740 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO
HUNTSBURG.
BY SYLVESTER CLAPP, ESQ., OF HUNTSBURG.
The tract of land now known as Huntsburg, Geauga county, Ohio, will also be found named in the sixth range of townships, in the Western Reserve, also as the "eight tract," counting from the northern tier of townships in said Reserve. This tract of land was bought of Connecticut in 1803, by two men—Eben Hunt and John Breck, of Northampton, Massachusetts. From Hunt it took its name. Some time, however, after the settlement of Huntsburg, there was an effort made to change the name, but it failed.
Hunt & Breck, immediately after making their purchase, employed a man by the name of Bond to survey the township off, into quarter sections. It was, in 1806, surveyed into lots, of which there are just one hundred. Number one, commencing in the southwest corner, and ending with one hundred, in the northwest corner.
This township is probably laid out the best of any in the county, as to roads. It being five miles square, it is, therefore, laid out into square miles; and, consequently, there is a road around every square mile, with only a few exceptions, making it very convenient for small farms. It was an original idea with Lewis Hunt, son of the purchaser (who afterwards settled in Huntsburg), to have each settler take up only fifty acres of land, which whould make him a farm of fifty rods wide by one hundred and sixty rods long. This regulation was at first very well kept, but afterwards the rule was broken over, and large farms became the order of the day.
SURFACE.
The surface is quite undulating, except in the east part of the township, where it is quite level. Two streams of water, known as Phelps creek, one coming from the north and the other directly from the south, intersect each other near the center road, in the eastern part of the township, and after forming a junction, the united streams flow east and unite with Grand river, which empties into Lake Eire, at Fairport. The eastern branch of the Cuyhoga also rises in Montville, and runs, alternately, across the western boundary, in a southerly direction until it unites with the western branch, near Burton, and thence on till it reaches Lake Erie, at Cleveland. The source and direction of these streams show conclusively that we are on the height of the land between Lake Erie and the Ohio river. The only other stream, worthy of remark, is one that rises one half mile west of the north and south center road, near the north line of the township, and runs directly south, and was formerly known as Finley's creek.
SOIL
The soil of Huntsburg, for the most part, is clay, except in the southwestern part, where it is somewhat gravelly, or of a sandy loam, and better fitted for ploughing, than for grazing. This tract, now known as Huntsburg, was, at first, very heavily timbered, consisting of beach and maple; also, large quantities of saw timber,—immense poplars (or what is commonly called Whitewood); also, cucumber, ash, chestnut, and some cherry, and black walnut Very many of those large whitewoods have been burnt up, to get them out of the way, which, at the present day, would be worth fifty dollars apiece.
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PRODUCTIONS.
The chief production, from the commencement, has been something that could be made from grass, which has shown no signs of decreasing, to within a short time of the present writing, (1877). Now it seems as though it was about to leave us, and the bare fields stare us in the face, perhaps to warn us, that we have drawn too long on the soil, without putting back ar equivalent, for what we have taken. Up to 1836, the raising of stock was the principal thing, since that, cheese has been the chief production. Sheep have been raised to a limited extent. Fruit has done extremely well, and has been produced in large quantities for market.
SETTLEMENT.
The first person ever known to have taken his abode in the township of Huntsburg, in 1802 was a man by the name of John Finley. He was a hermit, and was found living in a hut, near a stream of water, which was afterwards called Finley's creek. Of the history of this strange man, but little is known, as he was not very communicative with the early settlers. He came from the State of Maryland, and was supposed to be thoroughly educated.
After the first settlers had established meetings for worship, he was sometimes asked to read the sermons, in the absence of a minister, which, it is said, he used to do wrth more than ordrnary effect. Finley got his living mostly by hunting. Sometimes he would get one of the settlers to bake some bread for him. Although he had lived alone in the woods for a long time, he was, nevertheless, greatly frightened at thunder and lightning, and would, at such times, run for the nearest settler. He remained in Huntsburg but a short time, after the settlers began to come in, and left Huntsburg in 1814, and suddenly took his departure for parts unknown.
Hunt & Breck, after making their purchase, became anxious to have their lands settled. Consequently, they offered inducements to young men, in the vicinity of Northampton, and one man, Stephen Pomeroy, concluded he would try it. He had a family of six small children three boys and three girls. He resolved, first, to go and see the country for himself. So one morning, early in the month of April, 1807, he shouldered his knapsack, and started for Ohio. After a long and somewhat tedious journey, he arrived safely on the spot, which was to be his future home. Captain Thompson, of Batavia, (now Middlefield), having settled in this township in 1799, first showed Pomeroy within the limits of Huntsburg, and the same day, Mr. Pomeroy chose the piece of land, on which he wished to plant a home, it being the place now owned by H. S. Pome-
roy, his grandson. Mr, Pomeroy, after putting up a log cabin, returned to Massachusetts, and the next season, 18o8, started with his entire family; also, taking three horses and a covered wagon, together with such utensils as seemed necessary for a pioneer life. They were six weeks on the road, but met with no sad reverses, until they arrived at Painesville, where there were but two houses. While on the road, (or rather coming through the woods from Painesville to Huntsburg, and near what is called "Big Hollow," and just at night, the wagon upset, and turned its contents on the ground. This was the first time, on all the route, that Mrs. Pomeroy's courage seemed to fail her, after seeing her nice set of crockery nearly broken to pieces, in a dense wilderness, without any prospect of having it replaced, it almost made her wish for her old home again. But a few words of cheer, from her husband, dispelled the gloomy countenance, the wagon was soon righted up, the creek crossed, and they camped for the night among the hemlocks. The next day, they arrived at their wilderness entered their log cabin, and commenced their, pioneer life, August I9, 1808. Two other young men took up land the same year, Paul Clapp
742 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
and E, Wilcox. Paul Clapp took the lot adjoining Pomeroy's, built a log cabin, and moved his family in six weeks after Mr. Pomeroy moved into his. Wilcox, also, settled the same summer. These were the first three families of Hunts-burg. They were the only families, till 181o, when three more came in, viz:
Darius Carlton, Samuel Hardy, and Samuel Herriman. Abner Clark came in 1811.
About 1812 Charles Sweet came into the township, and built a mill on Fin- ley's creek, which proved to be a failure.
In 1813 two more families came, William Reed and Simeon Moss, making how eight families, besides three young men, unmarried: Guy Carlton, John Townley, and Theodorus Miller.
In 1812 war broke out again between the United States and England, which checked emigration, and for three years there were no additions to the settlers in Huntsburg. But, at the close of the war, emigration again set in, and in 1818 many young men came into the town, among whom were John Church, John Howell, Joseph Tucker, J. M. P. Clark, and Asa Church. They commenced settlements at once near the center of the township.
Charles Clapp and Eben Clark came in 1818, and settled north of the center, as also did J. M. P. Clark. From 1818 to 1821, large additions were made to the settlers. The following families settled in the northwest part of the town: Aaron Scott, Alvin Kile, Moses Grey, Abram Marble, Nat. Marble, two families of Beardsleys, William Starkey, and Lewis. Gormam. These formed a neighborhood, which was often called "Scottsburg." This vicinity was afterwards noted for its Morman advocates, Joe Smith having made many converts here, some of whom followed him to Illinois.
Settlers continued to arrive now in great numbers, and up to 1837 there was no abatement, and at this time the number of inhabitants within the township, amounted to nearly one thousand. Since then, the number has decreased. When the cry "Westward Ho!" rang through the land, many, very many from Huntsburg caught the spirit, and left for the "far west."
LIVES OF THE FIRST PIONEERS.
Stephen Pomeroy, as has already been mentioned, had six children. He always expressed a desire to see his children settle around him in Huntsburg. This desire he lived to see fulfilled.
Lucretia, the oldest, married Theodorus Miller, and located but a short distance from her father's house. She lived, however, but a few years; had but two children : Stephen and Emeline; Stephen being the first boy born in Huntsburg.
Elijah, the second child and oldest boy, also built him a house adjoining his father's (he learned the carpenter's trade), married a daughter of Aaron. Scott, and had seven children.
Horace, the third, remained on the old place, married Vilita Kile, and had two children: Spencer and Orange. Horace died in 1860.
Malinda, the fourth child and second daughter, married Charles Clapp, who also lived in the same township. She had three children, and at this present writing (1877), is still living.
The fifth child, Stephen B. Pomeroy, at first located on a farm in Huntsburg, and was a resident of the town when his father died, but has since moved to Chardon, and is still living.
