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178 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO CHAPTER IX MILTON Milton is township two of range five, and is the northwest corner of Mahoning county, having Newton, Trumbull county, on the north, Jackson on the east, Berlin on the south, and Palmyra, Portage county, on the west. The Mahoning river—that marvelously crooked stream, which flows northward through the western part of the county, but after passing into Trumbull county and going through all manner of twisting and turning returns to the territory named after it and flows through its eastern portion in a southeasterly direction—is here a narrow and very pretty stream, cutting the western half of the township into two very nearly equal portions. The bottom land along the river is quite broad in some places and generally of more than average fertility. Going from the eastern side of the township to the west, you will notice that there are a number of broad ridges of land of gradual slope and gentle elevation with numerous runs cutting them. Nearer the river the ridges are not so broad but are higher ; none of the surface is exactly level, and little is very hilly. Limestone and sandstone are exposed in a few places. The soil is a clayey loam, with a few fields that are composed almost wholly of heavy clay. Most of the soil, however, is ferlile and easily worked; well watered, both by springs and brooks, and seems especially adapted for grazing. On the east bank of the river and about one mile south of the north line of the township is a sulphur spring. The water is deep and cool and flows constantly. It has sometimes been recommended for medical uses. Coal has been obtained in small quantities in the southeast and southwest portions of the township. Several attempts have been made to find oil in years past, and at the present writing wells are being drilled with the same object in view. The township contains no villages except one almost as extinct as Herculaneum, and a portion of the little settlement at Price's mills. The population is small, many farms being without houses or occupants. The farmers are generally comfortably situated, contented, and happy. The timber is principally white oak and hickory; there is a little ash and not much' maple. EARLY TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. No township records of an early date are in existence. We learn that John Johnston of Milton, and Bildad Hine of Newton, were elected justices of the peace, in 1814, by the joint townships, Newton and Milton. A year or two later Milton became a township and voting precinct by itself. Justices of the peace prior to 1840: John Johnston, Daniel Vaughan, Robert Price, Johnston, Vaughan, William Strander, Milton Rogers, John Matherspaw, James Moore, John Eckis, Jr,, and Peter Kinnaman. SETTLEMENT. The first settlement in the township was made about the year 1803 in the vicinity of Pricetown, In the course of three or four years quite a number of families had come to the township and located along the river on both sides of it. About the same date (1803) a settlement was commenced on the eastern side of the township. For some years the central and southern as well as the southeastern portions of the township lay unimproved. It is claimed that Nathaniel Stanley, one of those belonging to the western or river settlement, was the first actual settler, He took up TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 179 and improved 'land just south of the old Judge Clarke farm on the east side of the river, a short distance above Pricetown. He sold out to Jacob Cole quite early and moved north into Newton township. Aaron Porter, said by his sons to have been the second settler in the township, came from Pennsylvania in 1803, and located west of the river on the farm where Henry Winfield now lives, afterwards (in 1812) moving to the farm where his sons, Enoch and Joseph Porter, reside. He brought up a family of lwelve children, three of whom were born in this township. Porter was a slrong man and of great endurance. He reached the age of ninety-six. The names of the surviving members of his family are : Margaret, wife of John Jones, Medina county ; Robin, in Indiana ; Nancy, widow of Joseph McKenzie, Huron county ; Enoch and Joseph, Millon township. In 1803 John Vanetten and family came from Delaware to the western part of the township. The second dwelling built by him, a two-story log house with a large stone chimney, is still standing. They came with a wagon, and after their arrival three weeks elapsed before a cabin was completed. During this time they slept in the wagon and cooked and ate in the open air. The family at this time consisted of Mr. Vanetten, wife, and three children. When all was in readiness for the erection of the cabin, owing to the scarcity of men in the vicinity, the women were called in to assist in raising the logs to the Proper height. Some time after coming here Captain Vanetten procured a pair of spoon- molds, which his wife used for years in making spoons for the settlers, and for use in her own family. Old pewter plates furnished the material. If a spoon was broken the pieces were carefully saved until they could be run over and made into a new spoon. Captain Vanetten was married in Delaware to Anna Lebar. They had ten children in all, whose names were as follows: Margaret married Daniel Parshall, and died in this township; Daniel died in Crawford county, Pennsylvania; Mary married Joseph Depew and died in Allen county; Elizabeth became the wife of Jacob Parshall and died in Michigan; Sally is living, the wife of John McKenzie of this township; Jacob is living in Wood county; Ann married Hugh Patterson and died in Milton; John died in Wood county; Jonah died in Indiana; Aaron died in Oregon. John Vanetten, Sr., served as a captain in the War of 1812. He lived to the age of seventy-seven. His wife died at the age of sixty-eight. Samuel Linton was an early settler on the farm now owned by the Ewing heirs. His sons were Samuel and Adam. The latter lived and died in Milton. Samuel is sill living in Berlin township. There were also three daughters. Samuel Bowles