604 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO

CHAPTER II.

(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

ORGANIZATION OF TOWNSHIP.

This territory, having now a sufficient number of inhabitants, the commissioners of Geauga county, in February, 1820, formally set it off as an independent township. Mr. Welsh proposed to cede to the township fifty acres of land on which to build churches, a parsonage, and to locate a cemetery, etc., and also to furnish glass and nails for building a church, in consideration of the township being christened "Welshfield." The proposal was accepted and the above name affixed. The first election was held at the house of Jacob Welsh, on Monday, the third of April, following. Jacob Burroughs was elected clerk; Jacob Welsh, John Nash, and John Dayton, trustees; Alpheus Pierce and John Beals, overseers of the poor; John Colson and Hiram Dayton, fence viewers; Benjamin Hale and Harvey Pratt, appraisers, Harvey Pratt, lister; Amos Burroughs, Elijah Weston, Hiram Dayton, and Israel Whitcomb, supervisors; Simon Burroughs, treasurer, and Simon Burroughs, jr., constable. It is not difficult to imagine that third day of April to have been a proud one to the full fledged voters of this new-born township. Perhaps it will be proper to state, in this connection, that, at that time, the office of township treasurer was no sinecure. Tradition tells us that, for a long time, the only funds in the vaults of our treasury, c0nsisted of two "bung-town" coppers, which the treasurer was wont to loan to persons who might need them, in order to properly close the eyes of a recently deceased friend; But tradition does not tell us whether, or no, security for the loan was required.

Important accssions to the population of Welshfield were made in 1821, by the advent of William Mumford, and also the family of Captain Fox. Mumford settled on a part of section four, where he remained until his death; a faithful, thorough, loyal citizen. Rheumatism, brought on by undue exposure, rendered the closing years of his life very unenj0yable to himself.

Up to this time, the Cuyahoga could be crossed in no place between Burton and the Rapids, except by fording, swimming, or by means of canoes, and the increasing population on the west side of the river, made a bridge a stern necessity. Arrangements were therefore made with John Nash, esq., to build one across the river immediately west from the center of the township. The work of framing was pushed with all possible rapidity, and was soon accomplished. The number of men in town being far too few to raise this structure, requisitions were made on all the adjoining townships, to lend a helping hand,

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which were promptly responded to, every man who could do so, bringing the women folks along to enjoy a holiday. The spectators (all of them females except Dr. Scott, of Parkman,) were arranged in groups on either shore, the gallant doctor playing the agreeable to those on the eastern bank. When everything was in readiness, the work of raising commenced, under the supervision of the architect, Esquire Nash. As each "bent" was raised, it was connected with the last preceding one, by means of stringers, and without taking the precaution to securely fasten any of them. While raising the middle bent, which was by far the heaviest one, a portion of the men were detailed to do duty on the part already up, and the remainder were stationed on a raft below. After almost superhuman exertion, the bent had nearly reached the desired perpendicular, when the whole structure gave way, submerging every man engaged in its erection. As each man went under, his hat would part company with his head, on reaching the water, the effect of which is described as being ludicrous in the extreme. Great was the consternation among the women for a moment, but soon every man made his appearance on the surface, seized his hat and floundered ashore. Being too wet and unwieldly to repeat the experiment, the raising was adjourned till another day, when, having learned wisdom from the things they before suffered, proper precautions were taken, and the two shores of the sluggish. Cuyahoga were connected by a genuine bridge.

In 1821, a marriage contract was consummated between John Dayton and Phebe, youngest daughter of Caleb Fowler, of Burton, whom he at once transferred to his then lonely home. But she proved herself worthy to be the wife of a daring pioneer, as one or two incidents will clearly show. At that time wolves infested the woods in great numbers, obliging settlers who owned sheep to build strong sheep folds near the house, in which to secure the flock at night. Mr. Dayton kept a few sheep and had provided the needed safeguard.

On one occasion, when he was in Middlefield at work, having left home matters in charge of his wife, she forgot to pay the sheep proper attention as night came on, and was reminded of her neglect by the sight of a wolf's nose, which he had unceremoniously poked in at the cat-hole. Without waiting to take a second thought, she seized a firebrand from off the blazing hearth, and dashed into the darkness. Arriving at the pen, she found one of the sheep MIS missing, but made good time in securing the rest of the flock. On another occasion, when Mr. Dayton was from home at work, an older sister, wife of Jacob Burroughs, living at the Sugar-loaf, came to spend a few days with Phebe. Folks in those days were called by their christian names. Matches were then unknown, the tinder-box being the only resource in case fire should go out, which it was not often allowed to do. During this visit Mrs. Dayton's fire went out, and what was worse, the tinder-box was found to be entirely empty. Here • was a dilemma. Only one thing remained to be done. Fire must be obtained at the cabin of a neighboring settler, the nearest tieing Jacob Welsh, at the center. She was equal to this emergency. Catching a horse, she resolutely mounted him, and taking a small dinner pot, perhaps the only cooking utensil her cabin could boast of, in which to transport the fire, started through the unbroken forest toward Mr. Welsh's domicile. Arriving there just at break of day, he had not yet risen, but she promptly roused him, and was greeted with the tonal "Who's there?" "Phebe," was the response. "Fire and brimst0ne!* Phebe, what do you want?" "Not any brimstone, Uncle Jacob," was returned; site fire." Mr. Welsh was prompt in providing the desired element, when she hastened home to find the sister buried under the bed clothes, trembling With fear. Such dauntless courage is well worthy of mention.

* Fire srid brimstone " was Mr, Welsh's "swear word.”

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In the winter of 1821-2 the musical element of the community organized an association for the promotion of that peculiar science, which culminated in a concert, the first in town. That was a great day in Welshfield, preparation for which had been fully made. The old slab benches at the town house were overhauled, and provided with backs for the convenience of the spectators, the room was decorated with evergreens, and everything else which could be, was done, to make the enterprise a success. Mr. Welsh was so well pleased with the entertainment, that he at once sent to Boston for new singing books, in consideration of being himself taught to sing three favorite tunes, which were therein contained. The books came, he was taught to sing the tunes as he desired, and which were first sung in public at his funeral, which occurred the following year.

In December, 1821, the first fire occurred, in the burning of the dwelling of Jacob Burroughs. The fire occurred in the night, and when discovered Mrs. Burroughs gathered up the bed, containing her two children—Olive and Lewis —in her arms, carried them to the pig-pen and laid them on the snow beside it. When the household effects were secured Mrs. Burroughs found, on repairing to her children, that Lewis, then a babe of five months, was nearly frozen.

The only arrival in 1822, of which there is any record, was that of Thomas R., brother of William Mnmford, who located on the lot next south of William Mumford's where he has since remained—a respected citizen—till within a few years,

The death of Jacob Welsh was one of the events of the year, as above stated, he dying April 19th, a victim of consumption, aged sixty-seven years.

In 1823, the first military company was organized. The commissioned officers were: Captain, Amos Burroughs;* lieutenant, Noah Packard; ensign, John Dayton; sergeants, Thomas R. Mumford, Horace R. Peck, Elijah Weston, and John Brandt; corporals, Rufus Lamb, Peter Beals, Erastus Parkman, and W. W. Beals; musicians, Galen Lamb, John Nash, jr., John Hitchcock, and Charles Hodkins; privates, Jacob Burroughs, Osman Beals, Daniel Corliss, Eri Conant, Gardner Conant, Truman Ferry, Benjamin Kingsbury, William Mum- foro, John Pierce, Alpheus Pierce, jr., Oliver Sawyer, Orson Sawyer, Samuel Scovill, Nathan Tibbitts, Samuel Lewis, Roland Lewis, James Jones, jr,, John Welsh, Israel Whitcomb, Jeremiah White, Jonathan Moore, Benjamin Pettis, Caleb Dickson, Hiram Dayton, Olney Percival, James Stewart, Russell Smith, Edward Waldon and Simon Burroughs, jr, The uniform was a white frock coat and pants, trimmed with deep blue fringe, a red belt, a blue ornament with gold eagle on front of the hat, and white plume, tipped with red. The first public military duty which this company was called on to perform, was May 15th, same year, at the execution of Benjamin Wright, who was hung in Chardon. On this 0ccasion the sheriff summoned all the militia of the county to protect him from threatened interference in the discharge of his official duty, and which the result showed he was wise in doing.

The first Fourth of July celebration was also held this year, under the auspices of the company. A liberty pole was raised, and a flag floated from its top, beneath which an oration was oelivered by Rev. Luther Humphrey.

John Welsh, a sea captain, son of Jacob Welsh, learning of the death of his father, and the need of his presence here, abandoned his occupation, and with

* The above statement, by an old inhabitant, is evidentry incorrect, as commissions, now in existence, will show, Mr,Burroughswas fisst commissioned a lieutenant, on the sixteenth day of January, 1823, by Governor Morrow. On the l0th of July, 1824, he received a captain's commission, at the hands of the same governor. He was again commissioned first lieutenant, April 13, 1827, by Governor Trimble, It appears that Alvord Beals was the first captain, and that in 1827 Elijah Ford commanded the company, which had then assumed the dignity of a rifle company. Conflicting statements are annoying.

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his family, took up his abode on the homestead, which he occupied till his decease, in 1846.

With the coming of Mr. Welsh, the circle of "Pioneer Johns" was made complete. Five men, whose natural temperaments were so different, and yet whose great objects in life were so nearly identical, it were hard to find. John Beals was the embodiment of what is known by the term "clever." Good natured, fatherly and accommodating, he was not long in acquiring the title of "Uncle John." John Nash, whose very soul was the offspring of music, was of that nervous, excitable make-up, which ardent worshippers at the shrine of "Euterpe" are so prone to be—in a passion one moment, in tears the next. The delineation of John Dayton, given some pages back, does not need repeating. In after years the title, "Uncle," was the unconscious prefix to his name. John Fox was as immovable as the hills. A purpose once fixed in his mind, nothing short of its completion would for a moment be considered, while John Welch, from long habit as commander of a sea-going vessel, displayed a somewhat morose, taciturn exterior, but beneath the surface, reposed all that goes to make up a choice citizen.

It might be stated here, that to note the names of all the arrivals, before, at, and after this date, would he a practical impossibility. Men would come, select a location, and after making a little improvement, become dissatisfied, and transfer their claim to another, who in turn, might do as they had done. Noting only those who made a permanent stay, has been the plan mostly adopted in this sketch.

In 1824, Galen Lamb went back to the place 0f his nativity, and the following year returned, bringing with him all his brothers and sisters, who had not already come. Rufus was then here, and also the oldest sister, who afterward married John Pierce, known as "Honest John." This family all, or nearly all, became identified with the after history of Troy. John Nash, jr., marrying one of the daughters, Elijah Weston another, John Weston another, and Franklin Bruce the fifth. In years gone by, the names of Rufus and Galen Lamb (especially the latter) were household words, while, in later time, the younger brother, Chester, figured somewhat prominently as a successful farmer.

In 1826, Joseph, brother of John Nash, Esq., arrived, and made his selection, immediately south of Captain Fox. This tract he cleared and occupied, until failing health compelled him to abandon labor, when he disposed of it, and purchased a small lot south of the center, where he spent the remnant of his days. Julius Hatch also came, and occupied the lot first taken by Rufus Lamb.

Heretofore, the only way for Trojans to obtain lumber, was to haul their logs to Parkman or the Rapios, or else take their logs to the river bank, and during high water, to raft them to the Rapids, and return the lumber, over the same thoroughfare. A saw-mill was greatly needed. Willard and Osman Beals proposed a plan for building one, which was successful. They solicited aovance subscriptions, the same to be paid in sawing, as soon as practicable, after the mill was completed. These they obtained, and the mill was built. It was located on the stream directly north from where Phidelus Pool now lives, and did good service nearly twenty years, changing owners twice in the time, Gad Smith being the one, and Rufus Chaffee the other. With the date of Mr. Chaffee's ownership, began, what he was pleased to term "persecution." The stream on which the mill was locateo, was very fluctuating, so much so, that it behooved the owner of the mill to improve every moment when water was plenty. Mr. C, had little or no venesation for the fourth commandment; consequently, when the dam was full, no regard was paid to the Sabbath, much to the annoyance of the original proprietors, who were peisistent church-goers,

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This state of affairs became unbearable, and, taking Mr, Chaffee's statement, the sequel was, to him, more or less disastrous. His versi0n was, that he would get the saw-sash greased, and well to work, when Willard Beals would come along, on his way to church, and shut down the gate. This was a signal for the wood-peckers, who would flock into the mill, and soon have the grease entirely devoured. Between Willard and wood-peckers,.his "persecution," he used to declare, was alm0st unendurable.

In 1827 the Fox neighborhood was re-enforced by an addition to its number, by two young men from New York—David Patchin and Lyman Truman. That they meant business was at once manifest. Patchin located on the lot adjoining Captain Fox, on the west, and Truman installed himself on the lot next west from Mr. Patchin. It soon became apparent to both, that the Bible injunction, "It is not good for that the man should be alone," was painfully true, and, having become fairly settled, they made it their next effort to try and mitigate that evil. Both were successful. The next year, Mr. Patchin married Emily, daughter of John Nash, esq., and Mr. Truman married Sally, daughter of Daniel Pratt. Mr. Patchin remained on his claim but a short time, when he transferred it to. Charles Hinckley, at the same time purchasing the twenty-five acres south of the center, where he afterwards remained till his death, and where the widow (since twice married), now resides, rendered nearly helpless from a paralytic shock, received in July, 1836, caused by over-exertion at, and before the raising of the church building. Mr. Truman made his claim his permanent home, never leaving it, only occasionally, till he was taken from thence to his narrow home, in the year 1871. He enjoyed the confidence of his townsmen, having held at different times, nearly every office in the township. His widow yet survives him, and she, too, is a cripple.

In 1827 Joseph Stockwell, from the State of New York, came and built a cabin, on land then owned by Daniel Doty—now by Norman Burgess—where some of his older children were born, Having a trafficing turn of mind, he owned and lived on several different farms in the township, remaining here about forty years, and finally removed to Michigan, where he died. Mr. Burgess, who came from Windham county, Vermont, purchased the above-mentioned land of Mr. Doty in the spring 0f 1830, and has remained on it ever since, Then there were but six acres, partially cleared; now it is a well-cultivated farm,

In 1828 Rev, John Barrett, a Presbyterian minister, took up his abode in Welshfield, and, from that date, to the present, comparatively few Sabbaths have passed, on which religious services have not been conducted in the township by clergymen of some of the different orthodox denominations. The first two years after he came, Mr. Barrett lived with John Beals, yet that distance did not prevent him from performing his ministerial duties every Sabbath at the town house many times preaching to congregations, whose wan, bloodless vrsages, betokened the, ravages of that terrible scourge, the ague, some, perhaps, indulging in a shake during the service.

