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300 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. Betsey Matthews, married to Joseph Alexander Rachel Matthews, “ James Laughlin Sallie Matthews, “ Joseph Kinnie Rebecca Yetmen, “ Henry Budwell Eunice Morgan, “ John L. Cook Mabel Lewis, “ Samuel Randall Capt. Wm. Westby and son died of typhus fever. A child of Samuel Tidd. died of a burn September, 1805. Also a child of Uriel Driggs September 11. Mary, wife of Walter Davis, died October. 28, 1805, aged thirty years. This year the sickness was severe, and extended to towns adjoining. It was attributed, and no doubt rightly, to the mill-dam, which checked the current of the Pymatuning, and caused a set-back and overflow of its banks to the distance of three miles. Loud complaints were made by the people of this and other towns, and the mill-dam was threatened. A deputation, consisting of Gen. Smith, Rev. Thomas Robbins, and others, was at length sent from Hartford and Vernon to demand the destruction of the dam and the discharge of the water. Mr. Kinsman, aware of their coming, received them kindly, provided for them a good dinner, and what was in those days acceptable to clergy as well as laity, treated them with good brandy and loaf-sugar. In reply to their demands, he said himself and others had logs at the mill which they wished to saw, that his own family was the most exposed, and had suffered as much as others, that tearing down the dam in the warm season would only increase the evil; but he would take it down early in the Spring, so that the Spring floods might wash away the impurities that had collected on the bottom of the pond. He would not fix on any particular day when it should be done. The deputation returned home entirely satisfied. But not so their constituents. They accused the deputation of being bribed; and made drunk by Mr. Kinsman's brandy. There were loud cries for immediate action. "The dam must come down at once," they said, and secret arrangements were made to accomplish their threat. On a certain Saturday night a party came and secretly cut loose the boards about the flume; and Sunday morning the family were aroused by the roar of the waters running out. But by immediate and energetic action the injury was soon repaired. On Monday morning the mill was again ready for business. MAHONING VALLEY - 301 Mr. Kinsman was not without his suspicions who the trespassers were ; but commanded silence, saying some of them would soon be back to see the result of their work. As predicted, it was but a short time until Cyrus W. Marsh, of Vernon, was seen on the opposite bank of the creek. As he was one of the suspected individuals, Mr. Kinsman getting on to a horse forded the stream, and entering into conversation with Marsh, kindly invited him to get on behind him and ride over to the store ; which he did. When he had talked with Marsh sufficiently to satisfy himself that his suspicions were well founded, he shut the store door, collared him, and gave him a served lacing, Marsh appearing as if he thought himself served right. Mr. Kinsman, however, aware that he had exposed himself to the penalty of the law, stepped behind the counter and proposed to settle with Marsh for the flogging. The proposition was accepted, and he was paid about three dollars' worth of store goods, when he returned home and reported. His associates and others in Vernon were so angry at Marsh for settling on such easy terms, that they threatened to give him a second flogging. It was afterward known that Marsh was one of the actual trespassers. Threats to destroy the dam continued to be made. One was that if half a pound of quicksilver could be procured the dam should ,come down, conveying the idea that if deposited in the darn it would work a passage through it. Some time after, the darn did break at one point, and the rush of the water made a deep hole below the dam, which could be seen many years afterward a little south of the bridge the osde d In 1806, the horse on which Miss Chloe Gilder and Miss Anna Cone, of Gustavus, were riding in passing this slough, in some way became frightened, and Miss Gilder, being behind, slipped off into it and was drowned. The mill pond was permanently drawn down in March, 1806. Sickness abated, and a case of fever and ague has not been known to originate in the town since. 1806. This year the Messrs. Gillis erected their saw-mill on Stratton Creek, a little west of the geographical center of the township. The 302 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. building of their grist-mill was postponed in consequence of the burning of their dwelling together with its contents. On the same stream, about a half-mile below, Benj. Allen and Abner Hall built a shop for fulling and dressing cloth, the first fulling-mill in the eastern part of the State between the lake and the Ohio. Carding was at this time done by hand ; and the spinning and weaving was all done in the houses of the settlers. In 1813 a carding machine was put in Gillis's mill by Dr. Brainard. This, in 1814, was placed in Allen's shop, and soon purchased by him, he being then the sole owner of the property. John Allen, from Norwich, Conn., came with his family in 1806. He exchanged land which he owned in Williamsfield for the Randall Farm, where he lived until his death in 1823. His family, in its different members and branches, has probably entered more largely into the constitution of society in the town than that of any other. David Brackin emigrated from Ireland, 1805, and came from Washington County, Penn., to Kinsman, 1806. Mr. John Andrews this year settled for life, and became a citizen of the township. The following brief account of his life and labors is from one who largely participated in his plans and shared his confidence: "John Andrews was born in East Haddam, Conn., 1782, emigrating to Ohio in 1804. He was married October 13, 1806, to Hannah, youngest daughter of Ebenezer Reeve. They had eight children. Mr. Andrews was identified with the early history of the Churches in this section. About 1812 he commenced merchandising, and soon after engaged in the manufacture of pot and pearl ash, about the first manufactured in Northern Ohio. "Schools were a specialty in his estimation. So early as 1825 a boarding-school for young ladies grew to be a success under his patronage. Ashtabula, Austinburg, Morgan, Warren, Hartford, Weathersfield, and New Lisbon, sent their daughters to share the benefits of the select school in Kinsman, taught by Miss Irene Hickox, Some ten years later, in 1835, a female boarding-school was domiciled in Mr. Andrews's house, just erected with a view to such occupancy-. It shared largely in the patronage of the community. Miss Maria Cowles, of Austinburg, was its principal. After Miss Cowles left the school was continued in the family (taught by the daughters of Mr. Andrews) until 1840. " Somewhat analogous to this family boarding-school is the one now sustained at the Sandwich Islands, by Rev. C. B. Andrews (sou of Mr. John Andrews). MAHONING VALLEY - 303 "Mr. Andrews's life was one of unusual activity, prosperity, and usefulness. He possessed an excellent constitution, good judgment, fine social qualities, and an earnest Christian heart. Wherever he pitched his tabernacle there he builded an altar and called on the name of the Lord.' On a Sabbath morning he was almost instantly called to his reward, aged eighty-one years and six months." A few words by the same person, relative to Mr. Ebenezer Reeve, father of Mrs. Andrews, may not be out of place here : "Mr. Reeve came from Norwich, Conn., to Ohio, 1801. The journey was made on horseback in company with Gen. Perkins and Judge Kinsman. Mr. Reeve was employed through the Summer by Mr. Kinsman, both returning home in the Autumn. Early in the Spring of 1802 Mr. Reeves, with his two daughters, set out for a new home in the then far West.' They were six weeks on the way, and half a day in coming from Vernon to Kinsman. It was Saturday when they arrived. Mr. Reeve unloaded his goods, ate his dinner ; then taking his ax went to the woods, and before night lost his bearings, but was so fortunate as to reach the cabin before nightfall. He selected two hundred acres, covering what is now Kinsman village, and four hundred acres in the east part of the township. He was the Nestor of the settlement—sage in council, just as well as generous, 'sharing his morsel with the widow and fatherless,' and 'warming the poor with the fleece of his sheep.' The stranger did not lodge in the street, or the furrows of his land complain." The following inscription on his grave-stone, written by his daughter, is so truthful, so unvarnished, so comprehensive that it may well conclude this brief notice of him: In Memory of EBENEZER REEVES, A native of Long Island, a soldier of the Revolution, and the first that emigrated with his family from Connecticut to this place in 1802. To the end of his life he set an example of industry and economy. Served his generation by the will of God, and fell asleep July 26, 1825, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. At this time Wm. Henry, near Hartstown, was tanner. He had at first to collect shells from the creek and burn them for lime for his use in tanning, which for a time was done in rough troughs. Mr. Andrews's store and ashery were established in 1813. He says that the first scorchings made in the State were in 1815, and then brought ten cents per pound. Trade was with Pittsburg. The first military company was organized in 1806. David Ran- 304 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. dall was chosen captain, Zopher Case, Lieutenant, and George Gordon Dement, Ensign. Case afterward received the appointment of major, The first military trainings in Kinsman were this year. They had trained before at the Burgh in Hartford, also in Vernon after 1804. 1807 The death of the first female is recorded this year—Sally Kinsman, child of John and Rebecca Kinsman. Mrs. Leonard Blackburn died this year—the third female, first adult. The first two-story frame-house was erected by Ebenezer Reeves near the present residence of Wayne Bidwell. HISTORY OF THE WAR OF 1812, AS GIVEN MAINLY BY CAPTAIN JEDEDIAH BURNHAM, CAPTAIN OF THE KINSMAN COMPANY, 1812. This year is noted for the stirring events preparatory to the war of 1812 with Great Britain. Enlisting, drafting, and other requisitions of the Government were promptly met by the citizens of the town. The store and house of Mr. Kinsman were the main points for mustering in the forces from all the surrounding country, embracing many from the towns adjoining. The Kinsman Company had for its officers: Jedediah Burnham, Captain; Benjamin Allen, Lieutenant; Alexander Matthews, Ensign. The names of privates recollected are, Levi Matthews (drummer), Henry Splitstone, James Westby, Michael Matthews, Thomas Matthews, Martin Tid, Jr., Jacob Ford, James Laughlin, Wm. Christy, Lemuel Newton, Wrn. Scott, Jeremiah Reeves, Ezra Buel, Joshua Burnham as substitute for Plumb Sutliff, John Daily, Henry Bud- well. Ezekiel and David Brackin served for a time, but were dismissed because not naturalized. Many others names not recollected. Privates from Williamsfield: Samuel Tuttle, Samuel Randall, Diodate Woodworth, Silas Babcock, Aaron Rice, Albigince Woodworth, John Cook, Chester Allen, substitute for Jonathan Tuttle, J. R. Giddings,. and others. Thomas Matthews started with the company, but enlisted in the regular army, and died at Sackett's Harbor. These names are given from recollection and only represent but. a part of the company. The regiment under Colonel Hays was commanded to muster at Kinsman's store, and here active operations began. Flint, powder, and lead were bought, bullets were run, arms tested by firing at Darks, and preparations generally for the campaign that was before them. Altogether it was such a scene of noise and confusion, excitement and activity, as had not been witnessed before in the town, and probably has not been seen since. On receiving the intelligence of General Hull's surrender, the whole West was thrown into a state of great excitement. Fears were entertained that the country would be overrun with the Indians. An order from Major-General Wadsworth, commanding the Fourth Division of Ohio Militia, was received by Colonel Richard Hayes, of Hartford, directing him to notify the men of his regiment to at once make ready for military service, and assemble in their several companies at Kinsman on the 24th of August. The regiment was composed of eight companies from the following towns; namely, Hubbard, Vernon, Brookfield, Vienna, Kinsman, Williamsfield, Gustavus, Wayne, Johnson, and Fowler. Of course, called together in such haste, they were variously equipped and poorly prepared to meet an enemy armed and officered as veterans. Some had the common hunting rifles with powder-horn and bullet- pouch, others old arms of former wars, and some again only pikes and stout hay-forks. When the order was given to put on equipments and make ready for the march, the tears of wives, children, and attending friends could no longer be restrained. But the soldier, fired with patriotism and in defense of their own hearth-stones, went forward with heavy hearts, but in a firm determination to do each his duty to the best of his ability. The destination of the regiment was unknown to the men, but the line of march was north. On account of the woods, rough and muddy roads, no order of march was preserved. The regiment marched to Williamsfield the first day, and at night built their camp-fires and cooked their rations from the supply wagons, and slept on the ground about their fires as best they could. The second night was spent in the same manner at Jefferson. At Austinburg the next day the regiment found teams with public supplies for their use. At Harpersfield, on the third day, General Perkins, who joined the regiment here, received orders from General Wadsworth to send back half of the volunteers. The reason of the order for the return of So many men, was the general destitution and defenseless condition of the infant settlements left behind. In determining who should go on and who return, some regard was had to home affairs and to the age and condition of different ones. The drafted men were generally 306 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. retained and thrown together into the Gustavus and Wayne companies, commanded by Captain Joshua Fobes. The remainder of those retained were organized into two companies, one under Captain Asa Hutchins, of Vienna, the other under Captain Jedediah Burnham, of Kinsman. The musicians, and the better class of soldiers from all the companies, were retained. After the reorganization of the regiment at Harpersfield it moved west on the Ridge Road to Cleveland. At Cleveland Major-General Wadsworth and teams with supplies were found, and a considerable body of soldiers had been gathered. After a delay of two days, the regiment crossed the Cuyahoga River at a point where Captain Murray had crossed over two days previous, and at once passed into the woods. While at Cleveland Captain Burnham was appointed officer of the day, mounted guard, etc. His report as officer of the guard was that no enemy had been known to approach our lines the past night or day." After leaving Cleveland the first encampment was at Spaw Spring, near Rocky River. From this point the line of march was to the township of Avery. The log cabins along the whole route were abandoned apparently in great haste. Doors