e^c R9N uniriiit^UQt^ r : ^-^■ University of California • Berkeley The Peter and Rosell Harvey Memorial Fund ^>— f .^. \-^r:. r^f ^w W'v i\ ^>^-K w. -; -WP -'^^-/J. ^M -^$^ fci^< ■^Vf S ' / r Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/fiftyyearsoverofOOIanerich FRONTISPIECE. THK CHANGES OF A MKKTrMK-.SlXTY VKAKS— Hi TO 7l), OK FIFTY YEARS 11 OVER OF AKRON AXD Summit County, BY EX-SHERIFF SAMUEL A. LANE. EMBELLISHED BY NEARLY SIX HUNDRED ENGRAVINGS — PORTRAITS OF PIONEER SETTLERS, PROMINENT CITIZENS, BUSINESS, OFFICIAL AND PROFESSIONAL — ANCIENT AND MODERN VIEWS, ETC. NINE-TENTH'S OF A CENTURY OF SOLID LOCAL HISTORY ^PIONEER INCIDENTS, INTERESTING EVENTS— INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS, BIOGRAPHIES, ETC. AKRON, OHIO: BEACON JOB DEPARTMENT. 1892. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the ofiBce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C, January 17, 1887, by , SAMUEL A. IvANE. / All'Righta Reserved. CONTENTS. Autobiography of Author 1— 3(t Preliininar J' Remarks 31 CHAPTER I.— Akron's Beginning— Ancient Middlebury— A Visit from DeWltt Clinton — Commencement and Completion of the Ohio Canal — First Boat to Cleveland— Dr. Crosby and his " Ditch "— " Thunder from a Cloudless Sky "— The Doctor's " Goose Pasture " Prophecy— The New Village of " Cascade "— Bitter Triangular Rivalry— Spirited Guide Board War— Early Manufactures Pioneer Hotels, Merchants, Etc., Etc .32 — 48 CHAPTER II.— Akron Incorporated— First Charter Election— Early Mayors— The First a Venerable but Wealthy Quaker, the Second an Impecunious Lawyer " Kid " — Unsuccessful Speculations — Curious Law Practice — A "Moving" Defense— Successful Administration— Subsequent Mayors, Etc 49—56 CHAPTER III.— Early Crookedness— Confidence Games, -'Keg Money," Etc.— Unsavory Reputation — The " Gore-y " Battle Ground— Bitter Post Office Con- troversy—Scandalous Church Squabbles— Decadence of Middlebury and the South End — "Cascade" in the Ascendency— Succumbing to the Inevitable, Etc .57-63 CHAPTER IV^— The Boom and the Collapse— Poetry versus Fact— Speculation Rampant— Wonderful Enhancement of Values and still more Wonderful Decline — The Morus Multicaulus Craze —Immense Fortunes that Didn't Materialize— The Panic of 1837— Hard Times as was Hard Times— The Shin- plaster Era— Decidedly a Mixed Currency— The "Truck and Dicker" System, Etc 64—70 CHAPTER v.— The "Cross-Cut" Canal-Charter Granted in 1827— Preliminary Survey— Eight Years' Slumber— Revival of Project in 1835 — Ohio a Large Stockholder— Delaj^ed by Panic of 1837 — Push and Pluck of its Projectors — Successful Completion— Celebrating all Along the Line— Prosperity, Decline, Etc 71—79 CHAPTER VI. — The Portage Canal and Manufacturing Company or " Chuckery " Enterprise — A Mammoth Scheme — Superior Sagacity and Engineering Skill of Akron's Great Benefactor, Doctor Eliakim Crosby— Rise, Progress and Collapse — Portrait and Life History of its Projector, Etc.— An Instructive Chapter 80-90 CHAPTER VII.— Summit County— Six Years' Struggle Over its Ejection- Rejoic- ing Over the Result — Preliminary Election and Organization— The County Seat Question— Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and the "Chuckery" Competitors- Akron Finally Wins the Prize— Public Buildings Erected— First Speech in the New Court House Made by ex-President John Quincy Adams— Improve- , ments, Etc 91—108 CHAPTER VIII.— Educational Matters— Pioneer Schools— " Model" Examination — Early Select Schools, High Schools, Etc. — The Union School System — A Distinctly Akron Institution but now Universal — A magnificent Educational Showing— Present Status of Akron's Splendid Public Schools, Views of Build- ings, Portraits of Superintendents, Etc.— Buchtel College and its Promot- ers, Presidents, Officers, Etc 109—167 CHAPTER IX.— Akron's Literary Achievements— "Lyceum and Library Asso- ciation" Chartered in 1834— "Philo Lexion Society" 1&36-40 — "Akron Literary Association" — "Akron Lecture Association "—"Akron Library Association" —Akron Mechanics' Library, Akron Public School Library, Akron Free Public Library— Young Men's Christian Association Reading Room, Lec- tures, Etc 168—187 CHAPTER X.— Akron's Churches— Pioneer Religious Organizations— Successes and Reverses — The Various Sects Very Largely Represented — Views of Several Early Church Structures and a Number of Modern Houses of Wor- ship-Portraits of Several Representative Ministers With Brief Biographies —Church and Sabbath School Statistics, Etc 188—214 ii. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XI.— Akron Truly a Literary Center— Ancient Middlebury the Pioneer with the "Portage Journal" in 1825— The "Akron Post" of 1836— The "Ameri- can Balance" of 1836— The "Akron Buzzard" of 1837— The "Akron Journal" of 1836, '37— The " Summit Beacon" of 1839, and the Various Literary and News- paper Ventures to the Present Day. An Interesting Chapter 215 — 231 CHAPTER XII.— Akron's Burial Places— The Old Sixth Ward Cemetery of 1808- The Spicer Cemetery 1813 to 1870— The . Original North Akron or "Dublin" Burying Ground of 1825— The Akron Rural Cemetery 1838 to Present Time— The New Sixth Ward Cemetery— The Several Church Cemeteries of the City— Superintendent's Lodge and Memorial Chapel and Other Fine Views in Akron Rural Cemetery, Officers of Association and Superintendents— Some- thing About Public Parks, Etc 232-2.')9 CHAPTER XIII.— Akron and Portage Township Civil Service— Town, Village, City and Township Local and General Public Officers for Over Half a Century — A Highly Honorable Record "Without a Single Case of Malfeasance Known Among the Hundreds of Official Incumbents — Portraits, Biographies 2fiO— 300 CHAPTER XIV.— Public Illumination— The Original "Tallow Dip" Followed by Sperm Oil, Lard Oil, Coal Gas, Petroleum and Electricity — Local Trans- portation, Herdics, Horse Cars, Electric Cars, Etc.— Fuel Gas, and Other Modern Improvements— Akron Fully Abreast With the Times 310—314 CHAPTER XV.— Akron's Postal History— Ancient Middlebury's Early and Suc- cessive Postmasters to Present Time — First Postmaster of Akron Proper- Youthful Mail Carrier— Successive Postmasters of Akron for Sixty Years, With Portraits of Several— Scramble for the " Spoils " Under Successive Administrations— Wonderful Growth of Postal Business — Free Delivery Sys- tem, Etc .315—329 CHAPTER XVI.— Akron's Fires— Hundreds of Houses, Churches, Stores, Shops, Mills, Etc., Destroyed— Millions of Dollars' Worth of Property Consumed— Incendiarism Rampant— The Bucket Brigade— The Old Crank and Brake Engines— The Tireless Steamer — List of Akron's Principal Fires for Over Half a Century— A Chapter Full of Instructive Information .330—349 CHAPTER XVII.— Akron, Middlebury and Portage Township Military History. Ancient and Modern— Early Army and Civil Militarj' Operations— Brilliant Record in the War of the Rebellion— Later Local Military Affairs— A Mag- nificent Showing ,3ii0 — 446 CHAPTER XVIII.— Ancient and Modern Akron Contrasted— Early Business and Industrial Status -What Horace Greeley Said of Us in 1843— Greeley a True Prophet— The Boom that Came to Stay— From Village to City— An Indus- trial, Commercial, Financial and Professional History Justly to be Proud of. .447— 557 CHAPTER XIX.— Summit County's Tornadoes— The Stow Disaster of October 20, 1837— Dwelling House Demolished and Fotir Persons Instantly Killed— The Sharon, Copley and Springfield Blow of April 8, 1890, Leaving Death and Desolation in its Track— Akron's Fearful Visitation of May 10, 1890, with Ten Graphic Illustrations— Barberton's Fatal Call, December 23, 1890, Etc 5.'i8— .568 CHAPTER XX.— Akron's First, Last and Only Homicide— The Sixth Ward Wife- Murder— Terrible Brutality of a Whisky-Selling, Whisky-Drinking Fiend —"Watt" Henry's Fatal Assault upon His Wife, Bridget Henry— Exciting Trial, Conviction, Life Imprisonment, Etc 569-576 CHAPTER XXL— The "Irrepressible Conflict"— The Infamous Fugitive Slave Law— Every Man, Woman and Child a Bloodhound— Dastardly Attempt to Kidnap a Weil-Known Akron Barber, "Jim " Worthington— Prominent Citi- zens to the Rescue— The Slave-Catchers Foiled- Escape of "Jim" and Other Local Fugitives to Canada— An Intensely Interesting Chapter 577—58,3 CHAPTER XXII.— Our Own John Brown— " Old Ossawatomie"— Freedom's Hero and Martyr— Full Personal History with Life-like Portrait— Business Suc- cesses and Reverses— Free-State Operations in Kansas— Fatal Harper's Ferry Expedition— Capture, Trial, Conviction and Execution for Treason and Insurrection— A Thrilling Historical Episode .584—592 CH.VPTER XXIII.— The Canadian Patriot War of 1837-183$)— " Hunter's" Lodges- General Lucius V. Bierce one of the "Leading Spirits"— Defeat, Execution and Banishment of Insurgents in the East— The United States Interferes— Commander-in-Chief Bierce Captures Windsor, Burns Barracks, Etc.— Defeat and Flight for Life— An Exciting International Episode 593—603 CONTENTS. iii. CHAPTER XXIV. -Second Adventism— The End of the World Predicted in 1843 — Great Excitement in Akron and Summit County— Miscalculation in Dates— The Final Catastrophe Postponed One Year— Still the Day of Doom will not Come— Attempts to Work Miracles— Feet-Washing and the Holy Kiss— Spiritual Marriages, Etc.— Wonderful Power of Humbug (iOl— (ii;? CHAPTER XXV.— The Geology of Summit County, by Professor Matthew Can- field Read, with Portrait and Biography of Author— Canyon Formation- Nature's Great Ice Pl<5w, the Glacier— Structural Geology— Coal, Oil and Gas Measures, Etc— An Extremely Useful and Instructive Chapter 614— G'JO CHAPTER XXVI.— Summit County's Railroads Early Railway History- Schemes that never Materialized— Successes and Reverses— Projects that Came to Stay — Present and Constantly Increasing Systems — The Chief Factor in Akron's Unexampled Prosperity— A Chapter Full of Interest to All , ". 621-««) CHAPTER XXVII.— The Township of Bath— Early Settlement, with Portraits of First and Subsequent Early Settlers— Pioneer Incidents and Perils— Civil Criminal, Military and Business Status. Past and Present— Educational and Religious Matters, Etc &40— 653 CHAPTER XXVIII.— The Township of Boston— Early Settlement, Organization, Xame, Etc. — Indian and Other Pioneer Incidents — Ancient and Modern Military Prowess— A Splendid Record in the War of the Rebellion -Criminal Catalogue— Civil, Business, Educational and Religious Status— Portraits of Prominent Citizens, Soldiers' Monument, Etc 654— (>6!» CHAPTER XXIX.— Daring Burglaries in Peninsula — Singular Detection of Burglar— Arrest, Indictment and Ingenious Escape from J^il— Giving "Aid and Comfort" to Rebels— Confinement in Fort Lafayette— Return to his Old Quarters in Jail— Conviction and Nine Years' Imprisonment— Thoroughly Reformed, Etc 670—677 CHAPTER XXX. -The Peninsula Wife Murder -Henry Kerst from Ambush Shoots his Wife upon the Public Highway— Terrible Excitement Among the People— Arrest, Trial, Conviction and Sentence— His Own Executioner by Suicide— A Ghastly Spectacle 678— tw;{ CHAPTER XXXI.— Boston's Last Great Sensation— The VVashburn-Peoples Homi- cide—A Wronged Husband's Terrible Revenge— Preparations for the Bloody Deed — Arrest, Trial and Conviction of Murder in the Second Degree- Imprisonment for Life— Still Doing Penance after Twenty Years 684— (MU CH.VPTER XXXIL— Copley Township— Why so Xamed-Topography-The Big Swamp— A Gamy Locality — Early Settlement, Organization, Etc.— Pioneer and Later Thrilling Incidents— Growth, Population and Business, Educa- tional, Religious, Civil and Military Status— The Bosworth Insane Homicide, Etc 095—7(15 CHAPTER XXXIII.-'The State of Coventry "-Origin of Name— The Indian's Paradise— Settlement. Organization, Growth and Wonderful Prosperity- Mineral and Manufacturing Resources— The Reservoirs, When and Why Constructed— Early and Later Criminal Matters— Civil and Military Status— A Chaoter Well Worth Perusal 70(i— ?_'4 CHAPTER XXXIV.— Cuyahoga Falls, a Full History of its Beginning, Progress, Prosperity, Reverses, Etc.— Its Past and Present Business, Educational, Religious, Criminal, Civil and Military Status, with Portraits and Biogra- phies of Several Promkient Citizens, a Numljcr of Romantic Views, Etc 7"i5 -7hy, Etc 7!K!— 8H} iv. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXVIII— Hudson Township and Village— The Pioneer Township of Summit County, Founded in 1799— Perils by Water and by Land— Early Privations— The Grand Old Western Reserve College— Other Educational Institutions— Religious, Industrial and Military History— The Malony-Ste- pleton Homicide, Etc 811—^3 CHAPTER XXXIX— Northampton — Indian and Frontier. "Matters— Settlement, Organization, Early and Modern "Military Operations, Civil and Criminal Status— The Dunn-Whipple Homicide, Trial and Life. Imprisonment of the Murderer— The Brooks-Tedrow Tragedy, Etc 854—875 CHAPTER XL— The Counterfeiters of the Cuyahoga— " Dan " and "Jim" Brown —Stupendous Financial Schemes— Successes and Reverses— Brilliant Oper- ations of " Dan " the Second— Wonderful Romance of Crime 87&— 897 CHAPTER XLI.—Northfield — Early Settlement, Organization and Progress— The Viers-Charlesworth Episode of 1826 — Wrongfully Accused of Crime— The Mystery Pluckily Cleared Up— A Genuine Romance in Real Life- Township Patriotism "and Military Roll of Honor— Honorable Civil .Service Record, Public .Spirit, Etc 8»8~907 CHAPTER XLIL— Xorthfleld's Second Great Sensation, The Murder of Catha- rine McKisson by her Brother-in-law, David McKisson July 24, 1837— Pursuit, Trial, Conviction and Execution— A Highly Thrilling Narrative 908—917 CHAPTER XLIII.— Norton— Origin, Pioneer Experiences— Organization— Early "Queer" ness — Business Emporiums — Mad Pranks of Lunatic Merchant- Killing of Burglar by New Portage P. M. — The McLister-Welsh Homicide —Civil and Military Status— Portraits, Biographies, Etc 918—935 CHAPTER XLIV^— The New Industrial City of Barberton— Wonderful Growth ^ and Prosperity— Showing What Courage and Cash can Accomplish— Finely Illustrated 836-940 CHAPTER XLV.— The Township of Richfield— Pioneer Inhabitants and Inci- dents—Successes and Reverses- Educational, Religious, Civil, Military and Criminal Status— The Big Sleigh Ride of 1&56— The Great Reunion of 1880— Present Business Status, Population, Etc !>41— 955 CHAPTER XLVI. — The Hunter-Gargett Tragedy - Love-Making by Proxy- Marriage Contract " LTnsight Unseen" — Lover Jilted by Sweetheart — Fatal Revenge— Father and Mother of Girl Shot to Death — Narrow Escape of Young Lady Herself— Arrest, Trial and Execution of Murderer— Spicy Cor- respondence, Etc 95»i— 978 CHAPTER XLVII.—SpringHekl Township — Early Settlement, Organization- Progress— Industrial, Educational, Religious, Patriotic, Etc.— The Murder of John Rhodenbangh and Punishment of Murderers— The Roof-Musson Hom- icide—Exciting Trials— Imprisonment, Pardon, Etc 979—1002 CHAPTER XLV'III.— Stow Township— Historical and Incidental — " Pioneer Mir- •acle"— Wild Animals, Rattlesnakes, Indians, Etc.— Early Fatal Tornado- Double Fatal Episode of the Rebellion — Educational, Moral, Civil and Military Status — Portrait of Judge Joshua Stow and Other Prondnent Citizens, Etc 1003-1027 CHAPTER XLIX.— Monroe Falls — One of the Early Booming Cities of Summit County — Rise, Progress and Decline — Protege Dude of Company Twice Convicted of an Infamous Crime— Escape From Jail; Secreted in Attorney's Cistern Six Weeks — Five Years in Sunny Italy — Return to America With Lola Monte&-Death, Etc 1038-1035 CHAPTER L.— Tallmadge Township— A Unique Arrangement of Roads, Lots, Etc.— A Projected "Utopia"— Hopes of Founder Blasted but Settlement Rapid and Township Prosperous— Industrial, Religious, Educational and Military Status— Biographical, Etc 1036— l(«t CHAPTER LI.— Twinsburg, the Latest Settled Township in Sununit County- First Settler a Seventeen-Year-Old Boy— Derivation of Name— Rapid Prog- ress—Pioneer Incidents— Wonderful School History — Church, Official and Military Matters— Past and Present Business Status, Etc 1060—1079 CHAPTER LII.— Summit County's Agricultural Society— Origin, Early Fairs, Changes ot Location, Hindrances, Successes, Etc. — Popular "Fountain Park"— Most Prosperous Local Fair in Ohio 1080- H'd CONTEXTS. V. CHAPTER LIII. — Summit County's Benevolence— Early "Poor Houses"— Pur- chase of County Farm — Original Infirmary Buildings — New and Enlarged Structures— Greatly Improved Methods — The De Roo Hospital Bequest- Akron Charity Association— Mary Day Nursery, Etc 1087—1098 CHAPTER LIV.— Labor Fifty Years Ago— History Repeating Itself-Early Dis- satisfaction, Strikes, Riots, Etc., as Now — Clamoring for a Ten Hour Day and Cash Payments— Combinations, Dissensions, Defeats, Successes, Etc.— An Interesting and Instructive Chapter 1099—1105 CHAPTER LV. — Akron and Summit County in California — The Great Exodus of 1849, '50— Dangers and Hardships of the Journey Thither— Incidents of Travel, Both Thrilling, Ludicrous and Sad -Successes, Disappointments and Deaths— A Chapter Full of Reminiscent Interest for All 1106—1140 CHAPTER LVI.-Early Crimes and Other Incidents Within the Present Limits of Summit County — Captain Samuel Brady's Reputed Wonderful Leap for Life— Brady's Lake, Etc.— Shooting of Daniel Diver and Killing of Indian Nickshaw— Murder of Nathan Cummins in 1834, Etc 1141—1147 CHAPTER LVIL— Some Clever Local Detective Operations— How the Civil Offi- cers of a Third of a Century Ago Managed Things— Thieves, Burglars and Counterfeiters "Roped In" — Sheriff Lane, Himself Victimized — Slippery " Bob " Hurst, Etc.— A Brief but Interesting Chapter 1148—1159 CHAPTER LVIIL— Miscellaneous— Portrait and Biography of Rev. William Frost Crispin- Something Further About Buchtel College— Death of Miss Myrtle Louisa Barker— Death of Treasurer Joy H. Pendleton — The Howard Street Disaster With View of Ruins, Etc , 1162-1168 GENERAL INDEX. A. Autobiography of Author 1—30 Author's Preliminary Statement 31 Absolute Chemical Company 498 Adains, John Quincy, Visit to Akron in 1813 107 Advance, The 230 ^Etna Furnace 43 AKRON— Beginning ; Why so Named 32 As seen by Horace Greeley in 1843 447 As seen by Henry Howe, Historian, in 1846 447 As shown by Parallel Views— 1853— 1891 : 448 Additions to 449 Annexation of Middlebury 449 Ancient and Modern, Contrasted 447 — 457 Abstracters of Titles 521 Architects 511 Bakers 510 Banks and Finances 538 Barbers 510 Belting Company , 471 • Blacksmiths 511 Brass Band— 1840 444 Book and Stationery Stores 518 Boom and Collapse— 1835— 1845 64 Boot and Shoe Stores 527 Board of Education, 1847 to 1891 '.. 145 Board of Education— Presidents 147 Board of Education — Secretaries. 147 Board of Education— Treasurers 147 Bounty Fund Surplus 176 Branch Railroad 623 Building and Loan Association ; . . 544 Burial Places 232—259 Buzzard 217 Cabinet and Building Company 492 Cart Works 502 Carriage Makers 521 Cereal Operations ^. 554 Chemical Company 498 China and Glassware Dealers 520 Church History 188-214 Cigar Company .' 508 City Clerks 278 City Councilmen 268 City Engineers 282 City Marshals ; 278 City Mayors : 278 City Solicitors 282 City Street Commissioners 282 City Guards 429 City Organization .' 449 City. Times 226 Clothing Dealers 520 Coal Dealers 528 Cold Spring Company 451 Commercial 228 Confectioners 520 Congressmen 308 Constitutional Delegates 309 Contractors and Builders 509 Cooper Shops..,. ; 510 CONTENTS. vii. AKRON County Officials 298—307 Croc&ery Dealers 520 and Canton Railroad 623 and Chicago Junction Railroad 638 Daily Argus 227 Daily Beacon 221 Daily Beacon and Republican 222 Daily News 228 Daily Republican 228 Daily Telegram 228 Drafts during the War— 1861— 1865 417 Drug Stores 527 Dry Goods Stores ; 516 Eagle 223 Electric Company 501 Engraving Company 537 Educational History 109—167 Electric Street Lighting 312 Electric Street Railway 313 File Works 498 First Building 38 First Church Building 189 First Election 49 First Mayor, Counciltnen, etc 50 First School House 110 First High School Building 122 Fire History... 330—349 First and Only Homicide 569 Fire Brick Company 475 Free Democrat 224 Free Public Library 178 Freie Presse 227 Fruit Dealers 528. Fuel Gas Company 314 Funeral Directors 528 Gas Company 310 Germania 227 Grain Dealers 518 Great Exodus to California— 1839-'40 1109 Grocery Merchants , 523 Hardware Company 498 Hardware Merchants 520 Harness Makers 510 Hat, Cap and Furnishing Stores 525 Heat, Light and Power Company 498 Heating and Ventilating Company 498 Home Guards 395 Hotels '. 528 Hydraulic Company 78 Incorporated .' 49 Institute 115 Insurance Agents 529 Iron Company 468 Jewelers 518 Journal 216 Knife Works 409 Lawyers ' 551 Lecture Association 173 Library Association 174 Library Association Officers 182 Literary Association Officers 171 Lyceum and Library Association 168 Light Infantry 353 "Live Dutchman" 451 Machine and Repair Shops 510 Meat Markets 529 Mechanics' Library 171 Merchant Tailors 510 Military History ^ 350-446 viij. CONTENTS. AKRON Milliners S20 Milling Company 455 Mining Company— 1849 1107 Ministerial Association 214 Musical Organizations 444 Newspaper History 215—231 Notion and Fancy Stores 520 Novelty Manufacturing Company 506 Original "Eel Pot" 1149 Painters and Paper Hangers 510 Paving Brick Company 483 Philo Lexion Society 169 Photographers 525 Physicians 544 Pioneer Boat Yard 492 Pioneer Lumber Yard 485 Pioneer Planing Mill 486 Pioneer Sash Factory 484 Pioneer Street Railway 313 Plumbers 525 Popular Lecture System 187 Population 451 Postal History 315-329 Presidential Electors 308 Printing Houses 534 Printing and Publishing Company 534 Public Parks 255 Post 216 and Portage Township 260—369 and Perrysburg Railroad— 1836 622 Queensware Company 481 Real Estate Dealers 528 Reed and Rattan Company 502 Rifles 351 Rural Cemetery 235 and Richmond Railroad 622 Rolling Mill 468 Rubber Works 469 Savings Bank 443 School Law 116 Second Election 51 Second Mayor, Council, etc 52 Second High School Building 123 Security and Indemnity Company 544 in State Legislature 307 in State Senate 308 Soap Company 508 Sewer Pipe Company 477 Shoe Company 516 Silver Plate Company 502 Steam Forge Company 471 Stoneware Agency 481 Stoneware Company 481 Stove and Tinware Dealers 321 and Summit County in California 1106 Tool Company 496 Town and Village Attorneys 267 Town and Village Marshals 263 Town and Village Mayors 263 Town and Village Recorders 265 Town and Village Treasurers 267 Town and Village Trustees , 260 Township OfHcers 297 Union Depot (old) 626 Union Depot (new) 628 Vitrified Pressed Brick Company 483 Water Supply 451 Water Works Company 452 White Sand Company 502 CONTEJStTS. ix. Akron Wholesale Grocery Company 512 Akron "Woolen and Felt Company 49g Allen, David and Jesse, Pioneer Manufacturers 44 Allen, Frank P., Printer 577 Allen, Jacob, Early Manufacturer and Miller 293 Allen Mills 459 Ailing, Ethan 1061 American Balance 217 American Cereal Company '. 457 American Crayon Company 503 American Democrat 223 American Farm News 230 American Marble and Toy Company 481 American Sewer Pipe Company 479 American Straw Board Company 935 American Tin Plate Company 508 Angel, Miss Harriet N., Teacher 134 Art Preservative of All Art 534 Ashley, " Col." William .' gg7 Atlantic and Great Western Railway 628 Aultman, Miller & Co 466 Babcock's Band 445 Bank Charter Applied for— 1837 45 Banks, Finances, etc 538 Baker, McMillen Company 474 Bakers 511 Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 631 Bank of Akron 543 Barbers 511 BARBERTON, New City of.... 936 Land Company 937 Manufacturers 938 Barber Match Company 464 Barrel Factory Fire II53 Barris-Cummins Homicide 1146 Barker, Myrtle Louisa, death of 1163 BATH TOWN SHIP, History of 641-653 Pioneer Settlers 641 Manufactures 641 In War of 1812 642 Organization, Name, etc 644 Civil Service Record 645 Military History 647 as " Railroad Center " 648 Early Crookedness 649 Educational and Religious Status 652 Population 652 Present Official Roster-1891 653 Beach, Thomas Parnell, Teacher 115 Beacon and Republican 222 Belding, Miss Lucy E., Teacher 131 Bennett, Mrs. Sarah P., Teacher 129 Bernard, Harriet Amanda, Teacher 124 B. F. Goodrich Company 469 Bierce, General Lucius V 593 Bierce Cadets 428 Bierce Cadets, Dismissal from Service 430 Big Falls, Cuyahoga River 1 84 Bissell, Rev. Samuel, Teacher 1070 Blacksmiths, in Akron y 511 Bitter Church Controversy— 1837 39 Bitter Postoffice War— 1837 61 Boat Building in Akron 492 Books and Stationery 518 Boots and Shoes - 527 X. CONTENTS. BOSTON TOWNSHIP, History of 554-681 Village of 654 Pioneer Settlers 657 Organization, Name, etc 658 Early Marriages, Births, Deaths, etc 659 Pioneer Experiences ' 658 Military Prowess 660 Roll of Honor 661 Soldiers' Monument 663 Industries 663 Civil Service Status 664 Crookedness 666 Schools, Churches, etc 668 Present Official Roster— 1891 668 Population 659 Postmasters 669 Triple Burglary 670 First Great Sensation 678 Last Great Sensation 684 Bounties, Quotas, Drafts, etc 409 Bounty Jumpers 428 Bounty Tax Law 418 Brady, Captain Samuel, Narrative of 1141 Brady's Lake 1144 Brady's Leap '. 1142 Brigger Belting Company 502 Brittain 886 Brown, "Jim" and "Dan" 876 Brown, John—" Old Ossowatomie" 584 BUCHTEL COLLEGE, History of 149-167 Breaking Ground 153 Laying Corner Stone, Address by Horace Greeley 153 Faculty-1891-'92 161 Presidents of 159—161 Course of Study 161 Board of Trustees of 161 Officers of Board 161 Professorships 163 Finances 164 Crouse Gymnasium 162 Science Building 165 Fatal Disaster 165 Addenda 1163 Athletic Grounds 1164 Cadets 444 Buchtel, Mr. and Mrs. John R., Portraits of 150 Buckeye Sewer Pipe Company 478 Budd, Townsend C, Machinist 498 Burglar Neatly Nabbed 1154 " Butternut " Demonstration — 1863 414 Caldwell, Charles G 1139 California, Goldseekers of 1849-'50 1110 California, Perils of the Journey to 1128 California, Akron's Bonanza King 1138 California, Ups and Downs 1139 Camp, Miss Lizzie, Teacher 132 Campbell, Miss Emma, Teacher 130 Canadian Copper Company 509 Canadian Patriot War-1837-'39 ms Canal Dover Paving Brick Company 509 Canfleld, Horace G 536 Capron & Curtice 537 Carothers, Miss Sarah J., Teacher 129 Carleton, Will M., Memorial Poet 253 Cascade Mill Race 41 Cascade, Village of 43 Cascade House 43 CONTENTS. xi. Cascade Store ^ Cascade Roarer 225 Charleroi Plate Glass Company 508 Cheap Popular Entertainments 187 Chittenden, Henry ." 39 "Chuckery," History of 80 " Chuckery " Race, View of ^ Church, Miss La vena, Teacher • • • 124 CHURCH, Central Presbyterian 214 First Congregational 189 Second Congregational 189 West Congregational 211 Christian Science 213 Calvary Evangelical 207 First Presbyterian 188 First Methodist Episcopal • • • 191 First Baptist 191 First Universalist 196 St. Paul's Episcopal 198 High Street Church of Christ 201 Grace Methodist Episcopal 201 First German Reformed 202 Grace Reformed 204 German Zion Lutheran 204 Sixth Ward Church of Christ 205 Trinity Lutheran 206 German Methodist 206 United Brethren 206 St. Bernard's 209 St. Vincent de Paul's r. 207 Akron Hebrew Congregation 210 African M. E. Zion 212 Shiloh Baptist 212 Trinity Reformed 212 North Hill M. E 212 Wabash Avenue Church of Christ 213 South Main Street Church of Christ 213 Sherbondy Hill Church of Christ 213 Evangelical Lutheran 213 Swedish Evangelical Lutheran 214 Old Forge Congregational Sunday School «- 213 Clark, Henry, Akron's First Hotel-keeper 38 Clothiers, Hats, Caps, etc . . . .* 520 Clarendon Hotel ^23 Cleveland, Akron and Columbus Railroad 625 Cleveland and Pittsburg Railroad 623 Cleveland, Mt. Vernon and Delaware Railroad 625 Cleveland, Zanesville and Cincinnati Railroad 625 Cleveland and Canton Railroad 635 Clinton, Governor De Witt, V^isit to Akron in 1825 38 City National Bank 540 Citizens' Savings and Loan Association 540 Civil Engineers 530 Coal^Dealers 528 Cobb, Charles B., Pioneer Hotel-keeper 45 Codding, Miss Elsie A., Teacher 123 CofTman, Miss Rebecca, Teacher 124 Cohn Manufacturing Company 502 Collapse of the Rebellion 424 Commercial Matters 512 Commins & Allen , 455 Company B, Eighth Regiment O. N. G 436 Company B, Official Roster 440 Company B, at Presidential Inauguration, 1889 441 Cone, Rev. Orello, D. D 160 Confectionery Dealers 520 Cook, Fairbanks & Co 481 Cooper, Samuel F., Early School Superintendent 126 Cooper Brick Company 484 xii. CONTENTS. Cooper Shops ' ^10 Cooper, Jack, alias Samuel Wittuni, Execution of 9^ COPLEY TOWNSHIP, History of 695-705 Starting Point 695 Swamp— The Great Hunt 695 Swamp— Danger, Death, etc 696 Why so Named • 697 When and by Whom Settled 697 Organization 698 Growth, Population, etc 699 Business Status 699 Early Temperance Society "^^ Schools, Churches, etc '^1 War Record 702 Civil Service Record "^^ Railroad Facilities 704 Present Official Roster (1891) J04 Sad Insane Homicide 704 Cotter's Battery, O. L,. A 438 COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, History of 706-724 Aboriginal " Garden of Eden" 706 Early Settlement 707 Organization, etc 708 Why Called "The State" of 709 Early Homicide 709 Industrial Resources 711 Milling Operations— The Old State Mill 712 Ancient Metropolis 715 Military History - 716 Civil Service Record .*. 718 Growth, Population, etc 720 Indian Traditions 720 Early Crookedness 721 Last Sad Homicide 722 Present Official Record (1891) 724 County Seat Contest— 1810-1843 102 County Seat, Election for 101 Court House and Jail 105 Court House, View of 105 County Jail, Shabbiness of 100 County Jail, ^scape From 106 Crispin, Rev. William Frost 1162 Crosby, Doctor Eliakim, Sketch of .*. 41 Crouse Gymnasium 162 Cummins, Nathan, Murder of 1146 Counterfeiters of the Cuyahoga 876 CUYAHOGA FALLS, History of .- 725-769 Early Settlement 725 Pioneer Mills 725 Why so Named 726 Pioneer Paper Mill 727 Magnificent Water Power 728 Early Residents '. 729 Early Business Matters 739 "Ahead of Chicago " 731 Shinplaster Mill (1838) 731 Later Banking Operations : 732 Pioneer Temperance Society in Ohio 733 Whisky" Strike 734 Municipal Organization 735 Township Organization 735 Portage Mutual Insurance Company , 737 One Year a County Seat 737 Educational Matters 738 Church History 740 Temperance Crusade 743 Musical, Fraternal, etc 745 Fine Pleasure Resort 746 JJewspapers 748 CONTE^fTS. Xlll. CUYAHOGA FALLS, Military History 750 Soldiers' Monument 753 Criminal Status 754 Early Births, Marriages, Deaths, etc 755 Public Buildings 755 Library, Lyceum, etc 755 Population 757 Fires 757 Civil Service Record 761 Present Business Status (1891) 763 D. Detection of Crime in the Early Days 1148 D. F. Morgan Boiler Company 497 Diamond Drill and Tool Company 497 Diamond Fire Brick Works 475 Diamond Match Company ' 464 Diamond Plate Glass Company 508 Diver, Daniel, Shooting of , 1144 Dodge, Col. Sebried, Civil Engineer 42 Dodge, Mrs. Susan E., Teacher 112 Dodge, William M., Probate Judge ■ 130 Dow, James G., Early Akron Merchant 1139 Doyle, William B 486 Draft "Prize Winners" in War of Rebellion 412 Drafts, Quotas, Bounties, etc 409 Drop Hammer Forging Company 497 Dry Goods, Akron Dealers in 516 Drugs and Medicines, Dealers in 527 " Dublin "—North Akron's Early Cognomen 39 Ducking Rebel Sympathizers 411 Dussel, Miss Lida M., Teacher 131 E. Early Crimes and Incidents 1141 Early Crookedness ^ 57 Early Hotels 37 Early High Schools 113 Early Schools, Teachers, etc Ill Early Select Schools 112 E. H. Merrill Company 480 Eighth Regiment, O. N. G , 436 Eighth Regiment Band 445 Eighty-fourth Regiment, O. V. 1 417 Elwood Land Company 509 Empire Reaper and Mower Works 467 Enterprise Manufacturing Company 497 Eves, Parvin ; 1022 Ewart, J. C. & Co., Roofing Tile Works 48S Ewing & Hollinger, Builders 292 Excelsior Reaper and Mower Works 467 Exchange Bank 539 Executions at Wooster and Ashland 436 »=■. Filley, Homer, the Killing of 1020 First American Locomotive 620 First Draft During the War 410 First National Bank of Akron ^. 539 First Ohio Light Artillery 384 Fifth U. S. (colored) Infantry 405 Fifty-Eighth Regiment, O. V. 1 386 Fifty-Fourth Battalion, O. N. G * 396 Flag Festival-»54th Battalion, Co. A 397 Finances, Banks, etc 538 Forty-Second Regiment, O. V. 1 406 Foster, Joseph W., Boat Builder 4W Fountain Park •. 1084 Free Democratic Standard 224 xiv. CONTENTS. Free School Clarion 225 Friction Matches, History of 459 Fruit Dealers in Akron 528 F. Schumacher Milling Company 455 Fugitive Slave Law 578 Funeral Directors in Akron 528 Furniture Dealers 525 FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, History of.: 784 Where Located 784 Water Courses, Lakes, etc 784 Resources 785 Early Village Failures 785 Early Business Emporiums : 785 Three Villages in One 786 The Village of Clinton 786 The Village of Manchester 786 Business Status 786 Organization 788 Industries 788 Military Matters 788 Criminal Matters , 790 Civil Service Record' 793 Population, etc 794 Present Official Roster (1891) 795 Garfield Obsequies 436 Gargett, Mr. and Mrs. Robert, Murder of 956 Gargett, Chloe E., Daughter of Above 956 Garrett, John O., California Forty-Niner 1110 Geology of Summit County 614 German Guard, Company Buchtel 443 German Lutheran School 135 Gilbert, Miss Mary, Teacher 123 Globe Sign Company 508 Glover, Prof. N. L., Musical Instructor 134 Goodrich Hard Rubber Company 469 Gothic Block, Howard Street 63 Graded School System 116 Graham, Joseph Gilbert, Teacher 122 Graham, William, tlie Stow Homicide 1018 Grain Dealers in Akron 518 Great Western Band 446 Great Western Railway 622 Greele, Samuel S., Teacher 115 Greeley, Horace 155 Grocery and Provision Dealers 5i!3 Guide Board War, in the Early Days 46 Green Township's Hundred-Day Men 401 GREEN TOWNSHIP, History of 796 Early Settlement 796 Indian Experiences 797 Topography, Resources, etc 788 Business Centers 800 Industries 801 Educational Matters 800 Electoral Matters 802 Criminal Catalogue 802 Military History 807 Civil Service Record 809 Present Township Officers (1891) 810 H. Hall, Philander D., Akron's Pioneer Merchant 46 Hankey Lumber Company 490 Hanscom, Lewis 1138 Harper's Ferry, Capture of 589 Hardware, Dealers in 520 Harness Makers , ,,,,, .»«,,., ,,r .>.... 510 CONTENTS. XV. Hart, Capt. Joseph, Middlebury Pioneer 33 Hartford City Plate Glass Company 508 Hats, Caps, etc.. Dealers in 525 Hawkins, Miss B. M., Teacher 112 Heathman— Heathtnan Homicide 709 Herrick & Son, China, Glassware, etc 516 High Street Church of Christ, View of 1167 High School Dedication (1853) 123 Hill & Adams Sewer Pipe Company ; 476 Hill, Foster & Company : 476 Hill, Merrill & Company 476 Hill, Powers & Company , 476 Hill Sewer Pipe Company 477 Hole, Prof. Israel P., Educator 125 Hollinger, Miss Annie M., Teacher 130 Home Building & Loan Association 544 Howard, Charles W 69 Howard, Frank D 498 Howard Street Disaster, November 7, 1891 1164 Howe, Capt. Richard 117 Hower Oatmeal Mills 457 Hoy, Judge John 98 Hotels 528 Hubble, Miss M. E., Teacher 114 Hugill & Briggs, Brick Manufacturers 484 Humphrey Turbine Company 505 Hundred and Eighty-Eighth O. V. 1 407 Hundred and Fifth O. V. 1 405 Hundred and Fifteenth O. V. 1 371 Hundred and'Fourth O. V. 1 368 Hundred Day Men, O. N. G. (1861) 396 Hundred and Ninety-Seventh O. V. 1 404 Hundred and Seventh O. V. 1 387 Hundred and Seventy-Seventh O. V. 1 407 Hundred and Sixty-Fourth O. V. 1 400 Hundred and Twenty-F^ifth O. V. 1 404 HUDSON, Pioneer Township in Summit County 811—850 David, First Settler ^in Summit County 812 The Long and Perilous Journey to 812 Early Settlers 816 Organization, Name, etc 817 First Born White Child 818 Indian Experiences 818 Religion, Churches, etc 820 Educational Matters 823 Western Reserve College 824 Railroad Enterprises 834 Business S a tus 836 Population ' 839 Municipal Officers 840 Newspapers 841 War History 843 Civil Service Record 846 Present Village and Township Officers (1891) 848 Criminal Matters 849 Hinckston, the Fire Bug 849 The Maloney-Stepleton Homicide 850 Hunter, John H., the Richfield Double Homicide 974 Hunter-Gargett Tragedy, History of 956 Hurst, " Bob "—Sharp Evasion of Justice 1158 I. Insurance Agencies 446 "Irrepressible Conflict" 577 Issue, The 229 Italian Orchestra : 529 xvi. CONTENTS. J. Jackson, George C, & Co 537 Jackson & Lyman 490 J. C. McNeil Company C 495 J. F. Seiberling & Company 467 Johnny Cake Lock 655 Johnson, Harvey H 61 Jones Wholesale Grocery Company 516 Joyce, M. & A. C, Teachers 112 K. Kansas — Freedom versus Slavery 588 Heating's Orchestra 445 "Keg Money" 57 Kerst, the Peninsula Homicide 578 Kilpatrick, Hugh, Death of 1020 King, Judge Leicester 557 King Varnish Company 474 Klages Coal and Ice Company 508 Knight, Lee R., Teacher 131 Konkle's Battery, O. L. A ; 385 Kubler & Beck, Varnish Works 473 Labor Fifty Years Ago 1099 Ladies' Cemetery Association 241 Lane, Luman 1064 Latta, William, the Counterfeiter 651 Lake Shore and Tuscarawas Valley Railroad 635 Lantz's Orchestra 446 Leggett, General M. D., Early School Superintendent 122 Ley-Swartz-Thomas Homicide 722 Library Board of Control 186 Line and Packet Boat Navigation 656 Locofoco Matches 461 Locofoco Party 462 Lucifer Matches 461 Lumber and Building Establishments 484 Lyceum and Library Association 166 IN/I. Machine and Repair Shops 510 Maloney— Stepleton Homicide 85o Marble's Band 445 Markle & Inman, Stoneware "481 Marriner Rifles 352 Massillon Branch R. R 635 Match Manufacture 450 May, Andrews 123 McArthur, Miss Jerusha, Teacher ; 124 McCausland Brothers, Brick-Makers 484 McClellan, William A., Builder 492 McCollester, Rev. Sullivan H., D. D 159 McCready, Miss Margaret L., Teacher 129 McMasters, Henry, 1139 McKisson Homicide, Trial, Execution, etc 908—917 McMillan, Reuben, Early Manufacturer 45 McMillen, John 39 Moffatt & McNeil 495 Meat Markets in Akron 529 Mechanics' Association (1840) 1102 Mechanics' Library 1103 Mechanics' Political Organization (1848) 1103 Mechanics' Strike for Ten Hour Day (1815) 1102 Mechanics' Strike for Cash Payments (1845) 1102 Mechanics' Strike for Higher Wages (1845) 1102 Members of Akron School Board, 1847 to 1891 145 Memorial Chapel 245 CONTENTS. xvii. Merfill, Powers & Company' '. 476 Merchant Tailors of Akron 510 Metropolitan Band 446 Middlebury, Ancient Village of 32 Middlebury, Annexation to Akron ^ 449 Middlebury Cemetery Association 232 Middlebury Mining Company (1»49) 1107 Middlebury Township Ofificers 297 Militia During the War 426 Miller Chain Works 474 Millerisni or Second Adventism , 604 Miller & Roche, Grocers * 512 Miller Match Company 474 Millinery Stores in Akron 520 Millheim 986 Miscellaneous Kegiments in Union Army ■ 407 Miscellaneous Trade and Traffic 530 Modern Military Operations 446 Mogadore, Village of 984 Moore, Milton, Trials and Tribulations of 994 Morrow County Draft Riots .• 413 Morus Multicaulis Craze 66 Munificent Bounty Fund 423 Munroe Falls, Village of 1028 Munroe Falls, Boom and Collapse 1029 Munroe Falls, Early Criminal Episode 1030 Musical Instrument Dealers 523 Musson, Mrs. Harriet, Murder of 994 Mustill's Orchestra 446 N. Neracher Sprinkler Company 509 Newberry, Henry, Sr 728 Newberry, Henry, Jr 762 Newberry, Miss Josephine, Teacher 128 New York, Mahoning & Western R. R 636 New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio R. R 631 New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio R. R. Depot 627 Nickshaw, John, the Killing of 1145 Nineteenth Regiment, O. V^. I 357 Ninth Battery, 'O. I.. A 390 Ninth Regiment, O. N. G 434 Ninth Regiment, O. N. G., Merged in Eighth 436 North Hill Band 446 Notion and Novelty Dealers 520 Norton, Capt. Aaron 33 Noyes, Gov. Edward F., Memorial Orator 253 NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, History of 854-^75 Locality, Beginning, etc 854 Indian and Frontier Matters 854 Settlement, Name, etc 855 Growth, Development, etc 856 Industrial Matters .* 858 Organization, Population, etc 860 Military History 861 Civil Service Record 863 Present Official Status (1891) 864 Criminal Catalogue 864 Dunn-Whipple Tragedy 865 Brook-Tedrow Homicide 873 Sapp Treasury Robbery 1153 NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP, History of 898—917 When and by Whom Settled 898 Name, Organization, etc 898 Rapid Settlement 899 Military Record 900 Civil Service Status 901 The V^iers-Charlesworth Romance 903 The McKisson Homicide 908 xviii. CONTENTS. NORTON TOWNSHIP, History of 918-935 Origin, Name, etc 918 Early Settlement 918 Business " Centers " 920 Early Crookedness 922 Lunatic Merchant 922 Postoffice Robber Killed 924 Lost Child Excitement 925 Military History 926 Ciyil Service Record 828 McLister- Welsh Homicide 931 Population, Present Official Roster, (1891} etc., 935 o. Ohio Canal, Letting Contracts , 38 Ohio Canal, Breaking Ground by De Witt Clinton 38 Ohio Canal, First Boat to Cleveland 40 Ohio Educational Monthly 229 Ohio Exchange 47 Ohio National Guard (1864) 399 Ohio National Guard, Guarding Coal Mines 430 Ohio National Guard, Annual Encampments 438 Ohio Stoneware Company 480 Olcott, Charles, Akron's Christener 35 Old Maid's Kitchen, View of ^ 85 Olmsted, Edwin Bigelow, Early Superintendent of Schools 123 Oster-Kernan Homicide 792 Overland Journey to California 1107 Paige Brothers Company 516 Paige Tube Company 509 Painters and Paperhangers 510 Palmer, Charles W., Early Principal Akron Schools , 122 Panama Route to California 1108 Panic of 1837 66 Parks-Beatson Homicide 771 Patriotism and Pleasantry 418 Pavilion House 45 Payne, William H., Boat Builder ^. 494 Pease, Judge Calvin 36 Pendleton, Joy H., Death of 1164 PENINSULA, Village of 651 Burglarized 670 Homicide 678 Official Roster (1891) 669 Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal 71—79 People's Monthly 228 People's Savings Bank 544 Perkins, Crosby & King 42 Perkins School 128 Piano Tuners 523 Picture Frame Makers 523 Pittsburg, Akron and Western Railroad 637 Pittsburg and Western Railroad 635 Plumbers 525 Polishing and Plating Company 502 Pomeroy, Miss Helen , Teacher 122 Pooler, Charles T., Early Superintendent of Akron Schools 125 Portage Canal and Manufacturing Company 80 Portage Furnace 43 Portage Journal 115 Portage Strawboard Company 595 PORTAGE TOWNSHIP-Early Settlement 32 Assessors '. 297 Clerks 289 Justices of the Peace 295 Treasurers 291 Trustees 287 CONTENTS. xix. Porter Zouaves 428 "Powder Patch" 1083 " Preliminary " 31 Pryne, Miss Rosetta, Teacher 123 o. Quotas, Drafts, Bounties, Etc 406 Railroads of Summit County 621-639 Real Estate Agents 528 Recruiting in Rebel States 420 Regular Army Military Service 408 Resistance to Draft 410 Rexford, Rev. Everett L., D. D 159 RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP, History of 941-978 Organization 941 Early Settlers 942 Population 943 Business Resources 944 Rival Centers 944 Education and Religion 954 Military History 946 Civil Service Record 947 Big Sleigh Ride (1856) 950 Great Reunion 951 Lunatic Horse Thief 952 Present Business Status (1891) 9M Official Roster 955 Hunter-Gargett Tragedy 956 Robeson, W. E., the Farmer-Detective 1149 Robinson Brothers & Co 478 Rodenbaugh,' John, Murder of 991 Rood, Wilbur V., Principal High School 128 Roofing Tile Works 4S3 Roof-Musson Homicide 994 Roman Orchestra 446 Root, George H., Teacher 124 Roster Company B., Eighth Regiment, O. N. G 440 Sanitary Aid Societies 418 Sapp, George, County Treasury Burglar 1152 Sauter-Sheetes Homicide 791 Sawtell, S. L., Early Akron Teacher 112 School Enumeration (1839) 112 School Enumeration (1888) .• 139 School Enumeration (1890) 141 School Graduates, 1864 to 1891 142 Schools— Latin, Greek, Etc 144 Schools— Teachers' Examinations in 1835 109 School-Early Select High 115 Scholarships in Buchtel College , 145 Schumacher Gymnasium Company 504 Seaman Manufacturing Company 508 Second Adventisni 604 Second Draft during the War 416 Second National Bank of Akron 53^ Second Ohio Cavalry 378 Seiberling, J. F. & Co 467 Seiberling Milling Company 459 Selle Gear Company 471 Semler-Kepler Homicide 804 Seventy-Sixth Regiment, O. V. I.... 407 Sewer Pipe Manufacturers 475 Sherbondy Hill Church of Christ 213 Sheriff Lane Victimized 1155 Singular Boiler Explosion 621 Sixth Battery Light Artillery 431 XX. CONTENTS. Sixth Battery at Washington Centennial 443 Sixth Battery Roster for 1891 642 Sixth Independent Battery, O. L,. A 666 Sixty-Fourth Regiment, O. V. I 364 Sixty-Seventh Regiment, O. V. 1 392 Smith Brothers 502 Soldiers' Memorial Chapel 245 Soldiers' Surplus Bounty Fund 176 South Akron Flouring Mill 439 South End News 229 South Main Street Church of Christ 213 Spicer, Amos, Early Portage Township Resident 32 Spicer, Major Miner, Akron's First Settler 32 Spicer Cemetery 232 SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, History of 979-1002 Early Settlement 979 Organization, Growth, Etc 979 Population 981 Topography, Resources, Etc 982 Pioneer and Indian Matters 983 Villages, Hamlets, Etc 984 Abolition Riot 986 Educational Matters 988 Railroad Facilities 988 Military History 988 Civil Service Record 1001 Hundred-Day Men 401 Present Official Roster 1002 Murder of John Rhodenbaugh 991 Roof-Musson Homicide 994 "Squirrel Hunters" 376 Star Drilling Machine Company 498 Stein bacher, Erhard 512 St. Bernard's Parochial School 148 St. Vincent De Paul's Parochial School 147 Stone Mill : 42 Stoneware and Pottery Trade 479 Storer & Barnhart . . 494 Storer & Miller 494 Stoves and Tinware 521 Summit Sewer Pipe Company .. .'. 478 Stow, Joshua, Original Proprietor of Stow Township, Portrait of 1003 STOW TOWNSHIP. History 1003—1027 A Pioneer Miracle 1003 First Actual Settlers 1005 Organization 1007 Topography, Hydraulics, Etc 1007 Beautiful Lakes 1008 Industries 1008 Education and Religion 1009 Fatal Tornado of 1837 1010 Early Marriages, Births, Etc 1012 Indians. Rattlesnakes, Etc 1012 Bears, Wolves, Etc 1014 Military History 1015 Civil Service Record 1017 Terrible War Tragedy 1018 Population, Oflflcial Roster, Etc 1027 Stripe-Cooper Homicide 803 Sultana Disaster 372 Summit Beacon , • 219 Summit City 80 Summit City Boiler Works 496 SUMMIT COUNTY, History of 91-108 Abstract Company 544 Agricultural Societies 1080—1086 Benevolence 1087—1098 Journal 226 Railroads ; 621-639 CONTENTS. xxi. Summit County Tornadoes : 558 Summit Guards 350 Summit House 47 Supplemental Draft 417 Superintendent's Cemetery Lodge 243 Surveyors 530 Symphony Orchestra 446 T. Tallmadge Hundred-Day Men 400 TALLMADGE TOWNSHIP, History of 1036-1059 Portrait of its Founder, Rev. David Bacon 1042 Early Settlers, Etc 1036 Topography, Population, Etc 1040 Name, Organization, Etc 1039 Utopian Schemes Not Realized .■ 1041 Educational Matters 1013 Pioneer Deaf and Dumb School 1044 Church and Spiritual Matters \... 1045 Coal Mining Interest 1048 Early Railroad Enterprise 1049 Manufactures 1050 Clean Criminal Record 1054 Military History 105f> Honorable Civil Service Record 1057 Present Business Status 1059 Present Official Roster (1S91) 1059 Tappan, Charles W 1140' Taplin, Rice & Co 46& Tee-Total Mechanic. . . •. 225 Terrible Calamity 454 Thirty-Seventh Regiment, O. V. 1 389- Thomas Lumber Company 488 Thomas Phillips Company 472' Thomastown •. 896- " Three Hundred Thousand More " 422" Thyng, J. Warren, Teacher Drawing, Akron Schools 134 Trade and Labor Journal 229 Turner Band 446 Twenty-Ninth Regiment, O. Y. I 358 Twine and Cordage Company 472 TWINSBURG TOWNSHIP, History of 1030-1079 Topography, Name, Etc 1060 First Settler .• 1061 Pioneer Incidents 1066 Early Business Status 1067 Church Matters 1068 Educational History, Twinsburg Institute, etc 1070 Military Operations 1072 Soldiers' Monument 1073 Locust Grove Cemetery 1076 Pioneer Reminiscences 1076 Civil Service Record 1078 Present Business Status (1891) 1079 Present Official Roster 1079 u " Underground Railroad " 578^ United States Baking Company 508 United States Stoneware Company 481 Upson, Dr. George C 1025 Upson, Julius A •• 1025 Upson, Dr. Daniel 1M9 Upson, William H 1058 V. Valley Railwav 631 Vallandigham, Clement L 374 Viers-Charlesworth Romance (903 xxii. CONTENTS. Village Rivalries, 1835—1845 46 Vitrified Sewer Pipe Industry 475 Voris, Judge Alvin C 646 Voris, Mii^s Annette, Teacher 123 Voris, Judge Peter 645 Waltz, Miss Laura E., Teacher 133 Washburn-Peoples Homicide 484 Watches and Jewelry 518 W^eary, Snyder & Wilcox Manufacturing Company 485 Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company 464 Weeks, Arthur J 481 Weeks, Frederick H 481 Weeks & Kingsbury 512 AVerner Printing & Lithographing Company 536 Western Linoleum Company 508 AVestern Reserve College 824 Wetniore, Judge William ' 1005 Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company 471 Whitmore, Robinsons & Co 479 Wholesale Dealers in Akron 512 William H. Evans Building and Loan Association 544 Williams, Paul, Akron's First Inhabitant 32 Willis, Edward P 1030 Wilson, Solon L 490 Windsor Hotel 518 Wise, Prof. J. O., Teacher Penmanship 134 Wolcott, Hon. Alfred 657 Wolcott, Hon. Christopher P 553 Wolcott, Hon. Simon P 665 Wolcott, Miss Lucretia, Teacher 122 Wood and Provision Procession , 419 Worthington, "Jim," Akron's Fugitive Slave 577 z. Zanes ville Street Railway Company 509 VIEWS, BUILDINGS, ETC. Academy of Music, East Market Street, 1891 458 Akron's First School House, South Broadway, 1834 Ill Akron's First High School Building, South Summit Street, 1847 122 Akron's Second High School Building (now Jennings) , 1853 123 Akron's Present High School Building, 1891 135 Akron's First Church Building, 1835 189 Akron's First Fire Engine House, 1841 332 Akron Saving's Bank, Mill and Main. 1891 543 Akron, As it was in 1853, and as it is in 1891 448 Allen School Building, South Main Street 131 Arlington Hotel, West Market Street 453 Baptist Church, Original, South Broadway, 1837 194 Baptist Church, North High Street, 1853-1890 197 Baptist Church New, South Broadway, 1890 195 Barberton— Residence of Manager Land and Improvement Company 936 Cleveland, Akron and Columbus Railroad Station 937 Inn 938 Houses for Workmen 939 National Hotel 940 Beacon Block, Corner Mill and Main , 1891 534 Bell Tower, Akron Rural Cemetery 255 Big Falls, Cuyahoga River 84 Boston Township Soldiers' Monument 663 Bowen School Building, North Broadway 131 Buchtel College, East Buchtel Avenue, 1872 149 Cemetery Lodge, from Glendale Avenue, 1891 243 Lodge, Looking East 247 View, Looking West from Robinson Monument, 1891 248 View, Looking East from Perkins Lot, 1891 250 View, Looking East, Miller's Pond 254 View, Bell Tower 255 View, Soldiers' Memorial Chapel 251 View, Glendale Avenue, Looking West 246 Central Fire Engine House, South High Street 349 Children's Home, South Arlington Street 1091 Chuckery Race, where it Emerges from River 86 Chuckery Race, in Glens, below Cuyahoga Falls 768 City Building, South Main Street 451 Clarendon Hotel, Corner Main and Exchange .\.... 523 Congregational Church (Old) 189 Congregational Church (New) 191 Companion Views of North Akron, from West Hill, 1853-1891 448 Conger, Col. A. L., Fine Stone Residence, Irving Lawn 550 Court House and Grounds Fronting on High Street 105 Crosby School Building, Corner West and Smith Streets 130 Crouse Gymnasium, Buchtel College 162 Cuyahoga Falls, High Bridge Glens 747 From Lower Dam, Looking Up 746 Suspension Bridge in Glens 765 Chuckery Race in Glens 768 Old Maid's Kitchen 85 Big Falls, From Old Chuckery Race 84 View of Chuckery Race, where it Leaves River • : 86 East Market Street, From Howard to Main, South Side (1845) 450 From Howard to Main, South Side (1891) 459 From Howard to Market, North Side, 1891 484 From Main to High, South Side, 1855 460 From Main to High, South Side, 1891 460 From Main to High, North Side, 1864 458 From Main to High, North Side, 1891 458 xxiv. CONTENTS. Empire House, Corner Market and Main 7S First Fire Engine House, Erected in 1841 332 Fire Station, Number 1, Corner High and Church Streets 349 Number 2, Sixth Ward 349 Number 4, South Main Street.- 349 First M. E. Church, Corner South Broadway and Church Streets 193 German Lutheran Church, Old, 1835 189 Lutheran Church. New, 1891 205- Lutheran Parochial School, 1891 148 Reformed Church, Old, 1837 194 Reformed Church, New, 1891 203 Gothic Block, East Side South Howard Street, 1861 63 Grace School Building, Corner Maple and Exchange Streets 133- Glendale Avenue, Looking Towards Cemetery 246 Henry School Building, North Forge Street 132 High Bridge Glens, Cuyahoga Falls .747 High Street Church of Christ, New 1167 Howard Street Collapse, November 7, 1891 1166 Howe School Building. Corner Bartges and St. Clair Streets 131 Hundred Day Men Starting for Washington, 1864 458 Hotel Buchtel 494 Jennings School Building, Corner Summit and Mill Streets 123 Kent School Building, South Arlington Street 132 Leggett School Building, Corner Thornton and Sumner Streets 133 Memorial Chapel, Glendale Cemetery 251 Miller's Duck Pond, From Cemetery 254 Northeast Akron, View From West Hill , 70 North Howard Street, West Side, Old ^tna Mill in Distance, 1858 482 North Howard Street, West Side, 1891 482 North Main Street, Old P. & O. Canal 73 Ohio Canal and East Side, From Above Glendale Avenue 90 Ohio Canal, View back of Stone Mill 259 Ohio Exchange, Corner Market and Main, 1835—1855 450 Old Maid's Kitchen, below Cuyahoga Falls 85 Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, South Main Street 72 Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, North Main Street 73 Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, From Rear of Howard Street 74 Perkin's School Building, W^est Exchange Street 130 Railroads— Original Union Depot 626 New Union Depot #•• •• ^28 New N. Y., P. & O. Depot T.... 627 Valley Depot 453 Recruiting Scene at Beginning of War, in 1861 353 Schumacher Power Block, xxxix. Index Sixth Ward, View from Tallmadge Hill, 1891 231 South Howard Street from Market, West Side, 1855 446 From Market, West Side, 1870 462 From Market, West Side, 1891 462 North from Cherry, West Side, 1872 309 North from Cherry, East Side, 1872 329 North from Mill, East Side, 1891 486 South Main Street, Market to Mill, Showing C.ourt House, 1855 72 From Rear of Howard, 1880 74 West Side, 1891 527 Spicer School Building, Carroll Street 131 St. Bernard's (Catiiolic) Parochial School Building 148 St. Paul's (Protestant Episcopal) Chapel, East Market Street 199 St. Vincent De Paul (Catholic) Parochial School 147 Stone Block, Corner Howard and Market Streets, 1835—1849 450 Summit County Infirmary 1088 Tappan Hall, Corner East Market and Main Streets, 1855 460 Trussell Hall, Corner East Market and Maiden Lane Alley, 1855 460 Trinity Lutheran Church, 1891 206 German Lutheran Parochial School, 1891 148 Tornado of May 10, 1890, Overturned House of Antony Mennell, 175 Grant Street 561 View East Side of Grant Street 562 View of Burkhardt's Brewery 562 View of Brewery Dormitory 563 Houses of Otto Miller and Frank Kuntz 563 CONTENTS. XXV. Tornado of May 10, 1890, Overturned Houses of August Miller and Allen Coup 564 Grocery Store of Orrin C. Baker 565 Ohio Stoneware Works , 566 Barn of Frank J. Knapp 566 A. D. Alexander and Kate O'Connell 567 Twinsburg's Soldiers' Monument 1088 Universalist Church, Original Structure, 1837 197 Universalist Church, New, Corner Mill and Broadway •* 197 Valley Railroad Depot, West Market Street 153 Water Works Pumping Station, Wooster Avenue, 1891 452 Windsor Hotel, Corner Mill and Broadway 518 West Congregational Church, Corner West Market and Balch 211 West Market Street From Howard, Old City Mill, etc., 1858 453 West, Market Street From Howard, Arlington Hotel 453 PORTRAITS, BIOGRAPHIES, ETC. Abbey, Henry S 310 Adams, Frank 318 Alexander, John 650 Alexander, J. Park 261 Alger, David B 948 Alger, General Russell A 555 Allen, Albert 456 Allen, George G 140 Allen, Jacob 293 Allen, Jesse 44 Allen, Jonah 707 Allen, Levi 708 Bacon, Rev. David 1042 Baird, Charles 274 Baker, John W 183 Baldwin, Captain Aaron P 366 Baldwin, Frederick 827 Baldwin, Harvey 818 Baldwin, Mrs. Harvey 818 Baldwin, Joseph A 478 Bangs, Elisha X 1161 Barber, Alfred M 515 Barber, George 532 Barber, Ohio C 533 Bartges, Dr. Samuel W 545 Bartlett, Albert A 277 Bates, George D 539 Battels, Benjamin F 538 Beardsley, Talmon 39 Beck, J. Martin 473 Beebe, Joseph A 185 Beebe, Oliver B 752 Belden, Dr. Albert C 549 Berger, Captain Darius F- 801 Bernard Charles B.. 173 Berry, George C 139 Bierce, General Lucius V 414 Biggs, Lester M 496 Billow, Captain George 388 Bissell. Rev. Samuel 1070 Bliss, Ambrose W 901 Call, Moses D 1005 Camp, Hezekiah 761 Camp, William 1160 Canfield, Horace 224 Cannon, Wilson B 301 Carpenter, Judge James S 94 Carter, Dr. Israel E 265 Cartter, Hon. David K 552 Case, James H 302 Chalker , Newton 556 Chandler, William 270 Chapman, Dr. Byron 696 Chapman, Dr. Mason 184 Allen, Levi, Jr 72(^ Allen, Miner J " 45& Allen, William C 32S Allen, William T 177 Ailing, Ethan 1061 Allison, George 1050 Allyn.Abel G 713 Allyn, Israel 712 Anderson, George M 286 Andrew, Angelo 145 Andrew, Robert L 303 Atterholt, Frank M 137 Bliss, Hon. George 5,51 Bock, Philip P 262" Bonstedt, Charles W 183 Bowen, Hon. Hiram 219 Bowen, Dr. William 134 Bradley, Ariel 980 Brewster, Alexander 300 Brewster, George W 718 Brewster, Jonathan H 717 Bronson, Hermon 656 Bronson, Mrs. Hermon.... 656 Bronson, Hiram Volney 658 Broun, Rev. John B 209 Brouse, Cornelius A 514 Brown, Charles W 35 Brown, Henry, H 300 Brown , John ' 584 Bryan, Judge Constant 115 Bryan, Captain Frederick C 440 Buchtel, John 716 Buchtel, John R 150- Buchtel, Mrs. John R 150 Buchtel, William 542 Buckingham, Captain Edward 374 Buckley, Col. Lewis P 359 Bunn. David R 274 Burlison, James 273 Burnham, Sanford M 163 Burton, Rev. Nathan S., D. D 195 Chapman, Willis D 290 Chase, Dr, Byron S 179 Childs, Dr. Orin D 546 Christy, James 297 Clark, Benjamin F 280 Clarke, William L 261 Cobbs, Charles S 285 Coburn, Dr. Stephen H 545 Cole. Dr. Arthur M 499- Cole, Edmund H 661 Cole, Herbert W 499 Cole, Dr. Joseph 113- Collins, Charles A 175- CONTENTS. XXVll. Cotnmins, Alexander H 455 Comniins, Dr. Jedediah D 235 Cone, Rev. Orello, D. D 160 Conger, Col. Arthur L 470 Conger, Mrs. Arthur L 470 Conger, John C 664 Conger, Kenyon B 535 Conger, Sidney P 662 Cook, John 298 Day, Rev. William F., D. D 192 Dahlnian, Rev. Jacob 202 Dick, Major Charles W. F 278 Dodge, Burdette Lynde 525 Dodge, Judge William M 130 Ebright, Dr. Leonidas S 266 Ebright, Dr. Thomas Mc 1.37 Edgerton, Hon. Sidney 180 Edison, Thomas A 500 Edison, Mrs. Thomas A 500 EiChenlaub, Harry C ' 327 Falor, George A 714 Falor, Hiram S 715 Farnam, Daniel 489 Fay, Nahum 112 Findley, Dr. Samuel 128 Foltz, Dr. Abner E 547 Gale, Col. Justus 47 Gamble, William B 326 Ganter, Rev. Richard I,., D. D 200 Gardner, Omar N 289 Goodhue, Judge Nathaniel W 171 Goodhue, Nathaniel P 280 Hale, Andrew 643 Hale, Hon. Charles Oviatt 647 Hale, Jonathan 641 Hale, Othello W 493 Hale, William, 642 Hall, Alfred W 146 Hall, John 2nd 981 Hall, Ivorenzo 463 Hall, PhUander D 46 Hammond, Roland 319 Hankey, Simon 491 Hardy, Nathaniel 859 Hardy, Perry D 861 Hardy, William 305 Harper, Erastus R 301 Hart, Henry W 307 Hart, Col. John C 983 Henry, Milton W ■... 1.32 Herrick, Burke C 517 Herrick, Jonathan E ..1072 Hibbard, Allen 169 Hill, David E...: ...475 Hill, George R 476 Hill, Dr. John 926 H Cook, Joseph 144 Cooper, Gen. Samuel F 126 Cornell, Thomas W 541 Crispin, Rev. William F 1162 Crosby, Dr. Eliakim 41 Crouse, Hon. George W 152 Crumrine, Martin H 459 Curtiss, Augustus 665 Cutter, Morrill T 463 Doyle, Dayton A 167 Doyle, William B 488 Dudley, Plimmon H... 288 Dyas, Isaac J 526 Elkins, Richard S 320 Ellet, King J 985 Evans, Mrs. Mary I. T 242 Ewart, Joseph C 442 Ewart, Robert L... 982 Foltz, Hiram H 138 Foltz, Dr. William K 549 Ford, Judge James R 114 Ford, Newton 287 Fraunfelter, Dr. Elias 129 Frederick, Henry 279 Goodrich, Dr. Benjamin F 469 Goodwin, Thomas H 311 Grant, Judge Charles R 186 Green, Judge Edwin P 153 Green, Hon. Frank M 1006 Hine, Charles, C 835 Hitchcock, Dr. Elizur 548 Hitchcock, Herbert P 497 Hitchcock, Lucius W 1051 Hitchcock, Wolcott W 531 Hole, Professor Israel P 127 Holloway, Rev. Joseph T 743 Houghton, John B 514 Howard, Dr. Elias W 174 Howe, Charles R 244 Howe, Henry W 133 Howe, Richard 117 Hower, Charles H..,. 506 Hower, Harvey Y 505 Hower, John H 457 Hower, M. Otis 505 Howland, Charles E 483 Hoy, Judge John 98 Hudson, Deacon David 812 Hugill, Joseph 509 Humphrey, Dr. Elwyn 550 Humphrey, Tudge Noah M 945 Humphrey, Major Norris 942 Humphrey, Judge Van R 831 XXVlll. CONTENTS. Ingersoll, Charles F Ingersoll, Henry Ward. Jacobs, Dr. Williani C. Jackson, Andrew Jackson, Erastus James, Daniel A Janes, Lewis M Jennings, Rev. Isaac .. 301 182 490 659 492 660 120 Nash, Rev. C. Ellwood, D. D. Nash, Sumner Newberry, Henry Newton, Samuel Olmstead. Rev. Edward B O'Neil, Michael Paige, Albert T Paige, Hon. David R. Parker, Richard E Parmelee, Luther H.. Parshall, Samuel W. Parsons, William C K Kent, Hon. Marvin 629 Kent, Roswell 37 Kent, Mrs. Roswell 37 King, David L 241 King, Henry W 119 King, Leicester 557 Knox, Eugene 767 Ladd, Judge Charles G 270 Lane, Julius S , 181 Lane, Luman 1064 Lane, Samuel A., Frontispiece Lane, Samuel A. 1 Leggett, General Mortimer D 124 IS/I Mahar, Rev. Thomas F 208 Mallison, Amos 293 Mallison, Albert G 292 JMarvin, David L 556 Marvin, Ulysses 1004 Marvin, Ulysses L 269 Mathews, James 56 McArthur, Col. Rial 857 McClure, Judge Samuel W 268 McCollester. Rev. Sullivan H., D. D... 158 McDonald, William Z 291 McFarlin, John 646 McFarlin, William 542 McGillicudy, Captain Timothy D 432 McGregor, John 136 McKinney, Judge Henry 554 McKinney, William 1077 McMillan, Reuben 45 McNeil, James C 495 Means, Captain John A 373 ISI 198 275 728 33 125 526 519 271 &14 698 290 472 Ingersoll, Noah 719 Iredell, Seth 50 Jewett, Dr. Mendal 264 Johnston, Abraham W 797 Johnston, Alexander 101 Johnston, Hon. John 263 Johnston, Washington G 799 Johnston, William 700 Koch, Jacob 515 Kohler, Hon. Jacob A 267 Koplin, Jacob.. 282 Kreuder, John 306 Kubler, Edward G 473 Kummer, George W .535 Lewis, Hon. Asahel H 220 Lewis, Captain Isaac 750 Long, Denis J 221 Long, Jeremiah A 468 Lothman, Rev. Williani H 204 Lyder, Dr. John W 135 Memmer. John 299 Merrill, Edwin H -... 480 Metcalf, Dr. Jonathan 823 Miller, Ansel, US Miller Charles 921 Miller, Edward B SOI Miller, Harvey F 308 Miller, Ira M ■ ^ Miller, Lewis 140 Miller, Robert A 501 Miller, Samuel H 930 Miller, Stephen D 927 Miller, Stephen S 506 Miller, William H 285 Moersch, Peter J .• • 1161 Monroe, Rev. Thomjjs E 191 Moore, Joseph 984 Morrison, James H 324 Murray, William M 522 Nichols. Hon. Orrin P 1075 Noah, Andrew H 185 Norton, Thomas 38 Oviatt, Edward 266 Oviatt, Emmon S 279 Paul, Hon. George 766 Paul, Hosea, Sr 756 Paul, Robert S, 271 Payne, William H 493 Pendleton, Joy H 156 Perkins, Charles E 277 CONTENTS. XXIX. Perkins, Col. George T 157 Perkins, Henry 466 Perkins, General Sitnon 34 Perkins. Col. Simon 238 Perrin, Edward W 319 Peterson, Dr. James H 177 Pitkin, Albert J 507 Rawson, Dr. Secretary 943 Raymond, William G 295 Raynolds, Thomas C 223 Read, Prof, Matthew C 614 Rexford, Rev. E. L., D. D 159 isackett, George 764 Sadler, Rolin VV 555 Sanders, Hon. Wilbur F 554 Sanford, Hon. Henry C 273 Sargent, Albert H 245 Schumacher, Ferd 155 Schumacher, Hugo 504 Schumacher, Ivouis 504 Scott, Dr. Daniel A 179 Scott, James F 283 Searles, Henry C 949 Seiberling, Charles W 503 Selberling, B'rank A 503 Seiberling, James H 929 Seiberling, John F 467 Seiberling, Monroe 930 Seiberling, Nathan 919 Seward, Col. Dudley 379 Seward, Louis D 284 Seymour, James H 833 Sieber, George W 281 Sill, Hon. Elisha N 733 Singletary, John C 52 Taplin, James B 170 Thomas, Col. David W 361 Thomas, Rev. David T 211 Thomas, George 296 Thompson, Dr. Moses 821 Underwood, Dr. Warren J 516 Upson, Dr. Daniel 1049 Vansickle, Nicholas E 294 Viall, George..; 519 Viall, James 477 Viall, John F 533 Wagner, Edwin 291 Wagoner, Aaron 541 Wagoner, George 789 Walker, Richard B 281 Wallace, James W 899 Watt, Robert 522 Watters, Lorenzo Dow 284 Weary, Frank 489 Weary, Simon B 487 u V w Pitkin, Rev. Caleb 825 Pitkin. Judge Stephen H.. 176 Pitkin, Stephen H 507 Poulson, James M 276 Prior, William 855 Purdy, Henry 56 Rice, Alvin 299 Ritchie, Samuel J 1053 Robinson, John K 532 Robinson, Wilson G 517 Rockwell, Frank W 141 Sisler, Dr. William 794 Smith, Rev. Carlos, D. D 190 Snyder, Jacob 487 Spalding, Hon. Rufus P 93 Spelman, Harvey B 121 Sperry, George R 1054 Sperry, Hon. Ira P 1052 Spicer, Avery 151 Spicer, Hiram J 316 Spicer, Major Miner 32 Stanford, George 655 Steinbacher, Major Erhard 513 Stewart, Adam Clarke 787 Stipe, Franklin G 144 Stone, Nelson B 261 Stone, Simon M... 292 Storer, James B 322 Storer, Webster B 116 Stow, Joshua 1003 Stuart, Judge Edward W 272 Sumner, Judge Charles 36 Sumner, Increase \ 40 Sumner, Julius A 48 Thompson, Judge Sylvester H 829 Tibbals, Judge Newell D 164 Tinker, Professor Albert B 165 Townsend, Captain Alfred R 1160 Turner, Grant B 739 Upson, Judge William H 172 Viele, Henry C 276 Viele, Hiram 294 Voris, Judge Alvin C 154 Voris, Edwin F 142 Weber, Florence 531 Weber, John C 367 Webster, Charles 465 Weeks, Arthur J 143 Weeks, George W 521 Werner, Paul E 537 Wegener, Joseph E 283 Wetmore, Henry 736 Wheeler, Benjamin F 513 XXX. CONTENTS. W Wilcox, David G., (at 30) 485 Wilcox, David G.. (at 70) 485 Wilcox, Francis A 302 Wilcox, Dr. Jeremiah C 944 Williamson, Judge Samuel C 425 WiUs, Thomas 239 Wilson, Solon N 491 Wilson, Thomas 99 Wolcott, Hon, Alfred 657 Wolcott, Hon. Christopher P 553 Wolcott, Hon. Simon P 665 Wolf, John 181 Woods, John B 510 Wright, Alpha 1013 Wright, Dr. Amos 1044 Wright, Captain Josiah J 363 Wright, Reginald H 134 Wright, Hon. Thomas 986 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, IN PUBLIC OFFICE - NATIONAL, ESTATE AND COUNTY, 1840 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF WAR. WOLCOTT, Christophek P., of Akron, by appointment of PresidentAbrahairt Lincoln, in May, 1862, became Assistant Secretary of War, under hi» brother-in-law, Secretary Edwin M. Stanton, continuing- until broken in health by the arduous duties of the position, returning- to Akron in February, 1863, and dying April 4, of that year. Portrait page 553. UNITED STATES MINISTERS, CONSULS, ETC. Cakttek, David K., a resident of Akron from 1836 to 1845— Minister to- Bolivia, South America, 1861 to 1863. Portrait and biographj'. page 552.' 1 COGGESHALL WILLIAM T., a resident of Akron froan 1842 to 1847, editor and author. State Librarian from 1856 to 1862, Minister to Ecuador, South America, 1865 to 1867, dying of consumption at Quito, in the Summer of 1867, his remains being conveyed by the government to Columbus for interment, together with those of his daughter Jessie, who, after suc- cessfully closing up the affairs of the Mission, died of yellow fever, at Guyaquil, while en route for home. Cooper, Samuel F., Superintendent of Akron schools from 1853 to 1856, was United States Consul at Glasgow, Scotland, from 1876 to 1880, now being- a resident of Grinnell, Iowa. Portrait and biography, page 126. STATE AND TERRITORIAL GOVERNORS. Edgerton, Sidney, Akron, Governor of Montana Territory, 1864-1865. Por- trait and biography, page 180. AxTELL, Samuel B., Richfield, appointed Governor of Utah Territory in 1875,. transferred to New Mexico as Governor, same year, continuing between three and four years, page 949. Alger, Russell A., Richfield, Governor of Michigan, during the years 1885- and 1886. Portrait and biography, page 555. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND TERRITORIAL JUDGES. Cartter, David K., early resident of Akron, as elsewhere stated, ably served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, by appointment of President Lincoln, from 1863 until his death in 1887. Por- trait and sketch, page 552. Edgerton, Sidney, Akron, Chief Justice of the Territory of Idaho, by appointment of President Lincoln, from 1863 to 1864, resigning to take the Governorship of Montana, as elsewhere stated. Portrait, page 180. AxTELL, Samuel B., Richfield, by appointment of President Arthur, Chief Justice of New Mexico, from 1882 to 1885, page 949. UNITED STATES SENATE. Sanders, Wilbur F., formerly of Akron, now of Helena, Montana, was elected United States Senator for that State in 1890, and is still serving-. Portrait, page 5.54. OHIO STATE OFFICIALS. King, Henry W., Akron, Secretary of State, and Commissioner of Public Schools, 1850 to 1852. Portrait, page 119. WoLCOTT, Christopher P., AttorneyGeneral, 1856 to 1861. Portrait page 553, xxxii. CONTENTS. Sill, Elisha N., Cuyahoga Falls, served as Canal Fund Commissioner of Ohio, from 1843 to 1850. Portrait, page 733. KOHLER, Jacob A., Akron, served as Attorney General from 1886 to 1888. Portrait, page 267. OHIO SUPREME AND CIRCUIT COURTS. Spalding, Rufus P., then a resident of Akron, in the session of 1848, '49. was elected by the Legislature, a Judge of the Supreme Court, serving three years. Portrait, page 93. Upson, William H., Akron, by appointment of Governor Charles Foster, served as Judge of the Supreme Court, from March to December, 1883, to fill the vacanc3^ occasioned by the death of Chief Justice William White. Portrait, page 172. Upson, William, H,, Akron, in 1884 was elected one of the Judges of the Eighth Circuit of the newly organized Circuit Court System of Ohio, drawing the fractional term of two years, in 1886 being re-elected for the full term of six years, and is still ably serving. Portrait, page 172. CLEVELAND HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE— TRUSTEES, ETC. Pitkin, Stephen H., Akron, 1862—1874 and 1876—1878, page 847. Perry, JoHxNT F.. Cuyahoga Falls. 1878 -1880. Beebe, William M., Hudson, 1880-1886, page 848. King, David L., Akron, 1886—1889, page 241. Hough, Dr. Wayland S., Cuyahoga Falls, July 16, 1890, to date. Evans, Mrs. Mary, I. T., Matron, 1858—1860, page 242. OHIO PENITENTIARY, WARDEN, ETC. Dewey, Laurin, Warden, 1846 to 1849, page 220. Olines, Mrs. Julia F., Matron, 1882 to 1884. INSPECTOR OF OHIO WORKSHOPS AND FACTORIES. TMcDONALD, William Z., Ak^on, appointed bj^ Governor Joseph B. Foraker, Inspector of First District, September 6, 1885, and promoted to the Chief Inspectorship for four years from April 29, 1889, page 291. OHIO BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS. Paul, George, Cuyahoga Falls, member of Board of Public Works from 1878 to 1884, in special charge of Ohio Canal from Cleveland to Hebron, 185 miles, 25 miles of Walhonding canal and Western Reserve and Maumee road, 46 miles, page 766. OHIO CANAL SUPERINTENDENTS. From 1829 to 1850, Captain Richard Howe, of Akron, was resident engineer and superintendent of Northern division, with his brother, the late John Howe, as his efficient Assistant. Later Akron Superintendents have been L. Charles Schnell, George T. McCurdy, and Alfred W. Hall from 1886 to the present time (1892), page 146. OHIO CANAL COLLECTORS. The writer is without definite data in regard to the earlier collectors of tolls upon the Ohio Canal for the port of Akron, but from the recollection of himself and other old residents consulted, the following roster is believed to be substantially correct: Wolsey Wells, Samuel A. Wheeler, Robert K. Du Bois, Lewis P. Buckley, Frederick Wadsworth, Leander L. Howard, Allen Hibbard, Frederick A. Nash, Nathaniel W. Goodhue, George T. McCurdy, Charles Baird, J. Alexander Lantz, Mills B. Purdy, William W. Zeisloft, and from 1888 to present time (1892), Hiram H. Foltz, page 138. MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. Otis, William S. C, Akron, Constitutional Convention of 1850, serving from May 6, 1850, to March 10, 1851. Constitution then framed, ratified by voters of State, June 21, 1851, the vote in Summit county standing 2,025 for, and and 2,013 against— a majority of twelve, only, in its favor, page 309. CONTENTS. xxxiii. VORIS, Alvin C, Akron, Convention of 1873, serving from May 13, 1873, to February 3, 1874. Constitution then framed, thoug'h in many respects an improvement upon the former, was rejected bj* the people, August 18, 1874, Summit county standing 2,112 for, and 2,774 against — an adverse majority of 662. Portrait, page 154. TRUSTEE OF OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY. BUCHTEL, John R., Akron, by appointment of Governor Rutherford B. Haj'es in 1870, became Managing Trustee, and personally superintended the laying out of the grounds and the erection of the buildings for the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College, at Columbus, which was opened to students in 1873; name since changed to Ohio State University. Por- trait, page 150. REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS, 1840 to 1891. Andrews, Sherlock J., Cuyahoga count}^ XV District, 1840—1842. TiLDEN, Daniel R., Portage County, XIX District, 1842—1846. Crowell, John, Trumbtill County, XIX District, 1846 — 1850. Newton, Eben, Mahoning County, XIX District, 1850—1852. Bliss, George, Akron, XVIII District, 1852^1854, page 551. Leiter, Benjamin F., Stark County, XVIII District, 1854-1858. Edgerton, Sidney, Akron, XVIII District, 1858—1862, page 1058. Spalding, Rufus P., Cuyahoga County. XVIII District, 1862 — 1868. Upson, William H., Akron, XVIII District, 1868-1872, page 1058. Monroe, James, Lorain County, XVIII District, 1872—1880. McClure, Addison S., Wayne County, XVIII District, 1880—1882. Paige, David R., Akron, XVIII District, 1882—1884, page 271. Mckinley, William, Stark County, XVIII District, 1884—1886. Grouse, George W., Akron, XX District, 1886-1888, page 810. Smyser, Martin L., Wayne County, XX District, 1888—1890. Taylor, Vincent A., Cviyahoga County, XX District, 1890 to date. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Pitkin, Stephen H., 1868, voting in Electoral College for Ulysses S. Grant for President and Schuj^ler Colfax for Vice President, page 847. BucHTEL, John R., 1872, voting for Ulysses S. Grant for President and Henry Wilson for Vice President, page 719. Goodhue, Nathaniel W., 1880. voting for James A. Garfield for President and Chester A. Arthur for Vice President, page 171. Marvin, Ulysses L., 1884, voting for James G. Blaine for President and John A. Logan for Vice President, page 269. STATE SENATORS 1840 to 1891, INCLUSIVE. *< Perkins, Simon, Jr„ Akron 1838 to 1840, page 308. Sill, Elisha N., Cuyahoga Falls, 1840 to 1842. page 762. Jackson, John E., Portage County, 1842 to 1844. Wetmore, William Jr., Stow, 1844 to 1846, page 1017. Lewis, Asahel H., Portage County, 1846 to 1848, page 220. Swift, Lucian, Akron, 1848 to 1850, page 308. Lyman, Darius, Portage County, 1850 to 1851. Gillette, Ransom A., Portage Countv. 1851 to 1853. Upson, William H., Akron. 1853 to 1855, page 308. Brown, Oliver P., Portage County, 1855 to 1857. Ashmun, George P., Hudson, 1857 to 1859, page 847. Garfield, James A.. Portage County, 1859 to 1861. Bierce, Lucius V., Akron, 1861 to 1863, page 308. Day, Luther, Portage County, 1863 to 1864. Hart, Alphonso, Portage County, 1864 to 1865. Tibbals, Newell D., Akron, 1865 to 1867, page 308. Conant, Philo B., Portage County, 1867 to 1868. Stedman, William, Portage County,1868 to 1869. McKinney, Henry, Cuyahoga Falls. 1861 to 1871, page 762. Hart, Alphonso, Portage County. 1871 to 1873. Goodhue, Nathaniel W., Akron, 1873 to 1875, page 308. Kent, Marvin, Portage County, 1875 to 1877, page 629. xxxiv. CONTENTS. Beebe, David Duncan, Hudson, 1877 to 1881, pag^e 847. Wolcott, Simon P., Portag-e County, 1881 to 1885, page 665. Crouse, Georg-e W., Akron, 1885 to 1887, page 810. Alexander, J. Park, Akron, 1887 to 1891, page 646. Lampson, Klbert L., Ashtabula, 1891 to date. REPRESENTATIVES TO STATE LEGISLATURE, 1840 TO 1891. Spalding, Rufus P., Ravenna, 1839 to 1840, page 92. Hubbard, Ephraim B., Deerfield, 1839 to 1840, page 92. Weaver, Henry G., Springfield, 1840 to 1841. page 1001. Spalding, Rufus P., Akron, 1841 to 1842, page 307. Perkins, Simon Jr., Akron, 1841 to 1842, page 307. Seward, Amos, Tallmadge, 1842 to 1843, page 1057. McMillen, John H., Middlebury, 1843 to 1844, page 307. Foote, Augustus E., Twinsburg, 1843 to 1844, page 1078. Kirkum, George, Akron, 1844 to 1845, page 928. Bowen, Hiram, Akron, 1845 to 1846, page 307. Johnston, Alexander, Green, 1846 to 1847, page 809. Voris, Peter, Bath, 1847 to 1848, page 645. Seward, Ainos, Tallmadge, 1847 to 1848, page 1057. McClure, Samuel W., Cuyahoga Falls, 1848 to 1849, page 762. Spelnian, Harvey B., Akron, 1849 to 1850, page 307. Finch, Nathaniel, Akron, 1850 to 1851, page 307. Humphrey, Noah M.. Richfield, 1851 to 1853, pa^e 947. Somers, Porter G., Cuyahoga Falls, 1853 to 185o, page 762. Jewett, Mendal, Springfield, 1855 to 1857, page 1001. Sperry, Ira P., Tallmadge, 1857 to 1859, page 1058. Thompson, S3dvester H., Hudson, 1859 to 1861, page 847. Voris, Alvin C, Akron, 1859 to 1861, pag-e646. Johnston, John, Middlebury, 1861 to 1865 page 307. Encell. John, Copley, 1865 to 1867, page 703. Sisler, William, Franklin, 1867 to 1869, page 793. Wolcott, Alfred, Boston, 1869 to 1871, page 666. Burnham, Sanford M., Akron, 1871 to 1873, page 307. Mack, Hiram H., Bath, 1873 to 1875, page 646. Nichols, Orrin P., Twinsburg, 1875 to 1877, page 1078. Mack, Hiram H., Bath. 1877 to 1879, page 646. Hill, John, Norton, 1879, to 1881, page 929. Ebright, Leonidas S., Akron, 1879 to 1881, page 308. Alexander, J. Park, Akron, 1881 to 1883, page 646. KohlerJTacob A., Akron, 1883 to 1885, page 794. Green, Francis M., Stow, 1885 to 1887, page 1018. Sanford, Henry C, Akron, 1887 to 1891, page 307. Wright, Thomas, Springfield, 1889 to 1891, page 1002. Hale, Charles Oviatt, Bath, 1891 to date, page 647. COMMON PLEAS JUDGES, UNDER OLD CONSTITUTION, President Judges. Humphrey, Van R., Hudson, 1840 to 1844, page 846. Newton, Eben, Canfield, 1844 to 1846. Wade, Benjamin F., Jefferson, 1846 to 1851, page 306. Bliss, George, Akron, 1851 to 1852, page 306. Associate Judges. Du Bois, Robert K., Akron, 1840 to 1845, page 305. Sumner, Charles, Coventry, 1840 to 1845, page 718. Caldwell, Hugh R., Franklin, 1840 to 1847, page 793. Clark, John B., Hudson, 1845 to 1846, page 846. Ford, James R., Akron, 1845 to 1849, page 305. Thompson, Sylvester H., Hudson, 1846 to 1852, page 847. Hoy, John, Franklin, 1847 to 1852, page 793. Wheeler, Samuel A., Akron, 1849 to 1850, page 305. Voris, Peter, Bath, 1850 to 1852, page 645. CONTENTS. XXXV. COMMON PLEAS JUDGES, UNDER PRESENT CONSTITUTION. Humphreyville, Samuel, Medina, 1851 to 1856, pag'e 306. Carpenter, James S., Akron, 1856 to 1861, pag-e 306. Canfield, William H., Medina, 1858 to 1863. Burke, Stephenson, Elyria, 1861 to 1869, page 306. Boynton, Washington W., Elyria, 1869 to 1876. Hale, John C, Elyria, 1876 to 1881. McClure, Samuel W., Akron, 1870 to 1875, pag-e 306. Tibbals, Newell D., Akron, 1875 to 1883, page 306. Lewis, George W. Medina, 1881 to 1891. Marvin, Ulysses L., Akron, May to October, 1883, page 306. Green, Edwin P., Akron, 1883 to 1891, page 306. Voris, Alvin C, Akron, 1891 to date, page 306. Nye, David J., Elyria, 1891 to date. COUNTY AUDITORS, 1840 to 1891, INCLUSIVE. Booth, Birdsey, Cuyahoga Falls, 1840 to 1842, page 762. Noble, Theron A., Springfield, 1842 to 1848, page 301. Goodhue, Nathaniel W., Middlebnry, 1847 to 1852, page 301. Newberrj^ Henry, Jr., Cuyahoga Falls, 1852 to 1854, page 762. Bernard. Charles B., Akron, 1854 to 1858, page 301. Crouse. George W., Akron, 1858 to 1863, page 809. Burnham, Sanford M., Akron, 1863 to 1871, page 301. Paul, Hosea, Jr., October 9, to November 14, 1871, page 763. Buckingham, Edward, Akron, 1872 to 1881, page 301. Wagoner, Aaron, Akron, 1881 to 1887, page 794. Dick, Charles, W. F., Akron, 1887 to date, page 301. COUNTY CLERKS, 1840 TO 1891,, INCLUSIVE. Spalding, Rufus P., Akron, appointed by Court, April to December, 1840, page 304. Swift, Lucian, Akron, appointed by Court, 1840 to 1847, page 304. Peck, Lucius S., Akron appointed b}- Court, 1847 to 1851, page 305. Stone, Nelson B., Tallmadge, elected, 1851 to 1853', page 1057. Green, Edwin P., Akron, 1854 to 1861, page 305. Means. John A., Northfield, 1861 to 1864, page 902. Rinehart, Charles, Franklin, 1864 to 1870, page 793. Means, John A., Northfield, 1870 to 1873, page 902. Weeks, George W., Copley, 1873 to 1879, page 703. Nash, Sumner, Bath, 1879 to 1885, page 647. Hale, Othello W., Bath, 1885 to 1891, page 647. Goodhue, Nathaniel P., Akron, 1891 to date, page 305. COUNTY TREASURERS, 1840 to 1891, INCLUSIVE. O'Brien, William, Hudson, April, 1840 to February, 1842, page 847. Wallace, George Y., Northfield, February, 1842 to November, 1842, page 901. Arthur, Milton, Northfield, 1842 to 1848, page 902. Dewey, William H., Akron, 1848 to 1850, page 303. Wadsworth, Frederick, Akron, 1850 to 1852, page 303. Rice, Chester W., Cuyahoga Falls, 1852 to 1854, page 762. Sisler, Houston, Franklin, 1854 to 1858. page 793. Wilson, Sullivan S., Northampton, 1858 to 1863, page 863. Crouse, George W., Akron, Februar}'^ to September, 1863, page 810. Carter, Israel E., Akron, 1863 to 1867, page 303. Conger, Arthur L., Boston, 1867 to 1871, page 666. Oviatt, Schuyler R., Richfield, 1871 to 1875, page 948. Paige, David R., Akron, 1875 to 1879, page 303. Viele, Henry C, Akron, 1879 to 1883, page 303. Cole, Arthur M., Boston, 1883 to 1887, page 666. Seymour, James H., Hudson, 1887 to 1891, page 848. Oviatt, Emmon S., Akron, 1891 to date, page 948. PROBATE JUDGES, 1851 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE. Ladd, Charles G., Akron, October, 1851 to August, 1852, page 306. Hammond, Roland O., Bath, August, 1852 to October, 1852, page 645. Bryan, Constant, Akron, 1852 to 1853, page 307. Humphrey, Noah M., Richfield, 1854 to 1860, page 948. xxxvi. CONTENTS. Dodge, William M., Akron, 1860 to July, 1861, page 307. Lewis, Asahel H., Akron, July to October, 1861, page 307. Pitkin, Stephen H., Hudson, 1861 to 1869, page 307. Marvin, Ulysses L., Akron, 1869 to 1875, page 307. Williamson, Samuel C, Akron, 1875 to 1881, page 307. Goodhue, Nathaniel W., Akron, 1881 to September, 1883, page 307. Grant, Charles R., Akron, 1883 to 1891, page 307. Stuart, Edward W., Akron, 1891 to date, page 307. COUNTY RECORDERS, 1840 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE. Johnston, Alexander, Green, 1840 to 1843, page 809. Fay, Nahum, Akron, 1843 to 1849, page 303. Jennings, Jared, Coventry, 1849 to 1352, page 718. Purdy, Henry, Springfield, 1852 to 1858, page 1001. Bock, Phillip P., Akron, 1858 to 1864, page 303. Lantz, J. Alexander, Springfield, 1864 to 1870, page 1002. Thorp, Grenville, Bath, 1870 to February, 1872, page 646. Viele, Henry C, Akron, February to October, 1872, page 303. Payne, George H., Akron, 1872 to 1878, page 303. Bartlett, Albert A., Akron, 1878 to 1884. page 303. Searles, Henry C, Richfield, 1884 to 1891, page 949. Clark, Benjamin F., Akron, 1891 to date, page 303. COUNTY SHERIFFS, 1840 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE. Wilson, Thomas, Northfield, 1840 to 1844, page 901. Janes, Lewis M., Boston, 1844 to 1848, page 664. Clarke, William L., Springfield, 1848 to 1852, page 298. Seward, Dudlej^, Tallinadge, 1852 to 1856, page 1057. Lane, Sainuel A., Akron, 1856 to 1861, page 298. Chisnell, Jacob, Green, 1861 to 1865, page 8^). Burlison, James, Middlebury, 1865 to 1869, page 298. Curtiss, Augustus, Portage, 1866 to 1873, page 902. McMurray, Levi J., Franklin, 1873 to 1877, page 794. Lane, Samuel A., Akron, 1877 to 1881, page 298. McKinney, William, Twinsburg. 1881 to 1885, page 1078. Gamble, William B., Akron, 1885 to 1889, page 298. Bunn, David R., Akron, 1889 to date, page 298. PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS, 1840 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE. Dodge, William M.. Akron, 1840 to 1842, page 298. Kirkum, George, Norton, 1842 to 1844, page 928. Otis. William. S. C. Akron, 1844 to 1846, page 298. McClure. Samuel W., Cuyahoga Falls, 1846 to 1848, page 762. Upson, William H., Akron, 1848 to 1850, page 1058. Whedon, Harvej'-, Hudson, 1850 to 1352, page 847. Edgerton, Sidne5\ Akron, 1852 to 1856, page 1058. McKinney, Henry, Cuyahoga Falls, 1856 to 1860, page 762. Tibbals, Newell D., Akron, 1860 to 1864, page 298. Green, Edwin P., Akron, ad interim 100 days, 1864, page 298. Oviatt, Edward, Akron. 1864 to 1868. page 948. Kohler, Jacob A., Akron, 1868 to 1872, page 794. Sanford, Henry C, Akron, 1872 to 1874, page 298. Poulson, James M., Akron, 1874 to 1876, page 298. Stuart, Edward W., Akron, 1876 to 1880, page 298. Baird, Charles, Akron. 1880 to 1884, page 298. Means, John C. Tallmadge, 1884 to May, 1886, page 1058. Voris, Edwin F., Akron, May to October, 1886, page 298. Sieber, George W., Akron, 1886 to date, page 298. COUNTY SURVEYORS, 1840 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE. Ashmun, Russell H., Tallmadge, 1840 to 1843, page 1057. Voris, Peter, Bath, 1843 to 1846, page 645. Seward, Frederick. Tallmadge, 1846 to 1849, page 1057. Newton, Dwight, Akron, 1849 to 1852, page 303. Oviatt, Schuyler R., Richfield, 1852 to 1855, page 948. Paul, Hosea, Cuyahoga Falls, 1855 to 1870, page 762. COXTENl'S. • XX Paul, Robert S., Akron, 1870 to 1874.pag-e 762. Seward. John W., Tallmadge. 1874 to 1877, page 1058. • Paul, Robert S. Akron, 1877 to 1883, pao-e 7(52. Perkins, Charles E., Akron, 1883 to date, page 303. COUNTY CORONERS, 1840 TO 1891, INCI.USIVE. Hinsdale, Elisha, Norton, 184:0 to 1844, page 928. Mills, Ithiel, Akron, 1844 to 1848, page 304. HoUoway, Joseph T., Cuyahoga Falls, 1848 to 18."iO page 762. Nash, Col. John, Middlebury, 1850 to 1853, page 304. Gross, Oliver E., Stow, 1853 to 1855, page 1017.^ Clarke, William E., Akron, 1855 to 18.57, page 304. Ingersoll, Noah. Coventrj^, 18.57 to 1861, page 719. Holloway, Joseph I'., Cuyahoga Falls, 1861 to 1863, page 762. Soniers, Porter G.. Cuyahoga Falls, 18(53 to 1868, page 762. Gross, Oliver E., Stow, 18(58 to 1872, page 1017. Brown, Almon, Akron, 1872 to 1882, page 304. Brashear, B. B., Akron, 1882 to 1886. page 304. Sargent, Albert H., Akron, 1886 to 1890. page 304. Brewster, George W., Coventry, 1890 to date, page 720. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, 1840 TO 1891, IxNCLUSIVE. Foote, Axigustus E., Twinsburg, 1840 to 1843, page 1078. Starr, Jonathan, Copley, 1840 to 1844, page 703. Hoy. John, Franklin, 1840 to 1845. page 793. Thompson, Mills. Hudson. 1843 to 1849, page 847, Weld. James W., Richfield. 1844 to 1853, page 947. Weaver, Henry G., Springfield, 1845 to 1851, page 1001., W^etmore, FMwin, Stow. 1849 to 1858. page 1017. Weston, Hiram, Middlebury, 1851 to 18.t4, page 298. Metlin, James A., Norton, 18.53 to 18.56, page 929. Bliss. Ambrose W., Northfield, 18.54 to 18(50, page 902. Gilcrest, John S.. Springfield, 18.56 to 1862. page 1001. McFarlin, John, Bath. 1858 to 1861, page 646. Upson, Nelson. Twinsburg, 1860 to March, 1866, page 1078. Buel, George, Akron, 1861 to yiay, 1864. page 298. Hill, David E., Middlebury, 1862 to 1868, page 298. Bates, George D., Akron, May to December, 1864, page 298. Conger, Sidney P., Boston, ^lay to December, 18(56, page (5(56. McFarlin, John, Bath, 1864 to 1867, page 64(5. Johnston, John C, Northampton, 1866 to 1872, page 8(53. Sackett, George, Cuyahoga Falls, 1867 to 1870, page 7(53, Oviatt, Orson M., Richfield, 1868 to 1874, page 948. Hill, John, Norton, 1870 to 1879, page 92i). Crotise. George W., Akron, 1872 to 187.5, page 809. L'Hommedieu, Giles. Cuyahoga Falls, 1874 to 1877, page 763. Sisler, William, Franklin, 1875 to 1881, page 793. Call, Moses D., Stow, 1877 to 1883, page 1018. Hart, Hiram, Richfield, 1879 to 1885, page 948. Miller, David C, Franklin, 1881 to November, 1886, page 794, Ellet, King J., Springfield, 1883 to 1889. page 1002, Hill, John C, Coventry, November, 1886 to December, 1887, page 720. Hine, Charles C, Hudson, 1885 to 1891. page 848. Johnston, Washington G., Green, 1890 to date, page 810. Frederick. Henry, Portage, 1889 to date, page 298. Nesbit, James, Northfield, 1891 to date. COUNTY INFIRMARY DIRECTORS, 1849 TO 1891. INCLUSIVE. Kent, Roswell, Middlebury, 1849 to 18)1, page 303. Spicer, Avery, Coventry, 1849 to 1853, page /18. Bierce, Lucius V., Akron, July to October. 1849. page 303. Ackley, Gibbons J., Akron, 1849 to 1851, page 303. Wesener. Joseph E., Akron. August to December, 1851, page 303. Hawkins. Ira, Portage, 1851 to 1857, page 304. Bates, George D., Akron, 1851 to 1855, page 304. Sherbondj% George, Portage, 18.53 to 18.56, page 304. Hanscom, Charles, C, Akron, 1855 to 1858, page 3Q^, xxxviii. CONTENTS. Scott, David A.. Akron, 1856 to 18.19, page 304. Spicer, Avery, Coventry, IS-oT to 1866, pag-e 718. Johnston, William, Copley, 1858 to 1861, page 703. Walker, Richard B., Akron, 1859 to 1868, page 304. Townsend, Alfred R., Akron, 1861 to 1867, page 301. Brewster, Jonathan H., Coventr}-. 1866 to 1875, page 719. Cunningham, William M., Akron. 1869 to 1873, page 304. Husong", Francis T., Copley, 1868 to 1871, page 703. Storer, Webster B., Portage, 1871 to 1874, page 304. Townsend, Alfred R., Akron, 1873 to 1876, page 304. Herrold, Levi S., Akron, 1874 to 1877, page 304. Kolb, Clement J., Akron, 1875 to 1881. page 304. Frederick. Henry, Portage, 1876 to 1882, page 304. Townsend, Alfred R., Akron, 1877 to 1879, page 304. Southmayd, William, Stow, 1879 to 1883, page 1018. Beebe, Joseph A., Akron, 1881 to 1887, page 304. Johnston, John M., Copley. 1882 to 1888, page 703. Miller, Stephen D., Norton, 1883 to 1889, page 929. Moore, Joseph, Akron, 1887 to date, page 1002. Smith, F:ii, Portage, 1888 to date, page 304. Koplin, Jacob, Akron, 1889 to date, page 304. SUPERINTENDENTS OF INFIRMARY, 1849 TO 1891, INCLUSIVE. Sichley, Abraham, 1849 to 1855, page 304. Chandler. William, 18.55 to 1861, page 304. Husong, Francis T., 1861 to 1868, page 703. Glines, George W., 1868 to 1878, page .304. Feichter, George, 1878 to 1879, page 304. Glines, Julia F., 1879 to 1882, page 304. Hamlin, Millard F., 1882 to 1387, page 304. Stotler, Sherman B., 1887 to date, page 304. FURTHER ADDENDA; ERRATA, ETC. On page 1058, in notice of Hon. Williatti H. Upson's election to Circuit Court Judgeship, read elected in 188i, drawing fractional term of two years, and re-elected in ISSfi for full term of six years. On page 532, in biographical sketch of Mr. John K. Kobinson, read married to Miss Henrietta Eleanor Barber, Januarj- 1, 1868, instead of January 15, 1869, as printed in part of edition. On page 526, to biographical sketch of Isaac J. Dyas, add: died suddenly of pneumonia, January 3, 1892, aged 42 years and 12' da5's. On page 913, to biographical sketch of IJr. Secretary Rawson, add: died in Des Moines, Iowa, December 29, 1891, aged 95 years, 2 months and 11 days. On page 609, to official roster of Boston Township and Peninsula Village, add the death of Treasurer Henry Kerst, January 7, 1892, aged 51 years. On page 463, to biography of Mr. Lorenzo Hall, add: died January 9, 1892, aged 79 years, 10 months and 17 days. On page 762, read that Dr. Chester W. Rice was elected Treasurer of Summit county, in 1852 instead of 1872, as there printed. On page 736, to biography of Mr. Henry Wetmore, add: died January 10, 1892, aged !K) years and 11 months. On page 130, to biographical sketch of Judge William M. Dodge, add the death of Mrs. Dodge, January II, 1892, aged 8;^ 3-ears, 5 months and 13 dajs. Add to Contents: Official Roster of Summit County, 1840 to 1891, Index pages xxxi to xxxviii. Schumacher Power Block, Index page xxxix. Government Public Building, Index page xl. Akron City Hospital, Index page xl. THE SCHUMACHER POWER BLOCK. XXXIX. Since the completion of the main portion of this book, Messrs. Weary & Kramer, architects, have perfected the drawings of the new power block which Mr. Ferd Schumacher is about to erect on West Market street, the foundations for which are now being laid upon the site of the well-remembered Old City Mill, as shown in the upper engraving on page 453. As this will be the largest, handsomest and most costly structure yet erected in Akron, it is fitting that an engraving of it, with proper measurements, should be given the prominent place in this volume here accorded to it. ir^ -.^ Schumacher Power Block, Corner of West Market and Canal Streets, Erected in 1892. This superb structure w^ill be built in the modernized Romanesque style of architecture, and present a facade of 165 feet on West Market street, and 135 feet on Canal street. The building will be seven stories in height — tw^o full stories, equaling thirty- four feet, below the level of West Market street and five stories above, the total height of the walls being about 114 feet. The walls of the first tw^o stories w^ill be of brow^n stone or granite, and the upper stories of pressed brick, the floors and roof being carried by a system of protected steel construction, supported from massive stone foundations. The building will be so constructed that it can be adapted to any desired business, and the machinery of such mechanical and manufacturing operations as may be therein located will be driven by the waters of the Cascade mill race, with its forty-five foot fall secured by means of the tunnel constructed through the solid rock, by Mr. Schumacher, between the point named and the Cascade Mill, a year or two ago. The entire plant will cost not far from $200,000, and will not only be a very decided credit to our already wonderfully pros- perous city, but the crowning glory of the very many magnificent business structures hitherto erected by Akron's truly munificent benefactor, Mr. Ferd Schumacher. xl. AKRONS GOVERNMENT BUILDING. In closing the chapter on Akron's postal history, pages 315 to 329, it was stated that a government building was "almost in sight," Congress having voted an appropriation of $75,000 for that purpose, though owing to the clashing of local interests, and per- sonal predilections, the site had not then been agreed upon. Since that time, however, in the spirit of mutual concession and good feeling that should ever animate our people, the differences in question have been harmonized, and the old Bartges property, now known as the Union Club House, on the southeast corner of Market and High streets, has been agreed upon. It is a convenient and sightly location, and it is expected that Avithin the coming year an imposing and elegant government building will cover the ground for nearly sixty years occupied by the then and still hand- some frame cottage, built in 1834 by Akron's pioneer merchant and manufacturer, Charles \V. Howard, after Avhom our hitherto principal business street viras very properly named. AKRON CITY HOSPITAL. On page 1093, in the chapter devoted to Summit county's benevolence, is an account of the bequest of the late Boniface De Roo, of the Sixth Ward, who died November 3, 1883, towards the founding of a city hospital in Akron, which bequest, judici- ously invested by duly constituted trustees, now amounts to some- thing over $10,000, Mr. De Roo expressing the desire, in his will, that the hospital, when established, should bear the name of the largest contributor towards its establishment and maintenance. Though the need of such an institution has for several years been sorely felt and often discussed by our people, nothing tangible has hith- erto been developed in the premises. Now, however, among the very last w^ritten words for this book, w^e are pleased to note that this long felt want is about to be munificently filled. To the accomplishment of the project, Messrs. Ohio C. Barber and Thomas \Y. Cornell have made voluntary donations of $10,000 each, and negotiations have nearly been completed for the purchase of the Bartges homestead, 943 East Market street, for the sum of $30,000, to be used for that purpose. The property consists of five acres of land and a large and handsome brick house and suitable out build- ings, and can be made immediately available for the needs and purposes of such an institution. In addition to the generous donations mentioned, Mr. Barber is endeavoring to secure, by pop- ular subscription from our well-to-do citizens, an endowment fuild of $100,000, for the future maintenance of the institution, nearly one half of which is already in sight, though an analysis of the list of donations, when completed, will alone determine the question in regard to the name which shall be given to this, the crowning glory of the charitable impulses of our people. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. SAMUEL ALANSON LANE. foui irth son of Comfort and Betsey (Sikes) Lane, was born in Suffield, Hartford County, Conn., June 29, 1815. The father, a car- riage maker by trade— ^an exten- sive manufacturer of the old-time thorough-brace stage coach — ow- ing to a natural aptness in that direction, had designed the boy, Alanson, for a carriage and orna- mental painter, and hence, during his childhood, he was permitted to dabble in colors to his heart's content, his own face, hands and clothing often presenting a more variegated and picturesque ap- pearance than the majority of the lavishly bepraised subjects of his juvenile pencil. The father dying, when the lad was but thirteen years of age, and the business being discontinued, that plan had to be aban- doned, and the next two and a half j^ears were devoted to school and such agricultural labor, at home and among neighboring farmers, as such a boy was capable of performing — an arrange- ment to enter the painting department of a large chair manufac- tory in an adjoining town, as an apprentice, having been foiled by the destruction of the establishment by fire. In addition to his repute, as a carriage maker, "Judge" Lane, as he was called by his neighbors, was quite an inventor, not only in the way of mechanical devices in the furtherance of his own business, but shortly before his death he constructed and patented the "Suffield Cotton Gin" — a machine which it was confidently believed would supersede the celebrated Whitney Cotton Gin — the parchment letters patent, dated March 24, 1825, (now in* possession 1 SAMUEL A. LA^E. Z AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. of the writer) l^earing the autograph signatures of John Quincy Adams, President; Henry Clay, Secretary of State; and William Wirt, Attorney General; a single clerk in the office of the Secre- tary of State then performing the entire clerical work of the Patent Department, while an average of 500 emploj^es in that branch of the government are now scarcely adequate to its necessities. Death intervening, however, before its practical introduction, the device was of no pecuniary benefit to the heirs of the inventor. MERCHANT'S CLERK, BOOK-AGENT, ETC. May 1, 1831, then not quite 16 years of age, young Lane engaged as clerk in the store of Mr. Billings Brown, father of the present United States Judge, Henry Billi^igs Brown, in the paper manu- facturing village of South Lee, Berkshire Co., Mass., Avith whom he served a year and a half, when he entered the larger establish- ment of Mr. Austin Hayden, at Pittsfield, in the same county, with whom he remained six months. Keturning home for a visit, in the Spring of 1833, an arrangement was made with a Hartford publishing house for the *canvass of Merrimac County, New Hampshire, for the sale of the then popular History of the United States, by Chauncey A, Goodrich, which service Avas so satisfac- torily performed that, in the Fall of the same year, he was assigned to similar duty in the States of South Carolina and Georgia, with headquarters at Augusta; the journey from New York to Charles- ton being made in the sailing vessel, "John C. Calhoun," there then being no ocean steamers, (not even coastwise); the journey from Charleston to Augusta being over the then just completed Charleston and Augusta Railroad, at that tiine the longest railroad in the World — 130 miles. A CONTEMPORARY OF "BOB" TOOMBS. While awaiting the arrival of books, in the late Summer and early Autumn of 1834, during a very heated political campaign, a I^osition, as m-ailing clerk and assistant editor, was accepted in the office of the "Southern Spy," at Washington, Wilkes County, Geor- gia, then, and until his death, the home of the afterwards notorious secession agitator and rebel general, Robert Toombs — the "Spy" being a strong Jackson, or Union, paper, with the talented j^oung lawyer, Toombs, as one of its most vigorous writers against John C. Calhoun's nullification heresies, so prevalent in South Carolina and Georgia about those days. While thus employed, in addition to his mailing and editorial duties, the writer obtained something of an insight into the "Art Preservative of All Arts" — printing — which was to be such a potent factor in the shaping (or unshaping) of his futurfe life. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 3 A NIGHT IN AN INDIAN WIGWAM. On concluding his book-canvassing labors, in the late Fall of 1834, the writer, then nineteen years of age, concluded to resume mercantile life, and permanently settle in the South. Not succeed- ing in finding a clerkship in Augusta, and the several other cities and villages visited in Georgia and South Carolina, in company with a young northern printer, a few years his senior, he started, in his double-rig Yankee peddling w^agon, overland, for Mobile, Alabama, having to pass through the territory of the Creek Indians, then in rather an unamiable mood, by reason of the agitation of the question of removing them beyond the Mississippi. It was about sixty miles through the territory, with one intervening white set- tlement and trading post abovit midway, at the ferry across the Wetumpka river. The road through the w^ilderness was blind and difficult, the Indian trails, from time to time diverging therefrom, being more distinct than the road itself. Darkness setting in, before reaching the ferry, we at length found ourselves wedged in -among the trees, and on reconnoissance, in the darkness, for we had no means of striking a light (friction matches not being then in general use, as now), discovered that we had branched off on to a trail, but w^ere w^hoUy unable to discern the point of diver- gence. In this dilemma, our only resource, except to remain all night Avliere w^e were, was to unhitch our horses and follow the trail whithersoever it might lead. A quarter of a mile, or so, brought us to a log hut in w^hich were two squaw^s — evidently mother and daughter. Endeavoring, by words and signs, to make them under- stand that we wnnted to find our way to the ferry across the Wetumpka river, the elder squaAV lighted a pine-knot torch, and motioning to us to follow, started diagonally to the left from the trail we were on, through the woods, ten minutes' w^alk bringing us to the l)ank of the river, running rapidly and darkly through the murky forest. We were now, of course, no better off than before, and could only follow our guide back to her hut, where w^e found a gayly dressed yt)uiig Indian buck, to whom ^ve also endeavored to explain the situation, in doing so, in addition to signs, saying in English that we had got lost, wanted some supper and to stay all night. Borrowing a torch, he started in an opposite direction, w^e and our horses following. Our guide was in a very merry mood, indeed, gayly singing as he w^ent, his music being interspersed \»^ith loud peals of laughter, frequent repetition of our phrases, "got loss! got loss! suppaw! suppaw! 'tay all night! 'tay all night! "etc., with an occasional blood-curdling and hair-lifting Indian 3'ell, or whoop, that made the surrounding woods — the darkness being intensified by the flaming torch he was carrying — all ring again! 4 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. RIGHT ROYALLY ENTERTAINED. Ten or fifteen minutes brought us to a somewhat more preten- tious cabin, from which, warned by the noisy antics of our guide, there came forth to meet us a fine looking Indian, somewhat past middle life, his w^ife, another buck about 25 years of age and his w^ife, the latter bearing in her arms a six or eight months' old pappoose — our guide also being a member of the family. After a short palaver \vith the head of the family, active meas- ures for our "entertainment" >vere inaugurated, the men helping us to unharness and properly secure and feed our horses, the feed consisting of corn in the ear, and corn-fodder cured in the same manner as among the planters of the South, generally, in those days. Our "suppaw" consisted of bread made from pounded corn, and baked before the fire, s^veet potatoes roasted in the ashes, some bear's meat fried in a small iron kettle, and some sort of home- made but quite palatable coffee, the rude table being set with reg- ular dishes — plates, cups and saucers, knives, forks, spoons, etc. Later in the evening, and just before retiring to rest, the family supper was partaken of. A large tub of mush and milk was placed in the middle of the bare earth floor, the members of the family squattingthemselves in a circle around it. It was provided with one large wooden spoon, or ladle. The elder Indian, picking up the spoon, takes a mouthful and returns the spoon to the tub. The elder squaw next takes a mouthful, and so on around, according to age, a running merry conversation being kept up during the repast, of which the "strangers within their gates" were apparently the principal subjects. Across one end of the cabin was a platform, about two feet from the floor and six feet in depth, devoted to sleeping purposes. Spreading a blanket on one end, and rolling up some of their sur- plus clothing for pillow^s, they motioned us to take our places thereon, my chum taking to the wall and myself turning in next to him, w^ith a blanket for covering. The elder Indian then planted himself next to me, the old squaw next, and the younger squaw with her pappoose next, the two younger bucks stretching them- selves out upon the floor. . Our slumbers were reasonably tranquil, being occasionally interrupted by the distant hoAvl of the festive wolf, and once or tw^ice disturbed by the rushing forth of our hosts to drive away their own horses running loose in the woods, while trying to pick a quarrel with our animals in the snug pole-pen in which they had l)een corralled, AGAIN UPON OUR WINDING WAY. Rising with the earliest dawn, harnessing our horses, paying our hosts liberally in silver coin for our entertainment, and bidding AUTOBIOGRAPHY. O them all good-])y, we started in the direction of our wagon. The three bucks, however, fell into our wake and helped to get our wagon up into the main road, only a few rods distant, it appearing that the trail ran for a considerable distance nearly parallel at the foot of the ridge along which the w^agon road passed. The con- tents of our wagon were found to be intact, and producing from one of the trunks some slight presents of cheap jewelry, pictures, etc., for each of the three bucks, the two squaws and the pappoose, we again bid our tawny friends good-by and started for the ferry. The people at the ferry were very greatly astonished at our vins- burg?" "Cleveland." " Where from to Cleveland?" "Wooster." "Where from to Wooster?" "Mount Vernon." "Where from to Mount Vernon?" "Columbus." "Where from to Columbus?" "Cincinnati." "Where from to Cincinnati?" "Louisville." "Where from to Louisville?" "New Orleans." "Mr. Lane, were you ever in Detroit?" "No, sir; but I should very much like to go there," said I, jestingly. "Well, sir," said he, sternly, "you may soon have your wish." He then asked: "Mr. Lane, did you ever go by the name of Charles Lewis ?" " No, sir!" " Or by the name of George Davis?" "No, sir!" During this colloquy I had continued sharpening ni}- knife, and at this stage my interrogator said: "Mr. Lane Avill you oblige me by straightening out the fingers of your left hand?" " Suppose I can't do it, what then?" I smilingly enquired. "It will be all the better for^ow, if you can/' he rather savagely replied. After a few seconds' aggravating delay, I suddenly extended my open hand to- Avards him for inspection. "You are not the man I'm after," he stammeringly responded and then it w^as my turn to ask questions. His explanation was this: That he was a Deputy Sheriff from Detroit; that a j^oung man named Charles Lewis, but u'ho some- times called himself George Davis, about 25 years old, and answer- ing to my general description, but with the fingers upon his left hand seriously crippled, had committed several forgeries in Detroit, and was also believed to be connected w^ith an extensive gang of counterfeiters. The officer (who had never seen him) had traced him to Cleveland, and from thence on board the Pittsburg stage, on Thursday morning (it w^ill be remembered that I came to Twins- burg on Wednesday morning); that on reaching Twinsburg, on the Saturday morning stage, he, the officer, was assured by landlord Grant and his bar-keeper, that the party he was after had stopped off there and had gone to Aurora to visit one of the most respecta- ble men of that toA^nship, 'Squire Stocking, their statement being verified by the dining room girl, who had particularly ol)served that in handling my fork and food, I didn't straighten out the fin- gers of my left hand; while the clerk was sure I had quite a quan- tity of counterfeit inoney w^ith me. Thus assured, he had remained at Twinsburg over night, as the man he was in pursuit of was a desperate character, always w^ent armed to the teeth, and a dangerous customer to encounter in the dark. On Sunday morning, calling to his assistance a Twinsburg constable, and taking along a j^oung man w^ho had seen me at the hotel, to point me out, the Detroiter and his posse had dulv arrived at the Aurora hotel as stated. 8 AKRON AND SUMMIT COTNTY. Making known his mission to landlord Woodruff, and others at the hotel, he was assured that there must be some mistake about the matter, but he knew better; he was after the right man, and though he expected to meet ^rith a desperate resistance (exhibiting a number of weapons) he intended to secure him either dead or alive, even if he had to take him out of church, to which it was suggested that I might have accompanied the family. At this juncture the spy of the party had observed me passing from the house to the shop, and entering upon the knife sharpening operation alluded to, and they had approached as stated. On making known his errand to the 'Squire, he also assured the officer that there certainly must be some mistake about it, as his young friend was the son of his old boss, Judge Lane, of Suffield, Conn., and although he had not know^n much about him for live or six years, it could not be possible he was the desperado intimated. The officer, how^ever, was positive, and called upon the 'Squire as a magistrate, not\srithstanding his friendship for the family, to aid him in bringing the offender to justice. The rest has already been told. By the time the denouement had been reached, a number of the villagers had ventured into the shop. To say that the 'Squire and Sam were indignant, and the by-standers excited, w^ould be a mild statement. Sam Ayas for booting the Detroiter and his Twinsburg aids out of the shop, and several other young men manifested an ardent desire to help him do it; but the 'Squire and myself inter- ceded and they were permitted to depart in peace. Whether the real Charles Lewis, alias George Davis, was ever apprehended, this deponent knoweth not; but one thing is certain, the w^riter, for over half a century, has retained a very vivid recollection of his first visit to Tw^insburg, though his intercourse with many of her good people during the intervening 56 years has been both inti- mate and pleasant. ARTISTICAL, THEATRICAL, ETC. Remaining Avith my friends nearly two months, about the first of May, 1835, I again started out to "seek my fortune." At this time the art of making sun pictures had not been discovered, and aside from painted portraits and miniatures, about the only mode of securing a semblance of the "human face divine," was 1)3^ the silhouette process — drawing, with tracing rod and universal joint, a sideview outline of the features on white paper, deftl}^ cutting out the same and placing a piece of black silk back of the opening, the whole being mounted with frame and glass. On this crude device I essayed an improvement, in that, instead of cutting out the center and producing a simple black profile, I finished it up with pencil, india ink and water colors. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 9 tracing in the hair, eyebrows, eye, nostril, lips, ear, chin, Avrinkles, drapery, etc., my apparatus being adjustable from miniature up to quarter size. After some gratuitous experiments in Aurora, my first objective "business" point was Kavenna and the contiguous tow^nships of Shalersville and Streetsboro. Though infinitely superior to the plain black profile, ow^ing to the enhanced cost of their production, and the general scarcity of money in the country, the business did not prove to be remarkably remunerative, besides footing it from house to house with my pretty heavy outfit, w^as found to be decidedly hard work. At this time an amateur dramatic company — The Thespian Society — was being organized by the young people of Ravenna, and I was invited to assist in painting the scenery, also taking prominent parts in both the tragedy of " Barbarossa" and the comedy of "Fortune's Frolic," during "Court Week" of the June term, 1835. HOTEL CLERK, BAR-TENDER, ETC. My Aurora friends advised me, whatever I did, by all means to steer clear of Akron. But during my brief stay in Ravenna I met a number of Akron gentlemen, lawyers and others, at the hotel w^here I boarded, and after closing my theatrical "engagement," I concluded to run over and take a look at it. Accordingly, on Wednesday, June 10, 1835 — by stage, via Franklin Mills, (Kent) Stow Corners, Cuyahoga Falls, Old Forge and Middlebury — I Avended my way thither, sleeping the first night in the southAvest corner, second story, of the frame building now standing on the northeast corner of South Main and Exchange streets, then kept by Mr. Lewis Humiston, and designated as the "Stage House," and later as the "Railroad House," and kept by Mr. Charles P. McDonald, father of the veteran livery man, Mr. Venning McDonald. The next day, visiting North Akron, or "Cascade," as it was then called, I made an arrangement with Mr. Charles B. Cobb, proprietor of the "Pavilion House," northwest corner of Howard and Market streets, to keep his books, tend bar, wait upon guests and make myself generally useful for my board, until some other suitable employment could be found. Clerkships were as scarce then in Akron as in the other Western and Southern towns which I had visited, and by this time I was beginning to think that "counter-jumping" wasn't very good business, anyhow. (The grapes were getting very sour, you see.) ANOTHER NARROW ESCAPE. At this juncture, the late Gen. Lucius V. Bierce, then the Prosecuting Attorney for Portage County, being about to establish 10 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. an office in Akron, made me a proposition to enter his office as a law student, offering to furnish me with gratuitous instruction, and to help me through with my board during my studies. I interposed the objection that my education was inadequate, having no knowledge whatever of Latin or the other dead languages. But the General held that all that >vas needed to make a successful laAvyer was a fair common school education, a reasonable famil- iarity with Shakespeare and the Bible, and ordinary common - sense. Distrusting my own inquisitorial and forensic abilities, however, I respectfully declined the General's kind proposition, and the legal world will probably never realize the full magnitude of its loss, by reason of such declination, though the "generality of mankind in general" may >vell congratulate itself upon its narrow^ escape from so calamitous an infliction. HOUSE AND SIGN PAINTER, SCHOOL-TEACHER, ETC. About two months later, as half apprentice and half journey- man, I entered the service of a house and sign painter, my first job being a piece of ornamental work that the boss himself was incapable of performing. With the slowing up of work in the late Fall, I again returned to the" Pavilion," but a few days later engaged to teach the school in district number seven. Portage township, (opposite the northeast corner of the present Infirmary farm), as detailed in another part of this volume. EMBARKS IN BUSINESS FOR HIMSELF. After the close of my school, in the Spring of 1836, I opened shop as a full-fledged "House, Sign and Ornamental Painter," and though not making "rich" come very fast, I may, with all due modesty, claim that I was fully as expert on general work as any of my "regularly bred" contemporaries, w^hile on sign-writing and ornamental >vork I was ahead of all competitors, >vith considerable skill as a wood and copper-plate engraver, stencil-plate and brand- pattern maker for marking flour barrels, etc. PUBLISHER OF THE "AKRON BUZZARD." As detailed in Chapter XI of this work, under the editorial noiii de plume of "Jedediah Brownbread, Esq.," while still carrying on my painting business, on the 7th day of September, 1837, I started a small semi-monthly paper under the above title, utilizing my knowledge of the printing business acquired in the office of the " Southern Spy," by setting up and striking off the first number with my own hands, with the type and press of Judge Bryan's suspended Akron Journal, elsewhere alluded to, afterwards hiring it printed in the office of the American Balance. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 11 The object of the paper was to combat and expose the black- legism, and other crookedness and wrong doing then so prevalent in Akron and neighboring villages along the line of the canal. The editorials w^ere constructed on the Yankee dialect plan, these excerpts from its salutatory being an example: " You see, I cum from Varmount about tew^ munths ago. Uncle Jed w^as monstrous glad tu see me, now I tell you. Says he, ' Jedediah,'(you see I was named arter Uncle Jed, and he thinks a monstrous site of me), 'I'm mity glad you've cum and I've biii 'spectin you this tew or three years, for I ne^v that a chap o.f your genus and enterprise wood'nt be contented tu stay in Varmount all your lifetime, an' then die poor, when you cood make a fortin here in six munths.' * * * You see, I was raised to the occupashun of teechin the young idee how to shute, but seein as ho^v as that's ruther poor bizness in this secshun, I've concluded to try my hand at editerin awhile. Uncle Jed says that a real-joUy-nothin-tu-du-with-polyticks-anti-blackleg-respect- able paper w^ill du w^ell here, an that's jist what I'm goin tu print. * * * Sum folks may think, perhaps, that I've got a curious name for my paper, so I'll jist explain it tu em. You see, a buzzard is a kind of haw^k, an my "Buzzard" is near of kin tu the turkey-buzzard that I've hern tell on way down south, Avhere it's a fine tu kill 'em, cause, you see, they remove all the filth an carin from the streets. Now, you see, I calkulate to make my paper prodigous handy in this way. If there 's enny thing Avrong goin on, I calkulate to tell on't, an expose an endevor to remove newsances and so forth from the city." THREATENINGS DIRE, ASSAULTS, ETC. As may well be imagined, the plain-speaking of the Buzzakd was well calculated to arouse the ire of the \vrong-doers inveighed against„and many threats to destroy the office where it was printed, ivhip, and even shoot, the editor, were indulged in, and innumera- ble schemes for revenge Avere attempted, a fcAv, only, of which can be noticed here. One evening, just at dusk, after the appearance of a pretty pointed article on counterfeiting and counterfeiters, a boy entered the office saying that there was a gentleman at a neighboring hotel who wished to see me. Learning, on inquiry, that a well-know^n blackleg, by the name of George Miller, had sent the message, I at once suspected that mischief was brewing, but not wishing to exhibit the white-feather, in company with a friend, I promptly responded to the message. As I entered the bar-room, in which were a number of well-known sporting gentlemen who made the hotel their headquarters, I found the head-center of the counterfeiting fraternity, "Jim" Bro>vn, in confidential conversa- tion with the said George Miller, and noticed the significant glances and grimaces indulged in by the crowd. 12 AKROX AND vSUMMIT COUXTY. Approaching the bar I said to the mixer of whisky toddies: ^'Your boy told me there was a gentleman here Avho wanted to see me. Who is he?" "I don't know," replied the bar-keeper, "he's a stranger; you'll find him in the sitting room." Thinking it possible that some Eastern acquaintance might have come to to^vn, but still keeping my wits about me, I stepped across the hall and opened the sitting-room door. The first glimpse revealed the fact that, though not yet lighting up time, the w^indow curtains w^ere closely drawn and the room duly lighted. Keeping my hand still upon the latch of the door, I sw^ung myself far enough into the room to discover that its only occupant, standing "with his back to the grate, was a w^ell-know^n local bruiser b}^ the name of "Jim" Blane, who a few years later, while drunk, fell from the West Market street bridge to the canal towing-path below and broke his neck. "Good evening, Mr. Blane," I said pleasantly. "G'n'ev'ning," he surlily responded. "I was told there w^as a gentleman here who w^anted to see me, but I don't see any," I said, and sAvinging myself back into the hall, closed the door, and re-entered the bar- room, into w^hich, by this time, had come quite a number of mechanics, merchants and others, regular boarders in the house. It afterwards transpired that "Jim" Brown had hired the other "Jim" to give me a drubbing, not only the blackleg habitues of the house, but the rascally bar-keeper also, entering into the conspiracy, the plan being to inveigle me into the room ^vith the bruiser, who, while his confederates were to hold and guard the door upon the outside, was to "decorate" my countenance and other portions of my corporeal economy. A NEARLY FATAL RENCOUNTER. Up to this time I had never gone armed, but after the occur- rence narrated, my young friend, the late Henrj^ J. Frost, of Wooster, then clerking for Mr. P. D. Hall, handed me an old- fashioned single-barreled brass pistol (ready loaded) with which to defend myself, should another attempt be made to inflict personal injury upon me. This weapon I carried in the right hand skirt pocket of my overcoat, while upon the street, and deposited it upon a shelf, above the editorial table, while in the office. A feviT days later, having an item of business w^ith the brother of the landlord of the hotel in question, as I started to leave the bar-room I was confronted by a six-foot, double-fisted habitue of the house, by the name of Dwight Spooner, who, seizing me by the collar with his huge left hand, began making hostile demonstra- tions towards my physiognomy w^ith his right. Instinctively I thrust my right hand into my overcoat pocket, at w^hich one of the half dozen black-legs present, who were hissing my assailant on. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 13 seized my elbow and threatened to put an end to me if I attempted to draw a pistol. Quietly withdrawing my hand, I appealed to the landlord for protection. Instead of compelling the ruffian to release his hold, the landlord, opening the door, said: " If j^ou are going to fight, gentlemen, you must go out of doors," and as my assailant backed out through the hall and front door, his brawny fist still glued to the collar of my coat, it may be taken for a fact, without substantiation by affidavit, that I didn't hang back anvl The blackleg fraternity followed us out and continued to hiss the drunken bully on, but the commotion also attracted the attention of respectable people upon the street, who imiuediately gathered around us. Drawing back his right fist, and pulling me towards him with his left, he w^ould maudlinly exclaim: "Shall I strike you! Shall I mash your face for you! " etc. Meantime I had (juietly slipped my hand into my pocket, cocked my pistol, and, as near as I could calculate, aimed it in the direction of the fellow's abdomen, with full determination to pull the trigger the instant his fist came in contact Avith my face, saying in response to hi& questions, as to whether he should strike me, "You can do as you please about it, Dwight, but I advise you not to, as you may feel bad about it aftervt^ards." Happily, however, for both Spooner and myself, such by- standers as Col. Justus Gale, Mr. Lyman Cobb, Mr. James B, Taplin, Alfred R. Townsend and others, compelled him to release his hold, before bringing his drunken courage up to the striking point. His blackleg coadjutors, however, plying him still further with liquor, urged him to visit my office, and finish up the job. Half an hour later, I heard some one blunder up the stairs and open the door. Looking around, there stood my late assailant, hanging on to the door casing, incoherently inquiring if I was going to "Buthard" him again. Seizing the pistol from the shelf, I started tow^ards him, telling him to get out of my office, or I would Buzzard him so that he w^ould stay Buzzarded, and he "got," falling heels over head down the stairs, and vomiting all over the landing and the platform upon the outside. Subsequent examination revealed the fact that in addition to a large charge of powder, that pistol contained four buck-shot and three slugs of lead about one-fourth of an inch square. It makes me shudder, even to this day, to contemplate the consequences to my assailant, and possibly to myself and the by-standers, that would have followed the discharge of that pistol. ANOTHER SHARP GAME THAT DIDN'T WIN. In those days the village of Franklin Mills (now Kent), like many another western village (and eastern, too, for that matter), boasted of a number of very fast young men, who, though admitted 14 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. to the very best society, were from time to time guilty of the most immoral practices. Among this class was a young and enter- prising business man, who, later in life, having abandoned his evil courses, not only became the head of a highly respectable family, but one of the political, commercial and financial magnates of Northern Ohio. The Buzzard's Franklin Mills correspondent having laid bare some of the more flagrant violations of the moral code, by this gay and festive Lothario and his associates, it imme- diately came to my ears that he was threatening to come to Akron and "whip me Avithin an inch of my life." A day or two later, how^ever, I received a very polite letter from the gentleman, enclosing a one dollar note, w^ith the request that I should send him my "very valuable paper" for one year. This I supposed Avas the mode of "vengeance" that he had finally concluded upon, instead of inflicting the threatened personal chastisement. But this proved to be an erroneous conclusion, for a short time afterAvards, one afternoon, a boy brought me a note of about the following purport : " Ohio Exchange, Akron, March 7, 1838. "Compliments of Mr. Blank, of Franklin Mills, to Mr. S. A. Lane, and w^ould be pleased to see Mr. Lane at room 24, Ohio Exchange." Know^ing that room 24 was in the rear end of the third story of the hotel, and surmising the true intent of the "call," I dispatched as polite a reply, by the boy, saying that it was inconvenient for Mr. Lane to visit the Ohio Exchange, but that Mr. Lane would be happy to see Mr. Blank at his office. L^p to this time T had never met Mr. Blank, and not knowing exactly what kind of an adversary I had to deal with, I invited in three or four friends from adjoining offices to w^itness the interview^. Presently Mr. Blank, a medium sized but robust young inan, presented himself, accompanied by a six-foot-tw^o stalwart friend, whom he introduced as Captain Pierce. After mutual introduc- tions, and a little desultory conversation, Mr. Blank expressed a desire to speak with me in private. Leading the w^ay to a back room I invited him to a seat and to state his wishes. Thereupon, in stentorian tones that could be heard all over the neighborhood, he exclaimed: " Mr. Lane, I have come down here to ascertain who wrote that blankety blank scurrilous article signed 'Jerry,' in your last Buzzard." "Well, Mr. Blank," I replied, "I am not authorized to give you the name of the w^riter of that article w^ithout his consent. But if there was anything unjust or untrue in the article, of course I stand ready to make the ^amende honorable.^" AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 15 "It don't make a blankety blank's difference whether the article was true or false, I'm not going to be held up to public contempt, through the press, without having satisfaction, and if you don't give me the name of the writer of that article you will hav e to take the consequences." "Very w^ell, Mr. Blank, I'm prepared to take the consequences. But see here, 'Dan,'" said I, adopting the familiar sobriquet by w^hich I had often heard him called, "you may as well understand at the outset that I don't ' scare worth a cent.' I w^as too sViarp to fall into your trap. After attempting to allay suspicion by sending me a sop in the shape of a dollar for the paper, you sought to inveigle me into a back room in the third story of the Kxchange, w^here, through the 'influence' of your herculean friend, you expected to squeeze me into the disclosure of the name of my correspondent. Though you might there have inflicted upon me the personal chastisement you had so fiercely threatened, you Avould have failed to learn the name of the correspondent in questipn. Now, hoAvever, I am upon my o\vn 'dunghill' and do not propose to be either Avhipped or frightened." "See here. Lane," he rejoined, "I admire your pluck and have no desire to injure you or your correspondent. It was a mighty sharp article, anyw^ay, and I have a curiosity to know ^svho wrote it, and if you will just tell me, I pledge you my word and honor that no harm shall come to either you or him." "It's of no use, Dan," said I. "That would be a breach of confi- dence and good faith betw^een publisher and correspondent that would be entirely unjustifiable." "One thing more," said Dan, "will j^ou show me the manu- script?" "O, certainly," I replied, and handed him the copy from which the article had been put in type. After scrutinizing it awhile, saying that the handwriting was very familiar to him, but he couldn't quite place it, he handed it l^ack to me, and with his stalwart friend cordiall}^ took his leave. Afterwards, becoming very well acquainted with Dan, in talking over the episode in a friendly chat, I disclosed to him the fact that having a printer from Franklin Mills at work in the office who would be likely to recognize his chirography, I went to the trouble of copying all of "Jerry's" communications, and it was my copy of the article that I had show^n to him. "That was the cutest part of the whole transaction," said Dan, with a hearty laugh. "Shake!" COWHIDED BY A WOMAN. Among the minor subjects treated by the Buzzard was an indolent, whisky-guzzling, wife-beater by the name of Chandler. 16 * AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Following a pretty severe castigation for some of his many acts of brutality towards his long-snffering wife, being too cowardly to attempt it himself, he, by threats of additional violence, compelled her to undertake the task of giving me a whipping. They lived in the garret of a building in the second story of which \^ras located the Balance office where the Buzzard was printed, both reached by a common stairway. One day as I started up I observed the lady coming dow^n. As we reached the central platform, she suddenly drew a rawhide from under her apron and made a pass at me. Catching the blow upon my left arm, I took the w^eapon from her with my right hand, and hastily opening a side door she ingloriously retreated into an adjoining room. AN EGGS-TRAORDINARY DEMONSTRATION. Bxasperated at the failure of his cowhiding scheme, and claiming that in the scrimmage on the stairs I had choked his wife, "Old Hod" as he w^as called, determined to take the matter of inflicting adequate punishment upon me into his ow^n hands. Among others w^ho had fallen under the ban of the Buzzard was "Mother Mason," of questionable repute, whose husband was the keeper of a grocery, located directly under the Buzzard office on the present site of the Arlington Hotel on West Market Street. Just before noon, one day, a friend informed me that "Old Hod" w^as on the street below, with a pocket full of addled eggs, with w^hich "Mother Mason" had supplied him, Avatching for me to go to dinner, with a view of treating me to an odoriferous shower- bath. Raising a window^ I inquired what he w^as doing there. Drawing an egg from his pantaloons pocket, he made several motions as if to throw^, w^hich I dared him to do. Finally I took the old brass pistol from the shelf and asked him \\o^w he liked the looks of that. This seemed to inspire him with the idea that rotten eggs would fail to do the subject justice, and thrusting the &g,^ into his pocket, he stooped down to pick up a stone, in doing which he broke all of the eggs in his pocket! " Hod " withdrew^ for repairs and I went to dinner w^ithout moles- tation. Having again "charged his batteries," he watched for my return, and, starting towards me on the run, again broke his eggs in his pocket. "Hod" then changed his tactics, and expressed a determination to Avhip me on sight, and >vhenever I would pass him on the street he would strike or kick at me with all vengeance, though al-ways very careful not to hit me. This anno3^ance continued for several months, when one day while he was follow^ing me and going through his "monkey shines" on West Mill Street, I turned upon him and said: "Now^, Chandler, I've stood this tom-foolery long enough. You are a consummate old cow^ard, and wouldn't dare to strike or kick me, but I'll not V)e AUTOBIOGKAPHY. 17 annoyed by you any longer, and if you ever make a motion towards me again, or even speak to me, I'll shoot you on the spot — and (drawing from my vest pockets a pair of small-sized pistols which a friend had in the meantime presented to me) I've a good mind to do it now!" "Oh, for God's sake, Lane, don't shoot; I didn't inean to hurt you!" Then ordering him to "about face! march!" he left me, and that was my last personal rencounter with old " Hod. " A "BUTTONED-UP" EYE AND A BLOODY NOSE. Somewhat later, a notorious pugilist and negro-dancer, by the name of John Kelley, whose action in fraudulently and forcibly obtaining possession of a hall occupied by a religious society, in which to give a disreputable exhibition, had been severely criticised in the Buzzard, confronted me on the northeast corner of Howard and Market streets. His first salutation -was a swinging blow with his right fist upon the left side of my head, slightly staggering me, but not knocking me down. As I regained my equilibrium, a similar blow from his left hand grazed my right eye and the bridge of my "rather prominent" nose, almost instantly closing up the former and causing a copious flow of "claret" from the latter. Well- knowing my inability to cope with the burly athlete, I dodged under his up-raised arm and started at a two-forty gait for the stone-block corner, w^ith my irate antagonist close at my heels. Catching me by the collar of my vest, (I was in iny shirt-sleeves) he gave me a whirl w^hich threw me to the ground, I instinctively seizing the skirt of his fine broadcloth frock coat, to ease my fall, and tearing it entirely up the back. Here the ferocious gymnast endeavored to kick and jump upon my body and face with his heels, but by making pivotal gyrations on my back, t kept him at bay w^ith my feet until by-standers interfered and drove him off. This being the first actual personal injury that had been inflicted upon me, a Tvarrant w^as issued for my assailant, but, in the meantime, his friends spirited him aw^ay, and thenceforward Akron was relieved of his pestiferous presence. In the next issue of the Buzzard, in alluding to the affair, I said editorially: "It makes us feel inore sensibly the high responsibility that devolves upon us. Go it, blacklegs, rummies and sympathizers — we would quietly submit to a good sound thrashing every day, for a month to come, if for each one we could rid the community of the baneful influence of twenty or thirty individuals whom we could mention." SUSTAINED BY PUBLIC OPINION. In view of these hostile demonstrations, and other disreputable operations, a very large meeting of the more reputable citizens of Akron, such as Col. Justus Gale, Gibbons J. Ackley, Seth Iredell, Horace K. Smith, Alvin Austin, Erastus Torrey, Ithiel Mills, 2 18 AKRON AXD SUMMIT COUXTY. Jonathan Myers, Ansel Miller and others, was held on the evening of February 28, 1838, among the spirited resolutions unanimously adopted, being the following: "Resolved, That S. A. Lane, publisher of the Buzzard, is entitled to the thanks of this community for his exertions in holding up to public odium the gamblers and counterfeiters who have hitherto infested this village. "Resoh'ed, That we will protect aud sustain the public papers of our village, in holding up to merited contempt the gamblers and counterfeiters." A FABRICATOR OF "LOCO-FOCO" MATCHES. In Chapter XIII, of this volume, is given a detailed history of the rise and progress of the match-making business, no\sr one of the leading industries of our goodly city and of the w^orld. The pioneer establishment of this character, in Akron, was founded by the writer and the late Dr. James R. Miltimore, in the Spring of 1838, the mode of manufacture being fully described in the chapter referred to. The business not proving remarkably remunerative, and both the writer and the Doctor forming other business connections, the works w^ere transferred to other parties, and the business soon afterwards discontinued, Dr. and Mrs. Miltimore both being drowned on the occasion of the burning of the steamer Brie, off Silver Creek, Lake Erie, on the afternoon of August 9, 1841. MARRIAGE, BUSINESS CHANGES, ETC. On the 11th day of November, 1838, I -was united in marriage to Miss Paulina Potter, the foster sister of the late Paris Tallman, a week or ten days later being joined by my elder brother, Henry L. Lane, a carriage maker by trade, who had concluded to establish himself in business here. In the Spring of 1839, owing to fears of personal violence to myself naturally indulged by my young wife, and the desire of my brother that I should join him in business, the Buzzard wras discontinued and a carriage shop erected on the present site of Paige Brothers' magnificent block on Main street, there being then, also, an open space on the West to Howard street. Here quite an extensive carriage making, painting and blacksmithing business -was entered into under the firm name of H. L. & S. A. Lane. My brother dying July 20, 1841, I soon after- wards associated with myself Mr. Jonathan Remington, a former employe of my father in Connecticut, and the father of Mr. Orson H. Remington, our present w^ell-know^n Howard street jevv^eler, the business being disposed of to other parties in the Fall of 1843. TEMPERANCE LECTURER, EDITOR, ETC. Entering heartily into the Washingtonian Temperance move- ment, w^hich struck Akron in the Winter of 1841-2, and my health having become somewrhat impaired by too close application to the painting business, in the Spring of 1844, in connection writh the AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 19 late William T. Coggeshall, (afterwards State Librarian for several years, and later Minister to Ecuador, South America, where he died in 1867), I revived the Buzzard as a temperance paper, its name being afterwards changed to the Cascade Roarer, as elsewhere stated. To promote the cause of temperance, as -well as io secure a circulation for the paper, I devoted the most of my time to lecturing, a portion of the time traveling in connection w^ith another l^turer, and "discussing" the question — I taking the side of the liquor drinker and saloon keeper, using their customary arguments, but by a series of ludicrous arguments and illustra- tions often producing a more salutary effect upon the minds of both drinkers and venders, than the most eloquent straight- forward lecturing could possibly do — that mode of procedure, notwithstanding the burlesque nature of the defense, securing a full attendance of saloon-keepers and their customers, as well as out-and-out temperance people, besides securing immunity from disturbance and violence so often visited upon Temperance and Abolition speakers in those early days; attempts being made to "egg" the writer w^hile talking straight temperance, on tw^o different occasions, once in the Summer of 1846, at the small village of McCutchensville, Wyandot County, while lecturing in the village school house, and later, the same year, w^hile speaking from the Judge's bench in the Court House of Holmes County, at Millersburg, more harm coming to the audience, how^ever, than to myself. ACROSS THE CONTINENT IN SEARCH OF GOLD. Retiring from the Roarer, in the Fall of ,1846, I again took up the brush, continuing the painting business until the Spring of 1850, when, my health again becoming precarious, I w^ent overland to California, the details of the journey being fully set forth elsewhere in this volume. Notw^ithstanding its almost incredible hardships, I found, on reaching the first town in California, Placerville, on Sunday morning, August 4, 1850, that I had gained 32 pounds in weight — six pounds more than I had ever weighed at home, which condition of corpulency I more than maintained during my entire residence upon the Pacific Coast, over tw^o years. Looking about among the mines for a day or tw^o, I immedi- ately proceeded to San Francisco, spending but a single day among the Summit County boys in Sacramento City. With health fully restored, then 35 years of age, I again embarked in the painting business, earning, over and above my expenses, about $200 per month. About the first of December, 1850, in company with Mr. Charles G. Caldwell, of Akron, a "Forty-niner," then located at Sacramento, I embarked in the auction business on the corner of Jackson and Montgomery Streets, San Francisco, with a cash capital of $3,000 — 20 AKRON AND SUMiMIT COUNTY. $600 of which -was contributed by myself, $1,400 by Caldwell and $1,000 borrowed, Mr. James G. Dow, also of Akron, having accumu- lated quite a handsome fortune in that business during the pre- ceding six or eight months. AN IGNOMINIOUS FAILURE. The firm of Caldwell & Co. got a good start, with a fair prospect of doing as \^ell as the firm of Dow & Co. had previously done. Before Ave had got fairly under w^ay, however, owing to the over- stocking of the market with all kinds of merchandise, and the appearance and fearful ravages of the cholera at Sacramento and other portions of the upper country, a commercial panic ensued, by which the same class of goods "we had upon our shelves, could l^e bought at one-half, or less, than we had paid for ours, while retail sales could hardly be made at any figures. With our heavy expenses — one item of which Avas $600 per month for rent of store — the reader will not be surprised to learn that though we managed to refund our borrow^ed money, besides giving several months' valuable time to the "enterprise," we sunk every dollar of our capital, and w^ere nearly $1,500 in debt to our landlord, Mr. Dow^, who, on his return to California, a few months later, generously abated one-half the amount of his claim. AGAIN AMONG HIS POTS AND BRUSHES. On winding up our disastrous venture, Mr. Caldwell returned to his cows and chickens, at Sacramento, which in the meantime had been in charge of Mr. William H. White, the present head miller at the Allen Mills, and I returned to my pots and brushes, in the upper portion of the building spoken of. On the first da3' of March, 1851, though still in possession of my painter's kit and sundry household goods, furniture, stove, bedding, etc., I hadn't a dollar in money w^ith which to buy a meal of victuals. On the first day of April I sent my wife a draft for $150, had paid out a hundred dollars for stock, clothing, etc.; had paid a month's board in advance by work on Morton & Hanscom's Kastern Exchange Hotel, else- Avhere alluded to, and had about $50 of finished work still in the shop. On the first day of May I transmitted another $150 to my w^ife, w^ith about that amount of my earnings for the month still in hand. A FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLAR FIRE. > Early on Sunday morning. May 4, 1851, commencing in the upper part of the city, eighteen squares, comprising the principal business houses, banks, hotels, etc., of the city, Avere destroyed by fire, involving a total loss of fully $15,000,000. As it became evident that the building I occupied w^ould be reached by the fire, I removed such of my personal effects as I could carry Iw hand, two AUTOBIOGKAPHY. 21 or three l)locks away, only to he ohUged to remove them still further up the hill, a half hour later, the operation having to he repeated several times hefore a safe place was found for them. My individual loss, in stove, table, benches, heavy sign boards, etc., and my proportion of the store fixtures burned, amounted to perhaps $200, Avhile a hundred dollars or so of work delivered and not yet paid for was afterwards found to be non-collectable. SINGULAR EARTHQUAKE EXPERIENCE. The course of the fire had left intact a number of small buildings on a lot considerably below grade nearly opposite our old stand, mostly occupied by a company of Chilians, w^ho coined money by bringing drinking water and stove-w^ood from over the high range of hills w^est of the city, on the backs of donkeys. One of these buildings, just 10x20 feet in size, planted on blocks about a foot in height, I secured for a shop, at a rental of $30 per month, also securing, at the same figure, a lodging room on Telegraph Hill, nearly a mile aw^ay. Painting on cloth, and fastening to the end of my shop, a suitable sign, I also nailed upon the charred lamp-post at my old corner, a guide-board, pointing in the proper direction, bearing the legend: "S. A. Lane, Sign and Ornamental Painter, just over yonder J|@°"." A few^ days after the fire, w^hile seated on a stool at my impro- vised table, vt^riting an account of the great calamity for the Beacox, I felt the entire building swaying violentl}^ back and forth, in an easterly and westerly direction, for several seconds, which phenomenon I instinctively thought was caused by the rubbing of one of the aforesaid donkeys against the corner of my frail building, and was greatly puzzled on going to the door and finding none of said animals in the vicinity. On going to the plaza to mail my letter, a short time after^vards, I found the people of the city in a high state of excitement over an earthquake \vhich had toppled down chimneys, cracked w^alls, broken windows, thrown bottles and other articles from shelves, and driven the occupants of hotels, private dwellings, stores, etc., in the utmost consternation into the streets. The scratching of a donkey, indeed ! AGAIN IN THE AUCTION BUSINESS. In the rebuilding of the burned district, which proceeded at a rapid rate, there was, of course, a great demand for sig-ns, and my business w^as quite prosperous for several months. In the mean- time Mr. James G. Dow, with Mr. Charles \V. Tappan, also of Akron, as a partner, had again embarked in the auction l)usiness, with phenomenal success, and about the middle of September, 1851, T entered their employ as a salesman, at a salary of $275 per month. Two months later a branch store was established in w^hich I took 22 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. a one-fourth interest, with Mr. Hallet Kilbourn, no-w of Wash- ington City, as a member of the firm, finally becoming a half owner, w^ith Mr. Humphrey Sa\^yer, of Massachusetts, as partner, the venture being reasonably remunerative. THE HOMEWARD FLITTING— CH0LP:RA RAVAGES. ETC. Mr. Sa^vyer desiring to go to the mines, we closed up our business and dissolved our partnership on the first of May, 18o2, Doing an occasional job of sign-writing for an old established firm, ad interim, to defray my expenses, on the first day of September, 1852, I sailed for- home via Panama, on the Steamer "Winfield Scott" — its distinguished namesake then running for the Presi- dency as the candidate of the Whig party. The steamer was densely packed with passengers, and the passage to Panama stormy and long (19 days) not only causing a great amount of sea- sickness on the first part of the journey, but producing consider- able havoc from cholera, on the latter part, from 30 to 50 persons having probably been consigned to a w^atery grave during the last six or eight days. The transit across the Isthmus w^as then largely of the primitive order, the first 22 miles, from Panama to Cruces, on the backs of mules, at a cost of only $25 per mule (hire, not purchase,) from Cruces to Barracoa, 12 miles, by open boat rowed by nearly naked natives, at $2.00 per passenger, and from* Barracoa to Aspinwall, 20 miles, by railroad, at the moderate charge of $8.00, tivo full days being consumed in making the transit, 54 miles. The trip from Aspinwall to New; York, via Kingston, on the Island of Jamaica, was also tempestuous, and fraught -with much discomfort to all, and especially to this particular individual, who lost, from sea- sickness, nearly one-half the surplus flesh gained upon the overland journey as above stated, but a small portion of which has ever come back to him. The many interesting (and some thrilling) incidents of the homeward journey cannot be here given for want of space, CLOTHING MERCHANT— AGAIN BURNED OUT. ETC. Returning to Akron with my " pile" — something "less" than a million — but with what was far better than gold, thoroughl}^ restored health, after "pottering around" through the winter of 1852-3, (among other things, paying my own hall rent and deliv- ering to crowded houses a series of lectures on the "Overland Journey to California," the substance of which is reproduced in another chapter of this volume), I invested my savings in a clothing and merchant tailoring establishment, wrhere the New York Clothing House now stands, on the south side of East Market Street. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 23 With Mr. Arthur Malcolm, as senior partner and chief cutter, the firm of A. Malcolm & Co. >vere doing a reasonably prosperous business, when, on the morning of April 30, 1855, in the fire -which destroyed the large brick hotel on the present site of Woods' block, every dollar of my investment was greedily licked, up by the devouring flames. UNSUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE. In the Fall of 1853, while selling "rags" as aforesaid, the Temperance Reform Party of Summit County placed me in nomi- nation as a candidate for Representative in competition with the regular nominees of the Whig, Democratic and Free Soil parties, but afterward an arrangement was made between the Temperance Reformers and the Whigs and Free Soilers, by which all three candidates should submit their claims to a union mass convention, in which Dr. Porter G. Somers, of Cuyahoga Falls, carried off the prize. After being thrown out of business by the fire, as stated, on the affiliation of the Whigs, Free-Soilers and Temperance Reformers, under the banner of Republicanism, in the Summer of 1855, I announced myself as a candidate for Representative, subject to the decision of the county nominating convention, the late Dr. Mendal Jewett, then living in Mogadore, being my successful competitor. On the accession of Salmon P. Chase to the Gover- norship of Ohio, in the Winter of 1855-6, I applied, with a strong backing from the citizens of Akron and contiguous canal towns, for the position of Collector of Tolls upon the Ohio Canal, but my genial friend, the late Nathaniel W. Goodhue, carried too many political guns for me, and won the prize for himself. OFFICIAL HONORS AND SUCCESSES. My official "deserts," however, had not been altogether over- looked by my fellow-citizens, for, on the appointment of Councilman Richard S. Elkins to the Recordership, made vacant by the death of Recorder Horace Canfield, in December, 1853, in January, 1854, I w^as appointed by the Town Council to fill the vacancy in the Board of Trustees, holding the position until the ensuing munici- pal election. On the resignation of the late James Mathews, as a member of the Board of Education, December 20, 1854, the Council also elected me to the vacancy, which position I continued to hold by appointment and re-election until April, 1857, also serving as Treasurer of the Board from November, 1855, until the expiration of my term of service, in the Spring of 1857. SHERIFF, EDITOR, PROBATE JUDGE, ETC. In the first National campaign of the Republican party, in the Summer of 1856, I endeavored to make myself generally useful, in 24 AKROX AND .SUMMIT COUNTY. painting banners and mottoes, writing, speaking, etc., but with no special design of asking for an office for myself. Leading Repub- licans, however, in different portions of the county, seemed to spontaneousl3^ lix upon me as their candidate for Sheriff, and though there were some six or seven other aspirants w^orking like beavers for the position, I was nominated on the first ballot by a majority of 17 over all competitors. Though bitterly opposed, on account of my well-known radical temperance proclivities, I 'was triumphantly elected, renominated by acclamation, and re-elected by a largely increased majority in 1858, holding the office four years and two months, the time of taking possession of the office having in the meantime been changed from the first Monday of November to the first Monday of January. In January, 1861, on retiring from the Sheriff's office, I accepted a position with Messrs. Beebe and Elkins, as editor-in-chief of the Summit County Beacon, a few years later acquiring a one-third interest in the paper. Some six months after afesuming my editorial duties, Governor William Dennison, without solicitation from either myself or my friends, appointed me Probate Judge of Summit County, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge William M. Dodge, the commission, now in my possession, bearing date July 24, 1861, being accompanied by the following note from the Governor's Private Secretary: The State of Ohio, ) . Executive Department, > Columbus. July 24, 1861. ) Samuel A. Lane, Esq., Dear Sir: — The Governor has heard of the death of William M. Dodge, your Probate Judge. He has appointed you to fill the vacancy occasioned by his death till the Fall election shall decide upon a successor. Herewith please find commission. Trusting it will be satisfactory to yourself and beneficial to your people, I remain very truly, Yours, etc. W. T. Bascom, Private Secretary. While this voluntary action of Governor Dennison, with "whom I had had a pleasant personal acquaintance for several years, Avas exceedingly gratifying, I immediately notified him by telegraph that I could not accept the position, not only being under obligations to Messrs. Beebe & Elkins, but the brief period that I could hold the office would be no object, as even iiij^ cheek was not then sufficiently colossal to warrant me in asking the people of Summit County to elect me to so important an office so soon after vacating the one Avhich I had so recently, for over four years, enjoyed at their hands. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 25 AGAIN BURNED OUT— AGAIN SHERIFF. A full history of the Beacon is given elsewhere in this volume, b3' which it will be seen that on the 27th day of April, 1872, the entire establishment, then running on a fully paid up capital of $25,000, of which I was the one-third owner, w^as totally destroyed by fire. Though immediately rebuilt and established on a much larger scale, it became so greatly embarrassed by the calamity, and the subsequent commercial and financial panic of 1873-4, that in the Fall of 1875, after nearly fifteen years of the very hardest work of my life, I had to consent to transfer the concern to other parties, for the assuinption of its liabilities, and retire therefrom without a dollar, and with quite a large personal indebtedness resting upon my shoulders, besides. Thus once more hors de combat in the battle of life, in 1876, just twenty years after my first election to that office — then 61 years of age — I again appealed to the good people of Summit County to give me my old position of Sheriff, to which they generously responded, also re-electing me in 1878, making my entire term of official service eight years and two months, an honor accorded to no other incumbent of that office in the history of the county. The office of Sheriff, of a county like Summit, while not remarkably remunerative, involves very great pecuniarj- responsi- bilities and hazards, and bristles with perplexities and dangers, but fortunately, though declared by my political opponents and competitors to be too old to properly perform its functions— in my "dotage," in fact — I got safely through, and am under a positive pledge to my constituents not to ask for the office again until 1896 — just 40 years from the comm^yicement of my first and 20 years from the commencement of my last incumbency, at ^vhich time, should I survive till then, I shall be onlvSl years of age. EXCITING JAIL INCIDFINTS. Space will not permit a recital, even in the briefest terms, of the many exciting episodes of the eight years of my Sheriffalty — efforts to break jail — mutinies and insubordinations — attempts to commit suicide— one by cutting his throat, at the moment of starting him to the penitentiary, and another (a girl) by drowning herself in the bath-tub, though I am happy to say that -no thanks to our noisome and rickety old jail— T never lost a prisoner, either by sickness, self-murder or escape. One incident, however, is worthy of pretty full mention, as illustrative of the strategetic ingenuity of the average prisoner, and of the pluck and nerve of some women. Among my most efficient aids in the management of the jail, and safe-keeping of the prisoners, was my present kind-hearted wife, who, while most 26 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, sympathetic to any of the numerous cases of illness or distress Avith which we had to deal, was also extremely vigilant in detecting mischief among the inmates and preventing escapes. In the Summer of 1878, a couple of tramps giving their names as James Thompson and James Pierce, were convicted of burglar- izing the store of Mr. George S. Dales, Corner Ho^vard and Mill streets. Pierce was a stout, burly young man, \vith close kinky hair, from Avhich his jail-mates nicked-named him "Curly," and Thompson w^as a short, spare, and rather sickly looking youth, w^hom his companions nick-named " Short3^." At this time the late John S. Rowan was temporarily acting as my turnkey, ^vho, after locking the prisoners safely in their cells, in the evenings spent the night Avith his own family on Forge street. After conviction, and before sentence, "Shorty's" " sickly '^ symptoms rapidly increased, dieting the sympathy not only of turnkey Rowan, but also of our kind-hearted Women, especially our most excellent cook at that time, Mrs. Amelia Randall, of Richfield, w^ho fixed him up sundry delicacies to eat, instead of confining him to the regular, though wholesome and abundant, rations served to the other prisoners. One night, between ten and eleven o'clock, just as I was retiring, there was a commotion in the jail, and on going to the door I was informed that "Shorty" w^as very sick with a terrible pain in his stomach, which statement seemed to be confirmed by fearful groans apparentlj^ emanating from his cell. Thinking that perhaps a dose of strong peppermint sling might afford him relief, I w^armed some ^vater in a tin cup over the gas burner in the guard-room and compounded a good strong potion. In the mean- time Mrs. Lane and Mrs. Randall had both put in an appearance, and supposing all the prisoners to be safely locked in their cells, I thre^r open the inner jail door, without taking the precaution to close the guard-room door, and w^ith my cup of "medicine" in one hand and a candle in the other, I started down the steps and along the corridor, "Shorty's" cell being upon the north side upper tier, reached by stairs, at the east end of the jail. Just as I w^as about to turn the corner, I heard a sort of suppressed scream, and instantly comprehending the situation, I turned and retraced my steps, on what the prisoners in the lower cells, w^ho were on the watch, called "the best time on record," to find the "sick" prisoner in a desperate hand-to-hand struggle with the two >vomen, Mrs. Randall, as he suddenly popped up from the darkness of the narrow ct)rridor, on the ^vest end of the jail, instinctively seizing him around the w^aist and hanging on for dear life, on the supposition that he had suddenly gone crazy, while Mrs. Lane was doing her utmost to keep him from getting through the open door of the guard-room. AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 27 On arriving upon the scene of conflict I seized the young desperado by the collar, whereupon he turned and clutching me by the throat, endeavored to thrust me back into the jail. Wrenching his hands from my throat Avith my right hand and holding on to his collar with my left, with my right foot I managed to close the outer guard-room door, w^hich being at once securely fastened by Mrs. Lane, the prisoner incontinently wilted, and was soon safely locked in his cell again, by Deputy S, D. Blocker, who, awakened by the rumpus, had by this time appeared upon the scene; the feat of closing the guard-room door being all the more difficult from the fact that when both wide open the inner, with its stationary lock-bar, laps a foot or more over the outer door. Investigation sho^ved, that out of some of their extra garments and the contents of their husk mattresses, the boys had constructed a "dummy," w^hich had been skillfully tucked away in "ShortN^'s" bed. When Row^an was locking them up for the night, not seeing the "sick" boy about, he sympathetically inquired how^ he wa§, and was told by "Curly" that he guessed he was feeling better as he had been sleeping quietly for some time. On reaching his cell, and finding its inmate already snug in bed (as he supposed) he locked the door and after locking all the cells, properly secured the outer door and returned home. The manner in which he escaped detection, while Row^an was thus making his rounds, was as folloAvs : In the Winter time the jail is heated by a huge cylinder stove, fully two feet in diameter, and four feet in height, with about a 10x15 inch door. This stove had been lined with newspapers, and "Shorty," being small of stature, found no difficulty in secreting himself therein, until All was quiet for the night, when he made his exit therefrom with the result stated^the desperado afterwards being heard to lament that he didn't carry out his original intention of beating me senseless with the heavy iron stove-poker, or a chair, before rushing up the steps and unexpectedly encountering the women, in his unceremonious flight for liberty. HOW "CURLY" FOOLED THEM ALL. The two burglars in question were sentenced to the peniten- tiary by Judge Newell D. Tibbals, for three years and a half each, whither I took them*on the 8th day of July, 1878. Nothing fufther was heard from either until early in Sheriff William McKinney's term, in 1881, when Probate Judge Samuel C Williamson received a notice from the prison authorities, at Columbus, that the Summit County prisoner, James Pierce, was violently insane, and must be forthwith removed from the institution. Sheriff McKinney was therefore sent for him, returning him to his old quarters here, 28 AKROiX AND SUMMIT COl'XTY. only lodging him in the "crazy room" in the second story instead of a cell in the lower jail, as before. In the penitentiary he had violently assaulted his keeper and the surgeon, putting them all in deadly fear for their lives, and undertook to practice the same tactics upon Mac. while awaiting the determination of the county and insane authorities as to what should be done with him. Finall^^ mistrusting that he was shamming, Mac. told him one day, that if he did not stop his fooling he would "pulverize" him, w^hereupon the fellow simmered down and ])ecame as quiet as a lamb, and finally confessed to Mac. that his insanity had been w^hoUy feigned, and there being some question as to whether he could be legally returned to the peni- tentiary, and the term for which he had been sentenced being so nearly out. Judge Williamson ordered his discharge, and he has never troubled the community since. MAYOR OF THE "TIP-TOP" CITY. In April, 1881, w^ithout solicitation on my part, though violently opposed, not only because of my radical Republicanism, but also of my radical anti-saloonism, as the Republican nominee, I w^as elected as Mayor of Akron by a small majority (60) over the then Democratic incumbent, one of the most popular members of his party in the city, John M. Fraze, Esq., in w^hich capacity I served the people faithfully, if not brilliantly, for a single term of two years. FAMILY AND DOMESTIC MATTERS. My good and faithful wife, Paulina Potter Lane, after bearing me eight children, four of whom died in early childhood, after a lingering and distressing illness from cancer, died July 2, 1871. Of our four surviving children, the eldest son, Julius Sherman Lane, born November 19, 1841, well-knoAvn in the business circles of Akron for many years as the Superintendent of the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company, is now the general Superinten- dent of the M. C. Bullock Manufacturing Company, of Chicago, 111., with his family residence in the beautiful suburban village of Oak Park, eight miles west of the city. ^Ly second son, Frede- rick Alanson Lane, born October 31, 1849, has for many years served as foreman of the Beacon press rooms, and superintendent of its machinery. My youngest son, Arthur Malcolm Lane, bom November 6, 1855, is head draftsman *of the Schenectady (N. Y.), Locomotive Works, of w^hich my son-in-la\v, Albert J. Pitkin (the husband of my only living daughter, Carrie Maria, born March 26, 1858,) is the general Superintendent, the works being the second largest of the kind in the United States, employ- ing from 1600 to 2000 men, with a capacity for turning out one complete locomotive, of the largest class, every day in the year. AU1X3BIOGRAPHY. 29 Among the four, with one still unmarried, there are, at the present w^riting, eleven grandchildren, five boys and six girls, ranging from six months to twenty-three 3'ears, so that there is no imme- diate danger of the tribe becoming extinct, while bringing to their progenitor the proud satisfaction of knowing that w^hatever his own personal short-comings and errors, in business or social life, the world is decidedly the better for his having lived in it. THK SECOND MARRIAGE. On the eleventh day of November, 1872, I married for m}' second wife, Bmeline (Potter) Manning, widow^ of the late Levi Manning and only sister of the first Mrs. Lane, and who for the past nineteen years has been to me a most pleasant and affectionate companion and faithful help-mate, my chief regret being that the heavy strain put upon her in the care of the jail, during my last four years' incumbencj' of the Sheriff's office, and the excitements incident thereto, has so seriously affected her health, as to very greatly lessen the physical and social enjoyment that in her declining years, her long and faithful service, as wife, mother and neighbor, she is so justly entitled to. CONCLUDING REMARKS. I have thus, at some length, though omitting many (to me) interesting incidents and experiences of the nearly four score years that I have lived, given to the reader the principal events of my life-history, confirming, in a lai'ge degree, the old adage that "Man is the creature of circumstance," and possibly the truth of the familiar quotation: "There's a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough hew them how we may." Since retiring from the Mayoralty, in 1883, being too far advanced in life to undertake to re-establish mj^self in active busi- ness, and yet not w^ishing to be entirely idle, I have devoted a large portion of my time to gathering the data and preparing for the press, the local historical matters contained in the following pages, w^hich, though heretofore mainly given to the public, through the columns of the Beacon, it has seemed to me and the many friends with whom I have consulted, should be put into a more enduring and convenient form. Though very many pioneer incidents and personal experi- ences, that w^ould have been extremely interesting to the partici- pants therein, and their surviving friends, necessarily had to be omitted, I feel that I have amassed a great amount of matter that has interested those who have perused the several chapters as they have appeared, and that iviJl be still more interesting to the 30 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. rising and coming generations, who are, for the succeeding " Fifty Years and over of Akron and Summit County," to take the places of those who have so gallantly" fought and \von the physical, political, intellectual, moral and spiritual battles of the city and county for "Fifty Years and Over" in the past. In the way of illustration, I have reproduced such of the early views of Akron, as could be gathered up, supplemented by many modern vie>vs of the same localities, showing the changes that have taken place and the improvements that have been made in the intervening half-century. I have also given the portraits of such of the early settlers and prominent citizens as Avere available, together with those of a large number of the present live business and public men, old and young, accompanied by brief biograph- ical sketches. This is a very valuable as w^ell as a somew^hat expensive feature of the work, made possible only through the generosity of our people, many of whom, in addition to liberally subscribing for the book itself, have voluntarily assumed the cost of engraving such portraits of themselves and deceased friends as it was deemed advisable to include therein. As showing the changes of a life-time I have also had prepared, as a frontispiece to this w^ork, seven portraits of myself, averaging about ten years apart, from 16 to 76, which may possibly elicit the curiosity if not the interest of my readers. The silhouette at 16, was left w^ith my mother on first leaving home in 1831; that at 26 is from one of the very first sun-pictures ever made in Akron, by a travelling daguerreotypist, in 1841 ; that at 36, is from a daguerreotype taken in San Francisco, Cal., in 1851; that at 48 is from a photo, taken in 1863, by Akron's pioneer photographer, Samuel J. Miller, in the gallery of Gurney & Son, New^ York, where he Av^as then employed as poser ; that at 59 was executed by Akron's present well-known photographer, Benjamin F. Battels, in 1874 ; that at 72 is from the camera of Walter B. Manning, a native Akron boy, at Georgetown, BroAvn Co., O., taken in 1887 ; that at 76 by Battels, in 1891. Trusting that its sale may be sufficiently large to defray the heavy cost of its publication, and slightly compensate the writer for his many years of downright hard work devoted to its compi- lation, this volume is respectfully dedicated to my contemporaries — living and dead — ^for "Fifty Years and Over of Akron and Summit County," and their descendants and successors, by its grateful author. Samuel Alanson Lane. PRELIMINARY. WITH a view of rescuing from oblivion sundry interesting events — historical, biographical, criminal, tragical, comical, etc., — that have transpired in Akron and Summit County during the past fifty years and over, and in the hope of imparting informa- tion, admonition, and possible amusement to the younger, and reminiscent gratification to the older readers thereof, this w^ork has been compiled. Of matters and things transpiring prior to my becoming a resident of the town and county, June 10, 1835, I have had to rely largely upon tradition and such written evidence as -was available, aided somewhat by the recollections of such pioneer residents of the vicinity as still survive. But as to incidents and events that have taken place since I came here, I have relied largely upon my own memory, supplemented by the official, civil and criminal records of this and the original counties out of w^hich Summit was carved, and the newspaper files in my possession, or otherwise readily accessible, covering almost the entire period w^ritten of. While my own recollections may, and doubtless do, differ somewhat from those of other gentlemen now^ living who have participated in, or been personally cognizant of, the scenes and events herein recorded, I think I can guarantee substantial accuracy, both as to data and detail. At all events, unlike some local " historians" who have preceded me, I have not, for the sake of telling a good story, perpetrating a flippant joke, or swelling the importance of my subjects on the one hand, or disparaging them upon the other, in any instance draw^n entirely upon my imagination, or given vent to any personal animosities that may have existed between myself and such persons as a narrative of this character must of necessity mention. And, in this connection, I desire to say that in detailing individual transactions or personal conduct prejudicial to morality, or the public w^elfare, I have endeavored to be as considerate of the feeling of the parties themselves, if living, or their surviving friends, if dead, as a reasonable conformity to the truth of history would justify. Permit me, also, right here, to remark that if in these chapters the personal pronoun " I " should appear to be a rather prominent factor, I wish to have it distinctly understood that it is not by any means because the writer wishes to exalt himself above those of his neighbors who have participated in, or witnessed, the. events narrated, nor through an^^ spirit of egotism or "top-loftiness," but because the force of circumstances, and the "logic of events," have conspired to bring him to the front in many of the skirmishes with immorality and crime herein described, as well as in advocating and advancing many of the laudable enterprises >vhich have, from time to time, contributed to the industrial, commercial, financial, educational and moral w^ell-being of the city and county. That its merits may be properly appreciated, and its faults indulgently overlooked, by a discriminating public, on the comple- tion of his long and arduous labors upon it, more than any hope for large pecuniary gain, is the sincere desire of THE AUTHOR. 32 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, CHAPTER I. AKRON'S BEGINNING— ANCIENT MIDDLEBUR Y— A VISIT FROM DEW ITT CLINTON —COMMENCEMENT AND COMPLETION OF THE OHIO CANAL— FIRST BOAT TO CLEVELAND "DR. CROSBY AND HIS " DITCH" — " THUNDER FROM A CLOUDLESS SKY"— THE doctor's "GOOSE PASTURE" PROPHECY— THE NEW VILLAGE OF" "CASCADE" — BITTER TRIANGULAR RIVALRY— SPIRITED GUIDE BOARD WAR —EARLY MANUFACTURES PIONEER HOTELS, MERCHANTS, ETC., ETC. THK BEGINNING OF AKRON. PREVIOUS to the commencement of work upon the Ohio Canal, in 1825, the territory now covered by the thriving and popu- lous city of Akron was an almost unbroken wilderness, excepting a small portion of the Sixth Ward (the original village of Middle- bury) and the partially cultivated farms of Miner and Amos Spicer and Paul Williams, these gentlemen being the first settlers in Portage township, Mr. Miner Spicer having, in 1810, visited and located the lands in the southeast portion of the township on w^hich the three families settled in 1811 — Portage township being so named from the fact that its entire length, north and south, is traversed by the path over which the Indians used to "port" their canoes, and other portable belongings, betw^een the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas rivers, that name also extending to the count}- of which the township was originally a part. IVTAJOR MINER SPICER, — born iVl in Groton, Conn., May 29, 1776: married to Miss Cynthia Allen, of Groton, in 1798; in 1810 came, on horse- back, to Ohio and boug-ht 2(tO acres of land in the southeastern part of Portage township; in June, 1811, with his family, accompanied by his cousin, Capt. A^nos Spicer, and Mr. Paul Williams, again started, by ox- team, to Ohio, arriving- at their desti- nation in September, being the first actual settlers in Portage township; built sinall log cabin about 40 rods southeast of the present corner of Spicer and Carroll streets. On organ- ization of township Mr. Spicer was made a trustee, and also for inany years was justice of the peace. In the war of 1812, served as Major of Militia, and through life was active and energetic in all business matters, both public and private. Mrs. Spicer dying, at the age of 50 years, 2 inonths and 14 days, Sept. 10, 1828, Mr. S. was again married in March, 1829, to Mrs. Hannah (Allen) Williams, widow of Barnabas Williams, and sister of the first Mrs. S. Major Spicer died Sept. 11, 18.55, aged 78 years, 3 months and 12 days, and the latter Mrs. S., March 7, 18.^6, aged 63 years, 5 months and 21 days. The first Mrs. S. bore him nine children — Avery, born Oct. 26, MAJOR MINER SPICER. 1799; Lucinda (afterward Mrs. Stephen Ajres) Feb. 8, 1801; Cynthia, (Mrs Jonah Allen) May 21, 1803; Phcebe, (Mrs. Levi Allen) Dec. 4, 1804 ; Tem- perance, (Mrs. Talmon Beardsley) Oct. 15, 1807; Emily, (Mrs. Ithiel Mills) Aug. 8, 1809 ; Lydia, (Mrs. War- ren H. Smith) Feb. 16, 1811 ; Miner A., March 20, 1813 and Hiram J., Oct. 24, 1816. THE AXCIEXT VILLAGE OF MIDDLEBURY. 33 Down to 1825, the village of Middlebury, founded bj' Capt. Joseph Hart and Judge Aaron Norton, in 1807, embracing a corner each of Tallmadge, Springfield, Coventry and Portage townships, w^as the market town and commercial center for this entire section of Ohio, having a population of from 300 to 400 inhabi- tants, with several mills, a blast furnace, a nail factory, three or four hotels and some 10 or 12 stores, besides the usual comple- ment of mechanics and artisans in demand at that earl}- day, together with sundry civic and military organizations which need not be enumerated here, one of the most prominent and best-remembered hotels of the ancient emporium being that of Mr. Samuel Newton, whose portrait and biograph}" is here given. e AMUEL NKWTON,— born at New- vJ port, N. H., September 13, 1782, when j^oung moving- to Groton, Conn., and from thence to Ohio, settling in Middlebur3% October 14, 1815. Mr. Newton was formany years one of the leading- hotel-keepers of Northern Ohio, his house standing- at what is now the intersection of East Market, North Arlington and Kent streets, Akron, Sixth Ward. In March, 1849, Mr. Newton, though then 67 years of age, went with the Middlebury Min- ing Company overland to California, returning via the Isthmus of Panama in January, 18.tO. His wife dying in September, 18,o5, Mr. Newton was again married, to Mrs. Laura Reming- ton, in November, 185(5. Mr. Newton died August 5, 1871, at the age of 88 years, 10 months and 22 days, leaving three children — Isaac S. (since de- ceased), William G., now residing in the City of Washington, and Eliza- beth R., married to the late Hon. John Johnston, and now residing with her daughter, Mrs. Robert Watt, East Market street. SAMUEL XEWTOX. In that year, 1825, Gen. Simon Perkins, of Warren, owner of a large tract of land in Portage township, foreseeing that the construction of the canal, with the large number of locks necessary to its successful completion and operation, located here, would make it something of a business point for the shipment of produce, and the receipt and distribution of merchandise, as well as, through its lockage water-power, be likelj'^ to attract manufac- turing and commercial enterprise, induced Mr. Paul Williams, owner of the adjoining lands upon the east, to join with him in laying out into village lots, with the usual complement of streets, alleys, parks, etc., the territory embraced within the limits of Summit street on the east, Center street on the north, and Chestnut street on the south, on the east side of the canal, and Center street on the north. Pine street on the west, and an alley next south of Catharine street on the south, on the west side of the canal, embracing in all some 300 lots. The plat of the new- village was duly recorded in the Records of Portage County on the 6th day of December, 1825. 34 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. f^BN. SIMON PERKINS— born in vJ Lisbon, Conn., September 17, 1771 ; located in Osweg-o, N. Y., 1793 ; in 1798, eniplo3'ed by the Erie Land Com- pany to explore the " Connecticut Western Reserve;'' as ag-ent of the company, spent his summers in Ohio and his winters in Connecticut, until his marriage, March 18, 1804, with Miss Nancy Anna Bishop, of Lisbon, born January 24, 1780, when he permanently settlecl in Warren; post- master of Warren from 1801 till 1829, also special agent of Governinent in establishing local offices, treating- with Indians, etc.; as Brigadier Gen- eral of militia. August, 1812, took command of troops in defense of northwestern frontier ; at close of campaign, Feb., 1813, w^armly com- mended by Gen. Harrison, for ener- g-etic and faithful performance of duty; tender of Colonel's commission in regular army by President Madi- son declined by reason of pressing private and fiduciary duties ; in 1813 organized Western Reserve Bank, and its President until 1836 ; Ohio Canal Fund Commissioner from 1826 to 1838 ; in connection with Paul Williams, in 182o, founded the village of Akron, and in 1831, in connection with Judge Leicester King and Dr. GEN. SIMON PERKINS. Eliakim Crosb5^, that portion since known as North Akron, liberally donating grounds for public build- ings, parks, churches, etc. General Perkins died at Warren, November 6, 1844, aged 73 years, 1 month and 19 days, Mrs. Perkins dying April 24, 1862, aged 82 years and 3 months. Previous to this, our late well-retnembered fellow citizen, Mr, Charles W. Brown, of 966 Kast Market street, then living in Middlebury, where he located in 1817, w^as the owner of 58 acres of uneven and rather swampy land, running from near the present southwest corner of South Main and Exchange streets, south- wardly and westwardly, covering w^hat is now known as the Lower Basin, and that portion of the canal at and immediately above and below Lock One. Gen, Perkins requested Mr. Brown to donate to the State the right of way through this land for the canal. This, Mr. Brown, being a mechanic with but limited means, could not afford to do, but would sell it to Gen. Perkins and let him do the donating. The General then made hifn an offer, giving him the option of four different tracts of land for his 58 acres ; 45 acres in the eastern part of Portage tow^nship, 30 rods wide on Middlebury street, and running north to the middle of the Little Cuyahoga River; 100 acres a little west of the homestead of the late Col. Simon Perkins ; 150 acres further west or 300 acres in an adjoining county; and, to the General's great surprise, Mr. Brow^n took him on the 45 acres, it being a portion of the same farm on w^hich he ever afterw^ards resided, and as the sequel proved, it w^as a good trade for both of them, "AKRON," HOW AND WHY SO NAMED. There already existed a tortuous public highway from the northeast to the southwest portions of the State, running from Warren via Ravenna, Franklin Mills (now Kent), Stow Corners, Cuyahoga Falls, Old Forge, Middlebury, New Portage and John- 'AKRON, HOW AND WHY SO NAMED. 35 son's Corners to Wooster, Mount Vernon, etc. This road ran substantially w^here Middlebury street, since changed to Buchtel avenue, now is, as far w^est as Broadw^ay, thence striking diagonally towards, but a little north of what is now Kxchange street, and, after crossing the valley and circling somew^hat around to the south, again striking the present Bxchange street line near its junction with Maple ; thence rising the hill near the Perkins residence, and continuing on southwesterly towards New Portage. r^HARLES W. BROWN,— born Oct. v-^ 2, 1796, in North Stonington, Conn.; district school education ; learning- carpienter's trade, in 1817 came on foot to Ohio, reaching Middlebury, 700 miles, February 28, Mrs. Brown, nee Miss Henrietta Hal- sey, to whom he was married June 9, 1810, arriving- in the following Au- g-ust, by ox-team ; lived in Middlebury 15 years, working- at his trade, mean- time purchasing the 115 acre farm upon which he resided from 1832 until his death, at the present Junc- tion of East Market street and Buch- tel avenue, dividing his time between farming and jobbing at his trade, opening streets, building bridges, etc., among others opening Market and Main streets, building the Stone vith the coin. On inquiring for Mr. Phelps, the Judge was informed that he w^as aw^ay from home, but could get no information as to where he had gone nor how soon he would be back. " Very well," said the Judge, " I'll Avait for him," and wait he did until near midnight, when he took the bag of gold from his pocket and began counting it out and piling it upon the table, and then and there made a tender of the sum agreed upon to Mrs. Phelps, as the representative of her husband. After the midnight hour had passed Phelps came forth from his hiding, but refused to receive the money, claiming that the time of the option was up; thinking perhaps, that by holding off he could extort from them still higher figures. Finally a day or two later, on the advice of Mr. Brown, he executed a deed to Judge King, and took his money, a portion of w^hich he invested in farming lands in Wadsworth, Medina County. *THE NEW VILLAGE OF "CASCADE." As indicated by the name given to Dr. Crosby's "ditch" — the "Cascade Mill Race," — the embryo rival to the ancient village of Middlebury and the original town of Akron,. w^as at first called "Cascade," though it was finally platted under the name of Akron. Hence the first store on the site now occupied by Hall's block, corner of Market and Howard streets, erected by Mr. Seth Iredell (father of our present fellow citizen, Robert S. Iredell) in 1832, was called the "Cascade Store," while the first hotel, erected the same year, by James Baldwin (father of Capt. Aaron P. Baldwin) and Lewis Kilbourn (father of William W. Kilbourn, of 212 East Exchange street), was called the "Cascade House;" and for several years, both at home and abroad, the snappy and prosperous new village was known as "Cascade," rather than by its platted and ultimately well-established cognomen of Akron. About simultaneously with the building of the race and the Stone Mill, two blast furnaces had been erected at the North End — the " .^tna," near Lock Twelve, by Parsons, DuBois & Co., (L. M. 44 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUXTY. Parsons, Robert K. DuBois and William Slater) succeeded early in 1833 by Hart, DuBois & Co., (William J, Hart, Robert K. DuBois and David J. Garrett) and the " Portage," on the present site of Dr. J. H. Peterson's Assembly Hall, by Fenn & Howard, (Jonathan F. Fenn and Charles W. Howard), the blast of the former run by the waters of the Cascade Mill race, and that of the latter by the waters of Wilcox run (the cemetery brook) brought in a race and Avooden flume from a little above the cemetery lodge and crossing West Market street, at its present junction with Cherry street. About the same time, also, Messrs. David and Jesse Allen and Col. Reuben McMillan, under the firm name of Aliens & McMillan erected a three-story frame building, a little southwest of what is now known as the Allen Mills, where they entered largely into the manufacture of carding and spinning machines, for which there was quite a demand in those early days. This factory was, a few years later, converted into a flouring mill by Messrs. Joseph A. Beebe (our late City Librarian) and William E. Wright, (late of Rome, N. Y.,) and was called the "Center Mill," and though it long years ago gave place to the Allen Mills, the most excellent brand of flour, called "Center Mills," is still a favorite with many of our citizens. TESSE ALLEN,— sixth son of Jesse J Allen, senior, one of the pioneers of Coventr}^, was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 1, 18()7, removing- with familj^ to Ohio in 1811. Though his education was limited he was remark- ably intelligent, and early acquired prominence in business, social and political circles. In boyhood worked on farm, later learning tlie trade of a stone cutter, at which he became quite expert, especially in carving, lettering, etc. About 1833, with his brother, David, and the late Reuben McMillan, he erected a large three- story building, west of the present barrel-house of the Allen Mills, and engaged in the manufacture of vs^ool- carding and spinning machinerj'. On the retirement of Mr. McMillan, three years later, D. and J. Allen erected the shop on the west side of Lock 7, now embraced in the Akron Building and Cabinet Companj^'s plant. Mr. David Allen djang December 6, 1842. at the age of 42 3'ears and 4 days, the original shop having meantime been converted into the well-remembered Center Mill, Mr. Allen, in connection with other members of the family, engaged in milling, later, with his brothers Jacob and Hiram, and the late Jedediah D. Commins, engag^ing in the. manufacture of satinets, in the JESSE ALLEN. building now known as the Allen Mills, the change from cloth to flour being made in 1856, in which business he continued until his death, Sept. 24, 18(i3. at the age of 5(3 years, 4 months 23 days. Mr. Allen served three years as member of the Village Council — 1837-38-44. He never mar- ried. PIONEER MERCHANTS, HOTEL KEEPERS, ETC. In 1832, Jonathan F. Fenn and Charles W. Howard, (son-in- law of Dr. Crosby), placed a stock of general merchandise in the store which had been erected by Mr, Seth Iredell as above stated, BANK CHAKTEK APPLIED FOR. 45 but that firm having failed, in the Spring of 1835 the building was leased to Mr. P. D. Hall, and, as lessee and owner, the stand has been continuously occupied by that gentleman to the present time. The "Cascade" House was opened by Mr. Willard W. Stevens, (now^ living At Tontogany, Wood County, Ohio), and kept by that gentleman until the Fall of 1834, when the lease was transferred to our present venerable fellow citizen, and model landlord, Mr. Charles B. Cobb, who changed its name to the "Pavilion House." These pioneer hotel, mercantile and manufac- turing establishments, were rapidly followed by others, so that, w^hen the w^riter arrived in Akron, June 10, 1835, though the South End still held the ascendency, in point of imports and sales of merchandise, shipments of produce, etc., ^ the North End was rapidly developing its manufacturing and commercial resources, and in population, also, rapidly approached the former. /^OL. REUBEN MCMILLAN,— born ^ in Galwaj^ baratoga Co., N. Y., May 25, 1799, when young moving with parents to Lima, Livingston Co.; soon after coming of age was com- missioned Colonel of artillery ; Oct. 24, 1824, was married to Miss Orpha Partridge, of Thetford, Vt., who bore him six children — Geo. Willis, died in infancy; Harriet Louisa, now Mrs. D. E. Hill, of Akron; Lucinda Avis, late Mrs. Robert Foster, of Minneap- olis; Caroline Eliza, deceased; George R. died young; and Frances A., now Mrs. O. W. Keller, of Montana. In 1832, came to Middlebury and a year or two later to Akron, engaging with Messrs. David and Jesse Allen in the manufacture of carding ma- chines; in 1836 went to Massillon and started the same business there. The works being destroyed by fire, in 184() he returned to Middlebury and or- ganized the firm of Kent, Irish & Mc- Millan, successful manufacturers of carding and spinning machinery for many years. Col. McMillan was an early advocate of the cause of tem- perance, and an earnest abolitionist, both by his tongue and pen advo- cating the doctrines of the "Wilmot The joint population of the two villages at this time was probably from 600 to 900, though in the copy of a petition to the Legislature, now in possession of the writer, dated Decerrtber 18, 1835, for a bank charter for Akron, the committee composed of James W. Phillips, Kichard Howe, Erastus Torrey, S. A. Wheeler, Justus Gale, Simon Perkins, Jr., J. D. Commins, R. McMillan and Seth Iredell, state the population of the town to be between 1,200 and 1,300. It is quite probable, however, that it was intended to include, in this estimate, the inhabitants of Middlebury and other adjacent territory, who would be patrons of, and benefited by, the establishment of a bank in Akron, the entire population of Portage township, five years later, including Akron, the "Chuckery," and a portion of Middlebury, being, by the census of 1840, but 2,381. COL. REUBEN MCMILLAN. Proviso," and using his personal in- fluence, in Washington, to secure its passage; was also an able and intelli- gent advocate of labor reform and protection to American manufac- tures. Mr. McMillan died Nov. 9, 1851, aged 52 years, 5 months, 14 days, Mrs. McMillan dying March 31, 1887, aged 83 years. 1 month, 5 days. 46 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. PHILANDER D. HALL,— born at 1 Bridgeport, Conn., Oct. 10, 1806; educated at Weston Academy; at 20 engaged in teaching at.Saugatuck, Conn., where he also clerked in dry goods store a year and a half; return- ing to Bridgeport, engaged in the grocery shipping trade and import- ing West India products; in Summer of 1834 first visited Akron, and in Maj^ 1835, established himself in the gen- eral merchandise trade, corner of Howard and Market streets, then called the "Cascade Store." The original store, a two-story frame, being destroyed by fire, February 17, 1851, the present three-story brick block was erected and occupied the same season. In 1842 Mr. Hall was joined in business by his brother Orlando, who was married to Miss Sophia R. Towne, December 12, 1854, and died March 10, 1855, Mr. Hall soon afterwards associating with himself his brother Lorenzo, under the firm name of "Hall Brothers," which ar- rangement still continues. Mr. Hall was married December 30, 1841, to Miss Martha McElhinney, of Allegheny Citj'', Pa., who died in New York, Feb- ruary 20, 1889, Mr. Hall in 1857 having PHILANDER D. HALL. established his family residence in that city, dividing his time between travel and purchasing supplies for his firm, though at frequent intervals giving his personal attention to bus- iness and property interests here. INTENSE AND BITTF:R RIVALRY. The completion of the Cascade Mill race, the starting of the Stone Mill, and other business enterprises resulting therefrom, soon culminated in a very bitter triangular rivalry between Middlebury and the two Akrons, and especially between the North and South Akronites. The ancient emporium had struggled bravely to prevent the diminution of its business by the establish- ment of a rival village at the Summit, and for the reason that the former, through its water pow^er, possessed superior manufac- turing advantages, w^as for a time fairly successful in holding its OAvn, if not, in fact, slowly advancing. But this new^ rival — Cascade — was an impending calamity to be fought to the bitter end by both the Middleburghers and Southenders; for the Doctor's "goose pasture" prediction, in regard to the former, was not only likely to be speedily and literally fulfilled, but South Akron, also, was in imminent danger of sharing the same fate. Hence, when the denizens of the former could no longer retain all the trade from. the south and east, they would use their best endeavors to turn it towards the south end, representing the inhabitants of "Cascade" as being a set of cut-throats, and the village itself as reeking with pestilential niiasms that it would be dangerous to encounter, even for an hour. These representations were also persistently promulgated by the Southenders, and every possible device adopted to keep the people of the country from visiting the lower village. At the forks of the road, at the intersection of East Market and Middlebury streets, the Southenders erected, upon the south side of the road, a guide board, pointing towards that village, bearing the inscription " Akron, 1 mile J|@°"." This was imitated by hg Northenders, the board pointing tow^ards that village also CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES. 47 reading "Akron, 1 mileg^"." This was speedily demolished by the Southenders, followed almost as speedily, by the destruction of their own board by the irate Northenders. Both of these boards were several times replaced with like results, and several personal collisions took place between the parties detailed to guard the boards in question. At length a compromise was effected, said boards being inscribed "South Akron" and "North Akron" respectively; after which, so far as the guide board contest was concerned, there was a cessation of hostilities ; but, as will be seen further on, the "cruel war" was bv no means over. pOL. JUSTUS GALE, — born in v-y Guilford, Vt., January 14, 1798; June 23, 1823, was married to Miss Sarah Hyde, who was born in Guil- ford, April 26, 1802; in July, 1833 remov- ed to Akron, as a member of the firm of Pulsifer, Gale & Austin, establishing- a store on the east side of South Main street, near Exchange, and a year later the pioneer tin-shop in North Akron, and erecting- a dwelling house on the southeast corner of Howard and Mill streets, later erect- ing a cupola furnace and engaging extensively in stoves, hollow-ware, plows, etc. Col. Gale was active in all public enterprises, an earnest promoter of the cause of education; was one of the trustees of Akron's first high school project in 1837; was several times member of the Village Council, and one of the most influen- tial promoters of the New County project— 1835 to 1843. Col. Gale died June 28, 1847, aged 49 years, 5 months, 14 days. Mr. and Mrs. Gale were the parents of six children — Lucy Jane, afterwards married to the late John H. Chamberlain, now Mrs. Alexander Brewster; Sarah Hyde, the first Mrs. Frank Adams, died in 1863, aged 35; Frances Harriet, died May 10, 1845, aged 16; Ann Elizabeth, now Mrs. COh. JUSTUS GALE. Theodoric Balch, Henry Clay, farmer on West Exchange street; and Mary Gertrude, widow of the late James C. McNeil, whose portrait and biography appear elsewhere. Mrs. Gale, in full possession of all her faculties, now in her 90th year, still survives. SOME OTHER EARLY HOTELS. On my arrival in Akron, June 10, 1835, besides the "Clark Hotel," then kept by Mr. Lewis Humiston, who was also at that time Akron's postmaster, there w^as a two-story frame tavern, directly east, on Kxchange street, kept by Dr. Rufus Pierce, and a new two-story and a half frame, the Summit House, on West Exchange street, kept by "Col." Lyman Green, afterwards from about 1839 to 1845 by Samuel Edgerly, father of Mr. Charles H. Edgerly and Mrs. Sarah M. E. Battels, Mr. Edgerly being a charter member of Akron Lodge, No. 83, F. & A. M., and dying in this city in 1852, while at the North end, besides the Pavilion House, kept by Mr, Charles B. Cobb, a three-story brick hotel, called the "Ohio Exchange," on the present site of Woods' Block, corner Market and Main streets, -was completed and occupied by Gen. Duthan Northrop, of Medina, the same year. While it is not my design to name all the buildings, public and private, that then 48 AKKON AND vSUMMIT COUNTY, composed the two rival, and in fact, bitterly hostile, villages,, since, with the pioneer village of Middlebur3% now bravely over its "goose pasture" stage of existence, consolidated into one compact, harmonious and enterprising city, I have been thus particular in regard to those early hotels, because of the prominent part the}', and their proprietors, and some of their patrons, will pla}^ as "dramatis persomxi" in the scenes and events to be recorded in these chapters. JULIUS A. SUMNER, born in J Townshend, Vt., January 2, 1802; educated in common school ; at 14 started out for himself, going- first to Boston, then on foot to Huntington, Pa., and soon to Pittsburg, working- in nail factory ; at 16 taught school one year ; in 1818 engaged with father and brother in the manufacture of bar and strap iron and nails in Mid- dleburj' ; also making frequent trips east, over the mountains with horses and cattle; later carrying on a large farm, potter}- and distiller3% near Mogadore, and in the middle forties, erecting a large distillery at Lock Seventeen, and keeping Akron's prin- cipal hotel, the Ohio Exchange, on the present site of Woods' block, and quite an extensive store on the oppo- site side of the street ; later building Empire block, adjoining the Empire Hotel on the west, and the large hotel and opera house building, cor- ner of Howard and Tallmadge streets. Though from time to time meeting with heavy losses bj- fire, Mr. Sumner w^as phenomenall}^ prosperous dur- ing a long business career, dj-ing June 20, 1882, at the age of 80 years, 5 months and 18 days. In 1824 Mr. Sumner was married to Miss Margaret New- comb, of Wadsworth, who bore him six children — Charles A. (now of Detroit), Mary (now Mrs. C.Ferguson, of Akron, Sixth Ward), Nellie (Mrs. JtXIUS A. SUM>'ER. J. B. Houghton, now deceased), Eliza (Mrs. E. S. Stillwell, of Coventry), Albert A. (deceased) and Victoria (Mrs. George S. Clark, Akron). Mrs. Sumner dying in 1849, in 18.^3 Mr. Sumner was again married to the widow of Heman A. Bradlej', who- died October 18, 1880. -^5igi2,.Sigi9^ AKRON IXCOKPORATED. 49 CHAPTER II. AKKOX INCOKPOKATEI) FIRST CHARTER ELECTIOxN -EARLY MAYORS— THE FIRST A VENERABLE AND WEALTHY, BUT WORLDLY-MINDED QUAKER - THE SECOND AN IMPECUNIOUS, BUT TALENTED FARMER-LAWYER "KID**— UNSUCCESSFUL SPECULATIONS- FORCED INTO BANKRUPTCY— PECULIAR LAW PRACTICE -PROSECUTED FOR ASSAULT -CHIEF JUSTICE DAVID K. CARTTER. ATTORNEY FOR THE STATE "MOVING" DEFENSE— IxXDEPENDENT CANDIDATE—ELECTED BY THE " KIDS "—SUCCESSFUL ADMINISTRATION- RE-ELECTED— PROSPEROUS FARMER -SUBSEQUENT MAYORS, ETC. ACT OF INCORPORATION. ^^HE two villages, North and South Akron, having for the time J- being placed their antagonisms in abeyance, in the Winter of 1835-36, jointly petitioned the General Assembly of the State of Ohio for a town charter, which was duly granted on the 12th day of March, 1836. The territory described in the charter, comprised of portions of both Portage and Coventry townships, embraced the territory within the recent north, west and south corporation lines, and a line upon the east starting a short distance east of the south end of Spicer street, and running northerly, diagonally crossing Spicer street a short distance south of the old Spicer homestead, through Fir street to the north corporation line, a little east of Lock Sixteen, and containing about three and one-fourth square miles of land. By the terms of the charter it was provided that the first elec- tion for the new corporation should be held on the second Tuesda}' of June, 1836, at the usual place of holding elections in the town- ship of Portage, commencing between 9 and 10 o'clock in the fore- noon and closing at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, " white male inhab- itants " having resided in said town for the period of six months, and having the qualifications of electors for members of the Gen- eral Assembly, only, being allowed to vote. This initial election was held at the tavern of Asa Larned (the old Clark stand on the northeast corner of Main and Exchange streets), Harvey H. Johnson (lawyer), Rufus Pierce (hotel-keeper), and Zebulon Jones (shoemaker), acting as judges, and Franklin C, May (merchant), acting as the clerk of election, being elected KiVe voce by the electors in attendance, as provided by the charter. As the time for the election approached, there was, of course, a good deal of figuring as to candidates, the officers to be elected being Mayor, Recorder and five Trustees. Not only politics, but , sectional interests and predilections, were invoked, both in the choice of candidates and at the polls. Whigs and Democrats were the only political parties then in vogue, and the lines, in both gen- eral and local elections, were usually drawn pretty taut, and the contests were often very warm, and sometimes extremely bitter. By this time the voting population of the North End was rather the stronger, and in the caucuses secured both of the can- didates for Mayor — Seth Iredell (Whig), and Dr. Eliakim Crosby (Democrat) — as well as both of tliii candidates for Recorder — Charles W. Howard (Whig), and Constant Bryan (Democrat). Politically, the new corporation was pretty evenly balanced, but an analysis of the vote, for Mayor and Recorder, will show that sectional, rather 50 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY than political, interest, was the most potent factor in determining the result. Mr. Iredell was a venerable Pennsylvania Quaker, a man of liberal means (for those days), and had been thoroughly identified with the growth and prosperity of the LoAver Town from its very start, while Dr. Crosby was, in reality, the very father thereof, by reason of his having projected and successfully com- pleted the Cascade Mill race, w^hich made the very existence of the Lower Town possible. The vote for Mayor stood : Iredell (Whig), 91 ; Crosbj^ (Democrat), 75; clearly indicating that the very fact that the Louver Tow^n existed through the genius and push of the enterprising Doctor, compassed his defeat. A like influence is also'seen in the vote for Recorder; Mr. Howard, (Whig, but son-in-law of Dr. Crosby), receiv- ing but 75 votes, w^hile his competitor, Mr. Bryan (Democrat), received 87. The contest for Trustees seems to have been a sort of "go as you please" scrub race, 16 different persons receiving votes as follows : Krastus Torrey, 153 ; Jedediah D. Commins, 143 ; William B. Mitchell, 114; William E. Wright, 88; Justus Gale, 87; Noah M. Green, 124; Ansel Miller, 23; Robert K. DuBois, 43; Samuel A. Wheeler, 4 ; Alvah Hand, 3 ; Hiram Payne, 7 ; Eliakim Crosby, 13 ; Seth Iredell, 3 ; Richard Howe, 1 ; Eber Blodgett, 2 ; and Capt. Howe, 1. Erastus Torrey (South Akron, Whig), Jedediah D. Commins, (South Akron, Democrat), Noah M. Green, (South Akron, Whig), William B. Mitchell, (North Akron, Demo- crat), and William E. Wright, (North Akron, IF72i^),were returned as duly elected, but Mr. Mitchell declining to qualify, the Council, at its second meeting, appointed Col. Justus Gale, (of North Akron, Whig), to fill the vacancy ; the Mayor and Recorder, with the five Trustees, constituting the Town Council, and five members constituting a quorum ; Marshal, Treasurer, Engineer, Solicitor, etc., being appointive offices by the Council. AKRON'S FIRST MAYOR. As above stated, Seth Iredell re- ceived 91 votes for Mayor out of a total vote of 166, being a majority of 16 over the vote of his worthy com- petitor, Dr. Crosby. This total vote of 166, making the ver\^ liberal allow^ance of five inhabitants for every vote cast, Avould make the total population of the town at this period, 830 souls, only, instead of 1,200 or 1,300, as represented a year previous, in the memorial to the Legislature for a bank charter, here- tofore alluded to. Mr. Seth Iredell, the first recip- ient of Akron's highest honor, the mayoralty, w^as a Pennsylvania Quaker, then about 62 years of age, but still remarkably vigorous, both physically and mentally. Though, characteristic of his sect, he w^as moderate in conversation, and con- SETH IREDEIvL. Akron's first mayor. 51 servative in business and official matters, he was, nevertheless, decided in his opinions, and diligent in the discharge of every private obligation and public duty. Thus, while he looked care- fully after the welfare of the public, and labored faithfully for the prosperity of the entire town, being a man of peace, he also earnestly sought to harmonize sectional differences, and allay sectional ani- mosities. This characteristic also led him to discourage every species of litigation, and to peaceably and amicably adjust antag- onisms among his neighbors. Hence, though opening and keeping a mayor's docket, as required by law, he not only did not court magisterial business, but, so far as he could, turned such parties as were bound to fight, whether civilly or criminally, over to the justices of the peace of the respective townships out of which the municipal corporation had been carved. The venerable and most amiable and devoted Quaker wife of Mr. Iredell, Mrs. Mary Iredell, died on the 17th day of March, 1839, at the age of 65 years, leaving no children. As soon thereafter as the proprieties would allow, Mr. Iredell married, for his second wife, Elizabeth (or Betsy) Davidson, who had been a faithful domestic in the family for several years, and who died Nov. 30, 1840, at the age of 34 years, leaving one son, Charles Iredell, for many years a worthy citizen of Portage county, but now residing in Akron. Mr. Iredell married, for his third wife. Miss Mary Irvin, of Middlebury, March 4, 1841, with whom he lived quietly and hap- pily until his death, March 22, 1854, at the ripe age of 80 years. The fruit of this marriage was two sons — Seth, a bright and promising boy, who died at the age of seven years, September 13, 1849, and Robert S., still living, a highly respected resident of his native city, over w^hich, in its chrysalis existence, of more than a half a century ago, his venerable father reigned as its first chief magistrate. Mrs. Mary Irvin Iredell died April 19, 1883, at the age of 78 years. ' By the provisions of the charter, the tenure of municipal office was one year, only. The second annual election was held on the first Tuesday of June, 1837, at Clark's hotel, in South Akron, with Councilmen William E. Wright and William K. May, as judges, and Recorder Constant Bryan, as clerk. The record does not give the names of all the candidates voted for, but the result only. There were 155 votes polled, of which John C. Singletary. Jr., received 85 votes for Mayor ; William E. Wright, 135 votes for Recorder ; and for Trustees, William K. May, 133 ; William T. Mather, 145 ; Dana D. Evans, 125 ; Jesse Allen, 147 ; and Eber Blodgett, 110 votes, being an entirely new set of men, with the exception of William E. Wright, Recorder-elect, who had served as Trustee during the preceding year, and William K. May, who had several months before been appointed Trustee, in the place J. D. Commins, resigned. The new Council met for organization June 12, with Mayor Iredell in the chair, until the bond of the Mayor-elect, in the sum of $3,000, was approved, which was unani- mously done, one of the eleven sureties upon the bond being the late Paris Tallman, Esq., of 803 East Market street. At the second meeting, September 17, Horace K. Smith was elected Treasurer, and Moses Cleveland, Marshal, which, with the regular standing committees, completed the organization. 52 AKKON AND vSUMMlT COUNTY. AKRON'S SECOND MAYOR. ^^^^^^^ Although Mayor Iredell, as before / j^^ ^^^ ^^s intimated, had declined to do very i^/ )^^^^^ Vu\^ much judicial business, his admin- ^i^f ^H^^ istration had been generally satis- fy; fl ^^^i^^Hv factory, and as the time for the new (f>!ff ^^^^r ^^ election approached, it was sup- \ll^' "^/ ^^ posed he would be his own suc- \lfii'^'^ d^rfm ^^k . cessor; but it was destined to be ^^fl^^^^^^^^^ F^^l^^ nance, good-natured, social and ^^"^^^^^^^^^^v p/^^^ws kind-hearted. His father, Col. John ' / iK C. Singletary, was a wealthy J. c. SINGLETARY. and highly respected farmer of the tov^nship of Streetsboro. Young Singletary was born in Aurora, Portage Count}^ December 19, 1810, and was a graduate of Western Reserve College, at Hudson, of the class of 1835. His proficiency in his studies was such that he had substantially completed his course a year or more before graduation day, and had also studied law with his uncle, in Middleburj', the late Senator Gregory Powers, and had been admitted to the Bar, by the Court in Banc, at Coluinbus, in 1834, Judge Reuben Wood presiding. Though not very liberally endowed with read}- money, he had been provided by his father w^ith a good law library (for those days) and started in, at the age of 24, with bright prospects of winning for himself a brilliant career in his chosen profession; building a commodious and comfortable office on the south side of Kxchange street, a little east of Main. Had the young lawyer stuck closely to his briefs, all would have been well; but, unfortunately, like the most of his associates, he w^as seized with the prevailing mania for speculation, the embryo "Lowell of the West," as Akron was then called, being at that time decidedly on the boom; both business blocks and tene- ment houses being in real or prospective demand. Accordingly, with but limited business or financial experience, but, (as he himself expresses it in a private note to the writer), with "immense credit," he largely "invested" in village lots, building materials, labor, etc.; one of the monuments of his enterprise being the substantial two story tenement house, on the corner of Bowery and West Middlebury streets, now owned and occupied by Dr. John G. Carpender. The tightening doAvn of business and monetary matters, in 1836, precursory to the great financial and commercial crash in 1837, brought matters to a crisis, and our youthful specu- lator was forced into bankruptc}'. Bverything he possessed, even down to his law office, library, etc., had to be sacrificed. This, of course, very materially clouded his prospects, and subjected him to many indignities, and consid- erable persecution, from those who held, but were unable to realize ^ Akron's second mayor. " 53 upon, his paper. But he still maintained his genial good nature, and, to a limited extent, his law practice; his desire being rather to see justice done, through his services, than the tilling of his own pockets. As a sample of his mode of procedure, in this regard, and of tlie persecutions with which he was beset, the following incident will suffice: A farmer's boy, from Springfield, came to town on busi- ness, riding upon one of his father's horses. A local shark had induced the boy to swap horses with him, and had palmed off upon the boy a tolerably good looking, but totally blind, horse. On dis- covering the swindle that had been perpetrated upon him, the boy sought the office of young Singletary, and weepingly told his tale. "Where is your horse?" enquired Singletary. " Over in the tavern barn," said the boy, and then looking out of the window, he exclaimed, "there he goes now; they're leading him away — please stop 'em, Mister!" Looking in the direction indicated, Singletary saw a noted horse-jockey-boat-captain, leading the farmer's horse past his office. Stepping into the street, he took hold of the halter strap, and said to the boat-captain, "Here, give this boy his horse." "'Tain't his hoss ; it's my hoss ; it was a fair trade," replied the captain. Singletary pulled one way, and the horse-jockey the other, until the latter began to make some hostile demonstrations towards the former, when Singletary, striking straight-out from the shoulder with that brawny right fist of his, knocked the trick}' boat-captain nearly half Avay across the street. Then, before the captain could recover his equilibrium, and his grip upon the halter, Singletary picked up the boy, threw him astride the horse, and told him to "run for his life," which he literally did ; neither the boy nor the horse ever having been seen or heard of by Mr. Singletary from that day to this. The discomfited horse-jockey, backed b}' the entire gang, caused Singletary to be arrested for assault and battery. The Avarrant AAras issued by Justice of the Peace, John H. Cleveland, whose office was located in North Akron, in the second story of a building standing -where the office of the Thomas Lumber and Building Co. no^v stands, on the west side of West Market Street canal bridge. Justice Cleveland was a short, corpulent luan, a veri- table "Dogberry," and very decidedly appreciated the importance and dignity of his official position. The case w^as prosecuted by David K. Cartter, Esq., late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia. Cartter was then, 1835, a new accession to the legal fraternity of Akron and the bar of Portage County. He had, however, been here suf- ficiently long to have fully established his reputation as a sharp, w^itty, and terribly sarcastic pettifogger, before the lower courts, as well as a profound and sagacious lawyer, and skillful pleader, before the higher courts. Singletary defended himself, assisted by Harvey H. Johnson, Esq. During the examination of witnesses, by Cartter, numerous objections interposed by Singletary, and his associate counsel, were nearly all promptly and pompously over-ruled by the Court. At the conclusion of Cartter's opening plea, in which the accused 54 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. had been unmercifully scored, Singletary arose, and with smiling countenance, commenced his defense something in this -wise : '* May it please your Honor, I stand here nominally to defend myself against the charge of assault and battery, but in reality as the defender of virtue and innocence against such unmitigated scoundrels as the complainant in this case, and the perjured vil- lains who " Cartter : (Interrupting) "I ask the Court to protect the -witnesses for the State from the abusive epithets of the prisoner now^ on trial." The Court: "Mr. Singletary, you must confine your remarks strictly to your defense, under the evidence that has been given." Singletary: (Resuming) "That, may it please your Honor, is precisely ivhat I am doing, and I repeat, that I stand here as the defender of virtue and innocence against thieves and robbers, and I am not to be intimidated by the foul-mouthed billingsgate of the imported blackguard from New" York, nor am I to be frowned down, nor awed into silence, by the bloated dignitj^ of the Court " Justice Clev^Eland : (Hastily rising) " Stop, sir ! Stop sir ! I w^on't listen to you, btit bind you over to Court!" and seizing his docket he rushed from the room. As he reached the door Singletary laughingly called to him : "Hold on. Squire! What's the amount of the bond?" "Three hundred dollars!" yelled the irate Justice, as he dis- appeared through the door. The bond -was duly executed, and the transcript sent to the Court of Common Pleas of Portage County, but the case was promptly ignored by the Grand Jury at the September term, 1835,^ on hearing all the facts connected therewith. As above related, the financial and business status of the young lawyer, was considerably below^ zero, on the setting in of the Winter of 1836-7. Clients were few, and most of those who d^d emploj" him were as impecunious as himself; and being too proud to call upon his father for further pecuniary aid, he was often in dire straits for his daily bread. In addition to this, he was constantly hounded by his creditors, and taunted with his failure and poverty. One day, in the latter part of the Winter of 1836-7, he turned upon a party of his high-toned annoyers, saying: "Never mind,, gentlemen, it is your turn now^, but my turn v^^ill come by and by^ for I intend to be your next Mayor ! " This declaration was received virith shouts of derision, and after a few daj^s' gossip and laughter over the boast, the circumstance was forgotten by those >vho heard it. Not so, how^ever, with the moneyless and almost briefless la^v- yer. As the June election drew near, he announced himself as an independent candidate for Mayor. His announcement was fairl^^ hooted at by the "aristocracy" of both sections of the town; his lack of success in business, and his poverty, being the chief accu- sations against him, for his honesty, moralit}^ and ability could not be called in question. It is not no"w remembered w^ho was placed in nomination against him, but, by concentrating the vote of both parties upon a single man, it Avas not supposed that Singletary stood the ghost of a chance of being elected. The opposition to him at length became so bitter and abusive that a reaction in his favor finally set in. The SUBSEQUENT MAYORS TO DATE. 55 majority of the voters of the town, mostly young men — nearly, if not quite, as poor as himself — began to argue that poverty, though mighty inconvenient, was not a crime, and that even in a rough- and-tumble physical fight, it was mean to kick a man when he was down. Consequently the "kids" of that day, of whom the writer was one, openly espoused the cause of the plucky independent can- didate, and the election of June 13, 1837, resulted in his triumphant election by the handsome majority of 15, above indicated. Mr. Singletary, who had hitherto resided in the South End, immediately opened an office in the north village, and announced himself ready to attend to all the duties of the office, both civil, municipal and criminal. So successful was his administration that he ^vas triumphantly re-elected on the 5th day of June, 1838, against a prominent South End lawyer, William M. Dodge, Esq., receiving 125 votes out of a total of 222, being a majority of 28. He continued to satisfactorily discharge his municipal and magisterial duties until February, 1839, when, by reason of debility superinduced by oft recurring attacks of fever and ague, he went home to Streetsboro to recruit, -where, on account of the poor health and the increasing years of his father, he concluded to permanently remain, and where, as successor to his father's tine estate of some 350 acres of excellent land, he has since lived the life of a quiet but highly successful and enterprising farmer. On the 11th day of August, 1845, Mr. Singletary was married to Miss Mary Ann Carter, of Boston township, Avho is still living. There have been born tq them eight children — three sons and five daughters — of whom three of the latter only survive. For the past few^ years the health of Mr. Singletary has not been very good, and yet, at the age of 80 years, he is able to superintend his extensi>»e farming operations, and will be happy to receive calls from any of his old Akron friends and constituents, at his hospitable domicile, on the northw^est corner of the public square, at the center . of Streetsboro. It is not the purpose of these papers to give the biographies of all the persons who have held the honored post of Mayor of Akron during the half century of its municipal existence, both as Town, Village, and City, some of whose characters and idiosyncracies were, perhaps, as marked as those of the two already named. The bare names, therefore, of those who have successively filled that office, since June, 1839, with the length of their respective terms of service, will have to suffice: 1839, Lucius V. Bierce; 1840, Arad Kent; 1841, Lucius V. Bierce; 1842 and 1843, Harvey H. Johnson; 1844, Lucius V. Bierce; 1845, 1846 and 1847, Philo Chamberlin; 1848, Israel E. Carter; 1849, Lucius V. Bierce; 1850, George Bliss; 1851, Charles G. Ladd; 1852. Frederick Wadsworth; 1853, Philip N. Schuyler; 1854, William T. Allen; 1855 and 1856, Nathaniel Finch; 1857 and 1858, Frederick A. Nash; 1859, George W. McNeil; 1860 and 1861, Henrv Purdy; 1862 and 1863, Charles A. Collins: 1864, George D. Bates; 1865 and 1866, James Mathews; 1867 and 1868, Lucius V. Bierce; 1869, 1870, 1871 and 1872, T^lm L. Robertson; 1873 and 1874, Henry Purdy; 1875 and 1876, Levi S. Herrold; 1877 and 1878, James F. Scott; 187.9 and 1880, John M. Fraze; 1881 and 1882, Samuel A. Lane; 1883, 1884, 1885 and 1886, Lorenzo Dow Watters; 1887 and 1888, Louis D. Seward; 1889, 1890, 1891 and 1892, William H. Miller. 56 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. TAMES MATHEWS, bom in Wash- J iiigton County, N. Y., April 23, 1803; in bo5^hood removing- with his parents to Vermont; educated in common schools and bred a cabinet maker and ornamental painter ; in 1839 came to Akron, and eng-ag-ed in mantifacturing- grain shovels, in 1841 engaging in g^rocery business, until 1849 when he became secretary and inanager of the Summit Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and on the winding up of the business of that companj', a few years later, becoming- the agent of several of the leading lire insurance companies of the country, and of the Mutual Life of New York, for which he secured a very large clientage in Akron and vicinity, the policies written b}^ him aggregating over $12,000,000. Mr. Mathews possessed both public spirit and private enterprise, as witness the fine block on Howard street bearing- his name ; was a member of Akron Town Council in 1843 ; member of first Board of Education in 1847, and the first Mayor of Akron, under city charter, 1865-1866. Mr. Mathews was inarried to Miss Agnes Grant, of Wells River, Vt., in January, 1833, who died in Akron in April, 1870, leaving- three children — George H., who died JAMES MATHEWS. in Deceinber 1873, Henrj' G. and Charles H., now of New York. Mr. Mathews was ag-ain married, to Mrs. Isabella ("Howard) Taj'ler, a native of Middlebury, (Akron, Sixth Ward), who now resides in California, Mr. Mathews dying^ December 2'), 1883. aged 80 years, 8 months and 2 days. HENRY PUKDY. HENRY PURDY,- son of Solomon Purdj', was born in Zanesville. Ohio, September 30, 181,5, removing to Spring-field township, with parents. when 13 3ears of age; educated in Putnam Acadeni)' in Zanesville and Randolph Academy. In 1837 became associated Avith his father in the manufacture of stoneware at the center of Springfield. In 18.52 Mr. Purd}' Avas elected Count}' Recorder on the Whig ticket, and re-elected in 1855 on the Republican ticket, hold- ing the office six jears; was member of Council in 1857; Maj^or of Akron in 18(30-1861,1873-1874; and Justice of the Peace for Portage Township, with the exception of a single term, from 1868 till his resignation, bj' reason of failing health, February 12, 1888. February 2. 1837, Mr. Purdy was married to Miss Diantha C. Clark, daughter of Barber Clark, of Franklin Mills, (no%V Kent). Mr. and Mrs. Purdj, who have continuously resided in Akron since April, 1853, have three children Mills B. (City Clerk 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870. 1871, 1872 and 1876) born June 27, 1839; Mary C, (now Mrs. J. A. Boj-nton, of Sala- manca, N. Y.) born Julv 10, 1841; and Melissa C. (now Mrs. S. K. Zwisler, Akron) born November 29. 1847. THERE WERE "CKOOKS" IN THOSE DAYS. 57 CHAPTER III. EARLY CROOKEDNESS" CONFIDEXCE GAMES, "KEG" MONEY, ETC. UNSAVORY REPUTATION— THE "G0RE"-Y BATTLE GROUND BITTER POST-OFFICE CON- TROVERSY— CRIMINATION AND RECRIMINATION SCANDALOUS CHURCH SyUABBLES — DECADENCE OF MIDDLEBURY AND THE SOUTH END -DESPISED "CASCADE" IN THE ASCENDENCY THE "WHIRLIGIG OF TIME BRINGS ALL THINGS EVEN," ETC., ETC. EARLY CROOKEDNESS. IN those early days, the Ohio, Mississippi, and other western riv- ers and lakes, and the cities and villages contiguous thereto, were swarming with, and infested by, gamblers, counterfeiters and thieves; and on the opening of the Ohio Canal, as a channel for trade and travel, not only the passenger boats navigating its waters, but the thriving towns that immediately sprang into existence along its entire line, were soon thoroughly infested by the several classes of "sports" and "crooks" alluded to, with branch resorts at man3^ of the "centers" and "corners" of adjacent tow^nships. Akron and other points ^vithin the present limits of Summit County, were by no means excepted from the general rule, but, on the contrary, the large number of locks here, and the peculiar for- mation of the country, particularly down the valley, northw^ard from Akron, afforded especial facilities for the successful operations of the fraternity, and for the effective concealment of their nefarious occupation, their gambling and counterfeiting implements, and their stolen plunder. " At the date of mj^ arrival in town, (1835) the average honest stranger was filled with astonishment at the large number of finely- dressed, ruffle-shirted, plug-hatted, kid-gloved, lavishly-bejewelled, and apparently wealthy sojourners at the various hotels. To the writer, though, the genus was very familiar, the several preceding months having been spent in New Orleans, Louisville and Cincin- nati, and on the steamers plying between those points, with brief calls at Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, and other blackleg-infested towns upon those great thoroughfares — the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Indeed, so flagrant had become the operations and outrages of this class of scoundrels, that about this time the honest people of Vicksburg, after giving the gamblers proper warning to leave that place, arose in their might and summarily hung half a dozen or more to the lamp posts and shade trees of the city, creating the most intense excitement among all classes, and a decided panic among tha fraternity throughout the entire South and West. Besides the numerous raids that were made among the pioneer farmers of the vicinity, by those early "crooks" and shoversof the " queer," for predator}^ purposes, and for the purchase of horses, cattle, sheep and other property with bogus coin or spurious paper, there was in Akron and other business centers of the gang, a set of confidence operators, who got in their work something in this wise : An unsophisticated farmer would be inveigled into some back room, and "confidentially" shown a number of genuine American or Spanish silver dollars, with the statement that they were bogus, 58 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. but SO cleverly executed that they could never be detected, and that if he would buy 500 or 1,000 of them, to operate with among his neighbors, he might have them for 10 or 20 cents on the dollar. If the cupidity of the ruralist should over-balance his discretion, and he should " tumble to the racket," he would be shovt^n sev- eral small kegs, said to contain 500 or 1,000 each of the bogus coin, so arranged that by taking out a plug in one end, he could see the glittering metal of a genuine silver dollar inside, and be assured that if, on getting home and counting it, he did not find the full num- ber there, the dealer would make it all right the next time he came to tow^n. Having duly paid over his $50 or $100 in good money, and having with due secrecy deposited the keg selected under the straAV in the wagon, the "honest" yeoman w^ould depart for home,^ to find, on examining his treasure, that, w4th the exception of the genuine dollar seen through the hole in the end, his precious keg contained the regulation weight of scrap-iron, onlj^. Generally the victim would quietly swalloAV his disappoint- ment and shame, and never be heard of again ; but noAV and then one would return to seek redress, only to be told by the operator, if found, that he had never seen him before, or to be informed by his laAvyer that his OAvn hands w^ere too badly soiled in the transac- tion to enable him to proceed against his confederate in crime. The game was ])y no means confined to Akron, or the neigh- borhood of the canal, as witness the following item from the Western Courier, of Ravenna, under date of September 15, 1836: "Several attempts have been made lately, to defraud in the waj- of what is called keg money speculations ; obtaining money and property oti a promise to deliver a keg" or box of money, of large amount, and 'Just as good as genuine.' The keg or box supposed to contain the money, and perhaps having some on the surface, is usuallj^ delivered in some dark place, and 'is then, if of any value, wrested or stolen from the owner by ruffians before he gets home with it. Many such cases have formerly occurred in this county, in Geaug"a and Cuyahoga, and several latelj^ — the last one in Newburg. But the people are learning to expose them, and the head ones have to abscond from the officers of the law." Similar transactions in paper "money" w^ere also often nego- tiated, genuine bills being exhibited and represented as coun- terfeit, and duly placed in a package, under the eye of the purchaser, to be adroitly exchanged for a similar looking package of w^rapping paper, cut to proper size, while the purchase money was being counted out and examined. Still another mode of procedure was for a couple of sharpers to purchase a horse from some rustic, to be paid for in non-detect- able counterfeit money, at a nominal price, the exchange to be made after dark, in some neighboring thicket, and after the transfer had been duly made, and the horse led off b}- one of the sharpers, other confederates would rush in, under the guise of officers, and pretend to arrest the remaining two, but finally let them off on their handing over all their loose change ; and thus the victim would not only be done out of his horse and the pre- tended counterfeit money he had received in exchange for him, but also of whatever good money he might happen to have about him at the time. By this and similar devices were the unwary pioneers of the rural districts "taken in and done for," while from the lack of information, now^ so rapidly and so generally transmitted through EARLY CHURCH IMBROGLIOS. 59 the mails, the railroads, the telegraph and the newspapers, whole droves of horses, cattle, sheep, and even hogs, could be gathered up and paid for wholly in counterfeit money, and safely driven out of the country, before the sellers would discover the fraud that had been practiced upon them. And yet, notwithstanding such was the early status of Akron, as well as many other enterprising business points along the line of the canal, and notwithstanding good friends with whom I was visiting in the northern part of Portage County, in the early Spring of 1835, advised me, in my search for a location for permanent set- tlement, by all means to avoid Akron and Cascade, I found, on coming here, later in the season, that the great majority of the people were honest, industrious and enterprising, and that its unsavory reputation was wholly due to a comparatively small minority of local crooks, and the large contingent of transient sharpers continually moving from point to point, along the line of the canal as above noted. That this vicinity was, however, for many years the general rendezvous and headquarters of one of the most extensive gangs of counterfeiters in the entire country, admits of not a doubt. The reputed leader of this gang, together with several of his most important subordinates, were permanently located within the limits of what is now^ Summit County, some of whom sought and obtained positions of public trust and honor, the more effectually to cover up their true characters, and their nefarious operations. To the chief of this gang, and his prominent lieutenants, Avith an inkling of their operations, their successes, reverses, arrests, trials, imprisonments, etc., one or more chapters of this w^ork will be devoted, as well as one, or more, to the measures that were finally taken to rid the village and county of local sharps and trav- eling blacklegs and thieves. The bitterness existing betAveen the inhabitants of the north and south villages has already been alluded to, in the " guide board war" spoken of in the first chapter, and other^vise. It will be impossible, of course, in the prescribed limit of this work to relate all the acts of hostility, overt and covert, manifested ; but one or two episodes, illustrative of that feeling, somewhat in detail, may not be amiss. The tvk^o villages were divided by a wedge-shaped strip of unplatted land, called the "gore," embracing the territory between Quarry street on the north and Center street on the south. On this unplatted strip the earlier churches — the Congregational the Methodist and the Baptist, were originally erected, not only because their respective sites were generously donated by Gen. Perkins, but more particularly, perhaps, because the adherents of the several denominations, residing in either section, were unw^ill- ing to w^orship, on Sunday, in houses located within the boundaries of the rival village they so heartily, and perhaps religiously, hated through the week. ' This feeling was so strong that when, in 1836, the majority of the trustees of the Baptist Church decided to face the new church edifice they were then about to build (on the site of the present fine German Reformed brick structure) towards South Akron, instead of towards the West, as had been done by both the Congregationalists and Methodists, (the Congregational Church 60 AKRON AND .SUMMIT COUNTY. then stood on the present Court House grounds), several contrib- utors to the building fund, living north of the "gore," withdrew their subscriptions, and a few even severed their connection with the society in consequence of such action; the facing of the church in that direction being considered an advantage in favor of South Akron. This anirnosit}' became intensified as the w^ork progressed, and by the time the structure was completed had culminated in a most bitter controversy between certain prominent members, trustees, building committee, pastor, etc., in which charges and counter- charges of falsehood, dishonesty, malice, etc., were freely bandied, resulting in the calling of a church council on the 6th day of October, 1837, at which Rev. Levi Tucker, of Cleveland, presided as Moderator, and by v^rhich it was '^Resolved, That brother Dodge has not been labored with according- to gospel discipline; that brother Dodge's conduct has rendered hiin unworth3^ of a place in a Christian church, and that he ought not to be recognized as a member until he make satisfaction to the church ; that brother Crane (the pastor) did not act judiciously; believing, however, that his press of duties ought in this case to be admitted in extenuation ; that Elder Avistin (a retired minister) has acted injudiciouslj^ and the church had better grant him a letter of dismission and a recommendation to any other sister church ; that the course of brother Alvin Austin has been incautious and wanting in pru- dence ; and that this Council earnestly recommend to each individual in any way concerned in the late difficulties, to make very strenuous efforts to promote the peace of the church, and zealousl}^ engage in the cause of our dear Redeemer." Notwithstanding these dissensions the church was duly dedi- cated October 26, 1837, Elder Tucker preaching the dedicatory sermon. But neither that solemn proceeding, nor the action of the Council, were productive of any perceptible mollifying influence, as is evidenced by some six or seven columns of crimination and re-crimination published in the several issues of the American Balance, from December 7, 1837, to January, 4, 1838, in which the names of Kev. Kber Crane, (pastor and building agent) Alvin Austin, H. K. Smith, Smith Burton, Richard HoAve, J. Rockwell, R. K. DuBois, S. R. Brackett, Erastus Torrey, Nathan B, Dodge, Miner Spicer, Warren H, Smith, Justus Gale, Joseph Cole, David Allen, Jesse Allen, Jacob Brown and Nathan S. Jones, were some- >vhat promisicuously mingled. Though nearly, if not quite, all of the belligerents in this wordy w^arfare have passed ixway, and though the society, in another loca- tion, has for many years maintained more than an average stand- ing in usefulness and numbers, among the many similar benefi- cent institutions of our goodly city, it is questionable whether the deleterious influences of those early contentions, among really good men, have not been felt, in a greater or less degree, through all the intervening half century. The Methodist Society, also, got into a similar tangle, mainly through sectional jealousies, regarding the building of their first house of worship, about the same time; certain of the members connected with the raising of funds and erecting and furnishing the building, accusing each other of gross irregularities. This bitter feeling, though not ventilated through the public press, con- tinued for several j^ears, and finallj^, w^hen the building was destroyed by fire, on the morning of March 17, 1841, each party accused the other of having set the building on fire, though the "upper" versus " lower" town. 61 origin of the fire was, doubtless, purely accidental. The original Congregational society was also twice rent asunder, and finally annihilated, by unhappy dissensions, which will be fully set forth in a subsequent chapter. BITTER POSTOFFICE WAR. Up to 1837, a full year after both the rival villages of North and South Akron, had been consolidated by Legislative enactment into the corporate "Town of Akron," and though by this time much the larger portion of the business of the town was done north of the "gore," virhen it was sought to remove the postoffice from the upper to the low^er town, a struggle ensued, which in point of bitterness, renders the partisan and personal squabbles of modern office seekers the very extreme of mildness and cor- diality. Some three or four years prior to that time, Akron's first post- master, Wolsey Wells, Ksq., having left the place, had been succeeded by Mr. Lewis Humiston, keeper of the Clark tavern, the office being located in a small building immediately east of the hotel, on Exchange street, the late Arad Kent officiating as hia deputy. As Mr. Humiston was about to leave the to>vn, it became necessary to secure the appointment of his successor. There were, of course, a number of applicants for the place, and among the rest, the late Judge Constant Bryan, and another law^yer by the name of Harv^ey H. Johnson, both Democrats and both northenders. Who the southern candidates w^ere, is not novir remembered, but the contest was so bitter that the appointment hung fire for some time, Postmaster General Amos Kendall finally intimating that unless the tvsro factions reconciled their differences he would discontinue the office. In this emergency, after a conference with that gentleman, the southenders gave in their adhesion to Mr. Johnson, and he, consequently, received the appointment some time in June, 1837; it being aftewards vigorously claimed that the withdrawal of their opposition to him by the southenders, ^vas upon the distinct under- standing that, if appointed, he would not remove the office north of the "gore." For several months after the appointment of Mr. Johnson, the Akron postoffice continued to "do business at the old stand," on Exchange street, much to the* delight of the southenders, and very greatly to the disagruntlement of the northenders, who were not backward in expressing their feeling to Mr. Johnson, both verbally and through the press. At length, some time in December, 1837, the confiding south- enders one morning suddenly awoke to the disagreeable and astounding fact, that the office had not only been removed, but that, not stopping to rest, for even a single moment, upon the "gore," it had gone "clean down" to their hated rival, "Cascade," into the building then owned by the late Col. Lewis P. Buckley, on the site of our present splendid postoffice structure. This high-handed act of "perfidy" and "treason" immediately called down the direst anathemas of the southenders upon the devoted head of the offending postmaster, the arraignment of whom, written by the late Jedediah D. Commins, and signed by 62 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. that gentleman and the late Judge Samuel A. Wheeler and Gen. Philo Chamberlin, as published in the American Balance, commences as follows: "The doctrine that a public servant is bound to resign when he finds himself unable, or unwilling-, to perform the duties of an office in the manner he had pledg^ed himself to those who were the active cause of his appoint- ment, has been long sanctified by the republicans of this country, and acted on b}' everj^ high-minded man, when he found himself so circumstanced." Afternearly a column of high sounding platitudes — "violation of solemn pledges," "plighted faith," "stung by the viper we had nour- ished in our bosoms," "stab in the dark," " forfeited honor," "^vant of gratitude," "gentlemanly feeling," "moral restraint," etc. — the man- ifesto concludes with several affidavits to the effect that the affiants had, at divers times and places, heard Mr. Johnson say that if he should receive the appointment, he would not remove the office north of the " gore," or stone quarry. To this severe castigation, Mr. Johnson, after a few prelim- inary observations, gets back at the gentlemen Avhose signatures are thereto attached as follow^s: "As your communication was intended to affect the public mind, not only in our own vicinity, but at a distance, it is proper that I should premise by informing the public by what and by whom my private as well as my public character has been w^antonly assailed. Is it -not true of one of 3'our number, that he has succeeded, to his entire satisfaction, in failing two or three tiines in the State of New York, and from the wreck has been able to establish two most splendid wholesale and retail stores in Ohio? In reg^ard to another, is it not true that there is a letter in town which asks if a note of some $.30 or $40, can be collected, which was g;iven before he absconded from the town of E., in Vermont ? " After much more similar verbiage, reflecting upon the honesty and credibility of his assailants, Postmaster Johnson continues as follows: "I will only add that where the parties to this transaction and the circumstances are known, I do not deprecate the righteous decision of a virtuous community — your allegations and affidavits to the contrary, notwithstanding." The editor of the Balance having declined to publish anything further on the subject, in a 16-page pamphlet, now^ in possession of the writer, Messrs. Commins, Wheeler and Chamberlin, in a lengthy rejoinder, including affidavits from Ferdinand Durand, C. P. McDonald, Dr. Dana D. Kvans, Asa Field, Jonathan Myers, George Howe, Joshua Catlin, Silas Anson, E. M. Chamberlin, Miner Spicer and Arad Kent, in opening, say: "In regard to what you are pleased to say about ourselves, it may be proper to remark that it does not become us to speak of our own standing in this com- munity, but whatever it may be, we have too much self-respect to notice your abusive epithets and innuendoes, further than to say, if our characters need defense from such vituperation, they are no longer worth our care." And ftirther on they clinch the matter against the offending P. M,, thus: "But it requires not the gift of prophecy to foretell that when your hair shall have been w^hitened by the frosts of a fe^v more winters, as you walk among inankind, and they shall hereafter see you niot^ing alone in the midst of society, with the brand of 'forfeited faith' burnt deep in your fore- head, you will regret, in the bitterness of your soul, the course you have taken in relation to this w^hole matter." DISSENSIONS HAPPILY ENDED. 63 But the fact remains that the Akron Postoffice u^as removed to "Cascade" just 54 years ago, and that, as water — then the most potent factor in the growth and maintenance of tow^ns and cities — ivoald run down hill, instead of up, the preponderance of business and industry were largely in its favor. Commins, Chamberlin and others of the original business men of the South End, had to suc- cumb to the inevitable, and a few years later removed their own business operations north of the "gore;" though the decadence in the volume and value of w^ater power, and the rapidly increasing use of steam, as a propelling agent, has, in these latter days, again brought to Ancient Akron, south of the "gore" and in fact to said "gore" itself, as well as to the ancient burgh of Middlebury, a high degree of business enterprise and prosperity, thus wonderfully demonstrating the truth of the old adnge that "the whirligig of time makes all things even," while the offending postmaster was elected Mayor of Akron in 1842 and 1843, afterw^ards went to Con- gress from the Ashland District, and was subsequently U. S. Land Commissioner, in Minnesota, where he still resides. The office was, a few years later, removed still further "down to"wn," and after several changes of location, was finally established in "Gothic Block," a view of vi^hich is here given, where it remained until removed to its present location, in 1871, as elsewhere stated. (iothic Ulock, erected by Ex-Mayor James Mathews, on present site of J. Koch & Go's Clothing Store.— From photo by George W. Maniey, 1861. 64 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. CHAPTER IV. THE BOOM AND THE COLLAPSE — POETKY VERSUS FACT— SPECULATION RAM- PANT— WONDERFUL ENHANCEMENT OF VALUES, AND STILL MORE WONDEK- FUL DECLINE— THE MORUS MULTICAULIS CRAZE— IMMENSE FORTUNES THAT DIDN'T MATERIALIZE— THE PANIC OF 1837— HARD TIMES. AS WAS HARD TIMES— THE SHIN-PLASTER ERA— DECIDEDLY A MIXED CURRENCY— THE "TRUCK AND DICKER" SYSTEM, ETC., ETC A l!)ECIDKD BOOM. In a Avork of this character, it will, of course, be impossible to present a strictly chronological narrative of the events to be treated of; consequently there will sometimes be, for the sake of continuity on the subject under immediate consideration, a reaching forw^ard, and at other times a backward movement, as to the order of occurrences herein recorded. Though the grow^th of Akron, notwithstanding its antagonisms, had hitherto, from its very inception, been almost phenomenal, in the West, for those early times, the location of the Pennsylvania and Ohio canal, com- monly known as the "Cross-cut" canal, from the Ohio River a short distance below Pittsburgh, to this point, gave an impetus to the boom w^hich has scarcely been exceeded in the later gold, silver, oil and gas booms of California, Colorado, Pennsvlvania and Ohio. While Howard and Market streets w^ere then, as now, the chief business streets in North Akron, the sticking of the stakes in Main street for the new^ canal, in 1835, caused the real estate upon that street, betw^een Mill and Tallmadge, streets more than quad- ruple in value in a verj^ short time; it being confidently believed that the completion of the canal would immediately" create a demand for large warehouses, and other business blocks, along the entire street. Such was also the case in South Akron, and lots abutting upon the canal, fronting on Main street, betw^een the present City Building and the Clarendon Hotel, were immediately and eagerly sought after, and contracted for (but not alwaj^s paid for) at almost fabulous prices, both on speculation and by persons w^ho reall}^ designed to improve and occupy them on the completion of the canal; one substantial three-story brick block having actualh^ been built, and the store-room filled with goods, by Mr. Benjamin W. Stephens, on the present site of Merrill's pottery, the south end of which is part of the original building. Money, such as it Avas, -was plenty, and credit was seemingly lavished upon all who asked for it; large stocks of goods were ordered, and stores and other business enterprises rapidly increased so that, in the early part of the 3^ear 1836, the tow^n was seemingly upon the very apex of the high road to prosperity and wealth. A local poet (Mr. Milo Fuller, brother of the late well-known "Doctor" Isaiah Fuller) voiced the popular enthusiasm and con- POETRY VERSUS FACT. 65 licience in Akron's future, in the following "jingle," which we find in a local journal of the time: "AKRON IN 1840." Hail lovely city! Thy unrivalled powers, Thy feathered waters and thy lofty towers. Thy stately cars in their majestic flight. Thy rumblins coach, fast rolling through the night, Thy hundred wheels that raise the factor's tlin. Thy boat, swift gliding round each nt)ok and Ivnn, • Thy growing greatness and thy busy clan, Froclaiiii to all, the enterprise of man! A few days since, in this now peaceful glen. The wild-beast lurked securely in his den. The stately savage, with his dart and bow. With dauritless step pursued his stealthy foe; The serpent's hiss, the war-song and the" yell. Was oft re-echoed from each hill and dell. And in this vale from which yon Summit rose. The panther crouched, and safely sought repose, The gloom of darkness, as in sable night, Hung o'er this valley and obscured the sight. Where Nature saw would rise, in grandeur d rest. The great, unrivaled Princess of the West. The white man came, the savage Indian fled. The wild-beast started from his leafy bed; The war-song ended when the mighty blow. Of Eastern genius laid the forest low; Yon rugged hills, that sought the sky in vain. Fell by the shock, and formed a pleasant plain; Hence grew this citj', which unrivaled stands. A beacon-light to all l>eniglited lands. Here, Science reigns and guides the statesman's quill. And Arts develop all their wondrous skill; Here, Virtue sits enthroned in robes divine, . With modest Beauty kneeling at her shrine; Here, Pleasure, too, with all her matchless charms. Invites the youth, and calls them to her arms. And gently whispers to each mirthful son, ' The banquet's open for your sport and fun ; While all things grand and pleasing to the eye. Allure the traveler as he passes by. And with glad accents from his weary breast. He hails a home, a refuge and a rest. Thus has Dame Fortune from her bounteous store. Poured forth her treasures on this happy shore. And every breeze from every sun-lit laiid. Is wafting blessings with a liberal hand. And all the world with honor deigns to bless, THE GREAT A.\D MIGHTY LOWELL OF THE WEST. The foregoing doggerel was, as before intimated, a true index of the prognostications, as to both its proximate and ultimate great- ness, indulged in by the average citizen of Akron, in 1835-6. Btjt, alas ! hov^ uncertain are human calculations and human prophe- cies. Not only the new and snappy town of Akron, but the entire •country was at that period on a tiigh pressure boom; all making haste to get rich, but to be overtaken by the inevitable sequence of over-production, over-trading and excessive speculation — irretriev- able collapse — the now historical panic of 1837. So disastrous was the collapse in Akron that only two or three, out of the score or more of the mercantile establishments of the town, maintained their financial integrity, while real estate sank in value almost out of sight. To such an extent did this deprecia- tion fall, and continue, that, in 1839, the writer leased from Col. Justus Gale the lot on Main street now covered by the handsome new brick blocks of Augustus Warner and K. G. Kubler, and from Mr. Nathan B. Dodge the adjoining lot upon the north, now occu- pied by Paige Brothers' magnificent stone front block, for which 66 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. $1,(H)() each had been paid in 1835, for the period of five years, for tlie payment of the taxes; w^hile hundreds of lots, (thus pur- chased at boom prices, either reverted to the original oAvners or Avere sold for taxes. GENERAL MONETARY CRASH. At that period the most of the banks of the countr^^ were chartered under loosely-constructed State laws, the greater por- tion of them being what were properly denominated " Red Dog," or "Wildcat" institutions. When the crash came, all the banks of the country, good, bad and indifferent, immediately suspended specie payment, and gold and silver, ^vhich had been in fair supply dur- ing the flush times, at once almost entirely disappeared from circulation. Many of the banks failed out-right, and the large vol- ume of the notes of such banks then in the hands of the people, became entirely worthless. Others maintained a partial standing, their notes for a time being taken by merchants in exchange for merchandise, at discounts ranging froin 10 to 90 per cent. This condition of things . continued for several years. The Beacon of June loth, 1842, giving quotations of discounts as foUow^s: Mechanics' and Traders' bank of Cincinnati, 10; Marietta, 10; Chilicothe, 20; Franklin bank of Columbus, 20; Lancaster, 20; Com- mercial Bank of Lake Erie, 40; Farmers' Bank of Canton, 50; Hamilton, 60; Cleveland, 70; Steubenville, 75; Urbana, 75; Gran- ville, 80; Ohio Railroad, 85. As indicative of the dire financial distress of the entire country, particularly Akron and Summit County, at that period. The Beacon of November 2, 1842, contains five full pages of delinquent taxes, while wheat is quoted at 50 cents per bushel, and a year or so later a single number of The Beacon advertises 54 sheriff sales. A few of the old banks of the country, though suspending spe- cie payment, maintained their financial standing, among which, in this vicinity, were the old Western Reserve, at Warren; Banks of Geauga, Massillon, Wooster, Norwalk, Sandusky, etc., (Akron hav- ing no bank at that time). The notes of these banks were readily taken at par in all commercial transactions, though being extremely conservative as to discounts, their limited issues were entirely inadequate to meet the Avants of the people in their abso- lutely necessary business transactions. Then came into existence, all over the countrj^, a class of local "shinplaster" factories, from which small notes for circulation were issued, payable, not in specie, but in current bank notes, the most of these institutions purporting t<^ be based upon real estate securities. Of this class, noAV readily recalled to mind by the wri- ter, were the "Kirtland Safety Fund Bank," under the auspices of the original Mormon prophet, Joe Smith; "The Orphan's Institute," at Canal Fulton; "The Cuyahoga Falls Real Estate Association;" ''The Medina Land Company;" "The Munroe Falls Manufacturing Comj^any;" "The Franklin Silk Company," etc. THE MORUS MULTICAULIS CRAZE. This latter institution was based upon the silk culture craze that then prevailed in many sections of the countr3^ viritli which the people of Munroe Falls, Franklin Mills (now Kent), and other THE " SHINPLASTER " ERA. 67 ♦ places in this vicinity were severely smitten — village lots, as w^ell as farm lands, being held and sold at fabulous prices. Immense cocooneries were l)uilt, and everybody having land went into the raising of the moras niulticaulis variety of the mulberry tree, on ■which to feed the silk w^orms. A wealthy farmer b^'' the name of Barber Clark, a short dis- tance east of the village of Franklin Mills, made arrangements to devote his entire farm to the business, and among other like transactions, contracted with Joy H. Pendleton, Esq., now^ of the Second National Bank of this city, then residing there, for all the young trees of a single year's growth, that he could raise for three years, at 25 cents each for the first year, 15 cents for the second year and 10 cents for the third year. As they could readily be groAvn from slips, or cuttings, it will be seen that Pendleton had a mighty good thing of it, (in his eye). The first year the plant was comparatively small, but the second year he w^as on hand with some $3000 worth, and by the third year he would have realized, under his contract, about $50,000. But, alas! for human calcula- tions and, alack! for Pendleton and Clark. The bottom suddenly'- fell out of the silk business; Clark \vas irretrievably bankrupted and Pendleton not only did not realize his $50,000, but absolutely lost, from Clark's failure, about $20(X) of the $3000 already earned, and, considering the outlay he had made, was probably consider- ably out of pocket by the operation. In the general dearth of real monej'', the bills of these local institutions circulated more or less freely, in the traffic of the vicinit}^ where they were issued, and to a limited extent in more remote localities. Being redeemable in sums of not less than five dollars, holders of lesser sums at length found it difficult to get rid of them, giving rise to a brood of street brokers, w^ho would buy them up at a discount, paying for them, perhaps, in the equally w^orthless notes of the "Bank of Pontiac," or "River Raisin," of Michigan, or simular red-dog "currency." When these speculators began to pass in their accumulations for redemption, the shinplaster fabricators were found to be decid- edly short of "current bank notes" wherewith to redeem their promises to pay, and speedily fell into disrepute and eventual failure. The Franklin Silk Compan^^ was an exception to this rule; the late Zenas Kent, father of the Hon. Marvin Kent, then a substantial merchant in Ravenna, being a large stockholder in the company in question, rendered the value of its notes certain and their redeinption sure. Owing to the scarcity of coin, merchants, hotel-keepers and other business men, issued considerable amounts of a species of private "fractional currency," payable on demand in their own wares, or in current bank bills, when presented in sums of one dollar or its multiple. These however, unlik^ the majority of the class above named, were pretty generally re leemed, in one or the other of the modes indicated upon their face. In fact, so uncertain was every species of "currency," that people at length became, distrustful of even the very best, and preferred to exchange such commodities as they raised, or manu- factured, for such fabrics or produce as they themselves needed; and even if a man got hold of a dollar or two in "currency," he would hasten to get it off his hands the same day, lest he should 08 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. • wake up the next morning to find that the bank had failed during" the night. Hence, the inauguration of the "truck and dicker'' system that w^ill be so vividly- remembered bj^ the older portion of my readers, and which was operated something as follows: Country produce w^as bought b}^ all our merchants, and invar- iably paid for in goods, or credited on running accounts, farmers, in turn, paying their help, farm hands and mechanics, whom they employed or dealt with, in their own products, or in orders upon the stores. There were a number of woolen factories then running^ in the town and vicinitj^ and "sheep's gray" cloth, was almost a "legal tender" in the transaction of nearly every kind of business, while the goods and wares of the numerous stove founders of the town, were of almost equal potency as factors of trade and com- merce. How^ was it done? Something like this: A carriage maker, for instance, would sell a ^wagon or buggy to the factory or foundrj^ man, and agree to take his pa^^ in cloth or castings. Then he Avould trade off his cloth or his castings for lumber, wood, coal, horses, hay, oats, beef, pork, potatoes, apples, butter, cheese, poultry,, eggs, etc., or perhaps sell a roll of cloth at a discount to a merchant to be paid for in goods. Then, in turn, he w^ould pay his hands in sheep's gray, farm produce, orders on stores, furniture dealers,, tailors, shoemakers, butchers, etc. In payment for his ne^v wagon or carriage, the farmer would turn in ten or a dozen fat steers,, w^hich the wagon maker would pass over to the butcher to be paid for in daily steaks and roasts for the famil3^ of the ^vagon maker and his hands. And this system of exchange entered into all the ramifications of business, agricultural, manufacturing, mechanical and com- mercial, and to a great extent into real estate transactions; the w^riter once taking in part payment for a house and lot on HoAvard street, 40 brass clocks, ^vhich in turn, were traded off to the lumber dealers, the stone mason, the carpenter, the brick mason and the plasterers, for the erection of another house on the lot next north of the new Baptist Church on South Broad\vay. Individuals and firms doing thousands of dollars worth of busi- ness per year, would thus sometimes go weeks at a time without handling scarcely a dollar in money. During a good portion of the time covered by this financial and commercial depression, the w^ri- ter was engaged in the publication of a small paper in the interest of which he personally canvassed the most of the towns and villages of Northern Ohio, and in about the proportion of nine to one, pay- ments for subscription and advertising ^vere made in trade, woolen cloths, calicoes, sheetings, shirtings, furnishing goods, boots, shoes, tinware, saddlery, etc., which in turn w^ere traded for paper, >vood, coal, farm produce, etc., for the use of his own and his printers' families. This state bf affairs was, in manj- respects, a very whole- some experience and discipline for both the business man and the farmer, mechanic and laborer of the da^^, inasmuch as the con- stant figuring and ingenuity required to transmute such commodi- ties as he could get for his own labor or j^roducts, but for which he had no use, into such articles as he really did need, had a tendency to sharpen both his intellectual and his business faculties, while at the same time it inculcated habits of the strictest industry and the most rigid economy of both individuals and families. IMPRISONMEXT FOR DEBT. 69 Of course, merchants had to have sonje inoney to make their purchases in the Bast, though these were largely made with wool and other produce taken from the farmer in exchange for goods. Mechanics would also need to have a little money, to huy their iron, steel, paints, etc., and in making their contracts Avould have to stipulate accordingly, a liberal amount of good Kastern money finding its way into circulation here, during the Summer, in the purchase of wheat, >vool, etc. There being no railroads in those days, transportation of every description from the East to the West, and from the West to the East, Avas entirely suspended for nearly one-half of the j'^ear; the writer, on getting married and going to housekeeping in November (1838), being obliged to hire beds and bedding to use through the Winter, until the provident young lady, who had consented to unite her destiny with his, could get her own liberal collection of such articles, from her former home in the State of New York; on the opening of navigation in the Spring. And dire, indeed, was the condition of the poor weight w^ho w^as so unfortunate as to be indebted to a heartless creditor; and the town and count}^ was then, as now, perhaps, cursed Avith a class of Shy- locks, who not only stood ready to prey upon the necessities of their felloAVS, but to invariably insist upon the "pound of flesh," if the victim found himself unable to meet the fullest requirements of his bond, or of the inhuman and oppressive laws then in vogue. There >vas then no exemption of real estate from execution, and but about $20 worth of personal property, such as furniture, per- sonal clothing, etc. In one instance in the South Village, in Decem- ber, 1838, and which created the most intense excitement in the community, as well as severe newspaper comment, in collecting a small store account from a hard-working mechanic, the creditor caused the Sheriff to levy upon everything he could find in and about the house — furniture, meat, flour, potatoes, beans, apples, etc., and even the cradle of a sick infant and the vsrashtub which con- tained its soiled linen, the family books, the ax from the scanty wood pile, etc., and when, in setting off the exemptions, the wife of the debtor wanted them to include a portion of the provisions, the creditor objected, because the law exempted clothing and furniture only. The law then sanctioned imprisonment for debt, and if the creditor chose to do so, by paying a dollar or two a week for board, to the Sheriff, he could cAst his debtor into jail for an indefinite period, unless he could prevail upon some friend to sign a bond admitting him to the limits of the county, in which case, if he but stepped over the count}^ line for a single moment, the bondsman would become liable for the entire debt. Under this barbarous law, Mr. Charles W. Howard, one of Akron's pioneer manufacturers and merchants, and for whom our well-known and well-used How- ard street was named, was, in 1837, incarcerated in the jail of Portage County for nearly a year, at the instance of the local attorneys of the well-remembered New York dry goods firm of Tappan, Edwards &c Co., the senior member of which firm — Arthur Tappan — was the best known philanthropist and promoter of the Anti slavery cause, and other humanitarian and benevolent enter- prises, of half a century ago. Of course, in the extensive operations of the firm, Mr, Tappan had no personal knowledge of this particu- lar transaction, but, on the contrary, it was said that on his atten- 70 AKKOX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. tion being calltxl to the matter, through certain strictures in the Httle paper, devoted to the righting of similar wrongs, which the Avriter \v^as then pubHshing (the "Buzzard") Mr. Howard's dis- charge was at once ordered. Be this as it may, Mr. H. n^as released from custody, either by such order, or by the repeal of the law in question, in March 1838. Mr. How^ard's case was, bj^ no means, the only case, in wdiich citizens of early Akron and contiguous villages, suffered imprisonment for debt, though in most of the cases so long a confinement, or perhaps any actual incarceration, was obvi- ated b}^ furnishing the required bond, giving them the range of the county— thus, of course, affording them the privilege of being with their families and of pursuing their customarj^ vocations. It will thus be seen — and those of my contemporaries who have lived through them all, will bear me out in the assertion — that the "hard times" resulting from the panics of 1873 to 1877, and from 1883 to 1887, were unalloyed prosperity, compared with the disas- trous nine years' panic and financial and commercial depression, from 1837 to 1846. As may readily be imagined, during that dark period in its history, Akron made but cpmparatively slow progress; though even then, it pluckily more than held its ow^n A\ath its sister towns in Ohio, and of the West generally. View from near residence of Mr. Lorenzo Hall, "West Hill," looking northeast.— From ijhoto. by G. W. Manley, 1*^70. THE "cross-cut" canal. 71 CHAPTER V. EAKLY INTER STATE EXTEKPKISE -THE "CKOvSS-CUT" CANAL GEN. PEKKLXS, JinxJE KLXG ANl) DOCTOR CROSBY ITS ACTIVE PROMOTERS CHARTER OBTALNEI) IN 1827 PRELIMINARY SURVEY -EIGHT YEARS' SLUMBER PRO- JECT REVIVED OHIO A LARGE STOCKHOLDER -DELAYED BY PANIC OF 1837 -CHANGE OF ROUTE MERGED WITH CASCADE MILL RACE— GREAT EXPEC- TATIONS COMPLETED AT LAST FIRST BOAT TO MIDDLEBURY FIRST BOAT FROM PITTSBURG GRAND CELEBRATION MAGNIFICENT RECEPTION TO GOV. PORTER OF PENNSYLVANIA BANQUET. SPEECHES, TOASTS, ETC. - DEATH OF EXCURSIONIST FROM APOPLEXY EARLY MODES OF TRANSl'OR- TATION CANAL PROSPEROUSLY OPENED— ADVERSITY AND DECLINE SWALLOWED BY THE MAHONING RAILROAD LEASED TO AKRON HYDRAULIC COMPANY NOCTURNAL NAUGHTINESS -BANKS CUT AND WATER DRAWN OFF— CHARTER FORFEITED— CANAL SOLD— MORE NIGHT WORK— FINAL DEMISE— RAILROAD BUILT UPON ITS RUINvS, ETC., ETC. PENNSYLVANIA AND OHIO CANAL. UP to 1840, the only access to, or egress from, Akron, except by wagon, etc., was by the Ohio Canal, completed from Akron to Cleveland in 1827, and through to the Ohio river in 1830. As early as 1825, however, the project of constructing a canal from the Ohio river, a short distance below Pittsburg, to connect wnth the Ohio canal, then just commenced, at the Portage Summit, began to be agitated, a meeting of prominent citizens of Trumbull and Portage counties, in the furtherance of that project, being held at Ravenna, November 6, 1825, Gen. Simon Perkins, of Warren, and Dr. Eliakim Crosby, of Middlebury, being placed upon the com- mittee to collect information as to the most favorable route, etc. The ensuing Winter, a bill was introduced in the Ohio Legis- lature to incorporate the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal Company, "for the sole purpose of making a navigable canal between some suitable point on the Ohio river, through the valley of the Mahgning river, to some suital)le point on Lake Erie, or to some point on the Ohio Canal," said act to go into effect when the Legislature of Pennsylvania should pass a similar act, but final action upon the bill w^as postponed until the next session. The people along the line now^ became "terribly in earnest" on the subject, and numerous meetings were held at Beaver, New Castle, Warren, Ravenna, Franklin Mills, Middlebury, etc., in which Gen. Perkins, Judge King, Dr. Crosbj'^, Judge Wetmore and others participated, and on the 10th day of January, 1827, the bill passed the Ohio Legislature, with Jonathan Sloane, of Ravenna, and Frederick Wadsworth, of Kdinl)urg (afterwards for many years a resident of Akron), as the corporators for Portage Count}', a sim- ilar bill passing the Pennsylvania Legislature the following April. Outside of preliminary surveys, under the auspices of the Canal Commissioners of Pennsylvania and Ohio, nothing further was accomplished for the period of nearly eight years. Interest in the project at length having revived, on the 20th day of February, 1835, the charter was renewed with an amend- 72 AKK<.).\ AXD SUMMIT COUNTY. merit, giving the company ten years from December 31, 1835, in which to complete the work; Pennsylvania taking similar action April 13, 1835. East side Main street, South of Market, showing section of old Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, and ruins of Ohio Exchange— 1855— from photo, by S. J. Miller. The Company was organized at Newcastle, May 21, 1835, with Judge Leicester King as a director, and as the Secretary; Col. Sebr^ied Dodge (afterwards owner of the "Dodge farm," three miles west of Akron), being appointed Chief Engineer. The State having promised to take one dollar of the stock of the company, for every two dollars subscribed b}" private parties. Judge King pushed the matter so vigorously, both at home and in Pittsburg, Philadelphia, etc., that he was soon enabled to report private subscriptions to the amount of $840,000, the State promptly responding in the sum of $420,000; the Pennsylvania Legislature, in 1839, contributing $50,000 for th*e completion of the work. In those days the present system of exchange was not in vogue, nor ^vere there responsible express companies everywhere in operation, as now, and on his return from his successful canvass for stock subscriptions in Philadelphia, he brought with him, over the mountains, several hundred thousand dollars of gold and paper money in a common leather satchel, an exploit that would, be considered very risky now, w^ith all our improved police regulations and methods of travel. , Though pushed quite vigorously for two or three years, for those comparatively slow times, the work was somewhat retarded by the panic of 1837, owing to the difficulty of collecting stock installments, so that the canal was not fully completed and opened to through navigation until the spring of 1840, though portions at either end were in use as early as May, 1839. The project, originally, contemplated running the canal directly through Middlebury, with its western terminus ahov^e Lock One, on the Ohio Canal. This would have entirely given Cuyahoga Falls and North Akron the go-by. But in the interven- COMPLETION OF THE WORK. 73 iiig years a material change of interest had taken place with Gen. Perkins, Judge King, Dr. Crosby and several others of its early promoters, which, together with some engineering difficulties $^V \'ie\v of North Main street from Market, showing old Pennsylvania and Oiifo Canal, Market street canal bridge, etc.,— 1875. Under this arrangement, and to somewhat mitigate the disap- pointment of the Middleborians, a side-cut was constructed, following the race from the junction southward to the mills and warehouses in that village. The first boat to navigate the western end of the new canal, was the "Joseph Vance," which, on May 9, 1839, carrying a jolly load of passengers, sailed from the junction, in South Akron, making a triumphant entry into the "port" of Middlel)ur3', amid the joyful plaudits of the people of that ancient metropolis. It was not only supposed that this canal would greatly inure to the advantage of the towns and villages, through which it passed, but that Pittsburg, Philadelphia and other |)oints in Pennsylvania, as well as Cleveland, Columbus and other points in Ohio, and further west and south, would be largely benefited therebv. 74 AKK(1X AND SUMMIT COUNTY. On this point, the Beacon of Mua" 6, 1839, said: "This canal will be of very great importance to the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburg. In the Spring goods can be brought from Philadelphia four or five weeks earlier than by the New York Canal, which will make a vast difference with merchants who live far in the interior, who are naturally impatient at tlie long interruption to navigation w^hich now occurs between the West and New York; and all the Kastern purchases will find their way to their destination by this route!" the idea also being advanced that during the long seasons of suspension of navigation, by reason of low w^ater in the upper Ohio, shipments of merchandise and products to the lower Ohio and Mississippi could be made over this route; a Pittsburg paper of about this date, saying: "This very important canal will oj^en to our city the trade of Warren, Akron, Massillon, Cleveland, and all the north and western portions of the flourishing State of Ohio; also of the lakes and Michigan, New York, Canada, etc." View of P. and O. Canal, South Main street from rear of Howard—the dwellinif «ind clothes-yard in foreground, being the present site of O'Xeil & Dyas' store. On the eastern division, the first trip from Beaver to Warren \vas made by the packet "Ontario," May 23, 1839, quite a jollifica- tion taking place on its arrival; among the impromptu toasts offered and responded to, being: "Judge Leicester King and Col. Sebried Dodge, to whom the public is much indebted for the early comple- tion of this part of the P. & O. Canal, in which they have done the company great justice, and themselves much credit!" The first boat through from Beaver, freighted with mer- chandise from Pittsburg, mostly iron, nails, glass, etc., arrived in Akron, April 4, 1840, on noticing v^hich fact the Beacon said: "Pennsylvania and Ohio are no^v united by a canal w^hich prom- ises to be of immense benefit to both, and the citizens of Akron should felicitate themselves upon the completion of this impor- tant work, which, from its termination at this point, cannot but be of great importance to our already flourishing tow^n." In May, 1840, Judge King, Secretary of the company, success- fully negotiated, at par, in Philadelphia, a sufficient amount of ENTHUSIASTIC CELEBRATION. 75 the bonds of the company to cancel its floating indebtedness and place it upon a firm financial foundation, with abundant funds to fully complete the line. * At a meeting of the Board of Directors, at Warren, June 18, 1840, it was resolved to celebrate the completion of the work, all along the line, and a committee of arrangements was appointed, consisting of Judge Leicester King, Hon. David Tod, Jonathan Sloane, Ksq., and Col. Sebried Dodge; the programme being for the boats to start from Newcastle, Pa., at 6 o'clock a. m., August 4, proceed to Youngstown for dinner, and to Warren the same evening; leave Warren at 6 A. m., Ailgust 5, dine at Ravenna, and arrive at Franklin Mills (noAv Kent) the same evening; August 6 leave Franklin at 7 A. m., and Avith brief stops at Munroe Falls, and Cuyahoga Falls, proceed directly to the junction of the two canals, in South Akron. The programme Avas successfully carried out. The Pennsyl- vania party, including Gov. David R. Porter, were met at the State line, by delegations from Warren and Youngstown, and Avere warmly welcomed to Ohio, by Judge King (in the absence of Gov. Wilson Shannon who had promised to be present), which was fittingly responded to by Gov. Porter. Similar ceremonies w^ere observed at Youngstown, w^here the party dined, Avith a banquet, speeches, toasts, etc., at Warren in the evening. The next day, at Ravenna, a dinner was given the excur- sionists with an address of welcome by Hon. Darius Lyman, and responses by Gov. Porter and Col. Dickey, of Beaver, and in the evening, a supper and reception were given the party on its arrival at Franklin Mills. The next day, making a brief halt at Munroe Falls, where the villagers and surrounding farmers made the welkin ring with cheers and shouts of joy, the party, on arriving at Cuyahoga Falls, were escorted by a band of music, to the American House, where an enthusiastic reception, with a bounteous collation, w^as given them, with an eloquent address of welcome from Hon Elisha N. Sill, and spirited responses from Gov. Porter, Col. Dickey, Judge King and others. Soon after leaving Cuyahoga Falls, the party was met by a boat carrying Akron's reception committee and other promi- nent citizens, when the entire fleet, consisting of six new and freshly painted boats, with banners and pennants flying, to the music of the Akron Brass Band, led by the late Henry S. Abbey, drove gayly into Akron, amid the plaudits of the multitude who lined both banks of the canal from Tallmadge to Mill streets, and as soon as the lockage at the latter point could be made, continued on to final destination, in the lower basin of the Ohio Canal in South Akron, where an equally demonstrative crowd welcomed its arrival with booming cannon and prolonged and enthusiastic cheers. The six boats were drawn up side by side on the east side of the basin, many other boats already in the basin, quietly drawing near, when in the presence of the large concourse of people upon the shore and surrounding boats, Hon. Rufus P. Spalding deliv- ered an eloquent address of welcome to the distinguished visitors, and of congratulation to the officers of the company, at the final consummation of the great work whose completion they were met to 76 AKKOX AXL) SUMMIT COUXTY. <:elel)rate, to which an equally eloquent and happy response was made in behalf of the visiting party, by Governor Porter. At the conclusion of the exercises at the basin, the visitors were transferred to carriages, and, headed by the band and the Summit Guards, commanded by Capt. Philo Chamberlin, and fol- lovi^ed by nearly the entire populace, were escorted to the Univer- salist Church, on North High street, where Judge King, on behalf of the directors, made a concise report of the work which had been so successfully accomplished, and of the highly satisfactory condi- tion and prospects of the company, Mr. King being foUow^ed by Tarief and spirited congratulatory speeches from Hon. David Tod, Gov. Porter, Hon. E N. Sill and others. At the close of the exercises at the church, the party repaired to the spacious hall in the third story of May's block (the present Clarenden Hotel), where a sumptuous dinner had been spread by that ancient prince of hotelists, Mr. Samuel Edgerly (father of Mrs. B. F. Battels and Charles H. Edgerly). Here the balance of the afternoon was spent in feasting, drink- ing, toasting and speaking, in which both visitors and citizens heartil}^ participated. Upon the Akron boat had been borne an elegant silk banner, upon which, in the line of his early artistical profession, the writer had painted in gilt, two right hands clasped underneath the legend, ^'Pennsylvania and Ohio." Tow^ards the close of the festivities, Mr. Spalding, offering as a sentiment: "Pennsylvania and Ohio, distinguished by unity of interest, unity pf principle and unity of friendship," presented the flag in question to Gov. Porter, "as a slight testimonial of the respect entertained for him by the citizens of Akron, and as a memento, in subsequent life, of the joj^ful festivi- ties of the day." On receiving the flag, the Governor feelingly responded, expressing his great gratification at the kindness of his reception by the people of Ohio, and especially at the extreme cordiality that had been extended to him by the citizens of Akron and Summit Count)'. Much w^onderment, and very great regret, w^as indulged in over the absence of Governor Shannon, after his unqualified agreement to honor the occasion with his presence, and on his non-appear- ance, without explanation, it was feared that he had l^een suddenly taken severely ill. But when it soon afterwards transpired that, on the very days when the festivities named were in progress, the Governor was in attendance upon political meetings in the south part of the State, making stump speeches in behalf of his own re-election, the indignation hereabouts w^as both intense and emphatic, aiding to some extent, no doubt, in compassing his defeat. A previous historical writer has given the date of the celebration as 1841, and Gov. Thomas Corwin as the delinquent official, an error that should be corrected, as Gov. Shannon was defeated by Mr. Corwin, at the ensuing October election after his shabby treatment of Gov. Porter and the people of Northeastern Ohio. In the evening of the celebration in Akron, as above related, there was an impromptu reception, with rather a late supper, accompanied with the usual liquid refreshments then so univer- sally in vogue, at the Ohio Exchange, on the present site of Woods' block, corner Main and Market streets. The visitors retiring to. IX vSUCCESSFUL OPEKATION. 77 their several raoms at rather a late hour, were not very early astir in the morning, and when finally assembled for breakfast, Major General Seeley, of Warren, was found to be absent. A friend going to his room to call him found him dead, from an attack of apoplexy" during the night. The General was 70 ^^ears of age, of genial man- ners, and a great favorite, his sudden and unexpected death, creating great excitement and the profoundest sorrow among his fellow- excursionists, as well as the citizens of Akron and other towns along the line of the canal generally. But sometimes the most serious event has a comical side to it. A middle-aged son of the General, a phj'sician by profession, being bibulously inclined, not having entirely recovered from theindulg- encies of the night previous, on being informed of his father's death, broke out into an uncontrollable and hysterical fit of weeping. A lady acquaintance of the family, a former resident of Warren, then living in Akron, endeavored to comfort him, urging him to cease weeping and control his feelings, but the Doctor, in his maudlin phrenzy, pathetically exclaimed : " Why, I — ^I — I always cry w^hen my dear father dies ! " Among the incorporators and active promoters of the enter- prise w^as a rather eccentric and somewhat profane lawyer, of Ravenna, named Jonathan Sloane, and when the sudden death of Gen. Seeley, who was one of his most intimate friends, was dis- closed to him, rubbing his hands together he gleefuU}^ exclaimed: "Dom'd fine! Dom'd fine! Went out of the w^orld with his belly full of beefsteak and brandy!" Hitherto transportation of iron, steel, nails, glass and other Philadelphia snd Pittsburg manufactures and merchandise, com- ing into Nortern Ohio, had to be made overland in "Conestoga w^agons" — immense schooner-like affairs, drawn by four, six and eight horses — the products of this region, black salts, potash, w^ool,. cheese, flour, etc., etc., being in like manner transported thither. Among the .commanders of this class of crafts, the writer remem- bers, Mr. Peter More, of Sharon, (father of the well-known cattle- king, More Brothers, of California), Mr. George Grouse, of Tall- madge, afterwards of Green, (father of ex-Congressman G. W. Crouse) and Mr. Patrick Christy, of Springfield, (father of Messrs. James and John H. Christy), Mr. James Christy himself making an occa- sional trip both with his father and by himself. Indeed, the writer, then with a brother running the carriage making and painting business on the present site, of the Paige block, on South Main street, made several excursions to Pittsburg with a four-horse rig, for iron, steel, paints and other supplies, in 1839-40, previous to the completion of the canal. The opening of the canal to navigation, as above narrated, changed all this, quite large warehouses being erected upon its banks, at Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and other points, for the storage and forwarding of produce and merchandise through the large num- ber of boats that immediately commenced plying thereon. For 12 or 15 years receipts for tolls were quite satisfactory, and several small dividends upon the stock were declared and paid. The tolls received at Akron amounted to about $7,000, in 1852; over $8,000, in 1853; and nearly $9,000, in 1855; quite large shipments being made by this route between Pittsburg and Cleveland, Mas- sillon, etc. 78 AKROX AND SUMMIT COUXTY. In the ttieantitne, however, railroad competition had come in, the completion of the Cleveland and Pittsburg, and the Akron branch, in 1852, very materially interfering with the canal, and the building of the Mahoning Valley road, from Cleveland to Youngs- town, a few years later, seriously crippling its resources and impairing its usefulness and prosperit}^. In 1862, under a resolution adopted by the Legislature, in 1858, the Sinking Fund Commissioners sold the $420,000 worth of the stock of the canal owned l)y the State, to the Mahoning road for $35,000, which with stock previously secured from private parties, at equally low rates, gave that company a controlling interest in the canal. From that moment its doom ^vas sealed; transportation rates largely discriminating in favor of the road and against the canal being adopted, traffic upon the latter soon almost entirely ceased. It will be remembered that in the erection of the canal, the Cascade Mill race, from Middlebury to Akron, had been merged therein, under an arrangement that gave the mills the advantage of the surplus or lockage waters from the canal. So when, in 1867, the Legislature authorized the company to abandon or lease any portion of the canal it might deem advisable, the Akron Hydraulic Company leased, in perpetuity, all that portion of the canal between the Portage summit, near Ravenna, (including the reser- voirs, feeders, etc.), and Akron, with the view of mantaining the full supply of water that had hitherto, since the constructing of the canal, accrued to their several mills. By a provision of the charter, any portion of the canal not used for navigation purposes for the period of one year, became forfeited, the lands covered thereby reverting to their original o\vners. The middle and eastern portion having thus gone into disuse, its stag- nant^waters were drained off by contiguous land owners, and its bed and banks largely brought under cultivation The Akron Hydraulic Company, however, fully maintained its rights, under the charter, and its lease, by keeping the section between Akron and Ravenna in repair, and passing an occasional boat along its channel. In the meantime, the people of Cuyahoga Falls, feeling that not only Avas the health of the neighborhood being imperiled by the comparative stagnation of its waters, but that a large proportion of w^hat water did pass, was just so much wrongfully kept from the Avheels of their own mills and manufac- tories, in the Spring or early Summer of 1868, the bank of the canal w^as clandestinel}^ cut in three several places, both at, above and below that village, by which the entire waters of the long level between Kent and the nine locks were drawn off into the river. The Hydraulic Company several times repaired the breaches thus made, and sought to protect them by stationing watchmen along the line, but as often Tvould the waters nij'sterioasli^ " per- colate" through the soft earth, and wash it out again. In this way the fatal year was permitted to pass, without a resumption of navigation, and quo vrarranto proceedings were at length brought in the Supreme Court, in 1872, under which Gen. A. C. Voris, of Akron, and Hon. Samuel Quinby, of Warren, ^vere appointed trustees to sell the property, rights, franchises, etc., of the Canal Company to the highest bidder, which Avas accordingly done, in September, 1873, for the sum of $38,000, the Mahoning Railroad CANAL ABANDONED. 79 Company, being the sole beneficiary of the sale. This sale did not, of course, affect the rights of the mill men in that portion con- nected with the original mill race, between Middlebury and Akron, nor the short section, between the junction with the race, in Main street, and the Ohio Canal basin in South Akron, the ben- efits of whose waters, through the Mill street Lock, the mill owners still for some years continued to enjoy. To this enjoyment the South Main street people, through whose lands the canal ran, put in an emphatic demurrer one night, in the Spring of 1874, by filling the canal with earth at the Exchange street bridge, and tapping the towing path at one or two points further North, and discharging the waters of the level upon the bottom lands, and into the Ohio Canal ou the ^vest. Legal proceedings against the supposed nocturnal violators of the law were instituted, but finally abandoned, and that portion of the canal also reverted to the contiguous land owners, and the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, as such, became a thing of the past, and its bed and banks, from New^castle Junction to Akron are now covered by the tracks of the Pittsburg &c Western Railway, as fully set forth in another chapter. The conception of the scheme, however, ^was a grand one, and one which, through the sagacity and enterprise of Gen. Perkins, Judge King, Dr. Crosby and their contemporaries, did its full share towards establishing the commercial and manufacturing reputation and importance of Akron, Middlebury and Cuyahoga Falls, and but for the advent of that still more potent factor of human enterprise and progress — the modern railroad — w^ould still have been one of the cherished institutions of the State, and a source of profit to its proprietors. As a mill race, however, conveying the waters of the Little Cuyahoga river, Springfield Lake, etc., from Ancient Middlebury, now the populous Sixth Ward, of Akron, to the several extensive flouring mills of the city, it is still doing valuable service, though hidden from sight by a substantial conduit through Main, and that portion of Mill street, east of Howard. Peace to the "ashes" of the Pennsvlvania and Ohio Canal! 8() AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. CHAPTER VL THE PORTAGE CANAL AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OR THE " CHUCKER Y " ENTERPRISE — A MAMMOTH SCHEME— SUPERIOR SAGACITY AND ENGINEER- ING SKILL' OF AKRON'S GREAT BENEFACTOR, DR. ELIAKIM CROSBY- -" SUMMIT CITY" FIFTEEN MINUTES A COUNTY SEAT RISE, PROGRESS AND COLLAPSE — MISMANAGEMENT AND RASCALITY— PROTRACTED LITIGATION —RUIN ALL AROUND— BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DOCTOR CROSBY AND FAMILY — TARDY JUSTICE TO HIS MEMORY. TRULY A MAMMOTH SCHEME. AFTER the consumniation of the Cascade Mill race scheme, bj^ which the waters of the Little Cuyahoga river had been turned from their course, at Middlebury, and brought to North Akron, thus constituting the extensive water-power now owned bj" the Akron Hydraulic Company, and which has, in reality, made Akron what it is, Doctor Kliakim Crosby conceived the idea of securing as an adjunct to that then potent element of manufacturing growth and prosperity, the entire volume of the waters of the Big Cuyahoga river, also. Quietly, but carefully, making his survej's, the Doctor satisfied himself that, if the right of waj^, and the requisite territory, together with an adequate construction fund, could be secured, a water-power second in magnitude and accessi- bility to no other in the Western country could be created, and a large manufacturing town, rivalling even the most prosperous in New i^ork and New England could be built up. The village of Cuyahoga Falls was already largely using the waters of the river for manufacturing purposes, but the peculiar for- mation of the land and the stream below the village, with its deep and almost inaccessible gorge, rendered the availability of its waters, for manufacturing purposes, both difficult and extremely' inconvenient, if not wholly impracticable. In the furtherance of this project, Doctor Crosby, having sold his one-third interest in the Cascade Mill race and contiguous lands in North Akron, to his associates in that enterprise, General Simon Perkins and Judge Ivcicester King, with the avails thereof quietly, through Mr. Eleazer C. Sackett (for many years past, until his death, July 10, 1889, at the age of 88, a resident of Wyandotte, Kansas), in 1836 secured, by purchase, all the lands abutting on the river, on both sides, from a point a little below the " High Bridge, " in \ehat is now known as the "Glens," to its junction with the little Cuyahoga, a short distance below Lock Twenty-one upon the Ohio Canal. Of the large tract of land thus purchased, nearly four square miles, or something over 2,500 acres, about 200 acres were nicely platted, and a large and handsomely engraved and printed map of " Summit City" was placed on exhibition in the principal business centers of the country, particularly in the East, and capitalists were invited to invest in the choice manufacturing sites and eligible building lots for business blocks and private residences displayed thereon. TRULY A MAMMOTH SCHEME. 81 To those familiar with the territory comprising Avhat is now generally known as the "Chuckery" (so named from the facetious remark of that inveterate joker and punster, the late Col. John Nash, of Middlebury, in reply to the inquiry of a stranger as to the population of Summit City, that as near as he could judge it was about 10,000, "that is," he said, with that peculiar leer of his, "one man and nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine wood- chucks"), it will be readily seen that the location was remarkably favorable for the success of the contemplated scheme. The large plateau, now designated as " North Hill," embracing the Wise farm, and contiguous lands north to the river, and east to the old Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, were admirably adapted to private residences, public buildings, parks, etc., while the next lower pla- teau, elnbracing Cuyahoga street, was to be the business or mercantile portion of the city"; the contemplated mammoth mills and manufacturing establishments to be located on the side of the bluffs, the lower plateau, and along the bottom lands of the Little Cuj'ahoga, from a short distance west of the deep cut of the Howard street extension, around the brow of the hill westerly and northerly, to the junction of the two rivers. On the 27th day of February, 1837, a charter was granted to Simon Perkins, Eliakim Crosby, Frederick Wadsworth, Eleazer C. Sackett, Edmund W. Crittenden, Peter Eicher and their asso- ciates and successors, undername and style of the Portage Canal and Manufacturing Company, with an authorized capital of $500,- 000, and with power to issue bonds for the purpose of raising funds for building its dam and canal, and defraying the other necessary expenses of the corporation, and w^ith authority to mortgage its entire lands and franchises to secure the paym'ent of such bonds. The first series of bonds was issued with the view of being negotiated in London, through the L^nited States Bank of Penn- sylvania, at Philadelphia, to which institution, as trustee, the company executed a mortgage upon all its lands and franchises, on the 19th day of April, 1839, to secure the payment of said bonds. The total amount of bonds thus authorized was £20,000 sterling, in forty bonds of £500 each. These bonds, as prepared, were nicely engraved, with a handsome vignette, representing both a moving canal boat and a railroad train, fine marginal designs, with 24 interest coupons attached to each, and were nicely printed on a fine quality of bank note paper. The body of the bonds read as follows: STATE OF OHIO, U. S. A. No 500 £ St'g. [Canal Boat, etc.) £ Sf g 500. THE PORTAGE CANAL AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY, (Incorporated bv the Stateof Ohio, February, 27th, A. D. 1837), promise to pay to the bearer of this Bond, FivE Hundred Pounds Sterling, on the first clay of January, one thousand, eight hundred and , with interest thereon at the rate of SIX per cent, per annum from the date hereof. The said interest to be paid semi-annually, on the first days of January and July, on presenting the proper warrant for the same at where the principal will also be paid on the surrender of this certificate at its maturity. paid Witness the Seal of said Corporation, with the signatures of the President [.SEAL] and Treasurer, at Akron, Ohio, the day of A. D. 18.... Treasuref . President. With the exception of some four or five of these bonds, negoti- ated with Joseph S. Lake, a Wooster Banker, and a stockholder in the company, it was found impracticable to carry out this scheme, because of the alleged stringency of the money market in. 6 82 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. London, and because of the discoverj^ that, being a corporation, the United States Bank of Pennsylvania, under the laws of that State, could not legally act as a trustee for their negotiation. An arrangement was therefore made by the company with Mr. Lake to give him, in exchange for the bonds he had thus purchased, a like amount in a new series of bonds to be issued, and the mort^ gage given, as above stated, to the U. S. Bank, was duly cancelled on the 30th day of March, 1841. On the succeeding day, March 31, 1841, a mortgage was executed in favor of John J. Palmer, of Newr York, as trustee, to secure the payment of bonds to be issued by the company, to the amount of $100,000, in sums of $500 each, to be negotiated by him, which bonds, similar in style and execution to the others, as appears by a specimen in the hands of the writer, were as follows: ILoan of 100,000 Dollars.] [Real Estate Pledged By Deed of Trust.] STATE OF OHIO, U. S. A. $500. [Canal Boat, etc.] $500. THE PORTAGE CANAL AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY, (Incorporated by the State of Ohio, February 27,1857), promise to paj' the bearer of this Bond, Fi\'EHrNUREl) Dollars, on the first day of January, One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty-Six, with interest thereon at the rate of six per cent, per annum from the date hereof ; the said interest to be paid senii-annuallv, on the first days of January and July, on presenting tlie proper warrant for the same, at The Merchants' BANK IN THE City of New York, at which iNSTiTLfTlON, the principal will also be paid on the surrender of this Certificate at its maturity. Witness the Seal of said Corporation, with the Signatures of the President and [SEAL.] Treasurer, at Akron, Ohio, the thirty-first day of March, A. D. 1841. S. DAY, Treasurer. Eliakim Crosby, President. (Instituted March 31, 1811.] [Appraised at five times the amount of the Loan.] Some time previous to the issue of the bonds described, the original proprietors of the lands and water powder, Messrs. Crosby, Eicher, Sackett and Crittenden, transferred the entire property to the company, after it had become duly organized, being credited therefor, upon the books of the company, the sum of $500,000, stip- ulating to erect the dam, construct the canal and cause to be surveyed and laid out into suitable sized lots for the purposes designed, 100 acres or more of said lands. Of the $500,000 thus credited to them, the original proprietors set apart the sum of $118,000, for the execution of the work they had stipulated to per- form. Subsequently, said original proprietors contracted w^ith Mr. E. C. Sackett to build the canal or race for the sum of $90,000, Mr. Sackett entered vigorously into the work, its progress, from the nature of the route to be traversed, being necessarily very slow, however, and af^r he had expended about $50,000 the com- pany, reimbursing him in that amount, purchased his contract, binding itself to complete the -work as stipulated therein. After- wards the company contracted with Dr. Crosby, for the sum of $30,000, to complete the dam and race, excepting the unfinished work upon the latter begun by Mr. Sackett; but for some reason not now fully ascertainable, this arrangement fell through, and the company itself, under the superintendenc}^ of Dr. Crosby, proceeded to complete the \vrork. The means for the earlier prosecution of the work were mostly procured from the sale of shares of stock, lots, etc. For this purpose. Dr. E. W. Crittenden, as general agent of the company. ASPIRING FOR COUNTY SEAT H6N0RS. 83 and James W. Phillips as special agent, visited New York Philadelphia, and other Eastern cities, in the interest of the corpo- ation. Money being a decidedly "cash article," in those days— the panic of 1837 then being full head on — large blocks of stock in Kastern railroads and other corporations, real estate and all kinds of merchandise, were taken in exchange for both stock shares and building lots in the prospective city; a store being opened, about 1810, in the corner room of the historical old stone block — where the M. W. Henry block now stands, corner Howard and Market streets — by E. Darwin Crosby, son of Dr. Eliakim Crosby, the large double-faced gilt sign, bearing his name, on either side, as above given, made by the writer, now^ doing service as a shelf for canned fruit in his [the w^riter's] cellar, at 510 West Market street. Later on, in 1842, the late John T. Balch (father of Mr. Theodoric A. Balch, of 136 Balch street), as agent for John R. Hudson, of New York, contracted to furnish goods upon the orders of the company, at retail prices, to the amount of $30,000, on a year's credit, the company to provide tw^o store rooms for the sale of said goods, rent free. The main store under the taking title of '* The New York Store," was established in room No. 3, of the stone block, and filled with a large and well-selected stock of general mer- chandise, for sale to the public at large, as well as upon the orders ■of the company; a smaller but pretty full assortment of goods also being kept in a store erected by the company in "Summit City," on the southwest corner of Cuyahoga street and Tallmadge avenue. The same building, then occupied as a dwelling by Mr. Seth Sackett, was destroyed by fire on the night of Februar3'- 11, 1844, \vith all its contents, the family, in their night clothes, barely escaping with their lives; the New York Store closing business on the 25th day of April, the same year. FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES A, COUNTY SEAT. Elsewhere will be found, in detail, the history of the erection of Summit County, and the protracted and bitter struggle over the location of the county seat. For the purposes of this chapter it will be sufficient to say that, in 1840, the "Chuckery" appeared upon the tapis as a compromise candidate for county-seat honors, against Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, between which towrns a fierce rivalry existed. Akron claimed it as being the larger, in point of manufactures, general business and population, and because of its more convenient access from a large proportion of the territory included in the new^ county; vrhile Cuyahoga Falls claimed it because of its more central geographical location, its alleged superior water power; its more favorable topographical advantages, and above all for its unsurpassed salubrity and healthfulness; the '•Chuckery's" claim being that by means of its gigantic hydraulic operations, then rapidly progressing. Summit City would speedily outgrow either of the other claimants, both in the magnitude of its manufactures and general business, and in population, while its accessibility, as well as its beauty of location, would be generally satisfactory to the people of the entire county, and allay the bitter animosities that were being engendered in the controversy then being waged between its tw^o rivals. So promising were the prospects of the company at this time, and so plausible were the arguments presented by Drs. Crosby and 84 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Crittenden before the reviewing commissioners, at an all day's meeting held by them in the Universalist (late Baptist) Church, in 1841, to hear the question discussed, that two of the three commis- sioners actually decided in its favor, and proceeded to " stick the stakes" for the public buildings on the first level above the vallcA" of the Little Cuyahoga, a little east of the house now o^vned bj^ Mr. R. A. Grimwood, on Glen\^^ood avenue, built and formerly occupied by Mr. K. C. Sackett, one of the most prominent and active promot- ers of the "Chuckery" scheme. It is possible that this selection would have prevailed, the disas- ters of the company have been averted and the project have proved a triumphant success, but for the "moving" reinark of bluff old Dr. Daniel Upson, of Tallmadge, \vhile the measurements were being made and the stakes driven, who said to the bystanders, loud enough to be heard by the commissioners, that " nobody but fools or knaves vt^ould think of locating county buildings on such a spot as that." This so incensed the commissioners who, having con- versed with the Doctor the day before, knew^ that though his resi- dence was nearer the Falls, he was favorable to Akron, that they immediately pulled up their stakes, and proceeded to locate the county seat at Cuyahoga Falls as elsewhere stated, resulting finally in a submission of the question to a vote of the people, in 1842, and a confirmation of the judgment of the original commis- sioners in favor of Akron. To those familiar with the topog- raphy of the section traversed by the canal, the engineering diffi- culties to be overcome, with the crude and limited appliances then in vogue, to say nothing of the serious financial embarrassments by -which the company and the contractors were beset, the won- der is that the really gigantic work in question could then have been accomplished as soon as it was, ^vhile in these modern days of improved labor-saving expedients, and comparatively eas3^ finances, it could have been done in one -fourth the time, though probably at double the cost; common laborers upon the job then receiving but $13 per month, $2 only of v^'hich vt^as in money, and the remaining $11 in orders upon the company's stores. For the information of those who have never been over the ground, I will attempt to convey what, at best, will be but a faint idea of the magnitude of the work. In the first place, a dam, some 20 feet in height, was required to be throvirn across the river, from -whence to dra-w the water thereof at a sufficient elevation to properly flow through the con- templated canal and discharge itself, on reaching its intended outlet at the other end, a distance of nearly four miles. This dam,. View of "Big Falls" on Cuyahoga River, from "Chuckery" race, opposite "Old Maid's Kitchen/' SKILLFUL ENGINEERING FEAT. 85 nearly 100 feet below the general surface of the surrounding coun- try, was constructed of heavy timbers, anchored to the bed rock, at the bottom of the narrow gorge where it w^as located, w^ith the ends of the upward arching superstructure resting against the solid rocky walls of the river bank, upon either side. Though meeting with several disasters and many hindrances, by reason of frequent floods, during the progress of the work, the dam was finallj^ suc- cessfully completed some time in the year 1843. For two miles from the dam, the canal had to be cut from the solid rock of the overhanging cliff, or built up from the bed of the stream with substantial masonry and curbing, and filled in with earth difficult of access. On emerging from the gorge of the river a mile or so above the present covered bridge, the course of the canal, southward, w^as through a succession of large spurs of the high bluffs on the northwestern verge of the upper plateau of the company's domain, and at an elevation of fully one hundred feet above the bed of the river. These bluffs, composed chiefly of sand, had been corrugated and worn into deep ravines, by the action of the surface water from the ■upper plateau in its flow^ towards the river. These numerous high ridges required to be cut down, w^hile the intervening gullies had to be elevated to the proper level for the bed of the canal then being built. To have done this by the usual modes of excavation then in vogue, the shovel, the barrow, the scraper and the cart, would have required an immense number of men and teams, and an immense expenditure of time, muscle and money. But the engineering and hydraulic skill of Dr. Crosby w^ere equal to the emergency. Procuring a permit from the managers of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, that canal was tapped upon the eastern verge of the company's lands, and in *a shallow ditch, formed mainly by its own current, the w^ater w^as conducted across the nearly level plain, about a mile and a half, to the vsrestern edge of the plateau, where, in troughs and properly directed sluice-ways, it was made to w^ash the parts to be cut down into the parts to be filled up; the latter being forti- fied at the bottom with suitable breastworks of logs, brush, etc., to catch the moving sand, w^hich were from time to time added to, as the cavities filled up. In this w^ay, not only were the depressions in the bluffs brought up to the required level, but thousands and perhaps millions of cubic yards of earth were deposited upon the flats below; the bottoms, between the river and bluffs, being in places raised from twenty-five to thirty feet; trees of quite large growth, being almost completely buried thereby. View of "Old Maid's Kitchen," from " Cliuckerv" race below the " Big Falls, *^ on Cuyalioga river. 86 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The south end of the canal, along the base of the upper plateau^ for a mile or more, was constructed in the usual way, with shovels, barrows, scrapers, carts, etc., and though the \^ork had several times been suspended, by the exigencies of the times, and the many unavoidable obstacles it had encountered, the great project was at length so far consummated, that on the 27th day of May, 1844, the water was turned into the canal at the dam, and, running its entire length, nearly four miles, was permitted to flow, for a short time, over the edge of the lower bluffs into the valley of the Little Cuyahoga, at a point about midway between Cu^^ahoga street and Howard street extension. The news that the water was to be let into the "Chucker3'" canal, at a given hour of the da3' named, attracted to the spot a large crowd of interested people, from both "Summit City," Akron and the surrounding countr^^. Of this event, Hiram Bowmen, Bsq., founder and editor of the Beacon, in the issue of May 29, 1844. said: "On Monday morning last the water of the Great Cuyahoga river was turned into the race, which has been for several j^ears in process of construction by the Portage Canal and Manufactur- ing Company, for the purpose of conducting it to the brow of the hill, just north of the village, to be used for h3''draulic purposes. The water flowed freely through the rockj" channel which ha& been made at incredible labor and expense along the precipi- tous banks of the Cuyahoga, for more than two miles, when it passed into that portion of the race made through the sand bank, w^here it makes a southerly course towards the village of Akron, and leaves the river. Here, in consequence of the porous nature of the soil, the water made but slow progress, but it crept slowl^^ and securely on towards its destined termination, the distance through, from the commencement of the sand bank, being about two miles. Long before the Avater came in sight a crowd of spectators from the neighboring villages, had gathered to w^itness the interesting spectacle. "About 4 o'clock p. m, the Avater was descried from the point where it yvas to flo^v over the hill into the valley of the Little Cuyahoga river, when the * Baby Waker' of the Summit Guards, stationed on a neighboring hill, awakened the echoes that skirt the vallies of the two rivers, by repeated discharges, done in line style. This was answered by the hearty cheei;s of the multitude, and the ringing of the bells from the town. Then came a pause, and all were on tip-toe to see the final consummation of this great w^ork — the fall of the water at the end of the race into the valley View of " Cliiickery " race where it emerges from the rocky "bank of the Cuyahoga river, into the sandy plain towards Akron. INHARMONY AND DISASTEK. 87 below. The "water came slo\^ly on, as if it had lost its "way, and was loth to leave the foamy bed of the ancient river, and check its headlong career to be subject to the control of man. But art and enterprise had triumphed — the great w^ork, Avhich had so long been held in doubt, -was accomplished, for soon the water was seen to emerge from the termination of the canal, and flow over the hill into the valley below. This -was greeted -with three cheers from the people and the firing of cannon. Ithiel Mills, Esq., then pro- posed the follo>ving sentiment, to which the people responded with a right good will, and then retired to their homes: " *Dr. E. Crosby: The noble projector and efficient executive of the great enterprise this day successfully accomplished, of introducing the waters of the Great Cuyahoga river to Akron by land. Of his noble and persevering spirit of enterprise, his fellow- citizens are justly proud.'" It was to be expected, of course, that there would be more or less defects in the bed of the canal, particularly in the sandy por- tion of it, that ^vould need to be puddled and otherwise remedied, and there being as yet no proper gates and sluices for safely conducting the water into the Little Cuyahoga river, the water -was turned off at the datn until these things could be provided, and, as the sequel proved, never to be again turned on. Of the causes that led to the final overthro"w of this gigantic project, vsrhich had cost so much time, labor and monej', and so great a degree of intrepidity, skill and perseverance of its projector and his associates, it is difficult at this remote day to definitely determine. But from the legal and other sources of information available, it seems to have largely resulted from -want of harmony among the stockholders, and the importunity of the numerous creditors of the company, and perhaps, to a certain extent, from the cupidity, if not downright rascality, of certain parties who had been trusted with the sale of bonds, stocks, lots, etc., and the purchase of merchandise and other property in exchange therefor, the court records showing that about fifty suits at law, and in chancery, "were instituted against the company and parties con- nected therewith, between the time its embarrassments and complications became manifest, until the final closing up of its affairs. Finding itself unable to restore harmony among its members, or regain the confidence of capitalists, in September, 1845, Joseph S. Lake, of Wooster, was appointed a trustee, and all of the lands and franchises of the company "were conve^'ed to him, in fee simple, for the purpose, as he expressed it in his advertisement announcing his appointment, "of enabling him to payoff the debts of the company, and to secure a good title to the purchasers;" and to more speedily accomplish that object, he associated with him- self, \V. S. C. Otis, Esq., to arrange and settle claims, and receive pay for lands sold; and Mr, E. C. Sackett to make sales of lands, rent property, etc. Finding that but little, if any, headway was being made by Trustee Lake, towards adjusting the affairs of the company, and placing it upon its feet again, on the 20th day of June, 1845, John J, Palmer, of New York, mortgagee of all the company's property in trust to secure the payment of its bonds negotiated through him, filed a bill in chancery, in the Court of Common Pleas of 88 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Summit County, for the foreclosure of said mortgage, in which suit, besides the corporation itself, some 45 or 50 more or less interested private individuals were made parties. What with answers, replications, demurrers, amendments, references, contin- uances, etc., this suit was prolonged until the October term of the court, 1849, at which time a judgment was rendered against the company for $127,832.18 and costs $289.81, and a decree entered for the sale of the mortgaged property, by Daniel K. Tilden, Esq., as Special Master Commissioner; K. C. Sackett having been appointed by the court, receiver of rents, etc., pending said litigation. Having been duly advertised, said property Viras sold by Master Commissioner Tilden, on the 15th day of June, 1850; a few of the smaller portions, city lots, etc., being sold to parties to "whom they had previously been sold or contracted, by the company, and who had made improvements thereon ; but the bulk of the property, includ- ing its water-power, hydraulic improvements, franchises, etc., being sold to W. S. C. Otis, Ksq., attorney for the bondholders for the sum of $38,172, the entire sales aggregating a little over $42,000, for what, exclusive of the large outlay on the dam and race, had originally cost the company nearly or quite $300,000. In speaking of this sale, John Teesdale, Esq., then editor of the Beacon, said: "Its present shape renders it available for the exe- cution of the original design, and the conviction seems to be general that with the requisite enterprise and energy, the new purchasers may realize from their investment what even the most sanguine of the stockholders dared hope for." But the prediction of Mr. Teesdale w^as destined never to be verified. The rapidly increasing use of steam, as a machinery pro- pelling power, and the constantly diminishing volume of Avater in the Cuyahoga river, by reason of the w^anton denudation of adja- cent timber lands, rendering hydraulic privileges less desirable, the entire project was finally abandoned, and the territory included in the original scheme, embracing about 2,500 acres — >vith the small exceptions noted — was sold as occasion offered, to private parties, mostly for agricultural purposes; though at this time a considera- ble portion thereof is rapidly assuming a city aspect, preparatory to annexation as the Seventh Ward of the exceptionally prosper- ous and growing city of Akron; while the dismantled canal through the gorge of the Cuyahoga river — ruow^ largel}^ overgrown w^ith bushes and trees — only serves as an object of curious interest and wonderment to the thousands of pleasure seekers Avho annually visit that now celebrated Summer resort, "The Glens;" that portion south of the river being rapidly obliterated by the action of the elements upon its sandy embankments, and the plowshare of the gardener and husbandman. DR. CROSBY'S LATER LIFE, DEATH, ETC. Fifty years ago the Crosby family were not only the very elite, but the very life and soul of Akron society, first and foremost in every good work and social enterprise, the second and third daugh- ters, Louisa and Mary, being very fine singers — the latter occupying about the same position in musical circles that Mrs. Henry Perkins holds among us to-day. What I have said of Dr. Eliakim Crosby, in this and former chapters, conveys but a faint idea of his services to the people of DOCTOR Crosby's later life. 89 Akron, a meager recognition of Avhich has been tardily accorded in the naming of the new street running parallel with West Market street, from Maple to Balch streets; and also in giving his name to the Third Ward school building, corner of Smith and West streets. It is proper, in closing this chapter, and as supplemental to matters pertaining to the same subject contained in the first chap- ter of these papers, to add the following in regard to Doctor Crosby and his family: In 1830, the Doctor buried his wife, Mrs. Marcia Beemer Crosby, w^ho died October 13, at the age of 38 years, having borne him seven children, four sons and three daughters. In about 1832 he moved his family to his projected new village of "Cascade," building for himself the house which is still standing on the back part of the lot on the corner of North Howard and Beach streets, and for many years kno^vn as the "Wheeler House." A year or two later this property w^as exchanged, with Mr. Reuben Downing, for the present lot occupied by the St. Vin- <;ent De Paul Church and parsonage, corner of West Market and Maple streets, and in the plain story-and-a-half frame house thereon he continuously resided until removing from the town in 1853. August 15, 1832, Doctor Crosby married for his second w^ife Elizabeth Brackett, w^ho died January 3, 1834, an infant daughter remaining to him as the fruit of this marriage. May 8, 1834, he married for his third wife, Mrs. Ann Hamlin West (widow of Dr. Wareham West, who died in Middlebury, December 9, 1821, at the age of 30 years), her only daughter, Mary West, then being added to the lively family circle. After the disastrous failure of the great enterprise of his life, ^nd the termination of the perplexing litigation connected there- w^ith, shattered in fortune and spirits. Dr. Crosby, in 1853, removed ■with his wife and youngest daughter, to Suamico, near Green Bay, Wisconsin, -where his youngest son, Benjamin Franklin Crosby, was then engaged in the lumber trade; his two other sons, Henry Clay, and E. Darwin, soon after going thither also. Dr. Crosby died at Suamico, September 2, 1854, aged 75 years and 6 months, his widow, Mrs. Ann Hamlin Crosby, dying at the same place Decem- ber 11, 1857, aged 64 years. Dr. Crosby's eldest son, John B., died in Akron, September 23, 1832, aged 20 years. His second son, Henry Clay, married Mary West, (daughter of his last step-mother), and soon after the death of his parents removed to Chicago, near which citj^ in the pleas- ant village of Winnetka, he died May 27, 1886, in the 71st year of his age; his wife and one son, Wareham West Crosb3% surviving him. The next younger son, E. Darwin, recently died in Chicago, where the youngest son, Benjamin Franklin, now lives. Of Doctor Crosb^^'s four daughters, Calista M., when quite young was married to Charles W. Howard, one of Akron's pioneer merchants, and for whom Howard street was named, and in 1853 was again married to Judge Leicester King, of Warren, who died in 1856. She is still living, dividing her time among her brothers, sisters and other friends at Chicago, Colorado Springs, Akron and other places; her only son, Charles O. Howard, having died in Nebraska in 1876. The second daughter, Louisa, married William Harrison Dewey, (brother of the late Mrs. Dr. Joseph Cole, of Akron), also one of early Akron's enterprising business men, who died in Chicago in 1863, leaving to the care of his widow five 90 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. daughters; the eldest, Jennie, died in 1870; the second, lone, mar- rying Gen. Li. P. Bradley, of the United States Army, now retired; the third, Helen, marrying Capt. Rogers, of the U. S. Army; the fourth, Louisa, marrying Samuel Colj'er, son of Rev. Dr. Robert Colyer, now living in Portland, Oregon; the fifth, Charlotte, unmarried, still living with her mother. Dr. Crosby's third daugh- ter, Mary, married Hon. Henry W. King, brother of our present w^ell-known citizen, David L. King, Rsq., the two brothers forming the law firm of King & King, in this city, from 1849 to 1851; Mr. Henry W. King also holding the office of Secretary of State and Com- missioner of Public Schools, from 1850 to 1852, dying in Akron, November 20, 1857, at the age of 42 years and one month, leaving two children, Harry C. and Julia H. The former died in Washing- ton in August, 1864, ^vhile serving as one of Summit Countj^'s 100- day men in the war of the rebellion. The daughter, Julia H., is married to Homer Dewey Fisher, son of the late Dr. Alexander Fisher, of Chicago, (formerly of Akron), w^ho is now manager of the Colorado Midland Railw^ay, \vith headquarters at Colorado Springs, and with Avhom Mrs. King now resides. Dr. Crosb3''s youngest daughter, (by his second wife), Elizabeth Brackett Crosb}', married Charles N. White, paymaster of the N. Y,, L. E. & W. R, R., with headquarters at Nyack, N. Y., where she died in Decem- ber, 1885. View from West Hill, above Glendale Avenue, looking East.— From photo by E. J. Howard, 1879. CHAPTER VII. SUMMIT COUNTY— SIX YEARS' STRUGGLE OVER ITS ERECTION— SUCCESSFUL AT LAST— GREAT REJOICING OVER THE RESULT— PRELIMINARY ELECTION AND ORGANIZATION— THE COUNTY SEAT QUESTION— AKRON, CUYAHOGA FALLS AND SUMMIT CITY COMPETITORS— LOCATING COMMISSIONERS DECIDE IN FAVOR OF AKRON— BUILDING OF COURT HOUSE AND JAIL BEGUN— NEW DEAL.AND NEW LOCATING COMMITTEE APPOINTED— EXCITING DISCUSSION- STICKING THE STAKES, FIRST ON THE "CHUCKERY," THEN AT CUYAHOGA FALLS — MAJORITY AND MINORITY REPORT— A DIVIDED COURT FAILS TO CONFIRM MAJORITY REPORT — COUNTY OFFICERS DIVIDED ALSO, PART GOING TO THE FALLS, PART REMAINING IN AKRON— ANOTHER NEW DEAL —THE QUESTION SUBMITTED TO VOTE— AKRON AHEAD NEARLY TWO TO ONE— COMPLETION OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS— OVATION TO JOHN QUINCY ADAMS— SHABBY COURT HOUSE AND UNSAFE JAIL— SUBSEQUENT IMPROVE- MENTS—NEW BUILDINGS IMPERATIVELY NEEDED, ETC. EARLY NEW COUNTY AGITATION. TH'E opening of the Ohio Canal, from Cleveland to Akron, in 1827, and through to the Ohio river, in 1830, greatly increasing the facilities for travel and transportation, very materially changed the currents of trade, diverting business from old established cen- ters, like Ravenna, Canton, Wooster, Medina, etc., to such points as Akron, Massillon, Canal Fulton, Clinton, etc., on the line of the canal. As early as 1833, therefore, the farmers of the western portion of Portage, and the eastern portion of Medina Counties, in connec- tion with the people of the new and enterprising village of Akron, began to agitate the question of a new county, to be composed of two tiers of townships from Portage, one tier from Medina, and a sufficient amount of territory from either Stark or Wayne, or both, to answer the constitutional requirements in regard to area. To facilitate the project, on the 14th day of December, 1833, Dr. Eliakim Crosby, in behalf of the people of Akron, published the following in the Ohio Review, at Cuyahoga Falls, Akron having no newspaper at that time : "PUBLIC NOTICE AND PLEDGE. " To whom it may concern: "Should the Legislature of Ohio set off and org-anize a New County, at its present session, composed of townships from Portage, Medina, Stark and Wa3-ne counties, establishing the seat of justice in Akron, or its vicinitj^ then in that case, I hereby agree and obligate m3^self to raise and appropri- ate, or secure to be given and appropriated, towards the New County Buildings, a sum not less than Two THOUSAND DOLLARS. "Akron, Dec. 14, 1833. E. CROSBY." It is proper to say, here, that at this time two other projects were being agitated, and advocated with considerable earnestness, by the people of the localties interested; one, the project of remov- ing the county seat of Portage County from Ravenna to Franklin Mills (now Kent), which was supposed to be destined to become 92 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. a large manufacturing city; the other to retain the regular county seat at Ravenna, with Cuyahoga Falls as a half-shire; that is, the business pertaining to the west part of the county to be trans- acted at Cuyahoga Falls, and that from the east part at Ravenna, Avith perhaps an alternation of commissioners' meetings, court sessions, etc. For these reasons, not only the people of Ravenna and the eastern townships, vigorously opposed the new county movement, but Franklin Mills and Cuyahoga Falls, also, and when Dr. Crosby's proposition wras left with the editor of the i?eFiew, the people of the latter village hastily prepared for publication, in the same issue, the following counter proposition: " To the Public : An effort being- inade at this time to divide the county of Portag-e, and, from a part of this and the counties of Medina, Wayne and Stark, to form a new county, the seat of justice to be at Akron, and public notice having been given that if the Leg^islature of the State shall, at its present session, locate the seat of justice at that place, and in conformity with the terms therein offered, then that the sig^ner, E. Crosby, will pay, or cause to be paid, two thousand dollars towards the new public buildings : " We, the undersigned inhabitants of Cuyahoga Falls, believing that said attempt to divide this county is premature and uncalled for by the best interests of the county, and believing further that if it should be determined to divide the county at this time, ag^ainst which we hereby publicly protest, -the best interests of this part of the countj^ require that the county seat shall not be placed at Akron, but that other places would be more eligible, and that this place, from its location, its superior healthfulness, and the many natural advantag^es of its situation, offers peculiar advantag^es for the count3^ seat, if such county shall be formed, do hereby pledge ourselves, that if the Legislature, at its present or next session, will locate the seat of justice of a new county, to be formed of such portions of the adjoining- counties as to them shall seem proper, at this place, we will pay, or secure to be paid, the sum of Five Thousand Dollars towards building the new county building-s of said county. Henry Newberry, Joshua Stow, (By his agent B. Booth.) Ogden Wetmore." Nothing, however, was accomplished at that, nor the five succeeding sessions of the Legislature, though continuous and and persistent efforts >vere made to work up a public sentiment in the territory interested, and to influence the members of the Legislature elected from time to time, in the counties named, to look favorably upon the proposition. Thus matters stood up to the Summer of 1839. Politically, Portage County was largely Whig, and as long as party lines were adhered to, that portion of the county opposed to division were able to nominate and elect candidates for the Legislature inimical to the measure. But at the annual election in 1839, the Whigs of Akron, and the western townships, united with the Democrats of Portage County, and elected their candidates for Representative, Hon. Rufus P. Spalding, then practicing law at Ravenna, and Hon. Ephraim B. Hubbard, an enterprising farmer, of Deerfield, both pledged to the New County project; Col. Simon Perkins having been in 1838, elected State Senator for two years. NEW COUNTY BILL INTRODUCED. The Legislature convened on Monday, December 2, 1839, and, true to their pledges, Messrs. Spalding and Hubbard formulated a bill for the erection of the County of Summit, which was favor- NEW COUNTY BILL REPORTED. 93 ably reported by Hon. James Hoagland, of Holmes County, chairman of the Committee on New Counties, and read the first time on Tuesday, December 17, a full synopsis of the bill being a& follows: HON. RUFUS PAINE SPALDING, —born at West Ti8bur3^, Island of Martha's Vineyard, Mass., May 3. 1798 ; educated in academies of Bridg-ewater, Mass., and Colchester. Conn., and at Yale Colleg-e, g-radiiat- ing' from latter in 1817 ; studied law with Chief Justice Zephaniah Swift, of Conn., to whose daughter, Lucretia A., he was married October 1, 1822. Soon after finishing- his law studies, he emigrated to Ohio, practicing for several j'ears in Warren, then in Ravenna, and, on organization of Summit County, in 1840, moved to Akron, several j'ears later going to Cleveland, where he resided until his death, August 29, 1886, at the age of 88 years, 3 months. 23 days. In 1839, Mr. Spalding was elected representative to the Legislature, on the New County issue, and was largelj' influential in securing its erection ; was re-elected, by his new constituency, in 1841 and made Speaker of the House ; in 1848-9 was appointed Judge of Supreme Court of Ohio, ably serving three years ; in 1862 was elected Represen- tative to Congress from the 18th dis- trict, and twice re-elected, ably serving six years. Mrs. Spalding dying February 21, 18v58, Judge Spald- ing was again married, Januar}" 11, 1859, to Mrs. Nancy Sargent, eldest daughter of Dr. William S. Pierson, of Windsor, Conn. By the first Mrs. Spalding he had seven children — HON. RUFUS PAINE SPALDING. Emily, married to Judge Luther Day^ of Ravenna, both now deceased ; Philura C, the first wife of Mr. Joseph E. Wesener, of Akroti ; Lucre- tia, died 5'ovuig ; Rufus died at the age of 19 ; Kittie, now Mrs. Mcllrath, of St. Paul, Minn. ; Zephaniah Swift, now a wealthy sugar grower in the Sandwich Islands ; and George, deceased. The second Mrs. Spalding- is now also deceased. Section 1, provided that the townships of Twinsburg^ Northfield, Boston, Hudson, Stow, Northampton, Portage, Tall- madge, Springfield and Coventry, in Portage County; Richfield^ Bath, Copley and Norton, in Medina County, and Franklin and Green, in Stark County, be erected into a separate county, to be known by the name of Summit, and that, for the purpose of restoring to Medina County its constitutional limits, the town- ships of Homer and Spencer be transferred from Lorain to Medina. Secs. 2 AND 3, provided for the prosecution of suits already commenced, in the several original counties; the collection of the taxes should proceed as if no change had taken place, and that justices of the peace, constables, etc., continue to act until the expiration of the terms for which they were elected. Secs. 4 and 5, provided for the election of county officers on the first Monday of April, 1840, to hold their respective offices until the ensuing annual election, and that the courts be held in Akron, until the permanent location of the seat of justice. Sec. 6, provided for the appointment of comtnissioners to locate the county seat, said commissioners to be paid by said new 94 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. county; with authority "to receive propositions for the erection of county buildings by the citizens of such towns and villages as may desire to have the seat of justice established within their respective limits/' and that "in no event shall any tax for the erection of county buildings for said County of Summit be imposed upon the citizens of the townships of Franklin and Green, which townships are taken from the county of Stark, for and during the term of fifty years, from and after the passage of this act." JUDGE JAMES S. CARPENTER, J — born at Swanzey, N. H., Aug-ust 17, I8O0 ; at 18 months of ag-e moved with parents to Pottsdam, N. Y. ; boj'hood spent on farm ; educated at home, in schools of neighborhood, and at St. Lawrence Acadeni}^, at Pottsdam, teaching partof j-ear, from 17 to 20; in Winter of '25-26 taught in Franklin Co., New York ; 1826 to 1828 taught in Canada, part of the time in Montreal ; then became assistant teacher in Amherst (Mass'.) Acadeinj^ and during Suinmer of 1829 a teacher in Ladies' Seininar}^, at Springfield ; then entered Amherst College, but from failing health returned home, resuming teaching and j^et keeping up the studies of his college course. In June, 1832, came to Ohio, teaching in Cleveland, Massillon and Ravenna, being- Principal of Ravenna Acadeni}' from 1833 to 1835 ; in Summer of 1835 worked on farm ; Maj" 1, 1835, was married to Miss Frances C. Saltonstall of Geneva, N. Y. ; in November, 1835, went to Medina and for four j'ears edited the Constitutionalist, a Whig and anti-slavery paper, at same time studying law ; admitted to bar May 29, 1838 ; in Fall of 1839 was elected Rep- resentative to Ohio Legislature, and in 1840 to the Senate, being the onlj^ avowed Abolitionist in either House, fighting valiantly for the rights of the colored people of Ohio in the schools and otherwise ; from 1840 to 1850 was law-partner of the late / Ih % JUDGE JAMES S. CARPEXTER. Judge Samuel W. McClure ; in 1846 removed to Akron and has practiced law here ever since, with the excep- tion of the five j^ears, from 1856 to 1861, that he occupied the Common Pleas Bench. Judge Carpenter is the father of three children — Gilbert S., captain in regular arm3', now on recruiting service in Cleveland ; Dr. William T. Carpenter, of Stambaugh, Mich., and Abbie L., now wife of Charles W. Tyler, Esq., of Warren, Ohio. Our w^ell-known fellow^-citizen, Hon. James S. Carpenter, was then — 1838-40 — the representative of Medina County, and the senator from that district from 1840 to 1842, and, in accordance with the w^ishes of a majority of his constituents, opposed the measure, slicing off as it did, some of the very best townships of that county. For a like reason Representative Bliss and Senator Birch, of Lorain, and Representatives Smith and Welch, and Senator Hostetter, of Stark, also vigorously fought the project at every step, while the representatives and senators of other counties threatened w^ith disgiemberment, by new county projects, acted and voted with them. Prominent citizens of Ravenna and Medina w^ere in attendance to lobbj^ against the measure, while a number of Akron's foremost business men w^ere sent to Columbus to work for the project. THE PROJECT VIGOROUSLY OPPOSED. 95 The bill finally passed the House on the 6th of February, 1840, by the close vote of 34 to 31 — a majority of three only. The bill was read the first time in the Senate, February 7, and passed February 28, by a vote of 19 to 15, a majority of four; and was engrossed and signed by Thomas J. Buchanan, Speaker of the House, and William McLaughlin, Speaker of the Senate, March 3, 1840. Space will not permit a full detail of the artifices resorted to to defeat the measure, nor the skill with which our representa- tives and senator engineered the bill through, though the follow- ing extracts from the House and Senate journals will suffice to show the persistence with which the project was fought throughout. In the House, December 21, the bill being taken up for consideration, on Mr. Spalding's motion, Mr. Welch moved to postpone until the second Tuesday of January, which was carried by a vote of 42 to 28. On the day named, the bill was taken up on Mr. Spalding's motion, when Mr. Welch moved to commit it to the Committee on New Counties, with instructions to report the number of petitioners for and remonstrants against the project, w^hich was agreed to. January 17, the bill being under consider- ation, Mr. Welch moved to postpone further action until the first Monday of the following December, which was lost, 28 to 32, and the bill laid upon the table. January 27, Mr. Spalding moved to take the bill from the table which motion was lost, 25 to 30. February 6, Mr. Spalding moved to put the bill upon its final passage, which, after considerable delay, caused by Mr. Welch's demand for a call of the house, was done, and the bill passed, as as above stated, 34 to 31. In the Senate February 27, Mr. Hostetter moved to strike out the territory belonging to Stark County. Lost, 15 to 18. Mr. Nash of Meigs, moved to strike out the clause exempting Franklin and Green tow^nships from taxation for public buildings for 50 years. Lost 14 to 19. February 28, on the third reading of the bill, Mr. Thomas, of Miami, moved to re-commit to Committee on New Counties with instructions to so amend as to strike out the part exempting Franklin and Green from taxation. Lost, 13 to 21. Mr. Hostetter moved to postpone the further consideration of the bill to the first Monday of December. Lost, 7 to 27. Mr. Birch, of Lorain, moved to refer to Judiciary Committee, with instructions to strike out the two Lorain townships. Lost, 9 to 25. Mr. Hostetter moved to amend so as to submit to voters of the pro- posed new county at the next October election. Lost, 10 to 24. The bill was then passed as above stated, 19 to 15. A joint resolution passed both Houses, without opposition, appointing Jacob J. Williard, of Columbiana County, James McConnell, of Holmes County, and Warren Sabin, o£, Clinton County, as commissioners to locate the seat of justice of the new county, as did also the organizing bill providing for the election of officers, the proper care of paupers, idiots and insane; the col- lection of taxes; giving to the new county its proportion of the government surplus revenue, $29,330; the time of holding courts; attaching Summit to the Third Judicial District, embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Portage, and to the Fifteenth Congressional District, embracing Cuyahoga, Portage, Medina and Lorain counties, etc. 96 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. It will be remembered that the bill passed the Senate Februarj^ 28, which was on Friday, 1840 being leap year. It will also be rec- ollected that there was neither telegraphic nor railroad communi- cation between Akron and Columbxis at that time, the old four-horse mail and passenger coach being the fastest mode of travel then in vogue, wrhich at that season of the year, w^as not by any means fast. The news of the passage of the bill consequentl3^ did not reach Akron until Monday evening, March 2, three full days. The effect of the news upon the people of Akron was thus graphi- cally stated in one of the local papers: "With the rapidity of lightning the news was spread from house to house, and in less than half an hour the whole town Avas in motion. Cheers, congratulations, ringing of church bells, bon- fires and illuminations were the order of the day, while the deep- toned thunder of the cannon continued to proclaim the birth of the new county to all the surrounding country. Such a spon- taneous burst of feeling has seldom been witnessed under any circumstance. It was a scene to be looked upon, but cannot be described; such a noise as the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tem- pest—as loud and to as many tunes. Hats, caps and cloaks fleu^ up, and had their faces been loose this night had lost them." The recollection of the writer, looking backward through the dim vista of the intervening half century, is clear and distinct that throughout that entire night unrestrained jollit}^, if not absolute revelry, prevailed. Nor did the people of Akron confine the jollification business entirely to themselves. The booming of the cannon, the ringing of the bells and the reflection from the bonfires, had already announced to contiguous townships that something extraordinary'- had happened, and many of the nearest came in to help us "make a night of it," -while those more distant were in betimes next morning. Steps were immediately taken for a general New County Cele- bration on Wednesday, March 4. A committee of twelve citizens of Akron and one from each of the townships, was appointed and messengers were sent to every part of the county to spread the joyful new^s, and invite everybody to the banquet. Dr. Jedediah D. Commins was made President of the daj^; Col. James W. Phillips, Col. Justus Gale and Justice Jacob Brown, of Akron; Col. Frederick A. Sprague and Benjamin Rouse, of Richfield, and Col. Solomon Markham, of Green, Vice Presidents; Gen. Lucius V. Bierce, Mar- shal, and Col. Erastus Torrey and Major Ithiel Mills, Assistant Marshals. At sunrise, on Wednesday morning, a national salute of 13 guns was fired from the summit of the " grove," betv^een north and south Akron, the present Court House lot, ^vhich was also the place selected for the celebration. At an earlj^ hour people from near and far townships began to assemble, everybody seeming jubi4ant and happy. The military display was very fine, indeed, partici- pated in by the Summit Guards, Akron Light Infantry and Cav- alry, Copley Light Artillery, the Military Band and the Akron Brass Band, under the leadership of the late Henry S. Abbey. The procession of several thousand men and boys, after march- ing through several streets, was joinflid by a large cortege of ladies NEW County jollification. 97 dressed uniformly, all carrying parasols, who, taking position between the committee of arrangements and the military, marched the balance of the route to the place of feasting, the din- ner, though hastily prepared, being both abundant and palatable. Space will not permit a detailed report of the after-dinner pro- ceedings, consisting of the customary thirteen regular toasts, and a great variety of volunteer toasts, with responses more or les appro- priate, by the more tonguey of the jollifiers. The full text of the regular toasts, well illustrates the popular sentiment, and are here reproduced as foUow^s: 1. The Legislature of Ohio — They have at length done jus- tice to themselves and to us. Better late than never. 2. Our Senators and Representatives — Many have done well, but these have excelled them all. 3. The Countv of Summit — An infant Hercules. Give him a wide berth, for he'll be a w^hopper! 4. Our Struggle — Almost another Trojan siege! The pangs and throes it has cost our parents to bring us forth are a certain presage of future greatness. 5. Akron — Look at her as she was, as she is and as she WLL BE! 6. Our Young Countj^ — The pride of our affections; unsur- passed in the elements of future greatness; already populous and w^ealthy. If such is its childhood, what w^ill it be w^hen it becomes a man? 7. Portage, Stark and Medina — Among them thej^ have hatched a young eagle, full-fledged and on the wing. She will soar above them all. 8. The Buckej^e State — A germ of future empire, marching right ahead in the road of prosperity. She w^ill not be turned aside from the high destinj^ that awaits her ! 9. Our Canals and Public Improvements — If such things be done in the green tree, what will be done in the dry? 10. The Late Meeting at Ravenna — Malignity feeding on envy; daws pecking at eagles; a striking instance of folly reacting on itself ! 11. The Memorjy of Gregorv Powers — We mourn the untimely fate of this patriot, statesman and jurist. His memory will long be cherished in the County of Summit, his native and resting place! 12. The Memorv of George Washington — The greatest and best man ever produced in the tide of time. When nature formed him she broke the mold, that he might stand peerless and alone ! 13. The Ladies of Summit — It is the summit of our ambi- tion to stand in the summit of their affections ! Volunteer toasts similar in sentiment, and perhaps still more extravagant in language, were offered by Messrs. Benjamin Rouse, of Richfield; Gen. Samuel D.Harris, of Ravenna; JohnHunsberger, of Green; Julius A. Sumner, of Springfield, and Dr. Asa Field, Col. James W. Phillips, Robert K. DuBois, Dr. Jedediah D. Commins, Capt. Philo Chamberlin, Col. Erastus Torrey, Col. Justus Gale, Dr. Joseph Cole, Major Ithiel Mills, and Hiram Bowen, Esq., (Editor Beacon), of Akron. In the evening a large convival party took supper at the "Ohio Exchange," southwest corner of Main and Market streets, (present site of Woods' Block), winding up with a social dance, the utmost 98 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. good feeling and hilarity prevailing throughout; a local paper say- ing: "The day was closed without accident, or other untoward circumstance to mar the festivities, amid bon-fires and every demonstration of joy. The 4th of March, 18iO, w^ill long be remem- bered in Akron !" HON. JOHN HOY,— born in Adams Countj^ Pa., Jul3^ 4, 1797; com- mon school education; learned trade of stone and brick mason; December 19, 1820, was married to Miss Eliza- beth Traxler; moved to Ohio in 1821, settling in Manchester, then in Stark Co.; soon after settling- there was elected justice of the peace for Frank- lin township, holding the office 18 years; oti the organization of Summit County, in April, 1840, was elected County Commissioner, re-elected in October following, for two years, and again in 1842 for three years, serv- ing in all five j^ears and seven months; in April, 1847, was appointed* by the Legislature one of the Asso- ciate Judges of Summit County, ably serving till the taking effect of the new State Constitution, in 1852; also served as land appraiser for four townships, and on the State Board of Equalization, and took an active interest in educational matters and the religious and benevolent enter- prises of the da3^ Judge and Mrs. Hoy were the parents of six daugh- ters and one son — Sophia, married to Adam Sorric, (now deceased); Sabina, wife of Henr}' Dailj-. (deceased); Lorohama, wife of Dr. William Sisler, ^'^a^' HON. JOHX HOY. (deceased); Amanda, now Mrs. Dr. Adam Sisler; Caroline Maria, now Mrs Samuel Gongwer; Anna, wife of Lewis Everhart, (deceased), an-d John F., now a resident of the city of Springfield, O. As provided by law the county officers Avere chosen at the reg- ular Spring election, on the first Monday of April, to hold their respective positions until the annual election in the following October. The officers chosen at that time w^ere: Commissioners, John Hoy, of Franklin; Jonathan Starr, of Copley; and Augustus E. Foot, of Tw^insburg; Auditor, Birdsey Booth, of Cuyahoga Falls; Treasurer, William O'Brien, of Hudson; Recorder, Alexan- der Johnston, of Green; Sheriff, Thomas Wilson, of Northfield; Prosecuting Attornev, George Kirkum, of Akron; Coroner, Elisha Hinsdale, of Norton; Real £'si!^a^e^/?pra/ser, Frederick A. Sprague, of Richfield; Assistant Appraisers, Milo Stone, of Tallmadge and Thomas E. Jones, of Franklin, County Clerks at that time being appointees of the several Common Pleas Courts of the State, Court Judges in turn, being appointees of the Legislature; the office of Probate Judge not then being in existence. The officers elect assembled at the tavern of Charles P. McDon- ald, northeast corner of South Main and Exchange streets, (in the sam,e building still standing there), on Thursday, April 9, 1840. Justice Jacob Brown administered the oath of office to Commis- sioners Hoy, Starr and Foote, w^ho, in turn, administered a like oath to the several other officers, and on the due filing and accept- ance of the proper bonds, the organization was complete. LOCATIXG THE COUNTY SEAT. 99 At this meeting propositions were made for temporary quar- ters for county purposes, pending the erection of public buildings, as foUoA^s: the present Continental Hotel building, corner of Main and Exchange streets, by Jacob Brown, Esq.; the three-story brick building of Mr. Benjamin W. Stephens, on the present site of Merrill's Pottery, and the three-story stone block of Messrs. Chauncey S. and Hiram Payne, on the southeast corner of Howard and Market streets; the latter being accepted at a subsequent meeting of the commissioners. The large hall on the third floor was used for a court room, a small portion of the southeast corner being partitioned off for jail purposes; the several county officers occupying other rooms on the second and third floors of the building. nr HOM AS WILSON, - Summit Coun- -•- ty's firvSt Sheriff, was born in Pennsylvania, December 22, 1811 ; raised on farm, with common school ■education ; about 1830 moved with parents to Northfield, Ohio, walking- all the way, and driving- his mother's tw^o favorite cows. He w^as married at Brandywine Mills, by Rev. Caleb Pitkin, of Hudson, to Miss Emeline H. Wallace, sister of the late James W. Wallace, December 20, 1838, who died October 7, 1840, aged 26 years. At the preliminary election, in the organization of the new county of Summit, held on Monday, April 6, 1840, Mr. Wilson was elected Sheriff, was re-elected in October, the same year, and again in 1842, ablj'^ filling- the office four years and seven inonths. On retiring from office Mr. Wilson was for several years engag- ■ed in the manufacture of luineral paint in Akron, about 1860 remov- ing to St. Louis, Mo., where he en- gaged in the real estate business, also having an interest in the Glencoe Rock Company, and furnishing the «tone for some of the finest buildings in that city. June 15, 1857, Mr. Wilson married Miss Marie E. McArthur, of Akron, who bore him three children. THOMAS WILSON. one only of whom is now living- Ruth, now a music teacher in St. Louis and living with her mother. At the time of his death, June 19, 1887, at the age of 75 years, 6 months and 7 days, Mr. Wilson w^as superin- tendent of "Memorial Home," a home for old gentlemen in St. Louis. At this time, it will be recollected, the seat of justice of the new county was only temporarily located at Akron, the perma- nent location of >vhich was to be determined by the commissioners named in the joint resolution of the Legislature heretofore given; Akron, besides being pretty evenly divided between the North and South villages, having two formidable rivals in Cuyahoga Falls, four miles to the northward, and the then largely talked of " Summit City" (since known as the "Chuckery"), midway between. Messrs. Williard, McConnell and Sabin, the Locating Commis- sioners, entered upon the task assigned them on Tuesday, May 12, 1840, occupying several days examining the several proposed sites for the location of the public buildings, hearing arguments in favor of each, receiving proposals for the donation of lands, con- struction of buildings, etc. The principal competitors for the 100 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, prize were, as before stated, Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and Summit City — Akron, meantime, having so far harmonized her conflicting local predilections as to agree upon a point midway between the tw^o villages, should tjie commissioners deem it advisable to decide the matter in her favor. Kach locality presented well secured pledges for the donation of lands and the construction of the county buildings free of cost to the tax-payers of the ne^v county, and each, through its chosen spokesman — Hon. Klisha N. Sill, for Cuyahoga Falls, Dr. Edmund W. Crittenden, for Summit City, and Hon. Rufus P. Spalding, for Akron — presented arguments, accompanied by statistics in regard to business resources, healthfulness, accessibility, etc., of the several locations. Akron based its claim upon its location on the Ohio Canal, the great artery of travel and commerce from Lake Erie to the Ohio river on the south, and the just completed Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, bringing it in direct communication with Pittsburg and Philadelphia, on the east, and upon its superb Avater power, as w^ell as its ready accessibility from all parts of the county. Cuyahoga Falls claimed to be nearer the geographical center of the county, more eligibly located for the building up of a large manufacturing city, and more healthful than the other points named, with inexhaustible \v^ater-power, and, with the completion of the new P. & O. canal, of equal access to the outer world with Akron, and vastly superior to that of the intermediate point named. Summit City's claim w^as based upon its location nearly midAvay between its two bitterly hostile rivals; its high and salubrious terri- tory, and, above all, upon its mammoth hydraulic scheme then nearing completion, by w^hich the entire waters of the Big Cuyahoga river, with nearly 200 feet fall, was to speedily build up at that point the largest manufacturing city in the Great West. After a thorough and pains-taking examination of the points named, and a full consideration of the statistics and arguments presented, the commissioners unanimously decided that the interests of the people of the new county would, as a whole, best be subserved by locating their seat of justice at Akron, and accordingly, as the unanimous choice of Akron, the stakes for the county buildings were stuck upon the "gore," between the two villages, where they no^v stand, the land for that purpose being generously donated b}^ Gen. Simon Perkins, of Warren, father of the late Col. Simon Perkins, of Akron. Though the bitter rivalry betw^een North and South Akron for the business ascendency had not, perhaps, entirely abated, the public buildings having been located upon neutral ground, then about as ui3handy to the one as the other, they so far stifled their animosi- ties, for the time being, as to unite in a \^rild jollification over the result, and to heartily co-operate with each other in raising funds and materials with which to erect the public buildings, which, it will be remembered, each of the three competitors had agreed should be done free of cost to the tax-payers of the county. Hiram Bowen, Esq., the editor of the Beacon, in announcing the result, said: "The 'Gore' is situated midway between North and South Akron, and a more beautiful and commanding site can not be found for public buildings in the State. It is said that CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS LET. 101 almost every township in the county can be seen from the build- ings on this spot. Its location, as regards Akron, is auspicious — she is now one. There is now no North Akron, no South Akron, and our citizens will henceforth unite their common energies in developing the great natural resources for which Akron has become so justly celebrated." A LKXANDER JOHNSTON,— born ■^ in Center Count}', Pa., Novem- ber 7, 1808 ; coming- with parents to Ohio, and settling- in Green town- ship in 1814; educated in common schools ; for many years taiight school winters, working- on farm in summer; Summit County's first Re- corder, elected in April, 184(), re-elect- ed in October, of that year, for full term of three years ; in 1846 elected as Summit's Representative to State Legislature for two j^ears, having also served his township for many years in the capacit}- of school ex- aminer, township clerk, justice of the peace, etc. March 14, 1850, Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Lovina Thurston, who was born November 8, 1821. They are the parents of three children — Horace Greeley, surveyor and engineer, born April 15, 1851, now living in Salina, Kansas ; Isaac Newton, born July 13, 1853, now living in Hinton, W. Va.; and Anna Maria, born September 7, 1858, still at home with parents. Residing on his finelj^ cultivated 125 acre farm, in the east- ern portion of Green township, Mr. Johnston, now in his 83d j'ear, is one of the best preserved and most intelli- g-ent representatives of pioneer life in Summit Countj'. Originallj^ a \ \i ALEXANDER JOHNSTON. Whig with strong anti-slaver}' pro- clivities, Mr. Johnson naturally, on its organization, attached himself to the Republican party, which for over a third of a century has received his most zealous and unqualified sup- port. The committee on subscriptions to the building fund consisted of Ansel Miller, Lewis Miller, Robert K. DuBois, Richard Howe, Benjamin W. Stephens, Leander L. How^ard, Justus Gale, George P. Stephens, Simon Perkins, Jr., Tedediah D. Commins, Jacob Brown, Thomas P. May, Joseph Cole, Charles, P. McDonald, Ithiel Mills and Warren Clark. The subscriptions, amounting to $17,495, were made payable to the County Commissioners, and the deed of the land having been received from Gen. Perkins, on the 14th of July, 1840, the commissioners, Messrs. John Hoy, Jonathan Starr and Augustus E. Foote, and the committee, in a w^ritten agreement, transferred, assigned, conveyed, set over and delivered to Simon Perkins, Jr., Jedediah D. Commins and Richard Howe, as trustees, the subscription aforesaid, with power to collect the same, and "to make all such contracts and agreements as they shall judge nec- essary and proper, for the erection and completion of said buildings, and furnishing materials for the same, and generally to superin- tend and direct in the expenditure of the moneys and property to be received on the su])scriptions aforesaid." It w^as further stipulated in the agreement that the court house and jail were to be similar in construction, and equal in value, to those at Ravenna, to be fully completed and finished by 102 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the first day of July, 1843. The trustees acted promptly and after due notice for proposals, entered into contracts with Major Ithiel Mills, of Akron, for the erection of the court house, and with Mr. Sebbens Saxton, of Norton, for the building of the jail, both con- tractors at once commencing operations, the foundation, and several feet of the main w^alls of the former, and the massive foundation walls of the latter, being completed before the setting in of Winter^ the same Fall. AN ENTIRELY NEW DEAE. The term of Senator Perkins having expired, Hon. Elisha N^ Sill, of Cuyahoga Falls, was, as the candidate of the Whig party^ elected as his successor, in the Portage-Summit District, in October, 1840, Henry G. Weaver, a substantial farmer, of Springfield^ being at the same time elected Representative of the new^ county. Early in the session Mr. Sill introduced a bill for the appoint- ment of a commission to review, and, if in their judgment deeined necessary, to re-locate the seat of justice of Summit Count3% said commission consisting of Jacob C. Hoagland, of Highland County^ Valentine Winters, of Montgomery County, and William Kendall^ of Scioto County. This bill was readily engineered through the Senate, by Mr. Sill, and though Mr, Weaver made a vigorous effort to defeat it in the House, Mr. Sill's influence w^ith that body pre- vailed also, the bill having been passed and signed by Seabury Ford, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and by William M. McLaughlin, Speaker of the Senate, on March 25," 1841; and that, too, in the face of the fact that on a very thorough canvass- of the county, 3,014 voters remonstrated against, while but 2,376 petitioned for, the opening of the vexed question, there being a majority of 638 in favor of the location already made. The review^ing commissioners came upon the ground about the middle of May, 1841, and, after spending a day or tw^o in exam- ining the several competing locations, on Thursday, May 20, held an all day meeting in the Universalist Church on North High street, in Akron, where, as before, arguments were made b^'' Messrs. Sill, of the Falls, Crittenden of Summit City,' and Spalding of Akron, in favor of their respective locations. This meeting vi^as interesting and exciting in the extreme, the church being crowrded to its utmost capacity all day. The commissioners held a consultation at their room in the Ohio Exchange in the evening, and, after "sleeping over it," a final talk the next morning, w^hen, to the astonishment of everybod3% it w^as announced that a majority of the committee, Messrs. Hoagland and Winters, had decided in favor of Summit City, Mr. Kendall being in favor of the original location. When, therefore^ the commissioners started out to formally drive the stakes for the county buildings, a large crowd of indignant Akronians and delighted "Chuckery-ites" accompanied them to witness the ceremony. To the great surprise of all, however, instead of going to the upper plateau, which sightly position had been proffered by the company, they proceeded to set their stakes on the first bench above the Little Cuyahoga river, at a point a short distance east of the present residence of Mr. R. A. Grimwood, on Glenwo( d avenue. Expressions of disgust were both numerous and emphatic. REVIEW AND RELOCATION. 103 the pretended "compromise," between the contending interests, pleasing nobody. The tw^o active Commissioners, (Kendall standing aloof) were evidently sorely nettled at the pungent criti- cisms of the crowd, bluff old Dr. Daniel Upson, of Tallmadge, who sat in his buggy watching the operation, capping the climax by remarking, in his emphatic and incisive manner, that "nobody but fools or knaves would think of locating bounty buildings in such a place as that! " At this point, Messrs. Hoagland and Winters held a hurried consultation, at the close of which, they hastily pulled up the stakes they had driven, and loading them into their carriage drove direct to Cuyahoga Falls, w^here they proceeded to set the stakes upon the very handsome site now^ occupied by the Congregational Church, on the south side of Broad street betw^een Front and Second streets. As elsewhere stated. Summit County was made a part of the Third Judicial District, of w:hich Hon. Van K. Humphrey was at that time the President Judge; while the Legislature, imme- diately after erecting the new county, had appointed as Associate Judges, Messrs. Robert K. DuBois, of Akron, Charles Sumner, of Middlebury, and Hugh R. Caldwell, of Franklin. As required by law, majority and minority reports were sub- mitted to the Court by the locating Commissioners, ^v^hich were duly presented for record by Prosecuting Attorney George Kirkum. To this the County Commissioners, through counsel, objected, and after full argument, the court, on the 23d day of July, 1841, made the following entry upon its journal: "In the matter of the review and relocation of the seat of justice for Summit Covinty, Jacob C. Hoagfhmd and Valentine Winters, two of the Com- missioners appointed by the Legislature to review and locate the seat of justice of Summit County, having returned to the office of the Clerk of this Court their joint report, and William Kendall, the other Commissioner, having returned to the Clerk of this Coixrt his separate report, this day George Kirkum, Esq., a citizen and Prosecuting Attorney of said county, presented the same reports to the Court, and moved that the report of said Hoag-land and Winters be filed and entered of record. Whereupon the Com- missioners of said County of Summit appear bj- their attorney and object to the filing and entering of said reports of record, for various reasons bj- them set forth, and the parties were heard by counsel and the Court being equally divided in opinion, it is ordered that the said George Kirkum, Esq., take nothing by his said motion." The Court being thus divided as to the legality of the proceed- ings Avhicli had been had, and the County Commissioners also being divided on the same subject, Commissioner Foote favoring the majority report, no further action w^as had in regard to the public buildings during that year; the several county officers meantime, assuming the prerogative of deciding, each for himself, where his office should be kept; Auditor Booth establishing his headquarters at Cuyahoga Falls, Treasurer O'Brien, also, having his main office in that village, though maintaining a branch office in the room w^hich had been provided by the commissioners in Akron. This arrangement was very unsatisfactory and inconven- ient, but was patiently borne with in the hope that the next Leg- islature would straighten the tangle out. Senator Sill's incumbency, of course, continued through the session of 1841-42, Summit County being entitled to two represen- KM AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, tatives, at this session. Politically, as before intimated, the new county was largely Whig, and through certain influences the executive conimittee of that party appointed its nominating. con- vention at Cuyahoga Falls, notice of which failing to reach the remote southern townships in time, several of said tow^nships were not represented in said convention; Capt. Amos Seward, of Tallmadge, and Harvey Whedon, Ksq., of Hudson, being nomi- nated for Representatives. Feeling that this convention was being manipulated entirely in the interest of Cuyahoga Falls, the people of Akron, and those townships favorable to Akron as the county seat, called a non- partisan convention for about the same date, "which convention nominated Hon. Rufus P. Spalding (then a resident of Akron), and Col. Simon Perkins, as its candidates for representatives, the former being a Democrat and the latter a Whig. This non-partisan convention also renominated Mr. Jonathan Starr, of Copley, for commissioner, his opponent on the Whig ticket being Asaph Whittlesey, Esq., of Tallmadge. The canvass Avas short but spirited, and proved to be a decided victory for Akron, the vote standing: Perkins, 2,133; Spalding, 2,005; Seward, 909; Whedon, 950; Starr, 2,178; Whittlesey, 959. On the assembling of the Legislature, in December, 1841, Messrs. Spalding and Perkins introduced a bill to submit the ques- tion of location to the voters of the county on the first Monday of April, 1842. The opposition to the bill in the House was much less stubborn tha^ against the original bill, but in the Senate, through the efforts and influence of Mr. Sill, the vote was substantially the same, standing 45 yeas to 19 nays in the House, and 20 yeas to 16 nays in the Senate; the bill being signed March 2, 1842, by Rufus P. Spalding, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and James J. Farran, Speaker of the Senate. Some lively campaigning was done by both parties during the intervening month between the final passage of the bill and the election, and it may safely be said that a full vote was polled, with the followinsf result: TOWNSHIPS. c c kl < o a Scattering. Bath.. 191 66 271 232 250 289 16 29 30 295 621 153 348 6 181 41 54 1 2 60 1 Boston 2 Copley 1 Coventry Franklin 4 1 235 132 143 12 Green 2 HudvSon Northampton Northfield 7 9 2 Norton Portage 5 16 15 361 177 199 15 1 7 1 Richfield Sprnigtield 1 StOAV I Talhnadg-e Twinsburg^ 1 2,978 1,:^84 101 24 AKRON FINALLY WINS. 105 Akron's total vote 2,978 Cuyahog-a Falls' total vote 1,384 Akron's plurality 1,594 Summit City, etc 125 Akron over all I,4vas about 30, ranging from 6 to 21 years of age. Every house \rhere I boarded but one, wras of the log cabin variety; in one, my bed being in the loft, reached by a ladder, and through the long oak shingles of ^vhich, on stormy nights, the snow would sift liberally down upon the coverlet. The house where I boarded the longest, had two rooms; one kitchen, dining room, parlor and bed room, combined, the high bed in the corner being occupied by the old folks, and the trundle- bed, beneath, by the two younger children; the other room con- taining tw^o beds, one of which Avas occupied by the "Master" and a twelve-year-old boy, and the other by the three older girls of the family, with a linen sheet suspended midviray between the t"wo beds! As prolific as were xw2i\\y of those early families, the enumer- ated youth of the district, of school age, warranted the draw^ing of less than half the amount of public money needed to pay the teacher's salary, as meager as it was; consequently a roll of attendance had to be kept, even to the half da^^s, and the deficit assessed, pro rata, and collected from the parents, a task which proved so irksome to the acting director, the late Sidney Stocking, that he finally gave up the job in disgust, paying the last ten dollars out of his ow^n pocket. AKRON'S EARLIER SCHOOLS. Besides this and other outside schools, in the Ayres settlement, the Sherbondy neighborhood, the Spicer settlement, the Old Forge, etc.. North and South Akron w^ere each separate school districts, a small frame school house standing on the northeast corner of Middlebury street and Broadw^ay, afterwards replaced by a one- story stone building, which is still standing. That school house, a cut of which, from memory, is here given, was the only place for holding public meetings — religious, political, literary or otherwise, the first number of Akron's first newspaper — the Weekly Post — issued March 22, 1836, announcing that "The Akron Lyceum and Library Association w^ill meet at the School House in South Akron, on Friday next, at 6 o'clock EARLY SCHOOL HOUSES, TEACHERS, ETC. Ill P. M., to discuss the question: 'Ought the right of suffrage to be extended to foreigners?'" and the further announcement that "the electors of Portage township will meet at the School House in South Akron, on^Thursday, the 31st inst., at 7 o'clock, for the purpose of nominating candidates to be supported at the ensuing elec- tion;" and a few weeks later this: "A meeting of the mem- bers of the Akron and Middle- bury Baptist Church and Society will be held at the School House, in South Akron, on Wednesday, June 16, at 4 o'clock p. m,, for the purpose of organizing under their charter;" and also this: ''The citizens of Akron and vicinity are earnestly requested to meet at the School House, in South Akron, on Saturday evening at 7 o'clock precisely, for the purpose of ascertaining the public feeling in this place with regard to constructing a Railroad from Akron to Richmond, on Grand river in Geauga County." In North Akron there was then no public school house, such brief terms as were taught being dependent upon such hired rooms, in private houses or stores, as could be procured, though there was erected in 1835, back of where the Congregational Church now stands, a small house for a select school, but by vv^hom built, or by whom the school was taught, is not no^v remembered. In this house, also, religious, political, literary and other meet- ings were held, until the completion of the Congregational, Methodist, Baptist and Universalist churches, and the halls in the old stone building, in North Akron, May's building in South Akron, and Stephens' building, between the tw^o villages, were completed in 1836-7. Of the earlier public teachers, the writer has no definite recollection, but the proportion of public money for the payment of teachers w^as then so meager, and the term so short and uncertain, that many parents preferred to send their children entirely to select schools, which were quite numerous about those days. Among those recalled, w^ho taught for shorter or longer periods, w^ere Miss Sarah Carpender, sister of Dr. John G. Carpender, of 315 Bow^ery street, afterwards married to Mr. John S. Harvey, one of North Akron's pioneer merchants; Miss Amanda Blodgett, sister of the late Mrs. A. R. Tow^nsend, and later the wife of the late Dr. William P. Cushman; and our present well preserved 80-year-old fellow citizen, Nahum Fay, Esq.; Mr. Fay teaching the North Akron district school for five successive Winters — 1836-7 and 1837-8 in a store-room in Lewis P. Buckley's building, where the post- office now stands; 1838-9 in a store room belonging to Elisha N. Bangs, where the Allen block now stands, and 1839-40 and 1840-41 in the new school house, below referred to, on South High street; his sister-in-law. Miss Emily Cummings, teaching in the low^er story of the same house; the first Mrs. Fay also at one time teach- ing a small public school in a rented room on West Hill, near the present residence of Dr. John W. Lyder. Advertisements of other select schools are found in the newspapers of the period, as follows: 112 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. May 20, 1836, "M. and A. C. Joyce respectfully inform the inhabitants of Akron, and vicinity, that they have opened a school in South Akron, where they -will instruct a iew young ladies in Arithmetic, Orthography, History, Composition, Natural Phi- losophy, Astrononi}', Botany, Rhetoric, Chemistry, Drawing in Crayon, Mezzotinto, Pencil, India Ink, Japaning, Flower Paintings etc. Terms made known on application. Those ^vishing to attend to Reading, Writing, Geography, Grammar, etc., $3 per quarter." NAHUM FAY— born in Reading, Vt, July 26, 1811; common school and academic education ; rais- ed on farm ; from 18 j^ears of age taught school six consecutive win- ters ; then entered employ of map publishing firm of Lewis Robinson & Co., as salesman and copper-plate printer ; in Julj', 1836, came to Akron where the companj^ established a map manufactory, working for com- pany Summers and teaching school Winters, for six j'ears ; in October, 1843, was elected County Recorder, and re-elected in 1846, holding the office six jears ; served as Deputj- County Treasurer, under the respec- tive terms of Treasurers William H. Dewey, Frederic Wadsworth and Chester W. Rice, from 1849 to 185.5; afterwards grain buj^er for several years ; Akron Village Recorder 1842, '43, '47; Township Clerk 1844, '45, '46. '47; Village Councilman 1844; Town- ship Assessor of personal property 1847, '51, '52, '54, '61, '62, '64, also several times assessor of real estate, school enumerator, etc.; in 1860 commenced the manufacture of cordage, twine, etc., by hand machinery, supplying the local markets with that class of foods for more than twenty years, n 1837 Mr. Faj^ was married to Miss Lucia Cumings, of Windsor Count}", XAHUM FAY. Vt., who bore him two children — Henry C. M. (deceased) and Emma v., wife of James W. Chamberlain, superintendent of the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Co., of Akron. Mrs. Fay dying October 23, 1882, Mr. Fay was again married, to Mrs. Marv E.