The Hart Families of Summit County, Ohio

HIRAM HART, retired, Akron; was born in Batavia, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 19, 1804, and is the fourth child in a family of seven children born to Rufus and Esther (Cotter) Hart, who were natives of Goshen, Conn. They were married in that State, and moved to New York about the year 1798, where they farmer until 1815, when he moved to Ohio. Two of his sons had come out the preceding spring. He settled on 100 acres of land in what is now Coventry Township, which he had bought before coming to the State, and which had been partly improved by a man named John Collins. Mr. Hart lived in this vicinity until his death, which occuiTed in 1840, his wife's death also occurring about that time. Hiram Hart (our subject) lived at home until he was 25 years of age. His educational advantages were limited, and confined to the district schools in New York, and a short period in Ohio. He was married, Jul\' 18, 1830, to liss Sarah Smith, daughter of Moses and Sarah (Haley) Smith, who were natives of Massachusetts, and came to Ohio about the year 1825. After his marriage, he occupied a piece of land containing 50 acres, and continued upon it until 1844, when he bought the old homestead. In October, 1863, his wife died, leaving seven children, three of whom are living— Delos, a farmer in Springfield Township; Milton, cigar manufacturer, Akron, and Louisa, now Mrs. Thos. F. Cleveland, of Akron. Soon after the death of his wife, Mr. Hart moved to Akron, where he has since resided. He was married to Mrs. Pratt, formerly Miss Sophia M. Packer, a native of New York, who came to Ohio with her parents about 1832. They settled in Portage Co., where he died; she died in Akron, where she was living with her daughter. He was a prosperous farmer, and was widely known as a leading dairyman.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE W. HART. Col. John C. Hart,

I the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Cornwall, Litchfield Co., Conn., April

I 17, 1798. He was a son of Rufus Hart, who was born in Goshen, Conn., in 1771, and Esther Cotter to whom he was married in 1795. In 1802, Rufus Hart and family moved from Connecticut to Genesee Co., N. Y., when he again moved to Ohio. In the war of 1812, Mr. Hart served in the capacity of Lieutenant in a company commanded by Capt. Mallison. He was an active participant in the battles of Chippewa, Lundy's Lane and at the burning of Buffalo. When between 14 and 15 years of age, John C. Hart enlisted in a cavalry company commanded by Capt. Stone, and was with his father at Newark, Ft. George and other contested points. On their evacuation of Ft. George, they suffered incredible hardships, their tents and clothing being such as were brought from their homes. Here young Hart learned a lesson of enduring hardships that he retained through after life. After the close of the war, he and his father returned to Genesee Co., where they remained but a short time, and in May, 1815, they- removed to Ohio, locating at Middlebury, now the Sixth Ward of Akron. There were then but three or four log cabins in what is now that city, and the surrounding country was an almost unbroken forest. When 21 years of age, John C. left home for the South in search of employment. He traveled on foot to Steubenville, where he got on board a lumber raft and floated down the Ohio River until the raft lodged on an island, he then made his way on foot to Cincinnati. From this point he went to St. Louis, where he engaged to work in a mill for a man living near the city. After about two months at this business, he left and went to a small town called Milton, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick, but was soon after taken ill with fever and ague, and the following June returned home. He then purchased 50 acres of land just south of Middlebury on which he soon erected a house and barn. Feb. 24, 1831, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Margaret A. Sterling, and to this union were born George W., John S., Charles S., Hiram J., Elizabeth and Fanny A.