had been left open and little or no effort had been made to protect or conceal the property left behind. The news of Hull's surrender brought with it the expectation that the Indians would be upon them, and the people hastened to leave, escaping for their lives. The soldiers supplied themselves bountifully on the way with green peas and garden vegetables. On arriving at the town of Avery, a large block-house was built. The next point reached was Abbott's Farm, on the Huron River, where the troops remained until November. After leaving Cleveland the regiment followed the track of Captain Murray's company, and came up with it at Avery. It consisted of about sixty-four men, and was subsequently attached to Captain Burnham's company on account of the sickness of Captain Murray, who returned home. In November, under Captain Burnham, they were ordered to unite with the forces at Sandusky, Fort Stevenson. Here Captain Burnham was sent with a detachment of men to reconnoiter down the river toward the lakes. They were ordered to take possession of whatever might be of interest and use for the army. The company. was formed with an advance guard, following a path or Indian trail, others deploying to the right or left. The first came upon a potato patch, where lay the decayed body of “ man, afterward found to be a Mr. Pomeroy, supposed to have been MAHONING VALLEY - 307 killed by the Indians while digging potatoes. The body was boxed, carried into camp, and buried. They next came upon the old Indian burying-ground and encampment, a spot marked as being among the earliest Indian encampments, extending back beyond the days of the Revolution. Further on they came to where the house of Mr. Whitaker was burned to ashes. Here they found the gearing and lower half of a hand-mill, but, after diligent search, they were unable to find the missing part, Their anxiety to do this will be evident when it is known that the only machinery they had in camp for preparing their corn for food was the end of a log, hollowed out by burning, and over it a spring pole with a fixture attached for crushing grain. A little beyond, in a small stream, was found a wagon load of pots, kettles, spiders, and various household utensils. These were speedily gathered and taken to camp, where they served a very useful purpose. In the month of January, 1813, General Perkins was ordered to advance, which he did, and took a position in the Black Swamp. Here he was met by forces under General Harrison. The location proving to be wet and unhealthy, another more favorable was selected farther south. Captain Lusk, of Hudson, and Captain Burnham were left at Fort Stevenson, under Colonel Rayne, with a force of about one hundred and twenty men. Captain Burnham officiated as postmaster of United States mail. On the 24th of February the period for which enlistments had been made then expired, and General Perkins, with his force of about, one thousand five hundred men, returned to the fort, and the men were discharged and sent home. About this time Major aid to General Harrison, came to Fort Stevenson with a request from General Harrison to Captain Burnham to remain at the fort and act as quartermaster. Joseph Coit, of Elsworth, was retained to act as store-keeper, and Joshua Burnham as forage-master ; the supplies from Franklinton to Fort Meigs, consisting largely of flour, which Was sent by way of Fort Stevenson. Captain Burnham remained in this office until May, 1813. The mails entirely failing between Fort Stevenson and Fort Meigs, Colonel Stevenson, then in command, called for volunteers to carry the mail through the Black Swamp to Fort Meigs. Titus Hayes, of Wayne, brother of Colonel Hayes ; Dr. Coleman, of Ashtabula, and Captain Burnham, of Kinsman, offered their services. Horses were Provided with the necessary equipments, and they started with the mail on their perilous expedition. The first night they encamped on 308 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. the bank of the Portage River. After making their camp and resting for the night, they were aroused early in the morning by the distant firing of guns, and, as they thought, an occasional Indian whoop, they pursued their course, hearing the distant booming of cannon more and more distinctly as they drew near the fort, and now and then the lone whoop of the savages. Cautiously making their way through the deep water of the swamp that lay in their path and across the streams, after much toil and fatigue, they came to a halt at dark at the root of a large birch-tree, and made preparation to spend the night there. The indications from the direction in which their course lay were any thing but pleasant. The firing of cannon and small arms, and the hideous yells of the Indians, were louder and more frequent. They, however, remained in the position they had chosen through the night without much sleep, and waited the result of the next day. Morning came, and arrangements were made for a reconnaissance. Their proximity to the fort made it evident that something unusual was in progress. Hayes was detached to go forward, reconnoiter, and return within an hour to report his discoveries. The hour had nearly expired, and the fearful cannonading and firing of guns became louder and stronger with the increasing war-whoop, when the silence near them was broken by the crack of a rifle, and Coleman's hat was shot from his head. An Indian had struck their trail and pursued them. Coleman turned, and saw the Indian that had marked him for a victim dodge behind a tree. He drew up his gun to fire, but the Indian was out of sight, and, in the haste and excitement of the moment, he dropped his gun to the ground where the water was so deep as to wet the priming. This deprived them of the means of defense. Burnham having only a pistol it was thought best to retreat. Capt. Burnham seized the mail-bag, cut it open, took out the report of their situation at Fort Stephenson (which was regarded as rather critical), and placed it in his bosom, threw away the balance of the mail, consisting mostly of officers' commissions, at Fort Meigs, and, leaving their horses, they started in the direction of Fort Meigs. They had not proceeded more than forty rods when they came upon a smoking Indian camp-fire. This determined them to change their course, and they turned south through mud and water, Burnham taking in the lead. Coleman had on high top-boots, which soon filled with water, so that every step he took the water spurted up his back, until he could not endure it longer, and, regardless of remonstrance, he pulled them off and threw them away. MAHONING VALLEY - 309 Calling to mind a road that had been cut for a detachment of troops sent to Gen. Hull before his surrender, they resolved to lay their course for that road, which they reached before night. When they had extricated themselves from their imminent peril, on examination particles shot from the hat of Coleman were still found in his hair. They took their course east on the so-called Hull road, and about dark reached the west bank of Carrion River. Here, well- nigh overcome with fatigue, they lay down upon the dry sloping bank of the stream and slept all night soundly. When they awoke in the morning they found the river so swollen as to encroach upon their approach of light they again started on their perilous lodgings. On the approach of light they again started on their perilous retreat. They had not gone far when a (to them) hideous gobbling of wild turkeys commenced on the tops of the trees over their heads. In their constant effort to preserve the most perfect quiet and stillness possible, fearing discovery, this music was not so agreeable as it might have been under other circumstances. They at once doubled their diligence to get away from the sound that might attract the notice of their vigilant enemies. They soon came to what Coleman thought was a crossing of the Carrion River. He could swim, but Burnham could not. Coleman passed out into the stream near the center on a floating log, when suddenly the log turned and dropped him into the water. He struggled and made fast to the log, and at length got back to the shore, much chilled and discouraged. They, however, passed farther down the stream to a more favorable crossing, and succeeded in getting safely over. They then took their course to strike a road cut out by the forces under General Harrison in the early period of the war. At this time Dr. Coleman became very much exhausted, fainted, and fell by the way. After resting and recruiting a little they again started, and soon Caine to the road. They had not proceeded far when the crack of a rifle and whistling of bullets near them demonstrated that they were in dangerous proximity to the enemy. They at once abandoned the road and took again to the woods. Captain Burnham having a hatchet, proposed to cut withes with which to build a raft to enable them to cross the east branch of the Carrion River, which they knew must be near. Coleman proposed to carry them. The withes were cut, and about night they came to the stream, and again lay down and slept till near morning, when Captain Burnham proposed to his companion to watch the path while he, with his hatchet, would cut dlown a dry tree they had selected the evening before for their raft. 310 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. Burnham began the chopping, every stroke of which rang through the woods more like a death-knell than the pleasant sound of the “woodsman's ax redoubling stroke on stroke." When the tree was nearly down Burnham gave the hatchet to Coleman to finish the work, and took his place on guard. The tree having been felled was cut into two pieces and lashed to cross-pieces by means of the withes, and launched upon the stream. They got on to it with their setting- poles, and pushed out into the river. The moment they struck the current their raft became unmanageable. The depth of the stream was beyond the length of their poles, and they sunk to their waists in water. Burnham counseled to hold fast to the raft and be ready to lay hold of any overhanging branch which might assist them in landing on the other side. It was not long before the current brought them under the limbs of a beech, which they seized, and escaped from their unpleasant situation. Leaving the raft, they crossed a deep slough, which took them • nearly to their necks in water, and at length reached dry land. They now struck on an old Indian trail, but freshly tramped. Moccasin and dog tracks could be plainly seen in the mud. Notwithstanding these alarming indications, they pursued their way. Afterward, they learned that a company of Indians had recently passed that way, carrying the remains of one of their number to an old Indian burying-ground in that vicinity. They continued on that day to a place called Negro Town, where they rested for the night, and next day found their way into Fort Stevenson, having been four days without any thing to eat, and under extreme fatigue and excitement. Chocolate was immediately prepared for them, which they drank, and were soon ready for more substantial nourishment, which was provided. Hayes, soon after leaving them near the birch-tree, encountered the Indians, that were evidently numerous and vigilant in the vicinity of Fort Meigs. Shifting his course, he soon came across another company, which he managed to avoid, and, deeming it a hopeless effort to again communicate with Burnham and Dr. Coleman, struck straight for Fort Stevenson, which he reached in two days, reporting that probably Captain Burnham and Dr. Coleman had been discovered and massacred by the Indians. Soon after their return, dispatches were received that disclosed the cause of their danger. Proctor, with a force of some two thousand regulars, had advanced to a point on the west side of the Maumee River, opposite Fort Meigs, and commenced bombarding the MAHONING VALLEY - 311 fort. The hostile Indians were let loose upon the surrounding country, to aid, by means of plunder, burning, and massacre, in subduing the fort and prosecuting the war. After a considerable time spent in fruitless effort to take the fort, an armistice was agreed upon for twenty days. Soon after, dispatches were received, bringing the cheering intelligence of the success of our army East, in the vicinity of Lake Ontario, also the taking of York, in Canada. These were at once forwarded by Captain Burnham, then postmaster at Fort Stevenson, to General Harrison, inspiriting his forces, and depressing the ardor of Proctor and his besieging army so that not long after the siege was raised. The following letter of Captain Burnham to General Simon Perkins, discovered after the above was written, will serve to correct the foregoing: "LOWER SANDUSKY, May 6, 1813. "DEAR SIR,—On the morning of the 29th ult., having business from this to Camp Meigs, set out for that place in company with Titus Hayes and Dr. Coleman. We did not cross the Portage River until the 30th, in the morning, it being extremely high and the swamps full of water. At about ten o'clock we heard a heavy cannonade in the direction of the camp. We proceeded on the road until within three or four miles of the camp, then left the road to the right hand and took to the bush, steering our course in the night by the fire in the camp. We proceeded on until within eighty or one hundred rods of the fort, and lay to, there being a very frequent discharge of small arms, which we judged were fired by the sentries in the fort. At about twelve o'clock there were several very heavy cannon fired from the fort. We plainly saw the flash as they went off; and in one direction, from our right, saw several fires in the  "We now returned, as was supposed, one and a half miles, and lay to until morning, when we moved some further back, and hid our horses in the swamp, not as yet having gained what we wished ; namely, if possible, to know more particularly the strength of the enemy—to effect which Mr. Hayes agreed to advance, and if possible reach the fort. He left us in the swamp at sunrise, and proceeded to spy out more particularly the situation of the enemy. He advanced to within a half-mile of the fort, and, finding himself nearly surrounded, made his escape, but was not able to reach the place where we lay. "At about ten o'clock of the 1st inst. myself and Coleman were 312 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. fired on by a party of Indians, Coleman had a ball shot through his hat-crown. The devils, as usual with them, raised the most hellish yell imaginable. We took to flight, leaving them the plunder and the mail as a prize, and reaching this place on the 4th inst., having been four days without provisions. The last we saw of the Indians was three miles this side of Portage River. But since we came in evident signs of them are discovered near the camp. "Yesterday morning came in Judge Pease and two Frenchmen, who had left here previous to our getting in. They went as near the fort as possible. They say the whole woods in that direction are full of Indians, and it is impossible to have any communication with Gen. Harrison. We have several scouts out, who are expected in every moment. " We have heard no firing since yesterday morning, and are in hopes the Kentucky troops, who have been under forced march these twenty days, have arrived, and the British compelled to retreat. It is said that one thousand and five hundred crossed Mad River fifteen days since for Fort Meigs. God grant that all is yet well with Harrison. But we shall soon hear the