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AUBURN.
BY S. S. WADSWORTH.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
The geographical position of Auburn township is as follows: It is one of the south tier of townships in Geauga county, and is bounded, on the north, by Newbury; east, by Troy; south, by Mantau, and west, by Bainbridge. It was surveyed in an early day, and divided into three tracts—numbers one, two and three—extending east and west across the township. In tract number one was the Mills tract, in the northeast corner; next, was the Sanford tract; next, the Darling tract; and next, in the northwest corner, was another Mills tract. In tract number two, on the east, was the Cowles tract; next the Ely tract; next, the Kirtland tract; next, the Root tract; and next, reaching to the west line of the township, was the Miller tract. Tract number three, consisting of the south third of the township, was called the Atwater tract; the entire tract being owned by minor heirs, by the name of Atwater.
This township is probably one of the best and most healthy in the county. The soil, generally, is clay loam; but along the streams is a sandy or gravely soil, and very productive. There are no lakes, ponds or marshes, and consequently no waste land. It descends gradually to the south and east, except a small territory in the southwest corner, which descends to the west; so that a small stream rising in that vicinity runs westerly, and empties into the Chagrin river. The principle stream of water in the township is known as Bridge creek, one branch of which rises in the northwest part of the township, and the other rises in Newbury, and makes into Auburn a short distance east of the north and south center road; takes a southwesterly course, and crosses the road a short distance north of the center, and, continuing about the same course, crosses the east and west center road a short distance west of the center, and unites with the branch rising in the northeast part of the township; thence, continuing its course in a south, and easterly direction, until it crosses the State road, one mile south of the corners, and from that point, takes a northwesterly direction, and again crosses the east and west centre road, east of the corners, and continuing in a northeasterly direction, crosses the east line of the township into Troy, about one mile north of the center road, and continues nearly in the same direction until it empties into the Cuyahoga river, near the north line of that township. There are several very good mill seats on this stream, only one of which is now occupied. There is another stream, known as Middle brook, which rises in the south part of the township, and runs in a northeasterly direction, and empties into Bridge creek a short distance east of the State road. There is also another stream, known as Black brook, which makes into the township from Mantau; crossing the south line about eighty rods east of the State road, and, after running a short distance in a northerly direction, strikes off east, keeping about the same distance from the south line of the township, until it crosses the east line into Troy. This, also, is one of the tributaries of the Cuyahoga river, which empties its waters into Lake Erie, at Cleveland, Ohio.
This township, as found by the early settlers, was covered with a very heavy growth of timber, consisting of beach, sugar-maple, walnut, white, black, yellow
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and red oak; whitewood, cucumber, white and black ash, butternut, black walnut, bird:), cherry, poplar, basswood, white and red elm, chestnut, and sassafras.
SETTLERS.
Bildad Bradley was born in Massachusetts in 1780, and was married about 1809, to Emily Veasy, and they had four children; two died young. The names of the two living are Emily and William. Emily was born in Massachusetts, William in Auburn.
Mr. Bradley came to Newbury about 1812 or 1813, and settled near where D. M. Allen now resides, and in the fall of 1814 he built a house on the Mills tract, on the north line of the township, or, rather, rolled up the logs for a house; and after doing so found he had built on the wrong lot, and in the spring of 1815 he took it down, moved it farther west, finished it up, and moved in. This wits the first house built in the township. Where he first built was on the State road, as afterwards laid out. Mr. Bradley helped lay out the State road, and carried the front end of the chain. Said road was surveyed by Wilbard Beals. Mr. Bradley cleared up his farm and built the necessary buildings for comfort and convenience. Mrs. Bradley died on the same farm in 1859, aged seventy-seven years. Mr. Bradley died in 1865, aged eighty-five years. Thus passed away the two first settlers of the township. This farm is one of two farms in Auburn that is now occupied by the third and fourth generation.
Abner Colvin was born in the State of New York in 1795, came to Auburn about 1827 or 1828, and was married about 1830 to Emily Bradley, daughter of Bildad Bradley. They had eight children, whose names were Alonzo, Milan, Alice, Lorinda, Millie, Mary, Myra, and Mina—the last two were twins. Mr. Colvin first settled on the Kirtland tract, in the southwest part of the township; built a house, and lived there about two years, when he again sold out and purchased a farm in the northwest part of Hiram, Ohio. He cleared up his farm, and died there in 1847. His widow now occupies the old homestead where he died.
Alonzo Colvin was born in Auburn, and was married in 1853 to Celia A. Wicks, daughter of Ebenezer Wicks, and they had four children, whose names were Bartlett E., Linacus A., Ora Anna, and John B. Ora Anna died in 1876, aged eleven years. Mr. Colvin owns and resides on the farm where his grandfather, Bildad Bradley, first settled.
Daniel Wheelock was born in Tyringham, Massachusetts, came to Auburn with Zadock Reuwee in 1815, was married in 1829, to Betsey Belcher, and they settled south of Reuwee's on the Mills tract. Mr. Wheelock had two children by this wife, whose names were Hiland and Chauncey. Mrs. Wheelock died about 1835, and Mr. Wheelock married Lydia Hall, daughter of Job Hall, and they had three children, whose names we do not know. Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock resided on that farm several years, then sold out to Nathaniel Stone, and if we remember correctly, moved to Chardon, and remained there for several years; then moved to Hambden, where he now resides. We know nothing of his family since he left this township.
John Jackson was born in Massachusetts, and there married Huldah Chadwick. They had seven children, whose names were James C., Mercy Ann, Lorette and Jennette (twins), John, Anson and Almeda. Mr. Jackson came to Auburn with his family in ;815, and purchased land on the Mills tract, being the same now owned by Gilbert A. Richards. Mr. Jackson built a house just south of where Richards' house now stands, and in 1816 built a frame barn, it being the first frame barn built in the township. He commenced clearing up his farm, and in 182o was elected justice of the peace, served one term, was re-elected, and died in 1824. Mr. Jackson was the second justice of the peace in the township.
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James C., eldest son of John Jackson, was born in Massachusetts, and came to Auburn with his parents. In 1833 he married Martha, daughter of Joseph Bartholomew. They had five or six children. Mr. Jackson owned the first farm, north of Alvirus Snow, on the east side of the road, where he built a nice house in 1837, lived there a few years, then sold out, and moved to Amherst, Ohio, where he now resides.
John, jr., second son of John Jackson, was born in Massachusetts, and came to Auburn with his parents. In 1836 he married Flavia Odell. Mr. Jackson resided in town some years, but now resides in Newburgh, Ohio.
Anson, third son of John Jackson, sr., was born in Massachusetts, and came to Auburn with his parents. He was married about 1840, to Sophrona Stockwell. Mr. Jackson resided in town some years, sold out and went, to Michigan, and died there several years since. They had a family of children, but we know not how many, or what their names were.
Zadock Reuwee was born in Massachusetts in 1785, and in 1814, married Lury Snow, daughter of Oliver Snow, and they came to Auburn November 4, 1815. Mr. Reuwee had been in a few months before, and purchased some land in the northeast part of the township, on the Mills tract. When Mr. and Mrs. Reuwee came in, they had one child, whose name was Lorin S. Mr. Reuwee first built a log house some distance east of the State road, and commenced clearing up his farm. On the sixteenth of DeceMber, 1817, he left hnme on business, and in his absence his wife went to a neighbor's of an errand, leaving her child in the house asleep. She was gone but a short time, but coming in sight of the house, on her return, she saw that it was on fire. She reached the house as soon as possible, and some neighbors arrived at the same time, but all were too late to rescue the child, and it perished in the flames. The bones of the child were gathered up, and buried at the center of the township. Elder Seward, of Aurora, preached the funeral sermon. This was the first funeral in Auburn, and the sermon, so far as we can learn, was the first preached in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Reuwee, after this time, had three children: Franklin S., born 1819; Alvin T., born in 1829, and Lorenzo S., born in 1839. After the house mentioned above burned down, Mr. Reuwee built on the State road, west of where he first built, and occupied the same several years while clearing up his farm. He afterwards built a nice frame house. When he first purchased his land, there was some dispute between him and the party of whom he purchased about the title, and he was obliged to resort to legal proceedings in order to obtain his rights, and consequently commenced a suit in the court of common pleas at Chardon, with Peter Hitchcock, sr., as his attorney, and after several years of litigation he succeeded in gaining his suit and perfecting his title. This was the first suit instituted in the county court, from this town- ship. Mr. Reuwee died in 1842, and Mrs. Reuwee died several years after.
Franklin S., second son of Zadock Reuwee, was born in Auburn, and in 1841 he married Betsey Waterman, daughter of Curtiss Waterman, who was one of the first settlers of Auburn, but now resides in Troy. He died in August, 1842.
Alvin T., third son of Zadock Reu wee, was also born in Auburn, and died in 1842, at the age of thirteen years.
Lorenzo S., fourth son of Zadock Reuwee, was also born in Auburn, and in 1860 he married Paulina M. Crafts, daughter of Benjamin Crafts, and they have three children, whose names. are Izetta I... Elsey C., and Frank B. He owns and resides on the old homestead, where his father and mother both died.
William Crafts, fourth son of Edward Crafts, was born in Boston, Massachusetts. His father, Edward Crafts, was a major in the war of the Revolution, and done good service for his country in that memorable struggle of our fore-
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fathers for religious and political liberty. Soon after the close of the war, Major Crafts sold his property in Boston for the sum of thirty thousand dollars, and took the entire amount in continental money, and the result was that he lost pretty much all his property. Soon after this Major Crafts moved with his family to Bethel, Ontario county, New York, where he spent the remainder of his days, without accumulating much property. At the time of his arrival in Bethel, New York, he had four sons and five daughters. The sons were Edward, Jr., John, Thomas, and William. In 1812, William married Catharine Millspaugh, of Gorham, New York, and they had one child, whose name was Daniel M. Soon after the birth of this son, Mrs. Crafts died.
In uncle William's history (as he was familiarly called), as written up by himself in 1868, and published in the Geauga Republican, he says he started from Gorham, Ontario county, New York, August 1, 1815, and reached Auburn, Ohio, the first of September, and purchased the whole of the Ely tract, being eleven hundred and seventy-six acres. He soon after started for home as he had come, on foot, and arrived in Gorham about the first of October, the same year.
In January, 1816, Mr. Crafts married the widow Drusilla Hayes. She had one child by her first husband, whose name was Chester G. On the sixteenth day of February, 1816, Mr. Cralts, with his wife, these two little boys, and two nephews, Joseph Keyes and John Crafts, an ox team and wagon, and one cow, started from Gorham, New York, for Auburn, Ohio, to him, the land of promise. We wish we could give a full account of their journey, as given by Mr. Crafts in his history of 1868, but time and space forbids. Suffice it to say, they arrived safely in Auburn, after a journey of twenty-six days. Immediately on their arrival, Mr. Crafts selected a place for a house, and in just nine days they built a house, moved in, and set up their household gods.
This house stood a half mile south of the corners, on the east side of the road. After a few years Mr. Crafts sold this house and one hundred acres of land to Hiram Webster, and built another house a short distance south of the corners, on the west side of the road, where he lived for many years. Mr. Crafts not being successful in getting some of his neighbors in New York to come on with him and take some of his land, was obliged to give up all of his first purchase, except four hundred acres for himself, and two hundred acres for his byother-in-law, Keyes, making six hundred acres, which was a trifle more than half of his first purchase. After Mr. and Mrs. Crafts came to Auburn they had six children, whose names were Jeremiah, Harriet, Almira, Edward, Hosea, and Eveline. Jeremiah was the first child born in the township.
Mr. Crafts cleared up his farm, during which time he built a large frame barn, cow sheds, etc., and in 1835 built a frame dwelling house, the largest in town. Mr. Crafts lived in this house until 1845, when he sold the old homestead to his two youngest sons, Edward and Hosea, and divided up the most of his property among his children. After selling out, he purchased a farm on the east line of the township, where he lived a few years, after which he made two or three changes, and finally settled on a small piece of land half a mile east of the corners, where he lost his wife in 1868. He again married in 1870, at the age of eighty years, and died in 1876. His widow soon after married, and now resides where Mr. Crafts died.
Daniel M., son of Uncle William Crafts, by his first wife, about 1833 married Diantha Wright, daughter of Ephraim Wright, and they had one child, a daughter, named Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Crafts separated, and, after having obtained a divorce, Mr. Crafts, about 1837 or 1838, married Miss Damia Mott, daughter of Elihu Mott. Mr. Mott settled on the north line of Auburn, near where Lewis May now resides, and Damia was born
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there in 1816, being the first female child born in Auburn. By this marriage a daughter was born, whose name is Samantha C. Mr. Crafts settled a half mile east of the corners, built a nice frame house, and the necessary out buildings, and several years since rented this farm and purchased one in Troy, where he now resides.
William H. Richmond, son of Alonzo Richmond, of Chardon, came to Auburn in 1857. He enlisted in the service in the early part of the war of the Rebellion, was wounded, and discharged on account of disability. He came home, and in 1865 married Mary J. Crafts, eldest daughter of Daniel M. Crafts, and they have no children. They now own and reside on the farm formerly owned by Nicholas Silvernail.
Ozro Truman, third son of Lyman Truman, of Troy, was born in Troy. In September, 1864, Mr. Truman enlisted in the naval service, Mississippi squadron, and shipped on board of the United States steamer "Argosy," and served on that ship until the close of the war. Mr. Truman was discharged at Cairo, Illinois, and returned home, and in 1865 married Samantha C. Crafts, daughter of Daniel M. Crafts, and they have no children. They now reside on the east township line, one mile south of the east and west center road.
Jeremiah, eldest son of Uncle William, by his second wife, was born in Auburn, and, as above mentioned, was the first child born in the township. About 184o he married Miss Fidelia Moore, and they had two children—Oscar and Renette. Soon after their marriage Mr. Crafts purchased a farm on the east line of the township, where they remained for several years, but finally sold out and moved to Cuyahoga Rapids, where he now resides.
Edward, third son of Uncle William, was born in Auburn, and in 1845 married Helen B. Johnson, daughter of Seth Johnson, of Newbury. They have three sons—Clayton E., Pitt M., and Stanley C. Clayton E. and Stanley C. are lawyers by profession, and reside in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Crafts and his wife reside on the old homestead, where Uncle William first settled; and their son, Pitt M., resides with them, and carries on the farm. In 1879 he married Miss Eva L. Wilber, daughter of William Wilber.
Hosea, fourth and youngest son of Uncle William, was married several years since, and resides in Michigan.
Harriet, eldest daughter, died about 1835.
Almira, second daughter, is unmarried, and resides in Auburn.
Eveline, youngest daughter, married Phileman Johnson, as mentioned in the history of the Johnson family.
Chester G. Hayes, the little boy mentioned by Uncle William Crafts, as the son of his second wife, who came to Auburn with them in 1816, was born in Canada, in 1812, and at the age of eighteen years, left the parental roof, and returned to his grandfather's, in New Hampshire. After staying there a short time, he went to Canada, staid there four years; then returned to New Hampshire again, and in 1834, married Susan Jewell. They had two children; both died in childhood, and his wife died in 1838. Soon after her death he returned to Auburn, and, after a three years' stay, engaged in chopping and clearing land, he went into the State of Pennsylvania, where he engaged in lumbering and wood-chopping, and, after carrying on that business about four years, again returned to Auburn. In 1848, he married the widow of Nathan Ethridge. Mr. Hayes, a short time previous to his marriage, had purchased a farm in Troy, previously owned by Amos Palmer, and they took up their residence there, and remained a number of years; during which time Mr. Hayes was elected justice of the peace, and served in that capacity for twelve years. He sold his farm to Daniel M. Crafts, the other little boy mentioned by uncle William Crafts, as the son of his first wife, and returned to Auburn again, for the 'fourth time. He
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now resides just east of the corners, in sight of where he spent his boyhood days.
Daniel Goodwin was born in New Hampshire, came to Middlesex, New York, in middle age, and was married to Polly Crafts, sister of Uncle William Crafts, in 1795, and they raised eight children—Mary, Edward, Daniel, Hannah, John, Sally, Richard, Nancy and James.
Mr. Goodwin moved to Auburn with his family about 1819. He first settled just east of the corners, and, in 1832, lived near Bridge creek, on the north side of the center road. He died about 1856, and his wife died in 1855.
David Smith, sr., was born in Connecticut, in 1763, and was married, in 1785, to Lucy Prindle; they had five children—Lucy, Anna, Charry, Irena and David. Mr. Smith lost his wife in 1812; married again, in 1814, to Hannah Orton; came to Auburn, in 1816, and settled on the Ely tract. In 1823, he was appointed postmaster (he being the first in Auburn), and served fifteen years, when he resigned. Nathan Ethridge was then appointed. Mr. Smith's was the fifth family, and he built the fifth house in town. He died on the old homestead, in r852, aged eighty-nine years, and Mrs. Smith died there, in 1854, aged eighty-two years.
David Smith, jr., was born in Connecticut, in 1802, and came to Auburn, with his father, in 1816; and, in 1822, was married to the widow Wilcox, whose maiden name was Betsey Orton). They raised no family. He purchased twenty-five acres of land of his father, and of others joining him, until he owned one hundred and forty-one acres. He cleared up his land and built all the necessary buildings. In 1854, he sold out and moved to Bainbridge, where he lived about ten years, and from there moved to Chagrin Falls, where he now resides. During Mr. Smith's residence in Auburn, he served three terms as justice of the peace; was township clerk several years, and assessor seven years. Mr. Smith lost his wife, in 1867, and, in 1868, he married Miss Nabbie L. Hickox, of Burton, Ohio.
Morgan Orton was born in Connecticut. He came to Burton, Ohio, in 1815; resided there about one year ; came to Auburn in 1816; was married to Rebecca Moore about 1819, and they had six children—Belinda, Permelia, Corington, Anna, Albert, and Wesley. Mr. Orton settled on the north part of the Ely tract in 1816. About 1817 he sold out to Benjamin Woods, and went a short distance west of the center and bought on the Kirtland tract, where he lived for several years. Then he sold out to Culver and the Barneys. He then came back to the State road and settled near where he settled in 1816, and lived there several years, during which time he built a nice framed house and barn, and cleared up his farm. In 1850 he sold this farm to Jonathan Burnett, and moved to Iowa. Mr. Orton belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, and was the first Methodist that settled in Auburn.
Hervey Bassett was born in Connecticut ; came to Auburn first in 1831, and taught school in Twinsburgh in the winter of 1831 and 1832; went back to Connecticut in 1832, and returned to Auburn again in 1845 and purchased a farm of Willis Woods, north of the corners, and in 1847 was married to Hannah Coats. They had four children—Mary E., Alice M., Lucy C., and Chattie I. Mr. Bassett resided in Auburn until 1860, when he sold out and purchased a farm near Chagrin Falls, where he now resides. Mary E. died at the age of seventeen years. Mr. Bassett brought the first lucifer matches into Auburn. Mrs. Bassett died in January, 1880.
Austin Richards was born in the State of Massachusetts in 1789. In 1811 he married Miss Sally Chadwick. They came to Auburn in 1816, and settled on the Mills tract, half a mile west of the State road. Mr. and Mrs. Richards had nine children, the four eldest being born previous to their arrival in Auburn.
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The names of their children were, John C., Lorrin W., Sarah J., Orton T., Harriet, William, Julia M., Gilbert A., and Almeda M. Mr. Richards cleared up his farm, built a frame house and barn, and remained on the same farm until 1850, when he sold out to his son, Gilbert A., and moved to Chardon, settling near the center of that township. He died in 1867. In 1869 his widow returned to Auburn, with her son William, and died in 1877. Mr. Richards was elected justice of the peace in 1828, and held that office five terms in succession, during his residence in Auburn.
John C., eldest son of Austin Richards, was born in Tyringham, Massachusetts; came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1837 married Sarah M. Ensign, daughter of Jacob Ensign, and they had four children—Sarah M., Jacob A., John L., and Joel C. He settled a short distance west of his father, cleared up his farm, built all the necessary buildings for comfort and convenience, and he and his wife are now enjoying the full benefits of their industry.
Sarah M., only daughter of John C. Richards, married Alanson Knox, several years since, and they have one son, named Adelbert. They reside in Auburn.
Jacob A. married an only daughter of Cornelius Stafford, and they reside in Hambden, Ohio. John L. married Miranda Green, and they reside in Leroy, Lake county, Ohio. Joel C. married Theresa Hartson, daughter of James Hartson, of Troy. He resides with his father, and helps to carry on the farm. Lorrin W., second son of Austin Richards, and Harriet, second daughter, died young. Sarah J., eldest daughter, married a Mr. Harmon, of ,Bainbridge. They had three children—one son and two daughters. Gilbert, the son, is married, and resides in Bainbridge. The father and mother both died several years since. Orton T., third son, married about 1845, and died several years since.
William, fourth son of Austin Richards, was born in Auburn, and in 1850 married Philena Howard, daughter of William R. Howard, of Bainbridge. They had four children—Austin H., M. Emerette, Alta D. Ettie, and William, M. Emerette died at the age of eight years, and William died in infancy. Mr. Richards settled near the center of Chardon, in 1850, and remained there until 1869, when he returned to Auburn, and purchased the farm formerly owned by Hiram Brewster, and now resides at that place. During his residence in Chardon he was elected justice of the peace, and served three terms in succession.
Austin H., only son of William Richards, married Miss Ellen Johnson, of Mentor, Ohio. They have one child, a daughter, and reside in Kansas.
Alta D. Ettie is unmarried. She resides at home, and follows teaching school.
Gilbert A. Richards, fifth and youngest son of Austin Richards, was born in Auburn. In 1849 he married Mehitable Snow, daughter of Lorin Snow. They had four children—Eliza, Ella, Lorin, and Laura. Laura died young. When Mr. Richards was sixteen years old he bought his time of his father, and commenced working out for wages, which continued until he was twenty-three years old. Soon after his marriage he bought the old homestead of his father, consisting of twenty-five acres, and he and nis wife commenced their married life at that place. Mr. Richards next purchased twenty-seven acres of land adjoining Ebenezer Wicks, on the west, and soon after purchased twenty-two acres joining Wicks, on the north. In 1857 he sold the two last mentioned pieces, and purchased the old Oliver Snow farm, containing one hundred and ninety- two acres, which with the twenty-five acres he first purchased of his father, made him two hundred and seventeen acres, To this Mr. Richards has added piece after piece, until he now owns five hundred and forty-five acres of land. He now resides on the old Snow farm, two miles north of the corners, where
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he and his wife are enjoying the full benefit of their hard earnings. Mr. Richards has held the office of township trustee several times, and is at the present time one of the board of trustees.
Almeda M., youngest daughter of Austin Richards, went to Chardon with her parents in 185o, and there married a man by the name of Clough. She died in 1859, and Mr. Clough died soon after.
Benjamin Woods was born in the State of Massachusetts in 1770, lived there until he was twenty-five years of age, then came into the State of New York, and purchased some land in Palmyra, in that State. In 1798 he married Miss Mahitable Marble, and they had nine children: Tirzah, Willis, Silas, Charles, Willard, William, Theodocia, and Cynthia. He remained there some years, cleared up his farm, and by his industry and perseverance, accumulated quite a large property. In the fall of 1816, Mr. Elihu Mott, then a neighbor of Mr. Woods, hired him to take his team and move him to Newbury, Ohio. After arriving at Newbury, Mr. Woods liking the country, concluded to purchase some land before he returned home, and accordingly came to Auburn, and looked over the Root tract, but there were no roads laid out on that tract, and, in fact, none laid out in town, except the State road. Mr. Woods told William Crafts he would like to buy some land on the State road. Mr. Crafts told him he thought he could buy out Morgan Orton, who then owned some land on the north part of the Ely tract. Uncle William went with him, and he soon made a bargain for the land, and the next morning, started for home. Later in the fall he returned to Auburn again, and this time, brought back four men with him, their names being Charles Hinkley, Amasa Turner, Philip Ingler, and James Benjamin, all looking for land. Mr. Woods again returned home, and as near as we can learn, in the spring of 1817 he sold his farm in Palmyra for six thousand dollars, about half of which he lost in consequence of one of the parties, to whom he sold, breaking down. During the summer he settled up his business, and in the fall, took his family, and came to Auburn, bringing with him some stock of different kinds. He, not having a house prepared for his family, took up lodgings with David Smith, sr., and in a very short time, built a house a short distance north of the corners, and moved into it. The above differs from Uncle William Crafts’ history as to dates, but we think we are correct. Soon after Mr. Woods moved in, he purchased all of the Cowles tract, containing one thousand acres, all of which went back on account of losing his money in Palmyra, except one hundred acres, which he afterwards sold to John Hoard. He was a very industrious man, and also very benevolent, never turning a deaf ear to those in want, which was a great benefit to his neighbors in those early days. His wife was also possessed with the same spirit of benevolence, and did her full share in relieving the wants of the needy. Mrs. Woods was a physician of the Thompsonian school, and did good service in relieving the sick in Auburn, and the surrounding townships, frequently riding long distances on horseback, through the unbroken wilderness, in the night time, to attend to calls from the sick and suffering. Mr. Woods, although quite old when he came to Auburn, lived to clear up his farm, and for several years after, Mrs. Woods died in 1834, and Mr. Woods died in 2853. Both were buried on the farm a shortdistance from where they built their house in 1817. The motto of Mr. Woods was, to never let the sun go down on his wrath.
Willis, oldest son of Benjamin Woods, was born in the State of New York, and came to Auburn about 1817. He was married in 1820, to Rachel Colvin, and they had seven children: Lucina, Jane, Tuezie, Betsey, Marble, Lorenzo, and Jerome. In the spring of 1845 he sold and moved west with his family, and was killed there by the falling of a tree.
Charles Woods, third son of Benjamin Woods, was born in the State of New
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York. He came to Auburn with his parents in 1817, and in 1833 married Sarah Johnson. They had nine children, viz: Mary, Alanson B., Willard C., Henry G., Lurana M., Laura A., Nelson R., Frank R., and Emma D., all born in Auburn. Mr. Woods lived with his father, and helped clear up the farm. He took up the blacksmith trade in his younger days, and built a shop, where he did his own work and considerable for his neighbors. About 1873 his health failed him, and he soon gave up working at his trade entirely. He continued to fail in health until his death, which occurred in 1878, on the old. homestead, where his father settled in 1817. His widow is still living, and resides on the old homestead.
Alanson B., eldest son of Charles Woods, lived at home until of age, then went to Iowa. When the war of the Rebellion broke out, he was in Fairbault, Minnesota, and, in the fall of 1861, enlisted in company I, first regiment, Minnesota sharpshooters, called " Berdan's sharpshooting volunteers." They were stationed at St. Paul in the winter of 1861 and '62, and in the spring of 1862, was ordered to Washington, District of Columbia, where they joined the army of the Potomac. Mr. Woods was in the battle of the Wilderness, and there slightly wounded. He was soon after attacked with paralysis, and totally deprived of his speech. In this condition he was taken to Philadelphia and placed in the hospital. After he had been there awhile he recovered so as to be able to talk a little, and his nurse learned from him where he belonged, and wrote to his father, stating his condition. His brother, Henry G. Woods, started after him as soon as possible, and on arriving at Philadelphia, found him, as supposed by his physician, in a condition to come home. After starting, he began to grow worse, and on arriving at Pittsburgh was unable to come farther. His brother came home, and his mother started immediately for Pittsburgh, and on her arrival foundhim worse, and he died September 25, 1862, two days after her arrival. Mrs. Woods brought him back to Auburn, and he was buried in the cemetery at the corners, in sight of where he was born. Thus he, like five hundred thousand and more, gave his life for his country—and his country appreciates the sacrifice.
Willard C., Second son, enlisted, in 1861, in company B, Second Ohio volunteer cavalry, for three years, served in that company until September 3o, 1862, and was discharged at Fort Scott, Kansas. In 1863 he was appointed pay-master's clerk, on the United States steamer "Osage," Mississippi squadron, and June 16, 1864, was transferred to United States steamer "Fort Hindman," served on that steamer until the thirtieth day of October, 1864, and was then discharged from the service and returned home. In 1870 he went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, hired out to the American Express company, and was in their employ seven years, during which time he was in several different States. In 1875 Mr. Woods was in Missouri, and there married Miss Sarah E. Meeder. They have two children, named Frank and Mabel. Mr. Woods returned to Auburn with his family in 1878, and resides a few rods north of the corners, near where he was born.