In 1829, Horace Lamson, from Crown Point, New York, came here and purchased section eight, known as the "Mead section," all except one hundred and forty acres, now owned by Horace Hotchkiss and Ziba Pool.

Luther Chapman also located on the lot where he now resides, which he purchased of Levi Gilkie.

Those of the inhabitants of Welshfield, who had the promotion of religious interests at heart, held a consultation as to the most feasible means of locating Mr. Barrett, where his services could be more readily obtained. The result was the building, in 1830, of what was for a long time known as the " Barrett House," afterwards the "Parsonage." It was an unpretending structure, built, as was the almost universal custom, of logs; in dimensions about sixteen by

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eighteen feet, with shake-shingle roof. As soon as tenable, Mr. Barrett and family, consisting of wife and adopted daughter, were duly installed as its occupants, and Mrs. Barrett at once opened a school, for such of the smaller children as could be placed under her tuition, A horse was placed at the parson's disposal, that he might the more easily perform some of his extended journeys. It might be stated that this parsonage, which was situated a few rods directly west from where the store of Kellogg & Son now stands, was, for a time, a bone of contention; Esquire Webb, administrator of the Welsh estate, having prosecuted the builders for trespass; they having, as he charged, unlawfully obtained the building material from off the said Welsh property. It was settled, however, without serious litigation.

This "Priest or Parson—Barrett," as he was called, is described as having been a tall, spare man, standing straight so far up as his shoulders, when he abruptly bent forward, His age was about sixty years. He is said to have begged his tobacco, and withal had a voracious appetite. His clothing in the summer season, was such as the spinning wheels and looms of the time could produce. In the winter he went clad in a pair of cow-hide shoes, linseywoolsey pants, over which, when he went abroad, he wore a well-worn camlet cloak, fastened at the waist with a bit of rope, or something similar, while his head was surmounted by a close fitting cap, made of bear-skin. This, at the present day, would be pronounced a rather unclerical outfit.

Up to this time, whatever cheese had been manufactured, had been done on the co-operative plan, that is, two or more neighbors would combine and make up what milk they might happen to have, and divide the little product "pro rata," One innovation on this mode of procedure was made this year. In the fall of 1829, Elijah Weston bargained with Russell Williams, of Parkman, for sixteen cows, at eight dollars per head, the same to be paid for the following season, with the avails of their product. This, Mr. Weston accomplished, selling his cheese at four and a half cents per pound, and thus inaugurated the first "Dairy" in town.

In 1831 Horace Lamson Put his " Mead section" in market, after reserving for himself the lot, afterwards owned by Henry and Harvey Rice, and which he. rapidly disposed of.

Among the permanent settlers on this section for this year, were Thomas, known as "Capt." Scott, Spencer Barrows, and Benj. Thrasher, all from Crown Point, New York.

A meeting, the first in town, that could assume the importance of a revival, was held in 1831, by the Baptists, in a school-house near Amos Burroughs, which resulted in quite a number of conversions. Among them were some of Welshfield's best citizens.

The first grain cradle used in town, was made in 1831, by Henry B. Davis, grain having been harvested heretofore with the time-honored sickle, or reaping-hook.

In 1832 the township received a strong re-enforcement. Lewis F. Scott, also from Crown Point, purchased land, of H. Lamson, on section eight, while the almost unbroken wilderness south of the center, was encroached upon by Ephraim Burnell, Jason Burnell, Nathaniel Olds, Luther Hersey and Samuel Davis, all from Cummington, Massachusetts, who took up their locations in the order named; Ephraim Burnell locating where Chester Houghton now lives, and Jason, where D. C. Tilden resides. -These families scattered themselves around among the settlers, till they could have shelter provided on their own claims. Mr. Olds was assigned with a family near "Sugar Loaf." Mr. Davis took up quarters in the town house, another family in the Pilgrim house, and so on, until all were provided for. In those days, a pioneer's heart was as open as the

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wilderness that surrounded him, and his "latch string" was always out whenever a wayfarer claimed his rude hospitality. Excepting Ephraim Burnell, all these recruits remained till their claims were well improved, and the most of them spent, and are spending their days in our midst. Mr. Olds' first house was a log cabin, shingled with chestnut bark.

Lanson Shaw, then a young man but little past his majority, also came and purchased of Chester Nash, a piece of land containing sixty acres, located on section twenty-three, and which has ever since comprised his homestead. As did Capt. Fox, so does Mr. Shaw heartily endorse the doctrine of the "dignity of labor," and a faithful adherence to this principle, coupled with judicious management, has enabled him to add from time to time, to his original purchase, till he now is, and for years has been, among the leading farmers of the township. In business transactions "his word is as good as his bond."

Mr. Nash at once made choice of another piece of land located on section seventeen, which he improved and retained till his death, and which is now in the possession of his widow. Among the citizens of Troy, Chester Nash stood a peer.

Late in the year (1832) Lewis Bedford, from New jersey, came and bought a piece of land of Mr. Olds, situated on the southwest quarter of section fourteen, and still later, Joseph Tinkham, a brother-in-law of Mr. Bedford, came from New York and bought of Mr. Olds a portion of the southeast quarter of the same section. Mr. Tinkham remained but a short time, when he sold to James Snow, a brother-in-law of Mr. Olds, who in turn sold t0 Justus Perry and purchased a portion of the northeast quarter of the same section, now a part of the Lamb farm. William Tinkham, a son of Joseph Tinkham, remained, and is yet a citizen of Troy. His place of residence for the last forty years has been on the eastern part of section twenty-one, where he has followed the avocation of cooper, and as an artisan is recognized as first-class.

Mr, Bedford, although a small man, weighing, perhaps, one hundred and twenty pounds, was "a host within himself." His physical make-up contained, figuratively, but two ingredients—whalebone and 'steel. It is related of him that it was his habit, before his own land had any improvements, to take his axe and cross-cut saw (a one man affair), and obtain employment in the region of Garrettsville, When he had paid for a bushel each, of wheat and corn, he would take his "grist" to the mill at Garrettsville and have it ground. This, both meal and flour, he would fasten in some manner across his back, and, taking both axe and saw, would come home, a distance of seven miles, without resting on the way. In the winter his hand-sled served as a means of transportation. Mt. Bedford had a vivacious temperament; was always ready with an anecdote, usually an incident which "happened in the Jerseys." Both Mr. and Mrs. Bedford are dead, and the homestead, on the river road, is now occupied by a son- in-law and grano-son, Clark and Almon Vaughn.

Luther Hersey, who came about the same time, located on a strip of sixty-five acres, lying between lands of Samuel Davis and Nathaniel Olds. He remained till about 1846, when the premises passed into the possession of Spencer and Betsey Barrows.

Yet later, Amos James, from Charlestown, Portage county, purchased of Jason Burnell a piece of land joining the Tinkharn lot on the north. Here be remained till 1845, when, in company with others, he migrated to Wisconsin, Mr. Perry became the owner of this land, also,

March 26th, of this year, the first church in Troy assumed form, in the organization of the Congregational society, This was accomplished by Mr. Barrett, with a membership of only ten, to wit: John Beals and wile. Willard W. Beals, Osman Beals, Electa Beals, Sabrina Pierce, Polly Nash, Harvey Pratt, Pauline

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Lamson, and Sally Barrows. The latter is now (1874) the only one living, of the original ten, yet a member of the church.

About this time, four brothers of Horace Lamson—Leonard, Ezekiel, Sanforo, and Orrin—settled on portions of his domain, but which has long since passed into other hands. Bradley Hopkins located, and afterwards sold to Joseph Durfee, where J. G. Durfee now lives.

This year also, Captain Fox, who had until now lived in a "make-shift" for a house, moved his family into a substantial brick house, the first, and, up to this date, the only house in town, built of any material other than wood. This house was mostly built the year previous, In order to obtain material wherewith to build his house, Mr. Fox established a brick-yard on his own premises, a short distance west of the Cuyahoga, and near the road. The brick proved to of excellent quality, and this inouced the Captain to continue their manufacture for several years. Later, two Barrows brothers, Seth and Adolphus, put another brick-yard in operation, on the Sawyer brook, south from the center; but, for some reason, it was soon discontinued. These are the only instances in which this branch of industry was ever carried on in this township.

At this time a portion of the Welsh estate was put in the market, and about six hundred acres, in the vicinity of the center, were sold at auction by the administrator, as well as other parcels lying farther north. Horace Latnion* bid off about three hundred and twenty acres, lying north of the east and west road, and John Nash bid off about a half mile square, south of the same road. This land was struck off to the above-named bidders, at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, Esquire Nash took immediate steps to occupy his purchase, while Mr. Lamson held his for sale.

In 1833, the number of inhabitants was largely increased, Benjamin Hosmer came from Newbury, and settled on section number one, purchasing a lot of the Peter B. Beals land, that had fallen into the possession of Esquire Hickox, of Burton. Ziba Pool and Horace Hotchkiss, from Massachusetts, settled where they now live. James Fairbanks, from New York, settled on the west side of the river, on land now owned by Geo. Fox. Dr. Herrick settled on land now owned by Mary Williams, and Nelson Bently settled on land directly south of Deacon E. B. Turner, Esquire Nash, having built a temporary residence, took up his abode on his new purchase during the same season.

In the fall of 1833, occurred a transaction which finally culminated in what was, for a long time, known as the "Trojan war." It seems that at some period in the eighteenth century, one Law, from the State of Connecticut, purchased five or six hundred acres of land, including what is now known as the " Rapids," situated just outside the southern limit of this township, on the Cuyahoga river, whereon he built a saw-mill, which, for some reason, was afterwards abandoned, and had fallen into decay, scarcely a vestige of the dam being left. At the date above mentioned, Henry Canfield, of Auburn, purchased from Mr. Law's agent

* N0TE—The above statement, concerning the purchase of the Welsh land, by Horace Lamson, at auction, is held by L. E. Durfee, esq,, now of Chardon, to be incorrect, and who substantiates his assertion by an appeal to the court records, It appears, from the records, that the courts made a partition in full, or in part, of the Welsh estate, and that the northeast quarter of section thirteen, and so much of the east half of section twelve, as to comprise about four hundred acres of land, was set apart to Jacob Welsh, jr,, then residing in Coshocton, Coshocton county, Ohio, The above mentioned L. E, Durfee, then a youth, urged upon his father, Joseph Durfee, the feasibility of investing his means in the purchase of this tract of land. Mr, Durfee thought favorably of this proposition, and placing his funds in the hands of Horace Lamson, instructed him to go to Coshocton, and negotiate with Mr, Welsh for its ownership, Mr, Lamson was successful in this undertaking, securing the entire tract, at seven dollars and fifty cents per acre. The investment, however, did not prove a fortunate one for Mr. Durfee. The financial crash, in 837, caused a stagnation of business enterprise, and Mr, Durfee was among the victims ; realizing, by dint of bargain and sale, barely enough to secure, as a homestead, the fifty acres of land where he afterwards lived and died, and which is now occupied by the widow and youngests on, Joseph G. Durfee.

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the above named land, including the mill-site, and proceeded at once to erect another dam across the stream. The following spring (1834) he built a sawmill on the site which had been occupied by the former one. This was soon a "bone of contention." Settlers in Troy shook with redoubled severity, and charged that the dam, and consequent inundation of low land along the river, was the great first cause thereof. Our citizens clubbed together and commenced legal proceedings against Mr. Canfield, but the court decided " no cause' of action." Another suit in 1835 resulted as did the former. In the winter of 1835 Jason Burnell attempted to take soundings just above the dam, and to this end began to cut a hole through the ice, when Charles G., son of Henry Canfield, promptly fired upon him from the mill, the ball striking the ice uncomfortably near, when Mr. Burnell incontinently fled. Later, a party from here made a night-attack, intending to burn the mill, but again Charles Canfield confronted them with a mill-bar, and the assaulting force retired in good order.

In July, 1836, war was openly declared. The besieged, who then lived in the old Quimby house, procured a cannon at Garrettsville, planted it in his door- yard, loaded it with odds and ends, of chains, and trained the "piece" on the apparently doomed saw-mill, while skirmishers, with loaded rifles, took their station among the saw-logs and elsewhere, in readiness for a charge from the "light brigade." The looked-for day at length arrived, when a company of determined men-under whose leadership, the writer is not informd-was formed on the western bank of the classic Cuyahoga, bent on victory or

Among others of this devoted band was Richard Mathews, armed with a Continental musket, to which was attached a good and sufficient bayonet, and carried across his shoulder in such manner that the latter weapon was on a level with the arm-pits. Close in his rear followed Daniel Doolittle, armed, we know not how. At last the stern order to "advance" was given, and our "forlorn hope" was in motion. The line of march was interruped by innumerable obstacles, and none but brave, determined men, would have attempted its execution. The advance had come in sight of the field of operation, and victory seemed almost within its grasp, It was doomed to sore disappointment. Among other impediments was a small rivulet—Black brook—the which, as the command had no pontoon, must be crossed by jumping. Mathews, who was near the rear, had successfully crossed, and Doolittle, in essaying to follow, made the spring quite too soon, and received "Dick's" bayonet full in the cheek. His outcry brought the command to a halt. A council of war was held, an ambulance was improvised, a retreat was agreed upon, and the entire command returned sorrowfully homeward.

Mr. Canfield, deeming "discretion the better part of valor," soon conveyed the title of his property to Quimby & Garrett, when the controversy died out. It is said that the only engagement in which the "Trojans" were victorious was in a night sortie, when they succeeded in spiking the above-mentioned piece of artillery.

In January, 1833, Deacon Alba Tinkham, also from Crown Point, and one Henry Lewis, came here, and built each the usual log house. Tinkham's was located directly across from the present Methodist parsonage, and Lewis' a short distance north from Maple Grove. Both were raised without the aid of whiskey and, in consequence, both were demolished, the "rules" not allowing them to stand, unless they were duly moistened with spirits. Later, the same season, Deacon Tinkham put up a small blacksmith-shop, the first at the center, at the intersection of the diagonal with the center road. In this instance, he outflanked the votaries of the jug, by building his shop so small, and of logs so small, that he could do it all himself. This shop could barely accommodate a span of horses while being shod, while wagons were brought, a wheel at a time,

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and, when ironed, taken away. A sort of excrescence was added to one end of this shop to shelter the bellows and a few bushels of charcoal. Years later, he built a more commodious shop.