was one of the earliest settlers of the township, and came heie about 1803. He settled in the eastern part of Milton, on the farm now owned by Josiah Fenton. In 1823 he moved with his entire family to Portage county. In about 1804 three brothers by the name of Winans, Isaac, James, and Jacob, moved from Delaware to the eastern part of the township, and each took up a farm. They all lived to be old men. Isaac died on the farm where he settled. His children were Jacob, Isaac, John, Sarah, Eleanor, Phebe, Rebecca, Hannah, and Susan. Jacob lived on a part of the old place and died there ; Eleanor married Russel Orr, of Milton, and after his death moved to Illinois, where she died at a ripe old age ; Phebe married Andrew Moore, and lived and died in Milton ; Susan became the wife of John McCollum, and died in this township. James Winans also died in Milton. He brought up four sons—Jacob J., Isaac, Henry, and James, all of whom settled in this township but Isaac and James. Isaac is still living. He was a preacher for several years, as was also his brother Henry. The daughters of James, Sr., were Polly, Jemima, Anna, Susan, and Hannah; all dead. Polly was the wife of Jesse Delong, of this township. Jacob Winans passed the most of his life in this township, but died in Pennsylvania. His son Jacob is still a resident of Milton. His daughter Rachel married a Porter, and is still living in the township, Jemima, one of the girls, marred Robert Shorl, and lived here many years. Jesse Holliday was one of the first settlers, and a very enterprising business man, although he had more energy than capital. He remained but a few years, and none of his family became permanent residents. Reuben S. Clarke was one of the first settlers 180 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. at Pricetown, and died upon the farm which he took up and improved. He was associate judge at quite an early date. His sons were John Quincy and Reuben. The former remained on the farm with his widowed mother until her death. Reuben went to Iowa. There were several daughters, but none of them settled in Milton. The Clarke farm began at the township line and extended up the river on the east bank. Daniel Stewart settled south of Orr's corners, on land now owned by Daniel Eckis, at an early date, probably 1804. He sold and moved to, another part of the township, but afterwards returned to the original farm and died there, None of the family are left in Milton. John Delong was an early settler south of Orr's corners. He had two sons, Jesse and Aaron, who settled in the township and remained several years. Joseph Depew was an early settler on the farm east of the river afterwards owned by Stephen Case. From Depew's hands the farm passed to , John Gibson. Parkus and Joseph Depew, sons of Joseph, passed their lives in this township. One of their sisters became Mrs. Craig. A man named Munson was an early settler on the river but moved away before making much improvement. John Brunton made the first improvements on the farm now owned by Leonidas Carson. James and John Craig were early settlers east of the river. John moved to Berlin and died there. James died in this township and his family scattered, Thomas L. Fenton settled early at Pricetown and carried on his trade of blacksmithing. About 1817 he moved to the eastern part of the town. ship and settled on a farm just west of the old Johnston farm. He had three sons—Hiram C., Jesse, and Josiah. The youngest lives on the farm ; the other two are in the West. His daughters were Mary, Lucy Ann, Jane, Christina, and Harriet. Three of them are living : Mrs. Jane Johnson, Newton Falls ; Mrs. Christina Kale, Milton ; and Mrs. Harriet Flaugher, Jackson, George Snyder settled east of the river about 1805 and cleared up a farm, which he afterwards sold to Shepard. It is now owned by John Scott. Snyder moved to Green township. In 1805 John McKenzie settled on the farm now owned by Frank Keefer. His son John still resides in the township and is one of ils oldest inhabitants. Samuel Daniels settled on the Vaughn farm west of the river about 1806, but later moved with all his family. John Pennel was an early settler in the eastern part of Milton. He afterwards bought a farm in the northwestern part where he died quite early. His family scattered. Peter DeCourcey settled in the township previous to 1809. Three of his sons remained here some time but did not become permanent residents. Robert Russell came from Poland township to the eastern part of Milton when a young man. He married after coming here a daughter of Alexander French, and reared a family of ten children, two of whom survive, James and Enoch. of this township. Alexander French settled in the northeastern part of the township about 1809. He had only one son, William, who lived here some years and then emigrated to Allen county, Ohio, where he disci. His daughters were Margaret, Martha, Jane, Ann, Betsey, and Sarah. All married here except Martha, who remained single. Betsey is still living, the wife of John Shearer, of Newton. Thomas Reed settled in the eastern part of the township, north of Orr's corners, about the year 1810. Two of his sons—Benjamin and John—resided here some years. Two of his daughters were also residents of the township— Catharine, the wife of Thomas L. Fenton, and Mary, wife of James Chalfant. Both died years ago. William Parshall, son ot Samuel Parshall, was an early settler west of the river, and kept store a few years opposite Captain Vanetten's house. He moved to New Castle, Pennsylvania. John Johnston settled on the east line of Milton township in 1811. He was of Irish descent and was born in Pennsylvania in 1773. He was married in his native State to Margaret Robinson. They had six children living at the time they settled here, and two were born afterwards. The names were as follow : Mary, John, Margaret, David, Samuel, Elizabeth, Thomas, and Francis R. Mary married Alexander Gilmore and lives in Newton. She has brought up five TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 181 children, two of whom are living. John settled in Jackson and brought up five children by his first wife and four by his second. He