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CHAPTER VII.
JACKSON.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
This township, named in honor of Andrew Jackson, is township two of range four of the Western Reserve, and is bounded on the north by Lordstown, Trumbull county; on the east by Austintown; on the south by Berlin; and on the west by Milton. The Meander creek drains the eastern part of the township, pursuing its zigzag course northward partly in this township but mostly in Austintown, A number of small streams enter the creek from the westward, ren-
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dering the surface broken and uneven. 'There are no long or very steep hills, but quite a number of undulations such as may be found in prairie countries. The western half of the township may be briefly described as level. Many broad fields, acres in extent, are apparently as flat and even as the surface of a calm lake. Likewise in the southern part of the township, the fields which have been formed from the ancient swamp-land are almost uniformly smooth.
There is a large average of woodland interspersed wilh acres of cultivated fields, this combination producing an effect 'very pleasing to lovers of natural beauty. When the green manlle of spring is spread over all, or when the magic painter, Autumn, with divinely skilled hand has touched the forest trees, transformed their foliage with countless tints of crimson, gold, and scarlet, these groves assume a beauty which is indescribable.
The soil is generally deep and rich, and is well adapted to wheat and corn. But little of the land is stony and all is easily cultivated. The farm-houses are good and comfortable, though by no means large or imposing in appearance.
There is but one village in the township,— North Jackson, which is not north geographically but siluated at the very center. The post-office has been called by this name to distinguish it from the many other Jacksons in this country.
Farming is the principal business. There has never been a railroad through the township, but one is now in process of construction and other lines have been surveyed. The Alliance, Niles & Ashtabula road will pass diagonally through lhe western and northern porlion of the township, and wilh its completion there may be an inception of other industries.
TIMBER.
The western and much of the northern part of the township were originally covered with a dense growth of hard wood, principally oak and hickory. On the Meander there were many sugarmaples. In the southern part of the township there were several kinds of soft wood found in some tracts including considerable poplar. Beech and ash grow in various parts of the township. 147
COAL.
A fair quantity of surface coal has been mined in several places, but the deposits are not extensive. As yet no banks containing paying quantities have been opened.
SETTLEMENT.
The first pioneers were nearly all of the Scotch- Irish race, and moved to the township from Pennsylvania. Samuel Calhoun was the first actual settler. He located on the south line of the township in 1803, and there passed the remainder of his days. His sons were Andrew, Samuel, and Matthew; his daughters Nancy, Betsey, Isabel, Sally, Anna, Martha, and Esther. Andrew Calhoun lived in the township, on the eastern part, through his life. Anna became the wife of David Leonard, and is still living in Ellsworth township. The name is spelled Calhoon by some of those who bear it.
William Orr, from Washington county, Pennsylvania, settled in 1803 or 1804 upon the farm which remained in possession of the Orr family many years. He built a frame house at an early date, which was probably the first in the township. It was a story and a half in height, perhaps twenty-four feet wide, and somewhat longer. There was a stone chimney in the middle of the house; it was both large and wide, and took up a considerable amount of room, William Orr died in 1815, in his sixtieth year. His wife Mary died in 1849, in her ninetieth year. Their family consisted of eleven children, viz : James, Margaret, John, Humphrey, William, Thomas, Russel, Anna, Abraham, Isaac, and Mary. John, Humphrey, William, and Russel settled in Milton and died there. Thomas lived in Jackson for a time, then returned to Pennsylvania. James moved to some distant part. Abraham and Isaac are the only survivors of the family. The former lives in Trumbull county and the latter in Illinois. Anna was the wife of John Johnston:, Margaret married John Ewing.
Andrew Gault came to the township in 1803, and made a permanent settlement in 1804. His sons were Ebenezer, Robert, and Andrew ; his daughters Rachel, Betsey, and Ann. Robert and Andrew settled in the township, Andrew upon the old place. Rachel married Andrew Duer and settled in Ellsworth. Betsey married Robert Gibson. Ann became the wife of Robinson Young, and lived in Austintown,
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About 1804 Samuel Riddle, from Pennsylvania settled in the southeast part of the township. His house stood near where Mr. Kimmel's now stands. His children were David, James, Andrew, John, Samuel, Catharine, and Ann. David married Betsey Van Emmon, and settled one mile and a half northeast of the center. He brought up a family of two sons and four daughters. James married Jane Bell of Pennsylvania, and lived upon the old homestead. His family consisted of ten children. Andrew married Matilda Taylor and settled on the Meander, in Ellsworth. He was the father of three sons and two daughters. John became a doctor and practiced some time in Wooster. He married Rhoda Winters and had four daughters. Samuel married Mary Campbell, and settled one mile west of the old place. He brought up two sons and two daughtets. The daughters are dead. His sons live in Jackson. Catharine married John McCready, and lived in Bedford, Pennsylvania. Ann married Nicholas Van Emmon and resided in the western part of this township.
Robert Kirkpatrick was among the earliest settlers, and probably came to this township soon after the families just mentioned. He was a native of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish blood. Five of his children arrived at maturity, viz : Martin, Isaac, Josiah, Martha, and Eleanor. Martin and Isaac lived and died in Ellsworth, where their father purchased farms for them. Josiah passed his life upon the old farm. Martha became Mrs. McGeorge, and Eleanor Mrs. Wilson. Martha is the only survivor. Robert Kirkpatrick first settled in Austintown near Smith's corners, but soon afterwards made a permanent settlement in Jackson, on the Meander. He died in 1847, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. Catharine, his wife, died in 1856, at the age of eighty-seven. Josiah, the youngest son, died in 1878, aged sixty-four.
John Ewing, and his brother Archibald Ewing, natives of Ireland, came with their mother and sister in 1803 or 1804. They first settled in Austintown, and Archibald took up and lived upon the old Ewing farm in that township. The first night after their arrival the family passed beneath the shelter of a walnut tree. The sister mentioned became Mrs. Robert Kirkpatrick. John Ewing located in Jackson upon the farm now owned by Mr. Kimmel. He married Margaret Orr, and reared a large family. A sketch is given elsewhere.
John and Eleanor Morrison settled in 1805 on the place where the widow Lynn now lives, southwest of the center. James, Jane, John, Nancy, Thomas, Martha, and Mary Ann were the names of their children. The sons moved away quite early—James to Holmes county ; John to the northern part of Trumbull county ; and Thomas to Pennsylvania. Mary Ann was married to David Johnston, and is living in Jackson. She is the only member of the family now in this county.
In 1805 or 1806 Nicholas VanEmmon settled one mile and a half west and a mile south of the center of the township. His wife died here, after bringing up a large family. He married again and moved away. None of the children settled in the township.
From 1810 to 1820 there were scarcely any permanent settlements made in the township. Quite a number came and remained a short time, but a few years' experience with the swamps and the bad roads disgusted them, and they either returned to civilization or pressed on toward the newer settlements, declaring that such a country wasn't " fit for a white man to live in." The process of development was consequently a slow one.
A man named Crooks was living on the farm west of the Lynn farm in 1811, but moved away soon after. Two of the sons afterwards came back and settled in the northern part of the township, where they remained a few years.
Thomas Dinwiddie was also a resident of the township at that date, upon the farm now owned by James Oswald. He moved away later.
James and Martha Patterson were early settlers on the north side of the road, one-half mile west of the center. They had no children. In 1823 they moved to Wayne county.
David McConnell settled in the northwestern part of the township about 1817, but sold out after making a few improvements.
John Graves settled near Joseph Pierce about 1819. His farm was east of Mr. Pierce's. He made considerable improvement. Joseph McCorkle bought the farm from him, moving to it from the eastern part of the township. Mr. McCorkle died on the farm and his widow is still living there.
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George Ormsby settled in Jackson previous to 1820 and lived to be an old man.
