EARLY INCIDENTS AND ADVENTURES.
From the writings of Shelden Newton, Esq,, for whose assistance in preparing this township
history the writer desires to express the heartiest thanks, are gathered many of the (acts and
incidents which follow.
Seventy years ago Boardman was wild and desolate ; there were no good roads, and all of the low
ground was covered with logs, or cordur0y crossings. Sugar was worth forty cents pe1 pound,
and was a luxury to be used sparingly o1 not at all. The crop of maple sugar in 1811 was almost a
total failure; but the following season about forty thousand pounds were made in the township, as
was ascertained from figures gathered on election day—the first Monday in April—of that year.
In December, 1805, George Slilson and a boy a name Whitney were at work in the forest getting
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 87
out timber with which to build Stilson's tavern, when suddenly they heard the sharp report of a
hunter's rifle, and were astonished to see a bear rushing almost directly toward them. Stilson had
a worthless cur lying on his coat near by. Now, he thought, was excellent opportunity for training
his dog. According the dog was urged on, and ran directly in front of the bear and attempted to
seize it. But he soon found himself in the close embrace of the huge animal. The dog gave two or
three sharp yells, and then his voice was heard no more. Stilson seized his axe and advanced
toward the bear. As he came within a few feet of him, the bear, no doubt divining his intentions,
dropped the almost lifeless dog and started for his assailant. Stilson took to his heels, dropping
his axe in the excitement of the moment, and soon bear and man were making lively circles
around a large poplar tree. The boy Whitney stood on the fallen timber and shouted, "Run, Uncle
George ; run or he will catch you." Just at this moment, when the case looked hopeless, and
Stilson's breath became quite short, the hunter's dog came up and seized the bear by a hind leg,
thus diverting bruin's attention from his intended prey. The hunter, Donaldson, soon arrived upon
the scene and shot the bear. A team was brought to the place, the dead animal was hauled to the
center and dressed, his meat weighing three hundred pounds. Everybody who wished could
obtain a piece of the meat.
Boardman was considered the best of hunting ground for deer in those early days. Curtis
Fairchild, a noted huntsman, killed one hundred and five deer in one season, besides trapping
thirteen wolves. The skin of a deer was worth seventy-five cenls; the meat, nothing. A bounty of
$6 each was paid by the county for the scalps of wolves.
Bears and wolves were numerous and troublesome. One night in December, 1811, Eliakim
Stoddard was aroused about ten o'clock by the squealing of his hogs. Seizing his axe he went lo
the pen and there saw a huge bear attacking his best hog. Stoddard was intending to creep up
unnoticed and strike the bear with his axe, but the bear was on the alert for intruders and at once
rushed at him. Stoddard retreated to the house, while the bear returned to the pen, seized the hog,
drew it across the road and across a small stream to a point about ten rods from the house and
there proceeded with his meal undisturbed. The hog was a long time in dying, and of course its
cries were hideous. Stoddard did not wish to leave his wife and children alone while the bear
remained in the vicinity. What was to be done? Nobody lived within a mile of him. He resolved
lo await events; and, about twelve o'clock, was rejoiced to see the bear depart into the forest. He
then fastened up the house as securely as possible, and proceeded to the center to arouse the
neighborhood. As soon as 1t was daylight a party of men with dogs and arms started in pursuit of
the bear, which they chased all through the day, and until after sunset. The hunters took lodging
at the nearest house, and the next day commenced the chase anew. After leading them a long race
the bear was finally treed and despatched, though it took three shots to bring him down.
THE WAR OF 1812
drew from Boardman every man able to do military service. Few, if any in the township,
volunteered, but all were drafted.
Three drafts were made, each taking one-third of the militia. Regarding these times, Shelden
Newton, Esq., writes as follows concerning the second draft :
The company was again called out. Captain Bissel and a Government officer were present. The
orderly sergeant. Isaac. Blackman. with his spontoon—its handle stained red with poke-berry
juice—paraded the company, marching them around in single file. calling on the members to fall
into ranks. When he had them all in, he brought them up bef0re the tavern "front face." The
officers of the company and the Government officer held a few m0ments consultation. The
captain then ordered the company to call off in the usual form. "right, left; right, left." to the end.
Then the Government officer told them they must march the next day at two o'clock. with three
days' rations in their knapsacks. In this draft were David Noble, Asa Baldwin, Thomas Moody,
and a score of others.
From that time until the hour of starting there was no sleep in the neighborhood. It required the
constant vigilance of all to get the men ready. Cooking had to be done, knapsacks made, cl0thing
prepared, etc. All were ready and left at the appointed time. In a few short days came another
express, saying that the enemy were then crossing the lake, and were in sight of Cleveland. This
was on Saturday. and every man must start on Monday. The captain and all other 0fficers had
gone in the second draft. Thus for two nights Boardman was left entirely destitute of men. Not an
able-bodied man was left. I now recollect of only two men who were too old to do military duty.
They were John Davidson and Henry Brainard. However, the scare on Lake Erie proved a false
alarm, and the last draft were ordered home.
88 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
Charles A. Boardman went out as adjutant under Colonel Rayen, He was afterward transferred to
another 1egiment, William Ingersol, a chum of Boardman, went with him, and was soon
appointed forage master, and proved to be very efficient in obtaining supplies.
