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CHAPTER V.
FARMINGTON.
LOCATION AND NATURAL FEATURES.
Farmington township, number six in the fifth range, is bounded on the north by Mesopotamia, on the east by Bristol, on the south by Southington, and on the west by Geauga county. The surface, like most of the townships of the county, is undulating, and the soil is largely clay, though m the northern part a sandy loam is found,
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The principal streams are Grand river, Swine creek, and Dead branch. Grand river runs through the township a diagonal course from the southwest to the northeast. Dead branch is a southern branch of Grand river. Swine creek drains the northwestern part of the township.
OWNERSHIP AND SURVEY.
This township contains seventeen thousand one hundred and fifty-seven acres, and was rn draft number fourteen, drawn with other lands by Joseph Howell, William Edwards, Samuel Henshaw, Joseph Pratt, Luther Loomis, David King, John Leavitt, Jr., Ebenezer King, Jr., Timothy King, Fidelio King, and Sylvester Griswold. These owners sold to one another and quit-claimed to others at different times from 1798 to 1811, at which time Solomon Bond owned the greater part of the township.
The survey was made under the direction and personal superintendence of Luther Henshaw, and the township was called Henshaw until it was organized as Farmington in 1817.
SETTLEMENT.
This township was first settled mainly by Connecticut people. Its growth was a slow one and not until long after its organization was it thickly populated.
Lewis Wolcott, best known as Captain Wolcott, and David Curtis, were the first arrivals. They came in the spring of 1806, from Vienna township. Lewis Wolcott, son of Theodore, was a descendant of Henry Wolcott, who came to this country about the year 1630. In the spring of 1805 he made the journey from Connecticut to Ohio on foot, carrying all his earthly possessions in a knapsack. He stopped one year in Vienna, working for Joel Humiston. David Curtis, a son of lawyer Curtis, was the companion of his journeying. Upon their arrival here they built a pole cabin for a summer residence, near the spot where Mr. Kibbee's house now stands at West Farmington.
In the summer of 1806, Zenas Curtis, David or lawyer Curtis, and Elihu Moses brought thei1 families and located. Zenas Curtis built a cabin on the Fuller farm on the State road ; the land is now owned by C. A. Mackay. David Curtis built on the old Ransley Curtis farm, where Dr. Meyers now lives, and Elihu Moses on the opposite side of the road from S. H. Loveland's.
The next arrivals are mentioned in the biographical sketch of the Wolcott family given
below :
Josiah Wolcott, was born September 17, 1755, and married Miss Lydia Russell, of Weathersfield, May 13, 1779. The children of this union were as, follows : Catharine, Daniel R., Horace, Susan, Mary, Josiah W., Erastus, and Edmund P. The mother of Edmund P. died April 9, 1805, aged forty-three years. His father again married ; his second wife was Mrs. Nancy Higgins, widow of Dr. Higgins, of Weathersfield, Connecticut ; the time of his marriage was February 16, 1806. The names of the children following this union were Lydia R., Caroline, and Charlotte. Their mother died October 13, 1824 aged fifty-eight years. Josiah Wolcott married a third time, the object of his affections being Mrs. Brown, of Warren. They had one daughter, Nancy.
Mr. Wolcott died January 18. 838, in his eighty-third year. His native place was Weathersfield, which he left about the year 'Soo, and settled in the town of Bristol, Connecticut. His occupation was that of a farmer. He lived in Bristol until 1806, when he was persuaded, by the glowing representations of a New Connecticut land speculator, one Solomon Bond, to make a purchase of one thousand acres of land in the then unbroken wilderness. He visited his new territory in the fall or winter of 1806 and 1807, in company with his son Horace. Mr. Wolcott's brother Theodore, and his son Lewis, and Gad Hart, came out at the same time. They " rolled " up a log house, perhaps fifteen feet square, without the help of a team; in this place they wintered. The ground on which this bachelor residence stood on northwest corner of centre, was a few feet west of the Wolcott store. This building was raised, inclosed, floors laid, and inside finished without having a sawed piece of timber in it. Here the company passed the winter. At that time the place was nothing more nor less than a wilderness; not an article of food, either for man or beast, was to be had in the township. They brought the straw to fill their bunks from Mesopotamia, and as the forest was so dense that they could not get their straw through, they were obliged to travel down the old path from Mesopotamia to Warren, as far as Grand river, and then come up on the ice to their lodgings.
Mr. Josiah Wolcott returned to his family early in the spring, after a most fatiguing journey, made more so by losing his horse in Pennsylvania; he made the rest of the journey on foot, at the time when the roads were in their worst state. He disposed of his farm and arranged his affairs, and left the land of "steady habits," as it then was appropriately calted, arriving with his family and three of his second wife's children, viz: Nancy, Silas, and Polly Higgins. In the meantime his son Horace had put up a log house for the accommodation of the family; the size, perhaps, might be 20 x 22. In this a family of from twelve to fourteen had to find a home, but it was highly prized by all. Now the business was to clear off the timber, and that was undertaken with a will; the boys were working at it every day, except the Sabbath, and on that day services were held at some private house, either at the centre or at some one's house at the west, usually at David Curtis's. Situated as they were, it would seem they had no time for sickness, or no accommodation when they were ill. Yet one of their number, a sister Mary, was during the spring and summer months gradually sinking under the scourge of our race, viz: consumption. Their son, Dr. Silas, attended her, but nothing seemed to produce a good effect, and she died September 2, 1808.
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few trees were felled, and a grave dug. This spot was where the present cemetery now is. Her funeral was the first, and her grave the first in the township.*
Mr. Wolcott felt that meetings on the Sabbath must be kept up, and succeeded in carrying out his convictions of propriety in this particular idea. As it was seldom the case that they had preaching, when meetings were not requested at other houses they held meeting in their own place-often had preaching in Parkman, and Judge Parkman and lady frequently attended here. The way of getting to church was on horseback for those who had horses, or with ox-teams.
Mr. Wolcott, considering the help had, had cleared quite a farm before the breaking out of the War of 1812. But from that time he saw the great disadvantage all were laboring under, in not having mills of any kind; and in this state of things two men called upon him, professing to be number one mill-wrights, and persuaded him to undertake the building of a saw- and grist-mill.
They cut and hewed and hauled on to the ground a large quantity of timber, and partially constructed running-gear, etc., but in consequence of indebtedness which was likely to send him to the "lock-up," the main part of his workmen left, and the undertaking was abandoned. The project of mill-building rested for several years. Another mill-wright appeared, who proposed to put up one 0n the spot where A. D. Kibbee & Co.'s mill now stands; but their mill soon went down, and proved a failure. The scheme went to rest again, and after a space of one or two years a third trial was made, and they succeeded in getting a good saw-mill.
About this time complaints were made by parties who had erected mills above Seats; vexatious suits were commenced and continued in court for some ten years. Several judgments were obtained and paid. Mr. Wolcott being confident that his dam did not back water to the injury of the upper milts, the Legislature enacted a law giving the party wishing to erect or sustain a dam across any stream the privilege to summon a special jury, who should view the premises and decide how high the party might raise a dam without injury to others. This act was complied with, and that put an end to the litigation. Twelve of the best men in Trumbull county gave their verdict to the effect that lie had been put to all the costs and vexation of ten or more suits unjustly.
E. P. Wolcott, son of Josiah Wotcott, was born November 7, 1800, in Bristol, Connecticut. His advantages for an education were limited; he however obtained a good practical and business knowledge. He was reared a farmer,-worked at it till he was thirty,-then went to selling goods at Farmington. He married Clarissa Bosworth, of Farmington, November 19, 1829 :-result of this Union, nine children, seven of whom are living viz: Julia E., William W., Amelia, Cecilia, Charles F., Addison L., and Mary E. Mr. Wolcott lived some ten years at Chagrin Falls, and while there was justice of the peace. He also held several offices of trust
* Miss Wolcott's death was the result of a serious accident which happened while the famiry were on their way from Connecticut to Ohio. As the roads were bad the women walked much of the way. As Mary - or Polly - was attempting to cross a stream on a log, steadying herself with a pore, she fetl into the water. It being late in the season she took a severe cold, from the effects of which she never recovered. The following epitaph was placed upon the headstone which marks her grave:
" Parents and friends, a long adieu;
I reave this wilderness to you;
My body lies neath this stone-
The arrests of death you cannot shun."
and honor in this township. He was a member of the Congregational church; in politics, a Republican. It may be said of this gentleman that he was one of the strong supporters of the Congregational church; and the cause of education had in him a warm supporter. He died March 21, 1881.