Joshua T. Cotton, who was a captain in the War of 1812, moved to Jackson township about 1818. He married in Youngstown Miss Williamson, and brought up a large family. From Jackson he moved to Indiana, where he died. Caplain Cotton was a true specimen of the hardy pioneer as well as a good and brave soldier.
About the same date John Pearsall settled one and three-fourth miles east of the center. He moved to another farm in this township, then to Milton, and finally to Pennsylvania.
Joseph Pierce and wife, the father of Joseph Pierce, one of the oldest residents of the township, moved from Youngstown to the northwestern part of the township in the fall of 1818. Mrs. Pierce died the following winter. Joseph Pierce, Jr., came from Warren to this township in 1819, with an axe as his only property. It proved a very serviceable tool, for miles of road had to be cut in order to reach his land. He used to work from before daybreak until nine and ten o'clock at night in the clearings. His energy and industry won him a home which he still lives to enjoy.
Thomas Duer settled on the west side of the township about 1820 and died soon afterward. His son Joseph passed his life on the old place.
John McMahan, of Pennsylvania, moved from his native State to the northern part of Boardman township in 1799, and remained until 1806, when he settled on a farm rn Austintown. He served three months in the War of 1812, and died while on his way home. He was lhe father of five sons and one daughter—James D., Benjamin, John, Thomas, Harriet, and Joseph. James and Benjamin settled in Jackson in 1820. John went West and has never been heard from. Thomas settled in Lordstown, removed to Pennsylvania and died. Harriet, the wife of John Cory, lives in Champion, Trumbull county. Joseph died in Morgan county, Ohio.
In 1820 the widow of John McMahan, Sr., removed from Austintown lo Jackson with her sons. She died in 1855, aged about eighty-three years.
James D. McMahan, who is perhaps the oldest man living of those born upon the Reserve, was born in Boardman township October 31, 1799. He was one of the pioneers of Jackson. He married Betsey Cory and had a family of eight children, four of whom are living—John, on the old homestead in the northern part of Jackson; Thomas, one mile east of Warren; Silas, in Champion township, and Mary in San Francisco, California. Mrs. McMahan died in 1868. Mr. McMahan has since been living with his sons. For a man of his years he is wonderfully bright, active, and cheerful.
Benjamin McMahan settled in Jackson and died in 1878, He was married three times. Hrs first wife bore three children, his second one, and his third four. All these are living excepting one.
John Cartwright settled about 1827 on the farm northwest of Abraham Moherman's, but moved away a few years later.
Abraham Moherman, son of Frederick Moherman, one of the first settlers of Austintown, came to Jackson in, 1827 and settled one mile and a half west of the center where he now lives. He was married in the township to Anna, daughter of Daniel Rush, and has a family of four children living.
John Moherman settled some time after his brother. He married Mary Cassiday, now deceased, and has four children living.
Thomas Woodward settled on the farm where he now lives in 1828.
Robert Turnbull moved from Austintown to Goshen township, and in 1828 located at Jackson center, where he made the first clearing in what is now the village. His house stood on the corner where the drug store now is. Squire Turnbull is well remembered by the old residents, and is generally described as having been a "smart man." He was married twice ; first to Celia, daughter of John Wolfcale, of Austin- town. One son by this marriage is now living in Portage county. His name is Cyrus. For his second wife Mr. Turnbull married Anna Ormsby, of this township. One of the sons, Lewis, was killed in a saw-mill in Indiana. The family was a large one.
Jonathan Osborn bought land in the township in 1828, and settled here permanently in 1836.
William Young, a native of Pennsylvania, bought his farm in 1830, paying $5 per acre for it, when land in the northern and western part of the township was worth $3 to $4 per acre.
From 1825 until 1835 the Pennsylvania Dutch
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flocked to the township in large numbers, The Schlabach, Wetherstay, Lodwick, Wannemaker, Ebert, Shoeneberger, Iry, Shively, and other families were the earliest and most prominent. The limits of this article forbid us to go rnto particulars regarding the setllers of this date; for though they may be regarded as pioneers inasmuch as they began in the woods, we cannot in strict propriety call them early settlers.
By 1840 the settlement had grown almost to its present dimensions, The census of that year showed a population of 1,124. The Germans with their characteristic, thrift and sturdy industry have been largely instrumental in adding to the wealth of the township,
One reason why the township was not settled faster may be found in the fact that a considerable portion of the land it contains was not put in the market by the proprietors untrl long after many other townships had become thriving and populous.
TAXES IN 1803.
Here is a list of the tax-payers of Jackson for the year 1803:
RANGE FOUR, TOWN TWO.
Amount of tax.
Calhoun, Samuel - $ .20
Stamford, James - $ .24
Gault, Andrew - .32
Riddle, Samuel - 1.59
Orr, William - .32
Mclnrue, Joseph - .40
Total- $3.07
FIRST EVENTS,
Andrew Gault, born in 1804, was the first white male child born in the township, and James Van Emmon the second. Mary Ewing (Mrs, Andrew Gault) was born in 1807, and is sard to have been the first female child.
Probably the first marriage was that of John Ewing and Margaret Orr, which took place in 1805 in a little log-cabin on the Orr place, now known as the Goldner farm, The ceremony was performed by Squire Chidester, of Canfield,
The first death was that of Mary, daughter of William and Mary Orr, who died February 18, 1805, in the fourteenth year of her age. Her grave is in the old burying ground adjoining the Covenanter church.
EARLY SCHOOLS.
The first school-house in the township was on the east line in the southeastern part, It was made of logs, the cracks daubed with mud, and the roof covered with loose boards weighted down. The floor was made of split timber and there were a few hard benches. The house was placed on a side-hill or steep bank. John Fullerton and a man named Ferguson were probably the first teachers. Fullerton was the schoolmaster of the settlement for many years. The second school-house in this district, or rather in this neighborhood, was a small log house, and was situated on the hill northeast of the Covenanter church, where it stood several years. In one corner of the school-room was a stump— its roots still in the ground and the floor fitted around it—which had been sawed off and made into a seat. This was called the "dunce block," and for a refractory urchin to be placed upon it was deemed the most humiliating punishment that could be administered.
Matilda Taylor probably taught the first summer school in this part of the township.
One night while Fullerton was the teacher he and some of the larger boys succeeded in getting a wagon fixed upon the roof of the school-house; and when the wrathful owner of the conveyance appeared and demanded that the mischief-makers should be punished, the pedagogue gravely assured him that he would do his best to find out who they were and treat them as they deserved,
A third school-house of hewed logs was built at the cross roads west of the Covenanter church.
The house in which William Young now lives was the first framed school-house in the district.
Among the early teachers in the northwestern part of the township were Orman Deane, Hayes Bell, and Amelia Streeter.
In the Jackson Centre district previous to 1840 English was taught a part of the term and German the remainder. Soon after Samuel Jones settled he was elected a school director and made a canvass of the district. to find out how many were in favor of substituting English alone. He found only three opposed to this plan, and those three had no scholars. The change was accordingly made and the German language ceased to be taught in the township.
In the first schools the "three R.'s " were all the branches in which instruction was given. The spelling book and Bible were text books for all scholars, whether old or young. Geography and grammar were not introduced for many
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years, and their admission into the schools at all was bitterly opposed by the conservative, old fashioned parents. They were considered innovations unnecessary and worthless. " We got along without studying them—why can't our children ?" This style of argument has always met the friends of education, but we are thankful that it no longer carries conviction with it.
EARLY MILLS.
The first grist-mill in the township was built by Samuel Rrddle, Sr. It was on the Meander, in the southeastern corner of the township, and must have been erected more than seventy years ago. It was a small affair, and was made as cheaply as possible. It was succeeded by a mill situated just southeast of the old site. This second mill was built by a man named Amos Stoddard, and was run by the Riddles several years. It was owned later by a man named Butler, then by Benjamin McMahan, but was destroyed by fire some years ago.
