580 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVIII

BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP—GEOLOGY—EARLY SETTLEMENT—FIRST OFFICERS--ORIGIN AND GROWTH

OF INDUSTRIES--INCIDENTS OF PIONEER LIFE--VILLAGES-EUDCATION—RELIGION. SEVENTY

SEVENTY years ago, the now densely populated township of Brunswick was a tangled wildwood and wilderness, wherein were found the rude deerskin wigwams of the Indians and the winding trails and hidden lairs of numerous species of wild animals. The report of the settler's rifle and the echo of his ax were unknown, save those made by wandering hunters, who roamed without fear through the dark forests in quest of more stirring adventure than that found near the border settlements. Occasionally, bands of hostile savages, in warpaint and feathers, armed with rifle, tomahawk and scalping knife, were seen gliding like shadows through the deep woods, on their mission of death and desolation. War with Great Britain was declared, and the Nation called to its brave men to

" Come, strike the bold anthem, the war dogs are howling,

     Already they eagerly snuff up their prey ;

The red cloud of war o'er our forest is scowling,

     Sweet peace spreads her wings and flies weeping away."

The borderers, responsive to the call, flew to the forts. and prepared to fight to the bitter end for their homes and loved ones. After a time, the storm of war subsided, the Indians sued for peace and retired farther into the fastnesses of the forest; the borderers returned to their partially cleared homes, and the unbroken wilderness of Ohio was visited by thousands of settlers seeking homes.

Brunswick Township was first settled in the spring of 1815; although the land had beenpurchased previously, and was then owned in tracts of different sizes by several men residing in the East, who offered it for sale at prices ranging from $125 to $8 per acre. The surface soil is largely clay, with frequent outcroppings of sand.. The turnpike, which crosses the township north and south, a half mile west of the Center. is located upon an elevated ridge, where large beds of sandstone are exposed. This stone has been quarried more or less since the earliest times, and is of It coarse texture, so stained and discolored with iron oxides as to mar the beauty of the stone.

A large semicircular ridge, elevated in a gradual slope above the surrounding country sixty or seventy feet, is located about .a mile north of the Center, and reveals inexhaustible beds of the coarse sandstone. On the farm of William Bennett, where a small stream has its source, near his residence, is a ravine, probably sixty feet in depth and about the same in width, where perpendicular embankments of the stone may be seen. Extending out through the side of the entire depth of the ravine and back from it seventy or eighty feet, is a natural crevice, varying in width from six inches to two feet. On the bank above, and over this crevice, Mr. Bennett has erected a large building for storing apples, vegetables, etc., and the crevice on the ground is left uncovered, thus affording much-needed ventilation during the winter months. Large quantities of stone are being taken out on the ridge near the residence of Mr. Stowe, and at other places in the township. This portion of the county is now

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well drained, although in early years the comparatively level land at the head-waters of Plum Creek was wet and marshy and almost impassable, as some of the first settlers remember to their sorrow. Mud, in early years, was an important matter to take into consideration on all occasions when journeys were to be undertaken. It was a principal cause of arousing the wrath and invective of the pioneer, and is said to have incited. conduct unbecoming Christians. A. journey without the incidental sticking in the mud was regarded as an omen of prosperity, and was warmly welcomed, not simply for that reason alone, but because of the discomfort avoided. The western third of the township is also quite level. From the turnpike, near the center, the country eastward and westward is descending and valley-like, with rising ground in the distance. The principal stream is Plum Creek, which rises near the farm of George Bennett and flows a little east of south, leaving the township and uniting with Rocky River a short distance northeast of Medina. Its. course is tortuous, and it has many small, winding branches. The western third is drained by small streams which flow west into Rocky River. The northeast corner is threaded by a small stream which flows east and unites with the East Branch of Rocky River.

On the 4th of March, 1815, Solomon and Frederick Demming arrived in the township, erected rude Iog cabins and began to clear a few acres for a corn and potato patch and a garden. During the summer of the same year, there came in John Hulet, Seymour Chapin, John Stearns, Andrew Demming and Henry Bogue, with their families. These men located in different parts of the township and erected the indispensable log cabin, and endeavored to make themselves comfortable. During the months of October and November, 1815, James Stearns, Solomon Harvey and Henry Parker came with their families. Soon afterward came Samuel Tillotson, Ephraim Lindley and W. P. Stevens.

In 1817, John Freese, B. W. Freese, Dr. Seth. Blood, Jacob Ward, Harvey Stebbins, L. Thayer, Rhoda Stowe, W. Root, P. Clark, Peter, John and A. Berdan and others arrived. This addition soon altered the appearance of the township. Here and there could be seen small round log cabins standing in clearings of a few acres, while near them could be heard the almost incessant ring of the ax, and the crash of huge trees that had stood the tempests of ages. The sharp report of the rifle rang out through the woods, and the choice turkey or venison, soon afterward eaten by the family, attested the prowess of the hunter. When a new settler appeared, those already established, needed no invitation to assemble immediately, and speedily erect his cabin. Often the cabin, begun in the morning, was occupied by the family the following night. Families were frequently taken. in by others, where they remained until their cabin was ready. Log-rollings and chop-ping bees became common, and it is stated that weeks were-often spent in one continual round of rollings. Great sport was enjoyed on these occasions, and the women usually assembled to do the cooking. Enormous potpies of wild turkey or venison were served up to the hungry men, and the joke and laugh went round. Whisky was almost universally present, and was the source of frequent bursts of merriment and occasional bursts of passion. Often, some poor fellow, too fall for utterance, sought some secluded spot to dream of hunts and Indians and sleep off the blissful effects of King Alcohol. The following is related by an old settler: " Capt. John Stearns had got everything in readiness and had fixed upon a day to raise his new barn, when it was discovered that no whisky could be bought, or even borrowed, in the township, and, more un-

582 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

fortunate still, that none could be had nearer than Tallmadge. To go to that village and return would require two days. Mr. Stearns made known the matter to his neighbors, who told him that, under the present circumstances, they thought perhaps the barn might be raised without the liquor, though they could not approve of his neglect to see about the matter earlier. On the day appointed, the settlers assembled, went to work, raised the barn, and made the fortunate discovery that a building could be safely and speedily built without the use of whisky." After that, it was no uncommon occurrence to see buildings going up and not a drop of liquor used.

The young people were not without their sleighing parties and dances, and the vigor and energy there displayed would arouse the admiration of the old men and women present, who, thereupon, related the experience of their youth. The following is related by Ephraim Lindley, who came to the township in 1816: "Several young people of Brunswick concluded to go to the residence of Rufus Ferris, who lived a short distance north of the present county seat, and pay a number of young people there assembled a visit. and have a good time generally. Each young man of us got his female partner, and. rigging jumpers made of long poles that answered for runners and thills, we fastened on a few boards, on which we sat while traveling. Our road was marked by blazed trees. We started from what is now Brunswick Center, and, following the obscure path, we finally reached Weymouth in safety. We then, by a path still harder to follow, journeyed until we reached Rocky River, at the Joseph Northrup farm, and, after crossing the river, continued on through the woods until we reached the cabin of Mr. Ferris, where we were warmly welcomed. We tarried there, engaged in youthful sport, until a late hour, and, finally,started for home. The entire night was spent in the visit, and, while going and coming, we had no fine buffalo robes to protect us from the severity of the snowstorm that was raging."

The settlers were called upon very early. to build bridges, which. very probably, were carried away by the next freshet. "It was no uncommon thing to see all the men in a community congregate early. and. without stockings or shoes. labor all day in water, filing abutments. and placing the long heavy stringers thereon. The puncheons used so universally for flooring were considered equally well fitted for use in bridges. and were thus used." Often the women took the ax or the rifle and went into the forest to chop or in quest of game. One day. Maria, the wife of John Hulet, was standing near the little window of her cabin. The snow lay thickly upon the ground, and the air was bitterly cold. She had much outdoor work to do that winter. there being two cows and a yoke of oxen left in her care. While looking from the window, she saw a large dog standing in the edge of the clearing, and from his appearance—with tongue hanging out and covered with sweat —she knew he had been chasing some animal. Moving a little. she saw a large buck, covered with foam. standing near the dog. She quietly took the ax and hurried out of the door, calling to the dog to seize it. The buck was instantly thrown upon the snow, where it was knocked on the head by the resolute woman. She tied a rope around its neck, dragged it to the cabin, and had almost finished skinning it, when a tall Indian presented himself and claimed the animal, saying it had been run down by his dog. After some parley, the deer was relinquished, and the Indian, after taking the skin and hind-quarters, departed. Mrs. Hulet was compelled to carry water from a spring at a considerable distance from her