result of the siege. All here seem melancholy, and the commanding officer seems at a loss whether to abandon this place immediately or await the event. " We are short of ammunition, no water in the garrison, and but a small store of provisions. I shall not fail to give you information immediately on hearing from the Rapids. "I am, dear sir, with due respect, "Brigadier-General SIMON PERKINS." JEDEDIAH BURNHAM. A short time after this Gen. Harrison came to the fort on his way to Franklinton, where were his wife and family, and directed Captain Burnham to forward his dispatches to that place. In June, Captain Burnham prepared to leave the fort, and hand over the books and effects of his office to his successor, Mr. Armstinger, of Detroit. About this time Captain____ with one hundred men and fifty head of cattle, came to Fort Stevenson, and proceeded with the cattle to Fort Meigs. To show still further the part which the Kinsman men and those in the vicinity had in the war of 1812, we will here give a few extracts from the correspondence of Lieutenant Benjamin Allen, who, in the absence of Captain Burnham on other duties, was much of the time in command of the Kinsman company. They are private letters or MAHONING VALLEY - 313 extracts written by Lieutenant Allen to his wife while absent and on duty. First, at Harpersfield, August 28, 1812: "This morning I start for Cleveland, one-half of regiment goes on with me. You need not fear any danger for yourself, nor I think apprehend much for me, for if we do not go further than Cleveland I do not believe we shall see the face of an enemy." " HEADQUARTERS, CLEVELAND, August 3o, 1812. "To-morrow morning our detachment, under Col. Hayes and Gen. Perkins, march for Huron River. . . . I think you need have but little fear for my safety; from the best information the Indians will not dare to come this way in any considerable numbers on account of the Kentuckians and the inhabitants of the south part of the State, who are coming on like a whirlwind, and I sincerely hope will sweep them from the face of the American Territory." " CAMP PERKINS, September 9, 1812. "I was sent out in command of a small detachment the other day. Seymour Austin was my mate. We, having gone some miles, took a boat for the purpose of going to Sandusky Bay for some apples. Landed at the orchard where they were very plenty, got as many as we could eat, and put up several barrels to bring to camp. Afterward we concluded to go off into the lake and endeavor to get back some property which the Canadian French, who live on the island, had plundered from the inhabitants. We succeeded very well, although our detachment was small, and burnt a large English schooner because we could not get her off. We then returned to Sandusky Bay, where myself and three others went on shore for the purpose of cooking some dinner at the block-house near the orchard, while the others with the boat sailed round a long point. But we were ambuscaded by the Indians, and had to leave one of our number on the ground, a prey to savage brutality. The remainder escaped unhurt. "It was the hand of Providence only which interfered and saved my life at this time, for the moment the gun flashed the man happened to dodge between me and the Indian. We made our escape to the boat with all our arms. We then had to row twenty miles against a head wind, and got to camp about midnight, where we were received with open arms by Gen. Perkins and all others, who from the time we had been absent, and some other circumstances, never 314 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. expected to see us again. I only mention that I had ate nothing for about thirty-six hours. " CAMP HURON, September 12, 1812, "I wrote you yesterday respecting our situation, and stated that a party had gone out to explore the ground from which I retreated a few days ago on the other side of Sandusky Bay. Contrary- to my expectations, though not to my wishes, the command was giver, to me with S. G. Bushnell as my second. We started from Huron about dark; rowed and sailed all night. When we arrived at San. dusky, found the buildings on the Peninsula mostly on fire. Rowed in very near them, but did not think it prudent to land in the night. Next morning we again rowed in to the remains of the houses, but the landing being bad, thought best not to land; and immediately on our returning, before we were out of sight, the Indians set fire to two more houses. The block-house and all are burned. I send inclosed two certificates, one my own as you will perceive, the other Captain Burnham's. The Captain's give immediately to Mr. Kinsman." " ON THE BANK OF HURON RIVER, September 18, 1812. "We are now in the midst of an enemy's country, or rather enemies are in the midst of ours, and all around us. Night before last Benj. Newcomb's house was burned within seven miles of us. Last night Mr. Comstock's house, barn, etc., were burned two miles off, and yet we have not seen an Indian. I hope, however, by night there will be a good account given of some of the rascals. By to-morrow or next day we expect a re-enforcement of two companies from Colonel Rayne's regiment, which has been kept until this time for the purpose of guarding Cleveland. There has been nothing done by our men against the Indians, except what was done by the two companies with which I went to Sandusky Bay, and that was not much." "SEPTEMBER 21st. " I was called in the afternoon to attend a disagreeable piece of business. Not to go against Indians, but against those who in justice ought to receive us as brothers with open arms. The outline of the business runs thus. Some of the inhabitants who fled from this part of .the country had left a large quantity of salt stored, and a party of those that yet remained took possession of the salt with the intention of appropriating it to their own use, which our officers did not think justifiable, and accordingly sent a small party of men to MAHONING VALLEY - 315 take possession of it. But the inhabitants refused to let them have it, and threatened the whole detachment with destruction if they interfered. On the return of the men, Captain Burnham and myself took command of twenty volunteers and marched to the place, about eight miles, and there such profanity and abuse both of their Maker never may again. However, finding us determined to do our duty our officers and soldiers I never before heard, and God grant I and not frightened, they came to terms, and the business was accomplished without bloodshed. There have been three white men killed and two men and one woman wounded in this part of the country since I wrote you ,last. Three Indians have been killed, three wounded, and several buildings burned. I hope we shall soon have men enough to do something more than just to maintain our ground against the rascals, for although they are not numerous in these quarters, yet there are several lurking parties about, and as yet we have not been able to come up with them. B. Newcomb's house was burned a few days since. Mrs. Newcomb and one woman with her lay in the woods three nights fourteen miles from inhabitants. Such are the sufferings our frontier inhabitants have to meet. God grant that they may not be of long duration, though if Wadsworth commands I see not any probability of their ending soon. We have now about one hundred and eighty men." " CAMP AVERY, September 24, 1812. "To-day I am a little indisposed as to health, though not seriously so, But perhaps you will not lament it when you know that that is all that prevents my standing second in command of about eighty men going to Sandusky Village, to be gone about a week, an expedition I have counted much on, but can not engage in. . . . As to our situation here suffice it to say that half of our bold warriors that could number but nineteen fit for duty. But our encampment is now seen this side of Cleveland. The doctor (Allen) remains unwell, though the Cuyahoga have returned back on account of their health. Captain Parker crossed with seventy men, and a few mornings since much better. The water is excellent—the first good water I have though gaining. . . . I have no news to write respecting the Indians. Since writing you last, a considerable number passed through Sandusky, but have gone to the south of us." "CAMP AVERY, October 2, 1812. " Our troops, I mentioned in my last letter, were going to Sandusky. They arrived there without injury, and were much pleased with their 316 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS situation. Loaded their boats with fifty barrels of salt and sent them in, and sent on a request that the men might be permitted to remain at Sandusky Bay ; and there was an express sent immediately to head-quarters to that effect by Captain Hutchins. Captain Burnham went commanded at Sandusky to take Captain Hutchins's place. Major Frazier commanded at Sandusky, and had about one hundred and thirty men three companies. "Sergeant Hamilton was sent about this time across Sandusky Bay to the Peninsula to make what discovery he could. On his arrival at the bay he found several of the inhabitants who had been over to visit their effects, which they had deserted at the first alarm after the surrender of Detroit. They told him that they had discovered forty-seven Indians about one house and the house was filled with Indians besides. "Hamilton sent back for a re-enforcement. Captain Cotton was accordingly sent with about sixty to his aid. These, together with Hamilton's men, some inhabitants and some from on board our boats, made a detachment of nearly ninety men. They crossed the bay on the morning of the 29th, and landed on the other side and marched into the county in the direction in which the Indians had been seen, leaving a few men to guard the boats. About one hour after their departure from the boats four large canoe loads of Indians were seen coming down the bay. They -landed on a small island in the bay just above where our boats lay. Our boatmen thought they had best make their escape. They took two boats, leaving two, and made their escape to this side of the bay. The two boats which were left were immediately demolished by the Indians. "All which was sent by express, and all we could do was to send off an express to them; and in this state of anxiety we remained until about twelve o'clock at night, when Robinson, an express) returned, and brought news that our two boats which made their escape had lain off the point of the Peninsula, and that about forty men, after fighting all day without any thing to eat or drink, had made their escape to the boats, among whom was a number badly wounded; and that about forty men were left on the Peninsula either dead or surrounded by Indians. The captain and lieutenant, William Bartholomew, were seen with some men to make their retreat to a house and were left surrounded by Indians. Such was the sad Ile brought to our camp at twelve o'clock at night. "In this state of alarm a council was immediately called. It consisted of Major Shannon, Mr. Leslie, our chaplain, Captain Fobes, MAHONING VALLEY - 317 Robinson, and myself. The colonel was at this time so sick that his life was almost despaired of. It was concluded to send an express to Sandusky with orders for an immediate retreat. Robinson agreed to perform the duty, and Mr. Leslie started to convey the sad news to headquarters. "I at this time, in addition to taking the command of those remaining of our company, had to perform the adjutant's duty, when I made out the camp guard for the night, which consisted of only thirty-two men. It took every able-bodied man in the camp except those on guard the night before. In this situation, I went to work at the block-house and worked the remainder of the night, though I had been on guard the night before and had not slept at all. “In the morning the men from the Peninsula came in, and, on questioning them, we found it the opinion of the best informed among them, that the men in the house would be able to defend themselves against the Indians so long as their strength would hold out. I accordingly got liberty to start with ten men and provisions sufficient to refresh those on the Peninsula should I find any alive there. "On the morning of the 30th we went to the mouth of Huron River, six miles from camp, where we were detained all day for the want of a boat. However, about dark, two spies, whom I had sent out, returned with Sergeant Baily and Chester Allen, who had made their escape from the house (on the Peninsula), found an old canoe, in which they crossed the bay and came down on the beach. They said there were thirty-eight men cooped up in the house, and, as you may conclude, in a state of starvation. I had before this sent back to camp for more men, thinking ten hardly sufficient, and nine more were added to our detachment, besides fourteen volunteers among the inhabitants had either friends or connections among the men on the Peninsula. "I had got two boats in readiness, and we started after dark, rowed all night, and arrived at the Peninsula just before the break of day, and landed. Allen first, and a young man acquainted with the grounds next. I immediately followed at the head of my men through a marsh where the grass was as high as my head. We marched up to the house, made ourselves known, and immediately formed; the men that were in the house placed the wounded in the rear of them, and I brought up the rear with my men, got them to the hoats and gave them some refreshments. There were three wounded and a number sick. These we put on board the boats, Whrch were not large enough to carry us all, and started them across 318 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. the bay, which is here about six miles wide. That left about fifty. I marched back and buried the dead that were killed on this sine of the Peninsula in the second engagement. Those killed in the first engagement were buried before the retreat. "Our men, it seems, had two engagements in the course of the day. In the first there were three killed and two wounded. In the second there was the same number killed and several wounded. "I was surprised, when I viewed the ground where the battle was fought, that there was not more men killed. The sides of the trees next the Indians were well-nigh barked by the balls. I believe our men killed double the number they lost. Chester Allen killed two, and was grazed by three balls, and yet escaped unhurt. Sergeant Baily had two balls pass through his coat without doing him injury. Sergeant Rice fought like a hero. There were a good many excellent soldiers among them, but I believe they suffered much for want of a commander. "Just as I got into camp with the poor fellows from the Peninsula, which was about three o'clock in the afternoon of October 1st, the news came that the boys from Sandusky were coming in. I went out to meet them, and found they had marched thirty-four miles in one day ; and my friend Burnham was safe. They had. met with no attack, although surrounded by Indians, which was doubtless owing to such an arrangement of troops as gave no favorable chance of attack; and I do not believe they ever will attack equal numbers except they have the advantage. While at Sandusky several scouts were sent out that have not yet returned, although expected several days since. We do not despair of seeing them again. Titus Hayes and Burt are among the number of the missing. "Four men, inhabitants, were killed or taken by the Indians on Pipe Creek night before last. Such is the news I have to write you, and