died in 1868. Margaret married James Moore and resided in the township. Both are dead. Mrs. Moore died in 1881, leaving two children living and four deceased. David seltled on the west line of Jackson, where he now lives. He has a family of seven children living. Samuel settled on the west line of Jackson and has seven children living. Elizabeth married Alexander Moore and now resides in Milton, and has four children diving. Thomas resides in Milton, on the east line, a mile and a half north of the center road. He has eight children living. Francis R. occupies the old farm. He is the father of eleven children, only two of whom are living. John Johnston, Sr., died in 1842, and his widow in 1849. When he came to this township he moved into a small log cabin, perhaps sixteen feet square, which had been erected by a previous settler. There was a puncheon floor, made from roughly split logs, and a stick and mud chimney. For a few weeks this small cabin, containing but one room, in which was a loom in addition to other household furnilure, was inhabited by two families. Alexander Campbell lived there while he was building a cabin for himself. He came to Milton about 1810, and remained a resident of the township until 1823, when he moved to Lordstown, where he died some years later. Five members of the Orr family, sons of William Orr, of Jackson, settled in Milton at different dates. They were John, Humphrey, William, Russell, and Isaac. Many of their descendants continue to reside here. Henry Lingo settled in 1813 on a farm northeast of the center. His sons were Allen, Joseph, Robert, Samuel, John, Henry, and Hamilton. His daughter Susan became the wife of Robert McKenzie. Several of the sons lived and died in this township. Robert Price, afterwards Judge Price, came to the little village now called by his name, in 1817, and was one of its prominent men for several years. Robert Rose, one of the oldest residents of Mahoning county, and perhaps the oldest man within its borders, was born near Bath, Virginia, April 7, 1786. When about fourteen years old he came to Poland township with his father, Jesse Rose, who settled in the eastern part of Poland, near the Pennsylvania line. Jesse Rose moved from Poland to Ellsworth and died there. His family consisted of eight children, Robert being now the only survivor. David, Robert, Jesse, and James were the sons; Mary, Nancy, Rhoda, and Hannah the daughters. David and Jesse settled and died in Ellsworth. James settled in Jackson but moved west. Mary became the wife of William Howard and lived in Ellsworth. Nancy married John Brothers and lived in Pennsylvania. Rhoda married John Rose and lived in Mecca, Trumbull county. Hannah married Ebenezer Cole and lived on the old farm where her father settled, in Poland. Robert Rose was married in Poland to Catharine Shoaf, who bore eight children. For his second wife he married Catharine Wortenbarger. About the year 1816 Mr. Rose moved to Milton township, took up and settled upon a farm in the soulheast, on the old Palmyra road, where he resided until about thirteen years ago, and has since been living with his sons in Berlin township. Mr. Rose is one of the few surviving veterans of the War of 1812. His oldest brother was also a soldier of that war. The writer made a visit to Uncle Robert, as he is familiarly called, one pleasant day in November, 1881. One of his "boys," a gray-haired man, directed us to the place where we found the old gentleman. He was in the woods, at least three-quarters of a mile from the house, in his shirt-sleeves and was busily engaged in gathering hickory-nuts. Few men reach their ninety-sixth year, and very, few attain to Mr. Rose's age and retain full possession of their faculties. We found Mr. Rose's memory of early events clear, distinct, and accurate. His hearing is but little impaired. His mind is active, and his face and conversation cheerful. In his early years he was a very Hercules in physical strength, and even now, considering how near he is to the age of a centenarian, his vigor is remarkable. Calvin Shepard came out with Judge Price from New Jersey, and worked for him some years. He married Isabella Beck and settled on land now owned by John Scott. There were eight children, seven of whom are living, none of them in this township. Frederick Byers, from Pennsylvania, came to 182 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. the township about 1824, and settled just west of the river, on the farm now owned by Robert Weasner. His son Frederick occupied it after him a number of years. Mr. Byers, Sr., caused the village to be laid out which is called by his first name, John Eckis came from Maryland to Springfield township in 1801, and in 1826 moved to Milton, and was a pioneer of the southeastern part of the township. Even at that date there was no improved farm west of his place, until the river was reached. John McCollum recently deceased, came to the township in 1828, and took up an unimproved farm in the southeastern quarter. From 1830 to 1840 the township grew rapidly in population, In that period both Frederick and Pricetown were flourishing villages. But the advent of the New York and Ohio canal, turning business and travel aside, gave these places a staggering blow; and a few years later the railroad came through and finished them ; for the iron horse, like the canal mule, "passed by on the other side" of Milton. In 1840 the census returns gave the township a population of twelve- hundred and seventy-seven. Each succeeding decade has witnessed a gradual falling off, until now the entire population is between seven and eight hundred, making this the smallest township in the county, PRICE'S MILLS. Price's Mills, or Pricetown, was once a flourishing place, but is so no longer. It is situated on the line between Milton and Newton, and as nearly all of its business enterprises were carried on in this township, we include a sketch of them here, Jesse Holliday came to this place among the very first of the settlers, and in 1804 erected a grist-mill, carding-mill, and saw-mill. The gristmill was a good size for those days ; two stories in height, perhaps 34x40 feet, and contained two run of granite stones. The wheel was an undershot, twenty-two feet in diameter. The saw-mill had an old-fashioned " flutter wheel." These mills were on the sites of the present grist mill and saw-mill. The carding-mill was just north of the grist-mill. Holliday run these mills until 1816, and then sold them to John Price. A year or two later they came into the possession of Robert Price, who operated them many years.            