50 - Early History of Elyria and Her People but spiritually and educationally as well. He was, during his life in Elyria, a conspicuous horse-back rider, in going from place to place, looking after his various enterprises. With him everything had to be done decently and in order. CHAPTER X THE first house of worship, as stated in a previous chapter, was a log structure, located just north of the present eastside undercut to the New York Central, on the high point, at the intersection of East Bridge and East River Streets, built in 1819, one hundred and nine years ago. While the building was primarily constructed for a church, the same year it was utilized also for the first school in the settlement, taught by Irene Allen, then by Pamelia Manter, a daughter of the first physician, Dr. Manter, who practiced in Elyria. Previous to the religious services held in this hut, the same were conducted in the log boarding house, erected by Mr. Ely two years before to care for the workmen in his employ as heretofore stated. For five years each Sabbath before any church was organized, the settlers met in this first temple, built for divine worship, to either hear a sermon from a minister who chanced to come their way, or listen to someone read, as heretofore stated, generally by Mr. Ely. He brought from his old home in West. Springfield, Mass., six or seven bound volumes of sermons, delivered by "good old Dr. Joseph Lathrop," of that place. When the log hut was built, there was already a Presbyterian church in the adjoining township of Carlisle, at LaPorte. Both bodies realizing that, because of their small numbers and lack of means to employ a minister, they should, for the time being at least, come together. They had a conference or two, then entered into the following arrangement, to-wit: ARTICLES OF UNION AND COVENANT "The united church shall be known by the name of The Presbyterian Church of Elyria. "It is understood and considered expedient that for the present separate religious meetings be statedly held at our Early History of Elyria and Her People - 51 several places of social worship, as has heretofore been customary, except on communion day, when, as far as practicable, we will all meet together. "It is agreed, that until further arrangements are made, the communion season shall be attended regularly, two thirds of the time, at the place of meeting in Elyria, and the other third at the place of meeting in Carlisle, it being understood that the portion of the church living in Carlisle will contribute at least so much toward the support of a pastor invited to take charge of the united church, as will naturally entitle them to FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, ELYRIA Erected 1848; torn down 1898. Was first erected by Presbyterians 52 - Early History of Elyria and Her People such share of his labors as this arrangement will necessarily give them. "It is mutually agreed that whenever the number of members and other circumstances in this church 'shall be such that a separation is considered expedient, those members of the church who naturally fall within the limits of the present church in Carlisle, shall be detached from the church in Elyria, and be recognized as the church in Carlisle, and entitled to all the privileges of a separate church on the ground of their present organization. "On these conditions, we, the members of the church in Elyria, and the church in Carlisle, mutually and cordially receive and embrace each other as fellow heirs of the grace of God and members of the same church, and do hereby solemnly covenant and promise with Christian meekness and brotherly love, to submit to the watch and discipline of the church, endeavoring in all things to promote its prosperity and to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called. "Members of the church in Elyria — Luther Lane, William Smith, Celia Ely, Ann Palmer, Abby W. Lathrop, Julia West, Parmela Beebe, Parmela Manter, Pearly Douglass, Harriett Hamlin. "Elyria, November 25, 1818. "Members of the church in Carlisle--Eamuel Brooks, Hezekiah Brooks, Lydia Brooks, Hanna Johnson, Sophia Brooks, Hanna Brooks, Irene Johnson. "Carlisle, November 25, 1818." The first regular pastor to serve the pioneers who gathered in the log building before the church was organized was Rev. Daniel W. Lathrop. He began his labors in September, 1818, two months previous to the organization. He was a noble and Early History of Elyria and Her People - 53 rare soul, whose good name has ever been in this community in the old families, a household word even to the third and fourth generations. He was born in Norwich, Conn., June 17, 1789, one hundred and forty-nine years ago. He was then sent by a missionary society to the "Western Reserve." For a year he traveled over the counties of Lorain and Huron, calling sinners to repentance, now and then visiting the Elyria people. Back East was a young lady who had captured his heart before he entered the, ministry, and still held it with an unswerving devotion on his part, that ended in his making a trip to Brooklyn, New York, the home of her parents, where they were made twain one flesh. Her name was Abby Woolsey Howland. On their return they met with such a reception by the entire community that the bride, unused to Iog huts and primitive surroundings, was glad to be here. She was sweet in disposition, and possessed of all those graces of manner with an unselfish nature, that drew people to her. He was striking in appearance, tall, with a wealth of hair and a kindly disposition, possessed of a personality that made him a leader the people gladly followed. He led the way on his return in bringing about the agreement between the Elyria and Carlisle churches. He served the church with marked success, when calamity overtook him in the loss of his voice while preaching his morning discourse. Weakness followed as well, necessitating his abandonment of the ministry, resigning August 18, 1830. He then built a home located on the camping ground of the Indians residing here, when Mr. Ely first came in 1817. It is the land on the south side of Grace Court bounded on the west by East Avenue, south by the Gates home, and east by the river. Here they resided for more than eighteen years. He finally recovered his voice and health, and acted as a home missionary in northern Ohio. Their home became one of the show places of Elyria, because of the flowers they cultivated so assiduously, sending far and near for choice varieties. They were possessed of the knowledge and skill necessary to their successful cultivation. Multiplied sorrows came into their home, as a row of little graves in the Elyria Cemetery evidence, where their children were buried. One was Mary, but sixteen, on whose death the noted poetess Mrs. Sigourney, a friend of Mrs. Lathrop's, composed a poem for their consolation. Over 5 54 - Early History of Elyria and Her People the window of the room in which Mary died, there clambered a beautiful white rose in all its glory. Many such roses are, after, lo these nearly ninety years, adorning the houses of some of our inhabitants, unconscious of their origin, that came from this same bush as its seeds were sought by their neighbors. In 1849, this goodly couple, to the sore regret of the entire community, turned their faces Eastward, and moved to New Haven, Conn. Ultimately he passed away in Jackson, Mich., at the great age of ninety-four, and was gathered to his fathers. The influence of this pioneer couple for good works still lives in the lives of the descendents of that generation. Such people are verily the salt of the earth. The same year the log church was built on the east side, a man by the name of Chester Wright showed up in the settlement, not having the fear of God before his eyes, bent on making money out of the weakness of mankind, and in close proximity to the church, erected a log whiskey distillery, that was soon patronized, not only by pale faces, but the red man as well who came on ponies with squaws and papoose, behind, resulting as it ever does, in demoralizing its patrons. It made good Indians had and white men worse, if possible. At this period in American life, the doctrine of universal total abstinence from drink, had but few advocates. True, there were many who practiced the teaching over the country, east and west, but in the churches and out, drinking to some extent was pretty universal, nor was the pulpit exempt, but be it said to the credit of our city, that Wright's whiskey plant turning out the ardent, was the first and last ever conducted within her borders as a legalized business. While this destroyer of homes and morals was right in name, he was wrong in deed, and within a few years ran against a public sentiment created in the community by the preachers and laymen, that made the further operation of his plant a financial failure, when he disappeared for parts unknown. Later the rude structure was torn down to give place to a comfortable habitation, and now, where weak men of both races then gathered to dissipate their time and means for what destroyed them, body and soul, fruitful trees grow and flowers bloom. This man with a wrong name, because of his traffic, has not come down to us as one of the pioneers worthy of emulation or credit for anything he did toward Early History of Elyria and Her People - 55 the common good, but as a nuisance for having wrought havoc while here. Again is verified the Scriptures, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." We are all making history, whether we will or not, good or bad. The movement that put the misguided man out of business was a temperance society, organized by numerous citizens, male and female, headed by Doctor Manter, Nathan Stevens, and Schuyler Putnam. When the society got in working order it had a membership of one hundred and forty-four, eighty-one of whom were ladies. They all signed a pledge to abstain from the use of ardent spirits, wine, and tobacco. Ten more men signed as willing to not drink intoxicants, but refused to throw away their quids and pipes of peace. This organization was the beginning of the battle against intemperance in Lorain County, that has never ceased. About the year 1867, a "Good Templers" society was formed of which Elyria's "Grand Old Man," William Bennington, now in his ninety-first year, was a charter member. I first met him in one of its meetings in 1876, the year I came to Elyria. He was on his feet telling of the evils of intemperance, urging the members to be faithful. He was then but thirty-six. No more faithful defender of the cause ever walked the streets than "Uncle William." In the sunset of life lie is surrounded by a host of friends, possessed of his faculties and in health, as deeply interested in the things that make for the common weal as in youth. His stand for good morals, by both precept and example, has been of great influence in this city. All hail to this old pioneer whose life has been spent in the county. He was raised in a log hut in Grafton, where he helped clear the forests, and endured the privations of the early pioneers. Elyria has been known from the beginning of her history as a pioneer in education, as she was the first to organize a high school, one that became noted far and near. That it was the first in point of time, is evidenced by the following letter written to Wallace Cathcart, an Elyria boy, now at the head of the Cuyahoga County Historical Society, in answer to his inquiry. The author is an outstanding authority in matters educational. 