100 - Early History of Elyria and Her People here, and has been one of the most useful members on the board of trustees of the "Old Ladies' Home" from the beginning, and also its secretary. She is active in the church, and ever and anon has written interesting articles for the press. There has been exemplified in the families of Mr. Kendall, the merchant, Mr. Mussey and Mr. Johnson brought together, as heretofore stated in a previous chapters, by marriages the oft-repeated wise saying, "A good name is above great riches, it ever remains a legacy to the possessor's children's children." They were devout Christians, and enemies of everything that destroys the body and soul, hated slavery, and were true to the Flag. They have left an impress on the world through their families that will live for good, till time shall be no more. The good names in this community for moral worth, still live in the lives of their descendants now with us: Eugene Mussey, Reno Mussey, and Mrs. Irving Metcalf, of Oberlin, and their children. On Cleveland Street on the north side, immediately west of the Abbey Road within the corporate limits, stands an old red brick mansion, Colonial type, two stories in height, built in the year 1835 by Eleazer Abbe, a conspicuous character, who reached ninety. He came of old English stock. His education was received in a log schoolhouse and he began life with no backing, save his own energies. At his decease, he owned three hundred acres of land in connection with the old place known as the Abbe Farm, now going rapidly into city homes. With his own hands he assisted in building the kiln and burning the brick on his farm that went into the dwelling. In connection with his early farming he did a great deal of teaming, hauling goods to Ashland, Mansfield, and Pittsburgh. Much of this work as taking pig iron to the small foundries scattered about the. country, from the Lorain Iron Works, of Elyria, heretofore described, where bog ore was smelted. He was a rugged character, not given to bad habits, possessed of an adventurous spirit, ready to face danger, and endure hardships without complaint. He came into the solid woods and felled the trees on the spot where the old mansion stands. When gold was discovered in the month of September, 1847, eighty-one years ago in Sutters mill race, in California, that lead to rich veins in the vicinity, the world went wild, causing adventurers from every clime under the sun to head toward the new Eldorado. To reach there the prospector Early History of Elyria and Her People - 101 had to either take his life in his hands in crossing the Indian peopled plains, now covered by farms and cities, or make his way by small sailing craft around Cape Horn, spending months on shipboard, encountering the storms of the mighty deep or chance his life in tramping across the fever-laden jungles of the isthmus. Elyria and Northern Ohio people were no exception to those who began to dream dreams of untold wealth, if only they could reach the enchanted country. Eleazer Abbe was one of the "Forty-niners" who caught the gold fever. It took such possession of him that he was willing to turn his back on wife and children for years, that he might, with thousands of others, chase the will-o'-the-wisp. In the year 1849, on the 26th day of September, he boarded the ship Eureka at Cleveland, for a lake and ocean voyage around Cape Horn for San Francisco. Fortunately for this generation, he kept a daily diary of his journey, now in possession of his granddaughter Nora Abbe, visiting nurse in the Elyria schools. On the first leaf of the book is the following entry: "Eleazer Abbe Book, 1849." "The following are the names of the officers and passengers of the ship Barque Eureka at the time of her clearance from Quebec, about half past two o'clock P. M." Then follow the names of all on board, giving their occupations and residences. The ship was fitted out at Cleveland, and he states that she sailed down Lake Erie and through the Welland Canal for Quebec, that on reaching there, she was placed in dry dock to be "sheathed." His book states there were thirty-four passengers other than officers. He gives the names, occupations, and addresses of all of them. There were three from Elyria, as follows: "Eleazer Abbe, farmer; C. E. Basset, clerk; Milo Bennett, blacksmith." There were twenty from Cleveland, two from Milan, two from Royalton, Cuyahoga County; one from Oberlin, W. W. Lovejoy; one from Wooster, Ohio; one from Willoughby, one from Blissfield, Mich.; one from Jackson, Mich., and one from Middleburg. Their occupations were as follows: Coppersmith, auctioneer, law student, baker, moulder, mason, pattern maker, carpenter, tanner, physician, blacksmith, boiler maker, bookkeeper, clerk, merchant, ship carpenter, tailor, surveyor, and carriage maker. They were in Quebec till November 13th, when they weighed anchor and sailed down the St. Lawrence for the Atlantic Ocean, where the prow of the ship 102 - Early History of Elyria and Her People was turned southward for South America. Each days latitude is recorded in the book, and many interesting incidents of what took place on ship board. Their first point of destination was Rio de Janeiro, which they reached after sailing one month and twenty-one days, reaching there January 8, 1850. From there they set sail after two weeks' delay for the Straits of Magellan, expecting to reach the Pacific that way, but the tempestuous waters threatened shipwreck of their little bark, compelling the captain to sail around Cape Horn. For three months they never saw land after reaching the Pacific. It was necessary for safety to keep far enough away from land to avoid being blown on shore. During the voyage two passengers died and were buried at sea. Finally after the lapse of nine months, they cited the harbor of San Francisco, when they went wild for joy. He ends his book account in these words: "The passengers were soon landed on the long looked-for shores of San Francisco full of hope and anxiety for the gold fields." He was soon among the prospectors swarming over the hills and mountains, carrying his outfit of provisions and tools, making up his grub stake. He met with sore disappointment in his quest and found his living had to come from the same source he received it in Ohio--that was labor and wages. He was so energetic and possessed of such health and good judgment, that he had no difficulty in getting employment. In the winter time he came back from the mines into the city. He saw the terrible condition of society and disregard of courts until people had to take the law into their own hands. It was a wonderful experience, but leazerr Abbe was a man of character and returned to his family as clean as when he left. He was in the gold fields about two and one-half years. On the return trip the boat sprang a leak and had to be beached to save the passengers, when it went to the bottom. Thereupon he made his way over the isthmus and set sail for home, and thereafter found more gold-digging in the soil of his farm than he had in the barren hills of the Golden State. His wife was Betsy Wilcox, of Cornwall, Conn. They were married October 31, 1835. They lived together fifty-six years. They left three sons and one daughter, all splendid citizens. The children have all passed over the great divide, leaving families of fine repute, as follows: Horace N. Abbe, a grandson of the pioneers, educated at Ohio State and Case Schools, residing Early History of Elyria and Her People - 103 east of town. He has one son, a doctor, two that are draftsmen, one in college; also three daughters: Miss Nora, the nurse of our schools; Jane, the wife of Doctor Betteridge; Rule, wife of Ralph A. Osborn, the real-estate man. The pioneer and his wife were faithful members of the Elyria Church of Christ. He and his good wife truly left the world far better for their trip through it. Their souls go living on in their exemplary descendants. CHAPTER XVIII THE Presbyterians having been the first pioneers in the religious field in the founding of Elyria, commencing their first services in a log hut, as described in a former chapter, it is interesting to know what were their standards of correct life. Fortunately, there has been preserved for this generation a book, the property of the Historical Society, that gives us. accurate information. It seems there then existed a "National Purity Society" in New York, with auxiliary branches over the country. In the year 1837, ninety-one years ago, one of such branches was organized in Elyria. The preamble reads, "We, the undersigned, believing that licentiousness prevails in our country, to an alarming extent making fearful inroads upon the citizens, poisoning the foundations of domestic enjoyment, severing the ties of kindred love and humanity, and believing that the silence of the virtuous and the absence of reproof has only tended to the increase of the evil, and that it is the imperative duty of all females to combine their influence for the suppression of the vice. Therefore we agree to form ourselves into a society to be governed by the following constitution: "CONSTITUTION" "Article (1). This society shall be called 'THE FEMALE MORAL REFORM SOCIETY OF ELYRIA. Auxiliary to the New York-F-M-Reform Society.' ''Art. (2). The first object of this society shall be to promote and sustain moral purity among the virtuous. Secondly, to reclaim by such means as are sanctioned by the Word of God, those who have wandered from the paths of virtue. We, therefore, pledge ourselves to refrain from all improper conversation, 104 - Early History of Elyria and Her People to cultivate and promote purity of feeling and action and of dress, both in ourselves and our associates, and all who come within the sphere of our influence. "Art. (3). Believing that the licentious malt is not only as guilty, but in a majority of instances, more guilty than the licentious female. We will exclude all such persons, both from our friendship and society." Then follow the names of one hundred and thirty-four ladies who formed the organization. At each annual meeting some man was called in to deliver an address. Those were the days when women were not supposed to appear as public speakers. This society lived and held its regular meetings for thirteen years till 1850, the year the "Fugitive Slave Law" was passed by Congress, robbing the poor slave of every human right, when evidently the magnitude of the outrage was such as to overshadow all else, and caused them to turn their attention to the alleviation of the downtrodden race, as evidenced by the last entry in the book, which reads: "After some consultation whether it would be best to do something for the fugitives from slavery, who are now trembling before the iniquitous law just passed by Congress, it was decided first to fill a box for the home and send it the first of November. The hearts of the sisters seemed full of sympathy for the oppressed and no doubt something will be done when a way is opened. ''C. E. Johnson, Sec'y." The organization was not a church affair, but was made up of all ladies of the community willing to subscribe to the preamble and constitution. That anti-slavery sentiment was growing in Elyria as early as fourteen years previous to the Civil War, is evidenced by a set of resolutions passed by the Presbyterian Church, which reads as follows: "April 5, 1847. The committee on the subject of American Slavery made the following report, which was unanimously adopted: “'Whereas, slavery in the United States is believed to be/ constantly strengthening and extending itself and its evil$ and its dangers increasing. And, whereas, we believe there is power in Christianity, properly applied, to do away with the system and its manifold evils. Therefore, Early History of Elyria and Her People - 105 "'Resolved 1. That while we deplore the fact of our own participation in the sin of slavery, and endeavor to free ourselves from all connection with it, we will not cease to pray for the slaveholder and to entreat and persuade him, by all suitable means to cease from his oppression, and let the oppressed go free. " `Resolved 2. That no advocate of slavery or slaveholder, who does not give full proof that his slaveholding is voluntary, should be admitted to membership in the church, or invited to participate in its ordinances. " `Resolved 3. That no voluntary slaveholder or advocate of slavery should be admitted to our pulpits to officiate as a gospel minister. "'Resolved 4. That in our view it is the duty of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, to make a declaration of their sentiments on the subject of American slavery, and immediately adapt themselves and recommend the lower bodies, which they represent respectively, to take such measures as shall in their opinion tend most effectually to free them from all participation in or fellowship with the same. "'Resolved 5. That it is the duty of the churches to make earnest and persistent efforts, to give the Bible, the living preacher, and the institutions and privileges of the gospel in all their fullness, to the unqualified and the slave population of the country. " `Resolved 6. That missionary hoards should manifest their decided and unqualified disapprobation of admission of slaveholders to mission churches. “`Norman Crandall, D. A. Grosvenor, Frederick Hamlin, Committee.'” Voted that the above report be published in the New York Evangelist, The Ohio Observer, The Oberlin Evangelist, and the Elyria Courier. This Presbyterian Church on the 25th day of November, 1831, put itself on record, against drinking distilled liquors, by the following resolution: "Church met for consideration of the temperance question. All but three present signed the following covenant: `Believing that distilled spirit is the 106 - Early History of Elyria and Her People bane of man, and that any use of it is inconsistent with the Christian character, we, the subscribers, members of the Presbyterian Church in Elyria, covenant with each other, and with God, that we will totally abstain from the use of it, unless we deem it important as a medicine; and we further agree to do what we can to promote the abstinence of others.' " D. A. Grosvenor was then the minister of the church. The historians who have chronicled the early doings of the Elyria pioneers, tell us that the founder, Heenan Ely, looking ahead when lie started a covered wagon from West Springfield for the wilds of Ohio, realized that in the company there should be somebody capable and willing to offer public prayer in the new settlement. Not being given to it himself, he secured Luther Lane of the place, knowing him to be a devout Christian, and gifted in prayer, to drive the team for his passage, while he himself made his way to Elyria by a separate conveyance. It has been already stated that he had given orders the year previous, in 1816, to erect for him a log house to accommodate all, till he could secure lumber from his log mill to erect a frame dwelling. The first Sabbath after the company arrived service was held in the building, at which Mr. Ely read a sermon from one of the twelve volumes of Rev. Lathrop's printed sermons, a noted Eastern divine, and called upon Mr. Lane to offer the prayer. This order of service continued from Sabbath to Sabbath, until the log schoolhouse was later erected on the east side, mentioned in a previous chapter, when it was utilized for a place of worship as well. Mr. Ely was a blunt practical man. On one occasion in the schoolhouse after he had read a Lathrop sermon, he called, as usual, on Brother Lane to pray, remarking as he did so: "Make it short, Brother Lane, as it is a good day to burn stumps." Clearing the land as fast as possible was one of the all-important things. While on the subject, it will be fitting at this time to give an account of all the ministers who served the Presbyterian Church, till it became Congregational in 1882, by its members voting themselves Congregationalists. Then by court proceedings the title to the property was turned over to the new organization. The first, as already stated in a previous chapter, was Rev. D. W. Lathrop; his successor was a young man, twenty-eight, from the State of New York, by the name of John J. Shipherd, Early History of Elyria and Her People - 107 the founder of Oberlin colony and College. After preaching here for two years, he resigned his pastorate for that purpose. A history of this great character and what he accomplished will be given in a later chapter. Suffice it to say that during the two years he served the church, his labors in protracted meetings he held, stirred the community for miles around so deeply as to turn large numbers from darkness to light. He was a man of marvelous faith in which lay his power. Following Mr. Shipherd cane Rev. James Ellis, who ministered to the church from 1833 to 1836, when he resigned. During his pastorate the church building on Second Street was erected, now occupied by many tenants, the one in which the Old Ladies' Home was started by Mrs. Lilly. He carne to a tragic end, by being drowned in the Maumee River while attempting to cross on the ice. He was followed by Rev. Lewis Loss, who at the expiration of four years was compelled to resign because of poor health. Next came Rev. David Grosvenor, who was pastor from 1843 to 1852, when he resigned and became pastor of the Medina Congregational Church which he served eight years. During his Elyria pastorate the noted "Old Stone Church" was erected, that preceded the present one. His wife survived him for many years and reached a great age, spending her last years till her death in Elyria. She was a large woman in stature, dressed and combed her hair in the old-fashioned way, was a striking figure on the streets, and retained her poise and carriage to the last. She had one answer for all inquirers as to her age, which was: "I am old enough to mind my own business.'' Then came Timothy Hopkins. He remained but two years. He came to his death from a falling timber while having a church building put up in Hannibal, Mo. He was followed by Rev. Francis Wilbur, who served the church for eleven years, when he was succeeded by Rev. Ferges Kenyon, who served the church for four years. His son became a noted United States Senator from Iowa. He was followed by Rev. F. E. Williams, who sustained the longest pastorate of any minister who has occupied the pulpit, a period of twenty-three years, as he was its pastor from 1873 till his tragic death caused by a fall in the court room by which he broke his hip, in 1896. He was seventy-nine years of age, in full possession of his powers, both mentally and physically. He was a born wit, and 108 - Early History of Elyria and Her People a great commoner. Everybody loved him. He was somewhat near-sighted, making it hard for him to distinguish people from other objects a few feet away. To the end that lie might not fail to speak to all on the street, he bowed continually as he walked up the sidewalk, to make sure none were overlooked. If he met, in the saloon days, a man coming out of one, he would pleasantly remark, "I had a great deal rather see you coming out than going in." He was frequently a visitor in the court room while jury trials were going on. On the occasion when he received his fatal fall, those present sent for his physician, Doctor Sherwood, who responded, and after making an examination as he lay prone on the floor, said, “Brother Williams, I am pained to tell you that your hip is broken." Whereupon with a smile, he responded, "Well, well, I never expected to be hypnotized in a court room." The town turned out to bury him. He was ever ready to respond to all calls of a public nature to make the world better. His wife was a splendid lady. He was the last to occupy the old parsonage located where the Baptist's structure stands on Fast Avenue. He had a daughter who married Doctor Ormsby, of Cleveland. His body lies buried in the old cemetery in this city. These pastors of the first church organized in Elyria, have all gone to their reward. They were all enemies of slavery and the saloon. Everyone was a firm believer in the Bible as a revelation to man, not only as to how he came here, but his duty while on earth. While their bodies are dust, their souls, like that of the immortal John Brown, go marching on. Since Mr. Williams' death the, church has had three pastors; to-wit: Rev. W. E. Cadmus, Rev. John W. Grant, and Rev. W. Muir Auld, and one assistant pastor to Mr. Cadmus, Paul Harlan, Metcalf. These men are all alive making their records, for the future historian, who shall take his pen in, hand to recount their achievements. The present church building was erected during the administration of Mr. Cadmus. In the early days of the church strict rules were in force by which the members were to live. They were not allowed to mail or receive a letter on the Sabbath. Nor were card playing or dancing permitted. The church records show several instances in which members were brought before the board having such matters in charge for trial, resulting in each case, with an apology on the part of the individual, save one, when he left the church Early History Elyria and Her People - 109 rather than conform to the rules. A time came when all felt that many of them had come too far short of the mark, when one of the deacons proposed that they should make confession, so far as they had gone wrong, and start life over. The suggestion was agreed to and a day set. There was naturally a large turnout that evening. One by one, the derelict members arose and recited his or her shortcomings, until all had been heard, save Mr. Ely, the founder of the town. With him there were several matters they were all anxious to learn about in detail. All eyes were focused on the conspicuous character as he arose, much agitated. When he began by saying, "Brethren, I feel that I am a great sinner, that I have come far short of the mark, both in sins of commission and omission; I want your prayers, I ask your forgiveness, and that of the Lord, but I do not think I will go into particulars." Then he sat down, much to the disappointment of all, and especially those who had gone into details. CHAPTER XIX ONE of the most conspicuous characters in Elyria for fifty-five years, from 1835 to 1881, was Elijah DeWitt. He was born in the State of Vermont, May 22, 1800. He was a physician and commenced practicing in Lodi, Ohio, in 1821. After following his profession till 1835, by reason of impaired health from exposure, driving over the country, he moved to Elyria and opened a drug store in a block standing about where the Ely Library is located on Broad Street. When he arrived in Elyria the brick dwelling now standing on the south side of West Broad Street, east of the Chas. Wilson place on the southeast corner of West Broad and Chestnut Streets, was being built. It stands very close to the sidewalk and is painted a brown color. Mr. DeWitt purchased and completed it, and for fifty-five years it was his home, the building in which he passed away, lacking but a few days of being ninety-one. After he had put things in order his good wife and himself took membership in the Presbyterian Church. Before many moons had waxed and waned, he was made one of the deacons, and deacon he remained till with him time was no more. For 110 - Ear1y History of Elyria and Her People thirty years he was president of the National Bank of Elyria, and in his day, when the law provided for three associate judges to sit with one learned in law, a regular attorney, he was made associate judge, a position he held for some years. In build he was tall, with ample hair and "banker's sideburn whiskers," and wore the conventional stand-up collar of professional and business men of that period, and till the day of his death adhered to the same. He was a very sedate, sober man. His conversation was yea, yea and nay nay. while he was just. he was at times severely stern, and especially in church discipline, when the rules of the church were against cards and dancing, and when it was regarded as a desecration of the Sabbath to post or receive mail or letters on that day. He was of that make-up in personal appearance and demeanor, that he might have been taken for a doctor or a banker or a judge, and always looked the personification of a sober deacon, not given to worldliness. He ever looked as though he had great burdens to bear, reminding one of ''Old Atlas" with the world on his back. No man, however, in Elyria was held in higher esteem for integrity and moral worth than the deacon, for the inner man was right and his motives pure. Some called him "Doctor," others addressed him as "Judge," while still others who associated with him in church life said, "Deacon." Many thinking of him as president of the bank, spoke of him as "Banker DeWitt." He was ever deeply interested in his church, and especially its prayer meetings, from which he was rarely, in his long stay of fifty-five years, absent or tardy. If he did not appear, there was something lacking inthe2 meeting. He had a deep, clear-toned voice and was very gifted in prayer, and never allowed an opportunity to pass in the meetings without expressing himself relative to some appropriate Scripture, as he was a Bible student, and his reasoning was heard gladly by the brethren. His daily movements were automatic, It was said that the clocks and watches could have been set by his daily rounds, so closely (lid he adhere to certain times to do everything. He was one of the prime movers in securing the Lake Shore Railroad. He was the largest contributor to the building of the church chapel in which the prayer meetings were held. His habits of life were clean arid any injustice aroused him, still he had Early History of Elyria and Her People - 111 like all mortals, his faults. In his old age he called upon one of the members of the city council, an attorney, who looked after the legal matters of that body, and said to him: "You are a member of the council?" "Yes," answered the lawyer. "Well, sir," said the doctor, "I have a grievance." "What is it?" asked the legal member. "These intolerable nuisances on the sidewalks." "What are they?" asked he. "Baby carts, baby carts, they run against my shins, as I cannot see very well, I want the city council to pass an ordinance driving them off the sidewalks," said the doctor. "Where would you have them go if not on the sidewalks?'' asked the member of the council, "in the streets among the horses?" "No," replied the deacon, "let them stay at home where they belong." "Well," said the lawyer, "you have come to the wrong person; if I could have an ordinance passed that would multiply the number of baby carts on the sidewalks I certainly would." "Well, sir, you are not the man I want to see," then he arose and made for the door, highly indignant. No doubt his shins had just encountered one of the claimed nuisances, and while in that frame of mind, came in with his grievance. Who would not feel for the moment like the doctor after having his shin bone bumped in like manner? The National Bank was for years, before it was moved into the library block, located in a room in the Beebe Hotel facing Broad Street. My law partner, George P. Metcalf, became so lame he could no longer climb stairs, necessitating our having our office on the ground floor. We moved to the room in which the doctor's bank had been for so many years. Every morning at just such a time as he made his way to his bank, forgetting that