At the battle of the Peninsula, near Sandusky, three of Boardman township's soldiers were
volunteers : Jacob Frank, George Moherman, and John Dowler. Frank was a stout, courageous
man, ready to deal blows right and left, regardless of his own safety. Moherman was as reckless a
warrior as ever aimed at an Indian. Dowler, a William Penn in principle, would not choose to
harm any living being ; but when the shrieks of the women and children of the frontier almost
reached his ears, he did not hesitate about the rightfulness of his action, but shouldered his rifle
and started. These men were under Captain Cotton, of Austintown, an efficient officer. There
were two hundred men, all volunteers, in that skirmish with the Indians. When they had entered
the peninsula, it was found that they had plenty of business on their hands. Indians rose from the
grass on all sides, fighting became general, and still more Indians appeared. Moherman was then
in his element. Frank proceeded too far from his companions, and found himself alone and
surrounded by savages. He was shot through the arm and commenced to run. There was a large
blockhouse on the peninsula, which was the means of saving many lives. The captain ordered a
retreat, which had already become quite general, and was being carried out in a very straggling
manner. Moherman, a leader in the fray, obeyed quite reluctantly. When he had retreated a few
steps he found a dead Indian, and determined to have his scalp ; but other Indians dashed toward
him, and he ran into the high grass and escaped. When a few rods away he stumbled over the
body of a wounded red man not yet dead, Now was his opportunity ; he seized the Indian by the
hair, and with one circle of his knife cut loose the scalp, caught it in his mouth and tore it from
the head, and hurried on as rapidly as possible. When some distance further on, he came across
Abraham Simon, one of his neighbors from Youngstown, mortally wounded. Moherman offered
his assistance, but Simon told him to take care of himself. Moherman, however, resolved to save
his comrade, and, stooping down, placed the arms of the wounded man about his neck, took his
own gun in his hand, and hastened again toward the block. house, bearing Simon upon his back.
Near the house he came to a fence, and while he was climbing it an Indian shot Simon through
the head, killing him almost instantly. Moherman gained the retreat in safety, still carrying the
scalp, of which ever after he was very proud. He brought it home with him, and aflerward sold it
to a Philadelphia merchant for ten dollars.
When the retreat commenced Dowler caught an Indian in the act of taking a scalp from one of his
comrades. The man was dead and the savage was proceeding to scalp him before loading his gun.
The Indian ran at once, directly away from Dowler, who oneired upon him, and, not wishing to
know that he had killed an Indian, turned and fled in safety to the blockhouse.
Times were hard, and the soldiers and their families were obliged to undergo many bitter
experiences and privations, even after the close of the war.
From 1814 up to 1820 money was exceedingly scarce. Wheat brought twenty-five cents per
bushel in paper money. Butter was five cents per pound, and eggs four cents a dozen in "store
pay." Three year old steers sold for $10 per head, cash. People drank rye coffee and had no tea.
They manufactured every article of clothing except leather for shoes. This had to be bought,
consequently many went barefooted a large portion of the year, Deer skins were good,
serviceable articles, and half of the men wore buckskin breeches. Charles A. Boardman made a
fine pair of pantaloons from this material. Afte1 the skins were prepared and dressed he obtained
some kind of blue liquid with which he stained them, thus making the best and mosl showy
garments in the country. He wore them for two years or more, and during that time taught school
for $2.40 per month and " found himself."
CHURCH HISTORY.
At this date (1881) there are four religious societies and three church edifices in the township,
two of them being at the center, and the other in the northern part. The Universalists held
meetings in 1820, but never built a church, A
PICTURE OF SHELDEN NEWTON
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 89
dozen years ago there were four churches at Boardman center—Protestant Episcopal,
Presbyterian, Methodist and Disciple. Now only The Methodists and the Episcopals maintain
their organizations. The buildings which belonged lo the other denominations are devoted to
other than religious purposes.
ST. JAMES' CHURCH, PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL.
This church, the oldest in the diocese, dates back to July 20, 1809. At that date was issued a
petition urging that the inhabitants of Boardvemman, Canfield, and Poland meet August 12,
1809, for the purpose of forming a regular Episcopal society, and the organization was effected
the same year. We give below the names of the signers of this paper:
Turhand Kirlland, Ensign Church, Charles Chittenden, Josiah Wetmore, Samuel Blocker. Joseph
Platt, Ethel Starr, Francis Dowler, John Liddle, John Dowler, Eleazer Fairchild, Ziba Loveland,
Arad Way, Eleazer Gilson, Russell F. Starr, Eli Platt, John Loveland, Lewis Hoyt, Joseph Liddle,
Jared Kirtland. For a time only laymen officiated in the church, with occasional assistance from
traveling missionaries. In March, 1817, the society was organized as a parish, according to the
canons, and received the name St. James' Episcopal church. Following is a list of missionaries
and rectors who have labored in this church: First, Rev. Jackson Kemper, 18i4, afterwards bishop
of Wisconsin; succeeded by Revs. Jacob Morgan Douglas, Roger Searle, Philander Chase,
afterwards bishop of this diovemcese and later of Illinois, M. T. C. Wing, afterwards a professor
in Kenyon ccllege, John L. Bryan, Joshua L. Harrison, Intrepid Morse, Joshua T, Eaton, William
Grandville, C. F. Lewis, Joseph Adderly, C. S. Doolittle, A. T. McMurphy, Abraham J. Warner
(longest service of any, 1864-78), C. F. Adams. The last named served but one year, and left on
account of illness. At present the church is without a reclor. It numbers fifty-six members,
twenty-four commuincan’s.