when such news will end God only knows. I should not be in the least surprised should our camp be attacked within three days. But I think we shall be able to give a good account of ourselves in the event of an attack. " When I shall return home I think is very uncertain, for this part of the country is in ten times the danger that it was in when we first arrived. The inhabitants, many of whom had stayed until within three days, have all fled." "OCTOBER 25, 1812. "I received yours (and one from Captain Burnham likewise), al find you have consented to let me stay through the present term, which I MAHONING VALLEY - 319 think, could I accomplish, would be rather more to my advantage than to come back in the Spring and stay three or four months, which I very much fear, unless there is a bold stroke struck here in the West this season. It will take at least fifteen thousand men to defend our frontier north and west of Cleveland next Spring and summer. But General Wadsworth will not let me go home until Hopkins comes on here; for he says he very much wants me here. And I expect, after between two and three months of constant fatigue and deprivation, I shall be the very last man furloughed to return home. Consequently, you will send immediately to Hopkins, and tell him he must be on quick as possible. I wish Brother Daniel would go; for I want the business attended to immediately. I am not in camp at this time; but will leave the business with the Doctor to explain to you. General Perkins is absent at this time. When he returns I am confident he will intercede to have me furloughed, with what success is quite uncertain." That the foregoing correspondence of Lieutenant Allen gives, in some particulars, full and truthful accounts of events which transpired during the war of 1812 on that part of the frontier, to which they relate, is evident from other correspondence of a similar character, referring to the same times, from which a few extracts will now be made. They are taken from War Correspondence of Western Reserve and Northern Ohio Historical Society. GENERAL SIMON PERKINS TO GENERAL WADSWORTH, CLEVELAND. "CAMP AT HURON, September 8, 1812. "Dear Sir,—I write you this morning by a sick man going home on furlough, since which our scouts have come in and inform us that there is, or was last night, at Sandusky a number of. Indians and British, who have burned the public stores. The spies saw the enemy and fire, but could not determine their numbers. . . . “SIMON PERKINS." GENERAL PERKINS TO MAJOR-GENERAL WADSWORTH, CLEVELAND, O. "Dear Sir,—Yours by express came to hand last evening, which I should have answered and returned the message immediately; but thinking it important to detain him until this morning, I presume You will pardon the proceeding. "Two boats that went lately to the Peninsula returned last evening, with a loss of two men killed, one a private from Raynes' regiment, and the other an inhabitant of this part of the country. 320 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS One of these boats, commanded by Lieutenant Benjamin Alien, of Captain Hayes's regiment, found a British schooner aground on cum. ningham Island, which, after dismantling and loading the boat with the most valuable part of the rigging, set fire to and burned her. SIMON PERKINS." SIMON PERKINS TO MAJOR-GENERAL WADSWORTH. "HURON, September 10, 1812. " Sir,—The bearer, Ezekiel Brackins,* and his brother David, aliens to the United States, have come out in my detachment, expecting that by fighting the battles of the United States they might obtain citizenship; but being informed to the contrary, they are anxious to return home; and from former acquaintances with them, and from information now received by other gentlemen of their acquaintance, I am convinced of the truth of their statement ; and doubting the propriety of detaining aliens in the army to fight against the Government they have thought proper to flee from, I have granted them a furlough to go to headquarters, and trust you will give them such an order as the nature of their call may merit. "I am, sir, most respectfully, yours, SIMON PERKINS." EXTRACT FROM GENERAL PERKINS TO MAJOR-GENERAL WADSWORTH, "My detachment is very considerably depreciating in consequence of sickness, etc. In consequence of arrangements yesterday I could not send to the Peninsula, but am now about to send twenty men to obtain and bury the dead. SIMON PERKINS. "September 18, 1812." TO GENERAL WADSWORTH. (Extract from the Trump of Fame, Warren, October 7, 1812.) "To the Commander, at Cleveland: " Sir,—I arrived at camp last evening, and found that the engagement on the Peninsula proved less unfortunate than was at first apprehended. Our loss is six killed and ten wounded. The wounded are mostly very slight, and none I think mortal. " The names of the killed are James S. Bills, Simon Blackman, Daniel Mingusa, Abraham Simons, Ramsdale, Mason. Wounded are Samuel Mann, Moses Eldridge, Jacob French, Samuel B. Tanner, John Cartton, John M'Mahon, Elias Sperry, James Jack, a Mr. Lee, an inhabitant of this neighborhood, etc. Mr. Ramsdale, also of this *Brackins were of Kinsman. MAHONING VALLEY - 321 vicinity. Knowing the anxiety of the inhabitants at the eastward, I detain the messenger no longer than to write the above. . . "SIMON PERKINS. "P. S.—Our men fought well and the Indians suffered very considerably. “Camp at Avery, Huron County, October 3, 1812." Time skirmishes on and about the Peninsula, though not given in detail, sufficient will be found in the foregoing extracts from letters to give a tolerably good idea of the camp life and movements of our forces in and about Sandusky. The following taken from the Firc Land Pioneer, 1859, furnished by the Hon. J. R. Giddings, a private in Captain Burnham's Company, of Kinsman, will give a more detailed account of the battle on the Peninsula than any thing that has been given of that event. REMEMBRANCES OF THE SKIRMISH WITH THE INDIANS ON THE PENINSULA IN THE WAR OF 1812. BY HON. J. R. GIDDINGS. (Published in the Fire Land Pioneer.) In attempting to give you some account of the two skirmishes that occurred on the Peninsula during the War of 1812 I shall be compelled to speak entirely from recollection. It is a somewhat singular fact that, although that day witnessed the first trial of our arms during the late war upon the soil of our State, yet no account of the transaction has ever been published. I was myself a lad of sixteen years of age, acting as a private soldier in the company commanded by my respected friend, Jedediah Burnham, of Kinsman, in the county of Trumbull. The incidents connected with those skirmishes made a strong impression on my mind, and, so far as they came under my observation, I think I can give an accurate relation of them. But I must necessarily speak of many things which transpired beyond my personal notice. Of these I can give such impressions as I then received, and which I think were very nearly correct, although I can not vouch for their entire accuracy. About the 20th of September, 1812, the regiment, at that time commanded by the late Hon. Richard Hayes, of Hartford, in the county of Trumbull, was encamped on the high ground on the east side of Huron River, some three miles below the present village of Milan. This regiment was composed of men residing in Trumbull 322 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. County and in the southern tier of in Ashtabula County. Captain Parker's company, from Geauga County ; Captain Doll's company, from Portage County, I think, and Captain Clark’s* company, from Cuyahoga County, were attached to our regiment. Brig, adier-General Simon Perkins, of Warren, in the county of Trumbull, also accompanied us to that place, and remained with us sometime, in actual command ; but the day on which he left, or the cause of his absence, I am now unable to state. About the 25th of September Major Frazier, with about one hundred and fifty men, was detached, and ordered to proceed as far as Lower Sandusky. At that place there had been a stockade erected for the defense of those who resided there. This post was deserted upon the surrender of General Hull, at Detroit, and remained unoccupied until Major Frazier took possession. The stockade was extended during the Winter following, and dignified by the name of Fort Stephenson. After the declaration of war, and while General Hull was in possession of Detroit, provision to a small amount had been collected at Sandusky, to be forwarded on for the support of the army. These provisions had been left when the fort was abandoned, and on the 26th of September Major Frazier loaded four small boats with pork and beef, and directed them to be taken to our encampment. The number of men accompanying these boats I am unable to state, but think it was eighteen. They started down the bay, intending to proceed directly to Huron ; but finding the lake so much agitated by storm, at that time prevailing, that they thought it prudent to wait until the storm should abate. They, therefore, returned to Bull's Island, and landed on its east side. From that place they sent one .of their boats with five or six men on to the Peninsula for the purpose of reconnoitering. Among the spies were one or two of the Ramsdells, who had resided at what was then called "The Two Harbors," on the shore of the lake, some six or eight miles from Bull's Island. This party proceeded to the former residence of the Ramsdells, with the steady caution which the backwoodsmen of that dlay knew so well how to practice. By creeping stealthily through a corn-field they obtained a view of the house, and discovered, around it a number of Indians, who appeared to be feasting on roast corn and honey, which they found in abundance on the premises. They remained here until they * Probably Captain Murray's company. MAHONING VALLEY - 323 supposed they had obtained an accurate knowledge of the number of the enemy, which they reported at forty-seven.* They then returned to their comrades on Bull's Island, and reported their discoveries. The whole party then moved across to Cedar Point, and dispatched a messenger to Camp Avery (as our encampment was called) with the tidings. The soldiers who brought the information arrived at the camp about five o'clock P. M., on Sunday, the 28th of September. The news found our little band in a most enfeebled state. The bilious fever had reduced our number of effective troops until we were able to muster but two guards, consisting of two relieves ; so that each man in health was actually compelled to stand on his post one-fourth part of the time. I was on duty at the time the news reached the camp. When relieved from my post, at a little before sunset, I found them beating up for volunteers. I soon learned the. cause, and, without going to my quarters, I joined the small party who were following the music in front of the line of troops. According to my recollection there were sixty-four in all who volunteered to share the dangers of the enterprise. We were dismissed for thirty minutes to obtain an evening meal. It was between sunset and dark when we again assembled at the beating of the drum and prepared for our departure. Daylight had fully disappeared before we shook hands with our companions in arms and marched forth amid the silent darkness of the night. At the time now referred to General Perkins was absent from the camp. Colonel Hayes was dangerously ill of fever, and Major Frazier was absent at Sandusky. I think Major Shannon, of Youngstown, Trumbull County, was commanding officer of the forces then at Camp Avery. What orders he gave to Captain Cotton, who commanded the expedition, or whether he gave any, I am unable to state. Captain Joshua T. Cotton, then of Austintown, was our senior officer. Lieutenant Ramsay, whose residence I am unable to state, and Lieutenant Bartholomew, of Vienna, in the County of Trumbull, accompanied the party. The night was dark and the march was slow. It was past four o'clock in the morning when we reached our friends on Cedar Point, who were waiting our arrival. We unloaded the boats and embarked on board of theirs, accompanied by eight of the men who had come from Lower Sandusky with the provisions; and leaving  * It was reported, in the Spring following, by the French at the mouth of the Maumee River, that more than one hundred and thirty of the enemy united in this expedition to the Peninsula. 324 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. the remainder of that party on the Point, we steered for what was then called the "Middle Orchard," lying on the shore of the bay, nearly opposite Bull's Island. Our whole number now amounted to seventy-two. We landed a little after sunrise at "Middle Orchard." Here our arrangements were made as follows: Eight men, including a corporal, were detailed as a guard to remain with the boats. They were directed to take them to a thicket of small bulrushes, apparently half-way to Bull's Island, and there to await further orders. Two flank guards were also detailed of twelve men each, one under the command of Acting-sergeant James Root and the other under command of Acting-sergeant Thomas Hamilton. These guards were directed to keep at suitable distance on each side of the road in which the main body, under the command of Captain Cotton, was to march. In the course of ten minutes from the time of landing these orders were put in execution. The boats were moving off, the flank guards were out of sight, and the main body was marching for the "Two Harbors." At the expiration of an hour or two the corporal (Coffin) who was with the boats, contrary to order, took the smallest boat, and with two men went ashore to obtain fruit for his little party. Once on shore, they pushed their examination for fruit to the orchard lying some eighty or a hundred rods above the place of landing in the morning. While thus engaged they accidentally discovered several canoes filled with Indians making their way down the bay, covered by the islands from the view of the little party who remained with the boats. Corporal Coffin with his two companions, instantly left the shore of the bay, and under cover of the woods hastened down to their boats, and with as much energy as they were able to put forth pulled for their companions, who were resting in perfect security unconscious of danger. On their arrival the four knapsacks and blankets that were on board of the four boats were hastily thrown into the two lightest, each of these were manned by four men, the Corporal in the lightest boat, who gave directions to the men in the other to make for the shore if the enemy were likely to overtake them. The two heaviest boats were thus abandoned, and the men in the others made all efforts to place as great a distance between themselves and the enemy as possible. They had got so far before the Indians came round the island and discovered them that they were permitted to escape without much pursuit. The other boats floated near the shore, where the Indians sank them in shoal water MAHONING VALLEY - 325 by cutting holes through the bottoms; but the water being very shallow they remained in plain view, so that on the return of our men in the afternoon they attempted to use them for the purpose of escape. The guard in the two boats made "Cedar Point," where they remained until near evening, when a portion of the men on the peninsula came down to the point, and were there met by the boats and brought off, and the wounded conveyed to Huron in them. While the enemy thus drove off the guard