William Wadsworth
William Wadsworth, deceased, was born December 16, 1820, in Canfield, Ohio, son of Edward and Pamelia Wadsworth, natives of New England, and who moved to Ohio from Litchfield, Conn. At fourteen years of age our subject came to Ravenna, where he learned the printer's trade in the office of the Ohio Star. He then embarked actively in the profession of journalism, for which he was especially fitted. He acted as foreman of the Cabinet and Visitor three years and then became joint proprietor with Mr. Dewey of the Ohio Star. He afterward purchased his partner's interest and conducted the paper alone until 1848. He became a member of the firm Hall, Herrick & Wadsworth, proprietors of the Portage County Democrat in 1854, relinquishing his position in 1856, to assume his duties as a member of the banking house of Robinson, King & Co. He held the position of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad during the time the office of the company was located in Ravenna. Mr. Wadsworth married, May 8, 1844, Miss Elizabeth R. King, born in Ravenna, January 10, 1819, and daughter of the well-known pioneers, John and Polly King, who came here from Blandford, Mass., in 1814, having lived four years previously in Charlestown Township, this county. Mr. Wadsworth died April 22, 1860, leaving a widow and four children: Mrs. Francelia E. Dewey, Edward W. (deceased), Charles B. and Cora B. Mrs. Wadsworth now resides at the family homestead. Mr. Wadsworth was a business man of wonderful energy and sound integrity, of firm Christian character, and as a citizen liberality and enterprise, one who was respected and esteemed by all classes. Their son, Charles B., adopted the profession of civil engineering, and has been engaged on the Wheeling & Lake Erie, Cleveland & Pittsburgh and Alliance, Niles & Astabula Railroads, and for several months on the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. He was elected Surveyor of Portage County, Ohio, at the general election in October, 1884.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885