Ancestors and Descendents of Lee Allan Wise and Dorothy Mae Smith

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John Merton Brittain Jr.⁽²³⁾ Parents: John Merton "Johnnie" Brittain and Cletia Hazzard.

John Merton "Johnnie" Brittain⁽¹³³⁾⁽¹³⁴⁾ was born in 1886. His birthdate is confusing. The Brittain typewritten genealogy list it as 1886. But the Kenepp genealogy lists it as November 18, 1877. This is impossible (nearly) since Frances just gave birth to Freddie Mead Brittain October 2, 1877. I will leave it at 1886 for now. He died on 1 APR 1941. Parents: John Gurden Brittain and Frances Augusta DeMass.

He was married to Cletia Hazzard. Children were: Howard H. Brittain, Virgil R. Brittain, Merton Brittain, Geraldine Brittain, Cletus Brittain, John Merton Brittain Jr..

John Thomas Brittain⁽¹⁸⁾⁽²³⁾

was born on 6 AUG 1823 in Northumberland, Columbia Co., PA. He died in JAN 1913. He was buried in JAN 1913 in Akron, Summit Co., OH (East Akron Cemetery).⁽²³⁾ He is buried in Section A. Lot 35. He was a in Farmer. From James Richard Kenepp's genealogy:
John Thomas came with his father to the farm on Brittain Road when he was nine years old. In 1844, (October 24), he married Hannah Rogers, daughter of Gurdon and Sarah Rogers. Hannah was one of eight children and was born in Chardon, Geauga County, 1829, and died at 89 Brittain Road March 20, 1853. Hannah's ancestry goes back to the Reverend John Rogers who died in England in 1639. Her grandfather, Gurdon (1765-1832), served in the Revolutionary War. Her father, also named Gurdon, was born in 1798 and died in 1865. Her mother, Sarah, died in 1883. The Rodger family history is found in Hurd's History of New London, Connecticut, 1882. An early Rodger ancestor landed from England about 1645. He served in the General Assembly in Hartford, 1666-1674. His wife's father was the first licensed physician in Connecticut. William Williams, a signer of the Declaration of INdependence, was a member of this family. The name Pliss also appears on Hannag's records. The daughter of William the Conqueror married the Count of Blois (Bliss). An ancestor of the Bliss family was on the Mayflower. There was also a Drake in the family descended from Sir Frances.

At one time John Thomas had a clay industry which he operated for three years, the farm, and a blacksmith shop. Eventually he sold the land along Market Street. During these years he saw Akron begin to develop. In the beginning, there was Middlebury in the vicinity of Case Ave. where there were woolen mills, pottery manufacturing, and a few stores. The main supplies were brought from Pittsburgh. At Massilon Road and Market Street, a community grew which was called White Grocery. It had a hotel, post office, general store, school house, wagon shop, clay mill, and a few homes. Later this settlement was called Brittain.

Many tales ha e been told about John Thomas and the family. Hannah, the first wife of Thomas, had a sister Ann who worked in the woolen mills at Middlebury about 1850. Her chum was Catherine Potts who was later to become Thomas' second wife. Hannah went to Ann's boarding house for a party. It was there Thomas met Hannah and took her home. A few months later, they were married. According to the story, the day was set for the wedding and preparations were made, but Thomas did not show up. A day or two later he came, explaining the horses were in use and it was too far to walk, so he waited for a horse to ride.

After Hannah's death, Thomas asked her friend Catherine, to come and diip house for him until he could make other arrangements. She never left and he married her September 1, 1853. Catherine was born January 1, 1831 in Siffield Township. She was the daughter of Israel and Mary Cook Potts.

Catherine told about being homesick and running back home to Suffield at the time she was caring for John Thomas' children. That night, Thomas went for her, but she had hidden upstairs in the log cabin. Her mother told him that Catherine was there. Then he asked if he could marry Catherine. Her mother called her down and right then she said "yes". John Thomas took Catherine home with him a few days later, they hid their clothes in the barn, dressed, and slipped away and were married. Not until weeks later at a Thanksgiving dinner did the family know they had married and then only when he said she would sit at the head of the table from then on.