The school-house and private dwellings were used as places of worship until 1828, when the
present church edifice was completed. In 1824 the church had sixty members. In 1853 a
movement was made to build a parsonage, and successfully carried out a year or two later.
There has also been connected with this parish a Ladies' Missionary society, the organization of
which dates back nearly fifty years.
BETHLEHEM CHURCH.
This is a union church belonging to the two societies, the Lutherans and the German Reformed.
Through the efforts of the Simons families and others a log house was built at a very early date
and used as a place for worship for many years. The first preacher was a man named Stough.
Later Rev. Henry Hewett, who married a daughter of Michael Simon, was the pastor. This church
is located on the north line of the township, one mile from the eastern corner.
The first graveyard of the Germans was on the farm of Adam Simon. After the first church was
built a cemetery was established near by, in which the remains of Henry Dustman were the first
to be interred.
Regular services are held alternately by the two societies, but the membership of each is quite
small. The present house was erected in 1845. The log house was erected as early as 1810, and
was the first house of worship built in the township.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
called also the Presbyterian church, was established by Rev. John Field, a missionary from
Connecticut, May 28, 1813. In 1849 the organization ceased to exist, on account of removals to
other parts of the country and the death of several of its members. The first officers of this church
were Samuel Swan and Charles A. Boardman, church committee, and Charles A. Boardman,
deacon.
Rev. Warren Taylor was the only settled minister. He was installed in 1844 and remained one
year. Other preachers were either missionaries or pastors of other congregations who preached
here a part of the time.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
At what date this organization began the historian is unable to learn. Oswald Detchon was one of
its prime movers and most prominent members. The first meetings were held in a log school-house upon his farm. Dr. Adams, of Beaver, was among the early preachers. The present house of
worship at the center was probably built about 1835. Among those whose means and influence
contributed largely toward
90 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
building it may be mentioned the following names: Thomas Agnew, Major Samuel Clark, and
Josiah Beardsley.
THE DISCIPLES.
A church of this denomination was organized ab0ut the year 1854 by Herman Reeves, an
evangelist. A church building was erected some two years later. The membership was never
large, and through deaths and removal of members, the organization ceased to exist some ten
years ago. The house was sold to the township and is now used as a town hall. The preachers in
this church were Revs. Reeves, Ephraim Phillips, John Errett, D. J. White, and James Calvin.
AN EARLY SOCIETY.
An organization known as The Female Tract Society of Boardman, Canfield and the Western
Reserve, held its first meeting February 18, 1818. It contained a large number of members in all
parts of the Reserve, but has been extinct for many years.
CEMETERIES AND BURIAL PLACES.
The first burials in the township were made upon the farm of Adam Simon. The German
cemetery was soon afterward laid out.
One or more interments were made near Poland, at an early date, opposite where the house of
William Hultz now stands.
The cemetery near the center was laid out in 1805, and the first burials there were in that year or
the year following.
THE FIRST SCHOOLS.
About as soon as the pioneers were established in their new homes, preparations were made for
the education of their children. A log school-house, the first in the township, was built a few rods
west of the center, probably in 1803 or 1804. Nathaniel Blakely was the first teacher. Mrs.
Mitchell, wife of Simeon Mitchell, who settled at the center in 1810, also taught several terms.
Boardman was favored with excellent teachers in early days. In place of the log building a
two-story frame school house was erected in 1809. This was called the academy, and was used
for school, church, and other meetings for thirty years or more. It is still standing one and a half
miles east of the center, where it was moved years ago, and is now used as a stable.
A log school-house was built by the Simons .almost as early as the one at the center. German
alone was taught for several years, but English was gradually substituted. Jacob Simon taught
this school for some years, and was after. wards succeeded by his sons and the sons of Adam
Simon. The house was situated on the farm of the latter.
The first schools were all private, or tuition schools.
TAVERNS.
George Stilson built the first frame house in the township in 1805, on the spot where Jesse
Baldwin's house now is. Here he kept tavern for about twenty-five years. He was succeeded by
Perry Baldwin, Herman Ciane, Samuel Elliot, Alex. McKinney, and Arthur Patrick. Since the
death of Mr. Patrick in 1860 Boardman has been without a hotel.
Joseph Merchant came from Connecticut in 1804, and soon afterward settled one-half mile south
of the center. About the year 1814 he began keeping tavern about eighty rods east of the center.
In 1823 Asa Baldwin carried on the same business at the same place fo1 about one year. Mr.
Baldwin's sign was an original one, and had the merit of attracting attention and customers. One
side read as follows:
Nothing on this side,
Not much 0n the other;
and the opposite side,
Nothing in the house,
Or in the barn either.
The house was quite popular; from which it may be inferred that the "advertising dodge" didn't
tell the exact truth.
POST-OFFICES.
