Hidden History of Lorain County

by Kelly Boyer Sagert

Early pioneers braved countless dangers to start anew in what is now Lorain County. Some of their stories faded from memory along the way, waiting to be rediscovered. Uncover the origins of the Felons' Feast held by abolitionists in 1859. Celebrate the true story of Major League Baseball's first black player, Moses Fleetwood Walker, who played for the Toledo Blue Stockings in 1883. Learn about the great scientific discovery made in Oberlin by Charles Martin Hall in 1886, as well as how one of Elyria's forefathers rose to become chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court. Discover how the Easter Seals, officially named in 1967, began with a sixty-year-old streetcar accident. Author Kelly Boyer Sagert shines a light on fascinating lives and the county they shaped.

144 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2018

About the author

Kelly Boyer Sagert is a freelance writer and eager reader, as well as a chocolate lover, socks avoider, cemetery wanderer, summer preferer, moonlight advocate, baseball fan and fledgling poet. She does not crochet, study calculus or yodel. She is married with two grown sons—and all three of them are pretty cool people to have alongside you on your life’s journey.

Reviews

[Kelly K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding history come alive is one of life’s greatest scavenger hunts.

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone who grew up in Lorain County, Ohio, this was an interesting, though brief history. The author’s stated purpose was to touch on lesser known people and events that were centered in the county. Being from the northern part of the county, I wasn’t as familiar with the southern part. Much of Northern Ohio was part of the Western Reserve of Connecticut designated for soldiers of the Revolutionary War. That explains why many of the original settlers came from New England. The chapter on the city of Lorain, where I grew up, featured such well known authors as Helen Steiner Rice and Toni Morrison. Anyone with roots in Lorain County would enjoy reading this book.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a wealth of information in this small book. I suspect that each chapter could probably be expanded to create a book this size. Chapters cover forgotten founders of various locales in Lorain County, Cemetaries, Oberlin (OH), the underground railroad and civil war, literary figures, monuments and historical markers. Who knew so much happened in Lorain County?

I am planning to share this book with my mom.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of fun little tidbits.

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and easy read. Fun For All fans of History, essential for those who grew up in Lorain County.