Lydia, the sixth and youngest, married Thomas Clapp, and lived in the north part of the town, and had five boys, four of them now deceased. She is still living.
Mr. Pomeroy was chosen one of the first judges of the township election; also
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was chosen deacon of the church, was a firm supporter of the same, always cheerful; especially in the darkest hours, looking on the bright side. When hunger stared him and his family in the face, he would say, "Providence will provide." He lived to see his children's children settled around him, and died in 1854, aged eighty-five. Four of his children are still living. His wife died in 1837.
Paul Clapp came into the township in 1808. He was from the State of New York, and had a family of five children when he came, and afterwards had five more, making ten in all. As he seemed to be the best educated man of all the settlers, Mr. Clapp was chosen to teach the first school in Huntsburg. This vocation he followed for a good many winters, that season being the only one he could well leave the farm. In 1815 he met with a serious accident, which made him a cripple for life. As he was smoothing out a store trough with an adz, he cut his foot, severing the main artery, which, for want of a surgeon, was not properly taken up, and, in consequence, the wound did not heal well, and made him a cripple. Mr. Clapp was a stirring man somewhat impulsive, but always forward in every good work. The names of his children were: Alonzo (who died young), Patty, Theda, Emerson, Carlton, Chester, Caroline, Electa, Elvira, and Climena. Electa was the first female child born in Huntsburg, and is still living. Theda married Lyman Millard. She and her husband are still living in Huntsburg. At all organizations in the newly formed township, Mr. Clapp seemed to occupy a very conspicuous place. He was chosen the first clerk of the first church, organized in 1818, and also the first clerk of the township in 182r, and held this office eight years. In 1836 he was elected 'justice of the peace, and held that office three years. Five of Mr. Clapp's children are now living, two only (Theda and Electa) in Huntsburg. Mr. Clapp died in
1847.
Elnathan Wilcox was the third pioneer, and settled on the lot east of Mr. Clapp. He had only two children, Bennett and Laura, and was from New York State. Soon after he came to Huntsburg he was quite anxious to get some venison, but not being accustomed to hunting much, especially deer, he laid in with Captain Thompson, of Middlefield, to kill one for him. Thompson said he had two prices for killing deer. He would kill a deer for one cent a pound, but Wilcox should go to the spot where the deer was killed, and bring it in himself; or, he (Thompson) would carry the deer to him for one and a half cents per pound. Wilcox chose the latter. Thompson took his gun the next morning, and went within a few rods of Wilcox's house and shot a deer, dressed it, and soon very easily deliered his game. Mr. Wilcox's health was very poor during the latter part of his life. He died in 1839, aged fifty-six. None of his descendants now live in Huntsburg.
Hardy and Herriman commenced settlements in '810. Hardy built a log cabin opposite the "Old burying ground," one mile south of the center. His child, eleven years old, was the first one buried in the township. Herriman built his cabin near by Hardy's, on the corner now owned by Allen Cleveland. The two families remained but a short time in the township, and left for other
places.
Darius Carlton came the same year, and opened a clearing on the corner where now stands the Barnes' school-house, two miles south of the center. He and his wife lived but a few years, they being somewhat advanced in life. Guy Carlton, who has already been mentioned, was their son, who also settled in the north part of the township, and brought up a large family.
Abner Clark came in 1811. He had a large family—nine children in all. He took up quite a large tract of land at the center—the, southeast corner—built his house nearly a half a mile south, where James Strong now lives. Mr.
744 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
Clark was a prominent man in the church, and took the lead in singing for many years. His children at first settled near him, but afterwards scattered in various directions; none of whom now reside in the township. Mr. Clark died in 1844, aged eighty-one.
William Reed arrived in 1803, and brought with him a large family from the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Reed settled on Finley's creek, where Mr. Sweet had attempted to build a mill. This was the first and only grist-mill ever built in the township. Mr. Sweet did not succeed in doing much with it, but Mr. Reed set the thing going, and, for a number of years, it turned out hominy for the hungry pioneers. This mill used to stand where the cheese factory (called the Latham factory) now stands. Mr. Reed's children also settled near him, so much so, that the road on which they resided was, for a long time, called "Reed's" street, but none of the family now remain there.
Simeon Moss was born at Great Barrington, Massachusetts, the year 1785. He was married to Elizabeth Burton, by Esquire Hickox. They located on lot eighty-four in Burton, and a point on the river, east of his house, was called Moss' landing. He was sawyer for Punderson at the Rapids' mill, and for a time his family lived there. The Indians had wigwams near his house. Charles was an infant in the cradle when the red-skins drew his mother by the hair over the cradle, on purpose to frighten her. They lived north of Deacon Cook's in 1813. The children were William Chapin, Charles N., Hannah, Perry, Betsey, Ruby, Lucien, John, and Theda.
He was ensign in the company that went to Cleveland in 1812. Afterwards was militia captain, and trained at Johnson's corners, and also in the Burton rifle company. Prosecuting the trade of stone-mason, he built many cellars, and, when the frame for Anson Ford's house was completed on number nine, he called off "a good frame deserves a good name, what shall we call it? Northeastern castle, I say," and it took that name.
In 1813 he removed to Huntsburg, and settled on the farm where his son Charles now resides. Cutting a tree near his house, it struck a stub, in falling, and was turned upon the house, smashing the plate and beam. Only Mrs. Moss was hurt, though the accident caused great alarm. Both he and his wife were members of the Disciple church.
About 1837, he went to Beardstown, Illinois, where he engaged in making brick. Lung troubles came on, sickness wasted him, and he died there in 1840. The farm in Huntsburg was mortgaged, and he had hoped to be able to pay for it. But it was sold, and bought in by his son, Charles, who worked faithfully, and paid all of the money borrowed, to redeem it, to H. H. Ford and Seldon Brooks, before it was due. Mr. Moss was a great worker, and split one thousand rails for Captain Patchin in less than two days.
Charles Moss, a generous and respected citizen, lives comfortably on the farm. Both he and his wife are strong and faithful supporters of the Disciple church. They have no children, but their home has been one of care and friendship to the orphan.
Chapin Moss bought the old Howells farm north of his father's home. He was a zealous member and worker in the Disciple church, and a strong anti-slavery man. He died some years since, leaving a large family. In the fostering care of his widow, who still survives him, this family has been raised to years of responsibility, and the eldest son, Charles, succeeds his father in earnest work for the church. Theda became Mrs. Beardsley, and still lives in Huntsburg.
FROM 1816 TO 1821.
Brief mention only can now be made of those who came after the war, and np to the organization of the township, in 1821. It will take more time than the
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writer has at his disposal, to do these early pioneers justice. Suffice it to say, they were all young men of undying energy, or else how could such a dense forest disappear before them, and, instead, the green fields made to appear. How many hard strokes of the woodman's axe, how many hard day's work in log-rolling, to prepare the timber for the fire, we, of the present generation, little know. Let us, then, hand their names down in history, so that, whosoever may chance to see them thus recorded, will also do them reverence, retaining them in their memory, and it is to be hoped, too, that all future descendants of these brave pioneers, will not forget their ancestors, their struggles for life, and their anxiety, too, for the welfare of their children.
Charles Clapp, the father of the writer, was born in Westhampton, Massachusetts, in 1793; came to Ohio in 1817; spent one year in Madison, now in Lake county, and the next summer came to Huntsburg, being the first to take up land in the north part of the township. He selected three hundred acres, but afterwards sold one hundred to Thomas Clapp, his cousin. He married a daughter of Stephen Pomeroy, and had three children, viz: Sylvester, Eliza, and Sophia. Mr. Clapp was a man of limited education, but was very desirous that his children should acquire it, and he did all in his power to give them a passable education.
In those early days corn huskings used to be quite common, and it was necessary sometimes to go out of the town for huskers. Mr. Clapp having occasion, at one time, to make one of these "husking-bees," started one afternoon for Hambden, to invite his company. He followed a path through the woods, but, for some reason, got off it, and became lost. He soon saw that he was wandering round in a circle, and, night coming on, he concluded the only way was to ascend a tree and wait for morning, which he did, with his faithful dog at the foot. His slumbers were somewhat disturbed by wolves coming around and making the brush crack by their stealthy tread, but his dog kept them at a proper distance. At the first appearance of day he descended from his roost, and was not long finding his path, and arrived at his house to find that his wife was about to arouse the neighbors to institute a search for her lost companion.