In those days whiskey formed a prominent part of the "circulating medium," money being a cash article. In the old account book left by Amos Burroughs, can be seen frequent entries, where whiskey was the article placed to the debit and credit column of some customer, and his book was a fair sample of business transactions.

In 1834, Dr. Jacob Thrasher, from Crown Point, settled on section five, buying the claim and improvements of Orrin Lamb, another of the Lamb family before-mentioned, and on which he lived until his death, in 1858. Also Edward B. Turner took up his abode here the same year, settling on the land where he now lives, being a part of section six. The deacon* claims the credit of raising the first house in town, that was allowed to stand, without the aid of whiskey. Threats were uttered that it would be torn down, but they were not carried into effect. At this date, whiskey was considered one of the essentials at a raising, and an innovation of this character was not easily overlooked.

After a six year's residence, Parson Barrett resigned his pastorate, and removed to Eloomfield, Trumbull county.

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CHAPTER III,

CHANGE OF NAME TO TROY,

It having become settled that the fifty acres of land, promised by Jacob Welsh to the township, had not been provided for in his arrangement of affairs, Esquire John Nash was displeased, and circulated a petition, praying that the name of the township be changed to Troy. He succeeded in his endeavor, and, since 1834, this domain has been no longer "Welshfield," but is known as "Troy " instead ; although the post-office was given the former name. In the spring of the same year, Mervin James bought a lot from off the south end of Jason Burnell's purchase, which he occupied till his death, in 1864, varying but little from thirty years.

During this year, also, the road known as the "West," or "River road," leading from Cuyahoga Rapids to Troy Center, was located. This was done at the instigation of James Hoxter, who had settled on land now owned by Samuel Davis. For several years Mr. Hoxter, Spencer Wadsworth-now living in Auburn—and Bartholomew St, John, were the only settlers on this road.

* Deacon Turner then was, and always has been, an uncompromising teetotaler, yet this did not shield him from being a victim of more than one practical joke, not strictly temperance in character, of which the forlowing was one : At one time (perhaps more than one), while the militia laws were in force, the Troy company failed to elect a captain, whereupon the regimental commander, as was his duty, made a detail to supply that need. When "company training day" arrived, a stranger reported for duty, to teach "Trojans" the art of war, The drill-ground was encumbered wrth numerous obstacles, and the deacon, being somewhat short in stature, and also somewhat clumsy from overwork, brought the toe of his shoe in contact with so many of these obstacles as to seriously interfere with correct soldierly bearing, At length the patience of this imported captain became exhausted, and, carling to a subaltern, ordered him to "put that man under guard," addmg as a reason for so doing, that " he had been drunk arl day." Deacon Turner has enough of the wag in his composition to enjoy this joke with a hearty relish,

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Up to this date, the only means adopted to separate the grain from the straw, was either the scriptural one of trampling—where a suitable floor could be provided—or by the scarcely less ancient flail. In many instances, no floor— other than earth—could be had. In such cases, a chosen piece of ground was beaten hard, the bundles spread, and the "thumping" administered. The straw, having been cleared away, the grain was separated from the chaff, by means of the "hand-fan"—a broad, unwieldy implement, which required considerable skill in its use. This year, or possibly the year previous, Harvey Fowler,* who then lived where Seth Burton now lives, introduced an innovation, in the form of an unique threshing machine. To use this machine, an ox sled was placed in proper position, the cylinder mounted thereon and fastened. The "power" was connected with this " pepper-mill " by the rude means then employed. It was a good day's work to thresh as much as two men could clean up in an evening, with the poorly developed fanning-mill, which was about the same time invented. After using this machine one season, Mr. Fowler sold it to Horace Ford (Long Horace), when he built another, which was operated by Galen Lamb, and others. Years later, Deacon Turner and Parker Howland operated a somewhat similar implement, using oxen for the motive power, which, for a time, was quite a favorite.

In 1835, Dr. Herrick solo his claim to Reuben Clark, while Parker Howland settled on lot adjoining E. B, Turner, on the west, and Benjamin Goff bought the claim previously occupied by Rufus Lamb and Julius Hatch, where he died in 1859. Mr, Goff was the first wheelright who pursued that branch of business in Troy. Dennis Downing also settled on land now owned by Phidelus Pool,

In March, of the same year, one Solomon Wells, with that sagacious foresight which has marked most of his financial operations, located on the heavily timbered "Pigeon Roost"; land that had been shunned by nearly all previous settlers, and, which proved, when brought under cultivation, to be the garden of the township. Harvey Harris located on section six, next to the county line, and, to close the list of immigrants for the year, wese several familes by the name of Pool, nearly all of whom were shoemakers, and their coming was the death signal to the time-honored "cat-whipping." One of their number was a clergyman, and another had acquired the skill of mending shattered tinware, so that the soubriquet of "Tinker Pool" was applied to him.

Parson Barrett having gone away, the arrival of Rev, Jephthah Pool was doubly welcome by the church goers, and his ministerial services were at once secured. The records say his first duty in that line was solemnizing the marriage of Alden J. Nash and Miss Olive Pool.

Among the arrivals in 1836 were Samuel and Thomas Satterlee, and George and Jacob Conrad, from Lysander, New York, who all, or nearly all, settled in Deacon Turner's neighborhood; Elisha Coates, who settled immediately south from Solomon Wells, and Benedict Alford, who bought the claim taken by Ephraim Burnell, occupying the same till his death in 1864.

The correctness of this date (1836) is disclaimed by a daughter of Mr. Alford, now the wife of Chester Houghton. She asserts that her father's family, and her own, arrived here in June, 1835; that her father settled as described, and that her husband (Mr. Houghton) settled across the river, on land now owned by George H. Fairbanks. Mr. Alford had, in addition to his own family, his father and mother to look after, who accompanied him to Troy. F0r them a small log house was built, near where the river road intersects with the center

* NOTE—Mr, Fowler came to Troy in 1832, He purchased his land of Thomas Sawyer, In 1834, he made and operated the first horse hay rake used in the township, He moved from here in 1838,

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road, one mile south of the center, The parents were aged, and past labor, and died soon after their arrival. The elder Alford was a Revolutionary soldier. The following is a fac simile of a "statement" issued in his favor, in order to enable him to obtain a pension:

NOT SHOWN

On a portion of the tract taken by his father-in-law, and where he has since resided, with but a short interregnum, till his sudden death, which occurred that of Mrs. Houghton, has always been closely connected with the interests of August 24, 1878, Ever since the arrival of Mr. Houghton, his name, and also

Mr. Houghton stayed but a short time on his first purchase, when he settled

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the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was an ardent and devoted member. The writer well recollects the prayer of a zealous sister, nearly forty years ago, in which she "thanked the Lord that Brother Houghton had come to Troy and ‘rared. up a house for the Methodists to worship in," one hearty evidence of the regard in which his effort were held.

Lewis S. Pope came from Auburn and settled on his well-known lot, south from the then Fox's corners. Pope was a man of untiring energy, a quality which has been faithfully transmitted to his two surviving sons, David L and Irvin W. Lewis S. Pope had a way of doing things, which was peculiar to himself Up to, and including, the Presidential election of 1836, when Van Buren and Harrison were, for the first time, opposing candidates, Mr. Pope voted the Democratic ticket, and, of course, for the successful candidate. In 1840 the same gentlemen were arrayed against each other for the second time in the Presidential contest. Mr. Pope was not satisfied with Van Buren's administration, and decided to cast his ballot for "Old Tip," but kept his own counsels as to his decision. Election day arrived, and Mr. Pope, with several of his neighbors, took their way to the voting place. While crossing the Cuyahoga river bridge, Mr. Pope deliberately pulled off his coat, and, after turning it inside out, as deliberately put it on again. The enquiry of his astonished companions, failed to elicit from him the reason for such a maneuver, but their curiosity was satisfied when (with coat still turned) he presented himself at the p0lls, and openly deposited a ballot for Harrison and Tyler, Mr. Pope supported Henry Clay in 1844, and was identified with the Free-soil, and afterward with the Republican, party.

Daniel Corliss, formerly from Orford, New Hampshire, but, later, from just across the line, in Parkman township, came this year also, and bought the tract taken by Benjamin Thrasher, and which is now owned and occupied by his son Elihu G. Mr. Corliss was fos a long time standard authority in anything pertaining to the mason's trade, although an inveterate "anti," so far as the organized "craft," or fraternity, was concerned. Among the industrious men of that time, "Uncle Daniel" stood a peer.

This year, too, Benjamin Hosmer changed his location, selling his first claim to William Dunn, and buying two hundred acres of Horace Lamson, from off the northern end of the Welsh purchase, where he yet resides.

Mr. Dunn still occupies the Beals lot.

The Congregational church, having had additions from time to time from new arrivals, concluded the society was sufficiently strong to warrant it in building a house of worship. A contract was, accordingly, entered into with Samuel Pool to do the work—a site'having been obtained of Horace Lamson. Mr, Pool pushed the work with such vigor, that the building was raised in June, and completed before the close of the year, a feat which was, at that date, considered almost marvellous.

Mr. Samuel Pool had three apprentices at that time, all of whom afterwards became prominent men in the township, as will be hereafter seen. The three, in later years, removed from here. One of them, Alden J. Nash, went to Kent county, Michigan, in 1852, and is now dead. Almon Hodges removed to Geneva, Ashtabula county, in 186r, and W. F. Pratt, to Newburg, near Cleveland, in 1864.

Trojans, up to this date, were dependent on the surrounding townships for their mail facilities. Previous to this time a mail route had been established between Parkman and Chagrin Falls. The mail was carried on horseback by Henry B, Davis, who .had formerly occupied land just south of, and adjoining the "Sugar-loaf," While carrying the mail he lived in Parkman, The establishment of an office here simply gave him one more point at which to stop.

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Mr. Davis was always ready to take the initiative in any public enterprise. In the spring of 1836, a petition, asking that a post-office be established here, was granted by the department. An office was promptly opened, with Alden J. Nash, as postmaster. Its first location was in the old Barrett house, where Mr. Nash was then living. He held the office with little, or no interruption, eight years, taking it with him whenever he changed his abode, as did the ancients their household gods.

This year, a family by the name of Latham bought land, which was first located by one Straw, on section ten. The father was a Presbyterian clergyman. The family, and their descendants, have ever since been intimately identified with the growth of the township. - The second son, Orange L., besides sundry township 0ffrces, held the p0sition of chorister for a term of years, and, l0sing his hearing, was finally succeeded by W, F. Pratt, who retained it until 1864, when he removed to Newburg.

It may be stated here, that at the organization of the church, W. W. Beals was chosen deacon, with Alba Tinkham as assistant. Deacon Tinkham removed to Garrettsville, and Ziba Pool was ordained, and, afterwards, Abijah Pool, Deacon Beals declining to serve. After Abijah Pool left town, Beals again acted in that capacity till his death. He was succeeded for a short time by Mervin James, and he by John W. Beals, who, with Ziba Pool, are the present incumbents.

January 1, 1837, the new meeting house was formally dedicated; Rev. Jephthah Pool preaching the dedicatory sermon.

Benjamin Hosmer having made extensive inroads into his forest, by contract and otherwise, conceived the idea of utilizing the ashes of the consumed log- heaps, as well as house ashes, by the manufacture of "potash" or "black salts," and to this end, he built an ashery, the first in Troy. Years after, quite an extensive business was carried on in thh purchase of ashes, and manufacture of the above named merchandise.

The raising of silk worms, and manufacture of silk, was another industry introduced it 1837, The trees (mop us multiatulis) necessary for business, were brought here by David Nash, who had no difficulty in disposing of his stock. Some were so confident of success, as to predict that "Logging Frocks" would soon—on the score of economy,—be made of silk. It is asserted that a little silk was actually produced, but, after five years' trial, the bubble burst,' leaving its victims with collapsed pocket-books. One, who had invested the proceeds of fifteen acres of land, in the enterprise, realized just a sum sufficient to pay for half-soling his boots.

In 1838 the cemetery was removed to its present location, and the remains of Captain Ebenezer Hopkins was the first occupant.

During the winter of 1838, a Baptist elder named Smith, held a protracted meeting here, and several additions were made to the "church militant." In May following, he held a service at the house of Amos James, at which time Freeman and Lucy Reed, Minerva Burnell and Mrs. Wyram Williams were baptized.

A Methodist class, with Samuel Reed as leader, procured a deed—dated May 11, 1838—for land on which to build a church. With that go-ahead spirit, for which that denomination has always been noted, this class was organized into a church, on the 27th of November following, The next move was for a preacher, and the next, for a house in which to hold services. The conference sent John Crum as preacher in charge, the first preacher of that denomination who had a settled charge in Troy. A contract was entered into, December 29th of the same year, for building a house of worship, with one Pike, the house to be completed the following season and which was done. A "roster" of all the

618 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.

preachers who, from that time, have been on this circuit, will be hereafter given. This was then known as "Parkman Circuit."

The year following (1839), another revival meeting was held by Rev. Mr. Day, of the Congregational denomination, assisted by Rev. Thomas Jones, then pastor of the church. A specially noteworthy result, was the death of Mr. Ben: jamin Kingsbury, he dying a victim to over-intense excitement. The meeting was very successtul, and the church greatly strengthened in numbers.

All these years Troy had depended on other townships for medical aid, as neither Dr. Weston, Herrick or Thrasher had set up a practtce. In September, 1839, Dr. C. B. Chapman, a native of Middlebury, Vermont, came here, and set up a regular practice, remaining three years. He was succeeded by Drs. William Crane, Keros Sheldon, L. D. Hudson and G. W. Foster in the order named. Drs. Allen, Bascom, Brown, Crafts, Partridge, and perhaps, others have from time to time located here, but did not remain long enough to become identified with township history.