The Riddle saw-mill was built near the first grist-mill mentioned above, but was in Ellsworth township. It was probably erected as early as 1810, A saw-mill situated on a liltle run northwest of the center, was standing in 1830. It was known as Haynen's mill, afterwards as Camp's mill. It ran until 1850 or later. No trace of its site is now visible and the stream, for a mill-stream, is decidedly a diminutive one.
James Crooks operated a carding- and fulling- mill, about a mile and a quarter north of the center, some fifty years ago. Horace Platt owned the mill after him. About the same time a saw-mill was built by the McMahan's on the same stream, north of the carding-mill. It was run by different parties until within a few years.
Reuben Craver put up a saw-mill on Morrison's run, and Andrew Gault bought it. William Young built a saw-mill on the same stream in 1844. It is still standing but disused.
CHURCH HISTORY,
The early settlers of Jackson were a churchgoing people, and had a place for public worship at a very early date, so early that in these days one can but wonder where the worshipers came froin and how they managed to pay a preacher. But it is not reasonable to suppose that the congregations were large, or that the preacher received more than a meagre salary. People rode horseback or walked to church and came from all the region around.
THE OLD LOG CHURCH.
The first church building in the township was a structure of hewn logs, and was situated on a hill near the west line of the township, on the south side of the road running east and west. It was probably built in 1818, or perhaps a little earlier. The house contained a few rude seats and had no floor except some loose boards. An aged resident of Jackson remembers that he attended services there and sat upon a sleeper which formed a part of the building. This primitive house of worship was used but a short time. It was erected and used by the Presbyterians of Jackson and Austintown. Rev. Joshua Bier was the minister. He is described as a good and pious old man, who adhered rigidly and uncompromisingly to the strongest and most old-fashioned doctrines. As a preacher he had only ordinary talents, but his earnestness and sincerity always secured the attention of his hearers. On account of an unfortunate family trouble he severed his connection with his little flock, and the old church ceased to be a meeting-house.
THE COVENANTERS.
As early as 1818 the Reformed Presbyterians or Covenanters of the southeastern part of the township organized and formed a church, and were supplied by a minister who also presided over the congregation of the same denomination at Little Beaver, Pennsylvania, thirty miles distant. Mr. Williams, an aged missionary, preached in the settlement occasionally before the organization was effected. Rev. Robert Gibson was the first regular preacher, and supplied the congregation three or four years. Meetings were held in barns in summer and in dwelling-houses in winter, After Mr. Gibson resigned his charge, there was a vacancy which continued several years. About 1830 Rev. George Scott was ordained pastor, and soon afterwards was erected a small frame house, perhaps 25 x 30 feet in its dimensions. It was plain and cheaply furnished, containing movable seats, and was never painted either inside or out. This building was used as a church for many years, but was finally taken down and carried to the center, where its materrals were used in constructing W. B. Mansel's wagon-shop.
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In 1833 occurred the division in the church whrch resulted in the formation of two schools of Covenanters. Mr, Scott resigned his charge, and joined the new school, which built a church in Austintown later. Another vacancy ensued until Rev. James Blackwood became pastor. The church having been reorganized, a branch of the same church at Greenville, Pennsylvania, some forty miles distant, having been added to the charge, which still included Little Beaver and Jackson, Mr, Blackwood resigned on account of poor health and the large amount of labor his pastorate demanded. Until about 1847 the church remained unsupplied, but at that date Rev. Samuel Sterrett began his ministrations, and continued as the pastor over twenty years. Soon after he entered upon his labors here, the church building now standing was erected—a very neat little country church of ample size for the accommodation of its congregation, Rev, R. J. George became pastor in 1870; succeeded by Rev. T. C. Sproul until 1879. The church is at present without a pastor and its membership small, Under Mr. Sterrett Greenville was thrown from the charge, and later Little Beaver. The two last ministers were supported by the Jackson and Poland branches, Poland branch having been added in place of those that were dismissed.
The old church has had many periods of adversity. Its prosperity was once quite marked. Commencing with but a handful of members, it grew to over seventy, then began to diminish. Archibald Ewing, John Ewing, Robert Kirkpatrick, Andrew Gault, William Knight, William Young, Robinson Young and their families were the principal and earliest members. The first elders were Archibald Ewing, Andrew Gault, and James Truesdale.
THE METHODIST CHURCH.
The first preaching by this denomination was begun in 1823 by Rev, Charles Elliot. In 5824 a class was formed consisting of eight members. The first meetings were held at the house of John Erwin.
Private houses and school-houses were used as places for worship for some years, then the building which is now Mansel's wagon shop was purchased and occupied until the present building was erected north of the center in 1847.
Among the earliest Methodists who worshiped in this township were John Pearsall and wife, Richard Osborn and wife, Mrs. Susanna McMahan, J. D. McMahan, George Ormsby and wife, John Erwin and wife, and Mrs. Kincaid,
The early preachers were "circuit riders," who filled a large number of appointments and often preached every day in the week.
LUTHERAN AND GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH,
The early meetings of these societies were held in private houses. In 1835 an organization was effected and the corner-stone of the present building laid, The house was built by the united efforts of the Lutherans and German Reformed inhabitants of Jackson. The house is situated a short distance north of the center, and is a quaint, old-fashioned building, square, with high pulpit and galleries. It was dedicated in 1836, the sermon on that occasion being preached by Rev. Mr. Holder.
The first pastor of the Lutherans was Rev. F. C. Becker, who has since served. The first German Reformed pastor was Rev. J. P. Mahnenschmidt.
The Fulks, Shoenenbergers, Klingensmiths, and others were among the leading members at the time of the organization. The first trustees were Samuel Klingensmith (Lutheran) and Peter Fulk (German Reformed) ; first elders, Martin Goldner (Lutheran) and Mr. Schlabach (Reformed),
The Sunday-school is made a union school and supported by both denominations.
Father Becker, the venerable pastor of the Lutherans, resides in Lordstown, and notwithstanding the many busy years he has spent in his holy calling, he is still vigorous and as attentive to his work as in his youthful days. Mr, Becker is father of most of the Lutheran church organizations in this section.
THE DISCIPLES.
This denomination has a comfortable little house situated just south of the center. The church was organized in the fall of 1852 by Rev. C. Smith, with fifty-two members. For a time it was in a flourishing condition, but it gradually passed into a state of somnolence, and in 1874 was resurrected and reorganized by H. C. Carlton, with thirty-four members. W. B. Dean, Joseph Pierce, James Russell, George and Christian Shively have been most active in this church,
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and have contributed largely toward its support. The church edifice, small but comfortable, is situated at the center. There are now from sixty to seventy members. The pastors have been Revs. Smith, Wakefield, Reeves, Calvin, Green, Carlton, Bartlett, and Bush.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This church was organized in November, 1871, by members of the churches at Orr's corners and Ohltown. There were twenty-one members from the Newton church at Orr's corners, who petitioned to become members of the new church, and fifteen from the Rehoboth church, Ohltown, were admitted to membership by letter. Five persons, not at that time members of any church, were received upon profession of faith.
The church building, a neat and tastefully made house, probably the best country church in the county, was completed the same fall. The dedication took place December 28, 1871, Rev. John McMillan preaching the sermon on that occasion. Among those who were the largest subscribers to the building fund were William Riddle, Samuel Riddle, David Anderson, Miles Marshall, David Calhoun, David Johnson, and Samuel Johnson.
The church received several additions to its membership shortly after its organization, and now numbers over ninety communicants. The house was refurnished in 1881, and is now a very pretty and very comfortable church. There have been two settled ministers. Rev. Robert T. McMahan was the first; Rev. James W. Reese, who is now in charge, the second.
GRAVEYARDS.
The oldest burial place in the township is in lhe southeastern part near the Covenanter church. Here, in an uneven piece of ground, neglected, and overgrown with weeds and briers, the bones of the first settlers and many of their descendants repose.
There is a small graveyard in the northwestern part of the township, less than a half acre in area, which contains about twenty grave-stones. The earliest death there recorded is that of Lydia, wife of Anthony Stogdill, who died June, 12, 1832, aged thirty-seven.
North of the center are two graveyards adjoining the Methodist and the German churches.
IN EARLY DAYS.
We can find no traditions of mighty hunters; but here must have been an ample field for sportsmen. Deer were very numerous, and there were a large number of their trails leading through the township toward the salt springs. Killing wolves was pursued, not for sport, but as a matter of serious business, with a two-fold object in view, namely,—to preserve the flocks from their depredations, and to obtain the bounty for their scalps. Mi. Joseph Pierce relates that in one night seventeen sheep,—all of his flock but three,—were destroyed by these hungry marauders. John Pearsall, an early settler in the eastern part of the township, was chased one night by a pack of wolves. He was unarmed at the time, but by seizing a heavy club and making good use of it he was enabled to reach home in safety.
One night in the winter of 1819 Mrs. Pierce, mother of Joseph Pierce, lost her way while going to the house of her neighbor, McConnell, and took by mistake a path which led toward the salt spring, in Weathersfield. When the family became alarmed because of her absence they aroused the neighbors and hastened to search for her. She was found about midnight some miles from home. She contracted a severe cold from this exposure and never recovered from its effects.
Johnny, a little eight-year-old son of David McConnell, got lost one day while going from Pierce's house to his home. It was in the spring of the year and a very wet season, the lowland being entirely covered with water. The whole neighborhood was aroused and men and women commenced searching for the lost boy, wading through water and mud. Trumpets were blown and all joined in shouting, hoping that the boy would be guided to his friends by the sounds. After several hours Johnny was found near Jackson center by some of John Irwin's family. He had reached a creek so swollen by rains that he could not cross it, and had sat down by a tree to rest, where it is supposed he fell asleep. A heavy rain came on and awakened him suddenly. He began crying and thereby attracted the attention of the Irwins, who came to his rescue and restored him to his anxious parents.
The roads of Jackson township were long in' condition which rendered travel on foot or
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horseback anything but pleasurable. Wagons were not much used, and many of the pioneers got along for years without one. The State road running east to Youngstown was cut out early in the present century, but for a long time it remained impassable for any kind of vehicles. West of the center there was a long strip of "corduroy" road—formed by laying round logs in the mud, From 1830 to 1840 many improvements were made in the highways previously marked out, and new roads built. Mr, William Young says that when he came to the township there were plenty of paths running through the woods, but no roads worthy the name, He was instrumental in having the north and south road west of his place constructed, and also assisted in making the north and south center road. For several years the first named road, now a much frequented thoroughfare, was not traveled enough to keep the grass down.
The swamps and swales of the southern part of the township were often covered with water for weeks at a time.
Canfield and Warren were the nearest trading places for the early settlers, There were very few articles bought at the stores, however. Sugar, clothing, etc., were manufactured at home, Salt, leather, tea and coffee were necessarily procured of the merchants. Few families took a newspaper, and letters were rarely sent or received.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE,
From the fact that no township records are in existence, excepting those of a comparatively recent date, we can give no names of early township officers, It is generally agreed that Andrew Gault was the first justice, and John Pearsall the second. Robert Turnbull, William L. Roberts, Thomas Woodward, Jonathan Osborn, Jonas Ebert, David Camp, Jackson Truesdale, Samuel Johnston, Samuel Jones, William Anderson, Moses Felnagle, G, W. Osborn, and perhaps others, have held the office.
THE VILLAGE.
Jackson center, or North Jackson—it is the same place whichever name you use—is a thrifty little country village containing a goodly number of white houses, as well as four churches, four stores, a hotel, a saloon, three blacksmith shops, a tannery, two sawmills, a flax-mill, a wagon- shop, a harness-shop, and a tailor's shop. A daily mail is received from West Austintown.
MERCHANTS,
Colwell Porter, Austintown's most successful merchant, started the first store in 1834, and employed a man named House' to keep it. The goods were kept in a part of 'Squire Turnbull's log house. Afterwards Gideon Anthony managed the business, the firm being Porter & Anthony A man named Koons had a store in 1834, which he sold to Augustus Grater about the time Porter sold his interest to Anthony. Grater & Hoffman were in business on the southeast corner some years. David Anderson commenced in 1843, and afterwards sold to John Cartwright. About the same time Turnbull & Welkers had a store on the northwest corner of the center, David Anderson again commenced in 1856 on the southeast corner, and Anthony & Flaugher on the southwest corner. Anderson & Fusselman formed a partnership under the name D. Anderson & Co,, and in 1862 the firm was changed to Anderson, Shaffer & Co.; the firm is now G, W. Shaffer & Co. Welkers sold to Moherman, Osborn & Lynn, Lynn retired, and the firm then became Moherman, Osborn & Moherman, afterwards changed to William & A. Moherman, They were followed by Dickson & Kirk, who were burned out in 1874, Fulk & Anderson commenced in 1866; Anderson withdrew, and the firm of Fulk, Wetzel & Wannemaker commenced business in 1868; Wetzel and Wannemaker retired, and Gideon Fulk continued until his death in 1873. Daniel B. Blott is now the proprietor of the store. G. W, Osborn and Osborn & Jones were in business as drug and hardware merchants a short time between 1865 and 1870. Shields, Orr & Co. had a furniture store for about one year. B. F, Phillips, who carries an extensive stock of drugs, medicines, notions, and jewelry, has been in the place since 1878. The two dry goods stores are well stocked, and their owners are receiving a large and well-merited patronage. Samuel Jones opened a hardware store in 1880, Considering the size of the place, there is a large amount of trading done at North Jackson,
PHYSICIANS.
The doctors who have resided for- a short time in Jackson have been many. It is evident-
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ly a good place in which to begin the practice of medicine. Dr. Isaac Powers was the first physician, and remained less than a year. Dr. James F. Porter came in 1839, and was a successful practitioner for some years. Dr. Jackson Truesdale, Drs. Davis, Davidson, Gilmore, Connor, Burger, McKinley, Keith, Wilson, and others have each been here for short periods. Dr. Wells Spear was here some twenty years ago, and remained long enough to make an excellent reputation.
The present physicians are Dr. H. H. Webster and Dr. E. D. Hughes. Both are constantly
increasing their practice, and rising in the respect of the people.
INDUSTRIES.
It was some time after the stores were opened at the village before there were any other industries.
In 1848 the steam saw-mill now owned by D. D. Jones was erected by Gideon Anthony and John Wannemaker. The mill now operated by Gault & Fullerton was built by Henry Prince at a later date.
The tannery of Miles Marshall & Sons was built by Mr. Marshall and. Samuel Jones in 1848. Mr. Jones was in business with Mr. Marshall for aboul two years. The original building has been enlarged and its proprietors are doing a good business.
The hotel was built about 1844 by Benjamin Wannemaker, who was its landlord for some years, then sold to Samuel Wannemaker. In 186o the house was purchased by its present proprietor, Cyrus Koons, who has enlarged and improved it.
In 1870 Samuel Wannemaker put up a building west of the cenler where he dresses flax, presses hay and straw, etc.
THE FIRST TAVERN.
Robert Turnbull kept a house of entertainment, but perhaps not a regular tavern. Jacob Probst, who also worked at his trade of tailoring, was keeping tavern in 1837 in the building now used by W. B. Mansel as a wagon-shop. Mr. Mansel, as will be seen from these pages, owns two buildings that once were churches, as well as a tavern and a school-house. The old tavern, the Methodist church, and the school-house are the same building, however.
OTHER MATTERS.