Mr. Clapp was active, diligent in business, healthy and robust, and was never known to lie down in the day time on a couch or lounge till his last sickness, which lasted nearly a year before he died. His death occurred in 1870, at the age of seventy-seven. Mrs. Clapp is still living.
Thomas Clapp also came from Westhampton, some four or five years after Charles. He married Lydia Pomeroy, who presented him, in due time, with five boys. Four of them died suddenly, within a short time of each other, Mr. Clapp dying just before. Thus, by a sudden stroke, and within a very short time, nearly a whole family left for the unseen world. The wife and one son
still remain.
Aaron Scott came in 1818, with six children, all of whom settled near him. Mr. Scott was a prominent man in organizing the township, he being the first justice of the peace, and held the office for eighteen consecutive years.
Alvin Kyle came in 1825, and commenced settlement in the same neighborhood. Mr. Kyle and wife are still living. Both have been very active members of the Methodist church, and still are firm in the faith. Mr. Kyle also has been one of the old "stand-bys" in the Democratic party, having voted first and last for the Democratic nominee.
William Starkey, formerly from Connecticut, came to Huntsburg in 1816. Mr. Starkey married a daughter of William Tucker; both are still living. Mr. Starkey has always lived in Huntsburg, and is familiar with its history. He used to be a distinguished hunter.
There are others who came before 1821, but the writer, not being familiar
746 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
with their history, will only mention their names: J. M. P. Clark, Ebenezer Clark, Solomon Payne, Daniel Clark, and John Howell, the later worked for Mr. Lewis Hunt and managed his farm for a series of years.
Lewis Hunt was a son of Dr. E. Hunt, the proprietor of half of the township. After Dr. Hunt died his property was divided between his sons, and the land in Huntsburg fell to Lewis. He accordingly came to Huntsburg in 1817, and took charge of his lands. Mr. Hunt was anxious to build up a first-class township. He advised all the early settlers to take small farms, and not to exceed fifty acres. This, he said, would make near neighbors, and good farms as well as good schools. If this plan could have been carried out, it undoubtedly would have been the best thing ever happened to Huntsburg, but now we see the reverse. Men got so they wanted to buy all the land that joins them, and the consequence is, we see homes deserted, buildings torn down, and school-houses vacant. Mr. Hunt having more than an ordinary education, and also having traveled extensively (in France and other parts of Europe), came to Huntsburg, and selected the southwest corner, at the, center of the township, and commenced a model farm. One of his first efforts was to set out a nursery of apple trees, also other fruit trees, and in a few years he was able to supply the township with trees for orchards. He set out an orchard himself, containing some of the best grafted fruit in the country. The Baldwin apple was introdued by Mr. Hunt, although not known by that name for many years afterwards. Mr. Hunt set shade trees along the road, at an early day, when all the rest of the people thought they had shade enough. But those mighty elms, planted by his hand when small, now stand as monuments of a cultivated taste, and loud has been the praise of those who came after for such a worthy deed.
But Mr. Hunt was not long to enjoy his improvements. In 1833, he went back to Massachusetts, and brought with him a young man (Samuel Bodman) to take charge of his Ohio farm. Mr. Bodman had but just got fairly settled before Mr. Hunt was taken with an apoplectic fit and died instantly, which occurred in 1833. His affairs were settled by Mr. Bodman, and the memory of Mr. Hunt is only retained by a few, except, perhaps, it be retained in the name of the township itself.
The north and south center road was mostly settled by people from Massachusetts and Connecticut. The names of the first settlers on this road, beginning at the north line of the township, may now be given: Elisha Smith, Harvey Strong, Rowland Strong, Baxter Strong, Paul Wright, Thomas Clapp, Charles Clapp, Guy Carlton, D. Tucker, Quartus Phelps, H. Tucker, Wm. Tucker, J.. M. P. Clark, Eben Clark, J. W. Bracket, Moses Tucker, Asa Church, Lewis Hunt, Abner Clark, Daniel Clark, Doctor Breck, Deacon Witter, Samuel Hardy, Samuel Herriman, Theodorus Miller, Quartus Clark, Fordyce Rust, Darius Carlton, Elnathan Wilcox, Paul Clapp, and Stephen Pomeroy. All of the above are now dead except three, who more recently settled within the township, but were the first to occupy their land.
After 1832 and 1833, many families came from Massachusetts, of whom were Samuel Bodman, Charles Bridgman, Theodore Bridgman, Ansel Bridgman (who was pastor of the church in Huntsburg), and still later, several families of Strongs, and from Connecticut, four families of Barneses. After Mr. Hunt's death Mr. Bodman was made administrator, there being no will, and his affairs being complicated by reason of so many real estate contracts, it was a long time before matters could be brought to a close. This, however, Mr. Bodman brought about, to the entire satisfaction of all parties.
Mr. Bodman sold the Hunt farm, and chose one for himself in the north part of the town, the one, first taken by Paul Wright. He now resides on the same.
The Strong family became very numerous in Huntsburg. There were four
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brothers with large families, viz: Noble, Amasa, Asahel, and Harvey. Their children are too numerous to mention in this history, but suffice it to say they are all esteemed as first-class citizens, honest, industrious and good livers.
There are other names that are prominent in the history of Huntsburg, some of which can be named: Clarks, Louds, Dickenson, Dixon, Baker, Hughs, Woodward, Hall, Sober, Smith, Hale, Morse, Tucker, Loomis, etc.
MERCHANTS.
The first store was in charge of Jared Clark, and did not run long.
Warren Loomis came from Connecticut in 1832, and built a store on the northeast corner, at the center. He traded for a long time, and retired on a farm near by. G. L. Kyle succeeded him, was in trade for a number of years, and finally burnt out.
After Kyle's store was burned, a joint stock company built a store building on the northwest corner, and rented it to Thompson and Church. They traded for a year, then dissolved partnership, Thompson taking it alone for four or five years, then sold out to Smith Wright, who traded till his death, which occurred in 1873.
Mrs. Wright remained in trade till the spring of 1876, and then sold out to Rose & Smith, who were together but a few months, when they, in turn, sold to Smith & Pease.
Burton Armstrong built a store, a little south of the corners, in 1869, was in trade only a short time, and then sold to Smith Wright. Mr. Armstrong afterwards formed a company with H. P. Kyle, who now remain in trade, and occupy a building on the southwest corner.
ORGANIZATION.
The township was not politically organized till 1821.
At a meeting of the board of commissioners of Geauga county, held at Chardon, the third day of April, 1821, it was, by said board.
"Resolved, That township number eight, in range six, be, and the same is hereby set off as a township, separate and apart from the 1ownship of Batavia. and to be known as the township of Huntsburg. Therefore, notice is hereby given to the electors of said township to meet at the town schoolhouse, for the purpose of electing township officers, on the sixteenth day of April, 1821.
(A true copy.)
" RALPH COWLES.
"Clerk."
Agreeably to the foregoing notice, the electors of Huntsburg met, and chose Stephen Pomeroy, Wm. Reed, and Amos Morse, judges; and Paul Clapp and Asa Church, clerks. 'Whereupon the following persons were duly elected to office: .
Aaron Scott, - Justice of the Peace.
Paul Clapp, - Town Clerk.
Trustees
John Howell,
Eben Clark,
Guy Carlton,
Overseers of the Poor.
Daniel Clark,
Abner Clark,
Fence Viewers
Solomon Payne,
E. Wilcox
Appraisers
Stephen Pomeroy,
Paul Clapp,
The people have kept up the organization, and the township and State elec
Lions have been generally well attended.
The following persons have been elected to the office of justice of the peace'
Aaron Scott,
Paul Clapp,
Zenas Barnes,
W. Bracket,
Enoch Beardsley,
S. B. Pomroy,
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Samuel Rodman
Horace Morse,
J. M. Clapp,
Warren Loomis,
Nefson Woodard,
A. W. Strong,
Z. M. Strong,
S. E. Clapp,
A. E. Millard.
The politics of Huntsburg were at first largely Whig, and then Republican. Many of the electors espoused the Free-soil party, in 1848. There are now (1876) but two of the first voters, who voted at the first election, in 1821, viz: Elijah Pomeroy and Amaziah Townsley. The number of electors have ranged from one hundred and fifty to two hundred and twenty, as near as we can get at it.