56 - Early History of Elyria and Her People "February 3, 1920. "Mr. Wallace Cathcart, "Western Reserve Historical Society, "Cleveland, Ohio. "My dear Mr. Cathcart: "I remember I promised to send you some additional facts concerning the earliest records of the Elyria High School. "The high school of Elyria was granted articles of incorporation by the State Legislature, February 22, 1830. It was the first institution in the State to be incorporated under the name of a high school. The Elyria High School was certainly the first school in Ohio to legally hear the name of high school. I rather suspect that it was the first one this side of the Allegheny Mountains to do so. "The Woodward High School, of Cincinnati, was chartered almost exactly a year later. The claim is sometimes made that the Woodward is the oldest chartered high school in the State, but this claim rests on a misapprehension of the facts. "The Woodward free grammar school was chartered in January, 1827, but it was especially pointed out that the purpose of the school was to teach poor children the rudiments of an English education. Quite distinct as may be seen from the function of a high school. "The men that were the incorporators of the first high school were Heman Ely, Nathan H. Manter, Ebenezer Whiton, Reuben Mussey, David W. Lathrop, and `their associates.' These men were made a body corporate and politic, by the title and name of `The High School of Elyria.' The said corporation shall be capable in law of holding any estate, but no part of the funds shall ever be applied to any other object than supporting a high school; and said corporation shall be competent to receive any gifts, grant, or donation for the purpose of the object of this erection. "I think it is decidedly an evidence of the alertness of these men that just nine years after the first high school in America was established (in Boston, of course) they should charter and establish an institute of similar name out here in the woods of the Western Reserve. Early History of Elyria and Her People - 57 "Elyria and the Elyria High School may well be proud of the record. "With best wishes, I am "Sincerely yours, "E. A. Miller, "Department of Education, "(Oberlin College.)" CHAPTER XI THE close of the previous chapter gave an account of the first high school organized in Ohio and that in Elyria. I will now direct attention to its first superintendent, one of the great Americans of that day and generation. His name was John Monteith, the first president, and one of the founders of the great Michigan University. He was born one hundred and thirty-six years ago, when Detroit was a village of little more than one thousand inhabitants. Mr. Monteith, then twenty-six years of age, and just ordained, was engaged by the inhabitants of the place, who professed and respected the Protestant religion, to serve them as pastor. He entered upon his duties with commendable zeal, and was deeply interested in all that made for the betterment of the new State, and especially whatever concerned educational advancement. There was then no State university and no funds with which to found one. Poverty and hard work were the portion of the scattered inhabitants, most of whom were suffering from ague. Wolves made the nights hideous and treacherous. Indians kept the pioneers in constant fear. While serving the little faithful band in Detroit, he organized a Presbyterian Church in Monroe and preached the first sermon. Catching a vision of the promise of a great State, he had a meeting with Lewis Cass, then governor, who later became a nominee for the Presidency, and who on a speaking tour of the States made a speech under the noted elm tree, now standing the yard back of the Elyria Courthouse. At this meeting Judge Woodward, of Detroit, after whom the noted "Woodward Avenue," in that city, was named, was present. Mr. Monteith arranged for the interview for the pur- 58 - Early History of Elyria and Her People pose of consulting them relative to founding a State university. This beginning resulted in further conferences, ending in the founding of the institution. Mr. Monteith was elected its first president. It was surely a poor and primitive affair, as he received only $12.50 salary per year, and a like amount for each of the six professorships he held. He had a cow and garden and received some income from preaching in connection with his duties as president and teacher. Out of this humble beginning, born in the brain and heart of this great man, our first high-school superintendent, has grown up a university, to which hundreds of thousands have gone seeking an education, out of the multitude of whose graduates strong men have gone forth and made great names for themselves, and the end is not yet. It still remains that "the foolish things of this world are used to confound the wise." It has already been stated that the first school building was the log structure erected in 1819 on the east side in the junction formed by the railroad and East River Street. The next was in a frame building, about where the Savings Deposit Bank and Trust Company now stands, on East Broad Street, built in 1825. Then followed a new structure two yearslater, located on the spot now occupied by the city hall, erected by Mr. Ely, for district school purposes. He gave the land and donated one hundred and thirty-five dollars toward its erection and reserved the upper story. The balance necessary was raised by taxation. This was ever afterward known as the "Yellow Schoolhouse," because of its color. Only male teachers were employed, as the wise men of town were of opinion that it had become necessary to demand severe discipline among the young. To that end the order of things, it was believed., necessitated having ample whips cut from the nearby underbrush to enforce discipline. When it was deemed necessary, these terrors of youth were freely used to subdue the disobedient. Young professional men of the growing town, seeking a foothold in their respective callings, were among the teachers. One was Doctor Griswold, who later became the leading physician, and served with distinction as surgeon in the Civil War. He had retired from practice when I came to Elyria in 1876. He was a high-class citizen, ever standing for the best in society, a Christian gentle- Early History of Elyria and Her People - 59 man, possessed of a striking personality. He reached an advanced age. His pulseless form rests in our cemetery. Another teacher was Edward Hamlin, an attorney, who rose to the head of his profession at the Lorain County bar, and was sent to Congress. Another young man who taught in the "Yellow Schoolhouse" and came to distinction, was Albert Harris. He became an able writer on the Cleveland Herald for many years. In 1831, four years after this school building was erected, the first high school was started, as stated, with Mr. Monteith at its head. The building stood between the present Y. M. C. A. and the Congregational Church west of the courthouse square. It was erected and owned by Mr. Ely and rented by him to the school authorities for a term of years. It was a large two-story structure, with recitation and assembly rooms on both floors. It was adorned by a cupola containing a bell. The seats were comfortable, and equipment of the best for the times. It had not been opened long under the direction of Mr. Monteith, when his fame as a teacher and scholar reached far and wide, drawing students not only from the surrounding country but from other States. Some came from Massachusetts, New York, and Michigan. Many were from Cleveland and other cities. Mr. Monteith's wife was among the teachers. They were able to teach the languages and higher mathematics. The curriculum of studies published in the catalogue sent out contained such studies as Latin, Greek, French, higher mathematics, physical, intellectual, and moral sciences, and music. Among those enrolled in the student body were two Fairchild brothers from Brownhelm, both of whom later entered Oberlin College, from which they graduated, one of whom, James, became professor in the institution, and later its president for a long period of years. The other was president of Berea College, Kentucky. Within four years the student body grew to number two hundred, when Mr. Monteith resigned, and a Doctor Brown was installed in his place. Brown added to the teaching force to accommodate the growing school which came to have almost a national reputation. Bookkeeping, botany, and chemistry were added. Many who were students rose to distinction in various 60 - Early History of Elyria and Her People walks of life. The examinations attracted much attention and continued for two days. After examinations, the girls read compositions, and the boys declaimed as orators. These exercises were held in the courtroom, which would be crowded to the doors. The band enlivened the occasions. The character of dresses worn by the girls graduating might be of interest. It was not expected they all would wear expensive white garments. French calico was in vogue, costing fifty cents a yard, that made up most of the attire. No automobiles in those days to annihilate distance, or paved streets or highways over which to travel, but neither hubs nor mud stayed their goings or comings, when commencement came. It was the great event of the year. Ox and horse teams, horseback, and on foot were the means of transportation. Nor was the room lighted by electric bulbs, turning night into day, but tallow dips alone. Furnaces were unknown, but ambition to succeed just as keen as to-day with our manifold devices for travel and communication, with every whim anticipated. The pioneers laid the foundations for our blessings. Do we have the proper gratitude in our hearts toward those whose bodies rest in the cities of the dead, whose willing hands and hearts wrought the mighty work? After leaving the high-school work, Mr. Monteith cast about to see what the prospects were for a ladies' boarding school. His cogitations led him within two years to open such an institution. To that end he purchased the land on which the “Gates Homestead" on East Avenue, now stands, on which he erected a large and commodious building to accommodate the student body. It was well patronized, not only by Elyria ladies, but many came from Cleveland and the surrounding towns and townships. He was not only a teacher, but a minister as well, and preached in the pulpits here and there. He was also an ardent abolitionist, and made bold in his sermons to denounce slavery, as well as the liquor traffic. On one occasion, while he was filling the pulpit in the evening in Ridgeville, pointing out the evils of slavery, he was mobbed by men thirsting for his blood, when he was compelled to escape through a window, by the help of friends. A horse was furnished on which he' fled from his pursuers. He was one of the conductors of the "Underground Railroad," secreting and protecting the runaway slaves, aiding them to escape into Canada. Early History of Elyria and Her People - 61 Those were exciting times growing out of the so-called "slavery question." Neighbors became estranged, friendships of years were broken, hasty words were spoken and hard accusations made. Speakers were mobbed for denouncing the traffic, churches were divided over the question. This prevailed all over the North. On one occasion a runaway slave and his wife and two children were apprehended as they reached the mouth of Black River on their way to Canada, were brought to Elyria, when Attorney Hamlin mentioned, gratuitously (being an abolitionist), undertook their defense. He was permitted to take them to his office for consultation. He cleared them in this way. Knowing a young fellow as ardent in the cause as himself, he called him in and arranged that he should drive the team of the conveyance in which they were to escape, to some port where they could take a ship for English soil. The young fellow, knowing that the leading merchant of Elyria, Seymour W. Baldwin, owned spirited horses that took no man's dust, and knowing that the owner was of like mind as himself on the question, he made bold to ask Mr. Baldwin for the use of his team, stating the purpose, whereupon Mr. Baldwin smiled in a way that it was understood all would be well. As the young man started toward the stable, Baldwin said, "Don't you touch the team," but with his eyes he assured him it would be all right. The horses were attached to the lumber wagon, with ample straw, and driven in front of Hamlin's office. Hamlin pointed the way, and they were soon covered with straw, going toward some underground station. When the owner found his fugitives gone and nobody knew where, or how, like the heathen we read about, he raged, but failed to enthuse the officers whose sympathies were with the downtrodden to bestir themselves to assist him. The "fugitive slave law" was then in force, making it a crime to assist or harbor a runaway slave, punishable by fine and imprisonment., Among the abolitionists conducting the underground railway and its stations, there was, after Congress passed the fugitive slave law in 1850, an understanding that they would talk by signs, so that if called into court to testify what they knew about any transaction connected with secreting or helping a runaway slave, they could answer, "I heard him say nothing." As early as 1832, the year before Oberlin College was founded, 62 - Early History of Elyria and Her People the "slavery question" in Elyria and the county had become the leading theme for discussion, on public occasions causing bitterness in the church and out. Elyria held a celebration that year on the Fourth of July. The country people came in processions with banners and flags, headed by martial music. Their girls were dressed in white, with wreaths on their heads. The park in front of the courthouse was the meeting place. Here the exercises were held, opened by prayer; songs were sung, the Declaration of Indepence was read, and then came the orators of the day, when the questions whether slavery was right or wrong, and whether the colored people should be colonized in Africa or not, were discussed pro and con. Feeling ran high, evidenced by the demonstrations attending the climaxes of the speakers, as they clapped their hands in approval, or hissed the orator. Mr. John Monteith's wife was a highly educated lady, and as stated, taught in his school. They had a family; their oldest daughter was the wife of Elyria's noted mayor, the late N. B. Gates, concerning whom more will be said. She was the leading lady in her church when I came to Elyria, and in reform movements. There was born to Mr. and Mrs. Monteith, while they resided here, a son, who was destined to mark high in the educational and reform world. He was named after his father, and like him, was during his long and eventful life, a teacher, preacher, and reformer. He was a precocious child, born January 31, 1833. He was taught to read by his parents, before he could talk plainly, and was studying Latin grammar at four years of age. There were nine children in the family. He was in Western