A few words concerning the subsequent history of the five first named physicians may not, perhaps, be considered entirely amiss. The first, Dr. Chapman, removed to Bristol, Trumbull county, in 1842, where he remained about five years, when he emigrated to Madison, Wisconsin,—then a comparatively new country,—where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred May 8, 1877. Dr. Crane, after practicing his profession here a short time, also removed to Bristol, and entered into partnership with Dr. Chapman. He also practiced for a season in Bazetta, same county, and also in New Lisbon, Columbiana county, and finally removed to Cottage Grove, about eight miles east from Madison, Wisconsin, where he now resides. Dr. Sheldon set up practice here in 1843 or '4, which he he continued not far from a quarter of a century,—with a short interruption of removal to Chagrin Falls in 1850-51,—when he rementurned to Hambden, his former place of residence, in 1868-9. In 1873 he was stricken with paralysis so severely as to be entirely helpless, in which condition he now (1878) is. His wife is dead, and he is cared for by an aged sister, whose devotion to him is truly praiseworthy. Dr. Hudson practiced his profession successfully a few years, when he abandoned it, and engaged as clerk of a Lake Erie steamer. Afterward he engaged largely in insurance matters, having his office in Cleveland, and was also secretary of the board of education for that city. His only child—a cherished daughter—having, from excessive study,,J3e. come demented, he became seriously depressed in spirits, and is now lost to view as a public man. Dr. Foster practiced successfully for a term of years, and also engaged in other pursuits, among which was that of hotel-keeping. He purchased the old hotel to which he added the present front of twenty-five by sixty feet. He removed to Geneva, Ashtabula county, where he now is enjoying a lucrative practice, in addition to the income of a drug-store.

About this trme, the first "ism" was introduced in the form of Mormonism, but its day was short, with no definite results.

It is reported that Captain Fox brought, when he came, a limited assortment of needed goods, which he retailed from one corner of his log cabin. His "assortment" was largely made up of boots(?), shoes, and axes. It is also reported that the first mercantile firm in Troy was that of Williams, Gardner & Doolittle, but when it existed, or where it transacted business, is not stated.

In 1839, John Way opened the first known place of business in Troy, in the. shape of a grocery store, which stood on the site where the house owned by Mrs. Cahnon is now located. He kept a few groceries, and an occasional piece of calico. The enterprise, on account of the credit system is said to have been a failure.

In the fall of 1840, Josiah S. Tilden and John Weston opened a store in the

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upright part of the house now occupied by H. Kellogg & Son, the upper story being used by B. F. Abell as a school-room.

The original portion of this house was built by one Noyes Williams, a shoemaker, and the upper story was used by him for a shoe shop. He died in 1839. The additions were all, or nearly all, made by Rev. Josiah Hopkins, who purchased the property of one Elial W. Heaton. A young lady named Mary Ann Kendall, sister to Mrs. Barrett, is said to have taught a select school several years previous to Mr. Abell. She taught in a room in the house built by Major Pratt, on section two.

About this time, the feminine portion of the community became suddenly impressed with the idea that measures for mutual protection must needs be adopted, whereby to shield themselves from the wiles of the sterner sex. Societies, called Moral Reform, were inaugurated, and Troy had one. Among its rules were said to be the following: "If a member was, while on the street, about to meet a man, and he showed no inclnation to cross to the other side thereof, she must at once do so, in the meantime keeping the eyes, if not closely veiled, fixed on the ground. If a man was seen approaching the house, and member was without adequate protection, she must promptly barricade the door, draw the curtains, and place a quantity of woolen rags in readiness to start a 'smudge' provided she heard a suspicious noise on the roof; and the young lady who did not summarily dismiss her Sunday evening company of the opposite sex, punctually at sixty minutes past eight, was herself summarily ejected from the society as a no longer worthy member." Whether the college rule, said to have been once in force, that parties of the sterner and gentler sex, going in the same direction, must each carry one end of a ten-foot pole, was adopted by this society, never became public. Seriously: this was, and still is, an excellent organization, but, like many other undertakings, it overdid the thing.

In 1841, the firm of Tilden & Weston, with Joseph Doolittle added thereto, built a store on the site where the store of Kellogg & Son now stands, removed their goods into it as soon as completed, and set about building a slaughter house on adjoining ground. In this way they sold goods on credit, and took fat cattle for pay, receiving thereby a oouble profit. They also arranged with Benjamin Hosmer for permission to build a more commodious ashery on his premises, running it on their own account. In this way a man who was clearing land, could take a load of ashes to Uncle Rufus Lamb, who then presided over that department, and receive a ticket for the same, which would be honored at the counter-not in cash, but in goods. After Uncle "Rule" resigned, Addison M. Buck, a man noted for literary attainments, took his place, and retained it as long as the enterprise was kept in operation.

Either in this, or the year psevious, the first buggy of which Troy could boast, was introduced by "Uncle" Moses James, who had moved from Charlestown, Portage county. This buggy was at the service of any one who felt disposed to pay six cents per mile for its use, and for a time was quite a source of revenue to the owner. A few years later, On-in Lamson and Nelson Pratt came in possession, each, of a new buggy, when a competition at once sprang up. They let their carriages at five cents per mile. Soon after, Solomon Wells became the owner of a fourth one, which he sometimes let without any remuneration whatever. This move on his part spoiled that speculation, so much so that fifty cents per day became, for a long time, an established tariff for buggy rent.

In 1841, another "ism" was introduced here. This was called Perfectionism, and had its origin at the Oberlin college, then under the guidance of President Asa Mahan. It became so strong as to publish a periodical called the "Oberlin Evangelist," but like all other "isms," had its day, and was not.

In 1842, B. F. Abell put his school on a more permanent basis by building

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the house now owned by the widow of Elijah Weston, the second story of which was devoted entirely to school purposes, and his popularity became such, that this room was sometimes filled with students to its utmost capacity.

In 1842, the first hotel was opened in the house where J. E. Sperry now resides, with A. J. Nash for its landlord. Soon after this, the house was built and the hotel removed to where it has since, with but little interruption, been kept.

The same year Thomas Jones resigned his pastorate over the Congregational church, leaving it without a pulpit occupant, only as Mr. Latham from time to time supplied it, till late the next year, when Rev. James Preston was engaged.

Yet another "ism" was, at this date, introduced. This was Millerism or Second Adventism, its chref supporter in these parts being a preacher named Booth, then living in Mantua. So plausible were his arguments that many were seriously alarmed, but B. F. Abell came to the rescue in a Saturday lecture before his students, which was also largely attended by excited citizens. In this lecture he exploded the whole affair to the satisfaction of his listeners, and Troy was once more serene.

Previously to this time, some of our citizens had allowed the firm of Wrlliams & Tilden, of Parkman, or perhaps Williams & Williams, to place their names quite too frequently upon their account books, and when the day of reckoning came, found, to their dismay, that their indebtedness was more than they were able to meet, without sacrificing the homestead. This, in at least two instances, Russell Williams did not hesitate to take, one of the self-made victims being Reuben Clark and the other Jason Burnell. The latter closed his affairs, and migrated to Iowa, which was then the "far west." The Sabbath previous to his departure, Rev. Mr. Latham preached a good-bye discourse for his benefit, from the text, "For we seek a better country."

From the earliest settlement of the town to the opening of the hotel, in 1842, whiskey, and its daily use, had been looked upon by the majority of the inhabitants with more or less favor. A few had always been radical teetotalers. Among them was Deacon Alba Tinkham. Soon after Mr. Nash started the hotel (which contained a bar and its outfit), Mr. Tinkham put out an opposition sign, with "Temperance House" inscribed thereon. This was met with a storm of ridicule, and one dark night the sign disappeared, but another was soon installed in its place. A strong temperance movement had just been organized at Chagrin Falls. A temperance convention was called, to meet at the old church here, and the Falls sent a strong delegation, most of them excellent singers. The house was jammed full. Mr. Nash, who thought he would put on a bold front, was one of the assembly, but the portrayal of the effects of rum-drinking, together with the soul-stirring singing, proved too much, and he left the house in tears. This inaugurated the temperance movement here. Years later, secret societies in the interest of this cause were instituted here, one of which is now, or lately has been, in operation. Now whiskey is a stranger in Troy, except as an article in the druggist's pharmacopoeia.

In 1843, a two-story shop was built of which James Wale's shop is a part. The lower story was occupied by Chester Houghton and James Johnson as a wagon-shop, the upper story was used for a cabinet shop, first by one Chamberlin, afterward by Llewellyn and Manly Colson. Many a "setting out" for new married couples of the time were manufactured at his shop, and, in many instances, bid fair to do duty for years to come.

The first exhibition, as they were then called,—now dramatic entertainments —worthy of mention, occurred on the Fourth of July, 1843, under the auspices of the select school, although outsiders contributed much to its success, conspicuous among whom was Mr. Orange Lathham. The exercises, which were under the management of the principal, were held in the Congregational church,

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which was packed to its utmost capacity. Among the prominent actors, then citizens of Troy, were A. H. Thrasher, esq., now deceased; L. E. Durfee, now a prominent attorney, in Chardon; Richard Dayton, now deceased; Daniel Pool, now deceased; Laban Patch, since an enterprising and successful dentist, now living in our midst; Orange. Latham, now deceased, and others. The fair sex were represented by Miss Louisa Nash, now deceased; Alice Durfee, Sophia Tinkham, Polly Pool, now deceased; Belinda Foster, and others, whose names are not now in mind.

In 1844, Rev. Mr. Preston was relieved by Lewis S. Ely, whose proceedure was so unsatisfactory that he was deposed from the ministry, when he left Troy, went to Parkham, and opened a store.

In October, the firm of J. S. & A. P. Tilden succeeded the firm of Tilden, Weston & Co., which had dissolved. This firm continued in business here until the spring of 1846, when its interests were removed to Parkman.

Nothing more, worthy of note, occurred until December, when the first, and thus far, only serious crime—of which the perpetrator was duly convicted—was committed. The crime was burglary, or grand larceny; the property taken, cash; amount, over three hundred dollars; the victim, Joseph Doolittle, then a magistrate; the criminal, Nathaniel Reddout. During the trial, which was before Lewis S. Pope, esq., the greatest interest prevailed, and the Methodist church, in which the trial was held, was filled with anxious spectators, the galleries being occupied by ladies.

Notwithstanding the crime was fully proven, by some legal hocus-pocus, punishment was averted.

The same year, John Dayton, while building his house, made frequent trips to Cleveland, to obtain needed material, and while so doing, conceiveo the idea of making periodical trips to that city a permanent occupation for himself, having sufficient help at home to carry on the farming. With him, to plan was to execute, and he at once commeneed operations, making a trip to Cleveland, and to the grist-mill every week, paying but little regard to the condition of the roads, or the weather. Indeed, it was said of him, that if he happened to be at home while a tirrible storm was in progress, he would mourn because he was not on the road to market. This business he followed fifteen years, wearing out many horses, harnesses, and wagons. He was charged with doing one serious mischief during this time. That mischief was the importation of Norway rats.

The year 1845 will be remembered as the cold, dry year. But very little was raised with which to subsist either man or beast, and when winter came, many sent their stock to northern Indiana, while others took theirs to the region around Columbus. A large proportion of the cattle sent to Indiana died, while nearly all of the others came back.

Rev. Josiah Hopkins, D. D., was, this year, called by the Congregational society to supply the desk, which he did, very acceptably, the four following years.

This was also a somewhat eventful year, both in a military and a political point of view. Ever since the organization, in 1823, of the first military company, interest in military affairs had not died out. After a few years, Captain Burroughs* resigned, when Thomas R. Mumf0rd was elected as his successor, holding the office until the company disbanded. A rifle company was then organized, with Harvey Pratt as captain, who, at the organization of the first regiment, was ap- pointed adjutant, when Aloen J. Nash succeeded to the command of the company, holding the position until his promotion to the command of the regiment. Who succedded Nash, as captain is not stated. + Harvey Pratt was afterwards promoted to the office of Major, by which title he has since been familiarly

* NOTE---This, and some other erross were corrected, under the head of Military Affairs in 1823.. + NOTE— Perhaps it was Harvey Harris.

623 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY OHIO.

known. Wm. F. Pratt and Leonard Lamson also served on the regimental staff, as adjutants, and Dr. C. B. Chapman, as surgeon. The last captarn, under the former military dispensation, was Levi Tinkham,

In 1839 and '40 dissatisfaction arose, from sundry causes, and from that time military duty became more and more unpopular, until, finally, the killing of Truman Allen, at a regimental parade in Burton, in 1845, wiped it out entirely; nor was it resuscitated till 1861 when the war of the Rebellion revived it with redoubled interest—of which, hereafter.

The political "bone of contention" was the post-office. James K. Polk, who had, March 4, 1845, assumed the "chair of State," was, in matters political, diametrically opposed to the party which had elected his predecessor, and adopted the policy of removing such postmasters as were opposed to his own election. Alden J. Nash was one of the doomed many. An order was issued by Postmaster-General Cave Johnson for his official decapitation, and off' went his head into the political sawdust.

In choosing his successor, no more fitting man could have been found than the one who received the appointment. This was Joseph Durfee, a man who had been firm and true to his political principles all his days. He at once entered upon the duties of his office by appointing as deputy, Phidelus Pool, who lived at the center. The office he held till the election of Zachary Taylor, four years later, when matters ran again in the former Channel,

The musical element of this township has, nearly always, been under respectable discipline. From the first, Esquire Nash and Harvey Pratt were tutors, A change in teachers seeming to be desirable, Mr. Francis M. Leonard, now of Thompson, trained a class in the winter of 1835. In 1843, Newton Bliss, of Chagrin Falls, instructed a large class. In 1845, Nathan F. Cone, an itinerant, taught a very lasge class, and was engaged to teach the following year, but becoming involved in difficulty, he forsook his class, when another teacher, named Sizor, finished the term, and succeeded in putting the singers in excellent training, \Orange Latham, Alonzo Hubbard, William F. Pratt, A, J. and Eugene Nash, have also been successful local teachers of music.

A camp meeting was held in August of this year, on land now belonging to John Welsh, then a forest. Parties from an adjoining township were present, who made real or imaginary disturbance, and were ejected from the grounds. This led to the arrest of a preacher, Rev, G. W. Maltbie, and perhaps others, for "assault and battery," A trial was held, which resulted in conviction. This trial was had before Cyrus McLouth, then a magistrate. The above plaintiffs were in turn arrested on a warrant issued by Joseph Doolittle, also a justice of the peace. The parties were charged with committing a riot, and were convicted.

In 1846* occurred that memorable famine in Ireland, known far and wide as the "Irish potato rot." That starving country called on "Uncle Sam" for relief, which he was not slow in granting. Counties formed relief societies, and townships reported to the parent society. Corn was the staple called for. A day was designated, when those who could and would, delivered their donation at a pre-concerted rendezvous. Troy, as usual, did nobly. Uncle John Dayton and others took the corn to Chardon and delivered it over to L. J. Rider, general agent for Geauga county. Whether the "Sons of Erin" received any of it has • always been a matter of doubt.

Several of the "bone and sinew" of Troy died in 1846. Among them were Captain John Welsh, John Nash, and Mrs, Alba Tinkham.