In 1834 Price put up a stone flouring-mill. It was badly built and fell down a few years later. It was rebuilt by Dr. Jonathan I. Tod, son-in-law of Judge Price, who in the meantime had purchased the entire mill property. The mills remained in possession of Dr, Tod and his widow until 1861, when they were purchased by Mr. Calender, father of the present owner. The saw-mill now standing was also built by Price. In 1837 Dr. Tod built a foundry on the west side of the river. It was in operation five or six years, and was then changed into a linseed oil, manufactory. It disappeared some years ago, In 1842 Dr. Tod erected a foundry on the east side of the river. Calender bought it and changed it into a flax-mill. J. M. Calender erected a frame building norlh of the grist-mill in 1866, and transferred the machinery of the grist-mill to it, He converted the stone mill into a woolen factory, where spinning, weaving, cloth-dressing, etc., were successfully carried on until about the time of his death. In 1875 the machinery of the grist-mill was restored to the stone building. The first tavern in the place was kept by Thomas L, Fenton, on the northwest corner of the Newton side. Robert Weasner, Peter Bell, Peter Smith, and Noah Smith have since kept tavern in the place. Bell built a second building for a hotel. Who kept the first store we are unable to learn for a certainty. Booth & Elliot, and Elliot & Ingersol have been mentioned as the first storekeepers, Robert Price began business as a merchant in 1817. Jonathan I. Tod, William Porter, Carpenter & Avery, Porter & Bronson, Porter & Moffat, James M. Calender, Fiester & Porter, Charles Curtis, and Noah Smith have all been engaged in the mercantile business here. John L. Greer kept a second store for a time, while Carpenter & Avery were in business, Some of the firms mentioned did a large business. But the place is now scarcely able to support one small grocery. AN EXTINCT VILLAGE. Frederick, or Fredericksburg as it is frequently called, was a flourishing little village on the liver, near the south line of the township, forty or fifty years ago. Now a few dilapidated old houses and a church, windowless and almost roofless, TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 183 remain to inark its sile. But in days gone by, those primitive days which shall return no more forever, when the stages from Pittsburg and Cleveland passed through Frederick daily, the litlle village was at the zenith of its prosperity. The first merchant in the place was a man named Swift. This is all that is known of him. Peter Kinnaman, from Petersburg, this county, began keeping a store in a part of Lebaugh's tavern in 1834. Soon after he built a store and occupied it some years. John Eckis was the next merchant in the place. Carpenter & Avery had a small store for a time. Matthias & George Christy and Mattox & Raymond were merchants in the later years of the village. Louis Lebaugh kept the first and the principal hotel. The stage stopped at his door. His house was on the north side of the road and opposite the corner. Moses Everett kept another house of entertainment west of the bridge, on the south side of the road. Frederick Myers was the landlord of a long two-story building, situated west of Everett's, between it and the corner. His tavern was a large one for those days. The three houses were all open to the public at the same time. A distillery was operated by Dyer Fitch for a short time, Mecca, or lubricating oil, found in the vicinity, got in the water used so much that it spoiled the liquor, and the business had to be dropped. A tannery was successfully worked for a time by a German named John Kreitzinger. In addition to these industries the busy little place included among its inhabitants the following named artisans : William Cowell, hatter; Daniel Mauen, tailor; McWilliams and William Shoemaker, wagonmakers, as well as several blacksmiths and shoemakers. CHURCH HISTORY. At present there are but two church buildings in the township, the Methodist and the Presbyterian. The Disciples once had two churches, but they no longer have an organization. The Germans go to church in Berlin. THE PRESBYTERIANS. In 1807 or 1808 a Presbyterian church was organized by the citizens of Newton and Milton, and a church erected in Newton near Price's mills. Rev. James Boyd was the first pastor of the congregations of Newton and Warren. He died in 1813 and is buried in the old graveyard at Pricetown. Rev. Joshua Beer was the next pastor. There were then several supplies for a number of years. Rev. William 0. Stratton was a settled pastor for a number of years, commencing about 1836. During his ministry the old church ceased to be used, and a new one was built at Orr's corners about 1847, which is still called the Newton church. Rev. J. B. Miller, Rev. Thomas P. Spear, Revs. Sharp and Taylor have presided since. When the Jackson church was built in 1871, it drew away a large portion of the members of the Newton church, and left it in a weak condition. It is now without a pastor. We append names of some of the prominent and active members of this church in early years : Nathaniel and William Stanley, Thomas Gilmer ; elders, John Craig, Thomas McCoy, Nicholas Van Emmon, Isaac Winans, Jacob Winans, second, Emanuel Hoover, Sr. and Jr., Robert Russell, John Johnston. THE METHODISTS. The Methodist church was organized about 1812. Meetings were held in the school-house at Orr's corners, often on week-days, for the accommodation of circuit preachers whose duties were multifarious. Rev. Billings 0. Plimpton, Dr. Bostwick, Nicholas Gee, Ira Eddy, Rev. Prosser, and others were early preachers. The prominent members of the church were the Winans, Vaughns, Tillinghast Morey, Isaac