Reserve College, at Hudson, Ohio, that was later removed to Cleveland, for two years, when he entered Yale as a junior, and in two years graduated in the class of 1856. He was a classmate of Chauncey M. Depew and General Wagar Swayne. His first charge as a minister was at Terryville, Conn., then of the Congregational Church in Jackson, Mich. He then moved to St. Louis in 1866, where he took an active part in organizing the Pilgrim and Mayflower Churches. His health becoming impaired, he purchased a farm in the Ozark Mountains, following the life of an agriculturist. On being restored to health, he was appointed by Governor Gratz Brown, of that State, superintendent of all the schools. Into this work he threw himself with great energy, in rebuilding Early History of Elyria and Her People - 63 the system. The war was just over, and because he was determined to see that the colored were educated as well as the whites, he met with great opposition. On one occasion he was traveling on a train near the line between Missouri and Arkansas, when a number of the Ku-Klux-Klan filed into his car on the Iron Mountain road. The leader shouted, "Boys, show your shooting irons," when every member of the gang responded. He turned to Mr. Monteith and said: "Wal, now stranger, show us youah shootin' iron." "Gentlemen, "said Mr. Monteith, "I haven't any; I am the school-master of the State, going about everywhere on a peaceful errand, and I am sure no Southern gentleman would attack another who is unarmed." They put up their guns and left the train at the next station. Notwithstanding the threats and multiplied difficulties during the days of "reconstruction," Mr. Monteith succeeded in establishing colored as well as white schools throughout Missouri. One of the Missouri newspapers that opposed his re-election, had this to say editorially: "John Monteith, the present superintendent of schools, is radical all over, and to his exertions we are indebted for the defeat of school law that was adopted by the House last winter. He, too, is an agriculturist, and has sown more dragons' teeth than any other man, that have sprung up in the shape of Lincoln institutes and unnecessary expenditures for Negro school purposes. He is about the only man of real ability on the ticket, and no doubt feels out of his element." CHAPTER XII I WILL now finish an account of the life of Rev. John Monteith. He was defeated for re-election as superintendent of the schools of the State of Missouri, because of his efforts in securing, at the close of the Civil War, in that State public schools for the colored children, and because of his fight against the "Schoolbook Ring." One paper favoring his election had this to say: "Mr. Monteith has never allowed political or religious views to interfere with the conscientious discharge of his duties. His only enemies are the rings of book thieves, who wish to have a man in office purchasable and subservient to their interest." Later the governor appointed him secretary of the Board of Agriculture. From Missouri he moved to Cincinnati where he published 64 - Early History of Elyria and Her People a magazine on "Familiar Animals and Living Creatures." From here he migrated to California where he lectured and wrote for periodicals. Then to New York, where he wrote and published a book entitled, "Useful Animals." He had three daughters and two sons, all high-class citizens. The daughters marked high in the educational world and spent their last days as teachers and writers, on educational subjects, in South Orange, N. J., where they, with their father, made their home. What a marvelous influence for the common good has flown from the lives of the first superintendent of Elyria High School and his noble wife. Eternity alone can reveal the worth of such people. Returning now to the history of Artemas Beebe, Sr., who came with Mr. Ely in 1817, when twenty-three years of age, to work as a carpenter and joiner, and two years later erected and owned the first hotel, now standing on East Broad Street, we find that he had as a landlord a competitor in the arrival in 1828 of Reuben Nichols, from the granite hills of New Hampshire, who thought he saw an opening for further hotel facilities. Having the wherewithal to finance his project, he purchased the corner, now occupied by the Robinson and Hancock Company, and the block adjoining on the west on the corner of Broad and Mill Streets, then the residence of Joel Tiffany, the leading lawyer of the county, and started the "Eagle Hotel," which ran till 1832, then removed the same, and in its place erected a spacious brick hotel, with broad verandas, the most pretentious structure on the Beebe stage line between Cleveland and Lower Sandusky (now called Fremont). The people took commendable pride in this addition to the growing little city. The "Beebe Tavern" was then eclipsed as a social center. He named it the "Mansion House." Its appointments contained a large ball and dining room, in which banquets and social gatherings convened, without number. The proprietor not to be outdone by Cleveland landlords, equipped his building throughout with the most approved appliances of the time, and manned it with colored servants, dressed befitting their several positions. In connection with the hotel was ample room for horses, and when a circus gave an exhibition in the town the elephant and wild animals, as well as the proprietors and actors of the traveling exhibition, found ample accommodations at the "Mansion House." Early History of Elyria and Her People - 65 The people of that period were deeply interested in military tactics. The slogan of the patriots of the Revolution, "Millions for defense but not one penny for tribute," still rang in their ears, and incited them to ever be ready for war. To that end, in every county under the Flag each year, there was had what they called "Training Day." Elyria was not behind the most patriotic in observing the same. They came from all over the county, men and women, the men, to either join the ranks, if of the required age, or to cheer the participants in their movements. From the officer first would come the command, "Attention." Then "Right about face," "Forward march." How the commands thrilled the onlookers. It ever has and ever will be thus, till the sword shall be beaten into a plowshare, and the spear into a pruning hook, and the nations learn war no more. Of course, the martial music of the day were the tunes that led the old patriots to victory in the Revolution. They had no brass band till 1838, when to finance the organization, concerts were given in the courtroom, where twenty-five cents was the admission fee. Since that day, Elyria has not been without the wind instruments accompanied by the snare and big bass drums. The "Mansion House" lobby, on training days or political gatherings, was crowded to capacity with interested parties talking politics or discussing the themes of the times, in which they were most interested. Ladies took possession of the parlor to enjoy themselves socially, with now and then one progressive, and bold enough to argue to her sex that they were not yet possessed of all the political and property rights the Creator intended, but the time was not yet ripe for organization to take place. However the seed was being sown when Oberlin College was founded in the Russia woods by John J. Shipherd in 1833, with an open door for all, without regard to sex or race; the advocates of woman's rights and race equality multiplied rapidly in Elyria and throughout the county, and over the State as well. One of the entertainments at these gatherings was wrestling. Physical strength and the skill to make the most of it in the day of the woodchoppers and mowing and reaping by scythe and cradle, gave the yeomen muscular bodies, not to be found these times, save in trained athletes. Naturally they were anxious, on such occasions, to match their strength against all comers. 66 - Early History of Elyria and Her People In pulling off a wrestling match, a ring was formed about the contestants, the one thrown, stepped out, when another thinking he was more than a match for the victor, stepped in and the contest continued till there was no one ready to meet the winner, when he was declared the hero of the hour. Still another means of exhibiting skill was shown in seeing who could make the farthest jump. The contestants held a rock in each hand, weighing about eight pounds, which aided the contestant in making his leap when he threw them backward as he left the ground. Vaulting over a bar and jumping a bar were indulged in also, while some pitched quoits. Still others ran races. Every such gathering had a bully who went about with achip on his shoulder and whiskey on his breath, looking for an insult, as a pretext to fight. Before the crowd dispersed for the day, he generally took in too much territory and met his "Waterloo" in some farm boy, possessed of the body of an athlete and fists and hands like unto "Milo" of ancient Greece. As the braggart lay prostrate the crowd would break forth in cheers and from that time henceforth the unpretentious conqueror became the hero of the occasion. These games took place in the park in front of the courthouse, then surrounded by a board fence denuded of trees, save the few scattered native elms left by the woodsman. Five of these elms are still standing. The noted one at the southwest corner of the grounds, back of the courthouse, the one next to the sidewalk in the northwest corner of the park on Broad Street, one east of the courthouse, one on Second Street, and one on Cheapside. Last year the one at the northeast corner of Second Street at Middle Avenue succumbed to old age in spite of the effort of the county commissioner's attempt to save it, but another has been planted in its place. All the maples in the entire park, including the small elms, have been set out since those times. The rails and hitching posts have served their day for the faithful horse and gone to accommodate the means of transportation foretold three thousand years ago by the old prophet Nahum. (See chapter 2, verse 4, where lie tells of the last days.) It reads, "The chariots shall race in the streets, they shall jostle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like lightnings," Early History of Elyria and Her People - 67 In one of the bouts at wrestling, Roswell Bemis, of Amherst, was thrown so violently by a Sheffield man, that his neck was broken, causing his unfortunate death. Training days and sports of the character named, that took place on the grounds in front of the courthouse, had long ceased to be, when the present temple of justice was erected in 1878. Hotels like NEW COURT HOUSE, BUILT IN 1879 everything earthly, have their day; Mr. Beebe, the landlord, realizing that the star of empire was still westward, concluded if he was to continue in the business of accommodating the public he must not only build a hotel more attractive than the "Mansion House," but it would have to be located farther west. The result of his conclusions ended in his purchasing the corner on which the bank building and Elyria Hotel now stand, and the erection of the Beebe four-story hotel in 1847. It was by far the most 68 - Early History of Elyria and Her People pretentious structure in the county and was talked of over the State, because of its great size and attractive appointments. About this time the "Mansion House" was burned to the ground, and the new hotel became at once the social center for banquets,' balls, and a meeting place for those interested in political affairs. It was opened as a temperance hotel. The fourth floor was the lodge room of the "Odd Fellows" for many years. It was finally purchased by our well-known citizens and business men who have spent their lives building up the town: Henry Andress, Henry Wurst, and William Heldemyer. They changed the name to Andwur, a name made up from Andress and Wurst names. This continued till the Elyria Savings and Banking Company purchased the corner portion, on which to place the present ten-story monumental banking and office block, when the part left was christened "Elyria Hotel." When Nichols built his "Mansion House" the Eagle one was moved to a lot on the west side of West Avenue, just north of the right of way of the Lake Shore Railroad, where it was occupied as a residence till a short time ago when it gave way to the extension of the Elyria Lumber and Coal Company plant of which Charles Crehore is the head. Twice the hotel was badly injured by fire, but was at once restored. The original had a frontage on each street of one hundred and six feet. There were several storerooms on the Broad Street side. Mr. Beebe occupied his first hotel erected in 1819, as landlord for sixteen years when in 1835 he built the brick residence now standing at the southeast corner of East Broad Street and East Avenue, known as the "Old Beebe homestead." He then left the tavern in the hands of tenants. At this time there was no summer resort in the west. Mr. Beebe believing the time had come when such a place might he conducted with profit, purchased a site on Put-in-Bay and erected and opened the "Beebe House" that became known the country over as a delightful summer resort among the islands, a place where fishing was par excellent, the