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY - 588

cabin, and, thinking over the matter one day, she concluded to dig a well near the house. She went to work, and, when down where she could not throw the earth out, she took a tin vessel, to which a long rope was attached, and, with this imperfect implement. her children drew up the earth which she placed therein. In this remarkable manner. a depth of thirty feet was reached, when an abundance of good water was found. The next thing was to wall the well, and this must be done without delay. as, otherwise. it would cave in. She entered into a contract with a neighbor. giving him a small iron furnace to draw a load or two of stones. And then she did not know how to place them. but a stranger, happening along, agreed to show her for a meal of victuals. The meal was prepared and eaten. and then the stranger told her how to lay the stones so that they would not fall. After many vexations. the wall was laid. and the well today is an excellent one, and is located on the farm of George Hunt. This incident is related to show the , trials which the wives of the settlers were compelled to undergo. Where is the woman who, to-day, in the absence of her husband. if a tall Indian presented himself at her house and demanded any article she had, would have the courage to demand her right. The article would be yielded without a. word. and the red man: would go off laughing in his sleeve (if he had one) at what he would probably call a " heap big scare."

On the 6th of April, 1818. the first town-ship election was held, resulting as follows: John Stearns and Jacob Ward, Justices of the Peace; Darius Francis, Treasurer; John Stearns, Assessor; Henry Parker, Constable; John Hulet, John Stearns and Solomon Demming, Trustees; Samuel Tillotson and W. P. Stevens, Overseers of the Poor; H. Root and H. Bogue, Fence Viewers.

The following list comprised all the legalvoters then in the township: Capt. John Stearns, Solomon Demming, John Hulet, Harvey Stebbins, Rev. Jacob Ward, Thomas Stearns, Maj. Andrew Demming, Joel Curtis, Elijah Hull, Henry Bogue, Ephraim Lindley, James Stearns, George J. Baldwin, Solomon Harvey, Horace Root, Darius Francis, Henry Parker, Daniel Stearns and John Hulet, Jr. In 1819 and 1820, many others arrived, and I the township put on the garb of civilization.

A number of years before any settler came to the township, a man in Connecticut, named Williams, purchased the western half, but, failing to meet his payments, he lost the land, . which reverted to the State. Some time afterward, this portion of the township was given in exchange for a number of improved farms in Berkshire County, Mass., the owners thereof preferring to come to the Western Reserve, then, and since, a justly celebrated locality. The contract, on the part of the State of Connecticut, was made by its agent. Abraham and John Freese were sent out by the Berkshire County purchasers to survey the land, locate farms, and inform those in the East as to the condition of the country. When all was in readiness, they came West. The eastern half was early owned by Messrs. McCurdy, Kinsman, Sanford and perhaps others, who, after many years, employed Abraham Freese to survey it.

Capt. John Stearns became the owner of 1,300 acres of land located in the western part of the township. He had several sons who had reached maturity, and to each of these he gave a tract of land—about two hundred acres—and urged the necessity of clearing their land and providing themselves with homes. He also donated two acres to be used as a burying-ground, where, to-day, he and many others of the first settlers lie at rest.

The following is a list of old settlers, who died at advanced ages: John Ward, 92; Eliza-

