Early Residents
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John Wesley Williams & Family
The Williams Family Arrival in Chagrin Falls The Williams family was among the most influential industrial and civic families in the early history of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Reverend Benajah Williams, his wife Jerusha Smith Williams, and their sons arrived in the village from New York in 1840. One of their sons, L.D. Williams, had settled…
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George H. Ober
The Growth of Ober Manufacturing in Chagrin Falls George H. Ober was born in May 1838 in South Newbury, Ohio and died in December 1903. He became one of the most influential inventors and manufacturers in the early history of Chagrin Falls through his work with the Ober Manufacturing Company and his innovative wood-turning machinery.…
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William “Boss” Hutchings
Pioneering Builder and Civic Leader in Chagrin Falls Early Life in Devonshire, England William Hutchings was born in the parish of Langtree in Devonshire, England, on November 4, 1816, to John and Elizabeth (Stoneman) Hutchings. At the age of 22, he married Mary Down and the 1841 census of Langtree lists his age (24), his…
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Washington Gates
Early Chagrin Falls Mill Owner and Pioneer Businessman Early Life of Washington Gates Washington Gates was born on August 4, 1828, in Gates Mills within Mayfield Township. He is remembered as the first white child born in that community during Ohio’s early pioneer period. Washington Gates died on August 12, 1897, following a severe illness…
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John S. Bullard
Inventor, Businessman, and Early Leader in Chagrin Falls John S. Bullard was born in Medina County in 1823 and became one of the most respected early citizens of Chagrin Falls. He died on January 23, 1914, at nearly 91 years of age after suffering from a cold. Early Life and Family Background John S. Bullard…
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E.B. (Elijah) Hill
Early Life of E.B. Hill Elijah B. Hill, commonly known as E. B. Hill, was born on August 9, 1792, in Great Nine Partners, Dutchess County, New York. He died on November 19, 1879, at the age of 87 after living a remarkable life as an early Ohio pioneer and settler. Hill came from a…