it had been moved, he would stop at the old stand and open the door to come in, when suddenly, seeing his mistake, would remark: "Oh," and close the door and walk on. With his plug hat and cane and glasses set halfway down his Roman nose as he made his way rapidly down the street, looking neither to the right or left, presented a striking figure, as he had the marks of a strong character. In the winter he wore a cloak overcoat. He left an impression on the community for good works, that will never die, and his figure will remain in the minds of those 112 - Early History of Elyria and Her People who knew him, till the last one is gone where he was laid, in the silent city of the dead. He had four children; all grew to manhood and womanhood. Only one remains, his daughter, Lizzie, now a guest of the Home for the Aged. She is a cultured lady, beloved by all for her kindnesses and christian character. Though full of years, she is cheerful as in youth. It is common knowledge that in every community there are a few who, by reason of their aggressiveness, natural to them, make their lasting impress in certain fields of endeavor. They are persons of courage and not easily moved by social or political upheavals. They are thinkers and readers, possessing judgment and leadership. One such character like Doctor DeWitt and others, already described in previous chapters, was the Hon. John H. Faxon, who was born in Aurora, Portage County, this State, January 15, 1815. While a child his father moved to Ridgeville, where he became a farm boy after his father's death, and followed that occupation, with all of its hardships in that time, till he was twenty-two, when by the kindness of an Eastern uncle he was able to take a course in civil engineering. He so well fitted himself for the occupation that he was employed as division engineer on the Erie Canal. Next on the Auburn and Syracuse Railroad, then the Atlantic and Great Western (now the Erie), then the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern, between Vermilion and Sandusky. He was sheriff of Lorain County from 1844 to 1848; was representative in the Ohio Legislature two terms, from 1873 to 1877; was assistant assessor for internal revenue for Lorain County; was once mayor of Elyria and justice of the peace for eighteen years, and in 1877 was re-elected. In 1875, when sixty years of age, wasadmitted to the bar by the Supreme Court. His wife was Esther Terrell, of Ridgeville. He had three sons and one daughter, all are living, save Theodore, who at his decease was at the head of a coal mine in central Ohio. His wife was the daughter of the late Aaron Bullock, a splendid citizen. The daughter, Miss Hattie Faxon, resides at the old home on Middle Avenue. John N. Faxon, retired, resides at his residence on Middle Avenue. In early life he was a banker connected with the old Elyria National Bank. Later he was a manu- Early History of Elyria and Her People - 113 facturer. His wife was a daughter of Horace Starr, who will he spoken of later. Isaac, the eldest, is still with us at the age of ninety years, looking after the real-estate interests of the "Faxon Realty Co." He was for years a business man in Cleveland and later in Elyria in connection with the Clark Manufacturing Co. He had no children. The children of John and Theodore are all making marks for themselves in the world and are, like their ancestors, good citizens. John Faxon, the subject of this sketch, was a striking man in appearance, and ever ready in his day and generation to assist in the enterprises of his town and county. His old survey maps and records show him to have been a man who took great pains in the discharge of his duties. There was another deacon in the Presbyterian Church worthy of a place in the annals of the city for his faithfulness toward his Maker in the more than a century he walked the earth. His name was Horatio Perry. He was a cousin of Commodore Perry, the hero of Lake Erie. His early manhood was spent near Vermilion on a farm, where he remained till he was forty-seven, when he moved to Elyria. While a tiller of the soil in the days of the ox cart when preaching was now and then, if he learned of a meeting within eight or ten miles, would yoke his oxen to a great farm wagon, load in his family, and gather up the scattered neighbors, till the primitive conveyance was filled and head toward the place of worship, requiring about three hours to make the journey and a like time coming back. Within a year after his arrival here he was made deacon. He was given to fervent prayer, in language all his own. He began his supplication with, "Oh, Lord, we are all poor miserable sinners and we have got to go to heaven or hell, and there ain't no guesswork about it." Such was the faith and well-ordered life of this pioneer, that his grammar and crude sentences were lost sight of and overlooked by the listeners. After spending twenty years at the county seat, he turned his footsteps toward Wellington, where his pure life blest the community, till he was permitted to behold the first year of his second century in the flesh. When the hour of his dissolution came, Rev. W. E. Barton, then the Congregational minister of the Wellington Church, who, as well as his son, have since become famous as writers of books and magazine articles, preached the funeral discourse from the text: "Parables of Safed the Sage." 114 - Early History of Elyria and Her People The foundations of this Republic rest not on brick and mortar, nor are they to be found in the multiplicity of devices for navigating the earth or air, nor in the annihilation of distance by electric applicances, marvelous as they are, but in the seed sown by the godly pioneers who, like DeaconPerry livedd what they preached and prayed, when only the most primitive appliances were to be had for creature comfort. All hail to their memory, lest we forget in partaking of the fruitage of their struggles and sacrifices. I am of opinion that in his generation Col. Naham Ball Gates was the most universally known character in Lorain NAHAM B. GATES   Came to Flynn in 1834. Was sheriff and treasurer of the county and for twenty years noted mayor of the city. Greatly interested in education and good morals. Was kind to the poor Early History of Elyria and Her People - 115 County. For forty-seven years preceding his death, at seventy-nine, in 1890, he was called "Colonel Gates" by all classes the county over. While he never commanded a military force, yet he, like many Kentucky colonels, came naturally by the appelation, as he looked the picture of one born to lead an army. His title came about in this wise. He was in the days of Whigdom, in the year 1840, a zealous "Whig." He was six feet in height, broad-shouldered, with a military air, possessed of strong voice and striking face. He was then the owner of a famous black horse known as "Bucephalus." In the political campaign of that year there was a great gathering of the faithful on the banks of the Maumee River. Seated on his black steed, he led the large procession from Lorain County to the meeting. As he appeared in a garb befitting the occasion, heading the delegation, somebody saluted him as "Colonel," when the title was caught up by the multitude, and ever after it was "Colonel Gates." Like Deacon Dewitt already described he was a Vermonter, as he was born among her evergreen mountains, September 28, 1812, the youngest of twelve children. He endured the life of a farmer's son in planting and gathering from her uninviting soil the small harvests, summers, and spent his winters in the bleak woods, save while in the schools, teaching or chopping wood when the mercury, at times, nearly congealed in the bulb of the thermometer. During his teens he had day dreams more and more, while he drove the oxen, to the plow in summer, and through the snow banks in winter, of far-away Elyria, where he had an older brother engaged in mercantile pursuits. His time belonged to his parents, till he reached twenty-one. When the date arrived, he threw down the ax, with the declaration that lie would chop no more, and bidding his kith and kin adieu, he turned his face westward where he had located his castles in the air. Before he reached his majority, he had by attending St. Albana Academy one year, been able to teach school for a little time. For a while on reaching here he clerked in the brother's store. The following year, in 1835, when he was twenty-two, he took up his residence in Cleveland. While there, a great cholera epidemic broke out causing thousands to flee the city. The young Vermonter did not join the frightened multitude, but on the contrary, not only remained, but ministered 116 - Early History of Elyria and Her People to the sick and dying, for weeks, and helped lay away the numerous dead. This characteristic of Colonel Gates remained to the end, as he was ever ready when smallpox ravaged the town, or any disease, to respond to the call of mercy, without solicitation. Within a few months he returned to Elyria and ever after became one of the prime movers in all that made for her welfare. For about a year he clerked for his brother's firm of Gates and Greene, then opened a store at the harbor at Lorain, then called (Black River). This he conducted for three years. In 1838, when he was twenty-six, he was elected sheriff of the county. He then returned to Elyria to better attend to the duties. He was a versatile all-around man, easily adapting himself to every situation, possessing great good sense, able to grasp a situation, ignoring all red tape. While he was at Black River harbor he saw the necessity of someone acting as public servant, to keep the community right. To that end, he accepted the offices of Justice of the Peace, constable and marshal. He saw it was necessary and acted regardless of the fact that the financial emoluments were of no consequence. The drunken sailors in that day needed to be looked after and he was not afraid to do it. CHAPTER XX AS STATED in the previous chapter, Colonel Gates was elected sheriff of the county in 1838. State banks were then in vogue, with no stable currency, and counterfeiting was rife, with a notorious gang engaged in the business located in Lorain county, whose cunning had enabled them to escape the officers of the law, and prosecution for several years. Banks had begun to suspend specie payment. Failures followed, and credit on all sides was practically destroyed. The making of the "queer," with ability to pass it off throughout the whole country, had brought banking and commercialism to a sorry pass. The prosecuting attorney who came into office, with Colonel Gates, was Joel Tiffiny, counted one of the most gifted members of the Lorain county bar. He was an impassioned orator, possessingg great energy, and absolutely fearless. Early History of Elyria and Her People - 117 He and the Colonel resolved they would hunt the counterfeiters in this county to their den of iniquity. When they gave out that no quarter would be shown, the outlaws, regardless of who they were, they began to receive anonymous letters, threatening their lives, and the destruction of their buildings. One of their number, taking alarm, turned states evidence, whereupon they shot him, but fortunately the wound was not fatal, but he had to be carried into the old brick court house on crutches to give his evidence. The prosecutions ended in the conviction of fourteen of them for the penitentiary. Colonel's splendid service at Black River as justice, marshal and constable, made him sheriff. Later he was elected county treasurer, and in 1843 because of his fearlessness and faithfulness in all these positions, he was made mayor of Elyria, and from that date till his death in 1890 at seventy-nine he held the position most of THE OLD BRICK COURT HOUSE Erected in 1828. Gave place to the present one in 1879 9 118 - Early History of Elyria and Her People the time. When he saw a fellow violating the law, while he was mayor, and no marshal or policeman was in sight, he did the arresting himself, taking the culprit by the arm he would lead him to his office, draw an affidavit, call in some person to swear to it, and issue a warrant andasK, the prisoner whether he plead guilty or not guilty. If not guilty, he would say: "Now see here, you had better not add to your offense, the crime of perjury. If you are guilty, say so, and behave yourself hereafter." They were generally cases of drunkenness, so that he had the power to go to final judgment. If the fellow persisted in declaring he was not intoxicated, the Colonel would say, "Drunk, of course you were drunk, and are drunk now, I caught you in this condition. "Five dollars and costs." That was the extreme penalty that could be imposed in his time. He never failed to give the culprit a temperance lecture. It was generally in these words, "Here you were perambulating up and down the streets, a perfect nuisance, in a state of intoxication, in plain language, drunk, just drunk, neglecting your family and squandering your wages in these hell holes. You say you have no money, well you need sobering tip, the best place to do it is in the city prison. while you are there I will see that your family is cared for." He would then say to the policeman or marshal, "shut him up, till I say release him." From 1836 till 1844 he conducted a commission business at Black River with his brother. He built and operated a saw Mill in Elyria. Built and ran an Ashery for many years, at a handsome profit. To this generation an Ashery is unknown in this part of the country, but in pioneer days its product was a sure source of securing ready money. Some plants purchased wood ashes from the farmers and villagers as well, to make potash, an article that found a ready market in the chemical plants in the cities. Everybody burned wood in that day and generation. Colonel Gates made a success of the business. In 1850 he was a. director in the Plank Road Company and later, for many years, was its superintendent. The road ran from Lorain to Elyria by way of Lake Avenue, striking the avenue at the old hotel building half way to Lorain after coming to that point along the route, now the new concrete road to that city. From Elyria it ran through LaGrange on to Wooster. Early History of Elyria and Her People - 119 Toll gates were every two miles. He was very active in the Lorain County Agricultural Society, and 76 years ago was its president. Abraham Lincoln appointed him Internal Revenue Collector for the fourteenth district. His home was the original Gates' residence on East Avenue, made over into the present commodious building, by his son, the lateWmn. Gates, now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. George Stevens. Till the last one who knew him, shall have taken up his and her abode in the silent city of the dead, he will be remembered as "Mayor Gates," the great commoner, the friend of all the people, the bold conservator of the peace, and of the dignity of the city. No man ever made the rounds visiting the schools, equal to Mayor Gates. For years he was on the school board arid at times its president. He was liable to show up at any time, in any room. His entrance was the delight of teacher and pupil, as he had a smile that: never wore off, and some kind words of encouragement to her as well as for the scholars. He was wont to place his hand on the heads of many of the little boys as he talked, telling how to fill them with useful knowledge. He had beer mayor so long, and was so universally known, that the masses thought he knew just how to run the universe. This confidence finally resulted in his unintentionally stepping over the bounds of his jurisdiction as mayor. Several couples came to him to be married and because the statute read, that "Mayors shall have jurisdiction with justices of the peace throughout the municipality" and justices having the power to solemnize marriages, he concluded that the law delegated to him the right. After having them stand up and take hold of hands he would repeat the words used by magistrates and then pronounce them man and wife. When asked what the fee was he would say, "Two Dollars." When the happy groom handed him the money, he would hand it to the bride with the words, "Take this for a nest egg young lady, add to it, and get a home." One day, several years after such marriages, they showed up with blood in their eyes, leading promising offsprings, berating him for marrying them, when he had no authority. Arrest was threatened, as the statute made it a penal offense to officiate when not clothed with authority. But after they were told by an attorney they were legally married, having taken each other for better or worse as husband and wife, regardless 120 - Early History of Elyria and Her People of the lack of authority of the mayor to act, they went home satisfied. The law has since been changed, delegating to mayors such power. The mayor and his noble wife raised three worthy sons, who made successes in life and were splendid citizens, only one of whom is alive. William Gates, a son, left quite a large estate, out of which his widow, Mrs. Gates Stevens, gave twenty-five thousand as the foundation for the Gates Hospital for crippled children, the first distinctive institution of its kind ever erected in America, the inspiration of others over the country, and world. She also furnished as a Gates memorial, the reception room of the Y. M. C. A. This pioneer couple had two cultured daughters, Nellie, who passed away, and Mrs. Gardner, residing in some other city; her husband is a minister. There are several sons of William Gates who a r e giving promise of making strong, splendid citizens. Not one child or grandchild that sprang from this pioneer couple, he a Vermont boy, and she the daughter of the pioneer scholar and preacher, Rev. Montieth, has ever disgraced the good name of Gates, but have all been worthy descendants of their noble sires. Seventy-six years ago, there came to Elyria from England with his wife and small children, Richard Baker, who became one of the outstanding characters, not only of the county, but the state as well, because of his great service in agriculture and stock raising. He purchased a two hundred acre farm in Elyria Early History of Elyria and Her People - 121 township, just north of the city, where he spent his life, till he passed away in his nineties. He was a striking figure in appearance, resembling somewhat, William E. Gladstone. For diligence in business, and interest in the common weal, he will ever be remembered by all who were privileged to know him. He was not long in the county, when because of his deep interest in agriculture was made a director of the Lorain County Agricultural Society, and later its president, many times. He started a "Farmers' Club" that rendered useful service for many years, until the Farmers' Institute was formed. He was appointed county centennial commissioner, and made its president. In 1879 he was elected a member of the "Ohio State Board of Agriculture" and later became its president. He was sent as a delegate to Washington to represent agriculture when a convention was called by United States Commissioner Long at which gathering he read a paper on the subject, that attracted much attention throughout the country. He assisted in organizing Lorain County Farmers' Institute, and was its first president. He was a constant contributor to the agricultural papers, till his decease. His articles were gladly read. He was a high-class citizen, deeply interested in the temperance question, and a worker for good schools. The little red school house across from his farm home was ever under his watchful eye, with its flag floating, as he was a patriot to the core. He raised a splendid family. One son was Gordon Baker, of the firm of Baker & Foster, the successful clothiers, who died some years ago at his home on Washington avenue, a high-class citizen, ever standing for the common good. His noble wife recently passed away, leaving two daughters. One married a physician and resides east, the other is the well-known Anna Louise Baker, on Harrison avenue, whose life of usefulness has been a benediction to the foreign families in the Hungarian settlement on the West Side. Her ministrations, in cheering the sick and distressed, here and there, endeared her to the hearts of a large circle who have been privileged to know her. Only good has flown from the Richard Baker family whose Christian characters and well ordered lives, indefatigable industry, living for others, have been the things that dominated them. They all went about doing good. At this time, I will recount the lives and achievements of 122 - Early History of Elyria and Her People the children and grandchildren of Heman Ely, Sr., founder of the city. One hundred and eight years ago, the 30th of this month of October 1928, Hon. Heman Ely, Jr., the son was born on the spot now occupied by the building of the Knights of Columbus, on the north side of East Broad street. As stated in a previous chapter, his father built his residence on the same gound, in the year 1818, in which home he, the son, was born. He secured his education in the Elyria High School, and in Farmington, Connecticut; then entered his father's land office where he received his business training, and me- HON HEMAN ELY  Son of the founder. Built and owned the entire block bounding the park on the north, save the library. Was a man of high character, given to benevolence early History of Elyria and Her People - 123 thodical ways of transacting business, that characterized him throughout life. He kept his books and land transactions with people, so accurately, and copies of the same, that he was able to furnish attorneys, surveyors and abstractors much valuable assistance where people had failed to record their deeds and instruments in after years. In build, he was above the average height and weight. He was always richly and becomingly dressed, was a striking figure as he passed rapidly up the street, with the air of one on whose shoulders rested great responsibilities, that demanded his immediate attention, with no time to spare. He was far from being a commoner, or disposed to get acquainted with the multitude on his daily rounds from his residence to his office and back again. Outside of his office, and in his home, and church, he would have been taken by those who did not know who he was, as a stranger in the town, there for business only. His speaking acquaintance was very limited, but with all of his reserved, distant and uncommunicative ways, he was ever a gentleman, with deep sympathies given to benevolence. His conservativeness was very marked. He was not only of the old school, but adhered tenaciously to the beaten paths. To illustrate this characteristic, in Mr. Ely, the writer recalls having met him one day in the auditor's office, when he asked him this question: '`Mr. Ely where were you born?" He responded, "I was born on the very spot in father's house over which I expect to sleep tonight. When I built my house, I was particular to have my bed room so built, that my bed should stand on the same. I shall be 70 years old my next birthday, the thirtieth of the coming October. I am very solicitous that when I die it shall be on the spot of my birth." He had his wish. When the Knights of Columbus had open house at the dedication of the building, I was one of the number who attended. I there met I-Ion. George H. Ely, his son, and told him of the conversation I had with his father. He verified the same by taking me to the spot, in a bedroom on the first floor, and standing on the same said, "This is certainly the spot of father's birth." Naturally he had prestige, being the son of the founder of the city, a man of wealth, and the owner of the entire block facing the park, on the north save the library building. He was a member of the legislature. While there his block burned. He was telegraphed it was on fire, with no hope 124 - Early of History of Elyria and Her People of saving it. He wired back to commence clearing away the ruins for another building. This was in 1873; the date is in bold letters high upon the present structure. At the age of eighteen, he became a member of the church of his parents, in which he ever took a deep interest, serving on its board, and for ten years was superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a faithful and consistent member, ever ready to make up the deficit, when the collection failed to reach the budget. At thirty-two he joined the Masonic order, of which he was not only a lifelong member thereafter, but a very diligent one, reaching the highest degree. He was as active in his Masonic work as he was in his church life. Whatever he undertook was well done. Many years preceding his death, he began the work of writing the history of the Ely families, reaching back in 1600, in England. The book covers 515 pages. He was twice married. By his first wife he had three children; two died in childhood, the third was the late Honorable George H. Ely, mentioned, who passed the eighty mark, and whose widow is still with us residing on Columbus street with her daughter, Mrs. Todd Moise, in full possession of her faculties, beloved by a host of friends. He spent his business life manufacturing. He and John Topliff ran, for many years, the Tubular Bow Socket factory, of which more will be said later; he was also interested in other factories, and in the National Bank, and was at the head of the Ely Realty Co. He was twice sent to the Ohio Senate. He was a lover of fine horses. Mr. Heman Ely had four children by his second wife, two sons and two daughters. One son, Albert, is a graduate of Yale College and a physician in New York City. The other son, Charles, was for years one of the proprietors of the Grafton Stone Quarry, and engaged in other enterprises in Elyria. He resides in Cleveland. The two daughters are married and now live in the east. CHAPTER XXI ANOTHER son of Heman Ely, the founder of Elyria, was Charles Arthur, horn May 2, 1829, in the old homestead. He was educated in the Elyria High School, and spent three winters in a scientific school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and while Early History of Elyria and Her People - 125 there, took instruction in music, and drawing. He was very much disposed to travel. In 1852, seventy-eight years ago, he made a trip to South America, as purchasing agent for the Goodyear Rubber Company. Two years later, he married the daughter of Judge Foote of Cleveland. Immediately following the marriage, they visited Europe. On their return, he built the residence now at the end of Washington avenue, occupied by their son, William Ely. He stocked his large farm adjoining, with blooded cattle expecting to carry on scientific farming, and stock raising, but through an accident, his health was impaired necessitating its abandonment. Then, he and his wife, to get a view of the Old World, went to China. Then to California, where he remained for many months, seeking health, that did not come, compelling him to return to Elyria. He never regained what he sought but while life was his, he was deeply interested in everything that made for the common weal, and building up of his native town. The education of the young, was his deepest concern, to that end, he spent much time studying the subject of libraries. The result of his labors, ended in giving to Elyria, the Ely Library, including the block in which it is located, that has been recently sold by the