^ Wright, September 16, 1883. July 27, 1836, "Mrs. Susan E. Dodge announces that on the 1st day of August, she w^ill open a school on the corner of Main and Exchange streets, for Young Ladies and Misses, in which the foUoAving branches will be taught: Reading, Writing and Spelling,. $2.50; Grammar, Geography and Arithmetic, $3.50; Rhetoric^ Philosophy, Botany, Map-drawing and Needle-work, $5.00; Paint- ing (water colors) 24 lessons, $5.00, Landscape Painting, $5.00. Term eleven weeks." January 2, 1837, Miss B. M. Hawkins, under the heading, "Akron High School," gives notice that she "will continue her school, over the room of M. C. and A. R, Townsend, in North Akron, during the Winter term of twelve weeks. Tuition: Ortho- graphy, Writing, Grammar, and Geography, $2.50; History, Arithmetic, Rhetoric and Composition, $3. 00; Geometry, Chemistry, Botany, Intellectual Philosophy, Natural Philosophy, Natural Theology, $i. 00; French Painting, $5.00." In the Spring of 1837, Mr, S. L. Sawtell, an eastern college graduate, opened a select school in Stephens' block (present site of VARIOUS "select" AND " HIGH " SCHOOLS. 113 Merrill's pottery) giving such satisfaction, that on the 15th of November, the "Winter term of the Akron High School," with Mr. Sawtell as instructor, is announced, — the price of tuition for a term of 11 weeks, ranging from $3.00 to $5.00. DR. JOSEPH COLE, — born in Winfield, Herkimer County. N. Y., Septeinber 17, 1795 ; served in the war of 1812, (50 days at Sackett's Har- bor in 1814; graduated at Fairfield Medical College, February 16, 1825 ; located at Old Portage, Ohio, in Spring- of 1826, at once attaining' a larg'e practice ; December 25, 1820, was married to Miss Charlotte Dewey, formerly of Westfield, Mass., in Spring- of 1827 remov*ed to Akron, where he enjoyed a lucrative prac- tice, and the jjublic esteem and con- fidence until his death, October 28, 1861, ag-ed 66 years, 1 month and 11 days. Dr. Cole was among the earliest Temperance advocates in Ohio, a bitter foe to human slavery and a luost zealous friend of educa- tion, larg-ely aiding in the formula- tion of the Akron School Law, and serving- tipon the first Board of Education, elected under said law, in 1847. Mrs. Cole survived her hus- band nearly a quarter of a century, dying August 1, 1886, aged 85 j^ears, 5 months. They were the parents of seven children — Jose])h Keep, born April 7, 1828, died July 4, 1829; Harriet F., born November 24, 1830, married to Dr. A. H. Agard, October 10, 1849, died November 14, 1854, leav- ing one child, now Mrs. Helen L. Epler, of Saratoga Springs, N. Y. ; Amanda L., born Deceinber 28, 1831, died Jul}' 7, 1855; Alvin, born July DR. JOSEPH COLE. 18, 1834, died November 15, 1834; in- fant son born September 1835, died September 19, 1835; Ben. Franklin, born September 19, 1836, died Jan- uar}' 29, 1839; Harrison Dewey born June 19, 1840, married to Miss Harriet A. Farnam, November 24, 1864. died April 25, 1876, leaving- two children — Harrison D. and Fanny F., both now living with their mother, 603 South High street. This seems to have been a regularly organized institution, but whether chartered or not is. not remembered, and the manage- ment seems to have included gentlemen from several neighboring townships in both Portage and Medina counties (Summit not having yet been erected), the officers named in the advertisement being as follows: Jedediah D. Commins, (Akron), President; Jonathan Starr, (Copley), Vice President; Simon Perkins, (Portage),. Treasurer; Horace K. Smith, (Akron), Secretary; John Codding, (Granger), Erastus Torrey, Eliakim Crosby, Gii)bons J. Ackley, Justus Gale, Samuel A. Wheeler and Joseph Cole, (Akron), Roan. Clark, (Middlebury), Lewis Hammond, (Bath), Allen Pardee, (Wadsworth), and Henry Van Hyning, (Norton), Trustees. But notw^ithstanding this solid backing, and notwithstanding the acknowledged ability of Mr. Sawtell, the attendance was so meager that, as an inducemeiit to increase of pupilage, the Spring and Summer term, of 22 weeks, in 1838, without increased pay, was offered, Mr. Saw^tell seeking, at the same time, to create an interest in his school, and the cause of education generally, as well as to piece out his income, by the jiublication of the *' Pestalozzian,'* 114 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. which had an existence of six months only, both his paper and his school being discontinued in the Fall of 1838. In the American Balance of December 27, 1837, is an announcement that "on January 3, 1838, a select school "will be opened on the corner of Middlebury and High streets. South Akron, under the superintendence of Miss M. E. Hubble, of New^ York, where pupils will receive instruction in all branches usually taught in our Kastern Female Seminaries. Terms per quarter (11 weeks) from $3.00 to $5.00 according to studies pursued, and for music, $8.00, including use of piano." JUDGE JAMES R. FORD,— born in J Herkimer Co., N. Y., January 28, 1797. His earlier j^ears were spent in Pittsfield, Mass., coming to Paines- ville, Ohio, about the year 1817. Here he resided about 17 years, filling- many positions of trust and honor, when he removed to Huron County, and from thence, about 1837 to Akron, when, with others under the firm name of The Akron Manufacturing Company, a large foundry and stove business was carried on, on what is known as the old ^tna Furnace site, opposite Lock Eleven, Ohio Canal. In June, 1845, Mr. Ford was appointed by Gov. Bartle}', Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas Court, for Summit County, which office he acceptabl}^ filled until failing health compelled his resignation in 1849. April 27, 1826, Judge Ford was mar- ried to Miss Julia A. Tod, daughter of Judge George Tod, of Youngstown, who bore him seven children — Sarah T. (now Mrs. Peck, of Youngstown), James H., deceased ; Mar}^ M. died in infancy ; Hobart, deceased ; Julia A., wife of Judge William H. Upson, of JUDGE JAMES R. FORD. Akron ; George Tod Ford, of Akron ; and Elizabeth A., now Mrs. John F. Earl, of New York. Judge Ford died, January 2, 1851, aged 53 years 11 months and 4 days, Mrs. Ford dj4ng Januarj^ 19, 1885, aged 77 years, 11 months and 13 da5^s. The growth of the public school system was sIoav for the next six or eight years, because of the disproportion of Akron's quota of the State school fund, to the number of children to be educated, though, in about 1839, a fair sized school house had been erected in North Akron, on High street, immediately south of the present Congregational Church (still standing there), with a room in the basement in which the younger scholars were taught; a small additional building, afterwards known as the "Bell" school house, on South High street, being used for a second school in South Akron. But owing to the fact that each parent was required to pay his pro rata proportion of the teacher's salary, over and above the amount received from the State, very many of the youths of the village were not kept in school, the average attendance, in 1845, being scarcely more than 350 out of a total enumeration of 690. Yet, besides those mentioned in the "High School" advertise- ment, above quoted, many other citizens, of both villages, were deeply interested in the cause of education, among whom were Constant Bryan, Esq., Capt. Richard Howe, Gen. Lucius V. Bierce, Webster B. Storer, Ansel Miller, Horace K. Smith, William H. THE "AKRON INSTITUTE. 115 Dewey, William M. Dodge, Harvey B. Spelman, Allen Hibbard, Henry W. King, Sidney Edgerton, Hon. James R. Ford, James Matthews, James S. Carpenter, Dr. Edwin Angel, Dr. Elias W. Howard, etc. JUDGE CONSTANT BRYAN,— son J of Elijah Bryan (a soldier of the Revolution for six years) and Content Baldwin Fowler ; born in Delaware Co., N. Y., September 6, 1809; raised on farm ; common school education ; 16 to 19 taught school ; read law in Bainbridge, N. Y., graduating' from Law Department of Yale College 'in 1830; came to Akron in 1833; admit- ted to bar in Columbus, in 1834, opening an office in Akron, later for two or three years having Hon. Oeorge Bliss for partner ; originally a Democrat, in 1836-37, published and edited the Akron Journal, a Demo- <.'ratic paper ; was Akron's first vil- lage Recorder, in 1836; was active in formulating the Akron school law, 1846, and an efficient member of School Board thereunder ; early es- pousing the cause of Freesoilism, in 1852 was elected Probate Judge by a Democratic and Free-soil coalition, serving two years. May 15, 1839, he Avas married to Miss Sophia Den- tiison, of Hartland, Vt., who bore him three children, one of whom, only, is living — Henry E., for man}^ years past Clerk of the City of Columbus. Mrs. Bryan dying, March 27, 1847, at the age of 29 years, 10 months and 8 osite Cohimbus, Ohio; here lie was adopted by Lucas Sullivan t, a wealthy resident of Franklinton, who, besides giving: him a good education for those times also taught him the art of survej^- ing; at 21, surveyed and located a road from Columbvis to Cincinnati ; in 1824. was selected as a member of the Board of Kngineers to survey and locate the Ohio Canal, reinoving to Akron in 1829, where, as president of of the board and resident engineer of the Northern division, he w^as in the continuous einploy of the State until his resignation, in 18i50, to go to California, where, in 1851, he was appointed Dept. U. S. Surveyor to run the meridian line from Mount Diablo to the Bay of Monterey; from 1S63 to 1865. was employed by the Pittsburg, Cincinnati and St. Louis R. R. to superintend the building of a bridge across the Ohio River at Steubenville. at which time the por- trait accompanying- this sketch was taken. Capt. Howe was an early and earnest friend of education in Akron, liberallj- aided all of her early church enterprises, was one of the trustees for the erection of the court house and jail in 184(); village councilman in 18.54. 18.55 and 1860. September 25, 1827. Capt. Howe was mai-ried to Miss CAPT. RICHAKD HOWE. Roxana Jones who bore him eight children, five of Avhom survived him — Henrj' W. Howe. Esq., now of Ira, Northampton township ; Charles R., who died December 7, 1875; Nathan J., now of Chicago; Emil}' B. no^v Mrs. J. A. Ingersoll, of Chicago ; Mary Anna now Mrs. John Wolf, of Akron. Capt. Howe died March 19, 1872, aged 73 years and 11 daj^s. Mrs. Howe dying Februar}^ 14, 1875, aged 70 3^ears, 1 month and 10 daj's. Rev. Isaac Jennings, Pastor of the Second Congregational Church, was made chairman, (the names of the others not remem- bered), and the committee at once vigorously entered upon the task of thoroughly informing themselves upon the question under con- sideration, and to the formulation of a report upon the subject. At an adjourned meeting, held November 21, 1846, Mr. Jennings, in behalf of the committee, submitted an exhaustive report, occu- pying three columns and a half in the Beacon. After setting forth the defects of the existing system, and the advantages of the proposed change — greater uniformity, enlarged scope of studies, greater efficiency, etc. — the plan submitted by the committee, after full discussion, at a numerouslj^ attended meeting at >Iechanics' Hall, on the night of November 21, 1846, was unani- mously adopted, and a committee, consisting of K'ufus F. Spalding, Henry W. King, Lucius V. Bierce and Harvey B. Spelman, was 118 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. appointed to carry the report into effect, and secure the necessary legislation in the premises. A NSEL MILLP:R — born in Brid^e- ■^ water, Windsor County, \ t., May 20, 1798; education limited — raised a farmer; at 23 learned carpenter's trade; 1826 to 1828 worked at trade in Boston, Mass.; visited Akron in 1828 and located permanently in 1829; here, with his brother Lewis, he eng-ag-ed in contracting and building and being- the first to raise a building in Akron — a large two-story frame, still standing- opposite Lock One- without the use of whisky; in 1839, engaged in boat-building with Mr. Webster B. Storer, under the firm name of Storer & Miller, continuing- 18 years; November 7, 1860, after voting for Abraham Lincoln, moved on to a farm in Copley township, with his son, Charles C. Miller, where he died December 16, 1879, ag-ed 81 years, 6 months and 26 days. Mr. Miller was married to Miss Lucy Auldin Hawk- ins, November 22, 1831, who died December 17, 1837, having- borne him two children — Charles C, now a pros- perous farmer in Copley, born Decem- ber 11, 1832, and James Nelson, born August 25, 1836 and died August 15, 1837. Mr. Miller was a warm friend of education, often serving- as school trustee under the old system, and, as elsewhere stated, among the very first to advocate the union, or g-raded school system, orig-inating in Akron, ANSEL MILLER. and now^ general in Ohio; was an early member of the Board of Edu- cation under the new system, and a member of the Council of the incor- porated village of Akron for the 5'ears 1838, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1847, 1848, 1849, 18.52 and 1855. Mr. Miller was an original Anti-Slavery man, and from its organ- ization, a zealouB member of the Republican party. . Mr. Spalding, as the chairman, and Mr. King, as secretarj^ of the committee, carefully embodied the substance of the report in a bill, which, being duly presented and advocated by our Repre- sentative, Hon. Alexander Johnston, of Green, and our Senator,. Hon. Asahel H. Lewis, of Ravenna, was duly enacted into a law on the 8th day of February, 1847. The act is as follows: An Act for the support and better regulation of the Com- mon Schools of the Town of Akron. Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that the electors of the To\^n of Akron, in the County of Summit, qualified to vote for members of the town council, shall, at the time and place of holding the annual election for said inem- bers of the town council, for the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven, meet and elect six directors [Mr. Jennings' report styled them superintendents and recommended their appointment by the council], of common schools for said town of Akron, two of whom shall serve for one year, two for two years and two for three years, the order of the seniority to be determined by lot, by such directors after their election; annually thereafter, at the time and place above specified, there shall, in like manner, be tw^o directors elected and qualified. All vacancies which may occur shall be filled by the town council. THE AKRON FCHOOL LAW 119 HON. HENRY W. KING, — eldest son of Jud^e Leicester King-, was born in Westneld, Mass., Septem- ber 24, 1815; removed with parents to Warren, Ohio, in 1817; graduated from Washington (now Trinity) College, at Hartford, Conn., August 4, 1836; after thorough course of study at Cincin- nati Law School in 1839 opened law office in Akron in connection with Judge Milton Sutliff, of Warren, and later with James D. Taylor, Esq., and in 1849, with his brother, David L. King, under the firm name of King &. King; was married October 20, 1842, to Mary, third daughter of Dr. Eliakim Crosby, who still survives, two children having been born to them — Harry Crosby King, d3'ing in Arlington Heights hospital August 11, 1864, while m the hundred days service in defense of Washington as a member of the 164th Regt. O. N. G.; the davighter, Julia Huntington, being married to Homer Fisher (son of Akron's former well-known physi- cian, Dr. Alexander Fisher), now living in Chicago. Mr. King was one of the most active promoters of Akron's Union School Sj'stein, as elsewhere stated; in 1850 was elected Secretary of State, whose duties, with those of Coinmissioner of Public Schools, he performed with singular HON. HENRY W. KING. intelligence and fidelity. Ever active in the promotion of the business, educational and moral interests of the town and county, his early death, November 20, 1857, at the age of 42 years and one month, was univer- sally regretted. Sec. II. The said directors, within ten days after their first appointment, as aforesaid, shall meet and organize by choosing, from their members, a president, secretary, and treasurer; and such treasurer, before he enters upon the duties of said office, shall give bond and security, to be approved by the council, and filed in the office of the Mayor of said town, conditioned for the faithful disbursement of all moneys that shall come into his hands as such treasurer, which bond shall be made payable to the State of Ohio; and when such bond shall be forfeited, it shall be the duty of the town council to sue and collect the same for the use of the com- mon schools in said tov^n; and the said directors, so organized and qualified, and their successors in office, shall be a body politic and corporate in law, by the name of "The Board of Education of the Town of Akron," and as such, and by such name, shall be author- ized to receive all moneys accruing to said town, or any part thereof, for the use and benefit of the common schools in said town; and the said board shall be capable of contracting and being contracted with ; suing and being sued ; pleading and being impleaded, in any court of law or equity in this State ; and shall also be capable of receiving any gift, grant, donation or devise, made for the use of common schools in said toTvn ; and said board, by resolution, shall direct the payment of all moneys that shall come into the hands of said treasurer; and no money shall be paid out of the treasury except in pursuance of said resolution, and on the written order of the president, countersigned by the secretary. Without following the exact phraseology of the balance of the law, we summarize the remaining sections as follows: 120 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. REV. ISAAC JENNINGS, D. D..— born in Trumbull, Conn., Jul)' 24,1822, in boyhood re mo vino- to Derby, Conn.; graduate of Yale Col- lege, in class of 1837, with Senator William M. Evarts, Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite, Hon. Edwards Pierpont and Samuel J. Tilde n; taught school from 1837 to 1840; grad- uated from Andover Theological Seminary in 1842; June 14, 1843, ordained pastor of the then Second (now First) Congregational Church in Akron — its first pastor and his first charge; took an active part in inaug- urating the graded or union school vSj'stem, and formulating the "Akron School Laws" now g'eneral in Ohio and other states, the old High or Jennings school being so named in his honor. February 17, 1847, Mr. Jen- nings was inarried to Miss Sophia Day, of Mansfield, O., immediatelj- removing to Stamford, Conn., offi- ciating as pastor of First Cong'rega- tional Church there six years, when he removed to Bennington, Vt., where, as pastor of the old First Church, he faithfully and successfullj^ labored over a third of a centurj-, his death occurring there August 25, 1887, at the age of 65 years, one month and one day. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings were the parents of nine children, six of whom, with their mother, survive— one son, Isaac, Jr., beinga minister; one,Fred- REV. ISAAC JENNINGS, D. D. erick Beach, a lawyer, and one, Charles Green, a physician. The memorj' of Mr. Jenning-s, whose por- trait is given herewith, though his sojourn here w^as comparatively brief, will long be cherished by all the good people of Akron, in whose behalf he so zealousl)" labored nearly half a centurj' ago. Sec. Ill relates to regular and special meetings of the board, quorum, etc. Sec. IV gives the board entire control of all the schools and school property; that after the then ensuing first Tuesday of June, Akron should constitute but one school district and that all moneys accruing to said district from the State, or otherwise, for school purposes, should be paid over to the treasurer of the board. Sec. V relates to number and grade of schools; the establish- ment of a central grammar school, studies to be pursued, Avhat pupils entitled to admission, etc. Sec. VI confers upon the board power to make and enforce rules, emploj^ teachers, fix salaries, purchase apparatus, buy lands, build houses, buy furniture, etc. Sec. VII requires the tow^n council to levy such annual tax upon the property of the district, as, with the amount received from the State school fund, and other sources, -would meet the expense of maintaining said schools; which provision, ow^ing to the clamor of certain inimical tax-payers, w^as modified by an amended act, passed January 28, 1848,. limiting the levj^ to four mills on the dollar in any one year. Sec. VIII places the title of all lands, houses and other school property, with power to purchas^, sell, etc., in the control of the town council. Sec. IX provides for the appointment of three school examiners, by the council, for the examination of all applicants as teachers. THE LAW MADE GENERAL. 121 granting certificates, etc., and also for quarterly visits to schools, reporting progress to council, etc. • Sec. X provides for public examinations of schools, annually, under the direction of the mayor, council, board of education and examiners. HARVEY B. SPELMAN,— born in Rootstown, Portag'e County, ()., September 15, 1811 ; educated in Tall- mad j^^e Academy and T^virLsburg- Institute; after teach in »? awhile entered employ' of Mr. Roswell Kent, of MiddWbury, as clerk, afterwards becoming' his partner and opening" a branch store in Wadsworth ; in 1839 removed to Franklin Mills (now Kent), iji 1841, formed a partnership with >Ir. Charles Clapp, and removed to Akron, the firm occupying the cor- ner store in the old stone block, cor- ner Howard and Market streets. An ardent Congregationalist, he was one of the organizers of the Second Con- gregational Church, in 1842, and one of its first deacons ; stronglj- anti- slavery, he early allied himself with the Third Part}' movement, and by the aid of Free-soil Democrats was elected Representative to the State Legislature, in 1849; enthusiastic in the cause of education, was a zealous promofer of the Akron Union School system, and a member of the first board of education thereunder in 1847; in 18i51 removed to Cleveland, where he at once activel}- identified liimself with the religious, educational and reform movements of the daj- ; in 185(3 removed to Burlington, Iowa; in 1864, under Gen. John Eaton, took charge of cotton raised by "contra- bands" on lands brought under gov- ernment control; in 18(56, removed to New York, there and in Brookljn actively engaging in business and philanthropic work. November 1(>, HAKV'EV B. SPELMAN. 1835, Mr. Spelman was married to Miss Luc3' Henry, of Blanford, Mass. (sister of the late Milton W. Henry), who bore him three children — Lucj' M., born March 4, 1838 ; Laura C, Sep- tember 9, 1839, (now Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, of New York), and Henry Jennings, born December 1, 1842, and died March 15. 18.57, Mr. S. himself d3'ing October 10, 1881, his remains being interred in Lake View Ceme- ter}-, Cleveland. Mrs. S. still survives, residing with her daughter, Mrs. Rockefeller, in New York. February 14, 1848, an amendment was adopted by the Legis- lature, providing: "That every incorporated town or city in this State shall have the provisions of the act entitled 'an act for the support and better regulation of the common schools in the town of Akron' and the amendatory acts thereto, passed by the Forty- sixth General Assembly of this State, extended to all or any of said incorporated towns or cities, whenever two-thirds of the qualified voters thereof shall petition the town or city council in favor of having the provisions of said act so extended," thus establishing a precedent for the "local option" laws, on the temperance ques- tion, now in vogue in Ohio, and other states. Changes and amendments have from time to time been made. extending the provisions, under certain regulations, to unincorpo- rated villages, townships and school districts, so that now a large proportion of the State is working under the Akron School Law, a fact of which our citizens may justly feel proud. 122 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Akron's First HigKScHool BuilcLrng'__l847 tc» I8^^, [on site of pv€se»i.t Jennings SgKooI} It will be noted that the plan of the original report was so modified in the act as passed, as to make the superindents, or as the act specifies, the directors, elective by the people, instead of appointive by the town council. At the first election under the law, June 1, 1847, Lucius V. Bierce, Harvey B. Spelman, William H. Dewey, James Mathews, William M. Dodge and Dr. Joseph Cole w^ere duly elected as members of the board. The board organized by electing L. V. Bierce, president; H. B. Spelman, secretary, and W. H. Dewey, treasurer; James S. Carpenter, Esq., Abel B. Berrj^, Ksq., and Mr. Horace K. Smith, being appointed school examiners by the council. The entire town, de- nominated the "Akron School District," was divided into eight sub- districts; additional pri- mary school houses ^vere built, and the propertj'^ abutting on Summit, Mill and Prospect streets, then embracing about two and. a half acres of land, was purchased for $2,137.21, and the castellated one- story, frame building, al- ready upon the ground, was fitted up for a gram- mar school, at a cost of $613.44. Mr. Mortimer D, Leggett, Ithaca, N. Y., a ripe scholar, and a thorough disciplinarian, ^vas employed as Principal of the Gram- mar School, at the "munificent" salary of $500 per 3'ear, with Miss Lucretia Wolcott and Miss Helen Pomeroy as assistants, at $200 and $150 per year, respectively. The board was opposed in all of its movements by certain penurious property owners, and, as above stated, an amendment to the law was secured, limiting the rate of taxation for school purposes, in any one j^ear, to four mills on the dollar, which compelled so great a degree of economy, in providing houses and apparatus, and the employment of competent teachers, as to very seriously threaten the success of the experiment, Mr. Leggett being impelled \o w^ithdraw^ from the schools the second year for lack of adequate compensation for his exceedinglj' efficient services. The graded system was found to work w^ell, however, there being a much greater proportionate attendance, and at a con- siderable less expense per capita, and greater proficienc}^, than under the old plan. In 1849, an additional sub-district was formed, the primaries were graded into primary and secondary, and the grammar school w^as suspended during the Summer. September 3, 1849, Mr. Charles W. Palmer, assisted b}^ Mrs, Palmer, and Mr. Josiah Gilbert Graham, took charge of the grammar school, Mr. Palmer's engagement being for two years, at a joint salary, for himself and wife, of $600 per year, though owing to Mr. Palmer's illness, the school was again suspended early in 1851, not to be again resumed until the completion of the new^ HIGH SCHOOJw BUILDING DEDICATED. 123 grammar school building, a contract for the erection of w^hich \sras entered into by the board with the late Charles W. Brown for the foundation, and the late Andrews May, for the superstructure, in the Winter of 1850-51, at a cost of $9,200. Meantime, Mr. Edwin Bigelow^ Olmstead, and his wife, were employed to teach a higher grade primary, or rather secondary, school, in lieu of the grammar school, at a joint salary of $50 per month, the fifth annual report shoAving the cost of tuition for the previous year (1851), to have been $2.00 per scholar upon the average number enrolled; $2.80 per scholar upon the average attendance, and $1.12 per capita on the enumeration. This arrangement continued until the dedication and occupa- tion of the new High School building, October 13, 1853. This building was erected immediately south of the original frame struct- ure, being a two-story brick, 50x70 feet, of fair exterior and interior finish with a large school room and recitation rooms, on either floor. In 1868, the two w^ings were added, giving four additional rooms, at a cost of $15,000, and is now known as the Central or Jen- ings School building. The dedication exercises were held in the upper room of the new building, which was crowded by parents and the friends of education. Sidney Edgerton, Esq., then a member of the Board of Edtication, made a formal presen- tation of the structure, on behalf of the contractor and the board, with congratulatory remarks upon the advanced position which Akron occupied in the educational w^orld, and the bright future in store for her both from a business as well as an educational stand- point. Rev. D. C. Maybin, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, read a portion of the scriptures; Rev. A. Joy, of the Baptist Church, foUow^ing with an appropriate prayer. Brief addresses were made by Abel B. Berry, Esq., Rev. John Tribbey, of the M. E. Church, and others. Rev. Nathaniel P. Bailey, of the Congregational Church, offered a resolution of thanks to the Board for their efficiency in the promotion of the work whicli had been done, and a hearty commendation of the system of education, so auspiciously inaugurated, to the unstinted support of the people of Akron, and the friends of education everywhere. The exercises Avere interspersed with music by the Akron Band, and closed w^ith a benediction by Rev. N. Gher, of the Grace Reformed Church. Mr. Samuel F. Cooper was employed as Superintendent of Schools, assisted in the High Department by Mrs. Cooper and Miss Annette Voris, sister of Gen. Alvin C. Voris; the Grammar depart- ment being placed in charge of Miss Elsie A. Codding, assisted by Miss Mary Gilbert and Miss Rosetta Pryne. Mr. Cooper's engage- ment closing after two and a half years of faithful work, in April, 1856, Horace B. Foster, Esq., of Hudson, graduate of Western Reserve College, filled the position with great acceptance, to both Jennings School — old High School Build- ing— Summit, Mill and Prospect, First Ward. 124 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. board and pupils, from October, 1856, until the Spring of 1857. Mr. E. B. Olmsted was then appointed Superintendent, with Mr. J. Park Alexander in charge of the Grammar school, Mr. George H. Root, of Tallmadge, having had charge of that department during the years 1855-56, assisted by Miss Harriet N. Angel and Miss ferusha McArthur; Mr. Root also giving especial attention to penmanship, in both the grammar and high schools. r^EN. MORTIMER D. LEGGKTT. ^J born, of Quaker parentage, in Ithaca. N. Y., April 19, 1821; at 16 emigrated to Geauga Countj', Ohio ; school advantages limited, but by .study at night acquired an education which secured the voluntary be- stowal of degrees from several west- ern colleges ; though admitted to the bar at 22, his time was for several 3^ears devoted to the cause of popu- lar education, being the organizer of Akron Union School Systein, now general throughout the State ; as Principal of the Grammar School, which position he ablj^ filled for two j^ears, as elsewhere stated, ovir fine new Leggett School Building, East Thornton, Sumner and All}^! streets, being so named in his honor. On retiring Mr. Eeggett engaged in the practice of law at Warren, in 1857 removing to Zanesville, where in addition to his law practice, he offi- ciated as superintendent of public schools, until the Fall of 1861, when he was commissioned bj^ Gov. Dennison to recruit a regiment for the Union Armj-. Appointed Lieu- tenant Colonel, 78th O. V. 1.. Decem- ber 1861; promoted to Colonel, January 11, 1862 ; fought at Fort Donelson, Februarj^ 11, 1862 ; on sur- render of fort appointed provost- marshal ; w^as in continuous service GEN. MORTIMER D. LEGGETT. during the war, being several times wounded, with constant advances for ineritorious conduct, and appoint- ed full Major-General from January 15, 1865 ; after the siege of Vicksburg, receiving as the award of a Board of Honor, a gold medal, inscribed, " Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Sie^e of Cor- inth, Bolivar, luka, Champion Hills, Vicksburg." Gen. Leggett was ap- pointed Commissioner of Patents, by Pres. Grant, in 1871, and is now with his son, L. L. Leggett, Esq., practicing law in Cleveland. The teachers' pay-roll for 1856, was $2,777 . 42, the average price paid in the primaries and secondaries being about $4.75 per week; in the grainmar school and assistants in the high school $35 per month; superintendent $65 per month. The board, deploring the evils resulting from frequent changes of superintendents and teachers, in their 11th annual report expressed the conviction that the low^est wages principle was not the most economical, and that such liberal compensation should be paid for both superintendent and instructors, as would secure the best ability and skill in all the departments. Acting upon this principle, Mr. Charles T. Pooler, a teacher of large experience in the state of New^ York, was emploj^ed as Super- intendent, assisted in the High School by Miss Harriet N. Angel the first five months, and on her resignation, by Miss Lavena Church, now Mrs. Jacob Oberholser, of New York Cit}^, who con- tinued the second year, with Miss Harriet Amanda Bernard as second assistant; Mr. Hezekiah Melchisedec Ford having charge of the grammar school, with Miss Rebecca Coffman as assistant. EARLIER SURERINTENDENTS. 125 pDWIN BIGELOW OLMSTED, J--' born in Sidney, N. Y., Aug'ust 20, 182(5; academical and colleg"iate edncation ; taught school in Sidnej', N. Y., in Virginia., in Butternuts, N. Y., in Mt. Sterling", Ky., in Geneva, O., Madisoti, O. Academy, as principal, in Akron, as principal of grammar school, and Fredonia, N. Y., as prin- cipal of public schools, in 1857 returning to Akron, as superinten- dent, as elsewhere stated, and then for several years as superintendent of schools at Marion, O. In April, 1861, went into service as Captain of Co. H., 4th O. V. I., participating in battles of Rich Movxntain and Rom- ne}'. After a great variety of regular and detached service, was wounded while constructing a bridge over the Shenandoah, near Front Ro5'al, and discharged for divsability ; in 18(54, at request of Gov. Brough, was sent to take the vote of Ohio soldiers in front of Charlestown and Hilton Head, S. C. ; in Washington, served on editorial staff of Daily Intelli- gencer; completed north wing of P. O. Dept. building ; designed and constructed Dead Letter room in said building ; was original inventor of making envelopes for the govern- erninent, without hand labor, but through red-tape-ism, or favoritism, failed to reap the benefit of his invention and the large amount of labor and nione}' expended thereon. Mr. O. then spent several years in educational work in the South, where EDWIN BIGELOW OLMSTED. he was ordained as a Baptist min- ister, and is now the pastor of a church in Port Byron, New York. Mrs. Olmsted, who assisted him in the schools here, died in the South, leaving four sons, two of whom Victor H. and Edwin B., Jr., are in government emploj^ in Washington ; Ledru Rollin in the West ; and William Dennison preparing for the legal profession. Mr. O. was again married, to Miss M. F!. Strong, of Yorkshire, N. Y. in 1881. Mr. Pooler entered upon his duties in the Fall of 1857, at a salary of $1,000 per year, and after a fairly acceptable service of three years, declining a reappointment, retired from the Superin- tendency at the close of the Spring term, 1860. In September, 1860, Mr. Israel P. Hole, entered upon the duties^ of Superintendent at a salary of $900 per year, which was increased from time to time, the last year of his term of service, 1867-68, his salary being $1,500. This increase of compensation, while made necessary by the advance in the cost of living, and the enhance- ment of all values by the war, w^as a significant acknow^ledgment of the high estimation placed upon the services of Mr. Hole by successive boards, and by the majority of the people. In January, 1868, owning to a real or supposed unfriendliness on the part of a portion of the patrons of the schools, Mr. Hole and several of his assistants tendered their resignations to the board, which body, on February 1, 1868, unanimously adopted the following resolution: ''Resolved, That the Board of Education take pleasure in attesting to- the fidelity and zealous labors of the superintende.nt and teachers, v^e further assure the superintendent and teachers that they have and will con- tinue to have, the most cordial support of the Board so long as they continue to merit their confidence in the future as they have in the past. We also earnestlj'^ invoke the confidence and support of the community as being 126 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. eminentl}^ due to those having- charge of our public schools as superintend- ent and teachers. As at present advised we decline to accept the resigna- tions as tendered." HON. SAMUEL F. COOPER — born in Stockbridge, Mass., December 19, 1826- in 1836 removed with parents to Tallinadge, Ohio, working- on farm ; from 18 taught school Winters, and attended Ober- lin College Sviminers, graduating- in the class of 1851 ; in Aug-ust, 1851, was married to Miss Margaret J. Loughridge, of Mansfield ; Superin- intendent of Youngstown Union schools tw^o years, and of Akron schools two years and a half — from October, 1853 to April, 1856— with Mrs. Cooper as one of his most efficient assistants ; in Spring of 1856, removed to Grinnell, Iowa, being admitted to the bar, and engaging- in practice the same year. In August, 1861, entered the army as Adjutant of the 4th Iowa Cavalry, serving in Mis- soviri and Arkansas till September, 1862, when he was appointed Lieu- tenant Colonel of 40th Iowa V. I., serving under Gen. Grant in the Vicksburg campaign, and afterwards till close of the war, west of the Mississippi, being mustered out in August, 1865. Since the war Mr. Cooper has filled many honorable civil positions— Clerk of the United States District Court, Collector of Internal Revenue, and, from 1876 to 1880, United States Consul to Glas- g-ow, Scotland. For the past ten years Mr. Cooper has been connected HON. SAMUEL F. COOPER. with the Merchants National Bank, of Grinnell, of w^hich he is now^ Pres- ident, bvit in a recent letter to the writer, saj^s : "For nearlj^ a half a century mj^ best thought and effort has been given to the cause of pop- ular education, having in all that period, scarcely ceased to have offi- cial connection with that grand work, in soine of its departments." Feeling, at length, that a change was desirable, both for him- self and the schools, Mr. Hole again tendered his resignation, at the close of the school year, in 1868, after eight full years of effi- cient and meritorious service; among his most efficient aids, Avithout disparagement to others, being Miss Harriet Amanda Ber- nard, no^v Mrs. Dr. Edward S. Coburn, of Troy, N. Y. In the meantime, the magnitude and importance of Akron's public schools had immensely increased, her enumeration of school children and youth, being fully 3,000 against less than 700 in 1846; the town itself having been advanced from an incorporated village to a city of the second class, both its business and its pop- ulation and w^ealth being rapidly on the increase. At this juncture, most fortunately, the services of Mr. Samuel Findley, as Superintendent, were secured, the new incumbent entering upon his duties in September, 1868, holding and most ably and efficiently filling the position for the period of 15 years, until feeling the absolute necessity of a rest from the arduous labors of the position, he voluntarily tendered his resignation at the close of the Spring term- in 1883. Meantime, in addition to the rapid growth of original Akron, various annexations of territory were made, the Spicer school dis- trict being added in 1865, and the township of Middlebury in 1872; WONDERFULLY SUCCESSFUL. 127 Superintendent Findley's last report showring a total enumeration of school youth between six and twenty-one years, for 1883, within the city Umits to have been 5,858, as against 690 in the Akron of 1816, and probably not to exceed 1,000 in the entire territory now^ included in said city. The total enrollment of scholars in 1882, was 3,582 and the average daily attendance for that year, 2,840. pROF. ISRAEL P. HOLE,— born ^ near Salem, Columbiana Co., O., April 2, 1827 ; educated in common schools and at select hig-h school of G. K. Jenkins, Mt. Pleasant, O. ; from 1849 to 1856 taught part of each year in countr}' and villag-e schools ; in 1856 was sttxdent in State Normal School at Hopedale, Harrison Co., afterward merged in Hopedale Nor- mal ColJege, from which he holds the degree of B. S.; taught a select school in Springiield, O., seven months ; superintended Minerva, O., schools one year, Hanover, O., two j'ears, New Lisbon, O., four years, Akron, O., eight years and was principal of Damascus, O., Acad- emy ten years, making about a third of a century in the work of instruction, many of his students now adorning the bench, the bar, the pulpit, the medical, the teachers' and other professions of Science, Literature and Art, or successfully eng'aged in the various other honor- able pursuits of public and private life. Mr. H., since 1884, has resided on a small farm, near Damascus, O., partl}^ engaged in agriculture and partly promoting the public welfare, as opportunity offers. He is presi- dent of an insurance companj', pres- ident of Board of Trustees of Danuiscua Academy, and president of a gold miniiag company. In the Autumn of 1852, Mr. Hole was mar- PROF. ISRAEL P. HOLE. ried to Miss Mary Miller, of Colum- biana Co. February 3, 1861, two sons — twins — were born to them — Mahlon W., (deceased) and Morris J., the latter — married to Eliza Spear, of Garfield, Mahoning- Co., — holding the degree of M. S. from Damascus Academy, and of A. B., from Adel- bert College ; is now principal of Green Spring- Academy, Seneca Co., Ohio. In speaking of Superintendent Findley's retirement. President F. W. Rockwell, in his annual report for 1883, said: " With the close of the year the board lost the services of Superintendent Samuel Findley, who has been at the head of our schools for the past fifteen years. His administration has been marked by ability and firmness of purpose, and having conducted our schools from a small beginning until they have reached their present status, he may well look back upon his work with pride." Capt. Elias Fraunfelter, for several years Professor of Mathe- matics in Buchtel College, was elected by the Board of Education as Dr. Findley's successor, entering upon his responsible duties in September, 1883, his administration thus far being equally satis- factory with that of his predecessor. With the passing years many and important changes have come to the schools of Akron, not only in the matter of greatly improved school buildings, but also in a large increase of the courses of instruction, including scientific penmanship, vocal 128 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. music, drawing, etc., and, in the High School, the higher mathe- matics, chemistry, Latin, Greek, etc., with semi-annual examina- tions and graduations — graduates from the High School being thoroughly qualified to engage in teaching, enter college without further preparation or examination, or to engage in business or professional life, an arrangement having been made between the board and Buchtel College by which, beginning at tenth year of course, or second year in High School, pupils in Greek recite to tutors of College. SAMUEL FINDLEY,— born in New Concord, Ohio, December 1, 1831; educated in common schools and preparatory department of M u s - kingum College; at 17, moved with parents to Green Count5^ working on farm two years, then teaching coun- try schools four years and one year in Xenia Public Schools. In 1855, became publisher and manager of Presbyterian Witness and book con- cern at Cincinnati, continuing two years. In Spring of 1857, engaged in book-selling in Monmouth, 111., for a short time, then teaching near Mon- mouth two years ; in Fall and Winter of 1859, operated as agent for Mon- mouth College, in Ohio; in I860, returned to Ohio and resumed teach- ing in Green County, in the Fall of 1861, in Xenia Union Schools, a few months later accepting the princi- palship of a ward school in Colum- bus ; in January, 1864, became princi- pal of the old Brownell Street School in Cleveland, organized the new Brownell Street School, in 1865, with 18 teachers; in the Fall of 1868 assumed superintendencj' of Akron Schools, which position he ablj^ filled for 15 3'ears, as elsewhere detailed. For 20 years Mr. F. has been County" and City Examiner and member of State Teachers' Association, Presi- dent of Superintendents' Section in 1873 and President of Association in 1877; was given degree of A. M. by SAMUEL FINDLEY. Buchtel College in 1876, and of Ph. D. b}' Wooster University in 1880, and is now editor and publisher of the Ohio Educational Monthlj', with a large circulation among the teachers of Ohio. March 31, 1853, was married to Miss Marj' A. Hardie, of Xenia, who has borne him four sons and two daug^hters — William Clarence, Alvin Irwin, Lorena Belle, Laura Ma), Edwin Leigh, and Samuel Emerson, all living in Akron. By the growth of the city and a change in the law, the Board of Education has been enlarged from six to twelve members — two elected by the voters in each ward — instead of being elected by the city at large, as under the old arrangement. From a half dozen or less diminutive rooms, the school accom- modations now consist of one splendid four-story brick tw^elve room High School building, on South Forge street, Wilbur V. Rood, principal, with fifteen lady teachers in High and Grammar depart- ments. Jennings School, six rooms, corner Mill and Summit streets, former High School, (named in honor of Rev. Isaac Jen- nings, chairman of the committee w^hich reported the plan of the Akfon school lavir, as hereinbefore stated), fourteen teachers. Miss Josephine Newberry, principal ; Perkins School, six rooms and annex, corner Bowery and Exchange streets, (named in honor of Gen. Simon Perkins, who founded the village of Akron in 1825),. PRESENT SUPERINTENDEXT OF INSTRUCTION. 129 17 LIAS FRAUNFELTER— born of J--' German parentag'e, near Easton, Pa., April 3, 1840 ; came with famil}- to Ohio April, 184C, settling near Ash- land, working on farm and in hotel ; educated in country school and Ver- million Institute, Hayesville ; at 17 began teaching ; at 20 chosen tutor of Mathematics in Vermillion Insti- tute; Avigvist 22, 1862, enlisted in Co. C, 120th O. V. I., but soon transferred to Co. F; promoted to sergeant, orderly sergeant, first lieutenant and captain " for ineritorious conduct in camp and in field,'' serving, also, for a time,as aide-de-camp on staff of Gen. Peter Osterhaus, 9th Div. 13tli Army Corps, and later as adjutant of his regiment ; participated in the various battles, skirmishes and assaults resulting in the siege and surrender of Vicksburg and capture of Jack- son, Miss. ; transferred with regiment to the Department of the Gulf, was in the Teche campaign and the dis- astrous Red River expedition ; cap- tured with steamer " City Belle" near Alexandria, La., May 4, 1864 ; confined in rebel prison at Camp Ford, Texas, 13 months ; exchanged at New Orleans May 30. 186.'i; by consolidation, becom- ing captain of Co. D, 114th O. V. I., reporting for duty at Mobile, Ala., May 31, 186i5, and mustered out with regiment at Columbus, Ohio, June 27,1865; August, 18(5.5, resvimed posi- tion in Vermillion Institute ; April, 1866, elected Professor of Mathematics in Savannah (Ohio) Academy, and in June, 1866, Associate Principal and Professor of Mathematics and Natural Science, reorganizing insti- tution and enlarging buildings, in 1870 cataloguing 385 students ; Sep- tember, 1873, chosen Professor of Engineering and Normal studies in Buchtel College, at Akron, and Pro- fessor of Mathematics in June, 1874 ; in August, 1883, accepted the position of Superintendent of Instruction in Akron Public Schools, which respon- sible position he is still ably filling. Capt. Fraunfelter holds a life State teacher's certificate ; served nine 3'ears as president of board of school examiners for Ashland County ; has been a. member and president of the E. FKAUNFELTEK. board of school examiners for the city of Akron since 1877, and a mem- ber of the board of managers of the Akron Public Library since May 10,. 1886 ; received degree of A. M. from Bethany (W. Va.) College June, 1873, and of Ph. D. from Lombard (111.) University June, 1879. The Captain became a member of Bucklej^ Post, G. A. R., May 4, 1883 ; was vice com- mander 1884-1885 ; commander 1886-87, representing Post in Department Encampment at Cleveland in 1886, at Springheld in 1887, and at Cincituiati in 1890, and the Department in the National Encampment at San Fran- cisco, Cal., Avigust, 1886, and at Boston, Mass., August, 1890; has also been a member of Ohio Commandery of the Lo5'al Legion of the United States since April 2, 1884. April 2, 1867, Dr. Fraunfelter was married to Miss Laura K. Caldwell, daughter of Rev. John P. Caldwell, a Presbyterian minister of Barnesville, Ohio, who has borne him two children — Charles Davies, stock clerk in Superintend- ent's office of Aultman, Miller & Co., and Clara May, book-keeper and cashier for Kubler & Beck, Akron Varnish Works. seven teachers, Miss Sarah T, Carothers, principal ; Crosby School, eight rooms, corner Smith and West streets, (named in honor of Doctor Eliakim Crosby, projector of the Cascade mill race, which gave to Akron its start as a manufacturing center), nine teachers, Mrs. Sarah P. Bennett, principal ; Spicer School, eight rooms, Car- roll street, (named in honor of Major Miner Spicer, who in 1811 settled upon the land on which said school is located), nine teachers, Miss Margaret L. McCready, principal ; Allen School, eight rooms, corner of South Main and Thornton streets, (named 130 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. ill honor of Jesse Allen, one of Coventry's earliest settlers, said school being in Avhat was originally a part of Coventry town- ship), nine teachers, Miss Anna M. Hollinger, principal ; Bowen School, six rooms, on North Broad^vay, (named in honor of Dr. William Bowen, an early and earnest promotor of Akron's public schools,) seven teachers, Miss M. Elma Cam pbell, principal ; Howe Perkins School House, corner West JExchanije and Bowerv Streets, ^ Fifth Ward." Croi-bv School Mouse, corner Smith arid West Streets, Third Ward. JUDGE WM. MORGAX DODGE,— J born January 2, 180.5, at Granville, Washington County, N. Y; came to Ohio in 1813; read law with Judge Wheeler, in Unionville; after his admission to bar settled in Middle- burj", in 1831 removing to Akron; in April, 1840, was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the then new county of Suinmit, and re-elected in October of the same year for the full term of two years; was active in securing the passage of the Akron School Law, and an efficient member of the first Board of Education thereunder; in October, 1860, was elected Probate J udge of Suinmit County, which office he ably filled until his death, July 21, 1861, aged 56 years, 6 months and 19 days. June 4, 1833, Mr. Dodge was mar- ried to Mrs. Harvey A. Howard, nee Hannah B. Fenn, Mr. and Mrs. Howard being the parents of the last Mrs. James Mathews, and Mr. Howard one of the early merchants of Middle- bury and Akron. Mrs. Dodge, born in Milford (now Orange), Conn., May 28, 1808, still survives, now, in her 84th year, enjoying full mental and phj'S- ical vigor, with the exception of her low^er limbs, w^hich have been para- lyzed for the past 22 years. Her chil- dren by her last marriage, were : JUDGE WILLIAM MORGAN DODGE. Stella A., now Mrs. John B. Etz; Victoria, died in infancy ; Walter, died in infancj'^ ; Emmet D., died August 2, 1882, at the age of 41 j^ears and 28 da3-s ; Marion E., now Mrs. M. E. Reed, and Jennie, now Mrs. George C. Heifer, of South Mound, Kansas. AKRONS LATKR PRIMARY SCHOOLS. 131 Spicer School House, Carroll Street, Fourth Ward. Allen School House, corner South Main and Thornton Streets, Fourth Ward. School, eight rooms, (named in honor of Capt. RichardHowe,an nearly resident of Akron, and for many years superintendent of the Northern Division of Ohio Canal),nine teachers, Miss Lucy K. Beldine:, princij^al ; Henry Bowen School, North Broadway, First Ward. Howe School House, South Bowery, Bartges and St. Clair Streets, Fifth Ward. School, eight rooms, corner North Forge and Arch streets, (named in honor of Milton \V. Henry, long a prominent merchant in Akron, and a great friend of education,) nine teachers. Miss Lida M. Uussell, principal; Kent School, eight rooms, Arlington street. Sixth Ward, (named in honor of Roswell Kent, one of Mid- dlehury's pioneer merchants and most public spirited citizens,) nine teachers, Mr. Lee R. Knight, principal ; Leggett School, eight rooms, named in honor of Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett, first superin- tendent, (or principal, as it was then called,) of Akron schools under the new law- — Thornton, AUyn and Sumner . streets — nine 132 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. teachers, Miss Lizzie Camp, principal ; Grace School, so named in honor of the late Mrs. Grace Perkins, intersection of West MILTON W. HENRY,— born in Blanford, Mass., October 13, 1816 ; in 1830 removed with family to Westfield, Medina County, Ohio; educated in common schools and Wadsworth Academy ; clerk in stores of Kent & Spelman and G. & J. Miller, of Wadsworth, and Clapp & Spelman, of Akron, from 1836 to 1843, when he became a partner of Harvey B. Spelman, under the firm name of H. B. Spelman & Co., located in the "Old Stone Block," corner of Howard and Market streets ; in 1848 purchas- ed Mr. Spelman's interest, and soon afterwards associated with himself, James Zwisler, under the firm name of M. W. Henry & Co.; December 27, 1849, building- and portion of stock destroyed by fire, but business con- tinued in another location ; occupied new building on old site, in 1854, sixb- sequently purchasing- the property ; admitting to partnership some of his faithful emplo5'es, the firin of G. C. Berry & Co., was organized in 1875, which arrangement continued until 1883, when Mr. Henry retired from active mercantile life. Mr.Henrj^was one of the original stock-holders and director and vice president of the First National Bank of Akron ; stock- bolder and director Taplin, Rice & Co., of Akron and Austin Powder Co., of Cleveland ; served nine years as member and officer of Akron Board of Education and eight years member of Akron City Council, a portion of the MILTON W. HENKY. time as its president. December 5,. 1843, Mr. H. was married to Miss Abigail Weeks, of Copley, who bore him six daughtei'S and one son : Olive C, (now Mrs. M. H. Crumrine),. Ella C, (Mrs. C. E. York. Youngsville, Pa.), JuliaA., (Mrs. William McFarlin), Hattie A., (Mrs. C. A. Barnes), Charles M., Grace P. and Mattie W., all of whom are still living. Mr. Henr}^ died, suddenly. March 16, 1886, aged 69 years, 5 months, 3 daj-s. Henry School House, Xor'^h Forge Street, Second Ward. Kent School House, South Arlington Street, Sixth Ward. SOME PROMINENT FRIENDS OF EDUCATION. 133 Exchange and South Maple streets, eight rooms, seven teachers, Miss Laura .E. Waltz, principal. Leggett School House, Allyn,Tliornton and Sumner Streets, Fourth Ward. Grace School House, South Maple and West Exchange Streets, Fifth Ward. The rapid growth of the city calling for still more extended school accommodations, four-room additions are now (August, 1891,) being made to the already spacious Kent, How^e and Spicer buildings, in each of which four additional teachers will be employed. HENRY WILLETT HOWE,- eldest son of Captain Richard and Roxana (Jones) Howe, was born in Bath, June 29, 1828, in infanc}^ removing with parents to Akron ; •educated in Akron public schools and Oberlin College, graduating from latter in 1849; read law with Judge James S. Carpenter, practicing with the Judge Jintil his elevation to the Bench, in 1856; in 1859, engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements in Akron, seven years later removing to Richfield, where he was» engaged in manvifacturing enterprises until April, 1881, when he moved to his farm in Northampton, which he is still successfully culti- vating ; is also postmaster of Ira postoffice, at Hawljins station on the Vallej^ railway, Mrs. Howe also hold- ing the position of postmistress at West Richfield, while residing there. Mr. How^e was a member of Akron Board of Education several j^ears aud its secretary from 1851 to 1857 ; represented the Second Ward in Citj^ Council in 1865 and 18(56 ; in Richfield served as member of School Board, and as Justice of the Peace, and is now a Justice of the Peace for Northampton township ; helped to organize the Summit County Agri- cviltural Society, serving as director and secretary eight years, and since 1878 has been secretary of Summit HENRY WILLETT HOWE. County Grange, Patrons of Hus- bandry. September 17, 1856, Mr. Howe was married to Miss Jennie Williamson, of Stow, who died March 25, 1857 ; was again married, Decem- ber 12, 1859, to Miss Isadore C. Bell, a native of Connecticut, who has borne him four children Edwin B., Frank R., and Abby B., living, and, Arthur Willett, deceased. 134 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. DR. WILLIAM BOWEN, — born in Genessee County, N. Y., July 3, 1805; learned trade of carpenter; on completion of apprenticeship came to Ohio, working on mill of Mr. Wil- liam Raynolds, near Canton; desir- ing- to secure a better education, through the aid of Mr. Raj^nolds, he attended the select school of Barak Michener, in Canton; on completion of his studies, taught school in the village of Paris, Stark County, mean- time studying medicine with Dr. Robert Estep. In 1832, commenced practice in Doylestown, Wayne Coun- tj^ ; in 1835 attended lectures at Ohio Medical College, receiving his degree in 1836 ; then practiced two j^ears in Canton and nearly 15 years in Mas- sillon. In 1853 bought a farm, three miles south of Akron, dividinur his time between medicine and agricul- ture vintil 1857, when he removed to Akron, where he remained in prac- tice until his death, Jan 14, 1880, aged 74 years, 5 months and 15 days. Dr. Bowen was a warm friend of educa- tion, having published the Free School Clarion from 1846 to 1848, in Massillon, as elsewhere noted; was also School Examiner and ineniber and president of the Akron Board of Education for several years, Bowen School, on Broadway, being named in his honor. In Maj', 1830, Dr. Bowen DR. WILLIAM BOWEN. was married to Miss Huldah M. Chit- tenden, of Middlebury, who bore him nine children, three onlj' of whom now survive. Miss Elma C, now residing in the state of Washington ; Frances C, now Mrs. Dr. A. E. Foltz, of Akron ; and Mrs. Sarah B. Freer, of Canton. Mrs. Bowen died Julj^ 3, 1890, aged 84 years, 9 months and 4 davs. REGINALD H. WRIGHT. REGINALD H. WRIGHT,— son of Rev. A. K. Wright, was born at Wadsworth, Ohio, January 18, 1841 ; educated at Hudson, g-raduating- from Western Reserve College in 1863 ; served as orderly sergeant of Co. B, (composed principally of students of college), 85th Regiment O. V. I., from May 27th till September 27, 1862; in 1884 teacher in Shaw Academy,at Collamer, Ohio ; engaged in business in Cleveland from 1864 to 1869 and in Toledo in 18(59 ; February, 1870, came to Akron as cashier and book-keeper for Aultman, Miller & Co., now being treasurer of the com- pany ; has served several 3"ears as member of Board of Education, being treasurer of the Board for the j-ears 1883, 1884, 1885 and 1886; October 3, 1872, Mr. Wright was married to Miss E. Augustine Chevrier, youngest daughter of the late Louis Chevrier, Esq., of Akron. They have four chil- dren — three sons and one daug'hter : Charles Chevrier Wright, born Feb- ruary 16, 1874 ; Reginald Ashmun Wright, born March 14, 1876 ; Howard Buttles Wright, born November 19, 1880, and Helen Maria Wright, born July 18, 188:^ It will thus be seen, that, including Superintendent Fraun- felter and Prof. Nathan L. Glover, musical instructor, Prof. J. War- ren Thyng, teacher of drawing, and Prof. J. O. Wise, teacher of THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL. 135 Akron's New High School Building. South Forge Street. Erected in lb8(j. penmanship, that Akron's public schools have a grand army of nearly 130 teachers, and it is safe to say, that, with the thorough examinations which are made, and the extreme care bestowed upon selections, together with the ripe experience of man^- of the number, Akron's instructors 'Vill compare favorably with those of any other city in Ohio, or elsewhere, while all our people have the proud satisfaction of knowing that the system first devised and adopted here, nearly half a century ago, is now in vogue in every state w^here public schools, for the free education of the children of all the people, are maintained and'cherished. As early as 1875 it became apparent that a new high school building was rapidly becoming a public necessity, but as larger and better w^ard accommodations Avere also equally necessary, and had to be provided, the high school project was held in abeyance until about 1883, though several committees on sites had previously been appointed without definite results. In 1883 a committee on sites was appointed, con- sisting of R. H. Wright, Thomas McEbright, D. W. Thcmas, H. G. Griffin, Chris. Vogt and F. M. Atterholt. This committee, after examining sev- eral sites, and receiving various propositions frtm pioperty p) R.JOHN W. LYDER,-born ^^ near Elkton, in Elkrtxn town- ship, Columbiana County, Ohio, December 16, 1837 ; educated in pub- lic schools and at Oberlin Colleg-e ; graduated from Philadelphia (Pa.) ental Colleg-e in 1869 ; practiced for a time in Fairfield, Columbiana County, then moved to Alliance, Stark Count}', where he practiced until his settlement in Akron, April 20, 1875, where he has since been in continuous and successful practice. Dr. Lyder was president of the Ohio State Dental Association three terms ; served as member of Alliance Vil- lage Council, and as president of the Stark County Agricultural Societ}^ ; from 1881 to 1883 was a member of the Akron Board of Education ; was a member of State Dental Society Execiitive Committee for 1891 ; acting- Eminent Commander Knights Temp- lar for 1891, and has filled various other offices of honor in Masonic DK. JOHX \v. lvoek. orders for a period of twent}' years. September 15, 1863, Dr. Lyder was ate of Philadelphia Dental College, married to Miss Marj' V. Bedortha, now practicing with his father, and of Oberlin, who has borne him two Jay Walter, born in Alliance, Octo- children — Frederick H., born in ber 20, 186S, now book-keeper in the Alliance, November 4, 1864, a gradu- City National Bank, of Akron. 136 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. owners, finally selected and purchased grounds on the southeasterly- side of Forge street, fronting directly on Union Park and both Col- lege and Mill streets. The property selected consisted of lots occu- pied by Frank J. Staral, 96 feet ; Noah A. Carter, 45 feet, and Augustus D. Power, 76 feet, making' a total frontage of 217 feet ; with a rear frontage, on Jackson alley, of 190 feet ; the aggregate price paid for the three properties being $19,00(). JOHN McGregor, — born near J Wellsville, O., June 14, 1836; raised on farm ; graduated from Jefferson (Pa.) College in 1863 ; attend- ing Ohio Law College, at Cleveland on€ year, was admitted to practice in State and U. S. Courts at Cleveland, and opened an office in Akron in 1864, continuing in successful prac- tice seven years ; was City Solicitor two ye ars-vl 869-71 ; was Treasurer of Portage Township from 1877 to 1884 ; member of Board of Education frgm 1888 to present time. In 1871, Mr. McGregor purchased an interest in the Akron Steam Forge Works, and on their reorganization as a joint stock company, in 1872, was elected secretary and treasurer, which posi- tion he stills holds. In 1887, Mr. M. became a stockholder and director in the Webstfer, Camp and Lane Machine Companj^, being' elected president and treasurer of that corporation, which offices he still retains. Novem-, ber 11, 1868, Mr. McGregor was mar- ried to Miss Hattie E. Folger, of Akron, daughter of the late William M., and Julia A. (Haj^den) Folger, who JOHN MCGREGOR. has borne him three children — Julia F., John and Mary, all now living with their parents. Several plans were submitted by well-known architects, that of Messrs. Weary & Kramer, of Akron, being adopted. After various delays a contract was entered into, in the Spring of 1885, \^^ith Messrs. Wilhelm & Schroeder, of Akron, for the complete structure, excepting the heating apparatus, for the sum of $78,672, to which changes, additions, etc., added the further sum of $11,- 277.42. The steam heating apparatus, supplied by Mr. John Robb, of Akron, cost $11,423, which, with the cost of furniture, and the various other indispensable conveniences for the proper working of the several departments of the school, places the total cost of the institution at about $135,030, the grand total of Akron's present school property, at a fairly low estimate, being fully half a million of dollars. The edifice is 163 feet in length, 128 feet in width, and 88 feet in height, exclusive of the central tower, vi^hich is 160 feet. The foundation and basement walls are of stone, and the superstruct- ure of pressed brick with handsome stone trimmings, the architecture being of the Romanesque order. The foundation v^alls are three feet in thickness; basement walls (stone) two and one-half feet thick, and the brick walls of the building 20 inches; the entire structure, including basement and upper floor of the main building, four full stories in height. PERSONAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL. 137 pRANK M. ATTERHOLT— born -T December 19, 1848, near New Lis- bon, Ohio ; educated at New Lisbon Hiftii School,Xational Normal School, of Lebanon, and Mount Union Col- leo-e, g-radnating- at the latter institu- tion in 1870. He was a prominent teacher in the State for several years, and for a time was editor of the Colunibiatiii Register. He came to Akron in the autumn of 1879 and read law with L^pson, Ford & Baird ; was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court at Columbus, O., October 5,1880, and has most of the time since been the law partner of Judge U. L. Mar- vin. Mr. Atterholt is an earnest friend of education ; has served as member of the Board of Education, City Board of School Exaininers, and is a Trustee of Mount Union Colleg-e. In politics he is an ardent Republi- can ; has served on the State Central Committee and been chairman of the County Executive Committee. He is an earnest member of the Board of Trade and is larg'ely financially and officially interested in a number of the most extensive business enter- prises of the city and with several in FRANK M. ATTERHOLT. other places. He was married Decem- ber 21, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Baird, of Columbiana, Ohio. They have one ch ild— Frank Bryant, born June 2, 1878. DR. THOMAS MCEBRIGHT. DR. THOMAS McEBRIGHT,-born in Carlisle, Pa., April 14, 1824, removing- with parents to Wooster, Ohio, in 1833; raised on farm, attend- ing district school winters; at 16 attending Norwalk Academj^ and later entering on classical course in Ohio Wesleyan University, but on reaching the senior year failing- health comjjelled him to return to the farm. Improving- by out-door exercise, in 1847, began the study of medicine in Wooster, graduating- from Starling- Medical Colleg-e, Columbus, February 22, 1851, immedi- ately commencing- practice in Nash- ville, Holmes Countj^ in 1857 remov- ing- to Millersburg-. In Fall of '61 was appointed by Gov. Dennison surg-eon of 8th Reg-t. O. V. I., serving as acting- Brig-ade Surg-eon and Chief Opera- ting- Surgeon of division, in the Ariny of the Potomac, until the Spring of 1863, when, by reason of ill health, he resigned. In May, 1864, was appointed Colonel of the l(36th O. V. I., but resigned and took the position of Surgeon to that regiment, being mustered out with regiment in Sep- tember, 1864, removing to Akron the following November. June 16, 1853, Dr. Ebright was married to Miss Nancj^ Liggett, daughter of Judge Thomas Liggett, of Millersburg, who has borne him five children, three dying in infanc}', the two survivors — Misses Kit and Carita -both being A. B. graduates of Cornell Univer- sitj'. Dr. Ebright is a high degree member of the Masonic Oi'der; a member of the Summit County, the N. E. Ohio, and the Ohio State Med- ical Societies, and of the .American Medical Association; Surgeon of C, A. & C. R. R., and has served 14 years upon the Akron Board of Education, several years as its president. 138 AKRON AXD SUMMIT COUNTY. In the basement, besides the boiler and engine rooms, are the Superintendent's office; the office of the Board of Kducation; vault and safe room; laboratory; boys' and girls' play rooms, \vash rooms, cloak rooms, halls, etc. On the first floor, besides the entrances, there is a large central court, eight school rooms, reci- tation room, principal's room, boys' coat room, girls' cloak rooms, halls, etc. On the second floor there are a central court, four large school rooms, two recitation roorns, lady teachers' parlor, coat and cloak room, ante-rooms, halls, etc., on the easterly side; while Assembly Hall, 64x84 feet in size, occupies the entire westerh^ side of the floor. On the third floor there are five good-sized rooms, to be used for society purposes, library, museum, etc. The exact dimensions of the several apartments need not be given here, but a few figures will readily demonstrate the immen- sity of the structure. The \\ralls have a measurement of nearly 100,000 square feet of foundation, outside and partition walls^ containing about 30,000 cubic feet of stone, 2,000,000 common brick and 270,000 pressed brick, and consuming over one-third of a million feet of lumber in its completion. Including halls, closets, attic, etc., there are 107 separate rooms in the building, with a floor surface of some 55,000 square feet, there being 195 doors, and 253 windows in the edifice. In the tower, 108 feet from the ground, is a fine-toned 2,000- pound bell, and a first-class clock, with four illuminated dials, 16 feet in diameter, each. While the building is externally beau- tiful, and its interior finish every way tasty and pleasing to the eye, substantiality and practicalness, rather than ornament and show, have been the objects aimed at by the several gentlemen HIRAM H. FOLTZ,— fifth son of Moses and Sarah (Kean) Foltz, was born near Wooster, Ohio, June 20, 1837 ; educated in common schools of Wayne County ; raised on farm ; August 9, 1862, with four of his brothers, enlisted in the 102d O. V. I. in the late war, serving^ three years, being honorablj^ discharged May 13, 1865 ; March 14, 1866, moved to Akron, and engaged in the painting busi- ness ; was member of Akron Board of Education from 1881 to 1885, being one of the most efficient members during the building of the High, Howe, and Henry School buildings ; is an active director of the Suminit County Agricultural Society and superintendent of Fine Arts Hall ; member of State Executive Com- mittee of the National Union; chairman of City Republican Com- mittee ; inember of Buckley Post, No. 12, G. A. R.; in February 1888, was appointed collector of tolls, rents, etc., on the Ohio Canal forthej^ort of Akron, which responsible position he is still ably filling. March 27, 1862. Mr. Foltz was married to Miss Cynthia Bell Hughes, of Wooster. They have two children living — Minnie M., now Mrs. Fred W. Davis, HIRAM H. FOLTZ. of the Sixth Ward, and Harrj- J., now clerk in grocery and provision store of J. B. Houghton, Akron. All five of the Foltz brothers, who served through the late war are now living in Akron. OCCUPATION OF NEW BUILDING. 139 under whose auspices Akron has been provided with this splendid monument to the intelligence and enterprise of her people. Very properly have the gentlemen alluded to perpetuated their names in connection with the good Avork, by terra cotta tablets inserted in the wall, upon the east side, as follows: "Memhkr.s of THE Board of Education, 1884-5: Dr. Thomas McEbright, Pres., '84-5, R. H. Wright, Treas., F. M. Atterholt, Sec, D. W. Thomas; Lewis Miller, Pres., '85-86, A. M. Armstrong, A. H. Sargent, W. H. Evans, Louis Seybold, J. T. Sell, H. H. Foltz, Dr. L. S. Sweitzer, W. H. Kothrock, F. \V. Rockwell, H. G. Griffin. Build- ing Committee: D. W. Thomas, chairman, F. W. Rockwell, Louis Seybold, Dr. Thomas McEbright, Lewis Miller, J. T. Sell. Archi- tects : Frank O. Weary, Geo. W. Kramer. Contractors : Louis Wilhelm, W. C. Schroeder, John Robb." GEORGE C. BERRY,— was born in Medina Co.. Ohio. June 19, 1837, removing to Akron with his pareats, when three years old ; educated in Akron's Union tjchools ; at 15 entered store of Mr. Joseph E. Wesener, as clerk, afterwards serving in same capacity in store of Mr. Milton W. Henry ; in 1864 was admitted to a partnership in the concern under the firm name of M. W. Henry & Co., by the accession of others, in 1874 the firm name being changed to G. C. Berry & Co. ; in 1883 withdrew from firm and opened a carpet warehouse on Mill street, in which enterprise he has been phenonienall}' successful, in 1888 associating with himself in business his son, Charles W. Berry, under the firm name of Berry & Son. In the war of the rebellion, Mr. Berry served 100 days in the fortifications in front of Washington, as a member of Company F., 164th O. V. I., has been a member of the Akron Board of Education, and its most efficient secretary for many years, and a trustee in Summit Lodge No. 5(), I. O. O. F. Mr. B. was married March 11, 18.57, to Miss Annie Wheeler, of Akron, who bore him five children — Willis H., who died at 6 years of age ; Geo. GEORGE C. BERRY. C, Jr., Charles W., Anna L., and Mary H., Mrs. Berry d} ing March 18, 1869, Mr. B. was again married, to Miss Isabel Wright, of Tallmadge, who has borne him two children — twins — Belle and Zelle, the former dying at 8 months. Delays intervening, the edifice was not completed until the very moment for the opening of the Fall term of school, on Mon- day, September 6, 1886. Consequently the formal dedication of the building which had been conteinplated, had to be omitted, though hundreds of parents, and others, availed themselves of the privilege tendered by the board and superintendent, of visiting the building, and witnessing the workings of the several depart- ments, during the earlier days of the term, as, indeed, all are w^elcome to do at any time. The total enumeration of school youth, within the citv limits for 1888, was 7,707, of whom 3,871 were boys and 3,836 girls; 6,904: American born; 516 German; 56 Irish; 51 English; 83 colored; 19 French; 9 Scotch; 10 Italian; 7 Welsh; 4 Norway; 3 Hungary; 1 Bohemia; 2 Greece; 1 Russia; 42 Sweden. 140 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, r^EORGE G. ALLEN,— son of ^ Xenianthus and Margaret E. (Turner) Allen, was born in Grang-er, Medina Count)', Aug-ust 26, 1855; bo3^hood spent on farm ; at 14 moved Avith parents to Akron, graduating" from Akron High School in 1873 ; read law in offices of John J. Hall and Edward Oviatt, Esqs., with a six months' course in Law Department of Michigan University, at Ann Arbor ; admitted to the bar in Akron August 28, 1870, and immediately admitted to partnership with Edward Oviatt, Esq., under the firm name of Oviatt & Allen, among the most suc- cessful practioners at the Summit County bar. Mr. Allen was for a short time Acting Mayor of Akron in 1883 ; was elected to the Board of Education from the First Ward in 1887, and re-elected in 1889, being treasurer of board for 1888 and 1889, chairman of the cominittee on heat and ventilation, etc. Besides his extensive law practice Mr. Allen has been a director in City National Bank of Akron since its organization in 1883 ; director in F. Schumacher Milling Co. since 1887 ; director in Canada Copper Co ; in Anglo-Amer- GEOKOE G. AJvLExX. ican Iron Co ; in Central Ontario Railway- Co., Canada, and Western Linoleum Co., of Akron. July 18, 1877, Mr. Allen was married to Miss Olivia Frances Oviatt, youngest daughter of Edward Oviatt, Esq., who has borne him two children — Don Oviatt Allen, born June 9, 1878, and Ben. Herbert Allen, born July 11, 1885. LEWIS MILLER. T EWIS MILLER,--born in Green- J— ' town. Stark Count}', August 24, 1829; educated in district schools and Illinois Academy, Plainfield ; 1846 to 1851 worked at plasterers trade Summers attending and teach- ing school Winters ; 1851 became member of firm of Ball, Aultnaan & Co., manufacturers of stoves, plows, threshers and reapers, (the old Hus- sey machine), the firm removing to Canton in the Fall of that year; soon advanced from apprentice to super- intendent, inventing the wonderfully successful Buckeye Mower and Reaper, followed by the table-rake in 1865, and subsequently the self- binders, now so universally used, and many other important labor- saving devices ; separate works, on an extensive scale, being established ^t Akron in 1864, under the name of Aultman, Miller & Co. Besides offi- ciating as president and superinten- dent of the companies named, Mr. Miller is pecuniarily and officially connected with a large number of other manufacturing establishments, banks, etc., in Akron and Canton, Mount Union College, Ohio Wesley- an L^niversit)' and Allegheny College ; superintendent of the First M. E. Sunda)' School, orig'inator of present Sundaj' School rooms, and chief promoter of the Chautauqua As- sociation scheme ; has served as member of City Council and many 5'ears as memberof Board of Educa- tion, Board of Librar}' control, etc. Married, Septeml)er 16, 1853, to Mary D. Alexander, of Painfield, 111., eleven children have been born to them — Eva, (died when 16), Jennie, Ira M., Edward B., Robert A., Lewis A., Mina (now Mrs. Thomas A. Edison), Mamie, Grace, John V., and Theo- dore W. SCHOOL CENSUS, PAY OF TEACHERS, ETC. 141 T7RANK W. ROCKWELL,— son of ^ Marshall M, and Sarah (Pendle- ton) Rockwell, born in Kent, Ohio, October 31, 1851; when seven or eig"ht years old, inoved with family to Mis- souri; father entering- the Union army, came with mother to Stow, returning- to Missouri in Spring of 1863 ; in Spring of 18(54: reinoved to Andover, Ashtabula Countj^ 0-! i" 186.0, to Indiana; in 186(3, to Linesville, Crawford County, Pa.; in 1871, to Akron ; common school education, with one year at Allegheny College; entered employ of Akron Sewer Pipe Co., as book-keeper, in 1871, in A ugust, 1882, becoming Secretary and Treas- urer of the Company; January, 1884, engaged in manufacture of stone- ware as member of the firin of John- son, Rockwell & Co., successors of Johnson & Baldwin, later F. W. Rock- well & Co.; in 1881 was elected mem- ber of Akron Board of Education, holding- the position four terms (eig-ht years), serving two vears as president of the Board— 1883'-4, 1888-9 — and three years as chairman of finance committee ; in 1887 and 1888, was Chairman of Republican Cen- tral Committee. September 21, 1875, Mr. Rockwell was married to Miss Mary Ann Johnson, daughter of FRANK W. ROCKWELL. Thomas and Harriet Johnson, who- has borne him seven children — George \V., Frank J., Addie (deceased), Thomas, Mar}', Ida and Wade. Thoug-h still a resident of Akron, Mr. Rockwell is now Secretarj' and Treas- urer of the Pennsjlvania Sewer Pipe- Co., at Huntingdon, Pa. The number of scholars enrolled during the Spring and Sum- mer term of 1888, was 4,654; the entire expenses, including the superintendent's and teachers' salaries, janitors, fuel, etc., for the school year, 1887-8 being $59,220, or $12.60 per scholar per year, on the enrollment, exclusive of interest on investment for lands, buildings, furnishings, repairs, etc. This, as will be seen by com- parison with figures heretofore given, is somewhat more costly,, per capita than under the earlier workings of the system, but scarcely more so than was the old plan of select schools at from $3.00 to $5.00 per quarter, while a vast improvement upon the district and select plans, by being more systematic and efficient in its methods and results. The total enumeration for 1890-91, was 8,442 — boys, 4,211; girls,. 4,231; total enrollment, 5,283. Total expenditures for the year end- ing August 31, 1890, as follows: Wages of teachers, including salary of superintendent, $51,955.65; fuel and other contingent expenses, $18,509.51; sites and buildings, $25,016.55; bonds and- interest, $19,100.00; total, $114,581.71. The salary of Superintendent Findley was originally $2,500 per year, but in 1876 was, for reasons which do not fully appear upon the record, reduced to $2,000, but on the accession of Prof. Fraunfelter, the old figure, $2,500, was restored; Principal Rood's salary being $1,400; Prof. Glover, (music), four days per week, $1,400; Prof. Thyng, (drawing), $1,000; Prof. Wise, (writing), $800;. teachers in High School, $500 to $800; Grammar School, princi- pal $900; teachers $250 to $650. Ward schools: principals, $600 to $700; teachers, $250 to $500; a slight contrast between the present superintendent's salary and that of the "superintendent" of the 142 AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. ^'high" school on the hill, taught by the writer, in 1835-6— $11.00 per month and "board around." In addition to regular teachers, "student teachers" — one for each room— are now regularly employed, who are required to be in dailj^ attendance, and in case of sickness or other necessary absence, take the place of regular teachers, being paid $25 per month, while so employed the first year, with $5 a month extra, on taking their places as regulars the second year. This plan of training in teachers from graduates of our own schools, is proving to be a very valuable feature of our present most admirable school management. T^DWIN F. VORIS,— son of Gen. l-> Alvin C. and Lydia (A 1 1 y n) Voris, was born in Akron Julj' 31, 1855; educated in Akron public schools, gTaduating from High School in 1872 ; at its opening in Sep- tember, 1872, entering Buchtel Col- lege, from which he graduated June 30, 1875. Entering Harvard Law School, in the Fall of the same year he graduated th.?refrom June 27, 1877, and was admitted to the bar at Cleve- land October 8th of that year. June 8, 1878, he went to St. Louis, and the following month was admitted to practice in the courts of Missouri. Studying and practicing with J. M. & C. H. Krum, of St. Louis, until Feb- ruar}', 1879, he returned to Akron, forming a partnership with his father under the firm name of Voris & Voris, after the accession of his father to the Common Pleas Jixdgeship, form- ing a partnership with his brother- in-law, Charles Baird, Esq., Feb- ruary 14, 1891, under the firm name of Baird & Voris, which arrange- ment still continvies. On the death of Prosecuting Attornej^ John C. Means, in May, 188(5, Mr. Voris was appointed bj^ Judge Green to fill the vacancy, serving till January, 1887. Mr. Voris was one of the organ- izers of Camp 27, Sons of Veterans, EDWIN F. VOKLS. DivisionofOhio,in Akron ; April, 1889, was elected member of Akron Board of Education from Second Ward, and is still serving ; October 21, 1879, Mr. Voris was married to Miss Lizzie U. Slade, of Columbus, Ohio. The3^have 3 children — Lj^dia, born J ulj^ 17, 1880 ; William S., born August 28, 1882; F)lizabeth, born August 12, 1884. The first pupil graduated from the Akron High School, \^as Miss Pamela H. Goodwin, now^ Mrs. William Renwick, of Daven- port, low^a, of the class of 1864. Since then, with the exception of the single year of 1870, there have been graduated, yearly, as follows: 1865, two; 1866, three; 1867, five; 1868, four; 1869, five; 1871, four; 1872, seventeen; 1873, eleven; 1874, sixteen; 1875, eigh- teen; 1876, twenty; 1877, thirty-two; .1878, twenty-two; 1879, thirty-five; 1880, thirty-six; 1881, eighteen; 1882, twenty-nine; 1883. tw^enty-six; 1884, thirty-five; 1885, forty-nine; January, 1886, nine; June, 1886, forty-seven; January, 1887, twenty-seven; June, 1887, thirty-one; January, 1888, twenty-five; June, 1888, thirty-seven; January, 1889, sixteen; June, 1889, tliirty-three; January, 1890, thirty; June, 1890, thirty-four; January, 1891, thirty-six; June, 1891, thirty-four, making a total of 747 graduates, in the 28 years, 215 of ■whom were boys and 532 were girls. NEW AND VALUABLE FEATURES. 143 ARTHUR J. WEEKS. born in ■^ Copley, June 28, 1847 ; raised on farm ; educated at North Madison Academy and Willoughby College, with a course in civil eng-ineering- at Bethany College, W. Va. ; assistant engineer in locating and construct- ing Tuscarawas Valley R'y> t'^^o years ; aSv^istant to Chief Engineer P. H. Dudley, on Valley R'y three years, last two j^ears as division engineer in charge of copstruction between Akron and Canton; Octo- ber 1, 1874, was married to Miss Lovina Humbert, of Lake Township, Stark Co. ; 1875 to 1882, engaged in jobbing Akron stoneware, pipes, matches, etc., at Evansville, Ind. ; in 1882, removed to Akron, becoming- a membea- of the pottery firm of Weeks, Cook & Weeks, a short dis- tance south of the present felt works ; Mr. Cook retiring in 188(5, the firm of Weeks Brothers (Arthur J. and Fred H.) was continued until Noveinber 1, 1890, Mr. W.,on dissolution, purchas- ing the pottery works of F. W. Rockwell & Co., lllO-llKi Flast Market street, which he is still successfullj^ conducting,on organization of Akron Stoneware Agency, Mr. W. was elected secretary, which position he still fills ; was elected member of School Board in 1888 and re-elected in 1890 ; chairman of building commit- tee, and of committee on heating- and ARTHUR J. WEEKS. ventilation ; in 1890 elected treasurer and continued on building com- inittee in charge of erection of the new Grace School building-. It will be seen that while the sexes, in the enumeration, are very nearlj^ equal, considerable more than twice as many girls graduate as boys, which may probably be accounted for, in part at least, by the fact that before reaching the graduation point, from necessity or choice, the boys embark in mercantile or other business pursuits, while a large proportion of the girls go through with the design of becoming teachers. OTHER NEW AND VALUABLE FEATURES. In 1890, the office of superintendent of primary instruction was created by the board, and the position given to Mrs. Sarah C. Lake, one of our most experienced teachers (formerly for many years Principal of Bowen School), whose daily supervision of the work being done in the primaries is proving to be a very valuable feat- ure of our educational system. The salary of the primary super- intendent is $850 per year. Another valuable advance which has been made is the doing aAvay with formal examinations for promo- tion, it being found that many pupils worthy of promotion, being naturally timid and easily embarrassed, would fail at the critical moment to reach the iron-clad standard, and thus be arbitrarily kept a grade or two below their more ready fellows, in reality no better qualified than themselves. Promotions are now^ made on the recommendation of the teachers and principals of the sev- eral schools, and the plan has so far worked most admirably. 144 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. JOSEPH COOK— born in London, J Eng-land, March 24, 1847; in Spring of 1849 came with parents to America, settling at East Liverpool ; in 1863 enlisted in the arm3'^, serving- till close of the war. During service in armj- his parents removed to Middlebur}-, where he came to reside on receiving his discharge. Octo- ber 9, 1873, Mr. Cook was married to Mary T.. Norton, eldest daughter of Thoinas and Hannah Norton, who has borne him five children — Eva P., Thomas N., Mary J., Martha W. and George W. Mr. C. engaged in the pottery buisness . with David A. Butler and John Richardson, under the firm naiue of -Richardson, Cook & Butler, incorporated March, 1879, as the Akron Stoneware Co., with Mr. Cook as president. Disposing of his stock, three 5^ears later, the firm of Weeks, Cook & Weeks, built an- other potterj^, of which Mr. C. was superintendent until the Fall of 1886, when he disposed of his interest to the Messrs. Weeks. Then helped to organize and was made president of the Wood Type and Novelt3- Manxi- facturing Coiupany, two years later disposing of his interest therein, and in the Spring of 1890, aiding in the organization of the Drop Hammer Forging- Co., of which he is president. JOSEPH COOK. April. 1889, Mr. Cook was elected member of the Akron Board of Edu- cation, the first year being chairinan of coinmittee on grounds, and the second j-ear of committee on janitors, being re-elected in 1891. FRANKLIN G. STIPE. pRANKEIN G. STIPE,— eldest son -*- of Harrison and Anna (Neugent) Stipe, was born in Greentown, Stark County, April 23, 1846, when young removing- with parents to Green Township, Summit County; edu- cated in public schools and Greens- burg Seminar}', for several years teaching in Winter and assisting father on farm in Summer; during the war, as a inember of the Ohio National Guard, served from May to September, 1864, in Co. H., 164th O. V. I., in defense of Washington, as else- where detailed ; in 1866, reinoved to- Akron, where he has since success- fully followed the painting business. A life-long Republican, Mr. Stipe was vice-president of the Republi- can CentralCominittee for 1887 ; mem- ber of Board of Education from Fourth Ward for 1888-9, and mem- ber of Citj' Board of Equalization of decennial appraisement of real estate for 1890. September 5, I860, Mr. Stipe was married to Miss Soviah Koons, daughter of Jonas and Sarah (France) Koons, of Green Township, Avho has borne him four children — Norah Eleanor, Harry Jonas, Mabel Lonelj- and Mattie Maria. Mr. and Mrs. Stipe are members of the First M. E. Church of Akron. In September, 1884, in addition to English, Latin and Greek, a class in German was formed in the High School, which is highly SCHOLARSHIPS IN BUCHTEL COLLEGE. 145 appreciated by such of our people as desire to have their children instructed in that language. Pupils in the several courses in 1890 were: English, 222 — 64 boys, 158 girls; graduates, 5 boys, 25 girls; Latin, 51 boys, 53 girls; graduates, 8 boys, 7 girls; German, 56 boys, 57 girls; graduates, 7 boys, 12 girls; Greek scholars reciting at College, 9. November 14, 1881, the executive committee of the board of trustees of Buchtel College adopted the following resolution, which is still in full force: "Resolved, That one scholarship be granted to the City of Akron, to be awarded by competitive examination onlj^, to the g-raduates of the High School qualified to enter the Freshman Class in one ofthe courses of Buchtel College. But in case there be no competitors for this scholarship among' the graduates of the High School, it may be granted, by competitive exami- nation, to anj^ student in the City Schools who shall be qualified to enter the Senior Preparatory Class of the College in either of the three courses." A NGELO ANDREW,-"born in Bos- -^ ton Township, Summit County, O., February 1, 1846 ; common school education ; at 17, apprenticed to printer's trade in oftice of Summit County Beacon ; August 23, 1864, enlisted in Company H., 177th O. V. I., participating in all its engage- ments, and serving until the close of the war ; on retiring from the army, returned to Peninsula and engaged in painting, three years later accept- ing a clerkship in the store of Mr. Frederick Wood, where he remained five years ; resuming his trade and removing to Akron, in 1877 he formed a partnership with his brother, Robert L., under the firm name of Andrew Brothers, and besides em- ploying a large number of painters and decorators, dealing extensively in paints, paper-hangings, house and church decorations, etc. ; in Septem- ber, 1890, buying his brother's inter- est and now successfully conducting the business upon his own account. Democratic in politics, Mr. Andrew has been thrice honored with a seat in the School Board of the generally Republican City of Akron, serving faithfully and acceptablj' four full ANGELO ANDKEW. years, from 1887 to the present time, August 14, 1873, Mr. Andrew was mar- ried to Miss Lizzie Warburton, a native of Northampton township, who has borne him five children — Mabel, Frank, Bessie, Nellie and Mildred. The following pupils, under this beneficent provision, have availed themselves of its privileges: Lillian Moore, scholarship, '81-'82, full course; May Baker, '82-'83, four terms; Lizzie Griffin, '84-'85, one term ; Edith Garside, '85,-86, one term ; Edwin L. Findley, '86-87, full course; WilUam B. Baldwin, '87-88, full course; Anna Thomas, '88-'89; Leroy C. Eberhard, '89-'90; Myrtle Pardee,'9(>-'91.- MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF BOARD. FoUoAving is given what is believed to be a full list of the gentlemen w^ho have served upon the Board of Education, from its organization in the Spring of 1847 to the present time, (1891) a period of 44 years, although the exact terms of service cannot here be enumerated: Lucius V. Bierce, Harvey B. Spelman, William Harrison Dewey, William M. Dodge, Dr. Joseph Cole, James^ lo « 146 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. A IvFRED W. HALL— son of Alex- ■^ ander and Phoebe Elizabeth (Kosnian)Hall, was born in Lawrence township, October 19, 1847 ; came with parents to Akron when about three j^ears of age ; educated in Akron pub- lic schools ; followed boating-on Ohio Canal, first with his father and after- wards on his own account, till 1871 ; engineer in Allen Mill and Rolling Mill ten j^ears ; then engaged in insurance business for five years, in March, 1886, being appointed by the Ohio Board of Public Works super- intendent of Northern Division of Ohio Canal, from Cleveland to Boli- var, 75 miles, which position he is still ably filling. In local matters Mr. Hall was an eiilicient inember of the old Volunteer Hook and Ladder C0nipan5% Mechanics No. '6 ; a direc- tor of the Summit County Agricul- tural Society ; in 189() was elected a member of the Board of Education from the Fotirth Ward, which posi- tion he still holds ; is also a stock- holder in the Peoples' Savings Bank. September 22, 1870, Mr. Hall was mar- ried to Miss Jennie Letter,of Blissfield, Lennewa Count3% Mich. The5' have one son — George Alfred, born Nov- ALFRED W. HALIv. ember 1,1881, now a student in Akron public schools. Mathews, Judge James S. Carpenter, Dwight Newton, Judge Daniel R. Tilden, Dr. Elias W. Howard, Henry W. Howe, Webster B. Storer, Joseph F. Gilbert, Gov. Sidney Kdgerton, Joshua C, Berry, Kdw^ard W. Perrin, Richard S. Klkins, Dr. Joseph Stanton, Samuel A. Lane, Judge Nathaniel W. Goodhue, Jacob Snyder, Judge Constant Bryan, Charles B. Bernard, Ansel Miller, William C. Allen, Dr. Elias L. Munger, Rev. Samuel Williams, Dr. William Bowen, Houston Sisler, Capt. Gilbert S. Carpenter, Dr. Israel E. Carter, Milton W. Henry, Hiram Viele, Rev. Robert Koehler, Judge Roland O. Hammond, Edward Oviatt, Judge Stephen H. Pitkin, Arad Kent, Gen, Alvin C. Voris, Alvin Rice, Col. Arthur L. Conger, Andrew Jackson, Hon. George W. Crouse, Col, George T. Perkins, Lewis Miller, John F. Seiberling, Judge Newell D. Tibbals, George Tod Ford, Dr. J, K. HoUoway, Henrj^ Young, John M. Kirn, Adam Bahl, Levi S. Herrold, Lewis Creveling, Dr. Mendal JcAvett, Dr. W. P. Morrison, John Johnston, Josiah Miller, George C. Berry, Dr. Thomas McEbright, Fred Kuhlke, Frank Adams, Joseph A. Baldwin, David Butler, Dr. William C. Jacobs, Sanford M. Burnham, Paul E. Werner, Edward W. Wiese, Noah N. Leohner, William M. Heffelman, James W. Stuver, Martin J. Housel, William B. Raymond, Andrew M. Armstrong, Horace G. Griffin, Frank W, Rockw^ell, Hiram H, Foltz, Frederick Bishop, Isaac C. Alden, Frank L. Danforth, Judge Charles R. Grant, Frank M. Atterholt, Reginald H. Wright, Dr. J, W. Lyder, Col. David W. Thomas, William H, Evans, Christian Vogt, Louis Seybold, Dr. Louis S, Sweitzer, Albert H. Sargent, John T. Sell, William Rothrock, Frank G. Stipe, Charles H, Cleveland, George G. Allen, Chester F. Lamb, Angelo Andrew^, John McGregor, James V. Welch, Arthur J. Weeks, F, Joseph Koeberle, Edwin F, Voris, OFFICERS OF BOARD OF EDUCATION, 147 Joseph Cook, Amos J. White, Alfred W. Hall, Walter A. Folger, Ivouis Lanman, James A, Sv^'inehart. Presidents: Following is as full a list of Presidents of the Board and years of service in that office, as can no^r be compiled: Lucius V. Bierce, 1847, 1848, 1852, 1853, 1854; James S. Carpenter, 1849, 1850; Daniel R. Tilden (probably) 1851; Dr. Elias W. Howard, 1855, 1856, 1857; Constant Bryan (probably) 1858; Rev. S. Williams, 1859, 1860, 1861; Charles B. Bernard, 1862, 1863; Milton W. Henry, 1864; Dr. Israel E. Carter, 1865; Judge Stephen H. Pitkin, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1870; Dr. WiUiam Bowen, 1869; George W. Crouse, 1871, 1872, 1877, 1878, 1879; Lewis Miller, 1873, 1874, 1881, 1885, 1886; Dr. Thomas McEbright, 1875, 1876, 1880, 1884, 1887; Col. George T. Perkins, 1882; Frank W. Rockwell, 1883, 1888; Albert H. Sargent, 1889, 1890; Edwin F. Voris, 1891. Treasurers: William H. Dewey, 1847, 1848; Harvey B. Spelman, 1849, 1850, 1851; Dr. Elias W. Howard, 1851, 1852; Sidney Edgerton, June, 1853 to February, 1855; Richard S. Elkins, February, 1855 to April, 1855; Joseph Stanton, April, 1855, till death in August, 1855; Samuel A. Lane, August, 1855, till April, 1857; Charles B. Bernard, 1857, 1859; Constant Bryan, 1858; Houston Sisler, 1860, 1861; Dr. Israel E. Carter, 1862, 1863, 1864; Milton W. Henry, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1869; Col. George T. Perkins, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1877, 1878, 1879; William C. Allen, 1875, 1876; William B. Raymond, 1880, 1881; Reginald H. Wright, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886; Frank W. Rockwell, 1887; George G. Allen, 1888, 1889, 1890; Arthur J. Weeks, 1891. Secretaries: Harvey B. Spelman, 1847, 1848; Dwight Newton, 1849, 1850; Henry W. Howe, 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854; Edward W. Perrin, 1855,-1856, 1857; William C. Allen, 1858, 1859, 1860; Hiram Viele, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864; Charles B. Bernard, 1865; Edward Oviatt, 1866, 1867; Ahdn Rice, 1868; Arthur L. Conger, 1869, 1870, 1871; George Tod Ford, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875; George C. Berry, 1876, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891; Paul E. Werner, 1877, 1878; Sanford M. Burnham, 1879, 1881; Edward W. Wiese, 1880; Frank M. Atterholt, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885. In addition to Akron's munificent public school system, herein before described, separate parochial schools are maintained as follows: St. Vincent de Paul's parish school was established in 1853, in a small frame building adjacent to the original church structure, on Green street. Since the com- pletion of the nevir stone church edifice, corner of West Market and Maple streets, the old frame church has been used for school purposes. There are at present three divisions, each in charge of a competent teacher, with a total pupilage of about 200. It is the intention of the society to erect a new and more commodious school building adjoining the church, on St. Vincent de Paul's Parochial School, TVIor^lc* cfr-^/^f ;« ftic^ t^aor fn + m-^ South Maple Street, Third Ward. Maple Street, in tne near tuture. 148 AKRON AND SUMxMIT COUNTY. St. Mary's division of this Church, erected on South Main street, near Bartges street, in 1887, a fine two-story brick building, 30x62 feet in size, ^th chapel on the upper floor, and two school- rooms on the lower floor, with an average attendance of 110 schol- ars. The English language only is taught in these schools. Salary paid teachers $200 per year. St. Bernard's Catholic school was established in 1865, in the basement of the church, N. E. corner Broadway and Center streets, with about 35 scholars. In 1867, a small frame building was erected, east of the churchy the lower story of w^hich was also used as a school room. In 1880, four school rooms were fitted up in the lower story of the large addition then made to the church edifice, the number of scholars having meantime increased to 150. The present number is 370, and a fine new building on the southw^est corner of Broadway and Center streets, of brick, 72x100 feet in size, four stories high, and of imposing architect- ure, has just been coinpleted. In the lower storj^, besides numer- ous other apartments devoted to the uses of the societ}", is a chapel 33x72 feet, and on the upper floor is an assembly hall the full size of the building. The second and third floors, besides proper halls, closets, etc., contain eight spacious rooms; with accommodations for 100 scholars each. The cost of the building Avith necessary fixtures, furniture, etc., was about $35,000, exclusive of the real estate, the consideration for which was $9,000. Both English and German instruction is given in the schools of this society. Compensation to teach- ers $200 per year each. The German Zion's Lutheran society also maintains a parish school in a new tw^o-story brick building standing in the rear of the society's handsome brick church, corner of South High and Quarry streets. There are at present 225 scholars, in three classes, the first taught by Mr. William M. Spuhler, the second by Miss Emma Lothman, and the third by Rev. Theodore Huegli, both German and English being taught. Salary of teachers, $600, St. Bernard Parochial School, corner South Broadway and East Center streets. German Lutheran Parochial School, Quarry street, Second Ward. BUCHTKL COLLEGE. 149 $400 and $300 per 3^ear, respectively. After confirmation, at the age of 13 or 14 years, pupils are permitted to attend the public schools of the city. Present school directors, George Single and Henr}'^ Range. Unchtel College, named in honor of principal contributor to building and endowment funds, Hon. John R. Bnchtel, of Akron- Erected in 1871-2. BUCHTEL COLLEGE. This institution is the crowning educational glory of Akron, and, indeed, of Summit County, since the ruthless spoliation of the venerated old Western Reserve College, at Hudson, and requires more than mere passing mention in this work. Though in no manner sectarian, the College was founded by, and is carried forward under the auspices of, the religious organization knovy^n as Universalist, and its history is, briefly, as foUow^s: At the annual Convention of the Universalist Church of the State of Ohio, in 1867, its Coinmittee on Education submitted a report in favor of establishing, at some eligible point in the State, a seminary for the education of the youth of the State, to the privileges of which both sexes should be admitted on equal footing. The report >vas favorably received by the Convention, but no •definite action w^as taken upon it at that session. At the session of 1868, Rev. Andre^v Willson, of Kent, submitted a plan for the estal)lishment of the contemplated school, which was adopted by the Convention, but no action was had tow^ards carrying it into effect. At the session of 1869, the Convention, by resolution, rescinded its former action, and authorized the l^oard of trustees, and the committee on education to take the necessary steps for the establishment of a college, instead of an academy, as at first con- templated. The board of trustees then consisted of Rev. John S. Cantwell, Rev. Andrew Willson, Rev. Henry L. Canfield, Rev. John W. Henley, and Oscar F. Haymaker; and the committee on educa- tion of Rev. Everett L. Rexford, Rev. Marion Crosley, and Rev. Benjamin F. Eaton. At a joint meeting of the board and committee, in November, 1869, Rev. Henry F. Miller, then of Madison, Indiana, who had already greatly aided one or two similar institutions in that 150 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. direction, was chosen as the Financial Secretary of the Convention, to solicit funds for the erection of the necessary buildings, endowr- ments, etc., of the proposed institution, which the Convention desired to present as Ohio's offering to the approaching Centennial anniversary of Universalism in America, the first Universalist Church in America being organized at Gloucester, Mass., by Kev, John Murray, in 1770. MR. AND MRS. JOHN R. BUCHTEL. JOHN RICHARDS BUCHTEL,— son of John and Catharine (Richards) J Buchtel, was born in Green township, January 18, 1820 ; education limited ; raised a farmer, working- land on shares, then buying twenty acres in Coven- trj% and afterwards the 210 acre farm, since known as the Thornton farm, now a populous portion of the city of Akron ; for several years agent for Canton Buckeye Reaper and Mower Works, and largely instrumental in securing the Aultman, Miller & Co. branch for Akron ; during the war, active in securing- enlistments, raising- bounty money, and averting- the draft ; largelj^ promo- tive of many of the industrial enterpris.es of the cit}', including blast fur- nace and extensive coal and iron mines in Athens County ; Grant presidential elector, in 1872 ; Prohibition candidate for Secretary of State in 1874 ; inanag-ing- trustee of Ohio Agricultural College for several years. An ardent Univer- salist, while unstintedly liberal towards other denominations, his crowning' glory is his munificence, aggregating nearly a half a million dollars^ toward the coUeg-e that bears his name, fully written of elsewhere. Married Janvxary 8, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Davidson, never having been blessed with children of their own, though both physically infirm for many 3"ears, Mr. and Mrs. Buchtel jointly devoted the accumulation of their lives, for the benefit of the children of their neighbors and the general welfare. Mrs. Buchtel, — daughter of John Davidson, was born in Union County, Pa., August 25, 1821 ; removed to Ohio, with parents, in 1834, settling- in Coventry ; after marriage sharing with her enterprising husband the labor of founding for themselves a home and a fortune, and sharing equally with him the pleasure of dispensing, while living, the wealth thus jointlj- accumu- lated, in the fotinding.of Bvxchtel College, and the promotion of the various other educational, moral and benevolent enterprises of the da}-. In June, 1881, Mrs. Buchtel was stricken wirth paralysis ; but notwithstanding her great infirmity, and its many deprivations, she was ever cheerful and helpful of her distinguished husband, who became similarlj- afflicted March 21, 1887, still retaining her interest in all of their joint enterprises and benefactions, to the last, her death occvirring Friday, May 22, 1891. at the age of 69 years. 8 months and 27 days. AKRON SECURES THE PRIZE. 151 Mr. Miller entered upon his duties in January, 1870. Meantime a lively competition was in progress, between the inhabitants of several of the cities of the State, Akron among the rest. It was finally authoritatively announced that the location would be given to the city that would furnish a suitable site and subscribe $60,000 to the funds of the College. To this proposal, the people of Akron and Summit County promptly responded, Mr. John R. Buchtel leading off w^ith a sub- scription of $25,000 to the endowment fund and $6,000 to the building fund. Others followed w^ith equal liberality, in proportion to their means, and on May 31, 1870, Financial Secretary Miller reported to the trustees and committee that the stipulated sum of $60,000 had been subscribed and the proper site secured b}" the people of Akron. AVERY SPICER,— eldest son of -i*- Miner and Cynthia (Allen) Spicer; born at Groton, Ct., October 26, 1799 ; came with parents to Ohio in 1811, being the first white settlers in Port- ag^e township ; district school educa- tion ; raised a farmer ; at 21, worked for father two years at $7.00 per month ; in 1825, had charge of gang of hands on Ohio Canal, furnishing stone, timber, etc. for locks ; Septem- ber 3, 1826, was married to Miss Har- riet King, daughter of Joshua King, first white child born at Old Portage, (September 7, 1810); in 1837 purchased large farm in Coventry, where he lived 20 years, moving to the original homestead, corner Spicer and Car- roll streets, in 1857, where he resided until his death, May 10, 1881. Mr. Spicer officiated for several years as trustee of Coventry township, and for 15 3'ears as director of County Infirmary, superintending the erec- tion of present Infirmary buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Spicer were the parents of nine children — Isaac A., who died in California in 1850; Cynthia, now Mrs. Geo. Coggshall, Akron ; Sarah C, late Mrs. John Newton, of Buchanan, Mich.; Austin A., who died in Cov- entry, March 4, 1889; Harriet, now AVERY SPICER. Mrs. J. T. Trowbridge, Akron ; Olive and Oliver, twins, who died in infanc5% and Ella C, now Mrs. Charles Parmenter, Waltham, Mass. Mrs. Spicer, now in her 82d j^ear, still survives. This joint body then, by resolution, formally located the "Universalist Centenary School of Ohio," at Akron, and a certifi- cate of incorporation w^as duly filed, with the foUow^ing named corporators: Hon. John R. Buchtel, Rev. John S. Cantwell, Col. Geo. T. Perkins, Henry Blandy, Rev. George Messenger, Rev. Benjamin F. Eaton, Hon. Newell D. Tibbals, Rev. John W.Henley, Hon. Edwin P. Green, Oscar F. Haymaker, Rev. Willard Spaulding, James Alexander Lantz and George Steese. The association, on organization, very appropriately took the name of "Buchtel College," in honor of its principal donor, and the institution Avas formally declared "to be under the control of the Ohio State Convention of Universalists." It was made the duty of the corporators to appoint a board of 18 trustees, five of whom were to be resident freeholders of Summit County, the first board 152 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. appointed being as foljows: John K. Bucbtel, president; Henry Bland3', Philip Wieland, J. Dorsey Angier, Edwin P. Green and George T. Perkins, for three years each: Kev. Henr3' L. Canfield, Rev. Everett L. Kexford, Gen. James Pierce, John F. SeiberUng, Kev. John S. Cantwell and Newell D. Tibbals, for two years each, and Oscar F. Haymaker, Sanford M. Burnham, secretary, John R. Cochrane, Charles Foster, Rev. George Messenger and Avery Spicer, for one year each; George W. Crouse, not a member of the board, being appointed treasurer. HON. GEORGE W. CROUSE.-born in Tallmadg-e, November 23, 1832 ; in earl}" bo3^hood removed with his parents to Green township ; gradu- ating- from district school at 17, taught schools five years ; 1855 to 1858, deputy in offices of County Audi- tor and Treasurer ; 1858, at 25 years of age, elected County Auditor, and re-elected in 1860 ; resigned in Febru- ary, 1863, to accept appointment of Treasurer to fill vacancy, serving to end of term, seven months ; 1863, took management of Akron branch of C. Aultman & Co.'s Buckej^e mower and reaper business ; in 1865, on organi- zation of Aultman, Miller & Co., as a separate corporation, became secre- tary and treasurer, being no^v its president, besides being pecuniarily and officially connected with a large number of other business and finan- cial enterprises in Akron and else- where. Republican in politics, Mr. Crouse has filled, besides those mentioned, the following civil offices: County Commissioner, member and president Board of Education ; mem- ber and treasurer Board of Control Akron Public Library ; member and president Akron City Council ; State Senator and Member of Congress. Liberal, efficient and patriotic, Mr. Crouse served 100 days in defense of Washington, in 1864, and was largely instrumental in securing the erection of our beautiful Soldiers' Memorial Chapel, besides contributing liber- HON. GEORGE W. CROUSE. ally in behalf of all the educational, religious and benevolent enterprises of the day. Married October 18, 1859, ^ to Miss Martha K. Parsons, of KTii*tv ^^ The}^ have five children— Martha P., ^ Julia M., Mary R., Nellie J., and George W., Jr. The site selected for the College is one of the most commanding in the city, fronting on Middlebury street, (now Buchtel Avenue), upon the north, and running through to Carroll street on the south. It is a part of the original farm occupied by Akron's first settler, Major Miner Spicer, in 1811 — Major Spicer himself being an ardent Universalist, and a zealous inember of the first society of that faith organized in Akron, in 1837 — the college edifice being visible from every portion of the city, while the view from the top of its central tower is one of the most extensive and pic- turesque in the county. Tlie architect, Rev. Thomas W. Silloway, of Boston, Mass., submitted plans for the College building, December 28, 1870, and a building committee of seveti was appointed, as follows: Hon. John R. Buchtel, Avery Spicer, Col. George T. Perkins, Rev. Henry LAYING THE CORNER STONE. 153 F. Miller and Gen, Alvin C. Voris, of Akron; Rev. George Messenger, of Springfield, and Mr. Henry Blandy, of Zanesville. Xoah A. Carter, of Akron, was made general superintendent; Samuel Snider and Lewis Wilhelm, of Akron, awarded the contract for stone work; John H. Waggoner, of Akron, superintendent of brick work, and Henry W. Howe, Esq., superintendent of grading. Ground was broken on the 15th day of March, 1871, and the work so vigorously prosecuted that the massive foundation and basement walls were completed, and the corner-stone of the super- structure was laid on the Fourth of July, 1871, with the following imposing ceremonies: JUDGE EDWIN P. GREEN, born J in Gaysville, Windsor Co., Vt., March 10, 1828; educated in common schools and Bradford Academy; commenced studjang- law in Little- ton, N. H., coming- to Akron in 1852 and completing- studies in office of Humphrey, Upson & Edgerton, being admitted to the bar in September 1853; October 1854 elected Clerk of Courts, holding the office until Feb- ruary 1861, then resuming his law- practice; during the war was deputy provost marshal forSutnmit County, and member of Cohgressional Mili- tary Committee. Prosecuting Attor- ney N. D. Tibbals entering- the ser- vice for 10() days, in 1864, Mr. Green was appointed prosecuting attorney ad interiin; in 1883 was elected Judge of Common Pleas Court, to fill the unexpired term of Judge Tib- bals, resigned, and re-elected for full term in 1885, ably filling the position until January 1, 1891, when he resig-ned and ag'ain resumed practice at the bar. Judge Green has always taken a lively interest in educational matters; for many years serving as count}' and city school examitier; was active in establishing Akron Public Library, and a mem- ber of its board of control until elected Judge; was one of the incor- porators of Buchtel College, serving- as Trustee since its organization in 1872; member of American Bar Asso- ciation, for manj' jxars its member • JUDGE EDWIN P. GREEN. of General Council for Ohio, and in 1889 elected its vice president for Ohio, also member 'of Ohio Bar Association of which he was made president in 1887. Judge Green was' married to Miss Isabella M. Moore, of Littleton, N. H., December 31, 1855, who died March 13. 1809; was again married, to Miss Elizabeth A. Moore, sister of the first Mrs. G., April 25, 1870, who has borne him three child- ren, Isabella M. and William A., now living, and Mary L., deceased. The Excelsior Gun Squad fired a salute of thirty guns at mid- night, and at sunrise the Buckeye Gun Squad awoke the morning echoes ^vith thirty-seven guns. The procession was formed on Howard street by Chief Marshal Gen. Geo. W. McNeil, assisted by Herman F. Hahn, Paul Giffhorn and Thomas K. Perkins, on the part of the citizens, and by Dr. Thomas McEbright, Milton H. Hart and Ohio C. Barber, marshals, on the part of the Masonic Fraternit}'. The procession formed in the following order: 1, Marshals and Assistants; 2, Bal)cock's Band; 3, Fire Department; 4, German Benevolent Society; 5, Order of United American Mechanics; 6, Coopers' Union; 7, Harmonie Society; 8, Turner Society; 9, 154 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Liedertafel Society; 10, Knights of Pythias; 11, Father Mathewr Temperance Society; 12, Good Templars; 13. Sons of Temperance; 14, Grand Army of the Republic and 29th O. V. V. I.; 15, I. O. O. F.; 16, Marble's Band; 17, Masons; 18, Mayor, City Officers and Council; 19, Clergy; 20, Trustees and Officers of College; 21, Officers of the Day and invited and distinguished guests; 22, Citizens, C^ EN. ALVIN COE VORIS,— eldest J son of Judge Peter Voris, born in Stark Co., April 27, 1827, in infancy moving to Bath township; educated in Twinsburg- Institute and Oberlin College; 1850 to 1852, deputy county clerk and acting probate judge; admitted to practice law June 20, 1853 ; in partnership with Gen. L. V. Bierce till 18.59; Sept. 25, 1853, married Miss Lj^dia Allyn, who bore him three children — Edwin F. (now practicing law in Akron,) Lucy, (now Mrs. Charles Baird) and Bessie C, (now Mrs. Will T. Sawyer); repre- sentative to State Legislature 1859 — 1860; in September 1861. entered the army as Lieutenant Colonel of 67th Regiment. O. V. I., becoming its commanding office the following March; [the gallantry of this regi- ment and the terrible sufferings of its commander, from wounds received in battle, fully set forth elsewhere in this work]. Colonel Voris was bre vetted Brigadier Gen- eral December 8, 1864, and a few months later Major General, ■ "for distinguished services in the field." Since the war, with the exception of serving. as a delegate to Constitu- tional Convention in 1873, the Gen- eral has devoted himself assiduously to his profession, with marked legal GEN. ALVIN COE VOKIS. and financial success. November 4^ 1890, General Voris was elected Judge of Court of Common Pleas for the counties of Summit, Medina and Lorain for the the term of five years. The first Mrs. Voris dying March 16, 1876, the General was again married,^ to Mrs. Lizzie H. Keller Februarj^ 21, 1882. The corner-stone, three feet square on its surface and two feet in thickness, bears, in oval form, the inscription: "Centenary of Universalism in America, 1870. This stone laid July 4, 1871, by A. H. Newcomb, G. M. F. & A. M., A. L. 5871." In the cavity wa& placed a casket containing copies of the Star in the West, Universalist, Gospel Banner, Universalist Quarter!}^, Ladies'^ Repositorj^, Mj^rtle, Guiding Star, Universalist Register, Akron Daily- Beacon, Akron Citj^ Times, New York Tribune, and the Ohio Universalist, published in Cleveland in 1838; also a history of the College enterprise, a list of its officers, architects, builders^ etc.; a Bible; list of officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and officers and members of Akron Lodge, No. 83, F. & A. M., and by-laws of the Lodge; samples of American coin, etc. On the arrival of the procession at the building, the President of the Day, Henry Blandy, Esq., of Zanesville, introduced Rev. Everett L. Rexford, of Columbus, -who offered a brief but fervent prayer, which was folloAved by "America," superbly rendered by Marble's Band, and the formal laying of the corner-stone by the officers of HON. HORACE GREELEY S ADDRESS. 155 the Grand Lodge of Masons of Ohio, conducted by Grand Master A. H. Newcomb. Among other musical exercises, a Glee Club, composed of W. Milton Clarke, Wilson G. Robinson, Dr. Byron S. Chase and Daniel R. Knight, sang an original song, of six twelve-line stanzas to the tune of "Yankee Doodle," of which the following is a sample stanza: "A Yankee Dutchman lived in town, And built machities for niowing. And reaping, too, so he came down (To set tlie thing a-going) With thirty thousand of tlie pelf. He'd earned by trade and labor; He said 'twas good to help one's self. Better to help a neighbor; In this way Buchtcl (that's his name) Was bound to scatter knowledge; He gave them stamps, they'll give him fame. They'll build him Buchtel College." PERDINAND SCHUMACHER, A — born in Celle, Hanover, March 30, 1822 ; served 13 years (from 15 to '28), as clerk in g'rocery and sugar refin- ery; in 18.tO emigrated to United States, settling- on a farm in Euclid, near Cleveland; in 1851 engaged in fancy goods trade in Akron; in 1852 embarked in grocery trade which he successfully followed ten years; in 18,56 engaged in the manufacture of oat meal, pearl barley and other cereal products, enlarging and increasing his mills, until now, notwithstan ding his heavy losses by fire, as detailed elsewhere, his works are the most extensive and successful of their kind in the world. Besides his mill- ing interests Mr. Schiimacher is .pecuniarily and officially connected with many other manufacturing enterprises. Liberal in his religious views, he is a generous contributor to all church organizations, the Uni- versalists being under especial obli- gations to him for their . present church lot and fine house of worship. A pronounced Prohibitionist, he is one of the most zealous Temperance promoters in Ohio. Mr. Schumacher was married at Cleveland, October 7, , 1851, to his cousin. Miss Hermine Schumacher, of Bevern, Brunswick, FERDINAND SCHUMACHER. Germany. Seven children have been born to them, five of whom are deceased, the two survivors, Louis and F. Adolph, ably assisting their enterprising father in conducting the immense business of which he is the founder— the former as vice president and the latter as secretary of the F. Schumacher Milling Co. HON. HORACE GREELEY'S ADDRESS. After a few preliminary remarks, Mr. Greeeley, continuing,, said: "AUow^ me nov^r to say a few words in reference to the edu- cation inculcated by our colleges at large. It is too superficial for the age. People do not grudge money for education, provided they know that they secure what they pay for, yet they fear that they are not noAv receiving in proportion to the expenditure. My objection to college courses is, that while there has been advance- ment of the world, in every department of human industry, there has not been a corresponding stride in the curriculum of college studies. I insist that our average course tends directly to drive 156 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. men into three pursuits or professions, -which, however honorable, do not comprise the great professions Avhich labor for the general good of mankind; and I hope to see the day when there will be a reform; when this college shall graduate a great and glorious bod}^ of young and earnest men in engineering, science, and a hundred different pursuits where knowledge is of great benefit to human kind. I want the young men to be leaders in these hundred branches of industry, and would like to see it different from the present day, when the richest metal of the mind is sent abroad to be moulded and formed into shape to be practically applied to the science of the age." TOY H. PENDLETON, -born in J Litchfield Countj', Conn., Febru- arj' 1, 1810; removing- with parents to Ohio in 1819, settling- in Stow ; reared to farm life, with limited educational opportunities ; at 20 entered store of Stow & Wetmores, at Cuyahog^a Falls, as clerk, remaining- with them about five 3^ears, part of the time traveling through Ohio selling their papers and other goods ; in 1835, in company with brother, opened a general store in Brunswick, Medina County, a year Jater removing the business to Franklin Mills (now Kent), about 1840, ■engaging with B. F. Hopkins, in conducting flouring mill, saw mill, and woolen factor}^, vinder the title of " Center Manxif acturing Company," also carrj'ing on a general merchan- dise store, continuing therein until about 1847. From 18.% to 1860 Mr. P. -was engaged in railroad construc- tion, with headquarters at Da3'ton and Cincinnati. Removing to Akron in 1866, aided in organizing- the Sec- ond National Bank of Akron, becom- ing its vice-president, which position he retained until the death of presi- dent George D. Bates, July 25. 1887, ^vhen he was elected to the presi- dency of the bank, -which position, yet hale and vigorous, in the 82d year JOY H. PENDLETON. of his age, he still retains. Mr Pen- dleton has been three times married: in 1832 to Miss Julia Corp, who died July 5, 1833; in November, 1834, to Miss Sybil Fletcher, who died May 29, 1841; September 13, 1842 to Miss Eunice M. Post, a native of Summit Count)', who still sur-vives. They have one child, Nellie A. Mr. Greeley then spoke at length on '^ Human Conceptions of God as thev affect the Moral Education of our Race." We cannot here give the full text of the address, and no mere synopsis -would do it justice. A few brief sample excerpts, therefore, must suffice: "There are those," said Mr. Greelej^, "-who talk sonorously, stridently, of Law — of the La-w of Development or Progress — as though they had found in a -word a key -which unlocks all the mysteries of creation. But I am not silenced by a word; I demand its meaning, and then seek to determine ho\Y far that meaning bridges the gulf which the ^vord was intended to over-leap. To my apprehension. Law is the dictate of an intelligent -will, or it is nothing. * * * What we affirm is that God is mo.re than a blind, creative Bnergy, an inexorable Fate, a vitalizing, fructifying Principle. He is the conscious, loving Author and Governor of things. * * * Hence the higher education of our day — most EVENING RECEPTION TO MR. GREELEY. 157 wisely in purpose, not always in method — essays to base its insti- tutes and processes on religion, and to ground the character it seeks to form on the firm foundations of Christian Faith and Love, * * * This, then, I apprehend, is the proper -work of the college: To appreciate and measure, and undistrustfuUy accept and commend the gigantic strides which physical science is making in our day, yet not be swept away by them; to welcome all that is true and beneficent in the impetuous currents of modern thought^ but not to exaggerate their breadth and depth, nor accept their direction as authoritative or final; to proffer a genial and gracious- hospitality to whatever is nobly new, yet hold fast, and from time to time assert, that no discovery in science, no advances in human knowledge, can ever invalidate or belittle the Golden Rule, and na conclusion of philosophy ever equal in importance that simple affirmation of the untaught Judean peasant, who long ago per- ceived and proclaimed that 'God is Love.'" pOL. GEORGE TOD PERKINS,— ^ son of Col. Simon and Grace Ingersoll (Tod) Perkins, was born in Akron, May 5, 1836; educated in Akron schools and at Marietta Col- lege ; April, 1861, enlisted as private in Nineteenth Regt. O. V. I. (three months), and as Second Lieutenant of Co. B., participating in the West Virginia campaign ; in August, 1862, re-enlisted in the 105th O. V. I., becom- ing its major ; commanded part of regiment in the sanguinary battle of Perrysville, K3 ., October 8, 1862, two of his captains being killed, four other officers wounded, 47 men killed and 212 wounded ; participated in the battles of Hoover's Gap, Chicka- maiiga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain and the siege of Atlanta ; marched with Sherman from " Atlanta to the Sea; " promoted to Lieutenant Colonel July 16, 1863, to Colonel, February 18, 1864, and mustered out with regiment at Wash- ington, June 3, 1865 ; secretary of Tap- lin. Rice & Co. from 1867 to 1870 ; presi- dent of Bank of Akron, 1870 to 1876 ; cashier of same till consolidation with Second National Bank, in March, 1888, and still acting in that capacity ; president of the B. F. Goodrich Com- COL. GEOKGE TOD PERKINS. panj^ and the Goodrich Hard Rubber Companj- ; Married to Miss Mary F. Rawson, October 6, 18(j5 ; three chil- dren, one of whom, onlj-, is is now living — Mar}", married to Charles B. Raymond, of Akron, May 21, 1890. At the close of Mr. Greeley's address, Hon. John R. Buchtel was loudly called for, who responded in one his off-hand unreport- able speeches. Mr. Buchtel closed his remarks bj^ feelingly thanking those w^ho had contributed to the Institution, and said that he hoped, and trusted, and prayed, that those having children would educate them here, and pledged himself that the College should be an honor and pride to Akron and the State — first-clas& in every respect. "We don't intend," said Mr. Buchtel, "to pull a shingle from off a single church, but will unite in suppressing evil, and in building up the morals and character of the city." In the evening an immense reception was given to Mr. Greeley, at Mr. Buchtel's residence, corner of East Market and 158 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Union streets. The trustees of the College were present in a body in behalf of whom, Edwin P. Green, Esq., thanked Mr. Greeley for his address and kindly interest in their enterprise. During the evening there were toasts and speeches as follows: "The City of Akron:" Response by Nathaniel W. Goodhue, Esq.; "The Common Schools of Akron:" Response by Newell D. Tibbals, Esq.; "^The Centenary of Universalism in America:" Responded to by Mr. Greeley, at considerable length, defining the religious doctrines of the denomination, and his ov^n reasons for adhering thereto, closing by bidding all to hope that, in the time to come, would acts be done in Love and Faith, as they were done when John Murray first commenced to preach that faith in America in 1770. Other toasts: The "Bands of Akron:" Response, by J. Park Alexander; "Buchtel College:" Response by H. D. Persons, of Cambridge, Pa.; "The Relation of Common Schools to Higher Institutions of Learning:" Response by Dr. N. S. Townshend, of Elyria. eULLIVAN H. McCOLLESTER, D. »-J D., of Scotch descent, was born in Marlboro, N. H., December 18, 1826 ; graduated as A. B. from Nor- wich University in 1851 ; taking div- inity course at Harvard Univer- sitjs was ordained to the Chris- tian ministry in 1854; was prin- cipal of Walpole Academy two years; Mount Csesar Seminar}^ five 3^ears ; Westmoreland Valley Seminary three j-ears ; Westbrook Seminarj^ and Female College eight years ; commissioner of New Hampshire public schools and president Board of Education three years, during this time preaching Sundaj^s, organizing a church and causing a house of worship to be erected at Swanzey, N. H., and also one on the grounds of the Westbrook (Maine) Seminar3\ After a remarkably successful pas- torate over the Universalist Church, at Nashua, N. H., was in 1872 called to Akron as the first president of Buchtel College, which position he ably filled six j^ears ; also organizing the Universalist Church in Akron and acceptably filling its pulpit two 3'ears. After leaving the college he organized a strong church at Bellows Falls, Vt., and three years later one at Dover, N. H., securing the build- ing of a fine edifice for each. Mr. McCoUester with his family has five times made the tour of Europe — in 1866, '69, '78, '86 and '89~visiting Italy, Greece, Palestine, Asia Minor, and many other countries, his last trip extending entirely around the world. He received his A. M. in course and REV.. S. H. M'COLLESTER, D. D. his D. D. from St. Lawrence Univer- sitj^ ; is now domiciled at " Maple- side, " in his native town, preaching Sundays, lecturing winters, and gen- erally engaged in literary w^ork, being the author of "After Thovights in Foreign Lands and Capital Cities, " " Round the World in Old and New Paths, " and other popular works, having also represented his native tow^n in the Legislature two years. Mr. McCoUester was married to Miss Sophia F. Knight at Dum- merston, Vt., in 1853. Of the four children born to them only one sur- vives — Rev. Lee S. McCoUester, now pastor of the Universalist Church in Detroit, Mich. In response to loud and long repeated calls, Mr. Buchtel made a brief speech, thanking his friends and neighbors for their kind expressions for both himself and the College bearing his name. IN SUCCESSFUL OPERATION. 159 The institution was to be in no sense sectarian, and he was proud to think that it would not graduate Methodists, nor Baptists, nor Congregationalists, nor Universalists, but men and women too; and he was willing to sacrifice all he possessed — even his very life — for the success of the College. One end of the College was for gentlemen and the other end, just exactly like it, for ladies. He believed in educating all, without regard to sex or color. THE COLLEGE IN OPERATION. The building was so rapidly proceeded with that it was first occupied in September, 1872, but little more than a year after the laying of the corner-stone, and within about three years from the first inception of the project. The services of Rev. Sullivan H. McCoUester, of New Hamp- shire, were secured as president of the College, with the following Faculty: Rev. S. H. McCollester, A. M., Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy ; Nehemiah White, Professor of Languages ; S. F. Peckham, A. M., Professor of Natural Science; Carl F. Kolbe, A. M., Professor of Modern Languages ; Miss Hattie F. Spaulding, L. A., Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature; Alfred Welsh, A. B., Professor of Mathematics ; H. D. Persons, Professor in Nor- mal Department ; Gustav. Sigel, Professor of Music ; Miss Hattie L. Lowden, Teacher in English. One member of the original faculty, only. Professor Kolbe, is now^ officially connected with the College. PVERETT L. REXFORD, D. D.,— 1—' born in Harmony, Chautauqua Countj, N. Y., April 24, 1842, his father being- a Baptist minister; edticated in Jamestown Academy and St. Lawrence University, at Can- ton, N. Y., graduating- from the latter in I860 ; commenced his ministry in the First Universalist Church in ■Cincinnati in September, I860, con- tiiuiing- three j-ears ; was then pastor of the Cohimbus Universalist Church five years ; in 1874, after three months' trial (during which the Columbus pulpit was held open for his return, should he elect to do so), he assumed the pastorate of the Universalist Church in San Fran- cisco, Cal., where he remained until called to the presidency of Buchtel College in 1878, which responsible position he ablj' filled two 3^ears, also officiating as pastor of the First Universalist Church of Akron, both of which positions he resigned to accept the pastorate of the ncAvly formed Universalist Church of Detroit, Mich., where he remained eight years, resigning to become the pastor of a Universalist society in Boston. Mass., where he still remains. The honorary degree of D. D. was REV. EVERETT L. REXFORD, D. D. conferred upon him by Buchtel Col- lege in 1874. October 5, 186o-. Mr. Rex- ford was married to Miss Julia George, daughter of the late Isaac George, of Dunkirk, N. Y., who bore him one daug-hter, Mary Elizabeth, his second marriage being with Miss Amanda Pleasant, daug-hter of Daniel G. Pleasant, of Bowling- Green, Ky. During the first j'^ear there were seven students in the classical course — six of whom were designated as Freshmen and one Jun- ior, all entering for the regular course of four years. For the 160 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Philosophical course of two years there were 39 students, and for the Academical course, 171 — total 217, of whom 98 were ladies, 119 were gentlemen. It will thus be seen that from the start the sexes fairly balanced each other in the race for know^ledge, which con- dition has been substantially maintained to the present time, the catalogue for 1890-91 listing 130 gentlemen and 143 ladies — 273 students in all, and experience has demonstrated that the founders of the College acted wisely in providing for the co-education of the sexes on equal terms. Dr. McCollester tendered his resignation as president in June, 1877, but its acceptance was declined by the Board of Trustees until June, 1878, when he was succeeded by Dr. Kverett L. Rex- ford, a graduate of the Theological School of St. Lawrence Univer- sity, at Canton, New^ York, and a preacher of considerable emi- nence. Dr. Rexford, besides ably filling the presidential chair of the College for tv^o years, also officiated as pastor of the Univer- salist Church of Akron, resigning both positions, in 1880, to assume the pastorate of a new Universalist parish in Detroit, Mich., being no^v pastor of a Universalist Church in Boston, Mass. Dr. Rexford's successor w^as Rev. Orello Cone, A. M., D. D., for fifteen years Professor of Bibilical Languages and Literature of St. Lawrence University, at Canton, N. Y., Avho assumed the presi- dency of the College in 1880, his administration, during his eleven years incumbency, having been deservedly popular and successful. REV. ORELLO CONE, D. D.,— born in Lincklaen, Chenang-o County, N. Y., November 16, 1835; taught in public schools, securing an education by his own exertions and earnings ; in 1858 engaged as teacher in St. Paul's Episcopal Col- lege, at Palmyra, Mo., remaining' three years ; soon after entered the Universalist ministry, preaching two years in Little Falls, N. Y. ; in 18&5 was elected to the Chair of Biblical Languages and Literature in the Theological School at Canton, N. Y., where he remained until called to the presidency of Buchtel College in Akron in 1880, which position, after eleven years of eminently satisfac- torj^ service, he still occupies. In addition to his college duties, Dr. Cone has done considerable literary w^ork, having w^ritten man}'^ articles for reviews, a volume on " Salva- tion, " published in 1889, his latest and most important work being' " Gospel Criticism and Historical Christianity," issued from the press of G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, in April, 1891. Dr. Cone was married to Miss Mariamne N. Pepper, at Little FaJls, N. Y., October 3, 1864, who has KEV. ORELLO CONE, D. D. borne him two children — Edwin F., born October 4, 1867, now studj'ing chemistry in Case School, Cleveland, after being graduated from Buchtel College, and Wm. Channing', who^ died in childhood. COLLEGE FACULTY, INSTRUCTORS, ETC. We have not the space to name all of the professors and teachers who have officiated in the several departments and classes of the College during the nineteen years of its existence, but it OFFICIAL ROSTEK FOR 1891-'92. 161 may be said, generally, that each and all have done well. The present roster, for 1891-92, is as follows: Rev. Orello Cone, D. D., President, Messenger-Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy ; Charles M. Knight, A. M., Buchtel- Professor of Physics and Chemistry"; Carl F. Kolbe, A. M., Ph. D., Hilton-Professor of Modern Languages ; William D. Shipman, A. M., Professor of Greek Language and Literature and Philolog- ical Science ; Charles C. Bates, A. M., Professor of Latin Lan- guage and Literature and Secretary of Faculty ; Bdward W. Clav- pole, B. A., D. Sc. (Lond.), F. G. S. S. L. & A., Professor of Natur'al Science ; Mary B. Jewett, A. B., Pierce-Professor of English Lit- erature and Logic ; Hermas V. ISgbert, A. M., Ainsworth-Pro- fessor of Mathematics and Astronomy ; Willard H. Van Orman, Adjunct-Professor of Mathematics; Judge Charles R. Grant, Instructor in Law ; Dr. A. L. Butterfield, Ryder-Professor of Elocution and Rhetoric ; Jennie Gifford, A. M., Principal of Pre- paratory Department and Teacher of Science and School Manage- ment ; Dora E. Merrill, Instructor in English History and Teacher in Normal Work ; Mary E. Stockman, L. A., Teacher in English and Latin ; Martha A. Bortle, Teacher in English and Rhetorical W^ork ; Edwin L. Findley, A. B., Teacher in Greek and Latin ; Ernest Danglade, B. S., Assistant in Chemistry ; Mattie Fiery, Teacher of Piano and Theory ; Louise Von Feilitzsch, Teacher of Vocal Music ; Gustav Sigel, Teacher of Violin, 'Cello and Zither ; Miss Minnie Fuller, Teacher of Painting and Drawing. Gymna- sium OFFICERS: Albert A. Kohler, A.B. M. D,, Director and Exam- iner for Men; Katharine Kurt, M. D., Examiner for Women; Agnes Claypole, Instructor for Women; Albert Hoover, M. D., Oculist. Board of Trustees: Hon. John R. Buchtel, Akron; Judge Edwin P. Green, Akron; Col. George T. Perkins, Akron; Albert B, Tinker, Akron; Jonas J. Pierce, Sharpsville, Pa.; Hon. Sanford M, Burnhatn, Akron; Judge Alvin C. Voris, Akron; W^illiam H. Slade, Columbus; Joy H. Pendleton, Akron; Arthur A. Stearns, A. M., Cleveland; John F. Eddy, Bay City, Mich.; Hon. Geo. W. Crouse, Akron; Rev. J. F. Rice, Coe Ridge; Judge Newell D. Tibbals, Akron; Ferdinand Schumacher, Akron; Rev. Andrew Willson, Ravenna; Joseph Hidy, Jr., Ph. B., Washington C. H.; Daj^ton A. Doyle, A. B., LL. B., Akron. Officers of the Board: Hon. John R. Buchtel, President; Charles R. Olin, Secretary; Joy H. Pendleton, Treasurer. Execu- tive committee: Hon. John R. Buchtel, Col. George T, Perkins, Albert B. Tinker, Ferd. Schumacher and Joy H. Pendleton. Com- mittee ON instruction: Judge Newell D. Tibbals, Judge Alvin C. Voris, Hon. S. M. Burnham, COURSES OF STUDY. At the opening of the College, two courses of studj^ were established — philosophical and classical. To these has since been added a scientific course, and the College now gives instruction in three courses of four years each— a classical course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts; a philosophical course to Bachelor of Philosophy, and a scientific course to Bachelor of Science. In connection with the College there has been established and maintained a preparatory school, having courses of study arranged H 162 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, with particular reference to the preparation of siudents for enter- ing this college, but at the same time so general that students completing a course in the preparatory school may enter other col- leges, should they prefer to do so. OTHER VALUABLE FEATURES. * The Department of Music affords superior alv^antages for the study of both vocal and instrumental music; the Department of Art gives to students every advantage found in the larger Art Schools of the country; Mathematical Instruments, Philosophical and Chemical apparatus. Astronomical appliances, etc., are of the very best; while the College museum contains a fair collection of animal and mineral specimens and curios, and the College Library and Reading Room, a well-selected collection of books, and a large variety of the current periodicals of the day. Croiise Gyuina'^iuin — named in lionor of principal contrib- utor to building fund — Hon. (Jeorge VV. Crouse, of Akron— Erected in 1^. THE CROUSE GYMNASIUM. Largely through the liberality of Hon. Geo. W. Crouse, a fine structure, 53x100 feet in size, and of elegant design, has been placed upon tl^e college grounds, a short distance westerly from the main building, at a cost of $22,000, In the basement is a bowling-alley, with bathing rooms, dressing rooms, etc., and on the main floor, besides rooms for the instructors, is a hall 48x84 feet, vsrith a gallery 11 feet above the floor for the accommodation of such visitors as are, in the discretion of the instructor, permitted to writness the exercises, — the gymnasium, with its thorough equip- ment, affording abundant means for the healthful exercise and muscular development of the students. The two buildings, including the rooms of the students, are heated by steam and lighted by gas generated upon the premises, and the College has a well-equipped kitchen and dining hall for ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS, ETC. 163 those who desire to board upon the premises, besides furnishing facilities for tiie organization of boarding clubs for the conven- ience of such students as wish to avail themselves of that ■comparatively inexpensive mode of subsistence. SANFORD M. BURNHAM,— born in Genessee Count}^ N. Y., Janu- ary 23, 1824; common school and academic education; in 1844 taught .school in Madison, Lake County, Ohio; then took a course of commer- cial study in Buffalo, afterwards, for a time, teaching- penmanship; in 1848 settled in Akron, clerking in ware- house of Rattle & Tappan on Ohio •Canal, and in iron store of Mr. Tap- pan and his successor until 18,55; then engaged with Austin Powder Company as book-keeper for two years, also for a time a book-keeper at Franklin Mills (now Kent); in 1858, engaged as Deputy Auditor, for Auditor George W. Crouse, also deputj' for Treasurer S. S. Wilson, serving in both nearly four j^ears; in February 1863 was appointed Audi- tor to fill vacancy, two weeks later becoming Auditor in fact by virtue of his election thereto the previous October. After nearl}^ nine years continuous servdce — four terms and a fraction — as Auditor, in 1872 Mr. B. was elected as Representative to the State Legislature, ably serving ■one full term of two years; on his retui'n was made .secretai*>' and a' member of the Board of Trustees of Buchtel College; in 1873 was elected a director and secretary of the Web- ster, Camp & Lane Machine Com- SANFORD M. BURNHAM. pany, holding the position 14 years, and is now engaged in the insur- ance business. Mr. B. was married November 5, 1848, to Miss Anna M. Row, of Medina Count}^ who has borne him six children, three onlj^ of whom are living — Lillie M. (now Mrs. A. T. Saunders); Charles S. and Clif- ford D, the latter now residing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. PROFESSORSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, ETC. By means of its fifty endowed scholarships, of $1,000 each, the <'ollege is enabled to extend its advantages to such worthy students as are in need of financial aid, in securing a liberal education; has five endowed professorships; an endowed fund of $5,385, the income from which is annually distributed for prizes for excel- lence in reading, recitation, etc., and an alumni prize fund for the payment of tuition fees for the student making the highest av^erage record in the Senior, Preparatory and Freshman classes. The endowed professorships are as follows: The Messenger Professorship of Mental and Moral Philosophy, by Mrs. Lydia A. E. Messenger, of Akron, in honor of her deceased husband, Kev. Oeorge Messenger, $25,000; The Hilton Professorship of Modern Languages, by John Hilton, of Akron, $25,0(X); The Pierce Profess- orship of Rhetoric and English Literature, by Mrs. Chloe Pierce, of Sharpsville, Pa., $20,000; The Buchtel Professorship of Physics and Chemistry, by Mrs. Elizabeth Buchtel, of Akron, $20,000; The Ainsworth Professorship of Mathematics and Astronomy, by Henry Ainsworth, of Lodi, $30,000; The Ryder Professorship of Elocution and Rhetoric, by William H. Ryder, of Chicago, $35,385; 164 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The Messenger Fund of $30,000, by Mrs. Iv3^dia A. E. Messenger, of Akron; The Isaac and Lovina Kelly Fund of $35,788, by Isaac Kelley, of Mill Village, Pa. A Theological Department is also in contemplation toAvards the endoA^^ment of Avhich the sum of $10,000 has already been contributed. HON. NEWELL D. TIBBALS,— born in Deerfield, Portag-e County. September 18, 1833; grad- uated from McLain Acadenty, at Salem, in 1853; read law in office of Otis & Wolcott, in Akron; admitted to bar September 18.55, at once open- ing- an office in Akron; in 1860 elected Prosecuting- Attorney and re-elected in 1862; in 1865 elected Akron's first City Solicitor, serving two terms; State Senator for Summit and Por- tage Counties 1865 to 1867; in 1870. aided in organizing Buchtel College, since continuously serving on its Board of Trustees; in 187o, elected Judge of Court of Common Pleas, second subdivision. Fourth Judicial District, re-elected in 1880, but resigned May 1, 1883, and resumed his law practice. In 1864, Judge Tib- bals served 117 days in front of Washington as fourth sergeant of Co. F., l&tth, O. V. I.; on return from Washington, was elected Major of 54th Battalion, O. N. G., and com- missioned by Gov. John Brough; in 1886 was appointed Judge Advocate, Department of Ohio, G. A. R., by Commander A. L. Conger, and in 1890 Aide-de-Camp to Coiumander-in- Chief Gen. Russell A, Alger. Octo- ber 22, 1856, Judge Tibbals was mar- HON. NEWELL T>. TIBBALS. ried to Miss Lucy A. Morse, of Akron, who has borne him seven children, five of whom are now liv- ing,— Martha A. (now Mrs. Wilson M. T>ay of Cleveland), Jessie A. (Mrs. Dr. Albert Hoover, of Akron), Newell L., Gertrude A., and Ralph Waldo. Besides his original munificent gift of $31,000, heretofore noted, Hon. John R. Buchtel has from time to time largely added to his benefactions, his last gift, at the annual commencement in June, 1887, being $174,4(X), swelling the total amount of his donations to fully half a million dollars. Other benefactors have given liber- ally in sums ranging from $70,000 down, all of whom will receive from the past and future beneficiaries of the college their due meed of praise and gratitude. The college has graduated 162 students, many of whom are now actively interested in the w^elfare and prosperity of their alma mater. More than half the alumni are residents of Ohio, and are a very great help to the college; three of the graduates being now members of the faculty, and four others members of the board of trustees. The catalogue for 1890-91 embraces 273 students exclu- sive of art and music. The College is on a good financial basis, as shown bj^ the sec- retary's report for 1891, as follows: Total Resources $810,700.11 Total Liabilities 217,018.32 Net Resources $593,681.79- A CONTEMPLATED NEW FEATURE. 165 The present healthy condition of the college, tinancially and otherwise, and its promise for the future, is highly gratifying to its friends and patrons generally, and most of all to him \Nrho gave all he had to its establishment and maintenance, the large-hearted John Richards Buchtel, Avhose name it so proudly bears. pROF. ALBERT B. TINKER.-son ^ of Horace and Sophronia (Skin- ner) Tinker, was born in Mantua, Portage Cotinty, January 28, 1852 ; raised on farm, attending common school till 18, in 1870 entering- Hiram College, teaching winters; in fall of 1873 entered Buchtel College, gradu- ating in June, 1876; taught school and worked on farm until November, 1878. when he entered the law office of Green & Marvin, in Akron, gradu- ating from the Cincinnati Law^ School and admitted to the bar in June, 1883. In November, 1879, was *;lected Financial Secretary of Buch- tel College, which position, together with that of Law Instructor, as M. S. and LL. B., he held until his resig- nation in June, 1891, being also a member of the Board of Trustees and of the Executive Committee, in addi- tion to his College duties continuing his law practice at his office in the Arcade; also efficiently serving as a member of the Akron Board of Health from 1885 to 1891, six years. December 25, 1876, Prof. Tinker was married to Miss Georgie Olin, of Windsor, Ashtabula County, O., who has borne him seven children — Olin Dale, born February 19, 1878; Ger- PROF. ALBERT B. TINKER. trude Ella, born March 20, 1879; Frank Burke, born August 20, 1880; Sojih- ronia Mary, born June 29, 1882 ; Ruby Georgia, born September 25, 1886, died November 11, 1886 ; Abby, born June 8, 1888, and Donna Alberta, born June 6, 1890. SCIENCE BUILDING. The management of the College have in contemplation the addition of a science department, and the erection of a new and comtnodious building, to be fitted with the most approved appa- ratus and appliances, at a cost of from $49,000 to $50,000, but the plans are not, at the closing of this chapter (August, 1891), suffi- ciently inatured to give them in detail here. It may, however, be properly said that one donation to the project in the sum of $10,000 has already been secured, and one or two similar offers condition- ally made, so that it is confidently believed by the Board of Trustees and officers, that in the near future the full fruition of the project will be realized. FRIGHTFULLY FATAL DISASTER. As the Fall term was drawing to a close, on the approach of the holiday season for 1890-91, a terrible disaster came upon the College, bringing an appalling death to two of its most promising students, and terrible suffering and life-long injury to several oth- ers. The term had been highly successful, and all the students were happy in anticipation of its auspicious close, and of the holi- day pleasures in store for them at their respective homes. 166 ' AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, About a dofeen of the young ladies whose birth-days, respect- ively, occurred between the first of September and the first of December, resolved upon 'a joint celebration, and, by consent of the matron, the festivities were being held in Cary Hall, on the even- ing of Saturday, December 13, 1890, several ladies connected with the building, and a number of the other lad}" students being* pres- ent. The young ladies in \^hose honor the party was being held were fantastically arrayed in their night costumes, garlanded 'with ^eecy white cotton, with tall paper caps also trimmed with cotton, surmounted by a tassel, upon their heads. Thus arrayed, Avith one of their number at the piano, the other eleven were merrily dancing around a pan of pop-corn, when the tas- sel upon the head-dress of Miss Aurelia Wirick, of Storm Lake, Iowa, came in contact with a burning gas jet, instantly igniting the highlj^ inflammable cotton, and enveloping her person in flames. Before realizing what had happened, the other girls waltzing past her were also ablaze. Without attempting to describe the terrible panic which ensued, and the frantic efforts of the young ladies and their friends to relieve them from their frightful peril, suffice it to say, that of the thirteen persons finally involved in the fearful holocaust, Miss May Emma Steves, of Clifton Springs, N. Y., after four hours of untold agon)^, found merciful relief in death, a little after midnight, w^hile Miss Lulu Myrtle Steigmeyer, of Attica, Ohio, lingered until quarter past five o'clock Sunday morning, when she, too, passed away. The surviving sufferers were: Mary Elizabeth Baker, of Johnson's Creek, N. Y.; Myrtle Barker, of Peru, Ohio; Eva Ellen Dean, of Storm Lake, low^a; Aurelia Blair Wirick, of Storm Lake,^ Io\ea; Dian May Haynes, of Clifton, Kansas; Addie Marion Buchtel, of Columbus, Kansas; Almira Reed Van Dusen, of Fair- pla}'^, Colorado; Dora E Merrill, Professor of English History, of Williamsport, Pa.; Mary Zuba West, of Marietta, Ohio; Estella Frances Musson, of Mogadore, and Wilbur Walter Ackley, Haga,. Ohio. The lives of several of these hung in the balance for several days, but they gradually recovered, though a number will bear marks of the disaster upon their persons through life. This appalling calamity not only brought deep sorrow to the friends of the sufferers, eliciting the depest sympathy from the entire community, but was especially painful to the College authorities, lest they should be charged with lack of discipline and a proper oversight of the young people entrusted to their care. There is, hoivever, no room for censure of the authorities in con- nection with this sad affair. The College is not in any sense, a prison, and innocent pastimes, by either sex, among themselves^ may properly, on occasion, be permitted, and it is gratifying to know that while the melancholy event is still sadly remembered, by the friends of the institution, confidence in the administration of its affairs has remained unbroken, and its pupilage and influ- ence is increasing year by year. The writer has, in the preparation of this chapter, drawn largely upon the late Judge Bryan's sketch of the Akron schoolSr prepared for the Board of Education, in 1876, and is under special obligations to Superintendent Fraunfelter, ex-Superintendent Samuel Findley, President Orello Cone, ex-Secretary Albert B^ C(iNCLUvSION OF AKRON S SCHOOL HISTORY. 167 Tinker, and Secretary Charles R. Olin, for data furnished there- for, and in conclusion would say, that while the chapter itself is of considerable length, it is scarcely more than an outlineiof Akron's educational history during the sixty-six years of its existence, though enough has been said to show, that in point of progress, Akron, for many years, took the lead, and is not now outranked by any city, large or small, in Ohio or elsewhere. DAYTON A. DOYLE,— son of Wil- liam B. and Harriet (S a fy e) Doyle, was born at Akron, Ohio, Sep- tember 27, 1856; educated in public schools of Summit County, graduat- ing' from Akron High School June 26, 1874. and from Buchtel College, with the degree of A. B., -June 26. 1878. He then read law in the office of Attorney-General Jacob A. Kohler one year, afterwards attending- lect- ures at Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated May 26, 188(). with the degree of LL. B. ; was admitted to the Bar in the Supreme Court of Ohio, at Columbus, May 27, 188(), and to practice in the United States Courts, at Cleveland, May 26, 1882. On adinission to the bar Mr. Doyle opened a law office in Akron, in 188.5 forming a partnership with Frederick C. Bryan, Esq., which still continues. In April, 1885, Mr. Doyle was elected City Solicitor for Akron, and re-elected in April, 1887, ably fill- ing that important office four years. April 23, 1884. Mr. Doyle was married to Miss Ida M. Westfall, of Akron. DAYTON A. DOYLE. \ They have two children— Daj'ton A., Jr., and Julia M. '^"^v?'"" M\ CHAPTER IX. AKRON'S LITERARY ACHIEV^E>IEXT8— EARLY DEBATIXG SOCIETIES— " LYCEUM AND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION" CHARTERED IN 1834 — vSHAPING THE DESTI- NIES OF THE NATION— THE "^KRON PHILO LEXION SOCIETY "—BRIEF BUT BRILLIANT — THE " AKRON LITERARY ASSOCIATION " — " THERE WERE GIANTS IN THOSE DAYS" — THE MECHANICS' AND SCHOOL LIBRARIES — THE "AKRON LECTURE ASSOCIATION "—ITS SUCCESS AND BENEFICENT OUT- COME^THE "AKRON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION," CHARTERED IN 1866 — PHENOM- ENAL ENTERPRISE AND PROSPERITY — AKRON'S FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY, ONE OF THE BEST IN THE STATE — THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCI- ATION'S READING ROOM, GYMNASIUM AND WONDERFULLY' SUCCESSFUL CHEAP POPULAR LECTURES, ETC. AKRON'S ANCIENT LITERARY OPERATIONS. From Akron's very beginning, her people, as evidenced by her splendid edticational record already fully set forth, have always given special encouragement to literary and scientific enterprises. As early as 1834, the Legislature granted a charter to the "Akron Lyceum and Library Association," as follows: An Act to incorporate the Akron Lyceum and Library Association Company, in Akron, Portage County. Section I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that Seth Iredell, Justus Gale, Hiram Paj^ne, William B. Mitchell, William E. Wright, Charles W. Howard, Lyman Green, William M. Dodge, Woolsey Wt^ls, Erastus Torrey, David Allen, Reuben McMillen, Eliakiin Crosby and Jaines W. Phillips, and their associates, tog-ether with such others as may be hereafter associated with them, be and are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate with perpetual succession, by the name and style of ' The Akron Lyceum and Library Association Company,' and hy their cor- porate name maj- contract and be contracted with, sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, in all the courts of law and eqviity in this State, or elsewhere; may have a common seal and alter the same at pleasure ; shall be capable of holding- personal and real estate, bj- purchase, gift or devise, and may sell, dispose of and convej" the same, provided the annual income shall not exceed live hundred dollars ; they shall have power to form and ratif}' a constitution and adopt by-laws for the g-overnment of such Association, the arrangement and regulation of its fiscal affairs, the admission of its mem- bers and the appointment of its officers, together with all other powers necessary for its corporate existence, and the proper and efficient manage- ment of its concerns ; provided said constitution and bj'-laws be not incon- sistent with the laws of this State and of the United States ; and provided, also, that the funds of said Association shall not be applied to any other purpose than the support of the above named Lj'ceum and Library Association. Section II. That any future Legislature maj^ alter, amend or repeal this Act. John H. Keith, Speaker of the House of Representatives. David T. Disney, Passed Februar J- 21, 1834. ' Speaker of the Senate. Besides those named in the charter, such other early citizens as Capt. Richard Howe, Alvin Austin, Samuel A. Wheeler, Philo Chamberlin, Jedediah D. Commins, Nathan B. Dodge, Dr. Joseph Cole, Eber BIc)d3:ett, Jonathan Myers, Ansel Miller, Robert K. ANCIENT DEBATING SOCIETIES. 169 DuBois, Gibbons J. Ackley, Alfred R. Townsend, John H. Cleveland, Ithiel Mills, Paris Tallman, Arad Kent, Horace K. Smith, and others, became members of the Association by the purchase of stock, which was fixed at $25 per share, quite a respectable library of books, by donation and purchase, being collected. During the long Winter evenings, weekly meetings were held for the purpose of listening to addresses from members and others, and of discussing the "burning" questions of the day: "Is the human mind capable of improvement?" "Ought a Representa- tive to be bound by the instructions of a majority of his constitu- •ents?" "Ought females to be permitted to vote at elections?" ^' Ought capital punishment to be abolished ?" etc. ALLEN HIBBARD,— born in •^ Amherst, Mass., September 17, 1813; came to Akron from Rome, N. Y., in 1834, with Mr. William E. Wrig'ht, one of the pioneer merchants of North Akron, a few j^ears later clerking- for Acklej' & Austin, and still later in partnership with Gib- bons J. Acklej-, and Joseph E. Wese- ner, under the firm name of A. Hib- bard & Co., doing- an extensive gen- eral merchandising business, in the well remembered "Old Green Store" on Howard street. On closing his mercantile operations, Mr. Hibbard was for several years book-keeper of the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Compan)', and later, for nearlj^ 20 j^ears, and until his death, collector for the Akron Gas Company. Au- gust 22, 1841. he was married to Miss Lucy Ann Ackley, of Akron, who bore him one son — Dwight A. Hib- bard. of the jewelrj' firm of J. B. Storer & Co. Mrs. Hibbard dying- October 11. 1843. Mr. Hibbard was again married, November 4, 1844, to Miss Nancy J. Ackley, sister of the first Mrs. H., who bore hitn four children— Frank Jewett and Thomas Allen, deceased; William Grant, now a farmer in Kansas, and Charles M., now a jeweler in Akron. Mr. Hib- bard was a life-long- consistent mem- ALLEN HIBUAKI). ber of the Congregational Church; member of Village Covmcil 1840, '47 and 18r>4, and Recorder for 1859. He died March 6, 1889, aged 7o years, 5, months and 19 days. The last Mrs. H, still survives. These discussions were spirited, and cohsiderable tact and tal- ent displayed, not only by the regularly appointed disputants, but by others, while the essays and addresses, by home talent, were often able and instructive. This Association maintained a fairly prosperous existence for about ten years, when, by reason of deaths, removals and the advent of other sources of amusement and social pastime, it was disbanded, 'its books being sold at auction in November, 1844, and the proceeds distributed pro rata, among the stockholders. "AKRON PHILO LEXION SOCIETY." In the Winter of 1836-37, the younger business men of Akron established a literary and oratorical society, under the above rather stilted title, suggested by some one who had perhaps officiated as 170 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. janitor in some eastern college. In addition to its rhetorical and declamatory exploits, and its profound disquisitions and essays upon political, scientific and metaphysical topics, the society dur- ing the Winter months, maintained a literary weekly (manuscript) periodical, entitled the "Akron Mirror," spicy contributions to which, from both male and female members, together with edi- torial comments, 'were read by the editor for the time being — elected monthly — the honors of which position were about equallj^ divided between the writer and the late Hiram Bo\ven, founder of the Beacon. TAMES B. TAPLIN,— born in Clare- J mont, N. H., August 12, 1812; at 5 years of age moved with parents to New Haven, Vermont, and three years later to Franklin County, N. y.; in boyhood worked on farm and attended school, the lavst six months at Franklin Academy, in Malone, N. Y.; at 20 learned trade of carpenter and millwrig-ht; in fall of 18.34 came to Akron, Ohio, by canal and on foot, following carpentering- and mill- wrighting until 1848, when in com- pany with Geo. D. Bates and Charles Webster he started the Globe Foundry and Machine shop, under the firm name of G. D. Bates & Co. Mr. Bates retiring two or three years later, business was continued bj^ Webster & Taplin, with some slight changes, until the works were destroyed by fire in 1860, when Mr. Taplin retired and in connection with Alvin Rice and Hobart Ford, under the firm name of Taplin, Rice 6 Co.. established new^ works on South Broadway, a stock company, under the same title, being organ- ized in 1867, with Mr. Taplin^as presi- dent and manager, which position he still holds. In October, 1839, Mr. Taplin was married to Miss Rachel Grandy, of Port Bj^ron, N. Y., who had for some time been a teacher in Akron schools. Six children were born to them, two dying in infancy, one, James F., at seven years of age; the survivors being John L., for JAMES B. TAFLIX. many years superintendent of machine works of Taplin, Rice & Co.. now superintendent of Circleville branch of the Portage Strawboard Works; Charles G., book-keeper for Standard Oil Company, of Cleveland; and Ella G., who is still at home. In religion Mr. Taplin is a Congrega- tionalist; in politics a Republican, being elected Councilman of the Incorporated Village of Akron in April, 185.5, but resigning- the posi- tion before entering upon its duties. Besides the writer and Mr. Bowen, members of the organiza- tion are recalled as follows: Allen Hibbard, Dr. James R. Miltimore, James B. Taplin, William H. Dewey, Henry Clay Crosbj^, Russell Gale, Grove N. Abbey, Henry Converse, Solomon Coloney, Francis Dexter, Nahum Fay, William Pitt Carpender, John Tooker, Milo Fuller, Samuel Manning, etc. The "Philo Lexion Society," had an existence, under that dis- tinctive appellation, of only four or five years, though in some form, debating and literary societies, maintained by home talent, long continued in vogue during the Winter months— often eliciting intense interest, and attracting large audiences, in Militar3^ Hall, Tappan Hall, Trussell Hall, etc., one of the most successful of which, from 1855 to 1861, Avas MECHANICS AND LITERATURE. 171 HON. NATHANIEL W. GOOD- HUE, — born in Lincoln County, Me., December 20, 1818; from 3 to i7 years lived with parents in Lower Canada ; in 18.37 removed to Wayne County, Ohio, teaching- school Win- ters and peddling Summers ; in Summer of 1840 taught in Greens- burg-, Summit Countj^ and the next Winter in Greentown, Stark County, Hon. Lewis Miller being one of his pupils ; in 1841 clerked for Johnston & Irvin, in Middlebury, and after- wards for Kent & Co.; taught school in Middlebury, in Winter of 184.0, '40, studying law in office of Hand & Nash ; was engrossing clerk of House of Representatives at Columbus in Winter of 1846, '47 ; admitted to bar in 1847; elected County Auditor in 1848 and re-elected in 18,tO, holding the office four years ; was canal collector from 18.t6 to 1858; collector of inter- nal revenue for Summit County from September 1862 to September 18W) ; State Senator for Summit and Port- age district, 1873-75 ; Republican elector for 18th congressional dis- trict in 1880 and president of Ol::o Electoral College ; was elected Pro- bate Jvxdge of Summit County in October, 1881, ably filling that posi- tion until his death, Septetnber 12, 1883, aged 64 j^ears, 8 inonths and 22 days. Judge Goodhue was married to Miss Nancy Johnston, of Green HON. NATHANIEL W. GOODHUE. township, December 20, 1841, who bore him four children — James P., died in infanc}' ; Allan J., a member of the 104th O. V. I. during the late war, now residing in Cleveland ; Mary H., wife of Rev. Samuel Max- well, of the Protestant Episcopal chvxrch, and Nathaniel P., from 1882 to 1891 Deputy Clerk in office of Probate Judge and now Clerk of Courts for Summit County, " THE AKRON LITERARY ASSOCIATION." This society AAras composed of such men as Nathaniel W, Goodhue, Charles B. Bernard, Newell I). Tibbals, Dudley C. Carr, Daniel B. Hadley, Edward Oviatt, Edwin P. Green, William H. Upson, David L. King, Wilbur F. Sanders, Henry Ward Ingersoll, Samuel C. Williamson, Arthur F. Bartges, John J. Hall, Augustus N. Bernard, Geo. W. Grouse, Dudley Seward, Dr. Daniel A. Scott, Dr. Elias W. Howiard, Dr. William Bowen, Dr. Thomas Earl, Alvin C. Voris, Jacob A. Kohler, Joseph E. Wesener, Henry W. Howe, J. Park Alexander, Homer C. Ayres, Thomas Brownless, Israel P. Hole, S. A. Lane, etc. The war coming on absorbed the public attention for the next four or five years, amid the dread realities of which rhetoricals were suspended, since \vhich they have largely been superseded by the innumerable civic, social and beneficial associations that have come into existence in later years, though it is questionable whether a well-conducted debating society, with original essays and lectures, by members, and other home talent, w^ould not be more profitable — mentally, morally and financially — than some of the devices now in vogue for social pastime and recreation. MECHANICS' LIBRARY. Allusion has been made, elsew^here, to the Mechanics' Associa- tion of Akron, organized in 1846, and of the liberal contributions- made by Judge James R. Ford and Col. Simon Perki/is, ($30 each). 172 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. and others, for the purchase of books and periodicals for the benefit of the association and their families, which, under the fostering care of Messrs. James M. Hale, David G. Sanford, Joshua C. Berry, James Holmes, and other active members of the associa- tion, was successfully maintained for some ten or twelve years. HON. WILLIAM H. UPSON,— born at W o r t h i 11 g"ton, Franklin County, Ohio, January 11, 1823; moved with parents toTallniadge, in 1832 ; graduated f r o ni Western Reserve Colleg-e in 1842 ; read law with Judge Reuben Hitchcock, in Painesville, followed by one year's study in law department of Yale College ; admitted to bar September, 1845; opened law office in Akron, January. 1846, in partnership, suc- cessively, for mail)- years, with Hons. Sidney Edgerton and Christopher P. Wolcott; Prosecuting Attorney for Summit CouiVty, 1848 to 185() ; State Senator, 1853 to 1855 ; member of Congress, 18th district, 1869 to 1873; delegate to Republican National C o 11 V e n t i on, which renominated Abraham Lincoln in 1864 ; delegate at large to the convention which nominated Rutherford B. Haj^es, in 1876 ; many years trustee of Western Reserve College, Oberlin College and Lake Erie Female Seminary ; first president Summit Count}' Bar Association and member State Bar Association Executive Committee; from March to December, 1883, by appointment of Gov. Foster, Judge of Supreme Court of Ohio ; in 1884 •elected Judge of Circuit Court, draw- ing two years' term, and re-elected HON. WILLIAM H. UPSON. in 1886, for full term of six years. May 20, 1856, was married to Miss Julia A. Ford, of Akron, four child- ren having been born to them — William Ford Upson, now practicing- law in New York Cit}^ ; Henry Swift Upson, now practicing medicine in Cleveland ; Anna Perkins, now wife of Lieut. G. J. Fiebeger, U. S. Corps Engineers; and Julia Ford Upson. THE AKRON SCHOOL LIBRARY. In the meantime, in 1853, the State of Ohio had adopted a public school library system, by which all the school districts of the State, through general taxation, w^ere supplied Avith choicely selected libraries proportioned to size of school, "Ohio School Library," being embossed, in plain letters, upon both covers of each of the substantial leather-bound books thus provided. The superintendent of the Akron Public Schools was constituted librarian, as w^ell as custodian of the astronomical, chemical and other apparatus provided by the State, the library being kept in a small room, between the two stairways on the upper floor of the old High (now Jennings) school building. After the establishment of this library, which, by the terms of the law, was accessible to every family in the district, w^hether having children in the schools or not, the Mechanics' Association gener- ously donated their books to the Board of Education to be added thereto, though the association maintained its reading and club room for several vears thereafter. SUCCESSFUL LITERARY VENTURE. 17S pHARLES B. BERNARD,-son of ^ Rev. David Bernard, a former Baptist clergyman in Akron ; born in Western New York ; came to Ohio in 1845 and to Akron in 1846 ; taug'ht school four winters, last two in Mid- dleburj', workini^ on farm in Suin- mer ; March, 1849, entered Auditor's office as deputy, serving- six years- - four under N. W. Goodhue, and two under Henry Newberry ; elected Auditor, October, 1854, and re-elected in 1856, serving four years ; first rail- road ticket agent in Akron ; entered law office of Wolcott & Upson in 1859 ; admitted to bar and to partnership with W. & U.in 1861— afterwards with Mr. Upson ; City Solicitor in 1862- 186)3; member of Board of Education — president, secretar}^, treasurer, etc., some seven j-ears ; treasurer Akron and Portage township Soldiers' Bounty Fund during the war ; in 1864, served 100 da3'S in front of Wash- ington, as adjutant of 164th regiment, O. N. G., and A. A. A. General ; in April, 1867, moved to Cleveland — sec- retarj^ Cleveland Stove Co. 20 years (actively about two years); chief clerk Internal Revenue two j^ears ; first appraiser of merchandise at port of Cleveland two j^ears; ineinber of City Council two years ; meinber of Board of Education two years ; since resigning- appraisership has practiced his profession, in a case CHARLES B. BERNARD. referred to him, writing out an orig- inal opinion as to the liability of stockholders under the Ohio law, which the Ohio Supreme Court, in another case, sustained in everj- par- ticular, and is now the law. October 27, 1858, Mr. B. was married in Akron, to Miss Mary E. Gardiner. Thej^ have two davighters — Grace and BelU still with their parents. AKRON LECTURE ASSOCIATION. As time sped on, Akron outgrew the school library system, as liberal as had been its provisions, and in the latter part of 1865, a number of gentlemen effected an organization, under the name of the "Akron Lecture Association," for the purpose of establishing a reading room, together with a series of popular lectures upon literary and scientific subjects. The first course of eleven lectures (one more than promised), in the Winter of 1865-6, were by William Lloyd Garrison, George Alfred Townsend, R. J. De Cordova, New York humorist; Prof. Anson J. Upson, of Hamilton College, N. Y.; Prof. E. L, Youmans, of New York City, on the "Dj'namics of Life;" James E. Murdoch, dramatic readings; Rev. W. H. Milburn, the eloquent blind preacher; Hon. George Thompson, of England; Rev. A. A. Willitts, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; John B. Gough, and C. Oscanj'un, Turk. The terms for the course: Gentleman and lady, $5.(X); gentleman without lady, $3.00; lady alone, $2.00; single admission, 50 cents. In the Spring the lecture committee reported receipts from season tickets, $867.50, at door $917.10— total, $1,784.60; paid lecturers $1,225.00, incidentals $310.35— total, $1,5^5.35; balance in treasur3% $249.25. Lecture committee: William H. Upson, chairman; William H. Huntington, corresponding secretary; George W. Crouse, treasurer; Israel P. Hole, Charles B. Bernard, James H. Peterson. 174 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. DR. ELIAS W. HOWARD— born in Andover. V^t., April 14, 1816; raised on farm ; common school edu- cation, with (One term in Chester Academy ; in 1835 began studj" of medicine with cousin, Prof. R. L. Howard, at Elyria, Ohio ; afterwards attending- lectures at Berkshire Col- lege, Pittsfield, Mass., completing his studies with Dr. L. G. Whiting, in Windsor Co., Vt., and graduating from Berkshire College in 1838; same year began practice with cousin, in Elyria, 0-, a j^ear later, 1839, reinoving to Akron, where he was in continu- ous practice over half a centurj^; after battle of Antietam was sent b}' Gov. Tod to assist in caring for wounded Union soldiers, serving in hospital at Frederick Citj^, one month ; the Winter following devoting several months to hospital dutj^ at Nashville, Tenn. Dr. Howard served several years on Board of Education, and four years in City Council --1871, '72, '74, '7o, the last year as president pro tem.\ member and president of Board of Health ; helped to organize the Summit County Medical Society and several years its president ; was member of Union Medical Associa- tion of Northeastern Ohio, two terms its president ; member of Ohio State Medical Association and of American Medical Association, being a dele- gate to the International Medical DK. ELIAS W. HOWAKI). Congress in 1876. June 16, 1840, Dr. Howard was married to Miss Eliza- beth Chittenden, of Middlebury, who bore him two sons — Dr. Henr^^ C, who died April 23, 1887, aged 44 years, 10 months and 14 daj'^s, Frank D., inanufacturer of agricultural imple- ments, still residing with his mother. Dr. Howard died August 9, 1890, aged 74 j^ears, 3 months, and 25 daj'S. THF: "AKRON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION." So successful veas this initial course of popular lectures — evincing that the people would relish more of the same sort — that at a meeting of the association, held March 3, 1866, a resolution w^as passed, formally adopting the title of the "Akron Library Associa- tion," and instructing the secretary to duly prepare and have recorded the necessary papers of incorporation, which w^as accord- ingly done. In addition to the quite extensive reading room already estal^lished, in the room now occupied by Newton Chalker, Esq., a circulating library was now determined upon, and a committee, consisting of David L. King, Stephen H. Pitkin, William H. Upson, Charles B. Bernard, James H. Peterson, Julius S. Lane and George W. Crouse, w^as appointed to prepare a constitution and by-law^s, which "were duly reported and adopted on the evening of June 11, 1866, the first section thereof being as follows: " Sec. I. The Association shall be known as the 'Akron Librarj^ Associa- tion,' having for its object the diffusion of useful knowledge and the acquirement of the arts and sciences, bj' the estsblishment of a library of scientific and miscellaneous books, for general circulation, and a reading room, cabinet, lectures and such other measures as maj' be deemed expedient." The annual membership fee was fixed at $2.00, the foUow^ing eight persons paying $2.00 each, and subscribing their names to the constitution, on the night of its adoption: Julian H. Pitkin, UNSTINTED LIBERALITY. 175 David Iv. King, Stephen H. Pitkin, William H. Upson, Charles B. Bernard, James H. Peterson, Julius S. Lane, Samuel A. Lane, George W. Crouse. pHARlvKS A. COLLINS,— born in ^ Richmond, Berkshire County, Mass., Jnly 26. 1816 ; father dying- August 4, 1817, removed with mother to Tioga County, N. Y., in 1827 ; in both Massachusetts and New York, working on farm suminers and attending dis trie t school winters. In 18iX) removed with mother to Ohio, settling in Tallmadge, where he served an apprenticeship with his brother-in-law, Mr. Amos Avery, at carriage making; in 1838, in partner- ship with Mr. jlimes M. Hale, under the firm name of Collins & Hale, established a carriage manufactory in Middlebury, now Akron, Sixth Ward. Mr. Hale retiring in 1841, Mr. Collins continued until the burning of the shops in 18(>0, when, in com- pany with Mr. John E. Bell, works were established in May's Block (now Clarendon Hotel), corner South Main and Exchange streets. In Feb- ruary, 1870, C. A. Collins & Son' erected shops corner Main and Church streets, where the business is still carried on by the Collins Buggy Companj^ of which Mr. Charles A. Collins is president and Mr. George A. Collins manager. January 16, 1839, Mr. Collins was married to Miss Louisa Hine, of Tallmadge, who has borne him seven children, four only now living — Georg-e A., of Akron ; Mrs. Josephine A. Kent, of Kent ; •Charles E., of Cleveland; and Nettie E., now Mrs. C. D. Hatch,of Cleveland. CHARLES A. COLLINS. While a resident of Middlebury Mr. Collins served for many years as member of Village Council and on Board of Education ; was also Mayor of Akron in 1862 and 1863 and mein- ber of City Council 1877-1879, the first year as president pro tern. Subsequentl}^ the annual membership fee was increased to $3.00, entitling the member and his family to the privileges of the library and reading room during the time for which he had thus paid, and an amendment adopted by which the payment of $50.00, at one time, constituted the person thus paying, a life member, ■entitled to such privileges in perpetuity, w^ithout further payinent, and in case of the decease of such life member, the privilege to descend to the survivor, husband or w^ife, and minor children, such privilege, as to such minors, to cease on attaining their majority. The first officers of the Association, under the charter, w^ere: William H. Upson, president; Stephen H. Pitkin, vice president; Charles. B. Bernard, corresponding secretary; James H. Peterson, recording secretary; George W. Crouse, treasurer; David L. King, Julius S. Lane, Julian H. Pitkin and Israel P. Hole, directors. As an indication of the popular feeling in regard to the project, on being inade known to the public that a considerable sum of money was immediately^ desirable for the purchase of a library commensurate to the public needs, life memberships, at fifty 176 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. dollars each, were taken to the number of at least one hundred within the first three or four years, besides the large list of yearh' memberships at three dollars each. The funds thus raised, together with the surplus, (w^hen there was a surplus), from the annual lecture courses, enabled the Association to at once establish a highly creditable circulating library, and one in which all the people of Akron, during the inter- vening quarter of a century, have ever justly been proud. JUDGE STEPHEN H. PITKIN,— J born in Old Milford, Conn., October 5, 1810. At 7 years of age came with parents to Ohio, settling in Charlestown, Portage County, remov- ing to Hudson in 1827, his father. Rev. Caleb Pitkin, being one of the found- ers of Western Reserve College, Stephen being one of its earliest students, graduating in June, 1834, the following October going to Fulton County, 111., teaching and studj'ing law, being admitted to the bar in 1836 ; was elected County Sur- veyor and in 1838 elected Probate Judge, holding- the office four years ; in 1852 returned to Hudson, taking charge of home farm and the care of his aged parents ; in 1861 was elected Probate Judge of Summit County, serving eight j^ears ; member of Vil- lage Council in 1864 ; served on Akron School Board several 3'ear8 ; was secretary of Summit County Agricultural Society from 1871 to 1880 and president for 1880 ; was presidential -elector for the Eigh- teenth Congressional District in 1868, voting in the Electoral College for Ulysses S. Grant for President and Schuyler Colfax for Vice-President. He was married in October, 1834, to Miss Julia Lusk, of Hudson, a sister of the first wife of John Brown, of Harper's Ferry fame. Mrs. Pitkin died October 7, 1873, two of their five JUDGE STEPHEN H. PITKIN. children only surviving — Julian H.,. now living in Chicago, and Mary A., wife of Mr. Abner L. Caldwell, of Portage township. September 24, 1879, Judge Pitkin was again married, to Miss Helen B. Bill, of Cuj-ahoga Falls, who still survives, the Judge himself dying February 25, 1882, at the age of 71 years, 4 months and 20 days. SURPLUS SOLDIERS' BOUNTY FUND. In later years, as money was needed to replenish and increase the books and periodicals, it was from time to time liberally con- tributed by our citizens, besides which, on the recurrence of the question as to what should be done with the surplus soldiers' bounty fund in the hands of Treasurer Charles B. Bernard at the close of the w^ar, it v^ras, by general consent, turned over to the Association, in December, 1869, on the adoption of the following resolution, and the execution of the accompaning bond ol indemnity to the custodians of said fund: "Resolved, by the directors of ^the Akron Library Association, that the president and secretary of said Association be and are herebj^ authorized to sign a document presented to them by a committee consisting of John R. Buchtel, J. Park Alexander, George W. Crovise and Charles B. Bernard, which document is in the following words, to-wit: AKRON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 177 WILLIAM T. ALLEN,-born in Montreal, Canada, September 16, 1814; at 8 or 9 removed with par- ents to Hudson, N. Y,; on death of father, at 14, removed with mother to Albany; common school education; read law and admitted to the bar in Albany, but did not enter into prac- tice; engaged with Ralph P. Myers in the dry goods trade in Albany, the firm of Allen & Myers removing to Akron in 1844; a year or two later changing to the stove business, soon afterwards, with others, establishing the Akron Stove Company, which, after a successful career in Akron, for many years, removed to Cleve- land, under the corporate name of the Cleveland Stove Company. In addition to holding a continuous directorship in the companies nained, Mr. Allen conducted a stove store upon his own account, in Fort Wayne, Ind., from 1857 to 1864; also for a time, in connection with Mr. James M. Hale, under the firm name of Allen & Hale, carried on a machine shop at Lock Seven; later becoming a stockholder, director and treasurer in the Web- ster, Camp & Lane Machine Com- pany, and a stockholder and director in the First National Bank, of Akron. Mr. Allen was a member of Village Council in 1853; Mayor in 1854; mem- WILLIAM T. ALLEN. ber of City Council. 1870, '71, '72, '73, '74, '75, '81, '82, '83 and '84 and several years Chairman of its Finance Com- mittee. July 31, 1852, at Milwaukee, Wis., Mr. Allen was married to Miss Laura McCartey, a native of Romu- lus, N. Y.. then teaching music in Akron, Mr. Allen dying November 13, 1886, aged 72 years, 1 month and 27 days. I)K. JAMES H. PETERSON. T)R. JAMES H. PETERSON,— was -*-^ born at St. Johns, New Bruns- wick, July 9, 1830; removing in early life with his parents to Buffalo, N. Y., and afterwards to Portage County, 12 Ohio. Here, on entering his major- ity, with such education as the schools of the vicinity afforded, he began the study of medicine, finally changing to dentistrj^ completing his course of study with Dr. B. T.. Spelman, of Ravenna. Practicing one year in Cleveland, in 1854, he came to Akron, where he has been in contin- uous and successful practice ever since, at the same time devoting much time to other matters — busi- ness, political, social, etc.. officiating as secretary of the Republican Union Central Committee of Summit County during the war; is a member of Akron Lodge No. 83 and Wash- ington Chapter No. 25 of A. F. and A. M., and of the Masonic Relief Association. November 29, 1855, Dr. Peterson was married to Miss Caro- line Van Evra, of Akron, a native of Cherry Valley, N. Y., who has borne him three children — Carrie M., now wife of Charles W. F. Dick, present Auditor of Summit County; John Edward, now a member of the pro- duce firm of Dick & Peterson, and Grace C, student in Conservatory of of Music at Oberlin College. 178 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, " Whereas, there remains in the hands of Charles B. Bernard, as Treas- urer of a committee consisting' of John R. Buchtel, Georg-e W. Crouse, J. Park Alexander and the said Charles B. Bernard, styled ' Portage Township Recruiting Committee,' a balance of money contributed bj^ citizens of Portage township to fill the quota of said township, at the last call of the President of the United States; and " Whereas, a large number of the subscribers to said fund have requested and directed said Bernard, acting as treasurer of said committee, to pay over said balance remaining in his hands to the directors of the Akron Librar^^ Association, an association having for its object the improvement and general good of the citizens of Akron ; and " Whereas, the balance of said committee, consisting of John R. Buchtel, George W. Crouse and J. Park Alexander, have requested and directed, in writing, the said treasurer to pay over said balance, now amounting to over three thousand dollars [exact amount $3,211.26] to said Akron Librarj^ Associ- ation, " Now, Therefore, Know All Men by these Presents, that the Akron Library Association, of the City of Akron, Summit Coxinty and State of Ohio, an Association incorporated under the laws of said State, in consideration of the donation to said Association of said sum of money, do hereby obligate and promise to use said monej- for the purchase of books for said Associ- ation, and for such purposes as will carry out the objects of said Associa- tion, and said Association further binds itself to pay to any subscriber to said fund his pro rata share of said balance reinaining in said treasurer's hands and paid over to said Association, and to save harmless from all costs damages and claims, said Committee and said Bernard as treasurer of said Committee, by virtue of any claim which may be set up by any subscriber to the fund aforesaid. " In witness whereof said Akron Librarj'- Association has caused these presents to be signed by its president and secretary, by a resolution of the directors passed December 11, 1869. [Signed] GEO. P. AsHMUN, President. A. L. Conger, Secretary." Down to this time, 1870, the Association had occupied the room now^ occupied by Newton Chalker, Esq., on the ^vest side of Howard street, which was now found to be altogether too small for the uses of the Association, and a committee w^as appointed to secure more commodious quarters. At this time two large new buildings were approaching completion — the Academy of Music, on East Market street, by John F. Seiberling, Esq., and Masonic Temple, corner Howard and Mill streets, by Capt. Aaron P. Baldwin, both of which localities found spirited advocates among the life members of the Association. Liberal propositions were made by both parties, and the rivalry waxed warm and somew^hat bitter, but was finally termi- nated by the friends of that locality purchasing from Capt. Baldw^in, for the sum of $3,500, the rooms under consideration in the second story of the Masonic Temple building, and making a free gift of the same, by deed, to the Association — an arrangement w^hich, in view of the subsequent tendency of business in that direction, and of the location of the postoffice in the same building about the same time, has been generally very satisfactory indeed. FREE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY. In the meantime, in 1869, cities of the grade of Akron had been empo^vered to establish and, by taxation, maintain free libraries and reading rooms, and on April 14, 1873, a committee consisting of Edwin P. Green, Sidney Edgerton and John R. Buchtel, was appointed to confer with the City Council on the subject, and after FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 179 DR. DANIEL ARNOLD SCOTT,— eldest son of James and Harriet Penning-ton (Arnold) Scott, was born ^t Cadiz, Harrison County, Maj"- 4, 1821; educated at Cadiz schools, being- at one time a pupil of the late Bishop Simpson ; read medicine with Dr. William F.Poole, and was a grad- uate of both the Eclectic and the Allo- pathic schools of medicine. June 15, 1842, was married to Miss Mary Burnett Phipps, of Smithfield, Jeffer- son County, who bore hitn three daughters — Harriet Rebecca, Emma Virginia, and Mary Bell. In 1848, Dr. Scott came to Akron, successfully practicing his profession here till his sudden death from heart failure, Janu- ary 23, 1890. in several instances minis- tering to five generations in the same familj'. Though repeatedlj^ declin- ing political preferinent. Dr. Scott was an efficient and conscientious member of the Akron Board of Health from 1886 until his death. He was a prominent member of the Masonic Order, holding the office of Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio for two terms, High Priest of Washington Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M. for 14 consecutive years, was a member of the Grand Chapter of the United States, and a member of Akron Commandery, No. 25. Knights Templar, from its organ- ization. As husband and father. DR. DANIEL ARNOLD SCOTT. tenderly affectionate ; as a citizen, modest, warm-hearted and sincere ; as a physician, honest, faithful and sympathetic. Dr. Scott was truly beloved by all who knew him. He died at the age of 68 years, 8 months and 19 days. DR. BYRON S. CHASE. DR. BYRON S. CHASE,— born in Jamaica, Vt., January 9, 1834; raised on farm ; educated in common schools and Chester Academy ; at 21 engaged in sale of maps, in Michi- g^an ; later studying medicine with his uncle. Dr. E. W. Howard, in Akron, ^aduating at Ann Arbor, Mich., beg-inning- practice with Dr. Howard in Akron ; in 1862, entered the army as assistant surgeon of 16th Reg't. O. V. I.; in June, 1863, was transferred to 53rd Mississippi (colored) Regt. as surgeon, serving till close of the war, acting on operating board at Chicka- saw Bayou and during- the siege of Vicksburg. At close of the war resumed practice in Akron, continu- ing with marked success until his death, February 23, 1878, at the ag-e of 44 years, 1 month and 14 days. Janu- ary 26, 1863, Dr. Chase was married to Miss Henrietta Sabin, daughter of the late Joseph W. and Prudence (Brown) Sabin, born in Akron Decem- ber 17, 1842, who bore him four chil- dren — William Sabin, born December 9, 1866, now city editor Akron Dailjr Beacon and Republican ; Charles Hibbard, born June 2, 1869, now clerk for the E. H. Merrill Stoneware Com- pany ; Martha, born November 25, 1874, and Byron Samuel, born Octo- ber 12, 1877 ; Doctor and Mrs Chase also having adopted and raised a nephew, Sabin Ford, son of Hobart and Martha (riabin) Ford, now in the employ of The Diamond Match Com- pany, at Ontonagon, Mich. 180 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. several interviews with a corresponding committee from the Council, consisting of Councilmen Milton W, Henry and William T. Allen and City Solicitor Edward W. Stuart, on December 30, 1873, the committee reported that they had tendered to the Council all the books and property of the Association, Avith a perpetual lease of its rooms, on condition that the city w^ould establish a Public Library, for the free use of all its citizens who might choose to avail themselves of its privileges, which proposition had. been accepted. HON. SIDNEY EDGERTON, — born in Cazenovia, N. Y., August 17, 1819; thrown vipon his own resources at eight years of age, he managed to secure a fair common school education ; at 17 began teach- ing ; at 18 entered Wesley Seminary at Liina, N. Y., where, after spending two terms, he w^as employed as teacher ; in April, 1844, came to Ak- ron, a stranger with but $3.00 in his pocket ; entering the office of Judge Rufus P. Spalding as a law student, in the Winter season teaching in Tallmadge Academy ; in 1846 gradu- ated from Cincinnati Law^ School, and admitted to the bar in that city, opening a law office in Akron ; in 1852 elected Prosecuting Attornej^ serving four years ; in 1858 elected to Congress and re-elected in 1860, serv- ing four years ; in 1863 was appointed bj' President Lincoln Chief Justice of Idaho, transporting his family and effects from Omaha to Bannock City in wagons ; in 1864, traveled on horseback to Salt Lake Citj^ (sleep- ing on the ground), thence by stage to the Mississippi, en route to Wash- ington, where, by a bill prepared bj^ himself, he secured the organization of Montana, of which he was made Governor by President Lincoln. Getting the territorial machinery into running order, he tendered his HON. SIDNEY EDGERTON. resignation Februarj^ 23, 1865, whiclr was accepted in July. Returned with familj^ to Akron in Januar5% 1866 and resuined the practice of law. Mr. Edgerton was married tO' Miss Mary Wright, of Tallmadge,. May 18, 1849, who bore him nine children — four sons and five daugh- ters, seven of whom are still living. Mrs. Edgerton dying August 3, 1883.- This action ^vas approved and the committee authorized to execute the lease, on the part of the Association, the proposition being formally accepted by the Council, by resolution adopted January 5, and by ordinance passed January 26, 1874. The lease "was conditioned upon the pa3^ment of the then existing indebted- ness of the Association; that said library should be free to all the citizens of Akron; that the Boardof Control should consist of two members of the Association, one member of the Board of Educa- tion, and two members of the Council, the lease to run three years, with a stipulation that "at the expiration of the term of said lease, said Library Association agrees to convey said property to said city, by perpetual lease, provided said city shall have complied with the conditions herein expressed, on its part, and provided, further, that said city shall faithfully care for said library, under said perpetual lease, and maintain the library for the free use of the inhabitants of said city and the members of this Association."" FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 181 JULIUS SHERMAN LANE— eld- J est son of Samuel Alanson and Paulina (Potter) Lane, was born in Akron, November 19, 1841 ; educated in Akron public schools ; learned the machinist's trade at the Newark Machine Works and with Webster, Camp & Co., in Akron ; in 1866 was elected chief eng^ineer of the Akron Fire Department, in charg-e of its first steamer, " City of Akron, No. 1." In 1867, occupied the position of chief eng-ineer of the Lake Superior Com- Sany's iron mines, at Ishpeming, [ich.; in 1868, returned to Akron, as superintendent of the newly organiz- ed Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company, which position he success- fully filled for 17 years, having mean- time invented " Lane's Band Fric- tion Hoist" and other valuable mining devices, now so largely in vogue in the mining districts of the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. Since 1885 Mr. Lane has been the general superin- tendent of the M. C. Bullock Manufac- turing Company, of Chicago, mining machinery, including the celebrated Bullock Diamond Drill, being a specialty. August 21, 1867, he was married to Miss Julia E. Pitkin, daughter of the late Rev. Caleb Johnson Pitkin, at Cerro Gordo, 111. JULIUS SHERMAN LANE. They have six children — Henry Marquette Lane, born at Ishpeming, Mich., May 14, 1868; Pauline Eliza- beth, born at Akron, November 20, 1869; Frank Pitkin, August 19, 1871 Albert Alanson, September 22, 1873 Florence Maria, Decembers, 1876; and George Comfort, October 28, 1882. JOHN WOLF. TOHN WOLF,— born in Selb, Bav. J aria, Germany, January 25, 1837, attended German schools till 14 years of age ; in 1851 came to United States, clerking in store in Aurora, Ind., until September, 1853, when he came to Akron ; here he clerked two years for George T. McCurdy and seven years for Milton W. Henry, when, in 1862, he became a memberof the firm of M. W. Henrj^ & Co, con- tinuing there until 1869, seven j^ears. In Spring of 1870 formed a partner- ship with his half-brother, J. Martin Beck, and Mr. Harry J. Church, under the firm name of Wolf, Church & Beck, establishing a dry goods store in the Academy of Music building, remaining there five j^ears, when they removed to the southeast corner of Main and Market streets, where Mr. Wolf still remains. Mr. Beck withdrawing in 1878 and Mr. Church in 1886, Mr. Wolf is now sole pro- prietor and one of the leading and most prosperous of Akron's many enterprising and successfiil mer- chants. October 25, 1864, Mr. Wolf was married to Miss Mary Anna Howe, daughter of Captain Richard Howe, one of Akron's pioneer set- tlers. They have two children — Charles R., born November 2, 1869, and Harry H.,born May 28, 1874. Mr. W. was one of the founders and is still a stockholder and director of the Citizens' Savings and Loan Associa- tion, and also a stockholder and director of the incorporated firm of Taplin, Rice & Co. 182 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The Library ordinance, as revised and codified July 1, 1886, i» as follows: Sec. 279. The City of Akron shall maintain, at the public expense, the library deeded and conveyed to said city by deed from the Akron Library Association, of the date of January 15, 1877. Sec. 280. In accordance with the terms of said deed a Board of Control for said library shall be and is hereby provided, to be constittited in the fol- lowing manner: It shall consist of six members— resident electors of said city. Sec. 281. The members of said board shall be chosen by ballot, by a majority of all the members of the City Council, who shall annually at the first meeting' in May, choose two members of said board for the term of three years. All members shall serve for said term and until their successors are duly chosen. Sec. 282. Said Board of Control shall make its own by-laws, and hold its meetings at such times as they may decide upon, and shall have the power to- make such rules and regulations for the care of said library as they deem necessary faithfullj^ to carry out the terms of said deed. That the board shall have power to appoint a librarian and such other officers as they maj^ require for the proper care of the librarj'-, and shall report semi- annually to the Council the condition of said library. Sec. 283. All moneys used by said board for library purposes shall first be appropriated for such use by said City Council, and no expenses shall be incurred, chargeable to the city, other than as covered by appropriations made therefor by the City Council. Sec. 284. The use of said library shall be free of all charge to the inhab- itants of said city, the life members of the Akron Library Association and their families, except such fines as may be imposed for the infractions of the rules regulating the use of the same: DR. WILLIAM C. JACOBS,— born at Lima, Ohio, February 26, 1840; educated in Lima public schools ; at 16 was appointed to National Naval School, at Annapolis, Md., but resigned in 1859, and began the study of medicine with Dr. William Carson, of Cincinnati, graduating from the Ohio Medical College, in that city, in 1862. In April, 1862, was appointed assistant surgeon of the 4th O. V. C, serving with that regiment until Deceinber, 1862, when he was pro- moted to surgeon and assigned to the 81st O. V. I., with which he served till close of war ; during the Atlanta campaign serving on the Operating Board of Second Division of Six- teenth Army Corps. In October, 1865, Dr. Jacobs located in Akron, where he has since been in continuous practice, from 1870 to 1873 with the late Dr. William Bowen, and after- wards with Dr. Albert C. Belden. Dr. Jacobs is a member of Summit County Medical Society, Union Medi- cal Association of North Eastern Ohio, State Medical Society, and American Medical Association ; was the first secretary of the second named society, and has held official DR. WILLIAM C. JACOBS. positions in others. September 10, 1863, Dr. Jacobs was married to Miss Huldah M. Hill, a native of Knox County, O. They have one child, Harold H., born February 10, 1866. now^ practicing medicine incompati}" with his father. The officers and directors of the Akron Library Association, in its corporate capacity, were as follows: Presidents: William H. Upson, 1866, '67, '68; George P. Ashmun, 1869; Lewis Miller, 1870; FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 183 JOHN W. BAKER,- born in J Auburn, Cayuga County, N. Y., January 27, 1827, common school education; in 1843, came with parents to Akron; a year later went to Col- umbus to learn cabinet making-, serving three years, worked at trade in Akron till 1850, when he went over- land to California and engaged in mining, remaining two years; returning home, via Panama and New York, worked for a musical instrument firm until 1857, when he became a member of the Akron Melopean Company, continuing ten years; then engaged in the manufac- ture of cigar boxes, gradually adding wood-turning and japanning, about 1870 forming a partnership with Mr. John C. McMillen, a few years later Mr. John P. Teeple being added, under the firm name of Baker, McMillen & Co., which in the spring of 1890 was organized into a stock compan}^, with Mr. McMillen as president, Mr. Baker as superintend- ent and Mr. Teeple as secretary and treasurer, and is one of the most prosperous industries in the city. Politically a stanch Democrat, in 1876 and 1877 Mr. Baker represented JOHN W. BAKEK. the Second Ward in the Cit)^ Council. May 6, 1853, he was married to Miss Caroline M. Thayer, a native of New York, who has borne him three children, two of whom are now liv- ing — Frank E. and Alice., both still at home. CARL WILHELM BONSTEDT. pARL WILHELM BONSTEDT,— ^ son of Carl Frederic a n d Augusta Wilhelmina (Peschau) Bon- etedt, was born at Clausthal, on the Hartz, Kingdom of Hanover, Ger- many, January 11, 1825; common school education; at 14 apprenticed to grocery trade, serving four years; then superintendent of the large cigar factory of Landsmith & Co., at Engter, near Osnabruck, for several years, when he came to America, having charge of a large tobacco business in Baltimore, Md., until 1855, when he came to Akron, as clerk in the grocery store of F'erdinand Schumacher, later being proinoted to book-keeper; in 1863 bought out Mr. S., continuing the business till 1875, when he sold out to his book- keeper, Mr. John Terrass. After a short engagement in the limestone business, near Sandusky, again embarked in the grocerj- trade in Akron, with Mr. John Kreuder, at 210 East Market Street, the partnership continuing six j-ears, on the with- drawal of Mr. K., Mr. B. continuing on his own account, until his death, October 19. 18tK). the business being still carried on by his sons. Mr. Bonstedt was one of the organizers and most active members of the Akron Liedertafel; was first president of Retail Grocers' Association, mem- ber of Akron Mercantile Associa- tion, Board of Trade, and of City Council 1864-65. March 15, 1857, Mr. Bonstedt was married, in Akron, to Miss Augusta F. Beyer, a native of Germany, w^ho bore him eight sons and one daughter Charles W.. of Greentown; Adolph; Victor E.; Ferdinand, of Lincoln, Neb.; Her- man; William H.; Frank; Louis, and Augusta F. Mrs Bonstedt still sur- vives. 184 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. David L. King, 1871, '72; Edwin P. Green, 1873. Vice Presidents: Stephen H. Pitkin, 1866; Lewis Miller, 1867, '68; John J. Wagoner, 1869, '70, '71, '72; Thomas Rhodes, 1873. Corresponding Secre- taries: Charles B. Bernard, 1866; Stephen H. Pitkin, 1867, '68, '69, '70, '71; George W. Crouse, 1872; Byron S. Chase, 1873. Recording Secretaries: James H. Peterson, 1866; John E. Miller, 1867, '68; Arthur L. Conger, 1869, '70; William T. Allen, 1871, '72, '73. Treas- urers: George W. Crouse, 1866, '67, '68, '69, '70; John H. Christy, 1871; WilUam B. Raymond, 1872, '73. Directors: 1866, David E. King, Julius S. Lane, Julian H. Pitkin, Israel P. Hole; 1867, George P. Ashmun, George T. Perkins, New^ell D. Tibbals, Edwin P, Green; 1868, Ferdinand Schumacher, David L. King, George T. Perkins, Edwin P. Green; 1869, Edwin P. Green, James H. Peterson, Thomas Rhodes, Robert L. Collett; 1870, Jeremiah A. Long, Byron S. Chase, Edwin P. Green, Ferdinand Schumacher; 1871, Sidney Edgerton, James H. Peterson, John Wolf, John H. How^er; 1872, Sidney Edgerton, John H. Hower, George T. Perkins, A^illiam C. Jacobs; 1873, John R. Buchtel, John H. Hower, George T. Perkins, William C. Jacobs. DR. MASON CHAPMAN,— son of Lucius and Sally B. (Mason) Chapman, was born in Copley, June 28, 1838 ; in 1857 went with parents to Wisconsin, and later to Iowa, work- ing on father's farm, except for a time clerking: in grocery and boot and shoe store, while living in Wiscon- sin, till December, 1864 ; meantime having attended Cornell College at Mt. Vernon, Iowa, two years ; taught school two terms and studied den- tistry two years with Dr. Matson, of Anamosa, Iowa. After a short visit to the State of New York, in the Spring of 186.5, caine to Akron and engaged in the practice of his pro- fession with Dr. C. H. BoUes, later buying him out, and continuing the business with phenomenal success to the present time, having fitted up in his own new building, erected in 1887, corner Broadway and Mill, the finest suite of dental parlors in the city. An earnest Republican, though not an office-seeker, Dr. Chapman ably represented the Third Ward in the City Council from April, 1878, to April, 1880. November 3, 1867, Dr. DR. MASON CHAPMAN. Chapman was married to Miss Alice L. Randall, a native of Copley town- ship. They have one son, Cloyd M, Chapinan, born November 5, 1874, now a student in Akron High School. At a meeting of the life members of the Library Association, January 9, 1877, David L. King, Edwin P. Green, John R. Buchtel and Sidney Edgerton were constituted a committee to convey, by deed, with proper stipulation for its perpetual care, the library and property of the Association to the city, concluding its labors by the adoption of the following resolution: Resolved, That the members of the Akron Library Association are extremely gratified by the success of the movement to transfer their library to the City of Akron, and have full faith that the true interests of the Library Association will be promoted by such transfer. FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 185 ANDREW H. NOAH— son of Elmer and Esther Noah, was born in Bath, February 15, 1858, his father dyino^ in the war when he was quite small ; was raised in Peninsula, edu- cated at Oberlin College ; taught school four 3^ears at Steele's Corners, Boston Village and Chittenden's Cor- ners ; worked for the Daj'ton (Ohio), Hedge Company five years, in the capacit}' of general agent, traveling through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ken- tucky and Tennessee; December 29, 1880, was married to Miss Kittie B, McGill, youngest daughter of James and Susan McGill, of Urbana, Ohio ; they have no children ; August 1, 1885, bought half interest in real estate busitiess with Frank A. Wilcox ; May, 1888 was elected member of Board of Control of Akron Public Library, and made secretary of the board, serving two years and declining a re-election; charter member of The Akron Build- ing and Loan Association, on organ- ization, in 1888, being elected secre- tary, which position he still holds ; Past Grand of Akron Lodge, No. 547, JOSEPH ALVrN BEEBE. JOSEPH ALVIN BEEBE,— born in J New London, Conn., September 18, 1810; removed with parents, in infancy, to Middletown, Conn.; com- mon school education ; from 14 to 21 clerk in postoffice, under Postmaster Joshua Stow ; in 1832 came to Cuya- hoga Falls, and engaged in book- binding with his brother, the late Oliver B. Beebe ; in 1838 established Akron's pioneer book store, on pres- ent site of Houghton's grocery store ANDREW H. NOAH. I. O. O. F.; member of Akron Encamp- ment and one of the five directors of the Akron Underwriters' Asso- ciation. on East Market street ; in 1839 with Mr. William E. Wright established the Center Mill, near the present site of the Allen Mill, continuing two or three j^ears ; in 1841, in partnership with Dr. Perkins Wallace, added drugs to book trade in the old stone block, later having Dr. Dana D. Evans for a partner, and still later (1848) Mr. Richard S. Elkins, after- wards adding to their business the publication of the Summit County Beacon, the firm of Beebe & Elkins continuing until 1879, over 30 j'ears. October, 1880, Mr. Beebe was elected a director of Count}^ Infirmar3' and re-elected in 1883, serving six years, most of the time clerk of the board ; also occupied the position of City Librarian seven j^ears, from 1882 to 1889. May 19, 1840, Mr. Beebe was married, at Edinburg, Portage County, to Miss Cornelia E. Wads- worth (daughter of the late Frederick Wadsworth). who bore him three children — Helen, born August 16, 1841, now Mrs. William B. Rajnnond ; Frederick Wadsworth, now of Paige Brothers &'Co.'s hardware corpora- tion, Akron; and Charles Joseph, now of Philadelphia. Mrs. Beebe died December 21, 1884, aged 65 j^ears, 10 months and 2 days, Mr. Beebe dying May 16, 1891, aged 80 years, 7 months, 28 days. The Board of Control consists of six members elected by the Council, two each year, to serve three years, the Board maintaining its own separate organization for the management of the affairs of 186 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the library, subject only to the control of the Council in the matter of its money expenditures, the authorized tax levy for its support being limited by law to half a mill on the dollar, three-tenths of a mill being about the average yearly levy for library purposes, the expenditures for the year ending March 12, 1887, being $2,023.36, and for the years ending March 15, 1888, $2,325.82; 1889, $2,500; 1890, $3,700; 1891, $1,600, the Hbrary at the present time (1891) containing about 12,000 volumes. Members of the Board of Control, since the organization of the Akron Public Library, have been: John R. Buchtel, J. Park Alex- ander,Milton W.Henry, Edwin P. Green, George Tod Ford, William T. Allen, William C. Allen, John W. Baker, Paul E. Werner, David L. King, Charles A, Collins, Adams Emerson, Mason Chapman^ Noah A. Carter, Lewis Miller, Thomas E. Monroe, Frank M. Atter- holt, Charles W. Bonstedt, C. P. Humphrey, Olin L. Sadler, Kalph P. Burnett, Charles R. Grant, Elias Fraunfelter, Andrew H. Xoah,. Louis Seybold, Louis D. Seward, Charles S. Hart. JUDGE CHARLES R. GRANT, - born October 23, 1846, in Orange, New Haven County, Conn.; at 15 enlisted in 12th Connecticut V. I., and held the extremely perilous position of dispatch bearer on Gen. Butler's Staff, in the Department of the Gulf, and continued on the staff of Gen. Banks until October, 1863, when he was discharg-ed. In April, 1864, locat- ed at Cuj^ahoga Falls, where he was engaged in farming and study until September, 1868, when he entered .the freshman class at Western Reserve College, graduating in 1872 as valedictorian of his class of eigh- teen students. After a year spent in Colorado, recruiting his health, he entered the office of Judge N. D. Tibbals as a law student, being admitted to the bar, at Akron, in September, 1874. Health a^ain fail- ing, he engaged in farming until January, 1876, when he formed a partnership with H. B. Foster, Esq., of Hudson, in November of that year locating in Akron, as a member of the law firm of Foster, Marvin & Grant, which arrangement continued until his appointment by Gov. Foster, September 16, 1883, Probate Judge of Summit County, on the death of Judge Goodhue, being elected to the office in 1884, and again in 1887, giving to the office over seven years of able and faithful JUDGE CHARLES R. GRANT. service. October, 9, 1873, Judge Grant was married to Miss Frances J. Wadhams, of Boston township, who died September 14, 1874. Nov- ember 9, 1876, he was again married, to Miss Lucy J. Alexander, of Akron, who died June 8, 1880, leaving one child — Frances Virginia, born Sep- tember 24, 1877. August, 19, 1891, was again ijiarried to Miss Ida Shick, of Akron. Presidents of the Board have been as follows: Hon. John R, Buchtel, 1874-77; Milton W. Henry, 1877-79; Edwin P. Green, 1879-82; Rev. Thomas E. Monroe, 1882, '83; Noah A. Carter, 1883, '84? C. P. Humphrev, 1884-86; Frank M. Atterholt, 1886, '87; Charles R. Grant, 1887,'88; "OHn L. Sadler, 1888, '89; Charles R. Grant, 1890, '9K POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS. 187 Secretaries: George Tod Ford, 1874, '75; William T. Allen, 1875, '76; William C. Allen, 1876, '77; Paul E.Werner, 1877-82; Dr. Mason Chapman, 1882-84; Paul E.Werner, 1884, '85; Olin L. Sadler, 1885,'89. Louis D. Seward, 1890, '91. Treasurers: Previous to 1882, the Secretary also officiated as Treasurer of the Board, since \^rhich time the treasurers have been: Frank M. Atterholt, 1882-85; Ralph P. Burnett, 1885 to present time. Librarians: Theron A. Noble, from beginning to 1875; Horton Wright, 1875-82; Joseph A. Beebe, 1882-89; Mary Pauline Edgerton, 1889 to present time. Assistant Librarians: Mary Vosburg and Anna M. Kuinmer, to December, 1875; Bessie Willis, 1875-85; Mary Pauline Edgerton, 1885-89; Mrs. Jennie M. Proehl, 1889 to present time. Akronians are justly proud of Akron's Free Public Library, which it is conceded is not only one of the very best equipped, in point of the extent and arrangement of its alcoves, and the judi- cious selection of its books and periodicals, but also one of the best managed institutions of its class in the State. t CHEAP POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS. Besides the frequently recurring popular lectures and other entertainments — literary and scientific — given under the auspices of Buchtel College, the Grand Army of the Republic, and the various church and other organizations of the city, the Young Men's Christian Association, has, during two decades, not only maintained a Avell supplied reading room, to which has recently been added an extensive gymnasium, but for several years past has given to the public, during the winter season, courses of ten lectures and musical entertainments by the very best talent of the country, at the extremely low figure of one dollar per course, their popularity not only rendering them self-sustaining, but affording a handsome surplus for the carrying forw^ard of the other branches of the beneficent work of the association. Long may Akron continue to cherish and liberally sustain her magnificent educational, literary, benevolent and Christian institutions. CHAPTER X. AKRON CHURCHES — FULLY ABREAST WITH HER BUSINESS ENTERPRISES, SCHOOLS, ETC. — PIONEER RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS— STRIVINGS, STRUG- GUNGS, ADVANCES, REVERSES, ETC.— THE SECTS VERY LARGELY REPRE- SENTED — HARMONIOUSLY WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE GENERAL GOOD —MODERN CHURCH STRUCTURES, SOME OF THE FINEST IN THE COUNTRY —PRESENT STATUS OF ALL THE CHURCHES— MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION, ETC. AKRON CHURCHES. 'T^^HIS chapter, giving an epitome of Akron's church history, is ^ largely compiled from the more elaborate sketches furnished by pastors or prominent members of the several societies, with such emendations as the personal recollections of the wrriter furnish, and such statistical information obtained from official sources as to bring the matters written of down to the present date. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. This society, whose present church edifice is located on Kent street, near Arlington, in the Sixth Ward, is undoubtedly the oldest church organization in w^hat is now^ the city of Akron. It was organized on the 15th day of December, 1831; by Revs. Benson C. Baldw^in and John Hughes, with twenty-six members, one of w^hom, only, Mr. Kdgar T. Chapman, now survives, though not now a member of the congregation; but we are w^ithout definite data as to when their house of worship was erected. Successive pastors for tw^enty-four years were: Rev. Benson C. Baldw^in, December 1831 to September 1838; Rev. Abraham Sanders, October 1838 to October 1839; Rev. H. A. Sackett, July 1840 to June 1841; Rev. James Shaw, 1841 to 1845. About this time, by reason of differences growing out of the slavery question, quite a number withdrew from the society, and organized the Congregational Church of Middlebury, the parent church being ministered to by Rev. William Hanford in 1846; Rev. Horace Foote in 1847; Rev. Elroy Curtis, 1848 to 1854. Having harmonized their differences on the slavery question, the two societies re-united, as an independent church, in 1860, under Rev. William Dempsey, who continued to officiate as pastor until 1863, followed by Rev. Mr. Hicks for three years; Rev. G. Hall, three years; and Rev. Henry Avery three years. In 1874, largely through the influence of the late Ambrose L. Cotter, one of the original members, the society returned to the fold of the Presbytery, under w^hose auspices it has since remained. Late pastors: Rev. C. Barnes, 1874 to 1877; Rev. J. H. Jones, 1877 to 1881; Rev. D wight L. Chapin, September 1883 to 1889; Rev. Kdward Ivayport, May 1, 1889, to present time. Membership in 1883, thirty- five; present membership of 145; number scholars in Sunday School, 150. About 1885 the present fine brick church, with hand- somely decorated interior, Sunday School rooms in basement, etc., was .erected, at a cost, for house and lot, of some $10,000; the old AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY. 18& well-known and w^ell-w^orn brick church, south of the present fire station, after half a century's faithful public service, for religious meetings, political meetings, temperance meetings, lectures, con- certs, festivals, etc., having been razed to the ground. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. In the earlier years of its existence, the few Presby- terians and Congregational- ists of the new village of Akron, used to meet from week to w^eek for conference^ prayer and praise at private residences, school houses, etc. In 1834 a Congregational church, amenable to Pres- bytery, w^as organized by Rev. John Pettit, and in 1835 a small house of w^orship, a cut of which is here given, was erected on the present Court House grounds, but, on the location of the Court House at that point, in 1840, was removed to the corner of Quarry and High streets, and, after doing service for several churches, as elsewhere detailed until 1877, w^as removed to the rear of the present German Lutheran Church and used for the parochial school of that Society until 1889, when it was torn down to make room for the nice brick house now standing there. The pulpit was supplied by Mr. Pettit, members of Western Reserve College and others, until 1836, when Rev. James B. Walker, a theological graduate from the college named, w^as called to the pastorate, erecting for himself a dwelling house in the woods, which house for many years was owned and occupied by Richard S. Klkins, Ksq., late of Ravenna, and is still standing immediately north of the Windsor Hotel. In 1839, Mr. Walker resigned and w^as succeeded by Rev. James D. Pickands, who, unfortunately, embraced and preached the Second Advent doc- trines which so greatly agitated the religious w^orld from 1840 to 1846, as fully detailed in another chapter. In consequence of these heresies, 22 members withdrew from the church in the Spring of 1842, and on the 2nd day of January,. 1843, were formally organized, by a council convened for that purpose, consisting of Rev. Seagrove Magill, of Tallmadge, Rev. Joseph Merriam, of Randolph, Rev. Mason Grosvenor, of Hudson, and Rev. William Clark, of Cuyahoga Falls, under the title of the "Second Congregational Church of Akron." July 3, 1843, nine others from the old, joined the new church, and the 31 members proceeded to organize by the appointment of Mr. Harvey B. Spelman, as Deacon, and Mr. Allen Hibbard, as Clerk. Meantime, the embryo society, holding regular services in what was then known as the "Court Room," in the third story of the large stone block on the southeast corner of Howard and Market streets, had been ministered to by a young eastern theo- logian by the name of Isaac Jennings, w^ho was ordained as the 190 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. first pastor of the new church, on the 14th day of June, 1843. Measures were soon afterwards taken for the erection of a church edifice, which was accordingly built at the corner of North Main and Tallmadge streets, at a cost of $1,800, w^hich ^vas dedicated in June, 1845. [This building in more recent years w^as purchased by Mr. George WuUe, and used as a livery stable until destroyed by fire in 1887.] The pastorate of Mr. Jennings ceased in February, 1847, by resignation, being followed by Rev. W. R. Stevens, as stated supply, from November, 1847, until May, 1849, when Rev. Nathaniel P. Bailey, now of Massillon, assumed the pastorate, being ordained October 7, 1849. Mr. Bailey served until May 3, 1856, and >vas followed by Rev. A. Duncasson, from February, 1857, to November, 1858; Rev. Abraham E. Baldwin, from 1858 to 1861 (ordained in February, 1860); Rev. Carlos Smith, December 30, 1861, till the Winter of 1873; Rev. Thomas E. Monroe 1873 to the present time. By reason of the Second Advent delusions, the original First Congregational Church had gone to pieces, and its house of worship sold to the Disciples, so that the Second naturally became the First, by which title it is now known. REV. CARLOS SMITH, D. D.,— born in Hopkinton, N. H., July 17, 1801 ; married to Miss Susan Saxton, of Hanover, N. H., February 20, 1827 ; inducted into the ministry at Utica, N. Y., b}^ the Oneida Pres- tery in 1832 ; was pastor at Manlius, N. Y., four j^ears ; Painesville, Ohio, eig"ht jears ; Massillon, three years ; Tallmadg-e, 14 years ; and of First Congreg^ational Church in Akron 12 years— 1861 to 1873. " Father Smith, " was a general favorite Avith all classes — genial in his manner, and earnest in his pietj", but remarkably liberal and tolerant of the views and feeling's of others. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of twelve children, four of whom died in infancy and one — Eliza Mygatt — dying at 16 years of age in Tallmadge, the seven survivors being: Louisa J., now Mrs. George Carter, of Jack- sonville, 111.; Charles Edward, a ph)^- sician in Palmyra, 111. ; Sarah Porter, now Mrs. Leavitt Bissell, of New York City ; Harriet Sanford, at home, in Akron ; Mary Clark, now Mrs. Robert McKee, of Waverly, 111.; Ellen Chase, at home ; and Ethan Sanford, attorney in Minnesota. Mr. REV. CARLOS SMITH, D. D. and Mrs. Smith celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, Feb- ruary 20, 1877, Mr. S. dying April 22, 1877, aged 75 years, 9 months and 5 days, and Mrs. S, December 21, 1889, aged 84 years, 3 months and 24 days. At the beginning of Mr. Smith's pastorate there was a mem- bership of about 60, at its close 268, during which time a new house of worship, a fine brick structure, on High street, had been erected at a cost of some $40,000. Soon after Mr. Monroe's accession, a gallery was added to the seating capacity of the auditorium, and additional Sunday School facilities provided in the basement, at a cost of $5,000. The house AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY. 191 being partially destroyed by fire, on February 2, 1881, additions and repairs were made to the extent of about $10,000, with a large new organ, there being a fine-toned bell in the tower, and a first- class clock, donated by one of Akron's best-known business men for nearly half a century, Mr. Joseph K. Wesener. REV. THOMAS E. MONROE,— son of Job and Phtebe (Collins) Monroe, of Scotch descent, was born at Plainfield, Conn., April 28, 1829; raised on farm with common school and academical education; at 17 beg-an teaching in Rhode Island, continiiingthree years ; then entered a preparator}^ school in Providence, the 3-ear following entering Oberlin College, graduating from the clas- sical coarse in I806 and from the theological course in 1858 ; ordained as a minister of the Gospel in 1859 by the Cleveland Conference. Preaching- one year in Amherst, Lorain County, in 1860 Mr. Monroe became the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Mount Vernon, the church mem- bership increasing during his thirteen years pastorate from 150 to 457 and the society building a new church edifice at a cost of $38,0(X). April 1, 1873, Mr. Monroe became the pastor of the First Congregational Church of Akron, which position he still retains; the society in the inter- vening 18 years,be8idesmakingexten- sive improvements on its house of worship, having increased its inem- bership from 268 to 903, besides con- tributing- 100 of its members to the West Congregational Church, organ- First Congregational Church, South High Street. KEV. THOMAS E. MONKOE. ized in 1888. June 3, 1859, Mr. Monroe was married to Miss Hannah Marj' Bernard, of Philadelphia, who has borne him one child — Pauline, now a teacher in the city of Philadelphia. The church has now nearly 1,000 sittings, a roll of 903 mem- bers, 746 of whom are residing here at this time, besides having recently transferred 65 members, and a corresponding number from the Sunday School, to the West Congregational Chu^-ch, spoken of elsewhere. Members of Sun- day School, officers, teachers and scholars in 1887, before division, 600; after division, 510; now, 1891, 572. FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Perhaps as early as 1830, a small M. E. class was organized in South Akron, and meetings held ^vith such occasional mini- strations as could be secured, Rev. John Janes, of the North 192 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Ohio Conference, among the number. Just w^hen a church organ- ization was effected is not- now ascertainable, though it was some- time previous to the arrival of the writer in the village, in the Summer of 1835, its meetings being then held in the school house,, corner of South Broadway and Middlebury streets. In 1836 the erection of a house of worship, 40x50 feet in size, was commenced immediately east of the present brick structure, corner of Church street and Broadway, >vhich was completed and occupied the latter part of the following year. In the latter part of the Winter of 1840-41 a protracted meeting of several >;veeks' duration, was held, during which, on the morning of March 17,. 1841, the house was destroyed by fire, presumably from a defective flue, or from ignition of some portion of the woodw^ork, from the superheated stoves, the -weather of the night before, Avhile the ser- vices were in progress, having been intensely cold, though it was uncharitably and unchristianly insinuated by each of the tw^o factions who were at loggerheads on questions connected with the building of the church, that the house had been purposely fired by the other faction. REV. WILLIAM FARNHAM DAY, D. D., — son of Rev. David Day, was born in West Springfield, Mass., November 11, 1821, when a boy re- moving- with parents to Franklin Mills (now Kent), Ohio; educated in part at home, in part independently and in part under a tutor, but never attended college though later in life honored by Allegheny College in 1865 with the degree of Master of Art-s, and by Baldwin University in 1869, with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He was a man of deep learning, a thorough master of Greek, a devoted student of historj- and a great lover of scientific research, his large library embracing the whole range of literature, with every department of which he was thoroughly familiar. He was licensed to exhort in 1843, and to preach in 1845, receiving elders' orders in 1849. Among the nearly- two score appointments filled during a min- istry of nearly forty years, he was twice stationed in Akron as pastor of the First M. E. Church,— 1855, '56 and 1868-'70, in all, five years, his last charge being Titusville, Pa., where he died October 23, 1882, his remains being interred in Akron Rural Cemetery. Dr. Day was for 27 years Secretary of the Erie Con- ference, and was twice honored with REV. WILLIAM FARNHAM DAY, D. D. an election to the General Confer- ence — 1863 and 1872, his fidelitj- to his own Conference, however, leading- him to decline many tempting calls to prominent localities in other Con- ferences. Dr. Day was married in 1847 to Miss Ann Delia Grover, of Poland, O.; of their four children two only survive — Wilson M, now Presi- dent of Cleveland Printing and Pub- lishing Co., and Harriet, now Mrs. John H. Auble, of Akron. The house was soon afterwards rebuilt, upon the same founda- tion, facing west, as before, but in 1861, under the pastorate of Rev. J. D. Norton, the house was enlarged and remodeled, and made to front on Broadway, at a cost of $3,500, During the Cen- tennial 3^ear of Methodism in America, 1866, the sum of $30,000 was contributed towards the erection of a new house of worship that AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY. 193 should be commensurate with the rapidly increasing needs of the society, and a fitting memorial to the beneficent aims and objects of the denomination and a credit to the city. The newT structure was commenced in the Spring of 1867, immediately west of the old, the Sunday School room, lecture room, etc., being dedicated on the 15th day of April, 1875, the old building being at this time sold to Mr. Ferd. Schumacher, who, moving it to the corner of Mill and Summit streets, fitted it up into a hotel called the " Cascade House, " subsequently removing it to the corner of Mill and Broadway, where it is still doing duty as a part of the " Windsor Hotel, " though so disguised by its bi"ick veneering as to be altogether unrecognizable by the former wor- shippers therein. The auditorium of the new structure was completed in the Autumn of 1871, and dedicated in January, 1872, at which time over $32,000 was subscribed to clear the church from debt, the total cost of the new structure, fur- nishing, etc., being about $128,- 000. It is a fine building, both externally and internally, and its Sunda3' School rooms, planned by Messrs. Le^vis Miller and Jacob Snyder, pronounced at the time to be the best in the world, though many others have since been modeled therefrom, both in the cities of the United States and Europe. Successive ministers to t h e church have been as follows: 1836, Thomas Carr and John F. Holmes; 1837, Daniel M. Stearns I'irst Methodist Episcopal Church, cor- and Thottias Graham; 1838, Hor- ner South Broadway and Church .. -vx oj. -I oor» XI T^ t Streets. atio N. Stearns; 1839, John Rob- \ inson and Caleb Brown; 1840, John Robinson and Beajamin K. Maltby ; 1841, Ira Eddy and James O. Wood; 1842, Dr. Timothy Goodwin; 1843, William H. Hunter; 1844^5, Edwin J. Kinney; 1846, Samuel Gregg; 1847, James R. Locke; 1848, Martin C. Briggs: 1849, Reuben J. Edwards; 1850-51, Ezra Jones; 1852-53, John Tribby; 1854, Gaylord B. Hawkins; 1855-56, William F. Day; 1857-58, George W. Clarke; 1859, Thomas Stubbs; 1860-61, John D. Norton; 1862-63, John Peate; 1864, E. A. Johnson; 1865, '66, '67, D. C. Osborne; 1868, '69, '70, and till August, 1871, Dr. William F. Day; 1871 to 1874, W. W. Ramsay; 1874 to 1877, Henry Baker; 1877, I. A. Pierce; 1878 to 1881, W. W. Case; 1881 to 1884, W. H. Pearce; 1884 to 1887, E. K. Young; 1887 to 1889, B. T. Vincent; 1889 to present time. Dr. Gilbert De La Matyr. Present membership, 1149; scholars in Sunday School, 1069; Lewis Miller, Superintendent. Without disparagement to other faithful workers and liberal givers in this church, it may justly be said, that to the munificence of Mr. Miller is the society very largely indebted for its present handsome church edifice, and. to- 18 194 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. his wise management, for the unprecedented success and pros- perity of its model Sunday School. THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF AKRON. April 19, 1834, at the school house, corner of South Broadway and Middlebury streets, was organized the "Akron and Middlebury Baptist Church," Elder Caleb Green officiating as Moderator and Elder Amasa Clark as Scribe, the members of the new organiza- tion being: Horace Barton, Daniel B. Stewart, Henry H. Smoke, Mrs. Thirza J. Smoke, Miss C. Barton, Mrs. Elizabeth Burton, Mrs. Sally Smith, Miss Amanda Smith, Miss Elizabeth Stewart. March 5, 1836, an act was passed by the Legislature, authorizing the incorporation of religious societies, this church being among the very earliest to avail themselves of its provisions, as will be seen by the following notice published in Akron's first newspaper, the IFeeklr Post, June 10, 1836: "To All Whom it May Concern. A meeting of the members of the Akron and Middlebury Baptist Church and Society will be held at the School House in South Akron, on Wednesday, the 16th inst., at 4 o'clock p. m., for the purpose of organizing under their charter." Arrangements were immedi- ately made for the erection of a house of worship, corner of South Broadway and Center streets, a cut of which is here given. Elder Eber Crane was regularly installed as pastor, and the house was built under his management, as the, agent of the trustees; though considerable ill-feeling was engendered, by the trustees facing the building south, instead of west, as the other churches had been, and by alleged mismanagement on the part of I'vlder Crane and the building committee, resulting in a heated newspaper controversy, covering six or seven columns in the American Balance, and the holding of a church council, with Elder Levi Tucker, of Cleveland, as Moderator, on the 6th day of October, 1837. Though the dis- sensions alluded to were not entirely cured by the action of the council, the church w^as dedi- cated on the 26th day of October, 1837, Elder Tucker preaching the dedicatory sermon. In 1853 the society sold its original church structure to the German Reformed Society and purchased the original Universalist stone church, on North High street, which was dedicated to the uses of its new owners June 17, 1853, where they continuously ■worshipped for over a third of a century. Original Baptist, late German Re- formed Church, corner of South Broadway and Center vStreets. Erected in 1836-37. Torn down in 1890 Akron's church history. 195 p K V. NATHAN S. BURTON, D. D., AV —born in Manlius, N. Y., Feb- ruary 5, 1821, in infancy removing- with parents to Elbridg-e, N. Y., and in 1831, to Middle bury, Ohio; attended Village School winters and worked in father's sash factory sum- mers; taught Southwest "Six Cor- ners" school, in Tallmadg-e, two winters; in 1841 entered Western Reserve College, graduating in 1846, delivering the valedictory oration; taug-ht one j^ear in Norwalk (O.) Insti- tute; in 1847 entered Theological department W. R. CoUeg-e, also acting- as assistant editor of "Ohio Observ^er;" in 1848 attended Newton (Mass.) Theological Institute; in 1849 returned to Hudson to com- plete studies and fill the chair of Latin and Greek in Colleg-e; on g-raduating-, in 185(), became pas- tor of Elyria Baptist Church; in 1853 first pastor of the Third Baptist Church in Cleveland; in 1854 pastor of the Granville Baptist Church, dur- ing his eight years pastorate there establishing a Young Ladies' School now Shepardson College, its princi- pal building- being- named "Burton Hall"; in 1^2 became pastor of the First Baptist Church in Akron; dur- ing the rebellion serving- for a time on the Christian Commission at Grant's Headquarters, City Point, Va.; in 1866 pastor of Ann Arbor (Mich.) Baptist Church; in 1871 pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Daven- port, Iowa; in 1877 accepted Chair of Philosophy in Kalamazoo (Mich.) College; in 1877 resumed the pastor- ate of the Church in Akron, remain- ing- ten years, during that time officiating- six months as President REV. NATHAN S. BURTON, D. I). of Dennison University at Granville; in 1887 visited Europe, and on his return became pastor of the Need- ham (Mass.) Baptist Church, where he still continues. October 14, 1850, was married to Miss Sarah J. Fair- field, of Spring- Arbor, Mich. They have live children — Henr}'^ F., Pro- fessor of Latin in the University of Rochester; Charles S., lawyer in Chicago; Nellie, wife of Prof. W. W. Beman, University of Mich.; Ernest D., Prof, of Greek, Newton Theolog-i- cal Institute, and Edward F., Iaw5'er in Chicago. Successive Pastors, previous to first removal: Revs. Eber Crane, Henry Carr, Stephen Van Voris, C. A. Clark, J. Hall, David Ber- nard, Lewis Kansted, J, M. Greg- ory, J. C. Courtney, A.Joy. Since removal: Mr. Joy continued until 1855, followed by Rev. J, W. Ham- mond, one year; in 1856, by Samuel Williams, five years; in 1862, by Nathan S. Burton, four years; in 1866, by Frank Adkins, two years; in 1869, by C. T. Chaffee, three years; 1872, by J. P. Agenbroad, one year; 1873, by Charles A. Hayden, three years; 1877, by Dr. Nathan S. Burton, ten years; in 1887, by Rev. A. M, Waxman, whose pastorate terminated by voluntary resignation June 14, 1891. First Baptist Church, South Broad- •way. Erected in 1889-90. 196 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. At length, feeling the need of a more commodious house of worship in a more convenient locality, in 1888 the society pur- chased a handsome site on South Broadway, between Market and Mill streets, and in 1889 erected thereon a fine brick edifice with auditorium and Sunday School room on the same floor, and a light,, airy basement for social meetings and other church purposes. The building is 76x106 in size and of handsome design, as will be seen by the fine engraving given herewith, the entire cost of lot, building and furnishing being about $40,000. Present membership of church 290. Present number of scholars in Sunday School, 250. THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. Sundry Universalist ministers held religious services in Akron, from time to time, during the years 1835 and 1836, and during the early Summer of 1837 Rev. Freeman Loring organized a society of believers in that faith, holding his meetings in the third story of a building erected by Mr. Benjamin W. Stephens, corner of Main and State streets, present site of Merrill's potter3^. Among the members of that congregation -were Dr. Kliakim Crosby and family. Major Miner Spicer and family, Henry Chittenden and family, Watrous Mather and family, Jesse and Jacob Allen, and quite a number of other prominent business men of Akron and Middlebur^^; the choir, composed largely of the sons and daughters of the families above named, being one of the most attractive of any of the church choirs of the town or vicinity. Steps were immediately taken for the erection of a suitable church edifice. Dr. Crosby furnishing a lot on North High street, and very largely defraying the cost of the building, the writer doing the glazing and general painting, to the extent of some $200, in part payment for t\^o acres of ground on West Market street; our venerable fellow citizen, Mr. Curtis C. Wilcox, of 216 South Union street, then living in Middlebury, gilding and varnishing the balusters of the gallery, settees, etc., this being the first church in Akron to have anything but stiff board pews and slips for the seating of its worshippers. The church was built of stone, and was then one of the hand- somest structures of the kind in Ohio. The belfry w^as sur- mounted by a tall spire on the top of which, above 100 feet from the ground, was a gilded ball, two and a half feet in diameter, in the center of which \vere deposited such articles as are usually placed in the corner stones of similar edifices — church history,, newspapers, coins, etc. Some thirty years later the belfry timbers had become so decayed that, on Sunday, August 5, 1868, the steeple being likely to fall, to prevent possible serious accident, by attaching ropes to- the lightning-rod connected therewith, it w^as pulled down, and in falling the ball was broken to pieces. Such of the contents as were found were in a fair state preservation, the copj^ of the Akron Buzzard encased by the writer in a sealed quinine bottle, being as clean and legible as when first printed, thirty-one years before. AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY. 197 Surmounting the ball was an immense sheet-iron weather vane in the shape of an angel, w^ith soaring wings, proclaiming to the whole world through a golden trumpet, the Glad Tidings of Uni- versal Salvation; the entire cost of the structure being about $8,000. A line-toned bell, pro- cured by subscription of citizens, was placed in the tower, and also, a year or tw^o later a clock, man- ufactured, and for many years kept in repair, by the late Henry S. Abbey. The society was also presented w^ith a most excellent organ, by the late Jesse Allen — probably the pioneer church organ of Summit County. The society w^as incorporated by Act of the Legislature, Feb- ruary 4, 1839, the incorporators t)eing Eliakim Crosby, Miner Spicer, Watrous Mather, Henry Chittenden and Jesse Allen. The house was dedicated in Novem- ber, 1839, the installation of Mr. Loring, as pastor, being included in the dedicatory services; the membership at this time being about one hundred persons. Though Mr. Loring had taken almost entire charge of the building of the church, laboring incessantly with his ow^n hands, his pastor- ate, after its dedication, was of short duration, a feeling prevail- ing that though sound in doc- trine, and earnest in its promul- gation, he was not sufficiently cultured for so "metropolitan" a position, realizing which he tend- ered his resignation and removed to Suffield, Portage County, where, after serving the church there for a number of years, he finally died. Mr. Loring was succeeded by Kev. Nelson Doolittle, for several years, foUow^ed by Rev. J. G. Foreman, the latter part of 1845, and in 1849 by Kev. Z. Baker. This latter gentleman leaning strongly towards the Spiritual- ist icfaith, w^hich was then a prev- alent belief w^ith many, alienated several members of the society First Univer.alist Church, corner of ^^^^he true faith, begetting an South Broadway and Mill vStreets. indifference which, couplcd with 198 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the serious financial embarrassment of its principal promoter, Dr. Crosby, caused the society to go to pieces,, and in 1853 its house of worship was sold to the Baptists, as elsewhere stated. After an interregnum of nearly thirty years, a new organization was effected in November, 1872, with twenty members, Hon. John R. Buchtel, Moderator; Sanford M. Burnham, Clerk; Avery Spicer and Talmon Beardsley, Deacons. Rev. G. S. Weaver was chosen pastor, in April, 1873, the meetings of the society being held in the chapel of Buchtel College, then just completed. Mr. Weaver was succeeded by Rev. Henry L, Canfield, in 1876, followed by Rev. Kverett L. Rexford, president of College, in 1878, and in Sep- tember, 1880, by Rev. Richard Eddy until July, 1881, and again by Rev. Dr. G. S. Weaver, from December, 1881, to December, 1883, followed by Rev. C. Ellwood Nash, from May 1, 1884 to May 1, 1891, succeeded June 7, 1891, by Rev. J. F. Thompson, of Jersev City, N. J. REV. C. ELLWOOD NASH, D. D., son of Rev. C. P. Nash, Univer- salist clerg^^man at Conneautville, Pa., was born in Warren County, N. J., March 31, 1855 ; removed to Michig'an in 1856, and to Iowa in 1870 ; prepared for college at Prof. W. W. Curry's priyate school, Newton, Iowa; entered Lombard LTniversity, Gales- burg-, 111., as a sophomore, in 1872, graduating as A. B. in 1875, in college belonging to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity; in September, 1875, entered Tuft's Divinitj^ School, Tuft's College, Mass., graduating as B. D. in 1878 ; delivered Master's Oration and received honorary degree of A. M. at Lombard University, in June, 1878 ; was engaged as pastor at Abington, Mass., during divinity course, from March, 1877, to March, 1878 ; called to and accepted pastor- ate of church at Stamford, Conn.. December, 1878, assuming pastorate there in July, 1878; was married to Miss Clara M. Sawtelle, of Auburn, Me., December 31. 1878 ; went to New- ton, Mass. as pastor in June, 1881, and came to Akron as pastor of the First Universalist Church, May 1, 1884, continuing until May 1, 1891, his seven years pastorate here being RSV. C. ELLWOOB NASH, D. D. highly satisfactory to the meniber-s of that societj', resigning to accept the pastorate of the Church of Our Father, Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Nash are parents of four daughters. During Mr. Rexford's pastorate, the rapidly growing congre- gation rendering such a step absolutely necessary, the fine new house of worship, corner of Mill and Broadway, was erected at a cost of about $40,000, Mr. Ferd. Schumacher generously donating the lot, besides liberally contributing to the building and fur- nishing fund, Hon. John R. Buchtel also subscribing liberall}' to the various funds of the society. The present membership of the church is about 350; scholars in Sunday School 325; teachers, 24, ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Though an occasional Episcopal family resided in the neigh- borhood, and though occasional services were earlier held, both AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY. 199 St. Paul's Episcopal Chapel, corner East Market and South Forge Streets. in Middlebury and Akron, it was not until 1836 that a parish of that denomination was organized in Akron, under the auspices of Rev. William H. Newman, rector of St. John's Church, at Cuyahoga Falls, (originally organized in Stow in 1830), Rev. T. J. Davis assuming charge of the new church in 1838. The meetings of St. t*aurs Church and society, like those of the other early churches named, w^ereat first held in private houses and school houses, or, by courtesy, in the other churches of the village, and afterwards for some three or four years, in the second story of the "Old Stone Block" so often referred to in this work, on the southeast corner of Howard and Market streets. This building was rather shab- bilj^ constructed, and one Sunday, in the latter part of 1840, when services were in progress, a sud- den storm, accompanied by high wind, toppled over one of the huge stone chimneys, with a por- tion of the heavy battlement, which Avent crashing through the roof and the third, second and first floors to the cellar. The congregation, fortunately, were not within the direct range of the falling mass, but, by the tilting of the floor a number of seats, w^ith their occupants, were precip- itated into the cellar, and Mrs. Stephen Willard Powers and her mother, Mrs. Bush, Mr. George T, Ray, a young man named Morris L3^on, then working for the writer, and perhaps one or two others, w^ere somewhat bruised, but none of them were seriously injured. At this time the erection ^f a house of worship was under- taken, donations for the purpose, to the extent of $900, being made by friends of the church in Philadelphia, the balance of the cost of the structure to be raised by local subscriptions, principally of materials and labor — money being decidedly a cash article in Ohio in those days. The "chuckery" project, elsewhere alluded to, was then on the boom, several of its promoters being zealous Episco- palians, notably Dr. E. W. Crittenden, and with the expectation that a fair proportion of the prospective inhabitants of "Sum- mit City," would be of that faith, it was resolved to locate the new church so as to acommodate both said "city" and the "village" of Akron. Consequently the house was erected on North Maple street, below Hickory street, overlooking the Ohio Canal, facing North. Before this house was fully completed a contract was made Avith Mr. Lyman Cobb, then an enterprising business man of Akron, for the erection of a church edifice on South High street, Mr. Cobb taking the first named house and lot in part payment, which w^as at once converted into a tenement house, ever since, until recently torn down, well, and sometitnes notoriously, known as the " Cobb House." Besides the turning in of this propert3^, and quite liberal contributions from citizens, the sum of $1,770 was contributed by outside parties. 200 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. This new house, 40x60 feet in size, was dedicated June 27, 1844, the parish then numbering sixty communicants. In 1870 the house "was greatly enlarged and a newr organ provided, and also a hand- some parsonage erected on North Summit street. In 1872, '73, new Sunday School rooms Avere added, at a cost of $4,000. Finding that this structure was inadequate to the rapidly growing needs of the society, a commodious triangular lot, bounded on Kast Mar- ket, Forge and Fir streets, was purchased, in 1884, at a cost of $10,000, on which was erected a fine stone parish and Sunday School house, 72x88 feet, at a cost of $35,000, which was dedicated on the "Feast of Epiphany," January 6, 1885, the High street edi- fice being sold to the Hebrews, in 1885, for a synagogue, as else- where stated. It is the intention of the parish to erect, at an early day, an elegant and commodious church structure, and eventually a handsome rectory upon the same lot. Successive rectors of St. Paul's during the 52 vears of its existence, have been as follows: 1836, '37, Rev. Mr. Barrow; 1838-40, Rev. T. J. Davis; 1841-44, Rev. Lyman Freeman; 1844-47, Rev. Robert G. Cox; 1847, Rev. Mr. McElhinney; 184S, Rev. J. K. Stuart; 1850, Rev. E. H. Gum- ming; followed a year or tw^o later, by Rev. R. S. Nash, and in 1854, by Rev. D. G. Maybin; 1855 to 1859, Rev. Edward Meyer; 1860, Rev. Henry Adams; 1863, Rev. Samuel Maxwell; 1866, Rev. W. T. Fitch; 1869, Rev. Henry Gregory; 1870, the present incumbent. Rev. Dr. R. Iv. Ganter, twenty-one full years, and still popular and efficient. "pEV. RICHARD L. GANTER, D. •*^^ D., — born in Alleg'heny, Pa., July 23, 1835; primary education in Catholic schools of Pittsburg-; entered Kenyon Grammar School, •Gambler, Ohio, in Spring- of 1851; g-raduated from Kenyon College Classical Course, Jtily, 1856, and from Bexley Hall Theological Seminar}^ in 1859 ; ordained deacon of Episco- pal Church the same year ; Presbyter in 1860, then in charge of Grace Church, Mansfield, O.; entered army as private in 1861, and elected Chap- lin of 15th O. V. I.; in 1863 took charge of Trinity Church, Michigan City, Ind.; in 1865 called and accepted pastorate of Trinitj^ Church, Iowa Citj', Iowa ; 1867 to 1870 superinten- dent of Johnson County (Iowa) public schools ; in October, 1870, on call, accepted Rectorship of St. Paul's Church, in Akron, which position he still holds, being now, in point of incumbency, the oldest minister in Akron. During his pastorate the Parish has grown from 80 communi- cants to 370, with four distinct eras of church improvement and building during that time, the last being the fine stone chapel, at intersection of East Market and Forge streets, a handsome engraving of which is herewith given. September 27, 1865, Dr. Ganter was married to Miss Henrietta D. Sanford, at Painesville, REV. KICHAKl) L. GANTER, D. D. Ohio. They have four children liv- ing — Anna S.; Leo S., at Warren, O., Charles R. and Maxwell. The Doc- tor is at present atrustee of his Alma Mater, and President of the Diocese of Ohio. Akron's church history. 201 Membership: 1836, five communicants; 1837, nine; 1839, fifteen; 1844, sixty; 1888, 250 families, 370 communicants, 300 Sun- day School scholars, 36 teachers. HIGH STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST. The Disciples of Christ, or as they were then popularly, or per- haps derisively, called, "Campbellites," from the founder of the sect, Rev. Alexander Campbell, as early as 1830 began to teach their peculiar doctrines in this vicinity, and in 1339, organized a church in Akron, the meetings at first being held in private houses, school houses, halls, etc., the earlier preachers of the sect now recalled by the w^riter being Klders William Hayden, E. B. Hub- bard, O. Newcomb, M. S. Wilcox, A. S. Hayden, Almon B. Green, R. Moffat, J. H. Jones Benjamin Franklin, Jasper J. Moss, etc. At the organization of the society, by Klders Bently and Bosworth, in 1839, there were thirty-two members, Levi Allen and Samuel C. Bangs being elected elders, and Webster B. Storer and Jonah Allen deacons. In 1843, a protracted meeting, conducted by Elders John Cochrane and John Henry, resulted in 49 accessions to the church. About 1845, the church property originally belong- ing to the Congregational society, corner of Quarry and -High streets, w^as purchased, which was occupied until 1857, when it was sold to the German Lutheran society, who later removed the house to the rear of the lot for school purposes, erecting in its place their present handsome brick structure. Tappan Hall, on East Market street, was now used for church purposes for about six years. In 1863 the present site, on South High street, was purchased and a handsome frame edifice was erected thereon, at a cost of $6,000, to which quite extensive and expensive improvements, from time to time, have since been made. Officiating pastors since 1845: ])r. William F. Pool, M. J. Streator, W. S. Gray, Warren Belding, J. Carroll Stark, J. G. Encell, J. O. Beardsley, L. R. Norton, R. L. Howe, Lathrop Cooley, John L. Rowe, R. G. White, Frank M, Green, C. C. Smith and Levi Marshall, the pastorate of the latter commencing October 29, 1885; F. A. Morgan, February 1, 1890 to December 1, 1890; E. A. Bosworth, April 1, 1891 to present time. In 1875, 80 members of* the church, residing in that vicinity, withdreAV from the society for the purpose of establishing a mis- sion in the Sixth Ward, vt^hich was later organized into the Sixth Ward Church of Christ, as elsewhere noted. Present membership of High street Church of Christ, about 500; scholars in Sunday School, 330; teachers, 29. GRACE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The original of the church now organized under the above title, was one of the earliest church organizations of this vicinity — ^the Old Middlebury Methodist Church — and part of the ancient circuit, composed of Tallmadge, Brimfield, Mogadore, Pleasant Valley and Middlebury. It was made a separate charge in 1870, and in 1878 the old church edifice, corner Arlington and Exchange streets, was neatly remodeled, under the superintendence of Archi- tect Jacob Snyder, at a cost of $3,000. Among the earliest preachers 202 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. in this church were Revs. Mr. Monck, and the present venerable Dr. George W. Clarke. Since, and including, 1869, the pastors of the church have been as follows: M. Williams, George Elliott, W. W. Painter, James Greer, J. H. Merchant, W. H. Wilson, J. B. Cory, R. F. Randolph, A. W. Arundel, W. L. Slutz, R. M. Fresh- water, M. W. Dallas, Rev. J. H. Conkle, September 1887 to Septem- ber, 1890; Rev. J. K. Rader, September, 1890, to the present time. The present membership of the church is 150; Sunday School scholars 250. The society has recently constructed a comfortable parsonage, at 1016 East Market street. FIRST GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH. About 1842, the German Evangelical Protestant Congregation w^as organized, erecting a small house of worship, of stone, on the side of the hill north of Doctor Scott's residence, on North High street, Avhich building, devoted to secular purposes, is still stand- ing. In 1852, the Lutheran element withdre^r and organized a separate congregation, and in 1855, the German Reformed element consolidated with the German Reformed Church, the latter having previously purchased the original Baptist Church structure, northwest corner of South Broadway and East Center streets, the t^vo branches mutually "working for the cancellation of the debt against the church property. REV. JACOB DAHEMAN, D. D,~ born at Barmen, Rhenish Prus- sia, April 11, 1831 ; in Spring- of 1846 entered counting' house in Elberfield, two years later emigrating with par- entsto Wooster, Ohio ; here he served a three years' apprenticeship to trade of tanner and currier, at which he worked several years as journeyman in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Michigan; in 1855, entered Marshall College, at Lancaster, Pa., graduating- in 18w ; then for two years attended the thelog-ical seminary at Mercers- burg-, Pa., graduating therefrom in 1862; ordained to the ministry by the Philadelphia Classis of the Reformed Church June 15, 1862, immediate]5' organized a congregation in West Philadelphia, known as the German Evangelical Reforined Emanuel's Church, building a fine house of worship and parsonage, with a inem- bership of 245 communicants ; also officiating as stated clerk of Philadel- phia Classis 10 years, clerk of Synod, etc., receiving- the degree of D. D. from Ursinus College, CoUegeville, Pa., in 1880. November, 1880, Dr. Dahlman was called to the pastorate of the First German Reformed Church in Akron, which, as will be seen else- where, he has served with eminent KEV. JACOB DAHLMAN, D. D. success to the present time, replacing- the original frame church structure, erected in 1836, '37, with a fine brick edifice in 1890, '91. September 23, 1862, Mr. Dahlman was married to Miss Catharine M. Kopp, of Lancaster, Pa., who still survives. They have no children. Services were held on alternate Sundays in German and English, by their talented young minister. Rev. L. C. Edmunds, but after his rcvsignation, services in the German language, only. Akron's church history. 203 were maintained, with Rev. John F. Engelbach, as pastor. April 27, 1857, articles of incorporation were filed under the name of the "First German Reformed Church of Akron, Summit County, Ohio." In the Fall of 1858, the German portion of the congrega- tion, bought the interest of the English portion in the church property, and are now the sole owners thereof. Mr. Engelbach resigned as pastor in 1860, follo>ved bj^ Rev. Robert Koehler, in 1861; Rev. J. D. Leeman, in 1864; Rev. John Baumgartner, in 1866; Rev. Christoph Schiller, in 1870; Rev. Julius Herold, in 1876; and Rev. Jacob Dahlman, D. D., the present incumbent, in 1880. In the tow^er of. the church was a fine-toned 1200 pound bell, purchased by the citizens of Akron, in 1837, on condition that the then owners, the Baptists, should permit the "Town Council of Akron, and their successors in office, or their agents, thereunto lawfully authorized, to go in and out of the Baptist Church in Akron, free and unmolested forever, for the purpose of using said bell," said arrangement being ratified by the trustees of the church, Smith Burton, J. Rockwell, Robert K. DuBois, Richard Howe and Joseph Cole, November 15, 1837, and by the Town Council of Akron, November 23, 1837; and for many years this bell was rung morning, noon and night, at stated hours, in sounding fire alarms, announcing public meetings, times of holding court, etc. The society finally feeling the need of more room, in 1890, '91 replaced the old frame structure with an elegant brick edifice, of which a finely executed engrav- ing is here given, the old "Town Bell" ringing as clearly from its lofty tower, as it did from the belfry of the oi^ house when first suspended therein 54 years ago. The cost of the new building, with fixtures, organ and furniture complete, being $27,000. Dedi- cated May 3, 1891. The present membership of the church is 575; Sunday School scholars, 200; teachers 25. The society formerly, for several years, sustained a separate parochial school, but at present only main- tains said school during the vacation of the public schools, teachers being paid by tuition fees from the pupils in attend- ance. Church services are in the German language, though the pastor conducts missionary ser- vices every month in English. This society has fine cemetery grounds (seven acres) of its own, "Mount Peace," on Aqueduct street, north of West Market street, one of the finest locations for burial purposes in the vicinity. New German Reformed Church— corner South Broadway and East Center Streets— 1891. 204 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, GRACE REFORMED CHURCH. This society was org;anized in the original Universalist Church, March 5, 1853, by Rev. N. Gher. In 1863 its first house of worship w^as established, by the purchase of the Congregational Church, of Middlebury, and removing it to a lot purchased for that pur- pose on South BroadAvay, south of Mill street. This building, comfortably fitted up, served the purposes of the society until 1881, when the present fine brick structure, 52x80 feet in size, -was erected on the same site at a cost of $15,000. Successive pastors from one to three years each: Revs. N. Gher, P. J. Spangler, L. Bdmunds, J. Schlosser, J. F. Helm, William McCaughey, W. H. H. Snyder, S. S. Miller, J. M, Mickley, and I. E. Graff. In 1868 Rev. Edw^ard Herbruck assumed the pastorate, remaining four years, followed by Rev. M. Laucks, about two years, and by Rev. Emil P. Herbruck from April 1876, to September, 1886, Rev. J. B. Shontz succeeding January 1, 1887, to May 1, 1888 succeeded in turn, Octo- ber 1, 1888, by Rev. R. C. Zartman, to April 12, 1891, succeeded by Rev. E. R. Williard, from Tiffin, July 1, 1891. Present member- ship 640; Sunday School scholars and teachers 600. GERMAN ZIONS LUTHERAN CHURCH. REV. WILLIAM H. LOTHMAN,— eldest son of Ernest and Clara Elizabeth Lothnian, was born in the village of Buer, Kingdom of Han- over, January 31, 1845, at two and a half 5'ears of age removing with par- ents to Cleveland, Ohio ; attended Cleveland parochial schools until confirmed, in 1858, when he entered Concordia College, at Fort Wayne, Ind., graduating thCTefrom in 1862 ; then entered Concordia Univer- sity, at St. Louis, Mo., from which he was graduated in June, 1866 ; August 19, of that 5"ear, ordained into the ministry, preaching in the Ger- man Lutheran Church, of Elyria, Lorain County, and Liverpool, Medina Countj^, on alternate Sab- baths, six years ; in August, 1872, became pastor of Zion's Lutheran Church, in Akron, a fine new church edifice, and a commodious parish school building having been erected by the society^ during his pastorate. The sketch of the church here given will show the success of his nearl}^ twentj' years' pastorate in Akron. June 20, 1867, he was married to Miss Betty Husmann, daughter of Rev. F. W. Husmann, of Euclid, Ohio, who has borne hiin six children — Emma, Lydia, Ida, Edwin, Gertrude, KEV. WILLIAM H. LOTHMAN. and Clara, all still living at home. August 19, 1891, the silver anniver- sary of Mr. Lothinan's ministry was duly celebrated by his parishoners, a number of his brother ministers from Cleveland and other points participating. This society was organized August 6, 1854, by Rev. P. J. Buehl. In 1855 the society purchased from the Disciples, the house and lot forrnerly belonging to the Congregationalists, corner South AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY. 205 High and Quarry streets. Rev. G. Th. Gotsch succeeded Mr, Buehl, in 1864, the present incumbent, Rev. H. W. Lothman assum- ing the pastorate in 1872. The rapidly increasing membership making more room absolutely nec- essary, a fine ncAV brick church, 50x100 feet in size, with a 150 feet spire, was erected on the site named, the old house being re- moved to the rear of the lot and relegated to the purposes of a Par- ish School. The cost of the new edifice was $16,000. The house was dedicated on the 16th day of September, 1877, with impressive ceremonies. The society is composed of 250 families and about 700 com- municants. Sunday afternoons the pastor gives catechetical instruction to young and old. Society maintains a parish week day school, which children of members attend until confirmed, at the age of 13 or 14 years, when they are sent to the public schools. A new parish school house, a handsome two story brick build- ing, was erected in 1889, the old frame house after continuous service for church and school purposes for 54 years, being razed to the ground. German Lutheran Church, corner South High and Quarry Streets. THE SIXTH WARD CHURCH OF CHRIST. This society is an off-shoot from the High street Church of Christ, as elsewhere intimated. At a meeting held at Mershon'& Hall, March 30, 1875, a letter of dismissal from the parent church was asked for, in which the memorialists said: "We are moved to take this step by one motive, viz., for the greater usefulness in the cause of our Lord and Master. With many of us this is a painful duty, but a duty we think we owe to the community in which we reside, in order to a proper upholding and advancement of that cause we all profess to desire to see prosper." The letter was granted, and the new church was duly organ- ized, to be known as the "Church of Christ in Middlebury," with 80 members, and the following officers: H. T. White, Mendal Jewett and Almon Brown, elders; Geo, F. Kent, and Thaddeus H. Botsford, deacons; F. W. Inman, C. H. Palmer, and R. Whitmore, financial committee; S. C. Inman, clerk; A. Thompson and William Youmans, ushers; F. W. Inman, Geo. F. Kent, R. Whitmore, M. Jewett and T. H. Botsford, trustees. In 1878 and 1879, a handsome brick church edifice was erected on Broad street at a cost of $6,000. Successive pastors of the church have been as follows: Elder H. J. White, two years; Elder Frank M. Green, half time from July, 1877, to April, 1888; Elder J. 206 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. W. James, April, 1878, one year; Elder W. H. Rogers, November, 1879, six month; Elder T. D. Butler, one year; Elder Jasper J. Moss, three months; Elder S. A. Wurts, six months, ending September 20, 1882; Elder A. B. Williams, April 1, 1883, to April 1, 1887; Elder J. J. Moss, three months; Elder Frank W. Norton, July 1, 1887, to February 1, 1890; S. C. Humphrey, June 1, 1890, to present time. The society was duly incorporated as the "Second Church of Christ, Akron, Ohio," September 1, 1887. Present officers: Elder, Charles T. Inman; clerk, Edwin Corl; deacons: John Harrison, Sidney C. Inman, John B. DeHaven, George Viall, John Roberts, George F. Kent, Present membership, 150; scholars in Sunday School, 90; teachers, 10. TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH. The English Evangelical Luth- eran Church of the Holy Trinity was organized in the Spring of 1870, through the efforts of Rev. W. A. Passavant, D. D., of Pitts- burg, and Rev. S. Laird, with about thirty members. The first regular pastor was Rev. U. P. Ruthrauff, during w^hose pastor- ate the beautiful gothic brick church edifice, on Prospect street, w^as erected, at a cost, including parsonage, of $45,000. The church was dedicated in June, 1872, soon after which Mr. Ruth- rauff resigned, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. F. Fahs, Octo- ber 2, 1872. After a service of nearly ten years, Mr. Fahs was succeeded by Rev. Dr. J. B. Hel- wig, four years, the present incumbent, Rev. M. J. Fiery, commencing his pastorate December 1, 1886. The present membership of the Church is 425; scholars in Sunday School, 450; teachers, 25. GERMAN METHODIST CHURCH. This society was organized in 1887, by Rev. A. J. Bucher, a small but neat and convenient house of worship having previously been erected on the corner of East Exchange and Pearl streets which was dedicated December 12, 1886, Rev. J. C. Gerlach, the present Pastor, succeeding Mr. Bucher, October 6, 1888. Present membership, 55; Sunday School scholars, 60; teachers, 12. All services in German. Trinitj' Lutheran Church and Parson- sonage— Prospect Street. THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. This society was organized in October, 1882, by Rev. J. Excell, with 12 members and one Sunday School scholar. A snug little house of worship, 30x45 feet in size, was built on the corner of Hill Akron's church history. 207 and James streets in 1884, at a cost for lot and building, of $3,2(X). Successiv^e Pastors : J. Excell, one 3'^ear ; S Castorline, two years ; H. J. Becker, one year ; C. Whitney, t>vo years : C. N. Queen 1888, 1889; Rev. Vernon L. Fry, September 1889 to September 1890; Rev. J. F. Shepard, September 1890 to present time. Present member- ship, 230; Sunday School scholars, 150; teachers and officers 14. CALVARY EVANGELICAL CHURCH. This society was organized in 1866, by Rev. H. F. S. Sichley, Avith 14 members, Benjamin Stahl, leader. In 1867 it was made a Mission, by Conference, under charge of Mr. Sichle}'^. A church edifice w^as commenced the same j^ear, and the basement com- pleted and dedicated October 6, 1867, by«Presiding Elder, Rev. John StuU, the main audience room being dedicated May 3, 1868, by Bishop Joseph Long; the structure, outside of considerable work and material contributed by individual members, costing about $4,000. This house though considerably enlarged and improved, being still inadequate to the rapidly grooving needs of the society, an entirely new^ church edifice ^vas erected in 1888-'89 on the front end of the lot, corner of Bartges and Coburn streets. Size of building (frame) 54x100 feet, its cost being $12,340; seating capacity 1,000. Successive Pastors since organization: Revs. Jesse Lerch, A. Swartz, H. E. Strauch, A. E. Driesbach, S. S. Condo, A. Vander- soll, L. W. Hankey, J. B. Kanaga, S. S. Condo, D. C. Eckerman, J. A. Hensel, and E. M. Spreng, the latter assuming the pastorate in September 1890. Present members of Church, 390; teachers and scholars in Sunday School, 500, ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHURCH. At quite an early day, the construction of the Public Works of Ohio centering a large Catholic element at this point. Catholic services were occasionally held in the private houses of the mem- bers of that faith. Father Henni, afterwards Archbishop of Mil- waukee, 1835, coming on horseback from Cincinnati and saying mass in the cabin of the late James McAllister, then living in the village of Akron; Rev. J. B. Purcell, afterwards Archbishop of Cincinnati, Rev. Louis De Groesbriand, Father McLaughlin, Father Basil Short and others, holding services from time to time, the latter attending to the baptising of children, etc., from 1837 to 1842. A small frame house \^as commenced on Green street, in 1843, by Father M. Howard, who retained charge of the congregation to 1844. Father Cornelius Daly in charge from 1845 to 1848, enlarged and finished the house begun by Father Howard, Father Daly being the first resident pastor. Succceeding pastors have been Rev. Cassina Moavet, October 1848 to June 1850; Father Goodwin, June to December, 1850; Rev. Francis McGann, December, 1850 to August 1855; Rev. L. Molon, January, 1856, followed by Rev. Thomas Walsh and Rev. W. O'Connor for about three 3^ears; Rev. M. A. Scanlon from July, 1859 to November, 1873; Rev. Timothy Mahoney from November, 1873, to August 1, 1880, at which time the present incumbent. Rev. T. F. Mahar, assumed the pastorate of the congregation. 208 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. REV. THOMAS F. MAHAR, D. D., — son of Thomas and Ann (Hart) Mahar, both natives of the United States, was born at Scranton, Pa., September 28, 1851, in 1862 entered St. Mary's College, in Cleveland, where he remained four years, then attended St. Louis College, at Louis- ville, Stark County, three years. In 1869 he went to Rome, Italy, where he pursued his ecclesiastical studies six years, there receiving- the degrees of Ph. D. and D. D. In 1875 came to Cleveland, where he was made Assistant Pastor in St. John's Cathe- dral, serving in that capacitj^ five years. August 1, 1880, by appoint- ment of Bishop Gilmour, Father Mahar becaine the Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul's Church, of Akron, his ministrations having been attended with signal success to the present time, as will be seen by the history of the church, given else- where, not only having charge of St. Vincent de Paul's Church proper, on West Market Street, with a mem- bership of 275 fainilies, but of St. Mary's division, on South Main Street, with a membership of nearlj^ REV. THOMAS F.' MAHAK. 100' families, (soon to be erected into an independent parish), with his brother. Rev. William G. Mahar, as his assistant. On St. Patrick's Day, 1864, the present imposing stone church edifice, 50x100 feet in size, corner of West Market and Maple streets was begun, the exact date of its dedication not being remembered by the writer. The architecture is of the Roman order, the interior being handsomely stuccoed, and its twelve large windows being of elaborately stained glass, emblematical of sacred Bible characters and scenes, the keystone of each Avindo^w arch, upon the outside, being the finely carved head of some of the more prominent Saints of the Koman Calendar. The tower, and the furnishing have not yet been fully completed, though the tower now contains a large, fine-toned bell, placed there by the congrega- tion, and a first-class clock, procured by general contributions of citizens. The estimated cost of building, -when complete is $50,000. This society has a handsomely laid-out cemetery, fronting on West Market street, opposite Portage road, consisting of about seven acres of ground, the original cost of which Avas not far from $2,500. The society also in 1887 erected, immediately east of the church, an elegant brick parsonage, at a cost of $5,000. The con- gregation consists of 275 families, or 1,500 souls. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHAPEL OF EASE. To accommodate the rapidly increasing "South End" member- ship of the above named society, St. Mary's Division was organ- ized and a fine brick building, 36x62 feet in size, two stories high, viras erected in 1887, on South Main Street, opposite McCoy Street, in wrhich, besides being used for a parish school, as elsewhere stated, Father Mahar has hitherto held regular services every Sunday afternoon, but is now assisted in his ministrations to that AKRON S CHURCH HISTORY. 209 branch of the Church, by his brother, Rev. William G. Mahar. There are at present connected Avith this division 100 families, or about 500 souls. It is the intention to erect a commodious brick church edifice upon the same lot at an early day. ST. BERNARD'S CHURCH. Originally all of the different nationalities subscribing to the Roman Catholic faith, residing here, were embodied in the one church organization of St. Vincent de Paul. Owing to the rapidly increasing German element in that denomination, an amicable separation was effected in 1861, tAventy-three families, of the Ger- man-speaking portion, at that time forming a new society, under the title of " St. Bernard's Catholic Church. " The new society was placed in charge of Rev. Father Loure, of St. Peter's Church, Cleveland, by whom the corner-stone of a new church, northeast corner of South Broadway and Center streets, was laid in 1862. The new church was completed and occupied in January, 1863. REV. JOHN B. BROUN, D. D.,— born in Rening, France, March 2, 1834, moving with parents to Mon- roe, Mich., in 1847; at 20 entered Assumption College, at fcandwich, Ontario, remaining there three years; then entered St. Thomas College, near Bardstown, Ky., from which he graduated in 1859; then spent one year in St. Mary's College, Cleveland, studied Theology at Assumption College three j^ears, ordained priest in 1863, and located at Eagle Harbor, Mich., with a territory 55 miles in length, embracing three churches, sixteen missions and over 1,000 families, in making his semi- monthly visits to the churches and inonthly visits to the missions often traveling long distances on foot. In 1866, Father Broun assumed the pas- torate of St. Bernard's Church, in Akron, in whose spiritual and tem- poral interests, for over a quarter of a century, with the exception of two brief visits to Europe, in 1873 and 1890, he has labored with phenomenal REV. JOHN B. BROUN, DD. success, as fully set forth in the his- torj^ of that church, elsewhere given. First cost of structure not remembered, but accessions and improvements to the church property have since been made as follow^s: 1865, residence of pastor, $2,200; 1866, cemetery, 4i/2 acres, $2,500; 1867, school house, $1,400; 1868, renovation of church, $1,150; 1870, two bells, $1,350; 1874, necessary improvements, $1,200; 1877, bell tower, $2,600 ; frescoing church, $400 ; large bell, $946 ; other improvements, $200; 1880, addition to the church, $12,000; enlargement, heating, etc., of parsonage, $4,000; interior of church — altars, statues, candelabra, etc., $3,000. As w^ill be seen by an item in a preceding. chapter, the society has recently purchased tw^o large lots abutting on South Broadway, Center and State streets, at a cost of $9,000, on which it has erected a parish school building 14 210 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. costing $35,000, and on the south part of which it is the intention of the society to build an imposing church edifice, or cathedral, in the near future. Pastors of church since Father Loure: 1862, Rev. Louis Shiele, the first regular pastor; 1863, Rev. Peter Donnerhoffe; 1866, the present incumbent, Rev. John Broun. Present membership between 400 and 500 families or nearly 2000 souls. Children in schools about 500. AKRON HEBREW CONGREGATION. Though a number of Hebrew^ merchants commenced doing business in Akron as early as 1845, and that class of our population increased from year to year, no steps were taken towards the organization of a congregation of that faith until 1865. April 2, of that 3^ear, a legal organization was effected, with Michael Joseph, Theo. Rice, J. L.Joseph, S. B. Hopfman, Simon Joseph, H. W. Moss, Isaac Levi, S. M. Ziesel, Moses Joseph, Herman F. Hahn, J. N. Leopold, D. Leopold, Louis Calish, Caufman Koch and Jacob Koch, as charter members. Being reluctant to call upon other denominations, or the public generally, in providing for them- selves a house of worship, for four years after its organization the association had no fixed place for holding its meetings, but in 1869 fitted up a room in the third story of Allen's block for synagogue and school purposes. This ^vas occupied until 1874, when new rooms were fitted up in Clark's block, on the opposite side of Howard street, \vhich, in turn, gave place to still more commo- dious quarters in the third story of the new Barber block, cor- ner, of Howard and Cherry streets, in 1880, over $1,000 being expended in fitting up the latter, nearly as much more, probably, being expended upon the two former. In 1885 the former house of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, on South High street, was purchased for the sum of $4,500, and refitted for a Jewish Temple, at an additional cost of $2,000. In this pur- chase and improvement, outside aid to the extent of $2,500 was accepted from citizens generally, the members of this societ3^ ever doing their full share in the business and benevolent enterprises of the day. The congregation some time ago purchased land for burial purposes, adjoining the Akron Rural Cemetery, on the w^est, but afterwards transferred the same to the Cemetery Association, in exchange for a section of the southeast corner of the cemetery grounds, paying the association $1,000 additional in money. The Jewish population in Akron is probably about 300 souls, 175 of whom are adherents of this branch of the church, the remainder, composed mostly of other nationalities than the Ger- man, being know^n as " Orthodox Je^vs, " which has no Rabinical head at the present time. The number of paying members — heads of families — of the High Street Society is about 125, with about 40 Sabbath School scholars, the children attending the public schools during the week, the Rabbi giving them lessons in German and Hebrew four times a week, the regular religious services of the congregation being held on Friday evening of each week. Successive ministers to the congregation have been: Revs. N. Hirsch, N. L. Holstein, Akron's church history. 211 J. Jesselson, A. Suhler, A. Schreier, A. Burgheim, S. M. Fleisch- niari, B. Rabbino and Rabbi Joseph Wassertnan, the present incumbent. WEST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. About 1885, owing to the rapid increase of the protestant population in the west part of the cit}^, and especially in view of the somewhat plethoric status of the First Congregational Society- worshipping on South High street, a new society upon the West Side began to be talked of, when Mr. Lorenzo Hall gener- ously proposed to donate a lot for the proposed new church, on the northwest corner of West Market and North Balch streets. The proposition was accepted, and a tasty frame structure, 50x50 feet in size, with light and airy Sunday School rooms in basement, vt^ a s completed i n December, 1887, at a cost of $6,300. The church was duly organ- ized April 12, 1888, with 65 mem- bers from the parent society, and others, the present membership of the new society (August, 1891), being 225; Sunday School teach- ers and scholars, 400. May 13, 1888, Rev. David T. Thomas, a graduate of Lane yir^f^fC r ifc^ Of West Congregational Cliurch, corner West Market and North Balch Streets. RE\^ DAVID T. THOMAS,— second son of Thomas E. and Margaret Thomas, was born in Penycae, Mon- mouthshire, Soixth Wales, July 20, 1857, emigrating- with parents to Min- •eral Ridge, Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1864, three years later moving to Brookfield, TrnmbtiU County, work- ing at coal mining; in 1876 worked on farm near West Farmington ; in 1877 attended commercial college in Youngstown ; then clerked in grocery store in Sharon, Pa., fifteen inonths ; in 1879 entered preparatory depart- ment of Western Reserve College, at Hudson, going to Cleveland on removal ofcollege thither, and g-radu- ating from Adelbert University in June, 1885. In Fall of that year ■entered Lane Theological Seminar}^, at Citicinnati, graduating therefrom in May, 1888, previous to graduation accepting call to the pastorate of the West Congregational Church of Akron, entering upon his ministerial labors May 13, 1888, and continuing to the present time. January .5, 1889, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Millie H. Alexander, daughter of the late David S. and Sarah (Hale) Alex- REV. I>AVID T. THOMAS. ander. Thej^ have one child — Ruth born June 19, 1891. 212 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Theological Seminary, at Cincinnati, became the pastor of the new- church (his first regular charge,) though not as yet regularly' installed. Taken all in all, the West Congregational Church is one of the most prosperous of the younger religious societies in the city. AFRICAN M. E. ZION CHURCH. For a number of years the colored people of Akron have main- tained, "with more or less vigor, distinct religious organizations, the present society knowrn as the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, having been in existence some twelve or fifteen years.- At first meetings were held in private houses and halls, but after the erection of the present Perkins School building, the old frame school house was purchased and removed to the present site of Andrew Jackson's lumber office, on Exchange street, east of Ohio Canal. This point being needed for business purposes, about 1882, through the aid and under the auspices of the Ladies' Home Mis- sionary Society, a lot was purchased on South High street, between Cedar and Chestnut streets, and the house in question removed thereto and duly fitted up and furnished. For some time church and Sunday School services were conducted under the auspices of the Avhite ladies of the Missionary Society, but now wholl}^ by the colored people themselves — regular morning and evening services every Sunday, with Sunday School in the afternoon. Among the pastors of this church have been Rev. P. R. Anderson, five j'^ears; Rev. Charles H. Docket, one year; Rev. A. B. Mathews, two years; Rev. P. R. Anderson (second time), one year; Rev. J. H. McMuUen,. one year, and present incumbent, Rev. George Cliff. Present trustees (1891): Isham Smith, Milton Taylor, Richard Jones, James Morrison, Wilson Gross. Present membership, 25; Sunday School scholars, 25; teachers, 5. SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH (COLORED). This society has been organized about 10 years, but having no house of worship of its o\vn, meetings are at present held in a hall on Howard street. Rev. Cheatham, of Cleveland, officiating every other Sunday. Membership, 25; Sunday School scholars and teachers, 40. TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH. The rapidly increasing population of the region known as "North Hill," rendering better church and Sunday School facili- ties an imperative necessity, a Union Sabbath School wras organ- ized, and a suitable building for general religious services erected on North Howard street extension in 1889. The interest manifested in this enterprise by the people of that vicinity, soon created a demand for distinctive church privileges, and on October 1, 1890, Rev. E. D. Wettach organized Trinity Reformed Church, with a present membership of 150, and a Sunday School of 270 scholars and teachers, a Sunday School building, with seating capacity for 350, having been erected at a cost of $3,800 with the intention of adding thereto a more commodious church structure at an early day. NORTH HILL M. E. CHURCH. February 1, 1891, Rev. O. A. Curry organized, in the Union Sunday School House, a new M. E. Church, under the above title,. Akron's church history. 213 the present pastor being Rev. Mark G. McCaslin, of Kent. Present membership, 60: Sunday School scholars (union) 75 to 100. This new society have secured a lot at corner of North Howard street and Tallmadge avenue and have already (July, 1891) a fund of $3,000 towards the erection of a house of worship. Trustees: Wilson Treash, George L. Hanks, George Rittenhouse, Henry Zink, Robert Turner, Andrew^ Jackson and B. C. Herrick — Treash and Zink, leaders. WABASH AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST. The young people of the High Street Church of Christ, feeling the necessity of Missionary work in the southwestern portion of the city, in June, 1889, organized a Mission Sunday School in that locality, \\rith such marked success that on Sunday, July 12, 1891, a handsome chapel, corner of Wabash and Euclid avenues, costing ^2,400, ^vas dedicated. The Sunday School membership is now (July, 1891) 140 vsrith 12 teachers and officers. Church organiza- tion, proper, not yet perfected. SOUTH MAIN STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST. This is also a Mission enterprise, organized in March, 1891, tinder the auspices of the High Street Church of Christ, services thus far having been held in the Falor school house, though the erection of a house of Avorship at an early day is in contemplation. Present membership (July, 1891) 58; Sunday School scholars ^union) 91; teachers and officers, 15. SHERBONDY HILL CHURCH OF CHRIST. Organized February 1, 1891; present place of worship Sherbondy Hill school house, Rev. Wellington Besaw; present membership (July, 1891), 21; Sunday School scholars, 100. EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. Organized under the auspices of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, by Rev. E. M. Engers, of Defiance, in Germania Hall, on Sunday, July 12, 1891, with a membership of 14. Temporary officers; Frank Werner, president; Fred Albright, secretary; •Christian Reinhard, treasurer. OLD FORGE SUNDAY SCHOOL. Under the auspices of the First Congregational Church, in which a union Sunday School is maintained with about 180 scholars, and regular preaching by Rev. Clinton W. Wilson. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH. Organized May, 1890, in hall, 200 East Market street; Rev. George E. Burnell, pastor; Trustees: Herbert P. Hitchcock, chair- man, Charles M. Huntley, Earl D. Shepard; membership 50; Sunday School 50. 214 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN BETHANY CHURCH. Organized January 29, 1889: Services every other Sundaj^ by Rev. G. M. Nilseneus, of Cleveland; deacons, John Petterson, Nels Nelson, Nels Bengtson; trustees, Gustof Carlson, Gustof Johnson, John Olson; church edifice on Roswell street, 28x45, two stories and basement, erected in 1891; membership 75; Sunday School 78, CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. At a special meeting of the Cleveland Presbytery, in 1891, a committee, consisting of Revs. KdwardLayport, A. J. Hall, Charles S. Pomeroy and John C. Klliott, were appointed to look over the ground, with the view of organizing a new Presbyterian' Church in the central portion of the city. It is understood that the com- mittee is meeting w^ith such encouragement, in the way of pledges, that an organization w^ill soon be effected, and a commodious house of worship erected, though the exact location has not yet been definitely decided upon. AKRON MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION. This Association has been in existence several years, its aim and object tersely stated in article 2, of its Constitution, as fol- lows: "To cultivate mutual acquaintance and the social element; to discuss local and social problems, and to secure, as far as possi- ble, harmony and united action on questions of public expediency." At first the constitution provided that all resident ministers, in good and regular standing in their respective denominations, might become members by invitation of the Association, through its Secretary, but an amendment, passed September 8, 1885, extended the privileges of the Association to all clergymen resi- dent in Summit County. The officers are: president, vice president and secretary, elected annually. Regular meetings are held every two weeks, except during the months of July and August, with such special meeting as the best interests of the Associati(>n may seem to demand. The meetings of the Association are open to all, and its pro- ceedings are participated in by the ministers of the religious denominations of the city and county, and is a very useful organi- zation, not only in a social and fraternal point of view, but in securing unity of action in regard to the promotion of the relig- ious and moral questions and reforms of the day. CHAPTER XI. AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS— A TRULY LITERARY CENTER— ANCIENT MIDDLEBURY THE PIONEER, IN 1825— THE "PORTAGE JOURNAL"— HUDSON AND CUYAHOGA FALLS SOON FOLLOW— AKRON ALSO EARLY ON THE TAPIS— THE "AKRON POST," ESTABLISHED IN 1836— THE "AKRON JOURNAL"— THE "AMERICAN BALANCE"— THE CELEBRATED "AKRON BUZZARD"— THE "SUMMIT BEACON," ITS STRUGGLES, REVERSES AND . SUCCESSES FOR HALF A CENTURY— THE "AMERICAN DEMOCRAT" AND ITS NUMEROUS PROGENY— THE "CASCADE ROARER"— THE "SUMMIT COUxNTY JOURNAL "—THE "AKRON CITY TIMES," AND SCORES OF OTHER NEWSPAPER VENTURES, BOTH SUCCESSFUL AND UNSUCCESSFUL— AN ENTERTAINING AND INSTRUCTIVE CHAPTER. SUMMIT COUNTY'S NEWSPAPERS. THE first newspaper venture in what is now Summit County, was in the village of Middlebury, no-w the flourishing Sixth Ward of Akron, in 1825. The Ohio Canal project was then agitating the local public mind, it being thought that if that great water highway from Lake Erie to the Ohio Kiver, could be brought through, or ^vithin a mile and a half of, that ancient emporium, fortunes for its inhabitants ^'ould speedily be made. Hence an active and intelligent young printer from Ravenna, by the name of Laurin Dewey, proposed to boom the project by the publication of the Ohio Canal Advocate, if the people of the village would aid him in procuring the necessarj^ outfit. Accord- ingly, a subscription paper \v^as started, w^orded as follows: "We, the subscribers, being anxious for the prosperity of this section of the country, and for the dissemination of useful information gen- erally, do severally agree to pay the sums set opposite our respec- tive names, for the purchase of a printing press, types, etc., and the erection of a printing establishment in the village of Middlebury, under the direction of Mr. Laurin Dewej^, who will edit a weekly paper devoted to the general interests of the country, advertising, etc., the columns to be enriched by foreign and domestic news, religious intelligence, poetry, etc; the sums so paid by us to be considered in the light of a loan, to be repaid whenever the editor shall consider himself able to do so." Signatures to above, and amounts paid by each are as follows Charles Sumner, $10; Erastus Torrey, $10; Henry Chittenden, $5 Nathan Gillett, Jr., $5; Rufus Hart, $3; Edward Sumner, $10 Samuel Newton, $10; Charles W. Brown, 5; Benajah A. Allen, $3 Phineas Pettis, 5; Elijah Mason, $5; John McMillen, Jr., $10 Spencer & Morgan, $15; Alexander C. Lawson, $2; William McGallard, $2; I). W. Williams, $5; Thomas C. Viall, $2; Jacob Kaufman, $5; Jesse Allen, $4; Ithiel Mills, $3; Amos Spicer, $4 William Bell, $3; Roswell, Kent & Co., $5; Henry Squires. $5 Elisha Farnam, $5; Joseph W. Brown, $5; Horatio Howard, $5 Ambrose Cotter, $5; Henry Rhodes, $3; William Phelps, $2 William J. Hart, $3; R. and S. McClure, $5; Theophilus Potter, $2 J(^shua Richards, $2; Bagley & Humphrey, $10; Leonard Chatfield $2; David Jones, $2; Julius A. Sumner, $3; Miner Spicer, $4 Alpheus Hart, $1 ; Paul Williams $2; Guerdon Geer, $5. Total .)?2(M 216 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. With this fund an old style Ramage press, and a quantity of second-hand materials were purchased from the Cleveland Herald, the entire outfit being transported overland in a couple of two- horse wagons. In the meantime Mr. Ozias Bowen, (uncle of the late Hiram Bowen, founder of the Beacon, as hereinafter detailed), for many years Common Pleas Judge of Marion County, became associated w^ith Mr. De^vey in the enterprise; and the canal question having already been settled, the name of the projected paper was changed to the Portage Journal. The first number was issued September 28, 1825, Mr. Dewey having meantime transferred his interest to Elijah Mason. The size of the Journal was 19x24, an inch less each way than one-half the size of the Daily Beacon. The price was "two dollars per annum, (exclusive of postage) if payment be made w^ithin a year, or two dollars and fifty cents if payment be delayed until the year expires. No paper ivill be discon tin ued un til all arrearages are paid." In politics the Journal w^as independent, w^ith strong anti- Jackson proclivities. October 27, 1826, Mr. Bowen transferred his interest to Mr. John McMillen, Jr., the new firm of McMillen & Mason changing the name of the paper to the Portage Journal and Weekly Adi^ertiser. This vvas a pretty long name for so small a paper. A year later, with number 109, Mr. Mason transferred his interest to Alvah Hand, Esq., then practicing law in Middlebury. McMillen & Hand continued the paper until January or February, 1829, when, finding that it could not be rnade self-supporting, it was discon- tinued, the materials being sold to parties in Massillon. In subsequent chapters upon Hudson and Cuyahoga Falls, will be found brief histories of the Western Intelligencer (1827); the Ohio Observer (1832); the Familj^ Visitor {18dO); Hudson Gazette (1857); College Citj^ Venture (1866); Hudson Enterprise (1875); and at Cuyahoga Falls, of the Ohio Re i^ien^ (1833); True American (1840); the Cuj^ahoga Falls Reporter (1870); IVeeklj^ Journal (1881); Hudson Ejcpress (1888), etc., which need not be further alluded to here. Previous to its incorporation, in March, 1836, Akron was entirely destitute of local newspaper facilities, being entirely dependent upon the papers of Ravenna, Hudson and Cuj'^ahoga Falls, for such legal or business notices as were required to be published. The act of incorporation was passed March 12, 1836, and immediately thereafter a practical printer from Medina, Mr. Madison H. White, removed his Ramage press and types to Akron, and on March 23 issued the first number of the Akron Post. The Post was a five column w^eekly. Democratic in politics, and, considering that its proprietor was editor, compositor, reporter, pressman, job printer and " devil," it was a very fair expo- nent of the business and local interests of the village at that time. But as all official advertising had to be done in the papers at the county seat, the local paper did not receive the support antici- pated; and the Post was suspended November 15, 1836. 7'he Akron Journal. — Deeming the continuance of a Demo- cratic paper essential to the interests of the Democratic party, the late Judge Constant Bryan, then an ambitious young lawyer, and, Akron's newspapers. 217 like the Avriter, a sonieAvhat active Democratic politician, bought the out-fit of the defunct Post, and on the 1st day of December, 1836, revived the paper under the name of the Akron Journal. While of the same general make-up as the Post, the Journal "was far more ably conducted, but the proper business and pecun- iary support was not forthcoming, and the Journal, too, after an existence of about six months, was discontinued June 15, 1837. The American Balance. — In so stirring and promising, and w^ithal so strongly Whig a town as Akron, it would, of course, never do to let the Democrats enjoy a monopoly of the newspaper business, and so Horace K. Smith, an educated business man of Akron, and Gideon G. Gallovv^ay, of Northampton, a practical printer, procured a second-hand out-fit in Cleveland, purchased and repaired the crippled Ohio Observ^er press, alluded to in the chapter on Hudson, and issued the first number of the American Balance on the 19th day of August, 1837. In February, Mr. Hiram Bowen, a vigorous w^riter, and a practical printer, purchased Mr. Galloway's interest in the paper. Messrs. Stnith & Bowen made the Balance a paper that ought to have succeeded, but it, too, soon met an adverse fate, owing doubtless to the monetary panic then on, and the failure-inviting custom then in vogue among ne\vspaper men, of giving universal credit for both subscriptions and advertising, and the Balance ■was suspended at the end of the first year, August 9, 1838. TAe Akron Buzzard. — ^The history of this curiously named and, in its day, quite notorious little paper is thus briefly stated: A young Connecticut Yankee, by the name of Samuel Alanson Lane, then a recent comer to Akron, seeing the great amount of crookedness so prevalent along the line of the canal, at that early day, and especially in and about Akron, conceived the idea that a paper devoted especially to that end would greatly aid the authorities in ridding the town and county from the hordes of blacklegs, counterfeiters and thieves infesting and disgracing the community. Though follow^ing the business of a sign and ornamental painter, Mr. Lane had previously acquired a smattering of the art of printing, and obtaining from the late Judge Bryan permission to use the press and types of the defunct /owri^a/, on the 7th day of September, 1837, issued, as a feeler, the first number of the Akron Buzzard. It was a three column folio, 12x17 inches, published every tw^o weeks at 75 cents per year, doubled in size and price raised to one dollar at the beginning of the second year. The editorial nom de plume w^as "Jedediah Brownbread, Esq.," its orthography being of the Yankee dialect order, of w^hich the abominable styles of "Artemas Ward," "Josh Billings," "Petroleum V. Nasby," "Judge Waxem," etc., are fairly good imitations, and to this day Mr. Lane is more frequently saluted as "Jedediah," by his old-time asso- ciates, than by his own proper cognomen. The Buzzard's Platform. — Translated into ordinary lan- guage, the following extract from its salutatory fully sets forth the aims and objects of the paper: "The Buzzard will be a real jolly, nothing- to-do-^vith-politics, anti-blackleg paper, devoted to news, popular tales, iniscellany, anecdotes, satire, poetry, humor, the correction of public morals, etc. It will strike at the vices of 218 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. mankind with an occasional brush at its folHes. It will expose crime whether committed by the great or small, and applaud vir- tuous and noble actions whether performed by the rich or poor. It w^ill encourage the honest man in well-doing and make a trans- parency of the breast of the hypocrite. In short, it will be to society what the common buzzard is to our Southern cities, viz.: It will pounce upon, and bj' its influence endeavor to reform, or remove, such loafers as are nuisances in the community, b}' hold- ing them up to the gaze of a virtuous public." The Buzzard made things lively for the "b'hoys" and the "b'hoys" sometimes made things pretty lively for the Buzzard — - or rather its editor — visiting him with threatenings dire, vindic- tive lyings-in-wait and frequent assaults. But though literal!}" carrying his life in his hand, in his editorial onslaught upon crime and vice, "Jedediah" pursued the even tenor of his way from day to day, and from month to month, for a year and a half, Avhen, having accomplished the object of its mission, the Buzzard was discontinued on the 25th day of February, 1839 — not for want of patronage, for it was self-sustaining from the start — its subscrip- tion list being transferred to Hiram Bowen, Esq., who was thus able to resuscitate his own paper, under the title of the Summit Beacon, a full historj^ of which will be found further on. T/je Pestalozzian. — From the start, Akron was weW sup- plied with enthusiastic educators, among them being our vener- able fellow citizen, Nahum Fay, Esq., the late Horace K. Smith, and a very proficent teacher by the name of S. L. Sawtell. For the purpose of enthusing the people with their own advanced ideas upon the subject of education, and of systematizing the methods of imparting knowledge and conducting public schools, the tw^o latter gentlemen, on the 14th day of April, 1838, commenced the publication of a neat monthly quarto under the above title. Though ably edited, being in advance of the times, and by reason of the monetary stringency then on, it failed to secure a paying circulation, and was discontinued with the issue of its sixth num- ber; September 30, 1838. The Ohian and A^ew^ Era. — The question of finance and banking was one of the absorbing subjects of discussion and legislative tinkering of 50 jears ago. To ventilate his own pecu- liar views upon the subject, and doubtless with an honest desire to ameliorate the financial embarassments of the people, the late Jonathan F. Fenn, an early business man of Akron, (who died of cholera at Sacramento, Cal., in the fall of 1850), for a short time in 1838, published a small semi-monthly paper in Akron, under the above title, devoted to Free Banking, but though ably (from its standpoint) handling the financial questions of the day, it failed of financial success, and quietlj^ expired. Glad Tidings and Ladies' Universalist Magazine. — This w^as a sprightly semi-monthly quarto, published in Akron, in the interest of the Universalist faith, during the .years 1838, 1839 and 1840. It was ably edited by S. A. Davis, N. Doolittle and J. Whit- ney, and besides being a vigorous and aggressive exponent of the doctrine of universal salvation, was a most excellent literarj^ and general local newspaper. At the close of 1840, the paper was transferred to Cincinnati and its name changed to "The Star in the West," where it continued to shine, in the interest f)f that Akron's newspapers. 219 denomination, until about the year 1881, unknown to the w^riter, it was discontinued. when, for reasons HON. HIRAM BOWEN,— born in Strobridg-e, Mass., April 29, 1815, removing' with parents to Ohio, when young, settling' at "Old Forg-e;" in 1825, entered the printing office of his uncle, Judge Ozias Bowen, pub- lisher of Middlebury's pipneeer paper, the Portage Journal, herein alluded to, as an apprentice. In 1838, in company with Horace K. Smith, published the American Balance in Akron, and in April 1839, on his own account, established the Summit Beacon, which he ably conducted nntil its sale to other parties, in 1815, though continuing- to officiate as its editor one or two years longer. Mr. Bowen represented Summit Count}- in the Ohio Legislature during the session of 1815, '46. In 1849 Mr. Bowen removed to Janesville, Wisconsin, where he edited the Janesville Gazette for se\^eral years, afterwards becoming' manager of extensive Agricultural Works in that city. His health becoming seriously impaired Mr. Bowen finally retired to a large farm in South Dakota. Early in 1886, he went to Los Angeles, Cal., to visit his son, Mr. W. P. Bowen, a postal clerk on the Southern Pacific R. R., where he died March 20, 1886, at the age of 70 years and 11 months. Another son, W. S. Bowen, is one of the proprietors of the Daily Press and Dakotian, at Yankton, Dakota. HON. HIKAM BOWEN. The Summit Beacon. — This paper, the direct and leg^iti- mate successor of the American Balance, was started on the loth day of April, 1839, on a pledge of adequate support from the busi- ness men of Akron, and the leaders of the Whig party within the limits of the prospective new^ county of Summit, for the erection of which it at once became a vigorous and successful advocate. But notwithstanding the pledges of support, and of official patronage, after the organization of the new^ county, the Beacon in common with the new^spapers of the county, generally, had a hard struggle for existence for several years, yet though three times totally destroyed by fire, and hampered w^ith pecuniary embarassments, the Reliable Old Weekly Beacon, has never missed an issue during the fifty-tw^o years of its existence, though slightly diminished in dimensions, Avhile recovering from its disas- ters, and is to-day at the very head of the weekly papers in Ohio. In May, 1844, Mr. Bowen sold the Beacon to Mr. Richards S. Klkins, previously connected with the Ohio Star, at Ravenna. Mr. Bowen continued to act as editor, until April, 1845, when he was succeded by Laurin Dewey, Esq., a brother-in-law^ o.f Mr. Elkins, who also purchased a half interest in the concern. Mr. Dewey, it will be recollected, was the originator of Middlebur3"'s 220 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. first ne'wspaper scheme, as above set forth; having in the mean- time been connected with the Ohio Star, as proprietor and editor, and also served two terms as sheriff of Portage County. April 2, 1846, Mr, Dewey was elected warden of the Ohio penitentiary, but retained his interest in the Beacon until its recovery from the fire of June 9, 1848, w^hen the establishment was sold by Messrs. Dewey & Elkins to John Teesdale, Esq., former editor of the Ohio State Journal, at Columbus, Mr. Dewey remov- ing to Iowa, (where he died September 10, 1868), and Mr. Elkins forming a partnership with Mr. Joseph A. Beebe in the book and ■drug business. Under the able management of Mr. Teesdale the Beacon became the organ of the newly formed Republican party, in 1855, a partnership having in the meantime been formed betw^een Mr. Teesdale and Beebe & Elkins, the new book, drug and printing firm being Elkins, Teesdale & Co. February 27, 1856, Mr. Teesdale sold his interest to his co-partners, Beebe & Elkins, but continued to act as editor until his removal to Des Moines, Iowa, w^here he was elected State printer, postmaster, etc.. May 1, 1856, and w^as succeeded in the editorial chair by Hon. James Carpenter until his accession to the Common Pleas Judgship, October, 1856, when ex-Senator Ashel H. Le^vis, of Ravenna, assumed^ the position w^hich he ably filled, with Mr. R. S. Elkins as associate editor, about four years. HON. ASAHEL HOOKER LEWIS, — a native of Farming-ton, Conn., and a graduate of Yale College, soon after graduating coming- to Ohio ; for a time associated with J. A. Harris in the editorial manageinent of the Cleveland Herald, and later editing the Ohio Star at Ravenna. Mr. Lewis was also a lawyer of con- siderable ability, for a time practic- ing in Cincinnati. While a resident of Ravenna, in October, 1846, Mr.- Lewis was elected State Senator for Portage and Summit Counties, serv- ing- two years. In 1856, he removed to Akron, and became the editor-in- chief of the Summit County Beacon, then published by loseph A. Beebe and Richard S. Elkins, holding the positon until 1861. In July, 1861, he was appointed, by Gov. William Dennison, Probate Judge of Summit Coixnty, to fill the vacancy occasion- ed b3^ the death of Judg^e William M. Dodge, holding the position until the following October. Mr. Lewis then removed to St. Louis, where he was given a prominent position upon the editorial staff of the St. HON. ASAHEL hooker LEWIS. Louis Democrat, then the only Republican paper in the South, ably sustaining the government against the slave-holders' rebellion, until his death in September, 1862. On retiring from the office of sheriff, in January, 1861, Mr. Samuel A. Lane, superseded Mr. Lewis as editor of the Beacon. Mr. Lane, by giving more attention to local matters than his pre- decessors had done, and by the large amount of space devoted to the writings and doings of Summit County's "boys in blue," Akron's newspapers. 221 during the war, increased the circulation of the paper from 1,300 to- 2,500 copies weekly, the first two years. In January, 1865, Mr. Lane and Mr. Horace G. Canfield each bought a one-third interest from Messrs. Beebe & Elkins, the name of the firm being Elkins, Lane & Co. In January, 1867, Albertis L. Paine and Denis J. Long, two former Beacon boys, who, on being mustered out of the army, had established the Summit County Journal, as elsewhere noted, bought the remain- ing one-third interest in the Beacon from Messrs. Beebe & Elkins, the firm noAV being changed to Lane, Canfield & Co. In the Winter of 1868, Thomas C. Raynolds, then just gradu- ated from the Michigan University, was employed as assistant editor, and vrith the exception of a brief interruption, from 1870 to 1872, has been connected with the establishment ever since. The Akron Dailx Beacon.— In the meantime Akron had increased from a village of 5,500 inhabitants to a city of 10,000 in 1869, with manufacturing and commercial activities to match. Something faster than a ^weekly local paper was demanded, and on the 6th day of December 1869, the first number of the Akron Daily Beacon was issued by Messrs. Lane, Canfield & Co., with Mr. Lane as editor-in-chief, Mr. Raynolds as assistant editor, Mr. Canfield as business manager, and superintendent of machinerj^, and Messrs. Long and Paine, superintendents of job departments- respectively. DENIS J. LONG,-born in Albany, N. Y., November 28, 1844 ; at 15, came to Akron with his brother, J. A. Long- ; in 1859, entered BEACON office, as an apprentice, serving between three and four years ; in August, 1862, enlisted in Co. H., 104th O. V. I., serv- ing as a private soldier, until Febrvi- ary, 1864, when he was appointed to a clerkship in the office of Gen. Scho- field, in the Department of the Ohio, serving- tiJl the close of the war, being mustered out at Greensboro, N. C, June 28, 1865. On his return to Akron, in companj^ with Mr. Albertis L. Paine, started the Summit County Journal, with Judge James S. Carpenter as editor. January 1, 1867, the Journal was discontinued, Mr. Long and Mr. Paine each buying- a one-sixth interest in the BEACON, Mr. Long retaining- his interest as partner and stockholder (at its organ- zation as a stock company, being elected secretary), until 1875, when he entered the office of the Akron Iron Company, as book-keeper, continuing two years. March 1, 1877, he was appointed agent of the Union Express Company, afterwards of the Union. American and Adams Com- DENIS J. LONG. panics, which responsible position he held until his death, Januarj' 17, 1883, at the age of 38 years, 1 month and 20 days. In May, 1870, Mr. Long was married to Miss Eliza A. Potter, of Akron, who died May 13, 1891, aged 48 years, 3 months and 9 days. In December, 1871, the Beacon Publishing Company was organized with a capital of $25,000, Messrs. Lane and Long retain- ing their one-third and one-sixth interests, respectively, Messrs. Canfield and Paine retiring, the balance of the stock being taken 222 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. by a number of prominent business men of the city, with Mr. Lane as business manager, Mr. Raynolds as editor-in-chief, and Mr. Wilson M. Day as associate editor The business of the concern rapidly increassd in all its depart- ments, but unfortunately, in the very height of its business season, in the job printing and binding line for the several manufacturing concerns of the city, on the 27th day of April, 1872, the establish- ment was totally destroyed by fire, with a loss, over and above insurance, of fully one-half of its capital. The burned building w^as immediately replaced, greatly enlarged, and filled Avith a full complement of first-class machinery and material, and a large stock of general and fancy stationery. This rel)uilding and refitting of the establishment, on a greatly enlarged scale, and with far better machinery and material, and especially w^ith its impaired capital, and several months interrup- tion to its most profitable departments, while subjected to extra- ordinary running expenses, piled up an indebtedness, that with the almost immediately recurring monetary and commercial panic of 1873, brought the company into very serious pecuniary embarrassment. To such an extent did this embarrassment press upon the stockholders, though still nominally solvent, that it Avas at length deemed advisable to transfer its propertj^, fanchise and good will to any responsible party that would assume its liabilities. Accord- ingly, in January, 1875, the entire property was sold to Thomas C. Raynolds, Frank J. Staral and John H. Auble, on that basis, a sufficient number of the old stockholders retaining a nominal interest for the purpose of keeping the corporate organization intact. This arrangement continued about two years, when Mr. Auble withdrew, leaving Messrs. Raynolds and Staral sole owners, which relation was continued, with signal success, until May 16, 1887, when Mr. Staral sold his interest to Mr. Hermon Bronson,Mr. Bronson, in turn, transferring his interest to Mr. Raynolds, April 14, 1889, and in its inagnificent new home in the handsome six- story brick block, erected especially for its use, by Hon. George W. Crouse, corner of Mill and Main streets, the Daily Beacon establishment, with its extensive news, job printing, book-binding and stationery departments, all fully equipped with first-class machinery and material, being one of the most complete and prosperous of its class in Ohio, its daily circulation having increased from 600 in 1869, '70, to a present daily average of 3,500 copies; while the reliable old Summit County Weekly Beacon, correspondingly improved and prospered, duly celebrated its golden anniversity on the 15th day of April, 1889. Beacon and Republican. — As hereinafter detailed, the Daily Telegram and Sunday Gazette, in 1889, passed into the hands of the new^ly organized Republican Publishing Compan^^ with Mr, Kenyon B. Conger as its president, its name being changed to the Akron Daily Republican, w^hich had a successful run until January 1, 1891, when a consolidation w^as effected with the Beacon. The name and style of the consolidated organization, ^vith a capi- tal of $100,000, is The Akron Printing and Publishing Company, with Hon. George W. Crouse as president, Kenyon B. Conger as vice president and Thomas C. Raynolds as business manager, the AKRON S NEWSPAPERS, 223 several editions of the paper being: The Akron Beacon and Republican, (daily), The Summit Countv Beacon, (weekly), and the Sundaj^ Republican. The American Farm News is now^ also owned and published by this company. a^HOMAS CRAIGHEAD RAY- -^ NOLDS,T-yon of George and Jane L. (Craighead) Raynolds, — born near Canton, Ohio, June 18, 1848 ; educated in public schools of Canton and Akron and at Western Reserve College and Michigan University, graduating from the classical course of the latter institution, January 24, 1868, his long- vacations being spent upon the United States survey of the northwestern lakes, under the super- intendence of his uncle. Gen. W. F. Raynolds, of the U. S. Engineers ; July 14, 1868, began journalistic work as a reporter on Detroit Post, six months later, in January, 1869, com- mencing work upon the BEACON, as its first reporter ; in 1870 became paragraph editor of Pittsburg Com- mercial ; in 1871 did editorial work on an insurance and inanufacturing journal, in Cincinnati ; in November, 1871, on organization of the Beacon Publishing Compan}-, became editor of the Dail}^ and Weekly BEACON, continuing three j'ears ; from 1873 to 1875 did editorial work successivel3^ on Cleveland Sunday Voice, Cleve- land Leader, and Toledo Commer- cial ; in January, 1875, on reorganiza- tion of Company, returned to the Beacon, as its Editor-in-chief, which position he maintained until January 1. 1891, when, on consolidation of the Daily BEACON with the Dailj^ REPUB- LICAN, he became the Business THOMAS CRAIGHEAD RAYNOLDS. Manager of the newly organized Akron Printing and Publishing- Company, which position he still holds. January 3, 1873, he married Miss Lillian Alice Waggoner, of Akron (only daughter of John H. and Laura A. Waggoner), who died Octo- ber 4, 1883, leaving one son, Willie Waggoner Raynolds. September 14, 1886, Mr. Raynolds was again inarried, to Miss Ida B. Foote, only daughter of Daniel S. and Mary A. Foote, of Akron. The American Democrat. — August 10, 1842, Mr. Horace Can- iield, who was one of the founders of the Ohio Review, at Cuyahoga Falls, in 1833, as elsewhere noted, issued in Akron the first number of the American Democrat. The paper, as its name indicates, was politically democratic. The Democrat was ably conducted, as a party organ, until December 14, 1848, when it was discontinued for reasons thus alluded to in Mr. Canfield's parting editorial: '•In performing what he has thought a duty, in advocating Democratic principles, he has too much neglected his duty to himself and family, and he is often roughly reminded of this neglect by the empty state of the doinestic treasury, when calls oti it are only for the simplest necessaries for family use. It is of no avail that the books shdw a prosperous state of finances, if the larder and meal bag- are filled with emptiness. However pre- valent the doctrine may be that editors can live on air, we can testify, from experience, that it is a fallacy, so far as regards the editor's farailj^" The Akron Eagle. — A week later^ December 21, 1848, the first number of an "Independent Miscellaneous Family Newspaper," uuder the above head, was issued by Mr. Canfield. This was con- tinued just six months, the last issue appearing on the 14th day of 224 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. June, 1849, but without any statement as to the cause of its suspension, Akron Free Democrat. — July 4, 1849, number one, volume one, of a paper under the above title, with Horace Canfield as pub- lisher and Sidney Edgerton as editor, was issued, Mr. Edgerton. in his initial editorial saying: "The political character of this paper is indicated by its title, and, ivhile we stand as its editor, it shall conform to the title it bears. No party prejudice shall induce u s to support what we know to be w^rong; neither shall party pre- dilections restrain us from condemning what we believe to be error. * * * We are firm believers in human progress, and that belief is founded upon the recorded truths of history, which most clearly point to 'a good time coming.' * * * Strike the chains from the bondman w^herever the power of the general government extends, and give us a sure guaranty that slavery shall extend no further, then w^e are ready to discuss and act in reference to minor matters." HORACE CANFIELD, — born in Middletown, Conn., July 4, 1803 ; learned the printing business with his uncle, Pholenion Canfield, in Hartford, serving seven j^ears ; March 24, 1824, was married to Miss Julia Ann Everard ; worked at trade in Hartford and Cambridge, Mass., till 1833, when he came to Cuyahoga Falls, where he established the Ohio Review, as eleswhere stated. In the Fall of 1834, went to Cleveland where he published the Cleveland Adver- tiser (Democratic) about four 3'ears ; in ■ 1838 going to Medina, where he published The Watchman (Demo- cratic) four years, coming to Akron in August, 1842, and establishing the American Democrat, which he published and edited inost of the time till his death, December 28, 1853, at the age of 50 years, 5 months and 24 days. Mr. Canfield served in Cleveland City Council, on Akron Board of Education, and at the tiine of his death was Recorder of the Incorporated Village of Akron ; was a zealous Mason and a highly honor- ed citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Canfield were the parents of six children — Henry E., (now residing in Akron, and engraver of the accompanj'ing- HORACE CANFIELD. potrait of his father); Thomas, who died in April, 1860 ; Horace G., one of the best kno^vn printers of Akron ; Julia Ann (now Mrs. I. B. Hargett, of Alexandria, Ohio), and William and Caroline who died young. Mrs. Canfield died August 9, 1882, aged 80 years and 3 months. Free Democratic Standard. — The Free Democrat continued until after the October electron of 1849, when the name was changed as above, with Lyman W. Hall, a well-known anti-slavery w^riterof Ravenna, as editor and proprietor, the first number of which appeared November 8, 1849. This arrangement was continued until March 6, 1851, when the names of H. Canfield and W. O. Viers appear as publishers, "assisted editorially by an association." In November, 1851, Mr. Canfield resumed entire control, in August, 1852, dropping the "Free," though retaining the motto, "Freedom and Equality," and continuing to publish the Democratic Akron's newspapers. 225 Standard until his death, December 29, 1853, after which it was published for some time by his two sous, Thomas and Horace G. In the Spring of 1855 the office was sold to H. P. Abel, and the Standard re-established, issuing a small daily. The experiment was not successful, and both the daily and the weekly were soon suspended. In the Winter of 1855, '56, Mr. W. D. Bien bought the office and revived the paper under the name of the Summit Denjocrat. In the Winter of 1859, '60 the office passed into the hands of J. Hays Webb, w^ho, just before the Presidential election of 1860 removed the materials to Canton, where, under the title of the True Democrat, it was run until the Spring of 1864, when it returned to Akron, and, under the title of Summit Union, run until the close of the Brough-Vallandigham campaign, in 1863, when the paper ^ras discontinued and the office taken to Ravenna. The Cascade Roarer. — March 15, 1844, while the Washing- tonian temperance reform movement was at its height, the Buz- zard w^as revived as a temperance paper by the writer and Mr. Isaac Chamberlin, Jr., Mr. Chamberlin a few wrecks later trans- ferring his interest to Mr. William T, Coggeshall, afterwards a literary -writer of considerable repute. State Librarian under Gov- ernors Chase and Dennison, from 1856 to 1862, and minister to Ecuador, South America, under President Johnson until his death, from consumption, in the Summer of 1867. The name of the paper was changed by Messrs. Lane & Cog- geshall to the Cascade Roarer, partly because that portion of Akron in which it was pul)lished was still know^n by its original name of " Cascade," but more particularly because of its radical cold water signification. Through the vigorous and incisive writings of Mr. Coggeshall, and the efforts of Mr. Lane, as a travel- ing temperance lecturer and solicitor, the Cascade Roarer attained a w^eekly circulation of about 2,500 and a considerable general as well as local repute. Tee-Total Mechanic— July 21st, 1846, Mr. Lane sold his interest in the Cascade Roarer to Mr. James S. Drew, a practical printer of Massillon, and as there was at that time considerable agitation among the mechanics of the country for the establish- ment of 10 hours as a day's labor (instead of the 12 to 14 hour day day then in vogue), and for cash payments, instead of the order and "truck and dicker" system described in a former chapter, the name of the paper was changed as above by Messrs. Drew^ & Cog- geshall. The 7^ee-Total Mechanic w^as successfully published for about three months, when it w^as merged with a larger paper, similar in character, published in Cleveland, under the name of • the Temperance Artisan, the last issue in Akron being under date of October 24, 1846. The Free School Clarion. — In 1846, our late well-known citizen, Dr. William Bowen, then a resident of Massillon, com- menced the publication of a ringing educational journal in that village — a four column quarto — under the above title. The latter part of 1847, Dr. Bowen was succeeded in the publication of the Clarion by the well-known educator, Lorin Andrews, of Massillon, and M. D. Leggett, Akron's fiirst school superintendent, under the Akron school law, and its publication continued simultaneously at Massillon and Akron. This arrangement continued a few months only, Mr. Leggett's connection with the Akron schools 16 226 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. « ceasing some time in 1849, when the conduct of the Clarion was relegated entirely to Mr. Andrews, at Massillon, its subscription list being afterwards transferred to the Ohio Journal of Education at Columbus, now the Ohio Educational Monthlj^, published by Dr. S. Findley, in Akron. * 2 he Summit Countjr Journal. — At the close of the 'war, two former Beacon boys, Albertis Iv. Paine and Denis J. Long, in September, 1865, established a Republican weekly newspaper under the above title, with Judge James S. Carpenter as editor. Ably edited and neatly printed, the Journal was reasonably suc- cessful, but on the purchase from Messrs. Beebe & Elkins of their remaining one-third interest in the Beacon, as above stated, in January, 1867, the Journal was discontinued and its subscription list, good-will, etc., transferred to the Beacon. The Akron Citj- Times. — January 20, 1867, a nine column \sreekly Democratic paper, under the above title Avas started in Akron, by Mr. J. C. Loveland, that gentleman being fresh from the editorial chair of the Clyde, (Ohio) Times, a radical Republican paper, which he had published during the war. Mr. Loveland, besides his recent political somersault, had the bad taste to immediately commence a bitter personal w^arfare against the editor of the Beacon, moving his antagonist to obtain the loan from its then proprietor, of the files of the Clyde Times, during Mr. Loveland's conduct of that paper, from which copious extracts were made from Aveek to week, dealing such vigorous bloAVS upon the heads of his new political backers, that they incon- tinently threw him overboard, and in August, 1867, the office was transferred to Mr. George C. Crain. . April 28, 1868, R, S. Bean & Co., succeeded Mr. Crain, who in turn transferred the Times to S. L. Everett & Son, in October of the same year. The father dying some two or three years later, the son, Sebastian L. Everett, ("Don," as he was familiarly called), continued the publication with considerable vigor until 1873, when it was transferred to Mr. Richard H, Knight, ^th his son Clarence R. Knight, as editor. November 23, 1882, Edwin Myers, a practical printer from Wooster, entered into partnership with the elder Knight, the younger Knight still in the editorial chair. Februar^^ 23, 1882, that veteran editor and publisher, of Wooster, E. B. Eshelman, Esq., purchased Mr. Knight's remaining interest and assumed edi- torial control of the Times, March 1, 1885, Mr. O. D. Capron succeeded Mr. Eshelman to a half interest in the concern, the firm name of Messrs. Myers & Capron being " The Times Printing Company," Capt. W. B. Taneyhill being employed as editor, in • 'which position he was succeeded by Mr. Frank S. Pixley. February 24, 1886. July 6, 1887, Mr. Capron sold his interest to Mr. Pixley, and May 8, 1888, Messrs. Myers & Pixley sold the concern to "The Akron Publishing Company," of Avhich Mr. J. M. H. Frederick was president and Mr, M. J. Gilbo secretary and treasurer, Mr. Pixley officiating as editor until the organization of the Republican Pub- lishing Company in 1889, when Melville Wright and Frederick G. Frease became its proprietors, with Mr. Wright as business man- ager and William B. Taneyhill as editor. The Citv Times, besides vigorously supporting the political party in whose interest it is Akron's newspapers. 227 published, is a most excellent family newspaper, and enjoys a healthy circulation and a liberal advertising patronage. The Akron Geriiiania. — This paper, as its name indicates, is published in the interest of the German speaking population of Akron and vicinity. It was founded in the Fall of 1868, by Mr. H. Oentz, but transferred to Prof. C. F. Kolbe early in the following year. In September, lS72, it was transferred to the "Akron Paper and Printing Company," with Stephen Ginther as business man- ager and Paul E. Werner as editor. In October, 1875, Mr. Louis Seybold was employed as editor, and in 1880, the " Germania Printing Company" was formed, with Mr. Paul E. Werner as bus- iness manager. In November, 1881, the paper was again trans- ferred to Prof. Kolbe, and in April, 1882, leased by Prof. K. to Louis Seybold, who conducted it till January 1, 1884, when it was sold to Hans Otto Beck and George Billow. In July, 1887, the " Germania Publishing Company" was incorporoted with a capital of $15,000. which company was reorganized September 27, 1887, with Paul E. Werner as president; Louis Seybold, secretary; Hans Otto Beck, business manager and treasurer. The Freie Presse. — A new candidate for popular German and business favor, was started in December, 1836, by the " Freie Presse Publishing Company," with Albert Fernitz as president; Julius Kroffke, secretary and treasurer, and Louis Seybold as editor. Mr. Seybold vacated the editorial chair in September, 1887, after which time, the Freie Presse was under the editorial control of Mr, Kroffke, until it was merged in the Germania, May 15, 1889, the present officers of the reorganized Germania Print- ing Company being: Paul E. Werner, president; Kenyon B. Conger, treasurer; Louis Seybold, editor; Julius Kroffke, business manager. The Akron Dailj^ Argus. — In March, 1874, the Akron Daily- Argus was started by H. G. Canfield & Co., with Elder John F. Rowe as editor, a semi-weekly edition also being issued. It w^as iin independent paper and ably edited, securing a fair circulation and a liberal share of advertisements. The paper passing to the subsequently formed "Argus Printing Company," by a majority vote of the stockholders, was, in September, 1874, changed into a Democratic sheet, with "Don" Everett, formerly of the City- Times, as editor. March 20, 1875, the Argus passed into the hands of its former editor, Elder John F. Rowe and his brother, Frank M. Rowe, a practical printer, who, under the firm name of Rowe Brothers, again changed its character from a political to an independent paper. This arrangement continued until December 25, 1876, when the concern >vas purchased by Mr. Carson Lake, by w^hom it w^as again given a Democratic bias, thus continuing under Mr. Lake's lively management, until July 1, 1879, when the office and fixtures w^ere purchased by Messrs. Paul E. Werner and B. F. Nelson, by whom the Argus w^as discontinued. The Sunday- Gazette. — This was a six-column quarto, devoted to general and local news, literature, miscellany, religious intelli- gence, society matters, etc. It w^as started in December, 1878, by Mr. Paul E. Werner, as publisher and proprietor, Carl F. Kolbe, as editor. July 26, 1879, it was consolidated with the daily and iveekly Tribune established at that time by Werner & Nelson, as 228 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. stated below, and the name changed to the Sunduj^ Tribune, but after two or three issues again changed to the Sundaj^- Gazette. After the dissolution of the firm of Werner & Nelson, and the dis- continuance of the Tribune, February 2, 1880, the Gazette was continued by Mr. Werner, in connection with the Gerniania until September 25, 1880, when it w^as purchased by Mr. Carson Lake. January 8, 1883, the paper was transferred to Fred C. and Isaac Jennings Bryan, w^ho, under the name and style of the " Sundaj^ Gazette Company," successfully edited and published the same until May 10, 1885, -when I. J. Bryan became its sole proprietor, under whose editorial control it \Nras equally successful. June 23, 1887, Mr. Bryan sold the Gazette to Mr. Frank S. Pixley, and on the 7th of July, 1887, it was transferred by Mr. Pixley to the Times Printing Company of w^hich he was then a member. May 8, 1888, the Gazette passed into the hands of the "Akron Publishing Company," w^ith the Akron Citj^ Times, as above set forth, the name being changed by the new proprietors to the Sundaj" Telegram, and subsequently to the Sundav Republican, which title, under the proprietorship of The Akron Printing and Pub- lishing Company it still, bears. Dailj^ Telegrani-Dailv Republican. — The Akron Publish- ing Company, then proprietors of the Akron Citj^ Times, and the Sundaj^ Telegram, as above stated, in 1889, commenced the pub- lication of the Dailjr Telegram, later the same year, changing it to the Daily Republican, by the newly organized Republican Printing Company, of which Mr. Kenyon B. Conger was president, later being consolidated with the Beacon Publishing Company, as already stated, under the corporate name of The Akron Printing and Publishing Company. The Akron Commercial. — This w^as a nine column folio monthly, commenced in the Spring of 1874, by Capt. J. J. Wright, formerly, for several years Akron's efficient Marshal, as well as a plucky and faithful soldier during the entire w^ar- — 1861-65. The Commercial, as indicated by its name, was principally devoted to advertising and commercial matters, though giving with each issue a large amount of interesting miscellaneous and local read- ing matter. With the intention of removing to Dakota, about 1884, Mr. Wright disposed of his printing material, and the paper was discontinued. The People^ s Monthljr. — This was a five column quarto monthly. It was started in May, 1883, by Robert H. Behan, a practical printer, as an "Independent Home Journal for Family Reading." Under Mr. Behan's management it w^as fast working its way into popular favor, until failing health compelled its relin- quishment, the i\fo/2^/2/r being transferred to F. C. and I. J. Br3"an, publishers of the Sundaj^ Gazette, by whom it w^as continued until the Spring of 1885, w^hen it was sold to Capt. J. J. Wright, late publisher of the Commercial (w^ho had, in the meantime, changed his mind about going to Dakota), by w^hom it Avas published until the Summer of 1889, when, by reason of ill health of the proprietor, it w^as discontinued. The Akron Dailj^ Neivs. — This was an independent Republi- can paper, published by Walter E. and Frank Wellman, from about 1881 to 1883. It was an ably conducted and spicy sheet, and will chiefly be remembered for the part it took in the Congressional Akron's newspapers. 229 campaign of 1882, in w^hich it opposed the election of the regularlj'^ n')ininated Republican candidate, Hon. A. S. McClure, and sup- ported the Democratic candidate, Hon. David R. Paige, ^^^ho was elected. Though securing quite a large advertising patronage and circulation, it fell into financial embarrassment, and after one or two changes of proprietors, was discontinued. South End News.— In September, 1884, John M. Sauder & Co. coinmenced the publication of a six column monthly folio, under the above title, with Mr. P. P. Cherry as editor. It was non- political, especially devoted to the interests of the "South End," and attained a circulation of 2,000 copies, at 25 cents per year, and though self-sustaining, other duties claiming the attention of the proprietors, the paper w^as discontinued in April, 1886, and the material sold to Cleveland parties, and removed thither. Trade and Labor Journal. — About 1884, Frank R. Newell and Irving C. Tomlinson, practical printers, opened a book and job •office, at 112 Howard street, (second floor), from which office there was published, for the period of about one year, a spirited labor paper, w^hich attained quite a large circulation, but not proving remunerative to its publishers was discontinued, and the materials transferred to other parties. The Issue. — During the political campaign of 1885, L. B. Logan published a small Prohibition paper under the title of "The Cam- paigner," w^hich, after the election, w^as continued as the organ of the Prohibition party, under the name of "The Issue," one year and two months, when it w^as suspended, but afterwards resumed for a short time in Youngstow^n. Daily Star-Iteniizer, etc. — In the Spring of 1888, George W. Orames commenced the publication, in Akron, of a small Demo- cratic daily, under the name of the Daily Star, which continued to scintillate with considerable brilliancy for a month or so, when , its name was changed to the Itemizer, but though conducted w^ith fair ability, the principal "item " necessary to its permanence - — cash — was lacking, and it, too, departed hence, "to be with us no more forever." Dailj^ Illuminator. — During the political campaign of 1886, a small daily paper, bearing the above title, with Mr. William Cub- bison as editor, was published in the interest of certain of the labor organizations of Akron, but after the close of the campaign, it was found to be both politically and financiallj'' non-profitable, and its "luminosity" suddenly ceased. Ohio Educational Monthlv. — In Januarj', 1852, The Ohio Journal of Education was inaugurated by the Ohio Teachers' Association, with a committee of six of the well-know^n Ohio teachers as editors. Dr. A. D. Lord, of Columbus, being the local manager. The journal Avas a 32-page monthly, quarto in form, price one dollar per year, and became the official organ of the State School Commissioner on the creation of that office in 1853. In 1855 Rev. Anson Smyth became the manager and editor in chief, suc- ceeded, on his election to the commissionership, a year later, by Mr. J. D. Caldwell. In 1858 the late William T. Coggeshall (form- erly of Akron), then State Librarian, w^as appointed editor, with Mr. John Ogden as canvassing agent, Hon. E. E. White succeeding Mr. Coggeshall, as editor, in 1861. Though ably edited and acquir- ing quite a large circulation, the losses from credits on subscriptions 230 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. and advertising, and the expense of canvassing and collecting,, rendering the management by the association undesirable, the Journal was transferred to Dr, D. W. Henkle, the name having previously been changed to the Ohio Educational Monthlv and the price advanced to $1.50. Dr. Henkel removed the Monthly^ from Columbus to Salem, Columbiana County, and at his death it was bought by Dr, Samuel Findley, late superintendent of Akron Public Schools, and, com- mencing -with the February number, 1882, the office of publication has since been in Akron. Dr, Findley at once so popularized the Monthlj^ that its circu- lation doubled in a year and a half, moving the Doctor to increase its size from 32 to 48 pages, and the Ohio Educational Monthlv, now on a sound financial basis, is not only the oldest, but probably the best educational journal in America. American Farm Neivs. — This, "A Journal Devoted to Farm- ing and Manufacturing," is a four column 16 page monthly, richly illustrated and handsomely printed, started by the American Farm News Company, >vith Solon L. Goode as manager and W. A, Connor as advertising manager. The Farm Neivs was com- menced in January, 1888, and, at the extraordinary low price of 25 cents per year, it has already (July, 1891) attained to a circulation of about 100,000 copies, monthly, with a very liberal share of live and profitable advertising. The Farm News is now owned and published by The Akron Printing and Publishing Company. The Advance. — June 7, 1877, Robert Shilling commenced the publication, in Cleveland, of a small daily, with a five-column weekly edition, under the above title, as an organ of the National Greenback Labor Party. In May, 1880, the daily edition was sus- pended, the weekly being transferred to Salem, Columbiana County. An Akron edition was also printed at the Salem office. In August, 1880, Mr. John P. Burns became its editor and pro- prietor, and in January, 1881, removed the Advance to Akron, w^here it was published for a year, and finally discontinued. OTHER LITERARY VENTURES. Almost innumerable other nevirspaper experiments have been tried in Akron, Avith greater or less literary and pecuniary success, during the past half century, which we cannot here notice, in detail, even could we remember them all; but as showing their variety, and general character, we briefiy mention the following; Rose of the Vallej^, by Abraham Allison and Asa S. Marriner;^ Akron Offering, by Miss Calista Cummings; The True Kindred^ devoted to Science and Reform, by Mrs. Rebecca M. M. Sanford; Flower of the West, by Allison «& Rumrix; The Flail, a Demo- cratic campaigner, in 1840, by Leander L. Howard; the Free-Soil Platform, in 1848, by Hiram Bowen; the Sentinel of Libertv, 1855, printed by H. G. Canfield for an association of young Repub- licans; the Wide- Awake, Republican campaigner, 1860, by D, C. Carr, S. A. Lane and others; the Summitonian. literary monthly, 1873, by H. G. Canfield; Beacon Magazine, premium for Weeklv Beacon, 1873; the Independent, Greenback-Democratic cam- paigner, 1878, by H, G. Canfield, and others remembered by name only, the Whip, the Sockdolager, the Casket, the Sunny Side, the Akron's newspapers. 231 School Mistress, the Chui:ch Journal, the Fair Org'an, the Buchtel College Record, the Bachtelite, the Akron Herald, etc. THE GRAND "ROUND-UP." It will thus be seen, by the returns now in, that if not the exact center of the newspaper world, Sumtnit County has been untiring in her efforts to become such. While some of the pub- lications named were, perhaps, of doubtful utility or propriety-, the projectors thereof were unquestionably fully impressed with their importance and necessity. Though scarcely a man, or woman, connected with the periodicals named, has directly made any money out of the publication thereof, while many were consider- ably out of pocket thereby, their general influence for good upon the community admits of not a question. But for its neAyspapers, where would Akron and Summit County have been to-day? The liberal use of printers' ink, in advertising to the world our manifold advantages, in advocacy of canals, railroads and other public improvements, in encouragement to trade and manufactures, in the promotion of the cause of education and morality, has hitherto been, and will continue to be, a most potent factor in the advance- ment and prosperity of the community at large and of the indi- vidual citizen. View of Akron, Sixth Ward, from Talhnadge Road, 1891. From photo by George E. Hltclicock. CHAPTER XII. AKRON'S BURIAL PLACES— THE OLD SIXTH WARD CEMETERY, DEDICATED IN 1808— SPICER HILL CEMETERY IN 1813— " DUBLIN " CEMETERY, IN 1825— AKRON PUBLIC BURYING GROUND IN 1838— AKRON RURAL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION chartered' IN 1839— NEW SIXTH WARD CEMETERY IN 1853 — REMOVAL OF SPICER CEMETERY, TO GIVE PLACE TO BUCHTEL COLLEGE IN 1871— REMARKABLE PRESERVATION OF MAJOR SPICER'S BODY— NATURAL AS LIFE AFTER SIXTEEN YEARS' INTERMENT — PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL LANDS— EXTENSIVE AND COSTLY IMPROVEMENTS— LIBERALITY OF THE PEOPLE — LADIES' CEMETERY ASSOCIATION AND THEIR WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMExVTS — SUPERINTENDENT'S LODGE AND OTHER SIMILAR PRO- JECTS — MEMORIAL CHAPEL, THE MOST SUPERB TRIBUTE TO BRAVERY AND PATRIOTISM IN THE UNITED STATES— " GLENDALE " (SO CALLED BY COMMON CONSENT) TRULY A " THING OF BEAUTY AND A JOY FOREVER ! "—AKRON'S PUBLIC PARKS, ETC. AKRON'S BURIAL PLACES. THE first public burial ground within the present limits of the city of Akron, was w^hat is now^ known as the "Old Cemetery," in the eastern portion of the Sixth ward, the land for which, about half an acre, in about 1808, was donated by Deacon Titus Chapman, the grandfather of the present venerable Edgar T. Chapman of the Sixth w^ard, the donor himself, who died November 18, 1808, being probably the first person buried therein. The use of this cemetery w^as superseded in 1853 by the purchase of some three acres of ground on East Market street, by a number of the public spirited citizens of Middlebury, under the corporate name of the " Middlebury Cemetery Association," by whom the grounds w^ere surrounded by a substantial fence, planted to ever- greens, and tastefully laid out into driveways, avenues and lots 18x21 feet in size, which are sold at from $25 to $50, according to location, the Association also keeping in order, and caring for, the "Old Cemetery" above spoken of. THE SPICER CEMETERY. Akron's second burial place was what w^as know^n as "Spicer Cemetery," on the site now occupied by Akron^s educational glory and pride, Buchtel College, the land for which, fronting on Middlebury street, about one acre, was jointly dedicated to the purpose by Akron's first pioneer settlers, Messrs. Miner Spicer and Paul Williams, probably about 1813, This ground was used for such occasional burials as occurred in the neighborhood from year to year, during the early settlement of Portage township, and after the building of the Ohio Canal and la3ang out of the new village of Akron, in 1825, by the people of the village, also, for the burial of its dead, until the establishment of the Akron Rural Cemetery, as hereinafter set forth, in 1838. To this ground was added, by donation from Mr. Spicer, and the purchase from Mr. Nathan B. Dodge, of 88-lOOth of an acre, in Akron's burial places, 233 1854, at a cost of $200, making a total of two 67-lOOth acres, both increasing the grounds in width and extending them through to Carroll street, under the auspices of the " Spicer Hill Burial Place Association," w^ho neatly enclosed, laid out and beautified the grounds for the benefit of those \srho already had friends buried there, and such others as chose to purchase lots therein. The site of Spicer Hill Burial Place was one of the most com- manding in the city of Akron, and when it was decided to locate that splendid educational institution now known as Buchtel College, here, an arrangement was made by -which the graves were removed to the Akron Rural Cemetery, and, in March, 1871, for the consideration of one dollar, Messrs, Charles W, Brow^n, Avery Spicer, Talmon Beardsley, Hiram J, Spicer, and Levi Allen, as trustees of the Spicer Hill Burial Place Association, together with the several heirs of Miner Spicer, deeded the lands in question to the trustees of Buchtel College. The sub-soil of the Spicer burial gfound was a species of rock, similar to w^hat is known as sewer-pipe clay, excavations having to be made almost wholly with the pick, so that surface water, percolating through the loose earth above the coffin, would be largely retained in the substantially w^ater-tight grave. Major Miner Spicer, the original donor of the ground, died in 1855, being buried in a metallic coffin. On the transfer of his remains to the Akron Rural Cemetery, in 1871, on removing the slide from over the glass at the head of the casket, the friends were greeted writh a view of the features of the old Major, in a perfect state of preser- vation, and looking as natural as when deposited in the grave nearly 16 years before. During the building of the Ohio Canal, the territory north of Tallmadge street, and east of Main street, was largely covered by the cabins of the Irish laborers upon the canal, giving to the locality the name of ''Dublin," which it retained for many years, and by which it is still called by many of the older residents of the city. To meet the mortuary necessities of those early days, the plateau north of Furnace street, and west of North High, on the bluff overlooking the Little Cuyahoga river, was appropriated for l^urial purposes, which was used by the people of North Akron from its commencement, in 1832, until the establishment of the Akron Rural Cemetery in 1838, A portion, only, of the remains buried at the point named were removed to the new grounds, the others remaining undisturbed, Avhere they were originally buried, until they were unearthed by the cutting away of the bluff in question, in grading for the Valley Railway, in 1873, to the great surprise of those who were not aware of the sacred nature of the ground they were plowing through; it even being reported that a pretty well preserved skull thus brought to light was the missing head of William Beatson, the Englishman murdered at Cuyahoga Falls, in 1853, it being known that James Parks, the murderer, must have passed near the place in his flight westward, after leaving the canal boat near the Old Forge, on the night of the murder, as elsewhere detailed. The Spicer burial ground being private property, and the North Akron ground having been hitherto used by mere sufferance, soon after the incorporation of the village, the question of establishing a public burying ground began to be agitated. No official action 234 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. was had however, until June 17, 1837, when a committee was appointed by the Council to confer with Gen. Simon Perkins, of Warren, about the purchase of land for the purpose named, on what was then known as the "Oak Openings," west of the Lower Village, the ground in question being densely covered with a thick growth of oak bushes, interspersed with an occasional good sized oak tree. Gen. Perkins, when interviewed, proposed to sell to the village four acres of ground at one hundred dollars per acre, and to donate one acre additional, or to give the one acre whether the four acres Avere purchased or not. November 7, the Council resolved to accept the General's proposition, provided he would divide the purchase money into six annual payments of $6(166| each, which terms being acceded to, on November 13, 1837, the committee was authorized to make contract, plat, etc., but for reasons which do not appear, only three 42-lOOth acres were pur- chased and platted. October 27, 1838, the Council purchased from Judge Leicester King three acres additional upon the west side of the plat described, for the consideration of $250, which was soon afterwards platted and made a part of the cemetery grounds. The grounds were laid out into four blocks, 1, 2, 3 and 4, with central latitudinal and longitudinal drivew^ays, 20 feet in width, with entrance on South Maple street, the lots being of uni- form size, 10 by 15 feet, w^ith intersecting five and six foot ave- nues between, the price of lots at first being $3, or at the rate of two cents per square foot. For many years the grounds remained unfenced and unimproved, except the staking out of the lots and the grubbing out of a part of the bushes, and, without superin- tendent or special care-taker, from its isolated location, extremel}^ favorable to the nocturnal operations of both professional and non-professional "resurrectionists", though in one instance at least, they failed to get away with their booty — the body of Benja- min Tuells, a somewhat dissipated jevt^eler, v^reighing 225 pounds, being found on the margin of his grave a morning or two after his original interment, in December, 1847. For many years the persons w^ho officiated as sextons were, successively, Alexander Williams, John Taplin, C. S. W. Brow^n, Arza Kellogg, etc., for the North Village and Peter Hendrick Centaurus for the South Village, to one of ^vhom application for burial had to be made, ihe applicant usually being required to produce a certificate of payment for lot, from the Village Recorder, before interment could be legally made, though in the general stringency of the times, and the consequent poverty of the people, this rule was not always strictly enforced, the delinquencies resulting therefrom causing the authorities much trouble, and in many instances necessitating the removal of graves to the pottersfield, and the sale of lots to other parties. There were no "undertakers" nor professional "funeral direc- tors" in those days, the village cabinet-maker, from measurement of the subject, making the coffin to order, of white^vood, pine, cherry, black w^alnut, etc., stained or varnished, vsrithout name- plate or ornament, at a total cost of from $2.00 to $3,00; the sexton's fee, including conveyance of remains by wagon, (there was no hearse until 1840), being from $1.50 to $2.00; the total expense of burying a deceased friend, including lot, being less than $10.00; AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. 235 many times, indeed, the coffin was borne upon the bier, by hands of sympathetic neighbors, followed by relatives and friends from the house of mourning to the burial place on foot. DR. JEDEDIAH D. COMMINS,— born in Charlotte, Vt, July 9, 1790 ; academic education ; married to Miss Sophia Field, of Wethersfield, Vt., soon removing^ to western New York, and from thence to Akron, in 1832 opening- the first drug- store in the village, his original store and dwelling both still standing on South Main street. Dr. Comniins was not only a careful and succesful merchant, but was largely instru- mental in securing the erection of the new county of Summit and the location of the seat of justice at Akron, and in many other ways advancing- the interests of the town and county, and to him is especially due the credit of inaugurating Akron's beautiful Rural Cemetery, as elsewhere fully described in these pages. Dr. Commins was well versed in literature and the sciences, in which, as well as on political topics, he was a fluent debater and a ready writer. In politics he was a stanch Democrat and highly influential in the councils of his party, both county, state and national. He was the father of two sons— the youngest, Augustus J. dying October 27, 1837, at the age of 20; the eldest. DK. JEDEDIAH D. COMMINS. Alexander Hamilton, surviving his father some 13 years, as elsewhere stated. Mrs. Commins died Febru- ary 11, 1865, aged 78 years, 9 months, the doctor himself dying, universally respected, November 4, 1867, aged 77 years, 3 months and 25 days. AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. At an early day, however, there were those among our citizens w^ho had a fine sense of appreciation of what was due from the living to the dead, as well as to the better nature of the survivors themselves. In the archives of the present Cemetery Association, is the folloAving pencil memorandum, in the hand w^riting of the late Dr. Jedediah I). Commins, written over forty years ago, w^hich not only explains itself, but much that follows: "PRELIMINARY REMARKS." "If the Akron Rural Cemetery should succeed and become w^hat its founders hope, trifling incidents relating to its origin and establishment may be sought for with avidity, in after ages, by those whose ancestors have long been entombed in this cemetery, and it is with a view to gratify this desire that the following remarks are made: "During the year 1837, Akron, although at the time an incor- porated town, had no public burying ground, and the one thereto- fore occupied was unsuited to the purpose, on account of its being w^et land, the Avater frequently standing in the graves to the depth of six inches before the body w^as deposited, and, besides, the ground was private property. 236 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. "In this state of things one of our citizens, Mr. C. [Mr. Commins, himself], had the misfortune to lose a son of much promise, just entering the threshold of manhood. Mr. C. could not endure the thought of making this a last resting place for the remains of one Avho had been so dear to him, and as there was no other, he caused the remains of his deceased son to be inclosed in spirit, and kept them in his own dwelling for more than a year. "In the course of the Summer of 1838, he visited the cemetery of Mount Auburn, near Boston, originally w^ith the \^iew of fixing on the form of a tomb; but -while viewing the beauties of that rural cemetery, it occurred to him that a similar establishment might be founded at Akron, and with that view possessed himself with such information as was within his reach, and on his return — having visited a similar establishment at Rochester, on the way — laid the matter before such of the citizens of Akron as he supposed would take an interest in the subject, and w^as gratified to find their feel- ings harmonizing with his o^vn. Afterwards it became a subject of frequent conversation. It w^as at once perceived that we had localities every way suited to this interesting object, and it w^as considered most proper to ask the Legislature for an act of incor- poration and therefore, "At an informal meeting of a few citizens of Akron, in the Autumn of 1838, J. D. Commins was appointed to draw up a charter for the purpose of incorporating a company for the pur- pose of establishing a rural cemetery at Akron, and also a me- morial to accompan}^ it to the Legislature. Whereupon the f ollo\ving petition and charter were drawn up, and being approved, were forwarded to the General Assembly, by Gregory Powers, Ksq., member of the Senate, and the charter being sanctioned by both Houses, became the law of the State." The petition, as draw^n by Mr. Commins, and duly presented to the Legislature by Senator Powers, January 10, 1839, was signed by Jedediah D. Commins, Krastus Torrey, Ithiel Mills, Joseph Cole, George Babcock, Ebenezer Martin. David K. Cartter, Richard Howe, Dana D. Evans, Philo Chamberlin and Miner Spicer, the petition containing, among others equal cogent, these paragraphs: "The interment of the dead is a subject of great and growing import- ance, and one deeply interesting to everj^ well regulated community, and can not too early engagfe their serious consideration. " In our eastern cities corporations have been authorized to establish rural ceiueteries on a scale commensurate with the wants of manj^ genera- tions, combining the objects of beauty and health, which, instead of being' shunned in consequence of their melancholy associations, have become the most desirable promenades, where, retiring from the busy scenes of life, they can at the same time enjoj^ the beauties of the garden and rural scenery, inhaling the pure air of the country, and, as it were, commune with those who had once been dear to them, in these cities of the dead. "The situation of our village and neighborhood now admits of a selection of ground sufficiently extensive and beautifully romantic, which a few years will render it difficult, and perhaps impossible, to obtain. " We do therefore pray, etc." THE CHARTER GRANTED. On March 18, 1839, an Act ^^as passed, containing thirteen sections, which we condense as follows: Section I. Be it enacted hj- the General Assernblj- of the State of Ohio, That Simon Perkins, Jr., Samuel A. Wheeler, Erastus Torre}-, Ithiel Mills, Joseph Cole, Richard Howe and Jedediah D Commins, and such other AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. 237 persons as may hereafter be associated with them, their successors and assigns, be and they hereby are created a body politic and corporate, by the name of " The Proprietors of the Akron Rural Cemetery," etc. Sec. II. The capital stock of this company shall be twenty thousand dollars, which shall be divided into shares of twenty dollars each, ten per cent, of which shall be paid at the time of subscribing-, and the residue thereof in such installments as the directors of said corporation shall judg-e necessary, etc. Sec. III. Provided for the election, annually, of seven directors, all stockholders, fotir of whom shall be residents of the town of Akron, each stockholder to have one vote for each share of stock owned, and every lot owner to have one vote, in the choice of said directors, the directors, until the first election, to be Satnuel A. Wheeler, Erastus Torrey, Ithiel Mills, Richard Howe, Simon Perkins, Jr., Joseph Cole, and Jedediah D. Commins ; also giv- ing- the directors power " to purchase and hold such quantity of latid as thej" tjiay deem proper for the purjiose of a rural cemetery, not exceeding- fifty acres, and to dispose of the same in such manner as they shall judge proper, having regard to the full objects of said charter," a subseqvient section empowering the directors to purchase lands on a credit not to exceed ten years, and to mortgage the same to secure the purchase monej', with inter- est, but for no other purpose ; said lands being declared exempt from all public taxes so long as they shall remain dedicated to cemetery purposes. Sec. VI. Provides that the money arising from the sale of lots, after reimbursing the stockholders, both principal and interest for money expended in the purchase of land and improvements, " shall be laid out in, and forever devoted to, the preservation, improvement, planting and embel- lishing said cemetery, in such a manner as may be deemed most expedi- ent by the directors, and for the incidental expenses of said cemeterj^, but for no olher purpose whatever," and thiit " after the stockholders shall have been reimbursed as aforesaid, their stock shall be canceled, and none of said stockholders shall be members of said corporation except such as own lots in said cemetery and have paid for the same." Sec. IX. Authorizes the corporation to receive and hold "any grant, donation or bequest of propery upon trust, and to apply the income thereof for the improvement of said cemetery, or of any building-s, fences or struct- ures erected or to be erected upon the lands of said corporation, or of anj^ individual proprietor of a lot in said cemetery, or for the repair, preservation, or renewal of any tomb, monument, gravestone, fence or railing, or other erection in or around any cemeterj^ lot, or for the planting and cultivation of trees, shrubs, flowers or plants in or around any cemetery lot, according- to the terms of such grant, donation or bequest." ORGANIZATION OF ASSOCIA TION. The original stockholders were: Simon Perkins, Jr., Joseph Cole, Jedediah D. Commins, Erastus Torrey, Philo Chamberlin, Ithiel Mills, Richard Howe, Miner Spicer, James K. Ford, Samuel A. Wheeler, William T. Mather, Lucian Swift, five shares each; Frank Adams, four shares; Alvah Hand, Warren Clark, David L. King, Henry W. King, three shares each; David K. Cartter, George Howe, Dana D. Evans, Warren H, Smith, Lucius V. Bierce, Arad Kent, Nathaniel Finch, Rufus P. Spalding, Philander D. Hall, Henry S. Abbey, two shares each; William M. Dodge, Henry Howe, Heman A. Bradley, Ansel Miller, Gibbons J. Ackley, Milton W. Henry, James M. Hale, Hiram Viele, Ezra Leonard, James Sawyer, Harvey B. Spelman, James M. Edson, John H. Chamberlin, Myers, Coburn & Co., Beebe & Elkins, Henry H. Wheeler, Edwin Angel, Lucius S. Peck, one share each. Of the forty-seven subscribers to the stock of the association only live are believed to be now liv- ing, (September 1, 1891). 238 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. pOL. SIMON PERKINS— born at V-> Warren, February 6, 1815; September, 1832, married Miss Grace I. Tod, daughter of Judge Georg-e Tod, and sister of the late Governor David Tod ; removed to Akron in 1835, engaging in farming and grow- ing fine stock ; State Senator for Portage County, 1839, '40, and largely instrumental in securing the erec- tion of the new countj^ of Summit ; Representative from Summit 1841, '42, securing passage of bill svibmitting question of location of county seat to popular vote ; trustee of Portage township ten years between 1839 and 1877 ; charter meinber of Akron Rural Cemeterjr Association, and its president and inost active promoter from April, 1839, until his voluntary resignation, April, 1880—41 j^ears ; president of Akron's pioneer railroad — the Cleveland, Zanesville & Cin- cinnati (now Cleveland, Akron & Columbus) from March 11, 1851, t-^ November 3, 1864, and general super- intendent till November 4, 1869, sacrificing nearlj^ his entire private fortune in its promotion ; a liberal contributor of lands for parks and public purposes, and of money for all industrial, educational and benevo- lent enterprises, his death, at the age of 82 years, 5 months and 15 daj^s. COL. SIMON PERKINS. July 21, 1887, was universally lamented, Mrs. Perkins having died April 6, 1867, aged 56 years and 6 days, seven of their eleven children surviving thern. ■ At a meeting of the directors named in the charter, April 9, 1839, Simon Perkins, Jr., \sras eleced president; Jedediah D. Com- mins, secretay, and Samuel A. Wheeler, treasurer. October 17, 1839, a code of by-laws to regulate elections was adopted, and Messrs. Perkins and Commins were empowered to purchase twenty acres of land from Gen. Perkins and Judge King, and to negotiate with the Council for a portion of the grounds belonging to the town of Akron. November 13, 1830, council committee on burying ground reported adversely to the application of the association for part of its grounds, which was adopted. Thus matters stood — the council continuing to manage its grounds as named, with perhaps some slight additions, and the association, besides purchasing lands, doing little more than to keep its organization intact, until the beginning of 1850, when the negotiations w^ere renewed, resulting in a proposition to transfer the grounds to the association on con- sideration that the association assume the liabilities of the town for lands and improvements, make good its obligations to lot hold- ers, pay $60 for its hearse, and transfer to the town stock of the association to the amount of $200, reimbursable as other stock in said company, the transfer being made by Mayor Lucius V. Bierce, February 16, 1850. SUBSEQUENT HISTORY, GROWTH, ETC. We cannot minutely trace, step by by step, the progress which, in the intervening forty-two years, nearly, has been made by the asso- ciation, now pleasurably visible to all. From its first organization AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. 