Francis Gladwin

     Francis Gladwin was born on 15 July 1834 in Pendleton, Manchester, Lancashire, England. In her letter, Sandra Hayton, gives his birth date as 14/7/1934. She was unable to send a copy of the birth records, as their printer was not operational.^4,5,2,3 He was the son of George Gladwin and Elizabeth Gilbert.^1,2,3 Francis Gladwin was baptized on 10 August 1834 in the Brunswick Wesleyan Methodist Church, Pendleton by Salford, Lancashire, England.^1,3 He was nick named "Frank."⁶ He and Joseph Gilbert Gladwin appeared on the Census of 1851 in Penkhull, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, England. They are listed as lodgers and a stone carvers.^7,8 In 1860 in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, Francis married Sarah Jane Cooper, daughter of Stephen Cooper and Jane Brasher.^2,7 Francis Gladwin and Sarah Jane Cooper appeared on the Census of 1861 in Penkhull, Stoke upon Trent, Staffordshire, England.⁹ Francis Gladwin is listed in the family of Jane Brasher in 1861 census in Penkhull, Stoke upon Trent, Staffordshire, England.⁹ Francis Gladwin and Sarah Jane Cooper immigrated in 1868 to Akron, Summit County, Ohio.¹⁰ Francis Gladwin and Sarah Jane Cooper appeared on the Census of 1870 in Akron, Summit County, Ohio.¹¹ According to his biography, "He acquired his education in Stoke-upon-Trent in England and his natural skill and ingenuity led him to become a sculptor and wood carver of much more than ordinary ability. He did a large amount of wood carving for many beautiful homes all over Ohio, including some of the finest residences in Akron, Elyria and Warren. He was likewise engaged in work of similar character on leading churches and public buildings. He was the head of one of the pioneer families of Akron ... About 1880 he erected the residence in which his family has since continuously lived.²" He was a Mason, belonging to lodges in both Philadelphia and Akron.² Francis Gladwin was a wood and store carver in 1880 in Akron.^12,13 He and Sarah Jane Cooper appeared on the Census of 1880 in 508 East Thornton Street, Akron, Summit County, Ohio.¹² In the 11 March 1887 edition of the Akron Beacon Journal the following was related: "Frank Gladwin, the carver, in turning over a heavy piece of stone upon which he was at work at his home, strained his back, so that he can not get around at present.⁶" Francis Gladwin was associated with the Akon lodge of I.O.O.F. and the Patriarchs Militant.^13,2 According to his obituary, "He was a stone and wood cutter, but has been unable to work at his trade for some time.¹⁴" As of 2 January 1900, the address of Francis Gladwin and Sarah Jane Cooper was 508 East Voris Street, Akron, Summit County, Ohio.¹⁴ Francis Gladwin died on Monday, 5 February 1900 in 508 East Voris Street, Akron, Summit County, Ohio, at age 65 years, 6 months and 21 days from pleurisy of the spine.^4,5,13,2 He was buried on 7 February 1900 in Glendale Cemetery, Akron, Summit County, Ohio, in Section 25, Lot 224.^5,13 Francis's gravestone inscription in Glendale Cemetery, Akron, Summit County, Ohio, reads:

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