Marmaduke Mennell

From "History of Lorain County, Ohio", Williams Brothers 1807-1879

Duke Mennell, only son of Crispin Mennell, was born in Fimboro', England, in the year 1810. He lived with his father until the latter emigrated to this country, when he went to reside with his grandfather, William Wellborn, who would not consent to his accompanying his father to the United States. In 1823, however, Duke accompanied his uncle Jesse, William Wellborn and William Matcham to the New World, joining his father in Massachusetts. On the 23rd of June 1835, he married Rachel, daughter of Theodore Curtis. Eight children have been born to them, four sons and four daughters, all of whom, save one, are living. Their names are Elizabeth (died April 29, 1854), Andrew J., Theodore C., Mary G., Anna H., Charles B., Flora A., and Elmer C. Mr Mennell's first wife died September 29, 1858; and for his second wife he married Mary A., widow of Charles Johnson, and daughter of John Hardy, in 1861. They had four children,---three sons and one daughter,---namely: Perry D., J. D., A. E., and Elizabeth M., all living. Until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, Mr Mennell was a Democrat; but contemporary with the firing of the first gun on Fort Sumter his political sentiments changed and he has since been a consistent Republican. He has held the office of township trustee, performing the duties thereof faithfully and well. He is an industrious citizen, a kind and affectionate husband and father and a worthy representative of his respectable parentage generally.

From "History of Lorain County, Ohio", Williams Brothers 1807-1879 pg. 264

In the fall of 1877, Nahum Holcomb erected a cheese factory on Duke Mennell's farm, lot number forty-three. This worked the past season the milk of two hundred and fifty cows. Other factories have been in operation in Grafton.