John Thomas bought and lived on an adjoining farm in Tallmadge where he stayed until after Catherine died. Then he returned to live on the old homestead until he died in 1913 at his daughter's (Grace Chapin's) home.

When John Thomas died, he left eight children, thirty-seven grandchildren, fifty-three great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. He had been a successful farmer and was active in community affairs. He was a Tallmadge trustee and was on the school board for thirty years. His father helped build the first school in Summit County. It was also used as a church and Sunday school.

The Brittains were Methodist but, according to an old story, an evengelist came to Springfield in the early seventies and converted them all to Presbyterians. This was the beginning of the North Springfield Presbyterian Church in Ellet. John Thomas was an active member of the Grange and a staunch Republican. He cast his first vote for Henry Clay when he was twenty-one and he voted twice for Lincoln. His great grandson, Merton William, remembers him as a medium sized, white bearded man who was always accompanied by a black collie dog.

John Thomas watched for signs of weather changes. He knew about bird flights and had many stories about the stars. He beleived in premonitions. A few days before his last illness he told his daughter Grace a big break in the family was coming. He, a daughter, and a grandchild all died within a short time. Catherine claimed there never was a death in her family but that she knew about it previously. She would dream of a pure white horse coming over a hill. Parents: John Brittain and Margaret Albertson .

He was married to Hannah Rogers on 24 OCT 1844 in Meddlebury, Summit Co., OH. Children were: Amanda Ann "Mandy" Brittain, John Gurden Brittain , Sarah Margaret Brittain, Hanna Jane Brittain.

He was married to Catherine Potts on 1 SEP 1853.⁽¹³⁵⁾ Children were: Olive Eugenia Brittain, Lemuel Orange Brittain, Mary Alice Brittain, Cora Orinda Brittain, Nora Grace Brittain, Edith Catherine Brittain, Martha Brittain, Millie C. Brittain.

Johnnie Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ died in 1938. Parents: Walter Charles Brittain and Catherine Shields.

Joseph Brittain Parents: Zeboeth Brittain and Elizabeth Mars.

Joseph Brittain⁽¹⁸⁾⁽²³⁾ was born on 24 SEP 1759 in Middletown, Monmouth Co., NJ. He died on 26 MAY 1830 in St. John, Kings Co., New Brunswick, Canada. He was buried after 26 MAY 1830 in Kings Co., New Brunswick, Canada (Church of England Graveyard). He resided in New Brunswick, Canada. From James Kenepp:
Notes for Joseph Brittain:
Collictions of the New Jersey Historical Society - Vol. X
Pp. 32, 33
Joseph Brittain (Ensign)
A brother of James Brittain, he was born in America about 1759 and served throughout the war, first as a private and, from October 1782, as Ensign in the 1st New Jersey Volunteers. He was taken prisoner with his brother James and also escaped.
He died May 26, 1830, age 72, in Kings County, New Brunswick.

From the "Loyalist of the American Revolution" by Lorenzo Sabine
Vol. 1, Pages 257 and 258
Brittain, Joseph - Of New Jersey. Brother of James, Ensigh in New Jersey Bolunteers and taken prosoner with James. Also escaped at the same time. He went to St. John in the ship Duke of Richmond in 1780, and died in 1830, age 72, in Kings County.
He received 1/2 pay. Parents: William Brittain and Mary Collins.

He was married to Ann White.

Kenneth Luther Brittain⁽¹³⁶⁾ Parents: Thomas Reno Brittain and Minerva Alice White.

Leander (Lee) Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ was born in 1825. Parents: William Steadman Brittain and Rachel Clayton.

He was married to Elvira Carlin .

