HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 255

GRAFTON.

PREFATORY NOTE.

That portion of the following history that relates to the settlement of the township, is from the able pen of Mrs. Harriet L Nesbett. It is not only an interesting narrative, but it is full and authentic.

THIS TOWNSHIP, which is described as number four in the sixteenth range, is bounded as follows : on the north by Eaton township ; south by Litchfield township, Medina county ; east by Liverpool township, same county ; and west by LaGrange township, this county. The surface is gently undulating for the most part, the southern portion only being broken, and that simply along the streams. The soil is principally clay. As an agricultural township Grafton is about on an average with those surrounding it, and its soil about equally devoted to agricultural and dairy products. The streams are quite numerous, the largest of them being the west branch of the Black river, flowing along the western line, a portion of the way in this, and the remainder in LaGrange township. The other streams are tributary, and are Center creek, flowing as the name implies, through the central part of the township ; Sibley creek, in the southern, and Swamp creek in the northern portion. These are those that are worthy of mention, though there are numerous small creeks and spring stre Ails in the township.

SETTLEMENT.

In September, 1816, Major William Ingersoll and family, left Lee, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, to commence the first settlement in township number seven, sixteenth range, New Connecticut Western Reserve. A brief account of the moving train will be given, showing the great improvements in ways and means of traveling, which have evidently, kept pace with other advancements. Taverns in those days usually provided movers with room to prepare food, or spread beds when needed. A daily enquiry is plainly remembered, as follows : "Can we have accommodations for the night for thirteen persons, one span of horses, four yoke of oxen and three cows ? " Fruit and vegetables were abundant, so with what chests, baskets and bags afforded, a good meal was not expensive, though it often cost the mother tears, who was reluctantly taking her children from homes of comfort, and privileges most dear, the loss of which is still felt by sensitive hearts. But " westward" is the motto, and while weather is fine and roads good we press forward.

The North river, at Albany, was crossed in a ferry boat, the first craft of the kind ever seen, (except a canoe). Near the middle of the State of New York we find friends that had lived "westward" a number of years. This was a happy meeting on account of the great distance that had separated us a few years only. This year the State prison at Auburn was being built. A mother's earnest admonition is remembered, showing the importance of right doing to avoid incarceration within such massive walls. The village of Syracuse was scarcely seen. Buffalo is just rising from its bed of ashes, made in 1814. The first sight of Lake Erie is calm and still; not a sail to be seen; no steamboat's keel had parted its waters; no whistle as signal, to break the awful stillness.

We next come to Ashtabula, the first county in Ohio, which was an oasis to weary, home-sick trav- elers. Here friends from Berkshire welcomed us, and the joy was mutual; theirs increased by hearing from friends left in native land. Again, in Mentor we find friends who are just beginning, from Ohio soil, to supply themselves with food. And here let me say that sweeter turnips have never been on exhibition at the "Northern Ohio Fair," than those grown in Mentor in 1816. Another day's journey and we again stop with friends, in Newburgh, where we rest a day or two. Our friends then come to help us through the "woods" as far as Cleveland, and see us on board the "ferry boat," then in use, to cross the Cuyahoga river.

256 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

Excuse me while I make some truthful contrasts. The little village of Cleveland, with its less than one hundred inhabitants, was situated upon that terrible hill we had just descended with so much difficulty. Lake Erie on the north, scarcely visited by any craft; no, Walk-in,-the-Water had then been built; no appropriation had been made to render the harbor safe or accessible; on the east and south, oak trees, with faded foliage, seemed like a sable curtain drawn around to meet the unbroken forest on the western banks of the Cuyahoga river. Now, upon and around that "terrible hill" is the beautiful "Forest City," with its vast population, its great and grand improve- ments, with nearly two hundred thousand inhabitants, surrounding a monument, commemorating an event which made these western wilds inviting, and the pioneers' dwelling safe and peaceful. This, indeed seems like a fanciful flight of imagination, rather than truthful history., Are the voices all hushed that made the woods ring in honor of brave Perry?

After this we make our way as best we can, over a new road, made among trees and logs, fording Rocky river with our three covered wagons; then all that can, are picking their way on foot to lessen the burdens of horses and cattle, until we come to a log house in Columbia, Cuyahoga county. It was nearly dark, but light enough for the first sight inside that log cabin to be remembered. There stood a good motherly-looking woman, with short gray hair, making hasty pudding in a good sized brass kettle which made a little pioneer girl laugh. Another day, and we come to Liverpool; only five miles more of unbroken forest, and we arrive at the place where our home was to be.

In Liverpool we stop a few days, while our strong force, consisting of father and brothers, go forward and prepare a road. This was done through the underbrush, over logs, and around trees, whose roots in some places serve as a pavement for one side of a muddy swale, wagon wheels sinking in mud, and water on the other, the inmates calling forth, " Oh! oh! don't tip us out in this terrible place!" "Drive slowly, there's no danger," is the answer; and sure enough, we near the township line in safety, and make our way as fast as possible, until we reach our shanty shelter, to spend our first November night in the woods.

"Backward, turn backward, oh time, in your flight,

Make me a child again, just for to-night."

The shanty just mentioned was built and occupied during the summer by John Sibley and Daniel Nesbett, while making small clearings each side the line, between their lots of wild land. They had returned to West Stockbridge, expecting to come again in the spring, which they did. Here, in this only shelter in town, fifteen persons are huddled. Two experienced log house builders had been hired to oversee the building of the first log house in number four, sixteenth range, thus increasing our family. Not a sign of civilization was found in the twelve by twelve foot shanty, except an excuse for a bedstead made in it one corner, by boring holes in the logs, putting strong poles for head and foot, two posts supporting the front side, while bark for cord completed thid only piece of furniture.

Next morning, every person in town is here before breakfast, and how is my mother going to prepare it, in this awful looking place, this first morning in the woods? In due time, nine men and boys, with broad and narrow axes, driving the patient oxen, with heavy, chains bound around their yoke, the two builders taking the lead, start for the spot never to be forgotten, though the foundation marks have long since passed away.

Selections of land had been made the previous summer, by men from different towns in Berkshire county. Number seven was owned by some of the original members of the Connecticut Land Company, and through their agents, many farms in Berkshire were exchanged for wild land, and for many years, every family in the settlement was from Berkshire county. The dear "old hills" have not faded from memory. My father received in exchange for his farm one thousand and forty acres of land, and a thousand dollars in money. The lots were in different parts of the township, but the one nearest Liver pool is decided upon, and the house must be built before the snows of winter fall upon our homeless family. This first house was built on lot number twenty-six, where Daniel Kingsley now resides.

Locating a stranger on this once familiar spot, must not prevent me from noticing an unpleasant .: affair that occurred during the building of this first house. My brother Joseph, then nineteen years of age, full of hope and courage, who had been working with the rest during the day, started for the shanty, a little in advance, in order to drive home the cows, whose bells were heard in the distance, though not in the direction of the shanty. He started from he north side of the blind path, and crossed it unperceived. Still traveling, and expecting soon to find the way, he made rapid steps in the wrong direction. Before thinking himself lost, he espied a young bear in a small tree, and with his shot-gun, was about to bring it down, but thinking quickly if the old bear would let him alone he would not disturb her cub, he renewed his steps,—still in the wrong direction. Darkness convinces him that he is lost, and must spend a night of suffering in the lonely forest, with- out fire or extra clothing. With his shot-gun he could not kindle a fire, and only by constant exertion did he keep from perishing with cold,—sometimes clasping trees, and running swiftly around them. In this manner the coldest night, so far, in that November month was passed. Rocky river was frozen over from shore to shore. He afterwards said he felt of his teeth to see if they were not all loose. His course had taken him through a wind-fall, two miles south, and nearly impassable under other circumstances. Brambles formed a net work from tree to tree, upon the

Residence of Henry B. Rawson, Grafton, Lorain Co., Ohio

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 257

youag underbrush, the size of hand-spikes and broomsticks. The marks upon his face were evidence of suffering. All this could hardly exceed the agony of he family during that sleepless night. My mother thought surely that wild beasts would devour her Joseph. Only a few days had we been in the woods, and did not know how numerous or ferocious the wild beasts of the forest might be. The howling wolf had been heard in the distance, the nimble deer had not yet been seen. The important tin horn had been overlooked in the outfit for pioneer life. Guns were fired, hallowing of strong voices made a solemn echo through the unbroken stillness. Torches made of hickory bark were lighted and carried quite a distance from the shanty, while voices and guns made the starting point evident. At early dawn a brother was sent to Liverpool for a tin horn and men to search for the lost one. But the lost one began to find himself as soon as it was light and safe to leave the place where he had kept himself from freezing during the night. He soon found a " hub" or corner and was tracing the marked trees, when a hunter who had gone in pursuit espied him, though each claimed to see the other first; no matter, the lost was found, and on reaching the shanty, hungry and weary, with torn garments and bleeding face and hands, truly there was rejoicing before unknown in that rude shelter.

A pleasant incident occurred next day, which I think was the laying of foundation logs, at right angles, by "Joshua Henshaw," who was passing through on a surveying tour, assuring us we were not out of humanity's reach. The size of this house being built was eighteen by twenty-four feet. A window with nine lights of seven by nine glass in the north side, stick chimney in the east, door in the south and another small window in the west end. The chimney proves quite a sky-light, sun and moon aslant can be seen, snow, hail and rain sometimes entering in quantities to nearly extinguish fires built upon the ground instead of hearth. The puncheon floor made of split and hewn logs is next laid. Webster does not name, or place, puncheon for floors, but custom did, and pioneers continue to do so in their reminiscences. The door was made from boards of the largest wagon box, called the "Ark" when making our journey. This door, with its wooden trimmings, had a latch-string outside and was never pulled in, even when Goodhurt or Red Jacket wished to enter, and more than once did they find the ample fire-place more comfortable than their solitary wigwam, covered only with bark, and no squaw or pappoose to prepare his food or keep him company. One, after sleeping by our fire, and while eating breakfast by himself, discovered be was not provided with a cup of tea, which called forth this amusing request, " Can't Indian have a plate of tea?" This request was granted, and with seeming relish enjoyed.

Our house was made more comfortable than the shanty in two weeks' time, when eight of us take possession and call it home. We are now ill the best built and furnished house in town, with more cause for gratitude than complaint.