and scuttled two of the boats, Captain Cotton and his party were marching for the " Two harbors" in the full expectation of finding them there. They reached Ramsdell's plantation, and saw fresh signs of the enemy. The Indians had left evident marks of having been there. Fresh beef lay on the ground putrefying in the sun, their fires were yet burning, and every indication showed that they had recently left the premises of Ramsdell. There was some wheat in a field near the lake in such a situation that the owner was anxious to make it more secure. The whole force had collected in the field, and it appeared to be understood that the pursuit of the enemy was to be extended no further. It was between ten and eleven o'clock A. M. that the return march was commenced. Mr. Hamilton with his guard and Captain Cotton with the main body were to return to Ramsdell's. The main body was then to return along the road leading back to the bay. Hamilton and his guard were to file off to the right and maintain their position on that flank. Root and his party were to secure the wheat, and then by a diagonal route to intercept the main body at the distance of a mile or so from Ramsdell's house. The day was clear and pleasant, and there was no difficulty in either of the guards keeping their direct course. Each party seemed to have moved with great regularity. Captain Cotton and the main body were marching along the road in double file, Hamilton with the right flank guard was maintaining his position, and Root, having secured the wheat, was returning on the road on which he was directed. All had progressed perhaps three-quarters of a mile when suddenly Root and his party were fired upon by the enemy. His party was led by young Ramsdell, who acted as pilot. The ground was open timber land, with grass as high as a man's waist. The Indians rose from the grass directly in front of the party, and fired as simultaneously as a platoon of militia would have done at the word of command. At the instant they fired they raised the war-whoop, and disappeared in the grass. Young Ramsdell fell at the first fire, 326 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. pierced by several balls. One other man was also disabled, leaving but nine men besides their commander to return the fire of the enemy and hold them at bay until they should be supported by their friends under Captain Cotton. Root directed his men to shelter themselves behind trees, and by his cool and deliberate movements stimulated them to maintain their ground. Whenever an Indian showed any part of his person he was sure to receive the salutation of our backwoodsman's rifle. The firing was kept up in an irregular manner, constantly interspersed with the yells of the Indians, until the little guard was re-enforced from the main body. As the sound of the enemy's rifles first struck the ears of Captain Cotton and his party, they stopped short and stood silent for a moment, when they began to lead off from the rear without orders and without regularity. Many of them raised the Indian yell as they started. As they reached the scene of action, each advanced with circumspection, as the whistling of balls informed him that he had reached the post of danger. The firing continued some fifteen minutes after the first arrival of assistance from the main body, when it appeared to subside by common consent of both parties. As the firing became less animated, the yells of the savages grew faint, and the Indians were seen to drag off their dead and wounded. About the time of the manifestations of a disposition on the part of the enemy to retire from the conflict, Captain Cotton ordered a retreat. He retired, and was followed by a large portion of his men. A few remained with Sergeants Root and Rice, and maintained their position until the enemy apparently left the field. When the firing had entirely ceased, our intrepid sergeants held a consultation, and thought it prudent to retire to where the main body had taken up a position, some sixty or eighty rods in the rear of the battle-ground, As soon as they and their companions reached the party under Captain Cotton, that offrcer proposed to take up a line of march directly for the orchard at which they landed in the morning. To this proposal Sergeant Rice would not consent until the dead and wounded were brought off. He was then ordered to take one-half of the men and bring them away. This order was promptly obeyed. The dead* * Two dead bodies were left on the ground at the time of the retreat. Ramsdell, who fell at the first fire, and Blackman, who belonged in the southern part of Trumbull County. James S. Bills was shot through the lungs, and died after being carried back to where Cotton had made a stand. The three bodies were buried together between two logs covered with leaves and dirt and rotten wood. There was but one man wounded so as to be unable to walk. A ball had struck him in the groin, and he was carried on the back of Sergeant Rice most of the distance MAHONING VALLEY - 327 and wounded were brought from the scene of action to the place where Cotton was waiting with his men. The dead were interred in as decent a manner as could be done under the circumstances, and the line of march was again resumed. There was a very general expectation that the enemy would make an attempt to relieve their evident discomfiture. They had lost some of their men, but had not taken a single scalp, which, with them/ is regarded as disreputable, particularly when, as in this instance, they are the aggressors. The order of march was the same as it had been previously. All proceeded regularly and silently toward the place of landing. When the main body, moving along the road, had arrived in sight of the improvement at the middle orchard, there suddenly appeared two Indians some thirty or forty rods in front of the foremost of our party. The Indians appear to have suddenly discovered our men, and started to run from them. Our men in front pursued, while others, more cautious, called loudly for them to stop, assuring them there was danger near. Our friends stopped suddenly, and at that instant the whole body of Indians fired upon our line, being at farthest not more than twenty rods distant, entirely concealed behind a ledge of trees that had been prostrated by the wind. It was a most unaccountable circumstance that not a man of our party was injured by this firing. The Indians were on the right of the road, and, of course, between the road and bay. Our party betook themselves each to his tree, and returned the fire as they could catch sight of the enemy. The firing was irregular for some three or five minutes, when Sergeant Hamilton, with the right flank guard, reached the scene of action. He had unconsciously fallen somewhat behind the main body during the march. As he advanced he came directly upon the enemy's left wing. His first fire put them to flight, leaving two or three of their number on the ground. As they retreated they crossed the road in front of the main body, which, by this time, had been joined by Sergeant Root and the left guard. Having crossed the road the Indians turned about and resumed firing. At this time Captain Cotton began to retire toward a log building standing within the cleared land. The retreat was very irregular, some of the men remaining on the ground and keeping up an animated fire upon the enemy until Cotton, and those who started with him, had nearly reached the house in which they took shelter. Those in the rear at last commenced a hasty retreat also, and were pursued by the Indians until they came within the range of the rifles of those 328 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. who had found shelter in the house. Captain Cotton, with about twenty men, entered this building, and very handsomely covered the retreat of those who remained longest on the field. There were about thirty* of those who passed by the house and proceeded to the place where they had landed in the morning, expecting to find the boats in which they might escape across the bay But the guard and two of the boats were gone. The other two boat, were then scuttled. They dare not venture to the house, naturally supposing that it was surrounded by the enemy. Some of them pulled off their clothes, and attempted to stop the holes in one of the boats so as to enable them to cross the bay in it. Others fled at once down the shore of the bay, in order to get as far from the enemy as they could, entertaining a hope that some means would offer by which they might pass over to Cedar Point. Others followed, and before sunset all those who had not sought shelter in the house were on the eastern point of the Peninsula with their six wounded comrades. The firing was distinctly heard on Cedar Point by Corporal Coffin and his guard of seven men, who, under a state of extreme anxiety for the fate of their companions, put off from the Point and lay as near the Peninsula as they thought themselves safe from the rifles of the enemy should there be any there. They rejoiced to see their friends coming down the Point, bringing their wounded, wet with perspiration, many of them stained with blood, and all appearing ready to sink under the fatigues and excitement of nearly twenty-four hours of unmitigated effort. The boats were small, and one of them was loaded at once and crossed to Cedar Point and returned, and with the assistance of the other took in all that remained on the point of the Peninsula, and crossed over. All were now collected on the beach at Cedar Point. Sergeant Wright was the highest officer in command. Eight men were detailed as oarsmen, and ordered to take in the six wounded men and move directly for the mouth of Huron River. I do not recollect the number of men placed in the other boat, but believe it was eight. The remainder took up their march for Huron by land. It was my lot to act as oarsman on board the boat on which the wounded were placed. Daylight was fast fading away when we *There were six wounded men brought away that evening, making, with the guard left with the boats, thirty-seven. These were joined by those who had remarned on Cedar Point from the time they left Bull's Island on their way from Lower Sandusky, so that the whole party who reached Huron that night were between fort, and fifty. MAHONING VALLEY - 329 put out from Cedar Point into the mouth of the bay. Here we stopped some little time, and listened in the silence of the evening for any noise that might come from the house in which our companions were left. Hearing nothing from that distance, we started for the mouth of Huron River. We entered the river, and arrived at a place then called Sprague's Landing, about a mile above the mouth, about one or two o'clock on the morning of the 30th of September. An advance post was kept at that point, and we fortunately found one of the assistant surgeons belonging to the service at that place. We soon started a fire in a vacant cabin, and placed the wounded in it, and delivered them over to the care of the medical officer to whom I have alluded, but whose name I am now unable to recollect. Having accomplished this, our Sergeant Rice proposed going to headquarters that night, provided a small party would volunteer to accompany him. Anxious that the earliest possible information of the situation of Captain Cotton and his party on the Peninsula should be communicated, some eight or ten of us volunteered to accompany our determined and persevering Sergeant. In the darkness of the night we mistook the road, and, finding ourselves on a branch leading south, and which left Camp Avery on the right perhaps a mile and a half, we attempted to wend our way through the forest. We soon lost our course, but wandered among the openings and woods until daylight enabled us to direct our course with some degree of correctness. We struck the road near what was then called Abbott's Landing, and reached camp a little after sunrise. Arrived at headquarters, both officers and men were soon made acquainted with the situation of our friends who yet remained on the Peninsula. But in the enfeebled state of our skeleton army it was difficult to obtain a sufficient force to send out to relieve them. During the forenoon Lieutenant Allen, of the company to which P belonged, succeeded in raising some thirty volunteers, and started for the Peninsula, in order to bring home those we had left there. The necessity of this movement will be understood when the reader informed that Captain Cotton and his men were destitute of all means of crossing the bay. Lieutenant Allen, however, met with difficulty in obtaining boats to convey his men across the bay, and did not reach Captain Cotton and his party until the morning of the 1st of October. They then found our friends in the house, but the enemy were not to be seen. Soon after Captain Cotton and his men commenced firing upon them from the house they retired out of danger. They seem not to 330 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. have noticed those who passed by the house in order to find the boats, and who then passed down the bay to the point of the Peninsula, on Monday, during the skirmish. Had they discovered those men, they would doubtless have pursued and massacred them all. Being unconscious of this, and there being no prospect of effecting any injury to those in the 'house, they soon retired to the scene of action, and stripped and scalped two of our dead whom we left on the field. They mutilated the body of Simons, who fell during the skirmish. His right band was cut off, and the scalping-knife of a chief named Omick was left plunged to the hilt in his breast. This Indian had previously resided at a small village on the east branch of the Pymatuning Creek, in the township of Wayne, Ashtabula County. I had been well acquainted with him for several years, and so had many others who were engaged in the combat of that day, some of whom declared that they recognized him during the skirmish. It is also supposed that he must have recognized some of his old acquaintances, and left his knife in the body of Simons as a token of triumph. The knife was recognized by some of the soldiers, from its peculiar handle of carved ivory. The Indians took away and secreted their own dead. There were three of our men killed in this latter skirmish. Mason lived on Huron River, and cultivated the farm on which we were encamped. He came into the camp on the 28th, about sunset, volunteered for the expedition, and accompanied us on our march. He was shot through the lower region of the breast, the ball evidently having passed through some portion of the lungs, as the blood flowed from the mouth and nose. A friend took him upon his shoulder, and attempted to bring him off the field; but, as the enemy pressed hard upon them, Mason requested his friend to set him beside a tree, and give him his gun, and leave him to his fate. His friend, knowing that at best lre could only prolong his life a few moments, sat him down as requested, and left him. He was seen some moments subsequently by those who passed him in haste, flying before the pursuing enemy. They reported him as still sitting up beside the tree, and the blood flowing from his mouth and nose. They also stated that they heard the report of his musket soon after they passed him, and the report of several rifles instantly followed. On examining the body, it was found that several balls had passed through his breast, and it was generally supposed that he fired upon the Indians as they approached him, and that in return they