All of these are living except Hiram and Elizabeth. Hiram served his country faithfully in the war of secession, and died from diseases contracted while in the service. The father, John C, was naturally of a military turn of mind, which only required opportunity for development. When advanced in life, he raised a regiment of cavalry of which he was elected Colonel. Mr. Hart died Aug. 20, 1880. Of his children that are yet living, John S. married Zilpha Tinker, of Peoria, Ill., but that lady has since died. Chas. S. married Mrs. Molly Ferney, and lives in Middlebury. Fanny is the wife of Clinton Ruggles, and resides in Aliron. George W. was born in Middlebury, July 12, 1832, and in youth received the advantages of the common schools of his native village. He was married Aug. 18, 1853, to Miss AnnaH. Beardsley, daughter of Talmon and Temperance (Spicer) Beardsley. Talmon Beardsley was born in Delhi, Delaware Co., N. Y., Dec. 15, 1799. He removed with his fathers family to Licking Co., Ohio, in 1810, and from there came to Middleburyin 1818. He has since purchased and sold a farm in Springfield Township, and also a farm in Coventry Township, at the latter place living about thirty years. In 1831, he married Temperance Spicer, daughter of May. Miner Spicer, who was one of Middlebury's earliest pioneers. To this union were born seven children, of whom the living ones are Mills H., Avery S., Anna H., Hattie D. and Louisa J. Mills married Prudence Spicer, and is a resident of Ogden Junction, Utah. Avery married Amanda Hart, and lives in xlkron. Hattie is the wife of dates Babcock, and they are residents of Akron. Louisa married George Stover, and lives in Stark Co., Ohio. The two deceased are Emily A. and Avery T. The children of George W. Hart, the subject of this sketch, and his wife, are Freddie, born July 1, 1855, died Sept. 26, 1855; Lizzie, born April 22, 1857, died April 29, 1862; Emily F., born Jan. 13, 1859; Georgie Anna, born Dec. 1, 1861, died Dec. 28, 1873; Clarissie A., born July 25, 1865, and Maggie, born May- 5, 1871, died Aug. 16, 1871. Mrs. Hart was born in Middlebury, July 18, 1832. The death of Georgie Anna was accidental, caused by the kick of a horse. She was driving a team of horses for her father while he was loading the sled with corn. In some way she slipped from the load, and fell beneath one of the horses feet.

The animal became frightened and commenced to kick, one foot striking her face disfiguring it frightfully, one of the works penetrating the skull. She was sensible when taken up and continued so until the next Sunday, when life became extinct, and the spirit of Georgie Hart forsook its clay- tenement and returned to God who gave it. She was a bright, winsome child, the pride of her friends and play'mates. Of an active and cheerful disposition, she was always willing and ready to assist in whatever was required of her. Her faith was firmly fixed in God. After the accident, she asked her mother if she thought she would die; she was told that they did not know, but were fearful she would. She answered that she was willing, and seemed not to fear death to the last. Her untimely fate was a sad blow to her parents, and the deplorable accident cast a gloom over the entire community. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have been singularly unfortunate. Of a family of six children, only- two are now living. Ever since their marriage, they have lived on their place in Stow Township. The farm consists of 150 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Hart is a stanch Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Jpiscopal Church. There is no family better known, or more highly esteemed than that of George W. Hart.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE W. HART, who, for twenty years was a highly respected resident of Cuyahoga Falls, and formerly a successful agriculturist of Stow Township, was born at Middleburg, Summit County, Ohio, July 12, 1832. and died at Cnvahoga Falls, December ir>. 1900. He wa=! a son of Colonel John C. and Margaret (Steriing) Hart.

The Hart family originated in England and came to Connecticut among the early colonists. Rufus Hart, the grandfather of George W., was born at Goshen, Connecticut, in 1771, and in 1795 he married Esther Cotter. In 1802 he moved to Genasee County, New York, and in May, 1815, to Middlebury, Ohio, which is now the Sixth Ward of Akron, which city was then represented by less than a half dozen log cabins, the whole surroimding country being then covered by a heavy forest growth. As an officer in the War of 1812, he participated in the battles of Chippewa and Limdy's I-ane, and the burning of Buffalo.

Colonel John C. Hart, father of George W., was born at Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut, April 17, 1798, and was only fourteen years of age when he joined Captain Stone's company of cavalry. He was in his father's regiment at various points and Ijravely faced hardships with the veterans at the evacuation of Fort George. He continued in the service until the close of the war, and then accompanied his father to New York and subsequently to Ohio. When he was twenty-one years old he left the paternal roof and started out to seek the proverbial fortune, incidentally to find employment. He was of robust constitution, and the mere fact of being obliged to walk a hundred miles or so probably did not discourage him to any great degree. When he reached Steul>enville he boarded a lumber raft and floated a distance down the river; from that point he walked to Cincinnati, and from there made his way to St. Louis. For about two months he worked in a mill in that city and later engaged in the manufacture of brick at a small place where malarial conditions prevailed to such an extent that he was taken ill with chills and fever, and his adventure,* abroad were brought to a close. Pie managed to return home, and when he regained his health purchased a farm of fifty acres ju.<t south of Middlebury, and there pa.sed the re.it of his active life, dying Au,gust 20, 1880. He always remained interested in military affairs and late in life he raised a regiment of cavalry of which he was elected colonel.

On February 23, 1831, John C. Hart was married to Mrs. Margaret A. Sterling, and they became the parents of the following children: George W., John S., Charles S., Hiram, Elizabeth and Fannie A. The last mentioned married Clinton Ruckel. Hiram died from disease contracted in the Civil War.

