History of Greentown, (Jefferson County) Ohio United States of America

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Biographies:

Ephraim Ball, inventor, was born at Greentown, Ohio, Aug. 12, 1812. After receiving a very limited education he began in 1827 to serve an apprenticeship with a carpenter, which trade he followed until he was twenty-eight years old. He then invented "Ball's blue plough," of which he manufactured and sold a large number. Among his other valuable inventions are an improved stove, the "Ohio mower and reaper," the "New American harvester," and the "Buckeye machine." Unfortunately the inventor of these implements lost control of the patents, and, missing the enormous profits, died in poverty at Canton, O., Jan. 1, 1872.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Lewis Miller, inventor and philanthropist, was born in Greentown, Ohio, July 24, 1829; son of John Miller, who removed from Maryland to Ohio in 1812 and eugaged in the real estate business. Lewis attended public schools and learned the machinist's trade, and with the help of his brother Jacob, invented and manufactured a mower and reaper and other agricultural labor-saving machinery, at Canton, Akron and Mansfield, Ohio. He was the originator of an improved auditorium for Sunday-schools, and he introduced into the Sunday-school service piano and cornet music. In 1873 he proposed to J. H. Vincent and other Methodist leaders the plan that resulted in the Chautauqua assembly, and he served as its first president, 1874-99. He was vice-president of the board of trustees of Mount Union college, Ohio, 1867-68, and presided, 1868-99; a trustee of Ohio Wesleyan university, 1873-83; and a lay trustee of Allegheny college, Meadville, Pa. He was also a founder of Buchtel college, Akron, Ohio, in 1872. He made liberal gifts to colleges and churches. He died in New York city, Feb. 17, 1899.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor