Import	Export	Total
1825 1826 1827 1828 1829 1830 1831 1832 1833 1838	$25,800 27,000 44,000 59,000 70,000 75,360 80,000 90,000 93,175 225,000	$30,275 81,000 61,210 81,000 90,000 110,000 115,000 120,000 214,000 275,000	$55,575 58,000 105,210 140,000 160,000 185,360 195,000 210,000 307,175 500,000

POST OFFICE AND MAIL-ROUTES. The Ridge road from east to west was, from 1808 to 1852, the great thoroughfare and the principal post-route on which the mails arrived at Ashtabula. This road was first cut out, as has been described, by citizens of Conneaut and Harpersfield uniting with the citizens of this place. It is told of John Metcalf, the first mail-carrier, that he was obliged at times to sleep in the woods or to lodge in the wigwams of the Indians, wherever night might overtake him. At one time he was lodging in a wigwam, and after taking his luncheon out of the mail, where he was accustomed to carry it, he put it back, what there was left, and in order to protect the mail he went to sleep with his hand inside the bag. During the night, however, the squaws by some means managed to get his luncheon out of the bag and he was obliged to leave in the morning without a breakfast. In the change from the primitive method of carrying the mail to the more pretentious one of a wheeled vehicle, Mr. Metcalf became the driver. The old road from Ashtabula, through Saybrook and Auetinburg and other townships of the fourth range, was the principal route from the south. It was the first road cut through the wilderness, and for a long time was known as the old Salt road. It was a dreadful road for many years; and passengers by the stage to Warren had the privilege not only of picking berries from the high bushes which grew to the very edge of the path, but at times might meet the wild bear engaged in the same pursuit on the opposite aide of' the bush, or a little farther away might discover the herds of deer and elk browsing among the thick forests. Many are the adventures which have been met along this route. The road generally consisted of but one mud-hole the whole length of it. It is said of Judge Austin that at one time he was riding along the route in company with several gentlemen. At length the party came to a nice, smooth, dry stretch of road, but as they got to the end of it the judge was seen to turn his horse and go back. Some of the party called out and asked, " Why, judge, where are you going ?" He replied that the road seemed so good that he thought he would go over it again just for the pleasure of traveling it. In 1819 this road was converted into the Trumbull and Ashtabula turnpike. For about thirty years the mail was transported on this route by stages to Warren, and from thence to Wellsville. It constituted a main route from the lake shore to the Ohio river. For the greater portion of the thirty years the mail was carried along the old turnpike-route through Austinburg, but finally Jefferson's influence became sufficient to divert it so as to pass through the latter-named place, meeting with the old turnpike-road again at Rock Creek. Thus was Austinburg for a number of years deprived of direct mail facilities from Ashtabula. Other routes have been established from time to time, but they have all been superseded by railroads. In 1852 the cars commenced running on the Lake Shore railroad, and in 1872 on the Franklin division to Oil City, and in the same year on the Ashtabula, Youngstown and Pittsburgh railroad. The post-offices of Ashtabula are also worthy of history. It was in about the year 1809 that the first post-office was established. This was in the house of Gideon Leet, who lived on the lake road on east side of the river. Mr. Lest was at the time village postmaster and tavern-keeper. Ile, however, did not consider that the office ought to detain him, for he was able to carry the office with him. It is narrated that the postmaster was known frequently to put the mail into his hat and start out to spend the day fishing. If he happened to meet any one it was very convenient to deliver what then was in the office for him. If only one happened to call for the mail, all he had to do was to wait until he returned. It was moved to the west side on the appointment of Mr. Hubbard as postmaster, and here has been in various places and buildings to snit the convenience of the people. The present convenient quarters were fitted up in 1874, and the business has been constantly increasing during the service of the present efficient officers. The postmaster's salary for the quarter ending March 31, 1817, was "eleven dollars and forty-four cents." During that period was collected on postage $41.38. In 1830 the business had increased to $154.07 during the quarter, and the salary was $50.74. In 1861, salary $238.59, and postage $481.36. In 1873 the postage was $802.31 per quarter, box rent $193.50, newspaper postage $68.65. Postmasters.-The following are the names of those who have served as postmasters: Gideon Leet, Matthew Hubbard, N. Hubbard, John Booth, E. C. Root, Henry Harris, and J. F. Sexton. Mail-carriers.-The first mail-carrier was John Metcalf, who carried the mail on his back, from Cleveland to Erie, in 1808. It took about three weeks for a letter to reach Ashtabula from New York city. In 1811 to 1815 the mail was carried on horseback. Then John Metcalf was found on the top of a stage-coach cracking his whip over a spirited span of horses. In 1818 he was succeeded by William Whitman, Calvin Cole, and others. Edwin Harmon had the honor of placing the first line of four-horse stages from Cleveland to Erie. The religious history of this place is an important one. It will be acknowledged that no history could be complete without a description of society, as related to the worship of God as well as to its moral habits and sentiments. The first advent of any minister of the gospel to this new settlement in the wilderness is said to have been in the year 1804. The name of this person has not been preserved, but the meeting was held in a log house, on the west bank of the river, at the end of the south Ridge road, now Main street. It is believed that Rev. Joseph Badger, of Austinburg, Rev. Nathan B. Darrow, of Vienna, and Rev. John Leslie, of Harpersfield, occasionally visited the place also about this time. In 1810, Rev. Mr. Badger, who bad been laboring among the Indians at Lower Sandusky, came with his family and settled at this place.  133 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO. In May, 1810, Mr. Matthew Hubbard complained to the owner of the lands that an incoming trader, from whose enterprise much good was expeoted, had brought in brandy, rum, etc., to sell on commission, and strongly protested against the traffic. Mr. Hubbard was, and through life remained, a temperance advocate, using neither ardent spirits as a beverage nor tobacco in any form. In the same letter we find him regretting the removal of Rev. Mr. Darrow, and urging the need of securing some religious instructor to assist in staying the progress of wickedness, especially the desecration of the Lord's day. He states that a few persons were trying to engage Rev. Mr. Bulger to teach and to preach to the people one-half of his time. The church people extended an invitation to Mr. Badger, and the following is Mr. Badger's letter of acceptance. The original document is in the possession of Mr. A. C. Hubbard. - " To the Church and Congregation of Ashtabula : " BRETHREN,—It having pleased Almighty God to stir up your minds, in this early period of your settlement in a wilderness land, to seek the enjoyment of gospel ordinances, and to make suitable provision for the support. of the min- istry, and by your committee having presented me your call to take charge of administering to you, in the name of the Lord, for one-half of my time for four years to come, I have, after duly considering the matter with prayer to Almighty God for his direction, come to a determination to accept your call, and do accept the same. I hope, with humble reliance on the Great Head of the Church, for wisdom and faithfuiness in the discharge of ministerial duties, according to the word of God. 4:nd while I ath laboring with you to promote the salvation of your souls, I ask for your prayers, and for your diligent and candid attention to instruction, and that you will aid my efforts in the religious instruction of your children, that your profiting might be in the Lord. " JOSEPH BADGER. "ASHTABULA,., July 27, 1810." Mr. Badger's home was in what is called the Badger house, on Lake street, near the Badger brook, which is still standing, and his garden was the spot of ground which has been described as the site of the old Indian village or fort, now occupied in part as the site of the school-house belonging to St. Joseph's church (R. C.). Mr. Badger resided here for ten years, though some of the time he was serving as a chaplain in the army, and stationed at Sandusky. His services were never confined to this place, as there was no regularly-organized Congregational or Presbyterian church in this place until 1821. There were possibly ten or twelve church members in this community, but the church was at Kingsville. Yet the preaching appointments alternated between that place and Ashtabula. The support which Mr. Badger received was very small. He removed to Kingsville in 1821. THE METHODIST CHURCH. The first religious organization established in Ashtabula was that of the Methodists. A class had been formed in the family of Thomas Benham, Sr., and a quarterly meeting was held by the presiding elder as early as 1810. This church was organized by Rev. Mr. Winston, in 1812, and consisted of Thomas Benham, Sr., and wife, and his sons Samuel and Adner and their wives. Meetings were hold in dwelling-houses, when they built a large log chapel at Bunker bill. This was called the " Block-house." It was occupied until 1829, when the society erected the frame church on the bank of the river, which now stands unoccupied, opposite the South park. In 1860 they erected the present large and beautiful church on Park street. The first Sunday-school was organized about 1820, consisting of about twenty-five, old and young. The present number of communicants in this church is two hundred and thirty. The Sunday-school numbers two hundred and thirty-five, including officers and teachers. EPISCOPAL CHURCH. In 1811 and 1812 several families of Episcopalians emigrated from Plymouth, Connecticut, and settled in South Ashtabula (now Plymouth). In 1813 they began to meet for worship by lay reading. They were led by Zadoek Mann. They thus met until the Rev. Roger Searle, their former minister, arrived among them from Connecticut, who, on the 19th of February, 1817, held service with them at the house of Hall Smith, in this village. After service they were organized as a parish of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States, which was the hurt parish of that church organized in Ohio. The number of communicants was eleven. The Rev. Mr. Searle being requested to name the parish, called it " The Parish of St. Peter's Church, of Ashtabula." Mr. Searle left the next year, dividing his time between the various parishes organized soon after on the Western Reserve until 1824. Rev. John Hall was minister from March, 1824, to May, 1834. Rev. Samuel W. Belden officiated as minister from May to August, 1834, when he died. Rev. Seth Davis was minister from October, 1834, to October, 1835. In September,'1836, Rev. John Hall was re-elected rector and minister. He resigned in 1853, but continued to supply until May, 1854. After having officiated more or less every year for about thirty-two rare he retired, and was succeeded by Rev. Homer Wheeler, who served the church until 1858, when he was succeeded by Rev. James Beuttar until 1872, when the present rector, Rev. James Moore, D.D., entered upon his duties. Baptisms recorded,—infants, 793, adults, 229, total, 1022 ; burials, 301; whole number of communicants, 727 ; present, 250 ; • marriages recorded, 191; persons confirmed, 371. Present officers : George Willard, senior warden ; Lorenzo Tyler, junior warden ; S. C. Talcott, Nehemiah Hubbard, George B. Baser, A. A. Strong, W. E. Blakeslee, C. L. Booth, and E. W. Savage, vestrymen. The church, under the able supervision of Dr. Moore, is enjoying a state of healthful prosperity. BAPTIST CHURCH OF ASHTABULA. In the year 1810, Mr. Amos Fisk and family, and Mr. Watrons and family moved to Ashtabula. In 1813, Mr. Thomas Whelpley and family also settled in this place. These were all Baptists. In 1814, Elder Barnes commenced preaching at Kingsville. During the years 1818 and 1819, Elder J. Hartwell visited this place and held services, and baptized Mrs. Temperance Harmon and Miss Emily Klice. These were the first persons immersed in Ashtabula. For a few years after, Elder S. Abbott preached here occasionally. In 1824, Mr. Amos Fisk, at his own cost, erected a house of worship for the use of the Baptists of Ashtabula. This was the first frame building erected in the township used exclusively for religious purposes; dedicated August 12, 1824. During this same year letters of dismission were procured from the Kingsville church, and a committee was appointed to draw up " Articles of Faith and a Covenant" for a church at Ashtabula. This committee consisted of Amos Fisk, Elder W. B. Centip, and Asa W. Hickox. The church was organized January 5, 1825, consisting of' the following names : Elder W. B. Centip, Amos Fisk, A. W. Hickox, Lemuel Booth, John Wheeler, William Watroua, Winthrop. Watrous, Luke Osborne, Lawson Terrill, Thomas Whelpley, Charles Whelpley, Jerusha Spencer, Temperance Harmon, Emily Knee, Pamelia Watrous, Amanda Watrous, Mary Willard, Lucretia Terrill, Lydia Smith, Anna Hickox, Mary Whelpley, Sarah Wheeler, Mrs. L. Booth, Mrs. L. Osborne, Susan Jones, James Stewart, Cornelia Whelpley, Louis Smith, Persia Duty, Betsey Goff, Rachel Wright, Chloe Crowell, Anna Wetmore, Polly Knapp, Susanna Beckwith, Betsey Hall, Patience Titus, Mrs. Lamb, Fanny Warner; thirty-nine in all. At the close the membership was sixty-two. Elder W. B. Centip served to October, 1825, Elder J. W. Bendy to the dose of 1827. The church was supplied for three years by Elders P. Lockwood, W. Collins, and M. Fairfield. Elder W. H. Newman supplied from 1831 to 1832. E. Chapin was ordained in 1834. Under his ministry thirty-two were baptized and twenty-nine received by letter. Rev. Charles Morton was pastor from 1836 to 1840. Membership reached at this time to one hundred and ten. Elder Jacob Bailey, from May,1840, to July, 1843. Elder Archibald Williams was pastor from 1843 to 1847. Elder Z. Smith supplied in 1849. Elder L. Audruss, from 1850 to 1851. Elder G. W. Haller, from 1851 to 1855. Elder Nelson Crandall became pastor in 1856. Elder J. W. B. Clarke was ordained as pastor. At this time the old house was sold and the present one erected. Rev. Charles Morton was again pastor from 1861 to 1865. The church bad been supplied by Rev. J. M. Gillett, Elder M. Roberts, Elders L. Andruss and. E. Babcock. Elder M. Roberts became pastor in 1867, and closed his pastorate in 1870, when Rev. J. 0. Fisher became pastor. Rev. M. Fisher was ordained April 3, 1873 ; he is the present pastor. Total of members to this date, four hundred and ninety-three; present members, eighty-three. The church built in 1824 is used as a school-horse, and new stands west of the North park. The present church building is a respectable structure, having been recently repaired and painted. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ASHTABULA. This church was organized on the 7th of December, 1821, by the Revs. Joseph Badger and Giles H. Cowles, under the " plan of union" of Presbyterians and Congregationalists in new settlements. The church was Congregational in its form of government, but the society was incorporated under the name of "the First Presbyterian society of Ashtabula." The original membership consisted of seven persons, viz., Joshua Nettleton, Lot Newell, Sally McDonald, Anna Carter, Lydia Hall, Tabitha Smith and Jeresha Cook. There were twenty-seven communicants in February, 1826,and thirty-one in 1831. On the 27th of December, 1832, the first standing committee was appointed ; and in 1834 the church, which had been worshiping with the Baptist society for some time, held services separately. In the following June twenty-one HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO - 139 persons were added to the church, greatly increasing its strength and efficiency. December 26 of the same year (1834), Moses Ingersoll and William Hubbard were elected deacons, the first mentioned in the records. The church edifice was dedicated June 23, 1836, and during a series of meetings held soon after, sixty-six persons became members. There was an extensive revival of religion in 1851, fifty-seven names being added. In 1858 the number was increased by thirty-eight more, and in 1868 by forty-three. The increase of membership in other years was also great, but in 1860 the number was diminished by fifty-one communicants, who formed the First Congregational church. From its organization until 1834 the church had maintained but a feeble existence. Few in numbers, without a house of worship or the means to procure one, it had been unable to sustain the regular preaching of the gospel without assistance from abroad. In the spring of 1834, the late Nehemiah Hubbard, of Middletown, Connecticut, offered a thousand dollars towards the erection of a house of worship, and promised to furnish a bell for it when completed. A suitable lot was procured, and the present building was erected, and dedicated June 23, 1836, and it was enlarged and improved, and rededicated October, 1857. The church was connected from its organization with the Grand River presbytery. It adopted, November 22, 1850, the discipline of the Presbyterian church, except an annual elective session, and a right of appeal, under certain restrictions, from the session to the church. In 1869 the organization was made strictly Presbyterian. There was no installed pastor until 1847. The following ministers supplied the church : Rev. Perry Pratt, from 1821 to 1826 ; Rev. Urban Palmer, from 1826 to 1827 ; Rev. Henry Cowles, from September, 1828, to November, 1829 ; Rev. Elbert S. Scott, from April, 1832, to April, 1833 ; Rer. H. Root, from May, 1834, to May, 1835 ; Rev. Ira Smith, from May, 1836, to May, 1838; Rev. Robert H. Conklin, from May, 1838, to November, 1839; Rev. Dewitt C. Starry, from December, 1839, to March, 1840 ; Rev. John Ingersoll, from April, 1841, to May, 1842; Seth H. Waldo, from August, 1842, to June, 1846. On February 14, 1847, Rev. Augustus Pomeroy became the first settled pastor of the church, remaining until May, 1852. Rev. J. M. Gillett was the second pastor, from May, 1853, to October, 1865. The present pastor, Rev. J. N. McGiffert, entered on his ministry with the church July 29, 1866. In 1868 there was an addition of forty, following union services, without assistance from abroad, under the last-named pastorate. In 1873 protracted union meetings were held, Rev. H. H. Wells assisting ; fifty-nine were added during that year on confession. Apart from these years of special blessing there have been many occasions of marked interest, and few years in which there was not some growth. The total number added to the communion of the church previous to January, 1878, is seven hundred and twenty-eight, four hundred and fifty-three on confession. The present number of communicants is two hundred and twenty-six. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ASHTABULA. This church was organized May 30, 1860. A council was held at the Presbyterian house of worship, and twenty-six persons united by letter from the Presbyterian church. The following are the names enrolled as members at date of organization : Henry Fassett, A. Merriman, James Reed, William Willard, J. G. Wright, Abijah Southwick, Stephen Mall, T. S. Strong, M. W. Willard, E. Humphrey, A. M. Humphrey, Mrs. Betsey C. Reed, Mrs. Ruth Strong, Mrs. Lois Cheney, Mrs. Lucy W. Baker, Mrs. Cornelia Willard, Mrs. Roxana Southwick, Miss Mary McDonald, Mrs. S. A. Nellie, Mrs. C. E. Nellis, Miss H. M. Fassett, Mrs. A. J. Munson, Mrs. L. Galpin, Mrs. Jane Torrey, Mrs. L. E. Perrigo, Mrs. Ruth Hall. Alpheus Merriman and Henry Fassett were elected deacons, and afterwards Bernard Nellie and L. D. Badger. The society connected with this church was organized on June 16, 1860. The church and society worshiped in Smith's Hall, until a brick church building was completed. This was dedicated February 12, 1862. The coat of the building and lot was about ten thousand dollars. The following are the names of the pastors, with the number of additions under each pastorate: Rev. R. H. Couklin,-additions by letter, twenty-six; by profession, seventeen ; total, forty-eight. Rev. G. M. Tuthill is the only pastor who has been installed. The number of' additions under his pastorate were nine by letter, and twenty-three by profession ; total, thirty-two. A debt of six thousand dollars was paid while Rev. Edward Anderson was pastor. The number of additions to the church during his stay was eleven by letter, and twenty-four by profession ; total, thirty-five. Rev. J. A. Towle supplied one year. Three joined by profession. Prof. Judson Smith supplied for one year, during which time six joined by letter.. Rev. S. D. Peet supplied from January, 1873, to January, 1877. During this time there were fifty-one additions by profession, and seventeen by letter ; total, sixty-eight. A pipe organ was purchased, - 35 - and the bell was recast, and the house newly carpeted, and a debt of three thousand dollars was paid. Rev. John Safford, the present pastor, has supplied since January, 1877. Number of additions to this time have been ten by profession and thirteen by letter; total, twenty-three. The total membership has been two hundred and seventy-three ; present membership, one hundred and eighty-three. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. This church has a large membership. It had at its organization about one hundred and twenty-five. The parish membership, iu 1876, was about five hundred and forty. Their house of worship was built in 1850, and was enlarged and repaired in 1876. There is a school connected with this church, and a fine brick edifice has been erected for it within the past year. The names of the priests are Revs. John Tracy and E. J. Conway. The St. Joseph's temperance society connected with this church has been productive of great good. A large number, old and young, are members, and it is the oldest existing temperance organization in the place. SOCIETIES. TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES. Rev. Mr. Badger and Mr. Matthew Hubbard were the first early and open advocates of temperance in this place. Rev. John Hall says, " Intemperance gained ground, however, until 1828, when the evil received a serious check from he discountenance of influential citizens, and from the refusal of merchants and inn-keepers to sell liquor by the drachm or small measure." For years there was but one distillery in operation where there had been from five to seven." There was a temperance society in the place in 1834. The Sons of Temperance had an organization in the place, which was established August 16, 1848, and continued until the fall of 1855. The most remarkable movement, however, was that of the " Women's crusade," in 1875. This took place in connection with the same movement in other parts of the country. The meetings for prayer were held in the lecture-room of the Congregational church, and women, members of the various churches, marched thence to the different saloons and places of business where liquor was sold. They sang hymns and prayed in each place, but where they were not admitted knelt on the sidewalk in front, and offered up fervent prayers. As a temperance effort it produced a marked impression. It was novel and strange, and though there are conflicting opinions in regard to whether the movement on the whole proved really beneficial to the cause of temperance, none would question the very excellent motives of the participants. It is difficult to say how the effort commenced here, except that the movement elsewhere led to the appointment of the meeting of prayer, and after two or three meetings of this kind the ladies determined to enter upon the " Crusade." It should be said, however, that Mrs. Sarah K. Bolton, of Cleveland, a lady of great refinement and of much influence, was present, and led the procession the first day. This was early in the spring ; subsequently, the pastors held union meetings on Sabbath evenings. Some of the citizens, also, organized a society, in which large sums of money were pledged for the suppression of the traffic. Mass-meetings were also held, and were largely attended, at which addresses were made by prominent citizens, such as Judge Sherman, Theodore Hall, Esq., and others. The proprietors of the drug-stores voluntarily sent in written pledges to avoid selling liquors as a beverage. The ladies, also, presented a remonstrance to the common council, requesting that the saloons be closed by law. The final decision, however, took place at the polls. The largest vote over registered occurred. The issue was on the passage of the McConnelsville ordinance. A small majority was polled, adverse to the passage of the ordinance, and this ended the public effort ; but the ladies continued their meetings, and an organization that extended through the county was secured. This continued until the " new phase" of temperance appeared. In 1877, the National Christian temperance union was organized here. A branch of this was established in this place, under the leadership of Messrs. McCoy, Laing, Jaequeas, and others. Mass-meetings were held, and were largely attended, and about twenty-one hundred names were secured as signers of the pledge. The society has continued up to this time with great success and popularity. They have a reading-room, and much good has been accomplished. FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. Rising Sun Lodge, No. 22, which is the pioneer of this order in the county, held its first meeting at the house of Benjamin Sweets, in Austinburg, on Tuee- 140 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO. day, April 17, 1813, where were present Jno. R. Reed, W. M. ; Ezra Kellogg, S. W.; Gad Loveland, J. W. ; Gideon Leet, Treas. ; Jno. M. Brown, Sec. ; Joshua Woodworth, S. D. ; Manoah Hubbard, J. D. ; Joshua Vidette, Tyler, and some half-dozen brethren. On the 27th day of the subsequent May a meeting was held at the house of Nathan Strong. Subsequently the lodge convened at the house of Ezra Kellogg. This body continued to hold regular communications until the year 1831, when it ceased labor, the lodge-furniture being . placed for safe-keeping in the hands of George C. Loveland. Many of our readers will remember the insane excitement which then convulsed the county. Mr. Loveland retained the property until 1845, in which year the lodge resumed labor. The present charter bears date October 23 of that year, with the following names : William W. Reed, R. W. Griswold, Samuel Gifford, David Warner, E. W. Mead, George C. Loveland, V. Hubbard, Rev. John Hall, George Ford, John Rattle, J. B. Watrous, and Josiah Allen. Geo. C. Loveland was W. M., Josiah Allen, S. W., and Samuel Gifford, J. W. The lodge has prospered finely since the above date, and, although it has been the parent of many of the lodges in the county, yet has a membership of one hundred, with a library of some two hundred volumes. The officers for 1878 are Geo. Hall, W. M.; A. O. Amadeu, S. W. ; D. Sloan, J. W. ; H. Loveland, Tress ; Henry H. Hall, Sec.; W. H. Bevington, S. D.; J. H. Mann, J. D.; R. C. Warmington, Tyler; and L. C. Newell and C. 0. Tinker, Stewards. Regular communications, second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Western Reserve Chapter, No. 65, R. A. M.—The charter of this, also the pioneer in the county, is dated March 5, 1855, and bears upon its face manyfamiliar names. The following is the entire list: George C. Loveland, Moses Dickison, Samuel Gifford, Amasa Tyler, F. J. Jones, N. B. Prentice, G. H. Turner, William Willard, H. H. Collins, H. Guthrie, L. D. Kellogg, Henry Guthrie, Jr., Otis Burgess. George C. Loveland was its first H. P.; F. J. Jones, K. ; and D. D. Kellogg, S. The membership at present numbers sixty. Officers for 1878: A. L. Rodgers, H. P. ;- Geo. Hall, K. ; E. C. Upson, S. ; A. 0. Amsden, C. H.; L. C. Newell, P. S. ; P. B. Perigo, It. A. C. ; L. K. Amsden, M. 3d V.; C. 0. Tinker, M. 2d V. ; J. M. Wilcox, M. lat V. ; John Duero, Treas. ; Henry H. Hall, Sec. ; It. C. Warmington, Guard; L. C. Newell and Geo. Hall, Stewards. Stated convocations on the first Wednesday evening of each week. Both bodies meet in Masonic hall, corner Main and Spring streets. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. Western Reserve Lodge, No. 59, was instituted on the 6th day of March, 1846, with the following charter members : J. I. Post, C. J. Porter, N. M. Fisher, J. S. Fassett, William E. Fowler, J. C. Stoddard, Spencer Shears, and Alfred Hendry. The officers at that time were John I. Post, N. G.; Spencer Shears, V. G. ; and J. C. Stoddard, Sec. The officers for 1878 are William H. Brown, N. G. ; George Steere, V. G. ; George Palmer, Sec. ; Robert Harris Penn, Sec. ; and W. A. Woodbury, Treas. The membership is seventy-five. Stated meetings, Friday evening of each week, in Odd-Fellows' hall, Williar's block. GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. Paulus Post, No. 4, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized April 20, 1877. The charter members are as follows: JaMes Shepard, William Seivors, J. A. Gifford, B. F. Sweet, D. J. Smith, G. A. Knapp, T. H. Seivors, J. W. Rowland, A. D. Strong, Omar Gillett, H. H. Bartlett, Jas. K. Stebbins, B. F. Edy, A. F. Sperry, R. C. Warmington, R. W. Hilliard, N. P. Baker, I. D. Chamberlain, and S. A. Squires. Officers at organization : A. F. Sperry, Com.; J. D. Chamberlain, S. V.; M. P. Baker, 3. V.; A. D. Strong, Adjt.; J. K. Stebbins, Q. M.; Omar Gillett, Chap.; H. H. Bartlett, Surgeon ; B. H. Rickard, O. D. ; T. H. Seivors, O. G. Nights of meetings, Wednesday of each week. This post is in a fine condition financially, and is doing much to promote the best interests of the order. The membership is forty-four. The officers for 1878 are as follows: A. F. Sperry, Com. ; Albert Henry, S. V.; J. W. Rowland, J. V.; F. A. Pettibone, Adjt. ; J. K. Stebbins, Q. M. ; Dr. H. H. Bartlett, Surg.; Omar Gillett, Chap.; B. H. Rickard, O. D.; T. H. Seivors, O. G.; D. D. Burnett, S. M.; B. F. Sweet, Q. M. Sergt. MANUFACTURING. The first view of the village of Ashtabula, as a manufacturing town, is one presented only a few years after its settlement. We can picture to ourselves the little hamlet situated in the midst of the forest and along the steep banks of the river,—one on the east side and one on the west side and one at the Harbor. At this time all of the manufactories of the town were confined to a single grist-mill. This was inconveniently situated and rudely constructed. -It was located at the bottom of the hill, in the neighborhood of the spot where Mr. Fuller's livery-stable stands. It was so built beneath the banks that it was impossible to reach it with teams, but those who carried their grists to it were accustomed to slide their bags down an inclined plane to the door, and then when the grist was ground to draw it up the ascent by mere force. The mill was built by a Mr. Gillman, in the year 1806, and was subsequently owned by Mr. Hubbard, and by him sold to Amos Fisk, but did not long continue in ifs place. In 1809 a caw-mill was also erected on Hubbard run, by Matthew and Manoah Hubbard. This was also a primitive structure and yet did good service, from which the settlers obtained their lumber for several years. In the year 1825 it is said that no less than six distilleries could be seen within the radius of one mile from the village tavern. Prior to this time the centre of trade was upon the east side of the creek, but at about this date an impetus was given to the business of the west village, consequent, in part, upon the removal first of the post-office and then of the stage-offices; several new business houses were opened, and the west aide obtained an advantage over the east side which it ever afterwards tenaciously held. The tannery business was one of the leading industries in the early history of .Ashtabula, and several of the best citizens of the place were connected with it. In 1817, Mr. Matthew Hubbard erected at the Ox-bow, on Ashtabula creek, a saw-mill, and soon after a carding-mill. Both of these, especially the latter, were of great benefit to the early settlers. Prior to this time the people were compelled to obtain their cloth at the cost of great labor and time. The flax and wool had to be prepared and the cloth manufitctured from them by hand, and the method was tedious and laborious. This carding-mill was hence a great blessing to the people. It. continued in operation for many years, until finally woolen manufactories were established. A saw-mill, owned by Mr. Hall Smith, up to about 1825 stood where the Fisk & Silliman mill now stands. The building of vessels became an important branch of industry at an early day, and furnished employment to a great many men. From 1815 to 1825 there was about an average of one vessel per year built at this place. THE MANUFACTURES OF ASHTABULA were written up by Mr. A. F. Sperry, the editor of The Ashtabula News, for 1873-74. We borrow from his record the following particulars, supplementing it with other and later facts pertaining to the manufacturing interests : The Ashtabula Mills, Messrs. Fisk, Sillinan & Co., proprietors—The present company purchased the mills some twelve years ago. The building was put up about thirty-two years ago by E. Harmon. It was built of cobble-stones found on the farm of the builder. The size is 50 by 65, and is four stories high ; beside this an engine-house 15 by 45, one story high, and a warehouse two stories high, 30 by 70, and a shed containing seventy stalls. For water-power there are four American turbines; beside these there is an eighty home-power steam-engine. There are four run of stone, two with fbur and a half foot buhrs, and two with four foot buhrs. The mills can run by water-power ten months in a year with nine foot head. The sales of flour will run to nearly two hundred thousand dollars per year. This mill, with its predecessors, is the oldest manufacturing establishment of the place. The Phoenix Iron-Works.—Reuben Tower was the original proprietor of the Ashtabula steam-foundry, and carried on business just north of the Ashtabula, Jamestown, and Franklin railroad-crossing, for a number of years. January 1, 1848, he sold the business to J. B. Crosby, who removed the same to the present location of the Ashtabula armory-building. Here he carried on this industry, for twenty years, and then sold out to Messrs. Morteagle & Hill. In 1872, Messrs. Seymour, Strong & Sperry, then the proprietors of the Phoenix foundry, purchased Morteagle & Hill's business, and removed it to the Phoenix foundry and merged it with that business. In the year 1850, Messrs. Oshill & Chapin erected the old Phoenix foundry-building near the present site of Thorp & Pfaff's carriage-works, and carried on the foundry business until 1852, when Rice & Butler became their successors. In 1857, John B. Galpin became the owner. In 1860, Galpin sold to Miles Rice. In 1869, Rice sold to Seymour & Strong, and in 1872 this firm was enlarged by the admission of 0. B. Sperry. Thus did Seymour, Strong & Sperry become the exclusive proprietors of the foundry business in Ashtabula. This firm continued the business until 1873, when C. 0. Tinker purchased Mr. Seymour's interest, and Mr. Sperry having previously purchased Mr. Strong's interest, the firm now came to be Tinker & Sperry. In January, 1874, Mr. Tinker bought Mr. Sperry's interest. .A abort time prior to this, Mr. Tinker had associated himself with Mr. Frank Gregory, for the purpose of carrying on the foundry and machine business, and had selected as a location the present site of the Phoenix works on Fisk street. Mr. Tinker consolidated the old Phoenix business with that of Tinker & Gregory. The business was conducted in the old HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO - 141 Phoenix building until the present new and elegant buildings on Fisk street, near the Ashtabula, Youngstown and Pittsburgh depot, were erected at a cost of eleven thousand eight hundred and fifty-five dollars. This was in November, 1874. Tinker & Gregory having removed the foundry, tools, and fixtures to the new shops, continued the business until December 15, 1876, when they sold out to the incorporated company known as the Phoenix iron-works company. Present officers are President, Charles Tinker ; Superintendent and Manager, C. O. Tinker ; Secretary and Treasurer, O. B. Clark. A view of the works of this important manufactiring industry may be seen in this volume. E. A. Hitchcock's Buildings, situated on Prospect street, on line of Ashtabula, Youngstown and Pittsburgh Railroad, which are occupied by him in the manufacture of butcher's skewers, by McGuire Brothers & Company in builders' and carriage hardware, and by Snyder & Harris, bent shafts, etc., were completed and first put in operation in Jane, 1877, and occupy an aggregate space of one hundred and thirty-four feet by two hundred and sixty-four feet; the entire cost of which was ten thousand dollars. The aggregate power of the three engines used in propelling the combined machinery of the entire concern is one hundred horse. The proprietor of the buildings has two thousand dollars invested in the business, employs fifteen hands, and turns out eight thousand skewers per day. McGuire Brothers & Company have a capital invested of fifteen thousand dollars, ten of which is in machinery. A. G. Snyder's Establishment.—His manufactory of shafts and poles began in Ashtabula about 1867. Mr. Snyder then had only two thousand dollars capital and employed two hands. His business in 1873 amounted to over thirty thousand dollars a year. He now occupies the brick building which is still called " Hitch-cock's shop," but which has nothing in common with the old establishment. Mr. Snyder buys the best selected hickory, and keeps a large quantity on hand all the time for use. The shafts are first sawed to outline shape, then planed, then steamed, and then undergo the operation of bending. Mr. Snyder uses an apparatus of his own invention, with which three men can knock off and bend one pair of shafts per minute. One hundred of' these forms are now in use. A rounding-machine then takes the shafts and rounds off the corners. Formerly this work was done by hand with lard labor at the rate of' one dozen pair a day per man. Machinery does the work, and men are left to scholarly pursuits. The establishment now turns out fifteen dozen pair of shafts per day and finishes ten dozen pair a day. About twenty workmen are engaged. L. M. Crosby's Fanning-Mill and Wash-Board Manufactory.—Is situated on Elm street, and represents a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. This includes building, machinery, and real estate. The making of fanning mills was begun by the present proprietor in the year 1858, when he turned out fifty mills, which were made entirely by hand. From this the business rapidly increased, and machinery was soon added. In the year 1867 his facilities for production had so increased that he was able to manufacture twelve hundred and fifty mills. So much for industry and energy. The average number of workmen employed in this establishment is ten ; average monthly pay-roll, four hundred dollars. The propelling power is a twenty-horse engine. The wash-board branch is yet in its infancy, but promises great results. Some two thousand dozen have already been sold, and they are rapidly increasing in favor. There is also a planing-mill in connection. This is conducted under the firm-name of Crosby & Newell, the junior partner having supervision of' this department. Ohio Mills—Flour and Feed Establishment —This manufactory, which is shown in another part of this volume, is located on Centre street, at the crossing of the A. J. and F. and A. Y. and P. R. R., first began business on the 13th day of January, 1876, with only a single run of stone for grinding feed, etc. ; was operated iu this manner for about one year, when another run was added, and with improved machinery for both merchant and custom grinding. The engine is of thirty-five horse-power, and cost, with machinery, four thousand five hundred dollars. They manufacture three grades of flour, and do an aggregate yearly business of ten thousand dollars, with perhaps one-half of that amount merchant grinding. They have excellent railroad facilities, and load and unload cars direct from a switch which connects with the mill. The mill is doing a large business, running a portion of the time night and day, and, from the rapidly-increasing patronage, we judge the work must be first-class. The proprietors are Messrs. Wm. Seymour & Son, the latter of whom attends exclusively to the grinding. These gentlemen are, we learn, energetic, of good ability and character, and are building up, by their honorable' method of doing business, an enviable reputation. Culley Manufacturing Company.—The planing-mill connected with this manufactory was established some thirty years since; but the principal business—that of making sash, doors, and blinds—was begun by Q. Z. Culley, in the year 1867, and is now an incorporated company. The entire capital invested, including buildings, machinery, real estate, etc., is fifteen thousand dollars. There are ten workmen employed, at an average monthly pay of four hundred dollars. The engine is of sixty horse-power, and the yearly sale of sash, doors, and blinds (estimated) is thirty thousand dollars. Ashtabula Plow-Handle Works, Wm. A: Ellis, proprietor, first began operations on Prospect street, in the month of September, 1864. This was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1873, and the subsequent fall the present fine brick establishment on West street was started. The amount of capital invested in building and real estate, three thousand nint hundred and 'thirty-nine dollars; machinery and tools, four thousand two hundred and ninety-eight dollars ; stock, four thoutind two hundred and. twenty-six dollars ; average workmen employed, six ; size of engine, twenty-five horse-power; capacity of works, ten thousand pair of handles per month. Carriage Manufactories.—Frank D. .Fickinger began, in the spring of 1876, the manufacture of fine carriages, wagons, sleighs, and everything pertaining to the business, in the buildings formerly occupied by Wm. G. Benham, on Main street. This gentleman has invested at present twelve thousand dollars, which is divided equally between buildings and stock. He employs an average number of twenty workmen, and his monthly pay-roll aggregates the sum of seven hundred dollars. Has also in connection a harness-shop, and in both branches of the business he strives to excel, and has already put into the market some as fine carriages as are built in the State. Mr. Fickinger has deservedly won an excellent reputation in regard to the character of his vehicles. He has ever prided himself on producing the best btraieti and carriages offered to the public in the locality which his busineis reaches, and with this end in view purchases only the very best materials, and keeps only skilled workmen. By this wise course, and by strict attention to business and by honorable dealing, he has built up for himself a large and remunerative business, which is constantly increasing. Mr. Fickinger has recently attached to his business a sale table, and is making this feature of his business a specialty. Last year he made sale of more than a hundred horses. Mr. Fickinger is a driving, thorough-going business man, and enjoys the confidence of all with whom he deals. Messrs. Thorp & Pfaff, a view of whose carriage manufactory appears in connection with the history of the township, began business in November, 1875, in the brick building on East Main street, formerly occupied by the Phoenix plow-works. These gentlemen are both practical workmen, and attend personally to the building of all work. They came to Ashtabula strangers, but by their flair and honorable dealing, and the building of only strictly first-class work, have gained the confidence of the public, and, as a consequence, have built up a large and increasing trade. Their specialty is fine carriages. They have some four thousand dollars invested in the business, and employ eight workmen. G. Zeik's Tannery is located on the corner of Park and Vine streets, and was established in 1866. Entire capital invested, ten thousand dollars ; average yearly business, eleven thousand dollars. Three hands are employed. The products of this tannery are principally sold in the rough. There are also of other manufactories a tile-works owned by George Russell and a steam saw-mill and planer owned by J. H. Bugbee. BANKING. The Farmers' Bank of Ashtabula, a branch of the State Bank of Ohio, organized in 1847, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, was the first bank in this township. It went into operation in February, 1848, occupying a room over the store of George C. Hubbard, until the completion of the present banking-house, in the summer of that year. Its first board of directors was Lemuel Moffit, R. IV. Griswold, H. J. Hulbert, Q. B. Austin, Buckley Hubbard, 0. H. Fitch, F. Carlisle, H. E. Parsons, and G. W. Gould. L. Moffit, Esq., was president, and Joseph Wheelock cashier. On the 1st of January, 1849, 0. H. Fitch was elected president, which office he held until the expiration of the charter of that bank, in 1866. Mr. Wheelock resigned his office in September, 1850, and A. F. Hubbard. who had previously been teller, was elected to fill the vacancy. The bank continued to do a prosperous business until it was closed by the expiration of' its charter. The Farmers' National Bank of Ashtabula was organized February 14, 1865, under the national banking law, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. Its first officers were 0. H. Fitch, president, and A. F. Hubbard, cashier, who have been continued until the present time, and its first directors, 0. H. Fitch, H. E. Parsons, George Willard, S. H. Farrington, E. S. Alvord, A. F. Hubbard, R. B. Munger, T. T. Moffit, and J. R. Stanhope. In 1872 its capital was increased to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, its present amount. Its present officers are 0. H. Fitch, president; H. E. Parsons, vice-president ; A. F. Hubbard, cashier ; and C. C. Booth, teller ; and 0. H. Fitch, H. E, Parsons, George Willard, J. M. Franklin, and L. P. Collins, directors. The Ashtabula .National Bank was organized June 24, 1872, with a capital stock of' one hundred thousand dollars. The first officers were Henry Fasaett, presi- 142 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO. dent ; Joseph B. Crosby, vice-president ; J. Sum Blyth, cashier ; and Henry Fassett, Joseph B. Crosby, Barnard Nellie, William Humphrey, James C. Smith, Charles 0. Warner, George E. Nettleton, and Charles Walker, directors. The present officers are Henry Fassett, president ; P. F. Good, vice-president; J. Sum Blyth, cashier ; and Henry Fassett, P. F. Good, Joseph B. Crosby, Harvey J. Nettleton, William Humphrey, M. G. Dick, Lewis W. Smith, A. Case, and Charles Walker, directors. The Ashtabula Loan Association.—This banking-house was organized February 14, 1872, with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars, with the following list of corporators: Lorenzo Tyler, George C. Hubbard, Frank Silliman, A. A. Southwick, Stephen H. Farrington, and Henry L. Farrington. The bank began business May 1, 1872, with the following board of directors: Stephen H. Farrington, Lorenzo Tyler, John W. Haskell, I. B. Shepard, George C. Hubbard, H. L. Morrison, and Frank Silliman. The following are the officers: Lorenzo Tyler, president; R. J.,. Morrison, vice-president; A. A. Southwick, cashier. BUSINESS HOUSES. Dry Goods.—Ashtabula store, L. W. Smith & Son ; Erie store, Kepler & Co., Gilkey & Perry, H. L. Morrison, Carlisle & Tyler, Thomas N. Booth, W. S. Burnham, Collins Bros., W. W. Mann, J. A. Manning, A. H. Moore, and D. W. Gary. Milliners.—Mrs. M. A. Prusser, Mrs. C. A. Ricard, Mrs. G. A. Streeter, Miss Inez Stone, and Messrs. Smith & Son. Grocers.—S. M. Faulkner & Son, P. P. Butler, Hall, Stevenson & Nettleton, Humphrey & Baldwin, J. Rowland, John Massone, W. Readbead, Richard Bros., Chauncey Richardson, Robert Bidet!, A. H. & E. W. Savage, Tombes & Rockwell, George Willard, L. Ensign, D. Dean, Paul C. Chenny, E. W. Fisk, W. W. Starkey, J. S. O'Neal, Richard Handsley, M. Farley, and Thomas Doohan. Hardware.—Crosby & Weatherwax, George C. Hubbard & Co., and H. J. Topky, Salisbury Bros., tin-shop. Druggists.—George Willard, G. L. Knapp, A. R. Thurbur, Charles E. Swift, M. Newberry, D. D. Matteson. Clothing.—B. Webb, J. E. L'Hommedieu, E. G. Pierce, and C. T. McClanning. Merchant Tailors.—John Porter and J. M. Wilcox. Boots and Shoes.—James Anzer, W. S. Burnham, C. W. Chamberlain, C. F. Fink, C. A. Hastings, A. H. Moore, Wm. Nuttall, J. W. Stall, G. W. Van Name, S. B. Wheeler, White, and M. Flinn. China, Glass, and Queensware.—A. C. Bootes and W. S. Burnham. Confections.—J. Bieder, John. Fowler, George Stein, Waldeck & Cramer, D. H. Du Bois & CO. Jewelers.—Geo. W. Dickinson, J. K. Stebbins, A. 0. Amsden. Banks.—Ashtabula Loan Association, Ashtabula National, Farmers' National, Henry Fassett, loan-office. Meat-Markets.—G. G. Cooper, Wm. A. Field & Co., Silas Lyons, John Reif, H. L. Webb, Thayer & Calloway, Harman & Weatherwax, Hough & Smith. Flour and Feed.—William Seymour & Son, and Fisk & Silliman. Photographers.—Blakeslee & Moore, A. J. Skutt. Hotels.—Ashtabula House, Fisk House, American House, Lake Street House, Smith House, Culver's House, Union. Livery-Stables.—S. S. Fuller, E. M. Patchen, Frank Gregory. Harness-Makers.—F. D. Fickinger, P. C. Ford & Bro., W. H. Williamson. Marble- Works.—Eli Beers, Reeves & Derby, William Smith. Miscellaneous.—Richard Bros., lunch-room ; Geo. D. Zeile, restaurant; C. H. Noyes, wall-paper and fancy goods ; M. G. Dick, bookseller and stationer ; Humphrey & Baldwin, lime-works ; Wm. Hancock, J. F. Good, and Strong & Manning, lumber and stave dealers ; Rhodes & Co., Andrews, Hitchcock & Co., and Strong & Manning, coal-dealers and shippers. Physicians.—J. C. Hubbard, E. L. King, William M. Eames, H. P. Pricker, Charles Eames, P. Deichman, H. H. Bartlett, L. B. Bartlett, F. D. Case. Dentists.—P. E. Hall, W. T. Wallace, D. E. Kelley. ASHTABULA SOCIAL LIBRARY. On the 15th of January, 1830, a few of the citizens of the village who were desirous of establishing a well-selected and regulated village library, met at the town-house for that purpose, and, after carefully considering the matter, adopted and signed the constitution of the " Ashtabula Social Library Association," and on the 23d of the same month they adopted a constitution and by-laws and elected the first officers. On the 20th of July, 1830, the first books were ordered, and on the 11th of September they were received, and the library opened for use, and on the 27th of December, 1830, it was by act of the State legislature duly incorporated. Commencing with less than one hundred volumes, it has slowly but steadily increased to the present time, though it has not received as general support and encouragement as it deserves. The present number of shareholders is forty-nine. The number of volumes upon its catalogue is now twelve hundred and thirty-one, comprising many valuable standard works of the best authors, of history, biography, travel, science, fiction, poetry, belles-letters, etc. During its existence twenty thousand two hundred and eighty-eight volumes have been drawn from the library, which, if attentively read and carefully digested, must have had some beneficial effect. FIRE DEPARTMENT. On the 29th day of November, 1836, the purchase of a fire-engine was ordered by the council of Ashtabula village. This was a hand-machine, was procured of Messrs. William Platt & Co., and cost, with the hose, seven hundred dollars. An engine-house was constructed in 1837, on lands donated for that purpose by I. H. Fisk, on the corner of Main street and Fisk alley. This was constructed by S. S. Fassett, for one hundred and fifteen dollars. Isaac Lockwood was appointed to keep the engine in order. The steam fire-engine now known as " Neptune, No. 3," was purchased in 1874, at a total cost of six thousand one hundred dollars. William Sanderson was employed to act as engineer on a salary of one hundred and fifty dollars per year. The following from the annual report of the chief engineer fur the year ending March, 1878. The department consists of " Neptune Steamer No. 3," four men ; " Neptune Hose Company," thirty-four men, eleven hundred feet of hose ; " Lake Erie Company, No. 2," hand-engine, forty-three men, five hundred feet of hose; "Protection Company, No. 1," hand-engine, thirty-four men, and five hundred feet of hose; " Alert Company," hook-and-ladder, thirteen men. The force as at present organized is as follows : H. H. Hall, chief engineer; George Brake, assistant engineer ; Paul Ford, captain " Neptune, No. 3" ; B. H. Rickard, foreman " Neptune Hose, No. 3" ; William Clover, foreman " Protection, No. 1" ; H. Apthbrp, foreman " Lake Erie, No. 2" ; and James Thorp, foreman " Alert Hook-and-Ladder Company." The water-supply is principally derived from cisterns. Taken together, Ashtabula has a very satisfactory fire brigade. SCHOOLS. The first school-house erected in .Ashtabula was a small log building standing at the junction of Jefferson and South Ridge. It was built in 1809. The first teacher in this house was Miss Julia Hubbard, succeeded by Mies Achsah Nettleton. The subsequent teachers were Mr. Warner Mann, 1810-11 ; Miss Lucia Badger, 1811 ; Mr.. Harvey Nettleton, 1812 ; Miss Betsey Nettleton, 1813 ; Mr. John Hall, 1814-16. Miss Sarah Booth taught a school in 1815, in a store-room in Mr. Amos Fisk's barn. This was the first school in the centre of the incorporated, village. Up to the year 1816 the schools of Ashtabula were located in various districts. The history of these schools has already been given. During that year (1816) the building now known as Firemen's Hall was erected, and used as a schoolhouse, meeting-house, town-house, and Masonic hall. The first teacher in this building was Rev. John Hall, and he continued a teacher at intervals for a number of years. In the winter of 18-20 and '21 the school numbered ninety-five scholars. In 1830, Mr. Hall taught the school, with Mr. Richard Roberts as assistant. A similar building was put up in 1821 on the square in the East village, and a " select school" was taught in the lower story, while the upper story was used for public assemblies. This house was burned in 1826. During this time Mr. Thomas Smith, the chief business man upon the east side, died, and his funeral took place in this house. In the west village the select school continued until 1832, when it was superseded by the Ashtabula academy, which was incorporated February 6, 1832. In reference to the instruction in these different schools, Mr. Griswold says, " Rev. Joseph Badger, an early resident, was not only a brave self-sacrificing man, but a scholar ; Rev. John Hall acquired sufficient knowledge of Latin and Greek to be able to fit pupils for college ; Rev. Mr. O'Brien taught in the town-house for some time. He was a graduate of Dublin University,' and was a very thorough teacher." ASHTABULA ACADEMY. This institution was a joint stock enterprise. The incorporators were Matthew Hubbard, Russell Clark, Roger W. Griswold, W. W. Reed, Amos Fisk, Philo Booth, Gad Loveland, and others. The academy was taught in the old building for twenty years. Among the teachers are mentioned Miss Mary Ann Fuller, of Cleveland, and Miss M. E. Marsh. In 1851 a new building, forty by fifty feet, three stories high, was erected. There were at this time fifty-two shareholders, whose names are on record. HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO - 143 The total expenditure was nineteen hundred and ninety-three dollars. The upper story was sold for six hundred dollars to the Masons and Odd-Fellows, for halls. The record is, much difficulty was experienced in raising the funds required to erect and furnish so large a building, but it was successfully accomplished. The first teachers in this were Rev. J. Y. Calhoun and his wife. They were followed by a Mr. A. B. Tuttle, who gave it up for want of scholars. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel C. Weatherwax, who taught from 1852 to '56. On the 22d of March, 1855, the electors of this village adopted the union school system. A parish school belonging to St. Peter's church was established in 1850. A building was erected, two stories high, fifty by twenty-six feet. The teachers were Rev. John Hall, rector of the church, and Rev. George F. Rickards, principal, who was succeeded by Rev. Albert Bingham for one year. The assistant teachers have been Miss Marietta Fuller, Mr. Albert A. Strong, Mr. Charles Bingham, Miss Harriet Sabin, Miss Julia M. Dickinson, and Miss Mary E. Hubbard. THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The organization of the public schools here was attended with much discussion and some differences of opinion. This was effected in 1856. The first board of directors was as follows : Henry Faasett, president; Leander Hall, clerk ; and Stephen Hall, treasurer ; H. L Morrison, Frederick Carlisle, John A. Prentice. Mr. Carlisle resigned, and A. F. Hubbard was elected in his place. The academy building was leased. The first board of examiners was Rev. Homer Wheeler, Rev. J. M. Gillett, and Dr. Thomas McCune. Rev. C. E. Bruce was the first superintendent,--salary eight hundred dollars; Miss Wakefield, Miss Carpenter, and Miss Kate Hubbard assistants. The following books were adopted : Ray's series of arithmetic*, Monteith's and MoNally's geographies, Greene's grammar, Sergeant's reader, and Webster's dictionary. The following were the assistant teachers in 1858: Sarah M. Gaylord and Miss W. Kellogg. A course of study in the high school of 1858 was Goodrich's history, Wood's botany, Parker's philosophy, chemistry, Loomis' physiology, Thompson's algebra, geometry, Latin gramilur and reader, Caesar and Virgil, Greek grammar and reader. Platt R. Spencer had charge of writing, and William Edson Webster taught music. In 1859 the old Baptist meeting-house was purchased, moved and repaired, at an expense of five thousand dollars. Rev. J. W. B. Clark was appointed examiner ; C. E. Bruce, superintendent ; Misses W. M. Kelley, Lydia Willey, Elizabeth Brown, Sarah L. Paine, Alice D. Winchester, Anna Ford, and Mary Robertson were assistants. Value of two school buildings, four thousand dollars. In 1860 Gornell's outline maps were bought. In 1861 the following were teachers: George W. Waite, superintendent, at the salary of seven hundred dollars ; Miss Sarah M. Schommer, Mary J. Schaffer, Susan Sampson, Sarah J. Hutchins, Anna Ford, and Miss M. Ingersoll. Number of scholars, two hundred and thirty-two. In 1862, Miss S. E. Wilder, Susan Tower, Emily Ensign, and M. G. Eastman 4rere assistants. In 1864, Miss Carrie E. King was assistant. In 1866, J. B. Cc;rey was superintendent; Misses H. E. Bliss, S. E. Sampson, Kate Tyler, Jennie Cook, Ella H. Payne, assistants. In 1868, Rev. Edward Anderson and J. N. McGiffert were elected examiners. Mr. Beck was superintendent, with a salary of twelve hundred dollars. In 1873, J. W. Clemens was superintendent. In 1874, R. W. Kilpatrick was superintendent, and in 1875 Prof. J. F. Wilson was elected, and still retains the position. George W. Waite is principal of high school. The population of the incorporated city of Ashtabula is at present about forty-five hundred. This includes the Harbor. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. PHILO BOOTH was the son of Lemuel Booth and Mehetabel Morse, his wife, and was born at Huntington, Connecticut, August 11, 1780. Was apprenticed to a druggist of Troy, New York, named Hyde. Afterwards, while a clerk in the store of Abraham Cooper, at Trenton, Oneida county, New York, he married Sophia Cooper, a sister of his employer, August 22, 1805. He afterwards engaged in merchandising at Rodman, in Jefferson county, New York, and in the fall of 1813, as soon as Perry's victory on Lake Erie had freed the west from all danger of hostile Indians, he started with his family and goods for Cleveland, Ohio, expecting to transport his goods in boats from Buffalo to Cleveland. On arriving at Buffalo he found that all of the boats and shipping on the lake had been taken by the government, for the purpose of bringing General Har - 36 - rison's army down the lake, and the road west from Buffalo was almost impassable, having been badly cut up by the transportation of military stores. Leaving most of his goods in Buffalo, he employed two teams to transport his family and some light goods, and in nine days arrived at Erie, Pennsylvania, where he remained over two months. In the mean time the British took Buff& and burnt it, and he lost all the goods that he had left there. He was at Erie when General Harrison arrived there from the west, and the town being crowded with soldiers and sailors, he started again, with his family and what property he had; in wagons, and arrived at Ashtabula, January 15, 1814, and being detained there.by the birth of a son, and having no merchandise to sell, he concluded to settle there. Photo. by Blakeslee & Moore, Ashtabula, 0. PHILO BOOTH. His father and mother were with him, and as his father was a tanner, he at once started a tannery on the west side of Ashtabula creek, and continued in that business for about fifteen years. In the fall of 1827 he commenced merchandising in company with his son-in-law, Charles Crosby, and continued in the business for many years, generally in company with one of his sons. He was one of the most enterprising, honorable, and public-spirited business men of the town, and did his full share in building up the village, which is now so prosperous. He died at Ashtabula, June 27, 1852. His widow, born September 17, 1785, died September 3, 1861. They lost in infancy three sons and reared a family of two sons and six daughters, all of whom, excepting the oldest and youngest daughters, have remained at Ashtabula, viz. : Cordelia C., born at Western, Oneida county, New York, September 29, 1807 ; married November 16, 1825, to Charles Crosby; both now living at Chicago, Illinois. John, born at Rodman, July 26, 1809 ; married Mary Ann Fuller, May 9, 1836, who died July 13, 1856. He still lives at Ashtabula. Laura, born at Rodman, October 24, 1811; married, November 18, 1829, to Stephen H. Farrington, M.D., who died March 8, 1875, at Ashtabula, where she still resides. Charles, born January 15, 1814, at Ashtabula, where he still resides. Sophia, born March 4, 1816, at Ashtabula ; married, June 10;1841, to Ezekiel C. Root, a merchant, who died, May 8, 1861, at Ashtabula; an& she died there, May 10, 1875. Caroline, born June 22, 1822, at Ashtabula, where she still lives.. Catherine, born at Ashtabula, January 26, 1825 ; married, November 10, 1846, to Stephen B. Wells. They still live at Ashtabula. Harriet, born at Ashtabula, January 3, 1828; married, March 16, 1849, to Augustus Henry Griswold ; both now living at Oakland, California. His father died at Ashtabula, May 5, 1825, aged seventy-six ; and his mother died at Ashtabula, August 4, 1838, aged eighty-five. AMASA CASTLE, JR. Amass Castle, Jr., was born in Plymouth, Connecticut, April 5, 1786, from which place his parents removed to Burlington, Vermont, where they remained several years, finally emigrating in 1808 to "New Connecticut," and halting in 144 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO. Ashtabula, at that date a dense forest teeming with Indians, wolves, bears, and other wild animals. His father, Amasa Castle, Sr., was a brave, intrepid soldier iu the War of the Revolution, and brought to the new home all the spirit and micro, which characterized the men of that generation, and helped them to conquer the apparently insurmountable obstacles which beset the frontiersman's progress. The mother, Mrs. Mary Stanley Castle, who waa a direct descendant of the English Stanleya, was a woman of rare abilities and great strength of character,—a worthy mother of children who helped to make the history of this country. Her father and eldest brother were made prisoners of war by the British, and, with hundreds of others, were poisoned while confined ou a prison-ship at Baltimore. Afterwards a monument, in or near New York, bearing their names, and which still exists, was raised to their memory. Another brother, Frederic Stanley, Esq., afterwards a distinguished lawyer of New York, was, when only nineteen, one of General Washington's aides-de-camp, and on numerous occasions distinguished himself by his fearless heroism and devotion to the cause for which they were fighting. With the inheritance of such qualities as these, combined with inflexible rectitude of principle, Mr. Castle brought to the wilderness only his strong arms, light heart, and perfect health. Buying some land on the " South Ridge," about a mile east of where the village stands, he, with his father, and brother Daniel, commenced the task of making a productive farm in the midst of the unbroken forest. Like all the pioneers of that time, they suffered great hardships, often lacking necessary food, and being compelled to depend on wood craft to keep from starvation. Even after the grain was raised it was difficult to get it ground, the nearest mill being at Cleveland or Walnut Creek, sixty miles away, and no mode of conveyance except the horse's back. This, with the dangers from wild animals which beset the journey, made it a great undertaking, and often their only bread was made from corn pounded in a wooden mortar. In these days of steam-mills, railroads, and other things, which seem a common and necessary part of our civilization, it seems almost incredible that people should voluntarily endure such privations, and the present generation is too apt to forget how much of its present prosperity is owing to the courage and perseverance of its ancestors. During the War of 1812, Mr. Castle was one of the militia so often called out to protect the government stores at Cleveland and at Ashtabula HarbOr from being captured by the British. So continual were the alarms, so great the anxiety, and so determined the patriotism of the hardy settlers, that scarcely enough persons were left at home to raise the necessary food for sustenance, and nearly all the work was done by the women and children, aided by a few men unfit for military duty. During all that time of trial and suffering no one was ever more ready and willing for service, however hard and dangerous, than the subject of this sketch. In January, 1813, he married Miss Rosalbsda Watrous (their marriage license standing third on the records of Ashtabula County), daughter of Captain John Watrous, who emigrated from Saybrook, Connecticut, in the year 1810, with two yoke of oxen and one horse, the journey occupying forty days. With Captain Watrous were his wife and ten children, some of them already men and women, Roaalinda being at the time but fourteen years old. Arrived in Ashtabula, they first settled at the Harbor, with every prospect of prosperity ; but a heavy sorrow was in store for them, for only four brief' weeks had elapsed when the father suddenly sickened and died, leaving this stricken family, homesick and almoet, discouraged, to struggle with the hardships of the new country. Captain Watrous was the third white man buried in West Ashtabula. Mr. and Mrs. Castle raised a family of six children, two of whom, with their mother, still reside in Ashtabula. For fifty-eight years they walked hand-in-hand through the path of life, sometimes in sunshine and sometimes in shadow, but always in perfect harmony ; and when at last, in December, 1870, at the age of eighty-four, lie lay down to his final rest, his devoted wife received his last word and look of recognition. By their industry and self-denial they not only educated their children, but acquired a competency which rendered comfortable their declining years; but the best inheritance of their children will be the example of their lives of energy, content, and spotless integrity. GEORGE WILLARD was born in Holland patent, New York, on the 12th day of August, 1812, and is the fifth of a family of twelve children born to Simon and Rhoda Wills Willard, originally of Weathersfield, Connecticut, but who removed in 1804 to Holland patent, where they remained until 1834, at which date they came to Ashtabula township. There the parents died,—the mother January 21, 1842, and the Ather November 18, 1850. Of the brothers and sisters of George Willard, all are dead except one, the oldest brother, William, who isstill a resident of Ashtabula. The education of Mr. Willard was acquired through the medium of our American system of comb:Ion schools, after the completion of which he began what has proved to be the occupation of his life, that of merchandising, making his &but, in 1828, as clerk in a general store and forwarding and commission house, at Whitestown, Oneida county, New York. The Erie canal was then in its pithiest days. Remained here, engaged in this avocation, until 1831, when be came to Ashtabula, Ohio, and for the succeeding five years was clerk in the post-office and store of A. C. Hubbard. In April, 1836, Mr. Willard associated himself with Richard Roberts, and, under the firm-name of Roberts & Willard, opened, in the north half of the double two-story brick block built by II. J. Rees, a stock of goods, consisting of drugs, medicine', groceries, hardware, nails, and iron. This firm continued in business only about six months, when the death of Mr. Roberts occurred. From this time until 1844, Mr. Willard conducted the business in his own name. He, however, rented the south half of the building, and put in a dry goods stock. In 1844 the firm was changed to that of George Willard & Co., by the admission of S. B. Wells, Eaq., a former clerk, as a partner. General produce became a feature of the business's at this time. In the year 1850 the firm was again changed, by the admission of another clerk (Henry Griswold), to Willard, Wells & Co. In 1855, Messrs. Wells and Griswold withdrew. Since this time Mr. Willard has been the sole proprietor. The fine three-story brick block which lie now occupies was erected in 1874. The first real estate purchased by Mr. Willard in this township was the lot upon which stands his present business block. This was in the year 1838, and the subsequent year lie purchased the property now occupied by William Willard. Mr. George Willard has been engaged in the mercantile business in this city for forty-two years, in addition to five years' service in the same occupation as clerk. During this time has been quite largely engaged in lake commerce. Had a controlling interest, in whole or in part, in the following vessels, viz., schooners "B. F. Wade,"'" Boston," " Julia Willard," " York State," and the bark " Naomi." Has served as mayor one term, and member of the common council of the "incorporated village of Ashtabula" for several terms. Has also been township trustee. Has been one of the directors of the Farmers' National bank from its organization. Was director and president of the Ashtabula County Central plank-road company for a number of years. This road was constructed some time prior to the opening of the Franklin division of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern railroad, and extended from Ashtabula Harbor to the village of Jefferson, and thence on to the lumber region in Richmond township. This road was for its time a great convenience: Politically, Mr. Willard is ardently Republican. On the 15th day of September, 1833, he was united in marriage to Julia Francis, daughter of Err W. and Sarah Slawson Mead, who were living at the time in Ashtabula. No children have blest this union. He is a member of the Episcopal church. Mr. Willard served as a member of the vestry and treasurer several years, and as senior warden some twenty years. Thus have we briefly sketched the life of one of Ashtabula's representative business men. The pioneer in trade, he has grown gray in its prosecution. As a business man, he has been longer in service than any other citizen of Ashtabula. He has ever proven himself a useful and public-spirited citizen. The best interests of his village and of his county and of his church he has always zealously striven to promote. Quiet and unassuming, he is nevertheless an influential citizen, and universally esteemed for his many sterling qualities. The name of George Willard will not be forgotten when in coming years other generations shall be the denizens of this beautiful village. CAPTAIN JOHN B. WATROUS, second son of John and Roxanne Watrous, was born at Saybrook, Connecticut, January 15, 1780. When seventeen years of age, he made the journey to Ashtabula, Ohio, on horseback, and bought the farm on which he afterwards resided, now known as Maple Grove." He returned to Connecticut, and remained there until 1510, when, with his parents and family, he removed permanently to his wilderness home. The journey was performed by means of ox-teams, —two yoke of oxen to each wagon. A log dwelling was soon erected, which quickly became a centre of graceful hospitalities to a large circle of genial friends. John B. was a soldier in the War of 1812, as were also two of his brothers. He was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, one of the first workers for the establishment of an Episcopal church in Ashtabula, and a director in the Warren and Ashtabula Turnpike Company," then considered a road of great importance to the country. His tastes were literary, and to a polished exterior he added the graces of a Christian character. His was a nature dispensing sunshine wherever he moved. Married at thirty-three years of age to a beautiful woman HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO - 145 much his junior, he was a tender husband and judicious parent. He died in ripe old age, February 24, 1869. His wife, Julia Montgomery, was born in Conneaut, December 14, 1806. She was the youngest daughter of James' Montgomery (who was the son of Robert Montgomery), and was born in Schoharie, New York. Robert Montgomery had emigrated from the north of Ireland, had been a soldier of the Revolution, and was a cousin-german of the Robert Montgomery who fell at Quebec. James Montgomery had married Mary Baldwin, of Catskill, New York. The pair became pioneers of Conneaut, Ashtabula County, having removed there three years after the first settlement of Harpersfield. The journey from Buffalo was made in open boats, the intervening country being but a trackless forest. The parents and their four children disembarked at night, sleeping on the beach beneath their sheltering boats. Arrived at Conneaut, a dwelling was hastily constructed from the barks of trees, until a more substantial one of logs could be made ; and this speedily became " a tavern," for the accommodation of people emigrating still farther towards the setting sun. The husband followed the business of boating between Conneaut and Erie, thus supplying the infant colony with provisions and other necessaries of life. He served for a time in the War of 1812, and later served for twosuccessive terms in the legislature at Chillicothe, then the seat of government for the State. Four more children were born to them in Conneaut, and when Julia was four years of age the Watrous family, then on their way to Ashtabula, stayed overnight at this inn, and then and there began the acquaintance which culminated in the marriage of John B. Watrous and Julia Montgomery on the 23d of June, 1823. James Montgomery removed to Austinburg in 1813, and here soon after was born his son, Colonel James Montgomery, of Kansas celebrity,—the famed "guerrilla chieftain," the "fighting preacher." Colonel Montgomery also commanded the Union army in Florida during the " late unpleasantness." He died at Mound City, Kansas, in 1872. James Montgomery, Sr., died at Ashtabula in 1834, and Mrs. Julia Montgomery Watrous is now the sole survivor of her father's family. DAVID EDWARD KELLEY, D.D. B. This gentleman, who is a citizen of Ashtabula, and who is regarded as a rising young man in the field,of dentistry, is a native of this county, the son of David H. Kelley, Esq., of Saybrook township. May 8, 1853, is the date of his birth. His education was obtained at the district schools of his native township and at Grand River institute, Austinburg. His professional education was obtained at the Philadelphia Dental college, Philadelphia, receiving from that institution his graduating diploma, February 27, 1875. In 1875, November 11, he was united in marriage with Nellie Roy Moore, daughter of M. M. and Helen Moore, Erie, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley are the parents of one child, Edward Raymond Kelley, born September 1, 1876. Mr. Kelley is a gentleman of unblemished character, is attentive to his business, skillful in dentistry, studious of his profession, ambitious to attain the highest standard, and is highly esteemed by his professional brethren. HALL SMITH. The subject of this sketch was born in New Marlborough, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, in the summer of 1775. At this time his father, John Smith, was absent, a soldier of the Revolutionary army. His mother died when he was but seven days old, and be fell under the care of his maternal grandparents, Ebenezer and Anna Hall, by whom he was nurtured and raised, along with a son of their own, but a few days older than himself. At the age of thirteen he was apprenticed to an uncle, Moses Hall, to learn the clothier's trade. At the close of his apprenticeship, he found himself disqualified for book-keeping in consequence of an accident. He studied under the Rev. Jacob Catlin with that intense application which was his constitutional propensity. Early in the present century he, by assistance, procured blankets and other goods, and came to the wilds of northern Ohio. These were exchanged with the Itkians of Sandusky and the white settlers in the wilderness of New Connecticut for furs. This traffic he continued for several years, and about the year 1806 opened a store at Austin-burg, the first store in Ashtabula County. About 1807 he married Julia Anna, eldest daughter of the Rev. Jas. Badger, a very excellent woman, by whom he had one son, who died in infancy. In 1809 his wife also died. The year after her death he purchased lands and opened a store in Ashtabula, and here entered into business quite extensively, supplying the settlers with what was neoissary to the clearing up and improving of a new country. He was liberal in contributing towards all public benefits in the county. The poor always found. in him a benefactor. In 1811 he was again married, to Acbsah, daughter of Roger Nettleton, of Kingsville, by whom he had three daughters and one son. In 1812, Mr. Smith entered into partnership with Nathan Strong, and built the grist, and saw-mills which so many years occupied the site of the stone mills now owned by Messrs. Fisk and Sillman. In 1815, Mr. Smith, together with those other public benefactors of that day, Matthew Hubbard, Amos Fisk, and Philo Booth, erected a building for religious and other public meetings, which, though not formally, yet in fact was donated to the public. The upper part of this building was for many years used for a Masonic hall. This was afterwards removed and fitted up for an academy, and was afterwards again removed and occupied for a fireman's hall. Mr. Smith, having been educated a Congregationalist, although not a member of that body, was their first and for many years their principal supporter in Ashtabula. The village of Ashtabula is indebted to the liberality of Mr. Smith for the North public square and the cemetery adjoining it, and for many other public benefits. About the year 1813 he became a Mason, remained. in good standing in that order while his reason lasted, and his body was attended to the place of burial January 15, 1857, by the members of Riming Sun lodge, No. 22, and was interred with the impressive ceremonies of the brotherhood. For many of the later years of his life the once brilliant mind of Mr. Smith was under a mental cloud, which continued until his death. LEWIS W. SMITH. The parents of this gentleman were James Smith, who was born in Clinton, Oneida county, New York, and Laura Scoville Smith, of Saratoga county, same State. They came to Ohio in 1818, locating in Ashtabula and erecting a grim.