John S. Brigham
John S. Brigham, contractor and builder, Ravenna, was born June 9, 1821, in St. Albans, Vt. His father, Pierpont Brigham, a native of Massachusetts, came to Vermont, where he married Louisa Conger, who died September 30, 1832; he moved to Buffalo, N. Y. , and died of cholera September 21, 1852. Our subject while residing in Buffalo married, September 5. 1844 Miss Frances H. Barker, of Ravenna, Ohio, a native of Palmyra, N. Y., born March 24, 1828, coming to this place at two years of age with her parents, James F. and Henrietta Barker. Her grandfather, Ira Shelby, was one of the early pioneers of Ravenna Township, this county, and his descendants to-day remain the leading and most influential people of Portage County, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Brigham have been born four children: Henry; Henrietta, wife of Mr. Beckley; Charles J. and Willis J. After residing one year in Buffalo Mr. and Mrs. Brigham settled in Ravenna, this county, where Mr. Brigham has followed his business as builder and contractor. He erected most of the public buildings and the leading private residences which gives Ravenna so much renown for its beauty. Mrs. Brigham is one of the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Brigham is a life-long Republican; he has taken a deep interest in the public affairs of the city.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885