Some of the citizens have been chosen for county offices. J. W. Bracket was appointed associate judge, as also Samuel Bodman; J. M. Clapp and S. E. Clapp, sheriffs; Warren Loomis was elected county treasurer, in 1850; also Samuel E. Bodman, in 1874, and 0. M. Barnes is at present one of the county commissioners.
EDUCATION.
Huntsburg being a healthy location, there was at one time considerable talk of locating the Western Reserve College here, but all of the citizens did not take hold of the matter as they should, and another township won the prize. As a general thing, the common schools have been as well sustained in Huntsburg as in any other township in the county, perhaps. There were, at first, ten sub-districts organized, but has since been reduced to eight. There are, consequently, eight good school-houses in Huntsburg, and kept in good repair.
Elijah Pomeroy, Lyman Millard and Charles Clapp once made an effort to. build an academy. A subscription was started and a plan of the building made, but the subscription did not come up to the requirements of the plan, and it fell
through.
The above citizens, together with Zenas Barnes, were the first to employ a teacher for a select school. Miss Case, from Austinburg, was the teacher employed.
ACCIDENTS.
Asa Church was killed by the falling of a tree in 1826. He started for Montville on foot, to see a neighbor. He took his axe along for the purpose of hunting coons by the way. Nothing more being heard of him for three days, the citizens became alarmed and turned out and searched the woods from Montville to Huntsburg. They formed a line, so extended that each man was within speaking distance of his neighbor. When found, a horn was to be blown so that it might he heard along the whole line. He was found the second day of the search, in the northwest part of the township. Samuel Nye, of Montville, was the first to discover him.
Chester Gardner was killed by the limb of a tree, while gathering chestnuts, in the west part of the township.
In 1834 Orange Kile was killed by the wheel of a grist-mill in Burton.
Somewhere about 1838 or '39, Edmund Phelps had two little boys, who were drowned while bathing in a mill-pond, on the Cuyahoga. This event cast a gloom over the entire township. Many were at the funeral to sympathize with the bereaved.
Calvin Strong hung himself, by a rope extending from a beam in the barn, in 1854 He was twenty-six years old.
Joseph Eggleston, who also resided in the west part of the township, was thrown from a horse and his neck broken.
But one murder ever occurred in Huntsburg, and that quite recently. Willard Smith was struck by a piece of board in the hands of a man by the name
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of Bennett, which resulted in the death of Smith. Bennett was convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary.
The citizens of Huntsburg have been, generally, .a law-abiding people, always foremost in sustaining good morals. Also, it has been the chief aim of parents to bring up their children to habits of industry and economy, at the same time permitting them to become acquainted with the ways of the world, that they may become familiar with its progress and improvements, and not be behind in intelligence and common sense. About forty of the citizens of Huntsburg went to Philadelphia to attend the Centennial, and came back with enlarged views of the world and its inventions.
We trust there is a bright future for the rising generation of Huntsburg. But, while they may enjoy all these modern blessings, we trust, also, that the children will never forget the brave hearts that opened the way to the enjoyment of these blessings.
CHURCH HISTORY.
The first settlers of Huntsburg were Christian people, and were accustomed to meet on the Sabbath, in each other's cabins, for religious worship and the study of the word of God. As early as 1809, Rev. Joseph Badger, the missionary preacher, as he was called, visited the people of Huntsburg, and was the first to expound to them the word of God.
The first church was organized in 1818, by Revs. Loomis and Humphrey, and ecclesiastically connected with Grand River presbytery. The first members of this organization were Stephen Pomeroy, Paul Clapp, Theodorus Miller, John Townsley, Nancy Clapp, Lydia Pomeroy, and widow Johnson. In 1836; a majority of the members declared themselves independent of the presbytery, and at once organized as a Congregational church. In 1850, Rev. V. D. Tap for was instrumental in reconcihng the differences among the members of the church, and, under his influence, the present organization was effected. Rev. Wm. Strong was the first regularly employed minister, in 1818. Following him were Rev. Austin Dexter Witter, Wilson Cobb, H. L Hitchcock, and Ansel Bridgman. The church has since employed the following ministers:
Wm. P.. Sadd, 1840.
James A. Hallock, 1842.
E. Scott, 1843.
A. N. Prentice. 1844.
Sherman D. Taylor, 1845
S. N. Manning, 1846.
V. D. Taylor, from Oct., 1850, to Nov., 1854.
Lemuel Pomeroy, from Jan., 1855, to Mar., 1861.
B. F. Sharp, from Sept., 1861, to June, 1864.
J. B. Davidson, from Oct., 1864, to 1865.
H. B. Hall, from May, 1865, to May, 1866.
H. W. Stratton, from July, 1866, to 1869.
J. Burnell, from 1870 to 1871.
E. W. Gaylord, from 1871 to 1872.
C. E. Page, from 1872 to 1874.
E. D. Taylor, employed six months.
J. E. Carey, came Nov., 1875, and is still [1878] pastor of the church.
The following named persons have served the church as deacons.
Stephen Pomeroy and Daniel Clark, chosen first deacons.
J. S. Alvord and Asa Smith, chosen March, - 1843.
1.. P. Parsons and Calvin Hannum, chosen April, - 1851.
S. A. Clark and I.. P. Parsons, chosen March, 1864.
Since then, A. W. Strong, Francis Judd, and Lucas Hannum have been chosen deacons.
The church was organized in a log school-house, then standing on the south side of the road, near where V. T. Barnes now lives. The house now occupied by the Methodist church, was the first building erected and used for church purposes. When the church divided, in 1836, the seceding portion began the erection of the present edifice, which was completed at a cost of two thousand dollars, and dedicated in 1847. In 1867 the house was moved and repaired, at a cost of about five thousand dollars, and re-consecrated to the service of God, February 25, 1868. The church and the society are greatly indebted to S. A. Clark, who liberally extended the church grounds, besides being the largest money subscriber, also spending much time, both in raising the needful funds and superintending the work. S. Clapp arid L W. Judd, with the
750 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
pastor, H. W. Stratton, formed the executive committee of construction, and H. Burton, the builder.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In the year 1826 Francis L Dixon and Joseph Kile came to this place—the first Methodists. The society was organized in the spring of 1827, at the house of Joseph Kile, one mile south of the center of the township. Francis L. Dixon, Joseph Kile, Anna Kile, Vilitta Kile, and Widow Graves, were the first members, of whom Vilitta Kile is now (1878) living. Lucena Kile, wife of Alvin Kile, and Chloe Dixon, wife of Francis Dixon, were the first who united on probation. Alvin Kile was the first one converted, and, soon after, with thirteen others, was baptized, in a school-house, one mile west and one north of the center, John Norris, of Windsor, officiating.
Names of all the ministers who have served the church up to the present time cannot be given. Peter Q. Horton and Ira Eddy were the first Methodist preachers in Huntsburg; William C. Henderson the first regular circuit preacher. The second minister was a young man, whose name cannot be recalled, but who is worthy of mention, for he labored to that extent, and, from over-exertion, sickened and died. The third preacher was John Chandler. After, and up to the present: Alvin Burges, Samuel Wilkinson, H. D. Cole, William Matison, N. W. Shurick, J. W. Akin, B. F. Kenneda, A. Norton, W. Collister, B. F. Wade, J. H. Vance, G. J. Bliss, J. B. Hammond, T. Radcliff, J. B. Torrey, D. Smith, B. C. Warner, G. H. Fairbanks, S. Collier. A. Falkner, E. C. Latimer, and H. J. Hunscher, who is the present minister.
Presiding elders are: John Baine, Moses Hill, E. Chapin, W. F. Wilson, James Greer, C. Prindle, John Graham, and D. C. Osborne.
This society has sent out three ministers, who have proved efficient workers in the church, viz: Asa Reeves, H. M. Loud, and E. R. Knapp.
This church first belonged to Pittsburgh conference. After a few years the northern part of said conference, was cut off from Pittsburgh and formed a new conference, called Erie conference, to which she belonged, until 1875, when Erie was divided and that part of the territory lying in the State of Ohio, formed a new conference, called "east Ohio," to which she now belongs. This conference has two hundred and forty-six effective ministers, and a membership of forty-one thousand six hundred and twenty-seven.
CHURCH EDIFICE.
About an acre of land, and a house upon it, was purchased of the Presbyterian society in the year 1834. Has been repaired since, and is a comfortable house. There is also a good parsonage owned by the society.
