Orson Minott Oviatt

General Orson Minott Oviatt (1799 – 1869) was a wealthy merchant, abolitionist, politician and military officer from Richfield, Ohio.

He was the city postmaster for many years, county commissioner, and the cofounder the Academic Institution of Richfield.

He was also the father-in-law of the Mayor of Cleveland, George W. Gardner, an early business partner of John D. Rockefeller.

[8] They then studied under the auspices of Vaill and Reverend William R. Weeks, the headmaster, and at Litchfield Academy in Connecticut.

[9][3] Oviatt became associated with the Chippewa Indians in Connecticut, where his father had a small store, and learned to speak their language.

[18] While the partners split about a year later, Oviatt would become a wealthy merchant in Richfield, and have large businesses in Cleveland.

[24][25][26] His son was also one of the proprietors of the Akron Live Stock Association, owning a 20,000 acres ranch in New Mexico, with Oviatt as manager.

[27] Gen. Oviatt inherited from his father vast asheries, tanneries, and merchandise trade from the area, having a virtual monopoly over the region.

[2] Their 4,000 acres family estate, which covered most of the town of Richfield, Ohio, was obtained from their service during the American War of Independence.