Lemuel Orange Brittain⁽¹³⁷⁾⁽²³⁾

was born on 5 NOV 1857 in Akron, Summit Co., OH. He died on 28 JUL 1916 in Akron, Summit Co., OH. He was buried after 28 JUL 1916 in Springfield, OH (Presbyterian Church (Ellet) Cemetery).⁽¹²⁹⁾ He resided in North Springfield, OH. According to Dawn & Lois, they don't think they had any children. (1/1/1998)

From James Richard Kenepp's genealogy:
From the history of North Springfield Presgyterian Church - Page 53 Mentions that Lemuel was elected trustee for three years. Was also Chorister and Secretary in 1891. Page 47 - Mentions Lemuel became a member of the church in 1874. Page 55 - Mentions that in 1899 he was a trustee of the church. Page 70 - Mentions Lemuel as a trustee in 1888l. Page 62 - Member of the men's bible class, called the Friendship Class, which was organized in 1915.

From Family History
Lemuel lived on the homestead all his life. He, too, was active in community life and a member of the Springfield church where he had an unbroken record of attnedance for 25 years except for three times due to diptheria and a washed out bridge. He tithed and worked for his chruch always. The daughters were raised as most pioneer girls. Had country schooling. There were no high schools then. They lived on a fram and were taught all skills of homemaking. Parents: John Thomas Brittain and Catherine Potts.

He was married to Caroline Brumbaugh on 1 DEC 1886 in Springfield Twp., Summit Co., OH. Children were: Ralph Emerson Brittain, Esther Sarah Brittain , Florence Catherine Brittain.

Lester Brittain⁽¹³⁸⁾ Parents: Freddie Mead Brittain and Elizabeth Robinstine .

Living Brittain Adopted⁽¹⁰⁾ Parents: James Charlton Brittain and Minnie McAvoy.

Margaret Brittain⁽¹⁸⁾ resided in Mogadore, OH. She died. Parents: Zeboeth Brittain and Elizabeth.

She was married to Corl.

Martha Brittain⁽¹³⁹⁾⁽²³⁾ was born in 1862. She died in 1864. She was buried in 1864 in Akron, Summit Co., OH (East Akron Cemetery). No birth date given for Martha. Publication says that Martha died at age 3. Also, John Thomas and Catherine had one more daughter who died shortly after birth. Parents: John Thomas Brittain and Catherine Potts.

Martha Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ was born in 1830. Parents: William Steadman Brittain and Rachel Clayton.

She was married to Robert Johnson .

Mary Brittain⁽¹⁸⁾⁽²³⁾ was born on 4 MAR 1757 in Middletown, Monmouth Co., NJ. Parents: William Brittain and Mary Collins .

She was married to John Van Voorhees.

Mary Brittain⁽²³⁾ was born in 1717. Parents: Nathaniel Britton and Elizabeth Gerritsen.

Mary Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ was born on 18 APR 1795. Parents: William Brittain and Sarah Aten.

Mary Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ Parents: William Steadman Brittain and Rachel Clayton .

She was married to Russell Jones.

Mary Alice Brittain⁽¹⁴⁰⁾⁽²³⁾

was born in 1859. She died in 1955 in Wabash, Wabash Co., IN. From the James Richard Kenepp genealogy:
From the history of Springfield Presbyterian Church - Page 47 Mentions that Mary (Alice M. in the history) bacame a member of the church in 1874.

From family history
Alice lived most of her married life in Wabash, INdiana. the only member wolived out of the near community of the homestead. She lived to be the oldest member at her death. Parents: John Thomas Brittain and Catherine Potts.

She was married to Charles F. Kohler on 10 APR 1879. Children were: Burt Kohler , Ruth Ione Kohler.

Matilda Millard Brittain⁽¹⁸⁾ was born on 19 JUN 1826. She died on 16 SEP 1901 in Coddingville, OH. Parents: John Brittain and Margaret Albertson.

McAvoy Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ p129 brittain gleaning Parents: James Charlton Brittain and Minnie McAvoy.