surroundings happy, and the spot historical, as the naval battle between America's Commodore Perry and the English fleet was fought within sight of the location, when he sent his immortal message to the President: "We have met the enemy and they are ours." For many years this resort was as popular west as Saratoga was east. Early History of Elyria and Her People - 69 Jay Cook, the great financier, built a castle on a nearby island overlooking the same bay, that still stands. It is common knowledge there has been erected within sight a great monument of striking height and beauty, that can be seen far out over the saltless sea, in commemoration of Perry's victory. He was then but twenty-eight. The battle was fought on the 23d of August, 1813, one hundred and fifteen years ago. He had 492 men and 54 guns, while the British had 502 men and 63 guns. Before the British surrendered Perry had lost four-fifths of his crew on his flagship. He was then rowed to another vessel and sailed boldly and unexpectedly between two of the enemies' ships and by letting loose all of his guns both ways within fifteen minutes utterly destroyed the British fleet. When the smoke lifted the decks of the two British men-of-war were strewn with the dead and dying, with blood everywhere, like a butcher's shambles. To save the remaining lives and fleet, the British admiral hoisted the white flag. This was four years before Mr. Ely founded Elyria. Only Indians occupying this territory heard the roar of the cannons. This distinguished patriot came to an untimely death from yellow fever while in Trinidad, at the age of thirty-four. His body lies buried in South Kingston, R. I., the place of his birth. This noted victory settled the boundary between the two nations by a treaty agreement that the center of the "Great Lakes" should forever be the national boundary line, and that neither nation should ever maintain an army or fortifications to maintain it. This has been religiously adhered to by both parties since which time every dispute has been settled by arbitration. Many of those who gave their lives in that conflict are buried a few rods from the Beebe Hotel resort; Perry's statue in marble, stood for many years in the Public Square in Cleveland in the pose of commanding, but was later, much to the disappointment of the public, removed to one of the city parks. A new figure, of like mould, is soon to be placed in the Public Square, where it justly belongs. Artemas Beebe, the pioneer and his good wife were the parents of two sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood and married. Through these five children they had eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, making atotal family, including the pioneers, of 6 70 - Early History of Elyria and Her People eighteen, all of whom save six have gone to that mysterious bourne from which none return. Only two of the six reside in Elyria: Artemas Beebe, Jr., and Miss Winifred Turner, highly respected citizens, worthy descendants of the pioneers who came into the woods of Elyria and wrought mightily in laying the foundation of our city and its civilization. I saw this goodly couple soon after I located here on the 7th day of September, 1876. She passed away two years later at the family residence, aged seventy-nine, and he two years later, at the age of eighty-six years, five months, and twenty-two days. Both had possession of their faculties when the summons came. Both died in the old home they built in which they had resided for forty-three years. Both were members of the Congregational Church, of which she was a charter member. All hail to their memory. Their dust reposes in the Elyria Cemetery. CHAPTER XIII THE American people have ever been believers in newspapers as a means of disseminating intelligence, and getting before the public their beliefs and doctrines, whether political or religious. In these latter days every movement and pretty nearly all business puts out the printed sheet for the public to read. The first ever published in this country was the "Boston News Blotter," in 1704, 228 years ago. The most noted editor in Colonial times was Benjamin Franklin, who, eighteen years later, while in his teens, became editor of the "New England Courant." From this time till he passed away, at the ripe old age of eighty-four, he was the editor of a newspaper or a large contributor to the press. Although he has gone down in history as a great statesman, philosopher, diplomat, inventor, writer, scientist, he desired to be known in history as simply a "printer," as is evinced by the epitaph on his tombstone, which he himself wrote and left orders that the same should be inscribed on his monument. It reads: Early History of Elyria and Her People - 71 "The Body of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Printer (Like the cover of an old book, Its contents torn out, and stripped of its lettering, and gilding) Lies here, food for worms But the work shall not be lost, for it will (as he believed), appear once more, in a new and more elegant edition Revised and corrected by The Author." Elyria was but twelve years old when Mr. Ely, the founder, concluded that the publishing of a newspaper here was the wise thing to do in building up the country. To that end he was to furnish largely the wherewith, while a man by the name of A. S. Park, who hailed from Ashtabula, was to be printer. A young attorney by the name of Frederic Whittlesey, was chosen as editor. The promoters had a meeting to determine what its policy should be and the name to give the infant. Several were canvassed, ending by agreeing to call it the "Lorain Gazette," its politics to be Whig. The Whig Party came into being on the tariff issue, the Democratic Party stood for free trade, while the Whigs contended for a protective tariff. The first issue of the paper was a four-column affair, printed on a wooden "Ramage Press," by hand, of course. Its birth was July 21, 1829. It was issued as a weekly. It survived a little more than two years and three months, when publication was suspended, with no reason for so doing given in recorded history. While it died as the "Lorain Gazette" at the end of about six months, it was resurrected in the name of the "Ohio Atlas," with Mr. Ely still hacking the enterprise and printer Park setting the type, but a new editor by the name of Joel Harris was chosen. Since then Elyria has never been without a newspaper. At times there have been three, and at other times two, till finally Hon. J. F. Burke, who years ago ran one of our papers 72 - Early History of Elyria and Her People for a time, and then left for other fields of endeavor, came back, and finding three here: the Chronicle, the Telegram, and the Elyria Democrat, and believing that there should be but one for a city of the size of Elyria, purchased all three and combined them into the present "Chronicle-Telegram." Soon thereafter he sold a one-half interest to the present owner, Mr. Hudnutt, and later his whole interest and purchased a daily in Santa Ana, Calif., where he now resides. The "Lorain Gazette" was the first paper published in the county. Now there are eight, three of which are dailies. Be it said to the credit of them all, they stand for law and order, and against the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, contending that the "Volstead Act" should be obeyed. In a previous chapter has been told the story of locating the county seat at Elyria, and the furnishing of a temporary courthouse by Mr. Ely, located on the Broad Street and Cheapside corner in 1823, five years later, in I828, one hundred years ago, the red brick temple of justice was erected on the spot where the present one stands. It was a two-story structure of ample size to accommodate the needs of the county for years, and did for fifty, when it became necessary, because of the volume of business, to replace it with one suitable for the times. The first one was of Colonial style, with four white fluted pillars, adorned by a cupola, in keeping with the building, in which was a bell, the sheriff rang, announcing the opening of court. There were then no typewriters, nor was there any female help in the building. This was also true fifty years later, when the present building was erected, save in the clerk's office, where Mrs. Briggs, the wife of the clerk, Doctor Briggs, was efficient help. The rapid growth of the county has changed the old order of things. Where at one time, not many years ago, when all records in the recorder's office were made in longhand, by the recorder and one assistant, there now are kept busy from morning till night, many young ladies, pounding machines to keep up with the work. This is true of the Probate Court. One assistant in longhand, took care of the business while now it requires several young ladies with machines. In the clerk's office we find the same situation, as assistants are required to keep up with the increasing business. This condition will be found on visiting any of the county Early History of Elyria and Her People - 73 offices. A few years ago one court room was ample for the administration of justice, while now three have become a necessity to accommodate the two Common Pleas and the Court of Appeals, often in session at the same time. Court-room facilities necessitated the doing off of rooms in the third story, for the library, so the room used for the same could be turned into a court room. The county commissioners contemplate utilizing the entire third floor, to meet the growing needs of the county, quarters in surrounding buildings have to be rented to accommodate the business. In architectural beauty, the exterior of the present courthouse is not surpassed in Ohio. Strangers from every State in the Union, passing through, often stop to admire it. For fifty years it had gathered grime from the smoke of the city, till people regarded it as somewhat unsightly, but after the commissioners had the same sand-blast cleaned, it again appeared in all of its original beauty. As the county grew, the jail accommodations became inadequate, necessitating the building of the present structure. The old jail became unsanitary, and prisoners easily escaped when crowded. The basement of the courthouse was not intended to be used for other purposes save storage, and to accommodate the heating plant, but it became necessary to utlize three-fourths of the space for offices. For thirteen years after the founding of Elyria it was not necessary to have a county home for those who were no longer able to maintain themselves, but in 1830 the authorities made provisions for the unfortunate. When the building was ready at the place now occupied for that purpose on Murray Ridge, those having the matter in charge, Raymond Starr and Buel Peck, gave notice in the Elyria (Ohio "Atlas") newspaper, the only one published in the county, that they were ready to receive applicants. The conveniences for the inmates in that day compared to those now enjoyed in the same institution cannot but convince us that the world is growing kinder. In 1832 the most progressive citizens in the towns and on the farms came together to consider the advisability of organizing a Lorain County agricultural society. The meeting resulted in such an organization and September 3rd of that year was designated for the exhibits to be on hand. Eliphelt Redington was chosen president. The forenoon of the first day the people were 74 - Early History of Elyria and Her People so delighted over what had been done that those disposed to oratory made speeches in the new courthouse, felicitating those gathered over the showing made in agriculture and stock raising, encouraging them to go forward till the forest should blossom as the rose. The fair was held in the public square in front of the courthouse. The afternoon was devoted to an examination of the exhibits, and especially the live stock. Heman Ely, the founder, had on exhibition among other things, a yoke of oxen, on which he won the red card, while Artemas Beebe, the hotel proprietor, farmer, and stage-coach owner, outclassed him on geldings, but William Andrews and William Ingersoll carried away all the first premiums on bulls and three-year-old steers. It was a great day for the pioneers, as it had been fifteen years since the red man alone inhabited the farms on which the town and farms producing the exhibits were raised. Rutty roads, stumpy fields, and log huts and barns were still in evidence in all directions over the county, and bears, wolves, deer, and small game, inhabited the forests and the spot where Oberlin now stands, was an unbroken wilderness, as the college was not founded till the next year. Black River (now Lorain) was but a port for lake craft where merchandise was shipped to and received. From that time till this day and generation, ninety-six years, the Lorain Agricultural Fair has been held. Later, over seventy years ago, ample grounds were secured for the organization, that later were sold over fifty years ago to purchase the present site, where interest has grown, from year to year, in the annual occasion, until it has become noted for its splendid and large exhibit of not only highly bred cattle, sheep, horses, and swine, but fowls, rabbits, agricultural implements, household labor-saving devices, woman's handiwork, furniture, fruit, vegetables, automobiles, and