fired at him. his body was stripped of its clothing, and he was scalped. MAHONING VALLEY - 331 On the arrival of Lieutenant Allen and his party at the house Captain Cotton joined him, and they proceeded to bury the bodies of those two men. Mingus * was also killed during this skirmish. his brother saw him fall, and immediately seized the body, and, placing it upon his shoulder, proceeded to the house with it. After the Indians had retired out of sight, and left our friends somewhat at leisure, they proceeded to raise a portion of the floor, composed of planks split from large timber. They then dug a sort of grave, and, burying the body, replaced the floor, leaving no signs of the body being deposited there. Captain Cotton and Lieutenant Allen and his party then recrossed the bay, and returned to camp on the evening of the 1st of October. The next morning we again mustered, and the roll of volunteers was called. The names of the killed and wounded being noted, we were dismissed, and each returned to his own company. ROADS. For convenience of reference I shall bring together under the above heading what is to be said of the road-ways of the town, although anticipating the time of the construction of most of them several years. As in most thickly wooded new settlements, the first way-marks of the town were blazed trees, marking a line from one settlement to another. Afterward these lines were under brushed. Still later they were cleared of their timber, and some of them at least worked into highways. There is, however, scarcely a road in the town that follows the first paths traced by the early settlers. The first roads commonly lay along the highest and dryest grounds, and had reference to the places most convenient for fording and bridging the streams. Afterward as the woods were cleared away and the country settled, its thoroughfares were laid out to suit the convenience of the people and facilitate intercourse between different parts. The first road of any considerable length that was constructed in this region is what was called the "Old Salt Road," laid out in 1804 by Bemis and David Niles. It began on the lake shore at the mouth of Conneaut Creek, continuing south to the old county road, thence south through the first range to Kinsman's mill. It took a * I may have forgotten the name of this man, but I think such was the name. 332 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. northerly course from Kinsman's' store along the ridge by the residences of George Matthews, William Scott, and Marvin Leonard's, of Williamsfield, somewhere between the present State and Center Roads, of the first range. South of Lake Erie a settlement had been begun at Monroe. Midway between Monroe and Kinsman, a temporary board cabin was erected, where men and teams might find shelter for the night. Salt was one of the pressing wants of the early inhabitants of Kinsman and adjoining towns, and was one of the principal motives for the construction of this road ; hence the name given to the road. Salt was manufactured in Onondaga, New York, transported in vessels on Lake Ontario to Lewistown, below the Falls of Niagara ; from Lewis. town it was carted to Buffalo ; from Buffalo it was brought to Conneaut in canoes and open boats. It reached Kinsman by means of ox teams, where its price was twenty dollars per barrel. In 1806, a road from Johnson to Kinsman was laid out, beginning at the east and west center road, on the south side of lot No. forty-five, in Johnson, and running thence to the Mercer Road, near the house of John Kinsman. The same year a road was laid out from the house of John Kinsman east to the State line, near the house of William Mossman, by the farms of Leonard Blackburn and Thomas Potter. This is known as the Mercer Road. In 1807 the State Road was laid out. In 1808, a road from the north line of Warren Palmer's farm, in Vernon, was surveyed to the crossing of the Pymatuning Creek, near the house of John Kinsman. The petition, in 1804; for a road froth the mouth of Conneaut Creek south, shows that it was to terminate at Kinsman's mill. Whereas the record of the survey makes it terminate at an oak-tree, one mile south of the south line of Kinsman. It is conjectured that the first road was legally established only to Kinsman's mill, and the above piece is to make good the balance of the first survey. In 1810, the record shows that there was a petition to establish a road from Mr. Kinsman's toward Meadville. The record is imperfect, and the proper legal action was not had. In 1835 new action was taken, and the road surveyed by Buel Barnes, surveyor, and the lines fixed from the tavern barn, near Mr. Kinsman's, on the line of the Meadville Road to the State line, and the whole legalized by the commissioners. In 1815, the Mill Road, so-called, was established, beginning at the Mercer Road west of the house of Thomas Potter, by Gillis's MAHONING VALLEY - 333 mills to the State Road, near the houses of Elizabeth Lewis and Nicholas Krahe. In 1811 a road was laid out from the vicinity of the Griswold Farm east, in Gustavus, to the house of Mr. Kinsman, via the farm of J. Burnham, Esq. In 1818 a road was established from what was then known as the Clark Farm to the north-east part of the township. In 1819 a road was established by the farms of Simon Fobes and William Mathews to the Meadville Road. Also the same year a road from the meeting-house (near Dr. Allen's), in Kinsman, west through the center of Gustavus to the west line of the county. In 1820 the road from Johnson to Kinsman was altered and straightened. In 1821 the road beginning near the north line of Vernon, by Obed Gilder, was established. In 1822 the north and south center road was surveyed. SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL BUILDINGS. The first school in Kinsman was taught by Leonard Blackburn in a log cabin. He taught a night-school, consisting of a few boys; also during the day, in the Winter of of 1805-6, in the log cabin of the Neals, on the Joshua Yeomans Farm, or in the Yetman cabin, on the Seth Perkins Farm. In the Winter of 1806-7 his school was in the Neal cabin. It was popular, principally on account of its cheapness. As there were no public funds, and the " Yankee school" charged two dollars and a half per term for tuition, some of the people were displeased, and patronized the cheaper school. The first school-house was built of logs, sixteen feet square, seven and a half feet in height, and stood on the bank of Stratton Creek, opposite the house of John Andrews, on the Randall Farm, afterward known as the Daniel Allen Farm. It had rough slab benches, and boards fastened to the wall by wooden pins for desks, altogether primitive in its fixture and surroundings. The first school taught here was by Jedediah Burnham, Esq., beginning January 1,1806, and continuing one quarter. He taught also in the Winter of 1806-7, at ten dollars per month, and took his Pay mostly in grain and barter. He boarded from house to house ; his scholars came from all the surrounding settlements. Benjamin Allen taught the first part of the Winter of 1807—8. Dr. Peter Allen taught the balance of the Winter ; also in 1808, assisted by Joseph Kinsman, and the next Winter assisted by John Kinsman. Ezra 334 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. Buell taught in this school-house one or two Winters, from 1810 to 1814. Joshua Yeomans taught one Winter, as late as 1815 or 1816. Miss Eunice Allen (wife of Jehiel Meacham) taught the first Summer school in 1807. Miss Lucy Andrews, afterward Mrs. Jones, of Hartford, and Miss Bushnell, afterward Mrs. Beecher, of Shalersville, were among the last who taught in that building. The next school-house was of logs, erected near the township line, north of Wm. Scott's, to accommodate families in Williamsfield. Afterward one was built south, near the site of the present Ridge school-house. The third was also a log house, and stood near where the stone house, built by Seymour Potter, now stands. Dr. D. Allen attended school there the Summer of 1818. At this time there was a school-house east of M'Connell's, on the Pennsylvania line, to accommodate settlers on both sides of the State line. In 1820 the township was divided into districts, and the whole south-west quarter of the town was organized into District No. 1. The first frame school-house was erected by subscription, 20 by 24, and placed in the angle of the State and Meadville roads, on the site of the present hotel. The first school taught in it was by Daniel Lathrop (since Rev.), of Norwich, Conn., in 1820-21, for fifteen dollars per month. The common price for teaching Winter-schools was ten dollars per month. The building was a commodious and good one for the times. Afterward it was removed to a rise of ground, a few rods north on the Meadville road, near where the house of Elijah Beckwith now stands. Here it was occupied a number of years under the name of the Village School-house. Here D. Cadwell (afterward known as a distinguished lawyer, Provost-Marshal of the Northern District of Ohio during the Civil War, and District Judge of the Cleveland Circuit) taught about 1840, and I know not how many others, who in after-life filled honorable callings. After the erection of the present school-building, 1853, near L. C. Perkins's, the old one was sold, and is now the dwelling of R. P. Hulse. It was several years after the erection of this first frame village school-house that the schools began to be aided by public funds. Only a few of the common English branches were taught in the schools, such as reading, spelling, writing, arithmetic, and, to a very limited extent, geography and grammar.. About 1822 a log school-house was erected north of Esquire King's—rrot far from the present residence of Gordon Burnside. The second frame school-house was built in 1825, on the Ridge, at MAHONING VALLEY - 335 the crossing, near George Matthews's. The one by David Brackin was built in 1828. The one near Mr. Crocker's, in the north part of the town, on the Meadville road ; the one east, by Esquire Laughlin's, and the center school-house, near Henry Lillies's, were built in 1834. KINSMAN ACADEMY. This institution was incorporated during the Winter of 1841-42, and its academy building, erected 1842, the land on which it stands having been donated by Mr. John Kinsman. The timber for the frame was given in the rough by Esquire Andrews. At the time of building the times were hard and cash scarce. Only fifty dollars in money were paid for building purposes, although many turns and credits were made that answered the same as cash. The building was plain, well proportioned, commodious, neatly and substantially built. John Christy, Albert Allen, and Dr. Dudley Allen, were its first trustees and building committee. The stone-work was prepared and laid by Robert and Geo. Braden. P. S. Miner did the carpenter and joiner work, and Zephua Stone the plastering and flues. Its cost was not far from fifteen hundred dollars. In 1863 its rooms were remodeled, at a cost of about four hundred dollars. It has done good service for the town and surrounding communities. The following is an imperfect list of its principals and assistant teachers : Charles F. Hudson (graduate W. R. C.), assistant ; Miss Brown taught in 1842-44; Charles C. Clapp (g. W. R. C.), assistant; Miss Clapp, 1844-46; John Lynch, 1846-49; Almon Sampson (g. W. R. C.), 1849-50; Robert F. Moore (g. W. R. C.), 1850-51; John Myers (g. Oberlin), 1851-52; Miss Owen, 1852-53; Miss H. A. Holt, 1853; Dr. W. R. Gilkey, 1853-55; Miss Hannah P. Parker, 1855; Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Clark, 1855-58; E. L. Moon (g. Union), assistant Mrs. Moon, 1858-59 ; E. P. Haynes (g. W. R. C.) and Miss E. C. Allen (g. C. F. S.), 1859-60; Moses G. Watterson (g. W. R. C.), 1860-61; Edwin L. Webber (g. W. R. C.), 1861-62; Mrs. A. A. F. Johnston (g. Oberlin), 1862-65. Assistants: Miss Josephine C. Field; Miss Celia Morgan (g. O.); Miss Mary Christy (g. L. E. F. S.); Miss Louisa M. Fitch (g. O.). Mrs. Johnson was principal of the academy for a longer period than any other teacher, and was greatly respected and beloved by her pupils. Many of the school graduated afterward at various colleges and seminaries. Of her pupils, Dudley Allen, is a member of the present 336 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. Senior Class, Oberlin. Chalmers Christy graduated at Ann Arbor, Mich., and afterward at a medical college in New York City. Everett Darrow spent some two years at Ann Arbor, when he was obliged to leave on account of the failure of his eyes. Afterward he spent two years of study in Europe. Albert Gillis is in Cornell University, Rebecca Kinsman graduated at Lake Erie Seminary; Jennie Kinsman at the Female Seminary, Cleveland ; Leverett S. Woodworth, at Brown University, R. I., and Andover Theological Seminary. There are a good many who have studied at various colleges, as Hudson, Oberlin, etc., who have not graduated. Others have taken diplomas from high-schools and business institutes. Thomas Newton graduated at Oberlin. The following is a list of the names of graduates, professional and business, such as now occur to me who were once members of Kinsman Academy: Doctors—Lyman Allen, Thomas B. Henderson, George Haynes, Oliver Simons, Peter H. Harnet, Henderson Christy, M. D., Edwin Griswold, M. D. (graduate Oberlin), Seeman Moore, M. D. (graduate Delaware), D. W. Birge (graduate Oberlin), Abiel De Wolf, Abiel Pelton, Upson Moore, John Lawyer, B. H. Peabody, Robert Brackin, James Brackin. Ministers—Joseph King (graduate Hiram) Leverett S. Woodworth (graduate Brown University), Thomas Roberts (graduate W. R. C.), Garvin Murdock (graduate Rochester). Lawyers—Ralph Hill, M. C. (graduate Albany Law School), George Christy (graduate, W. R. C.), Jedediah K. Burnham (graduate Yale), Albert Yeomans, Judge Probate, Lorin Roberts (graduate Oberlin), Thomas K. Newton (graduate O.), Wm. M. Grovenor (Yale College). • Merchants and Business Men—Erastus Smith, Cincinnati; George Birrill Kinsman, B. H. Peabody, Pittsburg; George Swift, Warren; Edwin Yeomans, Cuyahoga Falls. Ladies—Mary Christy (graduate L. E. F. S.), Charlotte Fobes (L. E. F. S.); Rebecca Kinsman, L. E. F. S.; Jennie Kinsman (C. F. S.); Jennie Allen (Oberlin) ; Harriet Gillis (L. E. F. S.) ; Mulvina Gillis (L. E. F. S.); Harriet Brackin (L. E. F. S.); Emily C. Allen (graduate C. F. S.) ; Sophia Kinsman, Cornelia Kinsman (L. E. F. S.). The above catalogue of names is, of course, very imperfect, and is no just measure of the good work which the institution has accomplished. MAHONING VALLEY - 337 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF EARLY SETTLERS. RIVERIUS BIDWELL, of Kinsman, was born in Canton, Hartford county, Conn., September 5, 1790; married to Eunice Hotchkiss in June, 1810. Removed from Canton in the Summer of 1812 to Gustavus ; from Gustavus to Kinsman in the Summer of 1834. pied in Kinsman, February 6, 1871, leaving his widow and son, Wayne Bidwell, who still reside there. Riverius Bidwell was a man endowed with remarkable physical and mental powers, and admirably fitted for excelling in whatever position placed. When a young man and in preparation for entering Yale College, while teaching, he became acquainted with a young lady, Eunice Hotchkiss, of New Haven, Conn., whom he married. This event changed his contemplated pursuit of study, and shortly after he emigrated to the township of Gustavus, erected a log house on the land selected for his home, then covered by a dense forest, as