239 in April, 1839, until his greatly regretted final resignation in April, 1880, — 41 years — Col. Simon Perkins was the president of the association, the secretary from the beginning, until his death, in 1867 — 26 years — being the late Dr. Jedediah D. Commins, both of the gentlemen named being unwearied in their efforts to make the Akron Rural Cemetery truly "a thing of beauty and a joy forever." Lands have been added from time to time, until now, (1891) at the total original cost of $18,940,16, the grounds cover an area of 57 25-100 acres, beautifully laid out into romantic drives and walks, w^ith nicely graded lots of diversified shapes and sizes, the whole centrally bi-sected by meandering and sparkling Willow^ Brook, with its cascades, ponds, bridges, etc. Tastefully arranged shrub- bery ornaments nearly every portion of the grounds, \\rhile upon private lots are attractive monuments and tablets erected by lov- ing hands in memory of the dear ones there reposing. Approach- ing the grounds from the city, through Glendale Avenue, following the tortuous course of Willo^v Brook, with high bluffs and over- hanging trees on either side, with the superintendent's handsome stone lodge upon the right, the high stone bell-tower on the'left and Akron's splendid Memorial Chapel, in honor of her deceased soldiers, in front, nothing can be more sublimely beautiful than the entrance to this truly magnificent city of the dead, with fresh surprises at almost every turn while driving or walking through the grounds. npHOMAS WILLS,— born at North- ^ anipton, England, April 23, 1822; learned the trade of florist; at 21 was married to Miss Eliza Martin, and in 1851 they came to America, settling- at Cuyahoga Falls, where he worked 12 years as florist and landscape gardener for the late Hon. Elisha N. Sill. During the war Mr. Wills held an appointment under the Government as sanitary gardener at Chattanooga, remaining there vxntil May 19, 1868, when he was appointed superinten- dent of the Akron Rural Cemetery, which position he ably, filled until October 27, 1879, when he resigned to devote his whole attention to his Park Place green house, which he had meantime established, the Board of Trustees unanimously passing a highlj^' laudatory resolu- tion on his retirement from the posi- tion. He did an extensive and suc- cessful business, until his death, from cancer of the stomach, Augvxst 14, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Wills were the parents of seven children, four of whom survived him — ^Alice Amelia, wife of Mr. Hugo Schumacher, treas- urer of the Schumacher Milling Company; Bert T., successor to father in Park Place greenhouse; THOMAS WILLS. Hannah May, stenographer with Schumacher Milling Co., and Arthur J., clerk in office of The B. F. Good- rich Company. Mrs. Wills is still living. THE SUPERINTENDENCY. On first assuming control, Mr. John M. Martin (father of our present citizen, Henry O. Martin, of 415 West Center street), 2-^0 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Akron's pioneer tombstone manufacturer, was appointed superin- tendent, being succeeded, in 1857, by Akron's pioneer cabinet- maker, the late Mr. David G. Sanford. These early superin- tendents gave but little, if any, attention to improving the grounds, which matters were looked after chiefly by President Perkins and Secretary Commins, the superintendents aiding pur- chasers in the selection of lots, overlooking burials, etc. The first regularly salaried superintendent, to devote his w^hole time to the interests of the association, and the beautifying of its grounds, was Mr. Thomas Wills, theretofore for several years a resident of Cuyahoga Falls, and a thoroughly trained gardener and florist, appointed May 19, 1868, at a salary of $1,000 per year. The value of Mr. Wills' services to the association and the community, is evinced by the action of the board in accepting his resignation, October 27, 1879, after an incumbency of over eleven years, in the unanimous adoption of the following resolution: " Resolved, That in thus terininating the connection of Mr. Wills with our cemetery, we desire to express our high regard for him and our warm appreciation of the uniform courtesy and zeal with which he has, during the long period of his superintendency, discharged the duties of his position." At the same meeting, October 27,1879, the superintendency was tendered to Mr. Albert H. Sargent, of Rochester, N. Y., at the same salary which had been paid to Mr. Wills, $1,000 per year, and the use of the lodge as a family residence, free of rent. Mr. Sargent accepted, and on February 1, 1870, entered upon the duties of the position, which have been so faithfully and efficiently discharged, that at the annual meeting, July 7, 1884, his salary was voluntarily and unanimously increased, by the directors, to $1,250 per annum. TESTIMONIAL TO COL. SIMON PERKINS. After the peremptory resignation of Col. Perkins, as presidentr as above stated, the Board, on reluctantly accepting the resigna- tion, April 17, 1880, unanimously adopted the following testimonial: "Sincerely regretting the action of our late President, Col. Simon Perkins, in se veering his coiuiection with the association, as an expression of the views of the board, be it "Resolved, That to the devoted attention and unwearied care of Col. Simon Perkins, Akron is greatly indebted for our beautiful cemeterj-, the source of so much pride and pleasure to all our citizens." A cordial invitation was also extended to Col. Perkins to still aid the superintendent in carrying out the plans and designs he had originated, and also to attend the meetings of the board and favor the members with his advice, at a later meeting July 6, 1880, the Colonel being elected an honorary member of the board, with an urgent request to attend its rheetings. David Iv. King, Esq., was elected as Col. Perkins' successor to the presidency, April 17, 1880, which position he continuouslj^ filled, with eminent zeal and fidelity, till July, 1891, when he was succeeded by Mr. Ferd. Schumacher. Board of Directors, elected July 6, 1891: Ferd. Schumacher, John R. Buchtel, Jeremiah A. Long, Alvin C. Voris, Edwin P. Green, John Wolf. After the death of the original secretary. Dr. Jerediah D. Com- mins, November 4, 1867, Charles R. Howe was elected as his AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. 241 successor in July, 1868, not only giving to the position the most faithful attention during his life-time, but also on his death, December 7, 1875, bequeathing to the association the sum of $5,000 to be held in trust, on interest, the income from which w^as to be devoted to the perpetual care of his own lot and other portions of the cemetery grounds. DAVID L. KING,-~son of Judge Leicester King^, born at Warren, December 24, 1825 ; graduated at Har- vard 1846 ; read law with King & Tayler in Akron; 1849 with his brother, Henry W., formed laAv firm of King & King ; May 1, 1849, married to Miss Bettie Washington Steele, (grand-niece of President George Washington), who has borne him five children, three of whom survive ; 1851 located in Cleveland, but returned to Akron in 1855, in addition to his law practice, as executor managing his deceased father's large landed estate; abandoning the law in 1867, took an interest in, and the secretary- ship of, the Akron Sewer Pipe Com- pany, retaining his connection there- with ten or twelve years ; 1882-88 president King Varnish Company, an enterprise resulting in pecuniary disaster ; active in all public enter- prises, his energy and liberality have largely inured to the benefit of the city of Akron, the Valley Railway especially being a substantial monu- ment of his indomitable persever- ance, while our public schools, our free library, our benevolent associa- DAVID L. KING. tions and our beautiful Glendale Cemetery have all received his foster- ing care, Mr. King having served as president of the last named organiza- tion after the resignation of Presi- dent Perkins, in 1880, until July, 1891. Albert J. McNeil followed Mr. Howe, as secretary, July 3, 1876, being superseded by Albert B. Tinker in July, 1879, followed, in 1880, by Edwin P. Green, with A. H. Sargent as assistant. Mr. Sargent succeeded to the secretaryship in July, 1884, which posi- tion, in addition to the superintendency, he has ably filled to the present time. The treasurers of the association, from the beginning, have been Samuel A. Wheeler, 1839-50; Arad Kent, 1850-55; George D. Bates, 1855-76; William B.Raymond, 1876-88; Erhard Steinbacher, 1888 to present time. THE LADIES' CEMETERY ASSOCIATION. Soon after the close of the w^ar, in which the ladies, every- w^here, had borne so conspicuous a part, by their incessant and self-sacrificing labors for the care and comfort of our sick and wounded soldiers, as detailed in another chapter of this 'work, ladies of Akron, feeling that the home resting place of their loved ones needed better care and protection, devised the scheme of aiding the cemetery authorities in the employment of a competent person to devote his w^hole time to the care and improvement of the grounds, and the erection of a suitable home upon the grounds- for the use of the person so employed. 242 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. MRS. MARY INGERSOLIv TOD EVANS, — daughter of Judge Georg-e Tod, of Youngstown,was born December 8, 1802 ; was married to John L. McCurdy, of Warren, Decem- ber 25, 1822, who died at Nashville, Tenn., in 1830, leaving- three children — William, still living inYoungstown, George Tod, late of Akron, deceased, and Sarah, afterwards Mrs. Parks; also deceased. In 1836, Mrs. McCurdy was married to Dr. Dana D. Evans, of Akron, bearing him three children — all deceased. Dr. Evans dying from blood poisoning in Deceinber 1849, in the 39th year of his age. Mrs. Evans was active in all public and private benevolent enterprises, a leading member of the Soldiers' Aid Society during the war, and after several years of highly acceptable service as matron of the Northern Ohio Hospital for the Insane, at Newburg, she organized the Akron Ladies' Cemeterj- Association, and bent all her energ^ies towards the erection of the Sttperintendent's Lodge, at the entrance to Glendale Cemetery, which . was nearing com- MKS. MARY INGERSOLL TOD EVAN.S. pletion at the titne of her death, Feb- ruarj^ 2, 1869, at the age of 66 years, 2 months and 6 days. Mrs. Evans was a sister of the late Mrs. Judge Jaijies R. Ford, Mrs. Col. Simon Perkins and ex-Governor David Tod. To the late Mrs. Mary I. T. Evans, is undoubtedly due the credit of originating the plan whose munificent and beneficent results we are about to trace. In the Beacon of July 12, 1866, is a note from Mrs. Evans, invoking the aid of the writer, as editor of the paper, in favor of the project. Mrs. Evans said: " Some of us, whose friends sleep their last sleep in those beautifully situated grounds, caqnot afford costly monuments to mark the spot; but none are too poor to pl^nt flowers and shrubs, and we must have these trifling proofs of undying love guarded and protected from the rude hand of the careless passer-by, or the determined one of some who delight in wanton destruction of everything offering pleasure to the eye. "The Akron Rural Cemetery Company are expending all their present means in constructing bridges, improving avenues, etc., and it will probably require all the revenue they may have from the sale of lots for some time to come. Shall we not give them a little help? "It is proposed to offer to the public a series of weekly enter- tainments, such as promise pleasure to those who are willing to patronize us. The first will be a musical entertainment on Tuesday evening next. Mr. Cutter, Mr. Ingersoll and Miss Ashmun have kindly consented to use their best efforts in getting up a musical treat on said evening, and some of our best singers have promised their valuable aid. " We have musical talent of a high order in our city, and I have no doubt that a succession of concerts, varied in character, and interspersed with other pleasing performances, will call out a little money from the plethoric pockets of our favored citizens, and also aw^ake in all a sense of the worthiness of the object sought. "In the absence of the gentlemen who have promised their hearty co-operation, it seems to devolve on me, as the 'oldest AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. 243 inhabitant,' to present this subject to 3^ou. Will you have the kindness to give such a notice in the Beacon this week as will serve to call attention to this subject and elicit a hearty response?" Akron Rural Cemetery Superintendent's Lodge, 1891.— From jihoto by George E. Hitchcock. At first Mrs. Bvans met w^ith much discouraging opposition — let the sexton build or hire his OAvn house as other people did — a burying ground was not a proper place in which to erect a resi- dence for the living — raising money by such worldly and amusement-seeking means for so sacred a purpose was ouf of character, any ^vay, if not absolutely sacrilegious — let the Cemetery Association make their own improvements, etc. But her plans were heartily approved and ably seconded by her two sisters, Mrs. Grace T. Perkins and Mrs. Julia Ford, and such other public- spirited ladies as Mrs. Sarah Gale, Mrs. S. H. Coburn, Mrs. J. T. Balch, Mrs. David L. King, Mrs. Sarah T, Peck, Mrs. William H. Payne, Miss Anna Perkins, Miss Emma G. T^w^nsend, Mrs. George Raynolds, Mrs. N. D. Tibbals, Mrs. G. T. McCurdy, Mrs. George T. Perkins, Mrs. Henry H. Brown, Mrs. Henry Gale, Mrs. Charles Rawson, Mrs. Hiram G. Fuller, Mrs. Henry S. Abbey, Mrs. Dr. E. Angel, Mrs. L. K. Miles, Mrs. Alden Gage, Miss Grace Perkins, Miss Abby Sloat, Miss Laura Balch, Miss Abby Carpenter, Miss Nellie Smith, Mrs. James Christy, Mrs. John H. Christy, Mrs. D. E. Hill, Mrs. Frank Adams, Mrs. A. H. Commins, Mrs. Philip P. Bock, Mrs. F. Schumacher, Mrs. J. H. Chamberlin, Mrs. E. Steinbacher, Mrs. O. C. Barber, Mrs. Thomas Wills, Mrs. W. B. Raymond, Mrs. Edward Buckingham, Miss Elma C. Bowen and many others not now recalled, the earlier records of the associa- tion not now being accessible. The officers elected March 25, 1871, were: Mrs. Henry H. Brown, president; Mrs, George T. McCurdy, vice president: Mrs. Alden Gage, secretary and tre?isurer. 24i AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. So enthusiastically did the ladies enter into the good work that the movement soon became immensely popular and their entertainments triumphant successes. The concert, by volunteer home talent, above alluded to, yielded $159.35; a picnic excursion to Gaylord's Grove, a week later, $149.76; concert, Augusts, $247.81; repetition next night, $84.30; " Woodland Fete," on fair grounds, including promenade concert, (which the opposition designated as a dance), August 23, $312.40; tableaux, September 18 and 20, $126.50; dinners during fair, $357.23; amateur minstrel perform- ance, by Henry K. Abbey and other theatrically inclined young men, $200.19; total gross receipts, $1,631.54; expenses, $344.52; net proceeds, reported by Mrs. Bvans, as president, and Emma G. Townsend, as secretary, October 25, 1866, during the first three months, being $1,287. 02^ which was duly turned over to Col. Simon Perkins, president of the Akron Rural Cemetery, to be used for the purpose designated. pHARLES R. HOWE, — son of v-^ Richard and Roxana (Jones) Howe, was born in Akron January 7, 1831 ; educated in Akron public schools ; in 1856 engaged in shoe trade in partnership with Morrill T. Cutter, the latter retiring- in 1872 and Mr. Howe in 1874. Mr. Howe was a liberal, enterprising and patriotic citizen ; was first lieutenant of Capt. Storer's company of " Squirrel Hunt- ers " in 1862 ; first lieutenant of Co. A, 51th Battalion, O. N. G.. Co. F, 161th Regiment O. V. I., in the hundred days' service before Washington in 1864 ; foreman of Eagle Hose Com- pany; memberof City Council 1869-71 ; Park Commissioner from organiza- zation of board until his death ; secretary of Cemetery Association from 1869 until his death, in his will bequeathing $5,000 to the Perpetual Care Fund of the association ; mem- ber of Summit Lodge, No. 50, I. O. O. F.; its secretary 1855 ; presiding officer 1857; representative to Grand Lodge two years ; District Deputy Grand Master two years; member of Encampment and Chief Patriarch in 1861, and at time of his death repre- sentative to Grand Encampment. August 30, 1850, Mr. Howe was mar- ried to Miss Mary C. Webster, CHARLES R. HOWE. daughter of the late Charles Web- ster, who died March 14, 1865, aged 30 j-ears, 5 months and 5 days, Mr. Howe dying December 7, 1875, aged 44 j^ears, 10 months and 11 days, leaving one child — Annabel, who died August 27,. 1876, aged 17 years, 1 month and 2' days. By similar means the fund w^as gradually augmented, a Bazar, held in April, 1868, netting over $2,000, Aultman, Miller & Co. con- tributing a Buckeye Mower, J. F. Seiberling & Co. an Excelsior Reaper, to be sold on the ticket plan; and Herrick & Cannon a silver pitcher, to be presented to the handsomest man, on the voting plan — John R. Buchtel receiving 700 votes, Joy H. Pendleton 200 and the writer one! The total fund at this time, April, 1868, Avas nearly $4,000, suf- ficient to warrant the Cemetery Association in proceeding w^ith the work, resulting in the completion, in fall of 1869, of the hand- some stone cottage, near the entrance to the grounds, since known AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. 245 as the Cemetery Lodge, though two of its most earnest promoters did not live to witness the fruition of their unselfish labors — Mrs. Orace T. Perkins dying April 6, 1867, and- Mrs. Mary I. T. Evans, February 2, 1869. To add to their resources, the ladies established, and for sev- eral years maintained, under the care of Superintendent Thomas Wills, an extensive greenhouse for the purpose of supplying plants and flowers to such as desired them for the decoration of the graves of their deceased friencte or the ornamentation of their homes. We have not space for a^detailed report of the operations ■of the Ladies' Cemetery Association, during the intervening 23 years, during all of which time it has maintained not only an active but a progressive existence, its truly gigantic labors being represented by the following figures: Original cost of Lodge $12,000; subsequent addition of kitchen, etc., $1,400; heating apparatus, $300; bridge near lodge, $500; gate posts, $150; Win- dow in Memorial Chapel, $500; furniture for Chapel, $210; improv- ing old portion of Cemetery grounds, $1,000; head-stone to grave of Mrs. Evans, $50; bell tower, $1,000; making a grand total of $17,150, besides many incidentals for repairs of the Lodge, etc., that would doubtless swell the amount to very near, if not quite, $20,000. Present officers of the Association: Mrs. David E. Hill, president; Mrs. Dr. William C. Jacobs, vice president; Miss Hattie S. Phillips, secretary; Mrs. William B. Kaymond, treasurer. ALBERT H. SARGKNT,— son of -^ George A. and Lydia (Blount) Sargent, born in Prince Edward Coiinty, Ontario, Canada, October 31, 1845; raised on farm; educated in common schools and at Montreal ■College, teaching two years before Wintering college; removed to Roches- ter, N. Y., in 1867; studied law four years with his uncle, Henry Sargent, Esq.; was then for ten years book- keeper for the celebrated seedsman, James Vick; then studied landscape •engineering under Charles W. Seelye, of Rochester; and was en- gaged upon the parks of that cit}' until called to the siiperintendenc}- -of the Akron Rural Cemetery, Feb- ruary 1, 1880, which responsible posi- tion he is still ably filling; in 1882 was appointed bj' Council on com- mittee to organize the Akron Board of Health, officiating as clerk of that body three years; was elected mem- ber of Board of Education from the Third ward in spring of 188o, hold- ing the office six j^eare, the last two years as president of the board; in 188(> was elected coroner of Summit ■countJ^ and re-elected in 1888, serv-, ing four years. June 2(5, 1873, Mr. Sargent was married to Miss Sue S. ALBEKT H. SAKGENT. Sargent, daughter of John and Lucy (Seelye) Sargent, of Jefferson county, N. Y., two children having been born to them— Albert H., born March 4, 1877, dying in infancy, and Jennie L., born March 3, 1878. MEMORIAL CHAPEL. • But the crowning glory of Akron's beautiful Rural Cemetery, is Memorial Chapel, near the Glendale entrance, on the left, at the 246 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. foot of "Ordnance hill," and overlooking Willow brook on the north. Soon after the close of the war of the rebellion, the subject of erecting, upon the court house grounds, a suitable monument ta the memory of such of Summit county's gallant sons as had laid doA^^n their lives in defense of the Union, during that fearful con- flict, began to be agitated, but with no definite result until several of the townships of the county had erected similar monuments in their respective local cemeteries arid public parks. View in Glendale Avenue, looking towards Akron Rural Cemetery Lodge. From photo by E. J. Howard. Soon after the organization of Buckley Post, Grand Army of the Republic, in March, 1867, that patriotic body took hold of the project of erecting a suitable monument to the memory of the deceased soldiers of Portage township and the City of Akron. By a series of dramatic and other entertainments, considerable sums of money were realized, aggregating something over three thous- and dollars in the course of three or four years, which w^as placed on interest. In the latter part of 1871, the Akron Rural Cemetery Associa- tion tendered to Buckley Post, a suitable site on which to erect the contemplated monument, w^hich proposition was formally accepted by the Post December 7, 1871, and on December 11, 1871, a board of nine trustees, consisting of three members of the Post and six citizens, was appointed by the Post as follow^s: Col. Simon Perkins, Lewis Miller, John F. Seiberling, David L. King, George W. Crouse, George D. Bates, Alvin C. Voris, Arthur L. Conger and David W. Thomas. The board by resolution of the Post, was to take charge of the funds already raised, receive donations, procure plans, and pro- ceed to erect a monument at a cost of not less than Ten Thousand Dollars. The board was organized December 30, 1871, as follows: Col. Simon Perkins, president; Arthur L. Conger, secretary; George W. Crouse, treasurer; finance committee, John F. Seiber-* ling, George D. Bates, David W. Thomas, Thomas W. Cornell; AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. '2^1 committee on design, David L. King, Alvin C. Voris, Col. Simon Perkins; statistician, George W. Crouse. Small additions to the fund were made from time to time, in various ways, but no active steps were taken for the erection of the monument until the beginning of 1874, w^hen it was resolved, by the board, after consultation with other prominent citizens, and the cemetery authorities, to build, instead of a monument, a Memorial Chapel, w^ith a receiving vault, and to raise for that purpose $25,000 l)y subscription, payable in six, twelve and eigh- teen months. View in Akron Rural Cenietety, looking out, 1874, before Memorial Chapel and Stone Arch over Willow Brook were constructed. This plan proved to be immensly popular w^ith all classes, and at a concert held at the Academy of Music, February 14, 1874, for the benefit of the Chapel Fund, in addition to the receipts for admission to the concert, after an explanation of the plans of the board, by Col. Perkins, and stirring speeches by David L. King, George W. Crouse, John R. Buchtel, Rev. Richard L. Ganter and others, subscriptions were promptly made aggregating over $10,000, and on the foUow^ing fourth day of July the committee reported $20,000 in the fund and subscribed, with a good prospect for speedily securing the balance. Pursuant to invitation several plans w^ere submitted by well- know^n competent architects, that of Frank O. Weary being unani- mously adopted by the committee on designs, and duly approved by Buckley Post. Col. Simon Perkins, George W. Crouse, Lewis Miller and David W. Thomas, w^ere constituted a building com- mittee and empowered to proceed at once to erect the building in accordance with the design adopted, and a contract was entered into w^ith Messrs. George Wohlwend and Frank Lukesh for the erection of the entire structure, exclusive of w^indows, for the sum of $22,300, other necessary expenditures bringing the entire cost of the completed structure up to a little over $25,000. 248 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. View in Akron Rural Cemetery from near Robinson and Howard Monuments, looking West.— From plioto b> George E. Hitchcock, 1891. Saturday, May 29, 1875 — being Memorial Day for that 3^ear^ was thought to be a fitting occasion for the breaking of the ground for an edifice w^hich was to be erected to the memory and valor of deceased soldiers, and arrangements to that end w^ere made accordingly, the programme adopted being briefly as foUowrs: <'"««? \t 2:30 p. M, the procession formed on Howard street, under the direction of Major Thomas McEbright, assisted by Emanuel P. HoUoway, Capt. William C. Jacobs, Henry Young, Hugo Schu- macher and George M. Wright, in the following order: Babcock's band, 15 men; Buckley Post, 50 men; Marble's band, 18 men; Akron Liedertafel, 40 men; St. -Vincent de Paul's band, 18 men; AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. 249 soldiers of 1812, in carriages, 5; Mayor Levi S. Herrold and Acting Mayor Richard P. Marvin, Jr.; members of City Council; poet, orator, citizens, etc.; Col. Simon Perkins officiating as president of the da}^ The exercises opened with a solemn dirge, by Marble's band, followed by an earnest and pathetic prayer by Rev. G. S. Weaver, of the Universalist Church, after which a male quartette, com- posed of Messrs. Byron S. Chase, Amasa F. Chandler, Harvey F. Miller and W, Milton Clarke, sang an appropriate son?g. Messrs. George H. Payne and Albert A. Bartlett, two one-armed veterans of the late war, with pick and shovel, then formally broke ground for the foundation of the contemplated new structure. Gen. Alvin C. Voris, of Akron, delivered the oration, ^vritten in his ow^n terse but fervid style, and spoken in his own earnest and impressive manner, closing with this eloquent paragraph: "May this inonument be fruitful of instruction to those who come after us, as well as an honored memorial to our departed heroes, givinjr evidence that this g-eneration possesses the spirit of our ancestors in sufficient degree to defend the institutions they transmitted to us. AH praise to the liberality iind good taste of the citizens of Akron who thus honor the memory of our heroes. May we go hence resolutely determined to make, preserve and transmit to the future the best human institutions that ever inankind devised, and blessed will be our memory." After the rendition of an appropriate song, in German, by the Akron Liedertafel, Mr. Will. M. Carleton, of Hillsdale, Mich., recited an original poem, composed for the occasion, too lengthy to be reproduced here, but which, after portraying the patriotic upris- ing in defense of the Union, the sacrifices and sufferings of the soldiers on battle fields and in prison pens, the tearful and prayer- ful anxieties and sorrow^s of the dear ones at home, in allusion to the annual Decoration Day observances, and the memorial structure about to be erected, said: " And so once more we gather here, to-day. To honor those who jfave their lives away; And so, with offering heart-felt and s>incere, We speak the tender words and drop a tear. ********* When the sweet air holds out the touch of health, And silvery blossoms promise golden wealth, A fair and "goodly portion here we save. To mark the memory of the fallen brave. ********* And when this structure rises through the air. And mingles with its memories words of prayer, So let our hearts ring out the prayerful strain. That those who sleep here slutnber not in vain." A patriotic selection by Babcock's band, and the benediction "by Rev. Henry Baker, of the first M. E. Church, closed the exer- cises of the day, the strewing of flowers upon the graves of their fallen comrades having been performed earlier in the day by the members of Buckley Post. The w^ork ivas prosecuted with such vigor that the foundation was ready for the superstructure early in July, and on Sunday, July 11, 1875, under the auspices of Buckley Post, the pleasant but solemn ceremony of laying the corner-stone was performed at 5 o'clock p. M. Prayer was offered by Rev. Carlos Smith, of the Con- gregational Church. Gen. Alvin C. Voris deposited in the cavity of the stone resolutions of Buckley Post leading to erection of Chapel and of building committee in regard to design of structure; roster of Buckley Post; names of building committee; copies of 250 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Daily Beacon, containing account of breaking ground and other matters pertaining to Chapel; a confederate bank-note; a Ten- nessee ten-cent bank-note; various coins and pieces of United States currency, and the Roll of Honor, containing the names of soldiers buried in the several cemeteries of the city. View in Akron Rural Cemetery, from liead of Upper Duclt Pond, looking East.- -From photo by George E. Hitchcock, 1891. Appropriate addresses were made by Rev. G. S. Weaver, and Newell D. Tibbals, the latter, after alluding to the patriotic going forth to do battle for the Union, sadness of parting, the sacrifice of life and treasure, and the triumphant and glorious ending of the most gigantic struggle in the world's history, closing as follows: "And what was the lesson taught? It was that this great nation was more precious than the lives of its citizens ; that the rights of the people must be protected ; that the unity of our country be maintained, and that henceforth our glorious flag, the emblem of our national greatness, shall float at the masthead of our vessels, on every sea, in every harbor of every civilized nation. "Then, with feelings of gratitude to the noble dead, assembled here in the eventide of the first century of our glorious national life, in the harvest time of the year, in this beautiful home of the dead, and with the going down of the sun of this quiet, lovely Sabbath day, let us lay the corner-stone of this splendid structure, in memory of the loved ones who died for such a noble cause. Let us inscribe with their names, as the sentiment of the prin- ciple for which they fought and gave their lives — ' Union and Libert}', now and forever, one and inseparable ! ' " The chapel is built on the cruciform plan, the nave being 30x48 feet, the width of the transepts 42 feet, giving a ground area , of 1,800 square feet. The entrance is at the east end, by five stone steps at either end of the broad porch, the entrance to the receiving vault, in the basement, being at the west end and on a level with the surface of the ground in the rear of the chapel. The entire structure is of fine sandstone, constructed in the most substantial manner, the roof covered with slate, floor of the chapel with tile, and roof of the receiving vault with stone atid AKRON KURAL CEMETERY. 251 cement, with iron joists, copper roof protections, etc.; the interior finish of chapel, from floor to ridge of roof, being both substantial and handsome. Soldiers' Memorial Chapel in Akron Rural Cemetery, erected in 1875-6. From a photo by George E. Hitchcock, 1891. The most interesting features of the chapel are its memorial windows, the glass for which was imported from Scotland. The large chancel window at the west end, 10x25 feet, contains a full length representation of Col. Lewis P. Buckley, contributed by the members of the 29th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with a brief history of that regiment during the w^ar. The large three- panel transept window on the north side represents the labors of the Sanitary Commission and Soldiers' Aid Society — the heroic sacrifice and suffering of the loyal women of America, both at home, on the field of battle and in the hospital — contributed by the Ladies' Cemetery Association, as elsewhere stated. 252 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The three-panel transept window on the south side, placed by the Board of Memorial Trustees, on the Centennial Anni versa r}^ of American Independence, is a fitting conclusion of their unselfish and patriotic labors; the center panel contains a full length repre- sentation of Washington, with the legend: "Observe good faith and justice with all nations;" the easterly panel, the figure of the hero of Lake Erie in the war of 1812, Pommodore Oliver Hazzard Perry, and his triumphant message to Gen. Harrison, September 10, 1813: "We have met the enemy and they are ours;" the west- erly panel, the martyred Lincoln, w^ith his iminortal utterance in closing his second brief inaugural address, March 4, 1865: "With malice toward none, and with charity for all." Smaller windo'ws, ^vith appropriate designs and mottoes were contributed by individual citizens as follows: Gen. A. C. Voris, in memory of his three brothers who died in the service; Judge Samuel C. Williamson, in memory of his brother, William Palmer Williamson, the first soldier killed in battle from Summit county; Frank O. Weary, in inemory of his two young friends, Henry H. and Eugene D. Smith; friends, to the memory of Capt. Walter B, Scott; Gen. Thomas F. Wildes to the memory of his brother, John C. Wildes; Theodore Robinson and other members of the family to the memory of Virgil J. Robinson and his brother-in-law, Benjamin F. Weary, the latter being the first to enlist in Akron, and the last from Summit county killed, in the battle Appomattox, after the surrender of Gen. Lee, April 9, 1865; the east window^ being placed by members of the "Sixth Battery in memory of our fallen com- rades" — the two Louvre windows, representing a piece of field artillery and a Siblej^ tent, and the large ornamental rose window^ in front being contributed by architect Frank O. Weary. There are fourteen marble slabs, eight feet in height by three feet in width, upon which were inscribed, previous to dedication, the names of all of Akron and Portage township's soldiers killed in battle, or >vho had died, either during or after the close of the w^ar, regardless of the place of their decease, or burial, and of all other know^n ex-soldiers from other localities who had died in Akron, to which has since been, and will continue to be, added those w^ho are constantly being transferred from the ranks of Life to the grand and ever augmenting Army of the Dead. Tw^o twelve-pound brass cannon, donated to Buckley Post by the War Department, for monumental purposes, properly mounted on carriages are stationed in close proximity to the chapel — one on ''Ordnance Hill," upon the south, and the other on a slight mound upon the west. DEDICATION OF CHAPEL. The chapel, complete in all its appointments, w^as duly dedi- cated on Decoration Day, Tuesday, May 30, 1876, with imposing ceremonies, briefly as follows: Besides the usual decoration services earlier in the day, a large procession of soldiers, ex-soldiers, citizens, civic societies, bands of music, etc., forming on Howard street, reached the chapel at 2 o'clock p. m. After the usual preliminary exercises of prayer, music, etc., Mr. Lewis Miller, on behalf of the Building Committee, presented the structure to Buckley Post in a brief but exceedingly appropriate address, w^hich was received on behalf of the Post, in AKRON RURAL CEMETERY. 253 elocjuent and fitting words by Capt. Samuel C. Williamson, who, in turn, in behalf of the Post, transferred the building to the care and custody of the Trustees of the Akron Rural Cemetery Association, in closing addressing Col. Simon Perkins, president of the associa- tion, as follows: " To yoiir hands, then, O, venerable patriarch of the past — the representa- tive of the earlier, and perhaps better, days of the Republic—in the presence of these white-haired veterans of 1812, in whom, to-day, we span the chasm of a century, and shake hands with the heroes of the Revolution who fell at Lexington and Bunker Hill, and in their names, the founders of our govern- ment, and in the names of those who died to preserve it, we now confide to .you these keys, the symbol of possession, in token of the transfer which is hereby made." COL. PERKINS' RESPONSE. On receiving the keys of the chapel from Judge Williamson, Col. Perkins said: "Sir: In behalf of the Akron Rural Cemeterj^ we accept the beautiful and sacred trust, through you confided to us by the members of Bixckley Post, Grand Armj^ of the Republic, of this fitting- memorial erected to the memory of loved ones who were offered as a sacrifice on the altar of our country, that those who survive may transmit the legacj^ confided to us, bj^ our patriotic fathers, in spotless purity for generations to come. " The Cemetery Association will treasure the invaluable trust you now confide to us, and will preserve it as a sacred and loving tribute to our sons,^ whose sacrifice was made for us and for our children after us. Allow me, in the name of the Akron Rural Cemeterj' Association to tender, through j'ou,. to Buckley Post, our grateful thanks for the confidence and honor reposed in VIS, and give them our assurance that the trust shall be preserved and pro- tected in love and brotherly regard for our sons." Ex-Governor Edward F. Noyes, the orator of the day, delivered one of the most eloquently impressive addresses ever listened to in Akron, but its length precludes its repetition here. A few brief excerpts must suffice: "The occasion which calls us together to-day," said the Governor, "obliterates all distinctions of creed and platform, all inequalities of fortune and of social life. We come, indulging in a common sorrow for our beloved dead, to dedicate to the niemorj^ of departed heroes this Memorial Chapel-— the work of willing hands, the offering of grateful and patriotic hearts. * * * There is something in the death of a patriot soldier which makes it more touching and honorable than any other. * * * We realize that the}^ have died for us and for that which is dear to us ; that their immeasurable sacri- fice has made life, happiness and prosperitj^ possible for us and for our chil- dren. * * * Ag a token of our appreciation and grateful remembrance, this beautiful edifice has been erected — an honor alike to the living and the dead. * * * A. hundred years have passed since the Declaration of American Independence. What the coming century may have in store for us will depend upon our own deserts. A glorious future can only be secured to the people whose intelligence, virtue and patriotism makes them worthy to enjoy it. * * * Looking forward, then, over the hundred years before us, to the time when our nation shall number 300,000,000 souls — when the prairies shall be changed into gardens, and the hills shall be fragrant with orchards and vineyards — when the waste places shall give wa}- to 10,000 cities, throbbing with active life when our commerce shall whiten everj'^ sea, and bear to distant lands the varied products of our ingenuity and skill, of labor and of thought, shall we not be incited to nobler aims and efforts than we have yet attained? So best shall we honor those whose virtues we commemorate to-day." "THIS IS YOUR TEMPLE TO-DAY." At the conclusion of Gov. Noyes' address, after a song by the Akron Liedertafel,Will M. Carleton recited an appropriate original poem, under the above title, the exercises closing with a song by 254 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the Apollo Club, the benediction by Rev. G. S. Weaver, and music by Akron Junior Band; and Memorial Chapel has for the past decade and a half been, as it must long continue to be, an honor to Akron's soldiery, living as vsrell as dead, an inestimable public con- venience, an ornament to our beautiful Kural Cemeter^^, and a source of perpetual pride to all our people. Lewis Miller's Duck Pond, looking East from Akron Rural Cemetery, previous to the Extension of Park Place to Glendale Avenue. On finally closing up his accounts, it was found that in conse- quence of the panic of 1873, and the financial reverses resulting therefrom, a portion of the subscriptions were non-collectable, and that in settling v^^ith the contractors, and the liquidation of other claims, Treasurer Crouse, in addition to his own liberal contribu- tion, ^vas out of pocket just $3,500,. for wrhich sum, by special act of the Legislature, the Council w^as authorized to issue the city's bonds on which to raise the money for his reimbursement, which was accordingly done; the entire cost of the structure, outside of individual contributions of memorial windows, being $25,294.64. Aside from its preciousness, as the hallowed resting place of Akron's departed loved ones of the past half century, in a money point of view^, besides the nearly $20,000 paid for the land; the $20,- 000 raised and expended by the ladies for the lodge and other improvements made by them; the $25,000 and overexpendedby our patriotic soldiers and liberal-handed citizens in the erection of Memorial Chapel, there has been expended by the association, at a low^ estimate, in improvements and care of grounds, $125,000, w^hile private expenditures, for lots and ornamentation, head-stones, monuments, etc., w^ill undoubtedly aggregate fully $300,000 more, making a grand total of money expended to the present time of nearly, if not fully, half a million of dollars, one of the most notable family monuments on the grounds, being the life-like statue of Hon, John R. Buchtel, erected under his own supervision, after becoming an invalid, as elsewhere stated. AKRON S PUBLIC PARKS. 255 Bell Tower, Akron Rural Cemetery. Lots are now held at fifty cents per square foot, in" sizes to suit purchasers, in the newer portion of the grounds, in which portion an additional payment of twenty- five cents per foot is required, as a contribution to the Perpetual Care Fund, for the purpose of for- ever, by accruing interest, keep- ing said lots in order. As the object of this fund becomes better known, it grows in favor, many owners of lots in the older portion of the grounds, either contribu- ting outright thereto, or provid- ing by will for that purpose, the fund at the present time (Sep- tember, 1891), amounting to nearly $10,000. This fund should be rapidly augmented, so that, in the not ver}^ distant future, when the income from the sale of lots shall comparatively cease, and other and more distant grounds have to ]>e resorted to, the care and beauty of our present attractive City of the Dead, by common consent called "Glendale Cemetery," may be forever assured, without a contingencj'^ or peradventure. AKRON'S PUBLIC PARKS. In addition to Akron's beautiful Rural Cemetery, of fifty-sev^en acres, artistically laid out into romantic drives and walks, and always open to the public, court house square, donated by Gen. Simon Perkins to Summit county, for public purposes, in 1840, and no\v covered with umbrageous trees, and traversed by substantial walks, and Fountain Park, of some 50 acres, the present attractive fair grounds of the Summit County Agricultural Society, also constantly available to the public as a pleasure resort, the city itself is the owner of quite a number of -not very extensive but extremely pleasant, "breathing places" in the Avay of public parks, iis follows: SOUTH AKRON OR PERKINS PARK. The original proprietor of the land, Gen. Simon Perkins, of Warren, in platting his nevsr village of Akron, in 1825, laid out a " public square," on the western part of his plat, embracing what is now known as Perkins P*ark, bounded by West Exchange street on the south, Middlebury street on the north, Bowery street on the east and Locust street on the west, and also including the capacious grounds on which the Perkins school building now stands, on the south side of Exchange street, the whole containing al)out five acres of ground. The larger portion, north of Exchange street, is surrounded by a substantial fence, thoroughly sodded, planted to thrift}^ shade trees, evergreens, etc., and tastefully laid out into walks, with seats, etc., and is greatly enjoyed by the inhabitants of that portion of the city. GRACE AND UNION PARKS. June 20, 1846, in Council proceedings, it is recorded that a motion w^as unanimously adopted authorizing the Mayor "to 256 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. receive any donation that Mr. Simon Perkins might make to the Town of Akron, and give the necessary assurance that his views and directions would be appreciated and carried out," and, on August 25, 1847, the Committee on PubHc Grounds were "author- ized to take charge of that part of the same lying northeast of Doctor Evans's, being a lot of about eight acres given to the town by Mr. Simon Perkins, as he will deed the same soon." March 11, 1848, a deed was executed by Simon Perkins, his w^ife,. Grace T. Perkins, Joseph Perkins, his wife, Martha E. Perkins,. Jacob Perkins and Henry B. Perkins, "in consideration of our desire to provide for the health and convenience of the inhabitants of the Town of Akron," conveying to the Town Council of said town, "the whole of Block number thirty, (30), containing seven and seven one-hundredths of an acre of land, and the whole of Block number six (6) in Perkins' Addition, containing one and eighty-live one-hundredths of an acre of land, "for the purpose of public squares, or grounds, and for no other purpose whatsoever, and subject to these further limitations; that good and sufficient fences around the same shall be erected within nine months from this date, and forever maintained at the proper cost of the Town of Akron; and that no buildings or structures of any kind shall be erected on the same, and on failure of said Council to erect said fences, or, after their erection, to keep them in repair, or on the erection of any building or structure theron, by said Council or their successors in office, or by any other person or persons, then, and in either of these cases, or contingences, all of said lands, shall revert and revest in the said grantors, their heirs or assigns, as fully as if this deed had not been made, and the said grantors, their heirs or assigns may re-enter and take possession of the same, and enjoy it in as full and ample a manner as if this con- veyance had never been made." The larger of the two parcels of ground thus conveyed^ bounded by Prospect street on the west. Park street on the south,^ Perkins street on the north and Elm street on the east, was, by common consent, named "Grace Park," in honor of Mrs. Grace T. Perkins, the amiable w^ife of the donor of the land in question, for though his three brothers, Joseph, Jacob and Henry B., joined in making the conveyance, it was understood that Col. Simon Perkins was alone the giver. Grace Park was fenced within the time specified, in December 1848, with lumber at $8.00 per thousand feet and labor at thirty-one cents per rod, or a grand total cost of $189.02. Subsequently in 1875, the city purchased from Joseph Perkins for $2,000 the strip of land lying between Elm (now North College) street and the rail- roads, east and west, and Perkins and Park streets, north and south, a portion of w|iich, including that portion of College street lying between the tw^o parcels, has recently been added to the main park, and the whole, nearly ten acres, surrounded by a hand- some and substantial iron fence, leaving a narrow driveway between the park and the railway embankment, on the east side. This park, with a large number of the original forest trees — grand old oaks — still standing thereon, interspersed with evergreens and ornamental shrubs, surrounded by rowrs of thrifty young maples, w^ith its well-kept w^alks and comfortable lawn settees, is a con- stant reminder to our people of the generosity and foresight of the akkon's public parks. 257 donor, and of his expressed desire, as above quoted, " to promote the health and convenience of the inhabitants of the Town of Akron." That region of the town east of the railroads, and bet\v^eeii East Market and Middlebury streets, was for many years an open common, or public cow-pasture, and the triangular block now^ known as "Union Park," included in the above named donation, remained unfenced and unimproved until a comparatively recent period. Indeed, both parcels were many times forfeited by the carelessness and neglect of the town officials, had the generous- hearted donor seen fit to enforce the stipulations of the deed as above given, Edward Oviatt, Esq., attorney for the town, in a report submitted by him February 21, 1858, admonishing the Council that "a failure to keep up the fences, or to permit any permanent structure to be erected on Grace or Flat-iron Parks would Avork a forfeiture of title and a reversion of the same to the original grantors, or their heirs." This triangular ground, designated as "Union Park," is now flanked on the w^est and north by handsome private residences, and on the southeasterly side by like structures, with Akron's magnificent high school building about midway. Like Grace Park, it is inclosed by a handsome iron post and rail fence, nicely graded and sodded and planted to shade trees, both inside and out, and most highly appreciated by both teachers, scholars and people. "Pleasant Park" is in the extreme south end of the cit3% east of the railroads, bounded north by Thornton street, east by Grant street, south by Eagle street, and west by Washington street, and contains about five acres of land. It was dedicated to the public use by the late Samuel Thornton, as a part of Thornton's addition to the City of Akron, and with the care that is being bestowed upon it by the park commissioners, being fenced, graded and liberally provided with trees, walks, etc., is in reality a very great boon to the rapidly increasing population of that portion of the city. At the junction of West Market and North streets, and bounded on the east by Valley street, is a triangular park contain- ing about three-fourths of at acre, the eastern portion of which, lots five and six, or Wolf's sub-division, being purchased by the city, July 19, 1880, from the Lock Slate Company, of Philadelphia, for the consideration of $475, and the apex, 30-100 of an acre, from George Flower, executor of George Treen, January 6, 1881, for the consideration of $800. The lot has been properly graded and improved, and in the center — a donation from Hon. J. Park Alexander — is a commodious fountain, whose sparkling waters gladden and refresh not only the inhabitants of the neighborhood, but the hundreds of daily passers-by. By an arrangement with the Cemetery Association, in the laying out of Glendale avenue, the triangle formed by the junction of the avenue with West Market and Cherry streets, containing about one-eighth of an acre was dedicated to the public, and a fountain erected thereon by the city, run at first by the waters of a large spring, or w^ell, at the corner of West Marke:t and Bates street, but in more recent years by those of the Akron City Water Works. By a subsequent adjustment of street and lot lines,. 17 258 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. between the city and Col. D. W. Thomas, this little park will finally become nearly, if not quite obliterated, though for the present it is being cared for by the commissioners, as are the other parks of the city. It is called the "Oasis." The handsome and conveniently located lot, on northeast corner of East Market and High streets, is the original lot upon which the late Gen. Lucius V. Bierce erected, in 1835, '36, what was then the finest family residence in the new village of North Akron. On the 13th day of September, 1875, the Gen. and Mrs. Bierce con- veyed their property to the city, on the consideration that, commencing on the 15th day of March, 1876, the city should pay to them the sum of $1,500 per annum during their joint lives, and on the death of either, the sum of $1000peryear to the survivor during his or her life, with the stipulation that the city should allow them to occupy said house or provide them with rooms in the new^ building that might be erected thereon, and provided further, " that the lot conveyed shall be forever known as ' Bierce Park.' " Not being ready to erect a city hall, or other public building on said lot, the grantors were permitted to occupy the premises until their respective deaths — ^the General, November 11, 1876, and Mrs. Bierce, April 24, 1882. The cost to the city for the property in question was about $6,000. For a time after the death of Mrs. Bierce, the house was rented to various parties, for domestic purposes, but as that usage was both annoying and profitless, besides jeopardizing the title, the building was sold to Mr. Leroy Munson, and by him removed to Furnace street, where it is now doing duty as a tenement house, and the most substantial house on that street. " Bierce Park" has been graded, sodded and fenced, and will thus be kept as a public park until such time as the city may desire to use the lot for the erection of such a public building — city hall, or otherwise — as its convenient and commanding loca- tion is w^orthy of. From its earliest history Middlebury has had quite an exten- sive public square, contributed by Roswell Kent, and other public-spirited citizens, on the southerly side of what is now^ East Market street, and on which the original school house of the village was located, and in later years the high school building of Middlebury toAvnship. Since the annexation of that township to the cit}^, and the erection of the splendid new Sixth Ward school building, on South Arlington street, the old school building has been converted into Fire Station Number Two, and the old Middlebury public square, w^ith its nicely graveled walks, its well- kept lawn, its sparkling fountain, its thrifty shade trees, shrubbery, etc., is now, under the management of the fire laddies, one of the very pleasantest parks in the city. In addition, and nearly opposite, in the acute angle formed by the junction of East Market and Broad streets, also a contribution from early residents, is a shady lawn, or park, of perhaps one-fourth of an acre, which is both a great convenience and a source of pleasure to the inhabitants of that portion of our goodly city. The parks of the city are under the care and control of a board of three park commissioners, at present consisting of Christian Vogt, John Kreuder and David Rittersbach, all of whom, without compensation, yearl)^ devote much time and attention to their AKRON S PUBLIC PARKS. 259 improvement, the annual expenses for fencing, grading and plant- ing, trimming, mowing, seating, etc., averaging about $2,700, for the past five or six years, the expenditures for the past five years, as shown by city clerk's annual report to City Council being, respectively, $1,963.08; $2,369.40; $2,491.19; $2,655.39; $3,153.03; the cost of fencing Grace and Union Parks alone being respectively about $3,000 and $1,350; the fences, however, being of such a per- manent nature that no further expense than an occasional coat of paint will be required for many years to come. View on Ohio Canal, below Stone Mill, looking South. CHAPTER XIII. AKRON AND PORTAGE TOWNSHIP CIVIL SERVICE— TOWN, VILLAGE, CITY AND TOWNSHIP LOCAL AND GENERAL PUBLIC OFFICERS FOR FIFTY-FIVE YEARS —A HIGHLY HONORABLE RECORD— HUNDREDS OF FAITHFUL OFFICIALS — NOT A SINGLE CASE OF MALFEASANCE KNOWN— A VALUABLE LIST FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. AKRON'S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. AS in subsequent chapters, under their respective heads, the civil service status of the several townships, in the county, state and nation, will be given, it is here in order to show^ how far the citizens of the shire town have been honored with positions of public trust, by the people of the town, village, countj^, and state, and the fidelity with which each and all have discharged the arduous and responsible duties thus devolved upon them, and it may here be parenthetically observed, that, in the long list of names w^hich follow^s, not a single instance of malfeasance in office has been reported or suspected. As elsewhere stated Akron was incoporated as a "Town," b3^ act of the Legislature, passed March 13, 1836, the municipal officers provided by the act, to be elected on the second Tuesday of the ensuing June, by the "w^hite male inhabitants Avho have resided within the aforesaid limits of said town for the space of six months next preceding said election," being "one Mayor, one Recorder and five Trustees who together shall constitute a Town Council," etc.; subsequent elections to be held on the first Tuesday of June in each year, thus involving the necessity of holding three elections each year — township, municipal and state, w^ith an additional elec- tion for President every four years. On the adoption of the new State Constitution of 1851, the legal title of Akron, by virtue of its provisions, became "The Incorpo- rated Village of Akron," w^hich title was retained until its advance- ment to a city of the second-class in January, 1865, as heretofore stated. The initial election of town officers was fully described in the second chapter of this work and need not be repeated here, the entire roster of toAvn, village, city and township officers, during the intervening 55 years, being as follows: Town and Village Trustees. — For 1836, Erastus Torre3^ Jedediah D. Commins, William B. Mitchell, William E. Wright, Noah M. Green; Mr. Mitchell declining to serve. Col. Justus Gale was appointed by Council to fill the vacancy. In 1837, William K. May, William T. Mather, Dana D. Evans, Jesse Allen, Eber Blodgett; Mr. May removing from town in September 1837, Wil- liam Patterson was appointed in his place. In 1838, Jesse Allen, Ebenezer Martin, Justus Gale, James W. Phillips, Ansel Miller; 1839, Samuel Manning, Seth Iredell, James W. Phillips, Lewis P. Buckley, Ebenezer Martin; Mr. Martin declining to serve, Ansel Miller w^as appointed in his place and Mr. Phillips resigning in July, Mr. Ithiel Mills was appointed to fill the vacancy. 1840, Seth Ire- dell, Samuel Manning, Ithiel Mills, Samuel A. Wheeler, William E. AKRON S CIV'IL SERVICE RECORD. 261 WILLIAM L. CLARKE— son of Judge George Clarke, was born in Lewivsburg, Pa., March 19, 1796; <:atne with parents to Stark County, in 1810, and to Springfield in 1814 ; common school education, receiving additional instruction from father in mathematics and surveying; raised a farmer, early manhood divided between farming and teach- ing, in 1833 removing to Middlebur3^ ; in 1848, was elected Sheriff of Summit county, and re-elected in 1850, ably filling that responsible position four years, meantime moving to Akron ; was elected justice of the peace for Portage township, in 1857, and re- elected in 1861, '64 and '67, faithfully seving twelve years. April 9, 1818, he was married to Miss Sarah De Haven, of Springfield, who bore hitn five daughters and one son — Martha, born January 28, 1819, married to Mr. James Irvin, November 2, 1842, who died September 4, 1863. Mrs. Irvin still surviving; Nancy Cynthia, born March 25, 1821, married to Perry C. Caruthers, of Tallmadge, October 122, 1840, both now living ; Sarah Lois, born July 2, 1823, married to Dudley Seward, whose portrait and bio- graphy appear elsewhere; Maria Jane, born January 7, 1826, married to N. D. Furry, November 12, 1845, NELSON B. STONE. NELSON B. STONE,-son of Milo and Sarah (Beardsley) Stone, was born September 18, 1816, in Ma- honing County, Ohio, the family a 5^ear later settling in Tallmadge ; educated in district schools and at Tallmadge Academ}"^ ; after several 3'ears spent in West Bloomfield, N. Y., Ravenna and Chardon, O., and Wheeling, W. Va., as clerk and book- keeper, in December, 1840, Mr. Stone WILLIAM L. CLARKE. died December, 1865 ; Mary H., born August 13, 1830, married to Nelson B. Stone, May 19, 1852, died April 6, 1853 ; William Milton, born March 7, 1834, died January 22, 1878. Mr. Clarke died August 9, 1876, and Mrs. Clarke April 12, 1881. came to Akron, clerking in store for a few months, when he accepted the position of deputy, under cotinty clerk, Lucian Swift, serviAg under Clerk Swift and Clerk Lucius S. Peck, until October, 1851, when he Avas elected Clerk (the first under the new constitution, clerks theretofore hav- ing been appointed by the court), which position he held three years. Then, though still residing in Akron, he was for a time deputy clerk*of Cxiyahoga County ; then after a short engagement with Aultman, Miller & Co., in 1865, became the secretary and treasurer of the Weary, Snyder & Wilcox Manufacturing Co., which position he held 18 years, having since retired from active business. Mr. S. has been an efficient and official member of the First M. E. church, and a zealous worker, teacher, secretary, etc., in the Sunday school, since its organization. May 19, 18,52, Mr. Stone was married to Miss Mary H. Clarke, of Akron, who died April 6,18.53, leaving one son — Nelson C, now cashier in City National Bank of Akron. August 23, 1854, Mr. Stone was again married, to Miss Elizabeth H. Beardsley, of Akron, who has borne him two children— Philip C, who died March 24, 1872, and Dwight M., living at home. 262 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. PHILIP P. BOCK— born in Mich- enbach, Hessian Haniburg-jPrus- eia, February 10, 1830; at ten years of age came with parents to America, settling- in Akron; educated at Akron Hig-h School ; clerked for various firms in Akron several j^ears ; was employed by Countj' Commissioners to compile complete index of county records ; in 1858, was elected Count)' Recorder, and re-elected in 1861, ably filling- that important position six years, and, being- a firm advocate of the doctrine of " rotation in office," declining an assured nomination for a third term. On retiring from office, for a short time was in the lum- ber trade, after which he embarked in the insurance business, later estab- lishing a real estate and loan agencj*. which has been phenomenall)^ suc- cessful, being the pioneer in that line of business in the cit3^ Mr. Bock is emphaticallj" self-made, an earnest Republican, a stanch tem- perance man and a good citizen. He was married Julv 31, 1860, to Miss Ellen Shultes, of Buffalo, N. Y. Five children have been born to them — PHILIP P. BOCK. three daughters, Ada, Mae C. and Annie, and two sons, Philip Paul, Jr., who died yoving, and Charles S., a bright, promising j'oung man. who died suddenly. September 28, 1888, at the age of 25 3^ears, 1 month and 11 days. Wright; 1841, Seth Iredell, Webster B. Storer, Jacob Allen, Ansel Miller, Leverett J. Ives; 1842, Ansel Miller, Seth Iredell, David Allen, George T. Ray, Horace May; Mr. Allen dying in Januar^^, 1843, James Mathews was appointed to fill the vacanc3'; 1843, Seth Iredell James Mathews, George T. Ray, Horace May, Ansel Miller- 1844, .William M. Dodge, Robert K. DuBois, Nahum Fay, Jesse Allen, Samuel A. Wheeler; Mr. Jesse Allen, resigning in September, his brother, Mr. Jacob Allen, was appointed to the vacancy. 1845^ Robert K. DuBois, Justus Gale, Lucius V. Bierce, William M, Dodge, John H. Crawford; Col. Gale declining to serve, Samuel A. Wheeler was appointed for the term, and Judge DuBois dying^ in November, Horace Canfield was appointed for remainder of term; 1846, Horace Canfield, Samuel A. Wheeler, Allen Hibbard,. Nicholas Emmons Vansickle, Lucius V. Bierce; 1847, Allen Hib- bard, Lucian Swift, Samuel A. Wheeler, Joseph A. Beebe, Ansel Miller; 1848, Ansel Miller, Nathaniel Finch, Benjamin McNaugh- ton, John M. Cutler, George W. Bloom; 1849, Nathaniel Finch, Ansel Miller, Charles Webster, George W. Bloom, Milton W. Henrj'^; Mr. Finch resigning in October, John M. Cutler was appointed to the vacancy; 1850, Thomas H. Goodwin, John Howe, Hiram Viele, Robert Jackson, Lemuel C. Parker; Mr. Howe removing from the town in October, William M. Dodge was appointed in his place; 1851, James M. Hale, Benjamin ^cNaughton, William O. Sanford, Milton W. Henry, David T. Bruner; 1852, James M. Hale, William O. Sanford, Ralph P. Myers, Peter Osborn, Ansel Miller; 1853, WilHam T. Allen, Richard S. Elkins, David A. Scott, George Thomas, Daniel H. Wheeler; Mr. Elkins having been appointed Recorder, in January, 1854, in place of Recorder Horace Canfield, deceased as elsewhere stated, Samuel A. Lane was appointed to serve the balance of Mr. Elkins's term as trustee; 1854, James B. TapHn, Thomas H. Goodwin, Richard Howe, David Hanscom, James M. AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. 263 Hale; 1855, Richard Howe, Ansel Miller, James B. Taplin, Cornelius Johnston, David A. Scott; Mr. Taplin resigning April 18, Kichard S. Elkins was appointed to fill the vacancy; 1856, Henry Purdy, David A. Scott, Thomas H. Goodwin, Henry S. Abbey, Joseph Milligan; 1857, George Thomas, Henry Fisher, Jr., Henry S. Abbey, Henry Purdy, Charles Cranz; 1858, Charles Cranz, Richard B, Walker, John Cook, Joseph Milligan, Job Pierce; 1859, William L. Everett, Job Pierce, Richard B. Walker, Thoinas H. Goodwin, Joseph Milligan; Mr. Pierce resigning in October, George W. McNeil was appointed in his place; 1860, Richard Howe, Ferdinand Schumacher, Robert L. Moffatt, James Christy, William S. Painton, 1861, Robert L. Moffatt, Ferdinand Schumacher, George Buel, John Douglas, Henrj^ Fisher; 1862, Charles Webster, John E. Bell, John Douglas, Isaac Barter, George Buel; 1863, Arad Kent, John E. Bell, John H. Waggoner; 1864, Allen Hibbard, Stephen H. Pitkin, William H. Lapeus, Charles W. Bonstedt James Christy. Town and Village Mayors. — The mayors of the incorporatd town and village of Akron, like its trustees, were elected for the term of one year only, and v^ere successively as follows: 1836, Seth Iredell, (father of Charles and Robert S. Iredell, now both residents of Akron); 1837, '38, John Curtis Singletary, (now living in Streets- boro. Portage county); 1839, '41, '44, '49, Lucius Verus Bierce; 1840, Arad Kent; 1842, '43, Harvey H.Johnson; 1845, '46, '47. Philo Cham- berlin; 1848, Israel E. Carter; 1850, George Bliss; 1851, Charles G. Ladd, (father of the present Mrs. A. C. Voris); 1852, Frederick Wadsworth; 1853, Philip N. Schuyler; 1854, William T. Allen, 1855, HON. JOHN JOHNSTON,— born in Center County, Pa., February 11, 1813; when a year old came witli parents to Ohio, settling- in Green Township ; common school educa- tion ; worked on father's farm till 18, when he entered store of Hart, DuBois & Co., in Middlebury as clerk ; about 1838 commenced busi- ness for himself in partnership with Mr. James Irvin, continuing- till 1845 ; then engaged in real estate busi- ness, loaning- money, etc.; 1864(50 member of banking firm of D. P. Eberman & Co.; 1866-72, member of building- and lumber firm of W. B. Doyle & Co. Mr. Johnston was an active Republican ; elected Re])re- sentative to State Legislature in 1861, and re-elected in 186;^, ably filling the Speaker's chair in adjourned session of 1865 ; a warm friend of Horace Greeley, supported him for Presi- dent in 1872, but soon became dia- g-usted with that movement and returned to Republican ranks, as chairman of Republican Central Cominittee ; for several 3'ears justice of the peace for Middlebury town- ship; and for 28 consecutive j^ears, save one, a member of Middlebur3^ school board. February 4, 184(), Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Elizabeth R. Newton, of Middlebury-, who still survives, Mr. Johnston HON. JOHN JOHNSTON. dj'ing suddenlj', of apoplexv, Jan- luiry 26, 1879. Of the ten children born to them, eight are now living — Frances P. (now Mrs. Edward Buck- ingham, of Akron) ; Charles N.; Park B., (Deputy^ Auditor of Sumirit Co.); Clara, (Mrs. K. T. Hall, of Titusville, Pa.) ; William E., of Akron ; John Jr., (lawyer in Chicago); Lizzie J., (now Mrs. Robert Watt, of Akron) ; and Samuel Newton, of Akron. 264 AKKOX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. DR. MENDAL JEWETT — of Eng-- lish descent, was born in Green- wich, Mass., September 4, 1815; com- mon school education ; at '18 went to Boston, working in foundry some two j-ears ; then visited the South, Avhere personal observation gave him his subsequent well-known deep aversion to human slavery; in the Spring- of 1836 joined an older brother in Aurora, Portage County, soon afterwards entering upon the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Noble & Town, in Hudson, graduating from Western Reserve Medical College in 1839, locating and coinmencing prac- tice in Mogadore the same year; in 1850 made the tedious and perilous overland journey to California, remaining there two j^ears ; repre- sented Summit County in the State Legislature during the sessions of 1855, '56 and 1856, '57, exerting a marked influence in that body on the subject of human rights, temperance and morality. In 1858 Dr. Jewett removed to Middlebury, where he spent the reinainder of his life in the sticcessf ul practice of his profession; in practical scientific pursuits, of which he was devotedly fond ; in improved horti- cultural operations and in the pro- motion of the cause of education and the general welfare. June 14, 1839, Dr. Jewett was married to Miss JOHN PARK ALEXANDER. JOHN PARK ALEXANDER, son J of John and Mary (Scott) Alex- ander, born in Bath, Axigust 1, 1834; educated in district schools, Rich- field Academy and Marlboro Normal School, in latter taking a course in civil engineering under Prof. Hol- l^rook ; was principal of Akron Gram- DR. MENDAL JEWETT. Cordelia H. Kent, of Aurora, who bore him 10 children, 4 dying in infancy : Noble Mendal, now in Akron ; Florence EmiU^ now wife of Dr. Fred. W. Inman, Whitehaven, Florida ; Eva L., now Mrs. John DeHaven, of Akron ; Ford E., now of Canon Citj', Colorado ; Mary B., pro- fessor in Buchtel College ; Lillie May, now Mrs. Charles T. Inman, of Akron. mar School from April, 1855, to July, 1857 ; in 1866 purchased site of present fire brick works and engaged in the manufacture of stoneware; also con- tracting for product of 12 or 15 other potteries, with warehouses in Akron, Detroit and Chicago; in 1867 estab- lished his present extensive fire brick works, on Canal street ; from 1872 for five j^ears proprietor of two oil refineries, till 1891 dealing exten- sively in illuminating and lubri- cating oils ; was secretary of Summit County Agricultural Society five years, from 1858, and its president seven years thereafter ; treasurer State Board of Agriculture in 1872 ; member of Akron Cit5' Council 15 years between 1865 and 1888, and eight years its president ; representa- tive to State Legislature 1882, '83; State Senator for Summit, Portage, Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula coun- ties 1888-92. September 4, 1860, Mr. Alexander was tnarried to Miss Martha D. Wright, of Tallmadge, who has borne him eight children — Clara W. (married to Prof. Charles B. Wright, of Middlebury, Vt., Col- lege); Helen B. (now Mrs. Henrj^ B. Sperry, of Huntingdon, Pa.,); George Bates (deceased), Grace F., Mattie D., Bessie H., John Park, Jr., and Alice B. AKRON S CIV^L SERVICE RECORD. 265 '56, Nathaniel Finch; 1857, '58, Frederick A. Nash; 1859, George W. McNeil; 1860, '61, Henry Purdy; 1862, '63, Charles A. Collins; 1864, Oeorge D. Bates. Town and Village Recorders. — Recorders elected by the peo- ple each year: 1836, Constant Bryan; 1837, '38, William E. Wright; 1839, '40, '41, Robert K. DuBois; 1842, '43, '47, Nahum Fay; 1844, '45, '46, William Harrison Dewey; 1848, '49, '50, '51, Edward W. Perrin; 1852, '53, Horace Canfield; Mr. Canfield dying in December, 1853, Richard S. Elkins was appointed by Council for balance of term, and elected for 1854; followed in 1855, '56 by Joseph E. Wesener; 1857, '58 by Ralph P. Waterbury; 1859, Allen Hibbard; 1860, 62, '63 Alvin Rice; 1861, James Holmes; 1864, Henry Ward Ingersoll. DR. ISRAEL E. CARTER,— born in Concord, N. H., April 8, 1810; graduated from Vermont Medical College, at Woodstock, in June, 1835; b}^ reason of impaired health, ex- <:hanged practice of medicine for dentistry, opening an office in Ravenna, Ohio, in 1836, where he suc- <:essfully practiced until 1843, when he removed to Akron, and was for many years the leading dentist of the town and county. In 1862, Dr. Carter was elected to the office of County Treasurer, and re-elected in 1864, ably filling the office two full terms of two j'ears each, having previously held the office of Maj^or -of the incorporated village of Akron during the years 1848, '49, and mem- ber of School Board two terms. Dr. Carter was married to Miss Marj'- L. Williamson, of Ravenna, July 4, 184(), who bore him four children — Frances L., wife of Capt. T. D. McGil- licuddy, of Akron; William H., book- keeper for J. F. Seiberling- Companj^; Mary Alice died in her fourth year, in 18,o3, and Charles E., jeweler, late of Doylestown, Waj'ne Co., Ohio, now living in Akron. Mrs. Carter dj'ing June 19, 1862, in her 43d year, Dr. Car- ter was again married, to Mrs. DR. ISRAEL E. CARTER. Eunice R. Sherman, in 1863. Dr. Car- ter was a charter member of Summit Lodge, I. O. O. F., organized in 1845, active and prominent in its councils, and Deputy Grand Master one term. Dr. Carter died July 27, 1885, aged 75 years, 3 months and 19 daj's. Town axd Village Marshals. — This officer was, under the old constitution, an appointee of the Council, for one year, successive incumbents, under that arrangement, being as follows: 1836, Tthiel Mills; 1837, Moses Cleveland; 1838, '39, Alfred R. Townsend; 1840, '41, Caleb G. Gillett; 1842, Alfred R. Townsend; 1843, Caleb G. Gillett; 1844, '45, Charles G. Ladd; 1846, '47, Cyrus S. Van Orman; 1848, '49, Merrick Burton; 1850, Jeremiah Crissman; 1851, Jacob Rice, Mr. Rice resigning March 14, 1852, David Croy was appointed to fill the vacancy. 1852, '53, '54 (elected by the people) Josiah J. Wright, Hiram S. Falor, assistant; 1855, Josiah J. Wright; 1856, George W. Marriner; 1857, Josiah J. Wright, William Fisher, assistant; 1858, Josiah J. Wright, Philip A. Bierwirth, assistant; 1*^59, Josiah J. Wright, George W. Smetts, assistant; 1860, Josiah J. Wright, Dudley Seward, assistant; 1861, Joseph Milligan, William 266 Akron and j^ummit county. Ward, assistant; 1862, George W. Marriner, William Ward, assist- ant; 1863, Josiah J. Wright, David A. Scott, assistant; 1864, David A. Scott, William Ward, assistant. EDWARD OVIATT,— born in Hud- son, May 19, 1822, the family later removing' to Richfield; raised on farm; educated at Richfield Academy, Granville Institute and Western Reserve College; in May, 1842, came to Akron and entered the office of the late Chief Justice David K. Cartter, of Washington, D. C, then practicing law in Akron; in Septem- ber, 1844, at Medina, admitted to prac- tice in State Courts, and in Novein- ber 1846, at Cleveland, to practice in United States Courts; practiced in partnership with Hon. S. W. McClure from 1865 to 1870, and from 1876 to 1891 with his son-in-law, George G. Allen, Esq., under the firm name of Oviatt & Allen, the firm now, with Mr. Charles S. Cobbs added thereto, being Oviatt, Allen & Cobbs. Mr. Oviatt was a member of the Akron Board of Education for several years. City Attornej^ from 1853 to 1862, and Prosecuting Attorney of Summit County from 1865 to 1869. In 1864. served 100 days at Arlington Heights, Va., as a member of the 164th Regi- ment, O. N. G., under Col. John C. Lee, beiijg appointed Color Bearer of the regiment, on its organization in Cleveland. September 8, 1847, Mr. Oviatt was married to Miss Anna M. Wadsworth, of Akron, who died August 9, 1854, leaving one child. Dk. LEOXIDAS S. EBRIGHT. EDWARD OVIATT. Emma, now wife of Calvin Edgerton, a lawyer in Los Angeles, Cal. December 5, 1855, was married t» Miss Frances A. Lansing-, of vSara- toga countj^, N. Y., who died August 13, 1881, leaving two children — Olivia F., wife of George G. Allen, Esq., and Edward Ailing, book-keeper in the City National Bank of Akron. T^R. LEONIDAS S. EBRIGHT, ^-^ son of George and Rachel (Hathaway) Ebright, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 26, 1844 ; common school education ; in Maj-, 1862, enlisted in 8.5th Regt., O. V. I.; dis- charged with regiment in July, 1865, In February, 1866, came to Akron, studying medicine with Drs. William Bowen and Thomas McEbright,. graduating at Charity Hospital Med- ical College in February, 1869. After- wards spent 13 months in Germanjs then settled down to the practice of his profession in Akron. An ardent Republican in politics, Dr. F/bright was elected to the State Legislature,, in 1880, abl3" serving his constituents in that bod}' two years. He is an active member of the variovis ined- ical associations of the Count}', State and Nation, has served four years as health officer of the Citj- of Akron, and was president of the decennial real estate board of eqixalization of the city for 1890. November 15, 1883, Dr. Ebright was married to Miss Julia A. Bissell of Sharon, Medina County, O. They have two children — Ruth Bissell, born September 24, 1884, and Mary Rachel, born June 21,1889. AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. 267 Town and Village Treasurers. — Appointed yearly by Coun- cil: 1836, Samuel A. Wheeler; 1837, '38, Horace K. Smith: 1839, Russell Abbey; 1840, '41, '42, '43, '44, '45, Gibbons J. Ackley; 1846, '47, '48, '49, Grove N. Abbey; 1850, '51, '52, '53, '54, Milton \V. Henry. Elected by the people: 1855, '56, '57, Milton W. Henry; 1858, John T. Good; 1859, '60, John H. Chamberlin; 1861, '62, '63, '64, Charles Cranz. Since advanced to second class city, in 1865, the County Treasurer has, under the law, been ex-officio City Treasurer. Town and Village ATTORNEvs.^Previous to 1851 no regular corporation attorney was appointed by council, though L. V. Bierce, Constant Bryan and others were employed as occasion required, to look after the legal interests of the village. In 1851 Roland O. Hammond was regularly designated, by Council, as Corporation Attorney, followed in 1852 and a part of 1853 by Wil- liam H. Upson, the balance of 1853 by Kdward Oviatt; 1854, Philip N. Schuyler; 1855, '56, '57, '58, '59, '60, Edward Oviatt; 1861, Henry Ward Ingersoll; 1862, '63, Charles B. Bernard; 1864, Henry Ward IngersoU. HON. JACOB ADAMS KOHLER, — son of Henry and Mary (Slanker) Kohler, was born near Read- ing, Pa., Aug-ust 15, 1835, when fonr months old removing with parents to Franklin township, this count}'; edu- cated in district schools, and Lodi Acadeiny; in 1853, apprenticed him- self to Mr. D. G. Sanford, cabinet maker, in Akron, later reading- law with N. W. Goodhue, Esq., and admit- ted to bar in 1859; Prosecuting Attor- ney two terms — 1868-72; law partner of Hon. Sidney Edgerton several years, later with Rolin W. Sadler, Esq., and now with Harvey Mvisser, Esq. Mr. Kohler represented Sum- mit County in the State Legislature, 1880 to 1885, and served as Attorney General of Ohio, 1886 to 1888; was married May 16, 1860, to Miss Frances H. Coburn, only child of the late Dr. Stephen H, Coburn, who has borne him two sons — Hurlbut Stephen, born July 20, 1868, and George Coburn, born November 17, 1870, both grad- uates of Yale College. In connection with Gov. Russell A. Alger, of Detroit, Mich., (a former Akron boy), Mr. Kohler in 1882 erected Arcade block, a five-story brick building, on Howard street, one of the largest and handsomest business blocks in the HON. JACOB ADAMS KOHLER. city ; and besides his fine residence on East Market street, as the manager of the Coburn estate, has large land- ed interests in various portions of the city, being also one of the incor- porators, and president of the Peo- ples Savings Bank on South Main street. CITY MUNICIPAL OFFICERS. The incorporated village of Akron having been advanced to a city of the second class, January 21, 1865, in the manner heretofore described, the tenure of municipal office was changed from otie to tw^o years, though for several years, under a misapprehension of the law^, some of the appointive offices w^ere filled from year to year. 268 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. HON. SAMUEL W. McCLURE — born at Al^tead, Cheshire Co., N. H., Novembers, 1812; in 1815 moved with parents to Worcester county, Mass., four years later to Western New York, and in 1828 to Medina county, Ohio, meantime having pur- sued an academical education with the ministry in view; at 18 taught school at Medina two j^ears; then attended AUeghenj^ College three years, afterwards for a time receiving private theological instruction from Rev. Lee, of Medina. In 1837. opened select school in Medina, at same time reading law with Messrs. Can- field & Camp; in 1838 organized Ash- land Academy, which he successfully taught about two years while con- tinuing- his l{iw studies in the offices of Silas Robbins, Esq., and Hon. Charles S. Sherman, also part of the time editing the Ashland Phoenix. In 1840, returned to Medina, and took editorial charge of the Constitution- alist, the Whig organ of that county, which he conducted during the Harrison campaign with great spirit and ability; soon afterwards formed a law partnership with James S. Carpenter, Esq., then of Medina, and Grant B. Turner, Esq., of Cuyahoga Falls; in Januarj^ 1842, married Miss Matilda E. Deming, of Ashland, the next spring inoving to Cuyahoga Falls; was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1847, and in 1848 repre- sentative to the State Legislature, serving one term only; 18.tO to 18(>4 HON. SAMUEL W. MCCLUKE. was law partner of Hon Henry McKinney; in 1865 moved to Akron, as partner of Edward Oviatt, Esq.; in 1871, elected Judge of Court of Com- mon Pleas, filling the office the full terin of five years, and declining a re-election, thereafter enjoying an extensive practice until his death, June 8, 1883. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McClure, Julia E., (afterwards Mrs. Henry G. Math- ews, now deceased), and Ida M., still residing with her mother. Members of the City Council. — For 1865: First Ward, Charles W. Bonstedt, George W. Crouse; Second, John E. Bell, Henry W. Howe; Third, Lewis Miller, J. Park Alexander; 1866: First, George W. Crouse, John J. Wagoner; Second, Henry W. Howe, Joshua H. Collins; Third, Lewis Miller, George Sechrist; 1867, First, John J. Wagoner, George W, Crotise; Second, Joshua H. Collins, William H. Payne; Third, George Sechrist, Jeremiah A. Long; 1868, First, George W. Crouse, John W, Holloway; Second, Joshua H. Collins, William H. Payne; Third, J. Park Alexander, Jeremiah A. Long; 1869, First, Charles R. Howe, John W. Holloway; Second, Joshua H. Collins, William J. Atwood; Third, Clement J. Kolb, J. Park Alexander; 1870, First, William T. Allen, Charles R. Howe; Second, William P. Cassidy, William J. Atv^ood; Third, J. Park Alexander, Clement J. Kolb; 1871, First, David R. Paige, Jr., William T. Allen; Second, John Memmer, William P. Cassidy; Third, Elias W. How- ard, J. Park Alexander; Fourth, Robert McElhinny, George Burk- hardt; Fifth, Richard F. Palmer, Clement J. Kolb; 1872, First, William T. Allen, David R. Paige, Jr.; Second, Ohio C. Barber, John Memmer; Third, J, Park Alexander, Elias W. Howard; Fourth, Noah N. Leohner, Robert McElhinney; Fifth, James A. Methn, Richard F. Palmer; 1873, First, Milton W. Henry, William T. Allen; Second, James Christy, Edwin H. Merrill; Third, Henry L. Carr, J. Park Alexander; Fourth, David Lamparter, Noah N. AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. 26^ Leohner; Fifth; Austin J. Hamlin, James A, Metlin; Sixth, Joseph A.Baldwin, Thomas Johnson; 1874, First, Milton W. Henry, Wil- liam T. Allen; Second, James Christy, Edwin H. Merrill; Third,^ Henry L. Carr, Elias W. Howard; Fourth, David Lamparter, Robert McElhinney; Fifth, Austin J. Hamlin, James A. Metlin,. [resigned December 4, 1874, and Emanuel P. Holloway appointed to fill vacancy]; Sixth, Joseph A. Baldwin, Enoch Ro>vle3'; 1875^ First, Milton W. Henry, William T. Allen; Second, Edwin H. Merrill, Alexander Brewster; Third, Elias W. Howard, Williarfi A. McClellan; Fourth, Robert McElhinnej^. Joseph H. Derhammer; Fifth, Emanuel P. Holloway, Simon Hankey; Sixth, Enoch Row- ley, David E. Hill; 1876, First, Milton \V. Henry, William Buchtel;. Second, Alexander Bre\^ster, John W. Baker; Third, William A. McClellan, John J. Cook; Fourth, Joseph H. Derhammer, John Schott; Fifth, Simon Hankey, Christian Vogt; Sixth, David E^ Hill, Enoch Rowley; 1877, First, William Buchtel, Charles A. Col- lins; Second, John W. Baker, James Christy; Third, John J. Cook, J. Park Alexander; Fourth, John Schott, David W. Morgan; Fifth, Christian Vogt, Edward A. Lawton; Sixth, Enoch Rowley, David E. Hill; 1878, First, Charles A. Collins, Lucien G. Thorp; Second, James Christy, Warren J. Underwood; Third, J. Park Alexander, Mason Chapman; Fourth, David W. Morgan, John Schott; Fifth, Edward A. Lawton, Christian Vogt; Sixth, David E. Hill, HOxN. ULYSSES L. MARVIN,— born in Stow, March 14, 1839; educated in district schools. Twins- burg Institute, and Franklin Insti- tute at Kent, interspersed with teach- ing- from 16 to 19; in 1858 entered law oflice of H. B. Foster, in Hudson, the next year completing his studies with Hon Sidney Edgerton in Akron; admitted to the bar May 2, 18(}(). In 1861, became Principal of Kent Union Schools; married to Miss Dorena Rockwell, of Kent, Novem- ber 27, 1861. August, 1862, enlisted as private in 115th. O. V. I.; clerk in office of Judge Advocate at Cincin-- nati till August 1863, when he was commissioned as First Lieut, of 5th U. S. Colored Regiment; promoted to Captain during the Siege of Rich- mond; wounded at New Market Heights, September 25, 1861, disabling him for two months; on return to duty was assigned as Adjutant on Gen. Shurtliffs staff, ^oin^ to Fort Fisher, thence to Raleigh, N. C, and being present at the surrender; at close of war was brevetted Major for gallant service and made Judge Advocate on staff of General Paine, serving as such till mustered out in October, 1865. Returning to Kent, opened law office, two years later removing to Akron. In 1869 Mr. M. was elected Probate Judge, serving six years; May 1, 1883, was appointed Common Pleas Judge by Governor Foster, in place of Judge Tibbals, HOX. ULYSSES L. MARVIxX. resigned, serving till the following- October; in 1884 was elected Presi- dential Elector for the 20th Con- g-ressional District, casting his vote in the Electoral College for James G. Blaine. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin have four children— David Leslie, attorney in Akroti; George Ulysses, citj'- editor Canton Daily Repository; Charles Asahel, local editor Canton Weekly Roller, and Francis Dorena, student in Akron High School. 270 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. WILLIAM CHANDLER —born in Preble, Herkimer Co., N. Y., April 5, 1814 ; common school educa- tion ; came to Akron in 1834, and engaged with his brother John, in the manufacture of cards for carding- wool, in carding machine works of Aliens & McMillan, near the present site of the Allen Mills ; October 17, 1839, was married to Miss Sarah Ann Taplin, sister of Mr. James B. Taplin, of Akron ; soon afterwards removing to Duqixesne, 111., where he w^as engaged in the manufacture of card- ing machinery nine years, when he returned to Akron ; in 1855, was appointed Superintendent of Summit Country Infirmar}^, which responsi- ble position he ably filled until 1861 —six years ; then purchased a farm in Wood County, where he remained until 1874, when he again returned to Akron, and entered the employ of Taplin, Rice & Co., as " a stove mounter, which business he followed until seized with the illness which terminated his life, September 11, 1883, at the age of 68 years, 5 months, and 6 days. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Chandler — Alathea, now Mrs. Eli Wilson, of Weston, Ohio ; Lucy A., alsoof Weston ; Fred. W., for several years past a member of the WILLIAM CHANDLER. police force of Akron ; Mattie B., and James D., the latter '4 member of the book and stationerj^ firm of Chandler, Findley & Co.; in April, 1889, elected to the City Council from the Second ward, and re-elected in 1891. Mrs. Chandler still survives, and resides with her son, in Akron. JUDGE CHARLES G. LADD. JUDGE CHARLES G. LADD,— J born in Rutland, Vt., June 22, 1822 ; in Spring of 1840, came to Akron, his sister Sophronia, a teacher here, hav- ing a short time before married the late Gen. Lucius V, Bierce ; as Dep- utj^ U. S. Marshal aided in taking the census that year, with the means thus acquired completing his edu- cation at Western Reserve College ; then studied law with his brother-in- law, with whom, on being admitted to the bar, in 1845, he entered into partnership, under the firm name of Bierce & Ladd. In 1850, he was elected Mayor of Akron, serving one 5'ear. In trie Fall of 1851, he was elected as Summit* County's first Probate Judge, but by reason of fail- ing health was unable to give his personal attention to the duties of the office, which were performed by Alvin C. Voris, as deputy clerk, until the death of Judge Ladd, from con- siunption, July 30, 1852. July 12, 1845, was married to Miss Hannah Ermina Williams, daughter of Barnabas Williams, one of the pioneer settlers of Portage township, and step- daughter of the late Major Miner Spicer, who died October 3, 1868, leav- ing three children — Walter C, now of Weeping Water, Neb.; Lizzie, the present Mrs. Gen. A. C. Voris ; and Emma E., widow of the late Albert J. McNeil. AKRON S CIVIL SEKVICE RECORD. 271 ROBERT S. PAUL— son of Hosea and Ellen (Gamble) Paxil, born at Cuyahog-a Falls, O., October 3, 1842 ; educated in Cuyahoga Falls vmion schools ; meantiine teaching in Stow and New Portage, and learning civil engineering with his father ; in 1862 surveyed narrow gauge railway for Brewster Coal Co.; 1862-65, served on Topographical Engineer Corps in the Army of the Cumberland, at close of war attended Lebanon, O., College one year ; then followed profession in oil region a year and a half and in Cleveland two years ; then spent a year in Pennsylvania Polytechnic College ; then came to Akron, and in June, 1870, was appointed to fill the vacancy, caused by the death of his father, as County Surveyor, to which office he was elected in October, of that year, by appointment and elec- tion holding that office over ten years, Mr. Paul also having served as president of County Survej^ors' Association and secretary and treas- urer of Ohio Institute of Mining- Engineers, and as chief engineer of the Valley Railroad, and of Ohio & Toledo, now Cleveland & Canton R. K. July 25. 1872, Mr. Paul was married to Miss Sarah M. Roniig, a native of Indiana, who has borne him seven children — Ellen, Ada, ROBERT S. PAUL. Laura, Martha (deceased), Mary, Edward, and Rosa, (deceased). Mr. Paul is a member and P. G. of Akron Lodge No. 547, I. O. O. F.; member of Akron Encampment .No. 18 I. O. O. F.; McPherson Lodge No. 63, K. of P. and present cominander of Castle Garfield No. 14, Knights of the Golden Rule. HON. DAVID R. PAIGE. HON. DAVID R. PAIGE, -born at Madison, Lake County, April 4. 1844 ; attended Madison high school till 15. preparatory school at Hudson, two years, then entered Sophomore class at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., graduating therefrom in 1865 ; serving two 3^ears with William Bingham & Co., Cleveland, in December, 1867, embarked in the hardware business in Akron, being at present one of the stockholders of The Paige Brothers Co.; principal owner of Varnish Works (late King Varnish Co.); vice president Paige Tube Co., at Warren ; member of the contracting firm of Paige, Carey & Company, with general office in New York, which firm is nowbtiilding the Sodom dam and tunnel, 52 miles in length, for suppljang New York City with water ; also building double- track bridge over the Ohio river, at Wheeling, and three tunnels, at a cost of $1,250,000; was member of Akron cit)^ covmcil 1871, '72; treasurer of Portage township 1873 ; treasurer of Summit County two terins. 1874-78 ; and member of Congress, 20th Dis- trict, one term, 1882-84 ; married to Miss Ellen Lewis King, (daughter of David L. King, Esq.), January 19, 1870, who died December 20. 1877, leaving two sons — Charles Cutler Paige, born November 25, 1870, and David King Paige, born May 20, 1872. December 22, 1884, Mr. Paige was again married, to Miss Eva Bell Leek, of Cleveland. 272 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Enoch Rowley; 1879, First, Lucien G. Thorp, Ulysses L, Marvin; Second, Warren J. Underwood, Noah A. Carter; Third, Mason Chapman, J. Park Alexander; Fourth, John Schott, Edwin Estep; Fifth, Christian Vogt, Ed\vard A. Lawton; Sixth, Enoch Rowley, Frederick \V. Inman; 1880, First, Ulysses L. Marvin, Milton W. Henry; Second, Noah A, Carter, Henry H. Brown; Third, J. Park Alexander, Benjamin F. Goodrich; Fourth, Edwin Estep, John Schott; Fifth, Edward A. Lawton, Charles F. Ingersoll; Sixth, Frederick W. Inman, Thomas H. Peckham; 1881, First, Milton \V. Henry, David L. King, [Mr. King resigned September 27, 1881, William T. Allen appointed to fill the vacancy October 17, 1881;] Second, Henry H. Brow^n, Noah A, Carter; Third, Benjamin F. Goodrich, J. Park Alexander; Fourth, John Schott, Philip Weber; Fifth, Charles F. Ingersoll, Edward A. Lawton; Sixth, Thomas H. Peckham, James Housel; 1882, First, William T. Allen, Milton W. Henry; Second, Noah A. Carter, Henry H. Brown; Third, J. Park Alexander, Lew^is C. Parker; Fourth, Philip Weber, Andrew^ Kohler; Fifth, Edward A. Law^ton, George L. W. Edam; Sixth. James Housel, John P. Richardson; 1883, First, Milton W. Henry, William T. Allen; Second, Henry H. Brown, William H. Miller; Third, Lewis C. Parker, Henry Young; Fourth, Andrew Kohler, James M. Laffer; Fifth, George L. W. Edam, John Schott; Sixth, John C. Richardson, James Housel; 1884, First, William T. Allen, Thomas H. Peckham; Second, William H. Miller, Henrj^ H. Brown; Third, Henry Young, Edward C. Simpson; Fourth, James M. Laffer, Thomas S. Bradford; Fifth, John Schott, Charles I). Steese; Sixth, James Housel, John C. Richardson; 1885, First, JUDGE EDWARD W. STUART,- J born in New Preston, Litchfield County, Conn.. May 9, 1840; when two 3'ears old removed with family to Erie County, Ohio ; raised on farm, attending' district school and Huron Institute at Milan, till 18 years of age, entering Western Reserve College in 1858, from which he graduated in October, 1862, graduation of class having been postponed because of enlistment of its members in the ser- vice, as elsewhere detailed. After graduation Mr. S. engaged in teach- ing- four years, two years as principal of Shaw Academy, at Collamer, Ohio, having meantime studied law ; was admitted to the bar in 1866, com- mencing practice in Kent, w^ith Hon. S. P. Wolcott, continuing there until May, 1870, when he came to Akron, forming a partnership with C. P. Humphrey, Esq. In April, 1871, Mr. Stewart was elected City Solicitor, which office he held till January, 1877 ; in October, 1876, was elected Prosecuting Attorney for Summit County, and re-elected in 1878, hold- ioig the office four years, and in 1890 was elected Probate Judge of Sum- mit County, which responsible office he is now ably filling. May 11, 1864, he was married to Miss Harriet E. JUDGE EDWAKD W. STUART. Whedon, of Hudson, daughter of Harvey Whedon, Prosecuting Attor- ney from 1850 to 1852. They have one son — Fred. H.,also an attorney at law, but now serving as deputy clerk in office of Probate Judge, tinder his father. AKK(JN S CIVIL SERVICE KECORD, 273 ITON. HENRY C. SANFORD, — -n. born in Portland, Me., Septem- ber 11, 1833 ; his father dying, when nine years of age, he went to live with an elder brother in Manchester, N. H., where, besides attending- the common school and the Kendall Academy one year, he served as an apprentice in the Manchester Loco- motive Works ; at the age of 18 he came to Ohio and engaged in rail- roading ; from fireman being rapidly promoted to engineer, running suc- cessively on the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark and the Cleveland and Toledo Railroads, in 1855 going to Quincy, 111., and running- upon what is now the Chicago, Burlington anc^ (juincy Railroad ; six years later tak- ing a train at Augusta, 111., on which road, by a daring act, endangering- his own life, in running into and crippling another train, which was nearing Crooked River crossing, where the bridge had been washed away, he prevented a fearful sacrifice of hviman life. Procuring some law books Mr. S. improved his spare moments upon the foot-board, and elsewhere, in study, and after several years spent in Pennsylvania and Ohio, in railroading f^ and other employment, located permanently in Akron, in 1870, as a successful 1 a W3'er, having ably filled the offices of Pro- secuting Attorney two years, 1873, li; HOX. HENRY C. SAXFOKD. City Solicitor two years, 1879, '8() ; Representative to State Legislature two terms, 1888, '89, '9(). '91. Mr. San- ford was married to Miss Emily J. Fairchild, of Amherst, Lorain County, January 19, 1857, who bore him three children -William H., now practicing law with his father ; Burton I., grocer, and May F. Mrs. Sanford died March 6, 1890, aged .52 years. J JAMES BUKLISON. AMES BURLISON,--of Scotch- Irish-Welsh descent, was born in 18 Hamburg, Erie County, N. Y., April 7. 1828, coming with his parents tO' Roscoe, Coshocton Countj^ Ohio, in 1837, his father being a stone-mason, helping to build the locks on the Walhonding canal ; a few years later coming to Middlebury, (now Akron Sixth ward) officiating as constable and marshal of that township and village from about 1857 till his elec- tion as Sheriff of Summit count3% in 1865, and both before, and during his four years incumbency as Sheriff, by appointment of United States Mar- shal Earl Bill, of Cleveland, serving as^ Deputy United States Marshal for Summit county; also giving especial attention to detective operations, a profession which he has since con- tinuouslj' and successfully followed, many noted criminals having been apprehended,convicted and punished through his skill and vigilance. August 22, 1848, Mr. Burlison was married to Matilda B. Manning of Middlebury. Having no children of their own, they adopted in childhood May C. Lohr, now known as May Burlison. 274 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. CHARLES BAIRD,— born in Ak- ron, March 25, 1853; graduated from Akron Hig-h School in 1872; read law with Upson & Ford; admitted to practice by Supreme Court, at Colum- bus, November 2, 1875, forming part- nership with Hon. William H.Upson, on the return of Mr. Ford from Mexico, the firm name being Upson, Ford & Baird ; by appointment and two successive elections, held the office of Clerk of Portage township from October, 1875, to April, 1878 ; was canal collector for the port of Akron from February 15, 1879, till Januar}- 15, 1881, resigning to take the office of Prosecuting Attorne}^ for Summit Count}', to which he had been elected in October, 1880; re-elected in 1882. holding the office four years, and is now enjoying a large and lucrative law practice, giving special attention to Corporation Law; also being largely interested and a director in several important industrial enter- prises in Akron and elsewhere. Februar)^ 10, 1882, Mr. Baird was mar- ried to Miss Lucy Allyn Voris, eldest daughter of Hon. Alvin C. Voris, who has borne him five children— CHARLES BAIKl). Alvin Voris, born December 3, 1882; Helen F^lizabeth, born August 30, 1884 ; Betsey Coe, born June 11, 1886 ; Charles, born October 15, 1888; and Katharine, born November 19, 1890. DAVID R. BUNN. DAVID R. BUNN, -born in Wells Co., Ind., May 23, 1842; boyhood devoted to farming and attending- school two miles distant ; at 19 came to Ohio, working at farming and in coal mines, near Doj^lestown in Wayne Co.; August 20, 18(>2, enlisted in Company G, 120th Regt. O. V. I., participating in trans-Mississippi and Vicksburg- campaigns and Red River expedition ; captured at Snagg Point, Red River, and imprisoned thirteen months at Camp Ford, being at one time sentenced to be shot and taken out for that purpose, but for some reason, not made known to hiiu, the sentence was not carried into execu- tion ; after such inhuman treatment as to render him an invalid for five 3ears, he was paroled in 1865, and returned to Dojdestown, resuming' work for his old eiuployer, as clerk, on farm, and in coal bank; was mar- ried October 11, 186(5, to Miss Almira Springer, of Doylestown, w^ho has borne him three children — two sons and one daughter; in 1866, embarked in the grocerj' business and after- Avards in the drj^ goods trade in Doj'lestown ; in 1875 removed to Akron and opened a boot and shoe store on South Howard street, con- tinuing three years; in 1878 was, b}' Mayor Scott, placed upon the cit)^ police force, and was one of the most efficient luembers of that body for six j-ears ; after four j-ears efficient service as deputy, under Sheriff William B.Gamble.was elected Sheriff of Summit County in October, 1888, renominated bj^ acclamation and re-elected in 1890. AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD, 275 Thomas H. Peckham. Wilson B. Cannon; Second, Henry H. Brown, Frank A. Wilcox; Third, Edward C. Simpson, Albert A. Bartlett; Fourth, Thomas S. Bradford, Jacob L. Hall; Fifth, Charles D. Steese, Samuel K. Zwisler; Sixth, James H. Case, John C. Richardson, [Mr. Richardson dying October 25, 1885, Byron M. Allison was appointed to fill the vacancy November 16, 1885]; 1886, First, Wilson B. Cannon, Robert L. Andrew; Second, Frank A. Wilcox, Henry H. Brown; Third, Albert A. Bartlett, Darius Rowe; Fourth, Jacob L. Hall, Wil- liam H. McBarnes; Fifth, Samuel K. Zwisler, James W. Stuver; Sixth, James H. Case, James M. Wills; 1887, First, Robert L. Andrew, Wilson B. Cannon; Second, Henry H. Brown, Henry M. Fisher; [Mr, Brown resigned October 24, 1887, and Erastus R. Harper was elected to fill the vacancy till 1888]; Third, Darius Rowe, J. Park Alexander; Fourth, William H. McBarnes, Conrad Eckel; Fifth, James W, Stuver, A. Wesley Hawkins; Sixth, James M, Wills, James H, Case; 1888, First, Wilson B. Cannon, Robert L. Andrew; Second, Henry M. Fisher, Erastus R. Harper; Third, J. Park Alexander, William Hardy; Fourth, Conrad Eckel, William H. McBarnes; Fifth, A, Wesley Hawkins, James W. Stuver; Sixth, James H. Case, James M. Wills; 1889, First, Robert L/. Andrew, John Motz; Second, Erastus R. Harper, James D. Chandler; Third, William Hardy, John Kreuder; Fourth, Conrad Eckel, William McBarnes; Fifth, James W, Stuver, Cornelius Hallinan; Sixth, James M. Wills, Henry W. Hart; 1890, First, Aaron Wagoner, John Motz; Second, James D, Chandler, Erastus R.Harper; Third, John Kreuder, Curtis C, Sherbondy; Fourth, Conrad Eckel, William F. OUMNER NASH,— born in Bath *-5 May 10, 1830; raised on farm; common school and academic edu- cation ; at 20 went to Wisconsin, working at clearing- way throvig'h for- est for railroad, driving- stage, clerk- ing, etc.; in 1858 returned to Ohio, farming Summers and teaching Winters ; August 6, 1862, enlisted in lloth O. V. I., being successively pro- moted to rank of First Lieutenant ; in 1863 commanded military forces at Dayton during the election ; in 1864 was detailed as Assistant Inspector of railroad defences under Major Willet, which position he held till close of the war. Returning home in July, I860, purchased a farm in Liv- ingston Co., 111.; March 8, 186(5, mar- ried to Miss Rebecca M. Means, of Northfield, working the Illinois farm till 1868, when he returned to Summit Co., Mrs. Nash dying July 18, 1869, leaving one child — Maud M. Spend- ing two years on his father-in-law's farin in Northfield, and one season in Illinois, as agent for a lightning rod company, in the Winter of 1872, '73 was appointed Deputy Countj^ Clerk bj' Clerk John A. Means, serving the balance of the term, and also through two terms for Clerk George W. Weeks, being himself elected Clerk in 1878, SUMNER NASH. and holding the office two full terms of three j'ears each. Mr. Nash is now secretary- and treasurer of the Akron Belting Companj', fully written of elsewhere. June 23, 1874, Mr. Nash was again married, to Miss Linnie A. Cross, of Columbus, Ohio. 276 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. TAMES MADISON POULSON, — J born near Holmesville, Holines County, Ohio, March 27, 1842 ; worked on farm and attended district vschool during- boj hood ; from 18 to 21 worked on farm summers and taught school winters; attended private school of Prof. B. C. Smith, in Fred- ericksburg, several terms, and one year — 1864, '65 — Ha3'esville Academy ; in 1865 entered Princeton, N. J., Col- leg-e, graduating- therefrom in June, 1868, the same j^ear that Dr. McCosh became its president; in 1868 entered Columbia Colleg-e Law School, in New York, being- admitted to bar in New York City, on examination, May 12, 1869, and graduating from Law School in May, 1870; came to Akron August 1, 1870, and throtigh the kind encouragement of John J. Hall, Esq., was induced to locate here, being admitted to the bar of Svimmit county, on examination, September 9, 1870 ; October 1, 1870, formed law partnership jvith Mr. Hall, which continued till January 1, 1877 ; in October, 1874, was elected Prosecuting Attorney for Suinmit countj^ on the Democratic ticket, which office he ably filled two years, from Januarj' 1, 1875, to January 1, 1877, having since JAMES MADISON POULSON. been in general practice on his own account. September 28, 1875, Mr. Poulson was married to Miss Helen F. Smag-g-, onlj^ daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Smagg, of Akron. Thej^ have no children. HENRY C. VIELE. HENRY C. VIELE,— son of Hiram and Abbie M. (McFarland) Viele, was born in Washington County, N. Y., October 29, 1841; removed Avith parents to Akron in Spring- of 1842 ; was educated in Akron public schools ; at 16 began clerking- in stone mill, of which his father was general inanager, con- tinuing nine j'ears ; then became agent for the Merchants' Union Express Company, a year later enter- ing- the employ of the C, Z. & C, now C, A. & C. railway, serving two or three years as ticket agent; then erlgag-ed in the flour and feed biisi- ness in partnership with his father. In February-, 1872, was appointed Count}' Recorder, bj' the Count}- Cominissioners, to fill the vacancy caused b}' the death of Recorder Grenville Thorp, serving till the following October; then served as deputy in Treasurer's office till 1878,. when he was elected Countj- Treas- urer and re-elected in 1880, holding- the office four j^ears; teller in Citi- zens' Savings and Loan Association to July, 1887 ; assistant treasurer to Jul}-, 1888, and since, treasurer of the association. October 16, 1873, Mr. Viele was married, at Flatbush,Long Island, to Miss Libbie F. Mack, a native of New York. They have one child only — Fanny Mack. I^orn June 2, 1876. AKKOX S CrVIL SER\ ICK RECORD, 277 A LBERT A. BARTLETT — born in -^ Mina, Chautaviqua Count}', N. Y., June 22, 1840; common school educa- tion ; raised on farm till 17, then worked in saw-mill, the last two years on shares, until July, 1861. when he enlisted in the -lOth N. Y. V. I., for three years or during the war ; served in Army of Potoinac until the battle of Antietam, when he was wounded, occasioning the loss of left arm. On being- discharged, April 6. 1863, took charge of a small place which he owned, two years later eijgaged as engineer in a steam saw mill at Corry, Pa., after one year tak- ing charge of the business ; came to Akron in Spring of 1867, taking a position in planing mill of George Thomas & Son, which, under suc- cessive firms, he held until 1879, the last eight years as foreman. In October, 1878, Mr. Bartlett was elected, on the Republican ticket. Recorder of Summit County, ably filling that important office two full terms ; was also Third ward member of City Council in 1885, '86, serving as chair- man of light and of fire and water committees. As senior partner of the firm of A. A. Bartlett & Co., Mr. B. is now conducting a planing' mill on West State street. Mr. B. is active and enthusiastic in local military ALBERT BARTLETT. affairs, now holding the position of Adjutant of the Eighth Regiment O. N. G.; was married November 29, 1860, to Miss Imogene Jane Travers, of Chautauqua Count)^, N. Y.; of the three children born to them, two only are living — Mary, now Mrs. George J. Snook, photographer, and Jennie, now Mrs. Dr. W. B. Conner, of Akron. CHARLES E. PERKINS. pHARLES E. PERKINS, - sixth ^ son of Col. Simon Perkins, was born at Akron, May 7, 1850 ; edu- cated in public schools and in pre- paratory department of Western Reserve College at Hudson ; in 1868 entered Troy. N. Y., Polytechnic Insti- tute, taking a three j^ears' course in ■ civil and mining engineering, and one year in school of mines in Col- umbia (New York City) College; in 1873, was elected citj' engineer of Akron, for two years, and on change of ordinance, appointed b}' Mayor and confirmed by Council, for the three successive years— 1875, '76, '77, liolding the position in all five j^ears. In 1878, opened an agricultural ware- liouse on Canal street. In October, 1S83. Mr. Perkins was elected County Survej'or, re-elected in 1886. and again for the third term in 1889, and is still ably filling the position. January 14, 1880, Mr. Perkins was married to Miss Maj- Adams, daughter of Mr. Frank Adams, of Akron, Sixth ward. 278 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Gayer; Fifth, Cornelius Hallinan, Warren Buckmaster; Sixths Henry W. Hart, Charles S. Hart; 1891, First, Aaron Wagoner,. Harvey F. Miller; Second, James D. Chandler, Erastus R. Harper;: Third, Curtis C. Sherbondy, Frank Fiebeger; Fourth, Conrad Eckel, William F. Gayer; Fifth, Warren Buckmaster, John W. J>unn;, Sixth, Henry W. Hart, Charles S. Hart. City Mayors. — Official term two years: 1865, '66, James Mathews; 1867, '68, Lucius V. Bierce; 1869, '70 and 1871, '72, John L. Robertson; 1873, '74, Henry Purdy; 1875, '76, Levi S. Herrold; 1877, '78, James F. Scott; 1879, '80, John M. Fraze; 1881, '82, Samuel A. Lane; 1883, '84 and 1885, '86, Lorenzo Dow Watters; 1887. '88, Louis D. Seward; 1889, '90, '91, '92, William H. Miller. City Clerks. — This officer is an appointee of Council, at first, for one year only, but now for the term of tAvo years: 1865, '66^ Teremiah A. Long; 1867, '68, '69, '70, '71, '72 and '76, Mills B. Purdy; 1873, '74, '75, John A. Means; 1877, '78, Adams Emerson; 1879, '80, '81, '82, Newton Ford; 1883, John M. Fraze; 1884. '85, '86, '87, '88, '89, Newton Ford; 1891, '92, Edwin Wagner. City Marshals. — Elected by the people — term at first one year^ now two years; 1865, Williams P. Babcock; 1866, George W. Fair- banks; 1867, John Chitty, Jr.; 1868, James K. Butler; 1869, '70, '71, '72, Hart A. Parker; 1873, '74, '75, '76, Socrates W. Pike; 1877, Jacot> Koplin; Mr. Koplin resigning at end of first year, William H. Ragg w^as elected in 1878 to fill vacancj^ and on expiration of term re-elected for the two successive terms covering 1879. '80, '81, '82; followed by John McCourt two terms, 1883, '84. '85, '86; l)y Simon M. Stone in 1887, '88, '89, '90, and Hughlin Harrison, 1891, '92^ pHARLES \V. F. DICK,— son of ^ Gottleib and Mary M. (Handle) Dick, was born in Akron, Ohio, November 3, 18.58; educated in Akron Public schools; clerked in hat store of Chipnian & Barnes two j^ears; book-keeper for Citizens' Saving's and Loan Association Bank six 3'ears; book-keeper for Empire Reaper and Mower Company' two years; in 1881 formed partnership with Lucius C. Miles, under the firm name of Dick & Miles, in a g'eneral commission and grain business, J. Edward Peterson succeeding- Mr. Miles in Februarjs 1890, the firm name no^v being Dick & Peterson. In November, 1886, Mr. Dick was elected Auditor of Summit county on the Republican ticket, and re-elected in 1889, which responsible position he is now ably filling. Being active in local military circles, Mr. Dick was, in 1888 elected Major of the Eighth Regiment Infantry Ohio National Guard, having previouslj^ served, by regular proiuotion, as Captain of Companj^ B, Akron City Guard. June 30, 1881, he was married to Carrie May Peterson, daughter of Dr. James H. Peterson, of Akron. Four children, all boys, have been born to them, the first dying- in w CHARLES \V. F. DICK. infancy; Carl, born October 23, 1887; James Edward, born Noveml^er 28, 1888, and Lucius Alfred, born Decem- ber 6, 1890. Akron's civil service record. 279' EMMON S. OVIATT — born in Rich- field, October 20, 1842; educated in village public schools, working on farm, after twelve years of age attending- commercial school in Cleveland winters; at 18, in 1861, enlisted in the Second O. V. C, serv- ing in this and the 12th O. V. C, nearly three years. On his dis- charge from the arm}-, he engaged in the drug business, also serving as township treasurer and postmaster at West Richfield until 1872, when he removed to Akron, soon afterwards engaging in the carpet business, with William H. Diehl, under the firm name of Diehl & Oviatt, con- tinuing six years; in 1884, entered the office of O. B. Hardy & Co., deal- ers and jobbers in mining and sport- ing powders, continuing one jear, then entered the county teasurer's office as deputj-, under Treasurer A. M. Cole, continuing through the administration of Treasurer James H. Seymour, in November, 18i)0, being himself elected treasurer, the full duties of which responsible office he assumed September ii, 1891. Mr. Oviatt is also a director of the City Nalional Bank and president of the Akron EMMON S. OVIATT. Hardware Company. Ma}- 1(3, IHCAf Mr. Oviatt was married to Miss Mary A. Waters, of Brecksville, Cuyahoga count}-. They have no children. HENRY I-RKOEK'ICK. HKNRY FREDERICK, born in Wayne Coimty. March 2(), 1834 ; educated in schools of Doylestown and Copley ; worked on his father's farm till 18o8 ; May 2(). 18,18. married to Miss Ellen Viers, of Norton ; Octo- ber, 1858, rented the John C. Stearns farm, and three years later the Jona- than Spafford farin, purchasing same at the end of 18 months, but later sell- ing it and in 186i5 removed to Norton; in 1866 returned to Copley, and rented the 24() acre farm of Peter Weeks; in 1867, in connection with Roj-al Brock- way, purchased 546 acres of Rhodes brothers, on the west line of Portage townshij) ; a division being- made, other tracts were bought so that Mr. Frederick's present finely cultivated farm consists of 283 acres, stock rais- ing and dairjing being specialties. Republican in politics, Mr. Frederick served as trustee of Portage town- ship from 1874 to 1877; as Director of County Infirnuir}^ from 1876 to 1882, being president of the board three }'ears, and clerk two years ; 1889 elected meml)er Board of County Comissioners for three jears. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick are members of the First Disciples' Church of Akron. They are the parents of three chil- dren — Charlotte F^liza,now Mrs. Harry N. Sherbondy ; James McHenrj-. (now editor of the Ainerictin Farm Ncivs, Akron); and Ulysses Grant, secretary and treasurer of T h e T h o m a s Lumber Co. .280 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. NATHANIEL PERKINS GOOD- HUE,--son of Nathaniel W. and Nancy (Johnston) Goodliue, was born in Akron, August 6, 18o4 ; educated in city public schools ; from September, 1872, to December, 1878, deputy clerk in United States Court at Cleveland ; from 1878 to 1880, traveling- salesman for wholesale boot and shoe firm of Keller & Goodhue of Rochester, N. Y.; from 1880 to 1882, read law in the office of his father in Akron ; on the acces- sion of the latter to the Probate Judge- ship of Summit count)*, February 9, 1882, entered the office as deput)^ clerk, on the death of Judge Goodhue, September 12, 1883, continuing through the incumbency of Judge Charles R. Grant, to February 9, 1891. November 4, 1890, Mr. Goodhue was elected, on the Republican ticket, Clerk of Courts for Summit county ; entering upon the responsible duties of that office, February 9, 1891. April 4, 1883, Mr. Goodhue w^as married to Miss Mary Kent McNaughton, daughter of Finley and Ella (Kent) McNaughton, formerlj^ of Akron, NATHANIEL PERKINS GOODHUE. now of Youngstown, who was born in Akron, October 31, 1858. They have no children. BENJAMIN FKANKLIN CLARK. T3ENJAMIN FRANKLIN CLARK, -L' — born in New Lisbon, ()., Jan- uarj' 24, 1841 ; when two 3'ears old moved with parents to Munroe Falls, and later to Massillon, at 16 graduat- ing from public schools of that cit)^ ; then read medicine three years with Dr. Metz; October 6, 1861, enlisted in Co. H, loth O. V. I., for three years ; was severely wounded by a shell at Chickasaw Bayou, near Vicksburg, in December, 1862, and discharged on surgeon's certificate August 7, 1863. April, 18(j4, re-enlisted in McLaugh- lin's cavalry, in John Sherman's famous brigade, going immediately into the Atlanta campaign, in every battle of which he was a participant ; went with Gen. Stoneman on an ex- pedition into Georgia for the rescue of Union prisoners ; was captured by the Confederates, stripped of his boots and most of his clothing, and marched, bare-foot, over fifty miles to Andersonville, where for nine long months he suffered all the horrors of that infernal prison pen, on his discharge — a mere skeleton — for many months lingering upon the verge of the grave ; before fairlj'- recovering he again sought his regi- ment, being with it on the final surrender of Gen. Joe Johnston. After the war Mr. Clark devoted him- self to newspaper work — 16 years on the Akron Daily Beacon and one year on the Daily Republican ; in 1890 was elected Count)* Recorder, which position he is now abl)^ filling. May 1, 186(j, Mr. Clark was married, to Miss Caroline Foltz, of Wooster, who has borne him four children — Harry Walter, died in infanc)*; Cora A. (now Mrs. Harr)- S. Brandon); George K. and Willie F. AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. i81 f^ EORGE W. SIEBER, — son of VJ Joseph and Sarah S. (Moyer) Sieber, was born on a farm near Freeburg-, Snyder count}', Pa., Febru- ary 22, 1858 ; removed with parents to Akron in 1868 ; educated in Freeburg- and Akron public schools, graduat- ing' from Akron high school in 1876 ; attended Buchtel College and Cin- cinnati law school, graduating from the latter in 1881, with first honors of class ; admitted to the bar the same 3'ear and entered upon a successful practice, in 1886 being elected Prosecuting Attorney for Summit county, on the Republican ticket, and re-elected in 1889, ably filling that responsible office six years ; April 1, 1891, associated himself with ex- Judges Edwin P. Green, of the Com- mon Pleas Court, and Charles R. Grant, of the Probate Court, under the firm name of Green, Grant & Sieber, and besides his law practice, is quite largely interested in several indus- trial enterprises in Akron and else- where. September 1, 1883, Mr. Sieber was married, to Miss Elsie C. Moatz, GEORGE W. SIEBER. of Middleburgh, Pa., who has borne him three children George W., who died at eleven months of age ; Joseph Byron and Florence. RICHARD B. WALKER. RICHARD B. WALKER.— born in Belchertown, Mass., August 11, 1825; common school education, reared to inercantile life; January 18, 1852, was married to Miss Mary E. Jenney, of Ware, Mass.; same year came to Akron, opening a store for the sale of agricultural implements and supplies, the first store of its class in Akron, later adding tin and hardware to his stock in trade. In 1862 he became traveling salesman and general agent for Aultman, Miller & Co., for the sale of the cele- brated Buckeye Reapers and Mowers, conducting competitive field trials, etc., which business, with eminent success to both the coijipany and himself, he still follows. Politically Mr. Walker is a steadfast Republican, and though not an office seeker, was honored with a seat in the Council of the Incorporated Village of Akron, during the years 1858, '59, and in 1859 was elected director of County Infirinary, which office, most of the time as clerk of the board he ably filled till 1868— nine years- having charge of Akron's poor, and efficiently aiding in the erection of the present commodious Infirmary buildings. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker have been born four sons — William, book-keeper for Mack Brothers, Cleveland; George, lawj^er in Chi- cago; Charles, deceased; and Arthur H., also practicing law in Chicago. 282 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. JACOB KOPLIN— was born near I Doylestown, Wayne county, Ohio, July 24, 1828, moving- into Norton township with parents in 1833; edu- cated in district schools and learned tailoring- business; in 1862, moved to Akron, and on August 30th of that year enlisted in Co. D, 29th Regiment O. V. I., serv^ing- nearlj' three 3^ears. being inustered out June 8, 1865; after close o€ the war clerked for Barnes Brothers nearlj^ ten j^ears; in 1875, '76 officiating as jailor and deputj- sheriff under Sheriff Levi J. McMuf- ray; in 1877 was elected Citj^ Marshal of Akron, serving- one j^ear, when he resigfned and opened a general store at Johnson's Corners, selling out a year later and returning- to Akron, as salesman in the large Clothing House of J. Koch & Co., which posi- tion he has since continuouslj' held. In November, 1889, Mr. Koplin was elected a member of the Summit Count}' Infirtnary Board for the term of three years. May 30, 1849, Mr. Koplin was married to Miss Mar- g^aret Hile, of Norton, who bore him six children, three of whom died young, the three survivors being-: Jennie M., (now Mrs. S. G. Williams); Frank L., now of the shoe firm of JACOB KOPLIX. S. E. Phinney & Co.; and Or in P.,. machinist with Webster, Camp & I^ane. Mrs. Koplin dying- April 23, 1889, Mr. Koplin was again married, to Mrs. Linhie L. Bolich, — nee Long — of Wadsworth, January 1, 1890. City Solicitors. — Elected bj^ the people — term two j^ears: 1865, '66, '67, '68, Newell D. Tibbals; 1869, '70, John McGregor; 1871, '72, '73, '74, '75, '76, Edward W. Stuart; 1877, '78, Henry C. Sanford; 1879, '80, Calvin Pease Humphrey; 1881, '82, '83, '84, Charles S. Cobbs; 1885, '86, '87, '88, Dayton A. Doyle; 1889, '90, '91, '92, George M. Anderson. City Civil Engineers. — Previous to 1869, no regular civil engi- neer, for either town, village or city, had been permanently'- employed, but such surveying, laying of grades, etc., was done by old-time local surveyors — Joshua Henshaw^, Albert G. Mallison, Capt. Richard Howe, Dwight Newton, Seth Sackett, Hosea PauU and others, as necessity required. Under the ordinance of 1869, P, H. Dudley vt^as elected City Civil Engineer by the people for tw^o years, and re-elected in 1871, followed by the election in the same manner, in 1873, of Charles E. Perkins for two years. In 1875 the office was made appointive, from year to year, by the Major, sub- ject to confirmation by Council, under which arrangement Charles E. Perkins was successively appointed in 1875, '76 and '77, and Omar N.Gardner in 1878, '79, '80, '81, '82 and '83. The ordinance being again changed, making the office elective bj^ the Council for two years, Mr. Gardner ^vas again elected in 1884, follow^ed by Willis D, Chapman, in 1886, and re-elected in 1888. Mr. Chapman resigning early in 1889, Assistant Engineer Samuel W. Parshall was promoted to the engineership for tw^o years, and is still serving. Street Commissioner. — Prior to 1869 work upon the streets of the village and city was done under the supervision of the Street Committee, or some person specially appointed for the AKKON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. 283 JOSEPH E. WESENER— born in J Frankfort, Pa., May 7, 1827; moved with parents to Canton, Ohio, in 1840; served as clerk in store of H. H. Myers five years; came to Akron in 1846, clerking four years, and in part- nership two years, with the late Allen Hibbard, in the "Old Green Store " on Howard street, burned Feb- ruary 17, 1851. In 1852, Mr. W. started in business for himself, and indiffer- ent localities, with several different partners, (Mr. C. A. Brouse being- as- sociated with him for about 18 years) though again entirely burned out, March 11, 1869, he continued to do a phenomenallj' successful mercantile business in Akron for over a third of a century, his operations for the last few years, in addition to the care of his fine farm adjoining the city, and his elegant Summer resort, "Monte- bello," at Newberr5% Vt., being con- fined to agricultural implements, giant powder, wool, fruit, etc. Mr. Wesener served as a member and clerk of the Infirmary board in 1851, and as village Recorder in 1855, '56. September 8, 1849, he was married to Miss Philura Spalding, daughter of Judge Rufus p. Spalding, who bore him three children, all of whom died in iiitancj'. Mrs. W. djing July 6, JOSKPH E. VVKSE.NEK. 18,52, he was again married, to Miss Anna J. Hopkins, who died January 1, 1876 ; was again married, September 5, 1876, to Miss Alphonsene D. C'e Chevrier, who has V)orne him four children — Joseph E., Mary A., Anna J. and Henrj' Huntington. JAMES F. ^COTT. TAMES F. SCOTT,— born at Cadiz, J Ohio, Februarj^ 18. 1828; conunon school education ; learned the trade of harness-maker at Scio, Ohio ; June 8, 1848, married Miss Eunice Jolley, who died February 28, 1849, aged 21 years and 9 months ; in 1850 started overland for Oregon, going as far as Iowa, but on account of illness returned to Ohio, going into the music business in Cincinnati ; in Spring of 1852. went to New Lisbon, and in Fall of same year came to Akron, engaging with Messrs, Blodgett & Horton in the manufact- ure of melopeans ; January 10, 1856, was married to Miss Bell Carsom who died October 30, the same j'ear, aged 24 years. November 25, 1857, was again married, to Miss Helen Shaw,^ who has borne him four children — Daniel H. Scott, born October 25, 18,58, now private secretary to the presi- dent of The Richard Grant Company,, corner Hudson and Vestrj' streets. New York City ; James \V. Scott, born February 22, 1860, now reading law in the office of Cit)^ Solicitor George M.Anderson ; Charles Brown Scott, born August 30, 1861. died March 26, 1864; Nellie Brown Scott, born January 2. 18()8, died February 16, 1884. Mr. Scott is a member of the First Disciples' Church of Akron, and an ardent Republican, ably filling the office of Maj'or of the City of Akron, from April 1877 to April 1879; occu- pation for past 25 years, piano-tuner. 284 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. purpose by Council. By the ordinance of 1869 the office of Street Commissioner was created, to be elected by the people for the term of two years, the successive incumbents of which have been as follows: 1869, '70, '71, '72, Thomas H. Goodwin; 1873, '74, '75, '76, '77, '78, Benjamin Frederick; 1879, '80, Joseph D. Ellis; 1881, '82, '83, '84, James Wildes; 1885, '86, '87, '88, Henry Acker; 1889, Henry Van Hyning. The title of the office having been changed to Supervisor of Streets, and from an elective to an appointiv^e office, Mr. Van Jiyning is still serving as an appointee of the City Council. T ORENZO DOW WATTERS,— son -*-^ of Hiram and Elizabeth (Cron- inger) Walters, was born in Carroll, Fairfield county, Ohio, October 4, 1855. At 14 years of age removed with his parents to Akron, where he attended the public schools until 1872, when, at its opening-, he entered Buchtel College, remaining three years. On leaving college, in 1875, he spent one year with his father in the construction of a mill. In the Spring of 1877 entered the office of J. J. Hall, Esq., as a law student, and on his admission to the bar, March 17, 1879, entered into partnership with Mr. Hall, under the firm name of Hall A Watters, which continued until the election of Mr. Watters to the office of Mayor of the city of Akron, in the Spring of 1883, to which office Mr. Watters was re-elected in 1885, serv- ing in all four years. On the expira- tion of his second terin, as Mayor, in the Spring of 1887, Mr. Watters resumed the practice of the law on his own account, which calling he is LORENZO DOW WATTERS. Still successfully pursuing. Decem- ber 22, 1890. Mr. Watters was married to Miss Julia E. Lynn, of Akron. LOUIS DUDLEY SEWARD. T OUIS DUDLEY SEWARD,~son ^ of Col. Dudley and Lois (Clarke) Seward, was born in Akron Januarj^ 3, 1852 ; educated in Akron public schools and under the private tute- lage of Judge James S. Carjjenter ; studied law with Messrs. Edgerton & Kohler, and in office of Hon. Henry C. Sanford; admitted to bar in April, 1876. comiuencing practice with Olin L. Sadler, Esq.; in 1886, elected justice of the peace for Middlebixry town- ship and continued under Akron township ; in 1887 elected Mayor of the cit}^ of Akron, ably serving two 3'ears, in Spring of 1884 resuming his law practice, Avhich he is still suc- cessfullj' pursuing. Mr. Seward is also interested in several of the industrial enterprises of Akron and vicinity. December 4, 18 90, Mr. Seward was inarried in Akron to Miss Katharine May Johnston, daughter of County Coinmissioner Washing- ton G. and Mrs. Anna (Irvin) John- v«ton, of Green township, w^ho was born March 19, 1870. Akron's civil service record. 285 WILLIAM H. MILLER— born in Perry township, Stark county, Ohio, April 17, 1843 ; resided on farm with parents until nearly 21 years of Hge ; educated in township district schools, supplemented by several terms of instruction in Canton Union Schools ; in 1862 moved to Copley township, and in 1864 to Akron, working' at the inachinist trade, in the Buckeye Reaper and Mower works, of Aultman, Miller & Co., for twenty-five years. Demo- cratic in politics, Mr. Miller rep- resented the Fourth ward in the Akron City Council from April, 1883, to April, 188o ; April, 1889, Mr. Miller was elected Mayor of Akron, which responsible position he still holds. Mr. Miller was married August 24, 1865, to Miss Harriet E. Manderbach, daughter of Jacob Manderbach, of Akron. Three children have been born to them, two of whom are now living — George H., 25, now a member of the Akron Shoe Company, and Ada A., 16, living at home. In society matters, Mr. Miller has borne a con- spicuous part; initiated in Summit Lodge, No. 50, 1. 0. 0. F., October 6, 1873, became P. G. of Lodge in 1880 ; is now P. C. P. of Akron F^ncampment, No. 18 ; WILLIAM H. MILLEK. commissioned D. D. G. P. of Encamp- ment, June 8, 188(5, by G. P. L. A. Baldwin, of Findlay, O.; was commis- sioned Captain and Aide-de-Camp, Brigade Staff, Patriarchs Militant, by Gen. Franklin Ellis, Commander Dep't of Ohio, January 15, 1886. CHARLES S. COBBS. pHARLES S. COBBS,- born near ^ Alliance, Columbiana county, Ohio, July 7, 1853; lived on farm until 18, when he entered Mt. Union College, from which he graduated in Julj^ 1877; superintendent of Malvern Union Schools two years, meantime studying law ; in May, 1879, entered the office of John J. Hall, Esq., in Akron, being admitted to the bar, in May, 1879, at session of Supreme Court in Columbus, enter- ing at once into a successful law practice in Akron ; in April, 1881, was elected CitJ^ Solicitor, and re- elected in 1883, serving two full terms ; and has since acted as local attorney for the Valle}' Railway Company, in connection with his general law practice, March 9, 1891, forming a partnership with Edward Oviatt and George G. Allen, Esqs., under the firm name of Oviatt, Allen & Cobbs. November 2, 1881, Mr. Cobbs was married, to Miss Margaret S. McCall, of Malvern, Columbiana Co., Ohio,, who has borne him one child — Charles Walker Cobbs— born Feb- ruary 15, 1889. 286 AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. GEORGE McCLUNG ANDERSON, — son of Rev. G. W. Anderson, Methodist minister; born at Prince- ton, Wis., June 29, 1857 ; in 1859, came with parents to Ohio, living- in vari- ous places, and attending- common schools until Fall of 1876, when he entered Alleghenj^ College, in part defraying the expenses of his four years' course bj' manual labor, man- agement of lectures, etc.; in Fall of 1880; came to Kruinroy ; October 22, 188(), he wcffe married to Miss Mary E. Jobes, of Damascus, Coluinbiana Co.; remained at Krumroy two years, teaching- school, working- at painting, common labor, etc., leisure hours being devote(f to Blackstone ; in Fall of 1882, removed to Ann Arbor, Mich., and entered the law department of the Michigan University, working in in law office during vacations ; on g-raduating, in Spring of 1884, was admitted to the Supreme Court of Michigan, and to the Courts of Ohio, June 3, 1884 ; commenced practice in Akron in August, 1884, and elected City Solicitor, on the Republican ticket, in the Spring of 1889, which responsible position he still fills. GEORGE MCCLUNG ANDERSON. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had two children— Mary Belle, born at Krum- ro3 % October 25, 1881, died at Ann Arbor in the Fall of 1882 ; Jesse May, born in Akron, Januarj- 21, 1886. HENRY WARD INGERSOLL. HENRY WARD INGERSOLL,— born in Richfield, October 23, 1833, moving with familj' to Hudson when two years old ; in 1857, gradu- ated from Western Reserve College, studying law with Jtidge Van R. Humphrey, in Hudson, and Wolcott & Upson in Akron, being admitted to the bar \)y the Supreme Court, at Columbus, March 29. 18.59, immedi- ately opening- an office in Akron, where he has been in continuous practice since, except during his absence in the ariny ; in September, 1861, enlisted as member of the Second Ohio Cavalry" Regimental Band, serving in the division of Gen. Blount, in the Western cainpaign. After discharge of band, by order of War Department, he was commis- sioned by Gov. Tod, in 1862, as cap- tain in the 124th O. V. I., but by reason of consolidation of compan- ies, was mustered out on organiza- tion of regiment; in 1864, at the call of Gov. Brough, served 100 daj'S in defense of the National Capitol, as a member of Compan)^ F\, 164th O. N. G. In 1864 Mr. IngersoU was elected Recorder of the incorporated village of Akron, and took the census, pre- pared the necessary papers, and pro- cured from the Secretarj^ of State the charter constituting Akron a city of the second class. Iii addition to his legal acquirements, Mr. IngersoU is a fine inusician, having been chorister in the Cong-regational and other churches of the city for many years. June 6, 186(), he was married to Miss Sarah A. Boardman, of Newton Falls, who has borne him two children, Adelaide B. and Harrj'. AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. 287 NEWTON FORD— sou of Marvin and Lydia (Cornwell) Ford was born in Northfield, Ohio. March 24, 18r)2; raised on farm till 1863; assisted his father in postoffice at Macedonia from 18()3 to 18()S; in 1870, entered Western Reserve CoUeg'e, at' Hudson, <-ontinuing- until 1873, when he beg-an teaching- in ptiblic schools of this countj^; in 1874, began reading law under Horace B. Foster, Esq., in Hudson, two years later concluding- his studies in office of Foster, Mar- vin & Grant, in Akron, being admitted to the bar, here, August 28, 1870. In April, 1877, located in Akron for the practice of his profession, in Februar}^ 1878, associating himself with Hon. Henry C. Sanford, the partnership continuing about five years. In April, 1879, Mr. Ford was elected City Clerk, by the City Coun- cil, and successivelv elected for the years 1880, '81, '82. After an interreg- nvini of one year, he was again elected Clerk, in April, 1884, which position he continued to hold until April, 1890, making an aggregate ser- vice of ten years. November 26. 1879, he was married to Miss Rosine McKinley, of Hudson, who has borne NEVVTOX FORD. him three children — Howard C, born August 14, 1882; twins, boy and girl, born May 23, 1887— Bernice N., and FIthel Rosannah, Bernice dying when two months and a half old. PORTAGE TOWNSHIP. We are unable to secure a full record of the earlier local officers, but commencing vv^ith 1836, the following is a tolerably full roster of Portage township's successive trustees: 1836, William B. Mitchell, Miner Spicer, John Sherbondy; 1837, '38, same; 1839, William B. Mitchell, John Sherbondy, Simon Perkins, Jr.; 1840, Charles W. Brown, Jesse Allen, John Ayres; 1841, Simon Perkins, Jr. Jesse Allen, Charles W. Brown; 1842, Simon Perkins, Jr., Eber Blodgett, Charles W. Brown; 1843, same; 1844, Simon Perkins, Jr., Moses Smith, John Sherbondy; 1845, Simon Perkins, Lucius V. Bierce, Silas W. Wilder; 1846, Silas W. Wilder, Lucius V. Bierce, Justus Gale; 1847, Lucius V. Bierce, Henry Converse, George Sherbondy; 1848, Webster B. Storer, David Miller, John Ayres; 1849, David Miller, Nathaniel Finch, George Sherbondy; on the death of Mr. Miller, in October, George D. Bates was appointed to fill the vacancy. 1850, Nathaniel Finch, George Sherbondy, Joseph F. Gilbert; 1851, Joseph F. Gilbert, Ira Hawkins, Robert Jackson; 1852, Rlias W, Howard, George Sherbondj", Rol^ert Jackson; 1853, Joseph F. Gilbert, Robert Jackson, George Sherbondy; 1854, Ira Hawkins, Elias L. Munger, George Sherbondy; 1855, George W, McNeil, Elias L. Munger, George Sherbondy; 1856, Benjamin McNaughton, George W. McNeil, Reuben Sherbondy; 1857, Charles Merriman, Clement J. Kolb. W^ebster B. Storer; 1858, George Miller, Melchiah Sherbondy, Jacob Snyder; 1859, Houston Sisler, Clement J. Kolb, John R. Buchtel; 1860, same; 1861, Houston Sisler, John R. Buchtel, Christopher Oberholtz; 1862, same; Mr. Sisler dying in June, Roland O. Hammond was appointed to fill the vacancy; 1863, John R. Buchtel, Simon Perkins, G. F. W. 288 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Fisher; 1864, same; 1865, same; 1866, John K, Buchtel, James F. Scott, Clement J. Kolb; 1867, John K. Buchtel, Frank T. Husong, Joseph Babb; 1868, Joseph Babb, Frank T. Husong, Abraham Sichley; 1869, Frank T. Husong, Joseph Babb, Millard F. Hamlin; 1870, Joseph Babb, Millard F. HamUn, Nelson C. Hawkins; 1871, Millard F. Hamlin, Nelson C. Hawkins, Abner L. Caldwell; 1872, Nelson C. Hawkins, Millard F. Hamlin, Hiram Sherbondj^; 1873, Hiram Sherbondy, Millard F. Hamlin, Fred Oberholtz; 1874, Abner L. Caldwell, Abraham Sichley, IrLenry Frederick; 1875, same; 1876,. same; 1877, Hiram Sherbondy, Simon Perkins, Abraham Sichley; 1878, Stephen H. Pitkin, Aver3- S. Beardsley, John McCausland; 1879, Stephen H. Pitkin, Albert H. Mallison, Ephraim Erdley; Mr. Erdley dying in July, Uriah Sherbond}^ was appointed to fill the vacancy; 1880, Jacob Carpenter, Albert H. Mallison, Charles \V. Brown; 1881, Jacob Carpenter, Albert H. MalUson, Millard F. Hamlin; 1882, Jacob Carpenter, Millard F. Hamlin, \V. E. Waters; 1883, B. M. Boyer, B. F. Buchtel, T. J. Wise; 1884, Jacob Carpenter, B. F. Buchtel, W. E. Waters; 1885, B. F. Buchtel, Jacob Carpenter, M. J. Gilbo. In 1886, the law was changed making the term three years, one trustee to be elected everj' three years, since which time the successive boards have been as follows: 1886, B. F. Buchtel, Eli Smith, Charles T. Parks; 1887, same; 1888, Charles T. Parks, Eli Smith, John Leib. Mr. Leib having deceased, Henry PLIMMON H. DUDLEY, -born in U Freedom, Ohio, May 24, 1843; educated at Hiram College; elected Akron City Civil Engineer, in 18(59, re-elected in 1871; built Mill Street conduit, 1870, and West Market Street arch and bridge, 1871; 1872, serv^ed on commission to inspect the Pxiblic Works of Ohio; same year elected Chief Engineer of Valley Railway, locating road, with easy curvature and down grade, from Summit Countj^ coal fields to Cleveland; 1875, '76, used his invention, the Dyna- graph, (power writer), on L. S. & M. S. Ry., demonstrating that 18 to 20 miles for freight trains was more economical than the 10 to 12 miles per hour then in vogue; 1876, '77, '78, employed as expert, by the Eastern Railwaj" Association, to test the comparative merits of locomotive trucks; 1877, awarded the Elliott Cres- son Gold Medal, bj' the Franklin Insti- tute, of Pennsylvania, (the sixth in 30 years), for his invention of the Dynagraph; 1877, invented system bj- which each clock on a given railway line can be set to standard time bj- touching electric key in main office; 1878, sent Dynagraph to the Victor- ian Railways of Australia, and built for himself a car for his enlarged Dynagraph; 1880, invented track- inspecting system, showing the con- dition of any rail passed over, and ejecting paint where repairs are needed; 1883, designed new type of PUIMMON H. DUDLEY. rails; 1884, announced plan for pro- tecting timber from decay; 188o, elected Fellow of the New York Academj' of Science; 1887, was sent to inspect the Panama Railroad; 1889, invented sj^stem of trucks for heavy railwa}^ service; 1890, elected presi- dent New York Microscopical Society. December 12, 1871, Mr. Dudley was married to Miss Lucy M., eldest daughter of the late Hiram V. and Ruth (Rannej') Bronson, of Penin- sula, their present residence beings New York City. akkon's civil serv^ice record. 289 Zink was appointed to fill the vacancy by Justice Solomon Koplin, The township being separated from Akron, in the Spring of 1888, thus making the place of Mr. Parks vacant, Reuben Sherbondy was appointed to the place by Justice Koplin. Since its separation from the city. Portage township has been divided into two election precincts, the territory north of city limits, and east of canal being designated as the East precinct, and that west of city and canal as the West precinct. 1889, trustees: Eli Smith, Reuben Sherbondy, Abner L. Caldwell; 1890, Thomas W. Ingalls, Reuben Sherbondy, A. L. Caldwell; 1891, same. OMAR N. GARDNER, — son of • James and Elvira C. Gardner, natives of Genessee county, N. Y., was born in Akron, December 2, 1854; educated in Akron public schools and Buchtel Colleg-e. In 1870 beg:an work with Mr. P. H. Dudley, Akron's first city engineer, also assisting Mr. Dvidley on the surveys for the B. & O. and Valley railways ; in 1878 was elected City Engineer of Akron, hold- ing- the office until 1886, designing and superintending the construction of the larger portion of our compre- hensive system of public works — sewerage, paving, bridges, viaducts, conduits, sewer tunnel, etc., involv- ing an expenditure of over half a million dollars. In 1887, was employed as special engineer by Nebraska's capital citj', Lincoln, where he designed and superintended the con- struction of a complete system of public works — some 30 miles of separate storm and sanitary sewers, many miles of brick, cedar block and granite block paving, and an important extension of the Lincoln water works system, which ranks among the finest in the country. Mr. G. has also designed a sj^stem of sewerage for West Bay City, Mich., and is now professionally officiating OMAR X. GARDNER. as consulting engineer for all branches of sanitary and h3draulic works. September 4, 1877, Mr. Gardner was married to Miss Ella J. Btish, of Jamestown, N. Y,,who hcis borne him two children — a daughter, Alene, born March II, 1879, and a son, James A., born March 20, 1881. Portage Township Clerks. — From and including 1836, the duly^ elected clerks of Portage township have been as foUow^s: 1836, '37, Franklin C. May; 1838, Horace K. Smith; 1839, Joseph Cole; 1840, Nahum Fay; 1841, William Harrison Dewey; 1842, Henry Clay Crosby; 1843, William H. Dewey; 1844, Nahum Fay; 1845, '46, '47, Charles W. Tappan; 1848, '49, Tilman Wagner; 1850, '51, Edward W. Perrin; 1852, '53, '54, '55, '56, Roland O. Hammond; 1857, Newell D. Tibbals; 1858, '59, Jacob A. Kohler; 1860, '61, '62, George T. McCurdy; 1863, '64, '65, '66, '67, William C. Allen; 1868, '69, '70, '71, John McGregor; 1872, '73, '74, '75, George Tod Ford; in September Mr. Ford resigned and Charles Baird was appointed in his place; 1876, '77, Charles Baird; 1878, '79, '80, '81, '82, '83, Peter J. Moersch; 1884, '85, William H. Sanford; 1886, A. K. Fouser; 1887, Frank G. Treash; 1888, '89, '90, '91, John W. Frank. 19 290 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY WILLIS D. CHAPMAN— son of Dr. Bryon and Matilda A. (Dills) Chapman, was born in Copley, October 3, 1848; edvicated in Coplej^ schools and Pennsjdvania Polytech- nic College, Philadelphia; was locat- ing engineer on Lake Shore and I'us- carawas Valley R. R. in 1871 ; same on Canada Southern from 1872 to 1876 ; engaged in general civil engineering, with headquarters in Toledo, from 1876 to 1878 ; mining engineer and U. S. deputy survej or in Leadville, Col., 1879 to 1881 ; U. S. deputy surveyor in Montana, in 1882 ; followed railroad engineering in Michigan, in 1883 and 1884; Akron city engineer from 1886 until his resignation in 1889, since which time he has been engaged in electric street railroad construction in Akron, Canton and Zanesville, being now general manager of the Akron Electrical Manufacturing Company ; has been a meinber of the American Societj' of Civil Engineers since 1883, and also of the Ohio Society of Civil Engineers. Februarj^ 26, 1873, Mr. Chapman was married to Miss Ella A. Marriner, born in Akron Mny 5, 1849, who has borne him six children — Charles A., born Januarj^ WILLIS I). CHAPMAN. 25, 1875 ; Etha Mav, born February 6, 1877 ; Willis D., Jr., born October 14, 1878; Ella A., born April 27, 1881; George B., born October 12, 1884, and Fred., born October 5, 1888. (Shugart) Parshall, was born at Tidioute, Pa., May 11,1856; educated in common schools, Cornell Univer- sity and Buchtel College ; married in Akron, Februarj- 5, 1880, to Miss Hattie E. Pardee, daughter of the late Jxidge Williain Pardee, a native of Wads worth ; followed a variet}^ of occupations till 27, when, in 1883, he permanently settled in Akron, in 1884 becoming an assistant in the office of City Engineer Omar N. Gardner, and continuing under Engineer Willis D. Chapman, until the resig- nation of the latter, when, on March 18, 1889, he was appointed by the Citj" Council to fill the vacancj^, and in May, 1890, was duly elected, by Coun- cil, City Engineer for the term of two years, which position he is now^ ably filling-. Mr. and Mrs. Parshall are the parents of five children — Ina, born January 19, 1881 ; Gladys, born October 11, 1882 ; Edward, born July 12, 1884 ; Wallace Dickey, born March SAMUEL WILSON PARSHALL. 14, 1889; and Samuel Wilson, born — son of Jaines and Henrietta L- September 1, 1890. SAMUEL WILSON PARSHALL. AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. 291 Portage Towxship Treasurers.— From and including 1836, the successive treasurers of Portage to\srnship have been as follows: 1836, '37, '38, Samuel A. Wheeler; 1839, Lewis P. Buckley; 1840, '41, '42, '43, '44, '45, '46, '47, Samuel A. Wheeler; 1848, '49, Zebulon Jones; 1850, '51, '52, '53, Benjamin McNaughton; 1854, '55, Ti6, Edwin W. Perrin; 1857, Houston Sisler; 1858, John T. Good; 1859, '60, John H. Chamberlin; 1861, '62, '63, '64, '65, '66, '67, '68, '69, Charles Cranz; 1870, '71, '72, Arthur L. Conger; 1873, David R. Paige, Jr.; 1874, Jacob H. Wise; 1875, '76, B. F. Buchtel; 1877, '78, ^79, '80, '81, '82, '83, John McGregor; 1884, Dayton A. Doyle; 1885, '86, '87, A. J. Williams; 1888, '89, '90, '91, John McCausland. T7DWIN WAGNER— son of Jacob ^ and Magdalena Wagner, young- est of a family of ten children, was born near Hartville, Stark Countj^, July 23, 1862; raised on farm; edu- cated in district school, with one year at Ada (Ohio) Normal School and to junior year in Buchtel College, teach- ing- Winters, the Winter of 1885, '86, and all of the year 1886, '87, in Penin- «!xla High School. Mr. Wagner is a member of Grace Reformed Church ; in politics a Democrat, and after four years' service as deputy, under Clerk Newton Ford, was elected City Clerk of Akron, in April, 1890, which posi- tion he is still ably filling. April 30, 1889, Mr. Wagner was married to Miss Sarah Grosenbach. of Hartville, who bore him one child — Jean Marie, born April 11, '1890, Mrs. Wagner dying June 29, 1891, aged 29 years, and 6 davs. EDWIX WAGNER. WILLIAM Z. MCI>0.\ALD. v^^iLLiAM z. Mcdonald,— born '' * in Wooster, Wayne, county, Ohio, June 1.5,1858 ; educated in pub- lic schools ; learned the machinist trade, with his father, giving especial attention to technical mechanical construction, working successively^ in Wooster, Millersburg and Mans- field, until September, 1884, when he came to Akron, where he has since continuously resided ; September 6, 1885, was appointed First District Inspector of workshops and factories, to fill an unexpired term, and re-ap- pointed May 8, 1888, discharging the intricate duties of the position with such intelligence and fidelity, that he was promoted to tbe Chief Inspec- torship of the workshops and factories of Ohio, by Governor J. B. Foraker, for four years, from April 29. 1889, which important office he is still ably filling, the headquarters of the department being at Columbus. October 12, 1882, Mr. McDonald was married to Miss Lillie A. Estill, daughier of Hon. James A. Estill, of Millersburg, Ohio. Thej'^ have two children living — James E. and Helen. 292 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. eiMON M. STONE— born in Lock *-> Haven, Pa., Januarj^ 6, 18 44; educated in common schools; clerked in father's store until July 10, 1861, when, at 17 years of age, he enlisted in Co. D, 7th P. V. I., serving- two years and a half, when he re- enlisted for the war ; Maj^ 7, 1864, was captured with his regiment, in the Battle of the Wilderness, spending seven months in Ander so nvill e prison. At the close of the war. again enlisted in the 4th U. S. Artillery, in which he served three years, being discharged as First Sergeant, at Richmond, Va., May 29, 1870, having given seven full years to the service of his country. On returning home, followed the busi- ness of photographer for two years, when, in 1872, he came to Akron, working in Akron Rubber Works nearly 10 years. In 1882, was appointed on Akron police force by Mayor Samuel A. Lane, serving until April, 1887, when he was elected City Marshal, to which responsible posi- tion he was re-elected in April, 1889, serving four full years. October 21, 1873, Marshal Stone was married, to Miss Laura E. Bittner, of Akron, SIMON M. STONE. who has borne him three children - Fred. Louis, born December 23, 1874 ; Mabel May, born October 3, 1877, died February 22, 1879 ; Laura Gertrude, born December 27, 1881. ALBERT G. MALLISON. ALBERT G. MALLISON,— second -^ son of Amos and Clarina (New- ton) Mallison, born in Groton, Conn., June 13, 1797 ; when eleven years old, moved with his parents to Rich- mond, Berkshire county, Mass., com- ing to Akron in 1832, settling on farm, on what is now known as Wooster avenue. In addition to a good district school education, Mr. Mallison, when young, learned !#ur- vej^ing, in which capacitj' he ran the line between Massachusetts and New York, and also, after coming- here,was emploj^ed b}- Perkins, King and Crosby to survej' and plat the North- ern portion of the City of Akron, his name appearing in most of the deeds of conveyance in the first, second and third wards. Mr. Mallison also taught school for several 3-ears in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Ohio, the last time in the stone school house at the southwest six-corners, in Tallmadge. June 22. 1843, Mr. Mal- lison was married to Miss Cornelia G. Washburn, of Akron, who bore him three children — Eveline, (now Mrs. Horace G. Moon), Albert H, both now living on Wooster avenue, and Amos, who died 1886. Mr. Malli- son died Februar}' 26,1879, at the age of 81 years, 8 months, 13 da3'8, Mrs. Mallison d5"ing December 8, 187o, aged 76 years, 5 months and 6 da3^s» AKROX'S CIVIL vSERVICE RECORD. 293 AMOS MALLISON,— eldest son of -^ Amos and Clarina (Newton) Mallison, was born in Groton, Conn., Jvily (>, 1795 ; at 13, moved with his parents to Richmond, Berkshire county, Mass., coming- to Ohio in 1833, settling- on the farm now known as Ba'^tges-Mallison Addition to the Ci ty of Akron. Mr. Mallison received a good common school education, and followed, through life, the calling- of a farmer. June 6, 1840, Mr. Malli- son was married to Mrs. Marj^ Comp- ton, a widow with one daug-hter, afterward married to Mr. John M. Seidel, now of Hudson, Mrs. Sei- del, at her death leaving one son, Theodore, who was adopted by his grandparents and is now a success- ful farmer in Western New York. After the sale of their farm, here, to Dr. S. W. Bart^es, Mr. and Mrs. Mal- lison, in the Spring of 1870, removed to the townof Victor, Ontario county, N. Y., where Mr. M. died January 25, 1877, aged 81 years, 6 months and 19 days. Mrs. M. still survives. AMOS MALLISON. JACOB ALLKX. JACOB ALLKN, — fourth son of J Jesse and Catherine (Teithrich) Allen, was born in Lansing-, Tomp- kins county, N. Y., February 11, 1803, removing with parents to Coventry, Ohio, in 1811 ; educated in district schools ; learned cloth-dressing- trade in Middlebury ; at 18 went to State of New York and built woolen mill near Ithaca ; returned to Ohio in 1835, in 1837 building woolen mill in Ghent; in 1838 another mill in Akron tiear Cascade mill ; in 1840 another on the old city mill site ; in 1842 another, now a part of the oat meal plant of The Hower Co., and in 1846, with others, a satinet factory further south on Canal street, converted into a flouring- mill in 1856, and now known as the Allen Mills, of whjch his son Frank, of New York, is now one of the proprietors. Mr. Allen was a liberal promoter of public improve- ments, and especiall}^ influential in securing the location of the A. & G. W. (now N. Y., P. & O.) railroad throug^h Akron, his latest private enterpise being the erection of the three-stor}' business block bearing- his name on South Howard street. Though not an office-seeker, Mr. Allen was a member of Akron Vil- lag-e Council in 1841, '42. February 16, 1830, at Ithaca, N. Y., he was mar- ried to Miss Catharine Vansickle, sister of the late N. E. Vansickle and Mrs. A. M. Barber, who bore him five children — Hiram, deceased ; Mary Helen, now Mrs. Rufus Wright, of Akron ; Frank H., now of New- York City ; Elnora, who died in infancy; and Lizzie, now Mrs. Charles W. Kellogg, of Chicago. Mr. Allen died November 25, 1879, aged 76 years, 9 months and 14 days, Mrs. Allen dying- September 20, 1887, aged 73 years,9inonths and 10 days. 294 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. NICHOLAS EMMONS VAN- SICKLE, — born inGermantown, N. J., November 10, 1816 ; moved with parents to Tompkins county, N. Y., in 1825, and to Bath, Ohio, in 1837 ; common school education ; during minority worked at farming and blacksmithing- with father ; then learned to make cloth, following that business in connection with his brother-in-law, Jacob Allen, from 1838 to 1845, being co-proprietor of Cit}' Woolen Factory, afterwards known as the City Mills, on West Market street. September 3, 1844, Avas mar- ried to Miss Margaret Mathews, of Akron, who bore hiin two children- Ella, now Mrs. E. R. Grant, and Dora, now Mrs. N. H. Bassett, both now residents of Akron. In 1848 engaged in hotel keeping in Bedford, later, for several years,- engaging in railroad building in Missouri and other local- ities ; was master of transportation in the earlier years of the war ; later employed on public works of Akron, and in 1871, in connection with Col. A. L. Conger, building 20 miles of the Valley Railway. In 1875 established cigar and tobacco store at 104 East Market street, following that bxisi- ness several years. In 1846 Mr. Van- sickle served as a inember of the XICHOLAS EMMONS VAXSICKLE. Town Council, and was for manj^ years a member of the Board of Directors of the Summit Countj^ Agricultural Society, and one of its most active promoters. Mr. Van- sickle died January' 4, 1888, aged 71 years, 1 month and 24 daj-s. HIRAM VIELE. TTIRAM VIELE, — was born in -*- A Pittstown. Rensselaer county, N, Y., September 5, 1813 ; educated in common schools, working on his father's farm till 20 years old, when he engaged as clerk in stove store in Rochester, two 3^ears later becoming a partner in the business, which con- tinued five j^ears ; then, after one 5^ear's residence in W a s h i n g t o n county, in Julj^ 1842, came to ATcron, where he engaged in the Stone Mills, as book-keeper, afterwards becoming manager, continuing, with an inter- mission of two or three years, until August 1, 1871, when he opened a flour and feed store, where the Arcade block now stands, in which business he continued until his death, Julj' 25,. 1874. October 17, 1838, Mr. Viele was married, to Miss Abbie M. McFar- land, a native of Salem, Washington county, N. Y. Five children were born to them, three of whom, with their inother, are still living — Henry C, now treasurer of the Citizens Sav- ings and Loan Association, in Akron, and Mary J. and Fannie G. Mr. Viele was a prominent member of Summit Lodge, No. 50, I. O. O. F.. and a charter member and high official of Akron Encampment, No. 18, and also acceptably officiated as Deputy Grand Master of the State, and Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of the United States. Akron's civil sbrvick record. 295 WILLIAM G. RAYMOND, — born in Adams, Berkshire county, Mass,, October 4, 1811; common school education ; learned machin- ist's trade ; came to Akron in 1884, working- in carding and spinning miachine works of Aliens & McMillan, elsewhere written of; in 1838, with his brother John, leased the "Ohio Exchange" hotel, where the Woods block now stands, keeping it about two years ; in 184(). bought the woolen factory, corner Canal and Cherry streets, successfully conducting it several years; soon, in addition, established a dry goods store, under the firm name of J. Ra3-mond & Co., on Howard street, which was de- stroyed b3'fire on the night of Decem- ber 27, 184tT, also for many years dealing extensively in wool. Maj' 1(5, 184(), Mr. Raymond was married, to Miss Eliza A. Williams, daughter of Barnabas Williams, and step-daugh- ter of Major Miner Spicer, pioneer settlers of Portage township, who bore him four children — William B., late treasurer of the Citizens' Savings and Loan Association of Akron, born April 5, 1841, died June 10, 1888; John Gilbert, born Februarj^ 23, 1840, now treasurer of The Diamond Drill and Tool Company of Akron ; Charlie, who died February 7, 18.o4, aged 3 years and 5 days; and Grace, who died March 20, 1873, aged 10 years, 9 WILLIAM G. RAYMOND. months and 23 dnjs. Mrs. Rajniond dying March (5. 18(),i, Mr. R. was again married, to Mrs. Martha E. Yosburg, September 3, IHfKi. Mr. Raj^mond died April 9, 1870, aged 58 jears, 6 montjis and 5 da^s, the second Mrs. R. dying October 12, 1890, aged (35 years, 1 month and 7 days. Justices of the Peace. — In an early day justices of the peace were appointed by the Governor, and after the office became elective by the people, to the organization of the new county of Summit, in 1840, the election returns had to be made to the clerk of common pleas, at Ravenna, and cannot now be conveniently traced. Among the earliest, if not the earliest, justices of the peace in Portage tow^nship, was its earliest settler, Major Miner Spicer. Though perhaps not very well up in legal learning, the Maj(>r Avas possessed of good strong common sense, and his decisions were very seldom reversed by the higher courts. The Major, also had a decidedly original way of expressing his opin- ions, as witness the following incident: A dissolute fellow of the vicinity was brought before His Honor on the charge of stealing a hog. The witnesses were sworn and examined, but the evidence being a little obscure, the major, who, when especially in earnest, had a slight impediment in his speech, ordered the accused to stand up and in stentorian tones exclaimed: "T-t-there a-aint q-quite t-tes-testimony e-enough to c-convict you, but I b-believe y-you're g-guilty as a d-dog — g-git out of my house !" Elijah Mason, Esq., of Middlebury, was also one of the early justices of the neighborhood. Mr. Wolsey Wells, Akron's first postmaster and canal collector, also officiated as justice of the peace in the late twenties and early thirties, while Mr. Jacob Brown, at the South End, and Mr. John H. Cleveland, in "Cascade," 296 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. w^ere doing magisterial duty in their respective localities on the arrival of the writer in Akron, in 1835. Since that time the justices of the peace for Portage toAvnship, elected for the term of three years, have been as follows: 1836-39, Jacob Brown and Seneca L. Hand; 1837-40, Harvey H. Johnson; 1839-42, Leander L. Howard; 1839-42, Ebenezer Martin; 1840-43, Harvey H. Johnson; 1842-45, William M. Dodge; 1842-45, Lewis P. Buckley; 1843-46, Henry Converse and Jacob Brown; 1845-48, William M. Dodge; 1846^9, George Babcock; 1848-51, Joshua C. Berry; 1849-52, George Babcock and Noah M. Green; 1851-54, Abel B. Berry; 1852-55, Daniel B. Hadley and Noah M. Green; 1854-57, Joseph F, Gilbert; 1855-58, John W. Stephens and Noah M. Green; 1857-60, WiUiam L. Clarke; 1858-61, John W. Stephens and John L. Robertson; 1860, '61, Edward Allen (died in June, 1861); 1861-63,John W. Stephens (died in March, 1863); 1861-64, John Lugenbeel and William L. Clarke; 1863-66, Lewis M. Janes (died in July, 1865); 1864-67, William L.Clarke; 1865-68, WiUiam M. Cunningham; 1867- 70, William L. Clarke; 1868-71, Henry Purdy and William M. Cunningham; 1871-74, Henry Purdy and Florence Weber; 1873-76, Dudley Seward; 1874-77, Thomas "^C, Brandon and Thomas H. Goodwin; 1876-79, Dudley Seward; 1877-80, Henry Purdy and Thomas C. Brandon; 1879-82, Dudley Seward; 1880-83, Henry Purdy and Thomas C. Brandon; 1882-85, Peter J. Moersch; 1883-86, Henry Purdy; 1886-88, Alvin Rice; 1885-88, Peter J. Moersch; 1886- 89, Henry Purdy (resigned February 22, 1888); 1888-91, Solomon Koplin, west precinct and Edw^in P. Fouse east precinct, 1891-94, Solomon Koplin west precinct and Joseph M. Byerly east precinct. r:;.EORGE THOMAS,— born in Co- ^J^ lumbiana County, O., March 12, 1817 ; common school education ; learned trade of carpenter and joiner ; worked in Millersburgf, Holmes Co., four j^ears, coming- to Akiron in 1844 ; during- the war establishing himself in the building and luinber business, on the present site of the Thomas IvUmber and Building Company's works, which he successfullj' carried on till his death, October 28, 1872, at the age of 55 years, 7 months, 16 days. In 1840, Mr. Thomas was tnarried to Miss Jane Wilson, of Millersburg, Avho bore hini one son — Col. David W. Thomas, his successor in business and now president of the above named compan}-. Mrs. Thomas dying in 1842, Mr. Thomas was again mar- ried, September 25, 184.5, to Miss Mary Caldwell, of Akron, who bore him six children, three dying in infancy; of the three daiighters living to adult age, Carrie F., the first wife of Mr. Daniel A. James, dying December 22, 1S70; Eva Iv., married to Mr. William F. Picton ; and Louisa J., the present Mrs. D. A. Jame.s. Mr. Thomas was active in all public afifairs, foremost among the earlj- firemen of the vil- lage ; a member of the villag-e Coun- cil. 18.57, '.58; a member of the First GEOKGii THOMAS. Baptist Church of Akron, and of Akron Lodge No. 83, F. & A. M., the latter organization adopting appro- priate memorial resolutions on his death, and conducting the funeral services. Mrs. Thomas died Novem- ber 4, 1883, aged .56 years. Akron's civ^il serv^ice record. 297 TAMES CHRISTY —born in Sprin^- J field township, Februarj^ 4, 1820 ; worked on father's farm during- minority; attended district school, and from 16 to 19, a select school in Middlebviry ; at 20 taught school two terms ; at 21, in connection with his brother-in-law, Mr. James Sawyer, established tannery on North Howard street, under the firm name of Christy & Sawj^er, together with shoe manufactory and store, continuing until 1851 ; in 1852, formed partner- ship with his brother, John H., in 18.56, erecting more commodious buildings, the partnership continu- ing until 1879. Mr. C. then associated with himself his two sons, James Jr. and William, under the firm name of James Christy & Sons, manufactur- ing leather, and dealing in leather, hides, furs and findings, making a speciality of harness leather, now exclusively buying- and selling-. Republican in politics, Mr. Christy has served five years in City Council ^1864, '73, '74, '77, '78. In October, 1849, Mr. Christy was married to Miss Janette Warner, of Akron, who has borne him six children— four of whom are now living- — Alice, (now Mrs. John E. Metlin) ; James, William and Nettie, still at home. In 1850, Mr. Christy performed the overland jour- ney to California with ox-teams, the journey from Akron to Sacrainento ■occupying nearly five months. Re- JAMES CHRISTY. maining about one jear, part of the tiine in the mines, and part of the time in Sacrainento, the home jour- ney was made via the Isthmus of Panama, occupying nearly a month. Forty years later, on his 70th birth- day, he again visited the Pacific Coast, leisurely visiting every por- tion of California, Oregon, Washing-- ton, Montana, Dakota, etc., the entire journey occupying- less than two months. Middlebury township: 1863-66, John Johnston and Harvey- Baldwin; 1866, '72, '75, '80, '83, '86-89, Mansfield Sumner; 1867, '70, '73, '76, '79, '82, '85, '88, '89, Almon Brown; 1885-88, Louis D. Seward. Akron township: 1888-91, Alvin Rice; 1888-91, Peter H. Hoffman; 1889-92, William Anderson; 1890-93, Mansfield Sumner; 1891-94, Ernest C. Housel. Portage Township Assessors. — The duly elected assessors of the township, since and including 1841, have been as follows: 1841, Miner Spicer; 1842, '43, '44, Justus Gale; Col. Gale declining to serve this last year John H. Crawford was appointed in his place. 1845, Albert G. Mallison; 1846, Nahum Fay; 1847, Joseph F. Gilbert; 1848, John Sherbondy; 1849, Alfred R. Townsend; 1850, Nahum Fay; 1851, '52, George Howe; 1853, John Sherbondy; 1854, Nahum Fay; 1855, Nelson C. Hawkins; 1856, Ira Hawkins, with Samuel A. Lane, appointed by Auditor, as assistant; 1857, Alfred R. Townsend; 1858, Frank Adams; 1859, Alfred R. Townsend; 1860, Nahum Fay; 1861, '62. Jacob H. Wise; 1863, Nahum Fay; 1864, Charles C. Hanscom; 1865, '66, Edward A. Barber; 1867, Homer C. Ay res; 1868, Augustus Curtiss; 1869, John G. Goble; 1870, '71, Aaron Teeple; 1872, Albert H. Mallison; 1873, George Miller; 1874, Albert H. Mallison; 1875, George Miller; 1876, Hiram Sherbondy; 1S77, '78, '79, Randall McAllister; 1880, Joseph Schnee; 1881, Hiram Sherbondy; 1882, T. J. Wise; 1883, '84, George Botzum; 1885, John W. Frank; 1886, '87, Henry Norton; 1888, Charles T. Parks; 1889, 298 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. east precinct, Joseph Schnee; \vest precinct, Charles S. Starks; 1890, same; 1891, east precinct, George Botzum; west precinct, .Jason Bunker. AKRON IN COUNTY OFFICE. Besides such county officials as have herein been credited to the several townships from which they originally came, Akron (including Middlebury and Portage townships) has been repre- sented in county office as follo>vs: County Commissioners. — Hiram Weston, December, 1851, to December, 1854; George Buell, December, 1861, to May, 1864; David E. Hill, December, 1862, to December, 1868; George D. Bates, May, 1864 to December, 1864; John C. Hill, December, 1886, to December,^ 1887; Henry Frederick, November, 1889, to present time. Prosecuting Attorneys. — William M. Dodge, April, 1840 to October, 1842; William S. C. Otis, 1844, to 1846;^Sidnev Edgerton, 1852 to 1856; Newell D. Tibbals, 1860 to 1864; Edwin P. Green, ad interim, while prosecutor Tibbals w^as in the hundred dav service in the army, in 1864; Henry C. Sanford, 1872 to 1874; James M. Poulson, 1874 to 1876; Edward W. Stuart, 1876 to 1880; Charles Baird, 1880 to 1884; Edwin F. Voris, appointed by court on death of Prosecutor John C. Means, May, 1886, to October, 1886; George W^. Sieber, 1886 to present time. County Sheriffs. — Other than those named in the several townships, incumbents of the sheriff's office of Summit county have been as follows: William L. Clarke, 1848 to 1852; Samuel A. Lane, November, 1856, to January, 1861, and January, 1887, to January, 1881; James Burlison. 1865 to 1869; William B, Gamble, 1885 to 1889; David R. Bunn, 1889 to 1893. JOHN COOK.—born in Bavaria, Germany, AprillS, 1818; educated in German schools, learning trade of stone mason; came to United States in 1839, settling in Akron, finding employment in vEtna Mill soon attaining- to foremanship of packing department; in 18.tO went overland to California, engaging in the provision business, remaining two years, and returning via the Isthmus of Panama; in 1855, started a grocery on Market street in connection with the late Jacob Dussell, speedily building- up an extensive trade; later, on the retirement of Mr. Dussell, associat- ing with himself his two sons, John J., and William H., under the firm name of J. Cook & Sons, which title is still retained by the sons, Mr. Cook having died December 1, 1880. Mr. Cook and Miss Mary Bills, were married in Akron, October 17, 1843, their first-born child, Francis, dj'ing at two years of age. Mr. Cook was raised in the Catholic faith and for several years after its organization was a trustee and liberal supporter of St. Vincent de Paul's Church. Democratic in politics, though not a seeker after office, Mr, Cook was JOHN COOK. elected to Council of the Incorporated Village of Akron, in 1858, serving- one term, his eldest son, John J. Cook, filling that i)osition in the Citj^ Council during the years 1876, '77. Mrs. Cook still survives. AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. 299 ALVIN RICE, ESQ..'- son of Eras- tus and Jerusha (Brown) Rice, was born in Albion, Erie County, Pa., May 2, 1822; educated in common schools and at Vienna, Trumbull County, Ohio, Academy; tavig-ht school three winters, meantime reading law with H. H. Budd, Esq., in Sharon, Pa., passing' examination, but never admitted to Bar, then learned trade of moulder; working for a time in Sharon, Pa., came to Akron, March 1, 1846, working for Cobb & Farnam and later for the Akron Stove Co.; in 1860, in connec- tion w^ith Messrs. Jaines B. Taplin and Hobart Ford, established the firiu of Taplin, Rice & Co., one of the pres- sent prosperous itistitutions of In- dustrial Akron. Mr. Rice was mar- ried, September 3, 18-18, to Miss Jane Mustill, of Akron, who has borne him seven children — Jerusha, de- ceased; Alvin, Jr., deceased; Lillie, deceased; Eva, still living at home; Ella, now wife of James M. Stafford, merchant tailor of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Frank, member of Akron Fire Department at Central Station, and Alvin, Jr., Shipping Clerk for Taplin, Rice & Co. Mr. Rice was elected Recorder of the Incorporated Village of Akron, for the years 18(iO, 1862 and ALVIX RICE, ESQ. 1863; and a member of the Board of Education for the years 1867 and 1869; was elected justice of the peace for the Township of Akron, in 188.5 and re-elected in 1888, which responsible position he ably filled until April 21, 1891— six 3'ears. JOHX MEMMFK. JOHN MEMMER,— son of David and Margaret (Arehart) Memnier, was born in Suffield, Portage county, June 14, 1839, raised on farm ; educated in township district school and in public schools and private school of Prof. Fitzgerald in Cleve- land; clerked in grocery store three years, and in confectionery storetwo years, in Cleveland; March 1, 1861. came to Akron and established a confectionery store 137 Howard street, following that business seven and a half j-ears; in the first draft, October 1, 1862, was drafted into the army, but having no one with whom to leave his business furnished a substitute for three years; in 1868 established an insurance agency in his present quarters, corner Main and Market streets, which for nearly a quarter of a centurj', he has managed with emi- nent success. Mr. Mehimer served as member of City Council, from the Second ward, for the j'ears of 1871, '72 and is now a director in the Akron Savings Bank. August 22, 1860, he was married to Miss Louisa Bo5'er. of Cleveland, who has borne him five children — Laura, born September 14, im\, died July 29. 1862; Nellie M, born February' 14, 1863, died September .1, 1871 ; Ida May, born May 4, 1867, now Mrs. Alexander W. Maynes of Akron,- George W., born November 20, 1872, now engaged in the insurance busi-' ness in Akron; and Ella Louisa, born September 19, 1877. 300 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. A LEXANDER BREWSTER,~~born -^ in Augusta, Oneida county, N. Y., September 10, 18()8; came with par- ents to Ohio in 1812, settling in Coven- try ; education, in earlj^ district schools, limited ; learned carpenter's trade with father, but mostly follow- ed farming until 1848, when he turned his attention to mining, coal having been discovered on his land; in 18o0 went overland to California, return- ing home in 1851; has since been engaged in mining and shipping coal, a stock compan}^ being formed in 1865, with a capital stock of $1(X),- JOHN KKEUDEK. M., born January 14, 1865, died Feb- ruary 5, 1866; Minnnie E., born Nov- ember 14, 1867 ; Ida L., born January 2, 1870, died July 21, 1881 ; X>ora E., born Noveinber 7, 1871, died January 10, 1877 ; William J., born April 2, 1874. Probate Judges. — Previous to the adoption of the present constitution, in 1851, all probate business -was transacted by the Court of Cotnmon Pleas. In October, 1851, Charles G. Ladd, Esq., father of the present Mrs. Gen. A. C. Voris, then a promising young member of the Summit County Bar, was elected to the office of Probate Judge for three years. Judge Ladd's rapidly failing health preventing him from giving his personal attention to the AKKON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. 307 duties of the office, the business was organized and ably performed by his deputy clerk, Alvin C. Voris, Ksq., as elsewhere detailed, until the death of Judge Ladd in August, 1852. Judge Constant Bryan succeeded Judge Ladd from 1852 to 1854. In 1860 William M. Dodge, of Akron, was elected, serving until his death, in July, 1861. Samuel A. Lane \^as commissioned by Governor William Dennison to fill the vacancy, but declining the honor, Ashael H. Lewis was appointed to serve until the ensuing October election, being succeeded by Judge Stephen H. Pitkin, eight years, Ulysses L. Marvin, six years, and Samuel C. Williamson, six years, as already detailed in the chapters on Hudson and Stow. HENRY W. HART,— son of Adams and Isabella (Gangawer) Hart, -was born in Akron September 19, 1852, his father doing- faithful service in both the Mexican war and the war of the rebellion. Mr. Hart was educated in the Middlebury public schools ; at 16 apprenticing- himself to the potter's trade, at which he worked 17 years, in 1882 embarking in that business for himself in partner- ship with Mr. Frank W. Rockwell, under the firm name of F. W. Rock- well & Co., the arrang-ement con- tinuing seven years ; February 19, 1891, became one of the incorporators of the Akron Paving Brick Company, elsewhere noticed, of which he is superintendent and manager. In 1888 Mr. Hart was elected a member of the Akron City Council from the Sixth Ward, and re-elected in 1890, becoming the president of that body on its reorganization in April, 1891. June 15,1882, Mr. Hart was married to Miss Hattie Johnson, daughter of the late Thomas Johnson, of the Sixth Ward, who has borne him four chil- HENKY W. HAKT. ' dren, all living — Bessie, born January 8, 1884; Flossie, born June 1, 1885; Isabella, born November 15, 1888, and Henry Johnson, born December 29, 1890. In October, 1881, Hon. Nathaniel W. Goodhue was elected Probate Judge, acceptably filling the position until his sudden death in September, 1883, his son and deputy clerk, Nathaniel P. Ooodhue, continuing to act in that capacity under his father's suc- cessor. Judge Charles R. Grant, appointed to fill the vacancy by Oov^ Foster September 16, 1883, elected for three years in 1884 and re-elected in 1887, serving nearly seven years and five months; Edward W. Stuart elected November, 1890, and still serving, with his son, Fred. H. Stuart, as his deputy clerk. Representativ^es to State Legislature. — At the time of the erection of Summit county, in March, 1840, Simon Perkins, Jr., of Akron, was State Senator, and Rufus P. Spalding, then of Ravenna, was one of the Representatives for Portage county. Mr. Spalding immediately thereafter removing to Akron, in 1841 Messrs. Perkins and Spalding were elected as the Representatives of the new county for the session of 1841, '42; John H. McMillen (Middlebury) 1842, for one year; Hiram Bo wen, Akron, 1845, one year; Harvey B. Spelman, 1849, one year; Nathaniel Finch, 1850, one year; Alvin C. Voris, 1859, two years; John Johnston (Middle- bury), 1861-63, four years; Sanford M. Burnham, 1871, two years; 308 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Leonidas S. Kbright, 1879, two years; J. Park Alexander, (see also Bath) 1881, two years; Jacob A. Kohler (see also Franklin) 1883, two years; Henry C. Sanford, 1887-91, four years. Akron in State Senate. — Simon Perkins, Jr., in office on erection of Summit county, in 1840, two years; Lucian Swift, 1848, tw^o years; William H. Upson, (see also Tallmadge), 1853, two- years; Lucius V. Bierce, 1861, two years; New^ell D. Tibbals, 1865, tw^o years; Nathaniel W. Goodhue, 1873, two years; George W. Crouse, (see also Green), 1885, two years; J. Park Alexander (see also Bath), 1887-91, four years. Akron in Congress. — Hon. George Bliss, 1854 to 1856; Hon> Sidney Edgerton (see also Tallmadge), 1858 to 1862, four years; Hon. William H. Upson (see also Tallmadge), 1869 to 1873, four years; David R. Paige, Jr., 1882 to 1884, two years; Hon. George W. Crouse (see also Green), 1886 to 1888, two years, declining a re-election. HARVEY F. MILLER,— son of Charles and Hannah (Bechtel) Miller, was born in Norton, Feb. 18, 1850; in boyhood worked on farm and attended district school ;' in 1867 moved with parents to Akron, com- pleting his education in the Akron hig-h school ; in 1872, became a mem- ber of the lumber and building firm of Miller, Thomas & Co.; in 1879, with Charles Miller and Henry D. Miller, formed the Miller Chain Companj-, and in 1883 became one of the incor- porators of the Miller Match Com pany, of which he was the secretary and treasurer, and on the sale of tlu' works, in 1890, formed a partnei'shi]) with Mr. Samuel C. Dj^ke, under the firm name of S. C. Dyke & Co., for the manufacture of marbles, miniature jugs and other stoneware novelties, retiring therefrom, Jul}^ 30, 1891, on the organization of the American Marble and Toy Manufacturing Co., elsewhere fully written of ; is also director of Akron Globe Sign Co., of Akron Novelty Manufacturing Co., and president of the Akron White Sand and Stone Co. Sept. 10, 1873, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Mary HARVEY F. MIIvLEK. Hays, of Medina, who has borne him two sons — Charles Hays, born June 5, 1874, now student in Militar3^ Academy, at Gambler, and Edwin Cloyd, born Aug. 1, 1883. Akron's Presidential Electors. — In 1868, Hon. Stephen H. Pitkin, of Akron (see also Hudson), \sras Presidential Elector for the Eighteenth Congressional District, composed of Summit, Cuyahoga and Lake counties, and voted in the electoral college for Ulysses S. Grant, of Illinois, for President, and Schuyler Colfax, for Vice President. In 1872, in Eighteenth District, composed of Summit, Wayne, Medina and Lorain counties, Hon. John R. Buchtel was Presidential Elector, and voted for Ulysses S. Grant for President, and Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, for Vice- President. In 1880, district same as above, Hon. Nathaniel W. Goodhue, as Presidential Elector, voted for James A. Garfield, of Ohio, for President, and Chester A. Arthur, of New York, for Vice AKRON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. 309 President, Ulysses L. Marvin, 1884, Twentieth District, composed of Summit, Medina, Wayne and Stark, voted for James G. Blaine for President and John A. Logan for Vice President. Delegates to Constitutional Convention. — In 1850, William S. C. Otis, Esq., was Summit county's delegate to the Ohio Consti- tutional Convention. The convention met at Columbus May 6, 1850, and July 9 adjourned to meet in Cincinnati, closing its labors in that city March 10, 1851, the ne^w constitution being voted upon and adopted June 21, 1851, for twenty years; Summit county's vote standing 2,025 for and 2,013 against, being a majority of twelve, only, in its favor. Gen. Alvin C. Voris w^as delegate to the Consti- tutional Convention of 1873, which convened in the House of Representatives at Columbus, May 13, 1873, and on August 8, adjourned to meet in Cincinnati December 2, adjourning sine die JPebruary 3, 1874. The constitution formulated by this convention, though regarded by many as a great improvement over that of 1851, was rejected by the people at the special election held August 18, 1874, by a large majority. Summit county's vote standing 2,112 *' for " and 2,774 " against," or an adverse majority of 662. In 1883, what is known as the Judicial Amendment to the Constitution was adopted, and in 1885 the amendment changing the general election from October to November; the so-called "Second Amendment," prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors, submitted in 1883, being voted down. West side of Howard Street, looking North from near Cherry Street. From photo by E. J. Howard, 1873. CHAPTER XIV. PUBLIC ILLUMINATION — THE OLD-TIME "TALLOW DIP" — SPERM OIL, GAS, PETRO- LEUM AND ELECTRIC LIGHTS— LOCAL TRANSPC»RTATION, HEROICS, HORSE- CARS, ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAY— FUEL GAS, ETC. AKRON'S ORIGINAL GAS WORKS. WITHIN the tnemor}^ of the writer, the only method of either private or public illumination, w^as by the use of candles or sperm oil, for though some experiments had been made with gas, distilled from coal, as early as 1810 or 1812, its use as an illumina- tor did not become general in the United States, even in such cities as Boston, New York and Philadelphia, until about 1825. HENRY STEPHEN ABBEY,— born in Portland, Middlesex county. Conn., November 5, 1808 ; at an early age removed to Glastenbury, and in 1828 to Bristol, where he learned the clock-making- business. October 30, 1831, was married to Miss Elizabeth Smith, of Torrington, Conn., immedi- ately removing to Buffalo, N. Y., and two years later to Niagara Falls, finally settling in Akron in 1835. Here, for two j^ears, he was engaged in cabinet-making in South Akron, w^hen he embarked in the jewelry business, in 1841 forming a partner- ship with Mr. Hiram Payne, and removing to the Stone Block, corner of Howard and Market streets, later establishing himself at 120 Howard street, where he was continuously' and successfully in business until his sudden death, from heart disease, October 25, 1873, at the age of 64 years, 11 months and 20 days. Mr. Abbey was a fine musician, organizing and for many years leading Akron's pioneer band ; was an intelligent florist,establishing the pioneer green- house of the village, and was a liberal promoter of all public improvements; was a member, and president, of Akron's pioneer gas company, and served as a member of the Village Council for the years 1856, '57. Of HENRY STEPHEN ABBEY. the several children born to Mr. and Mrs. Abbey, Henr5^ E. Abbe}^ now of New York, only survives, though their adopted daughter, Ellen G.,. now Mrs. S. E. Phinney, most fully shared their confidence and love. Mrs. Abbey died July 1, 1874, aged 66 years, 9 months and 25 days. Previous to 1855, the streets of Akron v^ere unlighted, except at private expense, in front of the hotels, and perhaps half a dozen public lamps at the business corners of the two villages, with sperm oil at first, and afterwards, lard oil; coal oil not then having come into vogue, and petroleum, for illuminating purposes, never dreamed of. But about the latter date (1855) largely through the proprietary agency of the late Henry S. Abbey, Thomas H. Goodwin, Esq., and others, the Akron Gas Company was organized, the works being erected on South Howard street, immediately north of the- PUBLIC ILLUMINATION. 311 \V. B. Doyle planing mill. As a matter of supposed economy, vit- rified stone waterpipe was used for mains, but it was soon found that while the glazed pipe itself w^as impervious, the cement joints w^ere porous, besides their liability to disturbance from settling, entailing, through leakage, a heavy percentage of loss to the com- pany, and considerable annoyance to citizens, by the offensive odor arising therefrom, necessitating, after a year or two, the sub- stitution of iron mains, at a heavy expense for material and la])or. T^HOMAS H. GOODWIN,— born in J- Province of New Brunswick, Canada, Oct. 10,1810; common school education; worked on farm till 21, then served three years at carpen- ter's trade; in August, 1835, caine to United States, working- in Provi- dence, R. I., and New York City; came to Akron in October, 1837, work- ing seven years as pattern maker for Judg-e James R. Ford, in old ^^tna Furnace; in 18-17 engaged in manu- facture of plows and other agricul- tural implements on South Howard street; on its organization in 1855, was secretary and superintendent of the Akron Gas Company for about eight years; an original stockholder, and two years book-keeper of Weary, Snyder and Wilcox Manufacturing Co.; original stockholder and direc- tor in Akron Cold Spring Co.; an active member of Akron's second Fire Company, Niagara No. 2, orga- nized Dec. 1845; member of Akron Village Council, 1850, '54, '56 and '59; Akron's first regularly elected City Street Commissioner, serving from 1869 to 1873; for many years acting as chorister and filling various official positions in First M. E. Church, of Akron, assisting in organizing its first Sabbath School, and in erecting three church edifices on the site of the present structure. June, 1839, was married at Troy, Miami Co., to Miss THOMAS H. GOODWIX. Josephine M. Field (teacher), sister of the late Mrs. L. J. Ives. Four children were born to them— Alfred Davison, died at Baltimore, Md., Jan. 18, 1880, aged 40 years; Clara Fidelia, died Aug. 6, 1883, aged 41 years; Pomeroy Field, died in infancy; and Helen Pamela, now Mrs. William Retiwick, of Davenport, Iowa. Mrs. Goodwin died Oct. 6, 1888, aged 79 years. THE PRESENT COMPANY. After quite a number of changes of ownership and manage- ment, the ^vorks in 1865, were purchased by Mr. Thomas W. Cor- nell and others, with Mr. Cornell as president, and William Mc- Farlin secretary and treasurer, under a very liberal franchise from the Council, not only in regard to the use of streets, alleys and public grounds, but also in regard to the price of gas, by ordi- nance fixing the maximum at $3.30 per thousand feet, to both the city and private citizens. This, it w^ill be remembered, w^as during the reign of inflated war values of every description, and though, as other values de- creased, some concessions w^ere made on the price of gas, the then members of the Council thought the company did not keep pace w^ith the general reduction, and not only substituted petroleum oil for street lighting purposes, but, by ordinance, fixed the maxi- tt'-Jtn price of gas to the city at $1.25, and to private consumers at 312 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. $1.50 per thousand feet. The company claiming that the city, by the terms of its ordinance, was under a contract to use its gas, at least to the extent of the lamps already erected, commenced a suit for its enforcement, which, after protracted litigation, w^as decided in the city's favor. The Gas Company, acting under legal advice, never acceded to the requirements of the restricting ordinance alluded to, its bills to consumers, for several years, being made out at the rate of $2.00 per thousand feet, with a small rebate on all bills of $5.00 or over per month, later reducing the price to $1.40; the city, as above intimated, entirely discontinuing its use. The company, meantime had removed its works to the north part of the city, and greatly enlarged its facilities, and is still one of the substantial institutions of the city, the plant being sold to other parties, August 1, 1891, with George T. Perkins, F. Adolph Schu- macher, Ernest F. Lloyd, Gordon W. Lloyd, and Charles Stinch- field as directors — Gordon W. Lloyd, president and treasurer; Ernest F. Lloyd, secretary, and James W. Lane, superintendent. ELECTRIC LIGHT EXPERIMENT. Soon after the culmination of the differences between the Council and the gas company, as above briefly outlined, the project of lighting cities by electricity, began to be mooted, and Akron w^as the very first of the smaller cities of the country to try the ex- periment. In 1880 an arrangement was made with the Brush Electric Light Company, of Cleveland, by which the necessary apparatus w^as purchased, the mast system being adopted. A cen- tral mast, composed of gradually tapering boiler iron, 210 feet in height above the surface of the ground, w^as erected at the inter- section of HoMrard and Market streets, from the head of ^vhich was suspended four lamps of 4,000 candle power each ; a wooden mast of about fifty feet in height elevated upon the dome of Buchtel College, furnished with four equally powerful lamps, and a like mast upon the tower of the Central engine house with one 4,000 candle-power lamp, making nine in all, the boiler, engine, dyna- mos, etc., owned and run by the city, being placed in an annex built for that purpose upon the north side of the Central building, corner of Church and High streets. So far as tried, the system worked well, but before being ex- tended into other portions of the city, on the theory that the city could buy its light cheaper than it could produce it, on the 14th day of June, 1883, an ordinance w^as passed leasing the plant to the Akron Electric Light and Power Company — George G. Baker, president ; Ira M. Miller, vice president ; Hugo Schumacher, secre- tary and treasurer, and W. J. Hillier, manager — for the period of one year, the company stipulating to furnish the necessary car- bons, and keep the lamps upon the masts lighted, at 25 cents per lamp per hour, on an agreed schedule, during the continuance of said lease. July 21, 1884, a contract was entered into, by ordinance, with the Citizen's Electric Light Company — Henry Robinson, presi- dent; Dr. O. D. Childs, secretary and treasurer, and S. E. Phinney, superintendent — for the lighting of the streets and public build- ings of the city, by the Thompson-Houston system ; the street lamps being suspended from poles at the intersections of the Akron's street railway, 313 streets, there being at the present time 210 lamps in use, and the arrangement so far reasonably satisfactory — the masts, meantime, having been taken down, and the engine and other property trans- ferred to the new company. The present street lamps have a nominal strength of 2,000 candle-power each, the contract price being three and a half cents per lamp, per hour, w^ith a guarantee of $84 per lamp per year. For a time the city building was also lighted by this company, but now, from dynamos invented and constructed by Chief Engineer Frank F. Loomis, the building is lighted by the city's ow^n incandescent lamps at a cost of one-half cent per lamp per hour. PIONEER STREET RAILROAD. April 16, 1883, a franchise w^as granted to the Akron Street Railw^ay and Herdic Company— Ira M. Miller, president, Wm. Christy, secretary and treasurer, and John E. Metlin, superin- tendent — to lay a railway track through Howard and Main streets, from Furnace street to the south corporation line, the franchise to continue for the period of 25 years. The line was constructed the same year, and successfully operated for some tim6, with an extension, in 1887, to Lake Side Park, on the east side of Summit Lake, about one mile south of the city limits, Mr. John Wilson, of the Sixth Ward, for several years, having run a half-hourly line of comfortable Herdic coaches, on Market street, between How^ard street and Case avenue in the Sixth Ward. ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAY. July 2, 1888, Council, by ordinance, granted the use of the streets of the city to the Akron Street Railw^ay Company — Gen. John S. Casement, of Painesville, president; S. T. Everett, of Cleve- land, vice president, and F. C. Bangs, of Cleveland, secretary — its cars to be run by electricity instead of horse power, the new com- pany having purchased the franchise and property of the old com- pany for the sum of $30,000 in cash, $15,000 in the stock of the new- organization, and the assumption of the $20,000 bonded indebted- ness of the old company. The new company erected its plant^ — a substantial brick build- ing — a short distance north of the King Varnish Works, on Canal street, and had its cars running the entire length of Market street early in the Fall of 1888, since extended through Main, Mill, College, Buchtel avenue, Spicer, Exchange, Grant, Bowery, Wooster avenue, etc., the application of pow^er being by the trolley system — a wire over the center of the track suspended by lateral wires attached to poles on either side of the street, and capable of a speed of fourteen to fifteen miles per hour. CHANGE OF PROPRIETORSHIP. November 1, 1889, a deal was made between Messrs. S. T. Everett, of Cleveland, and John F. Seiberling, of Akron, by w^hich the former became the o\\rner of the Academy of Music property, and the latter of a controlling interest in the Electric Street Rail- way Company, since which time improvements have been vigor- ously pushed, so that no>v (August, 1891), there are 15 miles of track 314 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. in successful operation, w^ith a, roster of 175 employes, the present officers being: John F. Seiberling, president; John S. Casement, vice president; Frank A. Seiberling, secretary and treasurer, and John E. Metlin, superintendent; directors, John F., Frank A. and Charles W. Seiberling, John S. Casement and Willis D. Chapman. FUEL GAS COMPANY. The experiment of boring for natural gas, in and near the city, having failed of success, the attention of the people of Akron has naturally been turned to'ward the several systems of producing artificial gas for heating as well as illuminating purposes, that have recently been devised, and on August 13, 1888, a franchise was granted to the Loomis Gas Company, of Michigan, to use the streets, alleys and public grounds of the city, for the purpose of supplying the inhabitants thereof with fuel and illuminating gas, which, under the improved process of manufacture, it was believed would place Akron fully on a par with towns at present supplied with natural gas, with far greater assurance of permanence than those some^vhat uncertain "holes in the ground" can furnish to those whd erect costly manufacturing plants on the strength thereof. In October, 1888, the franchise was transferred to the Akron Light, Heat & Power Company, which has erected a substantial plant in the Sixth ward, and is rapidly extending its pipes through the city, the present prices of gas being: fuel, thirty cents per thousand feet; illuminating, fifty cents; light and fuel, thirty-five cents; the present officers of the company being: Gordon W, Lloyd, president; Ferd. Schumacher vice president; Ernest F. Lloyd, secretary; F. Adolph Schumacher, treasurer; James W. Lane, superintendent; Olaf L. Guldlin, engineer. The above array, added to her magnificent Fire Department, w^ith three first-class steamers, stationed in different portions of the city; hose reels and other apparatus, with well-trained teams to haul them; its own unsurpassed system of automatic electrical alarms, and its thoroughly organized corps of engineers and fire- men, supplemented by the splendid system of water works, herein described, a largely patronized telephone system, and free delivery of mail matter by an efficient corps of letter carriers, places Akron decidedly in the van, among the second-class citie& of the State, on the score of public w^orks; while her manufactur- ing, mechanical, commercial and professional status, as given in the succeeding chapters, gives to her, fairly and honestly, the title accorded to her, by even her most formidable rivals, of "The Tip-Top City.'' CHAPTER XV. AKRON'S POSTAL HISTORY— ANCIENT AxVD MODERN MIDDLEBURY'S SUCCESSIVE POSTMASTERS— FIRST POSTMASTER OF AKRON PROPER — THE PIONEER MAIL CARRIER .STILL IN A GOOD STATE OF PRESERVATION— SUCCESSIV^E INCUM- BENTS FOR SIXTY YEARS— SCRAMBLE FOR THE "SPOILS" UNDER SUCCES- SIVE ADMINISTRATIONS— WONDERFUL GROWTH OF BUSINESS— THE FREE DELIVERY SYSTEM— CLOSING REMARKS, ETC. ANCIENT MIDDLEBURY. A S elsewhere stated, what is now the Sixth ward of Akron, was, ■^*- under the name of Middlebury, the early manufacturing and commercial center for this region of the country, beginning, in 1808, by the erection of a grist mill, w^here the frame sew^er pipe mill of the Akron Sewer Pipe Company now stands, on Case avenue, by Judge Aaron Norton, followed soon after-wards by the erection of Bagley's wool-carding and cloth dressing mill on the same stream, and a few years later (in 1817) by the erection of the Cuya- hoga Blast Furnace, by Laird & Norton, and numerous other man- ufacturing and mercantile operations. Just when the Middlebury postoffice was established is not no>v ascertainable, but it is believed to have been as early as 1810, though the village was not regularly laid out by William J. Hart until 1818. MIDDLEBURY POSTMASTERS. It is not definitely certain w^ho was Middlebury's first post- master, but the earliest now remembered by the " oldest inhab- itant" -was 'Squire Nathan Gillett, father-in-law of Akron's well kno\\rn citizen, Mr. Sidney H. Bass, Mr. Gillett also officiating as justice of the peace. Mr. Gillett was succeeded by 'Squire Elijah Mason, foUow^ed in succession, by Roan Clark, Edgar T. Chapman, (still living at 84 years of age), January 1, 1841 to January 1, 1846; Phineas Stevens, Dr. Elijah Curtis, George Barber, 1852 to 1856, Roan Clark (again), George A. Peckham, and on his decease, tem- porarily by Hiram Weston, until the accession of Mr. Lincoln to the presidency, in 1861, when 'Squire Mansfield Sumner was appointed to the position serving ten consecutive years. February 17, 1871, James M. Wills was appointed under Presi- dent Grant, holding the office until November 16, 1885, nearly 15 years, when he was superseded by Mr. Edward Donohue, the present incumbent being Mr. William W. Davidson. AKRON'S POSTAL OPERATIONS. As already stated, Akron, or that portion afterw^ards for many years know^n as South Akron, w^as laid out by Gen. Simon Perkins and Paul Williams in the Summer of 1825. The contracts for build- ing the Ohio canal, from Summit Lake to Cleveland, w^ere let in June, and excavations for locks commenced here, .before the formal breaking of ground at the Licking Summit, July 4, 1825, by Gov. DeWitt Clinton, of New York, as elsewhere stated. 316 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The concentration of contractors and laborers at this point, and the.rapid influx of other branches of business — hotels, stores, mechanics, doctors, lawyers, etc., — created the necessity for better postal facilities than were afforded by the Middlebury office, nearly two miles distant, and earlj^ in 1826 President John Quincy Adams' Ohio Postmaster General, John McLean, instituted the Akron postoffice, and appointed Wolsey Wells, Esq., postmaster of the new office. Mr. Wells was a law^yer by profession and w^as soon afterwards elected justice of the peace, and also, on the opening of the canal to navigation, July 4, 1827, was appointed collector of tolls for the port of Akron. 'Squire Wells had built for himself a large two-story house, on the southwest corner of West Exchange and Water streets, after- wards converted into a hotel, for many years known as the "Sum- mit House," and Avhich, moved to the rear, is still standing. In the front room of this house — afterw^ard the hotel bar-room — did 'Squire Wells run his quadrangular combination of law, justice, letters and navigation. As showing the magnitude of the mail service, under the administration of Postmaster Wells, I quote from the historical reminiscences of Gen. L. V. Bierce, w^ritten nearly forty years ago. "I have," said the General, " in my cabinet of curiosities, his desk, about two feet by eighteen inches, that con- tained in its pigeon-holes all the files and documents of his multi- farious offices." TTIRAM J. SPICER— youngest son -L -'■ of Major Miner Spicer, born in Akron, October 24, 1816, within about 40 rods of his present residence, corner of Spicer and Carroll streets; educated in early district schools; at nine years of age, carried mail, on horseback, once a week, from Akron to Bolivar, 40 miles; learned carpen- ter's trade, afterwards working as a mill-wright on the early mills of Akron and vicinity, and for ten con- secutive years on the Austin Powder Mills. February 31, 1839, married Miss Marilla A. King, daughter of Joshua King, one of the pioneers of North- ampton and Portage townships. Five children were born to them, three dying young; the survivors iDeing Aver}' King- Spicer, of Akron; and Alice M., now Mrs. Sevillian Payne, of Davis count}-. Mo. Mrs. Spicer dying January 19, 1861, August 29, of the same. year, Mr. S. was again married, to Mrs. Cerenia L. Barnett, of Akron. For 20 years, from 1865 to 188.1, Mr. Spicer was in the employ of Aultman, Miller & Co., the last ten or twelve 3'ears in charge of repairs of shop machinery. Politically, as a Whig, his first presidential vote was cast for Gen. William Henr}' Harrison, in 1840, and his last, as a Republican, if HIRAM J. SPICEK. for Gen. Benjamin Harrison, in 1888. Mr. S. has been a member of the First M. E. Church of Akron, since 1872; is now retired from business, and is believed to be the oldest native born resident of Portage township now livinfif. POSTMASTER LEWIS HUMISTON. Notwithstanding the motto of President Jackson, that "to the victors belong the spoils," Mr. Wells, though a Whig, was permitted Akron's postal service. 317 to hold the office until his removal from the town, probably about 1833, when he ^ras succeeded by Mr. Lewis Humiston, a Democrat, then keeper the Clark Hotel, (still standing) on the northeast cor- ner of Main and Kxchange streets. Mr. Humiston erected a small building immediately east of the hotel, about 12x15 feet in size, in which, on the arrival of the vsrriter in Akron, in 1835, the late Arad Kent, as Mr. Humiston's deputy; w^as doing the mailing and delivery honors. A YOUTHFUL MAIL CARRIER. On the establishment of the Akron office, and other officer along the line of the then unfinished canal, in the Spring of 1826, Major Miner Spicer took the contract for carrying the mail, weekly, between Akron and Bolivar, and the service w^as regularly and faithfully performed by Mr. Spicer's nine-and-a-half-year-old son,. our present well-known and w^ell-preserved 75-year-old fellow-citi- zen, Mr. Hiram J. Spicer, now residing within a few rods of where he w^as born, corner Carroll and Spicer streets. POSTMASTER HARVEY H. JOHNSON. Removing from the village, in the Summer of 1837, Mr. Hum- iston tendered his resignation, whereupon several candidates for the succession put in their claims, the two most prominent being the late Judge Constant Bryan, and another young law^yer, by the name of Harvey H. Johnson, the latter being also a justice of the peace, mayor of Akron in 1842, '43, a few years later congressman from the Ashland district, and still later a Government land agent in Minnesota. At this time. North Akron, or, as it w^as at first called, " Cascade, "^ was pressing the original toAvn hard, in a business point of view. Both of the candidates named being in the North Village, were opposed by the South-enders, while the fight between the friends of the two gentlemen named became so bitter that Postmaster General Amos Kendall finally intimated that unless some agree- ment was arrived at between the contending parties he w^ould abol- ish the office. Thereupon, the South-enders threw^ their influence to Mr.. Johnson, as they afterward claime 1 on his promise that he w^ould not remove the office to "Cascade," and in no event north of the "gore," a wedge of unplatted land between the tw^o rival villages, betw^een w^hat are now known as Church and Center streets, and Mr. Johnson w^as accordingly appointed. But notwithstanding his alleged pledge, Mr. Johnson, in December, 1837, did remove the office to "Cascade," into the north end of the Buckley building, corner of Howard and Mill streets,^ w^here S. K. Allen's drug store now is, in Masonic Block. This action, of course, drew dow^n upon the offending postmaster'* devoted head the direst anathemas of the irate South-enders, dis- played in new^spaper correspondence and through pamphlets, as fully set forth in Chapter HI. POSTMASTER DANA D. EVANS. Though a Democrat, appointed under President Van Buren'& administration, Mr. Johnson was continued in office under "Tyler Too," his successor, Dr. Dana D. Kvans, also an ardent Democrat,. 318 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. husband of the late Mrs. Mary I. T. Kvans, and step-father of the late George T. McCurdy, on Mr. Johnson's resignation, being appointed, by President Polk's Postmaster General, Cave Johnson, in April, 1845, Dr. Evans removed the office from the Buckley building to a room in the southwest corner of the Old Stone Block, about w^here the counting-room window of Byrider & Go's hat store is on How^ard street, two years later removing it to the north side of East Market street, about where Mr. Jacob Good's handsome stone front, "Commerce Block," now stands. POSTMASTER FRANK ADAMS. Our present \eell-known, and still active, Frank Adams, of the Sixth ward, though an ardent young Whig, was deputy under Postmaster Johnson, one year, in 1841, and again tw^o years from 1843, running aAvhile into the term of Dr. Evans. On the accession of President Zachary Taylor, the Whigs, of course being entitled to the "plum," there was a spirited contest for the prize between Mr. Adams and Dr. Elias W. Howard, Frank coming in ahead, on the home stretch, entering upon his duties April 1, 1849, and has ever since been known, among old residents, by the cognomen of "Old Zack," then by general consent bestow^ed upon him. In addition to his postal duties, Mr. Adams was also consti- tuted Akron's Electric Telegraph Agent, our late postmaster, William C. Allen, being his assistant in both departments. FRANK ADAMS,— born in Wind- sor County, Vt, July 5, 1819; common school education ; came to Ohio in 1838 ; in 1839, '40, printed maps for Samuel and Levi Manning- in Akron ; 1841, clerk in postoffice ; 1843, printed maps ; 1843, '44, clerk in post- office ; 1845, partner in map business with Samuel Manning-, the latter sell- ing out to Lorenzo Eggleston in 1846 ; Adams & Eggleston burned out June 9, 1848 ; postmaster, by appointment of President Zachary Taylor, from March, 1849 to May, 18,53 ; in hat trade on Market street till again burned out April 30, 1855 ; manufacturer of sewer-pipe, and for many years pres- ident and superintendent of Akron Sewer Pipe Company, retiring in 1886 ; during the war was a member of the Middlebvir}' military commit- tee, and treasurer of soldiers' relief fund ; for many years member and treasurer of Middlebury Council and School Board ; 1872, commissioner on annexation of Middlebury to Akron ; now active member of Akron Board of Trade, president of Akron Water Works Company and financially and officiallj' connected with several other industrial enterprises of Akron and vicinity. January 21, 1846, Mr. Adamswas married toMiss SarahHyde FRANK ADAMS. Gale, of Akron, who died Januarj^ 11, 1863, leaving two daughters (now Mrs. Julia Latham and Mrs. May Perkins); September 12, 1863,was again married, to Mrs. Tanetta L. Murphy, who has borne him two children — Frank H., and Belle M. Adams. AKRON S POSTAL SERVICE. 319 Soon after taking possession of the office, Mr. Adams bought the property now known as Bennett's Block, and removed the office to the room now occupied by Orson H. Remington, the jew^- eler, Ho^ward street at that point having been cut dovirn, after the erection of the building, leaving the floor of the office about four feet higher above the sidewalk than it now is. POSTMASTER EDWARD W. PERRIN. On the accession of Franklin Pierce to the Presidency, in 1853, in those ante-civil service reform days, as a matter of course, "off went 'Old Zack's' head off," the honor this time falling upon Mr. Edward W. Perrin, for many years a salesman and book-keeper for P. D. Hall & Co., and now a 70-year-old citizen of Toledo. Mr. Perrin's only competitor for the prize was the late Dr. Klias L. Munger, a brother-in-law of ex-Postmaster Johnson, and also of our present well-known citizen, Nahum Fay, Esq. The battle waxed warm and furious between the friends of the two contestants, but was finally Perrin^s favor through the influence of the late Judge George Bliss, then the member of Congress from this District. Dr. Munger soon afterward removed to Shalersville, Portage County, subsequently, through softening of the brain, becoming an inmate of the Northern Ohio Hospital for the Insane, dying from that affection some ten years ago. E. W. PERRIX. decided in Mr. JUDGE ROLAND O. HAMMOND, J —born in Bath, July 8, 1826 ; edu- cated at Oberlin and Western Reserve CoUeg-es ; read law with Judg-es Carpenter and McClure and Judge Bliss in Akron ; admitted to bar, in Painesville. in 18.tO, opening- an office in Akron the same year; married in Akron, June 8, 1851, to Miss Amanda M. Harris, their onl}^ child, Eleanor M., married May 18, 1876, to Mr. F. A. Hilliard, of Cleveland, her mother, Mrs. Hammond, now living with her. On the death of Judge Charles G. Ladd, Summit County's first Probate Judge, in Augvist, 1852, Mr. Hammond was appointed by Gov. Reuben Wood, to the vacancy, which he ably filled until the ensuing October ; was clerk of Portage township, 1852-56 ; trustee of township, 1862, '6.3 ; postmaster at Akron, by appointment of Presi- dent Buchanan, 1857-61; during the war, by appointment of Gov. David Tod, served as member of the 18th District Militarj' Committee, and was Deputy Provost Marshal for Summit County in 1862, ' 63. Mr. Hammond was a successful Uiwyer, a shrewd politician and talented writer. He JUDGE ROI/AiVI) O. HAMMOND. died Januarj^ 12, 1867, aged 40 years, 6 months and 4 days.' his remains being interred in his native township of Bath. 320 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, Mr. Perrin took possession of the office, in May, 1853, after a time removing it to the Mathews building, a fe^^ doors further north, where it remained for nearly 20 years. In May, 1857, Mr. Perrin was re-appointed by President James Buchanan, but resigned, in August of that year, to go into the stock-raising busi- ness in Texas, with Dr. Isaac Isbell, but failed of success, Mr. Perrin, in a late letter to the writer, saying: "Had it not been for the financial panic of 1857, I should now live without work." POSTMASTER ROLAND O. HAMMOND. On tendering his resignation, as above stated, Mr. Perrin rec- ommended, as his successor, the well-remembered Democratic politician and law^yer, Roland O. Hammond, Ksq., w^ho was accordingly appointed by Mr. Buchanan, though Hon. David Tod, then high in Democratic councils, and a few years later known as "Ohio's Democratic War Governor," strongly urged the appoint- ment of his nephew, the late George T. McCurdy, w^ho was, twenty years later, appointed Collector of Tolls upon the Ohio Canal for the Port of Akron. RICHARD S. ELKINS, — born in Rutland, Vt., January 30, 1818 ; common school education ; learned the printing- business in office of Rutland Herald; in 1837, came to Akron, working in office of Akron's pioneer paper, the American Bal- ance; in 1838, worked in office of Cleveland Herald; in 1839, went to Ravenna as publisher of the Ohio Star; in 1844, removed to Akron and eng-aged in publishing the Summit County Beacon, in 1845, selling a half interest to Mr. Laurin Dewey ; in 1848, sold office to John Teesdale, and entered into the book and drug trade with Mr. Joseph A. Beebe, a year later taking Mr. Teesdale into partnership and uniting- the two branches under the firm name of Elkins, Teesdale & Co. ; in 1856, Mr. Teesdale retired, the firm of Beebe & Elkins continuing the printing busi- ness until January, 1867, and the book and drug business until 1880, when Mr. Elkins retired to his farm near Ravenna, where Mrs. Elkins still resides. In 1853, Mr. Elkins was a member of the Akron Village Coun- cil ; in 1854, Village Recorder ; in 1855, member and treasurer of Board of Education ; in 1861, was appointed by President Lincoln, as Akron's first Republican postmaster, which responsible position he ably filled nine years. February 9, 1842, he was married to Miss Adeline L. De Wolf, (daughter of Dr. Joseph De Wolf, a RICHARD S. EIvKINS. pioneer of Ravenna), born August 8, 1823, their only child, Adelaide E.. now being the wife of Rev. W. K. Ingersoll, a Presbyterian minister, now located in Denver, Col. Mr. and Mrs. Elkins were . both prominent members of the First M. E. Church, in Akron, O., of which Mr. E. was treasurer 13 years, and for the last 8 years of his life was a trustee of Ravenna township. Mr. Elkins died March 5, 1891, aged 73 years, 1 month and 5 days. POSTMASTER RICHARD S. ELKINS. On the change of administration, from Democratic to Repub- lican, in 1861, Mr. Hammond was succeeded by Mr. Richard S. Akron's postal service. 321 Elkins, one of the proprietors and Associate Editor of the Summit County Beacon, his sole competitor being Mr. William C. Allen, the late highly efficient incumbent of the office. Mr. Allen had not only acted as deputy for Mr. Adams, under the Whig adminis- tration of Taylor and Fillmore, but, afterwards affiliating with the newly formed Republican party, had been continued as deputy through the Democratic administrations of Pierce and Buchanan, under Postmasters Perrin and Hammond. Our then member of Congress, Hon. Sidney Edgerton, recom- mended Mr. Elkins for the position, but the popularity of " Bill " Allen, as he was familiarly called by everybody, brought to him strong backing in the contest, particularly among the younger portion of the Republicans of the village and vicinity. As an offset to Congressman Edgerton's recommendation and influence, Mr. Allen's friends adopted the plan of holding an elec- tion on the question as to who should be appointed postmaster, w^hich election was held March 2, 1861, with Houston Sisler, John R. Buchtel and Clement J. Kolb, the regular trustees of Portage township, as judges, and Henry W. How^e and Mills B. Purdy, as clerks of the election. Mr. Elkins and his friends took no part in the election, Mr. Allen's vote being 430, three ballots only being cast for Mr. Elkins. As the highest vote for any Republican can- didate on the State ticket, at the preceding general election was only 630, it will be seen that the vote cast for Mr. Allen embraced, by a liberal margin, more than one-half of the Republican vote of the village of Akron and the township of Portage. Armed with the " returns " ex- Attorney General Christopher P. Wolcott (afterwards Assistant Secretary of War) proceeded to Washington to lay the matter before Mr. Lincoln's Postmaster General, Hon. Montgomery Blair. Mr. Edgerton, at his home in Tallmadge, being advised of Mr. Wolcott's departure for Washington, on a given morning, himself also started for the National Capital the same evening, arriving in time to be present at Mr. Wolcott's interview with the Postmaster General. Mr. Wolcott, of course, urged the popular will, as expressed at the ballot box, w^hile Mr. Edgerton urged the influ- ence of Mr. Elkins and his paper, in securing the Republican victory, in which, though an admitted Republican, from the fact of his officiating as deputy under the two preceding Democratic incumbents, Mr. Allen's influence w^as necessarily somewhat cir- cumscribed. After listening to the arguments, pro and con. Gen. Blair turning to Mr. Wolcott, said: "What the Government needs in the present crisis, Mr. Walcott, (giving a broad pronunciation to the first syllable,) is iron, men— men who are not only ardent Republicans now that offices are to be filled with Republican incumbents, but men who were outspoken and active in securing the victory w^hich renders such appointments possible — Mr. Elkins w^ill receive the appointment." To say that considerable bitter feeling was engendered by this controversy would be drawing it very mild, indeed, the bitterness by no means confining itself to political circles, but infusing itself into social, civic, fraternal and possibly religious affairs as well, its influence being felt in a greater or less degree even to this daj'^, 21 322 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. though more than a quarter of a century has passed over the heads of the participators therein. Mr. Klkins held the office nine years, his second appointment, by President Johnson, by some inadvertence, not being confirmed until nearly a year after the expiration of his first appointment, as above set forth. Mr. Klkins was assisted in the office by his partner, Mr. Joseph A. Beebe, and their faithful book and drug clerk, the late Eli T. Curtis, the office being connected ^vith the store of Messrs. Beebe & Klkins, by a door in the rear, Mr. William H. Bowers also officiating as mailing and delivery clerk, during a portion of Mr. Klkins' term and for about six months under his successor. POSTMASTER JAMES B. STORER. As the end of Mr. Klkins' second term drew near. Adjutant James B. Storer, a life cripple, from w^ounds received in battle; Captain George Billow^, also an ex-soldier, and Mrs. Henry O. Hampson, w^idow of a deceased soldier, announced themselves as candidates for the office. The contest was quite spirited — Mr. Storer's claims being w^armly espoused by his friends on account of his severe physicial infirmity, Capt. Billow, besides a fair gen- eral foUow^ing, being particularly favored by the German element, Avhile Mrs. Hampson had quite a circle of s^^mpathizing adherents also. TAMES B. STORER,— son of Web- J ster B. Storer, born in Akron, January 22,1839; educated in Akron public schools ; at 17 beg'an learning- jewelry trade with William H. Tall- man, afterwards, for a vShort time, with Henry S. Abbey ; then in iron store with father till the breaking- out of the war ; on the day President Lincoln issued his proclamation for 75,000 troops, in April, 1861, enlisting in Co. G.,19th O. V. I., during its three months' service, rising to the rank of sergeant ; re-enlisted in Co. H., 29th O. V. I., for three years, engaging in the battles of Winchester, Port IRepublic, Cedar Mountain, South Mountain, Antietain, Chancellors- ville, Gettj^sburg, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, being promoted from sergeant to sergeant - major February 3, 1862 ; to second lieutenant April 13, 1862 ; to first lieutenant and adjutant Januar}^26,1863 ; as adjutant and recrviiting officer, in December, 1863, re-enlisting nearly the entire regiment as veterans. In May, 1864, in the Atlanta campaign, in first engagement at Dug Gap, in Rocky Face Ridge, he was wounded in spinal column by a minie-ball, paralyzing his legs, and has since been entirely unable to walk without the aid of crutches ; in September, 1864, being promoted to captain. After his discharge from the ariuy Captain Storer engaged in the jewelry JAMES B. STOKER. business with Mr. Dwight A. Hib- bard under the firm name of J. B. Storer & Co., which arrangement still continues. In June, 1870, was appointed postmaster of Akron, hold- ing the office twelve 5^ears, as herein fully written of. January 11, 1864, Captain Storer was married to Miss Maria L. Acklej^ of Akron, who has borne him one child — Helen A. Storer, still residing with her parents. Akron's postal service. 223 To amicably settle the matter, at the suggestion of Congress- man William H. Upson, an election was held on Saturday, May 7, 1870, at which 1,186 Republican ballots Avere cast, as follows: Storer, 858; Billow, 266; Mrs. Hampson, 62. This decisive vote, in ■due time, brought to Mr. Storer a commission signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, under which he took possession of the office on the 1st day of July, 1870, the new incumbent on the same day removing the office from the Mathews building, w^here it had con- tinuously remained for seventeen years, to Masonic Block, corner -of Howard and Mill streets, where it now is. For the second term Mr. Storer had no competition, and was •coTisequently reappointed by President Grant in 1874, for four years longer. At the expiration of his second term, in 1878, Mr. Storer was con- fronted by his former Captain of Company H, 29th O. V. I., and during the Avar promoted to the command of the regiment. Col. Jonas Schoonover. Though the Colonel's backing and credentials were first-class, owing to the excellent service which had been rendered by Mr. Storer during his eight years' incumbency, the department deemed it advisable that he should be continued for another term, his third commission being signed by President Rutherford B. Hayes, Mr. Storer thus holding the office twelve full years, a longer period than any other incumbent of the office since its establishment, in 1826. THE FREE DELIVERY SYSTEM. In the meantime Akron, by reason of the rapid and enormous increase of its postal business, became entitled to Free Mail Delivery, and the system was established here, under the auspices of Postmaster Storer, in March, 1879, Mr. Storer himself mapping out the routes, and under the directions of the Special Agent of the department, personally superintending the inauguration of the new system. Mr. Harry J. Shreffler had been a clerk in the office from the commencement of Mr. Storer's administration, and had become so thoroughly familiar ^vith the duties of the office, that on Mr. Storer's applying to the department for several months' leave of absence, in 1875, Mr. Shreffler was formally appointed Assistant Postmaster, Mr. Storer's bondsmen signifying their assent thereto by indorsing the same upon Mr. Storer's bond, w^hich position he held to the end of Mr. Storer's term, the only appointment of that character in the history of the office. Mr. George \V Smetts was appointed a mail route agent on the recommendation of Congressman Rufus P. Spalding, in Jan- uary, 1865, and again, after an illness of six months, on the recom- mendation of Congressman William H. Upson, at once becoming one of the most efficient officers in the service. At Mr. Storer's request, on dispensing with the services of Clerk Williain H. Bowers, early in 1871, Special Agent Jamin Strong (late Superin- tendent of the Northern Ohio Hospital for the Insane, at Cleve- land,) transferred Mr. Smetts to the Akron office, (Mr. Storer him- self being sick at the time), as chief clerk, which position he ably filled for four years, when, in 1875, on the recommendation of Congressman James Monroe, he Avas reinstated upon the road, from w^hich time he never lost a day, by sickness or otherwise, 324 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. until his resignation of the position in November, 1889, nearly 24 years, and was undoubtedly one of the most thoroughly posted and expert mail distributors in the State, his first work being upon the C. & P. Road, betwreen Cleveland and Pittsburg; next, for many years, on the N. Y., P. & O., betw^een Kent and Cincinnati, and from May, 1884, on the Valley, between Cleveland and Zoar Station. On the adoption of the free delivery system, Mr. George W. Schick w^as made Superintendent of Carriers, w^hich position, after twelve years of most efficient service, he still holds. In fact, so perfect w^ere the arrangements made by Postmaster Storer, and his efficient aids. Assistant Postmaster Shreffler and Superin- tendent Schick, that, whereas, the city of Chicago, w^here the sys- tem had been in vogue for several years, was then delivering, by carrier, 90 per cent, of the mail matter received at that office, the Akron office attained to the standard of 93 per cent, the first year, the matter delivered direct from the office being mostly to parties living beyond the city liinits, w^hich ratio, notwithstanding the largely increased business of the office in the intervening years, is still substantially maintained. pAPTAIN JAMES H. MORRISON, ^ —born in Lawrence county. Pa., May 14, 1834; in 1838 moved with parents to Wayne county, Ohio ; worked on farm summers, attended school winters ; father dying at 15, ran farm two years ; clerk in West Salem one year ; back to farm one year ; again clerk one year ; in Henry county, 111., one year ; clerk in West Salem again six months; in Fall of 1856 went to IronCit5', traded team for land, returned to Ohio and engaged in sheep trade ; in 1859 engaged in selling " Gunn's Family Medicine " in the South ; at the beginning of the w^ar returned to Ohio; November 1, 1861, entered service as Corporal in Co. I, 16th O. V. I. ; wounded in shoulder at Tazewell. Tenn., August 2, 1862 ; captured in hospital at Cum- berland Gap in September, 1862 ; one week in Libby Prison ; detailed with 9th Independent Battery at London, Ky., six weeks ; discharged for wound January 12, 1863 ; in grocery trade at West Salem five j^ears ; traveled for Cincinnati cigar house 12 years ; removed to Akron in 1873 ; appointed postmaster by President Arthur in 1882, retaining the ofBce and ably performing its duties four years ; now again on the road. September CAPT. JAMES H. MORRISON. 25, 1857, Captain Morrison was married to Miss Elizabeth B. Einery, of West Salem. They have four children — Ira I., book - keeper, with Twine and Cordage Company, Akron ; Mary C, stenographer in office of Auditor of State, Columbus ; Emery E., in Reed and Rattan Works, Akron ; Bessie E.,. student in Akron schools. POSTMASTER JAMES H. MORRISON. At the expiration of his third term, Mr. Storer making no further effort to retain the office, several ne"w aspirants for the position appeared upon the tapis, only t-wo of whom. Captain James H. Morrison and Hon. L. S. Ebright, seriously entered into the contest. Though each had abundant local backing, Captain AKRON S POSTAL SERVICE. 325 Morrison, being himself a Wayne county man, secured the influ- ence of our then Member of Congress, Hon. A. S. McClure, and thus carried off the prize. Capt. Morrison retained Mr. Shreffler as his Chief Clerk for three years, Mr. George Schick also remain- ing at the head of the Carrier Department, ^while the Captain's son, Mr. Ira I, Morrison, officiated as mailing clerk and deputy postmaster. Not because of any dereliction of duty, in his conduct of the office, but owing to the little circumstance that Grover Cleveland, instead of James G. Blaine, was elected President of the United States, in 1884, Capt. Morrison failed to succeed himself, and on the expiration of his four years' commission, yielding gracefully to the inevitable, on the 16th day of August, 1886, turned the office over to his Democratic successor. WILLIAM CHAUNCEY ALLEN, — sonof Alvin and Mercy (Hall) Allen, was born in Granger, Ohio, August 10, 1828 ; educated in Granger district schools and Akron select and U^nion schools, coming to Akron in 1844 ; in 1845 Avorked at map print- ing and finishing for Adams & Eggleston ; taught school in Grang'er in Sumnler of 1846 ; in Falor district, Coventry, in Winter of 1846, '47 ; Sum- mer of 1847 in map factory ; in Winter of 1847, '48 teaching in Bath; in Spring of 1848 resumed work in map factor}', continuing till burned out, January 9, 1848 ; then worked in mill with brother-in-law, Mr. Samuel Dunkle, in Williams county, till Fall -of 1849 ; clerk for Postmaster Frank Adams, and telegraph operator, till Fall of 1852, when he went to Cali- fornia, remaining there one year ; clerked in post office and telegraph operator under Postmasters E. W. Perrin and Roland O. Hammond from 1854 to 1861 ; manager of Union Telegraph Office from 1861 to 1885; postmaster of Akron from August, 1886, to January 1, 1891. Mr. Allen has WILLIAM CHAUNCEY ALLEN. served two terms as member of the Akron Board of Education, being secretary of the board for the years 1858, '59, '60, and as clerk of Portage township for the years 1868, '69, '70, '71. POSTMASTER WILLIAM C. ALLEN. The whirligig of time and politics having, after an interregnum of almost a quarter of a century, again placed the Democratic party in the ascendency, in the nation, and Mr. William C. Allen, having, in the intervening years, embraced the Democratic faith, w^as, by the almost universal assent of the local patrons of the office, both Democrats and Republicans, very proper designated as Postmaster of Akron, by President Cleveland, on the 22d day of July, 1886, being confirmed by the Senate August 10th and entering upon his duties, as stated, August 16th. In his quest for the office, Mr. Allen ■was confronted by tw^o life-long Democratic politicians — William M^ers and Lewis C. Parker — but owing to the intimate personal and political relations existing between Mr. Allen and ex-Congress- man David K. Paige, and, in turn, the intimate personal and polit- ical relations existing between Mr. Paige and Senator Henry B. 326 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Payne, who dispensed the executive patronage of this district,, under Mr, Cleveland's administration, Mr. Allen readily distanced his competitors and -won the prize. THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE OFFICE. That Mr. Allen made a good officer, in every way, goes with- out saying, the clerical force of the office under his administration — all thoroughly proficient in their several departments — being as follows: William C. Allen, Postmaster ; Charles W. Taneyhill, Deputy ;: George W. Schick, Superintendent of Carriers ; Edwin P. Humes, Mailing Clerk ; George T, McKean, Assistant Mailing Clerk ; Frank A, Cummins, General Delivery Clerk ; Carriers : John W. Sabin, Arthur E. Limric, William H. Kasch, Charles D. Steese, James K. P. Souers, Frank L. Butler, Harry A. Pardee, Patrick Flanagan, Harry C. Eichenlaub, Fred H. O'Brien, William A, Caldwell, Charles C. Pomeroy, William J. Hoye, substitute ; John Garahan, special delivery. WILLIAM B. GAMBLE,— son of Samuel L. and Eliza Jane Gamble, was born in Wabash, Ind., October 3, 1850, raiised on farm, and educated in common schools; at 14, sought to enter the army, but pre- vented by father, as being" too young; in 1873, came to Akron and with H. A. Gibbs and V. I. Morton, organized the stoneware firm of W. B. Gamble & Co., in the Sixth ward, the firm being changed to Gamble & Morton, in 1875. The works, being soon after- wards destroyed by fire, with no insurance and almost total loss, were rebuilt and continued until 1880, when the firm sold out; Mr. Gamble then operating as traveling jobber of stoneware until the organization of the Akron Stoneware Agency in 1883. Having been an active Republican, since attaining his majority, Mr. Gamble was elected Sheriff of Sum- mit county, in 1884, and re-elected in 1886, ably filling that responsible office four years, and officiating as deputy under his successor two years longer; is a director in Akron Savings Bank, vice president of Globe Sign Company; director and vice presi- dent of Akron Building and Loan Association; director in D. F. Morgan Boiler Co.; etc. In December, 1890, WILLIAM B. GAMBLE. Mr. Gamble was appointed, by Presi- dent Harrison, postinaster of the City of Akron, entering upon his official duties January 1, 1891. Jan- uary 1, 1872, he was married to Miss Clara S. Boardman, of Akron, who- has borne him one child — Eva L., born January 14, 1874. POSTMASTER WILLIAM B. GAMBLE. Another political revolution bringing the Republicans again into power, in 1889, there were, as a matter of course, a number of patriotic gentlemen of that faith who w^ere w^illing to become Mr. Allen's successor, the most spirited contest for the position being^ between ex-Sheriff William B. Gamble and Major Emmitt F. Tag- gart. So sharp was the competition that the appointment hung Akron's postal service. 327 fire nearly six months after the expiration of Mr. Allen's commis- sion, Mr, Gamble finally securing the prize, his commission from President Harrison bearing date Jan. 8, 1891, and the office being formally turned over to him, by Mr. Allen, Jan. 10. A few changes, only, have been made in the clerical force, the present roster (August, 1891) being as follows : William B. Gamble, P. M.; Andrew M. Smith, Assistant P. M.; George W. Schick, Superintendent of Mails ; Edwin P. Humes, Mailing Clerk ; George F. McKean, assistant mailing clerk; Arthur L. Northrup, money order clerk ; William H. Sperling, general delivery clerk ; John Garahan, stamper; Letter Carriers: John W. Sabin, Arthur E. Limric, William H. Kasch, Charles D. Steese, William J. Hoye, James K. P. Souers, Harry A. Pardee, Patrick Flanagan, Harry C. Eichenlaub, Fred H. O'Brien, William H. Caldvirell, Charles C. Pomeroy, Fred G. Steese, James C. Reherd ; Substitute Carriers : Charles E. Gostlin, John W. Breiner, John H. Thomas. HARRY C. EICHENLAUB, — whose full leng-th portrait, in the uniforin of a g'ov- ernnient letter carrier, is given herewith, is one of Uncle Sam's hig'hly popular and wide-awake postal messengers in Akron. He is a son of Alois and Catharine (Waelde) Eichenlaub, was born in Cleveland Feb. 14, 1859, removing with his parents to Akron about 1864, his father being Akron's pioneer manufacturing confec- tioner, prosecviting that business on Howard street, until within a few months of his death, March 4, 1873. Harry was educated in Akron public schools ; striking otxt early for himself, for a time clerked in saddlery hardware store of George S. Scott, 102 North Howard street; later as key clerk at Sherman House, Chicago, and still later three years in the clothing store of Hoffman & Moss in Akron. In the Fall of 1886, Postmaster William C. Allen placed him on his staff of letter carriers, the duties of wh ich position he so faithfully discharged that Mr. Allen's successor. Postmaster William B. Gam- ble, re-appointed him thereto in 1891, Harry having hosts of warm personal friends among the local inembers of both political parties. He is also a meinber of one of Akron's inost popular business and social institutions — The "Citizens' Club." THEN AND NOW. In the early days, the postmaster received as compensation a commission on the amount of business transacted, amounting, during Mr. Frank Adams' administration — 1849 to 1853 — to about $1,000 per year — the postmaster fitting up his ow^n office, paying rent, clerk hire, etc. Postal rates, in those days, were on a sliding scale : under 30 miles, six cents ; 30 to 150, twelve and a half cents ; 150 to 400, eighteen and three-fourths cents; over400, twenty-five cents, and, as late as 1850, the postage on letters between Ohio and California 328 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. was 40 cents. This, too, be it remembered, was on "single" letters, without regard to weight. Thus, a letter on a light note sheet, containing a dollar bill, or check, though the -whole did not weigh over one-fourth of an ounce, would be subject to double postage, while a letter written on a single piece of paper, as large as a bed blanket, and -weighing several ounces, called for single postage only. This, of course, required the utmost vigilance, on the part of postmasters, to prevent frauds upon the government. Commencing about 1851, postage rates have been gradually re- duced, so that now a letter, not exceeding one ounce in weight, no matter how many pieces of paper it may contain, will go from Florida to Alaska for two cents, with a fair prospect that a one- cent rate will soon be established. Now, the government pays for fitting up office, rent, fuel, lights, clerk hire, incidental expenses, etc. The present net salary of the postmaster, based upon his gross receipts, is $3,100, w^ith an- other hundred to be added -when the gross recipts reach $60,000 per year. The present allowance for clerk hire is $5,000 per year, exclusive of the carriers, t-welve of Avhom are paid $850 per year, and the remaining two $600. A FEW INTERESTING STATISTICS. The Department reports, covering the seven years from June 30, 1884, to June 30, 1891 so far as relates to the Akron office, are as follows: Year ending June 30, 1885, gross receipts, $31,056.81; salary, $2,800 ; clerk hire, $3,200 ; rent, light and fuel, $998.75 ; other incidental expenses, $29.00 ; free delivery, $5,488.45 ; total expenses, $12,510.20 ; net revenue, $18,539.61 ; per cent, of expenses to gross receipts, 40. Year ending June 30, 1886 : gross receipts, $35,923.13 ; salary, $2,800; clerk hire, $3,200; rent, light and fuel, $1,567; other inci- dental expenses, $84.33 ; free delivery, $5,900.89 ; total expenses, $13,552.20 ; net revenue, $22,370.92 ; per cent of expenses to gross receipts, 37. Year ending June 30, 1887 : gross receipts, $38,600.10 ; salary, $2,800 ; clerk hire, $3,333.15 ; rent, Ught and fuel, $1,570 ; other inci- dental expenses, $41.46 ; free delivery, $7,010.72 ; total expenses, $14,755.33 ; net revenue, $23,853,77 ; per cent, of expenses to gross receipts, 38. Year ending June 30, 1888: gross receipts, $14,882.47; salary, $2,900; clerk hire, $3,400; rent, light and fuel, $1,570; other inci- dental expenses, $121.36; free delivery, $7,885.69; total expenses, $15,877.05 ; net revenue, $29,005.42 ; per cent, of expenses to gross receipts, 35. Year ending June 30, 1889 : gross receipts, $49,018.48 ; salary, $3,000; clerk hire, $3,691 ; rent, fuel, etc., $1,570; incidentals, $127.02 ; free delivery, $9,729.31; total expenses, $18,117.33; net revenue, $30,901.15 ; per cent, of expenses to receipts, 37. Year ending June 30, 1890: gross receipts, $50,394.84; salary, $3,100; clerk hire, $5,000; rents, etc., $1,380; incidentals, $148.63; free delivery, $10,522.15; total expenses, $20,150.78; net revenue, $30,244.06 ; per cent, of expenses to receipts, 40. AKRON S POSTAL SERVICE, 329 Year ending June 30, 1891 : gross receipts, $58,178.56. Total expenses for year not reported at date of compilation of this arti- cle. From the figures above given, it will be seen that the busi- ness of the office is rapidly increasing, year by year, to which will undoubtedly soon be added that of the Sixth Ward, so that more room will, in the near future, become an absolute necessity, and the long talked-of Government Building, now almost in sight, a blessing that w^ill be duly appreciated by both the entire people of Akron and the local government officiials. i^tSjiS^ t3?JS>tS>iS>^S>iS>Sr East side of Howard Street, looking North from near Cherrj' Street. From photo by E. J. Howard, 1873. CHAPTER XVI. AKRON'S FIRES, FROM 1839 TO 1891— HUNDREDS OF HOUSES, SHOPS, STORES,. MILLS, CHURCHES, ETC., DESTROYED— MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF VALUABLE PROPERTY GIVEN TO THE DEVOURING FLAMES— INCENDIARISM RAMPANT— THE BUCKET BRIGADE, THE CRANK AND BRAKE ENGINE AND THE TIRELESS STEAMER— DISASTERS AND IMPROVEMENTS OF HALF A CENTURY— A CHAPTER WORTHY OF PERUSAL. AKRON'S EARLY FIRE COMPANIES. TDRKVIOUS to 1839 there was no definitely organized fire depart- -•- ment in Akron, other than the appointment, by the Council, of five fire w^ardens to look after the safety of stoves, chimneys, etc.,. and to take charge of the " bucket brigade," on the occurrence of a fire, alarms being sounded by passing the cry of fire from mouth to mouth, or from house to house, and by the ringing of the bells in the towers of the original Baptist and Universalist churches, after 1837, '38. In the meantime certain public-spirited citizens, feeling the need of some more efficient mode of extinguishing fires, or at least of checking their spread, formed a stock company, and in 1839, pur- chased a small rotary hand engine, at a cost of $600, in shares of $25 each, three only of the twenty-four original stock-holders being now (1891) alive — Nahum Fay, Frank Adams and Samuel A. Lane, The "North Akron Fire Company" w^as organized December 11,. 1839, with 32 members as follows: Nahuin Fay, Samuel Manning,. Levi Manning, Sylvanus G. Gaylord, Elias L. Munger, Klisha N, Bangs, Charles Bateman, Lucius V. Bierce, Harvey H. Johnson, Samuel A. Lane, Arad Kent, Cyrus Shumway, S. L. Shaw, John Kidder, William Tarble, John C. Kidder, Samuel C. Bangs, Frank Adams, Francis Rattle, Abram Smith, Leverett J. Ives, Henry L. Lane, Alfred R. Tow^nsend, William E. Wright, Benjamin R. Man- chester, James Baldwin, John G. Darby, Charles Earl, Norman Lewis, Reuben A. Kinney. The company, furnished itself with fifty feet of leather hose,, paid its own running expenses, rent of room for housing its machine, meetings, etc., until the erection by the tow^n, in the latter part of 1841, of the front end of the diminutive building shown in the accompaning engraving, just 10 x 15 feet in size, and located over the race in Mill street, fronting on Howard. This machine was purchased from the stockholders, by the tow^n, for the munificent sum of $200, in January, 1846, on a credit of one and two years. Niagara, Number Two. — In 1845, the village had purchased a new and larger engine, run by side brakes, and in December, 1845, Niagara Fire Company, No. 2, w^ith 47 members, \sras presented to the Council for acceptance, the first foreman of the company being the late Charles Webster, the only original members now^ living,, so far as known, being James Christy, Thomas H. Goodwin and EARLY FIRE COMPANIES. 331 Levi Allen, Jr. After allowing this company to skirmish for quar- ters, for a year or t^vo, in the latter part of 1848 the Council caused to be erected for its use the small two-story brick building, after- w^ards for some years used as a lock-up, and still standing, on Tallmadge street, between Howard and Main. Tornado NuiMBER Three. — January 30, 1847, a hook and ladder company, under the above title, was accepted by the Council; of its 32 original members six only are now believed to be living — James M. Hale, Robert Baird, Webster B. Storer, James B.Taplin, Ambrose Chapin, George Mather. A house for this company, 12x30 feet, was built along side the original house of engine company Number One, on Mill street. A New Number One. — In 1852, a new brake engine was pur- chased, by Council, to take the place of the rotary, and a new- engine house built on the present site of the city building, the old machine and house being turned over to a company of public- spirited boys, ranging from 15 to 18 years of age, who organized themselves into " Protective Fire Company, Number Four," w^hich continued in operation about two years, virhen both house and engine were taken to the West Hill and planted on Myrtle Place, where, for several years, it w^as maintained by an independent com- pany of " West Hillers" — the w^riter among the number, w^ho now retains as a relic, the two pieces of siding, on which was originally painted, by his own hand, in 1841, "Fire Co. No. 1," the "1" after- w^ards being changed to "4." Various Other Volunteer Companies. — Though there was no pay, a vast amount of hard Avork, and a very great lack of apprecia- tion, connected w^ith the life of the ancient volunteer fireman, a service of five years working exemption from poll-tax and local military and jury duty, organizations of this character, of very great efficiency, were kept up until the advent of the steamer era, and the adoption of the pay system. Besides those mentioned, with their various metamorphoses, a German Hook and Ladder Company, under the name of "Washington, No. 3," with Philip A. Bierwirth as foreman, succeeded Tornado, No. 3; the Germans being in turn succeeded by Mechanics' Hook and Ladder Company, No. 3, which, with Eagle Hose Company, organized in June, 1866, after the purchase of the first-steamer, and composed of the verj'- best young business men of the city, had an efficient existence of nearly ten years, both companies being disbanded on the adoption of the pay system, in 1876. With four commodious fire stations, three provided w^ith first- class steamers, double hose reels and hook and ladder apparatus, and the fourth w^ith a fine tw^o-horse hose carriage, and all provided w^ith fine well-trained horses, and experienced men, the Akron Fire Department is now one of the very best of its class in the State. AKRON'S FIRES. In connection with the old Firemen's Celebration, in May, 1888, the w^riter gave a brief history of Akron's fire department, from the "bucket brigade" of the early thirties, the crank and brake engines of the forties, to the splendid equine-electro-steam- hydraulic-paid system of the present, a summary of which is given above. 332 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. And now, as a part of this work, though details cannot be largely indulged in, a brief review of Akron's most destructive fires during the past half century, will not be out of order. Burning of the M. E. Church. — Though some minor fires had previously occurred, the burning of Akron's original Methodist church, a frame building standing on the site of the present brick structure, but facing to the west, was the first public calamity that came upon the good people of Akron. The fire occurred at 2 o'clock on the morning of March 17, 1841, one of the very coldest of that w^inter, there being fully a foot of snow upon the ground. The cold -was so intense that in the slow^ process of supplying our little hand engine with water, by draw^ing it w^ith hook and bucket from the parsonage cistern, and passing it from hand to hand by the bucket brigade, we soon froze up, and w^hile nothing could be done tow^ards saving the church itself, w^e did save the parsonage, a few feet distant, by throwing snow upon the roof and against the sides. Loss $3,300— insurance $2,200. MiDDLEBURY CARRIAGE WoRKS. — The latter part of March, 1844, the carriage factory of Collins & Co., in Middlebury, (now^ Akron's prosperous Sixth ward), corner Kast Market and Kent streets, was burned at a total loss of $5,000, about half covered by insurance. Hotel, Barn and Eight Horses Burned.— One of Akron's early hotels ^vas the Ohio Exchange, a three-story brick, on the present site of Woods' block, corner Market and Main streets. Pas- sing into the hands of Mr. Charles B. Cobb, the name was changed to Cobb's Exchange, in 1844. The large barn, connected >vith the hotel, about w^here Kryder's feed-store now stands, in addition to housing the horses of the guests, w^as also largely devoted to livery purposes, Mr. Cobb also running tri-w^eekly lines of coaches to Canton and Wooster, for the transportation of the mails, passen- gers, etc. On the night of September 15, 1844, this barn, containing some 50 horses, a large number of carriages, and large quantities of hay, stra^v, grain, etc., bet^veen 10 and 11 o'clock was found to be on fire, and in spite of the heroic exertions of firemen and citizens, eight horses perished in the flames. Nothing, of course, could be done towards saving the barn, but with our little rotary, and only 50 feet of hose, through the alacrity of citizens in supplying us w^ith water from the near-by P. & O. canal, and in spelling us at the cranks, we did prevent the flames from igniting the hotel kitchen, or from extending across the alley, to the rear of the row of frame business blocks fronting on Howard street. Mr. Cobb's loss, $1,200; insurance $500. [Building materials, horses, hay, oats, etc., were far less expensive then than now^.] Large Distillery Goes up in Smoke. — On the night of November 9, 1844, the large distillery of Hiram Payne and Edward Sumner, Avest of Ohio canal, near lock 21, was totally destroyed, except the cattle and hog pens, saved by the efforts of the firemen. Loss $2,800; no insurance. Akron's early fires. 333 Jewelry and Crockery. — February 10, 1846, the jewelry and crockery store of Samuel Gardiner, Jr., on the north side of East Market street, first door east of corner, was found to be on fire, but the hand engine companies performed such execution that the fire was confined to the bxiilding, in which started, with a loss of $500 only. Large Tannery Consumed. — November 4, 1846, the tannery, located east of Ohio canal, near lock 16, owned and operated by Mr. Frank D. Parmelee; one of Akron's most enterprising mer- chants at that time, was consumed, though the adjoining bark house and contents were saved by the efforts of the firemen, there now^ being two companies in successful operation. Loss $14,000. ^TNA Furnace Destroyed.— ^January 13, 1847, the ^tna Fur- nace, w^est side of the Ohio canal, opposite lock 12, owned by the late Judge James R. Ford, but operated by the Akron Manufactur- ing Company, under the management of the late Arad Kent, w^as totally destroyed, excepting the most valuable portion of the machinery, saved by the efforts of the firemen. Loss $2,000 to $3,000, Northwest Corner of Howard and Market. — June 9, 1848, the entire range of buildings (all frame) from present site of Hotel Arlington, corner Canal and Market, nearly to the present brick block of Mr. John Robb, on North Howard street, w^as consumed, with much of the contents of the several establishments. Among other sufferers w^ere Dewey & Elkins, publishers of the Summit Beacon, $500; J. A. Beebe & Co., books and drugs, $1^000; Horace Canfield, American Democrat, $1,000; Adams & Eggleston, map publishers, $8,000. James Baldwin, father of Capt. Aaron P. Bald- win, and Lewis Kilbourn, father of William W. Kilbourn, of 712 East Exchange street, w^ere the largest losers, (amount not stated), being the owners of the corner block (the old Pavilion Hotel) and several of the contiguous buildings. WEvST Side of South Howard Street. — September 16, 1848, the west side of How^ard street, from the Commins Sc Allen brick block (now Star clothing house) north to the alley, adjoining Cut- ter's block, on the south. These were all original structures, two- story frame buildings, ow^ned respectively by John K. Foster, Henry S. Abbey, Alfred R. Townsend and Seth Iredell. The losses w^ere: H. S. Abbe*y, building $400, jewelry (partly saved) $500; Oren Beck- with, harness, $200; E. C. Hurd, dry goods, $7,000; John M. Cutler, boots and shoes, $4,000; Asahel H. Pierson, tailor, $150; Charles Leonard, groceries, $800; Miss Hamilton, milliner, $100; Iredell & Whetstone, dry goods, building and stock $8,000; Timothy Clark, groceries, $100; Messrs. Foster and Townsend probably losing about $1,000 each. Death of a Brave Fireman. — On the night of September 22dr 1849, the new^ brick dwelling house of Mr. Charles Cranz, on Pros- pect street, fronting Grace Park, now owned by ^ohn McGregor, then approaching completion, was burned. Though working to great disadvantage for w^ant of water, the firemen fought the fire vigorously, and while at work on the back porch, Mr. David Miller, Akron's pioneer sash, door and blind manufacturer, Avas crushed to death by the falling of the porch roof, through the thoughtless- ness, it w^as asserted, of some person in knocking out one of the props by w^hich it was temporarily held in place. Mr. Miller Avas 334 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. a member of Niagara Fire Co., No. 2, and one of its most energetic members. The brick w^alls of the house remained intact, and the building was immediately rebuilt. Mr. Cranz's loss was about $1,000, the builders, Messrs. B. F. and J. C. Dickerman, losing about $800 worth of tools. The Old Stone Block, Etc—Ou the night of Dec. 27, 1849, the territory bet\sreen the famous old Stone Block, a solid three-story stone building covering the present sites of the Henry and Stein- bacher blocks, Ho^vard and Market streets, was covered as far south as the building now^ occupied by Wilson G. Robinson, by tw^o-story (mostly frame) buildings and all fully occupied by mer- chants, mechanics, lawyers, doctors, etc. The fire commenced about the middle and spread both ways. It was supposed that the solid high wall of the stone block would arrest the progress of the flames in that direction as effectually as the high brick wall of the Angel block upon the south side did. Unfortunately, however, there Avas a heavy over-hanging ■wooden cornice on that side of the block, and as the flames drew^ near, the brisk southwesterly wind sent them sheer up the wall to the cornice. The intense heat keeping the engines at too great a distance to do effective service, the result was that that mammoth building, too, was speedily consumed. The solid battlemented wall upon the east side kept the flames from spreading any further in that direction, but after the roof and floors had gone down, the w^all, losing its supports, toppled over, falling inward, in doing which the lower poVtion sprang outward, shoving the adjoining tAvo-story frame store building of J. D. Ed son & Co. over into the allej^, com- pletety demolishing the lower story, but leaving the upper story, including the roof, doors, wrindows, etc., intact. The sufferers by this fire vi^ere : Milton W, Henry, dry goods ; Henry Rattle, dry goods; McCurd}' & Michener, dry goods; the Akron Bank ; Christy & Sawyer, boots and shoes ; J. Raymond & Co., dry goods ; George \V. Wyman, clothing ; Charles Cranz, hardware ; George \V. Peart, drugs ; Lander & Ward, boots and shoes ; Koch & Levi, clothing ; Sumner & Smith, clothing ; Ne- ville & Smith, groceries; C. B. Eells, tailor; Bennett & Smith, harness; Benjamin McNaughton, cigars; Dr. E. W. How^ard ; Otis & Wolcott, Pleasants & Harris, Upson & Edgerton, Philip N. Schu^'^ler, law^yers. The individual losses were not given in the papers of the day, but the aggregate loss was estimated at $50,000, Hall'vS Corner Next. — On the night of February 17, 1851, the entire block bounded by How^ard, Market and Canal streets, south to the alley, was burned over, including the dry goods stores of P. D. Hall & Co., A, Hibbard &c Co,, Abbey & Rose, and Sumner & Co., the clothing store of I. P. Sanford, and the auction store of Johnson & Piatt. The buildings were all of wood, the Hall block being the first store building erected in North Akron, in 1832, Part of the contents of the several stores w^ere saved, the total loss being estimated from $25,000 to $30,000, Foundry and Stove Works. — March 11, 1853, the extensive foundry and stove works, on the present site of the W, B. Doyle planing mill, owned and operated by P. Tallman & Co., was en- tirelj^ consumed. The structure was a light one, but the patterns and castings destroyed were valuable. Loss $7,000. Akron's early fires. 335 Flouring Mill, Furnace, Planing Mill, Etc. — Nov. 1, 1853, the ^tna Mill, owned and operated by Ra\srson, Noble & Co., the ^tna Furnace, belonging to the estate of James R. Ford, the plan- ing mill of Dix & Finch, and the grocery store of John T. Good & Co. near lock 12, were consumed, the fire originating in the -^tna Mill. Total loss $40,000. Northeast Corner Howard and Market. — Dec. 8, 1854, the northeast corner of How^ard and Market streets, commencing north on the present site of Davis & Blocker's drug store and extending around to the Empire House, all wooden structures, one and two stories only. Total losses about $25,000 — sufferers : Gardner & Walker, agricultural store ; J. H. Christy & Co., leather ; Cook & Dussell, groceries ; G. & S. Kempel, boots and shoes ; Sumner & Pardee, clothing ; Peterson & Wetmore, tin and hardware ; Morton, saloon; W. D. Stevens, barber; John Lander, boots and shoes; Oren Beckwith, harness ; James Gardner, groceries. Ohio Exchange, Stores, Etc. — April 30, 1855, the Ohio Ex- change, three-story brick, on the present site of Woods' block, with the intervening two-story frame buildings west to Major Stein- tacher's brick block, -were consumed, with a loss to Rinear Van Evra, proprietor of Exchange, of $10,000; Frank Adams, hats, caps, furs, etc., $3,000; William H. Tallman, jewelry, $1,500; Malcolm & Co., (Arthur Malcolm and Samuel A. Lane) clothing, $8,000 ; Hor- ace S. Weston, restaurant, j$900 ; Koch & Levi, building, $1,000; Mrs. Amanda A. Ackley, building, $500 ; John T. Good, building, $500. Total, .^24,900. ^ Another Mill Destroyed. — The merchant and custom flour- ing mill, belonging to Mr. William Thayer, and operated by Wese- ner & Richmond, on the site now occupied by Pringle's livery stable, immediately south of the Schoeninger block, on Main street, was burned March 29, 1855, at a loss on- mill and stock of $11,000, also fully covered by insurance. Mr. Thayer Again "Unfortunate." — Having leased his mill, as above, Mr. Thayer established a grain warehouse in the two- story brick building corner West Market and Cherry streets, which, on June 19, 1855, was "mysteriously" burned, at an alleged loss of $1,000, also fully covered by insurance. Another Fire on Howard Street. — ^A new two-story brick building, near the -present site of Phoenix block, belonging to Judge Constant Bryan, and occupied by Ayers & Beadle, grocers, was burned on the night of March 26, 1856, at a loss to Judge Bryan of $2,300 writh $1,500 -worth of insurance, and to the occu- pants of $1,500 with $1,000 insurance. A Second Severe Scorching. — After the disastrous fire of June D, 1848, at the northw^est corner of Howard and Market streets, Messrs. Baldw^in & Kilbourn, and other lot owners, immediately replaced the buildings with substantial tw^o and three-story brick blocks, all of Mrhich found ready occupation. On the night of Dec. 29, 1856, the Baldv^rin & Kilbourn portion of the block, embracing four store rooms on Howard street, and one on Market street, w^ere again destroyed. Among the losses by this fire, besides the tri- fling loss the parties, in w^hose grocery and meat market, on Market street, the fire started, Baldwin & Kilbourn's loss was probably from $10,000 to $12,000 ; Henry W. WetmorS, agricultural 336 AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. store, $3,750 ; Beebe & Elkins, book and drug store on ground floor and Beacon office in the second story, $15,000 ; McNeil & Kempel, grocers, $1,200 ; James S. Carpenter and Henry W. Howe, attorneys, $700 ; Daniel B. Hadley and Newell D. Tibbals, attorneys, $550 ^ Henry O. Hampson, tinware, $100 ; total, about $35,000. This loss fell with peculiar hardship on Messrs. Beebe & El- kins, not only being the second time they had been thus despoiled by the devouring element, but losing all their presses and types, and even their subscription books, made it the more difficult to pick up the stitches again and go on with the paper. But the old Beacon was re-established, and on April 5, 1889, celebrated its Golden, or Fiftieth, Anniversary, the amount of matter in its weekly edition being four times greater than in the earlier years of it& existence, while its tw^enty-year old daily, with fully twice as much reading matter as the original >veekly, has an average circu- lation of over 3,000 copies per day. The Incendiaries Come to Grief. — Though morally certain that several of the fires named were of incendiary origin, nothing had so tangibly implicated the perpetrators thereof as the circum- stances attending this case. Two young men from the contiguous townships of Copley and Bath, tiring of farm life, purchased a small stock of groceries, in the room where the fire originated, in- voicing but $250, upon which, on the alleged intention of largely replenishing, they had secured insurance to the amount of $1,000. At the time of the fire, not only had n6 addition been made to the stock, but considerable sold out, ^vhile on the morning after the fire several packages of goods were discovered in the barn jointly occupied by one of the partners and a neighbor. Though the' affair w^as partially investigated by the Grand Jury, then in ses- sion, nothing was done about it until nearly a year afterwards, when, through the detective operations of Marshal J. J. Wright, with the hearty co-operation of Sheriff S. A. Lane, Deputy Sheriff A. R. ToAvnsend, and Prosecuting Attorney, Henry McKinney, a chain of direct and circumstantial evidence >vas forged bj^ which not only the principals but their chief confederate, (a hitherto respectable young farmer from the township of Northampton) Avere sent to the penitentiary for five years each, and the tool, w^ho applied the match, one year, the latter, on being arrested, making a voluntary confession of the crime, and on the witness stand, dis- closing with great particularity the details of the transaction from beginning to end. Serving his entire term, the latter soon van- ished from the neighborhood ; the others after serving about half their time w^ere pardoned by Governor Dennison, the chief spirit of the enterprise, and instigator of the crime, soon floating off into the western country Tvhere, according to rumor, he speedily went to the bad, while his dupes at once resumed their places in the society of their respective townships, and have ever since con- ducted themselves in a strictly upright and industrious manner. In a civil suit, Messrs. Beebe & Elkins obtained a judgment for damages against the incendiaries for $14,867.77 damages at the November term of Court, 1858, though it does not appear from the record that any portion of said judgment has ever been paid. West Side of Howard Street. — March 1, 1857, the west side of Howard street, from the Perkins and Allen brick block, south to the brick tavel-n, part of w^hich, now^ owned by Mr. Israel Isbell, is Akron's early fires. 337 still standing, was devastated, the buildings, mostly cheap wooden structures, belonging principally to Judge Constant Br\^an, William G. Kaymond, of Akron, and his sister. Miss Raymond, of Rochester, N. Y. The occupants were: David Lebcher, marble works; Pierre Schinbring, furniture; Lewis Creveling, restaurant; Mr. Keiffer, boots and shoes; J. B. Martin, saloon and residence. Total loss probably $6,000. Another Incendiary Fire. — On the morning of October 7, 1858, the extensive w^orks of the Akron Barrel Company, on the present site of the Miller Chain and Match Works, w^ith all its val- uable machinery and material was consumed, presumably the work of an incendiary, and surmised to have been the work of local coopers \\rho bitterly antagonized the introduction of labor- saving steam-driven machinery in the fabrication of the immense quantity of barrels then yearly used by the mills of Akron and vicinity, the manilla sacking, now so largely used, not having then come in vogue. The loss to the company was $12,000. A reward of $1,000 w^as offered lor the detection and conviction of the incen- diary, but though one or two slight clues were struck by detectives J. J. Wright and James Burlison, the perpetrator of the crime was never definitely discovered. Melopean Factory Burned.— Allusion has heretofore been made to a musical instrument — the melopean — invented by Mr. Horace B. Horton, and in the latter forties and early fifties manu- factured by himself and the late Bradbury T. Blodgett. About 1852, William O. Sanford, brother of Akron's pioneer cabinet maker, Mr. David G. Sanford, bought out Mr. Blodgett, Mr. Ira Rose, late of California, father of Akron's w^ell-known nurseryman Mr. Lucius Rose, succeeding to the business in 1855, purchasing for that purpose "Central Block," a three-story bri,ck building on the present site of Merrill's Pottery, corner South Main and State streets, built by the late Benjamin W. Stephens, in 1836. On the night of June 4, 1858; this establishment with all its contents w^as burned, with a loss to Mr. Rose of from $8,900 to $10,000, and to Mr. James Holmes, Mr. John C. McMillen and several other workmen of from $75 to $100 each in tools. The business was resumed in the Garrett Block, corner of South Howard and Cherry streets, by a stock company composed of Ira Rose, James F. Scott, John W. Baker, John C. McMillen, James Holmes and Leopold Swindeman,^ succeeded by James F. Scott and the late Alois Straub, Messrs, Horton Wright and William Smagg also being employes of the establishment for several years. Another Hotel Barn Fire. — April 18, 1859, three barns — two in the rear of, and belonging to, the " Bradford House," a two-story brick hotel on South Howard street (part of w^hich is still standing there), and the other belonging to Mr. William G. Raymond, together with the frame kitchen to the hotel, were destroyed, a val- uable horse, after being rescued, rushing back into his stall already on fire and perishing in the flames. Total loss probably $1,000. Origin undoubtedly incendiary. Foundry and Machine Shop. — ^June 27, 1860, at 1 o'clock a. m., the foundry and machine shop of Webster, Taplin & Co., on the present site of the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company's w^orks, corner of North Main and Tallmadge streets, were burned with all their contents. Loss, $10,000, 82 338 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. MiDDLEBURY CARRIAGE WoRKS Again.— January 2, 1860, the carriage works, blacksmith shop, etc., of Mr. Charles A. Collins, corner of Kast Market and Arlington streets, with most of their contents, w^ere again burned. Loss $10,000. Another Mill Burned. — ^Between twelve and one o'clock, on Saturday night, February 24, 1866, the Variety Mills, previously sold by J. Park Alexander to Shewey, McGillicuddy & Co., on the present site of Mr. Alexander's Fire Brick Works, was burned, at a loss, on building, machinery and stock, of $13,000, with $8,000 insurance. The Chidester House Fire. — The two and a half story frame building, on the present site of Masonic Temple, built by the late Col. Le\^is P. Buckley in 1836, had passed into the hands of the late Conrad Fink, and had for several years been kept as a hotel, by Mr. William K. Chidester. The house being then vacant, and in spite of the fact that Mr. Fink himself slept there for "protec- tion," at 2 o'clock A. M., April 15, 1867, the building was discovered to be on fire and past salvation. Three or four other one and two story frame buildings, on the north, were also totally consumed and the upper portion of the corner building opposite (still standing there) then owned by William G. Raymond, as w^ell as a dwelling owned and occupied by Capt. George Billo\v^, across the ravine to the north, and on the present site of the Pendleton block, Losses: Conrad Fink, $5,000; Joseph X. Laube, $1,000; Chambers, Appleton & Smagg, $1,500; Raymond, $4,000; Billow, $1,125. Pottery Warehouses Burned. — At 9 o'clock p. m., August 28, 1867, the stone-ware shipping houses of J. I^ark Alexander, and G. N. Abbey & Co., near the Railroad Repair Shops, were burned. Mr. Alexander's loss $5,000, with no insurance. Abbey & Co's loss $12,000, with $2,pOO insurance. Match Factory Destroyed. — August 25, 1867, the Akron Match Company's works, on North Summit street, were destroyed, at a loss, on building and stock, of $7,000, and $3,000 insurance. Both Sides of ISast Market Street.— In those daj^s the ter- ritory on East Market street, from Main almost to High on the south side, and from Main to the alley, on the north side, -was cov- ered with two story frame buildings, all teeming with business life and activity, those on the south being occupied as foUow^s: No. 200 (corner) Storer, Noble & Co., iron; 202, J. E. Wesener & Co., dry goods; 204, Adams & Hawk, clothing; 206, C. Vogt, saloon; Joseph Gonder (basement) painter, and Mrs. M. J. Van Fessler, (second story) residence; 208, Charles Teits, tailor; Joseph Fritz, barber; 210, J. S, Hawkins, harness maker, Amos Herman, dw^ell- ing; 212, G. F. Rentschler, meat market, Louis Cohn, (second story) tailor; 214, Henry McMasters, baker, Mrs. McMasters, (second story) millinery, William H. McMasters, music; 216, Hiram J. Ayres, meat market; 218, Jacob Miller, shoes; 220, M. Schware, je\sreler, John Byrider, shoemaker; 222, A. Litchfield, groceries; 224, J. G. Reif snider, groceries; the buildings being o\\rned, respec- tively by Schoeninger Brothers, Samuel Hawk, G. F. Rentschler, J. S. Hawkins, Henry McMasters, H. J. Ayres, Jacob Miller and John Byrider. On the north side: 201, 203, Dodge & Cole, livery stable; 205, Wright & Freer, tinware, stoves, etc.; 207-209, Bittman Brothers, groceries; John Bakody, jeweler, Chas. Teits, residence; 211, Adam Akron's later fires. 339 Orth, restaurant, Mrs. Sullivan, residence; the buildings belonged to Robert P. Henry, Wright & Freer, Bittman Brothers and Jacob Oood. The fire originated in the saloon of C. Vogt, on the south side, iit 2 o'clock Sunday morning, March 11, 1869, and the structures being all of the inost inflammable material, and the wind high, the flames spread with fearful rapidity, not only speedily destroying tiie buildings named, on both sides of the street, with the most of their contents, but also imperiling and in fact igniting many buildings to the north and east, w^hich were only saved from destruction by the utmost exertions of the tirenien and citizens. The losses, by this fire w^ere respectively as follows: Storer, Noble & Co., $1,000; Schoeninger Brothers, $3,500; J. E. Wesener & Co., $15,000: Adams & Hawk, $9,000; C. Vogt, $200; Joseph Gonder, $200; Mrs. Van Fessler, $200; G. F. Rentschler, $8,000; Charles Teits 4)500; Joseph Fritz, $250; J. S. Hawkins, $2,800; Amos Herman, ^250; Louis Cohn, $1,200; Henry and Mrs. McMaster, $4,000; Wm. H. McMasters, $100; H. J. Ayres, $2,000; Jacob Miller, $4,000; M. iSchware, $1,000; A. Litchfield, $500; J. G. Reifsnider, $500; R. A, Prior, (barn) $500; Dodge & Cole, $3(K); R. P. Henry, $3,500; Wright & Freer, $4,5(X); Bittman Brothers, $3,000; John Bakody, $200; Adam Orth;$l,600, Jacob Good, $1,500; Mrs. Sullivan, $100. Total loss, in round numbers, $70,000. Total insurance, $20,000. Mr. Lours Cohn's Narrow Escape. — During the progress of the fire, Mr. Louis Cohn, occupying apartments in the upper story vo-story frame building on the present site of Barber's block, South Howard street, owned and occupied as a clothing" store by Simon Joseph. Loss $2,000. The Disasters of 1875. — April 18, the dwelling house of Wash- ington Martin, Akron's veteran barber, 102 James street. Los& $2,(X)0. June 13, the carriage works and blacksmith shop of Harp- ham Brothers, Sixth Ward. Loss $5,000. Loss to ten or twelve customers -whose buggies were being repaired, painted, etc., $1,000, August 12, dw^elling house of Theron A. Noble, corner Ash and Bowery streets. Loss $6,000. August 20, (Sunday) bone-dust and fertilizer factory of Leopold & Hedeman, foot of Sherbondy hill, north of Wooster avenue. Loss about $4,000 with no insurance. 1876 — Epidemic Incendiarism.— February 13, dwelling house of Ambrose L. Cotter, junction of East Market and Middlebury streets. Loss $4,000. Accidental. On the night of April 28, about 9 o'clock, a small building connected with the cooper-shop of C. B. Maurer, corner of Church street and Quarry alley and extending around to High street. Being of the most inflammable material, the entire establishment was at once enveloped in flames, w^hich were soon communicated to the carriage w^orks of C. A. Collins & Son,, upon the west, the dwelling house of Mr. John Prier, on the eastr as w^ell as to several buildings on the north side of Church street, w^hich were all destroyed, with nearlv all their contents. Losses: C. B. Maurer, $10,000; Collins, $14,000; John Prier, $2,500; D. A. Scott, barn, etc., $1,000; Berg & Koch, groceries, $1,000; sundry tenants, $500. On the same night the pottery works of W. B. Gamble & Co., in the Sixth Ward, were burned with a loss of from $2,000 to $3,000. Two days later, on Sunday, April 30, between twa and three o'clock p. m., the box and variety works of Baker & Mc- Millen, west of canal, on BoAvery street, were totally destroyed, at a loss of $5,000, immediately followed by the burning of the office and lumber in the yard of S. N. Wilson, east of postoffice, $400, and AKROX'S LATER FIRES. 343 directly afterwards by a stubborn fire in the basement of the rake factory, immediately north of the jail, with a loss to Col. Simon Perkins, owner of the building, of $500, and an additional loss to Collins & Son, on property removed thither from their own burn- ing building, of $100. Capture of the Incendiaries. — Three days later the barn of Matthew Shouler, on Water street, was burned at a loss of $375, and on the same night tw^o young men, James Peck and George Bates, alias "Scottie" Moore, were arrested on suspicion of being the incendiaries. Both were indicted, tried and convicted, the first being sentenced to four, and the latter, three, years in the peni- tentiary. A short time afterwards, five boys ranging from 15 to 17 years, William Langendorf, Frank Glatthar, George Kimpflin, Charles Ley and Jacob L. Steinel, were arrested and indicted for causing the several other rapidly succeeding fires above alluded to. George Kimpflin, on trial w^as acquitted ; Langendorf and Ley forfeited their bonds, $500 each ; and Glatthar and Steinel were convicted and each sentenced to five years imprisonment. The lesson though severe, was w^holesome, not only to the boys implicated but to other mischievously inclined youngsters, not to allovt^ their fun-loving propensities to run in so dangerous a direction. On the night of October 31, 1876, Sumner's Opera House and Hotel, corner of North Howard and Tallmadge streets, w^ere con- sumed with an alleged loss of $65,000 with a partial insurance only. 1877 — Record Comparatively Light. — The Fire Department report 39 fires in 1877, with an aggregate loss of $77,135, and an aggregate insurance of $43,075, One of the most serious fires of the year, occurred on the night of May 3rd, occasioned by the breaking of a lamp in the basement of L. H.- Limbert & Son's furniture store, 130, 132 and 134 North Howard street. The build- ing, two stories in front and three stories in the rear, with its entire contents, was consumed, and also the two-story building of John Robb, 128, and the one-story building of P. D. and Orlando Hall, 124 and 126 — the barns of Limbert and Robb in the rear, with considerable damage to other nearby buildings. Losses reported; Limbert, $4,000 on building, $13,000 on stock, and $8(X) on barn, with $7,000 insurance ; Robb, $3,000 on stock, $2,000 on store and barn, with $1,720 insurance ; Hall, loss, $1,000, insurance $500; other losses $400. August 27, the planing mill of Miller & Kratz (now Thomas Lumber Co.) west of Canal, was burned, at a loss to the proprietors on building, machinery and material, of $25,000, and an insurance of $10,500. Mr. D. A. James, manufacturer of office and church furniture, etc., occupying the second story, also suf- fered a loss of $1,200 with no insurance. October 17, agricultural warehouse of Mr. David S. Alexander, on Canal street (now elec- tric light station) was consumed with a loss of from $10,000 to $12,000. Insurance on building $2,000, on contents $6,0(X). 1878 — Few Fires — Heavy Losses. — There were twenty-seven alarms during the year, with losses aggregating $172,161, and an aggregate insurance of $102,651. May 31, saloon and dwelling house of William Doren, corner Mill and High streets. Loss, $1,500; insurance, $3,000. The most formidable fire of the season 344 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. occurred at 1:30 o'clock on the morning of June 18th, when Com- merce block, belonging to Mr. Jacob Good, and the Academy of Music, belonging to Mr. John F. Seiberling, w^ere destroyed, with a loss to Mr. Seiberling of $50,000, with $18,000 insurance only, Mr. Good's loss being $40,000, insured for $33,000. The two store rooms in Commerce block were occupied respectively by Mr. A. C. Loh- mann, >vith millinery goods, and Mr. John vSebring, w^ith general dry goods; the second story as the office of the Western Union Telegraph Company, sleeping room of Mr. William C. Allen, etc. The first floor of the Academy of Music building was occupied by the Bank of Akron, and Auble, Brown Sc Co., dry goods; the sec- ond floor by Upson, Ford &c Baird, Foster, Marvin & Grant, and S. W. McClure, attorneys, Allen & Bock, insurance, and others, the basement by William Besnecker, billiard room and saloon. The fire originated in the store room of Mr. JohnSebring — a new-comer to Akron — and as it began with a loud explosion, and as it was soon learned that there w^as a heavy insurance upon the stock, it was believed that Mr. Sebring, leaving one jet burning, had purposely turned on all the other burners, thus naturally causing ignition in all parts of the nearly air-tight room, as soon as it should become filled with the escaping vapor. The indignation of the people was intense, for a time nearly reaching the lynching point. Mr. Sebring w^as arrested for arson, and lodged in jail, but exhibiting duplicate bills of purchase to a larger amount than the insurance thereon, he was not proceeded against, though there were still many who believed there w^as something crooked about the transaction. Losses to tenants were: Lohmann (one-third of stock saved) $8,(X)0, insured; Sebring $16,000 to $18,000; insurance $14,000; Western Union $400 to $500, no insurance; W. C. Allen, furniture, carpets, library, etc., $1,500, insurance $1,000; Auble, Brown & Co., goods mostly removed, loss light; Bank of Akron, furniture mostly removed, books, papers, money, etc., in vault, intact; Besnecker, loss $2,500, insurance $1,500; contents of offices, in Academy of Music, mostly removed, miscellaneous losses being about 31,000. August 31, dwelling house of Hugh McFarland, 306 Perkins street. Loss $2,000; no insurance. November 5, Leopold's Block, South Akron. Loss $1,100; insurance $8,500. December 24, potterj' of Gamble & Morton, Sixth Ward. Loss $2,000; insurance, $1,600. 1879 — LossE-s Light. — For the year 1879 there were 39 alarms; total value of property imperiled, $237,475; total insurance, $81,750; total losses, $18,388.61. March 4, Buchtel College— fire in attic, supposed by sparks from chimney. Loss $5,610. Insured. June 20, brewerj' of Burkhardt &c Gaessler, Sherman street. Loss $3,300. Insured. July 1, Catharine Nehr, dwelling and saloon, corner Exchange and Pearl. Loss $1,100. Insured. November 5, office L. G. Thorp, 118 North Howard street. Loss $2,000. No insurance. November 11, three-story brick drug store of J. A. Byrider, 218 East Market street. Loss $1,419.60. Insured. 1880 — Losses Lighter Still. — There were 50 alarms in 1880, the total losses, out of an aggregate insurance of $52,125, being but $12,503. 70, those of $1,000 and upwards being as follows: March 25, slip-shop of Whitmore, Robinsons «& Co., Sixth Ward. $1,300. May 11, factory of G. Eberhard & Co., junction of Exchange and Carroll akkon's later fires. 345 streets, $3,426.44. July 3, livery stable of John Wilson, Sixth Ward, $2,01)0. August 1, brick brewery of Fred. Horix, North Forge street, $2,454. 1881 — ^IvOSSES Proportionately IvIGht, — Total number of alarms during the year 52. Losses on $138,465, insurance only $17,430, the more important being as follows: February 17, Con- gregational Church, South High street. Damage to building and fixtures, $4,667. February 22, factory of Baker & McMillen, west of canal near Ash street bridge, $1,300. July 30, frame dwelling house ofF. Horix, North Forge street, struck by lightning; $1,600. September 28, frame planing mill of Weary, Snyder, Wilcox Manu- facturing Company. Damage to building and stock, $2,940. 1882 — Slight Increase of Losses. — In 1882 there were 45 alarms and out of a total insurance of $156,700 a total loss of $37,- 636.45, apportioned as follows: February 28, frame dwelling house of Rev. T. E. Monroe, 124 South Broadway. Damage $1,300. March 22, planing mill of W. B. Doyle & Co., junction Howard and Main streets, $5,000. August 14, City Mill, West Market street, unoccupied, the property of Gen. Philo Chamberlin, of Cleveland. Alleged loss, $20,0(X), fully insured and well sold. Rinner & Lapp, coopers, loss on barrels stored in warehouse, $1,120. October 8, pottery of Knapp & Whitsell, east of Fountain street; $6,650. 1883 — Calls Numerous — Losses Heavy. — There were 54 alarms in 1883, with a total loss of $164,155, the principal sufferers being: March 7, the clothing house of Hopfman & Moss. Loss on build- ing $700, contents $16,000. Fully insured. March 25, Carter & Steward, oat meal mill. South Main street, building and machinery $22,750, contents $17,250. Partially insured only. June 4, confec- tionery store of Andrews *& Brenizer, 104 South Hpward street; loss on contents $1,370. E. W. Howard, on building, $638. Fully insured, December 16, strawboard works of J. F. Seiberling& Co., Sixth Ward, building and machinery, $25,000; contents $8,000, insurance $5,744. December 31, McNeil &c Baldwin, ^tna Mill, Beach street, building $16,000, contents $49,000, insurance $32,422. 1884 — Comparatively Moderate, — The total number of calls was 58, and the total losses but $51,448, the more important being as follows: April 24, the Mathews block, 114 to 118 South Howard street, lower story, basement and part of second story, occupied by J. Koch & Co., clothiers. Loss on stock $28,997, building $1,575; fully insured. May 29, Stinehour block, and saloon building of Felix O'Neil, West Market street. Losses on buildings $3,326, contents $2,680; fully insured. June 18, dwelling house Eli Blocker, 176 Balch street, $1,000. August 5, one-story frame build- ings, west side of South Howard street, 170 to 184, east side 171 to 191, occupied by James Derrig as a liquor store, and others. Losses on buildings $3,145, contents^ $2,013; fully insured. 1885. The Lightest Losses Yet. — Though there were 55 silarms in 1885, the total losses were only $19,977, those aggre- gating $1,000 and upwards being as follows: March 9, Mrs. Mary M. Stephens, dwelling house, 505 South Broadway. Loss $1,400, no insurance. April 11, saloon of Otto Waelde, Old Forge. Loss ^2,200, insurance, $1,200. April 23, Haushalter & Tissot, jewelers, South Howard street. Loss on stock $2,800, building (Henry 346 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Motz) $1,080, insured. September 25, J. Park Alexander, Fire Brick Works, South Canal street. Loss on building and contents,. $4,200. Insured. 1886. Prolific Fires — Heavy Losses. — There were 65 alarms in 1886, and an aggregate loss of $680,825, and an aggregate insur- ance of $325,533. The first serious calamity of the year was the destruction of the mammoth oat meal plant of Mr. Ferd. Shumacher, on Mill, Broadway and Summit streets, on the night of March 6. The total loss on the several buildings destroyed, including their contents, over and above insurance, was about $600,000. May 17, Miller Chain Works and Match Factory, Rubber street. Loss $12,000. Insurance light. October 23, Greenhouse of Bert T. Wills, Park Place. Loss on building $1,CX)0; contents $1,500, no insurance, December 31, Empire Harvester Works of J. F. Seiberling & Co., south of Mill street, east of railroad. Boiler explosion and burning of building. Loss on building $10,0(X), con tents, $3,000, insurance recovered $4,415. William Brown, 17-3^ear- old son of Jatnes Brown, 121 Arch street, was killed and several others seriously wounded by the explosion. 1887. Increased Calls — Diminished Losses. — Total calls 88 — total losses $41,918 on an aggregate insurance of $308,855. April 1^ dAvelling house of John Ho^ve, north of city limits $1,800, insurance paid $950. May 30, Lewis Miller, dwelling house, Oak Place; loss on building $1,200, contents $2(X). Insured. October 18, two-story frame building, three stores on South Main street, building, G. Eberhard $1,585; insurance $1,280. Loss on contents $1,690, insur- ance paid $790. November 19, cooper-shop of J. F. Seiberling Milling Co., Sixth Ward. Loss $8,000, covered by insurance. November 27, livery stable, George WuUe, corner of North Main and Tallmadge streets. Loss on building $2,000, Qontents $2,700 insurance paid $4,000. December 3, Miller Match Works, Rubber street. Loss on building $2,5(X), contents $4,000; insurance paid $5,000. 1888 — Slightly Increased Losses. — The alarms for 1888, were 67, with $46,064 losses on $172,697 insurance. May 8, Enterprise Works of E. F. Pfleuger, Ash street. Loss on building, $170; con- tents $4,530; covered by insurance. May 12, Packing House of Jacob Brodt, 616 to 620 South Main street. Loss on building $1,844.50, contents $1,472.14, fully insured. July 22, Carpet Store, William H. Diehl & Co., 219 and 221 East Market street. Loss on stock $2,700, insurance $2,500; loss on building, M. H. Crumrine, $574, covered by insurance. August 3, Varnish Works of Kubler & Beck, struck by lightning. Loss on building $2,3(X), insured for $1,300; contents $11,500; insurance $9,300. September 5, Stables of Summit County Agricultural Society, Fountain Park Fair Grounds. Loss to Society $1,000, no insurance. Three valuable horses belonging respectively to A. Q. Eves, of Akron, ($2,000) parties in Michigan, ($500) and J. H. Carey, of Bedford, (value not stated) were destroyed in this fire, which, in the terse report of the depart- ment was caused by "^vhiskey." October 8, enameling house of Baker, McMillen & Co., Ash and Bowery streets, by explosion of oven. Loss on building $2,500, insurance $2,820; contents $4,500, insurance $3,002.80. December 15, stable of Thomas W. McCue, East Mill street; building $950, insurance paid $550; contents,, including a valuable horse, $811; insurance paid $488. Akron's later fires. 347 1889. Increased Calls — Heavier Losses. — There were 82 alarms in 1889, with a total loss of $293,173 on a total insurance of $311,717. Losses exceeding $1,000 as follows : January 4, John Wilson's livery stable, Sixth ward. Loss on building $2,181. 80, contents, including two horses $3,795.72; insurance paid $5,973.22. February 25, Summit City Oil Company's warelTouse, near union depot. Loss $3,000, no insurance. April 7, David P. Kidwell, Carroll street, dwelling. Loss on house $1,200, contents $350, insurance paid $800. May 3, James Christy — tenement block, South Howard street. Loss on building $500, contents $2,200; insurance paid $1,307.12. May* 7, Lewis Miller, Oak Place, barn. Loss on building $2,500, contents, $500. May 9, Foltz & Frank, jewelry store. South Howard street. Loss on building $500, on contents $6,100; fully insured. July 22, William Poole, Thornton street, bakery. Loss on building $3,300, contents $1,362; insurance paid $2,625. July 28, J. M. Flickinger, Irvin street, paint shop. Loss on building $150, contents $850; insurance paid $850. September 4, Akron Stone- w^are Company, Sixth ward. Loss on building $850, contents $2,100; insurance paid $2,700. October 29, O'Neil & Dyas' store, South Main street. Loss on building $41,000, contents $177,000; insurance paid $109,000. J, Whitelaw, Howard street. Loss on building $2,500, contents, J. W. Little, $4,000; insurance paid $3,870; estate, Jacob Allen. Loss on building $582.75, contents, Good & Co., $650; insurance paid $1,194; J. K. Simmons, loss on building $1500, contents $2,000; insurance paid $2,800; Clapsaddle estate. Loss on building $3,250, contents. Tiger Hat Store, $3,250; Lamparter & Pfeiffer, drugs $120.50; T. H. Wolfram, photo- grapher, $3,700; E. B. Cahoon, $750; A. L. Dyke, $285; H. W. Moss, $285; Akron Klectric Co., $800; total insurance paid $10,841.83. November 6, Bert T. W^ills, Park Place, greenhouse. Loss on building $1,700, contents $2,200; insurance paid $990. December 28, Budd & Lowrey, Sixth ward, machine shop. Loss on building $3,000, contents $3,500; insurance paid $3,388.50. 1890 — Calls Still More Numerous — Losses Lighter. — Total alarms 118; total losses $109,104 on total insurance of $466,600. Losses exceeding $1000: January 7, Alfred M. Barber, brick block, corner Howard and Cherry streets, loss $10,200; John Motz, adjoin- ing building on the north, $1,800; contents, Myers & Polsky, drv goods, $34,000; Weeks & Kingsbury, crockery, $4,000; Buckley Post, G. A. R., $1;500; Woman's Relief Corps, $500; Sons of Veterans, -100; J. V. Welsh, $48; J. M. Poulson; $625; John Mack $400,^total losses $52,225; total insurance paid $41,128. May8, William Schroeder, brick block. South Howard street, building $1,700; contents, Stanton & Son, photograph gallery, $1,300; insurance paid $2,8(X). June 4, Akron Paper Mill, West Exchange street, building, $550; contents, $3,0(K); insurance paid $3,550. Livery stable. West Exchange street, F. Schumacher, building, $1,616.85; John T. Adkins, contents, $4,9(X), insurance paid $5,065.86. July 19, Patrick T. McCourt, Wabash avenue, barn — building,$l,100; contents, $400, insurance paid $1,115. August 16, Akron Iron Co., South High street, building $500; con- tents $1,072.80; insurance paid $1,572.80. October 4, H. E. Merrill, South Main street, building $125, contents, C. Rheinhold, $650; Currycomb Co., $1,100; insurance paid $1,520. November 2, Mor- gan Boiler Co., south of city limits, building, $4,500, contents, $8,0(X), insurance paid $5,500. December 10, R. Thomas, corner Broadwaj'^ 348 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. and Thornton streets, building, $314; contents, $700; insurance paid $788.46. THE SUMMING UP. It has not been attempted,, in this sketch, to give all the fires that have occurred in Akron, in the sixty-six years of its existence, but only the more prominent, few being included where the losses were under one thousand dollars, and, in the absence of full reli- able records, it is quite. probable that some of even the moreimport- ant early fires have been overlooked. But enough has been given to sho^r the immense sacrifices which the people of Akron have made to the Great Moloch, a con- siderable proportion of the sufferers, too, being victims to the cupidity and rascality of their immediate neighbors. Yet as great as has been the pecuniary sacrifice by fire, during the period written of, the physical sacrifice, if it could be computed by dollars and cents, would be found to be still greater, for it must be remem- bered that, until within the past tw^enty-five years, every drop of -water dra\vn from well, cistern, canal or creek, and thrown upon a fire in Akron, had to be done by an almost equal expenditure of human sweat and muscle, with no extrinsic aid of steam or hydraulic pressure, and that, too, at the imminent peril of health, limb and even life itself, for a true diagnosis would trace many a fatal disease, and long years of physical suffering, among old volunteer firemen, to exposure and over-exertion, in fighting the ■devouring element with the old crank or brake machines herein described. Referring to the records of the Fire Department, from 1878 to 1890, both years inclusive, it is found that in the thirteen years, 792 runs were made by the department, that out of a total insurance, on property imperiled, of $2,702,314 (full value probably $3,500,000), the aggregate loss was $1,619,965. Though there is now no available record, it is safe to estimate the previous average yearly fires at twenty, or 1100 for the 55 years, and as the losses herein given, during that time, foot up considerably more than a million, esti- mating the minor losses, not given, at $300,000, we have an aggre- gate loss of $3,796,191. It is proper to remark, in closing, that while Akron's early Volunteer Fire Companies, with their hand-drawn and hand- w^orked, crank and brake engines, and other primitive apparatus, are entitled to every possible meed of praise, for their untiring, unselfish and unrequited labors, in saving the property of their neighbors from destruction, modern horse and steam driven appliances, w^ith the present thoroughly organized, w^ell housed, carefully drilled and liberally paid department, aided by its instan- taneous alarm devices, and the improved hydraulic advantages, which the city water works afford, very materially diminishes the risks Avith a far less percentage of loss, in proportion to value, on the property imperiled, by its ability to promptly extinguish, or circumscribe the limits of, the innumerable fires, that, in a city of the size and character of Akron, must inevitably constantly occur. In short, though somewhat expensive, the present excellent depart- ment, pays the cost of its maintenance, yearly, many thousand fold. PKKSENT STATUS OF DEPARTMENT. 341> The Fire Department, in charge of Chief B. F. Manderbach, and Mechanical Engineer Frank F. Loomis, is now (August, 1891) as follows: Station No. 1 : corner High and Church streets ; equipped w^ith one second size Ahrens steamer; one two-horse hose carriage; one two-horse hook and ladder truck, and 1,2(X) feet of best quality of white anchor hose, with the fol- lowing roster: Engineer, Frank F. Loomis ; fireman,Chas. E. Hibbard ; driver of steamer, John Zimmer- man; driver of ladder truck, Nich- olas Wilhelm; tillerman, Warren Snyder; driver of hose carriage, Charles Tryon; pipemen, Frank Rice, AndrcAv Boehmler, and Charles Jost; with twelve call hosemen and three call steamer men. Central Fire Station, corner South High and Church Streets. Station No 2: Corner East Market and East Exchange streets, (Sixth ward), one third size Silsby engine, one two-horse hose carriage, and l,100feet of hose; James Dunn, engineer; GusRyan, fireman; George Head, driver of steamer; Harry Wilson, driver of hose carriage ; Charles Smith, pipeman; five call hosemen; tw^o call steamer men. Station No. 3: Myrtle Place, Third ward; one two-horse hose carriage, and 1,000 feet of hose; John Denious and George D. Fel- ton, pipemen; Nathaniel P. Smith, driver of hose carriage; three call hosemen. Fire Station No. 2, Akron, Sixtli Ward. Station No. ♦4: Corner South Main and Fair streets. Fourth ward, one third size Button engine, one two-horse hose car- riage, and 1,200 feet of hose; Charles V. Criss, engineer; Frank A. Myers, fireman; Peter J. Hoh- man, driver of steamer; Abe L,. Eberly, driv^er of hose carriage; John T. Mertz, pipeman ; five call hosemen, and two call steamer men. Fire Station No. 4, Soutli Main Street, Fourth Ward. CHAPTER XVII. AKROX'S MILITARY HISTORY, ANCIENT AND MODERN— OLD-TIHE ARMY RATIONS, PAY, ETC. — EARLY MILITARY OPERATIONS— THE WAR OF THE REBELLION — AKRON'S FIRST WAR MEETING — POLITICAL PARTY LINES , ABOLISHED— THE POPULAR UPRISING— RAPID ENLISTMENTS— FLAG AND REVOLVER PRESENTATIONS— " GOODIES " FOR THE vSOLDIER BOYS— OFF FOR THE FRONT —END OF THREE MONTHS' SERVICE— ENLISTING FOR THE WAR— NINETEENTH, TWENTY-NINTH, THIRTY-SEVENTH, FORTY-SECOND, FIFTY-EIGHTH, SIXTY-FOURTH, SIXTY-SEVENTH, EIGHTY-FOURTH, ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH, ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH, ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINTH, ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVENTH, ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-EIGHTH REGIMENTS, OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY — FIRST, SECOND, SIXTH AND TENTH OHIO CAVALRY — FIRST, SIXTH AND NINTH OHIO BATTERIES— THE "SQUIRREL HUNTERS" — THE "HOME GUARD" — THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOURTH REGIMENT OHIO NATIONAL GUARD, OR "HUNDRED DAY" MEN— COPPER- HEAD FIRE-IN-THE-REAR — A "COLD-WATER" VICTORY — COSTLY OPPOSI- TION — POST-WAR OPERATIONS — THE BIERCE CADETS — COAL MINE DISTURBANCES— THE ASHLAND EXECUTION RIOT — COMPANY B, O. N. G. — AKRON GERMAN GUARDS — BATTERY F, AKRON LIGHT ARTILLERY — BUCHTEL CADETS, ETC. ANCIENT MILITARY HISTORY. AKRON — including Portage and Middlebury townships — has quite a creditable military history, but, unfortunately, the early records are too incomplete for a full representation thereof in this w^ork. That among the earlier settlers of Middlebury and Portage tow^nship there w^ere some Revolutionary soldiers is quite proba- ble, though their names have not been handed dow^n, except those of Daniel Galpin and Elijah Bryan (father of the late Judge Con- stant Bryan), buried in the Akron Rural Cemetery, Of soldiers of the w^ar of 1812, resting in the several cemeteries of the city: Rural — George Dunkle, John C. De La Mater, Asa Field, Timothy Clark, Gideon Hewitt, William Hardesdy, James Mills, Andrews May, William Noland; Middlebury — John C. Hart, Henry Spafford, James Viall, Sr, Soldiers' Pay, Rations, Etc. — As an item of interest to the latter-day soldier, it may be properly noted here, that in the w^ar of 1812 the pay of privates and musicians w^as $6.00 per month; corporals $7.00; sergeants $8.00; quarter-master sergeants and sergeant-majors $9.00; ensigns and second- lieutenants, $20.00 and tw^o rations; first lieutenants, $30.00 and two rations; captains, $40.00 and three rations; majors, $50.00 and three rations; colonels, $75.00, five rations and $12.00 for forage, a ration consisting of I14 lbs. of beef, 12 oz. pork, 13 oz. bread or flour, one gill whislcy, with tw^o quarts of salt, four quarts of vinegar, four pounds of soap, and 1% pounds of candles to every 100 rations. The War with Mexico. — For the Mexican war of 1846-48, Akron furnished but few^ soldiers, the bulk of that army being recruited from the Southern States, but among w^ell-know^n citi- zens of Akron, then or since, who served in that war, may be EARLY xMILITARY OPERATIONS. 351 mentioned the following: Ezra Tryon, Adams Hart, Oliver Perry Barney, George Dresher, Joseph Gonder, Jereboam B. Creighton, Thomas Thompson, Cornelius O. Way and Valmore Morris, Of these, Hart, Barney, Tryon and Creighton, were also soldiers in the civil war of 1861-65. In the Mexican wrar Barney was a ser- geant, and one night, Avhile on picket duty near Monterey, he was lassoed by the Mexicans and dragged quite a distance, but was rescued by his comrades before being entirely strangled to death, and w^as alw^ays very fond of showing the marks made upon l^s neck by the lariat. He afterwards became somewhat dissipated, and one Winter night, from exposure w^hile intoxicated, had both his feet frozen, but notwithstanding his semi-crippled condition, he pluckily enlisted in the regular army during the late war, later becoming an inmate of the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, where he subsequently died. Early L^cal Military Operations. — The people of Summit county, like those of the people of Ohio, generally, were subject to stated military duty under the early militia laws of the State, and all able-bodied males, of military age, were enrolled into com- panies, regiments, brigades, divisions, etc. Quite a number of independent companies also flourished for longer or shorter j^eriods, among which the "Summit Guards" with the late Gen. Philo Chamberlin as captain, Arad Kent as first lieutenant and Alexander H. Commins second lieutenant, was one of the most prominent, and \^ith their nobby blue uniforms, showy epau- lettes and waving plumes, thoroughly drilled as they were, the Summit Guards were the just pride of Ancient Akron, as is Com- pany B, Ohio National Guard, the pride of modern Akron t(>-day. The Battle of Fort Meigs. — This company was present at the great Fort Meigs celebration, during the Harrison-Van Buren campaign of 1840, on June 10 and 11, in giving an account of Avhich Hiram Bowen, Esq., founder and editor of the Beacon, said: "We cannot here refrain from a favorable mention of the * Summit Guards.' It was the largest company present, and in appearance Avas the admiration of all. It was w^ith pride that w^e answrered the numerous questions, 'Where is that fine company from?' by saying, ' They are from Akron.' The Guards had the honor of escorting Gen. Harrison to and from the fort." Grand Officers' Review in Akron. — In 1842, Brig. Gen. Oliver E. Gross, and Brigade Inspector Lewis P. Buckley, notify the commandants of regiments, squadrons and battalions to meet in Akron, August 19 and 20, for inspection and drill, with prepara- tion for camp duty, drum and fife majors to bring their drums and fifes with them, the Akron and Mogadore bands also being requested to attend on the second day. "The Akron Rifles" O. V. M.— The Beacon of July 30, 1857, said: " The military law of last Winter seems to have given a new impulse to the organization of military companies. A rifle com- pany has been formed here, consisting of substantial and spirited young men w^ho w^ill be ambitious to make the corps equal to the foremost in appearance, drill and discipline. The officers are as foUow^s: Capt., William L. Everett; first lieut., Henry G. Pow^ers; second lieut., Dudley Seward; third lieut., Augustus Brothwell; ensign, William B. Doyle; judge advocate, Alvin C. Voris; surgeon. Dr. 352 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Jacob J. Smith; recording secretary, Oliver Hazard Perry Ayres; financial secretary, R. F. Gibson; treasurer, John H. Christ3^" "Marrinek Riflemen" — German. — In January, 1861, when signs of coming civil war thickened about us, the patriotic Germans of Akron organized a company, under above title, in honor of Militia Major General Asa S. Marriner and his chief of staff, George \V. Marriner, with the following named officers: Capt., Baptist Benkler; first lieut., John Keller; second lieut., Peter Berra; ensign, John Schaab; orderly sergt., Cornelius Brown; sec- ond sergt., John Hans; third sergt., Aaron Rut; first corp., Peter Taubermann; second corp., Joseph Schmidt. This company, under the training of the Messrs. Marriner, rapidly attained great pro- ficiency of drill, and on March 4, 1861 — in honor of the inauguration of President Lincoln — gave their first public parade, and were reviewed by Brig. Gen. George W. McNeil and staff, consisting of Major Erhard Stembacher, Capt. John T, Good, Capt. Jacob B. Dussell, Capt. A. Zipperlin (surgeon), and Capt. Thomas Earl (chaplain). The tviTO companies above named, on the breaking out of the war, went to pieces, the most of their number entering the servace in the various companies and regiments then organized and sent into the field. We have not the data nor the space to further trace the early military "prowess" of Akron and vicinity, except to say that at the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, the principal active local military officers were Major General Asa S. Marriner, Brigadier General Geo. W. McNeil and Major Erhard Steinbacher. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. On the breaking out of the Civil War, in the Spring of 1861, the people of Akron and Summit county were found to be patriotic to the core, political party lines being abolished and Republicans and Democrats alike — with a few dishonorable exceptions — cor- dially united in a solid Union organization, sharing equally the civil offices, and working shoulder to shoulder for the preservation of the Union. In common with the people of the entire North, the people of Akron had w^atched with the most intense interest, the proceedings at Washington and elsew^here, and when, in lightning flashes, the news was received, that on the 12th day of April, 1861, Fort Sumter had been fired upon, by armed traitors, the excitement instanta- neously rose to the highest point of patriotic fervor. Immediately following Mr. Lincoln's call for troops, a meeting of the citizens of Akron and vicinity, Avithout regard to political party predilections, was held at Union Hall (Henry's block) on Wednesday evening, April 17, presided over by Henry Purdy Esq., and of which Hon. Ira P. Sperry, of Tallmadge, Dr. Mendal Jewett, of Middlebury (Republicans) and Gen. George W. McNeil and Dr. JacobJ. Smith (Democrats) were vice presidents, and Jacob A. Koh- ler, Esq., Secretary, Roland, O. Hammond, then the leading Demo- crat of Summit county, taking an active part in the meeting, and making an equally patriotic speech with Messrs. N. W. Goodhue, Gen. L. V. Bierce and other prominent Republicans who addressed the meeting, which meeting unanimously adopted ringing resolu- tions, for the abolition of all party lines and a vigorous and united MAG.N IFICEXT UPRISING. 37)3 effort for the preserv^ation and perpetuation of the government ; opposing to the bitter end secession and rebellion, and all kinds of traitors, whether found in the North or South; that the requisition for troops should be at once responded to, and doubled and trebled, if necessary; that an overwhelming force be at once organized that, "in one campaign, shall wipe out the rebellion of petty tyrants, and restore peace and prosperity to our country." Kecrnifiny Scene, corner Howard and Market .Streets, at beiiinniiiji of the War in 1861.— From photo by «. F. Battels. Akron Union Light Infantry. — To the first call for 75,()00 vol- unteers, issued by President Lincoln April 15, 1861, Akron and vSum- mit county w^ere among the very first to respond. The first com- panies recruited here, under that call, were Companies A. and B,, Akron Union Light Infantry, afterwards mustered into the ser- vice as Companies G. and K., Nineteenth Regiment, Ohio Volun- teer Infantry ; and Company C, Akron Buckeye Infantry, the latter, because of an excess of enlistments, being disbanded before being mustered into the United States service. The original officers of Company A. [G.J were Lewis P. Buck- ley, Capt.; Andrew J. Fulkerson, First Lieut.; Gilbert S. Carpen- ter, Second Lieut., with the following members : Charles A, Ackley, Frank C.Ackley, William G. Alexander, Henry E.Bryan, J. E. Bruce, W. W. Buck, N. B. Bigelow, Gates A. Babcock, Avery S. Beardsley, Charles M. Browri, Jr., Cornelius A. Brouse, Byron S, Chase, George A. Collins, \V. A. Chamberlin, William Carl, Frederick F. Falk, George W. Folsom, Alden Gage, John C. Hanscom, G. W. Hart, Charles Henning, Henry O. Hampson, Charles W. Huse, T. J. Hudson, J. D. Heathman, Marcus F. C. Humphrey, Henr^' Ward Ingersoll, Oscar C. Jackson, Hiram A. Kepler, John Kielj^, Otto Kipps, Charles Keol, T, G. Lane, James M. Malone, William H, McMaster (drummer), George A. Purington, Julian H. Pitkin, Mills B. Purdy, S. E. Phinney, John Patterson, Richard ^F. Palmer,. 23 354 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Orson H. Remington, Harrison H. Remington, Walter B. Scott, Dudley Seward, James B. Storer, Joseph W. Swaggard, B. Schil- ling, A. H. Thompson, John Jackson Tate, David W, Thomas, Samuel C. Williamson, S. P. Watkins, T. Weckey, Peter Wagoner, L. J. Wagoner, H. M. White, S. Washburn, of Akron and Middle- bury ; John Mason, of Copley; Arthurton H. Farnum, Elias Sweet, Henry Mack and G. J. Richmond, of Bath ; W, P. Williamson, of Randolph ; J. Alexander Lantz, of Springfield ; Frank Maranville* Levi J. McMurray, D. D. HoUinger and J. HoUinger, of Clinton ; Peter Carl and E. Harrington, of East Liberty ; R. H. Morgan, E. S. Haskell and H. L. Risden, of Peninsula ; J. A. Kellogg, Nathan Rose and William B. Richardson, of Boston ; Charles A. Miller, of Hudson ; C. G. Jewell, Gurley G. Crane (drummer), E. L. Hitch- cock, Christopher Cook, William H. Hinde and A. C. Holloway, of Cuyahoga Falls — a total of 88 men. Unfortunately a distinct roster of Company B, Akron Light Infantry, has not been preserved, the names of the original officers being : Andrew J. Konkle, Captain ; Paul T. Kirby, First Lieut, and James Nelson, Second Lieut. The roster of Company C, hon- orably discharged May 17, 1861, was as follows: Pulaski C. Hard, Capt.; Joshua Hile, First Lieut.; John H. Knox, Second Lieut.; Myron T. Wright, First Sergt.; Francis H. Danforth, Second Sergt.; Ransom J. Ellsworth, Third Sergt.; Samuel Aue, Fourth Sergt.; Elisha H. Pursell, First Corporal; Aaron Betz, Second Corporal ; George A. Falor, Third Corporal; William Galbraith, Fourth Cor- poral. Privates: Alonzo Austin, Albert P. Beitel, Timothy Bald- ^vin, Samuel J. Crawford, Wellington Cook, Christian Conrad, Mortimer Danforth, Isaac D. Dailey, George W. Dice, Joseph C. Evans, Abram Fouser, John H. FVancisco, Thomas J. Falor, Robert F'airbanks, David C. Fisher, Daniel D. Grim, Bird Green, Andrew Hunsicker, Harvey Hull; Horace H. Heath, William D. Haj'^nes, Jacob J. Houseman, Irvin W. Hull, Francis Huffman, Hiram Haring, A. W. Kilbourn, Stephen Kissinger, Jacob Leopold, Theophilus Love- less, Jacob A. Miller, Joseph R. Mell,, James H. McDonald, David Mclntyre, William McBride, Lauren Merriam, John A. Osterstock, Samuel W. Parks, Wesle}^ Powers, Frank D. Paulus, Clarence M. Peck, Charles M. Parker, William Peat, Julius Richards, Charles D. Steese, Daniel Shaaf, James W. Stuver, William H. Spidle, San- born Searle, Jacob Symmen, John Scanlan, Edward Xj. Smith, David R. Townsley, William Thompson, Henry F. Waters, George Weidman, Harrison Weeks, Samuel Winkleman, Philip Young. The majority of the Akron and Middlebury members of the original Nineteenth, immediately, 6n the expiration of their three months' service, enlisted in other regiments then being formed, and in subsequent reports were credited to such new regiments, but in the assessor's reports w^e find the following additional names credited to the Nineteenth : William Bloomfield, William Beatty, A. J. Britton, George H. Barber, John F. Earl," James H. Grinnell, Michael Hoy, William D. Haynes, S. J. lies, Paul T. Kirby, Louis Lods, Henry E. Musser, James Nelson, Jacob Rhoderubaugh, Charles Sherbondy, George Smith, John Welch, George Weber, Elbridge E. Wilcox. ENTHUSIASM OF THE PEOPLE. In speaking of the local patriotism and enthusiasm of those days, the writer, as editor of the Beacon, in the issue of April 25,, ENTHUSIASTIC PATRIOTISM. 355 1861, said : "For the past week our town has been in a constant «tate of enthusiasm and excitement. Two full companies have been organized and the third nearly completed. National flags, almost without number, have been stretched across our streets, and displayed upon our stores, shops and dwellings. The muster- ing of soldiers — the sound of fife and drum — the singing of the 'Star Spangled Banner,' 'Hail Columbia,' and other patriotic songs, the presentation of banners, side-arms, etc., w^ith appropriate addresses and responses, and cheers for the Union, have been exciting and gratifying beyond expression." On Monday, April 22, just one week after the call of President Lincoln for 75,000 men, Company A, Akron Light Infantry was formed in line, on Market street, between Howard and Main, the entire street being thronged ^vith intensely interested specta- tors, when, on being successively called from the ranks, presenta- tions w^ere made, with appropriate speeches and responses, as foUow^s : William H. Upson, Esq., to Lieut. Gilbert S. Carpenter, a Colt's rev^olver, saying : "I present you this revolver which I trust may be useful to A'ou. I know you will always be true to the noble cause in which you have enlisted and may the blessing of God go ^th you." Lieut. Carpenter responded : "I receive this weapon from your hands, Sir, with emotions I cannot express. I \vill endeavor to so use it that it will never speak less firmly and surely for the right than its former owner. You have my thanks, Sir." Edward Oviatt, Esq., presented a revolver on his own. account to Walter B. Scott, and on behalf of Mr. Charles Cranz, a revolver to Henry Ward Ingersoll — ^to Mr. Scott saying : "To you, Sir, I present this weapon believing that it will be used by you as an <^ffective argument against the traitors of our native land ;" and to Mr. Ingersoll saying : "In behalf of Charles Cranz, the Patriot, i^nd at his request, I present to you this instrument of death, fully believing that in your hands it w^ill never be dishonored, and that when the time arrives, at least one traitor will meet his just in Millersburg-, O., March 9, 1841 ; came with father to Akron in 1843 ; educated in Akron public schools ; at 16, went to Tallniadge and learned the carriag'e blacksniithing- trade with Oviatt & Sperry ; in April, 1861, enlisted in Co. G, 19th O, V. I., for three months, participating- in the battle of Rich Mountain and serving till end ot term. In October, 1861, enlisted in Co. H, 29th O. V. I. for three years, taking- part in the battles of Winchester, Port Republic, Cedar Mountain, Chancellorsville (where he was slightly wounded by a frag- ment of shell) and Gettysburg ; then went to New York City to quell the draft tiots there ; from thence to the sovithwest, being at Wauhatchie and L/Ookout Mountain. Re-enlisting as veterans, in December 1863, reg-iment joined Sherman in his Atlanta Cam- paign and on his "March to the Sea." Promoted by regular g-radation, at Savannah, he was assigned as Cap- tain to Co. A, (the post of honor) and as such mustered out at Louisville, Ky., June 22, 1865. Returning home engaged with father in lumber and building- business, and on death of father, in 1872, with Charles Miller, R, N. Kratz and others, now being President of The .Thomas Lumber & Building Company, organized in 1887. In 1876 Capt. Thomas was elected Colonel of the 9th O. N. G., afterwards consolidated with the 8th Regiment, as elsewhere related; is an active COL. DAVID W. THOMAS. meuiber of the G. A. R. organization, at its annual encampment in 188(), being elected Department Command- er. Sept. 11, 1868, was married to Miss Alice Hale— who died Jan. 4, 1880, leaving four children — George H,, James A., Frank and Elizabeth, Dec. 18, 1884, Col, T, was again married, to Mrs, Isabella Gage, widow of the late Alden Gage, and daughter of the late Charles Webster, founder of the Web- ster, Camp & Lane Machine Com- pany. AKRON IN THE TWENTY-NINTH. Following is a list of the soldiers furnished by Akron, Middle- bury and Portage township, so far as the present available docu- ments w^ill furnish them: Lewis P, Buckley, Augustus Belden, S, H, Beatty, Thomas J. Bare, Levi J, Baughman, Solomon J. Baughman, Lester P. Burke, Charles Bedell, Henry Curtis, Christian Conrad, John Capen, Thomas Cummings, John Cephas, Charles H, Edgerly, Alexander French, Jacob Fritz, A, J, Fulkerson, William Fisher, Charles Foster, Dudley Fisher, Stephen Griffith, George W. Gibson, John juiiii xxugj^cLL, i-'xanjus jr. \^, jriuiiipiiicy , xvutswcn ixuiiiiiciii, jijiin Helfinger, William Hawk, George Hamilton, S, J, lies, Morgan Johnson, John Kelley, John A, Kummer, Jehial Lane, Jr., Joseph 362 AKKON AND Sl'MMIT COUNTY. Ivoomis, Richard Lewis, Joseph Litnric, Byron Lowe, W. C. Lantz, W. L. Lowe, William Lane, Jehial Lane, Sr., John McNeil, G. F, Mest, George Montenyohl, Frank Metzler, J. H. McDonald, B. F. Manderbach, John Madden, Charles H, Paine, Elisha H, PurselU Herman Ridder, Hiram Root, Jacob Rhodenbaugh, Orson H, Remington, John Rowland, Charles A. Rotart, DeWitt C. Stephens,. George Sherbondy, James B. Storer, James K. P. Souers, Ezra Spindle, Daniel Shaff, John Steese, Charles Sherbondy, Jacob Scholberger, James Treen, John Treen, George Treen, James Treen, Jr., C. T. Tooker, William H. Tooker, David W. Thomas, Charles Upham, Valentine Viers, William Wirt, Carroll W. Wright, John F. Weidle, Josiah J. Wright, John Watson, Lewis Wagner, Samuel S, Wood, George Wells, William Woodward, J. L. Wagoner, John G. Wait, John Whitney, George Welch, Samuel Winkleman, John C Weidley, Frank O. Weary, musician Co. G, Charles Young, Conrad Zittle. CASUALTIES TO TWENTY-NINTH. It will not be possible to give all the casualties to Akron and Summit County boys, in this and other regiments, but the fol- low^ing in regard to members of the T^venty-Ninth, may properlj' be given here: William Palmer Williamson, brother of the late Judge Samuel C. Williamson, then second lieutenant of Company G, was killed at Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862, being the first Summit County boy to lay down his life in defense of the Union. His body was sent home by his comrades, and interred in Akron Rural Cemetery. Capt. Myron T. Wright, Company D, wounded in same battle; again wounded at Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864; promoted to major, October 29, 1864; mortally w^ounded at Savannah, Ga., December 19, 1864, dying January 7, 1865; pro- moted to lieutenant colonel January 18, 1865, eleven days after his decease. Corporal Augustus Belden, killed by guerrillas, May 30, 1862; Lieut. James H. Grinnell, Company D, wounded in arm at Port Republic, Va., June 9, 1862; Capt. Josiah J. Wright, Company G, w^ounded in shoulder, at Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862; Capt. Jonas Schoonover, Company H, w^ounded at Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862, and again at Chancellorsville, Va., May 1, 1863, promoted to major at Savannah, January 18, 1865, to lieutenant colonel, January 28,' 1865, and to colonel, July 25, 1865; James B. Storer, promoted from sergeant to sergeant major, March 14, 1862, and to adjutant, January 20, 1863, wounded at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., May 8, 1864, by minie ball, in spinal column, from w^hich ever since he has been a constant sufferer; Valentine Viers, Company D, wounded at Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862; John F. Weidle, Company G, lost a leg at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863; John Rowland, killed by guerrillas. May 3, 1862; Alexander C. French, Company G, killed at Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862; John A. Kummer, Company G, wounded at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863; Thomas C. Bare and John W. Steese, Company C, Ellis T. Treen and William C. Lantz, Company G, killed at Dug Gap, Ga., May 8, 1864; Lieut. B. F. Manderbach, Company G, wounded near KenesaAv, Ga., January 28, 1864. Corporal Hammond W. Geer, wounded at Dug Gap, Ga., Maj^ 8, 1864, and discharged for disability, at Nashville, May 27, 1865. Among the Twenty-Ninth boys captured by the rebels at Port Republic, June 9, 1862, were Lieut. Thomas W. Nash, Company H; CASUALTIES, PROMOTIONS, ETC. 363 Sergt. W. F. Chamberlin, Company H; Conrad Zittle, William Fisher, John A. Kummer, Hammond W. Geer, William Wirt, John Gross, DeWitt C. Stephens, Company G; at Strasburg, Va., May 25, 1862; Ferris Townsend and Newrton P. Humiston, Company G; at Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862, Sergeant Orson H. Reinington, Company H. pAPT. JOSIAH J. WRIGHT,- born ^ in Swanton, Vt., September 19, 1821 ; educated in district school ; in boyhood, when so stnallas to reqinre a block to stand on while blowing- and striking", working as black- smith's assistant ; at 15 became clerk in country store ; in 184() came to Ohio, working on farin at 50 cents per day ; for a time attended Twins- burg Institute; then taught school winters and worked at blacksmithing summers. After marriage to Miss Margaret A. Waite, of Brecksville, August 21, 1842, Mr. and Mrs. Wright jointly taught school one year in SouthBloomfield,Pickawa)'COunty,0. For many years Mr. Wright was a successful and popular auctioneer and commission merchant ; in 1851 removing to Akron, where for several years he officiated as constable, mar- shal and general detective. In the war of the Rebellion Capt. Wright took a prominent part, serving as captain of Co. G, 29th O. V. I., until discharged October 1, 1862, on account of wounds received at Gedar Moun- tain August 9, 1862; on partial recovery engaged in recruiting ser- vice ; in 1863 again entering the army as second lieutenant of Co. K, 129th O. V. I., serving till discharged for disability in March, 1864 ; again engaged in recruiting, and again, in Spring of 1865, entered the army, first as a private, soon being commis- CAPT. JOSIAH J. WRIGHT. sioned captain of Co. D, 197th O. V. I., serving till discharged, at close of the war, August 6th, 1865. After the war Capt. Wright officiated for some time as auctioneer and private detec- tive, and later, for several years, as- editor and publisher of the ^Ikron Commercial and its successor, the People's Monthly. Among the Twenty-Ninth boys who died in the service, besides those mentioned above, \vrere: Stephen J. lies. Company D, at Cleveland, O., May 8, 1864; George Sherbondy, Company G, at Aquia Creek, Va., April 23, 1863; William Wirt, Company G, at Nashville, Tenn., June 30, 1864; Charles D. Hine, Company G, died at Middlebury, O., March 31, 1863; Newton P. Humiston, Company G, died in rebel prison, July 28, 1862; Joseph Loomis, Company G, died at Cumberland, Md., February 26, 1862; Morgan Johnson Company G, died February 26, 1864. PROMOTIONS IN TWENTY-NINTH. We cannot give all the promotions that occurred, from time to time, during the war, but may here very properly mention the following: On the resignation of Capt. Pulaski C. Hard, of Company D, March 21, 1862, First Lieutenant Myron T. Wright was promoted to captain, and major, on the resignation of Major 364 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. John S. Cleiiinier, December 25, 1862. James B. Storer was pro- moted from sergeant of Compan}' H, to sergeant major, Februar}^ 13, 1862; to second lieutenant. Company F, April 13, 1862; to first lieutenant and adjutant, January 20, 1863. On the promotion of Captain Clemmer, of Company G, to major, December 31, 1861, Second Lieutenant Josiah J. Wright was promoted to captain, over First Lieutenant James Treen, Sergeant Wilbur F. Chamberlin being promoted to second lieutenant. On the discharge of Captain Wright, on account of w^ounds received at the battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 8, 1862, Lieutenant James Treen \\ras pro- moted to captain, and on his resignation. May 23, 1863, Lieut. Wilbur F. Chamberlin was promoted to captain; Benjamin F. Manderbach, of Company G, being appointed corporal, December 22. 1863; sergeant. May 9, 1864, first sergeant July 1, 1864, and first lieutenant, April 4, 1865. As soon as able, after his discharge as captain of Company G, 29th regiment, Capt. J. J. Wright voluntarily engaged in the recruiting service, in the Summer of 1863 again entering the army as second lieutenant of Company K, 129th O. V. I., serving until -again discharged for disability; in March, 1864, again recruited part of a company, but on account of the sickness and death of his little son, yot being present at the organization of the company, in Columbus, failing to secure a commission, he pluckily re-entered the service as a private, but on account of his experi- ■ence was placed on detached duty under Major Skiles, at Tod barracks, and in the Spring, 1865, w^as commissioned as captain of Company D, 197th O. V. I., in w^liich capacity he served until his final discharge at the close of the war, at Columbus, August 6, 1865. David W. Thomas, from first sergeant of Company C, w^as promoted to sergeant major of the 29th, December 13, 1864; to first lieutenant of Company H, on the resignation of Lieut. Andrew J. Fulkerson, January 6, 1865, and to captain of Company A, April 10, 1865. Alvin C. Voris was elected second lieutenant of Company H, on its organization, but promoted by Gov. Dennison to lieutenant colonel of the 67th regiment O. V. I., October 2, 1861, Henry Mack, of Bath, succeeding him as second lieutenant. Thomas W. Nash was promoted from first sergeant of Company H, to second lieutenant, October 2, 1862; to first lieutenant of Company E, May 25, 1864, and to captain of Company B, October 12, 1864, and as such mustered out of service July 13, 1865. William Palmer Williamson was promoted from sergeant major December 21, 1861, to second lieutenant of Company G, and as such ^vas killed in the battle of Winchester as elsewhere stated, March 23, 1862. THE SIXTY-FOURTH O. V. I. This regiment was recruited under the auspices of United States Senator, John Sherman, being organized at Camp Buck- ingham, near Mansfield, the home of the Senator, in November, 1861, and was a part of what was knoAvn among Ohio troops as the ""Sherman Brigade." Company G, of this regiment, was largely composed of Summit County men, whose names will appear in the roster of the several towtiships to which they were accredited, among whom were Dr. Samuel Neeper, of Mogadore, Dudley C. Carr, and Robert S. Chamberlin, of Springfield; Alonzo Hancock, of Boston; Wilbur F. Sanders, Esq., of Akron, now of Montana; THE SIXTY-FOURTH O. V. I. 365 Newton Atwood, Homer \V. Bass, Addison M. Bloom, George Bargold, Joseph F. Gilbert, John Huffman, Shem Lewis, Joseph Osborn, Alfred Rhodes, John Schoenberger, Duncan Thon-pson and Benjamin WooUey, all of Akron. Of these, Messrs. Neeper and Hancock were successivel}' captain of the company, Messrs. Carr and Chamberlin succ-es- sively sergeant major of the regiment, w^hile Mr. Sanders w^as adjutant of the regiment from its organization until his resigna- tion August 10, 1862; Addison M. Bloom being principal musician from organization untilexpirationof his term of service, June28, 1862. THE SIXTY-FOURTH IN BATTLE. The Sixtj' -Fourth was also one of the lighting regiments of the w^ar, having participated in the foUoAving named battles: Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7, 1862; Siege of Corinth, Miss., April 30, 1862; Stone River, Tenn., December 31, 1862, January 1, 1863; Chickamauga, Ga., September 19-20, 1863; Chattanooga, Tenn., November 25, 1863; Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., May 5-9, 1864; Resaca, Ga., May 13-16, 1864; Adairsville, Ga., May 17-18, 1864; Dallas, Ga., May 25 to June 4, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 9-30, 1864; Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 30, 1864; Siege of Atlanta, Ga., Jul^^ 28 to September 2, 1864; Jonesboro, Ga., August 31, September 1, 1864; Lovejoy Station, Ga., September 2-6, 1864; Spring Hill, Tenn., November 29, 1864; Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864; Nashville, Tenn., December 15-16, 1864. The regiment, having re-enlisted as veterans, June 1, 1864, after repulsing Hood's army at Franklin and Nashville, and engag- ing in the pursuit of the rebel army through Tennessee, \vas assigned to duty in Texas, w^here, at Victoria, the surviving mem- bers of the regiment, 238 in number, were paid off and mustered out of service December 3, 1865. CASUALTIES AND DEATHS IN CO. " G." Killed in battle: Daniel Bitterman, at Chickamauga, Ga.,^ September 20, 1863; Sergeant Andrew Tousley, at Lovejoy Station, Ga., July 1, 1864; James Sammans, at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., May 9, 1864. Deaths from wounds receii^ed in battle: Corporal Jacob Boone, w^ounded at Chickamauga, Ga., September 20, 1863, died October 16, 1863; Sergeant Duncan Thompson, w^ounded at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., May 9, 1864, died June 28; Corporal Benja- min McCoy, wounded in same battle, died May 9, 1864; William Coulter, wounded at Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864, died May 16; Cor- poral Joseph Wagner, lost by explosion of steamer Sultana, near Memphis, Tenn., April 27, 1865. Wounded in battle: Sergeant Thomas L. Thompson, at Pine Knob, Ga., September 20, 1863; Sergeant Jonathan Palmer, at -Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 27, 1864; Sergeant Solomon Babb, Sergeant James L. Hall and Henry Mellinger, at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., May 9, 1864; Jacob Jakes, at Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864; Walter Rambo and Sergeant Nathan M. Wells, at Spring Hill, Tenn., November .29, 1864. Deaths from disease ivhile in service: Samuel Moody, at Lebanon, Ky., January 19, 1862; at Bardstown, Ky., February 9, 1862, Andrew^ Spencer; February 22, Luman Bigelow; March 4, Samuel McCoy; March 9, Jonas D. Ingraham; at Lebanon, Ky., 366 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. March 9, 1862, Sergeant John F. Oviatt; April 1, Benjamin WooUey; April 4, Samuel Lutz; at Nashville, Tenn., April 7, 1862, Alexander Thomas; May 20, Joseph F. Gilbert; December 11, 1864, John and William Nash; at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., May 7, 1862, Michael Bower; at Chattanooga, Tenn., December 9, 1863, Sergeant Ransom J. Ellsworth; at Louisville, Ky., February 16, 1864, James Sanborn. /^APT. AARON P. BALDWIN,— V^ born in Akron, Jan. 28, 1838; educated in public schools ; at 14 entered store of P. D. Hall & Co. as clerk ; in 1859, with father, under firm name of James Baldwin & Son, en- gaged in hardware business ; in October, 1861, enlisted in Sixth Ohio Battery, L. A., organized at Mans- field, under the auspices of the Hon, John Sherman, being commissioned second lieutenant; served through the war in the Army of the Cumber- land ; after battle of Mission Ridge, Nov. 24-25, 1863, promoted to first lieutenant and to captain during the Hood campaign in Tennessee, in No- vember and December, 1864. After valiant service at Pittsburg, Shiloli, Perrysville, Stone River, Chatta- nooga, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Spring Hill and Nash- ville, was inustered out at Columbus, O., Sept. 1, 1865, for gallantry at Spring Hill, being tendered a coin- mission in the regular army, bj- corps commander. Gen. D. S. Stan- ley, which he declined. On return home formed partnership with the late Henrj' W. Wetmore, under the firm name of Wetmore & Baldwin, in 1867 being joined by David R. Paige, Jr., under firm name of Wetmore, Baldwin & Paige. Retiring from firm in 1869, was appointed general agent of the Akron Iron Companj-, serving in that capacity' till April 1, CAPT. AARON P. BALDWIN. 1886, since which tiine he has been its efficient General Superintendent. Capt. Baldwin is a prominent mem- ber of the G. A. R. having officiated as Post Cominander; Q. M. Gen. Dep't. of Ohio, and upon staif of National Commander. Nov. 10. 1863, was married to Miss Celia Ayres, of Akron, Avho has borne him four children — James A., John Sherinan, Susie and Mary Alice. THE SIXTH INDEPENDENT BATTERY. One of the most efficient light artillery- organizations of the w^ar ^vas the Sixth Ohio Independent Battery, attached to the Sherman Briga le. The battery, consisting of two sections, was provided w^itli four ten-pound Parrott and two six-pound bronze Rodman guns, w^ith horses and other equipage to match. One sec- tion of this battery w^as recruited in Akron, the roster, on organiza- tion, at Camp Buckingham, November 20, 1861, being as follows: Oliver Hazard Perry Ayres, Myron Ayres, ' Aaron P. Baldw^in, Frederick \V. Beebe, E. J. Baird, Joseph Bergdorf, James Brandon, Thomas Creveling, George Chitty, J. R. Cady, Willard Corey, B. Curtis, George W. De Bell, William Dales, Abner Danforth, James Earl, D^vid H. Evans, Elijah Everett, Henry Frizzelle, Joseph Fisher, Peter Field, James H. Galbraith, A. K. Goodrich, Bird Green, John Hogan, M. S. Hoskin, Thomas Huston, John Johnson, James Irvin, Ira Jones, Silas O. Kimberk, Patrick Kirwin, John Kieley, John Limric, George Loomis, James A. Mopdy, James THE SIXTH OHIO BATTERY. 367 McKnight, W. H. Mathews, Venning McDonald, J. McBride, Daniel McNaughton, L. J. Mix, Eleazer H. Neal, Michael Phenia, Henry A. Parker, J. K. Rogers, John Randolph, Henry Randolph, William Randolph, Freeman Robinson, J. W. Reed, George W. Smetts, Michael Stephens, L. Swindeman, Henry Shewey, John Smith, James Spelman, Thomas W. Screen, Benjamin Stroker, Kzra Trj^on, Charles Toy, Elias W, Turner, Gustave Thrise, Har- rison Trisselle, Ezra Whitney, J. M. Walton, Edgar Whitney, Jonathan Welker, John C. Weber, John Wagoner, George Wey- gandt, J, A. White, J. E. Whitney, C. Weeks. The following Akron and Middlebury boys were subsequently lidded to the battery: George W. Barber, George Boyd, Samuel T. Brandon, George Case, Frank C. Chapman, Seth Coney, George Chamberlin, John Earl, B. French, Anselo French, Edward Fitz- patrick, Thomas Fisher, George Hart, Thomas Irvin, Patrick Irvin, William W. Kilbourn, Reese Kidder, John Kramer, Lucas Libis, William Morley,John Madden, Daniel McGinnis, Daniel McGreevey, Henry Morrill, John Peck, William Strapp, Robert Treen, Newton Thayer, Charles M. Waite, John Wilder, Henry Worden, William P. Warren. TOHx\ C. WEBER,-son of Florence J and Margaret (Stei nbacher) Weber, was born in Monroeville, Ohio, August 20, 1844, removing- with par- ents to Akron the following October; educated in Akron union schools; at 17, enlisted in Sixth Ohio Battery, organized at Camp Buckingham, near Mansfield, October 9, 1861, serv- ing till October 24, 1864, being among the j'oungest, if not the youngest soldier sent to the war by Summit count}-. The accompanying portrait is reproduced from an ambrotype taken on the field of Shiloh. after the battle, and its youthful lineaments can scarcely now be traced in the broad-faced, middle-aged, business man- John C. Weber — of the present daj-. Soon after the close of the war, Mr. Weber removed to Cleveland, and engaged in brewing, returning to Akron 1885, as a member of the firm of Jahant & Weber, in the stove and furnace trade. June 11, 1874, Mr. Weber was married to Miss Emeline Oberholtz, of Akron, who has borne him four daughters and one son Eva F.. born April 11, 1875; C. Irene, born September 25, 1876; Susannah JOHN C W EHLK M.. born March 20, 1878; Bertha T., born Januarj^ 26, 1880, and Florence C, born September 11, 1882. In the organization of the battery. Captain CuUen Bradley, an experienced U. S. Army Artillery officer, was placed in command, w^ith O. H. P. Ayres as senior first lieutenant and Aaron P. Bald- win as senior second lieutenant; George W. Smetts as first sergeant; George W. DeBell, third; Edgar Whitney,fifth; Ezra Tryon, seventh; J. K. Rogers, fourth corporal; James Earl, fifth; J. M. Walton, seventh; Henry Frizzelle, eighth; E. H. Neal, eleventh; James^A. Moody, blacksmith; John Kieley, w^heelwright, and F. W. Beebe as company clerk. 368 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The Sixth Ohio Battery was in some of the hardest fought bat- tles of the war-Stone River and other battles about Mufreesboro^ Chickamauga, etc.; re-enlisted as veterans December 12, 1863, and on going to the front again, after a short visit home, took an,, active part in the Atlanta campaign, being almost constantl}' engaged during the 120 days of that sanguinary contest, and being very highly complimented by Gen. O. O. How^ard for its accurate firing before Kenesaw. The battery w^as re-equipped at Atlanta^ afterguards, under the command of Captain A. P. Baldwin, partic- ipated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, on the second daj'' of the latter, in front of Overton's Hill, eight miles from Nashville, silencing Sandford's Mississippi rebel battery. Pursuing the retreating rebels to the Tennessee River, the batterj'^ marched to Huntsville, Ala., and from thence started for Bastport, Miss., but before reaching that point was ordered back to Huntsville, where it remained until the close of the war, being mustered out Sep- tember 1, 1865. Losses during the w^ar: Deaths from wounds, 16; disease, 26; discharged for w^ounds, 4; disease, 30; by expiration of term, 21; re-enlisted as veterans, 66. Among the deaths was that of Lieut. O. H. P. Ayres, July 8, 1864, from wounds received in the Atlanta campaign. Lieut. George \V. Smetts was severel}^ w^ounded at Chickamauga, and several other casualties to Akron boys occurred during the war, of which we cannot here definitely speak; among the deaths from disease while in the service being James and Samuel T. Brandon and Ezra Whitnej^. THE HUNDRED AND FOURTH O. V. I. Company H, and parts of several other companies of this regi- ment, Avere recruited in Akron, the regiment being organized at Camp Massillon, August 30, 1862, and leaving for the front Septem- ber 1,1862. Companj^ H entered the service w^ith the following Akron and Summit county boys as officers: Captain, Walter B. Scott; first lieutenant, Hobart Ford; second lieutenant, Samuel F. Shaw; hospital steward, Milton C. Wilcox; orderly, Benjamin L. Robertson; sergeants — first, Abraham Paulus; second, Oscar C. Jackson; third, Lyman J. Adair; fourth, James Gillingham; cor- porals — first, George Q. Folsom; second, Charles M. BroTvn; third, Adolphus French; fourth, William Dunn; fifth, Louis Stair; sixth, William Rinehart; seventh, Jacob HoUinger; eighth, Almeron C. Francisco; fifer, Thomas E. Robertson; drummer, James E. Boardman; teamster, John Mann; Asa S. Marriner, of Akron, being lieutent colonel of the regiment, until his discharge, January 2, 1863. The names of the Akron, Portage and Middlebury boj's, con- nected with the 104th, so far as the w^riter has been able to compile them, are as foUow^s: Byron Allen, Daniel Allen, George Arnold, James E. Boardman, Charles Brown, Dennison Babcock, Samuel B. Bailey, John Bellows, Willard H. Bass, James Bean, Rice Brockway, Simon Bonfield, Frank Buchtel, P. H. Cahill, Robert Cahill, Thomas Charlton, Frank C. Chapman, Albert Coon, James H. Cassidy, Henry E. Cahill, Williain Dunn, Elbridge Delong, Jacob Denaple, Delos Doty, Patrick Dunn, Adolphus French, Hobart Ford, Paul Field, Edwin A. Farmer, Silas Fisher, George W. Folsom, James Gillingham, Theodore Gambie, Allan J. Goodhue, John HoUister, Eli Hope. Oscar C. Jackson, John Jackson, Noble THE HUNDKKD AND FOURTH O. V. I. 369 M. Jewett, A. Jackson, Albert Lepper, Denis J. Long, William Lambrecht,Jay Maranville, Perry G. Marshall, Ithiel J. Mills, Albert Malone, John McAllister, Asa S. Marriner, John Mann, Daniel McGreevey, James McNeal, George W. Painton, George H. Payne, Alburtis Paine, Abraham Paulus, Stephen Palmer, Benjamin Post, Benjamin F. Putt, Thomas E. Robertson, Benjamin L. Robertson, William Rinehart, Joseph Rhodes, Krastus N. Root, Joseph Rothe, John Stroker, William Schroeder, Walter B. Scott, Burtis Smith, Samuel F. Shaw, B. W. Smith, Louis Stair, Theodore Stearns, Matthew Shouler, Albert Schultz, William Shouler, Charles Tifft, Enoch Thompson, George W. Viers, Daniel M. Viers, Milton C. Wilcox, Hugh M. White, Jerome Wellman, J. F. Whitney, Stephen. Washburn, Jerome Williams. HEADING OFF KIRBY SMITH. The first active duty of the 104th was, as the out-post of the Union forces, in repelling the rebel Gen. Kirb}^ Smith's attempted attack on Cincinnati, in September, 1862, its first skirmish with the enemy being at Fort Mitchell, near Covington, Ky., September 10, 1862, the regiment losing one man killed and five wounded, the only Union blood spilled in defense of Cincinnati. September 12, the regiment started on its first march in pursuit of the fleeing rebels, reaching Lexington on the morning of October 15, but a few minutes after the rear guard of the rebel forces had evacuated the city. Remaining in Lexington, resting from its severe march, ^nd perfecting itself in drill, (carrying off the honors in a competitive drill w^ith other regiments there concentrated), on the morning of December 6, the march was continued towards Richmond, Ky., which was reached in the evening of the 7th. December 27 the march viras resumed, its objective point being Danville, where it had some slight skirmishes with the enemj' in aiding to intercept Gen. Morgan, who was then raiding in that vicinity. From Danville the regiment \^as transferred to the State capi- tal, Frankfort, where it performed provost duty until February 21, 1863, when it returned to Danville, in which vicinity it continued to operate until September, when it was transferred to East Ten- nessee, where it became a part of Gen. Burnside's army. After a brief stay at Knoxville, the regiment was sent to Cumberland Gap and aided in compelling the surrender of the rebel forces at that point, the 104th being the first regiment to enter the w^orks and receive the arms and stores of the surrendered rebels. Returning to Knoxville, the 104th was on active duty during the siege of that city by Gen. Longstreet, from November 17 to December 4, 1863, suffering greatly from short rations and expo- sure, and in a sortie to the south side of the Holston river, repulsing^ the enemy with great loss. Wintering in the vicinity of Knoxville, the 104th took an active part in the Atlanta campaign, in 1864, in the assault at Utoy Creek, August 6, losing 26 men and officers, killed and w^ounded; participated in the battle of Jonesboro the latter part of August; lost several men in its almost daily skir- mishes w^ith Hood's forces near Nashville, in October and Novem- ber, 1864; lost 60 men, killed and wounded, in the battle of Frankfort, November 30, capturing eleven battle-flags during the engagement. 24 370 AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. After much hard marching, and many severe skirmishes, the 104th was transferred to the Army of the Potomac in January, 1865, operating at, and in the vicinity of. Federal Point, North CaroUna, on March 4, making a forced march to Kingston, to reHeve Gen. Jacob D. Cox, who was menaced by a superior force. Proceeding from Kingston to Goldsboro, and from thence to Raleigh, the 104th w^as highly complimented by Gen. Sherman for its soldi(5rly bear- ing and efficienc}^ in drill, and on May 2, 1865, was selected by Gen. Cox to proceed to Greensboro to receive the arms and stores of Gen. Johnston's surrendered rebel army. Remaining in Greensboro as guard, until June 17, the regiment w^as sent to Camp Taylor, at Cleveland, where, on June 27, 1865, the surviving members, 640 in number, were paid off and mustered out. CASUALTIKS, DEATHS, ETC., IN COMPANY H. Killed: Sergeant Oscar C. Jackson, by accidental discharge of his own gun while advancing towards the enemy at Nancy's Creek, Ga., July 17, 1864; Corporal Albert Schultz, February 20, 1865, at battle of Town Creek, N. C; Willard H. Bass, Daniel Conrad and Burtis W. Smith, at battle of Utoy Creek, Ga,, August 6, 1864, the head of the latter being severed from his body by the explosion of a rebel shell. Wounded : Andrew A. Adair, wounded, and George H. Payne, lost left arm at battle of Cartersville, Ga., May 21, 1864; Solomon J. Bucher, November 28, 1864, at Columbia, Tenn.; Henry Cahill, James H. Cassidy, Hobart Ford, wounded in heel at battle of Utoy Creek, Ga., August 6, 1854, but continued on duty till mustered out as captain at the close of the war, June 17, 1865; Curtis Gingerj'- and John Kleckner, at battle of Town Creek, N. C, February 20, 1865; Lewis Heath, at Dallas, Ga., May 31, 1864; John Winklenian, wounded and captured at battle of Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864. Captured: Cyrus O. Osborn and John Stroker, at battle of Danville, Ky., March 24, 1863; paroled and afterwards exchanged. Deaths from disease: Eli Blocker, at Frankfort, Ky., March 4, 1863; William Conrad, at Beaufort, N. C, May 15, 1865; Eli Hope, at Franklin, Ky., March 9, 1863; Jay . Maranville, at Strawberry Plains, Tenn., June 12, 1864; Joshua Sellers, at Knoxville, Tenn., April 2, 1864; Captain Walter B. Scott, at Cincinnati, Ohio, April 24, 1863; William Rinehart, at Williamstown, Ky., October 22, 1862. SOME HARD FOUGHT BATTLES. Ohio's official Roster gives the following list of battles partici- pated in by the 104th: Covington, Ky., September 10, 1862; Dan- ville, Ky., March 24, 1863; Siege of Knoxville, Tenn., November 17 to December 4, 1863; Resaca, Ga., May 13-16, 1864; Dallas, Ga., May 25 to June 4, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 9 to 30, 1864; Pine Mountain, Ga., June 14, 1864; Lost Mountain, Ga., June 16, 1864; Siege of Atlanta, Ga., July 28 to September 2," 1864; Utoy Creek, Ga., August 5-6, 1864; Columbia, Tenn., November 24-29, 1864; Franklin, Tenn., Novemh^er 30, 1864; Nashville, Tenn., December 15-16, 1864; Fort Anderson, N. C, February 18, 1865; Town Creek, N. C, February 20, 1865. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH O. V. I. * 371 Companies C and G, and a portion of Company I, of the 115th regiment, were composed of Summit county boys, most of them being from the northern part of the county, and w^hose names will duly appear in the rosters of their respective to^srnships, as given in this work. The original officers of Company C were as follow^s : John A. Means, of Northfield, (then* in the midst of his first term as Clerk of Courts of Summit county). Captain ; John Eadie, Jr., of Cuya- hoga Falls, first lieutenant ; George L. Waterman, of Peninsula, «econd lieutenant ; Robert Sears, of Stow, orderly sergeant ; Lewis F. Derrick, of Cuyahoga Falls, second sergeant ; John C. Ely, of ■Cuyahoga Falls, third sergeant ; Alexander Forbes, of Northfield, fdurth sergeant : Levi Boody, of Boston, fifth sergeant ; Arthur A. Jones, of Stow, first corporal ; Ulysses L. Marvin, of Stow, second corporal ; David Castetter, of Bath, third corporal ; Lucian Bliss, ■of Northfield, fourth corporal ; Charles \V. Way, of Northampton, fifth corporal ; John Davis, of Tallmadge, sixth corporal ; John C. Smith, of Tw^insburg, seventh corporal ; Frederick Bois, of Boston, eighth corporal, the original muster rolls containing the names of 85 privates ; total, with officers, 101. The original officers of Company G were as follows : Deming N. Lowrey, of Cuyahoga Falls, captain ; Arthur L. Conger, of Peninsula, first lieutenant ; Sumner Nash, of Bath, second lieu- tenant ; Merchant S. Hurd, of Bath, first sergeant ; Eli Thompson, of Twinsburg, second sergeant; Henry Doncaster, of Hudson, third sergeant ; Marcus C. Tifft, of Cuyahoga Falls, fourth sergeant ; Christopher Cook, of Cuyahoga Falls, fifth sergeant ; Eben ^A, Butterfield, of Northfield, first corporal ; James Nesbit, of North- field, second corporal ; James McElroy, of Northfield, third cor- poral ; Daniel Williams, of Cuyahoga Falls, fourth corporal; Marcellus Risden, of Richfield, fifth corporal; Perry H. Alexan- der, of Bath, sixth corporal; Joseph C. Freeby, of Cuyahoga Falls, seventh corporal ; William McKinney, of Twinsburg, eighth cor- poral ; the original roster containing the names of 80 privates — total, w^ith officers, 96 men. It is to be greatly regretted that no local ret^ord of the organi- zation of Company I has been preserved, though it is believed that the only officer in that company from Sum:nit county, viras Edward Buckingham, late auditor of the county, who virent out as first lieutenant, but w^as promoted to captain, . February 8, 1863, which position he held until the close of the war. The only names, found upon the assessors' returns, accredited to Portage and Middlebury townships, as members of the 115th regiment, were : George Adkins, Ed-svard Buckingham, George B. Buckingham, Simon Bonfield, Lewis M. Carpenter, Michael Doyle, Byron Gifford, Michael Kirw^in, William Limric, John McAllister, Vincent A. Malone, Mills B. Purdy, Aaron Pardee, Jacob Randall, Albert Shenkel, Harrison Shaaf, Enoch Thompson, John Jackson T'ate, John Westerman, Benjamin K. Yerrick. ORGANIZATION, PROMOTIONS, ETC. The Hundred and Fifteenth was organized in Camp Massillon, with 985 men, August, 1862, J. A. Lucy, colonel and A. W. Fitch, major, and mustered into the service of the United States, Sep- tember 18, 1862. In the absence of official records we are unable 372 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. to give the promotions in Companies C, G and I, though we learn from private sources that the changes were comparatively few, during their entire term of service. October 4, 1862, the 115th w^as ordered to Cincinnati, not being in time to take part in the " Squirrel Hunters " defense of the city^ but on its arrival, was divided by General Wright into two battal- ions of five companies each, one battalion, under Col. Lucy being assigned to provost duty at Cincinnati, and the other battalion^ under Lieutenant Col. Boone, was sent to Columbus to guard the rebel prisoners confined in Camp Chase. Karly in November, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Boone's battalion w^as ordered from Columbus to Maysville, Ky., and taken charge of by Colonel Lucy, Lieutenant Colonel Boone taking command of the battalion at Cincinnati, a month later proceeding to Covington^ Ky., where it performed provost duty until October, 1863, when the entire regiment was ordered to report to General Rosecrans at Chattanooga, Tenn. On reaching Murfreesboro, a part of the regiment was mounted and sent out to fight the rebel guerrillas then operating in that portion of the country, the unmounted portion of the regiment, in the Summer of 1864, being stationed in block-houses along the line of the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad to guard against its destruction by the guerrillas. In August, 1864, Block-House No. 4, manned by part of Com- pany B, w^as captured by the rebels. Block-House No. 5, manned by the balance of Company B, was attacked at the same time but was successfully defended, with a loss of three men killed and seven >vounded out of a total of 40. THE SULTANA DISASTER. Soon after the foregoing affair, Company K, (mounted) sur- prised and captured a large squad of guerrillas, w^ith a loss of one man killed and three w^ounded. In the midst of the Hood demon- strations against Nashville, in December, 1864, the rebel General Forrest, of Fort Pillow notoriety, captured companies C, F and G^ respectively in charge of Block-Houses 1, 3 and 4, who were con- fined as prisoners, at Andersonville, Ga., and Meridian, Miss., until the beginning of the following April w^hen, w^ith others, they Avere duly exchanged, at Vicksburg, Miss. On the 25th day of April, 1865, when final victory over the rebels was just perching upon our banners, some 2,000 of these new^ly exchanged Union prisoners, and about 200 refugees, were packed on board the steamer Sultana, to be transported to Cincin- nati. Reaching Memphis during the night of the 26th, a few hours Avere spent in taking on a supply of coal and after proceed- ing on her way some eight or ten miles, between one and two o'clock on the morning of the 27th, an explosion of one of her boilers occurred w^ith terrible havoc to the boat and passengers, the boat also taking fire and burning to the ^vater. It -was more than surmised that the explosion was caused by a shell, or other deadly missile, placed among the coal by enemies of the Union, and of the brave boys who had fought and so ter- ribly suffered in its defense. Be this as it may, fully one-half of the passengers on the ill-fated steamer w^ere either blown to atoms by the explosion, burned to death, or drowned, among whom were UNSURPASSED GALLANTRY. 373 idome 80 members of the 115th, at least a score and a half being Summit county men — ten from Cuyahoga Falls, including Cap- tain Lowrey, and Lieutenants John Eadie and John C. Ely — but so far as now remembered no Akron or Middlebury boys were lost on that occasion. After the capture of Block-Houses 1, 3 and 4 as above stated, t)y order of General George H. Thomas, the garrisons were trans- ferred from 5 and 6 to Murfreesboro. Number 7 'was surrounded and daily assaulted for fifteen days, none of the men daring to appear outside, though no casualities to its defenders w^ere reported. December 9, 1864, Block-House Number 2, w^as attacked and a con- tinuous lire from three rifled cannon was kept up from early morn- ing till dark, killing two and wounding five men on the inside. That night under cover of darkness, the garrison quietly evacu- ated the Station and reached Nashville in safety. A desperate attack on Murfreesboro, by General Buford, was successfully repulsed after five hours of the most heroic fighting, in which a battalion of the 115th played a conspicuous part, the rebels sustaining a heavy loss, while the loss upon the Union side was but one killed and three wounded. y^APTAIN JOHN A. MEANS,— ^ born near Pittsburg-, Pa., Febru- ary I, 1811 ; coniiTJon school educa- tion ; learned trade of tanner and currier ; November, 1833, came to Ohio, teaching- school in Springiield; 1834 engaged in farming- in North- field; in 1837 was deputy surveyor of Portage county ; February 9, 1838, as captain of Northfield Rifle Com- pany, did special guard duty at the execution of David McKisson, at Ravenna, as elsewhere detailed, being afterwards promoted to colonel of the regiment ; elected clerk of Sum- mit county in 1860 ; August, 1862, leaving office in charge of his son Nathan, entered the army, as captain of Company C, 115th Reg-t., serving till close of the war; detailed as assistant topographical engineer, department of the Cumberland, sur- veying and mapping- a large district of Middle Tennessee and fitting up Soldiers' Cemetery, on Stone River battlefield ; signal officer last battle near Murfreesboro, Tenn.; (other mili- tary services detailed elsewhere); 1869, re-elected clerk of courts, serv- ing full term ; 1873-77 Akron's City •Clerk. In 1837 Mr. Means was married to Miss Eliza Chapin. who bore him six children, two d3dng- in infancjs William S. drowned while father was in the armj- ; Rebecca (the first Mrs. CAPTAIN JOHN A. MEANS. Sumner Nash), died 1869; Nathan (the eldest), died in Akron 1886 ; Fvlvira, the youngest, married to Rev. W. B. Marsh, now of Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Means dying in 1879, Capt Means subsequently married Mrs. L. C. Walton, with whom, in the 81st year of his age, he is now happily living- in Tallmag-e. On being relieved from garrison and guard duty at Murfrees- boro, and along the line of the railroad, between Nashville and '^ullahoma, at the close of the war, the survivors of the 115th w^ere paid off and mustered out of the service of the United States they 374 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. had so faithfully served for three full years, at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, July 7, 1865, 630 officers and mien. THE VALLANDIGHAM EPISODE. Captain Edward Buckinghain, of Company I, during a con- siderable portion of his term, served as Provost Marshal of Cincin- nati and Murfreesboro, acting in that capacity at Cincinnati during the Vallandigham episode in May 1873, and the John Morgan raid through Ohio, in July of the same year. pAPT. EDWARD BUCKINGHAM, ^ — born in Watertown, Conn., July 15, 1835; moved with parents to Middlebnry in 1844 ; at 18, engaged as clerk in wholesale house in Cleve- land, afterwards serving three years as clerk in postofficeat Indianapolis, Ind.; in August, 1862, enlisted in lloth O. V. I., entering the service as First Lieutenant, three months later being promoted to Captain, and serving until the end of the war, being for a time Provost Marshal of Cincinnati and of Murfreesboro, and again of Cincinnati during the Morgan raid. Returning to Akron, at the close of the war, he was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for Summit County, which position he held until 1872 when he entered upon the duties of Auditor of Summit County, to which responsible position he was three times successively elected — 1871, '74, and '77, serving in all nine years. In politics, Capt. Buckingham was an uncompromising Republican, but extremely tolerant of the opin- ions of others. March 10, 1863, he was married to Miss Frances Johnston, daughter of Hon. John Johnston and Mrs. Elizabeth (Newton) Johnston, of CAPT. EDWARD BUCKIXCrHAN. Akron, who bore him six children,, four of whom are living- George E., John S., William J., and Huldah. Capt. Buckingham died August 30,. 1881, at the age of 4(3 3-ears, I months and 15 days. Captain John A. Means, of Company C, was also a prominent actor and participant in those stirring scenes. Mr. Vallandigham, as the Representative from the Dayton district, had not only vehemently opposed every measure introduced in Congress for the subjugation of the rebels, his motto being: "Not a man, not a dollar for the prosecution of the unholy abolition war," but was^ by his private utterances and public speeches, very greatly re- tarding enlistments and encouraging resistance to the draft under the various calls of President Lincoln for troops. Major General Burnside, commanding in the Department of Ohio, in view of the aid and sympathy that was being extended to the rebels, in various ways, in certain portions of the Department,, in General Orders, No. 38, among other things said : "All persons found w^ithin our lines Tvho commit acts for the benefit of the enemies of our country, will be tried as spies, or traitors, and, if convicted, will suffer death. * * * The habit of declaring sympathy for the enemy will not be allowed in this Department. Persons coinmitting such offenses will at once be THE MURDER OF LIEUTENANT WATERMAN. 375 arrested, with a view to being tried, as above stated, or sent beyond our lines into the Unes of their friends. It must be distinctly understood that treason, expressed or implied, w^illnot be tolerated in this Department." Learning that Vallandigham was posted for a public speech at Mount Vernon, Friday, May 1, 1863, Gen. Burnside detailed Capt. Means and Capt. Hill to attend the meeting, in citizens dress, and report the character of the speech. A large crowd w^as in attendance, both men and women having the lapels of their coats and the bosoms of their dresses ornamented w^ith that rebel- sympathizing emblem, the butternut pin. Speaking from a platform, in the open air, Mr. Vallandigham w^as very bitter in his denunciation of the Administration and the military authorities, and w^as especially severe in his remarks about Gen. Burnside's order above quoted, saying that he despised and defied it and trampled it under his feet, and if any of Burn- side's minions were present, let them go and tell him so. Captains Means and Hill, (the latter having taken full notes of the treasonable utterances), having made their report, Capt. Hut- ton, of Gen. Burnside's staff, with a squad of regulars, was sent to Dayton to make the arrest, the larger part of Co. C, 115th O. V. I., accompanying the expedition for patrol duty, though taking no part in the arrest. The detachment arrived in Dayton betAveen two and three o'clock in the morning, and on arousing Mr. Vallandigham from his slumbers and announcing their errand, that gentleman not only refused to surrender but from his second-story bed-room w^indow, at the top of his voice, shouted, "Asa ! Asa ! Asa !" Avhich was evidently a pre-concerted signal for advising his friends of impending danger, for presently the fire bells of the cit^^ began to ring, and an excited throng of people soon made its appearance upon the streets. Capt. Hutton, fearful of an attempt at rescue, forced the doors, and taking Mr. Vallandigham into custody', hastened to the station and departed with him for Cincinnati, before the rapidly assembling crowd was large enough to make any effective show of resistance. Copperhead Mob — Martial Law. — Mr. Vallandigham's politi- cal organ, the Dayton Empire, the following evening, gave such a bitterly partisan, and highly colored version of the arrest, that early in the evening a copperhead mob assaulted the office of the Dayton /owri3a7, (Republican) not only breaking in and destroying everything accessible, but finally setting fire to the building itself, resulting in the destruction of several other buildings, the mob almost wholly thwarting the efforts of the fire department, b}^ cut- ting hose, crippling the engines and assaulting the firemen. Gen. Burnside immediately proclaimed martial law in Mont- gomery county, and appointed Major Keith, of the 117th O. V. I., as provost marshal, with an adequate military force to secure order, and conformity to law, among them being a portion of Capt. Means' command. Company C. A Dastardly Outrage. — While on dutj^ as provost guard at Dayton, the "copperhead" element there w^as very vindictive and as criminally annoying as it dared to be, one of its most dastardly acts being the shooting of Lieutenant George L. Waterman, of Peninsula, from the effects of which he died, September 9, 1863. Of 376 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Lieutenant Waterman Captain Means writes: "I want to say of Lieutenant Waterman that he w^as one of the brightest young men in our regiment; had the confidence of all who knew him, and was a favorite in the company — his death being the result of just such sentiments as Vallandigham & Co., taught to all -who would listen to them." Capt. Means adds: "Gen. Burnsides' Order, No. 38, did much to stop the treasonable course pursued by Northern sympathizers Avith treason, and the conviction of Vallandigham was the means of bringing those people to respect and have a little fear of the lavr." THE "SQIRREL HUNTERS." In the Summer of 1862, the fame of John Morgan and Kirby Smith, as rebel raiders, began to manifest itself in bold and success- ful dashes into Kentucky, with the evident design of attacking and capturing Cincinnati. So portentous had become the menace, that not only was Cincinnati placed under martial law, and ever}^ able- bodied male citizen required to aid in building and manning defenses, and all newly formed and forming regiments in Ohio ordered to the point of danger, (see history of 104th, O. V. I. above), but Gov. David Tod also called for "minute men" from the border counties to aid in repelling the invaders, saying: "The soil of Ohio must not be invaded by the enemies of our glorious Government." A few^ days later. Gov. Tod, through the press, appealed to the patriotism of Northern-Ohio, as follow^s: Columbus, September 10, 1862. To the several Military Committees in Northern Ohio: By telegram from Major-General Wright, Commander-in-Chief of Western forces, received at 2 o'clock this morning, I am directed to send all armed men that can be raised, immediately to Cincinnati. You will at once exert yourselves to execute this order. The men should be armed, each furnisned with a blanket and at least two days' rations. Railroad companies are requested to furnish transportation for troops to the exclusion of all other business. David Tod, Governor. A Wonderful Uprising. — To this appeal thousands of farmers, mechanics and business and professional men in the northern part of the State as promptly responded as those in the southern part of the State had already done, the writer saying editorially, in the Beacon of September 16, 1832: "Among the tw^o hundred, or more 'sharp-shooters,' -who left Akron and vicinity for Cincinnati, on Wednesday last, was a fine squad from Tallmadge, among whom we noticed Dr. Amos Wright and Hon. Sidnej^ Bdgerton," the residence of the latter — then member of Congress from the Kigh- teenth District — being at that time in Tallmadge. Continuing the Beacon said: "Other towns in this neighbor- hood, and indeed throughout the county, responded to the call of the Governor, and although their services were happily not required upon the 'bloody field of battle,' the expedition will have taught the rebels the salutary lesson that after the '600,000 more' have been mustered into the service and assigned to duty, there are, as the razor-strop man would say, 'a few more left of the same sort,' ready to take a hand in, if necessary." THE "SQUIRREL HUNTERS " OF 1862. ' 377 A portion of the boys from here, were armed w^ith the old-style Harper's Ferry muskets, the property of the State, then in posses- sion of the local militia, others preferring to trust to their squirrel rifles; added to which some of the boys buckled on the old-fash- ioned sheath, or "cheese" knife furnished by the State to the volunteer militia, in those "good old days." A second squad of men, who left a day later, only proceeded as far as Columbus, where they were ordered to "about face,'*" and^ return home until further orders. Gov. Tod, telegraphing to Secretary of War Stanton, under date of September 13, as follows: "The minute-men, or squirrel hunters, responded gloriously to the call for the defense of Cincinnati. Thousands reached the city, and thousands more were en route for it. The enemy having retreated all have been ordered back. This uprising of the people is the cause of the retreat. You should acknowledge, publicly, this gallant conduct. Please order Quartermaster Burr to pay all transportation bills, upon my approval. "David Tod, Governor." Organization, Roster, etc. — It is to be regretted that the muster roll of the Summit County " Squirrel Hunters," has not been preserved. The names of the Tallmadge contingent, thirteen in all (including our present well-known citizen, Hon. Sidney Kdgerton), is published in connection with the military history of that township. But in the absence of authentic record, the memory of certain of the "squirrels" themselves — treacherous at the best — Avill have to be relied upon for the reproduction of the few" others that can here be given. So sudden was the departure, that there was no opportunity for organization before leaving home. But on the cars, betw^een Orrville and Crestline, officers were elected as follows: Daniel W, Storer, captain; Charles K. Howe, first lieutenant; Wilbur F. Sanders, second lieutenant; and J. Alexander Lantz, orderly sergeant — other non-commissioned officers not remembered. Among the Akron members of the "rank and file" w^ere: J. Park Alexander, Henry E. Abbey, Milton Abbey, John W. Baker, William Bell, Mills H.Beardsley, Williams. P. Babcock, William E. Beardsley, Ohio C. Barber, Norman H. Barber, David Chambers, George A. Collins, David Dressier, Henry C. Howard, Henry Hine, Jacob Koch, Hiram A. Kepler, George W. Marriner, William B, Raymond, James Rinehart, John K. Robinson, Major Erhard Steinbacher, John H. K. Sorrick, George S. Storer, Charles Starr, William Seiberling, George C. Weimer, Harvey Wells, John Zwisler, Charles W. Huse, Delos Hart, William H. H. Welton, Henry L. Montenyohl, Arthur F. Bartges. A number of persons from neighboring towns responding as soon as the exigency w^as made known to them, did not reach Akron until the order was countermanded among them being Mr. Edward H. Viers of Norton. Legislative Testimonial. — At the following session of the Legislature the appended resolution was unanimously adopted: Resolved hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Ohio, That the Governor be and is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate out of his conting-ent fund, a sufficient sum to pay for litho- j^raphing and printing discharg-es for the patriotic men of the State who 378 • AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, responded to the call of the Governor, and went to the Southern border to repel the invader, and who will be known in history as the ' Squirrel Hunters/ James R. Hubbell, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Peter Hitchcock, President pro tern of the Senate. Pursuant to this resolution, a handsome lithographed dis- charge, eight by ten inches in size, was prepared, bearing upon the upper right-hand corner a portrait of Gov. David Tod, and upon the upper left-hand corner, a portrait of Adjutant General Charles W. Hill, while upon the right-hand lower corner is the figure of a hunter, with blanket strapped across his shoulders, and powder horn on his right side, in the act of loading his gun to shoot at a squirrel perched upon the limb of a tree in the left- hand lower corner, the intermediate space showing the Great seal of Ohio resting upon the National Flag. The document reads a& foUow^s: THE SQUIRREL HUNTER'S DISCHARGE. Cincinnati was menaced by the enemies of oiir Union. DAVID TOD^ Governor of Ohio, called on the Minute-men of the State, and the Squirrel Hunters came by thousands to the rescue. You, J. Park Alexander, were one of them, and this is your HONORABLE DISCHARGE. September, 1862. Chakles W. Hill, Adj. Gen. of Ohio. Approved by David Tod, Governor. Malcolm McDowell, Major & A. D. C. Taxing to the utmost the thinking powers of some eight or ten of those above named, only recalls about one-third of Captain Storer's company, as above given, which is much to be regretted, for the Squirrel Hunters of Ohio are entitled to high honors for the prompt and prominent, though happily bloodless, part they took — if not subduing the Great Rebellion itself, at least pre- venting the rebels from subduing the Great State of Ohio. SECOND OHIO CAVALRY. This regiment was one of Summit county's favorites. Company A being wholly, and one or two other companies partially, made up of Summit county boys. The regiment Avas organized, under special authority of Secretary of War Simon Cameron, in the Fall of 1861, at Camp Wade, near Cleveland, being mustered in October 10th of that year, w^ith Charles Doubleday as colonel, and wa& purely a Western Reserve regiment. Company A was officered as follows: George A. Purington, of Akron, captain; Dudley Seward, of Akron, first lieutenant; Miles J. Collier, of Peninsula, second lieutenant; Henry O. Hamp- son, of Akron, orderly sergeant; Augustus N. Bernard, then of Middlebury, sergeant. These officers were subsequently promoted, on luerit, as follows: Captain Purington promoted to major Sep- tember 24, 1861, to lieutenant colonel June 25, 1863, and to colonel, but not mustered as such, retiring from the volunteer service at the end of the three years, to take a captaincy in the Regular THE SECOND OHIO CAVALRY. 379 Army, being now major of the Third U. S. Cavalry, and after extensive service in the Indian Territory, stationed at Fort Clark, Texas, and one of the most efficient and highly honored officers in that branch of the service. /^OL. DUDLEY SEWARD,— born in V^ Utica, N. Y., Jan. 14, 1819; edu- cated in common schools ; in 18H5 en- tered general store in Manchester, N. Y., clerking- four years ; then worked on farm Sixmniers and taught school WiMers till 1842, when he came to Ohio, first locating in Middlebur3-, then Wadsworth, then Tallmadge and finally in Akron. In Fall of 1847, was appointed Deputy by Sher- iff Lewis >I. Janes, continuing also through the two succeeding terms of Sheriff William L. Clarke, and in 1852 he was elected Sheriff, serving- two terms; in April, 1861, enlisted in Co. G, 19th O. V. L, of which he was sergeant. At end of three riionths' term of service, with Geo. A. Puring- ton recruited Co. A., 2d O. V. C, with Mr. P. as Captain and Mr. S. as First Lieutenant. He remained in the ser- vice until October, 1865, being pro- moted by regular gradation to col- onel of the regiment, sharing in all its marches and engagements, as elsewhere fully detailed. Two years after his discharge froin the volun- teer service — meanwhile serving as assistant clerk of the Ohio State Sen- ate one term — he was appointed cap- tain in the 8th U. S. Cavalry, serving four years in the regular army, in California, Oregon and the Territo- ries. In 1873 was elected Justice of COL. DUDLEY SEVV^ARD. the Peace, which office he held until his death May 24, 1882. Mr. Seward was married Nov. 2. 1848, to Miss Lois Clarke, daughter of Sheriff William L. Clarke, who bore him three chil- dren, two of whom are living — Louis D., now practicing law in Akron, and Mary C, now Mrs, John L. Taplin, of Circleville. First Lieutenant Dudley Seward w^as promoted to captain September 30, 1861, to major September 18, 1862, to lieutenant colonel May 9, 1864, to colonel June 20, 1865, Second lieutenant Miles J. Collier was promoted to first lieutenant May 10, 1862, afterwards mustered out, on consolidation, and commissioned as major of the Twelfth Ohio Cavalr3\ Orderly Sergeant Henry O. Hampson was promoted to second lieutenant July 22, 1862, and resigned July 23, 1863. Sergeant A, N. Bernard was promoted to second lieutenant December 20, 1861, to first lieutenant July 15, 1862, to captain February 17, 1863, transferred to Company K, and mustered out November 29, 1864. Levi J.McMurray, then of Frank- lin to\srnship, afterw^ards sheriff of Summit county, and a resident of Akron, appointed sergeant on organization of the company, was promoted to second lieutenant May 9, 1863, and mustered out of the service at the end of three years, September 6, 1864. The first three months of the w^ar, Messrs. Purington and Seward w^ere members of the Nineteenth O. V. L, the former as orderly sergeant and promoted to second lieutenant and the latter as third sergeant. Having been properly equipped and drilled at Camps Wade, at Cleveland, and Dennison, at Columbus, in January, 1862, the regi- ment was ordered to report to Gen. Porter at Platte City, Mo., and 380 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. at once proceeded thither. Scouting on the Missouri border, its first real war experience was a brush with the notorious Quantrill, who attacked them at Independence with about an equal force, and whom they defeated in fifteen minutes, with a loss of five killed and four wounded. At Fort Scott, Kansas, March 1, 1862, the regiment, in addition to its sabers, w^as armed with navy pistols and Austrian carbines. Moving into the Indian Territory early in May, at Baxter Springs, three regiments of loyal Indians, mounted on ponies, and armed with squirrel rifles, joined the cavalry forces, the Se^nd forming a part of the force that captured Fort Gibson in the latter part of Jul3^ Early in August, 1862, the regiment went into camp at Fort Scott, many men being on the sick list, and many of their horses unserviceable. The latter part of August a forced march of ten days w^as made by a part of the regiment, in pursuit of a large force of rebel raiders and guerrillas, with almost constant skirmishing. Organizing a Battery. — About this time two officers and 150 men of the Second w^ere placed in charge of a light battery, and by ■order of the War Department w^ere afterwards constituted the Third Kansas Battery, but on January 22, 1863, were organized as the Twenty-fifth Ohio Independent Battery. In September, 1862, the mounted portion of the Second, w^ith the battery, w^ent with Gen. Blount's army into Missouri, fighting at Carthage and New- tonia, Mo., Cow Hill, Wolf Creek, White River and Prairie Grove, Ark., capturing the rebel forces at the latter place December 7, 1862. The exploits of the Second Ohio Cavalry, during its first y^ear of service, properly written out, would make a good-sized volume, and we must necessarily condense. In Camp Chase for "Repairs." — Being by this time in need of recruits, both of men and horses, the Second was ordered to Camp Chase, w^here, during the Winter of 1862, '63 it was fur- nished with fresh horses, new arms and equipments, and w^ith 60 recruits. Here the original 12 companies were consolidated into eight, and four companies raised for the Eighth, w^ere added to the Second. Early in April, 1863, the consolidated regiment, superbly mounted and drilled, went into camp at Somerset, Ky. Early in June four companies accompanied Gen. Saunders on a raid into East Tennessee, destroying a large amount of rebel stores and a number of railroad and other bridges. Chasing the Rebel Raider, John Morgan. — July 1, 1863, the Second, as a part of Kautz's brigade, started in pursuit of the rebel raider, Gen. Morgan, following him twenty-six days, through three states, a distance of over a thousand miles, and sharing in the capture of the rebel raiders in Ohio, near Salineville, in Columbiana county, July 26, 1863, 336 men and 400 horses, with their arms and equipage. A Well-earned Furlough. — Returning to Cincinnati, nearly the entire regiment was furloughed by Gen. Burnside in recogni- tion of its "endurance and gallantr3^" Reassembling and refitting at Stanford, Ky., on September 5th and 6th, 1863, the Second, with other cavalry regiments, made a forced march to Cumberland Gap, after the surrender of the rebel garrison proceeding to K>ioxville, PART OF Sheridan's cavalry corps. 