The Mexican war was one of the political features of 1846 and '47. Troy

* A mistake. This famine occurred a year rater,

HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 623

furnished at least two representatives in the United States army at that time, in the persons of William Palmer, who then lived where Daniel M. Crafts now lives, and Joshua Newell, who lived at the Grove.

Evidences of the existence of coal were discovered in 1848-9 on land located in section sixteen, then belonging to Rensselaer Smith, now to Peter Davis. Jehu Brainard, a noted geologist then living in Cleveland, examined the premises, and decided that coal did not exist there in paying quantities. Mr. Smith was not satisfied with this decision, but went to Pennsylvania and procured a practical miner, to come and develop whatever might be found. A few bushels of coal were taken out, which was used by our blacksmiths, but after prospecting less than one hundred feet, the "mine" came to an abrupt termination. The cavity is now abundantly supplied with excellent water of a very low temperature.

Tradition declares that the Indians had knowledge of a salt spring, also on section sixteen, on land now owned by Samuel Davis, but if such was the fact, the "red skins" effectually concealed its whereabouts.

In 1849, Rev. Josiah Hopkins resigned his pastorate,* much to the regret of his hearers, who had learned to appreciate his worth. Mr. Latham was again called to supply the vacancy, but death suddenly ended his ministrations on the 7th of May, same year.

The "California Gold Fever" was an important feature of the history of this country, the discovery of which metal was made by Captain Sutter—or rather James Marshall—in 1849. The fever reached Troy, and several of our prominent capitalists combined to send a party of adventurers to the land of "Ophir." If the result of the enterprise was satisfactory, the parties have managed, thus far, to keep the fact locked in their own bosoms,

In 1849, a "Plank Road" epidemic passed over this region, and Troy caught the infection. The chief mischief-maker in causing the malaria to spread, was Hon. John P. Converse, of Parkman. His scheme was to build a road from Parkman to Chagrin Falls, passing, of course, through Troy, and which was carried so far as to have the route surveyed and the gradient stakes set. The project met with more or less favor along the proposed line of location. The judge had appointed days on which to solicit stock subscriptions, one of the first being set for this township. Dr. Thrasher, who had heretofore kept aloof while the wind work was in progress, made it in his way to be present, and, in his blunt, sarcastic manner, set at naught John P,'s fine drawn theory, and ended by saying that "but one man lived in Troy who had any business to fool away his money in such an undertaking, and rf he did, he (the Doctor), would disown him as a son-in-law," Men who had before thought to take stock, reconsidered, and, the result was, none was taken. This severed the chain, and the judge retired to recuperate his energies against the coming of the "Clinton Line R. R." scheme, when he once more took the field as the champion of that ultimate failure, this time drawing Troy somewhat into the net, although protested against in this case by his former antagonist, Dr. Thrasher.

In ordinary matters, no one enjoyed the confidence of the citizens of Troy more than did Judge Converse, but in the enterprises above named he allowed his enthusiam to over-balance his better judgment, the more especially in the former,

In 1850 the Rev. Mr, Godden was called to supply the pulpit of the Congregational church, which he did during the current year. Atter he left, meetings, called "Deac0n's meetings," were held, at which Orange Latham, or W. F. Pratt generally read a sermon. Some time in 1851, probably at the beginning

* During Mr. Hopkins pastorate, a theological student, named Hunter. who was under his tutelage, made occasional attempts at preaching, sometimes quite successfutly.

624 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.

of the year, Rev. John Fraser came to assume the pastorate. He occupied the pulpit three years, and was succeeded by Anson Tuttle, who staid but a short time,

Up to this date mescantile business had been carried on as private enterprise by different individuals, prominent among whom was John Mayhew.

Previous to Mr. Mayhew, the Pool brothers—Daniel and Levi—had for a time been engaged as grocers, their place of business being a building which then stood between the hotel and Methodist church; and Solomon Wells had, for a year or two, kept a stock of goods in the store, employing N, E. Scott as salesman. Mr, Wells used to assert that the net profits of that investment, were just sufficient .to purchase a new broadcloth coat.

In 1852 a stock company was organized, known as the "Farmer's Company." The capital stock was $3,000, in shares of $100 each. Richard Dayton was employed as agent, and N. E. Scott as assistant. Besides the usual business pertaining to a store, the company dealt extensively in cheese. While in New York city on business in the interest of this company, Mr. Dayton sickened and died, when M. E, Francis was engaged to supply the vacancy. For real, or imagninary cause, some of the members became dissatisfied, which finally ended in the dismemberment of the conclave, and the store passed again into private hands, the succeeded firm being Francis & Wells.

In 1853 was introduced the first mowing machine. This was one of the heavy, lumbering, unwieldy pieces of mechanism, known as the " Ketchum," but it was, to a good extent, a labor-saver, and that was the point sought for, The men who had sufficient pluck to invest in this innovation, were Wilkins and Dudley Fox. A description of this machine, and its work, would occupy too much time and space. Suffice it to say, that it would suffer terribly in comparison with the almost perfect ones of to-day.

Up to 1853, the remains of persons who had died were taken, to the grave, either in a sled, or lumber wagon, or on a bier. In the year above named, William F, Pratt, esq., a man always in the advance in public enterprise, purchased a plain, unpretending hearse—a carriage well in harmony with the people for whose use it was intended. As well as keeping and fusnishing this hearse, he was wont to make coffins (after the Colson Brothers abandoned cabinet-making), and also take charge of funerals, whenever his services were required. In 1864 he removed to Newburgh, when the township trustees bought the hearse, made some needed repairs, and which yet (1876) serves in its peculiar capacity.

The first sewing machine, or probably the first, was bought in 1854, by Mr. Chester Nash, for his daughters, Kate and Cynthia. It was then told, as a marvel, that those young ladies purchased of Webster & Whitney, at the Rapids,. prints for each a dress, both of which were made and worn, and all, including the purchase, done in one day. That machine, like the mower above referred to, was very rude in its appointments, as compared with first class machines of the present time.

To return to church matters—after Mr. Tattle left, a young man by the name of Delamater, from Cleveland, finished out the year, when a long vacancy of the desk occurred, only as it was supplied temporarily.

For the haying of 1856, Solomon Wells put a "Ball" machine into his meadows. This was a two-wheeled machine, yet it was a horse killer, compared to later productions. In 1858, Chester Lamb came to the front with a "Buckeye" mower. This, for the time, was a favorite, and from this oate mowing machines were no longer a novelty. In 1859, L T. Bradley purchased a "Buckeye" mower and reaper combined—the first in Troy—and so numerous were the demands for its good offices in neighboring fields of grain, that Mr. Bradley was. obliged to deny by far the greater part of them.

HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 625

On the night of June 4, 1859, this region was devastated by a frost, or rather a freeze, for it could truthfully assume that dignity. Newly turned furrows of turf were frozen through, and small quantities of water were solidly congealed. Wheat and rye, then just heading, were killed, corn and potatoes were cut to the ground, and grass was almost a total failure. Great consternation for a time prevailed, but at length it was found that but a small territory, comparatively, had suffered, when the excitement subsided.

In the autumn of 1857, Rev, A. A. Whitmore took up his abode here, as pastor of the Congregational church, and remained in that capacity three years.

Some time previous to this date, a faction known as "radical abolitionists," came into existence under the leadership of William Lloyd Garrison, and Abby Kelly, afterward Abby Kelly Foster, and who were ably supported by Wendell Phillips and other philanthropists. Among the ardent disciples of this faction was one John Brown, known as "Ossawattamie" Brown, This man's ardor reached the point of fanaticism, and his raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia, and its results, are matters of history, Soon after his execution, indignation meetings were called in various parts of the radical north. Troy, had several warm supporters of this then new movement, among whom were W. W, Beals and B. F. Abell, at whose instance a meeting was called. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Abell, who, in stating the object of the meeting, said : "There are times when the exigencies of the case are such, that it is clearly the duty of people to rise above all human law, and, taking the matter into their own hands, assert the prerogative of the 'higher law' that in the execution of John Brown, the State of Virginia had violated the mandate of the 'higher law, and was no longer entitled to recognition as a sister State, and that the north should rise in its might, and finish the work which this martyr had so nobly began." Mr. Beals followed, reading from a well prepared manuscript, and taking the same ground as did his predecessor. Expressions were called for, from various persons present, and among those called upon to give their views of the subject, was L P. Barrows, then a law student. Instead of indorsing the sentiment of those who had preceded him, Mr. Barrows took the ground that John Brown and his adherents had violated the laws of Virginia, and in consequence thereof, should suffer the penalty; that if people should lay human law aside when it was not consonant with their views, and should adopt the so-called "higher law," it was not easy to predict what the ultimate result might be. Better by far "endure the ills we have, than fly to th0se we know not of." This had the effect of producing a reaction in the thus far expressed sentiment of the audience, and, so far as Troy was concerned, the commonwealth of Virginia was allowed to exist a year or two longer, when she cut her own thsoat, by enacting an ordinance of secession, which, like John Brown's raid, is a matter of history.

The first fire of public importance occurred on the night of March 17, 1860, destroying the store and contents, then belonging to Levere Dalrymple. The citizens took the matter in hand, and by united effort, another store (the present one) was soon standing on the site of the former one, and Mr, Dalrymple again established in trade.

HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 627

CHAPTER IV.

MILITARY RECORD, ETC.

The greatest political excitement ever yet known was developed the ensuing season in the presidential canvass; four candidates being in the field, to wit: Lincoln, Douglass, Breckenridge, and Bell. The result is still fresh in the memory of every one. And now we come to, perhaps, the most soul-stirring epoch in the township history. In the presidential contest Abraham Lincoln (as we know) was the successful candidate, and his inauguration was the signal for what proved to be, a most terrible conflict for the preservation of this great family of States, intact. After mature preparation on the part of the disaffected, a distinguished South Carolinian,* on the 12th of April, 1861, pulled the first lanyard, and Sumpter received a deadly missile. Four days later, "Father Abraham" issued a proclamation calling for seventy-five thousand men, to retrieve this insult to the "stars and stripes."

The muster roll shows that Troy furnished the full share of this number. Seven men responded, as follows: U. S. Hoxter, Ellis Kingsbury, Edwin Woods, Daniel Corliss, Harvey Ford, Chauncey Scott and Simeon Carlton. These men were looked upon as heroes (as indeed they were), but the people little dreamed of what was yet to come. July 21st came, and with it the bloody battle of Bull Run, in which the Union forces were terribly punished. Mr. Lincoln promptly called for 300,000 volunteers, and the volunteers as promptly responded.

Let us see what Troy did this time. The full military roster of the township is here appended:

WAR OF THE REV0LUTION,

Captain Ebenezer Hopkins

Ira Phelps.

Borden Potter

Jephthah Pool,

Benedict Alford

Jason Carter,

WAR OF 1812.

John Dayton,

Samuel Reed,

James Fairbanks,

Ezekiel Lamson.

Elijah Pike.

Harvey Pratt,

Nathaniel Colson,

Joshua Brooks,

Timothy P. Hunter,

WAR OF THE REBELLION,

SEVENTH O. V, INFANTRY.—THEEE MONTHS' SERVICE.

U. S. Hoxter,

Harvey Ford,

Ellis Kingsbury

Chauncey Scott,

Simeon Carlton.

Edwin Woods.

Daniel Corliss,

SEVENTH 0. V. INFANTRY—THREE YEARS' MEN,

C. C. Miller,

FORTY-FIRST O. V. INFANTRY,

Dempsey Conrad.

Thomas A. Scott,

Harvey Pratt.

William Goodrich.

Sobieski Doolittre,

Shepherd Scott.

Julius Johnson.

Marcus Latham,

Clarkson Strickland, new recruit, 

Orlando Benton,

NINTH OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY.

Thomas Scott (Uncle Tom)

Drayton Gillett,

Luther Baird.

Wilson Green,

Henry Green. 

J. G. Durfee.

* Edmund Ruffin. P, Latham.

HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 617

E. P. Latham

W. G. Welsh,

W. W. James.

L. H, Dayton.

L. P, Barrows, *

Mahlon Loomis.

Chester Hoard,

Barney Starin.

B. F. Clark,

Marshall Davis.

W. H. Chapman.

Recruits in August, 1864:

S. J. Lamb,

J, H. Evans,

B. H. Pratt.

Edward Wells,

John Sowers,

Milton Starin,

Harvey Rice, 

John Weston.

S. W. Latham.

Recruits, January 5. 1864:

Andrew W. Pool,

Edward H, Tinkham,

Luther S, Burton,

L. P. Barrows.

Re-enlisted as veterans,

Barney L, Starin.

Marshall Davis,

W, W. James.

W, H, Chapman.

Lucien H. Dayton,

SECOND OHIO CAVALRY.

Charles Windnagle.

Ashley Windnagle.

L, C. Fox.

Daniel Alexander.

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRD O. V. INFANTRY,

Delos Shaw

Charles Gillman,

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH O. V. INFANTRY,

James Gardner

Oma Fisher,

W. H, Doty.

Anson Keyes.

Levi B. Cousins

J. D. Reed,

John Hopkins

Charles Gray.

Charles Tourner.

TWELFTH OHIO CAVALRY.

George R, Fox

Charles Vanwagnen.

BATTERY A, FIRST OHIO ARTILLERY,

Hazen Corliss

Morris Latham.

Willis Burroughs,

HEAVY ARTILLERY

A. K. Houghton

A. C. Ellsworth.

Samuel Turner,

ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVENTH O. V. INFANTRY.

Delos Reed.

Monroe Nash.

Newell Hosmer

Charles Truman.

Walter Taylor.

THIRTY-NINTH O. V, INFANTRY.

H, A, Harrington

Hiram Satterlee

Wilson Hotchkiss.

R, W, Davis,

EIGHTEENTH O. V. INFANTRY,

John Barrows.

Edward Gardner

Cyrus Beals,

Alfred Crosby,

FIFTH O. V. INFANTRY,

Seth James,

J. H, Thrasher.

ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-SIXTH O. V. INFANTRY.

Norman Latham.

John Corliss,

Jerome Newman

Edward Barnes.

UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.

Byron Heath

J. W. Cook,

GUN-B0AT SERVICE.

John Kimpton.

A. A. Kingsbury

Ozro Truman.

David Hosmer.

John Mayhew,

IN VARIOUS COMMANDS,

Eleazar Stockwell, 100th O. V. Infantry.

George Harrington, Sharpshooters.

Charres Dalrympre, 8th O. V. Infantry.