Merton Brittain⁽²³⁾ Parents: John Merton "Johnnie" Brittain and Cletia Hazzard.

Millie C. Brittain⁽²³⁾ died infancy. Notes for Martha indicate that there was one more daughter born to John Thomas and Catherine who died shortly after birth. This probably the one.
Parents: John Thomas Brittain and Catherine Potts.

Minnie Sue Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ p 129 brittain gleaning Parents: James Charlton Brittain and Minnie McAvoy.

Miriam Elista Brittain⁽¹⁴¹⁾ Parents: Thomas Reno Brittain and Minerva Alice White.

Myrtle Brittain (Private). Parents: Charles Judson Brittain and Margaret May "Mattie" Selzer.

Nathaniel Brittain⁽¹⁸⁾ was born on 12 MAR 1744 in Amwell Twp., Hunterdon Co., NJ. He died on 2 OCT 1817 in Columbia, Lancaster Co., PA. He served in the military in and fought in the Revolution, in Pennsylvania. Parents: William Brittain and Mary Collins.

He was married to Jane Simonton in 1769 in Tazewell Co., VA. Children were: Robert Brittain.

Nathaniel Brittain⁽²³⁾ was born in 1688. He died in 1747. He served in the military as a private in the militia. From James Kenepp's genealogy:
Stillwell Genealogy Vol. 4, page 54
Nathaniel Britton in 1715 was a private in the militia. Parents: Nathaniel Britton and Elizabeth Gerritsen.

Nicholas Brittain⁽²³⁾ was born in 1695. Parents: Nathaniel Britton and Elizabeth Gerritsen.

Nora Grace Brittain⁽¹⁴²⁾⁽²³⁾

was born on 18 JAN 1868 in Summit Co., OH. She was christened on 12 APR 1885 in Springfield Twp., Summit Co., OH (North Springfield United Presbyterian Church). She died in 1956. From James Richard Kenepp's genealogy:
The following article appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal in 1952:
LAST OF AKRON BRITTAINS 84, DAUGHTER OF PIONEEER LIVES BESIDE BIRTHPLACE
By Helen Waterhouse

You climb steep stone steps through a tangle of tiger lillies and pink tea roses in an old-fashioned garden to find the last of the Akron Brittains. She is Mrs. Grace Chapin, 84, of 95 Brittain Rd., daughter of John Thomas Brittain, for whom the street was named. Not many people today know that the daughter of this pioneer Akron family is living alone next door to the place she was born doing her own housekeeping.

"My friends are dead. Even my in-laws are all gone, too." she explains. Only one other of the 10 children of the pioneer family is still living. she is Mrs. Alice M. Kohler, 93, of Wabash, Indiana. Mrs. Chapin tries to make an annual pilgrimage to her sister's home. This year, because of a fall sustained three weeks ago, she may not go. Snowy-haired and cheerful, Mrs. Chapin lives in a house built in 1925. Another family occupies the homestead now. It is constructed of heavy oaken timbers and built on the site of the old log house the original Brittain, John of Pennsylvania, selected in 1832 when he brought his family to Ohio in a covered wagon. Ravenna was then the county seat of this section. When the pioneer Brittain selected this spot for his 200 acres farm, it was wild country. Later, Mrs. Chapin recalls, there was one other home between theirs and the site of the present water tower at the top of the hill. In the years since, she has watched the march of civilization oup the hillside, has seen factories come within a few blocks of home. The din of traffic and the smoke of the city have long ago superceded the bird songs and peaceful fields that are girlhood rememberances. Only the flower garden is reminiscent of those earlier years. "It seems funny now to think about, but when my older brother John was married and moved to Newton St., we were real afread he'd be homesick so far away," she laughs. "Later my wedding to Frank Chapin was held in John's home."
Chapin was foryears an important official in the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. He died at the age of 60. Mrs. Chapin's tow children live in other cities - Mrs. Ruth Travis in Pittsburgh and Donald Chapin in Chicago.
She's a member of the 50 Year Club and has attended St. Paul Luthern Church 57 years.
Today as she recuperates from the fall, Mrs. Chapin spends most of her time reading in the sitting room filled with protraits and furniture of an earlier time. Occasinally she sits and reminisces at the grand piano on which she used to play.