Allow a little nine year old girl to place the furniture made by unskilled hands, and some brought from the best room six hundred miles away. We will furnish the first floor by placing two bedsteads, one in each corner, at the west end of the ample room, with a trundle bed under one. These were made by hands unused to work with such tools and timber, sometimes requiring force to make them stand steady long enough to be secured with ropes. These become places of repose for tired nature; "balmy sleep" visited the occupants, and dreams of better days were just as reliable as under other circumstances. The nice looking bureau placed between the bedsteads, with table and stand near by, (relics of better days,) without the aid of Nast made an impressive picture. Chairs were easily counted; two chests made to fit the wagon in which the family rode, covered like settees, now stand on either side of the broad fireplace. Long wooden pins firmly placed in the logs on which shelves, made from the remain- der of wagon box, serve as cupboard for crockery, besides bright pewter plates and platters of various sizes, pewter basins also, childrens' individual property, oft filled to overflowing by the same gentle cows from hillside pasture, now cropping browse and herbage in the unbroken forest. Stoutly wrought andirons, slice and tongs, long crane and hooks, take their places and prove as useful as in a New England kitchen.

The old-fashioned clock, made fast to the logs, has resumed its forward march, and with extended bands faithfully marks the passing time, yet more than anything else, constantly reminding of time, and opportunities past, never to return. Only quite recently has its time or speed, its marks of comely face, or perfect form, been questioned; when silently its place of usefulness is yielded, and in its stead a more beautiful face and form, with gilded hands and nimbler step, is measuring the flight of time. This same old clock, the first ever heard to tick in native land, the first pendulum swung in Grafton town- ship, can now be heard and seen in Elyria this first day of January, 1879. Unlike young America is its slow and even step; its clear yet modest tick sometimes stopping entirely, as if asking "how much longer?" receiving in answer, "be patient, old settler, stand at your post to the last. Truth breaks through your faded face, while your worn and battered bands still point in the right direction."

Log house number second is built where I will settle my eldest brother, Seth C. Ingersoll, with his wife and three little pioneer boys, Ardin, Reuben and Ralph. This was on the lot directly north of my father's, and now owned by Hobart Corning. Seven children were added to their family after coming to Grafton. The first white child born in number four

258 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

was Nancy, eldest daughter of Seth C. Ingersoll, May 18, 1817.

My brother continued to reside upon his farm until his death, which occurred February 15, 1859, aged seventy-two years. His wife died April 30, 1852, in the sixty-fifth year of her age.

I am expected to be brief, but just here I must linger, while remembering these solitary houses, built in November, 1816. One only road leads to our nearest neighbor, five miles distant. We hear of families being seven miles north, twenty miles south, and forty directly west. Our one road must be traveled constantly to bring food for thirteen persons. Barrels of flour were brought from Canton, Stark county, and other eatables that could be found at Columbia and Liverpool, were obtained at a dear rate. The indispensable bake kettle or oven was before the fire, without a hearth until rough and uneven stone were dug from a creek near by, which improved our condition for cooking. No wonder my mother drooped like a willow, knowing her children must obtain food to keep the wolf from entering the door, from this frost-bound soil and the leafless forest trees. Not this alone causes sorrow, but the doors of church and school seem forever closed against us. The Sabbath was known by the solemn stillness. The ring of axes and the crash of falling trees were hushed, telling the Sabbath had come, and that in our dear native land, friends were enjoying privileges of which we were deprived. The faded, falling leaves had left sure promise of return in coming springtime. But distant indeed seems the time when advantages of civilization will be enjoyed in this desolate place. Cheering hope, with great courage and fortitude, overcomes formidable difficulties.

In the month of February, 1817, William B. Crittenden and family, from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, come among us, being the first pleasant company, out of town during the winter. Mr. Crittenden becomes the first settler at the center of the town, owning the southeast corner lot. I want to write the names in full of every person coming to our settlement in 1817. William B. Crittenden, his wife Lydia, eldest daughter Marietta, four years of age; the little boy Henry, now a resident of Grafton. Some incident might be given in connection with every name I shall write. Again are we rejoiced to see covered wagons bringing settlers to join us. This time, the family of Mr. Eliphalet Jones, from Tyringham, Berkshire county, is remembered; Eliphalet, and Polly, his wife, familiarly called Uncle Liff and Aunt Polly; their eldest son, Linas, nearly nineteen; Samantha, sixteen; Erneline, twelve (afterward Mrs. Josiah Taylor); John H, always called Riley, aged nine, now living at Rawsonville; Erastus, seven, remained on the spot where log house number four was built until his death in 1877; Harriet, then three years of age, now Mrs. Ashley Root. Mr. and Mrs. Root are the only couple of pioneers remaining in Grafton in 1879—children in 1817.

The next lot west, on the same side of the road, was owned by Elder Robert Nesbett, from West Stockbridge, Berkshire county. This family numbered nine, besides a lad named Levi Loomis, who came with them. Their names were: Robert Nesbett, and Mary, his wife; five daughters, named Catharine, Nancy, Mary, Betsey and Sarah; Daniel, who came a few months before the rest of the family, and took possession of the log house built during the winter, for the sum of forty dollars. All this family are buried in the cemetery, near the homestead, where they resided until their death, except Daniel, who died in Elyria.

We now come to the only diagonal road in town, and settle the family of Stephen Sibley, Esq., on lot next west of Nesbett's. This family, too, were from West Stockbridge, and all adults. Three sons named John, George and Giles; two daughters named Nancy and Mary. John and George soon afterwards make their home two miles south of the center, living in one house; having married twin sisters, they continued as one family until the death of one of the sisters. Descendants, only a few in number, are living in Grafton by the name of Sibley.

Two more families to be settled this spring of 1817, which are from West Stockbridge, Mr. Nathan Boughton and wife, two daughters and a son, named Rhoda, Electa and Guy. Mr. Jonathan Rawson and wife; Mrs. Rawson was youngest daughter of Mr. Nathan Boughton. Gri adall Rawson, brother of Jonathan Rawson, was a member of their family until his marriage. The addition of these families makes forty-two persons in town, all but four on this north street.

The first saw mill was built in the same summer and fall by David Ashley, of Pittsfield, Berkshire county, on the lot owned by Jonathan Rawson, and the only mill privilege on Black river in the township.

Early in June of that year, while a number of children were picking wild flowers, a stranger was seen approaching, leading his horse, and evidently searching for something. It proved to be the hub, or corner he was looking for. "Children, can you tell me the number of this lot?" "No, sir," one speaks up, but we know who is coming here. Capt. Turner, from Great Barrington; he's got ten children; then we're going to have a school house "—an appropriate truth as we shall see. The stranger's smile indicated his acquaintance with the family. Mr. Turner left his family in Columbia until a small clearing was made, and on the fourth of July, 1817, log house number nine was raised. Mr. Turner was the first blacksmith in the township, and the cheery ring of the anvil was heard early and late for many years. Two only of Mr. Turner's family now reside in Grafton: Mrs. Orville Lyndes and Mrs. Benjamin Corning. Mr. and Mrs. Corning living at the homestead near where the old house stood. Wm. Turner, Jr., and family reside in Elyria. Four children were added to this family after settling in Grafton.

258A - B. S. CORNING

It has been appropriately asserted that the life and services of a good man constitute an important part of the history of the community in which he has passed any considerable portion of his time. The career of a self-made man, with the narrative of the principal events that led to the successful issue of his various enterprises, to the fulfillment of his hopes, the con- summation of his aims, and the realization of his aspirations, affords a record at once interesting and instructive. The life of him whose name heads this brief sketch offers many features of an excellent nature, and fairly illustrates what well-directed energy, industry, and business tact can and almost invariably does accomplish.

B. S. Corning was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1812. He is the grandson of Bliss Corning, who was born in Massachusetts, Oct. 30, 1763, and at an early day settled in Columbia County, where he continued to reside until his death. The name of B. S. Corning's father was Nathan S., and he was born at Norwich, Conn., in the year 1788, and moved with his father, Bliss Corning, above mentioned, to New York, where he remained until 1834, during which year he and his family removed to Grafton, Lorain Co., Ohio, where he resided until his death.

B. S. Corning was the eldest of thirteen children. As a means of perpetuating their names to posterity, we quote from the family record as follows :

The first of the Cornings in America was Samuel, who was born about 1616, and made a freeman at Beverly, Mass., in 1641.

Nehemiah Corning, born 1717, son of Joseph and great-grandson of Samuel, married Mary, widow of Abner Pride, formerly Mary Richards, Nov. 14, 1745, and had the following children:

1. Joseph, the oldest, born Oct. 7, 1746; taken by the British during the Revolutionary war and put on board of the Jersey prison-ship at New York, and never was heard from after.

2. Benjamin, born Jan. 22, 1748, a farmer, settled in Voluntown, in Connecticut ; died in 1827.

3. Amos, born April 27, 1751, and died in 1753.

Nehemiah Corning died Oct. 7, 1797, aged eighty-one. His second wife, Freeborn Bliss, died Nov. 8, 1809, aged eighty- six years.

The heads of the successive generations down to Bliss Corning were as follows : Joseph ; Benjamin, who had three children, - Lois, Charles, and Joseph ; Mary ; Uriah, married Sophronia Hall, and had eight children, namely, Elias Bliss, Rebecca W., Betsey (died in infancy), Betsey (2d), Jedediali, Amos, Sally B., and Elizabeth Willett.

Bliss Corning was born in 1763, at Preston, Conn., son of Nehemiah, who was from Beverly, Mass. ; he married Lucinda Smith, of Preston, who was born in 1755. Their children were Nathan S., born May 20, 1788; Elisha, born Feb. 17, 1790; Clarissa, born Dec. 7, 1792; Erastus, of Albany, who was a member of Legislature of New York, also a member of Congress, born Dec. 14, 1794; Alexander B., born Jan. 5, 1796; Edwin, born March 16, 1798; Richard S., born July 8, 1800; Eliza, born Sept. 13, 1802, died Oct. 7. 1803 ; Hannah T., born Oct. 4, 1804; Mary Ann, born Sept. 24, 1806; John H. Corning, born March 10, 1809.

On settling in Ohio, Mr. Corning at once assumed a prominent position in township affairs, which position he has ever since retained. At an early day he was engaged as a builder and contractor, which business he followed for about twenty years. He then purchased the farm upon which he now lives, located about two and a half miles east of Grafton. On the 10th of April, 1836, he married Miss E. L., daughter of William and Mary Turner. She was born in Massachusetts, Feb. 22, 1811. From this union four children were born, namely, Dwight, born Sept. 23, 1837; Hobart E., born April 19, 1839; Howard, born Aug. 1, 1843; and Angelina G., born March 1, 1847.

In 1866, Mr. Corning was elected to the office of county commissioner, and was twice re-elected to the same office, serving in all nine years. He gave very general satisfaction in this important office, as he had always done in minor positions to which the people called him. In politics he is a Republican, having joined them in the organization of that party in 1854. Both he and his worthy wife are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Grafton, to which they are liberal contributors. The portrait of Mr. Corning appears above this brief sketch, and that of his wife, his companion for more than forty-three years, on the opposite page, both worthy occupants of the places assigned them in the history of the county in which they have lived and labored for nigh half a century. May they live many years to enjoy the esteem of those who know them as at present, and dying at a ripe old age, leave behind them

"Footprints on the sands of time."

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It is now November, and two families have settled near the .center. I will mention first Mr. Aaron Root's family, already in their log house, built by her oldest son, Pomeroy, during the summer, one- half mile west of the center. Mr. Root was from Pittsfield. Berkshire county. Mr. Root, while a widower in Pittsfield, with five children, was married to Mrs. Anna West with five children; three became members of Mr. Root's family. They were called Uncle Aaron and Aunt Anna during their life time. Their children's names were Pomeroy, Samuel, Ashley and Mary Root, Caroline, Albert and Clarinda West. The two youngest born to this couple were Frederick

. and Oliver. Pomeroy joined the family of Shakers in Newburgh more than fifty years ago, and to-day is an honored member of that order; nearly eighty years old. Samuel, the next oldest, was drowned in 1825, living at that time in Penfield. Caroline West, oldest daughter of Mrs. Root, long since passed from scenes of earth, still lives in heart and memory of surviving friends. She was married to Mr. Lathrop Penfield, and resided in Penfield township at the time of her death. Ashley, third son of Mr. Root, is still a resident of Grafton, hale and hearty with mind well stored with historic lore. Albert West, son of Mrs. Root, settled in Grafton, and died there more than thirty years ago. His son, Albert West, Jr., is in a soldier grave made on the southern battle field. Mary, youngest daughter of Mr. Root, married Wm. Kinney, of Grafton, fifty-two years ago. After his de- cease in 1849, she became the wife of Mr. Joseph Thompson, of Grafton, and died quite recently. For a number of years Mr. and Mrs. Thompson lived upon the spot where her father's log house stood, so plainly remembered by all survivors. Mr. Thompson died in 1878. Clarinda West, youngest daughter of Mrs. Root, was married to George R. Starr, of Penfield. Mr. Starr has been a resident of Elyria more than forty years, and prominently connected with the mercantile interest of that place. Mrs. Starr died in 1876, sincerely lamented. Mr. George Starr resides in Elyria, in the house built by his father on Broad street.

Mr. Bildad Belden and family, from Hancock, Berkshire county, came in company with Mr. Root, and settled south of the center one half-mile. His father and mother resided with him, making only one family. Mr. and Mrs. Belden had four children. Minerva, the oldest, then ten years old, is now Mrs. David Merwin, residing in Oberlin. Daniel Belden, late of Grafton, was their only son. Betsey, their second daughter, afterwards Mrs. Clement Stebbins, will be mentioned in another place. Sarah is remembered as Mrs. Chauncey Baldwin. Mr. Belden brought two colored boys (after giving bonds then, required), who proved to be honest, industrious men. Their names were Gabriel and Titus Gunn.

One more log house to be built this month for Jesse Taylor, from Pittsfield, Berkshire county. He brings a family of five children—oldest son, Franklin, twelve years old, oldest daughter, Sarah Ann, ten, James and Jesse, younger sons, with the baby, Caroline. Nearly three miles from any house then built, his lot was located; and, after a lonely stay of eighteen months in that place, we find them settled three-quarters of a mile south of the center. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor both died in 1825; Mr. Taylor at the age of forty-one, Mrs. Taylor, thirty-nine.

Reuben Ingersoll, a cousin from Lee, joining our settlement in 1817, returned to his native town, and, in early spring of 1818, oame again with his wife, and settled more than half a mile west of the center.

Wm. Bishop, with small family, joined our settlement in early spring. He was from West Stockbridge, Berkshire county. Left Grafton in 1825.

The last log house, built in 1817, was for Ladowick Jones, from Tyringham, brother of Eliphalet Jones, before mentioned. The family of Mr. Jones numbered seven. His aged father and mother are counted with this family. Lorenzo, Alonzo and Adaline are the names of their children. Lorenzo for many years resided in Cincinnati, Ohio, known as "Doctor," "Prof." and "Old Doc" Jones. Drs. Satnpsel and Reefy, physicians in Elyria, were students in his office in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mr. David Ashley, of Pittsfield, reached our settlement early in March, 1818, coming the whole distance in sleighs. His invalid wife and four daughters made the journey with him. The names of the daughters were Maria (afterwards Mrs. Grindell Rawson), Polly, Eliza and Sally, the youngest then thirteen years of age. The three last named rode in a two-horse sleigh, driven by David Stevens, brother of Mrs. Ashley, who afterwards settled at the center. His first house was built on the northeast corner lot, opposite Wm. B. Crittenden.

Mrs. Curtis, a widow from West Stockbridge, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, came to our settlement in 1818, bringing three sons and two daughters, names, Samuel, Harvey and Landress, the sons; Harriet and Mary, eldest and youngest, daughters. Three of these children married and settled in Grafton. Their first settlement was made nearly a mile east of log house number one.

Wm. T. Welling was an early settler of Grafton. Mr. Welling was among the very first that penetrated the woods of number three, eighteen range, and may for a time be counted with the pioneers of Wellington. He was a resident of Grafton twenty-five years, and in that time was married to .Harriet Curtis. They removed to Medina, where they lived twenty years, afterwards to Black Earth, Wisconsin, where they were residents some twenty years, and where he recently died, aged eighty-three years.

Franklin Wells, from Massachusetts, proved a great accession to our settlement. He was fitted for college in his native land, which placed him in advance of any who had ventured among us. He taught school in a log school house called the "Union School House," built in the woods, between the north street

260 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO

and the center of the town; so that every scholar in town of suitable age might receive instruction. His house was burned before the close of the first term, which terminated the school days of many of his scholars. Contrasts and comparisons of to-day only seem to tell our loss. Mr. Wells was our second elected justice of the peace, afterwards associate judge in Lorain county. He was married to Mary Sibley in 1823.

Mr. Lyman Peabody was an early settler. His wife was the eldest daughter of Mr. Aaron Root. Their eldest daughter is Mrs. George Pomeroy, now residing near the centre of Grafton.

Mr. Orrin Hurlbut and his brother William, from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, were early settlers. Both afterwards married and settled in Grafton, and resided there the remainder of their lives. Orrin Hurlbut married Mrs. Wm. B. Crittenden. Their son, James Hurlbut, is justice of the peace at the center of Grafton at this writing; very recently he has become a resident of Elyria.

In writing this brief account of the first settlement of Grafton, it is often found to be painful to pass so lightly over families and friends, when even the writing of a name brings the history of joys and sorrows of their life before us. A stranger can step rapidly among the graves of households in Grafton to-day without a pang; but not so with one who lived there when the first graves were made, their loss then settling like a pall upon our young settlement.

Seldom does a sister record the settling of seven brothers on uncultivated farms in one township. My second brother, Wm. Ingersoll, Jr., came with his little family in May, 1817, and settled one and a half miles south of the center. The eldest daughter, Maria, three years of age, and John, only a few months, in his mother's arms, make the third family of Ingersolls. Ten children were added to these parents, making six sons and six daughters, most of whom received paternal care beyond the wants of childhood. Much labor and courage were needed to provide for a family among these thickly standing trees. These parents lived to see their wild surroundings become fruitful fields of waving grain, and remained upon the spot near where their first house was built until their deaths, which occurred under trying circumstances. My brother died April 29, 1859, aged seventy-one years; and on May 1, two days afterwards, his wife, unconscious that her companion had gone before, died also, aged sixty-six years: both died of congestive fever. John, the babe before spoken of, with wife and daughter, are living near, and were the only family of Ingersolls in Grafton in January, 1879.

Thomas, third son of Major Ingersoll, commenced clearing his wilderness in 1819. He had learned to manufacture common splint bottom chairs before coming to Grafton, and by exchanging these for days' work in chopping, had quite a clearing and a log house built before his marriage, which was in 1820. His lot was one-half mile east of log house number one. When Elyria began to offer advantages, he bought a house and lot on the corner of Second street and East avenue, where he resided a few years, still owning his farm in Grafton. He returned to his farm again, and continued to make improvements until 1861, when, finding years of toil and hardship, with increasing age, were unfitting him for farm life, his home in Grafton was sold, and the one in Elyria taken possession of. His wife, who had faithfully shared privations during these years of toil, died in October, 1870, my brother in September, 1871. Their golden wedding was celebrated in February, 1870. Rev. F. L. Kenyon was present, and made appropriate remarks to a large company of friends assembled.

My fourth brother, Joseph, began clearing his new farm at the south part of town. His outfit was a yoke of oxen and a year's board, being too far to board at home. Board could be obtained at the nearest neighbor's, one-half mile or more, for one bushel of wheat a week, or one dollar. After clearing some dozen or more acres in this lonely place, he became discouraged, and returned to his native town in Berkshire.

In 1827 he came again to Grafton with his wife and little daughter, and did not then see sufficient induce- ment to become a farmer, and plough and hoe among the clay lands of Grafton. He made his home in Elyria in 1828, where he resided until his death, in 1861, aged sixty-four years. The first English families coming to Grafton in 1825, were Mr. Crispen Mennell, Mr. Jesse Welborne, and John Langdale. Mr. Menne11 remained a citizen until his death, in 1857, aged seventy-one. Mr. Welborne died in 1853, aged fifty-six. Mr. Langdale was a resident of Elyria at the time of his death, which occurred in 1870, aged seventy-nine. A Mr. Hance and family came to Grafton, in 1820, I think, and afterwards settled in Eaton. The names of the children are remembered, while other items are forgotten: Riley, Ira, Hiram and Charles, may still be residents of Eaton. The name is often seen, and some of the descendants of these early settlers are residents of Elyria.

James, my fifth brother, began clearing his wild land in 1822, and continued to do so under discouraging circumstances. His lot was just a half-mile east of the center, where one of the best oil wells in Graf- ton was found some two years ago. His boarding place for some time was at Mr. Belden's, the price for board being a bushel of wheat a week.

Here I should like to speak of the worthy, industrious pioneer women of Grafton.