PAGE 585 PICTURE OF E. LINDLEY

PAGE 586 - BLANK

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY. - 587

cient number had arrived prior to 1820 as to make the erection of saw-mills advisable. Accordingly, in about 1824, a man named Entiton, erected one on Plum Creek. The building was a plank shanty, and the saw, which was an up-and-down one, was operated by water-power. A large dam was built across the creek, and in times of freshets stored up an enormous volume of water. This was used sparingly, .and by careful management the mill was enabled to operate about five months of the year. It was called a thunder mill," because it depended upon thunderstorms for supplies of water. The mill was operated by Mr. Entiton about four years, and was then purchased by Bogue Si; Wyman, who made several alterations and improvements ; the dam was enlarged and the motion of the saw increased by a greater depth and pressure of water. At the expiration of some ten years, the mill was sold to Isaac Hulet, who increased its capacity by improvements in the machinery Mr. Hulet operated it six years, when, the patronage having become reduced, it was permitted to stop, and soon afterward the dam was washed away. This mill was not the first in the township, however. Nathan Clark, a settler of great enterprise, erected one, and began operating it as early as 1820. It was located on Plum Creek, and was about a mile and a half below the Hulet Mill. It was also run by water power, and had a good business. It ceased operation after about four years, and was motionless and deserted until 1838, when Mr. Clark refitted it and rebuilt the dam, which had been washed away. After a few years, Fletcher Hulet bought the mill. It ceased running about 1858. Maurice Squires built a saw-mill in the northern part in about 1840. It was operated some ten years, after which it was removed to the western part. where it was owned and operated by a Mr. Allen. Bennett & Stowe owned a large mill in the northern part in comparatively late years. It was run by steam, and, inasmuch as it continued in operation day and night, two sets of hands being employed, it was the most extensive mill ever in the township. Large quantities of lumber were turned out by this mill.

One of the best saw-mills ever in Brunswick was built in the northeast part in 1843, by Hiram Brooks. This young man was a fine scholar—was a graduate of one of the Eastern theological colleges, and often preached in cabins and schoolhouses in early years. He had great resolution and superior courage. Soon after his father, James Brooks, came to the township. When Hiram was about fourteen years old, he took his rifle one afternoon and went out hunting. After he had been gone a few hours a severe snowstorm set in, and continued with great intensity all night. The air became very cold, and the boy, who had wandered several miles from home, found that he would have to pass the night in the woods. He found a large hollow log that had been split open on the side, and, after gathering several armfuls of dry wood, built a roaring fire at the opening, using several small limbs over the fire to shield it from the descending snow. He sat in the opening of the log, receiving the genial warmth of the blaze, and complacently viewing the severe storm that was raging without. The members of his family were greatly alarmed when night came and the boy did not return. His mother passed a sleepless night, and early the next morning, the storm having spent itself, the family sallied forth to search for the missing boy, expecting to find him frozen to death. They were overjoyed when they saw him coming, safe and sound, toward them. As was stated, he built a saw-mill, in 1843, on the creek near the northeastern corner of Brunswick. The valley of the creek is some fifteen

588 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

feet deep, and at a point where it was very narrow, a strong, substantial dam was built. Above the dam the valley took a circular form, and, when this was covered with water to the depth, in some places, of fifteen feet, a broad pond was formed. This pond afterward became the resort, in the spring of the year, of large numbers of wild ducks and geese. The mill was located on the south bank of the mill-pond, and was a large. two-storied frame structure. When first built, the old-fashioned saw was used, but, when others of superior design came in vogue, it was discarded. Sawing was done, either on shares, or at the rate of from $2 to $3.50 per thousand. The entire cost of building the mill and dam was $1,500. Large quantities of lumber were prepared at this mill. One day, soon after the erection of the mill, Lyman Brooks attempted to cross the mill-pond on the ice, but on the way he was taken with a fit. and, falling into an airhole, was swept under the ice by the current and drowned. When his body was recovered. he had been dead an hour. His brother Elnathan came very near sharing the same fate. He and another young man went bathing in the pond, and, when out in the water, he was seized with the cramp and immediately sank. He arose to the surface and called to his companion for help, and immediately sank for the second time. When he arose, his friend seized him, telling him at the same time not to clinch, and started for the shore, which, after a hard struggle, was reached in safety. Hiram Brooks operated the mill until his death, which occurred some three years after its erection. His mother became owner at his death, and Spencer Brooks was intrusted with its management; but, at the expiration of five years, Elnathan Brooks became the owner, and, after operating it about four months, it was burned to the ground. Two years later, it was rebuilt by Spencer

Brooks, who made several improvements and additions, and soon afterward sold it to Charles and Henry Warner. This was just before the beginning of the last war. 'Various parties have owned it since, and much of the time it has remained inoperative. In 1880, it was removed. On the bank of the stream, near the old mill, quite a number of lime bowlders were unearthed in an early day and burned, affording a fair sample of lime. which was used in plastering houses.