was the most part of the township at that time, and applied himself to clearing his land. In six years he had cleared and under cultivation a good farm with a good mansion and out-buildings erected, which remain at this time among the best in that thrifty township. His unsurpassed energy and industry, directed by superior judgment and economy, seemed always attended by success, and were of incalculable value as an example to others in the early settlement of that township and to a considerable extent in adjoining townships, in which he was regarded- as an example for success. His habits were those of most rural simplicity. A stranger, meeting him in the neighborhood, and having respect to the maxim: "The tailor makes the man," would observe the body of Herculean strength, clad in plain but cleanly homespun, a huge head of seven and seven-eighths dimension, with benign countenance under a straw or wool hat, but would utterly fail to recognize the leading man in his part of the country, and one of the ablest men in the State. As early, perhaps, as 1824 or 1825, and while the county extended to the south line of the Western Reserve, Riverius Bidwell was elected treasurer of the county. The treasurer had at that time to collect the tax by calling on the tax-payer, making it necessary for him to call at every house in the thirty-five townships (Trumbull County then included part of Mahoning). In discharge of the duties of his office, Bidwell did what has no precedent, and has never had an imitator and never will in the county now of less dimensions. He went on foot to every house, collected the taxes faithfully and promptly, and 338 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. then walked to Columbus, settled with the Auditor of State, walked home, and resumed his private business, and, in like manner, made his collections and returns to the auditor during his term of office. In the construction of roads, turnpikes, and bridges for the early improvements in the north part of the county, Bidwell's name was conspicuous, and the undertaking of an enterprise by him was always regarded as a guarantee of its faithful and early completion. SETH PERKINS, of Kinsman, was born in Hartland, Hartford County, Conn., February 29, 1780. Removed to Barkhamsted, Litchfield County, Conn., at the age of twelve, and at twenty to Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York, where he resided till April, 1804, when he emigrated to Ohio, with his earthly possessions on his back in a knapsack. He worked by the month through the season, and in October was married to Lucy Thompson, daughter of Thomas Thompson, who came to Hartford, Trumbull County, Ohio, the same year from Farmington, Hartford County, Conn. In the Winter he made a clearing, and built a cabin on the center line of Fowler, near the Vienna line, where he removed with his wife, then eighteen years old, in the Spring of 1805, there being at that time only four families in the township, the nearest one mile distant through an unbroken forest. They endured all the hardships incident to so new a country, and made for themselves a home of comfort, humble though it was. At the time of Hull's surrender in 1812 he went with almost the entire male population of the county to defend the north-western frontier at Sandusky and Huron, from whence he returned about the 1st of January, 1813, with impaired health. He still resided on his farm in Fowler, which he had improved to a fine homestead, planted an orchard, which now by its perfectly straight rows shows his taste and .care, and the fences being neat and substantial, were an evidence of industry and thrift, In the Autumn of 1818 he sold his farm to Abijah Silliman, and in April, 1819, removed to Kinsman, where he resided until February, 1846, when, by a fall, which resulted in concussion of the spine, he died three days thereafter. His family at the time of his settlement in Kinsman consisted of himself and wife, six daughters, and one son, and afterward another son and daughter, all of whom were in after time married, and three of whom now survive. JOSHUA YEOMANS was born in Norwich, Conn. Served in the war of 1812 as captain of a company of Norwich light infantry. He emigrated to Kinsman 1814, taught a district-school 1815, purchased two hundred acres of land on the south line of the township on the MAHONING VALLEY - 339 East Vernon Road in 1818. This land he improved and held as long as he lived, though his home for the last fifteen or twenty years of his life was in the village of Kinsman, on the corner of the State and Warren Roads. He planted a field of broom-corn where the Kinsman House now stands, and made the first broom-corn brooms in the country. His marriage to Miss Harriet Cole, of Kinsman, was in 1819. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died September 20, 1853, in his sixty-seventh year. JOHN YEOMANS, brother of the above, came to Kinsman a few years later, and settled on a farm lying alongside that of his brother's. His death occurred a few years previous to his brother's. DR. PETER ALLEN.—Kinsman has had no citizen more honored and useful in his calling than Dr. Peter Allen. He was born at Norwich, Conn., July 1, 1787, the son of John and Tirzah Allen. His father was a respectable and well-to-do farmer of Norwich, and gave his son the best advantages of education which the city at that time afforded. He pursued and completed his professional studies with the eminent Dr. Tracy, of Norwich, emigrating to Kinsman 1808, and immediately entering on the practice of his profession. He was the first and for nearly a quarter of a century the only physician in the township and a somewhat extensive surrounding country. Possessed of an uncommonly robust constitution and great energy of character, he endured hardships and peformed an amount of labor in his profession which in these days of bridges, good roads, and short rides might seem almost incredible. It was nothing uncommon for him in the early settlement of the country to ride over bad roads and along mere bridle-paths ten, fifteen, twenty or more miles to visit a patient, often fording streams or crossing them on logs and by canoes, exposed to wet and cold, fatigues and discomforts that we are now little able to appreciate. In his day the advantages of medical schools, hospitals, clinics, dissections were enjoyed only by a very .few physicians. Notwithstanding the disadvantages with which he had to contend, Dr. Allen attained a high standing in his profession. He performed many difficult surgical operations, such as the operation for strangulated hernia, ligating the femeral artery for aneurism, laryngotomy, lithotomy, removal of cancers, amputation of limbs and at the shoulder joint, etc. He stood high in the esteem of medical men, and his counsel was much sought by them in difficult cases of both medicine and surgery. He was an active member of the Ohio State Medical Association from its first formation, and was at one time its presiding officer. In the 340 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. war of 1812 he had the first appointment of surgeon in the army on the northern frontier of the State. He was also a member of the Ohio State Legislature in 1840. He married Charity Dudley, of Bethlem, Conn., May 15, 1813 Mrs. Allen, a superior and most estimable woman, was for many years a great sufferer. Her death was sudden, she having been thrown from the carriage, in which she was riding, by the fright of her horse, June 1, 1840, and lived only a few hours after. In 1841 Dr. Allen married Miss Fanny Brewster Starr, a niece of Mrs. R. Kinsman and General Simon Perkins. She died of consumption August, 1846. Dr. Allen had but one child, Dr. Dudley Allen, born June, 1814. The first office of Dr. Allen was in his father's yard, on the farm now occupied by Isaac Allen, by the maple grove on the banks of Stratton Creek. This he occupied until the Fall of 1813, when he moved into a double log house, which stood in the yard in which he built his frame house in 1821. This latter was in the time of its erection and is still a beautiful house of elaborate and superior workmanship. It was much admired, and cost three thousand dollars, which was then considered an extravagant sum. His brother, Dr. Francis Allen, was in company with him from 1825 to 1829, and his son from 1837 to 1852, at which time he mostly relinquished practice. The farm on which he lived was purchased in 1812 for two dollars per acre. Dr. Allen is remembered by those who knew him, not merely as a skillful physician, but also as an active and steadfast member of the Church of Christ. When his business permitted he was always present in the house of God on the Sabbath. A regular attendant at the weekly prayer-meeting, and in the latter part of his life was an active member of the Sabbath-school. After having relinquished the business of his profession he was almost the standing representative of the Church in meetings of Synod, and at the meeting next succeeding his death was spoken of by that body in terms of high regard. Only a few months before his last sickness he represented Trumbull Presbytery as their lay delegate in the N. S. General Assembly, at Dayton. He retained full possession of his faculties though advanced in life, and his Christian example shone bright unto the end. WALTER DAVIS came from Ireland when sixteen years of age, and settled in Chartiers Creek Penn. where he lived till his marriage to Miss Mary Murray, 1803. Came to Kinsman with his wife 1804. MAHONING VALLEY - 341 JAMES M'CONNELL came from Londonderry, Ireland, 1794. When he landed at Philadelphia with his wife and two children they had the small-pox; so that it was with the greatest difficulty that they could obtain lodgings; and one of their little girls died. They lived in Washington County, Penn., two years, then in Beaver County until they moved to Kinsman, 1804, having four children. The roads were so bad that they had to leave their wagons and come on horseback. Mrs. M'Connell and the children stopped at Mr. Mossman's, over the line, while Mr. M'Connell came on and put up a log house. The next Monday they all went over, and the mother and children sat on a log while the father cut an opening for a door. They kept fire by a big log outside until the fire-place was built in the house. BRACKIN AND KING.—The ancestors of John Brackin were of Scotch descent. James Brackin, his father, was from Glasgow, Scotland. John Brackin lived in Ireland, and married Mrs. Jane King, who at the time of their marriage had two sons, James and Robert. After her second marriage she had two other sons, Ezekiel and David. John Brackin and family left Londonderry, Ireland, May 22, 1803, and in about four weeks landed at Wilmington, Delaware, and came to Strabane, Washington County, Penn. David, a boy of sixteen, still remained in Ireland attending school. Robert King came first to Kinsman. In 1804, the next year after coming to America, the family came to Kinsman. Two years afterward, David left Londonderry, July 17, 1805, and reached Newcastle, Delaware, September 18th, thence to Strabane, Washington County, Penn. When John Brackin went to Washington County for his son David, stopping in Pittsburg, he went into a shoe shop for a pair of shoes. Mr. Riddle, the proprietor, asked him, "How long since you came from the holy sod?" He replied, "How do you know I came from there?" Mr. Riddle answered, "O! the potato blossoms are not out of your cheeks yet." Conversing together they found they had been old schoolmates in Ireland. JOHN LITTLE.—Mrs. Anna Beckwith (Miss Little) says, "My father and family emigrated from Beaver Township, Beaver County, Penn., April, 1804. We started the 11th of April, and were about ten days on the road. When we got to the house of a Mr. Potter, about two miles from our place, we stopped, and father went on and built a log house on our land, where Mr. Miller now lives (1867), into Which we moved immediately. When we came to Kinsman there 342 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. were eight of us children, James, Nicholas, Anna, Jane, Elizabeth, Margaret, M'Clure, and David. John, Mary, and Eleanor were born, in Ohio. ISAAC MEACHAM came from Hartland, Conn., 1806 ; born April 30, 1778 ; died December 12, 1841. IRA MEACHAM, from Hartland, Conn., 1812 ; born September 26, 1784 ; died September 23, 1850, age, sixty-six. SAMUEL LEWIS. OBED GILDER. —Born May 29, 1793, Hartland, Conn.; came to Kinsman April 1, 1815. LEMUEL NEWTON.—Born November 27, 1783, Cheshire, Conn.; emigrated to Gustavus, 1809; Kinsman, 1814; died November 27, 1860. JAIRUS BROCKETT.—Born October 17, 1783, North Haven, Conn.; emigrated to Kinsman, 1809 ; died September 7, 1872. HENRY BUDWELL came from Pennyslvania ; died near Greenville, Penn. GEORGE LILLIE, from Sharon County, commenced a farm north of Thomas K's brick house. HENRY LILLIE, brother, from the same place, went first to Johnson ; came to Kinsman about 1820. HUTCHINS and LYMAN KINNEY settled on the Galpin Place. NICHOLAS KRAHL, a hatter, come from Westmoreland County, Penn., to Kinsman, 1812-13; settled on land south of Captain Briggs. ASA HERRICK. PETER LOSSEE, from Monmouth, New Jersey, 1808 ; born December, 1750 ; died, 1815. JAMES LAUGHLIN, from Pennsylvania ; died July 10, 1868, aged seventy-six. CLARK GIDDINGS, from Connecticut, 1810-12, lived on L. C. Perkins's place. MICHAEL BURNS emigrated 1808 from Baltimore County, Md.; lived on the south line of the township. PLUM SUTLIFF, from Vernon. A. FOSTER. JOHN KYLE.—Born Franklin County, Penn., 1772; came to Kinsman April 4, 1813; died April 28, 1870. MAHONING VALLEY - 343 EBENEZER WEBBER.—Born Palmer, Mass., May 22, 1778 ; came to Kinsman August, 1819 ; died December 15, 1843. LESTER CONE, from Hartland, Conn., 1807 ; lived on the Kinsman Cone Farm, west of Cone bridge; died at Sandusky. WILLIAM CHRISTY and MARY HENDERSON, his wife, came from Westmoreland County, Penn., to Kinsman, 1804, having two children, James and Joseph. ANDREW CHRISTY, brother of William, came at the same time, and about five years after married Betsey M'Connel, and settled on his farm next north of William Christy. JEDEDIAH BURNHAM.