The first, and until recently, the only post-office in Boardman, was that at Boardman center. The
exact date of its establishment can not be ascertained, but it was in existence in 1810. The first
postmaster and his successors were as follows: Eli Baldwin, Major Samuel Clark, William
Ingersoll, Samuel Swan, H. M. Boardman, Arthur Patrick, S. 0. Stilson, and Edward Davidson,
the present incumbent. Boardman now receives four mails, one from either direction, daily.
A post-office named Woodworth was established a few years ago, in the southern part of the
township, Uriah Stafford is the present postmaster.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 91
THE FIRST MILLS.
The first grist-mill in Boardman was a small affair. It was a log building, but was soon replaced
a good one. It was situated on Mill creek, near Lanterman's falls, and was known as Baird's mill.
It was run for many years by Thomas Shields. Eli Baldwin afterwards owned it. The flood of
1843 carried it almost entirely away. This was one of the first mills in the Reserve, and probably
the very first.
The first saw-mill was built one and a half miles from the center, in a southeasterly direcvemlion,
on a small tributary of Mill creek. Elijah Boardman and Richard Elliot were the proprietors. It
was probably built in 1808. DeCamp's was the next mill erected, on a small stream in the
northwestern corner of the township. Neither of these saw-mills was run very long.
Eli Baldwin had a saw-mill, a grist-mill, and a cloth-mill upon Mill creek, at a later date. The
saw-mill was destroyed by fire and the grist-mill torn down and removed years ago.
The Zedakers built a cider-mill in 1818.
A saw-mill built by the Walkers' is still standing but unused.
THE FIRST STORE
was opened in a room of Stilson's tavern by Charles Boardman and William Ingersoll. They
continued in the business but a short time, however. Later, Calvin Brainard kept store on the
corner where G. E. Lanterman's house now stands.
DISTILLERIES.
Many people operated small stills but none were of much importance, except the distillery of Eli
Baldwin. He commenced distilling in 1809 or 1810 and conducted the business for several years,
manufacturing considerable quantities of liquor. This distillery was located near the north line of
the township on the Youngstown road.
TANNERY.
A tannery was built by James Moody just north of the center. He came in 1804 and began
working at his trade in 1805. At first he ground bark by rolling a heavy stone over it, aflerwards
introducing improvements. He continued in the business over forty years and was considered a
good workman. His buildings, —house, barn, mill, and bark-house—were first made of logs and
replaced later by frame buildings.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The first white child born in the township was James D. McMahon, born October 31, 1799. For
his history see Jackson township.
Horace Daniels was born in Boardman in March, 1800. His parents came in 1799. In 1823 he
drove the first stage westward on the old Pittsburg & Cleveland stage line.
The first sermon was preached in the old school-house at the center in 1804, by Rev. Mr. Badger,
a Presbyterian missionary from Connecticut.
The first blacksmith was Andrew Webb, who came about 1804. In company with Samuel Swan
he made scythes and sold them for $2 each. Eastern manufactured scythes were then worth $2.50.
Webb first had a shop at the center, and afterwards moved one mile west where he continued
working at his trade for some years.
George Brainard, a blacksmith, came in 1812, and worked at his trade in a shop near the center
for some thirty years. He sold out and went to Austintown.
John Davidson was probably the first shoemaker in the township.
Elijah Deane, who settled on the farm now owned by James Hughes, was also one of the first
shoemakers.
The first cheese made in this township, and perhaps the first made on the Western Reserve, was
made by Peter Stilson in 1804. He carried a few hundred-weight to Pitlsburg and sold it there.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THE BOARDMAN FAMILY.
Henry M. Boardman, son of Elijah and Mary Anna Boardman, was born in New Milford,
Litchfield county, Connecticut, January 4, 1797. Elijah Boardman, for whom the township of
Boardman was named, was a member of the Connecticut Land company and owned extensive
tracts of land in different portions of the Western Reserve. He came here in 1798 and spent the
summer establishing land-marks and making sur-
92 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
veys, but did not settle. Henry M. Boardman married, December 13, 1818, Sarah Hall
Benvemham, daughter of Rev, Benjamin Benham, pastor of St. John's parish at New Milford,
and the next year removed with his wife to Boardman. He located at the center of the township,
first occupying the house which is now the dwelling of his son, Frederick A, . This house had
been erected two years before by Isaac Newton, who at first occupied and cultivated land for the
proprietor, Elijah Boardman. The house was constructed entirely of oak, and so strongly and
substantially was it built that after the lapse of sixty-five years 1t is apparently as firm and
substantial as ever, Mr. Boardman occupied this dwelling but a short time. In 1820 he built and
occupied the house on the corner opposite, in which he resided until his death.
The life of Mr. Boardman, like those of nearly all the pioneers, was of a commonplace character.
From the very nature of their circumstances and surroundings there could be little in their careers
which would furnish a biographer with materials for anything more than a brief and simple
narrative, Their lives were a continuous round of toil, often of deprivation, and sometimes of
suffering. He who looks for exciting interest, spirit, or variety in the "simple annals" of the
pioneers must look in vain. Mr. Boardman was a farmer by occupation and he did not neglect his
business for other things. But his principal characteristic was his interest in the moral and
religious welfare of the community and his devotion to his church. The religious element in his
nature seems to have been predominant.
The next year after his settlement in Boardman (in 1820), to supply of: existing want of pastoral
services, he united with a few neighbors in organizing a parish at the center under the title of St.