The late George W. Hart was reared and educated in his native township and attended the local schools, in the meanwhile a-sisting on the home farm. After his marriage he settled on a farm of 160 acres situated in Stow Township, where he resided until he retired to Cuyalioga Falls in 1880. He made his main interest dairying and sheep growing. He was a man of sterling character, strong in the advocacy of what he believed to be right, but just in his dealings with all men. For many years he was a vestryman of St. John's Episcopal Church at Cuyahoga Falls. In his political life he was a stanch supporter of the Republican party and was a man particularly well fitted for public office, but his ambitions were not in that direction. He served as township commLssioner and always, took an interest in the public schools. He was connected with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Star Lodge, No. 187, at Cuyahoga Falls.

On August 18, 1853, George W. Hart was married to Anna H. Beardsley, who was born in Middlebury (Akron) July 18, 1832, and is a daughter of Talman and Temperance (Spicer) Beardsley. To this marriage six children were born, the two who reached maturity being: Emma F. and Clarissa. The latter married R. D. Morgan, and resides at Cleveland. Mrs. Hart and her daughters are members of the Episcopal Church.

Talman Beardsley, father of Mrs. Hart, was born December 23, 1799, in Delhi, Delaware County, New York, and accompanied his father's family to Tjicking County, Ohio, in 1810, and to Middlebury in 1818, where he worked for a short time in a foundry, and then bought a farm which is the present site of the Leggett school. He disposed of that property and boTight another in Coventry

Township on which he lived for thirty years. He became a leading citizen in this part of Summit County, was a prominent Republican, and served many years as a justice of the peace and also as township clerk. His parents were Daniel and Hannah (Bailey) Beardsley.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected.

JOHN S. HART, contractor, Middlebury; was born in Middlebury, Summit Co., Ohio, Dec. 5, 1833, to John C. and Margaret A. (Sterling) Hart, and lived on his father's farm until he was 16 years of age, when he entered the high school at Abingdon, Mass., where he remained one year, and then attended the high school at Winchester, Mass., where he remained for a short time, and then returned home and assisted his father at farming and other business. On March 12, 1856, he was united in marriage to Zilpha M. Tinker, daughter of Daniel Tinker, of Rochester, N. Y. Two children were born to them, viz.: Louise Sumner and Hiram S. (deceased). In September, 1873, his wife died, and on the 19th of July, 1874, he married Rose Henry, daughter of Jacob Henry, of Pittsburgh. They have no children. In 1856, he engaged in farming, which business he followed until 1861, when he adopted the stoneware business, in company with William E. Smith, at which he continued until 1873. In July, 1875, he was engaged by the Akron Strawboard Company, the largest establishment of its kind in the State, as contractor, which business he is now engaged in. In addition to this, he carries on the old homestead farm. Mr. Hart is a stanch Republican, always having voted with that party.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

BENJAMIN HART, a representative citizen of Springfield Township, where he owns a fine, well-improved farm of-eighty acres, has been a resident of the village of Mogadore since 1902. Mr. Hart was born June 5, 1832, and is a son of Jesse and Freelove (Ive.s) Hart.

Mr. Hart belongs to an old and honorable pioneer family of New England stock, his ancestors having been among the first settlers of Springfield Township and among the very early residents of Summit County, coming here a few years after the admission of Ohio as a.state.

Jesse Hart, father of Benjamin, was born in Connecticut, in 1773, and died in Summit County, Ohio, July 18, 1868, aged ninety-four years. When twenty-eight years of age he married Esther Warner, in Connecticut, and they had the following children: Worthy, who wa born March 12, 1808; Amy, who was born January 29, 1805; Esther, who was born Tanuary 15, 1808; Patience, who was born April 10, 1809; and Welcome, who was born February 19, 1811. The mother of these children died March 28, 1811. Jesse Hart was married (second) also in Connecticut to Freelove Ives, September 15, 1811. She wa.s born in Vermont and died in Summit Countv. Ohio. November 7, 1863, The children of Je.sse and Freelove Hart were: Louisa, who was born August 2, 1812, married Homer Root; Jesse, who was born April 27, 1813, married Rachel Richards; Phoebe, who was born September 17, 1816, married Otis Merriman; George, who was born October 22, 1818, married (first) Eliza Nelson, and (second) Mrs. Lizzie (Hile) Bean; Elizabeth, who was born October 18, 1821, married John Hixon; Amos, who was born April 28, 1824, died from an accident, when two years of age; Harriet, who was born August 27, 1826, married (first) William Chapman, and (second) John Smith; Sarah, who was born August 1, 1828, married (first) Joseph Conrad, and (second) Robert Fisher; and Benjamin, who was born June 5, 1832, the youngest of a family of fourteen children.