musical instruments, and other things, the cunning of man's hand too numerous to mention. The pioneers came to the county fair in ox carts, in two-horse lumber wagons, on horseback, and on foot, with no pavements, over roads that would these days be a disgrace to the community, and that without complaint, after cutting their grain by main strength, among stumps, and gathering their hay crop, by muscle alone. We, their descendants, step into our glittering chariots after cultivating and gathering our crops, by machinery, and have a joy ride to the exhibition, with distance annihilated, and Early History of Elyria and Her People - 75 complain of the fellow just ahead if he does not get out of the way, as we step the gas up to forty and fifty miles per hour. Our cattle and horses, we desire to exhibit, are no longer driven over the highway on foot, but they, too, joy ride to their pens and stalls for inspection and back again. The old dark y gave the best description of the automobile that has yet been in print. The stranger left the steam train at a small town and strolled down thestreet to ascertain the distance to his point of destination that he would have to reach by some other means. Ran across an old white-headed colored man, leaning against the lamp post. He accosted him as follows: "Hello, uncle, you live around here?" "Yeas sah, hab been heah all my life." "Well," said the gentleman, "I just got off the train, it does not go my way, and I want to know how far it is to" (naming it). "Well, sah Mista, dat all depends on how you. go, If you walk a-foot, it is about ten miles; if you take a boss and buggy it is about five, but Mista, if you take one of dem auchomobiles, you am dare now." The year following the first fair the legislature on petition by Mr. Ely and the citizens of Elyria village, the same was incorporated. In pioneer days religious camp meetings were common on the Reserve. These were always held in some grove or piece of woods. The first one in Elyria Township was on the farm of the pioneer Clark Eldred, west of town, on what we now call the Telegraph Road. This was in 1831. The next one was on the premises of Orsen J. Humphrey, near LaPorte, and the next one in 1834, and one in 1840, on the grounds now occupied by the Country Club, south of the city. These gatherings lasted for days. The families lived largely in tents. Some of the most gifted ministers as orators America ever produced were called to deliver the sermons. The line was in those days sharply drawn, between those who believed the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and those who rejected the claims that it contained a revelation from God to man. Infidel lecturers went over the country speaking to the people against the claims of the Christians. Slavery was in the saddle, and the advocates of temperance talked to dull ears, but the camp-meeting ministers cried out against the evil. What a debt we owe to the faithful ones of that day and generation, who, not only built the country 76 - Early History of Elyria and Her People churches and erected the little red schoolhouses, but filled the sanctuaries every Sunday, never doubting and listening to sermons an hour in length. The whole congregation sang the gospel hymns. The prayers were fervent and hospitality ample, as the minister was ever welcome. The family altar was maintained and children made to obey. Their names are engraved on marble in the little cemeteries over the land they cleared in the cities of the dead. Should we not more frequently visit these silent habitations, for reflection, and refresh our minds over the work they wrought, and the blessings that are ours, because they toiled, and never lost faith, that we and ours might step into their labors. In 1832 the inhabitants of Elyria took alarm over a threatened epidemic of cholera, and hastily organized the first Board of Health. Doctor Manter was president, John S. Matson, secretary. Other members were: Conrad Reid, Dr. Samuel Strong, Buel Jones, and Daniel T. Baldwin. Out of this organization later grew the Lorain County Medical Society. These societies have ever been diligent in meeting any threatened epidemic, by reason of which Elyria ever has been a healthy place in which to live and rear a family. CHAPTER XIV IN THESE latter days, when so much is said about crime waves, we are apt to think of the early pioneers as largely above theft and disposed to righteousness. Some sage philosopher has expressed the idea in these words, "The good that men do lives after them, but their evil deeds are often interred with their bones." From the beginning of the race, man has been as inclined to evil, "as the sparks are to fly upward." The first parents took what did not belong to them, in violation of a positive command, to keep hands off, after being warned of the penalty, awaiting their disobedience. Their first-born was a murderer, and Noah, though seeing the earth filled with violence and drunkenness, and because of its wickedness perished, and he and his family alone saved, planted a vineyard and made wine on which he became drunk. Artemas Beebe, the pioneer landlord and conductor of the stage line from Cleveland to Fremont, had his troubles because of the "Old Adam" in man, as the sequel Early History of Elyria and Her People - 77 will show. Among his many stage drivers was one bearing the good name of "Jeremiah" Seymour. The first intimation he had that all was not right, was on the receipt of a letter from the landlord in Cleveland where Seymour stopped, requesting that he discharge Seymour, claiming he was a thief. This was a hundred years ago. Shortly before the receipt of the letter, a Mr. Charles Beebe, living at the hotel of the Cleveland landlord, had eighty dollars in silver stolen from his trunk. Suspicion rested on Seymour, but no proof was to be had. At this point, Mr. Beebe, the pioneer, turned detective, and did a clever piece of work that would have done credit to "Sherlock Holmes." He ascertained that Seymour was paying his respects to a young lady, working at a Dover tavern, kept by one Sperry. He did not discharge him on receipt of the letter, but while he was on his route going west of Elyria, he called upon the object of the driver's affections, and learned from her that Seymour's trunk was in her charge. He asked her if she was willing he should examine its contents, telling her his suspicions. She readily consented, being an honest girl. An examination satisfied him that it contained many stolen articles. With her permission he brought the trunk to Elyria, and at. once sent for Seymour. When he arrived, he opened the trunk and not only charged him with stealing many of the articles, but also with taking the money of Charles Beebe while in the hotel in Cleveland. Then followed a proposition that if he would restore the goods to the rightful owners and turn over the money and leave the State, posthaste, he would not prosecute him. The very boldness of Mr. Beebe and the unexpected appearance of the trunk in Elyria with stolen goods (though Mr. Beebe had no evidence they were stolen), overwhelmed the fellow. He at once consented, and they started for Cleveland with the trunk, where at Bloods Tavern he turned over the stolen articles and told to whom they belonged, then led the way hack of the barn to a hollow stump, where he dug up the lost money, saying he had not spent a cent of it. Three miles west of Cleveland they parted, where Seymour cut for the tall timber and was never seen again by Mr. Beebe. It turned out that he made for Buffalo, where he soon thereafter stole a trunk of jewelry and was apprehended by being caught wearing one of the rings, and was sent to the Auburn Penitentiary. Another incident might be of interest. In a previous 75 - Early History of Elyria and Her People chapter an account was given of the loss of horses and stage coach in a flood when the driver undertook to ford Rocky River before there were bridges, when coach and team were swept into Lake Erie. A peddler had a trunk on the stage that went down the stream. Immediately after the disaster he claimed that it contained goods of great value. Within a day or two the waters subsided, when the trunk was found lodged in some flood wood. Mr. Beebe had it taken to the tavern where the peddler was stopping, and before informing him of its recovery had him give a list of its contents in the presence of several witnesses, after which the lost trunk was produced, to the astonishment of the gentleman. Mr. Beebe ordered him to open it, which the peddler very reluctantly did, when it was found to contain only a few pins and needles and several articles of little value, the whole not to exceed five dollars. The crowd laughed at the outwitted vendor of peddlers' wares, when he went his way. On another occasion, a man by the name of Norris O. Stow, engaged in manufacturing in Elyria in 1827, took passage in a Beebe coach for New York with a valise containing money and drafts. At Rocky River, where the stage crossed the stream, was a ferry conducted by a man, counted strictly honest, who carried passengers from bank to bank. When the stage arrived in Cleveland, the valise was missing. Shortly thereafter the boatman was seen on Training Day in Dover, spending money freely, when it was suspicioned that he might be the guilty party. Mr. Beebe had him arrested, but failed in his proof. But when told that if he would confess, if guilty, he would not be prosecuted, he admitted it and claimed he found it at the waters edge where it fell off the coach. He first secreted it in an old lime kiln, then in the woods. He took Mr. Stow with him and restored what he had not spent. "Beware, your sins will find you out." There were but few inhabitants at that time, over one hundred years ago. We are apt these days, to think crime is on the increase, but there are vast multitudes now compared to then. I am of opinion that when numbers are taken into the account, there is not as much crime to-day as in that period. I am certain there was never such kindness accorded mankind, beasts, and birds as in this generation. Slavery, with all of its attending horrors, then existed. Persons confined in penal institutions then received but little sympathy and no effort was made looking to Early History of Elyria and Her People - 79 their education, but on the contrary, the punishments were brutal. In England at one time they hung for more than a hundred different offenses. To steal a loaf of bread meant the hangman's noose, for man or woman. Then only one in a hundred could read or write in that country. Who should not rejoice he did not live then? Fifty years ago in Lorain County, there were many grown-ups who could neither read or write and signed by a mark. A person to-day, who cannot read, is a curiosity. Our community chest, hospitals, care of the crippled child, Red Cross Chapters, and temperance organizations looking to the doing away of the liquor traffic, and care of the orphan, all bespeak marvelous advancement in accord with the parable of the good Samaritan that came from the lips of the One who spoke as man never spake: "Who is my neighbor?" It has been stayed in a previous chapter, that Woollsey Wells was the first attorney who opened an office in Elyria, and was appointed the first prosecuting attorney by the first court that convened in the temporary courthouse. The next one to appear was Ruben Mussey, the father of the late Henry E. Mussey, and the grandfather of Mrs. Irving Metcalf, of Oberlin, and Eugene and Reno Mussey, of Elyria. But more about them later. Attorney Mussey was born and raised in the State of New York, and was forty years of age when he arrived here. For a time he left his family East. He contemplated settling in Columbus, where he first went with his law library, then came to Elyria to look the town over. Because of his integrity and high character, he proved to be a great addition to the community and the county. His office was a small wooden structure built for the accommodation of a person or firm, located a little beyond the present store of "The Lersch Company." He had not been here many months before he wrote a lengthy letter to his wife, describing the people and the place, which is exceedingly interesting, giving a pen picture of the town and the people one hundred and five years ago, it reads: "Elyria, November 30, 1825. "My dear Mary: "I have been waiting a long time since John left here to have an answer from him or you, concluding that he must have arrived at home a long time since, and I feel anxious to have an answer to my last letter as well as from the children and father's 80 - Early History of Elyria and Her People family. I have nothing particular to write, as things remain with me, as they did when John left here, only you may inform him that the cedar on `Point du plaise' is secured, which is much the largest quantity on the lake. The cedar on Cunningham Island has not yet been secured, but I have no doubt it will be shortly. I think arrangements will be made to go to work at it in March. Yesterday I heard a sermon preached from the ninety-first psalm, one hour, and a more able discourse or more feeling one I never heard. The preacher, Mr. Lathrop, delivered the discourse without notes, and it is then he succeeds to admiration. If