After building a log house, it was at once occupied by a family, with whom he boarded. In 1826 he was married arid commenced housekeeping and improving his farm, until in 1832, he began to build quite a large public house for those days, at the center, upon a lot bought of Mr. David Ashley, where it is seen to-day, the sight of which brings sad memories, while in the cemetery near by so many of this once large

260A - CRISPIN MENNELL.

CRISPIN MENNELL was born in Norton, England, in the year 1786. At the age of thirteen he commenced working on a farm, and continued in that occupation uninterruptedly until his marriage, in 1809. He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Wellborn. By this union were born to them one son and one daughter, the latter of whom died in 1876; the Son is still living. Mr. Menne11 emigrated to America in 1817, and first settled in what is now the city of Albany, where he resided three years. He then removed to Pittsfield, Mass., and lived there six years. In 1826 he moved to Ohio and settled in Grafton township, Lorain Co., where he continued to reside until his death, May 22, 1857. He was a good, practical farmer, and a man of sound common sense. He had no education except what he obtained the few years he was able to attend the national schools of the old country. He held several offices of trust in the township of Grafton, all of which he filled with fidelity, and to the satisfaction of the people whom he served. He was among the early settlers of the township, and his loss was generally considered a public calamity.

DUKE MENNELL, only son of Crispin Mennell, was born in Fimboro, England, in the year 1810. He lived with his father until the latter emigrated to this country, when he went to reside with his grandfather, William Wellborn, who would not consent to his accompanying his father to the United States. In 1823, however, Duke accompanied his uncle Jesse, Wm. Wellborn, and Wm. Matcham to the New World, joining his father in Massachusetts. On the 23d of June, 1835, he married Rachel, daughter of Theodore Curtis. Eight children have been born to them, four sons and four daughters, all of whom, save one, are living. Their names are Elizabeth (died April 29, 1854), Andrew J., Theodore C., Mary G., Anna H., Charles B., Flora A., and Elmer C. Mr. Mennell's first wife died Sept. 29, 1858; and for hiS second wife he married Mary A, widow of Charles Johnson, and daughter of John Hardy, in 1861. They had four children,—three sons and one daughter,—namely Perry D., J. D., A. E., and Elizabeth M., all living.

Until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Mennell was a Democrat ; but contemporary with the firing of the first gun on Fort Sumter his political Sentiments changed, and he has since been a consistent Republican. He has held the office of township trustee, performing the duties thereof faithfully and well. He is an industrious citizen, a kind and affectionate husband and father, and a worthy representative of his respectable parentage generally.

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family rest. My brother died in 1863, in the sixty-fifth year of his age, and in December, 1865, the wife of his youth, who had been a faithful sharer in all the changing scenes of life, also died, in the sixty-seventh year of her age. These records could not be made without many regrets unless a hope was cherished that ere long, without restraint in words, or limited space, these early recollections will be care- fully revised, and the name of every descendant of my parents known to be living, be placed in proper form. Only a few families, for a time, settled in Grafton, except those who from time to time married among us. The families of Thompson and Turner, coming from New York state in 1822 or 1823 are remembered. Some of Mr. Thompson's family have ever since resided in Grafton. Dr. Hiram Thompson has for a number of years practiced medicine in Rawsonville, and quite recently died at the age of seventy-two.

In September, 1825, my brother, Marshall, was married to my early pioneer friend, Sarah Ann Taylor. Soon after, they settled in their log house, two miles west of the center, where oil wells and derricks now cover the ground, where big and lesser trees stood thickly fifty-two years ago. Their residence was in Elyria for some twelve years before my brother's death, which was .in September, 1874, aged seventy- two. His widow is still a resident of Elyria.

During the winter of 1827, my youngest (and only brother living) was married and settled in a log house near the homestead. This was eleven years after the first log house in Grafton was built, in which time my seven brothers have begun to earn their bread on uncultivated soil, by hand labor. There were no tramps or drones in those days in Grafton. Only a few years longer did this brother remain on his farm, but purchased the place in Elyria now occupied and owned by S. B. Wolcott, where he resided a number of years. His home is now with his son, C. 0. Ingersoll, on the pleasant street east of the east branch bridge, within the corporation of Elyria.

Mr. Jason Royce and wife, corning from Berkshire in 1832, obtained the farm just left by my brother in Grafton, which the family own to-day. Their only son died during the war, of disease contracted while a soldier at Kelley's Island. Their only daughter, Mrs. Hobart Corning, is living on the farm where my brother Seth C. located in 1816. Mr. Royce died some eight years ago, at their home, where his widow now resides. Mr. Hobart Corning is now sheriff of Lorain county, which brings more descendants of early settlers to become residents of Elyria.

Harriet, the eleventh and youngest child of the first settler in Grafton, was married to Daniel Nesbett, March 29, 1826—marriage license obtained in Medina, by the mail carrier, and ceremony performed by Franklin Wells, Esq. Mr. Nesbett was one of the first set- tlers of number four, and among the first that exchanged their place of residence in Grafton for one in Elyria. This was done in 1829. The lots twenty-four and twenty-five, on the east line of Elyria, on the ridge road,, were deeded to Daniel Nesbett by Heman Ely and Harriet M. Ely, August 16, 1829. After remaining upon this farm some twenty years, a home was purchased in the village, where Mr. Nesbett and family resided at the time of his death, which occurred, March 16, 1863, of apoplexy, aged sixty-six years. Mrs. Nesbett is still a resident of Elyria.

In the early spring of 1829, the death of Stephen Sibley is distinctly remembered. He was seen to leave his work in the yard, and slowly enter the house only a short time before his death was announced. This was the first sudden death to be mentioned among the first settlers in Grafton, the cause not definitely known, then as now. There was no physician in town to examine the case. Mr. Sibley had shared the trials of pioneer life twelve years, and at the time of his death was seventy years of age. Before the time of Mr. Sibley's death, his son-in-law, Franklin Wells, had assumed the cares of the homestead, and built a fine residence for early days. This was sold to Mr. Isaac VanDeusen, from Berkshire, father of George VanDeusen, who was a resident of Grafton until within a few years past. His home is now in Lowell, Massachusetts. After Mr. Isaac VanDeusen was settled in this desirable place, his house and many val- uable articles, were destroyed by fire. This was the first frame building burned in Grafton. This farm was afterwards sold to Justin Breckenridge, who built the ample brick house seen upon his premises to-day.

Carlos Fisher and family, from Delaware county, New York, settled in Grafton in 1828. They located one mile east of the center, when first coming, but afterwards at the center, where they resided at the time of Mr. Fisher's death, in 1855, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. Mrs. Fisher died in 1870, in the seventy-first year of her age. One son, Mr. Isaac L. Fisher, is the only one of nine children remaining in Grafton. Their second daughter, Nancy, is Mrs. Artemas Beebe, Jr., of Elyria. Mrs. C. W. Johnston, of Elyria, is another member of that family. A son is settled in Wellington, in this county. It is readily seen that quite a number of the first settlers in Graf- ton, became residents of Elyria, and many of their descendants are found there to-day, and still they are coming.

Clement Stebbins, from Granville, Massachusetts, came to Grafton in April, 1832. Chauncey Baldwin accompanied him, and soon after their arrival they opened a store at the center, where Mr. Stebbins has more or less been connected with the mercantile inter- ests at the center of Grafton, until a recent date. He was justice of the peace some thirty years ; has seen the rise and fall of many business firms, until not one is left that can with him retrace the years and events of 1832. Mr. Stebbins married Betsey, daughter of Bildad and Polly Belden, October 16, 1835. Mrs. Stebbins died August 19, 1874. Their only child living, is Mrs, George D. Williams, of Elyria, where Mr. Stebbins now resides.

262 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

The families of Jadwin and Newton settled south of the center ; the exact dates cannot be given. Some of the descendants of Mr. Newton are living in Grafton, something over a mile south of the center. Mr. Jadwin and wife were residents of Elyria a number of years before his death, which occurred quite recently. His widow's home is still in Elyria. Some grandchildren of Mr. Jadwin are residents of Grafton, in this, the beginning of the year 1879.

In 1834, Joseph Hurlbut and wife, from Lee, Berkshire county, settled upon a new forest farm. This was situated two miles south and one east of the center road; north and south. Scarcely has any one farm in Grafton been so largely cultivated, commencing under such disadvantages. With small outfit, except industrious hands, they lived for over two years outside the sight of smoke, from other than their own chimney. Felling trees, burning brush and logs, were bravely kept up, together with other incessant toil connected with farm life, until some five years since, his nearly three hundred acres of cultivated fields were sold, and be is now a resident of Elyria.

Much might be said of pioneer women, who were indeed help-meets for their husbands. Worn and faded garments were kept tidy as long as possible. Trowsers faced front and back with deer skins, required more skill in fitting than pantaloons of to-day. Daniel Belden, Sr., understood the art of dressing deer skins, nearly if not quite equal to chamois of to-day. As soon as flax could be raised, every garment, and every article of household need, from straw bed-tick, flour bag, and hand towel, to the finest sheet and pillow case, then in use, were manufactured by pioneer women. A few sheep only as yet had been kept in Grafton. High pens, built of heavy rails, were needed to protect them at night from the prowhng wolf, which made it difficult, for a number of years, to raise a flock of sheep.

Without market or money, pioneers passed year after year, through what could truthfully be called hard times. Thankfulness for money and clothing, until we could raise our bread from among the stumps, did not prevent garments from growing thin, or feet going bare.

In 1838, the family of Thomas Johnston settled at the west part of the town. Five sons and five daughters belonged to this family when first coming to Grafton. One only is living in town at this time, which is Mrs. Sanford Thorp. C. W. Johnston, Esq., of Elyria, was fourth son of this family. Dr. L. D. Griswold resided at the center some over a year, or until be was called to fill the office of County Auditor. Much thrift is seen at the center these days. The common is graded and improved. Churches and places of business, besides tidy residences, are seen in every direction. Those then living in Grafton should be better prepared with dates and personal experience than the writer, who has not been a resident of Grafton since 1829. At that time seven families of Ingersolls were living in town. No loss by death, except an infant, had then been recorded. My father died November 10, 1837, aged seventy-six years, just twenty- one years since the comforts of a New England home had been exchanged for privations, known only to those who first began to make the dense forest of Lo- rain county what it is found to be to-day. My mother's death occurred July 17, 1843, in the eightieth year of her age. An obituary notice by Rev. D. W. Lathrop, then of Elyria, was printed in the "Ohio Atlas," which might be given if space were allowed. Taking leave of Grafton to-day is indeed Fad, not only of the center, but the whole township. Only a few persons left to represent the fourteen families that made their homes in number nine, range sixteen, in 1816 and 1817, at which time not one of the twenty-one townt ships then settled in Lorain county, or afterwards, could show such improvements made in the same space of time.

