In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1908) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1834
From Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens (1908), History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio (1881)
JOHN F. SEIBERLING, Akron; oldest son of Nathan and Catharine (Peters) Seiberling, was born March 10, 1834, in Norton Township, this county, where he spent his youth, having common and high-school advantages. In 1856, he came to Akron, and for two years engaged in the drug business. He returned in 1858 to Norton Township, and there ran a saw-mill for some two years, and, while working in the mill, became interested in the improvements of mowing and reaping machines, and, lacking favorable opportunities, constructed a machine which he brought out in 1859. In 1860, he experimented with this machine and named it the "Excelsior." In 1861, he took out his first patent — the main feature being the " dropper," which was the first made or conceived. From 1861, he gave his whole time and attention to the business, going to Doyleston, Ohio, where he established a manufactory which is still in operation. He experimented every season, and, in 1861, he invented the side-brace bar coupling, and, in 1862, the horizontal folding finger'-beam. He was the first to discover the adjustable reel, which he did in 1870, or thereabouts. In 1875, he brought out the empire table rake, and in 1880, the singlewheel reaper. * * * He worked at Doylestown, until 1864, when he went to Massillon, where he established a manufactory, remaining one year. In October, 1865, he came to Akron and organized the firm of J. F. Seiberling & Co., for the manufacture of the " Excelsior," from which firm he withdrew in 1869. In 1871, he organized the Akron Straw Board Company, located at Middlebury of which he is still a member, now being the President and Treasurer of the same; to this, by means of his own inventions, he has added several new improvements. In 1875, he commenced the building of the "Empire," a new machine with new features, which was invented by him during the time not engaged in manufacturing. The commendable features of the "Empire" are numerous, but it is especially valuable because of its strength and durability (the years being inclosed, and all the parts made of iron), and the new principle making light draft and little noise. The present capacity is 5,000 machines per year, which meet a ready sale. In 1880, he purchased the old "Excelsior" works, and the business is controlled by himself, he being President and general manager. In September, 1859, he married Miss Catharine L. Miller, of Norton Township, and of this union there were nine children, all of whom are living, their names being as follows: Anna E., Frank A., Charles W., Cora D.,
Hattie M., Grace I., Kittle G., Mary B. and Ruth. The subject of this sketch has been a member of the School Board; he is a member of the English Lutheran Church, and is now Trustee.
As printed in History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
JOHN FREDERICK SEIBERLING, a former citizen of Akron, where he was for many years identified with a number of the important business interests of the city, some of which were directly the result of his own genius and energy, was born March 10, 1834, at Norton, Ohio. He was one of a family of fifteen children (thirteen of whom grew to maturity) born to his parents, who were Nathan and Catherine (Peters) Seiberling.
Mr. Seiberling completed his education at the Western Star Academy, and for two years, from 1856 to 1858, he was in the drug business at Akron. He was, however, of a mechanical turn of mind, and in the latter year went to operating a sawmill at Norton. It was while there that he invented his noted E'xcehior mower and reaper, with the dropper attachment, and in 1861 he established works for their manufacture at Doylestown, which are still in operation. By 1864 the business had sn expanded that extra works were needed, which were erected at Masillon. In 1865 the J. F. Seiberling Company was established at Akron, but in 1869, Mr. Seiberling withdrew and then began" the manufacture of the Emprrc machine, which is so well known all over the country. Mr. Seiberling by this time not only had a perfect knowledge of business conditions and trade relations in every section, but he had command of a large amount of capital, and in 1871 he organized the Akron Strawboard Company, which he conducted until 1887. In 1883 he founded the Seiberling Milling Company and at this time built a six-story brick flouring mill, as well as the Academy of Music Block. In 1889 Mr. Seiberling obtained a controlling interest in the Akron Electric Street Railway. Later he expanded other important interests both in Akron and at other points.
On September 6, 1859, Mr. Seiberling was married to Catherine L. Miller, of Norton. Their family numbered eleven children, nine of whom are still living. They are as follows: Anna A., wife of S. Samuel Miller, of Akron; Frank A., president and general manager of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, who married Gertrude F. Penfield, and resides at No. 158 East Market Street; Charles W., treasurer of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, who married Blanche Carnahan, and resides at No. 76 Fay Street; Cora D., wife of Lewis T. Wolle, of Cambria, Wyoming; Harriet M., wife of LuciiLS C. Miles, of Akron; Grace I., wife of Dr. W. S. Chase, of Akron; Kittie G., wife of Luther H. Firey, of Kansas City; Mary B., wife of Henry B. Manton, of Akron; Ruth J., wife of Ernest A. Pfleuger, also of Akron. The two deceased are John Frederick and Maude M., both of whom died in infancy. Mr. John Frederick Seiberling, the father of these children, died September 6, 1903. His widow still survives, and resides at No. 144 East Market Street.
Mr. Seiberling wa. a man who was honorable, prompt, and true to every engagement. Throughout his career of far-reaching usefulness he remembered with a generous heart those who had not been so fortunate, and in quiet benevolence brought much cheer to those who needed it. For many years he was a member and a trustee of the Trinity Lutheran Church.
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.
The printed record stops around 1908. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.