Ira L. Hart

As printed in 1908

[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 Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.