From the history of North Springrield Presbyterian Church - Page 52 Mentions that she became a member of the church in 1885. Parents: John Thomas Brittain and Catherine Potts.

She was married to Frank Dorne Chapin. Children were: Ruth E. Chapin, Donald Everett Chapin.

Olive Eugenia Brittain⁽¹⁴³⁾⁽²³⁾

was born on 3 APR 1856 in Akron, Summit Co., OH. She died on 29 MAR 1930 in Kent, Portage Co., OH. She was buried after 29 MAR 1930 in Kent, Portage Co., OH (Standing Rock Cemetery). She resided in Kent, Portage Co., OH. She was a in housewife. Dawn Geiger remembers her as "Aunt Ol'".

From James Richard Kenepp's genealogy:
Obituary dated April, 1, 1930
FUNERAL FOR MRS. RHODES HELD SUNDAY
Last Services of Well-Known Resident Performed at Park Ave. Home
The funeral of Mrs. W. S. Rhodes, o f508 Park Ave., was held Sunday afternoon at the residence, conducted by Rev. J. K. Falls, pastor of the Christian Church. Tha pall-bearers were her grandsons and nephew, Scott Rhodes, Willard, Aubrey, and Linton Arnold, Glen Bechtle and Clarence Chapin. A great wealth of flowers covered the casket.
Mrs. Rhodes maiden name was Olive Brittain, daughter of John Thomas and Catherine Brittain, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to East Akron when it was a country place. They lived to see Akron grow up to become a city. Mr. Brittain dying at the age of 89 years.
She was one of ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brittain, five sisters remaining. They are Mrs. Hannag Gilcrest, of Akron; Mr. Sarah Newbauer, of Akron; Mr. Alice Kohler, of Wabash, INd.; Mrs. D. H. Harrington, of Kent; Mrs. Grace Chapin, of Akron.
She was married when 17 years of age to W. S. Rhodes, Nov. 16, 59 years ago. His home was at North Springfield, now Ellet. They came to Kent 37 years ago, their home being on Crain Ave. Her home for the past ten years had been on Park Ave. She was 75 years of age.
She was the mother of six children, Chas. L. Rhodes, Mrs. Rose Arnold, I. T. Rhodes, Eldo Rhodes and Miss Ethel, at home. One daughter, Mrs. Myrtie Stratton, is dead.
Mrs. Rhodes was a member of the Aaron Olmstead chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. She held her membership in the Presbyterian church of North Springfield.
Mrs. Rhodes had been an invalid for nine years, a victim of creeping paralysis. She had been unable to walk for the past year, being in the care of her daughter Ethel.
One who knew her well said of her, "She lived a quiet life, caring for her home and children. She lived not for society, enjoying her home and doing for others in affliction. She was the most patient woman I ever know. Her only distress was that she was a burden to others. She had wonderful will power and kept up."
All o fthe deceased's sisters were present for the funeral, except Mrs. Harrington, who is spending the winter in Atlanta, GA.
There was a great outpouring of friends for the funeral.

Other notes:
North Springfield Presbyterian Church History
page 47 - mentions that Olive became a member of the church in 1874.
Parents: John Thomas Brittain and Catherine Potts.

She was married to William S. Rhodes on 16 NOV 1871 in Akron, Summit Co., OH. Children were: Charles "Charlie" Rhodes, Rosa "Rosie" Rhodes, Myrtle "Mertie" Rhodes, I. T. Rhodes, Eldo Rhodes, Ethel Rhodes.

Rachael Brittain Parents: Zeboeth Brittain and Elizabeth Mars.

She was married to Jacob White .