281 and from thence up the valley, joined the army at Henderson's Station, September 25. At the Siege of Knoxville. — Receiving orders to report to Gen. Rosecrans, in charge of the Army of the Cumberland, after marching thirty miles towards Knoxville, the Second ^was suddenly ordered to "about face," on its return, taking part in an engage- ment then in progress and soon afterwards participating in the battles of Blue Springs, Blountsville and Bristol. On Longstreet's advance, the latter part of October, the Second fell back to Russell- ville, and then to near Cumberland Gap, where it had a lively scrimmage vsrith Wheeler's rebel cavalry. During the siege of Knoxville, the Second operated upon the flank of the enemy, and w^hen the siege w^as raised went in pursuit of the retreating rebels. December 2, a spirited engagement was had with Longstreet's cavalry, at Morristown, and two daj^s later the Second was the advance regiment of a brigade which attacked and for two hours fought eighteen regiments of rebel troops at Russellville, losing forty men, killed and wounded. Re-enlisting as Veterans. — In the thickest of the battle, for five hours, at Bean Station, on December 6, and almost constantly under fire for the next five days, crossing the Holstein river, the Second was almost continually skirmishing until January 1, 1864,. when 220 out of 470 men then composing the regiment, re-enlisted as veterans, and were sent home on veteran furlough. In the Army of the Potomac. — Reassembling at Cleveland, March 7, 1864, w^ith renewed health and spirits and with 130 new recruits, the Second was again ready for duty. Going first to Mount Sterling, Ky., so wide-spread had become the raiding and fighting fame of the Second, it was soon afterwards ordered to Annapolis, Md., where, on the 13th day of April, 1864, it was^ reviewed by Lieut. Gen. Grant and other prominent officers. Remounted and newly armed and equipped at Camp Stone- man, I). C, crossing the Potomac and the Rapidan with Ninth Army Corps, under Gen. Burnside, the Second, 800 strong, had a sharp engagement with Rosser's rebel cavalry, with slight loss. In the Wilderness campaign, the Second covered the right flank of the infantry, constantly on picket or skirmish duty, on May 28, 1864,. at New^town, capturing rebel commissary stores and forage. Under "Phighting" Phil. Sheridan. — By order of Lieutenant General Grant, the Second w^as transferred to Sheridan's Cavalry Corps, and assigned to the First Brigade of the Third Division. Crossing the Pamunkey river, in the attack on the rebel fortifica- tions at Hanover Court House, after a desultory fight, the brigade dismounted for a charge. The Second occupied the center, sus- taining the brunt of the shock, not only driving the rebels from their front, but attaining and holding the crest and the court-house. The next day a portion of the brigade, sent to divert the attention of the enemy while the balance were engaged in destroying a rail- road bridge on the South Anna river, on arriving at Ashland were surrounded by Fitzhugh Lee's rebel cavalry, and after fighting until sundown, our men withdrew, the Second covering the retreat. Picketing and fighting on the right of the army from Hanover, C, H., to Cold Harbor, the Second crossed the James, with the division June 17, 1864, and on the 22nd moved on a raid to the Danville 382 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Railroad, fighting at Nottaway, C. H., Stony Creek and Ream Sta- tion, with a loss of 100 men and five officers, killed, wounded and missing. Late in July it did picket duty on the left of the army, near the Weldon Railroad; early in August went to Washington and from thence, a few days later, to the Shenandoah Valley. At Winchester, August 17, at three o'clock p. m., the Union troops were attacked by Early, and at sundown were obliged to fall back, the second battalion and t^vo companies of the third battalion of the Second Cavalry acting as rear guard for the entire division, fighting the enemy in the streets of Winchester, in dense darkness, for three hours. In the fights with Earl} on the 19th, 22nd, and tvsro or three subsequent sharp encounters with the impetuous rebel, the Second bore a conspicuous part, going with the division to Boonesborough on the 26th, camping en route, on the battle-field of South Mountain, and marching over the battle-field of Antie- tam. Plaudits of Secretary Stanton. — August 30, the Second assisted in driving the enemy from Berrysville, Va.; in September did picket duty on the left of Sheridan's army, frequently engaging the enemy; September 13 went on a reconnoisance to Winchester, w^here Early had his headquarters, drove in the rebel cavalry, and w^ith the aid of a Nevi^ Jersey regiment, captured a rebel infantry regiment, taking them to Berrysville, for which gallant exploit the Secretary of War inade special commendatory mention. The Second aided, by four hours hard fighting, in carrying a line of hills between Opequan and Winchester; on Early's retreat, joined in the pursuit; on the 20th drove Wickham's cavalry through Front Royal; inarched and skirmished four days in Luray Valley; fought against Fitzhugh Lee, at Waynesboro, the 29th, the Second acting as rear guard, being cut off by rebel infantry, charging through the line; fought and repulsed Rosser's cavalry at Bridge- 'water, and during Sheridan's march down the valley, being annoyed by Rosser in the rear, turned upon hiin, and defeated him, captur- ing eleven guns and eighty wagons; the Second, after fighting from eight till eleven A. m., pursuing the enemy until three P. m, Sheridan's Winchester Victory.^ — On October 17, the Second shared in the battle of Cedar Creek, being in the saddle from daj''- break until nine p. m.; occupied the center on the Valley Pike, near Middletown, and aided in the shout of w^elcome to Sheridan, on his arrival at the front, on his famous ride to " Winchester town," and participated in the charges w^hich turned defeat into victory, the Second, with other troops, at nine o'clock at night, bivouacking, supperless on the field of battle. Performing routine picket duty for several w^eeks, on November 12, the Second \^ras attacked by Rosser's division and driven in, the fight lasting all day, resulting in the entire defeat of the enemy; was hotly engaged w^ith Early's force at New Market, November 20; suffered terribly from cold en route to Winter quarters, near Winchester, (28 of the boys having their feet frozen). The Last Raid of the War. — Remaining in Winter quarters from December 23, until February 27, (except sending out an occas- ional scouting detachment), the Second, w^ith Sheridan's other cavalry, started on the last raid of the w^ar, on March 2nd capturing the remains of Early's army, the Second alone capturing five pieces of artillery w^ith caissons, thirteen w^agons and ambulances, seventy TWENTY-SEVEN THOUSAND MILES. 283 horses and mules, thirty sets of harness, 350 stands of small arm» and 650 prisoners, for which magniticent exploit it received the thanks of the commander of the division. Gen. Custer, on the field. Leading the advance, at Charlottesville, the Second captured more artillery; in the campaign that closed the war, from March 27, until Lee's surrender, April 9, 1865, capturing eighteen pieces of artillery, 180 horses, 70 wragons, large quantities of small arms and 900 prisoners. Again in Missouri.— After the surrender of Gen. Johnston to Gen. Sherman, April 26, 1865, the Second, with Custer's division, moved to the vicinity of Washington, and after the grand review, was ordered to Missouri, remaining a month at St. Louis, when it w^ent to Springfield to relieve State troops. Remaining there until September 1, the Second was transferred to Cainp Chase, w^here, on September 11, 1865, it was paid off and disbanded. AKRON'S ROLL OF HONOR. Following, so far as the writer has been able to compile them, is a list of the brave boys furnished by Middlebury and Portage townships (including Akron), for the invincible and almost omni- present Second Ohio Cavalry: Clinton Allen, Milton F. Abbey, Watson C. Atwood, Augustus N. Bernard, Christopher Bartges, C. F. H, Biggs, Townsend C. Budd, W. F. Ball, W. F. Benedict, James Brennan, Frank D.Bryan, Henry E. Bryan, James H, Case, Joseph Cook, Gurdon Cook, Augustus Curtiss, Jordan Cook, John W. Crosier, Lawson B, Doyle, Abner Danforth, Edmund Foley, James B. Foote, Arthurton H. Farnam, George H. Falor, John W. Gilpin, Theodore Gambie, Marion Golden, Henry O. Hampson, George W. Hart, James Housel, George Hanscoin, John Hanscom, George Hart, George H. Henry, Carlton Jackson, James Kerns, Isaiah McNeil, Jackson Maple, James M. Malone, William McCloud, Dustin Marble (leader of band) David C. Mohtgomer}^ Daniel McNaughton, Eugene Pooler, George A. Purington, George Richards, F. A. Remington, John Roahl, Virgil Robinson, J. Gilbert Raymond, (musician) Dudley Sew^ard, George S. Storer, E. W. Spelman, George Spel- man, Christian Stroker, Henry H. Smith, Peter J. Smith, William Shaffer, John Scanlan, Charles Tifft, David R. Townley, William Turner, A. H. Thompson, James A. Viall, Benjamin F. Weary, W. W. Wise, S. B. Watkins. Other Summit county boys, connected with the Second, so far as they can now be ascertained, will be found in the lists of their respective townships. A GLOWING TRIBUTE TO THE SECOND. Whitelaw^ Reid, late editor-in-chief of the New York Tribune, now United States Minister to France, upon whose " Ohio in the War" w^e have drawn largely for the data for this chapter, in speaking of the glorious achievements of the Second Ohio Cavalry said: "Its horses have drunk from, and its troopers have bathed in, the waters of the Arkansas, Kaw, Osage, Cygnes, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Scioto, Miami, Cumberland, Tennessee, Holston, Potomac, Shenandoah, Rappahannock, Rapidan, Bull Run, Matta- pony, Pamunkey, Chickahominy, James, Appomatox, Black Water, Nottaway, and Chesapeake. It has campaigned through thirteen 384 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. States and one Territory. * * * it has marched an aggregate distance of 27,000 miles and has fought in ninety-seven battles and engagements. It has served in live different armies — the Army of the Frontier, of the Missouri, of the Potomac, of the Ohio and of the Shenandoah — forming a continuous line of armies from the head-waters of the Arkansas to the mouth of the James, and its dead, sleeping where they fell, form a vidette line half across the continent, a chain of prostrate sentinels two thousand miles long. Even in their graves, may not these patriot dead still guard the glory and integrity of the Republic for which they fell?" FIRST OHIO LIGHT ARTILLERY. This regiment, with 1,800 men and tw^elve batteries, w^as organ- ized at Cleveland, under the militia law of 1860, and on the break- ing out of the war. Col. James Barnett tendered its services to the Government, under the three ^nonths' call, w^hich being accepted,, the regiment reported at Columbus, April 22, 1861, and was^ assigned to duty in West Virginia. On the expiration of three months, the regiment was reorganized for three years, Battery A, with Charles S. Cotter, a Middlebury boj^, as captain, and Battery D, with Andrew J. Konkle,of Cuyahoga Falls, as captain. CAPTAIN COTTER'S BATTERY. As before stated, Captain Charles S. Cotter, of Middlebury,. recruited Company A, First Ohio Light Artillery, for the three years' service, w^hich was mustered in at Camp Chase, Columbus, September 6, 1861, immediately leaving for Louisville, K^^., receiv- ing its equipment w^hile en route at Cincinnati, and was the first Ohio Battery to report in that department. Moving with Gen. McCook's Command to Green River, and froin thence direct to Nashville, Tenn., it proceeded to Pittsburg Landing, (too late to be of service in that action, April 7, 1862), participated in the advance on Corinth; marched to Florence, Ala., to Battle Creek and Jasper, Tenn., to Dechert, to Winchester, TuUahoma, Shelbyville, and back to Nashville. Accompanying Buell's army through Kentucky, a detachment of the battery, aiding in the defense of Munfordsville, September 21, 1862, was captured with the garrison by the rebel Gen. Bragg. The balance of the battery participated in numerous skirmishes en route to Perrysville, Ky.; was actively engaged at Dog Walk; marched through Danville to Crabb Orchard, and joined the retro- grade movement of Buell's army, reaching Bow^ling Green, October 31, 1862, and Louisville November 7. In the disaster of Stone River, December 30, 1862, the battery saved two of its guns from capture, after reaching the Nashville Pike doing effective service during the remainder of the battle, until the last gun Avas disabled, and afterwards aided in working other batteries upon the field. Battery A Reorganized. — After the capture of Murfrees- boro, by the Union forces, January 3, 1863, the battery \\ras re-or- ganized and re-equipped, and, as part of the Second Division of the Army of the Cumberland, participated in the movements on TuUahoma, Liberty and Hoover's Gap, in June, 1863, and accom- panied McCook over Sand Mountain. At Chickamauga, Septem- ber 19-20, 1863, the battery did most effective service, and when cottkr's and konkle's batteries. 385 nearly surrounded, extricated its guns by a sudden change of front, its loss on that eventful day being 17 men killed and w^ounded. Entering Chattanooga with the army, it aided in its defense until October 16, 1863, when, under Gen. Speer,it marched through East Tennessee to Strawberry Plains, being almost constantly engaged \vith the enemy's cavalry until January 30, 1864. Re-enlisting as Veterans. — At Strawberry Plains, the bat- tery re-enlisted as veterans, and left for home on a 30 days' fur- lough. On again reporting at the fort, Battery A participated in the entire Atlanta campaign, at the close of w^hich it took a lively hand in the several engagements with Hood's rebel artny, at Pulaski, Columbia, and other points, arriving at Nashville just in , time to haul the captured rebel artillery off from that hotly con- tested field, December 16, 1864. The battery was now sent to New Orleans, and thence to Texas, being at Gallatin at the close of the war, and was mustered out at Cleveland, 134 men, July 31, 1865. Of this battery Whitelaw Reid, page 894 second volume "Ohio in the War," said: "Battery A marched in the States of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, 4,500 miles, and was transported by Govern- ment 1,500 miles, making a total of 6,000 traveled; was in 30 skirmishes and nine heavy battles, and hurled from the cannon's mouth at the rebels, 30 tons of ammunition, 25 tons of -which were fired in the Georgia campaign of 1864, under Gen. Sherman." Akron in Cotter's Battery. — Besides Captain (afterwards Colonel) Cotter, Akron's representatives in Battery A, First Ohio Light Artillery, so far as can be learned, vt^ere: Thomas Corwin (or Kirw^in), James Courtney (mortally wounded at Chickamauga September 20, 1863), Henry Geer (^vounded in saine battle), William Hill, Henry O. Martin, Joseph S. Williams, Morgan M. Whitney; the Middlebury assessor, also giving the names of Wellington Brown, Jacob Demass, J. S. G. Slocum and William Yeomans, as belonging to this battery. Captain Konkle's Battery. — At the close of the three months servuce, as above intimated. Battery D, First Ohio Light Artillery, was recruited for the three years' service by Andrew J. Konkle, of Cuyahoga Falls, who was made captain of the battery, w^ith Wil- liam H.' Pease as first lieutenant. Captain Konkle afterwards being promoted to major of the regiment, Lieut. Pease was promoted to captain and Henry C. Grant to second, and afterwards to first, lieutenant. The battery was mustered into the service of the United States at Camp Dennison, Columbus, in September, 1861, w^ith 150 men. Plucky but Unfortunate.— In November, 1861, the battery went to Mount Sterling, Ky., and, under Gen. William Nelson, marched up the Big Sandy, to Piketon, at Joy Mountain, November 9, 1861, having a sharp skirmish w^ith the enemy and losing one man, killed, going from thence, by steamer, to Louisville, November 25, to Munf ordsville, November 29, and from thence to Nashville, Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., Corinth, Miss., and on June 30, 1862, to Athens, Ala. Leaving Athens July 30, 1862, the battery went with General Nelson's command, Ha Columbia, Tenn., to Lebanon, Ky. In the battle of Munfordsville, Ky., September 15-16, 1862, the batterj^ was overwhelmed by the enemy, and all its men and material captured. 26 C86 AKRON AND SUxHMIT COUNTY. Though unfortunate in this regard, they were more fortunate than thousands of their fellow-soldiers, in that, instead of being immured in a rebel prison, they were then and there paroled and sent home, to Camp Chase, where they remained until exchanged, in January, 1863. After being dulj^ exchanged. Battery D, was re-organized and newly equipped, going to Lexington, Ky,, the latter part of January, 1863, and from thence, on April 18, to Mount Vernon, Ky. June 13, 1863, with thirty-one men, thirty-four horses and two guns, Lieut. H. C. Lloyd, under Col. Saunders, Chief of Cavalry, Third Army Corps, went on a raid into Kast Tennessee, and though the raid was generally successful — important bridges burned, a large amount of ordnance and commissary stores destroyed and other serious damage done to the enemy — the detachment from Battery D lost both its guns and had one man killed by guerrillas. In July, 1863, the battery marched with Gen. Burnside's army to Cumberland Gap, and participated in its capture, during the following two months, in connection with Col. Frank Woolford's Cavalry, raiding through Kentucky. December 2, 1863, seven of its men fell into the hands of the rebels, six of \ehom died in the prison-pen at Andersonville, Ga. During the entire siege at Knoxville, Battery D was effectively engaged, and immediately after the siege was raised, the men re-enlisted and w^ere sent home on a thirty-days' furlough. On the expiration of its veteran fur- lough, its ranks were filled at Cleveland and the battery returned to Knoxville early in 1864, moving with Sherman's army when the march on Atlanta began, and participating in all the engagements of that gloriously successful campaign; afterwards engaging in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, and after driving Hood's army across the Tennessee River, went with the Third Army Corps to Wilmington, N C, and after the close of the war was mus- tered out, 99 men strong, at Cleveland, July 15, 1865. Akron's Members of Battery D. — Attached to Battery D, First Ohio Light Artillery, were the following Akron and Middlebury boys: Daniel Ackerman, George H. Brown, William Delong, V^ersel Dreythaler, William Fink, Amos Griffith, Aaron Hart, William Hill, Zebulon McAlpin, George Smith, Charles Stair, r itiiel Stair, Timothy R. Sanford, James Sangster, Jr., D. R. Townl< /. THE FIFTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT O. V. I. Thi.3 was a German regiment, organized by Col. Valentine Bausenwein, at Camp Chase, in the Fall of 1861, leaving for the front in February, 1862, taking part in the Fort Donelson, Tenn., affair, February 14, 15 and 16, 1862; Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7, 1862; siege of Corinth, Miss., April 30, 1862; Milliken's Bend, La., August 18, 1862; Chickasaw Bayou, Miss., December 28-29, 1862; Arkansas Post, January 11, 1863; Deer Creek, Miss., March 21, 1863; Grand Gulf, Miss., April 29, 1863; Big Black River, Miss., May 17, 1863; siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18 to July 4, 1863; Lake Providence, La., June 10, 1864; Fort Morgan, Ala., August 5-23, 1864. The surviving original members, except re-enlisted veterans, were mustered out January 14, 1865, balance September 16, 1865. In this regiment, as per assessor's returns, Portage township is credited with the following members of Co. B: Joseph Bergdorf, THEY "FIT MIT SIGEL." 387 Thomas Dill, George Fry, L. F. Grether, Charles Henning, Henry Kinehart, Joseph Schmidt, John Stark, Casper Treitinger, (Orderly Sergeant), John D. Viers. Philip A. Bierwirth, recruited part of a company for this regiment in September and October, 1861, and was appointed first lieutenant January 8, 1862, but resigned March 15, 1862, afterwards enlisted in the 107th, as elsewhere stated. Of the others Joseph Schmidt was discharged for disability at Camp Chase, August 8, 1862; Joseph Bergdorf, appointed corporal, transferred' to Co. C, December 26, 1864, appointed ser- geant May 11, 1865, mustered out September 16, 1865; Thomas Dill discharged at Louisville, Ky,, for disability, September 19, 1862; George Fry, mustered out on expiration of enlistment, January 14, 1865; Louis F. Grether, discharged for disability, at Camp Chase, July 1, 1862; Charles Henning, mustered out at expiration of term of service, January 14, 1865; Casper Treitinger, discharged for disability at Mound City, 111., August 20, 1862; John D. Viers, trans- ferred to Co. C, December 20, 1864 — veteran. THE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH O. V. I. This was also a German regiment, organized in August, 1862, under a special order from Ohio's Patriotic Democratic War Governor, David Tod, to "fight mit Sigel," Company I was in part composed of citizens of Summit county, Richard Feederle, of Akron, being «lected captain, W. F. Bechtel, of Akron, second lieutenant, Captain George Billow, Akron's present Avell-known funeral director, enlisted as private, being promoted the following November to second lieutenant and soon after to first lieutenant and finally to captain, in which capacity he served to the close of the w^ar. As show^ing the interest taken by the Germans of Akron, in the recruiting of this regiment, we find in the Beacon of July 31, 1862, an announcement, that the Akron Liedertafel will give a "War Fund Benefit Concert" on the evening of August 22, the proceeds to be applied as a bounty fund to assist Lieut. Richard Feederle and George Billow in raising their company for the 107th regiment. Tickets $1.00 per couple. Organized at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, in August, 1862, the first Avar experience of the 107th, was ij^i aiding the National forces to repel the threatened attack of the rebel General Kirby Smith on Cincinnati, in September. In November, the regiment was transferred to Virginia and assigned to the Eleventh Army Corps, commanded by Gen. Franz Sigel, taking part in the battle of Chancellorsville. Being flanked in that battle, the 107th lost 220 officers and men, killed, wounded and missing. In the Fredericksburg campaign, in the battles of Hagerstow^n, Boones- borough, and other hard-fought contests in that vicinity, and in the Gettysburg campaign, the 107th took an honorable part, losing according to official report, 42 per cent of its men in the latter sanguinary struggle. Singular Fatality, — As w^ill appear elsew^here in this chapter, at a public meeting held at East Liberty for the purpose of encouraging enlistments, w^hile the 107th was being recruited, in the Summer of 1862, the "copperhead" element of the neighbor- hood .undertook to break up the meeting, and made the most persistent efforts to discourage enlistments — six of the more 388 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. prominent offenders being taken before the United States Commis- sioner at Cleveland, and mulcted in fines and costs to the aggregate amount of about $600. Three of the younger men implicated in the affair, being unable to procure bail, were placed in "durance vile," and after sleeping over the matter one night in jail, concluded that the quickest and safest way out of the dilemma in w^hich they had unwittingly placed themselves, w^ould be to enlist, and all three at the same time enrolled themselves in the 107th, under Capt. Feederle and Lieutenant Billow. It is but simple justice to the memory of the boys in question, to saj^ that they all made brave and patriotic soldiers, as is evidenced by the fact that all three fell by rebel bullets, on the same day, two killed and one mortally w^ounded, falling almost side by side, at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863. pAPT. GEORGE BILLOW,— born ^ in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, April 2, 1833 ; came to United States with parents in 1844, settling on farm near Sandixsky, O.; at 17 began learn- ing Avagon-maker's trade, finishing in Cleveland, later working in Akron and Tallmadge, until August 1862, when he enlisted as a private in the 107th O. V. I., a German regiinent, of whose services a full account rs else- where given, Mr. Billow, besides being promoted by regular grada- tion to the captaincy of Co. I, doing duty as brigade commissary, and on the staff of Gen. Foster, at Fernan- dina, Fla., and later as local provost marshal at Jacksonville. On being mustered out, July 10, 1865, Ca'f)tain Billow^ returned to Akron, engaging in the grocer}^ business with Mr. C.J. Kolb for about two years ; then took charge of the co-operative grocer}^, afterwards for a j^ear and a half traveling and selling stoneware. In 1870, Capt. Billow moved to Hunts- ville, Ala., and engaged in cotton planting, but finding the speculation unprofitable, in April, 187^, returned to Akron. Here he established him- self as an undertaker, which busi- ness he is still successfully pursuing, also officiating a's Notary and agent CAPT. GEORGE BILLOW. for ocean steaiuship transportation,.. dealer in foreign exchange, etc Sept. 19, 1854, Capt. Billow was mar- ried to Miss Marj-.Fink, of Akron,., who has borne him eight children — Anna, George W., Charles Fernando, Ida, Albert C, Jacob L., Edwin M.,. and Claire. Transferred to South Carolina, — In August, 1863, the 107th was transferred to South Carolina, from thence, in February, 1864, to Florida, and in December, 1864, back to South Carolina, where,, and in Georgia, besides being for a w^hile employed in provost duty, it took a lively hand in the closing scenes of the Avar, in that vicinity, after the consummation of Gen, Sherman's celebrated march from "Atlanta to the Sea," being finally mustered out July 10, 1865, at Charleston, 480 men. The Akron contingent in the 107th, so far as is now ascertain- able was: George Billow, William F. Bechtel, Philip A. Bierwirth, Joseph Bimler, Joseph Decovey, Robert Deitzhold, Richard Feed- erle, Frederick Fischer, Christian Fischer, Peter Ginther,. Theobold PROMOTIONS, CASUALTIES, ETC. 389 Hassttian, Frederick Landenberger, Simon Lamprecht, John Laube, John Ley, Adam Marsh, Conrad Metzler, Charles Remmy, Gordian -Spreck, Jacob Weinert. The names of those from other parts of the county will appear in connection with their respective town- ships. While in South Carolina and Florida, Capt. Billow had a severe attack of typhoid fever and on his recovery was detailed as brigade commissary, afterwards serving on the staff of Post Com- missary Gen. Foster, at Fernandina, and still later acting as local provost marshal at Jacksonville, afterwards returning to Fernan- dina, where he remained until the close of the w^ar. Lieut. William F. Bechtel, transferred to Company D, Oct. 21, 1862; Sergeant Philip A. Bierwirth, transferred to 16th New York Cavalry as first sergeant; Joseph Decovey, appointed corporal, October 18, 1863, promoted to sergeant November 24, 1864; Corporal Peter Carl, died at McDougal hospital, New York Harbor, Septem- l)er 28, 1863, of wounds received at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863; Jerome Ansbach, appointed corporal December 12, 1862, killed at Gettys- burg, July 1, 1863; Simon Lambrecht, appointed corporal, January 16, 1863; killed at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863; Gordian Spreck, appointed corporal April 18, 1863, mustered out Avith company; John J. Bussard, killed at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863; Robert Deitz- hold, transferred to compan}^ K, 25th O. V. I., July 10, 1865; Chris- tian Fischer, died August 2, 1873, at Newark, N. J., of wounds received at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863; Frederick Fischer, captured at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, returned to company October 20, 1863, and mustered out with regiment; Theobold Hassman, wounded at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, and transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, January 6, 1864; Frederick Landenberger, captured at Enterprise, Fla., February 4, 1865, exchanged and mustered out at Camp Chase, June 16, 1865; John Laube, discharged for disability, at De Kamp hospital. New York Harbor, November 11, 1864; John Ley, mustered out at Cleveland, August 2, 18G5; Conrad Metzler, died at Jacksonville, Fla., May 10, 1864; Charles Remmy, discharged for disability, at Hilton Head, S. C, May 14, 1865; Jacob Weinert, discharged for disability, at Washington, D. C, November 26, 1862. Besides the many minor engagements and skirmishes in which the 107th participated, following is the official list of battles in which the regiment Avas engaged during the war, as given in Ohio Roster: Chancellorsville, Va., May 1-4, 1863; Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3, 1863; Hagerstown, Md., July 11, 1863; John's Island, S. C, July 5-7, 1864; Deveaux Neck, S. C, December 6-9, 1864; Deveaux Neck, S. C., December 29, 1864; Enterprise, Fla., February 5, 1865; Sum- terville, S. C, March 23, 1865; Swift Creek, S. C, April 19, 1865. THE THIRTY-SEVENTH O. V. I. This was the third German regiment organized in Ohio, and was principally composed of patriotic German citizens of Cleve- land, Toledo, and Chillicothe, w^ith liberal accessions from Summit and other counties in Northern and Western Ohio. October 1, 1861, at Camp Dennison, near Columbus, the regiment, 800 strong, was mustered into service and duly officered, armed and equipped, and placed in command of Col. E. Siber, an accomplished German officer, of large military experience in Prussia and Brazil, the 390 AKRON AXD SUMMIT COUNTY. minor officers being selected from those who had seen service under the three months' call. The regiment reported to Gen, Rosecrans in West Virginia, early in October, 1861, operating in the KanaAvha Valley ; in January, 1862, went on a raid to Logan, C, H., after hard lighting capturing the place and destroying war material — an officer and one private killed; March, 1862, in a raid on the Virginia and Kast Tennessee Railroad, lost one officer and thirteen men killed, tw^o officers and forty-six men wounded and fourteen men missing, the National forces retreating to Flat Top Mountain. At Wj^oming, C. H., in April, 1862, a detachment viras ambuscaded and surrounded, but fought their \vay out with a loss of two men killed and one officer and seven men captured by the rebels; fought at Cotton Hill, September 11, 1862. After infinite marchings and counter-march- ings, scoutings, raidings, etc., the 37th participated throughout the entire siege of Vicksburg — sharing in its disasters and successes — from May 18 until Jul)' 4, 1863, with a loss of 19 men killed and 75 w^ounded, including its commander, Lieut. Col. Louis Von Bles- singh; and taking part in the investment and capture of Jackson, Miss., July 9-17, 1863, and the battle of Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863. Re-enlisting as Veterans. — March 8, 1864, three-fourths of all the men re-enlisted for another three years, and were sent home on veteran furlough. Returning to the field, the 37th took part in the three days' battle at Resaca, Ga., May 13-16, 1864; Dallas, Ga., May 25 June 4, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, June 9-30 (including the general assault, June 27th); successfully defended against Hood's first sortie from Atlanta, July 22, and second sortie, July 28, 1864; siege of Atlanta, Ga., July 28 to September 2,1864; Jonesborough,Ga., August 31 to September 1, 1864; marched with Sherman's invin- cible army from Atlanta to Savannah, encountering several sharp engagements with the enemy in South and North Carolina in the north w^ard march of the victorious army; after the surrender of Lee and Johnston marching to Washington ria Richmond, Va., and participating in the Grand Review, at the National Capital, ^lay 25, 1865. After the review, the regiment was transported bj' rail, to Louisville, Ky., and from thence, the latter part of June, to Little Rock, Ark., where it remained until August 7, 1865, Avhen it was mustered out, and transported to Cleveland, Ohio, where the men were paid off and discharged. Akron in the Thirty-Seventh. — Charles Groff, or Gropf, Co. D, captured at Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864, returned to company Octo- ber 2, 1864 — Veteran; Christian Koehler, mustered out with com- pany, August 7, 1865 — Veteran; Benjamin Stroker, died at Walnut Hills, Miss., July 10, 1863; William Sampsey, discharged at Flat- Top Mountain, W. Va., for disability, July 1, 1862. NINTH OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY. This battery w^as organized at Camp Wood, near Cleveland, October 11, 1861, w^ith Henry S. Wetmore, of Cuyahoga Falls, as captain, John M. Hinde, of Cuyahoga Falls, as second lieutenant. Captain Wetmore resigning December 12, 1862; John M, Hinde promoted to first lieutenant August 3, 1862, resigned December 5, 1862; Henry A. Tallmadge, of Hudson, promoted to second lieuten- ant August 3, 1862, to first lieutenant, September 11, 1862, resigned NINTH INDEPENDENT BATTERY. 391 June 7, 1864; William H. James, of Cuyahoga Falls, promoted to second lieutenant, May 9, 1864, to first lieutenant, November 16, 1864, resigned January 21, 1865; George W. Church, of Hudson, promoted to second lieutenant, June 27, 1864, to first lieutenant, February 10, 1865, mustered out with battery, July 25, 1865, This battery was one of the most effective in the service, taking part in the battle of Mill Springs, January 19, 1862, from a hill cominanding the ferry on the Cumberland River, over which rebel troops ^vere being transported, by its well-directed shots, at a range of nearly two miles, setting fire to the steam ferry-boat and compelling the speedy surrender of the rebel works. For this gallant service Gen. George H. Thomas, with the approval of Major Gen. Buell, presented the battery with two captured six- pound bronze guns, fitted out with captured horses and harness. The battery participated in the capture of Cumberland Gap; in the retreat of the United States forces from the Gap, in September, 1862, the Ninth taking the advance in charge of a train of one hun- dred wagons filled Avith ammunition, having several sharp encounters with the enemy on the ^vay, the men running so short of provisions as to be obliged to gather corn from adjacent planta- tions for food, grating it by means of perforations in the bottoms of their tin plates. The Battery Re-equipped. — Arriving at Wheeling, W. Va., the citizens fed and treated them w^ith every kindness, and after arriving at Covington, Ky., the battery was reclothed and re-equipped with a complete new outfit of guns and horses, the Ninth now being recognized by the War Department as a six-gun battery and entitled to a full complement of officers. On October 19, 1862, sixty-six recruits were added to the battery, giving it a total of three commissioned officers and 156 men. Going from Covington to Nicholasville, Ky., in December, after considerable scouting after John Morgan, and other rebel raiders, the battery went to Nashville the latter part of January, 1863, remaining in that vicinity, with almost daily sharp brushes with the enemy, until September 5, 1863, when it marched to Tullahoma. A Villainous Performance. — December 23, 1862, four mem- bers of the battery, w^hile on a foraging expedition, in Lincoln County, Tenn., were captured by rebel guerrillas, avIio tied the hands of their prisoners behind their backs, and then deliberately shot them and threwr their bodies into Elk River. Tw^o of the men not being killed outright by the miscreants, managed to loosen their bonds and swim ashore, one of them dying the fol- lowing day — the other, James W. Foley, of Hudson, being perma- nently disabled in the right leg. This barbarous outrage having been duly reported at Head Quarters of the Army of the Cumberland, General Order Number Six, series of 1864, Avas issued, making an assessment on the neigh- borhood in the sum of $30,00() for the benefit of the families of the three men thus wantonly and inhumanly murdered. February 22, 1864, forty-one members of the original organiza- tion re-enlisted as veterans, and with Captain H. B. York and First Lieut. Henry A. Tallmadge, were sent to Cleveland to recruit its ranks. April 9, 1864, the battery reported at Tullahoma, Tenn., with 151 men and five commissioned officers, in May starting for 392 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Atlanta with Gen. Sherman, and after the fall of that stronghold, participating in the march of that victorious military chieftain through Georgia, and from Savannah through the Carolinas, and from thence, on the final collapse of the rebellion, to Washington, being mustered out at Cleveland, July 25, 1865. So far as now ascertainable, Akron's representatives in the Ninth Battery were as follows: Robert Cahill, Adam France, Charles Gifford, Martin Heiser, F. A. Patton, Frederick Potter, Caleb Williams, Thomas Williams, and Camden O. Kockwell, the latter being corporal and acting clerk of the battery, afterwards in 1861, being commissioned as second lieutenant colonel of Heavy Artillery, on the recommendation of the examining board at Nashville. THE SIXTY-SEVENTH O. V. I. After the return of the Nineteenth O. V. I, from the three months' service, 1861, Hon. Alvin C. Voris, then one of Summit County's Representatives in the Ohio General Assembly, enlisted as a private in the Twenty-ninth Regiment O. V. I., then being recruited by Major Lew^is P. Buckley for the three year's service. Before the organization w^as completed, how^ever, Governor William Dennison tendered to him a second lieutenant's com- mission >vith authority to recruit men for an entirely new^ regi- ment, the recruits secured by him finally being consolidated with others, raised in other portions of the State, into the Sixty- Seventh Regiment, Avith Otto Burstenbinder as colonel and A. C. Voris as lieutenant colonel. The regiment was organized at Camp Chase and mustered into the service of the United" States, December 22, 1861. With such zeal did the officers and men enter upon the task of pre- paring themselves for the arduous duties before them, that on the 19th of January, 1862, the Sixty-seventh was sent into the field in Western Virginia. After several weeks of desultory service in that vicinity, the regiment reported to Gen. Banks, at Winchester, Va., March 22, 1862, where, on the 23d, (Lieutenant Col. Voris meantime having been given entire command of the regiment), it had its first brush with the enemy, driving the opposing forces till past midnight as far south as Kearnstown. Lying all night on its arms, the Sixty-seventh was the first regiment to engage the enemy, commanded by Stonewall Jackson, the next morning, and when the fight was fully on, being ordered to support a battery of artillery, under the impetuous lead of Col. Voris, crossed an open field, three-four,ths of a mile, on a double- quick, exposed to the enemy's fire, forming his men on the left of Gen, Tyler's brigade, within point-blank range of a rebel brigade, protected by a stone-wall. In the effort to so arrange his force that the stone-w^all would not protect the enem3^ from his fire. Col. Voris, himself, was wounded in the right thigh, notwithstanding which he seized the colors from his hesitating color-bearer and, supported by two of his men, he started forward, and after two or three w^ell-directed volleys, ordered a charge, resulting in throwing the enemy into disorder and compelling his precipitate retreat — one of the very few instances in which the intrepid rebel leader, Stonewall Jackson, was thus discomfited in his brief but brilliant military THE SrXTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT O. V. I. 393 •career. The Sixty-seventh lost in this battle, 15 killed and 32 wounded. Perils by Sea as well as by Land. — After marching up and down the valleys and over the mountains, from the Potomac to Harrisonburg, from Front Royal to Fredericksburg, from Fredericksburg to Manassas, from thence to Port Republic, Alexandria, etc,, on the 26th of June 1862, the Sixty-seventh embarked on the steamer Herald, and the barge Delaware, to re-enforce the army of Gen. McClellan, on the James. During the night of the 30th, near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, in the midst of a heavy storm and gale, the hawser, connecting the barge with the steamer, parted, leaving the barge at the mercy of the wind and the waves. Men, horses and camp and garrison ■equipage, were washed overboard and lost. It was more than an hour before the steamer, in the darkness, could make connection "W'ith the barge, which had, by this time, become an almost perfect wreck. Col. Voris was himself upon the barge at the time of the catas- trophe, and to his coolness and good management was largely, if not wholly, due the rescue of himself and the survivors of his command, the Colonel himself losing all his military trappings, and — the last one to leave the ^vreck — boarding the steamer sans «word, sans hat, sans coat, sans everything, but shoes, stockings, shirt, pants and vest. , The Assault ox Fort Wagner, S. C. — Campaigning with the Army of the Potomac until the evacuation of the Peninsula the last of December, 1862, the Sixty-seventh was transferred to North Carolina, and thence, on February 1, 1863, to Hilton Head, South Carolina, and for several months endured all the hardships, dangers and privations of that prolonged siege, taking a com- manding part in the disastrous assault upon Fort Wagner, on the night of July 18, 1863, with a very heavy loss, Col. Voris himself being very seriously wounded in the side, necessitating his return home for "repairs." At Bermuda Hundred. — At the end of 60 days, Col. Voris had so far recovered from the effects of his wound as to enable him to rejoin his regiment. In February, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted as veterans and returned to Ohio on furlough and to recruit. Returning to the front, the 67th joined Gen. Butler's forces at Bermuda Hundred, May 6, 1864. May 8, the regiment was sent to guard the left flank of the Tenth Corps, while destroying the rail- road from Chester Station to Petersburg. The regiment, with a section of artiller3^ was stationed about eleven miles from Petersburg, on the Richmond turnpike, with instructions to hold that point at all hazards. On the morning of Maj^ 10, the rebels made a general attack upon them, but the 67th maintained a solid front against four successive desperate charges. A section of artillery inadvertently falling into the hands of the enemy, w^as recaptured by a portion of Company F. This lOtli day of May, 1864, was both a glorious and a sorrowful day for the Sixty-seventh, for though gallantly maintaining its position against superior numbers, seventy-six officers and men w^ere killed and wounded during the battle. Col. Voris, still suffering from his Fort Wagner wound, at the close of the exciting conflicts of the day found himself so 394 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, prostrated that he sank helpless, and almost unconscious, to the ground, and had to be assisted to his headquarters. Gen. Terrj^ complimented him and his command, by saying that if he had 10,000 such men as Col. Voris, and his 67th Ohio regiment, he could march straight into Richmond with them. For this day's work^ also. Col. Voris was recommended for promotion as a Brigadier General of Volunteers. Winning a Magnificent Trophy.— May 20, 1863, the 67th was designated, with other regiments, to recapture a portion of our line& w^hich had fallen into the hands of the rebels, which w^as accom- plished by a charge in w^hich the 67th lost sixty-nine officers and men, killed and w^ounded. In this engagement the rebel General W, H. S. Walker, \iras wounded and captured. Col. Voris relieving him of his sword, which he still retains as a trophy. August 16, at Deep River, four companies of the 67th charged the rifle-pits of the enemy w^ith a loss of nearly one-third of their men, but cap- turing the pits before the rebels could reload their guns. During the balance of the Summer and Fall of 1864, the 67th was almost constantly in action, "and it is said," says Whitelaw Reid, "bj^ officers competent to judge, that during the year it was under fire two hundred times" and that "out of 600 muskets taken to the front in the Spring, three-fifths were laid aside during the year on account of casualties." In at the Death of the Rebellion. — We cannot follow the 67th day by day, for want of space, but may say, briefly, that in the Spring of 1865, it w^as actively engaged until the final collapse^ leading in the charge upon Fort Gregg, Petersburg, on April 2, Col. Voris, being the first Union officer to enter the fort, nearly one-fourth of the rebel garrison defending the fort being killed; Col. Voris and the remnant of his regiment also sharing in the glory of Appomattox, being rew^arded therefore by a stinging w^ound upon his left arm from a flying fragment of a rebel shell. Politico-Military Honors. — Brev. Brigadier General in 1864,. and Major General in 1865, on the close of hostilities. Gen. Voris was assigned to command the politico-military district of South Anna, Va., and, with his regiment, to perform garrison and police duty; for six months or more the General performed the arduous and perplexing duties of the position so satisfactorily to all parties as to call forth the following commendatory notice from the Charlottesville Daily Chronicle, of strong rebel proclivities: "Gen. Voris has conducted himself in command here in the kind- est and most considerate manner, and has show^n himself an energetic, faithful and just officer. He leaves Avith the best wishes of our people." Akron in the Sixty-Seventh. — Owing to the fact that the 29th O. V. I. was being recruited here at the time, the most of the recruits furnished by Lieut. Col. Voris for the 67th, were raised elsew^here, tw^o Akron boys, only, besides the general himself, being members thereof — Charles W. Beecher and Jacob Alexander Lantz, of Company C, commanded by Marcus M. Spiegel, a former merchant of East Liberty, with relatives and friends in Akron, promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 120th O. V. I., October 2, 1862,^ to colonel February 18, 1863, and afterwards killed in battle. Corporal Jacob A. Lantz lost his right arm at the battle of Win- chester, Va., March 23, 1862, and w^as discharged for disability June WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE OF GENERAL VORIS. 395 30, 1862; Charles W. Beecher was discharged for disability Sep- tember 16, 1863. The Most Wonderful Case on Record. — The rifle ball by w^hich Col. Voris was wounded, at Fort Wagner, split upon the ring of his sw^ord belt, and as, on probing, only a small piece of the ball was found, it w^as supposed that the larger portion had glanced off without penetrating the bod^-. As the years passed by, after the close *of the war, and his return to his professional duties, the general began to experience an abdominal trouble, w^hich finally developed into what was supposed to be an aggravated case of stone in the bladder, and finally, despairing of his life, unless he could get speedy relief, in the Fall of 1873 he submitted to a surgi- cal operation, when, to the surprise of the surgeons, his friends and himself, instead of a stone, three-fourths of an enfield rifle leaden ball, weighing an ounce and one-eighth, was extracted from the bladder. That the shot did not instantl}' kill him in the first place was simply miraculous, and that he could have carried that amount of lead in such a vital position for over ten years of a very active life, without fatal results, and finally to withstand the effects of so painful and critical an operation, not only evinces a remark- able degree of pluck, but a most vigorous constitution. It is supposed that the leaden missive, being checked by striking the belt-ring, lodged in the integuments of the upper portion of the bladder, gradually, by its own gravit}^ working its way through into the cavity of the bladder itself, from whence it was, happily, so skillfully and safely removed. HOME GUARDS, HUNDRED DAY MEN, ETC. During the earlier portion of the war, the old militia s^'stem had fallen into utter neglect, so that w^hile tens of thousands of the patriotic sons of Ohio had voluntarily gone to the front, the State itself was virtually without organized military protection. Hence, in many of the cities and villages of the State unofficial local organizations were effected, composed of persons past military age, and others w^ho, for any reason, had not entered the volunteer service, who, under the general appellation of " Home Guards," took lessons in military tactics, supplied themselves w^ith weapons of defense, etc. — scores of the Henry sixteen-shooters being pur- chased by citizens of Akron about those days. The " Akron Home Guard." — There is no available roster of the " Akron Home Guard," but among the others, besides himself, the writer recalls such " braves" as Arad Kent, James Mathews, Joseph E. Wesener, David A. Scott, Charles A, Collins, Charles Cranz, Edwin P. Green, Nathaniel \V. Goodhue, Newell D. Tibbals, Jacob A. Kohler, James H. Peterson, J. H. Collins, Ferdinand Schumacher, John H. Chamberlin, Allen Hibbard, Robert P. Henry, John J. Hall, Charles B. Bernard, Justus Rockwell, Alfred R. Townsend, Richard S. Elkins, Joseph A. Beebe, Henry Purdy, George W. Manly, Morrill T. Cutter, Milton W. Henry, Charles Webster, Sanford M. Burnham, Edward Oviatt, Samuel G. Wilson, William L. Everett, Webster B. Storer, James B. Taplin, James M. Hale, Daniel Farnam, Enoch Adams, Stephen H. Pitkin, George H. Heifer, John W. Sabin, Jacob Chisnell, Emmit D. Dodge, Linus Austin, Charles W. Bonstedt, Henry W. Howe, Daniel M. Heifer, 396 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. David G. Sanford, George L>. Bates, James Christy, Georgia Thomas, Constant Bryan, ISrhard Steinbacher, George W. McNeil, John L. Robertson, John H. Christy, J, Park Alexander, B. F. Wheeler, Henry S. Abbey, John R. Buchtel, etc. These, and others not now remembered, were drilled nightly, for many months, in Union Hall (Henry's block), by Captain Arad Kent and other experienced drill-masters, and it is safe to say that if John Morgan had extended his raid into Summit county while the "Akron Home Guard" was in existence, not a man would have been left to tell the tale — an appropriate motto, for some of us, being: " In Peace, Invincible — in War, Invisible." THE HUNDRED DAY MEN. The alarm along the border, in 1862, especially the Kirby Smith demonstration against Cincinnati so gallantly thwarted by the " Squirrel Hunters," heretofore spoken of, forced upon the people of the State the necessity of a thorough revision of the military laws of Ohio, and, on the recommendation of Governor Tod, the Legislature, April 14, 1863, enacted a law not only requiring a full enrollment and organization into companies, regiments, brigades, etc., of all able-bodied male inhabitants, between the ages of 18 and 45, but also providing for the organization of volunteer companies, battalions and regiments, w^ho were to hold themselves ready for immediate call, such volunteer organizations to be armed and equipped at the expense of the State, the members to provide themselves with regulation U. S. uniforms, each company to draw $200 a year from the State military fund, for rent, care of arms and incidental expenses; to serve five years, and after that to be exempt from further military duty in time of peace; such volun- teer companies to be first called out by the sheriff or mayor, in case of riot or insurrection, or by the governor, in case of invasion or to prev^ent invasion; in case of call by the governor, to be paid the same as volunteers in the United States service, when thus called out, and to be treated as deserters >vhen neglecting or refusing to march as ordered, and when called by sheriff or mayor, to suppress riot, to be paid by county or city one dollar per man, for each day, and a like amount for each night, w^hile performing such service. FiETY-FouRTH BATTALION, O. N. G.— Under this law Summit county furnished three volunteer companies, as follows: Akron, Company A; Springfield and Green, Company B; Tallmadge, Company C, which constituted the Fifty-fourth Battalion, Ohio National Guard. Gov. Brough authorized the military committee to recruit a full regiment in Summit county, but only the three independent companies named w^ere ever organized. Company A — Original Roster. — The Akron Company was organized July 22, 1863, with one hundred members, as follows: J. Park Alexander, Joseph H. Alexander, Watson C. Atwood, W, E. Allen, C. P. Allen, F. C. Ackley, Charles B. Bernard, James K. Butler, Charles W. Bonstedt, Mills H. Beardsley, John R. Buchtel, John Pv. Bell, George H. Bien, N. H. Barber, James Burlison, James N. Baldwin, C. A, Brouse, C. A. Baldwin, Williams P. Babcock, W. G. Britton, Gates A. Babcock, George C. Berry, Morrill T. Cutter, George W, Crouse, George W. Camp, John H. Christy, Horace G. Canfield, Orion Church, J. M. Cobb, William H. Carter, THE FIFTY-FOURTH BATTALION. 397 George A. Collins, F. C. Chapman, David Dressier, William L, Everett, H. A. Grubb.Gottleib Geyer, C. W. Gunther, J. Goldsmith, George D. Gardner, Charles R, Howe, Henry C. Howard, George H. Heifer, John W. Hutton, John B. Houghton, Asa S. Hanscom, H. Hine, Dwight A. Hibbard, Henry \V. Howe, L. A, Hastings, E. M, Hastings, H. \V. Hawkins, H. W. IngersoU, W. H. Jones, Jacob Koch, Hiram A. Kepler, R. Koehler, Jacob A. Kohler, A. Kibling, William W. Kilbourn, T. G. Lane, Jehial Lane, Andrew McNeil, Wells E. Merriman, Henry L. Montenyohl, Henry G. Mathews, Henry E. Merrill, William McMasters, John L. Noble, Jacob Ober- holser, N. Osborn, Edward Oviatt, S. E. Phinney, D. W. Purdy, J. W. Rockwell, William B, Raymond, Wilson G. Robinson, Janies^ Rinehart, L. L. Risden, Charles P. Starr, George S. Storer, F. D. Shaffer, D. G. Steese, William Sichley, Daniel W. Storer, George H. Simmons, David Snyder, Henry M. Sanford, Newell D. Tibbals,^ John L. Taplin, Robert Turner, George Vogt, Henry C. Viele, Andrew T. Wilson, George Wellhouse, George C. Weimer, John Wolf, J. K. Weygandt, Henry W. Wetmore, A. A. Washburn, Daniel Zeisloft. Officers, Flag Festival, Etc. — ^The commissioned officers^ elected at the time of organization, Avere: William L. Everett, cap- tain; Daniel W. Storer, first lieutenant; Chas. R. Howe, second lieutenant, ^vith Edward Oviatt, as ensign. In speaking of the organization of Co. A, election of officers, etc., the writer said, edi- torially, in the Beacon of July 23, 1863: "The company is com- posed of good fellows, and will be a credit to the town, and an honor to the service, should it ever be called into the field." On Friday evening, October 16, 1863, the young ladies of Akron held a festival at Empire Hall, for the purpose of raising funds to pur- chase a flag for the "Akron Guards," realizing the munificent sum of $120. On Monday evening, October 26, 1863, Empire Hall was- crow^ded with an interested audience, to w^itness the presentation ceremonies, a dime admittance fee, for the benefit of soldiers' fam- iliesy realizing over $50. Presentation and Reception Speeches. — Everything being in readiness. Miss Hattie Henry (then but nine years of age, now Mrs. Clement A. Barnes) addressing the officers of the company, said: Akron Guards: — To you I coxne, in the name of the young- ladies of Akron, not to present to you the olive wreath, enibleniatic of peace, but with the Flag- of Your Countrj% the ensign of war. To j^ou we look for protec- tion while our fathers and brothers are fighting on the bloody field for the salvation of our common country. * * * To you I present this flag as a token of respect and love from those who have known you long and well.. Let it never be disgraced, and when you look at it in your qviiet drills at hoine, may it remind you of your country's greatness, and also of its present peril.. And should you be called to the tented field, may it be your pride to protect it from the foul touch of rebel foes, that it may, with you, be returned to- greet the eyes of your lady friends. Accept it, then ; be faithful, trusty and true, and may the God of Heaven bless you ! Captain Everett's Response.— Ladies : For myself and in behalf of my brother officers and members of this company, I return you our sincere- thanks for this honor conferred, and for this beautiful tribute of the interest you have taken in us. To you and to all our ladies, are we and our country indebted for the encouragement you have given our soldiers, and for j'our" untiring labors for their welfare. Ensign, to you belongs the honor of bear- ing this glorious emblem of our nation's liberty, and may the sight of its beautiful folds ever inspire you, and each one of us, with a higher sense of 398 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. our duty to our country, and may it fill our hearts with the spirit of resist- ance to all rebel foes, — aye, with a double contempt for all northern traitors, till thej" are haunted south of the line by the ghost of their own grandfather, Benedict Arnold. A Genuine but Joyous Surprise. — At the close of Captain Everett's response, Miss Maria Ackley, (now Mrs. James B. Storer), confronted the three principal officers of the company, and pre- sented each of them with a beautiful sword, in an appropriate address, from w^hich we quote as follows: Officers of the 'Akron Guarjj':— We meet you to-night, clothed in the habiliments of war, with words of greeting and good cheer, and extend to you a hearty welcome ! Selected by ^^our compatriots, as well for your courage as your noble bearing, to instruct and educate them in the manual of arms, and if need be, to lead them through scenes of danger and death, to victor}' and to glory, it becomes yovx to gird yourselves well for the task that you maj' acquit 5^ourselves like men. Officers, accept from us these swords. Let them be drawn only in defense of the right, and may the God of Heaven ever bless you and your command. Kach oi the officers named briefly expressed his thanks for the beautiful weapons, and on call. Ensign Edward Oviatt and Corporal Newell D. Tibbals, each made stirring and highly patri- otic speeches. James M, Hale sang an original song, to the tune of "Yankee Doodle," with several capital hits at "the man over in Canada;" the Glee Club sang the "Star Spangled Banner" and other patriotic songs, etc. PATRIOTIC ACTION OF WESTERN GOVERNORS. Meantime the critical point of the war was rapidly approaching. Grant's plan for giving the rebellion its death-blow, -was by hurling against Richmond such an overwhelming force that it neither could be defeated nor driven back. This, of course, with the large contingent required by Sherman to reduce Atlanta and accomplish his contemplated "march through Georgia," and to hold Hood and other able rebel generals in check in the West, necessitated the calling into the field every available experienced soldier, as w^ell as the large number of new recruits that were then being raised all over the country by draft and enlistment. At the same time, of course, an adequate force ^was required to garrison the forts surrounding Washington, and other exposed points, both in the East and in the West, and to give the great commander the benefit of the experienced soldiers thus occupied, Gov. Brough conceived the idea of temporarily supplying their places with the volunteer militia of Ohio and other w^estern states. To this end, at his suggestion, a meeting of the governors of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and low^a, was held at Washing- ton, and on April 21, 1864, a tender w^as made to President Lincoln as follows: Ohio, 30,000; Indiana, 20,000; Illinois, 20,000; Iowa, 10,000; Wisconsin, 5,000— total, 85,000 men— for the term of 100 days from date of muster into the service of the United States; to be clothed, armed and equipped, subsisted, transported and paid as other United States volunteers; to serve in fortifications, or wherever their services might be required, the entire number to be furnished within twenty days from the acceptance of the proposition. PROMPT AND NOBLE RESPONSE. 399 President Lincoln, through his Ohio Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, promptly accepted the tender, on being advised of -which, on April 25, 1864, Adjutant General R. B. Cowen, in Gen- tiral Order, No. 12, called all of the regiments, battalions and inde- pendent companies of infantry, of the Ohio National Guard, into active service, to rendezvous at the nearest eligible places in their respective counties, on Monday, May 2, 1864. THE GRAND UPRISING IN OHIO. While it w^as exceedingly difficult for many of the members of these organizations to leave their families and business, so great was the alacrity with which the men and boys of Ohio responded that, at half-past seven o'clock on the evening of the day named, Adjutant General Cowmen had received reports that more than 35,000 men w^ere in camp, clamoring to be sent forward. On May 3rd Governor Brough, issued an address "To the National Guard of Ohio," cordially thanking them for their noble response to the call made upon them for the relief of the army, and the salvation of the country. "This manifestation of loyalty and patriotism," said the Governor, "is alike honorable to your- selves and your noble State. In the history of this great struggle it will constitute a page that you and your descendents may here- after contemplate with perfect satisfaction. * * * Go forth, then, soldiers of the National Guard, to the fulfillment of the duty assigned to you. I have entire confidence that j^ou will meet all its requirements with fidelity and honor. The prayers of the people of the State will follow you; and may your return be as glorious as your going forth is noble and patriotic." The regiments were forwarded as fast as they could be made ready, the first regiments leaving on May 5, the last on May 16 — four to Baltimore, Md.; two to Cumberland, Md.; fourteen to Washington; three to Parkersburg, W. Va. ; three to New^ Creek; three to Harper's Ferry; one to Gallipolis, Ohio; tw^o to Camp Dennison; two to Camp Chase; two regiments and a battalion to Johnson's Island. In response to Gen. Brough's telegram to the above effect. Secretary Stanton replied: "The Department and the Nation are indebted to you more than I can tell, for your prompt and energetic action in this crisis." Summit County's Response. — On Monday, May 2, 1864, the three companies composing the 54th Battalion, reported to Capt. Everett, in Akron — Company A, 89 men; Company B, 88 men; Companj' C, 88 men — total, w^ith chaplain, 266. Between the organization and reporting for duty, a number of changes had occurred, some having moved away, some alreadj^ gone into the army in other regiments, and others being on the sick list, while the family and business relations of a few made it necessary for them to procure substitutes, the roster of Company A, as finally made up, being as follows: William L. Everett, captain; Daniel W. Storer, first lieutenant; Charles R. Howe, second lieutenant; Edw^ard Oviatt, ensign; John E. Bell, first sergeant; William B. Raymond, second sergeant; George A. Collins, third sergeant; New^ell D. Tibbals, fourth sergeant; George W. Crouse, fifth sergeant; Henry Ward IngersoU, first corporal; Andrew C. Dunn, second corporal; Hiram A. Kepler, third corporal; T. G. 400 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Lane, fourth corporal; A. Kibling sixth corporal; F. D. Shaffer,, seventh corporal (G. A. Bisbee, substitute); Henry G. Mathews,^ eighth corporal. Privates: J. Park Alexander (substitute, L, R. Harper), Franklin C. Ackley, Watson C. Atwood, W. E. Allen, Joseph H. Alexander, William J. AtAvood, Charles B. Bernard, James K. Butler, Charles W. Bonstedt (substitute, J. Gilbert Raymond, bass drummer), Mills H. Beardsley, Gates A. Bab- cock, George C. Berry, John R. Buchtel (substitute, W. S, St. John, fifer), James N. Baldwin, Cornelius A. Brouse, Charles A^ Baldwin, Williams P. Babcock, W. G. Britton, George H. Bien^ James Burlison, Morrill T, Cutter, John H. Christy, Horace G. Canlield, Orion Church, William H. Carter, George W. Camp (substitute, Henry E. Abbey), David Dressier, H. A. Grubb, C. W. Gunther, J. Goldsmith, G. Guyer, Henry C. Ho^v^ard, George H. Heifer (substitute, Clinton E. Heifer), John W. Button, H. W. Hawkins, Charles W. Huse, John B. Houghton (substitue,. Clarence L. Benjamin), Dwight A. Hibbard, L. A. Hastings,. E. M. Hastings, (substitute, R. K. Moore), Asa S. Hanscom, H. Hine, W. H. Jones, Jacob Koch, Jacob A. Kohler, Robert Koehler, Andrew McNeil, William McMasters (snare drummer), Henry E. Merrill, John L. Noble, Jacob Oberholser, N. Osborn, D. W. Purdy, Wilson G. Robinson (substitute, Henry Crosby King), J. Rinehart, David Snyder, Henry M. Sanford, William Sichlej^, Dallas G. Steese, Charles P. Starr (substitute, A. G. Cross), Robert Turner (substitute, D. Baughman), John L. Taplin, G. Vogt, Henry C. Viele, Andrew T. Wilson, A. A. Washburn, Henry W. Wetmore, George Wellhouse, George C. Weimer, John Wolf, J. K, Weygant, Daniel Zeisloft — total 89. Hundred and Sixty-Fourth, O. V. I. — ^On Thursday morning, May 5, 1863, the 54th Battalion, 266 strong, reported at Camp Taylor, w^here, the next day, it was consolidated with the Forty- Ninth O. N. G. from Seneca County, the consolidated regiment being organized and mustered into the service of the United States May 11, 1864, as the Hundred and ^ixty-Fourth Regiment, O. V. I., with John C. Lee, (late of Toledo) as colonel, Charles B. Bernard, of Akron, (now of Cleveland,) as adjutant, and Rev. John Peate, (then pastor of the First M. E. Church, of Akron,) as chap- lain; in the new arrangement, the letters of the companies being changed as follows, A to F; B to H; C to D. On examination, by the proper officers at Camp Ta3dor, a number of men from each company w^ere excused for disability, and other causes, and their places filled from the fragmentary companies reporting from Seneca county, but as to the exemptions and substitutions thus made, we are now without data. Tallmadge — Company D, 164th O. V. I. — Following is the joster of Company D, reported from Fort Woodbury, Va., May 20, and published in the Beacon, of May 26, 1864: Norman S. Keller, captain; Francis M. Wright, Jr., first lieutenant; Thomas E. Strong, second lieutenant; J. S. Upton, first sergeant; A. A. Hine, second sergeant; S. E. Barnes, third sergeant; Dennis Treat, fourth sergeant; J. D. Strong, fifth sergeant; W. H. Ash- mun, first corporal; J. S. Sprague, siecond corporal; Robert Ellis, third corporal; William Bell, fourth corporal; G. F. Lyman, fifth corporal; Byron M. Allison, sixth corporal; S. W. Harris, seventh corporal; W, B. Crane, drummer. Privates: L. H. Ashmun,. EX-ROUTE FOR WASHINGTON. 401 C. E. Barnes, F. N. Barnes, Bruce Baldwin, William H. Bron- son, P. Billman, J. Bowser, H. M. Camp, L. N. Camp, R. W, Clark, Frank A. Clark, H. Cochran, Christopher Callahan, U. F. Cramer, A. D. Crossley, J. Drake, William Denmead, ThomasDavis, J. Derr, W. Derr, D. Evans, J. Evans, W. Engler, F. B. Fenn, F. F. Fenn, S, P. Fenn, U. D. Fritz, J. Guingrich, R. Gettinger, Henry Harris, G. E. Hitchcock, E. Hope, H, L. Hart, J. Jordan, C. A. Lyman, Jeff. Limber, A. F. Means, John McNeal, W. Miller, Wil- liam T. Owen, John Owen, Atkin Ogle, L. B. Pierce, L. B. Peck, J. Palmer, S. B. Pettibone, R. Pettinger, George W. Rice, William Ripley, L. Rickardo, J. Row^insky, John Roudebush, O. Sprague, P. C. Shenkenberger, C. A. Sackett, B. W. Skinner, Lj^man S. Stone, F. Sperry, B. Strohl, L. Stouffer, E. Shoemaker, O. S. Treat, J. C. Treat, W. L. Thomas, J. E. Upson, H. C. Upson, N. L. Upson, Daniel A. Upson, J. Umsted, Daniel Vogt, W. W. Wetmore, H. Westover, George Young — total 88. Green and Springfield — Company H. — From the same source is also compiled the company jointly furnished by Green and Springfield townships, as follows: Darius F. Berger, of Green, captain; William J. Schrop, of Springfield, first lieutenant; D. J. Mottinger, of Green, second lieutenant; N. N. Leohner, orderly sergeant; Cj^rus W. Harris, second sergeant; Thomas Wright, Jr., third sergeant; Balsar Shriver, fourth sergeant; S. C. Marsh, fifth sergeant; William Buchtel, first corporal; Aaron Swartz, second corporal; F. G. Stipe, third corporal; S. Breckenridge, fourth cor- poral; Jacob Long, fifth corporal; J. A. Thompson, sixth corporal; W. A. Chamberlain, seventh corporal; Jacob Weaver, eighth corporal; J. B. Kreighbaum, musician. Privates: J, B. Acker, W. Bender, H. Brumbaugh, J. W. Chamberlin, W. W. Coale, B. Chisnell, W. Cramer, E. Cramer, W. Dickerhoof, William Finkle, J. Foster, L. Fasnacht, G. H. Fasnacht, D. French, H. Foust, D. S. Foust, S. Foster, A. Fry, B. Goss, A. Grable, J. J. Grable, J. Grable, Jr., Ezra Harris, G. W. Hart, L. J. Hartong, L. Hartong, H. A. Henderson, W. G. Johnston, H. Jarrett, J. F. Kryster, M. Kline, A. Koons, E. Kuhns, David Kline, J. P. Kepler, O. Long, I, Long, W. D. Myers, J. J. Marsh, J. S. Miller, W. Miller, D. Pontious, N. Pontious, M. Ritter, W. H. Rininger, L. Ream, G. D. Ream, G. W. Ream, U. R. Sefner, J. M. Schrop, G. Sweitzer, William Steese, John Smith, H. Shriver, D. Stamm, R. S. Stout, P. H. Stout, D. H. Shutt, B. Strohecker, J. Staver, D. G. Shutt, Ira Spidle, Hiram B. Smith, G. Shutt, J. T. Tousley, Robert Thompson, S. N. Weston, F. Winkleman, H. Yerrick, A. Yerrick, Alfred .Yerrick — total 88. Moist, Muddy and Merry. — On Saturday evening, May 14, 1863, the 164th left Camp Taylor for Washington via Dunkirk, Elmira, Harrisburg and Baltimore, reaching their destination on the 17th. In speaking of the departure of the regiment froni Cleveland, the Herald said: "As they marched down Superior street, at about 8 o'clock in the evening, the rain w^as descending in sheets, with an occasional blinding flash of lightning, and the boys w^ere drenched w^ith rain and covered w^ith mud from the bottomless roads that formed the ' middle passage ' between the camp and the city; yet they were in the best of possible spirits. The w^hole column of about a thousand men tramped along, singing as w^ith one voice ' Rally Round the Flag, Boys ' and marking the close of each verse with terriffic cheers and yells." 26 402 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Defending the National Capitol. — "Ohio in the War," by Whitelaw Reid, says of the 164th O. N. G.: "It took position in the defenses on the south side of the Potomac, and, during its one hundred days' service, garrisoned Forts Smith, Strong, Bennett, Haggarty and other forts. The regiment was very thoroughly drilled, both in infantry and heavy artillery tactics. During Barly's invasion the regiment was kept on duty almost constantly and every night w^as spent either on the advance or beside the guns. At the expiration of its term of enlistment, the regiment received the thanks of President Lincoln for the service it had per- formed, and returned to Cleveland, Wa Baltimore, Harrisburg and Pittsburg, where it was mustered out, August 27, 1864." Sickness, Deaths, Etc. — Letters from members of the several Summit county companies to the writer, and published in the Beacon, Mrhile on duty in front of Washington, show that Captain Everett's Company F occupied Fort Corcoran; Captain Keller's Company D occupied Fort Woodbury, and Captain Berger's Company H occupied Fort Woodbury, except about two week's sojourn in Fort Strong in May and June. Though no loss of life or limb occurred from actual contact with rebel foes, yet, being in a strange climate, in the most sickly season of the year, quite a number of sharp encounters with disease were experienced, with five sorrowful fatalities. The first of the 54th Battalion to die was a promising young member of Company D, Henry L. Hart (son of the late Henry Hart of 985 East Market street) who, from over-fatigue and exposure to the hot sun, in walking to and from and about the city, on the 24th of May, was seized w^ith sudden illness, on his return to the fort in the evening, dying the next day. The second death, that of Christopher Callahan, of the same company, from a precisely sim- ilar cause, occurred on Monday, June 6, young Callahan, having visited the city on Saturday, performed guard duty on Sunday, returning to the barracks sick, at 2 o'clock Monday morning, and dying at 3:30 in the afternoon. T^vo deaths also occurred in Company H, at Camp Strong hospital, Jacob S. Holtz, of Seneca county, July 3, of typhoid fever, and Hiram B. Smith of Green township, of congestion of the stomach, July 24. The last death was that of Henry Crosby King, "Harry," as he was familiarly called, only son of the late Henry W. and Mary Crosby King, who was serving in Company F, as a substitute for Wilson G. Robinson, as elsewhere stated, his death, from typhoid fever, occurring on Thursday evening, August 11, 1864. The remains of all of the boys were sent home to their respective friends for burial. Enthusiastic Welcome Home. — The muster-out day being Saturday; and the boys being anxious to spend the Sabbath w^ith their friends at home, the paymaster kindly consented to visit Akron a week from the following Monday, to finish paying them off. That the boys were most heartily welcomed home, b3^ the people of their respective townships, goes without saying, for though they had not participated in any such bloody scenes of carnage as had laid so many of their comrades low in death, they had, at the most critical period of the war, given to the L^nion army an equal number of trained and experienced soldiers, while THE nation's thankfulness. 403 at the same time affording ample protection to the National vas subjected on that victorious march, Mr. Reid says that when review^ed by Gens. Sherman and Schofield, at Goldsboro, N. C, "full twenty-five per cent, of the men were barefooted ; they were ragged and dirty; many in citizens' dress, and some in rebel uniforms." Major Perkins was promoted to lieutenant colonel, July 16,. 1863, and to colonel, February 18, 1864, and after participating in the grand review, at Washington, May 14, 1865, was mustered out with regiment at Washington, June 3, 1865, the regiment, starting at Covington, Ky., and ending at Washington, including reconnois- sances, counter-marches, pursuit of retreating rebels, etc., having marched more than 4,000 miles without a single foot of railroad transportation. VARIOUS OTHER REGIMENTS. Akron and Portage and Middlebury townships w^ere, accord- ing to the assessors' returns for several years pending the war,, represented in the following-named organizations, the achieve- ments of which cannot be here given for want of space, but that they all, like those already enumerated, played well their parts upon the tragic stage of w^ar, may be taken for granted. The Forty-second Regiment O. V. I. — Mustered in at Camp Chase, near Columbus, Ohio, September and October, 1861, for three years — James A. Garfield, colonel, Don A. Pardee, lieutenant colonel, George K. Pardee, adjutant; Company A, Aaron Teeple, (then of Franklin, now^ of Portage); Company B, Joseph Lackey, second lieutenant, resigned July 5, 1862; Company E, Albert L_ VARIOUS OTHER REGIMENTS. 407 Bowman, second lieutenant, promoted from sergeant major, March 2, 1863, wounded July 16, 1863, at Jackson, Miss.; Company F, Thomas C. Foote, killed at battle of Black River Bridge. May 17, 1863; Company G, James McGuire; Company K, Franklin C. May, discharged for disability, June 16, 1863; Company A, Hial B. Hart, discharged March 22, 1862, to accept position as hospital steward in U. S. Army. Eighty-fourth Regiment O. V. I.— Mustered in at Camp Chase, June 10, 1862, for three months; mustered out at Camp Del- aware, September 20, 1862. Akron members: William H. McMast- ers, principal musician; Company H, Homer C.Ayres, first lieuten- ant; Eliakim H. Hastings, sergeant; William W. Kilbourn, corporal; Sylvester H. Beatty, Augustus T. Brownless, Julius G. Brownless, George H. Horn, Henry Clay King, James M. Malone; Company I, Alexander G. Maynes, first lieutenant. The Hundred and Twenty-fifth O. V. I. — Henry Ward IngersoU, Esq., on the expiration of his three months' term of service in the original Ninteenth Regifnent, united with the Second Ohio Cavalry, in September, 1861, as sergeant of the band. Return- ing to Ohio after one year's service, on October 20, 1862, Mr. IngersoU w^as given a captain's commission by Gov. Tod, for the purpose of recruiting a company for the 125th regiment, then being raised by Col. Emerson Opdycke, of Trumbull county. On consolidation of fragmentary companies, in the final organization of the regiment at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, it w^as found that others outranked Captain IngersoU, in number of recruits raised, and he was conse- quently not mustered in under his commission, Mr. IngersoU afterwards serving 100 days in the army of the United States, as first corporal of Company F, 164th O. N. G., as elsewhere stated. Hundred and Eighty-eighth O. V. I. — Mustered in at Camp Chase, March 4, 1865, for one year, mustered out at Nashville, Tenu., September 21, 1865, and paid off and discharged at Camp Chase, September 28, 1865. Akron contributed to this regiment: Jerome B. Clark, Henry Dreese, Frank Elliott, Christopher Gugle, Daniel Neal, Royal D. Potter, WiUiam Sichley, Elias W. Turner, ThosYiall. Hundred and Seventy-seventh O. V. I. — Organized at Cleve- land, Ohio, in October, 1864, with a liberal sprinkling of men from, the northern part of Summit county, and after an arduous service of nearly nine months, was mustered out at the same place, July 7, 1865. Akron's contingent: Company H, Frank Allen; Company E, Jasper Oviatt; Company B, Clarence M. Peck; Company K, Hubert C. Peck, Nelson Sherbondy, died in service. Seventy-sixth Regiment O. V. I. — Organized at Newark, Ohio, February 9, 1862, operating in the southwest, accompanying Sherman in his famous "March through Georgia," and from Savannah northward to Washington. Was mustered out at Columbus, July 24, 1865, Akron boys in the 76th, Joseph Bargold, John Fitzpatrick, Almon C. Goble, Alfred H. Goble, Charles Grubl), Patrick Grubb. Miscellaneous Regiments. — Akron also furnished men for sundry other organizations, during the w^ar, as follows: Simon Perkins, Jr., served as private in Company B, 19th O. V. I., for three months in 1861, afterw^ards, by appointment of President Lincoln, w^as captain and assistant quarter-master in the depart- ments of the Ohio and Cumberland; 75th O. V. I., John C. DeWiit; 408 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. 24th O. V. I., Augustus Feederle, Matt Feederle; 16th O. V. I., Dr. Byron S, Chase, assistant surgeon, promoted to surgeon 58th Col- ored Infantry, May 19, 1863; Frederick F. Falk, hospital steward; 25th O. V. I., Frank B. Adams, one year, discharged for disability; 124th O. V. I., Darwin L. Goble, died in the service; 4th O. V. I., F. J. Raymond; 124th O. V. L, E. Wilhelm; 24th O. V. I., A. E. Stewart; 57th O. V. I., Solomon Bachman; 87th O. V. I., Benjamin Fowler; 7th O. V. I., Martin Remmell, transferred to Company G, 5th O. V. I.; Lawrence Remmell, wounded at battle of Port Republic, Va., June 9, 1862, killed in battle of Ringold, Ga., November 27, 1863; 72nd O. V. I., Company A., Thomas Rhodes, drafted, mustered out July 30, 1863, near Vicksburg, Miss., on expiration of term of servace; 109th O. V. I., Samuel S. Ward; 5th O. V. I., George Limric, Company H, one year, mustered out June 5, 1865; James Frank, Company H, one year, mus- tered out June 5,1865; 77th O. V.I.,Charles Cole; 76th O. V. I., Charles R. Pierce, surgeon, entered the service January 9, 1862, for three years, died January 28, 1863; 23dO.V. I., Clarence M. Peck, entered the service May 22, 1861, mustered out on expiration of term; 89th Ind. V. I., John Winkleman; 45th Ind. V, I., John Binker; New York regiment, Conrad Fink; 24th N. Y. I., Donald Treat; 42d Pa. V. I., Alfred H. Goble; 3d Cal. V. I., Milton Lane; 22d U. S. Colored Infantry, Frank M. Hailstock; 27th U. S. Colored Infantry, Moses Jones, James Morrison; 3d N. J. Art., Alfred Wade; 25th Ohio Battery, James H. Golden, Henry Proctor; 22d O. B., William Bloomfield. Stephen Bloomfield; 3d O. B., J. M. Hotchkiss; Shields Battery, H. H. Remington, George H. Barber, Thomas J. Hudson; 10th O. Cav., Lester M. Biggs, Alexander G. Maynes; 6th O. Cav., George Bradley, Thomas Foley, Newton Thayer; 20th O. B., Charles J. Keck; 11th Mich. B., Cyrenus Smith; 4th Pa. Cav., Wil- liam H. Galbraith; 15th O. V. I., James McNeil; hospital nurse, Thomas M. Sawyer; teamsters, Jacob M. Demas, H. H. Geer, George lies, Charles G. Cleveland, Horace Hill, George W. Fair- banks; 3d Brig. Band, Newton E. Kent; chaplain, Rev. Robert Koehler; 193d O. V. I., Eugene D. Smith, died in the service; 16th N. Y. Calvary, Philip A. Bierwirth, first sergeant, mustered out in August, 1865. Undesignated Regiments. — ^The assessors' returns, for Portage and Middlebury townships, for military purposes, for the years 1863, '64 and '65, in a number of instances failed to designate the regiment and company to >vhich the soldier was attached, the list of names thus found being as follows: John Benker, A. H. Bots- ford, W. W. Buck, R. A. Cowles, Samuel Codding, Delos Condine, Harry Clifford, William McCurdy, Arthur J. Perkins, Jacob Randall, William Smith. United States Regular Army. — Gilbert S. Carpenter (eldest son of Judge James S. Carpenter), after three months service in Company G, 19th O. V. I., enlisted in Company F, 18th U'. S. I., at Columbus, September 14, 1861, as sergeant; promoted to first lieu- tenant; wounded at Stone River, May, 1863; appointed quarter- master and commissary November, 1863; June, 1864, in War Department at Washington; in 1865 sent on secret service to Dry Tortugas and later to Springfield, 111., with Mr. Lincoln's private papers; promoted to captain December 20, 1866, and constantly on duty in the far Northwest, until transferred to Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor, in the Summer of 1889, now (1891) being on recruiting PRESIDENT LINCOLN ORDERS A DRAFT. 409 ' men to make up for the deficiency occasioned by credits to the several states under previous calls; the requisition to be filled by February 15, 1865. Hon. Alphonso Hart, State Senator for Summit and Portage counties, introduced a bill, which was passed into a law, authorizing city councils and township trustees to levy a tax to the extent of $200 on each recruit necessary to fill their respective quotas, on anj^ call of the President subsequent to July 18, 1864, and to borrow^ mone}' U])on city and toAvnship bonds in anticipation of the collection of such a tax. The several quotas of Summit countj^ announced under thi» call were: Bath, 24; Boston, 15; Copley, 24; Coventry, 16; Cuyahoga Falls, 15; Franklin, 30; Green, 25; Hudson, 15;. Middlebury, 6; Northampton, 9; Northfield, 14; Norton, 18; Portage,. 115; Richfield, 13; Springfield, 25; Stow, 10; Tallmadge, 12;; Twinsburg, 3. So great had been the strain upon the patriotic impulses and pockets of the people, that there wAs, for a time, a disposition to- let the draft take its course, and let those liable to be struck by it either respond in person, or secure substitutes for themselves as best they could. Waking up at Last — Glorious Result.— But, fortunately, there were a few "Never Saj^ Die" fellows in Akron, like vSimon Perkins, John R. Buchtel, J. Park Alexander, George W. Crouse, Charles B. Bernard, David L. King and others equally patriotic, and similar resolute men in all the other townships of the county, who determined to clear their respective townships, and, if pos- sible the entire county, from a draft under the last call that would probably be inade for troops, the rebellion being then upon it& very "last legs." To this end, at a largely attended meeting at Tappan Hall, early in Februarj^, 1865, a committee, consisting of John R. Buchtel, George W. Crouse, J. Park Alexander and Charle» B. Bernard, Avas appointed and given full authority to adopt such measures as they might deem advisable for filling the quota of Portage to^vnship w^ithout a draft. The Assessment Plan Adopted. — A careful canvass of the village and township w^as had, and an assessment made upon every business and professional man, farmer and mechanic,^ according to his known or supposed ability to pay, w^hich several parties were visited and kindly, but somewhat iniperatireh'r A MAGNIFICENT OUTCOME. 423 invited to liquidate said assessments. Of course there were some demurrers and pleas in abatement interposed, and some deep down though not very loud, damnatory expressions indulged in, but as a general thing all promptly "forked over" the amount thus demanded of them. Over Thirty-two Thousand Dollars Raised. — In less than a w^eek, so energetic was the action of the committee, there was over $32,000 in cash in the hands of its treasurer, Charles B. Bernard, Esq. In the meantime it was found that by reason of not having received proper credits, and by the blunders of the enrolling officer in placing upon the list aliens and others w^ell- know^n to be exempt from military duty, the quota for Portage township, as given above, was fully double w^hat it should have been. Permission having been received from the provost marshal of the State, on Saturday evening, February 18, to correct the lists on w^hich the final assignments were to be made at 8 o'clock on the following Monday morning, by telegraphic arrangement w^ith the enrolling board a special train, with a large number of enrolled men claiming exemption for alienage, disability, etc., proceeded to Cleveland on Sunday afternoon, the final quota of the township being fixed at 68, w^hich was still something like twenty more than it properly should have been, the other townships of the county remaining the same as stated above. Entirely " Out of the Woods." — The draft, though not formally postponed, was delayed to give such localities as w^ere earnestly working to fill their quotas, by voluntary enlistment, an opportunity to do so. The committee paid to each home recruit a bounty of $500, and to outsiders such sums as might be agreed upon, the Beacon of February 23, 1865, announcing that 54 recruits, mostly citizens of Portage tow^nship, had already been mustered in and the good w^ork still progressing favorably. Suffice it to say, that the balance of the recruits needed were duly obtained and mustered in, w^ith a surplus in the hands of the committee's treas- urer of nearly $3,000, which, happily, not being needed for military purposes, having been mostly contributed by the citizens of Akron, was, with accrued interest, by request of the principal con- tributors, subsequently paid over to the Board of Managers of the Akron Library Association, as will be found stated in detail else- where, thus inuring to the intellectual benefit of the survivors of those of our citizens w^hose valor made such l)eneficient institu- tions among us possible, and to their sons and daughters. Other Townships AlvSO up to Time. — The assessment system ■was also adopted by the recruiting committees of most of the other townships of the county, being generally acquiesced in, though in certain localities creating considerable friction and bad- blood, a frightful example of which is given in the chapter on Stow^, by which two reputable citizens were deprived of life and the third consigned to a felon's cell. "Bounty Jumping" so extensively prevailed, where men, after being accepted and duly credited and receiving their bounties, would desert before arrival at the front, to repeat the operation, under a change of name, in some other locality, it is very doubtful if one-half of those recruited outside of their own proper counties, ever reached the army, a condition of things large]3^ 424 AKKOX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. encouraged by the swarms of unscrupulous "Bounty Brokers" that infested Cleveland, and the principal cities of Ohio and other States, during the latter part of the war. THE COLLAPSE OF THE REBELLION. Summit's last quota was thus filled, and all her military obli- gations to the imperiled Government fully canceled. We can not definitely determine the exact number of men put into the field, as a county, or as separate townships, for the reason that the assessors' returns include but few of the original Three Months' men or the Hundred Day men, nor any of the recruits mustered in under the last call, nor the number of men that were obtained in Cleveland and elsew^here, to fill our respective quotas, as above detailed. The Assessors' reports for 1865, purporting to give the names of all then or previously in the service from their respective tow^n- ships, foot up as follows: Bath, 71; Boston, 140; Copley, 124 Coventry, 77; Cuyahoga Falls, 107; Franklin, 118; Green, 108 Hudson, 105; Middlebury, 63; Northfield, 109; Northampton, 87 Norton, 73; Portage, 443; Richfield, 76; Springfield, 145; Stow, 83 Tallmadge, 120; Twinsburg, 108,— total for county 2,157. Allowing one half of the last call to have been filled with home material, and counting in the Three Months' men of 1861, the Squirrel Hunters of 1862, and the Hundred Day men of 1864, we have an aggregate of not far from 3,000 men — citizens of Summit county — while those recruited elsewhere, would swell the grand total to at least 3,500, to say nothing of the hundreds who, after serving their original term of three years, re-enlisted as veterans, and were counted as so many recruits, in making up quotas, under subsequent calls. LITTLE SUMMIT IN THE VAN. The official report, at the close of the war, shows the status of the several counties of the State, in regard to the outcome of the final call, in which Summit compares favorably with her sister counties, as the following figures abundantly show: Summit — quota 363. recruits furnished 316, deficit (after receiving proper credit on former quotas) 4; Stark — quota 408, recruits 373, draft 5, deficit 30; Wayne — quota 357, recruits 279, draft 3, deficit 45; Port- age — quota 264, recruits 214, draft 25, deficit 5; Cuyahoga — quota 669, recruits 407, draft 13, deficit 249; Holmes — quota 197, recruits 157, deficit 70; Tuscarawas — quota 380, recruits 252, deficit 128; Knox — quota 349, recruits 206, draft 8, deficit 144; sixty-five counties showing an aggregate deficit of 2,827, sixteen counties an aggregate surplus of 88 and seven counties coming out even, making a net deficit in the State of 2,739. Brief Special Mention. — Many of Akron's volunteer soldiers, other than those mentioned in the foregoing sketch, deserve hon- orable mention for their devotion and heroism during the long and bloody struggle, but >vant of space and lack of proper data forbids. Without disparagement to others, however, may be mentioned the late Dr. George P. Ashmun,who entered the service August 14, 1862, as surgeon of the 93d O. V. I.; captured, contrary to all civilized rules of war, while caring for the wounded and dying on the field of battle, and confined in Libby prison for HONORABLE MENTION. 425 «everal months, resigning August 11, 1864; Dr. Charles R. Pierce, enlisting as surgeon of the 76th O. V. I., January 9, 1862, and after faithful service, both in camp and field, at the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Milliken's Bend, Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post, dying in the service, January 29, 1863; Dr. C. F. H, Biggs ■(father of Akron's well-known boiler-maker, Lester M. Biggs), entering the army as hospital steward of the Second Ohio Cavalry, in August, 1861, accompanying the regiment in its various opera- tions in Missouri and the Indian Territory, as elsewhere detailed; •on account of excess of that class of officers, mustered out in Sep- tember, 1862; immediately re-enlisted as private, though perform- ing the duties of assistant surgeon for several months in 1864, in Cavalry Corps Hospital at City Point, Va., appointed assistant surgeon 4th Ohio Cavalry, in November, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn.; mustered out w^ith regiment at close of the war. TUDGK SAMUEL C. WILLIAM- J SON, — born in Randolph, Portag-e ■county, Ohio, August 18, 1837 ; in 1854 entered preparatory school at Hudson, graduating from Western Reserve College in 1860; April, 1861, enlisted in 19th O. V. I., serving three months; Oct., 1861, enlisted in 18th U. S. I., serving as sergeant till wounded at battle of Stone River, in May, 1863. After several months leave of absence was promoted to second lieutenant and sent to Detroit and Grand Rapids as mustering and disbursing officer ; subsequently promoted to first lieu- tenant, and ordered on duty in the Provost Marshal General's Depart- ment, serving in Missouri till closing of office ; then as post adjutant and inspecting officer at Benton Bar- racks and Fort Leavenworth, Kan., as assistant commissioner of musters till Januarj^ 18(>7, when he was com- missioned captain of 42d U. S. I., and stationed at Hart's Island and Mad- ison Barracks, N. Y., until consoli- dation of regiment with the 6th, when he was placed on waiting orders and returned home. Here he completed his law studies with Tib- bals & McKinnej^ being admitted to the bar in 1870. In October, 1875, he was elected Probate Judge of Sum- JUDGE SAMUEL C. WILLIAMSON. mit county, and re-elected in 1878, serving six years. At the close of his second term, being in failing health, he visited New Mexico, where he died March 27, 1883, his remains now reposing in the G. A. R. lot in Glen- dale Cemetery. Jxxdge Williamson never married. Milton C. Wilcox, son of Curtis C. Wilcox, Esq., of 216 Union street, enlisted as private in the 104th O. V. I., July 24, 1862; pro- moted to regimental hospital steward August 30, 1862; discharged at Knoxville, Tenn., February 20, 1864, to accept position of hospi- tal steward in regular army; in April, 1864, appointed aide-de-camp and private secretary to Governor William G. Brow^nlow, of Ten- nessee, with the title of colonel; after the close of the war taking an active part in adjusting the civil affairs of that State to the new^ order of things, particularly interesting himself in educational matters, and is now^ a prominent and influential citizen of that State. 426 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. THE MILITIA DURING THE WAR. Under the act of April 14, 1863, for the reorganization of the militia of Ohio, besides the independent companies, battalions and regiments heretofore spoken of, the entire State was duly dis- tricted, organized and drilled, preparatory to performing local, State or National military dut3^, should their services be called into requisition. We have no proper data for giving the rosters of the several companies thus organized and maintained in Summit county during the ^war, ready to take part in the great struggle, if called upon (and many of whose members did do valiant service a» volunteer soldiers under the several calls for troops), but the original officers, for the companies, elected in July, 1863, as far as reported, were as follow^s: Bath, District No. 1: Henry Mack, captain, William Davis, Jr., first lieutenant, B. M. Noble, second lieutenant. Boston, No. 1: Joseph Drake, captain, Leander Beers, first lieutenant, Daniel R. Tilden, second lieutenant; No. 2, L. F. Car- gould, captain, E. S. Haskill, first lieutenant, James Edgerly, sec- ond lieutenant. Copley, No. 1: David Parker, captain, William Medsker, first lieutenant, George W. Weeks, second lieutenant; No. 2, John Fran- cisco, captain, Hiram King, first lieutenant, Jonathan Delong, sec- ond lieutenant. Coventry, No. 1: Wm. B. Doyle, captain, Edward H. Viers, first lieutenant, Hiram B. Housell, second lieutenant; No. 2, Jacob Hoffman, captain, Peter Stine, first lieutenant, Jacob Warner, second lieutenant. Cuyahoga Falls: William H. Hinde, captain, H. C. Lock- w^ood, first lieutenant, George A. Waite, second lieutenant. Franklin, No. 1: Samuel Wolf, captain, Oscar E. Brownell, first lieutenant, Isaac Dailey, second lieutenant; No. 2, Lewis Wagoner, captain, L. J. Wagoner, first lieutenant, Timothy Sulli- van, second lieutenant. Green, No. 1: William Y. Royer, captain, John J. Marsh, first lieutenant, E. J. Semler, second lieutenant; No. 2, John F. Helnir captain, Benjamin Chisnell, first lieutenant, Jonathan Foster, second lieutenant. Hudson, No. 1: RoUin Bosworth, captain, Z. R. Trowbridge, first lieutenant, James H. Seymour, second lieutenant; No. 2, Car- roll Cutler, captain, H. J. Bell, first lieutenant, William Wilder, second lieutenant. Middlebury: M. J. Housell, captain, T. S. Jones, first lieu- tenant, Thomas H. Peckham, second lieutenant. Northampton, No. 1: John C. Johnston, captain, F. L. Har- rington, first lieutenant, George Chart, second lieutenant; No. 2r James R. Brown, captain, AndrcAv J. Bean, first lieutenant, Norton R. Hardy, second lieutenant. Norton, No. 1: Peter Hunsicker, captain, William Betz, first lieutenant, D . J. Waltz, second lieutenant; No. 2, J. B. Jones, captain, Aaron Betz, first lieutenant, Alexander A. Mentzer, seoond lieutenant. NoRTHFiELD, No. 1: Albert Bliss, captain, J. H. Clark, first lieutenant, J. B. Gallic, second lieutenant. LATER MILITARY AFFAIRS. 427 Portage, No. 1: Josiah J. Wright, captain, Stephen J. Horn, first lieutenant, Augustus T. Brow^nless, second lieutenant; No. 2, Charles Miller, captain, Romas Halter, first lieutenant, Richard F. Palmer, second lieutenant; No. 4, Vincent Nowatany, captain, E. M. Hastings, first lieutenant, William Weston, second lieutenant. Richfield: Hiram Hart, captain, P^. H. Rouse, first lieutenant, Joseph Churchill, second lieutenant. Springfield, No. 1: David W. Martin, captain, Cyrus Yerrick, first lieutenant, John M. Fisher, second lieutenant; No. 2, S. L. Stall, captain, G. W. Fulkerson, first lieutenant, William A. McClelland, second lieutenant. Stow: Hiram Gaylord, captain, J. A. Gross, first lieutenant, Loten Hartle, second lieutenant. Tallmadge: Norman S. Keller, captain, C. H. Sackett, first lieutenant, L. H. Ashmun, second lieutenant. TwiNSBURG, No. 1: D. W. Richardson, captain, Chauncey Lane, first lieutenant, Alfred Ledsham, second lieutenant; No. 2, Josiah Oviatt, captain, E. C. Herrick, first lieutenant, William Chamberlin, second lieutenant. MODERN MILITARY OPERATIONS. Allusion has been made elsewhere to the early military operations of Akron and Summit county, special mention having been made of the " Summit Guards," organized in the latter thirties, and maintained for several years, under the auspices of the late Gen. Philo Chamberlin, Arad Kent and other enterprising young business men of ancient Akron. In addition to a brief history of nearly every regiment in which citizens of Akron so gallantly served their country during the late war, includirJg the independent companies of the Ohio National Guard, who rendered their country such invaluable service for one hundred days in the Summer of 1864, it is proper that the later and present militarj'- status of the city and county should receive a passing notice in this chapter. The companies forming the 54th Battalion O. N. G., as did all similar organizations throughout the State, partaking of the general feeling of the people, that they had had a sufficiency of military display, soon after the war lapsed into a condition " of " innocuous desuetude," and the whole militia system of the State being apparently about to fall into a general state of inefficiency and dilapidation, the independent companies in question were, a a year or two later, honorably discharged. A few^ years later, how^- ever, realizing the importance of having conveniently at hand an efficient number of thoroughly drilled soldiers to quell any dis- turbances that might arise in any portion of the State, and to prevent invasion from without, the Legislature, on the 18th day of April, 1870, passed "An act to organize and regulate an inde- pendent militia," providing that "for the purpose of creating greater efficiency in the military system in counties having cities or towns with a larger population than three thousand, it shall be lawful for any members of the enrolled militia to embody and organize themselves into independent companies, battalions, squadrons, regiments and batteries, in manner and form and sub- ject to the provisions and restrictions hereafter prescribed; pro- vided that such organizations shall be of no charge or ejcpense whatever to the State." 428 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUXTY. It will thus be seen, by the italicized proviso, that so far as the public, for whose l^enefit these organizations were to be main- tained, was concerned, the new^ system was to be parsimoniously economical. The act did provide, howev^er, that such companies might have the use of the public arms of the State, on giving Si properly secured l)ond, in double the value thereof, for the return of the same, on demand of the governor or adjutant gen- eral; that in addition to regular members, "contributing members" not to exceed 150, or 45 per cent, of the voting population, might be enrolled; not less than three days of public parade and drill to be performed each year, with yearly encampment of not less than three days and to be subject to the call of the governor to repel invasions, or the sheriff or mayor to suppress riots, etc., to be paid by the State in the former case, and by the county or city in the latter, one dollar for each day, and a like sum for each night w^hile thus on duty. Under this law each company had to uniform itself, provide its own armory, fuel, lights, etc., in return, each active and •contributing member being exempt from jury duty and work on the public highways during continuance of membership, and every active member serving five years to be thereafter exempt from military duty in time of peace. Porter Zouaves. — Under the inspiration of Mr. Henry Porter, an ex-soldier of the late war, eighteen men, about one-half of wrhom were veteran soldiers, and the remainder a younger class of men without military experience, met in the room of the Akron City Band, on Howard street, on Friday evening, October 15, 1875, for the purpose of organizing a military company under the law^ in question, Captain T. D. McGillicuddy acting as chairman of the meeti^ig. Fifteen names w^ere enrolled at that meeting, each of whom w^as appointed a committee to solicit recruits, and at the second meeting, held in the rooms of the G. A. R., October 22, twenty new names were reported, making 35 in all — veterans and " kids" in about equal numbers. At this second meeting a prelim- inary organization w^as effected, w^ith Bmmett F. Taggart as president; Edgar W. Cubbison, secretary, and Ernest F. Pfleuger, treasurer. "Vets" Versus "Kids." — The third meeting was held at Rentschler's Hall, Market street, on the evening of November 1, 1875. In the meantime differences had arisen and the officers elected at the previous meeting, and several others, voluntarily w^ithdrew, new officers being elected as foUovirs: Michael W. Santry, president; Samuel D. Blocker, secretary; and Charles M. Henry, treasurer, with Henry Porter as drill master, Alvin T. Hawn, assistant drill master, the company assuming the title of Porter Zouaves. The "Bierce Cadets." — About this time Gen. Lucius V. Bierce, became actively interested in the organization, and in addition to his experienced military counsels, rendered the com- pany such pecuniary assistance in the way of paying hall r^nt and other expenses, that, by a nearly unanimous vote, the company assumed the name of "Bierce Cadets," and under that title was organized, November 13, 1875, with Michael W. Santry as captain; James K. Polk Sours, first lieutenant, and Charles E. Carter, second lieutenant, to whom commissions were issued by Governor Thomas L. Young, December 8, 1875, Col. Adams Emerson, about BIERCE CADETS, CITY GUARD, ETC. 42i^ this time succeeding Mr. Henry Porter, as drill master, under whose training the cadets, though nearly all young men, averaging only about 22 years of age, attaining a commendable state of proficiencj^. "Akron City Guard." Meantime, the withdrawing mem- bers, and others, mostly veterans of the late war, at a ineeting held at Pendleton's Hall, on Howard street, on the evening of Noveml)er 4, 1875, effected a preliminary organization, with 37 names enrolled, by the election of Emmett F. Taggart as president; Edgar W. Cubbison as secretary, and Ernest F. Pfleuger as treasurer.. November 18, fourteen names were added to the roll — 51 in all — and on the evening of November 12, the company elected military officers as follows: David W. Thomas, captain; Alexander G. Maynes, first lieutenant; T. D. McGillicuddy, second lieutenant, and the title of "Akron City Guard" was unanimously adopted. At a meeting held December 4, 1875, 52 members signed the inus- ter roll, formally enlisting in the military services of the State for five years, as foUow^s: We, the undersigned, citizens of Akron, Summit county, Ohio, hereby acknowledge that we have enlisted as volunteer soldiers in the service of the State of Ohio, to defend her borders and repel or prevent invasion; to pre- vent and suppress riots and insurrections; to maintain the honor and integ- rity of our State, and sustain the civil authorities whenever and wherever we maj^ be called to duty, within the intent of the act aforesaid, and for these purposes, as well as to sustain our own good name and credit, and to reserve and secure a just immunity from ordinarj^ militia service, we have signed this enrollment, and now pledge ourselves to the State, and to each other, that we will diligentl}^ strive to secure the greatest practicable correct- ness and efficiency in drill and discipline, and that we will perforin our duty faithfully, for a period of Gve years, unless sooner discharged by competent authority, and we hereby petition to be organized as a company of infantry,. "O. N. G. M." Fifty-two names, w^ith their respective ages at that time, w^ere attached to the foregoing application, as follows: D. W. Thomas, •34; A. G. Maynes, 40; T. D. McGillicuddy, 40; L. H. Walcott, 37; Louis Fischer, 22; M. W. Cramer, 22; F. G. Harrington, 26; F. O. DeLong, 23; Alfred F. Koons, 25; Avery K. Spicer, 35; S. C. Wilson, 30; George M. Clause, 26; George P. Brodt, 25; E. F. Taggart, 29; J. W. Kolb, 25; H. H. Bickel, 27; H. C. Peck, 28; E. W. Weise, 31; G. R. Smetts, 22; R. O. Church, 25; D. L. Pursell, 30; J. Beckhardt, 27r Andrew C. Getz, 32: John M. Roberston, 27; George Mitten, 40; George W. Kummer, 24; Amos Brown, 34; William Markwalder,. 30; Jacob Markwalder, 27; Charles H. Miller, 32; T. F. Homer, 30r A. H. Vordeman, 37; William Pence, 45; William Barrett, 25; Aaron J. Hart, 32; S. C. Haines, 28; Charles W. McCune, 38; G. A, Reichler, 30; E. A. Stoffer, 26; Charles Yost, 35; Francis A. Allen, 33; D. C. Smith, 36; Martin Shank, 28; M. H. Smith, 35; Allen Walker, 35; I. H.Allyn,24; Thomas M. Schlabach, 35; William Richards, 23; J.J. Foust, 25; J. W. Hillier, 28; Henry Cruse, — ; FrankGrafton, 25. Average age, 30. PERMANENT ORGANIZATION. Some technical informalities in the previous organization of of the company having been discovered, on the evening of January 3, 1876, a new election was had, resulting as follow^s; D. W. Thomas, captain; T. D. McGillicuddy, first lieutenant, (Lieutenant Maynes declining a re-election); Richard P. Marvin, Jr., second lieutenant; W. A. Noble, secretary, and J. Beckhardt, treasurer^ 430 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Both the Bierce Cadets and the City Guard were reasonably prosperous, considering the limited encouragement extended by the city and State authorities and the many expedients, besides the revenue from contributing members, that had to be resorted to in raising the wherewithal to pay their current expenses. A Taste of Active Service. — In the early Spring of 1876, a strike among the coal miners of the Tuscaraw^as Valley necessitat- ed the calling out of several companies of the Ohio National Guard of the vicinage to quell the riotous proceedings among the strikers. The Akron City Guard — having meantime been provided with new Springfield breech-loading rifles — by order of Capt. Thomas, assembled at their armory at 7:30 A. m. on Tuesday morning, May 16, 1876, in response to the following official requisition: Sheriff's Office, Summit County, ) Akron, Ohio, May 16, 1876. ) To Capt. D. W. Thomas, Akron, Ohio : You are hereby ordered to report 3^our full command, "The Akron City Guard," to me, before 12 o'clock M.,on the 16th day of May, A. D., 1876, at the Franklin Coal Mines, in Franklin township. Summit count}', Ohio, to aid the civil authorities in suppressing threatened violence and supporting the laws in Summit county. L. J. MCMURRAY, Sheriff of Summit Countj', Ohio. Some changes of membership having meantime occurred, 45 of the 48 members then on the muster roll enthusiastically responded, as foUoAvs: Capt. D. W. Thomas; first lieutenant, T, D. McGilli- cuddy; second lieutenant, Richard P. Marvin, Jr.; first sergeant, K. F. Taggart; second sergeant, T. F. Homer; third sergeant, E. A. Stouffer; fourth sergeant, L. H. Walcutt; fifth sergeant, T. M. Schlabach; first corporal, Amos Brown; second corporal, J. W. Hillier; third corporal, A. C. Getz; fourth corporal, A. H. Vorde-- man; fifth corporal, F. G. Harrington; sixth corporal, I. H. Allyn; seventh corporal, H. Mealy; eighth corporal, William Pence, and privates F. W. Baker, A. A. Bartlett, G. M. Clause, F. O. De Long, J. J. Foust, L. F. Fischer, Z. S. Fralick, Frank Grafton, William Hawk, A. J. Hart, A. F. Koons, J. W. Kolb, G. W. Kummer, John Limric, William Markwalter, Charles Miller, Samuel McCoy, H. C. Peck, D. L. Pursell, William Richards, George R. Smetts, M. H. Smith, M. Shank, A. K. Spicer, D. C. Smith, George Shenkel, L. Stair, S. C. Wilson, and Charles Yost, all the other members being absent from town except one, who was dismissed from the company for failure to report for duty as ordered. A Thirty Days' Campaign.— Donning their accoutrements, and receiving from Sergeant Taggart twenty rounds copper-shelled cartridges each, the company marched to the Union depot, where amid the cheers of a multitude of friends, it embarked on the C, A. & C. for the Franklin coal chutes, eight miles south of Akron, reaching its destination at 11:30 A. m. A detail of eight men viras stationed at the chutes, and the balance of the men marched to the mine, a mile and a half to the eastward, around which, under the name of "Camp Thomas," a cordon of sentinels w^ere posted and regular army discipline maintained for the period of 32 days. Though there tsras much bad blood, many dire threatenings, and some hostile and savage demonstrations, on the part of the A THIRTY days' COAL-MINE CAMPAIGN. 431 striking miners, both towards the new men that were introduced to work the mine, as w^ell as towards the soldiers themselves, for- tunately there were no serious collisions and no special damage to vet blanket" from the latter officer by Captain Thomas: Columbus, Ohio, July 14, 1876. Captain D. W. Thomas: Sir : — I find it impossible to pay your company in advance of an appro- priation by the General Assembly. I therefore return all the papers to j-ou by mail, to-day. Very respectfully, A. T. WlKOFF, Adjutant General. To say that the boys were indignant would be drawing it very mild, indeed, many of them having given up their own more lucrative ^vork, in the very busiest season of the year, to attend to the business of the public at one dollar for each day and a like sum for each night of service, and very properly feeling that the pittance thus faithfully earned ought to be promptly paid. But Lieutenant "Dick" Marvin seems to have been adequate to the situation, for, after visiting the Governor and Adjutant General at Columbus, and certain interested parties in Cleveland, the money was forthcoming, and on the evening of July 24, 1876, the men were paid off, amounting in the aggregate to $2,700, ATTEMPT TO ORGANIZE A REGIMENT. Up to this time the tw^o companies — the "Bierce Cadets" and the "City Guard," — had pursued a course of friendly rivalrj'-, and though, as their name implies, the former were composed of a younger class of men, they were, under the skillful training of Col. Adams Kmerson, rapidly perfecting themselves in drill and military tactics, both companies taking a prominent part in one of the most imposing civico-military demonstrations ever witnessed in Akron, the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of American Independence, July 4, 1876. As there were now six thrifty independent military companies in this immediate vicinity, it was, on consultation, deemed expedient to organize a regiment, and papers for that purpose were duly prepared and forwarded to Columbus, by Capt. Thomas, and on July 10, 1876, an order was issued at State Headquarters, for the organization of the Ninth Regiment, Ohio National Guard, to be composed of the following companies: Akron City Guard, as Company A; Bierce Cadets, as Company B; Cuyahoga Falls Light Guard, as Company C; Wads- worth Light Guard, as Company D; Orrville Guard, as Company K; West Salem Guard, as Company F. The adjutant general's order also called for a convention of delegates from the several companies named, to be held in the armory of the Akron City Guard, on July 14, to put in nomina- tion candidates for field officers. Bierce Cadets Put in a Demurrer. — Though the arrange- ment of the companies was satisfactory to all of the others, a remonstrance w^as interposed by the Bierce Cadets, who, by virtue of priority of organization, claimed that the Cadets were entitled to the post of honor— the right of the regiment — and consequently to the letter A, in the organization of the regiment, the Guard claiming the first position by reason of the previous military 28 434 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. experience of the majority of its officers and members, and its late rendition of valuable service to the State as above set forth. The Order for a Regiment Revoked. — So warm was the dis- cussion over the matter by the two companies, and their respective friends, and such a pressure, pro and con, was brought to bear upon the adjutant general on the subject, that on the day set for the convention that officer revoked the order for the formation of a regiment, and the project was for the time being dropped. The Question Submitted to Arbitration. — The members of both companies, still being desirous of regimental relations, finally agreed to submit the matter in dispute to three arbitrators, the City Guard choosing Captain Arthur L. Conger, the Cadets choosing Robert S. Paul, Esq., and those two selecting Major Ulysses L. Marvin. The Board of Arbitrators, after hearing the statements and claims of the two companies and arguments, pro and con, decided that the order of precedence in the formation of a regimental line, did not depend upon the letter of the company, but upon the seniority of the commander, and consequently affirmed the action of the adjutant general in giving to the Guard the letter A in the order for the organization of the Ninth Regiment, O. N. G. Under the supposition that this decision w^ould entitle them to the right of the regiment, when on duty, the Cadets acquiesced therein, and the Ninth Regiment was duly organized, March 1, under a new order issued from State Headquarters February 21, 1877, w^ith David W. Thomas, of Company A, as colonel; D. Mitchell, of Company F, as lieutenant-colonel; W. Randall, of Company D, as major, and Dr. W. C. Jacobs, of Akron, as surgeon. The eleva- tion of Captain Thomas to the colonelcy, and his selection, in turn, of Lieutenant McGillicuddy as regimental adjutant, provided for the promotion of Second Lieutenant Richard P. Marvin, Jr., to the captaincy. Sergeant Kmmett F. Taggart, as first lieutenant, and private Henry H, Brown as second lieutenant of Company A. • TROUBLE IN THE CAMP. Matters and things moved along harmoniously until the occur- rence of of the first Regimental Encampment, w^hich commenced on the 2nd day of October, 1877, at Fountain Park, in the cit}^ of Akron, the regiment also volunteering to do guard duty for the Summit County Agricultural Society's Annual Fair, then being held on the same grounds. Having established company and regimental headquarters in convenient localities, and organized the guard in accordance w^ith military usage, at the proper time the several companies w^ere ordered on regimental dress parade, not only for practice in military tactics for their own benefit, but also for the gratification of the assembled thousands who were in attendance upon the fair. Captain M. W. Santry, of the Bierce Cadets, reporting with his command upon the parade ground, was ordered, by Adjutant McGillicuddy, in accordance with instruc- tions from Colonel Thomas, to take position on the left of the regiment. Thereupon Captain Santry ordered his company to "about face," and marched back to company headquarters. Col- onel Thomas then, through Sergeant-Major Albert A. Bartlett, ordered Captain Santry to report at once on the parade grounds. THE CADETS DISHONORABLY DISCHARGED. 435 Instead of reporting with his company, however, he presented liimself in person with the inquiry: "Colonel, do you wish to see me?" "No, sir!" replied Colonel Thomas, "Consider yourself under arrest!" Returning to company headquarters, First Lieutenant J. K. P. Sours being officer of the guard for the day. Captain Santry directed Second Lieutenant Charles E. Carter to march the Cadets to their armory, which was accordingly done. Dismissed for Insubordination. — The action of Captain Santry and his command, being duly reported to State Headquar- ters, by Col, Thomas, statements and explanations on both sides were submitted to the governor and adjutant general. Captain Santry claiming, as may be inferred from the occurrences of the 3"ear before, as stated above, that the Bierce Cadets being the first company organized, and himself the senior captain of the regi- ment, he and his company were entitled to the post of honor — the right of the regiment — and that on being ordered to the left he w^as justified in declining to accept the position. Adjutant General Charles \V. Karr, without attempting to pass upon the question of the military propriety or impropriety of Col. Thomas' ■order, placing the Bierce Cadets upon the left of the regiment, TiotAvithstanding the seniority of the company and its commander, held that the order having been given it should have been obeyed by Capt. Santry, leaving the question at issue to be adjudicated by higher military authority on appeal, and issued the final order in the premises as follows: Adjutant General's Office, Columbus, O., November, 21, 1877. Special Orders No. 271. I. It appearing-, by official reports, that during- the encampment of the Ninth Regiment of Infantry O. N. G., held at Akron, Company B. of said reg-- iment marched out of camp to its armory, against, and in violation of the orders of the Colonel commanding the regiment, and the reason for such action, as stated in writing, by the captain of said company, having received due consideration, and it being found that such action, by said coinpany, was without sufficient cause to warrant it, but that such action was mutinous and a breach of discipline which cannot be overlooked without manifest injury to the service, said company is herebj^ disbanded, and all its officers and enlisted men discharged from the service of the State. II. First Lieutenant Sours having taken no part in the action of the companj^, as above recited, is hereby honorabl}' discharged from the service of the State, and he is hereby directed to take charge of all arms and other State propert}^ now in use by this company, subject to such further instructions as he may receive from this office. III. Col. D. W. Thomas is hereby- charged with the promulgation of this order to the regiment. By order of the Governor. Chas. W. Cakr, Adjutant General. SUBSEQUENT HISTORY OF COMPANY A. The space at our command will not permit a minute detail of either regimental or company operations in the intervening ye^rs, but it may be generally stated that amid the inevitable vicissi- tudes of prosperity and adversity incident to local military life, the Akron City Guard has ever held the highest rank, both in local social circles and among the military authorities of the State. Ever ready to aid in all civic displays, like the Fourth of July, 436 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Decoration Day, etc.. the Guard has taken a just pride in main- taining its superiority of discipline and drill, on parade at home and at the annual encampments, and has also held itself in readi- ness to respond to all calls for the maintenance of the peace, both at home and in distant portions of the State. During the railroad riots of July, 1877, in which Pittsburg was so great a sufferer, the O. N. G., of Zanesville, Circleville, Mount Vernon and Springfield ■were ordered to report along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio,, in the central portion of the State, and Akron to hold itself in readiness to act, on a moment's notice, wherever its services might be needed. THE NINTH MERGKD IN THE EIGHTH. In August, 1878, by reason of the depletion of several of the companies of the two regiments, by discharges, removals and otherwise, the Kighth and Ninth Regiments of the Ohio National Guard were consolidated, under the title of the Eighth; Company A, of the Ninth becoming Company B of the Eighth. The com- panies composing the regiment being as follows: Homeworth, Company D; Alliance, Company E; Waynesburg, Companj^ F^ Beach City, Company G; Wadsworth, Company H; Canton, Com- pany I ; Medina, Company K. Col. David W. Thomas, by virtue of hi& rank, became the colonel of the Eighth, with Hiram Reed as lieu- tenant colonel and George R. Gyger as major, the regimental staff selected by Col. Thomas, being William C. Jacobs, Akron, surgeon; Thomas J. Reed, Massillon, assistant surgeon; T. D. McGillicuddj^, Akron, adjutant; Joseph A. Meyer, Canton, quartermaster; John C. Kauffman, Orrville, chaplain. Col. Thomas tendering his res- ignation, Capt. Arthur L. Conger was elected to the colonelc}" of the regiment, July 25, 1881, Lieutenant Emmett F. Taggart being appointed as his adjutant, the present regimental organization (September, 1891) being: George R. Gyger, Alliance, colonel; C. V. Hard, Wooster, lieutenant colonel; Emmett F. Taggart, Akron, major; Charles \V. F. Dick, Akron, junior major; Albert A. Bartlett, Akron, adjutant; Emmer C. Farquhar, Damascus, surgeon; James Taggart, Wooster, quartermaster; John C. Kauffman, chaplain; Alexander W. Maynes, sergeant major; Richard Le^vis, drum major; William R. Palmer, leader. The regiment is now^ (1891) composed of the follow^ing companies: Co. A, Bucyrus; Co. B, Akron; Co. C, Polk; Co. D, Wooster; Co. E, East Palestine; Co. F, Massillon; Co. G, Wadsworth; Co. H, Upper Sandusky; Eighth Regiment Band, Akron. The Garfield Obsequies. — On the occasion of the melan- choly but imposing funeral ceremonial, in honor of the murdered President, James A. Garfield, September 19, 1881, Company B was present in full force, and was given the post of honor, in guarding the Catafalque, beneath the beautiful canopy of which rested the honored remains, and preventing the multitude from trespassing upon the large platform reserved for members of the cabinet, and other distinguished civil and military gentlemen in attendance, and also in the procession, between Monumental Park and the cemetery, the fine military bearing of the company eliciting general complimentary remark. Executions at Wooster and Ashland. — December 30, 1880, on the occasion of the hanging of John Callahan, for the murder of John Torney, at the Wayne county fair, October 3, 1879, Company DOUBLE EXECUTION — EXCITING EPISODE. 437 B, by request of Sheriff Stouffer, together with the Wadsworth Guard, were present to maintain order, receiving the highest encomiums of the people of Wooster for their soldierly bearing and the manner in -which they discharged the duties of the occasion; the execution taking place in the corridor of the jail. The double execution of George Andrew Horn and William Henry Gri-bben, for the murder of Harry Williams on the morning of March 24, 1883, took place at Ashland, May 16, 1884. The con- struction of the jail was such that the gallows had to be erected in a stockade inclosure upon the outside. As the day of execution approached reports came to the ears of the civil authorities of an intention on the part of contiguous city and village roughs and of the rural populace, to witness the hanging, in spite of the law against public executions. To uphold the law, and preserve order. Sheriff Isaac Gates invoked the aid of the military, nine coinpanies, by order of the Governor, responding to his call, as foUow^s: Company B, Akron Guard, lirst lieutenant, W. A. Noble, commanding, 37 men; Com- pany C, Youngstown Guard, 45 men; Company D, Wooster City Guard, 50 men; Company K, Kast Palestine Grays, 44 men; Com- pany F, Beach City Blues, 35 men; and the Wadsworth Guard, 27 men, of the Eighth Regiment; Kirby Light Guard, Second Regi- ment, UpperSandusky,41 men; Richwood Guard, Company G, Four- teenth Regiment, 32 men; and the Ashland Guard, Company D, Sevententh Regiment, 46 men; total 356 men. The entire force w^as commanded by Col. A. L. Conger, of the Eighth, ably assisted by Lieut. Col. Finger and Major Gyger, and their faithful subordi- nates, among the most efficient of Avhom, without disparagement to others, ^vas Akron's one-armed veteran, Sergeant-Major, Albert A Bartlett. The Crowd Massing for the Fray. — "Between the hours of 10 o'clock in the forenoon and two o'clock in the afternoon," read the sentences, but Sheriff Gates concluded that, in view^ of threat- ened trouble, an early execution would be desirable, for as early as nine o'clock, and before the preliminary exercises had been com- pleted on the inside, the court house square -was surrounded by an excited crowd of at least 10,000 people, many of them of the roughest element of Ashland and surrounding counties. The jail and court house were located on the public square, containing about three acres of land, which was surrounded by an iron picket fence, on the inside of which, on every side, the soldiers w^ere sta- tioned, to keep the crow^d from approaching the jail, or the stockade on the west side, which w^as about thirty feet from the sidewalk. As the privileged spectators — largely in excess of the legal allow- ance — were admitted to the stockade, about 9:30, the crowd, before boisterous and threatening, became furious, claiming as good a right to witness the execution as those Avho were being admitted to the inclosure Earlier in the morning, a squad of soldiers had discovered, stowed aw^ay in a box car at the depot, a gang of nineteen roughs from a neighboring county, with a liberal supply of ropes, chains, grappling-hooks, etc., evidently intended to be used in tearing down the stockade and making the ghastly scene public, capturing the entire gang and their outfit and turning them over to the civil authorities. Shout after shout, and yell after yell, were raised: 438 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. "Down with the fence! Down with the stockade!" etc. Chains and ropes were thrown over the iron pickets, and attempts made to tear down the fence; revolvers were brandished and fired, rocks and other missiles were Imparled at the soldiers and against the stockade, several of the officers and men being quite severely- injured thereby, but bravely standing their ground and keeping the mob at bay, at the point of their swords and 'bayonets,, resulting in many bloody fingers and other flesh wounds to the foremost of their assailants. The fence on the south side of the square was at length torn do^vn, and the detached iron pickets used as offensive weapons hy the whisky-infuriated mob. Col. Conger now gave the order to load, which w^as instantly obeyed all along the line, the colonel personally passing between the soldiers and the rioters, and pro- claiming in a calm but loud voice, that if their riotous demonstra- tions did not cease at once he should give the order to fire; that this \vas positively the last warning, and that if any were killed or w^ounded they alone w^ould be responsible. This served, for a time^ to diminish the turbulence, and to cause the peaceably disposed portion of the crowd to withdraw, but the more desperate made several subsequent attacks upon the soldiers, though they bravely w^ithstood the temptation to fire, even \srithout orders, and on an intimation, about 11 o'clock, that the execution was over, the demonstration in a measure ceased, though after the guard had been partially w^ithdrawn, several boards were wrenched from the stockade, giving the crowd a view^ of the gallows on which the two murderers had expiated their crime, all afterwards quietly falling into line to view the remains of the dead malefactors, which, enclosed in plain and inexpensive coffins, had been placed in the yard outside of the jail, for the gratification of a morbid public curiosity. All of the soldiers participating in the affair w^ere highly commended by the Ashland civil authorities. Com- pany B receiving especial mention for the bravery of its men and the coolness of its officers, while Col. Conger \sras justly praised on every hand, not only for his undaunted courage in facing the blood-thirsty mob, but especially for his forbearance, under the most trying and exasperating provocation, thus preventing the great destruction of life which the order to fire upon his assailants w^ould have involved. ANNUAL ENCAMPMENTS. Company B has alw^ays borne a conspicuous part in the annual encampments of the regiment, as follows: 1877, October 2-5, at Fountain Park, Akron, already alluded to; 1878, at Myers' Lake, near Canton; 1879, (brigade) at Rocky River, near Cleve- land, three regiments and t^vo battalions, in command of Col. Thomas, of the Kighth, the ranking colonel of the brigade; 1880, at Gaylord's Grove, near Cuyahoga Falls; 1881, at Peninsula; 1882^ encampment ordered to be held at Minerva City ^vas abandoned on account of severe illness of the w^ife of Col. Conger; 1883, on Fair Grounds at Canal Dover; 1884, (brigade) at Woodland Heights, Cleveland; 1885, Myers' Lake, near Canton; 1886, (brigade) at Mount Vernon; 1887, at Galion; 1888, with entire force of Ohio National Guard in State encampment at Columbus; 1889, encamp- ment ommitted on account of attendance at inauguration of COMPANY 'b" among THE VERY BEST. 439 President Harrison on March 4 of that year; 1890, encampment in Massillon; 1891, at Myers' Lake, near Canton. The Sixth Battery, with hired teams for the haulage of its guns and other encampment paraph^ftrnalia, marched the entire distance from Akron to Camp J. H. Wade, at Rocky River, in 1879, creating no Httle surprise and enthusiasm among the farmers and villagers along the route by their war-like appearance and soldierly bearing. Speaking of this encampment, the Cleveland Herald said: " Col. 'D. W. Thomas, the popular commander of the Eighth Regiment, has everything arranged neatly at his head- quarters, and will courteously receive and entertain visitors;" the Z/eac/er saying: "Company B, of the Eighth, under command of Captain Bro-svrf, is one of the best drilled companies of the brigade, their turn at Erie street being greeted w^ith loud applause." Radical Change of Materiel.^ — It \vill be remembered that in the beginning, in 1875, the majority of the members of the Akron City Guard were old soldiers — veterans of the late war — the average age being 30 years, no applicant being at that time received under 21 years of age. Gradually a change has been effected in the materiel of the company; the veterans have nearly all voluntarily retired, and to-day — nearly one-half of the members of the company being under t^venty-one, at the time of enlistment — the average age is less than 22, about the average of the soldiers who fought our battles, and won our splendid victories in the late w^ar. The morale of the corps is now, also, most excellent, and its ranks will doubtless be kept filled with the very best young blood of the, in all respects — military as well as industrial and com- mercial — Tip-Top City of Ohio. Other Points of Excellence. — The company maintains a rifle corps, which in its target practice, holds unquestioned suprem- ac3^ over all other teams it has come in contact with, since its organization over twelve years ago, and the company to-day divides with the Wooster City Guard the honor of being the best drilled and most efficient in the Eighth Regiment — each company having its points of superiority, and the rivalry between the two companies, though spirited, being perfectly friendly. Invaluable Assistance. — Company B has at various times had the advantage of having, as drill masters, gentlemen w^ho were trained soldiers. The first of these, outside of the organization itself, was Lieutenant E. M. Weaver, Jr., Second U.S. Artillery, then, from 1877 to 1880, on detail as military instructor at Western ReserveCollege, a mostexcellent drill-master and disciplinarian. In the Fall of 1877, through the efforts of Captain Dick, Lieutenant Alfred B. Sharpe, 22d U. S. Infantry, then giving military instruc- tion at Wooster University, mfide weekly visits to Akron, for the purpose of drilling Company B. A thorough gentleman, as well as soldier, both by his correct bearing, his intelligent and compre- hensive lectures, and his thorough discipline, he imbued all of the officers and members of the company with his own true military spirit, and the cessation of his visits, in July, 1888, left the com- pany, in point of excellence of drill, and acquaintance with the varied duties incident to active military service, equal to the very best in the State, a pre-eminence which under Captain Br^^an's skillful handling it still maintains. 440 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. FREDERICK C. BRYAN —son of Judoe Constant and Susan (Bar- nuni) Bryan ; born in Cleveland, Jul}' 16, 1838 ; educated in Akron Public schools and Western Reserve Col- lege, g'raduating' with degree of A. B., in 1878 ; reading- law with father, and in office of Attorney Gen- eral Jacob A. Kohler, was graduated from Cincinnati Law College, with the degree of L L. B., in 1881 ; work- ing as reporter on Akron DAILY Beacon in 1879, '80, and on Sunday Gazette 1881-83, in June of the latter year, in connection with his brother, Isaac Jennings Br5^an, purchased the latter paper, of which he Was manager and editor-in-chief until April,1885,continuing at the same time the study and practice of the law. Since 1885, in connection with Dayton A. Doyle, Esq., he has been in contin- uous practice. Julj^ 31, 1883, enlisted in the Akron City Guard, Companj- B., 8th Infantry, O. N. G.; appointed First Sergeant August 12, 1885 ; com- Elections in 1889, U. S. Census Enu- missioned First Lieutenant, June 30, merator for the City of Akron, for 1886, and Captain, April 17, 1888 ; was 1890, and Law Instructor in Buchtel first secretary of Akron Board of College in 1891. FREDKKICK C. BKYAX. PRESENT ROSTER OF COMPANY B. Captain, Fred. C. Bryan; first lieutenant, George H. T, Dunn; second lieutenant, George C. Conger; sergeants, Fred. H. O'Brien, Newell L. Tibbals, Fred. H. Cole, Arthur E. Limric, Harry B. Dodge; quartermaster sergeant, Charles E. Gostlin; corporals, Harry J. Spindle, Emery F. Morrison, James F. Donovan, George W. Alden, Harrison D. Cole, Arthur J. Durant, Frederick W. Wolf; musician, Reeves A. Lodwick ; wagoner, Samuel E. Bell ; privates, Edwin G. Acker, Frank P. Allen, Frank C. Botzum, Clif- ford D. Burnham, Lawrence Clark, Harry W. Cleveland, Arthur J. Cogswell, John Diehl, Amil E. Gammeter, Harry C. Gammeter, William H. Griffiths, Arthur Hall, George L. Barter, Edwin P. Hulse, James H. Jackson, Llewellyn W. Jones, Harold E. Joy, Albert Kimpflin, Warren A. Kohler, Harry L'Hommedieu, Arthur Linney, James R. Mays, Harry McCune, William Means, George Memmer, Walter H. Montenyohl, Frank C. Palmer. Edward D. Reed, Archer L. Root, Edward S. Rose, Arthur E. Royer, William F. Walters, George E. Warner, Richard M. Webber, Fred. Woods, Samuel Woods, Herbert A. Zimmerman. FULL LIST OF OFFICERS FROM BEGINNING. Captain: — David W. Thomas, elected November 12, 1875; Richard P. Marvin, Jr., March 19, 1877; Henry H. Brown, July 23, 1877; W. Acker Noble, December, 2, 1884; Charles W. F. Dicks, May 19, 1886; Fred C. Bryan, April 10, 1888. First Lieutenant. — Alexander G. Maynes, November 12, 1875; T. D. McGillicuddy, January 3, 1876; Emmett F. Taggart, April 4, 1877; Edward A. Stouffer, September 13, 1881; W. Acker Noble, July 7, 1883; Albert A. Bartlett, December 2, 1884; Charles W. F. THE SIXTH OHIO BATTERY. 441 Dick, November 3, 1885; Fred C. Bryan, May 19, 1886; Ira I. Morri- son, April 10, 1888; George H. T. Dunn, 1890, Lieut. Ira I. Morri- son, having been promoted to inspector of rifle practice on Col. Oyger's staff. Second Lieutenant: — T. D. McGillicuddy, November 12, 1875; Richard P. Marvin, Jr., January 3, 1876; Henry H. Brown, May 7, 1877; Richard P. Marvin, Jr., July 23, 1877; Edward A. Stouffer, January 21, 1878; W. Acker Noble, September 13, 1881; Frank Allen, July 31, 1883; Albert A. Bartlett, May 27, 1884; Hubert C. Peck, December 2, 1884; Ira I. Morrison, November 11, 1885; William A. Oostlin, April 10, 1888; George C. Conger, May 17, 1891. First Sergeant: — J. B. Collins, A. G. Maynes, E. F. Taggart, E. A.^ Stouffer, George \V. Kummer, Amos Brown, W. A. Noble, J. K. P. Sours, H. C. Peck, John B. Benn, F. C. Bryan, Wm. A. Gostlin, Oeorge Dunn, Fred H. O'Brien. INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT HARRISON. Company B, 45 members strong, were present at the inaugura- tion of President Benjamin Harrison, on Monday^ March 4, 1889, in which thej'^ bore a conspicuous part, a portion of the boys also attending the inauguration ball. On the eve of their departure for Washington, Capt. Bryan received the follow^ing letter from Col. Gyger, which speaks for itself: Alliance, Ohio, Februarj^ 26, 1889. The Colonel Commanding- desires to compliment Company B, upon their excellent condition, as shown by the report of the inspector of February 7, 1889, made by Col. C. V. Hard. The officers and members have cause to be proud of their organization. It stands foremost among the model military companies of the State, and is a credit to the city of Akron, the Eighth Regiment, and the Ohio National Ouard. Very respectfull}', To Capt. F. C. Bryan, GEO. R. Gyger, Com'd'g Company B., Akron, Ohio. Col. Eighth Regt. O. N. G, Company B was also honored with an invitation to participate in the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the inaugu- ration of President George Washington, at New York, April 30, 1889, but because of their having so recently helped to inaugurate the new president, they were obliged to decline the honor. SIXTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY. The Sixth Battery, Ohio National Guard, of which body Akron is so justly proud, was organized November 27, 1877, with sixty members, the commissioned officers being: Joseph C. Ew^art, captain; Thomas F. Wildes, first lieutenant; John H. Campbell, second lieutenant. Captain Ewart by unanimous choice of the battery holding that position until elected major of regi- ment, August 20, 1891; First Lieutenant James D. Chandler at that time being promoted to the captaincy. First Regiment Light Artillery O. N. G. — In 1886, regi- mental relations w^ere established with seven other batteries in different portions of the State, under the above title, and is the only Light Artillery Kegiment in the State, or even in the United States, excepting those connected with the Regular Army. The 442 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. alphabetical order of the eight batteries comprising the regiment is as follows: A, Cleveland; B, Cincinnati; C, Zanesville; D, Toledo; E, Springfield; F, Akron; G, Marietta; H, Columbus. Louis Smithnight, of Cleveland, is colonel of the regiment. JOSEPH C. P:WART— son of J Robert L. and Martha (Lemnion) Ewart, born in Springfield, March 25, 1841 ; educated in Spring-field district schools and Akron High school ; August, 1861, enlisted in 29th regi- ment O. V. I. ; discharged for disa- bility, April, 1862 ; re-enlisted August 1862, in 4oth O. V. I., served to July 1, 1865, and mustered, out with regi- ment ; after war, worked one year at sash making, etc., with the Weary Snyder & Wilcox Manufacturing Co.; then nine years in shipping depart- ment of Aultman, Miller & Co. ; in 1875, with Henry E. Merrill, com- menced the manufacture of roofing tile, the pioneer works of its class in the United States; in 1882, bought out Mr. Merrill and Idter associated with himself, Mr. Charles E. Howland, under the firm name of J. C. Ewart & Co., greatly enlarging their works, and now doing a large and profita- ble business. Mr. Ewart is also inter- ested in several other industrial enterprises, being president of the Akron Vitrified Pressed Brick Co., (works at Independence) present cap- ital $100,000. March 30, 1881, Mr. Ewart was married, to Mrs. Helena E. Phillips, who died November 16, 1887 ; was again married, April 23, 1890, to Miss Flora B. Cook, of Akron. Since the war, Mr. Ewart has taken JOSEPH C. EWAKT. great interest in local militarj- aflfairs, having, in 1877, organized the Sixth Battery, Light Artillery, now Battery F., First Regiment Light Artillery O. N. G., of which he held the position of Captain from its organization until his promotion to the position of Major of the regiment, August 20, 1891, which office he still holds. Present Status of Battery F. — ^For nearly fourteen years, both as an independent organization, and in its regimental rela- tions. Battery F has maintained a high standard of military effi- ciency, and in point of drill and facility of action, is unsurpassed by any other similar body in the, State. Ever ready to aid in all public demonstrations, its occasional calls upon the public in the way of patronizing their festivals for the replenishment of their finances, are liberally responded to, though still, besides the large amount of time given to routine duty and to public and private drills, parades, encampments, etc., the members are subjected to quite heavy cash expenses, the State allowance for the care and repair of guns and other military paraphernalia, being but $200 per year w^hile the county pays the rent of armory, only. The present headquarters of Battery F is at Columbia Hall immediately south of the City Building, on Main street, the present outfit consisting of two three-inch bronze guns, and two three-inch rifle steel guns, with ammunition carriages, harness, saddles, etc., to match. The present organization of the Battery (August, 1891) is as follow^s: Captain, James D. Chandler; surgeon, Henry M. Fisher; THE GERMAN GUARDS. 443 senior second lieutenant, Julius N. Baxter; junior second lieu- tenant, John W. Payne; sergeants, Peter Pfeifer, Clarence F. Ames, G. T, Casey, G. F. W. Clause; quartermaster sergeant, Alfred J. Pine; corporals, Ervin M, Capron, J. G. Dague, Eli Hutz, William Irvin, W. E. Crissick, Geo. W. Stein; trumpeters, Toni Werne, George H. Stanton, William A, Kellam, Frank C. Sprankle; privates. Turner Alexander, Alvin Alexander, Morris Binesderfer, Mandes Baughman, Ralph C. Brandon, Frank R. Brown, Harry S. Brandon, William Belke, William A. Cochran, William Craw^ford, Frank M. Cass, William H. Collar, A. C. Clark, Thomas H. Datcher, William A, Dickson, Charles C. Dorsey, Brace W. Duley, U. S, Englehardt, Daniel W. Fasig, Monroe Fasig, Ira A. Fouse, George Falk, Daniel Gossett, Urias Gorman, Clarence M. Hill, Enoch T, Jones, John P. Kirnberk, Philip Koch, L. H. Klopfen- stein, Lucas Libis, Stephen Libis, Frank A. Limbert, William McNeal, James D. Morton, John P. Nickol, Daniel A Roberts, Peter Schweitzer, Charles A. Sentemore, John Seegar, Ezra M. Scott, George F. Shook, William F. Wyatt, Grafton S. Whittier, R. F. Whittlesey, Alfred Wegmiller, George A. Weidley. Total, 66. BATTERY F AT THE CENTENNIAL. In the grand military display at the centennial celebration of the inauguration of President George Washington, held in the city of New York, on April 30, 1889, Battery F elicited w^arm com- mendation from both the managers of the celebration, and the press of New^ York city, as well as of the people w^ho w^itnessed its splendid tactical maneuvers and military evolutions. GERMAN GUARDS— COMPANY BUCHTEL. This company, organized June 15, 1883, started with a mem- bership of about twenty-five men, increasing its number to forty- five by January 1, 1884, and at present numbers sixty uniformed men. It is an independent company, composed entirely of men who were honorably discharged from the German army, part of them being in active service during the Franco-German war of 1870-71. American citizenship is a prerequisite to admission to mem- bership in the company, which is also a beneficiary society, as well as a" military organization, aiding its members in time of sickness, and their families in case of death. The uniform of the company is that of the German Army, and w^as imported from Germany, imparting a very imposing appear- ance to the company when on parade. The company is armed with the Brown gun — a breech-loading needle rifle — funds for the purchase of uniforms and arms being raised by popular sub- scription, Hon. John R. Buchtel being the largest contributor, his original donation being $500, in consideration of which the name of "Company Buchtel" was unanimously adopted. The German Guards, composed of the most highly respected and patriotic citizens of Akron, have always taken part in all the important civic and military displays in Akron, since their organ- ization, eliciting the very highest encomiums for their perfection of drill, accuracy of movement and soldierly bearing. The officers from the beginning have been as follows: Paul E. Werner, 444 AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY, captain; Hans Otto Beck, first lieutenant; Henry Klages, second lieutenant; sergeants, Carl Schoenduve and Gustave A. Groesel; surgeon, L. S. Ebright. BUCHTEL COLLEGE CADETS. In 1886, under the auspices of the Professors Charles S. How^e and Tracy L. Jeffords, and through the liberality of Hon. John R. Buchtel and Messrs. Ferd. and Adolph Schumacher, a full company, consisting entirely of college students, was organized uniformed, armed and thoroughly drilled in military tactics. This splendid company, with Alexander W. Maynes as its first captain, became not only a credit to the college, but the pride of our citizens, appearing in public on memorial days and on several festive occasions; a squad of twenty on Commencement Day, 1887, escorting President Buchtel from his house to the College, and, in his invalid chair, carrying him up three flights of stairs to the chapel, on his offer to contribute $1,000 towards the building of the Crouse gymnasium, if they would do so. By reason of changes in the faculty and among the students, the military feature not being included in the curriculum, the organization has been in a comatose condition since 1889, w^ithout any immediate promise of revivification. » AKRON'S MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS. From an early day Akron has been noted for the excellence of its musical organizations, both vocal and instrumental. It is not noMT ascertainable just w^hen the first instrumental band w^as organized here, though it was certainly more than half a century ago, and to the late Henry S. Abbey, Akron's pioneer jeweler, must be awarded the honor of being its pioneer band director, also. The Akron Brass BAND.-<*-This band, under the lead of Mr. Abbey, led the jollification festivities on the occasion of the erec- tion of the new county of Summit, in March, 1840, and on the following Fourth of July competed in friendl}^ rivalry w^ith the superb band accompanying Cleveland's crack military company — then as now the "Cleveland Gra3^s" — as guests of the Summit Guards, the Beacon in its account of the visit saying of the two bands: On the evening- of the 3rd, the Cleveland and Akron Bands gave a con- cert, at their quarters, where the elite of our village and the neighborhood did not fail to be present and enjoy the sweet and enlivening strains, made doubly so by the coohiess and stillness of the evening. A month later, August 5, 1840, at the celebration of the com- pletion of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, the Akron band w^as very highly complimented by the many distinguished visitors from abroad, for its excellent music in leading the procession and during the after festivities of the day and evening. In referring to a concert about to be given by the band, about this time, the Beacon editorially said: All who can be moved by concord of sweet sounds will certain!}^ be there. Let us all turn out, 5'oung and old, and give them a benefit. The3^ deserve it for their perseverence in getting- up a band which is a credit to our town, and should therefore be liberally encouraged by our citizens. Akron's musical organizations. 445 Reorganization. — Finding that his business cares precluded his longer acting as its leader, Mr. Abbey, about 1848, turned the organization over to Mr. George I^aurie, a book seller and stationer,, who reorganized and somewhat enlarged the band, though Mr. Abbey contined his membership therewith for several years there- after. Mr. Laurie, a few years later, was succeeded as leader by Mr. Horace B. Horton, inventor of the Melopean, then being quite largely manufactured by himself and the late Bradbury T. Blod- gett, the business being continued, in later years, by Ira Rose,^ James F. Scott, Horton Wright, John W. Baker and others. Cutter's Quadrille Band. — In the meantime, about 1845, Mr. Morrill T. Cutter, Akron's veteran shoe merchant, had organized a Quadrille Band, of from six to ten members, which for fifteen years was in almost constant demand, in furnishing music for quadrille and other social parties, festivals, etc., in Akron and neighboring villages and towns, and attained more than a local reputation, as being one of the best equipped and most thor- oughly trained quadrille bands in Northern Ohio. Keating's Orchestra. — John Keating, a most skillful musi- cian, a few years later became the leader of an orchestra that for a number of years, and until failing health compelled Mr, Keating's relinquishment of the leadership thereof, Avas justly the delight of terpsichorean circles. Marble's Brass Band. — About 1860, Prof. Dustin Marble, wha had settled in Akron for the purpose of giving musical instruc- tion and organizing bands, orchestras, etc., became the leader of the Akron band, and from thenceforth for nearly twenty years,, though many changes of membership occurred, Marble's band sustained almost a National reputation, as one of the best musical organizations in the country, the Professor, though severing his connection w^ith the band several years ago, still giving musical instruction ^vheneverhis services are-called into requisition. Babcock's Band. — Next in order comes Babcock's Band^ organized in the middle sixties under the leadership of Prof. Wor- den Babcock, and which had a highly prosperous career of some ten years. After an absence of three or four years, returning to Akron Mr. Babcock reorganized his band about 1881, which, in 1883, enlisted under the militia laws of the State, as a part of the Ohio National Guard, under the legal title of the Eighth Regiment Band. — Mr. Babcock was succeeded the same year in the leadership by Prof. Charles E. York, a very competent musician, Avho continued as its conductor until his removal from the city, in the spring of 1888, Avhen Mr. William R. Palmer was elected as its leader. The Eighth Regiment Band has at present 29 names upon it& muster roll, the organization receiving the same allowance from the State, and being subject to the same laws, and entitled to the same benefits as other companies and members of the Ohio National Guard, its present officers and members being as follows: William R. Palmer, leader; Richard Lew^is, drum major; S. Sam Miller, quartermaster; George Davis, Grant Kirn, Samuel E. Dice and Charles A. Wilhelm, sergeants; Alphonso Kimpflin, president; Edmund Hartz, vice president; George G. Smith, secretary; Grant Kirn, treasurer; George Davis, Grant Kirn and Charles A. Wilhelm,^ 446 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. trustees; Charles Austgen, Marshall Caine, James Flowrer, August K. Freund, John C. Funk, Joseph Goldsmith, Jacob Hartz, John Hartz, Leroy Henry, John Keatz, Charles W. Lantz, Sidney Morey, Bruce Miller, Cyrus L. Manderbach, Frank Nolte, Joseph Palmer, Adam Rank, William H. Shoke, William Worth- ington, Herbert A. Zimmerman. The Great W^estern Band. — Twenty-five Men. — For many years a very proficient and popular organization, w^as con- solidated -with the Eighth Regiment Band in September, 1891, with George L. Humphrey, as band master and William R. Palmer as his assistant, thus proving one of the strongest musical bodies in Ohio or else^vhere. Other musical organizations of the city, are now (September 1891), briefly as follows: The Turner Band, 25 men, Levi Pinn, drum major; John Kolla, leader; Frank Voke, president; Frank Cox, treasurer and business manager; The Metropolitan Band 10 to 12 men, Sidney Morey, director; Andrew Fritz, leader; Symphony Orchestra, five to twenty nmn, George L. Humphrey, leader; North Hill Band, 18 men, Charles W. Lantz, leader and director; Lantz's Orchestra, five to fourteen men, Charles W. Lantz, leader; Mustill's Orches- tra, five to ten men, Sidney Morey, director; Italian Orchestra, five to eight men, Hiram L. Morey, leader; Edwards' Orchestra, five to eight men, William H. Brady, leader; Thomas Edwards, prompter; Roman Orchestra, two to six men, Joseph A. Rivello, leader. West side Howard Street, from Market south. — From photo by S. J. Miller, 1855. CHAPTER XVIII. ANCIENT AND MODERN AKRON CONTRASTED— EARLY BUSINESS AND INDUS- TRIAL STATUS — WHAT HORACE GREELEY THOUGHT OF US IN 1843 — GREELEY A TRUE PROPHET — THE BOOM THAT CAME TO STAY— FROM VIL- LAGE Tp CITY— ENLARGING OUR BORDERS — AKRON'S WATER SUPPLY — IMMENSE CEREAL OPERATIONS— A TRULY "LIVE DUTCHMAN" — THE OAT MEAL INDUSTRY — AN IMMENSE PLANT — TERRIBLE CALAMITY — SPEEDY RECOVERY THEREFROM — OTHER MILLING OPERATIONS — LOCO-FOCO MATCHES— FIRST MADE BY THE WRITER, IN 1838— MODUS OPERANDI— THE LOCO-FOCO PARTY, WHY SO CALLED— THE BARBER MATCH COMPANY— • THE LARGEST OF ITS CLASS IN THE WORLD— HEAVY MINING MACHINERY, STOVES, ETC.— REAPERS AND MOWERS FOR THE MILLION— KNIVES AND SICKLES— RUBBER GOODS, PAPER-MAKING, ETC.— LEADING THE WORLD IN SEWER PIPE AND STONEWARE— A WONDERFUL INDUSTRIAL EXHIBIT. ANCIENT AKRON. THE origin and early history of Akron, its growth, successes, reverses, etc., were pretty fully given in the earlier chapters of this wrork. Though from the beginning it had fully maintained its standing as one of the most enterprising and prosperous inland villages in Ohio, its population in 1860, as shown b}' the census of that year, was only 3,520 souls. What Horace Greeley Said of Us. — In 1843, after a personal visit to Akron, Horace Greeley, in publishing a description of the town in the New York Tribune said: "This place, with a popu- lation of 2,500, has five woolen factories, an extensive blast furnace, a machine shop, a card manufactory, nine dry goods stores and about as many other stores, two weekly newspapers, four large flouring mills, a court house, four churches and tw^o more being erected. The present water-pow^er, including the surplus water of sixteen locks on tw^o canals, is adequate to impelling sixty-two runs of stones. Besides this, there is considerable w^ater-poAver and manufacturing at the small village of Middlebury, onlj^ a mile and a half east, on the canal, and destined to form a portion of the same city." Other Early Statistics. — Four years later, Howe's History of Ohio says of Akron: "Its population in 1827 was about 600 [less than 400 in fact]; in 1840, the number of inhabitants was 1,664, since v^hich time it is estimated to have doubled. It has eight churches, twenty stores, ten groceries, four drug stores, two book stores, four woolen factories, two blast furnaces, three cupola furnaces, one carding machine manufactory, five flouring mills, one insurance company, one bank, two newspaper offices, and a great variety of mechanical establishments." During the next ten years, there -were rhany changes — an increase in some departments and a falling off in others — the increase in population being quite rapid, the census of 1850 plac- ing it at 3,254, a gain of nearly one hundred per cent, in the ten years, the gain from 1850 to 1860 being but 266, an increase of a fraction less than eight per cent.,. the census of that year placing it at 3,520. 448 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. |5 35 c • 3| 2 ^' CO o a °- 2g M - ; u c 5 MODERN AKRON. 449 But, in the early sixties, "a change came o'er the spirit of our dreams." Increased railroad facilities, and the increased activity given to commerce, manufactures, agriculture, etc., by the War, brought a decided " boom " to Akron, the results and magnitude of which are briefly attempted below: Akron remained an incorporated town, or village, until Janu- ary, 1865, an enumeration taken by Recorder Henrj^ Ward Inger- soll, reported on the 14th day of December, 1864, showing the number of inhabitants of the village to have been 5,066, an increase of 1,546 in four years. By resolution of the Council, adopted December 25th, 1864, the State officials were requested to advance the village to a city of the second class, w^hich was accordingly done by Governor John Brough, Secretary of State William Henry Smith and Auditor of State James N. Goodman, January 21, 1865. City Organization. — The newlj^ constituted City of Akron was divided into three w^ards, the first election on Mondaj^, April 3,. 1865, resulting in the choice of James Mathews as Mayor, and the following councilmen: First ward, Charles W. Bonstedt, one year, and George W. Crouse, two years; Second ward, John E,^ Bell, one year, and Henrj^ W. Howe, tw^o years; Third ward, J. Park Alexander, one yean Lewis Miller, two years; Lewis Miller,, on organization, being elected president of the Council, and Jere- miah A. Long, clerk. One-half of the councilmen being elected for one year only, at the election in April, 1866, John J. Wagoner succeeded Mr. Bonstedt in the First ward, Joshua H. Collins, Mr. Bell in the Second, and George vSechrist, Mr. Alexander in the Third. Horace Greeley a True Prophet. — September 6, 1865, by action of county commissioners, the territory lying north of Exchange street, between the original east line of the corporation (about on the present line of Fir street) and the then west line of Middlebury township (at the junction of East Market and Middle- bury streets) Avas duly annexed to the cit}^ of Akron. By the authoJ-ity of an ordinance passed by the council of the village of Middlebury, August 24, 1871, and a like ordinance passed by the city council of Akron, February 5, 1872, the question of annexation was submitted to the legal voters of the two corpo- rations, on the first Monday of April, 1872, resulting as follows: Akron, for annexation, 1,042; against, 6. Middleburyfor, 14();against, 26. By resolution of each council respectively, commissioners were appointed to arrange the terms of annexation as follows: Akron, George W. Crouse, William T. Allen, and David L. King: Middlebury, Mendal Jewett, Frank Adams, and George F. Kent. Terms mutually satisfactory to the joint commission being agreed to, ordinances of approval were duly passed by Middlebury,. April 19, and by Akron, April 24, 1872, and the annexation was complete. May 27, 1872, the Middleburj^ accession was designated, by ordinance, as the Sixth ward- wards Four and Five having been created by ordinance passed March 9, 1871. Subsequent Accessions. — By ordinance passed October 28, 1872,. a small section of territory lying south of East Exchange street, and between the two original corporations of Akron and Middle- bury was formally annexed to the city. 29 , 450 AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. By an ordinance passed February 18, 1882, the annexation of certain portions of Portage and Tallmadge townships, known as the "Old Forge" district, was duly authorized, w^hich territory, on the consummation of the annexation proceedings was, by ordi- nance passed March 1, 1886, attached Jo the Sixth ward. South side East Market Street, from Howard to Main, the "'Old Stone Block, Ohio Exchange, etc., 184,5.— Drawn from memory by the author. South side Market Street, Howard to Main, 1891. -Photo by Walter B. Manning. AKRON S WATER vSl PPLY. 451 Akron City Building, South Main and Quarry Street. By ordinance passed March 15, 1886, certain described lands in 'Cov^entry township, upon the south, embracing 222.62 acres, and ^'ertain described lands in Portage township, upon the north and Avest, embracing 467.80 acres, Avere also, by subsequent proceed- ings, duly annexed, and are now embraced within the corporate limits of the city of Akron, Akron's Present Population. — By the official census for 1890, the population of the city of Akron is as follows; First ward, 3,793; Second ward, 3,531; Third ward, 5,045; Fourth ward, 6,716; Fifth ward, 5,194; Sixth ward, 3,322; total, 27,601. This, with the dense suburban population on the immediate unannexed ter- ritory, together with our rapidly increasing inside population makes us, in this year of grace, 1891, a city of considerable over 30,000 inhabitants. The popula- tion of Portage tow^nship, exclusive of Akron, in 1840 w^as 2,382; in 1880, after annexation or sundry portions of its territory to the city, as stated, 2,580, the census of 1890 show^ing a total of 2,659. Akron's Water Supply. — Though eminently a water town — Avith the never-failing living Avaters of Summit Lake, a short dis- tance south of the city limits, and the pellucid Little Cuyahoga river traversing its entire breadth from east to west, upon the nqrth and though a large number of springs of the very purest w^ater were found gushing spontaneously from its innumerable hills and bluffs, Akron cannot be said to have been well-watered until a comparatively recent date. The first attempt at "\vater w^orks," for any portion of the town, was by Dr. Eliakim Crosby, in 1836, by bringing the waters of a large spring from the foot of Perkins' hill, in a continuous cement pipe, to his own house, where the Catholic parsonage now stands, with branches running to the houses of some of his near-by West Hill neighbors. The scheme worked well for a year or two. when it was found that an accumulation of fungus vegetation had filled the pipe its entire length, and the scheme had to be abandoned. The Akkox Cold Sprlng Company. — In the early forties the Akron Cold Spring Compan}'^ was incorporated and organized, for the purpose of bringing the waters of a large spring, known as "Cold vSpring," from the eastern slope of what is now^ called "Spring Hill," on the Portage road, aboiit a mile and a half along what is now Aqueduct street, and West Market street, in four-incli cast-iron inains, with lead service pipes to the several residences along the route, these cast-iron mains, after ijiearly half a ctenturA-'s serA'ice, being replaced b}^ wrought-iron pipes in 1891. ''This is the \'ery softest and purest water in the cit3% and is still used for domestic purposes b}' many of the inhabitants of that portion of the city, even among those who patronize the City Water Works for stable, lawn and street sprinkling purposes. The present officers of the company are: Directors: J. A. Long, 452 AKROM AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Lorenzo Hall, S. E. Phinney, George A. Keinpel, A. M. Armstrong; president, A. M. Armstrong; secretary, Philander D. Hall, Jr. Howard Strret Water Company. — There was orginally a superb spring of water, on the premises of the late George \V. Bloom, where the office of the Schumacher Milling Company now stands, corner of Broadwaj^ and Mill streets. March 14, 18(io, Morrill T. Cutter, Hiram Viele, William G. Raymond, James M, Hale and Lorenzo Hall, directors of the duly incorporated Howard Street Water Company, b}'^ a grant from council, were permitted to lay pipes through the streets of Akron, and did so use a part of Mill, Howard and Market streets. These w^orks were quite convenient to those interested for several years, but paving, sewering, etc., at length so interfered with a free flow of Avater and the extension of the system, that the project was abandoned. City Water Works. — Sometime in the latter sixties, the question of city w^ater w^orks for fire protection and for manufactur- ing and domestic purposes, began to be agitated, and on December 27, 1871, an ordinance was passed as follows: Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Akron^ That water works for the purpose of furnishing' said city and the inhabitants thereof, with a supplj- of water, are hereb}" ordered to be built and con- structed. This was supplemented by an ordinance passed January 8, 1872, authorizing the election of a board of three w^ater works trustees, and at the ensuing April election a non-partisan board w^as elected as foUow^s: John R. Buchtel, Alexander H. Commins and Charles Cranz. Expert hydraulic engineers, w^ere emplo3'ed, and estimates made from various points of possible supply, but various hindrances intervened, and the scheme w^as never con- summated, the ordinance being repealed March 29, 1876. Akron Water Works Company. — July 1, 1880, an ordinance was passed granting to M. S. Frost & Son, and their associates, the privileo-e of usingf the streets, alleys and public grounds of the city for the laying of pipes, etc., for the purpose of supplying the people of the city with water in accordance with certain proposi- tions which had been made by said compan)\ The works were accorditigly built, the suppl}^ being obtained from a large w^ell upon the Mal- lison farm, on Wooster avenue, with a reservoir upon Sherbondj^ Hill in the west part of the cit}". The works were completed* and put in operation early in 1881, but as the years passed by the suppl}^ from the well w^as found to be inadequate to meet the increas- ing demand, and the small Lake to the southward, known as Manning's pond, was purchased and utilized, and subsequenth^ an arrangement made with the State by w^hich the waters of Akron Water Works Pumping Station —1891. CHANGES Ii\ A THIRD OF A CENTURY. 453 Sunittiit Lake, still further south, are used as occasion requires, and with other more recently added wells, both in point of quantitj"^ and quality Akron's water supply is equal to that of any other city in Ohio; its fire protection being almost perfect, its waters also being quite largely used as the motive power for driving ele- vators, church organs, coffee grinders, printing presses, pumps, etc. IVest Market Street, from Howard, shovviiiji old City Mill, old U ooden Bridge over Canal, and the original and then only Sidewalk on West Hill.- From photo by S. J. Miller, lSi8. West Market Street, from Howard, 1891.— From photo by George E. Hitchcock. 454 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The present officers of the Akron Water Works Company are: President, Frank Adams; vice president, George W. Crouse; secre- tary and treasurer, Horace C. Starr; mechanical engineer and superintendent, Kdward A. Lawton; civil engineer, Joseph Flannery. Capital stock, $250,000. The company has now^ about 30 miles of street mains, 1,600 private and public takers, and about 200 street hydrants, or fire plugs, and the system is being rapidly extended. Cereal Operations. — It -will be remembered that in its earlier history, milling w^as Akron's chief industry, which, "while not ver\' materially augmenting the industrial population, yet by furnish- ing a ready market to the surrounding farmers for their grain, greatly enhanced the commercial and financial interests of the village and county. The famous Old Stone Mill, built by Dr, Crosby and others in 1832, w^as the pioneer, followed by the ^tna, by William B. Mitchell and Samuel A. Wheeler in 1838; the Center Mill, by Joseph A. Beebe and William E. Wright, in 1839; the Cascade Mill, by William B. Mitchell, in 1840, and a few years later by the City Mill, by Gen. Geo. W. McNeil and others; the Ayliffe Mill, (afterwards the Carter & Steward Oatmeal Mill); the Pearl Mill, l3y William G. Raymond, Abraham Fulton, A. M. Barber and others, (now the How^er Oatmeal Mill); the Perkins Mill, (now the Allen Mill), etc., Akron flour, both under the old and new pro- cesses, ever having maintained a high standing in Ne\sr York and other Eastern markets. A Truly "Live Dutchman." — But it was reserved to Fred. Schumacher,, to bring to Akron its chief renown as a milling center. Coming hither in 1851, Mr. Schumacher, in company with Mr. Theodore Weibezahn, opened a small notion store in Hall's blocks fronting on West Market street. Withdrawing from that business in August, 1852, Mr. S. started a small family supply store, where the First National Bank now stands, afterwards removing to the larger room across the street, next to Empire House, where, for a number of years he did a profitable business, with Mr. Charles W, Bonstedt as his chief clerk. In 1859, Mr. S. commenced the manufacture of oatmeal, on a small scale, in a frame building at the foot of Howard street, w^hich had originally been used for a woolen factory, but later by ex-Sheriff Thomas Wilson, in the manufacture of mineral paint. This, undoubtedly the pioneer oatmeal mill in America, was appropriately named " The German Mill." Its products finding a ready sale, Mr. S. soon added the manufacture of pearl barley, for which, in 1863, a separate extensive mill w^as built on South Sum- mit street, near the Union depot, which was named the " Empire Barley Mill." In 1872 the orginial German Mill was destroyed by fire, a new German Mill being built near the Empire Mill on Summit street. Sundry additions w^ere made from time to time, a large elevator for the storage of grain having been erected in 1879, Mr. S. having in the meantime bought and refitted w^ith modern machinery, the Cascade Mill, near Lock Fourteen, Ohio Canal, originally built by Mr. William B. Mitchell? in 1840. Terrible Calamity. — Other mills w^ere added to the original plant on Summit street, including the celebrated eight story "Jumbo" mill, a large drying house, fronting on Broadw^ay, and the splendid office building on the corner of Mill and Broad vva^v IMMKXSE MILLING OPERATIONS, 455 the whole with several small dwelling houses, mostly owned b}^ Mr. S., covering the entire square, bounded by Summit street upon the east, Mill street upon the north, Broadway street upon the west, and Quarry street upon the south. These immense mills, filled throughout with expensive machinery, were being driven to their fullest capacity to meet the demands of the wonderful busi- ness which the energetic push of Mr. S. had thus built up, when, on the night of March 6, 1886, the entire plant, except the original Empire Barley Mill, with their valuable contents, were destroyed by fire, involving a loss to Mr. S,, over and above insurance, of $600,000, besides a prospective serious interruption to his business. ALEXANDER H. COMMINS,— eld- -^ est son of Dr. Jedediah D. Com- tnins, was born at Lima, Living'ston county, N. Y., June 21, 1815; removed with parents to Akron in 1832, enter- ing- Western Reserve College, at Hudson; on leaving college, entered his father's drug store in Akron, following that business until 1845, when, with Col. Simon Perkins, Jesse Allen and others, he became a mem- ber of the Perkins Company, erecting the brick btiilding on Canal street, now known as the Allen Mill, and engaged in the manufacture of woolen cloths, satinets, etc., some ten years later converting it into a flouring mill. In 1867, in company with Albert Allen, purchased the old stone mill — Akron's pioneer manufacturing plant — now owned by the American Cereal Com- pany. The firm of Commins & Allen was phenomenally successful, and so harmonious that by will Mr. C. gave Mr. A. control of his entire business and estate, and in case of the death of his wife, the guardianship of their children, without bond or appraisal. October 8, 1860, Mr. Commins was married to Miss Addie H. Starks, of Buffalo, N. Y., who bore him nine children, seven of whom — five daugh- ters and two sons, are still living — Cora, Catharine B., now Mrs. H. F. Smithers, Qertrude P., Addie H.. A. Dais5^, Alexander H., and Augustus J. Mr. Commins died August 17, 1880, aged 65 years, one month and 26 days, Mrs. Commins dying June 29, 1884, aged 48 years, 4 months and 12 days. The F. Schumacher Milling Company. — In the meantime, so popular had become the oatmeal and other cereal products manu- factured by Mr. S., other similar mills had been started in Akron and elsewhere, one of the largest of which, that of the Akron Milling Company, in connection with the old stone mill, was just fairly getting into operation. Between this company and Mr. Schumacher, a consolidation was effected, by which the several inilling properties of both were brought together under one corporation — The F. Schumacher Mill- ing Company — with an authorized capital stock of tvv^o millions of dollars, the business thus being carried right along with ])ut a comparatively slight interruption; the officers of the company being Ferd. Schumacher, president; I^ouis Schunuicher, vice- president; F, Adolph Schumacher, secretary; Hugo vSchumacher, treasurer. 456 AKKOX AXD SUMMIT COUNTY. A LBKRT AI.LEN— son of Levi and -^ Phtx?be (Spicer) Allen, was born in Coventry, March 12, 1827; raised on farm with common school education; on attaining; his majority learned the millwrighting' trade at which he worked about nine years, in 1856 con- verting- the Perkins Woolen Mill, on Canal street, into a flouring- mill for J. & J. Allen & Co., on its completion assuming the inanag-ement of the mill, and ablj- filling' the position for about ten j'ears. In 1867, in connec- tion with Mr. Alexander H. Coin- inins, he purchased the Stone Mill, the firm of Commins & Allen doing- a phenomenally successful business until the death of of Mr. C, in 1880. the firm name continuing-, with Mr. Allen as exectitor of Mr. Commins' larg-e estate, until it was nierg-ed in The F. Schumacher Milling- Company, April 5, 1886. of which company Mr. Allen was a director and the vice pres- ident until the time of his death, Sep- tember 25, 1888, at the age of 61 years, 6 months and 13 days. Mr. Allen, though never married, enjoyed the comforts of a fine home on Bowery street, Avith his sister, Miss Cynthia Allen, as his housekeeper, rearing and educating his niece. Miss Minnie E. Allen, now wife of Henr3^ M. Stone, Esq., of Denver, Col. Mr. Allen was an ardent Republican and a zealous metnber of the Disciple church, in ALBEKT ALLEX, his will, after devising 20 per cent of his large estate to his sister, Cyn- thia, bequeathing 10 per cent of the residue (about $10,000) to Hiram College; 10 per cent to Christian Foreign Missionarj^ Society, and 10 per cent jointly to the General Chris- tian Home Missionarj' Society and the First Disciple church, of Akron, besides having pledged the payinent of $1,000 to Buchtel College. MINER J. ALLEN,— son of Levi and Phcebe (Spicer) Allen, was born in Coventry, November 11, 1829; edixcated in township district schools; worked at farming until 1867, w^hen he moved to Akron, as traveling and local grain buyer for Commins & Allen, in 1884 taking a one-fifth interest in the Akron Mill- ing Company, which in 1886, was merged into The F. Schumacher Milling Compan}', of which he was a stockholder and director. June 1, 1876, Mr. Allen was married to Miss Frances C. DeWolf, daughter of Samuel and Margaret (King) DeWolf, of Vernon, Trumbull county, who has borne him four children — Albert Mark, born August 26, 1877. Miner Wicliffe, February 24, 1879; Margaret Phcebe, February 11, 1882, and Chris- tina Cynthia, August 22. 1883. Politi- callj', Mr. Allen has been a life-long Republican, and active in public affairs, but not an office seeker, though, while a resident of Coventry Avas several years a member and clerk of local school board. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen are devoted mem- bers of the First Disciple church, of Akron. THE AMERICAN CEREAL COMPANY. 457 The Gerirjaii mill, the elevator and the dr^'ing house, together Avith the office building, have been rebuilt, a second larger elevator •erected, and it is coniidently expected that the entire burned plant will be rehabilitated in the near future, and the cereal works of "the Schumacher Milling Company maintain their standing as the very largest and best establishment of their kind in the world. JOHN H. HOWER, born in Stark J connty, Februar}^ 22, 1822; educat- [ill, corner of Canal and Cherry streets, was converted into an oatmeal mill, in the latter seventies, by Mr. Robert Turner, a prac- tical miller, the present proprietors, the Hower Company, succeed- ing to the business in 1880. The officers of this corporation are: John H. Hower, president; Harvey Y. Hower, vice president; M. Otis Hower, secretary, and Charles H. Hower, treasurer, the three latter being sons of the former. Large additions have been made to the works, increasing the capacity from about 2,00() pounds, in 1880, to nearly 30,000 pounds of bulk and package cereal goods, in 1888, for which a rapidly increasing sale is being found in every portion of the United States. American Cereal Company, — Since the foregoing was pub- lished in serial form, most of the principal oatmeal mills of the 458 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. United States, in June, 1891, united in the organization of The American Cereal Company, with a capital of $3,400,000, the F. Schumacher Milling Company and the Hower Company selling their entire plants to, and the several members thereof becoming stockholders of, the new company, with Mr. Ferd. Schumacher as- its president, and its principal office in Akron. Fifty-Fourth Battalion, O. N. G., starting for tlie defense of Washinjiton, May, 1864. View of North side of Market Street, from Main to High, the Sale Stable, beyond the bridge of the old P. and O. Canal, on present site of Academy of Music. North side Market Street, from Maih/o Iligli. 18!tl. Plu^to b^- Walter^. Mantiij,!^. alter B. Manning. q i THE MATCH INDUSTRY. 459 The Allen Mills.— In the middle forties a substantial brick mill was erected on Canal street, south of Cherry, for the manu- facture of satinets, by the Perkins Company, composed of the late Simon Perkins, Jedediah D. and Alexander H. Commins, Jesse, Jacob and Hiram Allen, etc. Some years later this plant was con- verted into a flouring mill by the Perkins Company, and is xiow ow^ned and operated by Allen & Co., composed of Frank H. Allen, of New York, and Victor J. Allen and William A. Palmer, of Akron. Supplied w^ith the very best of modern machinery and processes, the various grades of family and bakers' flour manufactured by this firm, find a ready and extensive sale both at home and in New York and other eastern markets. MARTIN HOUSTON CRUMRINK, — born in Gettysburg-, Pa., May 16, 1824:, when six months old removing with parents to Carroll county, Ohio; educated in district schools; com- menced to learn trade of marble cutter at Cadiz, Harrison county; in September, 1851, going to Massillon and finishing' his trade with Uhl, Myers & Co. In September, 1853, went to Wheeling, Va., and in Janu- ary, 1854, to Salisburj^, N. C, and lattjr to Milton, where he did the carving and lettering- on the Patrick Henry monument. In 1857 he re- turned to Massillon, and with Mr. Quinc5^ W. Reeves, bought out his old employers, the firm of Reeves & Crumrine, continuing until June, 1863, when Mr. C. sold his interest to his partner, in September establishing- the extensive marble and granite w^orks in Akron, which he has since so successfully^ conducted. Januarj^ 27, 1868, he was married to Miss Olive C. Henry, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Milton W. Henry, of Akron. They have five children — Harriet G., Josephine, Henry C, Walter R. and Ralph Milton. Mr. Crumrine has MARTIN HOUSTON CRUMKINE. filled the position of Master, in Akron Lodge, No. 83, F. and A. M., and various offices, including- two terms as Eminent Commander of Akron Commandery, No. 25, Knights Templar. The Seiberling Milling Company. — Capital $200,CXX), five-story brick mill, located in the Sixth ward, on the site of the old Cuj^a- hoga blast furnace, erected in 1817. It is first-class throughout, with a capacity of 1,000 barrels of flour per day. The officers of the com- pany are: President, John F. Seiberling; secretary, Lucius C. Miles; treasurer, Frank A. Seiberling. South Akron Flouring Mill. — This mill, together with a sawmill, at the head of the canal basin, in South Akron, is now owned and operated by the Brewster Coal Company, as a custom feed mill, the new process appliances, for manufacturing flour, never having been introduced. It is nevertheless, capable of doing good work in the particular line of grinding indicated, and is a very great convenience to its patrons. Friction Matches. — In the boyhood days of the writer, the only mode of striking light for candle, pipe or cigar, was from a live coal plucked from the domestic hearthstone, or from a splinter or paper lighter ignited therefrom, while the "raking up" of the 460 AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. South side of East Market Street, between Main and High, Tappan Hall, Trussell Block, etc,. 185.5.— From photo liy Akron's pioneer photographer, Samuel J. Miller. South side of Market Street, Main to High, 1891. -Photo by Walter B. Manning. THE IMPROVEMENTS OF HALF A CENTURY. 461 embers in the old-fashioned fire-place, on retiring to bed, was the only assurance of a warm breakfast in the morning. And the writer well remembers the first device in the match line ever invented, which consisted of slips of pine about three inches long and one-eighth of an inch square, one end coated with brimstone and other chemicals, and ignited by thrusting the prepared end into a small bottle of aquafortis, the price of the little round box containing the bottle, and twenty-five matches, being tw^enty-five cents— one cent a-piece. Next came "Lucifer" matches, thin basswood slips, coated at one end with composition to be ignited by drawing through a folded piece of sand-paper. These, about fifty in a box, retailed at about twelve and a half cents. Loco-Foco Matches.— Next, about fift3'-five years ago, came the "Loco-Foco" match, for the manufacture of which, in Akron^ the writer claims to be the pioneer, the following advertisement appearing, vmder date of May 19, 1838, in the little paper published by him at thattinae: " Loco-Foco Matches, manufactured b}^ S. A. Lane & Co., for sale by the gross, dozen or single bunches. Inquire at the Buzzard office." The operative force of the concern was one man, and the "works" y^eve in a dismantled 12x15 blacksmith shop, where Assembly' Hall now stands, the "Co." being Dr. James R. Milti- more, who, with his wife, ^vas drowned in Lake Brie, on the occa- sion of the burning of the steamer Erie on the afternoon of August 9, 1841. As a contrast to the present lightning mode of manufacture, a brief description of the process then in vogue will be in order. It being deemed unsafe for any tw^o matches to come in contact with each other, they were made in cards or combs in this wise: First, straight-grained tw^o-inch pine plank, after being smoothly planed by hand, (there Avere no planing machines in those days), were saw^ed into lengths of five inches. Then, b}' a fine single-blade cir- cular saw, they were sliced up into cards, scant eighth of an inch thick. Then by a gang of eleven fine, nicelj^ adjusted saws, the ends of the cards in question, a dozen or so at a time, w^ere slit into the form of a comb, with twelve teeth each, about two inches in length. Then the cards were sawed in two in the center, leaving a half inch back to each comb. Then the combs, a dozen at a time,, w^ere dipped into melted brimstone, and afterwards, each separatel3% into the phosphorus composition. Now for the packing. Placing a long strip of paper, three inches wide, upon the packing table, one card of twelve matches was placed thereon and a turn made, then another card and so on until twelve cards, or 144 matches, were inchided in the package. CarefuUj" folding down the ends,, the package, called a "bunch," was inclosed in a printed wrapjjer; twelve bunches, or one gross of matches, placed in another printed wrapper; and twelve of those, or a great gross, in still another printed wrapper, when the matches were ready for the market. The matches thus prepared sold at the following prices: Great gross, 144 bunches, of 144 matches each, $7.00; small gross, 12 bunches of 144 each, $1.00; single bunch, 144 matches, one- shilling. 462 AKKOX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. West side of Howard vStreet, from Market to Stone Mill Barn, present site of Cereal Mills.— From photo by B. F. Battels, 1870. West side Howard Street, from Market to Mill. 1" From photo \}y Geo. E. Hitchcock. SOME EARLY MERClIAxNTS. 463 MORRILL T. CUTTER, born in Jeffrey, N. H., October 6, 1826; raised on farm ; educated in com- mon schools ; came to Akron in November, 1844, engaging- in the shoe business with his vincle, John M. Cutler, Akron's pioneer read}- made boot and shoe dealer ; a 5'ear later becoming a partner ; in 1853 formed a partnership with the late Charles R. Howe, which continued 17 years, the firm of Cut- ter & Howe, in 1865, erecting the three storj^ brick block on Howard street, now occupied by Mr. C; in 1873, as a member of the firm of Whitney, Glasser & Co., engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes in Cleveland ; in 1880, returned to Akron and resumed bvisiness at the old stand, where he still con- tinues. Mr. Cutter is a fine instru- mental musician, not only plaj^ing with several of the earlier bands, but also for many j-ears, conducting that most excellent orchestra known as "Cutter's Quadrille Band." As a member of Co. F, 164th, O. V. L. Mr. C. served 10(J days before Washington, in 1864, at the request of Col. John C. Lee, while in Cleveland, organizing a regi- mental band from members of the several companies, and is now a member of Bucklej^ Post, No. 12, G. A. R. In June, 1847. Mr. Cutter MORRILL T. CUTTER, was married to Miss Percis Ann Mon- roe, of Chicopee, Mass., who died No- vember 23, 18iXJ. LORENZO HALL. T ORENZO HALL,— son of Richard -L^ and Sally (Hurlburt) Hall, was born at Bridgeport, Conn., February 22, 1812; common school education; at 15, at solicitation of directors taking charge of school in his own district, and teaching elsew^here five or six years ; followed farming on farm ceded to his great great grandfather in 1639; in 1836 came to Akron, sell- ing, goods for his brother, Mr. P. D. Hall, in store and bj^ peddling in neighboring country towns; returned to Connecticut (the entire distance on horseback), and carried on, farm until the death of his brother Orlando, in 1858, when he became his successor in the mer- cantile business here, as a partner in the well-known firm of Hall Brothers, the oldest continuous business house in Akron, founded by Mr. P. D. Hall in May, 1835. March 26, 1846, Mr. Hall was married to Misa Mary J. Hubbell, of Trumbull, Conn. They have two sons — Frank L., born July 5, 18.50, now a member of the law firm of De Forrest, Weeks & Co., in New York Cit}*, and Philander D., born Januarj^ 10, 1854, now, after sev- eral years spent in travel in Europe and California, filling his father's place in the store. Mr. Hall, through impaired circulation of blood, being obliged to submit to the amputation tion of his right foot. May 1, 1887. 464 AKK'ON AXD SUMMIT COUNTY. Iti the light of the present prices, one cent or less per hundred^ at retail, the prices above named would seem rather steep, but Avhen the labor of preparing the cards, the slow process of dip- ping, and the extra care in wrapping and packing, coupled with the fact that phosphorus (now worth perhaps 75 cents per pound)- then cost $7.50, it is little wonder that the proprietors of Akron's pioneer match factory, never became luillionaires, but, on the con- trary, abandoned the business as nonprofitable in about one year^ The Loco-foco Party. — Apropos of the loco-foco match, a word as to how the Democratic part3' of fiftj^ years ago came to be called the "Loco-Foco Part3"," uiay be of interest. Tamman}" Hall, then as now, was the headquarters of the Democratic clubs and societies of New York City. Then, as no\v, too, there v^rere . factions, schisms and exciting controversies among the faithful, for political and official ascendency. One night, in the midst of a heated controversy, Avhen an important vote w^as about to be taken, the part}^ that was about to be worsted, by a preconcerted movement turned off all the gas, leaving the crowd in total dark- ness, and unable to proceed with the business in hand. At this- juncture a member of the opposite faction, w^ho happened to have a bunch of loco-foco matches in his pocket, struck a light, turned on the gas, and the business of the meeting went on. The suc- cessful faction Vk^ere thenceforth called Loco-Focos — the appel- lation finally attaching to the entire party, to w^hich it tenaciously" clung for over twenty years. The Barber Match Company. — But it was left to Mr. George Barber, an early resident of Middlebury to found w^hat has since grown to be, not only one of Akron's most prosperous and profit- able industries, but one of the most extensive and complete establishments of its kind in the United States. Mr. Barber commenced making matches in 1845, in a small barn in Middlebury ,^ later, after several removals, occupying the old Raw^son & Goodale woolen factory, on the site of the present woolen and felt works in the Sixth ward. These matches were what w^ere known as the block or split match, the splitting, as well as the dipping, being done by hand. It was pretty "hard sledding" the first few^ years, there then being no railroad communication with the outer w^orld. But labor-saving devices were invented, railroads were built, a demand created, additions were made to the plant from time to time, and later on, under the inspiration of the son, Mr. Ohio C. Barber, the Barber Match Company was formed and the works, in 1871, removed to Akron, proper, on the w^est side of South Main street, the present plant covering something over five acres of land, with over 100,000 feet of floorage, giving emploj^ment to from 450 to 500 men, boys and girls, and with a daily mechan- ical and operative capacity of nearly 100,000,000 of matches. The Diamond Match Company. — The Barber Match Companj^ is now a component part of the larger corporation — The Diamond Match Company — with other quite extensive w^orks in different sections of the country, of Avhich company, with its principal offices in Chicago, Mr. Ohio C. Barber is president, and Mr. John K. Robinson, also a native Akronian, is treasurer and manager. The Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company. — In May, 1848, the late George D. Bates, Charles Webster and James B. Tap- lin, under the firm name of G. D. Bates & Co., started the "Globe INDUSTRIAL AKRON. 465 Foundry," on the southeast corner of North Main and Tallmadge streets, and engaged in the manufacture of stoves and milling and other machinery, on a small scale. Two or three years later Mr. Bates retired, Webster and Taplin continuing until 1855, when Mr. William Camp was added to the company, under the firm name of Webster, Taplin & Co., this firm, a year or two later, engaging, to a limited extent, in the production of the "Akron Mower," being therefore the pioneers in what has since grown to be Akron's greatest industry. pHARLES WEBSTER, — born in ^ Litchfield, Conn., September 3, 1810 ; when three jears old moved with parents to the city of Hartford ; educated in city public schools ; learned the carpenter's trade ; after working several years in Connecticut and Massachusetts, came to Ohio in 1835, settHng in Akron, working' at trade and millwrighting on several of Akron's early flouring mills until 1848, when, in connection with the late George D Bates, and Mr. James B. Taplin, he started the Globe Foundry and Machine Shop, since incorpora- ted into the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company, in which Mr. Webster was a large stockholder, and for many years its president. While active in all public enterprises. Mr. Webster was never an office seeker, though twice honored with a seat in the village council— 1849 and 1862. April 30, 1833, Mr. Webster was mar- ried to Miss Martha A. Atherton, of Hartford, Conn., eight children hav- ing been born to them, one of whom, onlj^, is now living — Isabella P., born in Akron. June 15. 1838, and married September 20, 1865, to the late Alden Gage, cashier of the Bank of Akron, who died November 12, 1875, CHARLES WEBSTER. their only child, Martha, dying at eight months of age. Mrs. Gage was again married, to Col. David W. Thomas, December 18, 1885. Mr. Webster died September 15. ISIX), aged 80 years and 11 daj^s. In 1860 the shops were destroyed by fire, after which Mr. Tap- lin retired, selling his interest to Mr. Lorenzo B. Austin, the firm name then being changed to Webster, Camp & Co. In January, 1869, Mr. Julius S. Lane took an interest in the business, and on February 1st, 1869, a stock company was organized under its present title — The Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company — with an authorized capital of $1(K),000, of which company for man}^ years Mr. Charles Webster was president; Mr. William T. Allen, treasurer; Mr. Sanford M. l^urnham, secretary; and Mr. Julius S, Lane, superintendent. In addition to general inachinery, a specialty is made of Lane's- Band Friction Hoist, and other heavy machinery for mining and haulage purposes. The present officers of the company (1891) are: John McGregor, president and treasurer; Stephen H. Pitkin, secre- tary and general manager, and James W. Chamberlin, superin- tendent. Men employed, 150 to 200. Taplin, Rice & Company. — Mr. James B. Taplin, the founder of this company, a carpenter and millwright, settled in Akron in. 30 ^ 466 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. 1834. On withdrawring from the firm of G. D. Bates & Co., as above stated, in connection with Mr. Alvin Rice, a practical moulder, and Mr. Hobart Ford, under the firm name of Taplin, Rice & Ford, in 1861 established similar w^orks a short distance south of the Union Depot fronting on Broadway. In 1867 a stock company Tvas organized, and in addition to general machinery, mill gearing, etc., began the manufacture of stoves, their extensive variety of cooking and parlor stoves, ranges, heaters, etc., finding a ready market in every portion of the great West, several consign- ments of their celebrated Climax heaters having recently been made to China. Present officers (1891): James B. Taplin, presi- dent, and Henry Perkins, secretary and treasurer. Capital stock $150,000. Hands employed, 150. HENRY PERKINS, -born in Akron, April 8, 1842; educated in Akron public schools; in 1861 entered the service as clerk under his brother. Captain Simon Perkins, Jr., assistant quartermaster for the Army of the Cumberland, following the fortunes of the armj^ through the entire war. On his return home served as clerk in charge of the Lake Shore office of the Cleveland Rolling Mill Company for five years; in 1870, became secre- tary and treasurer of Taplin, Rice & Co., whose extensive Machine and Stove works are elsewhere noticed, both of which positions he still holds. Mr. Perkins is prominent in Masonic circles, joining Akron Lodge No. 83. F. & A. M., in 1872; in 1877, became a charter member of Adoniram Lodge No. 517, aftCKwards becoming its Master; in 1875 became a Roj^al Arch Mason and member of Washington Chapter No. 25; in 1877 became a Knight Templar in Akron Commanderj' No. 25; entered the Grand Commandery in 1884, and elevated to the highest office in its gift; in 1878, took the several degrees in the A. and A. S. Rite, Ohio Consis- tory, and is now a member and min- ister of the State of the Northern Ohio Consistory. October 20, 1868, HENRY PERKINS. Mr. Perkins was married to Miss Emma White, of Cleveland, then and now one of the finest and most popu- lar singers in Northern Ohio. They have one child, Miss Lillian White Perkins, born Januarj^ 12, 1868, still residing with her parents. The Buckeye Reaper and Mower WorKvS. — Largely through the influence of Hon. John R. Buchtel, a native of what is now Summit county, a branch of the already popular Buckeye Works of C. Aultman & Co., of Canton, was established in Akron in 1864, but under the separate and distinct corporate title of Aultman, Miller & Company, of which, at the present time (1891), Hon. George W. Crouse is president; Hon. Lewis Miller, general super- intendent; Ira Miller, secretary; and R. H. Wright, treasurer. These works, w^ith a floorage capacity of over 700,000 square feet, are among the very best class in the w^orld, the most of the devices from which their various machines are made being the invention of Superintendent Miller himself. These works employ an average of 800 men and have turned out this year (1891) 10,000 HARVESTING MACHINERY. 467 self-binder harvesters, and 16,000 self-rakes, droppers and mowers — 26,000 machines in all. The capital stock of the company is $1^ 000,000. Surplus $1,500,000. IRA M. MILLER,— eldest son of A Lewis and Mary V. (Alexander) Miller, was born in Canton, Ohio, August 24:, 1856, removing- with parents to Akron in 18<>4 ; educated in the public schools of Canton and Akron and at the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware ; after grad- uating- from the latter institution, entered the employ of Aultman, Mil- ler & Co.. manufacturers of the cele- brated Buckeye mowers and har- vesters, fully described elsewhere, and of which extensive corporation he is now the able and efficient sec- retar3% being also pecuniarily and officially connected with several other business enterprises in Akron and elsewhere. October 19, 1886, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Cora Wise, daughter of Jacob and Jennie S. (Stadden) Wise, of Akron. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of one daughter — Margaret, born July 20, 1887^ Family residence, 605 East Market street. JOHX FRANKLIxX SEIBERLING. JOHN FRANKLIN SEIBERLING, J —born in Norton, March 10, 183-1 ; •educated at Western Star Academy ; 1856-58 druggist in Akron; 1858, '59, while running saw mill in Norton, invented "Excelsior" mower and IRA M. MILLER. reaper, with "dropper" attachment; in 1861 established works at Doyles- town (still running) ; in 1861 started similar works in Massillon ; in 1865 organized the J. F. Seiberling Coin- panj^ in Akron ; withdrawing from coinpany, in 1869 commenced build- ing his now popular "F)mpire" machine ; in 1871 organized the Akron Straw Board Company, in the Sixth ward, successfully conducting same until its sale in 1887; in 1883 organized the Seiberling Milling Company, erecting the six-stor}^ brick flouring mill described else- where ; in 1889 exchanged Acad- emy of Music block for controlling interest in Akron Electric Street Railwaj^ ; has numerous other industrial miningandfinancial inter- ests in Akron and elsew^here ; has been a member of School Board, and for many years trustee of English Lutheran Church, and is among the most benevolent and liberal of Akron's many public-spirited citi- zens. Married September 6, 1859, to Miss Catharine L. Miller, of Norton. They are the parents of nine children, all living : Anna E., Frank A., Charles W., Cora D., Hattie M., Grace I., Kittie G., Mary B. and Ruth. Empire Reaper and Mower Works.— In 1865 works of the J. F. Seiberling Company were established in Akron, opposite Union Depot, for the manufacture of Excelsior reapers and mowers, the 468 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, special feature of the reaper being the self-dropping attachment invented by Mr. John F. Seiberling in 1858. Kxtensive shops were erected and a large business established, but during the financial crisis of 1873 the affairs of that corporation passed into the hands of assignees for liquidation. Some time previously, however, Mr. Seiberling had with- dra^vn from the company, and had commenced, on a small scale, the manufacture of an improved machine of his OAvn invention, which he called the "Bmpire," On the sale of the old Excelsior plant, Mr. Seiberling became the purchaser, christened it the " Empire Works," organized a stock company under the title of J. F. Seiberling Sc Co., with John F. Seiberling as president; Frank A. Seiberling, secretary and treasurer; and Charles W. Seiberling, superintendent; capital stock $600,000. The company employ 300 hands, and have this year (1891) turned out 7,000 machines, about half-and-half self- binding harvesters and mow^ers. TEREMIAH A. LONG, — born at ) Albany, N. Y., April 10, 1837; common school education ; at 14 clerk in lumber j'ard ; 1855 came to Akron, teaching- school eleven terms, with varied employment dtxring vacations ; 1864 to 1869 book-keeper for Aultman, Miller & Co. ; 1869 appointed secretary and treasurer of Akron Iron Company, which has quadrupled its capital and business vinderhis management; is also vice- president of the Falls Rivet and Machine Company, at Cuyahoga Falls. Though not himself in the army, Mr. Long was active and liberal in securing enlistments, pro- viding bounties for recruits and fur- nishing sanitary supplies during the late war. Republican in politics, though not an office-seeker, Mr. Long, besides vservice on Central Committee, was Akron's first city clerk, 1865-67, and member of City Council from 1867 to 1869. November 10,1859, Mr. Long was married to Miss Mary A. Falor, daughter of the late George A. Falor, one of the pioneer settlers of Coventry township, Mrs. Long being a most active promoter of all the benevolent enterprises of the day. Thirteen children have been JEREMIAH A. LONG. born to Mr. and Mrs. Long, seven of whoin are living: Ludie B., married to Henry A. Robinson December 18, 1889 ; Celia R., married to Harry J. Stambaugh, March 23, 1887; Binnie A., John H., George A., Marj^ A. and Lloyd G. The Akron Rolling Mill. — These works, owned and operated by the Akron Iron Company, in the south part of the city, were established in 1866. The present officers (1891) are Hon. Lewis Miller, president; Jeremiah A. Long, secretary and treasurer; Capt. Aaron P. Baldwin, general superintendent, and Edward B. Miller, assistant superintendent. These mills employ some 400 men and are run day and night, the excellence of their product for commercial and agricultural purposes, creating for it a ready sale, while their great specialty, hot polished shafting, has attained a high degree of popularity among machinists and manufacturers. Capital stock $400,000. THE RUBBEK GOODS TRADE. 469 The Akrox Rubber Works. — In 1870 the manufacture of fire hose and other rubber goods was commenced in Akron by Dr. Benjamin F. Goodrich, Harvey W. Tew and others, the com- pany being incorporated in 1880, under- the title of the B. F. Goodrich Company, Avith a capital of $200,000, since increased to $750,000. In the meantime the original works, located on Rub- ber street, west of South Main street, south of the Ohio Canal basin, have been greatly enlarged, and the manufacture of fine hard rubber goods added to the business, under the separate corporate name of the Goodrich Hard Rubber Company, with a capital of $300,000. Officers of the former company: George T. Perkins, president; George W. Crouse, vice president; Richard P. Marvin, Jr., secretary; Henry C. Corson, treasurer ; Frank H. Mason, superintendent; of the latter company, George T. Perkins, president ; Henry C. Corson, vice president and treasurer ; Richard P. Marvin, Jr., secretary; George Pellinger, superin- tendent. About 700 skilled Avorkmen are employed and the quality •of the goods turned out is second to none manufactured in the United States. DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN GOODRICH.— born in Ripley, N. Y., Novenibipr 4, 1841 ; educated in schools of Fredonia.N. Y., and Austin- biirg-, O.; graduated at Western Medi- cal Colleg'e, Cleveland, February, 1861; entered the army as hospital steward of 9tli N. Y. V. C; promoted to assist- ant surg^eon in Spring of 1862, serving- till September, 1864, part of time in charge of hospital at Aquia Creek ; 18(55 engaged in real estate business in New York City ; 1870, with H. W. Tew, of Jamestown, N. Y., established first rubber factory west of Allegheny Mountains at Akron, under firm name of B. F. Goodrich & Co.; June, 1880, stock company— the" B. F. Good- rich Comi)any" — was organized with Dr. Goodrich as president, Alanson Work, vice president, and Col. George T. Perkins, secretary and treasurer ; later a second company for the manufacture of hard rubber goods being organized, styled the "Good- rich Hard Rxibber Company," with the Doctor also as its president. [See history of works elsewhere]. Dr. Goodrich was tuarried to Miss Mary Marvin, daughter of Judge Richard P. Marvin, of Jamestown, N. Y., Nov- ember 4, 1869, and died at Manitou Springs, Col., August 3, 1888. He was an intelligent and public-spirited citizen and member of Akron City DR. BENJAMIX FRANKLIN GOODRICH. Council for the years 1880, '81, the first year as its president. Dr. Good- rich was the father of three children —Charles C, born August ,3 1871, now in Harvard College; Isabella, pvtpil in Miss Porter's School, Farm- ington, Conn., and David M., a pupil in St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H,, Mrs. Goodrich, at present, residing in Cambridge, Mass. Akron Knife Works. — As the demand for reapers and mow- ers increased, and their manufacture became a leading industry in the United States, separate establishments for the manufacture of knives, sickles, guard plates, sections, spring keys, etc., became a necessity, resulting m the founding in Akron, in 1868, by the Whit- man & Miles Manufacturing Company, of extensive shops 470 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. COL. A. L. CONGER MRS. A. L. CONGER. pOL. ARTHUR LATHAM CONGER— born in Boston, Ohio, February 19. ^ 1838; common school education; in boyhood worked on farm and in brick-yard; boated on canal two years; taught school two years; July, 1862, enlisted in Company G, 115th, O. V. I., on organization being- elected second lieutenant, and successively promoted to first lieutenant and captain^ serving nearly three j^ears in the Army of the Cumberland, mostly on detached duty, assistant adjutant general and provost marshal at Coving- ton, Ky., member of Court Martial, assistant inspector of railroad defenses and recommended by Genertil Thomas as captain and comtnissary of sub- sistence. At close of war, engaged in farming, meantime, November 1, 1864, having been inarried to Miss Emily Bronson, youngest daughter of Hiram Volney and Ruth L. (Ranney) Bronson, who was born in Peninsula, Maj' 7, 1843, and whose portrait is herewith given. In 1866, Captain Conger was elected treasurer of Summit County, and re-elected in 1868, ably serving four years, also officiating as treasurer of the citj- of Akron and Portage township, Mrs. Conger acting as deputy during entire term; in 1870 became a stock- holder and director in the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Company, and its vice president in 1876, and is now president of the Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company, the most extensive manufacturers of reaper and mower knives in the world; is president of the Akron Steam Forge Com- pany, of the Diamond Plate Glass CoiTipan3r, of Kokomo and Elwood, Ind., and of the Hartford City (Ind.) Glass Coinpany, andpecuniarilj^and officiall}' connected with several other industrial enterprises in Akron and elsewhere,. one of the most important of which is the American Tin Plate Compan}', at Elwood, Ind., organized September 10, 1891, with a capital of $300,0(X), of which Col. Conger is the president. Col. Conger has also served on County, State and National Republican Coininittees, twice chairman of State Central Com- mittee, once chairman of State Executive Committee and eight j^ears inem- ber of National Committee; is also prominent in Grand Army and local military circles, being department coinmander of G. A. R. in 1884, and colonel of Eighth Regiment, O. N. G., from July 1881 to July 1888. Colonel and Mrs. Conger are prominent members of St. Paul's Episcopal Churclu Four children have been born to them — Kenyon Bronson, Arthur Latham Jr., and Latham Hubbard, living, and Erastus Irving, deceased. CAR AXLES, BELTING, ETC. 471 south of the Buckeye Works, as a branch of the original separate manufactory of that class of goods, the Whitman «fe Barnes Manufacturing Company, of Fitchburg, Massachu- setts. Similar branches at St. Catharines, Ontario, Syracuse, New York, and Canton, Ohio, are all consolidated under the title of The Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $2,000,000, of which corporation the present officers are: President, Colonel Arthur L. Conger; vice president, George E. Dana; treas- urer, Charles E. Sheldon; assistant treasurer, W. W. Cox; chair- man, George Barnes; secretary, James Barnes; general superin- tendent, J. A. Bining. The Akron Avorks employ about 200 men, its annual product, amounting to over half a million of dollars, finding a ready market in every part of the United States, as well as in England, France, Germany, and other foreign countries, where American-built reapers and mowers are being rapidly intro- duced. The Akron Steam Forge Company.— This establishment, founded in 1865, was at first located at the southeast corner of South Broadway and Quarry streets, but being cramped for room, w^as, in 1873, removed to its present location, embracing some ten acres of land, in the northeast portion of the city, known as the "Old Forge" — the pioneer ^vrought or bar-iron manufactory of the Western Reserve being established at that point, by Asaph Whittlesey, of Tallmadge, and Aaron Norton and William Laird, of Middlebury, in 1817, as detailed in another portion of this work. The present company wras incorporated in 1879, with an authorized capital of $100,000. In addition to every description of general forging, Hammered Car, Truck, and Driving Axles, and Shafting, are specialties of this concern, for the prompt produc- tion of which the works are supplied with the very best of modern tools and machinery. Present officers: Col. Arthur L. Conger, president, John McGregor, secretary and treasurer, and Charles Rawson, superintendent. Hands employed, 40^ The Akron Belting Company.— This company was incorpor- ated in 1885, its present officers being: George W. Crouse, presi- dent; Alfred M. Barber, vice president; Sumner Nash, secretary and treasurer; Webster Thorp, superintendent. Leather belting, from the lightest used to the very heaviest required, all of superior quality, is manufactured by this company. Plant 90x ICO three- story brick, 138, 140 North Main street. Authorized capital, $35,- 000. Hands employed, 22. The Selle Gear Company, — This is a comparatively^ new enterprise in Akron, located in a new and handsome four-story brick shop, with boiler and engine room attached on Chestnut Street, between South High and Broadway, a few rods north of the Akron Iron Company's rolling mill. Their specialty is the manufacture of the Selle Platform Truss Gears, for omnibuses, three spring wagons, trucks, etc., a large sale for which in all parts of the country has already been established. The company was incorporated September 25, 1886, with an authorized capital of $100,000. Present officers: George W. Crouse, president; Frank M. Atterholt, vice president; William C. Parsons, secretary and treas- urer; Charles Knapp, superintendent. Operating force, from 40 to 50 men. 472 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. WILLIAM C. PARSONS -son of Kdward and Clementine (Janes) Parsons, was born in Brimfield, -ttr Portage Co., February 1(| 1841. In ^'l^ boyhood worked on iaxfi^ and at- tended district school, on approach- ing majority entering Western Re- serve College, at Hudson, froin which he was graduated in 1863, meantime, in 1862, under Prof. Young as cap- tain, and Prof. Cutler as first lieu- tenant, with some thirty-five or forty other students enlisted in Company B, 85th O. V. I., serving four months; in September, 1864, enlisted in Bat- tery A, 1st O. L. A., being afterwards assigned to Battery E, in the battle of Nashville, December, 1864, serving as No. 6 at the gun, and holding the position of 12th corporal. Soon after the battle, the battery was mounted as Flying Artillery and sent to Chattanooga, remaining there till June, 1865, when it was returned to Ohio and mustered out of service at Camp Dennison. Before graduation taught one year; after graduation taught in Institute on Brooklyn Heights, Cleveland ; after war, tutor two years in Western Reserve Col- lege. August 12, 1867, accepted posi- tion in office of Aultman, Miller & Co., which he filled 20 years, spending the Summers of 1873, '74, '75 in Gerinany, in interest of company. In 1887, became secretary and treas- WILLIAM C. PARSONS. urer of the Selle Gear Company, elsewhere noted, which he is success- fully managing. December 31, 1868, Mr. Parsons was married to Miss Sarah Day Sej'niour, only daughter of Prof. N. P. Seymour of Hudson, who has borne hiin six children — Katharine Seymour, William E., Harriet Day, Sarah (dying in infancy) Charles Seymour and Robert. The Thomas Phillips Company. — The manufacture of paper, all rope flour sack pg,per and flour sacks \sras begun in Akron by Thomas Phillips & Co., on West Kxchange street, in 1872, and has grown to be one of Akron's most important and successful industries. The present company was incorporated in 1887, with an authorized capital of $150,000. With some 20,000 feet of floorage, and with the very best of paper making and printing machinery, every description of paper bags, flour sacks, wrapping papers, printed complete, in plain or fancy colors, to the extent of about 1,000 tons per annum, are made here. Number of hands employed about 50. Present officers (1891): President, George W. Crouse; secretary, treasurer and general manager, Clarence Howland. Though entirely destroyed by fire February 18, 1891, the works "were at once rebuilt, and it is now the largest complete establish- ment of its kind in the world. Twine and Cordage Works. — The advent of the twine-binder grain harvester having created an immense demand for the particular kind of twine used therefor, in 1885 the Akron Twine and Cordage Company viras organized, and suitable works erected on Hill street, east of the C, A. & C. and x^. Y., P. & O. Railroads. While binder twine is the specialty of these works, all 'other kinds of r(ipe and cordage are made, both for the trade or on orders. Capital stock $100,000; surplus $20,000. Spindles run, 125; hands employed, 85 to 100. Present officers: George W. Crouse, presi- dent; Ira M. Miller, vice president; R. H. Wright, secretary' and treasurer. THE VARNISH TRADE. 473 pDWARD GEORGE KUBLER — -L-^ born in Munich, Germany, Feb- ruarj- 26, 1846; educated at Munich and Xurnberg-, Bavaria, in the higher classes of the Polytechnic school. In the war of 1866 enlisted in the army, serving- during- the war. In August, 1869, came to the United States, engaging in busineSvS in New York City; in February, 1878, came to Akron, and started what has ever since been known as the Akron Varnish Works, six months later associating with himself, Mr. J. Martin Beck. This is one of the most successfvil of Akron's many prosperous industries, Mr. Kubler looking after the outside interests of the concern. Mr. Kubler is also director of the European Department of the Gilson Asphaltum Company, of St. Louis. Mo., of which himself and Mr. Beck are stockholders. Mr. Kubler is in possession of his family record since 1467, the successive gen- erations of the family all being prominent citizens of Southern Ger- many, Mr. Kubler being the only one that has ever emigrated. In 1873, Mr. Kubler was married to Miss Emili EDWARD GEORGE KUBLER. Dushard, who was born at Henepin, 111., April 16, 1848. They have three sons and one daughter, the family residing in Europe, pending the education of the sons. J. MARTIN BECK. MARTIN BECK, — born in the town of Selb, Bavaria, Germanj', October 14, 1843 ; at 14 entered whole- sale grocery and drug house as an apprentice, serving four years, not J. onl}- without compensation, but pay- ing over $300 to learn the business ; passing a regular examination, he came to the United States and to Akron, in August, 1862 ; first entered the employ of M. W. Henrj^ & Co., of which firm his half-brother, John Wolf, was a partner ; remained six j^ears, when he entered the service of E. I. Baldwin & Co., of Cleveland for one j^ear. Being in rather poor health, went to Europe in the Spring of 1869, returning to Akron in the Fall, entering into partnership with John Wolf and H. J. Church, under the firm name of Wolf, Church & Beck, which relation continued until 1878, when he sold out to his partners and forming a partnership with Mr. E. G. Kubler, established the Akron Varnish Works, the first and then the only works of the kind in Summit countj^, and now among the most prosperous in the United States. January 12, 1871, Mr. Beck was mar- ried to Miss Kate J. Buchtel, daugh- ter of William Buchtel. Esq., of Akron, and they are now the parents of four children — Williatn B.. Edward M., Martha Louise and Carl F. The Kubler & Beck Varnish Works. — In 1878 Messrs. E. George Kubler and J. Martin Beck commenced the manufacture of varnishes, japans, etc., of every variety and of superior quality, 474 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. on a small scale, on North Bo\srery street, a few" years later build- ing extensive brick shops on West State street where they are now located, the firm enjoying a lucrative and grow^ing trade in every portion of the United States. The King Varnish Company. — The works of this company,, established in 1882, are located in a handsome six-story brick block, 50x60 feet in size, with a fire-proof melting house, 30x70, attached, a few rods north of West Market street, on the Valley railway, w^ith a frontage on Canal street. Standard coach, cabinet and railway varnishes, japans, dryers, shellacs, etc., of all grades and qualities demanded by their rapidly increasing trade. Work- ing capital, $200,000. President, David L. King; superintendent^ Andrew M. Armstrong. This company, meeting with financial disaster, made an assignment January 14, 1889, the .works being subsequently pur- chased by Hon. David R. Paige, who associated with himself Mr, John H. McCrum, under the firm name of D. K. Paige & Co., the ne^v firm, under the management of Mr. McCrum, now (1891) enjo3^ing a high degree of prosperity. The Miller Match Company. — This company commenced the manufacture of "Anti-Monopoly Parlor Matches" in 1879, in the buildings formerly occupied by Mr. Louis Chevrier for the manufacture of chains, west of the B. F. Goodrich Hard Rubber works, in the south part of the city. The company was incorpo- rated in 1885, with an authorized capital of $100,000. It is sup- plied w^ith modern improved machinery, and, its products being of the very best, it is doing a lucrative business which is being rap- idly extended. Present officers: Col. Arthur L. Conger, president; Harvey F. Miller, secretary and treasurer; S. Sainuel Miller, super- intendent. The Miller Chain Works. — In 1869, a chain manufactory was established in the buildings originally erected by the Akron Barrel Company, by Mr. Louis Chevrier. After the death of Mr. Chev- rier, in 1877, the works were operated for a short time by other parties, w^ith indifferent success, but passing into the hands of the present company, in 1879, have, by the introduction of modern methods, been made a grand success, their wares finding a ready sale in every portion of the country. These works are owned and operated by the Miller Match Company, organized as above,- th^e joint establishment — matches and chains — giving employ- ment to over 100 hands. [Since the above was published, in 1888, both the Miller Match and the Chain Works have been sold to the Diamond Match Company, and the w^orks closed.] The Baker McMillen Company, successors to Baker, McMil- len & Co., Ash and Bowery streets, established in 1870; incorpo- rated July 2, 1890; capital, $120,000. This company manufactures enameled knobs, handles, pail woods, clay, ^vood and cob smoking pipes, etc., and is one of the busiest hives of industry in the city, employing from 85 to 100 hands, and turning out many millions of pieces per year, the pail-wood machine averaging one wood per second, and others in proportion. Directors: John C. McMillen, president; John W. Baker, vice president and manager; John W. Noble, secretary and treasurer; Charles F. Shutt, superin- tendent; John B. Wright. THE SEWER PIPE INDUSTRY. 475 Diamond Fire Brick Works, — J. Park Alexander, proprietor, Canal street, south of Market; established in 1866; the pioneer fire brick works in Northern Ohio. Mr. Alexander operates under a patented invention of his own, in the use of ground silicious white 'pebble as the principal ingredient of his appropriately named "Diamond Fire Brick," claiming for his brick immunity from shrinkage, and greater resistance to powerful heat than can be obtained from the use of the best of fire clay alone. Hands employed 20. Yearly product 1,000,(XX) brick. Akron Fire Brick Company. — Works 105 Bank street. Sixth ward. Established in 1873 by Byron M. Allison and Delos Hart. Mr. Hart retiring in 1877, Mr, Allison continued alone until incor- poration of company, March 30, 1882, Standard fire brick, special- ties, etc. Capacity of works 10,000 per day. Capital stock $50,000. Officers: C. A, Allison, president; B. M, Allison, secretary, treas- urer and manager, THE SEWER PIPE INDUSTRY, Vitrified Sewer Pipe, — One of the most extensive and impor- tant of Summit County's past and present industries, is the manu- facture of sewer pipe, a brief history of w^hich is as follows: In 1847, the late Edwin H. Merrill and his brother, Calvin J, Merrill, commenced the manufacture of stoneware, bottles, tobacco pipes, etc, on the site now occupied by the Akron Stonew^are Company, on Bank street. Sixth ward, afterwards inventing and manufac- turing a stone pump, which attained considerable popularity in those early days. DAVID E. HILL,— born in Gow- anda, Cattaraug-us county, N. Y., May 25, 1825, of Eng-lish-Scotch Ancestry ; at 18 came to Middlebury ; after working several years in ma- chine shop, with others engaged in manufacturing the old-fashioned fire engines ; 1847 to 1849, traveled for McMillan & Irish, manufacturers of w^oolen machinery, in the Spring of the latter year becoming' interested in what is now the Akron Sewer Pipe Company, the pioneer of this now large industry in the United States, Mr. H. being the organizer and lead- ing spirit of the American Sewer Pipe Co., with an annvial output of 5,000 car-loads, or 60.000 tons. An original anti-slavery man, Mr, Hill has been, from its organization, an earnest member of the Republican party, and active in public affairs, from the age of 21 being almost con- tinuously in the council or school board of the old village of Middle- bury until its annexation to Akron, in 1872; was county commissioner from- 1862 to 1868, and Sixth ward member of Akron city council four years— 1875, '76, '77, '78, June 5. 1848, Mr. Hill was luarried to "Miss Harriet Louisa McMillan, daughter of the late C«l, Reuben McMillan, who has borne him three children — David W., DAVID E. HILL, born March 15, 1850, married to Miss Grace Perkins McCurdy, of Akron, September 6, 1877, died Januarj- 30, 1880. leaving one child, Eva C, Hill ; Cora F., born July 10, 1852, died Feb- ruary 6, 1874 ; and Georg-e R., whose portrait and biography are elsewhere given. 476 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. In 1849, the late Col. Reuben McMillan, David E. Hill and Rob- ert Foster, converted the famous old "Black Mill" into pottery works, under the firm name of Hill, Foster & Co. In 1851, Mr. Foster retired, being succeeded by Edwin H. and Calvin J. Merrill and Mr. Hezekiah Camp, the firm name being changed to Hill, Merrill & Co., this firm also engaging in the manufacture of the smaller sizes of sexangular water pipe, formed in moulds, the ori- fice being bored out by machinery adapted to that purpose w^hile the section was yet in the mould. About two years later, Messrs. David E. Hill and Calvin J. Merrill got up improved patterns of the rude machinery then in use in England for the manufacture of sewer pipe, a part of the original "Black Mill" plant being devoted to that branch of the business by Hill, Merrill &c Co., the clay especially adapted to this business being found in almost inexhaustible supply, w^ithin the city limits. In 1855, Hill, Merrill & Co. w^ere succeeded by Merrill, Powers & Co. — the tw^o Merrills, Henry G. Powers and Frank Adams. About 1858 the Merrills retired, Mr. Hill again taking an interest in the business, the firm name being changed to Hill, Po\vers & Co. A year later, Messrs. Hill and Adams became the sole owners, under the firm name of Hill and Adams, by whom the business was greatly extended, and the capacity of the w^orks doubled. In 1868, with David E. Hill, Frank Adams, David L. King, Lorenzo B. Austin and Ozias Barber as stockholders, a stock company was organized under the title of the Hill and Adams Sewer Pipe Company. — Under this arrange- ment, the business was still further greatly extended, a new two- story brick shop 50x240 feet being erected on the opposite side of the river, below the bridge, and supplied with first-class machin- ery, w^ith drying facilities, kilns, etc., to match. These works wer^ the first of their kind west of New York, and the second in the United States, and from the excellence of the material used, and their superior workmanship, gave to Akron its firmly grounded reputation of furnishing the very best sewer pipe produced in the world. r^ EORGE R. HILL,— son of David ^-J E. and Harriet Louisa (McMillan) Hill, was born in Middlebury (now Akron Sixth ward), April 3, 1855. He was educated in the Middlebury pub- lic schools and under the private tutelage of Prof. Aug-ustus N. Ber- nard. Early trained to business, in the extensive Sewer Pipe Works of his father, he is now secretary and treasurer of both The Akron Sewer Pijje Compan)'^ and The Hill Sewer Pipe Coinpany, and secretary of The American Sewer Pipe Company; is also officially and pecuniarily inter- ested in a number of other industrial enterprises in Akron and elsewhere, and is one of the rising young- busi- ness men of Akron. June 4, 1884, was married to Miss Alice A. Hinman, in Cleveland. They have no children. GEORGE R. HILL. THE SEWER PIPE INDUSTRY. 477 The Akron Sewer Pipe Company. — In 1871, Mr. Hill retired, and the company -vsras reorganized, under the above title, w^ith a paid up capital of $175,000, of which corporation Mr. Frank Adams was president, and David L. King, Esq., secretary and treasurer. Under this administration, the works "were highly prosperous, a large demand being created for their w^ares, for sewer and drainage purposes, in all of the principal cities and villages of the country, east, w^est and south. Messrs. King, Adams and others, having subsequentl3^ dis- posed of their respective interests in the business, the present members of the company are David E. and George R. Hill, James Viall, L. S. Ebright and John Harrison, with David E. Hill as president and George R. Hill as secretary and treasurer. Capacity 1200 carloads per year. Hands employed, 125, The Hill Sewer Pipe Company. — This corporation, of which Mr. David E. Hill is president and general manager; George R. Hill, secretary and treasurer, and James Viall, superintendent,, was incorporated in 1873, with a capital of $80,000. It is located at 1175 East Market street. The senior member of the company has been connected w^ith the sewer pipe business from its very incip- iency, and to his energy and influence is very largely due the success and magnitude of this important industry in Akron and Summit county, and the great advancement in sewer sanitation in the principal cities of the United States in the past quarter of a century. Capacity of works, 600 car loads per year. Men employed sixty. TAMES VIALL,— born in Middle- J bury (now Akron Sixth Ward), January 15, 1828 ; educated in district schools ; at 13 went on canal as driver, becoming- steersman at 15, and from 1846 to 1865, ran a line-boat between Pittsburg and Cleveland. In 1865 Mr. Viall bought the William Owens pottery, a short distance east of Middlebury, and engag^ed in the man- ufacture of stoneware, in 1876 selling; a half interest to George Markle. and in 1889 selling remaining' inter- est to John Inman. In 1865, also, in company with Mr. John B. Woods, commenced mining and grinding clay, in which business, as a member of the Middlebury Clay Company, he still has an interest. In March, 1873, with David E. Hill and others, incor- porated the Hill Sewer Pipe Com- pany, of which he is superintendent, that company having- also recently erected extensive sewer pipe works at Hunting-don, Pa. Mr. Viall was also for several years eng-aged in the grocery trade, in company with Mr. Moses J. Huggins, the only represen- tatives in that line at that time in Middlebury. Mr. Viall is also a director in the Klag-es Coal and Ice Compan3\ January 29, 1850, Mr. Viall was married to Miss Mary Davis, also JAMHa VIALL. a native of Middlebury. He has always been an ardent Republican, and was for several years councilman of the incorporated village of Middle- bury, serving as such at the time of its annexation to the city of Akron in 1872. 478 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The Buckeye Sewer Pipe Works. — The firm of Kent, Baldwin & Co., successors of the old firm of Irish, McMillan & Co., manu- ufacture s of w^oolen machinery, w^here the Hill Sewer Pipe Works are now located, about 1868 built ne>v brick shops at 991 to 999 East Kxchange street. The machinery of these shops having been removed to Chicago in 1872, the Buckeye Sewer Pipe Company was incorporated, Avith a capital of $100,000, and the plant corre- spondingly enlarged to fit the new business; its appointments all being first class, and its product averaging about 1,000 car loads per year, equal to the very best; men employed, 55, Present officers: Jonathan H. Brewster, president; Joseph A. Baldwin, secretary and superintendent, and Harry H. Gibbs, treasurer. JOSEPH A. BALDWIN,— born in J Goshen, Conn., December 6, 1820 ; came to Summit county, Ohio, in 1837, and to Middlebury (now Akron), in 1841 ; was in employ of Kent, McMillen & Co., merchants, then in partnership ^with Mr. Roswell Kent, under the firm name of J. A. Baldwin & Co. ; next with McMillan, Irish & Co., and Kent, Baldwin & Co., manufactur- ers of woolen machinery, leaving', ing-, in 1872, to engage in the manu- facture of sewer pipe, under the cor- porate name of the Buckeye Sewer Pipe Company, of which he has been continuously the secretar5r and gen- eral manager. February 9, 1853, Mr. Baldwin was married to Miss Marj^ A. Kent, daughter of the late Alson Kent, of Middlebury, who has borne hiin two children — Alson, born in 1856, died in 1867, and Nellie L., born in 1859 and married in 1883 to Harry H. Gibbs, now treasurer of the Buck- eye Sewer Pipe Co. Mr. Baldwin has been at different times member of boards of education and of councils of both the village of Middlebury and the city of Akron ; was for many years a member and trustee of the Congregational Church in Middle- JOSEPH A. BALDVVI.X. bury, and for several years past a member and trustee of the First Con- gregational Church in Akron, and in politics an earnest and influential Republican. Robinson Brothers & Company. — This company, located near the "Old Forge," and contiguous to all the railroads running through Akron, was established in 1879, with an authorized capital of $300,000,-its main shops being 50x240 and 50x160 feet, two stories high, with boiler and engine room 40x60 feet; machinery, kilns, etc., of the very best. Present stockholders and officers: Henry Robinson, president; Thomas Robinson, vice president; Byron W. Robinson, secretary and treasurer; BUen Robinson, Henry B. Manton, Irvin R. Manton, John F. Townsend; Byron W. Robinson and Henry B. Manton, superintendents. Caliber of pipe manu- factured from two to twenty-four inches; capacity of works, 1,000 car loads per year; men employed, 75. The Summit Sewer Pipe Company. — This company, located at foot of Miami street, on line of C, A. & C. and N. Y. P. & O. railways; incorporated July 17, 1889; capital, $100,000; size of buildings 70x200, and 70x90 feet; capacity, 1,500 car loads per year; THE STONEWARE INDUSTRY. 479 hands employed, 60; officers, (1891) Joseph A. Baldwin, president; Jonathan H. Brewster, vice president; Edwdn H. Gibbs, secretary and treasurer; George T. Whitmore, general manager; 65 men. Other Sewer Pipe Works. — Two other sewer pipe manufac- tories, at Tallmadge and Cuyahoga Falls, and one at Barberton are mentioned elsewhere, and it is safe to say that with its superior material, and the long and ripe experience of those engaged in its manufacture here, the sewer pipe industry 6f Summit county, both as to quality and quantity, leads the world, each establish- ment having its own clay-bed in such close proximity that its ■daily necessities are daily supplied by its own teams, thus obvi- ating the expense of railroad transportation, extensive storage facilities, or large money outlay for its raw material. American Sewer Pipe Company.— This is an incorporated association, composed of the five Akron corporations above named and Mr. George P. Sperry, of Tallmadge, each having a representative on the Directory, which is composed of the fol- lowing gentlemen: David E. Hill, George R. Hill, Joseph A. Baldwin, Byron W. Robinson and George P. Sperry, with Mr. David E. Hill as general manager. The objects of the association are the proper regulation of sales, according to capacity, and mutual protection against competition from manufacturers of inferior wares in other localities. The companies forming this association have an aggregate capital of three-quarters of a million of dollars, give employment to from 400 to 500 men, w^ith a combined outptit of nearly 4,000 car loads of pipe per year. THE STONEWARE OR POTTERY TRADE. This has been a leading industry in Summit county from an early day. Unsurpassed in the quality of its potters' clay, its wares find a ready sale in every part of the great West, and other portions of the country. Allusion is made elsewhere to the potteries of Springfield and Mogadore, where the business origi- nated, and to the establishment of works in what is now the Sixth ward, in Akron, by. the late Edwin H. Merrill, in 1847. The late Enoch Rowley, of the Sixth ward, was also a pioneer in the manufacture of stoneware within the present limits of the city, where the majority of the ware now manufactured in the county is produced, though wholly dependent upon the clay-banks of Springfield for the raw material. The Whitmore, Robinsons & Co. — This company was incor- porated in September, 1887, with a capital of $200,000, the present members of the company being: Richard Whitmore, president; Henry Robinson, vice president; Byron W. Robinson, secretary; Thomas Robinson, treasurer; Mrs. William Robinson and Mrs. James B. Manton. The company manufacture Akron stoneware, Rockingham and yellow^ ware and fine glazed stoneware. Their works are at the southeast corner of East Market street and Case avenue, con- sisting of a three story brick block, with other buildings attached, giving an aggregate floorage of nearly 100,000 square feet. The manufacture of Rockingham and yellow w^are, wras com- menced in Middlebury, on a small scale, about 1850 or 1851 by Enoch Rowley and Edwin and Herbert Baker; some two or three years later Mr. Thomas Johnson becoming associated with Mr. 480 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Rowley in the business. February 6, 1857, Richard Whitmore and the Messrs Robinson succeeded Mr. Rowley, under the firm name Johnson, Whitmore & Co., afterwards, in 1862, changed to Whitmore, Robinsons & Co., thus continuing until incorporated as above stated. It is one of the most extensive and complete establishments of its kind in the United States, its wares finding a ready sale in the principal markets of the country, both East and West. Capacity 600 car loads per year; employes, 100. EDWIN H. MERRILL. — born in Painesville, Ohio, February 9, 1808 ; in boyhood attended school Winters and in Summer worked at potter's trade with father ; at 22 came to Springfield, and after working- a short time for other potters, about 1835 started business for himself, inventing machinery for the inanu- facture of beer bottles, on which he secured letters patent, also soon afterwards cominenced the inanu- facture of tobacco pipes by machin- ery ; in 1847 moved to Middlebixry, wherein connection with his brother, Calvin J. Merrill, the manufacture of water pipes and stone pumps was added ; froin 1851 to 1856, as member of the respective firms of Hill, Mer- rill & Co. and Merrill, Powers & Co., engaged in the manufacture of vit- rified sewer pipe, the beginning of the presen immense sewer pipe in- dustry of Akron and vicinity, and the first of its kind in the United States. In 1860 Mr. Merrill removed his bottle, pipe and stoneware works to the corner of South Main and Cen- ter streets, where, as The E. H. Mer- rill Co. incorporated in 1887 it is one of the leading establishments of its kind in Summit county. Mr. Merrill was married, in 1838, to Miss Emily Gleason, of Bedford. They had seven EDWIN H. MERRILL. children, two only of whom are now living — Henry E., president of the above named company, and William G., engaged in the potterj^ business in Hampton City, Virginia. Mr. Merrill died January 25, 1888, aged 79 years, ll months and 16 daj'S. Mrs. Merrill still survives. The E. H. Merrill Company.— The "Akron Pottery" was founded by Edwin H. Merrill and Henry E. Merrill (father and son) in 1861 corner of South Main and State streets. In addition to its large yearly output of Akron stonew^are, this firm are exten- sive manufacturers of beer and ink bottles, smoking pipes and other specialities, by machinery of their own invention. Their present shops consist of tw^o two-story brick buildings, 30x60 and 70x100 feet, with frame wrarehouse, sheds, kilns and storage yards to match. In 1880. Mr. Frederick W. Butler took an interest in the business ,and in 1887 the firm was incorporated, as above, with Edw^in H. Merrill as president; Henry E. Merrill, superintendent and Fred W. Butler secretary. The elder Merrill having since deceased, Henry E. Merrill is now both president and superin- tendent of the company. Capital stock $50,000. Capacity, three car loads per week. The Ohio Stoneware Company (successors to William Shenkle), 115, 117 and 119 Fountain street, incorporated July 12^ THE POTTERY TRADE. 481 1881. Capital $12,000. Present officers : President, George A. Parker; secretary, Harry A. Gibbs; general agent, Edwin H. Gibbs. Capacity, three car loads per week. Hands employed, 20. The United States Stoneware Company (successors to F. J. Knapp), east of Fountain street, incorporated August, 1885. Capital $25,000. Jonathan H. Brewster, president; superintendent and treasurer, James M. Wills; George A. Laudenslager, secretar3\ Capacity, four car loads per week; 35 to 40 employes. Arthur J. Weeks, successor to F. W. Rockwell & Co., formerly Johnson, Rock\v^ell & Co. (founded by Johnson Sc Baldwin about 1860), corner East Market and Arlington streets; manufacturer of Akron stoneware; capacity of kilns 600,000 gallons per year. Akron Stoneware CoxMpany, Bank street, incorporated March, 1879. Capital $50,000. President and superintendent, Lycurgus K. Force; secretary and treasurer, Russell H. Kent. Building 225x48. Capacit}^ 1,200,000 gallons per year. Hands emploj^ed, 40. MARKI.E & Inman, (George Markle and John H. Inman), south of East Market street, extended. Established in 1869. Capacity 1,200,000 gallons per year. Hands employed 20. Cook, Fairbanks & Co., (John Cook and William Fairbanks), manufacturers and w^holesale dealers in Ohio stone\^^are, 224 Arlington street. Established January, 1877. Capacity, 700,000 gallons per year. Hands employed, 20. Frederick H. Weeks, late Weeks Brothers, Akron Pottery Works, on Valley Railway, south of Strawboard Works. Estab- lished in 1882. Capacity, 750,000 gallons per year. The Akron Queensware Company, manufacturers of line queensware crockery; w^orks and office corner of Hart street and Valley railway. Sixth ward; incorporated July 3, 1890; capital $50,000; Charles C. Bates, president; Frank P. Tinker, secretary and treasurer; T. B. Coxon, superintendent; Mandus M. Hunsicker, assistant superintendent; James A. Swinehart, manager; Albert B. Tinker, attorney; capacity, one kiln glazed ware per da}^; hands employed 45. Akron Stoneware Agency. — For the purpose of equalizing the manufacture, and securing uniformity of quality and benefits, according to capacity, an agency wras established in 1883, through w^hich sales of all the w^are manufactured by the above named potteries, except that of the United States Stonew^are Company, is sold, the officers of the agency being James M. Wills, president; Henry S. Belden, vice president; Russell H. Kent, secretary; Arthur J. Weeks, treasurer; William Fairbanks, superintendent. Office in the Whitmore, Robinsons Sc Company's block, corner East Market and Case avenue. The American Marble and Toy Manufacturing Company. — In 1884 Mr. Samuel C. Dyke commenced the manufacture of toy jugs, which being placed upon the market, soon created such a demand that within three years about 30,000 were turned out daily, later the manufacture of marbles being added, and Mr. Harvey F. Miller admitted to a partnership in the business. In 1889 Mr. A. L. Dyke established similar works on West State street, which also achieved a high degree of success. July 31, 1891, the two estab- lishments were consolidated, under the above corporate title, with a capital of $100,000, with Burdette L. Dodge, Jacob A. Kohler, Ira 81 482 AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY, Xorth Howard Street, from Market, with old ^55tna Mill in the distance. From photo 1)\- S. J. Miller, ISfiS. West side Xorth Howard Street, 1891.— From i)lioto by Walter B. Manning. ROOFING TILE, PAVING BRICK, ETC. 483 M. Miller, Frank M. Atterholt, A. L. Dyke and Rolin W. Sadler as directors; Ira M. Miller, president; Jacob A. Kohler, vice president; Burdette L. Dodge, secretary and treasurer; Samuel C. Dyke, superintendent. pHARLES E. HOWEAND, -fourth ^ son, fifth child, of Enos and Susan C. (Murph}^) Howland, was born in Fort Ann, Washing-ton county, New York, November 29, 1860, removing- to Fort Edwards, New York, in 1869; educated in Sandj- Hill (N. Y.) Academy, and Fort Edwards ■Collegiate Institute, studying book- keeping in Oberlin, Ohio; in Septem- ber, 1879, came to Akron as book- keeper for Thomas, Phillips & Com- pany, manufacturers of manilla papers, paper flour sacks, paper bags, etc., which position he ably filled eight years, resigning in Sep- tember, 1887, and associating himself with Captain Joseph C. Ewart, under the title of J. C. Ewart & Company, in the manufacture of roofing tile, an account of which is given else- where, Mr. Howland officiating as book-keeper for the firm. He is also director in the Thomas Phillips Company; and in the Akron Vitrified Pressed Brick Company; stockholder in The American Cereal Com- pany, and member of firm of How- land & Company, proprietors of Col- umbia Hall. April 16, 1882, Mr. Howland was married to Miss Clara E. Hollinger, of Akron. CHARLES E. HOWLAND. Roofing Tile Works. — J. C. Ewart & Company (Joseph C. Ewart and Charles E. Howland), manufacturers of vitrified roof- ing tile, are rapidly extending their works and business. These works, located on Brook street, in the south part of the city, east of railroads, were established in 1875, different forms and colors of tiles, to suit the diversified tastes and requirements of their cus- tomers, being made; many public as well as private buildings in the various cities of the country being covered therewith, among the more prominent being New York's splendid new Capitol build- ing, at Albany; Cincinnati's magnificent new museum, and Van- derbilt's elegant Railroad Men's Library building in New York city. Hands employed, 75 to 80. The Akron Paving Brick Company. — On East Market street; capital, $40,000; incorporated February 19,1891; capacity 20,000, to 30,000 bricks per day; Frederick Horix, president; Charles Pari- sette, secretary, treasurer and superintendent; hands employed, 15 to 20. The Akron Vitrified Pressed Brick Company, manufacturers of vitrified plain and ornamental pressed brick; office 22 South Howard street; w^orks on Valley railwaj^, in Independence town- ship, Cuyahoga county; incorporated April 29, 1890; capital, $100,000; Joseph C. Ewart, president; George W. Crouse, vice president; Erastus R. Harper, secretary; Walter A. Folger, treas- urer; capacity of works, 25,tX)0 daily; hands employed, 70. 484 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Other Brick Manufacturers. — McCausland Brothers [James C and John J.], Tallmadge Ave.; John Bailey, Portage Path road; Cooper Brick Company [Samuel, Joseph and William M. Cooper], Spicer Extension; Hugill & Briggs [Joseph Hugill and Elijah C. Briggs], Washington street Extension; Frederick H. Weeks, east of City limits, on A^alley Railway; Akron Vitrified Pressed Brick Company, office 122 Howard; Akron Paving Brick Companj^ 919^ 923 East Exchange. North side Market Street, from Howard to Main, 1891.— Photo by Walter B. Manning.. THE LUMBER AND BUILDING BUSINESS. Previous to 1840 Akron had depended for lumber, lath, shin- gles, sash, doors, blinds, etc., chiefly upon local sawmills and hand manufacture]" oak, white-wood and black w^alnut being the only timber used for building purposes in those early days. As early, however, as 1832, the late Smith Burton, father of the Rev. Nathan S. Burton, established a sash factory on the east side of the stone bridge on East Market street, in what is now the Sixth ward, driven by the waters of the Little Cuyahoga river. Here, in 1836, our w^ell-known citizen, Mr. David G. Wilcox, commenced work as an apprentice. Dr. Burton himself also serving an apprenticeship in his father's establishment. But carpenters claiming that machine-made sash were inferior to those made by hand, the busi- ness of the factory did not attain to any very considerable proportions. In 1836 James Bangs, father of the late Elisha N. Bangs, com- menced the manufacture of pine shingles, by hand, on his own premises, north of Tallmadge street, between Howard and Main, importing his blocks or " bolts " from Canada, vda lake and THE LUMBER AND BUILDING BUSINESS. 485 canal. A few years later, Mr. Samuel G. Wilson, succeeded to the shingle making business, establishing himself on Main street, south of Howard, ^t^here he added a small stock of Michigan pine lumber, lath, etc., Mr, Wilson soon afterwards associating witlj liimself Mr. Justus Rockwell, this being the pioneer of the immense lumber business done in Akron to-day, though Mr. Webster B. Storer, also established a lumber yard about the same time, north of Market street, selling out to Mr. Wilson. DAVrn GILBKRT WILCOX. DAVID GILBERT WILCOX. DAVID GILBERT WILCOX,— born in Manlius, Onondag^a county, N. Y., February 5, 1821 ; mother dying- when he was but four months old, raised by grandparents in Charlestown, Montgomery county, N. Y.; at 15, in 18;-{(), came to Middlebur}^, as an apprentice in the sash factory of his uncle, Smith Burton, in 1842 becoining a partner with his uncle and others under the firm name of Burton, Davis & Co., continuing two years ; was proprietor of Akron's pioneer planing- mill, on the present site of the Diamond Fire Brick works, from 1856 to 18(>4, when he, with others, organized the Weary, Snyder, Wilcox Manufacturing Company, as at present located. September 28. 1842, Mr. Wilcox was married to Miss Hannah C. Whitney, daughter of William H. Whitney, Esq., of Uniontown, Stark county, Ohio, who has borne, him ten children, eight of whom survive — Ida, now wife of Rev. Theron R. Peters, corresponding secretary and superindent Minnesota State Missions, at Minneapolis; John F., proprietor of planing mill, corner Eleventh and Ramsey streets Minneapolis, Minn.; Frank E., superintendent of brother's planing- mill, in Minneapolis; Nathan B., carpenter and millwrig-ht. Rapid Citj', Dakota ; Helen, wife of Rev. James A. Brown, pastor of Baptist Church at Bedford, Ohio; DeWitt G., physicitm and surgeon, proprietor "Wilcox Private Hospital," 173 Lexington avenue, Buffalo, N. Y.; Grace, wife of James I. Dissette, secretary and treasurer of Indianapolis Foundry Co., 57 to 97 Bates_ street ; and Anna M., teacher in Prof. S. S. Curry's School of Expression, Boston, Mass. The two accompanj'ing portraits represent Mr. Wilcox as he was at 30, and as he is at 70 years of age. The Weary, Snyder. Wilcox Manufacturing Company. — About 1845, Mr. David Miller, of Wadsworth, established a sash, capital, the present officers of the corporation being: President, Ferd. Schumacher; secretary and treasurer, Burdette L. Dodge; and Simon B. Weary, superintendent and general manager. Lum- ber, lath, shingles, doors, sash, blinds, flooring, ceiling mouldings, etc. Hands employed, about 25. Lumber handled, 3,000,000 feet per year. William B. Doyle.— About 1851 Messrs. Nathaniel Finch and John H. Dix established a planing mill a few rods below the .Etna mill, on the Ohio Canal, the first of its kind in this section of the country. This mill, with the JEtna mill, was destroyed by fire on the night of November 1, 1853, whereupon a new planing mill was built on the site of the burned foundry and stove works of THE LUMBER AND BUILDINCJ liL'SINESS. 487 JACOB SNYDERr born in Colum- bia county, Pa., March 12, 1823; learned carpenter's trade, and during minority received an academic edu- cation; at 22, entered Dickinson Col- lege, taking three years' general course, and also course in theoreti- cal architecture; then for two years engaged in contracting- and practical architecture at his old home; in 185.3, came to Akron, engaging for a time in grocery trade; in 1855, resumed business of contracting, building and architecture; in 1864, became a member of the Weary, Snyder & Wilcox Manufacturing Company, of Which he was president at the time of his death, though since 1870 devoting his entire time to architec- ture upon his own account, making a specialty of Chureh and Sabbath School architecture, his designs being very largely adopted in Ohio and other Western and Southern States. Mr. Snyder for several years served as a member of the Akron Board of Education, trustee of Por- tage Township, Superintendent, teacher and historian of Sabbath School and upon the official Board of the First M. E. Church, of Akron. May 21, 1849, Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Mary A. Rinehart. a native of JACOB 8XYi)EK. Cumberland county, Pa., who bore him four children, only one of whom is now living- Nellie M., wife of Mr. Hurdette L. Dodge, of Akron. Mr. Snyder died, universally lamented, December 29, 1890, aged 67 years, 9 months and 17 days. SIMON B. WEARY. SIMON B. WEARY, -born July 29, 1823, in Marlboro, Stark county; raised on farm with log-cabin educa- tion ; in 1841 learned carpenter's trade ; in Fall of 1847 came to Akron ; in May, 1848, went to Sheboygan, Wis., where he worked at his trade until 1851, when he returned to Akron, fol- lowing trade until 1853, when he established sash, blind and door fac- tory in the building afterwards known as the "German Mill," the original of Ferd. Schumacher's ))resent immense oatmeal plant ; in 18.5() resumed trade; in 1858 estab- lished sash, blind and door factory in upper part of W. B. Do3le & Co.'s planing mill ; in 1864 consolidated with Mr. David G. Wilcox in the same line of business upon the Ohio Canal and with Mr. Jacob Snyder, architect and builder, and others, organized the Wear}', Snyder & Wilcox Manu- facturing Company, still doing a large sash, door, blind and lumber business on North Main street, with Mr. Weary as general manager, Mr. Ferd. Schumacher as president and Mr. Burdette L. Dodge as secretarj- and treasurer. Mr. Weary has been twice married and is the father of three children — Frank O., one of Akron's best known architects, whose portrait appears elsewhere in this volume ; Edwin D., designer in An- drews & Co.'s extensive special fur- niture factorj' in Chicago, and Flora C, now wile of James G. Moore, an employe of the Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company, Akron. 488 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. P. Tallman & Co., on South Howard Street, Mr. Simon B. Weary occupying the upper story as a sash, door and blind factory, from 1858 to 1864. Wilson and Rockwell had, meantime, bought out Finch Sc Dix and consolidated the two branches of business, Mr. Rockw^ell having also been superseded in the firm by Capt. William L. Everett, Mr. Wilson also subsequently buying out Capt. Everett. In August, 1865, William B. Doyle, Daniel Farnam and John H. Dix associated themselves with Mr. Wilson, under the firm name of W. B. Dojde & Co., greatly enlarging their lumber and building operations. A A'^ear or so later Mr. Wilson was succeeded in the firm by Hon. John Johnston, In 1873 Mr, Johnston retired from the firm, Messrs. Doj^le, Farnam and Dix continuing together until the death of the latter in 1886, and in April, 1888, Mr, Farnam retired, Mr, Doyle becoming sole proprietor of the business. Num- ber of hands employed, 20 to 25, Lumber handled, 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 of feet per year, Mr. Doyle dying August 6, 1890, the bus- iness is now being conducted by his eldest son, and executor, Day- ton A, Doyle, Esq, WIIXIAM B. DOYLE— born in Franklin county, Pa., March ii, 1825 ; raised on farm with but limited education ; at 13 apprenticed to cabinet trade, serving- three years ; in 1842 came to Akron, most of the waj^ on foot ; worked a few months as journeyman and in Fall bought out his emploj'ers ; several years later sold out his business and engaged in slaughtering and selling meat, which he followed about 15 3^ears ; then moved upon farm pre- viously purchased in Coventry, con- tinuing four years, selling farm and stock for $16,000 ; then, in" company with Messrs. Daniel Farnam and John H. Dix, under the firm name of Wm. B. Doyle & Co., bought the lumber and manufacturing business of S. G. Wilson for the consideration of $35,000. Mr Dix dying in 1886 and Mr. Farnam retiring in 1888, Mr. Dojde became sole proprietor of the business, handling from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 feet of lumber per year, Mr. Dojde also being the owner of a fine lOJ-acre farm adjacent to the city limits, and much valuable property both within and without the city. Mr. Doyle was four times married: In 1845 to Miss Phoebe Budd, of Akron, who died in 18.50 ; October 30, 1855, to Miss Harriet Sage, of Monroe county, N. Y., who died November 6, WILLIAM B. DOVLE. 1862; of their two children, one only, Dayton A., surviving; June 9, 1807, to Mar}' Ann Lantz, of Akron, who died in 1875, leaving three children — Wil- liam B., Jr., Delia and Dean L. ; Jan- xiarj' 16, 1877, to Mrs. Louisa Baird, of Mogadore, Ohio, who bore him one child — Anna. Mr. Do3de died August 6, 1890, aged 65 3 ears, 5 months and 1 day. The Thomas Bi^ildixg and Lumber Company. — Works west side of Ohio Canal, south of West Market street, established in 18B3 by the late George Thomas. After the death of its founder, other parties operated the works for several years with indifferent success, Col. David W. Thomas succeeding to the business in 1877. January 1, 1888, a stock company was organized, under the above title, with a capital stock of $100,000, the extensive lumber business THE JLUMBEK AND BUILDING BUSINESS. 489 DANIEL FARNAM,-born in Essex county, N. Y., April 8, 1816 ; re- moved with parents to Vermont in 1817, and to Ohio in 1831, settling- in Marion county, afterwards removing to Hardin county. In 1836, Mr. F. came to Akron, working- awhile in saw-mill, then for six years in pow- der-mill; then took an interest in linseed oil mill, the powder and oil business beiagf consolidated three 3^ears later ; three years still later sell- ing out and buying a farm in Hardin county, two jears afterwards rented farm and became superintendent of Xenia powder works, and two and- a-half j^ears later returned to Akron, and again took an interest in the powder works here. In 1865, sold out his powder interests and becaine a partner of the lumber and build- ing firm of W. B. Doyle & Co., in which business he continued un- til 1888. December 23, 1843, Mr. Farnam was inarried to Miss Lydia Todd, a native of Seneca county, N. Y.,who has borne him seven children, six of w^hom are now living — Harriet, now Mrs. H. D. Cole, of Akron ; George D., now living in Colorado ; Abbie T., now Mrs. Andrew B. Reed, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; Frances J. and Carrie, still at home ; and Marj^ E.. now Mrs. Duane C. Abbott, of Ak- FRAXK ORLANDO WEARY. pRANK ORLANDO WF;ARY,— -'- born at Shebo3^gan, Wis., Sep- tember 12, 1849 ; came to Akron with l^arents in 1851 ; educated in Akron schools ; at 14, in 1863, entered as drummer boy in Co. G, 29th O. V. I., a jear later being appointed major of regimental drum corps, following the fortunes of the regiment from DANIEL FARNAM. ron. Mr. F. has been an active and influential member of the Baptist Church for over 50 years ; as a Whig- voted for Gen. William Henry Harri- son, in 1840, and as a Republican for Gen. Benjamin Harrison, for presi- dent, in 1888. Lookout Mountain to Atlanta, Savan- nah and " on to Richmond ;" on dis- charge resumed his school studies, which he soon had to relinquish on account of his failing health ; in 1868 began the study of architecture in the office of Heard & Blythe, Cleve- land, remaining- two years, finishing- studies in Boston, Mass., in 1870, '71 ; after the great Chicago fire, October 9, 1871, spent three years in helping- to rebuild that city ; in 1875, returned to Akron, where he has since prac- ticed his profession with phenomenal success in connection with Mr. Georg^e W. Kramer, their home work includ- ing Memorial Chapel, High School, Hotel Buchtel, Arcade, Beacon, Paig^e, C. A. & C. depot, Akron Sav- ings Bank, and numerous other fine blocks, and abroad fine courthouses, jails, churches, business blocks, etc., in various other counties in Ohio, and in the States of California, Color- ado, Iowa, W^isconsin, Illinois, Indi- ana, Alabama, New York, etc. April 6, 1881, Mr. \V. was married to Mrs. Jennie Wise Hane, of Canton, who has borne him one son — Earl D. Weary, born October 11. 1882. Mr. W. is a member of Buckley Post, G. A. R., and a number of other bene- ficial and social organizations. 490 AKKOxV AND SUMMIT COUNTY. theretofore, for several years, carried on by Mr. Wni. Buchtel, being^ merged in the new organization. Directors: David W. Thomas, William Buchtel, Arthur L. Conger, U. Grant Frederick, Charles S. Sheldon, William C. Jacobs, Louis Wilhelm; D. W. Thomas, president; C. E. Sheldon, vice president; Wm. Buchtel, treasurer^ U. G. Frederick, secretary. ANDREW JACKSON,-8on of James and Sarah (Stout) Jack- son, born near Canal Fulton, Stark county, June 22. 18.33; raised on farm; educated in district schools and Greensburg' Seminary; learned car- penter's trade with brother, Robert Jackson, in Akron; taug-ht school four years at Greensburg- and Dojdes- town; 1864 to 1866, member of firm of Wear3^ Snyder & Co., builders and lumber dealers; then, with Mr. Wil- liam Buchtel, commenced dealing in Michigan pine lands and lumber, five 3^ears later Jackson & Buchtel, selling a one-half interest to John H. Hower and the late Charles Miller, the firm of Jackson, Buchtel & Co. continuing till 1875, after which Mr. Jackson carried on an extensive lumber and building business alone until March, 1889, when he associated with himself Mr. A. E. Lyman; under the firm name of A. Jackson & Lyman, adding a planing mill to their works. Mr. Jackson is also a stockholder in the People's Savings Bank; has served two terms on Akron Board of Education and several years on the Official Board of the First M. E. Church, of Akron. March 15, 1859, Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Lucy A. Wright, of Spring-field, who has ANDREW JACKSON. borne him seven children - Henry Thoburn and Bessie died in infanc)-; Lucy Ellen, athome; Thomas Wright, now a student at Jefferson Medical College; James Herbert, now assist- ing in father's office; Andrew and Rutherford B. Hayes, now students in Akron schools. Jackson & Lyman. — ^Andrew Jackson and Alfred Lyman — deal- ers in lumber, sash, doors, blinds and all kinds of building materi- als, West Exchange street and Ohio Canal; established in 1866; number of hands employed, 25 to 35; lumber handled per year,, 3,000,000 feet. Planing mill immediately south of office on Orleans Avenue, east of canal basin. Solon N. Wilson. — Dealer in all kinds of pine and hemlock lumber, dressed and in the rough, and contractor and builder, 888 South Main street. Established in 1867. Hands employed, 4 to 10. Lunil)er handled, 1,500,000 feet per year, Mr. Wilson also 3^earl3^ filling many contracts for buildings in Akron and elsewhere. The Hankey Lumber Company. — Successors to the late Simon Hankey and Charlotte A. Hankey, (established in 1873), planing mill and wholesale and retail dealers in lumber and all kinds of building material, 1036 South Main street; incorporated March 3, 1889; capital, $100,000; hands employed, 36 to 40; lumber handled per year, 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 feet. Directors : Charlotte A. Hanke3^ president; William S. Hankey, vice president; Jonas F. Stuver, secretary; Frederick H. Weeks, treasurer and manager; George W. Seiber. THE LUMBEK AND BriLDINXJ Bl'SINESS. 491 SOLON N. WILSON— son of An- drew and Lurancy (Thomas) Wilson, was born in Cuyahoj^a county, Ohio, October 19, 1843; re- ceived an academic education, after one year at Oberlin Colleg'e, enlistinjr in the 150th Regiment, O. N. G., organized at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, and sworn into service May 5, 1864, for 100 days, under the call of Governor Brough, as else- where stated. The reg-iment did garrison duty at Forts Lincoln, Saratoga, Thayer, Bunker Hill, Slo- cum, Totten and Stevens, in front of the National Capital, participated in the fight with Early's Rebel Corps, in his attack on Washington, July 10 and 11, 1864, being mustered out in Cleveland, August 23, 1864, having served 111 days. On returning from the army Mr. Wilson took charge of the home farm, owning a place on becoming of age, when he went to Kent and engaged in the lumber business for three years, then came to Akron, where, as lumber dealer and contractor, he has continued ever since. January 15, 1868. he was married to Miss Alice E. Botsford, of Middlebury, (now Akron Sixth Ward), who died January 14, 1870. June 20, 1872, was again married, to Miss Nannie C. Albertson, of Millers- SOLOX N. WILSOX. burg, who has borne him three child- ren — Lena L.. Ralph B. and Ross "A. Mr. Wilson is secretarj' and treas- urer of the Long Lake Park Com- pany, and pecuniarily and officially connected with a number of the most important business enterprises of Akron and vicinity. SIMOX HANKEY. SIMON HANKEY, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Yerrick) Hankey, was born at Canal Fulton, Stark county, December 25, 1840, at 14 re- moving with parents to Coventry; raised on farm with common school education; removed to Akron in 1869, and established the planing mill and lumber yard now carried on by the Hankey Lumber Companj^ at 1,036 South Main street. Active in public affairs, Mr. Hankey ably represented the Fifth ward in the Citj' Council during the years 1875 and 1876. February 17, 1859, Mr Hankey was married to Miss Charlotte A. Man- derbach, of CoVentr3% who bore hiin five children, three of whom are still living — Mary Ellen, now wife of Charles A. Guth. of Decatur, Ala.; Bertha A., now Mrs. Frederick H. Weeks, treasurer and manager of the Hankey Lumber Compan}', and Wil- liam S., vice president of said com- pany, Mrs. Hankey being its jjresi- dent. February 12, 1885, while driv- ing with a friend, by the sliding- of his sleigh against a telegraph pole, in turning from West Mill into Ash street, Mr. Hankey was so badlj^ in- jured as to cause his death* a few hours later, the same evening, at the age of 44 years, 1 month and 18 days; Mrs. Hankey continuing the business on her own account until the organi- zation of the Hanke}' Lumber Com- pany as elsewhere stated. 492 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The Akron Building & Cabinet Company, successors to the Akron Contracting & Cabinet Co., 210 to 220 Cherry street, manu- facturers of office and bank furniture, fine cabinet work, etc.; incorporated January 3, 1889; authorized capital, $100,000; directors, Daniel A. Jatnes, president; Orlando L. McMillen, vice president; Othello W. Hale, secretary and treasurer; William F. Pickton, D. A. James. Average employees, 70. DANIEL A. JAMES,^born iii Paris, Portag-e county, Ohio, October 13, 1846; coninion school education; learned cabinet maker's trade in Ravenna; in 1866 came to Akron and worked for Miller, Thomas & Com- pany, until 1875, when he started the business of manufacturing office and •church furniture and interior decor- ations, building- up a large and profitable trade, developing into the extensive works of the Akron Build- ing and Cabinet Coiupany, at 210 to 220 Cherry street, incorporated in January, 1889, with a capital stock of $100,000, of which organization Mr. James is president. In politics Mr. James is an earnest Republican, and in religion an active and influential Baptist. August 8, 1871, Mr, James ■was married to Miss Carrie F. Thomas, daughter of the late George and Mary (Caldwell) Thomas, who died December 22, 1886, leaving no children. Februar}^ 27, 1879, he was again married, to Miss Louisa J. Thomas, (sister of the former Mrs. James), who has borne him three •children — Bessie Louisa, born Janu- uary 1, 1880; Carrie Thomas, born August 9, 1882, and Arthur Henry, born March 4, 1885. William A. McClellan, planing mill, contractor, builder, etc. Shop and office, 305 W^ater street, (Lock Two Ohio Canal). Num- ber of hands emploA^ed 6 to 20. Established in 1880. EwiNG & HoLLiNGER, (Lewis D. Ewing and Harvey M. Hol- linger), planing mill; contractors, and dealers in mantels, grates, etc.; works, 121 Kirkwood street; main building, 44x50; 25 emploj^es. Boating, Boat Building, Etc. — Fifty years ago, boating upon the Ohio Canal held sway, not only on the score of profit, but on the score of "honor" also. Then the commander of the "Line Boat" — combined passenger and freight — was of vastly more con- sequence than the commander of an ocean Cunarder is now. Indeed the writer, while temporarily sojourning in Ravenna, in the Spring of 1835, was advised by the late Dr. Asa Field, on learn- ing of his intention of settling in Akron, to secure, if possible, a situation in one of the ware-houses upon the canal from which he could. eventually work up to the command of a line boat! Disre- garding the kind-hearted doctor's advice, the writer has ever since remained to "fortune and fame unknown." As narrated in the first chapter of this w^ork, the first boat to navigate the waters of the Ohio Canal — the "Ohio" — was built in Akron, on the east side of the basin, in 1827. Though other boats THE BOAT BUILDING INDUSTRY 493 OTHELLO W. HALE,"born in Bath, April 1, 1841; raised a farmer; at 15 went with family to Hudson, where he prepared for col- lege, but owing to his father's declin- ing health, returned to Bath in 1859 and took charge of fariu. In the temporary absence of his father in 1861.' Othello enlisted in the 29th O. V. I., under Captain Jonas Schoon- over, going w^ith regiment to Camp Giddings, where, being under age, at the urgent request of his father, then in poor health, he was discharged, and returned home, the father dying the following January. September 23, 1862. Mr. Hale was married to Miss Elizabeth Hanson, of Hudson, who bore him two children, one of whom Herbert C, born March 15, 1874, is now living- at home. In 1868 Mr. Hale sold his Bath farm and pur- chased another in Edinburg, Portage county; two years later, selling there and engaging in the lumber business at Corry, Pa., going from there to Huntington, W. Va., where he not only lost all his property, by the re- verses of his firm in the panic of 1873, but buried his wife, who died June 6, 1874, leaving a babe a few days old which died one month later. Rettirn- ing to Akron, made his home with his sister, Mrs. David S. Alexander, until his marriage, November 26, 1878, with Mrs. L. Emma Cozad, of WILLIAM H. PAYNE. WILLIAM H. PAYNE,— youngest son of Willis and Phcube (Bronson) Payne, was born in Lorain count3% O., August 10, 1822 ; common school education ; from 1845 to 1864, OTHELLO \V. HALE. Cleveland, a widow with one son - Henry Irving*, born September 22, 1872. They have one child. Blanche E., born December 14, 1881. Februar}^ 10, 1879, Mr. Hale entered the county clerk's office as deputy for Clerk Sumner Nash; was elected clerk of courts October, 1884, and re-elected in 1887, being in continuous service as deputy and principal 12 years. Mr. Hale is now secretarj- of the Akron Building and Cabinet Company. worked at boat building in Boston township, in the latter j'ear remov- ing to Akron, and pvxrchasing the boat yard of Mr. Webster B. Storer, at Lock Three, which he carried on six years, during that period build- ing 42 boats ; in 1873 establishing his present yard at Lock Two, having built in all about 150 boats. A Republican in politics, besides fill- ing several local offices in Boston township, Mr. Payne represented the Third ward in Akron city council, during the years 1867, '68. February 22, 1845, Mr. Payne was married to Miss Julia Janes, of Peninsula, a native of Vermont, niece of the late Sheriff Lewis M. Janes, who has borne him four children, three of whom are still living — Martha E., wife of Mr. George S. Scott, member and assistant manager of The Paige Brothers Company, wholesale and retail hardware dealers in Akron ; Amy L., at home, and Charles H., (who married Miss Martha Storm, of Knox county), now shipping clerk for The Paige Brothers Co. Mr. and Mrs. Payne are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and active pro- moters of all the benevolent enter- prises of the day. 494 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. "were built at different points in the village, Akron did not become a boat-building center for several years — the villages of Peninsula and Boston almost entirel}' monopolizing the canal boat building trade of the State for many years. Southeast Corner Main and Mill .Streets, Hotel Biichtel. 1891. Photo by B. F. Battels. In the Spring of 1835, Mr. Joseph Perkins furnishing the land, Capt. Richard Howe the lumber, Mr. Seth Iredell the money, and Mr. Ansel Miller the labor, a dry dock was built at the head of Lock Three, which was at first occupied by John Langdon and John Waterman, but the next season by a man named Stevenson, whose'given name is not no\^ remembered, altogether for making repairs. In 1836, '37, Mr. Harvey Allen leased the yard and built some three or four boats for Col. Robert H. Backus, the then proprie- tor of the Stone Mill, w^hich the w^riter, in the then line of his profession, had the honor of painting, lettering, ornamenting, etc. In 1838, Messrs. Webster B. Storer, and Jacob Barnhart took possession of the yard and entered vigorously into the build- ing of new boats, Mr. Ansel Miller succeeded Mr. Barnhart in 1839; the firm of Storer & Miller continuing 18 years and Mr. Storer running the v^^orks one year longer. Besides repairs, an average of six or eight new boats per j'-ear were turned out, as high as 12 being built in 1846, from 20 to 30 hands being employed, Mr. Jacob Black remembering that at one time as high as 42 men were em- ployed; prices of new boats ranging from $1,200 to $1,600. Mr. Storer was succeeded by Mr. William H. Payne, who a few years since established a new^ yard above Lock Two, the original yard passing into the hands of Mr. Joseph W. Foster, in each of OTHER MANUFACTURES, 495 Avhich, besides repairs, from one to three new^ boats are now built per year, the excursion steamer " City of Akron," having been turned out of the Lock Two yard. The Portage Strawboard Company. — In March, 1882, the Portage Strawboard Company was organized by Akron capitalists, and works established in the suburban town of New Portage, five miles south of the city, between the C, A. & C. and the N. Y., P. & O. railroads, two years later erecting similar and larger Avorks at Circleville, Pickaway county. Capital stock, $1,000,000; officers: Ohio C. Barber, president; Thomas W. Cornell, vice president; William McFarlin, secretary and treasurer; office at First National Bank, Akron. Capacity: Portage mills, 25 tons finished board per day; Circleville mills, 50 tons, the two mills consuming 150 tons of straw per day. Hands employed: Portage, 110; Circleville, 340. Of the product of these mills the Barber Match Company alone consumes five tons daily in the manufacture of match boxes; the entire Diamond Match Company nine tons per day. [These works are now^ merged in and are part of the American Strawboard Com- pan}^, described in the chapter on the new manufacturing city of Barberton, with a capital of $6,000,000, of which Mr. Ohio C. Bar- ber is president.] TAMES C. McNEIL, — born inOnon- J daga county, N. Y., May 8, 1836 ; came with parents to Ohio in 1838, settling in Coshocton covmty, in 1847 coming to Akron to live with his brother, the late Gen. George W. McNeil ; educated in Akron public schools ; learned machinist's trade with Webster & Taplin, serving three 3-ears ; worked six years for Cleve- land & Mahoning R. R. Co., three and a half years in shop and two and a half 3'ears as engineer on road ; returning to Akron had charge of machinery in Akron Barrel Factorj^ two and a half jears, when, with Mr. Robert L. Moffatt. he established the Akron Boiler Works ; on the retire- ment of Mr. Moffatt, four j^ears later, Mr. McNeil becoming sole proprietor of the works, which he successful 1}' and profitably conducted until his death, November 2G, 1885, at the age of -49 years, 6 months and 15 days — the McNeil Boiler Company, organ- ized in 1888 and re-organized in 1890, now being one of the inost extensive and prosperous of its class in Ohio. Mr. McNeil was an earnest Republi- can, and active in all city improve- ments, and especially in the organi- zation of its present excellent Fire Department, of which he was Chief from 1866 to 1869. April 6, 1859, Mr. JAMES C. M'NEIL. McNeil was married to Miss Marj-- Gale, youngest child of the late Col. Justus and Mrs. Sarah (Hyde) Gale, who bore him two children— Grant C, born September 25,1864, now a suc- cessful manufacturer in Akron, and Sarah Gale, born November 25, 1868, still residing with her mother. The J. C. McNeil Company, (successors to the Akron Boiler Works, established by the late James C. McNeil and Mr. Robert L. Moffat in 1866.) manufacturers of all kinds of steam boilers, transportation and storage oil tanks, McNeil's fire oat-drying pans, etc., near South Main street railway station; buildings 60x160 and 496 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. 40x152 feet; hands employed, 75; incorporated February 28, 1888; capital, $62,700; Arthur M. Cole, president; George C. Berry, vice president; John B. Campbell, secretary and treasurer; Herman H, Prange, superintendent. The Akron Tool Company, manufacturers of the Kraus Combined Cultivator and other specialties, 238 North Union street incorporated, September 21, 1889; capital $100,000; Hiram Kendall, president; George W. Crouse, vice president; Horace M. Houser, secretary; Charles A. Bowen, treasurer and superin- tendent; buildings 50x150 and 70x140 feet; hands employed 45. The Akron Woolen and Felt Company, on the site formerly occupied by the original strawboard works, in the Sixth ^vard, manufacturers of paperinakers' felts and jackets; incorporated July 7, 1888; capital $100,000; hands employed 55; Ohio C. Barber, president; Frank M. Atterholt, vice president; Duncan M. Fuller, treasurer and manager; H. Granger Fuller, superintendent and secretary pro tern. T ESTER M. BIGGS,— son of Dr. C. -L' F. H. Biggs, born in Middle- bury, (now Akron Sixth Ward) June 25, 1843; common school education; in 1860 drove team on canal; in 1861 enlisted in Company A, 2nd O. V. C, serving in Indian Territory, Texas, etc.; discharged September 25. 1862; re-enlisted October 14, 1862, in Com- pany 1, 10th O. V. C; wounded in left shoulder at Lovejoy's Station, Ga.; in right leg at Sisters Ferry, S. C; pre- sented with hunting case gold watch inscribed: "Presented to Sergeant L. M. Biggs, for distinguished oravery at Waynesboro, Ga., December 4, 1864, by Captain W. H. Day, A. D. C. Kilpatrick's Cavalry;" 22 months color sergeant at General Kilpat- rick's headquarters; commissioned lieutenant of volvmteers by President Lincoln, and assigned to U. S. C. T. at Macon, Ga. ; di scharged July 24, 1865 ; now member of Buckley Post, G. A. R. At close of the war worked four years in Buckeye Works of Aultman, Miller & Company., and fifteen years in Boiler Works of J. C. McNeil; November 11, 1885, established Sum- mit City Boiler Works, employing three men, now (1891) employing 80 men, his w^ork going to every portion of the United States, to Canada, LESTER M. BIGGS. Mexico. South America, Japan and China. January 1, 1867, Mr. Biggs was married to Miss Esther Sher- bondy, daughter of Levi Sherbondy, of Akron, who has borne him one child— Lester E. Biggs, born Novem- ber 1, 1877. Summit City Boiler Works. — Lester M. Biggs, corner Case avenue and River streets, manufacturer of steam boilers; rotary globe bleachers, smokestacks, oat dryers, etc., established Janu- ary 1, 1886. Hands employed, 75 to 80. Product, $40,000 to $50,000 per year. Larger shops are now [September 1891], being built on the Hart Allotment, by which the capacity of these works will be nearly if not quite doubled. AKRON S MANUFACTURES. 497 The Drop Hammer Forging Company, manufacturers of all kinds of drop-hammer forgings, picket fences, the Belden garden hoe, etc.; 212, 214 River street. Sixth ward; incorporated March 17, 1890; capital $15,000; size of buildings 50x100; hands emploj^ed 15; Joseph Cook, president; Frank M. Belden, vice president; Joseph D. James, secretary and treasurer; M. F. Christensen, super- intendent. HERBERT P. HITCHCOCK,— son of Lucius W., and Eleanor (Wol- cott) Hitchcock, was born in Tall- niadge, July 18, 1841 ; raised on farm ; educated in common schools, and Tallmadg-e Academy ; from 16 to 17 clerk in store of Starr Bros. & Co., Elyria ; 17 to 20 worked on father's farm ; 20 to 28. filled various positions upon the A. & G. W. Railway (now N. Y. P. & O.) ; in 1860, established him- self in the insurance business in Akron, commencing' with a single company and increasing from time to time until now he conducts one of the largest insurance agencies in North- ern Ohio, representing an aggregate capital of $100,000,000, Mr. H. also act- ing as special agent and adjuster for several companies some 15 years, being then given a department as general agent and manager, which he held until his resignation, on account of press of other business, February 1, 1890. He is also a stock- holder, director and secretary of the Werner Printing and Lithograph- ing Company ; president Diamond Drill & Tool Company, and pecuni- arily and officially connected with several other important industrial HERBERT P. HITCHCOCK. and financial enterprises in Akron,, and elsewhere. August 16, 1863, Mr. Hitchcock was married to Miss Charlotte E. Upson, of Tallmadge, who has borne him two children — Rena E., died at 8 years of age, Eva P., born August 27, 1876, still at home. The Diamond Drill and Tool Company, 226 South Howard street, manufacturers of the Diamond twist drill, machinists' tools, etc.; established in 1889; hands employed 35; Herbert P. Hitchcock, president; Charles E. Sheldon, vice president; John G. Raymond, secretary and treasurer; Peter J. Hoenscheid, superintendent. The D. F. Morgan Boiler Company, manufacturers of steam and hot water heating apparatus; ^vorks near South Main street railway station; buildings 50x100 in size; capacity, six boilers per day; hands employed 20; incorporated March 17, 1890; capital $100,000; D. F. Morgan, president: Charles E. Sheldon, vice pres- ident; Charles T. Buell, secretary and treasurer; D. F. Morgan, manager. Enterprise Manufacturing Company. — Established in 1881. Incorporated in 1886. Metal and rubber baits, flies, floats, etc., with or without luminosity; crystal and metal harness rosettes, luminous and otherwise; and other specialties. Shops, 139 Ash street, 30x60 and 60x75, two stories. Hands employed, 80 to 90. Officers: Ernest F. Pflueger, president; Col. Arthur L. Conger^, vice president; Ernest A. Pflueger, secretary and treasurer. 32 498 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Akkox File Works. — Theodore Gorner and Adam Platitz, proprietors. Shop east of Buckeye Works, between Middlebury and Carroll streets. Established in 1868 by Matthias Harter. After several changes, the present firm was formed in 1877. Every description of files recut and made to order. Product from $3,.')0() ^to $4,000 per year, their wares finding a ready sale among the manufacturers and dealers in Akron, and other points in Ohio. Plows and Farmers' Goods. — Frank D. Howard, Foundr3% and dealer in Agricultural implements^ southwest corner of Mill and High streets; established in 1869. Standard and reliable goods, only, handled. Townsend C. Budd. — Foundry and Machine works, east of Bank street, north of Case avenue. Sixth ward; manufacturer of potters' supplies, steam fittings, and all work pertaining to the trade. Established in 1884. Buildings 40x60, 30x46, 40x50 and 30x45; hands employed, 12. The Akron Hardware Company, Stanton avenue and Getz street; shops 32x128 and 32x80, two stories, Avith one story engine house; manufacture specialties in hardware and patented crystal harness and carriage trimmings. Incorporated April 11, 1889. Capital stock, $50,000. Hands employed, 60 to 75. Officers: Emmon S. Oviatt, president; James T. Diehm, vice president; Henry C. Searles, secretary; Henry C. Viele, treasurer; Millard F.Ander- son, superintendent. The Star Drilling Machine Co., Washington street, manu- facturers of portable well and mineral drilling machinery, drilling tools, engines, etc., employing from 35 to 50 men; incorporated July 20, 1889; capital, $50,000; Arthur M. Cole, president; Herbert W. Cole, secretary and treasurer; John W. Miller, superintendent. The Absolute Chemical Co. — No. 1080 East Market street, manufacturers of the absolute parasite exterminator; organized December 19, 1890; capital, $50,000; Richard J. Cunnington, presi- dent; Stephen H. Barron, vice president; William E. Roth, secretary; Albert B. Cunnington, treasurer; James H. Case, chemist. Build- ings, 20x60 two stories, 30x65 one story; hands employed, 4. The Akron Chemical Company. — Manufacturers of paints, fillers and printing inks; incorporated January 13, 1890; capital, $25,000; works on West State street; officers: Frank A. Wilcox, president; J. Martin Beck, vice president; Charles L. Brov^rn, sec- retary and treasurer. The Akron Heating and Ventilating Company, manufactur- ers of apparatus for heating, ventilating and cooling — the Akron Blast System for churches, schools, public buildings, etc.. South Broadway; incorporated November 30, 1889; capital $75,000; hands employed, 25; George W. Crouse, president; Ferd. Schumacher, vice president; Julius O. Simmons, secretary and treasurer; Her- man Eichoff, superintendent. The Akron Light, Heat and Power Company, Manufactur- ers of fuel gas for cooking, heating and illumination; works corner Bank and Valley Ry., Sixth ward; incorporated July 14. 1888; capi- ,tal, $200,000; officers: Gordon W. Lloyd, president; Ferd. Schu- macher, vice president; Ernest F. Lloyd, secretary; F. Adolph Schumacher, treasurer; James W. Lane, superintendent; Olaf N. Guldlin, engineer. Miles of pipe now^laid (July, 1891), seven; hands employed, 10. AKRON S MANUFACTURES. 499 ARTHUR M. COLE. — born near -^ Everett, July 6, 1850 ; educated in common schools and commercial college ; several years clerk in father's store at Peninsula, then entered upon the study of medicine, |rraduating- from the medical depart- ment of Wooster University at Cleve- land, in 1874, '75, afterwards attend- ing- two courses of lecturers in Cleve- land, and one course at the college of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. Practicing- successfully in Peninsula two years, on the death of his father engaged in merchandising, which calling, in connection with his brother, Herbert W., he followed until his election as treasurer of Suinmit county, in 1882, which office he ably filled for two consecutive terms of two years each. Dr. Cole was marrried to Mrs. Eucy J. Trus- cott, of Cleveland, January 20, 1876, who, besides the two children she brought to him, Harry and Jessie Truscott, has borne him two sons —Samuel Jackson, born May 30, 1878. and Edmund Herbert, born Novem- ber 26, 1882. While yet officiating as treasurer, Dr. Cole organized the Akron Twine and Cordage Works, now one of the most successful industrial institutions in the citj^ of which coinpany he was secretary, treasurer and inanager, till inerged ARTHUR M. COLE. in the National Cordage Company of New York City, January 1, 1891, being also president of the J. C. McNeil Boiler Company, and for a time of City National Bank of Akron, and president of several other busi- ness and industrial corporations in Akron and elsewhere, and an active and influential member of the Akron Board of Trade. HERBET W. COLE. HERBERT W. COLE, — son of Ediuund and Ann L. (Boies) Cole, was born at Peninsula, Summit county, Ohio, February( 22, 1857 ; educated in village schools and at Oberlin College; taught school at Old Portage,Boston and Chittenden's Cor- ners ; in 1878 admitted to partnership in store of brother, at Peninsula, un- der the firm name of A. M. Cole & Bro., continuing until 1884, on November 4, of tfiat year, entering the count J- treasurer's office as deputj^ treasurer, under his brother, Dr. A. M, Cole, county treasurer from September 1, 1884, to September 1, 1888 ; then organized the Akron Wholesale Grocery Company, with a capital of $100,000, serving as its sec- retary and treasurer from September 10. 1888, till January 1, 1890; July 20, 1889, organized the Star Drilling Machine Company, with a capital of $.50,000, of which company he has been secretar}^ and treasurer from the Deginning ; is also a stockholder in The Akron Silver Plate Company, and The Barrett Elevator Company of Cleveland. August 7, 1890, Mr, Cole was married to Miss Leota M. Townsend, of Akron. They have one child, Helen Louise, born June 4, 1891.. 500 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. j»>n^ THOMAS A. EDISON. MRS. THOMAS A. EDISON. THOMAS A. EDISON, — the greatest inventor of his own or any other ag-e in the world's progress, is entitled to a prominent position in this work,- not only because of the many advantages which have accrued to Akron from his inventions, but especially because of his alliance, by marriage, with the family of one of our own fcest-known, most enterprising and most pro- lific inventors. Thomas Alva Edison was born at Milan, Erie county, Ohio, February 11, 1847 ; reinoving with parents to Port Huron, Mich., at seven years of age, his only education, except two inonths at school, being imparted by his mother, though when quite young becoming an extensive reader, par- ticularly of historical and scientific works. Froml2to 16 years of age j'oung Edison was train-boy upon the Grand Trunk Railway, between Port Huron and Detroit, besides selling apples, magazines, etc., establishing a weekly paper, printed entirely by himself upon the train, entitled "The Grand Trunk Herald," which he sold to passengers, at the same time, also, at every oppor- tunity, familiarizing himself with the workings of the locomotive, and the electric telegraph, fitting up in the caboose a chemical laboratory, in the furtherance of his advanced ideas for the improvement of the latter, later transferring his laboratory from the caboose to the basement of his father's house, in Detroit, also taking lessons in practical telegraphy, which he fol- lowed for several years, at different points, with but indifferent satisfaction to his employers, owing to the pre-occupation of his mind with the inventive theories, which, having since been practicall}^ solved, have brought to him the world-wide fame which he now enjoys. Mr. Edison was married at New- ark, N. J., in 1872, to Miss Mary Stillwell, who died in 1883, leaving three chil- dren — Marion E., Thomas A., Jr., and William L. MiNA Miller, daughter of Lewis and Mary V. (Alexander) Miller, was born in Akron, July 6, 1865 ; after graduating from the Akron High School,, for a time attending Mrs. Johnsotrs academy, in Boston, Mass., followed by a European tour, becoming an accomplished musician, and familiar with a number of modern languages. I'leeting with Mr. Edison, while visiting with mutual friends, in the East, and later at Chautauqua, a marriage eng*agement ensued, which was consummated at the home of her parents, in Akron, at 3 o'clock P. M., February 24, 1886. After a few months' sojourn at their winter villa, near Fort Meyers, Fla., Mr. and Mrs. Edison returned to the familj^ home^ "Glenmont," at Llewellyn Park, N. J., where they still reside. Thej^ have two children— Madeline, born May 31, 1888, and Charles, born August 3, 1890. AKRON S MANUFACTURES. 501 The Akron Electric Company, manufacturers of electric motors and other electrical apparatus and supplies; Ira street, near South Main street railway station; incorporated January 19, 1891; capital, $100,000; Frank A. Wilcox, president; Ed. B. Miller, vice president; William B. Doyle, secretary and treasurer; Willis D. Chapman manager. Building, 40x105 feet; 25 employes. EDWARD B. MILLER, — son of Lewis and Mary V. (Alexander) Miller, was born in Canton, Ohio, February 15, 1859, removing' with par- ■ents to Akron in 1864 ; educated in Akron public schools, with a two 3"ears' course at Ohio Wesleyan Uni- versity in Delaware, and two years at Stevens' Institute of Technology at Hoboken, N. Y. After completing- liis studies, spent nearly a year in Europe, on his return entering the ^employ of Aultman, Miller & Co. in the Buckeye Reaper and Mower Works, afterwards spending six months in Mexico as engineer of the Akron Silver Company's mining plant located there. He is now superintendent of the rolling mill of the Akron Iron Company, one of the most successful of Akron's innumer- iible industrial enterprises. Mr. Miller is still unmarried and resides Avith his parents, at Oak Place in Akron. EDWARD B. MILLER. ROBERT A. MILLER. ROBERT A. MILLER. — son of Lewis and Marj- V. (Alexander) Miller, was born in Canton, April 11, 1861, the day that Fort Sumter, in command of Col. Robert Anderson, was bombarded b}' the rebels— hence the name ; removed with parents to Akron in 1864; educated in Akron public schools, and at Eastman's Commercial institute at Poughkeep- sie, N. Y., where he remained three 3^ears ; on concludinghis studies was book-keeper in the Akron Iron Com- pan3''8 office, at Buchtel, in the Hock- ing- Valle}'; on the sale of the works, there, became assistant superintend- ent of the Buckej^e Reaper and Mower Works, of C. Aultman & Co., in Canton, on the death of his uncle, Mr. Jacob Miller, in 188^), becoming the superintendent and general mana- ger of the works. January 25, 1887, he was married to Miss Louise Igoe, of Indianapoli.'*, Ind., who has borne him two children- -Robert Anderson Miller, Jr., born Jidy 21, 1889, and Alice Rachel, born March 6, 1891. 502 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The Akron White Sand and Stone Company, on Portage road, west of city limits, miners, manufacturers and shippers of pure silica sand, for plate, flint and all other kinds of glass, iron and steel works, furnaces, potteries, fire brick, etc.; incorporated in 1891 ; capital, $100,000; Harvey F. Miller, president; Arthur M. Cole, vice president; Lee K. Mihills. secretary and treasurer; James L. Butler, superintendent. The Akron Reed and Rattan Company, manufacturers of baby carriages, baby jumpers, reed and rattan furniture, novelties, etc.; works, 212, 214 North Union street; size of building, 40x100 feet, four stories; engine house, 16x30; incorporated August 1, 1889; capital, $50,000; John H. Howler, president; Charles H. Hower, sec- retary and treasurer; hands employed, 30. The Akron Silver Plate Company, works on Bluff street; building, 40x 110, three stories, Aving 38x40; manufacturers of cask- et hardware and other silver plated goods; incorporated January 23, 1890; capital, $100,000; directors: Arthur M. Cole, president; Wilson B. Cannon, secretary and treasurer; L. H. Williams, super- interjdent; Joy H. Pendleton. Capacity of w^orks, 400 pairs of cas- ket handles per day; hands employed, 45. The Cohn Manufacturing Company, established in 1889;: incorporated September 15, 1891; capital, $20,000; manufacturers of a>vnings, tents, flags, oiled clothing, horse goods, etc.; incorpora- tors: Solomon H. Cohn; James McBride, John McBride, Oscar H. Cooley, James H. Greenw^ood, and George M. Anderson. Shop near South Main street railw^ay station, building, 40x80; hands employed, 18. Smith Brothers (Simon C. and Joseph S.), chemists, and man- ufacturers of flavoring extracts, perfumes, and paper boxes; build- ings, 30x40 — 60x116; 30 to 35 employes; located on South High street, west of rolling mill. Akron Cart Works, 806 South Broadway, Ferdinand Seller proprietor, manufacturer of road carts, wagons, etc.; building- 20x30, two stories; eight hands employed. Root-Tea-Na-Herb Company, Arcade Block, manufacturers of patent medicines; George W. Wright superintendent; Charles E, McMillen, secretary; eleven employes. Polishing and Plating Works. — Corner Broadway and Church streets. George W. Smith, proprietor. Nickel and copper plating, polishing, etc.; hands einployed, from 10 to 15. The Brigger Belting Company, manufacturers of patent wove oak leather belts, and best oak tanned leather belts; near South Main street railway station; buildings, 40x80 feet, tw» stories; incorporated in 1890; capital, $25,000; Josiah Miller, presi- dent; Curtis C. Sherbondy, vice president; Herbert R. Whiteman,^ secretary and treasurer; men employed, eight. The Baker, McMillen Company, successors to Baker, McMillen & Co., established in 1870, Ash and Bowery streets; manufacturers of enameled knobs, handles and pail w^ood, wood and clay pipes, etc.; incorporated July 2, 1890; capital, $120,000;^ number of hands employed from 85 to 100; directors: John C, McMillen, president; John W. Baker, vice president and superin- tendent; Charles Schutt, assistant superintendent; John L. Noble^ secretary and treasurer; John B. Wright. AKKON S MANUFACTURES. 503 pRANK A. SKIBERLING,- eldest -*^ son of John F. and Catharine L. (Miller) Seiberling-, was born on a farm near Western Star, October 6, 1859 ; at two years of ag-e moved with his parents to Doylestown and at six to Akron ; first attending- school in building, still standing-, next south of Congregational Church, on High street, I. P. Hole then being superin- tendent of Akron schools ; at close of first year's course in high school, entered Heidelberg Colleg-e, at Tiffin, remaining two years ; at close of Junior year left college to assist his father in business, having just started, inanufacturing the Empire Harvester in the old " Hawkins Rake Factory," on South Main street, on the organization of the Seiberling Company, in 1884, becoming its secre- tary and treasurer, which position he has since continuously held, besides being director and vice president of Akron Twine and Cordage Co., and the Werner Printing and Lithograph- ing Co., and treasurer of Akron Straw Board Co.; treasurer of the Seiberling Milling Co., Superior Mining Co., Canton Street Railway Co., Zanesville Street Railway Co., secretary and treasurer of the Akron Street Railway Co. and president of FRANK A. SEIBEKLIxXG. Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insur- ance Association. October 12, 1887, was married to Miss Gertrude F. Penfield, of Willoughby. They have two children — John Frederick, born July 26, 1888; Irene Henrietta, born February 24, 1890. CHARLES W. SEIBERLING. pHARLES W. SEIBERLING,— ^ second son of John F. and Cath- arine L. (Miller) Seiberling, was born near Western Star, in Norton town- ship, January 26, 1861, removing with parents to Doylestown in the Spring of that year, and four years later to Akron; attended Akron public schools until 1878; then entered Oberlin College, where he took a twoi^ years' eclectic course ; then returned ' home and asstimed the position of yard foreman of his father's extensive Empire Reaper and Mower Works, described elsewhere. On the incor- poration and organization of the J. F. Seiberling & Co., in 1884. he was elected a director, and promoted to superintendent of the works, which position he is still ably filling. He has also been connected with the Selle Gear Companj^ and several other manufacturing enterprises in Akron ; is a director in the Akron Street Railroad Conipanj', and largely interested in the South Akron Land Syndicate. 504 AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The Schumacher Gymnasium Company, successors to the Dempsey Machine Co. and the Howard Manufacturing Co., manu- facturers of all kinds of gymnasium apparatus. West State street; incorporated July 13, 1890; capital, $45,000; officers, Ferd. Schu- macher, president; Joseph C. Ewart, vice president; F. Adolph Schumacher, secretary and treasurer; Theodore Peterson, superin- tendent; buildings, 40x60, three stories and 40x80 and 40x40, two stories; hands employed, 30. T OUIS SCHUMACHER, — son of -»— ' Ferdinand and Hermine Schu- macher, was born in Akron, August 28, 1852 ; attended Akron public schools till 1868, when he was placed in a private school at Braunschweig, Germany, subsequently spending- two years at the Politechnicum, at Hanover, Germany. On completion of his studies, he entered the office of his father, and has since been actively engaged in the milling business, being a stockholder in, and vice president of. The F. Schumacher Milling Company, until it was merged in the American Cereal Company, in June, 1891, in which company, the most extensive manufacturers of oat- meal and other cereal products in the United States, he is also a stock- holder. March 3, 1886, he was married at Pittsburg, Pa., to Miss Dora Schu- luacher, of Akron, their familj' domi- cile being at 224 Fir street. Thej- have no children. LOUIS SCHUMACHER. HUGO SCHUMACHER. HUGO SCHUMACHER. - eldest son of Williain Schumacher, was born in Saxony, German}', June 14, 1853 ; when six j^ears old came with his parents to the United States, settling in Akron ; attending the public schools here until 1865, he was placed in a private school at Braunschweig, Germany, where he remained three years. On his return to Akron, in 1868, he entered the mill of his uncle, Ferd. Schumacher, as a packer, continuing until 1871, when he became head book-keeper and cashier, and now holdingthe respon- sible position of treasurer of the F. Schumacher Milling Company, organized 1886. Mr. Schuiuacher is also president of the Akron Building and Loan Association ; secretarj'^ of the Akron Electric Company, and vice president of the Millers' Mutual Fire Insurance Coiupany of Canton. May 12, 1875, he was married to Miss Alice Amelia Wills, daughter of Mr. Thomas Wills, for nearly twelve' 3'ears the able superintendent of Akron's beautiful Rural Cemeterj-. They have one child — Ferdinand Hugo, born December 3, 1880. Akron's manufactukes. 505 HARVEY y; HOWER— eldest son of John H. and Susan(Young-ker) Hower, was born in Doylestown, Wayne county, October 16, 1855 ; •edvicated in Doylestown and Akron public schools, and at Sniithville Normal Academy; on completion of studies worked in shop and field for J. F. Seiberling- & Co., of the old Excelsior Works, and two years in the Buckeye Works of Aultman, Miller & Co. ; in spring- of 1879, with other members of family, took an interest in the oatmeal business of Robert Turner & Co., in 1881 buying out Mr. Turner, and with his father and two brothers, Otis M. and Charles H., org-anizing the firm of Hower & -Co., incorporated as " The Hower •Coinpany," January, 1888,with Harvey Y. Hower as its vice president, and is now a stockholder in the American ■Cereal Company, in which the Hower Company was merged in June, 1891, ^nd its local manag-er of the Hower Mill ; is also a stockholder of the Akron Reed and Rattan Co. Nov- •ember 2^), 1877, Mr. Hower was inarried io Miss Helen M, Stone, sister of City HARVEY Y. HOWEK. Marshal S. M. Stone, born in Lock Haven, Pa., June 25, 1856. They have four children— John Frederick, born October 21, 1879; Harvey Burt, born June 2, 1881; Lloyd Kenneth, born March 30, 1863; Louie Stone, born October 12, 1885. MILTON OTIS HOWEK. MILTON OTIS HOWER,— second son of John H. and Susan (Youngker) Hower, was born in Doylestown, Wayne county, Ohio, November 25, 1858 ; removed with parents to Akron in 1866 ; educated in Doylestown and Akron public schools ; one of the incorporators of The Hower Company, oatmeal manufacturers, corner Cherry and Canal streets, and secretary of same from its org-anization, until merged in The American Cereal Company, in June, 1891, of which company he is a stockholder ; is also a stockholder in the Akron Reed and Rattan Com- pany ; member of Akron Board of Trade ; director of Akron Light, Heat and Power Company, and active in the proinotion of all private and pub- lic enterprises. Mr. Hower was mar- ried November 16, 1880, to Miss Eugenia Bruot, daughter of James F. and Rosalie (Gressard) Bruot, of Akron. They have one child, Grace, born September 23,1881. Familj- resi- dence, 204 South Forg-e street. The HiMPHKEY Tltkbine Company, South Broadway, manu- facturers of hydraulic and power transmitting machinerj^ etc.; incorporated June 15, 1889; capital, $50,(X)0; officers: John Hum- phrey, president; Oscar H. Coolidge, vice president and treasurer; George L. Humphrey, secretary; Arthur G. Humphrey, business manager; hands employed, 15. 506 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. pHARLKS H. HOWER— third son ^ of John H. and Susan (Youngker) Hower, was born in Akron Aug'ust 31, 1866 ; was educated in Akron pub- lic schools and at Oberlin Colleg-e ; at 17 commenced traveling for the oatmeal firm of Hower & Co., which, thoug-h probably the youngest "drummer" upon the road, he suc- cessfuU}^ followed until the incorpo- ration of the Hower Companj', in Jan- uary, 1888, in which company he was a stockholder, director and treasurer until the transfer of the plant to the American Cereal Company, in June, 1891, in which company he is also a stockholder ; was one of the incor- porators of The Akron Reed and Rattan Company, elsewhere written of, and its secretary and treasurer. September 27, 1887, Mr. Hower was married to Miss Nellie E. Long, daughter of Mr. Elias Long, (late of Akron, now of Tacoma, Wash.,) who was born in Copley December 6, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Hower have one child — Helen M., born July 23, 1888, CHARLES H. HOWER. CTEPHEN SAMUEL MILLER,— *-^ son of Charles and Hannah (Bechtel) Miller, was born in Norton township, February 7, 1856, moving- with parents to Akron in 1867 ; was ed- ucated in the public schools of Norton and Akron ; on leaving school, being of a mechanical turn of mind, besides assisting his father and brothers in their various manufacturing opera- tions, became a stockholder and superintendent of the Miller Match Company, svxccessfullj' managing the works until their sale to the Diamond Match Companj-. in 1890 ; has also been foreman of the binder department of the Buckej^e Reaper and mower works of Aultman, Miller & Co., since 1886 to the present time ; is also a stockholder and vice presi- dent of The Akron Globe Sign Com- pany, elsewhere written of. STEPHEN SAMUEL MILLER. The Akron Novelty Manufacturing Company, North Howard street, manufacturers of center tables, stands, easels^ screens, wooden specialties, etc.; incorporated October 13, 1890;: capital, $25,000; directors: Benjamin S. Cook, Newton I. Winkle- man, Julius Frank, Harvey F. Miller, John J, Firestone; president, Benjamin S. Cook; secretarj^, treasurer and manager, William W. Heib; employes, about 25. Akron's manufaciures. 507 A LBERT J. PITKIN —son of Rev. ^ Caleb Johnson and Elizabeth J. (Bancroft) Pitkin, was born in Northampton township, March 22, 1854; in childhood went with parents to Illinois, living- successively at "Winchester, Troy and Vandalia; at 11 went to live with grandfather, Deacon Gerrod P. Bancroft, at Gran- ville, Ohio, attending- the High School there; in 1870, entered Akron High School, living with his uncle, Judge Stephen H. Pitkin; in 1871, entered shop of Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company, serving under his brother-in-law. Superin- tendent Julius S. Lane, three years as apprentice and one j^ear as jour- neyman; then worked one year in Akron Railroad Shops, in 1876 accept- ing" a position in the drafting rooms of the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, reinaining four and a half years; in September, 1880. ac- cepted a call from Rhode Island Locomotive Works, at Providence, serving as mechanical eng-ineer until January 1, 1882, when he as- sumed a similar position in the Schenectady (N. Y.) Locomotive Works, of which he was made super- intendent in 1884, having, during his incumbency, more than doubled the capacity and output of the ALBERT J. PITKIN. works. September 6, 1878, he was married to Miss Carrie M. Lane, only daughter of Sheriff Samuel A. Lane, of Akron, who has borne him five child- ren, four of whom are now living- Agnes Belle, Arthur Frederick. Eliz- abeth Bancroft and Albertina Lane STEPHEN H. PITKIN. eTEPHEN H. PITKIN, -son of «^ Rev. Caleb J. and Elizabeth (Bancroft) Pitkin, was born at Troy,. 111., October 26, 1860 ; educated in high schools of Monticellp, 111., and Akron, Ohio. In the Suiniuer of 1877 entered the works of the Webster,. Camp & Lane Machine Company, and after a three years' apprentice- ship, together with a special course in drawing and engineering, entered the drafting department of the com- pany, later becoming assistant sup- erintendent of the works, and on the resignation of Mr. Julius S. Lane, as superintendent, in September, 1885,. was made a director and appointed mechanical engineer of the com- pany, and on a reorganization of the comxiany, in 1887, was elected secre- tary and general inanager, which responsible position he is still ablj'- filling. February 27, 1884, Mr. Pitkin was married to Miss Ada M. Maltb}-,. of Cleveland. They have one child — Marian Maltby, born March 30. 1887. 508 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The Western Linoleum Company, near South Main street sta- tion; incorporated January 1, 1891; capital, $200,000; size of building 67x487 feet; men employed, 50; officers: Arthur M. Cole, president; William D, Hoover, secretary and treasurer; Charles Tt;mpleton, general superintendent. The Globe Sign Company, manufacturers of every description of advertising signs, streamers, banners, yard sticks, shoe size sticks, advertising rulers, barrel gauges, etc.; near South Main street railway station; incorporated February 25, 1890; capital, ■$50,000; officers: John Grether, president; S. Sam. Miller, vice president; Prank Reifsnider, secretary; William B. Gamble, treas- urer; Horace G. Bender, superintendent; building, 40x100 feet; hands employed, seven. The Akron Cigar Company, 437 East Center street; incorpo- rated in March, 1890; capital, $25,000; officers: W. H. Nees, presi- dent; John Metlin, vice president; Howard E. Sears, secretary and treasurer. The United States Baking Company. — November 3, 1885, the Akron Cracker Company was incorporated with Monroe Seiber- ling as president, Henry M. Motz as vice president, and Charles Wilhelm, secretary, treasurer and manager, in 1887 employing from 20 to 30 hands and consuming 25 barrels of flour per day. The w^orks were subsequently merged in, and are now a branch of, The United States Baking Co., with headquarters at Pittsburg, the Akron branch, under the superintendency of Mr. Charles Wilhelm, employing 36 hands, and working up 40 barrels of flour per day; w^orks, 143 to 149 North Howard street. The Klages Coal and Ice Company. — Established in 1879, incorporated in 1888; John R. Buchtel, president; Paul E. Werner, vice president; August Blessman, secretary; Henry Klages, treas- urer and general manager; yards and office corner East Mill and Prospect. American Tin Plate Company, Elwood, Ind., incorporated September, 1891 ; capital $300,000, among the directors being Arthur L. Conger, William Z. McDonald and Monroe Seiberling — A. L. Conger, president. Seaman Manufacturing Company, South Main street, incor- porated September 10, 1891; capital $20,000; incorporators. Alfred F. Tame, Benjamin Seaman, George Billow, Lucius W. Houghton, Willis E. Pettit, George A. Wheeler, Alfred S. Tame. Specialties blinders and other harness goods; hands to be employed 25. Akron Soap Company,, manufacturers of superior quality of laundry and toilet soaps, 186'North Case avenue; officers: Linus H. Williams, president; R. E. Abbott, secretary and treasurer; and Adam Duncan, superintendent. OUTSIDE INVESTMENTS. In addition to the local industrial enterprises above men- tioned, Akron capitalists are largely interested in similar opera- tions elsew^here, a few only of which can be here enumerated: The Diamond Plate Glass Co. of Chicago, with plants at Kokomo and Elwood, Ind.; the Hartford City (Ind.) Glass Co.; the American Crayon Co., Sandusky, Ohio; The Charleroi (Pa.) Plate Glass Co.; AKRON S INDUSTRIES. 50i> The Paige Tube Co., Warren, Ohio; The Nevacker Sprinkler Co.r Warren, Ohio; The Zanesville Street Railway Company; The Elwood (Ind.) Land Co.; The Canal Dover (Ohio) Brick Co.; The Canadian Copper Co.; The American Strawboard Co., Chicago;. The Diamond Match Co., Chicago, etc. JOSEPH HU GILL,- born in York- shire, England, September 1, 1834, at 14, apprenticed to trade of stone mason, serving- , three years; then came to Cleveland, Ohio, later going to Canada, working at his trade on the Grand Trunk Railroad two years, then as contractor on stone work upon the Buffalo and Lake Huron Railroad; in 1858 went to California, working at trade in Placerville one year, at mining one year; in 1860 going to Nevada and building the county buildings in Carson City, and later doing the stone work on the Gould & Curry Quartz Mills; in 1864 returned to Cleveland, and thence to Hamilton, Canada, where, September 8, 1864, he was married to Miss Sarah Wells, a native of South Dumfries. Brant county, Canada. In the spring of 1866, they came to Akron, where Mr. Hugill has since conducted an extensive business as contractor and builder in stone and- brick, in 1872 purchasing a tract of land within the city limits, which furnishes him with an inexhaustible supply of building material, Mr. Hugill also being the official contractor of the city on side- walks, with quite large interests in iZt' JusEI'H HLjuILL. several incorporated industrial enterprises in Akron and elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Hugill have had four children — William Edgar, died at 20 years of age; Franklin Wells, died at 20, his twin, Minnie Adella, djdng at 7, and Rhea Daisy, still living. Contractors, Carpenters, Plasterers, Stone and Brick Masons, Etc. — Alexander Brothers (Hudson S. and Alvin D.), 367 Carroll; Thomas R. Bridge, 206 South Maple; James Brown, 121 Arch; B. Frank Buchtel, 140 South Balch; Thomas Brady, 213 Wabash avenue; Alexander M. Brooker, 120 West North; Alfred W. Barnes, 115 Lincoln; Barnett & O'Marr (William Barnett and Daniel O'Marr), 104 East Cedar, 342 West North; Noah A. Carter, 109 Adolph avenue; Crisp Brothers (George and John), 241 John- ston; J. H. Derhamer & Sons (Joseph H., Daniel J. and William H.), 112 AUyn; Thomas A. Dixon, 605 Spicer; Dayton A. Doyle, executor, 123 South Main; William Downing, 418 Perkins; Lewis B. Ewing, 121 Kirkwood; John M. Gobel, 357 West North; Fred. R. Gafkey, New Portage road; Gayer Brothers (Jacob M. and William F.), 310 Sumner; John W. Hall, 107 Cross; Hiram C. Henry, 204 Torrey; Theodore F. Homer, 140 Silver; Cyrus H. Hogarth, 435 Perkins; John G. Haury & Co., 705 South Broadway; Harvey M. Hollinger, 123 Kirkwood; Joseph Hugill, 114 South College; A. F. Hunsicker, 165 North Broadway; William J. Humes, 105 North Balch; John W. Hutton,584 West Exchange; A. Jackson & Lyman, 116 West Exchange; Jones & Parker (William H. Jones and Thomas M. Parker), corner West State and Ohio Canal; Lambacher & Brodt (Christian Lambacher and Charles J. Brodt), 127, 212 Grant; William A. McClellan, 305 Water; Robert McElhinney, 111 Pearl; 510 AKRON AND vSUMMIT COUXTY. Daniel McGarry, 206 Locust; John P. McGarrj^ 208 Locust; Peter Leiser, 516 Kast Exchange; August C. Miller, 503i/^ East Exchange; William McNeal, Lock 3; Cornelius C. Misnor, 121 Bates; Joseph M. Morrette, 303 Bell; George T.Rankin, 209 South Forge; Michael Riley, 123 Merriman; William H, Payne, 121 Grant; Robinson & Caine (Henry Robinson and Robert N. Caine); The Akron Build- ing and Cabinet Co., 208-220 Cherry; The Thomas Lumber Co., 216 West Market; The Akron Lumber Co., 216 West Buchtel avenue; Solon N. Wilson, 888 South Main; Jacob Waldvogel, 421 East Buchtel avenue; Samuel Wall, 421 Park; Louis Wilhelm & Sons (Louis B. and Albert D.), 204 East Cedar; William Windsor & Sons ',//f. .-»r-«K^iu:-."5(i(.ii(4.K.c'itti:;^>iuu W7 and 369 Kesideiices of Alvin I). Alexander and Mrs. Kate O'Cotniell Csfrroll Street, after the storm. Sweeping across the open space between Carroll street and Buchtel avenue and East Market street, fences, trees, sheds, chimneys, etc., were blown away, the houses of William Spafford, 616, Joseph Moon, 622, Patrick Flanagan, 626, Aaron N. Straw,' 630, Buchtel avenue; and the green houses of Henry H. Brown, oppo- site, were slightly damaged, while the fine residence of Rober 568 . AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Watt, at the junction of Buchtel avenue and Kast Market street, was partially unroofed and otherwise seriously injured. Crossing East Market street, prostrating several fine apple trees in the orchard of Mr. N. B. Stone ; twisting off the chimneys from the houses of councilman Charles S. Hart and others, partially unroofing the house of Mrs. Mary Cotter and some^vhat damaging the house of Mrs. George Barber, the storm, sweeping northward through "Cotter's woods," and after doing considerable damage to chim- neys, out-buildings, fences, trees, etc., on Hazel, Upson and Je\vett streets, lifted itself from the valley and took its w^ay towards Tall- niadge, though without doing any material damage in that direc- tion, after leaving the city limits; the track of the tornado, diagonally through the city, being fully two and a half miles in length, though scarcely averaging more than 100 feet in width. It has not been attempted in this sketch to mention, in detail, all the minor effects of this disastrous visitation, but only to give its more salient features. The aggregate losses were probably from $30,000 to $50,000. A considerable portion of this loss — orchards, shade trees, etc., w^as irreparable by immediate money expenditure, while many of the other sufferers, though seriously inconvenienced, were able to repair their ow^n damages w^ithout serious pecuniary embarrassment. Another portion, however, w^ere less fortunately situated, depending w^hoUy upon their dailj'' labor for daily bread. For the benefit of this class, a relief fund of some $10,000 was raised, and distributed by a committee pro rata, according to losses and necessities, thus mitigating to a large extent the unfortunate visitation — though extremely fortunate in that no loss of human life or serious bodily injury was occasioned thereby. THE BARBERTON DISASTER. In Akron's young and vigorous suburb, Barberton, adjoining the village of New Portage, elsewhere written of, w^as being erected, in the fall of 1890, by the Creedmoor Cartridge Company, a three story brick factory, 40x150 feet in size. The walls had been nearly completed and the workmen were engaged in placing upon them the timbers for the roof, when, at about 3:30 o'clock p. m., Tuesday, Deceiuber 23, 1890, a high wind, over the middle portion of Summit county, from the southwest, assuming the form of a tornado as it approached the building in question, crushed in both side walls, down to the first story, taking down w^ith them and the falling timbers, several of the workmen, one of whom, John Triplett, of Coventry, was instantly killed, and five others more or less seriously injured. The injured were : Louis Navel, of Millersburg, spine injured and left arm broken; Frank Mallory, of Lafayette, left shoulder dislocated and left arm injured ; Horatio Leib, of New Portage, right arm injured; Isaiah Lower, New- Portage, back hurt, back of head badly bruised and injured internally; T. F, Homer, Akron, back badly injured. John Triplett, the man who was killed, Avas blown entirely clear of the building, having a sheer fall of about 45 feet, breaking his neck, badly tear- ing the scalp on the back of his head, and inflicting a frightful gash over the right eye. He was 28 years of age, and left a wife and two children to mourn his fearful death. Mr. Ohio C. Barber, one of the proprietors of BarbeTton, with his characteristic liber- ality, promptly contributed $500 for the benefit of the sufferers. CHAPTER XX. AKROX'S FIRST, LAST AND ONLY HOMICIDE— THE SIXTH WARD WIFE- MURDER —TERRIBLE BRUTALITY OF A WHISKEY-SELLING, WHISKEY- DRINKING FIEND—" WATT " HENRY'S FATAL ASSAULT UPON HIS WIFE, BRIDGET HENRY -HORRIBLE SUFFERING AND DEATH OF VICTIM— AN EXCITED POPULACE— LYNCH LAW TALKED OF— ARREST, TRIAL AND CON- VICTION — MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE— IMPRISONMENT FOR LIFE, ETC. AKRON'S FIRST REAL HOMICIDE. 'THROUGH many deaths have resulted from sudden quarrels -■- between both sober and intoxicated parties, or from gross care- lessness in the handling of fire-arms or deadly poisons, during the half century, and over, of Akron's existence, the case in hand is the only instance in w^hich a person has ever been put upon trial for wilful and premeditated murder, committed within the limits of the city, during its entire history. PARTIES TO THE TRAGEDY. Walter Henry w^as born in Ireland, about the year 1848, but about the time of attaining his majority immigrated to the United States, settling in Middlebury, where he already had several rela- tives. There, on the 21st day of January, 1878, he w^as married to Miss Bridget Doyle, of the same nationality as himself, (several years his senior), and a sister of Mr. Thomas Doyle, a moulder, then and now in the employ of Taplin, Kice & Co., and residing on Adams street. They soon afterw^ards engaged in saloon keeping at No. 143 Water street, the property of the twain, both real and personal, being vested in the w^ife. The saloon and family resi- dence were in the same building, Mrs. Henry, in addition to her household duties, also assisting in the saloon, as occasion required. The character of the husband may be inferred from the fact that he kept, in spite of the remonstrances of his wife, a savage bull-dog in a small enclosure adjoining the saloon, to pit against any similar quadruped that his bibulous customers might pro- duce, for which disgraceful pastiine, on complaint of neighbors, he was brought before the writer, as ma3''or, in July, 1881, and fined. His Own " Best Customer." — In the whisky-drinking line, "Watt" at length became one of his own "best customers," so far as the quantity of liquor drank was concerned, often becoming grossly intoxicated in his ow^n place, and frequently going the rounds of the other saloons in the city and neighborhood on a gen- eral spree, usually winding up by the most brutal abuse of his wife, cursing, beating, kicking, etc., often having been heard to threaten her life by neighbors, too timid to interfere for her pro- tection. The Fatal Assault. — On the 18th day of December, 1881, "Watt," after getting pretty "full" at his own place, made the rounds of the city in the buggy of an equally breezy companion. Returning late in the evening, he immediately began to abuse his 570 AKKOX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. wife, Avho remarked that when she next sa^v the man w^ho had taken him away, she would tell him what she thought of him. At that " Watt " knocked Mrs. Henry do>vn with liis list, and, w^hile she begged him most piteously not to kill her, as heard by several neighbors, he began kicking and stamping her with his heavy boots, terribly bruising her about the head (nearly severing one of her ears), shoulders, sides, chest, (breaking three ribs), arms, legs and abdomen, (producing frightful external and internal w^ounds,) left her insensible upon the floor, and turning the key in the door,^ spent the balance of the night in a neighboring livery stable. The Injured Woman'vS Story. — Recovering consciousness, Mrs, Henry crawled to her bed, where, \vithout undressing, she remained alone, without light or fire, all night. The next morning, about eight o'clock, a neighbor, Mrs. Phoebe Barlovi', called at the door, and, finding the door locked, with the key upon the outside, turned the key and went in. On entering the bed-room, and find- ing the injured woman thus lying upon the bed, with both eyes blackened and swollen, and her ears, neck and hair covered with clotted blood, she inquired: "Mrs. Henry, who has done this to you?" Mrs. Henry replied: •' Watt has done it. I am pounded to death." Though able to be up and to walk about the house, a part of the time for several days, she repeatedly stated that she was going to die; that Watt had pounded her to death, as he had so often threatened to do. Mrs. Henry lingered, in constant agony, until 10:30 on Christmas night, just one week, when death came to her relief. Post Mortem Examination. — An autopsy was held upon the body of the deceased by Dr. L. S. Ebright, at the request of Acting^ Coroner Almon Brown, the doctor testifying that the body and limbs, as well as the head, internally, presented a horribly bruised and lacerated appearance, while internally, as above stated, three ribs were found to be broken, and other organs fatallj'^ injured; Coroner Brown finding that the deceased came to her death by reason of blows and kicks inflicted upon her by her husband, Walter Henry. The Popular Excitement, — The reports, during the week, of Henry's brutal assault upon his \vife, and of her terrible sufferings, caused the utmost indignation among the people of the neighbor- hood, and when it w^as known that Mrs. Henry w^as dead, there was a decided inclination towards inflicting summary punishment upon him, at the hands of "Judge Lynch," but better counsels finally prevailed, the law was permitted to take its course, and the brutal uxorcide was immediately taken into custody, by the city officials, and lodged in jail. A Nearly Fatal Panic. — On Saturday, December 27th, on the affidavit of Thomas Doyle, brother of the murdered woman, the prisoner was brought before Acting Mayor Lewis D. Seward, on the charge of wilful and premeditated murder, but was immedi- ately remanded to jail to await a preliminary examination on the following Monday at 10 o'clock a. m. At the appointed hour, nearly a thousand people being assembled at the city building to hear the trial, an adjournment was had from the Mayor's office (then in the second story) to the Council Chamber, which was at once filled to its utmost capacity Akron's only homicide. 571 by the surging crowd. Soon a cracking noise was heard and pieces of niortar and brick began to fall from the ceiling and walls. The cry was immediately raised that the building was falling, and a stampede for the stairs took place, severely squeezing a number of persons, before the building was cleared, though fortunately no lives were lost or bones broken. An examination disclosed the fact that one of the arches supporting the armor3^ floor belo\v had caved in, from the unusual strain thrown upon it by the jostling crowd above, and that it was, indeed, almost a miracle that the entire structure did not collapse with a destruction of life fearful to contemplate. The Prisoner Fully Committed. — On the subsidence of the excitement above alluded to, an adjournment was had to the county court room, where the examination was proceeded with. Prosecuting Attorney Charles Baird, assisted b}" Edwin F. Voris, appearing for the State, and Jacob A. Kohler and Rolin W. Sadler for the defense. Some six or eight witnesses w^ere examined on the part of the State, who were rigidly cross-examined by the defendant's counsel, but no witnesses were introduced on the part of the defense, and at a late hour in the afternoon, the prisoner was remanded to jail to await the action of the Grand Jury. INDICTED FOR MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE. At the January term of the Court of Common Pleas, for 1885, the Grand Jury, with Mr. Nicholas E. Vansickle as foreman, returned an indictment, carefully drawn by Prosecuting Attorney Charles Baird, which, omitting preliminaries, was as follows: "That the said Walter Henry, in and upon one Bridget Henry, then and there being, unlawfully, feloniously, purposely and of deliberate and premeditated malice, did make an assault, in a menacing manner, with intent her, the said Bridget Henry, unlawfuUj^, felo- niously, purposely and of deliberate and premeditated malice, to kill and murder, and that the said Walter Henry, with both his hands and feet, the said Bridget Henr}^ to and against the floor of the house of the said Bridget Henry there situate and being, then and there unlawfully, feloniously, purposely, and of deliberate and premeditated malice, did cast and throw, with the intent aforesaid and that the said Walter Henry, with both hands and feet of him the said Walter Henry, then and there, while the said Bridget Henry was lying upon the floor, as aforesaid, the said Bridget Henry, in and upon the head, stomach, back, chest, sides and limbs of her the said Bridget Henry, then and there unlaAvfully, felo- niously, purposely, and of deliberate and premeditated malice, did strike, beat and kick, with intent aforesaid, thereby then and there giving to the said Bridget Henry, as well as by the casting and throwing of her, the said Bridget Henry, to the floor as aforesaid as also by the striking, beating and kicking the said Bridget Henry, in and upon the head, stomach, back, chest, sides and limbs of her, the said Bridget Henry, with both the hands and the feet of him, the said Walter Henry, in manner aforesaid, several mortal bruises, the said Bridget Henry from the said 18th day of December in the year aforesaid, until the 25th day of December in the year aforesaid, did languish, and languishing did live, on which said 25th day of December, in the year aforesaid, the said Bridget Henry, in the county aforesaid, of the said mortal bruises died. And the jurors 572 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. aforesaid, upon their oaths aforesaid, do say that the said Walter Henry, in the manner and by the means aforesaid, unlawfully, feloniously, purposely and of deliberate and premeditated malice, did kill and murder her, the said Bridget Henry, contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Ohio." TRIAL IN COMMON PLEAS. On being arraigned, under the above indictment, the defend- ant entered a plea of not guilty, and the trial was set for Monday, March 2, 1885. At 8:15 a. m. on the day named, Judge Edwin P. Oreen occupying the bench, the prisoner was brought into court, and seated beside his counsel, Messrs. Kohler and Sadler, Prose- <:utor Baird being assisted by Gen. A. C. Voris, on the part of the State. The entire day was consumed in empanelling the jury, w^hich, as finally accepted and sworn, was as follows: E. A. Osborn, Hudson; H. E. Cahill, Sixth ward; James Miller, Bath; James P. Martin, Fourth ward; James L. Porter, Coventry; L. C. King, Bath; Simon C. Marsh, Coventry; Alvin Rice, Third w^ard; E. H. Bishop, Stow; J. B. Creighton, Fourth ward; Emory E. Lew^is, Hudson; Samuel Findley, Third w^ard. Mr. Baird's Statement to Jury. — On the coming in of the Court, on Tuesday morning, Prosecutor Baird stated the case to the jury, on the part of the State, saying substantially, that the prisoner, Walter Henry, had been indicted by the grand jury for the crime of murder in the first degree, for killing his wife, Bridget Henry, by knocking her dow^n Avith his fists, kicking and jumping upon her while she w^as down, from ^vhich injuries she died on the 25th day of December, 1884. That he expected to show, by evidence, that Henry had repeatedly abused his wife by knocking her down, kicking her, and calling her the most indecent names: that on December 18, Henry went away and came back intoxicated; that the blinds were pulled down, and those in a stable near by heard a terrible racket in the Henry house and heard Mrs. Henry screaming "For God's sake, Watt, don't kill me!" We expect to show that Henry kicked the prostrate woman all over, from head to foot; we expect to sho^v, by post mortem exam- ination, the terrible condition of the woman as found by the physician, and we claim that the injuries inflicted upon her, by her husband, ^were the cause of her death, and expect to show that Henr}^ hated his wife and that what he did was through malice. Mr. Sadler's Statement. — ^At the conclusion of Prosecutor Baird's statement, Mr. Sadler, one of the attorneys for the defense, addressing the jury said that Mr. Henry was on trial for his life; that he had pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder in the first degree. He told of Henry having lived in Akron for a long time; that he and his w^ife had kept a saloon on Water street, and that both had been addicted to drink. He told of the drunken condi- tion of Henry on the day of the affray; how he had been upon a prolonged spree and knew nothing of the affair. "We presume," said Mr. S., "that the State will be able to prove that the beating took place; they may prove that Mrs. Henry died from those injuries; but, even if they do prove this, they can't prove that there w^as any malice or premeditation in the affair. We expect akrOxN's only homicide. 573- to show how Henry sobered up before his wdfe died, and nursed her, and exhibited much anxiety for her recovery — even going for a doctor sev^eral times. And w^e claim," concluded Mr. S., "that no greater verdict than manslaughter can be brought against him." Argument of Gen. Voris. — There were sixteen witnesses examined on the part of the prosecution and fifteen on the part of the defense, the evidence being concluded about the middle of the afternoon on Thursday. After a brief recess. Gen. Voris opened the argument on the part of the State; reading from the statutesr and from various authorities defining the different degrees of murder and the penalty attached to each, and as to what consti- tutes malice; the General, referring to the defense made, that Henry was so intoxicated at the time of the assault as to not know w^hat he w^as doing, said that in laAv, intoxication is no palliation for crime. The man w^ho voluntarily assumes a position or con- dition by which he takes the life of another cannot be held excus- able There could scarcely be a conviction for homicide, if drunk- enness were a valid excuse; voluntary drunkenness is no defense for guilt; reading a decision from the Supreme Court that drunken malice is just as great as sober malice. Then turning to the jury the General said that from the evidence they had heard they should find a verdict against the prisoner for murder in the first degree. The General followed the testimony from beginning to close, picturing, as he called it, the brutal depravity of the man,, as shoAvn by the evidence; knocking his w^ife down, kicking her, dragging her by the hair of her head, his threats and vile epithets, and made an eloquent and thrilling appeal to the jury to protect the community from such brutality and malice, by consigning the defendant to the fate he so justly merited. Mr. Sadler's Argument. — Mr. Sadler, after briefly calling the attention of the Court to the law^s of Ohio on the several degrees of murder, and agreeing with Gen. Voris that intoxication is no excuse for crime, but denying that intoxication was an aggravation of the crime committed, argued that there could legally be no verdict for murder in the first or second degree, unless the evidence showed that Henry intended to kill his wife. He hoped that the jury did abhor intoxication and regarded the saloon business with detesta- tion; but they were selected because of theii intelligence, and the defendant felt safe in their hands, believing they would decide in accordance w^ith the laws of Ohio. The thing you are sworn to try is, whether that man (Henry), is guilty of the crime he is charged w^ith. They could not render a verdict of guilty because public opinion thought the man ought to be hung. We expect you to find that on the 18th day of December Walter Henry inflicted wounds on his w^ife from which, a week later, she died. This we admit the State has proven. Our client is already con- victed of manslaughter, and that is all he can be convicted of under the laws of Ohio. Mr. Sadler continued at length, contro- verting Gen. Voris' hypotheses, arguing the want of motive, critically dissecting the testimony, enlarging upon the kindness of the prisoner, after having sobered up, and closing with an earnest appeal to the jury to lay aside all prejudice, and, under the charge of the Court, render the only verdict which the law and the evi- dence warranted — that of manslaughter. 574 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Mr. Kohler'.s Plka. — Mr. Kohler followed his colleague in an eloquent plea occupying about two hours, premising that from the able manner in which both sides had already been presented, there was really but little more to be said. Mr. Kohler, in a calm, conversational manner, defined the different degrees of homicide and advised the jury that, though indicted for murder in the first degree, they could find a verdict for either first or second degree or manslaughter, as the evidence might w^arrant. He animad- verted upon the evils of intemperance and commiserated the inebriate. He spoke of Henry being an honest, hard-working man until he went into the saloon business w^ith his w^ife, when they began to lead a cat and dog life. I think it has been shown that she was drunk at the time the injuries were inflicted. I can imagine how often he recovered from his drunken stupor, got up a quarrel, knocked her down and beat her in a horrible manner, but I cannot believe that this man intended to kill his wife, because if he did he had plenty of chances; there were weapons at hand by which he could have accomplished it, Mr. Kohler closing by saying that if they had a reasonable doubt they were bound to give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt. The Closing Argument. — No mere synopsis w^ould do justice to the closing argument for the State, by Prosecuting Attorney Charles Baird, like that of Mr. Kohler covering about two hours. Like his predecessors, Mr. Baird spent some time in going over the laAvs relating to homicides, defining malice, intent, etc. He revie^ved the lives of these people, of the threats and assults w^hich had been made by the defendant against and upon his w^ife; of the time w^hen she ran out of the house, to>vards a group of men, screaming for protection, followed by Henry, w^ho knocked her do>vn, and Avhen she attempted to rise grabbed her by the hair of the head and pulled her down again, kicking her with his heavy boots so as plainly be heard in the stable some distance away; and detailed at length the revolting scene of that fatal night, as developed by the evidence, and the ghastly sight presented by the injured woman to her neighbors and the physicians in attendance, and of his leaving the house to sleep in a neighboring barn after the infliction of those injuries; cursing her in his sleep, and the next morning, when asked w^hy he had so horribly beaten his Avife, saying: " I guess I have finished her this time." Never before in the history of our country has so foul a murderer been tried for his life. His declaration the next night, w^hen asked by a party froin whom he tried to borrow a quarter, w^hy he did not go to his ow^n place and get it: "If I go in there I will kill some- body," showed the maliciousness of the man. Mr. Baird then went through with the horrible details of the fatal assult, the atrocity of which dre\^ tears from many an eye unused to weeping, saying "the man who would do this horrible thing ought to die. I know^ how^ men shrink from hanging a fellow-being. If this man intended to kill this woman when he jumped upon her w^ith his heels, he then and there forfeited his life and you do not deprive him of it. I ^vant you to think of that w^oman lying prostrate there upon the floor, saying to him: 'For God's sake Watt, don't kill me !' thrice repeated, each time groov- ing fainter and fainter. With your verdict, gentlemen, under the evidence and the charge of this Court, w^e will be content. Akron's only homicide. 575 Judge Green's Charge. — Judge Green's charge was of consid- erable length, after complimenting the jury for the close attention which the}' had given to the evidence and the arguments of coun- sel, explaining in full the law and rules wrhich should govern them in their deliberations and arriving at their verdict. The several degrees of murder and as to what constituted a reasonable doubt were clearly expounded; deliberation, premeditation w^ere lucidly explained. The law fixes no definite length of time. A purpose maliciously to kill, deliberated upon before the act is committed, however short the time, constitutes murder in the first degree. Malice is any unlawful act done for the purpose of injuring another. The defendant, in his plea of not guilty, sets up the defense of drunkenness. His condition before and after the act, only so far as it throws light upon the question as to w^hat w^as his condition at the time the act was committed that produced death, should have no weight in this case; only his condition at the time the act was committed, is to be of weight. You must be satisfied, by a fair preponderance of evidence, that he is not responsible; that is, the evidence, all considered, must fail to satisfy you, beyond .a reasonable doubt, of his guilt by reason of his want of responsibility. It is not claimed, and it is not law, that drunken- ness is an excuse for crime. Crime, Avhen all the acts of hand and mind w^hich constitute it actually exist, is not the less criminal, or the party the less guilty, because he was intoxicated when he com- mitted it. If you find that the prisoner had the purpose in mind to kill his wife, prior to the act, and then got drunk, and w^hile so drunk did what he before that time premeditated, and with delib- erate malice had resolved to do, the fact that he was drunk at the time he did the deed would be no defense. I say to you that this defense of drunkenness, under the rules w^hich I have given you, is a legitimate defense, and if established to your satisfaction by the proof, the defendant is entitled to the benefit of the doubt. Verdict of the Jury. — The jury retired at 9:30 a. m. on Satur- day, March 7, 1885. After deliberating until 3:30 p. m. they asked the court to re-charge them in regard to the two degrees of murder and manslaughter, which was accordingly done, and at 5:20 they announced their agreement and their verdict as follows: We, the jury empanelled and sworn to well and truly tr}^ and true ■deliverance make, between the State of Ohio and the prisoner at bar, Walter Henry, do find the said Walter Henry not guilty of murder in the first degree, but we do find him guilty of murder in the second degree. Samuel Findley, Foreman. The Popular Verdict. — The court room had been crowded throughout w^ith the most intensely interested and excited specta- tors, so large a portion remaining in and about the building all day long, while the jury w^ere out, that every available space was immediately occupied as soon as the agreement- of the jury was announced. The great majority of the crowd who had heard the harrowing tale, as disclosed by the evidence, felt that the verdict should have been for the higher degree, but those who had care- fully studied the bearings of the law^, held with the jury for the lesser degree, w^hile the counsel and friends of the defendant, of course, felt that a verdict of manslaughter, with a limited term of imprisonment, w^ould have been sufficient. 576 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Imprisonment for Life. — On Tuesday morning, March 10,. 1885, Judge Green proceeded to sentence the prisoner as follows: " Walter Henrj' : Yoix were indicted bj^ the grand jurj^of this countj-.atid by said indictment were charged with purpose!}', of deliberate and premedi- tated malice, murdering Bridget Henry, j^our wife. Upon this charge jou were put upon your trial before a jury so well selected that against no one of the jurors comprising it had your counsel the least objection, and the result of this tritil, conducted on your behalf bj^ able counsel, satisfies me that you had a fair and impartial trial ; that said verdict of murder in the second degree was a verdict rendered by the jury in strict conformit}' to law and evidence as they heard it after they were sworn as jurors, and was in no jot or tittle influenced bj^ outside opinion; and for this you certainly have great reason to be thankful, as you must know, what every unprejudiced mind, upon reading or hearing the witnesses detail the manner in which j^ou assaulted your wife, and which assault caused her death, would at once saj^ how you ought to be punished. And so would each of said jurors, as men,, have said ; but as jurors they patientlj^ listened to all the evidence, all that was vxrged in your favor, the charge of the Court, and then, under their oaths returned their verdict. With this verdict we are satisfied. It was the least you could have pos- sibly anticipated ; and yet, from your standpoint, with all your knowledge of the facts, you might well say that the jury erred on the side of mercy, and in a manner exercised the pardoning power. The statute for the offense of w^hich you have been convicted leaves no discretion for me, but prescribes the exact penalty, and there is nothing for me to do but to pronounce the judgment which the law has provided. The judgment of the law and the sentence of the Court is, that you be taken hence to the jail of the county and there safely kept, and that, within thirty days, you be taken to the pen- itentiary of the State, and there confined and kept at hard labor during the period of your natural life, and that you pay the costs of this prosecution. It is no part of this sentence that you be kept any portion of said time in solitar}^ confineinent." In the Penitentiary — The Costs, Etc. — The prisoner was taken to the penitentiary by Sheriff William B. Gamble, on Wed- nesday, April 1, 1885, where, so far as the w^riter is advised, he is as docile and tractable as the average inmate of that institution. As the legal heir of his murdered wife, he inherited her propertj'^, the estate being administered by John H. Auble, Esq., from whom the prosecuting attorney received the amount of costs of prosecu- tion, amounting to $363.50, it being one of the very few cases, in the history of the county, in which the State has ever been reim- bursed in the amount of costs paid for the conviction of criminals sentenced to her model penal institution. CHAPTER XXI. THE " IKKEPREBvSIBLE CONFLICT "—THK INFAMOUS FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW — EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD A "BLOOD-HOUND" — DASTARDLY ATTEMPT TO KIDNAP AKRON'S WELL-KNOWN BARBER, "JIM" WOKTHING- TON— MARSHAL J. J. WRIGHT FOR ONCE "TAKEN IN AND DONE FOR" — PROMINENT CITIZENS TO THE RESCUE— SLAVE-CATCHERS FOILED— INDIG- NATION OF THE PEOPLE -"JIM'S" ESCAPE VIA THE "UNDERGROUND RAILROAD" SAFE IN CANADA— OTHER FUGITIVES TAKE THE ALARM AND FLIT TO gUEEN VICTORIA'S DOMINIONS, ETC. PRELIMINARY. TT being now nearly a third of a century since, by its own sui- -*- cidal act of treason and rebellion, human slavery ceased to exist? w^ithin the limits of the United States, though much of the inhumanity and intolerance engendered thereby still linger, a large proportion of the' present generation can have but a faint realization of the tyrannous, oppressive and barbarous practices of the slave power, on the one hand, and of the unselfish patriot- ism, the unbounded philanthropy, the untiring energy and the sleepless vigilance, of the friends of freedom, upon the other. For many years after slavery was abolished in the northern states, there was a tacit understanding that slaves escaping from those states- where it still existed into any of the free states or territories, could not be legally reclaimed, while the voluntary taking of a slave to a free state by the master, absolutely made such slave a free man;, it being conceded, at the same time, that the slave states had the right, under the constitution, to enjoy the "luxury" of human bondage within their ow^n bounds, without interference from without. Hence, in many of the northern states, especially those border- ing upon the slave states, like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, etc.,. considerable numbers of escaped slaves had found lodgment, and settled down for life as permanent and industrious citizens. THE ORDINANCE OF 1787. In the adoption, by Congress, of w^hat is known in history as- the "Ordinance of 1787," all the unsettled territory, then owned by the United States, comprising the present states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and a part of Minnesota, was forever dedicated to freedom, and those states were subsequently organized on that basis. The purchase from France, for $ir),(X)0,0(]0, in 1803, of what was designated "The Louisiana Purchase," embraced nearly all of the present states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Min- nesota, the Dakotas, part of Colorado, most of Wyoming, the w^hole of Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. On all of this territory there w^as no restriction as to slavery. Up to the year 1820, as a matter of amity, there had been added to the original 13 states, an equal number of free and slave states,, 37 578 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. viz: Vermont in 1791, Ohio in 1802, Indiana in 1816, and Illinois in 1818, on the part of freedom, and Kentucky in 1792, Tennessee in 1796, Louisiana in 1812 and Alabama in 1819, on the part of slavery. THE "MISSOURI COMPROMISE." It had been fondly thought, in an early- day, that the South, as well as the North, was tending towards emancipation, but when the contrary \vas discovered, and that the tendency was tov/ards extending the area of human bondage, a strong anti-slavery senti- ment began to obtain in the North, so that in 1820, when it was proposed to admit Missouri as a slave state, with the prospect that the entire northw^est would thereby be subjected to the same fate, the spirit of freedom in the North w^as fully aroused; immense remonstrances w^ere sent in, and the northern senators and repre- sentatives, of both parties (Whigs and Democrats), arrayed them- selves against the measure, w^hilst an equally non-partisan stand in its favor w^as taken by the several delegations from the southern states. The controversy waxed warm and warmer — red-hot, in fact — in Congress, southern members threatening to secede from the Union, on the one hand, and northern members hurling defiance in their teeth, and daring them to " try it on," as soon as they had a mind to, on the other hand. At this crisis came for\srard the "great pacificator," Henry Clay, senator from Kentucky, with what was aftervsrards known as the "Missouri Compromise," in w^hich it was solemnly ordained, that, in consideration of the admission of Missouri without restriction as to slavery', involuntary servitude, otherwise than in punishment of crime, should be forever prohibited in all other territory of the United States north of latitude 36° 30'. This quieted matters down, and for 30 years was treated as a finality by both sections of the country. THE FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW. Under this arrangement new states w^ere admitted from time to time — generally in pairs — as follows: 1820, '21, Missouri, slave, Maine free; 1836, Arkansas, slave, Michigan free; 1845, Florida, slave, Iowa, free; 1845, Texas (by annexation), slave. Up to this time, it will be observed, the slave and the free states exactly balanced each other, 15 each. When, therefore, in the session of 1849, '50, California suddenly sprang into the arena, in full panoply of free-statehood, with no eligible slave territory to match, something " had to be did," or the slave power would lose its grip. It wouldn't do, in this free country to let freedom get ahead of slavery! So, when California asked for admission, with a free constitution, the fiUibustering began. Under semi-barbaric Mexico, slavery w^as impossible in all the territory which she had recently ceded to the United States — California, Utah, Mexico, Arizona, etc. But under the super-civilized sway of " Uncle Sam," it w^ould never do to doom the whole of said territory to perpetual freedom! Oh, no! So, not only was the " Wilmot Proviso," pending the negotia- tions for the transfer, forever excluding slavery from the proposed acquisition, after prolonged and exciting discussion, voted down, but attached to the bill for the admission of California as a free THE UxNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 579 state, was a provision for the organization of New Mexico and Utah as territories, without any restrictions as to slavery, and also the enactment of the world-wide infamous Fugitive Slave Law. Tliis iniquitous law^ not only authorized the slave owner to -enter and traverse any state or territory into which his slave had theretofore fled, or might thereafter escape, but it attached heavy penalties to the harboring or aiding, by so much as a night's lodg- ing, or a meal of victuals, a fugitive slave; compelled the marshals, deput}' marshals, district attorneys, judges, commissioners and other officers of the United States, under heavy penalties and for- feitures, to aid the claimant in the pursuit and reclamation of his slave, and also compelled the citizens of said free states and terri- tories, w^hen called upon, to act as a posse coniitatus, in making arrests and otherwise aiding the slave-catcher in his nefarious operations. THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. For many years, many humane and philanthropic persons in the border states, had not only felt it a privilege, but a sacred duty to succor and speed the fugitive on his way to freedom in Canada, or in safe localities in the free States. As this assistance had to be secretly rendered, though these philanthropists, in different locali- ties speedily became known to each other, the rapidity and the certainty, as well as the secrecy, with ^rhich a fugitive, and some- times entire families, could be transported to places of safety, caused the system to be known as the "The Underground Rail- road." Instead of being disheartened and subdued by the pains and penalties imposed by the Fugitive Slave Law, and the vigorous -campaign of "pernicious activity," immediately inaugurated by the owners of escaped slaves, and their w^illing tools, in and out of office, in the North, the friends of freedom put on renewed zeal and diligence; the "lines" w^ere increased, the "stations" rapidly multiplied and the "agents," "conductors," "engineers," etc., became aggressive and alert. The Slave-Catchers in Akron. — -During the three or four years immediately succeeding the passage of the law, many former slaves were of course returned to their masters, w^hile many free colored men and \vomen were also, through the cupidity and greed of professional spotters, and the iniquitous looseness of the law, consigned to life-long bondage in the extreme South. In fact, the attempted execution of the law became simply a system of kidnapping, with no pretense of a fair and open trial in the localities where the apprehensions w^ere made, or otherw^ise. In many instances, too, where arrests came to the knowledge of the people before the kidnappers had had time to get off with their victims, rescues w^ere made, sometimes resulting in serious and bloody riots, and protracted and exciting litigation, both in favor of the victim, and against those who opposed or refused to help •execute the inhuman and very generally execrated law. Though there were in Akron, and Summit county, several well-known agents of the U. G. R. R., and plenty of others who had aided the "panting fugitive" in his flight towards Queen Victoria's Dominions — Canada — and though it w^as well under- stood that several former slaves were residing here, and here- abouts, the people of Akron were not brought to a full realization 580 AKRON AND SITMMIT COUNTY, of the cruel and devilish enormity of the system, and the law in question, until the Spring of 1854, the circumstances attending which were as follows: "Jim" Worthington. — Sometime in the early forties there had come into Akron a tall, athletic and v^ery black young negro, who called himself James Worthington. "Jim," as he soon came to be known, was a barber by trade, and at once opened a shop for the practice of his profession, and being a good "artist," and of an enterprising turn of mind, soon became a general favorite, and did a lucrative business, soon fitting up his shop w^ith fine mahogany and plush upholstered chairs, large and attractive mirrors and pictures upon the wall, with a striped pole in front about a foot in diameter and 25 or 30 feet in height, surmounted by a large gilt pine-apple, the artistical work upon which was executed by the ■writer, then exercising one section of his "versatile genius" as a "House, Sign and Ornamental Painter." "Jim" w^as not only popular, but seemingly very prosperous, so much so that in the early fifties he had purchased a lot and erected for himself a nice two-story house in what was then known as " Spicer Town," the same building now^ being know^n as number 534 Kast Buchtel avenue. In the meantime "Jim" had married a very handsome and bright light-colored mulatto girl by the name of Maggie Bird^ whose brother, William Bird, also soon afterwasds opened a rival tonsorial establishment, with appointments, including the striped pole, fully as splendid as "Jim's." Betrayed by His Wife. — From some cause, not now apparent, but probably from the bitterness of the rivalry between her brother and her husband, or possibly because of "Jim's" jealousy of his handsome and much admired wife, soon after the completion of the new house, "Mag," as she w^as called, left him, and to her betrayal of his secret "Jim" attributed the attempt to relegate him to the condition of "involuntary servitude" from which it was claimed he had secaped some twelve or fifteen years before, which attempt occurred something in this wise: About the middle of May, 1854, a well-dressed, pleasant-appear- ing stranger called at "Jim's" shop for a shave, and in the course of his conversation, intimated that he wanted to buy a house and lot in Akron, for a widow^ed sister, who was desirous of settling here for the purpose of educating her children. Being then with- out a wife, and perhaps thinking to make a good "spec" on his investment, "Jim" took the stranger to his new house, with which he expressed himself well-pleased, and after a full discussion of of the terms, etc., and getting a w^eek's option, took his departure. "Jim" little dreamed that it Avas himself, personally, instead of his house, that was being exatnined. Marshal J. J. Wright Victimized. — One of the most efficient local rogue-catchers, and criminal detectives of that day, w^as our present fellow-citizen, Capt. J. J. Wright, then marshal of Akron. On returning home from the performance of his official labors, on the evening of May 17, 1854, he was informed that the "Sheriff from Chicago" wanted to see him on important business at the depot, at 7 o'clock the next morning. Ever alert in the perform- ance of his duty, Wright was promptly on hand; in fact most too promptly, as the sequel proved, for the success of the ruse that THE SLAVE-CATCHERS FOILED. 581 Avas attempted to be played upon him, for he was there at six o'clock, fully an hour before the time designated. He found there two men, one of whom was said " Sheriff from •Chicago," and the other w^as a deputy United States Marshal from Newark, Ohio. They informed Wright that they were after an extensive gang who wrere making and circulating counterfeit silver coin, one of whom Avas a barber by the name of Jim Worth- ington, w^ho had sold a lot of spurious coin to a man who was already in jail in Chicago, and they wanted to make the arrest as •quietly as possible so as not to alarm the rest of the gang in this vicinity, exhibiting at the same time what purported to be a war- rant for "Jim's" arrest on that charge. Having himself suspected that a part of "Jim's" prosperity ^was due to crookedness of some sort, and indeed having heard rumors that he was handling the "queer," Wright readily ^vent ^long to show them the w^ay, and to aid in making the arrest, if his services should become necessary. Worthington's Arrest. — "Jim" was found in his yard and the ■"Sheriff from Chicago," without resistance, took hold of one arm and the New^ark Marshall seized him by the other, at the same time announcing the cause of his arrest, as it had been stated to Wright. Jim declared hinself innocent of any such crime, and •charged that it was a different scheme altogether, instigated by his wife, and demanded to see General Bierce, and be tried in Akron. He was told that he would have a hearing at Hudson, Avhere some of his accomplices w^ere already in custody. He declared that he had no accomplices, and had done nothing wrong, iind insisted on seeing counsel which they promised he should have, but took him direct to the depot, and refused to go further. The Kidnappers Foiled. — B^^ this time Marshal Wright began i;o surmise that he had been imposed upon, and started upon the double-quick to find Gen. Bierce. In the meantime Mr. Bleazer C. Sackett, a wide awake, old time Abolitionist, had come to the -depot to take the train to Cleveland. Immediately divining the situation, he started post-haste for the house of Christopher P. Wolcott, Ksq., then living on Broadw^ay, near Market, and from there to the residence of William H. Upson, Esq., near by, also giving the alarm to others as he went along, so that in an incredi- bly short space of time a large crowd of excited people, had gath- ered in and about the station. Messrs. Upson and Wolcott demanded to see the papers on which the arrest was made and the pretended w^arrant w^as exhibited, w^hich purported to have been issued by direction of U. S. Judge Leavitt at Steubenville, to which place they alleged they were going to take the prisoner for examination. But the paper lacked every legal feature, having no apparent genuine signature, rand no recitation of the proper filing of an affidavit, and the gen- tlemen were told that they could play no such game as that in Akron, and must release Jim at once. This they refused to do and threatened to shoot any one w^ho should attempt a rescue. An Infuriated Crowd. — The threat of the kidnappers to shoot, infuriated the crow^d. Uncle Fred. Wadsworth (father-in-law of the late J. A. Beebe) shook his cane in their faces and dared them to try it on. Mr. E. C. Sackett declared that an exhibition of arms Avould result in their being torn to pieces; Rev. N. P. Bailey (now 582 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. • of Massillon) used some very emphatic language, doing full jus- tice to the "Queen's English," though in a recent letter to the ■writer on the subject he says: "I didn't take off my coat, nor knock anybody down, nor do any ministerial swearing." Glad to Escape With Whole Heads. — Alarmed at the menac- ing attitude of the crowd, who closed around them, the kidnappers released their hold of Jiin, and edged backw^ards towards the cars, which they w^ere permitted to board, and to depart without moles- tation, though the indignation of the crowd was so intense that a single -word from some of the more prudent present -would have brought summary vengeance upon the heads of the perpetrators of the dastardly outrage. It transpired that the pretended "Sheriff from Chicago" was an officer from Louisville, Ky.; that "Jim's" former master, (then hold- ing the office of Sheriff, at Louisville,) was in Cleveland, engineer- ing the matter, and that though they had genuine papers, under the Fugitive Slave La^v, the counterfeit dodge w^as played to avoid the popular clamor that an open arrest of a fugitive from slavery w^ould naturally create in so Abolition-tainted a locality as the Western Reserve; the discomfited master remarking, as he paid the hotel bills for himself and his minions, in Cleveland, that the Fugitive Slave Law didn't "amount to much in Ohio, anyhow." Marshal Wright Exonerated. — Certain jealous-minded med- dlers being disposed to charge Marshal Wright \vith having knowingly participated in the arrest of "Jim" as a fugitive slave, that officer addressed a note to United States Deputy Marshal Dennis, at Newark, to w^hich he received the following reply: U. S. Deputy Marshal's Office, ) Newark, O., June 12, 1854. S J. J. Wright, Sir : — Yours of the 9th inst. came to hand by last evening-'s mail, and in answer I will state in writing, what I said at the depot after the negro was set at liberty, that no blame should be attached to you, as everything, so far as you were concerned, was done in good faith, and, as you had everj'' reason to believe, in the discharge of your duty as any officer who might be called upon. I did not know there was a Deputy V. S. Marshal in your place. No person ever directed me to you. Your being the Marshal of Akron, is the only excuse I have to offer on that point. In haste, P. H. Dennis. And yet. Captain Wright, w^ho fought so gallantly, and suffered so much, in the great struggle that knocked the shackles off from the very last slave upon the American Continent, says that a streak of meanness conies over him every time he thinks of the part he unwittingly played in the capture of poor "Jim." But he has no occasion, w^hatever, for feeling thus; for his very promptness, in obeying w^hat he believed to be a call to official duty, was the very means of thw^arting the designs of the kidnappers; for had he not reached the depot an hour earlier than the time mentioned by the " Sheriff from Chicago," they w^ould have arrived at the station with their victim just as the train w^as ready to leave, and would thus have got safely off with him. Singular, w^asn't it, that though deceived into aiding in the perpetration of a wrongful act^ Mr Wright did precisely the right thing to prevent its successful consummation. "JIM" safe in CANADA. 583 Judge Vokis Kesponsible. — Section 7 of the Fugitive Slave Law, among other things provides, that "Whoever shall harbor or conceal such fugitive, so as to prevent the discovery and arrest of such person, shall be subject to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, and imprisonment not exceeding six months; and shall, moreover, forfeit and pay, by way of civil damages, to the party injured by such illegal conduct, the sum of one thovisand dollars, for each fugitive so lost," etc. Now, Judge A. C. Voris, then the law-partner of the late Gen. Bierce, not having the fear of the minions of slavery, or of the slave- hunting minions of Uncle Sam before his eyes, did both "harbor" and "conceal" the said "fugitive," in the back attic of the story and a-half house he then occupied on South Broadwa}^ for several days, until his business matters could be properly arranged for a protracted absence, after \vhich said Voris clandestinely turned said fugitive over to an agent of the U. G. R. R., to be shipped Canada-ward, where, at last accounts, he was living the life of an industrious and respectable citizen. Judge Voris also confesses to having, eight years later, " stolen a nigger" from the plantation of Ex-President John Tyler, on the James river. Quere? As this was before the taking effect of Mr. Lincoln's Emancipation Prccla- mation, haven't the heirs of the Ex-President a valid claim against the Judge for the market value of the article thus stolen by him. Othek Fugitives Alarmed. — In 1836, there came to Akron, from Columbus, one of the brightest and finest looking, middle- aged colored men that the writer ever knew; a light mulatto, with high forehead, intelligentcountenance andin every senseof the w^ord a perfect gentleman, by the name of Edward Smith. He was a barber by trade, and lived in Columbus some eighteen or twenty years, and had, by his industry and frugality, become the owner of a valuable lot upon which were two very comfortable tw^o-story brick dwelling houses. As Columbus was then somewhat over- stocked with barbers, having heard of the new and enterprising town of Akron, he came here and opened a shop, bearing with him the not inappropriate sobriquet of "The Emperor of the West," by which he had been known in Columbus. His wife, Mrs. Sarah- Smith, was also a portly, fine-looking mulatto woman, and both soon came to be very greatly respected by all the people of Akron. They w^ere very prosperous, and with their earnings here, and the rents from their Columbus property, bought the lot now covered by the grocery store of Bittman & Son, on East Market street, building for themselves a comfortable frame house on the rear of the lot, fronting on the alley, and afterwards a small frame building fronting on Market street, w^hich they rented for business purposes. Along in the middle forties "Uncle Ned," as he was familiarly called, was stricken with apoplexy, and, after lingering a few- months, died. Mrs. Smith thoroughly alarmed at "Jim's" narrow escape, hastily placed her property matters in the hands of a reliable agent, and joined the Canadian colony. Many other local colored people also quietly flitted thither, either because they w^ere escaped slaves, or because, having been born free, but v^r'ith colored skins, they were fearful of being kidnapped into slavery, as had, in several well authenticated instances, already been done. CHAPTER XXII. OLK OWX JOHX BROWN— "OLD OSSA\VATOM[E "— FREEDOM'S HERO AND MARTYR BIRTH. BOYHOOD AND EARLY MANHOOD— THE PATRIARCHAL FATHER OF 20 CHILDREN— EMBRYO PREACHER, FARMER, TANNER AND REAL ESTATE SPECULATOR— SHEEP GROWER AND WOOL FACTOR— DISAS- TROUS EUROPEAN ENTERPRISE— LIFE IN THE WILDER NESvS— REPEAL OF THE MISSOURI COMPROMISE— " SQUATTER SOVEREIGNTY "—" BORDER RUF- FIANISM" IN "BLEEDING KANSAS "—SYMPATHETIC SUMMITONIANS— FREE- DOM AT LENGTH VICTORIOUS— GUERRILLA WARFARE ON THE "PECULIAR IxXSTITUTION " — STUPENDOUS PROJECT IN BEHALF OF FREEDOM— CAPTURE OF HARPER'S FERRY— DESPERATE RESISTANCE TO STATE AxND GOVERNMENT TROOPS OVERPOWERED AT LAST — TRIAL FOR TREASON, INSURRECTION AND MURDER— MOCKERY OF JUSTICE— CONVICTION, SENTENCE, EXECU- TION—HEROIC TO THE VERY LAST— VERY LATEST WRITTEN COMMUNICA- TION—GENERAL AND GENUINE MOURNING IN THE NORTH— "BODY MOULD- ERING IN THE GROUxNTD," BUT " SOUL STILL MARCHING ALONG ! " OUR OWN JOHN BROWN. npHOUGH born in Connecticut, on May 9, in the first year of the century, John Brown may be fairly claimed as a native of Summit county, having emigrated to the township of Hudson, with his father's family, as early as 1805. Here, possessing in a marked degree, the strong characteristics of his energetic and enterprising father, the late Owen Brown, of direct Mayflower Puritanic descent, John grew to manhood, inured to frontier hardships and pioneer privations and toil, but under the advanced educational and thor- oughly orthodox influences of the enlightened and God-fearing inhabitants of that town, in those early days. Possessing a sternl}^ religious bent of mind, it w^as early designed that he should become a minister of the gospel, but that project w^as finally abandoned on account of an affection of the eyes which interfered with the pursuit of his theological studies ; w^hereupon he devoted himself to the dual calling of his father, farming and tanning, at the same time thor- oughly qualifying himself in the art of surveying. June 21, 1820, then just twenty years of age, he w^as married to Miss Dianthe Lusk, of Hudson, by whom, during the tw^elve years of their married life, he had seven children, six sons and one daughter, Mrs. Brown dying on the 10th day of August, 1832. JOHN BROWN. JOHN brown's business LIFE. 585 About one year later, he was married to Miss Mary A. Day, of Crawford county. Pa., by whom he had thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters; thus being the progenitor of a grand total oif twenty children, eight only of w^hom survived the tragic death of the father, as hereinafter alluded to, December 2, 1859. Farmer, Tanner, Etc. — In addition to tanning and general farming and casual surveying, Brown became a great lover of cattle and sheep, and, like his brother Frederick, became an expert in the growing and handling of fine stock. Indeed, he was accounted to be the best judge of wool in the United States, if not in the world, being able to tell from the feel, the country, or section of country, where given samples of u'ool Avere grown; an anecdote being rela- ted of him that, while in England, as hereinafter related, thinking to puzzle him, among other samples submitted for his inspection, a soft tuft clipped from a snow^-white poodle was handed him, virhen he instantly responded, "gentlemen, if you have any machinery that will work up dog's hair I would advise you to use it upon this." Continuing the farming and tanning business in connection with his father, in Hudson, until about 1826, he removed to Rich- mond, Craw^ford county. Pa., w^here he was engaged in the same business, quite successfully, for about nine years. Real Estate Speculator, — About the year 1835, Mr. Brown returned to Ohio, and in 1836, in connection -with a Mr. Thompson, of Pennsylvania, bought w^hat was know^n as as the Haymaker farm, of between one and two hundred acres, in the w^estern por- tion of what is now the village of Kent, for the consideration of $7,000. Early in the Summer of 1838, this farm was surveyed and platted by ex-County Clerk, Capt. John A. Means (now living in Tallmadge), as the deputy county surveyor of Portage county, and put to record October 22, of that year, as "Brown and Thompson's addition to Franklin village." It wras the expectation of the proprietors that a large manu- facturing village would rapidly materialize at that point. Similar operations further up the river, by the Franklin Manufacturing Company, afterw^ards the Franklin Silk Company, together w^ith the disastrous monetary and commercial revulsion of 1837-40, compelled the abandonment of the scheme, and an alienation of the lands in question, which w^ere soon thereafter relegated to agricultural purposes, though in later years largely covered bj^ the A. & G. W. R. R. shops, and quite a suburban population, of the now prosperous and enterprising village of Kent; the only relic of its projector now remaining being quite a large two-story frame building, on the southeast side of the river, opposite the low^er mill, erected for a boarding hotise, and now pointed out with pride, to the visiting stranger, as the "John Brown House." Sheep Husbandman. — On the collapse of his village annexa- tion scheme, Mr. Brown, in 1839, took a drove of cattle over-land to New England, bringixig back with him a small flock of choice sheep, as the nucleus of the immense business in that line, in w^hich he afterw^ards embarked. In 1840, in connection with Capt. Heman Oviatt, a large land owner of Hudson and Richfield, he went quite extensivel3^ into the sheep and wool business, removing his family to Richfield in 1842, where he also established a tannery. Subsequently, about 1844, he became associated with the late Col. Simon Perkins, stocking his large farm, overlooking Akron, 586 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. on the west, with several thousand head of the very best fine- wooled sheep that could be obtained, Mr. Brown, with his fam- ily, residing in the same house now occupied by county surveyor,. Charles E. Perkins, immediately south of the old Perkins home- stead. It being difficult to always make favorable contracts for their yearly clips, so far from manufacturing centers, in 1846, Perkins & Brown established an extensive wrool depot in Springfield, Mass., not only for the sale of their ow^n product, but also for the storage and sale, on commission, of the product of most of the other fine- w^ool groAvers in Ohio and other states, with the object of thereby securing greater uniformity in prices, and consequently better profits, than could be realized from individual hap-hazard con- tracts with itinerant wool-buyers. Brown was placed in charge of this enterprise, removing his family to Springfield, and the firm of Perkins & Brown soon became one of the best-known and most reliable fine-wool concerns in the United States. A Disastrous Project. — But at length differences began to arise between Brown and the manufacturers in regard to prices. Having practically a monopoly of the very finest grades of the product, Brown placed his figures higher than the manufacturers w^ere willing to pay, and after holding his accumulations for a year or two without bringing the recalcitrant manufacturers to terms. Brown chartered a vessel at Boston, transported his wool (about 200,000 pounds), thither by rail, and shipped it to England. Here he found there w^as no especial demand for the extra-fine grades of wool of w^hich his cargo w^as composed, and after paying storage on it for a considerable length of time, it w^as finally sold to the agents of the New England manufacturers, at prices which enabled them to re-ship and place it in their mills, at several cents per pound less than they had offered for it before shipment. This misadventure involved a loss to the firm of from $30,000 to $40,000, falling principally, if not w^holly, upon Col. Perkins,, and the Springfield establishment Avas closed out and the firm dissolved. REPEAL OF THE " MISSOURI COMPROMISE." By this time the slave extension propaganda began to pro- mulgate the dogma that the provisions of the Fugitive Slave Law^^ authorizing the reclamation of fugitive slaves from the territories of the United States, had virtually repealed the Missouri Com- promise, so that slavew could not only be legally taken to, and held in, the territory north of 36° 30' but that such territory could be erected into slave states, should a majority of the inhabitants so declare, on presenting themselves to Congress for admission. This view w^as not only held by all the senators and represen- tatives of the slave states, both Whigs and Democrats, but also by some from the northern states. In January, 1854, Senator Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois — w^ith inordinate presidential aspirations — introduced a bill for opening to settlement all the territory north of Texas and west of Missouri, under the general name of Nebraska, to which, on the suggestion of Senator Dixon, of Kentucky, w^as attached a provision for the formal repeal of the- Missouri Compromise. RESISTANCE TO "BORDER RUFFIANISM." 