John's church. Of this parish he was clerk for twenty-five years, and as lay reader, licensed by the
bishop of Ohio, he conducted public services both at Boardman and at Canfield, generally twice
every Sabbath. For many years he was senior warden of the parish, and as a delegate he
represented it at the annual diocevemsan convention. He took an active part in the erection of the
church building, drawing with his own teams much of the timber used in its construction, and he
contributed in addition to this materials to the value of more than $500. Mr. Boardman was well
equipped for an efficient worker in the church, which he was, being a man of more than ordinary
ability, of excellent principles, and of deep, earnest piety. Possessing a retiring disposition he
always declined appointments to 0ffices of honor and trust, although frequently urged to accept
them, The only office which he was induced to accept was that of captain of light infantry. This
position he filled for some time and he performed the duties with such general acceptance that it
was determined to promote him to the rank of major-general. But he at once declined the
proffered honor. He frequently acted as arbiter in the settlement of disputes and disagreements,
and look great pleasure in being instrumental in effecting an amicable settlement.
Mr. Boardman's death was the result of an accident received while getting into his buggy, He
died December 17, 1846, two days after the accident occurred. His wife survived him many
years, dying February 8, 1870, aged seventy-four. They were the parents or four boys, viz:
Frederick A., Elijah G. (who died May 1 1, 1853), William T., and Henry W., residing in
Cleveland, the former an attorney.
Frederick A. Boardman, who is prominently identified with the interests of Mahoning county, was
born in Boardman, September a, 1820, and has always resided at the center. He has been
extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, but is at present practically retired from active
pursuits. He was married March 20, 1848, to Mary Ann Williams, who was born in New Milford,
Litchfield county, Connecticut, November 3, 1817. Mrs. Boardman's father, Jehiel Williams, was
a noted physician of New Milford, where he practiced for more than fifty years, and died at the
age of over eighty years. Mrs. Boardman is a zealous and efficient member of St. John's church.
Henry Mason Boardman, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Boardman, was born June 18, 1849.
He was graduated at the Polytechnic institute of Troy, New York, in the class of 1871, He is
married and 1esides in Brooklyn, New York, engaged in the drug business.
 
PICTURE OF F. A. AND MRS. MARY A. BOARDMAN
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 93
HON. SHELDEN NEWTON.
Shelden Newton, son of Isaac and Olive (Warner) Newton, was born in Washington, Lilchfield
county, Connecticut, February 24, 1804. When he was seven years of age (in air) his father
removed with his family to Boardman, now Mahoning county, settling at the center. Isaac
Newton worked land for Elijah Boardman for some twelve years, engaged in dairying, and
erected the dwelling house in which Mr. F. A. Boardman now lives in 1817. In 1824 he moved
on to a farm one and onevem half miles south of the center, where he resided until his death, He
died January 31, 1850, aged eighty years. His wife, Olive, died October 9, 1830. They were the
parents of two sons, the subject of this sketch, and Timothy, who died in Boardman, in
December, 1846. Shelden Newton's advantages in early life for the acquirement of an education
were of the most meager character, attending the ordinary district schools a few months in the
winter only till he was sixteen. Being the elder of the two sons, the larger share of the work
upon the farm fell to his lot. October 16, 1836, he married Rachel Hahn, of Boardman, born
December 5, 1814. Afler his marriage he resided in Poland some three years, and worked by the
month for Dr. Kirtland. In 1845 he removed to Boardman center, and has always since resided
there, engaged in farming, save when attending to his Public duties, of which he has had his full
share. He was elected justice of the peace in 1840, and held the office for thirty-six consecutive
years, with the exception of an interval of only eighteen months. He was elected county
commissioner of Mahoning county in 1867, and again in 1875. He was elected to the State
Legislature in the fall of 1873 on the "removal" ticket, and served on several important
committees, being a member of the committee on new counties, State library, and roads and
turnpikes.
Although Mr. Newton had few school privileges when young, there are few men of his age
betler informed on current topics or endowed with a more accurate and retentive memory.
Politically, he is a strong Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Newton have two children living, North'
and Olive. The former married Marietta Kirk, and resides at Boardman center, and the latter,
now the wife of Hiram Thorn, resides in Brooklyn, New York. The oldest son, Warner, served
in the Union army during the whole period of the war of secession, and gave his life for his
country. Enlisting at Youngstown in April, 1861, in the Nineteenth Ohio volunteer infantry for
three months, he afterwards went out as private with the Second Ohio cavalry. He was promoted
to captain of company E, and was wounded March 29, 1865, at the battle of Five Points, near
Richmond, Virginia, and died April 9, 1865.
JACOB H. BALDWIN.
The subject of this sketch, Mr. Jacob H, Baldwin, was born at Queensburg, Washington county,
New York, October 13, 1792, His life, until 1811, was spent here and in Morceau, Saratoga
county. In November of 1811, in company with his father and other members of the family, he
came to Boardman (then in Trumbull county), Ohio, where the remainder of his life was spent.