- end saw-mill. These mills being among the first on the Reserve, were widely known, and patronage was drawn from a circuit of many miles. It was in this grist-mill, in January, 1831, that the father, while freeing the wheel from ice, was so severely injured that he died from its effects within an hour. He left considerable property, the bulk of which was, however, absorbed in settlement. The mother survived him many years; died November 14,1875. Lewis W. Smith was born in Ashtabula on the 23d day of September, 1825, and is the third of a family of children, three sons and two daughters. He was educated at district school and Ashtabula academy. Prior to 1851 be was a farmer. At this date he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and engaged in the retail millinery business for one year ; then removed to New York and entered into the importing and jobbing of silks, millinery, and straw goods. Continued there until 1873, when he returned to his native place, and with his son founded the now widely-known Ashtabula store. On January 6, 1849, he was, by the Rev. James Lowe, of the Methodist Episcopal church of Cleveland, Ohio, united in marriage to Mary Ann Gillmore, of that city, she being the daughter of Rev. James and Clarissa Gillmore. The fruit of the union is James Lewis Smith, who was born March 7, 1850, at Ashtabula, Ohio, and is, as stated above, a partner with his father. Mr. Smith is one of the substantial men of Ashtabula, and is largely identified with the city's interests, being proprietor of several of the best business blocks of the place. 146 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO. JOHN PORTEOUS ROBERTSON. This gentleman is the oldest of eleven, the children of John and Margaret Robertson, the former of whom was a native of Jedburgh, Scotland, and the latter of Cambridge, New York, from which point they removed to Ripley, Chautauqua county, New York, in 1827, and from there to Ashtabula in 1847. Here they died, the father in 1851, and the mother three years later. The subject of this sketch was born in Cambridge, New York, October 3, 1807. The opportunities afforded him for an education were limited, consisting of from four to six months per year at the district school, until he had arrived at the age of twelve years. His ambition was to acquire an education and fit himself for teaching; but his father's means being limited, and a large family to support, he was taken into the blacksmith-shop with his father and remained there till of age. With the one purpose still in view, he saved every sixpence. He had hoarded enough to purchase a set of school-books, and every spare hour was from this time on employed in " digging out" the hard problems of old Pike and mastering Murray, which was done without a teacher. Thus, by dint of hard study, he was, on attaining his majority, a fair English scholar. From 1828 to 1834 his time was occupied principally in teaching. In 1835 he began his mercantile career in Rockville, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, with a capital of less than one thousand dollars ; came to Ashtabula in 1838, and has remained there, the greater part of the time engaged in trade, until this time. The crash of 1837 found him in Pittsburgh with a fleet of ten boats or arks loaded with lumber. This was landed two days after the suspension of the banks. He lost two thousand dollars by this venture ; came home, closed up business, paying every indebtedness in full, and with the one thousand dollars saved from the wreck came to Ashtabula and entered into a copartnership with J. I. Post & Co. Since 1841, with the exception of three years, he has " sailed his own ship." During his long and busy life, Mr. Robertson has filled many official positions, beginning, in 1836, by an appointment as justice of the peace by the governor of Pennsylvania. Has been mayor of Ashtabula one year ; eight yeara member of council; six years township trustee ; seven years treasurer of township ; five years treasurer of borough ; and six years treasurer and member of board of education. Mr. Robertson was on January 26, 1836, united in marriage to Miss Lovenia, daughter of John and Susannah Seiple, of Rockville, Crawford county, New York. From this union seven children have been born, three of whom are boys and unmarried. The oldest daughter, Mary, married James H. Prentice, and resides in Saginaw, Michigan ; Margaret, the next daughter, married G. C. Mygall, of Ashtabula ; Alice is unmarried ; Caroline married George W. Kepler, who perished in the Ashtabula disaster, December 29, 1876. He was at the time of his death proprietor of the Erie store, a young man of splendid business talent, and highly esteemed by his associates. His remains were never found. His widow still carries on the business, under the name of Kepler & Co. Politically, Mr. Robertson began life as an old-line Whig, and is now a Republican, stanch and true. His religious belief is Calvinistic. Having been trained in the Scotch Presbyterian church, he early embraced its faith, and is now an elder of that church. His life has been a busy one, and he has now the satisfaction of knowing that he has ever met his obligations, has done his share towards supporting church and state, to assist the needy, and to benefit his fellow-man. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH. THE year that properly begins the history of Ashtabula's capital town, and of the township in which it is situated, is the year 1805. Prior events had indeed occurred, and other years had furnished facts relating to the territory now known as the township of Jefferson, an account of which has been preserved, and which we are now able to record with the assurance of' accuracy. Yet the real starting point, as we shall see, is in 1805. The year 1798 is prominent in the history of each township in the county by reason of its being the year in which the Connecticut land company, having surveyed a portion of its recently acquired territory into parcels, each of an area five miles square, divided these parcels among its stockholders. Jefferson township being number eleven of the third range of townships, passed to the ownership of Gideon Granger, Jr., and Oliver Phelps. Phelps disposed of his interest to Granger, who thereupon became the sole proprietor. These parties were large share-holders in the Connecticut land company, and became owners of several other townships of land in this county, as Wayne, Harpersfield, and Lenox. Mr. Granger conceived the idea of making this a central township of a county afterwards to be carved out, and of having it contain within its limits the future county-seat. To give it prominence, he cut off from what now is Lenox five square miles of its northernmost territory, and annexed it to Jefferson, making the latter six miles in length from north to south, its breadth remainingEve His plan was in harmony with the result that followed : a county whose boundaries should be such as to make his favorite township near the centre, and thus gain for it an advantage in its contest with other townshipe for the shire town. In 1800 the Reserve was erected into a county and called Trumbull county. In 1805, Geauga was carved out of this immense tract, and in 1807 Ashtabula was formed from Trumbull and Geauga in exact accordance with Mr. Granger's wishes, and organized in the year 1811. In the year 1800, Mr. Granger had the township surveyed into lots of three hundred and twenty acres each. Nothing further occurred until the year 1804, when several events, precursors of others soon to follow, are recorded. Eldred Smith, as agent for Mr. Granger, was sent hither from Connecticut early in the spring of this year, and on lot No. 3, on the south bank of Mills creek, erected a cabin, and during the summer cleared a tract of about ten acres, and sowed it to wheat in the fall. He also formed a bridle-path from Austinburg to Jefferson. Mr. Smith's improvement was made on land now the property of Berlin Hickok's heirs. In this year Michael Webster, Jr., and his brother, Luman Webster, from Franklin, Delaware county, New York, visited the Reserve in different localities, and finally purchased of Mr. Granger's agent lot 7 of the old survey, containing three hundred and twenty acres, effected a small clearing, and then returned to New York. Also Jonathan Warner, during the same season, came into the township, and selecting lot No. 17 as the spot whereon to erect his future home, returned to Saybrook, Connecticut, at that time his place of residence. One Samuel Mapes also came into the township in 1804, and made a clearing upon what are now lots 7, 9, and 11, on Jefferson street, and built a log house upon lot 9. This improvement was purchased by Mr. Warner. These events prepared the way for others to follow. They were the heralds sent forth to make ready for the coming of a permanent settlement in the township. They opened the volume whose pages were now ready for a history of those facts, which were soon to shape the destinies of a colony, many of whose actors were to take a conspicuous and important part, not only iu its own concerns, but in the affairs of the county of which it is a part, and some of them in the affairs of the State whereof the county is a member and the nation to which the State acknowledges her allegiance. At the time our history opens, the seat of the general government had been removed from Philadelphia to Washington. Thomas Jefferson was President of the United States, and Gideon Granger postmaster-general. We can readily trace the origin of the name which No. 11 of the third range obtained, from the fact that Granger, its owner, was a member of Mr. Jefferson's cabinet, and no doubt an admirer of that eminent statesman. Ohio had been admitted as a State in the year 1802. One county, by the name of Trumbull, embraced the entire Reserve. Within the limits of what now is Ashtabula county, there were nearly one hundred families. The chief settlements were in Harpersfield, Conneaut, Austinburg, and Morgan, although Windsor and Wayne, Monroe and New Lyme, contained a few inhabitants, SOW not more than one family. There were a few inoffensive Indians scattered along the banks of the principal streams throughout the county, and the township of Jefferson was the heart of a dense forest, the abode of wild animals, some of a ferocious nature. Such, in brief, was the condition of things when the hardy pioneers of Jefferson undertook the conquest of the wilderness. The task before them demanded the possession of sterling qualities of character, and those were not lacking. Early in the year 1805, General Granger visited his possessions and arranged HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO - 147 for a new survey of the township, which was consummated in the same year, and of the town site, which was carried into execution the following year. The township was surveyed into lots of eighty acres each, except a narrow strip lying adjoining the village of Jefferson on the north, south, and cast, which was subdivided into eight acre tracts. The town site was surveyed into lots containing two acres each, and its dimensions were one and one-half miles east and west by one mile north and Routh. Mr. Granger prepared a draft of his town site and designated streets, which as yet had an existence only on paper. Nine large avenues running cast and west and crossing at right angles seven others running north and south, with several squares at the crossings of the streets, one of these in the centre of the plat being thirty-eight rods from east to west by twenty-two rods from north to south, each street appropriately named, with " Jefferson" as the central east and west street, and " Market" as the central north and south street, was a sight " upon paper" very pleasant to behold. It required only a vivid imagination, and lo ! here was a magnificent city of palatial residences and churches whose spires pointed heavenward; but the sober fact is, that the town plat was recorded when only a solitary cabin occupied the town site, and stalwart trees of a dense forest pointed in the . direction where church-steeples might have lifted their spires had they been created things instead of products of men's fancy. It is a truth that Mr. Granger's beautiful plat, exhibited to the gaze of Washington city residents, inspired them with the belief that there really was a beautiful,' rapidly-growing city in the centre of the Granger tract, destined to be a western emporium of marvelous size and importance. Mr. Granger, ambitious that his lands should be purchased and his city populated, made but little effort to dispel the illusion. In 1805, Jonathan Warner and the Websters having returned to their purchases and begun their improvements, there came a man from the capital city on the banks of the beautiful Potomac; by the name of Samuel Wilson, to take up his residence in the city of Jefferson. Before leaving Washington he had beheld with delight the fair city of the west, whose wide streets and ample public squares were to him so pleasing and so admirable that he purchased with avidity a portion of the city of the west, and with alacrity removed himself and family hither. His hopes and cherished plans were now transferred to the city of Jefferson, amidst whose buoy activities he thought to rapidly amass a fortune and attain a position among its people of prominence and renown. Like the Spaniard, Coronado, bent upon the conquest of the seven cities of Cibola, whose streets he vainly imagined were paved with silver and gold, our hero's expectations were boundless. Unmindful of perils, he pressed forward with throbbing pulse and glowing countenance. The wilderness overcome, the beautiful city would appear. On a Friday in the cheerless month of November our chivalrous adventurer reached his destination. But where is the city ? Where are the wide avenues and the renowned public square ? This Jefferson! A solid forest with blazed lines for streets, without