaphroditus and James, who were also eminent physicians, the latter having practiced at Newcastle, Pennsylvania. Our subject's father practiced medicine not only throughout Mercer county but also in the adjoining counties, and wherever he was known he was highly respected, both as a skillful physician and as an upright Christian man. He was a member of the Greenville Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a Democrat in politics, and when the war came on he was in favor of its vigorous prosecution. During those dark days he assisted in the organizing and drilling of recruits. He died Mar. 1, 1877, aged seventy-six years. His widow, born Mar. 1, 1831, is still living, an honored resident of Greenville. She is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Following are the names of their six children: Dr. Henry De La Cossitt, a graduate of the Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio, class of 1893; Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Dr. J. A. Doyle, who is located at Homestead, Pennsylvania, and who graduated at the medical college in the same class with Drs. Henry DeLa and Fred S. Cossitt, his only child being Joseph; William E., who resides at the home place with his mother and has charge of the estate; Dr. Duran S., the fourth born; Dr. Fred S., a graduate of the Western Reserve; and Carrie J., attending the public school.
     Drs. Henry De La and Fred S. are practicing at Greenville, Pennsylvania.
The subject of this sketch received his literary education at Thiel College, at which institution he graduated in 1887. Sarah Elizabeth, William E. and Dr. Fred S. Cossitt, are graduates of the same school, Dr. Henry De La having passed to the junior year. Our subject began the study of medicine in 1889, spent one year in the University of Pennsylvania and two years in Cleveland at the Western Reserve. In April, 1892, he established himself in the practice of his profession in Conneaut, where he has since remained, meeting with good success.
     He is Examiner for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. Recently he has been appointed, for the period of one year, as one of the Board of Examiners of the teachers of the public schools, which board is composed of three members.
     He was married June 29, 1892, to Miss Maud G. Hamblin, daughter of Samuel Hamblin, a member of the firm of Hamblin & Sons, of Greenville, Pennsylvania.  Both the doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Cossitt is one of a family of four children, of whom we make the following record: John H. Hamblin, a machinist, and a resident of Conneaut, Ohio, married Miss Emma Reichard of New Hamburg, Pennsylvania, and has two children; Mary C., a member of the home circle; Mrs. Cossitt; and Ralph, who is attending the public school.
(Transcribed from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 276)

G. E. COUGHLAN, proprietor of a livery and also dealer in buggies, wagons and harness, Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Erie county, New York, May 8, 1849, son of George and Mary (Ingles) Coughlan, natives of Watertown, New York.
     The Ingles family were great musicians and were also noted for their patriotism.  Three of Mrs. Coughlan's brothers were leaders of bands in the Mexican war.  George Ingles, another brother, took part in the Civil war, responding to Lincoln's call for 75,000.  He died in January, 1862.  Albert, her other brother, was an architect.
     George Coughlan, the father of our subject, was a farmer, cultivating land on shares.  He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he filled all the offices of the layman.  He died in 1882 at the age of seventy-three, honored and respected by all who knew him.  His whose life was characterized by honest industry and Christian acts of kindness.  His wife, also a devoted Christian and a member of the Methodist Church, died when the subject of this sketch was a few years old, he being the youngest of ten children.  Four of this number are still living.  Two of the sons, L. M., and A. M., are engaged in the grocery business in Conneaut, the latter having been at the same location on Main street for the past thirty years.  Only one of the daughters, Frances, is living.
     G. E. Coughlan learned the trade of painter in 1869, which trade he followed with good success for nineteen years.  In 1887 he turned his attention to the carriage business, in connection with which he subsequently opened out a livery.  He has a good business, his location being on the corner of Mill and Madison streets.
     Mr. Coughlin was married July 19, 1874, to Miss Josephine Bartlett, daughter of Rev. Noah and Harriet (Wilcox) Bartlett, both natives and residents of Conneaut and among the most highly esteemed people of the place.  Mr. and Mrs. Coughlan have one child, Bessie Gertrude.  Mrs. Coughlan is a member of the Episcopal Church.
     Politically, Mr. Coughlan affiliates with the Republican party; socially, with the I. O. O. F., being a member of the lodge at Ashtabula.
(Transcribed from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 674)

C. J. CRONIN, a conductor on the Nickel Plate Railroad, residing at Conneaut, Ohio, is a native of Chautauqua county, New York, born Mar. 14, 1853.  His parents, John and Margaret (Haley) Cronin, were born, reared and married in Ireland, and came to America some time in the '40s, settling at Dunkirk, New York.  His father was a tanner by trade.  Both parents have passed away, the father dying at Cherry Creek, New York, at about the age of fifty years, and the mother living to be about sixty-five.  They had a family of nine children, C. J. being among the youngest.
     At about the age of fourteen years the subject of our sketch entered upon a seafaring life, beginning as deck boy, being promoted to ordinary seaman and three years later to seaman.  For more than a dozen years he sailed on the briny deep, and during that time visited nearly all the principal ports of the world.  From 1870 until 1882 his home was Erie, and during the warm weather he sailed on the lakes.  The only serious shipwreck he was in in all these years was on Lake Huron.  He was on the Francis Berryman, Captain William Norris, and about eleven o'clock on a moonlight night this vessel was run down by the steam barge Coffinbury and struck forward of the fore rigging.  Two men were killed or drowned and were never seen afterward.  The trouble was caused by a misunderstanding between officers, the steam barge being responsible the damages.
     Mr. Cronin began railroading in 1880, as brakeman on the Lake Shore Railroad, and continued as such for two years.  In 1882 he began service on the Nickel Plate, with which company he as since remained, having served three years as brakeman and the past eight years as freight conductor.  In all his railroad experience he has never had an accident that cost the company a dollar.  His career has been one marked by the closest attention to business and the interest of his employers.
     Mr. Cronin was married Dec., 28, 1881, to Miss Margaret Griffin, daughter of Tarrence and Margaret Griffin, natives of Ireland.  Mr. and Mrs. Cronin have four bright children, Anna May, Frank, Charles and Margaret, of whom they are justly proud.  After having spent much of his life on the sea and in foreign climes, Mr. Cronin knows how to appreciate his comfortable and happy home.  He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church, and in politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.  He is a man of pleasing address, is an entertaining converser, and is popular with the Brotherhood, of which he is Assistant Chief.
(Transcribed from Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio embracing Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga Counties; published in Chicago: Lewis Publ. Co., 1893 - Page 770)