In 1815 he married Miss Florinda Walter, daughter of David Walter, of Palmyra, Portage county
; and 1n April, 1816, removed to Baldwin's Mill, Youngstown, and engaged in partnership with
his uncle, Eli Baldwin. They had for neighbors and customers Thomas Packard, John Woods
(father of Dr. Woods), Benjamin Ross, William Smith, James Taylor, Joshua Kyle, Robert Kyle,
Wendell Grove, Jedediah Fitch, Camden and Paine Cleveland, James Hillman, Dr. Henry
Manning, and others. In 1819 he was appointed by James Mackey, John H, Patch, and William
Bushnell (county commissioners) collector of taxes, in which capacity he visited every tax-payer
in the county. In 1820 he was again appointed county collector, and also was appointed by John
Harmon, of Zanesville (who was marshal of Ohio), to take the United States census. This he did,
finding the population of Trumbull---consisting then of thirty-five townships—to be, in all,
15,542, including Warren and Youngstown. In 1821 he was appointed county auditor by the
General Assembly of Ohio, the office having been created at that time, in which office he
continued for seventeen years, having been elected by the people eight times—two years each
term. During much of this time his family
94 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
resided in Youngstown and Boardman. In 1840 he was appointed by the court of common pleas
appraiser of real estate for taxation. He began this work at Poland in the month of May, and
finished in October, having visited personally every farm in the county, and appraised all the
small lots in the towns and villages. During these years his acquaintance throughout Trumbull
was necessarily greater than most men, and the memory of those days and the events of the time
were indelibly impressed upon his mind. In 1842 he was elected a member of the Legislature of
Ohio, and served one year in the House of Representatives. In 1844 he was elected a
Presidential elector, and cast his vote for Clay and Frelinghuysen for President and
Vice-President. In the year 1850 he was appointed by Jones, of Mount Vernon, marshal of the
State of Ohio, to take the census in district one hundred and forty-three, north division of
Trumbull county, which included the townships of Champion, Southington, Farmington,
Bristol, Bloomfield, Mesopotamia, Greene, Mecca, Gustavus, and Kinsman. James Hoyt had the
remainder of the county in his division. Afterwards he was appointed assistant assessor in
Warren, and served a part of the term, when he resigned, and James Hoyt was appointed his
successor.
SETTLEMENT NOTES.
S. P. Blackman, farmer, Boardman township, Mahoning county, was born in Poland in 1844.
His parents, Heman and Phyllis Blackman, were residents of Poland. Heman Blackman came to
this county from Connecticut in 1807. Mr. Blackman has always followed farming. He was
married in 1866 to Kate A. Shaffer, daughter of George Shaffer, of Springfield township. They
have four children, born as follows: Fannie, May 23, 1868; Asa, February 1, 1870; Perry, July
29, 1871; Clark, December 3, 1874. Mr. Blackman is a Republican. He has resided in Boardman
township since 1866.
George Baldwin, farmer, Boardman township, .Mahoning county, was born in Boardman
township, September 30, 1825. His father, Garry Baldwin, came here from Fort George,
Washington county, New York, in 1811. His mother, Harriet Meeker, was a native of New
Preston, Connecticut, and came here in 1823. Garry Baldwin died September 7, 1869, aged
sixty-nine. Mrs. Baldwin is still living, at the age of seventy-five. George Baldwin lives upon
the old farm. He has one hundred and forty-two acres, and does a thriving business. His land is
good, his home is pleasant and pretty. He built a large barn in 1880, 36x50 feet, by far the best
in the township. Mr. Baldwin was married January 31, 1856, to Eliza Detchon, born in this
township January 11, 1833. They have three children: Hattie M., born January 3, 1860; Henry J.,
born November 27, 1864; Stanton, born August 16, 1869. Mrs. Baldwin is a member of the
Disciple church. Mr. Baldwin is 0ne of our most successful farmers, and occupies a high social
position. In politics he is a Republican.
Captain Charles C. Chapman, farmer, Boardman township, Mahoning county, was born in
Ellsworth, April 27, 1833. He worked at carriage trimming ten years; was ten years a merchant
at Youngstown; enlisted in November, 1862, in company G, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth
Ohio infantry, and served until December, 1865. He was promoted from a private l0 second
lieutenant, then to first lieutenant, and afterwards to captain. He was in some of the severest
engagements of the war, including the battles of Chickamauga, Atlanta, Kenesaw mountain, etc.
Mr. Chapman bought the farm on which he now resides, in 1877. Mr. Chapman was married in
1857 to Julia Campbell, daughter of William Campbell, of Trumbull county. She died in 1867,
aged about thirty-five years. He was married a second time, in 1871, to Mrs. Sophia E. Thomas
of Youngstown. They have one child, Ada A., born September 13, 1874. Mrs. Chapman is a
member of the Methodist church. Mr. Chapman is a Republican. He held several local offices
while in Youngstown; was constable, city marshal, and deputy United States marshal. He is a
member of the Odd Fellows.
Henry B. Dowler, farmer, Boardman township, Mahoning county, was born in Boardman
township February 29, 1820; hence has had his birthday but fifteen times, at this date. His
grandfather, Francis Dowler, a native of county Cavin, Ireland, was among the earliest of those
who took up land in this country. He came
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 95
here in 1801, as did alsp his son John, the father of Henry. Francis Dowler died in 1846, aged
ninety-six years. John Dowler died in 1839, aged fifty-four. His wife was Nancy Packard. They
had seven sons and three daughters; four sons and two daughters are still living, viz: William F.,
Henry B., Francis A., Thomas J., Nancy P. (Kentner), and Betsey A. Mr. H. B. Dowler,
excepting from 1847 to 1857, while he was in the South engaged in making and selling
fanningvem mills, has always resided in the county. He resides upon the farm which his
grandfather seltled. Mr. Dowler has never married. He is an old-style Jacksonian Democrat, a
prominent farmer, and a respected citizen.