Library Trustees, and the purchase price invested in the Dr. Reefy residence, on Second street and the addition now being built to the same, to which the books will soon be removed. He was beloved by all, as was his cultured wife, for their hospitality, multiplied kindnesses and ministrations bestowed on all classes. They opened their ample grounds and adjoining grove reaching the river, to all comers to enjoy. They will live on and on, till time shall be no more, in the library gift. His portrait, in oil, hangs in the room, where it justly should be. Often, I have thought as I visited the same, and saw the young and old poring over books, or taking them away in armfuls, thereby storing up useful knowledge, what a great thing it is, to have so lived, that when the summons comes, we have sown the seed that will bear fruit, years without number, longer than our tenure on the Earth. She did not long survive him. Though they have both been gone in the flesh, for more than forty years, because they built for the future good of humanity, their great souls go marching on. Within that time, tens of thousands of youths, and those of mature years, have climbed the 126 - Early History of Elyria and Her People stairs of the "Ely Library" for the greatest thing attainable, knowledge. The wise man said, ages ago, "Get knowledge, get wisdom, but with all your gettings, get understanding." Daniel Webster never uttered a greater truth than when he proclaimed in one of his masterful addresses these words, "We must educate, or we must perish." Contemplate the multitudes unborn, who will hereafter visit the "Fly Library" 'in its new home, seeking wisdom, till "the heavens shall be gathered together as a scroll, and time shall be no more." Because these parents had the spirit of benevolence their only child, William Ely, the philanthropist educated in Elyria High School and Ohio State University, residing in the old home, in which he was born, is pouring out his means for the youth, and the city in his generous gifts, thousand thirty-five of which he contributed toward the stadium, and each year finds him helping the Community Chest and Red Cross over the top, with a lavish hand. Like his parents, he is an omnivorous reader of the best in literature, and keenly alive to all that is taking place over the Earth, in spite of impaired health. His wife did not long survive her marriage, she left one child, a fine young man, their son, Arthur Ely. The founder, Heman Ely, Sr., had one other child, a son named Albert, born in 1825. He lived to reach more than seventy years, was a bachelor, and like most men who pass into the sear and yellow leaf, without a companion, peculiar. To recount his oddities, and idosyncrasies, would be to write a book. He never followed the beaten paths. He challenged everything, admitted nothing, and demanded proof, on everything. What the world, or Mother Grundy said, or thought, of leis manner of life, never concerned him. He owned about two hundred acres, now covered by the "Eastern Heights" allotment. He also owned all the land between the Old Beebe Tavern, and the street west and bounded on the north by East Broad, and on the south by the river. On this stood his residence. He also owned both of the falls, and most of the land now called "Cascade Park." He was an educated man. Never destroyed a magazine or newspaper, and was a born mechanic. He was a student of optics, as evidenced by an incident on one occasion when he visited the court house. The plumbing in one of the lavatories had become clogged. Several of the county officials had gathered Early History of Elyria and Her People - 127 about, each taking a hand, endeavoring to remove the obstacle when Mr. Fly appeared on the scene. After watching their failures, and listening to their suggestions as to how to overcome the difficulty, and could not, he ventured to say, "If you will bring me say three looking glasses, I think I can remove the hidden trouble.'' They scurried about and produced the desired articles, whereupon he handed two of them to bystanders and taking one himself, directed in what position to hold theirs, soon he had them so arranged that all could see in one of them the hidden obstacle, which he proceeded, by means of a wire, to remove. e owned a large grist water mill, located where the present one stands, but immediately on the edge of the precipitous bank. Finding no profit in running it. he closed it for many years, while the water poured over the darn. The great overshot wheel, rotted in its hearings. It was a large building known about town as the "Old Red Mill," pictures of which may still be seen' in the old prints. EAST FALLS AND OLD RED MILL 128 - Early History of Elyria and Her People One day, there was what was supposed for the moment to be an earthquake, but lo, when the truth was known, the old mill had by its own weight, fallen into the river below the falls, leaving but the stone foundations. A multitude gathered, to view the ruins, and began to speculate and comment as to the reason for the calamity, when Mr. Fly appeared on his crutches, he had carried for some years. Without uttering a word, he began to examine the ruins, from every angle, as one here and there would say, "Too bad Mr. Ely," or "What do you think caused it Mr. Ely?" to all of which inquiries he made no reply. After spending an hour in his investigations, without having uttered a word, he straightened up as they gathered about him, seeing he was probably going to say something, when he made this sage remark, "Complete illustration of the principle of dry rot." He said no more, but picked his way out of the crowd and sent a photographer down to take a picture of the ruins. What a striking example the old mill was of human life, where the individual makes no use of his time, or talents, like the old shut-up unused mill, he will finally go to pieces of his own weight from "dry rot." He challenged everything. He never paid his taxes, save "under protest." He owned land on the east side of Furnace Street, near the West Falls, suitable for raising onions. Martin Braman, a gardener, rented the same to work on shares. A fine crop was grown and harvested. He placed Mr. Ely's share, in a pile by itself, then sent him word to come for his portion. He responded, and seeing two piles, one much larger than the other, asked how the difference came about. Martin said, "The small ones are no good, they are suckers!" "What is a sucker?" "Suckers are pulled off from the onions," he answered. "You say the suckers are no good, Martin. I think I shall take some home and determine that question." Gathering up an armful he went his way. Came back the next day for some more, declaring they were better than real onions. He was collegiately educated, as he graduated from Williams College in 1847. Diogenes, the philosopher, history tells us, was born four hundred and twelve years before Christ. That his food and raiment were as plain, and his courage as uncompromising, as that of John the Baptist. That his habitation was a tub. He walked the streets of Athens for lo, many years, preaching against Early History of Elyria and Her People - 129 people burdening themselves with useless things, trying to keep up with each other. He is best known, in history for having been seen one day, while the sun was shining in all his glory, carrying a lighted lantern. When asked why, he responded, "I am looking for an honest man." Seeing a street urchin drinking out of the palm of his hand from a fountain, he cried aloud, "Fool that I am to have carried this earthen pitcher by a strap around my neck all of these days that I might slake my thirst, to finally learn in my old age, from a child, that it has been a useless burden." He thereupon hurled it to the pavement, breaking it into a hundred pieces. When Alexander the Great took the city, he asked to be taken to the abode of the old philosopher saying, "He is the greatest man in your city." He found him curled up in his tub, taking a sun bath. The great general, who later lamented there were no more worlds to conquer, after gazing at the strange man, said, "I am Alexander the Great, who are you?" "I" he answered, "am Diogenes the Philosopher." "What can 1 do to relieve your seeming discomfort?" asked Alexander. "Stand aside a little, as you are between me and the sun." Who knows but Albert Ely, the student and searcher after truth, had read the life of the old cynic, with whom he had so many things in common? Mr. Ely had rheumatism overtake him in his feet. When asked how he cured himself, replied, "By the application of the principle of counter irritant." "What do you mean by, `counter irritant'?" asked this inquisitive interrogator. He replied, "In the place of stockings, I put sawdust in my shoes." He was very mechanical. He studied into the mechanism of the pipe organ in the old Congregational Church, so thoroughly that when it refused to respond, he was able to not only detect the difficulty, but remedy the defect. He rarely ever spoke unless spoken to. No person could engage him in conversation, on the questions of the day, or historical events that he did not impart information relative to the subject, that showed him well informed concerning the same. He said naught against anybody, and was lenient toward all, to such an extent, that those disposed to take advantage of his kindnesses often wronged him, knowing he would not take them to task. He suffered wrong rather than to do wrong, obeying the Divine injunction. He was a philosopher, indeed, 130 - Early History of Elyria and Her People willing to sacrifice dollars, without regret, to prove his proposition. If he was brought into litigation in court, he would resolve every doubt while on the stand, in favor of the other party, for fear he might wrong him. If ever a being was born and raised in Elyria, starting with her early history, spending his life here, who attended strictly to his own business, and molested none, following his own ideas of life, allowing others to do likewise, it was Albert Ely. That he was a character, all who knew will agree. That he was strikingly unlike any other citizen of the town, none will deny, but whether his philosophy was right, or wrong, he had the courage to live it, which stands to his credit. There was born on the 4th day of March, 1829, more than ninety years ago, in Maxey, England, a poor lad destined because of his courage, to have privation, and live a life of honor, come what might, and to leave an impress on his day and generation for good, through himself, and family, that has had much to do in building up Elyria, socially, morally, religiously, and industrially. His name was George Garford. Before he turned his back on his native country, he married an English lassie, Hannah Lovett, beautiful in character, form and feature, possessed of that patience, and characteristics that have made the best families of America possible. The nuptials took place according to the English ceremony, July 31, 1850. The following year their son George H. was born. A few months later the question arose with this ambitious couple, as to whether they had better live their lives in the mother country, or encounter the deep, casting their lot in far-away America. Because of the lack of means only one could come, and that with empty pocket when the new world was reached. Bidding good-bye to wife, mother and babe, at twenty-three, George Garford shipped in a sailing vessel, seventy-six years ago. The little craft was driven out of its course, by tempestuous seas, so far, that it was nine weeks before Castle Garden was reached. Provisions had given out, and hunger overtook those on shipboard. With but two cents in his pocket, a stranger in a strange land, he strolled up the streets of New York, feeling the pangs of hunger, and parted with his all for a tomato. Fortunately lie secured employment, by which he earned the wherewith to pay his way to Cleveland, where he secured work in the gardens of an Englishman. A little later Early History of Elyria and Her People - 131 he turned his face westward for Elyria. There was then no railroad entering here, so he took the now "Big Four" for Grafton, and rode in a stage coach to Elyria, driven by Frank Flower, the father of Mrs. Elsie Hague and our fellow townsman Charles Flower. Here, by the closest economy, he saved money enough in a year to bring over his family. The mother and child were seven weeks making the journey. Their first home was a small dwelling on the spot now occupied by St. Paul's Evangelical Church. Their next habitation was a log house with a few acres they purchased at the top of the "Gulf Hills." His tastes and delight were in landscape gardening, cultivating flowers and planting trees. For years he spent his time largely on the places of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Arthur Ely, mentioned above, and those now owned by Mrs. William G. Sharp, and Charles Fell on Washington Avenue. Under his hand they became the show places of the county. He took great and commendable pride in his work. Later he purchased farm land of Mr. Fly, being part of the present Ely farm, on which he erected a pleasant and comfortable home, in which to raise his growing family. He surrounded it by well-kept hedges, and had a great lawn. Here lie turned his attention to the breeding of blooded sheep and cattle, in which he attained marked success, as he nearly always secured first premiums at the county and state fairs. He led an exemplary life. Later he purchased a large farm in Ashtabula County. He and his good wife raised a family of eight children. After selling his farm to William Ely he purchased a lot, built a house on Harrison Avenue and retired, in 1884, at seventy-five. All of the eight children