The Methodist society at present numbers sixty-four members in full connection, and five on probation. The first convert, Alvin Kile, is still living. Preaching service, class meetings and Sabbath-school are pretty well sustained.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
All the pioneers of Huntsburg met together for worship until 1820, when the following persons organized a Baptist church: Stoddard and wife, Lee and wife, Scott and wife, Wilcox and Perkins, Clark, John Howell and wife, Atwood and wife, John Townsley, Gorham and wife, A. Townsley and wife, and P. Church and wife. Their first minister was a man by the name of Woodworth, a notorious tobacco chewer, so much so that he would have a large quid in his mouth while preaching, and throw his spittle each side of the pulpit. It is to be supposed that preaching under such circumstances must have had a soothing effect upon the hearers, especially the female portion of them.
At this time the Baptists boasted of being the largest church in the township, but such boasting was of short duration, for their term of existence lasted hut
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 751
ten years, and at that time, what few members remained, joined themselves to the Disciple church.
In justice to those who were members of the Baptist church, it may be said that they were not always led by such a man as Woodworth, for Mr. I. Rider often preached to them, of whom it is said that he was a fine man.
In after years two other churches were established in Huntsburg, viz: Free Will Baptist and Christian. The former held forth at the school-house in Scottsburg, and the latter at the Clapp's school-house in the north part of the township.
MORMONISM.
I will now relate what I know of the Mormons who became such while living in Huntsburg, and afterwards left for the west, in company with the prophet, Joe Smith. I think it was in the year 1836 that a debate took place between a Rev. Mr. Tracy and Joe Smith, which continued two days. There were also several other Mormon elders present. The debate was held in a school-house just across the road from my house, affording me a good opportunity in listening
to the discussion. The question discussed was: "Are prophets needed at the present time?" The Mormons not only contended that they were needed, but that it was in accordance with Scripture, and prophets were ordained now, as in the time of Moses. If Tracy had held Smith to the passage of Scripture, "The law and the prophets were until John," I think he would have gained the day, but as it was, Smith was too much for him.
Soon after this debate, twelve families joined the Mormons. These families resided in the northwest corner of the township. Their names were as follows: Thomas Faunce, Noah M, Faunce, Peter Consolley, John Brower, William Brower, Joseph Brower, Hiram Cory, Reuben Barton, Moses Gardner, Abram Marble, Nat. Marble, and Alfred Dixon. Also from Claridon there were: D. Dudley, Samuel Phelps, and some others, who also joined and went off with the Mormons. Some of the above, however, got their eyes open, and came back, cured completely of their new doctrine. One of these, a Mr. Phelps, and wife, ran away from them. He could not consent to the practice of polygamy, and was foremost to denounce it, and in consequence his life was threatened by the Danites. By a little shrewd management he evaded the guard and made his way back, only too glad to escape so terrible an enemy. Mr. Dudley also came back to his family, who would not go with him.
Thus ends Mormonism, as connected with the history of Huntsburg.
PROFESSIONS.
Huntsburg may be considered to have furnished its full quota of physicians and lawyers. Of the former may be named: Asahel B. Strong, Orange Pomeroy, Joseph Atwood, Lemuel Atwood, Harmon Clark, Fordyce Millard, Ephraim Evans, Warren Sober, Wilber Tucker, Frank Pomeroy, Albert Leeland, James Leeland. And of lawyers: N. C. Woodard, and since leaving Huntsburg, John Scott, and six of J. M. P. Clark's sons have become lawyers.
752 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
MILITARY ROSTER,
One Revolutionary soldier formerly lived in Huntsburg—his name was Phifemon Church ; he was a drummer.
SOLDIERS OF 1812.
Stephen Pomeroy,
Theodorus Miller,
John Townley,
John Carlton,
Samuel Herriman,
Elnathan Wilcox,
Samuel Hardy,
John Finley.
SOLDIERS OF THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
H. P. Kile,
D. P. Maxwell,
Adolphus Holloway,
Gardner Pickett,
Peter Thayer,
Burt Holloway,
Henry Bostey,
C. R. Sneathen,
B. D. Millard,
Edward Parsons,
John Sneathen,
A. E. Millard,
Q. D. Millard,
Ansel Bridgman,
Oren Clark,
A. L. Millard,
John Bridgman,
John Drake,
H. M. Hues,
Edwin Bridgman,
S. Hale,
Sidney Hall,
Afonzo Hannum,
Joseph S. Kile,
Charles N. Moss,
Charles Crofut,
S. D. Tucker,
Sherburn Reed,
F. C. Conley,
O. Strong.
Lorenzo Starks,
David Conley,
Orfando C. Clark,
Andrew Styles,
D. W. Waters,
Joel Hues.
Spencer Sober,
Ira Hues,
W. Sober.
LIST OF SOLDIERS ENLISTED FROM HUNTSBURG, IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
H. P. Kile. First three months in 19th regiment; then in 41st, 3 years. Promoted to Captain.
Birney D. Millard, discharged. Disability,
Jesse Pickett,
S. D. Tucker; discharged.
Clay Vining,
COMPANY B, FORTY-FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Charles Shepard,
Charles A. Snow; served three years.
COMPANY G, FORTY-FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEER 1NFANTRY.
Lyman Newton; discharged.
Henry Buell; discharged.
Burt Holloway,
Henry Bosley; died from measles.
Lorenzo Morse; died at Camp Wickliff.
Sherman Dickens; died at Somerviffe.
Edward Parsons; died at Wickliff.
Andrew Stiles; served out time.
Adolphus Holfoway; wounded; re-enlisted.
Charles N. Moss; served out time.
John F. Bridgman; wounded; discharged; cripple.
Sherburne Reed; discharged.
George W. Hodges; re-enlisted.
Peter Thayer; taken prisoner at Pickets Mills.
Lorenzo Starkes; wounded, and discharged at Chickamauga.
Ira Hues; killed at Picket's Mills.
Sidney Hall; discharged; disability.
Dayton Maxwell; killed at Picket's Mills.
Harrison Hues; killed at Stone River,
Charles R. Sneathen; re-enlisted; served out time.
Thomas Jackson; served three years,
Frank Barker; killed at Chickamauga.
John Wesley; wounded; discharged; cripple.
Gardiner Pickett; re-enlisted.
SECOND OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
A. E. Millard; promoted captain.
John E. Mack; re-enlisted.
John Williams; wounded, and died at Ashland.
SIXTH AND SECOND OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
Smith Beardsley; discharged.
David Conley; discharged.
Rufus C. Warren; died from sun-stroke in Kansas.
William Frank; discharged.
Charles Crofutt; re-enlisted.
John D. Drake; re-enlisted.
Joseph S. Kile; discharged; since died.
SIXTH AND SECOND CAVALRY, AND ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH O. V. INFANTRY.
Philo Boughton; discharged; measles.
SIXTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
Alonzo Hannum; wounded; supposed to be dead.
Jerome Pickett, served out time.
TWENTY-NINTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Orlando Clark; died in Virginia.
Cooley Griffen; died from measles.
Stephen Crofutt; sent to Johnson's Island; served nine months.
William Smith; sent to Johnson’s Island; served nine months.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 753
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Philetus Townley; served time.
Ansel 0. Bridgman; died at Murfresboro; fever.
Edwin S. Bridgman; died in hospital; measles.
Fernando Conley; served time.
George W. Bosley; died at Mufresboro; measles.
Spencer Sober; died from measles.
Madison Dixon; died from measles.
Charles B. Mack; served time.
Austin Sober; died from measles.
Orestes L. Strong; discharged by reason of measles
Nathaniel Smith; wounded at Perryville, .
Ansel O. Bridgeman; died at Murfresboro; fever
Fernando Conley; served time.
Spencer Sober; died from measles.
Charles B. Mack; served time.
Orestes L. Strong; discharged by reason of measles.
NINTH BATTALION.
Emerson Hodges; served time.
Charles Le Isle; served time.
IOWA REGIMENT.
Henry Howell; taken prisoner at Pittsburgh Landing.
IOWA CAVALRY.
Ansel Clark; served his time; promoted captain.
SECOND OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Eben Clark; discharged.
Horace Clark; wounded at Gettysburg ; promoted lieutenant.
FIFTY-SIXTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
S. D. Steer, surgeon.
ONE HUNDRED DAYS’ MEN.
Q. D. Millard,
A. L. Millard,
Madison Adams.
C. M. Steer,
M. A. Cleveland,
A. T. Pomeroy,
CORRECTIONS.
