OUR HISTORY

We started out without formal education or knowledge in the funeral business. My husband Don and I went to school and we learned as we went along. My husband was the first of the family to become a funeral director and embalmer. I then went to school to become a funeral director also. We have been in business since 1976. My husband has since passed away, and I have chosen to continue with the business. 

Among the prominent and influential business men of this beautiful village is the one whose name appears at the head of this sketch.  He was born in Marcellus, Onondaga county, New York, April 12, 1819 and is the third son of Joshua and Jane Caswell.  In 1821 removed with his parents to Centreville, New York.  Remained until 1833, when he came to Ohio, locating in Conneaut for about two years, when he came to Geneva. 

He had lived with his parents, assisting them on the farm and attending district school (In which he acquired his education), until about 1836.  Being then seventeen years of age, he bought his time of his father for fifty dollars, and began work for George Webster, of Saybrook, for nine dollars per month.  After two years’ hard labor at farming, chopping, etc., he obtained funds sufficient, paid his father for his time, and became his “own man.”  His first labor now was at Austinburg, in the oil-mill; here he labored for two years by the month, then went to Indiana and purchased his first real estate, returned to Austinburg, and ran the oil-mill on his own account for two years.  Began learning the clothier’s trade in 1841.  This business he prosecuted for three years, when, his health having become impaired by over-work, he made a six months’ trip to Thunder Bay island on a fishing excursion.  In November, 1844, he was married to Maria A., daughter of Philander and Lovisa Knapp, of Geneva. 

The winter following he purchased a woolen-factory in Girard, Pennsylvania, and removed there with his wife; had then eight hundred dollars.  In 1846 disposed of his factory, returned to Geneva, and assisted his father-in-law in running the “Eagle tavern.”  In 1847 he entered the agricultural implement trade, beginning by selling hoes from a wagon, adding forks, scythe, snaths, stones, etc., in 1849.  In 1854 he commenced the manufacture of agricultural tools, in company with O>H> Price, in the “Arcade” building on South Ridge.  In 1857 put in a trip-hammer, and made forks, garden and horse-rakes, cultivators, etc.  In 1860 the sales were some twenty thousand dollars, and the trade had extended to PA, Indiana, and Michigan. 

This year he became sole owner of the business, and continued as such until 1868, when he formed a copartnership with Charles Tinker of Garrettsville, Ohio.  Their combined capital was thirty thousand dollars, sales about forty thousand dollars per year.  At this time the manufacture of steel goods was conducted at Garrettsville, and wood at Geneva.  In 1870, Mr. Caswell founded the Geneva Tool Company, selling out his works to this institution; he, however, retained an interest of fifteen thousand dollars, and acted as superintendent for nearly two years. 

His fine residence was erected in 1872.  In 1873 engaged in the produce and commission business, and in 1875 build the Geneva flouring-mill, which he still operates in connection with the commission trade.  he retains his interest in the tool company, and has been one of the directors since its organization.

His first child, Frank, was born March, 1847 and died in infancy.  Loren, the next child, was born April 1848, also died young.  Mrs. Caswell died February 10, 1862, and on November 13, 1862, he was again married, to Emma A., daughter of John B and Aris Gilbert of Conneaut, Ohio.  The children by this marriage are Byrd G., born March 10, 1864; Glen G., born June 20, 1867; and Don N., born October 1871.

Mr. Caswell is a member of Geneva lodge, No. 294, Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, also of Encampment, No. 94, Independent Order of Good Templars, No. 491, and North Star Grange, No. 671.  He is a strong advocate of temperance, his politics being Prohibition, he having been identified with that party for some years.  His religious belief, one God and no hell.  Believes the spirits of departed friends communicate with mortals on this earth.  Was elected a justice of the Peace in 1854, and served three years.  He was a director of the First National Bank of Geneva for a number of years.