inhabitants, the magnificent city of the west Impossible! Our hero would follow one blazed line and exclaim, " Is it possible that this is Jefferson street !" Then another line and exclaim, " I’m it possible ! Is it possible! that this is Market street? Can it be that this piece of woods is Market square?" The disappointed man's heart sank within him. He was soon taken ill and died. There seemed to be a strange fatality connected with the day on which five events of importance to him occurred. He arrived in Jefferson on a Friday. The following Friday be raised his log cabin on the south side of Court square; on the succeeding Friday lie moved his family into the cabin ; on the next Friday butchered a beef; and on the next Friday died. His was the fist death in the township. He was buried on lot No. 3, the Hickok farm. Wilson's was the first house erected on the town site, and was situated on the southwest corner of Jefferson and Chestnut streets, where the American House now stands. The year 1806 marks the arrival in the village of Jefferson of Edward Friethy, from Washington city, who was the first postmaster and first merchant of Jefferson. \It also celebrates the first marriage in the township, the contracting parties being Calvin Stone, of Morgan, and Sally Webster, of Jefferson. In this year the survey of the town site was completed, and the public square was denuded of its forest. On July 5,1806, was born the first child in Jefferson, Polly Maria Webster, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Webster, Jr. In the autumn following, Mr. Blood and his family arrived from Washington city, and settled on the lot next east of the Episcopal church. The settlement was further augmented this year by the arrival of four families from the State of New Jersey,—Robertson, Gandy, Ogden, and Hoffman. They did not become permanent settlers, none remaining longer than two years. The year 1807 is a noteworthy one in the history of the Jefferson settlement. It opens with the marriage of Jonathan Warner, Esq., to Miss Nancy, daughter of Edward Friethy, Esq., and as it was the second marriage in the township and the first one in the village of Jefferson, deserves prominent mention. Noah Cowles, of Austinburg, was the officiating justice. All the residents of the township were - 37 - in attendance, and some from neighboring townships. United in matrimony, a pig was roasted over the fireplace, the supper prepared, after which the happy couple. mounted on horseback, a single horse for both bride and groom, rode to their future home through the forest, about threefourths of a mile west of the village, with as happy and loving hearts, no doubt, as the married pair of to-day whose bridal tour takes them across the ocean, they visiting, perhaps, all lands beneath the sun before they are content to settle down to the stern realities of life. GENERAL GRANGER'S TOBACCO COLONY. In the spring of this year (1807) General Granger induced eight families, then residing. in Maryland, on the borders of the Chesapeake, where they had been successful tobacco-growers, to emigrate to Jefferson, for the purpose of establishing here a tobacco colony for the cultivation of the weed. The names of these families were Lisle. Asque, Christopher Randall, James Legg, James Mace, Gilbert Nowell, James Ireland, Thomas Johnson, and George Fowler. They were accompanied by John Hankart, a skillful manufacturer of tobacco, formerly a resident of the capital city. All were doomed to bitter disappointment. Like poor Wilson, they fully expected to see a busy, prosperous city. Arrived on their journey as far as Warren, some of them ridiculed that feeble, struggling town, consisting of a few log cabins, and boasted of the beautiful city of Jefferson, whither they were destined, and which was to be their future happy abode. And when they came to Mills creek, west of Jefferson village, having the misfortune, in crossing the stream, to break some of their crockery, they threw all the pieces away, remarking that they would not carry broken crockery into town. When their entrance into the city had been effected, and they saw bow they had been deceived, or deceived themselves, and realized the hardships before them, and foresaw the certain failure of all their cherished hopes, a more distressed and dejected looking company of mortals never, perhaps, appeared in the village of Jefferson. They did not long remain. Mr. Lisle Asque, who, with Randall, preceded the others, and was made of " sterner stuff" than the rest, alone became a permanent settler, making his home in what now is Lenox township. It would seem on its very face to be a visionary scheme for these planters to quit their Chesapeake farms, which were admirably adapted to the growth of tobacco, and withdraw from a market that eagerly purchased all of the article they could produce, and removing to a dense wilderness, five hundred miles distant, undertake the cultivation of the weed in the midst of a forest whose soil was in no manner favorable to the plaut, and where there could be no one to buy it even if it could be produced. The project, however, seems to have been undertaken in good faith by Mr. Granger, who hoped to have the article grown and manufactured hundreds of miles nearer the locality of those tribes of Indians to whom the government in supplying them with tobacco had to carry it, and thus he expected, by saving the exorbitant cost of transportation, to make the culture and manufacture of tobacco in Jefferson a profitable business. The following extract from a letter written many years ago by Ralph Granger, Esq., of Painesville, Ohio, son of Gideon Granger, Esq., to O. H. Fitch, Esq., of Ashtabula, sets forth very clearly Mr. Granger's views in relation to this undertaking: " The Indian traders and trading companies, as well as the United States agents and factors, found extreme difficulty in procuring the tobacco necessary for the Indian trade and for customary use, as well as to fulfill solemn stipulations. The cost of transportation exceeded by many hundred per cent. the cost of production. It was highly desirable that tobacco should be produced and manufactured near Lake Erie. This being known, and propositions having been made by a gentleman well acquainted with the business in Maryland, a large number of tobacco-growers formed a company and purchased shares in the town of Jefferson to carry on that particular branch of industry. The expenses for their journey and letters of credit having been furnished, they forced their way to Jefferson, encountering difficulties not necessary to recount, and bringing with them John Hankart, a manufacturer of tobacco of high repute. "As the origin of the Maryland settlement in Jefferson has been told, it is proper to add that the failure of the tobacco business was not through the default of the proprietors, or cultivators of the town, but through those who were to have purchased the tobacco." The last clause in the above extract would seem to convey the idea that the tobacco colony scheme would riot have proven a failure if there had been a market for the tobacco, whereas the truth really is that the clay soil of the Jefferson woodlands was ill adapted to the culture of the tobacco-plant. Moreover, if this obstacle had not existed there was still a gigantic forest to be removed before the colony of tobacco-growers could undertake the preparation of the soil, and for this task these Marylanders, wholly unaccustomed to toil of this sort, were as unfitted as su many children. Howbeit, the enterprise, so far as it related to the production of tobacco as an article of commerce, was a total failure; and the only results, in addition to being a disastrous financial speculation to all concerned, were the erection of a few cabins on Jefferson town site, and the building of a tobacco 148 - HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO. wareroom, which actually became the storehouse of a hogshead of leaf tobacco (which tobaCco, however, was raised in Maryland, and sent hither by General Granger for the encouragement of the colony), the removal of brush and trees from a few acres of ground, and the planting thereon some garden stuffs, with a small amount of tobacco, and the acquisition to the settlement in what then was Jefferson township of Mr. Lisle Asque and his family. Daniel and Lumen Webster, from the State of New York, came hither in the summer of 1807. As the year 1808 opens there were probably not less than twenty families residing within the territorial limits of Jefferson township. In this year there was a further immigration in the persons of Michael Webster, Sr., and his son-in-law, Daniel Squires, who became a renowned hunter in this locality. There came also in the summer of 1808, Wareham Grant, from East Windsor, Connecticut, who built a log house on the present site of the Jefferson Home. Timothy Caldwell likewise arrived this year, sent hither by Mr. Granger to superintend the erection of the first court-house and jail. He was accompanied by John Birth, a brick-mason. Ashtabula County bad now been formed, and it became necessary to have a courthouse. Austinburg competed with Jefferson for the prize. Mr. Granger's influence was such in the formation of the county that Jefferson became a central township, and this fact, connected with his offer to build the court-house at his own expense, obtained for Jefferson an easy victory. Thus far we have followed the fortunes of the village and . township inseparably. At this point we will disunite them for the purposes of this history and consider first the succession of events, whose narration will furnish us with the history of the city of Jefferson. In 1808 Ashtabula's county-seat scarcely deserved the name of village. A few log cabins, not a dozen all numbered, scattered here and there over the town site, under the shadows of massive trees whose branches almost formed an impenetrable barrier against the skies above, so dense was the forest. The public square, a rise of ground in the midst of the woods, distinguished from the surrounding lands by being a spot from which the forest had been removed. The Wilson cabin occupied the lot on the southwest corner of Jefferson and Chestnut streets, now the site of the American hotel. At the northeast corner of Market and Wainut stood the dwelling and store, one building, of Edward Friethy, Esq., now the residence of N. E. French. Here also was the settlers' post-office, Mr. Friethy serving as postmaster. Where Mr. Woodbury's fine residence now stands stood the log but of Mr. Blood. On the first lot west of Mr. Howland's residence was the but of Mr. Mace, the tobacco-grower ; on the lot just east of Mr. Talcott's residence lived Mr. Fowler ; at 39 Erie street was another tobacco-colonist's cabin, dwelt in by Mr. Legg. The tobacco warehouse stood on the northeast corner of Erie and Market. These were all the dwellings on Jefferson town site in the summer of the year 1808. The only way of egress from our little village was along the line of notched trees to Austinburg, thence along the course of the old Salt road to the month of Ashtabula creek, or westward to Harperstown, from which settlement there were forest-roads leading northward to the lake and southward to Morgan, Windsor, Mesopotamia, and so on to Warren. Provisions were scarce, and the main dependence for food was the meat of wild animals. Such was the condition of the infant village when Mr. Caldwell, the builder of the first house intended as the seat of justice, arrived. Work was immediately begun. Jonathan Warner and Michael Webster took and filled the contract of furnishing the hewn timber. The structure was made of brick, which were manufactured on the spot by two men, engaged for this purpose by Mr. Granger, by the names of Warren and Duty. The building was a two-story plain structure, forty feet in length by thirty in breadth, the lower story constituting a single room used for the court-room, with the judge's seat on the north (- side, the bar in front, and the jurors' seats to the right and left; and the upper story four rooms, each of about equal size, with a hall in the centre, used as jurors' and county officers' rooms. Each room had a fireplace, and in the courtroom below there were four of these. Stoves were not then in use. The second floor was reached by means of a flight of stairs on the outside of the building. Mr. Caldwell did not complete the building until the year 1811. It was difficult to obtain boarding accommodations, and the need for these led to the erection by Mx. Caldwell of a goodly-sized two-story frame hotel building on the lot where now stands the residence of N. L. Chaffee. Here the artisans employed upon the first court-house were boarded and lodged. In 1810, when Mr. Friethy, till then the postmaster, removed to Warren, he was succeeded by Dr. Elijah Coleman, who removed the office into the Caldwell hotel building, where he opened also an apothecary's shop. During the first session of court, in June, 1811, this building, which than was an ornament to the village of Jefferson, was burned to the ground under circumstances worthy of narration. Solomon Griswold, resident of Windsor township, was one of the associate judges, and at the close of the first day's session, wearied by the sedentary occupation to which he was unaccustomed, and feeling a strong yearning for something wherewith to restore tired nature, resorted to Dr. Coleman's drug-store, late in the evening, to obtain a small quantity of the fiery fluid, Mr. Coleman's being the only place• where it could be had in town. Entering the doctor's office, he made known his desire. The latter replied that he had nothing of the kind except a barrel of high wine which he kept in his cellar for medicinal purposes, and that he did not deem it safe to visit that nether department at that time of night, as the errand would have to be made with a lighted candle, and there would be great danger of ignition when the whisky should be drawn from the barrel. Mr. Griswold's thirst was great, and his importunity, fortified by the promise to accompany the doctor, carry the candle and keep it at a safe distance from the barrel, gained for him the doctor's decision to yield assent to the judge's wishes. Together they descended the stairway, Coleman carrying the pitcher, Griswold the candle. The former approaches the barrel to remove the wooden faucet ; the judge takes his stand at a distance which he deems free from danger. The spigot is removed, the sparkling liquor pours forth ; the judge forgets the danger, and draws nearer, when lo ! the fluid escapes, the barrel explodes, and the cellar being filled with inflammable matter, in another instant the whole building is wrapped in flumes. The judge and doctor managed to escape from the building, the former leaving his bat behind him, and, rushing out upon the street, began in the midst of his excitement to vociferate at the top of his voice, " High wines I high wines ! new hat and high wines !" Soon after the completion of the court-house a jail was built on the ground where the present one now stands,—a two-story block building, twenty feet wide by thirty-six feet long. It contained several apartments,—one called the " dungeon," into which the worst criminals were thrown, and another the " debtors' room," it being customary in those days to imprison for debt. The organization of Ashtabula County was effected on the 22d day of January, 1811, and on the 20th day of June following commenced the first sitting of the court of common pleas in and for said county, and continued two days. The presiding judge was Benjamin Ruggles; associate judges, Aaron Wheeler, Ebenezer Hewins, and Solomon Griswold. It required four judges at this time to conduct the court, the presiding judge occupying a central position and deciding all points of law. These officers were