Robert Turnbull was the pioneer at the center, and built the first house. He came about 1828, and died in 1852. David Urick was the second settler at the center, coming soon after Squire Turnbull. He lived where Squire Jones now resides. He was a carpenter by trade, a good workman, and helped to build many houses in the township. Abner, one of his sons, is still a resident of Jackson.
Solomon Stroup moved from Pennsylvania to Jackson in 1833, and is still living here. He says he thinks there were but two houses at the center at the time of his coming. The growth of the place was slow. In 1840 there were seven or eight houses in the village.
Eli Marberger was the first blacksmith at the center. He was the strongest kind of a Democrat as well as a good citizen and an industrious worker. The post-office was kept in his shop for some years. He was elected justice of the peace, but resigned after serving a very short time. Mr. Marberger sold out and went to Niles.
THE POST-OFFICE.
The first postmaster at North Jackson was Robert Turnbull. The office was established in 1834 or 1835. Dr. James Porto, D. Anderson, Eli Marberger, Gideon Fulk, and G. W. Shaffer have succeeded in the office.
NORTH JACKSON HIGH SCHOOL.
A general feeling of interest in educational matters seems to have come upon the citizens about the year 1856. A select school was formed soon after, and Robert A. Kirk became the teacher. The building now used as a paint-shop was used as a school-room for a few terms. In 1860 the academy was erected, and thereafter, until recently, there have been regular terms of school. 0. P. Brockway was the first teacher in the new house.
About four years ago the building was purchased of the stockholders by the trustees of the township, to be used as a town hall, but with the understanding that the citizens of the township should have the privilege of using the house for a select school whenever they desired.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THE OSBORN FAMILY.
Nicholas Osborn, when a young man, emigrated to this country from England and settled in Virginia, He married in that State Margaret Cunnard, and reared a family of children, as follows: Jonathan, Sarah, Abraham, Richard, John, Elizabeth, Anthony, Mary, Joseph, and Aaron. His occupation was farming and milling. In 1804 he sold out and came to Trumbull county, Ohio, now Mahoning county, and purchased a large tract of land, one thousand acres of which was in Youngstown township and five hundred acres in Canfield, and he had in addition to these still other tracts. With him came Abraham, Anthony, Joseph, and their families, Aaron, then single, and the family of William Nier. John and his family came a short time before the rest, Joseph Osborn was born in Virginia in May, 1775, and when twenty-two years of age he married Margaret Wolfcale; daughter of John Wolfcale, who was born October 7, 1774. They became the parents of ten children, viz: Sarah, Mary, Mahlon, Jonathan, John W., Alfred, Abner, Thomas P., Elizabeth, and Joseph, On the 25th day of December, 1804, Joseph Osborn moved upon a part of the one thousand acre tract, which contained a log house erected by a man by the name of Parkhurst, The floor consisted of a few loose boards, and the door and windows were simply openings cut out of the sides of the house, There was no ceiling, and the fire-place had no hearth. Upon that place he resided and toiled until his death, which occurred February 17, 1846. His wife died July 20, 1854. Jonathan Osborn, a son of Joseph and Margaret Osborn, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, May 28, 1804. The same year his parents removed to Ohio, and settled on the land which had been purchased in Trumbull county, as previously mentioned. Jonathan had but few early advantages for the acquirement of an education, but he has become, by reading and observation, a well informed man. He remained upon the farm until after he was twenty-one. When he started for himself he had only a two-year-old colt. For the first five years he worked for Judge Baldwin, commencing at $z per month, During this time he bought two hundred acres of land, paying $2.30 per acre for it. January 28, 1836, he married Mary Ann Goff, daughter of Humphrey Goff, then of Youngstown. She was born February 15, 1818, near Lewistown, Pennsylvania, This marriage was blessed with six children, viz: George W., Margaret J., Albert M., William N., Mary Alice, and Jonathan W. William and Jonathan died in early childhood. Mr. Osborn resides on a finely improved farm in the northwest part of Jackson township.
NOTES OF SETTLEMENT.
Andrew Calhoun was born in Pennsylvania October 5, 1777. In the first settlement of the country he and his father, Samuel Calhoon, came to Jackson township, now Mahoning county, bought then land and made preparations for the arrival of the mother, Nancy Calhoon, and Samuel and Matthew, and their ten sisters. Their only neighbors were the wild animals. Their greatest drawback was the heavy timber which occupied the soil, but the soil when exposed to the sun produced abundantly and there was no danger of starvation. But the wheat and corn had to be taken many miles during the first years of the settlement of the county in order to be ground for food. In a few years, however, neighbors began to come in, fields expanded, and the log cabins gave place to more commodious dwellings, Andrew Calhoon married Elizabeth, daughter of James Marshall, of Weathersfield, Trumbull county. She was then eighteen years of age, The result of this marriage was twelve childreno namely: Isaac, Nancy, Lydia, David, Elizabeth, Matilda, Andrew, Samuel, James, Malissa, Belinda, and one that died in infancy. All of those named lived to maturity, although Nancy and Lydra are now deceased. Andrew Calhoon died October 5, 1833. His wife lived a widow something over forty years and died December 28, 1873.
David Calhoon, son of the subject of the preceding sketch, was born in Jackson township, Mahoning county, December 18, 1814. He attended only the pioneer schools where the "three R's " (reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic) were taught, He remained on the home farm until he was of age and then bought a part of the
PICTURE OF JONATHAN OSBORN
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farm where he now resides in Jackson, which was then heavily timbered. He has since added to his first purchase and now has about two hundred acres. April 16, 1840, he married Rebecca Riddle, who was born in western Pennsylvania January 17, 1818, and when about two years old came with her parents to Jackson township. By this marriage there were seven children, to-wit: Andrew C., Samuel S., David B., John M., Elizabeth J., Sylvester J., James W, all living at this writing. Mr. and Mrs. Calhoon are members of the Presbyterian church.
Andrew Gault, Jr., youngest of seven children of Andrew Gault, Sr., was born in Jackson township, Mahoning county, December 7, 1804. Andrew Gault, Sr., was a native of Ireland and when about seventeen years of age he emigrated to America and after a time settled in Washington county, Pennsylvania. April 22, 1788, he married Eleanor Chesney, by whom he had seven children. In 1803 he emigrated with his family to Trumbull county, Ohio, and settled in Jackson township, where his grandson, James G., and his mother now live. He died January 8, 1832, surviving his wife, who died April 27, 1829. Andrew Gault received a good education for the times, attending, besides the common schools, select schools and the Canfield school. He helped to clear the farm on which he lived and devoted his life to his chosen occupation, that of farming. March 31, 1831, he married Mary Ewing, daughter of John Ewing, of Jackson township. She was born May 22, 1807. The result of this marriage was ten children, viz : Eleanor, Margaret, John E., Andrew R., Robert A., Margery Ann, James G., Sarah J., Mary C., and Rachel E., all of whom are living except Eleanor and Margery. It is said that Andrew Gault, our subject, was the first white male child born in Jackson township, and that his wife was the first female child. Mr. Gault was an intelligent but unassuming man and a Christian. He was a member of the Covenanter church. He died at the age of about sixty-six.
Robert A. Gault, son of the above, was born on the old homestead in Jackson, August 26, 1839. In 1861 he enlisted in company F, Forty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, serving four years and two months in the Army of the Tennessee and was in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Murfreesboro, Dallas, etc. He entered the service as a private but rose to the position of captain. In 1867 he was married to Miss Martha Johnson and has three children, viz : Cassius, Homer J., and Edith E.
James G. Gault, youngest son of Andrew Gault, Jr., was born in Jackson township August 21, 1842. In 1864 he went out in the one hundred day service, enlisting in company G, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Ohio National guard. In 1869, June 15th, he married Mary Ellen Ewing, who was born November 24, 1844. They have three children, viz : Charles C., Lois M. B., and Grace Irene.