grew to manhood and womanhood and married. They were educated in the Elyria public schools and colleges. His Ashtabula farm was placed in charge of his eldest and youngest sons, George H. and Charles Garford, The five daughters followed the avocation of teaching, and all in turn taught in the Elyria "Ridge School." One is the wife of Samuel Rockwood, one of Seward Henson, and one of George Worthington. The third son, Arthur L. Garford, began his business life as a banker, but in early life entered the field of manufacturing, in which business he has been the leader for lo these many years. In 1900, the pioneer parents celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary, at which the eight children, and their companions, 132 - Early History of Elyria and Her People and the grandchildren were all present. He reached the age of eighty-two, and she eighty-four. Their journey together over the long trail, from "Old England" across the mighty deep, by way of the log hut and through storm and sunshine to the pleasant home in which they reached the end, in spite of early poverty and multiplied privations, was a happy one, ending in the raising of a true American family, with no domestic infelicities among the children or grandchildren. Their pulseless forms lie buried in the nearby cemetery, awaiting the resurrection, in the faith of which they lived, wrought and passed away. CHAPTER XXII ON THE fourth day of October, 1836, ninety-two years ago, there was born in the then woods of Carlisle Township, in a small frame dwelling, located on the diagonal road, leading southwesterly from the town hall and school house now standing at the center, a boy, destined to become one of the leading business men, and outstanding characters of Lorain County, not only in developing her resources, founding her banks, building up her marts of trade, but also one of the leaders in all the battles for temperance and good citizenship. His name was William A. Braman, highly esteemed for forty years, throughout the county, and for twenty years previous to his death one of the recognized able men of the state. His grandparents, Otis Braman and wife, with a family of ten children, came from Genesee County, New York, in the year 1822, one hundred and six years ago, and settled in Avon, then a dense wilderness, where they remained ten years, when they removed to Carlisle Township on the road mentioned. Their son Alison Braman, father of the subject of this sketch, was then twenty-one. On this road, Mr. Braman's grandfather purchased of Heman Fly, the founder of Elyria, for three dollars an acre, one hundred and sixty acres of land, covered with an unbroken forest. A log hut, such as the first pioneers erected, was soon up to house the large family. Two years later another family moved into the township, not far distant, by the name of Vincent, whose daughter was the mother of Mr. Braman, and whose son became one of the able attorneys in Lorain County, Early History off Elyria and Her People - 133 and his son was for many years one of the professors in Johns Hopkins University. When the grandfather of William A. Braman became a citizen of Carlisle, there were Indians roaming in the forests, who ever and anon called at the Braman hut for something to eat. The pioneer mistress of the house said theyHON HON. WILLIAM A. RAMANN Author, Editor, and Legislator. Born in 1836 in Carlisle. Was engaged in more enterprises than any ratan in the city.His untimely decease was a calamity to the county were a hungry lot. Out of her great heart, she never turned them away empty handed. The first year in the Carlisle Woods she saw but one white woman. The log house had two windows, with oiled paper in place of glass. In one end was a great gaping fireplace, large enough to .take in a log six feet in length, The 10 134 - Early History of Elyria and Her People floor was made of logs hewn on three sides, laid side by side on Mother Earth, then called a "puncheon floor." Long shaved shingles covered the roof, from which the rain ran into a great rain trough at the hack, scooped out of a log, with a capacity of many barrels. A gourd dipper was used for drinking, and as one of the articles for carrying on the domestic affairs of the household. A yoke of oxen was the team, not only to clear the land, and cultivate the soil, but in making trips to town and the church, in short for some years the faithful animals were the only means of transportation at the Braman home, hitched either to a great two-wheeled lumbering cart, or to a cumbersome wagon. In the winter, when snow permitted, a home-made sled was used to get about. Before the stumps in the pioneer roads had rotted out, ruts awaited the traveler, twelve months in the year, as he made his tortuous way among them. To plow, scrape and improve the highways while the roots remained, was out of the question. For some time after Mr. Ely founded Elyria, in 1817, there were no roads, save paths, between Elyria and Grafton. He purchased a two-horse wagon from a gentleman in that township who, because of the lack of a highway, made a raft on which he placed the vehicle and when the water was high enough to warrant navigation, he brought it down Black River to the Founder. Let this generation contemplate the lives of those to whom we owe all, as we now move with lightning speed in palaces of our own, every mile a joy ride, over the paved highways, cut by urr forefathers by the use of the ax and main strength, over which they wended their way, in awkward carts drawn by oxen that are today a curiosity. It took weeks to hear from the home folks in the East, when postage was fourteen cents, and it required careful saving perchance for weeks to mail a letter. Hon. William A. Braman was a pioneer boy, who saw and endured the privations of the first settlers. His schooling, until he was grown to manhood, was in a log building, put up by the settlers in Carlisle, contributing their labor. Fortunately Mr. Ely generously furnished a stove for the structure. The building was about twenty-two feet square. The floor of unplaned boards. The seats of slabs sawed from logs in a log water-power mill, with legs driven into holes made by an auger. The front benches were made low, to accommodate the young children, and the Early History of Elyria and Her People - 135 taller ones, for the larger scholars, who sat next to the sides of the room. The seats had no backs. The teacher was furnished an old-fashioned, splint-bottomed chair. In the same township there is today a great brick structure, just completed, called a "Centralized School," equipped with every modern convenience conducive to the comfort of the young that can be found in any city school. The temperature of the rooms, the circulation of fresh air, and regulation of the light from the windows by day, and from electricty by night, are carefully looked after by an attendant. Easy seats, and every facility in books and charts to enlighten the mind, are not regarded too good or expensive for the children. Here is found the gymnasium with all paraphernalia deemed necessary to satisfy the mndss. Surely, if great costly buildings and expensive equipment, spare time and machines in getting about, with books galore, are calculated to develop the mind to a higher degree than the primitive barren outfit and surroundings of the pioneer's children, then we should be producing strong men and women. There was a great drought. in 1840, when no rain fell in this part of the country from April till October. Because of it cows sold that fall from three to five dollars per head. Mr.Braman'ss father rode three days during the drought, endeavoring to raise the sum of thirty-five dollars, but failed, though he owned a farm in Carlisle of one hundred acres, free of debt, and had good credit. The ready money had gone out of the surrounding country for provisions from afar. As a young man he was very ambitious to acquire an education, butreverses came to his father by selling his farm and investing the proceeds in the nursery business, just south of Elyria. A few days before he was twenty-one, he left home with only the clothing on his back save a couple of shirts, and a pair of overalls tucked in an old satchel and a dollar and seventy-five cents in his pocket. He turned his footsteps toward his uncle in Carlisle, a farmer, for whom he went to work in the hay field, at a dollar a day and his board. From this good uncle he learned a philosophy by which his life was ever after guided. "Whatever you do, do well." The following winter he attended the district school, and worked for his board. In the spring he returned home, and did likewise, and attended the Elyria High School. In October he secured a certificate to teach, and taught in the Kellner 136 - Early History of Elyria and Her People district in LaGrange, for twenty dollars per month for three months and "boarded round." He taught the following winter in the same district. He was now twenty-four. From this date, till his marriage to a Miss Sophia Patterson of Carlisle, in 1865, when twenty-nine, he had been largely engaged in buying and selling sheep and cattle, running farms, and making cheese and butter, in all of which he prospered. The noted butter and cheese firm of Horr Warner & Co., of Wellington, had just begun to assume large proportions. His successes attracted the firm's attention, resulting in an invitation to become one of the number. Responsibilities now multiplied rapidly. From this date till his earthly career closed, no man in the county had ever been engaged in more and divers enterprises of large business concerns, or chosen by the people to lead the way in reform movements, than the Carlisle boy, born in a hut. The Horr Warner & Co. became the strongest of its character in Ohio, and at one time Wellington was the greatest cheese and butter emporium in America. In that period it owned nine cheese factories, and bought and sold the product of fifteen others. In 1874 he organized the "Braman Land Co." that purchased thirty-two thousand dollars worth of land to allot, one-half of which was sold the first year at thirty-one thousand dollars. He had already been county commissioner. In the year 1876 he was nominated without opposition and elected county treasurer, a position he held two terms. In the year 1873 he, wish the following named outstanding business men of the county, organized the Savings Deposit Bank Co., of which his son C. M. Braman is now president, to wit: T. L. Nelson, J. C. Hill, Judge W. W. Boynton, Judge J. C. Hale, Lorenzo Clark, John Hart, Jerome Manville, C. W. Horr, S. K. Laundon, and himself. Mr. Nelson was chosen president, J. C. Hill cashier, and the remaining organizers named were elected on the board of directors. The bank prospered from the beginning, such was the confidence reposed in the personnel of these men. At one of the board meetings, the question was asked, how many used the weed or intoxicants. The roll was called and each responded that he did not. There were thirteen of these men, every one a pioneer boy, enured in youth to the hardships incident to the struggles of their forefathers, in the several states in which they were born, who Early History of Elyria and Her People - 137 had so demeaned themselves, by living within their means, adhering to right habits, reading good books, thinking right thoughts, and bringing indefatigable industry to bear, that their very names spelt success in the minds of the people. I knew them all. They have gone the way of all flesh, but while we no longer see them among us, the great influence wielded in giving credit to the bank they founded, and confidence in them, carried the institution through the sorest panic this country ever experienced, that commenced in 1874 following its organization. Let the young men of today read the foregoing, who are commencing life disposed to bad habits, and desire to live beyond their means, for as sure as we are here, just so sure will each and everyone of us reap just what he sows. The one who spake as man never spoke, nearly nineteen centuries ago, asked, "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" Mr. Braman was one of the directors of the Lorain County Agricultural Society, for years taking a deep interest in its success. In 1881 his firm of "Horr Warner & Co." purchased an interest in what was then known as the Russell H. Penfield Estate at Lorain. While Mr. Penfield resided in Elyria in a brick house standing on the ground now occupied by the Young Men's Christian Association, his main business was in operating his large farm of five hundred and thirty acres located in Black River Township. Now entirely covered by residences and city blocks, all within the corporate limits. At the time the "Horr Warner & Co." firm assumed control, there was no steel plant, no Thew Shovel Works, or factories of any description, all the hundreds of acres now covered by the plants south of the Nickel Plate were underbrush or in meadow and pasture. "Brass works" were being erected on the east side of Broadway, across from the present hospital and a little north. The erection of this building came about in this way, a gentleman by the name of Joel Haydon, from the East, had been brought to Lorain by an Elyria citizen by the name of Gilbert Hogan, with the view of having him, with his associates, make a contract with Mr. Penfield, by which Mr. Penfield would erect the factory building, and deed to Haydon and his associates a certain number of acres of the large farm, abutting the proposed brass works, on condition that they would erect and run for a period of years a brass foundry. The contract was entered into. It provided, 138 - Early History of Elyria and Her People among other things, that the structure was to be built