The history of Lake and Geauga counties, as published by the Williams. Brothers, is now before us. We have had but a short time to examine it, and only so far as the history of Huntsburg. In that we find a few mistakes, more especially in orthography of names. We here take the opportunity to correct the same.
On page 590, it should be James Thompson; on same page, Augustus Brown, instead of Burton; Stephen B. Pomeroy, removes to Chardon; Laura, instead of Louisa Wilcox; Daniel Townley, instead of David; Simeon Moss, instead of Simon; Barnes' school-house, instead of Burns.
On page 191 Melinda Pomeroy, instead of Silphia; of Charles Clapp's. sojourn, should be Madison; Simeon, instead of Simon; Lewis Hunt, on south-west corner; poll list, twenty-one names instead of one hundred and fifty; one of the present trustees, Loomis, instead of Bloomis; Horace Morse, instead of Moss.
On page 192, O. Morehouse, instead of Morehead; Derret, instead of Dewett;. Theodorus, instead of Theoculus Miller; Kenedy and Breck are mentioned as the only physicians, such is not the fact, after Breck came J. S. Cleveland in 1844. After Cleveland, came C. J. Bellows, and then S. D. Steer, Powers, Brainerd, Fern, and at present McMasters administers the healing balm to the.
afflicted.
On page 593, S. Wright is said to have died in 1855, should be 1875.
754 HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
SKETCHES.
ALVIN KILE,
was born in New Fairfield, Fairfield county, Connecticut, eight miles north of Danbury, July 6, 1799. (We will give "Uncle Alvin's" story in his own words :
"My father removed to Harpersfield, New York, in 1803. I was there reared to manhood. I taught school five winters. By prudent management, I laid by a little money. Thought I had enough to bear my expenses to Ohio. Accordingly, in April, 1825, and in company with another young man, Moses Grey, I started for Ohio. We had one horse between us. We took turns in riding,—besides our portmanteau, which was filled with our wearing apparel, we, each of us, had a frock for our backs.
"We at first intended to settle in Medina county. We traveled the 'lake road.' When we arrived at Cleveland, we stopped two or three hours, to look around and see the city. The court-house was then built; one tavern, and a few stores. These, together with an old dilapidated store-house, on the flats, comprised what there then was of Cleveland. No harbor being there at that time, when the wind blew from the north, it would bar up the mouth of the river; and, in consequence, this dam would cause the water to overflow the flats; and, again, when the wind got back to the south, the dam would give away, and the water would disappear, leaving a disagreeable stench, which caused sickness in the form of ague. There were too many pale faces in Cleveland, to suit us, so we started for Medina. Mr. Grey rode the horse. When we got to Strongsville, we came to a 'large mud hole.' Mr. Grey attempted to ride through it. The horse sank down the length of his legs, and was fast. Grey asked, what he should do? I said to him, 'sit still;' and so laying down my pack, I commenced to build a bridge to him, of old logs. By this means, he was able to get off the horse, with the portmanteau; and then with a gad and a yell at the beast, he went out with a 'vengeance.' We again put on our packs, and went on our way rejoicing. Arrived at Medina that night; looked around for a week; everything looked forbidding; no roads, no schools. And we concluded to go back to Erie, Pennsylvania. On our way hack, we passed through Huntsburg, and was induced to make a stand at this place. Bought one hundred acres of land, of Mr. Lewis Hunt; afterwards bought more, making, in all, two hundred and seventy-seven acres of land, for which I have had deeds.
" I commenced with nothing but my hands. Our living was sometimes rather coarse. The third year after I came here, we lived three months without a pound of bread. It was so dry that we could get no grinding nearer than Chagrin river.
"Mr. Grey and I commenced chopping a fallow of five acres. But we soon found that we had to encounter a formidable enemy, in the shape of fleas. We worked hard all day, and at night they would torment us so, that we could not sleep. We would get up during the night and dispatch the cannibals. They were found in the woods, as well as in the clearings. If we stopped work for a short time, their tushes were into us. We used to pull off our shirts, then we could have peace. I always pitied the women in those days. When the fleas attacked them, they would hitch about till they were completely cornered.
"The women of those days dressed in a different manner than the ladies of to-day. I do suppose that if our pioneer ladies had doped pants as do the ladies of the present day, it would have shielded them from those detestable
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 755
fleas, that is, in a measure. The mosquitoes were not far behind the fleas, but we could drive them off with smoke.
"On hearing that my wife was sick, I left here for New York State, the 15th of July, 1825. Mr. Grey remained, and sowed the fallow to wheat.
"Arrived with my family March 12, 1826. Came with a span of horses as far as Cataraugus. We came the rest of the way with oxen. We soon settled in our new home. I had two cows and plenty of pork, some garden vegetables, and as soon as the corn got large enough to boil, we got along finely. I must describe the mill we used to have: It was simply a jointer, two feet long. With this we would have the corn off the cob. This jointer used to serve seven families in a day.
"Our fallows must be cleared off each year, or we would have no bread for the next year.
"As I have before stated, our living was plain, and our dress still more so. I have been to meeting with brown tow pants, and barefooted. Our girl's kid slippers were made from the skin of the raccoon, varnished with Ohio clay.
"I witnessed a strange phenomenon in the fall of 1826, just previous to the accidental death of Ma Church. I was husking corn one night on a high, piece of ground, and about eleven o'clock, as I was about to shoulder my basket for home, a ball of fire past by me, apparently sixty or seventy feet high, and kept on its course, till right over Church's house, when it vanished. It seemed as if my hair stood on end! My first thought, that it was a meteor, but this seemed to differ, for it took a horizontal course, and meteors descend towards the earth. I could but think something was going to happen to Mr. Church's family.
" I went to Mr. Grey's house, where my wife was, and told her what I had seen. She did not seem to be moved by it. I mentioned the matter to no other person. The above occurred in September, and in November Mr. Church went to Montvillle, to see a man who had just moved in, and not returning in a reasonable time, his wife became alarmed, as well as his neighbors, and a search was at once commenced. In the meantime, during the first night of his absence, I dreamed he was dead, and his exact position was visible in my dream. He lay. stretched on his back, with one leg under a small maple tree.
"Such was his position when found by his neighbors, the particulars of which have been before stated. Thus my dream seemed to be fully realized. This event, together with the phenomenon and dream made a deep impression on my mind, and it troubled me very much. It seemed, no hand but the Divine could have directed it, and why he should make this presentiment to me, was more than I could tell. I was a wicked man. I had no inclination for religious matters. Early in life I had thought on religious things. I again turned to the Scriptures, and found that faith and repentance were the condition of forgiveness and salvation. I found that Christ Jesus, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man, so I found in my case hope, and the God of my salvation, sent this presentiment to me for a purpose. I thought long on the evidences of Christianity. I concluded to lay down the weapons of my rebellion, and turn unto Him who is more precious than all the word beside."
ELIJAH POMEROY
was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1798, and the oldest son of Stephen Pomeroy, the first pioneer of Huntsburg. He was ten years old when
756 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
he came with his father to Huntsburg. At the early age of seven his father sent him to mill on horseback to a neighboring town, and, as he was going past a cider-mill, which was in operation, and made a hideous noise, his horse became frightened and threw him off, at the same time scattering his grist in all directions. But this, his first experience as a "mill-boy," did not prevent him from taking up the same occupation when he got to Ohio, for here, as well, he was needed, together with his horse (old faithful Roye), to take the family supply, for a week, of wheat or corn to some far off mill, through miles of forest. He sometimes had to go as far as Aurora; Parkman and Burton being the nearest points. When he went to Parkman, he had to go through seven miles of woods. Once, as he was going through these woods, he was overhauled by a pack of wolves.. They continued to follow along after him till they arrived .at a place where a dead horse had been left. They soon scented the carcass and left off following our mill boy and his horse, greatly to his relief.
We will now take up a new occupation for our hero. Before coming to Ohio, Elijah went with his father to the "raising" of a frame barn. He was deeply interested in this, and, as soon as he got home, he took his jack-knife and whittled out a frame, exactly like the one he saw, and put the same together. So, at an early age, Elijah took up the carpenter and joiner trade, as also the cabinet-making trade. At the age of twenty-one he bought "Benjamin's Architect," and studied plans of drawing, etc.
His father's house was his first to build, and is now standing. The first, and largest barn he built, was for Charles Clapp, and is now standing. He also built the largest house in Montville, for William Dewey. He has built thirty houses in Huntsburg and adjoining towns, and, of dwellings and barns, one hundred in all.