Rachel Brittain⁽¹⁸⁾⁽²³⁾ was born on 7 NOV 1761 in Middleton, Monmouth Co., NJ. Parents: William Brittain and Mary Collins .

She was married to Thornton.

Rachel Brittain was born on 5 MAR 1723/24. She died in 1814. Parents: Nathaniel Britton and Elizabeth Gerritsen.

Ralph Emerson Brittain

Parents: Lemuel Orange Brittain and Caroline Brumbaugh .

Rebecca Brittain⁽¹⁸⁾ resided in Fort Wayne, IN. She died. Parents: Zeboeth Brittain and Elizabeth.

She was married to Young.

Rebecca Brittain⁽²³⁾ Parents: Nathaniel Britton and Elizabeth Gerritsen.

REBECCA Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ was born in 1825. Parents: William Steadman Brittain and Rachel Clayton.

She was married to Hugh Grier .

Richard Brittain⁽²³⁾ was born in 1689 in Staten Island, Richmond, NY. He died on 20 JUL 1802. Parents: Nathaniel Britton and Elizabeth Gerritsen.

Robert Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ was born on 25 DEC 1781 in Tazewell Co., VA. He died on 12 FEB 1857. p36 Parents: Nathaniel Brittain and Jane Simonton.

He was married to Sidney Evens on 17 MAY 1817 in Richmond, VA. Children were: Major Rufus Brittain.

Major Rufus Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ was born on 19 JUN 1822. He died on 11 APR 1899 in Tazewell Co., VA. p36
not a native of Tazewell Co, but went there when he was a young man, to engage
in educational work. He filled many positions of responsibility, among them
county clerk and county treasurer.
he was in the confederate Army as an Adjutant of the 29th Regiment Virginia
Infantry. There is also a history in PENDLETON'S history pg. 545 This history
also has a picture of him. Editor has not seen the book and does not know where
(or even If) the book can be purchased. Parents: Robert Brittain and Sidney Evens.

He was married to Sarah Elizabeth Perry on 20 SEP 1855 in Tazewell Co., VA. Children were: H. Perry Brittain.

Russel Eugene Brittain⁽¹⁴⁴⁾ Parents: Freddie Mead Brittain and Elizabeth Robinstine .

Samuel Brittain⁽¹⁸⁾ was born on 9 MAR 1750 in Middleton, Monmouth Co., NJ. He served in the military in the Revolution. He died. Parents: William Brittain and Mary Collins.

He was married to Sarah Bright .

Samuel Brittain⁽²³⁾ was born in 1715. Parents: Nathaniel Britton and Elizabeth Gerritsen.

Sarah Brittain Parents: Zeboeth Brittain and Elizabeth Mars.

She was married to John Bowman Jr. .

Sarah Brittain⁽¹⁸⁾⁽²³⁾ was born on 7 NOV 1764 in Amwell Twp., Hunterdon Co., NJ. She died on 4 DEC 1843 in Orangeville, PA. Parents: William Brittain and Mary Collins.

She was married to Abraham Wilett.

Sarah Brittain⁽²³⁾ was born in 1719. Parents: Nathaniel Britton and Elizabeth Gerritsen.

Sarah Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ Parents: William Steadman Brittain and Rachel Clayton .

Sarah Funson Brittain⁽¹⁰⁾ was born on 11 OCT 1811. Parents: William Brittain and Sarah Aten.

Sarah Margaret Brittain⁽⁸⁵⁾⁽²³⁾

was born in 1850.⁽¹²⁹⁾ She died in 1937.⁽¹²⁹⁾ She was buried in 1937 in Springfield, OH (Presbyterian Church (Ellet) Cemetery).⁽¹²⁹⁾ She resided in Akron, Summit Co., OH. She was a housewife. Parents: John Thomas Brittain and Hannah Rogers.

She was married to Herman Neubauer before 1919. Children were: Edna E. Neubauer, Ernest R. Neubauer.

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