Captain Erastus Wolcott, fourth son and sixth child of Joseph and Lydia, was born in Bristol, Hartford county, Connecticut, May 2, 795. His advantages for an education were nothing, in fact, only having had three months' schooling in his life. He was early disciplined in all the details of farm life, which he has followed as an avocation through life. When but eight years old he came here with his father's family. He married Miss Almira Hannahs, of Nelson, Portage county, June 9, 1820. She was born March 9, 1798, in Bethlehem, Connecticut. She was the first teacher in this town. Result of marriage, six children, all living and settled well and doing well; their names, Orlando K., Luther H., Catharine C., Julius E., Orvis A., and Helen C. Mr. Wolcott has held various offices in his town. Elected captain of State militia about 1825. United with Presbyterian church 1825; he was chosen deacon in 1841, succeeding his father; he was ruling elder at the time of his death. His wife died January 11, 1865. Deacon Wolcott was again married, to Celesta Worrell, of Farmington, January 5, 1866. She was the widow of John Worrell. Captain Wolcott died December 26, 1867.
Horace Wolcott died June 28, 1872, aged eighty-seven years and seven months. We subjoin the names, births, and deaths of his family: Edward C., born October 21, 1809, died April 5, 1864; infant daughter, born June 6, 1810, died June 8, 1810; Louisa, born July 16, 1812, died May 13, 1813; Russell, born May 23, 84, died October 20, 1865; infant daughter, born September 4, 1816, died September 15, 1816; Julia, born September 23, 1817, died February 21, 1830; Addison, born April 18, 1820, died March 20, 1869; Albert G., born August 30, 1823, living; Sophia, born September 15, 1826, died January 16, 1849; Caroline, born March 18, 1829, livrng. Mrs. Sabrina Wolcott died July 28, 1865, aged seventy-five. The heads of the above family were united in marriage December 15 1808. Albert G. is now living in Wyandotte, Kansas, engaged in the lumber business and " real estate." Caroline Bughoff is living at the center, with her 0nly child, Edwin F.
O. K. Wotcott, son of Erastus and Almira, was born May 30, 1823, in this town (Farmington). Educational advantages fair, for those early days. He was united in marriage to Miss Catharine M. Stowe, of Braceville, November 13, 1845. This lady was born May 21, 1821. Result of union, six children, viz: Norman E.,* Cornelia A., Austin E., Miranda C., Julius O.,* and Orvis 0. Mr. Wolcott has held several town offices. In 1865 he was chosen county commrssioner; he was re-elected in 1868. United with the Presbyterian church April 10, 1859; he was several times chosen superintendent of the Sunday-school. His wife is also a member.
Theodore Wolcott was a member of Captain Benton's company, and made permanent settlement here in 1814. His wife was Rhoda Goodrich. They had nine children-Lewis, Josiah, John, William, Nancy, Newton, Chester, Emily, and Susan. Eight are dead. All resided
* Deceased.
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in Farmington and died here, excepting Emily (Belden), who died in Kansas; William, who died in Parkman, and Chester, who survives. Chester G. Wolcott, youngest son, was born in Connecticut in 1803. He married, in 1843, Louisa S. Hudson, of Orwell. Their only child, Leander H., was killed while in his country's service in his nineteenth year. He was a member of the Ohio National guard, and was killed June 11, 1864, at Covington, Kentucky, while serving against Morgan's raiders. Mrs. Wolcott died in 1867, aged sixty-one. Theodore Wolcott died in 1837, aged about seventy-three. His wife died in 1847 at the age of eighty-eight. Mr. Wolcott was a deacon of the Congregational church from its 0rganization to the time of his death. He was a man of liberality and worth.
O. L. Wolcott, son of Lewis, was born in Farmington in 1823; was married in 1850 to Martha F. Kibbee, and has five children living, one deceased—Ella H. (Chamberlain), Louise S. (deceased), Emma A., Carrie F., Grace L, and Frank B. Mr. Wolcott was county auditor four years, 1839 to 1863; was a member of the State board of equalization from this district, serving the year 1871-72; was then appointed by Governor Noyes as commissioner of railroads and telegraphs and served two years. He is now engaged in farming and stock-dealing.
William Wolcott, son of Newton, was born in Farmington in 1837. In 1866 he married Hattie E. Gillette, who died in 1881, leaving three children—Carrie E., Newton A., and Carroll. In February, 1882, he married Mrs. Sarah Harrison. Mr. Wolcott served four years in company D, Second Ohio cavalry. He has been township trustee two terms.
F. J. Wolcott, son of Lyman B., was born in Farmington in 1859. He is now in partnership with Dr. O. A. Palmer, and C. S. Thompson, and is secretary and treasurer of the Standard Chair company.
Gad Hart, who came on with the Wolcott brothers in 1806, moved with his family to Henshaw in 1807, and took up his abode in the cabin near where the Wolcott store stands, at the center. This was the cabin erected the previous year.
The house built by Horace Wolcott was a little more pretentious than most pioneer dwell-. ings. He hauled boards from Parkman, and made a very comfortable cabin, with floors above and below and a door of boards. But when the family arrived and surveyed it, the women, thinking of the pleasant home they had left in the East, burst into tears.
During the winter months of 1807-8, the Wolcotts purchased their provisions in Mesopotamia, of Esquire Tracy. Sometimes they bought venison of the Indians; and on one occasion a fine buck was purchased for a silver dollar.
At this time the only roads in the township were paths marked by blazed trees. The State road from Warren to Painesville, 1unning across the southwestern part of the township, had been marked out but was not bridged or worked. A little later it was cleared of its obstructions so that ox-teams could travel it. There was a route of travel from Warren via Bristol and Mesopotamia, running diagonally through the northeast of Henshaw, and a bridge across Grand river about one mile and a fourth northeast of the center of the township. The winter of 1807-08 was spent in clearing, and in the spring crops were put in which yielded fairly. During the year the settlement received quite an addition to its' members by the arrival of William Wilson, Josian Wolcott (second son of Theodore), Gad Bartholomew, Ezra Curtis, John Hethman, J. P. Danford, Dennis Lewis, Jacob Bartholomew, and one or tw0 others. Some of these were married and brought their families, others were single.
During the early years of the settlement the nearest place where milling could be done was Parkman, Garrettsville and Bristol were often visited for the same purpose. Frequently the man or boy who went to mill was obliged to make the journey one of two days' duration.
Eben Wildman settled in the eastern part of the township in 1813, and for many years his was the only house in the township east of the center. Several of the name are still residents of Farmington and vicinity.
Dennis Lewis came to West Farmington in 1810, at which time there were but seven families living in this place. His daughter, Mrs. Chauncey Taft, now a widow, is still living, and though seventy-eight years of age, is hale and hearty. It was through the influence of Dennis Lewis that the name of Henshaw was changed to Farmington, also that of Bowlestown to Southington.
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Quite a thriving settlement sprang up along the old State road, and log cabins were plentier there than frame houses are now. William Wilson was one of the first settlers on this road, followed by John Young, Daniel and Orrin Taft, and others. From the various Taft families residing here, that part of the township was long known as Taftsburg.
John Young, from Pennsylvania, settled about 1810 on the north bank of Grand river. He had but one child, a son, Eli, who soon after coming here married Catharine Bellows. He was a Quaker and paid his fine instead of going to the War of 1812. Eli Young raised a family of four children, all of whom are living : Sarah (Sager) Bristol ; Stephen, on the old homestead; Mary A. (Henry), West Farmington, and Newton, Gustavus. John Young died in 1824.
Orrin Taft came about 1815, and his brother Daniel s0on after. Both settled on the State road. Orrin's children were Frederick, Orrin, Julia, Joseph, Lucy Ann, Eliza Ann, Calvin, and Harvey. The two last named are living. Orrin and Frederick died in Braceville. Lucy and Eliza are still living.
Daniel 'I'aft's children were Robert, Mary Ann, Jane, Henry, Harriet, Laura, Caroline, and Lovett. Jane (Green) lives at West Farmmgton. Harriet and Carolme are also living.
Chauncy, Harvey, and Horace 'Taft, brothers of Daniel and Orrin, also settled in Taftsburg and reared families. They, however, were later settlers.
In May, 1814. Captain John Benton and his "company," consisting of his own family, Theodore Wolcott and his family, and David Belden with his family, left Connecticut for Henshaw. They were provided with horse and ox teams, and journeyed via Trenton, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburg. At the latter place, then a little smoky village, they bought some flour, which they ate upon their arrival in Henshaw. The company reached here in safety in June, following up the State road from Warren. From this road they were obliged to cut their way through the woods to the center.
David Belden came from Weathersfield, Connecticut. He located where Colonel H. H. Hatch now lives, and afterwards where Shelden Spencer resides, near the river. His family consisted of twelve children, all of whom lived to be married and bring up families, except one son, Daniel.
Chauncey Brockett, from New York State, came to Farmington immediately after the War of 1812, and settled on the river where he cleared up a farm. He died there at about the age of seventy-six. Alanson Brockett, his son, was born in western New York in 1805, and came to Ohio with his parents. He married Anna Maria Moffet and settled on a part of his father's farm. In 1835 he moved to Bristol, settling on the old Moffet farm on West street. The last three years of his life he 1esided in Bristolville, where he died in 1875. He was twice married, his first wife being the mother of all of his children, fourteen in number, six boys and eight girls. Four boys and two girls are dead.
John Benton moved to this township from Bristol, Connecticut, making the fourteenth family in Henshaw. They journeyed wrth one yoke of oxen and a horse, and were forty days upon the way. John Benton and his wife (nee Polly C. Upson) were the parents of four children—George Washington, Henry D., Polly (Brown), and Harriet C. (Loveland). Henry D. and Harriet survive, the latter in Dakota. Washington died at Beaufort, South Carolina, and Polly at Council Bluffs, Iowa. H. D. Benton was born in 1810, and has resided in Farmington the most of his life. He married in 1843 Harriet H. Baldwin, of Parkman. They have three children living, one deceased—Herbert U., Edwin H., Marion I. (Underw0od). All reside in Iowa. Mary Augusta, the first child, died at the age of seven.
In 1817 Eli Hyde settled in the eastern part of the township; and in 1818 Joel and Ira Hyde, Abijah Lee and others.
Socrates Loveland, a native of Connecticut, moved from the State of Massachusetts to Farmington township in 1818. He was the father of ten children, of whom seven are living, two of them, S. H. and Mrs. Cotton, in Farmington. Mr. Loveland died in 1870; Mrs. Loveland, whose maiden name was Lydia Taft, in 1867.
S. H. Loveland was born in Farmington in 1822 and has resided in this township since, excepting five years in California and Australia. He married Mahala Rood, a native of Connecticut, in 1856, and has two children, Lydia and Henry.
PICTURE OF JOEL AND ELIZA H. PECK
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Daniel Gates, born in western New York in 1807, settled in east Farmington in 1817. He married, in 1828, Eunice A. Chaffee, of Brrstol, and had five children, three of whom survive, viz : Freeman, a prominent manufacturer of Painesville, Ohio; Emily, wife of Rev. J. B. Corey, of Cleveland; and Mary Maria, wife of Dr. A. J. Brockett, of Bristolville. Mr. Gates moved from Farmington to Greene in 1851, and from Greene to Bristol in 1874. He died in Bristol in 1880; his wife in 1879.
Abijah Lee moved to Farmington from McHenry county, New York, in 1818, coming the whole distance of five hundred miles in a sleigh, bringing his mother, then eighty-three years old, his wife and eleven children. The names of hrs children were as follows : Roswell, Lydia, Isaac, Almira, Harriet, Polly, Simeon, Hannah, Betsey, Seth, and Electa. Of these Roswell, Isaac, Hannah, and Harrret are dead. Simeon lives in Michigan; Lydia, in Ashtabula county; the others are all in Farmington.
William S. Griffith came to Farmington from McHenry county, New York, about the year 1820. Soon after coining here he married Almira Lee, who is still living. Their six children were : James Addison, Chauncy, Milo W., William W., Albert, and a son who died in infancy. Addison died at the age of twenty, and Albert at the age of twenty-one. The three surviving sons reside in Farmington. W. W. Griffith, the youngest of these, was born in 1836. He married Mary Chandler. Mr. Grifoneith, the father, died in 1864, aged sixty-four years. He taught the first school in east Farmington in the old log school-house, which stood near the present site of the church.
Alonzo Osmer was born in Chardon, Ohio, in 1821. When four years old he came to this township. In 1842 he married Lydia Folk, of Southington. Their children are : Addison, Orvel C., George H. (deceased), Charles S., Emogene, Mary E., and Julia E. All are married except the youngest.
Ethan Curtiss was born in Connecticut in 1783. In 1808 he removed from New England to Brunswick, in this State, with a family of three boys. About the year 1827 he settled in Farmington. By his first wife his children were Nelson, Lewis, and Giles—all born in Connecticut. The mother of these children, Anna Sedgwick, was born in Connecticut in 1783. His second wife, Aurelia Strong, bore ten children, five of whom are living. Of the first children, only Giles is living. He resides in Northfield, Summit county. Nelson spent most of his days in Wisconsin. Lewis was born in 1805. In 1831 he married Harriet Lewis (born in Farmington in 1811) who is still living. Mr. Curtiss died in 1874. Thei1 children were named : Miles and Giles (twins), Silas, Nancy, Judson, Martha, Mary J., Ellen, Alfreda, Nelson J. Two, Giles and Judson, are dead.
Nelson J., youngest child of Lewis and Harriet Curtiss., was born in this township in 1852. In 1873 he married Victoria M. Symes, of Farmington. She died in 1875, at the age of twenty- three, having borne one child, Vernie Victoria. In 1877 he married Nettie Lord, who was born in Wisconsin in 1852. Thei1 children are Vinnie May and Fredie Maud. N. J. Curtiss lives upon the old homestead.
LATER SETTLERS.
J. W. and Sarah (Lew) Lamberson came to Farmington in 1832 from Ontario county, New York, being originally from Herkimer county. They settled in the east of the township and reared six children, viz: William D., Charles, Mary Ann, James, Eliza (Harshman), and Luetta (Norton). Two, Mary Ann and James, are dead. The others 1eside in Farmington, excepting Mrs. Norton, who lives in Bristol. W. D. Lamberson, their oldest child, was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 186. He came to Farmington with his parents and has since resided here, excepting while he was in the army. He married Emily A. McKay, a native of New York. They have two children living and one deceased : Sarah Catharine (died at the age of eleven), Leora, and Addie May.
Justus Pierce, son of Shadrach Pierce, was born in 1824; in 1847 married Sarah Jane Housel. Their children are: James J., Olive L., Peter H., and Mary J. Peter is dead. Mrs. Pierce died in 1877.
William Fales was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1825 ; has lived in Ohio forty-five years; was brought up in this county; married Joanna Proctor in 1847, and has seven children living, one deceased. Mr. Fales is largely engaged in buying and selling horses.
Chauncy Hickox came from New Haven
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county, Connecticut, to Vienna township, this county, in 1805, and resided the most of his days there. In his old age he lived in Bazetta and died in Mecca at the age of seventy-five. He raised eight children, who arrived at maturity, seven of whom are still living—William, of Bristol; Leverett and Chandler, Farmington; Eliza M., Columbiana county; Abigail (Caldwell), Champion; Mary (Barber), Vienna ; Selden, Bristol; Isaac C., the fourth son, died in Kansas at the age of sixty-one. Chandler Hickcox, now a resident of Farmington, was born in Vienna in 1809, and has resided in the county excepting two years. He is a carpenter by trade. Mr. Hickox married Ursula Langley, of Hubbard, and has five children living and five deceased. The names of those living are William D., Hattie (Wolcott), Anna (Pierce), Jane (Pierce), Myron E. Millaus R., the oldest son, died in Andersonville prison in 1863. He was in the Second Ohio cavalry. William D. enlisted in 1861 and served through the war. He was also a prisoner at Andersonville.