the appointees of the governor. Ezra Kellogg was first prosecuting attorney, Peter Hitchcock being first prosecuting attorney pro tern. Timothy 11. Hawley was appointed clerk pro tern. of this first court. The sheriff at this time was Nathan Strong, having served previous to the organization of the county, and continued in office until 1813, when Mr. Quintus F.. Atkins was elected sheriff of Ashtabula County. The first grand jurors were Noah Cowles, Peleg Sweet., Stephen Brown, William Perrin, Jesse D. Hawley, Walter Fobes, Ebenezer Lamson, Sterling Mills, Michael Webster, Gideon Leet, John Beckwith, Eliphalet Austin, James Harper, Moses Wright, and David Hendry. The grand jury were sworn into office, and were charged by the court. The only case before them was one in which the State of Ohio was plaintiff, and Orison Cleveland defendant ; the cause of action assault and battery. The defendant was discharged upon the order of the court. There was no petit jury, and only one case before the judges, and that for debt, judgment being rendered for plaintiff in the sum of seventy dollars. We mention thus minutely the doings of this first term of court. for Ashtabula County, as the event was one of no mean importance to the village of Jefferson. The court-house was now no longer a vision. ary building some day to become a living reality, but there it was, a real edifice, and was the pride of every inhabitant. And this first gathering of the servants of justice was to all who were interested in the fate of the town an assurance that their village was in very truth a county-seat, and that in the very nature of things it could occupy no insignificant position among the towns that at that time were everywhere, throughout the length and breadth of the eastern half of the Reserve, springing into existence and struggling for a footing. For twenty-five years this plain edifice did service for the people of Ashtabula County, and .had more to do than anything else connected with the history of Jefferson in assisting the growth of the village and in determining the character of its inhabitants. This primitive temple of justice attracted hither some of the soundest jurists and ablest lawyers of the State and of the county, many of whom became residents of the place,—men whose influence for their country's good has been effectively exerted in national legislation. But for this rude structure reared in the Jefferson forest this village would most probably have never become the place of residence of Benjamin F. Wade, and of Joshua R: Giddings, and of Rufus P. Bonney, and many others who might well be named. Able lawyers from other parts Of the State came hither at the sessions of the court to plead for their clients in Mr. Granger's court-house. Among these were Ethan Allen Brown, David Tod, afterwards governor-of Ohio, and the former also United States senator, Elisha Whittlesey, and Rufus P. Spalding, who were afterwards members of Congress. The Jefferson bar of to-day numbers among its members men of ripe learning and a high order of legal ability. DAVID DOUGLASS GIST, M.D., was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, on the 10th day of November, 1810, and is the second of a family of seven, the children of Thomas and Elizabeth Gist, of that county, but who removed to Ohio in 1822 and located in Guernsey county. The education of Mr. Gist was acquired, as is the case with most American boys living remote from cities or towns, in the district school, finishing in the Wellington (Ohio) college. In the year 1836 he commenced reading medicine with Drs. Hazlop Williams and John C. Anderson, of Jacobsport, Coshocton county, Ohio. Continued alternately reading and teaching for two years. In 1838 he came to Ashtabula County, and locating in Harpersfield, finished his professional reading with Dr. Jonathan Williams, of that township. In 1840 formed a partnership with him, and practiced until the death of Dr. Williams in 1846, since which time he has practiced his profession continuously until the present. In the year 1870 the doctor attended his last course of lectures, and graduated at the Eclectic medical college. of Cincinnati in that year. As early as 1848 he turned his attention to the treating of cancers and scrofula in all its forms, and the simple statement that he has, since that date, successfully removed one hundred and fifty cancers is sufficient evidence of the faithfuiness with which lae has pursued his investigations in this specialty. In October, 1865, owing to his large and increasing practice in that portion of the county, he removed to Jefferson, where he still resides. On January 1, 1833,. the doctor was united in marriage to Susan, daughter of Samuel and Polly Newell, of Liberty township, Guernsey county, Ohio. From this marriage one child was born (Martha Jane, who married Frederick Pangburn, of Harpersfield, and resides there at present). On June, 17, 1836, this lady died, and on August 27, 1845, the doctor married his present wife. She was the daughter of George and Eliza Pangburn, of Harpersfield. The children of this marriage are Laura, the eldest, who died in infancy ; Mary Eliza, married E. J. Pinney, a member of the legal profession at Jefferson ; and Lunie, the youngest, who yet remains at home. To give the reader an idea of the doctor's extensive practice, we will state that since 1848 he has ridden something over two hundred and fifty thousand miles, has been ever ready to attend to the calls of the afflicted, and thousands regard him almost in the light of a public benefactor. HISTORY OF ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO - 149 Other professions are likewise'ably represented, and, though the village of Jefferson numbers scarcely a thousand souls, the standing of the people for intelligence and for the possession of sterling virtues is unexampled in any other town in the State of equal population. Notwithstanding the completion of the first courthouse, the increase of population advanced tardily. The War of 1812 hindered the growth of all the settlements throughout the county. For several years the only accession to the village was from the removal hither of county officers, who came here to reside as soon as they were elected. When the second court-house was completed the residents of the town numbered not more than two hundred. From 1810, the year in which Jefferson's first merchant--Mr. Friethy—removed to Warren, until 1823 there was no mercantile establishment in the village. In this year George B. Webster, of Buffalo, came here, and, with Gilbert Webster, opened a general assortment of goods in the frame addition to the jail building. FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. Tuscan Lodge, No. 342, received its charter October 21, ex.. 1862. The following are the charter members: Stephen A. Northway, F. P. Pingrey, Edward V. Woodbury, G. B. Miller, C. F. Wood, C. L. Bushnell, N. L. Chaffee, E. C. Cushman, Edward A. Wright, N. Powell, Horace M. Root, and Josiah P. Knowlton. The first officers were H. M. Root, W. M.; C. L. Bushnell, S. W.; Stephen A. Northway, J. W. ; E. A. Wright, Treas. ; C. F. Wood, Sec.; H. Talcott, S. D. ; J. C. Thompson, J. D. ; J. P. Knowlton, Tyler. Present officers: Henry Talcott, W. M. ; Wm. H. Crowell, S. W. ; John Gill, J. W.; H. L. French, Treas. ; W. A. Ferry, Sec. ; J. A. Crisp, S. D. ; 'J. P. Knowlton, J. D. ; and Lester Loomis, Tyler. Present membership, eighty-three. Stated communications, first and third Fridays of each month. Jefferson Chapter, No. 141, R. A. M., was organized November 18, A.D. 1873, A.I. 2405. The charter bears date August 31, 1876. The following are the names of the charter members, who were also the first officers elected: George W. Dickinson, E. J. Betts, H. S. Loomis, C. H. Simonds, S. T. Fuller, George Hunter, B. C. Linzee, T. S. Young, and J. C. Howard. The following officers were elected for 1877 : G. W. Dickinson, H. P.; E. J. Betts, K. ; H. S. Loomis, S. C. ; C. H. Simonds, C. II. ; S. T. Fuller, P. S. ; Geo. Hunter, R. A. C. ; B. C. Linzee, G. M. 3d V. ; A. H. Pillett, G. M. 2d V. ; J. C. Howard, G. M. 1st V.; Henry Talcott, Treas. ; R. M. Norton, Sec. ; J. A. Crisp, G. The present membership is twenty-four. Time of meeting, second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Both the foregoing bodies convene in Masonic hall, Talcott's block. The following officers were elected for 1878: E. J. Betts, M. E. H. P. ; R. M. Norton, E. K. ; S. A. Northway, E. S. ; C. H. Simonds, C. H. ; S. T. Fuller, P. S. ; George Hunter, R. A. C. ; Henry Talcott, G. M. 3d V.; John Gill, G. M. 2d V. ; J. A. Crisp, G. M. lst V. ; H. S. Loomis, Treas. ; W. H. Crowell, Sec.; Lester Loomis, Guard. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. The charter of Ensign. Lodge, No. 400, was granted November 13, 1867. The following names appear thereon : W. H. Crowell, T. K. Lyman, M. P. Atkin, Luke P. Smith, D. B. Ayer, S. J. Coon, E. E. Cushman, M. J. Foote, L. Cushman, R. S. Ensign, W. J. Gibson, P. B. Rogers, and Henry Herron. The first officers were E. E. Cushman, N. G. ; R. S. Ensign, V. G. ; W. H. Crowell, Sec. ; T. K. Simonds, P. Sec. ; D. B. Ayer, Tress. Present officers : Wm. Grant, N. G. ; C. S. Ryder, V. G. ; Thomas Rogers, Sec. ; H. D. Jones, P. See.; H. N. Smalley, Treas. ; C. C. Woodruff, W. ; Walter. .Fortune, C.; Geo. Stearns, I. S. ; G. M. Brown, 0. S. Present membership, seventy. Meets Tuesday of each week. Jefferson Encampment of Patriarchs, No. 146, received its charter June 29, 1871. Below are given the names of charter members: Abijah Markham, Wesley B. Young, W. H. Ruggles, Henry Warren, E. E. Cushman, D. B. Ayer, M. P. Atkins, and John M. Walker. Present officers: C. H. Dady, C. P. ; H. D. Jones, H. P. ; G. M. Brown, S. W. ; D. D. Holmes, J. W. ; E. II. Brooks, Scribe ; H. N. Smalley, Treas. Present membership, thirty-five. Stated meetings, second and fourth Thursdays, in Odd-Fellows' hall, Holmes' block. INDEPENDENT ORDER GOOD TEMPLARS.—Jefferson Lodge, No. 471, was organized on the evening of January 13, 1868, by District Deputy Nelson, with the following charter members, viz. : Jennie Loomis, M. E. Gibbs, Ida Allen, H. Gill, Lester Loomis, I. H. Welch, W. F. Beede, G. M. Loomis, C. W. Ballard, E. A. Clark, J. B. Knapp, C. W. Knapp, Fortis Morse, H. J. Covell, A. M. Williams, J. A. Norris, E. Cushman, Minnie Knapp, Wetcha A. Beede, H. B. Farley, Christian Gill, 0. II. Loomis, H. H. Stanford, and Harrison Loomis. First officers: H. J. Covill, W. C.; Jennie Looms, W. V. j C. H. Ballard, W. R. S.; C. W. Knapp, W. F. S. ; and Lester Loomis, W. T. From its organization this society has never failed to hold regular meetings. Has initiated about five hundred applicants, receiving and expending in the glorious work of temperance over two thousand dollars. The building in which the lodge convenes is located on the south side of Satin street, and is owned by them. Present membership is sixty. The following are the officers for 1878: Rev. F. C. Wright, W. C. ; Miss Fannie Woodworth, W. V. ; Cora Warren, W. R. S. ; P. G. Gill, W. F. S. ; H. C. Osborn, W. T. ; E. A. Knapp, W. M. ; II. H. Seagur, W. T. G. ; and E. J. Pinney, W. O. G. GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.—Giddings Post, No. 7, was organized December 13, 1877, with the following charter members: J. Hamp. SeCheverell, T. S. Young, E. F. Mason, S. D. Howells, H. W. Dewey, R. L. Jones, W. A. Ferry, S. H. Cook, H. P. Wade, L. E. Parsons, L. R. Woodbury, and G. W. Beckwith. The formation of this post was consummated by the sole efforts of its present commander. Has now membership of forty, and rapidly increasing, with a hall as finely furnished as anything in the county. The nights of meeting are Wednesdays of each week. The officers for 1878 are J. Hamp. SeCheverell, Commander; G. W. 'Beckwith, S. V. ; L. E. Parsons, J. V. ; S. D. Howells, Adjt. ; H. M. Dewey, Q. M.; E. F. Mason, Chaplain ; S. H. Cook, Surgeon ; W. A. Ferry, O. D. ; and L. K. Woodbury, O. G. SCHOOLS. The pioneers of Jefferson were prompt to acknowledge the importance of culture, and were early awakened to the necessity of providing facilities for the education of its youth. The founder of the village himself, with a forethought and liberality deserving of the highest praise, made generous provision for encouraging the establishment of schools and churches in Jefferson. Lots numbers 37, 7, and 77, on Ashtabula street, 17, 58, and 97 on Jefferson street, and 38 and 78 on Erie street, were set apart and appropriated for the support and use of schools of publio instruction in the town. The officers of the school-board have had control of this property, to manage in such a way as would eventually yield most for the benefit of the schools. The cause of education has ever been of chief concern with the citizens of Jefferson, and their educational affairs have been administered with such prudence and liberal-mindedness, and so carefully have the interests of the schools been protected, and so affectionately fostered, that they form a leading, if not the most prominent, feature of Ashtabula's county-seat to-day. Before the citizens could afford to build a school-house their children were taught in private dwellings. The first building thus used stood near the residence of Jonathan Warner, outside the village limits; this locality being chosen so as to accommodate most conveniently pupils residing within the hamlet, and those living in the country. The first teacher was Miss Betsey Hubbard, of Ashtabula, who taught a few scholars in the summer of 1809. In the winter following, Edward Friethy, Esq., was the teacher. The third teacher, in the winter of 1810-11, was Mr. Elwood R. Spencer, who collected a few pupils for instruction in a cabin that stood upon a lot near the site of the present Baptist church. Before the close of the term of school the building caught fire and was burned to the ground. Another building, however, was soon erected on the lot opposite the present residence of Mr. C. E. Warner, where Major H. Smith was teacher, in the winter of 1811-12. In 1824, by act of the legislature of the State, the Jefferson school association become an incorporate body, with the following persons as officers : Timothy R. Hawley, president; Lynds Jones, Michael Webster, Jr., Q. F. Atkins, and Noah Hoskins, justices; Henry Loomis, treasurer ; Joshua R. Giddings, clerk. The purpose of the formation of this organization was the erection of a building designed for an academy. Each member was the holder of one or more shares of stock, the value of each share being ten dollars. The shares were all taken, and the building completed in the early part of 1826. It was a good two-story frame building, the lower room used for school purposes, and the upper room was in use for a long time as a Masonic hall ; afterwards the two stories were both devoted to the use of the schools. The structure comprises now the east part of Mr. Beckwith's block, on corner of Chestnut and Jefferson streets. In 1841 the first public school building was erected on the south end of Episcopal church lot, at a cost of perhaps one thousand dollars. It consisted of but a single story, but in 1848 another story was added. The first school-board consisted of Abner Kellogg, president; C. S. Simonds, clerk ; H. S. Hunt, treasurer; Harrison Loomis, Reuben Warren, and N. L. Chaffee. The pay of teachers for the winter of 1853 was: Mr. Slater, principal, fifty-three dollars ; Miss Moore, twenty-five dollars ; Miss Wakefield, twenty-two dollars. The length of the term was sixteen weeks. As the growth of the village increased, the facilities which this building afforded became inadequate, and a larger building came to be necessary. The following are the present board of education: H. Talcott, president; E. J. Pinney, secretary ; J. C. A. Bushnell, treasurer; R. M. Norton, W. R. Allen, J. A. Howells.