Charres Scott, Quartermaster Department.

* Barrows was commissioned first rieutenant when the battery was organized. He resigned in August, 1862, and rwenlisted in the same command, as a " recruit," January 5, 1864,

628 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.

Charles Whitaker.

Joseph Hill.

Ahiel Dunn.

Francis Davis,

Several of the "boys" who represented Troy in the "Great American Conflict" seem to be entitled to more mention than the simple record of their names as soldiers in the war of the Rebellion.

Shepherd Scott was detailed from his company, and assigned to duty as orderly, for General W. B. Hazen. At the battle of Chickamauga, his behavior, as a soldier, elicited praise from the commanding generals, including General Thomas, and his speedy promotion was morally certain. On the second day of the fight, he was captured, and taken to Andersonville. The result of that capture we had from the lips of H. F. Marsh, late of Bainbridge, this county, who was a fellow prisoner. He says Shepherd died, a victim of starvation and scurvy ; that the word "skeleton" would exactly describe his physical condition, and that the scurvy was so malignant as to have removed every tooth before he died. General Hazen, in his speech at Burton, July 4, 1879, paid "Shep." a feeling tribute.

Edward P. Latham (known as Payson) was "No. 1" on a six-pounder, which was captured at the battle of Mill Spring, January 19, 1862. On the eighteenth of June, following, General G. W. Morgan, in command of the Fourteenth division, Army of the Ohio, succeeded in dislodging Colonel Raines from his stronghold, at Cumberland Gap, without loss of life, which so elated him, that he ordered salutes to be fired by the three batteries in his command, and the Ninth Ohio battery was to perform this duty on the following day (June ninementeenth), at six e. at. Latham's piece had been fired once, and while loading the second time, a premature discharge occurred, which blew him about twenty feet from the muzzle of his gun. On picking him up, one eye was found to be sightless, and the bones of both his hands, and lower portion of the forearm, were found to be crushed to fragments, and both were amputated. Although the nervous shock was necessarily very severe, his habits of life, and robust constitution, soon placed him beyond danger, and his recovery was so rapid that just one month from the date of the occurrence, he was at home, and to-day he bids as fair to see a good old age, as any man in Tr0y,

Edward W. Green (known as Wilson) was, like Latham, when he enlisted, the very embodiment of health, and both were members of the same command, but their military experience was dissimilar. Green was married October 10, 1861, and was mustered into the United States service, with the battery, the day following, Soon after reaching Cumberland Ford, in February, 1862, he was taken sick, and consigned to the rude hospital, which was improvised from a deserted house near the camp, but failing rapidly, he was sent to a regular hospital, at Lexington, Kentucky, from whence—there being no hope of his recovery—he was discharged. Returning home, he recovered somewhat, and engaged in such occupations as he thought he could endure. After a time, his disease (hepatic abscess) returned with two-fold severity, and at Tenth he was confined entirely to the house. His disease distorted his shape out of all semblance of his former self, compelling him to endure the most acute and ceaseless pain, which he bore with heroic courage, until the fifteenth anniversary of his marriage, when death ended his suffering.

Delos Shaw and Eleazer Stockwell were fated to an experience, unlike either of the above. Captured in the fall of 1864, they endured all the horrors of that Andersonville den until the eighteenth of April, 1865, when they were exchanged, and, with others, sent to Vicksburg for transportation northward. That they keenly enj0yed the anticipation of seeing home and friends again, their last letters to Troy plainly indicated. The steamboat "Sultana" was set apart to take a cargo of these exchanged prisoners homeward, Twenty-two hundred men

HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 629

were placed on board this boat, and Delos and Eleazer were among the number. The fate of that boat and its human freight is well known to every one. When eight miles above Memphis, Tennessee, a boiler exploded, when fifteen hundred men were hurried into eternity, and "our boys" were among the victims.

Sobieski Doolittle once escaped death almost, or quite, as miraculously as did Latham. At the battle of Chickamauga a minnie ball was shot through his neck, between the windpipe and vertebra, which lodged under the skin. The surgeon who removed it, consoled Doolittle with the declaration, that if the ball had varied its own diameter, in either direction, death must have ensued. He keeps that ball as a souvenir.

But why discriminate? Most assuredly it was not the personal election of Shepherd Scott that he should be immolated on the altar of heated passion, nor of Latham, that he should be so shockingly dismembered; nor of' Green, that his life should waste away by inches; nor of Shaw and Stockwell, that their anticipated return to the home of their childhood should have been so tragically frustrated; nor of Doolittle, that but fifty-four one-hundredths of an inch should have stood between him and his "muster out"; no more was it the election of Hazen Corliss, that a rebel bullet should crash through his brain, and wipe out his existence, on the field of battle; nor of Ellis Kingsbury, nor of Morris Latham, that their bones should be scattered by rebel missiles, causing their deaths in far-off hospitals; nor was it the election of Charley Scott, or Clark or Henry Green, or Hoard, or Geo, Harrington, or Benton, or Daniel Corliss, or Windnagle, or Wells, or Milton Starin, or Fisher, or Kimpton, or Andrew Pool, or Seth James, or Nash, or Marshall Davis, or Newell Hosmer, that their days should end, victims of disease, in military hospitals, on a cotton-bale, or in an ambulance; but such was the fate of war, and, soldier-like, they all submitted to the dread decree. Nor was it the election of Thomas A. Scott, or of Marcus Latham, and others, that their persons should be lacerated and disfigured with rebel lead, but such was their experience. Verily, war is an unfeeling arbitrator.

Here are the names of ninety-nine men, of Troy, who left home and all its comforts, shouldered the musket, seized the sponge-staff, buckled on the saber, wielded the mule whip, or did the duties peculiar to the gun-boat service, voluntarily, with but very few exceptions; and what for? Nothing less than to perpetuate that time honored doctrine of "Old Hickory." "The Union; it must and shall be preserved." These ninety-nine did not all report, when this "cruel war was over."

Of them all, at least twenty-five never came back, or if they did, they came in their coffrns. One suffered the slow tortures of starvation at Andersonville, two were hurried into eternity by the explosion of the transport "Sultana," after having suffered untold hardships in prison pens, were released, and—in imagination—almost back to Troy again. Others died of wounds, away from friends, and still others of lingering sickness. Two were killed almost instantly, while at their post in battle. That Troy may not soon forget the terrible ordeal through which she passed; two reminders are yet spared—in the shattered remnants of what were, at the outset of the rebellion, among her most robust citizens. The one, E. P. Latham, despoiled of his hands; the other, E. W. Green, a breathing skeleton. To go into details of Troy's military experience during the war, would be to write a volume.

The soldier element—or a portion of it—of the township insist that the "boys" who were killed, or who died while in the service of the United States, deserve special mention in this connection, and to this end it is suggested that the following extract be taken from the address of , delivered at Troy, Geauga county, Ohio, on Decoration day, May 29, 1875, as follows:

"If, on the fifth day of October, 1861 (and I am now addressing those of you

630 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.

who, like myself, on that day enlisted into the United States army). I say if, on that day I had predicted that, on this twenty-ninth day of May, 1875, I should stand here as the champion of twenty-nine of our sons, brothers, husbands and fathers, who would fall before the close of the awful conflict, then but just begun —and some of them under circumstances of fiendish cruelty that would cause a Modoc or a Mormon to look well to his laurels—you would doubtless have looked upon me as a hair-brained lunatic, unworthy of notice. Or, perhaps, fearing the disease might assume a more tangible form, and, perhaps, work mischief, you might have quietly asked Colonel Hazen for a detail to escort me to the. guard-house, or, perhaps, for still safer keeping, to safer quarters at Newburgh. But the twenty-ninth of May, 1875, has come, and, in the providence of the Great Ruler of the universe, I am here to make mention—honorable mention—of twenty-nine of our choice sons, who fell victims to the insatiable 'god of war.' * * *

And now, if you will bear with me, I will try and call to mind some of those of our own good township of Troy, who laid down their lives while fighting in the great war of the Rebellion," and will endeavor to omit no one, whether he represented this township, or not.

"The first on the roll of this silent company was Charlie Scott. He enlisted under the second call for volunteers, was assigned to the quarter-master department, and was sent to Baltimore. The next news from Charlie was by way of a letter from Dr. Orlando Crane to his (Charlie's) father, saying that he died on the first of September, 1861, Many then thought this might be the only death in the service from Troy. How we were doomed to disappointment the sequel will show.

"B, F, Clark, known by the boys as Frank,' was the next sacrifice. The terrible ordeal through which he passed, before, at, and after the battle of Mill Spring, proved too much for his not over robust constitution, and when his command left Somerset, Kentucky, Frank did not go, but reluctantly took up his abode at the hospital. The next we heard from him he was very sick; the next, he was dead.

" Eulogizing our soldier boys properly is far beyond my capacity for doing, with any degree of justice. Suffice it to say that, among our many kind-hearted boys, Frank was one of the kindest.

"By a strange fatuity, three near relatives—of whom comrade Clark was one -were taken in succession, and all three were members of the same command.

"The next to go was Henry Green, nephew of the other two. Henry was a favorite at headquarters, which is equivalent to saying he was a good soldier. Soon after reaching Cumberland Ford, the measles broke out in camp, and Green was among the victims of the disease. ecoming convalescent, he was detailed to go with his mule team to Flat Lick after a load of provisions. While on the way, he was caught in a shower, when the disease returned with redoubled severity, and after two days of intense suffering he was numbered among the dead. Dying at the house of a citizen, he was buried in the family grounds. Henry died March 15, 1862, Let me copy from my diary the following: 'Sunday, April 6th, Durfee and I made a head-board for Henry Green's grave, and I took it to Flat Lick and set it up,' If any are curious to know more about that head-stone, let me say that it was made of a section of the head of a bacon cask, and 'H. Green, Ninth Ohio battery,' was the inscription.

"Chester Hoard, the remaining one of this doomed trio, while repairing the boots of a comrade at Somerset, became suddenly ill. Laying aside his work, as he supposed, for a short time, he betook himself to his blanket. Becomrng rapidly worse, an ambulance was called, and Chester was helped therein, apologizing to the owners of the boots for the failure, saying, as he started for the

HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 631

hospital: Boys, keep a stiff upper lip. I'll be after you in a few days, and then I'll finish them boots.' He did not leave that fated hospital, till he left it in his coffin, bound for the land of his nativity.

" The next is George Harrington, Taking a fancy to the duties of a sharpshooter, he went to Illinois, and enlisted in the Sixty-sixth regiment Illinois volunteers, whose peculiar duties were those pertaining to sharp-shooters. Typhoid fever soon marked him as a victim, and on the thirteenth day of May, 1862 he ceased to do duty as a soldier.

" Martin Pool joined his fortunes with the Third Michigan infantry, in the earlier stages of the conflict. On the first day of June, 1862, the battle of Fair Oaks was fought, while, near by, in a hospital, among others, Martin was lying helpless. The hospital was captureo, and there is every reason to believe that the inmates were bayonetted in their cots, comrade Poole with the rest.

"Orlando Benton belonged to company B, Forty-first Ohio volunteer infantry. While at Camp Wickliffe, Kentucky, the measles broke out among the troops, and Orlando was one of the first to succumb. The command was ordered away, and he, with others, was sent to a hospital in Indiana, where he died.

" Daniel, oldest son of E. G. Corliss, was one of the first to enlist from Troy, which he did April 25, 1861, in the Seventh regiment, under the three month's call. Serving this term, he at once re-enlisted, this time in company B, Forty-first regiment. About the first of September, 1862, he was attacked, while on a march, with typhoid pneumonia, and died in an ambulance. The following letter, from the orderly-sergeant, to his father, shows the esteem in which he was held: * * * * * * * *

"Edwin Scott is next. Returning from Illinois, he took his chances with the One Hundred and Twenty-fifty Ohio volunteer infantry. Disease clutched him also, and he died in a hospital at Harrodsburg, Kentucky, November 22, 1862.

"The next, is Ellis Kingsbury. He enlisted in the Fourth United States artillery, was captured at Port Republic, was exchanged, and at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 15, 1862, he received a wound, which soon proved fatal.

"Chauncey Lane thought Troy was quite too staid for him, and he migrated to Iowa, where he celebrated his fortieth birth day, by enlisting in the Thirty-second regiment of that State. He was soon commissioned as lieutenant, and put in command of Fort Jeff. Thompson, Missouri. Pleuro pneumonia seized him in its fangs, and just six weeks after bidding his friends here good-bye, he having been home on a flying visit, his remains were returned under military escort, and buried with military honor. He, too, died, December 5, 1862,

"Ashley Wlndnagle enlisted in the Second Ohio cavalry, and the record says he died at Fort Scott, Kansas, December 23, 1862.

"The 23d of February witnessed the opening of the mortuary record for 1863, in the death of Edward, adopted son of Solomon, and Olive Wells. His re- mains were brought home, and to-day himself and foster-mother sleep side by side.

"Five days later, February 28th, Milton Starin paid the debt. While his command was in transit from Danville, Kentucky, to Nashville, Tennessee, he sickened, and was left at Louisville, where he died as above stated.

"Harvey Rice is next. A Kentucky hospital became his last abiding place, and, although his remains were not brought home, a memorial service was held here.

"Oma Fisher belonged to the One Hundred and Fifth, and like many others, was, doubtless, a victim of home-sickness. He died in a hospital at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and, as in the case of comrade Rice, memorial services were held here.

632 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.

"Avery Patterson, once of Troy, enlrsted in the Ninetieth regiment from Pick- away county. He was soon given a lieutenant's commission. On the first day of the battle of Chickamauga, he was severely wounded, and was captured, A few days later, he was paroled, but after twenty days of extreme snaring he paid the penalty of his patriotism with his life. His remains were brought back to Troy, and buried in the Burroughs cemetery, with the honors due to his military rank.

"Morris Latham also bore a part on that same bloody field, and on the second day, received what was supposed to be, a slight wound in one hip. He wrote to his father, saying his "scratch would probably procure for him a furlough." His wound soon became senous, and forty days after receiving the fatal lead, he was given a furlough, not to be revoked by human authority.