"In 1812, Jesse Hart left Conecticut with his family and made the journey to Summit County, Ohio, in covered wagons, bringing along many household treasures, and probably, as did many other early settlers, his cows and horses. He settled on what became known as the Hart homestead, in Springfield Township, west of Logtown, where the remainder of his life was pa.ssed. He found only a small portion of the land cleared, heavy timber covering the balance, and it required years for himself and sons to cut down this timber, blacken and then grub out the stumps and I)lace it all under cultivation. His experience was that of other pioneer settlers, a little easier in his case because he possessed more ample means than many others. His older children, however, were all daughters and years I)passed before his sons could materially assist in the heavy labor. He first erected a log house of fair dimensions, and in this the family lived and increa.sed for ten years. About 1822. he erected a.substantial brick house, in which he lived until he died and which still remains on the farm in habitable condition. In all that went to promote the civilization of this section and to advance the welfare of the community in which he had been an early pioneer. -lease Hart was a man to be def>ended upon. He lived to witness wonderful changes in the country to which he had come so early, and on which he left an imj)ress on account of his sterling character. The Hart connections are found all over this section, almost all of his children having married and left descendants.

Benjamin Hart was born in the brick house above mentioned and resided in it until 1892. His education was obtained in the early district schools near his home and he enjoyed one term's instruction at a private school in Mogadore. He continued to cultivate the matrimonial farm until 1892, when he passed it on to his children and grandchildren and at last the old place was sold, but it is still called the old Hart homestead. In 1892, Mr. Hart moved from the old farm, which contained 150 acres, to a farm of eighty acres, which he purchased of R. L. Ewart, and that farm he occupied and operated until he moved to Mogadore, in 1902.

On November 15, 1855, Benjamin Hart was married to Mary L. Meacham, who is a daughter of Benjamin and Prudence (Force) Meacham. Benjamin Meacham was born in Connecticut, came as an early settler to Summit County, and lived in both Tallmadge and Springfield Townships. The mother of Mrs. Hart died when she was two years old, but her father survived some forty years. The children born to Benjamin and Mary L, Hart were the following: Alice, Clara, Mary L., Sarah L., Wilbur Judd, and Raymond, Alice, who married Clark Woolf, resides in Springfield Township, and they have three children. May, Mahlon and Bessie. Clara, deceased, married Edward Daugherty, and at death, December 12. 1886, left two sons, James Benjamin, who has become a prominent citizen of New Berlin, and Irvin Garfield, who is a successful dentist residing at New Berlin. May L., who married Homer L. Hudson, October 7, 1882, died September 7, 1888, leaving one daughter. Clara Louise; Sarah L., was married August 27, 1885, to Amos K. Douglas and they have four children, Rosamond. Ray Hayes, Ethel and Helen. Wilbur,Tudd Hart was married.Tune 3. 1890, to Viola Funt, and they have eight children, Jennie, James, Edith, Clara, Gertrude. Trvin (deceased), Elwood. and Florence V, Wilbur

Judd Hart is engaged in farming in Tallmadge Township, Raymond Hart, the youngest member of the family, conducts a meat-market at Mogadore, On October 14, 1900, he married Mrs., Maggie (Flick) Kline.

Benjamin Hart has been a life-long Republican and was a strong supporter of the policies of the late Governor Pattison. He has always been a vigorous fighter for the cause of temperance and lives up to his convictions. He has never used intoxicants nor tobacco, and in the vigor of his seventy-five years may be read an excellent and convincing temperance lecture.