James M. Harwood was born in Hampshire county, Massachusetts, in 1814. In 1833 he came to Ohio, and settled in Greene township in 1838; was that year married to Hannah Knapp, a native of Massachusetts. Two sons were born of this union—Charles (deceased), and John Avery, resident of Farmington. For his second wife he married Sarah Kinney, who bore one child—Sarah J. (King), now living with her father. He married for his third wife Mrs. Mary A. Pierce, of Farmington. Mr. Harwood has resided in Farmington since 1860.
Robert Kincaid, a brother of William Kincaid whose parentage is given elsewhere, was born in Youngstown in 1817. He married Mary Pierce, of Farmington, and came to this township to live about 1841. The children are four living, two deceased : Cornelia, Christopher, Robert (deceased), Margaret, Allison (deceased), Alice.
Anderson Dana, a native of Connecticut, was for many years a prominent citizen of Farmington, holding the office of justice of the peace and other responsible positions. He died in 1876 at the age of eighty-six years. He was twice married. His first wife, Ann Dennison, bore four children, who are living, viz : Charles A., of the New York Sun; Junius, Maria, and David. For hrs second wife he married Mary Ann Wright, who bore three children : Daniel, Wright, and William. The latter was killed in the army; the two former are married and 1eside in Farmington. Mr. Dana moved to Trumbull county in 1832. His son, Daniel R. Dana, born in 1834, married Miss M. W. Kennedy in 1869, and has one child, Harry R. Mr. Dana began the manufacture of cheese in 1869 in the factory now owned by Wilcox & Griffin, where he carried on the business two years. He began work in the factory which he now operates in 1871. The capacity of this factory is about seventy tons per annum. Mr. Dana makes use of the patent process.
Jared Housel was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1811. In 1812 he went with his parents to Stark county, and after eight years moved to Jackson township, now in Mahoning county. In 1834 Mr. Housel and his father, Pete1 Housel, came to Farmington. Peter Housel had a family of seven children, all of whom are living. Jared Housel married in 1839 Lucinda Miller, of Farmington. Six children are the result of this union: Mary J., Isaac, George, Survinus, Sophia, and Ira. George and Ira live in Farmington; Mary J. in Bristol; Isaac in Gustavus; Sophia in Kansas. Survinus died in the army at the age of nineteen.
N. A. Gilbert, Esq., attorney-at law, now of Cleveland, Ohio, is the son of Albert and Esther B. Gilbert, who settled in Farmington township in 1851. He was educated in the common schools, and in West Farmington seminary. He enlisted in 1862, in the Eighty- seventh Ohio volunteer infantry, and afterwards in the Eighty-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry and One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National guard, being in the service about fifteen months. After the war Mr. Gilbert read law in the office of Jones & Case at Youngstown, and was admitted to the bar in 1867 at Canfield. He located for practice temporarily at Niles, but after about four months removed to Maysville, Union county, Ohio, and from there in 1871 removed to Cleveland, where he is in full practice. He was married in 1867 to Anna M., daughter of Joseph Allen, one of the pioneers of Bristol township.
J. M. Compton is engaged in the insurance -business in West Farmington. He represents the best companies and does a good business.
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Mr. Compton is a young man of enterprise and strict integrity, and his business is fast increasing.
EARLY TOWNSHIP ELECTIONS.
Previous to the year 1817, the south part of Windsor, with Mesopotamia, Farmington, and Southington, composed one election district, or precinct. The elections were generally held in Mesopotamia, and Seth I. Ensign for a long time was clerk, and kept the records, which were made in a plain, good handwriting. Also the same territory composed one military drstrict, and they held their trainings alternately in the several townships.
The first election held in the township of Farmington was on the 4th of July, 1817, of which the following record was made:
Poll-book of election held in Farmington township on the 4th day of July, 1817; Josiah Wolcott, chairman, Dennis Lewis and Horace Wolcott, judges of election. Theodore Wolcott was elected clerk; David Belden, Orrin Taft, and John Benton, trustees; Gad Hart, Jacob Bartholomew, overseers of the poor; Joseph Wolcott, Gad Bartholomew, fence viewers; Erastus Wolcott and Ezra Curtis, appraisers of property; Ezra Curtis, lister; Whitney Smith, Zenas Curtis, and Joseph H. Wolcott, supervisors of highways; Erastus Wolcott, constable; and Horace Wolcott, treasurer.
Poll-book of an election held in Farmington on the 5th of July, 1817, for one justice of the peace; David Belden, Aaron Taft, and Jolm Benton, judges of election. Theodore Wolcott and Dennis Lewis were severally sworn, as the law directs, previous to their entering on the duties of office. It is by us certified that the number of electors at this election is twenty-five; and we do hereby certify that Josiah Wolcott had twenty-two votes, and was elected justice of the peace.
Signed by the proper officers. Then comes the following notice :
Notice is hereby given to the qualified electors of Farmington township to convene at their usual place of holding elections, on the second Tuesday of October next, for the purpose of electing two representatives, one county commissioner, and one sheriff.
BENJAMIN AUSTIN,
Sheriff of Trumbull county.
Warren, September 22, 1817.
Then follow the poll-books. The number of electors voting were seven, viz: Orrin Taft, David Belden, Lewis Wolcott, Ephraim White, Theodore Wolcott, Whitney Smith, and Jacob Bartholomew. Lyman Potter and William Ripley had each seven votes for representative; Reuben Clark had seven votes for commissioner; and Andrew Bushnell had seven votes for sheriff.
April 15, 189, pursuant to an act of Assembly, the trustees contracted with the different persons as follow: Lewis Wolcott, to make nineteen rods of turnpike on State road, and twenty-nine rods of cross-waying, for $25; Orrin Taft, to make nineteen rods of crossing, to chop road sixty rods in length and thirty feet in width, for $10; Daniel Taft, to make twenty rods of cross-waying for $5; Joseph Wolcott to make nine rods of cross-waying, for $5; Roswell Lee, to make nine rods of cross-waying, for $5; Abijah Lee, to make ten rods of cross-waying, for $5.
On October 12, 1819, there was an election at which there were twenty-one votes, as follow : Joshua P. Danford, Chauncey Taft, Socrates Loveland, Josiah Wolcott (2d), John Benton, John Moffitt, John Wolcott, Ezra Curtis, Erastus Wolcott, Jacob Bosley, A. Taft, Josiah Wolcott, Roswell Lee, Theodore Wolcott, Daniel Taft, Ora Kibbee, Dennis Lewis, Abijah Lee, Abiel Jones, Jr., Gad Hart, Ebenezer White. Lemuel Reeves, sheriff; Martin Smith and Benjamin Austin, commissioners; Henry Manning and Harry Lane, Representatives; and voted for a convention.
EARLY INCIDENTS.
It is related of Joshua Danforth that he met a bear in the woods one day, when he had no weapon with him except an axe. Joshua was a great chopper, and when the bear came at him he jumped upon a fallen log and began chopping, making chips fly in bruin's face so fast that the animal soon beat a hasty retreat.
Captain Benton was out hunting turkeys one day, and became so engrossed in the sport that he forgot to take note of his wanderings. Near night he discovered that he was lost, also that he had but one charge of ammunition left and that one was in his gun. He took matters very coolly and began to retrace his steps, hoping thus to arrive at some spot with which he was acquainted. While picking his way carefully, an ominous sound fell upon his ears; he knew well what it was, and he fully realized the peril of his situation. Darkness was gathering; he was alone and lost, and worse yet, the wolves were after him. But he was a bold man, and pressed onward. Soon the sound came nearer ; another minute and he could see fierce eyes glaring at him in the darkness. Something must be done, and that speedily. Stumbling over an old log with punk-wood in it an idea entered his head. Discharging the contents of his gun into the punk, the latter was set on fire. Hastily gathering some bark and other combustibles, the
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captain soon had a brisk fire blazing. The wolves were frightened away, and two of the captain's neighbors, Eden Wildman and Erastus Wolcott, who were in search of him, guided by 'he report of the gun, found the lost man and conducted him home.
Gad Bartholomew and Lewis Wolcott were fast friends. Each had his eccentricities and peculiarities. Gad kept bachelor's hall for some time after he settled here. His friend Lewis, talking with him one day, asked him if he was not lonely in his house at night. Gad replied that he was frequently; and that he sometimes heard scratching and other odd noises about his dwelling, which sounded unpleasantly. Lewis suggested that the sounds were probably made by a bear, and added, by way of advice, " If you are ever attacked by a bear, climb a tree." One day Gad was out in the woods alone chopping. He got to thinking of Lewis' advice, and wondered if he could carry it into effect if necessary. The more he thought of it the more strongly did he perceive the soundness of the advice; and finally, for the sake of practice, he selected a tree, imagined there was a bear after him, put his arms and feet around it, and scrambled away as fast as he could climb. After some moments of vigorous exertion, as there was no real danger, he became tired, and so stopped to see how far he had ascended. To say that he was astonished at the result of his efforts would give but a faint idea of the state of his mind as he looked about—for to ! he sat flat on the ground just where he had started. He could not climb.
When Gad went back to Connecticut to " buy himself a wife," he took his money (silver) in a buckskin purse in his pocket. Before he had gone very far a heavy shower come on, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Gad was afraid the lightning would strike him because of the silver in his pocket. He, therefore, cut a long pole, tied his purse upon the end of it, and with this novel lightning rod proceeded on his way, feeling quite safe. He succeeded in his mission, and returned to Henshaw with one of the best of wives.
MILITIA.
The following document presents a roll of the militia of Farmington and Southington. Unfortunately the original has no date upon it.
Old residents, however, think that the pape1 was probably a 1oll for the year 1821:
A ROLL OF THE FIFTH COMPANY, SECOND REGIMENT, FIRST BRIGADE, AND FOURTH DIVISION OF OHIO MILITIA.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain Ephraim White.
Lieutenant Erastus Wolcott.
Ensign William W. Burley.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Sergeant Roswell Lee.
Sergeant Stephen Crawford.
Sergeant Isaac Lee.
Sergeant Stephen Osborn.
Corporal Chester Canfield.
Corporal Harmon Hurd.
Corporal Tom Walden.
Drummer Joy Hurd.
Fifer Comfort Hurd.
PRIVATES.
Gad Bartholomew, Harvey Belden, Burrage Belden, David Curtis, Jr., James Chalker, Francis Curtis, Joshua C. Danford, Lemuel Frisby, Jonathan Hethman, Silas Higgins, Horace Norton, Roderick Norton, Leonard Osborn, Stephen Osborn, Gilbert Osborn, Rufus Rice, Benjamin Viets, Jonathan Walden, Horace Wolcott, Josiah Wolcott, Josiah W. Wolcott, Levi Ormsby, James Nutt, John Wolcott, Asahel Belden, Wolcott Belden, Newton Wolcott, John Moffit, Ira Hyde, Eli Hyde, Ithemur Linscott, Daniel Warner, Samuel Horton (Haughton ?), Retus Horton, David Hatch, Garrett L. Grossbeck, Chauncy Taft, Asa Walden, Milton Rice, Abiel Jones, Willis Curtis, Elisha Bosley, Elisha Brunsen, Smith Hurd, Chauncy Curtis, Ebenezer White, John Bosley, Orrin Taft, Joseph Rice, Levi Fowler, Eden Wildman, Ezekiel Wilcox, Willard Curtis, Levi Abrams, Philip Griffith, Atnos Eastman, Chester Canfield, Elkhara Dibble, Dennis Lewis, Fredom Hurd, Eleazer D. Lamoine, Lawrence Bennet, John Benton, Volney Bemis, Newton Rice, Harmon Hurd, Samuel H. Joy, Martin Rexford, Edmund P. Wolcott, John Hethman, Socrates Loveland, Alexander Crawford, Ransley Curtis, Austin Smith, Harry B. Stannard, Austin Walden, Elisha Walden, Horace Harper, Shelden Curtis, Francis Curtis, David Belden, William Wolcott, William Bolley, Daniel Maltby, Knapp.
EARLY EVENTS.
The first marriage—both parties living here— was Mr. Louis Wolcott to Miss Nancy Higgins, December 1, 1808. She was the daughter of widow Higgins, then the second wife of Josiah Wolcott.
The second marriage was that of Horace Wolcott to Miss Sabrina Tracy, daughter of 'Squire Tracy, of Mesopotamia. This wedding took place December 15, 1808, her father performing the ceremony. Horace had been helping his father build a cattle shed of logs and shakes, up to about 4 o'clock P. M., when he brushed the mud off his hands and said : " Father, I believe
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I will not work any more to-day. I am going up to Mesopotamia to be married to-night. Won't you go up ?" The father said he guessed not, it was too far. So Horace washed up, put on his best suit (which was not the finest broadcloth), and went on foot to Mesopotamia and was married.
As far as known Caroline Wolcott, afterward the wife of George L. Holmes, was the first child born in Farmington. She was born September 12, 1808. Both she and he1 husband are now dead. The second child was Joseph H. Wolcott, son of Lewis and Nancy (Higgins) Wolcott. He is now living in Kansas.
The first frame house erected in Farmington township was built by Daniel R. Wolcott, oldest son of Josiah Wolcott, in 1820. It was erected on the south side of the common, or southeast corner of the center, and is yet standing and in good repair. It was for a long time the residence of H. W. Collar, Esq., and was afterwards owned and occupied for a number of years by Captain James Caldwell, and later still, the residence of S. J. Buttles. During the same season, or soon after, a frame house was built in West Farmington, on the northeast corner where the Palmer brick now stands. It was erected by Theodore Wolcott, and afterwards owned and occupied for a long time by Lewis Wolcott, son of Theodore. Theodore Wolcott built a house about half a mile south, where Mrs. S. S. Spence1 now lives, and where he lived until his death. About the year 1823 or 1824 a frame house was built on the northwest corner at the center, where T. Hall's house now stands. The frame was put up and enclosed, the roof put on, and the chimney built all in one day. The most of the timber used in its construction was taken from the stump. This house was built for Dr. Abiel Jones. Captain Ira Hyde built the chimney. They had plenty of good old rye v^ hiskey, and when they got through, the captain said he could no1 see but that the chimney was perfectly straight, but next morning they discovered it was a little crooked.
The first school-house in Farmington was built in the spring of 1816, and located near a pear tree and a spring on the northeast corner at the center. Captain Benton and Josiah Wolcott cut the logs for the school-house one snowy day, and Erastus Wolcott hauled them with an ox team. Captain Benton, although the day was cold, wore a pair of linen pants with holes in the knees.
The first school kept in this house was taught by Miss Almira Hannahs, of Nelson, afterwards the wile of Erastus Wolcott. There was also the same or the next season a log school-house built at West Farmington and located near where the store building, built by Kibbee & Loveland, now stands, and the first school kept in that was taught by Miss Nancy Wolcott, who afterwards became the wife of Silas Higgins.
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
The houses of the early settlers were all built of logs, and seldom was a board or a nail used in their construction. Floors of puncheons, chimneys of sticks and mud, hearths of mortar, and lights of hickory bark were some of the usual necessary articles found in the pioneer's dwelling.
Gowns were made from flax, spun and woven by the wearers. When colors were desired butternut and black walnut bark furnished them. The gentlemen wore garments of tow and linen in summer and buckskin or woolen in winter. Shoes and boots were worn very sparrngly, as thei1 cost was great. Sociability and hospitality prevailed.
HOTELS.
The first tavern in the township was kept in a log building where William Wilson lived in 1810. Afterwards a frame addition, then a frame house took its place. Huff, James, Joseph Whiting, the Tails, Herner and others were early landlords. William Kennedy at length bought the property and continued the business. Herner sold liquor and incurred the hostility of the temperance people, and was prosecuted two or three times. Afterwards one or two attempts were made to run a saloon at the center, but the citizens rose in opposition and from that time to this Farmington township has been singularly free from the pernicious influence of the rum- seller. There are now two hotels in the township, both at West Farmington—the Lewis house, of long standing, and the house of E. Trunkey, just opposite.