there is a man on earth that feels the true form of religion, I think he is the man, possessed of as much mildness and humility as the Rev. Mr. Johnson, but possessing a much more masculine mind and familiar in his conversation. I have before mentioned his wife, who animates the meeting with the best vocal music for a female that I ever heard. These all combined, induce me to believe that I am not altogether in the wilderness, but among a civilized and Christian people. May I venture to say that the Sabbath is more strictly observed here than in any place in the county of Washington. And here permit me to digress at this moment. While I am writing, in come a score of Sandusky Indians, who always come every fall to this place, or within ten miles to the south of this, and make their regular encampment for the fall season to kill deer. They are very friendly and many of them talk so that you can understand them generally. At this moment, the celebrated 'Seneca John' is present and is a very familiar fellow. Talks very well by signs. When I asked how many deer he had killed this week, he held up both hands and then three fingers, indicating that he had killed thirteen. He is about as to height equal to myself. Dressed in a checked ruffle shirt, with a roundabout over it, and over that a great blanket coat. But enough about these wild sons of the forest. I have not yet been particular in relation to the customs and manners. I will now be able to give you a tolerable idea of them generally, and also of the county according to the present situation of the country. A man to be comfortable here should know how to wait on himself and practice it much more than is common among the people in the State of New York. There is only one difficulty here, the habit Early History of Elyria and Her People - 81 of indolence arising from facility of procuring the necessaries of life with little labor. High notions of liberty also have created a strong aversion to domestic service. The name `servant,' they consider synonymous to slavery, thus abhorring the name 'domestic servant.' Then many of them keep their young people at home in indolence, and often in rags, when they might for their own good be much better employed in some decent family. But however this may be, families should bring with them the inclination to dispense in a good degree of domestic service, and this is to be done by a simple (though not poor) mode of living. After all, some real conveniences, and some agreeable reflections, arise out of the sanctity of domestics. Parade and entertainments are discouraged by it, and if altogether relinquished, so much the better. Hospitality need not suffer. There is also some compensation for these privations, in reflecting that you are not here surrounded by crowds of indigent fellow creatures who would gladly pick the crumbs that fall from the table. With plenty of them, the rich might supply their domestics, but who is the man of industry who would wish such a state of things? "The country which I have left at so remote a distance, and of which I hear so little, seems to my imagination like a past scene, and its transition as a matter of history than of present concern; but there are times when the recollections of individuals (besides yourself and those of our dear pledges of mutual faith) dear to me, and whom I cannot hope to see again, it might he too painful, but the variety of occupation which surround me soon demand my attention and afford a cure for this, which is the only serious ill which I experience from my change. At this time it is very sickly in this section, more so than was ever known before. The disease is low typhus fever, though there have been but few deaths, yet there are many sick. As for myself, I hope I put my trust in Him who is able to protect me from the blasts of the evening, and be thankful for all His kind providences. I had a letter from Columbus a few days since, inquiring when I was to send for my books. I hope you will by some means forward me some money, which I mentioned to you in my last, to enable me to send for them. I think if it was not for the cedar I should not stay at this place, but should settle in Columbus. But time and circumstances must determine these things. 82 - Early History of Elyria and Her People Receive my sincere affection, and kiss the children affectionately for me, and give my love to all who may inquire. "Your affectionate husband, "R. Mussey." Rev. Lathrop is the same minister whose history has been given in a previous chapter as the first to serve the Presbyterian people that met in the log hut, in 1819, that were later organized in 1824. Hence, he had been preaching seven years for the one people before Attorney Mussey heard him in 1825. The services were held in the log building from 1819 till 1824, then in the park courthouse till 1834, when they built a church on East Second Street, the structure in which the first Old Ladies' Home was started by Mrs. Lilly, now occupied by tenants. This building continued to he the place of worship of the Presbyterians till they erected the beautiful structure in 1850, which remained till it was, to the sorrow of the town, torn down to give place to the present structure. CHAPTER XV ONE of the early characters who came to Elyria in the year 1825, as stated in a previous chapter, was Attorney Reuben Mussey, a copy of whose exceedingly interesting letter, written to his wife, one hundred and three years ago, has already been given. The following spring he again took his pen in hand, to fulfill a promise made his sister, and wrote her as interesting an account of the place and the people as could be asked. The following is a copy of the same: "Elyria, March 27, 1826. "Dear Sister: "I have not forgotten my promise, although I am a long time fulfilling it and should have complied with it before, had it not been for two reasons. The first and most important of which was that I had nothing to write that would have been interesting, and in the next place a variety of circumstances have intervened so much so, that I have hardly had time to do justice to any subject like letter writing, and will now undertake to make up in length what will he wanting in substance. In the Early History of Elyria and Her People - 83 first place, I will attempt to give you a brief sketch of the seat of justice of Lorain County. The village is built on one street which extends from the west to the east branch of Black River, and which branches form a junction just below the village. Although the street is one mile in length, yet the village is almost isolated by the near approach of the branches to the south. The first building which was erected in the place was a log cabin about six years since, but at this time there are about thirty-five houses, and some of them are elegant. "There are but two stores and they are well supplied with goods. Two taverns and two groceries. A town house, which is a substitute for a courthouse, as well as a house of worship of God, in which the Gaoler lives. But to give you a character of the people by one general description, would be impossible. I will, therefore, give the outlines of the most prominent character ,Z, and first, will begin with the proprietor of the town. His names Ely, from which the name Elyria is derived (in this he was mistaken, as stated in a previous chapter). He is a short, fleshy man, apparently about fifty-five years of age, with a fresh ruddy countenance. He is a man who has traveled much and is tolerably well informed, and well acquainted with men and things. Quite distant in his appearance at first, but when acquainted, familiar and easy. He has been a merchant in the city of New York. This township fell to him by will on the death of his father. He has a wife who is about twenty-seven years of age, and who has the name of an excellent woman. "The other, who demands attention, is the minister of the village. His name is Lathrop, a man about thirty years of age. His appearance at first, to a stranger, would indicate a great degree of modesty and diffidence, and he is truly modest, but when he is engaged in the cause of religion, his apparent diffidence quite forsakes him, and he stands forth the able champion of the cause he espouses. His oratorical powers are of superior order, both for strength and beauty. He belongs to the Presbyterian order, and therefore, by their rules, is obliged to write his sermons, but at times he breaks over these trammels and preaches extemporaneous, and it is then that he delights and astonishes his audience. Finally he is a preacher of the first order. The society is small in this place. "The next point I shall attempt to discuss is the bar. I 84 - Early History of Elyria and Her People mean the attorneys who attend the court and follow the court from county to county. The court sat here the 13th inst. I have had a recent opportunity of so doing. There are only five whom I consider as men of talents, and these not above the ordinary kind. Their names are Weed, Willey, Newton, Cowls, and Cook. They are all fine, friendly fellows, but the difficulty with the profession generally is, they are deficient in reading. Mr. Wood appears to be the readiest on all occasions, but perhaps I am more partial to him, because we are concerned together on several important occasions. "By this time, I conclude you have had enough, unless it is more entertaining. Give my love to father and mother, and to all the family. I sent a letter to Mary by the same mail. I wrote to John sometime ago. I shall expect you will write me in answer to this, or if you think it not worth answering, as I do not think myself, I will write another and try and do better. Remember me to all inquiring friends, if any there are, the assurance of sincere friendship of "R. Mussey. "It is now ten o'clock and I have written this and Mary's letter the most of the evening." Later Mr. Mussey brought his family, in 1826, to Elyria and continued an active member of the bar until he removed to Kishwaukee, Ill., where he resided till his death in 1842, and was buried in its cemetery, when his family returned to Elyria. Later a more extended account of the Mussey family will appear. There was born in Sheffield, Conn., in the year 1819, a boy who was destined to make his mark in his time in the mercantile world, and for great good. His name was Horace K. Kendall. It was the custom of parents in the East, a hundred years ago, to apprentice their sons to learn a business or trade, lasting a series of years. Being ambitious to become a merchant after he finished school, his father took him to Hartford, Conn., and bound him out to a merchant where he was to receive only his board for the first year. The man who bought and sold and got gain, to whom the father applied for a position, when asked the terms on which he would receive the son, said, "A knowledge Early History of Elyria and Her People - 85 of the business is sufficient compensation for services rendered." To try the young ambition out, he set him cutting wood with a crosscut saw back of the store. After a time his employer went out to see how his apprentice was coming on, when, to his surprise, he heard him repeating over and over again these words, "A knowledge of the business is sufficient compensation for services rendered," as he pushed and pulled on the raking saw, wholly unconscious that his employer was within hearing distance. What the merchant saw and heard, convinced him that young Kendall had the making of a successful merchant. He had set him at the task to test his metal. He then called him in and soon found he had not only an apt pupil but one not afraid to tackle whatever came along. At the end of his apprenticeship he migrated to Dover, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and opened a store in 1831 with a partner when he was twenty-two. The following year he wrote his father a letter regarding his prospects and his estimate of Elyria as a promising town, from which I quote: "Dover, February 14, 1832. "Dear Father: "Your fine letter of December 24 received with pleasure. Thinking probably you might like to hear something how things are going on in this region and our future calculations, I will endeavor to give you a small history, free from gilding and varnish. Business has been as good as we expected, although the amount we have done has been comparatively small. It is about three and one-half months since we got things in order, and our sales amount to between seven and •eight hundred dollars. You may think this a small business, as it truly is, but small as it is we are not discouraged. It is truly no small job to establish oneself in a business of this kind, amongst entire strangers. "There is a town about eleven miles west of here by the name of Elyria; the county seat of Lorain County, and it soon will be, and indeed now is, a place of considerable business. There are two mills, one large grist mill, clothier works, mechanics, etc., and they are about to erect a blast furnace the ensuing season. The water power is excellent, being situated at the confluence of the branches of the Black River. 