—The life of Jedediah Burnham, through a period of nearly eighty-seven years, has been intimately and variously connected with the growth and progress of the township of Kinsman. His counsels and acts, whether in the military, civil, or religious yrganizations of the town, as well as in the administration of all township and county affairs intrusted to him, have been marked with eminent justice, propriety, and wisdom. He came to Kinsman not far from the time that he became of age, and was very soon appointed to office. From that time to the period when the infirmities of age began to press upon him he was actively employed in responsible duties to which he was called by his fellow-citizens of the town and county. He was an active member and honored officer of the Congregational and Presbyterian Church in Kinsman, from its beginning to the day of his death. Pre-eminently a peace-maker, he was commonly the first one in the town resorted to for the settlement of any misunderstanding or difficulty between neighbor and neighbor,or trouble of any sort that had sprung up in the community. He was born in Lisbon, Conn., 1785, the son of Dr. Jedediah Burnham, a respectable physician of that place, who in his old age, with his wife and daughter, removed to Kinsman, and lived and died in the family of his son. In 1804 Mr. Burnham left the home of his parents and went to Virginia, with the hope of finding in that State a location. that would please him. He returned, however, without locating. At that time the circulating medium of the Western Reserve was principally specie. Many parties came to the State, commonly on horseback, with coin in their saddle-bags for the purchase of lands. The returns of these sales enabled proprietors of large tracts of lands here to make their payments as they became due East. Mr. Kinsman, in 1805, had been more than ordinarily successful 344 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. in the sale of his lands, and had accumulated quite a quantity of specie, which from time to time he had deposited in Pittsburg. Early in the Fall he went to Pittsburg on horseback. There he purchased another horse, afterward known as the family horse Chickasaw, and, loading his coin on the backs of his two horses, rode to Boston, leading Chickasaw. Here he disposed of his money, and returned to Lisbon, Conn., with the horses. He proposed to Mr. Burnham to accompany him to Ohio and enter into his employ. His proposition having been accepted, Mr. Kinsman left him "Chickasaw," and started for New York and Philadelphia, for the purchase of goods, with the understanding that Burnham would meet him at Columbia, Penn., in time to accompany him on his return to Kinsman. Mr. Burnham, having made preparations for his journey, started in company with a Mr. Woodward, of Cincinnati. On the way, between Lisbon and Fishkill, they stopped two days to attend the wedding of Mr. Woodward's sister, reaching Columbia two days before the arrival of Mr. Kinsman. From that place they arrived in Kinsman in November. The new house of Mr. Kinsman was being rapidly brought to its completion. The first work of Mr. Burnham was to assist in putting in the stone chimney. After that he was busy in various work of the farm until Winter, when he was engaged to teach the first regular school of the township. The next Spring and Summer he was again employed on the farm, and assisted in putting in a crop of oats on the bottom lands south of Wayne Bidwell's. The product was an abundant crop of straw as well as oats, which was mowed and stacked for Winter fodder near Mr. Kinsman's house. In the Winter of 1806 he again commenced the school, with the understanding that Benjamin Allen would take his place as soon as he had finished a job of work in Hubbard. In accordance with this arrangement, Mr. Burnham was relieved about midwinter and went into Mr. Kinsman's store in the capacity of a clerk, where he remained until the breaking out of the war of 1812, when he was called to serve in the army, as has already been recorded. In the organization of the township militia, Mr. Burnham was first appointed lieutenant in Captain Randall's company, and afterward promoted to captain. Returning from the army, Captain Burnham at once devoted himself to the cultivation and improvement of his farm. He was married to Miss Sophia Bidwell, of Gustavus, 1814. In 1816 he was elected a justice of the peace, in which capacity he MAHONING VALLEY - 345 served uninterruptedly twenty-one years. His official acts were ever marked with justice and propriety; and of all his decisions appealed from during his long administration, it is said that not any (if any, certainly but very few) were reversed by the higher courts. In 1806 he was chosen collector of the civil township of Green, embracing under that name what is now Kinsman, Gustavus, and Green. Afterward he was appointed county collector, when the law required the collector to call at the residence of every person taxed to make the collection. This arduous duty was performed by himself alone, going on horseback from house to house throughout the county. Afterward he had the office of county assessor, the duties of which were performed in a similar manner, and required about the same amount of time and labor. The duties of his offices were attended to with a high degree of exactitude, promptness, and fidelity. He held the office of deacon in the Vernon, Hartford, and Kinsman Church, and, after the formation of the Congregational and Presbyterian Church in Kinsman, the same office in that until his death. His long, prosperous, eventful, and useful life closed early in the year of 1874. SIMON FOBES. Simon Fobes, Esq., became a resident of Kinsman in 1817. His dwelling and farm were on the center road, something over a mile south of the north line of the township. The following are the principal events of his life, substantially, as given by himself, and recorded by his son, Joshua Fobes, Esq., in 1835: ANCESTORS. "My ancestors were among the early emigrants from England to America. They settled in Bridgwater, Mass. Their name was originally Forbes. When and by whom the letter ‘1^' was left out, changing the name to Fobes, is not known. My grandfather, Caleb Fobes, whose wife was named Abigail, had five children—Joshua, who lived to be eighty-four, was married, and raised a numerous family; Caleb, who lived to be eighty-four; Simon, my father, who lived to be eighty-six; Nathan; who had a family, and lived to the age of seventy; and Sarah, who married a Wallbridge, had a number of children, and lived to an advanced age. My grandfather died when my father was but a boy. At the age of six years he was apprenticed to a farmer, with whom he lived until he was of age, when he married Thankful Ellis, by whom he had eight Children—four sons 346 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. and four daughters. The eldest died at birth. The names of the others were Thankful, Joshua, Bethiah, Simon, Nathan, Ellis, and Eunice. Joshua died in childhood; Thankful, in 1826; Ellis, 1831. and Bethiah, 1836, aged eighty -two years. My brother Nath removed to Ohio in 1806, and settled in Wayne, Ashtabula County, where he raised a numerous family, and had the pleasure of seeing them all settle about him. He died in the hope of the Gospel Novern. ber 23, 1833, aged seventy-five years. My parents lived in Canterbury, Windham County, Conn., and were respected members of the Congregational Church in that place. "I was born the 5th of April, 1756. At an early age I was employed on the farm, and kept steadily at work. When I was about fourteen my father sold his farm in Canterbury, and removed to Amherst, Hampshire County, Mass. His property was small, and my opportunities of learning and education were quite limited. Th e extent of my acquirements was to be able to read and write, cipher to the rule of three, and cast interest." It was about this time, during the years of his minority, when there was no special religious interest in the community, that he became impressed with a sense of his sinfulness, and, after months of spiritual depression, was enabled to rejoice in the hope of the Gospel, He united with the Congregational Church, and was a consistent member of it through a long life. FROM THE BATTLE OF LEXINGTON TO THE EXPEDITION, UNDER ARNOLD, TO CANADA. "In the year 1774, the troubles between Great Britain and the Colonies having assumed a very serious aspect, the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts recommended that all able-bodied men, liable to do military duty, should form themselves into companies, and exercise with the view of being prepared for war. My father, being a firm friend to his country, but too old and feeble to take any active part himself, encouraged me to go, and I accordingly enlisted into a company of minute-men (so-called), and to some extent learned military exercise. "When the alarm was made by the first blood shed at Lexington, on the 17th of April, 1775, I had been to Canterbury, in Connecticut/ with one of my sisters, on a visit to our connections and friends. On our return, when in the township of Union, about thirty miles from home, I first heard of the dreadful catastrophe at Lexington. 1Ve proceeded homeward as fast as possible. The tidings spread. The MAHONING VALLEY - 347 voice of war rang through the land, and preparations were everywhere commenced to carry it forward with vigor. "Immediately after reaching home I made some change of clothing, took my gun and accouterments, and started, in company with some others, for Cambridge, six miles north of Boston, where the American troops were collecting. I there joined my company of minute-men, which had marched the day before I got home, and began active military service. After a while I enlisted for the remainder of the year into a company commanded by Captain Eliakiln Smith, of Old Hadley. Our regiment was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Ward, and our brigade by General Artemas Ward. In the mean time my parents sent me a suit of clothes, and I continued with the troops without returning home. "Our regiment was stationed at a breastwork, called Fort No. 2, a little back of Cambridge, toward Boston. We often stood sentry down on the marsh, where the mosquitoes were very troublesome, and so near the British sentries that we could hear them sing out every hour of the night, 'all is well.' "On the evening preceding the 17th of June one thousand men, under the command of General Putnam, were sent to make an intrenchment on Bunker's Hill. They made a mistake, and went to work on Breed's Hill, nearer the British ships, lying at anchor in Boston Harbor. By daylight, next morning, they had thrown up a breastwork about eight rods square, and four feet in height. When the British saw what had been done they soon began a terrible cannonade from the ships and floating batteries; also from a fort on Copp's Hill, in Boston, on the newly begun works, which threatened their safety. Their firing was kept up until noon. Our troops, however, never ceased their work for a moment, and during the forenoon lost but one man. Soon after twelve, three thousand British troops, commanded by Major-General Howe, crossed Charles River for the purpose of taking the redoubt. The battle and result that followed are well known. " Soon after the firing, on that memorable day, had begun, about one-half of our regiment marched, as a re-enforcement, from Cambridge to Charlestown Neck, where the British were continually firing. There we lay awhile, waiting for orders. When the orders came We marched on behind the buildings, as well as we could, across the Neck, which was partially flooded, it being high water. "When we started from the fort, in Cambridge, marching in double files, was near the center of the detachment, fully resolved to 348 - HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. go as far as my officers did. In crossing the Neck I soon perceived that fully one-half of our soldiers were missing, and I was now near the front of the detachment. "As we ascended the hill the other side of the Neck, the musket-balls whistled merrily. I noticed my officers dodging, first one ball struck my gun near the lock as I was carrying it on my e way then the other. For my part I knew not which way to dodge. A and split off a piece of the stock. All this, together with the frequent meeting of our men, bringing off the wounded and the dyrng, made it a trying time for young soldiers. I can not tell which way or how my hair stood, for it seemed to me it stood every way. "As we were hurrying on without much order, some one called to us to come that way, and there was a good place. We advanced to a post and rail fence through a shower of musket-balls, where we made a stand. I discharged my gun three times at the British, taking deliberate aim as if at a squirrel, and saw a number of men fall. I had become calm as a clock. When loading my gun the fourth time, I happened to cast my eyes around, and, to my astonishment, my fellow-soldiers were running at full speed down•the hill, I had heard no orders to retreat. That instant my sergeant, who stood near me, started to follow them. Then it was I saw a company of British regulars marching rapidly toward us. I finished loading my gun as quick as I could. When they had got within a few rods of us, however, I fired it off at them, and then ran for my life. At the same time the British were ordered to halt, make ready, and fire. The balls whistled again, but did no material injury. One of my mates received a flesh wound. Firing down bill they shot over us. "A very large number of men, both old and young, had now collected. All seemed to be bustle and tumult. Charlestown, now wrapped in flames, added greatly to the interest of the scene. saw the lofty steeple when on fire. It trembled and fell to the ground. Our officers, with evident anxiety and perplexity, were running to and fro, endeavoring to devise some plan by which We could drive the British from the hill. "A noted officer (I do not recollect his name) now stepped for- ward, and marched round in the crowd calling for volunteers to attempt the retaking of the hill. A large body of us volunteered, and we marched on near to the neck, where our commander came upon General Putnam. Our soldiers were very poorly equipped7 I nearly one-half being armed with old rusty guns without bayonets. MAHONING VALLEY - 349 was so fortunate as to have a good gun and bayonet. The British had now paraded on the top of the hill with heavy artillery. While General Putnam and our commanding officer were talking together, a cannon-ball struck the stone wall near the former. After conversing awhile, General Putnam wheeled his horse and rode off. Prudence seemed to direct that the attempt should be abandoned. After remaining in suspense until near dark, we were dismissed, and with our officers marched back to our tents. " In the mean time some of our soldiers had been to Cambridge, and got a pail of rum for us to drink when we returned. It being hot weather, I had become very thirsty and was much fatigued. At the door of the tent stood a pail, containing water as I supposed, with a pint tin cup in it. Some one asked me to drink. I took the cup and dipped it almost full, and drank the most of it before I was aware that it was rum. I was very much startled, fearing the consequences of what I had done. Being very weary, I lay down, and was soon asleep, and did not awake until the next morning. When I arose I found that my fears were not realized. I had sustained no material injury, as in ordinary circumstances I doubtless should have done, and I was ready to do my duty as usual. "About noon we were alarmed by a report that the enemy was advancing to attack us. We were immediately paraded, and I do n't know but I was as willing to go then as I was the day before. However, the word came that the alarm was without foundation, and we were dismissed. "When I was a prisoner aboard a British ship in the St. Lawrence, a man of intelligence, and who was acquainted with the facts regarding the battle of Bunker's Hill, told me that the British lost in that engagement about one thousand men. The weather being very hot a great many died of their wounds. "After the battle of Bunker's Hill the regiment to which I belonged remained at Cambridge. There I frequently attended public worship on the Sabbath. On week-days we often had little or nothing to do. " Some time in August we left our tents and marched to Dorchester, three miles south of Boston, and were quartered among the inhabitants. There we continued to do military duty. In the mean time our Captain Smith was taken very sick with a fever, and was removed to Waterton, seven miles from Boston where he soon after died, greatly lamented, and was buried with military honors. "While we lay at Dorchester, the non-commissioned officers and