"Harlan Wirner chose Florida, as the State of his adoption, and enlisted in a "Pioneer Brigade," organized in that State. His health gave way, and he was given a hospital furlough, when he came back to the Grove, his former abiding place, The following inscription on his tomb-stone tells the rest: "Harlan P. Warner, Company I, Second battalion pioneer brigade. Died March 18, 1864, aged twenty-six,"

"John Krmpton was born in England, January 13,1847. Coming to this country with his parents while yet a lad, he naturally drank in the spirit of loyalty to his foster country, and as soon as old enough, he embarked in the gunboat service, and was assigned to the "Ouachita." An expedition up Red river, was planned and executed, and a quantity of cotton captured. The gth of April, 1864, was occupied by the crew of the "Ouachita" in loading the boat with this cotton. At night John,—among others—remained ashore, he taking a cotton bale for a hammock, and remarking as he did so, that "he was burning up." During the night he died, and was buried the following day, in a rude grave hollowed out of the sand, on the river's bank.

"The fate of Shepherd Scott is recorded elsewhere.

"For the draft, which occurred January 5, 1864, eight men were required from Troy, and eight men volunteered, of whom Andrew Pool was one. In July following, he was given the position of artificer in the battery to which he belonged, and was soon detailed to construct a building for the benefit of headquarters. The extreme heat, and unusual labor, soon brought him to his bunk, from which he was transferred to the battery hospital, a victim of typhoid fever, It was his fortune to be attended by one of the best surgeons in the army, and he was soon pronounced out of danger. Let me refer again to my diary. Aug, 14th, wrote a letter to Mrs. Pool for Andrew. l0th, Pool is very sick; 12th, Pool a little easier. 13th, went into the country and bought a chicken for Pool.' While I was gone, he sent to the sutler and procured a can of peaches, some of which he ate, and, when I returned, found him suffering severely, the cause of which he explained to me, I hastened to summon Dr, Barber, who at once declared his case hopeless, More from my diary: 'Aug. 14th, wrote another letter for P0ol to his wife. 15th, took care of P0ol all day; he is very sick. 6th, Welsh took care of Pool through the night; I relieved him at 2 a. m., and stayed by Andrew till 2:30 p. m., when he died. Arrangements made to send the booy home. Wrote to my wife acquainting her with the fact, as follows: If no telegram is sent, it will devolve on me to break the news that Andrew and the battery have just parted company, Particulars to-morrow." I had barely time to write this before the train left, The body was embalmed the following day, and sent back to Troy.

"Seth James offered himself as a substitute, and was engaged by a citizen of Hiram. He was assigned to the Fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, His military career was short. His record runs as follows: Seth James, admitted to hos-

HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 633

pital No. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 5th, 1864. Died Nov. 12th. Buried in grave No. 70, Sec. G.

"Hazen, brother of Daniel Corliss, is the next victim. The battery to which he belonged was engaged in the affair at Spring Hill, Tennessee, during which he was shot through the head, killing him instantly. Letters to his friends indicate that he was a good soldier.

"Monroe Nash shouldered his gun, and marched with the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh. Too much marching brought him to a Louisville hospital. His parents went to his aid and bestowed upon him all possible care, and, at his death, brought his remains home with them.

"Marshall Davis, with more zeal than discretion, re-enlisted as a veteran, He soon found himself.in a Jeffersonville hospital, where he died, in April, 1865."

The tragic fate of Eleazer Stockwell and Delos Shaw, like that of 'Shep.' Scott, is recorded elsewhere.

"Newell Hosmer brings up the rear. He was in the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh, and was with it on its eastern campaign. Arriving at New York, he was taken sick, and was assigned to a hospital on David's island, from which he wrote a letter to his wife, saying he 'would be at home in a few days.' This was soon followed by a letter from the hospital surgeon, saying that he died April 30, 1865.

"To the above, at least three 0thers should be addeil :

"Ahiel, son of William Dann, was in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania, and was killed at the battle of Laurel Hill.

"Jerome Newman enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety-sixth, and died at Camp Chase.

"The record of Allen Alvord is uncertain, as to the time and place of his death.

"Fellow citizens of Troy! these are our dead, and this our great sacrifice on the altar of human liberty; and as we close the roll-book, let us not forget that

'The muffed drum's sad roll has beat

These soldier's last tattoo;

No more on life's parade shall meet

That brave and falren few.

'On fame's eternal camping ground,

Their silent tents are spread,

While glory guards, with silent round.

The bivouac of the dead.' "

"The foregoing extracts were copied into this history at our express solicitation.

"JOHN CUTLER, President,  [ Troy Soldiers'

"EDWARD P. LATHAM, Vice President, [ Association."

In this connection it might be said that the war aroused a military spirit at home. In the State legislature of 1862-3, a law was passed reviving State military service, requiring every able-bodied man of requisite age to do a certain amount of military duty, or pay a certain sum of money in lieu thereof. In obedience to this enactment, a company was formed in Troy, and July 4th an election of officers was held, which resulted in bestowing the command upon the writer—who had been discharged, and was then at home—while the lieutenants' commissions were bestowed upon I. W. Pope and S. P. Merrifield, respectively.*

A call for another three hundred thousand men was made late in the year, when so great a number of the company enlisted as to practically dismember it. At the next session of the legisip.ture this law was repealed.

* O. S. Farr, esq,, now of Chardon, received a commission as adjutant on the regimental staff of Colonel H, H. Ford.

634 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.

Here comes in an item of history of which Troy may well be proud, and which cannot be more fittingly portrayed than by copying, almost entire, a communication received from Mrs. S. C. W. Latham, secretary of the Soldiers' aid society, an organization whose existence will not soon pass from memory. She writes:

"Mention has been made in this historical sketch of Troy of those who went from among us, to share the privations and dangers of a soldier's life, in the great Rebellion. In connection with this it may be proper to allude to the work accomplished by the women at home during this eventful period, and to show that they were neither idle nor indifferent spectators of the momentous history that our country was writing in tears and blood. Some work was done for the three months' men, and some things contributed to them. As early as June, 1861, we organized a Soldiers' aid society. We had fifty names subscribed to our constitution. The officers were: Presidents, Mrs. M. L. Welch, Mrs. B. B. Heath; vice-presidents, Mrs. Mary Tinkham; treasurer, Mrs. M. James; business agent, Mrs. S. A. Merrifield. An auxiliary society was organized west of the river. Mrs. Jedediah Reed, president; Mrs. Sylvia Hinckley, vice-president. In a short time we commenced making 'havelocks.' This article of clothing not proving beneficial, and consuming much time and means, its manufacture was soon abandoned. Then hospital shirts, drawers, socks, quilts, towels, lint bandages, etc,, etc., were made; and canned and dried fruit, with other eatables, were contributed, prepared, and sent, from time to time, to the Cleveland Aid society. But in order to supply the Cleveland society, means must be obtained, and for this purpose various expedients were resorted to. In January, 1862, we started a 'mite society.' Our first meeting was held at S. P. Merrifield's, on the pioneer farm of the late John Dayton. About one hundred persons were in attendance. This was, perhaps, the largest 'mite' during the war. At one time the 'grab bag' was a feature of the society; at another, a 'sugar party,' and, although no great amount was obtained at any one meeting, they were continued until we realized over fifty dollars from them. From the proceeds of an exhibition, held two evenings in the Methodist Episcopal church, we realized over fifty-eight dollars, and a 'military picnic,' held in Mr. Seth Burton's meadow, furnished nearly forty dollars. A lecture brought in a little, and individual contributions helped some. At one time a committee was appointed in different parts of the township, to receive whatever might be donated to the society, and thus the supplies came, to enable us to go on, until July, 1865, wan we sent our last package to Cleveland, having continued our work over four years. At the 'Sanitary fair' held in Cleveland, in 1864, we were represented, and assisted with our contributions. A flag was purchased for the Forty-first, and we contributed ten dollars of its cost, and also furnished that regiment with a few necessaries, but most of our donations were sent to the Cleveland society. The amount contributed to the soldiers in the various ways, by our township, was estimated at over a thousand dollars. Some of the wealthier townships may have done much more, but it may be that not many began earlier, or worked longer than did Troy. Mrs. Rouse, president of the Cleveland society, writing to us in January, 1862, after acknowledging the receipt of goods sent from here, says: 'I have been for some time anxious to hear of the prosperity of your society, which we remember with gratitude, was among the first to• come forward to our aid, in carrying on the work. The records of the Cleveland: society show that the first box received at the Cleveland Aid rooms came from the Soldiers' Aid society of Troy.'* Signed, Mrs. S. C. IV. Latham. Comment is needless. The above speaks for itself."

*Page 505, in "Our Acre and its Harvest."

HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 635

To return to matters pertaining to the church militant: After Mr. Whitmore left, Mr. Fraser returned to his former duties, remaining, this time, two years.

When Mr. Hopkins held the pastorate, he warmly advocated the putting of a bell into the church. In 1862, the question was revived, a subscription was started, Mrs. Pike leading off with thirty dollars, the price of a steer. A sufficient amount was raised, and the bell was obtained. It was first tolled at the death of W. W. Beals, January 4, 1863. Proving too small to be heard at distant parts of the township, the Methodist society employed a competent person to examine the structure of their belfry, with a view to putting in a heavier bell. The report was favorable, a subscription was circulated, and the required amount realized. Although larger, the new bell did not much exceed the other in volume of sound. But its days were destined to be few. While being tolled, on the thirty-first of December, 1863, the thermometer standing at eighteen degrees below zero, it cracked, when its career was ended.

In 1863, Mr. Fraser again left, snd Rev. Roswell Hawks supplied the pulpit for a short time, when Marshall Terry was permanently engaged, and who remained until his death, in October, 1867.

Up to this time, cheese-making had been carried on in private dairies.

In 1865, D. L. Pope showed his faith in the co-operative plan, by building a factory, fifty by one hundred feet, to serve as a currng house, and other buildings for manufacturing purposes, aggregating one hundred feet in length in addition.

Experience has shown the wisdom of his policy. Cheese factories are now considered a necessary evil; there being no less than four in Troy.* Western Reserve factory cheese has now a controlling influence wherever that commodity is an article of merchandise.

An Ohio State Dairymen's association has been formed in the interest of factory cheese, over which Mr. Pope t has had the honor to preside.

An incident, somewhat similar to the bull-frog tragedy of 1814, occured here in the spring of 1865. After the assassination of President Lincoln, the reward offered for the apprehension of the murderer, prompted a keen scrutiny of every stranger, not knowing but he might be the assassin, in disguse. About the time of the above tragedy, L P. Barrows, then a sergeant in the Ninth Ohio battery, stationed at Bridgeport, Alabama, had obtained a furlough, and was at home. Some imaginative person, on the look out for the noted criminal, saw a stranger cross the farm then owned by Thomas R. Mumford, and enter the woods. Of course, this could be none other than the flying fugitive, and the alarm was at once sounded, and promptly responded to. The woods were quickly surrounded by the excited populace, and the lines concentrated, until a thick clump of undergrowth was all that was left of the strategic field, and which, of course, at that very moment, served as cover for the doomed John Wilkes Boothe.

Now came the momentous question: who should beat the bush? Sergeant Barrows was the only soldier present, and upon him was imposed the dread duty. Nothing reluctant, he at once drew sabre, and prepared to charge, backed by the comforting assurance, that his antagonist was doubtlees armed to the teeth, and would probably draw first blood. Barrows charged ; beat the covert thoroughly, and found

Returning again to matters theological: Soon after the death of Mr. Terry, Rev. Mr. Kingsley supplied the pulpit through the following winter.

* NOTE—There are sixty-one cheese factories in Geauga county. See Ohio Agricultural Report, 1875—page 395.

+ Mr. Pope was arso superintendent of the dairy department of the Centennial exposition, at Philadelphia, In 1876.

636 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.

The next year (1866) Rev. Wm. Potter offered his services, as pastor, which were accepted, and he remained three years, leaving in 1870.

From 1866 to 187x, nothing of special importance transpired.

Since the old town house became untenable, the trustees had been compelled to rent a room in which to transact township business. Sometimes it would be a church; sometimes a school-house, but generally the bar-room of the hotel. Several efforts had, from time to time, been made to build a town-house, but were each time defeated. At the spring election, in 1871, a majority voted: "town hall, yes." The trustees at once contracted with Wm. G. Welch to build a hall, twenty-six by thirty-eight feet in size, and fourteen feet in height, for the sum of sixteen hundred dollars, to be completed in time for the October election.

Mr. Welch fulfilled the contract to the satisfaction of all concerned.

It might be stated here, as a matter of history, that the township politics, a year or two before, had been the "Pound" question, which ended in establishing one in April, 7870. It now serves as an excellent yard f0r the hotel stables.

In 1871, there being no stated preacher at the Congregational church, Rev. Orvil Blake, a Free-will Baptist elder, residing in Mantua, was engaged to supply the desk, which he did the three succeeding years.

Soon after the close of the civil was, the different' military organizations began to hold reunions, at which all the members who could possible do so, were sure to be present. The Ninth Ohio battery, which had a large representation from Troy, had held two, the first at Chagrin Falls in 1871, the second at Hudson, in 1872. The battery was mustered into the United States service on the eleventh day of October, 1861, and the eleventh day of October was selected as the day for annual reunion, or as nearly to that day as practicable. The third reunion was to be held in Troy, and as it was not practicable to hold it on the eleventh, the fifteenth of October was selected. On this occasion the good citizens of the entire township took the matter in hand, and made it a perfect ovation. It was estimated that twelve or fourteen hundred persons were present, and as the day was fine, the affair was a success throughout.

Prof. 0. C. Hill, of Hiram college, formerly a member of the Forty-second Ohio regiment, delivered a masterly address from the steps of the Methodist Episcopal church, and to which all who could, attentively listened. A travelling artist was present, who took a group picture of all the members who attended.

The Hiram cornet band----C. C. Young, reader-furnished excellent music for the occasion, which was paid for by the generous "Trojans."

In the winter of 1873-4 Mason H. Abbey, an Evangelist employed by the Free-will Baptist association, came to Troy and conducted a revival meeting. The religious element of the community was, for once, united as if but one. The effort continued about two months, and, although the roads, most of the time, were nearly impassable, the old church was well filled with earnest listeners, at nearly every appointment.

About sixty persons were either converted, or confessed to a departure from former allegience to the church militant, and renewed their pledges of fidelity to the cause of religion. The result was, that the old society, which had become nearly extinct, was again placed on a permanentbasis, the Methodist society received a goodly number of members on probation, and yet nineteen were left (including two or three withdrawals), who organized into a Free-will Baptist association.

This church was organized on Saturday, the 24th of January, 1874. It elected Elder 0. Blake as its pastor, who has since then remained in that relation. Rev, E. D. Taylor, who succeeded Mr. Blake at the Congregational church, and who was an earnest co-worker during the revival, yet retains the relation of pas-

HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 637

tor over that flock, while Rev. J, K. Shaffer, who so ardently represented the Methodist Episcopal church, is called to another field.