Robert Gault, Jr., was born in Green township, Mahoning county, on December 8, 1814. He is the only child of Robert Gault, Sr., who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on March 31, 1789. Robert Gault, Sr., was the oldest child of Andrew Gault. Robert Gault was educated in the schools of Pennsylvania, and thus had probably better advantages than his younger brothers, whose chances for "schooling" were in the pioneer schools. Heaided in clearing up and making a home and a sustenance on the tract of land which now constitutes the homestead. He and his father, when he was grown, purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which the subject of this sketch now resides. In the fall of 1813 he married Charlotte Bowman, daughter of Phillip Bowman, a pioneer of Green township. He was a German by birth and immigrated from Maryland to Iowa. Prior to his immigrating he was one of the soldiers of the Revolutionary war. A few months after their marriage Robert Gault, Sr., was drafted in the War of 1812, and started for Detroit. At Cleveland he was taken ill, but for fear of being called a coward he proceeded with his company toward Detroit, but on the way was taken worse and died at Rocky River, Ohio, at the house of Widow Miner, October 29, 1814. Mrs. Gault, meanwhile, had gone to her father's in Green township, Mahoning county, where soon after her husband's death she gave birth to her only child by this husband. She afterwards married Joseph Hudson and moved to Iowa, When Robert Gault, Jr., was two years old he went to live with his grandfather, Andrew Gault. With him he grew up. On December 9, 1835, he married Margery Ewing, daughter of John
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Ewing, of Jackson township. She was born in Jackson township on June 3, 1816. This marriage was blessed with twelve children-John, born December 27, r836; Alexander and Margaret Sarah (twins), May 26, 1838; Mary, December 14, 1839; Andrew, November 14, 1841; Caroline, July 8, 1843; Martha J., March 8, 1845; Gideon, November 6, 1846; Samuel S., March 11, 1848; William, March 28, 1850; Gibson J., December 6, 1852, and Robert E., March 7, 1855. Caroline died August 31, 1844. Andrew enlisted in 1861 in the Forty-first regiment, Ohio volunteers, and was in the Army of the Cumberland. He was wounded in the arm at a skirmish at Dallas, Georgia, while retreating. This necessitated amputation, from the effects of which he died July 8, 1864. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gault are members of the United Presbyterian church.
Samuel Riddle, the subject of this sketch, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July
8, 1794. His father, whose name was also. Samuel, came to Jackson township, now Ma- honing county, about the year 1803 or 1804. He settled on the Meander where he erected one of the first mills in that locality, which was long known as Riddle's mill, Samuel Riddle, our subject, was married June 18, 1818, to Polly Campbell, daughter of William Campbell, who was born rn Pennsylvania March 28, 1792. By this marriage there were six children, viz: William C., Martha J., Margaret, Samuel, and a pair of twins that died in infancy. Both the daughters are now deceased. Margaret was the wife of Gibson Ewing. Samuel Riddle died March 30, 1869, and his wife Polly November 2, 1854.
William C. Riddle, the oldest of the children of the subject of the preceding sketch, was born in Jackson township, Mahoning county, then Trumbull, May 13, 1819, He remained at home upon the farm until he was twenty-seven, when he married and settled upon a farm two miles southeast of North Jackson, where he lived until five years ago, when he moved to that village. June 27, 1848, he married Martha J., daughter of John and Margaret Ewing, of Jackson township. She was born August 12, 1823. Though living in town Mr. Riddle superintends his farm, which is situated a short dIstance from his present residence. Hrmself and wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
Samuel Riddle, a younger brother of William C., was born in Jackson township, May 16, 1827, He derived his education at the district schools, which he attended for the most part during the winter season. When he was seventeen he taught his first school, and subsequently continued school teaching for six winters, and taught the school he formerly attended the winter after his marriage. Some six years after his marriage he bought the farm on which he now lives, east of North Jackson. He was united in marriage April 17, 1851, to Mary Spear, daughter of Alexander Spear, of Hartford, Trumbull county, who was born at Mount Jackson, Pennsylvania, August 12, 1824. For over twenty years he and his wife have been members of the Presbyterian church of Ohltown and of North Jackson,
John Ewing was a native of county Donegal, Ireland, and when about seventeen years of age his mother (his father having previously died) with two sons and two daughters emigrated to America. They first settled is Penn's valley, Pennsylvania, where for seven years he worked a farm on shares. In 1803 John Ewing came to Jackson township, now Mahoning county, where he bought a piece of land and erected the second house in the township. His older brother, Archibald, came out at the same time and settled in Austintown. The county was then almost a complete wilderness, with few neighbors (if settlers living miles apart and separated by dense woods can be called neighbors), the nearest mill being near Darlington, Pennsylvania ; it was with these surroundings and under these circumstances that the subject of this biography began to build up a home. But his industry and energy brought prosperity, and he added to his original tract from time to time until he had a large property. When he commenced farming labor was worth only $4 per month. He married Margaret Orr, daughter of William Orr, then of Jackson but a native of Pennsylvania. They had a family of twelve children, as follow: Mary, Eleanor, Ann, Margaret, Alexander, Margery, Sarah, Gibson, Catharine, Martha J., John, and Rebecca, all of whom lived to adult age. Margaret, Sarah, Catharine, and Rebecca are now deceased. The father died July 13, 1842, aged seventy-one years. His wife survived him. He was drafted in the War of 1812 and started for the field, but the news
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from Hull's army caused him with others to relurn lo lheir homes. He was an honest, upright man, and a good citizen, warmly attached to his adopted country, but owing to some peculiarity of his disposition never became naturalized. He and his Wife were members of the Reformed church.
Alexander E. Ewing, oldest son and fifth child of John Ewing, of the preceding skelch, was born in Jackson township, Mahoning county, October 2, 1814. He remained with his father on lhe farm until he was twenty-seven, when, in 1842, he moved on the farm where he now lives which was then covered with forest. On May 19, 1842, he married Mary Ann Cook, daughter of James Cook, of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania. She was born March 14, 1821. They had five children : Margaret J., born March 24, 1843, died June 7, 1860; William J., born May 11, 1845; James C., born May 7, 1847; Gibson C., born February 24, 1851; and Mary Ellen Tirzah, born August 17, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Ewing are members of the Reformed Presbyterian church. Mr. Ewing is lhe oldest resident of this township who was born in it.
Gibson Ewing, second son and eighth child of John Ewing, was born in Jackson township, Mahoning county, July 23, 1818. He attended the common schools of his boyhood days a short time during the winter months, but he acquired learning easily and made such progress that for five successive winters after his nineteenth year he taught school. He remained at home until he was nearly twenty-five engaged at farming, when not teaching, and on May 19, 1842, married Margaret Riddle, who was born in Jackson township September 18, 2823. This union resulted in eleven children, five dying in infancy. The following lived to maturity, viz: Samuel J., born July 17, 1844; Martha, born August 7, 1846; James R., born October 4, 1852; Rutherford B., born October 9, 1858 (died January 23, 1881); Mary A., born May 18, 1861; Sarah M., born November 3, 1863. Samuel was in the army in the war of the Rebellion in company F, Forty-first regiment, and was shot at the battle of Murfreesboro, on Stone river. Mrs. Ewing died January 10, 1872. She was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church. Mr. Ewing is now connected with the United Presbyterian church of Youngstown.
William Shafer was a native of Virginia, born in 1813. When he was yet a boy his father, Samuel Shafer, emigrated from northern Vrrginia and settled a little over a mile southwest of Austintown center. He was the father of eight children, viz: Henry, John, William, Samuel, Daniel, Edward, Maria, and Eliza Jane. Schoolhouses in that early day being very scarce, William and his brother attended school for a time in Jackson township. William received but a meager education in these schools, working meanwhile upon the farm. A few years after his marriage he bought one hundred acres of land in Champion township, on which there had not been a stick of timber cut. The first winter they lived in a log house which was built without a fire-place and which was destitute of a stove. He lived upon that place, clearing and improving it, and working also at his trade, that of stone-mason. He married Elizabeth, daughter of George Gilbert, of Austintown. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. This marriage resulted in a family of five children, viz : Elizabeth, Henry, Jonathan R., Cornelius, and Phebe J., of whom all are living except Cornelius, who died in the winter of 1880-81. William Shafer died in 1855 in the forty-second year of his age.