Norman Davidson, farmer, Boardman township, Mahoning county, was born in Washington,
Litchfield county, Connecticut, August 7, 1803. His parents, John and Charlotte Davidson, came
to Boardman township in 1805 and settled in the midst of the forest near the center of the
township. John Davidson had two sons and a daughter; of these Norman Davidson is the only
survivor. He is one of the few old settlers now living. Mr, Davidson has a fine farm of a hundred
and forty-five acres, with neat and tasty buildings. He was married, January 13, 1831, to Eliza
Brainard, who was born June 23, 1805, in Washington, Litchfield county, Connecticut. They
have had three children, one of whom is living. Sarah A., born May 2, 1833, died December 3,
1834; Charlotte, born February 2, 1836, died July 29, 1864; Edward, born January 4, 1839, is
married and resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have been members of the Episcopal
church for many years. They bear an excellent reputation in the community where they have so
long resided. Mr. Davidson is a thorough Republican. He has held several local offices, such as
assessor, trustee, justice, etc. Alexander Gault, farmer, Boardman township, Mahoning county,
was born in Jackson township, May 26, 1838. His father, John Gault, still living in Jackson, is
among the old citizens. His grandfather, who died in the War of 1812, was among the early
settlers in this county. Mr. Alexander Gault resided in Jackson until 1867, when he came to
Boardman and purchased the farm on which he now is. He was a soldier in the Rebellion;
enlisted in September, 1862, and served until November, 1865, and saw some of the severest
battles. He was in company F, Forty-first Ohio volunteers. Mr. Gault was married in 1867 to
Miss Anna E. Forsythe, a native of Muskingum county, this State. They have one child living,
one deceased - Mary Sylvia, born August 30, 1870; Robert I. S., born July 20, 1873, died June
21, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Gault are members of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Gault is an
earnest Republican.
James Hughes, farmer, Boardman township, Mahoning county, was born in Pembrokeshire,
South Wales, November 10, 1831. He came to this country in 1840 with his parents, who settled
in Palmyra, Portage county, Ohio. There Mr. James Hughes remained until 1847, when he came
to Youngstown and engaged in mining. In 1872 he bought the farm on which he is at present.
He has an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty-one acres, and does a large business. Mr.
Hughes was married December 31, 1857, to Lydia H. Jackson, daughter of John Jackson, of
Youngstown. Mrs. Hughes died November 19, 1876, in the thirty-ninth year of her age. They
had six children, all living-John K., Minnie, Weltha, Dan, Sammie, and James; all reside at
home. Mr. Hughes is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church.
G. E. Lanterman, farmer, Boardman township, Mahoning county, was born in Austintown
township March 22, 1841. His father, John Lanterman, was a native of this county, and his
grandfather, Peter Lanterman, among the earlivemest settlers in Austintown. Mr. Lanterman was
left an orphan at the age of two years by the death of his father. His mother died when he was
sixteen, and from that time forward he acted for himself. In 1861 he went West to Virginia City,
thence crossing the plains to California; he was seven months on the way. He spent three years
in the West, then returned to this county, and after living four years in Austintown he bought the
farm on which he now resides. He has one hundred and fifteen acres of excellent land with the
best of buildings and improvements; he deals considerably in stock. Mr. Lanterman was married
in 1864 to Miss Elizabeth Kistler, daughter of John B. Kistler, of this township. They have six
children living, one deceased: German U., Bettie A., John S., Mary I. (died when about six
weeks old), Jennie
96 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
D., Blanche G., Frederick A. Mr. Lanterman is a straight-out Democrat and an active business
man. His wife is a member of the Lutheran church.
Richard J. McClurg, farmer, Boardman township, was born in Boardman June 22, 1840. He is
the son of Samuel McClurg, a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Samuel McClurg
settled in this county quite early and lived here until the time of his death, bringing up a family
of three children, of whom two, Richard and Andrew, arc living. Richard lives on the home
farm, which contains one hundred and eighty acres of excellent land with good buildings and
improvements. Mr. McClurg was married in 1866 to Miss Kesia McCullough, of Springfield.
They have two children George, born July 25, 1871; Samuel H., born November 16, 1878. Mr.
McClurg and wife belong to the Presbyterian church. Mr. McClurg is a sound Republican. He is
a prominent citizen ; has been township trustee, etc.
Thomas Matthews, farmer, Boardman, Mahoning county, was born in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, August 17, 1813. He came to this county when nine years of age with his parents,
Thomas and Jane (McClurg) Matthews. Mr. Matthews bought his present farm about
thirty-eight years ago. He has one hundred and sixty-five acres of excellent land; is engaged in
mixed farming and sheep raising. He was married, in 1842, to Cynthia Shannon, daughter of
Major John Shannon, of Pennsylvania, a soldier of the War of 1812. They have three children
living and three deceased - William S., born October 30, 1843, now a successful physician at
Youngstown; Bruce S., May 1, 1846; Charles W., March 31, 1851; Ellen J., February 20, 1855,
died April 1, 1855; Ellen D., June 2, 1857, died December 16, 1863; Cora C., December 10,
1858, died January 29 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are members of the Methodist church. Mr.