Mitchell, and others. About 183o the organization built a brick church at Baldwin's corners in the northeastern part of the township. This building was destroyed by a gale in 1849. A few years later the present church, a small frame building, was erected. The church keeps up its organization and has regular preaching in connection with other societies. From an old History of Methodism in the West we make the following extract : During the summer of 1810 Mr. Tillinghast Mowry [Morey] moved from Connecticut and settled in Milton, one mile west of the center, where his house became a welcome home for Methodist preachers who were sent to labor on Hartford circuit, and was for many years a preaching place. Father Henry Shewel, residing in Deerfield, Ohio, after toiling through the week with his hands would on Sunday find his way through the woods to the new neighboring settlements to break the bread of life to the hungry souls in the wilderness. He established a preaching appointment at Mr. Mowry's and a class was formed comprising Tillinghast 184 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. Mowry, leader, and wife; Jacob Allen and wife, Joseph Depew, Margaret Hudson, Mr. Cole and wife, and perhaps others. The appointment was soon added to Hartford circuit and supplied with circuit preaching. THE DISCIPLES. The Disciples organized as early as 1830. William Hayden and Walter Scott began preaching here about 1827, and baptized several persons. Many of the Methodists joined them. They held their meetings in the Orr's corners schoolhouse for a time, then built a small church one-fourth of a mile east of the corners. Their organization went down more than twenty years ago. Early preachers: Webb, Flick, Shaffer, and others. Early and prominent members : Isaac Mitchell, Thomas L. Fenton, John Thatcher, Joseph Pierce, Amos Pierce, Joseph Pierce, Jr., and Jacob Winans, Sr. The Disciples also built a church at Frederick, the frame of which is still standing. This church was organized through the efforts of Herman Reeves, who became its first pastor. The house was erected in 1852. Reeves, Shaffer, Griffin, Phillips, Hillock, Chapman, Megowan, and others were preachers in this church. Matthias Christy and William Cowell were the first elders ; Christy also preached occasionally. John Carson, M. Smith, and Aaron Fink were elders and prominent members. The church was organized with thirty or forty members, and the number increased to nearly one hundred, Many members moved, and the war and its issues caused divisions which resulted in the dissolution of the organization. BURIAL PLACES, The first settlers were all buried in Newton near Price's mills. There are three small public burying places in this township, of which the one west of the river and a little north of the center road is probably the oldest. POST-OFFICES. The first post-office was established at Price's mills, or Pricetown, about the year 1808. Although Millon is the name of the post-office it has been kept in Newton township almost if not quite as much as in Milton. The office was originally on the route between Warren and Ravenna. The first postmaster was probably Judge Reuben S. Clark, succeeded by Robert Price, Jonathan I. Tod, Frank Porter, Noah Smith, and J. M. Calender, the present incumbent. The post-office at Frederick was established previous to 1830. John Shoemaker, Sr., was probably the first postmaster. His successors: Peter Kinnaman, John Eckis, John Shoemaker, Jr., David Byers, Lydia A. Steffey, Robert Weasner, Madison Traill, John Carson. Since Mr. Carson took the office, about fifteen years ago, it has been kept in Berlin township. The mail is received twice a week. PHYSICIANS. Dr. Tracy Bronson, who lived just over the line in Newton township, was the practicing physician in Milton for many years, and is remembered with gratitude and affection by many of his old patients. Dr. George Ewing had quite a large practice in the township. He settled on a farm but continued attending to the calls of his patients up to the time of his death. There have been many other physicians in the township, but none that have been permanent residents. THE FIRST SCHOOLS. For several years teachers were paid by subscription, their wages in summer terms being four or five dollars per month, and nine or ten in winter, not all in cash but frequently in grain or orders on the store-keepers. Daniel Depew, an aged man, was one of the first school-teachers in a log-cabin situated east of the river. A very few of his pupils are slill living. Other early teachers in different parls of Milton were Tillinghast Morey, Robert White, Margaret Depew, Nancy Best, Peggy Stevens, Gain Robison, Joseph Duer, Phebe Canfield, and Billings 0. Plimpton, afterwards quite celebrated as a Methodist preacher. John Johnston taught school two winters, 1811-12 and 1812-13, in a little log schoolhouse which was situated on the center road about three-fourths of a mile west of the Jackson township line. The school-house contained an immense fire-place in a chimney at one end of the room. The house was perhaps sixteen feet square; paper was used for glass in the windows, and the door was pinned together with wooden pins in place of nails. Probably twenty scholars attended this school while Mr. Johnston taught. The cabin just described was used as a school- TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 185 house until about 1818, when a building of hewed logs was erected on the lot where the present school-house stands. The method of instruction in these early schools was somewhat different from that which is now in use. First, the pupil was taught the alphabet; then spelling, reading, writing, in succession, and finally arithmetic. Many of the old settlers never attended a school in which grammar or geography was taught. IN THE WILD WOODS. As late as 1806 three Indians, rejoicing in the euphonious names of Nicksaw, Cayuga, and Cadashua, were living on the west bank of the river on the best of terms with their white neighbors. They subsisted chiefly by hunting and fishing, though they raised a little corn on the river bottom. There are those now living who remember having seen