Henry Shafer, oldest son of the subject of the foregoing sketch was born in Austintown township, Mahoning county, October 28, 1835. His parents having settled in the woods when he was a child, where the nearest school-house was over two miles distant, and there being so much hard work required upon the farm he enjoyed slender advantages for the acquirement of an education. He remained upon the farm until he was about twenty years of age, when he learned the carpenter's trade, and has made this a part of his business since, though farming is his chief occupation. In October, 1860, he was married to Louisa, daughter of Abraham Strock, of Austin- town township, by whom he has had six children, as follow : William, Frank B., Leander D., Lewis A., George W., and Charles Caster, of whom William and Lewis are dead. Mrs. Shafer died November 2, 1879. She was a member of the Christian church.
Jonas Wannemaker was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, December 12, 1821. His father, Daniel Wannemaker, was also a Pennsylvanian and a miller by trade. He married Cath-
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arine Kistler, whose father was a Revolutionary soldier and died of camp fever near Philadelphra. By this marriage there were seven children—Nathan, Sophia, Abbie, Daniel, John, Benjamin, and Jonas. Abbie and John are dead. When the subject of this sketch was about twelve years of age his father died and some three years afterward his mother and her family, except the oldest child, emigrated to Trumbull county, and located in Southington township. Mrs. Wannemaker there married Daniel Murrboyer, of Warren township. When the subject of this sketch was seventeen he began clearing a farm of one hundred and eight acres, which fell to him and his brother Benjaman from the estate. For some four years after he was twenty-one he worked most of the time at carpentering with his brothers, Daniel and John. Since that time he has been engaged at farming. About thirty years ago he purchased and moved upon the farm where he now lives. January, 1847, he married Hannah Ebert, of Jackson, by whom he has had ten children— Mary, Charles A., Thomas, Wesley, William Henry, Sarah A., Lottie C., Elmer D., Jonas F,, and L. Dell. Mary died in infancy and Charles at the age of twenty-two. Mrs. Wannemaker died May 23, 1879. She was and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
Tobias Kimmel was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1802, When quite a small boy his father, Isaac Kimmel, came to Youngstown township, Trumbull county, how Mahon- Mg, where he remained for a number of years and then removed to Coitsville township. He was a farmer by occupation. Tobias Kimmel when a young man learned the blacksmith trade and for a number of years carried on a shop in Youngstown. About 1824 he moved to his farm which he occupied some eight years, when he moved to Poland township where he resided until his death. His wife was Rebecca, daughter of William Smith, of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, who became the mother of the following named children, all living to mature age, viz: Abraham, William, Philip, Smith, Dwight, Mary, John, Sarah, Ruth Ann, and Tobias M. Philip died at the age of twenty-two, After his wife's death Mr. Kimmel married Lida Shearer, nee McBride, who is still living. Mr. Kimmel died January 20, 1880.
Smith Kimmel was born in Coitsville township September 9, 1830. He derived his education in the common schools, and farming has been his chief occupation although for a number of years he has carried on a blacksmith shop with his brother Abraham in Coitsville township. December 21, 1852, he married Julia Ann, daughter of David Struble, of East Hubbard. This marriage has been blest with eight children, to wit: Martrn A., David A., Alice N., Mary E., Frank E., Charles E., Gilbert B., and Arthur D. Alice is deceased. In 1864 Mr. Kimmel was called out with his company and regiment— company C, One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National guard—and served one hundred days under Heintzleman. While in the service he contracted a fever from which he has never wholly recovered. He resided in Coitsville township until six years of ago when he purchased the John Ewing place, in Jackson township, where he now resides.
James Hervey Websler was born in the State of New York. He was a mason by trade and also carried on a farm in Chautauqua county. When a few years old he moved to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he married Mary Ann Tucker, daughter of Nathaniel and Mary Tucker, now living at an advanced age in Sandusky county, Soon after their marriage they moved upon a farm m Chautauqua county, New York, where he remained until his death, which occurred April 1, 1870. He was an old-time Whig and afterward a Republican. He was the father of ten children, of whom three died in infancy, Jason, Herbert T., Henry H., Ella A., Ralph D., Israel J., and Nelson R. The mother of these children afterward married Philip R. Snider, and is now living near Port Clinton, Ottawa county, Ohio.
H. H. Webster, M, D., was born in Portland township, Chautauqua county, New York, July 30, 1849. He is the third child of James H, Webster, a sketch of whose life has been given. Dr. H. H, Webster was educated in the common. schools, and through the influence of his brother, Dr, H. T. Webster, for five years a practicing physician of Jackson, he began studying medicine, and graduated after attending three courses of lectures at the Eclectic Medical institute of Cincinnati, in the spring of 1873. He located first at Niles with his brother, where he remained
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until August, 1874, when he went to Montville, Geauga county, where he remained until January ii, 1879, when he came to Jackson and bought out his brother, and has since practiced in that town and vicinity. February 18, 1875, he married Martha Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Lordstown township. She was born May 18, 185o. They have two children, Samuel J., born October 25, 1876; Hervey, born November, 1877. Mrs. Webster is a member of the Disciple church. Dr. Webster is a member of the society of Free and Accepted Masons.
Thomas Woodward, a native of Milford township, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, was born December 17, 1799. He is the fifth child of Jehu Woodward, who married Rachel Rummins, of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. They had the following children: James, Ruth, Joseph, Lydia, Thomas, William Leonard, Jehu, Elizabeth, Rachael, Joel, and Ezekiel. When Thomas was seventeen years old he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's and cabinet-maker's trade, serving two years, after which he worked at his trade about two years. In April, 1823, he came to Austintown where he remained a year, then went to Youngstown where he built houses which are yet standing. He then bought land which constitutes his present farm. This was a dense forest at that time, out of which he made a fruitful farm and comfortable home. He married January t0, 1823, Margaret Shively, daughter of Frederick Shively, of Austintown. She was born in Tyron township, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1805. They had thirteen children: Jehu, Leonard, John, Abraham, Elizabeth, Margaret, Rachel, Joel, Angeline, Mary, Ezekiel, Melissa Olive, and Almina, of whom Leonard, Rachel, Margaret, and Ezekiel are dead, the two former living to be grown. He has been a Democrat from Jackson's time; has held several township offices, and was for eleven years justice of the peace of Jackson. He is one of the oldest residents of the township. Mrs. Woodward has been for years a member of the Methodist church. He is an upright man enjoying the esteem of all who know him.
William Young was born in Little Beaver township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1804. He was the fourth in a family of nine children of James and Esther Young. He remained with his father until he was about sixteen, and on starting out in life he went to Buffalo where he worked out six months teaming. He spent the winter at home threshing with a flail for the tenth part, and in the spring he went up the Allegheny river, and for three years was at work on the canals rn Pennsylvania and Ohio. September 8, 1830, he married Sarah McGeorge, a former school-mate, and on the third day after their marriage he and his young bride started on horseback for Trumbull county, Ohio. He purchased the farm on which he now lives and moved upon it in 1837. There was but little clearing done and a log house and barn constituted the improvements. He has since added to his original purchase until he owns over three hundred and twenty acres in the southeast part of Jackson township. His farms are now managed by his three sons. By his first marriage he had eight children : William, Hatton, Adaline, Julia A., James, John, Mary, and Clark, of whom the oldest and youngest are dead. His first wife died October 27, 1854, aged fifty-two, and July 5, 1855, he married Margaret Anderson, of Poland township, by whom he had two children : Emily and Margaret. His second wife died April 9, 1858, aged nearly forty-two, and he married a third time, May 5, 1859, Ellen Wallace, from near Petersburg, Mahoning county. His third wife died April 4, 1880, aged sixty-two. He had by this marriage one child, W. M. Wallace. Mr. Young is a member of the Reform Presbyterian church. His daughter Adaline married John Truesdale and is now living in Richland county, Wisconsin ; Julia married Daniel Gibson, and now resides in Beaver county, Pennsylvania; Mary became the wife of Charles Anthony, and lives in Nodaway county, Missouri ; Margaret married Sylvester Calhoon, and resides in Sumner county, Kansas ; and Emily resides at home with her father.