A visit made at the center of Grafton, during the winter of 1839 and 1840, might be mentioned. A marriage ceremony was performed in the Episcopal church, then an ornament to the place. The persons married were Mr. Erastus VanDeusen and Miss Sarah Fitch. The church was nicely decorated and well filled. After the services, quite a number of persons were seen at the hotel, which Was noted for its well spread tables. Among the number were S. B. Wolcott and Miss Harriet Cheever, D. B. Andrews and Miss Susan Burch, all from Elyria. Miss Cheever soon after became Mrs. Wolcott, and Miss Burch about the same time was married to D. B. Andrews, both couple settling in Elyria. This is mentioned to show that Grafton was not then behind neighboring towns as a place for pleasant entertainments of differ- ent kinds. To-day, contrasts too sad to relate may be seen. The Episcopal church just mentioned, has long since been leveled to the last foundation stone. The sightly residence built by Judge Wells, and occupied for many years by Stephen Brown, Esq., has passed into stranger hands. The hotel, without improve- ment in outside appearance, has from time to time been occupied by strangers. Not a store or shelf for goods of importance, is found at Grafton center to-day. The iron rail is laid diagonally across the once tidy "common," where freight cars stand on either side of the main traveled street, marring the remains of beauty, though from some points hiding the appearance of rough saloons, which show increasing business in that traffic, following the "oil Spec- ulation" that gathers at the center of Grafton.

The improvements made in Grafton since 1840, will be given by the gentlemanly historian who has lately visited the township, and is prepared with dates and names of important organizations formed in Grafton and Rawsonville since that date. Only eight or nine persons are found in Grafton to-day who were among the families that became settlers in 1816-17. Mr. Ashley Root and Mrs. Orville Lyndes are the oldest remaining in Grafton. Henry Crittenden and

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 263

John Ingersoll were only months in age when their parents came to Grafton in 1817, where they still remain. Oliver Root, a babe of weeks only then, is the youngest pioneer that came to Grafton, and has remained a resident since November, 1817.

While attempting to give an account of the first settlement of Grafton township, the writer has found difficulties nearly insurmountable. The thought that young and highly educated gentlemen from distant .cities, with eminent writers in Lorain county, were writing history that would be perpetuated, well nigh prevents consent for publication of what is so imperfectly prepared. Memory is called the staff of age. By aid of this mysterious boon, some events of more than sixty years have been retraced. Bounding as by a step from the trackless forest to the city full, we find only here and there one who can with us retrace childhood's footsteps among our own beloved hills, or that gathered wild flowers from unbroken forest in Lorain county, in 1817. Not too soon is the history of many towns in this county being written. Valu- able items of personal history, with many interesting events have been saved from oblivion by this effort. It chills the warmest heart to consult history chiselled on marble monument, or neglected headstone. The cemeteries in Grafton have recently been visited, both showing great neglect. Unpleasant reflections were my only company while lingering among the graves of relatives and friends that have been gathering since 1819, calling to mind this exclamation of an unknown "Ah! who will think of me in sixty years!" But sentiment, however strongly prompted, must be overcome and silently yield to narrative. While culling thoughts suitable only for this history, an under current often surges through memory's hidden pos- session, stirring the very depths of emotion, as a mere glance of past experiences, of joys and sorrows, of a lengthened pathway, passes before us.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first marriage ceremony in Grafton township was performed by Henry Coit, Esq., of Liverpool, November 5, 1818. The parties were Grindell Rawson and Maria Ashley. Mr. and Mrs. Rawson soon commenced housekeeping in their log house, already prepared, a half mile or more from neighbors.

The first marriage ceremony performed by our first justice of the peace proved to be a run-away match. The parties were Ezekiel A. Turner, hired man of the bride's father, and Electa Boughton. Mr. Turner was chopping in the direction of Esquire Ingersoll's, waiting, and watching for his promised bride to fulfil her part of the agreement to meet at a given hour. Miss Boughton, under pretence of going quite a distance on an errand, prepared herself by wearing a clean checked apron, to stay a while at the neighbor's. But, instead of following out this ruse, she started upon a trail to find her betrothed, after which Mr. Turner left his axe, and Miss Boughton her apron in the woods, to await their return after the law by the mouth of the justice had made them one instead of two, as they commenced life in the morning of that eventful day. Friends began opposition and search too late, and this remains the first romantic matrimonial adventure in Grafton.

The first physician to locate in Grafton was — Palmer, in 1834. He was succeeded by L. D. Griswold, M.D., now of Elyria. Then came Drs. Wade and Darrow.

Dr. Knowlton came to Grafton in 1845, and continued a practicing physician for six years. During that time he was married to Caroline Kinney, only child of Wm. Kinney and Mary, his wife, both deceased. Mrs. Kinney was a daughter of Aaron Root, and neor the spot where Mr. Root's first house was built, in 1817, Dr. and Mrs. Knowlton now reside.

The present medical staff is composed of E. W. Jewell, L. McCune and C. J. Wolcott.

The first white child born in the township of Grafton, was Nancy, oldest daughter of Seth C. Ingersoll. This event occurred on the 18th day of May, 1817.

The first grave made in Grafton was for Frederick, the oldest born of Aaron Root's second marriage, who died soon after the family settled in the township. In their affliction, they sent to Brunswick, Medina county, for Rev. Jacob Ward, a Methodist minister and former friend and neighbor in Pittsfield. The oldest son was sent for Mr. Ward, and they made their way as fast as possible through the five-mile woods from Liverpool, but night coming on, they were obliged to

tie their horses, and, with saddles for pillows, spent the cold, rainy November night in the woods.

An incident connected with the first convicted thief in our new settlement, is distinctly remembered. This thief was a stranger, passing through our uncultivated forest, and might to-day be called a tramp. None of the first settlers, to my. knowledge, have ever been convicted for wrong doing. It was in 1819, I think, when my brother James was constable, that our first and only magistrate in number four, sixteenth range, decided that this culprit must be taken to the nearest jail, which was in Medina, the county seat for that county. It was nearly night when the officer took charge of the prisoner, and our log house, for the first and last time, sheltered a convict. My mother's admonitions to one and all are remembered. The idea that a thief was to stay all night, to unsophisticated children, was terrible. During the evening, a handful of tow was brought forward, and the prisoner positively assisted in making a substantial string, to be used in tying the big toes of constable and criminal together, while darkness reigned supreme outside of our dimly-lighted dwelling. Un- disturbed sleep soon bound them more firmly than tow strings could do, keeping them securely until morning light. How different the mode of convey- ing prisoners to jail then and now! A rifle and pocket compass, for safety and direction, were the outfit of

264 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

the officer, and with the prisoner by his side, a journey of fifteen miles through the trackless forest on foot was made, instead of the one traveled road. The constable, as the law required, gave his first and last jail-bird to the sheriff, to be incarcerated within the massive walls, built of hewn logs. Thieves and burglers of 1879 would sneer at tow strings for manacles and fetters, and hewn logs for stone walls and iron grates and bars. How striking the change since those early days. Living now in sight of the jail in Elyria, from where, some two years ago, eleven prisoners were taken to the penitentiary at Columbus, all convicted at one term of the court, and when, with noisy shackles, this group of young men were conducted by Sheriff Braman, turnkey George Boyd, police officers William Alger and R. C. DeWitt to prison life for lengthened years.

In November, 1819, occurred the death of William Crittenden, and his remains were the first interred in the cemetery at the center of the township.

In 1822, the workshop of Major William Ingersoll was burned, and with it the lathe, tools, loom, several bags of wheat, etc. Immediately afterwards Mr. Ingersoll set about building a frame house. This was completed and first taken possession of in May, 1824. David Ashley built the first frame house in Grafton township. The first postoffice was established at the center in about 1825, (there are no records). David Ashley was appointed postmaster, and kept the office at his residence. Those who know only of to-day can scarcely conceive the importance attached to these pioneer post-offices. Then a letter started from the far away east, and after consuming weeks in its journey, was at last deposited at its destination by a foot carrier. It cost twenty-five cents to send each letter. Next came the horseback carrier. Then the stage coach with its four or six horses, and its wonderful driver, the special admiration of the juveniles. No stage coach with four or six horses are remembered until a late day. Soon that was displaced by steam, and in time we have the fast mail, the greatest achievement of the postoffice department, so far as rapid transit is concerned. Truly, time works wonders. The present postmaster at the center is 0. W. Nichols. A second office was established at Rawsonville, some years since, but no one seems te know when, or who was first postmaster. H. E. Kelsey is the present postmaster. This office was first named Rawsonville; July 1, 1875, the name was changed to Grafton, and the center office to Belden.

The pioneer mercantile establishment in the township of Grafton was at the center (now Belden.) Messrs. John Freese and Charles Root were the proprietors; the date, 1830. These gentlemen erected the building. They were only in trade a short time, closing out to Reuben Smith and William Root, who conducted the business some two years. They were succeeded by Messrs. Wells & Johnson. Clement Stebbins and C. R. Baldwin opened another store at the same point in 1832. The location was in a small building standing on the site now occupied by the depot. After perhaps two years this partnership was dissolved, and the firm of Stebbins & Wells formed. This firm erected the building on the northeast corner, now occupied by a drinking saloon. In this they operated a store for seven years. They put up an ashery and did an extensive business. They were succeeded by William Hart, who is still in the mercantile business at Rawsonville. The first store at this village came into being the fall following the completion of the C. C. C. & I. R. R., Messrs. Hand & Sawtell, proprietors. The present business at this place is shown by the following: Wm. Hart, L. B. Daniels and Richard 0. Newton, general merchandise; W. T. Watson and James Artress, hardware; H. E. Kelsey, drugs and notions; Mrs. Wm. Hart and Mrs. E. Mayhew, milliners; Jones & McCune, and W. E. Capell, meat markets; Willis Reichard and V. M. Ryan, boots and shoes, and George Beeder, jeweler. -

William Crittenden began keeping a hotel at the center, in 1818. He had erected a double log house, with a capacious ball room in the second story. In this the anniversary of our national independence was celebrated, July 4, 1818. The address was delivered by William Bishop, and it was on this occasion that the name Grafton was given to the township by Major Ingersoll.

The hotel at this point, (Belden House), owned by H. Crittenden, is at present under the management of Thomas Ward, formerly of Massillon, Ohio. At Rawsonville there are two hotels, the National, A. D. Smith, proprietor, and the Railroad House, kept by T. E. Ray. There are also two liveries at the same point, owned by L. B. Daniels and F. McClintock.