Willis Peck built and conducted a tannery about two miles north of the Center, beginning in 1838. He sank five vats. and dressed skins of all kinds for about ten years. at which time the apparatus was removed. In early years, Solomon Demming built a large two-storied frame tread-mill, placing therein a small set of " nigger-head " buhrs for grinding grain. The mill was located about a mile west of the Center, and here the settlers came in early times for an inferior article of coarse flour or meal. Chopped feed for horses and other animals was prepared at the mill, which was patronized mostly in this respect. The majority of the early settlers made it a practice to take advantage of dry time, and good roads, and go to Middlebury or some other place equally near and noted, with their wheat to mill. If necessity compelled them to go sooner, or in wet and muddy times, they usually went to the mills on Rocky River. As a last resort, they obtained flour at Mr. Demming's mill. The presence of the mill was often a great convenience, as it obviated the necessity of borrowing, or a journey through bottomless roads. Many were satisfied with the flour furnished, and none were altogether averse to eating it. The early settlers were not so particular in regard to their diet as to be wholly unwilling to eat the flour, even though it was dark and coarse. The mill was continued in operation some ten

HISTORY OF ME DIN A COUNTY.- 589

years, when it was allowed to run down. It was the only grist-mill ever in the township. One day, Mr. Hulet concluded to send his son Wesley off to some distant mill, where a better article of flour could be obtained. The oxen—two yoke—were hitched to the wagon, the grain loaded in, and away the boy started. The mill was at last reached, and, when there, the boy discovered that he had neglected to bring proper food for his cattle. He at length concluded to feed them bran. They ate so much of this dry food that two or three of them died, and the boy was compelled to leave his wagon and go home after other oxen. A large quantity of dry bran was 'discovered to be not the best food in the world for oxen. It was about this time that John Chadwick and another boy. while returning from near Medina, came very nearly being devoured by wolves. It was training day, and they had been down to see the troops. or rather militia, march. It was late when they started for home. and the condition of the road was such that night overtook them before they had gone half-way. To add to their alarm, the wolves began to howl around them, and the boys hurried on as fast as they could through the tangled forest. The night-wind swept through the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves here and there, and startling the anxious boys with the apprehension of sudden danger. Finally, one of the boys discovered a wolf near him, and soon afterward several more were discovered, and then it became clear that they were followed by the ravenous creatures. Ile boys were now thoroughly aroused, and ran forward as fast as they could, keeping a close watch around them. Twelve or fifteen )f the animals were close on their heels, and t was at last ,concluded to ascend trees, much as such a course was dreaded. The boys were barely out of reach when a small pack surrounded the trees, and began snarlingwith disappointment at having missed the expected repast. The boys began to call for help as loudly as they could, and, after continuing it for some time, saw some one approaching, with a torch of hickory bark. The wolves immediately fell back, and were soon out of sight and sound. The torch-bearer proved to be Ephraim Lindley, who, having heard the calls for help, had come out to ascertain their meaning. The boys were overjoyed to escape a long night of anxiety, perched in the trees, with the unpleasant prospect of death so near them. They were soon at home. Children were often lost in the woods, and sometimes days elapsed before they were found. Information of children lost was sufficient to arouse the entire neighborhood to immediate action, as otherwise the lost ones might be devoured by wolves. Elvira Thayer and Maria Lane were thus lost, and, after wandering all night in the woods, came accidentally and suddenly upon the cabin of a neighbor, where they were cared for. Older persons were often completely bewildered; and even those who had passed a lifetime in the woods sometimes found it extremely difficult to keep their bearings. The sensations on such occasions are described as maddening. The senses, through which a knowledge of things external to one's self is derived, refuse to guide aright, and the mind becomes distressed with doubts as to which course to pursue; and, wild with bewilderment, when every effort results in failure, lost people have been known to pass within a few rods of their own home, and refuse to recognize a single familiar object.