James Russell was born in Austintown township, Mahoning county, July 1, 1815. His father was Robert Russell, who settled in that township in 1806. The subject of this sketch derived his education in the schools of that early period, the teachers of which, in many instances, taught both English and German. He worked upon the home farm until he was twenty-six years of age, when he moved to the farm in
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Jackson where he now lives, which now consists of two hundred acres. May 4, 1841, he married Catharine, daughter of Henry Foos, one of the pioneers of Austintown and a soldier of the War of 1812. He moved into Austintown just at the close of the war, Mrs. Russell was born October 21, 180. They have a family of seven children, as follows: Clark, Austin, Henry, Robert, Newton, Almeda A., and James Mon roe. Mr. Russell has always attended strictly to his own affairs ; has never been a witness at court and has never been a litigant, either as plaintiff or defendant, which few can say. He and his wife are members of the Disciple church, and are worthy citizens.
Gideon Fusselman, a native of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, removed from that State to Ohio in the year 1814, and settled in Warren township, Trumbull county, on the Storer farm which was then owned by John Fusselman, Sr. In about a year he removed to Canfield and established a
tannery (he being a tanner by trade) one mile, north of the center. This was conducted by him until his death. In about 1812 he married Eve Schriber, also a native of Lehigh county. They had five children, John C., Mary, Sarah, Catharine, and Elizabeth, all of whom are living, Gideon Fusselman died August 30, 1844, in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, while on a visit to that place. His wife died January 22, 1878, at the age of eighty-three years.
John C, Fusselman was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, February 25, 1813. He was the oldest child of Gideon Fusselman who removed to Ohio when John was about a year old. He received a common school education and staid upon the farm with his father until June, 1830, when he began clerking for J. R. Church at Canfield in a general merchandise store, remaining here five years. He then went into partnership with Mr. Church in Ellsworth in merchandising, where he remained until 1840. He then clerked for William Ripley one year, when he went into business for himself until 1856. He then came to Jackson and began the same business with D. Anderson, which continued six years. Then the firm of Anderson, Shaffer & Co. was formed. April, 1881, Mr. Anderson retired, and the firm Shaffer & Co. continue the business, with a full assortment of goods usually kept in a country store. On Au gust 1 r, 1837, J. C. Fusselman married Catha. aline Houts, daughter of William Houts, then of Green township, Mahoning county. She was born September 24, 1815. This union was blessed with seven children—Louisa Ann, Lottie B., Frank A., Mary, Ella H., John R., and Ralph, who died at three years of age. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist church. For twenty years prior to 1856 he was justice of the peace of Ellsworth township.
D. B. Blott, was born in Jackson township, Mahoning county, October 6, 1837. He is the second child of Benjamin Blotl, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born January i6, 1812. He is a farmer, residing a short distance south of North Jackson. D. B was educaled in the common schools, and attended also for a short time Hiram college. At lhe age of fifteen he was apprenticed to learn the bricklayer and stone mason trade, serving two years—afterward working at his trade for ten years, when, on account of poor health, he was obliged to stop work for about three years. Then for six years he kept a store in Lordstown. After this he kept a slore for several years at West Austintown. He now keeps a store at Jackson, where he carries a line of assorted goods. He married Lucrnda Bailey, daughter of Jesse Bailey. They have five children, Charley C., born 1863 ; Seamon Edward, 1865, William A., 1869, Marietta, 1874, and Emory B., 1876.
Robert McClure, a native of county Donegal, Ireland, was born November, 1816. His father, Robert McClure, died when he was three years old, when he was taken by his paternal grandfather, who was a farmer. He remained with him until 1839, when he sailed to America, coming in the same ship with William Porter, of Austintown. He came at once to Austintown and began as day laborer here and there, and for five months worked on the extension of the Erie canal. A few years afterward he bought the land where he now resides. He at one time owned over two hundred acres of land, but by unfortunate indorsements he lost a part of this. He owns one hundred acres under good cultivation. May 14, 1846, he married Eliza Anderson, daughter of Arthur Anderson, of Poland township. She was born in that township November 20, 1819. This marriage was blessed with eight children, William, a physician of Cleveland;
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Mary, who married William 'I'urner, of Austintown ; Arthur, who died in early childhood; John S., an attorney of Chicago ; Emily; Nettie ; Nancy, a teacher of Youngstown; Robert, a teacher, who, with Emily, are still at home. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and his wife is a Covenanter.
Peter Ivy was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, March 8, 1805. He was a son of Samuel Ivy, and twin brother of William Ivy, who at last accounts was living in Clark county, Ohio. His father, Samuel Ivy, died when he was an infant, and his mother married Michael Waggoner, and soon after lhe family removed to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, whence in the fall of 1822 they immigrated to Stark county, Ohio, where they remained about four years, during which time Mr. Waggoner died, when Peter brought the family to Austintown, where he had gone in lhe spring of 1823. After farming lhere a few years, Peter moved in 1831 upon the farm where he now lives, which he purchased the previous year, and upon which he made a small clearing and erected a cabin. He has now over a hundred acres under cultivation. August 13, 1826, he married Sarah Miller, daughter of Jacob Miller, a Virginian, who, in advanced life, became a resident of Austintown township. She was born in Augusta county, Virginia, September 12, 1798. She became the mother of seven children, Mary, Christian, John, Alfred, William, Elizabeth, who died when small, and Sarah. The oldest child died before it was named. She was a Presbyterian in belief, and an estimable lady, who, after a long and useful life, died September 8, 1879. He cast his first vote for Jackson.
John Lynn, son of Nicholas Lynn, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio with his brothers, Peter and George, and settled in Canfield township, Trumbull county (now Mahoning), about the year 1806. They settled in the same neighborhood. John, in company with his sister Barbara, purchased lhe farin originally owned by Ira Wilcox, and they lived together a number of years. Late in life he married Sophrona F. Burgart of Ellsworth township, by whom he had six children, viz: Sarah Ann, who married Joseph Hartman; John N. 0., David, Elizabeth, who married George E. Harding, George, who died in infancy, and Mary, who died when two years of age. Mr. Lynn died in 1835, at the age of fifty-six years. He was a member of the German Reformed church. His widow afterwards married Solomon Gordon, of Canfield.
John N. 0. Lynn was born in Canfield township, August 8, 1826. When he was about twenty years of age he and his brother and two sisters began the management of the farm, which he continued for seven years. He afterward moved to Atwater township, Portage county, where he lived eighteen years engaged in farming, which has been his lifelong occupation. In April, 1875, he returned to Mahoning county, and has since resided at North Jackson. April 29, 1855, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Moherman, who was born March 15, 1835. They have no children, but are raising two—Chester and Mary. He and his wife are members of the Disciples church.
David Lynn, second son of John Lynn, was born December 3r, 1829. He adopted the occupation of his father, cultivating the soil and dealing to some extent in stock and fruit growing. At the age of twenty-five he married Miss Mary Ann Peters, by whom he had four sons— Willis, Emory, Homer, and Alfred. While engaged attentively at his business he has not neglected the education of his children, his oldest son graduating at Heldelberg college, Tiffin, Ohio, in the class of 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Lynn are members of the Reformed church.