Henry G., third son, in 1861, when the war broke out, enlisted in the three months' service, served out his time and returned home. He had previously rented and carried on his father's farm, and continued to do so after his return. In 1867 he married Miss Mary L. Ensign, daughter of Chardon Ensign, of Middlefield, Ohio. Mr. Woods died on the old homestead in 1877, and his wife died in 1879.
Nelson R., fourth son, enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, in 1862, in the naval service, and served about eleven months, when he was taken sick and discharged. In 1864 he enlisted again in the One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until the close of the war. He returned home,
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and engaged in different occupations. In 1877 he went to Evansville, Indiana, and, in 1878, married Sarah Vickery, of that place. Mr. Woods is a Free Methodist minister, and now resides at Howard, Knox county, Ohio.
Frank R., fifth son, is unmarried. His home is in Auburn, but is engaged in business that keeps him from home most of the time.
Lurana M., daughter of Charles Woods, is unmarried; spends most of her time in Cleveland, Ohio.
Emma D., youngest daughter, married George Ridge, and now resides in Troy, Ohio.
Lewis L. Webster is the only son of Lucius Webster, and was born in Kingsville, Ohio, and there learned the harness-maker's trade. Came to Auburn in 1853, and worked about one year for Oliver P. Hayes, who was carrying on business at the corners at that time. In 1855 Mr. Webster commenced business for himself; worked in different shops about the corners, and in 1864 he married Laura A. Woods, and they have three children—Arthur W., John W., and Charles .W. Soon after their marriage, Mr. Webster purchased a house and lot joining his father-in-law, Woods, and carried on harness making at that place until 1877, when he sold his tools, rented his shop, and moved into the old Benjamin Woods' homestead, and is now occupying the same. Mrs. Webster is one of the third generation who has occupied the same farm, and their children are the fourth. This farm, and the Bildad Bradley farm, now occupied by Alonzo Colvin, are the only two farms in Auburn that are now occupied by the third and fourth generations.
William, fifth son of Benjamin Woods, was born in the State of New York; came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1831 married Almira Hall, daughter of Russell Hall, sr. They had four children—Lorin, Almeda, Edwin, and Tryphena. Mr. Woods settled north of his father's, on the State road, partially cleared up his farm, and lost his wife, in 1843. He married again, the same year, Miss Maria Wright. They had three children—Caroline, Emery and Emily (twins). Mr. Woods traded farms with Peter O. Hall, in 1845. Moved on to that farm, and lived there a few years; then traded farms with Lines S. Pope, and moved on to the east town line road, where he remained a few years; then sold out, and purchased a farm in Newbury, known as the Abraham Woodard farm. and died there, very suddenly, about 1870. His two daughters, by his first wife, are both dead. Lorin, his second son, married several years since, and resides in Huntsburgh. Edwin also married several years since, and resides in Garrettsville, Ohio. His eldest daughter, by the second wife, married James Thrasher, and resides in Troy. Emily married George Mumford, and resides on the farm where her father died. Emery married a Miss Burroughs, of Troy, and they reside in that township.
Pardon Wilber was born in the State of Rhode Island; was married to Rebecca Bowler, and they had three children—George, William and Rebecca. Mr. Wilber came to Auburn, with his family, in 1817, and settled west of the township, on the Root tract; built a house and barn, partially cleared up his farm, and sold out, about 1836, and moved to Chardon, Ohio, and died at that place several years since. His wife came back to Auburn after the death of her husband, and died a few years since, near where they first settled.
Mr. Wilber held several different offices, while living in town, among which was that of justice of the peace.
George Wilber, son of Pardon Wilber, came to Auburn with his parents, and shared with them the hardships and privations of pioneer life. An incident or two in the life of George, as related by his son, William Wilber, will serve to break the monotony of this history. In the first place, a description of the wagon, or the thing used in those early days in place of a regular wagon, which
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was made as follows: The first thing in order was to find a crotched tree, fall it, and hew from the crotch far enongh for a tongue; then hew out the crotch sufficiently small to be light, and still strong enough for all practical purposes, put some boards across the crotch, and you have the wagon. With this kind of a conveyance, and a pair of oxen attached, George was sent down to Captain Seth Harmon's in Mantua, after a quarter of beef; and on the way back, after getting a little way into Auburn, and it getting a little dark, George was startled by hearing a wolf howl but a short distance behind him, and soon after another one howled, and by this time George began to hurry up the cattle and at the same time, also, the wolves began to show themselves, and manifest a great desire for a chunk of beef. George whipped and hurried up the cattle as fast as possible, but the wolves kept getting closer to the beef, and George concluded that terra firma was no place for him. With a bound, he mounted the vehicle, ran up the tongue between the cattle to the yoke, and by a very severe demonstration, in the way of whipping the cattle and whipping at the wolves, he succeeded in reaching, in safety, a house that stood near where A. A. Snow now resides. Here he put up for the night, and the next morning went home with his beef. George told his associates, a few days afterwards, that it seemed to him that his hair stood up a great deal straighter than common.
Another little incident which occurred in that early day with Mr. Wilber and three or four of his associates, some years after the above occurrence, is some- what amusing, and shows, with all, that good whiskey (for it is said they had no other in those days) did then, as now, confuse the human brain to some extent. One warm evening, in the spring of the year, Mr. Wilber and some of his neighbors started out to catch' some fish, and as they were going along towards the creek, they came across a large rattlesnake, which they killed and took along with them. After arriving at the creek, and fishing awhile without much success, they kindled up a fire, got a long stick, tied the snake by the tail to one end, and stuck the other end in the ground, in a position so the snake would hang over the fire, and while he was roasting, it is fair to presume, they indulged just 'a little in the "oh-be-joyful," and after getting quite mellow, and the snake getting quite mellow by being thoroughly roasted, and their appetites getting a little sharp withal, a proposition was made by one of the party to eat the snake, and they all fell to and devoured the old fellow instanter. They soon after wended their way home, and after going to bed and taking a short nap, one of them awoke and complained of a very bad feeling in the region of the diaphragm, and it took a very lengthy argument to convince him that the delicious meal of snake and whiskey that he had partaken the night before, was not the true cause of the terrible state of his bowels.
Mr. Wilber was married in 1828, to Rachel Smith, daughter of Robert Smith, one of the first settlers of Bainbridge, Ohio, and they raised eight children— Charlotte, Charles, William, Eliza, Mary, Rebecca, Albert, and Anna. Mr. Wilber held several offices while he resided in Auburn, among which was trustee, justice of the peace, and postmaster. He resided west of where his father first settled, built a nice dwelling house and other out-buildings, and after a residence of over fifty years in Auburn, sold out to John Quinn and moved to Aurora, Illinois, where he now resides.
William Wilber is the son of George Wilber, and was born in Auburn; was married in x858 to Lucia Case, and they have two children, named George and Eva. Mr. Wilber resides on the center road, near the west line of the township, on lands owned in an early day by Eli McConoughey, and is at the present time one of the board of trustees of the township.
Amaziah Keyes came to Auburn from the State of New York in 1817, was married to Nancy Crafts, sister of William Crafts, and they raised nine children,
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named Nancy, Betsey, Joseph, Sally, Vivalda, Amanda, Eunice, Oliver, and William. Mr. Keyes died in 1824, and his wife in 1840.
Joseph Keyes, oldest son of Amaziah Keyes, came to Auburn from the State of New York in 1816, with William Crafts; was married to Ruth Colvin, and they had six children—Arnaziah, Anson, Lucy, Cordelia, Nehemiah, and Drusilla. Joseph Keyes lived in Auburn several years, and then moved to Troy, Geauga county, where he died in 1871. His widow is still living.
Vivalda Keyes, second son, came to Auburn with his father in 1817; was married about 1835 or '36, to Hannah Goodwin, and they raised two children, named Alonzo William, and Annette. They moved to Wisconsin, and from there back to Pioneer, Ohio, where they died a few years since. Oliver, third son, lives in some western State. William, fourth son, married several years since, and now resides in Louisville, Kentucky. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and did good service for his country.
Jeremiah White was born in Canada, and was married in the State of New York, in 1816, to Sally Keyes, and came to Auburn in 1818. They had eight children--Nancy, J. Van Ranslear, Mary, Sarah M., Laura Ann, Harriet A., Nathaniel, and William N. Mr. White first settled on the State road, south of Auburn corners, having purchased some land of his father-in-law (Mr. Keyes), and built a house where Israel Johnson now resides; lived there a few years, cleared some land, sold out to his father-in-law, and moved into Troy, and purchased some land of Jacob Welsh; cleared about fifty acres, and finally lost the land and all his labor in consequence of the land being mortgaged by Welsh, and he could not get a good title. Mr. White then purchased some land in what is known as Auburn valley, of one Marsh's built a house on the same, cleared up that land and lived there several years; then sold out and moved back on the State road, north of the corners. Sold out there, and moved back on to the land where he first settled; lived there a short time, and then moved a little farther north; from there a half mile west, and from there to Auburn corners, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. White have lived together sixty-three years, and are the only couple now living in Auburn who have lived together for that length of time.
William N. White was born in Auburn, is the third son and youngest child of Jeremiah White. He obtained a good education, and for a number of years he was engaged in teaching school. In 1862 he married Louisa M. Messenger, daughter of Clement Messenger, sr. They have two children : India A. and Willie N. Soon after his marriage, Mr. White started a shoe shop in the building, which he now occupies as a dwelling house, a short distance west of the corners. After carrying on the business of shoemaking for two years, he purchased a small stock of groceries, and for the next two years carried on both branches of business in the same building. He then purchased the north part of the building at the corners, known as 0. S. Crain's tinshop, which increased his facilities for carrying on his business. He remained there something over three years, then sold out and purchased the building known as the John Mayhew store, where he is now located, and is still engaged in mercantile business.
Cornelius Bowerman was born in Canada in 1791; came to the State of New York in early life, and married Ruby Hamilton, in 1816, they having three children—Addison, Hamilton, and Stephen. Mr. Bowerman came to Ohio in 1818, and settled in Medina county; lived there about four years, and then came and settled in Auburn valley. They then had three children. He built a house, chopped, and got some land ready to burn the brush, and while burning the same, his wife went out to help, and left her infant child asleep on the bed, and, before they were aware of it, the house caught fire by the flames running under it, and burned to the ground. The child could not be rescued. Mr. Bowerman
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moved back to Medina county in 1837, and his wife died there about 1856. He then moved to Michigan.
Abraham Gilmore, we think, was born in the State of New York, cane with the Canfields, Antisdale, and Harrington, in 1818, and he married Phebe Antisdale, sister of George W., sr., and they had eight children--David, George, Dury, Hiram, Lyman, Mary, Woolcot, and Abram. Mr. Gilmore settled west of Harrington, on the Root tract, cleared up his farm, and in 184o sold out and moved to Wisconsin.
Elliot W. Crafts, son of John and Abagail Crafts, was born in the State of New York, in 1799. He was married in 1818, to Cynthia Rice, and they came to Auburn in 1818. They had seven children—Eliza, Elisha, Cynes, Sophia, Clarissa, Cillinda, and Cynthia. Mr. Crafts first settled southeast of the corners, on the Ely tract, and afterwards on the Cowles tract, east of the corners, where he lived several years; sold out there, and moved to Auburn valley, and there lost his first wite. After a few years he moved to Newbury, married again, and lost another wife in that town. Soon after this he moved to Thompson, and there married a widow lady, named Mrs. Stearns. Mr. Crafts, by this marriage, had one child, a son. After living in Thompson several years, he died in 1878. His widow, and youngest son, still reside in Thompson.
Elisha, eldest son of Elliot Crafts, was born in Auburn, in 1819; was married about 1840, to the widow of Franklin S. Reuwee (whose maiden name was Betsey Waterman). They have but one child, a son, whose name is William. Mr, Crafts resided in Auburn valley several years, finally sold out, and moved into the southeast part of Mantua, where he now resides.
Cyrus, second son of Elliot Crafts, was born in Auburn, in 1822; was married about 1838, to Samantha Spaulding, and they had one child, a son, named Mortimer. Mr. Crafts died soon after the birth of his son, and the son died several years since.
John B. Scudder was born in the State of New York ; came to Auburn in 1832, and in 1835 was married to Eliza Crafts, daughter of Elliot Crafts, and they had one daughter, Sarah M. Mr. Scudder first purchased some land in Troy, but, soon after his marriage, sold out, and purchased some land on the east township line in Auburn; lived there a few years, then sold out and purchased a farm in Auburn valley; moved there, and lost his wife in 1869. He soon after broke up keeping house, and went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Oliver F. Snow, and died there in 1877, after a long and painful illness.
Isaac Butts was born in the State of New York in 1807, came to Auburn with the Antisdales in 1818, and in 1829 married Cynehia Woods, daughter of Benjamin Woods. They had seven children Olive, Lorette, Mahitable, Corlintha, Charles, Sarah; and one child died young. Mr. Butts settled on the first north and south road, west of the corners, cleared up the farm, and resided there until 1876, when he sold out, and purchased lands in Newbury, formerly owned by A. C. Gardner, where he now resides.
Charles Butts, only son of Isaac, is married, and has one child. He resides with his father, and helps to carry on the farm.
Edwin Parks, son of Nathaniel Parks, was born in Chardon; came to Auburn in 1849, and in 1850 married Olive Butts, daughter of Isaac Butts. They had one child, named Lenora. Mrs. Parks died in 1852. In 1858 he married for his second wife, Lorette, daughter of Isaac Butts. Mr. Parks resided in Auburn the most of the time from 1849 until his death, which occurred in 1868.
Arnold Harrington was born in the State of New York, came to Auburn in 1818, when a young man, and married the widow of George W. Antisdale, and they had five children: Adison, Seth, William, Thomas, and Sally. He settled in the woods, west of the Canfield's and Antisdale's, on the Root tract, cleared
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up his farm, and resided there for many years ; finally sold out and moved to Troy, Ohio, where he and his wife died several years since.
Oliver Snow, son of Oliver and Elizabeth Snow, was born in, or near, Boston, Massachusetts, in 1748, and in 1774 was married to Rebecca Wadsworth, and they had six children—Oliver, jr., Roxana, Franklin, Charlotte, Hastings, and Rebecca. Mr. Snow lost his wife in 1784, and was married the same year to Roxana L. Taylor, and they had five children—Electa, Lorin, Lucy, Alvirus, and Lucina. Mr. Snow came to Auburn with his family in 1822, and purchased a large tract of land.on the Mills tract, in the northeast part of the township, cleared up the same, and built the first frame house in the township, where Gilbert A. Richards now resides. Mr. Snow was a Universalist in belief, and is the man mentioned by A. G. Riddle, who used to meet Uncle Benjamin Woods in the road, about half way from the corners to where Mr. Snow lived, and hold very lengthy arguments upon the Bible; always meeting and parting as friends, but frequently wishing each other dead, as a kind of parting salute. Mr. Snow's second wife died in 1836, and Mr. Snow died in 1841. He was the oldest person who had died in Auburn up to that time, being ninety-three years of age.
Jonathan Burnett was born in the State of New York ; came to Newbury with his parents in an early day, and in 1831 married Lucina Brayman, she at that time having two daughters by her first husband. Their names were Mariette and Henriette. Mariette died soon after her mother's second marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Burnett had two children, a son and daughter, both of whom died young. Mr. Burnett worked for Mr. Snow some nine years previous to marrying his daughter, and after they were married they continued to live there; and some seven years previous to the death of the old gentleman (Snow), Burnett bought the farm, and took care of Mr. Snow until he died. He remained on the farm until 1850, when he rented it and moved to Auburn corners; resided there seven years, during which time he sold his farm to Gilbert A. Richards. Mr. Burnett soon after sold out at the corners, and bought out Morgan Orton; moved there in 1857, and died in 1859. Mr. Burnett held several different offices in town, among which was that of justice of the peace, and was serving his third term in that office when he died. Soon after the death of her husband, Mrs. Burnett sold the farm and purchased the John Mayhew place at Auburn corners, where she and her daughter Henriette now reside.
Lorin Snow, eldest son of Oliver and Roxa Snow, was born in Massachusetts, in 1706, came to Auburn, in x8r8, and was married, in 1822, to Cyrintha Burnett, daughter of Joshua M. Burnett, of Newbury. They had five children— Delos, Harriet, Mehitable, Eliza and Frank C. Harriet died young; Delos died at nineteen; Eliza died at the age of nine years. Mr. Snow first settled on the State road, opposite his father, Oliver Snow, on the Mills tract. He first purchased fifty acres; next purchased ninety acres, on the east and west road, near by; next, thirty acres, one-half mile west; next, purchased one hundred and twelve acres in Troy, known as the Bishop lot, and lastly, purchased twenty-five acres adjoining the first piece he bought, on the east, making the homestead seventy-five acres. Mr. Snow died, in 1863, on the farm where he first settled, and his wife died, in 1865, at the same place.
Alvirus, youngest son of Oliver Snow, was born in Massachusetts. In 1821, at the age of twenty-three, he started west to seek his fortune, with a man by the name of Walters. At Auburn, New York, they formed the acquaintance of a man and his family by the name of Wicks, who were also coming west. They continued to travel together until they reached Ashtabula,, Ohio. Here Mr. Snow stopped a few days with some cousins. From there he went to Fowler,
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Warren and Windham; stopping at the last place, with a half-sister (a Mrs. Jager). From there he went to Mantua, where he had some half-brothers; stayed with them a few days, then started north, and came to Auburn with his brother, Franklin, and stopped with his brother, Lorin, who had been here some two years. Alvirus had about one hundred dollars. He bought thirty acres of land where he now resides, chopped and cleared five acres that season, and sowed it to wheat.
In 1823, his father came on from the east, and brought with him about two hundred dollars; it being money that he had earned, and left in his father's care. With this he purchased, of Lewis Finley, fifty-nine acres, which joined his thirty acres, on the south; making, in all, eighty-one acres. Mr. Waterman moved into his house and he boarded with him nearly two years. At the age of twenty-six he married Mary G. Reed, daughter of William Reed, of Pierpont, Ohio. One year after this he moved his wife to Auburn, where she found in waiting a new house, which they occupied--the same place where he now resides. They have had five children; one died young. The names of those now living are: Alonzo A., Oliver F. and Taylor. Cordelia died in 1853
After Mr. Snow was married he commenced business in earnest, and by his industry and perseverance has added to his possessions, until he is now the owner of ten hundred and seventy-two acres of land, lying in Auburn, Troy, Burton, and Newbury. He had ninety-five acres in Williams county, Ohio, but sold that about one year since.
Alonzo A., eldest son of Alvirus Snow, was born in Auburn. In 1845 he married Miss Abigail M. Smith, daughter of James Smith. They had four children—Emeroy 0., Mary L, Tida M. and Alvirus J. Mary L. died young, and Tida M. died at the age of fourteen years.
Soon after their marriage Mr. Snow purchased some land south of the corners, on the Atwater tract. This land was first taken up by Ethan Brewer, and he built a small log house near where Mr. Snow's house now stands; and, it is believed, this was the first house built on the east side of the State road, on that tract. Mr. Snow has cleared up his farm, built a nice dwelling-house, barns and other out-buildings, andhe and his wife are now enjoying the benefits of their industry and perseverance.
Oliver F., second son of Alvirus Snow, was born in Auburn, and, in 1861, married Sarah M. Scudder, daughter of John B. Scudder. They have two chil-. dren-Alena L and John G. Mr. Snow now owns and resides on the farm formerly owned by Russell Hall, and has buildings enough for a small village.
Taylor A., youngest son of Alvirus Snow, was born in Auburn, and, in r8— married Miss Ella M. Callendar, of Milton, Ohio. They have three children— Albert T., James C. and Adin C.
Soon after their marriage Mr. Snow moved to Austin, Cook county, Illinois, where they now reside. Mr. Snow is a lawyer by profession.
Oliver P. Hays came to Auburn in 1845, and in 1848 married Cordelia Snow, daughter of Alvirus Snow, and they had two children—Mary E. and Laura C. He was a harness maker by trade, and lived at the corners, where his wife died in 1853. He married again, and in a few years sold and removed to Mantua station, where he now resides.
James A. Nooney was born in Mantua, and is the son of Hezekiah Nooney, one of the first settlers of that township. He came to Auburn in 1878, and married Laura C., daughter of Oliver P. Hayes. They now reside at their grandfather Snow's, and help carry on the farm.
Jacob Line was born in Pennsylvania in 1839, came to Auburn in 1859, and in 1861, at the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, he enlisted in the Second Ohio volunteer cavalry, and served for three years. He was engaged
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in the following named battles: Knoxville, Bulls Gap, Blue Springs, Strawberry Plains, Morristown, Rutledge, Rogersville, Carter Station, Bean Station, Blame Cross Roads, Cumberland Gap, Dandridge, and several other battles of less note. After the close of the war Mr. Line returned to Auburn, and in 1875 he was married to Enieroy 0. Snow, daughter of Alonzo A. Snow. They have one child, named Josephine A. Mr. Line is engaged in manufacturing cheese, and owns what is known as the " Old Hood Factory," in the south part of the township, which was the first cheese factory built in Auburn.
John Morey was born in Massachusetts, came to Auburn in 1817 or '18, and was married soon after to Dorcas Antisdale, daughter of George W. Antisdale, sr. They had the following children: Washington, Sylvenas, Linas, Franklin, Betsey, and Mary. Mr. Morey first settled in the north part of the township; changed places a few times; last settled on the State road, where Charles Crocker now resides; sold out to Rufus Pope; purchased a farm at Maple Grove, in Troy, and died at that place a few years since. His widow now resides at Cuyahoga Rapids.
Rodger W. Antisdale came to Auburn in 1818. He was previously married to Elizabeth Butts. They have one daughter, whose name is Betsey. Mr. Antisdale settled on land just west of his brother, George W., on the Kirtland tract; cleared up his farm, and built the necessary buildings for comfort and convenience. He died on the same farm in 1853, and his wife died in 1865.
George W. Antisdale came to Auburn, from the State of New York, in 1818. Mr. Antisdale married Polly Payne, and they had eight children—Waterman, George W., Lucretia, Dorcas, John, Sophronia, Joseph, and Mary. Mr. Antis- dale settled in the woods, on the south part of the Kirtland tract. He built a house and commenced clearing his land, but was taken sick and died in 1820, about two years from the time he first arrived. He was the first man that died in the township, and his funeral was the second in the township.
Waterman, eldest son of George W. Antisdale, came to Auburn with his parents, and settled at the center, where he built a house and remained until his death, which occurred in 1854. He was a bachelor.
George W., jr., second son, also came to Auburn, with his parents, and in 1827 married Sally Greeley, daughter of Clark Greeley. They had thirteen children—Silas G., Julius 0., Lucretia E., Julian, Albert, Laura, Frances, Sally, Augusta E., Ozeas D., Betsey, Wallace, and Mary. Julian died at the age of nine years; Wallace, at the age of twenty-one years; Albert, in 1879, at the age of forty-two years. He had a family, and resided at Chagrin Falls, Ohio. George W. Antisdale continued on the farm where his father died; cleared it up; built a nice house, and all the necessary out-buildings, and remained there the most of the time, until 1865, when he rented his farm and moved to Chagrin Falls, where he now resides. Mrs. Antisdale, previous to her marriage, followed teaching school, in Auburn and the surrounding townships, and became quite noted in her profession in that early day.
John, third son, also came to Auburn with his parents, and about 1834 married Mary Ann, also a daughter of Clark Greeley, and they had no children. Mr. Antisdale settled a short distance west of the center, and remained there until about 187i, when he rented his farm and removed to Chagrin Falls, where he now resides.
Joseph, fourth son, married Miss Harriet Morse, of Concord, Ohio. They had two children—Philo and Emily. Mr. Antisdale settled in Middlefield, and now resides in that township.
Roswell Rice, was born in Cherry Valley, New York; was married in 1807 to Nancy, daughter of Amziah and Nancy Keyes, and came to Auburn in 1819. Was a blacksmith by trade. He purchased some land at the corners and built
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a shop, and worked there four or five years; then sold out and moved to Mantua; purchased some land and built a shop, and continued to work at his trade there until 1842, when he sold out. He came back to Auburn and purchased the old homestead, where his father-in-law, Keyes, first settled. Mr. Rice had ten children—Edward C., Phila Ann, Porter, Nancy, Roswell, Harvey, Henry, Martha, Mary L, and Martin. He died in x86t.
Joseph Bartholomew came to Auburn from the State of New York in 1819. He married Thankful Turner, and they had nine children, whose names are Mary, Martha, Sherman, Susan, Cyrenus, Sylvester, Drayton, Zerelda, and Lorene. Mr. Bartholomew settled first west of the center; moved from there to the farm since owned by William Quinn, sr., and from there farther east, and finally settled on the Kirtland tract, opposite the farm now owned by George W. Antisdale, built a house and barn, cleared up his farm, sold out in 1837 or '38, and moved to Michigan, where he died years since.
Elijah Canfield, brother of Henry, was born in the State of New York; married Sally Decker, and they had one child, whose name was Sally. Mr. Canfield came to Auburn with his family in 1819, and settled in the woods on the Kirtland tract, a little east of where his brother Henry settled, cleared up his farm, and built all the necessary buildings for comfort and convenience. They died on the same farm several years since.
William Crafts, third son of John Crafts, was born in the State of New York in 18o1, came to Auburn about x82o, and married one Sarepta Colvin, and they raised one daughter—Aurilla. Mr. Crafts settled in Auburn valley, cleared up his farm, and was killed in 1839, near Punderson's mill, in Newbury, by being thrown from a horse. Mrs. Crafts died in ay.
Joseph Webster was born in Massachusetts, and came from there to Auburn in the spring of 1820; was married in 1815 to Sally Webster, the widow of one of his brothers. Her maiden name was Sally Whaley. They raised nine children, whose names were Huldah, Arcena, Cyrintha, Stephen, James, Melinda, Susan, and Almeda. Mr. Webster settled in the northeast part of the township, on the Mills tract, and cleared up his farm. He died on this place in 1854, and his wife died about 1865.
Hiram Webster came to Auburn with his step-father, and was married about 1830 to Elizabeth Upham, of Newbury, and they raised six children, whose names were Horace, Stephen, Eliza, Lucy Ann, Amos, and William. Mr. Webster purchased some land on the south side of the William Crafts farm, built a house and barn, and lived there for a series of years; finally sold out and moved to Michigan. His wife died there several years since.
Lyman Webster also came to Auburn with his step-father and purchased land in Newbury; was married about 1834 to Rachel Ann, daughter of Nicholas Silvernail. They raised several children, the names of the four oldest being Catharine J., William H., Hiram D., and Elizabeth A. There were two or three others, but we do not recollect. Mr. Webster traded his Newbury land for land in Auburn valley, and after occupying that several years, sold out to John B. Scudder, and moved with his family to Michigan, where he and his wife have since died.
Ephraim Wright was born in the State of New York, and there married Lydia Le Munyon. They had nine children, whose names were Morrison, T)iantha, Lester, Hannah, Alonzo, Edward, Plimpton, Maria, and Laura. Mr. Wright came to Auburn with his family in 1820, and settled at the center. He remained there until 1836, when he sold out to Gilbert Hinkley and moved to Michigan.
Lester Wright, second son of Ephraim Wright, was born in the State of New York; came to Auburn with his parents in the fall of 1819, and in 1836 married
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Pauline Hayes, daughter of Eli Hayes, of Burton, Ohio. They had two children, whose names were Ephraim and Eli. Mr. Wright left Auburn in the fall of 1836, and settled in Michigan, where his wife died in 1843. He married again, and in 1867 his second wife died. He then came back to Burton and married a niece of his first wife; returned to his home in Michigan, and in 1874 she was killed by lightning. In 1875 Mr. Wright returned to Auburn again, and in 1877 married the widow of William Crafts, and now resides a half mile east of Auburn corners, on the place where Mr. Crafts died.
Henry Canfield was born in the State of New York; was married in 1807 to Rachel Kent, and they raised a family of ten children, whose names were Hiram, Barton, Tyrus, Nathan B., Charles G., Hannah, George W., Henry, jr., Henry K., and Albert B. He came to Auburn with his family in t82x, and purchased land southwest of the center, on what is known as Bridge creek. On this creek was a very good mill-seat, where he built the first saw-mill in Auburn He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and worked at that business more or less, while clearing up his farm. In those early days the wolves and bears were plenty, and people used to make pens to shut up their sheep in during the night, to keep them from being killed. Mr. Canfield having some sheep, built a pen on the south side of his log house, making the house one side of the pen. One night, just before dark, the boys drove up the sheep, and put them in the pen as usual. Mr. Canfield being away, working at his trade. Some time, during the night, Mrs. Canfield heard a great commotion among the sheep, and getting out of bed as soon as possible, she opened the door, and to her horror, saw a huge bear in the pen with the sheep. She went back into the house, went up the ladder into the loft, where the boys were sleeping, and tried to wake them up, but in trying to wake them without making such a noise as to scare away the bear, she did not succeed very well, but supposing she had made them understand the situation, she went down to see how the sheep and bear agreed, and behold old bruin had got out of the pen, and left, minus his sheep, and, no doubt, minus the contents of three well loaded rifles which were in the house at the time, provided the boys could have been waked up in time. Another time, when Mr. Canfield was away at work, Mrs. Canfield woke up one night, and found the house on fire. The fire was in the chimney, which was built on the outside of the house, of stone and sticks, and plastered over inside and out with mud. In this case the sticks took fire, and as soon as Mrs. Canfield could wake up the boys, they commenced operations to put out the fire. There was water in the creek close by, but it was so extremely cold that they could not get it, and it was evident that the house must burn up, but just as that critical moment, her oldest son, Hiram, conceived the idea of prying off the stick part of the chimney, and in a moment he was up there with a hand spike, and by an almost superhuman effort (being then almost frozen) succeeded in prying off the burning sticks which fell into the snow beneath, and thereby saved the house from burning up. By this time, Mrs. Canfield was almost frozen to death, but by getting into bed with her children, she succeeded in saving her life; these were some of the hardships and perils of pioneer life in Auburn. Mr. Canfield sold his farm and mill in 1834, to Jude May, and went to Cuyahoga Rapids, where he purchased some land, built a house, a saw and grist-mill, and in 1837 or '38 sold out and moved to Medina, but soon after, returned, and purchased a farm in Mantua; lived there several years, and finally sold out and returned to Auburn, purchased a farm on the north and south center road, south of the center, and Mrs. Canfield died there in 1868, and Mr. Canfield died at the same place in 1869, about one mile southeast of where they first settled forty-eight years before.
Hiram, eldest son of Henry Canfield, was born in the State of New York;
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came to Auburn with his parents, and, about 1828, was married to Sally Robinson, daughter of Asa Robinson, of Newbury. Mr. Canfield first purchased the farm now owned by S. L. Castlow, in the west part of the township, but soon sold out, and purchased some land at Cuyahoga Rapids; lived there a few years and then sold out, and purchased land in the Atwater tract, south of the corners, where he lived for many years; raised quite a large family, whose names were Francis, Henry, Henrietta, Mary, and Wade H. Mr. Canfield sold out in 1874 or 1875, and moved to Austin, Illinois, where he now resides.
Barton, second son, died young.
Tyrus, third son, came to Auburn with his father, and was married, in 1833, to Betsey, daughter of Rodger W. Antisdale, and they had seven children— Adolphus G., Celestia E., Terrestia, Wellington D., Hannah E., Nathan B., and Linmus T. Soon after his marriage Mr. Canfield built him a house just west of his father-in-law, Antisdales, and resided there until his death, which occurred on the night of May 15, 1858, in the following tragical manner: There was a family in the neighborhood of doubtful character, and Mr. Canfield, and other neighbors, had tried to get them away, by buying them out, and, after every effort to get rid of them peaceable had failed, the neighbors consulted together, and finally concluded to remove them at all hazards; and with this object in view, they met at the dwelling place of this family on the night above mentioned, and, while in the act of carrying out their plans, Mr. Canfield was shot, by some unknown person in the house, and died in a few moments.
Adolphus G., eldest son of Tyrus Canfield, was born in Auburn, and in 1860 married Augusta E., daughter of George W. Antisdale. They have two children—Seneca E. and Cora H. Mr. Canfield now resides on the farm formerly owned by Joseph Bartholomew.
Wellington D., second son of Tyrus, was born in Auburn, and in 1867 married Melissa, daughter of Emerson Parker, of Bainbridge. They have two children—Mertie and Henry. Mr. Canfield now resides in Kansas.
N. Byron, third son of Tyrus, was born in Auburn, and in 1873 married Julia F., daughter of G. L Sprague. They have one child—Estella. Mr. Canfield resides in the old homestead, where his father died.
Linmus T., fourth son, is unmarried, is a dentist by trade, and now resides at Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
D. N., son of Nathan B. Canfield, was born in Hiram, and was married in 1858 to Mary L., daughter of J. Parker Bartholomew. They have two children —Wade H. and Effre. Mr. Canfield now resides near Thorp's mills, in the southeast part of the township.
Nathan B., was married at Cuyahoga Rapids, to Lucy Ann Blair, but left there many years since, and now resides in some western State.
Charles G. married Laura Olds, about 1840, and now resides in Troy.
George W. married Jenett Merryfield, and now resides in Cleveland, Ohio.
Henry, jr., was born in Auburn. When about two years old he went with his brother to the State of New York on a visit; while there he was taken sick and died, and was buried by the side of his brother Barton, who had previously died in that State.
Henry R. was born in Auburn. He married a daughter of Chester Reed. They had one child—Ora E. Mr. Canfield died suddenly while at work in the harvest field, many years since.
Albert B., we think, married in Auburn, but now resides in some western State.
Francis, eldest son of Hiram Canfield, married Mary Harmon, of Mantua. They had two children—Hattie and Frank. Frank died when about two years old. Mr. Canfield settled west of his father, on land formerly owned by Charles
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Hinckley, and lived there a few years. In 1872 he sold out and moved to Austin, Illinois, where he now resides.
Henry married Emily, daughter of Elias H. Fish. He died, about 1864, in the State of Indiana, His widow married Orestes F. Wood, and she now resides in Brookfield, Missouri.
Wade H. married some years since, and now resides in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a lawyer by profession.
J. Palmer Bartholomew was born in the State of New York; was married in 1821 to Mary Wilson. They had thirteen children, nine of whom are now living. Their names are Alvirus P., Perleyett, Julia Ann, Chauncey A., Nelson S,, Betsey A., Mary L, Alonzo D., and Thomas C. Mr. Bartholomew came to Auburn in 1821, and settled on the Mills tract, in the northwest part of the township, built a house, lived there one year, and sold out. He next purchased some land farther south, on the Root tract, where he lived three years. He then sold out and purchased land near Henry Canfield's mills, on the Kirtland tract, and lived there eight years. Sold out again, and purchased lot number thirty-seven, on the Atwater tract, and there made a final stop. Mr. Bartholomew was a blacksmith by trade, and while clearing up his land worked more or less at his trade. He in due time cleared up his farm, built a nice dwelling house, and other necessary buildings for comfort and convenience, and died in 1863.
Alvirus P., eldest son of-J. Palmer, was born in the State of New York, came to Auburn with his parents, was married several years since, and moved to some western State.
Chauncey A., second son, was born in Auburn; was married several years since to a daughter of Chauncey Winchell, and we think they have no children. They reside in Mantua, Ohio.
Nelson S., third son, was born in Auburn; was married in 1865 to Eliza Webster, daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth Webster. They have rarsed three children, whose names are Henry D., Emma G., and Mary E. Mr. Bartholomew resides on the first east and west road from the south line of the township, on the old homestead where his father died, and his mother resides with him.% His first wife died in 1870, and he was married again in 1872 to Amy P., daughter of Ransom Brown. Mr. Bartholomew was living in the State of Michigan at the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, and enlisted in the Fifth volunteer cavalry, of that State, in 1862, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Winchester, Gettysburg, and in- all the battles fought by Kilpatrick; was in the battle of the Wilderness, Winchester, Dinwiddie Courthouse, etc. In all, he was in eleven hard fought battles, beside several severe skirmishes; had two horses killed under him in action, was wounded once in the leg slightly, and very severely wounded in the shoulder at the battle of Dinwiddie Courthouse, from which he has never fully recovered, although he has never applied for a pension. Soon after the close of the war Mr. Bartholomew returned to Auburn, and is located as above stated.
Alonzo D., fourth son of J. Palmer, was also born in Auburn; was married several years since, and now resides in some western State.
Thomas C., fifth and youngest son, was also born in Auburn. He was married in r86o to Addie J. Quinn, daughter of John Quinn. They have two children, whose names are Zeno S. and Grant P. Mr. Bartholomew now resides west of the center, and owns the farm formerly owned by Luke Barney.
Charles Hinckley was born in the State of New York, in 1793 ; was married about 18r6 to Nancy Turner, and in 1822 came to Auburn. Settled first on the Kirtland tract, west of the corners; lived there a few years, and then sold
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Out, and purchased a farm on the second east and west road, south of the corners; cleared up his farm, and in 1838 sold out to Daniel Washburn, and purchased a farm in Troy, at what was known in those days as "Fox's corners." Mr. and Mrs. Hinckley had seven children—Horace D., James B., Porter L., Avery W., Nancy C., Leonara B., and Gilbert T. Mr. Hinckley died in 1842, and Mrs. Hinckley in 1866. Mr. Hinckley was the second justice of peace elected in Auburn.
Horace D. was born in the State of New York, in 1817; came to Auburn with his parents, and married Sylvia, daughter of Moses Bradley. He now resides in Mantua.
James B. was born in the State of New York, in 1818 ; came to Auburn with his parents, and married (we do not know the lady's name); has a family of several children, and now resides in Minnesota.
Porter L., third son of Charles Hinckley, was born in the State of New York, and came to Auburn with his parents in 1822. Married Louisa Robinson for his first wife, and his second wife was Abigail Curtis, of Chester. Both died without heirs, and are buried in Auburn. Mr. Hinckley went to Iowa many years since, and there married his third wife. They had two children—Louisa A. and Nancy E. Mr. Hinckley died in Minnesota, in r877.
Avery W. was born in the State of New York, and came to Auburn with his parents, in 1822. Married Jane Wright, and had one child—Clara. He died in Mantua in 1862, and is buried in the cemetery at Auburn corners.
Gilbert T. was born in 1835. In 1859 he married Emily A., daughter of Dudley Fox, of Troy. They have no children, and now reside at Mantua corners.
Erastus Eggleston was born at Hebron, Washington county, New York, January 7, 1779, and was married in Middlesex, Ontario-county, New York, October 26, 1817, to Mary E. Goodwin. They came from Middlesex to Auburn in November, 1823, and settled on what is known as Auburn valley. They raised a family of eleven children—Lucy Ann, Almira S., Samuel G., Mary J., Eliab D., Daniel E., Alvirus F., Alvira L Edwin R. Susan L., and Oceana R. Mr. Eggleston lived in Auburn valley several years, and finally sold out there and purchased a farm a short distance southeast of the corners. While he was boiling sap in a caldron kettle, one spring, beside a log, as was the custom in early days, one of his children (Alvirus) jumped upon the log and ran along by the kettle, slipped and fell in, and was so burned that he died within a few hours. Mr. Eggleston remained at this place a few years, then sold out and moved to Pioneer, Williams county, Ohio, and died there in 1862. We learn that his widow is still living at that place, and the most of the family live near her.
Samuel G. Eggleston, eldest son of Erastus Eggleston, was born in Auburn, Ohio, April to, 1824. He learned the cooper trade of his uncle, Daniel Goodwin—if we remember right—worked at his trade a few years, and was married September 4, r845, to Mary Silvernail, and soon after turned his attention to farming, following that business successfully until his wife's health failed. He then moved from Auburn to Pioneer, Williams county, Ohio, purchased a piece of land there, cleared it up, and built a house and other necessary buildings. His wife's health gradually failed, until October 1, i868, when she died. Mr. Eggleston married again, and we learn has some children, but we do not know their names.
Russell Hall was born in Rhode Island, and at the age of seven years went with his parents to Massachusetts. About 1806 or 1807 he married Polly Orcutt. Remained there a short time after he was married, and then moved to Chenang, New York; lived there awhile, then moved to. Ontario county, New York, remaining there until 1817, when he moved with his family to Ohio,
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stopping first in Chardon and remaining there six weeks; then started south with horses and wagon, going the first day as far as Judge Vene Stone's.; started second day in good season, and arrived that night at Mantua, near the north line. He then moved to the center of Auburn, being in the year 1824. He then purchased land on the Kirtland tract, near the center, and remained there three years. Sold this land to David Wright, and soon purchased a farm on the State road, north of the corners, of Isaac Mills, it being the farm now owned by Oliver F. Snow. Mr. Hall remained on this farm until 1839, when he sold it and purchased another on the center road, east of the corners, of Elliot Crafts, and died there in 186r. His widow remained on the old homestead until her death, which occurred in 1869, she having lived there thirty years.
Peter O., eldest son of Russell Hall, was born in Massachusetts, and came to Auburn, with his parents, in 1824. In 1839 he married Lucy Ann, daughter of James Dutton, and they had five children—Lewis S., Lucina, Zack, Corwin and Wallace W. After Mr. Hall was married he bought his father's farm, and lived. there until 1844, when he traded farms with William Woods, moved on the same, and has resided there ever since. He has purchased other lands until he now has three hundred and twenty-three acres.
Lewis S., eldest son of Peter O. Hall, was was in Auburn, and in 1863 married Abbie Donaldson. They had two children—Harry and Bert. Mr. and Mrs. Hall, not living very happily together in their marriage relations, mutually agreed to separate. Mr. Hall obtained a divorce, married again, and now resides in Madison, Lake county, Ohio.
Lucina, only daughter of Peter O. Hall, was married, in 1871, to Alfred Fowler, of Bainbridge; they have two children, and they now reside Newbury, Ohio.
Zack was born in Auburn, and in 1877 married Lillian E., daughter of William A. Messenger. They have two children.
Mr. Hall now resides on the farm where his grand parents died.
Corwin was born in Auburn, and in 1879 was married to Miss Ella H. James. They have no children. Mr. Hall resides with his father, and helps to carry on the farm.
Wallace W. is unmarried, and resides at home with his parents.
Russell Hall, jr., second son of Russell H., was born in Mantua, came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1849 was married to Charlotte, daughter of Benjamin Crafts. They have two children, whose names are Lydia. and Lorenzo. Mr. Hall first settled on the old homestead (where his father and mother died), and remained a short time, then purchased a farm in Auburn valley of one John Dinturff, and resided there several years. He sold out and moved back on the old homestead farm, and stayed two years; then sold the farm to his brother, Peter O., and moved to Chagrin Falls, where he now resides.
Benjamin Barney was born in some eastern State, and probably married in the State of New York,'as he came from that State to Auburn, with his family, about 1825, and purchased land on the Kirtland tract. Mr. Barney had a daughter, whose name was Nancy, and we think other children, but do not remember certain. Mr. Barney lived in town until about 1839, when he sold. out to Walter McLouth and moved to Dayton, Ohio, and we believe they are both dead.
Luke Barney, brother of Benjamin, was also born in some eastern State, and was married in Ellisburgh, New York, to Matilda Gore, sister of Luke Gore, of Newbury, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Barney had fifteen children—Benjamin, Leverett, Lemuel, Lorancey, Miranda, Mariah, Margett, Cyrintha, Melissa, Lucus, Clarissa, Emily, Orrissa, Lafayette W., and Livingston. All of the male part of this family of children are now dead.
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Luke and Benjamin both came to Auburn about the same time, and settled near each other. Luke remained here until about 1862, when he sold out to Julius Howard, and purchased land west of Cleveland, at or near Rocky river, and they died there several years since.
Leverett, eldest son of Luke Barney, was married to Emeline Wing, daughter of Tyler Wing, about 1840. They had four children—Montgomery, Lemuel, Franklin, and Tyler. Mr. Barney left town several years since, and died in Ashtabula county, Ohio. His widow resides in Iowa.
Curtiss Luther came to Auburn several years since, and married Lorancey Barney, daughter of Luke Barney. They had two children—Marian and Helen. Mr. Luther resided in several different places in town for several years, and finally moved to Michigan, and now resides in that State.
In 1825 Benjamin F. Chamberlain moved into Auburn and settled on the east and west center road, near the west line of the township. He came from the State of New York here, but was born in the State of Connecticut. He was married in 1822, to Lydia Hungerford, and they raised seven children— H. G., William H., Louisa M., Lydia B., Clemenza, Addison B., and Spencer F. Mr. Chamberlain's mother, and his brothers, John and Joseph, and his wife's father and mother, all came from the State of New York together—came through with teams, there being no other way to travel at that time. The roads were very bad, and they made very slow progress from where they started to Buffalo, and much slower from there to the end of their journey. His account of the journey from Buffalo is as follows: "They started in the morning, crossed Buffalo creek and traveled three miles and put up for the night. The next day they traveled about four miles, and the next morning got ready to start and were told they could not get through the Cattaraugus swamp on that road, so they turned to the left and took a circuitous route through the woods, and at night came to an Indian village, of the Cattaraugus tribe. There was a mission house at that place. Some slept in the wagons over night, and some slept with the Indians in their log huts; they were well treated by the Indians, and had a good night's rest. They started again the next morning, and some of the Indians volunteered to go with them, and show them where to cross the Cattaraugus creek. They reached the creek during the day, and under the guidance of the Indians forded the same in safety, and reached the lake shore road again that night, having traveled but a short distance that day, the roads being very bad. The next day they pursued their journey, with the same results—short distance traveled and very tired when night came—and so they traveled on until they reached Leroy, where there had been some land located for Mr. Chamberlain, which, on viewing, he did not like, and soon traded it for land in Bainbridge; sold that soon after, and purchased land and settled in Auburn, as above stated."
There was a small log house on the land when Mr. Chamberlain purchased it, and after moving in, and sleeping over night, he got up early in the morning, and, as Mr. Chamberlain stated it, the first business of importance that he did that day was to cut his foot so bad that he was confined to the house until the first day of April following—something over five months—and to add to his misfortune, about the time he cut his foot, he was attacked' with a violent fever, and obliged to go back to the State of New York, where he came from, and that lasted him four years before it broke. But, notwithstanding all his misfortune, he kept at work clearing his land, paid for his first purchase, and, by his industry and perseverance, he has added to his possessions, until he now owns five hundred and seventy acres of land, and his is one of the farms owned in Auburn that has not changed hands for the past fifty-three years. Mr. Chamberlain's wife died in 1869.
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William H. was married several years since, and now resides in Russell. One of the daughters married Harvey Washburn, and, we think, died several years since.
Addison B. is unmarried. Resides with his father, and helps to carry on the farm.
Spencer F. was born in Auburn; was married in 1870, to Lucinda Durfee, and, about a year and six months after their marriage, she went to an orchard some distance from the house, after some apples, and, while there, was attacked by a vicious bull, and so badly injured that she died in a few hours after.
Gadadias Stafford came to Auburn from the State of New York in 1827, was married to Ludia Stafford about 1815, and they had nine children—Reuben, Elmer, Abram, Zilpha, Huldah., Hannah, Anson, Joshua, and Susannah. He purchased land of Perkins, just east of the center, on the Kirtland Tract, and resided there until 1838, when he sold out and moved to Chardon, and from there to Michigan, where he died in 1865, and his widow died in 1879. We believe this family of children all reside in the western States, except Reuben, who is now living in Chardon, Ohio.
James Dutton was born in the State of New Hampshire; went from there to the State of Vermont, and, in 1812 married Miss Clarissa Lathrop. After their marriage, Mr. Dutton moved to St. Lawrence county, in the State of New York, where he remained for several years. He then moved to Canandagua, Ontario county, where he remained a year or two, and, in 1829, came to Auburn, with his family; and first stopped on a farm on the first east and west road, south of the corners, owned by John Morey, where he remained about four months. He then moved a short distance farther west, on to the farm then owned by the heirs of George W. Antisdale, where he remained two years and a half. He then purchased a farm, west of the corners, of Leicester Perkins, and as part pay for said farm he built for said Perkins the building at the corners, now known as the "old red store." Mr. Dutton was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and worked at that business the most of the time, leaving his sons at home to carry on the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Dutton had a family of nine children, whose names are: John H., Betsey H., Lucy Ann, Charles 0., Rufus, James T., George E., Clarissa E., and William C. In the winter of 1833-34, Mr. Dutton prepared the east room of his dwelling-house for a school-room, hired a teacher, and his own children, together with a few of the neighboring children, composed the school. This was the first select school taught in Auburn. Mr. Dutton followed working at his trade until about 1847, when his health began to fail,. and he turned his attention to matters at home, where he built a new dwelling-house and other necessary buildings for convenience. He died in 1858. His widow remained on the old homestead the most of the time after his death; but while living with her daughter, Mrs. Rufus Pettibone, in Bainbridge, in 1863, she died.
John H., eldest son of James Dutton, was born in Vermont; came to Auburn with his parents, and, in 1834, married Miss Prudence Wheeler, of Burton, Ohio. They had three children, whose names were: James B., Ellen and Frederick. Mr. Dutton was a ;moulder by trade, and, while working in Cleveland, in 1857, was taken sick and died. His widow and family soon after moved to Michigan, and she and the eldest son died there some years since. Mr. and Mrs. Dutton were both brought back to Auburn, and were buried in the cemetery, at the center of the town.
Charles 0., second son, was born in the State of New York; came to Auburn with his parents, and, in 2840, was married to Miss Tempa L Barnes, daughter of Hosea Barnes. They had five children, whose names were: Merritt, Antoinette, Myron H., Fayette and Ann L. Mr. Dutton, after his marriage, first
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settled north of his father's, on land owned in an early day by Isaac Butts, and lived on that farm nine years, when he sold out to his father, and purchased a farm on the State road, of one Nathaniel Stone; moved on to that farm, and his wife died there in 1863. In 1864, Mr. Dutton married, for his second wife, the widow of William Ferris, of Newbury, Ohio, and they remained on the farm until 1872, when he rented his place to his sons, Myron H. and Fayette, and moved to Chardon, O., where he now resides. Mr. Dutton held several township offices while residing in the town, among which were: constable, trustee, assessor, and clerk. Mr. Dutton learned the carpenter and joiner's trade of his father, and now follows that business for an occupation.
Rufus, third son, was born in the State of New York, and came to Auburn with his parents. His autobiography will be found in another part of this history.
James T. was born in the State of New York, and came to Auburn with his parents in 1829. He was married in 1845, to Harriet C., daughter of Hosea Barnes. They had two children: Eleanor D. and Clarance H. Soon atter they were married, they settled north of the center, on the farm now owned by E. Y. Hannum, lived there two years, then purchased a farm a short distance east of the center, moved there, and lived nine years; sold out and purchased a farm on the State road, south of the corners, of one Asahel Green, moved there, and were living on that place when Dr. Dutton died in 1869. His widow, daughter and son still reside there, and the son carries on the farm. Mr. Dutton held several township offices, among which were constable, trustee and assessor.
George E. was born in the State of New York, and came to Auburn with his parents. In 1852 he married Sophia A., daughter of Benjamin Crafts. They had two children whose names were Byron G. and Clara S. Clara S. died young. Mr. Dutton lived in several different places in the township, after his marriage, and worked at the carpenter and joiner's trade. In 1 856 he purchased the old homestead, and turned his attention to farming, which he has followed ever since. He has held the office of justice of the peace two terms, and the office of assessor one term.
William C., youngest son, came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1854 was married to Lima A. Ellis, daughter of Horace Ellis. They have no children. Mr. Dutton purchased his farm, on which he now resides, of his brother, Charles O. Dutton, being the first farm on the first north and south road, west of Auburn corners.
Merritt Dutton, eldest son of Charles O. Dutton, was born in Auburn. When the first call for seventy-five thousand men was issued by the president to put down the rebellion down, Mr. Dutton enlisted, but before the company in which he enlisted got ready to report at headquarters, the seventy-five thousand had responded, and Mr. Dutton was discharged, and came home. Not being satisfied with his experience, on the call for three months' recruits, the same year (1862) he again enlisted in the service, and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry; and after some two months or more, was paroled, and again returned home. This was in the fall of 1862. In 1863 he engaged in the government service, and went to Nashville Tennessee, where he remained until August, 1864, when he again enlisted, and went into the naval service, "Mississippi squadron," and was stationed a short distance above New Orleans, where he remained until the close of the war. He then returned home, and in 1866 married Jennett A. Mott, daughter of Zebdial Mott. They have had four children, one of whom died young. The names of the three living are Charles M., Dial M., and
Frank A. Mr. Dutton lived in different parts of the township until r869, when he moved to the State of Missouri, where he remained until r876; he then returned with his family, and now owns and resides on a farm in the southeast part of Troy.
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Myron was born in Auburn. He married a Miss Blair, daughter of Roswell Blair, of Newbury, Ohio. They now reside in Newbury, and have one or two children.
Fayette was born in Auburn. In 1872 he married Ellen M. Ward, daughter of Marcus Ward, of Russell, Ohio. They have two children, whose names are Sarah A. and Jesse F. Soon after their marriage, Mr. Dutton rented his father's farm, two and a quarter miles north of the corners, and there lost his wife in 1878. He married, for his second wife, Miss Malinda Woodard, and they have one child, whose name is C. O. Mr. Dutton still resides on his father's farm.
Byron G., only son of George Dutton, was born in Auburn, and in 1877 was married to Mary C., daughter of Lyman G. Sprague. They have one child, whose name is Lepha J. Mr. Dutton resides with his father, and helps carry on the farm. He is now serving his second term as township clerk.
Daniel Butts was born in the State of New York; came to Auburn in 1829, and was married in 1832 to Eunice Keyes, daughter of Amaziah Keyes. They had four children, all born in Auburn, whose names were, Rosina M., Aldrich F., Ambrose A., and Almina N. Mr. Butts first purchased a farm on the center road, east of Auburn corners, built a house, and lived there some three or four years. In the spring of 1833 he sold out to William Crafts, and purchased one hundred acres of land on the State road, south of the corners, built the necessary buildings for comfort and convenience, cleared up his farm, and paid for it by his own industry and economy. He died in 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Butts lived together almost forty years, with their family circle unbroken.
Aldrich F., eldest son of Daniel Butts, was married to Augusta King in 1850. They have no children. They now reside in St. Thomas, Canada, where Mr. Butts has a good position as superintendent of schools.
Ambrose, second son, was married in 1863 to Libbie Henderson. They had one child—Dio W. Mr. Butts was reputed to be the strongest man that ever lived in Auburn, having lifted the enormous weight of two thousand seven hundred and thirty-seven and three-fourths pounds dead weight. He died in 1870.
Daniel R. Bray was born in the State of New York; came to Ohio, and first settled in Russell township. He was married in 1854 to Rosina M. Butts, daughter of Daniel Butts. Soon after his marriage he came to Auburn, and purchased a farm on the first east and west road, south of the corners, where he resided several years. They had three children, one of whom died quite young. The names of those living are Gilbert A. and Daniel S. Mr. Bray rented his farm a few years since, and purchased a house and lot at Auburn corners, where he now resides.
Ashley Crafts, eldest son of Thomas Crafts, was born in the State of New York, and about 1829 married Clarissa Scuddew, and, we think, came to Auburn the same year, and settled in the valley, half a mile north of the east and west center road. Mr. and Mrs. Crafts had one child, whose name was Susan. Mr. Crafts was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and worked at that business some years. About 1833 or '34 Ashley, Alanson T. and Benjamin Crafts, built a saw-mill on Ashley's land, and a few years after Ashley built a furnace near the saw-mill, and carried on the furnace business several years, during which time he invented the " Rising Star" cooking stove, got it patented, and made considerable money in manufacturing that and other kinds of stoves, plows, hollow-ware, etc.
About 1834 Mr. Crafts experienced religion, and joined the Protestant Methodist church, but after a few years left that church and joined the Free Will Baptists, and became a noted preacher of that denomination. Mr. Crafts left Auburn several years since, and we do not know where he now resides.
Alanson T., second son, was also born in the State of New York, and about
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1830 married Ann Hoard, daughter of John Hoard, and we think came to Auburn the same year, and settled in the valley, near his brother, Ashley. Mr. and Mrs. Crafts had eight children—Jeffrey T., Sarah, Lovena, Olive, Malvina, Lorette, Charlotte, and Susan. Mr. Crafts sold out several years since, and purchased land at Cuyahoga Rapids, and now resides at that place.
Arastus R., third son, was also born in the State of New York, and about 1831 married Betsey Fairbanks, came to Auburn the same year, and also settled in the valley, where he lived a few years, then sold out, and also moved to Cuyahoga Rapids. Mr. and Mrs. Crafts had three children—Darwin, Alvira and Leona. Mrs. Crafts died in 1879.
Benjamin, fourth son, was also born in the State of New York, came to Auburn in 1829, and married Elsey H. Whitcomb, daughter of Israel Whitcomb, who was one of the first settlers of Troy (then Welshfield). They hqd eleven children —Charlotte P., Sophia A., Miles, Abram H., Martha J., Paulina M., Milas B., Ellen M., Susan R., Alice C., and Jerome. The first Miles, and Jerome, the oldest and youngest sons, died young.
Mr. Crafts first settled on the east and west center road, east of the corners; cleared up his farm, and built a nice dwelling-house and buildings. In 1845 his house took fire and burned to the ground. He soon built another on the same spot, and remained there until 1859, when he sold out to his two sons and purchased the farm formerly owned by Dr. A. B. Hoard moved there and remained until 1857; sold again, and purchased thirty acres of the old farm where he first settled, in 5830; moved and lived there until 187 2, when he again sold, and purchased the farm north of the corners, formerly owned by Morgan Orton, where he now resides.
Abram H., second son, was born in Auburn, and was married, in 1858, to Marion E., daughter of Dudley Fox, of Troy. They had two children--Addie P. and Seigel A. Soon after his marriage he purchased the old homestead of his father, and died there, in 1866.
Miles B., third son, was born in Auburn, and in 1864 married Julia F'., daughter of Augustus Gilbert, of Newbury, Ohio. They have one child—Arthur. Mr. Crafts first settled on a part of the old homestead—lived there a few years, then sold, and purchased the farm where his father now resides, which he sold to him in 1872, and from there moved to Austin, Cook county, Illinois, where he now resides.
Ellen M. is unmarried, and lives at home with her parents. The rest of the daughters are all married, and but two of them, Sophia and Pauline, now live in this township.
Martha J. married Stephen Houghton, and they now reside in Newburgh, Ohio.
Susan R. married Henry Webber, and they now reside in Iowa.
Alice C. married C. Kellogg, of Troy, and resides rn Parkman, Ohio.
Jacob Ensign, son of Jacob and Polly Ensign, was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1787; was married, in 1812, to Lucy Brooker, and they had nine children—Sally M., Harvey N., James B., Lucy J., Joel R., Hannah M., Harriet P., Clarissa M. and Zilpha L Mr. Ensign came to Krlburn, with his family, in 1828, and settled on the State road, one mile and a quarter north of Auburn corners, and resided on the same farm until 1873. His wife died, March 4, 1873, on the old homestead. Soon after her death he sold out, and ever since has resided with his children. He is now ninety-two years of age, and bids fair to live a number of years yet; being almost as spry as a boy, and twice as jovial. He has never called a doctor but three times for himself, up to this date (September, 1879), and was never laid up with sickness, only a day or two at a time, in his whole life.
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Hervey N. Ensign, eldest son of Jacob Ensign, was born in Massachusetts; came to Auburn with his parents, and, about 1836, was married to Diana, daughter of John Hoard. They had one child—Patience 0. Previous to their marriage Mr. Ensign purchased land, on the Mills tract, in the north part of the township, on which they settled. Mrs. Ensign died there in 1874. In 1877, Mr. Ensign married, for his second wife, Vielda Smith, whose maiden name was Sweet, daughter of Henry and Joicy Sweet, and they now reside on the same farm where Mr. Ensign first settled.
Leonard Hopkins was born in Parkman, Ohio; came to Auburn several years since, and married Patience 0., daughter of Hervey N. Ensign. They have one child, a son, but we do not remember his name. They now reside in Middlefield, Ohio.
James B., second son of Jacob Ensign, was born in Massachusetts; came to Auburn with his parents, and, in 1837, married Miss Abigail Hoard, daughter of John Hoard, and they have four children—John H., Nancy M., Sally Ann, and Theresa M. Mr. Ensign purchased a farm in Auburn valley, soon after he was married, and remained there until about eight or ten years ago, when he rented his farm to his son, and moved to Chagrin Falls, and now resides at that place.
John H. Ensign, only son of James B. Ensign, was born in Auburn, and was married in 1868 to Jennie P. Hopkins, daughter of Matthew A. Hopkins, of Parkman, Ohio. They have two children, Nellie J. and Ernest. Mr. Ensign resides in Auburn valley.
Joel married Sabra Smith, daughter of James Smith, of Newbury, Ohio. They had a family of children, but we do not know their names. Mr. Ensign moved to Michigan with his family several years since.
John Hoard, if we remember correctly, was born in Rhode Island, came to the State of New York in an early day, and there married Patience McNeer. They had eight children, whose names were Alva B., Celestia, Anna, Charles, Diana, Abigail, Amos, and Nancy, He came to Auburn with his family about 1830, and settled in Auburn valley, on the Cowles tract, where he remained until 1848, when he sold out, and moved west of the State road, and lived with his youngest son until he died in 1854. Mrs. Hoard survived her husband a number of years, but died several years since.
Alva B. Hoard, eldest son of John Hoard, was born in the State of New York in 1808; was married in 1832, to Betsey Silvernail. They moved to Auburn in 1832, and took up their residence in Auburn valley. They had four children, whose names were James M., Eliza J., Mary M., and Charles H. Mr. Hoard was a physician of the botanic school, and had an extensive practice in Auburn and the surrounding townships. Dr. Hoard manufactured a liniment which was known in those early days, as Hoard's liniment, and was called one of the best liniments then in use. The doctor lost his wife in 1847, and was married again the same year, to Mary E. Wells. They had one child, whose name was William R. Dr. Hoard resided in Auburn until 1857, when he sold out, and moved to Wisconsin and Iowa, where he practiced several years, when he returned to Ohio, and is now practicing medicine at Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Charles Hoard came to Auburn with his parents, and was married in 1836, to Lucy J., daughter of Jacob Ensign. They had five children, whose names were Permelia, John R., Charles N., Clarissa, and Frank. Mr. Hoard lived in different places in the township for several years, finally sold out and moved to Newbury, and died there in 1862. His widow is still living, and resides in Michigan.
Amos Hoard came to Auburn with his parents, and was married about 1845, to Susan Higley. He moved to Mantua about 1855, and was killed by lightning soon after taking up his residence in that township.
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John Brown came to Auburn from New York or some eastern State; was married to Polly Hayden, and they raised nine children, whose names were Harriet, Maria, Jacob, William, Laura, William, second, Jacob, second, George, and Mary. Mr. Brown came to Auburn about 1830, and settled on the same road with the Antisdales, only farther west, on the Kirtland tract, cleared up his farm, and built a nice house and barns. Mr. and Mrs. Brown both died on the old homestead—Mr. Brown in 1871, and Mrs. Brown in 1875—having lived there upwards of forty years.
Henry Capron was born in some eastern State, came to Auburn about 1835, and about 1838 married Laura Brown, daughter of John Brown, and they had three children—Sabrina, Lovina, and Julia. Mr. Capron settled on the north part of the Root tract, cleared up his farm, built a nice dwelling house, barns, etc, and died in 1866. His widow has died since. Mr. Capron held several different offices while living in town, and if we remember correctly, was one of the acting justices at the trme of his death.
Leicester Perkins was born in the State of Massachusetts. He came to Ohio with his parents in 1866, and they were forty days on the road. They came by the way of Pittsburgh, and were on the Alleghany mountains on the day of the great eclipse in that year. The old gentleman, Perkins, and family, put up with Judge Atwater (where Mantua station is now located), on the night of the thirty-ninth day of their journey, and next day arrived at Aurora, the place of their destination, and settled some two miles northeast of the center. Leicester worked for his father and helped to clear up his farm, and at the age of eighteen years his father gave him his time, end he commenced cropping and clearing land by the job, and at the end of five years he had earned and laid by the sum of one thousand dollars. At the age of twenty-three he married Nancy Blish, she being the twelfth child in her father's family. They have four children—Matilda, Harriet, Lorette, and Paulina, all of whom are now living. Mr. Perkins came from Aurora to Auburn in 1830, and settled on the east and west center road, west of Auburn corners, farmed it for three years, then sold out to James Dutton, and in 1832 he built what is known as the "Red store," at the corners; moved his family into the west part of the building, and rented the east part to Charles Woods, for a store, which he occupied for one year. Mr. Perkins then went into the mercantile business himself, sold goods there ten years, then sold out and purchased the farm joining the one he first owned, on the west; and now resides at that place. Mr. Perkins, by his industry and economy, has gained quite a fortune, and he and his wife are enjoying the full benefits of it in their old age. It will be seen by the above that Mr. Perkins was great on the chopping and clearing, and he offers to lay a wager of fifty dollars that he himself, individually, has chopped and cleared more land than any man in Geauga county. Some years since Mr. Perkins served one term as county commissioner.
Job Warren was born in the State of New Jersey, was married in 1835 to Eliza Burden, and they had thirteen children-Nancy, George, Thomas, Mahlon, Charles, Job, Eliza, Patience, Adaline, Emmor, Edith, Sarah, and Samuel. Mr. Warren came to Auburn in 1830, and settled in the northwest corner of the township, cleared up a large farm, built a large house and barns, and now resides on the same farm. His wife died in 1866, and Job married again, but was not much comforted.
Charles Warren was accidently killed by his brother Mahlon, in 1849, under the following circumstances: They were out in the woods, north of the house, hunting, and came to a small stream of water. Charles walked across the stream on a log, and just as he stepped off the log, and Mahlon was in the act of stepping on to cross over, his gun went off and killed Charles, almost instantly.
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Mahlon lived some years after; married Amy, daughter of Ransom Brown, and died, without heirs, in 1855.
Job Warren, jr., enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, in r861, and was killed in action the same year, at Bloomfield, Missouri.
Emmor Warren was born in Auburn, and in 1869 was married to Kate Page ; they have had four children—Edward J., Frederick J., Enfield J., and Lucy M. He now resides on the old homestead, and his father resides with him.
Samuel, youngest son of Job Warren, is married, and resides in the west part of the township.
Nehemiah Webster was born in Massachusetts in 179r ; was married in 18'9 to Sally Steadman ; came to Ohio in 1821, and settled in Fowler, Trumbull county; sold out there in 1831, came to Auburn, and settled in Auburn valley. They had three children—Gilbert, Huldah and dvira. About 1850 Mr. Webster sold out and moved into Troy; then to Cuyahoga Rapids, and to Thompson, where he lost his wife, in 1875. Mr. Webster soon after sold his farm there, and now resides with his daughter, Mrs. Moody White, at Mantua corners, Portage county, being now eighty-eight years of age.
John Barber came to Auburn with old Uncle William Quinn, from Pennsylvania, in 1831. He built a house on lot seven, Atwater tract, which was one of the first built on that tract. When John came in he brought a very large white bull with him, well broke to harness. One day John harnessed up the 41d bull, hitched him to his one-horse wagon, and went up to Auburn corners after some articles for the use of his family, and, on the way home, the old bull got on a rampage, either from seeing some other cattle that he was anxious to get with, or some other cause, John never could exactly tell, the old bull, however, made a break and ran, throwing John out of the wagon, and tearing things to pieces generally. On being interviewed next day by his neighbors, as to his calamity, John said he pulled on the lines as hard as he could, and kept saying "whoa, Bully! whoa, Bully!!" but old Bully didn't whoa worth a cent. John left the town years ago, and whether he took old Bully with him or not we are unable to say. John had three sons, and, we think, one of them remained in town some years after his father left, and was taken sick and died at Elijah Canfield's.
Numan Wadsworth was born in Middlebury, Vermont, in 1788; came to Middlesex, New York, with his parents, in 1797, and, in 1811, married Patty Blodgett, daughter of Ludim Blodgett, of Gorham, New York. They had six children—Maria, Spencer L., Maryett, Annis B., Martha G., and Eliza M. Mr. Wadsworth first settled, after his marriage, in Middlesex; lived there a few years, and then sold out and purchased a farm in Gorham, where he remained until 1820, when he again sold out and moved to Harbor Creek, Erie county, Pennsylvania. He purchased a farm there; but, not liking the country very well, disposed of his property and, in 1832, came to Auburn, Ohio. He first settled in Auburn valley ; lived there a few years, then sold out and purchased a farm on the east town road, where he lived several years. He then sold out and moved to Hiram. From there he moved to Mantua, then moved to Claridon, and, in 1856, again returned to Auburn, and died, near the corners, in 1873, aged eighty-six years and ten months. His widow still survives him, and now resides in Chardon, Ohio. Mr. Wadsworth was a volunteer in the war of a r 2, and obtained a land warrant for his services, but was not in the service long enough to entitle him to a pension. Under the act passed March 9, 1878, his widow became entitled to, and is now drawing a pension.
Maria, eldest daughter of Numan Wadsworth, married James M. Hoxter. She died in Troy, in /85r.
Spencer L, only son of Numan Wadsworth, was born in the State of New
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York; came to Auburn with his parents, and, in 1835, married Betsey, eldest daughter of Amos Palmer, of Troy, Ohio. They had four children—Oscar, John F. H., Sarah M., and George W. Oscar died young, and John F. H. died, at the corners, in 186o, at the age of twenty-one years.
Sarah M. is married, and resides in Cleveland, Ohio.
George W. resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mr. Wadsworth has resided in Auburn over forty years; has resided at or near the corners for the past twenty years; has held several different township offices, among which were: constable, township clerk, assessor, and justice of the peace. He now resides at the corners, and holds the office of postmaster.
Maryette married Ulysses Spink. She died in 1838.
Annis B. also married Ulysses Spink, and now resides in Ravenna, Ohio.
Martha G. married Wooster Shaw, who died. She then married Dwight C. Kellogg, and now resides in Chardon.
Eliza M. married Robert Denel, and now resides in Auburn.
Christopher Stafford, son of Jonathan and Phebe Stafford, was born in the State of New York; was married, in 1830, to Emily Rockwell, and they have seven children-Orrin P., Cornelius, George W., Perry C., William H., James A. and Mary Ann; all born in Auburn. Mr. Stafford came to Auburn in 1832; bought land in the northwest part of the township, on the Darling tract; cleared up the same; built the buildings necessary for comfort and convenience, and he and his wife are now enjoying the benefits of their hard labor; having lived together forty-nine years, with their family circle unbroken.
Orrin P., eldest son of Christopher Stafford, was born in Auburn, in 1833. He married Emily Barney, daughter of Luke Barney, and they now reside at Rocky river, west of Cleveland, Ohio. At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion Mr. Stafford lived in Iowa, and enlisted in the service from that state; came back after the war closed, and resides at the place above stated.
Cornelius, in 1853, married Lurana L. Gifford. They have two children— Norman G., and Mary E. Mr. Stafford was in the war of the Rebellion, and belonged to the Ninth Ohio battery. They now reside in the northwest part of the township, on the Mills tract.
George W., in 1865, married. Harriet, daughter of Horace Ellis. They have no children. In 1871, Mr. Stafford and George W. Barnes built a steam sawmill, a short distance northwest of the center of Auburn. In 1873, he bought Mr. Barnes' interest, and, in 1874, the mill took fire and burned to the ground. He soon after put up a temporary mill on the same site, sawed out the lumber and timber for another mill, and built the saw-mill, a few rods west of the center, and has since attached an extensive cheese-box factory, known as the "Auburn box works," together with planers, matchers, and a mill for grinding feed for horses and cattle. Mr. Stafford keeps a number of men in his employ, and manufactures from twenty-five to thirty thousand cheese boxes per annum, besides doing an extensive business in sawing, planing, matching, etc., etc. Mr. Stafford has held the office of township treasurer several years in succession.
Perry C. in 1871 married Mary Messenger, daughter of Willram A. Messenger, and they have no children. Mr. Stafford belonged to the Forty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, and did good service in the war of the Rebellion. He now owns and resides on the farm for many years owned by Uncle Job Warren.
William H. in 1866 married Edith Warren, daughter of Job Warren, and they have no children.
James A. in 1868 married Florence Hickox, daughter of the present wife of Henry Sweet. They have no children. They now reside at the center, and Mr. Stafford is engaged in the mercantile business, and is also postmaster of
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Bridge Creek office, located at that place. Mary Ann, the only daughter, married Charles A. Mills.
Charles Stafford came to Auburn from the State of New York in the fall of 1832, and settled at Auburn corners; was a blacksmith by trade. He was married in 1835 to Eunice Ann Marble, daughter of John Marble. The same year she died by reason of. her clothes taking fire from a kettle of hot varnish, which had taken fire from overheating. She lived seven days after the accident, in great agony, when death came to her relief. In 1836 Mr. Stafford married again for his second wife Martha Smith, daughter of Jeremiah Smith, and they had two children—Helen A., and Louisa. Mr. Stafford carried on blacksmithing for a number of years at the corners, then went into the furnace business, and manufactured plows, stoves, etc. He finally sold out, and next engaged in the mercantile business; carried on that business for a number of years. He died in 1871, near where he first settled, at the corners.
Ransom Brown was born in the State of New York, and was married in 1819 to Hannah Washburn. They had six children—Mary, Barnabas, Rowena, Amy, Ransom, and William. Mr. Brown came to Auburn in 1832, and settled on the center road west of the center having purchased his land of one Joseph Woodard. Mr. Brown cleared up his farm, built a nice dwelling house and other necessary buildings, and died in 1875, he and his wife having lived together almost fifty-six years. His wife is still living, and resides on the old homestead, which is situated at the last four corners on the center road going west, and has been known for forty-five years as Brown's corners.
Barnabas Brown, eldest son of Ransom Brown, came to Auburn with his parents, and was married about 1842 to Henriette Briggs. They had two children—Marian M., and Henry. Mr. Brown resides in the southwest part of the township.
Ransom, jr., second son, is married, and resides near the center.
William married Eliza Carr, daughter of Gabriel Carr. They had two children—Arthur H., and John. Mr. Brown resides in the west part of the township.
Frederick Weston came from Bainbridge to Auburn in 1875. He married Marian M. Brown, daughter of Barnabas Brown. They had one child—Henry
C. Mr. Weston resides on the farm, owned in an early day, by Huntington Trescott, one and a half miles north of Brown's corners.
Elihu Pettingill was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and was married to Susannah Waldsworth, in 1791. They had ten children. He moved with his family to Auburn in 1832, and first settled where W. H. Mills now resides. Stayed there five years, and then sold out and purchased the farm where his son-in- law, Luther Maynard, now resides, and died there in 1843. He is the man Pettingill mentioned by Hon. A. G. Riddle, in the Cleveland Leader, but was not exactly the man there represented, so far as the Sunday was concerned.
Nathan L. Reed was born in the State of New York; came to Auburn in 1832, and was married about that time, to Almira Stafford, and they had four sons—Abram M., Marian R., Leeman M., and Duane R. Mr. Reed first settled near the center, but soon sold out and purchased a farm on the first east and west road, south of the corners, where he lived until 1853, when he sold out and moved to Michigan, and now resides in that State.
Leeman M., son of Nathan L..Reed, was born in Auburn, went to Michigan with his parents in 1853; came back a few years after, and married Betsey, daughter of John Dinturff, and widow of Edward Frazee, who accidentally shot himself (an account of which is given in another part of this history.) Mr. and Mrs. Reed have but one child, a daughter-Hattie. Mr. Reed resided in the northeast part of Troy for several years, and now owns a farm where his
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father-in-law, Dinturff, died. A few years since Mr. Reed rented the farm and moved to Cleveland, where he now resides.
Levi Cook was born in Rhode Island, and there married Amy Hardy. They had eight children—Alanson, Emma, Stephen, Clarissa, Seth, Harriet, Abigail, and Millie. He came to Auburn, with his family, in 1831, and settled in the west part of the township, where, he lived for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Cook died several years since.
Erastus Coats was born in Massachusetts, and there married Polly LaMunion. They had three children—Carlos, Hannah, and Silas. He came to Auburn in 1832, and settled a short distance north of the center. He was a cooper by trade. Mr. Coats died in 1855, and his wife died in 1877. Carlos, their eldest son, married Millie Cook, and they have several children. They now reside in Newbury.
Huntington Trescott came to Auburn about 1832, and settled in the northwest part of the township, on the Darling tract. His father came with him, and, after. a short residence, was taken sick and died, and, by his request while sick, was buried by the side of a log, or tree that had fallen down, some distance from the road, with his head to the north. His son, Huntington, lived there a few years after his father's death, then sold out and moved west, with his family, and we do not know where he now resides.
W. Homer Mills, born in Nelson, Portage county, Ohio, is a son of Asahel and Cynthia W. Mills. After the death of his mother in 1812, he lived with Judge Elias Harmon, of Manuta, and in 1832 was married to Sarah Granger; took up his residence in the south part of Auburn, on the Atwater tract, and was one of the first settlers on that tract. Mr. and Mrs. Mills had two children: Francis H. and Mary H. Mary H. died young. By industry and perseverance Mr. Mills succeeded in clearing up his farm, and many years since, built a nice dwelling house and all the necessary out-buildings, and he and his wife are now enjoying the fruits of their industry in their declining years.
Francis H. Mills, son of Homer Mills, was born in Auburn in 1833, and was married in 1856, to Ellen Hood. They have one child, whose name is Mary E. Mr. Mills now resides on the farm formerly owned by Elijah Canfield.
Nicholas Silvernail was born in the State of New York; was married about 1804 to Elizabeth Cole. They had nine children-Catharine, Henry W., Peter, Polly, Betsey, Rachel Ann, Daniel W., Philip D., and Hiram. Mr. Silvernail came to Auburn with his family in the fall of 1832, and purchased some land of Jeremiah White, on the Mills tract, built a house and cleared up his farm, and lost his wife in 1845. After a few year he married the widow Kingsbury, of Troy, and resided in that township several years. About 1864 Mr. Silvernail went to live with his eldest son, Henry, in Burton, and died there in 1868. His second wife died a few years since.
Peter Silvernail, second son of Nicholas Silvernail, was born in the State of New York, came to Auburn witn his parents in the fall of 1832, and in 1835 Married Minerva Hall, daughter of Russell Hall, sr. They have no children. Mr. Silvernail, soon after his marriage, settled in the southeast corner of Newbury; lived there two years, then sold out and moved into Auburn, and rented a farm joining his father's, on the west, and lived there two years, when he purchased some land on the east town line road, and built a log house, in which they remained for several years. He then built a nice frame house and several out-buildings, and he and his wife are now enjoying all the comforts of life in their old age.
Daniel W. was born in the State of New York, came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1839 married Lydia M., daughter of Virgil Lampson, of Troy. They had two children—Alvira and Ellen. Mr. Silvernail lived in Auburn
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until 1861, when he sold out and went to Newbury, where he is now residing.
Philip D. was born in the State of New York; came to Auburn with his parents, and was married, in 1846, to Julia Higley. He remained here a few years after his marriage, then moved to Michigan, and died there several years since.
Hiram, youngest son, was born in the State of New York; came to Auburn with his parents, and, in 1847, married Mary Ann Spaulding, daughter of Almon Spaulding, who once resided in Troy. They had no children. Mr. Silvernail, about 1850, purchased the old homestead of his father, and, after a few years, built a nice framed house. He died in 1860. His widow married Rev. B. C. Warner, and they now reside in Williamsfield, Ashtabula county, Ohio. Mr. Warner belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.
John Dinturff, was born in the State of New York; was married, in 1828, to Polly Silvernail, daughter of Nicholas Silvernail, and they had one child—Betsy. Mr. Dinturff came to Auburn, in 1835, and purchased a farm of John Clark, on the Mills tract, in the northeast part of the township, built all the necessary buildings, and lived there several years; finally sold out and purchased a farm just over the line, in Troy, where he lived until his death, in 1858. His widow is still living, and occupies the house where he died.
William A. Messenger was born in Connecticut in 1805, cane to Mantua, with his parents, and in 183o married Elizabeth Skinner, daughter of William Skinner, who was one of the first settlers in Mantua; came to Auburn in 1832, and settled on the first north and south road west of the corners, on the Mills tract, where he now resides. They had five children—William J., Lucia E., Maria, Horace, and Mary. Mrs. Messenger died in 1848. For his second wife he married the widow Godfrey, daughter of John Douglass. They had four children—Linaeus E., Lillian E., Franklin A., and Hattie A. Mr. Messenger recollects, when a boy, of going up on the State through to Punderson's mill, in Newbury, when there were but three families on the road through Auburn, viz.: William Crafts, David Smith, sr., and John Jackson.
William J., oldest son of William A. Messenger, married several years since, and now resides in Michigan.
James B. Godfrey was born in the State of New York. He came from there to Ohio when quite young, and lived with his grand-parents, John and Achsah Douglass, who resided several years in Troy and Parkman, In 1869 he married Hattie E. Harrington, daughter of Ziba Harrington, of Troy, and they have one child--John N. Mr. Godfrey came to Auburn in r878, and rented a farm east of the corners, owned by the heirs of Abram H. Crafts, and now resides at that place.
William Quinn was born in the north part of Ireland, in the year 1786; came to America when sixteen years of age, and landed in New York. His first occupation was that of a baker. Not liking that business, he learned the trade of rope making, and worked in New York until the year 1806, when he was married to Margaret Jacobs, daughter of. Samuel Jacobs, of New York, and, in 1808, they moved to Philadelphia, and lived there until 1811, when they moved to Pittsburgh, making the journey over the mountains in a lumber wagon, drawn by four big Dutch horses. When he arrived at Pittsburgh he had two dollars in money left. He there worked at rope making, and there made the rope and cordage for Perry's fleet, helped to get the same across the country on heavy lumber wagons, made for that purpose, from Pittsburgh to Erie, and helped to rig the ships comprising the fleet, which so successfully fought and won the battle on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813. Mr. Quinn resided in and near Pittsburgh until 1832, when he came to Auburn and purchased some eight hundred acres of land, some of which he sold, to different parties, but retained enough for a good farm for himself, which is located on the east and west road, a short
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distance west of what was known, in the early days, as "May's mills." Soon after he had taken up his residence there, he built a rope-walk, and worked at rope making, more or less, for several years. Mr. and Mrs Quinn raised ten children—Eliza, Ellen, Nancy, William, jr., John, Mary Ann, Rebecca, Sarah Jane, Isabel, and Samuel. Mrs. Quinn died in 1847. Soon after her death, Mr. Quinn let his farm to his son, Samuel J., and resided with him until 1849, when he married Mrs. S. S. Walker, of Parkman, Ohio. He carried on his farm again for a few years, and then moved to Chagrin Falls; lived there a few years, then moved back to his old home in Auburn, and died there, in 1862, aged seventy-six years.
William, jr., eldest son of William Quinn, sr., was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Auburn with his parents; was married about 1836, to Jane Nannah, and they had seven children—John, Rebecca, William, Joseph, Sarah E., Robert, and Martha Jane. Mr. Quinn settled in the southern part of the township, and cleared up his farm. He died about 1873. His widow resides now in Burton.
John 'was born in Pennsylvania, came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1842 married Harriet Hawkins. They had three children—Adelaide, Henry, and Nellie M. Mr. Quinn, soon after his marriage, settled on lot number seven, Atwater tract, and remained there three years, and chopped and cleared forty acres on that lot He then sold out and purchased a small piece of land near May's mills, where he and his father built a rope-walk and manufactured ropes together for about three years. John then purchased a piece of land a short distance farther east, moved the rope-walk on to that, and manufactured ropes there several years, during which time he built a nice framed house and the necessary out-buildings. in 1861 he sold this place and purchased a farm west of the center, of Elias Fish (known as the Pardon Wilber farm), where he resided five years. He then purchased a farm of George Wilber, adjoining his first purchase, which made, in all, two hundred and thirty-seven acres, and moved on to the George Wilber farm in 1866, where he now resides.
Henry, only son of John Quinn, was born in Auburn, and in 1873 married Kate Dickson, of Kirtland; Ohio. They have two children—May and Effie. Henry lives with his father and helps to carry on the farm.
Samuel J. Quinn came to Auburn with his parents in 1832, and in 1856 was married to Laura E., daughter of George Antisdale. They have two children: Albro J. and Gertrude. He resides on the old homestead, where his father first settled; has recently built a nice house, and is now with his family enjoying the full benefits of their labor and industry.
John, eldest son of William Quinn, jr., was born in Auburn. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and was killed. William was born in Auburn, was married several years since, and lives on the farm formerly owned by Thomas Hattery, in the western part of the township. Joseph was born in Auburn, and is unmarried. Robert is married, and resides in Newbury, Ohio.
Thomas B. Hoard was born in the State of New York, came to Auburn in 1832, and after a few years he came to the corners, and learned the blacksmith's trade of Oliver Gilson. In 1853 Mr. Hoard bought out Mr. Gilson, and the same year married Fannie D. Spaulding, daughter of Almon Spaulding, of Troy. They have one child, whose name is Blanche A. Mr. Hoard remains in the same place, and carries on his trade.
Alfred Thompson married in Ellisburgh, New York, and came to Auburn with his family about 1832, and settled on the Miller tract. They had a very large family, some of their names being—Dorcas, Rhoda, Nelson, Alfred, Louden, Betsey, Mary, Rachel, James, and ten others, whose names we do not know. Mr. Thompson sold his farm to Jesse Garrad about 1858, and left the
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State for a while, but finally returned and settled in Bainbridge ; lived there some time, and we believe went to Michigan and died there several years since. Several of Mr, Thompson's sons resided in Auburn for years, but have all gone west. Several of his daughters married in this township, some of whom are now dead, and some are living in other parts.
John Douglass came to Auburn with his family in 1832, and settled on the center road, west of the corners, on the Kirtland tract; lived there four years, then moved to Parkman, and from thence to Troy, Geauga county.
Thomas Hood was born in Pennsylvania; was married in 1828 to Ellen Quinn, daughter of William and Margaret Quinn. They have seven children Robert, Eliza Jane, Ella, Samuel J., John E., and Mary E. Mr. Hood came to Auburn with his family in 1832, and settled in the southwest part of the township; cleared up a large farm, and died, suddenly, December 3, 1850. The circumstances of his death are as follows: On the day above mentioned, he and his wife started for Cleveland, Ohio, with his team (he being in good health at die time), and after entering the city a short distance, his wife saw that he had dropped his lines and was falling from his seat. She picked up the lines and stopped the horses as soon as possible, then took hold of Mr. Hood and partially raised him up, and he died in about twenty minutes. Physicians were called as soon as possible, and, after a careful examination, they decided that a blood-vessel had broken near the heart, which caused his death. His widow is still living, and resides on the old homestead with her son, Samuel J. Hood.
William Hood, eldest son of Thomas Hood, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, came to Auburn with his parents, and was married in 1853 to Lucinda Cowles, daughter of Horace Cowles, of Bainbridge. They have two children —Louis M. and Cora B. Mr. Hood lived for years in the southwest part of this township, on the Atwater tract, but sold his farm in 1868 and moved to Mantua, and now resides at that place.
Robert was born in Pennsylvania. In 1856 or '57 he married Caroline Osborn, and. thiey have one son, Thomas C. He resided in the southwest part of the township for several years, and carried on the farm, where his father first settled; finally sold out, and he and F. H. Mills built the first cheese factory in Auburn, now known as the "old Hood factory." He manufactured cheese for several years, then sold out, and moved to Austin, Illinois, where he now resides.
Samuel J. was born in Auburn, and married Lorette Osborn. She died in 1872. He married for his second wife, Amelia Giles, daughter of Orlando Giles, of Bainbridge. They have no children. Mr. Hood now resides on the farm, where his father lived previous to his death, and his mother is living with him.
John E., was born in Auburn. In 1870 he married Isadore Rhodes, of Mantua, Ohio. They have no children. He resided in the southwest part of the township a few years, finally sold out, and moved to Manuta station, Ohio.
Thomas Hattery was born in Virginia, and in 1828 was married to Nancy Quinn, daughter of William Quinn, sr. They had seven children: Andrew J., John Q.. William M., Mary Ann, Judas, Marjarette, and Susan. Mr. Hattery settled in the southwest part of the township, cleared up his farm, built a nice house and other buildings, and there lost his wife. About 1871 or '72 he sold out and moved to Aurora, Illinois, and now resides with his children at or near that place.
Seth Brewster was born in the State of New York, and was married in 1792, to Abigail Walsworth, and they had eight children: Lyman, Jesse, Olive, Eunice, Seth, jr., Mary, Hiram, and Calvin. He came to Auburn with his family in 1833, and settled in the northwest part of the township, on the Darling tract,
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being lands previously purchased by his son, Calvin ; built a house and other build ings, and helped to dear up the farm. He died in 1844, and his wife died in 1847.
Lyman Brewster, eldest son of Seth Brewster, was born in the State of New York, and in 1819 was married to Roby Brewster. He came to Auburn in 1834, and settled on the Mills tract, in the northwest part of the township, being the farm now owned by George Squires. Mr. and Mrs. Brewster had seven children: Betsey Ann, Myranda, Lydia, Lyman S. T., Mary, Roby, and Maria. Mr. Brewster cleared up his farm, built the necessary buildings for comfort and convenience, and died in 1847, and his wife died in 1869.
Jesse Brewster came to Auburn about the same time that his brothers came. He married Ann Harpum, and they had six children : Harriet, Henry, Olive A., Charlotte, Cornelia, and John.. He died in 1865.
Seth Brewster, jr., settled in Munson, raised a family there, but sold his farm several years since and now resides in Chardon.
Hiram was born in the State of New York; came to Auburn in 1832 and purchased land in the northwest part of the township, and was married before, or soon after, to Lucy A., daughter of George I. Bowler, and they had three children—Eunice C., Annice C. and Hiram E. Mr. Brewster cleared up his farm, built a nice house and barns, and died in 1866. His wife married again, and, for aught we know, is still living.
Calvin was also born in the State of New York, came to Auburn with his brother Hiram, in 1832, and purchased the land on the Darling tract on which his father settled, as above mentioned; lived there with him some years, and helped clear up the farm, and, being very well educated, was employed as clerk in the store of A. C. Gardner, of Newbury for some years. He was married in 1839 to Betsey H. Burnett. They had three children—Edna L., Calvin C. and Betsey H. Mr. Brewster carried on the farm some years previous to the death of his father, and in 1845 he lost his wife. In 1846 he married Wealthy Foster, and they had four children—Altha C., William D., Milton F. and Hattie. Mr. Brewster left his farm for awhile and engaged in the mercantile business at Mantua corners, and, after trading there a few years, moved back on his farm, where he died, in 1867, after a lingering illness. Mr. Brewster held several different offices in town, such as trustee, assessor, and justice of the peace. His widow resides at Chagrin Falls.
Bradley Gorham came to Auburn in 1832 or 1833, and married Mary, daughter of Seth Brewster, and they had one child—Francis A. Mr. Gorham lived near his father-in-law, Brewster, for several years, when he sold out and moved to Iowa.
James Pennell also married a daughter of Seth Brewster, and settled near theni. Mrs. Pennell died in 1842, and Mr. Pennell died in 1858.
Lyman S. T. Brewster, only son of Lyman Brewster, was born in fhe State of New York ; came to Auburn with his parents, and resided with them until the death of his father, in 1847. He being an only son, remained on the old homestead, and carried on the farm, but, finally, all the heirs sold out, after which he went into the western country, with the view of settling there, but, about that time the war broke out, and the western country, where he was at the time, being somewhat divided upon the war question, he concluded to return to Auburn, but, on getting back into the State of Minnesota, where the people were for war to the knife, and the knife to the hilt, Mr. Brews- ter enlisted in the Second Minnesota volunteer infantry, and was with that regiment in the hard fought battle of Perrysville, and some seventeen others of less note. After the war Mr. Brewster returned to Auburn, and in 1867 married Miss Amanda Giles, of Bainbridge, and purchased a farm in that township, where he now resides.
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Edward Y. Hannum was born in Massachusetts, came to Bainbridge in an early day with his father, Paul Hannum, and in 184o married Betsey Ann, daughter of Lyman Brewster. They had one child—Flora A. Mr. Hannum came to Auburn in 1854, and purchased a farm north of the center of one James Adams, and now resides on the same.
Lucius Foster was born in Vermont and came to Mantua, Ohio, in an early day. In 1860 he married Edna L, daughter of Calvin Brewster. They have one child—Lucy B. Lucius came to Auburn in 186o, and settled on land formerly owned by Oliver Pennell, but now resides on the old homestead of his father-in-law. His mother came to Auburn with him (his father having died some years previous), and she died at his house in 1861.
Ebenexer Johnson was born in Massachusetts; was married to Martha Burch; moved to Auburn in 1833, and lived some years on the east town line road. They had eight children born to them—Russell, Ann, Cornelius, Hosea, Rachel, Israel, Levant, and Phileman. Ebenezer died in 1864.
Israel Johnson, son of Ebenezer Johnson came to Auburn in the fall of 1832 and in 1836 was married to Nancy White, daughter of Jeremiah White, and ;hey had eight children—Russell E., D. Austin, Lorinda M., Lorette N., Byron L, Clayton D., Octavius, and Burdett. Only four of the above children are living. D. Austin enlisted at the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, and died of sickness while in the service of the United States. Levant married several years since, raised a family, and now resides in Chardon. Phileman married Eveline, youngest daughter of William Crafts. They had three sons, two of whom are now living—Huron and Volney—both of whom are married and reside in Parkman. Mr. Johnson worked at shoemaking at Auburn corners for a few years, and then purchased a farm of his father-in.law, Crafts, on the east line of the township, farmed it there several years, finally sold out and moved to Parkman, and died there several years since.
William Arnold came to Auburn in 1834, and was married the same year to Rachel Johnson, daughter of Ebenezer Johnson, and they had two children— Franklin M. and Livonia. Mr. Arnold lived in different parts of the township for several years, then sold out and moved to Middlefield.
Reuben Brown was born in the State of New York, and there married Deborah Eno, and they had nine children—Reuben, jr., Thomas, James and Minerva (twins), Harriet, Nelson, Jane, David, and Ellen. Mr. Brown came to Auburn with his family in 1833 or 1834, and settled on the east line of the township, on the Cowles tract ; remained there a few years, then sold out and moved to.Burton, and afterwards moved to Michigan.
Reuben, jr., oldest son of Reuben Brown, was born in the State of New York, and came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1842 married Oricy Whitcomb, daughter of Israel Whitcomb, who was one of the first settlers of Troy (then Welshfield). They had four children—Lenora, Nettie, Frank, and Wesley. Mr. Brown lived in Troy several years after his marriage. In 185o he came to Auburn, and lived in different places in the north part of the township until 1864, when he purchased a farm in Auburn valley, known as the John Dinturff , farm, where he died in 1879. His widow and children remain on the old homestead.
Harvey Gilbert was born in Massachusetts, married there, and had four children—Charlotte, Amanda, Edwin, and Austin. He buried his wife there and married again; came to Auburn in 1833 and settled in the northwest part of the township, on the Darling tract. By his second wife he had eight children —Fidelia, Diantha, Samuel, Sylvester, Howard, Byron, Eleanor, and Elmer. Byron and Diantha died very young. Mr. Gilbert died on the farm where he first settled, several years since, and his widow now resides in Chardon. We
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have no information at hand in regard to the whereabouts of any of their children.
Chandler Merryfield came to Auburn with his family in 1833, and first settled on the south town line road; sold out in a short time and purchased land in the southeast corner of the township, of one Pinney, on which there was a saw-mill, established a rake factory, and carried on the business of manufacturing hand rakes a few years; sold out and moved to Mantua Station, Ohio. He lost his first wife about that time, and afterwards married Amanda Keyes, daughter of Amaziah Keyes. They had two children—Mary and Martin. Mr. Merryfield's second wife died in 1838, and he then moved to Michigan, where he now resides.
William McClintock came to Auburn in 1852, and married Mary Merryfield, daughter of Chandler Merryfield. They had two children—Mary E. and Clara A. Mr. McClintock resides in the west part of the township.
George I. Bowler was born in Massachusetts, and moved from there to the State of New York; was married to Susan Barber, and they had twelve children —Susan, Rebecca,.Phebe, Mary, Joseph, Lucy Ann, Nathan P., Nancy, William, Jennett, George I., jr., and Nathan B. Mr. Bowler lost his first wife about 183o, and about 1831 was married to Lucy Barber, sister of his first wife, and they had two children—Charles and John. In 1833 Mr. Bowler came to Auburn with his family, and purchased some land on the Darlington tract, in the north part of the township; cleared up the same, and built all the necessary buildings for comfort and convenience. He lost his second wife in 1863, after which time Mr. Bowler sold his farm and lived with his children until his death, which occurred in Parkman, in 1868.
Two of Mr. Bowler's sons, by his first wife, reside in Cleveland, and are engaged in the iron business. George I., jr., moved to some western State several years since. Nathan B., we think, resides in Solon. Charles and John enlisted in the war of the Rebellion. Charles was killed. John came back and now resides in some western State.
Walter McLouth was born in, or near, Manchester, New York, and married a sister of John Stafford. They came to Auburn about 1833; purchased a farm west of the center, on the center road, and resided there until March, 1842, when his house took fire in the night, from some unknown cause, and McLouth, one of his children, a little girl some ten years old, and a boy, some sixteen years old, by the name of Stafford, all perished in the flames. Mr. McLouth at the time had three children, all girls. The two oldest slept in a bed-room in the southwest corner of the house, his wife slept in a bed-room in the northwest corner, and his bed-room was between them. Mrs. McLouth had an infant child in bed with her, and when she heard the cry of fire by her husband she got out of bed, took her child and tried to get out of her bed-room door but could not on account of the fire. She then raised a window; threw out the pillows and some of the bed-clothes; threw out her babe, and then climbed out herself; went round to the little girls' bed-room; got in by some means, and after being almost suffocated with smoke, she succeeded in finding one of the little girls and carried her out to where she had left her infant, and succeeded in saving herself and two of her children from perishing in the flames. On inquiry by the mother, the little girl said, her father came into the bed-room, took her little sister by the hand and led her right into the fire. There was a mystery in regard to the fire, that caused so great a calamity, which no one was able to solve, and probably it never will be solved until the great day of accounts.
Daniel Frazer was born in New Jersey, and, in 1819, married Miss Rachel Schmuck (pronounced "smoke"). They had six children—Daniel J., Mary Ann, Sarah, Edward, John, and Horace. Horace died young. They resided in New Jersey for several years after their marriage, and from there moved to
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the State of New York, where they lived until 1833, when they came to Auburn and settled on the State road, a half-mile south of the corners. Mr. Frazier cleared up his farm, and built a framed house and barn. He died there in 1844. His widow remained on the old homestead almost thirty-three years after his death, and, until three or four years previous to her death, kept house by herself, and did her own work. She belonged to the Quakers; having embraced that faith in early life, and her precepts and examples were christian-like and worthy of imitation. She died in 1877, after a lingering illness, aged eighty-five years.
Daniel J., eldest son of Daniel Frazier, came to Auburn with his parents, and about 1845, married Miss Perlyett Bartholomew, daughter of Palmer Bartholomew, and now resides in Troy, and will probably be noticed in the history of that township. Mary Ann, eldest daughter, married Lucius Way, son of Arad Way, of Newbury, and he died about 1873 or '74. In 1876, she married Aaron Williams, of Burton, Ohio, and resides at Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They have no children. Sarah is unmarried, and resides at Auburn corners. Edward came to Auburn with his parents, and, about 185o, married Betsey Dinturff, daughter of John Dinturff. They had no children. Mr. Frazer was killed, in 1857, by the accidental discharge of his gun, while out hunting. John came to Auburn with his parents, and, in 1852, married Martha J., youngest daughter of Roswell Rice, and they have one child—Ava Bell. Mr. Frazer owns and resides on the old homestead, where his father and mother both died.
John H. Ross came to Mantua in an early day, from the State of New York, and was a cabinet-maker by trade. He built a shop in Mantua, on the State road, near the south line of Auburn. Soon after he purchased some land in Auburn, and moved his cabinet shop on said land. For a number of years he worked at his trade (and in the mean time cleared up his land), making most of the coffins for people who died in Mantua and Auburn. He being then a bachelor, and somewhat advanced in years, came to the conclusion that it was not "good for man to live alone" (or for him at all events), and finally married Mary M. Fisk in 2856; they have two children: Royal H. and Ida M. He built a nice house some years since, where they now reside.
Elenezer W. Ross, brother to John H., was born in Norwich, New York; was married to Almira Leach in 1832, and came to Auburn in an early day. He settled on the State road, half a mile north of the south line of the township, on the Atwater tract. He has cleared up his farm, and built all the necessary buildings. In 1872 he buried his wife, and in a year or so married for his second wife, the widow of David Nelson. They now reside on the old homestead, where Mr. Ross has lived ever since he took up his residence in Auburn, being some over forty years.
Thomas Wilson was born in the State of Pennsylvania, came to Auburn in 1834, and in 1837 was married to Harriet Maynard, daughter of Moses Maynard. They have raised three sons whose names are George Wm., James, and Lawson W. Mr. Wilson purchased his land of Harrison Rogers in the northwest part of the township, on the Sanford tract; has cleared up his farm, built all the necessary buildings for comfort and convenience, and he and his wife are enjoying the benefits of their industry in early life.
George Wm. married Amanda Hinckley, widow of Van Wagner Hinckley, in 1872, and they now reside in Chardon, Ohio. He obtained the position of mail agent on the Painesville and Youngstown railroad, and was transferred from that road to the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern some two or three years since, and, we understand, has become one of the most efficient and popular agents on that road.
Lawson W. was married some years since, to Elizabeth Bates, daughter of
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John Bates, and she died soon after. He married again, and now resides in this township. He is a carpenter and joiner by trade, and follows that business.
James is unmarried, resides with his parents, and carries on the farm. These three sons were all born in Auburn.
Gabriel Carr was born in New Jersey, went to the State of New York when a young man, and was married in 1826 to Denarzy Goldsmith. They had three children, only one of whom is living, a daughter—Eliza. Mr. Carr came to Auburn in 1834, and settled on the first east and west road south of Auburn corners, just east of the north and south center road, where he lived for forty- four years. He died in 1877, and his widow still lives on the old homestead.
Horace Ellis was born in the State of Massachusetts; was married in 1832 to Abigail Ober, and came to Auburn in 1834; purchased some land of Parker and Bartlett in the north part of the township, on the Sanford tract. He cleared up his farm several years since, and built a nice dwelling house and outbuildings, and now remains on the same farm. They have had five children, but only three of them are now living—Lima A., Emma L., and Harriet M. He is one of ten who now reside in the township on the same land where they first settled in an early day.
Julius Coons came from Hambden, Ohio, to Auburn in r872, and married Emma L., youngest daughter of Horace Ellis, and they have one child. Mr. Coons resides with his father-in-law, Ellis, and carries on the farm.
Moses Maynard was the son of Ebenezer Maynard, and was born in Westboro, Massachusetts, July 16, 1767, and in 1796 married Lucy Davis, daughter of Paul Davis, and they had fourteen children—Martha P., Elisha D., Harriet, Arista, Jabez, Moses, Betsey, Orrin, Luther, Lucy, Orrin, Orrinda, William B., and one that died young. The first Orrin also died young. Mr. Maynard came to Auburn with his family in 1835, and at that time was sixty-eight years of age. He first settled on land now owned by Harvey N. Ensign, where he resided until too old and infirm to take care of himself, after which he and his wife lived with their children until their deaths. Moses died in 1865, aged ninety-eight years and three months, he and his wife having lived together sixty- seven years. Mrs. Maynard died in 1877, aged ninety-nine years eleven months and twenty-three days. The aggregate age of this couple was one hundred and ninety-eight years two months and twenty-four days. They were the oldest couple that have ever died in Auburn, and probably the oldest that have ever died in the county. Ten of this family are still living, the youngest being fifty- seven years old.
Jabez Maynard, second son of Moses, was born in Massachusetts, came from there to the State of New York, and in 1832 came to Auburn. He was married in 1834 to Lovina Barton, and they had two children—Mary L. and Theodore F. Jabez settled in the woods in the north part of the township, on the Sanford tract, a half mile west of the east and west center road. He cleared up his farm, built the necessary buildings for comfort and convenience,, and lost his wife in 1867. He soon after married the widow Walden, and lived on the same farm until 1869, making in all thirty-seven years. He then purchased a farm of David W. Russ, on the same road, east of the center road, where he now resides.
Luther was born in Massachusetts in 1814; came to Auburn in 1874, and was married in 1839 to Hannah O., daughter of Elihu Pettingill, and they have two children—Lucinda and Clara V. Mr. Maynard resides on the first north and south road, west of the corners; has cleared up his farm, built a house and some out-buildings, and he and his wife are enjoying the fruits of their early industry, in their declining years.
William B., youngest son, came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1845
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married Julia M., daughter of Austin Richards, and they have one daughter— Florence R. Mr. Maynard is a shoemaker by trade, and now resides at Auburn corners.
Theodore F., only son of Jabez Maynard, was born in Auburn, and was married in r862 to Elsie Walden, and they have one child—Vernie. Mr. Maynard now resides on the old farm, where his father first settled in 1832.
Elias C. Luce was born in Kingsville, Ohio, is the only son of Jeremiah Luce, of that place. About 1858 he married Lucy, daughter of Jabez Maynard, and they have two children—Frank R. and Ada E. Mr. Luce came to Auburn, with his family, in 1878, and now resides on the farm formerly owned by David Russ.
Forence R., only daughter of William B. Maynard, married Philip E. Haskins, of Bainbridge, and they have two children—Albert A. and William L. They now reside in Newbury.
Henry, son of Benjamin and Louisa Sweet, was born in Marcellus, New York, in i8o7, and was married in 1831 to Joicy, daughter of Jonathan and Deborah Baker. They had seven children—Jonathan B., Orpha L., Martha C., Henry H. Vialda A. and Franklin B. Mr. Sweet came to Auburn in 1835, and purchased land on the Sanford tract; lived there several years, cleard up his farm, purchased another farm of Roland Potter, on the opposite corner; then another still farther north of Lilly Stafford, and moved on to that farm in 1864. His wife died there in 1865. Mr. Sweet was married again in 1866 to Permelia Hickox. Left his farm in 1871 and moved to Auburn corners; purchased a place of George W. Mayhew, just north of the corners, where he now resides. Mr. Sweet lost a son by accident, in the following manner: The little fellow was on the fence, and a cow ran towards him ; he jumped off, striking on an elder, which entered his body nine inches, causing his death in forty-eight hours.
Benjamin F., only son of Henry Sweet, was born in Auburn; married in 1870 to Carrie E. Clark, and they have one child—Pearl R. Mr. Sweet resides on the farm that his father purchased of Lilly Stafford, on the north and south center road, near the north line of the township.
Robert Stearns was born in England, came to Auburn in 1854, and in 1859 was married to Lctvina, daughter of Henry Sweet, and they have three children Martha L., Edmund R., and Mira M. Robert Stearns owns and resides on the farm where his father-in-law, Sweet, first settled, in 1835.
Levi Cook came to Auburn with his family, from the State of New York, in an early day, and lived in several different places in the western part of the township; raised a family of children, whose names were: Seth, Emma, Clarissa, Harriet, Abigail, and Millie. He and his wife died several years since. Seth, son of Levi Cook, came to Auburn with his parents. He married Julia Hovey, and they raised four children—Sullivan S., Amy E., Frank C., and Ellen E. Mr. Cook died in 1866. Sullivan S., eldest son of Seth Cook, married some years since, and moved to Michigan; but has since returned, and is now a resident of this township. Frank C. was married, in 1874, to Myrtie Neice, and they have .two children-Marian E. and Pearl. Mr. Cook resides on the east and west center road, west of the center, and owns the cheese factory, known as "Clover Dale factory."
Jabez Boomer moved from Rhode Island to the State of New York, where he married Miss Hannah Mason, and they had twelve children—Phebe, Aaron P., Eliza M., Chester L., Ruth, Angeline, Joshua M., Emeline D., Edward J., Andrew D., and Jeremiah M. Mr. Boomer came to Auburn, in 1835, and settled in the north part of the township, on the Sanford tract, and cleared up his farm. His wife died in 1839. In 1841, he married Miss Achsah Bailey. They had
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no children. Mr. Boomer died in 1868, aged eighty-four years. He was a minister of the regular Baptist persuasion, and preached more or less for fifty years. Jeremiah M., youngest son of Jabez Boomer, came to Auburn with his parents, and, in 1862, enlisted in the Ninth Ohio battery, and served until April, 1863, when he was discharged, on account of sickness, and returned home. In 1864, he married Corlentha Butts, and they have one child—Quincy J. Mr. Boomer owns and resides on the old homestead where his father first settled, in 1835.
Joshua Stafford was born in Rhode Island in 1798; came from there to the State of New York, and about 1820 was married to Lucretia Gibson. Mr. Stafford and his family came to Auburn about 1835. He first purchased a farm one mile north of Brown's corners, on the Root tract; cleared up the same, and built a large frame house. They had nine children—Ambrose, Louisa, Clinton, Almira, Harriet, Fanny, George, Ellen, and Harmon. Mr. Stafford lost his wife in 1849, and some years after married again. He then sold out to his son, Clinton, and purchased a small farm on the diagonal road to Chagrin Falls, of one Mrs. Sanderson; lived there several years, and died in 1876.
Clinton, son of Joshua Stafford, came to Auburn with his father, and was married, in 1860, to Delia C. Shipard, daughter of Dr. Shipard, one of the early settlers of Bainbridge, and a very eminent physician. They have no children. He owns and resides on the farm where his father first settled, in the western part of the township, one mile north of Brown's corners. Harriet is unmarried, and resides at Auburn corners.
Daniel Etheridge was born in Connecticut in 1784; married Miss Abigail Hinckley in 1808, and they had ten children—Sarah M., Nancy, Nathan H., Orlando H., Charles, Albert G., Lucy Ann, Cortland, Denison, and Ann, all born in the State of New York. Mr. Etheridge came to Auburn with part of his family in 1836, and purchased the hotel and about thirty acres of land at the corners, where he kept hotel for several years. Mrs. Etheridge went to St. Paul, Minnesota, on a visit, and was taken sick and died there in 185o. Mr. Etheridge died on the old homestead in 1859.
Sarah M., eldest daughter of Daniel Etheridge, was born in the State of New York, and there married Andrew Chase. They had six children-Almira, . Laura, Orlan D., Charles F., John J., and Nathan E. Mr. Chase died in the State of New York. Soon after his death Mrs. Chase came to Auburn with ter family, and took up her residence at the corners, near her father. Her four sons enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and did good service for their country. This was the only family in the township where all the sons enlisted. John J. contracted a disease while in the service, of which he died some years since and was buried at the corners. Mrs. Chase is still living, and now resides with her son, Orlan D., in Cleveland, Ohio.
Nathan H. came to Auburn with his parents, but soon returned to his native place and married Miss Louisa Caldwell. He returned to Auburn and went into the hotel with his father, where he remained about two years, when he built a house on the south side of the road, opposite his father's, and took up his residence at that place. Mr. Etheridge was appointed postmaster in 1837, and was the second in the township. He held the office but a year or two, and resigned in favor of Harvey Harrington, who received a commission, and was the third postmaster in the township, he holding the office until he sold out to John Mayhew, who was his successor to that office. Mr. Etheridge was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and followed that business while he lived. Mr. and Mrs. Etheridge had two children—Annie M. and Medora M. He died in 1845, and his widow married Chester G. Hayes, as mentioned in another part of this history.
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Annie M. was born in Auburn; is unmarried and resides with her step-father, C. G. Hayes. She is a dressmaker by trade, and has a shop on the old Etheridge homestead, just west of the corners, and carries on business at that place.
Medora M. was also born in Auburn, and is married, as stated below.
Lucian C., youngest son of Silas Turner, was born in the State of New York; came to Auburn in 1861, and in 1865 married Dora M. daughter of Nathan H. Etheridge. They have one child, whose name is Frank E. Lucian enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and did good service for his country. In 1875 he moved to Burton, where he now resides, and is engaged in the sale of meats, vegetables, and groceries, at that place.
Albert G., fourth son of Daniel Etheridge, came to Auburn with his parents, and, in 1849, married Frances Halen, of Newbury, Ohio, and they had no children. He kept the hotel at the corners, during the whole of his married life. He died in 1864, and his widow now resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Courtland resides in Olympia, Washington Territory. Dennison went to Mt. Vernon, Ohio, in 1848, and there married Miss Josephine Church, and they had two children—Albertine and Blanche. After their marriage, he went into some western State, was there taken sick; came back to Auburn with his family, and died on the old homestead, at the corners, in 1858.
Jude May was born in Connecticut; moved to Aubqrn in 1836, and purchased a farm of Henry Canfield. The following year, 1837, he built a saw-mill near the site of one previously built by said Henry Canfield, which was the first saw-mill built in Auburn. Soon after he finished his saw-mill, he built a gristmill, which was the first built in the township, and the one now owned by Wm. Thorpe. He was a man of much business, and was readily distinguished by his size; being six feet seven inches in height, and well proportioned. His corn- mon weight was two hundred and fifty pounds. His wife's maiden name was Rispah Durfee. They had five children, all born in Connecticut—Henry, Maria, Oliver, Lucy, and Jude, jr. Soon after Mr. May took up his residence in Auburn, he was elected justice of the peace, and served one term. He died in 1873, and his wife in 1876.
Henry came to Auburn with his parents, and, in 1844, was married to Sally M. Canfield, daughter of Elijah Canfield, and they had five children-Leanora, Orzette, Rispah, Faith, and Eva. Mr. May died in 1864, and his widow, soon after his death, moved to Chagrin Falls, where she now resides.
Jude, jr., was born in Auburn; was married, in 1867, to Eleanor Bartlett, and they had two children born to them-John and Alice. Mr. May resided on the old homestead with his father, and died there in 1871. His widow married Merritt Smith for her second husband, and they reside on the farm where her first husband died. They have one child.
Henry E. Andrews, is the son of Enoch Andrews; was born in the State of New York ; came to Auburn in 1845, and, in 1851, married Sarah Maria May, and they had three children, all of whom died young. Mr. Andrews resides near where his father-in-law (May) lived and died.
Calvin Bush was born in Bainbridge, Ohio; came to Auburn in 1855, and was married, in x856, to Lucy S. May, daughter of Jude May, and they have two children—Jude M. and Geo. B. M. Mr. Bush resides on the north and south center road, half a mile from the south line of the township.
Elias H. Fish was born in 1792 at Schodack, New York, and was married in 1811 to Betsey Van Wagner. They had ten children—Rachel L., Nicholas, Charles L., Alexander, Elias A., Job, Mary Ann, John, Emily, and Elizabeth, all born in the State of New York.' Alexander died young. Mr. Fish came to Auburn with his family in 1836, and purchased a farm of Pardon Wilber, on • the east and west center road, west of the center, where he resided ten or eleven
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years. He then sold out and moved to Florence, Erie county, Ohio. He resided there twelve years, then sold out and moved to Burr Oak, Michigan, where he died in 1867. His widow is still living, and resides at that place.
Nicholas was married in 1841 to Matilda A., daughter of Leicester Perkins. They have no children. Mr. Fish settled on the east and west center road, west of the corners, where he now resides. He purchased his land of Ezekiel Hall and his father-in-law, Leicester Perkins. He has held the office of township clerk a number of terms. Charles L. in 1843 married Susan Stewart. They have one child—Charles. Mr. Fish is a lawyer by profession, and resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Charles A. in 1848 married Mary Gurney, of Chester, Ohio. They have one child—Mary. Elias A. now resides in Greenville, Michigan; is a physician of the homoeopathic school, and has an extensive practice there. Job was married about 1853 to Anna E., daughter of George A. Peabody. They have eight children-Florence, Williston and Josephine (twins), Mary, Job, jr., John, Albert and Alice (twins). Job, sr., now resides at Florence, Ohio, and is a school teacher by profession. John taught school in different localities until 1855, when he married Mary S., daughter of George A. Peabody, and they have four children-Betsey, Rachel, Matilda, and John. Soon after their marriage Mr. Fish commenced the study of medicine, and graduated at the Homeopathic college, at Cleveland, Ohio. Not being fully satisfied with that practice, he studied the allopathic system. At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted, and was promoted to surgeon, and continued in the service until mustered out at the close of the war. He is now located in the west part of Auburn, is practicing medicine, and has an extensive ride in Auburn and the surrounding townships. Mary Ann, daughter of Elias H., married Albert Judson, and resides at Berlin Heights, Ohio. Emily married Henry, son of Hiram Canfield. He died about 1864, and she married for her second husband Orestus F. Wood. They now reside in Brookfield, Missouri. Elizabeth married Charles Powers, and they reside in Colon, Michigan.
William Mills moved to Auburn front the State of New York in 1836 and purchased land on the north and south center road, in the north part of the township, on the Sanford Tract. He was previously married to Abigail Burnett, and they, at that time, 1836, had a family of nine children-Burnett, Jemima, Abigail, Eunice, William, H. Maribee, Windsor C., Andrew J., and Mary P. In 184o, Mr. and Mrs. Mills went to a funeral on horseback ; and on the way home the horse on which Mrs. Mills was riding took fright from some boys who were concealed in the corner of the fence on the side of the road, threw her off backwards, and broke her neck. Mr. Mills married again, and died on the same farm in 1859.
William H. Mills, second son of William Mills, was married in t836 to Mary E. Spargur, and came to Auburn in 1837, and settled on the same farm with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Mills had five children—William, Edward S., Charles A., Warren H., Arthur B. and Allen, all born in Auburn. William enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and died in the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, July 31, 1863.
Mr. Mills tells the following story: One night, just before bed time, when the country was new, he heard a shrill scream in the woods north of his house, and after hearing it two or three times, he made up his mind that it was some person lost, or some wild animal, and concluded to go in search of it ; about that time some of the neighbors heard the noise and got together, and, after obtaining lights, started in the direction of the noise, but Mr. Mills had previously started on, and as he went, groping his way in the dark, he kept hearing and answering the screams, and after going a half mile or more, he found a woman sitting on a log with a baby in her arms, and the water about up to her
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knees. About this time the party following came up with their lights, and a short distance from where Mr. Mills found the first woman and baby they found another woman in the water, and little farther on they found a boy with a pair of oxen and wagon, also in the mud and water, and the oxen were so well stuck in the mud that they had to unyoke them to get them out. On inquiry, these women were found to be Mrs. Leeland and Mrs. Corother, of Huntsburgh, who had started with the oxen and wagon (that being the mode of traveling in those days), and when they got to Punderson's Mill (it being then dark), they inquired for their friends, Maynards, and were told to take the second right hand road, which led up through by Uncle Bildad Bradley's, but instead, they took the first road, that led up by Captain Amplias Green's, and after going up that road to a point about opposite Maynard's, they undertook to cross over through the woods, tot lost, and were found in the condition above described. And now, to go on with the story, after they had got the women, boy, baby, and oxen, all on dry land, Mr. Mills took the baby, and all started through the woods for Maynard's, and arrived there in safety, about eleven o'clock at night; and Mr. Mills thinks to this day that was the heaviest baby he ever carried.
Edward S. was married in 1873 to Melissa, daughter of James Pickering, and they have one child—Metta Z. Mr. Mills is a carpenter and joiner by trade, and follows that business in the summer and teaches school in the winter.
Charles A. was married in 1869 to Mary A., daughter of Christopher Stafford, and they have no children. He resides at the center, and occupies his time, mainly, in teaching school, and is at the present time one of the acting justices of the peace in the township.
Warren H. was married in 1869 to Emma, daughter of James Pickering, and they have three children—Lillie M., James P. and Ena G. He resides near his father-in-law, Pickering; owns and resides on the farm formerly owned by Mrs. James Pennell.
Allen is unmarried, and resides at home, with his parents, and helps to carry on the farm.
Hosea Barnes was born in the State of Vermont. He married Hannah Brewster, and they had nine children—Alanson E., Fayette, Sarah Ann, Tempa L., Juliette, John, Harriet, Timothy, and George W. Mr. Barnes came to Auburn, with his family, in 1836, and settled on the north and south center road, half a mile north of the center; he cleared up his farm, built a nice framed house, and the necessary out-buildings, and died there in 1854; his wife died at the same place in r873.
Alanson was the oldest son of Hosea Barnes, and was born in Vermont; came to Auburn in 1832 and was married in 1840 to Corlentha Findley, and they had one child, a daughter—Ellen. He now resides in Cleveland, Ohio.
Fayette was born in Vermont; came to Auburn in 1839, and was married to Elizabeth Young. They had two children. Mr. Barnes died in i843.
John was born in Vermont, and came to Auburn with his parents. In 1845 was married to Lydia, daughter of Arad Way, and settled at the corners. Lived there a few years, then moved on to his father's farm, north of the center. They had three children-Alice, Annie, and John. Mrs. Barnes died in Auburn, and Mr. Barnes married for his second wife Lydia Spaulding, of Munson. Soon after this he moved to Wisconsin, and we know but tittle more about him, except that he was in the war of the Rebellion, and did good service for his country.
Timothy was born in Vermont; came to Auburn with his parents, and left Auburn for the far west in 1852, and has never returned.
George W. was born in Vermont; came to Auburn with .his parents in 1832, and was married in 1854 to Mary, daughter of Hiram Canfield. They had three
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children—Nettie, Frank, and Fred. Frank died young. Mr. Barnes left Auburn in 1874, and now resides in Cleveland.
Hiram Everden was born in the State of New York; was married in £827 to Emma Cook, daughter of Levi Cook, and they have one child, a daughter— Abigail. Mr. Everden resides a short distance north of the center.
Lucius Redfield came to Auburn from the State of New York, about 1836; was a wagon maker by trade. He married Sally Canfield, and they had seven children—William, Eliza Jane, Henry, Agnes M., Sally Ann, Julia M., and Emogene. Lucius Redfield settled south of the center; carried on a small farm and worked at his trade for several years. He lost his first wife there, and he married again soon after; worked at his trade there several years, and lost his second wife. Mr. Redfield, then somewhat advanced in years, and his health being poor, gave up working at his trade, and lived with his children, at different places. He died at Niles, Ohio, in 1876.
Gilbert Hinkley was born in Connecticut; came to the State of New York, and there married Betsey Turner. They had eleven children—Charles D,, Harry, William, Nathan, Lewis, Mary Ann, Nancy, Jerome, Emily, and Martha, all born in the State of New York. Gilbert Hinkley came to Auburn with his family in 1836, settled at the center, and died in a few years after. His widow died in 1871.
Charles D. Hinkley, son of Gilbert Hinkley, was born in 1808; was married in 1835 to Margaret Van Wagner; came to Auburn in 1836, and settled a short distance east of the center. They had seven children, all born in Auburn, only two of whom are now living, viz: Darwin J. and Eugene J. Mr. Hinkley was a mason by trade, and worked at that business, more or less. After his father died he sold his farm, on the north side of the road, to his son, Darwin J., and purchased the old homestead, on the south side of the road. He lost his wife in 1867, after which he resided on the same farm with his children until his death, which occurred in 1873.
Darwin J., eldest son of Charles D., was married about 1860 to Ann Independence Esty, she being born on the fourth day of July. They had one son -Levi. Mr. Hinkley sold his farm in Auburn a few years since, and moved to Chagrin Falls, where he now resides. He is a mason by trade, and follows that business.
Van Wagner, fourth son, was married in 1868 to Amanda Ragan. Van Wagner died in 1870, and his widow married William Wilson; and now resides in Chardon, Ohio. Eugene J., fifth son, was married in 1871 to Flora A., daughter of Edward Y. Hannum, and she died without heirs in 1872. Eugene J. owns the old homestead at the center, where his father and grandfather died.
Jerome, youngest son, came iron the State of New York to Auburn with his parents, and about 1847 married Mary A., daughter of Lucius Redfield, and they had no children. Several years after their marriage, Jerome moved to Auburn corners, and engaged in the mercantile business until 1869, when he sold out and gave up the business. He then took a journey to find employment, was taken sick, and died at Ravenna, Ohio, in 1870. Jerome, during his residence in Auburn, held the office of clerk, treasurer, justice of the peace, and postmaster.
John Stafford was born in the State of New York, and there married Margaret Orr. They had seven children-Samantha, Maria, Everson, Sanford, Eliza, William, Philo, and Mary. Mr. Stafford came to Auburn with his family about 1837, and settled on lot twenty-six, Atwater tract. They both died at that place about 1850. Their family all reside in the western States.
Lilly Stafford, son of Jonathan Stafford, came to Auburn about 1837, and married a daughter of Esquire Patch, of Troy. Lilly settled on the center
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road, in the north part of the township, and had quite a family; sold out and moved to the western part of the State several years since. The mother of Christopher, Cornelius, and Liliy came to Auburn with her son Cornelius, and died in 1869, being eighty-eight years of age. Cornelius Stafford, son of Jonathan Stafford, came to Auburn in 1837, and settled on the Mills tract; was married in 1839 to Phebe F. Whitney, daughter of John Whitney. They had four, children—Olive S. Luzern D., Royal M. and Lionel B. Cornelius now re- sides on the farm where he first settled. M., built a nice house and barns some years since, and he and his wife are enjoying the benefits of their industry and perseverance in their declining years. Lionel B. married a daughter of Madison Frost some two years ago. Luzern D. died several years since, and Royal M. is married, and resides in Ashtabula, Ohio.
Lewis C. Reed, eldest son of Chester Reed, who was one of the first settlers of Mantua, came to Auburn in 1838, and settled on the State road, Atwater tract, one-half mile from the south line, and was married in 1835 to Mary E. Bump, of Mantua. They had three children—Philip C., Luton L and Henry E. Mr. Reed cleared up his farm, built a nice dwelling house, and died in 1865. Mr. Reed was elected County Commissioner in 1861 or 1862, and served one term.
Luton L., son of Lewis C. Reed, resides with his mother, on the old homestead where his father died; he was married in 1861 to Irene C. Chapman, daughter of Orsaurus Chapman, of Newbury, Ohio. They have two children —Lee J. and Luton R.
Ovil Reed was also the son of Chester Reed, moved into Auburn in 1838, and also settled on the State road, Atwater tract, near the south line of the township; was married the same year to Sarah F. Miller, and they had four children —Gilbert 0: , Triphena H., Almira R. and Eugene M. Mr. Reed cleared up his firm, built all the necessary buildings for comfort and convenience, and died in 1862.
Eugene M., son of Ovil, resides on the old .homestead where his father died, and his mother resides with him. He was married in 1869, to Millie L. Davis, of Newbury, Ohio. They have one child—Wert E. Reed.
Oliver W. Ludlow, son of Francis Ludlow, was born in Seneca, Cayuga county, New York, in 'Soo, and moved with his parents to Westfield, New York, in 1807. At the age of nineteen, with a few shillings in his pocket, he started on foot for Painesville, Ohio, and there engaged in teaching. In 1822 he went to Burton, Ohio, where he taught school wrth good success until 1824, where he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Goodwin. In 1825 he went to Chardon, Ohio, where he continued his medical studies with Dr. Denton; also taught school there with much credit to himself. In 1827 he married Miss Harriet Metcalf, of that place. They had eight children-Maria A., Linaeus C. Benjamin F., Washington I., Lycurgus, Louisa M., Harriet E. and Oliver E. In the fall of 1829 he went to New York to attend the New York Medical college; during the winter of 1830 he went to Geneva and taught school in order to defray his expenses through college. August 17, 1830, he received his diploma from the New York Medical academy. That fall he returned to Chardon and moved his family to Newbury, Ohio. In 1831 he began the practice of medicine in that and surrounding townships. In 1838 he moved to Auburn corners, where he practiced medicine until his death, which occurred in 1865. He died very suddenly, after having visited several patients on the day of his death. The cause of his death was a rupture of the left ventricle of the heart. Dr. Ludlow, during the last thirty years of his life, was not a religious man, in the ordinary sense; he believed in humanity, a common brotherhood and friendship for the stranger; he believed in less creeds and formalities, and
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in mere acts of benevolence, and his life was a testimony of the sincerity of his belief. He was very benevolent, often taking provision and clothing from his own home to supply the wants of the poor, and in several cases has given doctor's bills as high as sixty dollars, and furnished money to move poor families to western lands. Deeply interested in education, he was ever stirring to introduce modern improvements into the common schools, and when people were so indifferent to new books, he was often heard to say, "that he was one hundred years in advance of his time." Astronomy was a favorite study of his, and he lectured on that subject several years. As a physician, he was very successful. His professional labors were very arduous, seldom a day passing without finding him giving faithful attendance to the duties of his profession. A close student, when not on duty he was absorbed in study. Literally, he gave his life to humanity, and totally ignored self. The community mourned his loss, and, in testimony of their respect, erected a monument to his memory, in the cemetery at Auburn Corners. Mrs. Ludlow, wife of the Doctor, was one of the best of women, and was highly respected by every one that knew her. She survived him a number of years, and, after a lingering disease of cancer in the stomach, death came to her relief. She died in 1870.
Linaeus C., eldest son of Dr. Oliver W. Ludlow, was born in Newbury, Ohio, came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1857 he married Helen A. Stafford, daughter of Charles Stafford, and they have six children—Wallace, Arthur, May; Linaeus C., Irving, and Helen. Mr. Ludlow resided in Auburn a short time after his marriage, and was then elected to the office of county recorder, two or three terms, and then moved to Cleveland, where he now resides. Benjamin F., second son, was born in Newbury; came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1862 married Delia Messenger, and they have three children—Louis E., Clement O., and Oliver L. Mr. Ludlow resides on the old homestead, where his father and mother both died. Washington 1. was born in Newbury, and is, by profession, an inventor, and has obtained over twenty patents of his own inventions. He is probably one of the most successful inventors in the State. Mr. Ludlow is unmarried, and consequently has no particular abiding place; comes to the old homestead, in Auburn, occasionally, but spends the most of his time at other points. Lycurgus married in Cleveland several years since, and now resides in that city. Maria A., eldest daughter, married Ranson P. Hodges, and they have several children, but we do not know their names. They now reside in Cleveland, Ohio. Louisa M., second daughter, is unmarried, and also resides in Cleveland. Harriet E., third daughter, married William H. Reed, of Newbury. They have several children, but we do not know their names. They now reside in Burton, Ohio, and Mr. Reed is engaged in carrying mail.
Oliver E. Ludlow was born in Auburn; was married in 1876 to Eliza Richards, daughter of Gilbert A. Richards, and ;hey have one son—Hoyt. They now reside on the farm formerly owned by Lorin Snow.
Archibald Hazlett was born in Pennsylvania, and was married in 1817 to Margaret Kennedy. They had four children—Ann, Sarah, Thomas and James. Mr. Hazlett came to Auburn, with his family, in 1837, and settled in the south part of the township, on the Atwater tract, where he lived a few years, then sold out and purchased land in the southwest part of the township, on lot twenty-five, Atwater tract, where he now resides. Mrs. Hazlett died several years since.
Thomas came to Auburn with his parents, and was married several years since, and now resides in the southeast part of the township.
James came to Auburn with his parents, and in aso was married to Susan Line, and they had six children—Martha M., Minn, Emma, George, Frank and Ida Bell. Mr. Hazlett, soon after his marriage, purchased the farm where Hannah Dodge now resides, lived there a short time, and sold out to Han-
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nah Canfield, and lived in different places until 1855, when he purchased a farm of William Arnold, and others, on the east line of the township; cleared up his farm, put up good buildings, and died in 1872.. His widow now resides at Auburn corners.
Robert McBay was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Auburn in 1832; went west and married, lost his wife, and returned to Auburn several years since, where he now resides. He is a carpenter and joiner by trade.
John and David Robinson, brothers, came to Auburn in 1837. They were shoemakers by trade, and commenced business at the corners, at Barnes and Harrington's old store. The same building is now owned by Thomas B. Hoard, and used for a blacksmith shop. It then stood on the northeast corner. John, we believe, was married before he came to the corners. His wife's name was Mary, daughter of Joseph Bartholomew. David, soon after, was married to Betsey Wilber. John built the house now owned by Daniel R. Bray. These brothers carried on business together several years. John, after a few years, removed to Chagrin Falls, and, probably, now resides in Russell. David continued business for a few years after his brother left, but finally gave that up and engaged.in the furnace business with Charles Stafford. They also manufactured plows quite extensively for a few years, and then engaged in the mercantile bus- mess, in the old red store. They carried on that business a year or two, and then dissolved partnership. About this time Mr. Robinson lost his wife. While he was engaged with his brother in shoe-making, and.with Stafford in the furnace and plow business, he resided north of the corners, on the place now owned by Dr. B. F. Ray, but at the time his wife died, he owned and resided in the place now owned by Mrs. W. N. White. Mr. Robinson married his second wife while living at the corners, and soon after sold out and purchased a farm in Russell, about one mile northeast of Chagrin Falls, and now resides at that place.
Henry Capron came from New York to Auburn in an early day, and about 1838 married Laura Brown. They had three children—Sabina, Louisa, and Julia. Mr. Capron purchased land one mile north of Brown's corners, where he built him a nice house and out-buildings, and remained until his death, which occurred in 1866. His wife died a few years since.
Almon Lamb was born in New York; came to Mantua, Ohio, in an early day; came to Auburn in 1839, and purchased land in lot thirty-five, on the Atwater tract; was married in 1844 to Sophia Pierce. They have two children Malinda and Wallace A. Mr. Lamb resides on the south township line road, and on the north and south center road, and his son, Wallace A., is unmarried and resides with him. Several years since Almon Lamb had a severe attack of small-pox, which made a great excitement in the township. Mrs. Lamb died in 1879.
Adorno Blood was born in Massachusetts; married Maryett Dormon, and had four children—Emily O., Clark, Adorno, jr., and Elsipher. Mr. Blood came to Auburn about r84o, and engaged in manufacturing rakes, and carried on that business first in the southern part of the township, at a saw-mill, built in an early day by the Pinney Brothers, on a stream known as Black brook; from there he moved to the west part of the township, and started a rake factory at the saw-mill built by one Harm, known afterwards as Barney's mill, where he manufactured rakes a few years, then turned his attention to farming. Mr. Blood lost his first wife several years since; married again, and now resides at Pope's corners, in Troy.
William Green came from England. He was married about 1840 to Sarah Marshall, and they had seven children—Thomas, William, Lamm, Odessa,
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Emma, Frank, and Burt. Mr. Green came to Auburn about 1843, and resided in different parts of the township until the war of the Rebellion. In 1864 he enlisted in the service, and served until the close of the war. Soon after, he removed to Michigan with his family, where he died in 1874. His family (except his son William), still reside in that State. William Green, jr., was born in Aurora, Ohio. He was married in 1875 to Maria Clatworthey. They now reside at the center of Auburn.
Ebenezer Wicks was born in Massachusetts, and was married in 1830 to Arista Maynard, daughter of Moses Maynard. They had four children— Ebenezer J., Celia, Lewis A., and Henry. Mr. Wicks was a blacksmith by trade, came to Auburn with his family in 1840, and settled in the north part of the township, built a shop, and commenced manufacturing axes and other edged tools, but soon after went to Auburn valley, and engaged in the furnace business, in company with Ashley Crafts. He worked there a few years at his trade and the furnace business together; then went back to his home where he first settled, was taken with the rheumatism, and after four years of intense suffering, two of which he was entirely helpless, he died in 1854. His widow is still living and resides with her children.
Ebenezer J., son of Ebenezer Wicks, was born in Massachusetts, came to Auburn with his parents in 1840, and in 1857 was married to Rebecca Crosby, daughter of Julius Crosby, of Troy. They have three children—Oliver L., Bert, and Elbertine. Mr. Wicks resides on the old homestead where his father died. Ebenezer J. is a carpenter and joiner by trade. Lewis A. came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1858 married Celestine Pettengill. They have a family of four children—Clarence E., Clara B., Estelle C., and Francis E. Mr. Wicks is a blacksmith by trade, and his residence is at the center, though he spends most of his time in Cleveland shoeing race horses. Henry, third son of Ebenezer Wicks,' was born in Massachusetts, and was married several years since. He now resides in Ashtabula county, Ohio.
Rodolphus Odell was born in the State' of New York, married Amy Akin in 1835, and came to Auburn in 1843. They had six children—Henry C., Hiram L., Horace. G., David W., Hannah F., and Mary C. Mr. Odell is a cooper by trade, and worked at that business for several years after arriving in Auburn, until his health began to fail, when he turned his attention to farming, and now resides in the southwest part of the township. Henry C. married a Miss Mansfield, and resided in Auburn several years, when he sold his farm and moved to Wisconsin, where they now reside. Hiram L. married Amelia Colvin, daughter of Abner Colvin, and they have two children. They now reside in Mantua. Horace G. is married, and resides in Michigan. David W., fourth son, marled in Burton, and now resides in some western State.
George A. Peabody was married in 1833 to Ann Spencer, and they came to Auburn in 1847, from Rhode Island. They have eight children—Ann E., Sally B., Mary S., Martha B., Rebecca W., Charles F., George E., and Henry L. Mr. Peabody purchased his land of Alfred Thompson, on the east and west center road, a short distance west of where the diagonal road branches off from the center road, in the direction of Chagrin Falls ; built a house and blacksmith shop, working at that trade, and resided there several years; then sold out to his son-in-law, John Fish, M. D., and moved a short distance farther east, where he now resides, and has worked at blacksmithing ever since he has lived in Auburn. Mr. Peabody was appointed postmaster in 1849, and served in that capacity eighteen years. The office was known as Bridge Creek. After the railroads were established and mail routes changed, this office became worthless, and Mr. Peabody notified the department of the fact, and the office was discontinued.
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James Pickering came from England to Bainbridge, Ohio, and married Miranda M. Goddard in 1846, and soon after came to Auburn. They had five children—Emma M., Melissa A., Julia E., Ada M., and Lina R. Mr. Pickering is all music, and his children partake largely of his musical qualities, which makes his home pleasant and enjoyable. He now resides in the northwest part of the township, on the farm owned in an early day by Elihu Gorham.
Zeb Dial Mott, son of Elihu Mott, was born in the State of New York, and came to Ohio, with his parents, in 1816. In 1838 he was married to Sophia, daughter of Israel Whitcomb. Mr. Whitcomb and Elihu Mott were among the first settlers of Troy, at that time called Welshfield. Z. D. Mott moved from Troy to Auburn in 1848, and settled on the east town line road. They had two children—Caroline and Jennette. After a few years, he sold his farm on that road, and bought one in the west part of the town on the east and west center road, owned by heirs of Walter McLouth. In 1874 he and his wife went to Missouri to visit a married daughter living in that State, and while there Mr. Mott was taken sick and died, quite suddenly. His wife returned to Auburn immediately, with his remains, which were buried in the cemetery at Auburn corners.
Milton Zweifel came to Auburn in 1860, and was married the same year to Caroline, daughter of Zeb Dial Mott, and they have one son—George. He owned the east half of the McLouth farm, and lived with his father-in-law until his death; then he purchased the balance of the farm of the heirs, and now resides on the place, and his mother-in-law resides with him. Jennette married Merritt, son of Charles 0. Dutton, as mentioned in the record of the Dutton family.
Parker Howland was from New York, and there married Eliza Ann Mix. They have only one child now living—Lucy Ann. He came to Troy in 1837, and in 1850 came to Auburn, and settled in the southwest part, on the Atwater tract, where he now resides. About 1834, a man by the name of Johnson, occupied the same farm, and his dwelling-house took fire, and two of his children perished in the flames.
John Thomas came from the State of New York to Streetsboro, with his parents, and in 1852 came to Auburn, and married Lucy Ann, daughter of Parker Howland. They had three children—Fred W., Floretta M., and Mary E. Mr. Thomas has lived in different parts of the township, and during the war of the Rebellion he enlisted, and did good service for his country ; he died in 1878, after a lingering illness. His widow and children still reside in the township.
Tyler W. Wing came from Vermont, and was married, in 1815, to Martha Rogers. They had seven children—Henry R., Emeline 0., Martha M., John F., Benjamin A., Alexander T. and Martha E. During the war 1812, they lived near Plattsburg, New York, and Mrs. Wing remembers hearing the guns when the battle was fought at that place, and recollects seeing Generals McComb, Scott, Wilkinson, Hampton, and several other officers of less note. They moved to Streetsboro, in an early day; came from there to Auburn in 1830, and settled on the first north and south road west of the center. Mr. Wing died in 1874; he and his wife having lived together fifty-nine years.
Alexander T, came to Ohio with hrs father; married in Streetsboro, and lost his wife. Came to Auburn, in 1856, and was married, in 1859, to Frances L. Stafford, daughter of Joshua and Lucretia Stafford. They have had four children, only two of whom are now living—Willie S. and Ella E. Mr. Wing purchased his father's farm several years since, and now resides where his father lived and died. His mother is still living, and resides with. him.
Joseph Dodge came from New York, about 1838; was a mill-wright by trade,
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and was married, in 184r, to Hannah P. Canfield, daughter of Henry Canfield. They had six children—Henry B., Julius H., Hiram M., Martin E., Rosa R., and Lillian J. Henry B. died when about twenty-one years of age. Mr. Dodge settled permanently in Auburn, in 1851, on the first east and west road from the south line of the township, on the north and south center road; worked at his trade more or less for several years, and worked a gang of hands on the Cleveland and Mahoning railroad, while that road was being built. If we remember correctly, he made one trip to Idaho in the interests of a mining company. On his return home he turned his attention principally to farming, and died in 1878. His widow and youngest daughter now reside on the old homestead, where he died.
Julius H. was born in Mantua, Ohio; came to Auburn with his parents, and was married, in r868, tosi Ella M. Rice, daughter of Edward C. Rice. They had one child—Frank H. Mr. Dodge resides on the diagonal road, in the southwest corner of the township, on the farm formerly owned by William Watterman. Mrs. Dodge died, of typhoid fever, in November, 1878, after a lingering illness.