His cabinet business, too, has been quite as extensive. At one time he made all the bureaus, tables and stands, within the township. He has also made six hundred coffins; also, before sash factories were invented, he made ten thousand lights.
Uncle Elijah is now (1878) eighty years old; his eye is dim, but his memory is good. His whole heart is in this historical work. His mind, too, reverts back to those hunting days, when his eye was not dim, but, as his trusty rifle was raised to his cheek, instantly the bead was in range with the game, which was sure to fall.
In writing this biography, and in connection with which, he wishes me to relate some hunting stories. In 1812, at the time of Hull's surrender, all the early settlers were called upon to shoulder their guns and march to Cleveland. Elijah was then too young to go, but his father was summoned, and the night before he was to start his wife could not sleep, for she felt quite sure that if her husband went away, the Indians would come and kill them all. In the course of the night she heard a terrible noise outside, which seemed to increase, as she listened. She soon awoke her husband, declaring at the same time that the Indians had come, and urging him to get up and get the boys up, and be ready with their guns. In due time, he was up and thoroughly aroused, for his well-trained ear soon detected, not Indian yells, but the squealing of his old sow, which he well knew to be in the embrace of a bear. Elijah was soon with his father, and out to give bruin his due. They found that the bear had got the hog out of the pen, and was making off with it. Elijah ran with the axe and plunged it into the beast, but it would not release the hog till it had carried it ten rods, then dropped it and ran off into the woods.
Mr. Pomeroy tells another hunting story. As he and Abner Clark were out, hunting deer, they came upon an "old buck." They shot, and wounded him. Clark ran up to the deer and caught him by the horns, and as Pomeroy came nip, he found the buck swinging Clark right and left, as he clung to his horns.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 757
“Hold on, Abner," exclaimed Pomeroy, and he came up and cut the deer's throat. Mr. Pomeroy says, if Abner had let go, the buck would have killed him.
Another time, Mr. Pomeroy was out hunting, with Wm. Reed. They were looking for bears. It was not long before they started up an elk, which Mr. Pomeroy represents to have been a monster. They shot, and wounded him. He, however, could go just fast enough to keep out of their way. They followed on after him, through Claridon, and across Judge Taylor's farm, near Claridon pond. Mr. Taylor had a man at work for him, and the elk passed near to him: and, it seems, must have reminded him of the huge cloven foot, described by some of our artists, for when Pomeroy and Reed came up, they inquired of him if he had seen an elk pass that way. He said, "I have seen the devil." The elk, however, escaped, and still the enemy of all mankind is at large.
Now we will take leave of our old pioneer friend, thanking him for the deep interest he has felt in making the early history of Huntsburg a perfect one; also, for that original thought of a pioneer meeting at the old homestead, which so gladdened the hearts of the old folks that many more such meetings followed, and finally resulted in a county historical society.
"Uncle Elijah," as he is now called, wishes to take this opportunity to thank Judge Lester Taylor for his commendable zeal in compiling the history of Geauga county.
STEPHEN B. POMEROY
brother of Elijah, was born in 1804; was four years old when he first saw the dense forests of Huntsburg. He did not take to hunting as readily as his brohers, Elijah and Horace, but was more inclined to his books. At an early age he was placed under the private instructions of Paul Clapp, and afterwards attended the first academy in Geauga county, at Burton. It cannot be said that he completed his studies at this school, for he afterwards became a noted teacher of common schools, and it is to be presumed that he was, in the meantime, an active student himself, and progressed in his studies as he taught. He was sought for from far and near, to teach what was then called "hard schools." He was a "tamer of unruly boys," as Mr. Riddle calls it. One thing is certain, the boys knew what to depend upon, when it was announced that "Uncle Bridge" (as he was termed) was to teach the school.
Mr. Pomeroy married a daughter of Aaron Scott ; both are now living in Chardon.
Huntsburg has not been behind her sister towns in furnishing teachers. From Paul Clapp down to the present time, many have distinguished themselves as model teachers.
758 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
LYMAN MILLIARD.*
In the time of sending slaves on toward the north star, Emery Goodwin, esq., from Middlefied, came one day in sight of the house, on the northwest, and called, or beckoned Squire Milliard, attracting his attention to the orchard. Millard went that way and returned, quickly starting his boys off to the barn to turn away the cows. Then from the house he took provisions, and went by the orchard to the north wood. Three slaves and la boy were there. They were fed and safely concealed in the wood until night. The curiosity of the boys, who had so suddenly been sent to the barn, was excited. Quincy and Austin slyly crept round in the apple tree shades, untif they caught sight of these chattels, whom the squire was hiding.
The negroes had escaped the wrath of Horace Pomeroy, and the keen eyesight of the Democratic party, the tool of the southern slavocracy, coming, somehow, unseen through the valleys and ravines, by his premises, to get to the wood and this station of the "underground railroad". How these fugitives were fed, watched, and run off after dark that night, only tradition of the mire, brush, and water, in the swamps of Windsor, ever told. It is said that Norris, in Windsor, was the next station. The first slave that came to the house, was found at the back door one night. Esquire Millard asked him in. It was late in the fall, and he was barefoot. After supper was eaten, he talked freely, and was put to bed. In a day or two he was passed over to Esquire Hunt, who took him in charge and kept him for a time. Hunt was astonished when the slave asked that he might pray. Kneeling low, his prayer was so fervent, and such an appeal to God for help, and for blessing on Hnnt, that it was never forgotten by that determined worker for human rights, and is written in the memory of the present generation.
Again, as late as 1851 or '52, in the winter, the old pilot, Goodwin, was the guide of two negroes to the road west of, and on down to, the house. In the darkness of the night, which followed, Millard took them in a lumber wagon, and threw horse blankets over them, to hide from suspicion, should he meet any partizans, in this day of the fugitive slave law; this day of free government. He drove to Albert Clark's, who took them in the direction of Canada, by way of Lake county.
The day of triumph was coming, when the fugitive would not seek the woods and wilds of a free State, as he fled to another dominion, but when light, and not darkness, would rule over the oppressor, and his flying property would stop, and stand erect, a free man on southern soil. These few advance men of a great cause, at the stations along the escape lines of the fleeing slaves, were fearless in action, and determined for the right. They heard the call of 1861. It was to them the sounding trumpet from the heavens, speaking to the north to go forward. The gladness of victory, even then, shone along the dark ways, which such men as Millard, Hunt, and Clark had been obliged always to cover, for the benefit of the race they sought to liberate. Into the martial days that came swiftly on, he flung himself; old and broken. There was enough of the elastic vigor of youth left, to straighten his tall form, as he went before the people to plead for his country and the near day, when the shackles should be broken and the downtrodden released.
He had been in the United States army, in the war of 1812, and the old military spirit was now aroused. He besought the government to give him a commission, and, notwithstanding his age, it was at last granted—a colonel's recruiting commission, but the war closed soon after. With all his anxious belief that he must engage in battle for the race he had helped, when there was no other way than
*By W. J. F. HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 759
flight, he was not permitted to tread the field of strife. His work had been done. Earnest at home, he went out with others, and spoke in several of the towns to arouse the country. In some of the meetings held, he was very bitter in denouncing the meanness of those who did not promptly act in giving for the care of soldiers in camp and hospital. One day, after he had unloaded things for the aid society, at Thompson's store, in Huntsburg, where the goods were boxed for shipping, he started off, with his horse, but the wagon stopped. The harness had been cut, evidently by some one who would show spite, because of his outspoken utterances for the soldiers' aid.
He was always fearless for the right, and stood as a rock for principle, in defiance of friend or foe. A man full of humor, his uncommon gift of story-telling made his power felt in many instances. His home had the "latch-string hung on the outside," and tied, so it could not be pulled in. Hospitality there, was the more cheerful because of his stories at the social fireside. He lived to see the victory, and the return of the "boys in blue." How his face would light with the recollections of other years, as he related incidents of the "Underground railroad" to the queen's dominions, and would laugh over the risks and trials of that time.
In politics, a Whig. His last vote was cast for Harrison, ("Tippicanoe and Tyler, too") in 1840. After that, he voted with the Abolitionists, and finally with the "Free Soilers," and then with the Republicans. He was "rotten egged," for being an abolitionist, and received his full share of abuse, and more, as one of that proscribed class.