7 86 - Early History of Elyria and Her People "There are seven stores, but not all extensive. They are in the custom of selling goods from 50 to 100 per cent from cost. Now our idea is to establish a store there, and sell for ready pay, and I think we can afford to sell for less profit than what they do at present; and in doing so am pretty confident that we can do a good cash business. If it suceeds I shall calculate to take care of one and R. the other. Now you may perhaps think it a wild scheme, but I wish you to look on both sides of the question. You must be sensible that it does not require both of us in this establishment and our individual expenses HORACE K. KENDALL The wizard pioneer merchant who instituted and carried on the first "cash and carry" store in Elyria. He also had a chain of stores in Northern Ohio. He was successful in business and active in religious work Early History of Elyria and Her People - 87 will be no more to be divided than to remain together, and it will be so near also that we can confer together as occasion may require. "As to the funds, our calculations are these: We shall probably be able to raise from six to seven hundred dollars this spring ourselves, and as we had offers of credit in New York last fall, which we did not then wish to improve, I believe that we shall be able to procure the balance on credit of a reasonable time. If we cannot make the arrangement we shall take such other course as may seem most expedient. If we can obtain credit of from twenty to twenty-five hundred dollars, we shall get the refusal of a store in Elyria till the first of May, by which time we shall probably decide. "I have probably been more particular than was necessary, but I thought you might like to know the reasons why and wherefore. "I remain your affectionate son, "H. K. Kendall." In accordance with young Kendall's plan outlined to his father, he opened a store in Elyria, at the age of twenty-three in the year 1832, ninety-six years ago. It was opened in a brick building on the corner now occupied by Elyria Savings and Banking Co. His "cash and carry" emporium was such a success from the start that three years later, in 1835, he erected a building he called the "Fortress," a name it has since carried; the name is inscribed in stone on its third story. It is the store building now occupied by "The Elyria Hardware Co.," with a new brick front. It has a forty-foot frontage with a depth of one hundred and sixty-six feet. Customers poured in from not only all parts of Lorain County, but from adjoining ones as well. Catching a broader vision of the possibilities in trade by "cash and carry," he opened two other stores, one at Lower Sandusky (later named Fremont) and Ashland, the county seat of Ashland County. He established the first "cash and carry" chain stores in this part of the State. He was as zealous in the cause of temperance and good morals, looking to the guidance of the young and methodical in all his undertakings, as he was 88 - Early History of Elyria and Her People in the sale of goods, evidenced by his contracts in employing clerks, a copy of one is given below. It is in his own handwriting. He was a good penman. "February 27, 1850. "The understanding and agreement between P. A. Bishop and Kendall & Co., or H. K. Kendall, is as follows: "’Said Bishop is to serve Kendall & Co., or H. K. Kendall, as a clerk in their or his store for the term of two years, and to occupy such places in the hardware, grocery, or dry-goods departments, as they may direct, and to conform to the rules and regulations of the concern, among which are the following: That he will deal honestly and fairly with all men, and that he will be punctual to the time agreed upon for commencing business in the morning which is to be during winter months at half-past seven, and at seven during all spring and fall months, and six-thirty during the summer months, and to attend to business during the day and until closed up at night, only when necessarily absent. On all other occasions leave of absence is to be otained from the principals. Lost time whenever half a day is to be deducted. “'That he will neither attend balls nor dancing school, use profane language, intoxicating drink, nor practice any species of gambling, and make it a habit to attend church on the Sabbath. " `In consideration of the faithful performance of the aforesaid service, said Kendall & Co. agree to pay said Bishop the sum of six hundred dollars for the aforesaid term of two years from the eleventh day of March. And it is understood that if said Bishop shall give perfect satisfaction in his service Kendall & Co. give encouragement to expect, twenty-five dollars will be added to the above amount as perquisite at close of the term. " 'P. A. Bishop.' " Kendall was a gifted young man in more ways than selling goods. On his feet, in public speech, when aroused he could take an audience by storm. He was deeply interested in the temperance question and ever ready to speak out against the traffic. On one occasion while in New York purchasing goods he chanced to attend a public meeting of business men who had the subject under discussion in which there was a division. Kendall arose, Early History of Elyria and Her People - 89 finding it was free for all, and made such a telling address against the business that the audience went wild in their enthusiasm. In the year 1848 he started a newspaper of a thousand circulation monthly, sent gratuitously to the people when inhabitants were comparatively few. It was a four-page sheet, the front page of which was given over to advertising the Kendall & Co. business, while the remaining three pages were devoted to articles of interest in many fields of endeavor and in literature and current events as well. CHAPTER XVI IN A previous chapter, the partial story of young Kendall, the wizard merchant, who organized and successfully operated the "cash and carry" chain stores, has been told. As to how he attracted the public toward his wares is interesting. In the first issue of his newspaper, heretofore described, he seized upon the two things then most in the public mind, the telegraph that had just been stretched from the Atlantic seaboard to Ohio, and the fact that Gen. Zachary Taylor was being much talked of for the next President, because of his victory over the Mexicans. His ad, in bold type, read: "The opening of the grand drama, entitled 'The Progressive Age We Live In,' by Kendall & Co., at Elyria, December 1, 1848. Nine cheers for the `Old Fortress.' " Then followed a picture of a booming cannon and the shouters. The next picture represented excited people, crowded into a great vehicle with an elevated seat for the driver, who is urging his prancing horses under the lash toward Elyria, crying out to the team, "Wake up, there," while the anxious customers in unison are shouting to the people along the way, "We are bound for the great bargains at the `Old Fortress.' " It was surely an animating picture. Then followed this language: "Truly, we live in an age of wonders, a marvelous age, an age of progress, an age filled with onward, upward, go-ahead elements, and he that partakes not of its spirit will soon be left in the rear by his more active contemporaries. Who would have thought ten years ago of the Western pioneer a thousand miles distant from his granite-cradled home, talking as it were, face to face, with friends endeared by early Early History of Elyria and Her People - 91 associations, which he had left behind, that the spirit of universal liberty would have made such gigantic strides among the nations of the earth, or that `Kendall & Co.' (celebrated though they justly have been for their enterprise in the department of business) would have conceived the idea of publishing a periodical of one thousand numbers, monthly for gratuitous circulation for the promotion of friendly intercourse and mutual benefit? This is but a specimen of the progressive spirit in their establishment. They are expecting to open before long, their spacious ampitheater, which they have been building in connection with their store the past season, and then they will be able to accommodate with room the whole of Lorain County, and General Taylor's army besides." (Then follows a long list of the goods for sale and the prices), and closes with this language: "Then such tremendous lots of other bargains, that fairly makes the old Chinaman crazy to think they will sell at such prices, and keeps the store thronged, too, from morning till night with customers laying in their winter supplies. They are employing an extra amount of help, and what is more gratifying, Mr. Kendall has so far recovered his health, as to be able to take the helm in person, assisted by Messrs. Mussey and Fuller, and he would be happy in seeing his old friends and acquaintances once more at headquarters." Kendall came to Elyria a poor boy. He died at the untimely age of forty-one, but while here, was acknowledged to be the leading spirit of the town, with a reputation for bringing things to pass. He built one of the most pretentious mansions ever seen in Elyria. The grounds covered all the land now occupied by the Episcopal Church and parsonage, the Methodist Church, and the land where the new library stands, as Weil as the Reefy residence adjoining it on the west, all bounded on the south by the present alley. He had covering it a most wonderful collection of shrubs and flowers of all description, with paths winding through the spacious grounds. It was the show place of the town, and was visited b;- strangers chancing this way. At his death when disposed of by the heirs, it was purchased by Attorney Bliss, a leading lawyer. It next became the property of Russell H. Penfield. While he owned the same, it burned to the ground about fifty-five years ago. The only fragment left of its beauty is seen in the steps of the Fay home on Washington Avenue,. 92 - Early History of Elyria and Her People He was the prime mover in having the first Baptist Church erected. His portrait shows him to have been a person of striking personality, possessing classic features and the looks of a born leader. He wore a cleanly shaven face, and had a wealth of hair, streaked with gray. His name still remains a household word in the old families having come down to this generation, though he has been gone the way of all the earth for seventy-eight years. His dust reposes in the city of our dead, among the worthy pioneers, who with him, wrought mightily in the days that tried men's souls. Logically, the next outstanding pioneer in Elyria, whose deeds should be recorded in connection with those of Merchant Kendall, was Henry E. Mussey, the son of the second attorney who came to Elyria, as heretofore stated, Reuben Mussey, who arrived in 1825. Henry E. Mussey was born at Sandy Hill in the State of New York in 1818, one hundred and ten years ago, and came here with the mother and children when he was eight years old. He died at the age of seventy-nine, after one of the most active and useful lives of any citizen who helped lay the foundations of our city. He attended the school kept here, by the noted educator, Rev. John Monteith, who, as heretofore stated, was the first superintendent of the Elyria High School. He was a boy without means, and began the battle of life at the age of fourteen. When no other employment was to be had he chopped wood at twenty cents a cord. At an early age he became a clerk in the Kendall & Co. store, and displayed such energy and marked ability in the business, with a rigid economy, that at the age of twenty-four, he was taken in as a partner, and at the death of Kendall, became the head of the firm. The business was very successful. In 1857 he sold out to the firm of Baldwin, Laundon, and Nelson, after which he engaged in building ships for the lake trade, and at one time was a large owner in a fleet of lake freighters. Along with this enterprise he engaged extensively in handling real estate and banking, and was one of the organizers of the first bank in Lorain County, that ultimately became the Elyria National Bank, now merged with the Lorain County Banking Co. He owned at one time several hundred acres of land bounding the city of Elyria on the west. He was not only a lifelong director in the bank, but he also helped organize the First National Bank in Cleveland, and was Early History of Elyria and Her People - 93 for years one of the directors. For many years he was the most extensive wool buyer in the county. Along with his many activities, he opened and developed the large Mussey Stone Quarry in Elyria, in which he employed thousands of men in his time, making it possible for his workmen to secure homes. It was for years the greatest producer of grindstone of any quarry in Northern Ohio. His son Eugene was for some years his partner in theindustry. He helped develop the coal mines along the line of the Cleveland and Marietta Railway, and was one of the directors of the Cambridge Coal Co. He built a cheese factory on one of his farms near Elyria, and conducted a very large dairy and manufactured cheese on an extensive scale, till a new order of things in that field developed. He built the "Mussey Block" and owned the one adjoining on the west, all of which space is now covered by the Woolworth 5 & 10 Cent Store. His residence was on the west side of West Avenue, now the vacant lot west of the west school building. Mr. Mussey never asked for office, but for thirty years was a member of the school board, and