587 In the Adirondacks, — In 1849 Brown retired from business and speculative life, to a tract of wild land presented to him by Gerritt Smith, in Essex county, in the northern part of the state of New York, a portion of w^hich is now^ known as the "North Woods," or "Adirondacks," so popular as a cool retreat from the mid-Summer heats of the Kastern and Southern States. Here, at North Elba, "the world forgetting and by the world forgot," for four or five years he quietly, but wath characteristic energy, grubbed out from his rugged acres a comfortable living for his still rapidly increasing family — his older children by first wife, being already in active business for themselves. " Squatter Sovereignty." — In advocating his bill, Mr. Douglas invented the phrase " Popular Sovereignty," the theory being that the majority of the squatters upon the lands in question — whether pros or antis — should be allowed to settle the question for them- selves, thus stimulating rapid settlement from both sections, the section coming in ahead to be the best " fellow^." The phrase "Popular Sovereignty" was soon changed to "Squatter Sover- eignty," in the fiery and exciting discussion which followed, the infamy finally being accomplished, an amendment having, mean- time, been adopted, designating the southern portion of the terri- tory in question as Kansas, and the northern portion as Ne- braska. The Race for Life.— Now^, immediately commenced what may literally be termed "a race for life" between slavery and free- dom, Kansas being the arena. The border slave state of Missouri at once threw into the new territory an immense horde of w^hat were very properly designated as "Border Ruffians," while all the other slave states contiguous to the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and some of the more remote, shipped in thousands upon thousands of their "chivalrous sons," all armed to the teeth, and several regular military organizations — notably that of Major Buford, of South Carolina, inscribed upon his red flag, "South Carolina and State Rights" — for the purpose of intimidating free settlers and outvoting them, when conventions and elections were to be held, and of forcibly ejecting the free state men from the territory. But the friends of freedem were by no means inactive, and thousands from the adjacent states of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, w^ended their w^ay thither for peace- able and permanent settletnent. In the Eastern States also, for the double purpose of aiding their surplus population to obtain independent homes, and to secure to the new^ territory the boon of freedom. Emigrant Aid Societies were organized and thousands of hardy, industrious and intelligent men were sent forwrard, sup- plied with the means to establish for themselves comfortable homes, and the endowment of schools, churches and adequate local government. These peaceable immigrants met with the most determined and malignant opposition from the "border ruffians" — harrassed and murdered while passing through Missouri; their houses and vil- lages destroyed, and themselves killed or suVijected to the most fearful indignities and outrages, accompanied by the most flagrant and brutal usurpations and frauds whenever and w^herever elec- tions, either local or general, w^ere to be held. 588 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. These outrages soon taught the free-State men to meet force by force — -in short to fight the pro-slavery devil with fire — and many very sanguinary battles ensued in various parts of the territory, so that the dark and bloody ground came to be appro- priately known as "Bleeding Kansas." OLD OSSAWATOMIE. Among others who had sought to better their physical and pecuniary condition, and at the same time aid the cause of free- dom, ^vere several of the sons and sons-in-law^ of John Brown. They were not only stalwart and energetic in the improvement of the lands upon which they had "squatted," but also vigilant and determined in the exercise of their civil and political rights as " Squatter Sovereigns." This subjected the Bro\\rn family to the most malignant hatred of the border ruffian element, their crops being destroyed, their buildings burned, and one of their number being most ruthlessly murdered, and another driven into insanity by cruel treatment while held as a prisoner. These outrages upon the members of his own family, and the -danger which menaced the cause of freedom itself, determined our w^hilom fellow^-citizen, John Brown, to leave the seclusion of his Essex county home and fly to the rescue. By his coolness and bravery, he was soon accorded the leadership in repulsing the various attacks of the pro-slavery forces, and in making raids upon the camps and settlements of his blood-thirsty enemies, as well. The remarkable skill w^ith w^hich he, w^ith a mere handful of men, routed a large force of "border ruffians" at the settlement of Ossa^^atomie, gave to him the sobriquet of "Old Ossawato- mie," by >vhich name he is to this day better known than by any any other. FREEDOM VICTORIOUS ! The struggle continued for some three or four years. The free-state settlers out-numbered the slave-state men at least t>vo to one, but by incursions of armed bodies from Missouri at elections, and by the connivance of pro-slavery federal and territorial officers, the will of the majority was thwarted until 1859, when a delegate convention held at Wyandotte, adopted a free-state constitution, which was ratified by a vote of 10,421 to 5,530, though, by fillibus- tering tactics in Congress, it w^as not admitted to the Union until the w^ithdraw^al of the Southern senators to engage in the Slave- holders' Rebellion, in January, 1861. In the height of the bloody conflict, John Brown visited Boston, Mass., where he had a conference with the prominent friends of freedom and members of the Emigrant Aid Society, from whom he received contributions of about $4,000 in money, and nearly twice that amount of arms and other w^arlike supplies. On his way back, in the Summer of 1856, he spent a few days among his old friends in Summit county for a similar purpose. At a small but enthusiastic meeting, to Avhom he gave a graphic account of the bloody struggle, a committee was appointed to can- vass the village in behalf of the good cause, of which committee it •was the privilege, and the pleasure, of the w^riter to be a member. THE harper's ferry EPISODE. 589 Kifles, shot-guns, revolvers, pistols, swords, butcher-knives, poAvder, lead, etc., with considerable contributions of money, were thus gathered in, while it was more than hinted that two cases of arms of a former independent military company, stored in a barn in Tallmadge, and several similar packages of State arms, which had been gathered in from other parts of the county, and stored in the upper part of the jail, mysteriously disappeared about the same time. Middleburj^, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Tallmadge and perhaps other towns in Summit County, also made liberal contributions to the good work, all of w^hich aided in freeing Kan- sas, Nebraska and contiguous territory from the curse of slavery, and, possibly, in precipitating that infinitely more bloody conflict w^hich resulted in the overthrow of the accursed institution throughout the land. HARPER'S FERRY— CAPTURING THE ARMORY. By this time our old friend — alw^ays an ardent and conscien- tious anti-slavery man — had become so intensely embittered against the inhuman system, and the iniquities and atrocities of its supporters, that he determined to devote the balance of his life and energies for its extinction. Thus, for a time, he devoted him- self to the project of providing the human chattels of the border states — especially "Border Ruffian" Missouri — with the facilities of escape and safe transportation to the true land of freedom — Canada. In this ^vay, for a year or two, much w^as done towards paying off the large indebtedness of himself and his familj' for the great indignities and wrongs that had been inflicted upon them,^ as above set forth. But, to the prolific mind of John Brown, it soon became apparent that this mode of warfare against Amei-ica's most gigan- tic curse, was puny in the extreme; that w^hile it might annoy and inconvenience an occasional individual slaveholder, and se- cure limited freedom to an occasional captive, it would do very little towards accomplishing the great desire of his heart — univer- sal emancipation. In his humane, philanthropic and patriotic zeal, he truly believed that the enslaved race needed but the advent of a bold and determined leader, to instantly rally en masse, and gallantly fight their ow^n way to freedom. Imbued with this thought, sometime in 1858, he gathered around him a few "TVue Friends of Freedom" at Chatham, in Canada, to whom he unfolded his plans^ at which secret gathering a Provisional Constitution w^as drawn up and adopted, under w^hich Brown w^as designated as Com- mander-in-Chief, Richard Realf , Secretary of State, and J. H. Kagi, Secretary of War. Retaining a portion of the Kansas contributions of arms and other munitions of war, and having had fabricated a large number of long-handled double-edged pikes, for the use of those negroes unskilled in the use of fire-arms, in the Summer of 1859 Brow^n established his headquarters at what was known as the Kennedy farm, in Maryland, and within five miles of Harper's Ferrj^ Va., where one of the Arsenals of the United States w^as located. Here had been quietly gathered the "sinew^s of w^ar" alluded to. On the night of Sunday, October 16, 1859, about 10 o'clock,^ w^ith an "army" of seventeen white men and five negroes, Brow^n 590 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. took possession of the Government buildings, at Harper's Ferry, within 50 miles of the National Capitol; stopped railroad trains, captured a number of citizens, liberated several slaves and held the to^vn nearly 36 hours. Though there were no symptoms of any uprising among the slaves, or any evidence that they had been advised of the contemplated raid for their deliverance, the whole Southern country was immediately thrown into the utmost •excitement and alarm. The citizens of Harper's Ferry, during Monday afternoon, so far recovered from their panic as to rally for their defense and the expulsion of the invaders, and quite a number of sharp skirmishes ensued, with several serious casualities on both sides, one of Brown's men being shot down, while conveying, under a flag of truce, a message from the Provisional Commander-in-Chief to the mayor of the town. A company of militia, 100 strong, arrived from Charlestow^n early in the afternoon, but were kept at bay by the intrenched invaders. Other troops arrived from near-by towns, both in Virginia and Maryland, during the afternoon, and by night there were fifteen hundred armed soldiers surrounding the engine house, but kept at bay by the handful of brave-hearted men therein entrenched. CAPTURED BY COL. ROBERT E. LEE. Monday night, the Government at Washington sent a body of U. S. troops, under the command of Col. Robert E. Lee (two years later the commander-in-chief of the greatest insurrection known to history), to subdue the insurgents. Refusing to comply with Col. Lee's command to surrender, fire was opened upon the engine house, and hotly returned by the intrenched party. The "citadel" was at length stormed, Brown and his men fighting to the last like tigers. Thirteen of the band, including tw^o of Brown's sons, being either killed outright or mortally w^ounded; Brown himself being very seriously "wounded by both svi^ord and bayonet. TRIAL— CON VICTION- SENTENCE- EXECUTION. Brow^n and his six surviving follow^ers were taken to the Jef- ferson County jail, at Charlestown, ten miles southw^est of Har- per's Ferry. *Here they were indicted for inciting insurrection, and for treason and murder. Conviction followed, as a matter of course, the large array of evidence forwarded from Summit county, and elsewhere, as to tendency to insanity in his family, and of belief in the actual insanity of BtoAvn himself, upon the slavery question, not proving of any avail. Brown w^as so weak from his wounds, that he w^as obliged to lie upon a cot during the trial. He exhibited the utmost heroism and fortitude through- out, boldly proclaiming his hatred of the slave-system, the right- eousness of the act he had sought to perform, with the prediction that the accursed institution w^as doomed to speedy overthrow. The execution occurred at 11:15 a. m., on Friday, December 2, 1859. The martyr-convict w^as firm and cheerful to the last, pleasantly conversing w^ith the sheriff and guard who bore him from the jail to the scaffold, treating all concerned in the execution HIS TRIUMPHANT DEATH— THE PUBLIC SORROW. . 591 with the utmost courtesy. His death was easy, the body being lo\srered from the scaffold 35 minutes after the drop fell and delivered to his wife, at Harper's Ferry, w^ho started with it the same evening, for North Klba, w^here it was quietly interred, in the presence of his surviving family, and a fe^^ sympathizing friends, with appropriate funeral services, on Thursday, December 8, 1859, Wendell Phillips pronouncing a fitting eulogy over his remains. HIS LAST LETTER. His life-long friend, Mr. Lora Case, still living hale and hearty, in Hudson, at the age of nearly 80 years, wrote him a friendly and sympathetic letter, after his conviction and sentence, to w^hich he made the following characteristice reply, but a few moments before his execution: Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Va., / December 2, 1859. j Lora Case, Esq., My Dear Sir:— Your most kind and cheering letter of the 28th of Novem- ber, is received. Such an out-burst of warm-hearted sympathy, not only for myself, but also for those who have no helper, compels me to steal a moment from those allowed me in which to prepare for my last great change, to send you a few words. Such a feeling- as j'ou manifest makes j^ou shine (in my estimation) in the midst of this wicked and perverse gen- eration, as a light in the world, and may j'ou ever prove yourself equal to the high estimate I have placed upon you. Pure and undefiled religion before God, and the Father, is, as I understand it, an active (not a dormant) principle. I do not iindertake to direct any more in regard to my children. I leave that more entirely to their excellent luother, from whom I have just parted. I send you my salutation with my own hand. Remember me to all j^our and m)' dear friends. Your friend, John Brown. THE PUBLIC SORROW. Though many deprecated the insane scheme, as they regarded it, of attempting the overthro^v of so gigantic, and at that time so thoroughly intrenched, an iniquity — backed as it then was by the entire civil and military power of the government — Avith such frail weapons, and such meager resources, yet having an unwaver- ing belief in the honesty of his motives, and his entire conscien- tiousness, coupled w^ith his unflinching bravery, the public mind, everyw^here in the North, w^as filled with sincere sorrow^ at his ignominious end; and with the most intense indignation at the relentless vindictiveness w^ith which, while so severely suffering from the bayonet wounds inflicted by United States soldiers in effecting his capture, he w^as hurried through the merest mockery of a trial to his death. ::;3PMemorial services were held in nearly all the principal cities and towns in the Northern States. In Akron, on the day of execu- tion, flags w^ere displayed at half mast; stores and other business places were closed, the Court of Common Pleas adjourned — bells w^ere tolled, and in the evening a very large meeting was held in Empire Hall, in which feeling and appropriate speeches were made by Judge James S. Carpenter, Attorney General Christopher P. Wolcott, Gen. Lucius V. Bierce, Dr. Thomas Earl, Dr. Joseph Cole, Wilbur F. Sanders, Esq., Nathaniel W. Goodhue, Esq,. Newell D. Tibbals, Esq., and others, with an appropriate poem from the pen of the late James Mathew^s, read by the w^riter of 592 . AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. this sketch, the exercises being exceedingly earnest and solemn throughout; similar and equally solemn and impressive services being held at Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson and other villages in Sum- mit county. WAS JOHN BROWN ACTUALLY INSANE? Many anecdotes and traditions of his boyhood and early maii- hood, are still rife among the people of Hudson, that, properly \v^ritten out, Avould make interesting reading, but the scope of this chapter will not admit of their publication here. Many of his most intimate acquaintances, while maintaining unbounded faith in his honesty of purpose, and his religious conscientiousness,, entertained the belief that, from hereditary taint, he was in reality insane. After his conviction and sentence, in Virginia, Prof. Matthew C. Read, of Hudson, procured many affidavits to that effect, from people who had known him intimately from his earliest boyhood, ^vhich w^ere laid before the Virginia authorities, in the hope of securing a commutation of his sentence. The affidavits were presented, and an eloquent appeal made to Governor Wise, in their support, by Akron's well-remembered talented attorney, Hon. Christopher P. Wolcott, then attorney general of Ohio, and after- ^vards assistant secretary of w^ar, but Avithout avail. Slavery was inexorable, and u-nimbued w^ith the attribute of mercy. The sys- tem which could ruthlessly imprison a delicate and sympathetic woman for teaching a slave to read the Holy Bible, or giving a pant- ing fugitive a crust of bread while fleeing from bondage, had no commiseration or clemency to besto^v upon the man, w^ho almost single-handed, had insanely attempted the overthrow^ of the iniq- quitous system itself. But the posthumous influence of John Brown, the martyr, was far more potent for the dow^nfall of that system, than was the influence, ^vhile living, of John Brow^n, the emancipator, and the patriotic refrain, so enthusiastically sung by our Union soldiers, both in camp and on the march: John Brown's body lies mouldering in the ground, John Brown's body lies mouldering in the ground, John Brown's body lies mouldering in the ground, But his soul goes marching along. Glory! glory! hallelujah! Glory ! glory ! hallelujah ! Glory ! glory ! hallelujah! We'll conquer as we go ! did more to inspirit the Union soldier, upon one hand, and to superstitiously dispirit the cohorts of treason, upon the other, than any other one moral instrumentality, and in less than half a decade from the date of his ignominious death, the end he thus "madly" sought to accomplish, was most effectually consum- mated through the "madness" of the very men who so mercilessly clamored for his execution. CHAPTER XXIII. THE PATRIOT WAR -" HUNTERS'" LODGES— CAMPAIGN OF 1837, '38— PATRIOTS DEFEATED— EXECUTION OF GENERAL VON SCHULTZ— BANISHMENT TO VAN DIEMAN'S LAND— BURNING OF THE STEAMER " CAROLINE "—PROCLAMATION OF PRESIDENT VAN BUREN — GENERAL SCOTT AND U. S. TROOPS INTER- FERE—PATRIOT LEADER WILLIAM LYON MACKENZIE CAPTURED— TRIAL AND SENTENCE UNDER LAWS OF NEW YORK— GENERAL LUCIUS V. BIERCE APPOINTED COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF— CAMPAIGN OF 1838, '39— INVASION OF CANADA OPPOSITE DETROIT— BATTLE OF WINDSOR— BARRACKS CAPTURED AND BURNED— BRITISH SURGEON KILLED AND HIS SWORD SECURED AS A TROPHY— BURNING OF CANADIAN STEAMER "THAMES" — PATRIOTS DE- FEATED BY BRITISH REGULARS — FLIGHT OF COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF BIERCE, WITH THE REMNANT OF HIS ARMY— IGNOMINIOUS COLLAPSE -ARREST AND TRIAL OF ALLEGED BURNER OF THE "CAROLINE," ALEXANDER MCLEOD— RUPTURE BETWEEN ENGLAND AND THE UNITED STATES IMMI- NENT. AKRON IN CANADIAN REBELLION. ^"'HK prominent part played by citizens of Akron in the Canada J- Patriot war of 1837-39, calls for a pretty full history of that stirring episode in the international affairs of Kngland and the United States. As early as 1836, it began to be whispered all along the line, from Lake Ontario, on the East, to Lake Michigan on the West, that the good people of Canada were getting very restive under British rule, and, with a little encouragement and aid from patriotic Americans, were ready to make an effort to throw off the galling yoke, and establish an independent gov- ernment of their own. This movement was inaugurated by one William Lyon Mackenzie, of Scotch descent, and editor of the Colonial Adi^ocate, a journal published at Niagara, in opposition to the then governing party in Canada. In 1828, Mackenzie had been elected to the provincial par- liament, but was refused his seat on account of his disloyalty to the Crown. He was four times successively re-elected to this posi- tion, w^ith a like result, the government finally refusing to issue another writ or order of election. In 1832, he visited England, bearing a numerously signed petition of the Canadian reform party, praying for redress of grievances, but without success. Resort to Revolution. — Returning to Canada, Mackenzie continued the agitation of his reform measures, with such marked success, that in 1836 he was elected Mayor of Toronto. While occupying this position he headed an armed force and demanded of Gov. Head that he should call a convention to discuss Canadian grievances and reform, w^hich demand was not acceded to. He then determined to resort to open revolution, by seizing arms, arresting the governor and his cabinet, and declaring Canada a Republic. But his force w^as not strong enough, and the govern- ment troops, under Sir Allan Macnab, as colonel of militia, drove him from his position on Montgomery Hill, December 7, 1837, and, after considerable severe skirmishing, and the capture of quite a 88 f394 AKRON AND, SUMMIT COUNTY. number of his men, forced him to retire to Nav3' Island, in the Niagara river, a short distance above the falls, and within the juris- diction of the United States. From this safe retreat Mackenzie issued a proclamation calling for volunteers, and offering, as bounties, Canadian lands, in value from $100 to $300, when the revolution should be successful. This appeal, and the then munificent offer accompanying it, served to very largely enthuse the patriotism of "Yankee Doodle" — both native and adopted — and rally to his standard some six or seven hundred recruits, with quite liberal contributions of money, arms, ammunition and other army stores. Here, in comparative secur- ity, Mackenzie directed his warlike operations, in the furtherance of which he employed a small Buffalo steamer, called the "Caro- line," for the transportation of his men and supplies from the American shore to the Island, and from the Island to the Canada shore, as circumstances might require. Burning of the Steamer "Caroline." — Through this instru- mentality a number of raids, of greater or less magnitude, were made from time to time, resulting in the loss of several lives on both sides, and the destruction of considerable property on Cana- dian soil. To put an end to this annoyance, though the steamer w^as owned by private parties, and when not in use, was generally moored at her own dock in the harbor of Buffalo, Sir Allan Mac- nab determined upon her summary destruction. Accordingly, on the night of December 27, 1837, an expedition w^as sent out, in command of Captain Drew, who, w^ith a picked squad of volun- teers, and militia, crossed over to Schlosser, where the boat was temporarily moored, overpowered the unarmed wratch, several of w^hom were killed, cut the moorings of the steamer, tovt^ed her into Canadian waters, set her on fire and cast her adrift, to float dow^n the river and over the Falls of Niagara. One of the alleged active participants in this affair was one Alexander McLeod, who, a year or so later, being found on the American side, was arrested by the authorities of the State of New- York, and held to answer for both murder and arson. These events caused the utmost excitement, both in the United States and Canada, as well as in Great Britain. Macnab was Knighted, and Capt. Drew was promoted by the British authorities, and the United States government applied to Great Britain for redress, upon the one hand, while the British government demanded the release of McLeod on the other. Voluminous correspondence between Secretary of State Forsyth, and British Minister Fox, took place, and long and earn- est discussions, in both Congress and Parliament, w^ere had, the danger of a serious conflict between the tw^o governments at one time appearing imminent. This w^as happily averted, however, by the acquittal of McLeod on the final trial, the almost positive testi- mony of his guilt being met \^ith such strong evidence, tending to prove an alibi, as to thro\fc" a slight doubt into the jury box, and thus save him from the fate which had previouslj^ been so promptly, not to say ruthlessly, meted out to the brave Polander, Von Schultz, as hereinafter detailed. Public Meeting in Akron, — ^As showing the interest taken by the people of Akron in these stirring events, we find in the Ameri- can Balance, of January 11, 1838, the proceedings of a public AKRON HIGHLY '''HONORED," 595 meeting held January 6, 1838, at the Methodist Church, presided over by Justice Jacob Brown, and of which Arad Kent and Horace K. Smith were secretaries; the meeting being opened with prayer by Rev. Henry Carr, of the Baptist Chnrch. Alva Hand, Esq., one of Akron's leading lawyers at that time, offered, with a spirited pn^amble, the following patriotic resolution: Resolved, That as true friends of the great cause of liberty, as good and worthy citizens of the United States, and as patriots, we cannot remain silent when oppression stretches forth her hand to smite her victim; stand unconcerned when we see our shores invaded by the armed bands of the hostile slaves of despots whose tender mercies are cruelty and death; nor will we remain idle and senseless when our country calls us to her defense. This preamble and resolution, after spirited discussion, w^ere unanimously adopted, whereupon Col. Justus Gale offered the following, which was enthusiastically concurred in: Resolved, That the attack, massacre, and destruction of the steamboat Caroline, bj' British troops, when lying- in an American port, is an insult upon the American flag, and an outrage too flagrant to be brooked by a free and independent people. Mayor John C. Singletary, Jr., then offered a series of resolu- tions of so fiery a nature as to call out a somew^hat animated debate, whereupon Constant Bryan, Esq., offered the follow^ing as a substitute, which was accepted by the Mayor, and unanimously adopted by the meeting: Resolved, That the seizure of the steamboat Caroline, in American waters, and the cold-blooded butchery of twenty-two of our fellow citizens, is a high handed outrage, an atrocity unparalleled in the annals of civilized warfare, demanding the most prompt interference of the National execu- tive. ^ David K. Cartter (late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia) offered the following: Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the chair- man and secretaries, and published in the Anierictin Balance and other papers of this county. GEN. BIERCE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF — "HUNTERS" LODGES, ETC. Early in 1838, at a meeting of representative patriots, in Buffalo, Gen. L. V. Bierce, of Akron, Ohio, was chosen com- mander-in-chief of all the patriot forces, and plans devised for a vigorous campaign all along the line. To better facilitate their operations, and secure the sympathy and co-operation of the people of the States, a secret order was instituted under the name of "Hunters," with lodges in all the principal cities and villages of the several counties contiguous to Lake Erie, from Ogdensburg to Detroit. The emblem of the order was the snow-shoe, and, on being initiated, its members took the most solemn and blood-curdling oath, never to speak, write, indite or delineate, or by any sign, gesture or device whatsoever, to disclose to any outsider the character of the emblem itself, or the existence, aims and inten- tions of the order it represented. Of course there were pass-words, signs, counter-signs, signals, grips, etc , by which members could gain access to lodges, recognize a fellow-Hunter on sight, secure succor when in danger and prompt relief when in distress; the 596 AKRON AND' SUMMIT COUNTY, newly initiated being especially enjoined to render every possi- ble aid towards liberating their oppressed Canadian brethren from the galling bondage in which they were held,. It may well be ir^iagined that, among a people so universal!}^ patriotic as were the early settlers of the western states, these lodges w^ould very naturally gather in and bring together, face to face, the most diverse and incongruous elements of the community in which they were instituted. For instance, \vhile engaged in the publication of a paper specially devoted to the exposure of crime, and the purification of the moral atmosphere, the w^riter,. on being initiated into the order, at the instance of one of the most highly respected and enterprising merchants of Akron, found him- self in the presence of, and " cheek-by -jo^vl" with, the most notori- ous counterfeiter of his time and several well-known gamblers, together with village councilmen, justices of the peace, lawyers, doctors, merchants, manufacturers, etc. But, while a large proportion of the criminal and dissolute classes identified themselves w^ith the Patriot movement, the great majority of the members of these lodges were from the more reputable classes of society, w^ho, heartily sympathizing with their believed to be oppressed and suffering neighbors, were willing to aid them to the extent of their pecuniary ability, and some of them with their good right arms, and military prowess, if necessary, to accomplish their object. UNCLE SAM TAKES A HAND IN THE GAME. The Winter of 1837, '38 and the ensuing Spring and Summer w^ere attended by such w^ar-like preparations and demonstrations, operated and directed ffom the American side of the line, that sometime in October or November of that year, President Van Buren issued his proclamation of neutralitj', warning all citizens or residents of the United States against committing any acts of hostility against the people or the government of Canada, assuring them that he will not interfere in their behalf, if they are taken prisoners "but that they will be left reproached by every virtuous citizen, to be dealt with according to the policy of the government whose dominion they have, in defiance of the known w^ishes of their ow^n government, and w^ithout the shadow of justification or excuse, invaded." Lieutenant General Winfield Scott had also previously been ordered to the Niagara frontier, with an adequate force of U, S. troops to enforce the neutrality law^s betw^een the tw^o governments. In the meantime, however, some very stirring scenes were being enacted in the vicinity of Prescott, opposite Ogdensburg, on the St. Lawrence river. BATTLE OF WIND MILL POINT. On November 14, 1838, the patriot forces, under the command of Gen. Von Schultz, intended to have attacked Prescott, but, by the mismanagement of the steamer on which they had embarked, they w^ere compelled to land at Wind Mill Point, a mile and a half below^ the town. Here, in the stone wind mill and other stone buildings, the command of Gen. Von Schultz, from 200 to 300 in num- ber, remained over night. Early the next morning they were attacked by the British troops, w^hich were several times repulsed^ PATRIOTS DEF'EATED — LEADERS EXECUTED. 597 Oen. Von Schultz, during the engagement, making a sortie, with «ome fifty men, in the face of the wrhole loyalist force, and captur- ing a cannon ^vhich was firing upon the mill. The battle lasted about two hours, several casualties occurring on either side, the British l(>ss being much the greater. On the 16th, having received reinforcements, the British forces, to the number of about 300, •completely surrounded the w^ind mill, and w^ith their heavy ord- nance opened fire upon the mill and other stone buildings occupied by the insurgents, w^ho -were at length obliged to abandon their position and seek safety in flight. On emerging from the buildings, they made a desperate rush to break through the British lines, but being completely surrounded they w^ere all, with but a single exception, taken prisoners. The one exception w^as a countryman of the commanding general, a Pole, who escaped the vigilance of the captors by donning the uniform of a British officer w^ho had been slain. This defeat was a serious blow to the Patriots, but by no means the end of the contest. GEN. VON SCHULTZ HUNG. Notwithstanding a large deputation of the most influential citizens of Ogdensburg visited Canada, in behalf of the prisoners, the Canadian authorities made short work of the matter by hang- ing Gen. Von Schultz and several minor officers and transporting the majority of his followers to the then supposed to be entirely out-of-the-world English penal station, Van Dieman's Land, now know^n as Tasmania, in the South Pacific Ocean, and one of the most fertile and prosperous of great Britain's colonial possessions. While these stirring events were taking place upon Canadian soil, Oen. Scott was by no means inactive upon the American side of the line. Notonly were inflocking recruits intercepted and prevent- ed from joining the insurgents, and not onl}^ were arms and muni- tions of w^ar, large contributions of which w^ere made by the ^'Hunters," and other sympathizers in the movement, seized and confiscated, but the U. S. troops broke up their Navy Island rendezvous, and also placed the instigator of the movement, Mackenzie, under arrest. The Canadian Government had already outlaw^ed the leader of the rebellion, Mackenzie, and placed a heavy price upon his head; but there being no extradition regulations, by w^hich that government could demand his surrender, he was handed over to the United States civil authorities, and, after considerable delay, was tried for violation of American laws, by making war on Canada, in the circuit court for the w^estern district of New York, convicted and sentenced to twelve months imprisonment in the Rochester jail. On the expiration of his sentence, Mackenzie w^ent to New York City, where he became a contributor for the Tribune, his writings being always interesting, and generally instructive. In 1849 the Canadian government published a general amnesty, where- upon Mackenzie returned to Toronto, w^here he was soon after- ■wards elected to the colonial parliament, of which body he became a useful and influential member, and on his retirement from that position, he published a weekly journal entitled Mackenzie's Message, until his death, August 26, 1861, the Message attaining a very large circulation for those early days. 598 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. GENERAL BIERCE'S CAMPAIGN. Notwithstanding the disaster to the eastern wing of the Patriot army, the capture of Mackenzie, the summary execution of Von Schultz and a large number of his subordinate officers, and the expatriation of their followers, General-in-Chief Bierce decided to strike a blow in the west, which, it was fondly hoped, would turn defeat into victory, and result in the speedy disenthrallment of the oppressed Canadians. Hitherto nearly all the efforts of the patriots had been made in the vicinity of the Niagara and St. Law- rence rivers, and it was supposed that not only less vigilance on the part of the Canadian and United States authorities prevailed in the west, but that, a footing once obtained upon Canadian soiU the entire populace would not only welcome them with open arms, but w^ould rise, en masse, and march with their patriotic deliverers to the rescue of their less fortunate brethren in the east. Accordingly, through the machinery of the Hunters' organiza- tion, several hundred recruits were mustered in, and secretly drilled in military tactics, and ordered to quietly rendezvous in Detroit, the latter part of November, 1838. In this way some 40O men, chiefly from Ohio and Michigan, had been, under the guid- ance of faithful subordinate officers, quartered, as travelers and individual citizens, in the smaller hotels, boarding houses and private residences of Detroit, without attracting the attention of the authorities, or of the general public. The Battle of Windsor. — At length, everj'^thing being in readiness, on the night of the 3rd day of December, 1838, the men w^ere ordered to quietly assemble at a designated wharf on the river, at the hour of midnight. In the meantime a small but "daring" squad of "Hunters" had "seized" the steamer Cham- plain, a Lake Erie passenger boat lying at a neighboring wharf, the captain and crew^ of which, not being belligerently inclined, were, on promise to remain silent in regard to the seizure until daylight, permitted to go on shore. Among those Tvho accompanied Gen. Bierce upon this expedi- tion, and acting as his aide-de-camp, was a young printer by the name of John H. Harmon, son of the veteran editor of the Western Courier, the late John Harmon, of Ravenna, and an old personal and political friend of General Bierce. The Embarkation. — Of the 400 braise men who had been armed, drilled, transported and subsisted from the Patriot fund, 137, only, reported on board the Champlain for duty, which num- ber, including officers and those detailed to run the steamer, con- stituted the entire force of the invading army. The steamer was quietly landed on the Canada side, about four miles above Wind- sor, at w^hich latter place w^as a military barracks, which was^ supposed to contain a quantity of military stores, and to be guarded by about fifty British soldiers. Gen. Bierce's design was to quietly surround and capture this barracks, without arousing the garrison or the tow^n. Approaching the barracks, just at day-break, a man w^as seen running from the river towards the barracks, who it was surmised had rowed across the river to give the alarm. He w^as brought down by a shot from a patriot musket, and proved to be a Detroit saloon-keeper, on the errand surmised. That shot, however,. GENERAL BIERCE IN CANADA. 599 aroused lK)th the guards in the barracks and the sleeping town, and the project of surrounding the barracks was thus foiled. The Burning Barracks. — The British soldiers immediately opened tire from the loop-holes of the braracks, which w^as kept up until the patriots got so near the building as to be out of range of their bullets. Gen. Bierce then ordered Harmon to set the barracks on fire, which was accordingly done. The guards, finding their barracks on fire, came tumbling out in a hurry, several being killed, a number taken prisoners and others making their escape. Their arms were taken away from those captured, who, after a short detention, v^ere liberated, the patriots by this time thinking it important to be looking out for themselves. Steamer Thames Burned — Retaliation. — There was, at the time, lying at the little wharf in front of Windsor, a small steamer called the Thames. Though personal property, the boat was in the employ of the Canadian government, and to avenge the burn- ing of the Caroline, at Schlosser, by order of Col. Macnab, as here- tofore detailed. Gen. Bierce ordered the Thames to be incinerated also, w-hich was accordingly done by Mr. Harmon and three others, bearing with them, for that purpose, brands from the still burning barracks. [In a recent conversation with our venerable citizen-farmer, Webster B. Storer, an extensive boat builder in Akron, during the palmy days of the Ohio Canal, I learn that the interior finishing of the Thames was done by him previous to his coming to Akron, in 1836, her hull having been built on the river Thames, in Canada, and towed to Cleveland for finish and the placing of her machinery.] Anticipating that by this time the main body of British troops, stationed at Sandwich, would be on the way to Windsor, Gen. Bierce ordered Colonels Putnatn and Harvell (the former a grand- son of old Israel Putnam, of revolutionary fame), to station them- selves, with about 100 men, in an orchard, back of Windsor, then a small hamlet of a dozen houses or so, only, to hold the bold Brit- ishers in check, while the General himself, with his aid, and the remainder of his men, about 30 all told, moved into Windsor to hold the town itself, British Surgeon Killed.' — After this disposition of the patriot forces, and soon after the return of Mr. Harmon and his comrades from firing the Thames, doctor Hume, a fine looking man, and a surgeon in the British regular army, with the rank of major, rode up to the town on a splendid and gayly caparisoned horse, evidently ^vithout knowing who the invaders were. On approach- ing the line, he was ordered to surrender by Capt. Scott. The doctor, apparently not realizing w^hat was up, asked, "to w^hom shall I surrender?" "To the Patriots," answered Capt. Scott. The doctor, quickly dismounting, started to walk away, with an emphatic expression against surrendering to rebels. Capt. Scott immediately gave the order to fire, and the loyal non-com- batant doctor instantly fell dead, pierced by a dozen bullets — an act that at the time was considered not only very inhuman, but nearly akin to wilful and deliberate murder; an opinion, I doubt not, shared in by both Gen. Bierce and his aid, Harmon, w^ho, in noticing this feature of the affair says: "Only part of our force fired — the rest, among w^honi I was one — thinking it unnecessary to go to the extremes with so brave a man." 60() AKROX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Doctor Hume carried b}^ his side a magnificent surgeon's sword, which \^as detached from his body and lianded to General Bierce, ^who retained it as a trophy, and, in after years during his life, he delighted to exhibit it, when " fighting his battles o'er again," to interested if not admiring listeners. This sword was, by will, among other relics, bequeathed to Buchtel College by Gen Bierce, in the following w^ords: " My sw^ord, captured from Major J. J. Hume, of the British army, in the battle of Windsor, Canada West, Decem- ber 4, 1838, and by me carried through the war of the rebellion from May, 1863, to November, 1865, as Assistant Adjutant General of the United States Volunteers." It is proper to remark, in this connection, that Gen. B.'s services in the late war, were confined entirely to routine work in the office of the adjutant general, at Columbus, until after the close of the war, when, for a few months, in the latter part of 1865, he was assigned to muster-out duty, at Fort Madison, Wisconsin, and subsequently for a short time was placed in command of Camp Washburn at Milwaukee. The Final Battle. — As Doctor Hume fell, firing in the direc- tion of the orchard was heard, and Gen. Bierce dispatched Mr. Harmon, mounted upon the dead surgeon's horse, to ascertain the situation there. Galloping hastily in that direction, a glance w^as sufficient to enable Mr. Harmon to instantly divine the speedy collapse of the expedition. The orchard was surrounded by about 400 Canadian soldiers, under command, as was afterwards learned, of Col. John Prince, of Sandw^ich, and other experienced British officers, whose sharp firing was playing sad havoc with the little Patriot phalanx of about 100 men only, w^hile Col. Harvell, a large framed, fine-looking Kentuckian, was evidently endeavoring, with the Patriot flag in his hand — a white star in a blue field — to lead the command in a hopeless retreat. Being wounded in the leg, the brave Kentuckian faced about and commenced firing at his pursuers, and vt^hen his ammunition wras exhausted, still defiantly brandished his bowie-knife at them, until finally shot down in his tracks. Thus ended the battle of the orchard, the balance of the command being all either killed or captured. The Flight for Life. — Riding rapidly back to Windsor, Har- mon hastily reported to Gen. Bierce that "all was up," w^hen a precipitate retreat of the thirt}' men who had held the town, w^as begun. Supposing that the steamer Champlain was still at the landing, four miles above, thej^ made their way thither in a body, though presumably without any undue regard to military pre- cision, or martial bearing. Col. Prince, and his command, evi- dently not being aware of their presence'in the town, and suppos- ing that the 100 men in the orchard comprised the entire Patriot force, the fugitives w^ere not immediately pursued. On arriving at the landing, the Champlain w^as found to be nnn est, and the fleeing Patriots searched the shore of the river for skiffs and canoes in Avhich to ferry themselves over to Hog Island. A sufficient number for the purpose were found, but there being a lack of oars, the butts of the guns were used as paddles to propel them across. Reaching the Island, the party walked to the other side. There a single canoe only could be found, in which the men w^ere ferried across to the American shore, a few at a time. Gen. Bierce was among the first to go over, his friends, owing to the bad humor of some of the men at the failure of the IGNOMINIOUS COLLAPSE. 601 expedition, and the whispered but distinctly audible threats in which they indulged to\^ards the commander-in-chief, deeming it unsafe for him to remain until the rank and file were all safely across, as genuine patriotism would naturally have caused him to do. Capture by U. S. Troops. — The United States authorities, under the proclamation of President Van Buren,in their endeavors to maintain neutrality, had chartered the steamer Erie, and with a Detroit military company, under the command of Major Payne, of the United States Army, in cruising about the Detroit River, overhauled the last batch to cross over, five in number, and took them on board the steamer, Mr. Harmon being among the number. On being hailed by the Major and ordered on board the steamer, they quietly dropped their guns overboard, so as not to be found with arms in their possession. Being captured in American waters, and there being no positive proof that the men had been in Canada, they w^ere set at liberty on reaching the wharf at Detroit, Mr. Harmom being so kindly received by the citizens who witnessed the arrival and discharge of himself and his fellow prisoners, that he remained in that city to the time of his death, in 1888. The Fate of the 107. — Of the 137 men who went upon this necessarily disastrous expedition, all but about 30 were either killed or captured, the most, if not all of the prisoners, like those of Gen. Von Schultz's command, being transported to Van Dieman's Land, very few^ of w^hom, even after the promulgation of the gen- eral amnesty, as above stated, ever returned to the United States. This disastrous affair ended the contest, it being fully demon- strated, on the one hand, that the people of Canada were not so ripe for revolution and independence as had been represented, and, on the other hand, that the government of the United States would not stand idly by and permit its citizens to organize, either publicly or secretly, military expeditions against the contiguous dependency' of a nation with whom it was at peace. The "Hunt- ers'" lodges incontinently disbanded, and the interest in Canadian independence rapidly w^aned. It was said, how^ever, and generally believed, in this vicinity, that the Canadian government had offered a reward of £2,000 for the capture, and delivery w^ithin its borders, of the American commander-in-chief of the defunct Patriot Army, Gen. Lucius Verus Bierce. Whether true or not, the w^riter has reason to know that the General firmly believed the report, and for many years observed the utmost caution vt^hen vis- iting any of the Lake cities, and even believed that secret emis- saries were prowling about his own home, with a view to his abduction and clandestine delivery into the hands of his enemies. It is probable, however, that these rumors had no foundation in fact, for, most certainly, so large a reward would have tempted some of the reckless spirits of that rather reckless period, to make the attempt to kidnap and spirit him over the border, though such attempt, like his own wild attempt to conquer a populous and well-protected province, with 137 undisciplined men, should igno- miniously fail. IN A POETIC MOOD. Immediately after his return from Detroit, w^hich, in view of the active part Uncle Sam's officers were playing in that vicinity, 602 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. ■was somewhat speedy, Gen. Bierce prepared the following poetical adaptation from Campbell's " Battle of Hohenlinden," for publica- tion in a local paper, evincing not only the General's enthusiasm for the "Lost Cause," but also a sort of shadow^y impression that instead of suffering an ignoininious defeat, immortal glory had inured to the Patriot cause from: "THE BATTLE OF WINDSOR." The sun had set on Erie's wave, The snow-chid hills on which the brave Reposed, were silent as the grave. Or Soldier's tonibless sepulcher. ' No martial sound, nor busy hum. No clarion clang, nor rattling drum Gave signal that the time had come. For daring feats of chivalry. The soldier took his hasty meal, Then fixed the deadly, burnished steel. Which soon the tyrant's fate would seal. When joined in war's dread revelry. The Patriot band was soon arrayed, Their hearts beat high, but not dismayed, As each one drew his battle blade And shouted, " death or victorj'." Then foe to foe, in contest view; Fierce flashed the fire, the rockets flew, And death was revelling 'mid the few Who bared their breast courageously. The Patriot crv of deadly war, "Remember Prescott!" sounds afar, And lurid flames, and crashing jar. Push on the dreadful tragedy. The warrior foe in contest slain ; The wounded strawed upon the plain, Make fuel for the burning chain. Of barracks burning rapidly. Now fiercer grew the dreadful fight : Now higher rose the lurid light. And shouts, and groans, as morning light Appeared, \verere mingled horribly. Ah, dreadful sight ! As morn arose. The mingled corse of friends and foes. Bestrewed the ground amid the snows That formed their only sepulcher. B, GEN. BIERCE IN UNITED STATES COURT. In Cleave's Biographical Encyclopaedia, in a sketch evidently w^ritten by Gen. Bierce, himself, it is stated that "after the disaster at Prescott, he led the remainder of his forces through Western Canada, capturing Sandwich on his way, and burning the barracka and taking Windsor. The main body of his forces, under General Putnam, being defeated, he, with a force of 25 men, kept an attack- ing force of 500 at bay until he succeeded in crossing over into Michigan and was safe. He w^as tw^ice indicted in the United States Courts for violation of the neutrality laws, and responded to the indictments, but the matter was dropped, and he resumed his law practice in Akron." In his ow^n "Historical Recollections of Summit County," in closing his account of the Battle of Windsor, he says: "Thus terminated, as Gen. Bierce had foreseen it w^ould, after the fatal expedition to Fort Wellington, the campaign of 1838, and the Patriot War. * * * Soon, however, he was called before the United States Court at Columbus, Ohio, to answer for a violation A CARD FROM AIDE-DE-CAMP HARMON. 603 of the Neutrality Law of 1818, but with as pointed a charge as Judge McLean could give, so popular was the the man and his cause, that a grand jury could not be induced to indict him." A CLOSING WORD FROM MR. HARMON. Not finding Gen. Bierce's name mentioned in any of the news- paper accounts of the Windsor affair, I addressed a note to Mr. Harmon, after the foregoing was w^ritten, as to w^hether, for pru- dential reasons, he adopted some other name, to which Mr. Har- mon responded as follows: "In regard to Gen. Bierce, justice has never been done in his case. He was in command throughout the short campaign. There was jealousy on the part of Cols. Harvell and Putnam, and they did not lose an opportunity to prejudice officers and men. They were both killed in the Orchard Battle. I Avas Gen. Bierce's Aid, and knew^ all the difficulties. Gen. Bierce saw^, before leaving this side, the outcome, and tried to persuade me to remain on the Detroit side. I resolved to go where he went, and did so. He behaved nobly, and protected the men w^ho fol- lowed him. Gen. Bierce did not sail under false colors. In cross- ing from the Island w^e changed clothing, to save him from arrest by the United States authorities. He did avoid arrest, and I w^as taken by the U. S. Military, but released when my identity was discovered." THE END. Thus has been collated, at some length, an episode in national and international history, which, over half a century ago, very largely convulsed the public mind of both Europe and America, and in which Akron and Summit county bore a more conspicuous part than any other county in Ohio, not only furnishing the "Commander-in-Chief," as above related, but quite a large propor- tion of privates also, w^ith a liberal supply of arms, ammunition and money, in addition to the "moral" aid of public meetings, resolutions, patriotic speeches, etc., as above set forth. CHAPTER XXIV. SECOND ADVENTIvSM— THE END OF THE WORLD PREDICTED— APRIL 4, 1843, THE DAY OF DOOM— GREAT EXCITEMENT IN AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY — THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH TWICE RENT ASUNDER BY ITS ERRATIC PASTOR— MISCALCULATION IN DATES— FINAL CRASH POSTPONED ONE YEAR — THE FAITHFUL STILL SANGUINE— ERECTION OF A TABERNACLE— FEET WASHING ORGIES^ATTEMPT TO WORK MIRACLES -PELTED WITH ADDLED EGGS— MADNESS AND SELF-MUTILATION -SPIRITUAL MARRIAGES— PROSE- CUTED FOR ADULTERY— TABERNACLE BLOWN UP— THE END WILL NOT COME — MILLER, ITS PATRON SAINT, "GIVES IT UP " — "A DELUSION FROM THE FOUNDATION"— LOCAL ORGANIZATION GOES TO PIECES— A FEW STILL STICK— JOINING THE SHAKERS, ETC. — WONDERFUL POWER OF HUMBUG! SECOND ADVENTISM AND ITS FOUNDER. /^NE of the most exciting episodes in the history of Akron and ^-^ of Summit County, was the reign of "Milierism," or "Second Adventism," here, from 1841 to 1846, For the enlightenment of the more youthful readers of these pages, a brief sketch of the founder of this sect, and the reasons by which he was actuated in the promulgation of his erratic doctrines, w^ill be in order. William Miller w^as born in Massachusetts, in 1781, and was bred to the occupation of a farmer. He was a volunteer in the War of 1812, rising to the rank of Captain, serving mainly upon the Canadian frontier. His education w^as quite limited, but being of a religious turn of mind, he applied himself to a diligent examina- tion of the Scriptures, and especially to a thorough study of the prophecies, and by an ingenious combination of symbols, dates and figures he evolved his theory that the Second Coming of Christ, and the destruction of the w^orld, would occur in 1843. The precise day w^as not at first named by him, but later on, either by himself or his follow^ers, the time w^as fixed for April 4th of that year. About the year 1833, Mr. Miller commenced to promulgate his new doctrine in local talks and lectures; but his fame at length began to spread, and the desire to hear him became so great, that his farm labors were suspended, and his entire time and energies devoted thereto, so that by the time fixed for the winding up of all temporal affairs on earth, it was estimated that his followers, in the United States, the Canadas and Great Britain, numbered not less than 50,000 souls. ADVENT OF "SECOND ADVENTISM" IN AKRON. In the year 1839, a talented, but somewhat eccentric preacher, by the name of James D. Pickands, was called to the pastorate of the First Congregational Church of Akron, whose house of worship —the first church edifice erected in the village — then stood upon the Court House grounds, but was afterw^ards removed to the corner of High and Quarry streets, where it later, for several years, did service as a parochial school for the German Lutheran Society, THE EVENT FAILS TO EVENTUATE. 605- giving place, in 1889, to their present more imposing brick struct- ure. About this time some of "Father Miller's" proselytes began to preach the new doctrine in the west, a series of that class of meetings being held in Akron in 1840, '41, resulting in a number of accessions to the faith — some of them good and pure men and women and sincere Christians, and some of them of rather a doubtful status for either piety or morality. Among those who began to investigate the subject was the Congregational pastor, who, though not at first fully endorsing or preaching the doctrine, became so "free and easy" in his pulpit utterances as to alienate quite a large number of the members of his church, who, after a vain endeavor to work a reformation in his theology, or to accomplish his dismissal, themselves w^ithdrew^ and on the 8th day of June, 1842, organized the Second Congrega- tional Church of Akron, being the same societj'^ that is now known as the First Congregational Church of this city, building for themselves a house of w^orship on North Main street, the same building lately occupied as a livery stable by Mr. George Wulle. From this time on, Mr. Pickands rapidly gravitated toAvards the new faith, and finally, as "Time" approached its predicted "End," he was wholly en rapport with its most confident and most earnest advocates. A majority of the remnant of his congregation w^ere w^ith him, and an effort was made to exorcise the minority and retain posses- sion of the house for the promulgation of the new faith, but it was found that this could not be done, inasmuch as the lot had been donated, by General Simon Perkins, for the exclusive use and behoof of the Congregational Church. Upon this discovery the Adventists themselves withdre\v, holding their meetings in the groves and Avoods, and subsequently building for themselves a "Tabernacle" — a temporary structure, 30 by 60 feet, with plain board seats and desk, and sawdust floor — upon the opposite side of South High street. GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT— NEW "COUNT." Though many sincere believers in the doctrine, blindly follow- ing their enthusiastic leaders, had made every preparation, regu- lating all their worldly transactions to fit the date of the predicted consummation of all sublunary affairs — some even distributing their effects among their neighbors, and large numbers (as was alleged) having provided themselves vt^ith "Ascension Robes," of purest w^hite, in v^hich to mount to heaven with the rejoicing hosts — the 4th of April passed without the realization of their hopes. Father Miller and his numerous talented lieutenants set them- selves to w^ork to revise the "tally sheets," to ascertain, if possible, the cause of their discomfiture. It was finally found, by either the Great Apostle himself, or some of his "lightning calculators," that there had been just a year's mistake in the figures, and the end w^ould surely come on the 23d day of April, 1844. After the discovery of this perplexing blunder, and the due correction of the "Time Tables," the Advent trains w^ere again started, under a far greater head of steam than before, and at a largely increased rate of speed. The local lights of the faithful, both ministers and laymen, became extremely active, not only zealously laboring "in season and out of season," Bible in hand, with their 606 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. unbelieving neighbors, on the streets, in their places of business, and at their several abodes; not only holding enthusiastic nightly meetings in their places of worship, and at private residences, but calling the people together, en masse, in grove and camp meet- ings, by extensive advertising, both by attractive posters and in public prints. As a sample, the following advertisement is copied from the Summit Beacon of August 9, 1843 : SECOND ADVENT CAMP MEETING, IN SPRINGFIELD, NEAR AKRON, AUGUST 17. There will be a Second Advent Camp Meeting- (if time shall continue), to begin oti Thursday, the 17th day of August next, in Spring-field, Summit County, Ohio, about six miles southeast of Akron, on the Canton road, at the same place occupied last 3'ear by a camp meeting. All who love the appear- ing of our Lord, are earnestly requested to attend, prepared with tents, to remain throughout the meeting. Boarding will be provided on the ground for those who cannot bring their own provisions. The following named ministers, among others, are expected to attend and preach: Brethren Fitch, Sawin, Needhain, Poe, Baker, McCue, Sheldon and Pickands. Come up, brethren and sisters, to the feast — let nothing hinder you. Remember the time is short. This call w^as signed by parties living in Springfield, Moga- dore, Canton, Middlebury, Cuyahoga Falls and Akron, several of \vhom are still living. Of this meeting, Hiram Bowen, Esq., in the Beacon of August 23, 1843, editorially said : The Millerites are holding a camp meeting in Springfield, six miles east of this village. Great numbers of people are in attendance — it was esti- inated that from three to five thousand persons were on the g-round on Sun- da3^ last. We cannot learn that they are making many new converts to their doctrines, most of the people attending throug^h mere curiositJ^ Meantime the unbeliever and scoffer were constantly poking fun at their "terribly in earnest" and zealous neighbors, in vari- ous ways, and especially in business adv^ertisements, Wilcox, Huse & Co., of Middlebury, manufacturers of chairs, heading their advertisement, " If Time Continues," and Harr3^ Pardee, in the same line of business, giving a counter blast under the head of " Time Continues ! " The Beacon, of December 20, 1843, contains this item: Father Miller lately visited Rochester, New York, where he devoted one whole week to dealing out exhortations and admonitions in relation to the awful destruction which awaits this sinful world, on the 22nd day of March, next, according to the improved reckoning-, which 22nd daj^of March, Gentile time, is equivalent to the 23rd daj^ of April, Jewish time. During- the whole time of his sojourn there, he was listened to by congregations, dailj^ and nightl}^, ranging between one and two thousand. He departed thence to enlighten the good people of Lockport, and other cities, in relation to the near approach of the consummation of all things. The 22nd day of March, as well as the 23rd day of April, 1844, came and Avent, like other similar days since the dawn of time, and great w^as the grief and disappointment among the true and earnest believers, w^hile equally great was the joy of the unbeliev- ing but fearful multitude, that the predicted day of doom had safely passed. At a meeting held in the Tabernacle, in Boston, on the 4th day of June, 1844, Father Miller acknowledged that he had made a great mistake about the end of the world. The time had THE CRAZE RAPIDLY AND RABIDLY INCREASES. 607 gone by and he must confess that he knew nothing about it. Yet notwrithstanding the failure of both his definite and proximate prophecies, Father Miller still held to the belief that the end -would come soon, and in a modified way, continued his labors, while his local adherents, in Akron and elsewhere, not only contitiued their labors, but were constantly promulgating new dogmas and adding new^ features to their modes of public w^orship and their private teachings and practices. FATHER MILLER IN AKRON. On the 13th day of August, 1844, Father Miller visited Akron and addressed large crowds of people, assembled in and about the Tabernacle, both in the afternoon and evening. His discourses, delivered in a plain and unostentatious manner, w^ere mainly devoted to the elucidation of the prophecies on which his calcula- tions had been based, and which, though there had been some slight error in his interpretations and computations, he still believed to be substantially correct, and that the end was near at hand, closing with an earnest exhortation to those still outside the fold, to fly from impending wrath by an immediate preparation, and a continuous watching and praying for the coming of the Lord. Though this demonstration made no very great impression upon the large audiences in attendance, the greater portion being present from mere curiosity, it had the effect of very greatly stim- ulating his adherents, and augmenting their zeal, in the propaga- tion of their doctrines, resulting to some extent, in an increase of their proselytes and members. The Second Advent organs (of w^hich there w^ere many), also took on new ardor and began to promulgate new^ data for the final "Wreck of Matter and Crash of Worlds;" Brother Storrs, of New- York, editor of the Midnight Cry and the Bible Examiner, as w^ell as one of the most po\^erful preachers of the dogma, say- ing, in a sermon published in the Examiner, early in October, 1844, that the ^vorld would positivelj" come to an end the 22nd or 23rd of that month, or be postponed fifty years; a speaker in the Tabernacle, here, about the same time, assuring his hearers, that they would "never see another cold Winter." Baptism by immersion, if not at first considered an essential elementof the Second Advent creed, at length came to be so regarded, and about this time many of the old believers, and all of the new converts, were duly submerged beneath the rather chilly waters of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal. A local paper (the Cascade Roarer), of October 8, 1844, said: "Five persons were baptized into the Millerite faith on Sunday last and several more on Mon- day. The cause seems to be prospering in these diggings." The next issue of the same paper (October 15, 1844), says: "The Adventists are doing a splashing business in the immersion line, having submerged some thirty or forty in the canal on Sabbath last, and among the rest some six or eight children, from six to ten years of age;" and in its issue of October 22, remarks: "Our Second Advent friends have fixed upon this day as the very last — or to-morrow as the extreme fag-end of time, and many of them have acted accordingly, by stopping all kinds of business, settling up their affairs, paying off their debts (strange infatuation !) giv- ing away their provisions and effects, warning their neighbors to 608 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. prepare for the awiul day, and in sundry and various other Avays- making themselves as supremely ridiculous as possible." In its issue of October 24, the same paper says: " The Adventists of this place have given us fifteen days longer, on account of one hour which was not taken into the calculation of Brothers Miller, Storrs^ & Co.," the same issue announcing the miraculous cure of a young lady in the family of one of the faithful, who had not left her bed for four years, through the exercise of faith, and who immediately commenced attending the meetings at the Tabernacle, in appar- ently good health; also, that during family worship in another family, there occurred an instantaneous restoration to conscious- ness and health, of a child lying in its mother's arms, apparently insensible from an acute attack of chill-fever. Barly in November, 1844, Brother Storrs, in his Midnight Crj^ makes a statement in which he says: "I confess that I have been led into error, and have thereby led others astray, in advising Advent believers to leave business entirely and attend meetings only; though I have usually qualified that advice by excepting business a bsolatelj^ necessary for present necessity^." In commenting upon this, his neighbor, the New^ York True Sun, pertinently said: "What compensation is the confession to hundreds \^ho have been ruined in property and in mind by the delusive prophecies of Brother Storrs and his associates? Confes- sion will not restore the dead who have perished from exposure, nor re-illumine with the spark of reason the darkened intellect; nor clothe the naked and feed the hungry; nor relieve one jot or tittle of the misery, wretchedness and despair which Millerism has inflicted upon its victims." And apropos of the evils resulting from the Second Advent delusion, the following, from an Akron paper, of November 12, 1844, will be strongly confirmatory of the Sun's remarks: "More Millerism and Madness. — ^Last week Mr. Ira Viets, of Cuyahoga Falls, having become a dupe to the Second Advent doctrine that all earthly passions are sinful, and that the com- mand: 'If thy member offends thee, cut it off,' should be taken literally, most barbarously mutilated himself with a plane-bit and mallet. He is no^v upon the to\vn, under the doctor's care, aw^ait- ing the Second Advent, or the end of time, which it is thought may soon take place for him, as it is somew^hat doubtful whether he will escape the consequences of his rash act, even ^vith his life; " the same paper in its issue of July 1, 1845, saying that Mr. Viets was then confined in the county jail, " a perfect lunatic from the delusive and inconsistent dogma of Millerism." And the writer w^ill here add, that there were several others in this immediate vicinity — notably w^omen — whose minds were permanently unbal- anced, and their domestic relations seriously disturbed, and in some instances entirely broken up, by the delusion. The Holy Kiss — Feet-Washing, Etc. — The Augusta (Maine) Age, in March, 1845, said of the Second Adventistt. of that vicinity: "The 'Receivers,' as they style themselves, of the Millerite fallacies, have discovered a new^ theory, which is that the day of grace has been passed, and that w^e are all now in Eternity, and that the aw^ful horrors of a general Judgment are soon to be manifested to all eyes. Some of them take special pains to humble themselves, and for this purpose wash and kiss each other's feet, creep upon THE (iKKAT APOSTLE CilVES FT UP. (!09 the floor, etc., their coiuhict, in some instances, being revolting in the extreme." The day of grace and Kternity theory, did not ol)tain here, to any extent, hut the kissing, feet-washing and roll- ing upon the floor — stricken down l)y the 'power of the holy spirit' — tom -foolery was adopted by a portion of the local faithful, though it is but simple justice to say, right here, that the more intelligent and well-balanced among the believers drew the line oji these practices, and that only the more infatuated, and the dis- honest among them, participated in the well authenticated disgust- ing powwows of this character that were for several months indulged in. At all events, certain peculiar services were held almost nightl3^ at which none but the most faithful of the faithful were admitted, thoxigh there w^as sufficient leakage, from one and another, to fully demonstrate the revolting nature of those secret orgies. FATHER MILLER GIVES IT UP. Early in October, 1845, Father Miller published an address to his deluded followers, frankly acknowledging his great error, in predicting the end of the world, closing as follows: "For my indiscretions and errors, I ask pardon, and all who have spoken evil of me without cause, I freely forgive. My labors are princi- pally ended. Yet, notwithstanding the Great Apostle of Millerism — Father Miller himself — frankly renounced, and wholly repudiated, the doctrines which he had originated, and so long advocated, the local "small fry" Adventists of the country still keep pegging away, and though not pretending to designate any particular day, or even month, or year, for the final "wind up," continued to ])romulgate new dogmas, and fulminate new prophecies, through which to render themselves still more ridiculous, and to still further disgust the public mind, as will be seen in what follows. The "Simon-pures" of this vicinity — united in what they denominated "The Advent Band," the very holiest of the holy, of that extremely holy people. Among the very earliest of the con- verts to the Second Advent faith was a Mrs. Oreen, a thoroughly honest and sincerely pious lady, the wife of Col. Lyman Green, for many years one of Akron's best known hotel keepers. Mrs. Green, like many other honest and earnest christian women,, became entirely infatuated w^ith the delusion, readily accepting,, and conscientiously entering into, all the dogmas that w^ere from time to time proclaimed, and w^ho, of course, became a devoted member of the "charmed circle" — the Advent Band. Like many of the other "ungodly" husbands, whose wives were thus dis- tracted from their domestic and wifely duties. Col. Green tried every possible argument, and made use of every possible mode of persuasion, both w^ith Mrs. G. and her pastor, to restore her to her family and her domestic duties, but in vain. The Colonel then thought he would try wdiat virtue there was in the law for the redress of his grievances. Accordingly criminal proceedings w^ere instituted against her pastor, charging him with assault and battery upon the person of Mrs. Green, in saluting her with the holy kiss, w^ashing her feet, etc., in the exercise of his brotherly devotions and his pastorly functions. The suit was brought before the late Gen, Philo Chamberlin, then mayor of 89 CIO AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. . Akron, December 13, 1845, Gen. Lucius V. liierce acting as attor- ney for the State, the accused officiating in his own defense. The witnesses were all, necessarily, members of the "Band," who, disavowing all allegiance to human laws, refused to be sworn, but linall3'^ consented to affirm, under the pains and penalties of per- jury', to "Tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth." Though the general fact was admitted that feet-washing and the holy kiss were part and parcel of their devotions, the testimony was so obscure, under the skilful management of the defendant, as to the actual contact of himself and Mrs. Green, in those peculiar modes of >vorship, and his plea so convincing to His Honor, that he was triumphantly acquitted. The Tabernacle Blown Up. — Ten days later, December 23, 1845, at about 8 o'clock in the evening, a loud report shook the very foundations of the town, which Avas at first supposed to be the explosion of one of the Austin Powder Company's mills, located on Avhat is now known as Fountain Park — a sound that was quite common to the people of Akron and vicinity, about those days. It was soon discovered, however, that it was no poAvder mill explo- sion, but the explosion of a keg of powder that some ungodly hand had placed in or under the Second Advent Tabernacle, on South High street, by which the front end, including the pulpit, had been entirely blown out, and the balance of the structure, irre- trievably wrecked. In the Cascade Roarer, the writer, in speaking of this affair, said: "No matter hoAv supremely ridiculous the conduct of any individuals, or of any sect, may be, such acts of dire depravity should by no means be countenanced. It is fostering a spirit of mobocracy which may yet require a mighty and bloody struggle to overpower. If w^e have laws, let us regard them; if they are not sufficient to punish and protect, let us enact such as are. We hope the perpetrators of this foul deed will not go unwhipped of justice. The act cannot be of the slightest benefit to the community. The persecuted fanatic always prospers; and this last act will only cause these monomaniacs to increase their zeal and redouble their diligence." Attempt to Heal a Broken Leg by Prayer. — As was antici- pated, the persecutions above recorded served only to "enthuse" the deluded Adventists, w^hose proceedings were, if possible, more disgusting and more reprehensible than before. In our own town, a miracle was sought to be performed as follows: A middle-aged lady, the wife of a former highly respected builder, and the mother of one of our present most active and useful business men, and in every way a most estimable woman, was a faithful attend- ant upon all the meetings of the band. She was a very heavy w^oman, and early in the month of January, 1846, on leaving the private residence where a meeting had been held, late in the even- ing, she either slipped or made a misstep and fell, very badly breaking one of her legs. She w^as carried back into the house, Avhere, notwithstanding a physician ^was called by an unbelieving neighbor, it was sought by the faithful to re-unite the broken bones through the efficacj'' of prayer, the grand master of ceremo- nies, meantime, peremptorily commanding the suffering w^oman to "rise up and Avalk." But though the prayers were vehement and confident, and though the command to "rise up and walk" "spiritual" marriages. 611 Avas authoritatively and unctuousU^ repeated, the broken bone would not heal, and the crippled and suffering woman was, after an hour or more of enforced torture, finally handed over to the ungodly and mortal "saw-bones" who had been called, for a reduction of the fracture and relief from pain. Spiritual Marriages— Trial for Adultery. — Among the many peculiar tenets of faith embraced and practiced by a portion of this peculiar people, was that of spiritual marriages, and about the middle of Februarj'^, 1846, a couple who had thus gravitated together as " Spiritual Affinities," were arraigned before Justice Henry Converse, and tried under "carnal" law, on the charge of adultery. The pastor, though refusing to take the judicial oath, on the ground that it would be an acknowledgment of the obliga- tion of human laws, affirmed, under the pains and penalties of per- jury, that the defendants came to his house February 17; informed him that they were a brother and sister in the true faith, and had been brought together by the spirit of God, in the bonds of spiritual ■matrimony; that the man had abandoned "his wife according to the flesh," at Auburn, N. Y., about four months before, and that the woman had deserted a carnal husband about the same time, at Hamburg, Brie county, N. Y., preparatory to their present spiritual union; that they had journeyed together from Hamburg to Toronto, Canada, back again to the state of New York, and thence to Cleveland, and finally to Akron, and that upon this open avowal he had, in the fellowship of the Spirit, taken them into his house, where they had slept together until their arrest under the charge on which they were being tried; that such an association was strictly in accordance with the doctrines and principles of the sect, but that actual sexual intercourse was not tolerated under any -circumstances. Mr. John Kidder, also testified that the connec- tion between the defendants comported with the doctrines of the Second Advent people, and explained the propriety of "Spiritually sleeping together," by the trying test to which it w^ould put the piety of those embracing and practicing the doctrine. Mr. Charles Clapp, and Mr. William J. Hart, being called as Aivitnesses, refused to "bow down to the Beast," either by swearing or affirming, and were fined for contempt of court, the latter being committed to jail for want of the virherewithal to pay his fine. The defendants, claiming no justification except the direction of the Spirit, and the w^arrant of Scripture, the carnal justice of the peace, not seeing the evidence of either, and not acknow^ledging any higher authorit}^ in such matters than the statutes and juris- prudence of this wicked world, bound them over to the Court of Common Pleas of Summit count^s in the sum of $200 each, to answer to the charge of adultery, in default of which they were committed to jail. The "persecuted" couple, w^ho were confined in different parts of the jail, boasted, that like the walls of Jericho, the walls of the jail would come tumbling down, in answer to the prayers of the faithful, but the viralls aforesaid did not tumble, and the deluded and lecherous twain were compelled to abide their time, and suffer the penalties of outraged public sentiment and violated law. The principal headquarters of the local saints at this time, was at the house of a Mr. Southwick, on South Summit street, near where the new freight depot of the N. Y., P. «& O. R. R. now stands, where 612 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, most of the meetings were held, and where, not only the spiritualh^ separated wives and husbands found refuge, but where the same class of persecuted saints from abroad, were also harbored and pro- vided for — eight devoted women, who had, by direction of the Spirit, separated from carnal husbands, arriving there in a single week, during the month of March, in 1846, there being at one time no less than fifteen in the neighborhood, from abroad, in search of " Spiritual Affinities " among the other sex. It was from this house that one of our m(^st respected Methodist citizens — long an honored resident of Akron, often led to her neglected children, the wifie and mother, who, solely through the Millerite delusion, was a life-long care to the family, and, until her recent death, a confirmed monomaniac. It was here, also, that the wife of Col. Lyman Green w^as harbored, and encouraged in her disregard of her wifeh' and motherly duties, and failing, through the law as above detailed, to get from the leader of the delusion proper redress, the Colonel at length became so exasperated, that, meeting Mr. Southwick near the corner of Howard and Market streets, on the 13th day of March, 1846, he proceeded to mete out justice on his own hook, by most thoroughly pelting him with addled eggs. This act, though fully recognizing the great aggravation which inspired it, was, like the blowing up of the Tabernacle, severely con- demned by the public press and the better portion of our citizens. In speaking of the outrageous operations and practices of these people at this time, the Beacon, of March 18, 1846, editorially said : The little knot of demented fanatics in our midst, who have so long- dis- graced themselves, and even putting- human nature to the blush by their foolish and witless proceedings, seem to be drawing their affairs to a crisis. Kissing and feet-washing has given place, as all supposed it would, to the more intimate comniuniou; and under the guise of spiritual marriage, husbands and wives are very unceremoniously exchanged. A few nights ago eight strolling females, who had left respectable families and friends, accompanied by one male biped, made their advent into our devoted town, in the character and capacity of angels. They were cordiall3' welcomed by the " Saints " of this village, and thereupon their usual feet-washing, kissing, and other strictly spiritual performances were entered into with great gusto, and all for the glory of God. A well-known citizen of our town, who has long been demented in regard to these things, and whose fall manj' deeply deplore, leaving home and wife and children, has gone forth, pedestrian- w^ise, vmder the protection of one of these vestal visitors, on an angelic mis- sion, in obedience to the divine injunction, taking neither script nor staff, nor luoney in his purse, nor two coats, nor even a change of shirts. Important Confession — Final Collapse. — The Cascade Roarer, of March 24, 1846, contains the following: Mr. Pickands, formerly the principal promulgator of Millerism in North- ern Ohio, confessed, on Sabbath last, before that portion of the church that dissented when feet-washing, etc., was introduced, that Millerism was a humbug and a delusion from the foundation ; that he had been deluded and that all who had embraced the doctrine were deluded, and that those who continued to hold it were deranged. Mr. Pickands not only renounced Second Adventism, and all the other "isms" connected therewith, but abjured every other form of religious belief; thenceforth devoting himself to worldly pursuits; at first adopting the legal profession, reading law, and being admitted to practice, but soon abandoning that calling to take charge of a paper devoted to the wool growing interests, pub- lished in Cleveland by the late S. N. Croodale, formerly of Akron,. THJS KXD OF THB DELUSIOX. 613 and for several years afterwards officiating as collector and com- piler of statistics for the Cleveland Board of trade; but during the later years of his life residing with his sons, Henry and James, then and now highly respectable and enterprising business men at Cleveland and Marquette, Mich., at which latter place Mr. Pickands died some ten or twelve years, ago. The Conclusion. — On the collapse of the organization here, several of the members sought and obtained admission into a fam- ily of "Shakers" in the southern part of the State, Mr. Charles Clapp, a former partner of the late Harvey B. Spelman, in the dry goods trade in Akron, separating from a most estimable wife (sister of Hon. Marvin Kent) among the number, and ^vho for the past forty-five years has been a highly respected and useful member of that society. The many other members of the Second Advent <:hurch quietly accepted the situation, and though some became confirmed skeptics and scoffers at every form of religion, the inost of them soon again affiliating with other church organizations, but some still holding to the doctrine of the speedy Second Advent of Christ upon the earth, in its most literal sense, though fixing no particular date for his appearance. Thus is briefl}'- given a history of one of the most wonderful, as well as one of the most exciting religious delusions of the Nine- teenth Century, and especiall}^ proper among these chapters, because of the very conspicuous part in the great " Spiritual Farce " that was played by so large a number of the people of Akron and Summit county. • CHAPTER XXV. MATTHEW CANFIELD READ,— born in Willianisfield, Ashta- bula county, Ohio, August 21, 1823; at 12 removed with parents to Mecca, Trumbull county ; worked on farm and attended district schools till 18 ; pursued preparatory studies in West- ern Reserve Seminary, atFarming^ton, and at Grand River Institute, in Austinburg-; entered Western Re- serve College in 1844, graduating in 1848, afterwards receiving the degree of A. M. from his Alma Mater; taught school in Columbus and Gustavus ; read law with Chaffee &. Woodbury, at Jefferson; was married, August 28, 1851, to Miss Orissa E. Andrews, of Homer, N. Y., "who has borne him four children — William H. A., a member of the Toledo Bar ; Charles P., a contractor and builder in Hud- son ; Mary O., living at home, and Janet A., recently teaching in Asylum for Imbeciles at Columbus, Ohio. At close of law studies, Mr. Read took editorial control of the Hudson Family Visitor (elsewhere written of), at same time teaching- one year in Grammar .School of West- ern Reserve College ; then opened law office in Hudson ; during the war officiated as general relief agent of United States Sanitary Commission, Western Department ; at close of war w^as deputy revenue collector, and later assistant geologist on the Geological Survey of Ohio; had charge of archaeological exhibits of Ohio at Centennial Expositions at MATTHEW CANFIELD READ. Philadelphia and New Orleans, and for several j^ears held the position of lecturer on Zoology and Practical Geology in Western Reserve College ; also, besides having tilled several local officesT— township clerk, justice of the peace, maj'or, etc. — in addition to his law practice has been exten- sively employed in the exploration of luineral lands for private parties. GEOLOGY OF SUMMIT COUNTY. BY MATTHEW C. READ, A. M. A S the name indicates, this county is situated on the Summit, or "^"^ divide, between the waters of Lake Erie and the Ohio River. Akron, also, is the top — the Summit. From these names it has been often assumed that here is the highest land in the State. But this is a mistake. The door-sill of the Court House, at Akron, is 452 65-100 feet above Lake Erie, and the highest land in the county, in Richfield township, 675 feet. The highest hills of Rich- land county are 910 feet above the J^ake, and the summit betw^een the Scioto and Miami, in Logan county, 975 feet, w^hich is prob- ably the highest land in the State. The surface of the county is greatly diversified and has taken its final form as the result of several causes. CANYOX FORMATIOX. 615 When lifted above the ocean, to an elevation much above the present level, it remained for a long succession of ages, subject to serial erosion, until canyons were cut through the rocks to the depth of over one thousand feet. One of these canyons is now substantially occupied by the Little Cuyahoga, and by the Cuyahoga from their junction to the Lake. Another commences on the north line of Northfield township and extends southeasterly through Mud Brook Lake, thence through Stow, Tallmadge, Springfield and the eastern part of Green. A branch of the main canyon passes through Akron, Summit Lake, and thence along the chain of lakes through Coventry and Franklin, with branches from Norton and Copley. Owing to the erosions of these canyons, the rock surface between them w^as disintegrated and a soil formed capable of sus- taining a forest vegetation, but, from the want of a mingling of the material, everywhere lacking in some t)f the mineral ingredients of the most productive soil. The deep canyons produced such an efficient drainage as seriously interfered with continued fertility and left a barren rock surface in many places bordering the canyons. This was the first chapter of the formative influences producing the present topography. The second filled these canyons, widened out the upper parts of them into valleys, crushed the rock surfaces, pulverized the fragments and commingled them w^ith the debris of all the north- ern rocks. This work was done by Nature's great ice ploAV, coming down from the frozen regions of the north, loaded with the minerals of all the rocks of the north. Moving slowly over the surface of the state, with the pressure of a mass of ice several thousand feet in thickness, it left upon the surface of the north- ern townships of the county a thick deposit of unstratified clay drift containing fragments of all the local rocks mingled with the load brought down by the glacier. In the central and northern parts of the county, the waters flowing from the retreating glacier carried away the most of the clay, ground the residue into sand, and left the surface diversified by swamps and lakes, the sites of immense masses of groutided ice left by the glacier on its final retreat. The evidence is pretty con- clusive that there were two such invasions of the ice, the last one leaving its marked impression upon the topography of the county. Upon the withdrawal of the ice, lakes and lakelets, some of large size, covered much of the surface. Water from the hills silted up the bottoms of these lakes and deepened their outlets; the renewed vegetation encroached upon their margins, and con- verted all the shallower ones into swamps, sometimes bridging the surface of the water and leaving buried lakes. This process is continuous, and, unless checked by artificial means, all the lakes will become swamps, the swamps will become drier and all, in the end, become capable of tillage. Since the drift, surface erosion has materially modified the topography in other respects. The filling of the canyons diverted many of the streams from their old beds and compelled them to seek new channels. The most conspicuous instance is that of the Cu3'ah()ga river, which has cut itself a new channel, mostly through solid rock, from above Kent, in Portage county, to its 61G AKKCJX AXD SUMMIT COLXTY. junction with the Little Cuyahoga. Other streams einpt^-ing into tlie Cuyahoga have opened siniiUir l)ut smaller rock channels. The time required for such results is verj- long, but not as long as a superlicial observation would indicate. If the surface wear of the running water alone did the work the time required would be almost illimitable. The work accomplished by this agenc3' is shown at Kent, Portage county', and b}' the rock chan- nel above Cuyahoga Falls, where the suj)erticial action of the run- ning stream has been the only excavating agency. At Cuyahoga Falls, and ])elow, it has been an undermining process. The soft argillaceous shale, under the sand rock, has rapidly disintegrated, making an abrupt jjrecipice, at one time over one hundred feet high, with a protruding overhanging rock which finally broke down bj" its own weight, and this process, continued, carried the falls up streatn many thousand times faster than would result from surface erosion alone. Such is the mode of all rapid canyon making. STRUCTURAL GF:0L0GY. Something about six hundred feet in thickness of the rocks of the count}^ can be studied from their out-crops. The lowest is J)evonian, the upper part of the Krie shale, of which about one hundred feet is exposed in the valley of the Cuyahoga, from the north line of the count}' to near Peninsula. It is a soft argilla- ceous shale, ^vith thin bands of impure fossiliferous limestone, and contains no valuable minerals. There is a sharp transition from the Brie to the Cleveland shale directly above it. This is a highly bituminous black shale, lying in blocks and splitting easily into thin layers. It is exposed in all the streams emptying into the Cuj'^ahoga, below^ Peninsula. As it resists erosion, and the Brie below it is soft and friable, it uni- formly produces a cascade or water fall in the streams \vhich cut both these shales, the rapid erosion of the Erie undermining the Cleveland shale, until the jirojecting mass breaks down and falls into the chasm below, so that the falls are slowly but steadily retreating up the stream. This shale was made the base of the Waverly or sub-carbon- iferous system, by Prof. Nevrberry, in his reports upon the geolog}' of the State, l)ut Prof. Orton, the present State geologist, unites it with the Erie and Huron shales, under the name of the Ohio shales, and calls all Devonian. All the molluscous fossils contained in it are regarded, by expert paleontologists, as car- boniferous. These are sparingly' found, except in the upper layer, w'here, in places, they are very al)undant. The weight of evidence is decidedlj^ in favor of Prof. Newberry's classification. This shale is remarkable for the large collection of monster fishes obtained from it in neighboring counties, described by Prof. New^- berry, in the Paleontology- of Ohio, and in Vol. XVI of the monographs of the United States Geological Survey. Careful search may lead to the discovery of interesting iish beds in this shale in Sutnmit county. It contains so much carboniferous matter that it could be profitably- mined and distilleetween Canton and Akron was made in 38 minutes, and SOME OTHKR KAILKOAD PROJECTS. 033 the entire trip froin Canton to Cleveland, 59 miles, in just two hours, evincing the remarkable thoroughness of the grading, track- laying and ballasting. Regular trains, both passenger and freight.'commenced run- ning February 2, 1880, and the road has proved itself a ver}^ valu- able acquisition to the travel and transportation facilities of the entire region which it traverses, as well as an enduring monument to the enterprise and prosperity of the people of Summit count}', and is one of the very few railway lines of the country that, for nearly 20 years, remained continuously in the hands of its original proprietors. EviDEXx'Es OF Prosperity. — About 1884, the Vallej' Railway extended its main line from Canton southward to Valley Junction, on the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, 26 miles, forming at that point a connection with the Cleveland & Marietta Railroad. The Valley Railway', proper, is therefore 75 miles in length, with 19 miles of branches and 35 miles of side-tracks (including a two mile track completed in 1888 from Mineral Point to the extensive coal mine now being developed by John F. Seiberling, Esq., and other Akron gentlemen). At the West Market street crossing of its costl}^ side track running to the principal mills in Akron, a fine new passenger depot was completed in 1888, which has proved a great conven- ience to the people of the entire cit}'^ and vicinity, and, in addition to its constantly increasing freight traffic, its passenger ])usiness may be jutlged by the fact that four regular trains run dailj' each way between Cleveland and Valle}' Junction, and an additional daily train each way between Cleveland and Akron. Baltimore & Ohio Gets the Valley. — Figuring for the acquisition of the Valley road, to make it part of a system, or to give access to Cleveland to an important road that had hitherto been debarred from that city, began in the spring of 1889. For some time it was generally believed that a Pittsburg syndicate, composed of Andrew Carnegie and associates, had secured control of a majority of the stock and expected to build an extension to Pittsburg, making a competing line to the Cleveland & Pitts- hurg. Such a plan reall}' was in contemplation, but w^hen the details came out, of the long looked-for Valley deal, it was found to be in the hands of the B. & O. Taintor & Holt, New York brokers, bought up a majority of the stock and turned it over to the B. & O., in the fall of 1889. Early in 1890 Thos. M. King, of the B. iSc O., was elected president of the X'alley, on the resignation of J. H. Wade. SEVERAL OTHKK KAKEY ROADS. In the chapter on Hudson township, is given sketches of the "Clinton Line" eastward from Hudson, to the Pennsjdvania state line, and the "Clinton Line Extension" westAvard from Hudson to Tiffin, as links in "The Creat American Railwaj'," from the Atlantic to the I*acific, and also of the "Hudson and Painesville Railroad," commenced in 1852, '53. The stock of all these roads was liberall}' subscribed for, by the people of Hudson, and elsewhere along the line, and several hundred thousand dollars expended in grading, masonry, etc., but tinally suspended in 1850. 634 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The "Clinton Line" was so named in honor of Gov. DeWitt Clinton, the projector of New York's great water highway, the Krie Canal, and ^vho, previous to his death, in 1828, had suggested the plan of building a great continental railroad from the city of NevkT York to the Missouri River. By reason of financial embar- rassments, the three roads in question w^ere sold under decrees in foreclosure, the Clinton Line being purchased, in April 1861, b}' John P. Converse as trustee for the bondholders. Mr. Converse dying, Mr. A. D. Kibbie was appointed trustee by the United States Court. Attempts were made from time to time, under the authority of the trustees, to revive the project, for the purpose of maintaining their title to the road. The Clinton Line Redivivus. — In the Summer of 1887, Prof. M. C. Read, of Hudson, about the only person in the place w^ho had faith that the road would ever be built, at the instance of Mr. D. M. Yeomans, an enterprising capitalist and contractor of Kinsman, Truml)ull county, and several other wealth^" gentlemen, spent sev- eral months in an endeavor to secure from the original bond- holders and their heirs and assigns, authority to convey, on a given percentage, their claims to any company which would undertake the construction of the road. Having obtained authority from over two-thirds of the parties in interest, to act as their agent to sell the road on the terms pro- posed, Mr. Read was appointed by the United States Court, trustee for all the bondholders, in the place of A. D. Kibbie, deceased. The New York and Ohio Railway. — Mr. Yeomans, with four associates, organized the New York and Ohio Railway Company,^ together subscribing $U)0,(XX) to its capital stock, having later, as w^as alleged, placed a sufficient amount of its stock to make the enterprise an assured success. In March, 1888, Mr. Read, as trus- tee for the bondholders, entered into a contract w^ith the company to transfer their several interests to the new organization, on the condition of the construction of the road to Hudson w^ithin two years from that date, and the company confidently expected to com- plete the road within that year. On the east it secured a favorable connection w^ith the Che- nango sj^stem, and on the west, w^ith Cleveland by the Cleveland and Canton road at Streetsboro, in Portage county. The company hoped, in time, to make it the central link in the great Continental Line projected by Prof. Henry N. Day, and his associates, in 1851, '52; the managers, while claiming that they could give a a shorter route between Cleveland and Pittsburg to the traveling public than at that time existed, believing that the transportation of coal from the Pennsylvania mines might be made to yield a fair rate of interest upon their investinent. For some reasons not now^ apparent, the w^ork upon this road was not prosecuted as contem- plated, and in the Spring of 18JK) Mr. Yeomans sold his interest to Benjamin F. Holmes, of New York City, president of the American Live Stock Kxpress Company, who was then elected president of the railway company-. The express cattle cars, forty-seven in number, with the patents, were transferred to the railway com- pany, and it is stated that Mr. Holmes is actively engaged in maturing his plans for the speedy completion of the road, and the construction of a large number of additional cattle cars, it being understood that if the work is dehu^ed l)eyond the extended period OUR LATER ACQUISITIONS. 635 of time granted by the trustee for the bondholders, he has an arrangement for the sale, to other parties, who w^ill surely build the road. The Massillon Branch. — In the middle sixties a short line of road was built from Clinton, in Summit county, to Massillon, in Stark county, some eight or ten miles in length only, by the " Mas- sillon and Cleveland Kailroad Company." This road was leased to the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroad Company, June 22, 1869, the lease being assigned to the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company, July 1, 1869, and by that company, in turn, to the Cleveland, Mount Vernon and Dela\vare Railroad Company, November 4, of the same year. It was operated by that company, until its sale, as heretofore set forth, to the Cleveland, Akron and Columbus Railw^ay Company, since w^hich time it has been opera- ted by the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne and Chicago. Betw^een one and two miles only of this road is in Summit county, running through the southwest corner of the tow^nship of Franklin, but is properly here briefly mentioned as one of Summit county's railroads. L/AKE Shore and Tuscarawas Valley. — This road, built in the latter seventies, runs from Black River, in Lorain county, on Lake Erie, in a southeasterly direction, cutting across the south- w^est corner of Franklin township, and crossing the Cleveland, Akron and Columbus Railw^ay at Warwick, a short distance south of Clinton. Its length is 157 miles and its eastern terminus is Bridgeport, opposite Wheeling, W. Va., on the Ohio river. This road is moderately beneficial to the people of Summit county in reaching points in Stark and other eastern counties of the State, and in the shipment of coal and other products to points on Lake Erie, west of Cleveland. The " Cleveland and Canton Railway." — About 1880, a nar- row gauge (three foot track) railroad w^as built from Bowerstown, on the Pan Handle road, in Harrison county, to Cleveland, passing through Canton, in Stark county, touching Summit at Mogadore on the east line of the county, going from there to Kent, in Portage county, and from thence northwesterly direct to Cleveland, passing diagonally through Twinsburg, in Summit county. This road is chiefly serviceable to the people of Summit county in affording the village of Mogadore facilities for the procurement of its coal and other supplies, and for the shipment of the large amount of stoneware w^hich is yearly manufactured at that point; and as a means of transporting from Twinsburg the products of its mag- nificent quarries and its extensive dairies, and in bringing in mer- chandise and other articles from abroad. This road was originally named " The Connotton Valley Railway," but some two or three years ago changed its title, as above indicated, and has since brought its track to standard gauge, with first-class rolling stock to match. The "F*ittsburg and Western." — Early in 1881, Chauncey H. Andrews, Esq., and other w^ealthy gentlemen of Youngstown, projected what was then called the " Pittaburg, Youngstown & Chicago Railroad." The company w^as organized March 18, 1881, with Mr. Andrews as its president, at which time it was reported that three-fourths of its authorized capital of $2,000,000 had been subscribed. It was at first intended that the line should enter Summit count3^ at Mogadore, passing westward down the Valley 636 AKKOX AND SUMMIT COUNTY. of the Little Cu3'ahoga to the Sixth ward, in Akron, and from thence along Wolf Ledge in the southern part of the cit}', westward to its destination. But modifications and changes were made by which, following the bed and banks of the defunct Pennsylvania Canal from New Castle, Pa., passing through Ravenna, Kent and Cuj'^ahoga Falls, it enters Akron at the Old Forge, its present western terminus. For several 3'ears this road has had an arrangement with the Cleveland, Akron & Columbus RaiUvaj', by w^hich its cars are run over the track of the latter from Cuyahoga Falls to Orrville, where it connects with the Wheeling and Lake Erie road. The most important move for Akron in the P. & W.'s history, was its lease by the B. & O. road, in the Spring of 1891, w^hich made it an important link in a New York-Chicago through line, under B. & O. control, as is more full}' explained below in connection with the histor}' of the Akron & Chicago Junction R. R. "New Yokk, Mahoxixg axd Westerx." — In 1887, '88, a com- pany figured in Wadsw^orth, Seville and Lodi, in Medina county and other points west, under the above title, of w^hich Mr. Norvin Green, of the Western Union Telegraph Company', was the presi- dent. Mr. Green confidently said: "I believe that the company will have no serious difficulty in raising funds for the early completion of the line of road across the State of Ohio, eastward to the Penn- sylvania line, near Youngstown, and westward through Indiana as far as Fort Wayne." "It is contemplated that this line of road shall form a part of the long projected American Midland Railroad from New York to Chicago, on or near the 41st parallel, and on which much work has been done in various places." Work went on for some months at various points on the survej^exl line of the N. Y,, M. & W., but the funds expected bj'the projectors could not be secured v^dien needed. Sul)-contractors and others levied on ties and other material at Findla}', O., and one or two other places; and with the beginning of litigation came the end of the project as far as the then exist- ing organization was concerned. PITTSBURG, AKRON & WESTERN. In 1883, the Ohio Railroad Compan^^ was incorporated, at Col- umbus, by W. A. Lj'nch, of Canton, and others, including Col. A. L. Conger, Lewis Miller and David E. Hill, of Akron. The com- l^an}' proposed to construct from Akron westward, to Chicago Junction, or to some other good connecting point, the link that had long been desired, to make a new^ east and west line. At Chicago Junction the B. & O. road could be connected with, and at Akron the Pittsburg & Western, leading directly to Pittsburg. It was expected that the building of the link would materially shorten the distance between New York and Chicago b}^ existing routes. Considerable interest was aroused in the project in Akron and Medina, and in the latter place, and in the townships of Medina, considerable money and right of way was subscribed. Surve3's were made and the route determined upon. Funds for construc- tion purposes could not readilj^ be negotiated, however, and the project lagged. Mr. Lj'nch, who was general counsel for the PITTSBURG, AKRON & WESTERN. 637 c<)nii)aiiy, kept at work, however, and in the end his patience and energy were rewarded with success. The name of the company was changed November 10, 1883, to the Pittsburg, Akron & Western Railway Company. That was the chief event in the history of the enterprise for six years. In October, 1889, new life was given to the "Lynch line" project, as it was called, hy a consolidation of the Pittsburg, Akron & West- ern Railw^ay Company and the Cleveland & Western Railroad Company, the new^ compatiy taking the name of the Pittsburg,^ Akron & Western Railroad Company. The Cleveland & Western w^as a narroAV gauge road, running between Delphos and CarcA'.'O. Its principal owners were William Semple, an Allegheny merchant, and James Callery, the latter for a time president of the Pitts- burg & Western. This consolidation made Carey the western terminus of the link from Akron westward, instead of Chicago Junction. Arrangements for funds to begin construction work had been consummated at length, and on March 17, 1890, mortgage bonds in the sum of $3,630,000 were issued to the American Loan and Trust Company, as trustees. An election of directors was held about this time, resulting in the choice of D. E. Hill, A. L, Conger, Lewis Miller, of Akron; James M. Semple, of Toledo, [tak- ing the place of William Semple, Sr., of Pittsburg, then recently deceased]; Chas. G. Milnor, of Pittsburg, [to take the place of James Callery, deceased]; A. W. Jones, Youngstown; James Schoonmaker and Josiah N. Davidson, Allegheny; James D. Callery, Pittsburg. An election of officers resulted in the choice of James D. Callery, president, in place of Wni. Semple, Sr., deceased; W. A. Lynch, secretary and general counsel; Chas. G, Milnor, treasiirer; William Semple, general manager; James H. Sample, chief engineer. The contract for the building of the line from Akron to Care}', Wyandot county, was let to W. V. McCracken, of New York, and Wm. Semple, of Allegheny, under the firm name of 'McCracken & Semple. Work began in the latter part of May, 1890, and on Jan- uary 24, 1891, the track was completed to Silver street, Akron. The right of way in Akron l)egins at Old Forge, runs along the old P. & O. canal, almost to Summit street, crosses over to the north side of the water w^ay, crosses North High street and North Main street, striking North Howard street at the old Beebe property, thence across North Howard street by bridge, spanning the valley of the Ohio canal w^ith an immense trestle, then striking the north brow of West Hill, out to Silver street, and thence on to Coplej^. From Copley the line goes to Medina, and then on to Greenwich, New^ London and Plymouth. Trains began running from Akron west, early in the Spring of 1891. The principal offices are in this city, for the present in the old brick homestead of the Beebe family, the company purchasing that property. C. W. Risley is superintendent and auditor, and W. S. Taylor, general freight and passenger agent. The depot is to be on the west side on North Main street, just east of the Beebe property. For the present the P., A. & W. runs no farther than Akron. The capture of the Pittsburg & Western by the B. & O. dashed the calculations of the P., A. &. W. Company, which had expected to get to l^ittsburg over the P. & W., while the B. &c O. lease made (V3H AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the p. &c W. the eastern connection at Akron, of the Akron, & Chicago Junction, the Pittsburg, Akron & Western's rival. Plans are being laid, hoAvever, by which the P., A. & W. will get an eastern outlet. Surveys have been made from Akron to Moga- dore, from which place it is proposed to build to Youngstown. Here the Pittsburg & Lake Erie will be connected with, and access afforded to Pittsburg. Thence New York can be reached by way of the Philadelphia & Eastern New York, and the Dela- ware, Lackawanna & Western. At Delphos the P., A. & W. connects with the P., Ft. W. «& C. Koad and the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City ("Clover Leaf"). With the latter it has close working relations, enabling it to reach St. Louis, Kansas City and other w^estern points. AKRON & CHICAGO JUNCTION. In the Summer of 1890, Akron w^as headquarters for two rail- road construction companies. They were rivals, too, each giving out that it was to build the long expected east and west link. One of these companies w^as McCracken & Semple, building the P., A. & W., as sketched above. The other was Ryan & McDonald, who had under contract the building of what w^as called the Akron & Chicago Junction Railroad. Each of these roads depended upon getting the P. & W. as an eastern outlet. Each affirmed that the other would never be built; but each went so far in its operations that when Fall came there were tv^^o lines well under way, and in the Spring of 1891, both ^vere practically done, giving two links w^here but one was needed. The Akron & Chicago Junction Railway Company, which w^as understood from the beginning to be an arm of the B. & O., w^as incorporated at Columbus early in the Summer of 1890. W^il- liam Thornburg, who had been general manager of the Valley, was, after its acquisition by the B. & O., elected president ; J. T. Johnson, superintendent; and Henry M. Keim, auditor. Head- quarters were established at Cleveland. The surveyed lines started at Chicago Junction, in Huron county, on the B, & O., and went east by way of Greenwich, Lodi, Creston, Sterling, Rittman, Barberton and New Portage to Akron, making seventy-five miles of, for the most part, straight road. On July 1, 1891, the line was finished from Chicago Junction to Warwick, on the C, A. & C. Negotiations had meantime been made w^ith the C, A. & C. for right of way alongside the latter's track from Warwick to Akron; and pending construction of the Warwick- Akron part, an arrange- ment w^as made to run over the C, A. & C, betw^een Warw^ick and Akron. The Akron & Chicago Junction is kno^vn as the Akron Divis- ion of the B. &c O. Trains began running on August 10, 1891, and on that date Akron took on a new importance as a pivotal point on a great east and west trunk line. The royal blue trains over the B. & O., out of New York, run through this city, and all the fast freight trains carrying New York and Chicago freight. Akron thus became, also, the connecting point for B. & O. passenger traffic from Cleveland to Chicago, coming over the Valley. The route from Cleveland to Chicago, by Valley, Chicago Junction and main B. & O. is ohlj^ thirteen miles longer than over the Lake Shore. AKRON AS A RAILROAD CENTER. 639 An important part of the B. & O's plans, that had Akron for their point of gravitation, -was the acquisition of the Pittsburg & Western. This took place in the fall of 1890. The B. & O. interest had been for some time largely represented among the P. & W. stockholders, and at the time indicated, enough more stock was secured to put the B. & O. in control. Harry Oliver remained for some time president of the P. & W,, but J. \V. Patton, of the B. «& O., Avas made general manager. This stroke was the sensation of a month in railroad circles, as it gave the B. & O. the desideratum of years, a direct line westw^ard from Pittsburg. The connection of P. & W. and A. & C. J. tracks, and of Valley tracks with both, was made at Old Forge, w^hich thus became a most important transferring point. RAILROADS A PUBLIC BENEFACTION. Other important lines to pass through Summit county are being talked up, but as yet nothing can be said of them. The large list already given — the completed and uncompleted — shows that during the past half century, the people of Akron and of Sum- mit county have been fully alive to the value of the railroad in all matters of human enterprise and social progress. Though fev/ of the local promoters of any of the roads named have ever directly realized a penny upon the money thus invested, all, individually and collectively, have been vastly benefited by their construction. Without our railroads, and the speedy mode of transportation afforded thereby, Akron would have remained the little water-poAver village of less than 2,000 inhabitants that it >vas forty years ago — if it had not retrograded — instead of the magnificent manufacturing and commercial city of 30,000 souls that it is to-day ; w^hile the farm lands of the county, instead of commanding from $75 to $300 per acre as they now^ do, would have been, like the most of the lands of the non-railroad counties of the State, unremunerative and almost unsaleable at any price. CHAPTER XXVII. THE TOWNvSHIP OF BATH— EAKLY SETTLEMENT— INDIANS AND WILD BEASTS THE WAR OF 1812 — PEKRY'S VICTORY ON LAKE ERIE ORGANIZATION, NAME, ETC. — MANUFACTURES— GHENT AS A RAILROAD CENTER EARLY AND MODERN CROOKEDNESS -LATTA'S TAVERN— PROPRIETOR IN LIMBO- FORFEITS HIS BAIL- vSKIPS TO INDIANA BROUGHT BACK ON THE AFFI- DAVIT OF HIS FORMER CAPTAIN "JIM" BROWN — FINAL ACQUITTAL— BATH IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION— FN COUNTY AND STATE AFFAIRS, ETC. BATH TOWNSHIP— TOPOGRAPHY, ETC. 'T'HE Tow^nship of Bath, topographically considered, is far less -*- attractive to the average agriculturist than the majority of the townships of Summit county. The eastern portion of the township, overhanging, and extending down into, the valley of the Cuyahoga river, is largely composed of precipitous hills and deep gullies, though occasional w^ell-tilled farms are found on the broader plateaus of the bluffs, and in the intervening valleys. The central and w^estern portion of the tow^nship, however, is^ well adapted to general agriculture, and especially to stock-growl- ing, some of the finest cattle, sheep, etc., in the county being found in that vicinity. WATER POWER, MANUFACTURES, ETC. About one mile south of the geographical center of the town- ship, running from w^est to east, is a considerable stream of water called " Yellow Creek," which, passing under the Ohio Canal, empties into the Cuyahoga river, at w^hat w^as formerly known as Yellow Creek Basin; afterwards, for many years, as the village of Niles, and now, as a station for the Valley Railway, called Botzum. In the original building of the canal, there was no berme-bank at this point, the waters of the creek covering quite a large area upon the w^est side ; and hence its original name. Yellow Creek Basin. This stream, rising in the adjoining township of Granger, on the w^est, and having quite a number of smart tributaries, on either hand, as it passes through the township, with quite a rapid descent^ has furnished a large amount of motive power for manufacturings operations, both at, and above and below^, the village of Ghent,, consisting of grist and merchant flouring mills, saw mills, woolen mills, planing, turning and bending mills, hub, spoke and felloe factories, etc., a number of w^hich establishments, in spite of the vicissitudes of time, fires, floods and other disasters, are still in successful operation. BATHS PIONEER SETTLERS. It is not now^ know^n as to precisely when the first white people took up their abode in what is now^ the towmship of Bath. It wia& not ceded by the Indians to the United States until 1805, at the treaty of Fort Industr3^ The township was surveyed into lots by Col. Kial McArthur, in 18()o, who, in his field-l)ook, gave it the BATH vS JJKCIINNING. 641 name of " Wheal field," the reason win' not hein^ now apparent, as its topography and soil are not especially adapted to the raising of w^heat. The first two permanent settlers in the townsliip were Jonathan Hale, of Glastenhur}-, and Jason Hammond, of ISolton, Connecticut. In June, 1810, these gentlemen, having exchanged their Old Connecticut property with Ezekiel Williams and Thomas Bull, of Hartford, two of the original proprietors of the township, immediately started for their new possessions in what was then called New Connecticut, where they arrived sometime in July ; from twenty to thirty days then being required to make the journey that can no\v be accomplished in about half as nlany hours. JONATHAN HALE, -Born in Glas- I tenbxiry, Conn., April 23, 1777; mar- ried to Mercy S. Piper. July 11, 1802; moved to Ohio 1810, Mr. Hale, by two-horse team, starting alone, June 12, and reaching' his purchase in what is now Bath, July 13, being the first bona fide settler in that town- ship, though a squatter named Miller had built a cabin and made some improvements upon his land, for which Mr. Hale, on taking posses- sion, duly paid hiin; Mr. Hale's fam- ily coming on with Mr. Jason Ham- inond and famil}^ later the same sea- son. In the War of 1812, both Mr. Hale and Mr. Hammond were drafted, but owing to the exposure of their families to Indian depredations, were permitted to return home. On organ- ization of township, in 1818, it was named Bath, at Mr. Hale's suggest- ion. Mrs. Hale died October 16, 1829, leaving six children — Sophronia, William, Pamela, Andrew, Abigail and James M., the latter only, now 76 years of age, surviving, and residing- in Akron. Mr. Hale was again luar- ried, Nov. 2, 1830, to Mrs. Sarah Cozad Mather, a widow with three children — George Mather, now living in Men- tor ; Jane, now, as widow of her step- brother, Andrew Hale, living on the old homestead, and Betsey, now Mrs. JONATHAN HALE. Rogers, of Mt. Dora, Florida. The second Mrs. Hale bore her husband three children — Jonathan D., Mercy A. and Samuel C, the latter, a resi- dent of Cleveland, only, now surviv- ing. Mr. Hale died May 14, 1854, aged 77 years and 21 days, his remains reposing in the little cemetery upon the old homestead. Mr. Hammond's purchase consisted of lots 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, extending from the north and south center road eastward to the township line, building for himself a house at or near what is now^ known as Hammond's Corners ; hence the name. Mr. Hale's pur- chase consisted of lots 11, 12, 13 and part of 14, immediately north of, but not running so far west as Mr. Hammond's ; Mr. Hale locating in the valley, about one mile west of the river. THERE WERE SQUATTERS IN THOSE DAYS. From the most reliable sources available, it is probable that Messrs. Hale and Hammond were preceded by Moses Latta, Aaron Miller, Hezekiah Burdit, Gibson Gates, and Moses and Aaron Decker, who had located themselves in the township as squatters, 41 642 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. most of them, probabl}^, the previous year; Aaron Miller having built a cabin upon the purchase of Mr. Hale, and into which Mr. Hale moved with his family, residing therein for several years, and until the present brick structure now occupied b}^ his grandson, Mr. C. O. Hale, was erected. Moses Latta squatted on a lot upon the Smith road, a short distance east of what was afterwards for many years known as Latta's Corners — so named from the some- Avhat notorious Latta's tavern, erected, and for many years kept by William Latta (presumably a son of Moses) — afterwards as Ellis's Corners and now called Montrose. WILLIAM HALE, Eldest son of Jonathan Hale, born in Glasten- bury. Conn., July 5, 1806, came with parents to Bath in 1810, where, on a portion of the old homestead, he resided until his death, January 24, 1862, excepting- the years 1856, '57, '58, '59 and '60. spent in Hudson. November 13, 1828, Mr. Hale was married, to Miss Sally C. Upson, of Tallinadge, who died June 25, 1829. For his second Av^ife Mr. Hale married Miss Harriet Carlton, an orphan whose father was killed in the War of 1812, and whose mother died when she was born, who was raised by her aunt, Mrs. Sarah Cozad Mather, then the stepmother of Mr. Hale. Five children were born to them— Sarah C. Lucy E., Othello W., Olivia H. and Josephine H., Othello, onl}', now living*, in his 51st year. Mrs. Hale dying- August 7, 1854, Mr. Hale was ag-ain married, Feb- ruary 15, 1855, to Miss Adeline R. Thompson, of Peninsula, who bore him three children — Herbert T. (deceased), William B., now of St. Paul, Minn., and Harriet A., now with her mother at Oberlin, Ohio. At his death, as above stated, Mr. Hale WILLIA.M HALK. was aged 51 jears, 6 months and 19 days. He was a man of sterling- integrity, a conscientious christian and highl}- respected by all who knew him. THE WAR OF 1812- PERRY'S VICTORY, ETC. Though not so rapidly settled as many of the contiguous townships, " Wheatfield," or as it had then come to be called, "Hammondsburgh," is said to have furnished quite a number of soldiers for the defense of the frontier against the combined forces of the "Red-coats" and "Red-skins" in the War of 1812, but whose names cannot now^ be ascertained. There are many yet living w^ho distinctly heard the cannonading during the memorable battle on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813, in which Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, with his comparatively small squad- ron of hastily constructed and meagerly equipped ves- sels, carrying but 55 guns and 490 officers and men, won such a splendid victory over the British fleet of 65 guns and 502 officers and men, thus establishing the supremacy of America on the Lakes, causing the immediate evacuation of Detroit by the British forces, and very materially hastening the close of the war, in favor of the stars and stripes. It is said that the people of Bath very materially aided the authorities in the THK BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 643 construction of two boats — which were built at Old Portage in the Sumnier of 1813, and which, being floated dow^n the Cuyahoga riv^er to Lake Erie, formed a portion of Perry's fleet in the above- named naval engagement. Of this, however, there is now no positive evidence available; but as it is undoubtedly true that sev- !. Hale, announcing Jonathan Hale as a trustee, and Jason Ham- mond as supervisor. At this first regular "Town Meeting," as, following the good old New England custom, local elections were called, the question of a permanent name for the township was considered. As before stated, by reason of the Hammond element and influence, the original name of " Wheatfield " had gradually- been superseded by that of "Hammondsburgh." This was dis- tasteful to many, both on account of its length, and on personal grounds, and quite a number of other names were mooted and urged with considerable spirit, until Mr. Jonathan Hale, really the first regular settler in the township, getting out of patience, and being a little waggish, withal, exclaimed: "O, call it Jeru- salem, Jericho, Bath, or anything but Hammondsburgh !" A motion was thereupon immediately made to call it Bath, w^hich was carried by a large majority, and Bath it has remained«to the present day, and is, alphabetically, the leading township of the county, being first upon the roll-call at all political and other con- ventions of Summit county. BATH IN COUNTY AND STATE AFFAIRS. The industrial, commercial, educational and religious history of Bath, has already been pretty fully written up by others, and may very properly be passed in this series of papers, w^ith the remark that in point of agricultural achievements, manufacturing enterprises, and educational and moral worth, Bath stands fully at par with the average of the townships of Summit county, though in the remote past subjected to certain malign influences tending to somewhat becloud her fair fame and name, to be more fully alluded to hereafter. In county and State affairs Bath has had a fair representation, indeed, as follows: Peter Voris, in 1843, was elected county surveyor, the duties of which important office he successfully performed for one full term of three years. In 1847 Mr. Voris was chosen as one of the two representatives Summit county was that year entitled to in the State Legislature, and, in connection with his colleague, Capt. Amos Seward, of Tallmadge, served his constituents thoroughly and w^ell. In the Spring of 1850 Mr. Voris was, by Governor Seabury Ford, appointed associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas, to fill the v^acancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Samuel A. Wheeler, of Akron, which office he held until the taking effect of the new constitution, in February, 1852. Under the new constitution Summit county's first probate judge was Charles G. Ladd, brother-in-law and law-partner of the late L. V. Bierce, elected in October, 1851. Judge Ladd being taken sick, between the election and the time fixed by law for entering upon the duties of his office, Alvin C. Voris, son of Judge Voris, of Bath, was appointed deputy clerk by Judge Ladd, and organized and very acceptably performed the Probate business of the county until the date of Judge Ladd's death in August, 1852, having pre- viously served as deputy county clerk for about two years. Roland O. Hammoxo, a native of Bath, though then residing in Akron, on the death of Judge Ladd, in August, 1852, was appointed by Gov. Reuben Wood to fill the vacancy until the ensu- ing election in October, making a very prompt and remarkably 646 AKKON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. efficient officer during his brief incumbency. Mr. Hammond also- officiated as postmaster of Akron for four years, under the admin- istration of President James Buchanan. JOHN McFARLIN —born in Bristol. J Ontario county, N. Y., July 27. 1805 ; came to Ohio with parents when a bo3% settling in Sharon ; edu- cation limited ; married to Miss Azubah Lowe, born in Canandaigua, N. Y., August 2, 1812, and settled on farm on west line of Bath, about 1830, live children having- been born to them — Anthony, Adeline, Emily Eliza, Jane and Harriet, the former only now surviving, and now occupy- ing the.old family homstead. Mrs. McFarlin dying . October 11, 1862, Mr. M. was again married, to Miss Elsie A. Codding, of Granger, Octo- ber 13, 1863, who bore him one child, Jessie E., born February 20, 1865, and died March 21, 1869. Mr. McFarlin died September 14, 1877, aged 72 years, 1 month and 17 days, Mrs. McFarlin now residingin Medina. Mr. McFarlin was a thrifty farmer and public- spirited citizen, having been a justice of the peace for many years, and twice elected by the people of his county to the responsible office of county commissioner — first in 1858, serving three years, and again in 1864:; during his second term of three 5'ears, amid much opposition, join- ing heartily with the other mem- JOHN M'FARLIN. bers of the Board in the erection of the present elegant and extensive Infirmary buildings, which are at once a credit to the county and their projectors. John McFarlin, one of the pioneers and most substantial citi- zens of Bath, served as county commissioner from 1858 to 1861,. and again from 1864 to 1867, six years in all. Alvin C. Voris, in 1859, though then permanently located in Akron, was elected, in connection with Jud'ge Sylvester H. Thomp- son, of Hudson, to represent Summit county in the State Legis- lature, holding that office two years. In 1861, that gentleman entered the army as lieutenant colonel, of the 67th Regiment, O, V. I., which he personally recruited, serving through the war,, and w^inning for himself the title of Brevet Major General of Vol- unteers. This whilom Bath boy was also a member of the Con- stitutional Convention of 1873, in the deliberations of which he bore a conspicuous and honorable part. In November, 1890, Gen. Voris was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Sum- mit, Medina and Lorain counties, which position he is now al)ly . filling. GrenvIlle Thorp, one of Bath's brave soldier boys, who lost an arm in the service, was elected recorder of Summit county, October, 1870, for three years, but died before the expiration of his term, in February, 1872. Hiram H. Mack, of Bath, ably represented his county in tlie State Legislature from 1873 to 1875, and again from 1877 to 1879. J. Park Alexander, born, reared and educated in Bath town- ship, besides long service as member and president of the city BATH S ROLL OF HONOR. e47 council of Akron, ably served ihe people of Suniniit county as their representative in the State I^egislature from January 1, 1882, to January 1, 1884, and as State senator from the Summit-Portage- Geauga-Ashtabula district, from 1887 to 1891. Sumner Nash, of Bath, besides his honorable war record, faithfully and efficiently served the people as clerk of courts six years, from 1879 to 1885, while Othello W. Hale, another Bath boy, "held the fort" in the clerk's office, not only as Clerk Nash's deputy for six years, but also as princiipal from February, 1885 to February, 1891, six years. Charles Oviatt Hale, as this chapter goes to pres-s (October, 1891), is the regular Republican nominee for representative to the State Legislature, to which position he will undoubtedl}' be elected. pHARLES OVIATT HALE, — son ^ of Andrew and Jane (Mather) Hale ; was born in Bath, March 14, 1850, on the farm upon which his grandfather, Jonathan Hale, the first bona-fide inhabitant of that town- ship, settled in 1810, of which farm, consisting- of 200 finely kept and cul- tivated acres, he is now, by inherit- ance and purchase from other heirs, the sole owner, and entirelj^ free from debt ; besides attendance upon the schools of the neighborhood, Mr. Hale attended the preparatorj- school in Oberlin, commercial college, etc., two or three winters, and two winters at Hudson ; an extensive reader, and thoroughly posted in public affairs, as well as an earnest Republican, Mr. Hale has never missed voting- at a State or National election since attaining his majority, though living four miles from polling place, and very rarely, if ever, absent from party caucuses, and has probably repre- sented his township in more county conventions than any other man of his age in the county ; has officiated three j^ears as township trustee and several years as school director, and is now (October 1891) the duly nominated candidate of hie CHAKLKS OVIATT HALK. party for Representative to the State Legislature for Summit countj-. May 20, 1875, Mr. Hale was married 'to Miss Pauline Cranx, of Bath, previously, for five jears, a teacher in Akron public schools. They have no chil- dren. BATH'S MILITARY RECORD. Besides doing her full duty in defense of the frontier, in the War of 1812, in proportion to the meagerness of her population, Bath is said to have furnished quite a number of soldiers for the Mexican War of 1846-48, but whose names and records are not now ascertainable, though the quite general sentiment of this section of Ohio against the justice of that war was not conducive to patri- otic ardor nor military enlistments. In the War of the Rebellion, also, Bath was fully abreast with her sister townships of the county, in her allegiance to the old flag, as the foUow^ing substantially accurate roster, compiled from the assessors' returns of 1863, '64, '65, and the recollection of Messrs. P. H. Alexander, Sumner and Thomas W. Nash and others, abun- dantly demonstrates: 648 AKKOX AMJ SLMMIT COUXTV. Perrj^ H. Alexander, Nathaniel Averill, Benjatiiin Allnian, Byron Albro, Edward Baird, Jacob Buck, Lester Bruno, Edward Bishop, John M. Bissell, Ebenezer Baird, Ebenezer Bissell, Rich- mond Bissell (died in service), George A. Bisbee, Henry Bruno, R. N. Brinsley, Thomas Barne3% John Cox (died in Anderson- ville prison), David Castetter, John Carver (died in service), Orlen Capron, Alfred Capron, Henry Cover, Ira Capron, Theo- dore Craig, David Conrad, John Davis, Thomas Davis (killed in battle), William Davis, Jr., Willard Dennison (died in service), George D. J)amon, Cassius Evans, James L. Ferguson, Arthurton H. Farnam, Reuben Farnam, Darwin Farnam, Orrin C. Fields, Edward Foley, Everett Foster, Lewis Harris (killed in battle), John S. Harris, Lyman Hale, Merchant S. Hurd, Harvey Hopkins, George Harris (lost on Sultana), Reuben Hickox, Smith Hancock, Othello W. Hale, Samuel Hale, George Hines, Henry Ingraham, Wesley Johnson (died in service), Chipman Johnson, Philetus Johnson, Andrew Johnson, William Johnson, David B. Kittinger, Charles H. King, Calvin Kent, William Lutz, Noah Lenhart, Will- iam Long, William H, Liggett (died in service), Benjamin F*. Lee (killed in battle), Charles Loomis (died in service), Henry Mack, Isaac Miller, Luther A. Miller, Henry Morrill, Roswell More, John R. More, Perry S. Moore, Samuel Marshall, Lester Moore, Thomas W. Nash, Sumner Nash, Dr. E. K. Nash, Joseph Pierson (died in service), Silas Payne, Lorin L. Porter, Harmon Prior, Russell Phil- lips, James Pierson (died in Andersonville prison), Elisha Pursell, Galen Richmond, James Randall, Charles Robinson (killed in battle), Ciiarl'^s Richmond, Norman Salisbury (died in service), F'ranklin J. Smith. James Stanbridge, Joseph Scanlin, Adam Stoner, Philenus Smith, William Stoton, William H. Spears> Ephraim Sutton, Williatn Sherman, Richmond Shaw, John Spears, Thomas G. Trembath, Edward Te\vksbury (see also Copley), Gren- ville Thorp, H. Thompson, James Turner, Robert Volentine, Peter White, George W. Worden (died in service), W. W. Williamson, S. A. Waite, George H. Youells, Adam Zealy, Jacob Zimmerman. BATH AS A RAILROAD CENTER. In 1833, the Clinton Line Extension Railroad, from Hudson to Tiffin, was organized, with Prof. Henry N. Day, of Hudson presi- dent, and Hon. Van R. Humphrey as one of the directors. From Hudson the line extended southwesterly through Northampton and Bath, crossing the Cuyahoga Valle}'^ near the residence of the late James R. Brown, in Northampton, and running up the Yellow Cre»ek valle3s through the township of Bath. About $7(),01X) were expended in grading the road between Husdon and Ghent, a large quantity of stone for bridging the creek flowing into Yellow Creek from the north, were hauled upon the ground. Quite a business boom, in fact; was created in and about Ghent; manufactures Avere stimulated, stores multiplied, hotels flourished, etc.; the northernmost of the two hotels, then existing there, near w^here the road was laid, being rechristened the " Railroad House." But alack! and alas! for the metropolitan hopes of the confid- ing Ghentites, and the local subscribers to the capital stock. In 1856, the bottom fell out of the Clinton Line Extension, and the various other "lines" that were to form the Great Through Line bath's moral status. (549 loetween Philadelphia and Council Bluffs, and the work was never completed. But amid the multiplicity of surveys now being made (1891), and new roads now being projected, it is not improbable that the early hopes of the good people of Bath, as a railroad center, may yet, ere long, be realized. EARLY CROOKEDNESS— WILLIAM LATTA. ETC. In its early history, the fair reputation of Bath was somewhat smirched by the depredations of the gang of " crooks," whose princi- pal theater of operations was in the valley of the Cuyahoga, upon its eastern border. The labj'rinthine and heavily timbered hills and gullies of the eastern portion of the township were admirably adapted to clandestine mintage and banking, and the concealment of horses, sheep, and such other animals or property, as it might be deemed advisable to place in hiding. In the southern central part of the township, also, L,atta's Tav- ern w^as one of the chief resorts and marts of the fraternity, its proprietor, William Latta, being one of the principal lieutenants of the "great captain," w^hose biography will be found in full in another chapter of this history. This man, Latta, w^as a fine speci- men of phj^sical manhood, tall, w^ell-proportioned, pleasant featured and, though of quite a limited education, was singularly urbane and persuasive in his manners and conversation, always su- perbly dressed, with ruffle-shirt front, gold watch, elaborate fob- chain, seals, etc. Beside the regular traveling custom of the time, this house was well "patronized" by the most influential members of the fraternity, alwaj^s well dressed and w^ith plenty of money which was liberally dispensed in the way of "treats" to the local frequenters of the hotel. It is, perhaps, scarcely to be wondered at, that many of the really honest, and hard-working, but illy remu- nerated, 3^eomanry of the neighborhood, should have yielded to the blandishments of these seeming gentlemen, or to have been drawn into their nefarious schemes and practices. Hence, w^hen a united effort was made, by the authorities of Portage, Medina and Cuyahoga counties, in the middle and later thirties, to break up the gang, it is not at all singular, that quite a large num- ber of the citizens of Bath should have been seriously implicated. It is but justice to the township, however, to say, that in consider- ation of their having been the victims of malign and adverse influences, rather than inherentl}-^ dishonest, and of the valuable information imparted to the officers in regard to the leaders of the gang, the most of those who had been taken into custody, or placed under surveillance, were not proceeded against, and thenceforth led honora])le lives in the several communities where they resided. A MIDNIGHT ADVENTURE. Of course, there w^ere exceptions to this rule, in w^hich the evil-doers were either brought to merited punishment or driven out of the State, and even at a later date some very serious offenses were perpetrated and the w^rong-doers duly punished or forced to leav^e the neighborhood. But ever, and alw^ays, the majority of the early inhabitants of Bath were honest, and ready toco-operate Avith tlie authorities in the detection and punishment of crime. Without disparagement to others, among the most active, in this direction, were Mr. Peter Voris (father of judge A. C. 650 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Voris) and Mr. John Alexander (father of Hon. J. Park Alexander), Many laughable, as well as perilous, incidents might be men- tioned, did space permit, but this one must suffice. In endeavor- ing to trace a stolen horse, which was supposed to be temporarily- concealed in the jungles of Eastern Bath, Marshal Mills procured the assistance of Mr. Alexander, whom he stationed at the ford near Yellow Creek basin, while Mills himself kept guard over the ford at Old Portage. About midnight two men, riding one horse, approached the lower ford, and were requested by Mr. Alexander, to set him across the river. Refusing to do so, with many oaths and abusive epithets, Mr. Alexander seized the rein of the bridle, whereupon the fellow in the rear slipped off the horse, on the opposite side, and ran into the bushes. The other one started to JOHN ALEXANDER, JR.,~born in J Washing-ton county. Pa., Novem- ber 18, 179^) ; common school educa- tion ; raised a farmer; married, Sep- tember 16, 1828, to Miss Mary Scott ; came to Ohio in February. 1831, set- tling- on a farm near the southeast corner of Bath township, among the few permanent residents of the town- ship, at that time, being the Hales, the Hammonds, the N ashes, the Bald- w^ins, the Millers, and later. Peter Voris, with his large family of iiojs, including Judge Alvin Voris, now of Akron. Mr. Alexander was a man of great energy and courage, largely aiding the authorities in breaking up the strong and influential gang of counterfeiters and horse thieves then infesting the valley of the Cuyahoga , fully written of elsewhere, and though often warned that if he did not leave the township he would be killed, he lived to see the disreputable gang entirely eliminated from the valley. He was an earnest supporter of the church, the school and all pub- lic improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander were the parents of seven children— David S., born July 7, 1829, died November 17, 1890; Joseph H., born March 11, 1832, now residing in Kansas ; John Park, whose portrait and bio^aphy are given elsewhere; ft JOHN ALEXANDER, JR. and William G., of Toledo, born November 12, 1839, the other three dying in infancy. Mr. Alexander died September 25, 1855, at the age of 55 3'ears, 10 months and 7 days ; Mrs. Alexander, born February 14, 1799, dying June 29, 1878, aged 79 years, 4 months and 15 days. follow, w^hen Alexander, stepping quickly to the other side of the horse, caught him as he struck the ground,. In the tussle which ensued, Alexander finally settled his man by a few vigorous blows upon the head with a solid hickory cane w^hich he carried. Being obliged, in the melee, to release his hold upon the bridle, the horse started back tow^ards the Basin, and Mr. Alexander went in pur- suit of it. Having secured his horse he returned to gather up his prisoner, but found him non est'. Alexander then mounted the horse and joined Mills at the upper ford, whereupon the two reconnoitred the river and canal as far north as Johnnj" Cake Lock, which they reached just at day light. Suspecting that one or both of the men which Mr. Alexander had encountered, might be secreted about the grocery kept at that point, a search of the ROUTIX(; OUT THE "CROOKS." 651 premises was made, and a fellow was fished out of the loft w^ith a "bunged" eye and a freshly bruised head. Though protesting that he had got hurt by being squeezed between a boat and the lock, the evening before, he was taken into custody and lodged in jail. The captured horse, though not the one they were in pursuit of, proved to have been stolen from a neighboring county, and the man thus curiously arrested proved to.be the thief, and was duly convicted and sent to the penitentiary. WILLIAM LATTA IN LIMBO. Though then a resident of Medina county, the grand jury of Portage county, at the January term, 1834, through the efforts of Prosecuting Attorney Lucius V. Bierce, found a bill of indictment against Latta on the charge of counterfeiting, or of having coun- terfeit money in his possession with intent to pass the same. To this indictment Latta entered a plea of not guilty, and gave bail in the sum of $1,000 for his appearance at the March term of court, to answ^er to said charge. Latta Forfeits His Bail. — At the March term, on his case being called, Latta failed to appear, and his bail was duly declared forfeited. On investigation it was found that Latta had disposed of his interests at the Corners, closed up his business affairs, and skipped to parts unknown. Though as diligent inquiries as the condition of the country, and the facilities then in vogue, w^ould admit of, were instituted, no trace of him could be found, though in the latter part of 1837, after the arrest of Col. William Ashley, as elsewhere stated, Latta clandestinely visited Boston, and recov- ered that portion of the "assets" of the firm of Latta, Holmes & Ashley, that w^ere not found by the authorities, when the latter w^as arrested. These "assets" consisted of counterfeit plates as follows: One $50 plate on the Mechanics' Bank of New York; two $10's on the United States Bank, letters H. & G.; one $2, on the Bank of Newport, R. I.; $1, $2, $3, $5, $10, and $50, on the Bank of Toronto, together with some $40,000 of Toronto bills. Latta Again in the Toils. — In 1838, after Ashley's conviction and incarceration in the penitentiary, as elsewhere detailed, and w^hile the great "generalissimo" of the fraternity, "Jim" Brown, was under $10,000 bonds in Medina county, $9,00() in Portage county, and $1,000 in Cuyahoga county ($20,0(X) in all), on similar charges, the latter (whether in the interest of public justice, or to "curry favor" with the officers, deponent sayeth not), gave Latta away, informing the authorities of his whereabouts, and deposing, before Justice Jacob Brown, to having seen the two $10 United States plates in Latta's possession, and of Latta's telling him, ^vhile in Boston, that he also had the other plates and the money above spoken of. On this affidavit, a warrant \^as issued, and Constable Warren H. Smith (brother of the late L. N. Smith), following the clue given by Brow^n, w^ent to Indiana, secured Latta's arrest, and, as he was unw^illing to come to Ohio w^ithout a requisition, lodged hitn in jail, and returned home to procure one. This, it should be remembered, was before there were any railroads or telegraph facilities here, as no>v. Latta's Extradition to Ohio. — Deputy United States Marshal, Ithiel Mills, Esq., immediately, on Smith's return, went by stage to ^52 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Columbus, and, securing a requisition, proceeded b}'^ stage to Indian- apolis, where he obtained, from the Governor of that State, a warrant for Latta's extradition to Ohio. On his arrival at the place where Constable Smith had left him, however, Mills found that his bird had flown, having been released from jail under a writ of habeas corpus. Anticipating another visit from the Ohio officer, Latta w^ent into concealment, but by a little strategy, Mills succeeded in tracing him to his lair, and bringing him safely to Akron. Here, on the testimony of " Jim " Brow^n, Justice Jacob Bro^vn held Latta to bail in the sum of $15,000, in default of which he Avas committed to jail, at Ravenna. This was the latter part of August, 1838. On the same testimony, the grand jury of Portage county- found a bill of indictment against Latta, but, under one pretext or another, the trial w^as postponed until the September term of court, 1839. Latta Again at IvIBERty. — In the meantime, as w^ill be seen by a perusal of the chapter pertaining to that gentleman, "Jim" Brow^n, had so succeeded in ">vorking" the witness against him, as to be beyond immediate danger. Latta's case w^as called, a jury empanelled and the preliminary^ statements of counsel made in due form. Brown, the principal witness for the State, being called to the stand, to the great surprise of the officers who had so inde- fatigably worked up the case, peremptorily declined to ansvirerany questions touching the accused, on the ground that doing so would tend to criminate himself. This ended the trial and Latta was accordingly set at liberty. The former charge, in which his bail had been forfeited, having meantime been noUied, Latta imme- diatel}^ disappeared, and so far as the Avriter is aware, was never again seen in this vicinity, but was for many years thereafter reputed to be pursuing the same dark and devious ways, so char- acteristic of him here, in the State of Indiana. EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, ETC. Though not maintaining any academical or so-called high schools within her borders, the educational facilities of Bath, ^\ath a full complement of snug and well-equipped district school build- ings, have alvt^a^^s been exceptionally good. In religious matters, the Presbyterians for many years maintained a house of worship at the center of the town, and the Methodists at Hammond's Cor- ners, her people also having ready access to the United Brethren ^'Centennial" Church, on the Richfield line' upon the north, the Disciple Church on the Granger line upon the west, and the United Brethren Church at Montrose upon the south, her people at the present time being among the most intelligent and moral on the Western Reserve; maintaining, also, a most flourishing Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, now such a potent factor in promoting the intellectual, social and material interests of the peo- ple of the rural districts of the country. RETROGRADE IN POPULATION. During the first twenty-five or thirty years after the first settle- ment in Bath began, its growth in population was steady and comparatively rapid, so that in 1840 its population was 1,425. For POPULATION — OFFICIAL ROSTER, ETC. 653 the past twenty-five or thirty years, ho\\rever,o>ving to the changed conditions of doing business — merging the small industries of the villages and country places in the larger establishments in the cities, and the irltroduction of agricultural labor-saving machinery, by w^hich less human muscle is needed to accomplish the same results as formerly upon the farm — to say nothing about that formerly expended in the clearing of their lands — the population of most of the townships of the Reserve has materially receded, the decennial enumeration for 1890 giving to Bath a population of 990 souls only, a falling off of 435 in 50 years. Present Official Roster (1891). — Trustees, John Hershey, A. W. Shade, Robert Y. Robinson; Clerk, George Youells; Treasurer, William H. Spears; Justices of the Peace, Henry Pardee, William Davis; Postmasters, Bath (at Hammond's Corners), Siegel B.. Whitcraft; Ghent, Otis R. Hershey; Montrose, Samuel Briggs. CHAPTER XXVIII. BOSTON TOWxVSHIP—EARLY SETTLEMENT— ORGANIZATION, NAME, ETC.— PIO- NEER INCIDENT AND EXPERIENCE— THE INDIAN'S PARADISE— MANUFAC- TURING RE.SOURCES— MILITARY PROWESS— BOSTON IN COUNTY AND STATE AFFAIRS — COUNTERFEITING HEADQUARTERS — THE GANG BROKEN UP — "COL." WILLIAM ASHLEY'S ARREST, CONVICTION, IMPRISONMENT AND DEATH— FULL HISTORY OF THE NOTORIOUS "JIM" BROWN— SUBvSEQUENT EXCITING CRIMES, MURDERS, BURGLARIES, ETC. -MODERN BOSTON, MORAL INTELLIGENT, ENTERPRISING. BOSTON'S TOPOGRAPHY. The township of Boston, like most of the tow^ns along the line of the Cuyahoga river through Summit county, is largely broken up into precipitous hills and deep gullies, though beyond these bluffs, on either side, there are some fine farming lands, and occa- sional fertile and tillable areas along the river bottoms. The river is exceedingly tortuous through the entire town- ship, and, a little north and w^est of the geographical center, it makes an abrupt turn to the eastward, and circling around to the north and w^est, enclosing some 18 or 20 acres of rich bottom land, comes back to within about 50 or 60 feet of the point of divergence, whence it again resumes its general northwesterly course to Lake Erie. The Village of Peninsula. — In making this peninsular cir- cuit, there is a fall in the river of nearly eight feet, so that by the erection of a low^ dam on the upper side, and tunneling through the narrow^ neck of land indicated, a fine water powder is secured, w^hich has been utilized for milling purposes for nearly three- quarters of a centur3\ This eccentricity of the river has furnished its very appropriate name for the flourishing village of Peninsula, the principal business center of the township; a dam a short dis- tance higher up the river furnishing a large volume of additional w^ater-pow^er for manufacturing purposes, upon both sides of the river. •In the construction of the Valley Railway, the entire volume of the water of the river has been let through the narrow^ neck of the peninsula, east of the mill. The w^ater pow^er of the mill is considerably improved thereby, w^hile the bottom lands of the peninsula are less liable to overflow in case of freshet. This arrangement also greatly facilitates the operations of the railw^ay, and the making, harvesting and shipping of ice from the old bed of the river, w^liich is amply supplied for that purpose, through a small creek formed bj^ several large springs in the ledges to the eastw^ard. The Ancient Village of Boston. — A mile and a-half further north is the original business point of the township, the village of Boston. Here, too, by means of a substantial darn thrown across the river, its waters have been used for milling purposes since BOSTON S BEGINNING. 605 1821 ; at first upon the west side of the river, but after the con- struction of the Ohio Canal, transferred to the east side; the original improvement of this character in the tow^nship being made here, in the year named, by Capt. Watrous Mather, who afterward, in the early thirties, removed to Akron, erecting a story and a-half frame house on Brown street, which is still standing, and in which he died May 18, 1844, aged 66 years. r^ EORGE STANFORD, - born in ^ Beaver count)% Pa., October 9, 1800 ; came with parents to Warren, O., in 1802. and to Boston in 1800. which township his father, James Stanford, assisted Alfred Wolcott, Sr., in survejuug the year previous, and being the second faniil}- to set- tle in the township, the 196 acre farm on the east bank of the Cuyahog-a river being- now occupied by the grandson of the original proprietor, George C. Stanford, Ksq. George Stanford was married to Catharine Carter, of Boston township, Januar}- 17. 1828, who died December 20, 1872. aged 68 j'ears, having borne him eight children, one or whom onl3% George C, now survives. Mr. George Stanford was a model farmer, ster- ling citizen and a consistent mem- ber of the Methodist church, being- appointed bj^ the people of the town- ship to man}- positions of trust and for six years officiating as justice of the peace. Mr. Stanford died March 7, 188;^, aged 82 years, 4 months and 8 days. George C. Stanford, born April 18, 1839, was married to Miss lyida Wetmore, daughter of William Wetmore, Esq., one of Stow's pioneer GEORGE HTAXFORD. settlers, December 23, 1869. They have three children — Ellen, born February 6, 1871 ; Perkins W., born May 2, 1874 ; Clayton J., born August 4, 1877. George C. was postmaster at Boston from 1875 to 1885. "Johnny Cake" Lock, — Near the south line of the township is quite a hamlet known for many years by -the above "toothsome" and "gustatory" appellation, from these alleged circumstances: A short distance above the lock, at this point, Furnace Run, an incon- sivo positions each; viz: Alfred Wolcott, justice of the peace and fence viewer; Moses Cunningham, justice of the peace and lister; William Beers, clerk and lister; Aaron Miller, trustee and supervisor; a proceeding that, even if lawful, would hardly be sanctioned, in the general scramble for office in these latter days. ■LTRASTUS JACKSON,— born Sep- -L> teniber 16, 1810, in the Province of Upper Canada, 50 miles west of Kingston, reinoving with parents, in infanc}', to Western New York; educated in common schools; minor- ity passed on farm; in Winter of 1831, '32 taug^ht school; in Spring- of 1832 came West, clerking one Summer in store at Boston Village; in the Fall returned to Western New York and engaged in teaching-; in 1837, again came to Boston; clerked in grocery at the "Lock" through the Summer and taught school the first Winter; in Spring of 1838 went into grocery busi- ness for himself, continuing four years; in 1842, started a furnace, which he ran two years; in 1844, in company with Mr. John Cong-er, en- gaged in brick making, supplying brick for the Empire House, and manj^ of the earlier business blocks and private residencefe of Akron. Mr. Cong-er dying- November 30, 1853, Mr. Jackson continued the business for two years in partnership with the two sons of Mr. Conger, when he withdrew and has since been suc- cessfully engaged in farming, having, in June, 1854, married the widow of his former partner, Mrs. Hannah (Beals) Conger, who was born in Goshen, Mass., in 1805. In ERASTUS JACKSON. politics an earlj- Whig-, and later an ardent Republican, besides serving as township clerk five j'ears, justice of the peace twelve years, and treas- urer several years, Mr. Jackson was postmaster of Boston from 1849 to 1853, and postmaster of Peninsula from 1877 to 1885. Pioneer Incident and Experience. — The settlement of the township of Boston, proper, after its separation from Northfield and Richfield, though not remarkably rapid, was steady, so that on the organization of Summit county, in 1840, it numbered, as shown by the census of that year, 845 souls, the census of 1880 giving the population at 1,225, an increase of a trifle over 50 per cent, in 40 years, the census of 1890 show^ing a slight increase, the total population of the township (including Peninsula, 562), being 1,273, a far better showing than the majority of the townships of the county. The first male child born in the township was Andrew J., son of James Stanford, born March 27, 1806; the first female child being the daughter of Alfred Wolcott, Melinda, born April 14, 1807. The first marriage in the township, on the 29th of July, 1812, was William Carter to Elizabeth Mays; the first one to die in the township being Mary Ann Post, daughter of Henry Post, Sr., June 9, 1808. . # 660 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The township is rife with traditions of pioneer incidents and adventures with Indians and wild beasts, both serious and com- ical, too numerous and voluminous to be fully embodied in this Avork. Boston and vicinity \^^as, however, previous to the advent of the whites, a sort of Indian paradise: the bottom lands being- planted to orchards, corn, etc., the hills and gullies abounding in all kinds of game, and the river and smaller streams well stocked with an almost infinite variety of fish. Here, also, were found, by the early white settlers, the remains of Indian villages, dwellings, forts, mounds, burial places, altars, idols, etc., some of which are still visible, while innumerable relics of Indian life, labor and sport, have been gathered up by their pale-faced successors to the aboriginal domain. LEWIS M. Janes,— born in Hart- ford, Conn., Feb. 6, 1798, in early manhood engaged in merchandising- in Central New York and Montreal, Canada ; in the early thirties moved to York, Medina County, Ohio, and about 1834 to Peninsula, where he engaged in the lumber trade. In 1844, Mr. Janes was elected sherrff of Summit county, which office he ably filled two full terms, afterwards offi- ciating as deputy for several of his successors. In 1863, Mr. Janes was elected a justice oi the peace for Portage township, acceptably filling- that position until his death by drowning, on the occasion of the sinking of the propeller Pewabic, on which he and his son Edward P. were passengers, bj^ the steamer Meteor upon Lake Huron, on the night of August 9, 1865. Mrs. Janes, w^hose maiden name was Abby Phil- lips Allen, was an invalid for many years, her death occurring in Akron, October 23, 1847, at the age of 50 years and 15 days. They were the parents of eight children — Thomas Mumford, Martha Cornelia, Frances Henrietta, Mary Mumford (wife of Rev. Abra- LEWIvS M. JANES. ham E. Baldwin), Lewis Frederick^ Elizabeth Louise, Edward Plyiupton and Henry Dwight, the latter, only, surviving, and with his wife and two children residing in Plainfield, N. J. BOSTON'S MILITARY PROWESS. Of Boston's early inhabitants several were well known to have participated in the Revolutionary War of 1776 to 1783, but unfor- tunately their names and records are not noAV available, excepting in the case of Mr. Henry Brown, who served during the entire seven years' struggle, dying in Boston, October 17, 1837, in the 104th year of his age, and Mr. Simeon Tupper, 74, reported as a pensioner by the census of 1840. In the War of 1812, also, Boston took a lively interest, furnishing a number of soldiers for the pro- tection of the frontier, but whose names are not now ascertain- able. In the scrimmage with Mexico, in 1846-48, Boston does not seem to have w^orked up any special enthusiasm, the names of George Paige, wounded at Churubusco, William Mory, who died in the service, Charles Parker and Frank Brannan, only having been handed down as soldiers in that war. boston's military status. 661 But in the War of the Rebellion Boston was " up and fully dressed." Party lines, which had theretofore been tightly drawn — with the Democratic part}^ generally ahead — were obliterated, and the members of that party vied with their Republican neighbors in responding to the several calls for troops during the existence of that bloody struggle, as the complete roster given below abun- dantly demonstrates: PDMUND H. COLE, — Born in J-^ Niagara County, N. Y., in 1824; removed with parents to Ohio in 1832, settling- in Northampton town- ship (near Hawkins' Bridge); edu- •cated in district schools; afterwards engaging in teaching, and later in buying and shipping stock ; in 1856 dissociated himself with Frederick ^nd Thomas Wood, under the firm name of Wood, Cole & Co., in the mercantile business at Peninsula ; in 1863 bought out his partners, suc- cessfully continuing the business until his death, Jan. 11, 1876 ; was married November 15, 1848, to Miss Ann L. Boies, of Peninsula, who bore him four children— Arthur M. and Herbert W., whose portraits and biographies appear elsewhere; Nellie, now wife of Dr.William Boers tier, of Peninsula, and Fred. Hay- den, now a member of the Akron Sil- ver Plate Company. Enterprising and energetic, Mr. Cole took a just pride in forwarding the best interests of his village and county — agricul- tural, educational, etc.— for several years acting as marshal of the Count}^ Fair, and during the war g-iving freely of his time and money EDMUND H. COLE. in securing enlistments, and the pro- motion of the cause of the Union. Mrs. Cole still resides at Peninsula, the three sons all being now enter- prising business men of the citj'' of Akron. BOSTON'S ROLL OF HONOR. Robert L. Andrew, Emanuel R. Andrew, Angelo Andrew, Robert Andrew, Isidore M. Bishop, Levi B. Boody, Jacob Barn- hart, William H. Barnhart, Thomas Blackburn, Frederick W. Boies, Charles E. Boies, Charles Bryant, Edward Brady, John Cady, Rufus Cook (died in service), Simon Cook, Miles J. Collier, James Cassidy, John C. Conger, Arthur L. Conger, Thomas Cody (lost on Sultana), George Chamberlin, James Courtney (killed in battle), William H. Chapman, Samuel Case, Adelbert B. Coe, George Corp, George Cassie (died in service), James Dolan (lost on Sultana), George H. Dotts, O. A. Davis, William Everhart (died in service), William Emory, James N. Edgerly, Elijah Everett (died in service), Amzi Eddy, Charles Felton, William Fields, Philetus Foster, John G. Garrison (lost on Sultana), John Greenover, Joseph Gould, E. Harrington, William V. Rowland, Asa D. Hatch, Darwin R. Hall, Richard Hickin (killed in battle), Freeman Humes (lost on Sultana), Edward S. Haskell, Wallace W. Humphrey, Alonzo W. Hancock, John Halpin, John D. Hall, Andj-ew Hall, Adar H. Johnson, Daniel Kilbow, Josiah A. Kellogg, Frederick W. Kellogg, George C. Kellogg, Cyrus E. Kellogg, Albert A. Kellogg, Nicholas 662 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Knapp, Edward Lee, David Lee (died in service), William Long,. William Lewis, Henry Livingston, Orson J. Mott, Amos Mott, Oliver Mott (died in service), John Mott, Lorenzo Mott, RoUin H. Morgan, Joseph McCleaf, Robert Mcllwain (killed in battle), Daniel McAffee, John Mclntyre, Marvin Myers, Sylvester Miller, Peter J. Murphy, James Mahan, James Moore, Charles Mead, Charles F. Miles, Adam McLaughlin, James Martin, Charles Napp, Elmus Noah (died in service), Andre^v Ozman, Willjam Patterson, George Post, Samuel W. Perry, Clark Pierce, George H, Post, Sumner Pixley, Benjamin F. Price, Luinan F. Pickle, Arthur H. Pickle, C. Rannej', Irwin Richardson, Nathan E. Rose (died at home in 1864),. Alvin C. Rose (killed at Five Forks), John Russell, O. C. Risden,^ John R, Richardson (died in service), Samuel Ready, William R. Richardson, Henry Richardson, E. Robinson, Andrew Robinson^ William Robinson, M, R. Risden, Charles Scobie (killed in battle)^ Daniel Schoonover, James Seeley, Cyrus Singleton (died in service), Perkins W. Stanford (died in Andersonville prison), Barney Schoonover, John Scofield, William Smith, Benjamin Sovacool (wounded in foot at Pittsburg Landing, carried to rear and not heard from afterwards), Richard H. Snow, Eli N. Scofield, Isaac Tupper (died in service), Joseph Timms, John Timms, John Trac}^^ William Van Orman, Ozro W. Van Orman, Francis Van Orman,^ George Van Orman, George L. Waterman (killed by rebel sympa- thizers while doing guard duty at Dayton, Ohio, at the time of Clement L. Vallandingham's arrest for treason, in May, 1863), H. H. Wells, John Welton, Calvin Wilds (died in service), George L. Wilson, AndrcAV Wolcott (died in service), Jerome O. Wing, George Welton, Edward Whitney, John H. Zerly. SIDNEY P. C O N G E R,— Born in Vermont, Sept. 17, 1829; when a boy coming' with his parents to Ohio, settling in Boston township and working at brickmaking ; also later engaging largely in farming, dairy- ing, etc. Nov. 6, 1853, Mr. Conger •was married to Miss Bridget I. Cody, of Boston, who died in lanviary, 1861, leaving two children — Lucia Jean- ette (now Mrs. Frank Warburton, of Akron), and Sidney John, now a resi- dent of Akron. April 10, 1862, Mr. Conger was again married, to Miss Rose Ann Mcllwain, of Boston, who bore him three children — George C, now a book-keeper in office of Whit- man Barnes & Co., in Akron ; Marj^ Belle and Allie Blanche ; Mr. Conger dying August 20. 1874, at the age of 44 years, 11 months and 3 days. Mr. Conger was a prominent member of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, F. & A. M.; was patriotic and liberal during the War of the Rebellion ; active in township and county affairs, filling many local positions of trust, and ably serving as county commis- sioner, to fill the vacancy occasioned SIDNEY P. COXGEK. by the death of Commissioner Nelson Upson, from May to December, 1866. Mrs. Conger and her children now reside in Akron. MUNIFICENT MEMORIAL. Col. Arthur Latliam Conger, now a citizen of Akron, was born in Boston township, and was also one of her Union s )ldiers in the MUNIFICENT MEMORIAL. 663 late war, his wife, Mrs. Emily Bronson Conger (daughter of the late Hiram V. Bronson, deputy United States assessor during the ■war), being also a native of that township. Having been highly prosperous in business, since the close of the bloody struggle, and cherishing a high degree of affection for their native town, as well as a strong sense of gratitude towards her patriotic soldiery, on the 4th day of July, 1889, pre- beautiful granite monu- w^hich is herewith given, a dress being delivered by donors, Kenyon B. Conger; ment being done by their Conger, Jr., a still younger Conger, dressed in the uni- of the Republic, and mount- acting as orderly of the The monument is of West- stone being six feet two ing over five tons. This is base stones, on the upper three foot square pedestal, "Presented to Boston tham and Emily Bronson the bravery and patriotism in the War of the Rebellion 1889;" the other three sides 141 soldiers as above given, base are the names of four in which her brave boys Five Forks, Cedar Creek, sur-base stands a hand- shaft, of nearly surmounted by carved capitol, somely execu- badge on the w^hole being sur- finely propor- a soldier, six feet height, in fa- standing at pa- entire structure Soldiers' Monument, presented to Bost Township, bv Col. and Mrs. A. L. Conifer, July 4, 188.9. sented to the township a ment, a representation of very fine presentation ad- the eldest son of the the unveiling of the monu- second son, Arthur L. son, Master Latham H. form of the Grand Army ed on a fine Arabian pony, dedication procession, erly granite entire, the base inches square, and w^eigh- surmounted by tvt^o smaller one of which stands the thefrontbearingthelegend: Township, by Arthur La- Conger, to ccmmemorate of the soldiers who served 1861-65 — erected July 4, bearing the names of the Immediately under the sur- of the many engagements participated: Nashville, and Appomattox. On the somely tapering square twenty five feet, a beautifully with a hand- ted Grand Army front side, the mounted by the tioned figure of and six inches in tigue uniform, rade rest, the being a superb patriotism of the w^ork of art, and a monument not only to the township, but to the liberality of its public-spirited donors, its entire cost being over three thousand dollars. Boston's Industries. — In addition to the quite extensive flour and lumber mills at Boston Village, and the two saw mills and flour mill at Peninsula, and similar mills in other parts of the township, a large variety of other manufactures, broom handles, cheese boxes, etc., have from time to time been carried on, while in the earlier and palmy days of the canal, both at Boston Vil- lage, Peninsula, and one or tAvo other points, large boat yards and dry docks for building and repairing boats were operated, giving employment to a large number of men ; but at present nothing whatever is done in that line at the points named. 664 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. JOHN C. CONGER, born in Bos- J ton villag-e, December 29, 1835; educated in district schools ; on leav- ing school served one season under Lieutenant Kaynolds, upon the Uni- ted States topographical survey of the lakes ; returning home engaged in farming and brick-making until August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company A., 2nd O. V. C, following the fortunes of that patriotic regi- ment until April 8, 1863. On receiving his discharge from the army, for dis- ability, Mr. Conger again engaged in farming, continuing that occupa- tion to the present time, upon his finely improved 135 acre farm, adja- cent to the village of Peninsula. Mr. Conger has served as township clerk and in other positions of honor and trust ; is a meinber of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, and Summit Chapter F. & A. M., and an active member of Geo. L. Waterman Post, G. A. R. Sep- tember 17, 1867, Mr. Conger was mar- ried to Miss Eunice M. Stillman, who was born in Hopkinton, R. I.,Januar5^ 23, 1844, who has borne him seven children — Fannie S., born December 26. 1868, married to Dr. W. O. Huston, December 28, 1887 ; Luen J., born June JOHN C. CONGER. 20,1870; Elmer B., born Februarys, 1875 ; Pamelia P., born March 24, 1877 ; Mary G., born December 13, 1880; John C, Jr., born December 9, 1873, and Emily B., born October 28, 1886, all now living in Peninsula. Since the decadence of that interest, however, largely through the advent of railroads, other elements of industry have been developed, so that, as a whole, the township is fairlj'^ holding its own at the present date (1891), if not slowly on the increase; large shipments to Akron and Cleveland, and more distant cities. East and West, of some of the finest building stone in the United States, are now being made from the quarries here, together with most excellent flagging, a fine quality of grindstones, etc.; immense ice houses are here yearly filled with thousands of tons of the choicest ice for the Cleveland market; cheese and butter factories dispense thousands of pounds of their rich products to the various markets of the country yearly; while a large number of private dairies, by trains run for that special purpose, supply the good people of Cleveland with a large proportion of their daily milk. BOSTON IN COUNTY AND STATE AFFAIRS. In county and State affairs, Boston has fairly divided the honors and responsibilities writh her sister townships of Summit county, during the nine-tenths of a century of its existence now nearly accomplished. Lewis M. Janes, Esq., an early prominent business man of Peninsula, was Summit countj^'s second sheriff, elected in 1844, and holding the position two full terms of two years each; also acting as the efficient deputy of several of his successors. Mr. Janes, besides being severely injured, in 1856, by a pistol shot, at the hands of a party \v^hose property he was selling on legal pro- cess, afterwards lost his life on the ill-fated steamer, Pewabic, on Eake Huron, in August, 1865. BOSTON S CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. 665 HON. SIMON PERKINS WOL- COTT.-son of Hon. Alfred and Mary (Scovill) Wolcott, born in Northfield, January 30, 1837, in infancy reaioving- with parents to Boston; in boyhood worked on farm and at- tended district school; spent several winters preparing- for college, at Hiram Eclectic Institute where Hon. James A. Garfield was then a student, finishing his preparatory' course under Prof. Garfield, after his gradu- ation from Williams College; gradu- ated froin Western Reserve College in 1862; studied law with Horace B. Foster, Esq., of Hudson, and one year with Hon. Newell D. Tibbals, in Akron; admitted to the Bar in 1864, locating in Kent, Portage county, where he has since continviousl}^ resided. In addition to his law prac- tice, Mr, Wolcott has officiated as Mayor of Kent two terms; inember of the Board of Education ten years, and as state senator for Portage and Summit counties, in the 65th and 66th sessions of the General Assemblj^ 1881 to 1885. July 17, 1866, Mr. Wolcott was married to Miss Marj- Helen Brewster, daughter of the late Anson A. Brewster, of Hudson, who HON. SIMON PERKINS WOLCOTT. - has borne him three children — Nellie Brewster Wolcott, born February 12, 1868; Jennie Brewster Wolcott, born May 14, 1870; Duncan Brewster Wol- cott, born May 9, 1873. AUGUSTUS CUKTISS. AUGUSTUS CURTISS, — born in Boston township, February 17, 1836 ; moved with parents to North- field in 184<); worked on farm till 1852; at house painting till 1855; in gold mines of California 1855 to 1859 ; served in 2nd Ohio Cavalry 1861 to 1862, discharged at Fort Leavenworth for disability received at Carthag-e, Mo.; 1863 farmer and dairyman in Stow ; 1864 bought tim- ber farm in Portage township, three miles north of Akron ; October, 1868, elected sheriff of Summit county, and re-elected in 1870, serving two terms, followed for four years as chief deputy of his successor. Sheriff Levi J. McMurray, the most impor- tant event of his own incumbency being the execution of John H. Hunter, for the murder of Mr. and and Mrs. Robert Gargett, in 1872, as elsewhere detailed ; Januaiy, 1877, returned to his farm, superintending- same until the Fall of 1884, when, because of asthma, he went to New Mexico, where, both as agent for the Akron Live Stock Companj', and on his own account, he has for the past eight years followed the business of growing cattle. November 23, 1865, Mr. Curtiss was married to Miss Helen A. Barnhart, daughter of the late William Barnhart, Esq., of Penin- sula, Mrs. Curtiss now sharing- ranch life with her husband in the wilds of New Mexico. 666 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Hiram Volney Bronson, on the inauguration of the Internal Revenue system, during the war, was appointed deputy assessor, by Assessor John E. Hurlbut, making a most faithful and efficient officer throughout. Sidney P. Conger, a substantial and level-headed farmer of Boston, in May, 1866, was appointed county commissioner, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Commissioner Nel- son Upson, of Twinsburg, which position he very acceptably filled until the foUow^ing December. Mr. Conger died in August, 1874,. at the age of 45 years. Arthur L. Conger, one of Boston's volunteer soldiers in the War of the Rebellion, having, at the close of the war, returned to hi& farm, w^as, in 1866, elected county treasurer, which office he filled w^ith marked ability and satisfaction for two successive terms,- afterwards, taking an interest in the Whitman & Barnes Manufac- turing Company, of Akron, extensive manufacturers of reaper and mow^er knives, sickles, etc., of which corporation he is still an activp and influential member and officer. Alfred Wolcott, Jr., the honored son of Boston's pioneer set- tler, Alfred Wolcott, Senior, was, in 1869, elected to represent his- native county in the popular branch of the Ohio Legislature, and of his tw^o years' record in that body, his constituents have no reason to be ashamed. Simon Perkins Wolcott, eldest son of Hon. Alfred Wolcott, a graduate of Western Reserve College, now practicing law in Kent, Avas, in October, 1881, elected State Senator for Portage and Sum- mit counties, and re-elected in 1883, serving his joint constituency w^ith more than average ability and satisfaction. Arthur M. Cole, also a Bostonian, " native to the manor born," Avas called from his drugs and his dry goods, at the pleas- ant village of Peninsula, by the voice of the people of Summit county, in October, 1882, to become the custodian and disburser of the public funds, being again invested with that important trust for a second term in 1884, serving in all four years. Robert L. Andrew, now a resident of Akron, served as mem- ber of city council two terms — 1886 to 1890 — the last two years as- president. Angelo Andrew, also residing in Akron, has been for three terms — 1887 to 1893 — a very efficient member of the board of education, William H. Payne, for many years a resident of Boston, ha& also been honored by a seat in the city council of Akron, since residing there. BOSTON'S CROOKEDNESS. But though Boston's pioneer settlers w^ere among the most worthy of New England's sons and daughters, and the great majority of their descendants true scions of the original stock ;^ and though she has ever manifested commendable industry and enterprise, and a ready alacrity in supporting the national flag and the national honor; and though, as seen above, she has justly secured some of the richest civil and political prizes virithin the gift of the people of Summit county, the fact still remains that her fair fame has been smirched, and her bright escutcheon sadlj'^ tarnished, by certain early adverse influences, the prevalence of boston's wrong-doers. 667 many corrupt and demoralizing practices, and the perpetration of numerous serious, and some most fearful, crimes within her borders. The barest allusion to most of the matters referred to above can only be given here: viz., the counterfeiting operations of "Dan" and "Jim" Brown, and their confederates, Taylor, Holmes, Ashley, et al.— the burglarizing of Kdgerly's hotel, the store of Wood, Cole & Co., and the dwelling house of Frederick Wood, Ksq., in 1860; the Kerst wife-murder in 1861; the Washburn- Peeples tragedy in 1871, etc., to the most of w^hich separate chap- ters w^ill have to be devoted. "Col." William AvSHLEY. — William Ashley was a native of the state of Vermont, and though of good family, carefully reared and well educated, early became associated w^ith an expert band of counterfeiters in his native State. In the middle twenties Ashley w^as arrested by the Vermont authorities, and placed under bonds to answ^er to the charge of making and having in his possession, with intent to pass, counterfeit bank notes. Forfeiting his bail he fled to Canada, a year or two later floating over into the then wilds of Ohio, making his first stop in Geauga county, where he soon afterwards found himself in trouble, and eluding: the vigilance of the officers, again took to wing, next, in the last' of the twenties, or first of the thirties, alighting in the then congenial climateof Boston. Here^ he became a favorite with, and a part of. Brown, Taylor, Holmes, Latta & Co., though still carrying on some very impor- tant "financial" operation upon his own hook. In his prime, Ashley w^as a remarkably fine specimen of physi- cal manhood, handsome of feature, majestic of stature, and of most gentlemanly deportment. Though never in the military service, his martial bearing spontaneously attached to his name the mili- tary prefix of "Colonel." "MovLXG ON Their Works." — Though spasmodic efforts had from time to time previously been made, and though a few of the subordinates and undergraduates of the gang had been arrested and punished, no concerted and determined action, by the authori- ties of Portage and contiguous counties, had been taken until 1837. At this time Gen. Lucius V. Bierce, prosecuting attorney, George Y. Wallace, sheriff, and Marshal Ithiel Mills, in co-operation with similar officers in Cuyahoga and Medina counties, made a con- certed effort to break up the gang, being ably seconded in their efforts by local officers and citizens of the several townships affected. Among the most active in "spying out the land" in Boston township, and in furnishing the officers with "pointers," were Alfred Wolcott, Esq., James Stanford, Hermon and Hiram V. Bronson, Lewis M. Janes, George H. Haskell, Esq., with others whose names do not now readily recur to the writer. "Col." Ashley Arrested. — In the latter part of the Suinmer of 1837, the officers obtained such clews as enabled them to pounce upon Ashley in the very midst of his "financial" labors, sur- rounded by his entire counterfeiting paraphernalia, consisting of bank-note plates, dies, presses, paper, ink, etc., with large quanti- ties of bills in blank, and several thousand dollars fully executed; Prosecuting Attorney Bierce afterwards presenting the writer with a fine mahogany double cylinder copper-plate press, which was preserved as a relic, and for use, .for several years, until finally 668 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, destroyed by fire. Ashley was taken into custody, and on being arraigned before Jacob Brown, Ksq., of Akron, waived an exami- nation and \vas held in the sum of $10,000 to answer to the Court of Common Pleas of Portage county, in default of ^vhich he was committed to jail at Ravenna. He was indicted at the September term of the court, for having counterfeit money in his possession w^ith intent to pass the same, to w^hich, on being arraigned, he entered a plea of not guilty. The hearing was postponed, by reason of the ill-health of the accused, until the March term 1838, w^hen, after a full and fair trial, Ashley w^as pronounced guilty as charged in the indictment. SENTENCE— IMPRISONMENT— DEATH. In pronouncing sentence upon "Col." Ashley, Judge Van R. Humphrey, w^ho had personally know^n him for several years, w^as greatly affected, remarking that passing sentence upon a fellow^- being, under any circumstances, w^as truly a solemn duty; but in this instance, where the court had been intimately acquainted w^ith the prisoner for many years; a man w^hose intelligence and address better fitted him to occupy a high seat in the counsels of the Nation, than the cot of a felon's cell, and especially in view^ of the apparent frail condition of his health, the task w^as difficult and painful in the extreme. "Col." Ashley's naturally vigorous constitution had been gradually undermined by the excesses incident to his peculiar calling, and, from the time of his arrest, it w^as evident that quick consumption had marked him for its own. Though he was sen- tenced to seven years' imprisonment in the penitentiary, it w^as thought to be almost, if not quite, impracticable to convey him thither. But he w^as finally taken by Sheriff Wallace, by easy private carriage, to Columbus, and delivered at the prison May 30, 1838, where he died June 10th, surviving his incarceration only twelve days. CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, ETC. At Peninsula there are three handsome church edifices, the Protestant Episcopal "Bronson Memorial Church" founded by Mr. and Mrs. Hermon Bronson (>vhose portraits and biographies will be found herein), on the west side, the Methodist Kpiscopal upon the east side, and the Catholic, with a membership of 23 families. Rev. F. B. Doherty holding mass therein every other Sabbath. The township is also thoroughly supplied -with good school buildings and competent teachers, the Union or graded system being liberally maintained at Peninsula, so that notwithstanding the early adverse influences above and hereafter alluded to, Boston township, for nearly half a century, has held as high a rank in point of morality and intelligence, as any other township in Summit county, or elsewhere. PRESENT OFFICIAL ROSTER. Boston's township officers for the current year (1891) are as follows: Trustees, Hiram Lee, Anthony Pfaus, James Cassidy; clerk, Jorgen Petersen; treasurer, Henry Kerst; justices of the OFFICIAL KOSTER FOR 1891. 669 peace, Henry C. Currier, Joseph Drake; constables, Orrin Mark- ham, Alfred Wolcott. Peninsula Municipal Officers. — Mayor, H. C. Currier; clerky Charles M. Petersen; treasurer, Henry Kerst; marshal, Brigham Roswell; councihnen, Lorenzo Seeley, Michael Myron, Joseph Simon, Conrad Kerst, John Tracy, D. P. Chamberlin. Postmasters. — Frederick Wood, Peninsula; Thomas Smith, Boston; Thomas Smith, Everett. CHAPTER XXIX. DARING BURGLARIES IN PENINSULA — SINGULAR DETECTION OF THE BURGLAR —SON OF A FORMER WEALTHY RESIDENT OF PORTAGE COUNT Y— ARREST, EXAMINATION AST) COMMITTAL— INDICTMENT BY GRAND JURY— INGEN- IOUS ESCAPE FROM JAIL, AIDED BY A LUNATIC— ABETTING TREASON^ CONFINEMENT IN FORT LAFAYETTE— DISCHARGE BY ORDER OF SECRETARY STANTON— DETAINED BY NEW YORK CHIEF OF POLICE -REQUISITION FROM GOVERNOR TOD ON THE GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK FOR HIS EXTRADITION —IN HIS OLD QUARTERS AGAIN— ENTERS A PLEA OF GUILTY— NINE YEARS IMPRISONMENT — LEADER OF REVOLT IN PENITENTIARY — THOROUGH REFORMATION — UNITED STATES MAIL CARRIER — HIGHLY RESPECTED CITIZEN, ETC. A MIDNIGHT RAID. ON the night of July 12, 1860, a series of the most adroit burgla- ries w^ere committed in the compact little village of Peninsula, fourteen miles north of Akron, upon the Ohio Canal. Stephen Edgerly \vas proprietor of the only hotel in the village at that time, the "Edgerly House," later kept by Mr. Andrew R. Cassidy, under the name of the " Cassidy House." Mr. Edgerly himself w^as quite deaf, and consequently a good subject for burglars to w^ork upon. But Mrs. Edgerly was in possession of all her facul- ties, and generally a very wide-awake sort of a w^oman. Some time during the night in question, Mrs. Edgerly heard the house- dog sounding an alarm, and got up and let the dog out of the house, and hearing nothing further from him soon w^ent to sleep again. In the morning it \v'as discovered that Mr. Edgerly's sleep- ing apartment had been entered and from $60 to $75 had been extracted from the sleeping landlord's pockets. On the opposite side of the river, at the west end of the " Long Bridge," stood the store of Wood, Cole & Co. (Frederick Wood and Thomas Wood, still living in Peninsula, and the late Edmund H. Cole, father of ex-County Treasurer Dr. A. M. Cole). In this store the clerk, Mr. Ransom Cole, was asleep on the coun- ter, w^ith his w^atch in the pocket of his vest under his pillow. Noiselessly entering the store, the burglar proceeded to rifle the money drawer of its contents (about $30), excepting a couple of counterfeit five-dollar bills, Avhich he seems to have been too shrewd to appropriate. He then manipulated the clerk's vest out from under his head, and transferred the watch and chain from the clerk's vest pocket to his own, together w^ith about $20 in money ; some $400 in cash, in another place, not being found by the burglar. On getting outside the door the burglar seems to have struck a light and examined his booty, as a w^orthless one- dollar bill was thrown away, w^hile the mark made by lighting a match w^as found upon the side of the store. Both the hotel and the store had been entered by the front doors, the keys in the locks being readily turned from the outside by means of burglars' "nippers." THE BURGLAR UNDER ARREST. 671 From the store of Messrs. Wood, Cole & Co. the burglar, >vith rare good judgment, went to the house of Mr. Frederick Wood, which he entered through a window which had been left unfas- tened. Here, proceeding to the sleeping room of Mr. and Mrs. Wood, he overhauled Mr. Wood's clothes, in the pockets of which w^as a small sum of money which he confiscated, and also a $150 gold watch, with which, and his previous gatherings, he made a successful retreat, not only from the house of Mr. Wood, but from the village. It w^as supposed at the time that the several victims must have been chloroformed by the skilful operator, but my subsequent acquaintance Avith him led me to believe that the lightness of his step, the softness of his touch, and the celerity of his movements, would render all such extraneous aids in the exercise of his chosen "profession" entirely unnecessary. Mr. Wood and his family had that evening attended the commencement concert at Hudson, returning home an hour or tw^o after midnight, and itw^as surmised that the thief got sight of his watch there, and foUow^ed him to Peninsula after the close of the concert. Tracing the Burglar. — Nearly a month elapsed without any trace of the burglar, though the best skill and vigilance of our local detectives had been put forth. In the meantime Messrs. Wood, Cole & Co. had, in addition to efforts of the officers, and the publicity which had been given to the affair through the news- papers, issued a private circular, minutely describing the watches w^hich had been stolen. One of these circulars fell into the hands of a merchant by the name of Converse, at the center of Roots- tow^n, in Portage county, Mr. Converse also being the postmaster of that tow^n. In the same tow^n, making his headquarters with his father- in-law, a Mr. Bassett, about two miles south of the center, near the Randolph line, Avas a young man of rather doubtful reputation, by the name of Sobieski Burnett. He was the son of a former highly respected resident of that neighliorhood, General Joel B. Burnett, then, I believe, residing in Missouri, but now, if living, as I think he is, a wealthy citizen of New York City. Young Burnett had been so incorrigible, as a boy, that his father had finally cast him adrift, and for a time he had been received by General L. V. Bierce, an old friend of the father, as an office boy, and embryo law student. This was altogether too tame for his restless and "enterprising" turn of mind, and he drifted off down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and into all the evil asso- ciations at that time pertaining thereto; occasionally, however, returning to Rootstow^n, and finally marrying a playmate of his childhood, a Miss Bassett, with whose parents they were then making their home as above stated. Having no visible business, but always w^ell-dressed and seemingly flush of money, je\velry, etc., young Burnett was more than suspected of being a "crook," and was generally pretty closely watched by the business men of the vicinity whenever he visited their establishments. " Putting His Foot in it." — Somewhere about the 9th day of August, 1860, young Burnett visited the store of Mr. Converse, to make some small purchases, and while there rather conspicuously displayed the pretty little gold watch that he was carrying. Mr. Converse remarked, "What a pretty locket you've got," whereupon 672 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, Burnett replied: " It's not a locket, but a watch," and proceeded to exhibit it in detail to Mr. Converse, it being one of those then very rare, and not very plenty, reversible pieces of mechanisrii, that can be changed from open-face to hunting-case, and vice- versa, at will. Burnett soon afterward leaving the store, Mr. Converse proceeded to consult Mr. Wood's circular, and finding that the description of the stolen watch precisely tallied with that exhibited by Burnett, Mr. Converse immediately dispatched a messenger to Peninsula to apprise Mr. Wood of the fact. Early Sunday Morning Call. — Thereupon, on Saturday^ August 11, Mr. Wood drove to Akron and laid the case before the writer, who was then sheriff of Summit county, who the same evening dispatched his efficient deputy, Mr. Alfred R. Townsend, accompanied by the late David A. Soott, with Mr. Wood, to Roots- tow^n to investigate the matter. Arriving in the center of the town late at night, they held a quiet consultation with Mr. Converse, and becoming satisfied that they were on the right track, they proceeded to the residence of Mr. Bassett, w^hich they rather unceremoniously invaded just as the day was breaking on Sunday morning. Mr. Burnett and his wife, aroused from their matin slumbers by the stir that w^as being made by the entrance of the officers, had already arisen from their bed, though hardly in appropriate costume for receiving visitors. Burnett ^^as immediately placed in irons, the officers assisting him to dress, while the wife was incautiously permitted to gather up her Avardrobe and leave the room before the proper search was instituted. The missing w^atches were, therefore, not found, nor anything else that could in any Avay implicate him in the Peninsula robberies, but sundry burglarious implements and other evidences of crookedness were brought to light in the search. The statement of the merchant in question in regard to the peculiar make of the watch which Burnett had shown him was sufficient to warrant his apprehension, and he was accordingly brought to Akron and lodged in jail. Preliminary Examination. — Warrants were issued by Justice John W. Stephens, upon vvhich, on the 15th day of August, 1860, a preliminary examination was, had. The testimony of Mr. Converse, and other circumstances surrounding the case, were deemed sufficient by Justice Stephens to hold the young man to bail in the sum of $2,000 and $1,000 respectively, for both the Wood and the Edgerly burglaries, and in default of bail he was remanded to jail to await the action of the grand jury, at the coming Novem- ber term of the court of Common Pleas. In the meantime other indications of his guilt became manifest; other parties had seen the watch described, in Burnett's possession; he had let slip sun- dry damaging admissions; in short a very strong chain of circum- stantial evidence was being formulated, link by link, tending to prove his guilt beyond a peradventure. Planning to Escape. — The grand jury, at the November term of the court of Common Pleas, returned bills of indictment against Burnett, in both of the cases in which he had been bound over to court, and it was expected that his trial w^ould take place, in due course, at that term of court. In the meantime there had, in Octo- ber, been an election at w^hich Mr. Jacob Chisnell had been elected PLANNING TO BREAK JAIL. 673 to succeed me as sheriff, his term to begin on the first Monday of January, 1861. During the time that Mr. Burnett had been in jail, several unsuccessful attempts had been made, by the prisoners, to dig through and under the walls, necessitating, of course, consid- erable expense to the county for repairs. After one of these attempts, in the latter part of November, f ordered my jailer to keep each prisoner confined to his own cell, instead of giving them the customary range of the corridors, during the da}'; letting them out a few-minutes, onU', morning and evening for exercise. After a few days' confinement, Burnett sent word by the jailer that he wanted to see me. On repairing to his cell, Burnett inquired w^hy I was keeping him and his fellow prisoners in such close confinement. "Well, Burnett," T replied, "I'll tell you. It isn't because we have an}' fears of you fello\vs breaking out of jail, as we do not depend upon the strength of these soft sancistone walls for keeping you, but upon the 'length' of our ears and the sharpness of our eyes. But every few days you make the attempt, putting us to the trouble and expense of repairs, and I am keeping 3'ou shut up simply to keep 3'ou from mutilating the walls." " Now, sheriff," said Burnett, "I want to make a bargain with you. I am going to get my trial put over until the Januar}' term, which vi'ill carry it beyond your time as sheriff. Now, if 3'ou will give us the run of the jail again, I pledge you my irorr/ and honor that there shall be no more attempts to break out, while I'o?/ are sheriff. I won't try it myself, and I wont let any of the rest of the fellows try it." "Well, Burnett," I responded, "I'll do it," and calling to the jailer for the keys, I then and there unlocked all the cell doors, and as I was leaving the jail, Burnett sung out: "Now, boys, three cheers for Sheriff Lane! " and the cheers were given with a will indicative of sound lungs at least, I did not then live in the jail myself, and though I had a very faithful jailer and turnkey — the late Mayor John L. Robertson — it was my custom to personally visit and inspect the jail two or three times a week, and when passing through, Burnett would say: "All right! sheriff; no more quarrying done while you are sheriff, but when that new chap comes j/3 I'm going out! And Out He Does Go. — Mr. Jacob Chisnell, hitherto a resident of Green township, superseded ir»e as sheriff, on Monday, January 7,1861. Previous to this, Mr. Chisnell had had no experience in the handling of criminals. On the day of his accession, both myself and County Auditor Charles B. Bernard, Ksq., now of Cleve- land, took occasion to warn the new incumbent on the slippery character of. this particular prisoner, and to advise him of the fact that Burnett had secured a continuance of his case for the express purpose of taking advantage of his inexperience. "Never you fear;" replied the new sheriff, "he'll have to be, smarter than I think he is, if he gets away from tne! " I immediately entered upon my new duties, as editor of the Beacon, and gave the matter no further thought, until some ten days later, when, on meeting Mr. Chisnell upon the street, I inquired how he was getting along? "First rate," said he. "Why, that man Burnett, that you cautioned me about, is a real clever fellow^, and a perfect gentleman." " He'll be gentleman enough 43 674 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. ^ to get away from you, if you don't keep your eye 'peeled,'" I laugh- ingly responded, and with another "never you fear," from Mr. C. -we parted. About five days later Mr. Chisnell called into my office quite early in the morning and in answer to my question, "What's the news?" rather huskilj'^ replied, "Burnett's gone!" How IT WAS Accomplished. — In the construction of the jail, the floor betw^een the prison proper and what was then called the "Debtors' Rooms," in the upper story, was coiuposed of ten-inch square oak timbers laid side by side, with a covering of regular matched flooring on top, and a sheathing of common sheet iron underneath. The southeast cell of the upper tier, being unoccu- pied at the time, had been unlocked and unvisited by the new turnkey, Mr. Ben Chisnell, prisoners having free access thereto at any time when not locked up in their own respective cells. Burnett's wife and other Portage county friends were very attentive to him, some of them visiting him almost everj^ day, and some of whom, by reason of not being closely searched by the new turnkej^ before entering the jail, had managed to convey to him a long-handled tw^o-inch auger. Having wrenched off a section of the iron sheathing in this unoccupied and unvisited cell, he had leisurely twice bored off one of the timbers overhead, and through the upper floor, making a hole about ten by eighteen inches, through w^hich he would, of course, find no difficulty in elevating himself to the room above, at his convenience. Aided by a Lunatic. — At this time, the only inmate of the upper jail ^'as a lunatic by the name of William Pierce, well known to all old residents, and who was afterwards, until his recent death, an inmate of the insane ward of our county infirm- ary. His lunacy, at that time, being of a mild type, he was per- mitted, during the day, to pass in and out as he pleased, and busied himself in assisting about the kitchen, yard, stable, etc. How Burnett finally escaped is best told by the lunatic him- self. When questioned upon the subject Pierce said: "One day I heard noise that sounded like the gnawing of a rat. It would gnaw^ awhile, and then it would stop a while, and kept at it tw^o or three days. But there was one thing curious about it, it did not gnaw any during the night. Well, I thought a rat had got under the floor and was trying to gnaw through, and I began to look in the different rooms to see Avhere it would come out. "By and by I saw^ virhat I thought was the rat's tooth coming through the floor in the corner, there, but after w^atching it a few minutes, I found it was the point of an auger, and pretty soon the auger itself came through. I stooped down and said, 'hello, there!' and some one below said 'Is that you, Pierce?' I said 'Yes, who are you?' He said 'I'm Burnett. You keep quiet; don't say any- thing, and I'll come up, by and by, and see you.' So he keep on boring until he made a hole big enough to crawl through, and last night, just at dark, he called to me to give him a lift. I reached dow^n and took hold of his hands and helped him up through. Then I asked him what he was going to do next? He said he vvranted to get outside, if the coast w^as clear, and I told him I would go dow^n and see. So I went doAvn, and the family were all eating supper in the dining room. I came back up stairs and told him if he Avas going, I thought he had better go then, and that -when he got out of the back door he had better run. After he left, AIDING AND ABETTING THE REBELS. 675 I looked out of the back window, and I saw^ him jump over the fence north of the barn and start east across the commons, and he did run like the devil!'' EFFORTS TO RECAPTURE THE FUGITIVE. Though the escape was soon afterwards discovered, and a vig- orous pursuit at once instituted, his tracks vsrere so carefully con- cealed as for several days to entirely baffle the efforts of his pursuers, it afterwards transpiring that a team, by preconcerted arrangements with his friends, ^vas waiting in the gloaming to rapidly carry him to some, previously provided, secure hiding place. Prosecuting Attorney, Henry McKinney, Esq., had, t^vo w^eeks before the escape of Burnett, been succeeded in that office by Newell D. Tibbals, Ksq. The new prosecutor was, of course, deeply chagrined that so important a prisoner should have been allowed to escape; in fact, he did his utmost to prevent it; for, being in Randolph, late on the afternoon of the day of the escape, he received a hint that a party of Burnett's friends had gone to Akron to aid him to break jail. Mr. Tibbals hurried home to thwart their game, but arrived a few^ minutes too late; it afterwards recur- ring to hirrl that the fugitive must have passed him between Akron and Middlebury, as he met a team driving very rapidly in that xiirection, though it was too dark to recognize any of the party in the wagon. Prosecutor Tibbals also organized a posse, in Randolph, to recapture the prisoner, who was supposed to be concealed about the premises of his father-in-law. This house was placed under surveillance, but it transpired that he had been concealed else- w^here, and on being driven, late in the night, to his father-in-law's residence to bid his >vife good bye, preparatory to leaving the country, on discovering that the house w^as being watched, Bur- nett was driven rapidly away, and on being closely followed up, jumped from the wagon and secreted himself in a dense piece of timber, thus finally making good his escape. Giving "Aid and Comfort" to Rebels. — But the indefatiga- ble prosecutor, was not to be thus baffled, and at once adopted a system of tactics that ultimately secured the return and proper punishment of the fugitive burglar. Through certain order-lov- ing and patriotic citizens of Randolph and Rootstown, a strategetic policy >vas adopted by which, from mysterious letters received and mailed, as well as from words dropped by Burnett's friends, it was soon ascertained that the fugitive w^as in "Egypt," or southern Illinois, and, through Detective James Burlison, it was sought to locate him with sufficient accuracy to "go for him;" but as he was rather migratory in his habits, and as the first excitement of the w^ar was then on, it was deemed inadvisable to incur the expense of doing so upon an uncertainty. During the latter part of 1861, how- ever, Prosecutor Tibbals learned that the young man had been arrested by the government for giving aid and encouragement to rebels, and that, with other prisoners of State, he w^as con- fined in Fort Lafayette, in New York harbor. He immediately arranged with J. A. Kennedy, Esq., chief of police of New York City, to keep an eye upon him, and in case of his release from the fort, to detain him until sent for. 676 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. In His Old Quarters Again. — Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, in the latter part of February, 1862, issued an order for the release of all State prisoners confined in the several government forts. On Saturday, March 1, 1862, about noon. Prosecutor Tib- bals received a telegram from Chief Kennedy that the gentleman w^as in his custody subject to requisition. He at once secured the services of ex-Deputy Sheriff, but then Deputy U. S. Marshal, Townsend, who at once started for N^w York, via Pittsburg and Philadelphia (the A. & G. W. was not then finished), where he arrived Monday afternoon. Meantime Sheriff Chisnell went to Columbus to procure from Governor David Tod a requisition upon the governor of New York. This was received by Mr. Tow^nsend b}^ mail, on Tuesday, and on Wednesday he went to Albany, where he secured the necessary documents for returning the fugitive to Ohio. On Thursday after- noon, with his prisoner securely ironed, he started on the return trip, via the New York & Krie and Lake Shore route, arriving in Akron Saturday noon, just one week after the receipt of Chief Kennedy's telegram. Of course, Burnett w^as received with "open arms" by Sheriff Chisnell, who did not thereafter take any consid- erable amount of stock in his "gentlemanly" pretentions, but exercised the strictest surveillance, over both him and those of his friends who thenceforth called upon him. Finally Pleads Guilty. — At the March term of coui-t, 1862,. the case of the State of Ohio vs. Sobieski Burnett being called, the attorney for the defense, General Lucius V. Bierce, moved for a con- tinuance, on the ground of the absence of a material witness. This moi^on was promptly overruled by Judge Stephenson Burke, w^ith the remark that the accused had had ample time, during the year or more that he had been out of jail, to hunt up all the testis mony necessary for his defense. Thereupon Burnett changed his plea from not guilty, to guilty, and was at once sentenced by Judge Burke to nine years' imprisonment in the penitentiary. This abrupt termination of the affair was somewhat of a sur- prise to Prosecutor Tibbals, who had expected from General Bierce, and his associates, a most stubborn resistance, at every point, to meet which, by the most indefatigable labor, he had forged an unbroken and irresistible chain of circumstantial evidence; trac- ing Burnett from point to point, both before and after the commis- sion of the burglaries in question, with other incriminating facts that could not possibly have failed to w^ork a conviction i| spread out before the court and jury. It Avas probabl}' a knowledge of these efforts that induced the defendant's attorneys, on the failure of their motion for another continuance, to so suddenly advise him to change his plea from not gui^lty to guilty, a proceeding, too, w^hich probably lessened the magnitude of his sentence, at the hands of Judge Burke, by from one to three years, because of the considerable expense thus saved to the county. The Watches Recovered. — Burnett, when at first arrested, acknowledged the robberies to his attorneys, Messrs. Bierce & Baldwin, and to them confided the place of concealment of the stolen watches. They went to Rootstown to get them, but the first time failed to find them and returned to the jail for more definite directions. The second effort was more successful, the w^atchea, wrapped in cotton batting, and enclosed in an old oyster Burnett's thorough reformation. 677 <"aii, having been buried near the barn of Mr. Bassett, the father- in-law. These watches were placed in the safe of Messrs. Bierce vith sun-stroke in Germany, and that five or six years later, after coming to America, he had a similar attack, quite a number of witnesses testifying that he had often acted in a strange and unusual manner, indicat- ing that he w^as of unsound mind. Prosecutor Tibbals, on the other hand, introducing a number of medical experts, who testified, from professional examination, to their belief that the prisoner was sane, among others Superintendent Kendrick, of the Northern Ohio Hospital for the Insane, at Newburg. In addition to the testimony thus adduced in his behalf, the "insane" demonstrations of the defendant, throughout the trial, were constant and unremitting, consisting mainly of facial con- tortions, unintelligible mutterings and a seeming utter indifference and oblivion to the proceedings that were being had, though at one time, during the argument of Prosecutor Tibbals, while setting forth the quarrelsome character of the defendant, and his brutal and inhuman treatment of his wife, he so for forgot the role he SENTENCED TO BE EXECUTED. 681 "was playing, that, in his anger, he sprang to his feet, and seizing the chair upon w^hich he had been sitting, essayed to strike that official down, but was was prevented from doing so by the court constable who had the prisoner in charge. Charge, Verdict, Etc. — At the close of the testimony for the defense, the case was ably argued on both sides, occupying nearly two full da^^s. Judge Carpenter charged the jury in a very clear and impartial manner, lucidly expounding the law relating to homicides, and the rule of applying evidence in such cases, par- ticularly'^ in cases like the one on trial, where insanity is interposed as the sole defense. The jury retired to their room at about 11 o'clock A. M. on Thursday, December 5, 1861, and in less than three-fourths of an hour had agreed upon a verdict of MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE. Counsel for the defense immediately moved for a new trial, because the verdict was not warranted by the evidence, and for several other alleged reasons, mostly of a technical nature, which motion, after full argument for and against, was overruled by the court, on the 18th day of December, 1861. The defendant being in court, was ordered by Judge Carpenter to stand up for sentence, to which command no attention was paid. He was raised then to a perpendicular by Sheriff Chisnell and his deputy, and held in that position during the delivery of the sentence, and, in the language of the newspaper reporter of the scene, "in the mean- time keeping up the crazy dodge, but more success^©jiS>:©*^©?^S>^S>Sp CHAPTER XXXI. boston's last great sensation —the washburn-peoples homicide— an irate husband's vengeance on the invader of his marital domain —preparations for the bloody deed -confronting his victim in his own house — victim flees for his life— avenger gives chase, shooting as he runs— four shots take effect, two fatal— mur- derer walks four miles to give himself up— magistrate fails to comprehend the situation— walks back home again and yuietly retires to bed— arrested on mayor's warrant— coroner's inquest on victim — murderer committed to jail — indictment by grand jury— hearing in court of common pleas -both hereditary insan- ity and uncontrollable impulse urged in defense— exciting trial —verdict, murder in second degree— imprisonmemt for life— still doing penance— the convict's family— wife divorced and remar- ried— children highly respectable young ladies, etc. BIOGRAPHICAL. T7ROM 1835 to 1838, there lived in Akron, with his family, a very ^ clever but rather eccentric man by the name of Ebenezer Sumner Washburn, a native of Haddam, Conn., then about 40 years of age. Though not college-bred, Mr. Washburn was w^ell educated, studi- ous and of quite a literary turn of mind, often contributing articles to the local press, and possessing considerable talent as a poet. Mr. Washburn w^as, by profession, a teacher, and while in Akron taught during the Winter season in one or more contiguous districts not now remembered; in the Summer performing such convenient manual labor as he could find to do in the village and among the neighboring farmers. In the latter part of 1838, Mr. Washburn rem«ived his family into a cabin, standing between the canal and the river, a short dis- tance south of "Johnny Cake Lock," near the north line of North- ampton, and in the Winter of 1838, '39 was engaged in teaching a school near w^hat is now^ known as the Mix farm, on the east side of the river, ferrying himself over, morning and night, in a "dug- out," or log canoe, generally accompanied by several of his ow^n and neighbor's children, who were in attendance upon his school. A Terrible Catastrophe. — On the morning of February ,14, 1839, taking w^ith him three of his own children and a 12-year-old daughter of Mr. William Hardy, he started to cross the river in his frail craft, which, from the turbulence of the current, owing to a recent freshet, was capsized in the middle of the stream, and all four of the children drow^ned, Mr. Washburn himself narrowly escaping a similar fate. This sad bereavement cast a deep gloom over the minds of both Mr. and Mrs. Washburn, producing settled melancholy and despondency in both, though he continued to teach for many years in Bath and Richfield, where they afterwards lived, while Mrs. Washburn continued to minister faithfully to the care and comfort of their increasing and growing family. A PATRIOTIC SOLDIER. 685 Vendruth Washburn. — To mitigate the sorrow of the bereaved family for the loss of their little ones, other children were from time to time born to them, among the rest, on the 7th day of Janu- ary, 1845, a son, whom they christened Vendruth. This son grew^ vigorously, and being bright as a child, and sprightly as a lad^ though not taking very readily to his books, his father gave him as good an education as his circumstances would admit of, at the same time requiring him, as he grew older, to aid in the support of the family, by performing such labor as could be found for such a boy to do among the farmers of the neighborhood. The Boy Soldier. — Thus matters stood at the breaking out of the w^ar, in 1861. Though then but 16 years old, the heart of young Washburn >vas at once fired Avith patriotic ardor, and though considered rather too young to be received into the volun- teer service, yet, being robust of stature, by representing himself as 18 years of age, he secured enlistment in the regular army, w^ith w^hich he served three full j^ears, afterwards going into the veteran volunteer service, in which, after serving about six months, he was taken prisoner, and being afterwards paroled returned home, but making a most faithful soldier throughout. That Middle Initial " D." — The reader will have noticed that the name given to the boy in question, w^as "Vendruth," only.- But, probably from the fact that the accent, in the pronunciation of the name, w^as placed upon the last syllable, on his enlisting in the army it was taken to be a double name, and he was accord- ingly entered upon the army rolls as "V. D. Washburn," and for the purpose of future identification as such honorably discharged soldier, should circumstances make such identification necessary, these initials were adopted and retained. He Takes to Himself a Wife.— On the 5th da}^ of October, 1865, the ex-soldier boy, then but little more than 21 years of age, applied to Probate Judge Stephen H. Pitkin, for a marriage license for himself and Miss Ellen Elizabeth Kelly, a resident of the town- ship of Boston, the marriage being solemnized the same day by Justice Wm, L.,. Clarke, of Akron. The new^ly wedded couple estab- lished themselves in a small single-room cabin in the northwestern portion of Boston township, a short distance south of the residence of the mother of the bride, and about three-fourths of a mile east of the parents of the groom. Here they lived quietly and, so far as is known, happily, until the Summer of 1870, two little girls, then respectively four and two years old, having in the meantime been born to thein ; the husband comfortably supporting his little family by general labor among the neighboring farmers. Trouble in Stork for Them.— Charles Peoples, a young sin- gle inan of the neighborhood, and about the same age, or perhaps a little older, also an ex-soldier, was own cousin to Mrs. Washburn, and, working about from farm to farm, with no definite place of abode, made the house of his friend a sort of headquarters, his cousin, Mrs. Washburn, doing his ^vashing and mending, and sometimes caring for him for days at a time when sick or unable to secure employment. Thus matters stood on the first of July, 1870, soon after w^hich, from certain developments, Washburn became cognizant of the fact that, taking advantage of his absence, and in spite of the rela- tionship existing betw^een them. Peoples had criminally and 686 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. forcibly invaded the sanctity of his home. This knowledge very naturally aroused within him a very deep sense of indignation, and he deterinined to call the betrayer of his confidence, and the despoiler of his domestic happiness, to account, for the great wrong he had done to him and his. Though Peoples had visited the house several times, nothing had been said to him by Washburn about the matter up to Satur- day, the 16th day of July, 1870. In the meantime, on Sunday, the 10th day of July, being already the owner of a revolver, he had pur- chased a supply of ammunition at the grocery store of Mr. Daniel Peck, in Peninsula, and returning home, had, in the presence of a neighbor by the name of John H. Johnson, cleaned and loaded the revolver therewrith. This, it w^as afterwards claimed by Washburn, w^as done without any intention of using the w^eapon upon Peoples, himself, but for the purpose of enabling his ^fe to defend herself against the advances of her libidinous cousin, should he again attempt to criminally assault her. The Fatal Day. — On Saturday morning, July 16, 1870, Wash- burn w^ent to the farm of Mr. James W. Lockert, in the northeast part of Richfield, taking his oldest little girl along w^ith him as far as the house of his parents, leaving her in the care of her grandmother Washburn, until his return. Working through the forenoon, and taking dinner at Mr. Ivockert's, he started to return home between 1 and 2 o'clock. Soon after reaching his mother's. Peoples came along, traveling in the same direction. Washburn inquired of Peoples if he was going to his house, and being answered in the affirmative, the two men, w^ith the little girl, soon started on together. It does not appear that their conversation, or their actions towards each other, w^ere anything but cordial on the w^ay, no hint whatever having been communicated to Peoples, by Washburn, in regard to his grievances. A Fearful Tragedy. — On arriving at the house, Peoples was greeted kindly by his cousin, Mrs. Washburn, and the two men seated themselves upon the lounge. Presently the nearest neigh- bor, Mr. John H. Johnson, returning from the spring Avith a pail of w^ater, came in and setting his pail upon the table, picked up an accordion and, seating himself in the door, commenced playing on it, the conversation becoming general; after a little all three tak- ing seats outside the house and entertaining each other with stories and incidents of the war. A little later, Washburn requested Johnson to go home, as he wanted to have a private talk w^ith Peoples, and Johnson, pleas- antly remarking that he virould have gone before if he had told him to, took up his pail of water and started. He had gone but a short distance w^hen Washburn called him back and requested him to take the children along, as had frequently been his custom; so again setting down his pail of w^ater, he took the youngest child in his arms and the other by the hand and started for his own cabin, some fifteen or twenty rods distant. On the departure of Johnson, Washburn and Peoples again seated themselves upon the lounge. After some general conversa- tion, Washburn accused Peoples of his perfidy and wrong doing, w^hich accusation Peoples at first denied, but finally acknowledged, and to Washburn's inquiry as to what he (Peoples), would do were PLANNING HIS DEFENSE. 687 he in his (Washburn's), place, he replied that he would try and settle it if he could, so as not have the affair become public. Washburn then demanded, as his ultimatum for settlement, that Peoples should leave the country, and never return, to which Peoples demurred, and finally announcing, w^ith an oath, that he w^ould do as he had a mind to, started from the lounge, when Washburn raised his revolver, which he had previously taken from the nail Avhere it was hanging behind the door, and fired. Peoples rushed from the house and fled into the woods, Washburn following and firing as they ran, both climbing over the fence in the rear of the house in their flight. About thirty or forty rods from the fence Peoples fell upon his face, and Washburn coming up placed the muzzle of the revolver against the back of his head and sent a bullet crashing through his .brain. The autopsy disclosed four wounds; a flesh w^ound in the left hand, a flesh w^ound in the right ■ear, a fatal wound in the left breast and a fatal wound in the back jjart of the head. Another "McFarland Affair." — About a j^ear previous to the events here written of, there had been enacted a domestic tragedy in the city of New^ York, which had created intense excite- ment, not only in that city, but through the entire country, the parties to which were a shyster-lawyer by the name of Daniel McFarland, his divorced wife (who, as Miss Abby Sage, had won success and popularity as a w^riter), and Mr. Albert Deane Richard- son, a writer on the New York Tribune, and w^ho had been one of its most brilliant army correspondents in the War of the Rebellion, and after the war had written a very graphic and popular life of •General Grant. McFarland had become extremely jealous of the attentions bestowed upon his talented wife, by her many male admirers, and at length became so unkind and abusive that a separation w^as had, the oldest of their two children remaining w^ith the father and the youngest with the mother. Temporarily migrating to Indiana, she had, under the then free and easy divorce laws of that State, secured a divorce from her husband, w^ith the custody of the younger child confirmed to her, soon afterw^ards returning to New York and resuming her literary labors. In these troubles she had been especially befriended by Mr. Richardson, w^ho, after her return from Ne^v York, became very attentive to her, with a view^ to matrimony. This very greatly exasperated the ex-husband, McFarland, who, going to the Trib- une building on the 1st day of December, 1869, made a deadly assault upon the unarmed victim of his w^rath, fatally shooting him as he was fleeing for his life. Richardson, after lingering a few hours, died from the effects of his wounds, but not until he Tiad been married, by Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, to the lady, for befriending whom, he had lost his life, and had executed a will endowing her with such property as he possessed. McFarland was, -of course, arrested, but admitted to bail, and after a delay of many months, and w^ith full opportunity, by himself and through his counsel and friends, for w^itness and jury mixing, was brought to trial w^ith the anticipated result of a triumphant acquittal, on the ground that the murderous attack and fatal shooting were done tinder the influence of an "uncontrollable impulse," notwithstand- ing the evident preparation he had made to accomplish that result. 688 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, On finding that he had probably killed his victim, Washburn called to his neighbor Johnson, who, though hearing the shot& had no conception of their fatal import. Being busy reading, in his own cabin, he did not immediately respond to the call, when Washburn, in a louder tone, called again. On going to the door and inquiring what was wanted, Washburn replied, w^ith an oath^ "I have shot Charlie Peoples, and I want you to come over and help take care of him," On going with him to where Peoples lay, in the woods, some 40 or more rods from Washburn's house, and speaking to him, there was but a single gasp before life wa& extinct. Telling Johnson why he had killed Peoples, and request- ing him to get another neighbor, by the name of Sutton, to help take care of Peoples' body, said he was going to Peninsula to give himself up, at the same time telling Johnson to take care of the revolver, and not disturb the two remaining loads, "Giving Himself Up," — On reaching Peninsula, Washburn first went to the store of Justice Merrill Boody, who, at the moment, was in the midst of a business transaction w^ith a gentle- man from Cleveland, and inquired as to whether any money had been paid in on a small judgment in his favor against his mother- in-law. On receiving a negative answer, Washburn said that he believed he would give himself up. Having been a good deal annoyed about the judgment in question, and feeling a little provoked at the interruption to his business transaction with the Cleveland gentleman, and not having the remotest idea of what he wanted to "give himself up" for. Justice Boody curtly replied, "I don't want you — I wouldn't give two cents for you!" Thereupon Washburn went to the office of Dr. Sumner Pixley and on meeting the doctor exclaimed: "Here's another McFar- land affair!" In reply to the doctor's question as to what he meant, Washburn told him what he had done, and why and how- he did it, and asked the doctor to advise him what to do. The doc- tor advised him to go and give himself up to the authorities. Washburn replied that he had already been to 'Squire Boody, but that Boody said that he did not want him, that he wouldn't give two cents for him, etc. The doctor then advised him to go back home and attend to his own business. Prompt Action by Mayor McNeil, — Washburn took the doc- tor's advice, went home, ate his supper and went to bed, night setting in about the time he left the village for his home. Doctor Pixley spread the news of the homicide, as detailed to him by the perpetrator thereof. In the meantime, too, Johnson had summoned the neighbors, a number of whom had assembled about the scene of the bloody tragedy, though, under the prevailing notion that a dead body must not be removed from the place where found, until the coroner has first viewed it, it was left in the woods all night. Mr, Henry Crissick filed an affidavit before Mayor William McNeil, of Peninsula, who placed his warrant in the hands of Constable Otis W. Fitts, for the murderer's arrest. Sum- moning a posse, the constable started for the scene of the murder, arriving at the house of Washburn about midnight. He offered no resistance, but begged the constable to allow him to remain with his family until morning, when he would report at any place that officer might name, which, had his request been granted, he undoubttedly would have done. THE PRISONER ON TRIAL. A LAvSt Look at His Victim. — But that indulgence Constable Fitts could not grant, and he accordingly dressed himself, and was soon ready to start. Going with the officer and others to where the body of his victim lay, by the light of a lantern, carried by one of the party, he gazed for th^ last time, as he supposed, upon the earthly remains of his former friend and comrade in arms, slain by his own hand, without any audible expression of regret, or visible emotion, the party reaching Peninsula about daylight on Sunday morning. Post-Mortem Examination,— Though the cause of the death of Charles Peoples was abundantly apparent, from the repeated declarations of Washburn, Mayor McNeil deemed it necessary to hold a coroner's inquest over the remains. The body, therefore, Avas removed, on Sunday morning, to the tow^n house in Penin- sula, w^here, during the day, an autopsy was made by Drs. Sumner Pixley and Elwyn Humphrey, to enable them to intelligently tes- tify before the mayor, on the preliminary examination of the prisoner, in regard to the nature and extent of the wounds, which had been inflicted upon the deceased; Washburn inquiring after- wards, of Dr. Humphrey, whether what he had suffered, from the conduct of Peoples, would not be considered sufficient to drive him insane? PRELIMINARY HEARING, INDICTMENT. ETC. In mayor's court, on Monday morning, July 18, a preliminary examination was held before Mayor McNeil, who, after the exam- ination of a large number of witnesses, held the accused, without bail, to answer to the charge of willful and premeditated murder, and on the same day he was duly committed to jail by Constable Fitts. At the October term, 1870, of the Court of Common Pleas for Summit county, Prosecuting Attorney, Jacob A. Kohler, Esq., laid Mayor McNeil's transcript before the grand jury, which returned a "True Bill," containing some live or six counts, charging the prisoner with the premeditated and malicious murder of Charles Peoples. To this indictment, on its being read to him, in open court, by Prosecutor Kohler, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty, and being destitute of means to employ counsel. General Alvin C. Voris and Hon. Henry McKinney were assigned to defend him on the trial, which was set for Monday, November 7, 1870, Governor Sidney Edgerton, being assigned to assist in the prosecution. The Final Hearing. — ^At the time designated. Judge Wash- ington W. Boynton presiding, the prisoner was put upon his final trial. The 36 jurors originally summoned having been exhausted without securing a full panel, several other venires were issued, and three full days were consumed, and about 90 persons exam- ined as to their qualifications, before twelve jurors satisfactory to both the State and defendant were secured, the panel finally agreed upon being as follow^s: Rees J. Thomas, Loten Hartle, Nathan Swinehart, Edwin R. Newell, Melchiah Sherbondy, Vincent G. Harris, Thomas Wright, Elias Rothrock, Isaac Winters, Sylvester Van Hyning, Alpheus Myers, William T. Bell. The Plea of Insanity. — The case was opened with a clear and concise statement, by Prosecuting Attorney Kohler, giving the main facts pertaining to the homicide, and the proofs which 44 690 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. would be offered by the State, General Voris making a compre- hensive statement in behalf of the accused, from which, as show- ing the theory of the defense, \v^e quote as follows: "The subject of this awful visitation was born in this county, in 1845, and has always lived in this vicinity, except the four years of the late war, v/hen he, from the 16th to the 20th years of his age, served as a soldier — three years in the regular army and one year in a volunteer regiment. We shall prove that in October, 1865, he was married to the lady sitting here, who is, unfortunately, but innocently, the cause of the tragic death of Charles Peoples; that two children, one little girl of four and another of two years of' age, are the result of their union; that up to the time of his mar- riage, the accused had filled the full measure of obligations to the laws and to community, exhibiting nothing in his conduct of w^ay- wardness more than usual in the history of American boys." After commenting at length on the conduct of Peoples, and the causes leading to the fatal event. General Voris concluded as fol- low^s: " We expect to show that the seeds of insanity w^ere planted in his system by the laws that gave him existence, and from maternal and paternal ancestors; that in the Summer of 1863, while struggling on the fated field of Chickamauga, he had a sun-stroke from which he never fully recovered; that he was laboring under delusions at the time of the alleged homicide; that whatever he may have done on the 16th day of July last, and however atrocious his acts may appear to have been, they v^^ere the offspring or product of an insane mind, overpowered by the overwhelming miseries that fiercely took possession of this unfortunate man." Examination of Witnesses,— Witnesses in chief, on behalf of the State, were introduced as foUow^s: Daniel Peck, Mrs. New^ell Stocker, Miss Dustine Stocker, John H. Johnson, Lorenzo Seeley, Dr. Sumner Pixley, Merill Boody, John Cole, Otis W. Fitts, Dr. Elwyn Humphrey and Wallace Humphrey, a day and a-half being occupied in their examination. The w^itnesses for the defense were: Merrill Boody, Dr. Sum- ner Pixley, Dr. William Bowen, J. B. Lambert, Harmon Graves, E. S. Washburn (father of the* prisoner), Mrs. Elizabeth Washburn (mother of accused), Ellen Elizabeth Washburn (wife of the accused, but who, being objected to by the State, was ruled out), Vendruth D. Washburn (the defendant). Dr. A. E. Ewing, Dr. Will- iam Bowen, about the same time being consumed in the exami- nation in chief and cross-examination as for the State. Testimony in Rebuttal. — Though interposing the plea of justifiable homicide, the entire effort of the defense was to establish their theory of the mental unsoundness of their client, and his lack of responsibility for the act ^which he had perpetrated. In rebuttal, to controvert the insanity hypothesis, witnesses w^ere introduced as follows: James W. Lockert, George Greenleese, S. M. Campbell, John Cole, Dr. W. C. Jacobs, Sidney P. Conger, Alexander Snow, Holland Sno\\r, Jane Kelly (sister of the defen- dant's wife), Dr. George P. Ashmun, Dr. Thomas McEbright, Charles Lemoin, Warren S. Wicks, John Chapman, William Chap- man, Dr. C. F. H. Biggs, James Black, Peter Baumgardner, James Brittain, A. J. Sovacool, V. C. Carpenter, M. B. Roach, E. D. Han- cock, Henry S. Barnhart, Levi Newell, Patrick Agnew, Charles Reed, Thomas Smith and J. C. Templeton. ARGUMENTS OF COUNSEL — CHARGE, ETC. 691 Arguments of Counsel. — Testimony closed on Monday even- ing, the seventh day of the trial. On Tuesday morning. Governor Edgerton addressed the jury, on behalf of the State, for about two hours in a full and candid review of the circumstances attending the homicide, and of the evidence tending to show that the crime was not only deliberately planned, but inexorably carried out; giving especial emphasis to the increasing tendency and the imminent danger of interposing the plea of insanity as an excuse for the perpetration of the most flagrant and ruthless crimes. Hon. Henry McKinney followed in a very lucid analysis of the testimony bearing upon the mental derangement of the accused, and of the effect that the real or supi^osed invasion of his marital rights, w^ould be likely to have upon a sensitive mind, especially a mind predisposed to insanity by hereditary taint. General Voris followed his colleague, on the defense, by a full and clear presentation of authorities on the subject of insanity and its relation to crime, and in an earnest, eloquent and solemn appeal to the jury for the acquittal of his unfortunate, rather than criminal, client. Prosecuting Attorney Kohler, closing on behalf of the State, gave a brief but perspicuous review^ of the laws governing the trials for homicide, the utter fallacy of the theory of insanity, either hereditary or iftipulsive, as applicable to the case on trial, because of the manifest planning and deliberation — the pro- v hours' deliberation, the jury returned their verdict as follows: "We, the jury, impaneled and sworn to well and truly try, and true deliverance make between the State of Ohio and the prisoner at the bar, Vendruth D. Washburn, do find him guilty of murder in the second degree. Kdwin R. Newell, foreman," Counsel for the defense having achieved the main object of their efforts, in reducing the verdict from the first to the second degree, thus averting the death penalty from their client, inter- posed no motion for a nevir trial, or arrest of judgment, by proceed- ings in error, and on Mondaj^, November 21, 1870, the prisoner w^as^ brought into court for sentence. On being asked the usual ques- tion by Judge Boynton as to whether he had anything to say why the sentence of the law should not be pronounced against him in accordance with the verdict, the prisoner passed up to the judge a slip of paper, on which was written a request for a private inter- view w^ith the judge. On reading it Judge Boynton said that he could not grant the request, but that the prisoner, by himself or his counsel, could make any statement he desired, whereupon Washburn then said: "I claim that justice has not been done me. I don't know much about law, for I never read much, but I know that any man would do just as I did under the same circumstances. There was enough reason for my doing as I did. I have served my country several years, but I don't know as the lives I have saved, and the service I have done the government, and the sufferings I have gone through, w^ill make any difference with what will be done wdth me in this case. When I shot it w^as under an impulse that I could not resist, and I don't think that I ought to be held responsible, for I couldn't help it. I think I ought to have a new trial. This would be right and fair, for the judge and jury that tried me would have done just as I did. It is unjust to punish me for what I did." Judge Boynton, continuing said: "However brave you may have been in defense of the government furnishes no reason to treat lightly the crime of which you stand convicted. The man w^ho shoots another must suffer the penalty the law has affixed to the crime. From the evidence offered in the case, it seems that you were bent on killing Peoples. You got him into your house, aw^ay from all help, closed the door, took down the pistol from w^here it w^as hanging, and, as your victim Avas hitching along the lounge towards the door, in the vain hope of escaping, you delib- erately shot him, and follovsred him, shooting again and again. In passing sentence upon you, the court has no discretion. The statute prescribes the punishment for murder in the second degree, of w^hich crime the jury have found you guilty, w^hich punishment is imprisonment in the State's prison for the term of your natural life. It is, therefore, the judgment of this court that you be taken hence to the jail of the county, and thence, within thirty days, to the penitentiary, there to be confined during your natural life. It is no part of the sentence of this court that you be put into solitary confinement." IN PRISON — DIVORCE, ETC. 693 Conduct of the Prisoner.— The bearing of the prisoner in jail Siad been generally pacific and amiable up to the finding of the verdict of the jury and the certainty that a new trial would not be granted. He then became somewhat ill-natured, and on going from the jail to the court house to receive his sentence, stoutly resisted Sheriff Curtiss and his deputy in their attempt to lock arms Avith him. He also became a good deal agitated during the •delivery of the sentence, by Judge Boynton, but quietly accom- panied the officers back to jail. In the Penitentiary. — From this time on, while awaiting transportation to Columbus, the prisoner was somew^hat morose and irritable, and on starting with him, on November 28, 1870, the sheriff anticipated considerable trouble on the way, but was happily disappointed, the prisoner, having evidently concluded to submit to the inevitable w^ith the best grace possible, being per- fectly quiet and amiable throughout the entire journey. The total cost of the trial (exclusive of transportation fees), paid by the state treasurer to Sheriff Curtiss, was $734.05. His Prison Deportment. — For twenty-one years has Vendruth Washburn been separated from the world by the gloomy w^alls of his prison-house, and though he is reported by the prison officers to have a clean record as to deportment and conformity to prison rules, he is very restive under his protracted confinement, as is evidenced by the earnest appeals that he has from titne to time made to his counsel, and others, to intervene in his behalf in an effort to secure a pardon, still claiming that, admitting his sanity at the commission of the act for which he w^as convicted, he has been sufficiently punished for visiting summary vengeance upon the invader of his domestic rights and marital sanctities. Petition For Divorce — Curious Answer. — The wife, Ellen Elizabeth Washburn, remained true to her original marital rela- tions for nearly four years, when, on the 7th day of October, 1874, through her attorney, William McNeil, Esq., she filed her petition in the court of Common Pleas, setting forth that ever since her marriage to the said Vendruth D. Washburn, on the 5th day of October, 1865, she had conducted herself toward him as a "faithful and obedient wife;" and, after reciting the fact of his conviction, sentence and incarceration in the penitentiary, asking that she might be divorced, with custody of children, etc. A copy of this petition, accompanied by the usual summons, w^as duly served upon Washburn in the penitentiary, by the sheriff of Franklin county. Washburn at once returned the copy of the petition to County Clerk George W. Weeks, with the following request endorsed thereon: State Prison, Columbus, Ohio, ) October 27, 1874. ) Geo. W. Weeks, Esq. — Sir : I write a few lines which 1 request you to read to the court in the presence of the plaintiff, Ellen E. Washburn : I, V. D. Washburn, defendant , ask that the plaintiff above named with- draw her petition for divorce. First, because she cannot obtain the divorce without committing- the crime of perjury; she cannot truthfully affirm that she has been a true and a faithful and obedient wife of Defendant V. D. Washburn. Second, for her to obtain a divorce under suclbcircumstances as exist in this case, and to marry ag-ain is for her to live in adulterJ^ Third, if she persists in pressing the suit for divorce, it may compel me to reveal that which will be seriously to her disadvantage ; it may bring- her to the same humiliating position in which I am now placed. Fourth, I still have 694 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. 80 great a degree of regard for the tnother of my children as to desire her best good, and to desire that she commit no further crime. Fifth, I do- therefore send her this soleinn warning — warning her to turn from sin and from crime, and to escape temporal and eternal punishiuent before it is ever- lastingly too late * * * before she drags herself and her own flesh and blood down to the world of eternal woe. I have warned you, my once loved wife. Beware! Beware! BEWARE! V. D. Washburn. Decree of Divorce Granted. — Yet, notveithstanding this solemn warning, the petition w^as not w^ithdraw^n, and the decree of divorce was duly granted, with the custody of the children, then eight and six years old, respectivel}^ confirmed to the mother. Mrs. Washburn was subsequently married to Mr. James Hall, of Boston tow^nship, with whom she is still living. The tw^o daugh- ters, noAV grown to womanhood, -with commendable perseverance^ in the face of poverty and the odium inseparable from the wrong- doing and misfortunes of the father, have secured for themselves a first-class education, with a view of teaching, and are both highly respected by all who know them. CHAPTER XXXII. COPLEY IN EMBKYO— TOPOGRAPHY — THE BIG SWAMP—A GAMY LOCALITY — DANGER AND DEATH THERE, TOO— EFFORTS AT RECLAMATION—EARLY SETTLEMENT ORGANIZATION, ETC.— GROWTH, POPULATION, ETC.— BUSINESS STATUS "SPIRIT" MANIFESTATIONS- PIONEER TEMPERANCE SOCIETY- EDUCATION AND RELIGION — MILITARY RECORD — COPLEY IN PUBLIC OFFICE— HER NEW RAILROAD— INSANE HOMICIDE, ETC. THE STARTING POINT. IDREVIOUS to the erection of Summit county, in 1840, Copley -■- was part and parcel of Medina county, w^hich, though desig- nated as a separate county, was legally associated with Portage county until its ow^n distinct organization, in 1818. -Copley was originally a part of w^hat w^as designated as Wolf Creek township, embracing the present townships of Copley, Norton, Wadsw^orth, Sharon, Guilford, and Montville. In the original survey, Copley w^as officially known as "Township 2, Range 12, of the Western Reserve," and is bounded on the north by Bath, east by Portage, south by Norton and west by Sharon. Topographical. — Though not bordered upon, or traversed by, any considerable streams of water, like some of the tow^nships both north and south of it, quite a large proportion of the tow^nship originally was, and in fact still is, quite wet. Pigeon Creek, Chocolog Creek and Wolf Creek traversing nearly its entire length and breadth, from the north and w^est, culminating in a succession of ponds and marshes, pretty generally known as Copley swamp, but embracing about equal proportions of Copley, Portage and Norton tow^nships. Upon the confines of this swamp, on the west side, are three quite extensive bodies of water, designated, respectively, Chocolog Pond, White Pond and Black Pond, w^hich in the past have afforded fine sporting grounds for the hunters and fishermen of the neigh- borhood. White Pond, in later years, furnishing large quantities of the very purest ice for the Akron market. There Was Sport in Those Days. — Besides the several vari- eties of fish and small game formerly abounding in and about the ponds in question, the swamp, every Autumn, for inanj' years, swarmed with myriads of pigeons, of w^hich thousands upon thou- sands were captured and slaughtered annually by the surrounding inhabitants. At an early day, also, larger game — w^olves, bears, deer, w^ild-turkeys, etc., — was abundant, a circular hunt occurring in December, 1821, in w^hich some 2(X) persons participated, sur- rounding Copley sw^amp, and at a given signal marching towards the center. The result of the day's ^vork, according to the recol- lection of the late Julius A. Sumner, was the killing of 75 deer, four bears and two wolves, and, according to the recollection of the late Avery Spicer, (whose father. Major Miner Spicer, w^as one of the chief managers of the hunt), 100 deer, 18 bears and two wolves, besides a great variety of smaller game. 696 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. DR. BYRON CHAPMAN— son of Ashbel and Polly (Lane) Chap- man, was born near Skeneatteles, N. Y., January 8, 1822; at the ag-e of 13, in 1835, came with parents to Ohio, set- tling" in Coplej'; raised on farm with common school education; at 22, commenced the study of medicine with his brother William, then prac- ticing in Coplej', attending lectures two terins in Cleveland Medical Col- lege, from which he was g-raduated in March, 1847. Dr. William Chapman dying, soon after his graduation, he took charge of his brother's patients and has been in constant and suc- cessful practice in Cople}' and vicin- ity ever since. Deceinber 23, 1847, he was married to Miss Matilda A. Dils, of New Hudson, Oakland count3', Michigan, a native of Cajniga county, New York, who has borne him two children — Willis D., whose por- trait and biogfraphy w^ill be found elsewhere, and Fanny P., widow of the late Albert E. Heistand, now liv- ing with her father in Cople3'. Though an ardent Republican, Dr. Chapman has never sought or held office, excepting those of treasurer of his township and of postmaster, but has ever been active in promot- ing the educational and moral inter- DK. BYRON CHAPMAN. ests of the county, state and nation, being especially efficient in supplj'- ing the government with the sinews of war, during the great slaveholder's rebellion. For several j^ears after the writer came here, (1835), each recurring Winter would bring to the Akron market a liberal sup- ply of v-enison and wild turkey from the Copley swamp, and less than thirty years ago a fine deer was driven from the swamp, and after circling around toward New Portage, and again north- ward toward Akron, was finally brought to bay and killed upon what was then designated as the "Island," between Manning's Pond and Summit Lake, but by whom is not now rememliered; an occasional turkey having been gathered in in still later years. There Were Perils There, Also. — Though there are many quite extensive areas of solid land, called islands, in different por- tions of the swamp, much of it was extremely soft and miry, especially in the rainy seasons of the year. Thus it was quite haz- ardous traveling through it, except in cold w^eather, and even then, persons inexperienced in woodcraft were in imminent danger of becoming lost, many instances occurring w^here parties, thus becoming bewildered, have undergone considerable hardship before finding their way out, the universal tendency, it is said, of persons thus lost, being to travel in a circle, instead of in a straight line in any desired given direction. It is not now remembered that loss of life to anj'^ adult per- son ever resulted from thus becoming bewildered in the swamp, though some thirty years ago, the sad death of a six-year-old boy occurred therein, under the following circumstances: Doctor Henry Hetrick, since a resident of Copley, in 1861, lived near the north line of Coventry, west of the canal. A little six-year-old son of Mrs. Hetrick (formerly Mrs. Houck) was living with an uncle near East Liberty, in Green township, some seven miles to the NAME OF TOWNSHIP, SETTLEMENT, ETC. 697 southeast. On Friday, July 26, little Benny, being sent by his uncle to Watch the barn door to keep the hogs out, while the farm hands were in the field after a load of grain, being probably seized w^ith a desire to see his mother, unnoticed by the family, started off in the direction of her Coventry home. He seems to have traversed the rather difficult route correctly, until within a few rods of his mother's house, when, seeing a neighbor at his gate, being of a timid nature, the little fellow climed over the fence, as if to reach the house through the back lot. The supposition is that he was unable to recognize his home from the rear, and wandered on,, climbing into the road beyond, the last seen of him alive being on Sherbondy hill, on the road to Loyal Oak. The Search^Fouxd Dead. — The parents supposing that the child was still at his uncle's, and the uncle supposing that he was at his mother's, several days elapsed before it Avas known that he was missing. Then a vigorous search was instituted by the fam- ily and neighbors, which was kept up for about ten days, but w^ithout obtaining any clue w4iatever, other than above indicated. On Wednesday, August 14, some twenty days after his disappear- ance, Curtis Robinson and Abner and William Scranton, -while hunting in the swamp, found the dead body of the little wanderer about eighty rods south of Black Pond, the child evidently having followed the ditch leading from the pond to Pigeon Creek, until he sank exhausted do\vn to death. The body -was in such a stage of decomposition as to be recognized only by its clothing. The parents were promptly notified, a coffin procured, and the remains removed to the family residence, Avhere the funeral was largely attended by sympathizing friends and neighbors on Thursday, August 15. EfforTvS at Reclamation. — An immense amount of time and money have already been expended in the construction of public roads through different portions of this swamp, and in ditching and other efforts to utilize these swamp lands for grazing and agricultural purposes, and several hundred acres have thus far been reclaimed and put under cultivation. But owing to the peculiar construction of the Ohio Canal, near the junction of Wolf Creek and the Tuscarawas river, the full benefit of the reclamation project b^' drainage has not yet been secured. Through the efforts of Senator J. Park Alexander and Representative Henry C. Sanford, the Legislature has authorized the construction of a culvert under the canal, for the purpose of running said surplus water into the Tuscarawas river, which, if successful, it is confidently expected will add several thousand acres to the tillable and taxable lands of the several tow^nships interested. A "Lordly" Name. — In the distribution of the lands of the Western Reserve, Township 2, Range 12, fell principally to one Gardner Green, of Boston, Mass., and was at first called Greenfield, but was afterwards changed by Mr. Green to Copley, in honor of his wife, whose inaiden name was Copley, said to have been a lineal descendant of Lord Copley, of England. Thus, though largely Republican in politics, and eminently Democratic in thought and habit, the good people of Copley can justly boast that, in name at least, their township is a veritable " sprig of nobility." When and by Whom Settled. — The first actual white settler in the township, is believed to have been Jonah Turner, a native 698 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. of Pennsylvania, who, in 1814, located on "Stony Ridge," about two miles w^est of Montrose. Turner was a member of Major Crog- han's battalion, in the w^ar of 1812, and is said to have selected this location while encamped near by, on the march of the battalion from Pittsburg to Fort Stephenson, at Low^er Sandusky, in the Summer of 1813, w^here, w^ith a garrison of but 150 men, and a single cannon, such a gallant and successful defense was made against 500 British troops, and about the same number of Indians and six pieces of artillery, under the veteran General Proctor— Major Croghan being then but 21 years of age. From the fact that the Indians of this vicinity vanished with the breaking out of the w^ar, allying themselves -with the British forces as above indicated, and the further fact that Copley was not settled as early as many of the other townships of the county, no- stories of collisions betw^een Avhite and red men, are to be found, among the traditionary lore of this toAvnship. T UT.HER H. PARMELEE.-son of -L' Elisha and Roxa (Stanley) Par- melee, natives of Goshen, Conn., was born in Mt. Morris, Livingston connty, N. Y., August 13, 1812; educated at Batavia, Genesee county', N. Y.; at 17 engaged in clerking in Westfield, Chautauqua county, N. Y.; February, 1832 came with familj' to Hudson, Ohio, working on father's farm Sum- mers and teaching school Winters; in Spring of 1835, entered store of Oviatt & Baldwin, at Copley Center, as clerk; in 1838 formed mercantile partnership with Leavitt Weeks, con- tinuing until 1845, when he reinoved to Akron, where he resided 10 years. Maj^ 14, 1838, Mr. Parmelee was mar- ried in Copley, to Miss Tamma In- gersoll, daughter of Noah and Mary (Stickels) Ingersoll, who has borne hiin seven children — Helen E., wife of George O. Rice, of Kent; Walter M., Caroline G., wife of A. L. Ewell, of Kent; Luther H. (deceased); Mary H., wife Henrj^ C. Rea, of Kent; Frank H., of Kent, and Roxa S., wife of W. I. Caris, of Kent; the family having removed to Kent in the Fall of 18.55. While a resident of Copley, Mr. Par- melee served as township clerk, assessor, trustee and meinber of board of education, and since resid- ing in Kent has held the offices of township trustee, clerk, school director, justice of the peace, mem- LUTHER H. PARMELEE. ber of the board of education and' treasurer, village councilinan, re- corder, treasurer, treasurer of union school board, county commissioner,, county coroner, cashier of the Kent Savings and Loan Association and treasurer of Portage and Summit Pioneer Association. It will be impossible to give the names of all the early settlers in the tow^nship, but of those coming thither previous to 1820 w^e may mention the following: George Hawkins, 1815; Lawrence More, 1816; Allen Bosworth, 1817; Jacob Spafford, Nathaniel Davi» and Jonathan Starr, 1818, and Chester Orcutt, 1819. Copley w^as organized, as a distinct tow^nship, in July 1819, one year, only, after the organization of Medina county, of w^hich it w^as then a part. The election records are not now in existence. , GROWTH, POPULATION, ETC. 699 and it is not remembered by any of the present residents of the township who the original officers of the township were, though it is quite certain that Mr. Jonathan Starr w^as the first town clerk,, as well as the first justice of the peace (elected in 1820), though Mr. Law^rence More, w^ho had been previously elected by the sev- eral associated townships above named, continued to act until the close of his term. Growth, Population, Etc. — After its organization, settlement, by sturdy and enterprising emigrants, mostly from New England, but with a healthy mixture from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other States, was quite rapid, so that, by 1835, the town- ship was nearly, if not quite, as populous as it is now. The census of 184() gave it a population of 1,439, while that of 1880 made the number but 1,337 (being a shrinkage, in the forty intervening years, of 102 souls), while the census of 1890 credits the tow^nship with 1,321 , a loss of 16 during the decade — a condition of things accounted for in the fact that the services of the timber-slasher and log- burner are no longer needed; and in the still further fact that the labor of the country has been largely transferred from the farm to- the work-shop, for the fabrication of labor-saving agricultural implements; aided, too, by the concentration of mercantile and mechanical operations, that used to be done at tow^nship centers^ in the larger villages and cities. Copley's Business Status. — Aside from the sw^ampy portion of the township, described above, with the exception of a few stony ridges in different localities, the land is of a gently rolling con- formation, and of a general fertility equal to that of any other township on the Reserve; and it is safe to say that its farms are as well tilled and cared for, and its farm buildings as commodious and carefully kept, as those of anj^ other community in'Ohio.^ Copley tnay, therefore, emphatically be called an agricultural township, producing, in abundance, nearly every species of grain,, vegetables and fruit known to this climate, as well as some of the very best stock raised in Northern Ohio. In the center^of the town is a hotel, store, postoffice, and sundry mechanical establishments, though for reasons stated above, these branches of business are on a much smaller scale than forty years- ago. Though abounding in w^ater, Copley never possessed any considerable amount of machiner^^-propelling water power, the Zeigler Flouring Mill, on Wolf Creek, two miles south of the cen- ter, originally erected by Allen Pardee, being the only permanent establishment of the kind in the township. One or two grist mill& also had an early brief existence, while quite an extensive steam- driven flour mill, with three run of stones, was established at the center about 1858, by the late John C. Stearns, and Darwin Clarke, which, after a fairly successful run of about two j^ears, was unfor- tunately destroyed by fire, and never rebuilt. Quite a number of sawmills have also existed from time to time in the tow^nshii), driven by both water and steam power, some of w^hich^ — notably that of Mr. William C. Sackett, on the eastern line of the township — did quite an extensive business for several years, but most of them are now^ a memory only. The manufacture of " black salts," or potash, was also Cj[uite an industry in Copley, and surrounding townships, during the early forest-slashing period, "asheries" being then quite common, the 700 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. product, in large, tight casks, finding a market in Pittsburg (by w^agon), previous to the opening of the Ohio Canal, and afterwards in Cleveland, Buffalo and other points further east. " Evil Spirits" did there Abound. — The fabrication of whisky, too, "was one of Copley's most prominent early "industries," some- thing like a dozen distilleries having been erected at different points within the limits of the township, some of them turning out as high as 50 gallons per day, and one of them continuing in oper- tion as late as about 1850. Though some of these establishments were a source of consid- erable wealth to their proprietors, and incidentally pecuniarily beneficial to some of the neighboring farmers, it Avas early discov- ered, by the more thoughtful inhabitants that they were sadly interfering with the industrious habits of others, and rapidly sowing the seeds or immorality and disorder in the community. WILLIAM JOHNSTON.^son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Wil- helm) Johnston; was born in Green township, Aug'ust 3, 1815; raised a farmer with such education as the meag-er schools of that earl}' daj^ afforded; reinained with parents until 29 3'ears of age; April 22, 1841, was married to Miss Elizabeth G. Moore, daughter of the late John Moore, of Spring-field, and in April, 1844, located on lot 15 in Copley township, where he continuously resided until his death, November 23, 1885. Mr. Johnston was a great reader, and thoroug-hly posted in af- fairs, in politics orig-inally a Whig-, and later a thorough-going Republi- -can, and one of the most active and influential members of that party in his township and countj^. Besides filling various township oflRces, Mr. Johnston was a member of the County Board of Infirmary Directors, from 1858 to 1861, three years. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were the parents of two sons — Cornelius A., born July 16, 1842, now a successful farmer in Tall- niadge, and John M., born August 13, 1844, now residing- upon the family WILLIAM JOHNSON. homestead in Coplej% the latter also having ably served on the Infirmary Board six years— 1882 to 1888. the last two years as clerk of the board. Mrs. Johnston still survives, residing with her son upon the old homestead. Early Temperance Movement. — Hence, as early as October, 1829, a temperance organization was effected, believed by some to "be the first regular society of this kind in Ohio, although the sub- ject was then being somewhat agitated in Hudson, Tallmadge and several other towns upon the Western Reserve. The society was called "The First Temperance Society of Medina Count3%" the second, third and fifth articles of its constitution being, respect- ively, as follows: Art. 2. The object of this compact shall be the suppression of intem- perance, by doing- away the unnecessar}^ use of ardent spirits. Art. 3. The members of this society ag-ree not to use ardent spirits them- selves, unless necessary for the promotion of, or restoration to, health, and .also to discourage their use bj' others. EDUCATIONAL — RELIGIOUS, ETC. 701 Akt. 5. The members of this compact shall make use of the means in their power to prevent the intemperate use of ardent spirits; and shall use their endeavors to disseminate a knowledge of intemperance upon individ- uals and upon society generally. This society increased in numbers quite rapidly, and through its influence similar organizations were effected in contiguous localities, considerably diminishing the use of distilled liquors and the respectability of their manufacture and sale, though it was not until the Washingtonian movement, originating in Baltimore in 1840, struck Ohio, a few years later, that the manufacture of "blue- ruin" was entirely discontinued in Copley, since which time the township will compare favorably, for sobriety and morality, with any other community in the State of Ohio. Lacteal Operations. — Some eighteen or twenty years ago, the Cheese Factory system was inaugurated in Copley; one establish- ment being located near the center or the town and another upon its eastern border, upon the farm of Mr. William C. Sackett. The patrons of the latter, being residents of both Copley and Portage townships, it w^as denominated the "Summit Union Cheese Com- pany," and for a time, under the superintendence of Mr. Sackett, did quite an extensive business; but differences arising among the stockholders in regard to its management, the business w^as aban- doned some ten years ago and the large milk production of the neighborhood is now^ daily distributed from wagons, among the inhabitants of the rapidly gro>ving city of Akron. At the present time there is very little cheese made in the township, the private dairies of those w^ho do not sell their milk, as above noted, being devoted to butter making, large quantities of which, of a most excellent quality, find a ready maket at remu- nerative prices. Education and Religion. — It is a little difficult to determine, at this late day, w^ho was the first school teacher in the township, recollections being about equal in favor of John Codding and Jonathan Starr. It is a fact, however, that Copley has been sup- plied w^ith as good school houses, and as efficient teachers, from the beginning, as any of its neighbors, while, for a good share of the time, an academy, or high school, has been maintained at the center of the town; the center, becoming incorporated as a separate school district some 25 years ago, the school then being placed in charge of Rev. John Encell, who made himself so efficient as an instructor, and so popular as a citizen, that in 1865 he was selected as Summit county's representative in the State Legislature, as elsewhere noted. In religious matters, Copley holds a fair average with her sister townships. In the early forties, the Congregationalists and Methodists jointly erected a church building, a short distance south of the center, in which Sunday services have been held by one or other of the societies, with slight interruptions, to the present day. During a portion of the time, also, there has been a Metho- dist society on the north line of the township, jointly maintained by citizens of Copley and Bath, while A\'ithin the past few years, a small but fine house of w^orship has been erected one mile east of the center, at Boughton's Corners, by the society of the "Church of God" (commonly known as "Winebrennarians"), the Disciples, also, having erected a snug little church edifice at the center, and 702 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the United Brethren a similar house of worship at Montrose, ^ short distance east of the corners, on the Copley side of the line, within the past year or two. Copley's War Record.— In the line of patriotism and military -ardor, Copley's record is remarkably fine. Of her ex-Revolutionary heroes, nothing can now be definitely learned. In the War of 1812, Colonel Jonas Schoonover, in his contribution to Hardesty's Mili- tary History of Ohio, gives the names of Copley's participants as follows: Joel Thayer, Josiah Arnold, Chester Cole, Hezron Thomp- son and John Beatty. In the Mexican War: Ezra and Noah Tryon, and Otis, George and Elias Capron, w^hile in the War of the Rebellion, a roster of one hundred and forty-one, is compiled from Colonel Schoonover's list, and the assessor's returns for 1863, "64, '65, as follows: Lyman J. Adair, Andrew^ A. Adair, Ransom J. Arnold, Charles F. Arnold, Samuel Arnold, Nathaniel Averill, Mervin H. Ayres (died in service), James Andrews, Rice Brockway, Willard Bos- worth, Leuas Ball, Benjamin F. Boughton, More Briggs, Jacob Ballinger, Conrad Ballinger, Samuel Briggs, J. T.Barnett, Stephen Bloomfield, W. H. Bloomfield, David Conrad, Daniel Conrad (killed in battle), Albert Capron, Christopher Conrad, Joseph Chalfant, Albert Coon, William Conrad, Marion Cogswell (died in service), Ira Capron, Guerdon A. Cook, William S. Dale, Joseph De Long, Thomas Dreuery, William H. Durant (died in service), Almeron Francisco, Franklin A. Foster, Edward Foley, John H. Francisco, John Fairbanks (died in service), Robert Fairbanks, Henry Fair- banks, Robert Ferryman (died in service), Curtis Gingery, Stephen Oriffith, Amos Griffith, Alma Griffith, James Griffith, Emanuel Ging- ery (died in service). Freedom Green, Aaron Golden, George W. Hollo- w^ay, Samuel Hoagland (died in service), Harvej^HuU (died in service), IrvingHull, Martin Hutchinson, Amos Hutchinson, Dieterich Heath- man (died in service), George Heppart, Sylvester Hull, Luther Hollo- way, James Heathman, John Hatfield, A. Hoagland, William Hawk, Oeorge Hogan, Enoch Hastings, E. Hamilton, John Jones, W. H. Jones, Henry Keck, Hiram King, Martin Keller, Samuel King, Samuel Kennedy, George Loomis, Benjamin R. Lee, John Mann, William Medsker, Isaac Medsker, John Moore, Perry Moore, Robert Mech, R. Mech, George Mann, Samuel Moore, Henry Null, Ira S. Nash, Andrew Null, Charles P. Nash, Nelson D, Oviatt, Luman B. Oviatt, Hartwell A. Parker, Henry A. Parker, Calvin R. Porter {died in service), Gardner Pratt, Nathan Pursell, Edy Randall, Walter Randall, Lebeus Robinson, Ezra Randall, Lester Robinson, Charles Robinson, John C. Steans, Jr., Thurlow Scudder, A. A. Stonebrook, William G. Stoughton, Irving Spafford, Leonard Squires (died in service), N. J. Smith, J. W. Shonts, Arthur W. Scudder, James W. H. Snyder, Martin Squires, Samuel Shanafelt (died in service), Washington Shanafelt, Simon Starr, Charles W. Stearns (died in service), Henry Stroel, C. J. Spelman, Seth Thomas, Coral W. Taylor (died in service), Ed. Tew^ksbury, Mortimer Van Hyning, Peter Weeks, Jr., Paul E. Wylie, David L. Winkler, Jona- than Welker, George Welch, Orlow West, Jacob Winters, Harrison Weeks, Mandred Weeks, George D. Woodruff (died in service), Martin Welker, James Winkler (died in service), John Warner, Nel- son Wager, Alvin West, William Wagoner, Robert Weeks, John Yoey. COPLEY IN PUBLIC OFFICE. 703 In addition to the ever efficient and active influence of the late Chester Orcutt, James Hammond, Morgan D. Pratt, Dr. Byron ■Chapman, Vincent G. Harris, William C. Sackett, Esq., and others, in promoting the agricultural and other industrial interests of the -county, Copley has maintained fully an average standing with her sister townships, in public office, since the organization of Summit county, in 1840. Jonathan Starr was a member of the first Board of County Commissioners, being elected in April, 1840, to serve until the ensuing regular election, and, in October of that year, re-elected for the full term of three years, making a most efficient officer, for nearly four years, in orgariizing the business machinery of the new county, erecting the public buildings, etc. Mr. Starr, on the 18th day of December, 1851, while visiting his son (the lately deceased Jonathan Starr, Jr., of Akron), who w^as then clerking for Mr. P. D. Hall, in looking through the new^ store building, then nearing completion, accidentally fell through an open scuttle from the second story to the floor belo^v, 13 feet, and was instantly killed. William Johnston was not only a model farmer and patriotic public-spirited citizen, but most efficiently filled the important office of Infirmary director, from 1858 to 1861, three years. Francis T. Husong, by appointment of the Board of Directors, in June, 1861, became superintendent of the Infirmary, holding the position, and ably performing its responsible duties, until April, 1868, nearly seven years, during which time the main build- ing of the present fine Infirmary edifice w^as erected, Superinten- -dent Husong's services, in the planning and building thereof, laying out the grounds, etc., being almost invaluable. In October, 1867, Mr. Husong, having in the meantime become a resident of Akron, was elected a director of the Infirmary, which position he ^bly filled for three years. I^Ev. John Encell, then a resident of Copley, as the nominee ■of the Republican party, in October, 1885, was elected to represent Summit county in the State Legislature, which he ably and effi- ciently did for two years. George W. Weeks, Esq., was, in October, 1872, elected clerk of Courts, and re-elected to that important office in 1875, retiring therefrom, after six years' faithful service, in February, 1879, with the public plaudit of "Well done, Good and Faithful Servant." George W. Weeks, Jr., besides rendering valuable aid to his father, during his six years' incumbency of the clerk's office, as above stated, also efficiently served the people of Summit county as deputy county auditor during the six years' administration of that office, from 1881 to 1887, by Aaron Wagoner, Esq. John M. Johnston was elected a director of the County Infirmary in 1882, and so faithfully performed the duties devolved upon him, that he w^as re-elected in October, 1885, serving six jrears. Dr. Mason Chapman, a native of Copley, for many years past a resident of Akron, served as a member of City Council from 1878 to 1880. Willis D, Chapman, also a native of Copley, now an accom- plished civil engineer and scientist, served as city engineer in Akron from 1886 until 1889, besides holding other positions of xesponsibility, as stated elsewhere. 704 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Copley's Railroad Facilities, — One of the principal disad- vantages \vith Avhich Copley has had to contend, is that hitherto, since the advent of railroads into Summit county, she has been thoroughly "inland," all her travel and transpor- tation having to be done by teams, over mud roads, nearly impassable several months in the year. Now, however, the com- pletion of the new Pittsburg, Akron & Western Railroads through the central portion of the township, from east to west^ w^ith the passenger station a few rods north of the center, will give her people easy access to Akron, Medina and other desired points, not only proving a great personal and public convenience,, but, doubtless, very considerably increasing her dairy and other business operations, and the general value of her real estate. Present Official Status (1891). — Township trustees, C. C. Frederick, R. R. Stimson and J. Quincy Adams; clerk, C. E. Francisco; treasurer. Dr. Byron Chapman; postmaster, Henry Harris. COPLEY'S CRIMINAL RECORD. Though some of her citizens became somewhat tainted with the counterfeiting virus with which several of the neighboring townships were so largely infected, in the early days, and though one of her sons, then temporarily residing in Akron, figured in an infamous crime some thirty years ago, she has been, almost,, exceptionally exempt from flagrant crime, during her nearly three- quarters of a century's existence, the only reallj^ exciting epi- sode in her history being the insane killing of his son, by her native-born, and hitherto highly respected citizen, Mr. Delos Bos- w^orth, on the morning of March 3, 1891, a brief history of the sad affair being as follows: Delos Bosworth, a native of Copley, born January 11, 1818,. was, in early and middle life, one of the most enterprising and influential citizens of the tow^nship, March 16, 1841, he was mar- ried to Miss Christina Wagoner, who, after bearing him three children, died, September 3, 1855. April 8, 1858, he was again mar- ried to Miss Abbie W. Whinery, of Columbiana county, ^who bore him one son, John C, born December 25, 1860, who, grown to man- hood, became the sole dependence of the family in the management of the farm and household. For the last eight or ten years of his life, Mr. Bosworth was "affected by a peculiar nervous malady, w^hich not only very greatly impaired his physical health and enterprise, but also very greatly weakened and deranged his mental powers, involving serious financial embarrassment, by which the family homestead w^as about to be sold for his indebtedness. Though the son, John, was arranging for its purchase, and to secure for his parents a comfortable home in their declining years, the old gentleman, as is common in cases of mental derangement, con- ceived the notion that the w^ife and son were largely responsible for their troubles and determined upon putting them out of the w^ay. The Deed Partially Accomplished, — For some time he had been carefully watched, lest he should do violence to himself, his care-takers little dreaming of any immediate personal danger to themselves, though frequent threats of that nature had been made. Thus matters stood on the morning of Tuesday, March 3, 1891, STRIKING THE FATAL BLOW. 705 the family having breakfasted as usual, Mr. Bosworth eating quite heartily. John, having done the barn chores, the weather being quite cold, had seated himself in an easy-chair, by the din- ing room stove, and engaged in reading a paper, Mrs. Bosworth being busy with her household duties. From having been some- what broken of his rest during the night, and from the warmth of the room, after having been out in the cold, John, at length, dropped asleep in his chair. With insane cunning the demented father now saw his opportunity, and instantly acted upon it. Though the room was abundantly warm, he handed the empty coal bucket to his wife, and requested her to get some coal, which she at once proceeded to do, passing through the summer kitchen and woodshed to the coal house in the rear. Noiselessly following her to the ^woodshed, he secured an ax, and retraced his steps, as he did so locking the door between the kitchen and the dining room. Then, with the superhuman strength of a madman, instead of the nerveless invalid that he really was, he raised the ax and struck the fatal blow, the blade crashing through the skull and up to the eye into the brain of his unconscious son. Ax Attempt on Mrs. Bosworth's Life, Also. — On returning with the bucket of coal, and finding the door locked, Mrs. Bos- w^orth instantly divined the cause, and setting down the bucket, she hurried around through the w^oodshed to the porch door open- ing into the dining room, where she met her infuriated husband, with the blade of the ax dripping with the warm life-blood of her son. He rushed at her with the bloody weapon, but she evaded him, and fled to the road screaming for assistance. Attempt to Take His Own Life. — Attracted by the screams of Mrs. Bosworth, neighbors were soon at the house, the first one, Mr. Isaiah Jacoby, grappling with, and taking from, Mr. Bosworth, a large, but not very sharp, pocket-knife, with which he was attempting to cut his own throat. Though, of course,, totally unconscious, the son continued to breathe several hours, finally expiring at 2:13 p. m. The facts of the killing were so patent that Coroner Brewster did not deem it necessary to hold an inquest over the remains. Police Sergeant Dunn, the same da}^ brought the unfortunate old man to Akron, and placed him in an upper room in the jail, though he was, the same evening, taken to the County Infirmarj^. A few days later he was brought before Probate Judge, E. W. Stuart, by w^hom, after proper hearing, he was adjudged to be insane, and on account of Summit county's quota being full, at the Newburg Asylum, he was remanded to the Infirmary, where, continuing to grow feeble, and paralysis intervening, he died on Sunday evening, March 22, 1891, his age being 73 years, 2 months and 11 days. Though the loss of so promising a young man as was John C. Bosworth, in so tragic a manner, is deeply mourned and regretted by the entire community, the fearful wreckage of body and mind, without any known moral or physical obliquity, of so prominent and influential a native-born citizen as Delos Bosworth, is most deeply deplored by the great majority of the people of the town- ship, and by his hundreds of acquaintances in other portions of the county. 45 CHAPTER XXXIII. THE "STATE OF COVENTRY"— WHY SO CALLED— WHERE AXD WHAT IT IS— AN ABORIGINAL "GARDEN OF EDEN"— EARLY WHITE SETTLEMENT — AGRI- CULTURAL AND MINERAL RESOURCES, MILLING, MANUFACTURES, ETC. — THE RESERVOIRS, WHEN AND WHY CONSTRUCTED -THE CELEBRATED OLD STATE MILL— NEW PORTAGE THE ANCIENT METROPOLIS—" QUEER " FINAN- CIAL OPERATIONS — HONORABLE MILITARY AND CIVIL RECORD — FRAT- RICIDAL HOMICIDE IN 1837— TERRIBLE FAMILY AFFLICTION- DEATH OF FRATRICIDE OF GRIEF, IN PRISON THE LEY-SVV^ARTZ-THOMAS TRAGEDY OF 1878— IMPRISONMENT, PARDON, SUBSEQUENT GOOD CONDUCT, ETC.— IM- PRESSIVE LESSON TO YOUNG MEN. WHERE AND HOW LOCATED. npHE township of Coventry is located immediately south of the city of Akron, a narrow strip of the northern part being, in fact, w^ithin the city limits, and that portion of its inhabitants denizens thereof. On the east lies the township of Springfield, on the south portions of Franklin and Green, and on the west the township of Norton. The south line of the toAvnship is also the south line of the famous "Western Reserve." Unlike most of the townships of the Reserve, which w^ere laid out with mathematical precision, five miles square, Coventry is quite irregular in shape; that portion east of Portage Path extend- ing about one-fourth of a mile further north than the portion on the west side; of said Path, w^hile south of New Portage, follow^ing the course of the Tuscarawas river, it trenches, in places, nearl3^ a mile upon the fair proportions of Norton township, on the w^est. This w^as owing to the fact that some twenty years elapsed between the two treaties; that of Fort Mcintosh, in 1785, ceding to the United States all the territory east of Portage Path and the Tus- carawas river, and that of Fort Industry, in 1805, all the territory w^est of those points; and to the variation in the lines of the two sets of surveyors employed to lay the tw^o sections out. Aboriginal "Garden of Eden." — Previous to the advent of the wrhites, the territory embraced w;ithin the tow^nship of Coventry must have been literally the Garden of Eden of the Red man. In the first place, at or a little above the present village of New Port- age, w^as the southern terminus of the Portage Path — a veritable port of entry and dfelivery — being the head of navigation on the Tuscaraw^as river, whence there vt^as constant passage to and fro betw^een Lake Erie and the Ohio river; for be it remembered that neither the Cuyahoga nor the Tuscarawas w^ere then the diminutive rivulets that the denudation of the country of its tim- ber, and the drainage appliances of civilization, have reduced them to. In fact, for many years after white settlement began, this point (New^ Portage) was regarded as one of the most favorable business locations in Northern Ohio, flat-boats being built and freighted writh such products as the neighborhood afforded for the Ohio and Mississippi trade. EARLY SETTLEMENT. 707 JONAH ALLEN, — son of Jesse Allen, Sr., was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., October 14, 1798 ; came to Coventrj^ with parents, in 1811, the father officiating- as justice of the peace in Coventrj^ township for many years. Mr. Allen was married to Miss Cynthia Spicer, sister of the late Major Spicer, Maj^ 12, 1821, and estab- lished a farm home for himself in Coventr}', which he successfullj'- car- ried on until his death, May 15, 1874, .at the ag-e of 75 years, 7 months and 1 day, Mrs. Allen having- died Sep- tember 11, 1860, aged 57 years, 3 months and 20 days. Mr. and Mrs; Allen were the parents of five chil- dren — Catharine, born November 5, 1822, aftersvards Mrs. Oren Beckwith, who died January 23, 1855 ; Edward, born August 18, 1824, died July 9, 1841 ; William, born February 18, 1827, died November 28, 1886; John, born October 20, 1829, still residing upon the old homestead in Coventr}' ; Cynthia, who died in infancj' ; the surviving son, John, like the brother, William, the father, Jonah, and the grandfather, Jesse, being among the most enterprising and honored residents of Coventry township ; in politics an ardent Republican, and in religion an earnest supporter of the Disciple faith. John Allen was JONAH ALLEN. married, December 9, 1857, to Ann Morgan, of Newburg, Cuyahoga county, who has borne him four children^Emma C. (now Mrs. Henry B. Sisler, of Akron), born November 2, 1858 ; Jesse M., now working in Barberton, born April 6, 1864 ; Isham F., born Jan 2, 1868; John R., born March 23, 1871, now in Worthington's hardware store, in Cleveland. Besides the Tuscarawas river, Summit Lake, then consid- erably larger than now, Manning's Lake, Nesmith's Lake, Long Lake, and several other similar bodies of water in the vicinity, afforded a great variety of fish, the adjacent forests being amply stocked with game, while the gentle slopes surrounding the lakes, w^ith the rich bottom lands of the streams, supplied them with maize and such other products of the soil, as their rude implements ^nd limited knowledge and methods of husbandry could secure. It is also certain, from modern developments and findings, that the Tuscaraw^as Valley, and the neighborhood of the lakes, was formerly the seat of quite a large volume of Indian manu- factures and industry, such as the fabrication of canoes, and of flint arrow-heads, spear-heads, hammers, axes, kettles, mortars, pestles, and such other stone implements of warfare, sport, agri- culture, domestic utensils, etc., as were then in vogue, though the material from w^hich the most of them were made must have been brought from a distance, as nothing of the kind is indigenous to- the neighborhood. Early Settlement, etc. — It is generally conceded that Daniel Haines (General Bierce has it David), w^as the first white settler in t;he township, having removed thither from Pennsylvania in 1806. Mr. Haines built himself a log cabin on lot 4, a short distance south of the present stone residence of Miss A. Louise Sumner, in the northeast corner of the township. Though Mr. Haines and his family w^ere the only w^hite settlers in the neighborhood for several years, sharing with the Indians the bounties of both forest, lake 708 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. and stream, on which they had to largely depend for subsistence^ it does not appear that there was ever any trouble between them. Though a few settlers had come to what was afterwards called Middlebur}^, where a mill had in the meantime been erected, Mr. Haines did not begin to feel cro\vded until about 1811, when the Spicers, the Williams' and the Aliens came into the neighborhood, Mr. Haines about that time selling out his cabin and improve- ments to Mr. Jesse Allen (father of the late Hiram, Jacob, Jesse and David Allen), Mr. Haines then settling upon or near lot 16, about two miles to the southwest, where he resided until his death, at a very advanced age, some 35 years ago. LEVI ALLEN,^-second son of Jesse Allen, one of the very earliest of Coventry's pioneer settlers, was born in Tompkins count}', N. Y., February 10, 1799 ; moved with par- ents to Ohio, by ox team, in 1811, Levi, then but 12 years old, walking- and driving cattle and sheep most of the way, arriving in Middlebury July 4. At 21 Mr. Allen purchased the farm now occupied bj^ Levi Allen, Jr., a short distance south of citj' limits ; in 1821, was married to Miss Phcebe Spicer, daughter of. Major Miner Spicer, who bore him six children — Levi, Jr., born July 28, 1824, now living on the old homestead, in Coventry ; Miner S.. born July 29, 1825, died Decem- ber20, 1825; Albert (whose portrait and biography appear elsewhere), born March 12, 1827, died September 25, 1888; Miner J. (see portrait on another page); born November 11, 1829; Walter Scott, born March 24, 1834, died September 13, 1834; and Cynthia A., born April 22, 1839. Mr Allen, though not an office-seeker, ever took a lively interest in public affairs, both local and general, and for sixty j'ears was an active and influential member of the Disciple church. In 1868 Mr. and Mrs. Allen gave up the care of the LEVI ALLEN. farm and removed to Akron, to reside with their children, Albert and Cj-n- thia, who kindly cared for theiu to the end — Mrs. Allen dying January 10, 1875, aged 74 years and 29 daj'S, and Mr. Allen passing away May 11, 1887, aged 88 years, 3 months and one day. From this time on, settlements became quite rapid, the Brew- sters, the Bellows', the Triplets, the Falors, the Viers', the Cahows, the Heathmans, the Nashes, the Roots, the Keplers, the Barters, the Wagoners, the Rexes, the Dixons, and others of the pioneer set- tlers, Avhose names are not noAV recalled, coming into the township in rapid succession and speedily converting it from its primitive ■wilderness condition into thrifty lields, fertile meadows and fruit- ful orchards. Organization, Name, etc.^ — Coventry first came under town- ship organization in connection with Springfield, under the juris- diction of Trumbull county, in April, 1808, but at just what date it was organized into a separate township, as a part of Portage county, is not nowr kno^vn, nor who were its first officers, or w^hy it was christened "Coventry." Jesse Allen was early and long a justice of the peace, the names of the other justices of the peace, previous to the organization of Summit county, in 1840, not being FRATRICIDAL HOMICIDE. 709 now ascertainable. Since 1840, the law and justice of the township, as appears by the record, has been dealt out by the following per- sons: Isaac Fries, nine years; Joshua Clark, three years; Ralph P.Russell, three years; Martin J. Housel, six j^ears; Taltnon Beard- sley, twelve years; William High, twelve years; John R. Buchtel, three years; Noah IngersoU, six years; John Tooker, three years; Jacob France, six years; John Donner, three years; Henry Behmer, three years; Jonathan H. Brewster, three years; Oliver P. Falor, nine years; James Iv. Porter, six years; Houston Kepler, six years. The "State of Coventry." — The township was, for many years, and by some still is, called the "State of Coventry," that cognomen having been obtained something in this wise: During the building of the canal, there ^vas a disturbance betw^e.en the w^orkmen and some of the citizens, w^hicli w^as likely to culminate in a riot, when a neighboring justice of the peace, who had been hastily summoned, with law-book in hand, proceeded to read the Riot Act, and getting a little confused, concluded with: " There- fore, in the name of the State of Coventrj^, f command vou to /fisperse.^' Early Homicide. — In the year 1838, there lived in the township of Coventry, upon the upper road leading from Akron to New Portage, a family by the name of Heathman, consisting of the w^idow of Bennett Heathman, and five sons, John, Sylvester, Elijah, Elisha and Bennett, and one daughter, Mary. One of the sons, only, Elijah, w^as married, occupying a house in the same lot, and but a few^ feet distant from the family residency, in w^hicli the other four sons and the daughter, all grown up, resided with the widowed mother Two of the sons, John and Sylvester, w^ere, un- fortunately, somewhat addicted to the excessive use of intoxicat- ing liquors; and on the 12th day of January, 1838, had spent the day away from home, but how, or w^here, their time had been employed, is not now remembered; the other brothers, Elisha and Bennett, also being absent from home during the day. The first ■one of the brothers to return in the evening was John, considerably under the influence of liquor. While he was eating his supper Sylvester came in, also slightly intoxicated. John asked Sylvester ■where Elisha w^as, to w^hich question Sylvester made the evasive reply that he had "gone up north," to which John immediately replied "You're a d — d liar and the truth isn't in you!" at the same time hurling his fork at Sylvester and slightly wounding him upon the nose, accompanying the act with the threat if S3dvester came up stairs that night he would "be the death of him." The Fatal Blow. — The mother being temporarily absent from the room, the sister, Mary, and the little six-year-old son of Elijah ^our present highly respected citizen, Mr. Alexander M. Heathman), ^were the only witnesses of the fatal affray, Mary's story, as told before the coroner, and upon the trial, was about this: that almost immediately after the above threat had been uttered, she heard a rattling of knives and forks near the place where John had been sitting at the table, and on looking that way, saw Sylvester seize a chair and strike John a severe blow upon his side. The recollec- tion of Mr. A. M. Heathman is that his uncle Sylvester, instead of striking his uncle John with the chair, while holding it between them, to prevent John in his anger from getting at him, only pushed it against him somewhat forcibl3\ Be this as it may, on 710 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the return of the mother, a moment after, on being hastily sum- moned by Mary, John exclaimed, "Oh, mother, I am going to fall!" and immediately sank to the floor. A strong smell of whisky was at once observable, and at the same time a large quantity of blood "was seen to be running from John's shoes upon the floor. The almost frantic mother had scarcely time to kneel besides the pros- trate form before it Avas evident to her that he had received a fatal w^ound, and w^hen Sylvester, on comprehending what he had done, also threw himself down beside the body of his brother, exclaim- ing, "Oh, John! Brother John!" the poor mother said: "You may call him now, but he cannot hear you, for you have killed him.'^ Sylvester then endeavored to secure the attendance of a phj^sician, but before the latter could be got to the house John was dead,, having lived less than half. an hour after the fatal blow vt^as struck. It was found, on examination, that in addition to the whisky that John had drank, during the day, he had brought home about a pint in a junk bottle, in the right pocket of his pantaloons, the force of the blow with the chair not only breaking the bottle, but driving pieces of the glass into the groin and severing the femoral artery, w^hich of course, would speedily result in death, w^ithout instant attention from a skillful surgeon. A Grief-Stricken Family, — Not only the mother, the sister,^ and the remaining brothers, Elisha, Klijah and Bennett, w^ere deeply stricken with grief, at the dreadful calamity which had befallen them, but Sylvester, also, w^as almost frantic with sorrow at the fearful mischief he had wrought. He not only made no effort to escape, but frankly told the story of the sad occurrence at the coroner's inquest over the remains of his dead brother, and voluntarily surrendered himself to the officers of the law. Trial and Punishment. — On being brought before Justice Thomas D, Viers, of the tow^nship of Coventry, the circumstances- of the fatal affray w^ere briefly narrated by the distressed mother and sister, and corroborated by Sylvester himself, whereupon he w^as held by the examining magistrate to answer to the Court of Common Pleas of Portage county for the crime of murder, and duly committed to jail until the February term of court, 1838, w^hen he w^as indicted by the grand jury for murder in the second de- gree, and put upon his trial. The case Avas conducted by Prosecuting Attorney Lucius V.^ Bierce, assisted by Rufus P. Spalding, Esq., then of Ravenna, on behalf of the State, and the accused w^as ably defended by David K. Cartter, Esq., of Akron, and Eben Newton, Esq., of Canfield- The charge to the jury, \^as delivered by President Judge, Van R. Humphrey, and, after Jbrief consultation, a verdict was returned finding the accused Guilty of Manslaughter. — Judge Humphrey thereupon immediately proceeded, in a very impressive manner — animad- verting upon the extreme folly and danger of indulging in intoxi- cating liquors, and enlarging upon the fact that such indulgence w^as the cause of more than three-fourths of the personal violence and crime, the world over — to sentence the sorrowing fratricide to one year's imprisonment in the penitentiary — the shortest period alloAvable by law for the crime of manslaughter. Died of Grief in Prison. — Immediately after receiving his sentence, Sylvester was conveyed to the penitentiary at Columbus,. Coventry's industries. 711 by Sheriff George Y. Wallace, where he was duly turned over to the prison authorities on the 13th day of February, 1838. Soon after his incarceration he w^as stricken down with sickness, as was believed by those in charge of him from excessive grief, from which he never rallied; dying in prison on the 17th day of September, 1838, five months before the expiration of his term of sentence. The entire original family are now^ dead, Elijah and Elisha dying in Ohio many years ago, and later, Bennett, in Michi- gan, and Mary, in Iowa, having, previous to her removal thither, been married to Mr. David Lehman, of Pennsylvania; the mother going to Iowa with her daughter, where, surviving nearly all her children, she, too, died a few years ago at the age of about 100 years. Agriculture, Mining, etc. — With the several lakes already alluded to, and the Tuscarawas river traversing its entire width, from east to west, and forming fully one-half of its w^estern bound- ary, there was originally a good deal of what might properly be called ^vaste land within the limits of the township. Added to this, about the year 1840, the State of Ohio, finding the Summit Lake, and other sources of supply, rather deficient in dry seasons, established, by the erection of certain embankments from one elevated point to another, a system of artificial lakes, called reser- voirs, for the purpose of storing the waters of the contiguous streams, and the surface waters of the neighborhood, thus con- verting several thousand acres of the tillable lands of Coventry, Green and Franklin to-wnships, into permanent bodies of water, with which, by a judicious use of races, sluices, flood-gates, etc., the canal is kept properly supplied; these immense bodies of water also furnishing fine fishing grounds, pleasure resorts, etc., for the inhabitants of the surrounding country. Though somewhat hilly in the south part, Coventry abounds in fine farms, the primitive log cabin and barn having given place to commodious frame and brick structures, w^hich w^ill compare favorably with those of any other township in Summit county. Portions of the township, during the past 40 years, have yielded vast quantities of the very best bituminous coal, and though several of the veins opened have been apparently worked out, the supply is by no means exhausted. There are, also, apparently inexhaustible beds of an excellent quality of peat, in the vicinity of the lakes, which, in process of time, may become valuable, but which now, by reason of the abundance of coal, can- not be made available. Manufactures, etc. — In an early day, before Akron was, and ■while Middlebury, even, w^as in its infancy, the village of New Port- age, on the line between Coventry and Norton, was putting on metro- politan airs. Being at the head of navigation, on the Tuscarawas river, as elsewhere explained, quite a stroke of business is said to have been done in the boating line; and quite a traffic established w^ith Zanesville and other early towns on the Muskingum, Ohio and Mississippi rivers, by which the inhabitants of the vicinity were supplied with salt, sugar, molasses and other household necessaries and luxuries. In about the year 1821, also, a glass factory was established at New Portage, on the Norton side of the line, by Colonel Ambrose Palmer, in which quite a fair quality of domestic articles were 712 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. made, the late Talmon Beardsley, having had a bottle in his possession, turned out of that establishment in 1822. The business, however, did not prove remunerative, and was abandoned in a few years, the proprietor afterwards embracing the Mormon faith and emigrating to Utah. ' The northeastern portion of the township now being within the corporate limits of the city of Akron, embraces quite a num- ber of manufacturing and mechanical establishments, notably the Roofing and Tile Works of J. C. Ewart & Co., in the B'ourth ward, and the Brick Works of J. B. De Haven, in the Sixth ward, of R. B. Walker, in the Fourth ward, and a large number of manufac- turing establishments, erected south of the city limits within the past three years, more particularly described in Chapter XVIII of this volume. ISRAEL ALLYN,— born in Groton, 1 Conn., December 24, 1790; raised to trade of carpenter, with g-ood com- mon school education ; in the War of 1812 served a short time as a soldier ; Aug^ust 1, 1812, was married to Miss Lucy Gallup, and in March, 1819, came to Ohio, settling on a fartn in the north part of Coventrj^, now occupied b}' his two daughters, Luc3" R., and Hannah S. Mr. and Mrs. Allyn were the parents of seven children — George H., born October 31, 1814, died March 5, 1857; Israel M., born June 20, 1818. died May 13. 188.5; Abel G., born October i, 1820, whose portrait and biographj' are given elsewhere ; Lucy R., born September 15, 1822, now residing on the old homestead in Coventr}' ; Austin, born August 20, 1828, died April 1.5, 1871 ; Lydia, born June 16, 1831. first wife of General Alvin C. Voris. died March 16, 1876 ; Hannah S., born August 1.5, 1833, still residing with her sister Luc}^ on the old homestead Mrs. Allyn, born March 22, 1789, died July 2, 18.50, aged 61 j^ears, 3 luonths and 10 days, Mr. Allyn dying May 7, 1873, aged 82 years, 4 months and 13 days. Mr. Allyn was one of the most enterpris- ing- farmers of his day, as evidenced ISRAEL ALLYN. b}^ his finely appointed home sur- roundings, and nicel}- cultivated fields, was patriotic and liberal in all public affairs, and the recipient of many local honors from his fellow townsmen. Milling Operations. — Previous to 1820, Benjamin Haines, a son of Coventry's pioneer settler, Daniel Haines, erected a small grist mill near Avhere the present north and south road, south of Swartz's Corners, crosses the Tuscarawas river, traces of the dam, race and mill foundation, being still visible. Another early, and in those days very necessary, industry, was a distillery, erected by Adam Falor, in the north central portion of the township, a little south of where the Akron Iron Company's rolling mill now stands, his son, Abram Falor, afterwards building a saw-mill upon what has since been known as Falor's run, at w^hich, by a judicious husbanding of the waters of the run, quite a business was done for several years. Another early grist and saw-mill enterprise w^as that of Daniel Rex, near the present feeder dam of the Tus- carawas reservoir. John Buchtel, Sr., also, constructed a dam and RESERVOIRS — STATE MILL, ETC. 713 race and commenced the erection of a mill in the eastern part of the township, half a mile west of Wesley Chapel, but for some reason not now apparent, it was never completed. The present well-known mill belonging to the Brewster Brothers, previously called Steese's mill, but still earlier known as Wylie's mill, was built about 1835, by Mr. John Wylie, afterwards a highly prosperous farmer in the township of Copley, recently deceased. It has alwa3's been a good mill, and under its present management, is supplied with the most approved modern machin- ery, and, besides having an excellent run of custom trade, produces annually a large amount of first-class flour for the general trade. A 3EL G. ALLYN. — son of Israel ■^ and Lucy (Gallup) Allyn, was born in Coventry Township, October 4, 1820; educated in district schools; raised a farmer, working- on old homestead until 1847, when he pur- chased a farm a short distance further west, which is now a part of the city of Akron ; in addition to gen- eral farming- making- dairying a specialty in supplying the citizens of Akron with milk. October 10, 1847, was married to Miss Adeline Capron, daughter of Ara and Eliza (Sweet) Capron of Bath and Copley Town Line, who bore him six children — Addie, born July 23, 1848 (married February 20, 186(), to Preston Barber, of Akron, who died December 13, 1886); Charles, born May 2o, 1851, now a farmer in Summit, Greele}' county, Nel)ra8ka, of which place he has officiated as postmaster for several years ; Ida, born Februarj- 15, 18,^4, now wife of States A. McCoy, a native of this county, now a prosperous far- mer in Leonidas township (Mendon P. O.), St. Joseph county, Mich.; Leora, born Maj^ 14, 1860; Ettie, Jan- uarj' 28, 1863, and Gertie, November 24, 1869, now a teacher in Leggett school. Mr. Allyn is one of the solid men of his native township, having held several of its most responsible ABEL G. ALLYX. offices, and being for some or twelve or fifteen years Coventry's member of Board of Directors of Summit county's highly prosperous Ag-ricul- tural Society. Mrs. Allyn died August 24, 1888, aged 59 years, 8 months and 3 days. THE CELEBRATED OLD STATE MILL. The construction of the reservoirs, as above stated, with their several feeders, destroyed most of the minor mill-privileges of both Coventry, Franklin and Green township^, A partial remedy, however, was provided in the creation of quite a permanent water- power in the southern central part of Coventry, at the point w^here the water flows from the reservoir into Long Lake, from which, in turn, it is fed into the canal a mile or so further north. There had previously been a grist mill at this point, with rather a lim- ited fall and power, but by whom erected is not now remembered. Mr. Talmon Beardsley's recollection, however, was that at the time the reservoir was projected, it \eas the property of the late Kbene- zer Pardee, of Western Star, and that he drove so sharp a bargain •with the board of public works, in their appropriation of private 714 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. property for the reservoir, that they paid him some $25,000 for the mill and power in question, though Doctor John Hill, who sub- sequently married the wido^v of Mr. Pardee, informed us that the consideration w^as only $7,000, and that the State, by the subse- quent elevation of its dams and embankments, now^ occupies con- siderably more land belonging to Mr. Pardee's estate, than it orig- inally purchased. GEORGE ADAM FALOR,— born July 17, 1798, in Lower Smith- ville, Northampton county, Pa.; removed with parents to Stark county, O., in 1809 ; five years later locating on what w^as later know^n as the Thornton farm, now a populous portion of the city of Akron; remained with father till 25, when he bovig'ht the well-known Falor farm, in Coventry, which, in addition to somewhat extensively plying" his trade of stonemason, he successfully cultivated for many years. Mr. Falor was three times inarried, his wives being" sisters, respectively named Nancy McCoy, Rachael McCoy and Mrs. Jane (McCoy) Wilson. Several years before his death Mr. Falor, re- tiring froin the active management of his farm, took up his residence in Akron, where he died of dropsy, June 29, 1868, aged 69 years, 11 months 12 days. Mr. Falor was the father of 17 children, 13 of whom survived him— Milo J., since deceas»ed ; James M., Lucinda R. (now Mrs. John (lOtt- walt); Hiram Silas, George W., now deceased ; Oliver Perr}^, Mary Ann (now Mrs. J. A. Long); Thomas J., William Wallace, deceased ; Henry Clay (died at Massillon, December GEORGE ADAM FALOK. 27, 1890); Martha Ellen (now Mrs, Henry Acker); Lilly Annette, (now Mrs. George L. Adkins); Perr3^ Tod^ now a resident of Michigan. On the completion of the reservoir, the State either built a new mill at this point, or enlarged or improved the old one, which,, by increase of water and fall, was now one of the most permanent mill privileges in this part of the State. Soon after its completion^ the State mill was leased, in perpetuity, to Mr. Theobold Baugh- man (father of our well-known citizen, Mr. Harry Baughman), w^ho successfully carried it on, until his death, in 1866, nearl}' a quarter of a century. This mill, during Mr. Baughman's lifetime, was a very popu- lar place of resort for the farmers of the surrounding country, who,, while awaiting the grinding of their several grists, w^ould, in turn, grind out large grists of neighborhood gossip to each other, or enter into friendly, but oftentimes spirited, discussions upon the social, moral and political questions of the time, the conduct of the war, etc. The State mill w^as, also, for many years, quite a fishing and pleasure resort, Mr. Baughman keeping quite a large number of boats for hire, while the large shady grove east of the mill, bor- dered by the clear and sparkling waters of the reservoir, furnished delightful camping and picnic grounds^ — stabling and feed for Coventry's business status. 715 horses, and also the most bountiful and toothsome meals for their drivers, being provided by Mr. and Mrs. Baughman, when desired. The State mill, after Mr. Baughman's death, though run by a member of the family for some years, was not properly kept up, though its ancient water-wheel is still running, its present lessee being Mr. Robert Mitsell, a ride, westward, from the old Steese coal bank, around the head of the reservoir, following its innu- merable and shady s.inuosities, past the old State mill to Lockwood,s Corners, being one of the most delightful drives in Summit county. HIRAM SILAS FALOR,— born in Coventrj-, March 22, 1829 ; com- mon school education; harness maker in Akron 15 years ; in 1860, clerked in wholesale store in San Francisco, worked in mines and established pioneer harness shop in Virg^inia City, Nev.; in 1861, org-a- nized and as captain tendered Vir- g-inia City Guards to the g-overnment, but for lack of transportation facili- ties offer declined; 1863 returned to Akron, 5 years later removing to farm in Coventry, where he has since resided ; was several years foreman of one of Akron's pioneer fire com- panies ; deputy village marshal two years ; secretary Summit County Ag- ricultural Society two years and assistant secretary two years ; mes- senger in office of State Treasurer Joseph Turney, at Columbus, 1880-84; member of police force, in charge of music hall during Ohio Centennial Exposition in 1888 ; member of Masonic order ;-{5 years ; filling all the offices from the lowest to highest in Summit Lodge, No. 50. I. O. O. F.; was U. S. census enumerator for Coventry in 1890. Mr. Falor was married to Miss Bertha E. Agard, July 4, 1854, who bore him four chil- dren, two of whom, only, are now living — Claude Emerson, now in regular arm)', at Fort Sam Houston, HIRAM SILAS FALOR. Texas, and Minnie Florence, now Mrs. Elmer C. Ellsworth, of Coven- try. Mrs. Falor dying Januarj^ 4, 1873, Mr. F. was again married, to Mrs. Ph(ebe A. Lutz, of Westfield, Medina county, July 16, 1873. They have two children — Hiram Garcelon, born August 12, 1879, and Phipbe Fannj', born March 6, 1881. The Ancient Metropolis. — New Portage, in the early twenties, before the Ohio Canal had been projected, or the c\iy of Akron ever dreamed of, was regarded of so much business importance, as to require the service of one or more lawyers, and here the late Van R. Humphrey (father of C. P. Humphrey, Esq., of Akron), afterwards, from 1837 to 1844, president judge of the Third Judi- cial District, embracing Ashtabula, Trumbull, Portage and Sum- mit counties, first huna: out his professional shingle. Simultaneously with the building of the Ohio Canal, in 1826, '27, a new impetus was given to the ancient metropolis, hitherto nearly all on the Norton side of the line. Here the late Jared Jennings (step-father of court-bailiff, Andrew McNeil) did, for many years, quite an extensive mercantile and commission busi- ness, another similar establishment being, also, carried on by a party whose name is not now remembered. A commodious hotel and other branches of business were also carried on, there being. 716 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. later, at this point, quite an extensive business done in the manu- facture of friction matches, by Mr. George Strawhacker, still resid- ing in the neighborhood. At the south end, also, in later years, Mr. Jacob Welsh, now of Colorado, besides selling merchandise and officiating as postmaster, carried on quite an extensive pot- tery, a siinilar establishment having also been carried on upon the canal, south of Summit Lake, between Akron and New Portage. Within the past few years, Akron capitalists, established an •extensive strawboard and straw lumber manufactory, mammoth sewer pipe works and other important industries, upon the Nor- ton side of the line, giving employment to a large number of men and teams; so that, Avith the store, postoffice, railroad stations, and other minor branches of business carried on there. New Portage is now enjoying a higher degree of prosperity, than for the past forty years. JOHN BUCHTEL,^born in Mjers J township. Center county, Pa., November 6, 1797 ; came with parents to Ohio 1816, settling- in Coventry ; a few 3^ears later removing to Green township. January 18, 1821, he was married to Miss Catharine Richards, of Green township, who bore him live children— three daughters and two sons, the latter of whom, onlj^, John R. and William, whose portraits appear elsewhere, are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Buchtel pluckil3' began their marital life in a log stable, until a more comfortable dwelling- could be provided. After 13 years residence in Green, they sold their farm there and bought another in Coventry ,where thej' happilj" lived for 41 years. In 1875, Mr. and Mrs. B. re- moved to a small place just north of Akron cit5' limits, where Mrs. B. died July 9, 1882, aged 85 j^ears. Mr. B., now in his 95th j^ear, and still in possession of all his faculties, except good eye- sight, is kindly cared for by his youngest son, William, at 807 East Market street. Mr. Buchtel has been a consistent inember of the EvangeH- cal church for nearly 50 years. In JOHN BUCHTEL. politics he was originallj- a Jackson Democrat, but on the breaking out of the slave-holdercs' rebellion, became an earnest RepubUcan, to the prin- ciples of which party he still gives a vig'orous support. Coventry in War. — There were, undoubtedly, quite a number of ex-Revolutionary soldiers and pensioners among the early set- tlers in Coventry, though only the names of Thomas Granger, Lambert Clement and John Harrington, as such, have been handed down. Nor are we much wiser in regard to the War of 1812, the only name falling under the eye of the writer, iti that connection, being that of Peter Buchtel (grandfather of Messrs. John R. and William Buchtel, of Akron), though there must have been several other defenders of the frontier among her pioneer settlers, before, if not after, their coming thither. We are also entirely in the dark in regard to the Mexican War. But in the War of the Rebellion, Coventry, at first a little tardy, finally most gallantly woke up to her whole duty in the prem- ises. Up to July 24, 1862, Coventry had been credited with 26 COVENTRY IN WAR. 71T recruits, but not responding so promptly to subsequent calls, was- tw^ice subjected to draft, her quota, under the first draft, October,^ 1862, being 69, the larger portion of w^horn w^ere supplied by volun- tary enlistments, or by procuring substitutes before the draft took place. In the second draft, her quota was one, only, which was, of course, speedily secured. This makes a total of 96, but many of the earlier enlistments being made outside of the townships \^rhere volunteers resided, the town where they belonged not always receiving the proper credit therefor, it is safe to say that Coven- try's contribution to the Union army w^as fully one hundred men, the assessors' returns for the j^ears 1863, '64, '65, giving the names of 84 of her volunteers as follows: JONATHAN H. BREWSTER,- sec- J ond son of James G. and Martha (Hassen)Brevvster, among the earliest settlers of Coventry township, was born January 11, 1834; educated in district schools; raised a farmer, and now lives upon same farm upon which his grandparents, Stephen and Lydia (Bellows) Brewster settled in 1811. A portion of the farin being underlaid with coal, for a number of years the Brewster Brothers car- ried on quite extensive mining operations, and are now proprietors of the old original Wylie Flouring Mill elsewhere described in this chapter. They are also largely in- terested in the Buckeye and Summit Sewer Pipe Companies, (Mr. J. H. Brewster being president of the former and a director in the latter), the United States Stoneware Com- pany, and several other industrial enterprises. In politics Mr. Brewster is a stanch Republican, and though his township is overwhelmingly Democratic, he was once elected justice of the peace, acceptably fill- ing the office three years; was town- ship real estate assessor for the year 1870, and also held the impor- JONATHAN H. BREWSTER. tant position of county infirmary director three full terms (9 years) from 1866 to 1875, the last four years as president of the Board. Sylvester Adams, Christopher Beck (died in service), Urias H. Buchtel, Benjamin F. Buchtel, Ephraim Bellows, Daniel Boyer, Philip Burgy, W. F. Brown, William Buchtel, Henry Curtis, Har- rison Crosier, Charles Clark, John W. Crosier, Alexander Camp- bell, James Crosier, EdAvin N. Clough, Walter Clough, Peter Cro- sier, Freeman Cormany, Lorenzo Crosier, James S. Dickson,. Jacob^ Foster, Edward Farr, Aaron Farr (died in service), Jacob Filtz, Daniel France, John Gougler, James Getz (died in service), James B. Haynes, Jatiies Head, William D. Haynes, Solomon Hen- line, John Holley, J. D. Heathman, George Heintz, William Havoc, John Huffman, William Hartong, William H. Jones (died in ser- vice), James Jones, David Kittinger, Levi Kittinger (died in service), William Leach, George Ley, John Ley, Samuel McCoy, Benjamin McCoy (died in service), John Male, Sr., Henry Mandebaugh, Adam K. Marsh, Ephraim Marsh, Michael McQueeney, Eli Moore, John Male, Jr., States A. McCoy, Henderson Mendenhall, Hiram Neil, 718 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Benjamin F. Pontious (died in service), Samuel Pipher, Jacob Rosenbaum (died in service), Freeman Robinson, Henry Robinson, L. B. Raber, Adam Rinehart, William Seigfried, Benjamin F. Stall, Charles Steese, J. Shaffer (died in service), Joshua Sellers (died in service), William Seigfried, Daniel Stetler (died in service), William H. Tooker, Charles G. Tooker, William L. Turner, Charles D. Tift, A. A. Triplett, Valentine Viers, Samuel Winkleman, Adam Weaver, Jonathan Weaver, Oliver Wagner (died in service), Oeorge Weyant, Elijah Yarnold, Abner H. Yonker. r^EORGE W. BREWSTER,— fifth ^^ son of James G. and Martha XHassen) Brewster, was born in Cov- ventry, March 21, 1837; raised on farm, with common school educa- tion; in the middle fifties spent sev- eral years in California, on his re- turn eng'ag'ing' with his four brothers, Stephen, Jonathan H., James G., Jr. and Hiram, in coal mining-, and later in milling-, manufacturing sewer pipe, stoneware, etc. Mr. Brewster was married, October 19, 1876, to Miss Marie L. Kent, daughter of Josiah and Lucia (Miller) Kent, pioneer settlers in Suffield, Portage county, who was born June 1, 1843. Four children have been born to them — Georgie Marie, born Septem- ber 20, 1877: Hiram Wallace, born September 27, 1879, died May 4,1881; Arthur Kent, born December 20, 1880, and Bessie Bell, born December 20, 1883. During the War of the Rebellion the Brewster brothers were most lib- eral contributors to the various bounty and sanitary funds, and otherwise active in securing recruits for the Union army, and averting the draft. Though an active Repub- lican from the organization of the party, Mr. Brewster has never sought GEO. W. BREWSTER. office, but in 1890 the Republican County Convention voluntarily, and with great unanimit}^ placed him in nomination for coroner, to which re- sponsible position he was duly elected for the term of two years, and is still ably serving. COVENTRY IN PEACE. Hon. Charles Sumner, father of Miss A. Louise Sumner, and brother of the late Julius A. Sumner, after a service of nine years in the same capacity in Portage county, was appointed bj'^ the Legislature of Ohio, one of the first associate judges of the new- county of Summit, on its organization in 1840, and as all probate business wras transacted by the Court of Common Pleas, mostly by the associate judges. Judge Sumner rendered very faithful and efficient service to the people of the newr county up to the time of his death, June 19, 1845. Jared Jennings, an early and successful business man of New^ Portage, on the Coventry side of the line, was, in 1849, elected recorder of Summit county, filling that office very acceptably for the period of three years. Avery Spicer, one of the most thorough-going and prosperous farmers of Coventry township, was, at sundry times, between 1849 and 1866, elected to the important office of Infirmary director, Coventry's civil service record. 719 holding that position in all 13 years and 3 months, and it is no disparagement to others to say that Mr. Spicer was as competent and faithful an overseer of the poor, as Summit county ever had. Noah Lxgersoll, Esq., father of Charles F. Ingersoll, of Akron, and George W. Ingersoll, of Coventry, besides serving two full terms, from 1859 to 1865, as justice of the peace, \sras the very care- ful and pains-taking coroner of the county for two consecutive terms from 1857 to 1861. NOAH INGERSOLL, ESQ.,— son of James and Mary (Hoyt) Ing-er- soll; born in Stanford, Dutchess county, N. Y., April 18, 1783; common school education; raised on farm; married to Miss Mary Stickels, April 3, 1814; soon after marriag-e removed to Albion, Orleans countjs N. Y., where he filled many important local official positions; in 1836 came to Ohio, settling- on a farm in Copley, afterwards removing- to Coventr)% the last year of his life being spent in Akron, his death occurring April 7, 1870, Mrs. Ingersoll having passed awaj" some hve years earlier. Mr. Ingersoll ably served as justice of the peace for Coventry two consecvi- tive terms — 18.59 to 1865, and was also elected coroner of Summit county in 1857. and re-elected in 1859, holding that important position two full terms. Mr. and Mrs. Ingersoll were the parents of seven children, five of whom are now living — Mrs. Eliza Folger, of Eljria; Mrs. Tamma Par- melee, of Kent; Miss Mary Ingersoll, of Akron, George W. Ingersoll, a farmer in Coventry and Charles F. Ingersoll, insurance and real estate agent, Akron; the oldest son, Walter, a resident of Detroit, dying inAugust, NOAH INGERSOLL, ESQ. 1885, and a daughter, Caroline, in June, 1842. In religion Mr. Ingersoll was a consistent Congregationalist; in politics a zealous Republican, and in social life, upright, affable and gentlemanly. Jonathan H. Brewster, for three successive terms, of three years each, from 1866 to 1875, was a prompt, humane and efficient member of the Infirmary board, of which body he was president from 1868 to 1872. ' Hon. John R. Buchtel, besides serving his native township three years, from 1853 to 1859, as justice of the peace, was, in 1872, presidential elector for the 18th Congressional District, composed of Summit, Wayne, Medina and Lorain counties, casting his vote in the electoral college for Ulysses S. Grant for president, and Henry Wilson for vice president, though an ardent personal and denom- inational friend of Hon. Horace Greeley, who that year accepted a nomination at the hands of th^ Democratic party. Mr. Buchtel w^as also appointed by Governor Hayes one of the original direc- tors of the Ohio Agricultural College at Columbus, and was vet-y active in. planning and constructing the buildings, laying out the grounds and organizing that institution, while his liberal gifts to the college in Akron, which bears his name, his open-handed benevolence, his public spirit and indomitable enterprise are well known to all. .720 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Hiram S. Falor, born in Coventry, March 22, 1829, and now- residing on a portion of the original family homestead, by appoint- ment of council, served two years, 1853, '54, as assistant marshal of the incorporated village of Akron, also served as deputy sheriff, under Sheriff Seward, during the Parks murder trial in 1853-54; and from 1880 to 1884, faithfully and efficiently performed the responsible duties of messenger of the State treasury, in Columbus, during the administration of Treasurer Joseph Turney, and retain- ing the position tw^o months under " Uncle Jo's" Democratic suc- cessor, Hon. Peter Brady. T EVI ALLEN, Jr., son of Levi -L' and Phoebe (Spicer) Allen; among- the earliest settlers in Coven- try, was born in that township, July 28, 1824 ; raised on farm, with common school education ; in 1850 went over- land to California, where, with varied success at mining, merchandising-, etc., he remained nearly 17 3'ears. December 25, 1856, was married in Sacramento City, to Miss Mary E. Ware, born near Richmond, Va., March 24, 1830. Three children were born to them— Marj^ E. P., born August 16, 1858, now wife of Henrj- Stone, Esq., Denver, Colorado ; Albert W. H. and Alvin L. M. (twins), born September 12, 1862, Albert dying October 8, 1864, and Alvin Januar}^ 8, 1865. Mrs. Allen dying June 9, 1866. Mr. Allen was again married, at Inde- pendence, Cuyahoga county, Novem- ber 4, 1868, to Miss Cornelia Knapp, born in Cleveland. April 27, 1830. Two children have been born to them — Cornelia C. A., born January 13, 1871, and Albertina M. D., born May 14, 1872, both now students in Hiram College. Quiet and unosten- tatious, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, success- full}^ cultivating the old homestead, are among the most substantial citi- LEVI ALLEN, JK. zens of Coventry township, Mr. Allen being in politics an earnest Republi- can, and both being members and liberal svipporters of the first Dis- ciples' church in Akron, Mr. Allen having served as a m'ember of the Coventry Board of Education some 12 or 14 years. Joseph C. Hill, appointed county commissioner on the death of Commissioner David C. Miller, in November, 1886, holding the office one year, to the general acceptance of his constituents. George W. Brewster was elected coroner of Summit county, November, 1890, and is still serving. Growth, Population, Etc. — In 1840, the population of the town- ship w^as 1,308, rather over the average of the Reserve townships of the new^ county, because, probably, of her contiguity to, and constituting a part of, the village of Akron. For a like reason she shows a larger proportionate increase than the general run of her neighbors, the census of 1880 giving her 2;305 inhabitants, exclu- sive of that portion lying w^ithin the city limits, and after con- tributing another large slice of territory in 1886, the census of 1890 still gives her a population of 2,309. Indian and Pioneer Traditions, — It would give the writer great pleasure to make individual mention of each of the pioneer residents of Coventry, and their w^onderf ul experience with savage INDIANS AND INDIAN HUNTERS. 721 beasts and savage men, were reliable data available and did space permit. These matters, however, have already been quite fully- treated of by General Bierce and other history-mongers who have preceded me; and besides, the object of this work is more partic- ularly to record certain important events — civil, criminal, military, etc. — during the past fifty or sixty years, though, of course, making occasional allusions to matters and things still more remote. There is a tendency, too, I fear, among local historians, to exag- gerate; that is to say, the original story of prowess or adventures of the early settler, handed down from generation to generation, is not apt to lose any of its primitive Munchhausenish proportions by frequent repetition, while the chronicler thereof is prone to add such embellishments as his own more or less lively imagination may suggest. Apropos of this, in tVie latter part of the 18th century, the region of the country about the lakes and the head-waters of the Tuscarawas, was inhabited by the powerful Delaware tribe of Indians, of which " Captain Pipe," as called by the whites, but whose Indian name was "Hopocan," was chief, or king, who is celebrated in history as the avenger of the slaughtered Moravian Indians at Gnadenhutten, in the early Spring of 1782, by the burning and torturing to death of Colonel William Crawford, on the upper San- dusky, in June of the same year, with which fearful episode the most of the readers of these sketches are probably familiar; Captain Pipe also being an alleged participant in compassing the historical defeat of Governor Arthur St. Clair, on the upper Wabash, in 1791. Though, on the advent of the early w^hite settlers in Coventry, in 1806-11, a remnant of the Delawares still lingered. Captain Pipe had long since migrated to the "happy hunting grounds," and it does not appear tbat there w^as ever any serious trouble between the Indians and the whites, though possibly some " onpleasant- nesses" might have resulted from a too free use of fire-water on both sides of the color line. The blood-thirsty character, therefore, attributed to one Liverton Dixon, an early settler in Coventry, some of whose descendants probably still live in the township, may be properly regarded as largely apocryphal. A former historian represents him as "an early Indian hunter and fighter, between whom and the red-skins a deadly hatred existed which often led to the shedding of blood." Several specific instances of Indian killing, in cold blood, by Dixon, are reported, one as late as 1815. This, however,, is scarcely probable, as, simultaneous with the breaking out of the War of 1812, the Indians of this vicinity entirely disappeared, as allies of the British troops, few of whom, if any, afterwards returned, none certainly as hostile to the resident and victorious white population. And as all the instances narrated purport to be based on the say-so of the said Liverton Dixon himself, though the writer would by no means undertake to impugn his veracity, justice to his memory, as well as to his descendants, would war- rant the belief that a portion, at least, of the tales attributed to him^ were due more to his love of romance than to the actual perpetra- tion of the specific acts of innate savagery they import. Fabricators of the "Queer." — In the late twenties and early thirties, Coventry, like many contiguous towns, was more or less infected with the counterfeiting mania, and besides the well-known 46 722 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. metallic operations of Jo. Keeler, elsewhere alluded to, illegitimate paper was also dealt in to a considerable extent. Thus, in the Spring of 1838, w^hen the raid of the officers of Portage, Medina and Cuyahoga counties was made, one or more of the denizens of Cov- entry, were included in the arrests made, in speaking of which an Akron paper of the time says: *' The Western Keserve Real Estate and Farmers' Bank is located near Lock One, south of New Port- age, where a shanty is banking-house, tavern, meeting-house and village." The " deposits " were taken possession of by the officers, but as it transpired that the parties arrested v^ere not the real pro- prietors of the plant, they were not proceeded against. Several young men, in later years, got their fingers seriously scorched by dabbling in the "queer," but happily escaping from the toils of the law, and the evil influences by which they w^ere " roped in," have since lived upright and honorable lives and are now among the most respectable citizens of the tow^nship. The Ley-Swartz-Thomas Tragedy. — On the night of Satur- day, February 9, 1878, there occurred in the township of Coventry, one of those terrific and fatal affrays, so frequently incident to the excessive use of intoxicating liquors, and the holding of social dances at places where such intoxicating liquors are kept for sale; the fatal blow, too, in this instance, as so often happens, falling upon a peaceable citizen, in no w^ay participating in the affray. Near the Steese Coal Mines, in the middle southern portion of the tow^nship, were two or three saloons for the accommodation of thirsty miners and the bibulous farmers and farmers' sons of the neighborhood. One of these saloons w^as kept by one Peter Shaffer, a clever, good-natured German-American, who thought it no harm to "turn an honest penny'" by selling beer, whisky, etc. to his thirsty neighbors. Nor did he deem it at, all reprehensible for him to give an occasional "shake down" in the dwelling por- tion of his establishment, w^ith a view to such pecuniary benefits as might accrue from the sale of refreshments to the boys and girls in attendance. The Origin of the Row. — There seem to have been at least two classes, or factions, among the boys of the neighborhood, w^ho were not on very friendly terms with each other, the enmity being particularly strong between Charles Lej'^ and Samuel Pierce. On the night in question, the Ley party were having a social dance at Shaffer's, "Pete" himself being quite a skillful manipulator of the fiddle and the bow. Soon after the festivities commenced, Pierce came upon the scene. Getting into a w^rangle with Charles Ley, the tw^o went outside to " have it out." There, according to Ley's statement, he found that Pierce was backed up by two or three companions, all of w^hom he soon placed /jors de combat, w^ith a stove-poker, which he had thoughtfully taken along. Having thus "cleaned out" the crow^d. Ley returned to the house, and the festivities w^ere resumed. In a short time the Pierce crowd, now augmented in number to about fifteen, returned and commenced a furious attack upon the house with bricks, stones, clubs, etc., breaking in the windows, and, as was alleged, firing three or four shots through the door. Thereupon the Ley crowd, consisting of Charles Ley, Joseph Ley, Louis Ley and Wilson Swartz, arming themselves with poker, rolling-pin, and such other weapons as w^ere available, sallied out, UNFORTUNATE HOMICIDE. 723 -when a terrible conflict ensued, bricks, stones, clubs, billies, fence rails, etc., promiscuously filling the air, and inflicting serious ■wounds and bruises upon the heads, limbs and bodies of those engaged on both sides. In the meantime, a peaceable, law-abiding miner, by the name of Thomas Thomas, living near by, hastened to the spot to look after his own son, who had left home in company with the Pierce party. Coming within range of a club which Joseph luey was plying promiscuously to the heads of the assailing party, Mr. Thomas received two fearful blows upon tlie head, felling him to the ground, and rendering him totally unconscious. On finding that Mr, Thomas did not rise, hostilities soon ceased, the injured man was removed to his home, and physicians sent for. The trepanning process temporarily restored Mr. Thomas to con- sciousness, his statement being that just as he was about to enter the door of the house, Joseph Ley struck him on the head with a slung-shot. Mr. Thomas soon again became insensible, in which <;ondition he remained until February 14, when he expired. Arrested for Manslaughter. — Joseph Ley and Wilson Swartz were arrested on a warrant issued by Justice Henry Purdy, who held them both to bail in the sum of $2,(X)0, each, for the crime of manslaughter, one witness testifying that after Mr. Thoinasfell from the blow or blows at the hands of Ley, Swartz had struck him on the head w^ith a piece of fence-rail. Tlie respective fathers of the accused, Mr. George Ley and Mr. John Swartz, going bail for -them, they w^ere released from custody to await the action of the grand jury. At the May term of the Court of Common Pleas, 1878, the grand jury returned a true bill of indictment against both of the accused, charging them w^ith the crime of manslaughter. To this indictment both entered a plea of not guilty, and, through their counsel, demanded separate trials. Ley w^as first arraigned for trial before Judge N. D. Tibbals and a traverse jury, constituted as follows : George F. Kent, George Daily, John Harter, W. H. Norton, W. A. Gaylord, A. V. Amerman, John F. Perry, Timothy Erasmus, Harvey Warner, S. D. Miller, John M, Kirn and Talmon Beardsley. The case was conducted, on the part of the State by Prosecuting Attorney E. W. Stuart, assisted by C. P. Humphrey, Esq., and on the part of the defense by H. C. Sanford,^ J. A. Kohler and George K. Pardee, Esqs. The trial commenced June 13, and ended June 17, resulting in a verdict of guilty, but with a plea from the jury for the sympathy of the court in behalf of the accused. Immediately on the rendition of the verdict, counsel for the defendant moved for a new trial on the grounds: 1st, that one of the jurors had formed and expressed an opinion previous to the trial; 2nd, that the verdict was not sustained by the evidence; 3rd, by reason of newly discovered evidence; 4th, for errors of law; 5th, verdict contrary to law; 6th, error of court in charging the jury. This motion, after full argument, pro and con, was overruled bj'^ Judge Tibbals, and young Ley was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in the penitentiary. Defendant's counsel then moved for a suspension of execution of the sentence, pending the application for a writ of error to the Supreme Court, which motion was also overruled by Judge 724 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Tibbals. A very long bill of exceptions, covering many pages of the record, was then prepared, which w^as duly signed by Judge Tib- bals, though a hearing of the case was never had in the Supreme- Court, by reason of the early pardon of the defendant. Young Ley was conveyed by the writer, then serving as sheriff, to Columbus, on the 30th day of July, 1878, and w^as pardoned by Governor Bishop on the 6th day of the foUow^ing November, after a service of three months and one Aveek, only. Trial of Wilson Swartz. — On the 27th day of June, 1878, the trial of Wilson Swartz, under indictment for manslaughter, as above, was begun before the following jury: Washington M. Hef- felman, David C. Gillett, Isaac B. Hargett, Curtis C. Wilcox, John G. Caskey, Josiah Williams, William C. Steele, Kzra Tyron, George W. Fairbanks, George C. Esty, Joseph M. Atkinson and Jonas Schoonover. Counsel for prosecution and defense same as- in previous trial. The trial lasted three days, the jury returning a verdict of "not guilty of manslaughter, as charged in said indict- ment, but guilty of assault and battery." No exceptions to the verdict being taken by the defendant's counsel, Judge Tibbals immediately sentenced him to 30 days' imprisonment in the county jail, and the costs of the trial, and to stand committed until costs were paid, which sentence was duly carried into execution. A Spartan Mother. — While young Ley was awaiting trans- portation to Columbus, (30 days being allow^ed the sheriff in which to execute the sentence), a confidence operator by the name of Louis La Rock, who, a year later, ^vas sent to the penitentiary for horse stealing, called on Mrs. George Ley, offering, for $30, to aid Joe to escape from jail. After hearing him through, Mrs. Ley opened the door, saying: "Now, young man, get right out of my house! If my boy escapes from jail he'll have to run away, and I may never see him again; but if he goes to Columbus, w^hen he is released from the prison, there, he can come home and be my own good boy again as he alw^ays has been." Coventry's Present Township Official Status (1891). — Trus- tees, Frank E. Reninger, John Rose and Solomon Warner; clerk, Simon P. Marsh; treasurer, William A. Warner; assessor, Thomas Conlin; justices of the peace, James L. Porter, Houston Kepler; constable, Gomer W. Thomas; township school board, sub-district No. 1, George W. Brewster; No. 2, N. R. Steiner; No. 3, James L. Porter; No. 5, Timothy Vaughn; No. 6, Samuel Kepler; No. 7, Charles Jaquith; No. 8, Elias Cormany; No. 9, Houston Kepler; No. 11, William Sours (president); No. 12, Allen Kiplinger; clerk,, ex-officio, tow^nship clerk, Simon P. Marsh. CHAPTER XXXIV. CUYAHOGA FALLS — ORIGIXALLY CALLED " MANCHESTER " — MAGNIFICENT WATER POWER^PIOXEER SETTLERS— EARLY ENTERPRISES, SUCCESSES AND REVERSES— ALLEGED FRAUDULENT TRANSACTION— ONE YEAR A COUNTY SEAT— PIONEER TEMPERANCE vSOCIETY OF OHIO— FIRST WHISKY "STRIKE" ON RECORD— PIONEER CYLINDER PAPER MILL WEST OF THE ALLEGHANIES —QUITE A COINCIDENCE— ORGANIZATION OF TOWN, TOWNSHIP AND VIL- LAGE—EARLY AND MODERN NEWSPAPERS— MUSICAL, SOCIAL AND FRATER- NAL—EARLY AND MODERN HOTELS— THE WOMEN'S CRUSADE OF 1858— " SHINPLASTER " MILL AND OTHER BANKING OPERATIONS— EARLY INSUR- ANCE COMPANY— FINE PLEASURE RESORTS— DESTRUCTIVE FIRES— SPLEN- DID MILITARY RECORD— THE SULTANA DISASTER— BEAUTIFUL SOLDIERS' MONUMENT— HONORABLE CIVIL SERVICE— LIGHT CRIMINAL CALENDAR- EDUCATIONAL AND CHURCH MATTERS— PRESENT BUSINESS STATUS, ETC. PRELIMINARY. To give the full early history of Cuyahoga Falls, would largely be anticipating the matters and things contained in the sketches herein to be given of Stow and Tallmadge townships, the larger portion of its territory, and all of its water-power, having been ■embraced -within the original limits of those two townships; that north of the tow^nship line, (crossing the river a short distance south of Portage street), belonging to Judge Joshua Stow, of Mid- dletown, Conn., and that south of the line being a part of the 1,000 acre tract draw^n by Roger Newberry, of Windsor, Conn. Though Judge Stow, w^hose portrait appears in the chapter bearing his name, made several visits to Ohio, he never became a permanent resident here. Judge William Wetmore acting as his ^gent for the sale of his lands, and the transaction of all business relating thereto. Judge Wetmore afterwards, (about 1824), pur- <:hased an undivided one-half interest in 120 acres of land covering Judge Stow's portion of the w^ater-pow^er in question, thus becom- ing a partner ^vith Judge Stow^ in sundry important business enterprises to be hereafter written of. Roger Newbery died in 1813, his Tallmadge lands thus coming into the possession of his son, Henry, who, in 1814, came out to view them, and was so well pleased with them, and the promise they gave of future value, both in an agricultural and manufactur- ing point of view, that he determined to remove thither for per- manent settlement, though it was nearlj'^ 10 years before he finally removed to Ohio, so that the improvement of both sections was about simultaneous, in 1825. Pioneer Mills, Name, etc. — As early as 1815, under some arrangement with Judge Wetmore, as Judge Stow's agent, a dam w^as thrown across the river, by Francis Kelsey and Isaac Wilcox, ^bout w^here the C, A. & C. Railroad bridge now is, at which point a saw-mill was erected for the purpose of supplying the "navy j-ard" at Old Portage with lumber. Judge Wetmore being com- missary for the troops stationed at Old Portage during the War of 1812-15. 726 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Other milling operations — grist inill, linseed oil mill, etc. — were also entered into, at this point, and quite a number of dwell- ing houses were erected along the west bank of the river, several of which are still standing, having for many years past been known as the "Old Village." This village was at first called "Manchester," probably after the great English manufacturing town of that name, in view of the manufacturing possibilities of the locality. Later, however^ when postal facilities were asked for, in about 1826, it being found that there w^ere several other Manchesters in the State, at the sug- gestion of the postmaster general, the name of Cuyahoga Falls was adopted, the appropriateness of which is apparent, being located at the more important of the numerous falls and rapids of the Cuyahoga river, Mr. Henry Newberry being the first post- master of the village. The Name of Indian Origin. — The name of the river itself, is from an Indian word, generally supposed to signify "crooked," because of the remarkably tortuous course of the stream, rising, as it does, in Ashtabula and Geauga counties, and, after a south- westerly course through Portage and Summit, to within about two miles of Akron, turning abruptly to the north, and with an almost infinite variety of zig-zag turnings and twistings — often almost doubling upon itself, as at Peninsula — emptying into Lake Erie, at Cleveland. This meaning of the word, I am assured by Mr. D. E. Shongo^ of Salamanca, N. Y., an educated Seneca Indian, and a highly accomplished civil engineer, is erroneous, Mr. Shongo giving the real derivation of the name as follows: "'Cuyahoga' is a Seneca Indian word, giving a geographical locality to the word o-vo-har which means a 'jaw^,' or * jaw-bone.' The prefix *ca' is definitive of position, from 'caia,' meaning (lying or existing, not living) on 'the ground.' 'Ga' is an affix, giving definite geographical locality (not direction). So by prefix and affix we have 'Ca-yo-ha-ga,' the geographical locality of the jaw-bone. In the pronunciation, c is^ hard like g or k; a is like the English in the word ah; j^is, like the English e, and j^o is pronounced as in the English yeo; ha is a& ah; ga is as gate, leaving off the te. The Senecas gave the river and locality in the vicinity of Cleveland, the name of 'Cayohaga,' because, in the long dim past, and before the advent of the white man, a mammoth ja^v-bone, etc., w^as found along the sedimentary deposits and morasses of the river, about five miles easterly of Cleveland, at or near New^burg; from all accounts it must have been the skeleton of the mastodon." The Present Village. — Cuyahoga Falls, proper, was first laid out in 1825, by Judge Elkanah Richardson, who had, in 1822, built the house long known as the "Red House" and afterwards as the "Peck House," on the west side of Front street, a little north of the "Big Spring." A new survey, and an official plat, was afterw^ards made, and duly recorded in the Records of Portage county, by Bird- sey Booth, Esq., a small addition being later made thereto from land lying east of the 210 acre tract of Stow and Wetmore, and north of the Tallmadge line, by Joseph Hale, platted and recorded in 1837 by Russell H. Ashmun, of Tallmadge, afterwards Summit county's first county surveyor, as elsewhere stated. PIONEER INDUSTRIES. 727 In the early Spring of 1825, Stow & Wetmore commenced operations in the new^ village, the first step being the erection of a log house on the east side of Front street, just north of where Gilbert's livery stable now stands. In April of this year, William Wetmore, Jr., superintended a gang of about 30 men- in constructing a dam across the river, north of Portage street, which was com- pleted in the following June, the company erecting at this point a saw-mill, a grist-mill and a linseed oil-mill. The erection of this dam destroyed the power at the old village and the works there were abandoned, the dam and buildings being taken down and removed. Death of Judge Wetmore. — Judge Wetmore died at his resi- dence, on the east margin of Silver Lake, October 27, 1827, his sons, Henry, Ogden, William, Jr., and Kdw^in, succeeding to his property', and the three former to his business interests, the firm of Stow & Wetmores long continuing prominent in the manufacturing and mercantile operations of the village. In 1826, the year previous to the death of his father, William Wetmore, Jr., erected the building on the northwest corner of Front and Portage streets, for a dwelling house and store. It was so used until 1828, w^hen the stock of goods was removed to the build- ing now occupied by the Cuj^ahoga Falls Reporter, on the south- west corner of the streets named. The original building was then converted into a hotel, its first proprietor being Benjamin F. Hop- kins, followed by Ezra B. Morgan, S. A. Childs, Ira Loomis, Henry Cooke, A.W.Hall and perhaps others, under the title of the "Ameri- can House," and by John F. Perry and John B. Perry, as the " Perry House," the present proprietor, Mr. George Marvin, having made important additions and improvements and changed its name to " Clifford Inn." Pioneer Paper Mill. — In 1830, Stow & Wetmores, in connec- tion w^ith Mr. John Rumrill, a practical paper-maker, from Spring- field, Mass., and still living at Cuyahoga Falls, over 90 years of age, completed and equipped a large paper mill, near their dam, on the east side of the river, the remains of which are still visible on the bank of the river. This was the pioneer of the many subsequent paper-making ventures rhade in the new^ village, and in the matter of making paper by machinery (substantially as at the present time), instead of by the old hand process, is believed to have been the pioneer mill in Ohio. The first sheet of paper was run from the cylinder December 8, 1830, by Mr. Rumrill, and it is related as quite a coincidence that Mr. Henry Wetmore, the business inan- ager of the firm, being at that moment about to start to Franklin Mills to be married, took the first sheet of paper along to exhibit as a trophy of the enterprise of his firm, to his bride and her friends, Mr. Wetmore being that evening married to Eliza Bradford Price, at the house of her uncle. Captain William H. Price, then the only merchant there, and the owner of a large part of the land on w^hich the village of Kent now^ stands. Mr. and Mrs. Wetmore are still living, and in the enjoyment of a fair degree of physical and mental vigor, the former 90, and the latter 81 years of age. Mr. Newberry's Operations. — Lower down the river, Mr. Newberry, during this time, w^as pushing a variety of manufactur- ing enterprises, upon his property there. Coming to Ohio, in 1824, he lived for about two years on the farm now owned by Hiratn 728 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, Gaylord, immediately south of Silver Lake, dividing his time between his farm and his village operations. The first building erected on his property was a log house, for the accommodation of his workmen, in 1825, just north of the hotel of Mr. George L. Bouys, on the east side of the river; a year later buying a two- story frame building that was being erected for a store, corner Kast Broad and Kast Front streets (still standing), "which he converted into a dwelling house for his own use, and which he occupied until the cotnpletion of his fine stone residence on the hill to the eastward, in 1840, where he lived until his death, in 1854. HENRY NEWBERRY, — born in WindvSor, Connecticut, January 27. 1783 ; educated at Yale College ; Avas for several years a merchant in Hartford, where, October 9, 1803, he Avas married to Miss Elizabeth Strong^, born April 29, 1782. His father, Gen- eral Roger Newberry,a Revolutionary ffoldier, was one of the original pro- prietors of Tallmadge, purchasing b\' draft, in 1798, one thousand acres in the northern part of the township. On the death of his father, in 1814, Mr. Newberry visited Ohio, and again in 1818 and 1822, and in 1824 removed his famil5'^ thither, being one of the founders of the village of Cuj^ahoga Falls, erecting dams and inills upon the river, and engaging largelj' in farming, mining and inanufacturing, one of the present evidences of his enterprise being the felegant brown *\^as changed to " The Ohio Review." Volume 1, number 1, bears the date of November 30, 1833. It is a 24-column folio, the columns being 19 inches in length and about two "ems" wider measure than the present columns of the daily and weekly Beacon. Its opening editorial occupies nearly a column and a half, in setting forth the principles by which it was to be governed, but which cannot be repeated here. Besides nearly two columns of local business advertisements, there is an editorial setting forth the advantages — manufacturing and otherwise — of Cuyahoga Falls; the report of a meeting at Warren, favoring the construction of the "Cross Cut," or Pennsyl- vania and Ohio Canal, and a communication from E. N. Sill, Esq., on the recent celebrated meteoric shower on the night of Novem- ber 13, 1833. Suspension of the "Rev^iew." — The paper seems to have run along smoothly enough through the first year, and to have entered upon its second volume, without any indications of the financial distress incident to very many of the newspaper ventures in the West, at that early day; having about six columns of advertise- ments, and opening the new volume with a cheerful editorial view of the situation for the village and for itself. NEWSPAPER MATTERS. 749 Yet, notwithstanding its cheerful words, the next issue of the Review, under Messrs. Canfield & Spencer, dated December 12, 1834, was the last, the cause for the suspension not being now^ apparent, those gentlemen at once going to Cleveland, Mr. Can- field soon afterwards removing to Medina, and, in 1842, to Akron, where he died December 9, 1853, Mr. Spencer remaining in Cleve- land until his quite recent decease in that city. The printing material remaining in Cuyahoga Falls, in June^ 1835, the Review seems to have passed into the hands of H. T. Townley and J. M. Bassett, afterwards being run by "An Associa- tion of Gentlemen" — names not given — w^ith James Lowery as printer. The exact date of its final discontinuance is not now remembered, but a stray copy in the hands of Mr. Henry Wetmore, dated April 13, 1837, is evidence that it was then running, and may have continued several years longer. In the meantime — 1838-40— several transient publications — the Renovator, the Young Buzzard, the Telescope, etc., w^ere run for longer or shorter periods, and possibly some others which have passed from the public mind. During the Harrison-Van Buren campaign of 1840, a spirited Whig campaign paper was published, called the American Eagle, but by w^hom edited is not now remembered, "The True American." — During the county seat contest — 1840-42 — a vigorously conducted weekly new^spaper, under the above title, was published, devoted generally to the business and social interests of Cuyahoga Falls, and especially to the work of securing the location of the seat of justice of the new county of Summit in that village. The general editorial management of the True American, according to the recollection of the w^riter, was devolved upon Grant B. Turner, Esq., though it is quite probable that Hon. E. N. Sill, S. W. McClure, Esq., and others, contributed many of the able and incisive articles that appeared in its columns during that extremely lively period. We are without further data in regard to the beginning and ending of the True American, but it did not long survive the final settlement of that vexed question, in 1843. "Cuyahoga Falls Reporter. — In 1870, Mr. E. O. Knox, a prac- tical printer, commenced the publication of a handsome nine- column folio, under the above title, which, being filled with sprightly miscellany, general news, and crisp local happenings, as w^ell as from the advertising facilities w^hich it furnished to the business men of the village, has made-itself an indispensable neces- sity to the people of Cuyahoga Falls and surrounding country. It is now called the Cujvahoga Falls Reporter and Western Reserve Farmer, and published in quarto form, enjoying a substantial advertising patronage and a large circulation, both in Cuyahoga Falls and surrounding tow^nships, the mammoth steam-driven cylinder press, upon which it is printed, being in marked contrast to the medium lever hand press upon which the Review was printed 58 years ago. Mr. Knox dying March 7, 1891, the business is now being successfully managed by his w^idow^, Mrs. Ellen Knox. The " Weekly Journal."— April 15, 1881, Frederick H.Duffy and Frederick A. Douglass, a couple of enterprising youn^ printers of Cuyahoga Falls, commenced the publication of a sprightly paper 750 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. under the above title, but as the venture did not prove remunera- tive, the paper was discontinued on the 28th day of April, 1882. This paper was independent in politics, though both proprietors w^ere ardent Republicans. pAPTAIN ISAAC LEWIS, — born ^ in Utica, New York, January 15, 1809 ; at two years of ag-e inoved with parents to Deerfield, New York, at- tending' common schools and work- ing- on farm till 18, when he learned the wagon-making trade, later going to West Turin, Lewis county. New York, where, March 2, 1833, he was married to Miss Maria Swartz, in Sep- tember of that 5^ear coming to Ohio, and a few months later settling in Cuyahoga Falls ; worked at trade until 1841, when he commenced boat- ing upon the Ohio canal, which busi- ness he followed ten years, owning and running, successively, the ^'Joshua Stow," the "Joseph S. Lake," the "Alice" and the "Cuyahoga;" also owniHg a one-eighth interest in the two packet boats, "Akron" and •"Cleveland," himself running the latter, between Cleveland and Akron, the canal, up to 1851, being the most popxxlar mode of travel in this vicin- ity. In 1851, Captain Lewis engaged with the "Akron Branch," now the C, A. & C. R. R., as conductor, running the first train into Akron, July 4, 1852, and freighting the first lump coal bj^ rail to Cleveland, continuing on the road between Hudson and Millers- burg, five years. May 13, 1858, em- barked in grocery trade in Cuyahoga Falls, which he successfully carried on over a third of a century. Captain and Mrs. Lewis had three children born to them — Richard Aimer, born CAPTAIN ISAAC LEWIS. July 10, 1836, died September 20, 1879; Mary, born May 10, 1838, died July, 1840; Arthur Isaac, born December 10, 1849, in partnership with his father, under the firm name of I. Lewis & Son, until the death of Captain Lewis, September 2, 1891, at the age of 82 years, 7 inonths and 17 da3^s. The "Republican."— Early in September, 1882, Messrs. H. E. Howard, W. O. Beebe, George P. Sperry, Charles F. Harrison and Frederick A. Douglass filed the necessary papers with the secre- tary of the State, for the incorporation of the "Akron and Cuya- hoga Falls Printing Company," with a capital stock of $1,500 for the purpose of publishing a Republican paper simultaneously at Cuyahoga Falls and Akron, the material of the late Journal to be used for that purpose. Though the paper was duly started by Mr. Douglass on the 30th day of September, 1882, the company alluded to was never organized, and Mr. Douglass, not being adequately supported in his enterprise, discontinued the Republican on the 10th day of March, 1883, transferring his material and subscription list to the Reporter, and himself taking the foremanship of that office; Mr. Duffy, w^ith his brother Isaac S. Duffy, carrying on a job printing office, in the village, under the firm name of Duffy Brothers, as elsewhere stated. Military Matters.— The early military history of Cuyahoga Falls is necessarily blended with those of the several original townships out of which it was carved — Tallmadge, Stow, Portage CUYAHOGA FALLS IN WAR. 751 and Northampton, Besides the regular militia of the townships named, in which the early inhabitants did "training" duty, sev- eral independent companies have from time to time existed, though we are without adequate data in regard to them. Her Revolutionary prowess is also obscure, as is also that of the War of 1812, and the Mexican War, though it is certain that those wars w^ere participated in by some of the pioneer settlers of Cuyahoga Falls. But in the sanguinary struggle of 1861-65, for the preserva- tion of the Union, Cuyahoga Falls manifested her patriotism and her valor as only intelligent and high-minded freemen can do. With the reverberation of the first gun fired at Fort Sumter, party lines were abolished and both Democrats and Republicans w^orked shoulder to shoulder in swelling the ranks of loyalty in defense of the dear old flag. A correspondent of the Beacon, under date of May 16, 1861, said: "The war fever has not passed our place without showing some signs of progress, 29 of our young men having enrolled them- selves in the Akron company now in Camp Taylor, in Cleveland, and a fund of over $4,000 has been subscribed for the benefit of volunteers and their families. A rifle company is being formed in w^hich many of our best and most prominent citizens are to be found. It is to be organized under the law regulating the State militia, and some sixty are already enrolled." Through the kindness of Grant B. Turner, Esq., Mr. William O. Beebe and others, in 1887, w^e were provided with the following roster of the soldiers furnished by Cuyahoga Falls, during the prog- ress of the war in question: Robert Allen, George L. Allen, W. A. Allen, D. Ackerman, Jus- tin E. Angel, W. O. Beebe, Richard Blood, Seneca Blood, Josiah Brown, Jacob Bental, Oscar Brewster, Charles Buchanan, F. E. Brainard, H. E. Brown, Lyman W. Boys, George Bitterman, Or- lando Beardslej', M. H. Birzley, J. Birzley, Henry Bruner, Fred- erick Bethel, Henderson Cowen, John Cowen, John C. Castle, James Cook, J. C. Cook, Gurley G. Crane, Warren B. Crane, Fred- erick Craig, Ira Culver, William Culver, Ransom B. Clark, Charles E. Curtiss, W. E. Chamberlain, Henry Cochran, Anthony Coler, Andrew H. Cowan, Horace Cochran, T. M. Crochan, Asa Clapp, Dennis Condon, John Condon, George Dye, John Davis, Cornelius Dunn, C. Downey, Lawrence Dunn, Menzo Diffendorf, Marsh Daugherty, John Eadie, James Eadie, Henry Eadie, John Ely, M. Evans, Henry Fogle, C. W. Faze, H. C. Grant, Robert Green, Ed- ward Green, John Green, Prentiss Gill, William Gaylord, O. K. Graham, R. A. Gray, Arthur Goodrich, A. Goble, Edwin Hoyt, Nel- son Holcomb, William Hinde, John M. Hinde, G. P. Huddleston, N. S. Harrington, George Holden, H. E. Howard, Dickinson Heach- cock, Charles Hawn, Charles Herberth, George Husted, F. L. Hitchcock, A. E. HoUoway, Isidore Hagle, Harry Ingalls, Harri- son Ingalls, James W. Inskeep, Alonzo Inskeep, A. J. Konkle, Demming Lowery, Charles Lewis, Nelson T. Lee, Henry Lindley, Charles A. Lawson, John H. Lyons, John Lyons, F. Lyons, Wesley Loomis, Lewis Mack, John Murphy, William H. Murphy, Gilbert Morgan, Ely Moon, W. Moon, Gaston Moon, J. D. Marshall, John McCullough, Henry McClelland, Charles Maloney, C. A. Maloney, David McGrath, L.H. McAdams, George Musson, Nelson Marshall, 752 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. John McLeish, George Ne^vberry, Amaziah Nelson, James- Nelson, Henry Ormsby, Christopher Post, Henry Patterson, George F. Patterson, John Patterson, James J. Patterson, George Paul, George M, Patterson, William J. Patterson, A. Prior, C. T. Parks, William Pease, George Payne, S. B. Porter, William Pow^ell, Rees Purine, F. B. Purine, Patrick Quinn, J. T. Rheams, John C. Reid, Isaac N. Reid, Charles C. Reid, Richard Reid, George W. Rice, Fritz Roethig, J. Shellhorn, Dwight Shumway, Edgar Somers, William Shaffer, John G. Schnabel, A. H. Sill, A. L. Somers, John H. She\\rey, J. Sapp, George Smith, C. J. Spellman, Albert A. Squires, Charles Squires, William Searles, M. C. Tifft, Horace Tifft, John Toseland, N. L. Upson, Amos Wills, C. A. Wadsworth, Isaac J. Woods, Vincent Warner, John Williams, H. F. Waters, H. S. Wetmore. OLIVER B. BEEBE,— born in New London, Connecticut, October 17, 1807 ; in childhood removed with parents to Middletown, where, in ad- dition to receiving- a good common school education, he learned the book-binder's trade. After working some time as a journe3'man, and one year for himself in Middletown, he came to Cuj^ahaga Falls and estab- lished himself as a book-binder and stationer ; in 1848, embarking in the dry goods trade, which he success- fully conducted until his death, Sep- tember 1, 1881, at the age of 73 3^ears, 10 months and 14 days. September 30, 1832, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Babcock, of Middletown, who still survives, having borne him four chil- dren — Jane, Mary, William Oliver and Robert, the eldest son, only, now sur- viving, who, after several years' suc- cessful business at Cu5^ahoga Falls, as partner with, and successor to, his father, is now a member of the dr}^ goods firm of Oberholser, Beebe & Co., of Wooster, Ohio. Originally a Democrat, Mr. Beebe was postmaster of Cuyahoga Falls under the admin- OLIVER B. BEEBE. istration of President James K. Polk,, but later, as a stanch Republican, held the office of mayor and other positions of trust and honor. The assessors' returns for 1863, '64, '65 (found since the foregoing list was compiled) show the following additional names, though a number of those above given do not appear upon the returns in question: Sheldon Alley, Julius Beck, Andrew Brock, Christopher Cook, James Condon, Barney Conley, Lewis F. Derrick, Bd-svard Damp, Henry Durstine, L. H. Delano, D. Douglass, Edgar C. Edsil, James Etsmingher, Edw^in Farmer, Noah N. Faze, William Finkle, Joseph Freeby, Amos E. Griffith, Harvey Hogue, Watson Hoyt, Curtis A. Hall (died in service), Hiram Ingalls (died in service), William H. James, John Jones, George W. Koons, John Lapp, William Lyons, Frank Moore, Christian Maley, Wallace Perry, Lawrence Pfeisterer, Charles Payne, Sherman Seymour, Frank Thorp, George H. Wetmore, Daniel Williams, Samuel Weeks. The Sultana Disaster.