Mr. Hart is one of the prominent and substantial men of this part of Summit County, not only on account of his material possessions, but for the sturdy qualities and sterling attributes which have marked the family name. The years have touched him kindly, silvering his hair but leaving his heart young. In the friendly class of his hand and the hearty sound of his voice is a cheer that speaks of a well regulated life, a clear past and a hopeful future.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

The parents of Ira L. Hart were both born in Springfield Township, Summit County, Ohio. The mother, Mrs. Rebecca Hart, died when Ira L. Hart was about seven years of age. Her husband survived her until April 10, 1898, when he died at the age of sixty-six years. They had eight children, the three survivors being: Arilda J., who married 0. J. Swinehart., residing at Springfield Lake; Luther E., residing at Akron, but owning a farm in Springfield Township, who married Minerva Ritzman, daughter of Samuel Ritzman, and Ira L., whose name begins this sketch. After marriage, George W. Hart and wife started housekeeping in the old log house which still stands on the farm, and his life was mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was one of the organizers of Pomona Grange, Patrons of Husbandrs'. He owned a farm of sixty acres which he placed under good cultivation and he built an excellent barn, of which his.son now makes use. The old home was comfortable and neither he nor his wife desired any other. They were quiet, Wirtuous, godly people, members of the Presbyterian Church, and estimable in every relation of life. Their remains lie in the Presbyterian cemetery. Mr. Hart was a patriotic citizen and served in the Union army during the Civil War.

Ira L. Hart was born in the old family residence which still remains standing on the farm. He obtained his education in the district schools. He and his brother Luther worked some years for their father, after which they purchased the Henderson farm. After the father's death they returned, Ira L. receiving a small portion of the estate, to which he subsequently added by purchase until he now owns a fraction over eighty-seven acres. Formerly he was largely interested in growing potatoes for the Akron market, but now carries on mixed farming and raises.small fruit. In 1903 he completed hls fine modern residence, of eight rooms, which, in architecture and convenience, is one of the handsomest in Springfield Township. All his surroundings show thrift and good management. In a large measure, Mr. Hart is a self-made man, having acquired his popularity through industry and frugality.

On December 22, 1885, Mr. Hart was married to Ida B. Traster, of Springfield Township, and they have three children, namely: Jessie, Willard and Dawn, all residing at home. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church at Springfield.

In politics, Mr. Hart is a Democrat. In the spring of 1901 he was elected township treasurer, and subsequently served efficiently four years and four months in this responsible office. He is a man of liberal, broad-minded views on public matters, and is interested in all that promises to be of benefit to his locality.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

CHAUNCEY HART, deceased. This pioneer was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Sept. 10, 1797; son of Reuben Hart, who was a native of Connecticut. Chauncey moved to Tallmadge in 1816. Oct. 10, 1819, he married Rosella Hard, who was born in 1798. in Berkshire, in North Vermont. She was a daughter of Abram and Rebecca (Flagg) Hard, whose children were Cyrus, Abram, Nelson, Moses K., Orilla, Sophia, Rosella, Laura and Julia A. In 1821, Mr. Hart moved to Wadsworth, Medina Co., where he purchased some unimproved land, which he improved. Li 1853, he located in Akron, where he lived several years; then he located on his farm, where he died, March 20, 1877. His wife died the year following, March 26. To them were born four children; but two are now living, Mrs. Cunningham and Mrs. Beardsley. For more than one-half a century, he was a member of the M. E. Church. From that time forward he never wavered from his course, but attested the genuineness of his profession by an upright and blameless life. For the last seven years, he was an invalid, and suffered greatly, yet through all his affliction he waited with Christian resignation for his Master's call, and was ready to pass over to the shining shore. His remains now rest in the cemetery, near by his last home. Amanda, his youngest daughter, was born in October, 1840, in Wadsworth. Oct. 17, 1861, she married Avery S. Beardsley, who was born in Coventry, this county, Oct. 26, 1838, son of T. and Temperance (Spicer) Beardsley. Mr. and Mrs. Beardsley have one son, Chauncey Hart; they reside on the homestead farm.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

HIRAM HART, farmer, P. 0. West Richfield; was born in Windham Co., Vt.,in 1833; his early life was passed in his native State, where, up to the age of 19, he worked at farming, and for one year worked in a store; he then went south, remaining one year, and, in the spring of 1855, removed to Ohio, locating in Richfield Township and purchasing the farm where he now resides; he has 174 acres of land, located about two miles south of Richfield Center, and where he follows the occupation of general farming. Mr. Hart was married, in the fall of 1854, to Miss Jeannette L. Stearns. She was also a native of Vermont, and died in Richfield, leaving two children — Elmer S. and Emma E. He was married to a second wife. Miss Arlette A. Clark; she is a daughter of Pai'k B. and Nancy Clark, early settlers of Twinsburg; she was born there in 1838. They have five children: Arthur C, Dana H., Roy K., Carroll P. and Gratia C. Mr. Hart has served the township as Trustee, and has always taken an interest in educational affairs. He is at present serving as a County Commissioner, having been elected in 1879.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.