A man named Woodbridge erected a distillery a mile or two north of the Center, in about 1828. The building was a low frame structure, in which was placed a small copper ;till, having a capacity of about twelve gal-

590 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

ions. The settlers evidently regarded the liquor manufactured as too precious an article to ship—at least it was drank as fast as made. An excellent article of rye whisky was manufactured. William Clark had an interest in the distillery. The grain was ground in a trough in which a stone revolved, the power being furnished by horses attached to a sweep. The trough was not a success, and was soon displaced. After continuing in operation for a few years, the enterprise was abandoned. It was the only distillery, so far as now remembered, ever in the township. Horse-thieves carried on their nefarious practice in early years. John Stowe missed one of his best horses one morning, and, for some time, could discover no trace of the missing animal At last, an animal answering to the description was found to have passed through Cleveland, stopping there overnight at a feed stable. From there, the animal was traced to Tecumseh. Mich., where it was found in a livery stable. It proved to be the horse sought, and the thief was found and arrested by the Constable of Brunswick, whom Mr. Stowe had taken with him. The thief proved to be one of Mr. Stowe's nearest neighbors, and, when taken into custody, boldly acknowledged taking the animal, saying that, instead of intending to steal it, he had merely borrowed the animal for a few weeks, as he was obliged to go to Michigan and had no money nor horse of his own, and that, when he returned, he intended to restore the borrowed animal as secretly as he had taken it. The story was doubted, and arrangements were made to take the thief to Medina County. But he effected his escape, and it was thought best not to pursue him, as his story had many plausible features.

An occurrence took place in early years, at Brunswick Center, which kindled the indignation of the neighborhood at the time, and has been regarded with chagrin ever since. The occurrence, as related, is this: A German, who had just arrived from the old country, stopped for a short time at the Center to make some inquiries about the land that he had seen advertised for sale. While there, he stole an as at one of the stores, and, after he had been gone a short time, the theft was discovered, whereupon he was pursued by the Constable, who arrested him and took him back to the Center. He was taken before a Justice of the Peace, and, soon after his trial for the theft

began. the owner of the as, and several others, took the case in charge and informed the man that he might take his choice of two punishments—either receive thirty lashes on his bare back and leave the township, or be imprisoned several months with but little to eat. The poor man, seeing there was no help for himself, chose the former punishment, whereupon the lashes were inflicted, ten at a time, with great severity. It is said that the poor man fainted at the conclusion of this unheard of punishment. He immediately left the township, and what became of him is unknown. The Justice before whom the man was to be tried could do nothing with the men who took the law in their own hands. He left the room when his authority was disregarded. Nothing was ever done with the men who had openly defied the law, to the great regret of the better class of the people. The neighborhood looked upon the affair as an outrage, and this view is taken to-day by all who are familiar with the circumstances.

It is not certainly known who built the first house in the village of Brunswick Center. It is likely, however, that the first was built in 1819 by Thomas Stearns. The building was a round-log structure, and a short time after its erection a few hundred dollars' worth of goods were placed in one apartment. This, so far as now remembered, was the first stock

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY. - 591

of goods offered for sale in the township. A short time after the store was opened, Col. John Stearns built the second residence, and soon afterward it was thrown open for the reception of the public. The presence of a tavern at that point was demanded by the large travel on the Cleveland and Columbus Turnpike. An unceasing stream of travel from the central part of the State to Cleveland by way of this turnpike, brought many strangers to the little tavern, and the proprietor soon realized a handsome revenue. Mr. Stearns was also induced to open his store by reason of the calls made for various articles by travelers. However, Archibald Miles opened the first store of any note in the village. In about 1824, he placed in a store-room, built for the purpose, some 81,500 worth of a general assortment of goods. He began with a flattering patronage, largely afforded by travelers, and continued at the occupation for about eight years. when his goods were removed. Not far from the year 1830. Horace Root opened a small store, nearly a mile north of the Center, on the turnpike. He continued the business for a number of years, and finally closed out his stock. Nathan Clark opened a sort of cabinet-shop in the village at an early day. He manufactured coffins and various other useful articles. He had a small shop where his wares were kept for sale. A. few years later, a man whose name has been forgotten, erected a small building, and began the useful occupation of manufacturing Windsor and other chairs. He did a moderate business for several years. No man did more to build up the village than Dr. John Clark. He was a well-educated man and a good physician, receiving the confidence and patronage of the citizens. When he first came to the township. he was not familiar with the general practice of medicine, having made the important subject of cancers a specialty. But the people in the backwoods were not afflicted with the last-named disorder, and the Doctor soon discovered that he must alter his course of studies. He mastered, so far as possible, the general practice of medicine, and soon had all he could do. He acquired a wide reputation for his skill and success in curing the dreaded Cuyahoga fever." and adopted methods peculiar to himself and unknown to his brethren. At an early day, he built a large storeroom, and placed therein about $4,000 worth of goods, the largest and best stock in the township in early years. He also erected several other buildings, one of which was used as a farm and household implement factory : snaths, ax and hammer handles. cradles, etc., were manufactured, and several assistants were employed to conduct the business, while Mr. Clark devoted much of his time to his store. He manufactured Windsor chairs, tables, stands. cupboards, etc. One of the buildings was used as a foundry, where various useful articles were manufactured. Many workmen were employed to carry on his extensive business. While engaged in these pursuits, he had a large medical practice, which called him from the village a large share of the time. He also conducted an ashery in connection with his store, and made considerable potash. which was mostly conveyed to Cleveland, where it was sold. All these pursuits gave Brunswick Center a stirring business aspect. He continued many years. making a small fortune, and finally retired from business. In about 1845, Horace Root built a large store on the east side. in which was placed a large, fine stock of goods. Mr. Root did an excellent business for many years. Abner Martin also kept a small store for a number of years, about the same time. About fifteen years ago, Horace Root died, whereupon James Root occupied the same building for a few years. Various others have kept goods