— On page 372 will be found a full account of the destruction of the steamer Sultana, presumably through rebel malevolence, by w^hich the lives of nearly 1,000 CASUALTIES DUKING THE WAR. 753 Union soldiers — exchanged prisoners of war — were sacrificed, the folloAving Cuyahoga Falls boys being among the number: Captain Demming N. Lowery, Lieutenant John Eadie, Corporal John W. Eadie, J. C. Cook, 2d Lieutenant John C. Ely, Thomas Evans, Robert Gaylord, C. Nealy, James J. Patterson and Isaac J. Woods, a total of 10, probably not more than one-third of Summit county's victims of the disaster in question. Other Casualties and Deaths. — Seneca Blood, died at Knox- ville, Tenn., May 10, 1864; Albert Buchanan, died April 16, 1863; John Condon, died at Hazle Grove, Ky., Oct. 2, 1861; 1st Lieutenant Gurley G. Crane, died at home, of disease contracted in the service, April 27, 1865;, George W. Deering, of consumption, 1864; Charles A. Downey, mortally wounded at Dalton, Ga., May 9, 1862; Henry E. Eadie, died at Platte City, Mo., Feb. 19, 1862; Arthur K. Good- rich, died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., Nov. .30, 1864; Edward Green, died at Andersonville, July 17, 1864; Robert Green, shot by rebel guard at Atlanta, July 1, 1864; Isidore Hagle, died at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 22, 1863; George L. Holden, died at Cincinnati, Aug. 23, 1863; Hiram Ingalls, killed at Cold Harbor, May 31, 1864; John B. Lj'ons, died at Louisville, Ky., Sept. 26, 1862; William Lyons, killed at Murfreesboro, Dec. 28, 1864; David McGrath, died in Anderson- ville prison; Charles E. Moon, died at Atlanta, Ga., July 9, 1864; 1st Lieutenant John Murphy, wounded at Stone River and died at Nashville, Jan. 9, 1863; F. B. Purine, killed at North Anna River, Aug. 25, 1864; John Patterson, died in Louisville, Ky., March 14, 1862; John Shellhorn, died in field hospital, near Atlanta, Ga., in 1864; John G. Schnabel, died at Nashville, Tenn., May 4, 1865. Quite a number of the ex-soldiers of Cuyahoga Falls have died since the close of the w^ar w^hose names cannot be here given. Munificent Tribute to Patriotism. — That the people of Cuy- ahoga Flails duly appreciated the patriotism and heroism of her volunteer soldiery, in the War of the Rebellion, is evidenced by the splendid monument which she erected to their memory and valor at the close of the war. The monument occupying a sightly position in the village cemetery, consists of a finely wrought mar- ble shaft, upon a triple sandstone base. It is ornamented with a variety of military devices, the whole originally surmounted by a life-like representation of the American eagle, standing upon a globe, and gallantly sustaining and protecting the Shield of Liberty and the Stars and Stripes. A few years later, by some means, the wings of the eagle were broken, and the apex remodeled so that the shaft is now a simy^le obelisk. On the squares of the shaft the names of the soldiers of the township w^ho died in the service are neatly inscribed, together with the regiment to vi^hich they belonged, and the date and manner of their deaths. On the four sides of the plinth sustaining the shaft, in relief, are patriotic and w^ar-like emblems, as follows: East side, flag and anchor, repre- senting the Navy; south side, stack of muskets, representing Infantry; west side, cannon, representing Artillery; north side, crossed swords, representing Cavalry, the front of the marble sur- face bearing the Latin motto: " Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" — "It is sweet and honorable to die for one's country." Meager Criminal Calendar. — Though the atrociously cruel and ghastly murder of William Beatson by James Parks, on the night of the 13th day of April, 1853, elsewhere fully detailed, was^ 48 754 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. perpetrated within the corporate limits of Cuyahoga Falls, that fearful crime should by no means be debited to that generally peaceable and orderly v^illage; but, on the contrary, her people should be credited with the promptness and energy with which they entered upon the search for the body of the victim and the apprehension of the murderer. While not entirely exempt from the occasional disturbances incident to aggregated heterogeneous humanity, especially where the traffic in, and use of, intoxicating liquors prevail, no fatal collisions, so far as the writer is advised, have ever occurred among her citizens. The Wright-Parker Affair. — The nearest approximation thereto, was the unfortunate affray, between Mr, William Wright and Mr. Isaac Parker, on the 2d day of August, 1842. The exact cause of the collision, except that one or both were inflamed with liquor, is not now remembered, the result being that Mr. Parker very narrowly escaped death from the discharge of a loaded musket at the hands of Mr. Wright. At a preliminary hearing, before Justice Charles W, Wetmore, Mr. Wright was bound over to court to answer to the charge of shooting with intent to kill. Summit county's first Prosecuting Atttorney, William M, Dodge, Esq., at the September term, 1842, laid the transcript before the grand jury, who returned a bill against Mr. Wright for shoot- ing with intent to kill. Without any of the vexatious circumlocu- tions incident to modern criminal proceedings, the case was brought to trial at the same term, before fudges Van R. Humphrey, Charles Sumner, Hugh R.Caldwell and Robert K. ]3uBois, and the regular jury for that term, who, after a careful investigation returned a verdict of guilty of shooting v/ith intent to wound, and Judge Humphrey, with impressive remarks about the danger of indulging in the use of intoxicating liquors, sentenced Mr. Wright to imprisonment in the penitentiary for the period of four years. After an incarceration of about one year, a numerously signed petition was presented to Governor Wilson Shannon, w^ho finding that his conduct had been exemplary during his confinement, restored Mr. Wright to liberty and citizenship on the 14th day of October, 1843. Mr. Wright returned to Cuyahoga Falls, and though he never fully reformed from his intemperate habits, w^as ever thereafter a law-abiding citizen, and the father of quite a large familj^ of highly respectable sons and daughters. The Birzley-Jackson Affray. — Mortimer H. Birzley, was one of the patriotic young men of Cuyahoga Falls \i^ho served in the Union army in the Civil War. But, alas! like too many other young men, both in and out of the army, he had acquired the habit of using intoxicating liquors to excess. Andrew Jackson, vas accepted by Prosecutor Oviatt, and the defendant ^vas sentenced by Judge Burke to two years' impris- onment in the State Penitentiary. Birzley w^as conveyed by Sheriff Burlison to the penitentiary on the 5th day of December, 1865, and on the petition of a large number of the most respectable people of Cuyahoga Falls, he was pardoned by Governor Jacob D. Cox, on the 6th day of April, 1866, his term of service being four months and one day, onl3\ Young Birzley did not return to Cuyahoga Falls, after his release from prison, but is still a resident of Summit county, and is represented to have been exemplary in his conduct, industrious in his habits and a good citizen. Early Births, Marriages, Deaths, etc. — The first birth in the "New Village" of Cuyahoga Falls is said to have been that of Edw^ard Wetmore, a son of William Wetmore, Jr., in 1827, the "boy" being now a gray-haired resident of Northampton township; the first death a young son of the same family, about one year old, in 1826; the first adult death the wife of Hon. Elisha N. Sill, and daughter of Henry Newberry, Esq., in 1829; the first marriage, a daughter of Deacon Jabez Hamlin to Washington Butler, given name of the bride and date of marriage not now remembered. Public Buildings. — ^Besidesthe churches and school buildings, Clifford Inn, the hotel of George S. Buoys, and the several pleasure resorts already alluded to, Apollo Hall, in the third story of the brick block, on the southeast corner of Portage and Front streets, is arranged with a fine stage, dressing rooms, etc., has a seating capacity of about 500, with, in cases of emergency, standing room for about 200 additional. Hitherto dependent upon chance accom- modations for trustee and council meetings, caucuses, elections, etc., in 1883 a fine two-story town hall, 45x80 feet, with basement, was erected on the northw^est corner of Front and Broad streets at a cost of about $10,000. First story. Council Chamber, School Board, library (two rooms), band. Upper floor, one room, used for caucuses, gymnasium, etc. Basement, fire department, mar- shal's office and lock-up. Lyceum, Library, etc. — At an early day a village lyceum w^as organized, the Ohio Review of April 5, 1833, giving the officers elected at the last meeting as foUow^s: President, Henry New^- berry ; vice president, William H. Taylor; treasurer, Oliver B. Beebe; secretary, Charles W. Wetmore; curators, Henry Wetmore, Timothy 756 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. P. Spencer and Dr. Richard Fry. The question for discussion at the next meeting A^as: "Ought United States senators in all cases to be bound by the instructions of their respective State Legislatures?" But we are entirely in the dark as to the decision of the judges on this important question. Members w^ere requested to bring to this meeting such books- as could be conveniently spared for the purpose of forming a library, in accordance "with a late resolution of the society to that effect. This "was the beginning of the fine public library, of prob- ably 1,000 to 1,200 volumes, so highly enjoyed and cherished by the people of the village at the present time. HOSEA PAUL, SR.,— born at North- tield, Vermont, April 6, 18(X); common school education ; in early life clerking- in drug store and study- ing surveying; in 1833, at Canaan, Vermont, of which village he "was postmaster, he was married to Miss Ellen Gamble, a native of County Down, Ireland ; in 1834 inoved to Ohio, living one year in Wadsworth, then settling- in Cuyahoga Falls, where he passed the balance of his life ; for a time engaged in the inanu- facture of tlour, later resuming his profession of surve3'or and civil engi- neer, doing much of the original sur- veying, establishing grades, etc., in the then new village of Akron ; also, officiating as division engineer in the building of both the C, A. & C, and N. Y., P. & O. railroads. In October, 185.0, Mr. Paul was elected county surveyor, on the Repvxblican ticket, being- successively re-elected in 18.08; '61, '64 and '67, continously holding the office until his death, May 29, 1870, nearly 15 j^ears, being also occupied during part of 1863 and 1864 as assist- ant U. S. engineer on militarj'' rail- roads and fortifications, District of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Paul were the parents of seven children — Har- rison D., born August 3, 183.T ; George, September 8, 1837 ; Mary, September ^' HOSEA PAUL, SR. 0, 1839; Robert S., October .3, 1842; Hosea, Jr., January 17, 184o; T. Dwight, July 21, 1848; Edward J., November 30, 1851, all of whom have attained and maintained honorable positions in life. Mrs. Paul died November 9, 1889, aged 76 years and 18 days, the age of Mr. Paul, at the tiine of his death, being 61 years, 1 month and 23 days. UNION FAIR ASSOCIATION. In 1859, the Summit County Agricultural Society, needing more extensive grounds than they "were then occupying, and the management being at loggerheads in regard to location, the peo- ple of Cuyahoga Falls offered the Society a bonus of $6,000 in cash to locate in or near that village. The proposition not being accepted, a number of the citizens of the village and contiguous townships organized a "Union Fair Association," and handsomely fitted up grounds a short distance north of the village, on the Hudson road. The first meeting, September 1, 2, 3, 1859, was a decided success, both in display and attendance, the receipts being some $600 above expenses. A supplemental meeting w^as held October 28, the same year, for a trial of speed between the then celebrated trotters, Flora Temple and "Ike Cook." The weather proving inclement,. POPULATION — CONFLAGRATIONS, ETC. 757 the attendance was slim, the expenses of this meeting eating up the profits of the first, thougli the trot came off according to programme, Flora winning the first and third heats — time, 2:28; 2:34; 2:33. In 1860 — October 5, 6, 7 — there was a fine exhibition but slim attendance, the receipts scarcely covering expenses. In 1861 — September 23, 24, 25 — the display was also fine, with special attrac- tions, in the military line, prizes being contested for by the Bath Guards, Captain Schoonover; the Buckeye Zouaves, of Copley, Captain Sackett, and the Cowles Tiger Zouaves, of Bedford, the first prize, a silk banner, being won by the Bath Guards and the second prize, a w^orsted banner, by the Copley Zouaves, the Bed- ford Company being ruled out on account of being one member short of the, stipulated number. The "Secesh" army was also .represented* by a company of 75 or 80 mounted "fantasticals" ^Cuyahoga Falls boys), while the Tallmadge Artillery, Captain Barnes, and the Young America Gun Squad, of Cuyahoga Falls, furnished "thunder" for the occasion. As a show^, this third fair was a success, but financially a fail- ure, the expenses largely over-balancing the receipts. The war, then fairly on, thenceforth engaging the public attention, no further meetings were held, and the Union Fair Association of Cuyahoga Falls, of 1859-61, is no^v a pleasant reminiscence, only. POPULATION GRADUALLY INCREASING. A writer on Cuyahoga Falls, in 1837, says: "The population of the village is now, probably, about 1,250; three years ago it w^as but 375." The decennial listings do not even proximately show^ the distinct population of the villasfe during the first half century of its existence, for the reason that its inhabitants w^ere included in the census returns of the several tovt^nships out of which it had been formed. The census of 1870 gave the population of the village and township at 1,861, and the census of 1880 at 2,294, a gain of 433 in the ten years, the census of 1890 placing the number at 2,614, showing a gain in the last decade of 320. Cuyahoga's Fierce Fires. — While Cuyahoga Falls has never been visited Avith any such sweeping fires, as have from time to time devastated Akron, and other near-by tow^ns, yet many thou- sands of dollars of valuable property, have been sacrificed, and serious injury to her industries has been caused, by the devouring element, during the past 60 years, as w^ill be seen by what follows: In 1833, a large paper and paper-stock warehouse belonging to Stow & Wetmores, on the east side of the river, was destroyed with all its contents. Loss and amount of insurance if any, not now^ remembered. Sometime in the early forties, probably, the woolen factory and the stone saw-mill, heretofore alluded to, standing on the west bank of the river, north of the present w^orks of The Turner, Vaughn & Taylor Co., w^ere burned to the ground, the factory belonging to Ogden Wetmore and the mill to Henry Newberry; amount of the losses is not now remembered. They were never rebuilt. In 1851, the large flouring mill of Stow & Wetmores, on the east side of the river, north of Portage street, was totally destroyed, believed to have been the work of an incendiary. Loss not stated, 758 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, On the night of November 25, 1853, the fine new paper mill of J. M. Smith & Co., on the west side of the river, was entirel}^ burned. The mill, stock and machinery was valued at $20,000, but about $5,000 -worth of machinery being saved, made the net loss^ about $15,000. The mill had been in operation but a fe^v days, Mr. William A. Hanford, the "Co." of the firm, had made applica- tion for insurance, and the papers were to have been executed the next day, so that the loss was total. For many years the bagging and twine factory of John Hinde & Sons, in the south part of the village, (now know^n as the Glen Wire Mill property,) Avas one of the most prominent of the varied industries of Cuyahoga Falls, giving employment to a large num- ber of hands, and consuming immense quantities of flax from the farms of the surrounding country. This mill w^as destroyed by fire about the year 1860, entailing a very heavy loss upon its pro- • prietor, but it Avas at once rebuilt, and soon in running order again. The exact date of the fire, losses, etc., and the causes of the final decline of that industry are not now accessible to the w^riter. On the morning of October 24, 1866, several business blocks on Front street, including Gillett's grocerj'^ store, Tifft's meat market^ Dr. P. G. Somers' office, postoffice, Stead man's jewelry store, and the fine stone block, known as the Bank Building, the lower floor of w^hich w^as occupied by H. C. Lockwood, as a dry goods store, were consumed by fire. The town having no fire engine of its ow^n, sent a messenger to Akron, hunted up Mr. Thomas W^. Cor- nell, then a recent comer from Cuyahoga Falls to Akron, who got permission from Mayor Mathews for Akron's steamer to go to their assistance. Engineer Julius S. Lane, and his faithful driver, Mose& Cummins, with their new^ly purchased $550 team, \vere promptly on hand, but not a livery man w^ould furnish an extra team to help draw the steamer up the "Chuckery" hills. (Howard street exten- sion had not then been made.) "Come on, boys!" exclaimed Cor- nell, "we can double up on the hills," and some 18 or 20 Eagle Hose boys, with hose reel, and others, actually made the run -with the steamer, on foot, manning the ropes, and pulling for dear life on heavier grades. Their progress was, of course, comparatively^ slow, and they were met about a mile from the village by a mes- sage that the fire w^as under control. The goods in the several establishments burned were mostly removed, but the buildings were a total loss, amounting to many thousands of dollars; but the saddest result was the death of Mr. John M. Hinde, a young recently married man of 24, and a soldier of the late war. Though young Hinde was troubled at times with heart disease, he was among the foremost in trying to save the prop- erty of those who were being burned out, and vi^hile thus engaged in removing goods from Lockwood's store, he sank exhausted behind the counter, and though afterwards found and carried into the open air, and every effort made for his resuscitation, he did not recover consciousness, and soon afterw^ards expired. Handsomely Done. — Under the above heading the Beacon, of October 24, 1866, said: "The citizens of Cuyahoga Falls, notwith- standing their own severe loss by fire this morning, contributed $105.00 to the firemen of this city, who so promptly turned out w^ith steamer, hose, etc., to aid them in subduing the fire. Though they were in readiness to start within fifteen minutes from the- DESTRUCTIVE FIRES. 759 time of receiving the notice, and made all possible speed, the fire had nearly spent itself before their arrival, the messenger to turn them back meeting them about a mile this side of the village." The west side paper mill of J. M. Smith & Co., burned as above stated, in November, 1853, was immediately rebuilt by that firm, and rechristened the " Phcenix." Passing into the possession of Hanford & Yeomans, it w^as again burned at noon, on the 30th day of October, 1867. Loss $25,000 to $30,000; insurance about $12,000. The mill was again rebuilt by Messrs. H. & Y. and supplied with first- class machinery and is now a part of the plant for some years past operated by the Cuyahoga Paper Company. About 1 o'clock on the morning of September 18, 1872, the large machine shop of Alford, Pitkin & Co., successors to A. G. & H. W, Bill, on the east side of Water street, was discovered to be on fire, and owing to the stiff breeze that was blowing at the time, and the Avant of proper fire-extinguishing appliances, was speedily con- sumed. The main building was a two-story frame, 35x130 feet in size, with office, blacksmith's shop and other small buildings attached, all of w^hich, Avith their valuable machinery, tools, etc., were totally destroyed. Loss, $20,000; insurance, $3,000; net loss, $17,000. Nearly across the street stood the fine new^ brick "Empire Mill" of Hanford Brothers, devoted to the manufacture of fine cover papers, the structure being part tw^o and part three stories high, above the basement, and all filled w^ith first-class machinery and valuable stock. The wind, blowing briskly from the east, soon carried the flames from the combustible machine shop to the mill, and soon that, too, was being rapidly consume'd, and was totally destroyed. Loss, $32,000; insurance, $14,000. At this fire, Thomas O'Neil stumbled and fell, a large box falling on his leg, breaking it above the knee, and Mr. James Peebles was overcome by heat and carried to his home in an unconscious condition, but both speedily recovered. This mill was immediately rebuilt, and, after a great variety of vicissitude, together Avith the Phoenix, is now owned by George Sackett, Esq., and has for several years past been operated by the Cuyahoga Paper Company. On the night of March 31, 1881, the three-story building of the Falls Wire Manufacturing Company, was discovered to be on fire in the roof, about 10 o'clock, by Marshal Richard Reid and Mr. C. A. Vaughn. The alarm was immediately sounded, and though the citizens promptly rallied, and fought the fire vigorously, the second and third stories were destroyed, the lower stor^^ with its machinery and a large (juantity of Avire ready for shipment being saved, though in a somewhat damaged condition. The large new Avare- house and annealing rooms were saved by the faithful Avork of the ** bucket brigade." Loss from $8,000 to $10,000, covered by insurance. At this fire Mr. Carleton H. Reeve was quite seriously hurt, by the falling of the ladder on w^hich he was working; Mr. Charles F. Harrison injured in one of his eyes, and another man somewhat bruised by a falling ladder, though fortunately none of the injuries w^ere fatal. On the evening of September 28, i882, the hollow-brick block belong to the estate of George H. Lodge, the lower floor occupied by G. C. Cook, groceries; A. Seadschlag, merchant tailor, and George Martin, pretzel baker, and the upper floor by the Reporter office of 760 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. E. O. Knox; the offices of Dr. A. H. Bill, physician, and Dr. E. A. Cramer, dentist, and the reading room of Mr. John H. Brainard, together with a small dwelling house belonging to the same estate, ^were entirely consumed. Losses: Cook, $3,500, insurance, $1,000; Knox, $5,000, insurance^ $500; Lodge block, $4,000, insurance, $2,500; dwelling, $1,200, insurance, $700; Brainard, loss $100, no insurance. Fearing a general conflagration, Mayor J. C. Castle solicited the aid of the Akron Fire Department, which w^as promptly granted by Mayor Lane, but o\^ing to the delaj^ in shipping steamer b}^ rail, did not reach the Falls until the fire was under control, though the run w^as made inside of twenty minutes when they did get started. About 10:30 o'clock, on the night of July 1st, 1886, the Phoenix Lumber Company's Planing Mill, opposite the Empire Paper Mill, on the east side of the river, with all its machinery, lumber sheds, piles of lumber, etc., w^as totally destroyed, the size of the mill being 53 by 112 feet. The hollow-brick works belonging to the estate of J. B. Harrison, occupied by J. T, Davis in the manufacture of chains, and the dwelling house of Mrs. Edward Rockwell, were also consumed, while the Empire Paper Mill, and the buildings of the Sterling Chain Company, owned by Turner, Vaughn & Taylor w^ere considerably damaged. The planing mill buildings w^ere owned hy Mr. H. Snyder and the machinery by Mr. J. H. Murphy, these gentlemen forming the lumber company in question. Their joint loss was claimed to be $40,000, on which there was a total insurance of $12,050 only. Harrison building loss, $3,500, insurance not stated; Davis' loss, $500, no insurance; Mrs. Rockwell's loss, $1,200, insurance $800; Turner, Vaughn & Taylor's loss, $150, covered by insurance. This fire vv^as supposed to have been caused by the firing off of Roman candles from a passing train on the P., C. & T, Road, in anticipation of the approaching Fourth of July. At the hour of 6:30, on the evening of December 8, 1887, the roof of the moulding department of the Falls Rivet Company w^as discovered to be on fire near the cupola stack, from which it is supposed the fire caught. The building was a story and a half frame, 32x120. Finding the fire beyond the control of the "bucket brigade," and the capacity of the hose attached to the steam pump of the engine belonging to the works. Chief B. F. Manderbach, of the Akron Fire Department, w^as appealed to for aid, and in the briefest time possible was at the scene of the fire with steamer No. 1 and its hose cart, fully manned. But by cutting away the sup- ports and letting the foundry roof fall in, the 'danger to the main ■works was averted, and the services of the Akron "laddies" were not needed, but their promptness in responding to the call for aid was duly appreciated all the same by the owners of the works, as Avell as by the citizens generally, the company contributing $20 to the Firemen's Relief Fund as a token of such appreciation. In addition to the foundry, a contiguous storage shed was burned. Loss, $22,000, insurance, $13,000. Many minor conflagrations have occurred during the period covered by those above given, involving serious losses, which can- not all be here enumerated, even w^ere full data at hand, but among them may be mentioned in brief, barn of J. F. Perry, $700; house of Orrin James, $500; house of Mrs. Duerr, $500; barn of John I. Jones, $1,000; grocery of Callahan & Williams, $1,500. CIVIL SERVICE RECORD. 761 Inadequate Fire Protection. — Cuyahoga Falls has never been the owner of a tire engine. For several years past there have been lines of pipe from the Variety Works and the Pearl Mill, through the main business street upon the west side, driven by pumps attached to the water-wheels of those establishmepts, which, with the few hundred feet of hose they possess, has afforded par- tial protection to a limited area, the defect in this partial system being that, not having the pressure constantly on, valuable time is consumed, after the fire is discovered, before a stream of water can be had for its extinguishment in its incipiency. Since the above was written this system has been considerably extended and improved, with hydrants at convenient points, hose and hook and ladder trucks, and a well organized fire com- pany, paid for services when on duty, so that the property of the village may now be said to be reasonably well protected. TJEZEKIAH CAMP,— son of Keziah and Seth Camp, born inWhite.«- town, New York, Januarj- .3, 1797; <>;'ood common school education ; in 1827 came to Ohio, teaching- in Can- ton and Kendall, now a part of Mas- sillon, hiter, in Trenton, Tuscarawas county, engaging- in the coal trade, being one of the pioneer operators in that industry in Northern Ohio; in 1840, with William Philpot, opened the De Haven mine in Spring-field, Mr. Camp locating in Cleveland for the sale and shipment of their prod- uct on the Lakes ; in 1852, dissolving with Mr. Philpot. removed to Middle- bury, as a inember of the firm of Hill, Merrill & Co., pioneer manufacturers of water and sewer pipe in Summit county, later locating at Cuyahoga Palls, Avhere his onU' son, Mr. Horace B. Camp, as senior member of the firm of Camp, Thoinpson & Co., is now extensively engaged in the saine line of business. Deceinber 7, 1830, Mr. Camp was married to Miss Abi- g-ail Fosdick, of Kendall, born in New Baltimore. New York, September 18, 1812, their only living child being the son above mentioned. Mr. Camp HEZEKIAH CAMP. died Aug-ust 1, 1872, ag-ed 75 years, 6 inonths and 28 days. Mrs. Camp, in full possession of both her physical and mental faculties, still survives. Street Lighting. — Hitherto for several years the streets of the village have been lighted by gasoline vapor lamps, but as this <:hapter closes (October, 1891), electric lighting is in full tide of suc- cessful experiment. Official Civil Record. — Without going back of the organiza- tion of Summit county, in 1840, although Judge William Wetmore, Judge Elkanah Richardson, and others living in, or largely inter- ested in Cuyahoga Falls, had previously filled iiuportant official positions in Portage county, and notwithstanding her original opposition to the erection of the new county, the civil service record of Cuyahoga Falls, in Summit county, is one that she may ^vell feel proud of. BiRDSEY Booth, at the initial election, in April, 1840, was elected *;ounty auditor, and in October of the same year was re-elected for 762 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the full term of two years, giving the best of satisfaction to all, except in the matter of officially, as \vell as personally, discrimi- nating in favor of Cuyahoga Falls, during the heated controversy for the permanent location of the county seat. Hon. Elisha N. Sill was the first State senator for the Sum- mit-Portage district, elected in October, 1840, for two years. Mr, Sill's official action was also highly satisfactory to all his constitu- ents, except those in favor of Akron as the county-seat, Mr. Sill,, as elsew^here stated, nearly compassing its removal and permanent location at Cuyahoga Falls. Hon. Samuel W. McClure was elected prosecuting attorney in 1846, serving two years; w^as elected State representative in October, 1848, for one year; was United States commissioner for Summit county from 1846 to 1850; also most ably serving as Com- mon Pleas judge of the second sub-division of the fourth judicial district five years from October, 1870, then declining re-election and resuming his law^ practice. Timothy L. Miller was elected a member of the board of Infirmary directors in October, 1849, but owing to a press of other duties declined to qualify, the vacancy being filled by the appoint- ment of Avery Spicer, of Coventry, by the county commissioners- Joseph T. Holloway, besides his early ministerial labors and long years of service as justice of the peace, served as coroner of Summit county from 1848 to 1850, and again from 1861 to 1863, two full terms, with general satisfaction. Henry Newberry, Jr., was elected county auditor in October, 1852, making in all respects a first-class officer, though serving but a single term of two years. Dr. Chester W. Rice was elected county treasurer in 1872, faithfully performing the duties of that important office two- years. Dr. Porter G. Somers represented Summit county in the State legislature from 1853 to 1855, also serving as county coroner from 1863 to 1868, five years, besides, under the appointment of President Lincoln, officiating as postmaster at Cuyahoga Falls for many years. HosEA Paul, Sr., Avas elected county surveyor in October, 1855, and successively re-elected in 1858, 1861, 1864 and 1867, serving in that capacity until his death, in June, 1860, nearly fifteen years. Robert S. Paul was appointed county surveyor by the county commissioners, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of his- father in June, 1870, elected to the office in October, of the same year, for three years; again appointed in February, 1874, to fill the vacancy occasioned by resignation of Surveyor-elect Jacob Mishler, of Springfield, serving until October, 1877; again elected in 187T and 1880, giving to the position, in all, about ten years efficient service. Hon. Henry McKinney w^as elected prosecuting attorney in October, 1856, and re-elected in 1858, making a first-class officer for two full terms; w^as draft commissioner for Summit county during the w^ar; State senator for the Summit-Portage district, 1869 ta 1871; and since his removal to Cleveland, in 1873, has officiated as- judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Cuyahoga county some seven or eight years. PRESENT BUSINESS STATUS. 763 George Sackett was elected county commissioner in October, 1867, serving one full term of three years, and in October, 1879, \\ra& elected a member of the State board of equalization for the Sum- mit-Portage senatorial district, to adjust and equalize the 1880 decennial valuation of real estate, between the several districts and counties of the state. Giles L'Hommedieu succeeded Mr. Sackett as county commis- sioner in 1874, also serving three years. Charles R.Grant, after the death of Probate Judge Nathaniel W. Goodhue, was, on the 15th day of September, 1883, appointed by Governor Charles Foster, to fill the vacancy; was elected to the office in October, 1884, and re-elected in 1877, it being conceded by all, that this important office never had a more faithful or efficient incumbent. Hon. George Paul, besides filling several important positions as civil and mechanical engineer, was, from Septetnber, 1862, to September, 1865, assistant engineer in the United States Navy, in the regular service, eight months on the monitor " Nahant," and in all engagements off Charleston during the w^ar; engaged in rail- road construction in Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio from 1868 to 1877, being chief engineer on the Chicago & Atlantic, nearly five years; was member of the board of public w^orks of Ohio from 1878 to 1884, twofuU terms, having special charge of the Ohio canal from Cleveland to Hebron, 185 miles, the Walhoding canal, 25 miles, and the Western Reserve and Maumee road, 46 miles. HosEA Paul, Jr., reared to the profession of civil engineer; on the resignation of Auditor S. M. Burnham, October 9, 1871, was appointed by the county commissioners to fill the vacancy, serving in that important office until the second Tuesday of the following November, and has since devoted himself to locating and construc- tion of railroads in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Nebraska. T. DwiGHT Paul, student of Polytechnic College, Philadelphia- employed in railroad construction on Cleveland, Lorain & Wheel- ing, Canada Southern, Bellaire & Southwestern, Chicago & Atlan- tic; engineer first division Ohio public works, and employed in locating branches of the Union Pacific railroad in Kansas, Nebraska and Idaho. PRESENT BUSINESS STATUS. The present manufacturing and business status of Cuyahoga Falls may briefly be stated thus: Variety Works. — The Turner, Vaughn & Taylor Company, established in 1856, incorporated, January 11, 1889; William A. Taylor, president; George .W. Rice, secretary; C. W. Vaughn, super- intendent — manufacturers of clay-working, wire-drawing, paper- mill, chain, hydraulic, steam and other machinery. Men em- ployed, 45 to 50. The Falls Rivet and Machine Company, E. L. Babcock, presi- dent; J. A. Long, vice president; H. J. Stambaugh, secretary; Sam- uel Higgs, treasurer; manufacturers of patent steel-rim pulleys,, friction clutch couplings and pulleys, shaftings, hangers, power- transmitting machinery, rivets, riveting burrs, small washers, etc; new three-story brick shop, 62x174 feet; hands employed, about 250. 764 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Pearl Flouring Mill, Howe &c Co. (Miner H. Howe, Cor- nelius M; Walsh and G. W. Walsh); manufacturers of best quality of roller process flour; capacity, 125 barrels per day. , Camp & Thompson (Horace B> Camp and Harry Thompson), manufacturers of best quality of vitrified sewer pipe, drain-tile, paving and hollow building brick, flue linings, fire-proofing, chim- ney tops, etc., corner Water and Main streets; capacity, 100 car loads per month. The Cuyahoga Paper Company, Empire and Phoenix Mills; fine cover and w^rapping papers; capacity w^hen running full- handed, five tons per day, now, October, 1891, operated in part only. The Holloway Reading Stand and Dictionary Holder, use- ful and popular; Wilbur F. Holloway, inventor and manufacturer. GEORGE SACKETT,— son of Aaron and Huldah (Tanner) Sackett, was born in Warren, Litchfield <;ount3', Connecticut, Januarj^ (5, 1821, nioving- with parents to Tallmadge in 1838; educated in common schools and Tallmadge Academy; raised a farmer, later purchasing- alarg-e tract of land contigiaous to the village of Cuyahoga Falls, a portion of which has since been laid out into town lots. Mr. Sackett is an earnest Re- publican—as the candidate of his party, being elected county commis- sioner in October 1867, ably serving- three years ; in 1879, was elected a member of the State board of equali- zation for the Summit-Portage sena- torial district, and in the Spring of 1880 was chosen real estate assessor for Cuyahoga Falls township. In addition to his extensive farming operations, Mr. Sackett is now largelj^ interested in manufactures, being president of the Cuj'ahoga Paper Company, extensive manufacturers of every variety of print and colored papers. September 5, 1848, Mr. Sack- ett was married to Miss Helen Wil- liams of Cuyahoga Falls, who died GEORGE SACKETT. June 10, 1851 ; February 9. 1854, was again married to Miss Fanny V. Grant. They have one child, Mary P., born January 3, 1867, now at home. W. L. Kittleberger, tanner and currier, successor to Chris- tian Kittleberger, manufacturer of calf, kip and harness leather; capacity, 200 sides per w^eek. Lewis W. Loomis, corner* Front and Portage streets, stoves, tin, sheet-iron and copper ware, crockery, glassware, notions, etc., w^ith five and ten cent store attached; reliable and prosperous establishment. Joseph R. Sapp, Front street, south of Portage, full line of staple hardware, cutlery, paints, oils, furnishing goods, etc. George W. Blackburn, Front street, first-class custoin sad- dle and harness w^ork, and dealer in horse furnishing goods, bri- dles, blankets, trunks, etc. Henry Plum, a resident of Cuyahoga Falls for over half a century, practical boot and shoe maker, with a large stock of leather, cloth and rubber goods, findings, etc. PRESENT BUSINESS STATUS. 765 James Haver, practical saddler and dealer in light and heavy ness, robes, nets, saddlers' hardware, oils, etc. Henry E. Howard, clothing merchant of many years' stand- ing; men's and boys' clothing, hats, caps, shirts, collars, cuffs, ties,. etc. F. S. Heath & Co., old and reliable drug house, with every- thing that the name implies, to which has recently been added a full line of school books, stationery, etc. Arthur 1. Lewis, dealer in staple groceries and provisions, country produce, etc., Front street. Simon Brown, an old residenter, practical cabinet maker, keeps fully abreast Avith the times, with a full stock of furniture, under- taking goods, etc. David H. Jones, confectioner, Front street, manufacturer of all kinds of candies and pastry, and serves to order, oysters, ice cream, etc. Perry L. Norton, Front street, home and table supplies, choice groceries, teas, coffees, sugars, syrups, illuminating oils, notions,^ etc. Mrs. Ellen Knox, successor to Eugene O. Knox, publisher Reporter and Western Reserve Farmer, and general book and job printer, corner Front and Portage streets. George Bitterman, Front street, restaurant, warm meals,, lunches, candies, fruits, nuts, etc. M. A. Seadschlag, merchant tailor, full assortment of fashion- able cloths, trimmings, furnishing goods, etc.; custom work a specialty. Michael Moore, merchant tailor, Front street, full line of sample piece and ready made goods, fur- nishing goods, etc. John Clayton, opposite high bridge glens, car- riage and wagon manufacturer, re- pairing, etc. William Baker, practical worker in iron and steel, gen- eral blacksmith, horse shoer, etc. WiEMER Broth- ers, (Fred and Christ) west side of Front street, practi- cal marble cutters, and dealers in mar- ble and granite monuments, head stones, etc. Siispotisioii liridge over the Rapids in tlie Glens, be- low the Village of Cnyahoga Falls. 766 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Moses Schloss, clothier, corner Front and Portage streets, ready made clothing, furnishing goods, etc. William Blong, corner Front and Broad, carriages, platform and spring wagons, repairing, etc. Harv^EY Westov'ER, stone quarry, contractor sidewalks, cisterns, etc. Thomas Brothers (Reese J. and Thomas J.), miners and w^holesale and retail dealers in coal. Henry L. Shumway, photographer. Front street, north of Clifford Inn. J. M. Porter, contractor and builder, corner Broad and Main streets. J. F. Weidn^r, cooper, North Front street, west side. for masonry, Broad street, HON. GEORGE PAUL, — second son of Hosea and Ellen (Gamble) Paul ; was born at Cuyahoga Falls, September 8, 1837 ; educated in public and select schools of Cuyahog"a Falls, and a private school in Philadelphia ; meantime assisting- his father as sur- veyor and civil engineer ; 1857 to 1860 learned machinist trade, planning the first steamboat that plied on the Ohio canal ; 1860 to 1862, worked in various Eastern shops ; in 1862 en- tered the regular service in U. S. Navy, serving three years in South Atlantic Squadron, under Admirals Dupont, Dahlgren and others ; at close of war, resumed the business of surveyor and civil engineer, also for a time, in 1867, carrying on ma- chine shop at Cuj-ahoga Falls ; from 1868 to 1878, engaged in railroad con- struction in Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, being chief engi- neer on Chicago & Atlantic, nearly five years ; in 1878 was elected mem- ber of State board of public works, and re-elected in 1881, serving six years, and president of board three years, having special charge of Ohio canal, from Cleveland to He- HON. GEORGE PAUL. bron, 185 miles; Walhonding, 25 miles, and Western Reserve and Maumee road, 46 miles. May 10, 1871, Mr. Paul w^as married to Miss Olive A. Babcock, daughter of Austin and Eliza (Taj^lor) Babcock, of Cuyahoga Falls. They have no children. Duffy Brothers, Portage street, east of Front, book, com- mercial and general job printers. Clifford Inn, corner of Front and Portage streets, George Marvin, proprietor, a first class hotel. George L. Buoys, hotel and boarding house. Main street, east side of the river. Physicians. — Drs. George C. Upson, H. W. Carter, A. H. Bill, T. F. Heath, W. S. Hough, Jerome D. Dodge. Dentists.— Dr. Frank A. Sabin. Attorneys at Law. — Charles H. Howland, Thomas F. Walsh, Orlando Wilcox, T. L. Childs. Albert Letts, house painter and decorator, Front street, south of Broad. PRESENT BUSINESS STATUS. 767 D, VoGAN, practical horse shoer, and dealer in buggies, sleighs, cutters, etc., Broad street, near Front. Livery Stables. — C. H. Moon & Son (Charles H. and George A.), Front street, opposite Clifford Inn; Robert Adams, Broad street, near covered bridge; Robert Boyd, South Front; Russell Post, north side of Broad street; Fred J. Smith, Broad east of Front street. C. N. Faze, barber and fashionable hair-dresser. Front street. Justices of the Peace. — George Parks and L. F. Reimer. E. D. Brewster, tin roofing, spouting and general jobbing shop, in alley, south of Broad, west of Front. Edward Coates, general blacksmith, horse shoer, etc., corner Broad and Water streets. Augustus Duffy, barber aud hair dresser, Front street. PUGENE OAKLEY KNOX, -born -L-' in Danville, Living^ston county, New York, November 17, 1849, remov- ing to Cuyahoga Falls with parents when young; educated in Cuyahoga Falls public schools ; at 17, com- menced reading- medicine with an uncle in Corning, New^ York, a year and a half later, on account of failing health, returning home, and for a time assisting his father, Alanson R. Knox, in the book-binding business, soon afterwards starting a small job printing office on his own account. In December, 1870, Mr. Knox com- menced the publication of the Cuyn- hog;a Falls Reporter, a 28-column folio weekly newspaper, which, not- withstanding the total destruction of his office in September, 1882, through his indomitable energy, attained a phenomenal success, in later years being made a 48-column quarto. De- •ceiTiber24, 1874, Mr. Knox was married to Miss E)llen Lyttleton, of Cleveland, who bore him four children — Oscar Albert, born March 8, 1877, now a stu- ■dent in Western Reserve Academ3'^ ; Percival Angelo, born October 18, 1878, died February 2, 1881; Portia Irene, born November 3, 1882, and Kenneth Julian, born November 21, EUGKXK OAKLKY KNOX. 1884. Never phj^sically rugged, in Januar}', 1891, Mr. Knox was taken seriousl}' ill, and though seeking re- lief in the warmer climate of the South, the end came, frotn valvular disease of the heart, at Hot Springs, Arkansas, Maj^ 7, at the age of 41 years, i^ months and 20 days. The Reporter is now being ably con- ducted by Mrs. Knox. George F. Callahan, groceries and provisions. Front street. TowLER & Inskeep, dealers in dry goods. South Front street. B, B. McConnaughey, standard and fancy dry goods. South Front street. F. Chart, dealer in fruits, candies, etc.. South Front street. Joseph Brand, barber, confectioner, etc., South Front street. John EichenbergeR, baker, confectioner, etc.. South Front street. George C. Tifft, general family meat market, dealer in fresh and salt meats, fish, etc.. South Front street. N. A. BucKLiN, general meat market and family supplies, South Front street. 768 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. RoETHiG Brothers (William \V. and Edward L.). meat market^ dealers in choice meats, fish, etc., South Front street. Cleveland & Company, dealers in choice family groceries and provisions, country produce, etc.. South Front street. ' Misses M. and M. Hughes, dealers in millinery, ladies' fur- nishing goods and notions. South Front street. W. L. Udall, groceries and family supplies. South Front street, William M. Smith, Front street, near town hall, dealer in groceries, provisions, etc. W. C. Maynard, practical watch iTiaker and jeweler, near town hall. Front street. The Enterprise Cigar Company', manufacturers and whole- sale and retail dealers in cigars. Front street. Curl & Son (Isaiah and Charles A.), dealers in boots and shoes. South Front, near post office. Miss Helen E. Mc- Leish, ncAvs dealer,, stationery, etc., South Front street. Henry C. Mans- field, photographer, Glens. Elmer W. Saxe, manufacturer of stoneware, novelties^ etc., corner Tallmadge and Reid streets. F. ScHNEE & Com- pany (F. Schnee and M. S. Kirk), drugs^ books, stationery, oils, paints, etc.. South Front street. Branch Akron Savings Bank, Archie B. Clarke, teller. South Front street. The Falls Savings and Loan Associa- tion, office South Front street; L. W. Loomis, president; J. R. Sapp, vice presi- dent; George Parks, secretary; M. H. Howe, treasurer; Or- lando Wilcox, attor- ney. FallsHollowStay- BOLT Company', manu- facturers of hollo^v staybolt iron, extra refined iron for spec- ial use. Portage street, west of bridge. Scene on the celebrated "Chuckery" Race, in the Glens, below Cuyahoga Falls*. PRESENT BUSINESS STATUS. 769 John L. Longshore, drugs, stationery, paints, oils, etc.. South Front street. George H. Lowrey, boots and shoes, South Front street. Express Companies. — Adams, office with Cleveland, Akron & Columbus R. R., J. O. Davis, agent; Wells, Fargo & Company, office with Pittsburg & Western R. R., S. S. C. McGrew, agent. Barbers. — David Berkheimer, North Front; Charles N. Faze, Nathan H. Rook. Coopers. — Andrew Schnidt, North Front street. Insurance Agent. — Charles Clark, city hall; Frank T. Heath, South Front street. Thomas J. Francisco, cigar manufacturer. South Front street. Harry A. Hinman, cigars and tobacco. South Front street. Railroads. — Cleveland, Akron & Columbus, J. O. Davis, agent; The Pittsburg & Western, S. S. C. McGrew, agent. Western Union Telegraph Company, South Front, Frank Ragsdale, manager. Cuyahoga Falls Postoffice, John C. Reid, postmaster. Telephone Exchange, Miss Laura M. Hall, manager. Front street, connections with Akron and other neighboring telephone towns. Miscellaneous. — Albert R. Bates, contractor and builder; Matthew^ Craw^ford, horticulturist; John W. Culbertson, fruit stand near Glens; George Cunningham, pool room; C. A. Davis, solici- tor; William H. DeWitt. dining hall, etc., corner Front and Brown; Randall Douds, sample room; Daniel Duerr, small fruit grower; William Duerr, lunch room; L. C. Fenton, boarding housfe, fruit stand, etc., near Glens; George Fiedler, saloon. Broad; Fisher Brothers (William and Isaiah), saloon near Glens; David Rosen- bom, w^ines and liquors, South Front street. Possibly some names and branches of business that should have been included in the foregoing list, have been inadvertently overlooked, but a sufficiency has been given to shovsr that with all its misfortunes in the past, Cuyahoga Falls is decidedly a "live town" yet. 49 CHAPTER XXXV. THE PARKS-BEATSON MURDER— ONE OF THE MOST COLD-BI/OODED BUTCHERIES IN THE ANNALS OF CRIME— THE VICTIM RUTHLESSLY DECOYED TO HIS DOOM, BARBAROUSLY DECAPITATED, AND HEADLESS TRUNK THROWN INTO THE RIVER— BODY RECOVERED, BUT HEAD NEVER FOUND— FLIGHT, PURSUIT AND CAPTURE OF THE MURDERER— TRIAL, CONVICTION, SENTENCE AND PREPARATIONS FOR EXECUTION — WRIT OF ERROR OBTAINED AND NEW TRIAL GRANTED— EXCITEMENT OF THE POPULACE— CHANGE OF VENUE TO CUYAHOGA COUNY— SECOND TRIAL, CONVICTION AND SENTENCE— ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE FROM JAIL — TWO DESPERATE ATTEMPTS AT SUICIDE— SPEECH ON THE SCAFFOLD— EXECUTION— SUIT BY WIFE AGAINST PROSECUTING ATTORNEY EDGERTON FOR $600 IN GOLD, SUPPOSED TO BELONG TO BEATSON, BUT CLAIMED BY HER— EDGERTON WINS THE SUIT — WONDERFUL ROMANCE OF CRIME. fThoug-h the parties to the horrible aflfair now to be written of were not, in the remotest sense, citizens of Ciiyahog-a Falls, the fact that the fearful crime narrated was perpetrated within her borders, and of the active part taken by her people in bring-ing- the perpetrator of that crime to justice, makes it especially proper that the account thereof should follow the very full history of that village given in the preceding chapter.] AN UNDESIRABLE ACCESSION. Sortie time in the year 1838 there emigrated from England to America a reputed daring and desperate young poacher, highway robber and burglar, by the name of James Dickinson, then about 26 years of age. It was currently reported, but denied by him, that before he was 25 years old he had spent about seven years in prison. The climate of England at length becoming "too warm" for him, on account of the vigilance of the police, he took the alarm and fled to America, first going to Rhode Island and after- Avard making his headquarters at or near Philadelphia. A Ghoulish Operation. — While a resident of Rhode Island, he, writh a confederate, robbed the grave of a rich ex-sea captain, named De Wolfe, reputed to have been buried in a silver coffin, but found the name-plate only upon the coffin to be of silver. This he appropriated, mutilated and sol4> and being detected w^as throw^n into prison. While thus confined, aw^aiting trial, he pro- cured a pair of pistols from a political prisoner (a participant of the Dorr rebellion), who was carelessly incarcerated without being properly searched, with w^hich he intimidated the jailer and effected his escape. Being retaken he was tried on both charges and sentenced to two years' imprisonment on the first and four years on the last offense, the longer to include the shorter term. On the expiration of his sentence he w^as concerned in a high- Avay robbery, in w^hich his accomplice was arrested and convicted, but he escaped. From there he found his way to Philadelphia, in the vicinity of w^hich he participated in several robberies and burglaries, in one of which — the robbery of the house of a w^ealthy manufacturer named Kempton, at Manayunk, Pa. — he w^as PLANNING TO ROB HIS FRIEND. 771 •detected, and being convicted, was imprisoned for a term of four years in the Moyamensing penitentiary. On the expiration of his sentence, under various aliases he visited Harrisburg, Pittsburg and other points, finally landing in Cleveland, about the year 1851, where, under the alias of James Parks, he opened a saloon, mak- ing, in connection with the pro tetn. wife he had associated him- .self with, so notorious a "dive" as to attract the especial atten- tion of the authorities. In 1852, " Parks" revisited England, where he married his cousin, Betsy Dickinson, with whom, and her two brothers, John and George Dickinson, he again sailed for America, landing in New York early in March, 1853. On the same vessel w^ith the Dickinsons, was another English- man, by the name of William Beatson, a butcher by trade, who •came with the party to near Buffalo. On parting. Parks gave Beatson his address: "James Parks, Inn-keeper, Cleveland, Ohio," urging him to come on to Cleveland, if things did not go to his liking in Buffalo. A month later, Beatson left Buffalo to go to Pittsburg, arriv- ing at Cleveland, en route, on the morning of April 13, 1853. Here he found his friends, Mr, and Mrs. Parks, occupying apartments in a private boarding house, and he accordingly took up his quarters at the United States Hotel. Parks, however, was v^ery attentive to him, taking him around among the saloons, and plying him liberally with liquor, taking dinner with him at a restaurant, and supper with him at the United States, Beatson not only paying all the bills, but displaying a large amount of money, mostly in gold coin, of Avhich commodity, it was intimated at several places, by Parks, his friend w^as the posssessor of from $800 to $1,000 w^orth. During the day, Beatson had become very greatly intoxicated, but still held to his purpose of continuing on to Pittsburg that even- ing, which Parks endeavored to dissuade him from doing. Robbery Deliberately Planned. — Finding him resolute in his determination. Parks volunteered to accompany him, as guide and care-taker, w^hich Beatson assented to. Tickets were accord- ingly bought, being paid for w^ith Beatson's money, his heavy, iron-clad English chest, was duly checked, and the 7:30 evening train taken for Pittsburg. From the well-filled bottle provided by Parks, Beatson w^as, from time to time, plied with liquor, so that by the time the train reached Bedford, the latter w^as considerably drunker than when they started, w^hile Parks, though taking as frequent pulls at the bottle, ^vas comparatively sober. Soon after leaving Bedford, Parks "accidentally" lost his hat out of the car window, and persuaded Beatson to let him have his check and the key to his chest to get an extra cap w^hich he knew could be found therein. Change of Programme. — ^Finding and donning the cap of which he had gone in search, but in the light of subsequent events, not finding the coveted treasures which he knew, or supposed, his friend to possess, in the chest, a change of tactics was deter- mined upon. Accordingly, instead of remaining quietly in their seats, as Parks well knew^ they should do, to go to Pittsburg, on reaching Hudson he aroused his friend from the drunken sleep into which he had by this time fallen, and hustled him on to the Akron train, upon the opposite side of the depot. Of course, when the conductor came around, the "mistake" w^as discovered, and the 772 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. twain were set down at Cuyahoga Falls, in the midst of a drivings rain, and at about 10 o'clock at night, the Pittsburg train having been delayed for some time at or near Macedonia by a fallen tree across the track. Going from the depot to the American House, kept by Mr. A. W. Hall, the matter of getting back to Hudson was discussed, and although, drunk as he w^as, Beatson wanted to stay at the hotel over night, and though assured, by Mr. Hall and others, that nothing could be gained by reaching Hudson in advance of the first train from Akron in the morning, Parks insisted upon footing •it to Hudson that night, and at length, after taking several drinks at the bar, and from their bottle, the stronger will of Parks pre- vailed, and, as Mr. Hall w^as shutting up his house for the night, a little after 11 o'clock, the two men went out of the door of the hotel into the darkness and the storm. A Ghastly Discovery. — Nothing further was seen of the inebriated and boisterous Knglishmen during the night. But early the next morning, while a young man, named Henry F. Waters, was passing along the wagon road, leading from Cuyahoga Falls to what is now known as Gaylord's Grove, he was startled at discovering large splashes of fresh blood high up on one of the abutment walls of the railroad bridge, under w^hich the wagon road passes, and upon the earth underneath. Following up the clew^, marks of blood and other indications were found that a heavy bleeding body had been dragged along the road and thrown from the wagon bridge into the Cuyahoga river; a inetal button of the same j^ttern as those •worn upon the vest of the drunker of the tw^o Bnglishmen, the stock which he wore, and the cane w^hich he carried, together with the neck of a bottle corresponding to that from w^hich they had so frequently drank on the cars and w^hile at the hotel, the evening before, were also picked up near by. Headless Body Found. — The alarm was immediately sounded and almost the entire population of Cuyahoga Falls rushed to the scene of the tragedy, and the vt^ildest excitement prevailed. A thorough dragging of the river was at once inaugurated, resulting in bringing to the surface, a short distance below the bridge, a naked and headless body. Prolonged search, how^ever, failed to discover the severed head, though the clothing of the murdered man Tvas found scattered about the adjacent woods and in the P. & O. canal, a short distance southeast of the river bridge, cut to pieces, as though the several garments had been searched for money secreted therein. On the Track of the Murderer. — Of course, the conclusion was irresistible that the mutilated body w^as that of the more intoxicated stranger of the car-exchange episode of the night before, and that he had been brutally murdered by his less inebri- ated, but stronger-minded, companion. An accurate description of the supposed murderer w^as immediately forwarded to Akron, Cleveland and other points. About the time the telegram w^as received in Akron, Mr. Tyler Robinson, a farmer living some three miles w^est of tow^n, called upon Constable Merrick Burton to ascertain the genuineness of a five dollar bill which a suspicious stranger had early that morning paid to his neighbor, Mr. Willard Mathews, for the use of his horse and buggy and his hired boy, Hiram Cory, in being driven to Cleveland; while at about the TRACING THE MURDERER — ARREST, ETC. 773 same time the captain of a boat upon the P. & O. canal stated that late in the night a stranger, judged by his speech to be an English- man, had boarded his boat at Bettes' Corners, and after passing through the nine locks (lying down upon a large box and appar- ently going to sleep in the meantime), had left the boat near the Old Forge and gone down the Valley of the Little Cuyahoga. Mr, Mathews' description of his liberal-handed customer tallying with that telegraphed from Cuyahoga Falls, and it also transpiring that the same stranger had taken breakfast with Mrs. Henry Horn, living opposite the Infirmary farm, at a still earlier hour — relating to Mrs. Horn and her daughter Matilda a funny anecdote during the meal — and had also endeavored to negotiate with Mr. James McAllister, a short distance beyond, to take him to Cleveland, Constables Merrick, Burton and J. J. Wright immediately procured as fast a rig as could be had in Akron, and started in pursuit, via Bath, Richfield, Brecksville, etc. The roads w^ere heavy and rough, and being considerably delayed by the breaking down of their buggy, near Kichfield, they did not overtake the fugitive, but on nearing Cleveland they met young Cory, and took him back with them to the point where, at his request, he had set his passenger down in the open street in Ohio City (now West Cleveland); but they were unable to trace him, the fugitive having some two hours the start of them, the •officers at this time, of course, having no clew to the name or local habitation of the man thej^ were pursuing. Sheriff Dudle3^ Seward also, on the same day, started in pur- suit, going by rail to Cleveland, taking with him such an accurate description of the supposed murderer, that the police of that city \vere speedily enabled to fix his identity as that of James Parks, former proprietor of one of the most disreputable saloons ever kept in that city, and but recently returned from England. The next morning the premises occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Parks were ■carefully searched, by Sheriff Seward and posse, and while finding no trace of Parks himself, they drew from Mrs. Parks the admission that he had stayed there the night before, but had again left early that morning. To add to their suspicion, the officers ascertained, during the day, that Mrs. Parks herself had hastily packed her personal effects, and, w^ith hef two brothers, John and George Dickinson, had started East, affecting great indignation at the ^suspicions against Mr. Parks, and declaring their intention of immediately returning to England. ARREST OF THE ASSASSIN, HIS WIFE AND BROTHERS. In the meantime the search for the murderer was continued "with unremitting diligence by the officers of the law, and others, the county commissioners promptly authorizing Sheriff Sew^ard to offer a reward of $50() for his apprehension. The vigilance of the authorities was finally successful, United States Deputy Mar- ishal Joseph K. Tyler, of Buffalo, having spotted and taken him into custody, w^hile working his way through that city, on Monday, April 18th, five days after the commission of the dreadful crime. Mrs. Parks and her two brothers were also arrested at Utica, N. Y., and brought to Akron. Upon the person of Parks w^as found between $40 and $50 in gold, and on Mrs. Parks and her brothers between $800 and $900, also in gold, making in all, with what had 774 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. been paid out for passage money and other expenses, about $1,000^ ^vhich was supposed to have been taken from the body of the murdered man. The alleged murderer -was brought from Buffalo to Akron, by Sheriff Se^vard, and Chief of Police Mike Gallagher, of Cleveland, on Tuesday, April 19; the newrs of his arrest and progress towards the scene of his horrible crime, attracting large crowds of excited people at almost every station along th^ route. The prisoner being committed to jail, b}^ Sheriff Sew^ard, at his request the prelimi- nary examination w^as deferred one week, commencing, before Justice Daniel B. Hadley, assisted by Justice Abel B, Berry, and Mayor Philip N. Schuyler, on the 26th day of April, just 13 days after the perpetration of the crime, and, though but few witnesses were introduced, occupied tw^o full days, the court room being densely crowded throughout. On the part of the State, Prosecuting Attorney Sidney Kdger- ton, Esq., was assisted by William H. Upson, Nathaniel W. Goodhue, Roland O. Hammond and Edw^in P. Green, Esqs., w^hile the defense was conducted by William S. C. Otis, Christopher P. Wolcott, George Bliss and John A. Pleasants, Esqs. The counsel for the defense offered no testimony, and, without argument, the sitting^ magistrates remanded the prisoner to jail to ansv^^er to the charge of murder, at the June term of the Court of Common Pleas for Summit county. Search for the Missing Head. — It had been deemed impor- tant, for the full identification of the murdered man, that, if possi- ble, the missing head should be secured. To this end Sheriff Seward obtained permission from the canal authorities to dra-w off the water from the nine-mile level between the upper lock, at Bettes' Corners, and Kent, which was accordingly done, but without avail. The nine locks and intervening levels were also thoroughly explored, as far dow^n as the Old Forge, at which point it w^as supposed the fleeing murderer had left the canal, and below w^hich the Little Cuyahoga river was carefully dragged and raked, both by the authorities and private parties — the aid of spiritualism also being invoked — but without result, and the head was never found; though the prisoner himself, at alater stage of proceedings, offered to take the officers to the sj^t where he had thrown it inta the Big Cuyahoga river, if they w^ould conduct him thither. But as by this time the identity of the body had been admitted by defendant's counsel, and as from lapse of time the features of the dead man would hardly be recognizable, even if found, the offer was respectfully declined. Indictment, Arraignment, Etc. — At the next term of the Court of Common Pleas, commencing June 14, 1853, with Judge Samuel Humphreyville, of Medina, upon the bench, the grand jury returned a true bill against the defendant, for murder in the first degree, embracing eight counts, as follows: 1st. That James Parks, alias James Dickinson, did murder William Beatson, by sticking him in the throat with a knife. 2nd. That James Parks, alias James- Dickinson, did murder William Beatson,bythrow^ing a stone against his head. 3d. That James Parks, alias James Dickinson, did murder William Beatson, by shooting him in the head with a pistol. 4th, That James Parks, alias James Dickinson, did murder William Beatson in some w^ay or manner and by some means, instruments- A CURIOUS DEFENSE. 775 and weapons, to the grand jurors unkno^vn. The remaining four counts were the same as the above, except that the person murdered was to the grand jury unknow^n. On Monday, June 20, 1853, the accused was brought into court for arraignment, and entered a plea of not guilty, w^hereupon a motion was made by his counsel for a continuance of the case until the November term of court, which ^was granted. The trial com- menced on Monday, December 26, 1853, before Judge Humphrey- ville, and the follow^ing array of jurors: Robert G. Marshall, of Norton; Houston Sisler, of Franklin; Peter Weeks, of Copley; Wel- lington Johnson, of Northfield; William C. Oviatt, of Tallmadge; Frederick Baldwin, of Hudson; James W. Wallace, of Northfield; Julius Humphrey, of Richfield; Talmon Beardsley, of Coventry; Isaac T. Welton, of Richfield; John C. Wallace, of Northfield, and Orrin P. Nichols, of Twinsburg. Judge Humphreyville assigned Messrs. Bliss and Wolcott to the defense, w^ho were assisted in their labors by their respective law partners, Messrs. Pleasants and Otis, while Prosecuting Attorney Edgerton was assisted by Messrs. Up- son and Bierce. The Theory of the Prosecution. — The statement of the case on the part of the prosecution, was made by Mr. Upson, setting forth the facts substantially as related above, only considerably more in detail, the theory of the prosecution being that on leaving the hotel at Cuyahoga Falls, Parks and Beatson started north on the wagon road leading to Hudson; that on reaching the intersect- ing road leading across the river, tovt^ard what is now^ known as Gaylord's Grove, they followed it to a point where it passes under the railroad, a short distance west of the river bridge; that they stopped to take a drink, and that while Beatson stood with head throAvn back, in the act of drinking from a bottle, he was stabbed in the neck by Parks, the carotid artery being partially severed, and the blood spurting against the abutment stones as indicated, and saturating the gijound w^here he fell, as he must have almost instantly done, after which the body of the murdered man was stripped, rifled, beheaded, dragged to the bridge and thrown into the river as stated. Singular Line of Defense. — Mr. Otis then, to the general surprise, made a statement on the part of the defense, giving an apparently candid and truthful history of the accused froin the time of his landing in America, at the age of 26 years, to his return from England to Cleveland in March, 1853, substantially as above given, also in substance, following the statement of counsel for the prosecution until the pair left the hotel at Cuyahoga Falls on the night of the murder. At this point Mr. Otis stated that on emerging from the hotel, instead of starting up the wagon road towards Hudson, they crossed the river and started north upon the railroad track; that they fell into several cattle-guards, but that they crossed the railroad bridge, over the river, all right; that they proceeded but a few steps beyond tlie river bridge w^hen they fell. Parks ^was much stunned, and when he came to he missed Beat- son, and went up on to the railroad embankment to search for him. Getting no response to his calls he again went below, and on groping around, first placed his hand on Beaton's thigh; then feeling along up, found his head to be warm, soft and wet; felt his pulse and found that he was dead. 776 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. He then sat himself down to reflect; he knew that he w^ould be suspected of murder, as his past character was bad; his only safety seemed to be in concealment; he dragged the body to the bridge and thought that if he removed the head it would be more difficult to identify it; he stripped it of its clothing, tied Beatson's coat by the sleeves around his own Avaist, and proceeded to sever the head from the body, taking Beatson's own knife for the purpose; that, meeting with resistance from the bone of the neck, he drove the knife through with a stone; he then threw the body in the river, and took the head with him below, where he also threw that in the river; the clothing being disposed of w^herever he could get rid of it, avoiding people as he passed along. Mr. Otis said that counsel at first doubted Parks' story, the substance of which he had stated, but on examining the ground and the facts, they had become satisfied of its truth, the theory of the defense being that in falling through the bridge Beatson had plunged obliquely head-foremost against the jagged stone abut- ment, crushing his skull and saturating the Avail and ground w^ith his blood. The TevStimoxy — Arguments — Charge to the Jury, etc. — On the conclusion of the statements, the jurj^ were taken by Sheriff Seward to Cuyahoga Falls, to vie^v the scene of the tragedy, accom- panied by Mr. Upson for the State and Mr. Otis for the defendant. On returning to the court house, the trial was proceeded with, occupying just 14 days. Thirty-one witnesses were sworn and examined on behalf of the State, and sixteen on the part of the accused; the main effort of counsel for defense being to show not only a possibility, but a probability, that Beatson's death w^as caused b}^ his falling through the bridge as claimed, and the lack of motive on the part of Parks for the murder of his friend, by assum- ing that Parks and his wife and her brothers had plenty of money, w^hile Beatson possessed comparatively but little. The argument of the prosecution w^as opened by General Bierce, occupying about one hour and a half. Judge Bliss opened for tne defense in a speech of nearly ten hours, Mr. Wolcott occupying about the same length of time, and Mr. Edgerton devoting about four hours to the closing argument. On Monday, January 9, 1854, at 2 o'clock p. m.. Judge Humph- rej^ville delivered his charge to the jury, which w^as, in every respect, a well-considered, fair and impartial presentation of the law in the case, and the rules of applying the testimony w^hich had been adduced upon the trial, together w^ith a very lucid disser- tation on the nature and applicability of circumstantial evidence and a full and clear explanation as to what constitutes a reasona- ble doubt. Verdict — Motion for New Trial. — On the conclusion of Judge Humphrey ville's charge, the jury retired to their room at 3:30 p. M., and at 8:30 they announced to the sheriff that they had agreed upon a verdict, and the court and counsel were sent for. About 9 o'clock their verdict of murder in the first degree w^as announced; the prisoner looking each juror square in the face as he pronounced the fatal word "guilty," without the relaxation of a single muscle, or the slightest tremor of nerve. The next day the prisoner was again brought into court, when Judge Bliss made a motion to have the verdict set aside, and the SENTENCE — STATEMENT OF PRISONER. 777 "venue changed to another county where an impartial trial might be obtained. Prosecutor Bdgerton declined to occupy the time of the court in opposing the motion, and Mr, Wolcott spoke forcibly and eloquently, for about an hour, in its support. The court, with a few^ cogent and clearly expressed reasons, overruled the motion, and at once proceeded to pronounce THE SENTENCE. "James Parks: — You have been indicted by the grand jury of this county for the murder of William Beatson; you have been tried by a traverse jury, before whom you have had the benefit of able counsel. They have brought to your defense a laborious and searching examination of the evidence against you, as w^ell as an earnest and careful presentation of everything that could be pro- duced in your favor. The jury have listened patiently and atten- tively to the evidence, and the pleadings of your counsel, and have arrived at the conclusion that you are guilty, flave you anything to say why the sentence of the law should not be pronounced against you ?" Mr. Parks responded in a firm voice: — "May it please your Honor, I have the best reason in the w^orld w^hy sentence should not be passed. I have represented that through my counsel. 1 have nothing more to add; I have told, through them, the truth, the w^hole truth and nothing but the truth." The Court: — "You have had a fair and impartial trial by an intelligent and unbiased jury. They have returned a verdict of guilty against you, and with that verdict tiie court is satisfied. You have wilfully and deliberately taken the life of a fellow being, and in so doing you have forfeited your own. The penalty of the law^ is death. It is a painful duty to pronounce upon you the sen- tence of the law, but having given full consideration to every argument urged against it, I can find nothing to excuse ine from the discharge of this duty. The sentence of the court is, therefore, that you be removed hence to the jail of this county, and there safely kept until the 26th day of May next, when you will be taken thence to the place of execution, w^here, betvsreen the hours of 9 o'clock in the forenoon, and 2 o'clock in the afternoon, you w^ill be hanged by the neck until you are dead." Parks Makes a " Statement." — The report of the trial was soon afterw^ards published in pamphlet form, to w^hich was added a document of nearly twenty pages, \srritten by Parks himself. He commenced by denying that, before leaving England, he had ever engaged in poaching, burglary, etc., or had ever been in prison there. He then relates, in detail, his crookedness and imprison- ment in this country; his connection with a "strange woman" and his saloon-keeping. in Cleveland; his visit to Kngland, marriage to his cousin, return to America, substantially as stated by Mr. Otis. He then reiterates the story of the " accidental " death of Beatson at the railroad bridge, and of his ghastly w^ork in arraying himself in Beatson's coat tied about his Avaist for an apron, and in cutting off the head with a knife taken from Beatson's pocket, and his dis- position of the body, head, clothing, etc., attributing his proceed- ings to his fear that the true story of the death of Beatson would not be believed because of his (Parks') previous bad character; saying, in that connection: "If anybody thinks that it was not 778 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. hateful to my feelings, they are very much mistaken. I conceived that the necessity of the case was in a great degree excusable; as- much so as it is to dispose of the dead in the various ways they do^ in order to prevent them from injuring the living; and I shall here state, with all due respect to the feelings of others, that I think it does not matter >vhat is done w^ith a dead body, providing it doe& not injure the feelings of living friends. I did not do any crime ■whatever, and I can vindicate myself by the laws of heaven and of reason. The previous tyrannical conventionalism of society imposed the task on me; I never sought for it, and did not like it. 1 may have sinned. Nay, I have sinned, but I have suffered, have repented, but I could not be forgiven. When will society cease to hunt a man down for one error? After punishing him with a pen- alty ten times greater than his offense, they are not satisfied. How often is the law^ made the w^eapon of the vilest malignity and it& penalties the most dire revenge!" Writ of Error Allowed — Execution Postponed. — A bill of exceptions having been prepared, and duly signed by Judge Hum- phreyville, application w^as made to Judge Hartley, of the Supreme Court, for a writ of error, which was finally granted, and the case reserved for hearing in the Supreme Court. The granting of the w^rit and the postponement of the execution, created the most intense excitement throughout the county. Sheriff Seward had already had a gallows constructed, and w^as making other prepa- rations for the execution, all of which w^ere now^ indefinitely post- poned. Yet, notwithstanding the fact that the postponement w^as widely published, and notw^ith standing the hanging, w^hen consummated, w^ould be private, and within the walls of the jail, on the day set for the execution a large and excited croAvd of peo- ple, men, w^omen and children, assembled about the jail, it being estimated that there were at least 2,000 persons from outside of Akron, in attendance. At first, Parks was quite alarmed at the size and somew^hat emphatic demonstrations of the crowd — fearing an uninvited visit of Judge Lynch, and expressed a desire to be locked up in his cell, but at length becoming reassured, as he explained, by the large number of "ladies" in the throng, he not only sought to gratify morbid curiosity, by exhibiting himself freely at the grated win- dow, but also harangued the crowd, asserting his innocence, and pointing out the fearful \\rrong of hanging an innocent man. Hi& speech, however, did not have a very mollifying effect upon the crowd, for many of them intimated, in no measured or stinted terms, that they would relish no better sport than to help " string him up," and so intense was the disappointment, and so firm w^as the belief that he was guilty of the horrible crime attributed ta him, it only needed a bold and determined leader to have essayed the attempt, though the authorities were pretty w^ell prepared against the consummation of such an effort. Planning to EvSCApe From Jail. — Among the prisoners con- fined in the jail, at this time, w^as a man named Case, whose brother, from Kent, w^as permitted to visit him. On his leaving the jail, the second time, Sheriff Seward noticing something peculiar in his manner, concluded to search him and w^as rcAvarded by finding concealed upon his person the pattern for a key to the jail locks then in use, and a couple of notes in Parks' NEW TRIAL— CHANGE OF VENUE. 779 handwriting, addressed to his brother-in-law, George Dickinson, of w^hich the following are copies: Dear Brother:— The bearer of this is a friend of mine. Help him to what he wants, a key and a saw — g-ood saw. Be sure, if you do, old Copper Knob is safe. Tatersley, g-unsmith, or some jeweler. I need not tell you this is of great importance. I need not tell you more; this man will tell you all. Yours, Old Copper Knob. The other note read: "The saw must not be inore than three-quarters of an inch broad, and the back of it must not be any thicker than the edge. It should have a sort of a handle, as a bow cannot be used for want of room between the bars. The barrel of the key must run down as far as the shoulder, but about four threads at the nose of the key is all that is wanted. I send you an exact pat- tern of wood, only make a better shoulder, and a better handle. The barrel is an exact fit, and impression made on the nose of the wood is inade with the screw that is inside the locks. The threads on the screw are not very fine. If we had some lead or zinc we might make a key." Hitherto, Sheriff Seward had shown his prisoner great lenity, granting him the range of the jail corridors during the day and only locking hitn in his cell at night. From this time on he deemed it advisable to keep him confined in his own cell, only let- ting him out for exercise for a short time each morning and even- ing. Parks became highly indignant at this further curtailment of his liberty, and manifested a disposition to make the sheriff and assistants as much trouble as possible. At length, one morning, after being given his customary exer- cise by the faithful turnkey, the late Chris. Metzler, Parks utterly refused to re-enter his cell, making such savage demonstrations as to frighten poor Chris, nearly out of his senses. Deputy Sheriff George W. Marriner, was called in to quell the insubordination, and ordered Mr. Parks into his cell, refusing to enter which, and making some hostile demonstrations towards Marriner, the latter suddenly planted his brawny fist between the eyes of the former and knocked him nearly the entire length of the corridor, then seized him by the collar and dragged him into the cell. From this time on, while he remained in the jail here. Parks was per- fectly docile and amiable. Writ of Error Sustained — New Trial Granted- — The hear- ing of the Parks wrrit of error case was taken up out of the regular order, on the calendar of the Supreme court, and after being ably argued, pro and con, by counsel on either side, a decision was reached early in August, 1854. The writ was sustained and ai new trial granted on the single ground that the verdict of the jury was informal. This remanded the case to the court of Common Pleas of Summit county, unless a change of venue should be granted by said court. At the November term of court a motion w^as made for a change of venue, on the ground that on account of the prejudice against the accused, he could not have a fair and impartial trial in Summit county, which motion was granted by Judge Humphrey- ville, w^ho ordered the case to be transferred to Cuyahoga county, though Parks himself expressed a wish to be tried in Portage county. In accordance with this arrangement, on the 5th day of January, 1855, Parks was taken to Cleveland and transferred to the custody of Sheriff Spangler by Sheriff Seward. The case w^as set for trial in Judge Starkweather's court about the middle of January, but, at the request of defendant's counsel. 780 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. was postponed until February 15, 1855. When the case was called, on the day named, Mr. Otis announced that Messrs. Bliss and Wol- cott, who had been assigned to the defense in Summit county, w^ould be unable to further act in the premises, and Mr. Parks chose Hiram Griswold, Esq., and the court named Amos Coe, Ksq., as his assistant, while A. G. Riddle, Esq., was called to the assist- ance of Prosecutor Edgerton. To give the new counsel for the defense time to familiarize themselves with the case, a further postponement was granted until the 6th day of March, at which time the trial was proceeded with. Prosecutor Edgerton made a statement of the case to the jury substantially the same as had been made by Mr. Upson on the former trial, and Mr. Griswold, for the accused, embodying the same line of defense as before, giving, in addition, as a reason for the two men going to Pittsburg, that "the purlieus of that city were much more favorable for the commission of crime than any portion of Summit county," and that Beatson, instead of Parks, insisted on footing it back to Hud- son on the night of the alleged murder. The jury were escorted to Cuyahoga Falls, to view the scene of the murder, by Sheriff Spangler, accompanied by Messrs. Edger- ton and Grisw^old. Most of the witnesses examined upon the first trial also testified in this, and while several new witnesses were introduced on both sides, but little new evidence bearing upon the case ^r^as elicited. The testimony closed on Monday, March 12, and the arguments of counsel occupied nearly three days. The Cleve- land Herald, in its report of the trial, after a very glowing tribute to Mr. Griswold for his masterly defense, and his eloquent plea in the behalf of the accused, and his wife and child, and after giv- ing a very full synopsis of Mr. Edgerton's closing arg*ument, on behalf of the State, concluded as follows: Mr. Edg-erton closed his remarks with a powerful and eloquent appeal to the jurj", displaying- the enormitj^ of the offense, and the horrible facts connected therewith; characterized the case as without a parallel in the history of crimes in Ohio, and begged of the jurj^ to lose sight of the hus- band and father, and see only before them their duty to the community and to a fellow man. Mr. Edg^erton was solemn, eloquent and impassioned, and spoke with such feeling as showed that the responsibilit}^ of the case was resting- heavily upon him. Mr. Edgerton has shown, through the whole trial, that a complete discharge of a stern duty towards the community was his aim; not the triumph in a mere law suit. CHARGE OF THE COURT— VERDICT OF THE JURY. Judge Starkweather's charge to the jury was stated by the Herald to have been delivered "in a style at once simple and elo- quent," as he referred to the long and exciting trial; the responsi- bility resting upon the jury; the nature of the alleged crime and the statutes defining and punishing the same; his entire charge occupying about three-quarters of an hour. The jury retired at 3 o'clock p. M., and returned into the court with their verdict at 8 o'clock in the evening, again pronouncing James Parks, alias James Dickinson, "Guilty of Murder in the First Degree." Another Motion for New Trial — Sentence, Etc. — Mr. Gris- w^old immediately moved for a new trial, for six alleged reasons of error and informality, which motion, after argument in its support (Mr. Edgerton declining to speak in opposition), was promptly overruled by Judge Starkweather, who immediately A BLASPHEMOUS TIRADE. 781 proceeded to sentence the prisoner. Asking him the usual question as to whether he had anything to say why the sentence of law^ for the crime of which he had been convicted, should not be pro- nounced, Parks pulled a large roll of manuscript out of his pocket and commenced to read. After he had read nearly three hours the judge interrupted him, and, in very appropriate and impressive terms, sentenced him to be hung on the first Friday in June, 1855. His faithful counsel again applied to the Supreme Court for the allo^vance of a writ of error, on several purely technical grounds,^ which application, on full hearing, was denied, and preparations were accordingly made by Sheriff Sew^ard, of Summit, and Sheriff Spangler, of Cuyahoga, for carrying out the sentence. Attempts at Escape, Suicide, Etc. — Besides making a desper- ate attempt to escape, by means of keys and a revolver, smuggled into the jail by his wife or other friends, he also made tw^o nearly successful attempts at suicide — one by poison, on the Saturday evening previous to the day set for his execution, and another by cutting his throat on the night preceding his execution, both of w^hich w^ere prevented by his w^ary custodians. A Most Blasphemous Letter. — The day previous to his exe- cution, and before his last desperate attempt to take his ow^n life,^ he penned a bitterly ribald and blasphemous tirade, from u^hich the follow^ing is an extract: When I meet Christ in the King'doni of Heaven, he will congratulate nie, for my case is parallel with his, with only a little exception. There were only two false witnesses against him, and there were some twenty that were false witnesses against me. But I attribute that to the alteration of the statute and the increase in population since Christ's time; for when he was tried they hunted the whole kingdom and could find but two, but they had to hunt over a very small portion of the kingdom andfoundplenty who were ready to- testify against me. The reason why my case is parallel with Christ's is this: They have parted my garments as they did his, for they have already given away my boots to some person. I know not who, and I suppose to-morrow upon my vestments they will cast lots, and then the5^will sit down and watch my bodj^ and perhaps steal me. They set up over his head his accusation,, written: "This is Jesus, the king Of the Jews;" but I suppose they will set up over my head m}^ accusation, written: "This is James Parks, the murderer," Itmay be true of Christ, but it is a lie concerning me. The Execution — Dying Speech, Etc. — At ten minutes before 12 o'clock, on Friday June 1, 1855, Sheriff Seward and Marshal Jabez Fitch, escorted the malefactor to the scaffold in the corridor of the Cleveland jail — the same gallows which had been con- structed for his execution here — in addition to the various " statements" previously furnished to the press, by permission of Sheriff Spangler, making the following speech: Well, gentlemen, there are but comparatively few present, and mj^ words will be few. If I wished to say more I have not the strength to do so. I see among you some of my jurors. I have no reflection upon your verdict; you did your dut)^ I should have been glad to have spared the people the horror of an execution. My attempt to do so yesterday, by ending my life by my own hands, was not for my benefit, but for those I leave behind. I had hoped to prevent my child and relations from the reproach which this will bring upon them. I knew that 1 was not a murderer, and had a right to dispose of my existence as much as the laws and society had to do so. That William Beatson fell and killed himself, is true. I am no murderer in any way. I might say so much, commend myself to God and stop. But, gentle- men, the trial by jury is not yet perfected. Human approaches to truth are but difficult and uncertain. I regret that the bent of my mind and the scope 782 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. of my understanding- are misunderstood, I never dreamed of murder. M3' conscience would never have dared to conceive of it. That I inurdered Beat- son for his money is absurd. He was a poor man, with less money than myself. I had no malignity towards hiin, and feel none towards any huinan being. Continuing for some time in laudation of his wife, and com- mending her and their child to the kind consideration of the public, and expressing the hope that the intelligence of his ignominous death might be mercifully kept from his aged parents in England, he took a short rest, during which time a purse of nearly $50 was contributed by the spectators for the benefit of his w^ife and child. Resuming his remarks, after speaking in w^arm praise of Sheriff Seward, Sheriff Spangler and the other officers vs'ho had had him in their care, and the several attorneys w^ho had defended him, concluded his speech as follows: We cannot recall the pa.st. Would to God that I could do so. But I know no such thing as fear. I am misunderstood; have had little or no education; have tried to learn much by resorting to books that good men search; am familiar with the scriptures, and believe that we shall only arrive at that perfection which man's heart strives after in the next world. I thank you for your kindness to my wife. I have no clergyman present. I had expected Dr. Perry, but my request to him I must have sealed up with a package of papers I gave to my wife yesterday. I was educated in the belief of the Church of England, like my forefathers. I leave the world at peace with all mankind, without censure upon any one. I again assure all that I am no murderer in any respect, by thought or deed. With these words I prepare to meet my God. At precisely 1 o'clock, his arms and feet were pinioned; the rope w^as adjusted about his neck and he took his stand upon the drop. He then requested to be permitted to give the signal himself, which w^as granted by Sheriff Spangler, and a handker- chief w^as placed in his hand for that purpose. The cap was drawn down over his face; a moment or two of silence follow^ed, w^hen with the distinctly uttered words, "I die an innocent man," he dropped the handkerchief, the trap instantly fell, the body drop- ping about six feet, resulting in the complete dislocation of the neck and instant death, not a struggle or tremor of limb or muscle being visible. Mrs. Parks Sues Prosecuting Attorney Kdgerton. — It will be remembered that a considerable sum of money, mostly in gold coin, wa^ found upon the person of Mrs. Parks and her brothers, when they w^ere arrested at Utica, which was supposed to have been taken by Parks from the body of his victim. The major part of this money w^as claimed by Mrs. Parks to be her individual property, while the balance w^as claimed by her t^vo brothers, the small sum of about $50, only, being admitted, by Parks, to have been taken from the body of Beatson, while he w^as engaged in the bloody work of preparing it for concealment. There w^as consider- able conflicting testimony as to the amount of money possessed by Beatson, and some evidence tending to show^ that w^hat he did possess was the property of one William Gee, then deceased, obtained by fraud or forgery, from a bank in Buffalo. Ascertain- ing as nearly as possible the amount belonging to the two brothers of Mrs. Parks, Mr. Edgerton paid it over to them, and retained the balance, as the property of the heirs of William Beatson, or William Gee, as the proof should thereafter determine, cover- ing the same into the county treasury. MR. EDGERTON TRIUMPHANT. 783 Some time after the execution of Parks, his wife under the name of Betsy Dickinson, instituted proceedings in the Court of ■Common Pleas of Cuyahoga county against Mr. Edgerton, for the recovery of the money, her attorneys watching their opportunity to get service upon him in that county. The case ^vas closely con- tested in the Common Pleas, and finally carried to the District Court of that county, where it came to a final hearing, to a jury, in September, 1861, a verdict, under instructions from the court, being rendered for the defendant, and as neither the heirs of William Beatson or William Gee, have ever appeared to claim the same, the money in question has inured to the benefit of the people of Summit county, as a partial reimbursement for the large expense incurred in apprehending, convicting and executing the perpetra- tor of one of the most diabolical murders ever committed within her borders. CHAPTER XXXVI. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP— CURIOUS LEGAL QUESTION— LOCATION, EARLY RESOUR- CES, ETC.— UNFORTUNATE VILLAGE PROJECTS — BUSINESS EMPORIUMS — THREE VILLAGES IN ONE— PIONEER SETTLERS AND INCIDENTS— ORGANI- ZATION C»F TOWNSHIP— FRANKLIN'S INDUSTRIES— MILITARY SERVICES— THE SAUTER-SHEETES TRAGEDY— OSTER-KERNAN HOMJCIDE— HONORABLE CIVIL RECORD, ETC. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. T^7B are now^ about to extend our researches and observations ^^ beyond the "sacred precincts" of the renowned Western Reserve, or " Cheesedom " as the rest of the State have been wont ta call us, and to descend into "Dutchdom," as Stark, Wayne, and other Pennsylvania and German settled counties w^ere for- merly designated by the dwellers upon said Western Reserve. Curious Legal Question. — Like Coventry, Franklin township is formed of two distinct parts, from two separate surveys; that portion lying east of the Tuscarawas river having been ceded by the Indians to the United States in 1785, and surveyed by Bben- ezer Buckingham in 1800, while the title to that portion west of the river remained in the Indians until 1805, the survey being made by Joseph Harwell in 1807. And, in this connection, arises the somew^hat complex legal question as to the ow^nership of the Tuscaraw^as and Cuyahoga rivers, the Indians having, by the tw^o separate treaties named, ceded to the government the lands east and w^est of those rivers, but not the rivers themselves. Suppose the lineal descendants of the chief, or chiefs, who executed said treaties, should come forward and claim said streams, ^vould the Ohio law^ of prescription, or adverse possession of over twenty-one years, hold good, and if so^ to whom, the United States government itself, the State of Ohio, or the individual ow^ners of the abutting lands upon either side of the streams in question? Where and How Located. — Franklin is designated on the records as Tow^nship 2, Range 10, and though somewhat broken in portions by hills, rivers, creeks, lakes and marshes, is one of the best farming townships in the county, besides being largely under- laid by beds of the most excellent quality of bituminous coal. This tow^nship, and its eastern neighbor, Green, are each nearly six miles square, w^hile it w^ill be remembered that the townships of the Reserve are uniformly five miles square, only. Hence, there is a breaking of joints in the north and south lines between the tw^o tow^nships originally connected w^ith Stark county, and their neighbors upon the north, Franklin abutting on both Norton and Coventry, with Green upon the east, Lawrence, Stark county, upon the south, and Chippewa, Wayne county, upon the west. Franklin's Water-Courses, Lakes, Etc.— This township is traversed its entire length, diagonally from north to south, by the Tuscarawas river, being joined near the southwest corner by the franklin's business emporiums. 785 Chippewa river (formerly Indian Creek); the Ohio Canal also fol- lowing the general course of the Tuscarawas through the tow^nship. There are also quite a number of smaller streams, in various por- tions of the township, which, with Mud Lake, in the southeast, covering about 50 acres, and Turkey Foot Lake, in the northeast corner, covering, with its numerous lagoons, sloughs and marshes, nearly 1,000 acres, gives to the township a most abundant w^ater supply— Turkey Foot now forming a portion of the great chain of contiguous reservoirs that replenish the Ohio canal for navigation purposes, In the dry season of the year. Franklin's Resources. — In an early day, the marshes adjacent to Turkey Foot Lake, and the several water courses of the town- ship, bore immense quantities of cranberries, which, being gathered by the inhabitants, in the proper season, were, through local mer- chants, shipped overland to Pittsburg, Philadelphia, New York, etc., thus providing many a luxury to the pioneer settlers of the neighborhood. But that industry no longer exists in Summit county, not even to the extent of supplying the home market. There are, also, in different portions of the township, quite exten- sive beds of a pretty fair quality of peat, which, by reason of the plentifulness of coal, cannot be now profitably worked; the quite 'large deposits of bog iron-ore, formerly worked to a lim- ited extent in the early blast-furnace days of Middlebury and Akron, being entirely overshadowed by the iron mines of Lake Superior and the great West. A ViivLAGE That Was, But is Not. — When first ceded to the United States, one Richard Carter, a well-to-do and enterprising Quaker, of Wheeling, purchased a tract of land at the junction of the Tuscarawas and Chippew^a rivers, in the southwestern corner of the township, employing John Harris, Esq., and David McClure,. of Canton, to survey and lay out a village at that point, the work being completed in the latter part of 1806, and in honor of its proprietor, the prospective village was named " Cartersville." Though perhaps some slight advance towards settlement was made, its liability to inundation by every considerable rise of water in the streams named, led to an early abandonment of the project, and the carefully platted lands of Cartersville were rele- gated to the use of the pioneer hunter and husbandman. A Still More Unfortunate Venture.-— About 1816, one David Harvey laid out a town on the banks of the Chippewa, a short distance northwesterly from the site of the abandoned village of Cartersville, above referred to. Harvey named his village " Savan- nah," and for a few years it had quite a boom, attaining to a popu- lation of some 60 or 70 souls, Avith mechanics, merchants, doctors, etc., Clinton being laid out about the same time by William Har- vey, a son of David. In locating the Ohio canal, how^ever. Savan- nah was 'left out in the cold," while that great commercial water- way passed directly through Clinton. This gave such an impetus to the latter village, with a corresponding depression to the former, that by the time the canal was completed, in 1827, Savannah had largely merged itself in its more favored rival, and there is now neither stick nor stone to mark the spot where Savannah once stood. Franklin's Business Emporium. — The opening of navigation upon the canal, in 1827, as before intimated, very greatly stimu- lated the growth and business importance of Clinton. A number of so 786 AKRON AND SUMMIT COLNTY. stores were opened and stocked with goods suited to the times, hotels were established, mechanics' shops erected, schools and churches organized, with preachers, doctors, lawyers, speculators and all the paraphernalia of a prosperous and enterprising village. In fact, Clinton almost immediately became the market town for a large area of country, including not only contiguous towns east and west, in Stark and Wayne counties, but extended into Medina and. Richland counties. Three or four large warehouses, capable of storing nearly 100,000 bushels each of grain, were erected, and scores of teams laden with w^heat, corn, wool and other farm products, were daily seen upon her streets, while large numbers of canal boats were almost constantly loading at her docks. Large quantities of coal from the Chippewa, and other mines of the vicinage, were yearly shipped from this point, the operatives in which added very materially to the business importance, though not always to the peace and order of the village. Three Villages in One. — The original village of Clinton was laid out upon the west side of the river, by William Harvey, about 1816, as already stated, additions to which were soon afterwards made by Samuel Rossitter, William Christmas and James W. Lathrop. The opening of the canal, in 1827, however, necessitated the building of warehouses upon that thoroughfare, and the concentration of business upon the east side of the river. Hence, about 1835, Gorham Chapin laid out a village on the southwest corner of section 29, the plat of which, under the name of " Oradeen," was duly recorded in Stark County, while, in 1837, William and Francis Pumro3^ laid out the village of "Pumroy" on the north- west corner of section 35, immediately south of, and adjoining Ora- deen, both of which adjoined Clinton on the east. Many lots in both of the new villages w^ere sold and deeded, under the names designated, and though the three villages have long been known to the public by the general name of Clinton, the names of Oradeen and Pumroy are still carried upon the records and tax duplicates of Summit county. Past and Present Status. — In the early days, in addition to its importance, as a grain and produce center, Clinton w^as, for many years, a veritable mercantile port of delivery, merchants for many miles, both east and west, consigning their eastern pur- chases of goods to the commission houses at this point. But from about 1845, owing to the growing importance of other business cen- ters — Akron, Massillon, Canal Fulton, etc. — Clinton remained about stationary for several years, and finally, ^vith the advent of railroad communication with near-b}^ localities, in the early fifties, rapidly lost its prestige as a grain and produce shipping point, and though for a number of years holding its coal-shipping and mining trade, it has since been gradually declining in business importance, though still fully holding its own in point of population, and still enjoying the local everyday trade from quite a section of rich farming territory on either side, besides such business as the old canal and contiguous railroads naturally bring to it. The Village of Manchester. — About the year of 1815 — a year or more before Clinton was platted— Mahlon and Adam C. Stewart laid out a village about three miles northeasterly from the village of Clinton, which they named Manchester, though when sufficiently advanced to be accorded postal facilities, there being another FRANKLIN S PIONEER SETTLERS. 787 Manchester somewhere in the State, the postoffice was named Nimi- silla, probably from the river or creek of that name, a short dis- tance south of the village. Mr. Adam Clarke Stewart was the the father of Mrs. George W. Manly, of Canton, and Mrs. Henry E. Cantield and Mr. Orlando Stewart, of Akron, Mr. Stewart's first wife being the first person buried in the Manchester grave yard, which was located on the farm of the two brothers. A DAM CLARKE STEWART, — -^ born in Frederick count}', Marj'- land, November 27, 1794, in earlj- life renioving^ to Ohio, where, in connec- tion with his brother, Mahlon Stewart, he founded the village of Manchester, in Franklin township, as elsewhere stated, in 1815. Having buried his wife in Manchester, as stated, in 1819 or 1820, removed to Richmond, Jeffer- son county, Ohio, where, in 1824, he was married to Miss Sarah Beebout, who bore him eight children, five of whom are still living — Hudson Stew- art, now residing in Richiuond ; Orlando Stewart, of Akron ; Mrs. George W. Manly, formerly of Akron, now of Canton ; Mrs. J. R. Hague, of Cohnnbus, and Mrs. Henry E. Can- field, of Akron. Mr. Stewart was a cabinet maker by trade, which busi- ness, together with that of vinder- taking, he carried on in Richmond for about forty years, also officiating as justice of the peace during the last twenty-five or thirty years of his ADAM CLARKE STEWART. life, his death occurring December 25, 1870, at the age of 76 years and 28 days. Manchester, being an inland town, w^ith no transportation facilities other than the old-time six-horse Pennsylvania wagon, has never been blessed or cursed with "booms," but has kept on the even tenor of its way, except as affected by the general busi- ness vicissitudes of the world, during the three-quarters of a cen- tury of its existence. With its tw^o or three stores, its single hotel, its full complement of mechanics, its skillful physicians, its faith- ful preachers and teachers, Manchester has proved an indispensa- ble adjunct to the prosperity of the staid and thrifty farming community by which it is surrounded. Though Manchester and Clinton are each some distance from the geographical center of the township, the elections, both general and local, have, until very recently, alternated betw^een the tw^o villages. Now, how^ever, the tow^nship is divided into two sepa- rate election precincts, w^ith voting places at Manchester and Clin- ton respectively, being much more convenient, generally, than the former arrangement, though still extremely unhandy for the voters in the northernmost sections of the township. The first person to have really settled within the limits of the township, is supposed to have been Christopher Johnson, who located upon lot 14, in the eastern part of the township, in the Spring of 1814. It is not known where Johnson came from, but from the fact that he was designated by other early settlers as *' Yankee Johnson," it is probable that he w^as of New^ Kngland origin. The same Spring, and but a few days later, came Thomas Johnson, 788 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. from Westmoreland county, Pa., who settled on lot 27, near Man- chester, and about the same time William Halli well, from Steuben- ville, who settled on lot 28, near Clinton. Johnson, a few^ years later, removed to Norton, where he built a tavern, store and sev- eral mills, and founded the village of Johnson's Corners. Mr. Halliwell, in 1833, removed to the southwestern portion of Rich- field, where he lived for many years, a highly respectable and pros- perous farmer. Jacob Burgner, from east of the AUeghanies^ settled in Jackson township in 1812, and in April, 1814, remov^ed to- Franklin township; and is believed, by his descendants, to have been the first actual settler in the tow^nship. Other settlers soon afterwards began to flock in, among them Mr. Jacob HoUingex, Jacob Sours, Jacob Balmer, George Rex, Michael Bradenburg, John Snyder, John Hicks and others not now remembered, followed rap- idly by the Vanderhoofs, Himelrights, Marshes, Davises, Swais- goods, Lud^vicks, Clays, Spidels, Waltenbergers, McMurrays, Wholfs, Rightleys, Scotts, Wises, Browns, Chapins, Hooks, Groves^ Rossitters, Greenloes, Stumps, Wagoners, Teeples, Blilers, Hoys,. Wirts, Hamms, Bears, Rowes, Troups, Sorricks, Wiltrouts, Stew- arts, Harveys, Flickingers, and others w^hose names are not novv^ recalled. Births, Marriages, Deaths, Etc. — The first birth in the town- ship was John Johnson, son of Christopher Johnson, in 1814; the first marriage was that of John Hicks to Catherine Flickinger, in 1815; the first death being that of Mrs. Jacob Balmer, in the Sum- mer of 1815, from the bite of a rattlesnake. Organization of Township. — So rapid was the settlement of the township, that in 1817, a school was established at Manchester, w^ith Joseph Mishler, from Lancaster, Pa., as teacher, Mr. Mish- ler afterw^ards settling in Springfield. In April, of the same year (1817), by proclamation of the commissioners of Stark county, a township organization was effected, the first board of trustees elected beihg Mahlon Stewart, Jacob HoUinger and Michael Bra- denburg, with David Harve}' and Jacob Balmer as justices of the peace. The first store in the township was kept by Jacob Balmer, in Manchester; the first tavernkeeper being a Pennsylvanian by the name of John Schneider, while the first local dispenser of " pills and potions " in the township was Dr. Levi Brooks, after- ■wards, for many years, a resident of Oberlin, Lorain county. Franklin's IndUvSTries. — In the early days there were a num- ber of saw-mills and grist-inills in various portions of the town- ship, "which cannot be well mentioned here, though all most use- fully served their "day and generation," in bringing old Franklin forward to her present highly prosperous status among her sister townships of Summit county; the most important among thena, probably, being the grist-mill of George Rex, at the outlet of Turkey Foot Lake, erected about the year 1817, the poAver of which w^as destroyed by the construction of the reservoirs in 1840. Nearly thirty-five j^ears ago, Harvey Maranville, Esq., with the promise of pecuniary assistance from others, erected a four-story building, in the Oradeen portion of Clinton, for milling purposes, but failing to receive the promised aid, the property was transferred to the late Alexander M. Russell, by whom it was used as a store and ware- house, until the death of that gentleman in 1875. A few years ago it was purchased b}' a company, composed principally of Akron FRANKLIN S MILITARY PROWESS. 789 -capitalists, under the corporate name of the Franklin Milling Com- pany, and fitted it up with first-class machinery for the manufac- ture of flour, and is still devoted to that use, Messrs. C. F. Broseke & Son succeeding to the business in December, 1887. Among the pioneer " industries " of the township were several distilleries, for the transmutation of corn and other cereals into w^hisky; but as the fact began to dawn upon the minds of the people that the prod- uct of those establishments was a prolific source of poverty and disorder, the business began to wane, and long years ago became totally extinct. Would it were so throughout the entire w^orld! From quite an early day the mining of coal has been quite extensive in several portions of the township, but at the present lime little, if any, more than supplies the local demand is being mined. It is thought, however, by those thoroughly posted upon Ihe subject, that there are still quite extensive veins of coal under- lying the broad w^heat fields of the township, that are only await- ing better facilities for transportation, to secure their profitable ■development. r " EORGE WAGONER, — born in ^ Cumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, November 22, 1790; September 43, 1812, was married to Miss Sallie Rhodes, two weeks later starting- with his bride for Ohio, settling in Law- rence township. Stark county. March 12. 1821, Mrs. Wagoner died, having borne him six children, four of whom survived her. June 17, 1821, Mr. Wagoner was again married to Miss Rebecca Souers, soon afterwards re- moving to a farm one and a half miles north of Manchester, in what is now Summit county. Ten children were the fruit of this last marriage, and on the celebration of their golden anniversary, June 17, 1871, there were living twelve children, fifty-three grandchildren and fifteen great- grandchildren. Mr. Wagoner was among the most substantial and intelligent citizens of Franklin town- t*hip, during his long life taking an active interest in public affairs, both local and general, in politics being a stanch Republican, and in every tense an upright christian gentle- man. Mr. Wagoner, after an illness of three days, of heart disease, died April 23, 1873. aged 82 years, o months and 1 day. Mrs. Wagoner died March GEORGE WAGONER. 2, 1886, aged 83 years, 3 months and 15 days. Among their surviving chil- dren are Messrs. John J. and Aaron Wagoner, well-known business men of Akron, Mr. Philip Wagoner, one of the most enterprising farmers of Franklin township, and Henry L. Wagoner, postmaster at Krumroy. In the Military Line. — Franklin has a very creditable military fiistory. Being originally mainly settled by immigrants from patriotic old Pennsylvania, it is not improbable that quite a num- ber of ex-Revolutionary heroes w^ere among her more aged early inhabitants, and though the War of 1812 had substantially closed before settlement fairly begun, it is known that several partici- pants in that struggle settled here, though their names cannot now be ascertained. In the Mexican War of 1846-1848, Franklin was represented by Matthias Weaver and several others whose names cannot now be given. And in the War of Rebellion, Franklin was 790 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. equally patriotic with the average of her sister townships of Sum- mit county, as the following roster, compiled through courtesy' of Mr. Joseph M. Kleckner, and from the assessors' returns for 1863, '64 and '65 will abundantly show: Franklin Union Army Soldiers. — Jacob J. Adams, Jacob Aue (died in service), Harvey Aue, Samuel Aue (died in service), George W. Burns, Solomon J. Bucher, Joseph Bucher, John Bucher (died in service), O. E. Brownell, Samuel Butler, L. F. Becker, H. G, Becker, John H. Bliler, Abram Baughman (died in service), Lewis- Brenner, George Barkheimer, Israel Beck, Franklin Bennett, Wil- liam F. Bechel, O. M. Brown, Thomas G. Boake, William Beard (died in service), Patrick Costello, Samuel Cole, Jefferson Clay,. John Cormany, D. S. Copp, Alexander Campbell, Richard Cleary, N. Gilbert Clark, Jeremiah Diehl, William Diehl, Isaac Daily, Ainos Dailey, W^illiam Demming, John D. Dickerhoof, Henry • Emrich, Joseph Earnsberger, David Endiger, Jacob Fraze, Alpheus Grubb (died in service), Simon Grubb (killed in battle), John Harbaugh, Jacob D. HoUinger, Jr., David HoUinger, George Haneline, Solomon Haneline, Jacob Hoover, John Holler, David Hose, Isaac Hose, Levi D. HoUinger, David Harbaugh, John H03', Augustus Hill (died in ser- vice), Robert Hilton, N. M. Hoover (killed in battle), J. J. Hanshaw (killed in battle), John Hugh, James Hayes (died in service), John Henry, Fred Intermele (died at home), Theodore Jones, Andrew Keck, George Kleckner (killed in battle), Stephen Kissinger (died in ser- vice), John S. Killinger, George A. Kellogg (wounded at Town Creek, N. C, February 20, 1865), Simon Keck, Henry Koehler, John Koehler, Doras Lockwood (lost on Sultana), Samuel Ludwick, L. Loutzenhouser, George Leobold, Ephraim Marsh, Christopher C. Marsh, George A. Miller, Henry C. Miller, Samuel Marsh, John Marsh, Frank Maranville, George B. Myers, Adam Musser (died in service), David Marsh, Leva McMurray, Charles Myers, A. R. Marsh, William McCormish, J. H. Oberlin, Jefferson Palmer, William Pierce (died in service), Thaddeus Pierce, Alexander Peling, Isaac Phillips, Willoughby Rinehart, Peter Rinehart, Eli Roudebush, Darius P. Rinehart, William Sorrick, John H. Spigelmyer, Eli Stoudt (died in service), John Stoudt, J. Saeman, John Sullivan, John Smith (killed in battle), W^illiam Sense, Peter Shibe, Jere- miah Sullivan, Philip Stadler, Lawrence Shondle, Winfield Shaffer, Henry Strohl, Addison Strong (died in service), Daniel Swaisgood, Benj. Swope, David Smith, Davnd Shanebrook, George Slusser, Samuel Simmons, William Traxler, Joseph Traxler, Aaron Teepler Isaac Teeple (killed in battle), George Teeple, Samuel Teeters, William Tagg, Samuel P. Wolf, Henry Wolf, Freeman Whittlesey, Robert Wilkins (killed in battle), William Wolf, Joe Weil, William Whittlesey, David Welty, Alfred Wolf, John Wolf, J. F. Whittlesej', Aaron Wagoner, Isaac Wells, Silas Williams, Isaac Winkleman, John Wilson, Samuel Young (killed in battle). FRANKLINS CRIMINAL RECORD. For a township so largely peopled by staid, sober, industrious and intelligent inhabitants, Franklin has been cursed with a large amount of turbulence and disorder, during the past 40 or 50 years. It is but just to the good people of the township, however, to say that a very large proportion of the disorder indicated has come from the comparatively transient population brought to the vicinity franklin's homicides. 791 by the canal and mines, and it is safe to say that all of it resulted from the traffic in, and the excessive use of, intoxicating liquors. Passing by the almost innumerable brutal assaults and bloody affrays, that, in days of yore, so often disgraced Clinton, and sev- eral of the inining settlements of the township, we will here give the particulars of the two following cases, only, both of which resulted fatally: The Sauter-Sheetes Tragedy. — On the night of June 26, 1856, occurred, within the bounds of Franklin tow^nship, one of those oft recurring fatal tragedies incident to indulgence in intoxicating drinks. The parties involved were Germans, nained, respectively, Plauseus Sauter and Oswald Sheetes, living near, and operatives in, the Chippewa coal mines, a short distance west of Clinton. On the day in question there had been a gathering in the village, for the purpose of organizing a military company, preparatory to cele- brating the approaching Fourth of Julj'. Liquors were freely indulged in during the afternoon and evening, and a portion of the party became considerably intoxicated and quarrelsome. Between 10 and 11 o'clock at night, Sheetes, with a companion named Hertz, started for home. Near Chippew^a bridge, about a mile from Clinton, Sheetes and Hertz sat down by the side of the road to rest. Sauter soon afterwards coming up, carrying a gun, Sheetes, between whom and Sauter there had previously been some ill-feeling, commenced taunting the latter, calling him a coward, and asking him w^hy he was w^alking around at that time of night carrying a gun. Sauter ordering Sheetes to keep off, and intimating that it "would be unsafe to approach him, passed on, Sheetes continuing his taunts of cowardice, telling him that he durst not shoot; that he had no heart; that his threats were all in his belly, etc. In the midst of this drunken bravado, Sauter aimlessly fired off his gun, the charge of shot entering the abdomen of Sheetes, from the effects of which he died the day following; the wounded man w^alking some distance to the nearest farm house, after receiving the fatal wound. The Homicide Defiant. — Sauter reloaded his gun, shut him- self up in his house, and resisted all attempts to arrest him, until morning, when, the effects of the liquor having passed off, he became entirely subtnissive; expressed great sorrow^ for what had taken place; declaring that though he distinctly remembered discharging his gun, he had no recollection of the occurrences of the evening. He was duly examined before Justice David Stump, w^ho committed him to jail, w^ithout bail, to answer to the Court of Common Pleas, then in session, on the charge of murder. The May term of the Common Pleas being then in session, and the regular grand jury having been discharged, the court, on the application of Prosecuting Attorney Sidney Edgerton, ordered Sheriff Dudley Seward to summon a ^•pecial grand jury, w^ho returned a bill of indictment, against Sauter, charging him w^ith murder in the first degree. To this indictment Sauter entered a plea of not guilty. On JFurther investigation. Prosecutor Edgerton^ becoming satisfied that the killing of Sheetes was neither premeditated nor intended, accepted the plea tendered by the defendant, upon the advice of his attorneys, Messrs. Goodhue and McClure, of guilty of manslaughter. 792 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Sentence, Pardon, etc. — On this plea Judge Samuel Humph- reyville sentenced the defendant to ten years' imprisonment in the State Penitentiary, whither he was accordingly taken by Sheriff Seward, July 16, 1856, his age then being 31 years. Sauter w^as pardoned by Governor Chase, October 14, 1859, after a service of three years, tw^o months and twenty-one days, and, so far as the w^riter is advised, thereafter conducted himself as a peaceable and law^-abiding citizen. The Oster-Kernan Homicide. — Henry Oster was the keeper of a grocery store and saloon, in the village of Clinton, for several years, in the late fifties and early sixties,, having among his cus- tomers a somewhat bibulous denizen of the place by the name of Martin Kernan. Mr. Oster having deceased early in 1864, his son, Charles Oster, had the settling up of his affairs, and had several times attempted to collect a small account against Kernan for groceries and Avhisky, chiefly the latter, but without success. On the 29th day of April, 1864, young Oster, seeing Kernan passing the field where he w^as Avorking, stepped to the fence and again dunned him for the amount of his indebtedness, and not getting a very satisfactory response, told Kernan that he would give him until the 25th day of May to settle the matter, and if the bill was not paid by that time he would give him a thrashing. To this Kernan replied, in substance, that if he thought he could thrash him, he could try it then, Avhereupon Oster jumped over the fence and made an attack upon Kernan, knocking him down twice, and severely kicking him several times, from the effects of which he died in about half an hour. A post-mortem examination disclosed the fact that three of Kernan's ribs were broken, and his spleen badly lacerated, w^hich w^as undoubtedly the cause of death; though the liver was found to be very greatly enlarged. Sheriff Jacob Chisnell happening to be at Clinton at the time, arrested Oster and brought him to Akron and lodged him in jail. On Frida3^ May 1, Oster was examined before Lewis M. Janes, Esq., of Akron, and held to bail in the sum of $1,000 to answer to the Court of Common Pleas, on the charge of manslaughter. The May term of court being then in session, with Judge Stephenson Burke upon the bench, and Edwin P. Green, Esq., acting as prosecuting attorne3' during the absence of the regular prosecutor, N. D. Tibbals, in the 100 day service in defense of Washington, the grand jury returned a bill of indictment charging the defendant with murder in the second degree. Nathaniel W. Goodhue, Esq., and Samuel W. McClure appeared for the defendant, who entered a plea of not guilty, as charged in the indictment, but on the advice of his counsel, ten- dered a plea of guilty of manslaughter, which plea was duly accepted by Prosecutor Green. Thereupon Judge Burke, after hearing evidence from several of the large arra^^ of w^itnesses that had been summoned to testify to the previous good character of the defendant, sentenced him to two years* imprisonment in the penitentiary of the State, and to pay the costs that had accrued in the case, amounting to $140.69. Young Oster was but 17 years of age, as appears by the prison records, at the time of his incarceration, by Sheriff Chisnell, on the 15th day of June, 1864. He proved obedient and faithful in his franklin's civil service record. 793 service to the State, securing a discount from his two years' term •of three months and eight days for good behavior, being released from confinement on the 7th day of March, 1866, thenceforth, as the writer learns, comporting himself in all respects as a peaceable ^nd upright citizen. HONORABLE CIVIL RECORD. In the civil annals of Summit county, Franklin holds a highly honorable position, as the follovv^ing roster will demonstrate: Dr. Hugh R. Caldwell, a successful physician, and enterpris- ing business man of Franklin tow^nship, residing about one mile north of Clinton, was appointed, by the Legislature, one of the first associate judges of the Court of Common Pleas, on the organ- ization of Summit county, in 1840, serving for the full term of seven years, with great ability and good judgment, though unfor- tunately, at times, considerably addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors. Hon. John Hoy, a resident of Manchester, w^as elected one of the first commissioners of the new county, in April, 1840, re-elected for the fractional term of two years in October of the same year, and again elected in October, 1842, for the full term of three years, giving to the position five years and seven months continuous and faithful service, and on the expiration of Judge Caldwell's term, in 1847, was appointed to the exalted position of associate judge, which he filled with credit to himself and his constituents until the taking effect of the new Constitution of the State in 1852. [A fine portrait, with brief biographical sketch, of Judge Hoy, will be found on page 98 of this volume.] Houston Sisler, Esq., of Manchester, was elected to the highly responsible position of county treasurer, in October, 1854, and re-elected in 1856, filling the office to the general satisfaction for the constitutional period of four years. Harvey Maranville, Esq., a resident of Clinton from 1833 until his removal to Akron, in 1861, served for five consecutive terms as justice of the peace of Franklin township, and in 1862 w^as appointed, by the treasury department, government inspector of liquors and oils for the 18th Congressional District, and after- Avards commissioned as general ganger of the district; serving in that capacity until the w^inding up of that branch of the revenue service, here, in all about 15 years; by his skill and diligence sav- ing to the treasury many thousands of dollars, that a less scrupu- lous officer Avould have permitted to stick to the fingers of the gentlemanly operators whose products he had to pass upon. Charles Rinehart, Esq., of Clinton, was elected clerk of courts for Summit county, on the union ticket, 1863, and re-elected, on the Republican ticket, in 1866, filling the office six 3'ears, very acceptably indeed. Dr. William Sisler, of Manchester, was elected as represen- tative to the State Legislature in 1867, serving through the sessions of 1867, '68 and 1868, '69; Dr. Sisler also filling the important office of county commissioner for two consecutive terms, from 1875 to 1881, and also was one of the trustees of the Children's Home for tw^o years. 794 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Hon. Jacob A. Kohler, a native of Franklin township, but a resident of Akron since 1853, 'was elected prosecuting attor- ney in 1868 and re-elected in 1870, ably discharging the duties of that office for two consecutive terms; served as representative to the State Legislature in the sessions of 1883, '84 and 1884, '85, two years, and as attorney general of the State of Ohio from January, 1886, to January, 1888. Lieutenant Levi J. McMurray, residing near Clinton, was elected sheriff in October, 1872, and re-elected in 1874, holding the office the constitutional term of four years, though from failing health unable to give his personal attention to official business the last year or more of his incumbency. DR. WILLIAM SISLER,— born in Lj'coming' county, Pennsylva- nia, September 12, 1819 ; came to Man- chester in 1840, teaching' and farming three j^ears ; in 1843 began the study of medicine, commencing to practice in Manchester in 1846 and continuing, in partnership with his brother, until 1873. During the War, at the call of Governor Tod, served in hospitals, after the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. In Fall of 1867 was elected representative to the State Legislature, serving two years ; on removing to Akron, in 1873, in con nection with Mr. John F. Hoy, opened a drug store, continuing until 1879; in October, 187.^, was elected county cominissioner and re-elected in 1878, serving- six years ; in 1887 was ap- pointed trustee of Children's Home, serving two j^ears. July 23, 1846, Dr. Sisler was married to MissLorohama R. Hoy, daughter of Hon. John Hoy, of Manchester, one of the first com- missioners of Suiumit count}', and associate judge from 184,5 to 18,52. Of the six children born to Dr. and Mrs. Sisler, three only are now^ living — DR. WILLIAM SISLER. Mary A., now Mrs. W. H. Diehl - Emma I., now Mrs. George J. Nieberg, and Henry B., now a successful far- mer of Northampton township. Lieutenant Aaron Wagoner, born and reared upon his father's farm, in Franklin township, took up his residence in Akron, at the close of the war, whence he viras elected county auditor, in October, 1880, and re-elected in 1883, intelligently, faithfully and courteously discharging the intricate duties of that office until his resignation thereof on the 1st day of April, 1887, to accept the cashiership of the City National Bank, of Akron, and is now (1891) cashier and one of the proprietors of the Akron Savings Bank, established in 1888. . David C. Miller, residing near Manchester, was elected county commissioner in October, 1881, and re-elected in 1884, assiduously performing the laborious, and often perplexing, duties of the office until his death, wrhich occurred on the 8th day of November, 1886. FRANKLIN'S POPULATION. Unlike most of the out-lying to\vnships of Summit county, notw^ithstanding the decadence in business of its villages, through franklin's present official roster. 795 the advent of railroads, and the concentration of business in the larger towns and cities, Franklin has, from the beginning, grad- ually gained in population — the census of 1840 placing the num- ber of inhabitants at 1,436, and that of 1890 at 1,957 — showing a gain of 521 in the intervening fifty years. Present Official Roster.— Trustees, Jeremiah Dice, Hiram Stump, Philip Serfass; clerk, Harry Miller; treasurer, Levi M. Kauffman; justices of the peace, Cyrus Warley, Andrew^ Donnen- wirth; constables, A. Roudebush, Ephraim Stump; postmasters, John Sisler, Nimisilla; Frank Maranville, Clinton. CHAPTER XXXVII. CREEN TOWNSHIP— WHEN AND BY WHOM SETTLED— A FALSE PREDICTION- INDIAN TRADITIONS— ORGANIZATION, EARLY OFFICERS, ETC.— TOPOGRA- PHY, RESOURCES, BUSINESS CENTERS, ETC.— LONG AND HONORABLE MER- CANTILE CAREER— GREENSBURG'S GREAT BOOM— EDUCATIONAL MATTERS, GROSS SLANDER REFUTED, ETC.— ELECTORAL AND POLITICAL STATUS- CRIMINAL AFFAIRS — HORRIBLE DEATH OF MICHAEL MYERS— THE vSTRIPE- COOPER HOMICIDE— THE SEMLER-KEPLER TRAGEDY— FINE MILITARY REC- ORD—GREEN IN PUBLIC AND OFFICIAL LIFE, ETC. GREEN TOWNSHIP. LIKE its neighbor upon the west, Green w^as a portion of w^hat w^as originally designated as "Congress Lands," so called from the fact that they were surveyed and sold by government agents, instead of having been transferred in bulk to private companies, as were the lands north of the 41st parallel — the far-famed West- ■ern Reserve— to the Connecticut Land Company, Green being known upon the county records as tow^nship 12, range 9. A False Prediction. — In the discussion preliminary to the ■erection of Summit county, it was held that the people of the two tow^nships to be taken from Stark county, being largely Pennsyl- vania Germans, could never be brought to fraternize with the •" blue-bellied" Yankees, by w^hom the Reserve townships had mainly been settled. Senator Hostetter, from the Stark district, •declaring, in a speech against the bill in the Legislature, that "you might as w^ell undertake to make a Dutch plo^^^-horse and a broad- horned Yankee ox. w^ork evenly in the harness, as to expect the inhabitants of the tw^o sections to harmonize and pull evenly together in county affairs." In fact, the majority of the people, of both Green and Frank- lin, w^ere undoubtedly averse to the change, though the most of them would be considerably nearer the county-seat under the new than under the old arrangement. Many and curious were the rea- sons against the change, one of the most potent being that of the old lady who is alleged to have said that she did not w^ant to live where it w^as so unhealthy as the Reserve was represented to be. But, notwithstanding the opposition, the change took place, and since April, 1840, Green and Franklin townships have been contented members of the proud and prosperous county of Sum- mit, sharing both its honors and its responsibilities, except that in the enabling act there ^vas a proviso that those tw^o tow^nships should be exempt from taxation for public buildings for the period of fifty years, w^hich restriction ceased March 3, 1890. Early Settlement. — There is considerable diversity in the traditions of the township, and the recollections of the older por- tion of the inhabitants, as to w^ho w^as, in reality, the first white settler in the township. John Kepler, from Center county, Pa., is, however, conceded to have been the first purchaser of government land in the township, section 17, upon which he settled in the Fall INDIAN EXPERIENCES, ETC. 797 of 1809, though the Dixons, the Triplets, Basil Viers, John Cruzen^ David Hartmaii, and perhaps others, with their families, had undoubtedly temporarily located, as squatters, upon section 16, earlier the same year, or perhaps even sooner than that, it being claimed by some, that John Cruzen came as early as 1807. But it is not the province of this work to undertake to fully trace the pioneer history of the township, with biographical sketches of its early inhabitants, as that has already been quite extensively treated of by previous writers. It is, therefore, suf- ficient, for the purposes of this work, to say, that the majority of the early settlers, as w^ell as those w^ho came later, w^ere sterling men and women, vt^ho heroically endured the hardships and priva- tions of pioneer life, and honestly earned, by faithful toil, frugality and sobriety, the solid prosperity and comforts which the^^ and their descendants now enjoy. ABRAHAM W. JOHNSTON,-born in Center county, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1810; moved with parents to Green township in 1814 ; educa- tional advantages limited, but, by close personal application, became a thoroughly well informed country- g-entleman ; in early life learned trade of w^eaver, at which he worked in Greentown nine j'ears ; then pur- chased the old family homestead, one mile east of Greensburg-, where he resided till his death. August 25, 1877, at the age of 66 years, 10 months and 2 days. Mr. Johnston was married May 25, 1835, to Miss Catharine Moore, born in Northumberland count3\ Pennsylvania, February 27, 1814, who still survives. They were the parents of five children — Washington G., born February 18, 1836, now county com- missioner ; Cornelius, born March 4, 1839, died in early childhood ; Mary E., born January 9, 1842, married Jan- uary 4, 1866, to S. H. Hunsberger, now of Ottawa, Illinois ; Maggie J., born April 4, 1849, now living with her mother ; Isabella, born June 10, 1852, married October 28, 1878, to Corbin Dillman, now of Joliet, Illinois, the three daughters being educated at ABRAHAM W. JOHXSTOiX. Greensburg Seminarj-, and the son at Oberlin and Mount Union Col- leges. Though a thorough Repid)li- can, Mr. Johnston filled many posi- tions of trust and honor bj- the votes of his Democratic neighbors. Indian Experiences. — Although the Indian title to the land& eml^raced in Green township had been extinguished nearly a quar- ter of a century before, (1785), quite a number of the red-skinned sons of the forest still lingered when the whites first came; but they entirely disappeared on the breaking out of the War of 1812, But as brief as their stay among their pale-faced successors was, there are many traditions still extant of deadly encounters between the two races, the alleged exploits of Liverton Dixon, a son of Thomas Dixon, among Green's earliest settlers, being still listened to by open-mouthed and wonder-ej'^ed Young America, around the family base-burner, w^ith thrilling interest and solemn awe. Township Organization. — Green, like Franklin on the west, is- six miles square, its other neighbors beingCoventry and Springfield, 798 * AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. on the north; Lake, Stark county, on the east and Jackson, also in Stark, on the south. It was originally organized in con- nection with Lake and Jackson, and that portion of Franklin lying east of the Tuscarawas river, July 6, 1811, with Peter Dicker- hoof, of Lake, Christian Balmer, of Jackson, and John Yerrick, of Green, as trustees; Samuel Spitler, of Lake, as clerk; George Knoddle, as treasurer; William Ball, as assessor; and Simon Harsh and John Kepler, as constables. At the October election, the same year, sixteen votes were polled, while at the presidential election, a year later (1812), nine ballots only were cast. The first justice for the territory named, w^as Peter Dickerhoof, elected in 1811; the second being John Wise, elected in 1812. A distinct organization for Green was effected April 7, 1815, with a poll of seventeen votes. Joshua Richards, William Ball and George McCormick w^ere chosen trustees; Robert Lawson, clerk; Daniel Wise, treasurer; David Hartman and Thomas Parker, constables. From this time on settlement w^as steady, so that upon the erection and organization of Summit county, in 1840, the township had a population of 1,536, w^ith a gradual increase to the present time, the census of 1880 placing the number of inhabitants at 1,827, and that of 1890 at 1,911. Twenty per cent, gain in fifty years may seem like a very small ratio of increase, but ^vhen it is remembered that several of the strictly rural towns of the county, as well as other portions of the State, have actually fallen off in population, during that period, the showing for Green is very cred- itable indeed. Topography, Resources, ETc.^Though somewhat rolling, and in portions quite broken, Green township is one of the most pro- ductive and thrifty agricultural townships of Summit county, its great specialty being wheat, though equally well adapted to every other variety of cereals and field products, fruits, etc. In the northwest corner of the township lies a portion of Turkey Foot Lake, and a small section of the Tuscarawas reservoir, with three or four other small bodies of w^ater, and numerous creeks and runs in various localities, by >vhich the township is quite liberally watered for agricultural purposes, besides affording a number of sites for grist and saw-mills, and other mechanical enterprises which have from to time existed in the township — the Tritt flour- ing mill, in the southw^estern portion, having been a w^ell-known landmark, since its erection in 1827, to the present time, though several times remodeled during that period. In the matter of travel and transportation, being altogether inland, Green has had to depend upon its well-fed and well-trained farm horses, until the completion of the Valley Railway along its eastern border, in 1880, which with Greentown Station in the south- east, and Myersville Station in the northeast, is proving a very great convenience to the people, both as a means of travel and for the shipment of their produce and manufactures; the extensive elevator of the American Cereal Company, at the former station, being especially convenient to contiguous farmers in marketing their wheat and other cereals. Unlike most of the Reserve townships of Summit county. Green has no village at its exact geographical center. A mile and a half to the southeast, however, is the village of Greensburg, laid out in 1828 by David Bair, upon the lands of Abraham Wilhelm. Previous to the laying A GOOD MERCANTILE RECORD. 799 out of the village, Wilhelm kept a tavern, a short distance to the southward, which was the " Stage House," or stopping place for the old-fashioned four-horse stage-coach, which in that early day used to make tri-weekly trips between Middlebury and Massillon. A natural concomitant. of the early tavern — a distillery — was also run for several years by one of the Wilhelms, and after its disman- tlement, as a fabricator of "blue ruin," viras converted into a chair and bedstead factory by a man named Moulton. The growth of the village was slow, containing only about a dozen frame houses as late as 1845. The first store viras established in the early thirties by John Shick, on the southwest corner of the principal street of the new village, the same gentleman also about the same time, erecting a hotel upon the northeast corner, on the same site of the hotel now (1891) owned by Mrs. Lydia Thornton, and kept by Levi Mix, both the original building and its immediate successor having been destroyed by fire. WASHINGTON G. JOHNSTON,— son of AbrahainW. and Catharine (Moore) Johnston, was born in Green township, February 18, 1836 ; educated at Greensburg Academy and Ober- lin and Mount Union Colleg-es ; at 20 entered store of his uncle, Cornelius Johnston, in Akron, clerking; two years; then, in connection with his cousin, Cornelius A. Johnston, opened Johnston's shaft coal mine, in Franklin township, working same for four or five years, also, during- that time manufacturing' oil in Akron about a year and a half; then re- moved to Rochester, New York, and for some four years engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes ; then returned to Summit count}', after the death of his father pur- chased the homestead, 153 acres, which he has since successfull}'^ farmed. October 1. ISSS, Mr. John- ston was married to Miss Anna Irvin, adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Irvin, of Akron. They have five children — James Irvnn, born August 13, 1864 ; Katharine, born March 19, 1870 ; Grace May, born June 29. 1871 ; Martha Irvin, born June 6, 1874, and George Abraham, born Jan- WASHINGTON G. JOHNSTON. uary 26, 1882. October, 1888, Mr. John- ston was elected county commis- sioner, which responsible position, as president of the board, he is now ably filling. A Long and Prosperous Career. — After one or two changes of proprietors, the store above alluded to, in 1838, passed into the hands of Mr. John Berger, who, at the age of fourteen years, emigrated with his father's family from Lancaster county. Pa., to Ohio, in 1822, having meantime served a four years' apprenticeship at the mercantile business with Hart & McMillen, in Middlebury. For over half a century the Berger store has been the leading, and most of the time, the only store in the village, always doing a conservative but reasonably profitable business. Some tw^enty years ago Mr. Berger retired, transferring the business to his son. Captain D. F. Berger, who in turn, having removed to Akron, has turned the business over to his son, Sheridan G. Berger. 800 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Postal facilities were first accorded to Greensburg, under the official name of Inland, in 1838, Mr. John Berger being then appointed postmaster by President Van Buren; the present incum- bent (1891) being Sheridan G. Berger, grandson of the former; the old gentleman, at 81 years of age, dying at the residence of his son in Akron, May 30, 1889; the present incumbent being one of the youngest appointees in the service — a fcAv days past 21, only, on receiving his commission. Greensburg's Great Boom. — About the year 1854, the citizens of Greensburg and vicinity organized a stock company with a capi- tal stock of about $2,000, in shares of $50, for the purpose of erecting a suitable building and establishing a seminary in the village. About this time the Evangelical Association were looking about with the view of establishing an educational insti- tution in the interests of that denomination, similar to that of the Methodists at Mount Union. As an inducement to the location of the proposed school in Greensburg, the stock w^as transferred to the association, some as a donation and other shares at fifty cents on the dollar. Under this arrangement the institution was organized,, under competent teachers, and for many years enjoyed a remark- able degree of prosperity, having, at one time, about 130 students in attendance. This created a demand for boarding houses, and necessitated an increase of other branches of business, under the stimulus of which the population, and private and public build- ings of the village rapidly increased. But for reasons which can- not now be well defined, differences and difficulties arose, by which the property passed into, the sole ovt^nership of Bishop Joseph Long and the school was closed. About 1869, the citizens again organized, purchased the property from Bishop Long,^ refitted the building, this time placed it under auspices of the Disciples, by whom it w^as quite successfully managed for some three or four years. It Avas then placed, rent free, under the con- trol of Professor J. R. Davis, who, for two or three j^ears, kept a most excellent private academy therein, but, by reason of the multiplication of similar and larger educational institutions in the vicinity, the enterprise did not prove remunerative, and was given up. Complications among the stockholders forced the property to legal sale, and being bought by private parties, the building w^as taken down, and the grounds devoted to other pur- poses. But notwithstanding its decadence, in this regard, and notwithstanding the concentration of almost every kind of mer- cantile and mechanical business in the larger towns and railroad centers of the country, Greensburg fairly holds its ovi^n as the local business point for quite a large section of the rich farming country by which it is surrounded. Other Village Enterprises. — East Liberty, four miles north- westly from Greensburg, was laid out by John Castetter, in 1839. This village has usually maintained a store, tavern, postoffice (called Summit), and sundry mechanical establishinents, but not possess- ing any special elements of enterprise, and being so near the city of Akron, can hardly expect to attain to an3'thing more than the pleasant hamlet that it now is. Myersville, three miles east of East Liberty, is an outgrowth of the location of the Valley Rail- way through that portion of the township. It was laid out on the lands of John B. Myers, about 1880, and as a railroad station is of IXDUSTKIAL, EDUCATIONAL, ETC. 801 very great convenience to the people of the vicinity. The village maintains a store and postoffice, with quite a number of private residences, and may be regarded as a permanent adjunct to the business interests of Green township. DARIUS F. BERGER, — born in Middlebury, March 5, 1835 ; edu- cated in district schools, and Marl- boro and Greensburg Seminaries ; raised to mercantile life in store of his father, Mr. John Berger, in Greensburg", in 1863, with his brother, Clinton F., succeeding to the busi- ness, the latter retiring in 1868 ; was married November 25, 1858, to Miss Arnestena C. Henkle, of Ashland county, who has borne him six chil- dren-Sheridan G., Arthur F., Homer E., Lottie C, Arlin E., and John H. During the War he was a member of the Ohio National Guards, and com- manded company H., 164th regiment, in its 100 days' service before Wash- ington, as elsewhere stated. In 1884, Captain Berger moved to Akron and engaged in the sale of engines and threshing machinery, in 1887 trans- ferring his Greensburg business to his sons Sheridan G., and Homer E., the former also assuming the duties of postmaster, which position had been successively held by his grand- father and father for nearly half a century, and probably the youngest officer in the service, being barely of age when appointed. Captain Berger Green's Industries. — Agriculture, as before intimated, is the principal industry of Green township, as, from a drive in any direction, its well-kept farms, neat and comfortable residences, mammoth barns, and magnificent horses and cattle, will clearly indicate. In addition to this, the Tritt mill, already spoken of, the Stauffer mill, and sundry other mills for grinding grain and saw- ing lumber, were of infinite service to the early settlers, in their domestic and farming operations. Blacksmiths, wagon-makers, cabinet-makers, shoemakers, harness-makers, tanners, etc., have been inaintained in different locations, wool-carding and cloth- dressing also being an early industry of the township. The town- ship is also largely underlaid with coal, hitherto not very extensively worked for w^ant of proper transportation facilities, quite an extensive mine now (1891) being operated by the Lake View^ Coal Company, near East Liberty, the s^^itch of the Valley Road to their Coventry mine, being extended to this. Iron ore w^as tnined to a limited extent in the days of the Middlebury fur- nace, 60 years ago. The production of lime for building purposes, in different portions of the township, has, at times, been quite extensively carried on, while the manufacture of drain tile, from an excellent quality of clay found on the line of the Valley Rail- way, in the southeast corner of the township, is quite an extensive industry. Educational Matters. — Green has been represented by former "historians" as lacking in educational enterprise and 61 DARIUS F. BERGER. is now assisting his son, Arthur F., now a successful dealer in groceries and provisions, at 262 West Market street, in Akron ; the second son. Homer E., now officiating as book- keeper for County Treasurer E. S. Oviatt. 802 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. intelligence, one writer saying: "Most of the early settlers were Pennsylvania Dutch, and many of these were very ignorant and superstitious, consequently at an early day the cause of education did not flourish." This statement I believe to be at variance with the facts. True, the early settlers were from Pennsylvania, and most of them of German descent, but that they ^vere especially "ignorant and superstitious" beyond the general ignorance and superstition of their neighbors, and of the time, is undoubtedly an error, if not a downright slander. At all events, during the half century that the writer has been familiar with the people of that township, though simple in their habits of life, and quaint of speech and expression, he has found them fully abreast of the times in point of general intelligence and current events. And certainly, so far as outward appearances, are concerned, the numer- ous school houses of the to\^nship — all commodious brick structures — have always been far in advance of the average school houses of the Reserve townships of the county. Electoral and Political Matters. — For several years after its organization, the local and general elections of the township were held at such convenient places as could be secured, but after the village of Greensburg -was established, the elections were held there until about the year 1860, since which time, by orders of trustees, they have alternated between that village and Kast Liberty. The Legislature of 1886, '87, however, divided the town- ship into two separate precincts, with voting places at both villages, a much more convenient arrangement, considering the great distance that many of the voters had to travel, in w^hichever place the polls might be located under the former plan. Politi- cally, Green is quite largely Democratic, and, though having many earnest and thorough-going Republicans "within her bor- ders, has never failed in returning a Democratic majority but twice; first, by scoring a majority of one for John Brough for governor, over Clement L. Vallandigham, in 1863, and by the same majority expressing a preference for General Grant for president, over Horatio Seymour, in 1868. Criminal Catalogue. — Though staid, sober and honest to a degree seldom reached by so large an area of territory, Green has not been entirely exempt from criminal depredations and excitements. Passing by many minor criminal offences, and a number of con- victions for forgery, burglary, grand larceny, horse stealing, etc., we will only notice those of a homicidal nature, in which citizens of the township have been involved. Horrible Death of Michael Myers. — One of the earliest sensations of Green tow^nship was the death of Michael Myers, w^ho w^as employed in quarrying lime stone at the lime kiln of John Kepler, near his coal bank at East Liberty. Early on Sunday morning, February 24, 1844, the dead body of Mr. Myers was found lying near the edge of the burning kiln, under such circumstances as to render it probable that he had been foully dealt w^ith; the forepart of one leg, from the knee dow^n to the foot, being burned to a coal, and the foot of the other leg charred to the ankle, while his hands and other portions of his person were also badly burned, and what appeared to be a small punctured wound also being found upon the back part of his head. green's criminal affairs. 803 The ghastly discovery created the most intense excitement, tiot only in the immediate neighborhood, but in the adjoining lownships, and at the county seat, and neighbors and interested parties immediately sought to ascertain the cause of his sudden .and horrible "taking off." For some reason or other suspicion was •directed against Mr. and Mrs. William Reed and Klijah Bowers, ^and warrants were sworn out for their apprehension. The prelim- inary examination w^as had before Justice Jacob Brown, of Akron, assisted by Justices Joseph D. Baird, of Springfield, and Henry •Converse, of Akron, and Mayor Harvey H. Johnson. The examina- tion resulted in the commitment of both of the men, on the charge of murder, Mrs. Reed being discharged. NotAvithstanding the large array of magisterial wisdom before "whom the examination w^as had, and their judgment, from the testimony adduced, that Reed and Bowers were probably guilty of the murder of Myers, no record what- ever of the case can be found in the Court of Common Pleas, nor do the new^spapers of the day again allude to the affair. The recollec- tion of the writer is that Prosecuting Attorney George Kirkum, Esq., •on a fuller investigation of the case, concluded that the death of Myers was either suicidal or accidental, and that Reed and Bowers were entirely innocent of any complicity in the sad affair, and simply dropped the matter without bringing it to the attention of grand jury, or having the transcript filed in the Court of Common Pleas. The Stripe-Cooper Tragedy.— In 1862, Mr. John Stripe and Henry Cooper w^ere operating contiguous coal mines, in the south- eastern portion of Green tow^nship, Mr. Stripe's mine being in charge of his son, Isaac, then about 19 years old. Between Isaac .and Cooper business jealousies had arisen, eliciting, as w^as alleged, threats of personal chastisement against Cooper by young Stripe, w^ith perhaps counter threats on the part of Cooper. With this feeling of enmity existing between the two men, on the even- ing of November 10, 1862, in passing from his mine to his home, Cooper approached Stripe, saying, as is alleged, that he w^ished to have a talk w^ith him, but, as Stripe maintained, in a menacing manner, with a stone in his hand, as if to assault him. Whichever version w^as the true one. Stripe having a long-handled shovel in his hands, struck Cooper two severe blows upon the head and face, felling him to the ground. Stripe then ran to his coal bank, saying to one William Dickerhoof, in his employ, as the latter stated at the coroner's inquest, that he had hit Cooper w^ith a shovel, and wanted a pick or something to make it sure. But when Stripe, accompanied by Dickerhoof, came to the place w^here Cooper had fallen, he was not there, having so far recovered as to get up and and w^alk to his home, distant about 40 rods. After informing his family what had happened, Mr. Cooper w^as immediately taken with vomiting, and though attended by skillful physicians, rapidly grew worse until his death, which occurred November 19. A little son of Cooper, who had been working with his father in the mine, and who had passed on home while his father stopped to talk w^ith Stripe, while w^ashing himself upon the door step, also saw the blows struck and his father fall. As it became apparent that Cooper was likely to die from his injuries, the excitement in the vicinity became very great, and on the 17th day of November, an affidavit was filed by Thomas 804 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Highton, before Justice Alexander Johnston, charging Stripe with assault with intent to murder, Justice Johnston, on preliminary hearing, holding him to bail in the sum of $500, to answ^er to the Court of Common Pleas on the above charge, his father, John Stripe, going upon his bond. The coroner's inquest found that Cooper died from the effects of the blow^s inflicted by Stripe, and the grand jury indicted him for murder in the second degree, the traverse jury on final trial, at the February term, 1863, finding him guilty of manslaughter. Judge Canfield sentencing him to 15 months' imprisonment in the penitentiary. He was taken to the penitentiary March 10, 1863, and released April 14, 1864 — adiscountfor good conduct of one month and 26 days. Since his restoration to- liberty Mr. Stripe — never addicted to excessive indulgence in intoxicating liquors — has been a sober, industrious and reputable citizen of Green township, having been for several years the proprietor of quite an extensive tile manufac- tory on the eastern border of the township, and contiguous to the Valley Railw^ay. The Semler-KepIvEr Homicide. — On the 1st day of May, 1852, Godfrey Semler ^was married to Sarah Jane Kepler, daughter of Andrew^ J. Kepler, of East Liberty. Living for a year or two near Canal Fulton, in Stark county, Mr. and Mrs. Semler returned to Kast Liberty and engaged in hotel keeping. This occupation served to augment the hitherto somew^hat tippling habits of Semler, and he rapidly fell into dissipation and consequent domestic infelici- ties, being at times so grossly abusive of his w^ife as to compel her, with her children, to seek the protection of her parents and other friends in the neighborhood, her life at such times often being threatened by her inebriated husband. The Fatal Imbroglio. — On Thursday, August 10,1871, Semler visited Akron, accompanied by one of his little girls, whose picture he had had taken duringtheday, as usual returning homeconsidera- bly intoxicated. Showing the picture to his wife, and asking how she liked it, she replied that it w^as a very good picture, only the hands looked rather too large for such a child. At this Semler became very greatly exasperated; accused his -wife of making fun of, and ridiculing her ow^n child, hurling at her the grossest abuse and threats until a late hour of the night and until finally overcome by drunken slumber. On finding, tow^ards morning, that he Avas at length sound asleep, Mrs. Semler quietly aAvoke her three children — two girls and one little boy — and dressing herself and them left the house, but instead of this tiitie going to the home of her own parents, as she had so often done before, walked nearly four miles to the home of Semler's parents, near Greensburg, to solicit their intercession in securing better treatment from her husband. Failing to secure the sympathy and co-operation of father and mother Semler, in behalf of herself and children, that she had anticipated, towards evening, Friday, August 11, they started back again on foot towards East Liberty, but getting a timely ride, a part of the distance, in a farmer's wagon. While thus riding, they were met by Semler, carrying a gun, who, threatening to shoot her, tw^ice snapped the gun at her, but which, by reason of not being loaded, or ow^ing to a defect in the lock, failed to go off. THE SEMLER-KEMLER HOMICIDE. 805 Arriving at her father's house, but hesitating about obtruding her domestic troubles further upon her parents, Avho as she sup- posed had retired for the night, she seated herself with her chil- dren upon the porch. The little ones, being weary and restless, soon attracted the attention of the old people by their cries and moans, and were at once taken into the house and provided with lodgings for the night. About 10 o'clock, while Mrs. Semler and her parents were talking the matter over, Semler, who had not been inside of the house for three or four years, knocked at the door, and was invited in by his father-in-law. Semler demanded that his w^ife should go home v^rith him, w^hich she declined to do, as the children had gone to bed, but promised to do so early in the morning. Seeming satisfied Avith this promise, Semler left the house, and the two women went to bed, the old gentleman remaining up, or reclining upon the settee in the kitchen. After a time Semler returned, and being again admitted to the house by Kepler, again demanded that his wife should at once go home with him. Kepler replying that she was probably asleep, urged him to go away, promising that she should go early in the morning. Instead of complying with Mr. Kepler's request, Semler forced himself into the bed room in search of his wife. In the meantime, being alarmed at his return, Mrs. Semler had taken refuge under the bed. Not finding her in the bed, by the aid of the lantern he had w^ith liim, he soon discovered her hiding place, and pulling her out, raised her to her feet, and began choking her with such severity that she soon sank to the floor. At this point the old gentleman, seizing a cane-gun which was standing behind the door, ordered Semler to leave the room, w^hich he did. The party then sat down in the kitchen to talk the matter over, the old gentleman in the meantime standing the cane-gun in one corner of the kitchen. Semler again demanded of his wife that she should at once go home with him, but she declined to do so, saying that he had snapped his gun twice at her that evening, to w^hich he replied, "Oh, that was all in fun!" Seeming, at length, to acquiesce in the promise of Mrs. Semler and her parents that she would return to him in the morn- ing, Semler invited his father-in-law to go up tow^n w^ith him and get a drink of beer. The old gentleman declined on account of being too tired, whereupon Semler proposed to bring some beer to the house, if he would drink with him, to which Kepler assented. On Semler's return, while the two men were drinking the beer, the entire family were discussing the family troubles. At length, under the inspiration of his fresh potations, Semler renewed his demand that his w^ife should go home w^ith him, w^hich she refused to do. again reminding him of his attempt to shoot her earlier in the evening. A Desperate Struggle. — Finding himself again repulsed, Semler, setting his lantern dow^n near the door, started tow^ards his wife, as if to forcibly drag her home w^ith him. Divining his inten- tion she took refuge behind the settee upon w^hich her father was sitting. As Semler seized hold of his wife the old gentleman inter- posed, and being rather the stronger of the two, a terrible hand-to- hand struggle ensued, both falling to the floor. In the struggle, iBemler, as was alleged, managed to get hold of the cane-gun in 806 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. question, which he discharged at the old gentleman while in a recumbent position, in such a manner that the slug shaped bullet plowed through the fleshy portion of the left leg, and entered the abdomen about two inches below the low^er point of the breast bone, lacerating the liver and other internal organs, from the effects of which the old gentleman died on the night of August 16, 1871. Semler also received a wound in his arm, in the melee, and his version of the affair was that while he and Kepler ^vere strug- gling on the floor, the old lady discharged the cane-gun at him, the- ball of which, after passing through his arm, also wounded the old gentleman. Both Semler and Mrs. Kepler Arrested. — The shape of the wound upon the person of Mr. Kepler, led the examining physicians, Drs. O. E. Brownell and C A. Perdue, to conclude that he had been stabbed with some slim, sharp instrument in the hands of Semler, and both Mrs. Kepler and Semler were taken into custody, the former for shooting Semler, and the latter for stabbing Kepler. A preliminary examination, in Semler's case, was had before Justice William D. Sweeten, of Greensburg, w^ho held Semler to bail, in the sum of $1,800, on the charge of stabbing with intent to w^ound, John and Michael Semler going upon his bond as sure- ties. It transpiring, during the examination, that, after being wounded by Semler, while lying upon the floor, Kepler had prob- ably struggled to his feet and seizing his loaded rifle standing in another corner of the kitchen, had fired at Semler as he was leaving the room, thus accounting for the ^vound in Semler's arm, the old lady was not proceeded against. A New Phase of the Affair. — Mr. Kepler dying from his injuries, August 16, 1871, a post-mortem examination by Dr. Thomas McEbright, revealed the fact that the wound in the abdomen of the deceased w^as caused by a bullet, instead of a stab, and Prosecuting Attorney Jacob A. Kohler, Esq., filed an affidavit before Justice William M. Cunningham, of Akron, charging Semler with murder in the second degree, on w^hich charge he ^vas held to bail in the sum of $3,000, in default of which Semler was com- mitted to jail, the proper bond being filed before Probate Judge U. L. Marvin, September 2, 1871, \srith Michael and John Semler as sureties. Indictment, Trial, etc. — At the November term, 1871, of the Court of Common Pleas for Summit county, the grand jury indicted Semler for murder in the second degree, to which, on the advice of his attorneys. General A. C. Voris and Hon. Henry McKinney,. he entered a plea of not guilty, and was duly put upon his trial before Judge Samuel W. McClure, and a jury. The trial lasted-sev- eral days, and was closely contested at every point. Prosecutor Kohler being ably assisted by his law partner, Hon. Sidney Edger- ton, on behalf of the State, and Messrs. Voris and McKinney defending w^ith their usual vigor and ability. The charge of Judge McClure w^as an able exposition of the law governing homicides and the rules of applying evidence in cases of that character, the jury, after a brief consultation return- ing, through their foreman, George W. Weeks, Esq., a verdict of guilty of manslaughter. Motion for new trial being overruled by Judge McClure, the- defendant w^as sentenced to the State Penitentiary for a period of GREEN TOWNSHIP IN WAR. 807 five years, whither he was conveyed by Sheriff August Curtiss, oii the 19th day of December, 1872, his age being at that time 32 years. Pardoned by Governor Allen. — It afterwards appearing, from the revised recollections of the two women of the badly mud- dled events of the fatal evening, that in the struggle between the two men, the cane-gun in question was probably accidentally dis- charged, and that Semler was entirely innocent of even the milder form of homicide for which he had been convicted. Prosecutor Kohler and others interested themselves in his behalf, and he was pardoned by Governor William Allen on the 27th day of March, 1874, after faithful service to the State of two years, four months and eight days. Subsequent History, — Satisfied that she could never again live happily with her husband, even should he not return to his cups, on leaving the prison, Mrs. Semler applied for and w^as granted a divorce, at the January term, 1872, with the restoration of her maiden name, custody of children, control of property, etc., and on the 31st day of December, 1874, she was married to Freder- ick Gindling, of Green tow^nship, with whom she is now living happily in the state of Michigan. And as to Semler, himself, instead of profiting by his bitter experience, and reforming his habits, while not regarded as especially vicious, the opinion entertained of him by those who know him best may be summed up in the single but expressive word — " worthless." GREEN'S MILITARY RECORD. It is presumable that among the large number of sturdy and patriotic immigrants from Pennsylvania, who settled in Green township, there were a number of the battle-scarred survivors of the Revolutionary War, but unfortunately their names have not been preserved in the local traditions of the township. Its inhabitants Avere so sparse, at the breaking out of the War of 1812, that but few recruits were furnished by Green for the defense of the frontier, and not all of those, even, have been handed down. John Kepler, being unable to go himself secured young John Dixon as his substitute, providing him with the necessary equipage, consisting principally of a gun, knapsack, and blanket. Andrew Kepler personally entered the service, and also Peter Buchtel, who died of disease at Sandusky; William Triplet, on reporting for duty at Canton, being rejected by the examining surgeon, because of his enfeebled appearance from a severe attack of fever and ague, from which he was suffering. In the Mexican War of 1846-8, the patriotism of Green did not "enthuse," for though generally in full sympathy with the political party then in power, her people did not apparently approve of the measures by which that war was brought about. But in the War of the Rebellion, notwithstanding the adverse feeling and action of a large proportion of their political partisans, Green was found to be eminently true to the Union cause. Up to July, 1862, she had furnished 62 volunteers. In the subsequent calls of that and the succeeding year, Green promptly responded; and, when in the Spring of 1864, Governor Brough tendered to Mr. Lincoln the Ohio National Guard to man the forts surrounding 808 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Washington, thereby releasing several thousand veterans to follow the fortunes of the victorious Grant, Captain D. F. Berger's large company turned out to a man, all of whom, except the very few rejected for positive disability, \^ere duly mustered into service at Camp Taylor, in Cleveland, May 16, 1864, as a part of the 164th Regiment, O. N. G. After a faithful service of 100 days, in the heat of an almost tropical Summer, the company was mustered out at the same place August 27, 1874. In the last draft of the war, in October 1864, prizes were drawn by several of the good citizens of Green, Captain Berger, who had just been mustered out of service as al)ove, included. Such of these drafts as Tvere not rejected for disability by the examining surgeons, either responded in person or by substitute; the total number of soldiers (including the 100 day men) furnished by Green township for the suppression of the rebellion, as reported to the writer by Captain Berger, and compiled from assessors' returns for 1865, being 176, as follows: Joseph F. Anderson, Daniel J. Angstadt, Jerome Ansbach, John L. Bender, Emanuel Buck, John Bussard, Henry Brumbaugh, Otho H. Beard, John Burkett, Elias Bickel, Darius F. Berger, John Burkhardt, Peter Corl (killed in battle), Daniel Cobb, Cornelius Cobb, Elias Cramer, Benjamin Chisnell, James Collar, Benjamin Corl, Gerge Denious (died in service), William Dickerhoof, William B. Dice, John F. Dickerhoof, George W. Dice (killed in battle), Amos Daily, George Dissinger, Henry D. Evans (killed in battle), George Foust (killed in battle), Daniel S. Foust, Hiram Foust, Joel Frank (killed in battle), Jacob Foster (died in service), Suel Foster, Jonathan Foster, John Fry, Levi Fasnacht, George H. Fasnacht, Henry Fees, James Fees, Elias Foster, Jacob Gardner (killed in battle), William Garmon, Harrison Garmon, Jeremiah J. Garmon, Jacob Garmon, Alexander Grable, Jacob Grable, Jerome Grable, Andrew Greenho, Frederick Gindling, William Guise (died in ser- vice), Hiram Haring, John Hugh, Elias Harrington, William F. Harrington (died in service), Milo Hunsberger (died in service), William Hartong (killed in battle), Lewis Hartong, Levi Hartong, James Howard, Isaiah Hunsberger, James Hayes (killed in battle), David Houser (killed in battle), Simon Humbert (killed in battle), Wellington Isbell, Rufus M. Jones, Henrj' Jarrett, Beneville Kinzy, Jonas Kahler, John P. Kepler, David Kline,. Martin Kline, Alchia A. Koontz, Jonathan B. Kreighbaum, William Kramer, William Klinefelter, William Kline, Martin Kahler, Isaac Kinzy, Emanuel Kinzy, George Kleckner, John Lamberson, Daniel Lamberson (killed in . battle), Noah N. Leohner, Jacob Lepard, George W. Lepard, Henry Linebaugh, Jacob Long, Obed Long, Ishmael Long, John L. Louby, Michael Lutz, Benjamin F. Mander- bach, William C. McBride, D. O. Mottinger, Samuel Mottinger, Daniel J. Mottinger, John C. Musty, P. H. Musty, Rodney McPike, Joseph R. Mell, Jerome J. Musser, Isaac S. Miller, Henry Mander- bach, M. E. McBride, Peter Nicholas, Isaac Powles, Nicholas Pontious, Simon Peters, Frederick Pippus, Isaac Pontious, Fred- erick Remley (killed in battle), Christian F. Remley (killed in battle). Hiram Ream, Andrew J. Ream, Samuel Ream, Simon Ream, Lewis Ream, George Rininger, Samuel Rininger, Jehu Rininger, William H. Rininger, G. W. Rhodes, Samuel Raber, Manum Ro3^er, John Stevens (died in service), Samuel Steese, GREEN IN PUBLIC OFFICE. 809 John W. Steese (killed in battle), William F. Spidel, Ezra Spidel, Ira Spidel, Isaas Shutt, David H. Shutt, Klias Shutt, Daniel G. Shutt, Charles C. Smith (killed in battle), Hiram B. Smith (died in service), Joseph D. B. Siess, Joseph Simon, Elias Shriver, Balser Shriver, Henry Shriver, Daniel Stamm, Franklin G. Stipe, Aaron Swartz, George Switzer, Uri'as F. Sefner, Edmund Shriver (drafted), Simon S. Staver, Joel Staver, Christian Schaffer (died in service), Jacob Sickmer, Elijah Shriver, William Smith, John Sayler, Andrew Tousley, Joseph C. Tousley, Albert M. Tousley, Joel T. Tousley, Jacob Tritehart, Peter Tritt, Samuel Winkleman, Henry L. Winkleman, John Winkleman, Franklin Winkleman, Isaac Weaver (killed in battle), William Weaver (killed in battle), Jacob Weaver, Reuben C. Wagoner, Elias Wise, Aaron Welty, Jacob White, Hiram J. Weckerley, Allen Whetstone, Adam Weston, Cephas Witwer, Peter WitAver, Henry Wagoner, Jefferson Yerrick (died in service), Alfred Yerrick, Andrew Yerrick, Hiram Yerrick, Lewis Yerrick, County, State and Nation. — Though not, perhaps, numer- ically so prominent in public affairs as some of her sister town- ships, Green is able to present a highly honorable record in that regard. County Recorder. — Alexander Johnston, Esq., one of Green's most successful and substantial farmers, w^as elected as Summit ivas then noticed that the wind was less strong at night than during the day, and it was determined to travel by night, alternately rowing, poling and towing, as circum- stances seemed to require. To this night work Mr. Lindley REFORMING A SHIRKER — PERILS OF THE DEEP. 813 objected, as he had hired out to work in the day time only. With- out serious demur Mr. Hudson allowred him to have his own way; the others doing the work while he slept at his ease. While oppo- site Cattaragus Swamp, Mr. Hudson, one morning, provided Lindley w^ith an ax and set him to work felling trees and chopping them up into cord wood, w^hile the rest of the men were sleeping. - After a few^ hours* labor in that line, Lindley, seeing the point of the joke, succumbed, and apologized to Mr. Hudson for the course he had taken, and promised thenceforth to do his share of the night work, if he would excuse him from cutting and piling cord w^ood hun- dreds of miles from any settlement. Tempest-Tossed on a Lee Shore. — The party finally reached the mouth of Conneaut river, June 5, after leaving w^hich, on the afternoon of that day, the wind, suddenly shifting to the north, blew with such violence as to drive them on shore, the boat in which were Mr. Hudson and Mr. Darrow, being filled with w^ater, w^etting all their provisions and other goods, and that on w^hich w^ere Blin and McKinley, having a hole stove in her bottom, through w^hich a portion of Mr. Hudson's potatoes were lost in the surging waters of the lake. Lying by 24 hours, for repairs and drying their goods, the journey was resumed w^ith favorable winds and fair sailing (blankets being used for sails), the party reaching Grand river (off the present city of Painesville), June 7th. This being the debarkation point for Mr. Harmon, he sold his dilapi- dated boat to Mr. Hudson for $1.00, with which, and Mr. Tappan's boat, the party safely reached the mouth of the Cuyahoga; Mr. Tappan's boat on the 9th and the other on the 10th of June. After almost infinite fatigue and trouble in ascending the tortuous Cuyahoga, the waters of Avhich were at the time extremely low, the party reached the mouth of the Brandywine, in the present township of Northfield, June 17, 1779 (just one day less than a month after leaving Geandiquot Bay, a remarkably quick passage, indeed, under the circumstances), Mr. Hudson's boat having been plundered one night w^hile the men were asleep, of quite a quantity of flour, pork, whisky, etc., supposed to have been done by a rene- gade Sandusky Indian and a w^hite outlawr, w^ho w^ere know^n to be prowling about the neighborhood. At Length at Home. — After searching six days, Mr. Hudson found the w^estern line of his township, when he and Mr. Tappan and their men set about cutting a road for the purpose of getting their goods to their respective localities, which they found very difficult on account of the hills and gullies in Northfield and Bos- ton and the swamp in the west part of Hudson. But finally suc- ceeding in getting a portion of his goods to the place selected, Mr. Hudson commenced his settlement by the erection of a rude bark shelter, near the southwest corner of his township, on the northeast corner of what is now known as lot eleven. Fortunately the men sent overland w^ith the cattle, arrived the day after the " fleet" anchored at Brandy^vine. Rude sleds were constructed, by the use of w^hich, drawn by the three yoke of oxen, which had, with immense labor, but good management, been brought safelj'^ through the wilderness, the goods of both Mr. Hudson and Mr. Tappan were speedily transported to their respective localities. Running Short of Provisions. — In consequence of the loss of a portion of their supplies, as stated, and the non-appearance of S14 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Lacey and his wife, with the supplies that had been intrusted to them, Mr, Hudson became apprehensive that his little colony w^ould soon begin to suffer for food w^hile pursuing their labors in <:learing a patch of land for a crop of w^heat, and in surveying his township into lots. It afterwards transpired that Lacey, with a number'of recruits furnished by Mr, Nathaniel Norton, and certain supplies forwarded by Captain Eliphalet Austin (proprietor of Austintown, Ashtabula county), had fitted up the boat deemed unfit for use by Mr. Hudson, and had leisurely followed the origi- nal party, w^ith about the same varied experiences and misad- ventures, arriving at their destination on the 19th of July; Mr. Hudson (also feeling very anxious about his boy)having gone dow^n the lake in search of them, meeting them at the mouth of Cattara- gus Creek. Thus, by the purchase of a small field of corn and potatoes from Mr. Lorenzo Carter, of Vermont, w^ho had, a year or two before, squatted upon the present site of the city of Cleveland; borro^ving a small quantity of pork from a previous settler in a neighboring town, and temporarily appropriating a couple of barrels of Captain Austin's flour, the colony, with such accessions of game as they had time and opportunity to secure, managed to keep the wolf, hunger, at a respectful distance, though several of the party w^ere assailed with the various forms of disease incident to change of ■climate, exposure, etc. The first rude shelter (of bark) w^as soon superseded by a sub- stantial log shanty, 16x18 feet, which, affording better protection to the men, soon produced improved health among them and the surveying, clearing, seeding, etc., rapidly proceeded; the sur- vey, platting, etc., being completed on the 11th day of October; a small clearing having also been made a short distance north of the capacious public square, which had been laid out by Mr. Hudson on what is now^ known as township lot 56, on the east side of Main street, where Mr. Hudson the next year erected a two-room log house for his own use, a few years later building for himself, on lot 55, upon the opposite side of the street, the commodious frame house still standing there, and occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Harvey Baldwin, as elsewhere alluded to. Mr. Hudson Returns to Connecticut. — Having placed his people in as comfortable condition as circumstances would admit of, and instructing them as to the work to be done in his absence, Mr. Hudson, on the 12th day of October, accompanied by his young son, Ira, Meacham and Darrow, in the frail craft purchased from Mr. Harmon, started on his return to Connecticut for his family, and such recruits for his new settlement, as he might be able to secure, after infinite toil, and many very narrow escapes, reach- ing Bloomfield in safety, about the middle of November. Leaving his little son with Nathaniel Norton, Mr. Hudson immediately pushed on to Goshen, on foot, arriving there November 19, the total expenses of his homeward journey, besides the supplies •carried along, being only $9.75; an example of pluck and economy that but few "pioneers" in any modern enterprise, w^ould be able, or willing, to undertake to emulate. In raising recruits for his settlement, Mr. Hudson seems to have been exceptionally successful, and singularly fortunate. Offering a bounty of 40 acres to the first recruit, the first party to FIRST FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION. 815 step forward and claim the prize was Miss Ruth Gaylord — ^denom- inated by a contemporaneous writer as "an ancient maiden" — w^ho afterwards gave the land thus secured, to her niece, a daughter of another of the new recruits, Elijah Noble. The other recruits were: Heman Oviatt (grandfather of Edward Oviatt, Esq.,) Joel Gaylord, Dr. Moses Thompson, Allen Oaylord, Samuel Bishop and his four sons — David, Luman, Reuben and Joseph — Stephen Perkins, Joseph and George Darrow^, and three Vermonters named Stafford, Williams and Derrick, w^hich with Mr. and Mrs. Hudson and their six children — Samuel, Wil- liam N., Milo D., Ira, Timothy and Abigail L. — Mrs. Samuel Bishop, Mrs. Elijah Noble, Miss Ruth Gaylord, Miss Ruth Bishop, and the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Noble, made tw^enty-eight souls in all. Again Westward Bound. — Some time in January, 1800, Mr. Hudson and his family, and certain of his own hired men, started in sleighs for Bloomfield, to make preparations for the journey w^estward in the early Spring. In addition to his own boat, w^hich he caused to be thoroughly repaired, Mr. Hudson procured four other boats, which he loaded Avith grains and other supplies, including glass for the cabins built the previous Fall, and those contemplated, garden and fruit seeds, tools, etc., the entire outlay amounting to about $2,000. The other members of the party, hav- ing meantime reached Broomfield, and supplied themselves with three boats for the transportation of themselves and their effects, the entire party started, on the 29th day of April, 1800, and on the 30th, to quote from Mr. Hudson's diary, they "cheerfully launched out upon the great deep of Lake Ontario." We cannot foUow^ them in all their journeyings, but after many vicissitudes, similar to those encountered on the former trip, the mouth of the Brandywine was reached on the 28th day of May, one day sooner than on the former passage, all, after a few days' delay, being safely transferred to the new settlement, where addi- tional cabins, on chosen locations, w^ere speedily erected for their accommodation. Before leaving Bloomtield, Mr. Hudson bought a horse, a bull, fourteen cows and some hogs, which, with a yoke of oxen bought by Samuel Bishop, had been placed in charge of Elijah Noble and Luman, David and Joseph G. Bishop, to be driven through the wilderness, which, starting a little in advance of the ^' fleet," arrived safely at the settlement about the same time. Thanksgiving, Public Worship, Etc. — After all the members ■of the colony were together, Mr. Hudson led his people in a public service of thanksgiving and praise to almighty God, w^ho had brought them through "perils, seen and unsfeen," safely to their ■destination, and also took immediate measures to resume public w^orship on the Sabbath, w^hich had been suspended during his absence, but w^hich has since been continuously observed to the present time. The new settlers speedily and pluckily began the subjugation of the forest, and by indefatigable industry, in the ■clearing, seeding and cultivation of their lands, with the aid of such game as the woods afforded, soon became self-supporting, w^ith an ever-cheerful welcome to the new-comer, or the stranger sojourning in their midst. Independence Day. — Though far removed from the bloody scenes of the Revolution, the native patriotism of the colonists had in no sense become dormant, and on the Fourth of July, 1800, 816 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the 24th anniversary of the National Independence, was, for the first time, duly celebrated on the "public green," consisting of about ten acres of land near the geographical center, which had been wisely dedicated to the public use by the liberal-minded pro- prietors of the township. The exercises consisted of an "anvil" national salute; martial and vocal music; the reading of the Declaration of Independence; an oration (by Mr. Hudson); regular and volunteer toasts, and patriotic responses, and a sumptuous dinner of wild turkey, venison, etc., the table being formed of poles laid across crotched stakes, and covered with layers of elm bark; forty-three persons, young and old — residents and invited guests — participating; and the writer ventures the assertion that the daj' has never since been celebrated ^^ith a greater degree of patriotic " vim," in Hudson, or on the liberty-loving Western Reserve. Early Births, Marriages, Deaths, Etc. — October 28, 1800,. there was a native accession to the population of the township, in the birth of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Hudson — named Anner Mary — who, on arriving at woman's estate, was on the 6th day of October, 1817, married to the late Harvey Baldwin, with whom she happily lived almost on the same spot where she w^as born, for more than half a century (Mr. Baldwin dying June 12, 1880, aged 81 years, 8 months and 22 days), and where she still (Novem- ber 1, 1891) survives, in full possession of all her faculties, in the 92nd year of her age. Mrs. BaldAvin w^as born in Trum- bull county, married in Portage county and no^v lives in Sum- mit county, but has always, with one brief exception, resided upon the same farm where she was born, a paradox readily explained by the fact that Trumbull county, Avhen organized, in 1800, embraced the entire Western Reserve, Portage county, organ- ized in 1807, being carved out of Trumbull, and Summit county, in turn, organized in 1840, taking two tiers of townships,, including Hudson, from Portage county. Early in 1801, Governor St. Clair appointed Mr. Hudson jus- tice of the peace, the first marriage in the township, that of George Darrow to Olive Gaylord, being performed by him October 17, 1801, It is related that on account of the 'Squire's inexperience in that line, the affair was to have been strictly private, but that through a hint dropped by his wife to a neighbor, when the 'Squire, by a round-about way, got to the home of the bride's parents, he found the little cabin filled with uninvited, but friendly and w^elcome guests; Stephen Parker and Ruth Bishop, being married by the same functionary, November 5th, of the same year. The first death in the settlement, was that of Ira Noble, an eight-year-old son of Elijah Noble, Tvho died of membranous croup, in August, 1800. Wonderful Longevity. — In the Spring of 1801, a number of. accessions were made to the colony, mostly from Goshen, Ct., and Bloomfield, N. Y., the names of whom cannot now^ all be accurately ascertained, though, in 1856, Rev. Caleb Pitkin published a list of the adult pioneers immigrating into the township from 1800 to 1813 inclusive, as follows: David and Mrs. Hudson, Samuel and Mrs. Bishop, David Bishop, Mr. and Mrs. Luman Bishop, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bishop, Mr. and Mrs. Gad HoUenbeck, Joseph Darrow, Mr. and Mrs. George Darrow, Allen Gaylord, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Gaylord, Captain and Mrs. HemanOviatt, Deacon and Mrs. Stephen Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen PROLIFIC AND LONG-LIVED. 817 Thompson, Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Moses Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. George Pease, Mr. and Mrs. Eben Pease, Mr. and Mrs. William Leach, Mr. and Mrs, George Kilbourn, Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Kellogg, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Lusk, Mr. and Mrs. John Oviatt, Mr. and Mrs. Owen Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Whedon, Mr. and Mrs. George Holcomb, Mr.and Mrs. Zina Post, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. William Chamberlain, Mr. and Mrs. William Chamberlain, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Stone, Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Baldwin, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hollenbeck, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kingsbury, Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Ellsworth, Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan Metcalf, Mr. and Mrs. Ariel Cobb, Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Mills, Mr. and Mrs, Chauncey Case, 73 in all, w^ho brought with them into the town- ship 105 children. Up to 1856 there had been' born to the 73 persons named, since coming to the township, 211 children, making a total of 316, or an average of nearly nine children per couple. To Mr, Pitkin's list should properly be added, as comers to the township previous to 1814, the following, though some of them afterwards permanently settled in other localities: — Benjamin Oviatt, John Birge, James Newton, Rev. , David Bacon, Zina Post, Christian Cackler, Jonathan Williams, Dudley Humphrey, Rev. John Seward, and perhaps others whose names are not now ascertainable. All of the adults have probably long since passed away, as well as most of the children who came with them, though many of the native-born children of the original pioneers still linger, while a large number of their descendants are yet to be found among the sturdy and thrifty inhabitants of the township. Mr. Pitkin's statistics, compiled in 1856, show that of the 41 of the 73 pioneers named, who had died within the intervening 56 years, one lived to the age of 90; five, 80 to 90; fifteen, 70 to 80; live, 60 to 70; eight, 50 to 60; seven, 33 to 50; and of the 32 then living, ten were in their 80th, nine, 60th to 70th, three-fifths of the whole number having lived beyond the age of 70 years, w^hile quite a number of the 32 then alive, were permitted to live several years thereafter. Up to 1856, five of the pioneer couples named had lived together 55, 56, 60, 62 and 75 years, respectivel3^ vv^hile several others had very nearly reached their golden anniversaries; a con- dition of longevity and of connubial intercourse, that few^ of the townships of the countj^ or country can surpass, or even equal, either in ancient or modern times. Organization of Township. — Aside from the judicial authority of Justice Hudson, by appointment of Governor St. Clair, early in 1801, Hudson w^as without legal organization until the Spring of 1802, when, by the action of the commissioners of Trumbull county, in connection with Stow, Boston, Twinsburg, Aurora and Mantua, it was set off as a tow^nship under the general name of Hudson. The first election was held at the house of 'Squire Hudson, April 5, twenty efectors being present, Mr. Hudson being chairman. The officers then elected w^ere as follows: Trustees, Heman Oviatt and Abraham Thompson, of Hudson, and Ebenezer Sheldon, of Aurora; clerk, Thaddeus Lacey, of Hudson; poormasters, Elias Harmon, of Aurora, and Samuel Bishop, of Hudson; fence viewers, Aaron Norton, John Oviatt and Jotham Atwater; appraisers' of houses, JohnGaylord and Elias Harmon; supervisors of highw^ays, George Kilbourn, Moses Pond and Moses Thompson; constables,. Ebenezer Lester, Aaron Norton and Rufus Edwards. 62 818 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. HARVEY BALDWIN. MRS. HARVEY BALDWIN. HARVEY BALDWIN— son of Stephen Baldwin, born in Goshen, Connecti- cut, Septetnber 17, 1798 ; coninion school education ; in 1814 came to Hudson, clerking- in store of his brothers, Augustus and Frederick, about three years ; October 6, 1817, was married to Miss Anner Mary Hudson, daug-hter of Deacon David Hudson, born October 28, 18(X). and the first white child born in what is now Summit county. The young couple settled on a farm two and a half miles northwest of the center, where they remained tw^o or three years, when, at Mr. Hudson's request, they returned to the hofne farm, where they ever after resided. Mr. Baldwin thoroughly identified himself with the business and educational interests of the township and village, co-operating with, and, as his successor, fully carrj'ing- out Mr. Hudson's benefactions in educational, church and other public enterprises, being a trustee of Western Reserve College for over forty years. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin were the parents of four children — Anna Norton, born October 17, 1818, died December 13, 1825 ; Harriet Maria, born September 3, 1824, died January 20, 1841 ; Clarissa Miriam, born October 27, 1830 (married to Professor Edwin S. Gregory, July 28, 1852, and now residing- upon a portion of the old home farm), and Lucy Susanna, born October 8, 1843, and died August 12, 1860. Mr. Baldwin died June 12, 1880, in full possession of his mental facul- ties, at the age of 81 years, 8 months and 25 days. Mrs. Baldwin still occupies the paternal domicile, with sufficient mental and physical vigor to manage her household affairs, her 90th birthday, October 28, 1890, having been publicly celebrated by the good people of Hudson and a large number of invited guests, and, as this chapter goes to press (October 27, 1891), still tranquil and happy, is on the eve of celebrating her 91st anniversary. Indian Fxperiences, Etc. — It should be borne in mind that at the time the first white settlers came to Hudson, the Indians were in full possession of all the territory w^est of the Cuyahoga river, w^hich was not ceded to the United States until 1805, and that quite a sprinkling of the red-skins still lingered w^ithin the terri- tory east of the river, which had been ceded in 1785. Thus, much tact and skill had to be exercised by the leading men in the new- settlement, to secure and. maintain peace and harmony between the tw^o races. This, largely through the liberality and fairness of INDIAN AND WILD BEAST TRADITIONS. 819 Mr. Hudson and the fearless good sense of Mrs. Hudson, was pretty generally maintained, though some turbulent and alarming episodes — chiefly caused by fire-v^^ater — would occasionally occur. After the shooting of Daniel Diver, in Deeriield, in the Winter of 1806-7, elsewhere written of, the course of the fleeing Indians was through Hudson, tw^o of Hudson's earliest settlers — George Darrow and Jonathan Williams — joining in the pursuit, the latter shooting and killing the Indian, Nickshaw, in the present township of Richlield, and it was largely through the influence of Deacon Hudson and Captain Heman Oviatt, that a general Indian war w^as averted at that time. It is related that a troublesome Indian called George Wilson, delighted — especially w^hen under the influ- ence of whisky — to frighten the white ^vomen and children, when found alone in their cabins, and that upon one occasion, after one of his customar}'^ ugly visits to the house of Mrs. Newell, living in the southwest corner of the township, Williams followed him and shot him dead in his tracks, sinking his body, rifle, etc.; in the mucky .bottom of Mud Brook. Other similar exploits are attrib- uted to Williams, both in Hudson, Stow and Northampton traditions, some of which may have a modicum of fact to rest upon, but are too vague to be recorded here as a matter of bona fide history. Bears, w^olves, deer, turke3^s and other wild animals and game w^ere, as in all the neighboring townships, abundant in Hudson in those days, and many stories are extant of frightful collisions between some of the pioneer settlers and the two animals first named; one being that Governor Samuel Huntington, while riding through the w^oods from Tinker's Creek to Hudson, one evening after dark, was chased by a pack of wolves, which he kept at bay with his riding whip and umbrella, until, in nearly an exhausted condition, he finally reached the house of Colonel John Oviatt, in Hudson, about 9 o'clock at night; another that Elisha Noble, soon after leaving the house of Colonel Oviatt, one day, for his ovv^n cabin in the w^est part of the township, encountered a huge bear, w^ho grappled Avith him, and would undoubtedly have squeezed the life out of him, but for the timely arrival of Colonel Oviatt, "who heard his screams, and whose gun and ax soon caused bruin to relax his grip on Noble, and his .own hold on life; Mrs. Oviatt, herself, also, on one occasion, while returning from a distant neighbor's in the dusk of the evening, being chased by wolves, whose speed she checked by dropping pieces of dried venison, which had been given her by her neighbor, until her husband hearing her screams, came to her relief with a brand of fire and his trusty rifle. Among many other pioneer reminiscences extant among the good people of Hudson, is the following: Little Luna Pease, seven years old, started from her uncle Benjamin Oviatt's on a narrow trail through the forest, to go to her uncle Richard Croy's, veith whom she lived, some three miles distant. Losing the trail, she became lost in the w^oods, and night coming on she lay dow^n beside a log, and during the darkness some wild animal came and after smelling of her a few^ minutes, left her unmolested, Luna, young as she w^as, having the presence of mind to lie perfectly still. As soon as she was missed, searching parties \srere organ- ized, provided with tin horns, to signal each other. Her uncle 8*40 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Croy's party first discovered her some time during the next day^ by which time she had become so wild that she fled from them like a frightened deer, but w^as soon overtaken. Signaling the others, the entire party repaired to the village, where there ^vas very hearty rejoicing over the recovery of the lost child, which child, now^ Mrs. John Ramsey, is still living in Collamer, nearly 80 years of age. Religion, Churches, Etc. — As we have seen, on his arrival in his ne^v township, to which his co-proprietors insisted his own name should be given, Mr. Hudson iinmediately established religious services, both private and public, and, in 1802, in connec- tion w^ith Deacon Stephen Thompson and Captain Heman Oviatt^ he took measures for the organization of a church in the ne\sr settlement, of w^hich Mr. Hudson himself was very properly elected one of the deacons — whence came the title by which Hudson's founder has been known to the present time. But, while strict in the observance of his own notions of religious duty, both private and public, unlike the chief agent in the settlement of Tallmadge — Rev. David Bacon — he did not, either by w^ritten or oral stipulations, seek to compel his associates, or subordinates, to adopt his ow^n peculiar theological dogmas, but rather sought to mould them to his views, by the force of his example and the logic of his " daily walk and conversation." Thus, while embracing the very first opportunity of a visit to- the* Reserve, of a representative of the Connecticut Missionary Society — Rev. Joseph Badger — in 1802, Mr. Hudson entered zeal- ously into the project of establishing a church in his new^ township upon the principles of his own religious faith — Congregationalism — he accorded to his fellow^ pioneers the utmost freedom to give or w^ithhold their support, or to work in such other directions as their consciences and inclinations might dictate. The first church, therefore, to be organized in the township, w^as essentially Congregational, though for a time amenable to the Grand River Presbytery — afterw^ards coming under the jurisdic- tion of the Portage Presbytery — the organization being effected September 4, 1802, with 13 communicants, as follows: Mr. Hud- son, Stephen Thompson and Mary, his wife; Abraham Thompson and Susanna, his w^ife; George Kilbourn and Almira, his wife; Stephen Thompson, Jr., and Abigail, his wife; Heman Oviatt and Lucy, his wife Hannah Lindley and Amos Ivusk; the eleven first named having been members of the Congregational church in Goshen, Conn., and the tw^o latter of the church at Bloomfield,. New Yoxk. The society for many years depended for such occasional preaching as they enjoyed, upon the ministrations of Mr. Badger and other missionaries. Rev. David Bacon, after being recalled from the missionary field at Detroit, and before the inauguration of his Utopian scheme for the settlement of Tallmadge, in 1807, as elsewhere set forth, being, under an arrangement Avith a Connect- icut Missionary Society, a regular supply for tw^o or three years. Thus, sometimes w^ith, and sometimes without preaching, but w^ithout omitting Avorship for a single Sabbath, the society grad- ually increased, so that on the installment of the first regular pastor, Rev. William Hanford (uncle of W. L. Hanford, of Stow^ and W. A. Hanford, of Akron), August 17, 1815, there were 27 RELIGIOUS AND CHURCH MATTERS. 821 <:oiTiniutiicatits, with quite a large society membership and congre- gation. Mr. Hanford ministered to the congregation until 1831, bidding to the church, in the 16 years of his pastorate, 133 members, the successive pastors of the church being Rev. Amri Nichols, July to December, 1832; Rev. Giles Doolittle, 1832-40; Rev. Josiah Town, July to October, 1840; Rev. Mason Grosvenor, 1840-43; Rev. William Hanford, 1843; Rev. John C. Hart, 1844-52; Rev. N. Bar- rett, 1853-58; Rev. George Darling. 1858-74; Rev. E. W. Root, 1874- 76; Rev. J. Towle, 1876; Rev. T. G. Gardner, 1876-85; Rev. A. B. ■Cristy, February 7, 1886 until his resignation, January 18, 1891. Present pastor (October, 1891), Rev. A. Carroll ; membership, 264. DR. MOSES THOMPSON,— born in Goshen, Connecticut, January "22. 177(> ; liberal education, including' t^iss Rebecca H. Dana and Miss Mary Strong, the latter erecting a new building on Main stret, in 1845, which she christened the "Hudson Female Seminary." Contemporaneous ^with this vi^as the "Hudson Young Ladies' Seminary," by Rev. Mason Grosvenor and his sister Mary; and the "Seminary for Ladies," by Rev. A. Phelps, the two former being boarding schools; Mr. and Mrs. Skinner, from Massachusetts, succeeding Mr. and Miss Grosvenor and a Miss Deven acting as principal of Mr. Phelps' school. Though pursued with commendable vigor, these several competing enterprises proved unremunerative, and grad- ually subsided. In 1853, Mr. J. W. Smith fitted up and furnished a suite of rooms in the " Pentagon," and employed Miss Klizabeth Burt, a graduate of Mount Holyoke Seminary, as principal, the school being reasonably successful, until the general business collapse of 1855, '56, w^hen it was discontinued. The old "Hudson Female Seminary" was then refitted by an association of citizens, and another graduate of Mount Holyoke, Miss Everett, employed as principal. This effort did not prove successful, and in 1860 Miss Emily E. Metcalf, of Hudson, assumed control, after-wards purchas- ing the property, and by her enterprise and good management, conducted the school w^ith fair pecuniary returns for some twelve or thirteen years. Rev. H. B. Hosford and daughters, about 1874, reviving the academy for a single year, only. WESTERN RESERVE COLLEGE. Western Reserve College was the outgrowth of the profound religious sentiment and educational aspirations of the earlier settlers of the eastern townships and counties of the Connecticut Western Reserve. As early as 1801, Rev. Joseph Badger, and sixteen other gentlemen of Cleveland, Hudson, Ravenna, Warren, Youngstown, etc., presented a petition to the Territorial Legisla- ture, for a college charter, in which David Hudson's name headed the list of the incorporators. But for some reason not now^ appar- ent, the prayer of the petitioners w^as not granted. Ekie Literary Institute. — At the first session of the State Legislature, however, in the Spring of 1803, an act was passed incorporating tVie "Erie Literary Institute," Mr. Hudson's name WESTERN RESERVE COLLEGE. *825 heading the list, and Mr. Badger's name also being among the incorporators. Trumbull county then embraced the entire Reserve, and after several meetings of the trustees, provided by the charter, the institution was located at Burton, now in Geauga county, and a suitable house erected and duly equipped with teachers, in 1805. The burning of this building, in 1810, suspended operations, until after the War of 1812, the institution finally resuming operations in a new building, in 1820, which, under the •management of Professor David L. Coe, a graduate of Williams ■College, and his successors, maintained a fair standing until 1834, when, through a combination of untoward circumstances, it ceased to exist. REV. CALEB PITKIN. -born in New Hartford, Connecticut, Feb- ruary 27, 1781 ; graduated at Yale CoUeg'e in 1806; studied theology with Rev. Asahel Hooker, of Goshen, Connecticut, and ordained as minis- ter of Milford Congregational Church, March 6, 1808; removed to Ohio as a missionary in 1816, and installed as pastor of Charlestown (Portage county) Church, in April, 1817 ; was one of the founders of Western Reserve College, and for many years president of the board of trustees, removing to Hudson, where he resided until his death, February 5, 1864. at the age of 82 years, 11 months and 8 days. June 15, 1807, Mr. Pitkin was married to Miss Anna Henderson, of Milford, Connecticut, who died in Akron, Decetnber 6, 1882, at the age of 98 years, 3 months and 11 days. Their children were -Mara N. (Mrs. Rev. Charles M. Preston), born June 10, 1808. died July 14, 1839; Stephen H. (afterwards probate judge of Summit county), born October 5, 1810, died February 25, 1882 ; Caleb J. (Presbyterian minister), born Decem- KEV. CALEB PITKIN. ber 4, 1812, died May 19, 1887 ; James, born March 12, 1815, now deceased, and Julia L. (Mrs. Lucian Case), born February 27, 1818, died September 24, 1849. Theology as Well as Literature. — Meantime, in 1817, the Presbyterian and Congregational churches of the Reserve had organized a "Society for the education of indigent pious young men for the ministry," and an arrangement was made w^ith the Burton school for them to study there; a joint committee from the several presbyteries interested, reporting in favor of establish- ing the "I^iterary and Theological Institute" which had been resolved upon, at Burton, under the charter of the " Erie Literary Institute," upon certain conditions to be accepted by that institu- tion, Avhich were acceded to, and the theological school duly launched. This arrangement continued only about two years, the managers becoming convinced that such an institution as they desired could not be maintained at Burton. Commissioners were appointed by the Grand Kiver, Portage and Huron presbyteries, to select a location, taking into consideration all the points con- nected with the several competing localities — character of inhabi- tants, healthfulness, accessibility, contributions, etc. 826' AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Propositions ^vere submitted from Hudson, Cleveland, Burton^ Buclid, Aurora, and perhaps other points, and after several meet- ings, and considerable discussion, the decision was made in favor of Hudson. The then munificent sum of $7,150 was subscribed by the people of Hudson, to secure the location of the institution to that town, of which amount Mr. Hudson, himself, contributed over $2,000, besided donating 160 acres of land to secure the location of the college buildings, v^here they were afterwards erected, rather than have them placed in what he regarded as a less favorable locality, south of the village. New Charter Granted. — ^A petition, numerously signed^ setting forth the objects sought to be attained by the proposed new educational institution, presented to the Legislature in the Winter of 1825, '26, was vigorously opposed by certain anti-ortho- dox members of that body, on account of its theological character. This opposition, with perhaps some modifications of the original draft, was finally overcome and the act of incorporation duly passed on the 27th day of February, 1826. The first board of trustees, under the charter, were: David Hudson, Elizur Wright,. Joshua Bradford Sherv^ood, Rev. John Seward, Rev. Caleb Pitkin, Henry Brown, Rev. Simeon Woodruff, Zalmon Fitch, Rev, Benja- min Fenn, Harmon Kingsbury, George Swift, Rev. Stephen Ingalls Bradstreet and Rev. Harvey Coe. The board organized on the first day of March, 1826, by electing Rev. Caleb Pitkin presi- dent; Rev. John Seward vice president; Rev. ♦William Hanford secretary, and Benjamin Whedon treasurer. This was the fifth college charter granted in the State, not counting the Erie Literary Institute, at Burton. The board not only took, immediate and vigorous measures for the erection of a suitable building, but also for the organization of classes, admis- sion of students, etc, Mr. David L. Coe, late principal of the Burton school, then in charge of the academy at Tallmadge, wa» appointed tutor pro tern, for the examination of applicants. Orrin Cook Thompson, Charles Merriman Preston, Ellery Bascom and Joseph Welch Barr, were admitted to thefreshnaan class in Decem- ber, 1826; the first regular tutor, appointed in 1827, being Ephraim T. Sturtevant, a graduate of Yale College, afterwards, for many years, principal of a select classical school in Tallmadge. Laying the Corner Stone. — The foundation of the first col- lege building was pushed with such vigor by the contractor, Captain Heman Oviatt, that the corner stone w^as laid on the 26th day of April, 1826, in the presence of a large crow^d of people, and with imposing ceremonies by the Masonic Fraternity, the president of the Board of Trustees, Rev. Caleb Pitkin, delivering the oration in Latin. In the cavity of this corner-stone was deposited a metallic plate bearing upon one side the names of the president and secre- tary of the board of trustees, and on the other the name of the grand master, by whom it \sras laid, date, etc.; one copy each of the Religious Intelligencer, Pittsburg Recorder, Masonic Register^ and of the principal papers then published on the Western Reserve, together v^ith a brief history of the rise and progress of the insti- tution, and a hymn, written for the occasion, by Mr. Asaph Whit- tlesey, of Tallmadge. Though of no special monetary value, dur- ing the succeeding night the stone was robbed of its contents, which were never replaced. The trustees and building committee MANUAL LABOR A FAILURE. 827 -were beset with innumerable hindrances — scarcity of money, difficulty in collecting subscriptions to the building fund, etc., so that the building — what has since been known as "Middle College" — was not ready for occupation until August, 1827. College Government. — ^The first president of the college was Rev. Charles Backus Storrs, a native of Longmeadow, Mass. Though profoundly learned, Mr. Storrs was not a college graduate, but, while preaching in Ravenna, had, in 1829, been called to the chair of sacred theology, which he filled so acceptably that in August, 1830, he was unanimously elected to the presidency of the college. At that time the financial management was mainly in the hands of Rev. Caleb Pitkin, president of the Board of Trustees, and the administration of President Storrs, so far as the educa- tional interests of the college were concerned, would have proved a grand success, but for certain disturbing elements that were per- mitted, by the managers and faculty, to creep in. FREDERICK BALDWIN, — fourth son of Stephen and Susannah Baldwin, born at Goshen,Connecticut, March 17, 1794 ; educated in Goshen district schools ; at 18, with his elder brother, Axtgustus, came to Hudson, arriving- June 12, 1812, bringing with them a wagon load of goods, and opening the second store in the town- ship, under the firm name of A. Bald- win & Brother, Frederick continuing the business vintil about 1814, -when he went into the cattle business on his farm, south of the center, where he resided untii his death, July 12, 1880. February 12. 1828, Mr. Baldwin was married to Miss Saloma W. Brownson, of Winchester, Connecti- cut, who bore him two children — Maria Louisa, who died in infancy, November 9, 1836, and Caroline A., born Deceinber 17, 1841, now the wife of Mr. Perr}^ H. Babcock, formerly of Ravenna, now residing in Cleveland. United in life for over 52 years, Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin were not long sepa- rated in death. Mrs. Baldwin dying- May 1(), 1881. Frederick Baldwin was FREDERICK BALDWIN. well known as in everj^ respect a just and honorable man, and honored most by those who luost intimately knew him. Manual Labor Introduced. — At that time, so-called manual labor schools were largely in vogue, by w^hich indigent young men, desiring an education, could, by working a certain number of hours per day, pay their board, tuition fees, etc. Unfortunately, the managers of the college adopted this hobby, not only permit- ting those who desired to do so, but requiring of all students a given amount of work (two hours per day) on the ground of pro- moting their physical as well as their mental development. To this end a wagon-shop, a carpenter shop, a cooper-shop and a farm, with tools, machinery, superintendents, etc., w^ere provided at considerable expense. At first, while the novelty Tvas on, the thing worked smoothly enough; but it was soon discovered that a good many of the students (like a good many outsiders),, w^ere disinclined to manual labor — -duties were shirked, rules were S28 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. evaded, exemptions were obtained, jealousies aroused, caste dis- tinctions engendered, and the general interests of the college interfered w^ith, and iafter a few years of friction and dissatisfac- tion the project was abandoned. The Slavery Question. — But the most disastrous cause of dissension in college circles, about this time, w^as the agitation of the slavery question. President Storrs, and several of the profes- sors, as w^ell as quite a number of the students, had not only adopted extreme Abolition views, but engaged earnestly in the discussion of the question, in the class-room, in fraternity meet- ings and in public lectures, both in Hudson and elsewhere. Others of the faculty and students, taking the opposite ground, and the Board of Managers also being divided upon the question, not so much, perhaps, in principle, as in regard to the propriety of its agitation in an institution open alike to Abolitionists, Coloniza- tionists and Slaveholders, a majority of the Board finally passed a resolution against the innovation. These discussions, with attendant criminations and recrimi- nations, participated in by the people of Hudson, generally, and the hitherto w^arm friends of the college, elsewhere, tended to promote w^ithdra^vals, prevent accessions, diminish subscriptions, donations and endow^ments, and to greatly retard its usefulness and prosperity; (anti-slavery people believing, from the action of the Board, that the institution w^as pro-slavery in sentiment and purpose; and pro-slavery people believing from the utterances of the president and other members of the faculty and students, that it was thoroughly anti-slavery in its aims and tendencies); in fact, with the death of President Storrs at this time (Septem- ber 15, 1833), and the resignation of several of the professors, entirely broke up the faculty. An Historic Guide-Post. — Ohio was at that time — in the early and middle thirties — decidedly pro-slavery in sentiment, with cer- tain rare exceptions, like Hudson, Tallmadge, and perhaps a few- other towns on the Western Reserve, and in most places it ^vas quite riskj^ for an anti-slavery man to appear upon the rostrum as a lecturer upon that subject. Thus, towns suspected of the taint of Abolitionism, were largely held in contempt by the outside "world, and made the butt of many unkind remarks, practical jokes, etc. In the early Spring of 1835, the writer paid his first visit to Ohio, sojourning for several weeks in Aurora, with his friend, Colonel Artemas W. Stocking, afterwards for many years a citizen of Painesville. Colonel Stocking w^as a carriage-maker by trade, but did such occasional jobs of painting, sign-writing, etc., as the neighborhood required. One of the township trustees was talking Avith the Colonel, one day, about placing guide-posts, at the several road crossings of the town. Aurora, at that time, -was largely pro- slavery in sentiment, and the w^riter, having spent the previous year and a half in the South, had also become somewhat impreg- nated with slave-holding notions. Hudson having often been spoken of as a rabid abolition tow^n, the writer being something of an "artist," in connection w^ith Colonel Stocking's younger brother, ■"Sam," also quite a "genius," proposed to the trustee to get up a guide-board for the diagonal road to Hudson, free of expense, if he Avould permit us to carry out the little design we had concocted, PRESIDENT PIERCE S ADMINISTRATION, 82^ which he assented to. We accordingly built a strong, heavily- banded and cleated board, about three feet square, upon which, on a white back-ground, we painted the bust of a stalwart young negro, with expanded optics, broad nostrils, and protruding lips, his broad grin disclosing a couple of rows of ivory teeth, and with the index finger of his right hand pointing in the proper direction, saying : J|@°"' Dis de road to Hudson ! " Bolting this board firmly to a solid oak post, aided by the numerous "Young America" of the neighborhood, we planted it on the south angle of the road in question. We had supposed that the anti-slavery people would take umbrage at it, and take meas- ures for its summary removal, but they seemed to enjoy the joke^ as well as their pro-slavery neighbors, and the Aurora-Hudson guide-board remained standing for many years, eliciting many a guffaw from the passing traveler, and attaining almost a State- wide notoriety. HON. SYLVESTER H. THOMP- SON,— won of Dr. Moses and Elizabeth (Mills) Thompson, among- the very earliest settlers of Summit county, was born in Hudson, July 28, 1808 ; educated in pioneer district schools ; raised to farm life, at 22 began farming for himself ; May 14, 1833, was married to Caroline D. Peck, of Waterbury, Connecticut, who bore him seven children — Charles S., deceased ; Sherman P., now^ a pros- perous farmer of Htidson ; Martha E., now Mrs. P. G. Clark, of East Cleveland ; Theodore F., now a prom- inent dealer in carriages, implements, etc., in Ravenna ; Albert S., carpenter and builder in Cleveland ; two dying- in infancy. Active in all public affairs, he held many positions of trust in his native township, resign- ing the office of justice of the peace to accept the appointment of asso- ciate judge of Summit county, on the resignation of his old neighbor, Judge John B. Clark, in 1846, which office he ably filled till the taking- effect of the new constitution in February, 1852; in 1859 was elected representative to the State Legisla- ture, serving two 5'ear8 ; in 1864, was HON. SYLVESTER H. THOMPSON. appointed oominissioner ; was con- nected with City National Bank of Akron, and its president thirteen years. Mrs. Thompson died Novem- ber 23, 1876, the Judge himself dying- January 15, 1883, aged 74 j^ears, 5 months and 17 daj'S. Reorganization, New President, Etc. — For a full year, after the culmination of these dissensions, the college was w^ithout a proper head, though the management had become so far harmonized as to provide instruction for the several classes, and gradually fill the chairs made vacant by the resignation of the professors, as above stated. In March, 1834, Rev. George E. Pierce, a graduate of Yale and of Andover Theological Colleges, then the successful pastor of the Congregational Church of Harwinton, Conn., was elected pres- ident, but not inaugurated until commencement of that year.. President Pierce, in addition to being a fine scholar, and an able preacher, wras a man of large stature, commanding presence, and untiring energy. Hitherto, the financial affairs of the college 830 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. had been largely, if not wholly, under the control of the Board of Managers or Trustees. But President Pierce immediately entered upon the work, by personal effort, of increasing the endowments and enlarging the facilities of the college — erecting new buildings, creating new^ professorships, increasing the apparatus, library and cabinets, elevating the standard of scholarships, etc.. so that in two or three years, the effects of the late "onpleasantnesses" began to disappear, and the college entered upon a new era of efficiency and prosperity ; by an amendment to the charter a Medical Depart- ment being established, at Cleveland, in 1844. Prosperity, Adversity, Etc. — Our limited space will not permit us to minutely follow the fortunes and misfortunes of the college, through the twent3^-one years of President Pierce's administration. The first ten years had been decidedly auspicious and prosperous, both in attendance, efficiency of professors and tutors, and profi- ciency of pupils, as well as financially successful, considering the general monetar}^ stringency of the last half of that decade. But the last eleven years of President Pierce's incumbency w^ere marked by much that was annoying and unpleasant, both to the president, the faculty and the board of trustees, and detrimental to the interests of the college, generally. The large expenditure for new buildings, and in maintaining the new professorships which had been established, (although no excessive salaries were paid,) had created a large permanent indebtedness (at one time as high as $28,(XX)) w^hich the natural income of the college, and the annual subscriptions to the general fund did not meet. Portions of other funds were from time to time used to meet erner- gencies, w^hich, though done in good faith, and w^ith the most honest intentions, served, in the absence of a thorough system of keeping the accounts, to complicate the financial affairs of the college, and to engender distrust, and create grave differences between the president, the faculty and the trustees, finally extend- ing to outside friends and patrons of the college, and almost resulting in the financial, professional and scholastic bankruptcy of the institution ; in 1852-3, the president, one professor, one tutor and twenty-three students comprising the entire roster of the college for those years, without a single graduate in 1853. President Hitchcock's Administration. — Thus matters remained, until May 3d, 1855, when President Pierce resigned, and Rev. Henry L. Hitchcock, then preaching in Columbus (son of the venerable Peter Hitchcock, one of the pioneer settlers of Burton) w^as elected as his successor, entering upon his duties at com- mencement, July 12th, 1855. President Hitchcock, then 42 years of age, small of stature, but big with energy and enthusiasm, not only assumed control of the educational affairs of the college— thor- oughly reorganizing and harmonizing the several departments — and the pastorate of the college church (organized during the administration of President Storrs, in 1831), but also took upon his own shoulders the herculean task of paying off the college indebt- edness (then about $22,000) and of securing an ample permanent and general fund for the proper running of the college, without the financial friction and embarrassment which had hitherto hampered its progress and impaired its usefulness. To this end, firm but kindly efforts were made to collect the delinquent dues upon former pledges, and the most untiring RESIGNATION AND DEATH OF PRESIDENT HITCHCOCK. 831 personal effort ^vas made by President Hitchcock to obtain new- subscriptions to both the general and the permanent funds. This effort, notwithstanding the severe stringency of the times immediately preceding the war, and the business and financial derangement caused by the war, was so magnificently successful, that at the time of his death, in 1873 — a little less than eighteen years — he had not only extinguished the debt above alluded to, but had added $67,000 to the permanent fund, and $99,000 to the general fund — all, except the trifling amount of about $6,000, being raised by his own personal solicitation and influence. No wronder that he broke down, in the prime of his ripe manhood (60 years); a sacrifice to the educational, spiritual and pecuniary interests of Western Reserve College. Owing to the strain upon his physical system, President Hitch- cock finally tendered his resignation, which was reluctantly accepted, in 1871, though he still continued to discharge the duties of professor and pastor, and to manage the finances, until his somewhat sudden and unexpected death, July 6th, just previous to commencement in 1873. JUDGE VAN RENSSELAER HUM- J PHREY.-born in Goshen, Con- necticut, July 28, 1800 ; common school education ; at 17 eng-ag-ed in teaching-, at the same time studying- law under Theodore North, Esq., being- admitted to the bar, September 26, 1820, while yet under 20 years of age ; Aj^ril 17, 1821, was married to Miss Stella Beach, of Goshen, the fol- low^ing June emig-rating* to Ohio, after a short sojourn in Norton and Twinsburg, settling in Hudson, where he acquired a large practice in Portage, Medina and adjacent coun- ties ; in 1828 was elected representa- tive to the State Legislature, and re-elected in 1829; in 1837 was appointed by the Legislature presi- dent judge of the third judicial dis- trict, serving with great abilitj^ for the full term of seven years, on retir- ing from the bench, in 1844, resuming his law practice, which he success- fully followed until his sudden death from apoplexy, September 5, 1864, at the age of 64 years, 1 month and 7 days. Mrs. Humphrey dying- April 8, 1832, he was again married, August 22, 1839, to Mrs. Laura Maria (Pease) Tallmage, of Warren, who still sur- vives. By his first marriage, Judge Humphrey was the father of two daughters and two sons, two of whom JUDGE VAN RENSSELAER HUMPHREY. are now living— Stella (now Mrs. ex- U. S. Senator Conger, of Michig-an), and James Kent, of St. Paul, Minne- sota, and by his second marriage of two sons — Calvin Pease Humphrey, now a successful attorney in Akron, and Clarence, now of Chicago. Theological DeparTiMent Abolished. — Though the establish- ment of Western Reserve College, as a distinct institution, grew out of dissatisfaction with the arrangement w^hich had been made by the "Society for the education of indigent pious young men for the ministry" with the trustees of the "Erie Literary Institute," at Burton, as above set forth, and though theology was sought to 832 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. be made the prominent feature of the college, the fond anticipa- tions of its founders, in that regard, were never fully realized.. Though supplied with earnest and faithful professors and teachers^ and though students in that department were nearly as numerous as in others, there w^as such a dearth of subscriptions to its endow^- ment fund, that it was utterly impossible to pay the requisite salaries, and the several chairs were vacated about 1859, and never again filled, though the general religious purpose and character of the college was thenceforth continuously and consistently main- tained. President Carroll Cutler. — On the acceptance of President Hitchcock's resignation, in 1871, Professor Carroll Cutler was promoted to the presidency, immediately assuming its duties, though not formally inaugurated until commencement, 1872. Not burdened -with the financial management of the college, the presi- dent had comparatively fair sailing for about two years, when the death of Doctor Hitchcock devolved upon President Cutler the business management of the college, also. During these two years of exemption from triple duty, the discharge of his double duty as president and professor had been in every way satisfactory, w^hich success, even with the additional burdens placed upon him, was co-extensive w^ith his incumbency. But the old adage about "too many irons in the fire," holds good in educational as well as in mechanical affairs. Increased professorships, and necessarily constantly increasing expenditures on buildings, apparatus, etc., and the forced lack (by reason of his scholastic duties) of that personal application and energy given to the financial and business department by his predecessor, at length caused the monetary affairs of the college to tighten up again, necessitating a vigorous agitation of the question among the alumni and other friends of the college, in regard to "ways and tneans to place the institution on an endow^ment basis commensurate with its present and future necessities. Removal to Cleveland. — About this time, too, the question began to be mooted, among the alumni and the trustees residing in that city, about removing the college to Cleveland, the argument being that its location in so populous a city w^ould bring to it an infinitely greater pupilage than could possibly be secured in a rural village like Hudson, and a wealth of money and influence that alone could make it what it should be, a first-class university. Responsive to this suggestion, a -wealthy resident of Cleveland, Mr. Amasa Stone, made a formal offer to the trustees to donate to the college $500,000 (as a memorial offering to his deceased son, Adelbert), on condition that the college should be removed to Cleveland, and its name changed to "Adelbert College of Western Reserve University;" Mr. Stone, afterw^ards, also, providing in his will for a bequest of $100,000 additional, Hudson People Justly Indignant. — To this proposition — munificent as w^as the offer — the people of Hudson and vicinity entered a most earnest and righteous protest. Established in times that truly "tried men's souls," and pockets, too, and maintained for over half a century amid the most appalling difficulties and perplexities, now that old Western Reserve College, of Hudson — w^ell and favorably known everywrhere — w^as really in the height of its usefulness, w^ith all needed buildings and appurtenances, and COLLEGE REMOVED TO CLEVELAND. 833 requiring only a moderate degree of liberality on the part of its many weathy alumni, to secure to it perpetual future success, it seemed to them little less than sacrilege to not only remove the institution to another locality, but also to absolutely blot out the very name by which it had been so long and so affectionately and reverently known. pAPTAIN JAMES H. SEYMOUR, v> — born in Colebrook, Connecti- cut, July 16, 1842 ; came with parents to Hudson, Ohio, in 1851 ; attended Hudson public schools, and Western Reserve Colleg-e Preparatory School four years ; 1858 to 186(), traveling- salesman for his father in wholesale cracker business ; September 4, 1861, enlisted in regimental band of 2d O. V. C. ; discharged by general order No. 91, war department, September 4, 1862; tendered commission in 12th O. V. C, but, being needed at home, declined the appointment ; commis- sioned first lieutenant in O. N. G., in 1864, by Governor Brough, and while in camp in Cleveland, promoted to captain ; same 5'ear entered U. S. ser- vice in Q. M. department, at Duvall's Bluff, Arkansas; detailed as clerk and given charge of transportation on White and Mississippi rivers, and the military railroad betweenDuvall's Bluff and Little Rock ; also, by appointment of Ohio State Commis- sion, superintended taking vote of troops and employes, in October 1864, soon after which the sudden death of his father necessitated his resigna- tion and return to Hudson ; engaging in the grocery and provision busi- ness, he was often elected a member of village council ; served fourteen years as village clerk, fifteen years on board of education, fourteen years as cemetery trustee and treasurer, and otherwise devoted himself to the public welfare, being a charter mem- CAPTAIN JAMES H. SEYMOUR. ber of Sherman Post, No. 68, G. A. R., post commander eight years, and post adjutant seven j^ears, with still higher honors in the order, both State and National. In 1887, was elected treasurer of Summit county, and re-elected in 1889, serving four years. Captain Seymour was married July 24, 1865, to Miss Louisa Coe. of Hud- son, who died April 18, 1887, leaving- one daughter — Anna C. ; was again married, April 9, 1888, to Miss Martha L. Webb, of Springfield, who has borne him two children— Marian and Ruth. The Deed Accomplished. — After many meetings and much tempestuous discussion, how^ever, the majority of the trustees voted to accept Mr. Stone's proposition and the transfer was luade in 1882. President Cutler, by virtue of his presidential incumbency in the old, continued at the head of the new institution, in addition to his presidential duties filling the Handy Chair of Intellectual Philosophy, and continuing in charge of the financial and business affairs of the University. After fifteen years of faithful service as president, with the added duties devolved upon him, as indicated. President Cutler resigned the presidency and business cares at the close of the college year, in 1886, and assumed for a time the duties of teacher in the Handy professorship, above alluded to. After an interregnum of nearly a year and a half, Rev. H. C. Haydn, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Cleveland, w^as elected to the pres«idency of the college in November, 1887. President Haydn after three years of faithful service, was succeeded 53 834 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. by Charles F. Thwing, D. D., who was inaugurated February 9, 1891, the new institution thus far (November, 1891) notwithstanding its more imposing title, and its more pretentious location, scarcely more than holding its OAvn, in point of yearly attendance and graduations, with the venerable institution w^hich it despoiled of its fair name and time-honored heritage. Hudson Still a Literary Center. — The arrangements, as finally consummated, for the removal of the college, proper, to Cleveland, provided for the retention and occupation of the build- ings, fixtures, apparatus, etc., at Hudson, as a Preparatory School, under the title of "Western Reserve Academy," in which capacity, under the direction of the trustees of " Adelbert College of West- ern Reserve University," and with Professor Newton B. Hobart, as principal, and James S. Chamberlain, John Dickerman, Gillette Wynkoop and Miss Nanna Barclay, as instructors, it is still one of the very best academic institutions in the Western country, not only as preparatory to a college course of study, but as affording an opportunity to those not contemplating entering college, to acquire a thorough practical education, especial facilities being offered to those intending to follow the profession of teaching — both ladies and gentlemen. Average number of pupils 75. The old Western Reserve College buildings, now occupied as above, consist of a chapel, observatory, Athanseum, the north, middle and south college buildings and five dwelling houses. The village of Hudson has also a high school and four primary schools, under the superintendency of Mr. C. F. Seese; scholars in former, 36; in latter, 220. The Color Line — Co-Education. — Western Reserve College, like all similar institutions of that early day, without any express regulation upon that subject, v/as supposed to be intended for white male students, only, though in point of fact, without any formal official action upon the question, colored students w^ere from time to time admitted — one as early as 1832, who went through the regular college course of four years, graduating with honors, and spending one year in the t-lieological department. Previous to the accession of President Cutler, in 1871, the question of co-education of the sexes had been largely discussed in other colleges, and though as yet no applications of that nature had been made at Western Reserve, in his inaugural address, in 1872, President Cutler announced that women would be admitted to the privileges of the college on the same conditions as men, a number of young ladies afterwards being in attendance, both at Western Reserve and Adelbert. But, in the year of Grace, 1887, in casting about for the cause of the declension of the college, since its removal to Cleveland, in spite of its wealthy and aristocratic environments, and its munifi- cent endowments, it w^as concluded that w^oman was the "Jonah" who w^as sinkingthe magnificent ship, and at the annual cominence- ment in 1888, the trustees formally decided against co-education, but established a Ladies' Department, and so far as the w^riter is advised the affairs of the college are now harmonious and pros- perous. Hudson as a Railroad Center. — In 1836, a charter was obtained for the construction of the Cleveland & Pittsburg road, through Hudson, but by reason of the immediate breaking down EARLY RAILROAD PROJECTS. 835 of the finances of the country, by the panic of 1837, the charter lapsed, before work was begun upon the line. A renewal of the •charter was obtained in 1845, and the work ^vas proceeded with, the people of Hudson subscribing liberally, in lands, for right of w^ay, money, etc., the road being finally completed from Cleveland to Hudson in the winter of 1851-52. pHARLES C. HINE,— son of Hial ^ M. and Mary (Pease) Hine, was born in Twinsburg-, May 1, 1842 ; edu- cated in district schools and at Twins- burg Institute; raised a farmer; October 8, 1867, was married to Miss Ellen M. Farrar, of Hudson, and located on a farm in that township the same Fall. In politics, Mr. Hine is an ardent Republican and active in all public affairs, having served as trustee of Hudson township for eight <:onsecutive years. In October, 1885, Mr. Hine was elected county commis- sioner, entering upon his duties the following December ; was re-elected in 1888, and is still (October, 1891), ably and intelligently filling that responsible position. Mr. and Mrs. Hine are the parents of one daughter, -only — Florence Farrar Hine, born May 9, 1876. CHARLES C. HINE. Meantime, the people of Hudson, Cuyahoga Falls and Akron had projected the "Akron Branch," now the Cleveland, Akron &c •Columbus railroad, on an amendment to the charter of the first named road, to which road, completed to Akron, in 1852, Hudson w^as also a liberal contributor. The completion of these roads so favorably affected the business and agricultural interests of Hud- son, that they came to believe that they couldn't have "too much of a good thing," and were, consequently, more than ready to enter into any new project that seemed to give promise of increasing the boom that was then beginning to be felt in the business, industrial and educational departments of the town. Accordingly, when the ^'Clinton Line Railroad" from Hudson east to the Pennsyl- vania State line, which was to be one of the links of " The Great American Railway," from the Atlantic seaboard to the Pacific, w^as organized, in 1852, the people of Hudson w^ere among its most active promoters. Professor Henry N. Day, of Western Reserve College, becoming its president, and very largely assuming its management, to the stock and right of way of w^hich the people of Hudson unstintedly contributed. So, also, to the "Clinton Line Extension" link, from Hudson to Tiffin, organized in 1853, also under the presidency of Professor Day, and with Hon. Van R. Hutnphrey as principal trustee, like liberal investments w^ere made in lands and money, by the people of Hudson. The "Hud- son & Painesville" project also, designed to be a continuation of the "Akron Branch" direct to Lake Erie, organized in 1853, with Judge Humphrey as its president, was also generously promoted by Hudson's public spirited inhabitants. These three projects, in the furtherance of which Hudson had literallj'' turned her pockets inside out, w^ere simultaneously and 836 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. vigorously prosecuted for about two years, the official reports for 1855 showing that forty per cent, of the grading, bridging and masonry upon the Clinton Line had been done; that about $70,000 had been expended upon the eastern division of the Clinton Line Extension (chiefly between Hudson and Ghent), while a large proportion of the work upon the Hudson & Painesville had also been completed. Expenditures exceeding estimates, monetary affairs tighten- ing dow^n, together with the difficulty of raising additional local subscriptions, or even collecting maturing installments upon those already made, necessitated the suspension of wrork on all the roads named, early in 1856. While most of the impoverished con- tributors have gradually recovered from the financial embarrass- ments resulting therefrom, the three roads in question have since remained in statu quo, the lands on which they w^ere located hav- ing mostly, if not all, reverted to the original owners; though there are semi-occasional rumors to the effect that, sometime in the near future, the visions which absorbed the attention and the wealth, of the good people of Hudson, a third of a centurji ago,^ may yet be realized, by the resuscitation and completion of some, if not all, the roads in question. HUDSON'S BUSINESS STATUS. Primarily, the business of the tow^nship is bucolic— almost literally so — for while her thousands of fertile acres are capable of grow^ing all the various cereals and vegetables, and the very best of fruits adapted to this climate, her most reliable and profitable industry has hitherto been stock-growing and the dairy, though w^e are pleased to note that within the past year many fine fields of wheat have been harvested in the township. And, in this connection, it may be well to note the changes that a third of a century has w^rought in the mode of handling and marketing the products of the dairy, in Hudson and other towns traversed by railroads, and contiguous to that modern lacteal institution, the cheese factory. Instead of being worked up by the old hit-or-miss process of setting curds, the uncertain pressure of the rickety old style hand press, and the manipulation of ye , ancient dashing and splashing hand-churn, and disposing of their unevenly made products to the local tradesman in exchange for merchandise at barter prices, hundreds of gallons of milk are now- daily shipped to Cleveland from this single township, affording a small but steady cash margin to the producer, while other hun- dreds of gallons are daily taken to contiguous cheese and butter factories, at generally living prices, to be w^orked up, by uniform and scientific processes, into merchantable cheese and palatable butter. Through the kindness of S. Straight & Co., Ave ^vere furnished in 1887 with a statement of their cheese and butter operations for the year 1886, which, as showing Hudson's approximate interest in the matter w^e condense as follow^s: Of the three regular cheese and butter factories in Hudson, proper, one conducted by Messrs. Straight & Co., and one each by M. D. Call and W. A. Curtiss (the latter operated by McNeil & Cassidy), all, probably, doing about an equal amount of business, the previous year (1886), the Straight factory bought 1,226,254 pounds of milk, at the cost of Hudson's early business matters. " 837 $11,397.50 producing 101,387 pounds of cheese and 26,465 pounds of butter. According to Messrs. Call and McNeil & Cassidy, an ■equal amount of business, we have an aggregate of 3,678,762 pounds of milk, selling for $34,102.50, and producing 304,161 pounds of cheese and 79,395 pounds of butter. That year (1886) the milk industry reached its lowest point of depression in ten years, the average being fully 25 per cent, above the figures given, so that, with the Sweitzer cheese factory of Mr. John Mack and the ship- ment of milk to Cleveland, the total yearly average of that industry in Hudson w^ould not fall much, if any, short of $50,000. Karly Manufactures. — The first grist-mill, nearer than the Valley of the Ohio, accessible to the early settlers of Hudson, was at Newburg, erected in 1800, and access to this, through the dense forest, and ov^er unbridged streams, was both difficult and danger- ous. The distance was but 22 miles, but three days' time — one in ^oing, one in waiting for the grist and one in returning — w^ere consumed in performing the journey. The first w^heat harvested in the township was by Thaddeus Lacej', 183 bushels, on the nine acres planted for Mr. Hudson, on lot eleven, in 1799, Mr. Lacey receiving one fourth of the product for harvesting and threshing. Of the remaining three-fourths, Mr. Hudson's share was about 34 bushels, the remainder going to his co-proprietors. Of this wheat, Samuel Bishop took a load to the Newburg mill, receiving one-half of the flour, feed, etc., for his trouble. But Mr. Hudson had thoughtfully included in his orders for supplies a small pair of mill stones and, in 1801, in connection with Ezra Wyatt, commenced the erection of a mill on Tinker's Creek, in the northeastern portion of the township, Aaron Norton taking Mr. Wyatt's place in the enterprise before the mill -was completed ; a distillery also being established in connection writh the mill by Messrs. Hudson & Norton, both being completed in 1802, but a year or so later both were destroyed by fire. Captain Heman Oviatt and George Darrow also erected and for several years, l)oth before and after the close of the War of 1812, carried on quite extensive distilleries in Hudson, it being found that the Indians were not the onl^^ persons fond of fire-water, even among the generally staid and sober pioneer settlers of Hudson. Several savv^-mills were erected on the different streams running through the township and a number of tanneries were also established, the firsi that of Owen Brown, father of the immortal John Brown, of Harper's Ferry fame, that hero, himself, also A^^orking at the business for a number of years. The ashery business also, during the clearing up of the forests, was a prominent business of the town, the products, black salts, potash, pearlash, etc., finding a market in Pittsburg, Cleveland, Buffalo, etc. Early Hotels, Merchants, Etc. — For several years every house in Hudson was a house of entertainment, the private latch- string always hanging out for the accommodation of the stranger and the traveler, though at quite an early day Captain Heman Oviatt formally opened his log cabin, a mile south of the village, as a house of public entertainment. The first regular inn, within the limits of the township, however, was the large frame house of Deacon David Hudson, a short distance north of the public square, opened to the public in 1813 — the same house now^ occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Harvey Baldwin, and in which, when a girl in her 838 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. teens, she officiated as bar-maid and general assistant to her good mother, in the conduct of the house and in caring for the guests- In 1816, George Kilbourn opened a tavern on the Justin Kilbourn place ; about 1825 Augustus Baldwin opened a hotel on the site of the present Buss residence, and about 1833, the Mansion House, -which still survives, was built, its first landlord being Samuel Edgerly, father of Mr. Charles H. Edgerly and Mrs. Sarah M. E^ Battels, wife of Akron's well-known photographer Mr. B. F. Battels. This house has had many proprietors during the nearly sixty years of its existence, and though at times, perhaps, a trifle too liberal in the dispensation of intoxicants, to suit the abstemious notions of the average Hudsonian, has generally been regarded as a good house by the traveling public, its present owner and keeper, 1891, being Mr. A.. A. Edson. The Hotel Delta, recently established on Peninsula road, opposite depot, is kept by Mr. Henry A. Bissell. The first store was kept by Captain Heman Oviatt, in his log cabin, one mile south of the center, trade being mostly with Indians, exchanging blankets, shawls, powder, lead, whiskey, etc.,^ for skins, which were transported on horses to Pittsburg, and hi& stock replenished by the same mode of conveyance, from that city. In 1806 he removed to the center, where he did a lucrative business for many years, afterwards entering into partnership with Mr. Zenas Kent (father of Hon. Marvin Kent, of Kent), and opening a store at Ravenna ; also being interested writh Mr. Allison Kent, at Canfield, and Mr. Roswell Kent, at Middlebury. As illustrating the mode of doing business in the absence of money, in those early days, the foUow^ing document copied from the records of Portage county is reproduced : "Received, Hudson, December 6th, 1800, of David Hudson, a certain three-year-old black coav which I am to keep for her milk until the first day of May next, and at that time return to said Hudson at his d\velling house, in good flesh unless said cow is killed by lightning; or in case I do not return said cow on that da^, I am to pay for said cow in good merchantable, yard-wide linen brown cloth at 33i^ cents per yard. The cow to remain Hudson's property until returned or paid for as above. The cow^ is valued at $14. Signed, Stephen Upson. "Ebenezer Sheldon, ) ^tt,... "George Kilbourn, ( Witnesses We can only give the names of a few of those who have carried on business in Hudson during the 91 years of its existence — the many not even having an abiding place in the memory of the present "oldest inhabitant." Besides those mentioned, Augustus and Frederick Baldwin, Dudley Humphrey, J. H. Crawford & Co., Hill & James, Kent & Brewster, Hamlin & Dawes, Anson A. Brewster, Hamlin & Ellsworth, Ellsworth & Buss, Hamlin Sc Buss,- Buss & Bond, Hart Brothers, John Buss, Sawyer, IngersoU & Co., D. Marshall & Co., J. C. Snyder, I. C. Dow, Morrell & IngersoU, Wm. M. Beebe, H. R. Seymour, M. Dewey & Co., Farrar & King, O. W. Farrar, N. V. Wadsworth, John Markilie, Richard Hanson &c Sons, Neibel & Cooper, Jacob Neibel, James H. Seymour, D. D. Beebe^ Dr. A. E. Berbower, James K. Frost, John M. Seidell, etc., are remembered among Hudson's former business men, mercantile^ mechanical and otherwise. Hudson's business reverses, 839 The Boom and the Collapse. — The advent of the C. & P. and Akron Branch Railroads, and the projection of the several other railroad schemes elsewhere mentioned, in the early fifties, stimu- lated enterprise in other directions and the tovk^n and village entered upon an era of speculative improvements commensurate with its prospective importance as a great railroad center. It was already the literary center of Northern Ohio, and why should it not become the business emporium also? Professor Henry N. Day, of the college, having some cash capital of his own, as w:ell as having many capitalistic friends, built the large five-sided brick block, on Aurora street, known as the "Pentagon," in which, besides a number of mercantile operations, a large printing and book publishing house was established, with all the paraphernalia of presses, types, stereotyping, book-binding, etc., requisite for successful competition with the best Kastern houses, if business could be found to sustain it. About this time, also, a large planing mill and lumber yard was established, near the depot, by J. W. Smith & Co., one of the mercantile firms of the Pentagon, for the purpose of supplying and w^orking up the large amount of building material to meet tht^ requirements of the boom. A large steam flouring mill was built and put in operation a little west of the present union passenger depot, by Henry A, Tallmadge and ex-Sheriff Lewis M. Janes, afterwards transferred to ex-Sheriff Thomas Wilson, but a few- years later w^as destroyed by fire ; large butter, cheese and produce warehouses were established, near the old depot by J. C, Snyder and I, C, Dow, and, altogether, Hudson was decidedly a live business town for the period of about three years from 1853 to 1856. The collapse of the three railroad schemes — the " Clinton Line," the "Clinton Line Extension" and the "Hudson & Painesville," in 1855, '56, also brought disaster to all the enterprises named, the Hudson Book Company making an assignment with liabilities greatly in excess of its assets, and J. W, Smith & Co,, the Lumber Company, J. C. Snyder, I. C. Dow and Tallmadge & Co., going under with liabilities aggregating hundreds of thousands of dollars, also very seriously crippling many of the other business operators of the village, who had built upon the bright future presaged by the boom alluded to. Gradual Recuperation. — Though for several years the depres- sion in the business circles of Hudson w^as very great, and though, in the intervening years, some serious mercantile disasters have occurred, the town has gradually assumed, and now maintains the average of theWestern Reserve village of 1,000 to 1,200 inhabitants. The population of Hudson township and village, in 1840, was 1,220, while the total of township and village as shown by the census of 1880 was 1,816, a gain of 597 — nearly 50 per cent, in the forty years — notwithstanding the many reverses alluded to, the census of 1890 placing the figures at 1,797 — a falling off of 20 — the village itself numbering 1,143 souls. The past third of a century, however, has wrought vast changes in the methods of doing business, as witnesses the account given elsewhere of the milk product of Hudson township. As an incident to, and a necessity of, this change of method, Messrs, S. Straight & ^ Co, having come into possession of the. Pentagon property, fitted it up as headquarters for the immense cheese and 840 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. butter business established by them in 1867, embracing in 1887, fourteen factories in Hudson and contiguous townships. In addition to the shelving capacity of the Pentagon block itself (about 15,000 cheeses) building 60x60 foot two story brick curing house, with basement, with shelving for 12,000 cheeses, and storage capacity for 250,000 pounds of butter, with ice house, air tubes, fan, engine, elevator, and all the necessary paraphernalia for handling, preserving, packing and marketing the immense yearly product of the several factories named. As showing the magni- tude of this interest, the firm report the aggregate business of their fourteen factories in 1886 as follows: Milk bought, 8,392,797 pounds; cost $65,782.62; cheese made, 700,227 pounds; butter made, 171,669 pounds, though w^e are informed that within the past year or tw^o, Mr. Straight has sold the majority of his factories to other parties. Other Industries. — As an adjunct to the immense business just w^ritten of, the cheese box and butter tub factory, of Mr. E. A. Osborne, established in 1870, w^ith a capacity of about 300 boxes and 100 tubs per day, is w^orthy of mention; also a similar factory, established in 1878, by Erastus Croy, now operated by Mr. E. B. Shields, the former being destroyed by fire in January, 1890. For a number of years subsequent to the destruction of the Wilson mills, above alluded to, quite an extensive flouring mill was maintained near the depot, but the building having passed into the hands of Mr. E. J. Lobdell, was devoted to the manufac- ture of all kinds of buggy lumber, until burned in January, 1890, the business having since been removed to Marietta, Ohio. About 1878, the Oviatt Manufacturing Company w^as organized and suitable buildings erected, south of the depot, for the purpose of manufacturing the patented inventions of Mr. Solomon E. Oviatt (formerly of Richfield) — Oviatt's thresher and separator, common sense wagon, independent runner sled, etc., but though promising well for a year or two, either from lack of adequate capital, proper enterprise or judicious management, the company came to financial grief, and the business was abandoned. Hudson's Present BuvSiness Status.— Dry goods, Charles H. Buss, Henry Wehner; groceries, Dennis J. Joyce, George V. Miller, James A. Jacobs, E. E. Lewis; drugs, John Whedon, Edwin S. Bentley; shoes, Sebastian Miller; books, Edwin S. Bentley; stoves and tinware, R. H. Grimm, John N. Farrar; harness, John G. Mead, Cornelius A. Campbell; blacksmiths, Charles H. Farwell, Charles R. Cash, Perry N. Shively; carriages, James L. Doncaster; machin- ist, Samuel Bediant; bakery, Ralph T. Miller; meat markets, George V. Miller, Philip Wendling; undertaker, James L. Doncas- ter; syrup evaporators. The G. H. Grimm Manufacturing Company; hotels, American, A. A. Edson; Hotel Delta, Henry A. Bissell; livery, Andrew May & Company; lawyers, Matthew C. Read, Horace B. Foster; dentist. Dr. E. E. Rogers; physicans, Drs. Frank Hodge, L. D. Osborn, George L. Starr, Horace C. Coolman; jew- elers, Samuel Fletcher, A. Pettingell; news dealer, David M. Darrow; saloons, 5; the latter "industry " being out of all propor- tions to the requirements of so staid and sober a people, as are the majority of the inhabitants of the village and township. Municipal Affairs. — ^April 1, 1837, Hudson village was incor- porated by an act of the Legislature, the territory embraced in the Hudson's municipal status. 841 ■corporation being 480 rods in length, from north to south, and 320 rods in width, from east to west, the exact geographical center being the center of the east and w^est and north and south center roads. Some small tracts outside of these bounds, notably on Aurora street, have been laid out into lots and handsomely improved, but have never been formally annexed to the village plat. The first election, under the charter, was held on Tuesday, May 2, 1837, the officers then elected being as follows: Mayor, Captain Heman Oviatt; recorder, Lyman W. Hall; trustees, Frederick Baldwin, John B. Clark, Jesse Dickinson, Harvey Baldwin and Daniel C. Gaylord. As showing the shrinkage of values and the .resources of the property holders, caused by the panic of 1837, it may be stated here that the tax lists of 1837, place the value of the real estate of the village at $93,967.58, and the personal property at $19,474, while the list of 1844 (seven years later) give the real estate at $30,427 and the personal property at $12,177, only. Mayors for Over Half Century. — In the fifty- four years of Hudson's corporate existence, its successive mayors, elected yearly, have been as follows: Heman Oviatt, 1837; 1838, George E. Butler; 1839, Charles R. Hamlin; 1840, Anson A. Brewster; 1841, Dr. Israel Town; 1842, J. W. Selby; 1843, E. E. Parks; 1844, '45, Harvey Whedon; 1846, Herman Peck; 1847, John Buss; 1848, George Ved- der; 1849, S. E. Judd; 1850, George E. Pierce; 1851, '52, Van R. Humphrey; 1853, '54, E. B. Ellsworth; 1855, Anson A. Brewster; 1856, George P. Ashmun; 1857, Anson A. Brewster; 1858, John Buss; 1859, Isaac L'Hommedieu; 1860, Henry L. Hitchcock; 1861, D. D. Morrell; 1862, William" Pettingell; 1863, '64, D. D.Beebe; 1865, Professor N.P.Seymour; 1866, '67, '68, Isaac L'Hommedieu; 1869, S. E. Judd; 1870, '71, William M. Beebe; 1872, '73, S. H. Thompson; 1874, '75, R. Bosworth; 1876, Charles R. Grant; 1877, Matthew C. Read; 1878, '79, S. E. Judd; 1880, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86, '87, Horace B.Foster; 1888, '89, '90, '91, Henry E. Lee. Of the27 persons who have been thus honored by the good people of Hudson, seven only are now (December, 1887,) living, viz.: Messrs. Judd, Morrell, Sey- mour, Grant, Read, Foster and Lee. The village government, though never called upon to grapple w^ith the great problems of grading, paving, sevi^ering, electric lighting, etc., that have agitated larger municipalities, has, never- theless, been of great service to the people of Hudson in conserving the public order, providing proper sidewalk and street improve- ments, regulating and beautifying the public square, cemetery, etc., and especially in the fostering care which it has ever bestowed upon the educational, religious and moral interests of the com- munity, having, in connection with the tow^nship, in 1878, '79, erected a handsome two-storj' brick tow^n hallj on the site of the old Congregational church, which, besides meeting rooms for the council and trustees, and a lockup on the ground floor, has a capa- cious well-seated public hall in the second story; in addition to which Adelphian Hall, in Farrar's block, west side of Main street, has a seating capacity of about 900. In the Newspaper Line. — The second town in what is now Summit county, to av^ail itself of the manifold blessings of the news- paper, was Hudson, the Portage Journal, established in Middle- bury, in 1825, having a priority of some two or three years. In 1827, a religious and literary paper called the Western Intelligencer, 842 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. » was established in Cleveland, which after several changes w^as suspended in 1829. In March, 1830, Mr. Warren Isham revived the paper in Hudson, under the name of the Obsever and Tele- graph, Mr. Isham changing the name in 1832, to the Ohio Observer. In f^ebruary, 1834, R. M. Walker and S. J. Bradstreet became its proprietors, and in December, 1834, Rev. James B. Walker, afterwards, for several years, pastor of the Congregational church in Akron, became its owner and editor, Mr. Walker being succeeded by Rev. A. P. Clarke in the Autumn of 1835. A Sledge-Hammer Kpisode. — The Observer was not only a profound religious sheet, and a good family newspaper, generally^ but it w^as especially devoted to the several reforms of the day — the anti-slavery reform, the temperance reform, moral reform, etc., and was remarkably plain-spoken in regard to the real or sup- posed infractions of the moral code. In those days, too, the tongue of the gossip and the scandal monger were fully as " waggish "^ (and perhaps more so) than at the present time. It coming to the ears of a prominent citizen that a scandal, which had been worked up against him, was about to appear in the columns of the Observer, in the shape of a series of resolutions adopted by the Female Moral Reform Society of Hudson, reflecting^ upon his moral character, he called upon the editor to ascertain the truth of the rumor. Getting no satisfaction in that direction, but learning from other sources that the objectionable matter was already upon the press, ready to be worked, the gentleman quietly stepped into a neighboring blacksmith shop, and,borroviringa heavy sledge, deliberately entered the Observer office and not only knocked the entire form into pi, but thoroughly crippled the press by demolishing the heavy cast-iron bed plate. It is not now^ remem- bered that any legal proceedings for damages were ever instituted against the w^ielder of the sledge, the presumption being that his summary action in the premises was justified by the general public, if not by the proprietors of the Observer themselves. Rev^ivification. — Printing presses were not as readily obtain- able in those days as now; and the Obseryer \vas removed to Cleveland and consolidated with the Cleveland Journal, l^ev. O. P. Hoyt being associated with Mr. Clark as editor. The Journal >vas suspended November 1, 1838, but resumed again January 9, 1839, and in April, 1840, returned to Hudson, resuming its old name, Ohio Observer, continuing, under various proprietors, until February, 1844, vi^hen the office was destroyed by fire. For a short time the paper was now printed at Cuyahoga Falls, but soon after- wards with a new outfit re-established in Hudson, and with many changes of proprietors and editors, and a great variety of vicissi- tude, it struggled on (its latest name being Ohio Observer and Register) until the general business collapse of the town, in 1855, *56, when it ceased to exist. It may properly be added, here, that the broken press above alluded to, was bought by Horace K. Smith and Gideon G. Galloway, of Akron, in 1836, furnished with a new bed-plate and otherwise repaired, and devoted to the publication of the American Balance, and its successor, the Summit Beacon, until its final destruction, in the first burning of the Beacon office January 9, 1848. Other Literary Experiments. — The Faniilv Visitor, started in Cleveland in 1850, and for a time published simultaneously in Hudson's military prowess. 843 Cleveland and Hudson, was wholly transferred to Hudson in Jan- uary, 1852, with Professor M. C. Read as sole editor, under whose auspices it w^as in every way a first-class scientific, literary, religi- ous and agricultural family new^spaper, but a c{uarter of a century ahead of the times, and for lack of adequate support its subscrip- tion list was transferred to the Observer in January, 1854. College Citv Venture was started by E. F. Chittenden, a former compositor on the Visitor, in July, 1866, with Professor Read as editor, who made a spicy, interesting paper of it for a few weeks, when it, too, was compelled to suspend for lack of proper pecuniary encouragement. Hudson Gazette, started in November, 1857, by Rev. Alexan- der Clarke, afterwards a D. 1)., and a man of note in the M. E.. church of Pennsylvania, was devoted to "commerce, education, agriculture, art and news," and though very ably edited, survived but a few weeks, only. Hudson Enterprise, established as an amateur paper, in con- nection with a small job office, in May, 1875, finally became a household necessity to the people and vicinity, and under various proprietors seemed for a time to be quite prosperous, but its purely local support being inadequate to meet the considerable weeky expense of its publication, it, too, was several years aga discontinued. ' > Hudson Gazette. Hudson's last local newspaper, a sprightly 32 column sheet, started November 23, 1888, by D. B. Sherw^ood & Son, independent in politics and everything else, had an existence of about one year only. HUDSON'S WAR ^HISTORY. Excepting Jonathan Draper, 80; John Walker, 77, and John Ellsworth, 78, reported as pensioners by the census of 1840, we are entirely without data as to Hudson's part in the war of the Revo- lution — 1776 to 1783 — though, originating mostly in the patriotic State of Connecticut, most undoubtedly several others of her early settlers participated in that glorious struggle. In the War of 1812 several Hudsonians took an active part, though of this no accurate w^ritten history has been handed down. The people of the Western Reserve, of that day, w^ere not only thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the Revolution, but, being upon the frontier, deemed it important to keep up military organi- zations for self-protection in case of trouble Avith their red-skinned neighbors. To this end, the able-bodied settlers of Hudson and vicinity were early organized into a military cornpany, with Amos Lusk as captain; this company with others, forming a battalion, with George Darrow^ as major, the battalion being under the jurisdiction of General Elijah Wadsworth, of Warren. After Gen- eral Hull's ignominious surrender at Detroit, in August, 1812, the news of which, and the rumored approach, eastward, of the British and Indians, caused a great panic in Hudson and sur- rounding towns, this battalion was ordered to Cleveland by Gen- eral Wadsw^orth, and from thence, when the scare w^as over, to Old Portage, then the headquarters of the Reserve militia. Later, Major Darrow^ and his battalion were assigned to the w^ork of opening a road through to Camp Huron, near Sandusky', 844 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. before completing Avhich, learning of the trouble \vhich the American troops were meeting with at the hands of the red-coats and red-skins, in the vicinity of Detroit, he hurried forward to reinforce the garrison at Fort Huron; afterwards being ordered to Fort Stephenson of which he was in command, until the defeat of General Winchester, at Frenchtown, when he w^as ordered to Maumee, to assist in the building of Fort Meigs; the names of Zina Post, Bben Pease and James G. Bishop, only, being monu- mentally recorded, in the cemeteries of the township, so far as the writer is advised, as being soldiers in that war, though there must have been at least a score besides those herein named. In regard to the Mexican War, of 1846-48, w^e can find no historical indica- tion that Hudson furnished a single soldier. Education and Patriotism. — In the War of the Rebellion, how^ever, Hudson w^as patriotic to the core. By reference to the Register of Graduates of Western Reserve College, compiled by President Cutler, in 1873, it will be seen that fully one hundred of the graduates of the college entered the army, nearly one-half of "whom enlisted directly from the college during the progress of the Avar, to saj^ nothing of those w^ho entered the service from the preparatory and medical departments, and of Avhom no adequate record is now available. Besides those' who volunteered from the college, in 1861, the remaining students, together with several of the professors, organ- ized for military drill, w^ith Colonel Haywood, of Cleveland, as drill-master. During the vacation, between the sessions of 1861 and 1862, many of the students enlisted from their several homes, and, on the call of President Lincoln for three months troops, after the reverses of the Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley, in May, 1862, the College Company, en masse, tendered their ser- vices to Governor Tod, which were promptly accepted. The com- pany, embracing some 35 or 40 students and professors, quite a number of the scholars in the preparatory school and several out- siders, (from 70 to 80 in all) was assigned, as Company B, to th^ 85th Regiment O. V. I., which regiment was never completed, the four companies thus assigned, being put on guard over rebel prisoners at Camp Chase, Columbus, later escorting a body of Confederate prisoners to Vicksburg for exchange; the college catalogue of 1862, ^63 stating that sixteen members of the college classes, and tw^enty-three members of the preparatory school were in the army. Of Company B, Professor Charles A. Young (nowr a distin- guished professor of astronomy in Princeton College), was Captain, and Professor Carroll Cutler (afterwards for fifteen years presi dent of Western Reserve and Adelbert College), was First Lieuten tant; W, C. Parsons (of the Selle Gear Works, Akron), was oopogal ; R. H. Wright (of the Buckeye Works), first sergeant; Judge E. W, Stuart, corporal and promoted to sergeant; C. P. Humphrey Esq., as third sergeant; the latter being early transferred to the 88tli. Regiment, as first sergeant and quartermaster, but almost imme- diately detailed as Post Adjutant of Camp Chase, in which capacity he served until mustered out in September, 1862. George A. Purington, an Akron boy, then a member of the preparatory school, went into the army as first sergeant of Company G, 19th, O. V. I., in April, 1861, in August 1861, as captain in Second Ohio Hudson's roll of honor. 845 Cavalry; promoted to major, lieutenant colonel and colonel; after the War joined the Kegular Army as captain of cavalry, and is now (1891) major of the 3rd U. S. C, with headquarters at Fort Clark, Texas. Outsiders Equally Patriotic. — Outside the college," the citizens of Hudson w^ere equally patriotic as the following roster,, prepared from memory, by Mr. George W. Church, and others, and from the assessors' returns for 1863, '64, '65, believed to be substan- tially correct, abundantly demonstrates : Robert Andrews, George P. Ashmun, Charles C. Ashmun, David Antles, William C. Bell, Henry J. Bell, Andrew Brewster, Allen C. Burrows, William M. Bebee, Jr., James H. Bateman, John Bullock, Edward Blackman, Charles A. Bunnell, David Baker, William Baker, Henry Beardsley, Alexander Burney, John Barnell, Rufus T. Chapman, George W. Church, Robert F. Cahill, Charles Clark, Clinton C. Chambers, John C. Coffey, Charles W, Clapp, Robert Cox, Mortimer Danforth, Albert D. Dunbar, Arvin Draper, James Draper, Cyrus H. Delong, Francis Danforth, Norman Darrow, Patrick Devaney, Cyrus B. Deacon, Edmund W. Deacon, Henry Doncaster, John Dusenbury, Jr., Ransom J. EUsw^orth, Harry Eggleston, James M. Foley, Charles Felton, Daniel Francis, Arby P. Farwell, Foster V. FoUett, Henry Farw^ell, George W. Golden, George W. Gaylord, Nicholas D. Gilbert, Prosper Gott, Charles Harris, Jarvis Holcomb, E. F. Humiston, John F. Hitchcock, John C. Hart, Henry Hitchcock, Albert A. Herkner, Robert L. Hubbell, Al. Hinckston, Julius Harris, Marquis Holden, Henry W^ard IngersoU (Band), Isaac Isbell, Albert Isbell, Edwin Ingersoll, William Jones, Edw^ard King, Charles Lusk, Amos M. Lusk, E. Lusk, Charles Leach, Henry Leach, Russell Lucas, Joseph Morgan, Dwight Murray, J. McCuUoch, Charles A. Miller, Andrew S. Miller, John Mehow, Andrew J. Minty, Charles Mason, Nicholas Murray, Charles Messer, John McLaughlin, J. W. Mitchell, H. A. Miller, Meloney, Richard Noonan, George Nichols, John F, Oviatt, Almon Oviatt, Miles Oviatt, James Parks, James Page, Jr., Harry Pettengill, Thomas Pacey, William Peet, Joseph T. Parks, Samuel W. Parks, Joseph H. Peck, Charles Pettengill, James C, Packard, Samuel Patterson, E. A. Parmelee, A. B. Quay, John Rowe, Joseph Rowe, Jackson Rowe, Addison H. Richardson, J. B. Reed, Albert A. Ruger, William Rubbins, Foster Rubbins, Adam Rubbins, Elihu Richmond, Charles Robinson, Edw^ard Seasons, Theron W. Smith, Joseph E. Smith, Alfred E. Smith, William B. Straight, Benja- min Sovacool, [Boston also claims this recruit, who w^as wounded in the foot at Pittsburg Landing, carried to the rear, and never again heard of] John Scanlan, Lester Secoy, James H. Seymour (Band), William Smith, Edward Smith, Henry Smith, Chauncey Smith, F. O. Stone, George S. Stanley, William Strong, Martin Shrady, William H. Thompson, Samuel J. Tracey, Orlow^ Thompson, Henry A. Thompson, Salmon Thompson, Harrison Thompson, Harry O. Thompson, W. S. Thompson, Henry A. Tallmadge, William H. Thomas, B. B. Tremlin, Varney, Bennett H. Wadsworth, W. P. Williamson, William Wilder, Dwight H. Whedon, James Winborn, George Wright, Samuel Wilkes, John Williams. Casualties, Deaths, Etc. — Of the foregoing, those who fell in the service, from casualty, are as follows: John F.Hitchcock, lieutenant, U. S. A., died December 31, 1862; Dwight E. Murray, I K^K^ 546 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. ^th O. L. A., supposed to have been killed by guerrillas near Talla- homa, Tennessee; W. P, Williamson, 29th O. V. I., killed in battle; Thomas Pacy, Company A, 2nd O. V. C, killed at Woolson's river, August 16, 1861 ; Robert Cox, Company D, Daniel Myers, Company G, Edward King, Company' C, 115th O. V. I., lost by blowing up and burning of Steamer Sultana, near Memphis, Tennessee, on the morning of April 27, 1865; A. Richardson, Company D, 1st O. L. A., Russell Lucas, Albert D. Dunbar, John C. Hart, James C. Packard, N. D. Gilbert, time and place of death unknown ; James Draper, 9th O. LrA., died at Tullahoma, Tennessee, March 21, 1864; F. O. J^,.^^4fi^ Stone, 9th O. L. A., died at Somerset, Kentucky, March 1862; f J -/ Charles W. ^Clapp, 29th O. Y. I., died at Camp Giddings, Ohio, Li^^iTx.*^ December 5, 1861; Marquis Holden, 1st O. L. A., killed at Lost Mountain, Georgia ; William Wilder, Company 9, S. S., killed at City Point, Virginia, March 13, 1862 ; George H. Gaylord, Company K, 19th O. V. I., died July, 1862 ; Ransom J. Ellsworth, 64th O. V. I., killed at Missionary Ridge ; William Jones, 115th, O. V. I., killed at Cleveland, Ohio ; Robert Andrews, Company H, 6th O. V. I., lost in South, December 1862; Nicholas Murray, navy, lost at sea ; Clinton C. Chambers, 6th Ohio Battery, died at Jeffersonville, Indiana, March 21, 1862 ; WilUam Rubbins, 34th N. Y. I., killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862; Foster Rubbins, 34th N. Y. I., killed at Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 12, 1862. Honorable Civil Record. — In official civil affairs, Hudson presents an extensive and highly honorable record, as will be seen by w^hat follows. The first grand jury of the new county of Portage, which convened August 23, 1808, embraced among its members four of Hudson's pioneer settlers : David Hudson, Samuel Bishop, Moses Thompson and Stephen Baldwin, Mr. Hudson being named as foreman by the court. Aaron Norton was among the accessions to the township in 1801, soon afterwards, in connection with Mr. Hudson, building a saw^ mill, grist mill and distillery, on a branch of Tinker's Creek, in the northeast part of the tow^nship, w^hich ^vere destroyed by fire in 1803; a year or tw^o later removed to Northampton, vir^here he embarked in a similar enterprise ; in 1807, removed to Middle- bury, where he became interested in a mill project, in company w^ith Mr. Joseph Hart, was appointed an associate judge of the Common Pleas Court for Portage county, on its first organization, in 1808, serving the full term of seven years, w^ith great ability and satisfaction. Hon. Van Rensselaer Humphrey, then practicing law in Hudson, represented Portage county in the State legislature for two successive terms — 1828, 1829 — and in the session of 1836, '37, was appointed by the legislature, president judge of the Third Judicial District, embracing the counties of Ashtabula, Trumbull and Portage. On its erection, in 1840, Summit county >vas attached to the third district, thus coming under Judge Humphrey's jurisdic- tion, who SQrved w^ith marked ability for the full term of seven years. ' John B. Clark, was appointed associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas, on the death of Judge Charles Sumner, of Middle- bury, June 19, 1845, filling the place \C^ith honor to himself and his constituents for about one year, w^hen he tendered his resignation. Hudson's honorable civil record. 847 Sylvester H. Thompson, a native of Hudson, succeeded Judge Clark upon the bench, in 1846, ably performing the duties of the position, until the adoption of the new constitution in 1852; "Side Judges," as they were then called, being abolished by that instru- ment. William O'Brien was Summit county's first treasurer, elected in April, 1840, and re-elected, in the following October for the full term of two years, making a very competent officer, until his death, of consumption, in February, 1842; ex-sheriff George Y. Wallace, of Northfield, being appointed by the county commissioners to fill the vacancy. Mills Thompson, from 1843 to 1849, two full terms, ably and faithfully filled the position of county commissioner, being in the office at the time the present infirmary farm w^as purchased, and aided in inaugurating that noble charity for the care and comfort of the comparatively few destitute infirm, among the generally w^ell-to-do inhabitants of Summit county. Harvey Whedon, Esq., was elected prosecuting attorney, in October, 1850, holding the position two years, making in all respects, a first-class officer. Dr. George P. Ashmun, then an honored citizen of Hudson, was elected State Senator from the Summit-Portage district, in October, 1857, discharging the duties of that office to the full satisfaction of his constituents, in both counties, for the full term of two years. Sylvester H. Thompson, in October, 1859, was elected to. represent Summit county in the low^er House of the General Assembly of Ohio, as the colleague of Hon. Alvin C. Voris, serving one full term of tw^o years. Stephen Henderson Pitkin, a graduate of the class of 1834; county surveyor of Fulton county, Illinois, from 1836 to 1840; probate judge of that county from 1840 to 1844, elected on the Union ticket, in October, 1861, to fill the unexpired term of Probate Judge William M. Dodge, deceased, (two years) re-elected on the same ticket in 1863, and again re-elected, on the Repub- lican ticket in 1866, making his term of service in that important office eight full years. In 1868, Judge Pitkin w^as chosen as the Republican presidential elector for the Eighteenth Congres- sional district, composed of Summit, Cuyahoga and Lake counties, casting his vote in the electoral college for Ulysses S. Grant for president and Schuyler Colfax for vice-president of the United States the judge also holding the office of secretary of the Summit County Agricultural Society from 1871 to 1880, nine years, and an efficient member of the board of trustees of the Northern Ohio Hospital for the Insane, at Newburg, between 1862 and 1878, fourteen years. David Duncan Bebee, for many years a merchant of Hudson, was elected State Senator for the Summit-Portage district in October, 1867, by his urbane and intelligent discharge of his senatorial duties, making himself so popular, in both counties, that he was unanimously tendered a second term, in 1879, the first re-election of an incumbent of that office in the history of the district. 848 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Matthew Canfield Read, graduate of the class of 1848; attorney at law; editor Familj^ Visitor, 1852 to 1854; teacher in gramm'ar school,, Western Reserve College; member of U. S. Sanitary Commission, with the Army of the Cumberland, during the War; deputy revenue collector, after the close of the War; member of Ohio geological surveying corps from 1869 till com- pletion of the survey; lecturer on zoology and geology in Western Reserve College; to w^nship clerk, justice of the peace, mayor, etc. William Isaac Chamberlain, born in Connecticut in 1837, accompanied his parents to Hudson in 1838; graduate of the class of 1859; principal of Shaw Academy, Collamer, Ohio, 1859-61; tutor of Greek and Latin in Western Reserve College, 1861-66; superin- tendent Cuyahoga Falls schools, 1864, '65; assistant professor in College, 1866-69; farmer, 1869-79; secretary of Ohio State Board of Agriculture, 1880-86; and from 1886 to 1890, president of the Iowa Agricultural College, at Ames, low^a, one of the most success- ful institutions of its kind in the United States. Charles C. Hine, a representative farmer of Hudson, w^as elected county commissioner in October, 1885, and re-elected in 1888 for six years, making in all respects a lirst-class officer. James H. Seymour, for many years a successful grocer in Hudson, was elected county treasurer, in October, 1886, taking charge of the funds of Summit county and of the City of Akron on the 5th day of September, 1887, and re-elected in 1888, his adminis- tration being marked w^ith as full a degree of efficiency and integrity as the very best of his many worthy predecessors. Calvin Pease Humphrey, born in Hudson, June 21, 1840, a graduate of the Western Reserve College, of the class of 1863, and of Cleveland law school in 1866; w^as mayor of Cuyahoga Falls from 1870 to 1871, and city solicitor for Akron from 1879 to 1881, filling both positions with marked ability. Horace Burnham Foster, born in Leyden, Franklin county, Mass., April 26, 1828; removed to Mantua in 1837; preparatory education at Twinsburg Institute; graduate from Western Reserve College in the class of 1852; principal preparatory department, 1852, '53; tutor in college, 1853-55; superintendent Akron schools, 1855, '56; tutor in the vacant professorship of mathematics and natural philosophy from September, 1856, till the accession of Professor Charles Young, January 1, 1857; justice of the peace from 1858 to 1861; clerk of incorporated village of Hudson ten years; mayor of village eight years; a safe counsellor and a successful lawyer. Hon. William M. Beebe, long a prominent citizen, and for four terms mayor of Hudson; was an efficient member of the board of trustees for the Northern Ohio Insane Hospital at Cleve- land, from 1880 to 1886— six full years. Many others of Hudson's native and adopted citizens have held high official positions in life, in other localties, whose honors and fame cannot be here recorded; but enough has been given to show that Hudson has no cause to be ashamed of the part herson& have taken in the civil affairs of life, both local and general. PRESENT OFFICIAL ROSTER— (1891). Village Officers. — Council, John Mead, Edward B. Black- man, William B. Straight, Orson Cook, Cornelius A. Campbell; Hudson's criminal record. 849 mayor, Henry E. Lee; clerk, Ralph T. Miller; treasurer, George V. Miller; marshal, George W. Church. Township Officers. — Trustees, Henry H. Chamberlin, Charles H. Kilbourn, Sherman P. Thompson; clerk, Edward E. Rogers; treasurer, Sebastian Miller; assessor, William A. Curtis (successor to John M. Seidel, after ten years service); justices of the peace, Mathew C. Read, Edward E. Rogers; constables, George W. Church, Thomas W. EUiman. Postmasters. — Hudson, Isaiah B. Jones; Darrowville, Edward O. Shiveley. HUDSON'S CRIMINAL RECORD. Aside from the alleged shooting, in cold blood, sundry trouble- some Indians, by certain so called " Indian hunters," of pioneer times, Hudson has been singularly exempt from crime, save those occasional minor offences incident to aggregated humanity, and diversity of temperament and habit, in the best regulated com- munities. Of course there are exceptions to all general rules, and one of Hudson's exceptions occurred something in this wise: Sometime in the early fifties, one Nelson Hinckston estab- lished himself in the boot and shoe business in Hudson, becoming the proprietor of three buildings on the west side of Main street; the middle building being a story and a half frame, with basement, the front of the low^er floor being his salesroom, the rear room his shop, the attic used for sleeping rooms, storage, etc. The next building north was Hinckston's dwelling house and the building south w^as occupied by Mr. Judd as a book store. One night, in the Winter of 1856-57, a fire was discovered in the basement of the store, w^hich, being promptly extinguished, brought to light indications that the fire .had been purposely set, and pointing very strongly towards Hinckston, himself, as the incendiary, notwith- standing the fact that his ow^n son, w^ith one of the w^orkmen^ occupied the sleeping room above, with no other means of egress than by the stairs under which the fire had been kindled. Though very greatly excited over the affair, his neighbors took no legal steps in the premises, and gradually the feeling against Hinckston died out, and his business seemed to be running along as smoothly as before. During the Summer of 1857, however, Mr. Jacob Niebel, an employe, began to observe symptoms indicating that his boss was again making preparations to "sell" his buildings and stock to the several insurance companies, who held risks thereon, aggregating nearly $5,000. Communicating his suspicion to a fellow-workman by the name of Thomas Cooper, the two kept watch over the movements of Hinckston, and when they believed he was about ready to apply the match, about the middle of February, 1858, other citizens were apprised of the matter, and an examination of the premises was had. It was found that through holes in the floor, bundles of waxed ends, with other inflammable substances,, extended from piles of kindlings in the basement to similar com- bustibles in the store room, and these, in turn, connected with still other deposits upon the upper shelves (concealed by boxes), and these again with like readily ignited substances between the ceiling and the upper floor, and in the rooms above, so that the match 54 850 AKRON ANlf SUMMIT COUNTY. once applied, the entire fabric wrould be almost instantly in flames. Had a fire thus got fairly started, with the limited fire extinguish- ing appliances Hudson then had, not only Hinckston's three build- ings would have been burned, but the entire street, including the Mansion House, and the dwelling house of Mr. D. D. Morrell, w^ould undoubtedly have been cleaned out. Arrested on the First Attempt. — To say that Hudson was excited and indignant would be drawing it mild, and if "Judge Lynch" had been as popular then as now, even in some portions of order-loving Ohio, it is doubtful if her citizens could have been restrained from inflictingsummary vengeance upon the incendiary. The affair coming to the ears of Prosecuting Attorney Henry McKinney, the fire not having actually been set in the case in hand, that officer procured his apprehension on the first attempt using the developments in the latter case as corroborating evi- dence against him on the charge of arson. The w^arrant was issued by Justice M. C. Read, w^ho, at the examination, called to his assistance Justices S. H. Pitkin, of Hudson, and M. D. Call, of Stow, The evidence was overwhelmingly conclusive, but the defendant's counsel, A. C. Voris, Esq., took the bold ground that in setting the fire in question, he had violated no provision of the Statutes of Ohio, the law then reading: "Whoever sets fire to any building, the property of another," etc., and moved that the accused be discharged. Though Justice Read was favorable to the grant- ing of the motion, his associates inclined to the view that the almost inevitable destruction of the property of others, had his 0"wn got fairly started, w^as sufficient to hold him to answer to the grand jury, and he was so held. Esq. Yoris immediately applied to Probate Judge Noah M. Humphrey for a writ of habeas corpus and, after a full examination of the facts in the case, and the law, the defendant w^as discharged, and though no pecuniary harm came to the people from the carefully planned, but happily frus- trated schemes of the fire-bug, Hudson became too hot for longer comfortable sojourn and Hinckston floated off West, and has since deceased. In the follo>ving session of the Legislature — 1859, '60 — in w^hich Hon. A. C. Voris was Summit county's representative, and Hon. J, A. Garfield \vas the State senator from the Summit-Port- age district, the laAv was amended, making the burning of one's own building, for the purpose of defrauding insurance companies, a penitentiary offense. The Maloney-Stepleton Homicide. — On the night of the 16th day of June, 1860, the good people of Hudson Avere thrown into the ^vildest excitement by the rapidly spreading report that a most wanton and brutal murder had been perpetrated upon one of the public streets of that usually quiet and peaceful village, under the follow^ing circumstances: A young Irishman by the name of John Maloney was in the employ of the Cleveland & Pittsburg railroad, as a track repairer, under track-master Reynolds, of Bedford. Maloney was rather above the medium height, about 24 years of age, with sandy hair and fair complexion, and of mild and pleasant countenance. Michael Stepleton w^as a young man of the same nationality, in his 21st year, w^hose parents resided in Holmes county, but who had for some time been at work on the Mahoning Branch of A. & G. W. R'y in Mantua ; both young men very frequently visiting THE DEADLY BLUDGEON. 851 Hudson, among whose young people of the class to which they belonged, they had formed many mutual acquaintances. The Beginning of the Trouble. — These visits, on the part of Maloney, were said to have ripened into such intimate relations with one of his female acquaintances, by the name of Bridget •Calnan, that he was fighting a little shy of both the young lady and of the village of Hudson itself. On Saturday, May 12, 1860, w^hile Stepleton \sras en route from Mantua to Hudson, to spend the Sabbath, he met Maloney at Macedonia, and urged him to -''come on dow^n to Hudson w^here all the fun is," giving him twenty cents to pay his fare with, if he would do so. Maloney asked Stepleton if Bridget was still in Hudson, and was told that she was not. Thereupon he accepted his friend's invitation, and accompanied him to Hudson. But it appears that Bridget Calnan was still in Hudson, and either she or her friends, taking advantage of Maloney's presence in the village, instituted legal proceedings against him, "with a view to matrimony," or — ^in case of refusal — -to visit upon him the pains and penalties provided by law for "premature fatherhood." The former alternative w^as submitted to, and the "loving not wisely but too well" couple were accordingly joined in the bonds of holy wedlock by Father M. A. Scanlon, of Akron, pastor of St. A^ncent De Paul's Church, on Sunday, May 13, 1860. While it does not appear that Mr. and Mrs. Maloney, wrere living otherwise than happily together, he charged Stepleton with having "betrayed him" him, and became bitterly incensed against him, and had given utterance to sundry threats of vengeance, though it was claimed by Stepleton, that he was unaware of the peculiar nature of Maloney's aversion to meeting Bridget, w^hen he falsely told him she wras not in Hudson. This Avas the status of the existing feeling betAveen the hitherto virarm friends, when they next met, on Saturday, June 16, just exactly five weeks after the occurrences above detailed. Stepleton had come to Hudson, to have a good time among the young people of that classic village, over the Sabbath, while Maloney, for reasons not clearly apparent, leaving his youthful bride at their home in Macedonia, w^as in tow^n also. On meeting, Maloney began to upbraid Stepleton for his per- lidy, but the latter, assuring him that he had no suspicion as to how matters stood between him and Bridget, and that he never •dreamed of drawing him into the trap that had been set for him, Maloney professed to be satisfied, shook hands with him, and tak- ing a drink together, spent the afternoon and evening with mutual friends, in convivial and social converse, on apparently as friendly terms as of yore. Striking the Fatal Blow. — Thus were they in each other's company all of the afternoon and evening, and, with other boon companions, visited the drinking places of the village, though neither of them appeared to be particularly intoxicated. About eight o'clock in the evening Maloney left the company, saying that he was going to stay over night in Hudson at the house of Mr. Thomas Hurley, on leaving, cordially shaking hands w^ith the crowd, Stepleton included, and pleasantly bidding them all ^'good bye." 852 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. About nine o'clock, Stepleton and a companion by the name of John Jones, meeting Kllen Ryan, Ann Morris, Julia Calnan and Kate Fitzgerald, joined them for a walk, and as escorts to their several homes. Having left the two other girls at their respective gates, the tw^o young men, Avith Ellen Ryan and Ann Morris, about 10 o'clock reached the gate of President George E. Pierce, of the Western Reserve College, in w^hose family Ellen Ryan livedo While standing there, merrily talking and laughing, a man sud- denly approached, and exclaiming "You are there yet!" raised a club, and, with both hands, struck Stepleton a fearful blow on the head, instantly felling him to the ground, and followed it up with two or more other heavy blows; the assailant being recognized by his voice as John Maloney. Plucky Ellen Ryan. — Even before the first blow was struck, John Jones started upon a run tow^ards his own home, while Ann Morris ran towards the house of President Pierce, but Ellen Ryan pluckily stood her ground, and endeavored to prevent further injury to her prostrate companion, by tw^ice pulling his assailant aw^ay from him as he -was wielding his club, and who in his fury exclaimed, "Ellen Ryan, let go of me! he has betrayed me !" The assailant then thre^v away his club and started on the run,, towards the road leading to Macedonia, while Ellen Ryan, calling upon Ann Morris to come back to assist her, took hold of and tried to raise Stepleton, who w^as groaning, to his feet, but finding hi^ helpless and unconscious, laid his head upon the step, and then w^ent for help. M. C. Read, Esq., with Doctor George P. Ashmun w^ere soon upon the spot, with others of the neighbors, but by this time life w^as found to be extinct. Arrest of the Murderer. ^ — The new^s of the homicide spread from house to house w^ith great rapidity, and, as might have been expected, caused the most intense excitement among the staid and peaceful denizens of Hudson. The murderer was almost imme- diately follow^ed to Macedonia, where he w^as found in bed with his young w^ife, as calm as though nothing extraordinary had occurred. He was taken into custody and conveyed to Hudson the same night, where he ^vas kept, closely guarded, until Monday morning, w^hen, on preliminary examination before Justice Harry C. Thompson, he was held to answer for the crime of murder and duly committed to jail. Indictment, Trial, Sentence, Etc. — Though the May term of the Court was still in session. Prosecuting Attorney McKinney did not deem it advisable to impanel a special grand jury, and the trial w^as consequently postponed until the November term. At that term an indictment w^as returned, charging the defendant w^ith Mrilful and premeditated murder, to which charge on being arraigned, Maloney entered a plea of "Not Guilty." Monday^ November 26, was designated as the time for the trial to begin, 36 jurors having been summoned to appear on that day, from Tvhich to select the necessary number to try the case. The case w^as conducted on the part of the State by Prosecut- ing Attorney Henry McKinney, assisted by William H. Upson and Matthew C. Read, and on the part of the defense by Judge Van R. Humphrey and General Lucius V. Bierce. The trial occupied the time of the court, including the impaneling of the jury, the exami- nation of w^itnesses, the arguments of counsel, the charge of the IMPRISONMENT, PARDON, SUBSEQUENT LIFE, ETC. 853 judge and the deliberations of the jury, seven full days. The arguments, covering two entire days, were all very able, and the charge of Judge Carpenter, occupying a full hour in its delivery, w^as able, clear and impartial. The jury were out about six hours, and at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon of Tuesday, December 4, 1860, returned a verdict of Murder in the Second Degree. The penaltj^ for this degree of homicide being imprisonment for life, sentence to that effect was duly pronounced by Judge Carpenter, in appropriate and impressive terms, a few days after the rendition of the verdict as above stated. Imprisonment — Pardon, Etc. — On the 14th day of December, 1860, among the last batch of prisoners delivered at the peniten- tiary, by the writer, near the close of his first four years' siege as sheriff of Summit county, w^as the Life Convict, John Maloney. John was quiet, thoughtful and apparently exceedingly regretful for w^hat he had done, freely expressing to the wrriter the belief that but for strong drink, he would not have committed the fearful deed for which he was about to suffer. On entering the prison he resignedly, if not cheerfully, submitted to all its rules and regula- tions, and soon w^on and continued to hold, the good will of the officers and those under w^hom he performed his daily tasks. After a suitable lapse of time, kind friends interested themselves in his behalf, and petitioned Governor Jacob D. Cox for his pardon, w^hich was accordingly granted on the 22d day of October, 1867, and he was restored to liberty, just six years, ten months and eight days after his incarceration, and recent inquiry has disclosed the fact that in an adjoining county, with the w^ife to vrhom he w^as -wedded under such adverse circumstances, he has since lived happily and uprightly, and is an industrious and respected citizen of the community in \^hich he, and his quite numerous family now^ reside. The simple story of John Maloney has a -double moral, which is not only self-evident, but which the youth of our county, of w^hatever station or condition in life, will do w^ell to thoughtfully ponder and conscientiously heed. CHAPTER XXXIX. NORTHAMPTON'S BEGINNING — INDIAN AND FRONTIER MATTERS — PIONEEIT SETTLERS, INCIDENTS, ETC.— GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT—" BOOTHSPORT,"" "NILES" AND OTHER BUSINESS CENTERS— A FRUITFUL COUPLE— ORGAN- IZATION, NAME, ETC.— NORTHAMPTON'S MILITARY PROWESS— CIVIL SERVICE "REFORM"— SINGULAR CONDUCT OF A PUBLIC OFFICIAL— INDUSTRIAL MATTERS, RESOURCES, ETC.— EARLY CROOKEDNESS— THE DUNN-WHIPPLE TRAGEDY— BROOKS-TEDROW HOMICIDE— PRESENT STATUS, ETC. LOCALITY, BEGINNING, Etc. 'T^OWN 3, Range 11, as designated in the original survey of the ^ Western Reserve, and which afterwards came to be known as Northampton, is bounded on the north by Boston, east by Stow^ south by Portage and w^est by Bath tow^nships. The Big Cuyahoga river traverses its entire length, north and south, in the w^estern portion of the township. Bordering upon the river on eitlier side, w^ith the exception of a few quite large areas of bottom lands, the country is extremely rugged, though the central and eastern portion is comparatively level and well adapted to general agricul- ture, the bottom lands affording a number of fine and very fertile farms, while the intervening hills and gullies are admirably suited to grazing and dairy purposes. Without tracing title from the King of England to the Connec- ticut colony, by the grant of 1665, or from the Indians, east of the river, by the treaty of Fort Mcintosh, January 21, 1785, and on the west side by treaty of Fort Industry, in 1805, and by the United States, in turn, to the State of Connecticut, it is sufficient, here, to say that in about the year 1801 it was sold to the Connecticut Land Company, by whom it was disposed of, by a sort of a lottery scheme, or draw^ing, to parties purchasing shares therein, in proportion to the amount of money so paid in. The original proprietors of Tract 3, Range 11, thus acquiring title, were W. Billings, Oliver P. Holden, Solomon Stoddard, Daniel Wright, Joseph Pratt, Ivuther Loomis, David King, John Leavitt, Jr.,. Ebenezer King, Jr., Timothy Phelps, and Fidelio King, the six last named gentlemen being towrnsmen of the writer, in Connec- ticut (old Suffield), Mr. David King being the grandfather of Akron's present well-known citizen, David L. King, Esq. Indian and Frontier Matters. — Within the limits of this township were some of the most extensive and important Indian mounds, fortifications and other works in the entire west, and it was against the Indian garrison here, probably, that Captain Samuel Brady made his hostile demonstrations in 1780, and from whence, on being repulsed, he made his memorable run and leap- for life, at the present village of Kent, as recorded in another chap- ter of this work. Here, too, in the summer of 1812, an encampment of militia,, under command of General Elijah Wadsworth, of Warren, wa& stationed, in the vicinity of Old Portage, for the protection of the BOATS FOR COMMODORE PERRY. 855 frontier; reinforced, after the cowardly surrender of his army at Detroit, by General William Hull, August 16, 18l2, by a battalion of militia, under the command of Major George Darrow, of Hudson, one company of which was in command of Captain Rial McArthur, of Northampton. It was at this point, also, that the boats were built which are alleged to have formed a part of Commodore Perry's fleet in the battle of Lake Erie, September 10, 1813— the "Portage," the "Porcupine" and the "Hornet" — the former so named from the "port" where it was built ; the second from the fact that the late William Cogswell, of Bath, who helped to build the boats, captured one of those prickly little animals and tossed it on board just as the boat was being launched, and the third from the circum- stance that at the pineries, in Northfield, where the boats were being fitted with masts and spars, it was discovered that near the top of the tree selected for the mast of the boat in question, there w^as a large hornet's nest, one of the men volunteering to climb the tree and plug the hole in the nest before proceeding to chop it down. WILLIAM PRIOR, — born in Hampshire county, Massachu- setts, April 6, 1783 ; caine with fainily to Ohio in 1802, his father, Simeon Prior, being the first white settler in Northampton township, coming- by ox-teams to Lake Ontario ; from thence, iji open boats, via Lake Onta- rio, the Niagara river and Lake Erie to the mouth of the Cuyahoga, and from thence through the unbroken wilderness to their destination. Simeon Prior was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and the son, Wil- liam, bravely defended his country in the War of 1812 ; on attaining his majority, young Prior went South and pre-empted a tract of Congress land8,but shortlj^ afterwards returned to Northampton, and jjurchased the quarter section, on which he spent the balance of his life, and where he died in June, 1872, in the 90th year of his age. He filled many positions of private and public trust, for many 3'ears holding commissions asjustice of the peace, from the earlier Govern- ors of Ohio. His first wife was Sarah Wharton, of Wheeling, Vir- ginia, who bore him four sons, Edward, IJenry W., Robert and Simeon — and three daughters, Susau, Katha- rine and Sarah, all now deceased, except Sarah, residing in Marysville, WILLIAM PRIOR. Missouri. His second wife was Polly Culver, who bore him two children — William, who died suddenly at his home near Cuyahoga Falls, Seplem- ber 7, 1891, aged 66 years, 4 months and 17 days, and George W., killed in the battle of the Wilderness, May 9, 1864. Early Settlement, Name, Etc. — Notwithstanding the relin- quishment of their title to these lands, by the two treaties above named, so reluctant were the Indians to leave the graves of their ancestors and their favorite hunting and fishing grounds, that many of them lingered in the neighborhood for several years, not only to the great annoyance of their pale-faced neighbors, but also very materially retarding the settling up of the township ; not entirely disappearing until the commencement of the War of 1812, 856 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. in which the majority of them took a livel}'' interest against the United States. The first white family to take up their abode in the township, w^as undoubtedly that of Simeon Prior, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Prior, and their ten children, who removed thither from near Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1802; a portion of the 400 acres of land then purchased by Mr. Prior, viz : lot 19, still being owned and occupied by his descendants, though the original log cabin inhab- ited by the family \^as built upon lot 25, some two miles further north. In the absence of proof to the contrary, it is presumable that the name of Northampton was given to the tow^nship by this first settler, Simeon Prior, because of his migration from the near vicinity of the very pleasant tow^n of that name in the "Old Bay State." A former historian gives Mr. David Parker, of Hartford, Connecticut, as the second settler in the township, and his son, the venerable Richard E. Parker (late a resident of Akron), born March 9, 1811, as the first white male child born in the township. This can hardly be, however, as Mr. Parker before his death, informed the writer that his father came to Northampton in 1810, w^hile the same historian mentions the settlement of Samuel King at Old Portage in 1809 ; the building of a grist-mill at Mud Brook gorge, by Judge Norton in 1805, and the establishment of a school, by Justus Remington in 1809, it seeming improbable that among a population sufficiently numerous to require the founding of a school, there were no births previous to that of the Parker child. Mr. David Parker erected a saw-mill near the mouth of Yellow^ Creek, on the west side of the river, about 1820, which was of great service in supplying the then rapidly increasing inhabitants, of both Northampton and Bath, with lumber; Mr. Parker dying September 11, 1823, at the age of 55 years, 6 months and 15 days. Growth, Development, Etc. — The growth of the township was so greatly retarded by the causes named, that it w^as not until the close of the War of 1812, '15, that any considerable progress was made in the \vay of civilized settlement. A few families, ho^vever, had from time to time ventured in, among others Mr, Samuel King, who as above stated, in 1809, settled on the south verge of the township, on the river, at Portage, afterwards designated "Old Portage," in contradistinction to the subsequent settlement of "New Portage," at the southern end of the "overland" route of the Indians from the head of canoe navigation on the Cuyahoga river, to the head of navigation on the Tuscarawas, at the latter point; the route traversed being the now historical "Portage Path ;" in reality the datum line (though rather a crooked one) generally made use of in describing contiguous lands upon either side thereof, in the townships of Portage and Coventry, betwreen the points named. Later on, probably at the close of the War of 1812, Mr, King established a tavern and a store at Old Portage, then on the direct route of travel from Warren to Sandusky Wa the Smith Road, upon the west side of the river, between the townships of Copley and Bath. Here, too, after the opening of the Ohio Canal in 1827, Birdsey Booth, Esq., of Cuyahoga Falls, built quite an extensive freight w^arehouse, at w^hich large quantities of merchandise w^ere received for distribution to contiguous towns and villages, east as Northampton's early "business centers.' 857 far as Warren and west to and beyond Medina, and for the shipment of farm produce to eastern markets Wa Lake Erie and the Erie Canal; scores of teams being almost daily found at "Boothsport," as it was then called, loading and unloading the several kinds of freight mentioned. A number of other buildings were erected, and for a few years it was thought that "Boothsport" would eventually become a large and flourishing village ; but increasing shipping facilities at Akron, and points below, with more favorable approaches, soon brought about a decadence of "Boothsport's" business prosperity; its store, tavern and warehouse, have disappeared, and a single farm'-house, only, now marks the spot which sixty years ago promised to be a permanent and prosperous village; Mr. Booth, a few years later, establishing a warehouse on the east side of the canal, near the head of Lock 15, in Akron, for the special accom- modation of the people of Cuyahoga Falls, the necessity for which passed away on the completion of the P. & O. canal in 1840. pOL. RIAL McARTHUR,— born in ^ Vermont in 1783 ; came to Ohio in 1805, as surveyor for the Connecti- cut Land Company, later for several years keeping a general store in Middlebury, in 1817 bujang land and the flouring mill originally erected by Judge Aaron Norton, on the State road in Northampton. Active in local military affairs, as captain of an independent companj^, in the War of 1812, under General Wadsworth, with headquarters at Old Portage, he was soon promoted to major and then to colonel of militia, not only aiding in building two of the boats with which Commodore Perry won his splendid victory on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813, but afterwards gallantly defend- ing the frontier from the attacks of the British and Indians at Sandusky. In 1832, he moved to Independence, Cuyahoga county, where he served as justice of the peace ten years ; in 1843 returned to Northampton, where he resided until his death, August 24, 1871, aged 88 years, there, also, for many years serving as justice of the peace. Col. McArthur was a life-long and highly honored Mason, his funeral being largely attended and conducted by the members of the fraternity. In 1810, he was married to Miss Almira Sprague, of Spring- COL. RIAL MCARTHUR. field township. The}- were the parents of nine children — Orange, deceased ; Eric, deceased ; Amanda, Mrs. E. R. Harper, now of Akron ; Henry, deceased ; Giles, now living in Grattan, Wisconsin; Earl, now of Delta, Ohio ; Pamela, deceased ; Martha, deceased ; Mary, now Mrs. H. P. Smith, of Northampton. Other "Business Centers." — A mile and a half further north, at Yellow Creek Basin, quite a business point w^as created by the opening of the Ohio Canal. Here, also, a tavern and a store were established by Mr. Nathaniel Hardy, father of Mr. Perry D. Hardy, still living in Northampton, and of Mr. William Hardy, now resid- ing at No. 130, North Bowery street in the city of Akron. Here, also, tw^o or more commodious w^are-houses w^ere erected, w^hile, in about 1836, Peter Voris, Jr. (father of Judge A. C. Voris, of Akron), w^ith two men named Henry and Snodgrass, laid out about 100 858 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. acres, at the mouth of Yellow Creek, on the west side of the canal^ into a village plat, under the appellation of "Niles," w^hich name it bore for several years, though not entirely losing the cognomen of "Yellow Creek Basin." But before a boom, in behalf of the embryo city, could be properly worked up, the panic of 1837 struck in, and "Niles" remained a city on paper, only, the plat afterwards being vacated and the choice corner lots thereof relegated to the plow-share and pruning-hook. The center of Northampton, proper, never aspired to the dignity of a village ; a school house, town house, church and one or two dwellings, constituting the entire hamlet. At Steele's- Corners, a mile and a half northeast; McArthur's Corners, about the same distance southeast, and at French's mill, between the tw^o points, upon the State road, were also small hamlets, the latter point embracing a grist-mill — the first mill erected in the township,, (in 1805) by Aaron Norton, afterwards a prominent mill owner in Middlebury and one of the associate judges of Portage county. Early Milling Operations. — The propelling power of this^ mill was the w^aters of Mud Brook, a considerable stream, flowing from a beautiful little lake near the northeast corner of the township (mostly lying in Sto^v) formerly called Mud Pond, but now designated as Turtle Lake, a far more appropriate name, as its waters not only largely abound in turtle and a great variety of fish, but are also as clear as the clearest crystal, w^hile its shores have, of late years, become quite a favorite resort for summer campers-out, picnickers, etc. This mill was afterwards run by Mr. Daniel Turner (grand- father of Mrs. Word. Babcock and Mr. Daniel Turner, of Akron), w^ho moved from New Jersey to Northampton in 1812, until hi& death in 1825, at the age of 65 years. The mill then passed into- the hands of Colonel Rial McArthur, who also erected a distillery near the southwest corner of the present iron bridge across the stream at that point. Later, when the manufacture of whisky was abandoned, the building, after being used awhile as a dw^elling' house, was converted into a meeting house and school house — thus literally bringing good out of evil. The grist mill was finally abandoned, when the property passed into the hands of Thomas J. French, who converted it intO' a saw-mill, afterw^ards associating w^ith himself Mr. Jesse Hays, quite an extensive business being done by the firm for several years in converting the surplus timber of the neighborhood into lumber, for the Cuyahoga Falls and Akron markets, as w^ell as for neighborhood consumption. Several years ago this mill passed into the hands of Mr. John Hart, and was run by himself and his- son-in-law, Adam G. Steele, and is now the property of Mrs. Steele as the heir of Mr. Hart, and is at present standing idle. At an early day, also, Moses and Oliver Dew^ey established a saw-mill a quarter of a mile lovv^er down the stream, but though a good mill, Avith a fair fall and power, being inconvenient of access^ it soon went into disuse and consequent dilapidation. A mile or so further up the stream, in 1824 Elisha Prior and Elisha Perkins, brothers-in-law^, erected a saw-mill w^hich did quite an extensive business for several years. This property passed into the hands^ of Mr. Harry Pardee, father of Henry Pardee; Esq., of Ghent, and Edward K. Pardee, of Northampton, in the early forties, who added WHISKY, CASTOR OIL, CHEESE, FLOUR, ETC. 85^ thereto a woolen factory, chair factory, etc., which since the death of Mr. Pardee, and the concentration of such industries at railroad centers, and in cities, villages, etc., has also gone into disuse and dilapidation. Potato Whisky, Castor Oil, Chee.se, Ktc. — Near the mouth of Mud Brook, in the valley, a distillery for the manufacture of potato whisky was erected in 1814, by Mr. Abel Vallen, w^hich did quite a spirited business for a few years; but w^as afterwards con- verted into a castor oil factory, which proved too lnjc a business to be remunerative, the site being subsequently covered by a cheese factory, whose operations, though probably far more palatable and w^holesome, for some unknow^n reason proved unremunerative and the business was discontinued. NATHANIEL HARDY, SR.,— born in Massachusetts, October 11, 179(:} ; when young", moved with parents to Western New York ; at 10 came to Ohio to the vicinity of Old Portage, w^orking at farming, and later helping to build several of the locks on the Ohio canal. On the completion of the canal, built and for many years kept a hotel and small store at Yellow Creek Basin, after- ■wards called Niles, and now known as Botzum station. Later, Mr. Hardj' bought 250 acres of land, on the east side of the river, which he success- • full}' cultivated for many years, after- wards selling it to his sons, William and Norton R. Mr. Hardy served inany j^ears as justice of the peace and township trustee, and active in ridding the township of the earlj- disreputable characters and practices elsewhere alluded to. About 1824, he was married to Miss Rebecca Reed, of Delaware, Ohio, who was born June 11, 1805. They were the parents of eight children — Caroline, born July 9, 1825, now Mrs. Jasper B. Drake ; William, born March 11, 1829, whose portrait and biography appear else- where ; Norton R., born December 15, 1831, died June 3, 1880 ; Perry D., born April 11, 1834, now a prosperous farmer in his native township ; Marj- NATHANIEL HARDY, SR. E., born September 25, 1836, now Mrs, Hiram J. Aj'res, of Akron ; Harriet, born Jul}- 3, 1840, now Mrs. Henry Hall, of Akron ; Clarissa, born April 20, 1842, now Mrs. Charles Watters, of Cu3'ahoga Falls, and Nathaniel, jr., born July 19, 1844, now of Akron*. Mrs. Hardy died July 11, 1865, and Mr, Hardy, December 4, 1866. In Operation Nearly Half a Century. — About the year 1840, Mr. William Prior (oldest son of Simeon Prior, and father of the late William Prior, Esq., associate editor of the Cuyahoga Falls Reporter and Western Reserve Farmer), and his tw^o sons, Edw^ard and Henry W., erected a flouring mill in the wild gorge about 20 rods west of the iron bridge on the State road, and below the old French & Hays saw mill. A massive stone dam was built about eight rods above the site of the mill, from w^hence, in a w^ooden flume, the waters of the brook were conducted to a tw^enty- foot over-shot w^heel, by which the machinery of the mill w^as pro- pelled. The mill was equipped with two runs of French buhrs, improved bolting apparatus and first-class machinery throughout, but did not prove a paying investment. The junior members of 860 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the firm having previously \vithdraw^n, on the death of the senior member, in 1872, the property was sold by the administrator at one-fourth its original cost. This property is now owned by Mrs. Adam G. Steele, as heir at law of the late John Hart, and though still capable of doing good work, when kept in proper repair, is at the present time (1891) lying idle. Remarkable Fecundity and Longevity. — It will be impossi- ble, from the data no>v available, to give the names of all the early settlers, or the date of their arrival in the tow^nship, did the space allotted to this work admit of it. As characteristic of the customs in vogue in that early time, however, I quote from the writings of the late William Prior, the fact that Robert Thompson, a shoe- maker, and Barclay Hogue, a harness-maker, used to ply their respective callings from house to house, which was also done to a considerable extent by tailors and perhaps other mechanics of those ancient days. Mr. Prior is also authority for the following case of phenomenal fecundity and longevity on the partof a couple of Northampton's pioneer settlers, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Ellis. Mar- ried at the age of 14 years, Mrs. Kllis became the mother of tw^enty ■children; the first born when she was but 15, and the last w^hen she was 65 years old. They afterwards removed to Michigan, ■where Mr. Ellis died, in 1879, at the patriarchal age of 100 years', Tsrhile the prolific matron w^as still living, in 1881, at the ripe old age of 81 years. Organization, Population, Etc. — The date of Northampton's organization is involved in obscurity. The only record extant,, previous to 1820, is part of a tally sheet, without date, in posses- sion of Mr. James M. Hale, of Akron, of one of the earliest, if not the first election held in the township. It will be recollected that previous to its organization, in 1818, Bath was connected w^ith Northampton, in local governmental affairs, and as the tally sheet in question contains a number of names of persons known to have been residents of Bath, the organization of Northampton must have been previous to the date named — a total of 18 voters only being enrolled on the tallj'^ sheet in question. Whatever the date of that election, the officers elected were: Jonathan Hale (a resi- dent of Bath), Simeon Prior and David Norton, trustees; Samuel King, clerk; Wylie Hamilton, overseer of the poor; Elisha Perkins, constable; William Prior, Israel Parker and Jason Hammond (also of Bath), supervisors; Luman Bishop, fence viewer, and Simeon Prior, treasurer; the first justice of the peace being Samuel King. At the election in 1820, the principal officers chosen w^ere: Wil- liam Prior, Abel Woodward and James French, trustees; Aaron French, clerk; and Daniel Turner, treasurer. Growth, Progress, Etc. — From this time on, settlement, though not remarkably rapid, was quite steady, so that by 1840, according to the census of that year, the township had a popula- tion of 963. Forty years later, as shown by the census of 1880, the population was only 977, an apparent increase of but 14 souls, the meagerness of which increase may in part be accounted for by the detaching therefrom of a populous corner, in the erection of the new township of Cuyahoga Falls, in 1851, and partly by the shift- ing of business centers and methods in the intervening 40 years. The census of 1890, gives to the township but 896 inhabitants showing a falling off, in the ten years, of 81. NORTHAMPTON I^ WAR. 861 Nevertheless, the township has made commendable progress, physically, industrially, intellectually and morally,during the period indicated. It has been entirely redeemed from the former taint of crookedness fastened upon it by comparatively fcAV of its early inhabitants; its schools and religious appliances will compare favorably writh those of contiguous townships; its rude agricul- tural beginnings in the wilderness have been succeeded by thoroughly cultivated farms, tilled by the best and most improved modern implements and methods, while the primitive log cabin, and its scarcely more pretentious successor, the plain story and-a-half frame house, are rapidly being displaced by commodious and imposing structures in the best style of modern architecture, with barns and other necessary out-buildings to match, PERRY DELAZEN HARDY,— son of Nathaniel and Rebecca (Reed) Hardy, born in Northampton, April 11, 1834 ; in boyhood nicknamed " Commodore Perry," during the Mex- can War, because of his tenacity of purpose, chang^ed to "Old Zack," after General Zachary Taylor, the princi- pal hero of that war ; educated in the primitive mud-chinked and slab- seated log- school house ; raised on farm, which calling he still success- fully pursues. Thoroughly Repub- lican, during the War of the Rebel- lion, was active in raising bounty money and securing recruits for the Union army ; for several years served as constable, by his vigilance ridding the township of the gang of toughs, for many years known as the "Nor- wegians ;" served four years as town- ship trustee, and eight or nine years as school director of district 9, one year as president, and balance of time as clerk, and ex-oflicio inember of board of education. In 1854, was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Lan- phier, teacher, who has borne him nine children, three dying in infancy, the survivors being — Ida S. born October 2, 1855, married to William Darrow, of Hudson, October 1, 1888 ; PERRY DELAZEN HARDY. Harry B., born November 1, 1857, still at home ; Willis P., born December 10, 1865, married to Ida Lilley, April 18, 1887, now in employ of Akron Tele- phone Company ; Nellie B., born July 2, 1869, teacher ; Mertie I., born December 18, 1871, teacher ; Vinton M., born January 15, 1874, the three latter still at home. Northampton's Patriotism. — In the Revolutionary War, Northampton's pioneer settler, Simeon Prior, bore an honorable part in the Old Bay State's gallant contingent in that long and sanguinary struggle. Mr. Prior died in 1836, at the age of 82 years. Nathaniel Hardy (father of the late Nathaniel Hardy, Sr., whose por- trait appears in this chapter), a native of Massachusetts, was also a soldier in the Revolutionary War, losing a leg on the battle field by a cannon shot. After the War, moved to western New York, and later to Canada, but on the breaking out of the War of 1812, finding that his son, then but 16 years of age, was about to be pressed into the British army to fight against his native country, he secretly hustled him over the border, from whence he soon afterwards came to Ohio, as elsewhere stated, the father after- w^ards coming thither, and spending the balance of his days with his children and grandchildren in Northampton. There were 862 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. undoubtedly other Revolutionary heroes among her early settlers, but unfortunately their names and records are not now ascer- tainable. In the War of 1812, the independent company of Captain Rial McArthur, composed of residents of Northampton and contiguous townships, besides serving under General Wadsworth, at Old Portage, as already stated, afterwards w^ent to Sandusky in defense of the frontier against the British and Indians. In the Mexican War of 1836-38, no recruits vt^ere called for and none furnished. In the War of the Rebellion, however, Northampton was equally patriotic, in proportion to population, with her sister townships of Summit county, furnishing nearly 130 recruits, all of whom nobly did their duty, and one-fifth of whom either laid do^vn their lives upon the field of battle, starved to death in rebel prisons, perished on the ill-fated Sultana while en-route for home on the Mississippi river, or died from diseases contracted in the service; while many others, possibly, like Northampton's patriotic son, Colonel Jonas Schoonover, have since died, or are now^ suffer- ing untold daily tortures from exposures and hardships endured in the salvation of the Nation and the preservation of the Union. Northampton's Roll of Honor. — Charles J. Ayliffe, Levi Bonesteel, Henry Bruner, John Best, Henry Baker, James Baser, Thomas Barrett, Moses Barrett, George Bonesteel (died in service), Ezra Bonesteel, David Bonesteel (died in services), John Baugh- man, David Baker, William Baker, William Best, James Billman, Lew^is D. Clements (died in service), George Chart, Willard Corey, William Culver, John Cackler, Alvin Cox, Oscar Chilson, Alexan- der Corey, Leroj^ W. Chase (killed in battle), Luther J. Chase, Dwight Croft, Rufus Cook (died in service), Almon Chase (died in rebel prison), K. Chilson, Simon Coy, George Chase, Increase Chase, Fred Chilson, Matthias Coffman, Willard Cox, John Chart, Henry Doolittle, Riley Dickerson (lost on Sultana), M. V. Dealy, Alvin Dennison, D. D. Dewey, John Dickerson, Gillis W. Katinger {lost on Sultana), Lorten Filley, Newton Filley, William Flanigan, William B. Galloway, Pomeroy Galloway, Adam B. Galloway, Edmund Gray, Charles Hamlin, Samuel W. Hart (in rebel prison), Newton S. Harrington (died in service), John Homan, Beardsley Hull, Carleton C. Hart, William Howland, Thomas Hardesdy, Dar- win Hall, J. D. Hall, Andrew Hall (died in service), Robert Hogue (died in service), William H. Jones, A. P. Jaques, Winsor Lappin, Jr., Alvin Kelso, Jackson Mott, L. D. Mc Wayne, Orrin Markham, Philander Markham, Albert Malone (rebel prisoner and survivor of Sultana disaster), William H. Norton (in rebel prison and also survivor of the Sultana disaster), Frank J. Norton, William Oaks, George W. Prior (died in service), Clark Prior, Horace Pardee, Silas Payne, George Payne (lost on Sultana), Alson F. Prior, William Price, Alvin Perkins (died in service), Elijah Pardee, Stiles A. Prior, Charles Payne, Edward Parks, Israel Potts, Fred- erick Palmer, Reese J. Purine, Frank Purine (killed in battle), Andrew J. Robinson, William Robinson, Randolph Robinson, Isaac Roose, William L. Rice (in rebel prison) Lorin Ruggles, Elias Ream, Henry Scott, Jonas Schoonover, Jesse Stahl (in rebel prison), Jacob Senn, Charles Stevens (lost on Sultana), William Stevens (lost on Sultana), Charles Stout (lost on Sultana), James Stahl, NORTHAMPTON IN PUBLIC OFFICE. 863 Philip Smathers (died in service), William Smathers (lost on Sul- tana), John Shellhorn (died in service), Henry Simonds, Alexander Steel, Sherman Seymour, John Thompson, Hawthorn Thompson, Orlow Thompson (died in service), Julius A. Upson (died in ser- vice), Philo B. Upson (died in service), Lorenzo Vallen, Alexander Wallace, William Waterman (lost on Sultana), Peter W. Weaver ^lost on Sultana), C. W. Way (lost on Sultana), C. A. Wilson, Alfred Waite, Oliver Wright, Edward Wetmore, Joseph Wallace, George F. Young. Northampton's Civil Service. — In the civil service of Summit county, Northampton has been less conspicuous and less favored (or more favored as the case may be) than the average of the town- ships, two important county offices, only, having been allotted to her, as follows: Sullivan S. Wil.son, in 1858, hitherto a highly respected and prosperous farmer, near the center of the township, was selected by the Republican county nominating convention as its candidate for the important position of county treasurer, and was elected by more than the average majority" accorded to the rest of his ticket. Discharging the duties of his office with commendable fidelity and urbanity, in 1860 he was renominated by acclamation and re-elected by an increased majority. All went well, without the faintest shadow or suspicion of wrong, until near the close of his second term, in February, 1863, when, one evening about the time for closing up the public offices at the court house, Mr. Wilson stepped across the hall into the Auditor's office, and handed the keys of the Treasurer's office to Auditor George W. Grouse, w^ith the simple remark: "I've got through." To Mr. Grouse's inquiry as to what he meant, he briefly answered: "They're after me, and I've got to leave." It transpired that Mr. Wilson, though the husband of a most excellent wife, and a father, had become involved in an amour with the wife of his nearest neighbor, the mother of several child- ren, whose husband was vigorously talking about instituting both legal and personal proceedings against her seducer. The denoue- ment w^as an elopement the same night that he handed the keys over to Auditor Grouse, the eloping couple taking refuge in a neighboring Western State, livang together as husband and wife, and afterwards, on being legally separated from their respective spouses, in Ohio, becoming such in reality, by marriage. The county finances, on examination by the commissioners, who had been immediatel}^ summoned by Auditor Grouse, w^ere found to be intact, w^ith the exception of a few^ dollars discrepancy in a single fund, which was at once made good by General L. V. Bierce, Mr. Wilson's attorney; the commissioners appointing Mr. Grouse to fill the vacancy occasioned by Mr. Wilson's withdrawal, Mr. Sanford M. Burnham taking Mr. Grouse's place as Auditor, as elsewhere noted. John G. Johnston, a practical mechanic, as well as a good farmer, was elected county commissioner in 1866, and re-elected in 1869, serving in all six years, and making as faithful and efficient a public officer as Summit county has ever had; Mr. Johnston also having served seven consecutive terms as clerk of his own town- ship, being also a most efficient member of the township military committee during the late War. 864 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Present Industries. — Farming, stock-raising, dairying and fruit-growing may be said to constitute the chief industries of Northampton, at the present time, with the exception of the mill- ing operations already alluded to, and perhaps some^vhat exten- sive lumbering operations with portable steam-driven saw^-mills in different portions of the toAvnship. There are at the present time (1887) two cheese factories in the township, run by the veteran cheese manufacturer, S. Straight, Esq., of Hudson; that near the iron bridge being run the year around, with satisfactory results. [Since the above was w^ritten, Mr. Samuel McNeil has become the proprietor of the Hawkins Station plant, which, though destroyed by fire, in June, 1889, was immediately rebuilt, and is still in successful operation.] Aside from cheese-making the sale of milk in Akron and Cleveland is quite a factor in the industrial interests of the town, Mr. Henry W. Howe, and perhaps others, shipping milk to Cleveland, from Hawkins' Station on the Valley Railway, w^hile it is estimated that fully $3,000 worth of milk is yearly sold in Akron by the dairymen of the township. A large amount of choice beef is also yearly slaughtered for the Akron and neigh- boring markets, w^hile fruits and the production of almost every variety of vegetables, grain, etc., serve to make Northampton, no|- withstanding its natural physical disadvantages, and its former questionable moral status, one of the most prosperous toTvnships of Summit county. NORTHAMPTON'S OFFICIAL ROSTER (1891.) Trustees, Edward Donohue, Frederick Harrington, Adam Botzum; clerk, William Kline; treasurer, Wallace Scott; justices of the peace, Henry W. Howe, A. L. Hart; constables, Edwin B. Hovire, William Voss; postmasters, Henry W. How^e, Ira, (Haw^kins' Station); Jacob P. Harris, Buckeye, (Botzum Station); Adah Roose, Vester, (Steele's Corners.) NORTHAMPTON'S CRIMINAL RECORD. The killing of the canal driver, Nathan Cummins, in 1832, by Abner S. Barris, a dissolute denizen of Northampton, his arrest, trial and conviction of murder in the second degree, imprisonment and death, is given in full elsewhere. This, Avith the traditional killing of one or tw^o troublesome Indians w^ithin the toAvnship, by Jonathan Willliams, a pioneer hunter of the neighborhood, and the reputed killing of a young German laborer upon the canal in 1826, by a gang of infuriated Irish laborers, constitutes the entire early "civilized" homicidal history of the tov^^nship. In minor crookedness, how^ever, her early history, if fully writ- ten up, w^ould simply be immense, though even then, the majority of her people were pre-eminently orderly and upright. Passing by, therefore, the depredations of that sweet-scented pair of burgf- lars, thieves and neighborhood pests, of a third of a century ago — "Lishe" Wait and George Sapp — and the more extensive and more important financial operations of her other long-time dis- tinguished citizens, "Jim" and "Dan" Brown, fully treated of elsewhere, we will close this chapter with a brief account of her two latest homicides — the killing of Elisha Whipple, by Patrick Dunn, in 1878, and the killing of John Tedrow, by Thomas Brook, in 1882, as follows: TIfE DUNN-WHIPPLE HOMICIDE. 865 Patrick Dunn was born in Tipperary county, Ireland, in 1830, and emigrated to America in 1850, then twenty years of age. Stop- ping a short time with a sister, in Connecticut, he went to Illinois, w^here he remained a few^ months, w^hen, in the fall of 1850, he came to Ohio, first stopping at Twinsburg, where, after a short sojourn with Ezra Starkweather, he worked for Ezra Clark about two years, while there attending school part of the time. He after- wards worked at Aurora and Solon. September 11, 1857, he was married to Catharine Jones, in Cleveland, returning with his wife to Solon, where he continued to work until the breaking out of the War, in 1861, when he enlisted in the army. Serving faithfully three years, under Blunt, Steele, Solomon and Wier, in Arkansas and the Indian Territory, he was honorably discharged in 1864, returning to his family in Solon, soon after which he bought a partially cleared farm of 73 acres in the north- west part of the township of Northampton. Dunn was rather small of stature, quiet and pleasant in his bearing, and industrious and economical in his habits, Mrs. Dunn being somewhat more sprightly and sociably inclined, with little or no education and refinement, but w^ithal a diligent, tidy and frugal housekeeper. In the purchase of the farm, though paid for with Dunn's previous earnings, and his bounty money and savings as a soldier, he readily assented to the suggestion of his wife to place the title to the newly purchased farm in her name, both jointly working faithfully for its improvement for several years. Beginning of the Trouble. — Family matters appear to have gone along smoothly enough, until about 1875, or 1876, w^hen differences seem to have arisen between the husband and the wife, the exact nature of which is unknown to the w^riter. In these dif- ferences their oldest child, and only son, Harry W., then some 17 or 18 years of age, seems to have sided with his mother, while certain of the neighbors also appeared to take quite a lively interest in their affairs, especially the late Loyal J. Mix, the adjoining land- owner upon the north and west, and Elisha Whipple, a bachelor,, residing with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey Whipple, ow^ners of the adjoining farm upon the south. Mix was the owner of a dilapidated log shanty standing near the line of Dunn's land,, which had been a great annoyance to the Dunns, by reason of the objectionable tenants to whom it had from time to time been rented. Hard words had ensued between Dunn and Mix, in regard to the matter, and when finally, w^hile standing vacant in the Fall of 1876, the shanty w^as burned, Mix charged Dunn with setting it on fire, also accusing him of having cut the throat of a colt that was running in a contiguous pasture. Indicted for Arson. — Nearly a year later, in the latter part of 1877, Mix filed an affidavit against 13unn, before Justice Abial L. Waite, charging Dunn w^ith &rson, placing the value of the burned shanty at $50 and, largely on the strength of the testimony of the w^ife and son, Dunn w^as bound over to court, the grand jury at the October term, 1877, on the same testimony, finding a bill of indict- ment against him for that crime. Later in the term, trial was had before Judge New^ell D. Tib- bals. After a patient hearing of the case, under the charge of Judge Tibbals, the jury, after brief deliberation, through its fore- man, the late Clement J. Kolb, of Akron, returned a verdict of not 55 866 AKROX AND SUMMIT COUXTV. jTuilty, the impression very largely obtaining that the entire pro- ceedings were the offspring of spite, partaking rather of the nature of a conspiracy to get rid of Dunn, by securing his incarceration in the penitentiary, than a desire to further the ends of justice and vindicate the law. Petitiox for Divorce. — These accusations and proceedings very greatly augmented the family discords, and undoubtedly drew forth many hard words from Dunn, and equally spirited retorts from the Avife and the grown up son, Harry, the oldest daughter, Mary, then about 15 years old, partially siding w^ith the mother in the family imbroglio. Immediately after the acquittal of Dunn on the charge of arson, a petition for divorce was filed by Mrs. Dunn, through her attorney, the late Frederick S. Hanford, charging Dunn w^ith gross neglect of duty for three years last past, and with extreme cruelty, and praying that she be granted a decree of divorce, w^ith a restoration of her maiden name, Catharine Jones, the custody of her children, Harry W., 19; Mary T., 15; and Lotta M., 3; and the confirmation to her of the 73 acre farm of which she already held the fee, and all the personal property thereon; a supplemental petition also asking for an injunction restraining him from inter- ference with her person or the property in question. The answer to the above named petition, filed by Dunn, through his counsel, the late Nathaniel W Goodhue, Esq., denied the charges of gross neglect of duty and cruelty; admitted that Mrs. Dunn held the title to the land, but denied that she was the sole owner, it being bought with his money, and that ever since taking possession he had worked industriously for its improvement, paid the taxes, etc.; that all the personal property was his, and that for the past two or three years she had been very unkind; had crossed, annoyed and w^orried him in every conceivable manner, for the purpose of driving him from home, etc. The divorce suit came on for hearing at the May term of the court, 1878, before Judge Tibbals. In addition to the statements of the w^ife, the son and oldest daughter, a number of the neighbors testified against Dunn, Klisha Whipple being especially active in procuring and giving evidence favorable to the petitioner and damaging to defendant, providing Mrs. Dunn with money with which to carry on her suit and pay to Dunn the few hundred dollars of alimony, which it was finally conceded he was entitled to, should the prayer be granted, as Judge Tibbals, after a patient hearing of the case, concluded had better be done, and a divorce w^as entered accordingl3^ The Animosity Deepens. — ^Of course, these occurrences very greatly embittered Dunn against all the parties who had been instrumental, as he believed, in despoiling him of his property, and driving him from his home, and especially against Klisha AiVhipple whom he regarded as very largelj^ the instigator of the proceeding, for his own selfish ends and sinister purposes In the meantime, however, yielding to the inevitable, Dunn, after assisting several of the neighbors in haying and harvesting, about the middle of August, 1878, secured permanent employment with Mr. Kdward McCauley, in the south part of Hudson tow^nship. Here he faithfully w^orked until the latter part of October, w^hen he worked for a month or six weeks for Mr. Henry Scott, of North- ampton, returning to Mr. McCauley's in the fore part of December. PROVIDES HIMSELF WITH A REVOLVER. 867 Lingering Affection for Family. — Though working faithfully, £ind at times manifesting considerable cheerfulness, Dunn talked a good deal about his troubles, and, though speaking bitterly against Whipple, Mix and others, who had meddled in his domestic affairs, still seemed to retain a good degree of affection for his family, at one time signifying his intention to buy a'cow^ for his Avoman, and expressing the hope that he might be again reconciled to his wife, and help to pay off the mortgage of $650, which she had placed upon the farm in favor of Whipple for money furnished as above indicated. His affection for his two daughters w^as very marked, especially for little four year old Lotta, quite often going to the house and taking to them some little tokens of affection and remembrance Still Further Cause for Animosity. — In addition to having been Mrs. Dunn's confidential adviser in the family and property troubles above noted, Whipple claimed that there was a balance of some $20 or $25 due from Dunn to him on some previous business transactions, the validity of Avhich claim Dunn denied, and about which angry and threatening words had passed on both sides, Whipple giving out, among the neighbors, his intention to collect the same by garnisheeing Dunn's w^ages, and Dunn declaring to the party who informed him of Whipple's intention, that if Whipple undertook to do that he'd " fix him," etc. The frequent visits of Mrs. Dunn to the Whipple mansion, and the numerous calls of Whipple upon the divorced wife, were reported to Dunn, from time to time, all of which, if not inspiring in the breast of Dunn a spirit of vengeance at least caused him to anticipate trouble if they should happen to come in collision during one of his occasional visits to his old home. Purchasing a Revolver. — This was the condition of affairs in January, 1879. About the 24th of that month Dunn visited Hudson Village, where he bought from Mr. John L. Chapman a small five-shooter revolver, with cartridges to match. On his return to McCauley's he retired to bed without saying anything about his purchase. The next morning, at the breakfast table, Dunn remarked that he wished he had a revolver so that he could shoot some of the bats that were flying about his room. Mrs. McCauley responded that if she was not mistaken she heard a revolver snap as he (Dunn) was going up stairs the evening before, Dunn saying, in reply, " I guess not." Visits Northampton. — Obtaining $5 on account, from Mr. McCauley, on Saturday afternoon, January 25th, Dunn started for Northampton to be gone over Sunday. Saturday night he staid w^ith Alonzo Cox, the third farm east of his old home; spent Sunday visiting among his old neighbors, calling during the day to see his children, and speaking kindly to his late w^ife, w^ho had for several days been confined to her bed by sickness. He spent Sunday night at the house of Mr. Merwin Gibbs, the second farm south of his old place, the Whipple farm lying between. The Fatal Rencounter. — About 8 o'clock, on Monday morning, Dunn left the house of Mr. Gibbs, saying that he was going to the river, his old home being directly upon his route. As he neared the house, standing at the north side of the east and w^est road, ^nd facing south, he discovered a horse hitched to a small peach tree near the southeast corner of the house, there being no fence 868 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, between the house and the street. Surmising that the horse in question belonged to Blisha Whipple, his naturally impulsive temper was at once aroused, and when Whipple opened the door in response to his knock, with an opprobrious epithet he indig- nantly inquired what he (Whipple) was doing there? Maddened at the vile name applied to him, Whipple rushed upon Dunn, and being much thd larger and stronger man, bore him to the ground^ in the struggle tearing his coat and inflicting several cuts and bruises upon his face and hands. The only witnesses to this scene, were Mrs. Dunn through the open door, and the little four-year-old girl; Mrs. Dunn afterw^ards testifying that Dunn cried " Whipple let me up!" to which Whipple responded, "I will when you learn to behave yourself," upon which both rose to their feet. The little girl closing the door at this point, there w^ere no w^itnesses to what followed, except that Mrs. Dunn saw Dunn rush past the window follow^ed by W^hipple. Dunn's version of the affair w^as that, on rising to his feet, other angry words ensued, Dunn applying the same opprobrious epithet he had previously made use of, when Whipple again started for him, he (Dunn) retreating backw^ards toward the street. As Whipple bore down on him, fearing for his ow^n life he drew^ the revolver from his pocket, and as Whipple fell upon him^ bearing him again to the earth, he fired, blood immediately spurting from Whipple's mouth and completely saturating Dunn's^ face and clothing as he lay under the heavy body of his antago- nist completely helpless. Dunn's Voluntary Surrender. — Responsive to the screams^ of the little girl w^ho had climbed to the window, Mrs. Dunn arose from her sick bed, and hastily throwing a shawl over her head and shoulders, opened the door just in time to see Dunn, who had rolled the bloody body of Whipple off from himself, rising to his feet, at about which time the son, Harry, who was at the time doing the chores at the barn, appeared upon the scene, and as he supposed saw his father rising up off the body of Whipple, which was then lying upon its back. Dunn, w^ho in the struggle to free himself from the w^eight of his dead antagonist's body, had dropped his revolver in the snow^, gathered up his battered hat, and returned to the farm of Mr. Gibbs, where a number of men -were engaged in threshing, among them Mr. George Chase, one of the constables of the township, to whom he voluntarily surren- dered himself, telling what he had done and how and why he did it. Coroner's Inquest. — The tragic affair created the most intense excitement in the neighborhood, and so rapidly extending to other localities, that before noon The Daily Beacon reporter, Mr. George W. Kummer, w^as upon the ground and back to the office again with a full report of the affair in time for that evening's issue of the paper. Justice William Viall, for the time being, acting as Coroner, issued a warrant to Constable Orrin Markham, who summoned a jury of inquest as follows: Jatnes Harrington, Abial L. Waite, Wesley J. Wise, Edwin Folk, William McLoney and Philip Klein. Although the cause of the death of Whipple w^as apparent from Dunn's own statement, the testimony of Harry Dunn, Catharine Jones (the late Mrs. Dunn), Frederick Hart, Merwin Gibbs and Drs. J. M. Crafts and W. S. Hough, was^ INDICTMENT, TRIAL, ETC. 869 taken, the two latter having performed an autopsy upon the body. From the fact that blood had spurted from the mouth of Whipple upon his prostrate slayer beneath him, it was at first supposed that the ball had passed through the mouth and into the brain. The examination, however, showed that the ball entered the left breast between the second and third ribs, passing through both lungs, through the upper edge of the eighth rib, and lodging in the right shoulder-blade, corroborative of Dunn's statement; Dr. Crafts testifying that the person shooting must have been above; or the person shot stooping forward; other testimony showing that the ground was slightly descending from the house to the road, and that it was 42 feet from the door-step to where Dunn and Whipple fell. Preliminary Examination. — The verdict of the coroner's jury was, of course, to the effect that Whipple came to his death by a revolver-shot fired by Dunn. Justice Viall issued a w^arrant duly charging Dunn, already in custody, with deliberate and malicious murder, and the defendant, waiving an examination, was taken to Akron the same evening, by Constable Chase, and duly consigned to the custody of Mr. Albert T. Manning, the w^riter's very efficient jailor at that time. Indictment, Trial, Etc. — At the May term of the Court of Common Pleas, 1879, Judge Newell D. Tibbals on the Bench, Prosecuting Attorney Edward W. Stuart laid Justice Viall's transcript of the case before the Grand Jury for that term, constituted as follows: L. E. Humphrey, Frank Ehrich, Orson Cook, M. C. Danforth, C. Fell, John Gottwalt, S. N. Weston, Williston Ailing, George L. Bishop, Oliver P. Falor, Joseph Jennings, Orrin L. Walker, Benjamin F. Tliompson, John Allen and A. V. Amerman. A "true bill" charging the defendant with premeditated and malicious murder was returned. On this indictment the prisoner w^as arraigned on the 23d day of June, 1879, entering a plea of not guilty. Gen. Alvin C. Voris and Gov. Sidney Edgerton defending, -and Hon. Henry McKinney, of Cleveland, assisting Prosecutor Stuart, on behalf of the State. Obtaining a Jury. — A full day and a half w^as consumed in procuring a jury, 119 persons being examined in all, before the panel was declared full, as follows: H. H. Bliss, of Northfield; J. L. Bender, Springfield; J. B. Richardson, Tallmadge; S. h. Oviatt, Northfield; Wallace S. Saxton, Fifth Ward, Akron; B. S. Braddock, Richfield; A. S. Wheeler, Cuyahoga Falls; Jacob Clouner, Spring- field; Alfred Wood, Second Ward; David Hanscom, First Ward; George F. Kent, Sixth Ward; and Smith Pangborn, Fourth Ward. The examination of witnesses consumed nearly three days, 113 in all being in attendance and nearly all sworn and examined. Prosecutor Stuart occupied about four hours in his opening argument for the State; Gen. Voris and Gov. Edgerton about five hours each for the defense, and Judge McKinney closing the argument in behalf of the prosecution in a plea of about three hours, all earnest, able and eloquent efforts. The charge of Judge Tibbals was exhaustive and perspicuous, and so satisfactory to counsel on both sides that no additional sug- gestions w^ere made by either, elaborately explaining to the jury the ^lifferent degrees of homicide, and the rules of law applicable 870 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. to each, carefully explaining the law^ of self-defense or justifiable homicide, and especially admonishing the jury to weigh well the testimony in regard to the sanity of the defendant, w^ho, if found to be insane at the time of the commission of the act, would be^ entitled to a full and unconditional acquittal. A "Compromise" Verdict.^ — The jury retired to their room at 5:30 p. M., Tuesday, July 1, the eighth day of the trial. At 9 A. m.^. Wednesday, the jury requested more light upon the subject of pre- meditation, and w^ere recharged by Judge Tibbals upon that point. At 2:35 p. M., the jury, through their foreman, Mr, David Hanscom,. rendered a verdict of "murder in the second degree." It afterwards transpired that after a unanimous ballot against the hypothesis of insanity, the first ballot as to the degree of guilt stood: First degree, 7; second degree, 4; manslaughter, 1. Sev- eral precisely similar ballots ensued, when the manslaughter man announced his willingness to vote for second degree, but could go no further, and many ballots followed, 7 to 5. At the end of 24 hours, one of the first degree men proposed to yield to the second degree men, in order to avoid the trouble and expense of another trial, but some of his fellows objected on the ground that if a life- sentence to prison, only, was imposed, after a few years, through the intercession of friends and interested counsel, he would be set at liberty again by some tender-hearted governor. Some juror being aware of the fact that among other pre- requisites for the procurement of a pardon was a petition or recom- mendation from the jury, before whom the conviction was had to that effect, and it was then and there solemnly agreed, in a writing" signed by all, and placed in the hands of the foreman, that none of them would ever sign such a petition, or recommendation, without the consent of all the rest, and hence, probably, the failure of the effort to secure a pardon for poor Dunn, some two or three years ago. Quere.-Was not such an agreement, on the part of the jur3^a i^roceeding" that would have invalidated the verdict, had it been known, and advantage- taken of it at the time, and, if so, is it yet too Late for the friends of the pris- otier to make it available in his behalf? Pronouncing Sentence.— No motion for a new trial having been filed, on Monday, July 9, 1879, at 11:15 a. m., the prisoner was brought in for sentence. Commanding him to stand up, after a brief reference to the crime charged, the fairness of the trial, the verdict of the jury, etc.. Judge Tibbals inquired of the prisoner if he had anything to say "why the sentence of the law^ should not be- pronounced? Dunn replied, in substance, that what he did was done in self-defense, and the Judge w^as proceeding to comment on the fearfulness of the offense which had been committed, and the presumption that when a man thus took the law into his OAvn hands to redress a real or supposed provocation, the party must be a desperate character, and unsafe as an associate for his fellovr men. At this point Dunn again spoke: " I had no idea. Your Honor, when I went to my wife's house^ that day, of meeting Whipple. When I went to go into the house, Whipple held the door open about six inches, and then I asked him what he was doing there? Before I had finished the first sen- tence he pitched onto me and cut me in the head and cheek.. Then he threw me down in the mud and tore my clothes. Wlijen I SENTENCE, IMPRISONMENT, ETC. 871 got up I found blood on my cheek, and turning around to Whipple I said: 'Whipple, * * * * I'n settle with you for this some other time.' My revolver was then in my pocket, but I never drew it till he came at me again." Judge Tibbals — ^"No doubt your private life was. that of a peaceable, quiet man till you got into those domestic troubles out of which came a divorce and decree setting aside a certain sum to you. Then your troubles ought to have ended. You ought to have left your wife entirely alone — abandoned her. That decree settled the matter irrevocably, so that so far as visiting her was concerned, you had the same right as any man has to visit an unmarried woman, and you had a moral and social right to go there to see your children. But you had no right to go there and dictate to her concerning her associates or her conduct. You went there undoubtedly for a proper purpose; I assume nothing else. "But I have no doubt that during the eight months after your divorce you suffered yourself to brood over your troubles. You then, in my judgment, deliberated on taking the life of those who had caused them. Your purhase of a revolver, and the secrecj'' with whicli it was done, indicate that. The fact that the difficulty arose in a sudden quarrel, whether provoked by Whipple or not, and that then yovi decided to carry out your purpose, justified the jury in finding as they did, and I am thankful that the verdict is as it is. I feel like commending the jury for the manner in which they determined the issues arising in this case, carefully and con- siderately weighing all the evidence. I think the mistake arose, on your part, in thinking that a man can so enlarge upon the rights which the law gives him as to presume to take the life of another. It is something which cannot be tolerated." Dunn. — "I want to say. Your Honor, that before the fatal shot, I had two chances to take Whipple's life, if I had wanted to; one w^hen I met him at the door and the other when he first had me down. I could easily have taken his life either time if I had w^anted to." Judge Tibbals. — "That is undoubtedly so. But I only want to say, further, that the community must stand squarely up to this principle, that only when one's life is in danger at the hands of another, is he justified in taking the life of another. There only remains to me now, the painful duty of imposing the penalty of the law, concerning which no discretion is left me. Tt is the sen- tence of this court, then, that you be taken hence to the jail of this county, and thence, within 30 days, to the penitentiary, and that you there be confined at hard labor during the term of 3'our natural existence — no solitary confinement to be included in this sentence." How Dunn Looked at It. — Dunn was one of the most docile and conscientiously obedient prisoners that, in his eight years experience as sheriff, the writer ever had in his keeping. Being thoroughly imbued with the idea that in killing Whipple he had acted purely in self-defense — the procurement of the revolver being solely for that purpose, in case Whipple, in his enmity, should ever, as he expressed it, "pitch onto him" — he very keenly felt w^hat he believed to be the great injustice of his conviction. Contemplating the long and dreary imprisonment which the ver- dict irrevocably presaged, he at first glooinily asseverated that he 872 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Avould have preferred to have been hung, and was at times so despondent that the writer was somewhat fearful that he might attempt to take his own life. But finall}^, on the suggestion of his friends, Avho of course knew nothing of the agreement of the jury, above stated, that after a few years of faithful service the governor might grant him a pardon, he became reconciled to his fate, and entered upon his long term of imprisonment, on the 10th day of Julj^, 1879, w^ith comparative cheerfulness. Disposing of His Belongings. — Before leaving for the pen- itentiary Dunn designated how^ his personal effects should be dis- posed of; presenting a pair of boots to one, sundry articles of cloth- ing to another, his pocket knife to a third, of his tried and true friends, etc., also leaving suitable mementoes for his little girls, and lastly presenting the revolver with -which the shooting Avas done, together with the fatal bullet, as well as the unexploded cartridges, to the writer, by w^hom it is still retained as a relic of the tragic event. During his confinement in jail, sundry sums of money had been paid to him by those for whom he had worked, and others indebted to him, of -which there remained, after settling with his attorneys, and others, the sum of $68 at the date of his incarcer- ation in the penitentiary. On the way to Columbus he inquired as to w^hether he would be permitted to keep the money on his own person. On being told that it -would be placed to his credit on the prison books, subject to his order, he said he didn't know any- thing about " them fellow^s," but he did know me, and he w^ould prefer to have me keep it for him, and he would write me from time to time ho-w to disburse it; it being his intention to use the most of it for the benefit of the little girl, Lotta. On arriving at the penitentiary, I accordingly gave him my receipt for the money, subject to his order, -which receipt, together w^ith his sol- dier's discharge papers, were duly deposited with the prison clerk. A Cheeky Demand. — The ex-wife of the life-convict — Catharine Jones — learning from some source that Dunn had deposited a sum of money w^ith me for the benefit of Lotta, paid me a visit and insisted that as the court had made her the custodian of the child this money should be placed in her keeping also. I told her that I held it subject to Mr. I)unn's order, and if she w^ould procure from him an order to that effect, I -would pay it over to her, but not oth- erwise. The order never was presented. A little over a year later, however, after Dunn had become better acquainted with "thetn fellows," he ordered the money sent to the prison authorities to be placed to his credit on the books of that institution, Avhich was accordingly done on the 29th day of October, 1880, my receipt to Dunn havingbeen duly returned tome by Warden Noah Thomas; the disposition since made of said funds being to the writer unknown. The divorced v^rife — Catherine Jones — sold her farm to George Oscar Kidder in the spring of 1880 (it being now owned by Benja- min Payne) and the entire family removed to Cleveland, the son and oldest daughter having married, -while the youngest daughter is reported to be developing into a bright and intelligent young lady, and though no stigma should attach to her by reason of the family infelicities of the parents, and the ignominous fate of the father, she is at times, doubtless, saddened by the recollection of THE KILLING OF JOHN TEDROW BY THOMAS BROOK. 873 the fearful tragedy, of which, then but four years old, she was the only eye-writness. Dunn's Prison Record. — On his first commitment, Dunn was assigned to the clothing department, wrhere he was employed in keeping the uniforms of his fellow-convicts in repair, but,w^hether he is still doing that comparatively light and easy w^ork the writer is not advised, though a recent note from Warden E. G. Coffin, states that his record as to deportment is clear, no infractions^of the prison rules ever having been reported against him; and though now quite advanced in years (62), he still, doubtless, cher- ishes the hope of once more being permitted to breathe the air of freedom and again mingle with his many friends and acquaint- ances in Summit county. The Brook-Tedrow Homicide.^ — "Yellow Creek Basin," — an ancient business emporium on the Ohio canal, in the township of Northampton, about six miles north 'of Akron; afterw^ards for many years called "Niles," and upon the advent of the Valley railway, rechristened "Botzum" — w^as fully described earlier in this chapter, besides being often referred to in connection with the doings of sundry distinguished characters w^ho in an early day ■did there and thereabouts abound. Though in recent years as peaceable and orderly as the average non-incorporated and non- policed hamlet upon the Mraterw^ays and railw^ay lines of the coun- try, the village of Botzum was the scene of a fatal tragedy on the night of October 27, 1882, a brief account of which will be in order here. The Parties to the Affray.— Seth M. Thomas, a man in mid- vo inches, straight as an arrow, w^ith rather a dark complexion, black or very dark brown hair and black, deep-set penetrating eyes. Though not corpulent, his frame ^vas well proportioned to his great height, giving him a personal presence that would attract attention in any company. And, considering the universal use of intoxicants in those early times, and his traffic therein as merchant and inn- keeper, his own early habits in that regard Avere remarkably cor- rect, while his business and social life was at that time of more than the average purity. Their "Financial" Operations. — Just when, and by whom, the tvv^o brothers w^ere first initiated into the mystic art of illicit financiering, can now only be conjectured. But certain it is that, coincident with the opening of the Ohio canal in 1827, there was in existence an extensive organization for the manufacture of, and dealing in, counterfeit money along the entire length, with its headquarters in the Cuyahoga Vallej^, with the two Browns, as its leaders. Their principal coadjutors, in this vicinity, were Wil- liam G. Taylor, of Cleveland, Abraham S. Holtnes and Col. Wil- liam Ashley, of Boston; William Latta, of Bath; Jonathan De Courcey and Thomas Johnson, of Norton; and Joshua King and Joel Keeler, of Portage; with quite a large army of subordinate •officers and privates as detailed in an earlier chapter of this series. Let it be understood, here, that so far as known, neither of the brothers indulged in peddling or passing spurious money them- selves; their province being to devise, plan, and direct; to select the institutions on which to "experiment," and to distribute, in a -wholesale way, the products of those experiments. A Mammoth Scheme. — At the time about which we are now w^riting, the old United States Bank, at Philadelphia, was in full •operation, its notes being, like our present treasury notes or green- backs, not only good in any part of the United States, but also <:urrent in every country on the globe with w^hich this govern- ment then held commercial intercourse. About the year 1831, the leaders of the fraternity above described had possessed themselves of some very excellent plates of the several issues of United States bank notes, and were preparing to flood the country with the spurious paper. At this time, the elder of the Brown brothers, "Dan," having returned to Pittsburg, from a successful trip over the mountains, w^ith horses, w^ith the view^ of resuming his trading operations on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, evolved from his fertile brain a scheme that should entirely eclipse any other financial project, A TRULY MAMMOTH SCHEME. 879 either legitimate or illegitimate, that up to that time had ever been devised. He accordingly wrote to his brother "Jim," and their most confidential confederate, Taylor, to meet him in Pitts- burg. On coming together, "Dan" unfolded his plan, which w^as, that instead of placing the spurious United States notes they tvere then preparing in the hands of their local agents and confederates to be dribbled out at retail, in this country, they should make a wholesale operation of it in the far-off markets of the mercantile w^orld. Expedition to China, India, Etc. — This scheme was fully con- -curred in by not only the Brown brothers and Taylor, but by such other members of the fraternity as w^ere let into the secret. Pro- ceeding to Ne>v Orleans, in the Winter of 1831, '32, a large vessel was purchased and equipped for the expedition. It was the inten- tion to sail directly for China, and from thence to visit the several commercial ports of India, and, with the spurious money, purchase a large cargo of teas, coffees, spices, siiks and other merchandise, to be disposed of in the various ports of Europe and America. Several thousand dollars w^orth of export merchandise, suited to Oriental trade, was placed on board the vessel, w^ith $1>500,000 of the spurious notes, together Avith material and the necessary -apparatus for turning out $2,000,000 more. In addition to the owners, and the crew^ proper, for the man- agement of the vessel, a number of artists, expert penman, etc., were included in the com pa nj^ as "passengers." Everything was in readiness for a start. Passports and the necessary clearance papers had been secured. The vessel had pulled out from the dock and anchored in mid-river, just at night, to be in readiness to start upon her voyage with the out-going tide the next morning. There were no telegraphs begirting the globe, no railroads, no swift ocean steamers in those days, and once fairly at sea, the expedition would be safe from both detection and pursuit, and its final success assured beyond a peradventure. The Expedition Comes to Grief. — As several months w^ould elapse before they w^ould again stand upon terra Rrnia, or revel in the delights of city life, the tw^o ivhilotn mercantile partners, ■"Jim" Brown and "Bill" Taylor, w^ent on shore in the evening to "paint the town red." New Orleans was at that time, as perhaps it still is, a pretty "gay" city — w^ith its gambling houses, bagnios and drinking places, as public as its hotels, stores, etc. Though it does not appear that they became particularly inebriated, or offensively boisterous, in making their rounds, yet their extreme liberality in the dispensation of their w^ealth, in treating them- selves and others, and certain extravagances of action and speech, attracted the attention of the police. Being thenceforth shadowed, Avhen, late at night, they w^ere seen to row off to their vessel, whose somewhat singular movements had already been observed by the authorities, they were followed by a squad of officers, and a thorough search of the vessel instituted. Up to this time the true nature of the expedition had not been suspected, but, as piracy and smuggling were then largely in vogue, it was surmised that the parties and the vessel in question, might belong to one class or the other of the contraband operators named. The search, however, revealed the real character of the company, and their probable designs, and the entire number were 880 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. taken into custody, together with their perfected and unperfected "currency," material and counterfeiting paraphernalia. Death — Conviction — Acquittal, Etc. — The three principals, only — the two Brow^ns and Taylor — were held for trial. Taylor, through friends in Cleveland, secured bail, and he and one Henr^^ Barrett, agreed, for a certain money indemnity and a deed of the farm owned by the Brow^ns, in Boston, to go bail for them, also. The money was paid over and the deed executed, but the bail never w^as furnished. The trial was postponed, from time to time, until late in the Fall of 1832, Daniel Brown having in the mean- time, on August 22, 1832, died in the New Orleans calaboose. General Lucius V. Bierce and Hon. Rufus P. Spalding, as attor- neys, and some 18 or 20 residents of Portage and Cuyahoga counties, as witnesses, were in attendance. Mrs. Lucy Mather Brown, Avife of James Brow^n — a finer w^oman than w^hom never existed — clung faithfully to her husband, in the spirit of the couplet: " I know not, I care not, if guilt's in thy heart, But I know that I love thee, whatever thou art." The silly tradition, how^ever, that Mrs. Brow^n rode on horse- back from Old Portage to New Orleans, to be present at her hus- band's trial, or that, obtaining access to her husband's cell, in the calaboose, she exchanged clothes with him, thus enabling him to escape, are simply sublimated bosh — there being, at that time, plenty of steamboats plying betw^een Pittsburg and New^ Orleans, and escape from prison being no part of his line of defense. There is no authentic account of the actual proceedings in the case now^ available, the local papers of the time in this vicinity, now- in possession of the writer, being singularly reticent on the subject. General Bierce, in his "historical reminiscences," says: "James Brow^n was used as a w^itness against Taylor, who was acquitted, and became a vagabond on the earth," while other accounts state that Taj^lor was convicted, and imprisoned on Brown's testimony. Mr. Hiram H. Brown's recollection (though not on the ground himself) is that Taylor arranged with the prosecutor to turn State's evidence against his uncle "Jim," and that his aunt Lucy had come on to Cleveland and obtained a large number of affidavits from w^ell-known reputable citizens, tending to impeach Taylor's character for veracity, w^ith which she wras returning to Newr Orleans, and that Taylor, suspecting her object, being himself at large on bail, intercepted her at Baton Rouge, and, on board the steamer, attempted to w^rest the papers from her by force and vio- lence; that both Brow^n and Taj'lor were acquitted on the charge of counterfeiting, upon the technicality that it did not appear that they intended to utter their spurious money w^ithin the limits of the State of Louisiana or the United States, and that Taylor was convicted and sentenced to a long term of imprisonment for his savage assault upon Mrs. Brown, on the steamer, as above stated. Whichever, if either, of these theories is the correct one, cer- tain it is that Brown immediately returned to his home in Boston, w^hile Taylor never again appeared in Portage county, nor, as far as known, in Cleveland either; Brown, a year and a half later, commencing proceedings in the Court of Common Pleas of Portage WONDERFUL EQUESTRIAN EXPLOITS. 881 county, against Taylor and Barrett, non-residents of the State of Ohio, to have the deed given to them, as above stated, set aside, which ^was accordingly done. Elected Justice of the Peace. — Returning :^roni his long detention in the Crescent City calaboose, to his hotel in Boston, Brown, notwithstanding the miscarriage of his Chinese scheme, was heartily congratulated by his old neighbors, and a good deal lionized wherever he was known. In April, 1834, he was elected justice of the peace for Boston township, which office he is said to have administered with marked fidelity during his three years' incumbency thereof, though, at the same time, well-known to be the very "head center" of the Cuyahoga Valley Syndicate for fabricating and expanding the currency. Brown became personally known to the writer in the Spring and Summer of 1835, first during his attendance at court, w^hile the w^riter was temporarily sojourning at Ravenna, and afterwards in his frequent calls at Mr. C. B. Cobb's Pavilion House, where the w^riter boarded during his first two years' residence in Akron; and from thenceforth, his movements and operations w^ill be written of from personal know^ledge, newspaper reports and official records. Traditionary Exploits, — There are innumerable traditions extant regarding his wonderful po\\rers of endurance and his extraordinary escapes from his pursuers, after the consummation of some clever feat in the line of his "profession;" one, that having negotiated a forged draft with a New England Bank, he had, by riding day and night, through a pre-arranged relay of horses, rid- den to Ohio so quickly, that, on being taken to New England for trial, a perfect alibi w^as established, the court deciding that, with the fastest mode of travel then known, no living man could have performed the journey in the time intervening bet\veen the perpe- tration of the crime there, and his thoroughly proved presence in Ohio. At another time he is reported to have perpetrated a simi- lar "joke" upon parties near Pittsburg, and on his own powerful steed, "Old John," ridden in a single night to his home in the Cuyahoga Valley, and, being seen by the neighbors chop- ping fire-wood at his own door, at daylight the next morning, his defense of an alibi was successfully maintained. Still another exploit is attributed to him to the effect that once, while traveling through Canada, on the same horse, distributing the "queer" among his trusted agents there, the authorities "got on" to his game and gave chase, whereupon, though near the breaking up period, he fearlessly dashed across the lower end of Lake Erie, near Buffalo, upon the ice, thus placing himself beyond the juris- diction of Her Majesty's minions of the law^. Whatever the pro- portion of fiction and reality these legends contain, each reader must judge for himself, as the w^riter has neither positive nor col- lateral evidence to adduce in support of their authenticity. But of what follows substantial accuracy may be relied upon. Changes His Base. — In the Winter of 1837, '38, having disposed of his hotel property, in Boston, to Mr. Henry Wadhams, Brown moved his family to Akron, at first occupying a house on Howard street, about where the Arcade block now stands. At this time he also bought the hotel property on West Exchange street, called the Summit House, a portion of which building is still standing upon the south end of the same lot. Though he did not run the 56 882 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. house himself, it was for several years general headquarters for himself and his "friends." Early in 1839, Brown built for himself a family residence, on the southwest corner of State and Bowery streets, some fw^o or three years later transferring the property to William S. C. Otis. Esq,; the house, while unoccupied, being destroyed by an incendiary fire, April 12, 1843; loss $1,000 with no insurance. In the early forties the family moved on to the 300 acre farm now owned and occupied by the heirs of the late James R. Brown, Esq., in Northampton township, the title thereof then being in Daniel M. Brown, eldest son of the subject of this sketch. His "Persecutions" Begin. — Notwithstanding their efforts to ameliorate the monetary stringency existing at that time — 1837, '38 — largely through the influence of a little paper published by the w^riter, called the Buzzard, an active campaign was inaugu- rated by the law^ officers of Portage, Medina and Cuyahoga counties, against the blacklegs, counterfeiters and thieves, then infesting this vicinity; the more active, in w^hat is now Summit county, being Prosecuting Attorney L. V. Bierce, Sheriff George Y. Wallace, Justice Jacob Brown, Marshal Ithiel Mills, Constable Warren H. Smith, of Akron, and Justice James W. Weld and Constables Alonzo Culver and John E. Hurlbut, of Kichfield. Hitherto, since the collapse of his Chinese enterprise, Brown, in the varying vicissitudes of the gang, had managed to keep out of the clutches of the law himself, but no^v immunity and impunity both receive a sudden check. Another Mammoth Scheme. — In February, 1838, "Jim" was arrested in Akron, charged with being concerned in an adroit forgery by which the plates of the bank of Lexington, Kentucky, were obtained from the Union Bank in New^ York, and from which a large number of bills had been printed, the fraud fortunately being discovered before they had been delivered to the gang; and also for being implicated in extensive forgeries of mortgages on real estate in Buffalo, it likewise transpiring that Brown was about starting the Farmer's and Merchant's Bank at Burlington, Wis- consin (then a territory), confessing to Marshal Mills that he had some $200,000 of the bills in his possession not yet filled out; there being found in the trunk of a confederate, here, a large amount of money ready for circulation, purporting to be on the "Exporting, Mining and Manufacturing Company," at Jackson, 111,, together with several thousand dollars of the Buffalo mortgages above spoken of. On the first named charge "Jim" Brow^n w^as taken before Jus- tice Jacob Brow^n, who, to give the complainants time to procure testimony from New York, postponed the hearing until March 17, the accused entering into bonds in the sum of $6,000 for his appearance at that time. For some unexplained reason the New^ York w^itnesses were not forthcoming, and Brown was discharged, his connection w^ith the other matters not being sufficiently apparent to base a prosecution on. Again Arrested, Tried and Convicted. — Among others arrested by the officers at this period, March, 1838, vt^as one Jona- than DeCourcey, a tavern keeper at Johnson's Corners, in Norton tow^nship, and one of the Bro>vn's most trusted lieutenants. Finding himself fairly in the toils, DeCourcey sought immunity FIRST START TOWARDS THE "PEN." 883 Ijy turning informer against his principal. Brown w^as accord- ingly arrested by Constable Hurlbut, of Richfield, and examined before Justice James W. Weld, of the same township, in the Court House at Medina, on the 10th day of April, a large number of wit- nesses being in attendance. The charge was having $10 and $50 •counterfeit bills on the bank of Rochester, N. Y., in his possession with intent to pass the same, and of having offered to sell De •Courcey $6,000 thereof. He was held to bail in the sum of $10,000, and at the June term of the Court of Common Pleas for Medina county, was duly indicted for the offense. The trial was postponed until the Octo- ber term, Brow^n's $10,000 bonds being renew^ed, w^ith Alonzo Dee, William T. Mather and William King, as sureties; De Courcey also being indicted and held to bail in the sum of $3,000, w^ith Abel Dickinson as surety, for making and counterfeiting a Mexican dollar. Both cases were again postponed until the March term of the court, 1839. Traitorous DeCourcey. — As the day for the trial approached, an effort was made by Brown and his friends to ged rid of De- Courcey, and his damaging testimony. He was offered $400 in money, a well-secured note for $200, and a gold watch, w^ith the promise of indemnity for his bail, to "absquatulate" to Texas. This proposition the old sinner pretended to accept, but after get- ting possession of the money, w^atch and note, and just on the eve of starting for Texas, under the escort of one of Brow^n's trusted henchmen, William Hicks, of Canal Fulton, he managed to give the officers the wink, and both DeCourcey and his escort were overhauled and brought back to Medina and lodged in jail in time for trial; Brown also being taken into custody on a Bench war- rant, and lodged in jail. Convicted and Started for the " Pen." — The trial of Brown finally came off early in March, 1839, and though the most eminent counsel of the time were emploj'^ed in his defense, and though every effort was made to break down the testimony of DeCourcey, and the collateral evidence by which he was supported, the jury -after a very brief deliberation, brought in a verdict of guilty, and he was immediately sentenced to the penitentiary for the period of seven years. An Extraordinary Ride. — The sentence was pronounced about the middle of the afternoon. In anticipation of the result, a bill of exceptions had been prepared, with which William T. Mather, the brother-in-law of Brown, immediately started on horse- back for Rocky River, near Cleveland, to secure the allowance of a writ of error, and a stay of proceedings, from Supreme Judge, Reu- ben Wood. The writer happened, on the same afternoon, to be riding in the same primitive manner, from Brunsw^ick to Medina, meeting Mather midway, about an hour before sunset. The clay roads of that vicinity w^ere then almost impassable, making travel- ing very slow, and on my suggesting that, as they w^ould probably start Brown towards Columbus early in the morning, he could hardly make it, he replied that he had relays of horses provided, and w^ould be sure to get back to Medina before daylight the next morning. I rode into Medina just as the sun was setting, A few^ minutes later, from the hotel window, I saw a stage coach stop in front of 884 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the county jail. Falling in with the crowd, which immediately began to gather in front of the jail, but a few brief moments- elapsed before the colossal form of Bro^vn was seen to emerge from the building, with his hands and feet thoroughly ironed. He ■was assisted into the coach by the officers, and, with the sheriff and tw^o assistants, immediately started for Columbus. Simul- taneous Tvith the starting of the coach, another sw^ift messenger,, on a fleet horse, was started towards Cleveland, to admonish Mather of the action of the authorities, and, if possible, accelerate his speed. Mather too Much for Them.