Note: Charles Stratton was the brother of John F. Stratton, who died while building the Stratton Flour Mill. At the time of his death, John left a young son, George, who was only two years of age. After John's death, Charles and others saw the mill to completion, and ran the mill for seventeen years, until George Stratton (son of John Stratton) took over management of the mill in 1895 -- at nineteen years of age. In 1903, George Stratton also purchased the house previously occupied by his Uncle Charles' father-in-law -- David French. This house today is Stratton House Inn. John F. and George are the progenitors of the current Stratton family member that owns Stratton House Inn.

Charles Stratton is a son of Benjamin D. and Ellen (Stanley) Stratton. The former was a native of Salem, Columbiana county, and the latter of the same place. B. D. Stratton was a cabinetmaker during the early part of his life, but afterward engaged in the milling business. The grandfather of Charles was a native of New Jersey. B. D. Stratton died in 1879; his widow survives him, living near Salem with one of her children.

Seven children were born to these parents: Ruth Ann, wife of Joseph H. Branson, of Media, Penn.; Abigail, married Elisha Llewellyn; John F., who married Dorothy Hobson, died in 1878; Charles, Abram, married Hannah D. Brantingham, lives in Media, Penn.; Mary Ellen and Sina. The latter is teaching school in Chester county, Penn.

Charles obtained a good education in the public schools and at the Friends seminary in Chester county, Penn., attending the latter school during one winter. Having acquired a thorough knowledge of the milling trade, he started in the business for himself when twenty-five years of age. In connection with his brother, John F., and his brother-in- law, Joseph H. Branson, he built one of the best mills in the county [Stratton Flour Mill, Flushing, Ohio].

Since the death of his brother (John, in 1878), Mr. Stratton has been associated in business with Henry Stanton, and has met with the most gratifying success. [Note: Henry Stanton was a cousin of Edwin M. Stanton, Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of War during the Civil War.]

On August 22, 1889, Mr. Stratton was united in marriage to Miss Mary French, of Salem, Ohio. She is a daughter of David and Eliza M. French. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stratton are members of the Society of Friends.

Source: History of the Upper Ohio Valley, Vol. II; Brant & Fuller, 1890. pp. 511-512

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