much of the time its treasurer. He was never late at the meetings, and often remarked that he paid his school taxes with more satisfaction than for any other purpose. He was one of the leading spirits in securing the C. L. & W. Railway here, and in getting it extended to Lorain. He was also one of the prime movers in getting the Lake Shore Railroad for Elyria. He was at one time superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school, and was ever a liberal supporter of the church, and a faithful attendant. The sister of Kendall, the noted merchant, came West to visit her brother. Before she returned East, young Mussey convinced her that she was the only one in all the earth that could make him happy as a life companion. Believing in his protestations of love, soon two hearts beat as one, ending in a marriage that grew in intensity of love as the years multiplied, till he gathered up his feet in death. She was a noble lady, given well to the ways of her household, faithful to her church, and kind to the needy and afflicted. Mr. Massey was ever a strictly temperance and temperate man. Why should he have been otherwise with such parents back of him? For they early started their children in the path of sobriety, as evidenced by the following resolutions for the family to sign, when Henry was twenty-four, and a partner of 94 - Early History of Elyria and Her People his brother-in-law, Mr. Kendall, that were to be pasted in his own Bible and that of his children, to-wit: "First, We will use no intoxicating drinks ourselves as a beverage, nor suffer the use of them in our families, nor present them to our friends or to those in our employment. Second, Those of us who are, or shall hereafter become heads of families solemnly agree to each, our households the principle of entire abstinence and will use, our best endeavors to obtain their signatures to this constitution. Third, A copy of this constitution shall be fastened in our Bibles, to which our children, if any, shall be of ten pointed as the act of their parents, and we solemnly enjoin it on them, as they revere our memories sacredly to regard these sentiments." These resolves were not only kept by the sons and daughters of Attorney Reuben Mussey, but their descendants to the present time, have adhered to the same. What a power such a pledge may have on a parent's children's children for generations unborn. Train up a child in the way it should go, and when it gets old it will not depart therefrom. Henry Mussey ever remained a sworn enemy of the liquor traffic. One of his brothers, who signed the covenant with the parents was William N. Mussey, a civil engineer, a brilliant young man whose untimely death at thirty-four was mourned by all classes who knew him, from the humblest to the greatest. He was an employee of the "Georgia and Florida Railroad Co." He died in Georgia, November 5, 1856, of pneumonia, and was buried there. The president of the railroad and board of directors attended the funeral at which he made some remarks, paying him the highest tribute for integrity, moral worth, and ability. I quote from letters received by Mr. Mussey, his brother, at the time, from one of the officials in which is the following: "President and board of directors of the Georgia and Florida Co., followed by citizens attended in large numbers. The bells were tolled, stores and public places of business closed during all the morning. Never, my dear sir, have I seen more sincere sorrow and regret and more honor paid to departed worth than was here manifested by the board of trustees and the citizens generally." To still further manifest the worth of the young man, the railroad company placed at his grave a monumental shaft. This young man was one of the number who signed when a boy, the temperance resolutions, drawn up by his father, Early History of Elyria and Her People - 95 the attorney. There was one daughter in the Reuben Mussey family that: came to Elyria from the State of New York in 1826 with her parents when nine years of age. There also came to LaPorte in 1819 with his parents when he was eight years of age, Isaac W. Johnson. They grew to manhood and womanhood in Elyria. It was destined that they should marry in due time and become, not only themselves powers for good, but their children as well. While they came of goodly parents, they were to start life on their own-made dollars. She taught school in 1832 and 1833 in Ridgeville. In a letter she wrote him in reply to one she had received, while visiting in the State of New York, she says: "Our acquaintance so far has been pleasant to me, and I should not be averse to its continuance, but you seem to write to me to make a full disclosure of my thoughts or sentiments, without my being able to even guess yours, to which my own ideas of propriety object. You propose correspondence. I think it might be beneficial, and although I have but little time and still less talent, I will do my part." Later things reached the point where he thought it his duty to see how her parents might feel about his attentions to their daughter, to that end he wrote them and received the following answer: "To Mr. Isaac Johnson. "Dear sir: "We have received your communication which calls on us to decide a subject of so much delicacy and interest, that we have taken a few days to decide thereon. Our feelings in relation to the acquaintance existing between you have never been repugnant to us. Our object will ever be to promote the happiness of our daughter by every prudent means in our power. Not any objections as we have learned have been made to your disposition or morals. Your society at our house will therefore be received with friendship. "Respectfully yours, "Mr. and Mrs. Mussey." The visits continued till it was settled that in the near future they should be made one. Before he was twenty-four, he had accumulated a few hundred dollars, which he invested 96 - Early History of Elyria and Her People in the "Lorain Iron Co," a company formed to smelt iron out of bog ore found in the swamps in this part of Northern Ohio. It was, while it lasted, the largest institution in the little city, and from it great things were expected. It was located at the West Falls; young Isaac W. Johnson was placed at the head of the business. At this time the great inexhaustible iron mines in Michigan and Wisconsin were not so much as dreamed about. That was ninety-three years ago, when bog ore was brought in ox carts by the farmers from their bogs to the smelting works. The experiment proved a failure, as the following extract from a letter written by young Johnson to his fiance, who was in the East with friends, will show. "The business of making iron has been very unprofitable to us. We had contracted debts in New York from time to time, more than we could possibly pay, and we decided to give it up. My loss is about $12,000, Brother Phineus about $8,000, Mr. Ely's about $10,000 or $12,000. I do not know as I shall have a cent in the world if my debts are paid, and how much my character and credit have suffered by the misfortune, I know not. I have bought the merchandise of the company inventoried at six thousand dollars, and given my note for the same. I shall go to New York in the spring if am prospered, and if your desire to see me is not decreased by my misfortune, shall probably see you at Fort Edwards. My mind is very little affected by the change in failure. Infinitely more unhappiness would it cause me, to receive any intimation from you that your affection for me has lessened." In her reply she wrote: "In regard to your business, I am sorry on your account, to have your misfortune, but you do me injustice, Isaac, to think for one moment that it would cause the least difference in my feelings, whether you were worth millions or not a cent. Riches are not essential to happiness. Peace and contentment are oftener found in the cottage than in the palace, and if in a cottage, why not in a log house? Better is a dinner of herbs where love is." Early History of Elyria and Her People - 97 CHAPTER XVII IN THE previous chapter an account was given of young Isaac Johnson's losses ninety-three years ago, as a stockholder in the "Lorain Iron Co.," located at the West Falls in Elyria, of which he was manager. As stated, he was but twenty-four, but "Phoenix" like he rose out of the ashes of his disaster and was soon on his feet again, with debts paid and a fine home built on Fast Avenue into which he took his first love, as a bride, Miss Mussey. It stood many years on the spot now occupied by the fine residence located between the "Gates" home and the Methodist parsonage, owned and occupied by the Baptists for church purposes. It was sold by Mr. Johnson to the Presbyterians for a parsonage, and later became the property of the Congregational Church, till the death of its pastor, Mr. Williams, when it was sold to Daniel Coulidge, then president of the Lorain Steel Plant, who erected the present structure. The bride and groom had not occupied the new home long ere the lure of the West took possession of them, when they sold their holdings and moved to Kishwauskee, Wis. Here they soon erected a beautiful residence on a sightly hill, with ample grounds, which they adorned with a great variety of flowers and trees, and kept the same in such condition as to be pointed out as the most attractive residence in the place. Before going West, in the winter of 1831 and 1832 they were converted under the preaching of John J. Shipherd, the founder the following year of Oberlin College. It was while he was pastor of the Elyria Presbyterian Church. After fourteen years' residence in Wisconsin, they returned to Elyria. In making the journey West they took a steamer at Cleveland for Chicago, then by wagon conveyance to their point of destination. Their return trip to Elyria was also by wagon from Wisconsin to Chicago, where it required a week's delay waiting for the belated lake steamer DeWitt Clinton. They purchased a farm on Lake Avenue that later became the Freeman Parmley place. In 1851 the family moved to Oberlin, looking to the education of their children. Oberlin College had then been founded eighteen years. Mr. Johnson opened a general store which he conducted successfully for twenty years, until his family had been educated and grown to man and womanhood's estate. He became at once interested in all that made 98 - Early History of Elyria and Her People for the good of the town and college, taking an active part with Mrs. Johnson in the church. He was especially interested in the "Abolition Cause" and made their home a haven for runaway slaves. They had six sons and one daughter. He was elected later in life Lorain County Treasurer, and served from 1873 till 1877 in that capacity. His son, Albert H. Johnson, was not only a conspicuous business man, possessed of marked SIDE VIEW OF WEST FALLS Early History of Elyria and Her People - 99 executive ability, but a citizen of the highest character. He was very active in his church and had a Sunday-school class of boys in Oberlin at the time of his untimely and tragic death, caused by a collision of a railroad sleeper in which he was a passenger in the West on the Denver & Rio Grande. He was killed while asleep in his berth. At the time of his decease, he was president of the Arkansas Midland Railroad Co., also at the time president of a bank in Helena, Ark., and president of the Oberlin Gas and Electric Co. He was a great student of the Scriptures, and gave largely out of his abundance to the college and organizations of the country, working for the common weal. His death was a great shock to those who knew him. He built the large and beautiful home in the south part of the village of Oberlin, now standing. He has a son in Chicago, among that great city's most prominent business men and philanthropists. He is at the head of an insurance company and stands for the highest ideals. Another son of Isaac Johnson was the late Edward P. Johnson, of Oberlin, who succeeded his father in the store as one of the firm of Johnson & Whitney. He was one of the best men who ever made up the citizenship of that noted place. He was president of the Oberlin Bank Co. for many years. He helped organize the Oberlin Telephone Co. and served as its president for some time. He was greatly interested in music, helped organize the "Oberlin Musical Union," and was its director for forty years. He was a member of the Prudential committee of the college, looking after its finances for twenty-three years. He was early a member of the Oberlin Horne Missionary Association, looking after its investments. He was an organizer of Sabbath schools in the surrounding country. In short, he was one of the prime movers of about all the organizations in the place, looking to the common good. Another son who remained in the county was the late Charles Johnson, who began his active life as assistant to his father while county treasurer, after which he spent the remainder of his business career as a merchant and salesman of crockery, either in conducting a store in Elyria or on the road. No finer citizen for integrity, moral worth, high ideals, and kindness of heart ever walked the streets of Elyria. He was a born gentleman, and an exemplary husband, a true friend. His widow so well known, Mrs. Nettie Johnson, has spent her life