— Notwithstanding their hot haste, the officers were destined never to reach Columbus with their distinguished prisoner. Mather, having secured Judge Wood's signature to his document, at once started upon the back track, reaching Medina about one o'clock in the morning. After a brief rest and partaking of refreshments, mounting a fresh horse he started toward Columbus, overtaking the stage just as it w^as pulling out of Loudonville, a little after daylight the next morning — an equestrian feat nearly, if not quite equal to those attributed to old "Jim" himself, as above related. New Trial — Final Acquittal.^ — The discomfited sheriff and his assistants, could do nothing less than to "about face," and vsrend their way back to Medina, where they arrived at just about the same hour of leaving the evening before ; the ^^riter meeting and "greeting" them about midw^ay between Medina and Seville. The proceedings in error were argued before the Supreme Court, in Cleveland, August 7, 1839, and a new trial granted. At the Sep- tember term of Medina Common Pleas, the case Avas again called for trial, but the main witness for the State — the slippery DeCourcey — was found to be non est, having finally been " spirited away," re- sulting in a continuance of the case, until the M^rch term, 1840, w^hen it was nollied. The case against DeCourcey had been con- tinued from term to term until his non-appearance at the Septem- ber term of the court, as aforesaid, when his bail was declared forfeited, and, so far as the writer is advised, Jonathan DeCourcey has never again been seen in Ohio, and has, in all probability, long since gone to his final account. [Dr. A, E. Ewing relates the following anecdote in connection w^ith Brown's Medina trial: Constables Culver and Hurlbut had but one horse between them, on which to return to Richfield, which was the property of Culver, and who generously proposed to " ride and tie," telling Hurlbut to ride on until he got tired, then hitch the horse by the side of the road for him to take his turn at riding \^rhen he came up. Hurlbut, being fond of practical jokes^ failed to g^et tired, until he reached Richfield, leaving the ow^ner of the horse to foot it the entire distance, some fifteen miles.] A Similar Experience in Portage County.— In June, 1838, Marshal Mills arrested, near Buffalo, a resident of Akron by the name of Willard W. Stevens, for passing or dealing in counterfeit money, and lodged him in jail at Ravenna. After getting behind the bars, Stevens turned informer against his principal, "Jim" Brown, directing \^here a quantity of spurious money, purchased by him from Brown, could be found in the cellar of the house then occupied by his family, on How^ard street, in Akron. Finding the money as indicated. Mills, under a warrant issued upon the affidavit IN THE GRIP OF " UNCLE SAM." 885 of Stevens, arrested Brown, who was held to bail by Justice Jacob Brown in the sum of $9,000 to answer to the charge before the Court of Common Pleas, Stevens, meantime, in view of his valuable service to the State, being released from jail on his own recognizance to appear as a witness in the case. An indictment was duly found, and the day for the trial fixed. A jury was impaneled and the w^itnesses w^ere called, all of whom responded but Mr. Willard W. Stevens. The main witness for the State had "mysteriously" disappeared and the memories of those w^ho w^ere to corroborate him had mysteriously failed, thus leaving the overconfiding officers again in the lurch, and scoring another triumph for the greatest "financier" of his time, "Jim" Brow^n. Stevens never again returned to Summit county, but spent sev- eral years in Georgia, afterwards rejoining his family in Western Ne>\' York, w^here the writer met him, the industrious tiller of a farm, in 1846, and who is now, at about the age of 84 years, a res- pectable citizen of one of Western counties of Ohio. In Cuyahoga County, Also. — Contemporaneous with the <:ases above w^ritten of. Brown was arrested by the officers of Cuyahoga County, upon a similar charge, and held to bail in the sum of $1,000, slipping through the meshes of the law in about the same manner as in the two instances above named, thus demon- strating the great danger of public officers and courts of justice relying upon confederates in crime for evidence to convict their fellows. Uncle Sam Grapples With Him. — His immediate active coadjutors — As^hley, Latta, De Courcey, etc., and a large number of lesser lights, having been driven from the neighborhood, out of the business, or into the penitentiary, "Old Jim," as he was then familiarly called, remained comparatively quiescent for a number of years, being elected Justice of the Peace for the township of Northampton in October, 1845; though events to be hereinafter narrated will abundantly demonstrate that for a considerable period, he continued to maintain his high standing as chief of the Bureau .of Bogus Banking, in the West, if not of America. Though he was observed to have many mysterious visitors, both at his Northampton home and in his local haunts, no further overt act, either by himself or those under him, had attracted the attention of the authorities, until the summer of 1846, when he w^as iigain arrested for counterfeiting United States coin. In the meantime the new county of Summit had been erected and organized, and at the date mentioned the late William S. C. Otis was prosecuting attorney, w^hile the late Judge Samuel W. McClure, then living at Cuyahoga Falls, was a United States oommissioner for Summit county. Otis w^as energetic and persevering in pursuit of crime, and McClure w^as prompt and ■decisive as a magistrate and judge. The examination was held at the Court House, occupying several days, w^ith a large crowd of spectators constantly in attendance. The prosecution was fought inch by inch by Judge Rufus P. Spalding, attorney for the ■defense. But the evidence was so conclusive that Commissioner McClure held Brown to bail in the sum of $20,000, to answer to the United States District Court for Ohio, at Columbus. [A day or t\sro before his arrest on this charge, a civil suit w^as tried before him, as a magistrate, in which McClure was one of 886 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the attorneys, and on which he had reserved his decision. After his arrest, and before his examination, as above, McClure called at the jail to ascertain the result of said civil suit, whereupon Brown pronounced judgment in favor of McClure's client and quietly^ expressed the hope that the forthcoming examination before Commissioner McClure might be equally favorable to him.] Committed to the Franklin County Jail. — Brown's earlier hold upon the confidence of responsible parties having become lessened by lapse of time and change of circumstances, he w^a» unable to procure so large an amount of bail, and was accordingly committed to the jail of Franklin County, at Columbus. Subse- quently, however, on the application of Judge Spalding, one of the judges of the U. S. District Court reduced the bail to $5,000,- which was secured, and the distinguished defendant was released from custody. The trial commenced at Columbus, on Saturday, August 1, 1846, Justice John McLean, -of the United States Court, presiding, assisted by Judge Humphrey H. Leavitt of the U. S. District Court of Ohio. The indictment charged Brow^n with " making and uttering and assisting to make and utter counterfeit gold and silver coin, and counterfeit notes in the similitude of bank notes. "^ Hon. Thomas W. Bartley, U. S. District Attorney for Ohio, and William S. C. Otis, Prosecuting Attorney for Summit County,- conducted the case on the part of the Government, and Hon. Noah M. Swayne (after^vards one of the Judges of the U. S. Supreme Court) and Hon. Rufus P. Spalding represented the defense. The trial lasted six days and was most exciting throughout, the Court, towards the end, on an intimation that if the trial should be likely to go against him the defendant would abscond, issuing a Bench warrant, ordering Brown into custody. A large number of wit- nesses w^ere in attendance, the main effort of the defense being to impeach the testimony of the witnesses for the prosecution, w^hich was largely in the nature of State's evidence, by implicated parties,, to clear themselves from similar accusations. The principal w^itness was the son of a highly respectable farmer in a neighboring tow^n, who had been inveigled into the business by the blandishments of Brown, and to \srhom Brown had from time to time sold counterfeit money in exchange for a horse, yoke of oxen, etc., at the rate of 20 cents on the dollar for paper money and 33 1-3 for coin, the latter mostly quarter eagles. Sheriff Lewis M. Janes testified that on the same day that Brow^n was arrested by Deputy L^nited States Marshal Ithiel Mills, her (Janes) searched Brown's house, in Northampton, where he found, under the garret floor, and in the boxing of the cornice, several parts of a copper-plate press; in a barrel in the garret a large number of zinc and copper cups, parts of two galvanic batteries;: in a trunk in the store-room, a large quantity of bank-note paper, one ream entire and unbroken, and in the secretary sundry letters- and other evidence of crookedness. In the Penitentiary at Last. — The trial, including the arguments of counsel and the charge of Judge McLean, occupied six full days, the court-room being crowded throughout. Not- withstanding the poAverful defense and able and eloquent arguments of his counsel, Messrs. Swayne and Spalding, the jury disposed of the case in just two hours, returning a verdict of IN THE PENITENTIARY AT LAST. 887 guilty of uttering counterfeit United States coin, as charged in the indictment, and Brown was immediately sentenced by Judge McLean to ten years' penal servitude in the Ohio Penitentiary, in which institution he w^as duly installed on the 10th day of August, 1846. This was his first actual imprisonment, under sentence, during more than a quarter of a century of continuous crime, ow^ing to the skill of himself and the gang in suborning and spiriting away witnesses. Indeed, he seemed to have had, from the beginning, a sort of premonition of the final result, often remarking to his friends, between his arrest and his conviction, that w^hile he had always been successful in dodging the pains and penalties of State law, and could generally manage to w^orry out a county, he w^as fearful that '* Uncle Sam " would prove too much for him. Dastardly Act of Retaliation. — On the night of Sunday, August 16, 1846,- just one week after the conviction of Brow^n, a» above narrated, the large barn of the father of the principal witness against him (the old gentleman also having been an important wit- ness in the case), was destroyed by an incendiary fire, with its con- tents, hay, oats, wheat, tw^o horses and other property, together with several stacks of w^heat upon the outside, the loss being from $1,000 to $1,200, with no insurance. Though there was no tangible proof to that effect, it was generally believed that the barn was fired by some member of the gang in retaliation for what was regarded as an act of treachery against the chief officer of the fraternity, by one of his subordinates, and well illustrates the risks that testify- ing against the gang involved in those early times. His Demeanor in Prison. — ^His incarceration was a heavy blow- to his pride and manhood, and though he outwardly maintained his usual serenity and dignity, his spirits were evidently severely crushed thereby. Yet by his correct deportment, as well as by his commanding presence, he soon ^von the confidence, and even the respect, of both the officers of the prison; and of his fellow-convicts, for the w^riter, only a few months after his first incarceration, on visiting the prison, found him already installed as ''file leader" of the foremost platoon, in the lock-step march of the convicts between the shops and the dining hall, cells, etc., and a magnifi- cent leader he made, too. It w^as, indeed, a sorrow^ful sight, even to the w^riter who had labored so hard, in connection with the offi- cers of justice, and subjected himself to such imminent risks of personal injury, in his efforts (through his paper) to break up the gang, to see even this ''chief of sinners," in such a humiliating position. A Pardon Fairly Won. — It was not long, however, before Mr. Brown was taken from the ranks, and from the shops, and assigned to lighter and more congenial duties, and finally given special charge of the prison hospital. While thus serving, the cholera broke out in the prison, making fearful havoc among the inmates. In this emergency. Brown was ever cool-headed and calm, and by his example, encouragement and unfaltering attention to the sick, undoubtedly carried many a poor fellow through, who w^ould otherwise have succumbed to the fell destroyer. This heroism and devotion w^as so highly appreciated by the officers of the prison, that they heartily seconded the efforts that w^ere soon afterwards inaugurated by his friends, under the AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, leadership of his ever-faithful and only daughter, Laura M. Brown (the late Mrs. Prof. Bronson) for his pardon, w^hich was granted by President Zachary Taylor, just four months and a half after his inauguration, the pardon reaching Columbus, and Brow^n being set at liberty, on the 22nd day of July, 1849; two years, eleven months and twelve days from the date of his incarceration. From Bad to Worse.— The free pardon from President Tay- lor, and the restoration of Brown to liberty and citizenship, w^as not followed by that reform of his associations and habits that his family and friends had anticipated. His prestige, as the greatest " financier" of the age, had gone from him, and his scepter, as the great captain of the gang, had departed. He now, more than ever, began to consort with both men and women of the baser sort, and to indulge to excess in strong drinks and other degrading habits, while correspondingly lowering himself in his chosen profession. Mrs. Brown Seeks a Div^orce. — To such an extent did his evil habits, and his consequent immoral conduct, prevail, that the wife of his youth and early manhood — she, who had, for so many long years, faithfully clung to him, in both "evil and good report;" she, who, while personal purity and conjugal lo3"alty remained, ^was ever ready to fly to his side, whenever he was in trouble, w^as finally compelled to appeal to the court for a decree of separation. Her petition Avas filed in the Court of Common Pleas, of Summit county, April 16, 1851. After setting forth the date of their mar- riage, and of her faithful performance of all her wifely duties, she says: " Your petitioner further represents that during the last ten years, and longer, the said James Brown hath been unmindful of, and hath whollj'^ refused to discharge, the duties and obligations resting on him as the husband of 3^our petitioner; that during all that time he hath entirel}^ neglected to provide food or clothing, or the bare necessaries of life for your petitioner, and that but for the care and protection of her children, w^ho supported her, your petitioner would have been in a state of utter destitution. Your petitioner further represents, that the said James Brown hath been an habitual drunkard for the last three years and more. Your petitioner further represents, that on or about the 8th day of October, 1850, the said James Brown, by threats of personal violence, and by putting your petitioner in extreme fear of her life, drove her from his house in the night time, and compelled her to seek refuge and protection from a neighbor, since which time she hath not lived or cohabited with him, etc." The case w^as heard before President Judge, George Bliss, and Associate Judges, Sylvester H. Thompson, John Hoy and Peter Voris, at the December term, 1851, the prayer of the petitioner being granted, and a decree of divorce entered Accordingly; there being thenceforth absolutely no intercourse between Brown and his family during the remainder of his life. In the Michigan Penitentiary. — From this time on his course was rapidly downward, his habits of dissipation not only increas- ing, but rendering him less cautious in the handling of the "goods" in which he dealt. In February, 1855, Brown, with several of his pupils and confederates, were arrested by Marshal Dryden, of Co- lumbus, and taken to that city, for manufacturing and handling spurious coin, but finally released without prosecution; though a BROWN AGAIN UNDER ARREST. 889 few years later (March, 1859) a large quantity of bogus quarters "were plowed up in the garden ' formerly occupied by the family with whom Brown for several years resided. In the Winter of 1859-60, Brown visited a former pupil of his in this county, Elihu Chilson, then a resident of Kent county, Mich. Here, either through his o^vn imprudence, or Chilson's treachery, the officials of that county got " onto " his operations, and "run him in." He w^as indicted, tried and convicted "for having in his possession, with intent to pass, a counterfeit bill," and sentenced to three years' imprisonment in the penitentiary of that state. He w^as received at the prison March 17, 1860, and served his full term. A Proposed Literary Venture. — While he was thus incarcer- ated, the writer and the late Sherman Blocker opened negotiations w^ith Mr. Brown for the publication of his auto-biography, in book form, the profits to be equally divided betw^een the three. Mr. Blocker visited him in prison, and supposed that the arrangements had been fully consummated, the warden offering him every facility for the prosecution of the wrork,when he g«t ready to com- mence operations. Returning home to make the necessary prepa- rations, Mr. Blocker soon afterwards received a letter from Brown, demanding, as a prerequisite to performance, on his part, that w^e should first secure his pardon from the penitentiary. This, of course, we could not undertake to do, and the project fell through. Still the "Victim of Persecution." — Returning to Ohio, after his discharge from the Michigan penitentiary, Brow^n w^as almost immediately again placed under surveillance by the minions of the law, being on the the 23rd day of May, 1863, arrested in Cleveland by a deputy U. S. Marshal, for having altered treasury notes in his possession, w^ith the purpose of passing them. Nothing of the kind being found upon his person, and other evidence promise4 failing to materialize, after being kept in jail a few^ days, he was released from custody. Large Find of Postal and Other Currency. — About the mid- dle of February, 1865, some school children found an old oyster can in a stack of hay, near the "Yellow Creek" headquarters of the gang, in which were packed from $3,000 to $4,000 of counterfeit scrip and bank notes, but the ow^nership of said w^ealth w^as never fully ascertained, though the conjecture w^as that, as Brown had recently returned from the east, it belonged to him. Though the boys w^ho found the scrip in question, supposing it to be good, {and acting under the too prevalent impression that whatever a person finds belongs to him) had divided it up among themselves, and their comrades. Mr. William Hardy, township trustee, and Justice James R. Brown, succeeded in recovering the most of'it, and handing it over to the proper authorities. Sheriff Burlison Takes a Hand In. — June 17, 1865, Sheriff Burlison arrested, in Akron, a man by the name of Leonard Hill, w^ith a large amount of spurious money in his possession. Becom- ing satisfied that Hill had got his funds from that distinguished *' financier," Brown was taken into custody also, together with one Thaddeus Nighman, of Canton, the entire haul of postal scrip, treasury notes and miscellaneous bank bills, being betw^een $10,000 and $12,000. A few days later, as a part of the same gang, Burlison arrested a man named Hunter, at Apple Creek, and three men named Daugherty, Rapp and Eshelbaum, at West Salem, while 890 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Marshal Bill's deputies gathered in some eight or ten others who had been spotted by Burlison, "at Crestline and Cardington, together with a press, plates, burglars' tool, etc. These were all transferred to the jail in Cleveland. The most, if not all, were held to bail to answ^er to the U. S. District Court, and, on giving bond. Brown was released from custody. Before a Higher Tribunal. — On returning from Cleveland — w^hither he had been to look after his case — upon a coal boat, on Saturday evening, December 9th, 1865, w^hile passing through the Peninsula lock, in attempting to w^alk from the stern to the bow^ either by the unsteadiness of his step, or by a sudden jar, he wa& precipitated from the running board to the bottom of the boat, breaking his shoulder and fracturing his skull. He wasconveyed,^ in an insensible condition, to his boarding place, near Yellow Creek Basin, w^here he died on Sunday evening, December 10th,. 1865, at the age of 67 years and 5 months. The remains of the deceased were, by his neighbors and associates, taken to the cemetery, at the village of Boston, where, without any special ceremony, they were laid beside those of his- honored parents, whose memory he had so signally disgraced. Thus miserably ended the ignoble life of one of the most extensive and accomplished criminals of the Nineteenth Century, — a man w^ho, by both nature and education, was well qualified to shine in the counsels of the nation, but who, by his blandishments, and w^rongly directed talents and energy, did more to corrupt the youth of the Western country who were brought within the scope of his baleful influence, than any score of his compeers in crime, as shrewd and dextrous, in the management of men and money, a& many of them in reality w^ere. Of course, so brief a sketch as this, though more comprehen- sive than any hitherto written, is utterly inadequate to a full and perfect biography of "Jim" Brown and the mischief he has- w^rought. Though pleasant in manner, sympathetic and benevo- lent in his impulses, and liberal to a fault, in cases of suffering and w^ant, the fact still remains that he led hundreds of young men to ruin, disgrace, imprisonment and, possibly, death — thereby bringing hundreds of families to grief and despair; his own household not even being exempt, as evidenced by what has been written, and by what is yet to follow. Mr. Brown's Family. — Of Mr. Brown's family, the foUowing^ may properly be said in conclusion: The eldest son, Daniel M., died in Northampton, January' 21, 1851, aged 31 years and 8 months. The devoted but div^orced wife, Lucy Mather Brow^n, died in Akron August 21, 1884, aged 84 years and 6 months. Their only daughter,^ Laura M., a very accomplished lady, and talented artist, and wha so faithfully remained steadfast to the erring father, so long as- any hope of his reformation remained, w^as, in the early fifties^ married to Mr. John Frankenstein, of the city of Springfield, a portrait and landscape painter of considerable celebrity in Southern Ohio. Mr. Frankenstein's habits and conduct proving uncongenial and offensive, she returned to Summit county a few^ years later, and in 1859 obtained a decree of divorce from him. She soon afterwards married Prof. C. P. Bronson, of New^ York,r eminent as a teacher of, and lecturer upon, physiology, elocution,^ etc., with whom she happily lived until his death, April 25, 1868, "LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON." 891 at the age of 64 years and 5 months, his remains being brought ta Akron for interment, Mrs. Bronson also died in New York, September 25, 1885, at the age of 61, her remains no\\r reposing beside those of her husband in Glendale Cemetery. The early impression — somewhat prevalent even to this day^-that Laura did the filling in of her father's counterfeit money, though she wrote a most beautiful hand, had no foundation w^hatever, her abhor- rence of the business being outspoken and unequivocal. The younger son, James R. Brown, Ksq., always a thoroughly upright, intelligent and courteous gentleman, lived upon his large and w^ell cultivated farm, in the tow^nship of Northampton, until his death, March 20, 1889, his family still remaining upon the old homestead. "DAN" BROWN NUMBER TWO. As a proper companion-piece for, and a fitting sequel to, the career of the greatest illicit "financier" of his time, "Jim" Brown, herein above narrated, a brief sketch of the exploits of hi& eldest son, Daniel M. Brown, will right here be in order. "Dan" was, in many respects, entirely unlike his father, being of fair complexion, with light blue or gray eyes and light brown hair, and though nearly or quite six feet in height, somew^hat effeminate and extremely gentle in his appearance and manner. But, notwithstanding his gentle ^vays, and in spite of the better counsels of his intelligent and faithful mother and only sister, he seemed to take spontaneously to the evil courses of his father, except in the matter of excessive drink — though it is said that that father, while alluring the cherished sons of other fathers to their ruin, earnestly sought to have him engage in some more honor- able calling. "Treading in the Footsteps," — Just how early "Dan" com- menced to dabble in contraband money, is not now ascertainable. As early, however, as February, 1838, the following, under the above heading, was copied from the Cleveland Advertiser into one of the local papers of Akron: "A young man by the name of Brown, a son of the notorious Jame» Brown, of Akron, was broug'ht from Elyria, yesterday, to our jail. He was taken up as a counterfeiter, some $20,000 im counterfeit money having- been found on or about his person. There was also a man with him passing by the name of Rathbun, with several aliases. Why they were brought to this county we do not know, unless it is that the facility with which Brown free* himself from his irons has somewhat alarmed the officers of our neighbor- ing county. It is said that he sawed his irons apart three times while he was in Elyria. 'Train up a child in the way he goes.'" L/ORAiN Officers Outwitted.— Young Brown, at this time, was under 18 years of age, and yet, young as he was, he w^as altogether too old for the Lorain county officials. It seems that he and his companion were arrested in the saddle, somew^here in Medina county, and, under guard, taken immediately to Elyria. Before being searched, however, he w^as permitted to go into the hotel stable and rub down his horse, and instruct his hostler as to its care while he was in custody. On finally being searched, na counterfeit money, or other evidence of crookedness, was found on his person. But there ivas found, among the straw bedding of his horse's stall, a large amount of counterfeit money. For lack of conclusive evidence, how^ever, that he put it there, or had ever 892 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. had it in his possession, though held to bail by the examining magistrate, and committed to jail as above stated, no bill was found against him by the Grand Jury, and "Dan," in this, his initial wrestle with the law, was discharged from custody. His companion, Rathbun, -was indicted, escaped from jail, was re- captured, his case continued for several terms, and finally released from custody w^ithout being brought to trial. His Subsequent Career. — Perhaps for the reason that the course he \v^as pursuing was disapproved of by his father, as it was most certainly distressing to his mother and the rest of the family, young Brown kept entirely aloof from his native hills and valleys, in his crooked operations, for a number of years devoting himself to "business" in the Maumee and Black Swamp country, in northwestern Ohio, and in southern Michigan, northern Indiana, and other portions of the then Great West. Yet "Dan" often visited his old haunts, and doubtless regarded this as his home, the 3(X)-acre farm ever since occupied by the family having been purchased by him in the early forties, and he being united in marriage to his cousin, Minerva A. Darrow, of this county, in 1845. Some of His Western Operations. — While undoubtedly con- tinuing to deal more or less extensively in paper "money," his attention seems to have been early turned more especially towards promoting the " resumption of specie payments" — by the produc- tion of bogus coin of such an excellent quality as to almost defy detection. In 1842, George C.Bates, Esq., now of Denver, Colorado, was United States District Attorney for the State of Michigan. Through a deputy in Oakland county, in the southeast portion of the State, Mr. Bates learned that finely executed dollars, halves and quarters, were being largely circulated all over that region of the country, and planned a trip to the neighborhood to reconnoiter. An Important Discovery. — Before starting, however, his attention was called to a suspicious cask, or puncheon, filled with some heavy substance, which, by its tendency to change its center of gravity, when being handled, had attracted the notice of the parties in Detroit with whom it had been left for shipment to ""Daniel West," at Portsmouth, the southern terminus of the Ohio canal, via steamer to Clevel&nd. Calling to his aid a deputy U. S. Marshal, Mr. Bates proceeded to open the huge cask, and found therin a splendidly constructed scre^v press for cutting, stamping and milling coin, with its immense levers and weights, together w^ith a full paraphernalia of coiners' tools, of most perfect finish, and quite a large supply of plate metal ready for the mint, a quan- tity of unfinished coins, etc. Carefully replacing this apparatus and material, Mr. Bates permitted it to be shipped to its destination, as per consignment, at the same time sending a Deputy Marshal along, incog:, to ap- prehend the man, or men, who should call to get it. Again too Sharp for 'Em. — But though as vigilant, probably, as the average U. S. official, Mr. " Daniel West," was altogether too sharp for the Michigan Deputy Marshal, for, almost under his very nose, while passing from the stearper into a warehouse, in Cleve- land, to be transferred to a " through" boat for Portsmouth, the puncheon, w^ith its precious contents, mysteriously^ disappeared, and the discomfited Michigander was compelled to return to ALTOGETHER TOO SHARP FOR 'em. 895 Detroit with the humiliating confession to the District Attorney^ that he had been out^vitted by wily Dan, or some of his satellites. Oakland County Disclosures. — The District Attorney then visited the neighborhood where he had been informed so large a product of this mill was in circulation. Taking his w^ife and the young son of U. S. Marshal Howard, of Detroit, with him, as a blind, Mr. Bates, in the disguise of a hunter, traveled over the en- tire region named, and soon found that some $40,000 or $50,000 of the bogus coin had been manufactured by Dan Brow^n and his ac- complices, most of whom w^ere ignorant but honest farmers, who had, by Dan, been inveigled into the business under the pretense that, as it could not be distinguished from the genuine, it w^as na crime, or even sin, to pass it. Nine of these men w^ere arrested and taken to Detroit, and the United States Court being then in session, they were indicted, tried and sentenced to the peni- tentiary. Tw^o of these deluded farmers soon died of grief in prison, and a few years later several of them w^ere pardoned by the President on the recommendation of the District Attorney. More " Sharp" Officers Outwitted. — " Dan" Brown was alsa indicted by the same Grand Jury, but, previous to this, finding that the atmosphere of Michigan w^as too " sultry" for either com- fort or safety, after shipping his machinery, as above stated, he had taken some $40,000 of his product to other markets, out of w^hich, at wholesale rates, it is supposed that he realized from $15,- 000 to $20,000. The District Attorney now turned his attention ta tracing the w^hereabouts of Dan Brow^n, alias " Dan West." Learning, through an intercepted letter, passing through the De- troit postoffice, that his man would be at a certain hotel in St. Louis, on Christmas eve, Mr. Bates sent his deputy marshal and a detective thither, armed w^ith the necessary documents, to secure his arrest- and return to Michigan. On their arrival at the hotel in question, the sharp detectives not only entered their ow^n name& and places of residence on the hotel register, but, seeing the name of " Daniel West" on the same page, they innocently inquired of the supposed clerk, standing behind the counter, if Mr. West was in, saying that they w^ould like to speak with him. Now it so hap- pened that the office clerk had temporarily stepped out, and the party of whom the inquiry had been made, \vas the veritable" Dan West," otherw^ise Dan Brow^n, himself. Coolly and politely saying to the newcomers that he would call Mr. West, Mr. Brown passed out through the kitchen, and a few minutes later w^as on board a Mississippi steamer, en route for Little Rock, Arkansas, a point often visited by him about those days. A Curious Story. — The main features of Young Brown'* Michigan and St. Louis exploits, as above related, were compiled from a letter from ex-District Attorney Bates, published in the Cleveland Leader, in November, 1885. Mr. Bates then goes on ta relate that, having retired from the office of District Attorney, and at liberty to defend Dan, if he chose to employ him, Brow^n sent his sister, a very beautiful and accomplished girl, to retain him to end the trouble in which her brother was then placed; offering him $800 in gold and her watch and chain; telling him that her father, old James Brown was in the penitentiary; that Dan w^a& married and his w^ife w^as in delicate health; that her mother wa& old, and that if he could and would end the prosecution against S94 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. her brother, she \srould give him the money and watch, amounting to about $1,000. Bates declined to accept a retainer, without first having an in- tervicAv with " Dan," somewhere in Ohio, w^hen, after show^ing him all the evidence against him, taken before the Grand Jury, if he concluded to take the risk, and go to trial, he (Bates) would then take the $1,000 and do his best to clear him from the indictment, and if successful he was to be paid $1,000 more. It >vas finally ar- ranged, through correspondence, that Mr. Bates should go to Mau- mee, where parties would meet him and take him to the trysting place, where, for the first time, he w^as to meet the w^ily young -counterfeiter, face to face. Interesting Interview. — Mr. Bates goes on to state that, reaching Maumee about daylight, he was taken by the party sent to meet him, to a dismantled old brick stage house, about six miles out, on the Perrysburg pike, the house being kept by a repul- sive old wornan, and all of its appointments of the most dilapi- dated character, except the single room occupied by Brown, w^hich was both elegant and luxurious. The interview itself we will let Mr. ex-District Attorney Bates relate in his OAvn graphic, though perhaps somewhat exaggerated, language, as follows: " Brow^n received me w^ith the grace of a prince. He apolo- gized for bringing me there alone, by saying that I had hunted him so closely, pursued him so vigorously, that he feared I might still entrap him into custody, at which I at once told him that if that was his opinion of me I w^ould instantly leave him and walk back to Maumee ; that so long as I was attorney for the United States I w^ould pursue any criminal unto death, but that now I was ready, if he saw fit, after reading all the evidence, to take his retainer and ■defend him, if I could, through the courts. "He made a pitcher of punch and offered it to me, but I declined to drink until he first did so, to which he replied with elegant grace; 'Bates, gentlemen of our profession never drink. It w^on't do. Had not my father and his counsel been ■drunk at Columbus, at his trial, he would never have been convicted of passing a half-eagle gold coin, for we never pass spurious money. We are wholesale counterfeit coiners and only sell to retail dealers, who buy from us well-knowing that the coin is spurious.' " So I drank the punch from a silver goblet out of a solid silver pitcher, and w^ent to work all that winter's day. I went over the evidence again and again, pointed out the danger of that lady witness, his old sweetheart, then living in Detroit, and now^ a religious old grandmother there. I told him that if United States District Attorney Norvell did not find her, I would guarantee his acquittal, but if she came into court he was a convict beyond hope. Finally he decided that the risk was too great, and that he would not venture it, but offered to pay me a large sum of money to retain me in the future, Avhich I declined, saying : 'Pay me for my team in coming here; that is all I can or will take, for it may happen that I shall be United States District Attorney again ; and if so, I shall again go for you, and try and send you where those poor idiots whom you seduced are now, but I will not touch a Arn uncle to the younger "Dan" Brown. Mr. Mather engaged in business in Sacramento City, where, and in San Francisco, the writer had the pleasure of meeting him several times during the summer and fall of 1850, and the winter of 1850, '51. About the middle of November, 1850, Mr. Mather, then just recovering from a severe fit of sickness, in Sacramento, came dow^n to the Bay City, to escape from the pestilential atmosphere of cholera-stricken Sacramento, in w^hich some half dozen Akronians had just succumbed to the terrible scourge w^ithin as many days. While conversing with Mr. Mather one day, he said : "Lane, w^ho do you suppose I saw the other day, at Sacramento, on his w^ay home to Ohio?" "Give it up!" I replied; "there are so many fellows flitting homev(rard just now, it w^ould be difficult to guess." "Well," said he, it was that hopeful nephew of mine, Dan Brown." "Dan Brown!" I exclaimed; "I didn't know he w^as in this country." "O, yes," said Mather, "he roughed it across the plains w^ith the crow^d, last spring." "What's he been doing?" I inquired. "You tell!" responded Mather. "When I put that question to Dan, he kinder laughed, and said, 'O, I've been speculating a little." ' "How much of a 'pile' has he got?" I inquired. "Well, he wouldn't tell me much about it, but I kinder guess he'll get home with 896 . AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. $75,000, or $80,000— that is, if he lives to get home, for he's in mightjr poor health ; consumption I guess." "Why didn't you tell him to- hunt me up? I might have given him some assistance in getting off," said I. "Oh," laughingly replied Mather, "I thought it might revive unpleasant memories between you. You used to give him and old Jim fits in the Buzzard, you know." Great Excitement in the "Diggins." — Up to this time there had been no paper money of any description whatever, in circula- tion in California — gold and silver coin, or gold dust and nuggets^ at so much per grain or ounce, being the only mediums of financial and commercial traffic and exchange. Up to this time, too, it w^as- expensive sending money home to friends in the States, by express, or through the banks, and both burdensome and extremely hazard- ous, for the fortunate miner to undertake to carry his gold dust home, or from place to place in the mines, upon his person. In the States, following the disastrous panic of 1837, a system of State Safety Fund Banks had been established, in which the inhabitants of those States had the utmost confidence. Among the very stanchest of these institutions w^as the old State Bank of Missouri. What wonder is it then, that, w^hen a gentlemanly appearing traveling broker appeared among the miners, with bright, new and crisp $50 and $100 bills on their favorite home bank, the hundreds and thousands of " Pukes," as the emigrants^ from Missouri had been nick-named, then in the mines, should eagerly jump at them, even paying a small premium in gold dust at current rates? A very brief period served to w^ork up so large a demand for these notes, that the "Agent" of the bank, as he represented himself to be, found no difficulty in working off large blocks of his "currency," not only among the miners themselves but also among the local brokers of the interior, the execution of the bills being so perfect as to defy detection from any but the most skillful experts, a distinction to which but few^ of the brokers of that country could at that time properly lay claim. It was believed that from $80,000 to $100,000 of the spurious money was thus exchanged for coin or dust. The very nature of the supply and demand w^as such that for many wrecks none of the crisp paper "money" found its way to the large cities, or entered into general traffic, and thus for a long time escaped detection. But w^hen the fraud was finally discov- ered, it may well be imagined there w^as consternation in the camps of both digger and broker, in the mining regions. Indig- nation meetings w^ere held, and committees w^ere appointed and detectives employed to ferret out and bring the w^ily offender ta justice, through the then popular tribunal of Judge Lynch. Identity, Pursuit, Etc.— The vigilantes found little difficulty in fixing the identity of the adroit operator, and tracing him to San Francisco, and on board the Panama steamer. But he had a month or more the start of them, and there were no railroads or telegraphs there in those days, by which a fleeing criminal could be headed off before reaching his destination. They could only bide their time, and await the sailing of one of the semi-monthly steamers which left San Francisco for Panama about the first of January, 1851. DEATH CLOSES HIS CAREER. 897 Home in Time to Die. — In the meantime the fleeing fugitive reached New York in a greatly enfeebled condition. Here, in response to a telegram, he is met by friends who aid him to reach the family homestead in Northampton, alive. The inroads of his insidious malady (scurvy) and the fatigue of the long and tedious journey, however, had so told upon him, that it was evident to both himself and friends, his tenure of physical life was very short, and a few brief hours might bring the end. Legal as well as medical counsel was hastily summoned and his temporal affairs speedily adjusted. The 300 acre homestead was deeded to his brother, James R. Brown, December 27, 1850, (the consideration named in the deed being $3,000); his money — whether in large or small amounts, and whether honestly or dishonestly acquired — was distributed according to his wishes, among his friends and relatives by his own hand. Having thus closed his earthly affairs, on the 21st day of Jan- uary, 1851, at the age of 31 years and 8 months, he peacefully closed his eyes upon earthly scenes, and passed into the presence of the Great Judge, whose justice he could not question, and whose decrees he could not evade. He was quietly buried upon the home farm in Northampton, and a neat marble monument erected over his grave, his remains being subsequently removed to Akron Rural Cemetery and laid beside those of his wife, who died June 27th, 1874, aged 48 years, 11 months and 27 days. Disappointed Detective. — The California committee, above spoken of, on their arrival in New York, found no difficulty in tracing their man to that city, and from thence to Ohio. Reaching Cleveland, inquiry revealed the fact that the man they were searching for, was dead. This statement the committee discred- ited, believing it to be a ruse to throw the officers of justice off the track. Arriving in Akron, they were referred to the attorney, Hon. Ruf us P. Spalding, who had aided in closing up his business affairs, and the physian. Dr. Alpheus Kilbourn, who had attended him in his last hours, both of whom assured them that the man they ^vere in pursuit of was in reality dead. The committee were still incredulous, and one the number, an experienced California detective, was delegated to visit the family homestead and solicit permission to disinter the body; his state- ment being that his father, in one of the Southern or Western States, had become surety for "Daniel West," in the sum of $3,000 from the payment of w^hich proof of West's death w^ould relieve him. Permission for the disinterment was readily given, and the removal of the lid of the casket instantly convinced the pursuing party that the cadaverous remains therein reposing w^ere indeed those of "Dan West," the well known alias of Daniel M. Brown. Thus passed away one of the most expert and, for his years, one of the most successful counterfeiters in America. In conclu- sion it is but just to say that while the surviving relatives natu- rally feel extremely sensitive in regard to any mention, either public or private, of the subjects of this chapter, they are all held in the highest esteem by their neighbors and acquaintances, and should not, and will not, in any degree whatsoever, be held accountable for the wrongful actions of their talented but mis- guided ancestors. 67 CHAPTER XLI. NORTHFIELD TOWXvSHIP -EARLY SETTLEMEXT— MILITARY AND CIVIL STATUS- MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARAXCE OF RUPERT CHARLESWORTH RUMORS OF FOUL PLAY -ARREST OF DORSEY W. VIERS, AFTER NEARLY FIVE YEARS, FOR THE CRIME OF MURDER— PROTRACTED TRIAL AXD XARROW ESCAPE FROM COXVICTIOX -LOXG AXD TIRELESS SEARCH FOR THE MISSIXG MAX- SUCCESS AT LAST— RETURX OF CHARLESWORTH AFTER XEARLY FIFTEEN YEARS— LARGE PUBLIC MEETIXG— CHARLESWORTH FULLY IDENTIFIED — VIERS TRIUMPHAXTLY VIXDICATED— A GEXUIXE " ROMAXCE IX REAL LIFE." NORTHFIELD'S BEGINNING. IT is not the province of this w^ork to enter into a full detail of the origin and early settlement of the several townships of the county, or to give full personal descriptions of all the pioneer residents thereof, or of all their battlings with privations, hardships, Indians and wild beasts. This has already been quite thoroughly done by others, and its reproduction, here, would not only make the work undertaken by the writer too voluminous, but also involve an unwarrantable appropriation of the researches and labors of others. . Though regarded, by its original Connecticut proprietors, as one of the very best townships upon the Western Reserve, North- field, for reasons not necessary to enumerate here, was not fully opened to settlement as early as some of the contiguous tow^nships now embraced w^ithin the limits of Summit county. For the purposes of this w^ork, it is sufficient to note the fact that North- field's first settler was Mr. Isaac Bacon, from Massachusetts, who w^ith his family located on lot 63, about a mile and a half northwest of the Center, in xVpril, 1807; the next accession being the family of his brother-in-law, Jeremiah Cranhier, in June, 1810. Nam^, Organization, Etc. — At an informal meeting of all the male inhabitants of the township, assembled for the purpose of aiding a new-comer to erect a cabin, the question of naming the township w^as raised, and various names w^ere suggested, but none seemed to meet with general favor until Jeremiah Cranmer mentioned that of Northfield (probably from a town "bf that name in his native State), which was finally adopted by the company and Northfield it has been to the present day, and appropriately so, as being on the extreme north side of Portage county, then, and of Summit county, no\v. The First Election. — Though perhaps one or more justices of the peace had previously been appointed for the township by the governor, the first actual organization, as far as can now be ascertained, was on the 24th day of May, 1819. On that day an election seems to have been held at the cabin of William Cranny, John Britt acting as Moderator, Jeremiah Cranmer and John Duncan as Judges^ and Orrin Wilcox as Clerk. The officers elected w^ere : Trustees, George Wallace, Jeremiah Cranmer and EARLY SETTLEMENT, POPULATION, ETC. 899 John Duncan ; Clerk, Henry Wood ; Overseers of the Poor, William <;^ranny and William T. Mather ; Fence Vieivers, Robtert Wallace and Maurice Cranmer ; Constables, Edwrard Coyne and Abraham Cranmer; Treasurer, Watrous Mather; Road Supervisors, John Duncan, Abel Havens, Daniel Robertson and Abner Hunt. TANKS W. WALLACE, — son of J George and Harriet (Menough) Wallace, born at Youngstown, Ohio, November 27, 1803, soon removed with parents to Geaug-a county, thence, in 1810, to Cleveland, and engaged in hotel-keeping. In 1814, the father built saw, grist and woolen mills at the Falls of Brandj^wine Creek, in Northtield, also placing' .quite a large stock of gfoods there in charge of the 13-3'^ear-old boy, James, these and other operations engaged in 1)5^ the faniilj^ giving to Brandywine more than a local repute as a business center for tnany years. In 1825, James, with his brother George Y. (ten 3^ears later sherifif of Portage county, and in 1842, treasurer of Sum- mit county, by appointment, for nearl}^ a year), besides taking entire charge of the business at Brandy- wine, built several miles of canal and aqueduct near Massillon and Roscoe ; when canal opened, boated two years; was then five j'ears with Giddings, Baldwin, Pease & Co., afterwards Andrews, Baldwin & Co., as purchas- ing agent in Winter, and in charge of boats in Summer; then two years agent for Boston Land Company ; then, in 1838, returned to Brandywine, in addition to manufacturing-, largely' engaging in farming. In 1871, Mr. WaUace removed to "Maple Mound," near Macedonia, where he resided until his death, September 24, 1887, at the age of 83 years, 9 months and 27 »|A JAMES W. WALLACE. days, Mrs. Wallace having died March 15, 1885, aged 67 years. The children are— George, who died in Pomeroy, Iowa, August 26, 1880; Hiram Hanchett and Mary Emeline (Mrs. Lorin Bliss), Northfield Center; Warner W., Danville, Kentucky; Joseph, died young ; Leonard Case, near Macedonia, and Marjorie Stan- hope, now wife of Henry P. R. Hamil- ton, of St. Paul, Minnesota. Rapid Settlement. — For the next ten or twelve years new- accessions to the population w^ere almost continuous, so that by 1830 the township was pretty w^ell settled and improved, including quite a hamlet at the center, a brisk manufac- turing village at the Falls of Brandyw^ine Creek, in the south part of the tow^nship, and quite extensive lumbering operations a mile or so further up that stream, at Little York. By 1840 the township had almost reached its maximum of population, the census of that year showing the number of inhabitants in the township to be 1,031, while the census of 1880 accorded to it a population of 1,076, and that of 1890 a population of 940 souls, only; a falling off of 91 in fifty years, though this is even better than some of the townships of the county have done during that period. The causes for this seeming declension may largely be found in the changed and improved methods of doing business — the introduction of labor-saving machinery re(iuiring a less number of hands upon the farm and a ^correspondingly greater number in 9CX) AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. mechanical operations — and in the absorption of the minor mechan- ical and mercantile operations of town centers, villages and hamlets, by the cities and general railroad centers of the country^ NoRTHFiELD IN PuBLic SPIRIT. — Though bounded by the Cuyahoga river, upon the west, and though more or less adversely affected, morally, by the location of the Ohio canal through its entire \\restern border, the township of Northfield w^as originally peopled ^vith, and is still inhabited by, as intelligent and honorable a population as any other community upon the proverbially intelligent and orderly Western Reserve. It has also contributed its full share in behalf of the freedom and unity of the Nation and in support of the local institutions of the county. As young as she was, Northfield was well represented in the War of 1812, (though only the names of Henry Wood and Jonathan Hesser are noAV remembered as soldiers in that Tvar) and in War of the Rebellion she furnished more than her full quota of patriotic and faithful soldiers, as will be seen from the following roster kindly compiled for us by Ambrose W. Bliss, Esq., supplemented by the assessors' enumeration for 1865 : NORTHFIKLD'S ROLL OF HONOR. Jacob C. Armstrong, Levi Burroughs, George Brow^er, Augustus A. Belden, Lucian Bliss, Daniel Boyle (died in service), Alonzo Bain, Francis W." Bliss, Harmon H. Bliss, Theodore Bordeman, K. A. Butterfield, George L. Bishop, Horace P. Bliss (died at home of lung fever, Feb. 20, 1863), O. A. Bishop, Albert L. Bliss, Philip Brandt, Adam Bowles, Frederick Belden, Robert Brown, John Brown, Cornelius Boyle, David Boam, Augustus Curtiss, B. C. Carpenter, J. C, Chamberlain, Frank R. Clements, Lester J. Crit- tenden, Edward Connor, James Clark (died in service), j. C. Cranmer (died in service), Marcus D. Cross, Joseph Clifford, EdAvard Cromax, George Cross (lost on Sultana), Andrew J. Cross, Jeremiah H. Cranmer, John Christian, Albert Case, Emery Case, Jonathan Criss, Dwight Case, Lafayette Cranmer, George Cooley, Thomas Drennen (died in service), W. H. H. Deisman, Nathan W. Doty (lost on Sultana), George Dusenbury, John Dusenbury, Simon Dallas, James A, Emmons, Henry Eggleston, Alexander Forbes, Asa H. Fitch. John Fitzw^ater (died in rebel prison), Alfred Fell, W. W. France, William Fields, John Goetz, Philander Hewitt (died at Cincinnati, Oct. 1862). Sylvester Honey, Albert Herriman, Hine, Willis Honey, Hiram H. Johnson (died of heart disease at Camp Chase, Oct. 1862), John H. Johnson (died in service), Henry Large, James Large, Albert Lawrence, James Miller, Milton B. Miller (died in service), James McElroy, Peter Murphy, John A. Means, John Montona, James H. Miller, Marion McKisson, Samuel D. McElroy, Urvan Murphy, F. D. Murphy, Daniel Martin, C. M. Myers, O. McClintock, James Nesbit, D. G. Nesbit, T. B. Nichols, Henry Pile, Geo. W. Pile, A. M. Palmer, Geo. W. Palmer, H. H. Palmer, L. L. Palmer, E. A. Palmer, Thomas Pacy (died in service), Wm. H. H. Polhamus, Samuel Perry, Thomas Parkhurst. Matthew Phaff, Edward G. Ranney (killed at Gettysburg), Jacob Rusher (killed at Shiloh), Otto Runge, John Rose, John Ririe, Nelson Stebbins, William E. Smith,^ John C. Seidel, Conrad Schoch, Cyrus Singletary (died in service)^ NORTHFIELD S ROLL OF HONOR. 901 Charles Skinner, Edwin Soden, George Soden, Iv. C. Spafford, John Sharp, Charles Scott, Lucian Stanley, Wilbur Stanley, John Sproutberry, Smith Tryon, Lucas Tryon (died in service), Alfred G. Thompson, Hiram Turner, Myron Tupper (died in service), M.« L. Trotter, Willard Trotter, Abraham Truby, George Thomas, Walter Thompson, Frederick Ungerer (died in service), C. A. Vail, J. J. White, J. C. Wilkinson, Robert F. Watson, Charles W. Way (lost on Sultana), John Wilkins, Josiah Wood. AMBROSE W. BLISS, — born in -^ Jericho, Chittenden county, Ver- mont, December 6, 1806; common school education ; reared on farm ; at 18 learned carpenter and millwrig-ht's trade ; in 1833, came to Ohio, worKing- on public works at Cleveland and Black river ; May 9, 1839, was married to Miss Emeline Palmer, a native of Windsor, Connecticut, born April 3, 1815, and has since been a continuous resident of Northfield. While exten- , sivelj' engaged in farming, at the same time Mr. Bliss for many years diligentl)^ plied his trade, building aquedticts, and lock-gates on canal, bridges, etc. Politically, Mr. Bliss was originally a Whig, and since its organization has been an earnest sup- porter of the Republican party; has held several important township offices, and for two full terms of three 3^ears each — from 18.o4 to 1860 — abl}' filled the responsible office of countj^ commissioner. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bliss — Ellen, living at home ; Lorin, farmer in Northfield; George, living at home ; and Horace, the latter enlist- ing in Compan)' C, ll.'ith O. V. I., in August, 1862, and d3ang, from disease contracted in the armj-, Februarj^ 20. 1863. Mr. Bliss is a brother of Hon. AMBROSE \V. BLISS. George Bliss, formerlj' president judgeof third judicial district of Ohio, and later, from 1852 to 1854, represen- tative in Congress of the 18th district, of which Summit county then formed a part, and whose portrait appears on page 551 of this volume. NORTHFIELD IN OFFICE. In county affairs, also, the township has borne a highly honorable part. George Y. Wallace (brother of the late James W. Wallace, Esq., of Macedonia,) was sheriff of Portage county for four years, immediately preceding the erection of Summit, and, on the death of Summit county's first treasurer, William O'Brien, Esq., of Hudson, in February, 18i2, Mr. Wallace was appointed by the Commissioners to fill the vacancy, w^hich he did with great acceptance for nearly a year. Thomas Wilson, of Northfield (a brother-in-law of Mr. Wallace), -was Summit county's first sheriff, holding that office four years and seven months, and it is safe to say that the office was never more ably and faithfully filled than during his incumbency; Mr. John C. Wallace, of Northfield, acting as Mr. Wilson's chief deputy. A fine portrait and biography of Mr. Wilson will be found on page S9 of this volutne. 902 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Col. Milton Arthur, of Northfield, was Summit's second regularly elected treasurer, holding the position for three consecu- tive terms, from 1842 to 1848. Though Mr. Arthur was as upright and honest a man as ever breathed, yet his administration of the office was sadly unfortunate — a shortage of several thousand dollars appearing against him on his transferring the office to his successor. It was believed by those best informed upon the sub- ject, that he Avas victimized by parties in whom he had confided, and w^hom he had permitted to manipulate the books and funds, which were not then under the efficient system of checks that at present obtains in that office. Kvery dollar of his property w^as turned over to his bondsmen, who, under a special act of the Legislature, made a satisfactory settlement of the matter with the Commissioners; but, though Mr. Arthur was, believed to be entirely guiltless of any intentional w^rong, by the entire com- munity, he w^as greatly humiliated by the affair, and doubtless carried down to a premature death thereby. Ambrose W. Bliss, Esq., a native of Chittenden county, Ver- mont, still living, hale and hearty, where he located fifty-two year& ago, at the Center of Northfield, Has not only been one of the most intelligent and enterprising citizens of that township, but has also, in various ways, rendered valuable service to both the County, State and Nation; filling, most acceptably, the important position of county commissioner for two consecutive terms, of three years each, from 1854 to 1860. Mr. Bliss was born December 6, 1806, and is consequently, at this w^riting, nearly 85 years of age. Captain John A. Means, a native of Allegheny county. Pa., in 1833, then 22 years of age, settled on an uncultivated farm, a mile or so south of the center of Northfield, not only proving an industrious and model farmer, but also devoting much time to the profession of a surveyor, receiving the appointment of deputy sur- veyor for Portage county in 1836. In 1860, Mr. Means was elected clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Summit county for three years. On the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, in 1861, leaving the office in charge of his son and deputy, Nathan A. Means, he organized Company C, 115th Regiment, O. V. I., of which he was elected Captain, serving three years. In 1869, Capt. Means was again elected Clerk of Courts for three years, serving his full term with marked fidelity and acceptance. See portrait and biography^ on page 373. Augustus Curtiss, one of Northfield's volunteer soldiery, but after the War, settled in Portage township, w^as elected sheriff of Summit county in October, 1868, re-elected in 1870, and on the expiration of his own second term, continued in the management of the office during the regulation t\vhat is now Jefferson county, over seven years before that county was organized, and some twelve years before Ohio became a state. Mr. Yiers was enrolled as a soldier in the War of 1812, at the close of which he lived a short time in Pitts- burg, w^orking at the tanner's trade. Sometime previous to 1820, he removed to Northfield, the town records of that 3'ear (1820), show^ing that he ^vas then elected one of the supervisors of the township. • On coming to Northfield, Viers purchased, and settled upon, a quarter section of land in the northwest portion of the township, in handy proximity to the Cuyahoga river and the contemplated Ohio canal, building for himself and family the regulation log cabin of the period and other farm buildings to match. In addi- tion to his farming operations, young Viers — stalwart, active and enterprising — figured quite extensively as a contractor and speculator; being at the time this chapter opens (1826) a sub-con- tractor upon quite a large section of the canal. Upon the completion of his job on the canal, he built a large number of bridges over the canal and other water courses of the vicinity, el*ected school houses, private residences, stores, etc., one of his contracts, a few^ years later, being the erection in Akron, for Messrs. May and Brow^n — Thomas P. May, of Cleveland, and Jacob Brown, Esq., of Akron — of the large brick block at the corner of South Main and Exchange streets, known for many years, as May's Block, but now known as the Clarendon Hotel, and ow^ned by Mr. Ferd. Schumacher. This diversified employment naturally brought Mr. Viers into companionship with much of the rougher element of the commu- nities in which he operated, and while not especially dissipated or profligate himself, his genial good nature, and his open-handed liberality and zealous hilarity, in all private and public social gatherings, caused him to be regarded as a "hail-fellow virell-met," by the jolly bloods by w^hom he w^as surrounded. Rupert Charlesnvorth. — A year or two previous to this, there had come into the vicinity, a rollicking young Englishman, by the name of Rupert Charlesworth, w^ho soon became a great favorite in the social circles of the neighborhood. With no visible employ- ment, he yet appeared always to have plenty of money, and w^as lavishly liberal in its distribution, whenever " treats" w^ere to be paid for, or other expenses of fun and frolic were to be provided; his givings-out, as w^ell as his general bearing, conveying the impression that he was a scion of English nobility, in disgrace at home, and temporarily exiled until his offense should be condoned by his aristocratic father. Betw^een this w^ild but agreeable young Englishman and Viers, a mutual friendship immediately sprung up, and in a short time he became a regular boarder in \'^iers' famil3', though often 904 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. absenting himself from the house, and the neighborhood, for days, and sometimes weeks at a time. But suddenly, in the month of July, 1826, Charlesworth entirely disappeared. His absence from his accustomed haunts soon began to be noticed and commented on. Inquiries were made of Viers and his \vife, the answers to which, it was alleged, were contradictory and improb- able. In addition to exaggerated repetitions of these questions and answers, one of the constables of the township asserted that, having a warrant for the arrest of Charles\^orth, and going to Viers' house early in the morning, he not only did not find his man, but did find Mrs. Viers vigorously engaged in scrubbing the floor; a very unusual proceeding at so early an hour. Rumor on Rumor Piled. — As time passed on rumors of the most damaging character against Viers multiplied. One person had distinctly heard the report of a gun from the direction of Viers' house on the alleged night of Charlesworth's disappear- ance. Another reported that, having occasion to visit the premises soon after\vards, he had noticed blood upon the bars of the fence, between the house and the woods. The girl, who was employed as a domestic in the family at the time, asserted that simultaneously with Charlesworth's disappearance, a blanket was missing from the bed he had occupied, which was afterwards found under a pile of rubbish, covered with spots of >vhat appeared to be clots of dried blood, but which was immediately burned up by the family; while another party had discovered, under a pile of logs and brush in the woods, a short distance back of the house, w^hat was supposed to be a human skeleton, but which, on afterwards returning w^ith a companion, to examine it, w^as found to have been removed. These and a hundred other similar stories were rehearsed and reiterated with such persistence, and such apparent truthfulness, that they finally came to be accepted as facts, and the excitement and suspicion against Viers and family increased with each passing month, being greatly augmented by the alleged fact that Charlesworth was know^n to be in possession of quite large sums of money while boarding with Viers, and that whereas, Viers, previous to the disappearance of Charlesworth, was very short of money, immediately thereafter he wras very flush, and was making lavish expenditures in building himself a nice large brick house, and making other improvements upon his farm that his legiti- mate earnings did not warrant. Viers Arrested for Murder. — Finally these rumors and reports, like the mountain avalanche, increasing in volume as they onward rolled, and gaining in velocity, as they increased in size, culminated, in January, 1831, four years and a half after the disappearance of Charlesworth, in the apprehension and arraign- ment of Viers, on thecharge of murder. . ' The affidavit w^as filed before, and the warrant issued by, George Y. Wallace, Esq., of Brandy wine, then one of the justices of the peace for Northfield township, afterwards sheriff of Portage county for two terms, and subsequently treasurer of Summit county for nearly a year, as above stated. The trial proper, before the examining magistrate, lasted over a week, though some 17 or 18 days elapsed between the arrest and the final conclusion of the investigation. All of the above alleged WONDERFUL PLUCK AND PERSEV^ERANCE. 905 ■" facts " ^vere dulj'^ and solemnly sworn to, and many other extremely damaging "circumstances" adduced during the trial, ^nd it was supposed by the large crow^d of people in attendance, that a clear case of homicide had been established, w^hen twro witnesses from the western part of the State were brought forw^ard by the defense, who swore positively that they knew Charlesw^orth w^ell, minutely describing his personal appearance and characteristics, and most emphatically asseverating that they had seen him alive and well, subsequent to his disappearance from Northfield. This testimony turned the scale in Viers' favor, -and he w^as accordingly discharged by Justice Wallace. Remarkable Search for the Missing Man. — The greater number of those in attendance were greatly dissatisfied with the result, believing that the two witnesses alluded to had been bribed by Viers, or his friends, to testify in his behalf. True, there virere many good men w^ho did not believe Viers guilty of so heinous a crime; but the rumor-mongers of the neighborhood thought otherw^ise, and were so clamorous for blood that, had Lynch Law been in vogue in those days, it would undoubtedly have fared hard with him. It was, indeed, a terrible ordeal for both Viers and his family to pass through; the arrest and trial being even more endurable than the continued suspicion and obloquy w^hich followed. But though comparatively unlearned, Dorsey W. Viers possessed, in those days, the pluck and perseverance of a blood- hound, and immediately inaugurated a vigorous and comprehen- sive scheme for the restoration of his good name; while his devoted wife^ — greatly his superior in education and culture — rendered the most valuable aid towards lifting from the family the dark cloud of disgrace that had come upon them. How THE Search Was Made. — To this end Mrs. Viers, with the pen of a ready writer, wrote hundreds of letters, to public officers and others, in all parts of the country, from whence it was supposed any tidings of the missing man could be obtained, while Mr. Viers, himself, commenced a most diligent personal search for him. Follow^ing up the clue obtained from the two w^itnesses w^ho had come to his relief upon the trial, he tracked him from point to point, in the West, w^here he finally learned that Charles- Avorth had returned to England. To England he went, only to find that Charlesworth had again sailed for the United States, destined to New^ Orleans. Returning home, after a brief sojourn with his family, he w^ent to New Orleans, and after a protracted search, not finding his man, he visited and thoroughly explored all the principal river towns between that city and Cincinnati. The "Murdered" Max Found Alive. — Thus was the search persistently kept up by Mr. and Mrs. VierS; both bj*^ correspon- dence and personal excursions, between nine and ten years, when, nearly fifteen years after his disappearance, Viers accidentally stumbled upon his man in Detroit. They were both so changed by time that they did not at first recognize each other; but Charlesw^orth, hearing Viers inquiring for him of others, at a hotel w^here they w^ere both stopping, and thus learning who he was, took him aside and disclosed his own identity to him. His story w^as, substantialh^ that having passed a counterfeit bill upon a prominent citizen of a neighboring tow^n, and surmising (w^hat w^as 906 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. indeed true) that proceeding were being instituted for his arrest, he had secretly left the house of his friend, and gone West, under an assumed name; still another name having been taken on hi& return from Kngland, and under Avhich, having married, he was then living in one of the interior tow^ns of Michigan. Charleswokth Kevisits Summit County. — On learning of the dire trouble and disgrace which his clandestine departure from Northfield had brought upon his old friend and family, he volun- teered to come w^ith him to Ohio, and exhibit himself to his old cronies and acquaintances, on condition that his then place of residence, and his assumed cognomen should be kept secret. Thus, in about the year 1840 or 1841, Rupert ®harlesworth and his alleged murderer, together visited Northfield, Boston, Akron,, and other points in this vicinity, where the former conversed freely with, and w^as fully recognized by, a large number of persons,, w^ho had known him well before his disappearance, and the mystery w^as fondly supposed, by its victims, to have been w^hoUy cleared up. After a few days' sojourn in the neighborhood, Charles- worth again took his departure, and returned to Michigan. Gossip to the Fkont Again. — No sooner had Charlesworth left the vicinity than vile rumor, and virulent gossip, again asserted themselves in the intimation that the Rupert Charlesworth that Viers had exhibited, was not the missing Rupert Charlesw^orth, at all, but a cousin, bearing a strong resemblance to him, that Viers had hired to personate him, which it was held could readily be done^ by a little posting up from Viers. This theory was industriously promulgated by the enemies of Viers, and within a few months the alleged imposture was pretty generally believed in, and the guilt of Viers thus doubly confirmed in the minds of quite a large portion of the community. Under these circumstances, some two or three years later, about 1843 or 1844, Viers again hunted up his man, and again brought him to Ohio, determined, this time, to settle the matter at once and forever. Charlesworth Again Exhibited. — Hand-bills were posted irt Northfield and adjoining townships, announcing that on a given day, Rupert Charlesworth, the man that Dorsey W. Viers was supposed to have murdered, in 1826, w^ould exhibit himself at the Methodist Church, at the Center of Northfield, and that all persons w^ho had know^n him, while a resident of that neighborhood, w^ere invited to be present and make a thorough examination as to his identity. The meeting w^as largely attended by a curious and deeply interested audience. A regular organization w^as effected, w^ith George Y. Wallace, Ksq., before w^hom Viers had formerly been tried, as chairman of the meeting, and the entire day was consumed in the investigation. Not only w^ere Charlesworth's physical features and peculiarities closely scrutinized, his voice and manner of expression carefully noted, but questions and cross-questions were plied by those Avho had formerly been intimate with him, in such a manner that no attempted imposture could possibly have escaped detection. Not only did he recognize and readily name persons that he had not seen for seventeen or eighteen years, but, in reply to their various interrogatories, incidents and circum- stances known only to himself and each individual questioner,, were promptly and truthfully related. CHARLESWORTH FULLY IDENTIFIED. 907 Complete Vindication. — At the close of the examination, late in the afternoon, a vote was taken as to whether the man then and there present, w^as, or was not, the Rupert Charlesworth, w^hom Dorsey W. Viers w^as accused of murdering? The affirmative vote w^as overwhelmingly and enthusiastically unanimous, only a single negative vote being given, and that from the brother of a man w^ho several years before had been executed for the murder of another brother's wife, and in whose behalf secret and persistent efforts had been made to cast suspicion upon Viers, because of the cloud of obloquy that had so long rested upon him. From the date of that meeting that cloud was raised, and the reputation of Dorsey W. Viers was fully vindicated. Removal from Northfield to Coventry. — In the meantime the three sons of Mr. Viers — James McClintock, Elisha J. and Edward H. — had grow^n to manhood and had become settled as prosperous farmers in the township of Norton, whither the father, having disposed of his possessions in Northfield, follow^ed them, a few^ years later, occupying a small farm in the township of Coventry, opposite to that of his son Elisha J., in Norton, where he continued to reside until his death, on the night of March 10, 1884, at the ripe old age of 94 ; his youngest son, Edward H. Viers, a highly respected resident of Norton, only, surviving him. The principal items of the foregoing account of the very remarkable experiences of this remarkable man, were furnished the w^riter, by Mr. Viers and his wife nearly fifiy years ago, soon after his final vindication, with a view to their publication then ; but before getting them into shape the notes were mislaid, and are now^ reproduced mainly from memory, aided, as to one or tw^o of the earlier dates, in the brief mention thereof, by General L. V. Bierce, in his historical reminiscences published in 1854. • CHAPTER XLII. NORTHFIELD'S SECOND GREAT SENSATION— MURDER OF CATHARINE M'KISSON —DEADLY ASSAULT UPON HER DAUGHTER, LUCIXDA CRONINGER— ARREST OF SAMUEL M'KISSON, FATHER-IN-LAW TO THE MURDERED WOMAN — SUBSEQUENT ARREST OF DAVID M'KISSON, THE BROTHER-IN-LAW OF CATHARINE AND LOVER OF LUCINDA— THE FATHER TRIED AND ACQUITTED — THE SON TRIED, CONVICTED AND EXECUTED — CIRCUMSTANTIAL STRONGER THAN POSITIVE EVIDENCE— FULL HISTORY OF THE CRIME, TRIAL, SENTENCE AND EXECUTION— DYING SPEECH UPON THE GALLOWS —BITTER COLD DAY, ETC. THE GREAT NORTHFIELD TRAGEDY. /~^N the night of July 24, 1837, one of the most shocking tragedies ^^ of the time w^as perpetrated in the township of Northfield, then the extreme northw^estern township of Portage county, and now a portion of Summit county. Several years previously, there had settled in the western portion of that tow^nship, and about midway between the center and the Cuyahoga river, one Samuel McKisson, w^ho had quite a large family of grow^n up sons and daughters. The eldest son, Robert, having married a widow, Mrs. Catharine Croninger, w^ith a grow^n up daughter, Lucinda, had settled upon a farm adjoining that of his father upon the \^^est, on w^hich he had erected the regulation log cabin of the period, with but a single room upon the ground floor; and a low sleeping apartment in the loft overhead. Having been bred a mechanic, Robert was frequently absent from home, for considerable periods of time, employing a young man named Johnson to do his farm w^ork. The younger brother of Robert, David McKisson, was a tailor by trade, working, for longer or shorter periods in Hudson, Akron, Middlebury, Canton and other towns and villages in North- eastern Ohio, but, by reason of his reckless and dissipated habits, being unable to hold a situation for any considerable length of time. The Beginning of the Trouble. — Notwithstanding his tramping propensities, and because of his inability to retain a situation for any great length of time, David w^as in the habit of bringing up at his father's every few months, during which visits he was thrown much into the society of his brother Robert's step- daughter, Lucinda Croninger, between w^hom and himself a mutual attachment w^as soon formed, and mutual tokens of affec- tion exchanged. In this case, however, as in many others of like character, the "course of true love" did not run entirely "smooth," for his sister-in-law, the mother of Lucinda, vigorously opposed the match. Warm words between the mother and the suitor were frequently indulged in, which at length engendered virulent ill- feeling, and in which crimination and recrimination w^ere freely . bandied; the husband and brother, Robert, in his occasional visits home, on being informed of the status of affairs, taking sides with THE MURDER OF CATHARINE MCKISSON. 909 his wife, and severely reprimanding and chastising his brother for the course he was pursuing, and virtually, if not in positive terms, forbidding him to come upon the premises. In these discussions other members of the McKisson family had also become seriously involved, and the ill-feeling w^as particularly bitter between Samuel McKisson, the father, and his daughter- in-law, Catharine McKisson, Meditating Vengeance.— In this condition of affairs, with the old gentleman at bitter enmity w^ith his daughter-in-law, and David in a state of ferocious w^rath, at the interference of hi& sister-in-law and her husband in his love affairs, the latter, early in the Spring of 1837, left the neighborhood, and engaged to go to Turtle Island, at the mouth of Maumee Bay, to chop cord-w^ood. On his way thither, he called upon a married sister, then living in Cleveland, to whom, in rehearsing his troubles, he \sras alleged to have said that he would some day go back to Northfield and kill Robert's wife, and then if Lucinda w^ould not have him she might " go to hell." This threat, however, was thought by his sister, and other friends cognizant thereof, to be a mere ebullition of anger at his disappointment, which absence would soon abate, and as several weeks elapsed w^ithout any recurrence of the troubles, all fears of personal injury to Robert, or his family, had been entirely dismissed from their minds. The Blow Suddenly Falls. — The single-room log house, occupied by the family of Robert, fronted east, the large stone fire- place being upon the south end, and two beds occupying the north end of the room ; that occupied by Robert and his \vife on the west, and that occupied by Lucinda upon the east side of the room, Robert being absent from home working at his trade in Cleveland, on the night of July 24th, 1837, the beds thus situated, were occupied by the mother and her tw^o little boys, and by the daughter, respectively', so that a person, passing from the front and only door of the house, would have to pass the bed of the daughter to reach that of the mother. The family retired about 9 o'clock, the hired man, Johnson, in the loft, as before described, reached by means of a ladder in the southeast corner. As was customary, in those early days, before friction matches had come into general use, the embers of the fire, which had cooked the evening meal, had been carefully "raked up," on the capacious hearth, and from them some slight glim- mers from the charring coal produced a sort of dim illumination of the apartment, after the "tallow dip" had been extinguished for the night. The entire household had fallen asleep, w^ith no thought of impending danger, nor dream of fear, the door being left unfastened because of the momentatily expected arrival home of the husband and father from Cleveland. Suddenly the daughter was awakened by the opening of the door. Rising up in bed, she saw^ a man, in his shirt sleeves, and dressed in dark pantaloons, enter the room w^ith an axe in his hand. As she raised up she received a blow^ from the axe, upon the side of her head, which rendered her momently insensible. On recovering consciousness, she saw her mother lying upon the floor and the man standing over her with the axe, w^hich he struck into her right shoulder. The daughter immediately screamed " mur- der," which aw^oke Johnson, w^ho sprang out of bed, upon hearing 910 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. ■which, the assassin fled from the house, giving the daughter another blow with the axe, as he passed, but which, fortunately, produced a flesh \sround only. The Father-in-law Denounced as the Assassin. — Johnson, on comprehending the situation, immediately started for assistance, and on reaching the house of a neighbor. Col. Pardon A. Brooks, found that it was just 11 o'clock. On the return of Johnson with help, Mrs. McKisson was found to be still alive, and in possession of her faculties. On being inquired of, by Col. Brooks, if she knew w^ho committed the deed, she replied, "Old Sammj^ McKisson." Being again asked if she was sure it was Samuel McKisson, she replied, " Oh, yes, Oh, 3'es," and then almost immediately became unconscious, and a few hours later expired. The daughter, also, asseverated that the man she had seen enter the room, and strike Ihe fatal blow^s, was Samuel McKisson. The old gentleman was accordingly^ taken into custody, and held for trial, and as the news of the tragedy spread rapidly from house to house, and from mouth to mouth, almost the entire tow^n- ship was upon the ground, and the wildest excitement prevailed by daylight the next morning. It w^as found, by the examining physicians, that the deceased had received three blows from the axe; one on the right side of the head, the w^hole w^idth of the blade penetrating the brain to the depth of one inch, and from which the brains ^vere oozing; one on the back of the head w^hich had cleaved off a large part of the scalp and a piece of the skull the size of a silver dollar, leaving the brain bare, but without w^ound- ing it; and the third, the blow which the daughter had witnessed, in the right shoulder, and passing through the shoulder bones and ribs into the chest. It w^as supposed that, being awakened by the blow^ upon the back of the head, Mrs. McKisson sprang out of bed w^hen she was felled to the floor by the burying of the blade of the axe in her brain, as stated, the blow^ upon the shoulder, penetrating the chest, immediately following her fall upon the floor. A New Phase in the Terrible Affair. — Though still believing the old man, Samuel McKisson, to be a party to the murder, if not the actual perpetrator thereof, the investigations by the neighbors and officers, the next day, put an entirely new aspect upon the tragic affair. The axe with which the deed had been perpetrated, belonged to the family, and had been taken from the cleat, on which it hung, upon the outside of the house, between the door and the southeast corner. This axe, covered with blood, was found some distance from the house, on a foot path running north- ■westerly from the house to the canal, and in an opposite direction from where Samuel McKisson lived. It was soon afterwards learned that a man was seen or heard running on that path, from the direction of the murder towards the canal, at about 11 o'clock that night, and also that about an hour before sunset, on the even- ing of the murder, David McKisson was seen to leave Kittlew^ell's grocery, at 18 mile Lock, on the canal, writhout a coat, and dressed in •dark pantaloons, and go in a northeasterly direction tow^ards the scene of the murder. The path on which the bloody axe was found, let it be remembered, was a mile or more in length, through dense w^oods, and over quite a precipitous hill, descending from the house of the murder to the canal. It was also show^n that about 1 o'clock in the morning, David McKisson, in the same dress, FATHER AXD SON UXDEK ARREST. 911 had boarded a packet boat bound for Cleveland, at Tinker's Creek, seven miles distant from the scene of the murder. These facts, coupled with the circumstance that he had left his work at Turtle Island, and had come into the neighborhood of his home, and after going in the direction thereof, without calling upon any of his relatives or friends, had started back to his place of employment, was proof conclusive, in the minds of the most sagacious people of the neighborhood, that David, instead of his father, was the actual perpetrator of the horrible crime, though o\sring to the bitter enmity known to exist between the old gentle- man and his daughter-in-law, it was still generally believed that he w^as, somehow or other, mixed up .with the affair. Pursuit and Arrest of David McKisson. — A* warrant was accordingly issued by Justice George Lillie, and a constable, with two assistants, started for Turtle Island to secure David's arrest. There being no railroads in those days, and no communication by telegraph then as now, all operations of this kind were extreinely slow^. It afterwards transpired that, on reaching Cleveland, David had, by mistake, taken a boat bound do\yn the Lake, instead of up, and had gone east as far as Fairport, some 30 miles, at \v^hich point he had to wait several hours for an up bound boat, on which to return to Cleveland en route to the Island. In the meantime his pursuers had passed through Cleveland, taking a boat bound for Maumee. On reaching Cleveland, otl his return from Fairport, David, still without a coat, accidentally met an old acquaintance upon the w^harf, who informed him of the murder, the arrest of his father, and that three men had gone to the Island to arrest him, advising him to return home to see about it. To this he indiffer- ently replied that if that w^as so, he should probably see the men when he got to the Island. Continuing on the same boat on w^hich he had come from Fairport, he Avent to Detroit, and from thence to the Island, via Manhattan, and yet arriving there sev- eral hours before his pursuers did. Bloody Shirt Found in His Trunk. — When the pursuing party reached the Island, and took him into custody, he appeared to know the cause of his arrest, and, without asking what the charge against him w^as, or to be show^n the w^arrant, bid his employers and his cotnrades good-by, saying that he should never see them again, etc. In his trunk was found a soiled shirt w^ith blood upon the shoulder and several spatters of blood upon the bosom, w^hich he could not rationally account for, and in his attempt to do so, seriously contradicted himself. He remarked to his captors, though not informed by them of the crime for which he was arrested, that he was willing to die except for the disgrace it would bring upon his brothers and sisters, and afterwards, on being told of the death of his sister-in-law and the arrest of his father, as her murderer, said his father w^as innocent of the crime. At another time he said that he had committed so many crimes w^ithout detection he thought he could do anything w^ithout being found out, but that it was "all over with him now." On reaching Northfield, w^hen brought into the presence of his brother Robert, he manifested great agony of mind, and said: "Robert, I little thought w^hat w^as said w^hen w^e parted in the lane w^ould bring me to this," and when Robert asked, "Has it?" he replied, 912 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. after a tnotnent's reflection, " I don't know" — and then, seeming to- realize the situation he was in, added: "These hands never did the deed." Father and Son Jointly Indicted. — Justice Lillie, before w^hom the preliminary examinations w^ere had, held both of the accused to answer to the crime of murder, before the Court of Common Pleas of Portage county, and both were committed to jail. At the September term of court (1837), a "true bill" was found against both, by the Grand Jury. Though jointlj^ indicted,, separate trials w^ere granted by the court, Hon. Van R. Humphrey presiding, and special venires for jurors were issued in each case, Samuel McKisson w^as tried first, a full history of the family troubles, as w^ell as of the circumstances attending the murder, being gone into, the case being conducted with his usual vigor, by Prosecuting Attorney, Lucius V. Bierce, assisted by Kben Newton, Bsq., and a most able defense w^as made by David K. Cartter, and Wylys Silliman, Esqs. Under the clear-cut charge of the court, sa characteristic of Judge Humphrey in his prime, the jury, after a very brief consideration of *the case, pronounced Samuel McKisson not guilty. Immediately following the acquittal of the father, the son w^as put upon his trial to a jury impaneled from the special venire issued in the case. Much of the testimony that w^as given on the first trial w^as rehearsed, and a large array of additional w^itnesses Avere sw^orn and examined, touching David's actions and utterances prior and subsequent to the commission of the crime of which he w^as accused. Special emphasis was given, by counsel for the defense, to the dying declarations of the murdered w^oman, w^hile in full possession of her faculties, that Samuel McKisson had struck the fatal blo^vs, and the full corroboration of that dying declaration, by the surviving daughter, w^ho w^itnessed the inflic- tion of at least one of those blow^s, and who had herself nearly shared the same fate; while, by unreliable circumstances, only, could the defendant then on trial, be connected with the horrible affair. Inch by inch was the legal battle fought, not only in the examination and cross-examination of w^itnesses, and the rules of law governing the case, but in the arguments of both Prosecuting Attorney L. V. Bierce and Eben Newton, Esq., for the State, and Messrs. Rufus P. Spalding, David Tod and Noah M. Humphrey on behalf of the defense. After a repetition of the principal points contained in his former charge, with the addition of such matters as more particularly applied to the case in hand. Judge Humphrey gave the case to the jury, w^ho, after several hours deliberation, returned their verdict, finding David McKisson guiltyof murder in the first degree. A motion was made by defendant's counsel for a new trial, ■which was promptly overruled by the court. After giving counsel a few days to prepare and file a bill of exceptions, should they desire to do so, Judge Humphrey ordered the sheriff to bring the condemned man before the court for sentence. JUDGE HUMPHREY'S ELOQUENT SENTENCE. Commanding the prisoner to stand up. Judge Humphrey, in the presence of a dense crow^d of interested spectators, proceeded to pronounce sentence upon him as foUovirs: • JUDGE Humphrey's eloquent sentence. 913 "David McKisson:— The Grand Jury of this count}^ have returned a Bill of Indictment ag'ainst you, charging- you with the crime of murder. To that Indictment you have pleaded 'Not guilty.' Counsel of your choife, able and learned in the law, have been assigned, to advise and aid you to meet the accusation, and make j^our defense. Plenary process, the resources of the State, have been at your command to compel the attendance of witnesses, in order to manifest your innocence. A traverse jurj-, almost of your own selection, and against whom you had nothing to urge, has been impaneled to pass, under a solemn appeal to heaven, between you and the State. Before that jury j^ou have met your accusers, and the witnesses against you, 'face to face'; you have listened to their te8timon3% and also introduced such proof as was in your power, to exculpate j'ou from the charge. You have heard the arguments of counsel for the State, and also sat under the powerful appeal of counsel in your own behalf ; and after a patient, full and i-tnpartial hearing, that jury, under the tremendous convic- tions of duty, in view of their responsibility to God and their country, have found you " Guilty of Murder in the First Degree;" and, I regret to say, that the evidence is such as to compel the court to fully concur in the finding of the jury. Upon that verdict arises the melancholy duty of announcing the dreadful sentence of the law; and have you anything to say why that sen- tence should not now be pronounced?" Prisoner — "I have nothing to say." Judge Humphrey. — "The crime of which you stand convicted is second to none in enormity — the highest known to our laws — and in this instance perpetrated under circumstances awfullj^ barbarous and shocking. Yet your present afflictions excite our sympathy. As individuals we commis- erate your situation. We have all the feeling for j'ou consistent with our relation. But a solemn duty has devolved upon us. No choice of alterna- tives is presented. The laws of God and man attach the penalty of death to the crime of murder. The divine maxim, "whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed" — quoted and appreciated by j^our counsel — as well as the violated laws of the land, declare that you must die. Your life is forfeited. Unworthy to live with your fellow-man, whose rights you have trodden down with unparalleled cruelty, justice demands a separation between you and your species, and calls loudly for your extermination. "In the dead hour of night, with a bosom rankling with revenge ; at that hour when nature was hushed in silence, and sleep had sealed the eyes of your victim, you approached, not the dwelling of a stranger ; not the dwelling of an enemy ; not a dwelling protected bj' the arm of man ; but the undefended home of a brother, and there, with the deadly axe 3^ou bore along, coolly,, barbarously, cruelly murdered your unoffending sister. A more bloody butchery stains not the annals of man ; a more heartless assassination lives not in the history of crimes. I make not these remarks to harrow j'our feelings, or to disturb the equanimity of your bosom, if, possiblj^ it remains quiet at this withering crisis ; but to apprise you that 5'our time is fixed ; that your days are nuinbered ; that before another year shall have passed away, you must sleep beneath the "clods of the valley," and that it behooves you to make preparation for that dreadful event. " Think not any interposition of the Executive will relieve you. Indulge not, the hope of commutation or pardon from any temporal source, but appeal to the Power which is able and w^illing to exercise clemency indeed * to show mercy worth asking ; to extend pardon to the 'chief of sinners.' " From your declaration and confessions is clearly shown the fatal error into which you have fallen, in supposing that offenses might be committed with impunity ; that detection would not overtake crime. Too late you learn that "There is a divinity that shapes our ends. Rough hew them how we will." "A period co-extensive with the power of the Court will be alloted you to settle j^our temporal affairs, and to prepare for another world. Your friends will be permitted to visit you in prison, and such spiritual advisers as you may need, will attend you to point the way to future happiness.. Improve, then, the few remaining days you have to live, in preparing to- die. You know your fate. You know your time. Not so with Catharine McKisson. No precursor kindly whispered her dissolution ; no messenger of mercy warned the devoted wretch of woe and death. But in the vigor of 68 914 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. life, while reposing in fancied security, you tore her from the side of her sleeping- infants, and with that bloody instrument hurried her into eternity, w^ith all her 'sins fresh blown upon her!' " It is, therefore, the sentence of the law, that you be taken hence to the jail of the county, there to remain until Friday, the 9th day of February, 1838 ; that between the hours of 10 o'clock in the forenoon and 4 o'clock in the afternoon of that day, you be taken thence to the place of execution, and be then hung by the neck until j^ou are dead. And may He who trod the wine press alone have mercy on you ! " Writes a History of His Life. — After his conviction and sentence the prisoner busied himself in jail, in -writing a so-called history of his life, in which, -while detailing a large number of youthful peccadilloes, and petty crimes and offenses, he sought to convey the impression of his innocence of the murder of his sister- in-law, and to direct suspicion towards Mr. Dorsey W. Viers, who, unfortunately, wras at that time resting under a cloud of unjust suspicion, in regard to the disappearance from Northfield, of Rupert Charles^vorth, several years previously (but w^hich cloud -was wholly cleared a^vay some two or three years later, as already detailed in the preceding chapter), and even intimating that his old father, notwithstanding his triumphant acquittal, may have committed the murder, after all, saying, in that connection: "But when I take the testimony of the girl, and the fact that I knoAv his disposition when in liquor, and his clothes being at the fire, and then the dying words of her w^ho saw him every day, and who most certainly did see the man w^ho done the deed, w^hen I put all these things together, to say that I suppose it was not him is as much as I can say." His rambling and disjointed, as w^ell as decidedly illiterate narrative, closes -with the foUov^^ing remarkably good advice to both children and adults : "Thus I have set down the chief of what I am here for, and for what I am about to suffer an ignominious death upon the scaffold ; together with all the criines that I can recollect. 1 have omitted many things I have done which are not consistent with good conduct in youth, but the untimel)^ end that awaits nae I hope will be a caution to youth not to walk in the paths that I have trod. Two things I would impress upon their minds, viz : not to roam about nights, and keep as much as possible out of bad company. * * * Now, let me leave a caution to parents, guardians and masters. I am young and unqualified to do it in st3'le, but as I have traveled consider- able, and been in good and bad company, 1 know something of the world. If a child is stubborn, never whip it without knowing it is right to do so ; never make a promise without fulfilling; never lay up two charges for one whipping; and never whip in a passion ; by so doing you are not only not punctual yourself but j^ou learn the child to be so. Again, if a child tells a lie, and you tell it to own the truth and you will not punish it, fulfill ypur promise or it will never own its faults again; and if you have any good article of food on the table, never take it from the children, for this will make them steal. If you pursue a different course you will not bring up a child in the way it should go, but in the waj^ it will go. Thus ends my saying to the world." The Execution. — The 9th day of February, 1838, was one of the most bitterly cold days of that remarkably severe winter. The ground w^as covered with snow, and though bright and pleasant overhead, the naturally frigid atmosphere of the day was many fold intensified by a cutting wind, that pierced one's system to the very vitals. Executions in Ohio, then, unlike those of later years, w^ere open to the general public, and the gallows had been erected in a broad meadowr, amphitheatrical in form, about three-fourths of a mile southeast of the court house in Ravenna, and the sheriff mckisson's speech upon the gallows. 915 liad called together the military organizations of the county, for ■escort duty, and to preserve the public peace. The writer, as a newspaper man, was on the ground as early as 7 o'clock in the morning, and even at that early hour the streets and public square of the village, were rapidly filling with a pro- miscuous crowd of men, women and children; pouring in, on foot, on horse-back and in almost every style of vehicle then known, through every road leading into the to\^n. In addition to hotels, and other regular places of entertainment, large numbers of booths and stands had been erected for the sale of eatables, and -drinkables, too, and in those days there were very few of w^hat are now known as temperance drinks, in vogue, either. And during all that long forenoon, yes, and until three in the afternoon, did that vast crowd, variously estimated at from 10,000 to 15,000, uncomplainingly endure the biting cold and fatigue of the day, though towards the last, from the long delay, and the effects of the whisky imbibed, it very largely resembled a howling mob, clamorous for the hurrying up of the ghastly exhibition, and kept in check from open acts of violence, only by the presence of the military, and the activity of the extra constabulatory force that had been provided. At precisely 3 o'clock p. m., the condemned man w^as taken from the jail, by Sheriff George Y. Wallace, and his attendants, and in an open carriage, preceded and followed by a company of militia, was taken to the place of execution. On reaching the gallows, he alighted from the carriage with agility, and walked up the steps to the scaffold w^ith a firm tread. The sheriff having adjusted the fatal noose about his neck, asked him if he desired to address the audience, whereupon, w^ith a slight inclination of the head, he spoke substantially as foUow^s: "Ladies and Gentlemen: - You are in a few minutes to witness the departure of a fellow-being' from time to eternity, and I hope my life will deter j'^ou all from crime of every description, such as lying-, stealing-, swearing, Sabbath-breaking, etc. Break not the laws of that book (holding- up a small Bible) and you break not the laws of man. I am reconciled to my God, before whom I am shortly to appear. I have been charged with the crime of murder. I have been tried before a jury of twelve men of my countr}^ and I have pleaded "not guilty." Circumstances were against me, and that jury brought in a verdict of murder in the first degree. The court sentenced me to be executed, and I am about to receive the penaltj^ due to the crime of murder. And now, when I am within a few minutes of eternity; when I am about to enter the presence of my creator, the truth must be told. It is said, and gone forth to the world, that, at the dead hour of midnight, I stripped myself, and with an axe, entered the dwelling of a brother, and cruelly murdered an unoffending- sister; and now the question is, am I guilty of the crime?. No, gentlemen, I am not. May my voice reach the ear of the farthermost person on yonder hill; I AM NOT GUILTY OF MURDER. Is it reasonable to suppose that after committing a murder, I should go to Cleveland, and stay there half a day; through mistake take a boat that was g-oing down the lake instead of up, and on discovering my mistake, get off at Fairport and return to Cleveland, and on being told by an acquaintance that three men had gone to Turtle Island to arrest me, immediately start for that Island? No, gentlemen, it is not. I intended to have spoken a few w^ords about the testimony, and I believe I will. Does it look reasonable that I should say to Robert, " I hope these hands will smother out of it," and then, in a louder voice, say, "these hands never done the deed." I say does it look reasonable that I should say so to a brother whose wife I had murdered? No, gentlemen, it does not. I have committed a great many crimes; I have led a very wicked life, but am iiuioceni of the crime for which I am about to be executed. Again I would say, break not the laws of that t)ook, and you break not the laws of man. You tuay all consider yourselves 916 AKSON AX© SUMXTT COCTCTY. accessories in a murder, by execating^ an innocent man; bnt msty God ioTgive yon/ for yon kno-v not what yon do. I have nothing^ more to aoy." Then, taming partly around, he repeated some poetry, com- posed by himself, ^rhich was inaudible to the writer. The attend- ing clergyman then offered a short prayer, and, with the doubly bereaved brother, Robert, shook hands with him and descended from the scaffold. Sheriff Wallace then pinioned his arms and legs, adjusted the rope around his neck, placed him in position,, drew the black cap over his face, bid him good-by, descended the stairs, touched the fatal spring, the drop fell, and David McKisson, whether guilty or innocent, was in eternity — a few spasmodic movements of the shoulders and legs, only, being observable after the drop fell. Disposition of the Body. — When the attending physicians had pronounced life extinct. Sheriff Wallace delivered his body to his brother Robert, and his aged, grief-stricken father, to be taken to Xorthfield for interment; his age, on the day of the execution being 21 years, 2 months and 21 days. The funeral services were held at the house of the father, a day or two afterwards, and quite largely attended by sympathetic neighbors, the burial being made upon the home farm, where, also, the father ^vas buried a few years later. The remains of the dead malefactor were not exhibited to those in attendance at the funeral, and it was several years after alleged that, while the party employed to transport the body from Ravenna to Xorthfield,. having driven his team under a shed, was warming himself by a hotel fire in Hudson, certain physicians of that town, extracted the body from the coffin, substituting therefor a log of wood, and that the carefully articulated skeleton, so often seen in the cabinet of a prominent physician of Hudson, for many years thereafter, was none other than that of David McKisson. The CoxcLrsiox. — It was believed that the father, having himself been acquitted of the crime, and therefore not liable, under the law, to be again put in jeopardy for the offense, would, upon the trial of the son, swear that he (the father) had alone committed the deed. But this the old gentleman perempto- rily declined to do, declaring that he could not add the crime of perjury to the mountain of sorrow then resting upon him. This, and the expression he used, on first meeting David, after their arrest: "David, you dog! See what you have brought us all to!" together with his apparently sincere manifestations of grief over the terrible event, was conclusive to the family, and their best informed neighbors, that the old gentleman was entirely guiltless of any complicity in the affair; though there are people to this day who fully believe that Samuel McKisson was the real murderer, and that David was a victim of untoward circumstances, and used simply as a scapegoat to suffer the penalty due to his aged father. But though convicted upon circumstantial evidence, and in spite of the declaration of the murdered woman, and the positive testi- mony of the daughter, the only eye-witness of the tragedy, to the contrary, and notwithstanding his asseverations of his innocence to the very last moment of his life, there was no doubt in the minds of the court and jury, or the general public, in regard to the gtiilt of the doomed young man, the righteousness of the verdict, or the justice of his fate. THB SBCRBT OF HIS PERSISTENT DENIAU 917 It was afterwards learned that his bold and persistent denial of his guilt, in the very face of death, instead of making a full con- fession thereof, was probably inspired by the expectation of a repreive at the very last moment, as he had been made to believe, by "Col." William Ashley, then in jail awaiting trial for counter- feiting, as else\ehere related, that a commutation of his sentence to imprisonment for life was already in the hands of the sherifiF, and that if he asserted his innocence to the last the execution would be stayed. Thus ended one of the most fearful and thrilling, of the many thrilling tragedies that have been enacted within the present limits of Summit county; not only producing the greatest excitement throughout the entire vicinity, but the denouement of which, from the intense coldness of the day, created a permanent data for comparison of the weather, for many years, and with some, even to the present time, a very common expression being: *' This is the coldest day I have experienced since McKisson was hung." CHAPTER XLIII. NORTON — AN EVENTFUL HISTORY— ORIGIN, NAME, EARLY SETTLEMENT, ETC. — GROWTH AND POPULATION— BUSINESS CENTERS, INDUSTRIES, ETC.— "QUEER"" TAVERN KEEPERS, EARLY CROOKEDNESS, ETC. — REMARKABLE REFORMA- TION — LUNATIC GROCERY KEEPER'S MAD PRANKS— SHOOTS AND WOUNDS TWO MEN—INMATE OF COUNTY INFIRMARY FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS — POSTMASTER SHOOTS AND INSTANTLY KILLS A BURGLAR— GREAT EXCITE- MENT OVER MISSING CHILD— NORTON IN WAR AND NORTON IN PEACE— THE MCLISTER-WELSH HOMICIDE— TRIAL, CONVICTION, SENTENCE AND IMPRIS- ONMENT OF MCLISTER, PARDON, ETC. ORIGIN, NAME, ETC. • npHE tow^nship of Norton, originally designated as township 1,. *- range 12, w^as, like Copley, at first officially associated with Wadsworth, Sharon, Guilford and Montville, under the general name of "Wolf Creek Trownship," being organized as a separate to^vnship in April, 1818. The tow^nship derived its name from it»^ principal Connecticut proprietor, Birdsey Norton, who, however, never resided therein. It is bounded north by Copley, east by Coventry, south by Franklin and Chippe\va and west by Wads- worth, and is one of the southern-most tow^nships of the Western Reserve. The first settler in the township is said to have been Jame& Robinson, from Oswego county, N. Y., who, in 1810, located upon lot 19, on Wolf Creek, in the northeast portion of the tow^nship, since know^n as the Sylvester Van Hyning farm. The friends of Mr. John^Cahow^, a native of Maryland, claim for him the honor of being Norton's first settler, his cabin also being erected in 1810, upon lot 20, half a mile east of Robinson's, w^here, both before and during the War of 1812, he furnished "entertainment for man and beast," the first tavern, probably, west of Middlebury in what is now Summit county. In 1814, James Robinson was married to Lois Bates, by Simeon Prior, Esq., of Northampton, a year later removing to the latter named tow^nship, but soon after\vards returning to Norton, settling near New Portage, where he subsequently died. Very little progress w^as made in the settlement of the tow^n- ship until after the close of the War of 1812, in 1815. Then there w^as a rush, so that on the organization of the the township, in 1818,. it must have numbered some 25 or 30 voters. The names of all the early settlers cannot now be given, but among them, besides James- Robinson and John Caliow, already noted, may be mentioned Henry and Abraham Van Hyning, Joseph Holmes, Elisha Hins- dale, Ezra Way, Joseph D. Humphrey, Charles Lyon, Philemon Kirkum, Seth Lucas, Charles Miller, John O'Brien and Nathan and Lyman Bates. Henry Van Hyning died December 25, 1839,. aged 102 years. The first marriage in the township, as above indicated, was- James Robinson and Lois Bates; the first birth, a child of Lyman. PIONEER EXPERIENCES, HARDSHIPS, ETC. 919 Bates; the first death, a daughter of John O'Brien, the dates of the two latter events not now remembered. At the first election, April, 1818, Abraham Van Hyning, Charles Lyon and Ezra Way were chosen trustees; Joseph D. Humphrey, township clerk; Joseph Holmes, Elisha Hinsdale and JohnCahow, supervisors; and Henry Van Hyning, Sr., justice of the peace. The Indians had nearly all vacated the township before white settlement fairly began, so that very little, if any, traditionary lore in regard to encounters with the red-skins has been handed down. Nor are there any very serious reminiscent tales of deadly encounters between the early settlers and wild beasts now extant among the people, though the forests of the township, particularly the jungles of Wolf Creek, and contiguous swamps, were then quite largely infested with wolves, bears and other similar game, it being related that Henry Van Hyning, Jr., and the Bates broth- ers once killed a bear a short distance southeast of what is now- known as Loyal Oak, which, when dressed, weighed some 500 pounds. NATHAN SEIBERLING,-born in Lynn, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, April 14, 1810; boyhood spent on farm, and learning' shoe- making- with his father; with less than a year's schooling, by close per- sonal application, he acquired a fair business education ; was married December 6, 1829, to Catharine Peter, born June 27, 1811; in June, 1831, removed to Norton, Ohio, pvirchasing 96 acres of uncultivated land, devot- ing his days to clearing and improv- ing his farm, and his evenings to his trade, often working late into the night, in making and mending shoes for his neighbors, splitting and whit- tling- out his pegs by hand. Prosperit}^ attended his labors, and as the years passed bj% hundreds of acres and large blocks of bonds and stocks were added to his possessions, enabling him to ver3^ materially aid his enter- prising sons, whose manufacturing successes will be found chronicled elsewhere. Fifteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Seiberling, eleven of whom are still living. Though a stanch Republican, living in a continuous!}" Democratic town- ship, he was elected justice of the peace, and his services were other- wise often called into rec|uisition in the management of the affairs of the NATHAN SEIBERLING. township. Mr. and Mrs. Seiberling- were for over sixtj'^ years members of the Lutheran Church, of which organization the entire family are members. His death occurred Nov- ember 4, 1889, at the age of 79 years, 6 months and 20 days, his aged com- panion surviving him. The story of the incessant toil, patient self-denial, privation and frequent suffering incident to pioneer life— the Ioav price of farm produce, the high price of all kinds of merchandise, and the scarcity of money, have too often been told to need repetition here. But it is gratifying to know that amid all their trials, hardships and enforced strict economy, there was always a cheerful good- nature, a genial helpfulness and an unstinted hospitality, in the intercourse of neighbor with neighbor, and an especially w^arm 920 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. welcome extended to every new-comer, and to the stranger tem- porarily domiciled among them. Though getting a later start than most of its neighbors, Nor- ton was, in point of topography and soil, so desirable a location that it soon caught up with the most, and surpassed some, of the toAvnships of the vicinage, in point of population, enterprise and wealth. The center of the township, though handsomely located, has never hardly arrived at the dignity of a village, some three or four dwellings, a small public house, graded schools and a portion of the time a store and a postoffice, constituting the entire hamlet, w^ith the addition, in later years, of a substantial two-story frame edifice, 28x60 feet, with rear basement, for the use of "Sum- mit Grange of Patrons of Husbandry," composed of the very best farmers of Norton and surrounding tow^nships, and one of the most successful and influential local granges in the State. A mile and a half to the northward, is the village of Loyal Oak, originally called Bates' Corners, w^ith its hotel (sometimes two) store, two fine churches, school house, w^ith, at times, various industries, such as blacksmithing, tanning, milling, tin-smithing, harness-making, etc. About the same distance southward is Johnson's Corners, very similar in its church, school, hotel, store and mechanical appointments to those of Bates' Corners, "with about the same show of business and population. On the w^est line of the tow^nship (and county) is the village of Western Star, originally called Griswold's Corners, after several stalwart enterprising brothers w^ho established themselves in business there, in the latter twenties, though Mills, CuUen and Bzekiel Richards had settled near the corners several years before. Its present name is in honor of Nathan Starr, of Con- necticut, the original owner of the land at that point. Mr. Starr and his wife, Grace T. Starr, on the 7th day of November, 1844, donated and deeded in trust one acre of land for educational pur- poses, w^ith the proviso that said trustees " erect on said lot a suitable building for a seminary building, and keep the same in good repair at all limes, otherwise the land to revert to the original owners." Western Star was incorporated and organized as a village in 1842, with mayor, marshal and other village officers, having in later years adopted the graded school system, the seminary build- ing being used for the higher grades of the system. The village also maintains one church (United Brethren), a hotel, one or two stores, and various mechanics' shops, the business and population being about equal on either side of the line, the number of inhabi- tants in the Norton portion of the corporation, as show^n by the census of 1880, being 75, and by the census of 1890 given as 88. New Portage, two and a half miles east of the Center, on the line between Norton and Coventry, has been already pretty fully described in the sketch of the latter township, the most of the present business of the village — railroad station, store, postoffice, stra\vrboard works, church, etc., being upon the Norton side of the line. Since the above was first published, in 1888, new^ honors have come to Norton in the founding within her borders the new industrial city of Barberton, which is fully described further on in this work. There is also a small mining hamlet called Dennison NORTON S EARLY INDUSTRIES. 921 in the western portion of the township, on the N. Y., P. & O. R. K. with postoffice (named Sherman), store, saloon, etc. Also, on the Wooster road, about two miles southwest of Johnson's Corners, upon the line between Summit and Wayne counties, is the hamlet of Hametown, so called from the fact that quite an extensive shop for the manufacture of hames was established there some forty or more years ago. Though that particular industry w^as long since relegated to other labor centers, Hametown, though having no postoffice, is quite a business point, with store, grocery, shoe shop, etc. ,pHARLES MILLER,— born in Up- ^ per Nazareth, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1815 ; raised on farm ; •education limited ; learned carpen- ter's trade ; in 1838 came to Ohio, working- at trade in Guilford, Medina <;ounty, returning' to Penns3dvania in the Fall ; in 1843 a^ain came to Ohio, working at trade in Wayne county, finally settling on farm in Norton ; in 1857, engaged in selling farm imple- ments for C. M. Russell & Co., of Mas- sillon ; in 1861, engaged in selling Excelsior reaping and mowing machines, manufactured by Mr. John F. Seiberling, at Doylestown ; in 1863, purchased a quarter interest in Mr. Seiberling's patents; in 1865, organ- ized Excelsior Mower and Reaper Company, of Akron, building exten- sive works opposite Union railroad depot ; through business complica- tions and internal dissensions, com- 8 any made an assignment in 1875, [r. Miller sinking $65,000 in stock, and several thousand dollars loaned the company ; in 1879, in company with his sons, purchased the Mather- son chain works at Cuj^ahoga Falls, consolidating them with the Chevrier works, at Akron, previously pur- chased, afterwards adding the match making business to their works, in both departments building up an extensive and profitable business. Mr. Miller was married F'ebruary, 1843, to Miss Hannah Bechtel, who CHARLES MILLER. bore him seven children — Emma E., now Mrs. Frank Reifsnider, of Akron; Henry D., of Tiflin ; Amanda M., wife of R. N. Kratz, of Mitchell, Dakota ; Harvey F., of Akron ; Leon J., of Little Rock, Arkansas ; S. Samuel, of Akron, and Cora O., now Mrs. Charles Huntley, of Akron. Mr. Miller died December 9, 1886, aged 71 years and 10 days, Mrs. Miller dying March 11, 1887, aged 69 years. It w^ill thus be seen that though Norton is emphatically an agricultural tow^n, it has also, besides its extensive mining opera- tions, quite a large urban population, and considerable of a variety of mechanical and manufacturing industries. For many years Clark's mill, one mile east of Loyal Oak, on Wolf Creek, built by Mr. Carlos Clark in the early thirties, did an excellent business, until its destruction by fire in 1879. Still earlier, about 1830, Thomas Johnson built a grist mill on Hudson's run, at Johnson's Corners, w^hich is still running, another similar mill, built by Mr. Johnson, some two or three years later, further dow^n the stream, having gone into disuse many years ago. As many as ten or twelve saw-mills, probably, have been erected w^ithin the tow^nship at different times, most of which, whether profitable to their 922 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. o\!\rners or not, have been of very great convenience to the farmers^, in converting their surplus timber into lumber for the construc- tion of their comfortable houses and magnificent bank barns. Early "Financial" Operations. — In an early day Norton became quite seriously involved in the prevailing "crookedness " of the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas valleys. Besides the operations of this character at New Portage and Wolf Creek Lock, already alluded to, Johnson's Corners was for manj'^ years a prominent point for the gathering together of the members of the brother- hood, and for the dispensation of the "queer." Thoinas Johnson, somewhere in the middle twenties, built and kept the tavern upon the northeast corner, the same site now occupied by the fine new hotel of Mr. J. T. Price. This house was a well-known resort for the sporting gentry of that day, of which fraternity Johnson himself was understood to be in full fellowship, though of the strictest integrity in all his neighborhood dealings. At length, in the Fall of 1833, Johnson got into " financial "" difficulty in Portage county (Norton then being in Medina county), and was bound over to court by Justice George B. De Peyster, of Franklin Mills (now Kent), and at the October term of the court, 1833, was indicted for "bartering a counterfeit bank note," and entered into bonds in the sum of $1,000, with William Coolman, Jr., and William King (both hotel keepers at Ravenna) for his appearance at the March term, 1834, Lucius V. Bierce being the prosecuting attorney, and Gregory Powers officiating as counsel for the defendant. At the March term Johnson failed to appear and his bond was declared forfeited, the record showing that Coolman and King each paid $250, the other $500 being remitted by the County Commissioners. Johnson remained in hiding for a short time, when, through the intercession of Mr. Charles Miller, father of Norton's present well-known and highly respected citizen, Cyrus Miller, Esq., the authorities dropped the matter against Johnson, on account of valuable information given by him in regard to the operations of the gang, and of his solemn promise to sever his connection therewith. From that time until his death, March 13, 1836, at the age of 45 years, Johnson led a strictly upright life, and is said to have been a class-leader in the Metho- dist society organized at the Corners, a year or so previous to his death. Johnson left quite a handsome property, his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, an energetic and most estimable woman, afterwards being married to the late Joshua F. Shaw, Esq., father of Mr. Merwin Shaw, still an influential resident of the village, Jonathan DeCourcey was another of Norton's early crooked financiers, and was the builder and keeper of the brick tavern on the south\vest corner of the Clinton and Wooster roads, which is still standing. De Courcey was far less enterprising and indus- trious, but vastly shrewder and more unscrupulous in his illicit monetary transactions, than Johnson, but, in the latter thirties, he, too, lost his grip, and in 1840, being under indictment in Medina county; he forfeited his bond and fled the countrj'^, as is more fully set forth in another chapter devoted to the operations of the counterfeiters of the Cuyahoga. Norton's Lunatic Merchant. — From about 1854 to 1860, one William Pierce, was the OAvner and keeper of the canal grocery store at Wolf Creek Lock, a mile or so south of New Portage. Norton's lunatic merchant. 923 Pierce, then about 25 years of age, was a sober, shrewd, money- making fellow, and, keeping a good stock of boatmen's supplies, soon built up a profitable trade, and rapidly accumulated property. After tw^o or three years, however. Pierce became quite irritable^ and strongly inclined to quarrel with his customers, especially if any fault was found with the quality or prices of his goods, and soon came to be regarded as a little "off" in his mind, though still attentive to business, and as sharp at a bargain as ever. Nothing serious resulted from his aberration until about the first of August, 1857, when, having had some w^ords w^ith a boat captain by the name of Hugh Kelly, he deliberately fired his revolver from his grocery door, at the Captain, just as he was about to step from the lock on to his boat, the ball taking effect in the tendons of the heel, and also striking and slightly wounding the Captain's son. Pierce -was arrested and put under bonds to answer to the Court of Common Pleas, on the charge of shooting w^ith intent to kill ; Captain Kelly also commenced civil suit against him for personal damages in the sum of $3,000 for himself, and $1,000 for his son. On investigation, the Grand Jury failed to find a bill against him on the ground of insanity, the civil suit, at the March term, 1858, resulting in a verdict for the plaintiff, in the sum of $254.00 damages, and the costs, amounting to $39.00 more. The shooting was admitted, but defendant's council. General A. C. Voris, urged the insanity of his client, if not as a vindication of the act, at least in mitigation of damages. Pierce Avas greatly exasperated at this, and vehemently berated Voris, in open court, claiming that in shooting Captain Kelly he w^as only defending his rights. Immediately on the announcement of the judgment, by Judge Carpenter, in accordance with the verdict of the jury. Pierce went to his grocery, at Wolf Creek Lock, and placing the amount of damages and costs ( $293 . 00 ) in gold and silver coin, in a small canvas bag, returned in the afternoon, and, in the midst of another trial then on, w^alked up to the Judges' desk, dumped the contents of the bag upon the desk, and told the Judge to count it and see if it w^as all right. It Avas with considerable difficulty that Judge Carpenter made him comprehend that Clerk Green was the proper officer to pay the money to, Pierce insisting that, as the Judge had rendered the judgment against him, he was bound to count the money to see if it w^as all right. Notwithstanding the finding of the Grand Jury that Pierce w^as insane, no steps w^ere taken tow^ards sending him to the Insane Asylum, and he confined to carry on his grocery business, w^ith his customary diligence, at Wolf Creek Lock. Though still giving frequent manifestations of mental unsoundness, nothing serious happened for about two years, w^hen another, and this time nearly fatal, shooting affair occurred substantially as follows: Joshua F. Shaw, Esq., of Johnson's corners, had a piece of land adjoining the premises owned by Pierce. Some difference arising as to the division line, Mr. Shaw, on Saturday, March 17, 1860, stepped into the grocery to consult with Pierce in regard to employing the county surveyor to run out the line. Pierce objected on account of the expense, and Mr. Shaw^, pleasantly remarking that he w^ould foot the bill, started to go out. As he reached the door the report 924 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. of a pistol rang through the grocery, the ball striking Mr. Shaw on the lower back portion of the skull, glancing around under the skin and coming out at the upper part of the right ear. The affair created the most intense excitement in the neighbor- hood, and Pierce \\ras immediately apprehended, by Constable Merrick Burton, of Akron, and taken before Justice William L. Clarke, of Akron, who, on hearing, committed him to jail to answer to the Court of Common Pleas, to the charge of shooting with intent to kill. At the May term of the court, the Grand Jury returned a bill of indictment, in accordance with the finding of Justice Clarke. On being arraigned, Pierce, with great emphasis, pleaded not guilty, declaring that in shooting Shaw he was only defending his rights. Pierce's counsel, Wilbur F. Sanders and Dudley C. Carr, Esqs., then moved for a continuance until the next term of the court, w^hich \v^as granted. At the November term, a long and exciting trial ^vas had, the costs in the case amounting to nearly $300, the verdict of the jury being "not guilty by reason of insanity;" the Court making an order that Pierce be remanded to jail, and the case duly certified to the Probate Court for proceedings in lunacy. Pierce remained in jail until the 5th day of March, 1862, w^hen he was taken to the county Infirmary, where he Tvas confined for over a quarter of a century, a good share of the time in a separate cell, to prevent his doing injury toothers, which he had several times attempted to do, his death occurring September 23, 1889, Like Captain Kelly, Mr. Shaw brought suit against Pierce for personal damages, but, more modest than the Captain, laid his claims at $500 only. The case was referred to ex-Probate Judge Noah M. Humphrey, Hon. John Johnston and Arad Kent, Esq., who awarded the plaintiff $175, for which amount and the costs judgment was rendered by the Court, to satisfy which the Wolf Creek property ^vas sold by Sheriff Burlison, in February, 1866, for $960, of which amount, after satisfying the judgment and costs, $326.50 was paid to Avery Spicer, guardian for Cyrus Pierce (minor son of the defendant) the balance being paid to Mrs. Pierce. Sometime in 1882, it came to the knowledge of Prosecuting Attorney Charles Baird, that Pierce was entitled to a one- fifteenth share of the estate of a deceased sister, Mrs. Sophia Weeden, of Sandusky City, and by taking the proper legal steps in the premises, about $1000 was covered into the county treasury, to the credit of the poor fund, thus, in some slight degree, reimburs- ing the tax payers of the county for the care and keeping, for so many years, of their unfortunate fellow-citizen. PosTOFFicE Robber Killed. — ^In the latter fifties, a resident of New Portage by the name of William Witner, then about 25 years of age, being employed as mail-carrier between New Portage and Doylestown, was detected in robbing the mails, and served a short term in the penitentiary. Returning to New Portage, immediately after his release from prison, Witner conducted himself fairly Avell for a few years,- marrying into a highly respectable family of that village, though he was largely disinclined to engage in any hard or very useful labor. At this time Mr. Jacob Welch, formerly of Mogadore, now a resident of Colorado, w^as carrying on quite an extensive stoneware POSTOFFICE BURGLAR KILLED. 925 manufactory at Ne\vr Portage, and, in connection therewith, a store, also officiating as postmaster. During the Summer and Fall of 1869, several depredations upon the mails had been committed, and sundry small articles of merchandise had also been missed from the store. Finding no indications of "breaking in," Welch concluded that the thief had possessed himself of a duplicate key, and accordingly had the lock of the store door changed. The depredations continuing, Welch consulted Sheriff James Burlison, besides being visited by a special agent of the postoffice department, and it was determined to establish a watch in the store. He employed Witner and another man to do the w^atching, and one night when they were on duty, a package of money was stolen. Welch then determined to watch the store himself. So rigging up a bed back of the counter, armed with a double-bar- relled shot-gun and revolver, and accompanied by his son, Corw^in, on the night of November 4, 1869, Mr. Welch entered upon his vigil. No disturbance occurring, about 1 o'clock Mr. Welch sent Cor\srin home, continuing the watch alone until morning. Soon after 3 o'clock Mr. Welch heard a noise at the rear base- ment window, and in a short time heard foot-steps coming up the basement stairs and enter the storeroom. At this moment the intruder struck a match, which, flashing for an instant, \srent out. Not recognizing his visitor, in that momentary flash, Welch raised his gun and fired in the direction wrhere he stood. The intruder then exclaimed, " My God ! Welch, you have killed me ! " Welch then asked him if he was armed and he replied that he was not, and was then recognized by his voice. Welch immediately aroused the neighbors, and on returning to the store found Witner dead, the charge having entered the body a little below the shoulder- blade, penetrating and lacerating the lungs. In the absence of the coroner (Gen. O. E. Gross, of Stow), Jus- tice William M. Cunningham summoned a jury to investigate the affair. After an exhaustive examination of Jacob and Corwin Welch, and several other w^itnesses, including Dr. William Bowen, who made a post-mortem examination of the body, the jury, through its foreman, Sherman Blocker, Esq., returned a verdict as follow^s: "We do find that the deceased came to his death by a gun-shot fired into him by Jacob Welch, while the deceased was in the act of committing a burglary in the store of said Welch, and that said Jacob Welch was justified in firing said shot." An Exciting Episode. — On Saturday morning, November 10, 1866, a little six-year-old daughter of Mr. Samuel Reimer, living a short 'distance northwest of Loyal Oak, wandered away from home, and, as it afterwards appeared, traveled west to Wadsworth,tiorth to Sharon, east to Copley, and northerly, again, in a zig-zag course through Bath, into Richfield, w^here near evening, she was picked up, in an almost exhausted condition, a short distance south of the center of Richfield, and fully 20 miles, by the route traveled, from the starting point. On being missed, the child w^as searched for in the neighbor- hood, by the parents and neighbors, but w^ithout success. The interest and excitement increased, as the hours glided by, until during the night, and on Sunday morning, there were several hun- dred persons engaged in the search, occasional tidings of her hav- ing been seen, upon several of the roads indicated, but with no 926 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. definite clue to her present w^hereabouts or fate. On Sunday, in the neighboring churches, the little one's loss was proclaimed, persons \v^ho had seen her upon her travels arising in the congre- gation and announcing the fact, a good share of the several con- gregations immediately forsaking the sanctuary, and joining in the search. In the meantime, in answer to inquiries, she had told the family w^ho had taken her in, that she lived at Bates' Corners, and as they were not familiar with the locality they sent a messenger to the Center of Richfield, on Sunday morning, for information. On the return of the messenger, the gentleman and one of his neighbors started in a buggy, to return the child to her almost distracted parents. As they met the cortege of searchers, the w^ord passed rapidly from mouth to mouth, and from house to house, that the " lost was found," and as they neared the Corners, and the home of the little -wanderer, the demonstrations were very marked and enthusiastic, indeed — the w^onder, on the one hand, being that so young a child could possibly have traveled so far in so short a time, and on the other hand, that she should not sooner have been picked up by those w^ho noticed her — a strange child, and alone — as she traversed the several towrnships and neighbor- hoods, on her long and devious journey. DR. JOHN HILL,"born in Hast- ing-s, Sussex county, England, October 26, 1823 ; came with parents to America in 1828, settling" near Utica, New York ; removed to Orang-e, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1832 ; the family going thence to Illinois in 1843. With such education as the schools of the vicinit}^ afforded, after teach- ing a few years, young Hill, in 1847, began the study of medicine with Dr. Alexander Fisher, at Western Star, attending lectures at Cleveland Medical College ; in 1850, went to California, and in 1853, to Australia, stopping three weeks en route at Apia, on the now noted Island of Samoa ; in Maj^ 1854, sailed from Australia for London, and from thence, in the Fall of that 5'^ear, for New York ; 1854, '55, attended medical lectures in Cleveland, in Winter of 1855, '56,continuing studies at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, grad- uating therefrom in March, 1856; prac- ticed medicine one year in Sharon, Medina county ; March 26, 1857, inar- ried to Miss Catharine Pardee, daugh- ter of the late Ebenezer Pardee, of Western Star, where, aside from his public duties, he thenceforth prin- cipally devoted himself to the culti- vation of his fine farm at that place ; elected county commissioner in 1870, 1873 and 1876, serving nearly nine years ; elected State representative in DR. JOHN HILL. 1879, serving two years. Dr. Hill was the father of six children — Harriet Almira, born June 20, 1858, died Octo- ber 30, 1878 ; John E., born August 7, 1859; Martha B., born January 2, 1861; Brace P., August 12, 1865 ; Josephine Elizabeth, March 28, 1875; Edward Buckingham, January 4, 1881. Dr. Hill died December 13, 1890, aged 67 years, 1 inonth and 17 days. Norton's Military Record.— Several of the early residents are believed to have been soldiers in the Continental Army, during the Revolutionary War, but no data is now available as to who Norton's military roll of honor. 927 ihey were, except Mr, Henry Van Hyning, a native of the State of New York, w^ho died in Norton, December 25, 1839, at the age of 102 years, and Mr. Hinsdale Bates, 84, reported as being a pen- sioner, by the census of 1840. It is very likely, too, that some of her pioneer settlers may have "played well their part" in the War of 1812, though she could not have directly furnished many, as it w^ill be remembered that there were but few accessions to the population of the township until after the close of that w^ar, in 1815. For the Mexican War of 1846-48, Norton probably furnished no soldiers, few being recruited in this part of the State. In the War of the Rebellion, how^ever, Norton was well repre- sented, furnishing her full quota under the several calls, mostlj^ from among her own brave and patriotic sons, of both political parties, several of whom laid down their lives in the service, or have since prematurely died from injuries received, or diseases contracted during the sanguinary struggle. . Without disparage- ment to others, honorable mention may be made of Major Myron T. Wright, of the 29th O. V. I., who died January 7, 1865/ at Savan- nah, Georgia, of wounds received in battle. OTEPHEN D. MILLER,— born July ^ 19, 1827, in Northampton county, Pennsylvania ; common school edu- cation ; raised a farmer ; in 1843, removed with parents to Ohio, set- tling' in Norton ; November 6, 1854, married to Mary Ann Musser, three years his junior, who bore him six children, as follows : Sarah Jane (now Mrs. Columbus Seiberling-), born July 1,1852; Albert, May 21, 18,59; Norman F., October 20, 1861, deceased; Harriet O., born March 13, 1863; Charles O., November 11, 1866; Mary Susannah, August 23, 1870. Besides the successful cultivation of his farm, Mr. Miller was special and general manager for the mower and reaper firm of Seiberling, Miller & Co., of Doylestown, for some 15 years. Though an earnest Republican, ever in the ininority in Norton, Mr. Miller was often honored with important township offices; during the War, was two 3^ear8 deputy revenue asses- sor for a portion of the 18th Congres- sional district, and at the time of his death, October 14, 1889, was just clos- ing his second term (nearly six years), as director of the Summit County STEPHEN D. MILLER. Infirmary. Faithful to every public and private obligation, his sudden (ieath, at the age of 62 years, 2 months and 25 days, was universall}^ regret- ted. The following, furnished by the late Mr. Stephen D, Miller, and compiled from the assessors' returns for 1865, is believed to be nearly a correct list of the soldiers furnished by Norton during ^he War for the Union, 1861-65: Israel Beck, Eber Bennett (died in service), John L. Baker, Henry A. Baker, Jacob S. Baker, Eli Blocker (died in service), George W. Betz (left arm severely shattered at battle of Columbia, Tenn., November 28, 1864), Charles W, Betz (died in service). John B. Betz, Aaron Betz, Thomas Bear (died in service), Levi Bear {died in service), Stephen D. Bauer, Albert Beckwith, J. W. Brown, 928 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Albert Beardsley, John G. Caskey, Jefferson Clay, D. F. Cunning- ham, Joseph DeLong, Gabriel E. Dague, Thomas Dague, W, C. Davis, M. M. Dickson, Robert L. Ferguson, Archie C. Ferguson, Columbus Ferguson, David Fotzinger, Jacob Filtz, Daniel Grim, B. F. George, George Getz, Nathaniel Grinnels, Franklin Hoff- man, William Hart, Horace H. Heath, Lewis Heath, Pulaski C. Hard, Joshua Hile, James Hile, Sylvanus Hile, William Hile, Mer- ritt Hoskins, John W. Hall, J. N. Haynes, Philip Harter, James D. Heathman, Mendenhall Henderson, George F. He^witt, Andrew Hunsicker, Jacob Henshue (died in service), Phineas Jones, David Jamison, John H. Knox (died in service), Eli Koplin, Henry Koplin, Jacob Koplin, James Kunkler, John A. Kummer, Joseph Lile, Will- iam Lile, Jesse Limber, Paul Loutzenhiser, Jonas Loutzenhiser, Lawrence Loutzenhiser, Lawrence Merriam, Franklin Mar- shall, David Marsh, V. McDonald, Owen J, Miller, Joseph H. Miller, Samuel Merser, J. McRobertson, Cyrus Osborn, James Owry, James K. Pardee, Joseph Pardee, Ephraim Pardee, James E. Poe, Wesley Powers (died in service), Julius Richards, Robert Rosenbury, Joseph Rimer, J. Rinehart, Amandus Rochard, John Reichard, Peter Reichard, Henry Strohl. George Shaw, Merwin Shaw^, Benjamin Snyder, Aaron S. Stuver, Edward Spicer, Jr., David Seiberling, Charles Seiberling, Septimus Seiberling, Lloyd Seiberling, Kersey Seiberling, N. S. Seiberling, Franklin Showalter, Levi Showalter, T. B, Sanford, Richard Stock, Philip Souhalter, George Souhalter, A. G. Seis, Peter Seis, George Todd, Henry Van Hyning, WTilliam J. Viers, Solomon Vickers, Franklin J. Waltz, Myron T. Wright (died in service), Frederick Webster, Elias Waltz (died in service), Carlos Ware (died in service), Lorenzo Young (died in service). NORTON'S OFFICE-HOLDING STATUS. On the organization of Summit county, Norton patriotically stepped to the front, and in the civil offices of the county has ever since been a prominent and useful factor. Elisha Hinsdale, a prominent and prosperous farmer of Nor- ton township, residing near Bates' Corners (now Loyal Oak), was elected coroner at the initial election in April, 1840, re-elected for two years in October of that year, and again elected in 1842, hold- ing the position four years and seven months, and making in every respect a first-class officer. George Kirkum, Esq., son of Philemon Kirkum, one of Nor- ton's earliest settlers, and at whpse house the first election ever had in " Wolf Creek township " Tvas held, and at w^hich he wras elected town clerk, grew from a small boy to manhood in Norton town- ship. Reading law w^ith Van R. Humphrey, Esq., of Hudson, he commenced practice at Ravenna, where he served for several years as clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, removing to Akron in 1838 or 1839, and building for himself the house now^ ow^ned and occupied by Mr. Benjamin McNaughton, corner of East Middle- bury and Kirkivood streets. In 1842, Mr. Kirkum was elected"' prosecuting attorney for the new^ county of Summit, serving for two years, w^ith marked ability, w^hen, in 1844, he w^as elected as representative to the State Legislature, serving through the session of 1844, '45, w^ith great acceptance to his constituents. A few years later Mr. Kirkum moved to the city of New York, and Norton's civil service. 929 subsequently retired to a small farm near Cleveland, where he died about the year 1855. James A, Metlin, then residing on his fine farm on the Akron and Bates' Corners road, in Norton, was elected county commis- sioner in 1853, holding the office for three years. Subsequently Mr. Metlin committed the too common error, among prosperous and successful farmers, of abandoning his farm and entering upon a life of speculation in the city, whereby he became so seriously embarrassed that in 1875 he was compelled to make an assign- ment for the benefit of his creditors. He is now in California. TAMES H. SEIBERLING,— son of J Nathan and Catharine (Peter) Seiberlin^, was born in Norton, Nov- ember 2oj^ 1835 ; as a boy, attended district schools and Western Star Academy, and aided in clearing and working his father's farm, operating- saw-mill, etc. ; in the Fall of 1863, located in Doylestown,Wayne county, as an employe of the mower, reaper and binder firm of Cline, Seiberling & Co., established in 1860; in I860, purchased an interest in said busi- ness, the firm name being then changed to Seiberling, Miller & Co., now one of the most successful estab- lishments of its kind in Ohio, and the leading manufactory in Wayne county, Mr. Seiberling being its superintendent. In 1860, Mr. Seiber- ling was married to Miss Elizabeth Baughman, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Blocker) Baughman, of Norton, who has borne him six chil- dren—Allen B., deceased; Mattie J.; Albert F.; Olive M., deceased; George W., deceased ; and Robert W. Mr. Seiberling is a member of the Luth- eran Church, politically an ardent JAMES H. SEIBERLING. Republican, a prominent and enter- prising citizen, and ever active in promoting the welfare of the town, county, state and nation. Dr. John Hill, residing at Western Star, was elected county commissioner for three consecutive terms of three years each, from 1870 to 1879, filling that responsible position for nine years w^ith marked fidelity and good jtidgment. Dr. John Hill, on the close of his third term as commissioner, was in October, 1879, elected as representative to the State Legis- lature, w^here, as the colleague of Dr. L. S. Ebright, of Akron, he ably looked after the interests of the people of Summit county, and of the State of Ohio, for the years 1880 and 1881. Stephen D. Miller, a substantial and successful farmer, resid- ing in the w^estern portion of the tow^nship, was during the War one of Internal Revenue Collector John E. Hurlbut's most efficient deputies for Summit county, and w^as elected one of the directors of the Summit County Infirmary in 1883, performing the duties of the office in so satisfactory a manner as to secure a re-elec- tion for three years longer, in 1886. Mr. Miller, notwithstanding his activity in public and private life, was for many years a con- stant sufferer from abscess of the right lung, and died suddenly from general paralysis, on the morning of October 14, 1889, two months and a half before the expiration of his term of office. 69 930 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. MONROE SEIBERLING— son of Nathan and Catharine (Peter) Seiberling;, born in Norton, January 16, 1839; common school education; ■worked on father's farm till 25 years of age ; in 1864, took manag-ement of farm and saw mill, jointly owned by himself and his brother, John F., con- tinuing- four years ; selling his inter- est to his brother, engaged in the lumber trade in Canton, three years later purchasing an interest in the Akron Strawboard Company, officiat- ing as its secretary and superinten- dent, until September, 1884 ; was one of the incorporators of the Akron Twine and Cordage works ; with others bought the Upper Sandusky Strawboard works ; in 1887, estab- lished Strawboard works at Kokomo, Indiana, and in 1889, with other Akron capitalists, established the Diamond Plate Glass Company, of Kokomo, and Ellwood, of which he is general manager, being also a stockholder in the Hartford City (Indiana) Glass w^orks, and owner of a fine hundred acre farm in Norton. November 6, 1862, he was married to Miss Sarah Miller, daughter of John Miller, who settled in Norton, in 1843. They have had ten children, eight of w^hom are now living — Emnia, Altoti, Katha- SAMUEIv HARRISON MILLER. OAMUEL HARRISON MILLER,— *-^ son of John and Susan (Bauer) Miller, born in Nazareth, Northamp- ton county, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1839 ; came with parents to Norton in May, 1843 ; educated in district schools and Akron High School ; from 12 to 18, clerked in store of Mil- ton W. Henry, in Akron ; then worked on father's farm six years ; December MONROE SEIBERLIf^G. rine, Ella, Frederick, Laird, George and Grace. Mr. Seiberling is an earnest Republican, and an active member of the English Lutheran Church of Akron, of which he has been both a deacon and an elder. The family residence of Mr. Seiber- ling is now in Kokomo, Indiana. 15, 1863, engaged as bookkeeper with Cline, Seiberling & Hower, manufac- turers of reapers and mowers, at Doylestown, Ohio ; September 1, 1865, became a meinber of the firm of Cline, Seiberling & Co.; December 31, 1878, changed to Seiberling, Miller & Co., now composed of John F. Seiber- ling, of Akron, and James H. Sei- berling and Samuel H. Miller, of Doylestown. August 29, 1867, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Ella L- Schneider, daughter of Alfred and Clarissa (Clewell) Schneider, who was born in New Hanover, Montgoinery county, Pennsylvania, January 27, 1847, the family removing to Norton in 1852, and now residing at Loyal Oak. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, four of whom, only, are now living — Fred. J., born December 8, 1868 ; William R., March 6, 1875 ; Sidney L.. April 5, 1885 ; Lucile M., November 3, 1886. A stanch Republican, but not an office seeker, Mr. Miller has served as member of the board of education and as village treasurer ; is a member of Doyles- town Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Comman- dery. No. 25, K. T., and of Northern Ohio Consistory, A. A. S. R., Cleve- land ; is also a director in The J. F. Seiberling Co., The Akron Savings Bank, and The Seiberling Milling Co., of Akron. THE m'LISTER-WELSH TRAGEDY. 931 In the mining district of Norton township, two boys, Joseph 'Welsh and Robert McLister, grew up together as playmates and fellow^-workmen, the most friendly relations existing between them until a short time before the sad occurrences to be hereafter related took place. Unfortunately for the peace and the moral well- being of the mining region where they worked (Dennison), two or three saloons, for the sale of intoxicating liquors and the playing of exciting games, had been established there, to the frequenting of which all the trouble herein related, and a good deal more, may be directly traced. On the night of Friday, March 24, 1882, a party of young men wrere assembled at the saloon of John Smith,, at Dennison, engaged in drinking beer, playing billiards, etc., among the participants being Joseph Welsh, then 25 years of age, and Robert McLister, 23. During the progress of the game, a dispute arose between those twco young men, provoked, it w^as said, by Welsh, in w^hich McLister, on being attacked, struck Welsh upon the head w^ith a billiard cue, he, in turn, being knocked dow^n and otherAvise assaulted by Welsh, the combatants being finally separated by the by-standers. Being very angry Welsh made several threats against McLister, to the effect that he w^ould "cut his heart out of him the first time he met him," etc. • Evidently fearing to remain in the saloon, McLister slipped out of the back door and w^ent home, he living with his parents, near by, Welsh's home being with his mother at Johnson's Cor- ners. Instead of remaining at home and letting the matter drop, hovirever, McLister put his revolver in his pocket, and started back towards the saloon. Welsh came out, and McLister asked him if he intended to do as he said. Welsh immediately pulled off his ^oat, when McLister fired at him, the ball striking Welsh upon the abdomen, but being turned aside by a button did not penetrate the body; the force of the ball, however, doubling Welsh up and <:ausing him to fall to the ground. Without w^aiting to ascertain the effect of his shot, but sup- posing that he had made a serious, if not a fatal, injury upon his antagonist, McLister immediately w^alked to Akron, and arousing Prison-Keeper Edward Dunn, informed him that he had shot a man, and requested to be locked up. The writer was then officiating as mayor of the city of Akron, and the next morning McLister w^as brought before him and ques- tioned, eliciting the story, substantially as above given. An hour or two later, Welsh, accompanied by Mr. Archibald McLister, the father of Robert, and several other residents of Norton, came to the mayor's office to talk the matter over. Welsh declining to prosecute McLister for the reason that he (Welsh) was the most to blame, in forcing the quarrel upon Robert, they then and there settled their differences, McLister paying the small amount of costs that had been made, and the two young men, in the presence of the. writer, shaking hands with each other and leaving the office together apparently upon the most friendly terms. Nothing of an unpleasant nature occurred for several months, when gossips and tattlers began to carry exaggerated tales between the two, of any chance remarks that had been made by either regarding the other, and in this way the naturally warm •Celtic blood in the veins of the two impulsive young men at length 932 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. became heated to the boiling point, somewhat increased, perhaps^ by the fact that one of them was Catholic and the other Protestant in religious belief and training. As time passed on, the enmity^ between the two became most bitter and intense, though, by rea- son of their working in different mines, personal contact was- avoided, it being stated that McLister, being less muscular than Welsh, sought- to avoid the haunts which the latter frequented^ while at the same time going armed with a loaded revolver, with which to defend himself, in case of an unexpected meeting or sudden attack. Thus matters stood between the two youngmen up to the evening^ of Saturday, November 29th, 1884. On the evening in question, McLister was at the saloon of Thomas Williams, near Dennison, or Sherman as it is now called, drinking beer, singing songs, etc., Avith several companions, when Welsh >vas seen approaching by Williams who went out and begged of him not to enter,' as^ McLister was there and he did not want any trouble in the house. Welsh disclaimed any intention of making any trouble, but -wanted a glass of beer, and Williams conducted him into the kitchen, intending to bring the beer to him there. But Welsh demurred to this, and solemnly promising that he would not speak to McLister, or make any disturbance whatever, Williams permitted him to enter the saloon, and drawing a glass of beer for him, placed it upon the counter. At this time McLister was standing on the opposite side of the room, near the stove, singing a song, several others also sitting or standing around the stove. As the glass of beer was set upon the counter, by Williams, Welsh took it up with his right hand and drank the contents, w^hen, suddenly facing about and uttering an opprobrious epithet, he hurled the heavy tumbler at the head of McLister -with such force that, just missing his face, it knocked off McLister's cap, and went crashing through both the window and the slatted blind on the outside. McLister exclaimed, "For God's sake Joe, don't! I don't want anything to do w^ith you!" Williams, the saloonkeeper, and his brother-in-law^, Thomas Lewis, then seized hold of Welsh, and endeavored to put him out of the saloon. As they neared the door Welsh broke away from them and turned back towards McLister, at the same time, as was alleged, reaching backward as if to draw a >veapon from his hip pocket. At this point McLister fired t^vo or three, possibly four, shots at Welsh in rapid succes- sion, -whereupon Welsh turned and staggered through the door to the gate, some 20 feet distant, where he fell and immediately expired. It was found that one of the balls entered the side of the deceased, passing through -the intestines and lodging in the abdominal wall upon the opposite side, the other striking him in the back and entering the chest, from one of which, or a combina- tion of both, he died. The affair created the w^ildest of excitement throughout the entire neighborhood. McLister made no attempt to escape, but later the same night w^as arrested, at the home of his afflicted parents by Constable George Jennings, on a warrant issued by Justice Michael Wise, of Johnson's Corners, on the affidavit of Thomas Lewis. Being held by Justice Wise to answer to the TRIAL, CONVICTION AND SENTENCE, 933 Court of Common Pleas, then in session, McLister was duly com- mitted to jail. Prosecuting Attorney Charles Baird moved the court for a special Grand Jury, which was accordingly impaneled ^s follows: N. E. Vansickle, Stephen Ginther, E. S. Oviatt, C. C. Wilcox, Frank Danforth, A. H. Mallison, Everett Foster, Samuel Findley, S. A. Lane, George Payne, Charles H. Edgerly, A. Ruger, W. W. Arnold, C. P. Mallison and H. K. Sauder. After the examination of a large number of witnesses, the Orand Jury, by its foreman, N. E. Vansickle, returned a true bill of indictment consisting of three separate counts, charging McLister with murder in the first degree; the first count, omitting legal phraseology, setting forth the deliberate and malicious jshooting of Welsh in the back to the depth of eight inches; the second count, shooting in the side to the depth of 14 inches, and the third count combining the two shots, with intent to kill and murder, etc. On Wednesday, December 17, 1884, Messrs. Kohler and Sadler, attorneys for the defendant, filed a plea in abatement of the indict- ment, on the grounds, first, that H. K, Sauder, one of the special ^rand jurors finding said bill, w^as an attorney at law and the ■duly appointed court stenographer, and in the employ of the prosecuting attorney, while acting as such grand juror; and second, that S. A. Lane, being then, as deputy clerk, an officer of the court, was incompetent to serve as a grand juror, etc. (Mr. Lane, in the latter part of Clerk Nash's administration and early part of Hale's term, temporarily, for a few months, officiated as deputy clerk, as his services were needed by those officers). To this plea in abatement, Prosecutor Baird filed a demurrer, which, on being fully argued by counsel on both sides, was sus- tained by Judge Green. A plea of not guilty was then entered by the defendant and the case continued till the January term, 1885, On the commencement of the January term, the trial of McLister Avas set for Monday, February 9th, Judge U. L. Marvin being assigned by the court to assist Prosecuting Attorney Baird in the trial of the case, a special venire for 36 jurors being sum- moned to appear at the time designated. At the appointed time the case Avas proceeded with in due form. The first venire being exhausted, the second, third and fourth venires were issued for six, four and three jurors, respectively, and at length the panel was declared full, and the jury sworn as fol- lows: C. C. Swinehart, Corwin T. Hamlin, Champ Mouiton, C. H. Ellsworth, N. G. Mellinger, Henry Raber. M. E. Foster. W. H. Miller, John Stutz, T. N. Ganyard, E. P. HoUoway and Henry Federick. The trial lasted over a week, sixteen witnesses appearing for the State, forty-one for the defense, and ten in rebuttal for the State. The case was ably handled on both sides, counsel for McLister, endeavoring to show that the shooting was done in self-defense. The theory was deemed untenable, by the jury, however, from the fact that, though Welsh was the original aggressor, by hurling a deadly missive at McLister's head, one of the fatal shots took effect in Welsh's back, indicating that he was then retreating, w^hile there was some testimony, to the effect that as Welsh left the saloon, McLister followed him up and sent a shot after him from the door. 934 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, After eloquent and exhaustive arguments, on both sides, under the very full and able charge of Judge Green, the case ^was given to the jury, on Monday at 5:15 p. m., and at 12:30 p. m., Tuesday,. February 17, 1885, the jury through their foreman, William H, Miller, returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the second degree. It afterwards transpired that thirty ballots were taken, the most of which stood, seven for murder in first degree, three for second degree, and t^vo for manslaughter. Changes finally began to take place, until at length eleven to one was reached where the jury hung for six or seven hours, Avhen the obdurate one relaxed, and an agreement was reached at the hour stated. On Monday, February 23, Messrs. Kohler and Sadler filed a motion to set aside the verdict, for the following reasons: 1st accident and surprise which ordinary prudence could not guard against; 2d that the verdict is not sustained by the evidence, and is contrary to law; 3rd new^ly discovered evidence material for the defendant, which he could not with reasormble diligence have dis- covered and pravided for; 4th error of law in the sustaining by the court of the State's demurrer to the defendant's plea in abate- ment of indictment; 5th errors of laAv occurring at the trial. The motion for a new^ trial being overruled. Judge Green pro- ceeded to sentence the defendant as follows: " Robert McLister, j^ou may stand up. Have you anything- further to- say -why the sentence of the law should not be pronounced ?" The prisoner making- no reply, Judg-e Green continued : " You were indicted by the Grand Jury of this county, said indictment charging you with having- purposely,, of deliberate and premeditated malice, murdered Joseph Welsh, bj^ shooting. Upon being arraigned, you entered a plea of not guilty, and you were put upon trial before an intelligent and impartial jurj^. Your defense was con- ducted by able counsel. The jury listened with great patience and unyield- ing- attention to everything- offered in evidence, and to the arguments of j'our counsel, and, under the charge of the Court, to which j'our counsel took no exceptions, retired to deliberate, and after mature deliberation returned a verdict finding you guilty of murder in the second deg-ree — an offense for ■which our law affixes the penalty of imprisonment for life. This verdict of the jury, under the evidence given, we are satisfied, under their oaths, thej^ •were compelled to return. It now becomes my painful duty to pronounce the judgment the law prescribes for your crime. It is that you be taken hence to the common jail of the county, and that 5'ou there be safelj^ kept,, and within thirty days you be taken from thence to the penitentiarj^ of this- State, and that there you be imprisoned during life." The prisoner received his sentence w^ithout apparent emotion^ and, without being hand-cuffed, accompanied the officer quietly back to the jail, w^here, with conduct every way becoming the gen- tleman that he naturally is, he remained until the 11th day of March, 1885, when he was removed to the penitentiary at Colum- bus, by Sheriff William B. Gamble. Thus, through evil associations and habits, in the very bloomt of youthful manhood, one human life was entirely blotted out, and another shrouded under a dark pall of ignominy, to be forever debarred the society of kindred and friends, unless executive clemency should mercifully intervene to open the gloomy portal* of his prison-house, as, after an incarceration of nearly five years, it finally did, young McLister being pardoned by Gov. J. B. Foraker, January 10, 1890, since his release and return home, so far as the writer is advised, his conduct having been in every vsray, upright and exemplary. POPULATION, OFFICERS, ETC. 935 Norton's Population. — The census of 1840 gave to Norton township, including the villages within her borders, 1,497 inhab- itants, while those of 1880 gave her 2,066 a gain of 569, a fair show^- ing indeed, considering the tendency of the times to concentrate business and manufacturing operations in the larger towns and railroad centers of the country, though the census of 1890 gives her but 1,973, a falling off in the last decade of 93, though in the pres- ent (1891) growth of the new city of Barberton, within her borders, she has much more than regained her lost ground since the enumeration was made. Norton's Present Official Status. — Trustees, John B. Betz, Jackson Hall, Oliver Harter; clerk, Samuel J. Burgess; treasurer, Joseph Hartzell; justices of the peace, John McNamara, William A. Morton; constables, Charles O. Helmick, John Kelly; Postmasters, New Portage, George A. Shaw^ ; Barberton, A. A. Moore ; Johnson's Corners, Amos Miller ; Norton Center, Louis M. Shook ; Loyal Oak, Alfred Schneider ; Western Star, O. A. Wallace ; Sherman, Mrs. Mathews. CHAPTER XLIV. THE MAGIC CITY OF BARBERTON— RAPID GROWTH AND UNPARALLELED PROS- PERITY — PUSH AND PERSEVERANCE OF ITS PLUCKY PROJECTORS— OVER A MILLION DOLLARS ALREADY INVESTED IN ITS PROMOTION— WONDERFUL INDUSTRIAL REVELATION— A SHORT BUT INTERESTING CHAPTER. THE NEW CITY OF BARBERTON. SINCK the compilation of this history was begun, and the publi- cation of the foregoing chapters on Coventry and Norton, in serial form, the vicinity of New Portage, on the Norton side of the line, has been invested with a new and truly wonderful impor- tance. In January, 1890, Messrs. Ohio C. Barber, Charles Baird, Albert T. Paige and John K. Robinson, realizing the beauty and business possibilities of the locality, purchased a number of con- tiguous farms, adjacent to the already considerable village of New Portage, on the west, aggregating 640 acres of land, with the view of founding thereon a new manufacturing city, the fee of the entire purchase being at iirst vested in Mr. Albert T. Paige, and subsequently transferred to the attornej^ of the syndicate, Charles Baird, Esq. Dwelling of Manager of Barberton Land Company. These lands were carefully and scientifically laid out into business and residence lots, streets, avenues, parks, etc., and graded on the most approved system of drainage and sewerage, the beautiful sheet of w^ater thereon, formerly called "Way's Lake," and later known as "Davis' Lake," being re-christened "Lake Anna," in honor of Miss Anna Barber, only daughter of the chief promoter of the enterprise, Mr. Ohio C. Barber, after whom BARBERTON LAND IMPROVEMENT COMPANY. 937 the new city itself w^as very properly named — Barberton. This beautiful little lake is made the center of twenty-one acres of nicely graduated and ornamented grounds, with several delightfully shady groves upon its margin, which, though not so formally named, may properly be designated as "Recreation Park." dZj Having thus quietly perfected their plans, liberal inducements w^ere extended to manufacturers, and other business men, to avail themselves of the extraordinary advantages and facilities claimed for the new city, the members of the syndicate manifesting their faith in its success by taking large blocks of stock in the several important enterprises locating there, as will be seen in the enu- meration of those establishments, and the names of the gentlemen connected therewith, as directors, officers, etc. In October, 1890, the original syndicate sold a one-half interest in the enterprise to Hon. George W. Crouse, of Akron, and Mr. M. J. Alexander, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and their associates of Pittsburg. The plat of the new city was duly entered for record in the records of Summit county, by Mr. Baird, on March 24, 1891. ClZlMay 23, 1891, the syndicate, as enlarged, entered into a partner- ship contract, also duly recorded, under the name and style of "The Barberton Land and Improvement Company," with a capital of $240,000, with Mr. Ohio C. Barber as president and trustee, all the lands thus acquired and held, being on that date transferred by deed executed by Charles Baird and w^ife, Lucy V. Baird, to Ohio C. Barber as such trustee, who was, by the terms of the partnership contract, authorized to mortgage such portion of said lands to The Union Trust Company, of New York, as might be neces- sary to secure the payment of bonds to an amount not exceeding $200,000, issued to raise money to carry forward contemplated improvements, the entire amount invested in lands, improvements and business, by the company, and manufacturing corporations, in the new city, to the present time (November, 1891), being about $1,300,000. Mr. M. J. Alexander has the management of the sale of the company's lands, over $200,000 worth of business and resi- dence lots having already been sold. 938 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The membership of the Barberton Land and Improvemement Company, and the number of $100 shares of the $240,000 capital stock held by each, is as follows: Ohio C. Barber, 800; Charles Baird, 300; Albert T. Paige, 300; John K. Robinson, 300; George W. Crouse, 170; M. J. Alexander, 185; J. W. Moore, 165; William D, Hartupee, 170; Ida H. Chandler, 170; A. M. Sloan, 100; Julien Ken- nedy, 100; James S. McKean, 100; Neri Newcomb, 40— total 2,400. With the Ohio canal, the Cleveland, Akron & Columbus, and the Baltimore & Ohio railways upon the east, and the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio railway upon the west and a fully equipped, standard guage Belt Line traversing its entire circum- ference (over four miles of track being already laid), the transpor- tation facilities of the ne^r city are simply perfect. As illustrative of w^hat cash and courage, push and pluck, and energy and enterprise can accomplish, and as indicative of what the coming nine years of the last decade of the nineteenth century- may accomplish for the new^ city, w^e note its present business status 9s follows: Branch of American Strawboard Company.— Capital $6,000,000, with Ohio C. Barber, as its president, occupies 40 acres of ground w^ith four brick buildings, 70x300 feet each; one 30x100 feet; tw^o 20x80 feet each; with a straw^-lumber, or lignistra, depart- ment 50x350 feet, and employing from 150 to 200 men. William R. Brown, manager of Barberton w^orks. The National Sewer Pipe Company. — Capital $250,000, the larg- est w^orks of their kind in the w^orld; occupying 26 acres of ground; building four-story brick 80x370 feet; 32 kilns; eight boilers, over 1,200 horse-power of engines; 150 to 200 men; capacity 200 to 300 tons per day. Directors: Ohio C. Barber, president; William McFarlin, vice president and treasurer; Ed. M. Buel, secretary; Henry A. Robinson, general manager; Charles Baird, attorney. This company have an inexhaustible supply of the very best quality of clay contiguous to the lands of the syndicate, in close proximity to their works. BARBERTON S INDUSTRIES, 939 The Creedmoor Cartridge Company. — Capital $500,000, manu- facturers of all kinds of military and sporting fixed ammunition; site 34 acres; main building, three-story brick, 60x150 feet; hands employed 75 to 125. Directors: Ohio C. Barber, president; Charles E. Sheldon, vice president; Mark R. Hayne, secretary and treasurer; Charles Baird, William McFarlin, Isaac C. Alden and Clement A. Barnes. Manager, N. P. Leach; Superintendent, E. A, Worthen. The Stirling Company. — Manufacturers of water tube safety steam boilers; capital $500,000; site 100 acres; main building, 85x200 feet; hands employed 60 to 250. Directors: Ohio C, Barber, president; Allan Stirling, secretary and treasurer; John Jardine, Robert C. Alexander and Charles Baird. General Manager, Thomas Deegan; Superintendent, H. S. Pell. The American Alumina Company. — Capital $500,000; site seven acres; main building, 60x200 feet; hands employed 50. Directors: Ohio C. Barber, president; H. E. Pickett, vice president; George T. Perkins, treasurer; H. De Wolf, secretary; Thomas W. Cornell, George W. Crouse, Frank M. Atterholt, Charles Baird, O. H. Root, William McFarlin and Albert T. Paiere. HOUSES FOR WORKMEN. ji/riJiioTo-Smn- } The Barberton Whiteware Company.— Capital $300,000, plant to consist of three buildings 103x575 feet each; hands to be employed, 750. Directors: Ohio C. Barber, president; George W. Crouse, vice president; William McFarlin, treasurer; Charles Baird, attorney, and Henry A. Robinson, general manager. Secre- tary, Park T. Robinson. The Kirkum Art Tile and Pottery Company.— Capital $300,- 000; incorporated May 7, 1891, by Joseph Kirkum, Ohio C. Barber, president; George W. Crouse, vice president; Charles Baird, secre- tary and treasurer; Meshech Frost, Frank Bloom and Frank M. Atterholt, directors; site seven acres; buildings 240 feet square, with ten kilns and will employ from 400 to 500 hands. United Salt Company. — Main works at Cleveland and New- burg; capital $1,000,000. Directors: William Chisholm; F. B. Squire, president; Herman Frasch, secretary; L. H. Severance, treasurer; David R. Paige, Frank Rockefeller, Ohio C. Barber and Charles Baird. Barberton branch occupy seven and a half acres 940 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. of ground, and drilling of well (November 1891) favorably pro- gressing. Barberton Belt Line Railroad Company. — Capital, $50,000. Directors: Ohio C. Barber, president; Albert T. Paige, vice-presi- dent; William McFarlin, secretary; Charles Baird, treasurer; * Henry A. Robinson, general manager. Four miles of road built and in successful operation. -£^^ The Barberton Savings Bank Company. — Capital, $100,000. Directors: OhioC. Barber, president; William McFarlin, vice-presi- dent; Charles Baird, secretary; John B. Woods, Thomas W. Cor- nell, George W. Brewster, Houston Kepler, George W. Crouse and Henry A. Robinson. Vacancy caused by death of Toy H. Pendle- ton, yet to be filled. Ed. M. Buel, treasurer and ex-officio cashier. Fine run of business already assured. Barberton Brick and Tile Company. — Simeon Dickerman, president; Wellington Miller, secretary and treasurer; Theodore Stauffer, superintendent. Besides the elegant and capacious National Hotel, erected by the National Sewer Pipe Company, near their works, a large num- ber of handsome residences and business blocks have already been erected, and others, including Barberton Inn, a fine bank building, railway stations, etc., are now in process of construction, or soon to be built, the style and quality of which are indicated by the accompanying engravings, and in addition to the various w^orks designated, Barberton is also liberally supplied with local trades- men, professional men, police, etc., so that now (November, 1891), though but little more than one year old, with a population of nearly 2,000 souls, it gives promise of speedily becoming one of the most important of the many thriving industrial cities of Northern Ohio. CHAPTER XLV. THE TOWNSHIP OF RICHFIELD — EARLY SETTLERS — PIONEER INCIDENTS — RESOURCES— RIVALRIES, ETC. — PUBLIC SPIRIT — MILITARY OPERATIONS, ETC. — SPLENDID CIVIL RECORD— THE BIG SLEIGH RIDE OF 1856 — RICHFIELD'S GREAT RE-UNION OF 1880 -CRIMINAL MATTERS— A SINGULAR CASE OF LUNACY— HUNTER-GAKGETT TRAGEDY, ETC. RICHFIELD'S BEGINNING. RICHFIKLD, previous to 1805, was aboriginal territory, being conveyed by the Indians to the United States, by the treaty of Fort Industry, on the Maumee river, during that year. Being a part of the Western Reserve, it soon afterw^ards w^as transferred to the Connecticut Land Company. The entire area of territory thus held by the Company, embraced nearly 4,000,000 acres, which was disposed of by a sort of lottery arrangement, each party interested "draw^ing" a proportionate amount of* land to the money paid in. In this way, some became proprietors of entire townships, while others drew but fractions thereof. The original proprietors, thus acquiring title to Richfield tow^nship, were, Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge, Captain John Smith, Uriel Holmes, J. Wilcox and two others named Edwards and Green, all of Connecticut, none of whom, it is believed, ever settled upon, or even visited their possessions, except, possibly, Mr. Wilcox, having invested for speculative purposes, only. In 1811, Captain Heman Oviatt, then a resident of Hudson, purchased Colonel Tallmadge's interest, the northwest quarter of the tow^nship, embracing 4,000 acres, for the sum of $5,000, or at the rate of $1.25 per acre, Tallmadge fearing that the impending war between the United States and England might despoil him of his property. Topography, Organization, Etc. — Though not bordering on the river, the eastern portion of the township is badly cut up into hills and gullies, but the central and w^estern portion is more level and abounds in fertile and nicely cultivated farms, being especially adapted to the raising of fine stock and the grow^ing of choice fruits. At first, Richfield was attached to Boston and several other tow^nships in electoral and official matters, but w^as organized as a distinct township in April, 1816, by authority of the Commissioners of Portage county (Medina county to which the township properly belonged, not being organized until 1818). The first officers elected ■were : Nathaniel Oviatt, William Jourdan and Daniel Keys, trustees ; John Bigelow, clerk ; Isaac Welton, treasurer ; Jared Barnes and John Farnum, overseers of the poor; John Bigelow and Isaac Hopkins, constables ; John Farnum, Jason Phillips, Isaac Welton, Elijah Hale and John Holmes, supervisors. As in the case of Boston, an examination of this roster w^ill disclose the fact that at least three persons w^ere elected to two offices each. Up to this time the justices of the peace elected in Boston tow^nship, of w^hich Mr. Lehman Farnum was one, had jurisdiction over 942 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Northfield, Boston, Richfield, Bath and Northampton, but on the organization of Richfield as a separate township, Isaac Welton was elected justice, his commission (still in the family) bearing date July, 1816. ATAJOR NORRIS HUMPHREY, - ■'■^l born in Canton, Hartford county, Connecticut, August 14, 1806; enii- g'rated with parents to Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1816 ; educated in district schools ; learned blacksniith- ing- trade with father ; moved to Richfield in 1829 ; worked at trade two years ; February 10, 1831, married to Miss Julia Case, of Trumbull county ; after marriage moved upon farm, two miles east of center of Richfield, where he has since contin- uously resided — over sixtj' years; helped to organize first militia com- panj^ of the township, becoining its captain, in 1834, soon afterwards being promoted to major of first battalion, light infantry. An ardent Republi- can, though never an office-seeker, Mr. Humphrey has filled many minor offices of trust — constable, assessor, trustee, director of Academy, etc., with the strictest fidelitj^, lacking a few votes only of receiving the nomi- nation for State Representative, in 1869. Mrs. Humphrey died Januar)^ 26, 1871, having borne him seven chil- dren, as follows : Austin, Norris, Cora (now Mrs. Ransom C. Ellsworth), Oliver N., Lucian E., Decius (died April 1, 1868, aged 22 j'ears), and Tru- man, the three sons first named now being prosperous business men in Lincoln, Nebraska, the two last named remaining in Richfield, Tru- man (inarried to Miss Lida Hale, of Bath, July 4, 1875), living on the old homestead, and kindly caring for the venerable patriarch, still, at the age MAJOR NORRIS HUMPHREY. of 85, retaining, in a large degree, both his physical and tnental facul- ties, the following document testi- fying to the major's earlier militarj' "prowess," above alluded to : To Norris Humphrey : This is to certify that you are appointed Fourth Corporal of the 5th Company, 3d Regiment, 1st Brigade and 4th Division Ohio Militia, and you are entitled to all the privileges and respect due j'ou, and are accountable for any misdemeanor in you as Corporal. Given under my hand at Vernon, this 2d day of September, 1824. C. H. WILCOX, Captain. Early Settlers, Incidents, Etc. — The first white settler, according to Dr. A. E. E^ving and Schuyler R. Oviatt, w^as Launcelot Mays (General Bierce says Robert Mays), in 1809 ; the first marriage, William Carter to Betsey Mays, in 1812 ; the same also being noted as the first marriage in Boston ; probably growing out of the fact that both townships w^ere then under one jurisdic- tion. But as Richfield furnished the bride and Boston the groom and officiating magistrate (Alfred Wolcott, Esq.), it is proper to divide the honor between the two townships ; though Mr. Carl W. BroAvn, the great-grandson of the ancient happy couple, informs the writer that the marriage was actually solemnized at the house of Justice Wolcott, in the east part of Boston. The first death of a white person, in Richfield, was that of Polly Payne, in 1812, at the age of 18 years. The first white child born in the township (in 1812) was a daughter to John Mallet, brother of Henry Mallet, the second settler in the tow^nship. EARLY SETTLEMENT — INCIDENTS, ETC. 943 The settlement of the township was not very rapid for several years, owing probably to the war disturbances of the time. After the close of the war, how^ever, settlement was quite rapid, so that by the organization of the tow^nship in 1816 there must have been nearly, or quite, forty voters present, a goodly proportion of whom, though youngish men, were undoubtedly heads of families, and nearly all w^ere from Connecticut and Massachusetts. The census of 1840, gave Richfield a population of 1,108, and by that of 1880 the number of inhabitants in the tow^nship w^as 1,253, being an increase of 145 in the forty years ; though midw^ay between the two epochs, in the palmy business days of the two "centers," as hereinafter noted, the population must have been considerably greater than in 18§0, since which time there has been a marked decline, the census of 1890 giving to her but 921 souls, a falling off of 332 in the ten years. DR. SECRETARY RAWSON,— was born in Warwick, Massachu- setts, October 18, 1796 ; educated in common schools, and four years in New Salem Academy ; read medicine five years w^ith eminent New Eng-land physicians ; holds two medical diplo- mas under laws of Vermont and Ohio ; practiced medicine forty -five years ; came to Ohio in 1823, settling in Richfield in 1824 ; married to Miss Lucy B. Hancock. June 19, 1824; the fruits of this happy union being- three daughters — one dying at 15 years of age, the other two well settled in life — and three grandchildren. In 1825, the doctor organized a public librarj^ company in Richfield, soon accuinu- lating- quite a large collection of valuable books; aided in subduing the wilderness, erecting the reg-ula- tion log cabins and afterwards replacing them with the more com- modious and comfortable frame structures ; helped to construct high- ways, bridge streams, build school houses, erect churches, and was a warm supporter of Richfield's old- time popular and prosperous Academy. Dr. Rawson was among the earliest advocates of temperance in Ohio, previous to 1830 drafting pledges, lecturing, and as far as pos- sible discarding the use of distilled liquors in his practice. In 1866, DR. SECRETARY RAWSON. broken down in health, the doctor removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where, with partial restoration, but still a continual sufferer from severe ner- vous derangement, he has reached his 95th j^ear, with his mental powers apparently as vigorous as when he first settled in Richfield, sixty-seven years ago. A Richfield correspondent, in writing of old-time inhabitants and incidents says of "Old Dave Smith," a noted local story-teller, that he once boasted that while himself and others w^ere mowing in a field a deer rushed past them, the mowrers chasing him into a snow-drift where they caught him alive. It being suggested to him that hay-making and snow-drifts did not go well together, he said, after a moment's reflection : "That's so, I must have got two stories mixed." The old man w^as so prone to "mix" things, that the church took him in hand on the charge of lying, w^hen he humbly begged for forgiveness, saying: "I detest lying as bad as 944 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. any of you, but I have an incurable tendency to exaggerate. It has given me more trouble than anything else in the vi^orld, and I have shed barrels and barrels of tears over it, but 1 can't get over the habit." Business Resourcks, Rivalries, Etc. — For some now unex- plainable cause, the business interests of Richfield became divided at an early day, a rival village to the original and geographical center, three-fourths of a mile west, and called the '''West Center," coming into existence. At the East Center, there w^as a church, one or tw^o stores, a hotel, postoffice, and the usual complement of mechanics, -with comfortable family residences extending a short distance out on the four roads centering there, but the spirit of push and spread-out-a-tive-ness, seemed to be. lacking. DR. JEREMIAH CULLEN WIL- COX,— born in Hartland, Hart- ford county, Connecticut, December 6, 1790 ; at 16, removed with parents to Vernon, Trumbull county, Ohio, nearly losing his life, en route, in crossing the Ohio river; graduated from Jefferson (Pennsylvania) Col- lege, in 1813 ; studied medicine and commenced practice in Hartford, Trumbull county, where he resided fifteen years ; in 1816, married to Miss Lorena Bushnell, who died in 1831, leaving five children — Harriet N., who married Rev. Daniel Emerson, dying in 1870 ; Amelia, died at 19 ; Maria, married to R. C. Clark, of Ken- tucky, afterwards of Sacramento, California, died in 1870 ; Jeremiah B., of Butte City, Montana, and Jerusha, married to General S. D. Sturgis, and now living at West Point, New York. Owing to impaired health, Dr. Wilcox discontinued the practice of medi- cine, and to secure better educational facilities, removed to Hudson, and in 1839, located on the large farm in Richfield, which he successfully cul- tivated until his death, from paralysis, January 26, 1873, at the age of 82 years, 1 month and 20 days. In 1839, Dr. Wilcox married Mrs. Julia A. (Wilder) Pettee, formerly of Rochester, New York, who bore him eight children. DR. JEREMIAH CULLEN WILCOX. five of whom are now living — Amelia A., wife of Mr. George B. Clarke, now of Akron; Henry Chauncey, of Akron; Newell O., died in infancy; William Cullen, now missionary in East Africa ; Francis A., real estate agent in Akron, and Stella H. Of sterling integrity and indomitable energy, Dr. Wilcox was ainong the most highly respected of Richfield's manj- honored citizens. At the rival " Center," however, it was different. Hotels were established, a number of stores were erected and filled with mer- chandise, a postoffice w^as secured, churches instituted, manufac- tures inaugurated, etc., until at one time, in the early forties, Rich- field w^as one of the very snappiest inland points in Northern Ohio, not only stimulating the general prosperity of the to^vnship itself, but attracting a large amount of business from adjoining, and even more remote, localities — the east center, of course, to a con- siderable extent, sharing the general prosperity. Richfield's Public Spirit. — For nearly twenty years, Rich- field, w^ith several contiguous tow^nships, maintained a spirited Fair association, under the title of the "Union Agricultural and Mechanic Art Society." richfield's schools, churches, etc. 945 A flourishing Masonic lodge (Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266), has also been maintained in the township for more than sixty years, and, for the most of the time for the past forty years, a fine band of music has been liberally supported, while a good deal more than usual attention has been given to church and educa- tional matters in both villages, and throughout the toAvnship. Besides the usual complement of w^ell-attended district schools, Richfield, in 1836, established a well-equipped academ\', in a commodious building erected for that purpose between the two villages, -which was liberally patronized, not only by the peo- ple of the township, but many pupils from abroad w^ere here educated, many of whom, w^ithout any additional scholastic advan- tages, have become eminent in business, statecraft, professional life, etc. Modern educational methods, however, have displaced the original Richfield academy, by the establishment of a commo- dious central or high school building for each village, that at the east village, unfortunately destroyed by fire, in 1887, having been replaced by a handsome and still more commodious structure. JUDGE NOAH M. HUMPHREY,— J born in Gcshen, Connecticut, June 18, 1810; educated as farmer's boy during- niinoritj' ; in September, 1833, came to Ohio, entering- law office of Huniplirey & Hall, in Hudson, studying- three years, teaching school winters ; admitted to bar, in Medina, September 5, 1836 ; began practice with Van R. Humphrey and Harvej' Whedon, under firiu name of Hum- phrej'^jHumphrej^ &Whedon, changed a year later (on appointment of Van R. Humphrey to president judge- ship), to Humphrey & W,hedon. Sep- tember 24, 1840, was married to Miss Velina Hannum, of Brecksville, set- tling in Richfield, in addition to legal work, teaching-, fanning, dealing in stock, etc. ; in 1852, '.i3, represented Summit county in State IvCgislature ; in 1854 elected probate judge, remov- ing- to Akron in Spring- of 1855; re-elected in 1857, serving six j^ears. Mrs. Huinphre}" dying Septeinber 24, 1855, on January 12, 1859, Judge Hum- phrej^ was again married, to Mrs. Elizabeth Young-, daughter of the late David Allen, of Akron ; in Fall of 1862, removed to Taylor's Falls, Chisago county. Minnesota, where he has since continuously resided, and where he has received man}^ honors. JUDGE NOAH M. HUMPHREY, both from the people and the govern- ment, being now postmaster of that city. Of the two children of Judge Humphrey, Laura M., born January 31, 1842, is now Mrs. D. A. Caneday^ and Marcus F. C, born August 23, 1844, died at his home, in Fergus- Falls, Minnesota, April 18, 1885. Richfield's Religious Status.— Originally settled b}^ Puritanic stock, Richfield has, from the first, been duly observant of religious -worship, and the means for its proper exercise and maintenance. The first church organization (May 15, 1818), to accommodate the various shades of religious belief, was called the "Church of Christ," but that element largely predominating, afterwards known as the "First Congregational Church, of Richfield," a com- fortable house of worship being erected at the east center, in 1822, which retnained substantially as originally constructed until 1886, 60 916 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. ■when it was destroyed by fire. A much handsomer and more costly structure has been erected upon the same site, by the Hberal contributions of all the people of the township, aided by generous donations from former residents living elsewhere, among the latter being Governor Russell A. Alger, of Michigan; and Edwin J. How- lett, of Philadelphia; who each contributed some $500 to the build- ing and furnishing funds. The society has been fairly prosperous throughout, maintaining nearly continuous preaching to the pres- ent time, the pastorate of the late Rev. J. A. McKinstry, com- mencing in August, 1864, and continuing nearly a quarter of a cen- tury, the present pastor, ordained September 6, 1889, being Rev. W. E. Wheeler. The Methodists erected a modest house at an early day (about 1832), which remained only partly finished unfit 1852, when it was burned. Its successor, near the west center, was a more com- modious structure, and has recently been considerably enlarged and improved, and the society is now healthy and prosperous. The Baptists, also, have a prosperous society, with a com- modious house of worship at the west center, erected in 1838, which has also been remodeled and enlarged, within a few years, w^hile the United Brethren have a flourishing society and a hand- some church edifice, called the "Centennial Church," in the south- east portion of the township. This, with the four religious insti- tutions alluded to, liberally supported by her citizens, w^ith per- haps, quite a large contingent of independent religious faith and practice, Richfield's "calling and election" may be regarded as tolerably sure. RICHFIELD'S MILITARY CARKER. It is believed that among her early settlers there were several ex-Revolutionary soldiers, though only the name of John Farnam, who died May 21, 1833, has been handed down. Nor is there any record of her having furnished any soldiers for either the War of 1812, or the Mexican War, though nine residents of the town after- wards received pensions for services rendered in the former war, before removing thither. In the War of the Rebellion, however, Richfield did her whole dut3', furnishing, in all, 150 men for the Union army. Of these, five were killed in battle, and twenty-two died from diseases con- tracted in the service, while thirteen shared the " hospitalities " and the horrors of the various prison-pens of the late C. S. A.; six more carrying in and upon their persons indubitable evidences of their having "been there." RICHFIELD'S ROLL OF HONOR. Samuel Allman, Benjamin AUman, Martin Bigelow, Jr., Luman Bigelow (died in service), Albert G. Baldwin (died in service), Charles Blakeslee, Jerome Barnell, Charles Beardsley, George A. Butler, Cyrus P. Brooks, George M. Buel, Darius D. Baldwin, George W. Barnett (died in service), Orson H. Buck (died in ser- vice), Nathan S. Britton, Martin C. Bentley, Thomas Burns, DeVil- lar Bowles, D. E. Bowles, James Barnett, Charles Ball, Thomas Bruner, J. T. Barney, Levi P. Carr, Charles C. Chapman, Ezra Carter, Thomas Clifton, Lewis B. Clark, Charles Churchill, Asa P. richfield's roll of honor. 947 Carr, M. R. Comstock, O. B. Carpenter, Richard Dunning, George W. Dickinson, H. E. Dustin, William Davis, Augustus Dillman, Jacob F. Eckert, John Fauble, Thomas Ferryman, Samuel Fauble, M. Fauble, Adam Farney, Horace Greenwood, Augustus N. Gold- Avood, John Goldwood, Charles Goldwood, Daniel Gorman, Thomas •Gilbert, Charles Hall, Decius Humphrey, Thomas Hatfield, Lucian E. Humphrey, Charles Hicken (killed in service), John Hancock, A. O. Halliwell, Cyrus J. Hughes, A, W. Hancock, D. Hubbard, Thomas Huddleston, William Hudson, Henry B. Johnson, Wil- liam H. Jones, Nathaniel Jones, Thomas Jackson, J. P. Jackson, George Johnson, Henry Killifer, Henry Knapp, John Knapp, Thomas King, Augustus Knapp (died in service), Oliver King, Charles Knapp, Tohn S. Lee, Loraine H. Lockert, J, Linderman, Joseph Lantz, D^vid Lyons, Joseph Mead, Frank Miles, Samuel Moody (died in service), Albert Mead, West Miller, Charles Mead, Levi Mix, James Moore, M. H. McCoy, William Moody, Ezra Men- kins, Marcus Noble (died in service), Emmon S. Oviatt, Charles Oviatt (died in service), John F. Oviatt (died in service), Marcus U. Oviatt, Horace Olmstead, Jr., Owen Pixley (died in service), Eras- mus Payne, Corydon P. Payne, Edwin W. Poole, Sumner Pixley, Charles Peeples, Lorain J. Phillips, R. J. Phillips, George Rox- bury, Edward B. Reed, M. R. Risden, Oscar F. Reed, Enoch W. Simmons, George C. Sheldon, Andrew J. Spencer (died in service), James W. Sanborn (died in service), James Sammons (killed), Daniel W. Sprankle, John Smith, Charles R. Sheldon, Elnathan Simmons, Richard Sweet, William A. Shepard, Eugene E. Shall, Christian Senghar, Levi Shoalwater, Charles Stockhouse, Nathan G. Strong, .David Sangharst, Daniel P. Stoffer, Milton H. Stoffer, Evelyn E. Shall, William R. Townsend, Richard Tunwell, Robert Tunwell, vSamuel Train, Charles W. Tunwell (died in service), Albert Tupper, Hawthorn Thompson, Joseph Taylor, Charles P. Townsend, John M. Thompson (died in service), Sylvester Viall, Henry P. Wadhams, Henry C. Wilcox, James Washburn, Montrose Washburn, Vendruth Washburn, George Wilson. The Patriotic Spirit, Still •Cultivated. — To preserve and properly cultivate the fraternal feeling naturally existing between the surviving soldiers of the late war, as well as for general social and beneficial purposes, the A. N. Goldwood Post, No. 104, Grand Army of the Republic, with a healthy membership of the veterans of Richfield and vicinity is maintained, with stated meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, and such special meetings, entertainments, etc., as are from time to time deemed advisable. County, State and Nation. — In the civil affairs of both the county, state and nation, Richfield holds a most exalted position, as a perusal of the following summary will most clearly demon- strate : ** James W. Weld, Esq., of Richfield, was elected county commis- sioner in 1844, and successively twice re-elected, ably filling that important position for nine consecutive years. Mr. Weld also previously held the office of treasurer of Medina county for two years, and for many years officiated as justice of the peace of Rich- field township. Noah M, Humphrey, Esq., was elected as Summit county's first representative to the State Legislature, under the new 948 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. constitution, in October, 1851, filling the position for two years^ ■with ability and honor. Schuyler R. Oviatt -was elected county surveyor in October^ 1852, satisfactorily discharging the duties of the office for three years. Hon. Noah M. Humphrey, in October, 1854, was again called to the front, by being elected probate judge for three years, and re-elected in 1857, most ably discharging the intricate duties of that office for six full years. Edward Oviatt, Esq., though born in Hudson, and since 1844, a resident of Akron, having spent almost his entire youth in Rich- field, and acquired his most excellent education in her old-time highly popular academy, may properly be considered a Richfield " boy," and we will therefore give her credit of furnishing Summit county, in the person of Mr. Oviatt, w^ith a most efficient prose- cuting attorney from 1864 to 1868. DAVID BAKER ALGER,— fourth son of John and Sarah (Baker) Alger, natives of Connecticut, was born in Bethany, Genessee county. New York, April 5, 1816. The father dying- three years later, in 1822, the mother, with her six children, came by ox-team to Ohio, and settled upon a farm, previously bought by the father, in Richfield. Here the boj' David grew" to manhood, with such educational advantages only, as the schools of the township afforded. January 16, 1838, he was married in Hinckley, to Miss Margaret Richard- son, of Eden, Erie county. New York, who bore him four children — two sons and two daughters. He fol- lowed farming, both as a business and as a profession, and on his well- managed old Richfield farm, he and his good wife not only made a pleas- ant home for their own family, btft also for the orphaned children of two of his brothers. A warm friend of education, Mr. Alger was ever actively identified with the school interests of Richfield, and being strictly temperate himself, was first and foremost in all temperance and other reform movements. He died DAVID BAKER ALGER. December 30, 1884, aged 68 years, 8^ months and 25 daj's, Mrs. Alger and their four children — May L., Eunice P., Albert W. (now of Kansas City, Mo.), and Richard Edwin, still sur- viving. Orson M. Oviatt, for two consecutive terms, from 1868 to 1874, filled the office of county commissioner, both creditably to himself and highly satisfactorily to his constituents. Schuyler R. Oviatt, was elected county treasurer in 1870, for two years, and re-elected in 1872, not only discharging the duties of the office w^ith his customary fidelity, but so improving the methods of performing the routine w^ork of the office, as to at once greatly facilitate the transaction of the the public business, and lessen the liability to mistakes. Hiram Hart, elected county commissioner, in October, 1879, re-elected in 1882, for six consecutive years made one of the most enterprising and faithful public officials that Summit county ever had. RICHFIELD IN PUBLIC OFFICE. 949 Henry C. Searles, a native of Hinckley township, Medina ■county, and an ex-soldier in the War of the Rebellion, became a resident of Richfield, soon after the close of the War, engaging in trade and for several years officiating as postmaster at West Rich- field. In 1884, Mr. Searles was elected county recorder, and re- elected in 1887, and though in quite poor health a portion of the time, was a first-class officer during his six years incumbency. HENRY C. SEARLES, — son of Daniel Searles, was born in Hinckle}', Medina county, Ohio, August 19, 1841 ; raised a farmer ; ■educated in district schools and Hiram College; in 1861 enlisted in Battery A., 1st O. L. A., serving two years, and discharged on account of injuries; clerked in store of Baxter H. Wood, West Richfield, eight years; in 1873, engaged in mercantile busi- ness for himself, being at that time appointed postmaster at West Rich- field ; in 1878, his store, with most of its contents, was destroyed by fire, but immediately rebuilt on a larger .scale, where he continued to do busi- ness until elected county recorder in 1884, to which position he was re-elected in 1887, ably filling the position six years. Mr. Searles, besides serving as postmaster thir- teen years, was treasurer of Richfield for nearly twenty years, and member of the board of education some ten years. August 19, 1863, Mr. Searles was married to Miss Elizabeth Parker, daughter of Rev. Sanford Parker, of Hinckley, born November 12, 1843. They have had three children — Harry I., born June 17, 1864, deputy •county recorder three years, from January 1, 1885, later salesman in dry foods store of Murray & Watt, died ebruary 12, 1891 ; Lizzie A., born HENRY C. SEARLES. March 14, 1867, and George DeForest, born September 14, 1869, now deputy county recorder. The present resi- dence of Mr. Searles is at 931 East Market street, Akron. He is now a stockholder and director, and the secretary of the Akron Hardware Company, corner Stanton and Getz Avenues. John E. Hurlbut, Esq., one of Richfield's most successful far- mers and business men, on the inauguration of the internal rev- -enue system, during the War of the Rebellion, was appointed, by President Lincoln, United States assessor for the 18th Congres- sional District of Ohio, composed of Summit, Cuyahoga and Lake ■counties, w^ith his headquarters in Cleveland. It is safe to say that in no district of the United States, was the service more ably performed, than that presided over by Mr. Hurlbut, and in no other county of the district was the routine v^ork more conscientiously and fearlessly executed than by his faithful local deputies, Schuyler R. Oviatt, of Richfield; Hiram V. Bronson, of Boston; Alfred R. Townsend, of Akron; Andrew Fenn, of Tallmadge; and Stephen D. Miller, of Norton. Mr. Hurlbut, after the War, remained in Cleveland, w^here he died some four or five years ago. Hon. Samuel B. Axtell, one of Richfield's early adopted sons, :and \srhose family and property interests are still in that tow^nship, represented the San Francisco (Cal)., district in the fortieth and ^nd forty-first sessions of Congress. Returning to Richfield, on 950 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the expiration of his second term, he w^as in January, 1875,. appointed governor of the territory of Utah, by President Grant, but a few months later was transferred to New Mexico, of w^hich territory 'he w^as governor between three and four years. Still later, in May, 1882, by appointment of President Arthur, he became chief justice of that territory, which position he filled with acknowledged ability for three years, tendering his resignation to President Cleveland, May 1st, 1885, to take effect on the 25th of the same month. On June 1, 1885, Judge Axtell accepted from* the Southern Pacific railroad, the position of solicitor of that road for NcAV Mexico, w^ith headquarters at Santa Fe, which position he held until his death, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles M. Phillips, in Morristown, New Jersey, August 6, 1891, at the age of 71 years, 9 months, 22 days. Russell A. Alger, was reared and educated in the township of Richfield, graduating with honors from the famous old Rich- field Academy, some 35 years ago. Soon after his graduation he entered, as a student, the law office of Messrs. Wolcott &c Upson,^ in Akron. On the completion of his studies, he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court, at Columbus. Practicing for a short time in Cleveland, he established himself at Grand Rapids, Mich., with fair prospects of the most eminent success in his chosen profession. On the breaking out of the War, however, the young law^yer forsook his clients and his briefs, and entered the Union Army as a private soldier, retiring therefrom, in 1865, with the w^ell-earned title of Brigadier General. After the close of the War,, he engaged extensively in the lumber and shipping business,, accumulating a speedy fortune, ^vhich he is liberally dispensing in benevolent and business enterprises, one of the ventures in the latter line, being his joint-ow^nership, with Hon, J, A, Kohler, of Akron's beautiful Arcade Block, on South Howard street. In 1884, he was elected governor of Michigan, holding the office through 1885 and 1886, and, declining a re-election, retired from that high office with the reputation of having made one of the very best governors Michigan ever had, his name also being prom- inently mentioned as a candidate for President before the National! Republican Convention for 1888. [See portrait on page 555]. The Big Sleigh Ride of 1856.— The Winter of 1855, '56, was- one of considerable severity, accompanied by much snow and long-continued sleighing. Local sleigh-rides w^ere frequent, engen- dering much neighborhood rivalry, soon extending to township and finally to county contests for the prize banner — a piece of com- mon muslin, with the figure of a young negro rudely painted- thereon, with thumb on nose, and extended digits, with the legend issuing from between his ivory teeth and protruding lips, " You can't come it!" Starting in Solon with seven four-horse teams, fol- low^ed by Tw^insburg with sixteen teams, Bedford with thirty-two;: Brecksville, forty-four; Royalton, sixty-three; Boston, sixty-six;- Independence, sixty-five; Hudson, seventy-one, the flag had finally come to Richfield, w^ith seventy-three teams. By this time the excitement had become so erreat that it was determined to make it a county affair, between the three contiguous counties of Cuya- hoga, Medina and Summit. Richfield being already in possession of the prize, and being, withal, the most central township in the territory involved in the contest, it was decided that the triangular THE BIG SLEIGH-RIDE OF 1856. 951 gathering should be held there. Accordingly, on Saturday, March 15, 1856, the great trial took place, four and six-horse teams, only, being counted. The marshals reported Medina one hundred and forty, Cuyahoga one hundred and fifty-one, and Summit one hun- dred and seventy-one teams, making a grand total of four hun- dred and sixty-two four and six-horse sleighs, though quite a good many one and two-horse teams, bearing witnesses and spectators, w^ere present from all parts of the adjacent country. After the count had been declared, the banner was formally pre- sented, first by James W. Weld, Esq., on behalf of Richfield, to Hud- son, as having furnished the greatest number of teams, and then, by Dr. Charles R. Pierce, in behalf of Hudson, to Summit county, to be preserved among her most cherished relics, until some rival county should wrest it from her by a larger display of horseflesh than she had made. It was estimated that from 10,000 to 12,000 persons, men, women and children, participated in, and witnessed, the magnificent pageant, and the utmost harmony and good feel- ing prevailed throughout. Summit's triumph, how^ever, was of short duration. Medina's spirit — if not dander — was decidedly aroused, and on the following Tuesday, March 18, 1856, she drove into Akron with one hundred and eighty-two four and six-horse teams, thus fairly winning the " flaunting rag" from Summit, which — notwithstanding the quite prevalent rumor that a number of her teams had been recruited from "just over the border" — w^as cheerfully yielded to her; the championship remaining w^ith her to the present time, though by the time her procession began to w^ind its slow length through the streets of Akron, about noon on the 18th day of March, the sleigh- ing was in "a very liquefactions condition, indeed, while the home- ward journey had to be performed through a literal " sea of mud." Richfield's Great Re-Union. — Though Richfield has always been noted for its spirited public gatherings — agricultural, mili- tary, political, patriotic and otherwise — her crowning glory in that direction was her great pioneer re-union, on the 11th day of August, 1880. Invitations had been extended to all former res- idents then living, who had gone out from among them, to return to the home of their nativity, or early adoption, to renew old friendships, and to enjoy the hospitalities of their compeers and successors, and on the day named there w^as a gathering of w^hich Richfield people should ever feel proud. The meeting was in a beautiful grove, on the premises of Mr, John Kirby, one luile south of the West Center, and besides many old residents from abroad, there were large delegations from neigh- boring towns, w^hile almost, if not quite, every man, w^oman and child of the township of Richfield was upon the grounds during the day. Governor S. B. Axtell presided, and delivered an elo- quent address of Avelcome, which w^as supplemented by an appro- priate poem, written by Richfield's poet laureate, Dr. A. E. Ewing. Responses were called for, and brief addresses were made by George Howlett, Esq., of Cleveland, and Mr. F. Wilcox, former sons of Richfield, Ex-County Treasurer Schuyler R. Oviatt, Sheriff S. A. Lane and General A. C. Voris, of Akron, Dr. Sumner Pixley, of Peninsula, Hon. Myron C. Hills, of Medina, Rev. J. A. McKin- stry, of Richfield, and others. Splendid music and a magnificent dinner, and genial good cheer, generally, rendered the occasion 952 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. one of the brightest epochs in the history and memory of ever reli- able Old Richfield. Richfield's Moral Status. — Though not upon the line of the canal, yet upon her eastern border, contiguous to the crook- infested territory of eastern Bath and western Northampton and Boston, her people were more or less drawn within the pernicious influence of the gang. Indeed, one of her very earliest settlers, Henry Mallet, with his tw^o brothers, John and Daniel, are believed to have been among the very first parties in the neighborhood to " tinker w^ith the currency," establishing their mint, how^ever, just over the line in the jungles of northwestern Northampton, The locality and character of this establishment becoming know^n, much indignation was excited against the concern, and by the concerted movement of the better class of the inhabitants of Richfield, Bath, Northampton and Boston, this •* money-shop," as it was designated, was raided, and with its entire contents destroyed by fire. This summary proceeding, however, by no means put a stop to the business. Other and less accessible quarters were secured, the infection spread, and the business grew and seemingly pros- pered for many years, though many of the operators were subse- quently brought to grief, Henry Mallet at length finding a perma- nent home in the Ohio Penitentiary, where he finally died. In 1838, when a concerted effort was made, as elsewhere detailed, to break up the gang,amongthe eighteenor twenty persons arrested, w^ere several residents of Eastern Richfield, their apprehension being brought about through the efforts of their more respectable neighbors; a local Akron paper, under date of April 7th, 1838, in noticing the event, saying : "Much praise is due to the officers and principal citizens of Richfield, and adjoining towns, for their vigilance and aid in securing the experimenters on the currency." From that time on, however, Richfield has been as free from that class of crookedness as the average of her sister townships on the Western Reserve, though a number of other damaging and exciting episodes have taken place within her borders, in the intervening half centurj^. The Lunatic Horse-Thief. — Late in the Winter of 1859, there came to the Kast Richfield hotel a well-dressed, gentlemanly- appearing man, about thirty years of age, giving his name as Myron B. Taylor. His luggage consisted of a grip-sack filled with personal clothing, and a small box containing an assortment of fine stationery, notions, etc., which he modestly offered for sale to the people of the village and the guests at the hotel. He was very reticent as to w^here he belonged, and though conversing coherently and intelligently, in \vhat he did say, his talk and manner created the impression that he w^as a little "off" in his mind. A w^eek or so after the arrival of the stranger, a horse, which had been hitched under the shed attached to Weld & Farnam's store, one evening, was found to be missing, and on following the track some sixteen oreighteen miles in a w^esterly direction, the horse ■was overtaken, with the stranger mounted upon its back. The pursuing party immediately took him into custody and returned to Richfield, where, believing that the quasi-peddler was a horse- thief in disguise, and as a number of horses had been previously stolen in the neighborhood, an excitement ensued that in a less richfield's criminal record. 953 orderly community would have resulted seriously, if not fatally, to the offender. Making no defense, or explanation, he was committed to jail, duly indicted and arraigned for trial at the March term of the Court of Common Pleas for 1860. To the question of Judge Carpenter: "Are you guilty or not guilty?" the prisoner simply said : "I took the horse," and, declining to have counsel assigned to him, or to enter into any explanation of his conduct or antece- dents, he was accordingly sentenced to the penitentiary for three years. On arriving at the prison (the writer was then Sheriff), after examining the papers and looking at the prisoner, the warden shook his head, with the remark: "There's something wrong about this business, for that man is not a criminal." Some two months after his incarceration, an intelligent young lady, accompanied by a bright little boy about two years of age, arrived in Richfield, bearing w^ith her papers and affidavits from prominent citizens and high officials in the State of Vermont, not only testifying to the good character of the supposed thief, but that he was subject to periodical attacks of mental aberration, in w^hich he had several times wandered away from home and friends and engaged in some business to w^hich he was w^hoUy unaccus- tomed at home ; on one occasion, in the State of New^ York, taking a school and teaching until his lunacy w^as detected and his friends and place of residence discovered. These proofs, added to the appearance of the man himself, were so satisfactory to the people of Richfield that the committing magistrate accompanied the sorrowing wife and her child to Akron, and laid the matter before the authorities here. Judge Carpenter and Prosecuting Attorney Henrj^ McKinney, both addressed letters to Governor Dennison, expressing conviction of the lunacy of the prisoner, armed with which, and the papers brought from Vermont, the writer visited Columbus and submitted them to the governor. Governor Dennison immediately put on his hat and accompanied the writer to the penitentiary, and after a brief interview with the warden and the prisoner, he said : "Sheriff, you go home, and send this man's wife to Columbus, and I will w^aive the usual forms of advertising and petitioning for pardon, and deliver him into her custody." This was accordingly done on July 30, 1860, and being now in his right mind, and feeling very sensitive about returning to Vermont, after having been in prison for horse-stealing, they w^ent w^est, settling in a small town in Iowa, w^here as the grateful w^ife, in a feeling and pathetic letter, afterwards informed the writer they were living contented and happy, though they had had the misfortune to lose, by death, the bright little boy by whom she w^as accompanied w^hen here. The Hunter-Gargett Tragedy. — The most exciting episode in the history of Richfield, and one of the most terrible tragedies ever enacted in Summit county, was the double murder of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gargett, by the rejected lover of their daughter Chloe — John H. Hunter — in 1871, a full account of which, with the gush- ing correspondence between the lovers, and their pledges of eternal fidelity before having personally met each other, together w^ith the particulars of the tragedy, the trial and execution, will be given in the next chapter. 954 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Richfield's Present Business Status. — The advent of rail- roads, and the consequent change of business centers and methods, gradually worked a change in the business status of Richfield — the glory of her mercantile and manufacturing operations having, in a large measure, departed, though still superior to most of the toAvnship centers of the county. Besides her large stock, fruit and dairy interests, by means of her local and portable sawmills Richfield has, during the past few years, furnished a large amount of hardwood lumber for the Akron and Cleveland markets, though some^vhat handicapped by lack of adequate transportation facilities, a disability w^hich she fondly hopes Avill be removed by the construction of a railroad south\vard from Cleveland, through her borders, at an early day. At the East Center, the old well-remembered general store on the northwest corner of the public square, occupied by the firm of Weld & Farnam, (William C. Weld and Everett F%rnam), and on the dissolution of that firm, about 1875, by Mr. Weld alone, until, his death, in 1879, followed by Mr. I. M. Mather, and later by Loomis Brothers, was burned in 1886, and has never been rebuilt^ Mr. George B. Clarke, now treasurer of the Jones Wholesale Grocery Company, of Akron, having operated as salesman for Messrs. Weld & Farnam, and Mr. Weld, individually, some fifteen years previous to going into business for himself at the West Center, in 1880, where he remained eight years. The ancient hotel, the "Center JHouse," in a good state of preservation and repair, is still doing duty as a hostelrie, with Mr. Fayette Viall as its popular proprietor and landlord. On the southeast corner of public square and the Peninsula road, Mr. Frank R. Brower, besides officiating as postmaster, keeps a fair-sized stock of general merchandise. At thtj West Center, the old, w^ell-known hotel, on the north- east corner of the square, having been destroyed by fire some tw^o or three years ago, the old Liberty Hall block, on the south side of the street, was removed thither, by Sykes Brothers (DeLancey and William B. Sykes), handsomely refitted and filled w^ith a well- selected stock of general merchandise, dry goods, boots and shoes,, groceries, provisions, etc., W. B. Sykes also officiating as post- master of West Richfield. West Richfield Hotel. — This is a new and well-appointed hotel on the site of the store formerly occupied by Ex-Recorder Henry C. Searles, near the northw^est corner of the public square, owned by Mr. Baxter H. Wood, of Medina, but kept by Richfield's veteran landlord, Eewis P. Ellas. Richfield Flouring and Saw Mills, near West Center, John Ault, proprietor, still in successful operation. Harness-Makers, and dealers in all kinds of horse furnishing goods — Peter L. Allen (established over a third of a century), and Seth Dustin. Cabinet Making and Undertaking,. T. E.Ellsworth; — R. C. Ellsworth, manager. Cheese Factory — in building formerly occupied by Henry W. Howe, Esq., in the man- ufacture of spokes, axe-helves, etc. — Andrew R. Cassidy, of Pen- insula, proprietor, Ed B. Reed, manager. Zebulon R. Townsend, manufacturer of wagon hubs, oak stave baskets, cider, apple- butter, jelly, etc. Painter, Paperhanger, Decorator, etc., Charles P. Townsend; Blacksmths — Sheldon E. Phelps (and dealer in stoves, tinware, etc.); Henry Killifer, Michael Heltz; Rathburn & Greenleese (C. F. Rathburn and Henry Greenleese); Julius C. PRESENT TOWNSHIP OFFICERS, 955 Chapman. Wagon-Maker — Percy Dustin. John Holfelder, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes. Miss A. M. Clark, fashionable milliner, and dealer in millinery, fancy and stamped goods. Asa P. Carr, carriage, house and general painter. George L/. Dustin, carriage trimmer and dealer in carts, carriages, wagons, etc. Samuel Fauble, stonemason and general contractor and job- ber. Arthur C. Hart, veterinary surgeon. C. N. Damon, barber, and dealer in confectionery, cigars, etc. J. M. Thorp, surgeon dentist; the venerable Dr. Ewing having pretty much given up prac- tice, Dr. Graham now bearing the medical honors of the township, RICHFIELD'S PRESENT OFFICIAL STATUS (1891). Trustees — William R. Townsend, Levi Halliwell, Ransom C, Ellsworth; clerk, Harvey M. Welton; treasurer, Cyrus P. Brooks; assessor, Fayette Viall; justices of the peace, William N. Weld and George Townsend; constables, Fayette Viall and Asa P. Carr, The oldest living native of Richfield is its long-time very efficient tow^nship clerk, Harvey M. Welton, Esq. CHAPTER XLVI. THE HUNTER-GARGETT TRAGEDY — LOVE-MAKING BY PROXY AND LETTER — MARRIAGE ENGAGEMENT— FIRST MEETING OF THE BETROTHED— PLEDGE OF ETERNAL FIDELITY— INTERFERENCE OF FRIENDS— ENGAGEMENT BROKEN OFF— ANGER OF REJECTED SUITOR— -VISIT TO FAMILY HOMESTEAD OF HIS SWEETHEART — MURDER OF THE FATHER AND MOTHER— ATTEMPT ON LIFE OF BROTHER— NARROW ESCAPE OF YOUNG LADY— ARREST OF MURDERER- TERRIBLE EXCITEMENT AMONG THE PEOPLE— THE "CRAZY DODGE "—TRIAL, CONVICTION AND SENTENCE— DESPERATE ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE— EXECU- TION IN SUMMIT COUNTY JAIL— CRAVEN COWARDICE OF THE DOOMED MAN —INSTANTANEOUS AND EASY DEATH— RIVALRY OF CLEVELAND AND AKRON DOCTORS FOR THE BODY— SUBSEQUENT HISTORY OF FAMILY, ETC. BIOGRAPHICAL. ROBERT GARGETT was born in Yorkshire, England, in the year 1800, coming to America at the age of eighteen years, and two years later, April 18, 1820, w^as married to Miss Elizabeth Perkins, at Champlain, Clinton county, N. Y., his bride being about five years his junior. After several years' residence in Champlain, and in Canada, Mr. and Mrs. Gargett removed to Ohio, in 1834, settling on a farm a short distance southwest of the Center of Richfield, in this county. Here, by indomitable industry, and the strictest frugality, they surrounded themselves and their family w^ith all the comforts and conveniences of a prosperous farmer's home, and at the date of their tragic death, in May, 1871, as hereinafter detailed, were in the enjoyment of both substantial wealth, and the very highest regard of all w^ho knew them. Of their eight children, James Gargett, Mrs. Mary Stiles and Mrs. Orpha Gee, at that time were residing at, or near, Elm Hall, in the State of Michigan, w^hile the youngest son, Rodney, then twenty-two years of age, and just married, was living in a separate house upon the home farm; the youngest daughter, only, Chloe E., aged 24, remaining w^ith her parents in the old homestead. John Henry Hunter was born in the city of Manchester, England, July 1, 1839, and came to America when fifteen years of age. Here he seems to have led rather a roving life, living for longer or shorter periods of time at Quebec, Toronto, London, Berry, CoUing- w^ood, Guelph, and St. Marys, in Canada, and at Detroit, Pontiac, the Christian Islands, Elm Hall and Carson City, in the state of Michigan, and at Hudson, Peninsula, Berea and Grafton, in the state of Ohio, and following the varied callings of clerk in store, book-keeper, postoffice clerk, carpenter, lumberman, teacher of -writing and photography, hotel clerk, printer, laborer, oil well digger, painter, etc. The Romance of Love. — During the Summer of 1870, Hunter formed the acquaintance of Mrs. Mary Stiles, at Elm Hall, Michigan, Tvhere he was then working, and while at her house w^as shown the picture of her sister, Chloe, then* living at the home of her GUSHING LOVE CORRESPONDENCE. 957 parents in Richfield. The picture pleased him, and expressing a wish to become acquainted with the original, at his request Mrs, Stiles gave him a letter of introduction to her sister. On the strength of this letter Hunter wrote to Miss Gargett, soliciting correspond- ence, which was granted, the correspondence continuing from March until October, 1870 ; a marriage engagement, having in the meantime been entered into, before having personally seen each other, and the most endearing expressions of undying affection having been indulged in on both sides, in their respective letters. A portion of this correspendence, only, is now accessible to the writer, from which, as showing the tenor thereof, the following brief extracts are here given : The Correspondence. — In his introductory letter to Miss Gargett, dated March 30, 1870, Hunter writes : "My Dear Miss :— Throug-h the influence of your sister, Mrs. E. F. Stiles, by my request, you have granted me the privilege of writing' you a letter of introduction, which was, indeed very friendly, accepted from a stranger. I am a young man, twenty -five years of age ; 5 feet 11 inches in heig^ht ; light brown hair ; blue eyes, and weigh 150 pounds ; occupation, a carpenter, but can take hold of anything- to make a living * * * j 3^^ ^ very healthy, robust man in general. I am not addicted to drinking or keeping bad company, for I detest all such. * * * j ^jji not a two-faced man, nor two- sided, neither do I want to keep company with such, for its not my character. * * * Your sister Mary is one of the best friends 1 have ever met in this country. She has acted as a mother to me in a time of need, which I will never forget. Your sister Orpha, also, has been the same. * * * jf you were just such a woman as Mary / really would venture my life to gain your affection. * * * You will not, I hope, keep me in suspense, waiting- for an answer to this letter. I remain yours, with respect. John H. Hunter." Miss Gargett's reply to this letter is not at hand, but the next from Hunter to her, dated April 8th, show^s the promptness v^rith which she responded to his request for correspondence and the general tenor of her initial letter : " Miss Elizabeth : — I have received your welcome letter, and must say that there is an air of straight-forward sincerity about it that I like. * * * I did not request you to send me, or tell me, of your looks — for deeds and actions are much preferable, although good-looking ladies in general are very attractive, indeed. * * * I am always J. H. Hunter, every day alike; can do business with any man ; have not a great deal to say in general, onl)^ when necessary, and too bashful to keep company with the ladies in public. * * * There is not a man or woman can say anything against my character, therefore 1 can keep respectable company. Now, Miss Gargett, I do not wish to correspond with you for mere pastime, for I have come to that time of day to leave such foolishness aside. I do not know whether you want to get a companion for your future prospect or not. But 1 know it is the case with me. And there is one more thing- 1 have to say ; if you want a man with plenty of property, you won't fancy me. I want some person to save for me, and then I can have a home. * * * £ really would like to see you. I am sure we would have a g-ood long talk. * * * i never was married, nor promised to be married, for it is only of late that I took the notion, as I was afraid of getting on the bachelor's list. * * * Yours, unchangeable. J. H. Hunter." To this letter, under date of April 13, 1870, Miss Gargett responded as follow^s : "Mr. J. H. Hunter:- How happj' 1 was to-night to receive your ever- welcome letter — it came verj^ unexpected, for 1 was not looking' for one until Saturday, although I was thinking of you and wishing' it was Saturday. How I wish yon were here by mj' side, for I think you know we would have S58 ^ AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. a g-ood visit. * * * You remarked that you did not know whether I wanted a companion or not. If I could feel sure that he loved me, and one in whom I could have confidence to go for advice and reason, I should be most happy to win the hand and heart of such a man ; and believe me, John, you have a Chloe who you can trust. * * * Think of me that thinks of thee. Yours truly, C. E. Gargett." Hunter's letter dated April 25, was mainly in reference to his intended visit to Chloe, saying, in conclusion, that if they could never get married they would always be friends, etc. A letter from Miss Gargett, dated May 28th, commencing. "Mj^ Dearest Good Friend," expressed great affection for him and said that she had never found one in w^hom she could place such perfect confidence ; that her love for him increased at every letter received from him ; that she loved him; that he had her whole heart, etc.; that she would stand by him in prosperity and in adversity; ■expressed the hope that they should soon be united ; w^as sure that they w^ould agree, and closed by hoping that he w^ould "accept these few lines from one who trusted only in him." On June 8th Miss Gargett wrote to Hunter that she had been thinking of him and w^ished to see him forty times a day; that she w^ould never be happy w^ithout him, and longed for the time when she could call him hers, and closed w^ith "I remain yours in love and sweet affection." It w^ill be impossible to give anything like the full text of even such of the letters w^hich passed between this romantic couple as are at the command of the w^riter, but as it appears that the gossip and interference of relatives and friends in their love affairs, had a direct tendency to bring about the estrangement that led to the tragedy to be here recorded, it is deemed advisable to ~give liberal extracts from two or three of those gushing missives. June 11, 1870, Miss Gargett wrote as foUow^s : "Dearest TvOVED Friend: — I have just finished reading your dearest and loving letter, which found me in good health and as happy as one coul<# be, w^hen away from the one that is dearer to me than any one else in the world. My Dearest John, I do not think you can be any more anxious to see me than I am to see you ; it seems sometimes, w^hen I get to thinking about you, and of your coming to see me, as though I could not wait another minute ; but I know that I must use some judgment about it, and that you will come as soon as convenient. John, perhaps it is all for the best that we have not as yet seen each other, for I think our love is increasing very much for one another every day ; at any rate I know my love for you increases daily, yes, hourly. * * * My Dearest John, your affectionate letter to-night caused me to shed tears of both joy and sorrow. I wept for joy to think I had at last found one who I believed loved me for myself alone. * * * You may wonder why I shed tears of sorrow over your dear letter. It was on account of what Orpha said. Oh, dear John, how could she be so cruel? But it will make no difference with me whether she thinks I could do better or not. Perhaps I could marry a richer man, but if I did not love him what comfort would my husband or his money be to me? Not any ; and I do not care w^hat Orpha or any one else says, in regard to your wealth, for I know I shall never find a better man than you are. Those may marry for property that wish to. * * * John, I am crying when I think of Orpha's remarks. I think she did not do right, for, Dear John, you are just as deserving of a loving companion as though you was rich, and you shall have one, too, if my life is spared, if you will accept of my humble self ; and John, if you think best, perhaps you had better wait till Fall before you come down to see me. I have been thinking I would like to have you attend the Richfield Fair, this Fall ; it will come off sometime the last part of September. * * * I do not think you will ever bless the day that you and Mary became acquainted any more than I shall. The sun of heaven shines bright and FIRST MEETING OF THE LOVERS. 959 florious, and I feel as thoug-h the Creator of the Universe had made this eautiful world specially to confer bliss upon vis poor mortals. * * * I will now close by wishing you good night and pleasant dreams. Yours in love, Chloe E. Gargett." Eternal, Fidelity.— In another long letter, dated August 14, 1870, Miss Gargett commences : *'Mj^ Ever Beloved and Intended Husband," and besides repeating many of the endearing expres- sions, already quoted, made use of many others equally loving and loyal to her plighted troth. Speaking of a married friend who Avas supposed to be "rather afraid of her man," she said : " If such is the case I feel sorrj^ for her, indeed I do. I do not know what I would do if 1 had such a man; but I should be pretty apt to tell him that I w^asn't born in the^woods to be scart by owls ; but 1 never would quarrel with him. I have alwa^^s said, ever since I was knee high to a toad, that if I couldn't live in peace and harmony with a husband I would not live at all. But, mj^ own dear John, 1 know I shall never know how to sympathize with those who have the misfortune to unite their destiny with such a luan, from experience, for I know that my heart and hand are pledged to a pure and loving soul, and to a whole-hearted man. * * * Our friends who visit us in our sweet home, will find a paradise here below, and realize a eight of Heaven, that beautiful place, the far away home of the soul ; for " Love and Union " is our motto, and " United we stand, and divided we fall." * * * But, dear Intended Husband, you will always be sure of your Pet Chloe, (as you call her), whether you are rich or poor, for I never will forsake yoti as long as my life is spared. * * * jf you had gone off and we had not known each other, I know I should have died an old maid, for you are certainly my mate, and the only one in this wide world. Oh, I never thought I should be so well suited ; but I am suited to a T. ** * 1 think we did not waste much time in forming acquaint- ance, but it's just as you say yourself. It is not much trouble to do any- thing, when we know how it's done ; but it isn't every one that knows how. But sister Mary is right ; we will just make a match span every time ; what one can't think of the other will. * * * j gjji thinking there will be some tall talking and laughing done when you come down. * * * I could not sleep until I had answered your loving- let- ter, which set my heart a throbbing with love for you * * * It is nearly 12 o'clock, and so I will bid you a sweet good night, my heart's bright star of love. How happj^ I am to feel sure in my heart, as I say good night, ^that nothing but death can ever part you and me. There is no' earthly power can do it. * * * It would make no difference with me what Orpha or any one else could write, and I ^■uess Orpha has nothing- to say against you, dear John, for Mary says she likes you ; but if she does not, it will make no difference, for I love you and always will ; no matter what any one tells me, I am yours, and never can be anybody else's, and a happy and contented couple we will make too, in spite of anybody in the world. * * * From your loving and intended wife, C. K. Gargett. A sweet good night kiss from your Pet." Meeting of the Lovers. — A letter from Miss Gargett, dated August 27, abounding in similar asseverations of affection and fidelity, declared that she would stick to him "like grim death," and a letter from Hunter, dated September 25, after referring to his intention to soon visit her, said: "I am rather green, but, as the girl said, 'it is better to be green than withered^' Further on he said: ■' I w^ish you were locked in my arms and the key was lost," and closed with " Your own true and intended husband, John H. Hunter." About the 20th of October, Hunter visited Miss Gargett, at the home of her parents, where he was w^ell received by the family, hospitably entertained, and created such a favorable impression that, after a sojourn of some three or four days, he left as the acknowledged suitor for Miss G's hand. 960 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. "The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth." — Return- ing to Kim Hall, correspondence between the lovers was resumed in much the same strain as before, but about a month later a marked coolness began to pervade Miss G's letters which caused Hunter, under date of December 6, to write as follows: " Miss C. E. Gaegett : Dear Chloe— As I must still call you, it is with no small amount of bitter g^rief or sadness that causes me to sit down ta answer your letter of November 27, which I received this evening-. * * * By the way you wrote this last letter to me so cold, I thought I would answer it at this time. But no coldness has as yet reached the heart of the boy who loved you as his own soul. I am so full of grief to-night, I am almost down sick. Oh, Chloe, I have loved you dearly. But in the light that your love appears to be in your last letter, cSuses tne sadly to lament the day I first wrote to you. Oh, Chloe, don't deceive me. Come out in true colors and say, as you said before, ' I am your true or intended wife.' If f^ou don't, for God's sake tell me. Let us part and have no more correspondence, for I might as w^ell know my future prospects first as last. * * * Marj^ has been telling me of Orpha deceiving me and her also, and trying to pick faults and bad meaning out of some things I should have said to her when I came back from Ohio. She found fault because I mentioned your teeth to her; also of your having a sore ear or head, and that I spoke of j'our not putting on as much style as her or Mary. But if she takes that to herself, I think she would say nothing to you about it, as your style suits me very well. * * * Also Mr. Gee told Orpha he would not for $2o 5-011 would marry me. * * * Your brother, James, was to Orpha's just before she went down, and Isaac told him a lingo about us, and he said he would write to you and put a stop to it. * * * If you are to marrj- to suit them all, you will break the heart of a true and confidential lover. * * * According to Orpha's say to Mary, she was going down to try to break your promise. * * * But if you will only prove true to me. Chloe, I will make you a happy wife during life. * * * What an awful feeling- it is for either one of us to break that solemn promise for the false per- suasions of others, and make ourselves forever unhappj- in this world. * * * I am just one of the best boj'^s on the top of the earth, but only a few know it, and that's just as I want it to be, for if you and me get married we won't have to look to relations for a living, I hope, for I calculate to do that part myself. * * * If I am too fast in my opinion of this letter, I beg of you to forgive me, for as yoix said yourself, I fairly love the gTOtind you tread on ; and why shouldn't I ? * * * i will now address myself to you as usual, yotir loving and intended hvisband, which you cut off in your last to me, also your first ; but I cannot do it. You said ' Yours in love, etc. That is played out. Well, I must dr3^ up, as mj^ paper is near full also. * * * From your intended husband, A big kiss for you as usual." J. H. Hunter. The Final Dismissal. — In reply to the foregoing letter, under date of December 11, Miss Gargett wrote: " Dearest John : Yours of December 6, reached me safel}' last evening, which found me quite well. John, you accused me of sending you a cold letter. From all accounts I think I had good reason for doing so. I know it is not a very pleasant situation to be in, but it is nothing when a person gets used to it. John, why did you not tell me, when you were here, that j'ou thought I had tried to fool you on my age and false teeth? I never tried to fool jou on either. If I had I should have accomplished mj- desire; and as for my taste and style, I think I shall always do in the future as in the past, have one of my oivn. You say you had no fault to find with the material, but the fitting and making did not suit; that I hadn't near as good taste as Mrs. Stiles or Mrs. Gee. So that is your mind on the subject, is it? Well, 1 can soon tell w^hat my opinion is. I think the best thing you can do is to marr}- some one of my tasty sisters, for I do not wish a man for my husband that is more taken up with my relatives than with me. * * * j think if there has been any fooling on either side, you are the one that has done it, for I have never written one thing to you and told another storj' to some one else. What else was it but trying to deceive nie when you wrote that you could not find a single fault with me, and at the same time telling others that I had not near as good taste as my sisters. * ♦ * Besides, John, THREATENS DIRE VENGEANCE. 961 you do not give a very straig^ht history of your life. I, of course, thought it to be my dutj^ to find out all I could in regard to your past life and 1 find that you tell different stories in regard to your parents, etc. * * * I tell you, John, things look dark to me. I feel as though you had done your best to deceive me. * * * j understand that you say you thought I had never been around much. I am glad you think so; but if I have not, I am sharp enough for the most of you fellows, every time. * * * * I had some doubts in my mind when you were down here, caused by the run of your conversation, which set me to thinking, and I asked soine questions and of course they told me what they knew of you; and I find that you have tried to deceive me the verj' worst kind, and for that reason I could not write you as formerly. I can assure j^ou, dear John, it is no pleasure for me to write you this letter, for I had placed great confidence in you, and expected to have you to walk beside through life. But I am very thankful that I got my eyes open before we were married, for, John, we are much better off to part as we are now, than to get married and lead an unhappy life. * * * I, of course, have no doubt you feel bad, but no more so than I do, for it is not very pleasant, after inaking the promises to each other that we have, to have any trouble arise like this * * * i presume it will be many a long day before 3"ou or me will forget the past. 1 know I shall carry it writ- ten on my heart to the grave * * * Oh, John, this is a very sad hour to me. I can never have any more confidence in the inen, if I find you have deceived me, as I fear you have. I am thinking of coming up when Orpha comes hoiue. If I do "we can talk this matter over, but if I should not come if j^ou think this worth}' of an answer I shall be glad to hear from you. But, John, wherever you are, j'ou iriay know I often think of you. This from your sad Chloe." Miss Gargett Visits Michigan. — As intimated in the last quoted letter, Miss Gargett's sister, Orpha, Avas then on a visit to her parents, in Richfield, and on her return to Michigan, soon afterwards, Miss Gargett accompanied her, remaining through the Winter; spending a portion of the time with her sisters, Mrs. Gee and Mrs, Stiles at Elm Hall, and a portion with her brother, James Gargett, at Alma, some ten or eleven miles from Kim Hall. While at her brother's, in the latter part of December, Hunter called to see her. He inquired of her w^hy she had treated him so? To w^hich she replied that he had deceived her; that he had lied to her, and was not the inan he had represented himself to be. He then turned upon her brother and accused him of having broken off the match because of his poverty, and left in considerable of a rage. Sometime afterwards he called again, and asked to see Chloe. Mr. Gargett went and called her, but she sent word to Hunter that she did not wish to see him. Whereupon he became very angr}^, pulled off his coat and swore that he would see her if she w^as in the house. Mr. Gargett stepped in front of him and told him he could not run that house while he was there. Hunter replied with an oath, that if Gargett interfered he must take the consequences, whereupon Gargett said: "You infernal scoundrel get out of the door," and as he did not move fast enough to suit him, Gargett kicked him out. Hunter Threatens Revenge. — Hunter always seems to have been of a very vain and boastful turn of mind, and from the very commencement of his correspondence with Chloe, and especially after that correspondence had developed into a marriage engage- ment, he made a confidant of almost every one with whom he conversed, showing and reading her letters to them, and boasting of the handsome dower she would bring him, which he variously stated at from $10,000 to $16,000; and after his his final rejection he was continually talking about the matter to whoever would listen 61 962 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. to him, and threatening vengeance against James Gargett, and the other members of the family, who had come between him and "his girl." These threats, of course, reached the ears of Miss Gar- gett and her friends, but were regarded as idle talk, born of his insatiate vanity and boastful proclivities, or uttered Avhile under the influence of intoxicating liquors, to the use of which he w^as more or less addicted. But the sequel showed that his talk was not as idle as had been imagined. Deliberately Planning for Revenge. — About the middle of May, 1871, Miss Gargett returned to her home, in Richfield, on learning which. Hunter, in his usual braggart manner, sAvore that he would follow her to Ohio, demand a fulfilment of her promise, and compel her to marry him, or he would "clean out" the entire Gargett family, accompanying these threats with a great show of anger, and the most profane and obscene expressions that his naturally low instincts could devise. These wild anathemas, too, were regarded as idle talk, by those in w^hose presence they were uttered, the general belief being that he was too cowardly to attempt to put his threats into execution. But in this opinion, also, his acquaintances seem to have been mistaken, as evidenced by his subsequent conduct. Starts on His Fatal Mission. — About the 20th day of May, 1871, Hunter borrowed of Mr. J. G. Lace^', of Carson City, Mich., a seven-shooter revolver, having previously informed Mr. Lacey that he was going to Ohio to get married. On Thursday, May 25, Hunter, armed with this revolver, and carrying two small satchels, one of which contained the letters which had been written to him by Miss Gargett, left Elm Hall for Ohio, going by stage to Pewamo, and from thence, by rail, to Detroit, where he took a steamer for Cleveland, arriving at the latter place on Saturday morning. May 27. Here he took passage with Moses McFarlin, then carrying the mail between Cleveland and Copley, leaving Cleveland about eight o'clock a. m. On the way to Richfield, Hunter talked freely to Mr. McFarlin about his love affairs; exhibited his letters; showed a picture of Chloe; said he w^as going down to marry her; that there had never been any trouble between him and the girl, but that her friends in Michigan had interfered, etc. On the suggestion from McFarlin that perhaps the old folks wouldn't let him see Chloe, Hunter clapped his hand to his side pocket, took out his revolver, saying that it contained seven loads, and that he Avould see the girl or "clean out the whole shebang-" that he was "just John Bull enough to do it." The Bloody Double Tragedy. — On his arrival at the West Center of Richfield, Hunter met Rodney Gargett at the postoffice. They shook hands and cordially greeted each other. Hunter telling Rodney that he was going to their house; hadn't much to do and had set some hands to work on a job of painting, telling them he shouldn't be back for a couple of w^eeks; asked if Chloe w^as at home; said he supposed that Rodney had learned that he and Chloe had had some difficulty, and that he had come down to talk the matter over, and thought they vi^ould all feel better over it. Hunter went to the hotel and changed his clothes, then accompanied Rodney to a saw mill and helped unload the log he had hauled in; accompanied him to another mill and assisted in THE DOUBLE MURDER. 963 » loading up with lumber; then went to hotel together where they ■drank two or three glasses of beer each, which Hunter paid for, ^nd, at a little after six o'clock in the evening, started for the Gar- rett homestead, distant about one mile and a quarter. The conversation on the w^ay Avas of a quiet, pleasant, and friendly character, with no intimation from Hunter of the deep passion rankling in his breast. The Gargett farm was situated upon the south side of an east and west road, the house fronting to the north. A short distance east of the house was a broad lane, between the dooryard and the barn, into which a small gate •opened, about opposite the kitchen door. As Rodney and Hunter drove down the road, Mr. Gargett and a neighbor, Mr. S. M. Waldo, were standing near the east side of the lane, the hired man, Richard Abrams, being in the barnyard, milking, while Mrs. Oargett and Chloe virere in the house; the latter up stairs dressing for a party. As Rodney and Hunter drove into the lane, and passed where Mr. Gargett and Mr, Waldo were standing, Mr. Gargett, having a pail in his hand, hastily stepped towards the gate, lead- ing to the house. Rodney Gargett dismounted from the load of lumber upon the left, or east, side, while Hunter dismounted upon the west side. Hastily approaching Mr. Gargett, as he was pass- ing through the gate. Hunter said, "Good evening Mr. Gargett," ±o which the old gentleman made no replj', but passed on towards the house. Following him up Hunter said "Where's Chloe? I Avant to see her," to which Mr. Gargett replied, "No matter where «he is; she don't w^ant to see you," and ordered him to leav^e the premises, whereupon Hunter drew his revolver and shot Mr. Gar- gett in the" head, about two inches above the eye, Mr. Gargett instantly falling to the ground, insensible. At this time Mrs. Gar- gett w^as standing in the kitchen door, in full view of what Avas going on, and upon hearing the report of the pistol, and seeing her husband fall, uttered a loud scream, and rushing to the chamber vas fixed for the trial to commence. The Trial — Impaneling Jury, Etc. — Promptly on the day fixed the case was called. Judge S. W. McClure on the bench, Jacob A. Kohler, Esq., prosecuting attorney, assisted by Hon. Sid- ney Edgerton, Hon. Henry McKinney and George M. Wright, Esq., appearing on behalf of the State, and General A. C. Voris, H. C. Sanford, Esq., Hon. E. P. Green and R. J. Winters, Esq., on behalf of the defendant. The trial continued two weeks, and dur- ing the whole time the court room was thronged daily by a great •crowd of persons, a large proportion of whom were ladies, eager lo catch every w^ord spoken in reference to the case. 966 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. A venire of thirty-six jurors had been summoned, and the^ usual examination as to qualifications had been entered into, but the entire venire was exhausted without securing a single satis- factory juror. A special venire was issued embracing 150 addi- tional names, -which w^as also exhausted before securing a full panel, Avhereupon a second special vemre of 150 names w^as ordered and finally a third. After the examination and rejection of some- thing over 200 persons, the panel was pronounced full, and the jury was duly sw^orn, as follows: Justus Rockwell, of Akron; John B. Harrison, of Cuyahoga Falls; Andrew Fenn, of Tallmadge; Garry T. Preston, of Tallmadge; Marcus Brundige, of Akron - Melchiah Sherbondy, of Portage; Samuel Keller, of Tallmadge;' Alexander M. Russell, of Franklin; Joseph Babb, of Portage; Orlen A. Chapman, of Portage; Edward A. Barber, of Portage;, and William Prior, Jr., of Northampton, Three days and a half had thus been consumed in the selection of the jury, so that the trial proper did not commence until the afternoon of Thursday, July 20. A statement on behalf of the prosecution was made to the jury, by Prosecuting Attorney Kohler, in M^hich a brief history of the case was given from the commencement of the correspondence between the defendant and Chloe Gargett, until his commitment to jail on the charge on w^hich he was about to be tried. General Voris, on behalf of the prisoner, said that he did not want to make any statement on the part of his client, until the evidence for the State had been closed,, but simply wished to caution the jury against forming any con- clusions in the case until the evidence on both sides was all in,, saying: "We do not ask pity for the accused; "sve simply ask that strict justice be done him in every particular." The following named witnesses w^ere sw^orn and examined in. behalf of the State: J. G. Lacey, of Carson City, Mich., from w^hom Hunter had borrow^ed the revolver; Moses McFarlin, with w^hom he rode from Cleveland to Richfield; Robert Rodney Gargett, son of the deceased, -with whom he rode from Richfield to the farm and who witnessed the killing and w^as himself wounded; Seth H^ Waldo, who also witnessed the shooting; Mrs. Caroline Poole, to- whose house Chloe Gargett fled to escape the vengeance of her discarded lover; Elbridge Bigelow, J. E. Buck, W. F. Huddleston,. E. S. Oviatt and E. S. Bentley, w^ho made the arrest and conveyed the prisoner to Richfield Center, and thence to the jail in Akron* Dr. Wesley Pope, of Richfield, who made a superficial examina- tion of both Mr. and Mrs. Gargett, after the shooting; Dr. B. S, Chase, of Akron, who made the post-mortem examination of Mrs^ Gargett's body; and Captain D. Mcintosh, of Elm Hall, Mich., who- had heard Hunter threaten the whole family if they did not give up the girl to him. All of these eleven w^itnesses w^ere searchingly cross-examined, by defendant's counsel, nearly tw^o full days being' consumed in their examination. Insanity the Defense. — On the coming in of court, on Satur- day morning, July 22, the sixth day of the trial, Prosecutor Kohler, on behalf of the State, announced that the prosecution rested, whereupon General Voris proceeded to state to the jury the line of defense which would be presented on behalf of the accused, saying: '* We expect to prove that the accused, John H, Hunter, at the time he committed the deed for w^hich he is being" INSANITY THE DEFENSE. *967 tried, and for several months prior to that time, was insane, and to such a degree that he had not the power of self-control, or the ability to form a sane judgment as to his actions." General Voris then proceeded to detail, at length, the grounds upon which his theory was based; the impairment of his mind by a blow^ received upon his head a year or two before; the unnatural and insane actions of the accused, in connection with his love affairs, and his troubles, and his real or imaginary wrongs emanating therefrom. Though the time between the commission of the crime and the day set for the trial had been short, the indefatigable counsel for the defense had w^orked up a very large array of evidently honest testimony in support of the theory advanced. Affidavits were read from Mrs. Fidelia A. Betts, of Pewamo, Mich., with w^hom Hunter had boarded several w^eeks two or three years before, upon whom he had often called when in Pewamo, and to whom he had told his troubles about "his girl;" Jonathan E.Moser, hotel-keeper at Pewamo, with whom he had also boarded, and w^ith whom he took supper on the eve of his departure for Ohio; George W. Palmer, of Bloomer, Mich., for whom he had worked six or eight weeks, and with whom he boarded during that time; Henry M. Robinson, of Bloomer, for whom he w^orked and with w^hom he boarded for about two Aveeks in April, 1871, and to w^hom he told the story of his wrongs; Augustus C. Burnham, and Mr. and Mrs. Orlando Goldthrite, of Carson City; Franklin M. Pruden, of Bloomer; Mrs. Sarah Ann Scott, James Moorman and Fred E. Scott, of Carson City, to all of whom he had repeatedly told his tale of w^oe, and uttered his maledictions against those by whom his separation from " his girl" had been brought about. » Oral testimony was also given in support of the insanity theory by Rev. Lathrop Cooley, then of Akron, who had visited the prisoner in jail, Lawyer D, M. Wilson, of Youngstow^n, and J. J. Hall, Esq., of Akron, who had conversed with him in jail; William McNeil, Ransom Cole, O. H. Fitts, and Daniel Peck, who had known him in Peninsula some five or six years before, as to his general cheerful deportment at that time. Drs. William Bowen, J. J. Smith and Charles R. Merriman testified as experts on the subject of insanity, based upon the testimony of witnesses, and the hypothetical cases stated by counsel, that they would pro- nounce him insane, or at least a monomaniac upon the subject of " his girl." The defense, after reading a portion of the correspondence between Hunter and Miss Gargett; a pretty full synopsis of which is given earlier in this narrative, for the double purpose of showing a marriage agreement (which the counsel for the State conceded) and of accounting for the disturbance of the defendant's mind, announced, soon after the convening of court on Tuesday afternoon, July 25, that the defense rested. Testimony in Rebuttal. — E. W. Stuart, Esq., testified to read- ing to the defendant, in the jail, an affidavit for continuance which had been prepared by his counsel, w^hich he had signed and sworn to in regular form. James Gargett testified as to his conduct at his house, as heretofore detailed, and in regard to a conversation had with him in the jail in which Hunter seemed to fully realize what he had done, saying that "he wouldn't have done it, if he (James), hadn't opposed him so." Hiram Alexander, George Torrey, George Boyd, Dr. Edward Wilson, F. Oliver, William McCloud, Dr. Daniel 968 • AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Brant and Isaac Gee, of Kim Hall; and H. P. Miller, of Carson City, Mich., all of whom had know^n Hunter during his residence in that vicinity, and were familiar w^ith his habits and actions, tes- tified to their belief in his sanity, while Jacob Fillius, S. B. Price and Carlisle Birge, of Hudson, who had known him there, in 1865, testified to his boastful and excitable disposition, while living there. Norman Oviatt, of Richfield, had seen nothing strange about him while helping Rodney Gargett load lumber at his mill an hour or so before the murder. N. W. Goodhue and Charles Rinehart had talked with him in jail without discovering any signs of insanity about him, while Sheriff Curtiss, w^ho had him in charge, had never discovered anything unusual in his conduct, when others were not present. Drs. Thomas McEbright, E. W. Howard and E. Hitchcock, of Akron, ^vere examined, as experts, and testified, that from the testimony given and the hypotheses submitted, he was, in their opinion, of sound mind at the time he committed the deed. The Arguments of Counsel. — The testimony being all in. Gov. Edgerton opened the argument, on the part of the State, on Thurs- day morning, occupying about t\vo hours, in a masterly revievir of the circumstances attending the homicide, and of the principles of law governing such cases; spoke of the increasing tendency to interpose the plea of insanity in cases of fearful crimes; analyzed the testimony bearing on that phase of the defense, during his remarks, paying a glowing tribute to the tact and bravery of Mrs. Poole, in shielding the stricken and fleeing, and suddenly orphaned, Chloe Gargett, from the murderous fury of her discarded lover. H. C. Sanford, Esq., opened for the defense, occupying the bal- ance of the day (about six hours), in an exhaustive presentation of the authorities bearing upon insanity and homicidal mania, citing many of the acts and expressions of Hunter, both in regard to his love troubles and other matters, developed by the testimony, as fully establishing his lack of responsibility for the act which he had committed, and closed w^ith a very eloquent and earnest appeal to the jur}' to deal justly and impartially by the accused in the rendition of their verdict, as they should answer to their con- sciences and their God. Gen. A. C. Voris followed his colleague on the defense, com- mencing his address immediately on the coming in of the Court, on Friday morning, July 26, and occupying the entire forenoon. It w^as one of the most masterly efforts of the General's professional life, covering the entire range of medical jurisprudence upon the subject of lunacy and mental disturbances, and their .rfglation to acts of violence ; quoting extensively from both medical and judicial authors; review^ing and dissecting the testimony; com- menting on and combatting the argument of Gov. Edgerton on behalf of the State, and closing with a very impressive appeal to the jury to save the life of the defendant, saying: "Remember that if you make a mistake against this man's life, you cannot go beyond the grave to rectify it. May God guide you to a true deliv- erance on this awfully momentous occasion, and we shall be con- tent w^ith your verdict. Gentlemen, the scales of justice are in your hands. To your deliberations are committed the most weighty interests that concern mankind. What you are now doing will sound to eternity. For the life of this man w^e trust you." CHARGE, VERDICT, SENTENCE, ETC. 969 Hon. J. A. Kohler followed Gen, Voris, with the closing argu- ment for the State, occupying all of Fridaj afternoon. The crime of malicious and premeditated murder, as well as the various other degrees of homicide, was clearly defined; the statutes pertaining thereto quoted; and in relation to the defense of insanity \vhich had been interposed, the charge of Judge Birchard to the jury in a similar case was cited: "Was the accused a free agent in form- ing the purpose to kill ? Was he, at the time the act was com- mitted, capable of judging Avhether that act was right or wrong? If you say nay, he is innocent; if yea, and you find the killing to have been done purposely, with deliberate and premeditated malice, he is guilty." The entire effort of Mr. Kohler was clear, concise, logical, eloquent and impassioned ; closing his remarks to the jury with these words: "You answer to God for the manner in which you discharge your duty and leave other ministers of justice to the same great Being, for the manner in Avhich they dis- charge theirs. We are not law-makers; it is our duty to enforce the law^ as it is, and to bring its penalties to bear against the law- breaker. May wisdom direct you in your investigations of the case, so that justice may be vindicated, and that you may, in the spirit of your oaths, make true deliverance between the State and the accused." The Charge — The Verdict. — On Saturday morning, July 29, the thirteenth day of the trial. Judge McClure gave his charge to the jury, occupying a little over half an hour in its delivery. The Judge, after defining the different degrees of homicide, and the law applicable thereto, and properly defining and explaining the terms, deliberation, premeditation, malice, etc., proceeded to quote, and adopt as his own, the language of Judge Boynton in his charge to the jury upon the trial of Vendruth D. Washburn, upon a similar offense, and with a similar defense, a year or so before, and in conclusion said: "Gentlemen, I have now discharged my duties, imperfectly it may be, but faithfully and impartially, I hope; I leave you to discharge yours, in full confidence that you w^ill discharge them fearlessly and faithfully. If the defendant w^as insane at the time he committed the bloody deed with w^hich he stands charged, it would be cruelty to convict. But, if not insane, it would be equally cruel to society to turn him loose again." The jury retired to their room at about 9 o'clock, and at 11:30 returned into the court with their verdict, which w^as read by the clerk as follows: " We the jury, impaneled and sworn to well and truly try, and true deliv- erance make, between the State of Ohio and the prisoner at the bar, John H. Hunter, do find the defendant g-uilty of murder in the first degree. Wm. Prior, Jr., foreman." The Sentence — The Prisoner's Speech. — During the rendition of the verdict, the prisoner sat w^ith his face in his hands, and his elbows resting on his knees, listening attentively to the reading, w^ith a seeming full comprehension of its import, but making no especial demonstration of feeling except through a slight trem- bling of the knees. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the prisoner w^as brought into court for sentence, an immense throng of people being in attendance. A motion for a new trial, submitted by defendant's counsel, was overruled by the Court, and the 970 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. condemned man was commanded to stand up to receive his sen- tence. On his rising to^is feet, Judge McClure said: "On the second day of June, 1871, the Grand Jury of the county of Sum- mit returned an indictment against you, charging' you, in substance, that on the 27th da^^ of May last, in the township of Richfield, in said county, you murdered Klizabeth Gargett. To this charge you interposed a plea of not guilty. The determination of the issues, thus joined, has been submitted to a jury of able and impartial men. Your defense has been conducted by able counsel, who have left no fair or honorable means untried which tended, in anj^ degree, to manifest j^our innocence of a crime so monstrous and if established, so disastrous to your earthly hopes. That jury has returned a verdict declaring you guilty of murder in the first degree, thus sustaining the charge described. Having thus informed yovi of the verdict of the jury, in accordance with the requireiuents of the law, in accordance with the provisions of the same law. I now ask you whether j^ou have any- thing to say why judgment should not now be pronounced against you,, subjecting you to the penalty prescribed for such crime?" The prisoner, in a low but firm tone of voice, and without any special manifestation of excitement, proceeded to speak as follows, " Your Honor, I think I have been dealt with unjustly. My first reason is that 1 had not the witnesses to prove my case, that I wanted my attorneys to get for me. There have been witnesses here on the stand with whom I never had any acquaintance whatever. I have been charged on the stand b5^ Dr. Torrey, that I owed him $60 for board. I deny it. I never owed him a cent luore than $30. They deny that I ever had ah interview with my girl at Elm Hall, but it is not so. I 'did see her twelve, yes, fovirteen evenings. I was to uphold her in every shape and form. They have denied me a right- ecms trial. They have accused me of shooting MrS. Gargett. I say I never remeinber seeing her at all. So help me God ! So help me God ! I never saw her ! I never had any recollection of Mrs. Gargett. I remember seeing Mr. Gargett, the first and last. I atu not a murderer. The last I remember is jumping off the w^agon. I bought the revolver for the purpose of shooting inyself if I did not get mj^ girl. I don't value my life. My girl is what 1 die for, and this is what I die for. They tore out my heart in Michigati. When I went to see her they kicked me out of the house. They never brought her here to the trial. They had a right to bring her here and Mrs. Stiles. I never was afraid to meet her. They treated me as a child. I never harbored any- thing against Mrs. Gargett. I gave her time to overlook the engagement,, but they were all satisfied with me. I told Mr. and Mrs. Gargett, last Fall,, that I was a poor man ; that I had traveled a great deal and spent a great deal of money. It may have been foolish ; but we are all foolish. I was going- to settle down. I have been a true man to her. The last time I saw my girl was at the hotel in Elm Hall, and George Torrey, who swore my life away, held the horses as I helped her into the cutter. It was then that she said she would stick to ine if the devil w^as at the back door. I am willing ta die for my girl, but not for murder. It is not for the murder of Mrs. Gargett that I die. I do not recollect her — I do not recollect her — I do not, I say,, recollect her. When they say she was not at Elm Hall, they say what is not true. Chloe was in Elm Hall three weeks, and we visited together. This is the truth from the lips of a dying man. If I had money to bring my witnesses to Ohio, I would be an innocent man to-day. I am no murderer, I am destitute; I have no relations in America. I did not know what was ahead of me. I was willing to die, but. Oh, God! I w^anted to bid her good bye. I was ready to lay down my life for my girl in Michigan, When I went to James Gargett's to see her, he said I couldn't see her. I asked him why? He said she didn't want to see me. I said she did want to see me. When she came down stairs — I shall never forget it to my dying day— she sat with her head down as if her heart would break with bitter grief, because she couldn't speak to me, and I knew she wanted to see me. Mr. Gargett told her she should not see me, and they kicked me out of the house. I told her to come to Elm Hall and I'd see her. Three days after she sent me a letter saying: " Coiue over, John, for you are the man I love," and I went. They said I came to shoot her. I would die first. In my right mind I would shoot no one. There never was a more sensitive man in the world than I am. I am not a murderer ! I aiu not a murderer ! God forbid that I should be a murderer! I have suffered more in this love affair than; INCIDENTS OF THE TRIAL. . 971 twelve men in the agonies of of death— more than all the men in Ohio. I suffered more than I could hide, and I knew it. When I received the note I went over to James Gargett's to see her, knocked, went in, and was received with all the g'reeting' of a kind and lovingf heart. I visited her and revisited her. They can't deny it. She was loving every time. She told her sister Mary, before she left: " Mary, you give my love to John, and tell him I will ever prove true to him." That's true The next thing I heard was that she had gone back on me, and they kicked me, and I have never seen her since. They would not bring- her here to testify on the stand because it would gratify me. No, it would please me too much. My last dying words will be: " God Bless the Girl I Love ! " Judge McClure then resumed: " Notwithstanding your statements, Mr. Hunter, I am under the painful necessity of sa3-ing to you that, in my judgment, the verdict of the jury i» fully justified by the evidence upon which it is based. I do not see how, without violating the solemn oath that was administered to them, they could have returned a different verdict. It therefore becomes my duty, and it is a painful one, I assure you, and one from which I wovxld gladly escape^ were it possible for me to do so — to pronounce upon you the extreme penalty known to the law. Before, however, announcing the sentence in form, per- mit me to remark that the same power, which prescribed the penalty for the crime of which you have been convicted, has also huinanely provided that at least one hundred daj^s shall intervene betweeti the sentence and judg- ment and the day appointed for the execution thereof. The design of the delay is two-fold. First, to enable your counsel, in the event they may think error has been committed by the Court, during the progress of the trial, ta take the necessary steps to reverse the judgment on that account; and sec- ondly, and perhaps mainly, to give jou time to make such preparations as you may deem necessary for your approaching doom. In regard to such preparations I have no advice to give you. Divided as the world now is ima different sects, I have long- believed that each and every man should be left to his own untrammeled judgment in regard to matters of such immense importance. Actuated by such conviction, most sincerely entertained, I leave you entirely free to adopt such course as your own judgment shall dictate. Nothing more remains for me to say except the following: It is the judgment of this court, and the sentence of the law, that you be taken hence to the jail of this county; that you be there safely and securely kept, by the jailer thereof, until Tuesday, the 21st day of November. 1871, and that on that day, you, John H. Hunter, be taken to the place of execution prescribed by law, and that then and there, between the hours of 10 A. M., and 12 o'clock M., of said day, you be hanged by the neck until you are dead." Incidents of the Trial. — It will be remembered that insanity •was the sole defense of the condemned man, the killing of both Mr. and Mrs. Gargett, and the wounding of the son, Rodney, by Hunter, being conceded. This theory, the jury, by their verdict decided to be untrue, and hence, assuming the justness of the ver- dict, all of his demonstrations in that line, after his incarceration in jail, and during the trial, w^ere simply "put on" for effect, a» most of those who witnessed them at the time believed them to be. For instance, while the trial w^as in progress he would often go off into fits of immoderate laughter, or indulge in appalling facial contortions w^ith violent gesticulations, and at one time, while the attorney for the State wa» cross-examining one of the defendant's medical experts, by a hypothetical question in w^hich occurred the clause, "supposing Chloe Gargett, w^hile visiting Elm Hall, frankly told Hunter she would not have him." Hunter sprang to his feet, and shaking his fist at the questioner, yelled at the top of his voice, "You're a liar, sir! You're a liar ! You're a liar!" but on being taken hold of by the sheriff and ordered to take his seat, and keep quiet he immediately obeyed him. At another time, w^hile being conducted from the jail to the court room, he broke out into a series of most violent ravings, cursing, swearing and 972 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. using the most obscene language, refusing to take a seat w^hen ordered by the sheriff to do so, and violently struggling with that officer and his deputies until sharply spoken to by the Court, \srhen he immediately sat down and became quiet, except in the w^ay of some rather emphatic gesticulations. In an interview with the writer, then editor of The Beacon, Hunter had promised to sit for his picture, with a vievt^ of having it engraved for publication in connection ^with a history of the trial. Seating him at the proper distance from the instrument, Mr. Battels would bring the camera to the desired focus, and just as he was ready to remove the black cloth, Hunter would break out into an "uncontrollable" fit of laughter, w^hich ^vould disar- range the entire affair. This he repeated some six or eight times, until Sheriff Curtiss said to him somewhat sternly: "Come John, stop your fooling, or you won't get any dinner today," w^hen he quieted right down, and the negative w^as speedily completed. Application for Commutation of Sentence. — As the time appointed for his execution drew^ nigh. Governor Hayes was appealed to by defendant's counsel, for a commutation of his sen- tence to imprisonment for life. To this end. Dr. Kendrick, super- intendent of the Northern Ohio Hospital for the Insane, was invited to visit him in jail with the vievir of testing the soundness or unsoundness of his mind. To fully test the matter and satisfy himself. Dr. Kendrick first visited him alone, and afterwards, the same day, in company ^vith Drs. William Bowen and George P. Ashmun. After a long interview, and the application of a great variet}^ of tests usual in such examinations, though treated to numerous outbursts of mirth, wrath, fury, etc., they were unani- mous in the conclusion that "though he showed signs of great weakness of intellect, no indications whatever of insanity appeared." He was thereupon informed by his counsel that there was no further hope. Still Insists that He is Insane. — On being informed by his counsel of the result of the medical examination, Hunter furnished, on Saturday, November 18, for publication in The Beacon, the following: " I am now aware that my tiine is short in this world, and that all hope of salvation on earth is lost. I must and will g"ive ni3'self to God, hoping- that he \vill have a home prepared for me in Heaven, where trouble and sor- row is never known. I can earnestly saj^ that I harbor no ungrateful feeling or ill-will towards any person on earth. But I now say, myself, that I am not sane and rational at all times, and I have been pronounced insane twelve years ago in Canada, as I will give an instance. Once, when the Prince of Wales visited Atnerica and the Provinces, I went up to him when he stood on the flat-car at the depot, threw off my coat to whip him; and came near dragging him off the car. I was arrested and confined for a short time. Was that sane or insane? But the next thing I shall speak of is capital punishment. What is it? I can tell you. It is an act of barbarity, and is not in accordance with the laws of God, or huinanity, and ought not to be allowed to exist in a land where the word of God prevails and Christianity reigns. And I hope and pray that I inay be the last man ever to be sentenced to such a fate." Unsuccessful Attempt at Suicide. — As Hunter had, from time to time, asseverated that how^ever closely they might watch him he had the means to end his life by his own hand, from this time on his actions were closely scrutinized through the day, and n strict watch kept upon him through the night. On Monday, ATTEMPT TO COMMIT SUICIDE. 973 the day before the execution, he sent word to the writer that he Avished to see him immediately after dinner. Accordingly, about half past one o'clock, I repaired to the jail, w^hen he greeted me pleasantly, saying that though I had already granted him many favors, he had yet one more favor to ask of me. He then handed me a sealed letter, saying he had w^ritten his last letter to the public which he wished me not to open until after his death, and then publish in The Beacon, which I promised to do. Half an hour later he made the attempt to take his ow^n life in the follow- ing manner: Sheriff Curtiss had thoroughly searched the jail and had removed from his reach everything with which he could possibly kill himself, and leaving Mrs. Curtiss at the point of observation from the sheriff's sleeping room, at the southw^est corner of the jail, stepped across to the court house to attend to his official duties there. Soon after he left, Mrs. Curtiss saw Hunter dis- tribute a lot of apples among his fellow-prisoners, and after they had commenced eating them, saw him enter his cell and close the grated door after him, a circumstance so unusual as to excite her suspicion that something was w^rong, and she immediately sent for her husband. Hurrying across the street. Sheriff Curtiss at once repaired to his cell, w^here he found Hunter seated, in a reclining posture, upon his bed, in his shirt sleeves, w^ith a large jet of blood spurting from a gash about half an inch in length just below the elbow, on his left arm. A physician, who happened to be at the court house, w^as immediately summoned. The application of a compress stanched the flow^ of blood, and though he struggled desperately, and attempted to tear off the bandage, he was so bound and secured as to be unable to do himself any further harm. On making a further examination of his cell, Sheriff Curtiss found a small piece of glass, that might have been produced by the breaking of a bottle or tumbler, in form something like an Indian arrow head, about three-fourths of an inch in lengthy extremely sharp pointed at one end and double edged, like a sur- geon's lancet, and with this, as Sheriff Curtiss supposed, an incision had been made in the arm, severing a vein only, and not an artery, as he had evidently intended. His Last Written Statement. — On opening the letter above alluded to, it was found to read as follows: "Summit County Jail, November 20, 1871. "Mr. Lane: — I now seat myself to inform you, and throug'h you the pub- lic, that I am this daj' ^oing' to commit suicide. I do it with long- premedi- tation, but I do it without malice, either against myse]f or any other person in this world. Then it cannot be called murder in the first degree. The sheriff sat up with me all last night to watch me; but little did he think that 1 sat up to watch him at the same time. I thoiight it was rather hard for hitn to set up with me all night, to try and keep me alive so that he could have the pleasure of killing me the next da5^ These laws don't suit some believers, myself among the number. Let those who make such laws experiment upon themselves. 1 consider thej' are the Devil's laws, and let him get caught in his own trap. I certainly would not allow any person wha wishes to go to heaven, to throw himself body and sovil into such a place as to be hanged by the neck until he is dead, for God has said: Deut. 21:23. Gal. 3:13. That is iny belief. Read that before you think any more. I hope my friends — Christians — will, at as early a day as possible, abolish all such inhumanity as trying to swing a man into heaven by a rope, and then have the assurance to say that that is in accordance with the laws of God. God 974 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. made man and he made the laws. But He never made a law to hang- either 30U or me. So, therefoi'e, you must not think but what you will do rig-ht if 3^ou act accordingly. "I am clear, in my own conscience, at this present moment, of what I am about to do, as you are in your belief, for I act in accordance with the laws of God, as you are acting in accordance with the laws of inhumanitj^ and barbarity. You ought to turn from 3'our wretched cruelty, no matter what people may say about it, when jou know you are wrong. Well might you saj^ that if I was the last man to commit such a crime you would give me clear; but seeing that I am not, then the jury must be told to make an example of me. But, my Christian professor, j^ou are only making an example of yourself, not only before your fellow-men but before your God. "I will close bj' saj'ing: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and clamor and «vil speaking-, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you. Peace be to the brethren, and love, with faith from God, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with them that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Now maj' the Lord of Peace Himself g^ive you peace alwajs, bj- all meaUvS. The Lord be with 3'ou all and save my sotil. Amen. John H. Hunter." Accompanying the above, and \\rritten just before the inter- vievsr with me at the jail door, -was the following " last word " to myself and the public: "Akron Jail, November 20, 1 o'clock p. M. " Mr. Lane: — Please add one more favor to the many already done me, by publishing this my dj'ing declaration: I, John H. Hunter, now declare, in the presence of my Maker, that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, Sheriff Curtiss is ignorant of all this act of suicide that I am about to com- mit. So, therefore, there is no person to blame, for they have kept a close watch over me, or I should have done this long ago, as I never intended to die on the gallows. I have had the instrument to do it with for nearly four months in the jail. I doubt whether.it will ever be found after 1 am gone, as it is a very small article, and is almost invisible a short distance oflf. Farewell! John H. Hunter." The Execution — Dying Speech, Etc. — The gallows had been erected in the corridor, in the northeast corner of the jail, and w^as the same upon which James Parks and several other murderers in adjoining counties had previously been hung. As in the case of Parks, on the day appointed for his execution here, a crow^d began to assemble about the jail early in the day, composed indiscrim- inately of men, women and children, which was greatly aug- mented as the hour of execution drew nigh, and much excitement existed, although there were no such disorderly demonstrations as had previously been manifested when Streeter w^as executed at Medina, or have since occurred at Ashland and other points in Ohio w^here murderers have been legally done to death upon the scaffold. As the hour approached, the distress of the doomed man became very great, the most abject fear taking entire possession of him. There were only some tw^enty persons present, all told, including the sheriff and his assistants, attorneys, clergymen, newspaper reporters, etc., among the latter the w^riter of this nar- rative. At 20 minutes to 11 o'clock, Rev. Lathrop Cooley, of the Disciple Church, who had been his spiritual adviser throughout, had religious services' w^ith the doomed man alone in his cell; besides fervently praying with him, exhorting him to meet his fate A^ith fortitude and resignation. The prisoner was not inclined to talk very much, but kept up an almost continuous moaning. DYING SPEECH — EASY DEATH, ETC. 975 At 20 minutes past 11 o'clock Sheriff Curtiss and Mr, Cooley led him from his cell to the scaffold, his step being so faltering, and his nerves so unstrung that he almost had to be lifted from his feet while passing along the corridor and ascending the stairs. Being seated upon a chair on the platform, Sheriff Curtiss read the death warrant to him and asked him if he had anything io say why the sentence of the law should not be put into execu- tion. He then asked how much time he had to speak, and the sheriff told him he could have ten minutes. Then, in a broken and disconnected manner, he spoke as follows: "I am innocent of the crime for which I am to suffer. I did not intend to do the deed. I here pray that the Lord will forg-ive all my sins and that he will forg'ive all my enemies. I now forgive all my enemies, hoping that all will forg-ive me. I have no enmity against my girl, Chloe Gargett, and I hope the Lord will forgive her. I must now take my leave of my friends and of the w^orld. I have no confession to make of any crime w^hatever. I have never committed any offence in any country where I have lived. I hope the Lord will take ine to heaven. I have alwaj^s loved Mr. and Mrs. Gargett and did not intend to take their lives. Witnesses swore false against tne, but I forgive them. I now forgive all, and hope that the Lord will forgive my soul. [To the sheriff.] Give my love to your wife who has cared for me so well, and to ray attorneys and friends." He then asked Mr. Cooley to pray for him, which he did, after reading a portion of Scripture, in a very impressive manner. Mr. Oooley then took him by the hand -and bade him farewell, saying: "Good bye, John; we have met often but shall meet no more here." Sheriff Curtiss and Deputy Sheriff David A. Scott then pinioned his arms and feet and placed him, standing, upon the drop. The prisoner tremblingly continued to utter words of prayer, and cries for mercy, saying: " O Lord God ! save me and deliver me ! O God ! I will be with Thee in heaven, and may Jesus Christ pardon ine. Bless those that curse me, I will forgive them all and hope to meet them all in heaven, and those that I shot. Give my love to all. I am an innocent man. I never premeditated it. I hope God will take me and all my friends to heaven — my girl and all. Will not some one pray for me?" Mr. Cooley then again ascended the platform and offered another fervent prayer that fortitude might be given the doomed man to meet his impending fate, and for his eternal salvation. Sheriff Curtiss then stepped forward with the black cap, which Hunter begged him not to put on him. Informing him that it was his duty to do so, the sheriff pulled the cap down over his face and shut out forever the light of this w^orld from his mortal vision. At 18 minutes to 12 o'clock the noose was adjusted about his neck, and at precisely 16 minutes to 12 the trap was sprung, the body falling just seven feet and ten inches, the toes of his bouts just clearing the floor of the jail, his last exclamation being; •' O my Lord, God Almighty ! Give my lov^e to all, both enemies and friends." In falling, the noose slipped from under the left ear to the left side of the back part of the head, and it was feared that death must result from strangtilation, and that his struggles would be severe. With the exception of a slight vibratory motion of the body, however, and, at the second minute after falling, a very slight contraction of the muscles of the legs, there was no strug- gle whatever, and at exactly eight minutes from the time the trap 976 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. was sprung, the attending physicians pronounced life extinct, and John H. Hunter had, so far as human la^ws could do it, fully expi- ated the dreadful crime he had committed. The Disposition of His Body. — Hunter left a" written request that Messrs. Voris, Sanford and Cooley should take charge of his body after his death, and with the following directions: "Let the doctors make a thorough examination of my head, but not, on any condition, cut my body. After this examination the body is to be given in charge to the gentlemen named to be interred with such ceremonies as they may think proper." Accordingly, on the afternoon of the execution, some eleven or twelve physicians and surgeons of the city and vicinity, assembled in the upper portion of the jail, when an autopsy upon the head of the dead malefactor was performed by Dr. Byron S. Chase. A most thorough and critical examination of the brain was made by all physicians present. It w^as found to weigh 46i/2 ounces, con- siderably over the average, and in a perfectly sound and healthy condition. No marks of concussion from any external blow^ could be found, and the general verdict was adverse to any form of insanity w^hatever. Thus, if the science of anatomy is of any value, it was demonstrated that, however honest his counsel may have been in their most earnest advocacy of that theory of defense, and however firmly the belief in his insanity was entertained by his friends, the verdict of the jury and the the judgment of the court were fully vindicated, and the general verdict of the people, that his punishment was just, emphatically confirmed. Spirited Contest for the " Cadaver."— In the late evening of the day of execution, the body of the murderer, dressed in the plain black suit worn upon the gallows, and enclosed in a plain pine coffin, w^as quietly taken to Glendale cemetery, by Superin- tendent Wills, accompanied by Rev. L. Cooley, H. C. Sanford, Ksq., .Sheriff Augustus Curtiss, and deputy sheriffs David A. Scott and Mills Curtiss, and buried in the pottersfield, in the northwest por- tion of the grounds. There was no law^ in Ohio, at that time, for the turning over, by the public authorities, of the bodies of criminals or unknown dead, to medical institutions or associations, for scientific purposes, and such subjects as were needed for that purpose, had to be clandestinely procured. There were at least three parties on the alert to secure the body in question — one, a party of medical students from Cleveland, the other two parties being rival physi- cians resident in the city of Akron. The former becoming satis- fied that there w^as no show^ for them, early withdrew^ from the contest. The two Akron teams were captained by Dr. "X" and Dr. <'Y" respectively. Hardly had the burial party retired from the grave, and w^hile the superintendent was still engaged in putting out his horse, just over the hill, before the Dr. " Y" crowd commenced digging for the body, but before reaching the coffin, the superintendent returned and made them retire. Scott was then detailed to w^atch the grave, and on his return, after a tem- porary absence, found the Dr. "X"crowd busy throwing out the earth, and commanded them to desist, but they utterly refused to do so, and kept on vigorously at their ghoulish w^ork. Before reaching the coffin, how^ever, the superintendent again appeared upon the ground, rather carelessly tiring his revolver into the THE murderer's BODY SKELETONIZED. 977 surrounding bushes and shrubbery, when the diggers thought it prudent to retreat. This faction then hunted up a couple of the cemetery trustees, \vho, while they had no legal authority to order the superintendent to deliver over the body, did order him to withdraw his guards from that portion of the grounds. This order the superintendent, good conscientious man, was most seriously disinclined to obey, and while discussing the matter with one of the trustees and one or two of the M. D.'s, the Dr. "Y" crowd quietly slipped in, and laboring w^ith an expedition known only to "resurrectionists," abstracted the body, and without stopping to readjust the grave, retired from the field — i. e. potter's field — in triumph, and the well prepared skeleton of the murderer of Robert and Elizabeth Gargett — John H. Hunter — ^is now^ doing duty in the cabinet of a prominent physician and surgeon in the city of Akron. Subsequent Family History. — By a will executed in 1861, Robert Gargett, devised to his wife the use of the home farm dur- ing her natural life, and at her decease to his youngest son, Robert Rodney Gargett; all other property, real and personal, to the wife absolutely, to be by her managed and disposed of as she might deem right and just. Mrs. Gargett dying first, the terms of the w^ill, except as to the home farm of 101 acres, willed to Rodney, w^ere inoperative, and the estate w^as duly administered upon, the balance of the real estate being partitioned to the several heirs, and the farm stock and other personal property sold and the pro- ceeds distributed according to law. At the public sale, Rodney purchased the larger portion of the farm stock, amounting to several thousand dollars, which, in addi- tion to his own share of his proceeds, necessitated the borrowing oi a considerable sum of money, for which mortgages were exe- cuted upon his inherited homestead. Instead, however, of settling right down to the steady-going and economical farm life of his lamented father, young Gargett at once began to "take on airs," purchasing a nice team and carriage, supplying himself and wife with gold watches, and other luxuries, and so largely devoted himself to the comforts and pleasures of life, that on the maturity of his paper, for borrowed money, he w^as unable to meet the pay- ments, and at the January term, 1877, of the Court of Common Pleas of Summit county, a decree of foreclosure of a mortgage given to Robert Whipp was rendered, and the mortgaged property ordered to be sold. The writer was then sheriff, and the property, appraised at $6,060.00, was sold to Mr. Jackson Law^, assignee of the mortgage, and plaintiff in the suit for foreclosure, for two- thirds the appraised value, to-wit, $4,040.00, leaving, after satisfy- ing judgment and costs, a surplus of $130.05 only, which was duly paid over by me to the defendant. A year or two later Mr. Gar- gett removed to Michigan, where he purchased a small farm, which, as the writer is informed, he has since conducted with a fair degree of diligence and success, also, according to reports among his old neighbors in Richfield, having been elected to the responsible position of justice of the peace in the township of his adoption. Miss Chloe Gargett, after the trebly fatal termination of her youthful romance and infatuation — but against whom no suspicion of unchaste intimacy with her vain-braggart lover was ever entertained by those who knew^ her — ^also, after the sad occur- rences herein narrated, w^ent to her friends in Michigan, where she es 978 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, Avas subsequently married to a highly respectable gentleman by the name of George Halliday, a hardware merchant, but after- wards, by reason of the loss of his entire stock of goods by fire, without insurance, retiring to a farm, where they are reported to be now living in prosperity and happiness. Thus ends, in brief, one of the most thrilling episodes that ever agitated the public mind of Summit county — and very largely of the two contiguous States of Ohio and Michigan — and one which should forever serve as a warning against the seductive influence, and imminent danger, of indulging in epistolary corre- spondence with a stranger of the opposite sex, "w^ith a view to matrimony," or otherwise, before having met him or her face to face; an indulgence wrhich in this case, consigned three human beings to premature graves (one in deep disgrace and ignominy), and entailed life-long sorrow upon the surviving principal in the tragedy, and upon the very large circle of her relatives and friends. CHAPTER XLVII. ;SPRINGFIELD— PIONEER MATTERS-ORGANIZATION AND GROWTH— TOPOGRAPHY, RESOURCES, ETC.— INDIAN EXODUS AND SCARE— VILLAGES, HAMLETS, ETC., ABOLITION, "RIOT," FREE SPEECH VINDICATED, ANTIQUATED EGGS, ETC.— EDUCATIONAL, RAILROAD AND MILITARY MATTERS— CRIMINAL STATUS — MURDER OF JOHN RHODENBAUGH, A LONGTIME RESIDENT OF SPRINGFIELD, NEAR KENT, IN 1865 -TRIAL AND CONVICTION OF MURDERERS, JACK COOPER AND JOEL BEERY— EXECUTION OF COOPER, LIFE SENTENCE OF BEERY— THE ROOF-MU.SSON HOMICIDE IN 1866— EXCITING PURSUIT AND CAPTURE OF THE MURDERER- PROMINENT AND WEALTHY CITIZEN IMPLICATED— TRIAL AND ACQUITTAL OF THE LATTER, WHILE FORMER PLEADS GUILTY TO MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE— LIFE SENTENCE, PARDON, SUBSEQUENT LIFE, ETC.— SPRINGFIELD'S HONORABLE CIVIL RECORD, ETC. SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 'HpHE township of Springfield is located on the south line of the *- Connecticut Western Reserve, and is the tenth township from the east line of the State, and is consequently designated on the county records as lot 1, range 10. It was originally, like all of the Reserve, attached to Trumbull county, but became a part of Por- tage county on its organization, June 8, 1808, which relation was maintained until the new^ county of Summit w^as erected, in 1840. The act, erecting Portage county, was passed February 10, 1807, to take effect June 7, 1807 ; but for some reason, now unexplainable, the organization of the new^ county was postponed one year, as above indicated. Like all of the tow^nships of the Reserve, Spring- field w^as originally five miles square, about half of one square mile having been clipped out of the northwest corner and attached to the township of Middlebury, in March, 1857, and now forming a portion of the Sixth Ward, of the city of Akron. Early Settlement. — The township was surveyed by Gen, Simon Perkins, for the Connecticut Land Company, in 1806. It was what was called an "equalizing" township; J. e., certain por- tions of the territory were assigned to the purchaser of Shalers- ville, to bring it up to the quality of the average townships of the Reserve. The portions thus assigned were the east half and a strip off the west side, the latter portion being purchased by Henry and ■Charles Chittenden, from Connecticut, Henry Chittenden being, for many years, a prominent citizen of the tow^nship and village of Middlebury, as farmer, contractor, hotel-keeper, etc. The first settler in the township, is believed to have been Ariel Bradley, the grandfather of the present Mr. James Bradley, of Mogadore, who came to what is novir Mahoning county in 1801, to Suffield in 1805, crossing the line, late in 1806, or early in 1807, and settling on lot 12, part of w^hich is now in the village of Mogadore ; Mr. Thomas Hale, grandfather of the present efficient secretary of -the Summit County Agricultural Society, Mr. Albert Hale, coming in from Suffield, Connecticut, about the same time. 980 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. About 1807, also, came Reuben Tupper, Nathan Moore, Benja- min Baldwin, John Hall 2d, (father of John J. Hall, Esq., of Akron) and his younger brother, James Hall. The three former Avere from Connecticut, and the two latter, though of Scotch-Irish descent, came from Pennsylvania; an uncle, Robert Hall, with his family, coming in the same year. Robert also had had a son John, hence the appellation, John Hall 2d. ' The latter and his brother,^ James, then being both considerably under age, built a cabin and settled upon a farm about half a mile east of the "Burgh," or so- called center of the town, Mrhile the uncle and his family located upon what was for many years afterwards known as the Weaver farm, now owned by Peter Lepper, on the Akron and Mogadore road. ARIEL BRADLEY, — Springtield's ■^ first settler, was born in Salis- bury, Connecticut, December 30, 1768 ; common school education ; raised a farmer; married September 27, 1792, to Chloe Lane, of Killing^worth, Con- necticut, born October 22, 1770. In 1800, came to Ohio, via the Southern route, over the Alleg'heny mountains, being over a month on the journey, arriving' in Canfield, now in Mahoning county, in June; in March, 1806, moved into a cabin on the Kent farm in Suffield,the same Fall bujdng a quar- ter section in Range 10, Tract 8, Town 1, Lot 11, on the east line of what is now Springfield township, a portion of which is still occupied bj^ his grandson, Mr. James Bradley, his house, occupied in March, 1807, being the first erected in that township. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley were among the most thrifty and highly respected of the pioneer inhabitants of the West- ern Reserve. They had eight chil- dren — James Lane, born November 25, 1793 ; John Anson, January 3, 1796 ; Phoebe Marille, March 18,1798; Robert Edgar, March 23, 1800 ; Harlow Robert, November 20, 1802; Heman Allen, December 15, 1804 ; Ariel Bird, May 4, 1811 ; Amelia Emma, December 1, ARIEL BRADLEY. 1815, the first four born in Connecti- cut, the last four in Ohio, all of whom, good and honored citizens in life, are now deceased. Mrs. Bradlej' died in 1848, aged 78 years ; Mr. Bradley, whose portrait, taken at the age of 85, is given herewith, dying in April, 1857, at the age of 89 years. It w^ill be impossible to give the advent, and trace the individ- ual histories of all the early settlers in Springfield within the limits of this chapter, even if the data for the same was now avail- able. They were of mixed nationality and descent, as the names, in addition to those given, w^ill indicate, among them being Abraham DeHaven, William Foster, Samuel Wood, James Mc- Knight, George Vallandigham, Thomas Metlin, Rev. Thomas Beers, James McCormick, Samuel, John, Jehu and David EUet, John Crotzer, Peter, Almeron, Lester and Thomas Norton, Pat- rick and Archie Christy, Robert Clark, George McGrew, Joseph Scott, Jacob Winters, James Wirtz, Samuel Hinston, Joseph D. Baird, Francis Irvin, John and Francis Weston, Timothy Holcomb, Deacon Ewart, etc.; not altogether "Pennsylvania Dutchmen," as stated by a former local historian. George Vallandigham, or "Col."^ ORGANIZATION, POPULATION, ETC, 981 Vallandigham as he was called, was for many years quite a prom- inent character of the tow^nship, and w^as uncle to to the after- wards notorious Clement L. Vallandigham, (a native of Colum- biana county), w^ho, in his younger days w^as well known to many ■of the people of the towship as a frequent visitor at the house of his uncle George. JOHN HALL, 2nd,— born in Penn- sylvania, February 17, 1791 ; edu- cation limited ; raised on farm ; in 1807, came to Ohio, settling- on an uncleared farm half a mile east of Springfield Center, "2nd" being- added to his name, because of an •elder cousin of that name in same neighborhood. In January, 1815, was married to Miss Jane Shields, of Armstrong count}^, Pennsylvania, ■who came to Ohio in 1812. They had nine children — Rebecca, born May 14, 1816, married to Robert G. Boyd, of Marion, February 8, 1841, d\ed August 25, 1888 ; Jane Jackson, born February 10, 1818, married to Jacob Thompson, March 18, 1847, now a widow in Akron; Margaret Shields, born December 29, 1819, married to Jacob Ream, Novem- ber 29, 1838, died October 3, 1854; Eliza, born March 2, 1822, married to John M. Boyd, of Marion, Januarj' 1, 1846, now, a widow in Akron ; David, born April 28, 1824, died in 1851 ; Mary Boj'd, born July 7, 1826, married to Henry Thomas, April 8, 1850, now in Akron ; John J., born July 27. 1828, married to C5"nthia A. Jones, April 13, 1854, now a prominent attorney in Akron; Harriet Newell, born Septem- ber 16, 1832, now, unmarried, residing in Akron ; Sallie M., born June 11, 1835, married to Matthias Harter, Octo- ber 16, 1855, now living in Akron. Mr. Hall was a zealous advocate of right JOHN HALL, 2nd. and justice — organized the first tem- perance society in Springfield, while his house was a prominent station on the " Underground Railway," during- the dark daj^s of American Slavery. Mr. Hall died, in Marion, March 28, 1876, aged 85 years, 1 month and 11 days, Mrs. Hall dying Septeiuber 17, 1876, aged 82 years, 5 months and 16 days. Organization, Growth, Etc. — In April, 1808, the township of Springfield, in connection with Tallmadge, Suffield and Randolph, was organized. The trustees then elected were, John Goss, of Randolph; Stephen Upson, of Tallmadge; and Benjamin Baldwin, «f Springfield. The first justice of the peace for the territory named was Benjamin Baldwin, entering upon his official duties, March 13, 1809. The precise date of the organization of Spring- field, as a distinct township, is not now ascertainable. Settlement was quite rapid, so that by the year 1830, the town- ship must have contained nearly, if not quite, 1,500 inhabitants, the census of 1840 giving the population, including that portion embraced in the village of Middlebury, at 1,663; the census of 1880 giving the total number of inhabitants, exclusive of the territory named, at 2,332, which is a much larger increase for the 40 years, than the average townships of the county, or of the Reserve. The succeeding ten years, how^ever, didn't make quite so good a show^- ing, the census of 1890, placing the population at 1,966, a falling off 4)i 366. 982 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Topography, Resources, Etc. — Springfield is what might be- termed gently rolling, with no very steep hills or precipitous gullies,, though traversed by several considerable streams — the Little Cuy- ahoga river across its entire northern end, and the Tuscaraw^as- athwart the southwest corner, and several other smaller streams, together w^ith a fine body of water, some three miles in circumfer- ence, know^n as Springfield Lake, at the exact geographical center of the tow^n. This lake, supposed to be supplied from subterranean sources, was not only originally a tributary of the Little Cuyahoga river, but has, for the past fifty years, been a reliable feeder of the- race that supplies the Akron mills w^ith water, the mill owners having the legal authority to raise the water six feet above, and lower it four feet below, the normal level. Though in places very deep, with a very soft bottona, the statement of a former writer that it cannot be fathomed is probably without adequate foun- dation. I ROBERT L. EWART, — born in Spring-field, now in Summit county, March 18, 1812, and is the oldest living- native, and one of the very first white children born in the township ; educated in the pioneer log school house, and bred a farmer, which vocation he has always fol- lowed. March 10. 1836, Mr. Ewart was married to Miss Mary Ann McKnight. of Springfield, who survived their marriage a year or two, onl5^ June 18, 1839, Mr. Ewart was again married, to Miss Martha Lemmon, of North- field, who died June 6, 1857, leaving three children — Joseph C, now a prominent manufacturer in Akron, whose portrait and biography appear elsewhere ; Jennie A., now Mrs. Jona- than Sprague, of Marysville, Noda- way county, Missouri, and William L., now a successful fruit grower and horticulturist in Springfield. March 4, 1858, Mr. Ewart was again married, to Mrs. E. A. B. McCain, of Sufiield, Portage county, who has borne him one son — Francis M., now operating the home farm, in Springfield. Though not a place-seeker, Mr. Ewart has always taken an enlightened interest in public affairs, and given ROBERT L. EWART. a ready and cheerful support to all of the patriotic, educational and moral enterprises of his native township,, and of the county, state and nation. Besides being, in all respects, a first rate agricultural town- ship, producing the very finest crops of wheat and other cereals, fruits, horses, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, etc., the streams alluded to have furnished, in the past, and yet continue to furnish, a num- ber of most excellent mill sites, which have been of inestimable value to the people, w^hile several coal mines have also been profit- ably worked within the past twenty-five or thirty years. But Springfield's most prolific source of industry and wealth,, has been, and continues to be, its inexhaustible beds of potters' clay, giving employment to hundreds of men, and producing millions of gallons of fine and common stoneware, annually. Pioneer Privations, Indians, Etc. — At the time Springfield first began to be settled, flour and other family supplies were very^ INDIANS AND OTHER PIONEER MATTERS. 983 scarce, and procurable only from a great distance, so that the pioneers had to largly depend upon the wild game of the forest and the iish in the streams and lakes for subsistence, until they could raise crops and the various domestic animals of their own for food. And even the right to this wild game was largely dis- puted for several years by the Indians that still lingered in the neighborhood, though having parted with their title to the lands and streams nearly a quarter of a century before. Though it does not appear that any very serious difficulties occurred between the two races, the whites, except when in pretty close proximity to each other, had very natural fears for their safety, particularly at night. It is related that because of this feel- ing, John and James Hall, of more than ordinary courage, the first Summer of their stay in Springfield, used to sleep in their corn- field at night — one watching while the other slept — rather than remain in their cabin. As neighbors accumulated this timidity gradually wore off, and finally ended entirely with the departure of the red-skins to ally themselves with the British Army in the War of 1812. pOL. JOHN C. HART, — born in ^ Cornwall, Connecticut, April 17, 1798 ; at four 5'ears of ag-e removed with parents to Genessee count}', New York, and in May, 181.5, to Middle- bury, Ohio ; at 15 enlisted in a cavalry company, at Rochester, and was in the battles at Chippewa and L,undy's Lane and at the burning- of Buffalo, in the War of 1812 ; afterwards raised a regiment of cavalry in and about Middlebury of which he was made colonel ; bred a farmer, with but liinited education ; at 21 went South, rafting on Ohio river and working in saiw-mill and brick yard near St. Louis ; on return home purchased farm south of Middlebury, which he cleared and successfully cultivated for many years, later largely engag- ing in buj'ing and gelling stock, dealing in real estate, loaning money, etc. February 24, 1831, Col. Hart was married to Miss Margaret A. Sterling, w^ho bore him six children — George W., retired farmer, Cuj^ahoga Falls, born July 12, 1832 ; Jolin S., farmer, Akron, born November 5, 1833; Charles S., insurance agent, Akron, born December 23, 1835 ; Esther Eliza- beth, born February 13, 1838, died March 15, 1841 ; Hiram Johnson, born May 5, 1840, died September 11, 1869, from disease contracted in armv as COL. JOHN C. HAKT. member of 19th O. V. I.; and Frances Augusta, now Mrs. Clinton Ruckel, of Portage township. Mrs. Hart dying Maj^ 17, 1869, Mr. H. was again married, to Mrs.Mary Sterling,Decem- ber 25, 1870, who still survives, Mr, Hart dying August 20, 1880, aged 82 3'ears, 4 months and 3 daj^s. One incident, connected w^ith the exodus, is worth relating here. From the mysterious movements of the Greentown Indians, preparatory to leaving, in June, 1812, it was believed that they were about to raid the white settlements, and massacre the inhab- itants. The alarm spread from township to tow^nship, and from settlement to settlement, and immediate steps were taken to place the women and children beyond danger, and prepare for defense. 984 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Springfield's place of refuge was a block-house, standing on the farm of James McKnight, father of Francis McKnight, still, at the age of 88 years, living hale and hearty upon the same farm, in the middle eastern portion of the township. But instead of making the expected attack, the Indians, like the proverbial Arab, " quietly folded their tents and silently stole a\vay," thenceforth, so far as Springfield and contiguous townships were concerned, leav- ing the people in security and peace. But after the scare was all over, it was discovered that Mrs. Henry Chittenden, living on w^hat is now the Brittain farm, w^as, with three young children, entirely overlooked, her husband having gone back to Connecticut to bring his father and mother to his new home. Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden were the parents of Mrs. Dr. E. W. Howard, of Akron, the three little ones, thus imperilled with their mother, having all died before Mrs. Howard was born. JOSEPH MOORE,— son of John and J Nancy (Gofif) Moore, was born in Lake township, Stark county, Decem- ber 6, 1815; educated in district schools, and raised on farm ; July 3, 1832, moved with father's family to Springtield, teaching- school, near Greentown, during- the winter of 1832, '33 ; followed farming in Spring- field until 1868, when he removed to Akron, still superintending his farm, conducted by a tenant, for several years. Mr. Moore was for several years a director of Summit County Agricultural Societj' ; has been the Second Ward assessor of personal property eleven years, and city school enumerator seven years. In 1887, he was elected a director of the County Infirmary, discharging the duties of that important office, with such fidelity, that he was re-elected in 1890, for another term of three years, being now president of the board ; January 4, 1837, Mr. Moore was married to Miss Sarah Fulkerson, of Spring-field, born in that township, November 30, 1818. Thej^ are the parents of four children — John F. Moore, now a farmer in Copley ; James G. Moore, of Akron ; JOSEPH MOORE. Amanda V., now Mrs. Sainuel Steese, of Akron ; and Milton W. Moore, of Oregon. Singular Family Coincidence. — The first death in the town- ship is said to have been that of Robert Hall, who died from the rupture of a blood vessel, in 1808 ; the first birth ^was that of a daughter (Jane Hall) to Mrs. Hall, after the death of her husband, in 1809, and the first marriage in the. tow^nship, that of John Hall, son of Robert, to Miss Margaret Blair, in 1810. Villages, Hamlets, Etc. — Besides that portion of the north- west corner, so long part and parcel of the ancient village and tovs^nship of Middlebury, and now attached to the city of Akron, Springfield's only other considerable business point is Mogadore. It is located near the northeast corner, and is on the line betw^een Summit and Portage counties. The w^riter has no special data as to when or by whom the village was first laid out, but from his knowledge of it, with its hotel, stores, mills, churches, etc., for more Springfield's business centers. '985 than half a century, it must have had an existence of over sixty years. The preponderance of population and business, with churches, potteries, postoffice, etc., being upon the west side of the line, it may properly be regarded as a Springfield village. * The name, Mogadore, is said to have been given to the village by James Robinson, an Irishman, a general mechanical genius of the time, who, on completing the chimney of a large two-story house (still standing) for Mr. Martin Kent, uncle of Mr. George F. Kent, now^ of the Sixth Ward, Akron, and w^ho had probably read in " Riley's Narrative," or " Mungo Park's Travels," of the town of that name in Africa, with a swing of his hat, exclaimed, " Hurrah for Mogadore ! " and Mogadore it has been ever since, though there was an effort made many years ago, to change it to Springville. Manufacturing, as it does, hundreds of thousands of gallons of stoneware, and millions of smoking pipes, annually, its greatest drawback has been the necessity of hauling it, by wagon, to Akron, for shipment. That inconvenience is now largely obviated by the completion of the Connotton Valley (now the Cleveland & Canton) railway, upon its eastern border, with a fair prospect of direct railroad connection with Akron, at an early day. KING J. ELLET,— son of John and Elizabeth Ellet, natives of Mary- land, was born in Springfield town- ship, December 27, 1831, his parents settling- there in 1810 ; raised a farmer, and educated in township district schools ; Mafch 16, 1854, Mr. Ellet was married to Miss Lucinda E. Norton, daughter of Lester Norton, who eini- f rated from the State of New York to pringfield, in 1808. Mr. and Mrs. Ellet are the parents of three chil- dren— Mattie, wife of Mr. Milo White, of Spring-field ; Cora J., wife of Mr. Frank Weston, of Springiield, and Fred. K. Ellet, still at home. Though a stanch Republican, and living in a strong- Democratic township, Mr. . Ellet has been honored with many local offices ; was elected countj^ cominissioner of Summit county, in 1883, and re-elected in 1886, holding the position two full terms of three years each, and without disparage- ment to others, it may be truthfully asserted, that Summit countj- never had a more energetic and pains- taking- officer on its board of county commissioners than King J. Ellet. After his retirement from the board, in 1889, Mr. Ellet was, in March, 1890, KING J. ELLET. appointed bj^ the constituted authori- ties, a trustee of the Summit County Children's Home, which position he is now ably and humanely filling. The "Burgh," as it was universally called, or North Spring- field, according to the name of its postoffice, is a small hamlet, one mile north of the geographical center, which, as before stated, is covered by the lake. Here is located Springfield's original church edifice (Presbyterian) built about 65 years ago. Some 50 years ago the Methodists also built quite a large frame church at this point, on land donated by David Ellet, himself a rigid Presbyterian, but about 30 years ago the building was moved a mile and a-half to Ihe westward* and converted into a glue factory. The Burgh has 986 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. also, at different times, maintained a hotel, a store, blacksmith shop and several potteries, but at the present time but little busi- ness is transacted there, aside from its postal and official necessi- ties, the town house being located here, which is the only voting place in the township. HON. THOMAS WRIGHT,— son of Thomas and Lucy Wrig-ht ; born in Tompkins county, New York, Feb- ruary 22, 1830 ; moved with parents to Springiield, Summit county, Ohio, in Spring of 1836 ; common school edu- cation ; at 20 taught school in Cov- entry, two terms ; has since followed the occupation of a farmer; in 1864, served 100 days in defense of the National capital, as a meinber of Company H, 164th Regiinent, O. N. G.; is a member of Buckley Post, G. A. R., and a meinber of the State Grange, Patrons of Husbandry ; has been a meinber of the Pleasant Valley M. E. Church about forty years, and the superintendent of its Sunday School for many years. A zealous Republican, from the organization of the party, in November, 1889, as the colleague of Hon. Henry C. Sanford, of Akron, was elected Representative to the 69th General Assembly, for two years ; October 5, 1852, was married to Miss Elizabeth Henderson, daugh- ter of James and Jane Henderson, pioneers of Springfield township, w^ho has borne him six children, three HON. THOMAS WRIGHT. only of whom are now^ living — James F., now at home ; Lucy Jane, now^ Mrs. H. S. McChesney, of Springfield ; and Edwin S., of Springfield. MiLLHEiM, is a small hamlet in the south part of the tow^nship^ having a grist mill, blacksmith shop, church and school house w^ith quite a cluster of contiguous private residences. Thomastown, is a considerable village on the line between Springfield and Coventry, tw^o miles south of Akron — composed largely of coal miners, mostly Welsh, who have for several year* w^orked the coal mines of that vicinity — with church, school house^ store, postoffice, etc. Brittain (formerly for many years known as "White Grocery"),, one mile east of the city limits, on the Mogadore road, has had a hotel or two, store, postoffice, school house, wagon shop, black- smith shop, clay-mill, etc., with private residences to correspond. An Abolition "Riot." — Although there was not, perhaps, a single negro within her borders, in common w^ith a large propor- tion of the inhabitants of all the border States, many of the people of Springfield, in the early days, were remarkably sensitive in regard to the question of the abolition of slavery, then beginning to agitate the public mind. Yet among her population w^ere quite a number of earnest and fearless anti-slavery men, one of the most notable among them being John Hall 2nd, (father of Summit county's w^ell-known Democratic lawyer, John J. Hall. Bsq.,)w^hose house was for many years the wrell-patronized station upon the "Underground Railroad," over w^hich many fugitives from bond- age w^ere safely conducted to the land of freedom — Canada, — the PRO-SLAVERY AND PRO-WHISKY RIOTS. 987^ late Solomon Purdy, and his three stalwart sons, Fitch, Guerdon and Henry, being also earnest and outspoken opponents of the accursed institution. Late in the Winter of 1837, '38, Rev. Thomas Graham, of the Methodist Episcopal church, being upon that circuit, gave notice that on a given evening he would deliver an anti-slavery lecture in the Methodist meeting-house at the center of Springfield. This announcement caused great excitement in the neighborhood, quite a number of Mr. Graham's own church-members declaring, w^ith others, that no such meeting should be held in the church. Storming the Citadel. — Consequently, when the people began to assemble, at the time appointed, it w^as found that the enemy had by some means gained access to the house and barricaded the door. At that time the late Fitch Purdy — though in the later years of his life a very free-thinker and talker — was not only an abolitionist, as he ever afterwards remained, but a Methodist of the strictest sect, and one of the trustees of the church in question. Armed w^ith the key, Fitch sought to gain access to the house, but finding his entrance barred, and no attention paid to his command to those inside to open the door. Fitch and his backers, using a heavy piece of scantling as a battering ram, broke in the door, and after a short but sharp and decisive scrimmage, succeeded in oust- ing the intruders. Though the house and the people w^ere pelted w^ith snowballs, and other missiles, and though a hideous din \sras kept up during the evening, the lecture w^as given and listened to by a fair-sized congregation. Free Speech Vindicated. — The next day the routed barricadera- employed attorneys — the late David K. Cartter, for 20 years, until his recent death, Chief Justice of the District of Columbia, then practicing law in Akron, and Seneca L. Hand, Esq., of Middle- bury — and procured warrants to be issued by Justice Andrew- Harris, of Springfield, against Fitch, Guerdon and Henry Purdy, and Ralph Russell (and perhaps others), charging them with riot. 'Squire Harris calling to his assistance Justices Harvey H. Johnson, of Akron, and Elijah Mason, of Middlebury, the trial w^as- held at the office of the latter, in Middlebury, the late Judge Will- iam M. Dodge, defending. The trial lasted a full day, eliciting as- much interest and creating as much excitement as a first-class- murder trial w^ould do in these latter days. Though Cartter w^as at his happiest, in his well-known pow^ers of vituperative denuncia- tion, and though duly supported by his colleague. Hand, the quiet conduct of the defense, by Dodge, prevailed, and at a late hour of the evening the learned justices very properly decided that there w^as "no cause for action" — the defendants having both the key to the door and the authority to open the house, finding themselves barred out by unauthorized parties, having an undoubted right to- use the means they did to gain entrance to the building. An Odoriferous Affair. — Apropos of the foregoing demon- stration against free speech, temperance, as well as abolitionism, met w^ith vigorous opposition in many places about those days. It •was in the early forties, while the Washingtonian excitement was on,- that the late Colonel Reuben McMillen, of Middlebury (father-in- law of Mr. David E. Hill), a fluent and effective speaker, consented to talk on temperance, on a given evening, at a school house in or near Millheim. The weather was warm and the windows being" 988 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. raised for ventilation, the outsiders, almost if not quite out-num- bering the insiders, kept up an incessant din, to which the speaker paid no heed, though at times his stentorian voice was nearly inaudible to his hearers. At length an addled egg w^as hurled w^ith great force through one of the windows, which, passing within a few inches of the speaker's head, discharged its odorifer- ous contents against the opposite Avail. Pausing a moment, the Colonel turned to the secretary of the Society and inquired: " Mr. Secretary, how many eggs did they throw?" "Only one, I believe," replied the secretary. "My stars!" exclaimed the Col- onel. "Is it possible that one small egg can stink like that!" and resumed his discourse as though nothing had happened. There \vere perhaps a few other slight attemps to interrupt anti-slavery and anti-whisky meetings, but for the past 40 years Springfield has been as orderly, and as tolerant of free speech, as any other community in the State of Ohio, or elsewhere. Speaking of whisky, long before the temperance question began to be agitated in Ohio, on the occasion of raising the frame of a distillery, at Mogadore, in which considerable difficulty had occurred, by reason of improper framing, Mr. Lee Moore, who had mounted to the plate for the purpose of throwing the bottle, after its contents had been absorbed by the crowd, as was the custom of the time, prefaced his exploit by the following poetic, but ■extremely appropriate, sentiment: " This is a very bad frame. And deserves a very bad name, So we'll call it the ' Curse of the Nation !' " Educational Matters. — Springfield is well supplied with iirst-class district school houses, and has ever been fully abreast of the times in her educational facilities, the village of Mogadore, especially, being provided with graded schools, the toAvnship hav- ing furnished two members of the Board of School Exam- iners of Summit county, Messrs. David Ellett and Professor Fred- erick Schnee, the latter being the present able superintendent of schools at Cuyahoga Falls. Railroad Facilities. — Until within a few years, Springfield has been entirely beyond the pale of railroad accommodations, nearer than Akron, except a short line of private road from Mid- dlebury to one of the coal mines of the township. Now, how^ever, the Valley Railway traverses its entire length, through the w^est- ern portion, with Krumroy station and postoffice about midway, w^hile its eastern portion is skirted by the Cleveland & Canton, w^ith a station at Mogadore, thus giving the people better facilities for travel and shipment of their wares and agricultural products, than ever before enjoyed. Springfield in War. — There were undoubtedly a number of Revolutionary heroes among Springfield's early inhabitants, but unfortunately no correct roster is now available. Ariel Bradley, elsewhere named as the first settler in the township, though then a mere lad of 11 years, is said to have rendered General Washing- ton valuable service, on the eve of the battle of White Plains, in October, 1776. The story goes that, mounted upon an old horse, with a small grist of corn or grain, he boldly entered the British lines, as if going to mill. Being arrested, as it was supposed he Springfield's military prowess. 989 would be, and taken to headquarters, young Bradley, on being questioned played the green country bumpkin so effectually, that he was finally permitted to depart, carrying w^ith him, under his brimless hat and tangled hair, such valuable information as to the number and disposition of the British troops, as to secure to the patriot army the splendid victory which they won in that engage- ment. Mr. John Weston, grandfather of Mr. Solomon N. Weston, and Mr. Samuel EUet, grandfather of Ex-County Commissioner King J. Ellet, are also remetnbered as Revolutionary soldiers. In the War of 1812, Springfield, though not as yet very exten- sively settled, took quite an active part, a number of her volunteer soldiers being among the brave and patriotic troops so ignomin- iously surrendered by General Hull, at Detroit, August 16, 1812, the name of Aaron Weston now only being remembered. In the draft foUo^wing that surrender, however, Springfield furnished ten men, as follows: Joseph D. Baird (afterw^ards for many years a justice of the peace), John Hall (sonof Robert),Tirpothy Holcomb, JamesBaird, Alexander Hall, Lee Moore, Nathaniel D. Hoover, James Martin, James L. Bradley and Martin Willis, the latter going as a substi- tute, but for whom is not now ascertainable, the widow of Mr. Bradley, a sister of Mr. J. S. Monroe, of Mogadore, in 1887 living in Missouri, in the 80th year of her age, and then drawing a pension from the government on account of her husband's services. Though it is not know^n that any of these men participated in any severe battles, they all rendered good service on the frontier, one-half only living to return home: John Hall dying in Huron county, Alexander Hall at Camp Huron, James Baird at La Grange, Indiana, and Martin Willis on the way home, at Tinker's Creek. James G. Smith, buried in Greenwood Cemetery at Moga- dore, was also a soldier in the w^ar, but w^hether a resident of Springfield at the time, the writer is not advised. It is also related that a portion of Hull's surrendered army, under Colonels Cass and McArthur, en route to Pittsburg, encamped near the present site of Gilcrest's mill, on the little Cuyahoga, the old Revolutioner, Mr. Samuel Ellet, permitting the worn and tired soldiers to luxuriate on the roasting ears of a fine field of corn w^hicli he had growing near by. Afterwards, in the Summer of 1813, the battalion of the youth- ful but gallant Major Croghan, which, numbering but 150 men, w^on such a. splendid victory over the veteran General Proctor, with 500 British regulars and about the same number of Indians, at Fort Stephenson, Lower Sandusky, camped upon the same grounds, while en route from Pittsburg to Sandusky. In the Mexican War, 1846-48, Springfield was represented, but to w^hat extent cannot now be ascertained, but the writer is informed by Mr. King J. Ellett that Isaac Krytzer paid a bounty of $100 to his own son (given name not now^ remembered) to enlist under that call for troops, young Krytzer dying from disease at New Orleans while en route to Mexico, while Mr. George Dresher, who died at nearly 75, February 6, 1890, though not then a resident of Springfield, was a soldier in that war. SPRINGFIELD'S ROLL OF HONOR. In the War of the Rebellion, the fact that many of the earlier volunteers enlisted in other towns than those in which thev ♦990 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. resided, and the absence of authentic local records, makes it impossible to do justice to many of the most loyal and patriotic localities of the county. From the recollection of several of her xitizens, and from the returns of the assessors for the years 1863, '64, '65, the following list has been compiled, which it is believed presents a substantially accurate roster of Springfield's volunteer soldiery during that bloody struggle. A. P. Atchison, Charles F. Atchison, Henry Anderson (died in service), Thomas Alexander (died in service), Ne\srton J. Atw^ood, O. E. Andrews, J. S, Alexander, William Alexander, John B. Acker, F. J. Baird, Solomon Babb, Jacob Boone (died in service), Daniel Bitterman (killed in battle), William Bowers, Sylvanus Batty, J. G. Brittain, Elias Bickel, George Bowers, John Braggenton, C. S. Breckenridge, William Bender, Daniel W. Corl, W. A. Chamberlin, W. F. Chamberlin, Thomas Chamberlin, John W. Chamberlin, R. S. Chamberlin, Dudley C. Carr, Urias Cramer, Samuel F. Colvin, Benjamin Clay, W. H. Clement, James Clark, Ora Clapp, Robert Cochran, Aimer Colvin, W. W. Coale, Byron Derthick, John W. Douglas, Joseph C. Ewart, John W. Ewart, R. L. Ewart, John Ewell (died in service), G. Ellis, G. W. Eatinger, G. Emmerling. W. C. Finney, William Finkle, Robert Fisher, John Fries, D, French, Andrew J. Fulkerson, Adam Gross, Solomon Gross, Benjamin Goss, Levi Gidmeyer (died in serv^ice), Thonias Green, Abraham Glick, James Gordon, George Himebaugh, William N. Himebaugh, Amos Horner, John H. Hill (killed in battle), Hiram C. Hill (killed in battle), R. W. Hall, E. B. Hubbard, Ezra Harris, Milton B. Henderson, Frank Henderson, H. A. Henderson, George W. Hile, J. S. Hall, L. E. Hall, Warren R. Hall (died in the service), Albert Hall. Luther Hall, George W. Hart, Matthias Hawk, Morris R. Hughes, Cyrus W. Harris, J. Hoffman, Moses Immel, Ira F. Krytser, Frederick Lutz, Robert Lutz (died in service), Samuel Lutz (died in service), Andrew Longnecker, Allen Limber, James E. Leach, Zachariah Lee, William Leach, John Mumaw (died in service), Tallis C. McCain (died in service), J. McCormick, G. J. McCormick, Cowan McCormick, Isaac Madlem, John Madlem, J. McCormick, Michael Myers, Henry Mellinger, William Mellinger, Charles Mellinger, Samuel Mantel, William Mapins, George Markle, lohn McChesney, John McNeal, William Moore, William D. Myers, Samuel C. Marsh, John J. Marsh, William Miller, Horace Norman, Samuel Neeper, Robert Posten (drowned) Franklin Putt, John Putt, Franklin Powell, Hubert Peck, Daniel Palmer, J. C. Price, David R. Rothrick, W. H. Rothrick, Hiram Raber (killed in battle), C. H. Russell, Charles Rolph, Charles Rhodenbaugh, Jacob Replogle, John Randall, Milton Ritter, Bert Rolph, George Spitler, John Shaffer, Jacob Sausaman, G. W. Solomon, H. F. Solomon, Jacob Sax, Charles A. Smith, J. G. Stinhour, Solomon Strecker, John Stevens (died in service), Daniel Stetler (died in service), 'W. A. Sypher, Cyrus W. Spade, B. Strohecker, Charles Steese, Edward E. Skinner, Royal S. Stout, Philander H. Stout, Weston Salmon, Jr., J. H. Spade, Nathan Spade, William J. Schrop, J. M. Schrop, William Steese, John Smith, Joseph C. Tousley, Joel F. Tousley, Andrew Tousley (killed in battle), Albert M. Tousley, James A. Thompson, Thomas L. Thompson, Duncan Thompson, Robert Thompson, Martin Tod, J. A- Tritt, Philip Ulm, Ozro Vanorman, Henry Winkleman, John Springfield's criminal record. 991 Winkleman, Hugh M. White (killed in battle), Joseph Wagner, William Wooley, Harrison Wise, Wilson S. Roof, J. W. Wise, Watson Wise, Thomas Wright, Jr., Solomon S. Weston, George J. Young, Philip Young, B. F. Yerick, G. W. Zelinger. CRIMINAL STATUS. Springfield has not been very prolific of startling crimes though one or two of a homicidal nature, in which her citizens have been involved will have to be herein recorded. It is not the design of this work to reproduce all the petty offenses and pecca- dilloes, of Avhich the people of the several townships, either through excessive passion, excessive drink or excessive depravity, have been guilty, but, in addition to certain salient historical points, group together,- in a concise and permanent form, the more startling events of the half century w^ritten of, that may have occurred in any given locality. * The Murder of John Rhodenbaugh. — Though not at the time a citizen of Summit County, the murder of Mr. John Rhodenbaugh, in Portage County, in 1865, and its attendant cir- - cumstances, is entitled to a place in this work, from the fact of his long residence in this county, and of the large number of his rela- tives still living among us. Mr. Rhodenbaugh w^as born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1809, and removed w^ith his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Rhodenbaugh, to Springfield township, now in Summit county, in 1816. He w^as reared to the occupation of a farmer, but in later life largely folloAved the busi- ness of auctioneer, mostly at country sales of farm stock, etc. He was married in 1832, to Laura Purdy, daughter of the late Solomon Purdy, of Springfield, and sister of ex-Mayor Henry Purdy, of Akron. In 1853 Mr. Rhodenbaugh removed to Portage county, locating upon a farm in the eastern portion of tlie tow^n- ship of Franklin, between Kent and Ravenna. Causes Leading to the Murder. — Mr. Rhodenbaugh, though six feet or more in height, broad shouldered and extremely mus- cular, w^as very active in his bodily movements, and in his younger manhood, and during his residence in Springfield, w^as considered the champion athlete of Summit county. He was of a lively turn of mind, and of extremely convivial habits, sometimes drinking to excess, on w^hich occasions he w^as boastful of his w^ealth, lavish in his expenditures and reckless in the display of Avhatever sums of money he might happen to have about him. ■ On the afternoon of October 24, 1865, Mr. Rhodenbaugh visited Kent, w^here he spent most of the afternoon in the various drinking places of the village, drinking and playing cards, bil- iliards, etc. - Among his associates, during the afternoon, were Joel Beery, a resident of Portage county, and a transient bummer and bruiser, calling himself Jack Cooper, but whose real name was afterwards found to be Samuel Wittum, a native of Erie county, '.Pennsylvania. Going to His Death. — Leaving Kelso's billiard and drinking saloon, after taking a parting drink with Beery and Cooper, he ^soon afterwards, about 7 o'clock in the evening, started for his home, in an open one-horse w^agon. On reaching a point between ILakes Brady and iPippin, where the wagon road runs parallel with 992 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the Cleveland & Pittsburg railroad, within about a mile of his own home, and within sight of the farm house of Mr. Joseph Heighton,. Mr. Rhodenbaugh was intercepted and assaulted, being dealt two heavy blows upon the head with a club, which Avas afterward found to have been cut near the spot where the deadly assault was made. The death of Mr. Rhodenbaugh is supposed to have been instantaneous, as no evidences of a struggle were apparent when his body was found, as it Avas soon afterwards by Mr. George Dewey, a resident of the neighborhood. The person of the mur- dered man had been robbed of his watch and all the money he had with him, supposed to have been about $200.00. Arrest of the Murderers. — Suspicion was at once directed to Cooper and Beery as the probable murderers, from the fact that they had been almost, if not quite, the last persons seen with him the night before, and the further fact that they had not been seen in their accustomed haunts about the village after Rhodenbaugh left. Accordingly a vigorous search after the suspected men was at once instituted, resulting in their arrest, near Ravenna, by offi- cers R. W. Buck and S. L. Jennings, about 9 o'clock the next morning. A coroner's inquest was held by Justice Rockwell, and verdict rendered in accordance \\rith the facts, implicating the two men in question, who, on being examined before Justice Coolman, October 28, were committed to jail to answer to the crime of murder. Indictments, Trials, Etc. — At the January term, 1866, of the Court of Common Pleas for Portage county, the Grand Jury found indictments against both of the accused, charging them with the crime of w^illful and premeditated murder. They Avere arraigned on the 1st day of February and both entered a plea of not guilty, and being without means to employ counsel, E. B. Taylor, J. I). Horton and P. B. Conant, Esqs,, were appointed by the Court to defend the prisoners, Alphonso Hart, Esq., also being assigned by the Court to assist Prosecuting Attorney H. H. Willard, to conduct the case on the part of the State. Separate trials having been granted the prisoners, the trial of Jack Cooper commenced on the 5th day of February, 1866, before Judge Charles E. Glidden. The jury being duly sw^orn. Prose- cutor Willard made an elaborate statement of the circumstance* attending the murder, and of the facts which he expected to prove, while Mr. E. B. Taylor, on behalf of the defendant, made a general denial of the alleged crime, meeting all the charges con- tained in the indictment with the simple plea of "not guilty." Thirty-six witnesses were examined and. for three days the trial continued with unflagging interest, the court room being densely crowded throughout bj'^ citizens of both Portage and Summit counties. The pleas w^ere all earnest and eloquent, andthe charge of Judge Glidden, clear, forcible and remarkably fair and impar- tial. The case was given to the jury in the evening of February 7, 1866, who, at about midnight, returned into court with their verdict, finding Cooper guilty of murder in the first degree. On the next day, February 8, 1866, Joel Beery was put upon his trial for aiding and abetting Cooper in the murder of Rhodenbaugh, before the same Judge, but a newly selected jury. The case, on behalf of the State, was opened by Alphonso Hart, Esq., and the theory of the defense was ably and fully presented A SURPRISE VKRDICT — SENTENCES, ETC. 993? by Ezra B. Taylor, Esq. This trial also lasted three days, attract- ing a large attendance and the most intense interest, between forty and fifty Avitnesses, in all, being sworn and examined, the prisoner, during the trial, being attended by his aged mother, and his brother, Mr. H. E. Beery. The case was given to the jury at half past 12 o'clock, on Saturday afternoon, February 10, 1866. For more than twelve hours the jury worked faithfully upon the case, a few minutes past 1 o'clock on Sunday morning, announcing their verdict, finding Beery guilty of murder in the second deg-ree. To say that this verdict was received with great surprise, by the great majority of the people of both Portage and Summit counties, would be stating it far too mildly; for it w^as followed w^ith almost universal denunciation and indignation; the public belief being that Beery was equally guilty with Cooper, and that the extreme penalty of the law^ should be meted out to both alike. Pronouncing the Sentences. — On Monday morning, February 12, 1866, the prisoners were brought before Judge Glidden, for sen- tence. Beery appearing first. On being asked the usual question as to w^hether he had anything to say why the sentence of the law should not be pronounced against him, for the crime of which he had been convicted, he replied that he had not, and thereupon Judge Glidden sentenced him to hard labor in the penitentiary for life. On Cooper's appearance in Court, his counsel made a motion for a new trial which was promptly overruled by the Court. Judge Glidden then commanded Cooper to stand up, and after a brief reference to the charge, and the finding of the jury, asked him if he had anything to say w^hy the sentence of the law should! not be pronounced against himforthe crime of murder, w^hereupon Cooper in substance, said, that while he had little to say in regard to his innocence, he hardly felt that he had been fairly dealt with, or he w^ould not have been convicted of murder in the first degree. He said he had not much education, and could not speak very well, but he did not think, that on the evidence against him he ought to- be hung, while on substantially the same evidence his companion was let off with a lighter penalty. At the conclusion of Cooper's^ remarks. Judge Glidden reviewed the history of the case and the testimony, in a masterly and exhaustive manner, expressing the conviction that, from the nature of the evidence, and all the attend- ant circumstances, so far as the prisoner, then before him, wa» concerned, the verdict of the jury was just and proper, and closing in the usual form, by sentencing the prisoner to be hanged by the neck until dead, on the 6th day of April, 1866. Desperate Attempt to Escape From Jail. — After his convic- tion, Cooper stated his true name to be Samuel Wittum, a native of Pennsylvania, though his parents had previously lived in both Ohio and Indiana. Left an orphan at the age of six years, he lived for a time Avith a farmer, by w^hom he w^as so harshly treated that he soon left him, and began life on his own account, as a driver upon the Beaver and Erie canal, and from that time forw^ard leading a wandering and dissolute life, as gambler, coun- terfeiter, horse thief, murderer, etc., having, as it was alleged, served a considerable term in the Missouri penitentiary, before committing the fatal crime that was to end his career. He stated that he had been twice married and that he had a sister still living 63 994 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. in the Kast, and as the day of execution drew near he was respited by Governor Jacob D. Cox, from April 6th till April 27th, to give this sister an opportunity to visit him. Though pretending to be thoroughly penitent and reconciled to his doom, the prisoner made several attempts to break jail, the last, a short time before the day fixed for his execution, by the Governor's respite, being of the most desperate and brutal character in this wise: Having wrenched a small bar of iron from one of the cell doors, he fiercely assaulted Sheriff Jennings, on his entering the jail. Though Cooper called upon the other prisoners confined in the jail at the time, to aid him in his desperate undertaking, to their credit they refused to do so, and the Sheriff hung to him until an alarm had been sounded upon the outside, and sufficient assistance secured to prevent the accomplishment of his bold and desperate design. But even then his insubordination continued, for when Sheriff Jennings sought to place him in irons, to prevent a repetition of his savage effort, he retreated to his cell, cursing and swearing like a pirate, and brandishing a knife, which he had in some man- ner possessed himself of, swore he w^ould kill the first man that attempted to enter the cell door. One of the physicians of the vil- lage was called in, who, by means of a small syringe, reduced him to insensibility -with chloroform, and while thus unconscious he was securely ironed, both hand and foot, and kept in that condition until the day of the execution. Cooper Finally Executed. — On April 27, 1866, the day to Avhich he had been respited by Governor Cox, Jack Cooper, alias Samuel Wittum, w^as successfully executed bj'^ Sheriff Jennings and his assistants, on the Summit county gallows, upon w^hich Parks and Dr. Hughes, at Cleveland, had previously been hanged, and on which Hunter was subsequently hung by Sheriff Curtiss in this county, the prisoner making a long, rambling speech from the gallows, which cannot be repeated here. In accordance with the sentence Beery \^ras taken to the peni- tentiary on the 15th day of February, 1866, where he served the State faithfully for 13 vears, 4 months and 19 days, dying in prison July 4, 1870. The Roof-Musson Homicide. — In the pleasant village of Mog- adore, there lived, in 1866, upon the Suffield side of the line, a short distance south of the center, the family of Mr. William A. Musson, a wagon maker by trade, w^hose shop stands a few rods north of the center, upon the Springfield side of the line. Mrs. Harriet Musson, the wife of William A. Musson, was a sister of Hon. John R, and Mr. William Buchtel, of Akron, Mr. and Mrs. Musson being held in the very highest regard by all their neighbors and ac- quaintances. In the same village, but upon the Springfield side of the line, lived a family by the name of Roof — consisting of the mother, Mrs. Henry Roof, her son, Wilson Shannon Roof, aged about 20 years, Hannah Roof, aged 22 years (a helpless cripple), Hattie Roof, aged 17 years, and Charlotte Roof, aged about 15 years; the husband and father, Henry Roof, at the time living apart from the family in Medina county. Near the Roof family, as above constituted, lived, at the time, Mr, Milton Moore, a large landholder in Portage county, and then, also, a stockholder in, and president of, the City Bank of Akron, Mrs. Moore being a cousin of Mrs. Musson. THE ROOF-MUSSON HOMICIDE. 995 Causes Leading to the Tragedy. — Mr. and Mrs. Moore had been married twelve or thirteen years, but not having lived hap- pily together had several times parted, but after brief separations had as often become reconciled, until, in May, 1866, they made ^what was understood to be a final separation, Mrs. Moore going to low^a, as w^as given out, to remain away a sufficient length of time to enable her husband to procure a bill of divorce on the ground of ^' three years w^illful absence." Being thus left to himself, Moore iirranged with Mrs. Roof to do his washing, and with Hattie Roof to tidy up his room, make his bed, etc. Hattie had previously, -when Mrs. Moore w^as at home, assisted in the family work, but now^ that Mrs. Moore was away permanently, as Mr. Moore sup- posed, his relations with the young lady became more intimate, .and early in July he proposed to marry her, on securing his con- templated divorce, w^hich proposition w^as accepted by the young lady, and approved of by her mother. From this time on, they had frequent interviews, both in his own and th^ mother's house, and on one occasion visited Cleveland together, Moore having also presented her w^ith a ring, provided her w^ith clothing and arrang- vith the Roof family, of his assisting them several years before, while the hus- band and father was in California; of several talks with Wilson about the slanders that were being circulated against Hattie, and, on his threatening to kick Henry Saxe, of his advising him not to do so, or anything that would get him into trouble; though at Mrs. Roof's Saturday evening before the murder, did not see Wilson; admitted seeing Wilson at the corners Monday morning as he w^as going to Akron, but paid no attention to him; never saw^ Wilson after Thursday until Monday morning; denied all Wilson's talk about cleaning out the town, or threatening anyone except Henry Saxe, etc. On cross-examination Moore admitted his conditional marriage engagement w^ith Hattie Roof; said his w^ife \vent West with the understanding that she would never come back, and that he would get a bill of divorce from her; had told Hattie that it would take three years to get a bill, and agreed to marry her if his wife did not come back, and he got a bill; her coming back w^as unexpected: admitted visiting Cleveland with Hattie and registering her name at hotel as Louisa Wilson; frequently talked with Mrs. Roof about the engagement; never told Wilson about it; couldn't say that he sent Hattie to school at Hudson; but if her mother w^ould send her he would give as much money to the lame girl (Hannah) as she spent on Hattie; gave money to Mrs. Roof to buy clothes for Hattie; lived with his wife after she came back; told Hattie the game ^vas up and the engagement broken; were engaged from July, nearly five months; during this time secret was confined to Mrs. Roof and themselves; to all appearances Wilson never got into the secret; the boy knew nothing of it to the best of his knowledge; engagement made in his (Moore's) sitting room; on Thursday before the murder called at Mrs. Roof's; the old lady 1000 AKRON AND SUMMIT* COUNTY. called her son down; lie first said he was going away; did not know where, and wanted to deed his property — the house— to Hannah; said before going he would see some of the folks who had slandered the family; said to Wilson his sister had done nothing w^rong, let the matter drop; and throughout, both in the direct and cross-examination, denied holding out any inducements, or giving any encouragement whatever, to Roof, to inflict punishment, or seek revenge, upon any person or persons whatsoever. In corroboration of Moore's statement the lame sister of Roof (Hannah) testified she did not know that Moore was at their house on the Saturday night before the murder, but that on his visit there the Thursday previous, though sitting in another room, she did hear her brother Wilson threaten to kick Saxe, and heard Moore tell him not to do anything that would bring himself or the family into trouble. Arguments — Charge — Verdict. — On the fourth day of the trial, at 3:20 p. m., both parties rested, and the court adjourned for the day. On Friday morning. May 31st, at 8 o'clock, the argu- ments commenced. Prosecuting Attorney Willard opening for the State, followed by Ezra B. Taylor and S. W. McClure for the defense, and concluded by John McSweeney for the prosecution, all being fine efforts. The arguments closed at 6:30 p. m., and Judge Tuttle proceeded immediately to charge the jury. Retiring to their room at half past seven, the jury at eight o'clock in the evening summoned the court to receive their verdict, w^hich was that the defendant Milton Moore, "was not guilty of the offense as charged in the indictment, and though the evidence and all of the attendant circumstances of the case, showed great indiscretion on the part of Mr. Moore, very few, if any, questioned the righteousness of the verdict, for those at all acquainted w^ith him, and vt^ith his peculiar temperament and traits of character, would hardly believe him capable of inflict- ing personal vengeance or injury, on any human being, how^ever great the provocation, either by his own hand, or by proxy. Roof Pleads Guilty to Murder in the Second Degree. — At the conclusion of the above long and exciting trial, Roof, through his counsel, tendered a plea of guilty of murder in the Second degree, which Prosecuting Attorney Willard accepted, feeling, possibly, that the developments in the case just tried had created a general feeling of commiseration and sympathy for the accused, or else, remembering the surprise of himself and the public at the verdict of the jury in the case of Beery, a few^ months before, that he might be let off scot-free. Judge Tuttle thereupon immediately sentenced the self-confessed slayer of Harriet Musson — Wilson Shannon Roof — to imprisonment during his natural life in the penitentiary of the State of Ohio, to which institution he was con- veyed by Sheriff Jennings, on the 7th day of June, 1867. Pardon of Roof — Subsequent Life, Etc. — Young Roof ac- cepted his fate w^ithout a murmur, thoroughly regretful for his fearful crime, and conducted himself, after his incarceration, in such a manner as to secure the good-will and sympathy of his keepers and the officers of the prison, who, a few years later, joined his friends in asking Governor Young for his pardon, -which was granted on the 9th day of January, 1878, just nine years even months and two days after his arrival at the penitentiary. SPRINGFIELD IN PUBLIC OFFICE. 1001 Since his liberation he has almost continuously resided in Mogadore industriously >vorking, for the most of the time at his trade, for Myers & Hall, potters, of that village, and the sole •dependence of his widowed mother and crippled sister, Hannah; his father, who had rejoined his family soon after the occurrences ^bove narrated, dying of consumption in 1876, the mother dying December 21, 1889, of paralysis. The two younger sisters are hap- pily married — Hattie being the faithful wife of an industrious and prosperous mechanic in this city and the mother of several children; and Lottie, the equally faithful \vife of a former Akron mechanic, now residing in Colorado. Mr. Moore's Later Life. — Of course, the transactions herein above narrated, attached a certain degree of odium to the reputa- tion of Mr. Moore, not only affecting his social standing, but his pecuniary status, also; while his family relations continued to grow more and more inharmonious from year to year, culminating in final separation from his wife in 1878. The large expense incurred in his defense w^ith other losses and sacrifices incident to his domestic and business troubles, resulted in utter financial prostration for several years, though the w^riterhas gladly learned, through a friend well informed upon the subject, that he is at present engaged in an enterprise that bids fair, should his life be spared, to place him upon his financial feet again w^ithin a very few years. SPRINGFIELD'S CIVIL ROSTER. Without reverting to whatever of civil honors may have fallen to Springfield under the earlier rule of Trumbull and Portage counties, it will be seen that she has played quite a conspicuous part in the official affairs of Summit county, in spite of the fact that she has never, in a single instance, at a general election, cast a majority vote for the political party through whom the offices have been bestowed. Henry G. Weaver, an intelligent and prosperous farmer, of Springfield, was elected in October, 1840, as Summit county's first representative to the State Legislature, serving one year. Henry G. Weaver, was elected county commissioner, in 1845, and re-elected in 1848, holding the position six years. Henry Purdy, then an enterprising manufacturer of stone- w^are, at the center of Springfield, w^as elected county recorder in October, 1852, and re-elected October, 1855, for six years faithfully and courteously serving his constituents in that important office; since which time Mr. Purdy has filled the office of mayor of the village and city of Akron, four years, and has held the office of justice of the peace for Portage township, w^ith an interregnum of a single term only, since June 1, 1868, until his resignation about three years ago. Portrait and biography on page 56. Doctor Mendal Jewett, then living in Mogadore, was in October, 1855, elected representative to the State Legislature, for two years making a very useful member of that body, indeed. Portrait and biography on page 264. John S. Gilcrest, in October, 1856, was elected county com- missioner, and re-elected in 1859, giving to that responsible posi- tion six years of good and faithful service. 1002 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Mills B. Purdy, a native of Springfield, but for the past thirty-five years a resident of Akron, served as city clerk of Akron six consecutive years — 1868 to 1873, inclusive. James Alexander Lantz, also of Springfield origin^ who as a member of the gallant 67th Regiment, O. V. I., lost an arm in the service of his country, was elected county recorder in October^ 1864, and re-elected in 1867, making a first-class officer for six con- secutive years. Jacob Mishler, of Springfi.eld, was elected county surveyor in October, 1873, and after having qualified as such resigned the position before entering upon its duties. King J. Ellet, born in Springfield, December 27, 1831, and one of the solid men of the toAvnship, was elected county commis- sioner in October, 1883, and re-elected in 1886, his six years' incum- bency being in every Tvay efficient and satisfactory to his constituents. Mr. Ellet afterwards for a time being one of the trustees for the Summit County Children's Home. Joseph Moore, a long time resident of Springfield, but since 1868 a citizen of Akron, besides serving as the assessor for l^is w^ard, and as city school enumerator for many years past, has officiated as a county infirmary director, since 1887, being now president of the board. Hon. Thomas Wright, a resident of Springfield for over half a century, and one of its most intelligent and prosperous farmers^ was elected as one of Summit county's representatives to the State Legislature, on the Republican ticket, in November, 1889, ably serving his constituents in that body through the sessions of 1889,. '90 and 1890, '91. SPRINGFIKLD'S PRESENT OFFICIAL STATUS (1891), Trustees, Jacob Krumroy, Jacob Mumaw, and William McClelland; clerk, O. J. Swinehart; treasurer, Thomas J. Gilcrest^ justices of the peace, James A. Stetler and Benjamin W. Bixter; constables, John Powers and William Boam; postmasters,^ Krumroy, H. L. Wagoner; Thomastown, Conrad Huber; Brittain, John Brittain; North Springfield, Ira Machimer; Mogadore^ Henry Gates. CHAPTER XLVIII. STOW TOWNSHIP— HISTORICAL AND INCIDENTAL— FIKST FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION ON THE WESTERN RESERVE— " STOW CASTLE "—A PIONEER "MIRACLE" — EARLY SETTLERS, ORGANIZATION, ETC. — TOPOGRAPHICAL AND HYDRAULIC— TERRIBLE AND FATAL TORNADO— FOUR MEMBERS OF ONE FAMILY INSTANTLY KILLED — INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES — INDIANS, BEARS, RATTLESNAKES, ETC.— VITAL STATISTICS— EDUCATION, MORALITY, RELIGION, ETC.— STOW'S HONORABLE WAR RECORD— TERRIBLE EPISODE OF THE REBELLION— TWO CITIZENS SHOT TO DEATH BY AN INFURIATED NEIGHBOR— EXCITEMENT OF THE PEOPLE— WOUNDING AND CAPTURE OF THE HOMICIDE- INDICTMENT, TRIAL AND CONVICTION -LIFE SENTENCE — PARDON, SUBSEQUENT LIFE, DEATH, ETC.— SOMETHING ABOUT THE MEN KILLED AND THEIR FAMILIES— STOW'S CIVIL RECORD, ETC. STOW'S BEGINNING. IN the distribution of the lands of the Connecticut Land Com- pany, by draft, as elsewhere explained, Tow^nship 3, Range 10, fell to Joshua Stow^, of Middletown, Connecticut — hence the name. Mr. Stow, whose portrait taken from an original painting in pos- session of relatives in Middletown, Connecticut, is herewith given, was a member of the first exploring party, sent out by the company, in 1796, consisting of forty-five men, two w^omen and one child. This party, making the journey princi- pally by w^ater, in small portable boats, j^ia Lakes Ontario and Brie, and contiguous rivers, landed at the mouth of Conneaut river, in the extreme northeastern part of the State, on the morning of the fourth day of July, 1796. Here, an impromptu dual cele- bration — the National Independence and the safe arrival of the party at their destination — w^as held, con- sisting of a national salute, with such fire-arms as they possessed, martial and vocal music, toasts, speeches, poetry, etc., which was undoubtedly the first celebration of that character upon the Western Reserve. A Pioneer Miracle. — Of this party Mr. Stow was Commissary General, it being his duty to provide boats and proper equipments, arms and ammunition, necessary tools and implements, blankets, provisions and other supplies. For the proper keeping of these supplies, a block-house was built near the landing at Conneaut. This house, in honor of the commissary, was, by common consent, named "Stow Castle." JOSHUA STOW. 1004 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Among the supposed to be indispensable items of supply, in those early days, in any enterprise-^from church-building to boat- ing — was whiskj', a goodly quantity ot which, of course, had been provided for the expedition in question, by Commissary Stow^. So long a time had been spent upon the journey, and the difficulties of transportation being so great. Commissary Stow^, fearing that this prime " necessary of life " would run short before a fresh supply could be obtained, had adopted the plan of surreptitiously increas- ing the volume, by decreasing the strength, realizing w^hich, the poet of the party. General Moses Cleveland, one of the directors of the company, and the founder of the present magnificent city bearing his name, improvised the following couplet as appropriate to the situation: "Christ, the divine, turned water into wine; Joshua, the boater, turned whisky into water." T TLYSSES MARVIN, — born in yJ- Lynn, Connecticut, April 11, 1801; common school education ; at 17 comtnenced to learn chair-making, at Middletown, but afterwards learned the fulling- and cloth-dressing- trade ; May 1, 1822, was married to Miss Elizabeth Bradley, of Middletown, •establishing' a woolen mill in Lynn ; in 1829, moved to Ohio, settling- on an uncultivated farin in Stow, which he largely cleared and cixltivated with his own hands, also doing consider- able work in the neighborhood at painting-, an inkling of which busi- ness he obtained while working at the chair business in Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin had six children - — Arba Bradley, now in Dane county, Wisconsin ; Jane Elizabeth, luarried to S. C. Weeks, of Stow, died in March, 1854 ; Sophronia, married to H. C. Wilcox, now living- in Granger; Asahel M., died in 1850, aged 17 ; Chloe B., wife of Milton C. Danforth, of Hudson ; Ulysses Leslie, ex-judge •of Summit county, now practicing law in Akron, whose portrait and biography appear elsewhere. Mr. Marvin was for over thirtj'-five years an overseer in the Stow Disciple ULYSSES MARVIN. Church, and often served as township trustee, assessor, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin lived together over sixty-two years, Mrs. Marvin dj'ing, June 28, 1884, aged 84 years, and Mr. Marvin, May 11, 1887, aged 86 years and one month. Starvation in the Wilderness. — Shortly after the arrival of this party at Conneaut, came Judge James Kingsbury, from the State of NcAv York. While, in pursuance of his w^ork, General Cleveland during the Summer removed his supplies to the site of his contemplated city, at the mouth of the Cuyahoga, Judge Kingsbury remained with his family at Conneaut. Business requir- ing him to return to New York, in the early Autumn, he left his family in their comfortable log cabin, with ample subsistence to last until his anticipated speedy return. Unfortunately, however, he was taken sick and detained until the setting in of Winter. As soon as able to travel, he started on horseback, hiring an Indian guide at Buffalo, and purchasing a 25 pound sack of flour at J^resque Isle (Erie, Pa.) which, on the giving out of his horse, at STOW'S PIONEER SETTLERS. 1005 Elk Creek, he strapped upon his own back, and, with gloomy fore- boding as to the fate of his loved ones, pushed forward on foot. On reaching his cabin, he found his wife and elder children in the last stages of starvation, and the infant, born in his absence, lying dead for want of proper nourishment— ^literally starved to death. Judge Kingsbury afterwards settled in Newburg, and was for many years an influential citizen of Cuyahoga county. MOSES D. CALL,— born in Merri- mac county, New Hampshire, July 12, 1815 ; raised on farm with cominon school education ; in 1835, went to Boston, Massachusetts, and engaged in baking ; in 1838, started for Peoria, Illinois, but stopping to visit friends in what is now Summit count3^ finally concluded to settle here ; followed coopering fifteen years, teaching, Winters, the first five years. November 17. 