these Indians at their homes. Game of all kinds was abundant. Squirrels and other small pests attacked the corn and wheat, and wolves were ever ready to make way with lambs and other young stock. It was no uncommon thing for a farmer to wake up in the morning and find that a bear had killed his bog, or a wolf destroyed some of his sheep. The last known instance of a bear in the township was in 1835. At that date Joseph Mead tracked one across Milton into Newton where it was killed. MISCELLANEOUS. Probably the first bridge across the Mahoning above Warren, was a trestle-work bridge on the line between Newton and Milton. This broke down in 1822 while Joseph Depew was crossing it with three yoke of oxen. Four of the oxen were killed by the fall, but the driver and the head yoke got out uninjured. This bridge was soon replaced by another of similar construction, which the breaking up of the ice in 1831 destroyed. Soon after the bridge now standing was built in a more substantial manner. Captain Vanetten had a distillery in very early times. During the War of 1852 it was run by his wife, who, the captain declared, could make more and better whiskey from the same amount of grain than he could. There were numerous stills in all parts of the settlement. James Orr built a distillery and an ashery near Orr's corners about the year 1817. Soon after he sold the distillery to his brother John. John Hineman built a distillery in the northeastern corner of the township about the same date. Some years later John Reed built a third near the location of the first. John Johnston and James Moore started a tannery in 1823. It was situated about one-half mile north of the center road on Johnston's farm. It was worked until 1839, when it was moved by Samuel Johnston to his farm in Jackson, where he carried on the business until about 1870. Robert Laughlin started a tannery some time after this. In 1827 James Moore built another one-fourth of a mile west of Orr's corners. A grist-mill and a saw-mill were built by Jesse Holliday and Joseph Hoover on the Mahoning, about two and one-half miles south of Price's mills, in 1824. A carding machine was operated in connection with these mills for some time. The grist-mill was sold to a man named Brian and later to John Nolan. While he was the owner it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt. A few old timbers still remain to mark the spot where it stood. John and George Forder some years later had a grist-mill and saw-mill on their land. A BEAR STORY. Aaron Porter was a famous hunter, and the history of his experiences and achievements would make an interesting book. Early and late, in every season and all kinds of weather, he busied himself in the pursuit which he so dearly loved. With his moccasins—he never would wear boots while hunting—and his rifle, he could often be seen striding through the forest, either going in quest of adventure or returning victorious after a day's exploits. He was a man of strong limbs and powerful frame, capable of enduring almost any amount of physical exertion. Miles were nothing to him. With an easy, swinging, rapid gait he would traverse the woods hour after hour, apparently with no thought of fatigue or desire for rest. The man who would attempt to follow "Uncle Aaron" all day would have been considered rash indeed. We will here note one of his many hunting episodes, as told by his son. One day while Porter and his son Samuel were hunting near the north fork of the Mahoning, while ranging the woods they suddenly came across an old In- 186 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO, dian and a young brave who had treed an old she bear and her cubs, and were attempting to secure them. The animals had taken refuge within a large hollow tree and were some distance from the ground: Porter came where the red men were, and at once comprehending the condition of affairs made signs to the Indians that they should allow him to cut the tree down. The old hunter shook his head, and intimated that the bear would run away. Porter pointed to two dogs which were following him; but the Indian uttered a contemptuous "Ugh !" and declared that the dogs were " too light." As they were only small water spaniels, his reasoning was apparently well founded. The Indians soon lighted a fire at the base of the tree, and as the smoke found its way up the cavity where the bear was, she began to scramble upward in a very lively manner, until she reached an opening just.large enough to put her head through, As soon as the black nose was visible to the hunters, and while its owner was in full and complete enjoyment of fresh air, the old Indian fired. The bear fell back into the tree and there was much noise and commotion among the cubs. Porter then asked the Indian if he should cut the tree, and, receiving an affirmative reply, set to work and soon the trunk went crackling to the earth; and lo! out rushed the bear which the Indian thought he had killed, and bounded away at a lively rate. Uncle Aaron fired off his gun to excite the dogs, and all started in hot pursuit of the running game except the old Indian, who stopped to secure the cubs, and then followed as fast as his limbs could carry him. The dogs, which were well trained, and had participated in many a bear-hunt before this one, soon brought the animal at bay, by biting her hind legs and otherwise worrying her. Porter, as usual, caught up with the dogs before the other hunters, but he could do nothing, as his gun was empty, Before he had time to reload his son came up, and taking his gun, uncle Aaron walked up close to the bear's head and shot her. Soon the young Indian arrived, and he, too, poured his rifle's charge into the bear, which Porter's shot had already killed. The old Indian next appeared and took his turn at shooting. By this time the animal was "dead enough to skin;" as all the hunters unanimously agreed ; and, the Indians, with deft and skillful fingers, soon had the hide removed. The old red man then cut off a large piece of the shoulder, which he offered to Porter. The latter declined it by shaking his head. The Indian, however, insisted; made signs of eating, pointed to the meat and