592 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

for sale in the village, among whom are Pomeroy & Hicks and Hicks & Root. There are several stores at present, and most of them have a fair trade. The Sons of Temperance organized a lodge in the village in about 1834, but after a few years the charter was returned to the Grand Lodge, and the members disbanded. In 1820, the settlers came to the conclusion, that having to go to distant points for their mail was a thing no longer to be endured. A petition was circulated and signed by all, for the location of a post office in the township. The prayer of the petitioners was granted ; Dr. Seth Blood was appointed first Postmaster, and the office was located at his residence. He served a short time. when John Freese became his successor. Dr. Seth Blood was the first practicing physician in the township. He was a skillful practitioner, and soon obtained an extensive trade. He was called into the northern counties of the State to prescribe for those afflicted with the " Cuyahoga fever," and for many years enjoyed an envied reputation. He was finally taken with the same fever he had driven from so many, and after a short illness died. Among the early physicians were Ezra Summers, Elijah Summers and B. B. Clark. The little village has seen lively business times in past years. Moses Bennett opened a store in the Center in comparatively late years. He began business with about $1,000 worth of goods, but afterward increased the stock until it invoiced at more than $4,000. He conducted an ashery at the same time, and is said to have made as high as twelve tons of potash per annum. Others have engaged in mercantile and manufacturing pursuits in past years in the Center. Schools were organized at an early day. The first school was taught on the west line of the township. in 1817. in a small log building that had been intended for a dwelling, but intowhich no family had yet moved. The first

teacher was Sarah Tillotson. Mention of this school is made in the chapter on the history of Liverpool Township. The school was taught on the line, to accommodate families in both townships. The first schoolhouse was built during the fall of 1817, and located a quarter of a mile west of the Center. Col. John Freese was employed to teach the first school in this house, which he did to the satisfaction of the patrons. After that, school was held regularly there until 1824. when a large hewed-log building. intended for a church, schoolhouse and town hall, combined, was erected at the Center. Abram Freese taught several terms in the first schoolhouse. Often, in accordance with the terms of the contract between the teacher and the School Directors, the children were called upon to build the fires, and not infrequently the large boys were required to chop the wood while at school. Barring the teacher out, was a practice not to be avoided on holidays, and such occasions were relished with unbounded delight by the entire school; but they were not always agreeable to the unfortunate pedagogue. Miss Parmelia Freese also taught in the first schoolhouse, and found so much difficulty in managing her large scholars that her father, Judge Abram Freese, often visited the school to impart his advice to the scholars and render any needed assistance to the teacher. The large attendance at the early schools spoke well for the interest in education. The old combined church and schoolhouse was used for school purposes twelve or fifteen years, when a larger and better frame building was erected to take its place. The old house was used by Archibald Miles fora storeroom. This building is yet standing and is used for a stable. Its age and former dignified use are not respected by the present generation; it makes a good stable, however. The present school-

