S. E. Oviatt

As printed in 1881

S. E. OVIATT, manufacturer; Hudson; was born in Richland Township, this county, Aug. 2, 1832. He is the son of Russell and Julia (Curtis) Oviatt. Russell was the son of Salmon Oviatt, who was one of three brothers (viz., Salmon, Heman and Nathaniel) who emigrated from Connecticut, and were among the first pioneers of this county. Russell Oviatt was a well-to-do farmer; hence the first efforts of his son (S. E.) were also in that direction. Mr. S. E. Oviatt had charge of the farm when quite young, as his father sustained injuries from which he never recovered, caused by jumping from a buggy. Of their five children, three lived to maturity, viz., Mariam, S. E., and Russelline; Chloe and Adrian died in childhood. Mr. Oviatt received a good common-school education. He attended the Richfield Academy two terms, but his assistance being required at home, he was not afforded the opportunity of further advancement. He evidently conducted his agricultural pursuits with a thoroughness seldom attained by young men, as diplomas in his possession attest, which he received after entering in competition with quite a number of townships in Summit and adjoining counties, for the best acre of wheat, beans, oats and corn, in 1853; also, a diploma for the best three-year-old horse at the same time. Having a taste for mechanics, and being naturally an inventive genius, he has produced several valuable patents, viz.: " The Oviatt grain thresher "; also, the farm wagon known as the " Common-sense Wagon," said to be more convenient and more durable than the ordinary ones; and a sled, known as the " Independent runner," Oviatt patent; this latter improvement has experienced a large demand. He moved into the village of Richfield, purchased and built a residence worth about $3,000, on part of what was his grandfather's old homestead, reserving 7 acres, which he retains. He endeavored to build up manufacturing industries at Riclifield, and for a time was actively engaged with the Richfield Agricultural Works, which were operated by a "stock" company. He established a spoke factory, which he conducted for two years, when he closed out. He moved to Akron in 1874, where he engaged in the agricultural implement trade for about three years, at the same time contemplating an establishment for the manufacture of his special patents. He made an eflSort to organize a stock company in January, 1878, at Hudson, and, so for as the organization was concerned, his efforts were successful. It was on the cooperative plan, and the members were mechanics without means, but were men to whom Mr. Oviatt was willing to give an opportunity to progress with the enterprise; four of the members became dissatisfied, and those remaining purchased the stock of the outgoing members. Although the business, for some time past, has not been in a thriving condition, the prospects of the institution at present are encouraging. It is known as the " Oviatt Manufticturing Co." Mr. Oviatt was married, Feb. 14, 1856, to Fannie E. Watkins, of Plainfield, Will Co., Ill. She was born in Wyoming, N. Y., May 24, 1836; her parents, with their family, moved from New York to Illinois when she was small. Mr. and Mrs. Oviatt are parents of five children, viz., Julia A., Russell L., Edward P., Fannie E. and Maud.

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.