While recording church matters it will be in order to state, that in the winter of 1872-3, two clergymen of the Free-will Baptist denomination-Elder Moulton, assisted by Elder Wilder-held a series of meetings at Maple Grove, which resulted in establishing a church there, of which Elder 0. Blake is now (1875), the pastor.

The following is a roster of all the Methodist preachers who have held stated meetings, or appointments, in Troy, both before and after the church proper was organized: In 1835 the Conference sent Revs. T. Carr and J. C. Aiken, as itinerant preachers, to labor with the little society, which then held meetings on the west side of the river. These two filled appointments till the June Conference of 1836, when their successors were S. C. Baker and J. C. Aiken, who were again sent. In 1836-7 they were followed by S. Hubbard and W. F. Wilson, and they, in 1837-8, by John Crum, preacher in charge, assisted by L. M. Reyes, who were the first preachers after the church was osganized. They were followed by the above named Carr, and W. S. Worrallo in 1838-9, they by S. Hubbard and W. S. Worrallo in 1839-40, they by R. A. Aylworth and J. W. Davis in 1840-41 they by J. 0. Rich and T. Stowe in 1841-2, they by Ahab Keller and A. Norton in 1842-3, they by Keller and G, W. Maltby in 1843-4, they by J. L Holmes and P. Sullivan in 1844-5, they by Sullivan and L Rogers in 1845-6, they by A. Reyes and A. Walker in 1846-7, they by Reyes and J. J. Steadman, (who supplied a vacancy in 1847-8), they by Steadman and William Samson in 1848-9, they by H. D. Cole and Hiram Kellogg in 1849-50, they by T. B. Tait and J. W. Hill in 1850-7, they by L, Clark and Ira Eddy in 1851-2, they by S. W. Ingraham and Benjamin Excell in 1852-3, they re-appointed in 1853-4, they by Excell and R. Gray in 1854-5, they by Gray and R. H, Hurlburt in 1855-6, they by R. M. Bear and Ingraham in 1856-7, they by themselves in 1857-8, they by J. F, Brown and A. Norton in 1858-9, and they by Cyril Wilson in 1859-60.

At this date the policy of the "Parkman circuit" was changed by the Conference, and it was divided into two "Charges," one of which was called "Troy Charge." Each charge was supplied with one preacher, and C, Wilson was the first. He was succeeded by M. Williams in 1860-1, he by H. D. Cole in 1861-2, he by H. Kellogg in 1862-3-4, he by H. M. Chamberlain in 1864-5-6, he by Hiram Kellogg in 1866-7, he by J. B. Hammond in 1867-8-9, he by Josiah Flower in 1869-70-I he by James K. Shaffer in 1871-2-3-4, and he by the present incumbent, Benjamin C. Warner, who is now (1876), occupying the pulpit on his second Conference year.

What an array of men are here found, who, for the past forty years have battled for the "right" in Troy?

This, in brief, is an outline sketch, of some of the main features of Troy's history, and what a summing up do we find, when comparing "then and now."

Then we saw a widowed man of three score years, accompanied by a faithful daughter, taking up his abode for life, where was not another human being on, an area of twenty-five square miles. Now every acre of that domain is the Property of actual settlers, not one of which can be bought for a song.

Then closely followed Jacob Burroughs, a man who once remarked that he was not made for beauty, but for use. Without commenting on the first part of that asscertion, it is safe to say that he was one of the most quietly useful men, of which Troy could boast. Now his elder son is following in the footsteps of his honored sire,

Then the lion-hearted pioneer planted his crop among 'the stumps and logs in the most toilsome way immaginable now those stumps and logs have long

638 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO.

since vanished, and the skillful plowman, with well trained team attached to his Mohawk valley clipper plow, can turn the soil of his whole farm, meeting with scarcely an obstruction. Then the woman folks were clad in coarse garments of their own manufacture from wool or flax. Now they are not.

Then the only way in which the "settler" could protect himself at night from the assaults of legions of mosquitoes was by esconsing himself, as far as possible, into an empty barrel; the feet to be guarded by either a "smudge," or by retaining the boots. Now, at trifling trouble and expense, these persevering serenaders can be kept at respectful distance, allowing the sleeper an undisturbed rest.

Then a man worked all day, from sunrise to sunset, in the hay-field, mowing a heavy, bungling scythe, made by a neighboring blacksmith, and received fifty cents for his labor. Now the team is hitched to a Buckeye or. Champion or Climax, a meadow of five acres is encircled, and the hired man set to mowing out the corners of the fence. When the bell rings for dinner, the machine has laid the five acres in shape for the rake, The hired man has, with a nice light "rig," managed to complete the corners. After dinner, the old mare and horse-rake soon gather the five acres of hay into winrows, which the team draws to the barn. The old mare does duty at the fork, and before five o'clock everything is snug, The hired man is about dead, and wants two dollars for the day's comparative pastime.

Then Tom Hood's "Song of the Shirt " might have been sung with the "spirit and with the understanding also." Now the favorite sewing machine is to be seen in almost every domicile.

Then the "school ma'am" taught six days for a week, at a salary of fifty or perhaps seventy-five cents per week, taking in payment chickens, or store pay; seldom money. Now five days constitute a week, and three times the price which the pioneer girl received per week is demanded for one day, and that too in Uncle Sam's promises to pay.

Then the means of conveyance was what was known as "shanks' mare"; later, the oxen and cart or sled; later, on horseback, each horse carrying at least two, Now folks don't travel in that way.

Then the little grain raised, was gathereo with the sickle, threshed with the flail, cleaned with the hand-fan, or thrown up and the separation accomplished by the winds of heaven. Now the stately "reaper" takes down its ten acres per day, the steam separator in a trice comparatively, transforms the bulky mow into a stock of straw and a bin of golden grain, all at one effort.

Then a neighbor or two might have been seen with a sap-yoke on their shoulders, at either end a pail of milk, it being taken to the house of another. The whole was put together, filling perhaps a small tub, from which a small cheese was made. The press, in many instances, was a long pole, with one end thrust into the cat-hole, the other weighted as occasion demanded. Now can be seen, in the season, a score or less of wagons, laden with well filled cans of milk,—cans in some instances containing a barrel or more,—and all converging at the favorite cheese factory, where the process of cheese-making is reduced to a system, a ton 0f cheese, in some instances, being a day's product.

Then the itinerant peddler, with a scanty stock of necessaries, might be seen perambulating the sparcely settled country, vending his wares as best he might; now, at any center, may be seen substantial stores, wherein anything needed, from a jewsharp to a bridal outfit, can be obtained.

Then the children looked upon father and mother with feelings of veneration; now, the "old man and woman" are secondasy affairs.

Then Luther Hemmenway, in cow-hide boot sand homespun clothes, wended his lonely way through the wilderness woods, to the bark-covered cabin of Simon

HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 639

Burroughs, where he met his affianced, arrayed in calf-skins and calico, when the two stood before a backwoods parson, and a " welding heat" was taken, .the result to last till death interposeo a separation. Now (in too many instances), John Henry enters into an alliance matrimonial with Clementina Artimesia; a wedding outfit is obtained—how, we do not pretend to say—and the nuptials are celebrated with extravagant pomp, but before the orange wreath has faded, disaffection crops out ; a divorce lawyer is retained, and the one are again two. Their marriage vows were like pie-crust—made to be broken.

Then a contract to pay a debt at a future day, was faithfully fulfilled ; now, how to defraud the confiding creditor has become, with far too many, a careful study.

Then the resolute, warm-hearted itinerant preacher, semi-occasionally, plodded his weary way to our little settlement, and, in rude' hovels, broke to his backwoods listeners the "bread of life" ; now, our two resident clergymen, have but a few steps from their homes to their pulpits, while their means of conveyance to other appointments are far from uncomfortable.

Then, the pioneer lived in his rude cabin of logs, covered with bark, or, at best, with "shakes," and without either cellar or chamber; a rude fire-place served the double purpose of warming the inmates, and as a means of cooking the simple meal; the bed, a pallet of leaves or straw, with bear skins for a covering; the chairs, blocks of wood, set on end; the table, a split puncheon, or, perhaps, a board, resting on pins driven in the side of the domicile; the windows, of something besides glass; the parlor, the shade of the nearest tree. Now, the strong, substantial dwelling of brrck, or wood, takes the place of the rude cabin, warmed by the coal-burner, and the cooking done on a P. P. Stewart, or a Mansard; the bed, a spring mattress, with elaborate patch-work for covering; the chairs, such as would tempt an indolent person to remain seated all day; windows, of the best rock-glass, and plenty of them; the "extension" supercedes the old rough table; and the parlor is a paragon of beauty and taste.

Of mercantile firms, we have three.

Pope & Son transformed a portion of their cheese curing rooms, into a commodious place for retailing goods, and are doing a thriving business.

Hiram Kellogg & Son have come in possession of the store at the center, where they also enjoy a lucrative trade. In connection with the store, the son transacts the post-office business.

At Maple Grove, Davis Warner has established himself in trade, and although not so extensively as the others, his grocery store has become a necessity. A post-office, called Grove, was established here in January, 1869, over which Mr. Warner enjoys the title of postmaster.

We have two steam saw-mills: One at the Grove, owned by Barrows & Fisher. To this mill there has since been attached machinery for grinding feed, and also a cider-mill. The other mill, on the "Mile brook," north of the center, owned by H. W. Hosmer, has machinery for the manufacture of fence caps. There is also a shingle mill in the northeast part of the town, owned and operated by H. T. Burroughs.

Of disciples of Tubal Cain, we have Wales and Sperry at the center, and Lewis Tuller at the Grove.

S. J, Esty, H. E. Wales, and J. G. I)urfee, are our wheelrights, and R. I. Hoard follows the vocation of St, Crispin. Frank Steele is engaged in the sale of Browning & Steele's carriages, and meets with good success. D. C. Tilden owns a tanning establishment at Rock Creek, and furnishes a market for all the hides and skins of an extended region round about,

Physicians and lawyers steer clear of Troy, as a place of residence, We are dependent on surrounding townships for relief from all the pains that flesh is

640 - HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY OHIO.

heir to. As a township, we spend comparatively a small amount of time and money in the courts of law,

Our knights of the plane and chisel, are W, G. Welch, John. Cutler, J, S. Olds and Dempsey Conrad.

In county matters, Troy has borne, as yet, a limited part. We have furnished but two commissioners, in the persons of Dr. Jacob Thsasher and Horace Lamson, and but one prosecuting attorney, in the person of Orrin S. Farr.

We have furnished but one recorder, in the person of C, H. Lamb. Willard W. Beals for a time carried the surveyor's compass and chain, and J. G, Durfee for a time filled the office of coroner,

We have now no schools except such as are provided by law,

The resident clergymen are Rev. E. D. Taylor, of the Congregational church, and Rev. B. C. Warner, of the Methodist Episcopal* church, while Elder Blake, of Mantua, preaches to his charge whenever circumstances permit.

While surrounding townships, nearly all, furnished men who became more or less conspicuous during the war of the Rebellion, one of which (Hiram) boasts of two major generalsj Troy sent out her ninety-and-nine, with no prospect of promotion for any of them, save one. He received a lieutenant's commission, in artillery, which he soon resigned, and afterwards enlisted as a private in the same command. Duty rather than emolument was Troy's soldiers' guiding star,

Years agone, when "general trainings" were in vogue, Troy furnished the chief musicians—Daniel Doty, with his shrill frfe, and Lewis Scott, with his tenor drum. Doty and his music have long since passed away. Scott, although he has reached his three score years and ten, can yet execute the reveille and long roll in a manner that causes the ear of every soldier who heareth it, to tingle.

The mortuary record discloses the fact that six hundred and ten persons, old and young, have died since Troy was settled. The first, Reed Burroughs, a child of five years, died July 2 1813, and the last, Albert Herrick, died January 12, f876. Of these deaths, Major Harvey Pratt, Troy's first singer, who came here in 1812, died at the age of forty. Thirty-five died between the ages of fifty and sixty; fifty-seven between sixty and seventy; fifty-three: between seventy and eighty; thirty-two between eighty and ninety.

Only four passed four-score and ten. "Gram" Weston—as we called her— died at ninety-one; Abram Barnes died at ninety-three; "Granny" French lived to see ninety-six years, was in excellent health all her days, and "went out" like a candle burned down to the socket.

John Beals lived to "see of the travail of his soul and was satisfied." He could almost peer into the next century, being ninety-seven years and six months old when he died. Of those who died below forty, many were in their infancy.

On several occasions two funerals occurred the same day. The first instance: Bradley Bromley and Theodore D0wdy were buried in August, 1817; the last,

* George H. Fairbanks, youngest son of James Fairbanks, mentioned in the preceding pages, is

also a minister of the gospel, of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, but, being also an enterprising farmer, does not confine himself to pastoral duties as an exclusive calling. His farm and place of residence is on section twenty-four, south from Pope's corners, In 1873, he relinquished farming, and removed to the Huntsburg charge, in the capacity of a "supply." In 1874, he returned to his farm, but, having joined the conference, he was detailed on the Burton and Middlefield charge, and filled the appointments of that charge during 1874-5, when he withdrew from conference. Since that time he has devoted the major part of his time to agriculture. but exercising his clerical offices whenever called on to do so, which is often, Should Mr, Fairbanks see fit to devote himself entirely to the duties of a clergyman, it would be easy fur him to occupy a prominent place as a preacher,

+Garfield and Hazen,

* Since the atxlve was written Amos Burroughs has been added, aged seventy-seven.

HISTORY OF GEAUGA COUNTY, OHIO - 641

Edward Green and Rose, daughter of Elijah and Achsah Percival, in December, 1873.

With this statement, let this imperfect sketch come to a close. Surely, this is a great nation. And, how came it so? By a slow growth, like the coral reef. The coral insect, taken singly, is an insignificant affair, but the combined effort of untold millions, has peopled the ocean with innumerable islands. This. was not the work of a day, or a year, but of centuries.

Just so is this "Great Republic." Its formation is not the result of a day's effort. It did not, like "Jonah's Gourd," come in a night, The forests were felled, not by the blast of a terrible hurricane, but by the unremitting blows of the woodman's axe, year after year, and in this labor, Troy can proudly say, she has done her full share. Although but a small spot on the earth's surface, yet we are possessed of just enough local pride to think that the world would be sadly incomplete without her. In the language of another,

" Breathes there a man with soul so dead,

Who never to himself has said,

This is my own, my native land,"