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY - 593

house was built about 1855. The building has two stories, the upper one being used for a town hall. The lower is divided into two apartments. and two teachers are employed during the winter months. In about 1830, two schoolhouses were erected, one a mile and a half north. and the other a mile and a half south, of the village. At that time the township comprised three or four school districts, but the precise date of their creation is unknown. Both houses were built of logs, with clapboard shingles and furniture, with broad fireplaces, and with large stone chimneys on the outside of the building. After being used for some ten years, they were replaced by others, since which time two others have been built at each place. A. short time after the erection of the northern house, another was built near the residence of Mx. Goodman. This house was constructed of logs, and was afterward replaced by several others, each being an improvement on the former, and more in harmony with the times. An incident in the school at the Center is related by James Stearns, and should be carefully read by all bad and mischievous boys. The teacher's name was Barnes. and James' conduct had been reprehensible, and he no doubt needed a " trouncing." Accordingly, the teacher, with a frown on his face, called up the wayward boy, and, having tied a strong handkerchief around his neck, suspended him over the door. The boy began to gasp for breath, whereupon the larger scholars (having become alarmed lest the boy should strangle outright) interfered, and he was taken down, a wiser boy. Good order reigned in the school after that event, but the teacher was given to understand that a different mode of correction must be pursued or he would be discharged. This incident should be a warning to all bad and troublesome scholars. A school was taught in 1832, by Newell Cole, in a dwelling near theresidence of Moses Sherman. Shortly afterward, a round-log schoolhouse was built, which, after being used some five years, was replaced by a better one. The present house was erected in 1877. The school district in the northeast corner comprises portions of Brunswick and Hinckley Townships and Cuyahoga County. The first schoolhouse was a log structure, erected in 1828, and located at the township cornerstone. Hiram Brooks was the first teacher, receiving $13 per month for his services, and boarding at home. Miss Sarah Bennett taught during the following summer, and received her pay by subscription, each scholar paying 75 cents for the term of three months. In 1833, another log school building was erected back in Brunswick, some distance from the line, and, after being used some six years, it was replaced by a small frame structure. This was used about eighteen years, when the present one was erected at a cost of about $600.

Many of the early settlers had been members of various churches before coming to the township, and, still wishing to continue the worship of God, they immediately began holding meetings at private cabins and afterward at schoolhouses. Rev. Jacob Ward, a Methodist minister of considerable influence and power, organized a society in 1817, and the meetings were held in the old log schoolhouse. About the same time, the Episcopalian society was organized in Liverpool, and, inasmuch as both congregations were small, they adopted the practice of assembling alternately in Brunswick and Liverpool to worship God together. When held in the latter township, the meetings were conducted by Justus Warner, and, when in the former, by Rev. Jacob Ward. The first structure that could be called a church was the old block building, erected and used for a variety of purposes. Here the church people met to worship. In about 1826.

594 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

the Methodists built a small church west of the Center. This building was used until 1872, when the present large brick church was erected at a cost of about $8,000. The old church is now owned and used by a small society of Disciples. A Congregational society was instituted in the township in February, 1819, by Revs. Simeon Woodruff and William Hanford, two missionaries then laboring in the Western Reserve to advance the interests of their church. The Congregationalists also met in the old schoolhouse and private residences at first. and grew in strength and grace. Their present church at the Center is the finest religious structure in the county, and is said to have cost nearly $25.000. It is constructed of brick. and is a credit to the religious zeal of the citizens of Brunswick. A society of Free-Will Baptists was organized in the northeast corner as early as 1828. The first church was erected in Cuyahoga County about 1830, and, after continuing in use for many years, was replaced by the present building, located in Hinckley Township. Hiram Brooks, a member of this church, often preached for the society, and on all occasions took an active interest in its welfare and prosperity. A little village sprang up at the corners in early years, and was named " Bennett's Corners," in honor of a prominent man who settled at the place and did much to improve the country. A short distance south of the residence of Mr. Sherman is a small church that was erected a few years ago by the members of several denominations, and, according to the arrangement. church exercises are held at stated times by each. The church is known as a United Brethren Church, perhaps for the reason that more of that denomination than any other belong. Near the church lives an old man named Hiram B. Miller, who became widely known before the last war by his taking an active part in assisting runaway slaves to Canada.