The old red tavern on the State road ceased to be a house of entertainment about 1847.
326 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
STORES.
The first store in the township was opened in 1825 on the southeast corner at the center by Mr. Stewart, of Vienna. He was succeeded by Tucker & Crowell ; then, about 1833, E. P. Wolcott engaged in the mercantile business, and he and his sons carried it on nearly all of the time for over forty years.
The first merchant at West Farmington was Austin D. Kibbee, who in 1834 kept store in part of his own house. Later he built a store opposite his residence. He was succeeded by Higgins & Wolcott. Kibbee & Wolcott then conducted the business alone for some years. Mr. Kibbee has done more to promote the growth of the village than any other man.
CHURCHES.
The Congregational church at Farmington center was organized on the union plan October 8, 1817, by Revs. Joseph Badger and Abiel Jones, and consisted of eleven members, viz : Abiel and Rebecca Jones, Josiah and Nancy Wolcott, David and Elizabeth Curtis, Davrd and Lois Belden, Eunice Hart, Polly Benton, and Rebecca Jones. The same year Theodore Wolcott, Rhoda Wolcott, and Gad Hart were admitted November 2d. The church grew slowly until 1825. Twenty-six members were added during that year. From 1818 to 1823 inclusive, Rev. Abiel Jones baptized twenty children, and on the l0th of July, 1825, forty children were baptized by Rev. Luther H. Humphrey.
November 22, 1817, Josiah and Theodore Wolcott were chosen deacons. February 4, 1820, David Belden and Gad Hart were elected church committee. About the same date the church was placed under the care of the Grand River presbytery. The first missionaries and preachers were Revs. Badger, Leslie, Darrow, Jones, and others. In 1860 the church became wholly Presbyterian and so continued until 1874, since which time it has been purely Congregational.
The first church edifice was built on or near the site of the present one about the year 1828. It was a frame house 40x50 feet, with a steeple, and continued to be used until 1850. The present house was then erected at a cost of $1,400. The membership is now small and no regular preaching is supported.
The Congregational church of West Farmington was organized April 12, 1834, by Rev. Daniel Miller, and consisted of sixteen male and twenty-three female members, nearly all of whom withdrew from the church at the center of Farmington to join. This church has enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity, and now has a nice house and a good membership.
The Methodist Episcopal church first formed a class in the fall of 1818, in the old log schoolhouse, built the same year, in east Farmington, This class consisted of seven members, viz: Eden Wildman, his wife and wife's mother; Joel Hyde, wife, and daughter; and Mrs. Moffatt. Rev. Ira Eddy was the organizer. The congregation sat on blocks of wood and the sleepers of the house. Rev. Eddy, Jacob Baker, and Father Wilber, were among the first preachers.
About 1830 a frame meeting-house, much like a barn, was erected in east Farmington. A class was organized, which met for several years on the old State road, then concentrated with a class formed at West Farmington later, and built the church at the latter place. The old church at east Farmington was replaced by another built about 1837, and in 1874 the Methodists and Disciples erected the present house of worship. The building at the center, now the town hall, was erected for a Methodist church; but as the congregation were unable to complete it, the township trustees purchased and finished. In 1861 a class in the southeast of the township erected a small church edifice which is still used. The three churches—West Farmington, east Farmington, and southeast Farmington, now form one charge. The Methodists are quite strong and zealously support the preaching of the gospel.
A copy of the first subscription ever taken in Farmington for supporting the gospel by preaching, is given in full below :
Know, all men by these presents That we, the Inhabitants of Township No. 6; in the Range 5, called Henshaw, with the neighboring towns, viz: Bristol, Mesopotamia, Parkman, and Bowleston—(Southington), feeling the importance of public instruction by preaching the Gospel I'm ourselves and children, etc. We do by these presents bind 0urselves, our heirs, executors, administrators firmly, to pay the sums annexed to each 0f our names annually without fraud or delay, for the term 0f three years, to the Rev. Giles Cowles, beginning as soon as the said Mr. Cowles shall remove his family to the said town of Henshaw to live. The pay t0 be made in wheat, Rye, corn, oats, potatoes, mess pork, whiskey, etc. The produce of farms as shall be needed by the said Mr.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 327
Cowles and family together with chopping, logging, fencing, etc. We agree, likewise, should any contribute anything within said term of three years, cowards the support of the said Mr. Cowles, it shall be deducted according to the sum annexed to each man's name. We likewise agree that the preaching in each town shall be in proportion to what each town subscribes for said preaching. We likewise agree that a committee of one man be appointed in each town to take oversight of said business. We agree further that notwithstanding this subscription shall terminate with the above period; yet his establishment here as a preacher is permanent and yet we may make such regulations and alterations as our circumstances may require, as t0 0ur limits, and method of proceeding, etc. Thus we covenant, agree, and bind ourselves, etc., in writing thereof we have hereunto set our hands
HENSHAW, July 26, 1816.
Josiah Wolcott - $30.00
David Curtis - 8.00
William Wilson - 10.00
Gad Hart - 12.
Zenas Curtis, Jr., - 6.
Lewis Wolcott - 7.
Josiah Wolcott - 5.
Gad Bartholomew - 10.
Ezra Curtis - 5.
John D. Heathman - 7.
Joshua P. Danford - 8.
Dennis Lewis - 10.
Jacob Bartholomew - .13
Amos P. Woodford - 8.
Horace Wolcott - 7.
Subscribers at Bristol - 77.25
The price that the within mentioned produce is to be paid in, viz:
Wheat - $1.00 per bushel
Corn - new so cents, old .75 per bushel
Rye - .75 per bushel
Oats - .34
Potatoes - .34
Flax - .12 per lb.
Linnen cloth - .34 per yard
Whiskey - .75 per gall.
Beef - 4.00 per cwt.
Pork - 6.00 per cwt.
Chopping, logging, and fencing at the common price.
The Rev. Joseph Badger had been here and preached previous to this time, and as also had othe1 missionaries.
In 1818 Abijah Lee, a Baptist, settled in Farmington with his family. In 1828 a great revival took place in Kirtland under the Disciple preachers, Bentley and Rigdon. Isaac Lee, a son of Abijah, who attended their meetings, was converted and returned to Farmington in 1829. He found Harvey Brockett much awakened on the subject of 1eligion. Lee converted him to the new faith, and Brockett was baptized by him. Benjamin Alton soon came and preached, and in 1830 a church was formed, numbering about. twenty members with Abijah Lee leader, This church received from the Baptists Abijah Lee and Daniel Davidson and their wives.
Isaac Lee and Harvey Brockett preached and exhorted successfully, and soon a strong working congregation was gathered into the told. Other early Disciple preachers who labored here, were Revs. Applegate, Bosworth, Hayden, Collins, Clapp, and Hartzell.
This congregation is now prosperous, and owns one-half of the union church in east Farmington.
MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
The Woman's Foreign Missionary society, Akron district, was organized at West Farmington, June 2, 1879, when the officers of the auxiliary were elected as follow : Mrs. E. A. Lamberson, president; Miss A. Young, Mrs. J. Kennedy, Mrs. J. Hathaway, and Mrs. S. J. Taft, vice-presidents; Miss Augusta Goff, treasurer; Mrs. E. Thompson, recording secretary; Miss E. C. Greer, corresponding secretary.
Number of life members in the society, five; members, twenty-five.
MASONIC.
The Western Reserve lodge No. 507, Free and Accepted Masons, Farmington, Ohio, was granted a charter October 9, 1875, having been previously organized under a dispensation. Following are the names of the charter members: William M. Smith, H. H. Hatch, O. P. Barton, Ervin Johnson, E. T. Barton, C. S. Thompson, F. K. Lewis, A. L. Wolcott, E. B. Williams, C. S. Curtis, and H. H. Pulsifer.
The following were the first officers elected after the lodge received its charter: H. H, Hatch, W. M.; C. S. Thompson, S, W,; D. T. Smith, J. W.; Ervin Johnson, treasurer; E. T. Barton, secretary; F. K. Lewis, S. D.; William B. Loveland, J. D.; William M. Smith, tyler. The lodge now numbers forty members.