The first of those modern industries—cheese factories—was started by Hobart Corning, in 1867. The location was near Daniel Kinsley's. There was a patronage of over four hundred cows. This was sold to Messrs. Robson & Trann, in the winter of 1877-8, and removed to Rawsonville, where it is now in operation. In the fall of 1877, Nahum Holcomb erected a cheese factory on Duke Mennell's farm, lot number forty-three. This worked the pa:t season the milk of two hundred and fifty cows. Other factories have been in operation in Grafton. They are now closed. .

INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.

In the winter of 1816-17, an addition, or wing, was constructed on the back part of the house of Major William Ingersoll, and in this his son Thomas began the Manufacture of splint-bottomed chairs. This was the pioneer manufactory in Grafton township. The father became quite an adept cooper, making tubs, buckets, churns and other useful articles. This shop was burned, as before stated. The first saw mill was built in the summer and fall of 1817, by David Ashley, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. In 1818 another saw mill was erected at Rawsonville, by Jonathan and Grindell Rawson and Nathan Boughton. This is now

Residence of A. W. Nichols, Grafton, Lorain County, Ohio 1879

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 265

torn down. In 1826 these same persons built a grist mill near the saw mill. The present grist mill is at this place, and is a fine steam affair, owned by C. F. Baumetz. There are also two steam saw mills in the township.

From the address of Hon. W. W. Boynton, we learn that Grafton township, when first settled, be longed to Medina county, which was formed in 1812, * * * From its foundation to its organization, it remained attached to Portage county, where the deeds of the early settlers were recorded. On the 25th day of July, 1818, on petition of the inhabitants, the town was incorporated by the name of Grafton, by the commissioners of Medina county.

The first election was held at the house of William B. Crittenden, on August 3, 1818, at which time the following persons were elected: Eliphalet Jones, William Ingersoll, and William B. Crittenden, trustees; William Bishop, clerk; Reuben Ingersoll, treasurer; David Ashley, appraiser of property; Seth C. Ingersoll, lister of property; William Turner and Giles Sibley, overseers of the poor; Grindell Rawson and Reuben Ingersoll, fence viewers; Jonathan Raw- son, Seth C. Ingersoll, William Ingersoll, Jr., and David Ashley, supervisors of highways; Guy C. Boughton, constable; and Jonathan Rawson, justice of the peace. Previous to this, the township had been attached to Liverpool township, for judicial purposes, and at the April election, 1818, Reuben Ingersoll had been elected a justice of the peace,— the first in Grafton township. At the State election, holden on the 13th of the following October, there were thirteen votes cast.

Following are the officers for 1878: J. C. Lehman, T. C. Mennell, and W. S. Terry, trustees; H. S. Williams, clerk; Joseph Hudson, treasurer; G. B. Chamberlin, assessor; Isaac Root and W. J. Gibson, constables; James Hulbert and John R. Jones, justices of the peace, and sixteen supervisors of highways.

CHURCHES.

The first sermon delivered in the township of Grafton, was preached by the Rey. Reuben Jones, of the Methodist connection, then residing at Mantua. This meeting was held at the dwelling of Eliphalet Jones, in the summer of 1817. Other meetings followed, and during the subsequent fall a small class was formed, with Aaron Root leader. We are unfortunately unable to give the names of those composing this class at its formation, but in 1820, we find that the following were members : Lydia Crittenden, Oliver, Polly, and Eliza Ashley, Mary and Polly Jones, John P. Root, Daniel Crittenden, and it is quite probable there were others whose names are not remembered. Meetings were held at the dwellings of Messrs. Root, Crittenden, Ashley and others. In the summer of 1818, a log school house was built at the center, and in this meetings were held with more or less regularity. In 1827, quite a large two story frame building was constructed, also at the center. This was for the purpose of a town hall, school and church. All denominations occupied it we believe, at pleasure. It was afterwards sold to the Baptist society, and occupied by them for a church so long as the organization existed, after which it was converted into a dwelling, and is now occupied by William Moses.

The present Methodist Episcopal Church was erected in the year 1850, but was not fully completed until the following year. The first regular minister was the Rev. Mr. Smith, of Pittsfield. This was in about 1820. The following list of pastors in this church is given from memory by Mr. Ashley Root and wife, and is substantially correct: Ezra Booth, Ezra Fields, Zera Castin, Taylor, Adam Poe, H. 0. Shelden, H. Calclizer, E. C. Gavitt, Geo. Elliott, William Reynolds, Carpenter, John T. Callum, Cyrus Sawyer, Brewster, H. L. Parish, A. P. Jones, Break- field, Thomas Pope, Peter Sharp, Kinnear, Jacob Brown, George Phillips, A. L. S. Bateman, John Mitchell, Foote, Uri Richards, Thomas Thompson, William Thatcher, Euratas Bush, William Spafford, Safford, Charles Thomas, Matthew L. Starr, Asbury Cassel, L. M. Pounds, A. K. Owen, T. J. Gard, Ward, John R. Jewett, Holbrook, W. Ben Taggart, W. W. Smith, F. S. Wolf, John Mitchell and George Haniwault, the present pastor. The last of these gentlemen, upon the breaking out of the rebellion, doffed their clerical robes for the "faded coat of blue," and served their country valiantly during the entire war. The present church officers are Ashley S. Root and Henry S. Williams, leaders; D. G. Kinsley, H. S. Williams and —. Goodsell, stewards; Charles Cragin, superintendent Sabbath school. Attendance, one hundred scholars; the total church membership is about seventy.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Rawsonville was formed in March, 1871. Meetings were held in Hart's hall by Rev. Mr. Isbaugh, and a small. class formed, the following persons constituting it: E. Robson (from whom we obtain valuable data), William Trann and wife, Robert Salisbury and wife, Theodore Witbeck and wife, and A. J. Wilson and wife. Charles Bolton was appointed class leader; services were held in the above hall; a Sabbath school organized, and everything moving along harmoniously when a fire destroyed their place of worship. The members at once set about building a church edifice, and on January 14, 1875, it was dedicated by the Rev. Mr. Currier. The total cost was twenty-four hundred dollars. The ministers have been Revs. Brice, Pope, Richards, Brien and Foote. There are at present eighty members. The church officers are John Dent and William Trann, class leaders; A. J. Williams and John Dent, stewards; E. Robson, Wm. Trann, A. J. Wilson, John Dent, Henry Hornby and Fred. Burgess, trustees; Sheldon Seers, superintendent of the Sabbath school. Total enrollment seventy- five.

266 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

In point of time the Episcopal Church was the next formed. Service was read as early as 1817 by the Rev. Roger Searls, then travelling on this portion of the Reserve as a missionary. This church grew to respectable proportions, and as early as 1834 erected a fine brick edifice, the first in the township. This was located at the center on the site now occupied by the town hall. The causes leading to the close of this church we are unable to give, but certain it is that in 1852 meetings ceased, and the building was sold and removed.

A BAPTIST CHURCH

was also formed at an early period, but has long since ceased to hold meetings or keep up an organization.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This society was formed at Grafton Center, by Rev. Joel Talcott and Rev. Oliver Eastman, on the 15th day of March, 1834, and consisted of the following members: Philip F. Davis, Barratt Benjamin, William Davis, and Aseneth, his wife, Silo Thorp and Jacob Rood. The church was organized in connection with Medina Presbytery, on the plan of union adopted by the

Congregational and Presbyterian churches of the Western Reserve, and continued as a Congregational church until January 13, 1873, when it became Presbyterian, and the following elders were elected: H. E. Bartlett, I. L. Fisher and J. F. Mantor; deacons J. T. Walker and T. B. Rogers. The present elders, elected 1876, are: I. L. Fisher, I. S. Thorp and W. N. Shoot. T. B. Rogers is the present superintendent of the Sabbath school, which has an attendance of thirty scholars. This church first met in the building before referred to in connection with the Methodist Episcopal church. In fact, we lean that this church continued to hold services there until the erection of their present church edifice, in 1844. This was only enclosed and temporarily seated at the time, and was used in this condition for four years, when seats were added and the church completed. The Congregational officers were: J. W. Rood, Truman Bagg and Edwin Rogers, trustees; H. E. Bartlett, secretary; and C. R. Baldwin, treasurer. The pres- ent officers are: I. L. Fisher, Cyrenus Simmons and I. E. Thorp, trustees; T. B. Rogers, clerk; and I. T. Walker, treasurer. J. W. Rood was the first clerk of the church, and held the office until 1846, when he was succeeded by I. L. Fisher, who is the present incumbent. The pulpit has been supplied by the following ministers, in the order in which they are named: Reverends 0. Eastman, Israel Shaler, William Salisbury, James Eals and John P. Cowles. October 27, 1846, Rev. G. C. Judson was ordained and installed pastor of the church, and remained until June 1, 1852. Rev. Erastus Cole served the church as stated supply seven years. Rev. H. Lawrence succeeded him for seven years.

Then came Rev. Madison Elliott, who remained the same number of years; Rev. S. M. Burton, three years; Rev. William Honnell, nine months; then Rev. Owen Jenkins, one year, and he was followed by the present pastor, Rev. H. Thrall, of Litchfield township.

RAWSONVILLE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

was organized at the house of Eleazar Goodman, January 8, 1854, by Rev. Ansel R. Clark, who had held services at that point since January 1, 1853. The first members were: Eleazar Goodman, Sr., and wife, Eleazar Goodman, Jr., and wife, Titus H. Hand and wife, Mrs. Adaline P. Preston, Harry Chandler, and daughter Jerusha. The present house of wor- ship was dedicated May 30, 1855, by Rev. Henry Cowles, of Oberlin. The following are clergymen who have had charge of the church: Reverends A. B. Clark, Stephens Cook, D. M. V. Stewart, Julius 0. Beardlee, - Conklin, S. M. Burton, H. H. Honnell, — Cady, 0. Judkins, R. A. Baird, and Rev. Mr. Hyde, who is at present officiating. The membership is fifty. The officers are: A. A. Bisbee and David Stockwell, deacons; J. A. Berthrong, clerk; H. H. Hickok, Frederick Smith and A. A. Bisbee, trustees; Theodore Belding, superintendent of Sabbath school. The attendance is forty children.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH, (CATHOLIC.)

