Joseph Dempster Horton
Hon. Joseph Dempster Horton (deceased) was born January 3, 1833, in Randolph, this county. His father, Rev. Peter D. Horton, was born in Orange County, N. Y., in 1796, and was of the eighth generation from Barnabas Horton, who settled in Long Island, in 1633. He was one of the early Methodist ministers of northeastern Ohio, and his memory is revered by many who enjoyed his ministrations. His wife was Miss Hannah Couch, of Nelson, this county, born in 1802, in Lee, Berkshire Co., Mass. Our subject, who was the eldest of their children, received his education principally in the academy at Nelson, and began teaching at sixteen years of age. Having completed his law studies in the office of Ranney & Taylor, of this city, he was admitted to the bar in 1855, and he at once formed a partnership with his cousin and preceptor, Hon. Ezra B. Taylor, which continued during his life, except the period during which Judge Taylor served on the bench. Judge Luther Day was a member of the firm for many years. Mr. Horton was a man of active public spirit, and was constantly solicited to accept offices of honor and trust, which he did as often as his professional duties would allow. He held the positions of Military Commissioner during the Rebellion, Prosecuting Attorney several times, Mayor of the city, and many local offices. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1873, and was an influential member of the Judiciary Committee. He was known as possessing one of the finest legal minds at the bar. He was also a fluent writer, and a brilliant orator, his productions exhibiting rare literary ability. His death occurred September 14, 1882. Mr. Horton married, December 25. 1858, Miss Fannie Finley of Detroit, Mich., born March 4, 1837, in Montreal, Canada. In 1841 she moved with her parents, Richard and Anna Finley, to Detroit, where the latter resided until their death. To Mr. and Mrs. Horton were born five children: Mary H., Jessie A., Peter D., Fannie and Jennie F. They have been members of the Congregational Church since 1866. Mr. Horton was a prominent officer in that church, and at the time of his death had nearly completed a history of the church in Ravenna.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885