PHYSICIANS.
The first physician in the township was Dr. Abiel Jones, who acted in the double capacity of doctor and preacher. Dr. Belden, now of Youngstown, was an efficient practitioner of medicine in West Farmington for a number of years. At present Drs. Latimer and Palmer, both of the Eclectic school, furnish the medical aid required.
THE CEMETERY
is on a knoll of ground midway between the cen-
328 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
ter and West Farmington. It presents a beautiful appearance; is nicely fenced off, and the grounds are well cared for, and it is here many of the pioneer settlers of the township are buried. It is under the control of the township trustees, who have erected a capacious vault.
The soldiers' monument is a beautiful marble structure erected in the cemetery at West Farmington by the citizens of the township in commemoration of the gallant services rendered by the soldiers from Farmington m the late war of the Rebellion. It has the names of those who lost their lives on the field of battle, or who died from wounds in the hospital, inscribed upon it, as follows: Homer H. Stull, lieutenant; William T. True, B. F. Kennedy, Newton :F. Wolcott, Calvin Caldwell, Adelbert M. Hart, Ira Wildman, Charles E. Richards, William Dana, Henry Lovell, E. E. Daly, A. Clark Flick, Leander H. Wolcott, George W. Moffit, Virgil N. Weir, Almon A. Lew, Hamlet B, Belden, William Wilberforce Strickland, Judson S. Curtis, Thomas F. Hall, Jesse D. Kinear, Joseph J. Brown, Henry Steel, Robert Mathews, John O. Caldwell, Morris W. Freeman, Sylvanus House!, Frank G. Palmer, John W. Kingard, Frank Proctor, Edmond E. Kinear, August W. Show, Charles W. Gilbert, Stephen Wildman.
The monument cost $1,400, and was erected and dedicated m 1865, James A. Garfield making the speech on that occasion.
POST-OFFICES.
About 1831 Farmington post-office was established on the State road, Epaphroditus Fuller, postmaster.
As early as 1834 an office was established at the center, Daniel Wilcox postmaster.
About 1847 the Farmington office was removed from the State road to West Farmington, the center office being discontinued. Then began a war between the two villages for the possession of the office, which lasted through many years, but was finally settled by the re-establishment of the Farmington center office. The name of the other office was then changed to West Farmington.
INDUSTRIES.
The first mill in Farmington was a saw-mill built a little southwest of the center, on Grand river, by Deacon Josiah Wolcott as principal, assisted by Eastman Small, part owner and mill wright, about the year 1816. This was a ruck structure, and in about three years was super. seded by another built by Wolcott, principal, and Russell, assistant and mill-wright. It was owned afterwards by Reynolds & Co., then by Kibbee, Malby & Co. In 1861 a flax-mill was added which manufactured about twelve tons of flax straw per year, and gave employment to from ten to twenty-five hands. It was burned down in 1871, and a flour- and grist-mill was afterwards erected with a capacity of grinding about seventy-five bushels of grain per day.
The Bosley mill was an original affair consisting of a saw-mill and then a grist-mill. The Bosleys sold out to Smith & Kibbee, of Warren, and they in turn to Snow, Taft & Co., who added a blacksmith and wagon shop, and made wagons years but eventually failed. It rs now owned by William H. & E. S. Higgins. It is in the southwest part of the township.
Both these mills are run by steam and by water. The capacity of this latter mill is about the same as that of the Wolcott mill.
Of the manufactories in West Farmington nay be mentioned that of the Standard Chair company. It was started in June, 1881, with a capital stock of $3,500. The officers of the company consist of Dr. O. A. Palmer, president; C. S. Thompson, agent, and F. J. Wolcott, secretary.
The building just erected is a commodious affair, 24x60 feet, two stories in height. The company contemplate building an addition to the main structure, and putting in machinery, and will then give employment to about sixteen hands.
The original cabinet factory, formerly owned by Bowles, was purchased by C. S. Thompson in 1871, and afterward by C. A. Miller in 1873, and is now operated under the name of Miller & Co., whose enterprise gives employment to about fifteen hands and turns out ten tables per day.
Two cheese factories are now in successful operation in this township. For several years there have been three running. Cheese making is one of the principal sources of income to the people of this township.
West Farmington is a thriving little town, having a population of four hundred and fifty. It
PICTURE OF REV. WILLIAM KINCAID
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 329
is west of the center, and contains some half dozen stores, two hotels, two livery stables, two churches, two factories, the Western Reserve seminary, and is the abode of a cultivated and highly refined community. It rs on the Painesville & Youngstown Narrow-guage railroad, fourteen miles from Warren. The location of the town is as healthy as is generally found, and there are no saloons of any kind in the place.
The center is somewhat less in size, but it has a town hall, a good store and two or three shops. A good sidewalk connects the two villages.
WESTERN RESERVE SEMINARY.
This institution is located on the Painesville & Youngstown railroad, fourteen miles from Warren, and receives a large patronage from this and adjoining counties. It was originally established in 1831, and known as the Farmington academy until 1849. The building then used is the present hotel owned by E. Trunkey. James Greer was the first president or principal of this institution and was very successful in his management, the attendance averaging some years as many as three hundred students. In 1849 it had so far outgrown the expectations of its founders that it became necessary to erect new buildings capable of accommodating a larger number of students. By liberal donations from the citizens of the vicinity, a fine three-story brick building was erected, and a school started under the name of the Farmington Normal school.
In 1854 the trustees transferred the control of the institution to the Erie annual conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, on the condition that they should maintain a first-class school, in which all sects and denominations should have equal rights and privileges. At this time the name of the institution was changed to Western Reserve seminary and a faculty employed that would compare favorably with any in the country. In 1868 two commodious boarding halls were erected and furnished, which have been a great benefit to the school in enabling students, by means of club boarding, to reduce thei1 expenses to the lowest possible cost. The control is vested in a board of trustees. The laboratory is supplied with large and well selected apparatus for the elucidation of the natural sciences, and the library is well filled with the works of standard authors in the various departments of literature. The courses of study are comprehensive, and the charter gives the institution power to confer the highest academic honors on those who complete the course successfully.
The faculty consists of Rev. E. B. Webster, M. A., president ; assisted by Ernest Moench, M. A., Mrs. E. B. Webster, Professor A. Truman, B. A. Norville, C. W. Harshman, H. L. Steves, and H. B. Steele. There are three structures in the campus. The seminary is a substantial brick, has served for many years, and although old and too small for their increasing demand, yet it is in good repair and presents a very respectable appearance. Its many friends are talking earnestly of erecting a larger one in the near future.
Cory hall, erected by Rev. and Mrs. J. B. Cory for the accommodation of lady students, is 84 x 30 feet, three stories high, and presents a fine appearance. The principal and family reside in it and have general supervision. A large dining- room and kitchen are provided where students are boarded at cost.
Young Men's hall is a building 70 x 34 feet, two stories high. It will accommodate fifty young men. One professor lives in it.
Two well organized and successful societies, the Philomathean and Luman, afford excellent opportunities for literary exercises. The president, Rev. E. B. Webster, yet a young man, is a graduate of Mt. Union college, Ohio. He took charge of the institution in the year 1877 under the most adverse circumstances, the school having been run down to the insignificant number of only fifteen students. He summoned his energies, threw himself into the work, and succeeded in opening his first term of school with that number just doubled. By close attention to the duties then devolving upon him he succeeded in regaining the confidence of the former adherents of the institution and opened the first term of his second year in the work with one hundred and thirty students, Since that time the seminary has been increasing its numbers until now the daily average attendance is about three hundred. He is devoted to his work and is assisted by his wife and a well chosen corps of professors.
330 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOEL AND ELIZA PECK.
Joel Peck was the son of Jesse Peck and was born in Pompey, Canandaigua county, New York, December 22, 1801. His father, Jesse Peck, was a lad during the Revolution and at the age of sixteen joined the patriot army, in a company commanded by his father. He removed to Farmington, Trumbull county, in the year 1821, and settled on the farm now owned by Mrs. Eliza Peck. The family consisted of four children—Charles, Benjamin, Polly, and Joel, the subject of this sketch.
