Walter J. Dickinson
Walter J. Dickinson, merchant, Randolph, was born in Portage County, Ohio, January 27, 1832; son of Alpheus and Mary Dickinson (whose sketch appears in this work). January 28, 1853, our subject was married to Elmina A. Chatfield, who was born in Killingworth, Conn., May 11, 1834, and died July 17, 1882. She was a daughter of Lewis and Rachel Chatfield, natives of Connecticut, who came to Ohio in 1844. settling at Stowe, Summit County, where they remained until 1848, when they moved to Randolph Township, this county. January 20, 1884, Mr. Chatfield died, and his widow now resides in Randolph Township, this county. To our subject and wife were born six children, of whom four are now living: Mary E., born July 1, 1856; Alpheus L., born November 17, 1859; Seldon C, born June 5, 1864, and Maria R., born August 20, 1869. The deceased are Lewis J., born December 3, 1853, died March 10, 1855, and Rosa, born August 1, 1858, and died August 8, same year. Our subject has been the proprietor of a general store in Randolph for many years; he filled the position of Postmaster at Randolph from July 1, 1861, until May, 1869. He is a member of the Congregational Church, of which his deceased wife was also a member, they having enlisted in the good cause in January, 1852. Mr. Dickinson has filled the office of Township Clerk almost continuously since 1855; was a member of the special School Board for four years. He owns about twelve acres of land, on which is a neat house where his family reside with him. He is a useful man in the community in which he lives.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885