Life History

Other facts

Notes

• John Chamberlain, farmer;  P.O. Whittlesey; was born in Greenfield,N.H., June 25, 1829; was the fifth child of a family of sevenchildren, all of whom grew to maturity.  His parents were Abraham andMary (Clark) Chamberlain, his birth occurring Jan. 30, 1792 inVermont; that of his wife Jan 12, 1791.  They emigrated West in 1883,selecting as their future home a plat of ground in Westfield Township,located just west of Chippewa Lake, which consisted of 200 acres ofsolid timber, through which the Indians had traversed for many years,upon their way to and from the lake which bears their name.  Here uponthis spot, Abraham Chamberlain began his Western career; a suitablelog cabin was erected, and a clearing commenced. Of the children bornto Mr. Chamberlain (the father of our subject) were Frederick B., nowin St. Louis, in the commission business; Charles B., a farmer in thistownship; Mary and Edward T. died in St. Louis; Iris C., in HowardCo., Iowa; Eleanor, died in Winnebago Co., Ill.  The father of theabove died April 25, 1852, while away from home in quest of stock.His wife survived him until July 25, 1874.  Mr. Chamberlain was one ofthe staunch and reliable citizens of the county.  Just and upright inhis dealings with his fellow-men; was liberal in contributions to thechurch; was a charter member of the Universalist Church at WestfieldCenter.  In his political belief, he was a Democrat.  John , afterattaining his major years, continued to remain upon the farm until his28th year, when he was united in wedlock Oct 20, 1856 to MaryDeveraux, who was born July3, 1830 in Oswego Co., N. Y.  She was adaughter of John and Mehitable (Craw) Devereaux, to whom were born thenumerous family of fifteen children, seven brothers and eight sisters. The family emigrated to Erie Co., Penn., in 1832, where theyremained.  Mrs. Chamberlain came out in 1854.  To Mr. and Mrs.Chamberlain have been born three children-Melville, Ermina, andBradley.  Un 1856, bought 100 acres, now owned by Mr. Wheeler; finallytraded farms with Mr. Williams in order to get his land in one body.He now has 285 acres of choice farming land.  Is among the self-mademen of the township, and is now actively engaged in farming and stockraising, making his business a success.  (Copied from "History ofMedina County 1881" by Baskin and Battey)