Joel Peck married January 23, 1822, Eliza Hyde, daughter of Joseph and Eunice (Hall) Hyde. Her father, Joel Hyde, was born January 24, 1773; was married in 1793 to Eunice Hall, in Huntington, Fairfield county, Connecticut, whence they removed to Montgomery county, New York. They had four daughters and one son (who died in youth), viz: Hannah, born in 1794; Sarah, 1796; Mary, 1798; and Eliza, born September 6, 1800. In the year 1818 Joel Hyde with his family in company with his brother Ira and Abijah Lee left their New York home and after a journey of six weeks arrived in Farmington. The three youngest daughters taught school, Sarah in Southington, Mary in Bristol, and Eliza in Champion. Eliza also taught the first summer school in east Farmington. Hannah married in 1818 Levi Abrams, Sarah in 1822 Comfort Hurd, Mary in 1830 Azra Brown, a Methodist minister, and Eliza, as above noted, Joel Peck.
Joel and Eliza Peck had a family of three children—Delia, Allen F., and Fletcher W. Delia was born in 1825, was married to James C. Howard, then of Kentucky, in 1851, and resides in Butler county, Ohio. Allen F. was born in 1829, studied medicine and practiced in Farmington; was married to Cordia Fuller in 1865 ; was assistant surgeon during the war in a cavalry regiment and afterwards located in Cleveland, where he died in 1878. He was six feet seven inches tall and acquired a good reputation as a practitioner of medicine.
Fletcher W. Peck was horn in 1831, was married to Coresta Smith, of Farmington, in 1856, and resides on a farm two miles north of the center. The past, in this timbered country, was a generation of hardy, resolute men, strong both in muscle and courage. The 'work required to maintain life was an effectual barrier against the weak and timid. It thus occurs that simple truth requires us to say of almost every pioneer that he was industrious, iron-muscled, and a hard worker. Particularly was this true of Joel Peck. He was six feet two inches tall, compact and symmetrical and was never sick until shortly before his death, though for ten years or more his eyesight was seriously impaired by cataract. During hrs life-time Mr. Peck improved more than three hundred acres of land. Early in life he united with the Methodist church and became one of its most steadfast supporters and valuable assistants to the itinerant clergy. He was an earnest exhorter, and being a licensed local preacher, often conducted the service. When money was wanted he was the main standby. In politics Mr. Peck always voted and co-operated with the most radical anti-slavery sentiment. He was a Whig, Free-soiler, and Republican. He never sought or desired office, and was consequently free to support his convictions with his vote. He died September 25, 1869, in his sixty-eighth year.
Mrs. Peck is a woman greatly esteemed in Farmington, because of her sincerity, kindness of heart and sympathy of feeling. Her church association has always been with her husband. Simple, unquestioning, confident belief is the comforting angel of her declining years. She often spoke fervently and earnestly in religious gatherings. In the home she was always honest and truthful, and has left upon her children the impress of an excellent character. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Peck has managed the farm.
REV. WILLIAM KINCAID.
The grandparents of Rev. William Kincaid were John and Martha (Hill) Kincaid, of Scotch descent, who emigrated from Ireland to this country, and settled near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in the last century. From their first location they emigrated to Washington county, Pennsylvania, and settled near Williamsport. About the year 1800 they came to Youngstown, and remained until the end of their days.
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John Kincaid was the father of three sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to marry and have families. Robert, the second child, was about twenty-one when the family came to Ohio. He married Margaret Erwin soon after. She was a native of Virginia, daughter of Christopher and Mary Erwin. She reared a large family, ten children in all, seven sons and three daughters. Of this number, four sons and two daughters are still living. William, the fourth child of Robert and Margaret Kincaid, was born April 15, 1812, and passed his early life in Youngstown, his native place. He received a common school education ; was brought up a farmer, and has made tilling the soil his business. Mr. Kincaid was married in 1833 to Mary Erwin, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Erwin, of Youngstown. She was born in 1815; died June 15, 1872. This union was blessed by nine children, seven of whom survive. The family record is as follows: Margaret, born October 29, 1834; Sherman, born September 20, 1835; Mary, born June 9, 1837; Robert, born March 4, 1839, died March 10, 1841; Ammiel, born February 27, 1841; Martha J., born December 6, 1843; John W., born March 5, 1845, died September 16, 1864, at Washington, District of Columbia, was in company I), Second Ohio cavalry; Caroline M., born December 27, 1850; William A., January 12, 1855.
The children are all married, and with the exception of Martha, who lives in Ashtabula county, all reside in this county.
In 1831 Mr. Kincaid joined the Methodist Episcopal church, and has since been one of its most devoted adherents. His wife was also a member ; she lived a pure, useful life, characterized by Christian benevolence and good works.
In 1845 Mr. Kincaid was licensed as an exhorter in his church, and labored in that capacity nearly four years, when he was licensed as a local preacher, and continued almost constantly to keep regular appointments up to about four years ago. On account of poor health he was compelled to relinquish regular preaching, but he still officiates occasionally. During his work in the ministry he has filled appointments through. out this region—from the Pennsylvania State line westward into Portage and Geauga counties, and north into Ashtabula. His labors have been blessed by the Master. Mr. Kincaid can look back over the long period of years in which he has been a preacher with the satisfaction of knowing that he has been the instrument of promoting the cause which he so dearly loves. He is held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances.
SETTLEMENT NOTES.
Joseph Chauncey Hart, Sr., was born in Avon, Connecticut, in 1804; married Hannah Goff, born in West Springfield, Massachusetts, September 11, 1807. They came to Ohio with their family in 1840, and settled in Farmington where they resided until their death. They raised a family of thirteen children, as follows : Hiram S., a blacksmith, of Gustavus; Sarah L. (deceased); J. C., Jr., a farmer, of Southington; Frances (Mrs. Fries), Sarah J. (Taft), Ann Jeanette (Mrs. Maltbie), all oone Farmington; J. O., of the clothing firm of Hart Brothers, Warren; A. L., insurance agent, Warren; C. 0., of the oneirm of Hart Brothers, and now county treasurer; V. M., now engaged in stock raising in the Indian Territory; Adelbert M., who was in the army during the Rebellion, taken prisoner, and confined in a rebel prison for sixteen months, died on his way home December 11, 1864, and was buried at sea; M. C., an attorney, of Cleveland; and Arlington M. (deceased). J. C, Hart, Sr., died in Farmington March 9, 1867, aged sixty-three years. Mrs. Rosannah Hart died at West Farmington January 4, 1880, in her seventy-third year. Mrs. Hart, or " Aunt Rosa," as she was familiarly called by her acquaintances, was a woman of more than ordinary endowments, both of mind and heart, the religious element being predominant in her nature. She was energetic and persevering and being blessed with a good physical organization she was well equipped for life's duties. The poor and needy were often made the recipients of her benefactions, and when she died her loss came as a personal bereavement to every one within the circle of her acquaintance.
Dr. Allen F. Peck was born in Farmington, Trumbull county, Ohio, February 5, 1828. He studied medicine and graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York city, and also at the Western Reserve Medical college, Cleveland. He practiced his profession in Springfield, Illinois, and in Omaha, and also in Santa Fe, New Mex-
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ico. While in the latter place he enlisted in the First New Mexico cavalry, Colonel Kit Carson's regiment, and served three years, being surgeon of the regiment. He was mostered out in the fall of 1864, on account of physical disability. October 9, 1865, he married Miss Cordie A., daughter of Ephraim and Mary Fuller, who was born in Farmington, February 6, 1845, Her father was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1798, and removed to Ohio in 1825, settling in Farmington. He was a major in the militia, and postmaster at Taftsburg, Farmington. He died in 1874. Dr. Peck continued to reside in Farmington after. his marriage, engaged in the practice of his profession until the spring of 1871, when he removed to Cleveland, where he resided four years. In 1875 he went to Akron, but returned again to Cleveland in 1877. He died February 21, 1878. Mrs. Peck now resides in Warren with her family, which consists of two children: Frank J., born September 7, 1866, and Cora M., born April 25, 1871. Her second child, Flora L., died in infancy.