This was the first church of this faith formed between Cleveland and Sandusky. It was organized in 1840 by Bishop Rapp, of Cleveland, and began with a small membership. A small wood building was erected in Carlisle township, near the present cemetery, on section six, soon after the church was formed.. In this meetings were held until about 1863, when it was removed to Rawsonville, Grafton township. Four years after the present massive stone church was erected. This is in size forty-five by eighty feet, and cost ten thousand dollars. This church has now a total membership of seven hundred. The Rev. Mr. Halley, of Norwalk, Huron county, was the first resident minister. Revs. R. A. and Alexander Sibley held service here prior to Mr. Halley. Father John Daudet, the present pastor, assumed charge in 1871. After the building of the present church the old building was enlarged to double its former size, and converted into a school room. This is now under the management of the pastor, and has an enrollment of fifty scholars.

SCHOOLS.

The first log school house was built on the southeast corner of Mr. Turner's lot, in the spring of the year 1818. The first teacher was Miss Mary Sibley, in age only a few years in advance of her scholars, of whom there were eighteen, and it is a somewhat remarkable fact that of this number twelve are yet alive. The report of the board of education for Grafton township, for the year ending August 31, 1878, shows six school houses valued at three thou- sand eight hundred dollars. The amount paid. teachers

Residence of Dr. C. B. Knowlton, Grafton, Lorain Co., Ohio

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 267

one thousand one hundred and forty two dollars. The number of children of the requisite school age is two kindred and .seven. This does not include the "Rawsonville Union School District," which was organized August 15, 1868, and is composed of school district number one in Grafton, and an adjoining district in Elton township. The board of education at that time was T. Mattison, president ; 0. Harper, clerk and H. B. Rawson, treasurer. The present fine school building was erected in the summer of 1875, and cost complete, including furniture and apparatus, seven thousand dollars. The course of study embraces two grades, grammar and primary.

The following have been the principals and assistants: 1869, John Blanchard, at present county recorder, and Miss Lucy Westover; 1870, same principal, Miss J. Boughton assistant; 1871, E. S. Snow, same assistant; 1872, M. G. Young, Miss Mattie Richardson assistant; 1873, W. W. Richardson, same assistant; - 1874, D. L. Hinckley, same assistant; 1875, I. N. Saddler, who is the present principal; Miss Mattie Richardson was his assistant, and continued to occupy that position until the spring of 1878, when Mrs. Allie M. Saddler, the wife of the principal, succeeded as assistant. The board of education for 1878 is: V. M. Ryan, president; Henry Weedon, treasurer; and F. C. Smith, secretary. The amount paid to teachers in 1878 was seven hundred and thirty-four dollars. The total attendance is one hundred and forty-five. This school is spoken of as being in a flourishing and highly satisfactory condition.

SOCIETIES.

Grafton Lodge, No. 239, Knights of Pythias, holds its sessions at Rawsonville on Wednesday evening of each week. The date when this lodge was instituted was October 18, 1876. The names of the following gentlemen appear in the charter: John Gorman, J. G. Kinsley, Daniel Gray, W. T. Watson, William Hart, Willis Reichard, A. P. Jones, R. 0. Newton, H. E. Kelsey, and Daniel Nesbett. The first officers were: W. T. Watson, C. C.; J. G. Kinsley, V. C.; John Gorman, P. C.; Daniel Gray, P.; H. E. Kelsey, K. of R. and S.; William Hart, M. of F.; R. 0. Newton, M. of E.; A. P. Jones, M. at A.; Willis Reichard, I. G.; and Daniel Nesbett, 0. G. This body has now a membership of twenty-six. The officers for 1878 are as follows: R. 0. Newton, C. C.; Dr. C. J. Wolcott, V. C.; H. E. Kelsey, C. P.; F. Burgess, P.; Frank Gee, K. of R. and S.; F. C. Smith, M. of F.; W. H. Weedon, M. of E.; L. McClune, M. at E.; E. A. Blitz, I. G.; and T. B. Belding, 0. G.

We understand there is another benevolent society at this place, called the " Hibernians," but were unable to procure the data necessary for a sketch.

OIL INTEREST.

When the hardy New England pioneers began to explore the wooded fastness of number four, they discovered along the margin of the stream now known as Center creek, two marshy spots or springs, one on the farm of Eliphalet Jones and another on lands now owned by Ashley Root, which attracted their attention, from the presence, upon the surface of the water at these locations, of a dark colored substance, having an oleaginous appearance and a peculiar odor. In after years small quantities of it would be gathered, but we have no evidence that it was ever utilized. Finally samples of this substance were examined by experts, and it was pronounced petroleum. Nothing was done, however, towards boring for oil until the year 1856, when a gentleman from Pennsylvania, we are unfortunately unable to give his name, sunk a well on the farm of Erastus Jones. At a depth of thirty feet oil was found. A pump was applied. The well yielded some forty barrels, when the supply ceased and the business was abandoned.

In about 1860 quite an oil excitement existed in Grafton, and perhaps a dozen wells were sunk with more or less success. The greater portion of them, however, yielded no oil. The present revival of the oil interest in Grafton began in July, 1875, when oil was struck on the Card farm at a depth of sixty feet, by Mr. Charles Rupert. This well produced at the start sixty barrels per day, and continued to furnish oil in paying quantities for some two years, when it ceased entirely. This well caused a great excitement, parties congregating in Grafton from the oil fields of Pennsylvania, and in fact all parts of the country. Land went up to almost fabulous prices and the owners of real estate went wild over the prospect. During the succeeding six months large quantities of land were leased, and as many as fifty wells put down. Of these only about one-third found oil at all, and but a small proportion of these in paying quantities. In March, 1876, J. C. Blood (whose courtesies we wish to acknowledge) arrived on the scene. He was from the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and immediately began operations. On August 15th following he found, in his fourth trial, the greatest producing well then on the territory. This was on the Shafer farm. At a distance of one hundred and sixty-two feet from the surface he struck the oil producing sand and began pumping. Although he found noth- ing but salt water, and by the way, oil is never found here except when mixed with salt water, yet his former experience kept his courage from waning, and at the end of three weeks' incessant pumping, his efforts were crowned with success. The well began to pump one hundred and thirty barrels of nearly pure oil per day. This well now yields seven barrels per day, and is the second best in the township. The October subsequent Mr. Blood sunk another well on the same farm that yielded by the same process ninety barrels per day. This now produces four.

The total number of wells sunk on this territory is three hundred and fifty. Of these, about one in four find oil, but only about one in seven in paying quantities. There are no flowing wells. Owing to the absence of carbon, the oil produced

268 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

here cannot be refined for burning purposes; but it is one of the best mineral lubricating oils yet discovered. The following table shows the condition of this important interest in Grafton:

These are scattered over an area two and one-half miles east and west by one mile north and south, though there is, doubtless, a great extent of surrounding territory yet undeveloped; in fact, from general observation in the eastern part of Ohio, it is evident that this is the outcrop of a petroleum rock extending entirely through the State.

The surface is a general level, with a blue clay soil. At a distance of from two to fifteen feet below the surface is found a soap stone stratum, varying in thickness from forty feet at the west end of the territory, to one hundred and sixty at its eastern boundary, the dip being towards the southeast. Immediately below this is found the oil-producing sand, varying from two to one hundred and sixty feet in thickness. This is broken and lying in deposits, at some points breaking off nearly perpendicular, but uniform at the top, excepting the dip, the slope being from the bottom. The oil is found in paying quantities only in the deep sand—none in less than forty feet. This sand is variable—crystals, flint and sandstone grit. The oil is usually found in the former and latter. Below the sand is a white substance, known as " putty " or fire-clay, of from one to ten feet in thickness; below this is a red clay from five to fifty feet thick, and below that the slate. It is not known whether there is another stratum of oil-producing sand still below this or not, although a well has been drilled three hundred feet without finding it.

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

Wheat, 549 acres 10,402 bushels.

Oats, 696 " 25,020

Corn, 766 " 27,605

Potatoes, 38 " 3,771 “

Orchards, 175 " 1,898

Meadow, 2,274 " 2,377 tons.

Butter 29,800 pounds.

Cheese 140,460 "

Maple Sugar 1,557

Population in 1870 960

VOTE FOR PRESIDENT IN 1876.

Hayes 171

Tilden 115

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

MRS. HARRIET NESBETT,

daughter of Major Wm. Ingersoll, was born in Lee, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, in the year 1807. Her father removed to Grafton, in this county, in 1816, bringing his family with him. Harriet, the youngest of eleven children, was but nine years of age, and was the first unmarried female who became a resident of that township. Of the trials and struggles of the pioneer settlers in the wilderness, a graphic description is given in the early recollections of the settlement of Grafton, written by Mrs. Nesbett. At the age of seventeen she returned to Massachusetts, and, for a year and a half, enjoyed advantages denied to pioneer children of that early date. She returned to her home in Ohio, and, in 1826, was married to Daniel Nesbett, of Grafton. In 1829, they removed to Elyria, and settled on a farm on the ridge road, near the eastern line of the township. Toil and privations were expected of pioneer wives, while their husbands labored to cultivate their forest farms. After remaining upon this farm some more than twenty years, a pleasant home was purchased in the village, where Mrs. Nesbett still resides. She has been the mother of seven children-one son and six daughters. The son died in infancy, and a daughter at two years of age; another daughter, "Libbie," at the age of twenty-six. Libbie was a gentle and sweet spirited girl, and died greatly lamented by her surviving relatives and friends, who cherish her memory. Four daughters are living, and all are married. The oldest is the wife of D. L. Harkness, and resides at Berlin, Wisconsin; the next oldest is wife of Jerome Manville, a successful druggist in Elyria; a third

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 269

daughter is the wife of H. S. Howe, and resides in Mankato, Minnesota; the remaining daughter is the wife of A. D. Foote, residing in Chicago. All the daughters are well settled in life. Mr. Nesbett died about the year 1864, at the age of sixty-six.

In 1830 Mrs. Nesbett, united with the Methodist Episcopal church in Elyria, when their place of wor- ship was the "old yellow school house." One only who was at that time a member of that branch of the church, is living in Elyria at this date. During all these years she has been a faithful and active member, constant in attendance upon its work and ordinances. She possesses considerable ability as a writer. The history of the first settlement of Grafton, published in this volume, is from her pen. In 1876 she wrote a series of articles, which were published in the Elyria Republican, descriptive of pioneer life in Grafton and other townships, which attracted general attention. She has ever been among the foremost in carrying on works of benevolence and charity, in the church and community. Among the regrets of her life time are the disadvantages arising from lack of early privileges at school. But aside from this great privilege, and a busy active life, she found time for reading and the cultivation of her literary taste. She has been a faithful wife, a good mother, and has ever enjoyed the respect of the community. She is in the enjoyment of excellent health, her bodily and mental powers continuing in full vigor, and bids fair to enjoy life to a ripe old age.