then to his mouth to declare that it was good ; and Porter, to please him, accepted the gift and wrapped it carefully in some bark, that he might carry it home without the inconvenience of being daubed with bear's grease. The young Indian next cut off some of the meat and wrapped it up as Porter had done. The old warrior then took the remainder of the carcass, entrails and all, put the cubs, which were still alive, into it, wrapped the whole securely in the bearskin, making a bundle plenty large and , heavy for one to carry, shouldered it and marched toward his wigwam, doubtless well pleased with the result of his hunting, and thankful for the white man's assistance. NOTES OF SETTLEMENT. John McKenzie, the fifth child of John and Elizabeth McKenzie, was born in Pennsylvania in I the year 1803. He came to Ohio with his parents in 1805, who settled in Milton township on the farm now owned by Frank Keefer. They were the first settlers in that locality, and the country was then a wilderness. At the age of twenty-one the subject of lhis sketch was married to Miss Sally Vanetten and has had a family of ten children, viz: Royal, Anna, Simeon, Harriet, Maryette, Martin Van, Jeannette, Addison, and Alice. One child died in infancy Maryette, Anna, and Jeannette are also dead. Robert Russel was born in Pennsylvania in 1778, His father's family, consisting of his wife and five children, came to Ohio in 1803 and settled in Poland township on a farm now occupied by Mrs. Sullivan. The father lived to the good old age of ninety years. Robert Russell fol. lowed shoemaking for over fifty years. He married in 1814 Miss Anna French and had a large family of sons, named James, Alexander, John, Robert, Enoch, Joseph, Robert, Enoch (second), Joseph, and Ebenezer. The only survivors are James and Enoch. James, the eldest of the family, was born in 1815. In 1843 he married Miss Kate Gillmer and has two children, Ann Elizabeth and Sarah Margaret. Mr. Russell has always followed farming and stock raising, and now occupies the old homestead, He and his TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 187 wife are both members of the Presbyterian church of Newton. Russell Orr was born in Pennsylvania in 1798. He came to Ohio with his parents, who settled in Jackson township, now Mahoning county, at an early dale, on the farm now occupied by Mr.. Goldsmith. Russell Orr removed to Milton township in 1824, where he lived until his death. He was married in 1820 to Eleanor Winans, and became the father of ten children, to-wit: Ellen, Rodney, Gates, James, Casselman, Susan, Mary, Jacintha, Olive, and Russell, all of whom survive except Jaines. Mr. Orr died at the age of forty-one, and his wife at the age of seventy-nine. Rodney Orr, the second child, was born in Jackson, in 1823. At the age of thirty he was married to Miss Elizabeth Moore. In 1862 he enlisted in the Forty-first Ohio volunteer infantry. John W. Osborn, whose family still live in Milton, was born in Youngstown township, Mahoning county, June 8, 1806. His father was Joseph Osborn, who was born in Virginia in 1776, and died on his farm in Youngstown township in 1846 at seventy years of age. The original settler of the family was Nicholas Osborn, further mentioned elsewhere. He was a native of England, born in 1729, emigrated to Virginia, and located on a farm in Loudoun county ; married and resided there until the death of his wife. In the fall of 1804 he moved with his family to Youngstown township, then Trumbull county, Ohio, purchasing one thousand acres of land in the southwest corner of that township, which he afterwards divided among his children, with whom he made his home. He died June, 1814, at the age of eighty-five years. John W. Osborn was raised on a farm, receiving a common school education, such as the district schools of the time afforded. While a young man he learned the cabinet and carpenter trade, which he followed more or less for a number of years. He married, in 1835, Mary Harclerode, of Ellsworth, and resided in that township about two years. He then purchased a farm in Milton, to which he moved in 1837. He thenceforth resided in Milton, principally engaged in farming, until his death, which occurred December 12, 1874. He owned at his death a good farm, on which his widow still lives, at the age of sixty-eight years. There were born to them three boys and four girls, all of whom are living. Robert Carson, twelfth child of John and Catharine Carson, was born in Pennsylvania m 1828 and came to Ohio with his parents in 1832. At the age of twenty-two he was married to Miss Martha Patterson, by whom he has had three children: Willis S., Eva, and Orra. Willis S. is deceased. At the age of thirty-three Mr. Carson started in the flax business in which he continued some fifteen years. He now follows farming. He has been justice of the peace twelve years and is at this writing still holding that office. Leonidas Carson was born in what is now Mahoning county in 1835. He lived upon the farm with his parents until he was of age when he married Miss Rebecca Weasner. This union resulted in six children as follow: Lucy, Hannah, George, Mary, Ellen, and Jessie ; all living. Mr. Carson was first lieutenant of company G, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Ohio National guard, and served one hundred days. He is now extensively engaged in the raising of bees and the production of honey, in which he is quite successful. He and his wife are members of the Disciple church of Deerfield. Richard Woodward was born in Pennsylvania in 1800. He was reared at home until he was sixteen years of age, when he went to learn the trade of weaving (the weaving of double coverlets) at which he continued five years and then went into business for himself. At the age of twenty-two he was married to Miss Nancy Roberts and had six children: Jonah, Mary A., Caroline, Ann M., John, and Joseph, of whom Ann and John are deceased. Mr. Woodward came to Ohio in 1835 and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his son Joseph. He died at the age of sixty-eight and is buried in Jackson. Joseph R., the youngest child, was born in Milton township in 1844. In 1867 he