Alive to the growth of the country, and. its advancement in agriculture, he took an early part in the raising of fine cattle and horses, and rn the county fairs. From New York state, in midwinter, he came on foot with the first thorough-bred Durham stock, brought into Huntsburg. He was twice president of the Agricultural Society, and served several years as a member of the board. He was a charter member of the Masonic lodge, in Burton. For several years prior to its organization, he was with the Parkman masons. In 1828, he united with the Presbyterian church, and with it became congregational, and remained a faithful member, until his death.
From the family record is gained a few notes.
Mr. Millard was born December 16, 1797, in Litchfield, Connecticut, and when a boy, came to Lenox, Madison county, New York. In 1818, earning his way along, he came to Ohio. He worked for esquire Hickox, in Burton, seven years. The 27th of October, 1804, Thede Clapp was born. Nineteen summers passed, and she had his promise fulfilled for a life-long union. They were married in 1823. In 1825, in the fall, he bought a piece of lot five, in Huntsburg; built a house on it, and settled where his son Austin now lives. There he remained, during an active life of benevolence to the oppressed, full of interest, and there he died, August 30, 1878.
At the old home, his wife survived him. A quiet, unassuming woman, always ready to aid in good deeds, she was a home power in the training of the family. Living in such a period, it was no wonder her strong anti-slavery sentiments should so develop in the sons, that all of them went into the service of the Union.
Sophrona—an only daughter, was born February 26, 1826, and remained with her parents at home until her death.
Alonzo E.,—eldest son, born March 9, 1828, enlisted as a privatesi in the Second Ohio cavalry. He was promoted to captain. He is serving now his third term as justice of the peace, and also carries on the farm west of the center.
Fordyce R.—born April 3, 1830; was assistant surgeon at Vicksburg before the surrender. He practiced medicine for some time, in Wisconsin, and is now engaged in his profession, in San Diego, California.
760 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY OHIO.
Austin L.—born July 5, 1836, was out with the One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio, at Johnson's Island and at Camp Dennison. He is a practical farmer, and takes pleasure in raising fine stock on the home farm.
Quincy Dewitt—first saw the light on the 2d day of November, 1838. He lives on a farm south of the center, and is engaged in dairying. His active support and interest in the agricultural society, as a member of its board, made him many supporters. In 1879, he was elected president of the society, and re-elected in 1880.
Birney D.—was born May 17, 1840. He went out in the three months' service, and was afterwards in the Forty-first Ohio infantry. He now lives west.
WARREN LOOMIS.
This gentleman was born in New Hartford, Connecticut, in 1804. He came to Ohio, and, with his father's family, settled in Huntsburg, where he was engaged in the mercantile business for a long time. He built the first store in town, and made for himself a reputation for strict integrity and fairness in dealing. His influence for good was widely known and respected. He was elected county treasurer in 1850. In 1874, he removed to Cleveland, and now resides there. He has one sister, the oldest of the family, Lucia Loomis, now living in Huntsburg, and the youngest child of the family is Mrs. David Judd, of Holyoke, Massachusetts. The oldest sister is seventy-seven years of age, and the youngest over sixty. Between the ages of these two sisters, there are five brothers—now living—the subject of this sketch being the oldest of the boys, His three sons were all in the south, after the close of the war.
Charles W.—Was appointed by General Grant Register of the United States land office at Jackson, Mississippi; he served two years, and then was superintendent of the State prison for four years. He was reading clerk of the constiutional convention of that State, in 1878, and, on' the adoption of the constitution, was elected a member of the celebrated legislature of 1879.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 761
D. L POPE*
Second son of Lewis S. and Charry Pope, was born March 25, 1827, in Otsego county, New York. Eight years later Mr. Pope immigrated to Auburn township, this county, where he remained three years, when he purchased, and took possession of what was long known as the "Pope farm," located on section twenty-four, directly south from the then Fox's, now Pope's, corners. At that date, the subject of this sketch was eleven years old, and, his time was occu- pied, for a few years, in his allotted duties on the then well wooded farm, and at the district school; afterwards, three or four terms, at a select school, conducted by B. F. Abell, completed his educational advantages. Then, as now, dairying was a prominent industry in this region, and, as soon as Mr. Pope put his farm in condition to do so, he set about the manufacture of cheese, and, also, about the same time, commenced business as a dealer in dairy products. This business, with him, soon assumed extensive proportions, and, as David manifested business tastes—though yet in his teens—in harmony with those of his father, he was adopted as a "silent partner," and was thoroughly instructed in all the details of the trade. At that date, Cincinnati was the great shipping point for Western Reserve cheese, and shipments of this article were usually accompanied by some one interested in the sale thereof, and Mr. Pope made it a point to attend to that matter in person. On one occasion, when the son was but nineteen, the father found it impracticable to go himself. David had, as yet, never seen the "Queen city," but his father placed the invoice in his care, with instructions to "do the best he could." The trip was a financial success. The city was then infested with sharpers, who "shadowed " the cheese dealer, and, as soon as he had effected a sale of his product, managed, quite too often, to relieve him of his cash. D. L. having this fact in mind, received his pay in bills of large denomination, with which he hastened to his hotel, and, after securing the door of his room, he removed a portion of his cravat, placed the money in the vacant space, and rearranged his neck-gear. If the "light-fingered" gentry prospected him for plunder, they failed to get it.
Attaining his majority in March, 1848, one of his first transactions thereafter, was a marriage contract with Miss Emily, youngest daughter of Capt. John and Lavina Fox. Two years later, he negotiated with the heirs of the Fox estate, for the purchase of the homestead. Having effected this, he next exchanged the Fox property with his father and youngest brother, Irvin W.,—who, yet a minor, was in partnership—for the original homestead. This he occupied about one year. While living here, his only child, a son, was born, to whom was given the name of his grandfather, Lewis, and of his deceased uncle, Lines. "Lewie," the name by which he is familiarly known, was born August 2, 1851. In September, following, Mr. Pope removed to what was known as the " Pinery," on Oak hill, in Burton, on which was located a steam-mill. Here, in addition to his other business, he dealt somewhat extensively in lumber and shingles. Here he remained till the spring of 1865.
In 1864 a cheese factory was built in Munson, this county, an innovation which was watched by D. L. Pope with anxious solicitude. Becoming convinced that this method of cheese-making was a paying investment, he repurchased the Fox farm in the fall of that year, upon which he at once built a large factory, having it in readiness for business when the season of 1865 opened. In September, 1865, Mrs. Pope died. Mr. Pope remained a widower one year from the fallowing November, when he married Mrs. Lucy Ann Hodges, of Claridon, this county. During these years, Mr. Pope's business steadily in-
* By W. H. Chapman. This sketch belonged with Troy. It was received in time for insertion with the last of the sketches, and is, therefore, printed here.
762 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
creased. In addition to the Fox premises he had become possessed of the original Jacob Welsh homestead, which, together with the Israel Whitcomb, farm which Mrs. Pope had purchased, make an aggregate of three hundred and sixty-five acres, sustaining a dairy of nearly, or quite seventy cows. Besides the home factory, he had control, either in fee-simple or by lease, of several others in different parts of the Reserve. He also enjoys quite an extensive trade-in merchandise. The products of the dairy, however, are his "chief cornerstone." In fine, D. L. Pope is, by far, the most prominent business man in Troy, and one of the most prominent in the county. His ability is acknowledged far and near. In this township he has held the office of magistate two successive terms, has been president of the Ohio Dairyman's association, was appointed superintendent of the dairy department of the Centennial exposition at Philadelphia, is at present serving his third term as a member of the Ohio State board of agriculture, and yet, with all his multiplicity of cares, he is hardly ever at a loss for time to spend in social converse.
Lewis has, ever since his majority, been junior partner in the firm of D. L. Pope & Son, and is also in business at Chagrin Falls, where he now resides. In business capacity, he is a "chip of the old block," with the advantage of a far more thorough education than his predecessors enjoyed. Every year Mr. Pope receives and disburses a comparatively large sum of money. His business requires quite an amount of manual labor, which gives employment to many who might otherwise be idle, while his transactions give an impetus to certain channels of trade, which, but for him, might remain stagnant. In reviewing his career, it is safe to say that the world is no whit the worse for his living in it.
His organ of "combativeness" is sufficiently developed to make him stand up for his rights in an occasional suit at law. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and an ardent supporter of General Garfield. In 1880 he was elected treasurer of the State board of agriculture, and is now acting in that position.