Matthews is a Republican and an esteemed citizen.
Eli Reed, farmer, Boardman township, Mahoning county, was born in Canfield township in
1816. His parents, James and Mary (Turner) Reed, came to this county in 1806, Mr. Reed from
Washington county, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Reed from New Jersey. They brought up a family
of five children, three of whom are yet living, two sons and a daughter. James Reed died
October 13, 1854, in his sixty-sixth year. Mary Reed died April 8, 1863, in her eighty-fourth
year. Adam and Margaret Turner, grandfather and grandmother of Eli Reed, settled in Canfield
in April, 1806, coming from New Jersey by team. Adam Turner was born September 5, 1763,
and died September 3,1837. Margaret (Mizner) Turner was born June 11, 1766, and died
October 28, 1840. Eli Reed was married, in 1843, to Margaret Thomas, of Canfield township.
They have five children living, four deceased, including a daughter that died in infancy-Amanda
M., born July 24, 1845, now the wife of Samuel Steele of Youngstown; Alvin T., September 27,
1847; Sibyl C., August 15, 1849, died October 24, 1851; Florus A. and Flora C., July 4, 1853,
Florus dying October 9, 1853, and Flora May 18, 1855; Hattie E., September 29, 1856, is the
wife of Almon Alderman, Evart, Michigan; Oscar W., March 13, 1859; Clinton E., June r, 1864.
Mr. Reed has been a Republican since the organization of the party. He has been assessor two
terms and trustee three terms. He is a worthy and respected citizen.
Michael Simon, farmer, Boardman township, Mahoning county, was born in Boardman
township July 13, 1820. His father, Adam Simon, was one of the earliest settlers in the county,
having come here from Washington county, Pennsylvania, about the year 1800. He was father of
six children, three of whom are living, viz: Andrew, Reinhart, and Michael. The lwo first named
reside in Wood county. Michael Simon was married, in 1846, to Rosini Gentholtz, a native of
Wittenberg, Germany. They have seven children living, five deceased, viz: Ezra A., born March
26, 1848; Lenora C., born March 26, 1848; Cornelius A., born February 25, 1850; Catharine E.,
born December 15, 1851, married Mr. Stempel, died September 19, 1873; Rebecca M., born
April 1, 1853; Caroline S., born May 5, 1855; Julius A., born October 24, 1856; Elmer E.,
Bishop C., Ira C., born July 21, 1861. Bishop died August 22, 1861; Ira died February 12, 1862;
and Warren, born May 3, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Simon belong to the Lutheran church. Mr. Simon
is a Republican. He is a leading farmer and respected citizen.
PICTURE OF JOSEPH COIT
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J. H. Shields, farmer, Boardman township, Mahoning county, was born in Boardman
townvemship November 12, 1840. The farm on which he was born and where he now lives was
purchased in 1798 by Thomas Shields, and has since been in possession of the Shields family.
Thomas Shields bought two mill-sites and several hundred acres of land, then returned to his
home in Augusta county, Virginia, where died shortly after. His sons, Thomas, James, and
William, came in 1800 and settled on the farm. Thomas Shields was a miller by trade, and the
first miller . west of Rochester, Pennsylvania. James and William were in the War of 1812;
Thomas was exempted from service on account of being a useful and necessary member of the
community —a miller—and the only man exempted in his neighborhood. William Shields had
two sons. The family moved to Indiana about 1848. James had no children. Thomas had five
sons and a daughter. All are now dead, nearly every one reaching the age of seventy years.
Andrew Shields, son of Thomas, was the father of J. H. Shields. He married Jane Price, of
Youngstown township. They had two sons and two daughters, viz: J. H., Lois H. (Hopkins),
Louisa M. (Anderson), and Wallace, who died young. Andrew Shields died in June, 1880, in his
seventy second year. Mrs. Shields is still living. J. H. Shields married, in 1863, Miss L. H. Starr,
of this township. They have three children living, one deceased, viz: Maud M., born in 1866;
Budd S., born in 1867; Mary J.; Allora C., born in 1873. Mary J. was drowned July 9, 1879,
aged eight years. She fell from a log while atvemtempling to cross the creek when the water was
high. Mr Shields is one of our largest and most prosperous farmers. He manages six hundred
acres of land and deals quite extensively in cattle and sheep.
T. M. Twiss, farmer, Boardman township, Mahoning county, was born in Boardman township,
November 28, 1833. His father, John Twiss, came here from Connecticut in 1818, and brought
up a family of eight children, of whom Mr. T. M. Twiss is the youngest. Mr. Twiss has made
farming his principal business; he also deals considerably in stock. He has a farm of one
hundred and seventy-three acres, good land well improved. Mr. Twiss was married in 1860 to
Mary Hyde, of Orangeville, Trumbull county. She died in 1864, in the 27th year of her age. Mr.
Twiss was again married, in 1874, to Mrs. Carrie Minnis, of Mercer county, Pennsylvania. Mr.
Twiss is a Republican. He has been township trustee and assessor. Mrs. Twiss is a member of
the Methodist church.
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