married Miss Sarah Phillips and has five children, viz: Daniel N., Arlinna B., Joseph E., Homer, and Anna M.; all living but Daniel, who died at the age of twenty months. Mr. Woodward and wife are members of the Disciple church. William Weasner was born in New Jersey rn 1786. He came to Ohio in 1841, and settled in Milton township, on the Morey farm, where he lived until his death in 1864. He married, in 1826, Miss Mahala Boyd, and had a family of 188 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. twelve children, viz : Susan, Rebecca, Robert, William, James, Margaret, Sarah, Horace, Hannah, Lewis, Jeffrey, and Grace ; Susan, William, and Lewis are deceased, Mrs. Weasner is still living, Robert Weasner, third child of William and Matilda Weasner, was born in New Jersey in 1836. He was married, in 1857, to Miss Rachel Best, by whom he has had three children—Alva H., Maud A,, and Lee Etta ; Maud A. is deceased. Mr, Weasner is a farmer by occupation and has held the office of justice of the peace for. thirteen years, and still retains it. He and his wife are prominent members of the Lutheran church of Berlin, and Mr. Weasner has been superintendent of the Sunday-school of the church for about fifteen years. He enlisted in the Nineteenth Ohio volunteer infantry in 1861, served nine months when, on account of physical disability, he was honorably discharged. Hiram Taylor was born in Middletown, Springfield township, now Mahoning county, in 1830. When he was four years of age his parents removed to Austintown township. When twenty-five years of age he married Miss Martha Justice and settled in Ohltown and engaged in the business of carriage making, which he carried on for about twenty years. He resided in Trumbull county about six years when he bought the old homestead in Austintown. He occupied this two years and then purchased the place where he now lives. Some twenty-four years after his marriage his wife died, and in 1881 he married Miss Mary Chessman, of Salem, He now follows farming in connection with his trade. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Nathaniel Smith was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, in 1812. He resided with his parents until he was twenty years of age, when he was married to Miss Mary Welsh. They have had eleven children, named as follow: Emory, Nathan, Z. T., H. E., Catharine, Elizabeth, Sarah, Orpha, Ezra, Charles, and Anna. The three last-named are deceased. Mr. Smith came to Ohio in 1843 and settled in Milton township on the place where he now lives. He has been justice of the peace eleven years, He and his wife are members of the Disciples church. Thomas L. Fenton, a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife, Catharine Reed, came to Ohio in an early day, and first settled on a farm now owned by Robert Walker, in Milton township, in Mahoning county. He was a blacksmith by trade, which he followed in connection with farming. After occupying this place for some time, he moved to the place where his son Josiah now lives. He was the father of eight children, viz: Hiram, Jesse, Josiah, Mary, Lucy, Jane, Christina, and Harriet. Lucy and Mary are dead. Mr. Fenton survived his wife three years, and died at an advanced age. Josiah Fenton, the third child, was born on the farm where he now lives in 1817. At the age of twenty-eight he was married to Hannah Corll and and has had thirteen children, viz: Chauncey, Urinas, Samuel, Albina, Mary A., Alverett, Charles, Josiah, Landa, Arvilla, Herman, Cora, and Bert. Daniel Reichard was born in Guilford township, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1815. He came to Ohio in 1845, and settled on the farm where he now lives. At that time there was about five acres cleared on the place, and a rude log cabin. In this the family resided until 1870, when he erected the substantial residence which he now occupies. At the age of twenty-one, he began teaching school, at which he continued for some six years, when he went so farming. He was married in 5841 to Miss Rebecca Benedict, by whom he had four children, John B., Alfred, Daniel, and Rebecca, who died in infancy. Mrs, Reichard died in 1848, and in 1850 he married Eliza J. Forder. By this marriage there were eleven children, Franklin, Octavia, Hattie J,, B. F,, Helen M., Randolph, Clarence, Clara, George W., Pulaski, and Ruhama V, Octavia and Clara are dead. Mr, Reichard has been justice of the peace three years, John Greenamyer was born in Columbiana county in 1809, He remained with his parents, Jacob and Catharine, and worked at farming until he was twenty-one when he went to learn the carpenter's trade. This trade he followed until he was thirty-six years old, when, in 1845, he began farming, removing to the place where he now lives in Milton township. At the age of twenty-four he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kale, by whom he had thirteen children, as follow: Samuel, John, Solomon, Lucy Ann, Caroline, Reuben, Hannah, William, Martin, TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 189 Delvina, Benjamin, Edwin, and one died in infancy ; Reuben and Delvina are also deceased. Mr. Greenamyer and his wife are members of the Reformed church. David Beard was .born in Springfield township; now Mahoning county, in 1825. At the age of eighteen he went to learn the trade of shoemaking which he followed twelve years. He then engaged in the grocery business at Canfield some seven years, after which he purchased the place in Milton, Mahoning county, where he now lives and has since followed farming. In 1859 he married Miss Mary Heintzleman, and has five children, as follow : James B., Ida H., Dorothea A., Theron A., and Lucy E. Mr. Beard was elected treasurer of his township in 1855, which office he held two years. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church. Ancil Johnson was born in Milton township, Mahoning county, on the place where he now lives in 1849. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Strock, by whom he had four children : Lisle, and three that died in infancy. Mr. Johnson has always given his undi vided attention to farming, and is an industrious and successful agriculturist.