GRINDALL RAWSON.

This gentleman was born in Massachusetts, February 20, 1793. In 1816, he visited Grafton town- ship, Lorain county, Ohio, selected a parcel of land, and then returned to Massachusetts, where he remained long enough to complete the necessary preparations for a permanent settlement on his new purchase, upon which he located in 1817; and continued to reside there until his death, in 1876, (aged eighty-three years), a period of nearly sixty years. One year after his settlement in Grafton, he married Mariah, daughter of David Ashley, which marriage was blessed with eight children,-five sons and three daughters of whom six are living. The above was the first marriage ceremony performed in Grafton township. He held several offices in the township government, which he filled satisfactorily. Mrs. Rawson survived her husband almost two years, she dying January 9, 1878. She was born September 2, 1796, and was consequently eighty-two years of age at the time of her death. They were an excellent and worthy couple, and were so esteemed by all to whom they were known, or with whom they came in social or business communion.

HENRY B. RAWSON,

son of Grindall Rawson, was born upon the home stead farm, where he still resides, in 1825. For fifty-four years he has lived in the same place, and is among the earliest and most influential citizens of his township. His farm consists of three hundred and six acres, is well improved, and has upon it substantial and comfortable buildings. On the 6th of October, 1847, he married Cynthia A., daughter of Joseph and Dollie Phelps, and they had six children born to them, four sons and two daughters,—namely, Abbott P., Frank B., George G., Kate C., Burt H., and Dollie M. Rawson.

The Rawson family have been, and continue to be, noted for their industrious habits, and honesty of life. As among the pioneers, so are they among the most prominent citizens of the township in every respect.

ALLEN W. NICHOLS

was the son of Nathaniel Niohols who was born in Rodman, New York, May 7, 1806. He married, September 16, 1827, Dorcas, daughter of Benjamin Bailey, of Leicester, New York. She was born March 29, 1804, at Elmira, New York, and died at La Grange, Ohio, February 19, 1864. They had five children, namely: Allen Woolsey, born in York, July 3, 1828; Martha Emma, born July 2, 1831; Mary Ann, born in Dayton, December 27, 1834; Rolla Alonzo, born in Nunda, New York, June 7, 1838; Ellen Dorcas, born at Nunda, New York, September 25, 1843.

Allen W. Nichols was raised by an uncle and aunt, Allison and Esther Nichols, bachelor brother and maiden sister of his father. When the grandfather of A. W. Nichols became infirm from old age and im- paired health, he offered to his brother and sister above named, a deed of the farm provided they would come and live with him and his wife, and pay off whatever of indebtedness there was on the place. This they agreed to do, and fulfilled the duty faithfully and well, and also assisted any of the other brothers and sisters if they, or any of them, needed a helping hand. By the time Nathaniel went to house- keeping, they had moved into a frame house, so he commenced in the log one in which Allen W. was born. His uncle and aunt became so much attached to him, that when his parents got ready to move away, they did not wish to let him accompany them, so that he remained with his uncle and aunt henceforth, except at intervals, when he would pay brief visits to his father and mother. When he was thirteen years of age, his grandparents had both died, so his uncle and aunt concluded to sell out the old homestead in York, Livingston county, New York, and move to Grafton, Ohio, where their brothers and sisters had previously settled. So they sold out and purchased the farm where Allen W. now resides, thirty-four years ago. They redeemed it from a wild uncultivated spot, and made of it a fertile and highly productive farm. They were both members of the Methodist Church in their younger days, but as they grew older, they preferred the retirement and sanctity

270 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

of the home circle and .society to public worship. They were very temperate in their habits, and generous and benevolent to all. Of Allison Nichols it can be truly said he was a christian in the broadest sense of that term, an honest man, and a good neighbor and citizen. When he sold out his farm east, he gave his brothers and sisters an amount equal to what their father had paid on the place prior to his deeding it to him. He died May 8, 1873; his faithful and loving sister had preceded him to the grave a short time, she having departed this life in the faith and fear of God, December 14, 1872. They both sleep the sleep of the righteous, and their works do follow them.

During Allen W.'s minority his uncle used to allow him to raise stock and sell it, from the proceeds of which he saved enough to purchase forty acres of land. His uncle deeded him the home farm just before he died. Allen W. Nichols married Mrs. Elizabeth Durkee, daughter of John Gamble, a pioneer settler of Eaton township, Lorain county, Ohio, on the twenty-second of February, 1870. His uncle and aunt evinced a desire that he should remain single, and he did so up to within about two years of their death. They were well pleased with his choice of a wife, and never felt as though any of their rights were usurped by her; and learned to love her and en- joy her presence.

The grandfather of Allen W. Nichols was a revolutionary hero, and was also in the war of 1812. His uncle was also in the war of 1812, and an only brother of Allen's, Rolla Alonzo Nichols, was in the war of the rebellion, and died in the regular service about two years since. The Nichols family have always been conspicuous for sturdy honesty and independence. Those of the present. are worthy representatives of a worthy race. (See Illustrations and Portraits.)

DR. C. B. KNOWLTON

Was born in Charlestown township, Portage county, Ohio, September 19th, 1822. He remained with his father on the farm until be was sixteen years of age, when he removed to Windham, in his native county, and attended the academy of that place, going through a regular academic course of studies. In the spring of 1842 he commenced reading medicine with George Conant, M. D., subsequently prosecuting his medical studies with Professor John C. Delamater, of Cleveland, in whose office he remained as a student until the spring of 1845, when he was regularly graduated and received his diploma. He soon thereafter moved to Grafton, Lorain county, and entered upon the practice of medicine, which he followed until the winter of 1851 and 1852. During the latter year he turned his attention to the study of dentistry under Dr. Kellogg, of Cleveland, with whom he remained almost one year. He then returned to Grafton, where he continued to reside until the spring of 1860, at which time he removed to Elyria, and engaged in the active practice of dentistry, in which he continued until 1875. He then disposed of his dental practice to Dr. White, and moved to Oberlin, where he practiced until September, 1878, at which time he returned to Grafton, where he oversees the business of his farm, and also practices his profession.

Dr. Knowlton married Caroline C., daughter of William and Mary Kinney, who were among the early settlers of Grafton. They have one son, William E. Knowlton, who resides at home with his parents.

In politics Dr. Knowlton is a republican, having acted with that party many years. He is generally considered a first-class professional man, an honest man, and a good citizen.

270A - STEPHEN H. & MARGARET R. BROWN.

Stephen H. Brown, son of Stephen and Ruth M. Brown, was born May 4, 1803, in that portion of Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., now called Bloomfield. His father was born at Windsor, in the same county, in the year 1777, and was the son of Stephen Brown, who came from England early in the seventeenth century. Stephen Brown married Ruth M., daughter of Benjamin Loomis, whose ancestors were among the early settlers of Old Windsor. He had a family of ten children, namely, Benjamin, George, William, John, Joel, Adin, James, Ruth M., Rhoda, and Julia Ann. The grandfather of Stephen H. Brown had also ten children : James, Bradley, Stephen, Jesse, Oliver, Eunice, Patty, Sally, Malinda, and Rebecca.

The fruits of the union of Stephen and Ruth M. Brown were three children,-one son and two daughters : Stephen H., born May 4, 1803; Ruth Eliza, born in 1805; Martha E., born in 1807. The mother died in 1811, and the father married again, to Alma Kelsey, who died three or four years after her marriage, leaving no issue. Mr. Brown married again, to Lydia Bronson, by whom he had two children : Stephen H., who lived at home and worked in his father's/shop, blacksmithing, until he was twenty-one years old. He then removed to Washington, Litchfield Co., Conn., and worked the first year in the marble quarries of Allen, Batterson & Wheaten. In the winter he resumed his trade again, and followed it for three or four years, during which time he married Lucy Reynolds, Nov. 17, 1828, and had by her three children, all boys, namely,- Edwin A., born Jan. 8, 1830, died Aug. 5, 1845; Albert R., born Feb. 12, 1832; Charles L., born June 8, 1834, died Aug. 25, 1845. In 1831 he moved to Norwalk, Conn., remaining there and at other places until 1842, when he started for Ohio. Two years prior to this, he lost his wife, who died Sept. 13, 1840. She was buried in the old " Jemima Burying-Ground," so called from an eccentric old lady who used to preach in that part of the country.

May 13, 1841, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary B. Shepard, widow of Levi Shepard, and daughter of Oliver and Alice Chapin, of Chicopee, Mass. By this union were born two children : George B., born July 28, 1843, and Helen J., born Feb. 19, 1850.

In 1841 he came to Ohio, and purchased the Wells farm, in Grafton township. He returned to Connecticut, and shipped his goods by water to Cleveland, and thence in wagons. He resided upon the farm until 1875. His second wife died March 1, 1864. He was married to Margaret R. Rowell, widow of Benjamin Rowell, November 16 of the same year ; she survives. They live in comfortable circumstances. Mr. Brown has three children living, one by his first wife and two by his second wife. Albert R. married Clorinda Rickard, of La Grange. George B. married, first, Sarah A. Ingersoll, of Grafton ; second, Jennie Bevier, of Plymouth. Mr. Brown is a Republican in poli- tics, having been a Jackson Democrat up to the war of the Rebellion. He is an exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

MARGARET R. BROWN was born June 6, 1812, and was a daughter of John and Eleanor Woodworth, of Stillwell, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Her grandfather emigrated from England, and was an early settler of Saratoga County. The children born to John and Eleanor Woodworth were as follows : Patrick, Allen, Sally Ann, Ephraim, Rensselaer, Margaret R., Martin, and Isaac ; of these, three survive. John Woodworth was born in 1767, and died in 1818. Margaret was married to Benjamin Rowell, of Vermont, Sept. 5, 1831. She had four children,-two sons and two daughters : Sarah A., born Feb. 11, 1833; married Sly Odell, of Washington Co., N. Y.; now lives in Minnesota. Alfred J., born Dec. 24, 1835; married Abbie Merrell, and resides at Cohoes, N. Y. Margaret Ann, born Sept. 5, 1839; married Henry Wilkin, of Grafton. Charles E. B., born March 12, 1843; married Sybil Smith, and resides in Minnesota, same county as Sarah A.

Her husband died Aug. 10, 1862. He was engaged in farming and lumbering ; in the latter, quite extensively. He came to Ohio in 1848. He was a worthy man, and a good, honest citizen.

Mrs. Brown is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Grafton ; was formerly a Presbyterian, but joined the Methodists at the same time her husband did, in 1848.