1842, Mr. Call was married to Miss Harriet M. Starr, daughter of Josiah Starr, who settled in Stow, in 1804. In 1859, Mr. Call pur- chased the 188 acre farm, which he successfully cultivated until his death, March 24, 1891, at the age of 75 years, 8 months and 12 days, having also, for nearly twenty-five years, been the principal owner and mana- ger of the Hudson cheese factory. He held the office of justice of the peace forty-seven consecutive years, and the responsible office of county commissioner two full terms — 1877 to 1883. An earnest Republican, Mr. Call warmly espoused the cause of the Union during the slave-holders' rebellion, and was, through life, a liberal supporter of the educational and benevolent enterprises of the day. Mrs. Call died June 26, 1886, MOSES. D. CALL. aged 67 years, 9 months and one day. Their children are — Mary L., now Mrs. George H. O'Brien, of Akron ; Emma A., Mrs. Edward A. Seasons, of Stow ; Ella J., Mrs. Lafayette Dar- row, of Stow ; and Charles A., now living on and working the home farm. First Actual Settlers. — Although Mr. Stow made thirteen trips from Connecticut to Ohio, and back, on horseback, in looking after the interests of the tow^nship bearing his name, he never became a resident of the township, as erroneously stated by pre- vious local historians. In 1804, Mr. William Wetmore, (father of Henry Wetmore, Esq., still living (1891) hale and hearty at the age of 90, in Cuyahoga Falls), also from Middletown, as the agent of Mr. Stow, made a permanent settlement in the township, building his house at the exact geographical center, which is half a mile •north of what, since the earliest settlement, has been known as "Stow Corners ;" and being the second house erected in the town- ship, the first having been built in July, 1802, by Mr. William Walker, from Virginia, who had squatted on lot 89 in the north- eastern portion of the township, where, afterwards purchasing the same, he resided until his death, and where his descendants still live, his brother Robert, and a sister, afterw^ards married to Joshua Stewart, coming at the same time. Mr. Wetmore, on his arrival (1804) employed Joseph Darrow, who came to Ohio with David Hudson, in 1799, to survey the town- ship into lots, which was successfully accomplished during that 1006 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. year. Captain Gregory Powers, father of the late Senator Gregory Powers, Jr., of Middlebury, and the maternal grandfather of Akron's second mayor, John C. Singletary, Esq., now (1891) still living in Streetsboro, Portage county, and Mr. John Campbell, both also from Middletown, with their respective families, came in this year (1804), the former building his cabin on lot 85, near what is designated as Powers' Brook; the latter at first settling near the Corners and afterwards upon Fish Creek; these parties coming, via the Susquehanna and Allegheny rivers to Pittsburg, and from thence to Warren, by the zig-zag path cut by General Simon Per- kins, and thence, through the unbroken wilderness to their destin- ation. HON. FRANK M. GREEN, — born in Norton, September 28, 1836; reared to occupation of farmer ; edu- cated in district schools, and Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, at Hiram; teacher froin 1855 to 1863, since inainly devoting himself to preaching as a minister among the Disciples of Christ, filling-, at different times, the responsible • positions of general missioharj^, secretary, editor and author, Bethany College, in 1884, con- ferring upon him the honorary degree of Master of Letters. An ardent Republican, Mr. Green ably represented Summit county in the 67thGeneral Assembly— 1886, '87. For the past sixteen years, Mr. Green has resided in Stow, his venerable father, Rev. Philander Green (who, with his father, Samuel Green, emigrated from Connecticut to Ohio, in 1810), now in his 81st year, also residing there. March 11, 1862, Mr. Green was married to Miss Ellen E. Stow, whose father, Albert C. Stow, was born in Stow township, July 5, 1810. Five children have been born to them — Lurie, now Mrs. E. S. Wetmore, of Stow, born December 26, 1862 ; Fannie, now Mrs. W. J. Cox, of Cuyahoga Falls, Decem- HON. FRANK M. GREEN. ber 10, 1861; Mary Tarissa, January 26, 1867, died February 14, 1881 ; Frank Albert, now student in Hirain Col- lege, December 7, 1868 ; and Daisy Almira, September 30, 1871, now Mrs. William R. Hillyard, of Cleveland. Subsequent Comers. — Our limited space will only permit the barest mention of those, nearly all from Middletow^n, w^ho followed the foregoing, in rapid succession, as permanent settlers in Stow township, and in this we are unable to mention all, or to give the order of their arrival, or their several domiciliary locations. But among the names now accessible to the writer, may be mentioned the folloAving: Titus Wetmore, Thomas Rice, Josiah Starr, John Gaylord, Adam Steele, George Darrow, John Sadler, John Arbuckle, William Leach, Joseph Harmon, William Lappin, Elkanah Richardson, Jacob Cochran, Samuel Burnett, Samuel Baker, Frederick Victor, Caleb Wetmore, Isaac Wilcox, Ira Kelso, Francis Kelsey, Constance Rogers, Samuel Cheney, Stephen But- ler, Jonathan Gaylord, David Ruggles, Erastus Southmayd, Bemus Hamilton, William McClelland, James Dailey, Thomas and Isaac Steele, and a few years later, Thomas Gaylord, John Sawyer, John Blackman, Henry Kenyon, Doctor Spalding, Andrew Rich, Jacob ORGANIZATION, TOPOGRAPHICAL, ETC. 1007 Richmond, Kzra Wyatt, Ward, Hubbard and John Pendleton, John Graham, Timothy Brainard, Virgil M. Thompson, David Strong, William Galloway, Ira Barnes, William Hibbard, Ethe Wetmore, Arthur Sadler, James Smith, Noel Beckley, George Hartle, Chaun- cey Lowery, John Kemp, Mr. McAvoy, Jesse Pratt, David Sanger, William Stow, Frederick Sanford, Orrin Gilbert, Henry O'Brien, Frederick Wolcott, Rowland Clapp, Palmer Williamson, etc. Organization, Etc. — Stow was at first attached to Hudson, in township organization, both being then under the jurisdiction of of Trumbull county, Mr. William Wetmore being elected and offi- ciating as justice of the peace for the Stow portion of the combina- tion. On the passage, in 1807, of the act erecting the county of Portage, William Wetmore Esq., of Stow^, was named as one of the associate judges of the new county, taking his seat upon the bench at the first term of the court, at Ravenna, August 23, 1808, Judge Calvin Pease being the presiding judge, and Aaron Norton and Amzi Atwater the two other associate judges. Judge Wet- more seems to have possessed great versality of talent, as well as what in modern times would be called " push," for it appears in the records in his own writing, that in addition to his duties as judge, in the absence of a regularly appointed clerk (clerks then being appointed by the courts), the functions of that office were performed, ex officio, by Judge Wetmore, until and including the December term, 1809, near the close of which he was regularly appointed clerk by the other members of the bench, being suc- ceeded as judge, at the ensuing term, by Samuel Forw^ard, Esq. The first recorder for Portage county was Mr. Titus Wetmore, brother of the judge, but the records of deeds, mortgages, etc., during his brother's incumbency, commencing July 2, 1808, and ending August 23, 1810, are in the neat and uniform handw^riting of the judge, who, at the latter date, succeeded to the recordership himself, which official position, together with that of clerk, he seems to have filled until February 25, 1813, at about which date Judge Wetmore was appointed commissary in the army, under General Elijah Wadsworth, w^ith headquarters at Old Portage, serving in that capacity until the close of the War. On receiving this appointment, Mr. Wetmore moved back to Stow, after the close of the War, about 1815, building the commodious house now standing, immediately east of Silver Lake. The township of Stow w^as organized the same year as Port- age county was (1808), but there is no record now extant, as to who its early officers w^ere, though Judge Wetmore, except while living in Ravenna, continued to exercise the functions of justice of the peace for many years, the judge, by his intelligence, uprightness and enterprise, very largely promoting the settlement, and the material, educational and moral interests of the tow^nship, his death occurring October 27, 1827, at the age of 56 years. Topographical, Hydraulic, Etc. — In point of topographic and hydrographic advantages, fertility of soil, etc.. Stow may be regarded as one of the very best townships of Summit county. With a rolling, but in no w^ise hilly, surface; with the Cuyahoga river traversing its entire southern border; Silver Lake (formerly Stow Pond), with a circumference of nearly three miles, a little southwest of the Center; Crystal Lake (formerly Cochran's Pond), a short distance to the northwest; Turtle Lake (originally Mud 1008 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Pond), in the northwest part of the township; Walnut creek at Stow^ Corners (forming at that place a romantic gorge in its descent to the river); Kelsey creek, or Wilcox run, entering the river from the south, below Munroe Falls; Fish creek, entering the river from the north, in the east part of the township; Powers brook and Mud brook in the north, finding their way through Northampton to the river, near Old Portage, a great abundance of water for agricultural and mechanical purposes is furnished, without any appreciable amount of contiguous w^aste land, as in some of the other largely w^atered localities of the county. Both Silver Lake, Crystal Lake and Turtle Lake, are beau- tiful bodies of water, the two former entirely fed from springs, neither having any visible feeder, while each has quite a copious outlet, the former flowing into the river below Munroe Falls and the latter being a tributary to Mud Brook. Silver Lake, always a favorite locality for both the Indians and their pale-faced suc- cessors, has of late years attained a state- wide repute as a Summer resort. Of abundant 'depth — in some places from seventy-five to eighty feet — to float the good-sized steamboat which has been plying its waters for several years; w^ith its beautiful grove, upon its western border, tastefully fitted up with conveniences for shel- tering and feeding the multitude, and w^ith a good carriage road, and a railroad station in close proximity, it is now^, under its present proprietor, Mr. Ralph H. Lodge, one of the most popular pleasure resorts in Northern Ohio. Industrial Stow. — By referring to the maps, it will be seen that the village of Munroe Falls, and quite a large part of the village and township of Cuyahoga Falls, lie within the original boundaries of Stow township, both affording large manufacturing facilities, that should, perhaps, be credited to Stow, but which being alluded to in connection with those villages, need not be repeated here. In addition to various w^orks at those points, during the pioneer period, there were several early saw^-mills in different parts of the township, the earliest in 1808, by Ezra Wyatt, on eighty acres of land donated to him for that purpose, by Judge Wetmore, near the present site of the Cliff house at Stow Corners, but w^hich w^as dismantled in the early twenties by reason of the failure of the waters of that stream; one upon Mud Brook, built by Joshua Stewart prior to 1820, and for many years operated by Mr. Henry Wilcox; one on Fish Creek and a number of others, w^hich by reason af the clearing up of adjacent timber lands, and the con- sequent diminution of the water in those streams, were long ago dismantled, and the sites of some of them are scarcely known to the present "oldest inhabitant" of the tow^nship^ — portable saw- mills now doing such occasional local work as may be needed in that line. That modern lacteal institution, the cheese factory, how^ever, has for several years been a prominent industrial feature of the neighborhood, several of w^hich, in different localities acces- sible to suitable streams of w^aters, for cooling and cleansing pur- poses, afford a ready (though perhaps not always very profitable) market for the milk product of the adjacent farms. The soil may be generally called a clayey loam — though in some places approaching to sandy — and adapted to every variety of farm and garden vegetables and grain, but especially favorable to stock growing and fruit. WHISKY, EDUCATION, RELIGION. 1009 In this connection the fact should not be omitted, that among the very earliest of Stow's supposed to be indepensable industries w^as the whisky distillery. Army regulations, at that day, requiring that one gill of grog per day should be dealt out to each soldier, and as the whisky used for the purpose of supplying the troops at Old Portage, and contiguous points, had to be trans- ported at heavy expense from Pittsburg, Commissar^' Wetmore, in 1812 or 1813, erected a distillery upon the east side of Stow^ Pond (now Silver Lake) in which Mr. John Graham, w^ho had w^orked at the business in Scotland, was emplo3'ed as distiller. After the close of the war, to supply the demand caused by increased immi- gration, Mr. Graham built a distillery for himself on the north bank of the river near the present village of Munroe Falls, two others being built in other portions of the township about the same time. Though these establishments were quite profitable, and at that time universally regarded as a legitimate and honor- able business, the agitation of the temperance question in the latter twenties and early thirties, not only lessened the demand, but brought conviction to the minds of the proprietors of the w^rongfulness of the business, and they were all soon afterwards dismantled, though a third of a century later an immense dis- tillery was carried on for several years, w^ithin the original limits of Stow, now Cuyahoga Falls. Education, Morality, Religion, Etc. — It ]ias 'been repre- sented, in certain quarters, that fhe leading early sentiment of Stow being atheistic in its character, the tow^nship suffers, in com- parison with some of its neighbors, in regard to its intelligence, morality and religious status, which it seems to the writer is grossly unjust to both the early settlers and the present inhabi- itants of the township. It ' is verj^ possible that some of her pioneer settlers, as ^vell as some of their descendants and suc- cessors, may have been free thinkers, and it is quite probable that she may not have sent forth as many eminent divines, scientists, and statesmen as some of her sister townships; but that she is in any sense behind her neighbors in general intelligence, morality, piety or patriotism, can scarcely be conceded. As early, perhaps, as 1806, Deacon Stephen Butler, a rigid Presbyterian, whose cabin was a short distance north of the center organized a small class among his Christian neighbors, who met regularly at his house for laj^ worship, with such occasional preaching as could be secured from Hudson and other neighboring localities. Later on, the meetings were held in the school house at Stow Corners, and still later in a small house of worship erected a short distance southwest of the Corners, on the Cuyahoga Falls road. Some of the remembered prominent members of this society in addition to Deacon Butler, were William Stow, and John and Thomas Gaylord, with their respective families. The member- ship gradually increased until some time during the early forties, w^hen, the Disciples having obtained a strong following in the township, the house was transferred to that denomination, the Presbyterians allying themselves with the church at Cuyahoga Falls. The Disciples, largely in the ascendency in the township at the present time, a few years since erected a more commodious and imposing house of worship at the Corners, on the east side of the Hudson road. 64 1010 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Kpiscopalianism also, as early as 1818, obtained quite a footing among the pioneer settlers of Stow, the present St, John's Church and society of Cuyahoga Falls, having been organized there in 1830. Among the early promoters of this form of faith, were Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Wetmore (the latter being especially zealous and active), at whose house, at Stow Corners, the meetings were first held; Orrin Gilbert, Frederick Sanford, Henry O'Brien, Arthur Sadler, Frederick Wolcott, William Wetmore, Rowland Clapp, sev- eral of the Gaylords and others whose names are not now recalled. Lay serv^ices, with occasional preaching, w^ere held in different places, in private houses, in school houses, at the tavern, etc., until 1835, when the society permanently located at Cuyahoga Falls, erecting the present St. John's Church structure, corner of Portage and Second streets, w^hich, being completed in the Spring of that year, w^as consecrated as a house of worship by Bishop Mcllvaine, July 16, 1836, Stow still maintaining a respectable mem- bership in the society. In the early twenties, also, a Universalist society was organized, and for several years vigorously maintained, among its promoters being Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Wetmore, Isaac Wilcox, Francis Kelsey and others, services being held in the school house by the resident preacher. Rev. Bigelow, a very fluent speaker, and a most excellent citizen. In addition to the foregoing, there has also existed, for many 3^ears, in the northwestern portion of the township, at the point so long designated as "Little Ireland," but w^hose postoffice desig- nation is now " Metz" a United Presbyterian Church and society, -with a snug little house of worship, and quite a large membership, w^hile religious meetings have been of frequent occurrence in the commodious school house at Darrow Street, now officially called Darrowville. and perhaps in other localities, during the past half century, so that it may be safely stated, that whoever asseverates that Stow is " without God and ^vithout hope, in the world," lies — under a very grave misapprehension. In the matter of education, while it is true that Stow offers no academic or collegiate advantages to her youth, like some of her neighbors, it is also emphatically true that her common schools are as highly cherished, and as well conducted, as those of the very best of her contemporaries, with a general corresponding intelligence among all classes of her people. Terrible and Fatal Tornado.— On the night of October 20, 1837, or rather on the morning of the 21st, there occurred one of the most violent and fatal hurricanes that ever visited Summit county, or perhaps the State. On the east and w^est center road, and a few rods directly north of what is now known as Silver Lake, stood the residence of Mr. Frederick Sanford, a small story-and-a- half frame house, with a frame barn standing some 12 or 15 rods northeasterly therefrom. The family consisted of Mrs. Sanford, his wife, Clarissa, their tw^o sons, Charles, aged 22, and Norman, 19, their daughter, Mary C, 14, and Mrs. Mary Col- lins, the mother of Mrs. Sanford. On the evening of October 20, the entire family had been absent from home, attending a wed- ding, for w^hich purpose, in addition to their ow^n, they had bor- rowed a buggy from the widow Butler, living a short distance northeasterly, on the north and south center road. Returning at a late hour, leaving the buggies standing in the yard, between the THE FATAL TORNADO OF 1837. 1011 "house and the barn, the family retired to bed, all but Mr. and Mrs. Sanford sleeping up stairs. Between three and four o'clock, while all were sound asleep, the cyclone struck the house, every portion of which above the cellar walls, was entirely demolished, and all the family excepting Mrs. Sanford, and her daughter Mary, almost instantly killed. The bodies were all found between the house and barn, Mary being the farthest from the house. Mrs. Sanford's collar bone w^as broken, and she was otherwise considerably cut and bruised; but Mary, found in an unconscious condition, lying upon a gate w^hich had been carried from in front of the house, sustained no further injury than a slight cut upon one of her ankles and a few inconsiderable bruises, though the shock to her system made it necessary for her to keep her bed for several days. The tick of the bed on w^hich Mary was sleeping being found in the top of quite a large tree, between the house and the barn, it was supposed that she had been carried through the top of the tree, also. In her hand was tightly clutched her every-day dress, w^hich, on retiring, she had laid upon the bed ready for use in the morning. Mr. Sanford Avas still alive when found, and removed to the house of Mr. Maxwell Graham, but expired in a short time without regaining consciousness, his thigh being broken, besides the internal injuries w^hich caused his death. The two sons and Mrs. Collins were all dead when found, though it is not remem- bered that any of them were seriously disfigured. The course of the tornado seemed to be from southw^esterly to northeasterly, some effects of it being visible near Gilbert's Cor- ners, three-fourths of a mile w^est, while it w^as evident, from the moisture and sand found about the Sanford premises, that a con- siderable portion of the water and mud, in what is noAv known as Crystal Lake (formerly Cochran's or Hart's pond), were scooped up and carried along by the storm. Mr. Sanford's barn w^as partly unroofed, and an adjoining shed entirely demolished; the barn doors blown open and a fanning mill standing on the barn floor carried away; a cart and barrow left standing in the street, south of the house, were found some distance beyond the barn; the tvsro buggies left standing in the yard w^ere entirely demolished and carried away; a plow standing near the house, after being made to plow^ quite a long circular furrow, w^as dashed to pieces, and nearly all the chickens upon the place were killed and stripped of their feathers. The household furniture Avas entirely demolished, ^nd the family clothing, bedding, etc., all destroyed or blown away, some of it being found in Streetsboro, some five or six miles away, and other portions nearer by, folded and in good order, as when laid aw^ay by their respective ow^ners. Easterly from the scene of the chief disaster, Mr. Maxwell Graham's barn was unroofed and house somewhat racked; a log house further east occupied by a family named Wells, the house of R. M. Barnes, a short distance beyond on the same street, and that of Mrs. Butler, upon the Hudson road, were unroofed and other- wise more or less injured, Mrs. Butler finding fragments of her own buggy, which had been loaned to the Sanford's, as above stated, in the loft of her own house after the storm was over. For- tunately, however, no other persons than those named, were killed or seriously injured, though quite a number of domestic animals -were either killed or more of less crippled, while fences and a large 1012 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. number of forest and fruit trees were uprooted or twisted off by^ the gyrating besom of destruction, in its brief but fearful march through the township. The funeral of the four persons thus suddenly deprived of life^ was held at St. John's church, Cuyahoga Falls (of which Mr. and Mrs. Sanfordwere communicants on its first organization in Stow^ as elsewhere mentioned), October 23, the very impressive services being conducted by Kev. Boydon, rector of Trinity church, Cleve- land, the burial being in the cemetery at Cuyahoga Falls. A new house was afterwards built upon the foundation of the demolished structure, which is still standing. Mrs. Sanford died February 12^ 1849, at the age of 61 years. Mary was married to Mr. William L. Hanford, on the 18th day of February, 1844, and, with her highly respected husband, still lives upon the site of her fearful and mournful experience of 54 years ago. Vital Statistics. — The first marriage in the township i& believed to have been that of John C. Singletary, of Streetsboro, to Harriett Powers, daughter of Captain Gregory Powers, by Justice William Wetmore, in 1806, though Joseph Darrow, of Stow, w^as married to Sally Prior, in Northampton, as early as 1803; William Lappin, of Northampton, being married to Elizabeth Walker, of Stow, by 'Squire Wetmore, in 1807. There is some discrepancy of recollection as to the first birth in the township, a former historian having recorded that Betsey Walker was born in the Fall of 1803, Mary Campbell in 1804, Samuel Walker in 1805, and Clarissa Rice, daughter of Thomas Rice, the same year, though Mr. Henry Wetmore is of the opinion that the last named w^as the first white child born in the tow^n- ship. The. first death reported in the township was that of Mrs, Gregory Powers, in February, 1807; the second that of Elizabeth Gaylord in 1809; third that of George Darrow, November 20, the same year. "Lo! THE Poor Indian."— On the first arrival of the whites in Stow, Indians were abundant, especially in the neighborhood of the river and lakes, Mr. Henry W-etmore reporting that from 1808 to 1812 there was a continuous line of wigwams around the south- ern end of the lake, about where the wagon road now is, and another camp near the river, at which points there must have been at least 500 Indians, men, Avomen and children. They w^ere generally on very friendly terms with the whites, though misun- derstandings w^ould now^ and then arise, with perhaps occasional instances of treachery and cruelty on the part of the savages, and retaliation on the part of the w^hites; especial emphasis beings given, in the traditionary lore of the neighborhood, to the Indian- killing exploits of Jonathan Williams (the slayer of the Indian Nickshaw, as detailed elsewhere); at least three townships— Hud- son, Stow and Northampton — claiming the honor of Williams'^ prow^ess, in the selfsame transactions, w^hile a resident of their respective townships, fuller mention of w^hose reputed exploits will be found in another chapter. Mysterious Exodus, — Soon after the inauguration of the War of 1812, between England and the United States, it was suddenly noticed by the white settlers, that something unusual was trans- piring in the camps of their tawny neighbors; their visits to the INDIANS, RATTLESNAKES, ETC. 1013 cabins of the whites had entirely ceased; there was much hurrying to and fro, from camp to camp, and from lodge to lodge, the men holding frequent consultations and apparently engaging in impor- tant discussion; the apprehension rapidly spreading that mischief w^as brewing for the pale-faces, who quietly put themselves and their cabins in as good a state of defense as their limited resources ■would admit, of. But early one morning it w^as found that, during the night, the Indians had all departed, in a westward direction, leaving their w^igwams standing intact. After the war, the few that temporarily returned, disclosed the true inwardness of their "sudden taking -off." A British emissary had visited the camps, in the disguise of an Indian, and persuaded them that they had been swindled in the ceding of their lands to the United States, promising that if they would rise and massacre the w^hites, by w^hom they were surrounded, and join the British army, after the Americans had been conquered by the English, their lands should be restored to them. They assented to the proposition to join the British army, and light for the reclamation of their hunting and fishing grounds, but utterly refused to massacre, in cold blood, those ^vho had always treated them kindly, but on returning with the victorious army, give their old neighbors a chance to light for their posses- sions, or run for their lives. The many other traditioriary Indian reminiscences extant in the township will have to be omitted here, for want of space. . ^ The Venomous "Sarpent." — In the early times immense num- bers of rattlesnakes abounded in the vicinity of the river, and in the gorges traversed by the smaller streams, particularly in the rocky fastnesses of Wetmore Creek, between Stow Corners and the river. At length a sort of club was formed by the neighboring settlers, devoting a certain amotint of time to the destruction of the venomous reptiles, which was joined by Samuel Baker, a blacksmith, on condition that he might do his share on Sunday, as he could not spare the time during the week. One Sunday morning he discovered a large number of snakes issuing from a cleft in the side of the gorge, south of the cemetery, and sunning themselves on a narrow ledge of rock. When all were apparently out. Baker stripped off his coat, and, w^ith a long pole, shoved it into the fissure from whence the snakes emanated, to prevent their returning to their den. He then descended into the chasm, and w^ith his pole began an onslaught upon the squirm- ing and w^rithing, but half torpid, mass. While Baker was thus engaged, Deacon Butler and his devoted neighbors \vere holding religious services in a log cabin near the •Corners, and while the Deacon was in the midst of a fervent prayer. Baker's little son came running up to the open door of the cabin, yelling, at the top of his voice, " O, dad's killed a lot of snakes! Dad's killed a lot of snakes!" "Amen!" said the deacon, abruptl)'^ closing his prayer, and the entire congregation hastened to the gorge to witness the discomfiture of man's original enemy, and found the entire product of Baker's Sunday morning "devo- tions" to be, upon actual count, just sixty-five dead rattlesnakes. On blasting open the den, the next day, one old patriarch, only, probably the ancestor of the entire batch killed, was found therein. J^'rom this time such vigilance was exercised that the entire 1014 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. venomous race wholly disappeared within a few years, though not before one young man had lost his life and several fatalities to ani- mals had occurred from their virulent bite; and it is related by Mr, Henry Wetmore, as a singular fact, that with the disappearance of the Indians and the rattlesnakes, the plant used by the former as an antidote for the bite of the latter, entirely disappeared from the w^oods, also. Horrific Incident. — One, only, of the many narrow^ escapes from fatal casualty, by contact with rattlesnakes, can be here given: A little three-year-old child of John Campbell had been given a cup of milk and a spoon, and left sitting on the rough cabin floor for a few minutes, while the mother absented herself from the room. On her return, hearing the little one cooing and prattling to itself, as she supposed, she looked through the small w^indow^ at the end of the house, to see what it was doing. To her intense horror she saw a huge rattlesnake coiled up, almost in the child's lap, licking up the milk w^hich had been spilled upon its apron, and the child delightedly patting the snake upon the head with the spoon. The frightened mother uttered a piercing scream and rushed to the rescue of her child, whereupon the snake glided beneath the floor, through a crack between the puncheons, where Mr, Campbell and Mr. William Wetmore soon afterwards found and killed it. Bears, Wolves, Ktc. — Bears, wolves and other wild animals^ and game, both large and small, were abundant, some of which, though not regarded as especially dangerous, were a very great nuisance. Mr. Henry Wetmore informs the writer that one day, when quite a small boy, being in the woods, he saw their drove of hogs running rapidly towards him, in the direction of the house^ and stepping from the path to let them pass, a large bear bound past him in hot pursuit, while he himself started in the wake of the bear. The hogs dodged through a gap in the fence which was toa small to admit bruin, who, when Mrs. Wetmore came to the door^ to ascertain the cause of the disturbance, was standing on his- hind feet looking over the fence at the porkers with w^istful eyes^ and w^atering mouth. Motioning her boy to go around, as soon as- she found that he -was safe, the plucky woman seized some con- venient weapon and sallying forth drove the discomfited quad- ruped aw^ay. At another time Mr. Jacob Cochran, being at Mr^ Wetmore's, saw a bear seize a good-sized shote and make off with it. Mr. Cochran gave chase, and on going through a thicket the bear dropped the hog betw^een two saplings, w^hich so delayed its movements that Mr. Cochran came up and shot the bear. The hog" was so seriously injured that it had to be killed, also, both car- casses being hauled to the house by Mr. Wetmore's oxen and cart. Other families had similar " pleasurable" experiences, which can not be given within the limits of this chapter. Pigeons by the Millions. — Elsewhere reference is made to- the ancient pigeon roosts in Copley s^vam p. In this township, alsOr at Mud Brook Swamp, w^as a similar resort for millions of pigeons^ every Autumn, while stopping, in their flight southward, to feed upon the beech nuts and acorns of the adjacent forests. For" an hour or tw^o, night and morning, while going to and returning from their feeding grounds, millions of them would fill the sky, obscuring the sun like a dense black cloud, and in theii' LARGE BUT TRUTHFUL PIGEON STORY. 1015 flight producing a noise like the roar of a mighty wind. In 1815, Mr. Wetmore, with several companions, visited the swamp one night for the purpose of securing a supply of the birds for the family table, the noise of their w^ings and their chatter, at the dis- tance of half a mile, resembling the rumble of a heavy waterfall, and w^hen close at hand being so great that the visitors had to raise their voices to a high pitch to be heard by each other. Not only the large trees but the smaller bushes of the swamp were thoroughly covered with the birds, large branches of lofty elms being broken down by their weight; the company being able to capture and bag what they needed, with their hands, within a very few minutes. This may seem incredible to the modern reader, but from similar experiences in Copley sw^amp, the writer can vouch for its entire truthfulness, myriads being thus captured ev^ery season, from forty to fifty years ago, for the Akron and Cleveland markets, to say nothing of the immense numbers consumed by the inhabitants of contiguous localities. Stow's Tavern Accommodations. — At an earLy day, Ezra Wyatt, built a house of entertainment, at the Stow^ Corners, on the northeast corner of the Hudson and Kent roads, which was for many years, under its successive proprietors, one of the leading country hotels in the State. The old mail stage route from Cleveland to Pittsburg, on the east, and to Middlebury, Canton, Akron, Wooster, etc., on the south, was through Hudson and Stow, the latter point being the junction of the diverging routes, and the hotel in question being the ''stage house" for the entertainment and transfer of passengers. With a large dancing hall, and an ample dining room, it was also a popular resort for sleighing and other social parties, and the headquarters for the annual militia "trainings," so vigorously kept up for many years after the close of the War of 1812; as well as the scene of many a carouse, and an occasional disgraceful fight, between the bummers attracted thither from neighboring local- ities, by its well furnished bar. In the later years of its existence as a hotel, this house w^as kept by General Oliver E. Gross, w^ho afterwards bought and fitted up the "Cliff House," just around the corner on the Munroe Falls road, the original old Stow Corners hotel being now fenced in and relegated to private use. Stow's Military History. — There is no adequate record in regard to the early military history of Stow^. That a number of her original settlers had performed honorable service in the War of the Revolution is quite probable, though the names of four, only, have been handed down, viz: those of Isaac Steele, Charles Wooden, George Darrow and Gregory Powers. In the defense of the frontier, in the War of 1812, quite a large proportion of her adult male citizens took an active part, the names of Josiah Starr, Samuel Flanders, Oscar Harvey, Ambrose Roswell, William Burn- ham, George Darrow^ and Harry Wilcox, being mentioned in that connection, by Colonel Schoonover, in his contribution to the Mili- tary History of Ohio. In the War of the Rebellion, however, through the foresight and courtesy of Mr. William Southmayd, formerly a resident of Stow, afterwards of Cuyahoga Falls, but now deceased, w^e are enabled to include in this work a full list of the patriotic young 1016 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. men who went into the Union army from that township, which is as follows: George W. Bailey, Frank D. Bailey, Charles Beckley, Benjamin Boon, Samuel B. Bradley, Charles Buchanan, Benjamin F. Buckelin, William Burdick, Elmer Barney, Norman Cochran, E. T. Curtis, A. B. Curtis, Oscar Champney, Seeley H. Chapman, Asa Clapp, J. W. Chamberlin, Alexander Corey, Henry Cedar, A. H, Cole, John C. Castle, Theodore Castle, Embury Castle, John Campbell, Norman L. Darrow, James M. Darrow, James Dailey, Frank Davis, Albert G. Eves, Leonard E. Gaylord, Robert Gaj^ord, Samuel Gaylord, Hannibal Grinnell, Sylvester Gaylord, William Gaylord, Charles H. Gridley, Albert R. Hewitt, Thomas Hoover, William Hazzard, Arthur A. Jones, Clayton Kelso, Luther Lend- say, Henry Lendsay, Walter Lew^is, Richard Lewis, Wesley E. Loomis, Ferdinand Lord, Thomas Morris, Milton Miller, Lyman C. McAdams, Ulysses L. Marvin, George E. Nichols, Henry Nicker- son, Theodore Nickerson, Albert Nichols, Jesse D. Post, Levi D. Post, William Peate, Ransom C. Parks, Edward Peebles, Frank Peck, Andrew^ Peck. Eugene Pendleton, William Puts, Albert Reeves, Frank M. Root, George Ray, Horace Southmayd, J. S. Sweeney, Edwin A, Season, Chauncey F. Smith, William R. Smith, Edwin S. Smith, L. B. Stark, Charles H. Stark, Henry Smith, Alan- son Standish, Dwight Shumvsray, St. Clair Steel, Martin Schrady, Henry F. SteAvart, Robert Sears, John Scanlin, Robert Scanlin, Edgar Sears, Thomas Steel, Newell Stratton, George S. Turner, Lorenzo Talcott, Adelbert Thomas, Charles G. Talcott, Edward Thompson, James Tothaker, James Turner, Henry Victor, Julius O. Williamson, Alson Wetmore, Samuel Wooldridge, Clarence Wil- cox, Lemuel Wilcox, Charles H. Wetmore, Joseph Wallace, Warren Wright, John Wooldridge and William W. Wetmore, 101 in all, the last two being in the 100 days' service in 1861, in addition to which Samuel Gaylord and William C. Nichols joined the Squirrel Hunters to repel the projected attack of the rebel forces, under General Kirby Smith, on Cincinnati, in September, 1862. Space will not permit a full record of the service of each vol- unteer, as named above, a brief synopsis of which, as furnished by Mr. Southmayd, w^as published in the Summit Coantv Beacon, September 7, 1865, and was also, probably, spread upon the records of the township. The aggregate term of service of the 104 per- sons named, was, as computed by Mr. Southmayd, 181 years. Of the entire number, though in a great many engagements, one only, Samuel Wooldridge, is definitely known to have been killed in battle, shot through the head at Buzzard Roost Gap, May 8, 1864, though two others, Alanson Standish and Benjamin Boon, w^ere so reported. Seventeen died in service from various causes; two (Jesse D. Post and Henry Victor) from starvation in rebel prison at Andersonville; two (Robert Gaylord and Charles H. Wet- more) after six or eight months of terrible suffering in the prison pens of Meridian and Andersonville, lost their lives by the blowing up and burning of the steamer Sultana, on the Mississippi river, while en route for home, April 27, 1865; there being but two deserters in the entire number, and only ten discharges for disa- bility before expiration of their several terms of service, several of w^hom, on recovery re-enlisted. In addition to the above, Hiram Gaylord, being drafted in October, 1862, procured a substitute for three years; in May, 1864, MILITARY AND CIVIL AFFAIRS. 1017 Charles Southmayd, Elias Shick, Alexander Gettys, John Buch- anan, George W. Hart and Lyman Gilbert, were drafted, the two former paying $300 commutation each and the four latter furnish- ing substitutes. In the Fall of 1864 the following persons fur- nished substitutes before the draft: Hobart Wolcott and William McGrew, one year each; Henry Southmayd, two years; Marcus DarroAV, Henry O'Brien and George S. Richardson, Jr., three years each. The assessor for 1865 returns the following, as having died in the service: Samuel B. Bradley, Norman L. Darrow, Ransom C Parks, Horace Southmayd, Kdwin Smith, Edward Peebles, Henry Victor, Samuel Gaylord. It will thus be seen that Stow, notwithstanding the frightful episode connected therewith, to be hereinafter detailed, was loyal and patriotic to the core, in the bloody conflict of 1861-65, for the defense of the Union and the supremacy of the stars and stripes. Stow ix Civil Affairs. — While Stow has furnished no presi- dential incumbents of the White House, at Washington, or any ministers plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James, or Envoys Extraordinary to the king of Cannibal Islands, she nevertheless presents a civil record in county and state affairs that w^ill com- pare favorably with the average of her sister townships of Sum- mit county. William Wetmore, Stow's earliest permanent settler, besides being the first justice of the peace of the township, w^as one of the associate judges of Portage county, on its organization, in 1808, resigning which honorable but profitless position, after about two years service, he officiated as both clerk and recorder of the ■county until the breaking out of the War of 1812, through which he served as commissary of the army, as heretofore detailed. Titus Wetmore, brother of the above, w^as the first regularly ■elected recorder of Portage county, holding the office two years, from 1808 to 1810, though its duties were mainly performed for him by his brother. Judge William Wetmore, as elsewhere stated. Gregory Powers, Jr., was elected representative to the Legis- lature from Portage county in 1832, serving one year, and elected state senator in 1838, but died before the expiration of his term, July 10, 1839. William Wetmore, Jr. (the eldest son of the Judge), was state senator for the Portage-Summit district, from 1844 to 1846, filling the office very acceptably to his constituents in both counties for the full term of two years. Edwin Wetmore, (the second son of Judge Wetmore), for three consecutive terms, of three years each, from 1849 to 1858, was ■one of the very best county commissioners that Summit ever had. General Oliver E. Gross, for many years a citizen of Stow, besides filling important positions in the local military organiza- tions of the county for many years, very acceptajjly filled the office of coroner, from 1853 to 1855, and again for two consecutive terms, from 1868 to 1872. Ulysses L. Marvin, a native of Stow, though for many years past, a resident of Akron, besides his honorable military service in the War of the Rebellion, gave to the people of Summit county able and faithful service as probate judge, for two full terms of three years each, from 1869 to 1875. On the resignation of Judge 1018 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. N. D. Tibbals, M^y 1, 1883, Judge Marvin was appointed, by Gover- nor Charles Foster, to fill the vacancy upon the common plea& bench, which he very acceptably did until the induction of hi& successor, Judge Edwin P. Green, in the following October, Judge Marvin also being the presidential elector for the Twentieth Con- gressional District, composed of Summit, Medina and Stark coun- ties, for 1884, casting his vote in Electoral College for James G. Blaine, for president and John A. Logan for vice president. Samuel C. Williamson, though born in Portage county, may properly be regarded as a Stow boy, having spent much of his boyhood with relatives there. For faithful service, both in the volunteer and regular army, he fully earned his several promo- tions in the latter, from sergeant to captain; and though after- wards manfully battling w^ith the fell disease, contracted in the service, which finally carried him to his grave, gave to the office of probate judge, to which he was twice elected — in 1875 and 1878 — six years of unswerving fidelity and more than av^erage ability. Moses D. Call, for many years one of the justices of the peace for the township, with whose interests he w^as identified for nearly half a century, was elected county commissioner, in October, 1877,. and re-elected in 1880, making an extremely faithful and painstak- ing officer for the full period of six years. William Southmayd was born in Stow, May 16, 1830. Always active and public spirited, after having served as tow^nship clerk for nearly 20 consecutive years, in October, 1879, was elected infirmary directory for one year, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Captain Alfred R. Townsend, and in 1880 was re-elected for the full term of three years. While serving in that capacity, Mr. Southmayd had personal supervision of the first re-construction of the insane department, and to the close personal labors which he bestowed upon that noisome job, Mr. Southmayd very largely attributed the malady which finally resulted in his death. Hon. Francis Marion Green, was born in Norton, September 28, 1836, removing w^ith his parents to Stow w^hen eight or nine years old. Educated at Hiram College, under President James A. Garfield, follo^^ring the example of his father, Elder Philander Green and his uncle. Elder Almon B. Green, both w^ell-known preachers of the Disciple Faiith, he early adopted the ministry as his life calling. In addition to his very acceptable ministrations in Stow, and elsewhere, Mr. Green for several years did good ser- vice on the editorial staff of the Christian Standard, and made numerous and valuable contributions to the Ministerial and Sun- day School literature of the Church of Christ, receiving from Bethany College, in 1884, the Honorary Degree of Master of Liter- ature. Coincident with his clerical duties, Mr. Green has alw^ay& taken an active interest in political matters, as an uncompromis- ing Republican, and, in 1885, w^as elected by his party to the State Legislature, for two years serving his constituents as ably and as faithfully as any representative that Summit county ever had. THE GRAHAM-FILLEY-KILPATRICK TRAGEDY. Stow^, generally as orderly and peaceful as the average of the proverbially orderly and peaceful townships of the Western Reserve, \vas, nevertheless, the scene of one of those occasional STOW'S GREAT WAR TRAGEDY. 101^ bloody tragedies, growing out of political and partisan bias and bitterness during the late Civil War, In the states in rebellion,^ the slightest expression of opinion against the cause of the South, w^as deemed to be sufficient reason for suminary action against both the property and the person of the recalcitrant; but in the North, the utmost freedom of speech and action, short of dow^n- right treason, w^as generally quiescently, if not cheerfully sub- mitted to. As the War progressed, however, and as the danger to the Union became more immitient, the feeling grew stronger, among the masses, that the people of the loyal states should be com- pelled to be as unanimous in support of the government, as were those of the disloyal states for its destruction; especially in regard to contributing their just proportion towards furnishing the sinews of war, both physical and monetary. Thus, w^hen troops w^ere called for, in the later years of the War, it became customary ,- in raising the necessary amount of money to clear them from a draft, for the people of the several tow^nships to appoint commit- tees for the purpose of assessing and collecting the required amount from business men and property ow^ners, in proportion to- their supposed ability to pay, liability to draft, etc. And in some instances, when, from parsimony or partisanship, persons able ta contribute refused to do so, a species of coercion was resorted to — or "raiding," as it was termed — by which, if the moral pressure thus brought to bear proved ineffectual, a horse, cow, or some other valuable belonging was confiscated to the fund in ques-' tion. Beginning of the Trouble.— Among the very limited number of the citizens of Stow^ whose political partisanship overshadowed their patriotism, w^as Mr. William Graham, one of the most wealthy and enterprising farmers of the township. During the presidential campaign of 1860, Mr. Graham had many exciting' political discussions with his neighbors, and others, and on the announcement of the result, and the inauguration of the secession movement, openly advocated the cause of the South, and bitterly opposed the coercion of the seceding states. As the War pro- gressed, and call after call was made for troops, and money for recruiting and bounty purposes, Mr. Graham's bitterness and hos- tility increased, and, though having a son subject to draft, not a penny w^ould he contribute to the bounty fund, sought to be raised by voluntary subscriptions, for filling the township's quota and obviating the necessity for a draft. When the last draft was pending, in the beginning of 1865, in making their computations and assessments, the committee — composed of some eighteen or twenty of the best people of the tow^nship, both Democrats and Republicans — apportioned to Mr, Graham the sum of $50, on his property possessions, and $10 addi- tional, because of the liability of his son to the draft. These sums, on being called upon by a member of the committee, Mr, Graham, with great bitterness of speech, peremptorily refused ta pay, and on learning that others entertaining the same views — in Stow^ and elsew^here — were being "raided," gave out that he should defend his property from seizure at all hazards, and to this end had his double-barreled gun thoroughly repaired, bought a supplv^ of ammunition, prepared a quantity of bullets, slugs, etc. 1020 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The Deadly Ambuscade. — Thus matters stood on the morn- ing of Thursday, March 2, 1865^^ Feeling that it was due to the rest of the people of the township that Mr. Graham should con- tribute to the bounty fund the proportionately small sum assessed against him, it was resolved to call upon him in " committee of the whole," hoping that their united influence and persuasion would be as effectual w^ith him as it had already been w^ith several others of his class, who at first had refused to contribute. Accordingly, early in the afternoon of the day named, the committee in a body, on horseback, but wholly unarmed, started from the hotel at Stow^ Corners, in the direction of Mr. Graham's residence, about a mile distant, on the east and w^est center road. After turning the corner, and while yet some distance from Mr. Graham's premises, the committee halted for consultation. It was agreed, that whatever might be the result of their visit, they w^ould not undertake to sequestrate any of his property, and sent one of their number, a warm personal and political friend of Mr. O., forward to assure him of their pacific and friendly intentions. While quietly proceeding on his way, and w^hile opposite the lands of Mr. Kdwin Wetmore, some distance east of the premises of Mr. Graham, he was halted and, on pain of death, ordered into the fence corner by Mr. Graham, who was concealed in the bushes, behind the fence, on Wetmore's land. Seeing their delegate thus diverted from his course, two other members of the committee rode forward to ascertain the cause. On coming opposite to Mr. Graham, they, too, were ordered to halt, and not complying, ^vere fired upon by the infuriated man, but fortunately without serious result, one of them putting spurs to his horse and riding rapidly down the road to the ^rest, while the other turned back towards the main body up the road, the original delegate also starting for- w^ard down the road. Unavailing Neighborly Intervention. — Almost opposite the point occupied by Mr. Graham, lived Mr. John H. Burridge, who, on hearing the command to halt and the report of the gun, came out to ascertain the cause. On seeing Mr. Graham in the act of reloading his gun, the two men riding rapidly down the road and the balance of the committee to the east, Mr. Burridge instantly took in the situation, and started across the road to plead with his neighbor to go home, and avoid the serious trouble he was evi- dently getting himself into. But this only serv^ed to increase his fury, Graham threatening to shoot him if he did not go back. Mr. Burridge then walked up the road towards the committee with the view of advising them to retire, lest fatal consequences might ensue. In the meantime, Graham, still in the lot, Avorked east- ward towards the committee, and assuming a threatening attitude, the committee dismounted, using their horses as a breast-w^ork, in case they should be fired upon. Two Fatal Shots. — Here Mr. Burridge again begged Mr. Graham to retire, but instead of doing so, he fired one barrel of his gun, loaded with slugs, at Hugh Kilpatrick, whose person had become partially exposed by the restiveness of his horse. The main portion of the charge struck Kilpatrick's right thigh. The w^ounded man hobbled towards the fence on the north side of the road. Mr. Burridge and Mr. Homer Filley, a member of the committee, going to his assistance, the balance of the committee TWO MEN DELIBERATELY SHOT TO DEATH. 1021 retreating up the road. Mr. Burridge now made- another earnest appeal to Mr. Graham to desist in his bloody w^ork, and assist him and Mr. Filley to carry the wounded man to his house and endeavor to save his life. But the appeal was w^holly unavailing, Mr. Gra- ham re-loading his gun and taking deliberate aim across the fence, firing at Mr. Filley, while endeavoring to stanch the flow of blood from the shattered leg of his w^ounded friend. The ball also entered Mr. Filley's right thigh, causing him to leave his dying comrade to the care of Mr. Burridge, and run towards the rest of the company, up the road, on reaching whom, he fell to the ground, and soon afterwards expired, the femoral artery in both cases being severed. Mr. Burridge was now^ compelled, by Graham, on pain of death, to leave Mr. Kilpatrick, who by this time had fainted from loss of blood, but soon afterwards returned for a moment — while Graham had gone in pursuit of the rest of the committee, who had by this time dispersed — only to find Mr. K. dead, also. Standing Guard Over His Victims. — Mr. Burridge then went to the house of Mr. Maxwell Graham, a short distance west, to get him to endeavor to appease his brother, but finding him absent, again started for the scene of carnage. Before reaching his ow^n house, he w^as luet by Graham, who, leveling his gun at him, threatened to shoot him, also, if he did not instantly leave the street and go into his house, compelling him to climb three fences in doing so, instead of permitting him to enter the gate. Thus, all the afternoon, Graham kept guard over his victims, permitting no one to approach, excepting Dr. George C. Upson, of Cuyahoga Falls, to ascertain w^hether the vs^ounded men were liv- ing or dead. Some distance before reaching the w^ounded men, the doctor was halted by Graham, from his peach orchard, on the north side of the road. In answer to an inquiry as to w^hat he wanted, the doctor explained that he had been sent to look after the wounded men, w^hereupon Graham said: "I want you to understand that this is headquarters and you must report to me," and permitted him to pass. Finding both men dead, the doctor so reported to Graham, who declared he was glad of it, and wished to God he had killed more of them, and then ordered the doctor to leave. In response to the doctor's request to be permitted to come with a wagon and a single assistant, to remove the bodies, Graham declared that the bodiesshould not be removed until those horses had been returned (alluding to several head of horses that had been taken from another party), but finally acceded to the doctor's request. Graham Himself Wounded. — In the meantime the news of the tragedy spread rapidly throughout the neighborhood, and a w^arrant, .issued by Justice Charles W. Wetmore, of Cuyahoga Falls, was placed in the hands of Constable Julius A. Upson, w^ho started, unarmed except as to the legal process indicated, for the truly "dark and bloody" ground. There w^ere, by this time, hundreds of terribly excited men at Stow Corners, w^ho endeavored to dissuade the constable from approaching the infuriated man alone and unarmed; but Mr. Upson determined to make the venture. As the officer approached (on foot) he was halted by Graham, who demanded to know his business. Informing him that he had a warrant for his arrest, and urging him to submit to the process 1022 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. of the law, the constable was told to be off, on pain of death, as he would not submit to arrest. Returning to the Corners, Mr. Upson sought to organize a posse to aid him in the arrest, but finding the crowd decidedly averse to facing the desperate man w^ho had already laid two of their neighbors low in death, he accepted the proffered services of the late Parvin Kves to accompany him alone, providing he could be furnished with a sure-fire w^eapon. A messenger was accordingly sent to Mr. Thomas W. Cornell, -at Cuyahoga Falls, w^ho was known to be the possessor of a very fine rifle; that gentleman, after carefully loading the weapon, promptly responding to the call. On the return of the messenger, with the rifle, Messrs. Upson and Eves started, the former walking in the middle of the road, while the latter skirted the fence, inside the lot, the intention being that if he saw Graham raise his w^eapon on the officer, to immediately fire upon him, w^ith the view^ -of crippling and preventing him from doing further fatal mischief. As Mr. Upson again approached, he was again halted by Gra- ham, still on the north side of the road, and a short parley ensued, the officer stating to Graham that it was both his duty and his determination to serve the warrant which had been placed in his hands, and again urging him to peaceably surrender -without caus- ing any further bloodshed to either others or himself. Peremp- torily refusing to submit, Graham again raised his rifle and ordered Upson to leave on pain of instant death, and as he turned to leave Graham fired, one of the slugs with w^hich the gun w^as loaded.cut- ting quite a gash on the side of his neck, the remaining slugs rid- dling the fence on the opposite side of the road. Simultaneously w^ith the discharge of Graham's gun. Eves also fired, Avhereupon Graham immediately retired to the corner of the fence out of sight. In a few minutes he called to Mr. Upson to approach, saying that he was wounded and would surrender. After a momentary delay, fearing a ruse on the part of Graham, to get the officer within range of his gun, w^hile himself safe from that of his ally, Upson w^ent to him, soon after w^hich Graham tumbled over upon his face in the snow in a dead faint. On turning him upon his back, and throwing snow^ in his face to bring him to, Mr. Upson discovered that his left elbow was badly shattered, by the shot fired by Mr. Eves. Constable Upson then called to his brother, Dr. G. C. Upson, who -with many others, a short distance up the road, w^ere anxiously watching the proceedings, although by this time it was getting quite dark. Dr. Upson gave the w^ounded elbow such surgical attention as the means at his command w^ould admit of, .and Graham and the bodies of his tw^o victims were taken to Stow Corners, by Constable Upson, and the many w^illing hands now tendering their assistance. The Murderer in Jail. — Sheriff James Burlison having been telegraphed for, accompanied by Deputy United States Marshal David A. Scott, arrived at the hotel soon after the arrival of the party there, and though the excitement -was by this time most intense, both in the neighborhood and at Cuyahoga Falls, as well .as in Akron, succeeded in safely conveying the prisoner to jail. Doctors William Bowen and George P. Ashmun being called in by Sheriff Burlison, the next morning, found Graham's elbow so badly shattered that amputation was at first deemed to be neces- sary; but finally, after removing several fragments of bone, by INDICTMENT, TRIAL, VERDICT. 1023 ihe use of splints, bandages, etc., the arm was saved, though in a badly crippled condition. A few days later, a brief preliminary examination w^as held by Justice Wetmore, the defendant being duly committed, Mrithout bail, on the charge of deliberate and pre- meditated murder. Solemn Funeral Services. — The obsequies of the two murdered men were jointly held at the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Cuyahoga Falls, on Sunday, March 5, 1865. There w^as a very large attendance, the solemn services being conducted by the pastor of that church, Rev. Chapin. The remains of Mr. Filley were taken to Northampton for interment; those of Mr. Kilpatrick being buried in the cemetery near Stow Corners, w^ith masonic rites, Mr. K. being a highly respected member of that order. Indictment, Continuance, Etc.— The February term of the Court of Common Pleas being then in session, the matter was immediately brought before the grand jury, by Prosecuting Attorney, Edward Oviatt, Esq., and two separate bills of indict- ment were returned, each charging the defendant with murder in the first degree. Owing to his physical condition, however, the trial w^as postponed until the ensuing May term, two new indict- ments, of three counts each, being found by the grand jury of that term; the several counts, in both indictments, each charging Oraham w^ith deliberate, Avillful, premeditated and malicious murder. Arraignment, Trial, Etc. — On all of the six counts, on being arraigned before Judge Stephenson Burke, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty. Prosecutor Oviatt first putting him on trial for the murder of Homer Filley. The trial, which lasted nearly a Aveek, was conducted by Prosecuting Attorney Edw^ard Oviatt, assisted by Henry McKinney, Esq., on behalf of the State, and by S. W. McClure, Esq., Judge Rufus P. Ranney, of Cleveland, and R. O. Hammond, Esq., for the defense; the plea of both insanity on the subject of politics and war, and of justifiable homicide, being urged in behalf of the defendant. The main facts as to the killing, substantially as above given, and as developed on the trial, were admitted by defendant's attorneys, but a large amount of testimony was introduced tending to show, first, that by reason of injuries to his head, received in a serious railroad accident, a short time previous, the .defendant's mind was so far thrown out of balance that, under great provocation an4 excitement he was ^vhoUy irresponsible for his acts; and, second, that from reports which had been brought to him of the action of the committee with other parties, and of their intended action against him, he had reason to believe that he was about to be illegally despoiled of his property, and perhaps subjected to per- sonal injury, and fully believed that the defense of both his person and property against the formidable body of men he saw approach- ing his premises, was justifiable. Arguments — Charge — ^ Verdict, Etc. — The testimony closed about noon, on Thursday, January 8, 1865. Prosecutor Oviatt opened the argument for the State, in a clear and lucid argument of about an hour and a half, followed by S. W. McClure, in an able plea of about three hours, on the part of the defense. On Friday morning, Judge Ranney, in an extremely ingenious plea, of nearly four hours, closed the argument for the defense, Mr. McKinney 1024 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. summing up the case, and concluding the arguments for the State in an extremely impressive plea of about five hours. The charge of Judge Burke, occupying about three quarters of an hour, was regarded by all who heard it, as remarkably clear and impartial, carefully guarding the interests of the people as v/ell as affording full protection to all the rights of the accused, under the lawr and the testimony given in the case. The case was given to the jury at 6 o'clock p. >i., and at about 10 o'clock the same night, they returned a verdict of murder in the second degree, which, the theory of insanity being thus discarded, ^vas at the time generally regarded as unwarrantably mild, in view of the war-like preparations w^hich the defendant had made, and the deliberation and persistence with which his attack upon the unarmed body of men approaching, and before they had reached his own premises, w^as made and followed up — even to the extent of preventing a disinterested neighbor, and a peaceable physician from giving succor to the two men who had already fallen before his deadly aim. Exceptions to Judge Burke's charge were filed, by defendant's counsel, but no further move w^as made for a new^ trial, and Judge Burke immediately sentenced the defendant to imprisonment, at hard labor, in the state penitentiary, during the period of his natural life, and to pay the costs of prosecution, amounting to $747.86. After the Trial. — In speaking of the trial and its results, the present w^riter, editorially in The Beacon, said: "The prisoner has nearly recovered from the wound received in his capture, though the elbow^ w^ill always, probably, be stiff. We do not learn that he has ever manifested any contrition for the terrible crime, though he admits that it would have been better for him to have paid w^hat was asked of him, and esteems himself very lucky, indeed, at the mildness of his sentence. He is very busy w^ith his friends — w^ho in their deep affliction have the cordial sympathy of the entire community — in arranging his business matters, and otherwise preparing for the long imprisonment w^hich awaits him, the legitimate fruits of his unbridled temper and his sympathy w^ith the enemies of his country." In the Penitentiary. — Sheriff James Burlison conveyed Mr. Graham to the penitentiary on the 23d of June, 1865, in speaking of w^hich the present writer then editorially said: "The prisoner ^^as very observant of the grow^ing crops and of passing events, and expressed himself as being w^holly unable to realize w^hither he was going. Surely it must have been very difficult for the doomed man, who has ever been in the enjoyment of prosperity, the society of kind friends, and but for his ungoverned temper, unalloyed happiness, to comprehend, in its full import, the terrible fact that he w^as soon to be shut out forever from the bright and beautiful scenes of earth, to drag out the remainder of his existence at hard labor within the gloomy w^alls of the penitentiary. 'Verily the w^ay of the transgressor is hard.'" Civil Suits for Damages.— On the 17th day of March, 1865, Messrs. Henry McKinney and J. J. Hall filed petitions in the Court of Common Pleas, in behalf of Amanda Filley administratrix of the estate of Homer Filley and Seth W. Harrington, administrator of the estate of Hugh Kilpatrick, against William Graham, for civil damages, in the sum of $5,000 each. At the May term of the COMMENDABLE ACTION OF SON. 1025 court when the cases were called, though answers had been duly filed, no defense was made, and judgment was rendered by Judge Burke for the full amount of damages claimed. As was then quite largely practiced, a second trial was asked for and granted, thus carrying the matter over until a subsequent term. After the consignment of Mr. Graham to the penitentiar3^ however, and before the civil suits w^ere reached, the son, Mr. Henry B. Graham, arranged for an amicable and equitable settlement of both suits, as will be seen from the following editorial from the pen of the present writer published in The Beacon of May 10, 1866: "Highly Commendable. — We learn that Henry B. Graham, upon w^hom has devolved the care of the family and the business affairs of his father, Mr. William Graham, since the occurrence of the unfortunate affair that at once deprived him of his liberty and two of his neighbors of their lives, has secured to the w^idows of Messrs. Kilpatrick and Filley the payment of $5,000 each, in annual installments of w^hich $1,000 has already been paid. This evinces not only a high sense of honor on the part of young Graham, but a spirit of energy and determination, also, which will meet w^ith the hearty commendation and sympathy of the entire community." The Pardon Question. — Within a very few months after Mr. Graham's incarceration, the War being over and the asperities aris- ing therefrom becoming very greatly softened, the friends of Mr. Graham began to agitate the question of applying to Governor Jacob D. Cox for his pardon, but no definite move w^as made in that direction until after the accession of Governor Rutherford B. Hayes, in 1867. In a communication to The Beacon, under date of April 3, 1867 Mr. William Southmayd, of Stow, said: "The friends of Mr. William Graham are circulating a petition for his pardon, with what success I am not advised. * * * j think the move is considered premature by those looking upon his case Avith the most charitable eyes." In commenting upon this item, the w^riter editorially said: "We w^ould not do anything to w^ound the feelings of the family or friends of the condemned man, or to pre- judice his case with the executive, or public, and therefore with- hold a resume of the evidence in the case given by 'Justice,' yet at the same time agreeing with our correspondents, that the move- ment for a pardon is at this time, in our judgment, premature." Governor Hayes Declines to Intervene. — The petition, numerously signed, by men of both political parties, was earnestly urged upon the attention of Governor Hayes, by interested friends and able counsel, but the Governor, on fully acquainting himself with all the circumstances connected with the double homicide, declined to interfere, believing that if, in any event, executive clemency should intervene, the time had not yet arrived for its exercise. Final Pardon. — Mr. Graham thus remained in prison, until the accession to the Governorship of Hon. William Allen, in 1874, before whom the application w^as successfully renewed, a pardon being granted by Governor Allen on the 11th day of February, 1874. In his list of pardons, and the reasons thereof, subsequently reported to the legislature, Governor Allen said of this particular case: "Pardoned on the petition of 1,500 citizens of Summit county, on application of Hon. A. C. Voris, delegate to Constitu- tional Convention from Summit county; of Senator Goodhue from 65 1026 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Summit District; of Lieutenant Governor Hart; of the prosecuting attorney; judges of Probate and Common Pleas Courts; of the treasurer, recorder, auditor and clerk of Summit county; of the mayor of Akron, and of leading bankers, professional and business men of Summit county. The crime ^vas committed under extreme provocation, and during intense mental excitement while the vic- tims were engaged in an unlawful act which Graham had reason to believe jeopardized his person and property. As he had suffered incarceration for a period of nearly nine years, it seemed to me that the ends of justice w^ere fully subserved in his case." Subsequent Life, Death, Etc. — Mr. Graham returned to his home, in Stow, on the evening of February 12, 1874, where he con- tinued to live quietly and peaceably, until his sudden death from heart disease, on the 3rd day of August, 1883, at the age of 68 years, 3 months and 28 days. His surviving family are among the most respectable and influential families of Stow township, and of Summit county, and in no way lessened in the public esteem by the occurrence of the fearful tragedy in which the husband and father was so prominent an actor, in the most exciting period of our country's history. Families of the Murdered Men. — Homer Filley was born in the State of New York, and lacked about a month of being 40 years of age at the time of his death. In 1852, he was married to Miss Amanda Robstein, in Michigan, shortly afterwards settling near his mother, in Northampton, working in sawmill, at farming, etc., a year or two later at Munroe Falls, and doing similar work in that vicinity. Besides his widow, five children were left to mourn his tragic death: Eliza, 12; Alice, 8; Wallace H., 5; Ida, 3; and Loretta, 4 months; all of whom, except the youngest, are now living, and all married and comfortably settled in life: Eliza and Ida at Munroe Falls, Alice in Michigan and \A allace H. in Akron, an operative in the Knife Works; Mrs. Filley still occupying the comfortable homestead which had been provided for the family by her lamented husband, previous to his death. Hugh Kilpatrick was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, emigrat- ing, w^hen a boy, to Kingston, Canada. His parents dying when he w^as still quite young, he was reared to manhood by friends of his family. In 1847, he went to California, and on his return went to Patterson, N. J. Thence he came to Cuyahoga Falls, subse- quently going to Munroe Falls, in both places working at his trade of paper-maker, for a time being a partner in the w^ell- remembered firm of Howard, Peebles & Co. June 25, 1857, Mr. Kilpatrick was married to Miss Mary B. Gaylord (daughter of the late Isaac T. Gaylord, of Stow), w^ho, after bearing him three chil- dren, died June 29, 1864; Mr. K. marrying for his second w^ife, Jan- uary 1, 1865, Miss Charlotte L. Benedict, of Northampton. At the time of his death, Mr. Kilpatrick was 36 years, 10 months and 22 days of age; the names and ages of his children being: Adelaide M., 5; Arthur G., 4; and Henry Theodore, 1; Arthur G. surviving his father but about three weeks. Adelaide M. is now the wife of Dr. Sylvanus Koontz, a prosperous physician of Roanoke, Ind., and Henry Theodore is a resident of Morgan Park, near Chicago, 111., engaged in the lucrative business of plumbing. Mr. Kilpat- rick's Avidow, Charlotte L., was married to the late Parvin Eves, of Stow, June 15, 1866, but a little over a year later was again STOW'S PRESENT OFFICIAL STATUS. 1027 -widowed, Mr. Kves being accidentally killed by the cars, at Cuya- hoga Falls, August 19, 1867. Mrs. Kves was again married, November 26, 1872, to Mr. Amos B. Wait, w^ith whom she is now living at Hilliard Station, Mich. STOW'S POPULATION, OFFICIAL ROSTER, ETC. The census of 1840 gave to Stow, including the populous cor- ner included in the village of Cuyahoga Falls, and the then boom- ing village of Munroe Falls, a population of 1,533; the census of 1880 giving her, exclusive of Cuyahoga Falls, 911; w^hile the cen- sus of 1890 credits her with 936, so that it will be seen that while there may have been a slight shrinkage between 1840 and 1880, she has rather more than kept her own during the last decade. The present official roster of the township (1891) is as foUow^s: Trustees, Charles Edward Hanson, Levi Swinehart, Charles N. Gaylord; clerk, William Nickerson; justices of the peace, Ira B. Fairchild, Henry B. Graham; constables. Fay G. Davis, Frederick Barnard; postmasters: Metz, Edward A. Seasons; Munroe Falls, C C. Reid. CHAPTER XLIX. MUNROE FALLS— BOSTON CAPITALISTS PROJECT A GREAT MANUFACTURING CITY— ITS RISE, PROGRESS AND DECLINE— ITS PROTEGE, EDWARD P. WILLIS^ CHARGED WITH AN INFAMOUS CRIME— TRIAL, CONVICTION AND SENTENCE —SECOND TRIAL AND CONVICTION— ESCAPE FROM JAIL AND SIX WEEKS' HIDING IN HIS ATTORNEY'S CISTERN — FLIGHT TO ITALY— RETURN TO- AMERICA AS BUSINESS MANAGER FOR THE NOTORIOUS LOLA MONTEZ, "COUNTESS OF LANSFELD" — SUMMARY EJECTION FROM HER PRESENCE AND SERVICE— PREMATURE DEATH, ETC. A CITY THAT WAS, BUT IS NOT. ABOUT two miles northeasterly from the enterprising village of Cuyahoga Falls, near the south line of the township of Stow^, is a small, but pleasant hamlet, known as Munroe Falls. It is located upon the Cuyahoga river, and exists by reason of the considerable water power afforded by the fall in the stream in that immediate vicinity. In the early thirties, manufacturing enter- prises, at points w^here w^ater powder was attainable, had nearly reached their limit in New^ England, and eastern capitalists began to explore the then far w^est for eligible locations for investment of their surplus means, and the augmentation of their w^ealth and fame. Middlebury, Akron, and Cuyahoga Falls, had already secured considerable reputation as manufacturing centers, while at many other contiguous points, grist-mills, saw-mills and carding and fulling mills, or w^oolen factories, had been put in operation by local enterprise. The Beginning. — At the point in question, under the name of "Florence," several small mills of this character had been erected by local operators, several years before anything had been done or thought of at Akron, and about contemporary w^ith the first improvements of a similar nature at the upper, or old, village of Cuyahoga Falls, a mile or so above the present business center of that village. But early in March, 1836, Edmund Munroe, a wealthy merchant of Boston, Mass., bought from Guy Wolcott, George Lodge, Zebulon Stow, and other farmers of the neighborhood, sev- eral hundred acres of land, including the water-pow^er, mills and other improvements thereon existing. About 200 acres of these lands ^vere immediately platted, and a handsome map prepared and published of the proposed village, or prospective city of "Munroe Falls." A commodious store was erected, and stocked with a full assortment of general merchandise; old mills were rejuvenated, new^ mills projected and quite a number of dwelling houses w^ere erected by Mr. Munroe, for the use of his agents and operatives, and by others to whom lots in the new city had been sold. So rapid was its growth, and so great was the popular con- fidence in its success, that several of the prosperous farmers of the neighborhood, together with several other eastern gentlemen, pro- posed to share the glory, as well as the profits, w^ith Mr. Munroe, by the organization of a joint stock company. Accordingly, on the INCORPORATORS — BANK, ETC. 1029 :3d day of April, 1837, a charter was granted by the Legislature of Ohio, to Edmund Munroe, Isaac I. Bigelow, Oliver O. Brown, William H. Munroe, and their associates, until the year 1860, to be known by the name of the "Munroe Falls Manufacturing Com- pany." By the terms of its charter, the company was authorized ^'to grow and manufacture silk and w^ool, and also to manufacture <;otton, paper, flour, sugar, machinery, and tools of all descriptions which may be necessary in their manufacturing operations," and with an authorized capital stock of $500,000 in shares of $100.00 vas also an absolute necessity, and w^ool was needed for its fabrication. The local demand for wool being greater than the local supply, made it a decidedly cash article, non-purchasable with ordinary farm produce, and therefore impossible of procurement by the workmen 1048 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. in exchange for the commodities in v^rhich they were paid. Hence the suspension of work upon the church, until the needed supply of wool should be forthcoming. The building committee, consisting of Capt. Amos Seward, Asaph Whittlesey, Richard Fenn, Reuben Beach, Peck Fenn, Lemuel Porter and Aaron Hine, called a meeting to consider the matter, and, regarding the demand of the men reasonable and just, by an extraordinary effort, raised the quantity of wool required — he strike was declared off and the sanctuary duly finished. Also Anti-Slavery to the Core. — ^The cause of the freedom of the down-trodden slave obtained an early hearing, and the most hearty co-operation in Tallmadge, the anti-slavery sentiment being stronger and more unanimous there than perhaps in any other township on the Western Reserve, excepting, possibly, the neigh- boring township of Hudson. Many are the traditions still extant among the people, in regard to the assistance given to fugitives from slavery, w^hile timorously journeying through the pretended, to the real land of freedom — Canada — in spite of the threatened pains and penalties of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law: and as Mr. Bronson well remarks, the man Avho would betray a fleeing slave, or inform on his succorer, " would have found Tallmadge rather a warm climate to live in." And w^hen, because of this sympathy, and because of the growing determination in the free North that the encroachments of slavery should cease, the oligarchy impiously struck at the life of the Nation, Tallmadge buckled on her armor and fought bravely in its defense, as "will be seen by the full roster of her volunteer soldiery herewith given. Coal and Mining Interests. — For what might properly be called a purely agricultural town, Tallmadge has also achieved marked success as a mining and manufacturing town. As early as 1808 or 1809, Mr. Jotham Blakeslee, working at his trade as a blacksmith, found coal on the land of Col. Meacham, in the south- east part of the township, which he used on his forge, and in 1810 procured coal from a vein found on the land of Deacon Elizur Wright, one mile w^est of the Center, a tradition running to the effect that this vein \eas discovered by means of small pieces of coal being brought to the surface by a woodchuck in digging his burrow. Other veins were soon afterwards discovered along the east side of w^hat has since come to be kno\vn as "Coal Hill," and worked to some extent by Asaph Whittlesey and Samuel Newton, w^ho, in connection with Messrs. Laird and Norton, of Middlebury Furnace fame, built and operated a forge for the manufacture of bar iron, at what is now known as the "Old Forge," about 1817. Timber was so abundant in those days that there was very little demand for coal, as fuel, or for manufacturing purposes, and for a decade and a half, but little was mined. About 1825, Mr. Henry Newberry, the owner of 1,000 acres of land in the northwest corner of Tallmadge, discovered and opened a vein of coal near the northwest six-corners, and about 1828 tried the experiment of ship- ping it to Cleveland by hauling it in wagons to Lock 16, on the Ohio Canal. It did not, however, prove a very profitable venture, though, according to Col. Whittlesey, the canal receipts at Cleve- land for four years, and before shipments from Massillon and other points south of Akron, commenced (1833), being as follows: 1829, 108 tons; 1830, 178 tons; 1831, 294 tons; 1832, 431 tons. tallmadgb's industrial status. 1049 About the year 1832, Dr. Daniel Upson, of Worthington, Frank- lin county, O., where he had been several times honored with a seat in the Legislature, removed to Tallmadge, purchasing quite a property and engaging in farming. His attention being called to the coal indications alluded to, the Doctor, soon, by purchase and lease, secured control of a large portion of Coal Hill, a mile or more west of the Center, from w^hich w^ere mined, from 1833 to 1840, con- siderable quantities of coal for the Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and home market. DR. DANIEL UPSON, — born in Southing-ton, Connecticut, March 18, 1786 ; youth spent on farm, and in securing' an education; taught school several years, meantime studying- medicine ; on completion of studies, located in Hartford,Trumbull county, Ohio ; in 1818, removed to Worthing- ton, Franklin county, during his fourteen years residence there, serv- ing several terms in the State Leg-is- lature ; in 1832, removed to Tallmadge, relinquishing- his practice and engaging- extensively in farming and coal mining, being the pioneer in the development of that industry in Northern Ohio ; in 1836, '37, served as State senator for Portage county, later taking an active part in securing the erection of the new county of Summit ; May 19, 1814, was married to Miss Polly Wright, daughter of Deacon Elizur Wright, of Talliuadge, w^ho bore him six children — Dr. Fran- cis Wright Upson, no-w deceased; Julius B., died in infancy; Julia Elmore Upson, wife of ProJF. Elias Loomis, of Yale Colleg-e, died in 1854 ; Daniel A. Upson, now occupying the ■old homestead ; William H. Upson, now Judge of Circuit, for the past forty-five years a resident of Akron ; and James W., now^ living in Cleve- land. Dr. Upson, w^hile teaching school and studying medicine, wit- DR. DANIEL UPSON. nessed the trial trip of Robert Ful- ton's first steambofit on the Hudson river, in 1807, and lived to see steam universally applied, both to river and ocean navigation, and world-wide land travel and machinerj^ propul- sion. Dr. Upson died June 21, 1863, aged 77 years, 3 months and 3 days, Mrs. Upson dying July 30, 1872, aged 87 years and 4 days. Early Railroad Enterprise. — ^In 1838, in anticipation of the completion of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal, a charter was obtained from the Legislature incorporating the "Tallmadge Coal Company," the stock of which was principally owned by Daniel Upson, Francis H. Wright and Charles Whittlesey. This com- pany constructed a tramway from their mines to the canal, near what was known as the "Nine Locks," a distance of about two miles. The track w^as composed of large logs, faced on one side, laid lengthwise, on which four-inch scantling were firinly pinned for the trucks to run upon. The cars used had a capacity of about three tons each, a train of three or four cars being drawn by two and three horses from the mines to the chutes upon the canal. Tallmadge coal was nearly, if not quite, the first coal used upon the Lake Erie steamers, the company in question furnishing the Northern Transportation Company with over 3,000 tons in 1841. Changes in the firm were made from time to time, D. Upson 1050 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. & Co. succeeding the Tallmadge Coal Co.; Upson & Sons follow- ing, and after the doctor's death, June 21, 1863, at the age of 77, the business was continued by Upson Brothers, until, by reason of the substantial exhaustion of the veins they v^-ere then working, and the dismantlement of the canal, the business was abandoned^ except for purely domestic use and local supply, the mines, in 1887, being under lease to Philip Thomas, and w^orked to a limited extent by Henry Thomas & Co. It is estimated that there are yet about fifty acres of coal in the township unworked, Mr. Horace B. Camp having recently sunk a shaft upon the Richardson farm, near the southeast corner of Cuyahoga Falls township. By careful computation, it is thought that for fifty years the average output of the Tallmadge mines was at least 12,000 tons a year, making a grand total of 600,000 tons, a very material factor in the unrivaled prosperity of the township during that period. GEORGE ALLISON,— born inWest- moreland, North of England, in 1822 ; came with parents to America when about three years old ; after a short sojourn at Middlebury, family started for Galena, Illinois, via the Ohio river, but on reaching Beaver, Penns5^1vania, both parents died, leaving their five children among strangers destitute. George found a home with a farmer named Potter, at fourteen being apprenticed to a brick mason named Dellzell. On com- pleting his trade he moved to Tall- madge, near Middlebury, where he has ever since resided. In 1851, '52, Mr. Allison was superintendent of masonry on the C, Z. & C, now the C, A. & C. R. R., and later built the Summit County Infirmary and the Cu5^ahoga Falls and Kent High Schools, besides numerous brick stores and residences in Akron, at the same time carrying on extensive farming operations in Tallmadge. Mr. Allison's father, George Allison, Sr., was a soldier in the British armj'^, participating in the celebrated battle of Waterloo, where Wellington defeated the great Napoleon. Mr. Allison was married, September 14, 1843, to Miss Mary L. Bettes, daughter GEORGE ALLISON. of Captain Nathaniel Bettes, a Revo- lutionary soldier, their only son,. Byron M. Allison, being now the successful manager and secretary of the Akron Fire Brick Company in the Sixth Ward. Blast Furnace in Tallmadge. — In addition to the abundant supply of coal, above written of, there were also considerable veins of iron ore in the neighborhood, one on Mr. Asaph Whittlesey's land, and another just over the line in Springfield, on the Brittain farm, and perhaps others. About 1844 or 1845 some Welsh gentle- men frotn Pittsburg, having some knowledge of iron making, erected a blast furnace near the coal chutes of the Tallmadge Coal Company at an expense of several thousand dollars, giving to it the name of Cambria Furnace, the name of the firm being Vinton^ Lewis, Reese & Co. On the completion of their stack the furnace was duly started^ the blast being run by steam poAver. Through some defect, or AGRICULTURAL, MECHANICAL, ETC. 1051 mistnanagement, the charge became chilled before fully ready to draw — it is said by persons living in the vicinity, because of the condensation of vapors arising from the foundation of the stack,, which had been laid in a very damp location. Be this as it may, the chilled charge being removed after considerable labor and expense, and the stack refilled, the blast was again turned on with precisely the same result. After several similar failures to pro- duce marketable pig-iron — the. company, by this time having exhausted w^hatever means it may have originally had, besides owing the Messrs. Upson some $3,000 for coal and other supplies — the enterprise was abandoned, Cambria Furnace now^ being a reminiscence, only. T UCIUS W. HITCHCOCK, — born J—' in Cheshire, Connecticut, Octo- ber 10, 1801 ; common school educa- tion ; raised a farmer ; in 1822, came on foot to Talhnadge, where he bought a farm, on which he lived over half a century, moving' to Akron in 1873. April 20, 1826. Mr. Hitchcock was married to Miss Eleanor Wolcott, of Tallmadge, who bore him seven children — Wolcott Warner, born Sep- tember 14, 1827, deceased ; Frederick, born July 29, 1829, deceased ; Ellen Arabella, born February 11, 1831, died in infancy ; Elizur, born August 15, 1832, now a physician in Akron ; George Ellsworth, born July 1, 1835, deceased ; Oella Pamphila, born March 31, 1839, now Mrs. Charles Harris, residing in the State of Wash- ington ; and Herbert Paschal, born July 18, 1841, now a successful busi- ness man in Akron, as elsewhere noted. Mrs. Hitchcock dying Jan- uary 11, 1873, Mr. Hitchcock was again married, January 3, 1877, to Mrs. Matilda L. (Randall) Harvey, a native of Newburg, Orange county, New York, and for over twenty years one of Akron's most successful teachers, who still survives, Mr. Hitchcock dying April 2, 1881, at the age of 79 ^rtBSS^SS"^^; LUCIUS W. HITCHCOCK. years, 5 months and 25 da5's. Mr.. Hitchcock was in all respects a christian gentleman and public- spirited citizen. The Carriage-Making Business. — Tallmadge was for many years favored with one of the most extensive carriage manufac- tories in the Western country, w^hich added greatly to the pros- perity of the village and township. About the year 1827, Mr. Amos Avery opened a small wagon and repair shop at the Center, Mr. William C. Oviatt, of Milford, Conn., having started a custom blacksmith shop in the same locality, about the same time. These gentlemen, associating with themselves Mr. Isaac C. B. Robinson, about 1836, under the firm name of Avery, Oviatt & Robinson, built shops on the southw^est diagonal road, and engaged quite extensively in the carriage-making business, Mr. Oviatt claiming the honor of making the first elliptic buggy springs ever made in Ohio, in w^hich he w^as assisted by Mr. Jame& M. Hale, now living in Akron, w^ho w^as a workman in the estab- lishment for several vears. 1052 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Later, Mr. Avery sold out to William Smith and Marcus Brundige, the firm name changing to Oviatt, Robinson & Co. In 1841, Mr. Ira P. Sperry succeeded Messrs. Smith & Brundige, the firm name of Oviatt & Sperry continuing for nearly a quarter of a century, w^hen Mr. Samuel J. Ritchie became a partner in the con- cern, Oviatt, Sperry & Ritchie running the works until the death of the senior partner, Mr. Oviatt, February 1, 1869, the surviving partners finally closing out the business in April, 1871. In addition to supplying a considerable portion of Northern Ohio virith fine carriages, the firm for many years maintained a large repository in Cincinnati, at v^rhich from $20,000 to $25,000 worth of their carriages w^ere yearly sold. Quite extensive car- riage-making operations w^ere also carried on by Mr. James B. Baldwin, Mr. Lucius V. Bierce and others for several years. HON. IRA P. SPERRY, -born in Watertown, Connecticut, Novem- ber 24, 1818 ; at one year of ag-e came with parents to Tallmadge, settlings on farm ; common school edtication ; 14 to 17, blacksmith's apprentice ; 17 to 20, apprentice to carriage ironer's trade ; at 21, a j^ear in school at Cuya- hoga Falls ; then worked for William C Oviatt two years at carriage iron- ing, in 1841, purchasing an interest in the works, which, under different partnership relations, he success- fully carried on for nearly a third of a century, as elsewhere detailed. In 1870, with his brother, Dr. Willis Sperr}'^, and Mr. Samuel J. Ritchie, he ■established extensive sewer pipe works in Tallmadge, which, in con- nection with his son, George P. Sperry, he is still successfully con- ducting. An early anti-slavery man, Mr. Sperry, in 1858, was elected on the Republican ticket, as Summit county's representative to the State Legislature, ably serving two years. -September 27, 1841, he was married to Miss Clarissa Carlton, of Portage county, who has borne him six chil- dren — Willis C, born December 12, 1847, now practicing medicine in Julesburg, Colorado ; Charles O., died in infancy ; Mary A., born July 30. 1853, died in Oberlin, October 17, 1870, aged 17 j^ears, 2 months and 17 HON. IRA p. SPERRY. days ; George P., born September 30, 1858, sewer pipe manufacturer, Tall- madge ; Francis L., born October 22, 1861, chemist for Canada Copper Coin- pany, at Sudbury, Canada ; and Henry B., born November 1, 1863, assistant secretary and treasurer of Pennsylvania Sewer Pipe Company, Huntingdon, Penns5'lvania. Sewer-Pipe, Stoneware, Etc. — About the year 1868, Messrs. Charles Tryon, Benjamin D. Wright and Alfred Sperry, under the firm name of Tryon, Wright & Co., established sewer-pipe Avorks at the center of Tallmadge, the clay for which was found in al^un- dant supply a short distance west of the center, Mr. Tryon's inter- est subsequently passing into the hands of Mr. Henry M. Camp. In 1871, Messrs, Ira P. Sperry and Samuel J. Ritchie, having closed out their carriage business as stated, in connection with Dr. Willis Sperry, purchased the sewer-pipe works in question, materially increasing their facilities, and filling large contracts in the city of Washington and other municipal corporations, both LATER BUSINESS OPERATIONS. 1053 east and west, Sperry, Ritchie & Co. continued to do a large busi- ness, until the works were dsetroyed by fire in 1878. After an interregnum of about three years, the works w^ere rebuilt by Mr. Ira P. Sperry, and his son, George P. Sperry, and are now (1891) manufacturing from 500 to 600 car-loads of the very best quality of sewer pipe per annum. SAMUEL J. RITCHIE, — born in Boston township, November 24, 1838 ; educated in district schools, Twinsburg Institute and Grammar School of Western Reserve College ; raised on farm, early engaging- in lumbering and railroad business; June 15, 1865, was married to Miss Sophronia Hale, daughter of the late Andrew Hale, of Bath, in 1867, asso- ciated himself with Messrs. Oviatt & Sperry, in the carriage making busi- ness, in Tallmadge, under the firm name of Oviatt, Sperry & Ritchie, closing out that business in 1871, and engaging in the manufacture of sewer pipe, under the firm name of Sperry, Ritchie & Co., until the burn- ing of the works in 1878. In 1881, Mr. Ritchie became connected with Cana- dian enterprises — the Central Ontario Railway, of which company he was president — the Angio-American Iron Company, and the Canadian Copper Company, composed of Akron and Cleveland capitalists, Mr. Ritchie being also the first president of the latter organization, with Mr. Thomas W. Cornell, of Akron, as his succes- sor. Though thoroughly Republican, Mr. Ritchie has never sought or held office, but is zealously exerting his influence in bringing about closer or reciprocal trade relations between the United States and Canada, and SAMUEL J. RITCHIE. by his intelligent advocacy of that cause, has secured the hearty co-ope- ration of Hon. Erastus Wiman, Hon. Benjamin Butterworth and other able statesmen therein. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie have three children — Lewis Andrew, born October 20, 1867 ; Clara Bell, born April 24, 1869; and Charles Edward, born July 16, 1877. Tw^o or three establishments for the manufacture of stoneware have also existed in the to\srnship at different times; the flower-pot w^orks of Charles Iv. Clark, and the drain-tile works of Messrs. F. B. McNeal and William Seiz being among the later establishments of the kind in operation therfe. In the days of sorghum culture, some tw^enty years ago, Mr. John A. Caruthers established a steam sorghutn mill upon his farm one mile east of the Center, which, on the decline of that industry was converted into an apple butter factory, w^hich did quite a large business for several years. Mr. Albert A. Viall is the proprietor of a steam saw-mill on the farm adjoining Mr. Caruthers, w^hich being the only mill in the township at the present time has quite a run of business. Trade and Traffic. — In the mercantile line, the names of Fenn & How^ard, Christopher C. Sturtevant and Charles Clark, Wiswell & Groff, Eleazer C. Sackett, William A. Hanford, Homer S. Carter, Elbert V. Carter, Clement Wright and Benjamin D. Wright are remembered .as local merchants, Mr. Clement Wright being the present (1891) genial and accommodating incumbent of 1054 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. "the village store, on the corner of the square and the southwest diagonal road. C. C. Conaghan and F. K. Hinman, for many years successful grocers and dealers in meats and other family supplies, having sold their former place at the southeast corner, to the Messrs. Sperry, about 1887 located near the southwest corner of the public square. GEORGE PECK SPERRY,— second son of Ira Peck and Clarissa (Carlton) Sperry, was born in Tall- madge, September 30, 1858 ; educated in Tallmadge public schools, and at Oberlin Colleg'e ; at 14 engaged as /clerk in store of Mr. Clement Wright, in Tallmadge, later entering the employ of Mr. William M. Dee, an extensive sewer pipe dealer in Chi- cago, remaining in charge of the yards there about two years, return- ing thence to Tallmadge and taking a position in the sewer pipe works of Sperry, Ritchie & Co., there ; on the destruction of the works bj^ fire, in 1878, he engaged as manager of the sewer pipe works of Mr. James H. Cooke, at Cuyahoga Falls, on the death of Mr. Cooke, in 1880, leasing and successfully running the works upon his own account, until the rebuilding of the Tallmadge factory, in 1882, of which he assuined control, and is now an acknowledged author- ity in all matters pertaining to the manufacture of sewer pipe in the United States. September 27, 1882, he was married to Miss Jessie R. Stevens, of Glendale, Hamilton county, Ohio. GEORGE PECK SPERRY. They have three children — Ira Benja- min, born August 31, 1883; Blanche Virginia, born October 18, 1885 ; and George Hill, born July 13, 1888. Travel, Transportation, Etc. — Though the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal was made available for the shipment of coal as before stated, and though the "Akron Branch " railroad (now the C, A. & C.) completed from Hudson to Akron in 1852, traversed the township upon the west side, Tallmadge had no special means of communication with the "outer world," until the completion of the Atlantic and Great Western Railway (now the N. Y., P. & O.) in 1863. By this road not only is the large output of sew^er pipe, and other wares manufactured, shipped to distant points, but it is also a great convenience to persons desiring to get to or from the tovt^n by other means than private conveyance. Later, the Pittsburg & Western, now a part of the Baltimore and Ohio sytem, skirting the northern and western borders of the township, has materially added to transportation facilities. Clean Criminal Record. — During the three-quarters of a cen- tury, and over, of its existence, Tallmadge has been exceptionally exempt from startling crimes, not a single homicide having occurred w^ithin her borders, nor more than t\^ro or three peniten- tiary offenses, unless in those portions of the township embraced in the villages of Middlebury and Cuyahoga Falls. Some minor irregularities have from time to time prejrailed, the most, if not all, of which were traceable to the influence of the village tavern, when A PROUD MILITARY RECORD. 1055 under w^hisky management, and the outside roughs -which such institutions naturally attract, coupled with the dime novel litera- ture, that so seriously poisoned the minds of some of the young men and boys of the township a few years ago. MILITARY MATTERS. The military record of Tallmadge, is second to none on the Reserve. Among the early residents of Tallmadge, who were in the Revolutionary Army, the names of Captain Nathaniel Bettes, w^ho was at the storming of Quebec on the night of December 31, 1775, under the ill-fated Gen. Montgomery, and who, at his death at Bettes' Corners, January 15, 1840, at the age of ninety-four years, was buried with military honors by Akron's first Independent Military Company — the " Summit Guards,"— of which the late Gen. Philo Chamberlin was then captain; Hosea Wilcox, also a participant in the attack upon Quebec; David Preston, who was taken prisoner and for some time confined at the "Cedars," above Fort Ticonderoga; Conrad Boosinger, Capt. John Wright, Deacon Nathaniel Gillett, William Neal, Reuben Beach, Isaac Dudley, Thomas Granger, Ephraim Clark, Salmon Sackett and Alexander Grisw^old, the latter being captured by the British and for some time confined in the prison-ship in New York harbor. Other early settlers were undoubtedly enrolled in the Conti- nental Army, whose names have not been handed down, but the list already given is sufficiently glorious for a single township. The War of 1812. — The writer is indebted to Andrew Fenn, Esq., for the following full rosters of the volunteer soldiery of Tallmadge in the War of 1812, and the War of the Rebellion, no soldiers havang gone to the Mexican War from that tow^nship. Previous to the War of 1812 the "Tallmadge Independent Rifle Company" had been organized with Rial McArthur as captain, and Charles Powers as lieutenant, and the following privates: Almon Norton, Alpha Wright, Justin Barnes, Justin E. Frink, Shubel H. Lowrey, Titus Chapman, Samuel and Lot Preston, Liberton Dixon, Joseph Tousley, Edmund Strong and Samuel Fogger. On the surrender of Hull's army, at Detroit, in August, 1812, these fourteen men volunteered in a body to go to the defense of the frontier, and afterwards there w^ere drafted from the general militia, six more, as follows: Reuben Upson, John Caruthers, Norman Sackett, Moses Bradford, Asa Gillett and Jotham Blakeslee, who served in various places during the w^ar — twenty in all. The War of the Rebellion. — The following named volun- teer soldiers andrnarines represented Tallmadge in the Union army during the War of the Rebellion: George Ashmun, Williston Ailing, Erastus Albert, James Buchanan, Silas W. Bettes, Lorin Barnhart, William Boyd, Jr., Edward Butler, George Blakeslee, H. M. Baldwin, Wellington Bettes, Albert B. Clark, Perez Clark, John Condon, A. S. Carr, T. J. Conley, J. F. Conw^ay, Clinton Chambers, C. C. Caruthers, E. P. Caruthers, William Dimmock, John Davis, Alexander Douglass, Thomas Dixon, David Evans, Thomas Evans, Edward Ellis, George Ellis, E. P. Fenn, J. E. Fenn, John Freeze, Thomas Foley, F. C. Fulkerson, Chris Fisher, Ed. Gearhart, Henry Golden, James Gordon, Otis Graham, James •Gaule, John Harris, George Hunter, John Honoddle, Michael 1056 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Honoddle, James Hogarth, George Huber, Rufus M. Hinman, Ambrose Hine, Frank Huntley, Frank Harter, Henry Hart, E. G. Jones, Norman S. Keller, Richard Limber, Otto Limber, Allen Limber, George Lansinger, Adam Lansinger, William Lyons, S. Mathews, William Murray, John Moore, George C. Monks, James Morgan, Henry McClelland, John McMuUin, David Mclntire, H. McAlpine, Thomas Owens, John Owens, Henry Packard, Daniel Puff, Alfred Palmer, John Patterson, George Patterson, Henry Patterson, William Pride, Thomas Price, Albert Reeves, Ashbel Root, John Randall, Jacob Randall, Frederick Rexford, Clinton Ruckel, William Rinehart, Alfred Sperry, Joseph Spellman, T. W, Screen, Fred Spafford, C. H. Sackett, Daniel Sullivan, James Sangster, H. Stiffler, Daniel Schaaf, John Stinhour, Junius Saunders, S. W. Schenkenberger, D. B. Treat, R. B. Treat, Jr., David Thomas, Adam Taggart, Solomon Upson, C. W. Wick, Amos Wills, Leonard Winkler, O. O. Wright, S. E. Wright, J. M. Walton, Wesley Wells, William R. Warren, O. E. Whitney, Willis Woodruff, Henry Woodruff and Charles Young — 113 men in all. " Squirrel Hunters." — Early in September, 1862, the Govern- ment became apprehensive of an attempt by the rebels, under General Kirby Smith, to make an attack upon Cincinnati and other river towns, and in the absence of sufficient regular troops in that vicinity to cope w^ith them, temporary volunteers, to respond forthwith, were called for by Governor Tod, Akron and a number of the towns of Summit county turning out in considerable force. These "troops," dressed in every variety of costume know^n to civil life, armed with every variety of \sreapon kno^v^n to domestic gun- nery and sport, and w^ithout any military training vt^hatever, were called "Squirrel Hunters." The following is Tallmadge's con- tingent in. that "organization:" Dr. Amos Wright, L. C.Walton, William B. Ashmun, G. T. Preston, L. H. Ashmun, D. B. Treat, Joseph Upson, Henry Tilden, J. E. Baldwin, Hon. Sidney Edgerton, (then member of Congress and being at his home in Tallmadge during vacation), C. Callahan, F. H. Wright and J. O. Curtiss — thirteen in all. The " Squirrel Hunters" were on duty about one w^eek, when, the scare being over (General Smith undoubtedly being intimidated by their presence), they were dismissed by the Governor w^ith thanks, being transported from and to their homes and subsisted during their absence at the expense of the State. The Ohio National Guard. — In the Spring of 1864, when all the trained forces of the Nation were needed by General Grant for the final struggle. Governor Brough, at a meeting called at his suggestion for that purpose, proposed to the governors of those states that Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin should join. Ohio in tendering to President Lincoln 85,000 of the State militia of the several states to serve in the fortifications, or where their services \srere needed, for the period of 100 days. This tender was accordingly made and accepted. Of thi-s force Ohio furnished 30,000 men, consisting of forty-one regiments, averaging about 730 men each. Summit county's contingent to this force were assigned to the 164th regiment, under Colonel John C. Lee, and mustered in at Camp Taylor May 11, the regiment, 865 strong, starting for Washington May 14. Tallmadge furnished Company D, 164th Regiment O. N. G., 64 men, as follows: Norman S. Keller, captain; Francis H. Wright, TALLMADGE IN PUBLIC QFFICE. 1057 Jr., first lieutenant, and the following named privates: L. H. Ashmun, Henry Ashmun, Byron Allison, William Bell, Bruce Baldwin, William H, Bronson, S. E. Barnes, C. E. Barnes, F. N. Barnes, H. M. Camp, L. N. Camp, Frank Clark, Chris. Callahan, J. Drake, Thomas Davis, William Denmead, Robert Ellis, David Evans, E. Evans, F. B. Fenn, S. P. Fenn, F. F. Fenn, G. E. Hitch- cock, S. W. Harris, Henry Harris, A. A. Hine, John Hier, Ed. Jones, G. F. Lyman, C. A. Lyman, Jef, Limber, Otto Limber, A. F. Means, John McNeal, Atkin Ogle, John Owen, William T. Owen, L. B. Pierce, S, B. Pettibone, L. B. Peck, John Roudebush, William Ripley, Jonathan Sprague, Parmenas Sprague, F. Schenkenberger, C. A. Sackett, B. W. Skinner, Lyman Stone, F. Sperry, Dennis Treat, J. C. Treat, O. S. Treat, L. Thomas. William L. Thomas, S. C. Taylor, D. A. Upson, H. C. Upson, J. E. Upson, J. S. Upton, Daniel Vogt, H. Westover and George Young. Thus it will be seen that Puritanic old Tallmadge has never acted upon the unpatriotic motto "invincible in peace — invisible in w^ar" — for w^hile she has manifested a good degree of invinci- bility in the prosecution of the arts of peace, industry and morality, she has been conspicuously visible, when brave hearts and strong hands were needed to establish or defend those free institutions which have made her ow^n, and the Nation's past and present prosperous condition possible. HONORABLE CIVIL RECORD. Dr. Daniel Upson. — Besides serving several terms in the Leg- islature as the representative of Franklin county, before removing to Tallmadge, in 1832, Dr. Upson was elected State senator for Portage county in October, 1836, holding the position two years. Russell H. Ashmun was Summit county's first county sur- veyor, elected in April, 1840, re-elected in October, 1840, holding the office three years and seven months. Captain Amos Seward was elected representative of Portage county to the Legislature in 1834; as representative of the new^ county of Summit in October, 1842, and again fleeted (as a "float") in 1847, giving to that important position three years of faithful service. Frederick Seward w^as elected county surveyor in October, 1846, holding the position three years. Nelson B. Stone, in 1841, entered upon the duties of deputy clerk, under the administration of Clerk Lucian Swift, serving in that capacity until 1851, when he succeeded to the clerkship for the term of three years, making in all respects a first-class officer. Portrait and biography on page 260. Dudley Seward, for several years a resident of Tallmadge, after serving five years as deputy, under sheriffs Janes and Clarke, was elected sheriff in 1852, and re-elected in 1854, thus giving to the duties of that office nine years of continuous service. After a bfilliant career, in the War of the Rebellion, in both the volunteer and regular service, Colonel Seward was repeatedly elected justice of the peace for Portage township, holding the position to the time of his sudden death. May 24, 1882. Portrait and biography on page 379. 67 1058 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Ira p. Sperry, from infancy a resident of Tallmadge, and one of its most intelligent and enterprising mecl,ianics and business men, was, in October, 1857, elected representative to the State Leg- islature, being, during the regular session of 1857, '58, and the adjourned session of 1858, '59, an extremely, useful and influential member of that body. Sidney Edgerton, while a resident of Tallmadge (having pre- viously served two terms as prosecuting attorney, from 1852 to 1856), w^as elected to Congress from the Eighteenth District, com- posed of Summit, Stark and Portage counties, in October, 1858, and re-elected in 1860, giving to the position, during the most criti- cal period in the history of the government, the most faithful and valuable service, supporting and voting for all the important measures necessary for the suppression of the rebellion, and the preservation of the Union. In 1863, Mr. Edgerton vk^as appointed chief justice of the new territory of Idaho, by President Lincoln, a year later, on the division of the territory, being appointed gov- ernor of Montana. Resigning that office in 1865, he returned to Tallmadge, soon afterwards removing to Akron and resuming his law practice. Portrait and biography on page 180. William H. Upson, an early adopted son of Tallmadge, served as prosecuting attorney from 1848 to 1850; was State Senator for Summit and Portage counties from 1853 to 1855; was member of Congress from the eighteenth district (then composed of Summit, Cuyahoga and Lake counties) from March 4, 1869, to March 4, 1873; was a delegate to the Republican National Convention, at Balti- more, which renominated Abraham Lincoln, in 1864, and delegate at large from Ohio to the Cincinnati convention, ^vhich nominated Rutherford B. Hayes for the presidency, in 1876. On the death of Chief Justice William White, in March, 1883, Mr. Upson was appointed, by Gov. Foster, to fill the vacancy upon the Supreme bench, holding that exalted position until the following December. On the enactment of the law creating the present Circuit Court system of the State, Mr. L^pson was elected one of the Judges for the Eighth Circuit, composed of Summit, Cuyahoga, Medina and Lorain counties, in October, 1885, drawing, by lot, the fractional term of one 3^ear, and in 1886 was re-elected for the full term of five years, in which position he is giving the most perfect satisfac- tion. Portrait and biography on page 172. John W. Seward, w^as elected county surveyor, in October, 1874, acceptably performing the intricate and responsible duties of that office for the full term of three years, and is now one of the township justices of the peace. John C. Means, born in Northfield, but reared in Tallmadge, having received a thorough legal training under the tuition of Judge N. D. Tibbals, and successfully engaged in the practice of the law, was, in 1884, elected to the office of prosecuting attorney, which office he administered with energy and ability, until his sudden death, which occurred at the residence of his mother, in Tallmadge, May 8, 1886, Edwin F. Voris, of Akron, being appointed by the court to fill the vacancy for the balance of the term. . Andrew Fenn, Esq., besides serving as a justice of the peace for many years, w^as one of Internal Revenue Assessor John E. Hurlbut's most efficient deputies, during and for several years after the close of the War. PRESENT BUSINESS AND OFFICIAL STATUS, 1059 Tallmadge's Present Official Roster (1891). — Trustees, Wylis P. Fenn, Samuel W. Harris, Robert P. Denniead ; clerk, C. C. ■Conaghan; treasurer, Clement Wright; justices of the peace, Wil- liston Ailing, John W. Seward; constables, William G. Seiz, John Chapman; postmaster, Clement Wright; the latter gentleman having continuously officiated as treasurer of township since 1852. Tallmadge's Present Business Status. — George P. Sperry, manufacturer of sewer pipe, dealer in coal, etc.; Tallmadge Drain Tile Co. (W. Ailing, F. D. Ailing; F. B. McNeil and W. G. Seiz); Tallmadge Flower Pot Co., C. B. Skinner, manager; A. A. Viall, saw-mill and dealer in lumber; B. W. Skinner, corn and feed mill; W. J. Bmmett, wire picket fence; A. A. Hine & Son, threshing and ■wood sawing; Skinner & Sperry, threshing and wood saw- ing; W. J. Bmmett, threshing and clover mill; W. W. Car- ter, builder and contractor; W. Ailing, builder and architect; F. D. Ailing, carpenter and builder; Lucius V. Bierce, carriage repairer, trimmer, etc.; Charles Sharp, carriage maker and repairer; John ^. Hayden, blacksmith; W. L. Hinman, blacksmith; John Walter, stone mason; F. B. McNeil, brick mason; W. Wagoner, carriage trimmer; George Geylin, harness maker; John Sieber, shoemaker; L. B. Pierce, nursery and dealer in small fruits and plants; J. P. Howland, nursery, fruit grower, etc.; C. P. Parmelee, vegetables, fruits, etc.; R. R. Lawrence, small fruits and vegetables; W. P. Sperry, dealer in horses, cattle, etc.; W. E. Hinman, dealer in fat cattle; Sidney Newport, butcher; Francis H. Wright, dealer in milk; Henry Thomas & Co., coal miners, and dealers; Thomas Roberts & Son, coal miners and dealers; Thomas Rhymes, green- house, dealer in plants, etc.; Parker, dealer in milk and vege- tables; Welton, cheese factory; Clement Wright, general mer- chandise;. Conaghan & Hine (C. C. Conaghan and F. E. Hine), groceries and meat market; Carl B. Skinner, general merchandise, telephone station, etc.; practicing physicians — Drs. Willis Sperry, S. St. John Wright; D. E. Fenn, dentist; John W. Seward, surveyor; Oeorge M. Wright, attorney; W. E. Miller, agent N. Y., P. & O. R. R. Co., Wells Fargo & Co.'s Express and Western Union Telegraph Co.; ministers: Congregational, Rev. S. D. Gammell; Methodist Episcopal, Rev. M. W, Dallas, D. D.; Welsh Congregational, Rev. J. P. Davis. CONCLUSION. Thus has Tallmadge played well her part, both physically, morally and politically — in the counsels of the county. State and Nation, and upon the field of battle; and in the brilliant record she has made, as above but faintly set forth, the minor faults and foibles, that have at long intervals slightly beclouded her fair fame may w^ell be graciously overlooked and remembered against her jievermore. CHAPTER LI. TWINSBURG'S BEGINNING— FIRST CALLED " MILLSVILLE "— HOW AND WHY CHANGED— TOPOGRAPHY, RESOURCES, ETC. —FIRST SETTLER A SEVENTEEN- YEAR-OLD BOY, WHO BECOMES THE PIONEER FARMER, THE PIONEER DAIRY- MAN, THE PIONEER HOTEL KEEPER, THE PIONEER STAGE PROPRIETOR, THE PIONEER MERCHANT, ETC.— SINGULAR COINCIDENTS— EARLY BUILDINGS^ EARLY PRICES, EARLY BIRT«S, EARLY MARRIAGES AND DEATHS — PEDES- TRIANISM VERSUS EQUESTRIANISM— BUSINESS AFFAIR.S— FATAL MISTAKE ON THE RAILROAD QUESTION— CHURCH MATTERS— SPLENDID EDUCATIONAL RECORD— OVER SIX THOUSAND SCHOLARS IN SIXTY YEARS— WONDERFUL PLUCK ANDPERSEVERANCE— STILL HALE AND HEARTY IN HIS NINETY-FIFTH YEAR — MAGNIFICENT MILITARY SHOWING — ENDURING MONUMENT TO THE VALOR OF THE SONS, AND THE GRATITUDE OF THE FATHERS— FULL ROSTER OF SOLDIERS— CIVIL vSTAT US— MEAGER CRIMINAL RECORD-— NOT QUITE A HOMICIDE. TWINSBURG'S BEGINNING. TWINSBURG — the northeasternmost township of Summit county — was, for reasons not now^ explainable, the last township in the county to be settled. In the survey of the Western Reserve into townships, in 1796, as elsewhere detailed, what is now called Twinsburg Avas designated as township 5, range 10, and has thus continued to be known upon the records of both Portage and Sum- mit counties. In the distribution of the lands of the Connecticut Land Com- pany, by draft, as already explained, the north and northeasterly portion of township 5, range 10, fell to Moses and Aaron Wilcox; south and southeasterly portion to Mills & Hoadley, and the west and northwesterly portion to Henry Champion. Topography, Name, Etc. — Topographically, Twinsburg will average w^ith the townships of the county. It is w^ell watered and drained by numerous springs and runs rising in the highlands on either side and flowing into Tinker's creek, a considerable stream w^hich, rising in Streetsboro and Hudson, traverses the entire township from the southeast to the northwest, emptying into the Cuyahoga, in the township of Bedford. This creek was named by Gen. Moses Cleveland, while making his preliminary survey of the Western Reserve, in 1796, in honor of Joseph Tinker, one of his most efficient assistants, Mr. Tinker being drowned by the cap- sizing of one of their boats on Lake Erie, on the return trip to Connecticut, in the Fall of that year. With the exception of certain portions of the bottom lands of the creek, and certain stony ridges both upon the east and upon the west, the soil, generally clay, with intervals of loam, is w^ell adapted to general agriculture, and especially valuable for grazing and dairy purposes. By reason of his large interest, as one of the proprietors of the township, and of the early laying out of a village, at the falls of the creek, some two miles southeast of the center, the name of Millsville w^as at first given to the tow^nship by Mr. Isaac Mills^ 1 TWINSBURG — WHY SO NAMED. 1061 senior partner of the firm of Mills & Hoadley, Mr. Mills, presum- ably being a brother of Gideon Mills, Esq., and Doctor Oliver Mills, \srell known early citizens of Hudson. Singular Coincidents. — Moses and Aaron Wilcox were twins, natives of North Killingworth, Conn., and at the time of coming into the ownership of that portion of the township 5, range 10, vn by them, were prosperous young merchants in their native town. They did not, at first, personally visit their new posses- sions, though a few years later becoming prominent citizens of the township. After considerable settlement had been made, the brothers made a proposition to the settlers, to donate six acres of land at the center for a public square, and $20 in money towards the erection of a school house, for the privilege of naming the township, which proposition was accepted, whereupon the twin brothers, Moses and Aaron, sharing the honor equally, named it •" Twinsburg." It is related of these brothers, as a singular concatenation of events, that besides being born upon the same day. May 11, 1770, educated in the same school, going into business together when grown to manhood, and so near alike in feature, voice and man- ners, their most intimate friends could scarcely tell them apart, that they married sisters, Huldah and Mabel Lord, of Killing- -worth, at the same time, had the same number of children, moved to Ohio together, held their property in common, w^ere taken sick ^"with the same disease on the same day, died within a few days of ■each other, and w^ere buried in the same grave in September, 1827. Twinsburg's First Settler. — Though certain settlers in Hud- son and Aurora, for the accommodation of the people of those tow^nships, had previously begun preparations for the building of a saw-mill at the falls on Tinker's Creek, erecting and partly finishing a log shanty, and hauling several sticks of he>vn timber on the grounci for the frame of the mill, the first actual settler in the township, w^as undoubtedly the late Ethan Ailing, father of Akron's virell known citi- zen, Mr. Ethan Lewis Ailing. . Mr. Ethan AUing's father, Lewis Ailing, was raised to the occupation of a farmer, in North Milford, Conn., but in the earlier years of the cen- tury, sold his farm and engaged in trade in the city of New Haven. This calling w^as a few years later re-exchanged for a small farm and hotel, four miles west of New Haven. Mr. AUing's first born, Ethan, (born August 13, 1800), after a very limited common school edu- cation was, w^hen about fourteen years of age, placed in the grocery store of Loomis & Johnson, of New Haven, as clerk, his father paying his board the first year, and a merely nominal salary being paid him for his services the second year. ETHAN ALLING. 1062 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. In the Winter of 1816, '17, the elder Ailing sold his farm and other property, mostly taking notes therefor, which (guaranteeing payment) he exchanged with Mills & Hoadley, for 1,000 acres of land in tract 3, township 5, range 10, of Connecticut Western Reserve, consideration $5,000, or at the rate of $5 per acre. A con- siderable portion of the paper thus guaranteed proving ^^orthless^ only about 400 acres of the land thus purchased was finally retained by Mr. Ailing. Early in the Spring of 1817, Mr. Ailing, placing the fullest confidence in the judgment and ability of the boy Ethan, then less than 17 years of age, started him with three hired men, Zeri Ailing, Rodolphus Wolcott and Lex Johnson, to locate the land, and prepare for the settlement of the family thereon. Young Ailing and his three companions started from Connecticut, March 3, presumably on foot, and arrived in Hudson, March 31. Having a letter of introduction from the senior member of the firm of Mills & Hoadley to Esquire Gideon Mills, of Hudson, young- Ailing and his companions were ^^elcomed by that gentleman, who, the next day, April 1, 1817, went with them to point out the lands from which they w^ere to make their selection. Following the marked line, which Mr. Mills designated the Chagrin road, they at length came to a point which Mr. Mills said w^as the geographical center of the to"wnship, which point w^as at the present southeast corner of the public square. The lay of the land at this point, and in the immediate vicinity, was so uneven and forbidding, that young Ailing determined to look for a more favorable location. The party accordingly followed Tinker's creek southeasterly to the falls, above spoken of, and thence passed over the hill, for many years past known as the Hawkins farm, and returned to Hudson. The next two weeks were spent by young Ailing and his men in clearing a portion of Mr. Mill's slashing, for raising a crop of corn on shares, one or two trips having been made in the mean time into the new tow^nship and a location selected on the hill spoken of. In a sketch of Twinsburg, published by Mr. Ailing, in 1861, he gives these reasons for locating here, instead of at the center: "First — there we found excellent plow and grass land, water, stone, timber, sugar trees, etc.; second — the water power at the falls was the best for miles around, probably three times the w^ater that there is there now, and we believed that the business w^ould center there as it had centered at Middlebury, and other places, regardless of the center; and I still think there would have been a smart village built up had not the owners. Mills & Hoadley, attempted a foolish speculation by laying out a village and ask- ing from $50 to $200 for lots containing less than half an acre of land, thus shutting out mechanics, etc." First Building Completed. — Young Ailing and his men tem- porarily took possession of the unfinished log shanty at the falls,, above alluded to, April 15, taking with them, as supplies, pur- chased from Captain Heman Oviatt: one barrel of pork at $25;^ one barrel of flour, $8; ten bushels of potatoes, $5; one gallon whisky, $1.50; the entire outfit of kitchen utensils being one bail- less bake-kettle, two tin bake-pans, one case knife, one iron spoon and a board two by six feet, intended for a door, but temporarily used for a table; individual jack knives being pressed into service PIONEER BUILDINGS, PRICES, ETC. 1063 at meal times, witli sharpened sticks for forks, and clean broad chips for plates, Mr. Ailing being commissary general, and the "chief cook and bottle-washer" of the party. May 20, Elisha Loomis and Lester Davas arrived from New Haven, putting up at "Hotel Ailing," followed by Frederick Stan- ley, May 31; Lewis Ailing Jr. (younger brother of Ethan), Gideon Thompson and Zenas Ailing, July 1; and by Lewis Ailing, Sr., wife, and daughter Elizal)eth, Irena Thomas, Amos Cook Taylor and Wilson Whittacus (colored boy called "Tone"), July 27. Up to the latter date mentioned there had been fifteen arrivals in the township, though in the mean time two — Lex Johnson and Lester Davis — becoming disgusted with pioneer life, had taken the back track, thus reducing the colony to a round "baker's dozen." Previous to this, however, young Ailing and his men had erected a commodious log house upon the hill, into which the family moved, on the arrival of father and mother Ailing, , Mr. Loomis having meantime built a cabin at the falls, \^here he also that year erected a saw-mill, long afterwards known as Loomis's mill; Mr. Elias W. Mather erecting a grist inill on the opposite side of the creek, in 1818; a distillery also being erected in 1821 by Joel W. Thompson. Early in the Spring of 1818, the Allings built a frame barn, and later in the same season raised and partly finished a frame house, the first structures of this kind in the township; the first house (of logs) erected at the center being that of Mr. Elijah W. Bron- son, agent of the Wilcox brothers, probably about 1820, on the east side of the square, the Wilcoxes building a small frame house for themselves on the north side of the square in 1823. These gentle- men, instead of holding their lands at speculative prices, as had Mills & Hoadley, at the falls, sold their lots adjacent to the square at very low^ figures, and giving outright to mechanics and trades- men, to induce them to settle there, so that w^ithin five or six years there were from tw^elve to fifteen families congregated about and near the public square, the Twinsburg postoffice being established in 1823, with Moses Wilcox as postmaster. The Wilcox brothers were thoroughly upright men, but in the purchase of their land they had unfortunately incumbered it w^ith mortgages- to the State of Connecticut, while in selling they had in most instances received payment in full. Had they lived, all w^ould undoubtedly have been well, but their early death caused very great embarrassment to those who had purchased under them, and was a very great hindrance to the full development of that portion of the tow^nship for a number of years. At length Rev. Samuel Bissell, whose philanthropic labors in the cause of education had become favorably known in the East, interceded w^ith the Connecticut school fund commissioner and secured proper relief, after w^hich the Wilcox tract became rapidly settled and improved. Pioneer Prices. — Provisions, except such w^ild game as could be secured in the woods, and such vegetables as could be raised, as well as all kinds of merchandise, were very high, Mr. Ailing and Mr. Luman Lane, quoting prices from 1817 to 1820 as follows: Pork, $8.00 per cwt.; flour, $8.00 per bbl.; salt, $10.00 per bbl.; cot- ton shirting, % yard wide, 50 cents per yard; calico, 75 cents; coarse woolen cloth, $3.00; lead, 25 cents per lb.; nails, 12i/^ cents 1064 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. (and poor at that), Mr. Ailing paying transportation on a box of log chains, wedges, etc., from New Haven to Cleveland, $16.00 per cw^t. Prices of farm produce were at the other extreme, Mr. Ailing, in his memoirs, speaking of having, in 1819, received from Mr. Oliver Brown, of Hudson, twenty-four bushels of the best white seed wheat in payment of $9.00 in money which he had previously loaned him. T UMAN LANE, — oldest son of 1— ' Philip and Rebina (Nettleton) Lane, was born in Killing-worth, Con- necticut, October 17, 1796; his six brothers were, Henry, Harvey, Chaun- cey, Julius, Abner and Nathan, and his three sisters, Lbvina, Harriet and Polly. He came on foot from Kil- ling-worth to Twinsburg-, in Novem- ber, 1820, settling upon the farm in the north part of the township, where he resided until his death, April 17, 1879. Mr. Lane was married Novem- ber 25, 1823, to Miss Irena Thomas, who bore him seven children — Charles, Albert, Charlotte, Augusta, Edward, Emeline and Sarah. Mrs. Lane dying, May 19, 18v38, (in child- bed, and not from hydrophobia, as has been erroneously stated), Mr. Lane was again married, to Mrs. Emma Parish, a native of Vermont, April 16, 1839, who bore him one child, Mary Philena, the second Mrs. Lane dying June 4, 1879, surviving- her husband only one month and four- teen daj^s. Four of Mr. Lane's chil- dren, only, are now living- — Charles, on the old homestead ; Albert, of Hopkins, Michigan ; Augusta, wife /^ r- LUMAN LANE. of O. O. Kelsev ; and Sarah, wife of G. H. Mills, of Twinsburg. Two of Mr. Lane's brothers — Chauncey and Julius — also settled in Twinsburg, where their descendants still live. Township Organization, Etc. — By proclamation of the coni- missioners of Portage county, Twinsburg township was organized in April, 1819. At this date the voters of the township, according to the recollection of Mr. Luman Lane were: Lewis Ailing, Sr., William Allen, Elisha Loomis, Elias W. Mather, Joel W. Thomp- son, Josiah Myrick, Noah P. Nichols, N. J. Palmer, Henry Ben- nett, Amos C. Taylor, Lyman Richmond, Reuben Chamberlain, Frederick Stanley, John Bassett, Samuel Vail, Edwin B. Vail, Homer G. Vail, John Dodge, Isaiah Humphrey, Roman Humphrey, Nestor Hurlbut, Ezra Osborn, Preston Pond, Samuel Alger, Cyrus Hodgskin, N. S. Barnett, Cotton M. Leach, Emery Alger, Elijah W. Bronson, Asa Upson, Orrin Tucker, Leonard Kilbourn, Oliver Clark and Messrs. Perkins, Sawyer, Davis and Darling, whose given names w^ere not remembered by Mr. Lane. There is no authentic record now extant of this first election except that Frederick Stanley was elected clerk; the first com- missioned justices of the peace, elected in October, 1819, being Lewis Ailing and Samuel Vail. Township clerk: in 1820, ElisTia Loomis; in 1821, Elijah W. Bronson; in 1822, Luman Lane. The first marriage was that of Emery W. Alger to Eliza Dodge, by Jus- tice Lewis Ailing, March 19, 1821; the first birth, that of Maria EARLY FATALITIES, PIONEER TRIALS, ETC. 1065 Stanley, November 23, 1819; the iirst death, the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Chamberlain, in the Spring of 1819: Early Fatalities. — The decomposition of vegetation (as was supposed) caused by the erection of the dam and the overflowing of the bottom lands of Tinker's Creek, produced a great amount of sickness and many deaths, from bilious, intermittent and typhus fevers, in the vicinity of Loomis's Mill, in the years 1822 and 1823, hardly an adult person living w^ithin one mile of the pond escaping an attack, and not more than two of the age of forty years or over recovering therefrom; among the victims, being Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Ailing, who were laid in one grave, September 7, 1823. Ethan Alling's Subsequent Life. — April 24, 1824, Mr. Ailing was married to Miss Eliza Blackman, of Bridgeport, Conn., immediately installing her as the mistress of his Ohio farm. In 1825, Mr. and Mrs. Ailing went into the dairy business with twenty- two cows, for which they paid $12 per head, marketing their but- ter in Akron (where the locks of the Ohio canal were then being built) at eight cents per pound, and selling such portions of their cheese as, from imperfect manufacture, did not spoil upon their hands, in Aurora, at five cents per pound; this being the first cheese manufactured in the township for sale. That Fall (1825) Mr. Ailing commenced the erection of a hotel opposite the southeast corner of the public square, moving into it December 6, 1826, and formally opening it to the public by a grand opening ball, on Monday evening, December 25. Pioneer Merchant. — Previous to 1829, all articles of merchan- dise had to be obtained elsewhere, chiefly in Hudson and Aurora. In the Fall of 1829, however, Mr. Ailing commenced keeping a few ^'necessaries" for sale in addition to the stock of liquors every well-regulated tavern was then obliged to keep, his first invest- ment being $3.50 for snuff and tobacco, his " store " being kept in the six by eight apartment occupied by the bar. Other articles w^ere from time to time added to the stock, until at length a sep- arate building was found to be necessary to accommodate his growing trade. Having sold his tw^o-hundred acre farm, with all its better- ments, for $1,500, ($7.50 per acre), in 1831 he rented his hotel to Samuel Edgerly, (afterwards landlord of the American House, in Hudson and the Summit House, in Akron), and moved his family and goods into a building which he had in the meantime erected upon the west side of the public square, placing therein the first stock of goods brought into the township from New York. In 1835, Mr. Ailing built and stocked the commodious store still stand- ing at the northwest corner of the public square, where he con- tinued to do business until 1847, w^hich, in that year, exclusive of salt, flour and farm and dairy products, amounted to over $14,000. In 1818, the business was relegated to his two eldest sons, Francis A, and George Hoadley, the latter buying out the former, in 1851, and continuing the business until his death, in November, 1856, the former having deceased in October, 1854, the store now (1891) being occupied by Mr. Seth R. Hanchett, merchant, postmaster, etc. In October, 1827, on the death of Mr. Moses Wilcox, Mr. Ailing w^as appointed postmaster, w^hich office he continuously held until 1839 — the amount received for postage the first year of his incum- t>ency being $36.01; the last year, $256.67. 1066 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. * Pioneer Stage Line. — In the earlier years the stage route from Cleveland southeasterly to Hudson, Ravenna, Pittsburg, etc., was through Northlield, on what was then, as now, known as the State road. With the view of enhancing the business interests of Twins- burg, in the Spring of 1828, in connection with Mr. Jabez Gilbert, Mr. Ailing bought out the stage line from Cleveland to Hudson,, changing the route from Bedford directly toTwinsburg, over what w^as then designated the turnpike, to the building and mainte- nance of which the land owners and business men of Tw^insburg were liberal contributors. This enterprise was a success, so far as increasing the business of the hotel, and the general prosperity of the town was concerned^ the public travel following the stage route, the hotel barns some- times stabling as many as fifty horses over night, with a corre- sponding patronage for the hotel itself; though it in reality came very near swamping the enterprising proprietors, Mr. AUing's individual loss, in running the line, being over $600, the first seven months. Subsequently Mr. Ailing became the sole proprietor of the line, running it for several years thereafter, if not with profit,, yet without serious loss. Benevolence, Death, Etc. — Mr. Ailing died April 22, 1867, aged 66 years, 8 months and 9 days. Though not wealthy, in the modern acceptation of the term, besides his ever generous hospi- tality, and his liberal contributions to all public improvements and benevolent and patriotic enterprises of the town, Mr. Ailing left an estate of about $40,000, in his will, besides providing liber- ally for his own immediate family, making quite a number of bequests to w^orthy but needy friends, and about $5,000 to church, Sabbath school and benevolent purposes; among the latter being a bequest of $300 to the Baptist Church at Twinsburg; $1,000 to the American Sunday School Union; $50 to each church Sunday school in Twinsburg at the time of his decease, to replenish their libraries; to the mayors of the cities of Cleveland and Akron (in trust for said cities), all dividends upon tw^elve and eight shares, respectively, of the capital stock of the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad Company, "for the express purpose of render- ing assistance, by way of food and clothing, to, and thereby pro- moting the temporal and spiritual condition of, the poor orphan, cast off and destitute children of said cities, in providing Avays and means by which they may enjoy the blessings of the Sabbath school," etc. Mrs. Ailing, though for several years helpless from paralysis, wa» kindly cared for by her only surviving son, Kthan Lewis Ailing, Esq., and his estimable wife, at their home, 113 Prospect street, in the city of Akron, until her death, on the 24th day of April, 1889, at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 8 days. Pioneer Incidents. — Twinsburg has no pioneer Indian tradi- tions, the aboriginal denizens of that township having "vamosed the ranch " several years before w^hite settlement began. The usual pioneer exploits w^ith w^ild beasts, and of individual pluck and daring are still rife among the people, but cannot be here recorded because of the space which the more recent history of the town- ship will occupy in this chapter. A few incidents, however, illustrative of the hardy nature and invincible will of the early settlers, may not be amiss. Means EARLY MODES OF TRAVEL, BUSINESS, ETC. 1067 of travel between Connecticut and Ohio, even as late as the middle twenties, were so meager, that it was no uncommon thing for emigrants to make the entire journey, of over 600 miles, on foot, Mr. Luman Lane and Mr. Hanford White traveling in that way in November, 1820, the last day of their journey walking 46 miles. The Deadly Massasauger. — In 1831, Mr. Luman Lane was bitten on the foot by a massasauger, but his life was saved by hi& hired man cutting open the wound with his pocket knife and suck- ing out the poison, though he nearly bled to death before the nearest physician, Dr. Town, of Hudson, could be summoned, and, in fact, suffered more or less pain from it to the day of his death. Greater Endurance Than a Horse. — Mr. Nestor Hurlbut/ an uncle of Henry Ward Ingersoll, Ksq., of Akron, walked the entire distance between Goshen, Conn., and Twinsburg, five times. On his last trip he made a wager with a man who was about to set out on horseback, that he would beat him in. Starting at the same time, the horseman, of course, left the footman behind early in the day, but by making a little longer day of it, the footman slept at the same place as the horseman over night. Then, by get- ting an earlier start in the morning and traveling later at night, they kept along pretty evenly together until near the end of their journey, when the horse, as well as its rider, began to show symp- toms of fatigue, and by making a little extra exertion on the "home stretch," Hurlbut actually arrived at Twinsburg about six hours ahead of his equestrian competitor. Even in local travel from town to tow^n, and from county to county, pedestrianism was rather the rule than the exception, the w^riter, in the latter thirties, having often footed it from Akron to Ravenna, Aurora, Painesville, etc.; it being related that Mr. Isaiah Humphrey, grandfather of C. P. Humphrey, Esq., of Akron, hav- ing purchased an old-fashioned, heavy bull-nosed plow in Rich- field, shouldered it and walked the entire distance to Twinsburg, fifteen miles, without stopping to rest. In 1817, Lewis Ailing, Jr. (then 15 years old), Zenas Ailing and Gideon Thompson, started on foot from Derby, Conn., -with 104 Merino sheep, Avhich they drove safely through to Hudson, 650 miles, in thirty days, though betw^een the w^olves, the dogs and disease, it proved a poor investment, nearly all being lost. Business Status of Twinsburg. — In the two decades, from 1835 to 1855, Twinsburg w^as decidedly a business town. In addi- tion to the original hotel, then (1835) kept by David Grant, another house of entertainment at the northeast corner of the public square had been erected about 1830, by Otis and Eli Boise, for many years past known as Clark's hotel, and still ow^ned by the widow of its late proprietor, Elmore W. Clark, Esq. Other merchants than Mr. Ailing also abounded, w^ith the average degree of enterprise and success, or non-success, incident to mercantile operations. Mr. ApoUos White erected mills, in the northern part of the township, and for many years maufactured large quantities of lumber, the writer having, in the latter thirties and early forties, purchased from Mr. White many thousands of feet of the very best w^hitewood, oak, ash and hickory lumber at from $6 to $8 per thousand. The village also had its full comple- ment of mechanics, Mr. James Alexander for many years carrying 1068 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. on quite an extensive carriage manufactory; the handling of the large dairy product of the township (under the old process) by Mr. Ailing and others, being quite a large factor in the business activ- ity and prosperity of the village; all of which was augmented by the liberality of the people of Twinsburg and other towns along the line, in converting the old mud turnpike from Hudson to Cleveland, into a plank road, sometime in the middle forties, ■which greatly facilitated stage and other travel, transportation of produce to, and merchandise from, Cleveland, etc., a hotel being established and for many years maintained upon this road, near the northwest corner of the township, by Mr. Ezra Starkweather. The Railroad Era. — The advent of the railroad into Ohio, however, very materially changed the business aspects and pros- pects of Tw^insburg, in common Avith many of the other rural villages of the county and State. When the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad was projected, the route through Twinsburg was deemed both feasible and desirable, being on the direct line bet\sreen Cleveland and Ravenna, but, under the mistaken notion that it would be a detriment instead of an advantage, the people mani- fested so much hostility to the project that the road was finally located three and a half miles to the w^est of the Center in the tow^nship of Northfield, and on to Hudson, largely increasing busi- ness there, and building up a rival business point at Macedonia Depot, besides placing the citizens of the tow^nship at a disadvan- tage with their neighbors in the matter of travel and transpor- tation. Being thus isolated from railroad facilities the commercial and mechanical importance of the village rapidly declined, with- out any of the compensating advantages to the rural population incident to railroad proximity. But the completion of the Connotton Valley road (now Cleveland & Canton) through the township, a short distance east of the Center, in 1880, while not very materially increasing the mercantile and industrial opera- tions of the village, is proving otherwise convenient and bene- ficial, not only as a great means of travel to Cleveland, Kent and other points, but also for shipment of the immense product of her several stone quarries, hereinafter more particularly referred to. . But the chief value of the road to the people of Tw^insburg, in addition to the advantages named, and the ready means thus afforded of supplying themselves with coal, lumber, etc., is the opportunity which it offers to contiguous farmers of daily sending the product of their dairies to Cleveland, milk stations being established at nearly every cross road, and special trains run for that purpose. Church Organizations, Etc. — In chuch matters, Twinsburg has, from the start, held a fair average with her neighbors. Relig- ious meetings w^ere held from the very beginning of settlement, generally in private houses, Lewis Ailing, Sr., and Asa Upson taking turns in leading (when no preacher w^as present) until the death of Mr. Ailing, in 1823, when Mr. Moses Wilcox took his place. In 1822, an itinerant Methodist minister (name not remem- bered) formed a class, w^ith Emery Alger and Asa Upson as members. In 1821, '22, Rev. John Seward (Congregationalist) preached one-fourth of the time on the Sabbath, after which Rev. Willian Hanford did likewise for several years; a Congregational church being formed in 1822, with Lewis Ailing, Sr., Robert Hurd RELIGIOUS AND CHURCH MATTERS. 1069 and wife, J. H. Kelsey and Avife, Belizer Beach and wife, Julia Ann White (wife of William White), Comfort Nichols (wife of N. P. Nichols), Irena Thomas, Luman Lane, Hanford White and John A, Wells as members, Lew^is Ailing, Sr,, being chosen deacon. Rev. Samuel Bissell, of Aurora, was ordained as pastor April 20, 1828, being succeeded by Rev. Mr. Hair in 1835. Differences arising,, now difficult of explanation, a second Congregational church was organized with Mr. Bissell as its pastor, the pulpit of the first church being successively tilled by Revs. Treat, Ward and Chapin until 1843, when the two churches were united with Rev. Robert C. Learned as pastor, followed, April 5, 1848, by Rev. Horace W. Palmer; November, 1853, Rev. Joseph H. Scott; November 21, I860,. Rev. Sidney Bryant, an interregnum of about two years, 1859, '60, being filled by President Pierce and Prof. Hosford, of Western Reserve College, alternately. Successive pastors since. Revs. Andrew Sharp, Post, Charles McNulty, William Haynes and Charles H. Lemmon, present incumbent, w^hose pastorate com- menced March 1, 1890. Present, membership 150, Macedonia branch 22, total 178. Church Edifices. — In 1823 the Congregationalists undertook to build a small two-story house upon the public square, the upper story to be used as a place of worship and the lower story as a school room, hauling the timber upon the ground for that purpose. Exceptions being taken, a tow^n meeting w^as called at w^hich it was voted "that the public square shall remain unoccupied by any public building at present." Notwithstanding such action, a one- story house was soon after built, and jointly used as indicated for several years, being tw^ice removed and finally torn down. Fn 1831, Mr. Bissell, then teaching a select school, was empow- ered to raise funds and build a house for church and high school purposes, which was located east of the public square and imme- diately north of the Ailing hotel, completed in 1832, the total cost being' about $700. The present edifice west of the public square, erected in 1848, originally cost about $3,000, though material improvements have from time to time been made during the intervening years. Other Denominations. — The Methodist class of two members above alluded to, formed in 1821, expanded into a full church organization a few years later, their first house of worship, near the northeast corner of the square, being erected in 1832, the present structure on the south side of the square, being built in 1848. Present membership about 112. Present pastor (1891, '92,) Rev. Ira J. Harris. A Baptist society was organized June 15, 1832, and a house of worship built in 1841. April 14, 1843, a Free Will Baptist Society was organized, building a house of worship in 1847. This house was destroyed by fire and rebuilt, in 1851. This latter society declining in numbers and influence, in 1859 their house was sold to Mr. Riley, who soon afterwards exchanged houses with the Baptists, who have occupied it ever since, the house being located a short distance north of the square, on the Cleveland road. This society has been w^ithout a pastor for the past few^ years, and from deaths and removals is reduced to about twenty-five mem- bers, w^ho at present unite in w^orship with the Congregation- alists. 1070 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Educational Matters. — In the matter of education. Twins- burg has, in some respects, the most wonderful record of any township in Summit county, not even excepting that long-time •emporium of learning immediately adjoining upon the south, Hud- son. While her common schools have fully averaged with those of her neighbors on the Reserve, having now a fine high school building a few^ rods south of the square, " Twinsburg Institute" stands as a time honored and imperishable monument of what one good, conscientious and energetic mind can accomplish, during a well-rounded lifetime. Samuel Bissell was born in Middlefield, Hampshire county, Mass., April 28, 1797. In 1806, removed with his parents to Aurora, laboring on the farm until 1816, w^hen he began to prepare for college. Entering Yale in 1819, he graduated w^ith high honors, in 1823. Then ensued a rigid course of theo- logical study, amid difficulties that would have appalled an ordinary man, completing his studies in New Preston, Conn., and receiving a license to preach in 1825. Returning to Aurora in 1825, he opened a small select school Tvhich he kept till 1828, when he became pastor of the Con- gregational church at Twinsburg, as elsew^here stated, at the same time conducting a private select school, the first three years in a small log house, and then in the church in -which he preached, con- tinuing this dual occupation for seven years. After an absence of about one year, as pastor of the Congregational church at Edinburg, Portage county, Mr. Bissell, about 1840, returned to his double duty of preaching and teaching in Tw^insburg. In 1843, owing to the rapid increase of his pupils, Mr. Bissell resigned the pastorate and established "The Twinsburg Institute," which has never missed a term during all the intervening 48 years. On his return to Twinsburg, a small school building was erected by Mr. Bissell a short distance south of the Center, which, after being once or tw^ice enlarged, so as to accommodate 80 or 90 scholars, was still found to be too small to accommodate all who desired to enter the school. Mr. Bissell then purchase'd the old Ailing hotel property, adding to it, upon the south, making the building 102 feet long by 30 feet wide, subsequently adding a three- story 30x30 foot wing, upon the east, and still afterwards annexing the 30x60 foot building upon the north, formerly used by him as a church and school house (then called "Lyceum Hall") and still later, about 1858, annexing another school building on the north. This composite building, or group of buildings, w^hile making no pretensions to outside show, or interior adornment, had at one time over 300 students in attendance, requiring, besides the princi- pal, some seven or eight teachers and assistants to properly SAMUEL bissell. twinsburg's great educator, 1071 conduct the several classes therein receiving instructions, besides the necessary household regulations for boarding and lodging, per- haps one-fourth of the number in attendance finding homes with the various private families and boarding houses of the village. "Twinsburg Institute" was simply a private individual enter- prise — no charter, no $500,000 donation, no endowment funds, but solely the outgrowth of the persevering energy of its liberal- hearted, self-sacrificing founder, and -wholly maintained on the basis of the meager tuition fee of $2.00 to $4.00 per term, and the still more meager charge of from $1.12i4> to $1.50 per week for board and lodging. A Vigorous Nonagexarian. — The venerable principal of this remarkable school, now almost 95 years of age, is still (November 1891), vigorous in both mind and body, except as to impaired hear- ing. In a letter to the w^riter, in reply to inquiries about his school, Mr. Bissell, in 1887, said: "As to Twinsburg- Institute I have kept no record of the number of scholars, and can only approximate to it, as I find from some of its catalog-ues and from meinory. It has never lost a term from its commencement, and will averag-e 100 a year from 1840, a period of 47 j-ears, making- 4,7(X), and from its beg-inning, in 1828, not less than 6,000; among them more than 200 Indian youth, both from the east and from the west." And to this brief and modest mention of the gigantic labors of this remarkable man, the writer will add that a very large pro- portion of the instruction and sustenance imparted to the 200 dusky pupils mentioned, was gratuitous, while a goodlj^ number of indigent vv^hite youth, of both sexes, were also taken in, boarded and educated free of charge, or on the "manual labor" system, the labor performed consisting of chores, and other light work about the institution, that could have been done by regular hired heli? at far less cost to the kind-hearted proprietor. As illustrative of the tenacity of purpose of this philanthropic educator, it may be stated that w^hen, by reason of his open-handed liberality, and the embarrassments growing out of the War, he was obliged to vacate the buildings he had occupied for nearly twenty years, though then seventy years of age, Mr. Bissell resolutely set about erecting another on his own private lot, a short distance south of the public square. This is a two-story stone structure, 33x77 feet in size. Mr. Bissell himself helping to quarry and haul the stone, and with his own hands framing and putting on the roof, laying the floors and doing all the joiner work, except making the -windo-w fraines and sash. The walls -were laid by a Scotchman, over twenty years ago, with instructions to regard strength rather than beauty, and, adds Mr, Bissell: "The rock of Gibraltar will as soon give way, -without an earthquake," though a suit w^as brought against him, by a neighbor, three or four years ago, on account of its liability to fall and crush his (the neighbor's) house upon the adjoining lot — the old gentleman feeling deeply grieved at being compelled to defend himself from the charge of maintaining a nuisance (his first law suit), in the 91st year of his life, the suit being happily decided in his favor. In closing a letter about his school, Mr. Bissell, in 1887, says: "Circumstances are such, we expect to do but little more bj^ way of giving instruction, and very little more than the name will con- tinue." Mr. Bissell still survives, and in his 93d year delivered an address before the Old Settlers' Association, at Cleveland, July 22, 1072 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. 1889, with twenty of his old pupils on the platform with him, and October 8, 1890, took part in the 90th anniversary exercises in honor of Mrs. Anner Mary (Hudson) Baldw^in, in Hudson, Among well-known citizens w^ho ha^^e in years past attended Tw^insburg Institute are the following: General A, C. Voris; Hon. U. L. Marvin; B, C. Herrick, Ksq.; Hon. Henry McKinney, State senator for Summit- Portage district, 1869, '70, since Common Pleas Judge in Cuyahoga county; Hons. D. W. Gage and W. S, Kerruish, of Cleveland; H. \V. Ingersoll, Esq., Akron; Hon. E. E. White, former president De Pauw University, Ohio commissioner of common schools, and late superintendent schools, Cincinnati; General Lucius Fairchild, ex-member of Congress, ex-governor of Wisconsin, ex-U. S. consul at Liverpool, ex-consul general at Paris, ex-minister to Spain, ex-commander Department of Wiscon- sin, G. A. R., ex-commander-in-chief of National Encampment G. A. R., etc., etc. JONATHAN E. HERRICK,— one of J the pioneers of Twinsburg town- ship, was born in Worthington, Mas- sachusetts, Jul}^ 11, 1804. At 22 years of age he came to Ohio, then an almost unbroken wilderness, settling- in Aurora, Portage county. April 10, 1828, he was married to Miss Phila Clark, of Twinsburg-, soon after which he bought a farm in that township, a mile and a quarter south of the vil- lage, from which he cleared the forest, and on which he resided over sixtj' years, in 1845, erecting a fine stone house, one of the best in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Herrick were the parents of five children — Burke C. Herrick, for the past twenty years a successful crockery merchant in Akron ; Earl, now residing in Cleve- land ; Electa A., now Mrs. E. L. Ailing, of Akron ; and Olive and Cyrus M., deceased. Mrs. Herrick died May 7, 1889 ; Mr. Herrick, though still retain- ing his propertj^ interests in Twins- burg, is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Ailing, in Akron, in the 88th year of his age. Mr. Herrick was for several years one of the trustees of his township, and otherwise active in public affairs, being chairman of JONATHAN E. HERRICK. the monumental committee, which erected the beautiful soldiers' monu- ment on the Public Square, an engTaving and description of which will be found elsewhere in this chapter. Twinsburg's Patriotism. — The first settlement being more than forty years removed from the Revolutionary struggle, and several years after the close of the War of 1812, we find no recorded or traditionary history of the participation of any of her citizens in either of those wars, though it is very probable that a number of her early settlers were soldiers in the latter, and probably some in the former struggle; nor is it thought that Twinsburg furnished a single volunteer for the Mexican War, of 1846-48. The township paid some attention, however, to early military matters, keeping the patriotic ardor of New England fully glow- ing for many years, under the old militia system of Ohio, Mr. Luman Lane recording that Elisha Loomis was captain of the soldiers' monument, dedication, etc. 10^3 first military company, Joseph Myric, second and Asa Upson, third. This is all of the early military history of the township that has come down to us. But in the War of the Rebellion — 1861- 65 — her patiotism and valor was second to no other township in the county, according to population, having furnished a total of one hundred and seventeen soldiers for the Union Army. A Magnificent Tribute. — Not only were the customary boun- ties promptly raised and paid to her volunteers, and their dependent families kindly looked after during their absence, but after the close of the War, a splendid monu- ment was ejected on the public square, in memory of her fallen, and in honor of her surviving, heroes. This monument, located near the north side of the square, is of the following dimensions: First base (paradoxical as it may seem, the "crowning" glory of the superstructure), is a solid sand- stone block, quarried one mile west of the village, containing 358i/^ cubic feet, and weighing 50,549 pounds ; Second base, also a single block, 120 cubic feet, 16,920 pounds; Third base, 48 cubic feet, 5,768 pounds, all firmly resting upon a solid sandstone foundation. The monument proper consists of seven pieces of handsomely wrought Italian marble, measuring 100% cubic feet, weighing 18,120 pounds, the main shaft being surmounted by a splendidly carved spread eagle, the entire height, above the foundation, being 28 feet, and the total cost not far from $2,500. Dedication of the Monument. — July 4, 1867, was truly a gala day for the people of Twinsburg — a triple celebration — the 91st anni- versary of American Independence ; the Semi-Centennial of the first settlement of Twinsburg, and the unveiling and dedication of the beautiful soldiers' monument in question. Jonathan'E. Herrick, Esq., was president of the day and Horace P. Cannon, Esq., was chief marshal. A mammoth tent had been erected about the center of the square, in which the chief literary and oratorical exercises w^ere held, a free banquet being provided in a neighboring orchard, the central figure of Avhich was a one thousand pound steer, roasted whole, flanked by a very great variety of gustatory viands. The Declaration of Independence was read by Isadore Roskolp, Esq., of Cleveland; Hon. O. S. Griswold, of Cleveland, being the orator of the day. Hon. N. D. Tibbals, of Akron, responded to the toast, "Our Citizen Soldiery;" President Henry L. Hitchcock (who had lost a son in the army), to "Our Sons Who Never Returned;" Dr. H. J. Herrick, of Cleveland (a native of Twinsburg), to "The 68 Twinsburg's Soldiers' Monument, on Public Square. 1074 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Surgeons of the Army;" Rev. S. Bryant to "Woman in the Hos- pital and Woman at Home;" Edward Oviatt, Esq., of Akron, to "The Day We Celebrate;" S. A. Lane, editor Summit County Bea- con, to " The Press; " Ethan Ailing, to " The First Settler of Twins- burg." The exercises were interspersed by the firing of cannon, martial, b^nd and vocal music, and general good cheer, scarcely dampened by the drenching rainstorm w^hich occurred early in the afternoon. INSCRIPTIONS ON MONUMENT. North Sidk. — ^"Semi<-centennial settlement of this . town — Twinsburg." West Side.—" To the memory of our sons who fell during the Rebellion of 1861-65." Killed in Battle: — Charles Stearns, 7th regiment, March 23, 1862-22; Edward Bissell, 19th regiment, shot on guard duty, July 28, 1864-24; Dryden Ferguson, 125th regiment; Charles Weatherbee. Died From Wounds: — Anderson Oviatt, 19th regiment. May 1, 1862-19; Elmore C. Hinckston, 7th regiment, Jan- uary 29, 1864-24; Charles H. Springer, 41st regiment, June 2, 1864- 22. Died From Disease: — Warren Wait, 19th regiment, December 4, 1861-18; George Gaylord, July 18, 1862-29; Edwin H. Hanks, 19th regiment, February 25, 1863-20; George W. Hanks, 104th regiment, May 10, 1861; Walter Chamberlain, 177th regiment, February 14, 1865-16. Casualties: — Louis Schroeder, 7th regiment, drov^ned in Fall of 1862-24; E. Thompson, 115th regiment, drowned. Sultana, April 27, 1865-45; H. Crocker, 115th regiment, killed on cars at Col- umbus, October 24, 1862-25; G. E. Pease, 10th cavalry, died in Andersonville prison; John E. Carter, 177th regirrent, fate unknown. Having Friends Here: Wm. H. Bliss, 63rd Pennsyl- vania, September 29, 1862; H. G. Bennett, 19th Wisconsin, July 18, 1865-26; Samuel Eells, Iowa cavalry, December 4, 1862-30; Isaac F. Smith, 43rd Illinois, July 16, 1865-41. South and East Sides. — List of soldiers who survived: H.J. Herrick, surgeon; 19th Regiment: — Wm.H. Andrews, E.R. Andrew^s, A. D. Barber, Harlow Bissell, Elmore Barney, Joseph Carter, Milo Corbett, J. Chamberlain, John Dell, Edward Hanks, Sherman Lane, James Malone, D. W. Turner, Albert Upson, Wesley Upson, Geo. Williams, Newton Wait; 115th Regiment:— Fred Barney, H. G. Beardsley, Cassius Baldwin, Samuel Chamberlain, Wm. McKin- ney, J. C. Smith, C. S. Tyson; 84th Regiment: — Carl Herrick; 177th Regiment: — Geo. Andrews, Henry Bissell, Morris Blodgett, John Booth, Fred Baldw^in, Frank Bailey, Wm. Dodge, Monroe Freeman, John Flohr, Henry Flohr, Wm. Flohr, F. C. Hull, Henry Holcomb, Spafford Heather, Clinton Heather, Charles Harlow^, Chauncey Lane, Henry Livingston, John Mead, Lyman Oviatt, Edward Powers, Evelyn Parmelee, R. R. Redfield, Thomas Stark- w^eather, Aurelius Tucker, Wilber Upson, Orville Upson, Sherwin Wilcox, Henry Wait, Nelson Wright; 41st Regiment: — Jarvis Bar- ber, Caswell Barber, John Hansard, Wm. Hansard, Julius Jones, Isaac Lanning, Arthur Mason, Nathaniel Mason, Henry Pratt, Augustus Seymore; 23rd Regiment: — John H. Bull, John Chap- man; 85th Regiment: — J. C. Coffee; 103d Regiment: — Benj. Franklin, David France; 42d Regiment: — Pitkin Gray, Benj. Oray; 104th Regiment:— Alton Griswold, Charles Parks; Unknown: EARLY MILITARY REMINISCENCE. 1075 'Wm. J. Beardsley, Andrew Lamb, Willard Prentiss, Giles Post, Geo. Sodon, Geo. Thompson, Sidney Varney; Died in Service: — Edward Webster, E. F. Wilcox; Battery: — Wm. C. Calander, Joseph Oviatt, Geo. L. Stanley, Charles Webster, H. M. Wright; 6th Cavalry: — Howard Chaffee, Virgil Richmond, Edward Sodon; .2d Cavalry: — A. A. Maxam, Henry Mead, Calvin Smith; Music: — David Crankshaw, J. W. Fessenden, F. M. Fessenden, H. C. Fes- senden, S. H. Hull, Alfred Hawkins, Orrin Redfield. The follow- ing names not on the monument were also returned by the Twins- burg assessor, as soldiers from that tow^nship: Hiram Holton, Harvey McLain, Eldridge Post, George Palmer, Irving Wilcox, A. S. Meakin, William Penhale, S. D. Jones and George Read. ORRIN P. NICHOLS, — born in Hatnpden county, Massachu- setts, June 21, 1817 ; at six years of age removed with parents to Trumbull county, Ohio,* and afterwards to Franklin Mills (now^ Kent) ; inarried in 1840 to Miss Lemisa Crow, the same 3'ear purchasing- a 70 acre farm north of Twinsburg- Center, on the Cleve- land road, subsequently adding- thereto several other farms, also for a number of years conducting exten- sive lumber operations in Western New York. Mrs. Nichols dying in 1844 (their two children having died in infancy), in November, 1847, Mr. Nichols married Miss Wealthy C. Baird, who still survives ; three of their four children: Fremont A., Orrin P., and Katie A., all married, living upon the several fine farms left them by their enterprising father. Though of limited education, Mr. Nichols was a man of large intelli- g-ence, broad views and great per- sonal and political influence. In October, 1875, Mr. Nichols was elected as Summit county's representative to the State Legislature, serving with eminent ability, until his unfortunate death, April 28, 1877, superinduced, as ORKIN p. NICHOLS. was believed, by the shock to- his system, received in a slight railroad accident, between Akron and Colum- bus, during his incumbency ; his age at the tiine of his death being 59 years, 10 months and 7 days. Captured by " Ingens." — Mr. Luman Lane relates of Twins- burg's first military company, that while it w^as captained by Asa Upson (probably about 1825), the company was invited by his father, Mr. Saul Upson, to a dinner to be served in his new frame barn. While marching through the w^oods it was suggested by the captain that one of his subordinate officers select a squad of men and go on ahead to play Indian, for the purpose of demon- strating the military skill and prowess of the captain and his command in case of an attack. Giving the "Indians" a good start, the company started forward keeping a sharp lookout for the "enemy," and were beginning to w^onder what had become of the supposititious "red-skins," when suddenly they sprang forth and seized the redoubtable captain before he could use his sword, and captured and disarmed the entire company before they could bring their w^eapons to a position for defense. It was a bloodless victory, but one that afforded a vast amount of merriment at the 1076 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. expense of Captain Upson and his discomfited " braves." The dinner, consisting of roast pig, turkey, chicken-pie, etc., was rel- ished alike by all, while the after-dinner patriotic and pioneer stories, songs, etc., were most heartily enjoyed by all, both "friend" and "foe." The Ancient "Toboggan." — F'or years there were very few w^agons in the to^vnship, especially the northern portion of it, so that other means of transportation than the horseback and "foot- back" process heretofore alluded to had to be devised. Rude sleds were, therefore, made use of, both Summer and Winter^ while w^hat Tvas known as the sap-boat — a sort of toboggan-shaped vehicle, made out of long flat puncheons, turned up at the front, fastened together with strong cleats and wooden pins — wa» brought into requisition in hauling grists to mill, women and chil- dren to meetings, parties, etc., while ancient 3'oung America would sometimes ride in sap-troughs hitched to the rear of the larger vehicle, as modern j^oung America hitches his modern coaster to every passing sleigh or "bob," that he can possibly " catch on " to. Dangers of the Wilderness. — People in those days often lost their bearings while traveling through the woods, even in the day time, a number of instances of which are related by Mr. Lane; one being that of Professor Rufus Nutting, of Western Reserve College, while going to Solon to preach, who, becoming bewildered in passing through a swamp in the southwest part of Solon tow^n- ship, with his horse remained all night in the woods, covering hi& feet with his saddle to keep them from freezing. Mr. Lane also rescued, one evening, near his place, a Mrs. Bull, of Solon, who, having gone into the woods to hunt up her sheep, had lost her bearings, and, but for the prompt response of Mr. Lane to her call, w^hich he at first mistook for a panther, must have remained in the woods all night, and perhaps have perished; Mrs. Reuben Henry, of Tw^insburg, having also been similarly rescued by Mr, Lane w^hen, after dark, she was headed toward Solon, in which direction it was six miles to the nearest house. Locust Grove Cemetery. — The earlier burials took place on the farms where the deaths occurred, the first township burying ground, of one acre, being laid out northeast of the public square, in 1823. Mr. Ethan Ailing, feeling the importance of having a suitable resting place for his own dead, and believing that indi- vidual rights would be more satisfactory than rights in eommon in a public burial ground, in 1846 bought an acre and a half of land a short distance vt^est of the center, which he caused to be graded, platted, fenced and planted to locust trees, and which he named "Locust Grove Cemetery." There were 130 lots in all, besides a portion of the ground set apart for individual graves, and for the gratuitous- use of those unable to purchase a burial place for their dead. Up to 1860, some eighty-five or ninety of the lots had been sold, the prices being originally from $3 to $5 per lot, to be enhanced from year to year, by an amount equal to simple annual interest on those sums. It \\ras now^ (1860) found that a new fence w^as fast becoming an imperative necessity, and the lot owners w^ere invited to join Mr. Ailing in putting a solid stone w^all around the grounds that w^ould never decay or need repairs. Responses w^ere made by eighty-two of the lot ow^ners, in sums TWINSBURG UNION FAIR. 1077 ranging from $5 to $45 which, with the liberal contributions of Mr. Ailing and his brother, Lewis, swelled the total amount of the fund to $1,140. Not to trench upon the original ground, Mr. Ailing bought a strip three feet in width on each side, on which to build the wall. Four courses of the best Twinsburg free stone compose the wall, as follows: First course or foundation stone, twro feet square; sec- ond course, eighteen inches bed, sixteen inches thick; third course, fifteen inches bed, sixteen inches thick; fourth course, tw^elve inches square; the wall being three and a half feet high above the foundation; the only entrance gate being of iron, and the total cost being $1,079.66. The care and custody of this noble monument to Mr. Alling's memory, by the will of the father has been relegated to the only surviving son, Ethan Lewis Ailing, Esq., now a resident of Akron, but w^hose property interests are still largely in Twinsburg. WILLIAM McKINNEY,— born in Franklin county, Ohio, Decem- ber 29, 1833, when young- removing with his mother to Cuyahog-a county, his father having died in 1834; edu- ■cated in district schools ; .at 16 apprenticed to shoemaker, serving three years ; worked at trade in Twinsburg-, and in Iowa and Kansas several years ; in 1860, returned to Twinsburg and opened a shoe shop ; in 1862, leaving shop in charge of a brother, enlisted in company G., 115th Reg-'t, O. V. I., serving till close of Wai-, first as corporal and later as 2nd sergeant ; while in command of block house, at Luverne, near Nash- ville, on December 5, 1864, was cap- tured by Forrest, and with the rest of his command, held as prisoners, being moved , to Black River, near Vicksburg, the following- March, w^here he escaped, making his way to Vicksburg and finally home, his •weight being reduced to eighty pounds. Receiving his discharg-e a month later at Camp Chase, he resumed shoemaking- in Twinsburg; in 1871, was made postinaster of Twinsburg, holding- the office until January 1, 1881, when he removed to Akron, to enter upon the duties of sheriff, to which office he had been WILLIAM MCKINNEY. elected the previous October ; re- elected in 1882, serving- four years. Februaj-y 8, 1853, Mr. McKinney was married to Miss Sarah A. Carver, of Twinsburg, who has borne hiin six children, three of whom are living-, Clara (now Mrs. Charles Mallison), Perry A., and Paul. Twinsburg Fair. — Owing to its distance from the county seat and the lack of proper facilities of getting to and from the regular county fair, and with the view of stimulating the dairy and agri- cultural interests of the township, a series of local fairs were held upon the public square of Twinsburg, for three or four years in the early fifties. These fairs attracted more than a local interest, and several of the contiguous townships of both Summit, Portage, Oeauga and Cuyahoga counties joined with Twinsburg in the for- mation of the "Union Fair Association," purchasing and fitting up with buildings, trotting track, etc., about thirteen acres of land, a short distance east of the public square. 1078 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The first meeting of the association was held in September^ 1856, and was a grand success, both in the variety, magnitude and excellence of its exhibits, and in attendance. This interest mainly- through the energy and public spirit of the people of Twrinsburg^. was vigorously maintained for some ten or twelve years. Its patrons, how^ever, being largely engaged in dairying and stock- growing, a succession of extremely dry seasons, in the latter sixties, and the decease and removal of several of the most active promoters, so dampened the ardor of the remaining members, that the meetings were at length discontinued, the last fair being held in 1871. The grounds were sold and the affairs of the associ- ation w^ere closed in 1872, though the memory of " Tw^insburg Union Fair," and the lively interest and pleasure inspired by it& annual recurrence, is still dear to the heart of the average Twinsburgian. TWINSBURG'S CIVIL STATUS. Though not as extensive an "office holder" as some of her sisters, Tw^insburg has a highly honorable civil record, as the fol- lowing brief mention will clearly demonstrate: Augustus E. Foote was elected to the office of county com- missioner, on the organization of the new county of Summit, in April, 1840, and re-elected in October of the same year for a full term, rendering much valuable assistance to his colleagues, both on the board and in the other county offices in organizing and har- monizing the business of the several departments, holding the office three years and seven months; Mr. Foote also serving as rep- resentative to the State Legislature, in the session of 1843, '44, as- the colleague of Hon. John H. McMillan, of Middlebury. Nelson Upson, was chosen commissioner in 1860, and re-elected in 1863, faithfully serving his constituents five years and five months, resigning the office in March, 1866. Orrin p. Nichols, one of Twinsburg's most successful farm- ers, and for several years engaged in the lumber trade in Western Pennsylvania and Northern New^ York, was elected as a represen- tative to the State Legislature in October, 1875, being a very popu- lar and influential member of that body, until his universally lamented death in 1877. William McKinney, for many years a resident of Twinsburg^ and one of her brave soldier boys during the War of the Rebellion,, was elected to the responsible office of sheriff, in October, 1880, and re-elected in 1882, ably filling the office for the full constitutional period of four years ; another Twinsburg " boy," Mr. E. A. Parmelee^ acting throughout as his efficient deputy. Horace P. Cannon, in 1858, was, after several years' service as a director, elected vice president of the Summit county Agricultural Society, promoted to president in 1859, and again elected in 1863r being faithful and energetic in the discharge of the duties devolved upon him. THE TWINSBURG OF TO-DAY (1891.) I General Merchandise. — Seth M. Hanchett, A. L. Nelson and George W. Mizer; Stoves and Tinware— Edward Grouse; Meat Market — R. B. Sawyer; Blacksmiths — G. L. Andrews and James- PRESENT BUSINESS AND 'OFFICIAL STATUS. 1079 Fisher; Wagon-Maker — N. A. Chapman; Painter— E. A. Par- melee; Carpenter — W. C. Prentiss; Agent, C. C. & S. R. R. — A. J, Webb; Coal and Feed — A. W. Greer; Clark Hotel — George Luke; Cheese Factories — ^John Adams, 1; F. Hurd, of Aurora, 2; Physicians — L. G. Griste and S. Freeman; Stone Quarries — Nelson Doubrava, Boose Brothers, H. Dunshee, A. N. Stanley, N. Herrick and D. & C. F. Herrick. Present Official Status (1891): Trustees, Chauncey B. Lane, Lincoln H. Oviatt, George L. Andrews; clerk, Darius L. Chamberlain; treasurer, Edward Crouse; justices of the peace, Almon J. Brown and William A. Rudd; constables, Eugene E. Lewis and Edward B. Crouse; postmaster, Seth R. Hanchett. J CHAPTER LII. SUMMIT COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY— ORGANIZED IN 1849— EARLY FAIRS ON COURT HOUSE GROUNDS, WITH COURT ROOM AS FLORAL AND FINE ARTS HALL— GENUINE AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITION— PLOWING AND PULL- ING MATCHES — THIRTY-FOUR YOKE OF OXEN IN ONE STRING — FIFTEEN SPAN OF HORSES IN ANOTHER— HOME-MADE STRAW BONNET ON EXHIBI- TION—FAIR GROUNDS FITTED UP ON SOUTH MAIN STREET— REMOVAL TO SUMMIT GROVE, A MAGNIFICENT LOCATION— PHENOMENAL SUCCESS— MUNI- FICENT OFFER REJECTED— ANOTHER CHANGE OF BASE— TEN SUCCESSFUL YEARS ON THE HALL GROUNDS— FIVE YEARS' CONTROVERSY OVER PUR- CHASE OF NEW GROUxXDS—" POWDER PATCH" SELECTED— OPPOSITION FAIR ORGANIZED—" FOUNTAIN PARK " A GRAND SUCCESS— THE BEST GROUNDS AND THE BEST FAIR IN OHIO— LOCAL FAIRS AT RICHFIELD, TWINSBURG AND CUYAHOGA FALLS, ETC. SUMMIT COUNTY'S FAIRS. '"pHE records of the Summit County Agricultural Society, pre- ■■- vious to 1859, were destroyed by fire, but a careful search of the files of the Beacon, prior to that period, made by the writer for another purpose, a few years ago, w^ill insure a pretty full and accurate history of that important public institution. Though, under fostering legislative action, the Ohio State Agricultural Society, and several county societies in different portions of the State, had been previously organized, the first definite move in that direction, in Summit county, was in the Fall of 1849, though as early as May 14, 1844, a notice appears in print requesting the "officers and executive committee of the Summit County Agricul- tural Society to meet at the American House, in Akron, May 22, for the purpose of adopting such rules and by-laws as may be neces- sary for the government of the society," signed by Van R. Humph- rey, president. Pursuant to notice issued by County Auditor Nathaniel W. Goodhue, Esq., on the 31st day of October, 1849, a public meeting was held at the court house, November 11, 1849, of which Captain Amos Seward, of Tallmadge, w^as president, Henry G. Weaver, of Springfield, vice president and N. W. Goodhue, secretary. At this meeting Lucius W. Hitchcock and William A. Hanford, of Tallmadge, Talmon Beardsley, of Coventry, Sylvester H. Thomp- son, of Hudson, and John Hoy, of Franklin, were appointed a com- mittee to report a constitution and by-law^s for the government of the society. About seventy names were presented for member- ship, at this meeting. Society Fully Organized. — An adjourned meeting was held November 18, 1849, at which the constitution reported by the above named committee was unanimously adopted, and permanent offi- cers elected as follows: President, Simon Perkins; secretary, William A. Hanford; treasurer, William H.Dewey; /Managers, John Hoy, Sylvester H. Thompson, Avery Spicer, Philo C. Stone and James W. Weld. Of these officers. Secretary Hanford now alone survives. INITIAL AGRICULTURAL FAIR. 1081 First Annual Exhibit. — The "Summit County Agricultural Society " being thus legally organized, was entitled to draw from the county treasury $137.50 yearly, tow^ards its support, and the people generally^ — villagers as well as farmers — worked harmoniously and energetically for its success. At a meeting of the directors, August 22, 1850, a committee was appointed to prepare and publish a premium list, and Wednesday and Thursday, October 2d and 3d, 1850, was fixed for holding the first annual fair, the premiums offered being: Cattle, $1 to $8; sheep, $2 to $5; swine, $2 to $4; horses $3 to #; best kept dairy, $10; best butter, $3; best cheese, $3; farm imple- ments, $1 to $3; domestic manufactures, 50 cents to $3; factory cloths and flannels, $2 to $3; grains and seeds, $1; vegetables and fruits, $1 to $2; field crops, $1 to $5. The society, at this time, had no grounds of its own, and by permission of the county commissioners, the fair was held on the court house grounds, the court house itself being used for the exhibition of fruits, flow^ers, domestic fabrics, fancy work, etc., among other domestic handiwork exhibited, being a strain bonnet, made from straw^ raised in Summit county. In the bovine and equine display w^as one team of 34 yoke of oxen, and another of 15 span of horses, both from Tallmadge. Though some attention .was given, at this initial fair, to blooded stock and fancy driving, the chief interest centered in the plowing matches, upon the com- mons, east of the jail, with both oxen and horses, and the pulling tests, upon both loaded wagons and stone-boats, stumps, etc. No prizes for racing or fast trotting were then offered by the society, though a year or two later, a track was improvised on the west side of the road, about where the Barber Match Works now stand, on which private prizes were competed for by the local high-step- pers of that early period. The receipts were from membership fees, $1 per year, no admission being charged, the total receipts, including amount drawn from county treasury, being $327.53, the total amount of premiums awarded being $100. Fair Grounds Fitted Up. — Officers elected November 20, 1850: President, Simon Perkins, of Akron; vice president, Amos Seward, of Tallmadge; J'rea surer. Nelson B. Stone, of Akron; sec- retary, Nathaniel W. Goodhue, of Middlebury; directors, Henry Van Hyning, of Norton; Daniel Hine, of Tallmadge; Milo Stone, of Tallmadge; James M.Hale, of Akron; Harvey Baldwin, of Hudson. The fairs of 1851 and 1852 were also held upon the court house grounds a tempory structure, 40x60 feet, being erected each year upon the north side of the court house, for the display of fancy work, farming implements, agricultural products, fruits, etc., the floral and fine art display being in the court room, to which a small admission fee w^as charged. At the annual meeting, November 21, 1851, among other busi- ness transacted, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: ^^ Resolved, That this society will award no premiums on any thing that will intoxicate." Colonel Simon Perkins having, with characteristic generosity, tendered to the society the free use of six acres of land on South Main street, opposite the present Rubber Factory, the grounds -were enclosed, and a floral hall, 40x100 feet erected, with stock pens, sheds, etc., in time for the fourth annual fair, which was held on the new grounds on Wednesday and Thursday, October 12 1082 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. and 13, 1853. The total cost of fitting up the grounds was $1,800,. mostly paid by voluntary contributions. At this fair an entrance fee of ten cents was charged, by w^hich, and the annual member- ship fees, between $700 and $800 was realized. Removal to "Summit Grove."— The attendance increasing from year to year (the receipts growing from $800 in 1854 to $903 in in 1855, $1,230.50 in 1856, and $1,350 in 1858), the six acres were found to be too small, and though Colonel Perkins offered to sell to the society the land already occupied at the rate of $125 per acre, and as much more as was needed, adjoining upon the south, at $80 per acre; or an exchange, acre for acre, on the west side of the road, w^here the Rubber Works, and Match factory buildings now stand, the society delayed action until the contiguous lands had been disposed of, so that a change of location became an imperative necessity. Under this condition of things a spirited rivalry for the location sprang up, the people of Cuyahoga Falls offering to donate $6,000 to the society if the location offered there should be decided upon. At this juncture, David L. King, Esq., tendered to the society, on a reasonable rental, for five years, nearly thirty acres overlook- ing the city on the w^est, where the fine residences of Hon. Lew^is Miller, and Colonel Arthur Iv. Conger are now located, Mr. King stipulating to either sell the grounds to the society, at a price to be named by him, or to pay the society for its buildings, fences, etc., at their appraised value, at the expiration of the lease. A Magnificent Location. — The greater portion of the tract in question being covered by large forest trees, and affording such a fine view of the city, it was one of the very handsomest and most convenient locations for county fair grounds in the State. The new grounds were fitted up and the buildings and fences from the old grounds removed thither in September, 1859, at a total expense, including new cattle sheds, trotting track, etc., of $3,128.60, of w^hich amount the citizens of Akron voluntarily contributed $1,870.07, in money, a large amount of labor of men and teams also being donated by the people of Akron and contiguous towns. From this time on the Summit county fair became the fair of Northern Ohio, not only constituting a grand harvest home fes- tival, in October of each year, for the people of Summit county, but annually attracting thousands of visitors from contiguous counties, and many from more remote portions of Ohio and con- tiguous States. The Society Again "Miss It." — On the expiration of the lease, Mr. King, pursuant to agreement, subniitted to the officers a proposition to sell them the entire tract for the sum of $5,000, on very easy terms of payment, stipulating, only, that should the grounds cease to be used for fair purposes, they should revert to him and his heirs. In the mean time, the directorship had been increased from five to eighteen — one from each township. Unfor- tunately for the interests of the society and of the county, Mr. King's truly magnificent proposition w^as not accepted, the major- ity of the directors, comparing the price named with the value of unimproved farm lands more remote, and less eligibly situated, being unable to realize the magnificent prize they were rejecting, until it w^as too late, the option expiring and the offer not being renew^ed. PURCHASING GROUNDS OF ITS OWN. 1083 A Second Removal. — In 1864, the society leased of Mr. P. D, Hall thirty acres of ground, covered for the most part with forest trees, at the corner of South Maple and Balch streets, for the period of ten years. To these grounds the buildings and fences were removed from "Summit Grove," a new trotting track graded, at an expense of over $1,000 to the society, besides a large amount of labor and money contributed by citizens of Akron and sur- rounding townships. The fair of 1864, though less convenient of access for many than the old grounds, was a grand success, and was followed from year to year with such increasing interest and attendance, that at the end of its ten years' lease, the society had several thousand dollars in its treasury, as the nucleus of a fund Avith w^hich to pur- chase grounds of its own. In the meantime, however, the rapid growth of the city had so enhanced the value of the grounds then occupied, and contiguous lands, as to place them beyond the sup- posed ability of the society to pay for. The " Powder Patch." — ^Anticipating the expiration of it» lease with Mr. Hall, in 1870 the society began to agitate the ques- tion of a new^ location, and a permanent home of its ow^n. Pro- • posals for sites w^ere invited, and offers w^ere made as follows: S, W. Bartges, on Wooster avenue, thirty-five acres, at $500 per acre^ S. H. Coburn and Samuel Thornton, south line of city, west of Main street, thirty acres, $400 per acre; General A. C. Voris and Major E. Steinbacher, twenty-six acres, south line of city, east of Main street, $500 per acre; Allyn and Falor, north line of Coventry, any desired quantity, $400 per acre; J. H. Kramer, twenty acres along the canal, south of city, $250 per acre; James McAllister, thirty acres, one mile and a half w^est of Akron, $200 per acre. A committee, appointed October 24, 1870, w^ere instructed ta purchase the Coburn tract, but subsequently empowered to pur- chase such grounds as in their judgment would be for the best interest of the society. This committee, consisting of James Hammond, of Copley, Edw^ard Cranz, of Bath, and David S, Alexander, of Akron, decided upon and bought the McAllister tract in 1872. This location, being so remote from the business center and from railroad facilities, gave very great dissatisfaction to the people of Akron, and of the eastern, northern and southern town- ships of the county, and a heated controversy of nearly two years' duration ensued. In the meantime, A. T. Burrows had offered forty- five acres on the "Chuckery," at $400 per acre; fifty acre» near Bettes's Corners, known as the Fouse tract, had been offered at $200 per acre, and the lands in the valley of the Cuyahoga river, known as the "Powder Patch," had been offered to the society on favorable terms. At the annual meeting of the society, in January, 1875, it wa» voted 336 to 212 to sell the McAllister grounds and purchase the Burrow^s tract. This joint duty the committee appointed for the purpose w^ere unable to satisfactorily accomplish, and at a meet- ing of the directors, June 26, 1875, after a personal inspection of all the localities named, the Powder Patch was selected by one majority. The tract purchased contained about forty-five acres, the consideration for which was the McAllister tract and $5,000 in money. 1084 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The tract formerly belonged to the Austin Powder Company, their extensive mills, from 1833 to 1860, being located along the banks of the tortuous Little Cuyahoga river traversing the same. Hence the name. Some seven or eight acres, at a cost of $200 per acre, have since been added to the grounds upon the north, mak- ing a total of about fifty-two acres. The first meeting of the ■society upon its ow^n grounds, was held in October, 1875, and not- w^ithstanding the prognostications of failure, by those who had so bitterly opposed their selection, there was a very large attendance, as well as a very considerable increase in the variety and volume of exhibits. PopuiwAR " Fountain Park." — Though in its then rough and unimproved condition, the location seemed to many to be most forbidding, the wisdom of the society in its purchase is now pal- pable to all. Naturally picturesque and romantic, by the judicious expenditure of a reasonable amount of money and labor yearly, it has become one of the most desirable places of resort in the vicinity, not only for fair purposes, but for private and public meetings, picnics, etc. The tracks of four railroads — the Clev^eland, Akron & Colum- bus, the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio, the Pittsburg Sc West- ern, and the Valley Rail\vay— are in close proximity to the grounds, affording the most ample transportation to and from the fair, ^vith equally easy access by private conveyance, and w^ith abundant hitching facilities for the thousands of teams that yearly there do congregate. A high picket fence surrounds the grounds. Extensive build- ings — mercantile hall, agricultural hall, mechanics' hall, floral and fine arts hall, dining halls, machinery stands, stables, sheds, trot- ting track, grand stand, with lakes, fountains, ornamental shrub- bery, etc., serve to make it one of the most perfect of its class in the State. As showing the rapid grow^th as well as the increasing popu- larity of Summit county's harvest home festival, its semi-decen- nial gross receipts for the years named, are abundantly significant: 1850, $320; 1855, $903; 1860, $2,100; 1865, $2,800; 1870, $3,698; 1875, $5,014; 1880, $7,444; 1886. $11,257. 16; 1887, $12,323.21; there being a slight falling off in 1888 by reason of unfavorable weather, the receipts being $9,431.53, but increasing again in 1889 to $16,608.94, and to $16,883.60 in 1890. In 1891, the weather being very forbid- ding the first two days, there was a slight falling off in receipts, the total amount being $11,985, and the disbursements for interest on bonded debt, premiums, current expenses, etc., being $9,675, showing a surplus for the year of $2,310. This munificent increase of patronage, has not only enabled the society to yearly very greatly improve the grounds and build- ings, materially enlarge its proverbially liberal premium list, and pay its necessarily heavy running expenses, but also, besides pay- ing the yearly interest, to very materially reduce the heavy indebt- edness incurred in the purchase and fitting up the grounds. The directory now consists of one director from every town- ship and each city ward, twenty- four in all. Officers for 1891: William C. Sackett, of Copley, president; Anton McFarlin, of Bath, vice president; Robert Turner, of Portage, treasurer; Albert Hale, of Springfield, secretary. Directors: — Anton McFarlin, of Bath; DIVERS AND SUNDRY OTHER FAIRS. 1085 George C. Stanford, of Boston; William C. Sackett, of Copley; George W. Brewster, of Coventry; David J. Thomas, of Cuyahoga Falls; Levi M. Kauffman, of Franklin; J. W. Kreighbaum, of Green; James Doncaster, of Hudson; Joseph Hartzell, of Norton; B. A. Robinet, of Northfield; James Harrington, of Northampton; Robert Turner, of Portage; W. R. Townsend, of Richfield; Albert Hale, of Springfield; George W. Bailey, of Stow; D. E. Fenn, of Tallmadge; L. H, Oviatt, of Twinsburg; D, W, Thomas, first ward, Akron; C. E. Sheldon, second ward; H. H. Foltz, third ward; W. H. Evans, fourth ward; A. W. Hall, fifth ward and J.M.Wills, sixth w^ard. ' SUMMIT COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION. During the agitation of the purchase of permanent Fair grounds, personal and sectional feeling ran so high that, on the final determination of the matter, a counter organization w^as formed, under the name of the " Summit County Fair Association," which, being duly incorporated, with a capital stock of $5,000, leased the Hall grounds, vacated by the old society, refitting them in good style w^ith new^ buildings, sheds, pens, fences, etc., and in September, 1875, held a very successful fair, both in point of dis- play and attendance, the officers of the association being: James Hammond, of Copley, president; Frank A. Foster, of Copley, vice- president; Wellington Miller, of Norton, secretary; and Philander D. Hall, Jr., of Akron, treasurer. The fair of the association, for 1876, was also reasonably suc- cessful. Exhibitors and visitors, tiring of contributing and attend- ance upon, two fairs so near together, and the predjudice against the new grounds gradually subsiding, interest in the "ne\^rfair upon the old grounds," correspondingly diminished, and a year or two later, the association disbanded, its affairs being placed in the hands of a receiver for liquidation. The new grounds of the county society not proving so danger- ous to life and limb, by reason of their proxmity to railroads, as had been anticipated, the roads on the contrary, being of immense advantage in conveying visitors to and from the grounds, the feel- ing of antagonism rapidly abated, and now the farmers and citi-' zens of all parts of the county are harmoniously united in their efforts to make the Summit County Agricultural Society, what it is everyw^here conceded to be, the very best and most prosperous local organization of its class in Ohio, if not in the United States. OTHER FAIR ASSOCIATIONS. In 1851, "Richfield Agricultural Club," was organized, w^hose annual exhibits and exercises became so popular, that, in 1858, Bath and Boston, in Summit; Brecksville and Royalton, in Cuy- ahoga; and Granger and Hinckley, in Medina, joined with Rich- field in the organization of the " Union Agricultural and Mechanic Art Society," \srhich, on ten acres of leased ground, midw^ay between the east and w^est centers, for ten years, was very popular and prosperous. Later, about 1868, the society reorganized as a stock company, purchased the grounds, and with increased vitality, con- tinued to prosper for several years longer, but finally disbanded in 1875, selling its grounds and buildings and closing up its affairs in 1876. 1086 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. At Twinsburg, also, in the middle fifties, after several suc- cessful annual township exhibitions, a "Union Fair Association " was organized, comprising the townships of Tw^insburg, Hudson and Northfield in Summit, Aurora in Portage, and Solon and Bedford in Cuyahoga. The first meeting of the society was held in September, 1856, upon its ow^n handsomely fitted up and fur- nished grounds a short distance east of Twinsburg Center, and, as with the Richfield society, its annual fairs for several years w^ere very popular and successful. The death and removal of some of its more active promoters, together with the recurrence of several dry and un'productive seasons in that locality, so diminished the popular interest, that, with the fair of 1871, its meetings w^ere dis- continued, its grounds being sold and its affairs closed in 1872. A " Union Fair Association" was also organized and quite extensive grounds fitted up at Cuyahoga Falls, in 1859, upon which three quite successful annual fairs, and one exclusive trot- ting fair (with the celebrated Flora Temple as a competitor) were held, but the Civil. War and other matters claiming the attention of the people, the project was abandoned. Experiments and sectional rivalries having thus ceased, the people of every portion of the county now unitedly vie w^ith each other in adding to the interest and continued prosperity of the old reliable, and ever entertaining and pleasant Summit County Fair. CHAPTER LIII. SUMMIT COUNTY'S BENEVOLENCE— GREATLY IMPROVED METHODS OF CARING FOR THE POOR— THE COUNTY FARM— ORIGINAL INFIRMARY BUILDINGS- ADDITIONAL LANDS PURCHASED — NEW AND ENLARGED STRUCTURES — MODERN IMPROVEMENTS — ONE OF THE VERY BEST IN THE STATE — THE CHILDREN'S HOME— A MUCH NEEDED INSTITUTION—THE DE ROO HOSPITAL — MUNIFICENT BEQUEST— A WORTHY EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW — OTHER CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS— MENDICANCY DIMINISHED BY TEACH- ING THE POOR HOW TO HELP THEMSELVES, ETC. SUMMIT'S BENEFICENCE. PREVIOUS to 1849, although the law authorized county com- missioners to establish "County Poor Houses" (name after- w^ards changed by statute to "Infirmary"), the poor of the several townships of Summit county were provided for by the trustees of the townships themselves — the "keep" of the unfortunates being generally let to the lowest bidder, sometimes in bulk to one person, and sometimes each individual pauper to a separate bidder — a system that did not always secure the most humane treatment, or the tenderest care. In Portage tow^nship, including the village of Akron and a portion of Middlebury, a regular poor-house w^as established — a one-story board shanty, perhaps 20x60 feet in size, being erected on the south side of the marsh, traversed by Wolf Ledge Run, on the east side of South Main street, opposite Brew^sters' flouring and saw^-mills. This institution was, by contract w^ith the overseers of the poor, or poor masters, as they were generally called, assigned to the care and custody of the late Silas \V, Wilder, a hotel and boarding house keeper in Akron for many years, from its estab- lishment until the inauguration of the County Infirmary system, as hereinafter stated. Summit County Infirmary. — January' 12, 1849, county commis- sioners Mills Thompson, of Hudson, James W. Weld, of Richfield, and Henry G. Weaver, of Springfield, bought what was then known as the McCune farm, on the corner of Medina and Portage roads, about a mile and a half west of Howard street, in Akron. The farm, but partially cleared, contained a trifle less than 150 acres of land, upon the front end of which there was a story-and-a-half dwelling house and a moderate sized frame barn, the consideration being $3,953.33, or at the rate of about $26.50 per acre. In addition to the buildings already mentioned upon the farm, the county commissioners caused to be erected a plain but sub- stantial two-story frame building, about 20x60, and sundry out- buildings at a cost of $1,966, w^hich w^ere accepted from the contractor, Mr. Leander Starr, of Hudson, July 10, 1849. July 11, as provided by law, the commissioners appointed Messrs. Roswell Kent, of Middlebury, Avery Spicer, of Coventry, and Lucius V. Bierce. of Akron, a board of directors for the 'management of the farm and the care of the county's poor, to hold their offices until 1088 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the ensuing October election. The board iminediately organized with RosAvell Kent as president, and L. V. Bierce as secretary, and by the appointment of Mr. Abraham Sichley as superintendent. Under the fostering care of the county commissioners, these four gentlemen laid, firmly and deeply, the foundation of Avhat, in the intervening forty years, has grown to be one of the very best of the many local public charities of the State, our present magnifi- cent Summit County Infirmary. In May, 1856, the commissioners bought from Mr. Morgan Sweeney 43.62 acres of land adjoining the farm upon the west, at a cost of $1,828.80, being at the rate of about $42 per acre ; and still later, in 1879, an additional parcel of 37.54 acres was purchased from the late James McAllister, for the sum of $4,223.25, or at about the rate of $112.50 per acre, making an aggregate of about 230 acres for infirmary purposes, less two acres on the northeast corner, sold to Mr. Michael Mull, June 27, 1881, for the sum of $1,200, and two and three-fourths acres, fronting on Portage road, sold to Mr. Aaron Teeple, April 15, 1882, for the sum of $1,100. Other similar small parcels, for private residences, fronting on Medina road, or West Market street extended, may possibly yet be disposed of without serious impairment of the farm for infirmary purposes, and at prices which w^ill somewhat reimburse the county in the large outlay in lands, buildings and improvements that has from time to time been made. Summit County Infirmary, Erected in liM'A. '<)5— Addition in 1S73. Though small additions were from time to time inade to the original frame structures, it was at length found that better and larger facilities for the care of the county's wards, and the econom- ical management of the county farm, were imperatively needed, and on the 23rd day of March, 1864, by special act of the legislature the county commissioners were authorized to build an Infirmary at a -cost not to exceed $16,000. INFIRMARY FORMALLY DEDICATED. 1089 The site for the new building w^as selected near the center of the original Infirmary farm, on the south side of Exchange street extended, an approach to it from West Market street extended, also being made on the north line of the farm. The brick for the new building w^as made upon the ground, largely b}' pauper labor, under the direction of Frank T. Husong, and Mr. E. C. Briggs, a practical brick maker, several hundred thousand brick being disposed of at remunerative prices to out- side parties, thus bringing the cost of the brick used in the new structure down to a comparatively low^ figure. The stone foundations and the walls w^ere erected under the supervision of that thoroughly experienced brick mason, Mr. George Allison, of Tallmadge, and the wood \srork w^as done on contract, by the late George Thomas, the whole under the super- vision of Infirmary Director Avery Spicer, and County Commis- sioner David E. Hill, the latter being appointed general superintendent of the w^ork by the board, June 4, 1865. The economical plan of construction indicated brought the cost of the edifice nominally within the figures prescribed by the legislature, though adding the value of home material furnished, home labor performed, the actual cost of the improvement was probably not far from $20,000. The building, as then erected, w^as of the follow^ing dimensions: central building, two stories, exclusive of basement and attic, 26 x 40; two wings, same height, 25x32; rear wing, 30x32, with a still further rear extension for the insane, 30x36. The exterior of the building is of a mixed order of architecture,, approximating the gothic, with bracketed cornice and gables, and its interior plainly but substantially finished, and divided into con- venient apartments for the use of the family of the superintend- ent and the accommodation of the inmates. Though somewhat earlier occupied, the new^ building was for- mally dedicated on the evening of February 3, 1866, by a public supper, under the auspices of the directors and Superintendent Husong. In addition to the trustees of the several townships, many invited guests from Akron and elsewhere enjoyed the fes- tivities of the occasion. At the close of the supper, George D. Bates, Esq., was called to the chair, and congratulatory speeches w^ere made, by Gen. A. C. Voris, WiUiam T. Allen, S. A. I^ane, Dr. E. W, Howard, and others, at the close of w^hich, the following resolution was unani- mously adopted: "Resolved, That the county conunissionersand directors of the county infirmary, together with those who have so faithfully aided them in the undertaking-, are entitled to the thanks of the citizens of Summit county, for the able manner in which they have planned and prosecuted to completion the erection of an infirmary edifice, which is at once an ornament and an honor to the county, and a inark of the exalted humanity and liberality of its people." Barns and other out-buildings have from time to time been erected and the grounds handsomely laid out and planted to ornamental trees and shrubbery, making them both pleasant for the inmates and attractive to visitors, while the farm itself, by reason of the careful and judicious tillage given to it by its several superintendents, has become one of the most productive in the county, giving healthy employment to such of the inmates as are. 60 1090 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. mentally and physically able to perform manual labor, and at the same time making the institution largely self-supporting. As ample as the above described buildings were thought to be, at the time of their erection, as the population of the county, and particularly of the city of Akron, increased, it was at length found that additional accommodations were needed. At the instance of the county commissioners, therefore, through the efforts of Senator N. W. Goodhue, of Akron, and Representa- tive Hiram H. Mack, of Bath, the legislature, on the 7th day of March, 1875, passed a special act authorizing the commissioners to levy a tax not to exceed, in the aggregate, $10,000 for the purpose of erecting an addition to the infirmary building. Under the supervision of Architect Jacob Snyder, the con- tractors, Messrs. Derhamer, Steese & Co.. erected, in the Summer of 1875, an addition, adjoining the west wing, as above described, corresponding in general style of finish to the central building, 32x42 feet, the several stories being conveniently divided up into sitting room, dining room, sick room, bed rooms, clothes rooms, etc., the total cost of this improvement being not far from $8,000. In 1880, a separate two-story brick building, 20x30 feet was erected for laundry and storage purposes, a short distance east of the rear wing, and a year or two later, a separate one-story build- ing, 30x57 feet, southwest of the original insane department, was erected for the better care of the insane; and in 1887, an inter- mediate two-story brick, 33x60 feet, wras erected, and the whole re-arranged, now making one of the most complete local insane hospitjils in the State. This year also (1887), the storage and laundry building above spoken of, gave place to a substantial combined boiler and engine house and laundry, 36 x 24, in the lower story of w^hich is a battery of two medium-sized tubular boilers, with a small but first-class engine and pump for supplying the entire institution with steam, hot and cold water, and running the laundry overhead, which is sup- supplied w^ith first-class washing, drying and ironingappliances,the last improvements mentioned (1887), including machinery and plumbing, costing about $13,000. The directors of the infirmary for the present year (1891), are Joseph Moore, Eli Smith and Jacob Koplin: superintendent, Sherman B. Stotler, CHILDREN'S HOME. Up to 1866, the children of indigent and unfortunate parents were provided for at the various poor-houses and infirmaries of the State, with the exception of the fe"w Avho were so fortunate as to be received into the occasional orphanages established by private munificence as at Cleveland, Cincinnati, etc. But for many years the growing humanitarian sentiment of the people has deplored the practice of consigning bright and healthy children to the com- panionship, and often to the care and nurture, of the diseased, imbecile and sometimes vicious inmates of these institutions. This sentiment communicating itself to the law-makers of the State, an act was passed by the Legislature, March 20, 1866, author- izing county commissioners, at their discretion, to establish Children's Homes in their respective counties, to which orphans and abandoned and neglected children, under 16 years of age, should be admitted and properly provided and cared for. I I SUMMIT COUNTY CHILDREN'S HOME. 1091 Sundry amendments to the law in question were made from -time to time, among others that passed March 22, 1876, providing that the question of establishing a Children's Home should be .submitted to the voters of the proper county, by the commissioners. August 8, 1881, the county commisioners, Messrs. Dr. William Sisler, of Akron, Moses D. Call, of Stow, and Hiram Hart, of Rich- field, on the petition of 200 tax-payers of the county, authorized Auditor Aaron Wagoner to issue a notice to the electors of the -county, to vote at the ensuing October election, on the question of issuing bonds for the purchase of a site and erecting the necessary buildings for a Children's Home for Summit county. Summit County Children's Home, South Arlington Street, Purchased, Fitted Up and Occupied in 1890. The vote stood 5,810 ballots for, and 1,091 against the proposi- tion, showing a clear majority in its favor of 4,719 votes. With this magnificent backing the commissioners felt w^arranted in going ahead, and various propositions for sites were made and duly con- sidered, the Cooke property at Cuyahoga Falls (the old Henry New- berry place, east of the covered bridge), being selected at the meet- ing of the commissioners on the 20th day of February, 1882. March 20 a resolution was adopted to issue the bonds of the county in the sum of $25,000, for the purpose named, but on the 3d day of April the proposition w^as w^ithdrawn by the representatives of the Cooke estate. August 12, 1882, the commissioners closed a contract with Mr. George Allison, of Tallmadge, for the purchase of his farm, a short distance north of Bettes' Corners, on the Cuyahoga Falls road. This purchase consisted of 142.27 acres, the price paid being $110 per acre, or an aggregate, in round numbers, of $15,650. August 14, 1882, the commissioners appointed as trustees of the Children's Home, George W. Crouse, of Akron, George Sackett, of Cuyahoga Falls, and E. S. Gregory, of Hudson. The trustees and commissioners, acting conjointly, in canvassing the 1092 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. matter of erecting suitable, buildings on the farm thus purchased^ found that the balance left, after paying for the land, would be inadequate for the erection of such a structure as they deemed fitting, and on March 6, 1883, authorized Auditor Wagoner to issue notice for a vote of the county, at the ensuing April election, upon the proposition to issue bonds to the amount of $12,000 more. By this time, the impression had become quite prevalent, that so large a farm as had been purchased Avas not needed, and much dissatisfaction was also manifested at the location which had been selected, and furthermore that $37,000 in addition to the yearly tax- levy for its support, was a larger sum than should be invested in such an institution. Feeling thus, the vote on the last proposition resulted as follows: "For," 1,818; "Against," 3,195; the adverse majority being 1,377. The Home Inaugurated. — Finding themselves thus handi- capped, yet realizing the importance of establishing the Home in question, the commissioners and trustees, on the 27th of Novem- ber, 1885, leased the property known as the " Buckeye House,"^ nearly opposite the Court House, on South Broadway, for the period of two years, for the sum of $600 per year. Mr. William A. Hanford, of Cuyahoga Falls, \vras appointed superintendent, and Mrs. Hanford, matron, who entered upon their arduous duties as soon as the house could be put in proper order and appropriately furnished; Mr. and Mrs. Hanford being succeeded by Mr. and Mrs. William Grubb, of Franklin to^vnship, in November, 1887. The report of the trustees for the year ending September 1, 1890, shows an average daily attendance of 55 children, some being provided from time to time, with permanent homes in private fam- ilies, their places being speedily filled by new accessions. The levy, this year, for the running expenses of the Home,thl-ee-tenth& of a mill, w^ill probably be in excess of its necessities. PART OF THE TALLMADGE FARM SOLD. Believing the Tallmadge farm purchased from Mr. Allison largely in excess of the necessities of the institution, even if that location should finally be determined upon for the permanent building, on the 7th day of March, 1887, the commissioners, Messrs. King J. EUet, of Springfield, Charles C. Hine, of Hudson, and John C. Hill, of Akron, sold to Mr. C. I. Bettes, 40.06 acres, and to Mr. M, J. Hogue 46.07 acres, for the aggregate sum of $5,225, or at the rate of about $63 per acre. The avails of these sales, w^ith the balance of the original $25,000 realized from the sale of the bonds above spoken of, amounted to about $15,000. Through the efforts of Representative Henry C. Sanford and Senator J. Park Alexander, the Legislature, during the session of 1888, '89, passed an act authorizing the com- missioners to sell the entire Tallmadge farm, and to purchase such other site for the Home as might be jointly agreed upon by the commissioners and the trustees, w^ho finally decided upon, and purchased, the Jewett homestead, and some contiguous lands (in all seven acres), on Arlington street, in the south part of the Sixth ward. The large dw^elling house, under the plans of Architect Jacob Snyder, approved by the board of State Charities, has been remodeled to meet the present and immediate future needs, of the THE DE ROO HOSPITAL FUND. 1093 institution, the price paid for the property being $11,000, and the expense of remodeling and furnishing $9,000, a total outlay of $20,000. The present trustees of the Home (July, 1891): John J. Hall, Lewis Miller and David E. Hill, Mr. Grubb still being con- tinued as superintendent, and Mrs. Grubb as matron. The balance of the Allison farm is still owned by the county and rented on shares, largely furnishing vegetables and other sup- plies to the Home, and paying a fair interest upon the investment. THE DE ROO HOSPITAL. On the death of Boniface De Roo, a native of BVance, an unmarried and eccentric but industrious and economical resident of Middlebury and the Sixth ward for many years, his will was found to contain the following provisions: "First, the payment of his just debts and funeral expenses; second, $200 for the purchase of a lot in the Akron Rural Cemetery ; third, $300 for the trustees of the cemetery, in trust, to be invested on interest for beautify- ing- said lot ; fourth, $500 for a granite monument of obelisk form ; fifth, $100 for good metallic coffin without plate or ornament, no funeral services to be held over his remains and bodj^ to be deposited in vault a sufficient length of time to prevent intrusion, then to be buried on lot ; sixth, the balance of his estate, real and personal, to the city of Akron, to be held in trust and .appropriated by said city for the buying of real estate and the erection of the necessary buildings and maintenance of the same for a city hospital, wherein invalids and infirm persons, without distinction of race, nationality, color or sex, ma}^ be provided for without charge or compensation in case of inability to paj^ for the same." The will further stipulated that in case the funds so bequeathed were insufficient for the purchase of the necessary real estate, and the expenses of carrying on said institution, said funds Avere to be invested until, supplemented by additions of like character, and appropriations w^hich it is anticipated may be made by the city, shall be sufficient to create and maintain said hospital; *the testator also expressing the desire that said hospital shall bear the name of the person donating the largest sum of money for the erection and maintenance of the same. Protracted Litigation. — The will of Mr. De Roo was executed August 5, 1883, with Edward Oviatt and George G. Allen as wit- nesses, and Messrs. William Rowley and John F. Viall named as executors. Mr. De Roo died on the 3rd day of November, 1883 the \srill being duly probated on the 5th day of that month. It was at first thought that the net amount of this benevolent and humane bequest would be fully $10,000, but that sum was considerably diminished by the proceedings which follow: The deceased had boarded for many years in a family of the same nationality as himself, by the name of Pouchot, having regularly paid his board at a stipulated price per week, the last $20 due being paid by him upon the day of his removal to other quarters, September 28, 1883. Subsequently, however, Mrs. Pouchot presented a claim to the -executors for the sum of $2,016.67 for nursing, care and attend- ance, including washing and ironing, from November 5, 1877, to September 28, 1883, at the rate of six and two-third dollars per week. This claim being rejected by the executors, suit w^as brought for its enforcement in the Court of Common Pleas, and at the May term, 1885, the jury rendered a verdict in favor of the plaintiff in the sum of $1,645.46. 1094 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Attorneys for the defense filed a motion for a new trial, one of the grounds of which "was that the verdict was excessive, and another that a verdict for plaintiff was not sustained by the evi- dence and w^as contrary to law^. The court, on due consideration of the motion, made the following entry in the case: "The court being of the opinion that the amount of damages a\\rarded by the jury is excessive in the sum of $800, and the plaintiff, now here in court, consenting to remit the excess aforesaid, therefore the Court overrules the motion for a new trial, and that the plaintiff recover from the said executors $845.46, the residue of the damages by the jury awarded, together with costs, taxed at $132.14. TRUST ACCEPTED BY COUNCIL. On the final settlement of the estate, the executors turned ov^er to the city the sum of $8,012- 16, which was duly accepted by an ordinance passed February 1, 1886, the ordinance also providing for the appointment of three resident freeholders of the city of Akron to act as commissioners of said hospital fund, for the pur- pose of keeping said fund properly "invested until such time as said sum, with its accumulations, and such additions as may be made thereto by donations, or appropriations, shall be sufficient to erect and maintain an institution which shall be at once a credit to the city, and an honor to its founders." The present trustees (1891) are Henry Perkins, president, Burdette L. Dodge, secretary, and Joseph Kendall. Amount now in fund, July 1, 1891, $10,200.16. OTHER CHARITABLE OPERATIONS. While the people of Akron, and the county generally, have ever been liberal in the dispensation of private charities, as indi- viduals, much has also been done by organized and systematic effort in that direction. Most of the churches of both Akron and< the surrounding villages and townships through appropriate com- mittees, afford abundant relief to their own invalid and indigent people, while all of the beneficiary orders also look carefully after their ow^n sick and needy members. In addition to this, in special hard times, and in extremely severe Winters, county and society aid has for many years been supplemented by organized action through citizens' committees. Akron Board of Charities. — ^The duties of such committees ceasing with the emergency which called them into existence, it ■was at length deemed advisable that some more permanent system should be devised. Accordingly, on a numerously signed petition, in December, 1884, the council appointed a committee of citizens consisting of Messrs. O. C. Barber, W. H. Upson, N. D. Tibbals, Michael O'Neil and T. C. Raynolds to see what could be done in the premises. On the report of this committee, to a public meeting, held January 13, 1885, the Akron Board of Charities -was organized, all contributors to be members for the current year, the aims of the board being tersely stated thus: "1. To see that all deserving cases of destitution are properly relieved. 2. To prevent indiscriminate and duplicate giving. 3. To make employment the basis of relief. 4. To secure community from imposture. 5. To reduce vagrancy and pauperism and ascertain their true causes."^ Present officers: (1888) N. D. Tibbals, president; Nathan Morse, secretary; B. C. Herrick, treasurer, with four trustees — two' AKRON UNION CHARITY ASSOCIATION. 1095 ladies and two gentlemen — in each ward to investigate and report cases of destitution in their particular localities, and order such relief as may be deemed necessary. The resources of the board are voluntary contributions, the amounts distributed, ranging from $500 to $1,500 per year. Women's Benevolent Association. — This is an institution similar in. design but operated on somewhat different methods from the board above named. By the generosity of our citizens, the Association is the owner of a Home, on South High street, immediately north of the Congregational Church, costing, with the heating apparatus, $4,750. It is maintained entirely by ladies, and advisory board of six gentlemen — one from each w^ard — its present officers (1888) being as follows: Mrs. J. A .Long, president; Mrs. L. A. Meacham, treasurer; Mrs; J. W. Lyder, recording secretary; Mrs. E. A. Josselyn, corresponding secretary; with one vice president for each ward and with Miss Lou Lusk as missionary. Though much direct aid is given from time to time, the main feature of this institution is to teach the needy to help themselves. To this end Avhat are denominated "Mother's Meetings" are held at the Home, weekly, at which mothers of families are taught to cut, make and mend garments for themselves and children, pro- vided w^ith the necessary materials in return for a reasonable amount of labor, such as tying comforters, making carpets, and any plain sewing that members of the society and other ladies desire to have done, from 80 to 120 mothers thus assembling and industriously w^orking every Friday, not only receiving full pay for the work they thus do, but, far better, receiving such intelli- gent instructions as will enable them* to do more and better >vork at their own homes, on the other days of the week, than they otherwise could do. There is also a kindergarten, and an industrial department, for girls and young children, with a roll of 185, and an average attend- ance of 110 on Saturdays; the girls being taught to do plain sewing and other domestic w^ork, and given such educational and moral instruction as their several necessities seem to require. Since the foregoing was compiled and published in serial form, the two societies have been consolidated, under the title of THE UNION CHARITY ASSOCIATION OF AKRON. The Association w^as duly incorporated December 4, 1889, the corporators being A. L. Conger, A. P. Baldwin, Ferd. Schumacher, Mrs. W. K, Foltz, Mrs. L. A. Meacham, Mrs. Henry Perkins, Mrs. Anna L. Booth, Mrs. Celia Baldwin, Mrs. Martha Manderbach, Miss Clara W. Botsford, Mrs. Frances Sweitzer,. R. H. Wright, N. D. Tibbals, O. C. .Barber, Mrs. Sumner Nash, Mrs. L. J. Brewster, Mrs. Laura K, Fraunfelter, and Miss Lou A, Lusk. The constitu- tion of the Association is as follows: Akticle I. — This organization shall be called the " Union Charity Asso- ciation." Article II.— Its aim shall be to see that all deserving- cases of destitu- tion are properly relieved, and to make employment the basis of relief ; also to promote the moral, educational and industrial interests of all who may come under its care, and by a system of thorough visitation and investiga- tion to prevent wasteful and indiscriminate alms-giving. 1096 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Article III. — Section /.—All cash contributors, of g'ood inoral char- acter, who shall have subscribed to the charter, shall be eligible to member- ship. Section II. — Meinbers may be elected at any reg"ular ineeting- of the association, by a inajority vote, after the tiominations have been referred to and reported from a prudential committee. Article TV.— Section I. — The officers shall be elected annually, by ballot, on the first Tuesday in October, and shall consist of president, two vice presidents, treasurer and secretar}". Section II. — There shall also be one lady trustee from each ward, who shall be elected by the association, whose duty it shall be to have charge of the work in the ward, each trustee to choose the needed assistants, the names of such persons to be presented to, and approved by, the association. Article V. — The trustees shall consist of the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of the association, and one gentleman and one lady, for each ward, who shall have charge of real property, stock, or bonds, or evidence of indebtedness and contracts belonging' to the association. They shall approve of all transfers of real property, stocks or bonds, before the same shall be legal. They shall approve of the investments of funds of the association. Article VI. — The executive committee of this association, shall con- sist of the president, vice president, trustees, secretary and treasurer, who shall hold monthly meetings, as they may designate. At these meetings a majority shall be a quorum, for the transaction of all business. They shall prescribe the duties of all executive officers of this association, not herein prescribed, and inay appoint such coinmittees as the}^ may deem necessary, to carry on the work, under their supervision and control. Thej" shall also make all necessary rules and regulations for the maintenance of the rooms. A concise and practical code of by-laws was also formulated and adopted, under which the work of the Association is now being harmoniously and most efficiently prosecuted, the present officers (November, 1891), being as follows: Colonel A. L. Conger, president; Mrs. L. A. Meacham, first vice president; Judge N. D. Tibbals, second vice presidjsnt; B. F. Clark, secretary; Mrs. Anna L. Booth, assistant secretary; M. T. Cutter, treasurer; Mrs. Sumner Nash, superintendent kitchengarten; Mrs. N. D. Tibbals, superintendent industrial department; Mrs. Alexander Brewster, assistant; Miss Lou A. Lusk, matron of Home and city missionary; Mrs. Lucy Stall, superintendent of industrial school. Trustees, elected in October, 1891: First ward, R. H. Wright and Mrs S. M. Dussell, Mrs. Mary J. Crain, assistant; Second ward, Michael O' Neil and Mrs. W. K. Foltz, Mrs. Henry Perkins, assistant; Third ward, Rev. T. F. Mahar and Mrs. A. P. Baldwin, Miss Kate Hurley, assistant; Fourth ward, John A. Wagoner and Mrs. E. Hitchcock, Mrs. L. A. Chisnell, assistant; Fifth ward, Frank D. Cassidy and Mrs. S. W. Pike, Mrs. J. W. Dunn, assistant; Sixth ward, Harvey Baldwin and Miss Sarah Buckingham, Miss Eva Gregory, assistant. Standing Committees: Entertainment, Mrs. Henry Perkins, M. T. Cutter, Michael O'Neil and N. D. Tibbals; Prudential, Mrs. Alexander Brewster, Mrs. A. P. Baldwin, R. H. Wright and Ferd. Scliumacher. AKRON DAY NURSERY. October 18, 1890, the "Heart and Hand" and the "Wayside" Circles of the Order of the King's Daughters, jointly established a Day Nursery, for the purpose of giving a home during the day to the children of working women, being temporarily given the use of a room in the Home of the L^nion Charity Association, 116 South High street, the members, on organization, being: Mrs, Mary Raymond, president; Miss Anna Ganter, vice president; MARY DA,Y NURSERY. 1097 Miss Carita McEbright, secretary; Miss Bessie Raymond, treas- urer; Misses Belle Adams, Gertrude Commins, Addle Commins, Julia Crouse, Mary Crouse, Mrs. Rose Christy, Misses Belle Green, Helen Humphrey, Maud Watters, Mary Buell, Lizzie Griffin, Martha Henry, Julia McGregor, Mary Miller, Helen Storer, Harriet Wise and Alice Work. Rules for receiving and caring for children in the nursery, were adopted as follows: I. No child shall be received permanently in the nursery, until the chairman is satisfied, by thorough investigation that such child is a proper subject for admission, II. No children can be kept at the nursery, but those whose mothers are At work away from their homes during- the day, or are engaged at home in such work for wages that they cannot give their children proper care. III. The admission fee shall be five cents a day for one child; twelve cents where three come from one family; fifteen cents -where four come from one family. IV. No child shall be admitted free of charge, nor unless the mother is willing to conform to, and have her child obey the rules of the nursery. V. No child shall be received before 6:30 A. M., or remain after 7 P. M. VI. No child shall be received in the nursery, who has anj^ contagious •disease or who comes from a home where such disease exists. VII. The matron shall see that every child is properly washed, on arrival in the nursery, and neatly dressed, when necessary in garments from the nursery wardrobe. These garments shall never be worn away from the nursery. Besides liberal contributions from several persons, funds have from time to time been raised by tableaux and other entertain- ments, so that the expenses of this most worthj'^ benevolent enter- prise have thus far been readily met, for of course, the moderate per diem fee charged for admission and care of such children as come to them w^ill not go far towards defraying the cost of its maintenance, one of the most successful entertainments in its behalf being the musicale given at Irving Lawn, the fine new home of Col. and Mrs. A. L. Conger, on the evening of September 21, 1891, by which $200 were added to the treasury. MARY DAY NURSERY. After gratuitous occupation of quarters in the Home of the Union Charity Association, for about one year, on the evening of October 20, 1891, the Nursery Association gave a general and largely attended reception in its own well-appointed Home, 406 South High street, the house and lot being generously donated to the Association by Colonel George T. Perkins, in behalf of his first grandchild, little Mary Raymond, in honor of whom the name was changed from the Akron Day Nursery to the "Mary Day Nursery," and under that name was duly incorporated September 18, 1891, five trustees being elected as follows: Colonel George T. Perkins, Frank M. Atterholt, Henry C. Corson, Mrs. Charles B. Raymond and Miss Helen A. Storer; the original officers, as above given, being re-elected for another year; Miss Flora E. Hanchett being chosen matron. In her first annual report the secretary says: "There are eighteen children on the roll; aggregate attendance, 571; average daily attendance, three; there was no day without children, the largest attendance in one day being eight." 1098 « AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The new Home, so generously provided, was furnished in a like generous manner, by useful and timely gifts of furniture,, stoves, crockery, cutlery, silvervi^are, tinware, kitchen utensils,, clothing, fuel, oil, etc., by dealers whose names cannot be enumer- ated here, and it may safely be predicted that the Mary Day Nurs- ery is destined to become one of the most useful of the many purely philanthropic institutions of our proverbially benevolent city and county — one of the designs of its managers being the establishment of a kindergarten in connection w^ith the Nursery at an early day. OTHER PHILANTHROPIC WORK. Besides the local church and other benevolent operations in the several villages and townships of the county, there are also, in Akron, in addition to those enumerated, the Young Men's Christ- ian Association, with Rufus Wright, president; Othello W. Hale, vice president; R,- B. Carter, secretary; and Will H, Hunt, .treasurer, under the very efficient management of General Secretary J. New- ton Gunn; the Women's Christian Temperance Union, with Mrs. G. C. Berry as president, Miss H. Hall as secretary, Mrs. M. J. Crain as treasurer, and Miss Mary A. Cushman as missionary and friendly visitor; and the Young Women's Christian Temper- ance Union with Miss Maud A. Le Fevre as president, and Miss Maud C. Miller as secretary, all very efficient aids in the benevo- lent and reformatory ^vork of the city. , It w^ill thus be seen that both Summit county and the city of Akron are fully abreast with the enlightened and humanitarian spirit of the age, in charitable deeds and methods, as w^ell as in educational, agricultural, commercial and manufacturing enter- prise. CHAPTER LIV. LABOR FIFTY YEARS AGO — HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF — DISSATISFACTION, STRIKES, RIOTS AND BLOODSHED — LABOR ORGANIZATIONS — SHORTER HOURS AND INCREASED PAY DEMANDED — KICK AGAINST THE "TRUCK AND DICKER" SYSTEM— POLITICAL COMBINATIONS—SUCCESSES, DEFEATS^ ETC. — MECHANICS' ASSOCIATION, READING ROOM, LIBRARY, ETC. — FINAL OUTCOME, LESSON INCULCATED, ETC. THE TWELVE HOUR DAY. REFERRING to, and apropos of, the matters, and things treated of in chapter IV., a concise history of the status of labor in Akron, and else^vhere, half a century ago, •will be in order here. Then in all departments of mechanical labor t\Nrelve hours consti- tuted a day's w^ork, necessitating the working from two to three hours by candle-light five nights in the week, during the Winter months. Growing Dissatisfaction.— This elongated day's work, taken in connection with the lowness of w^ages, and the "truck and dicker" system of payments heretofore described, created the most intense dissatisfaction among the laboring classes, and called forth many efforts and schemes for the amelioration of their con- dition, with frequent strikes, and occasional mobs and bloody riot» in different cities of the country. Besides the precarious nature of his pay, the wages of the mechanic and the laborer were scarcely half the present rates, while a very large proportion of the necessaries of life — clothing of all kinds, calicoes, cotton cloths, boots and shoes, sugars, teas, coffees, crockery, cutlery, etc., were, on the average, nearly double present prices, though of course, farm products were considerably cheaper then than now. First Labor Movement in Akron. — As early as March 2, 1837, The Akron Journal (Judge Bryan's paper) contains this notice: "The mechanics of Akron and vicinity, are requested to meet at the school house in South Akron, on Monday evening next at 6 o'clock, with a view to the formation of a Mechanics' Association. It is hoped that every mechanic in the place will be punctual to the hour in his attendance. At this meeting, which was largely attended, two committees w^ere appointed — one to draft a constitution for the government of the Association, and the other to report, to an adjourned meeting, candidates to be supported at the ensuing township election. The objects to be attained by such action, and the motives actuating the several participants, seems to have been quite misunderstood, as appears by a wordy and somewhat personal controversy between Ansel Miller (carpenter) and Ithiel Mills (harness maker) in the succeeding numbers of the Journal. Ansel Miller's Views. — In his first article, Mr. Miller, a& chairman of the committee on nominations (the names of the can- didates reported are not published), after explaining the action of 1100 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the two meetings, and expressing the beUef that the ticket " will meet the approbation of a majority of the sober, candid and respectable citizens of Portage township" said "As to auy distinction between different classes of citizens, your com- mittee beg- leave to state, that it was agreed, and we believe inet with the approbation of a larg^e majoritj^ of those present, that all honorable pursuits, whether professional or mechanical, where industry or moral deportment renders them worthy of public confidence, were equally deserving the suf- frages of this Association. * * * It is true our citizenship does not extend back as far as the days of keg money, when the votes of a whole township could be bought with a churn of egg-nog ; when we were ruled by a set of men who have left a stigma upon this place that nothing- but time can remove. * * * We lay aside all political prejudice, and party feelings, and act solely with reference to the promotion of justice, virtue and morality." Marshal Mills Demurs. — Major Mills, who had held the office of to\^nship constable for several years, and was then village mar- shal, and also, by appointment, a deputy United States marshal, took exceptions to Mr. Miller's remarks — especially the "keg money" and the "egg-nog" portion thereof — and in a long reply, among other things, said: "You must not think. Sir, to screen yourself from the severe castig-ation which jrou so richly merit, and with impunity trifle with the feelings of those that are but little inferior to yourself, in points that constitute the man. ■Citizens! you have heard the charge, are you prepared to ineet it? Is the charg-e true or false? If true, submit in silence; if not, spurn it as you would the deeds of the midnight assassin." Mr. Miller's Rejoinder. — In his column and a half rejoinder, Mr. Miller goes back at Mr. Mills thus: "For what reason do I so richly merit this severe castig-ation, Mr. M.? Is it because I have for years past been co-operating- with others to put an end to those abominable practices? Or is it because reference is made to practices and transactions of which the gentleman dare not attempt a denial?" Mechanics' Ticket Defeated. — The inharmony indicated in the foregoing extracts, brought defeat to the ticket nominated by the mechanics, a "People's" ticket, composed of both Whigs and Democrats, being elected as follows: William B. Mitchell, Miner Spicer and John Sherbondy, trustees; Samuel A. Wheeler treas- urer; Franklin C, May, clerk; Isaac NcAvton, Moses Cleveland and Warren H. Smith, constables; William E. Wright and Erastus Torrey, overseers of poor; Horace K. Smith, Joseph Cole and Constant Bryan, school inspectors. What Shall be Done With the Funds? — In the Journal, of April 20, 1837, A. R. Townsend, assistant secretary, announces that a meeting of the Mechanics' and Workingmen's Association will be held on Monday evening. May, 1st, "for the purpose of taking into consideration the disposition of the funds now in the treasury," The result of this meeting is not recorded, but one thing is sure, the custodian of the "funds" did not abscond with them to Canada, or squander them on "margins." The Carpenters Unite. — May 11, 1837, the Journal contains this notice: "The members of the Carpenters' and Joiners' Society of Akron, are requested to meet at the school house. South Akron, on Thursda}'- 16th inst., at early candlelight; at which time committee on prices will present their price-book for adoption, and transact such other business as inay be thought proper. E. N. BANGS, Sec'y of said Society." LABOR AND POLITICS. 1101 Again in Politics. — The American Balance of September 21, 1837, publishes this notice: "The mechanics and workingrnen of Portage township, are requested to meet at the school house, in South Akron, on Monday evening', September 25, 1837, at 6 o'clock, to take into consideration the propriety of calling a county convention, to make a ticket to be supported at the next election by the mechanics and workinginen of Portage county. By order of the President, N. FAY, Secretary." The meeting was adjourned until the evening of September 30, but there is no record as to whether a separate w^orkingmen's ticket was put in nomination or not, though if there "was it failed of success, the regular Whig county ticket being elected. "Innocuous Desuetude." — From this time on, for fully eight years, the mechanics and workingmen of Akron, so far as political action or general organization is concerned, remained quiescent, though the different trades, such as carpenters, painters, etc., would occasionally combine to regulate prices for work, but these combinations the unstable and precarious sheep's gray — pot-metal — shinplaster^ — truck and dicker system of payment, heretofore detailed, w^ould render of very short duration. In 1845, hovi^ever, there seems to have been a " movement all along the line," in the direction of bettering the condition of labor, not only for better and more stable pay, but for a shorter day. Striking Carpenters. — The Beacon, of April 9, 1845, says: "There has been a strike among the carpenters of Cincinnati. They turned out in a body, with music. They demand $1 .50 a day, in cash, instead of $1.25 in orders." The $1.25 per day, then paid for skilled labor in Cincinnati, was considerably higher than the average in the western country at that period. In this vicinity, in the early forties, competent mechanics (single men) could be hired at the rate of $100 per year, and board, and paid in orders on stores, and other "truck," at that; the same grade of workmen, having families and boarding themselves, commanding from $18 to $20 a month, only, w^ith the same kind of pay; common laborers receiving from 50 to 62^ cents per day, and finding themselves. One of the present solid men of Summit county — Mr. Peter Lepper, of Springfield, then about 20 years of age — in 1845, sawed, split, and carried up two flights of stairs for the writer, a full cord of stove wood, for fifty cents (a little under current rates, perhaps, because of his being paid in cash, instead of store goods); a reminiscence that Mr. Lep- per delights to recall w^henever he and the writer chance to meet, Mr. L., perhaps, considering that hard-earned half dollar the chief corner-stone of the magnificent farm and other valuable posses- sions of w^hich he is now the ow^ner. Striking Mill Operatives. — The Beacon of May 28, 1845, chronicles a strike in a Pittsburg iron mill, for an advance of one dollar per ton; and in October of the same year, speaks of "a great excitement in Pittsburg and Allegheny in consequence of a turn- out, or strike, in the factories of the latter city, on the demand for a ten hour day, in which there had been disorderly and mobbish demonstrations, with considerable damage to property, though it was believed that most of them would soon return to work under the former system." 1102 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. A few^ months later is the announcement of a strike of the ■workmen on the new Brooklyn, N. Y., dock, for higher -wages, and fe\vrer hours of labor, the new hands employed by the contractor being driven from their -work by the strikers; the military being called out and one of the strikers killed; the house of one of the contractors being fired by the mob and destroyed. Wonderfully like the strike operations of 1891, isn't it? Akron Operatives Try It On. — In the temperance paper, the Cascade Roarer, published by the writer, under date of Novem- ber 11, 1845, is this announcement: " The hands in one of our factories struck for higher wag-es last week. They generally receive their pay in woolen cloth, and as they cannot get as much for it at the stores, by two shillings per yard as they were obliged to allow for it, they entered into a solid compact, refusing to work until the price was lowered, and yesterday not one of them would throw a shuttle." The Ten Hour System.— In the issue of December 9, 1845, the w^riter, in speaking of the "Ten Hour System," editorially said: "A great many employers, manufacturers and others, have recently been inquiring into the system, and it appears are indicating a determina- tion to be foremost in effecting a reformation of the slavish drudgery to which many mechanics and others are now subjected, without decent time for recreation and enjoyment." After alluding to a similar movement in Kngland, the w^riter added, in closing: "We hope that among the manufacturers of our own country, a reform may be set in motion, which will also bring about these good results." Massillon Takes a Hand In. — On the 5th of May, 1846, a general strike of the mechanics of Massillon is announced, " w^ho in a body refused to perform any more labor until a reformation is effected," and who, in a circular, called upon their brother mechanics in the United States to assist them in carrying out their measures — the ten hour day, and cash payments. The Mas- sillonians became so enthusiastic that they not only formed a compact organization, similar to the modern trades' unions, but sent missionaries into other industrial towns and villages, to work up an interest in the good cause. Mechanics' Association in Akron. — Two of their mission- aries, Messrs. Dodd and Mathews, addressed a large meeting of our mechanics, at Military Hall, on the evening of June 23, 1846, resulting in the organization of the "Mechanics' Association of Akron," w^ith David F. Bruner, president; Jeremiah Crissman and William S. Painton, vice presidents; H. G. Allen, recording secre- tary; D. G. Sanford, corresponding secretary, and James M. Hale, treasurer. So rapid was the growth of the society that a delegation of nearly 100 members attended the spirited celebration held by the Massillon Association, on the ensuing Fourth of July, chartering a canal boat for that purpose, and marching in procession, with appropriate music, banners, mottoes, etc. An oration, or address, appropriate to both the day and the cause, was delivered by Reuben McMillan, Esq. (father of Mrs. D. E. Hill, of the Sixth" Ward), then a prominent manufacturer in Massillon — a former part- ner of Messrs. David and Jesse Allen, in Akron, and afterwards senior member of the firm of McMillan, Irish & Co., for several LABOR AND LITERATURE. 1103 years extensive manufacturers of wool carding and spinning machinery in Middlebury. On a Strictly Cold Water Basis. — In reporting this celebra- tion, the ^vriter, in his Cascade Roarer, said: "The exercises were conducted on strict cold water principles, and, to their honor be it said, the mechanics would not let a grocery keeper estab- lish a stand upon the grounds, for the sale of even small beer, ginger- bread, etc." And in the same issue, under the head of " We go for Refortti," the writer editorially said: "An interest of no inconsiderable extent, has been awakened in our village, and now, while the ball is in motion, let us urge all to take an energetic interest in keeping up the motion. Let it not be an ephemeral excitement. The cause is well worthy the unceasing exertion of all classes. If the contemplated victory is achieved, it will promote the happiness, as well as the interest, of the merchant, the lawyer, the doctor, the employer, the inechanic and the laboring man. It is a fact, if there is any virtue in civilization, that the inore mankind are elevated, the better calculated are they to advance the happiness and the prosperity of the great human family." Mechanics' Library. — To show with what promptness and kindliness the w^ell-to^do people of Akron responded to this move- ment, not only w^ere the demands for the ten hour day, and cash payments, generallj'' acceded to with a good grace, by employers, but a movement w^as immediately inaugurated for the establish- ment of a Mechanics' Library and Reading Room, and a system of lectures, debates and other literary exercises, for the special benefit of the laboring classes. To the library fund Judge James R. Ford and Colonel Simon Perkins, each contributed $50.00, while many other liberal donations, both in money and books, were made, resulting in the accumulation of some 250 volumes of the best sci- entific and miscellaneous w^orks of the day, for circulation, and a large number of the best periodicals of that period for the reading room, which was open on stated evenings for the use of members of the Association, and other contributors to the library and reading fund. Another Political Twist. — March 3, 1848, a meeting of the w^orkingmen of Portage township w^as held at Trussell's Hall, for the purpose of forming a Working Man's Ticket, at w^hich it w^as "Resolved, That this meeting recognize as workingmen only those who gain their subsistence by manual labor. "i?eso/Ke(i, That this meeting set aside all party feuds, prejudices and feelings* and that we form a ' Working Man's Party.' " At an adjourned meeting, held at the same place, March 11, a preamble and resolutions w^ere adopted as follows: "Whereas, We are thoroughly convinced that working men and working' women, have never held that station in society to which their high calling entitles them— being naturally the most independent as well as the most useful part of the community, and ought to stand first and foremost in all that pertains to the good of society, the elevation of the human family and the councils of a free, intelligent and happy people ; Therefore, "Resolved, That we will throw off all party political prejudices, and will unite for our mutual good and protection against the encroachments of wealth, aristocracy and a few unprincipled ofifice-seekers, who act only for their own aggrandizement." 1104 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. A committee on nominations, consisting of K. N. Bangs, J. M, Hale, W. B. Storer, C. G. Hayes, J. Crissman, S. A. Lane, D. Kirby, James Holmes and J. H. Hand, reported the following ticket, which w^as adopted: For trustees, W, B. Storer, David Miller, John Ayres; for treas- urer, Zebulon Jones; for clerk, Tilman Waggoner; for assessor, John Shei'bondy; for constables, Hiram Force, Jeremiah Crissman, Asa S. Mariner; for justice of the peace, Joshua C. Berry. This ticket was duly elected, and on the 26th day of May the following ticket for corporation officers w^as placed in nomination by the mechanics and laboring men of Akron: For Mayor, James Holmes; for recorder, David G. Sanford; for trustees, Ansel Miller, David F, Bruner, James M. Hale, Nathaniel Finch, Benjamin McNaughton; for school directors, James B. Taplin, William M. Dodge. By invitation a couple of young lawyers of the village made addresses at the nominating meeting, as appears by the following card published in the American Democrat, of June 1, 1848: "The mechanics and working- men of Akron, desire to express their thanks to Messrs. Edward Oviatt and Charles G. Ladd, for their instructive speeches, on Saturday evening", at Trussell's Hall, and especially for their explanation of the laws of nations and of the qualifications necessary for workingmen to have, before they can go on a foreign mission, or represent their constituents in the Senate of the United States." This labor ticket, however, was defeated, the following mixed or people's ticket being elected : Mayor, Israel E. Carter; recorder, Arad Kent; trustees, Ansel Miller, John M. Cutler, Nathaniel Finch, George W. Bloom and Benjamin McNaughton; school directors, Harvey B. Spelman and James S. Carpenter. First Legal Ten Hour Day. — This item in the American Democrat, of September 7, 1848. so far as the writer is advised, announces the first legislative action in favor of the ten hour day in the United States: "The Ten Hour Law.— A law restricting the hours of labor to ten hours a day, has been passed by the Legislature of Maine, in accordance with the wishes of the mass of operatives in that State. Thus is the good work g-oing forward. Thus will the masses be induced to contend for their rights in such a manner as to teach the money owners thaf their labor is of equal, and even greater importance, than mere money wealth." The Final Outcome. — The radical changes in the nature of Akron's industries — the woolen factory, with its "sheep's gray legal-tender currency," having entirely disappeared — and the improved methods of performing and rewarding labor, that have taken place within the past forty years, has also brought corre- sponding changes in the nature and objects of labor organizations, in the process of w^hich the old Mechanics' Associations, here and elsewhere, became obsolete. The fine collection of books consti- tuting the library of the Akron Association, vs^as generously turned over to the Board of Education, and became a part of the Ohio School Library, of Akron, for many years maintained by Legisla- tive authority and State aid, the whole being subsequently merged in the present splendid Free Public Library of the city of Akron. The Lesson Inculcated. — Though there still exists a vast amount of unrest among the laboring classes, of the country, those of Akron and Summit county, by a close analysis of what has been EARLY AND MdDERN LABOR CONTRASTED. 1105 here and heretofore written, will see that their condition and advantages are infinitely superior to those of their brethren of half a century ago, and that, w^ith the same degree of economy and abstemiousness w^hich ive were then obliged to practice, they might, from the present emoluments of their yearly toil — excelling feven their existing condition of comparative independence— soon achieve "capitalistic," if not "monopolistic" eminence and power. 70 CHAPTER LV. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY IN CALIFORNIA— INDEPENDENCE AND 'ANNEX- ATION OF TEXAS — WAR WITH MEXICO — CONQUEST OF CALIFORNIA — CAPTAIN JOHN AUGUSTUS SUTTER— GOLD FIRST DISCOVERED IN HIS MILL RACE — THE CAPTAIN UTTERLY RUINED BY GOLD HUNTERS AND SQUAT- TERS—PENSIONED BY CALIFORNIA, IN HIS OLD AGE— THE WHOLE WORLD EXCITED — AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY EARLY ON THE MOVE — THE PLUCKY "FORTY-NINERS" — THE GREAT EXODUS OF 1850 — PRETTY FULL j£lST OF LOCAL .ADVENTURERS— INCIDENTS OF THE JOURNEY, THRILLING, LUDICROUS AND SAD— DEATHS FROM CHOLERA AND OTHER CAUSES— UPS AND DOWNS OF CALIFORNIA LIFE — FORTUNES EASILY MADE AND AS EASILY LOST— A CHAPTER FULL OF PRESENT AND REMINISCENT INTEREST TO ALL. . ACQUISITION OF CALIFORNIA. 'T'EXAS, formerly a part of Old Mexico, under the lead of General ^ Samuel Houston achieved her independence, and established a separate government, in 1835. Though acknowledged as such by the United States, England, France and other foreign nations, Mexico herself refused to sanction the claim, and w^hen, in December, 1845 the "Lone Star" was formally annexed to the United States, Mexico sought to reclaim the valuable territory of which she w^as being despoiled by force of arms. This precipi- tated the War of 1846, between the United States and Mexico, resulting not only in the relinquishment of the claim of the latter to the territory in dispute, but also in the cession to the United States of the immense territories of New Mexico and California, though early in the war the latter had been taken possession of by Generals Fremont and Kearney, and Commodores Sloat and Stockton, Captain John A. Sutter. — Amongthe limited number of adven- turers into California, previous to its conquest by, and cession to, the United States, was Captain John A. Sutter, a native of Switzerland, who, emigrating to the United States in 1834, had made his way via Santa Fe, to the Pacific slope, and having pro- cured from the Mexican Government a grant for a large tract of land, covering the present site of Sacramento City, building a fort and making other improvements, had established himself as a stock growler and dealer in furs, hides, etc., surrounding himself w^ith quite a following of Mexicans and native Californians, and giving to his ranch the name of " New Helvetia." During the war his services to the United States troops were invaluable, and at its close Captain Sutter sought to do all in his power to aid and encourage immigration both from the States and Europe, not only "with the view of advancing his own personal interests, but also of developing the agricultural and commercial resources of "Uncle Sam's" newly acquired possessions. First Gold Discoveries. — To this end, in the Fall of 1847, he commenced the enlargement of the saw^-mill w^hich he had pre- viously built, some distance above his fort, in doing which, w^hile FIRST GOLD DISCOVERIES IN CALIFORNIA. 1107 vn and other trains, on which his- own mule w^as kept fat and sleek, w^hile other animals, by the thousand, succumbed to the rigors of the journey and the scanti- ness of their feed. The "Military" Train. — While the great mass of the wagons of the emigrants were covered with w^hite or brown canvas, it so happened that the most of ours were covered with black rubber ROUTINE TRAVEL AND CAMP DUTY. 111& cloth, \srhich fact, together with the circumstance that that prince of drummers, Henry McMasters, had his drum along, and our Trumbull county neighbor, Hulin, an equally skilled musician^ had his life with him, upon w^hich instruments they w^ould aw^ake the echoes of the plains and mountains w^ith soul-stirring martial music, nearly every evening, gave us the title, among our neigh- bors of the "Military Train," and possibly afforded us immunity from disturbance by the hostile Indians through whose hunting grounds we w^ere obliged to pass, from w^hich so many trains that year and the year before were annoyed and despoiled of their animals and other property, and often of their lives, upon the journey. Camp Duty — Standing Guard, Etc. — But notwithstanding this supposed immunity, w^e by no means relaxed our vigilance.^ In a mess of four, tw^o Avere assigned the task of caring for the animals, one as cook and the other as general utility man, by courtesy called the "chambermaid," whose duties w^ere to pack and unpack the wagon, set up and take dow^n the tent, make beds^ gather fuel, water, etc. The captain, or his assistant, having by riding ahead secured a proper camping ground — usually selected w^ith reference to proximity to feed and water — at about 6 o'clock w^ould conduct us into camp. The w^agons w^ere arranged in cir- cular form, w^ith our tents between, and our camp-fires on the inside. On getting into position, the first care was for the animals, "which w^ere securely tethered by lariats attached to iron pins driven into the ground, the teamstiers being sometimes obliged to go quite a distance to find good pasturage. Meantime the cook skirmishes around for fuel and water^ kindles his lire and prepares his meal, while the "chambermaid "^ unpacks the ^vagon, pitches the tent, unrolls and adjusts the bed- ding, sets the table, etc. — the latter piece of "furniture" consisting' of a piece of oilcloth, about four feet square, spread upon the ground, the "crockery" consisting of tin plates, tin tea and coffee pots and cups, iron spoons, knives, forks, etc., w^ith the frying pan in the center, surrounded by pans of rice, beans, bread, stewed apple, etc., from w^hich each messmate, sitting flat upon the ground, helps himself, without stint or ceremony. And such appetites! Little wonder that the w^riter increased his avoirdupois over thirty pounds on that journey, fatiguing and wearing as it was. At eight o'clock the stock is gathered up and securely picketed inside the ring, and then to bed. And w^e had beds, too. First rubber blankets spread upon the ground, then light cotton mat- tresses, w^oolen blankets, comforters, feather pillow^s, etc, and making it a rule to regularly undress, as if at home, except in casea of supposed danger, stress of ^veather, etc. The night was divided into three watches — from eight till eleven, eleven till two, and from two till daylight — w^hen the camp was aroused by the firing off of the guns. Regular beats w^ere maintained around the camp, at times a very hazardous operation, as was evidenced by the fact that a number of the guards of other trains were killed by Indians while thus on duty, either from sheer savage w^antonness, or for purposes of plunder by stampeding the stock, as was frequently done. The routine duty of the morning was, first, for the teamsters to get the stock to the feeding grounds, the cook meantime preparing 1116 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. breakfast, while the "chambermaid" rolled up the bedding, struck ihe tent, packed the wagon, set the table, etc. The morning meal over, the dishes were washed and packed, the animals gathered in and tackled, and everything made ready for a start — the team first in readiness being the leader for the day; a halt of from one totw^o hours being made in the middle of the day for baiting our animals and ourselves. Commissary Stores, Fuel, Cooking, Etc. — Our main reliance, in the provision line, was cured side pork and sea biscuit, what have since, in w^ar parlance, come to be know^n as " sow^-belly" and -"hard-tack," though each company w^as provided w^ith such ■" luxuries," as the taste and purses of its members might suggest or w^arrant — corn meal, flour, dried beef, dried apples and peaches, ■coffee, tea, sugar, cheese, etc. The most of the cooking w^as done over the open camp-fire, and was, of course, more or less seasoned w^ith flying dust, and flavored by odors of the different kinds of fuel accessible to us — dry grass, w^eeds, green sage-brush, buffalo "chips," etc., for often, for hun- vater- dish frozen solid. It was a curious sight, that, to see bright and fragrant flowers sweetly blooming on the icy margins of these slowly melting snoAv-banks, where a person could easily gather a snow-ball with one hand and a beautiful bouquet with the other. "Squeezing Through" the South Pass. — Crossing the Sweet- w^ater for the last time, a short ten miles brings us to what was then, and perhaps still is, known as the "South Pass" of the Rocky Mountains, and, what may seem singular, the five miles on either side is almost a dead level, and the road quite sandy. Indeed, so gradual is the ascent and descent, that the emigrant only knows that he has really passed the summit, when he finds the waters of Pacific creek running in the opposite direction from those he has lately been traversing. And what of the pass itself? Instead of a narrow, rough, zig- zag fissure through craggy rocks, it is a broad plain, eighteen or tw^enty miles in extent, north and south, our road being near its southern verge, and skirting along huge drifts of snow on the northern slope of the lofty mountain range to the south of us. At this point we are 960 miles from St. Joseph, and 7,490 feet higher than the Gulf of Mexico, the extreme rarefaction of the atmosphere not only rendering it extremely difficult for men and animals to properly inflate their lungs, or to walk or work without panting, but also making it almost impossible to do any cooking, particularly beans and rice, water boiling at so low a temperature, as to have very little impression on that class of edibles. Diverging Routes. — Eighteen miles beyond the pass, the road forks, the right being the old Oregon trail, via Fort Hall, and the left the Salt Lake road, the travel being about equally divided between the two routes. The most of Garrett's train, as w^e learned by cards posted at the fork, had taken the Salt Lake route, but our train, by a nearly unanimous vote, kept the old trail. Three miles from the fork is the Little Sandy river, and six miles beyond the Big Sandy, after crossing w^hich is a stretch of fifty miles, without water, and called a desert, though grass is abundant. Kept advised as to w^hat w^as before us, by guide- books, compiled by parties who made the journey the year previous. 1124 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. we took along as much water as our rubber tanks and other vessels could contain, thus obviating the serious suffering from thirst that would otherwise have occurred to ourselves and stock.^ More Jumbo Ferriage Charges. — Getting down, by steep and difficult grades, from the plateau just described, we came to Green river, one of the principal tributaries of the Rio Colorado. The river w^as sixteen rods wide, and ordinarily fordable, though dan- gerous at the best, from the rapidity of the current, but now, from the melting snows, it was from twenty-five to thirty feet deep. Here, ten days before, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Herrick, of Akron, lost their entire stock of provisions and other property, as did also many others, together with considerable loss of animal and human life. But this year, just before our arrival, some Mormons from Salt Lake, and an Indian trader, had established a ferry here, with tw^o boats, or rafts. Unlike the North Platte ferrymen, they had no cables, steering their crafts across with paddles, as best they could, landing fully a quarter of a mile below, and, after unload- ing, towing the boats up stream, with a yoke of oxen, a sufficient distance to enable them to strike the landing from w^hence they started. The process was slow, from tw^o to four days being required for the several companies to reach their turns. We reached the ferry on Sunday, June 16, about 1 o'clock p. m., not being able to remain in camp through the day, as w^as our cus- tom, for lack of w^ater as above stated, and our turn at the boats did not come until Tuesday morning. The ferry charges w^ere $7 for each wagon, and $1 for each head of stock, owners gratis. There being no feed along the nar- row margin on the east side, the stock had to be taken to the west side for pasturage, the larger portion being made to swim the river, though many of the weaker animals were thereby lost, the tendency being to get confused, on reaching the middle of the rapid current, swimming round and round until exhausted. Our mess had taken along a small cow^-bell, by the sound of which such of our animals as w^ere permitted to run loose were taught to follow. Taking this bell across to a spot where we wanted our stock to land, and gently tinkling it as the animals were headed into the stream, they followed the sound straight across, and landed without an accident or hitch. Snow-Storm — Packing Mania, Etc. — On this Sunday night, June 16, though we have descended 1,240 feet, since leaving the South Pass, there is a fkll of about five inches of snow, though the most of it disappears in the warm sunlight of the following day. It is now forty-seven days since we left St. Jo, and we are just about half way. Feeling that his progress is too slow, a sort of mania here seizes the emigrant to abandon his wagons, and tents, and pack, or else to lighten them up to the narrowest verge of safety, so as to enable him to increase his speed. Hence, not only large numbers of wagons, harnesses, tents, etc., w^ere con- verted into pack-saddles and fuel, but clothing and other necessa- ries and conveniencies thrown away, and surplus provisions sold to such as w^ere already short, the supposition being that by per- forming the last half of the journey in thirty days, instead of consuming a month and a half, as on the first half, a third less pro- visions ^vould be needed to carrj'^ them through. On this SEPARATING FROM THE CROWD. 1125 hypothesis, though still retaining their wagons, several of the messes of our train sold considerable quantities of pork, hard bread, etc., at fifty or sixty cents per pound, w^hich, being six or eight times their cost, was supposed to be a good speculation. Whether such was the case, we shall see before we get through. All safely across the river, and somewhat refreshed by our three days' rest, we pluckily resumed our journey. A succession of rugged hills, the last range being the Bear River Mountains, with intervening muddy valleys, and difficult crossings of creeks, ' brings us to Bear river, which, where w^e struck it, runs about northwest, but sixty-five miles further on turns abruptly to the south and empties into the Great Salt Lake, 150 , miles to the southw^ard. An Indian Philosopher. — A few miles before reaching the bend of Bear river, we passed a number of now celebrated soda springs, and geysers, including steamboat spring, in the bank of the river, ejecting at intervals of a second or two jets of water and vapor, w^ith a sound resembling the puffing of a low-pressure steamboat. From the bend of Bear river, the old Oregon trail runs in a northerly direction, through a fertile valley, about twenty miles, and then over a low divide into the valley of Lewis' Fork, of the Columbia river, on which Fort Hall is situated, the road forking a few miles beyond the fort, the right keeping on northw^esterly into Oregon and the left running southwesterly towards California. The year before, as above stated, about one-half of the emi- grants went via Fort Hall, the balance by Salt Lake. This year, however, an early emigrant, by the name of Sublette, had discov- ered a so-called "cut-off," by which, proceeding due west from the bend of Beaver river, over a succession of rugged mountain ranges intersecting the regular trail on the other side, about one-half of the distance, could be saved. Imbued with the desire to "get there " as quickly as possible, nearly the entire northern w^ing w^ent that way. Having been advised by Captain Grant, an agent of the Hudson Bay Company, whom we met here, to go by Fort Hall, instead of by this "cut-off," when we reached the diverging point we stopped to hold a " council of w^ar." The train was about evenly divided in sentiment, when an old Snake Indian, who seemed to comprehend the situation, volunteered to enlighten us upon the subject. Pointing westward, by a motion of his hand, he indicated the number of high mountain ranges w^e would have to climb and descend, Avith rapid intervening streams to cross, as vsrell as the scarcity of feed, by the Sublette route, and, by similar signs, the avoidance of difficult hills with plenty of feed, by the Fort Hall route, clinching his pantomimic argument by raising the bail of one of our water-buckets, to a perpendicular and tracing the circum- ference with his hand, and then laying it down on the edge of the bucket, going through the same motion, indicating that it really was no further to go around the hills than to go over them, w^hile the labor for both men and teams would be less and feed far better. We finally took the old Indian's advice, and though rather lonesome, until w^e again fell in with the Grand Procession, we had no reason to regret our choice, besides lying by a day or two on account of sickness, actually reaching the junction ahead of many J126 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, •who left the bend of Bear river about the same time we did, thus^ demonstrating, anew, the old adage that " the longest way around is'the shortest ^vay home." A Characteristic Incident. — In crossing Ham's Fork of Bear river, a narrow but rapid stream, on descending the steep bank, by the mismanagement of our driver, John McKibben, the off hind mule became entangled in the evener and whippletrees of the leaders, and was thrown beneath the pole with his head under w^ater. Holmes, who was on the wagon, and Carson and myself, ■who were horse-back, rushed to the rescue, and by "sloshing around," waist-deep in the muddy water ten or fifteen minutes, succeeded in straightening out the tangle and saving the animal's life. The Magic Cheese. — Among the provisions taken from home by our mess, was a rich, fifty-live pound Tallmadge-built cheese. This, in a closely-fitting box, was packed in the bottom of the wagon^ There it remained undisturbed for about three weeks, when, get- ting cheese hungry, I cut out a wedge of five or six pounds for present use, replacing the balance in the box. Two v^eeks later, in seeking to replenish our provision chest, on opening the box, I found the cheese apparently as perfect as w^hen taken from the press. By brushing off the mould which had gathered upon the surface, I found w^here the cut had been made, took another ^vedgCr precisely the same size, and replaced the box, as before. Another fortnight passes by, when a third requisition on the supply finds the cheese again w^hole, though by this time quite a visible diminu- tion in the thickness of the oleaginous product is apparent, the constant motion of the wagon causing the pulpy substance of the cheese to settle and adjust itself to the dimensions of the box. Measures Avere then taken to prevent its further spread, a pre- caution that w^ould scarcely be^ necessary with most of the cheese product of the present day. A " Pale " Brandy Episode. — While many emigrants took along, as a primt necessitv, a good supply of whisky and other liquors — generally to their detriment — very little was taken or used by the members of our train. Holmes, however, as purveyor for our mess, purchased, at St. Louis, a half gallon of pure pale brandy, for use in case of sickness or accident, the precious fluid being stored in a tin canteen. Stowed away in the lower depths of our wragon box, the "medicine" remained intact for about six ■weeks, -when, unfortunately, the stifle joint of one of our mules became dislocated. Thinking that bathing it with brandy might aid in keeping the weakened joint in place, -when re-set, I extracted the canteen from the wagon, our good-natured mess-mate, McKib- ben — Avho Avith several others were watching the operation with ■watering mouths — saying: "WuU, I'm bound to have one good s-wug at it, onyhow!" But lo! and behold! on uncorking the can- teen, the "pale" brandy panned out as black as ink — the fiery liquid having, by corrosion, been converted into a very pronounced solution of tin and iron. The swiggers declined to sw^ig, and finding no further use for it, as an external remedy, the residue was poured upon the ground. Something About Indians. — After passing the Indian agency and mission school for the Sac, Fox and Iowa tribes, thirty miles ■west of St. Joseph, the entire country traversed, before crossing INDIAN BEGGARY, COOKERY, ETC. 1127 the South Platte, was inhabited by Pawnees, though many of them having taken the cholera from the later emigration of the year before, they fought shy of us, and excepting a few about Fort Kearney, were only seen at a distance. Beyond the junction of the north and south branches of the Platte, however, Indians were abundant. At the head of Ash Hol- low, was a small village of the Sioux (Soo) variety, the stalwart chief greeting the emigrants with: "How! How! How! Do! Do! Do!" and an affectionate shake of the hand, and presenting a paper from a government agent asking for contributions to com- pensate the Indians for the loss of their cattle (buffalo, elk, etc.), grass and fuel, and nearly every mess chipped in a little pork, bread, beans, rice, sugar, matches, tobacco, etc., the collections for the day being stored on buffalo robes spread upon the ground. A few miles further on was a much larger tow^n, with a herd of sev- eral hundred head of horses and mules and some oxen feeding upon the plains near by, many of vsrhich were undoubtedly stolen from the emigrants, for we had already met several companies returning home on account of having lost their stock. Quite a traffic was carried on here, a small quantity of provisions, tobacco, blankets, etc., purchasing a pretty good horse or mule, though they didn't seem to understand much about the value of money, and w^ouldn't pay any attention w^hatever to the cheap brass rings and trinkets, taken along by many of the emigrants for the purpose of traffic. Model Culinary Operations.— And then, such arrant beggars! Scarcely would we get our camp-fires kindled, than, if permitted to approach, w^ould a hungry-looking squaw, with t^vo o'r three still hungrier-looking youngsters, squat themselves down near-by, and watch our every movement while cooking and eating our meals, and by signs make known their anxiety to secure a portion of the savory viands, every morsel throw^n to them being devoured w^ith the greatest avidity. And their manner of cooking! In the absence of larger fresh game, the prairie gopher — a little burrower between a squirrel and a rat — was found to make quite a palatable stew^. Hunting for a mess one day. Holmes only succeeded in bagging one, which w^as thrown aside as not worth dressing and cooking. A full grown young Indian, by signs, asking if he might have it, on being answ^ered in the affirmative, went to a neighboring camp fire, cov- ered said gopher with hot ashes and embers for fifteen or tw^enty minutes, when raking it out and scraping off the ashes and singed hair with his fingers, he devoured the entire rodent, hide, entrails and all, with great gusto. One Sunday, when encamped on Ham's Fork of Bear river, several members of our train visited one of the numerous villages of the Snake Indians found in the vicinity. While there, our w^onderment at the large nutnber of w^olf-looking dogs they kept was solved by an old squaw knocking one of them on the head w^ith a club, and, almost before it had done kicking, singeing off the hair, over the fire, and without further dressing, placing it in a large stone kettle to boil! / didn't staj^ to dinner. Unique and Fanciful Toilets. — The earlier tribes passed were much better dressed than those encountered later — the adults among the latter being rather sparsely clad in dirty blankets, w^hile 1128 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. many of the ju"eniles were entirely naked. Some of the adults, however, had become possessed of sundry cast-off " civilized " gar- ments, the novel modes of wearing which, very greatly amused the emigrants. If a stalwart buck could secure a high plug hat, he cared for little else. A sleeveless shirt, a ragged coat, vest or pair of pants were to them mines of wealth. One strapping fellow had his long arms stuck through the legs of a dilapidated pair of pants, "with the waistband buttoned around his neck, while a gay and fes- tive young squaw^ had thrust her legs through the sleeves of an old red and white blanket coat, with the skirts fastened about her waist — her head being adorned w^ith a rimless and crownless chip hat. Murders, Stratagems and Spoils. — Notices were found posted, from time to time, warning us of depredations committed by Indians — stealing stock, and provision, killing guards, etc. As before stated, through our extreme vigilance, we were not seriously incommoded, but came very near it one night. There being no feed near the road, our entire stock was taken to a large meadow or swale, about a mile from camp, and picketed there for the night, w^ith an extra large guard for their protection. Though the night •was bright starlight, the dense forest surrounding the meadow created intense darkness. Having eaten their fill the animals laid down to rest, about midnight, and soon not a sound was to be heard, save the tread of the guards, with an occasional word on meeting at the end of their respective beats. Just before daylight, ^without an object having been seen or a sound heard by the guards to produce such a result, every animal at the same instant sprang io its feet and made a frantic effort to escape, all in the same direction. Fortunately, however, the lariat pins all held, and not one of the seventy-five or eighty animals thus tethered, escaped, lyighting their lanterns and circulating among the stock, the boys — little less frightened than the animals themselves — soon restored them to quiet, though many frightened glances w^ere pointed in the direction from w^hence the alarm had apparently conae. Though nothing had been seen or heard by the guards, it was supposed to have been an Indian stratagem to stampede the stock, to be gathered in by them in the neighboring woods the next day. Many animals were thus lost, and hundred of emigrants compelled to abandon their wagons, and other effects, and with such subsistence as they could carry upon their backs, foot it the last 500 or GOO miles of their journey. Forts, Troops, Shipwreck, Etc. — At Fort Kearney there were 175 soldiers, besides the officers and their families, and at Fort Ivaramie 200 soldiers with the usual complement of officers, women, and children, and quite a number of government teamsters, mechanics, etc. — about 250 souls in all. The new government buildings and property at Fort Hall, were guarded by a single soldier, only, the troops, owing to change of the current of emigra- tion this year, and the trouble made by the Indians on that route, having been transferred to Fort Bridger, on the Salt Lake route. 'The original Fort Hall was then merely a trading station, occupied by agents of the Hudson Bay and American Fur Companies and their families, from whom we obtained a limited supply of milk and butter, the first at 10 cents per quart, and the latter at 50 cents per pound. SERIOUS ILLNESS FROM MOUNTAIN FEVER. 1129 The representatives of several tribes of Indians were found here, the Snakes predominating. Just beyond the fort were a ■couple of difficult rivers to cross, the Port Neuff, 300 feet wide, and the Pannack, 350 feet, both rising in the " Cut-off" Mountains and emptying into Lewis' Fork of the Columbia river. An old Walla-Walla Indian and his son, mounted on excellent horses, volunteered to pilot us across these streams. Plunging into the Port Neuff, they showed us that the water would reach about six inches above the bottom of the wagon boxes, making it neces- sary to raise the box up on blocks, resting upon the rocker and bolster, to prevent our supplies from getting wet, as we had often had occasion to do. Arrived at the Pannack, by the same process they showed us that to go straight across at that stage of the water, our animals would have to swim, in the rapidest part of the stream, but by heading up stream after getting into the water, and making a long circuit, it could be readily waded. All our wagons got safely over but that of Mills and Anson. The driver, William Denaple, inadvertently driving too far out; before turning up stream, the wagon box was lifted from the blocks, and becoming <:apsized, floated down the river. By rushing down the river bank and plunging in, on either side, the boys succeeded in saving nearly everything, though in a decidedly moist condition. Dentistry Extraordinary. — Compensating our tawny guides w^ith liberal contributions of bread, sugar, tobacco, matches, etc., w^e soon after went into camp to give our water-soaked comrades ijn opportunity to "dry-up;" the rest of us exchanging as much of our hard-bread for their soft-bread, as w^e could consume before it w^ould be likely to sour or mould. Eight yeas before, the late well-known dentist. Dr. I. E. Carter, had inserted four nice porcelain teeth in the upper jaw of the writer, on hickory pegs. A too ravenous attack on a piece of our hard-bread had twisted off one of the pegs aforesaid, and while the drying process was going forward I thought I Avould see if I could not remedy the inconvenience occasioned by the absence of said porcelain incisor. Splitting off a fragment from the but-end of our well-seasoned hickory whip-stock, I carefully adjusted one end to the orifice in the tooth, and the other to the orifice in the jaw^, and, after extracting the moisture with a little cotton batting purloined from a bed-comforter, on the point of my darning-needle, I placed the tooth in position and drove it home w^ith a horse- shoeing hammer, w^here it firmly remained for some eight or ten years thereafter. Many other mechanical and "professional" operations were performed upon that journey, without either proper materials or tools, that would do credit to home skill and ingenuity, again and again demonstrating the well- w^orn truism, that " necessity is the mother of invention." Illness of Mr. Sperry. — The so-called mountain fever, after getting fairly among the "Rockies," became quite prevalent, and many deaths from that cause occurred among the emigrants. Several of the members of our own company were more or less affected, the most serious case being that of our well-known fellow- citizen, Hon. Ira P. Sperry, of Tallmadge. The second morning after the mishap above recorded, Mr. Sperry w^as found to be too ill to travel, and the train remained in camp, a few miles below the 1130 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Atnerican Falls, on Lewis' Fork of the Columbia river, three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Impatient at the delay, the majority of our men voted to move for\srard, on Monday morning, whether Mr. S. Avas able to travel or not. Monday morning came and the patient was apparently no better. The balance of the train accordingly pulled out— some of us with sad hearts — leaving Mr. S. and his mess alone in camp, excepting that Mr. James M, Mills took the place of Mr. Philo Wright, w^ho w^as also quite unwell, transferring Mr. W. to his ow^n w^agon; Mr. Jonathan F. Fenn, of Tallmadge, and his man, Leonard Root, also remaining behind. It was understood that we should travel slowly, so that if Mr. S. did get better they could overtake us, notwithstanding which,, and the difficult nature of the roads, the end of the Aveek found us on the further side of " Thousand Spring Valley," fully 150 miles from the point where we had left our sick friend, on Monday morning. The Fever Broken. — Fortunately, the day we left him, Mr, Sperry's fever abated — possibly from the copious draughts of cold citric-acid "lemonade," administered to him by the writer, \srhile w^atching w^ith him the night before — and early on Tuesday morn- ing, at his urgent request, making as comfortable a bed for him as possible in the wagon, his attendants again started forward with him, making such good time — keeping advised of our movements by the notices posted from point to point — that they came up 'with us at the place indicated above, about 5 o'clock on Sunday after- noon. Mr. Sperry has since told me that he never before or since experienced such pleasurable emotions as were produced by the motion of the wagon as they started from that lonely camp. And no wonder! For three or four days he had been lying there, upon the hard earth, with a reasonable prospect that it w^ould soon open to receive his lifeless body — aw^ay from his wife and children and every civilized comfort; abandoned by those whom he had so often laid under especial obligations, in the earlier stages of the journey; and noAV to feel that he was once more in motion; that though still very weak, he w^as improving; that his destination might possibly be reached; and above all, that he might once more be permitted to join his family and friends in old Tallmadge, were certainly emotions far more easily imagined than described. Steeple Rocks — The Glorious Fourth, Etc. — Soon after leav- ing "Sick Camp," as stated, we left the Oregon trail to the right, passing up Raft river (also rising in the " Cut-Off" mountains) and the principal tributary. Rattlesnake river, with their innumerable muddy and mirey crossings, and on the second day, arrived at the junction with the cut-off road, when it really seemed as though we had got home again, one or two small trains, only, besides our ow^n, having been seen on the Fort Hall route. On comparing notes, we found that, deducting the time we had laid by for sick- ness, we had made better time in reaching that point than those who had taken the so-called "cut-off." From Rattlesnake river, \sre passed over the low but rough and nearly barren range of mountains between the Rattlesnake river and Goose Creek, about twenty miles, passing the junction w^ith the Salt Lake road, about mid-w^ay when the grand procession THE DEADLY HUMBOLDT RIV'ER. 1131 again became a unit. It was also learned, from the notes posted at the junction, and from conversation Avith emigrants, that the Salt Lake w^ing had scarcely made as good time as we did, while the hardships of travel and casualties had been fully as great, their only advantage being in the opportunity to replenish supplies at the extravagant rates prevalent among the saints. Just before reaching the junction, we found a series of curious granite formations called " Steeple Kocks" — blocks from twenty to forty feet square, being piled one on top of another to the height of one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet, or more, some of the columns quite regular, and others so over-lapping that seemingly a sudden mountain zephyr might topple them down. Camping under the shadow of these rocks on the night of July 3, on the morning of the Glorious Fourth, the day was duly remembered by a patriotic rendition of " Yankee Doodle" by our martial band, and and by a few extra discharges from our rifles, but though feeling pretty "independent," we could not tarry for a more elaborate cele- bration. Thousand Spring Valley. — The mountain range we had just crossed is the divide between the Columbia and Humboldt valleys. Soon after descending into the latter Ave reach the head of "Thousand Spring Valley," a sandy but generally grassy basin about thirty miles in diameter, peculiar from the fact that the large number of considerable streams of pure water which flow into it from the surrounding hills, sink into the sand near the bor- der, to reappear near the center in thousands of springs, or more properly wells, flush w^ith the surface, some of them being unfathomable with any sounding appliances at the command of the emigrant. The Pestilent Humboldt. — Thirty miles from Thousand Spring Valley, brings us to the north fork of the Humboldt, and thirty miles further to the south or main branch of that celebrated river, which at that point was found to be fordable, b^-- raising our w^agon boxes as heretofore indicated. The previous year, the emigrants had crossed and re-crossed the river its entire length, three hundred miles, at pleasure, but this year, by reason of high water, we w^ere obliged to keep entirely upon its western or sterile side, often making long detours into the neighboring hills to get around impassable sloughs. Nearly its entire length, grass for our stock was only obtainable by swimming the river, w^ading through water-two or three feet deep, from one to two miles, cutting with sickles and knives, carrying it in bundles upon the back, and towing it across the river with ropes. Nearly a Fatal Swim. — Though less than one hundred feet in w^idth, this river w^as one of the most dangerous streams to swim across, encountered upon the journey. In a high stage of water innumerable eddies are formed, getting into the influence of which the most expert sw^immer, being carried round and round, can make no headway'', and soon becoming exhausted, sinks to rise no more. One evening, Benjamin D. Wright, of Tallmadge, and Henry Anson and Warren Clark, of Akron, all good swimmers, having arrived w^ith their back-loads of grass, started to swim across so as to be ready to assist in towing the bundles over, when the other grass-gatherers should arrive. Getting into an eddy in mid-stream, they were unable to extricate themselves, while we 1132 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. non-swrimmers on shore were unable to render them any assist- ance with such appliances as w^e had. The boys Avere rapidly becoming exhausted, w^hen, providentially, a stranger, from Michi- gan, came along, and comprehending the situation at a glance, divested himself of his clothing, and seizing the end of a lariat between his teeth, the end of which, by splicing w^ith others, w^as retained by strong hands on shore, succeeded in rescuing all of them from a w^atery grave. It transpiring that the stranger's company, having lost their stock and provisions, virere footing it through, and subsisting as best they could, he was gratefully taken into the Tallmadge mess, and treated as one of the family during the balance of the journey. Hot Springs, Ashes, Dust, Btc. — Innumerable volcanic indi- cations had been seen upon the journey, notably in the neighbor- hood of Soda Springs, and at the head of Bear river. But the west bank of the Humboldt, for three hundred miles, was little else than solid packed scoria and ashes. The ashen sage-bush bottoms in the traveled road, were w^orn dow^n from six to tw^elve inches, and the plod, plod of the animals, and the continuous grinding of the Avagons raised a cloud of fine alkaline dust that permeated everywhere and everything — eyes, ears, nose, moth, clothing, pro- visions, etc., making the emigrant, w^ith his best efforts at cleanli- ness, a fit companion, externally, for the "Digger" Indians, the most squalid and filthy of all the tribes encountered, who infested the last four or five hundred miles of our journey. At several points, especially at the foot of several volcanic hills over w^hich we passed, hot springs -were to be found almost side by side with springs of normal coolness. It was said of a Teutonic member of a neighboring train, that lying down to drink from the first of these w^arm springs encountered, on nearly scald- ing the tip of his nose, he sprang to his feet and exclaimed: "Trive on, poys ! Trive on ! for hell ish not more as two miles from dish blace !" A Harvest of Destitution. — It was along this river that the most destitution and suffering prevailed among the emigrants. Brackish from the start, the water becomes largely impregnated w^ith alkali, from the volcanic rocks and ashen soil through which it passes, and the innumerable alkaline springs adjacent thereto. Hundreds, and perhaps thousands, are without teams or pro- visions, and many without money with which to buy, even had their more fortunate neighbors provisions to sell, and later in the season scores were driven to the necessity of eating their own famished horses and mules. The most of our company, though running out of "sorts," gen- erally had enough to prevent serious suffering, and one or two had some provisions to sell generally, in such cases, favoring the members of our own train, though suffering no outside applicant for a bite to go unrelieved. The "Law" of the Plains. — Speaking of selling brings us to prices and the mode of adjusting differences, and dispensing jus- tice upon the plains. At any time after reaching the Humboldt Valley, all kinds of provisions — bread, flour, meat, rice, beans, pork, sugar, etc., sold readily at a dollar per pound, a pint of all the measurable articles named being counted a pound. On reaching that point in the river, where grass had to be obtained from the ADMINISTERING JUSTICE UPON THE PLAINS. 1133 Opposite side, a member of the company who could not swim, but who had a surplus of bread, made a bargain with the boys of another mess, who were running short, that if they would supply him with grass, he would pay them in bread — a pound for each back-load. The grass was accordingly furnished from day to day, as long as the necessity therefor existed, but when, a few days later, the boys demanded their bread, they were tendered a dollar a load in money, the party of the first part declaring that he had no bread to spare. This the boys refused to receive — they had not risked their lives to obtain the grass for money, but for bread, and bread they would have. In the course of the discussion it transpired that the surplus bread promised to the boys had been sold to outside parties, for $2 a pound, but as it viras w^orth only one dollar when the bargain was made and the grass furnished, that was all that he would pay them. Things were assuming a serious aspect, when other mem- bers of the company proposed that the matter be settled by arbi- tration, w^hich w^as agreed to, each party choosing an arbitrator and the two the third. The "High Court" being duly organized, the statements of the parties were listened to, and other evidence adduced, and the general summing up and verdict of the arbitrators w^as about this: First, that a fair-sized back-load of grass, obtained in the manner indicated, was worth more than a pound of bread; sec- ond, that if a pound of bread was w^orth $2 in money, a load of grass was \^^orth $2.50, and that in the absence of bread, the defendant must pay to the plaintiffs, at that rate, in money, for the quantity of grass furnished. The defendant put in a demur- rer after judgment, but finding that the verdict of the arbitrators was approved by the balance of the members of the train, the money was reluctantly paid over. Sequel to that Better "Broughten Up." — Apropos of the bread question, and of the general shortness of provisions at this stage of our journey, recalls the unsifted corn-meal episode of Mis- souri, and a subsequent incident w^hich demonstrates anew the aphorism, that "circumstances alter cases." It will be recollected that we all took along a supply of corn for the subsistence of our animals, in the absence of grass, on the first part of our journey. Knowing that we had at least one forty-mile desert to traverse, w^ithout grass or v^rater, further on, the most of us had reserved a small portion of grain to help us over that hard spot. While not entirely out of provisions, the Wheeler and Howe messes began to run pretty short of "sorts," particularly of bread. A day or two before reaching the desert, looking across the camp, I saw Judge Wheeler and his boys vigorously twisting away at the coffee mill attached to the box of oneof their wagons. On drawing near I found them grinding the corn which had been hauled 1,500 nriiles to feed to the mules upon the desert, then almost in sight. "Hello, Judge! What are you going to do with that?" I inquired. " Make it into griddle cakes," said he. "But hoAv in the w^orld w^ill you manage to sift it?" I asked. " Eat it w^ithout sift- ing," responded the Judge. "Well," said I, with a grin, "you can eat coarse, coffee-mill-ground corn meal, without sifting, if you choose to, but I was better brought up!" The Judge good- naturedly " acknowleged the corn" by saying that I had fairly 1134 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. turned the tables on him, and afterwards declared that those coffee-mill griddle cakes were the sweetest he ever tasted. Humboldt Sink, Desert, Etc. — The minor peculiarities of the pestilential Humboldt, are above faintly set forth, but its chief characteristic remains to be mentioned, in that, in a run of perhaps 400 miles it suddenly disappears on the northern verge of a forty- mile desert lying between it and Carson river. This year, however, the "sink" — an extensive marsh — by reason of extra high w^ater, had spread itself out into sloughs, several miles on to the desert, making the distance to be traveled, in crossing it, from five to ten miles further than in ordinary seasons. It is now the 23rd day of July, and though the mountains to the right and left are covered with snow, it is almost suffoca- tingly hot in the valley and on the desert. It is the better plan, therefore, to make as much of the journey across at night as w^e possibly can. Arriving at the sink about ten o'clock in the morn- ing, w^e rest there until five o'clock in the afternoon, in the mean- time having provided ourselves w^ith a supply of dry grass, and as much w^ater as we have vessels for. Starting out with comparative freshness, we hope to reach the Carson soon after daylight the next morning. The first twenty miles were, like the valley of the Humboldt, of a solid ashen foun- dation, sparsely covered with sage brush; then about two miles of heavy sand, then five or six miles of sage brush, and the remainder, sixteen or eighteen miles of heavy fine sand, unrelieved by a single shrub or blade of grass or other vegetation. Ten miles out we stopped two hours to feed and rest, and ten miles further — on the narrow strip of sand spoken of— two hours and a half, by this time using up nearly all our feed and water, and yet not half way across. Moonlight and Poetry.^ — The night was clear and bright — just the full of the moon — a night ^vell calculated, in spite of adverse surroundings, to inspire poesy and melody in the most prosy mind. Our four mules and the two larger horses were attached to the wagon, which for the first twenty miles was in charge of Carson and McKibben, w^hile to Holmes and myself was assigned the care of the two ponies, the Aveakest of the eight. As along the Humboldt, dead animals line the road on either hand, by actual count fully twenty to the mile. Marching along side by side, in the bright moonlight, and odoriferous atmosphere, each towing a pony, silently ruminating upon the pleasures of the journey, Holmes, remembering the familiar song beginning: " The moon had climbed the hig-hest hill That rises o'er the source of Dee," suddenly broke out : "The moon had climed the hig^hest hill ! Hesitating a moment, here, I caught up the refrain by adding : " That rises o'er the Humboldt sink" — Holmes continuing : " And a.s we travel o'er the plain " — I completing the stanza : " Whew ! How those old dead horses stink ! " THE TERRORS OF THE DESERT. 1135 Abandoning Wagons on the Desert. — On striking the first belt of heavy sand, Wheeler and Howe were compelled to leave their wagons to save their animals; out of the abandoned material constructing pack-saddles for the transportation of provisions, clothing, and such other necessaries as they must carry along. Striking the sixteen-mile stretch of sand about daylight, our progress was slow and fatiguing in the extreme. Leaving Holmes w^ith Carson and McKibben, to manage the wagon, I started for- w^ard alone, w^ith the two nearly done-over ponies, having almost literally to pull them along by main strength. Six miles out upon this burning sandy desert, a couple of enterprising emigrants had established a water station — hauling Avater from the Carson river, and selling it to their famishing comrades at twenty-five cents per quart. Happening to have a loose quarter about me, I bought a quart, gave about half of it to the two ponies and divided the balance betw^een myself and a stranger who was destitute of money, and -who afterwards told me that but for that drink of w^ater he should never have got through alive. The Life-Invigorating Carson. — ^Thus refreshed, with my two ponies I pushed, or rather pulled forward, but when a mile or tAvo further on the sagacious animals seem to sniff the fresh waters and grasses of the Carson Valley, and pricking up their ears, and quickening their pace, I had to step quite lively to keep up with them the last two or three miles. I reached the river about 11 o'clock and by noon our entire company, w^ith every animal alive, w^ere snugly encamped in the grateful shade of the immense cotton-wood trees that lined the banks of the Carson river at this point. The thirst created by that last sixteen miles of desert travel, between broiling sun and blistering sands, w^as fearful to contem- plate—men plunging into the river and drinking like cattle, while the animals themselves, if not restrained, would rush into the middle of the river, and, turning their heads up-stream, literally let the water run down their throats. Relief Stations — Speculators, Etc. — Here, in the Carson Valley, we met so-called relief trains — speculators, who, in antici- pation of the distress w^hich would prevail among the emigrants,' had come from Sacramento with provisions, " whisky," and other necessaries, which they sold at high figures to such as had naoney, but giving, in limited quantities, to such as w^ere destitute — their prime object being to buy the famished animals of the emigrants at low figures, and recruit them for the California market. But a few days later we met the real relief trains, sent out by the generous-hearted people of Sacramento and San Francisco, on the report of the earlier emigrants, that there was likely to be ter- rible suffering among those yet to follow, these trains not only affording needed relief to those in the the Carson Valley, but crossing the desert, and extending their humanitarian efforts some distance up the Humboldt. Packing Becomes General. — Owing to the weakness of our animals, and the extreme labor of getting v^ragons over the almost impassable ridges of the Sierras, the rest of us, except the Tallmadge messes, also concluded to pack the balance of the way. We left our wagon and tent intact, and such other conveniences 1136 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. as we had to dispense with, in good order. Another company w^ith ox-team, observing our operations asked permission to sub- stitute our lighter wagon for their heavier one, which was granted on condition that they Mrould leave theirs standing in like good order. Many " household " conveniences, of course, had to be abandoned with the wagons and tents, but nearly every one had some highly cherished article that he very greatly desired to carry through. The w^riter, for instance, slung his nice little seven and a half pound rifle across his shoulders, but in a day or two it became so burdensome, that he "cheerfully" gave it aw^ay. So, also, with McMasters and his drum — his constant companion for tw^enty years, and which was such a source of comfort to us all upon the journey — light as it w^as it got so heavy that on the second morning of our packing life, it was left, not exactly " hanging upon the willows," but on the limb of a large cotton- w^ood tree. Carson Valley, w^hich we traversed for about 100 miles, was really the Garden of Eden of our journey, abounding in innumer- able streams of fresh water, luxuriant meadows of timothy, clover and other w^holesome grasses, w^ith a sufficiency of fuel for culinary purposes. Crossing the Sierra Nevadas. — Taking leave of Carson Valley, we pass through a five-mile zig-zag canon with vertical walls a thousand feet in height, traversed by a rapid mountain creek with many difficult crossings, in which many of the animals of the earlier emigrants had stuck fast and perished, though before our arrival the approaching relief parties had humanely constructed corduroy bridges over the worst of thein. Getting through this canon, w^e encountered a succession of beautiful valleys sandwiched between lofty and almost inacces- sible mountains, up and do^wn the craggy sides of w^hich men and animals climb with the utmost difficulty, and over v^hich wagons and other similar commodities had to be carried, piece by piece, and hoisted and lowered over the most difficult places, by ropes. Over Perpetual Snow. — The tops of these mountains w^ere covered w^ith snow, and on ascending the highest, properly denominated "SnoAv Mountain" — 10,000 feet above sea-level — on July 31, we passed over hard-packed sno^w apparently from 50 to 100 feet in depth, the continual tramping of animals and menw^ith a slight softening by the midday sun, having sunk the traveled road from fifteen to twenty feet below^ the general level. Over- coats and blankets were by no means uncomfortable at high noon, while in the valleys w^here v^^e encamped, ice would form upon the streams at night nearly half an inch in thickness. On the Home Stretch. — On the western slope of the Sierras, the road was tolerably good but feed scarce and difficult of access, being found only in narrow^ valleys and ravines, considerable dis- tance from the road. But w^ay-side (tent) gr(>ggeries w^ere abun- dant, and it was strange to see men, reputed to have been abste- miious and thoroughly temperate at home, throwing off all restraint, and becoming uproariously intoxicated on this the last stage of their long and perilous journey, though I am happy to say our entire company should be excepted from that imputation. Hay Fiv^e Hundred Dollars a Ton. — At one point, where our guide books advised us that there was a large meadow of good HAY FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS PER TON. 1137 grass three miles from the road, we found orie of these whisky- shops— a cloth affair— called the "Mountain House," the proprie- tors of which had caused all the grass of the meadow in question to be cut, cured, hauled to the road and stacked, to be sold to the incoming immigrants at 25 cents per pound, or at the rate of $500.00 per ton. Other similar philanthropists were found further on, every available blade of grass being thus appropriated, though the price declined, first to 20, then to 15 cents per pound, or $300.00 per ton. Of course, the owners of animals had to have it, our mess treating each of our eight head of stock to half a pound or so, each, twice a day. Fairly in the "Diggings." — On the westward slope of the Sierra Nevadas we saw large areas of the more diminutive of the celebrated big trees of California — one of the smaller of which, a redw^ood, straight as an arrow, having been broken off several feet from the ground, and with the top entirely gone, measured five feet in diameter and 240 feet in length. Leaving our last camp about 8 o'clock, on Sunday morning, August 4, 1850, at 10 o'clock we rode triumphantly into the mining town then knovi^n by the confidence-inspiringname of " Hangtown," so-called because of the summary execution, by strangulation, of two or three offenders against the unwritten "code" of the mines, on a tree standing in front of the principal (cloth) hotel of the village, a year or so before. It has since been known by the more euphonious, and equallj^ appropriate name of " Placerville." Here w^e found several Akronians, the Garrett crowd having got into the " diggings" about two weeks ahead of us, and having had about the same pleasurable experiences that we had enjoined. Here, too — Sunday though it was — our animals and other saleable effects were disposed of — the four horses for $250.00 and the four mules for $175.00, just about one-half what they had originally cost us. We had now been just four months and a half from home, ninety-four days of which had been consumed in making the journey from the Missouri river, a distance, by the route traveled, of just about 2,000 miles, involving, in addition to the time con- sumed, an amount of labor, fatigue and privation that can scarcely be conceived by those who now, in a palace car, perform the journey in less than one w^eek. In the Golden Metropolis. — Spending one day in . the mines, among old acquaintances and obtaining a little inkling of the modus operandi of deiving for, and the immense amount of down- right hard labor involved in securing, the coveted metal, I hied me to Sacramento City, and after spending a day with the " boys" there, to San Francisco, where I remained until the first day of September, 1852, my rooms being the headquarters of the Summit county boys, w^hen visiting the Bay City, either on business, or en route from the mines for home, via the Isthmus, or, by the same route, from home to the mines; also, during the entire two years, w^riting semi-monthly letters to the Beacon, and part of the time to the Democratic Standard, thus keeping the good people at home largely advised of the movements and w^elfare of their loved ones upon the Pacific coast. Early California Life. — Of course, space would not permit, nor the patience of the reader endure, even w^ere the data at my 72 1138 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. command, a full history of the individual fortunes and misfor- tunes of all of those who went from Summit county to California, in those early days. It should, perhaps, suffice to say that while a few " struck it " reasonably rich, and a somewhat larger few secured fair compensation for time and labor expended, and the privations endured, the great majority of those who lived to get home, were infinitely worse off, financially, physically, and, in some instances, morally, than Avhen they started. One of the great drav^backs to the success of the average miner, >vas restlessness and impatience. Getting fairly .at work on a claim yielding a fair return for his day's labor — say $6 or $8 — reports reach him that in the newly discovered "Humbug Dig- gings," one hundred or two hundred miles away, from $100 to $500 can be gathered in a day, and incontinently off he goes, to find either every inch of the new territory occupied, or the dust less plenteous than in his former claim in which, meantime, his more patient successor may have struck a regular bonanza. Then off he goes again to some other reputed rich placers or gulches, only to be again disappointed, and so on to the end of the chapter. Akron's Bonanza King. — For several years previous to 1850, Akron had for a citizen, one "Abe" Curry, by profession a horse- jockey. With a companion named Gould, prospecting in the mountains, these two men stumbled upon a rich quartz-lead, and not having the money to purchase the necessary machinery for its development, the " Gould and Curry Mining Company" \^as organ- ized, an agreed upon ratio of stock being assigned to them, as a consideration for the find, but not sufficient to give them a con- trolling voice in the management of the affairs of the corporation. A few years later, by combinations, watering the stock, and other sharp practices, though millions upon millions of dollars were extracted from the mine, the original discoverers, and other small shareholders, w^ere completely "frozen out," and at last accounts our "Abe" was reported to be impecuniously and nearly hopelessly prospecting for another find — and has probably long ere this, in miner's parlance, "passed in his checks." Family Ties Stronger Than Love of Gold. — While thousands upon thousands braved the dangers and privations of the plains, mountains, ocean, etc., to better the condition of their families, there w^ere innuinerable instances where men who had been sep- arated from their loved ones for several months, voluntarily aban- doned the fortunes w^ithin their very grasp, for the purpose of expediting their return, of which class AJcron furnished the fol- lowing notable examples: One of the writer's most intimate friends, both before and since, Mr. Lewis Hanscom — the younger of the well-known Hans- com brothers — had been in California some eight or nine months without making any particular headway. 'In the Spring of 1851, pooling his little "pile" of some $450, with like amounts furnished by two other gentlemen, they opened a miners' hotel and boarding house, called the " Eastern Exchange," on Long Wharf, in San Francisco. Besides paying a rental of $600 per month, and the expense of fitting up (which occupied about a w^eek) and all their help, their profits the first month w^ere equal to their entire investment. During the three succeeding months their net monthly profits were $600 each. SUCCESSES, REVERSES, HOMESICKNESS, ETC. 1139 Coming into my place of business one day, Hanscom informed tne that he had sold out and Avas going home. "Sold out!" I exclaimed in surprise, "at what figure?" "Six hundred dollars," he replied. "Lew Hanscom," I responded, "You're an egregious fool ! After struggling and striving for nearly a year to get into a paying business, now that, on a $450 investment, you are clearing $600 per month, to sell out for $600, and go home with a paltry $3,000, when by holding on a few months you could realize enough to make you independent for life." "Lane," said he, with quivering lips, and tears coming into his eyes, "I've got a wife and four little girls in Akron, and I would give one hundred dollars apiece to see them this very minute." The secret was out — homesickness. It is proper to add that " Lew " subsequently seeing "where he missed it," returned to California, this time taking his loved ones w^ith him, -where a fair degree of prosperity has attended his efforts, his time being now about equally divided between his San Francisco home and a valuable farm in Ashtabula county, Ohio, of which he is the proprietor. Other Similar Cases.— Similar were the cases of Akron's two well-known bakers, Henry McMasters and William Sinclair, who came home on the same vessel with Mr. Hanscom. They had been in California nearly three-fourths of a year without getting a start, w^hen they established a bakery in a new mining camp, a hundred miles or so above Sacramento City. At the end of three months they divided $2,700 net profits each, over and above their inv^est- oaent, when they sold out their rapidly increasing business for about what the fixtures had cost them, and pulled out for home. On being interrogated by me as to the cause of their foolish- ness, Mr. Mac. said that his w^ife kept writing, "come home! come home!" declaring that she w^ould rather live in a cabin, in poverty, than have him longer aw^ay, and that Mrs. Howe had written him that his wife was pining her life aw^ay, on account of his absence, and as he had got more than he thought would satisfy him w^hen he started, he couldn't bear to stay away from home any longer. Sinclair's reasons w^ere similar, both ever afterwards regretting their folly. Commercial Ups and Downs.^ — Mr. James G. Dow, whose trials and tribulations in reaching California, vin the Isthmus, in 1849, have already been described, after barely subsisting on such odd jobs as he could pick up for several months, finally, with a young man from Massachusetts, engaged in the auction business, closing up in October, 1850. with about $20,000 each. Charles G. Caldwell, another Akron Forty-niner, who had accumulated some money in the milk, butter and G^gg business, at Sacramento, in company with the writer succeeded Dow & Co. w^ith a cash invest- ment of $3,000, with the prospect of making money as rapidly as their predecessors had done. But, by reason of the stagnation of business caused by the breaking out of the cholera on that coast, and the over-importation of all kinds of merchandise, Caldwell & Co., at the end of five months, instead of having cleared $40,000, had sunk their entire capital, and were $1,500 in debt for rent. Caldwell, returning to his cows and chickens, continued to do well for a year or two, but in an evil hour invested in a quartz mill, dying, in San Francisco, some two or three years ago, in abject poverty. 1140 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Charles W. Tappan, proprietor of the Tvell-remembered Tap- pan Hall block, on Bast Market street, after nearly dying from a gunshot wound and Panama 'fever, upon the Isthmus, in the Spring of 1851 arrived in San Francisco without a dollar. Entering into partnership w^ith a Mr. Guild, of Cincinnati (the latter furnishing $3,000 capital on which he was to draw ten per cent, a month interest), he engaged in the same business (auc- tion) that had so recently swamped Caldwell & Co., and at the end of the first month, besides expense of fitting up, help, and the stipulated ten per cent, to Mr. Guild, Mr. Tappan's share of the profits was $2,700. Dow and his former partner, having meantime returned from the East, purchased Mr. Guild's interest, the business continuing equally profitable for a year or tw^o longer, vt^hen they entered into a general jobbing trade in which their gains were larger still, finally retiring from this business, two or three years later, pos- sessing from $125,000 to $150,000 each. Tappan invested in real estate and embarked in the lumber and coal business. For a time his profits w^ere larger than ever, but after a year or two a panicky shrinkage in values of the large stocks of coal and lumber that he had purchased, and of his real estate, the title to most of which proved worthless, every dollar was sunk, a calamity from w^hich he never recovered, afterwards keeping lodging houses, for longer or shorter periods at Elko, Nevada, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Deadwood, Wyoming Territory, being killed at the latter place, iu March, 1878, by a pistol-shot at the hands of a drunken gambler w^hom he w^as endeavoring to eject from his premises; Mrs. Tap- pan dying at Oakland, California, in absolute poverty, in 1888. Mr. Dow, also, swamped everything in real estate speculations^ except a few^ thousand dollars, invested in the name of his w^ife, in the stock of the " Gould & Curry," on w^hich, after three years of litigation, in resistance to the " freezing out" process referred to, in 1867 she obtained a judgment for $36,000 in gold, which, bear- ing a high premium at the time, netted her from $50,000 to $60,000 in currency, one-half of w^hich was securely invested in New York City, by Mrs. D.; Mr. D., after sinking about one-half of the bal- ance in mining operations, in Montana, investing the residue in, and becoming the cashier of, the First National Bank of Bozeman, where he died in the Winter of 1881, '82. The Summing Up. — Many incidents and reminiscences of Cali- fornia life — floods, fires, earthquakes, murders and robberies, vigi- lance committee operations, etc. — might be given that would doubtless be exceedingly interesting to the present generation, as w^ell as to surviving gold-seekers themselves. But space forbids. It may be proper, however, in summing up, to say, that while a very large percentage failed to realize their expectations. Sum- mit county may congratulate herself that she did her full share in the commercial, agricultural and financial development of one of the most intelligent, enterprising and loyal states in the American Union. CHAPTER LVI. BARLY CRIMES AND OTHER INCIDENTS WITHIN THE PRESENT LIMITS OF SUMMIT COUNTY— CAPTAIN SAMUEL BRADY'S FLIGHT AND WONDERFUL LEAP FOR LIFE — SHOOTING OF DANIEL DIVER, OF DEERFIELD, BY THE SENECA INDIAN, JOHN MOHAWK — PURSUIT OF INDIANS INTO HUDSON, BOSTON AND RICHFIELD— KILLING OF NICKSHAW, AND ESCAPE OF MOHAWK —CAPTURE, TRIAL AND ACQUITTAL OF THE INDIAN CHIEF, BIGSON, AND OTHER MEMBERS OF HIS TRIBE — SHOOTING OF CANAL DRIVER, NATHAN CUMMINS, BY ABNER S. BARRIS— CAPTURE OF THE MURDERER— EXAMINA- TION BEFORE JUSTICE JACOB BROWN, OF AKRON — TRIAL IN SUPREME COURT OF PORTAGE COUNT Y— CON VICTED OF MURDER IN SECOND DEGREE — SENTENCED TO PENITENTIARY FOR LIFE— SUBSEQUENT DEATH, ETC. PIONEER LIFE AND INCIDENT. npHOUGH, of course, largely traditional, the thrilling advent- ^ ures, and the wonderful nerve and prowess attributed to our pioneer settlers, in their contact w^ith the aboriginal ow^ners and occupants of the beautiful country w^hich their descendants and successors now inhabit, possess an interest and charm that w^ill steadily increase as the years go by. Among the most authentic, as well as among the most heroic, of those early episodes, in which Summit county has a direct interest, were the wonderful exploits of Captain Samuel Brady, briefly narrated as follows: Captain Samuel Brady. — Captain Brady, who is described as of medium stature, but of wonderful nerve and great power of endurance, was a resident of Western Pennsylvania, on Chartier's creek, near the Ohio river, and was one of the most daring and suc- cessful, of the many daring and successful "Indian Hunters" of those early times. The cause of his implacable hostility to the Indian is said to have been the massacre, by a marauding expedi- tion from the Falls of the Cuyahoga, of several families in the neighborhood w^here he, when a boy, resided with an uncle, he alone escaping; another boy about his ow^n age — an adopted son of his uncle — named Simon Girty, being captured and carried into captivity by the Indians. Young Brady then swore eternal hos- tility to the entire savage race, and as he grew to manhood, most faithfully and fearfully did he fulfil his oath. Tradition is rife with his almost innumerable and superhuman efforts in this direction; but with one, only, can we properly deal. And of events immediately leading to this, in the data before us, there are several different versions. One account states that about the year 1780, on one of his excursions west of the Ohio river, accompanied by three or four trusted companions, they were surprised, near the Sandusky river, his companions all killed, and himself captured and taken to the Sandusky Indian village. 'There was great rejoicing over his capture, and great preparations were made for torturing him by slowly burning him at the stake. AVhile the ghastly preparations for his torture w^ere going forward 1142 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. before his eyes, Brady recognized, in one of the chiefs who ha(f come in to take part in the savage pow-wow, his youthful friend,. Simon Girty, who, grown to manhood among his captors, had adopted their customs, and by his prowess, risen to the high posi- tion he then occupied. Brady appealed to his former playmate to assist him to escape, but without avail. A Desperate Expedient. — The hour ot execution arrived; the captive was lashed to the stake; the combustibles were laid; the fires were lighted; the savage orgies commenced; the flames circled nearer and nearer; the withes about his arms and legs began to crackle from the effects of the heat; but, watching his opportunity, he suddenly, by almost superhuman strength, broke the bands that held him to the stake, and seizing a handsome young squaw, w^ho w^as circling near, threw her upon the blazing fagots, and,- in the confusion of the moment, made his escape into the darkness of the surrounding forest. The very audacity of this act, and the momentary horror and panic resulting therefrom, delayed pursuit, until a considerable distance into the wilderness had been gained by the fugitive. A vigorous pursuit was begun, how^ever, and kept up for over a hun- dred mile^ to, and across, the Cuyahoga river, in what is no\v the township of Northampton. Another version of the story is that Brady and his companions were following a band of Indians, ^vho w^ere returning from a predatory excursion into Pennsylvania, and that on nearingthe Cuy- ahoga river, in the present township of Northampton, they encoun- tered a larger force of Indians than they could successfully cope w^ith, and that Brady, ordering his men to separate, and each take a different direction, himself started directly east, toward w^hat is noAV the village of Kent, in Portage county, with the entire band howl- ing like demons at his heels; his companions being too small game to merit consideration at their hands. "Brady's Leap " — Whichever of these and of the several other versions is the correct one, all accounts of the flight from the Cuyahoga river eastward, the pursuit and escape, are substan- tially agreed. To properly understand the situation, it should be stated that the Cuyahoga river, rising in Geauga county, pursues a southwesterly course through Portage county into Summit, where, a mile and a half north of Akron, it turns abruptly to the north, emptying into Lake Krie at Cleveland. Thus, in going from Bath, in Summit county, to Ravenna, in Portage county, on a direct line, two crossings of the river would necessarily have to be made. Brady forged steadily ahead, intending to make the eastern crossing at a point known as " Standing Stone," a short distance above the present village of Kent. The Indians, how^ever, being in considerable force, divining his intentions, had spread them- selves out in that direction, and were making a superhuman effort to intercept him before he could gain the crossing. Seeing this, Brady sought to turn to the right and make a crossing lower down; but in this, also, the Indians had anticipated him, and were likely to head him off there, too. In this extremity, Brady's mind w^as instantly made up to- attempt the dread alternative — a leap for life across the rocky gorge, with a span of nearly, or quite, 22 feet, a few rods above the Brady's wonderful leap for life. 1143 present site of the fine stone bridge across the Cuyahoga river at the village of Kent. The Indians, who were now close upon his heels, could have killed him at any moment, by a shot from any one of their rifles; but their great object and desire w^as to secure him alive, in order to glut their savage and brutal vengeance upon him; never dreaming that he would attempt what the most agile among their ow^n number would not dare to do. Perilous Predicament. — On, on, they come, yelling like demons incarnate. Their hated foe is, in imagination, already w^ithin their fiendish clutches. The brink of the precipice appears in view, with no perceptible diminution of speed, of either the pursued or the pursuers. Knowing full well the terrible death that awaits him, if taken alive, and reflecting that the failure of the attempt he w^as about to make could only result in a less cruel death, Brady summoned all his remaining powers of bodj' and mind for the one supreme effort of his life, and, to the horror of his pursuers, sprang boldly across the fearful chasm. The point whence he sprang was a large flat overhanging rock, from twenty-five to thirty feet above the surface of the w^ater; the opposite side, also overhanging the river, being some- w^hat lower, and covered with small evergreen trees and bushes. In landing, Brady struck upon the edge of this bushy projection, and came near falling back into the seething waters below; but, clutching hold of the scraggy bushes, he finally drew himself upward and forward, and escaped into the timber, on the east side of the river. The Indians, for a moment, could only hold up their hands in sheer astonishment, and utter unintelligible ejaculations of sur- prise. Realizing, as they almost immediately did, that their prey w^as about to escape them, several shots were fired at him, as he was clambering up the bank, only one of which took effect, pro- ducing an ugly flesh wound in the right thigh. The Flight Not Yet Ended. — Taking a momentary breath- ing spell, to recover somewhat from the shock of his fall upon the edge of the ledge, Brady, though suffering severely from his w^ound, continued his flight eastward, but speedily became avt^are that the Indians, having effected a crossing both above and below the scene of his daring exploit, were again in pursuit, on either flank. He now made directly towards a large pond, a mile or so east of the river, where, in full view of his pursuers, he boldly plunged in, and started as if to swim to the opposite shore. After swimming a short distance, however, he dove beneath the surface, and changing his direction, made for a dense mass of pond lilies, or as some accounts state, the top of a fallen tree, under which he managed to hide himself, with his nose and mouth above the sur- face, and so near the shore that, understanding their language, he could hear the speculations of his bloodthirsty enemies as to his probable fate; their belief being that he had become exhausted from his long run and leap, and from the wound that, from the blood left along his track, they knew he had received, and had sunk to the bottom and drowned. The Indians, at length satisfied that their mortal enemy was surely dead, left the vicinity of the pond and retraced their steps, to tell to their astonished fellows the almost incredible story of the w^hite man's daring "Leap for Life," and his subsequent death from drow^ning. 1144 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. To make sure that they were not still lingering about the shores of the pond, Brady remained in his uncomfortable position through the night, when, hearing no sound, nor seeing any signs of further pursuit, he leisurely continued his weary way to his home in the Valley of the Ohio; and from this event, and the other traditional story that upon the banks of the same pond Brady and his companions still later ambushed and slaughtered a considerable body of Indians, it has long been, and will probably continue forever to be, known as "Brady's Lake." — This beautiful little lake has, within a few years, become quite a resort for picnic parties, and other Summer pleasure seekers in Portage and adjoining counties. The encroachments of modern improvements, canals, railroads, etc., to saj' nothing about the encroachments of time, have very greatly changed the aspect of the various points of pioneer, as well as Indian prowess and adventure, so that it is difficult, at this remote period, to tell the exact distance covered by the intrepid Brady in his alleged "leap for life." The late Frederick Wadsworth, who pretty thoroughly investigated the matter, some forty-five years ago, found the distance from point to point to be then a trifle less than twenty-five feet. But as nearly, or quite, half a century had then gone by since the reputed adventure, it is probable that time's unceasing abrasions had already wrought a marked change upon the edees of the overhanging rock, though the leap, if made at all at the point named, w^hich the w^riter sees no reason to doubt, even if but twenty-two feet, as most versions state it, was one of the most wonderful ever achieved by mortal man; although men, in desperate straits, have since been known to make w^onder- ful leaps; three persons, within the knowledge of the writer, hav- ing been caught in the upper part of a burning building in San Francisco, Cal., in 1851, savirfg their lives by ascending to the roof and jumping across a sixteen-foot alley to the roof of another building a few feet lower. At the annual meeting of the Portage-Summit Pioneer Asso- ciation in September, 1886, it was suggested by the secretary, Dr. A. M. Sherman, that a movement be inaugurated by the Associa- tion towards erecting a suitable monument, at the point on the river bank where Brady's wonderful leap is alleged to have been made, in commemoration of the event; a proposition that the people of both counties should have a deep interest in carr3^ing into effect. The Shooting of Daniel Diver. — A more recent reminiscent incident of pioneer intercourse and trouble with the Indians, is compiled from reasonably reliable data, and may, therefore, be considered substantially accurate; though there is some discre- pancy of authority as to the exact cause of the trouble, and the name of the tribe to which the Indians implicated belonged; one account naming them as " Moha^vks," and others as " Senecas," the preponderance of evidence being in favor of the latter. Be this as it may, in the Winter of 1806, '07 there was an encamp- ment of Indians in the township of Deerfield, in Portage county, which had been opened to settlement about seven years. Among the white inhabitants at that time were two brothers by the name of John and Daniel Diver. The former had traded a mare and colt to an Indian named John Nickshaw, for an Indian pon}'^, and RED-SKIN MALIGNITY — WHITE-SKIN REVENGE. 1145 though it does not appear that either had obtained any consider- able advantage in the trade, for some reason or other the Indian became dissatisfied and wished to trade back, which Diver declined io do. On the 20th of January, 1807, while John Diver was entertain- ing a sleighing party at his house, five Indians from the camp, John Nickshaw, John Mohawk, John Bigson and his two sons, all under the influence of whisky, rudely intruded upon the party, and on some pretense, endeavored to decoy John Diver to their camp. Failing in this, they became quite boisterous, but were eventually quieted down by the mildness of Daniel Diver. A little later they renewed the disturbance, charging Daniel Diver with having stolen their guns, but w^ere finally persuaded by him to leave the house. The night was bright and cold, there being about two feet of «now^ upon the ground. Stepping out of doors, about 10 o'clock, Daniel Diver saw the five Indians standing in a row in a slight ravine a short distance from the house. Going rapidly towards them he saluted them pleasantly, and viras, in turn, cordially greeted by the Indians; each shaking hands with him as he passed, until the last one, John Mohawk, was reached, who not only refused to shake hands with him, but, as he w^as turning to go back to the house, the treacherous savage raised his gun and shot him through the temples, destroying both eyes. Hearing the report of the gun, John Diver ran to the assistance of his wounded brother, the Indians fleeing to their camp, and from thence, the same night, into the wilderness in a northwesterly direction. Although Daniel Diver was not killed, he never regained his sight, though afterwards raising a family and dying in 1847. Seeking Vengeance on Mohawk, But Killing Nickshaw. — Before daylight the next morning, so rapidly had the alarm spread, a party of twenty-five determined men were on the track of the murderous red-skins. The weather was intensely cold, and several of the pursuing party froze their feet and hands, and their places were filled by other settlers along the route. The night following, the five fleeing Indians were surprised and surrounded, in their camp, on the west side of the Cuyahoga river, in the west part of Boston, or the east part of the present township of Richfield. John Bigson and his two sons were captured, but Mohawk and Nick- shaw got away. They were followed by two Hudson men named George Darrow and Jonathan Wi-lliams, overtaken, and com- manded to surrender, but not obeying the summons, Williams fired upon them, instantly killing Nickshaw; but Mohawk, the Indian who shot Daniel Diver, entirely escaped. A squaw belonging to the p^rty was said to have been left to take care of herself, and it was afterwards reported that she perished in the snow. Bigson and his two sons were returned to Deerfield, and, being examined before Justice Lewis Day, were committed to the Warren jail. They were subsequently tried in Court of Common Pleas and acquitted. An Indian War Imminent. — The excitement attendant upon this affair, both among the whites and Indians, was most intense, and came very near resulting in a bloody war between the two races. Considerable correspondence w^as had between the citizens of Deerfield and Gen. Klijah Wadsworth, of Warren, then the 1146 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. military commander for Northern Ohio, and bet-ween Gen. Wads- worth and Judge Samuel Huntington, of the Supreme Court, at Cleveland ; several personal interviews also being had between Judge Huntington and Chief Seneca, in behalf of the tribe of Indians involved in the difficulty. The people of Deerfield demanded that John Mohawk, the shooter of Diver, be delivered up for trial; the Indian Chief as strenuously insisting that Darrow and Williams should also be arrested and tried for the killing of Nickshaw, and promising to surrender Mohawk when legal steps for the punishment of the white murderers should be taken. Seneca, in his talks with Judge Huntington, Major Carter and others, said he did not want to go to war; he simply w^anted justice. Nicksha^v had been murdered; shot in the back, while fleeing for his life. He, with Major Carter and Mr. Campbell, had gone to the place w^here Nickshaw^ was killed, and had buried him. There was no evidence of any struggle, and Nickshaw had fallen in his tracks with the bullet hole in his back. Seneca sententiously remarking: "Indian may lie; white man maj'^ lie; but snow tell no lie," and adding that all he Avanted ■was, that "the same measure of justice should be dealt out to the Indian as to the white man." The excitement finally died away, and neither Mohawk nor Williams or Darrow^ Tvere ever brouffht to trial, though it was a long time before the parties w^ere restored to their former friendly relations; the event, taking all the circumstances into consider- ation, furnishing additional proof that the greater portion of the trouble betw^een the early w^hite settlers and the Indians grew out of the fact that the former w^ere not as ready to do justice to the latter as to exact it from them. Murder of Nathan Cummins, a Canal Driver.— Though a lit- tle out of its chronological order, the follo\\ring account of a Tvan- ton homicide, perpetrated within the present limits of Summit county, may properly come in here. On the night, of the 8th day of September, 1832, a dissipated fellow by the name of Abner S. Harris, living in a log shanty on the w^est side of the Ohio canal, near Old Portage, got upon the canal boat " Victory," some dis- tance belowr, to ride up as far as his own place. On the way he got into a ^svrangle w^ith the hands upon the boat, accusing them of stealing his w^ood, demanding pay for the same, etc., and was put off the boat, in w^hich operation he was either purposely or accidentally throw^n into the Water, by the steersman, w^hose name w^as Hart Lepper. Threatening vengeance upon Lepper, he dis- appeared into the bushes, in the direction of his house. Later in the night he appeared upon the bank of the canal, further south, carrying a gun, and hailing the steersman of the dow^nward bound boat, " Fair American," inquired for the boat upon w^hich he had been riding, saying that they had stolen his w^ood, pushed him off the boat into the canal and snapped a gun at him, and that if they wanted bush-w^hacking, he would give them plenty of it, for he had a gun and plenty of ammunition, and knew how to use them, too. When the "Fair American" reached the lock, below Old Portage, an up-bound boat was found in the lock, and while waiting there, the report of a gun was heard by the two crews, it being presently discovered that the driver of the up-bound boat — the "Victory" — a boy about seventeen years old, by the name MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE. 1147 of Nathan Cummins, belonging in Cleveland — had fallen from his horse, fatally shot through the neck. Barris was, of course, immediately suspected, followed and captured, while skulking in the bushes, near his own shanty. He w^as brought to Akron, and being examined before Justice Jacob Brown, was committed to the Portage county jail, at Ravenna, to answer to the charge of murder. At the May term, 1833, of the Court of Common Pleas for Portage county, an indictment was found against Barris, charging him with deliberate and premedi- tated murder. To this indictment Barris entered a plea of not guilty, and elected to be tried in the Supreme Court, to convene early in the following September. Trial in Supreme Court. — The Supreme Court, for Portage county, for 1833, convened at Ravenna on Monday, September 2, with Judges Ebenezer Lane, of Norwalk, and John C. Wright, of Cincinnati, upon the bench. L, V. Bierce, then prosecuting attorney for Portage county, and Hon. Peter Hitchcock, of Geauga county, appeared on behalf of the State, the defendant being repre- sented by Van R. Humphrey, Esq., of Hudson, and Eben Newton, Esq., of Canfield. The trial w^as short, only eleven witnesses being sworn and examined on both sides, the entire proceedings, including the empaneling of the jury, examination of w^itnesses, arguments of counsel, charge of Court, verdict of jury and sentence of prisoner, occupying less than two days, being in striking contrast to the "long drawn out" trials in similar cases in these modern days. The killing of the boy was not denied by either Barris or his attorneys; the former, on being brought to the hotel of William Coolman, Jr., on his arrival from Akron, saying to that gentleman, w^ho had previously known him, that "it was not Barris, but it was whisky that did it." The principal effort of counsel for the defense w^as to bring the offense down to manslaughter; but the jury, under the able charge of Judge Lane, brought in a verdict of murder in the second degree. Judge Lane immediately pronounced sentence upon the pris- oner as follows : "Abner S. Barris : — You have been found guilty, by a jury of your own selection, of murder. In most countries, for this offense you would pay the forfeit of your life; but under the benig^n provisions of that section of the statute under which you are convicted, you do not forfeit your life ; but the law adjudg'es you unworthy long'er to associate with your fellow citizens. This law leaves with the Cotirt no discretion. We have no alternative but to deprive you of your liberty for the remainder of your life. Your sentence, therefore, is that you be taken hence to the Penitentiary of the State of Ohio, and that you be there confined at hard labor, for and during the remainder of your natural life." No effort was ever made for his pardon, and Abner S Barris, forty years of age at the time of his conviction, fully expiated the offense committed by him while under the influence of that incar- nate devil, of all earthly devils, w^hisky, by faithful service to the State until released by death, February 3, 1842, just eight years, four months and five days from the date of his incarceration. CHAPTER LVII. SOME SHARP DETECTIVE OPERATIONS— WEALTHY FARMER TURNS DETECTIVE TO AVENGE THE MURDER OF HIS BROTHER-IN-LAW — FOLLOWS THAT CALLING AS A DUTY TO SOCIETY— MARSHAL WRIGHT "ARRESTS" HIM AND MAYOR NASH "COMMITS" HIM ON THE "CHARGE" OF FORGERY — TWO DAYS AND NIGHTS IN A FELON'S CELL— HIS DISCOVERIES WHILE IN JAIL — HIS RELEASE ON "BAIL" — TAKES WITH HIM A LETTER OF INTRODUC- TION TO THE BROTHER OF AN ALLEGED COUNTERFEITER — MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF SAID BROTHER AND HIS PALS — CONTRACTS TO PUR- CHASE A BURGLARIZED STOCK OF BOOTS AND SHOES FROM THEM— FAILS TO KEEP HIS APPOINTMENT, BUT OFFICERS WRIGHT AND TOWNSEND PROMPTLY ON HAND— THE BURGLARS ARRESTED WITH THE "SWAG" IN THEIR POSSESSION — TRIED, CONVICTED AND SENTENCED TO THE "PEN" FOR THREE YEARS — DISCOVERY OF PLOT TO ROB THE TREASURY OF SUMMIT COUNTY — ROBBER CAUGHT IN THE ACT— TRIAL, SENTENCE AND CONVICTION EXTENSIVE GANG OF COUNTERFEITERS BROKEN UP, ETC.— SOME DECIDEDLY "CLEVER" WORK BY "HOME TALENT." A VOLUNTEER DETECTIVE. 'T^HOUGH not claiming to have much detective talent myself, it -^ w^as nevertheless my good fortune to have assisted in some very clever detective operations, during my first two terms as Sheriff of Summit county, from November, 1856, to January, 1861. A year or two previous to my accession to that office, the brother- in-law of a w^ealthy and enterprising farmer, near Loudonville, in Ashland county, had- been killed in a neighboring city, by being struck on the head with an iron dray-pin. The authorities of the county where the crime v^^as perpetrated failing to trace the murderer, our farmer friend, whose name was E. W. Robeson, started out upon a line of detective operations on his o^wn hook. Though not'succeeding, after long and patient search, in running down the slayer of his kinsman, yet he obtained such an insight into the existing crookedness of the day, that for the benefit of society at large, he gave himself up, almost exclusively, to the detection and exposure of crime, and in aiding 'the authorities of his ow^n and contiguous counties, in bringing the rascals of their several localities to justice and merited punishment, and that, too, w^ithout compensation or expectation of pecuniary rew^ard, other than his actual expenses w^hen operating away from home. With this justice-loving gentleman Marshal J. J. Wright and Constable James Burlison had become acquainted, and had often co-operated with him in ferreting out crimes in several of the counties to the south and west of us; the latter gentleman at one time actually buying out, and for some time running, a saloon in one of the most notorious "Rogues' Hollows" in Holmes county ; and in the denouement of w^hose discoveries, and consequent police requirements, Marshal Wright, Deputy Sheriff Townsend and Constable David A. Scott took a prominent and exceedingly lively hand. EARLY DETECTIVE OPERATIONS. 1149 "Working" the County Fair. — Among the large number of huckster's stands at the ninth annual fair (October, 1858) of the Summit County Agricultural Society, upon their original six acre grounds, on South Main street, opposite the present Rubber Works and Match Factories, v/as one kept by a man by the name of J. M. Foster, hailing from Franklin Mills (now Kent), in Portage county. Something about the fellow had early attracted the attention of the officers who w^ere policeing the grounds, but no overt act, on which an arrest could be based, was detected until towards night on the last day of the Fair. Then Marshal Wright and Constable Burlison caught him in the act of passing a coun- terfeit two dollar bill upon a young man from the country, took him into custody, and lodged him in jail. Marshal Wright having already had some inkling of the crooked propensities of the Fosters, of Franklin Mills, thus having one of them in limbo, thought it would be well enough to apply the "pumping" process to him, and accordingly wrote to Mr. Robeson to come to Akron at once, w^hich summons was promptly responded to. Akron's Original "Eel Pot." — At that time the late Frederick A. Nash was m^ayor of Akron, and to fully carry out our plans, as in "council of war" agreed upon, he was taken into our confidence and promised us a hearty co-operation. At that tiine, too, the Hanscom brothers — George, Charles and Davids— were the keepers of the principal grocery and family supply store of Akron, in their new^ brick block, on the northeast corner of Howard and Market streets. This grocery store was the evening loafing place of that time — the original "Eel Pot" of Akron— and among the numerous other loafers there congregated on a given evening, were Marshal J. J. Wright and Sheriff S. A. Lane. While old-time jokes and antique "chestnuts" were being rapidly fired at each other by the congregated "eels," a rather rough-looking stranger entered the store and "Dave" Hanscom pulled himself out of the charmed (or, more properly speaking, charming) circle, and stepped tow^ards the front to wait upon his new^ customer. Calling for a paper of "fine-cut," which "Dave" produced, the stranger threw upon the counter a two dollar bill in payment. Glancing at it, "Dave" indignantly exclaimed : "You don't think I'm big fool enough to take such stuff as that, do you?" "Why, 'aint that good?" innocently inquired the stranger. "I took it from the captain of the boat I come from Cleveland on." "Good! Thunder, no! A blind man could see that that was counterfeit, by just feeling of it!" replied "Dave." By this time the attention of the "eels" w^as attracted to the conversation between "Dave" and the stranger, and Marshal Wright hastily stepped forward, saying: "Here, let me look at that," and after scrutinizing the bill a moment, said : "Yes, that's counterfeit, fast enough!" Then, looking at the stranger, the Marshal exclaimed : "Hello, you're just the man I've been looking after for some time!" and pulling a pair of handcuffs from his pocket, undertook to slip them upon the wrists of the stranger. This was vigorously resisted, however, and quite a tussle ensued, • but the stranger was finally subdued and triumphantly escorted before the mayor. 1150 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. "Committed" to Jail. — The entire crowd of intensely interested "eels," the writer included, followed the marshal and his "pris- oner" to the office of Mayor Nash. The mayor gravely read the warrant to the "prisoner," charging him, under the name of "John Doe," "Kichard Roe" or some other equally accurate cogno- men, w^ith having forged the name of some other equally mythical personage to a bank check. To this charge the "culprit" put in an emphatic plea of "not guilty," and w^aived an examination, w^hereupon His Honor required him to enter into bonds in the sum of $1,000, for his appearance before the Court of Common Pleas, and in default of bail filled out a mittimus in due form committing him to jail. Saying that he >vould be all right as soon as he could get word to his brother, a w^ealthy merchant at Canal Dover, he started with Marshal Wright and myself for the jail — the handcuffs, of course, being removed on leaving the mayor's office and getting beyond the observation of the keen-sighted and highly interested "eels." The Pumping Process. — At that time every cell in the jail was occupied, and it Avould never do to put a "criminal" of that grade in so insecure a place as the "Debtor's Room" on the upper floor. So it was arranged to have the newr man bunk in with Foster, as being the previous latest comer. Of course, the reader under- stands by this time that the supposititious forger is our detective friend, Robeson. Foster at once "took" to him, confiding to the stranger everything he knew about either himself or his friends, w^hile in turn the stranger told Foster everything he knen^, and probably several things that he didn't know. A number of other prisoners also sought the confidence of the new, but jolly and wide-awake, "prisoner." and made certain reve- lations to him which w^ere afterwards of great value to the officers, Robeson possessing one of the most retentive memories, as to names, places and dates, of any person that I ever knew^. He remained in the jail, living upon regular jail rations, and submit- ting to prison regulations and accomodations, for two days, until, by a preconcerted signal, he intimated to me that he had thor- oughly mastered the situation, vehen I handed in to him what purported to be a letter from his brother, enclosing a certificate of deposit for $1,000 for him to deposit with the clerk of the Court, in lieu of bail, for his appearance for trial. A Complete Success. — On reaching my office, in the court house, Robeson gave to myself and Deputy To wnsend a full history of his experience while in "durance vile." Foster told him that he had a l)rother at Franklin Mills, who with certain confederates, w^ere carrying on quite an extensive store-cracking business, and who then had in their possession large quantities of different kinds of merchandise. To this brother Foster gave Robeson, under his prison cognomen, a letter of introduction, together with minute directions for the fabrication of a saw^, w^ith w^hich to ^work himself out of jail, in case an indictment should be found against him. Having a matter of business to look after in the neighborhood of Ravenna, I dispatched Deputy Townsend thither, w^ith that >vell- remembered span of gray horses I then owned, taking Robeson w^ith him to within a short distance of the village of Franklin Mills, with the understanding that he would pick him up at the same point on his return to Akron the next morning. Though BURGLARS HANDSOMELY NABBED. 1151 quite dark when he walked into the village, Robeson had no diffi- culty in finding the Foster domicile, so minute had been the direc- tions given him by his late room-mate in the Summit county bastile. On presenting his credentials, Robeson was received with open arms, as it were, by the brother and his family, including a brother-in-law confederate. During the evening they not only opened up to Robeson in regard to their crooked operations, but absolutely made arrangements to transfer to him, for a stipulated cash equivalent, a large quantity of boots and shoes, to be deliv- ered at the hotel in Clinton, in the south part of Summit county, at a given time. He Fails to "Materialize." — The day agreed upon duly arrived, and so did the "Commercial Travelers," with several large trunks full of boots and shoes. These were taken into the parlor of the hotel, while their team was taken to the barn by the ever-attentive hostler. But for some (to them) unaccountable reason their expected " cash customer" failed to put in appearance. Not so, however, with Marshal Wright arid Deputy Sheriff Townsend. Having approached the village, on an indirect and somewhat obscure road, they had taken the precaution to leave the gray team a short distance out of tow^n and had managed to reach the hotel unobserved. As they entered the sitting room, though utter strangers to the Franklinites, those gentlemen instinctively scented danger and hastily retreated from the room — one breaking for the rear and the other for the front door of the hall. Wright overhauled the one just as he w^as passing through the back door, while Townsend froze to other as he w^as climbing over the railing to the front platform. They both struggled des- perately, but the officers were too much for them. They were securely ironed and, with their plunder, taken to Ravenna and delivered to the authorities of Portage county. Of this arrest, the Beacon of February 16, 1859, (A. H. Lewis, Esq., editor), said : "On Thursday last, Deputy Sheriff Townsend and Marshal J. J. Wrig-ht, arrested at Clinton, in this county, two men named Foster and Clark, charg-ed with robbing- the store of Coffin & Co., in Ravenna, some weeks ag-o. The prisoners, and some $400 worth of boots and shoes, which were recognized as belonging to Enos & Martin, of the former place, were taken to Ravenna, and as they waived an examination. Justice Conanfheld them in $1,000 each for appearance at the next term, for that burglarJ^ In default they were com- mitted to jail. Our detectives are as keen at scenting scoundrels as terriers after a rat ; and they rarely fail, if any game is within their bailiwick." Trial — Conviction — Sentence. — The two men thus hand- somely nabbed, were respectively named, William H. Foster and Charles Clark, and at the February term of the Court of Common Pleas of Portage county, for 1859, they were jointly indicted for both burglary and larceny, and for receiving and concealing stolen goods the property of the boot and shoe firm of Enos & Martin. The proof as to their having actually entered the store, and per- sonally stolen and carried away the goods, being a little obscure, w^hile the fact of their having the goods in their possession w^as abundantly evident, they were convicted upon the latter charge, only, and sentenced to the Penitentiary for three years each. The reading of this article, if they are still living, and it should perchance fall under their observation, will probably give them their first inkling as to why their anticipated purchaser failed to 1152 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. come to time, and how it happened that the Summit county offi- cers appeared upon the scene just in the nick of time to "gobble them up" with the evidence of their guilt so conspicuously palpable. The Original Foster Goes Scott Free. — The original Foster arrested by Wright and Burlison upon the fair grounds, for passing counterfeit money, was not indicted by the grand jury of this county, no other spurious money having been found about his person or belongings, and the evidence being not at all conclusive that he was aware that the bill passed by him was other than genuine; but if he ever "caught on" to the little game that was played on him by "weuns"and our friend Robeson, it probably taught him not to "talk too much with his mouth "even to a sup- posed kindred spirit, occupying jointly with himself a felon's cell. "L/ISHe" Wait and George Sapp. — Among Northampton's "celebrities," from 1850 to 1860, was "Lishe" Wait, who was not only extremely fond of whisky, but also possessed of an inordinate desire to finger other people's belongings. Though often in "durance vile " on serious charges "Lishe" w^as generally sharp enough to escape conviction, or at least get off with very light penalties. Far less sharp, but equally inclined to whisky-guzzling and crookedness, w^as George Sapp; one of their alleged joint oper- ations being the burglarizing of the house of Thomas J. French, and stealing therefrom the sum of $500 in money, on the night of August 27, 1854. For this crime they were indicted and tried, but though morally certain of their guilt the evidence w^as too obscure to warrant the jury in legally so finding and they were accord- ingly discharged. This narrow escape did not cure their drinking or thieving propensities, and both were often in limbo on minor charges, Sapp being in jail on a thirty day's sentence for stealing a quantity of wheat from one of his neighbors at the time our detective was there, as above related. Though Robeson sought to confine his "pumping" operations to Foster, among the most pertinacious to pour his "tale of w^oe" and his schemes of vengeance into the detective's ear, w^as the aforesaid George Sapp. George Sapp's Grievances.— George had been unjustly dealt with; Lishe Wait had euchred him out of his share of the "Tommy" French swag; he had been several times unjustly imprisoned or sentenced for longer terms than his light offenses warranted, and he was botrnd to have revenge; when he got out of jail there would be a few bon-fires; several barns had already been touched off and several more would be; Akron had been pretty well scorched and w^ould soon be lighted up again; the bar- rel factory made a hot blaze and he knew who touched it off, etc. The Barrel Factory Fire. — For many years the millers of Akron had wholly depended upon the local coopers of the several adjacent townships for their supply of barrels, flour in those early days not being so largely sold in sacks as at the present time. This mode of supply not being reliable, and perhaps too expensive, a number of interested parties organized the Akron Barrel Com- pany sometime along in the iniddle of the fifties, and erected a fac- tory on the site lately occupied by the Miller Chain Works and Match Factory, and commenced the manufacture of barrels bj'^ machinery. COUNTY TKEASUKY KOBBEK XABBED, 1153 This scheme w^as regarded by local coopers as inimical to their interests; but it vv^as not believed that the frequent threats of demolition >vhich from time to time found whispered utterance, would ever materialize. On the morning of October 7, 1858, how- ever, the second day of the Fair of that year (the Fair grounds then being directly opposite on the east side of Main street), the barrel factory was burned under circumstances \vhich rendered it almost certain that the fire w^as of incendiary origin; the company immediately offering a rew^ard of $1,000 for the detection and con- viction of the incendiary. Sapp's pointed allusion to the matter, in his confidential com- munications to Robeson, was strongly presumptive, to the local officers, that a clue to the perpetrators thereof might be reached through him. Accordingly, after the expiration of his sentence, the services of our >vhilom " forger," Robeson, were called into requisition. Sapp w^as visited in his native haunts, but though he talked freely in regard to his prospective crookedness, he w^as quite reticent about w^hat he knew (if anything), in regard to the burning of the barrel works, further than that a certain young man, ^vhose name he declined to disclose, had been hired to set the fire, and that he had since gone west. " Bigger Game" In Pro.spect. — But one important scheme was developed by the interview, w^hich was no less than the project of robbing the county treasury by himself and two "other fellers" — well-known crooks — whom he named, w^hich project w^as only aw^aiting the "dark of the moon" to be carried into execution. This declaration wras deemed of sufficient importance, by the local officers, to be followed up. The treasurer's office then occupied only one-third of the space it now" does, the sheriff's office being" then upon the east, and the grand jury room upon the w^est; there^ being no vault in the treasurer's office then as now, the public funds being confided to the keeping of one of the old-fashioned boiler-plate safes; the only fastening to the single window^ of th& room being a nail over the low^er sash. In anticipation of the con- templated raid, a night w^atch was organized, consisting of the writer. Marshal J. J. Wright, Deputy Sheriff A. R. Townsend, Con- stables David A. Scott and James Burlison, Auditor Charles B. Bernard, and Deputy Clerk Alden Gage, who were to take turns in watching, the sheriff's office being the rendezvous, and well-sup- plied with buffalo robes, blankets, etc., to make us comfortable during the long cold w^intry nights, no fire or lights in the room being permissible, while the most profound silence was deemed absolutely necessary. Watching and Waitincj. — Thus for several nights the vigil was kept up, but neither George Sapp, nor any "other feller " put in an appearance. But while still continuing our vigilance, it was thought best to have our detective "accidentally" run across George again, to ascertain the occasion of the hitch. George said they w^ere on hand at the time designated, but became apprehen- sive that the court house was being watched, as one night, about 11 o'clock, they thought they saw a flash of light in one of the rooms as though a match had been struck, w^hich had actually been done by one of the watchers to ascertain the time of night.. "But," continued George, "they're not w^atching now, and as soon as the nights get dark again, we will do the business sure." 73 1154 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY, Arson as Well as Robbery. — So the watch was kept up, but no longer from the sheriff's office. At that time the jail coal-house stood flush with the street, about where the driveway now is between the jail and the large brick building upon the north. From the interior of this building, Marshal Wright and Deputy Sheriff Townsend kept watch for several nights after the moon began to darken, while Constable Burlison occupied another point of observation near by. About 11 o'clock on the night of January 29, 1859, while the attention of the people of the town was drawn towards a burning school house at the corner of Middlebury and Spicer streets (believed to be a part of the robbery game), the sharp eye of Marshal Wright caught sight of a man stealthily creeping across the court house yard, diagonally from the northeast corner. Reaching the court house, he hastily passed entirely around the building (this was before the wings were added), and then, turning upon his heel, ran around the other way, stopping at the treasury w^indow. Presently, the officers saw him disappear through the w^indow, when, leaving their covert, they closed in upon him, observing, as they did so, another man rapidly running down the hill upon the west side of the grounds. Caught in His Own Trap. — Summoning the burglar to come forth, and receiving no response. Marshal Wright, with revolver in hand, boldly entered the office, through the open window, and groping around got hold of his man, w^hom he at once shoved through the window into the hands of Deputy Tow^nsend, by w^hom he was immediately invested with the proper "jewels," and forthwith placed in jail. Procuring a light, it was found that Sapp had pried the win- doviT open w^ith the broad blade of an old-fashioned mattock, with which primitive implement it w^as evidently the intention of the burglars to w^ork their w^ay into the safe in question; scientific safe-cracking not being as well understood then as it is now, though some extensive jobs were even then successfully accom- plished with as simple means as the clumsy mattock in question. Trial — Conviction — Sentence. — At the March term of the court, 1859, Sapp w^as duly indicted, tried and convicted of bur- glary, but in consideration of his rather "weak intellect, and the failure of his enterprise, as well as the probability x)f his being simply the tool of sharper heads. Judge Carpenter gave him the shortest sentence known to the law for the crime of burglary — one year's imprisonment in the penitentiary. As to his alleged accomplices nothing was developed further than his statement to the detective, and the shadov^ry glimpse of the second party as he w^as fleeing down the hill on the night of the burglary; though the fact that the principal one, on Sapp's arrest, immediately absented himself from the county, and has never returned, would seem to corroborate Sapp's statement in that regard. Sapp's Subsequent Life. — Having served out his term, Sapp returned to his old home in Northampton, but a few years later floated off West, where, at last accounts, he was living w^ith a brother-in-law, in the State of Indiana, a poor demented wreck, occasionally returning to Summit county, w^here, under the real or simulated hallucination of ownership, he attempts to assume SOME OTHER NEAT OPERATIONS. 1155 ■control of his "farm" — several thousand acres, extending from lot 18 to the river, north of Cuyahoga Falls. Large* Gang of Counterfeiters Broken Up. — Clues obtained by the detective in question, and others, being followed up by the -officers named, and their JRavenna coadjutors, resulted in the breaking up of an extensive gang of counterfeiters in Portage, Columbiana, Mahoning and Cuyahoga counties. In these raids some $15,000 or $20,000 of spurious money — paper and coin — and a full wagon load of apparatus and material, consisting in part of a bank note press, rolling mill, machine for stamping coin, dies, coin in the rough, finished coin, engravers' tools, crucibles, galvanic batteries, paper, ink, acids, chemicals, and a lot of dentists' tools and daguerreotype apparatus, under cover of which the bogus business w^as carried on. Several quite important parties w^ere captured, w^ho, with the evidences of their guilt, were turned over to the authorities of the several counties interested, and of the United States authorities at Cleveland. But as these operations were outside of Summit county, it is not necessary to follow them here, and are only alluded to in this connection to show how extensively the counter- feiting virus ramified the social fabric a third of a century ago, and as demonstrative of the zeal and skill exhibited by the public and private officers and detectives of Akron and Summit county, in the detection and punishment of crime, during the same period. THE SHERIFF HIMSELF VICTIMIZED. During the Avriter's first incumbency of the sheriff's office, from 1856 to 1861, among other official civil transactions was the closing, on attachment, of quite an extensive dry goods store at Cuyahoga Falls. Delaying the appraisement for a few days, to give the parties an opportunity to amicably adjust matters with their creditors, if possible, it was found, on proceeding with the inventory, under the direction of the chief clerk of the firm, that about one thousand dollars' worth of choice goods had meantime been abstracted from the stock. Efforts were immediately made to trace the robbers, among other things a copy of the private cost mark of the firm being sent to Chief of Police Michael Gallagher, of Cleveland. This was on Friday. On Saturday morning I took Marshal J. J. Wright with me to Cuyahoga Falls, to aid in the investigation. We soon struck a supposed clue, by which it was deemed important to intercept a box and several packages of goods w^hich had been shipped to parties in Detroit a few days previously. There w^as then no tele- graph office in either Akron or Cuyahoga Falls, and at about 11 o'clock A. M. I started, by team, for Hudson, for the purpose indi- cated. When about half way between Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson, on the diagonal road, I met a young man in a buggy driving as rapidly as myself, who, recognizing me as we passed, shouted that he had a message for me. On tearing open the envelope, I found it to be a telegram from Chief Gallagher, saying: " I've got the thieves and the goods stolen from Cuyahoga Falls. Come quick." Finding, on inquiry, that a Cleveland bound train w^as due in Hud- son in about twenty minutes, I let that little grey team of mine go, pulling up at the Hudson depot just as the train was pulling in. 1156 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Giving my ponies to a boy to take to a livery stable, I boarded the train for Cleveland. On reaching police headquarters, I found two large satchels full of the Cuyahoga Falls goods, *with a por- tion of the cost marks still attached, and on going to the jail I found tw^o most villainous looking fellows w^ho had been captured w^ith said goods in their possession. It appeared that they had boarded a Detroit steamer, and had endeavored to exchange a por- tion of the plunder for transportation to Detroit, but exhibited such awkwardness in handling, and such ignorance in regard to the value of the goods, as to excite the suspicion of the clerk of the boat, who put the police upon their track. Being found shortly afterw^ards in a river saloon, endeavoring to sell their plunder, they were taken into custody, and on arriving at the police station, Gallagher needed but a glance at the contents of the satchels to indicate the source whence they came, and wired me as stated. Borrowing the necessary "jewels" from the Cleveland offi- cers, I chained the tw^o "commercial travelers" together and brought them and their plunder home with me. The goods cap- tured amounted in value to perhaps $50, ^vhile as near as could be calculated at least $1,000 w^orth had been stolen. The application of the "pump" failed to elicit any definite information in regard to the missing goods, though it was found, from them and other sources, that the fellow^s had, for several weeks, without any visi- ble occupation, been making their headquarters with a brother of one of them living on the outskirts of the village. The next daj'' (Sunday) this house and vicinity were most thorougly searched by myself, i)eputy Sheriff A. R. Townsend, Marshal J. J. Wright, and Constables James Burlison and David A. Scott. The only clue found to the missing goods was several cost mark tags, in a cavitj^ found on the top of a buckw^heat straw-stack, where they had evi- dently first been concealed until they could be removed to safer quarters. The house in question stood on a sidehill, being a story and a half in front, w^ith a basement kitchen in the rear, and a small cel- lar opening out of it under the front part of the house. In this cellar I noticed quite a quantity of loose, gravelly dirt, in a sort of bin, across one end of the cellar, creating an impression on my mind that the goods in question might be concealed in the cavity below, w^hence said dirt had come, the proprietor of the house, in replj" to our questions, saying that in excavating for the basement kitchen it had been saved to make the mortar for plastering the kitchen, adding that though he knew it was not very good plaster- ing sand the plasterer thought it w^ould do, for a rough job like that. Apparently accepting his statement as true, we left the prem- ises without discovering any further traces of our goods. But that dirt continued to agitate the minds of both Wright and my- self, and the next day w^e repaired again to that cellar, armed with the proper implements, determined to ascertain what there was underneath the dirt. Shoveling the dirt out of the bin, we found the cellar bottom perfectly hard and sound. Assuring ourselves that no excavation had been made there, in which the goods could have been concealed, we shoveled the dirt back into the bin, and began exploring the other parts of the cellar. The space UNEARTHING THE BURIED PLUNDER. 1157 heing a little cramped for two to work to advantage, I left Wright to continue the digging there while I went on a prospecting tour elsewhere. There was a small pantry underneath the stairs lead- ing from the basement kitchen to the room above, and it seemed to me that, on removing the flour barrel and sundry other articles from the pantry, the floor could be raised up like a trap door. This supposition, however, was found to be incorrecf, but on feel- ing around, in the darkness, I fished out of a little cubby-hole in the lower angle of the stairs, about a bushel of packages of spices, sauces, etc., which the marshal recognized as part of quite a quan- tity of goods stolen a week or two previously from the grocery store of Adam Schaaf at Bettes' Corners, and also a quantity of carpenters' tools recently stolen from the pattern shop of the Akron Stove Company. Loading this find into his buggy, Wright proceeded to Akron, and arrested the owner of the house in question, who was work- ing there during the day, and lodged him in jail. The next day, being unable to go myself. Constable Burlison accompanied Wright to the scene of operations, with instructions to dig until they found those goods, if they had to tear up the kitchen floor, or, if necessary, dig over the entire lot. Commencing w^here Wright had left off the evening before, they had not been long at work, before, close to the partition between the cellar and the kitchen, they struck into soft earth, and presently, a foot or so below the surface, came upon a large tool chest and a smaller box, which, on being elevated to the surface and opened, were found to be filled w^ith the burglarized goods in question. On taking an inventory, the total of the goods thus found, at cost prices, w^as found to be about $800, the chief clerk of the firm, from his familiarity with the stock, insisting that about $200 worth of the stock was still missing, though the most diligent search of myself and others failed to discover them. A SIXTEEN- YEAR-OLD BOY IMPLICATED. Further investigation implicated the sixteen-year-old son of one of the most repectable families of the neighborhood, and in whose straw-stack the cost-tags above spoken of were found, and he, too, was taken into custody. On being interrogated by Prose- cuting Attorney Henry McKinney, he made a clean breast of it, relating how he had been inveigled into the schemes of the bur- glars and had assisted them in removing the goods from the store to the straw-stack, whence, on a subsequent night, they were transferred to the place where found, but that no part of the plun-