Hiram M. was born in Auburn, and was married, about 1869, to Orra E. (Canfield) Beeler. After his marriage he resided in Auburn until the fall of 1876, when he moved to Kansas, and now resides in that State.
Martin E. was born in Auburn. By industry and perseverance he obtained a good education; taught several district and graded schools, and some four years since turned his attention to the study of law, and in a short time was admitted to the bar, and is now one of the most promising young lawyers of the city of Cleveland, Ohio.
Rose R. was born in Auburn; was married, some two years since, to Dr. John M. Crafts, of Mantua, and they have one child. They now reside at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
John Mayhew came from New York to Ohio about 1833, and married Elizabeth Sloan, of Bainbridge. Soon after their marriage they located at Bainbridge, doing a mercantile business at that place several years. They had two sons— Monroe and George W. Mrs. Mayhew died in 1839. Mr. Mayhew, about 1840, went back to the State of New York and married Roxey Martin, and soon after sold out at the center and moved to Chagrin Falls, and continued in the mercantile business for a time, where he and Bliss carried on the milling and mercantile business together about three years. By the second wife he had four children-Mary, Austin, Henry, and John. The two oldest died at that place. Mrs. Mayhew also died there about 1848. He soon after married Judith Martin, sister of the second wife; sold out at the Falls and moved to the center of Troy, where he built another store, and sold goods at that place until 1852. In the fall of 1851 he purchased a store at Auburn corners, from Henry Harrington; moved there, and in the spring of 1852 moved over the balance of his goods to that place. In 1852 he built the dwelling house now owned by Mrs. Lucina Burnett, having previously purchased the land from Edward Crafts. By this last wife he had two children, a daughter and son—Mary J. and William M. He sold out his goods to Boswith and Parkman, and discontinued the business. His health continued to fail and he died in 1864. His widow married Gardner A. Fobes, and now resides in the State of New York. Mr. Mayhew was postmaster several years, and his son, George W., was his successor.
Monroe, eldest son of John Mayhew, died in Auburn in 1874. George W. married Louisa, daughter of Charles Stafford. They have four children-Florence H., Maud M., Mary O., and William J. Soon after their marriage Mr. Mayhew engaged in the mercantile business, in the store then owned by his father, and continued in that business until 1874. He left Auburn in 1875, and now resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Henry H. went into some western State; married,
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and died in Detroit, Michigan, in 1874. John W. married Hannah, daughter of Tyrus Canfield, and they have two children—Maggie M. and Mary. They now reside in Auburn. Mary J. married Aristus A. Kingsbury, and they had three children—John H., Brayton, and Lucy A. Brayton died in 1879. They now reside at Chagrin Falls Ohio. William M. married Ella Green, of New Lisbon, Ohio, in r877. They have one son—Ira W. They now reside in Bryan, Ohio.
Homer Frost was born in Mantua, and in 1852 was married to Mary E. Hickox, daughter of Dr. Benjamin Hickox, of Newbury, and they had three children—John B., Lida C., and William. The latter died young. Mr. Frost came to Auburn in 1852, and purchased the saw-mill property of Mott and Masqn, and now resides at that place. John B., son of Homer Frost, was born in Mantua; came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1876 married Ella Mc. Clintock, daughter of William McClintock. They have one child, and now reside in Mantua. Lid; only daughter, is unmarried, and lives at home with her parents.
Charles R. Almy was born in Connecticut, and was married in r822 to Rebecca Dorrence, and they had five children—Mary Ann, Jane, George, Maria, and Jonas R. Mr. Almy came to Mantua in an early day, and moved from there to Auburn in 1852; settled on the south line of the township, and died there in 1878. His widow still survives him.
Jonas R. Almy, son of Charles R. and Rebecca Almy, came to Auburn with his father from Mantua, in 1852; was married several years since, and has two children—Cora and Charles D. Mr. Almy resides on the old homestead, and his mother lives with him.
John King moved from Mantua into Auburn in 1852, and purchased a farm on the State road, south of the corners, of Rufus Pope, it being the farm where Charles Crocker now resides. Mr. King had a family, and one night while he was away from home, his house took fire from some hot ashes that had been thrown down in the wood-house (as was supposed), and burned to the ground. Two children that were asleep in the chamber could not be rescued, and con' sequently perished in the flames. Mr. King soon after sold out, and we believe returned to Mantua.
James Thomas was born in the State of New York in 1816. In 1829, at the age of thirteen years, he came to Streetsboro, Ohio, with his parents, lived there a number of years and helped to clear up their farm. He worked at his trade, which was that of a carpenter, until his health failed, and by the advice of his physician he commenced driving stage, and followed that business two years. In /848 Mr. Thomas was married to Maria L. Smith, of Ashtabula county. He came to Auburn in 1852 and purchased of one Joshua Russell, a partially improved farm in the Atwater tract, and has lived on that place since 1852. This land is said to be the first that was taken up on that tract, and was purchased by Daniel Butts. A house built by his brother Shaderath, was the first built on the tract. Mr. Thomas and wife have two children—Osman J. and Frank E. He finished clearing up his land several years since, has pat up good buildings, and now in their declining years himself and wife are enjoying the benefits of their industry.
Osman J., eldest son of James and Maria L. Thomas, was married in 1874 to Sarah Murphy, of Ashtabula county, Ohio. They have one child—Orville B. They now reside in Mantua, Ohio. Frank E. resides with his parents and helps to carry on the farm.
Cyrus Rice came from New York to Mantua in 1822; was married in 1832 to Sarah Nooney, daughter of Hezekiah Nooney, who was among the first settlers of Mantua. They had five children—Henrietta, Sylvester C., Harrison H.,
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Cynthia A., and Austin C. Cyrus came to Auburn with his family in 1853, and purchased a farm of Chester Reed, on the State road, south of the corners, where he now lives. Henrietta married and lives in Michigan. Sylvester married some years since, and has two children; he now resides in Hiram, Ohio. Harrison H. married Julia Messenger, and resides in Missouri. Cynthia A. married Daniel Dean, and now resides in Auburn. Austin C., youngest son of Cyrus Rice, married Laura E. Foster, daughter of William Foster, of Mantua, and they have one child—Ella May. Austin resides with his father, and carries on the farm.
Zeno K. Eggleston was born in Aurora, and is son of Chauncey Eggleston, who was one of the first settlers of that township. Zeno K. was married in 1853 to Olivia May, daughter of Jude May, and they have five children—May, Arthur, Addle, Ernest, and Claude. May and Arthur died young. Mr. Eggleston purchased a farm of his father, a short distance west of his father-in-law's, which consisted of the farm formerly owned by Arnold Harrington, which was on the Root tract, and also purchased the famous Eggleston sugar camp, being on lot sixteen, Atwater tract, known as the most extensive sugar camp in the State, not only for the number of trees it contained, which, if we remember correctly, was between three and four thousand, but for the quantity and quality of the sugar manufactured there. Chauncey Eggleston, or General Eggleston, as he was more familiarly known, purchased this land in an early day and opened up this extensive sugar camp, and continued to make sugar there until he sold out to his son. The General was the inventor of the plan of hanging up the bucket on the spout to catch the sap, which plan has become general throughout the township, thereby saving all the sap that runs. Zeno K. run this farm and sugar camp successfully until about 1869, when he rented his farm, moved to Chagrin Falls, and engaged in the mercantile business. Mr. Eggleston sold this farm in 1874, and has become a permanent resident of the Falls, and we learn is one of its most popular and successful merchants.
Edwin Knight came to America in 1852, and was married in Bainbridge the same year, to Mary Marshall. They have no children. Mr. and Mrs. Knight came to Auburn in x853, and, with the exception of a short time spent in Michigan, have resided here. Mr. Knight enlisted in the Second Ohio heavy artillery in 1864, and did good service for his country until the close of the war of the Rebellion.
Clement Messenger came to Mantua with his parents in 1816. In 1832 he married Pleaides, daughter of William Skinner, who was also one of the first settlers of that township. They had seven children-Sabra, Clara, Ruth, Delia, Mary L, Julia E., and Clements. He came to Auburn in 1854, and purchased a farm of David Smith, jr. one mile north of the corners, and soon after taking possession, his daughter Sabra died, aged twenty-four years. He remained there several years, during which time he purchased one-half of the farm where Willis Woods first settled, built a house there in 1877, and now resides at that place. Clement, jr., was born in Stow, Ohio; he came to Auburn with his parents, and in 1872 married Mary E., daughter of Oliver P. Hayes, and they have one son—Arthur C. He now resides on the farm where his father first settled in 1854.
James Green came to Auburn with his brother William in 1855, and was married in 1857 to Frances, daughter of George W. Antisdale. They have three children—Miranda J., Levi J., and Wallace D. He enlisted in the Second Ohio heavy artillery in 1864, and was in the service until the close of the war of the Rebellion.
Francis W. Hazen was married in 1853 to the widow Pettingill, (was Mary E. Harpum). They came from Munson to Auburn in 1855, and purchased the
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farm formerly owned by Rupert Hall, north of the corners; lived there a few years and then sold out and went to the corners; purchased a house and lot on the northeast corner, and lived there until the death of Mr. Hazen, in 1865. His widow resides at Auburn center with her daughter, Mrs. Lewis A. Wicks.
Charles Crocker moved from Mantua to Auburn in 1857, and settled on the State road two miles south of the corners; was married in Mantua to Louisa H. Holbrook, and she died, without heirs, in 2864; was married again to Anna M. Hough about 1866, and they have two children—Eddie A. and Lottie M. Mr. Crocker lives on the farm formerly owned by John Morey.
George Squire was born in Mantua, and is the son of Ezekel and Clara Squire. The father of Mr. Squire was a practicing physician, and his ride extended over Mantua, Russell, Newbury, Chester, Aurora, etc. In 1822 he died, and his wife died in 1852. George was married in 1850 to Mary C. Palmer, daughter of Nathan H. Palmer, who resided in Newbury, in an early day, and was also a practicing physician, whose ride extended over Newbury, Auburn, Welshfield (now Troy), Burton, etc., etc. They have had four children—Alice C., Arthur G., Cora L. and Orris G. Mr. Squire came from Aurora to Auburn, in 1838, and purchased a farm in the northwest part of the township, which was formerly owned by Lyman Brewster, on which he now resides. Alice C., his daughter, is married and resides in Solon. Arthur G. is married and resides in the southwest part of the township. Cora L and Orris G. are unmarried, and live at home with their parents.
Madison Frost was born in Mantua, and is the son of John Frost, one of the first settlers of that township. Mr. Frost married Maria Powell, and they have three children—Cynthiana S. M., Luna I., and Henry L. Mr. Frost moved to Auburn in 1859, and purchased a farm on the east and west center road, west of the center, (the farm being owned in an early day by one Thompson), and, by his industry and perseverance, he has added on, piece after piece, until his farm contains over four hundred acres.
Lucius N. Parker, son of Emerson Parker, came to Auburn in 1862, and was married in 1868 to Terestia L. Canfield. They have no children. They have, since 1872, resided in Auburn.
Thomas Thorpe came from Ireland in 1800, and was married in 1836 to Eliza Heron, and they had twelve children, six of whom are now living—William, Frederick, Jennie, Julia, John S. and Edward C. Mr. Thorpe emigrated to Ohio in 1845, and is a carpenter by trade. After working in many places, be came to Parkman. In 1869 he came to Auburn, and now lives with his son
- William, who owns the mills formerly owned by Jude May.
Adolphus Eggleston was born in Bainbridge. In 1869 he was married to Eliza Robbins, and they came to Auburn the same year, and purchased a farm in the northwest part of the township, formerly owned by Harvey Gilbert, on which they now reside. They have two children—Lena and Frank G.
Edwin Robinson, jr., is the son of Edwin and Almina Robinson, of Newbury, and was born in 1838; was married in 1863 to Lola .L., daughter of Welcome A. Jenks, of Newbury. They have one child—Harry A. Mr. Robinson came to Auburn in 1868 and settled on the farm formerly owned by Dr. A. B. Hoard, which is now known, under Mr. Robinson’s administration, as " The Valley Farm.”
John K. Stewart came from New York to Chagrin Falls in 1861; was married in 1862 to Esther A. Lampson, daughter of Virgin Lampson, of Troy, and they had two children—Freddie 0. and Cora M. John K. Stewart came to Auburn in 1868 and purchased a house and lot from Eliza Horton; lived there until 1876, when he sold out and moved to Spring, Pennsylvania. He soon returned to Auburn again and purchased the building at the corners, known as
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the old “Red Store," and is now engaged in the mercantile business at that place.
Gideon L, jr., son of Gideon L Sprague, came from Massachusetts in 1818; came to Ohio with his parents, and in 1844 was married to Jennett, daughter of George L Bowler. They had five children—Dwight W., Byron, Julia, Walter, and Mary. Gideon L. Sprague resided in Bainbridge from 1830 to '65, when he sold out there and purchased a farm in Auburn, from Alanson E. Barnes, containing about four hundred acres of land. Mr. Sprague resided on that farm about ten years, and then purchased the farm formerly owned by Hosea Barnes, containing about two hundred acres of land, and now resides on that place. Dwight W. was born in Bainbridge; came to Auburn with his parents in 1865, and in 1872 was married to Lenora Parks, daughter of Edwin Parks. They have one child. Mr. Sprague resides on the farm that his father purchased of Alanson E. Barnes.
John Whitney, son of William Whitney, was born in Massachusetts in 1788; was married, in 1813, to Olive Mason, and they had six children—Eliza A. Phebe P., Luther T., Lydia M., Harriet E., and George W. John Whitney came to Auburn with his family, in 1833, and settled on the Sanford tract. He and his wife died a few years later. There is but one member of the family living in town at present, at the present time, and that is the wife of Cornelius Stafford.
Charles D. Carlton was born in Mantua ; was the son of Dudley Carlton, who was one of the first settlers of that township. Charles D. was married, in 1840, to Deline Reed, and they had four children—Caleb C., Henry C., Lydia L., and Elmer- M. Mr. Carlton settled in Mantua, but, in 1863, he sold his farm there, and came to Auburn and rented a farm in Auburn valley, which he subsequently purchased. In a year or two he sold it, and again rented it, and lived there until his death, in 1878.
Caleb C. Carlton was born in Mantua, and came to Auburn with his parents. In 1870, he married Marion E., daughter of Dudley Fox, and the widow of Abram Crafts. They have one child—Lewis. They now reside at Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Henry C. Carlton was born in Mantua, and came to Auburn with his parents, and, in 1867, married Lizzie Black. They have one child—Charles J. Henry C. Carlton resides on the same farm where his father died. Lydia L. only daughter of Charles D. Carlton, was married, in 1866, to Henry St. John, and died in 1878. Elmer M. also came to Auburn with his parents, and, in 1874, married Alice, daughter of Reuben Dayton, of Burton, and resides in Newbury.
Benjamin F., son of William and Sophia J. Ray, was born near Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1843; came to Ohio with his parents, who located in Newburgh. Benjamin F. kept constantly in school, lacking only one year from graduating in the collegiate course at Baldwin University, Berea. He read medicine under Dr. David G. Stretor, of Bedford, Ohio, and Robert E. Strong, a celebrated surgeon, of Cleveland, Ohio. Next he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, and, after finishing a course, immediately entered the army as a private, and in a few weeks was promoted to surgeon, in which capacity he remained until mustered out at'the close of the war. In 1865, he commenced the practice of medicine in Warrensville, Ohio, where he remained some six months. In September, 1865, he located at Auburn corners, to attempt the arduous labor of filling the void made vacant by the death of Dr. Oliver W. Ludlow. As to how well he has performed this duty, time must be the arbiter. In 1867, Dr. Ray married Jennie, daughter of David C. and Jane Bacon, of Northfield, Ohio, and they have two daughters—Sophia S., and Jennie G. The doctor graduated at the Cleveland Medical college, class of 1869-70;
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is now practicing, and has an extensive ride in Auburn and the surrounding townships.
Christopher A. Hunt came from New York, where he married Roxana L Wright, and they had five children—Austin, Sally M., Ina, Asher M., and Ai A. He came to Auburn with his family in 2870, and purchased the hotel at the corners, where he now resides.
Morris E. Haskins came from New York. He enlisted in the early part of the war of the Rebellion, was severely wounded, and discharged from the service. He married Sally M. Hunt, and they have two children—Luella and Nellie. Mr. Haskins now resides at Auburn corners.
George P. Sutliff was from Shalorsville, and was married in 1870 to Florence K. Hall. They have one child—Emma N. Mr. Sutliff came to Auburn in 1871, and now resides a half mile west, and a half mile north of the corners.
Ransom E. Parker, son of Emerson and Chloe Parker, was born in Bainbridge; was married in 1869 to Cora Brown, came to Auburn in 1871 and lived in different places until 1874, when he purchased the farm near Thorp's mill, known as the John Brown farm, where he now resides. They have one child, a son—Ernest.
Dorrance A. Egbert came from Hudson, Ohio, and in 1872 married Marian Parks, daughter of Lewis Parks, of Burton, and they have three children— Glenn P., Allen N., and Lewis H. Mr. Egbert is a blacksmith by trade, and resides a few rods west of the corners, where he has a shop and works at his trade.
Henry M. Kent was married in 1873 to Nellie M., daughter of John Quinn. He was from Hudson. They have one child—Ray B. Mr. Kent lives on the farm formerly owned by Henry Capron, one mile north of Brown's corners.
Charles W. Stroud was from New York. When the war broke out in 1861 he was in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and there enlisted in the three months' service, served his time out, was discharged, and came home to Streetsboro, Ohio. In 1862 Mr. Stroud enlisted in the Ninth Ohio battery for three years, or during the war. This battery was in several skirmishes, and in the battles of Franklin and Triune. After the battle of Triune they followed the enemy for several days in succession, performing long and wearisome marches, undergoing great hardships and privations, through all of which he came out safely, and was honorably discharged at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He soon returned home to Streetsboro, and in 1867 married Margaret, daughter of Aaron Meach, of that place. Mr. Stroud is a carpenter and joiner by trade. In 1873 he came to Auburn and settled a short distance north of the corners, where he now resides. They have four children—Bertie C., Herman H., Ervia M., and Raymond R. Mr. Stroud continues to work at his trade in this and adjoining townships.
Benton C. Frost, son of John Frost, one of the first settlers of Mantua, was married in 1871 to Olive P. Gallia, and they have one child—Francis. He came to Auburn in 1873, and purchased a farm of Francis Canfield, one mile from the south line of the township, it being the same farm owned in an early day by Charles Hinckley, and by him sold to Daniel Washburn, and by Washburn sold to Francis Canfield.
William F. Balke was from Germany, where he learned the tinner's trade. He came to Auburn corners in 1869, and rented a tin-shop of Orvil S. Crain and commenced business for himself. He worked in that shop for two years, and then purchased the school-house, rented a piece of W. N. White at the corners, moved the building there and fitted it up for a shop, and is now carrying on business at that point. In 1879 he purchased a house and lot just south of his shop (being the same formerly owned by Charles Stafford), and married Clara, daughter of William Class, of Akron, Ohio.
216 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
S. L. Costlow was from New York. He resided in Bainbridge previous to 1874, and was married about that time to Kate Sweeny; came to Auburn and purchased the farm in the west part of the township, formerly owned by Parsons White. They have two children—Eliza J. and Mary E.
Frank F. Pease came to Auburn in 1874, and in 1876 married Amelia E., daughter of Chardon Ensign, of Middlefield, Ohio. They have no children, and now reside at Auburn corners.
Alfred C. Brintzenhoff came from Pennsylvania, and there learned the trade of harness-making; came to Auburn corners in 1876 ; worked for Lewis L. Webster until the fall of 1877, when he purchased Webster's tools, hired his shop, and commenced business for himself. In 1878 he purchased a shop, and is now located a short distance north of the corners, and doing a good. business. He is a young man and unmarried.
Correll C. Payne was married in 1876 to Alice C. Wells, and they have no children. He lives on the State road, two miles south of Auburn corners, on the Atwater tract, and owns the land originally taken up by David Eggleston, and was, if we remember correctly, one of the first lots taken up on that tract.
Henry W. Murray came from Pennsylvania. When the first seventy-five thousand men was called for by President Lincoln, in 1861, to put down the Rebellion, Mr. Murray responded, and enlisted for three months; served out his time and was honorably discharged. The Rebellion not being put down at that time, and more men being called for, Mr. Murray re-enlisted for three years, and was assigned to the army of the Potomac. He fought under all the generals who commanded that army, up to the latter part of the year 1863. He was in ten hard fought battles, as follows: Yorkow, Fair Oaks, Peach Orchard, Savage's Station, Malvern Hills, Wideoak Swamp, Antietam, Fredericksburgh, Chancelorville and Gettysburgh. At the last named battle, when the loyal Union army had overpowered the rebels, and they were retreating, Mr. Murray was hit in the left eye by a rebel bullet, which passed through behind the right eye, and flattened against the right cheek bone. The last man or men Mr. Murray saw, or ever will see on earth, were rebels, and they were retreating.
After a long period of intense pain and suffering, Mr. Murray finally recovered from the effects of his wound, and in 1867 he married Miss Hannah W. James, daughter of Samuel James, of Camden, New Jersey. Soon after the marriage he moved to Wayne county, Ohio, and lived there until the spring of 1876. Then he came to Auburn, and purchased the first farm in Auburn valley, north of the east and west center road, and now resides at that place. Mr. and Mrs. Murray have four children—John A., Lizzie, Harry W. and Clyde.
Cassius N., eldest son of David N. Egbert, was born in Hudson, Ohio. In 1877 he came to Auburn, and in 1879 married Nora Cook, of Akron, Ohio. He has'a shop at the corners where he manufactures wagons, buggies, cutters,. furniture, of all kinds; and, in fact, is an expert at most all kinds of mechanical work.
Frank D. Hollis was born in Claridon, Ohio, and is the second son of Stephen Hollis, of that township. In 1873 Mr. Hollis married Alice Deuel, daughter of Robert Deuel, formerly of Mantua, Ohio. They have one child— Lynn D. Mr. Hollis came to Auburn in the spring of 1879, and purchased the cheese factory a short distance east of the corners, known as the Crafts' factory, where he now resides, and is engaged in manufacturing cheese.
EDUCATION.
The first school in Auburn was kept in the dwelling-house of David Smith, sr., in the summer of 1816, and was taught by Mrs. Betsey (Orton) Wilcox. She
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 217
afterwards became the wife of David Smith, jr. The first winter school was taught by Jacob Van Duzen, in the winter of 1817-18. The first school-house built was located a short distance north of the corners, near where the dwelling- house of Charles W. Stroud now stands. This house, as near as we can learn, was built in the summer of 1817. The first frame school-house must have been built in 1827 or '28, and was located on the west side of the State road, nearly opposite the one lately built, and was then, as now, district number one. The second frame school-house was built in 1834, and was located a half mile east of the corners, in what was then, as now, district number two. Nice frame schoolhouses have been built since, as they were needed.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
It appears from the township records of May 26, 1827 (and that is the earliest records we now have), that on that day the trustees met and altered the school districts, there being at that time only four districts in the township. Other districts were established from time to time, as the township increased in population, until May 3o, 1838, when the trustees met and divided the township into nine school districts. School districts numbers five and nine have been divided and attached to other districts, so that at the present time there are seven whole districts, and two fractional districts in the township.
The inhabitants have always taken a lively interest in educational matters; securing, from time to time, the very best teachers in the district schools. Since the organization of the township, there have been several select schools taught by different teachers, among whom were: Job Fish, Wesley Vincent, Rufus Dutton, qnd W. N. White.
There has been quite a large number of scholars sent from this township to Hiram, Oberlin, Hillsdale, and other institutions of learning throughout the country,onone of whom have as yet, to our knowledge, been elected governor of any State, or president of the United States; but we presume many of them have educations suitable for either.
CHURCHES.
Since the first settlement of the township there have been five churches organized, as follows:
Methodist Episcopal—Organized about 1821. Morgan Orton and George W. Antisdale were the most prominent male members in 1832. This church, at that time, had a very large membership. They built a church at the center about 1842, which was sold several years since and taken away. The town house now stands on the same ground. This denomination is still in existence, and now occupy the Free Will Baptist church, at the corners, where they have preaching each alternate Sabbath.
Close Communion Baptist—Organized in 1832. Elder S. Root preached the sermon, and Elder T. B. Stephenson gave the right hand of fellowship. Benjamm and Luke Barney were the most prominent male members of this church. The members of this church about 1840 were quite numerous, but at present there is no church organization of that name in the township.
Protestant Methodist—Organized in 1833. Elder Richardson and Dr. Bell, if we remember correctly, were the officiating clergymen at its organization. Ashley Crafts, Alanson T. Crafts, Russell Hall, and Peter Silvernail, were the most prominent male members in this church. About 1834 they built a log church in the valley, and held meetings there for several years, but no such denomination exists in the township at the present time.
Disciple—Organized by Elder A. S. Hayden in 1841. Ransler Granger, John Brown, and Jonathan Burnett, were the most prominent mile members. The
218 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
number of members belonging to this church at one time was between seventy and eighty. They built a church at the center about 1846, and occupied the same for many years, but no such church organization now exists in the township. Their church is kept in repair by the citizens of the township, and is used on funeral occasions. It is also used, at the present time, by the Universalists, who have preaching there every other Sabbath.
Free Will Baptist-Organized in 1839 or '40. If we remember correctly, Elder Miller was the officiating clergyman at its organization. Ashley Crafts, Alanson T. Crafts, David Thomas, and Numan Wadsworth, were the most prominent male members. This denomination built a church at the corners in 1840, and have occupied it ever since. One year since they made a thorough repair, and it is now about as good as new. The number of members belonging to this denomination at the present time is sixty. Rev. L. D. Boynton, from Hillsdale, Michigan, is their present pastor, and preaches each alternate Sabbath.
We are now through with the history of the inhabitants, schools, churches, etc., of the township, since its first settlement. We have obtained our information from all available sources at our command at the present time, and have no doubt committed some errors, but hope they are few. As to the leading men who have resided in the township srnce its organization, the civil roster which follows will disclose.
CIVIL ROSTER.
The following is a record of township officers elected in Auburn since its organization in the spring of 1817. All records being lost from the year 1817 to the year 1827, we are only able to give the names of the justices of the peace elected between those years. And it appears, from Uncle William Crafts' record, that at the first election, Bainbridge and Auburn were one election precinct, and voted together at the first election, which was held at the residence of Ethan Brewer, at Auburn corners:
1817. Justice, Ethan Brewer. The first elected in the township. At this election Auburn and Bainbridge voted together.
1820. Justice, John Jackson. This was the first justice elected by Auburn alone.
1823. Justice, John Jackson. Re-elected, and died in 824.
1824. Justice Charles Hinckley.
1827. Justice, David Smith, sr. Served part of the term and resigned. The balance of officers elected that year were as follows; Trustees. Charles Hinckley, Joseph Webster, and Roger W. Antisdale treasurer, William Crafts ; clerk, Lorin Snow ; constable, William Squire.
1828, Justices, Austin Richards and Pardon Wilber ; trustees, B. F. Chamberlain, Pardon Wilber, and William Crafts ; treasurer, Elisha Gorham ; clerk, George Wilber ; constables, Ethan Brewer and George W. Antisdale.
1829. Trustees, Joseph Woodard, Lorin Snow, and Charles Hinckley ; treasurer, William Crafts ; clerk, George Wilber ; constables. Ransler Granger and Hiram Canfield.
1830. Trustees, Zadock Reuwee, Elisha Gorham, and Daniel Wheelock ; treasurer, Alvirus Snow ; clerk, David Smith, jr.; constables. Jonathan Burnett and Hiram Canfield.
1831. Justices, Austin Richards and H. F. Chamberlain trustees, Leicester Perkins, Ransler Granger, and Willis Woods ; treasurer, William Crafts ; clerk, James 'I'. Dutton; constables, S. E. Lacy and Jonathan Burnett.
1832. Trustees, Austin Richards, Thomas Page, and Zadock Reuwee; treasurer, William Crafts; clerk, Lorin Snow ; constables, Hiram Cantield and J. C. Jackson.
1833. Trustees, Benjamin Barney, Daniel Wheelock, and Jonathan Burnett; treasurer, William Crafts; clerk, David Smith, jr.; constables, Peter 0. Hall and George Wilber.
1834. Justices, George Wilber and Austin Richards; trustees, Ashley Crafts, Stephen Oliver, and B. F. Chamberlain ; treasurer, William Crafts ; clerk, Jonathan Burnett ; constables, James C. Jackson and Eli H. McConoughey.