according to plans and specifications to be furnished byHaydonn and his associates. The brass works were expected to greatly enhance the value of the remaining five hundred and thirty acres that would still be owned by Penfield. Mr. Penfield borrowed fifty thousand dollars by mortgage on his land, and with it proceeded to erect the building according to plans he had never seen, when they turned out to be far more elaborate than he anticipated, so that his money gave out when the bare walls were up and he could borrow no more. In his extremity he asked '`Hoer Warner & Co." to cone to his rescue, which they did, and relieved him of the burden. Mr. Braman was appointed trustee of the land, with power to allot and sell, in behalf of "Horn Warner & Co." and Mr. Penfield. As such trustee, he went forward and completed the building at an additional expense to his company of twenty-five thousand dollars. The works commenced operations, manufacturing goods, and continued for many years until the Steel Plant came, when it ceased and was torn down. The burdens Mr. Braman carried for years in endeavoring to sell the lands and pay up the debts as trustee, were such as would have crushed any but a strong character. He never surrendered, but fought the battle through panics and depressions in business, till the city commenced to grow. While carrying this burden, in 1882, he organized the First National Bank of Lorain, and was elected its president. He was also for many years a very active member of the Board of Education of Elyria. In 1887 he was elected representative to the Ohio Legislature for two terms, where he gained a statewide reputation for integrity and valuable service. He was ever a staunch temperance advocate, and one of the organizers of the first Anti-Saloon League. When the temperance forces of the county felt that the leading paper at the county seat, was not standing right on local option legislation, he with a few others, purchased it and was made editor, then the circulation began to increase under his able management and editorials. Later he organized the bank that has since grown into the Elyria Savings and Trust Co., with its new monumental office and bank building, and was elected its first president. Not many years before his decease he toured Europe, and wrote one of the most interesting books of his travels, entitled "Glimpses of Early History of Elyria and Her People - 139 Europe." He has beengreatlyu missed for for these many years. In build and personal appearance, he was one of the most striking figures among men. Six feet and four inches in height, with a refined bearing. Wherever he appeared, the stranger was at once interested to know who the distinguished individual might be. His noble wife, to whom he owed so much for his great success, still survives and is with us in possession of her faculties, beloved by a multitude of friends who know her worth. They had three children, two sons, and a daughter Louise, who recently passed away. She was one of the finest characters in the city. The eldest son has gone the way of the earth, leaving a widow and family. The other is Charles M. Braman, one of our strong and best citizens, gifted with his pen, ever active in every good movement, and as president of the Elyria Savings Bank has built it up to stand among the best in the state. He has a son, a graduate of Oberlin College, a credit to his ancestors. Mrs. C. M. Braman was a daughter of one of our former mayors, Thomas Folger. Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Braman also have a daughter, the wife of Heman Ely who is the great, great, grandson of the founder of Elyria, and they have a daughter who is the great, great, great, grandchild of the Founder. It is a calamity to lose such a character as Hon. Wm. A. Braman, but like the giant oak, a blast finally came that laid him low. He passed away at his residence on the spot now occupied by the Presbyterian Church. His influence for good will never die. CHAPTER XXIII NEARLY all of the outstanding characters of the former generation who have run their race on the "Western Reserve," and been gathered to their fathers, were born in log huts. One of the number was Parks Foster, who, for undaunted zeal and determination in his undertakings, stood alone, in his day, among the native sons of Lorain County. His accomplishments for forty years, made his name one with which to conjure in the industrial world. He was born of pioneer parents on the 4th day of September, 1832, ninety-six years ago, among the stumps of Amherst Township. His people were Vermonters, who landed there in 1817, the year Elyria 140 - Early History of Elyria and Her People was founded. His education was secured in a log school house, under the tutorage of teachers who were poorly fitted to impart knowledge. At the age of twenty-three he married Mary L. Robertson of the township. Until he was thirty-six he was a tiller of the soil. Asa boy, he was disposed to save his earnings, anticipating owning a large farm in later years. By the time he was fifteen he had, by dint of the closest economy, saved up the sum of thirty dollars, every penny of which cost him hard labor. No prouder lad, because of the fact, lived in the township. Knowing there was a hank in Elyria, the only one in the county, and fearing thieves might rob him of his savings, he walked barefooted through the dust to the county seat, with his treasure tucked away in his tow pants, thinking how pleased the banker would be to handle his money. With commendable pride he entered the financial institution, his first visit to any bank, and told the cashier who seemed to be the only person about, that he wanted to deposit thirty dollars for safe keeping. The financier, to his sore disappointment, after looking him over, from his bare feet to the "bumblebee" hat on his head, and noticing he had but one suspender as a safe guard against being arrested for indecent exposure of person if a button gave away, said: "Bub, I don't know whether we want to fuss with so small amount as thirty dollars. You come in at one o'clock, after I have seen the president, and I will let you know." His preconceived notions of bankers and banking took a tumble on receiving such an answer. The barefooted Amherst lad went to the street, chagrined, filled with righteous indignation, wondering whether it was because of his dress and bare feet, and a country boy that he refused him. He knew that banks then paid no interest on deposits. His first impulse was to head toward Amherst, but on regaining his composure, he resolved to remain and try again. Promptly on time he made his way to the hank, to him a thing of mystery, where he had supposed they were glad to take all money offered. The stern eyes of the cashier once more surveyed the long, lean, tow-headed, red-faced lad, and said we have concluded, Bub, your amount is too small for us to bother with." The blood of outraged boyhood crept to his Early History of Elyria and Her People - 141 face, as he turned and hurried out of the institution, facing toward home. It seemed to him that every person he met knew how he had been treated. Before he reached the half-way house, he stopped in the highway and cried out, when no one was in sight, "You won't take my money—well, sir, one of these days I shall go to Elyria and buy out your old bank or start one of my own, that will take any boy's money." That he made good his resolution. After his Elyria disappointment, during the years he was conducting a farm, till the age of thirty-six, he was building castles in the air. For several winters in that period, he ventured purchasing tracts of timber and converting them into lumber employing men, feeling his way into the industrial world. At thirty-six, he ventured to open a stone quarry in the township. He pushed his undertakings with such skill, as to make it profitable from the start. He sold out at the end of two years at a handsome profit, and moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, on account of the health of Mrs. Foster. The Civil War had been over five years, and the little city on the Tennessee River, around which some of the bloodiest battles had been fought, gave promise of rapid growth. Catching the spirit of the boom he ventured all for seven years, while a citizen of the city. In that period he helped organize and build the first street railway system, and was elected its president, and mainly directed the same. He was elected one of the directors of the First National Bank, and helped organize and was assistant superintendent of the "Roane Iron Company Mills,`.' then the largest rolling mill in the south. He was one of the organizers of the "Wasso Car Works" in the city, and assisted in the erection of a large flour mill. He planted the largest peach orchard in that part of the state. It was located on "Missionary Ridge" the battle ground. He purchased a tract of real estate in the city which he developed, and sold later at a large profit. One of the last things he accomplished while there, was to take, with a partner, a United States contract to do excavating of rock and shale at the now noted "Muscle Shoals," in opening up a canal around them in the Tennessee River for boats. They employed a large number of men for a year. The work was satisfactory to the government, 142 - Early History of Elyria and Her People and out of it they made a handsome profit. The location of Muscle Shoals is a long distance from Chattanooga, then in a wild, uninhabited country, with no means of reaching the same from the city or otherwise, save by navigating the river. The stream flows through the city to Muscle Shoals. To work out the contract it was necessary for Foster and his partner to build an immense raft of logs and planks, with ample room to carry a gang of men and provisions for the year, and float down the winding stream. This took many days. The waters made their way among rocks. It required skill and a guide trained for the work. They secured at the city, a pilot. Finally all was ready, barrels of pork, beans and flour, and a complete culinary outfit were loaded onto the craft, including wheelbarrows galore, picks, shovels, tents, bedding, in short everything necessary to remain, live, and carry on the work, for at least a year. All the help for manual labor and cooking and housekeeping were colored people. The final word was given by the pilot at the Chattanooga wharf, "All ready, and all aboard; untie the hawsers and let her go." The current soon had the great raft under way. To steer the same a long small tree about fifty feet in length was used as a rudder, manned by about ten men, who, with a like number, worked in relays. The pilot took his position at the front, where he could determine which way those at the helm should move the great rudder. As he motioned with his hand, to the right or left, they responded. After several days ff navigation, in all of which time no dangerous rapids had been encountered, the pilot ordered the craft tied up to the bank for the night, as usual when too dark to see clearly. At this point they had reached what were known as the most dangerous rapids to sail over. The pilot had been down the stream many times and knew the dangers of the situation. They were now far from any inhabitants, in the wild of hills and woods. Foster had never before seen the country. To stretch themselves, and have a change, all went ashore for the night. When morning came the pilot was no where to be found. He had lost his nerve and fled. He was called time and again, but nothing responded save the mocking echo among the hills of their voices. To retrace their steps and go up stream was of course impossible. To go forward without a pilot seemed like sure destruction, Early History of Elyria and Her People - 143 not only of the cargo, but perhaps life as well. The noon hour came, but no pilot appeared. They ate their frugal meal on board, in silence, with serious countenances. Two o'clock came, but the missing man did not appear. Since morning Parks Foster, the master mind of the group, after he found the pilot was missing, had been doing a lot of thinking, preparing for the worst. He reasoned, if all went to the bottom, and perhaps watery graves for all, thousands would go with them. During the days they had been on the way he had spent much time with his pilot, watching the stream, and listening to his remarks as he recounted the incidents of the many trips he had made in piloting rafts down the river. Now and then he would remark, "I never had such a large raft as this. If we can make the bad rapids, we shall he all right. I think we can." The time had come for action. The Amherst boy had now reached a situation in which the entire responsibility was wholly his. Stretching himself to his full height of six feet and two inches, he cried out in his penetrating Yankee voice, "Every one to his post. Let every man go to the rudder whose turn has come. Unloose the hawsers!" Several asked, "Where is the pilot?" "Pilot," cried Foster, "I am the pilot, do what I have commanded you," as lie took his place at the front. Not far ahead the rapids were plainly visible, as the rushing water struck the ugly projecting rocks on either bank, only to be broken, filling the air with spray. For a moment many were disposed to mutiny, as the orders were given but Parks Foster was born to command. With flashing eyes he said, "Do what I tell you, and do it quick. When I move my hand to the right, or left, you fellows on the pole, never forsake your post, we are going to shoot the rapids, and dig the ditch." The great floating habitation swung out into the stream, and soon was caught in the swift current of the rushing waters and hurled into the seething cauldron, apparently headed