1835. Trustees. Charles Hinckley, J. C. Waterman, and Lorin Snow ; treasurer, William Crafts; clerk, Hervey Harrington; constables, Jonathan Burnett and Ransler Granger.
1836. Trustees, David Stafford, Lyman Brewster, and David Smith, jr.; treasurer, Hervey Harrington; clerk, William Crafts; constables, Ransler Granger and Jonathan Burnett.
1837. Justices, George Wilber and .Austin Richards; trustees, David Smith, Jr., Charles Hinckley, and Joshua Stafford; treasurer, A. E. Barnes; clerk, Hervey Harrington': constables, Render Granger and Jonathan Burnett,
1838. Trustees, David Smith, jr., Joshua Stafford, and Amos Mason; treasurer, Witliam Crafts; clerk, Hervey Harrington; constables, Ransler Granger aud James C. Jackson.
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 219
1839. Trustees, David Smith, jr., Joshua Stafford, and Jude May; treasurer, A. E. Barnes; clerk, Hervey Harrington; constables. Jonathan Burnett and Hunting Trescott.
1840. Justice, Austrn Richards; trustees, Hiram Canfield, Jonathan Burnett, and Atfred Thompson; treasurer, A. E. Barnes; clerk, Hervey Harrington; constables, Anson Jackson and Henry Capron.
1841. Trustees, Jonathan Burnett, Hiram Canfield, and Joshua Stafford; treasurer, William Crafts; clerk, David Smith, jr.; constables, Anson Jackson and Henry Capron.
1842. Justice, Jude May; trustees, Jonathan Burnett, Hiram Canfield, and Joshua Stafford; assessor, David Smith, jr,; treasurer, Leicester Perkins; clerk, David Smith, jr.; constables, Alonzo Miller and Leverett Barney.
1843. Justice, David Smith, jr.; trustees, Hiram Canfield, Austin Richards, and Thomas Hood; assessor, Jonathan Burnett; treasurer, David Robinson; clerk, James C. Jackson; constables, Lines S. Pope and Tyrus Canfield.
1844. Trustees, Austin Richards, Hosea Barnes, and Lorin Snow; assessor, Jonathan Burnett; treasurer, David Robinson; clerk, James C. Jackson; constables, Tyrus Canfield and P. 0. Hall.
1845. Justice, B. F. Chamberlain; trustees, Hosea Barnes, Lorin Snow, and Harvey Gilbert; assessor, Henry Capron; treasurer, David Robinson; clerk, James C. Jackson; constables, Charles Stafford and George Johnson.
1846. Justice, David Smith, jr.; trustees, Collins Y. Capron, Samuel S. Philips, and Elias H. Fish; assessor, David Smith, jr.; treasurer, David Robinson; clerk, James C. Jackson; constables, Charles Stafford and David C. McConoughey.
1847. Trustees, C. Y. Capron, P. 0. Hall, and J. C. Jackson; assessor, A. E. Barnes; treasurer, Jerome Hinckley; clerk, Charles 0. Dutton; constables, David C. McConoughey and John H. Barnes,
1848.Justice, D. C. McConoughey; trustees, P. O. Hall, John H. Ross, and Henry Capron; assessor, John Quinn; treasurer, George Johnson; clerk, C. 0. Dutton; constables, Oliver P. Hayes and Leverett L. Barney.
1849. Justice, David Smith, jr.; trustees, David Stafford, Jonathan Burnett, aud John Quinn; assessor, Render Granger; treasurer, Charles Stafford; clerk, Nichoras Fish; constables, James T. Duttbn and George Harpham.
1850. Trustees, Leicester Perkins, Jude May, and J. C. Jackson; assessor, Edward Crafts; treasurer, C. D. Hinckley; clerk, John Quinn; constables, 0. J. Bissell and Clinton Stafford.
1851. Justice, D. C. McConoughey; trustees, George Wilber, J. C. Jackson, and Hiram Canfield; assessor, Cyrus Canfield; treasurer, James T. Dutton; clerk, Nicholas Fish; constabres, S., L. Wadsworth and Seth Cook.
1852. Justice, Jonathan Burnett; trustees, Edward Crafts, John Quinn, and George Wilber; assessor, George Wilber; treasurer, David Robinssn; clerk, Jerome Hinckley; constables, S. L. Wadsworth and L. L. Barney.
1853. Trustees, John Mayhew, Homer Mills, and Calvin Brewster; assessor, S. L. Wadsworth; treasurer, Albert G. Etheridge; clerk, Jerome Hinckley; constables, William C. Dutton and Lyman S. T. Brewster.
1854. Justices, Calvin Brewster; trustees, Homer Mills, A. B. Hoard, and Henry May; assessor, David Robinson; treasurer, A. G. Etheridge; clerk, Nicholas Fish; constables, William C. Dutton and L. S. T, Brewster,
1855. Justice, Jonathan Burnett; trustees. Benjamin Crafts, Tyres Canfield, and C. 0. Dutton; assessor, David Robinson; treasurer, A. G. Etheridge; clerk. L. C. Ludlow; constables, L. S. T. Brewster, and Ezra Luther.
1856. Trustees, C. 0. Dutton, William Crafts, and Zeno Eggleston; assessor, Edward Crafts; treasurer, Charles Stafford; clerk, Jerome Hinckley; constables, Charles Stafford, and L. S. T. Brewster.
1857. Justice, Calvin Brewster; trustees, Edward Crafts, Hiram Canfield, and Peter 0. Hall; assessor, O. P. Hayes; treasurer, Charles Stafford; clerk, J. Hinckley; constables, George W. Stillwetl, and S. L. Wadsworth.
1858. Justice, Jonathan Burnett; trustees, A. A. Snow, E. Y. Hannum, and George A. Peabody; assessor, Henry Capron; treasurer, John Spencer; clerk, W. C. Dutton; constables, James T. Duttpn, and G. W. Stillwell.
1859. Trustees, Lewis C. Reed, Russell Hall, and John Quinn; assessor, Nicholas Fish; treasurer, David Robinson; clerk, T. F. Stafford; constables, G. W. Stillwell and S. L. Wadsworth.
1860. Justice, Henry Capron; trustees, Russell Hall, Francis Canfield, and Calvin Brewster; Assessor, George Dutton; treasurer, John Mayhew; clerk, S. L. Wadsworth; constables, G. W. Stilrwell, and A. J. Barney.
1861. Trustees, Francis Canfield, W. C, Dutton, and Benjamin Crafts; assessor, A. T. Wing; treasures, John Mayhew; clerk, S. L. Wadsworth; constables, G. W. Stillwetl, and Ambrose A. Butts.
1862. Justice,.Jerome Hinckley; trustees, Benjamin Crafts, Clement Messenger, and A. A. Snow; assessor, Henry Rice; treasurer, Charles Stafford; clerk, W. N. White; constabtes, A. A. Butts, and George W. Stillwell.
1863. Justice, Henry Capron; trustees, George Squire, Ctement Messenger, and Benjamin Crafts; Ilalessor, F. Canfield; treasurer, Jerome Hinckley; cterk, W, N. White; constables, A. T. Wing, and S. L. Wadsworth.
1864, .justice, S. L. Wadsworth ; trustees, Francis Canfietd, Daniel R. Bray, and W. C. Dutton; assessor, William Hood ; treasurer, Jerome Hinckley; clerk, W. N. White; constables, L. L. Webster and G. W. Stafford.
1865. Justice, A. T. Wing; trustees, Francis Cantield, William Hood; and Clinton Stafford ;
220 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
assessor, A. A. Snow; treasurer, Jerome Hinckley; clerk, W. N. White; constables, Thomas Hoard and D. J. Hinckley.
1866. Trustees, William Hood, J. T. Dutton, and L. S. Reuwee; assessor, John Frazee; treasurer, Jerome Hinckley ; clerk, W. N. White; constables, N. C. Keyes and S. S. Eggleston.
1867. Justice, S. L. Wadsworth; trustees, William Hood, J. T. Dutton, and W. H. Mills; assessor, B. F. Ludlow; treasurer, Jerome Hinckley; clerk, W. N. White; constables, Willis Chase and Merritt Dutton.
1868. Justice, David W. Russ; trustees, A, T. Wing, Francis Canfield, and J. T. Dutton; assessor, B. F. Ludtow; treasurer, Jerome Hinckley; clerk, H. H. Rice; constables, Merritt Dutton and T. C. Bartholomew.
1869. Justice, George W. Wilson; trustees, A. T, Wing, G. A. Richards, and A. A. Snow; assessor, Charles O. Dutton; treasurer, W. N. White; clerk, George W. Stafford; constables, Byron W. Sprague and Merritt Dutton; real estate assessor, A. A. Snow.
1870. Justice, S. L. Wadsworth; trustees, a A Snow, G. A. Richards, and S. S. Eggleston; assessor, A. T. Wing; treasurer, W. N. White; clerk, George W. Stafford; constables, J. M. Boomer and Edwin Robinson, jr.; real estate assessor, A. A. Snow.
1871. Trustees, S. S. Eggleston, A. Colvin, and F. Canfield; assessor, A. T. Wing; treasurer, W. C. Dutton; clerk, G, W. Stafford; constables, T. F. Maynard and E. Robinson, jr.
1872. Justice, George W. Wilson; trustees, Francis Canfield, S. S. Eggleston, and P. O. Hall; assessor, George W. Mayhew; treasurer, William C, Dutton; clerk, G. W. Stafford; constables, P. C. Stafford and John M. Stillwell.
1873. Justices, S. L. Wadsworth and George Dutton; trustees, A. T. Wing, F. H. Mills, and W. C. Dutton; assessor, G. W. Mayhew; treasurer, G. W. Barnes; clerk, G. W. Stafford; constables, A. H. Richards and E. Robinson. jr.
1874. Trustees, A. T. Wing, F. H, Mills and W. C. Dutton; assessor, H. E. Andrews, treasurer, G. W. Stafford; clerk, C. A. Mills; constables, A. H, Richards and J. A. Stafford.
1875. Trustees, H. E. Andrews, Clinton Stafford and E. S. Mills; assessor, Byron W. Sprague; treasurer, G. W. Stafford; clerk, C. A. Mills; constables, J. A. Stafford and Adolphus G, Canfield.
1876. Justices, C. A. Mill and George Dutton; trustees, L. S. Reuwee, T. F. Maynard and.A. T. Wing; assessor, L. L. Webster; treasurer, George W. Stafford; clerk, Nicholas Fish; constables, L. N. Stafford and E. Robinson, jr.
1877. Trustees, A. T. Wing, H. E. Andrews and T. F. Maynard; assessor, S. L. Costlow; treasurer, George W. Stafford; clerk, Byron G. Dutton; constables, E. Robinson, jr., and Homer M. Andrews.
1878. Trustees, William Wilber, A. T. Wing and W. C. Dutton; assessor, H. E. Andrews; treasurer, G. W. Stafford; clerk, C. A, Mills; constables, H. M, Andrews and A. G. Canfield.
1879. Justices, C. A. Mills and S. L. Wadsworth; trustees, H. E. Andrews. Ozro Truman and
G. A. Richards; assessor, H. E. Andrews; treasurer, Spencer F. Chamberlain; clerk, Byron G. Dutton; constables, H. M. Andrews and Pitt M. Crafts; real estate assessor, William C. Dutton.
The following are the names of persons who have held the office of postmaster since the organization of the township, viz.: David Smith, sr., Nathan H. Ethridge, George Wilber, Hervey Harrington, George A. Peabody, John Mayhew, George W. Mayhew, Jerome Hinckley, George W. Butler, S. L. Wadsworth, and James A. Stafford. The two last named are the present postmasters. S. L. Wadsworth is postmaster at the corners, known as Auburn post-office, and James A. Stafford is postmaster at the center, known as Bridge Creek post-office.
MILITARY ROSTER.
A. A. Kingsbury, naval service.
John L. Richards, first O. V. I.
Job Warren, jr., killed.
Perry Stafford, 42d O. V. I.
Morris Brewster, 42d O. V, I. Died.
William A. Stillwell, 105th O. V. I.
John Bowler, naval service.
Edwin Knight, heavy artillery.
O. D. Antisdale, heavy artillery
John Kimpton, naval service. Died.
Adelbert Crain, " "
John Mayhew, naval service.
Ransom Brown, 9th O. B.
Cornelius Stafford, gth O. B.
Orvil Stafford.
Orvil Stillwell, 2d O. C. Killed.
Charles Bowter, 7th O. V. I, Killed.
John Brewster, 2d O, C.
William Green, heavy artillery.
James Green, "
Geo. W. Wadsworth, naval service, and 2d O. V. I.
Nelson R. Woods, “ ”
HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 221
Orland Chase, ad O. C.
John Chase, ad O. C.
William Hattery.
Lemuel Barney, O. V. I.
William Mills, 9th O. B. Died.
Ira Fish.
Henry Higley, Co. G, ad O. V. C.
D. A. Johnson, died in Nashville.
Otis Canfield. Died.
Alfred Thompson.
Harry Rice.
Joseph Stafford, 4ad O. V. I.
Alonson B. Woods. Died
Walter Fobes, Co. G, ad O. V. C.
Charles Chase, 2d O. C.
Nathan Chase, 2d O. C.
Lyman Brewster.
Howard Reed.
J. M. Boomer, gth O. B.
Jacob Line. Co, G, ad O. V, C.
W. L. Alberts.
Sutten Quinn. Died.
Frank Canfield.
John Thomas.
Charles Pomeroy.
William Quinn.
Barney Brown.
W. C. Woods, Co. G. ad O. V. C.
Nelson S. Bartholomew.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH,
RUFUS DUTTON,.
son of James and Clarissa Dutton, was born in Norfolk, St. Lawrence county, State of New York, January 20, 1821. When six years old the family moved to Canandagua, New York, where they resided until the spring of 1829, when they moved to Auburn, Ohio, His boyhood here was spent at home on the farm until he was thirteen years old, during which time he enjoyed such limited advantages for an education as the common schools of the country at that time afforded. The summer of 1834 he was hired by Edson Kent, of Bainbridge, to work on his farm for four dollars per month, and in the fall of the same year worked for his brother John, in a foundry in Leroy. The following spring he went to work with his father to learn the trade of a carpenter. He worked at this trade with his father, except the winter months of the year, until he was twenty years old. During the winter of 1837 and '38, he, with three of his brothers, attended school in the "Ransom Brown district." The school was taught by the late Joseph W. Gray, founder and editor of the Plain Dealer, of Cleveland. For three years and a half before this winter he had attended school less than four months in all. His father's circumstances were such at the time as to require all the assistance that both he and his older brother Charles, who also worked at the trade with him, could render. Gray taught the best school that at that time had ever been kept in Auburn. He and his brothers, besides doing the "chores" at home, walked, in going to and from school each day, over four miles, and when there was an evening school—a not unfrequent occurrence—over eight miles; yet he has often said that he never made more rapid progress in his studies than he did that winter,
The next season his father built a house for Dexter Pease, in Bainbridge. While at work on this house both he and his brother Charles hired to teach school for the winter. Rufus taught in the district west of Bainbridge center. The school-house was a log one, as was at that time nearly every dwelling house in the district, but there was then no scarcity of children in number for a school. His average attendance of scholars was forty-six. After working with his father the following spring and summer, he left home for the first time to attend a select school. He carried with him to pay board, tuition, and expenses for books, only twenty dollars, and that was borrowed money. A rather small sum it would seem at the present time to pay all the expenses of nine or ten weeks'
222 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
schooling. But it did not cost as many dollars then as now to pay the expenses
of an education. For board, lights, and washing, in a private family (a Baptist
minister's), he paid one dollar a week. The school he attended was one opened
that fall at Streetsboro, by Mr. and Mrs. Osgood. Mrs. Osgood was the daughter of Benjamin Barney, formerly of Auburn. The winter of 1839 and '4o, he taught a school at Bainbridge center. A part of the following season he went to school again in Streetsboro, and the next winter taught in Euclid. After studying the next spring and summer with Mr. Abels, of Troy, he, with John Barnes, of Auburn, left his home September 20, 1841, intending to get situations as teachers, near Dayton, Ohio. Leaving Auburn Monday morning, they arrived at Dayton the Saturday following. Six days now would seem a long time to make that journey; but then there could be no traveling by cars, for there was not one mile of railroad in the State of Ohio. After remaining a few days in Dayton without making any great effort to find positions as teachers, they started with the intent of going to Kentucky, where they heard teachers were in demand and better wages paid than in Ohio. Arriving in Cincinnati early one foggy morning, they, while walking along the steamboat landing, car* to a boat which had up steam, and sign out, "For St. Louis this morning at nine A. M." Dutton proposed to Barnes that they go to St. Louis. This proposition was made thoughtlessly, and as thoughtlessly accepted. Acting from the impulse of the moment, they, boy like, went on board, and being informed by the captain that they had barely time to get their trunks before the steamer would start, hastened to get them on board. The boat did not, however, leave the wharf for more than twenty-four hours afterwards. This gave them time for reflection, and they would gladly have left the boat and resumed their journey to Kentucky, but they had paid their fare, and there was no getting back their money, and they had not enough to go without it; so they were reluctantly compelled to abide by the choice they had made.
Owing to the low stage of the Ohio river, the boat frequently getting aground, they were eight days in making the passage. From St. Louis they went to Alton, Illinois, and thence up into the country to the little village of Jerseyville. Here they remained a couple of weeks, Barnes working upon the farm, and Dutton at finishing the house of the landlord with whom they put up. After they had replenished a little their very scanty funds, and finding nothing to do that offered inducements to stay there, they retnrned to St. Louis, and then went by steamer to Memphis, Tennessee. Here they landed, November 19th, one thousand, three hundred miles, by river travel, from home, among entire strangers and with hardly a dollar in their pockets. They now began to feel that matters were getting a little serious with them. They started back into the country, on foot, to try and find situations, but in this were unsuccessful. Returning again to Memphis, they sought work there; for work they now must have. Memphis, at that time, was divided into two rival sections, viz: North Memphis, and South Memphis or Fort Pickering. Fort Pickering was preparing to celebrate the first anniversary of the founding of that part of the city, and, as was often the custom at the south, at entertainments of this kind, a barbecue was to be given. Finding the ground had been staked off for trenches, they proposed to the officer in charge of the preparations, to dig them for the moderate sum of one dollar and seventy-five cents. Their proposition was accepted with the generous offer to give them two dollars and fifty cents instead of the sum asked, and, in addition, the gentleman took them home to dine with him. A barbecue, as is well known, is made by roasting, whole, an ox, sheep, or hog, one or all, as the case may require. This is done by digging one or more trenches (in this case two were made) some twenty or thirty feet long, two feet wide at the top, and eighteen inches deep. The trenches are then filled with wood, which is burned
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until it becomes a mass of coals, when iron bars are laid across them, upon which the animals, after being killed and dressed, are placed, and turned from side to side until they are roasted. It will be apparent that from this method of cooking any degree of rare or well-done meats can be cut to suit the tastes of the most fastidious.
The next day after the barbecue, Dutton succeeded in hiring out, to work at his trade, after which, by pledging his trunk and clothes, he borrowed ten dollars which he let Barnes have to get back up the river with.
Remaining in Memphis until the next June, he was taken sick with the fever, but was fortunate enough to get away before he became too ill to travel. He was obliged, however, to leave the most of his earnings (one hundred dollars) to be collected for him by an agent, who, unfortunately never collected or paid to hiin a dollar. The journey up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers was to him, sick as he was, a long and tedious one. The steamer was ten days in making the trip from Memphis to Beaver. Arriving at home, he was confined to his bed several weeks, and it was a long time before he fully recovered from the effects of the fever.
The following winter he, with two brothers and his sister, attended school at Cuyahoga Falls, and the next season he attended the Painesville academy, teaching part of the day to pay his expenses. The academy was then under the charge of Mr. and Mrs. Stevens. Mrs. Stevens formerly taught the school in Streetsboro.
The winter of 1844 and 1845 he taught a select school at Auburn corners, and in the following spring went again to Memphis to try and get what was due him for work done three years before. But the company he had worked for, in the meanwhile had failed, and the hotel upon which he worked, and which, when he left Memphis, in the summer of 1842, was the best and most fashionable hotel in the city, had been turned into a negro pen for keeping slaves to be sold at auction. The contrast presented by these poor creatures in the large dining-hall of the hotel, covered with dirt and filth, waiting, like so many cattle —and, apparently almost as unconscious—their time to be brought to the auction block and sold, compared with what was taking place in the same hall three years before, when the elite of the city, with all the display and parade so common then at the south, came there to dinner, can be better imagined than described.
Returning to Auburn, Dutton remained there only a few weeks, when, on account of his ill-health, he left for the east, and, after spending a few weeks at Saratoga, went to New York city. Arriving there, with only a few dollars in his pockets, he had thought of making a trip to sea, but he soon satisfied himself, from what he saw, that the life of a sailor, even for a single short trip, would not be to him agreeable, so he had sought again, what he had found before his never-failing friend in time of need, viz: work at his trade. This he succeeded in getting, taking work by the piece, as he was unable, from ill-health, to do a full day's work. He remained in the city, working, as he was able, at his trade, until the fall of 1846, when, after obtaining one of the two scholarships of the University of the City of New York, belonging to the Mercantile Library association, of which he had become a member, he offered himself, and, passing examination, was admitted into the sophomore class. The first two years of his course he supported himself by working at his trade out of college hours, studying at night and early morning to keep up with his class. The last year of his course his brother George loaned him money to pay his way. Graduating in the summer of 1849, he returned to Auburn, when, after spending a few weeks with his friends, he went to Dayton, Ohio, to take the position as principal of one of the public schools. He taught there in the public, and, after-
224 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.
wards, in a private school, until the close of 1851. Some of his friends were at that time talking of going to Oregon to settle, and desiring to get more accurate information of the country than was then to be obtained from published accounts, he volunteered to go there and bring back a report. Resigning his position, he made preparation for the journey, intending to be absent ten months.
Leaving Dayton April 1, 1851, he went by stage to Cincinnati, thence by steamer to Independence, Missouri, where he purchased a horse, and rode across that part of the State known as the Platte purchase, to St. Joseph. Here he joined in company with two young men, and with them purchased an outfit for their journey across the plains. The people of the border, who furnished "emigrants with outfits," were a set of sharpers, resorting to almost any kind of deception or fraud to sell their goods. Many an unfortunate emigrant, after spending all his money for an outfit, found, to his sorrow, after being out a few days on the plains, that both the team and wagon which he had been induced to purchase from the representations of persons pretending to speak from experience, were unfit and worthless for the journey. None but the soundest and hardiest animals were suited for the journey, as they had to depend entirely for food upon the grass found along the way, which was often both inferior in quality and deficient in quantity. In consequence of deficient food, the teams, after a short time, became poor and weak, and it became necessary to lighten the loads in every way possible, even by throwing away of the outfit every pound that could be possibly dispensed with. As was natural, people were very reluctant to part in this way with goods which they believed would be important to their comfort at the end of their journey. Thus, it often happened that goods were carried too long for the strength of the teams, and not thrown aside until after it was found impossible to transport them further. As a consequence, the road or pathway, after the first one or two hundred miles, was strewn along the entire length with articles which had been thrown aside, from time to time, as the teams became too much worn out to draw them further. The road sides often presented some very interesting sights, from the great variety of things found lying along the way. A complete printing press was found standing by the road side near the top of the Rocky mountains. Some enterprising editor had, doubtless, purchased it, with the intention of "starting a paper an the Pacific coast," and, after hauling it over the long distance from the States to the Rocky mountains, found it impossible to carry it further. Even within seventy miles of the settlements in Oregon, on the Cascade mountains, five cooking stoves, seven wagons, with their loads, were found in one place. The year before, many, said not to be less than fifty thousand, started to cross the plains. That year the cholera broke out alnong them. Many died, and their graves were numerous along the road side. In most cases, the graves had been dug into by jackalls. The small party Dutton traveled with most of the way —nine in all—made the journey without the loss of any of their number, though only five entered the settlement in Oregon together. The sufferings of the preceding year prevented many from attempting to cross this season, so that the journey was made with comparatively small loss or suffering. Only eighteen emigrants were killed by the Indians,* this year, of all that started on the journey. As Dutton was going to Oregon solely to see and examine the country, and expected to return in the fall to the States, he desired to make his journey across the plains as short as possible, so that he would have more time for that purpose in the settlements. To expedite the journey, he, with his party, would travel with one train a few days, then push on to another in advance, and so on
* The term emigrant was apptied to all who crossed the plains.
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until they got in advance of all the others, so that his small party traveled alone over the most dangerous portion of the road, from Soda springs across the Blue mountains, and finally five of their number, whom he described in his letter to his friends in Dayton as "wayworn travelers, descending from the western slope of the Cascade mountains, and coming out of their dense forests, saw for the first time for ninety-six days cultivated fields, houses, and other evidences that they were now in a civilized country." Dutton remained nearly four months in Oregon. During this time he made a journey through the Willamette valley on both sides of the river of that name, and went as far south as the Umqua river. Sickness prevented him from going to Washington territory, which was included in his plans,
Having remained in Oregon as long as he intended, he left Portland for Astoria, by steamer, November 25th, and thence to San Francisco. After remaining in San Francisco four days he left in the steamship "Golden Gate," her first downward trip, for Panama. The voyage lasted twelve days, including twenty-four hours stoppage at Acaculpa, to take on coal. From Panama he, with some other passengers, walked to Gorgona, from which village they made the passage in a row-boat down to Chagres river, a distance of sixty-five miles to Chagres. The railroad across the Isthmus was not then completed. From Chagres he went to Havanna, and, thence to New Orleans. At New Orleans he engaged passage to Cincinnati. The winter of 1851 and '52 was very severe, and the Ohio river froze over nearly the whole length. A few miles above Cairo the steamboat was stopped by the ice. As it seemed probable the boat would be detained there for a long time, Dutton, with two others, undertook a journey by land, of over three hundred miles, to Louisville, Kentucky. After they had walked two days, through deep snow, they stopped for a day; made a "yankee
“ jumper" and purchased a horse and part of a harness, with a small rope for lines. Thus equipped they completed the journey to Louisville in ten days from the time they left the steamer. From Louisville he reached Cincinnati by way of Lexington and Covington, the river being still frozen over. From Cincinnati to Dayton by railroad (which was completed during his absence). He arrived in Dayton the last day of February, after an absence of ten months. In 1852 he, with Mr. Stevens, formerly his teacher in the Painsville academy, took charge of the agricultural department of the works of E. Thresher & Co., now Barney, Smith & Co., of Dayton. Mr. Stevens retired from the business in 1854, when Dutton purchased the entire interest of this department, and in 1855 built a manufactory for the purpose of making mowers and reapers. He commenced breaking ground for his work August 20, 1855. On the first day of December he had his buildings completed, machinery put up, and one hundred men at work. The previous year he had made, for John S. Wright, of Chicago, four hundred reapers, known as the "Atkins' Reaper." For the harvest of 1856 he made one thousand of these machines under contract for Wright. He made, on his own account, for the harvest of 1857, eight hundred, and the same number for the harvest of 1858. Wright failed to meet his obligation as agreed under his contracts for 1855 and '56. Partly owing to this, and partly owing to his losses in financial crisis of 1857, he was compelled to sell out his business in Dayton.
He spent a portion of the winter of 1860 and '61 in Washington during the exciting times preceding the war. In the winter of 1862 he went to New York city, and made arrangements there with It L. Allen & Co. to introduce into the market his (Dutton's) new mower, known as the Clipper mower. He remained with the Aliens until the fall of 1866, during which time there were made and sold several thousand of his machines. This machine being now well known and established, there was organized the Clipper Reaper and Mower
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company at Yonkers, New York, for the purpose of making them more extensively and better supplying the demand. This company, during the time Dutton was connected with it until 1873, manufactured under his supervision about eighteen thousand Clipper machines. These were sold throughout the United States and Canada; also quite a number found market in Europe and South America. Those farmers who have used the Clipper mowers are well aware of its superior qualities. The Clipper was not financially a success, and, after Dutton left it, the stock continued to decline until it has become valueless. After leaving the Clipper, he has been engaged in perfecting a mower, known first as the New Clipper, and afterwards as the Haymaker, and now as the New Champion. The Champion company, of Springfield, Ohio, having bought the right, they are now manufacturing them extensively at their works.
In connection with his business, Dutton has been quite an experimenter, having given careful attention to perfecting his machines, striving always to have them occupy the front rank among machines of this kind. In pursuit of this object, he has obtained between thirty and forty patents on his inventions. But, like too many inventors, others have received much of the fruits of his labors.