for the rocks. Several times it looked as though destruction awaited them, as the great raft seemed like a living monster to defy pilot and men at the helm, as now and then it came within a few feet of dashing itself against the jutting rocks, first on one side, and then on the other. The pilot never lost his nerve or composure. He inspired such confidence in those under his command, that 144 - Early History of Elyria and Her People riot a man wavered in his duty, and soon they found themselves in placid waters, with all on board. That night when they tied up for rest, each one in turn told his sensations as they were caught in the relentless stream. To the new pilot all honor was ascribed. He replied: "There is honor enough for all." Only Parks Foster, the dauntless soul, a stranger to feat-, who did not believe in red tape or to follow beaten paths, would have chanced such an undertaking. About this time, the panic that began in 1873, had struck the boom city, resulting in great and sore depression in real estate in that locality where lie had largely invested his means. Believing that the wise thing to do, for the time being, was to come North to live, and let time bring back better values to his holdings, he moved his family to Elyria, and rented one of the old land-mark dwellings then standing-, immediately east of the Baptist Church. He had erected a fine house in Chattanooga in which the family resided for some time before turning their faces toward Elyria. In LaGrange Township was a stone quarry, opened up and run by the Kellners, that was for sale. He had not been in Elyria long till lie purchased an interest in connection with the Clough Brothers, stone quarry men. Winter and summer, he was on the job. Every morning, storm or sunshine, he could be seen by the few early risers residing on Middle Avenue, in his open buggy, with his dinner pail in behind, urging his faithful "Old Dobin" toward LaGrange. In the rough days of winter he wore a long comforter wound many times about his neck. When he took an interest in the business there was no railroad track connecting the quarry with the "Lake Shore" R. R. at Oberlin, four miles distant. He insisted that this must be done to succeed, and it was soon built. At this quarry he was the whole force, president, board of directors, secretary and treasurer, as well as superintendent. He spent his time down in the great hole with his men, giving directions, from morning till night, and when necessary lending a hand. The Cleveland Stone Company had been formed several years, and owned so many quarries its officials seemed to think they had a monopoly not only on the business but the prices as well. By getting rid of overhead expense as he did, he and his partners were able to under-sell the great corporation at a good profit. When he began operations with the Cloughs he was told by those interested in the Early History of Elyria and Her People - 145 company, that he would meet his waterloo, but they had not figured on the ways of the Western Reserve Yankee, who learned early that success depends largely on practicing rigid economy, and never quitting. After a seven years' battle, the Stone Company, finding that the prices of the new company were making them any amount of trouble, concluded the only way out was to buy this quarry which it did, bringing them a profit of many thousands. He then took the lead in the conduct of other quarries of his company in another locality, and his management proved a source of great benefit to all concerned. Out of the multiplied dollars that came to their- coffers, they built for themselves the Clough and Foster mansions on Grace Court, still standing, one of stone, and the other brick, both of which remained the homes of the Cloughs and Fosters while the men lived. Several years later in a joking way, one day he said to Mrs. Foster, of whom he was ever justly proud, noticing she was getting somewhat portly, "Mother, how much do you weigh?" She replied, "Now, Parks, that is really none of your business." "W~11, well, is that the way you feel about it." He said no more, and began to study some means by which to find out, without creating too much family friction. Within a day or two, the solution came to his mind. He recalled there was a set of hay scales up town on the street. He visited the owner and let him into the secret. He said to the proprietor, "Mother won't tell me how much she weighs. Now I want you to help me find out. I will invite her to go with me to Amherst to see my mother. We will drive there in a one-seated buggy today. You he at the scales at one-thirty, and have them balanced. I will drive onto them on the way to Amherst. I will say when I get near the scales, `How much is hay worth now, and I will turn off the street onto the scales, while talking to you, and will stop just long enough so you will know how much mother, the buggy, and myself weigh, then after I come back and let Mother out at home, I will drive onto them again, without her and the subtraction will give her weight." It worked, a complete success. On his return home he handed her the figures, with the remark: "There is your exact weight, Mother, if you had told me, it would not have been necessary to use hay scales to find out." 146 - Early History of Elyria and Her People CHAPTER XXIV IT WILL be recalled, that in a previous chapter an account was given of the resolution Parks Foster made when a lad, on his way back to Amherst his home, after the Elyria Bank had refused to accept for safe keeping his thirty dollars he had saved, because it was too small an amount as the cashier said, to "bother with," telling how he stopped on the highway and cried out to himself, "I will go to Elyria some day, and buy out your old bank, or start one of my own, that will take a boy's money." The time had now come to fulfill that resolve. In the year 1895 he got a group of men together and organized the Lorain County Banking Company, which later absorbed the National Bank, the very institution that refused to take his thirty dollars when a barefooted boy. He was elected its president. After successfully conducting the stone business for some years, he sold out to his partners, the Clough Brothers, and took a trip to Europe with a friend. Nearly all the old kingdoms were visited, and among them England. While going about the City of London, with his companion, they came across the statue of General Wellington who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. The guide went on to recount the deeds of valor of the great soldier, winding up with the bold claim that "he was the greatest soldier the world ever produced." This was more than Parks, the true American, could stand. He thereupon said to the devoted Englishman, "You are wrong, sir, General Grant in my country, could have whipped him in ten minutes." On his return to America, he invested extensively in two of the great lakes transportation companies, that shipped coal to the western ports and brought back wheat and ore. One was the "Escanaba & Lake Michigan Transportation Co." and the other, the “Owen Line." One of the vessels, a handsome craft, was named after him, The Parks Foster." In 1888 he was appointed one of 'the trustees of the State Insane Asylum at Toledo by Governor Foraker, and later by Governor McKinley. He became interested in a cattle ranch in Colorado, and also in Ohio coal mines. For a time, he was one of the stockholders and directors of the Elyria Savings Deposit Bank. He purchased two large farms adjoining Toledo and had investments in city real estate Early History of Elyria and Her People - 147 there, out of which he made large profits. He also was interested in timber lands in various places;, In 1.891 he took a fifty thousand dollar contract to lay pis in the City of Toledo. While in the conduct of this work, vas taken very sick and brought home to suffer on a sick bed for five months. His physician advised an operation. A noted surgeon was called from Cleveland, who agreed with the local doctor, that his diagnosis was right. An anesthetic was administered and incision made, revealing a condition that was regarded by the physicians as hopeless. The opening was closed. When he came out from under the effects of the opiate, Mrs. Foster was at his side. He said, "Mother, how did they find things?" She said, "Oh, Parks, they say you can't live." "I can't live," he responded, "they are mistaken, I will show them. Mother, you leave the room and tell the nurse to come in." She left weeping and called her. As she entered he said, ''Anna, Mother says the doctors say, I can't live. I know they are wrong, will you stay by me? If you will, we will show them they do not know what they are talking about." She assured him she would. The battle lasted for weeks, but he won, and lived to accomplish before the summons came, things others said were impossible. The day arrived when he told the man who looked after his place and horses, to drive him up town. He was then but a shadow of his former self. As he met his friends while riding down Broad Street, he would greet them with the salutation, "I beat the doctors this time. Knew I should, my work is not done." So soon as he felt his health would permit he made a trip to Toledo to look after his real estate interests. He put up at the Boody House. While there two young men called on him, with whom he was somewhat acquainted, and asked him to read over a short contract they had with the Toledo Street Car Co., by which, if they built a suburban line from Perrysburg on the Maumee River to the city lines within a stated time they could run their cars over the city tracks by giving the company a certain percentage of the fares. They told him the big thing was the right to pass over the city tracks on the agreed division. Said they had been trying for weeks to get some Toledo men to furnish the money to build the line but failed. They had but ninety days to spare to hold the city company. He told the fellows he was not physically able 148 - Early History of Elyria and Her People to undertake any new enterprises, and tried to put them off, but they succeeded in getting him to read it over. The more he studied it and the future prospects, the more he became interested. The outcome was, he sent for railroad graders and track layers, to see whether a track could be laid and bridges built within the time limit. All said it could not be done. He replied, "I know it can, and if you fellows are willing to make contracts agreeing that you will get nothing for your work or material, unless you have your parts done on time so the cars can be running, then we will go ahead." He offered such a money inducement that they agreed. Not a rod of the right of way had been secured through the country at the time. Parks started out on that mission when there was but one suburban road in Ohio, the one from Berea to Cleveland. Times were hard and the farmers along the way needed money. He went into their homes and talked with the women folks and held the babies when necessary, inducing the people to give the right of way. He secured it all without a law suit, and set the farmers teams at work grading. He purchased the rails in Chicago. Had them all loaded on cars for shipment, when Eugene Debs, as head of the railroad unions, called a strike all over the country. When he was asked on reading the startling news in a morning paper what he was going to do, he replied, without a moment's hesitation, "I am going to see Debs," and to Debs he went. Securing an interview, told the facts and the great loss awaiting him if he did not premit the cars to go to Toledo. Debs bluntly refused, but he soon found that he had met a man who had a way of putting a proposition he could not in justice, wholly ignore. The interview resulted in Debs allowing the cars to be run to the lake docks where they were unloaded and the rails placed on scows to be drawn by a tug to:. Toledo and thence up the Maumee River for distribution, as the track followed the river from Perrysburg to the city. The trip was successful, as no storms were encountered, and the scows were moored in the evening of their arrival, fastened together at a point on the river where the road began, expecting the next morning to have them unloaded and hauled to their places. When morning came, no scows were to be seen. They had all gone with the rails to the bottom of the river. "Now, what will you do, Mr. Foster," asked the pessimistic workmen. Early History of Elyria and Her People - 149 "Do," said Parks, "only one thing to do, send for farmers and a couple of divers, bring plenty of strong rope. oo not let the grass grow under your feet in ettinng what I have asked." Parks was in command. He ordered hee divers to go to the bottom and fasten the ropes on the ends of the rails, taking two at a time. Two two-horse teams were hitched to each load, and then the sunken rails began to appear on the bank. Other teams were ready to distribute them. The track was laid, the first car ran with two days to spare, under the contract. The venture proved a profitable one. He next turned his atten- FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BUILDING Years later Mrs. Lilly founded the Old Ladies' Home in it, out of which grew thepresentt "Home for the Aged'' lion to building an electric line over the very road he traveled when, as a barefooted Amherst boy, he walked to Elyria to deposit his thirty dollars. It was the Green Line that ran to Amherst from Elyria, and to Lorain. He was the prime mover and promoter. About this time there was located on Second Street, in a rambling old building constructed in its day by the Presbyterians for their church, an "Old Ladies' Home," founded and conducted by one of the noblest among women, 11