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CHAPTER X.
BLOOMFIELD. GENERAL FEATURES.
Bloomfield, the seventh township in the fourth range, is in the northern part of Trumbull county, adjoining Ashtabula county. It lies between Greene on the east and Mesopotamia on the west, and is north of Bristol. The largest stream in the township is Grand river, which enters near the southwestern coiner, and pursues a general northerly direction parallel to the western township line, crossing the center road, and passing out of the township into Mesopotamia a short distance north of this road, Several small streams, tributaries of this river, drain the western portion of the township. Baughman's creek enters the river in the southwest; about a mile north of its mouth a small run empties, and perhaps a half mile further, Center creek flowing west from its headwaters in the tamarack swamp, adds its waters to those of the river. North creek rises norlh of the center of the township, and flowing southwesterly, joins the river near the township line. Still another small creek, known as Haine's run, flows through the northwestern portion of this township. The streams are mainly in the western half of the township. A large portion of the land in the eastern half is covered by the tamarack swamp, which extends from north to south almost entirely across the township, east of the Ashtabula & Pittsburg railroad. The eastern and western portions—the tamarack swamp and the valley of Grand river--are low-lying and wet. The river bottom is often flooded by rains which appear to affect other localities much less, Through the township from north to south extends a swell or ridge of land rising gradually from the swampy regions on either side, and generally very nearly level on its broad crest. The soil of this slight elevation varies from sandy and gravelly loam on the west to clay on the east. Along the turnpike are many fine farms, with first-rate buildings and improvements. This is an excellent farming region, well suited for wheat. Dairying and sheep-raising are carried on quite profitably.
The township was late settled, and even now contains but a small number of inhabitants, there being less than two hundred voters. The tamarack swamp has not yet been subjugated, but labor is now being expended upon it with a view toward making its fertility and richness available for the farmer. When this result has been accomplished the agricultural resources of Bloomfield will be greatly enlarged. Another swamp in the southwest of the township is the black ash swamp, containing three or four hundred acres lying near Grand river. These swamps have proved a drawback to Bloomfield, but they soon must yield, subdued by the labor of the progressive agriculturist.
The only village in the township is the center, or, to give its post-office address, North Bloomfield, situated a half mile west of the geographical center. This is one of the pleasantest rural villages in the county. Beautiful shade trees line its streets and a level grassy lawn of nearly five acres in the center of the village lends additional beauty to the place. Forty or fifty houses, three stores, and a few other shops, and two churches are comprised in North Bloomfield.
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RONGHAL OWNERS.
Peter Chardon Brooks, of Boston, was the proprietor of large tracts of land in this portion of the Reserve and this township was held by him until 1814. He then sold it to Ephraim Brown, of Westmoreland, New Hampshire, and Thomas Howe of Williamstown, Vermont. Although the purchasers were of nearly the same age, Howe was Brown's uncle and the playmate of his boyhood. It is said that the first business transaction between the two took place when the uncle and the nephew were both less than ten years of age, and was of a most unique nature. Howe rented a hen of Brown for the season, and, at the expiration of the time agreed upon, returned her with half her chickens. Two or three years after purchasing the township, Howe sold out to Brown, reserving one thousand acres in the southern parl,
SURVEY.
Soon after purchasing Howe and Brown engaged S. I. Ensign, of Mesopotamia, to survey this township—not an easy task, considering the then swampy condition of the land. The township is divided into one hundred and seventy lots, containing from fifty to one hundred acres each. These lots are numbered from north to south, beginning with lot one in the northwestern corner of the township.
THE FIRST SETTLER.
Leman Ferry, of Brookfield, Vermont, started for his new home in the western wilds about the 19th day of January, 1815, and reached his destination about the l0th of February following. He started with two teams, one a sled drawn by two yoke of oxen, the other a sleigh drawn by a span of horses. The teams conveyed his household goods and his family. Mr. Ferry was accompanied by his hired man, Mrs. Ferry, and two sons and three daughters. When west of Buffalo it was found impracticable to proceed further with the ox-sled on account of the scantiness of snow. Therefore Mr. Ferry exchanged the sled for a wagon and continued his journey, but kept the sleigh along, the horses dragging it over bare ground much of the way. He entered this township from the northward, guided only by spotted trees in the latter part of his journey. There was then no house between Rome center and Bristol township, and no road through Bloomfield. Arriving in the vicinity of his purchase Mr. Ferry found shelter for his family in a deserted log cabin situated just over the line in Bristol, until he had time to erect a shanty upon his own land. Lemari Ferry, Jr., his oldest son, was at this time twenty-one years old, and with his assistance and that of the hired man a comfortable dwelling was soon finished. At first no chimney was built, but a smoke-hole was cut through the roof instead. The fire was built against the green logs in the end of the room until these were burned away somewhat, then a kind of stone fire-place was made by heaping up stones against the logs. Here the family lived and worked. When spring came, a number of men came on to make clearings, and as many as twenty at a time boarded at the house of Mrs. Ferry. Benches made of split or hewn logs were ranged round the room for seats, and at night beds were made up on the fl0or. Mr. Ferry had never built a log-house before this, and therefore was not especially skilled in that kind of carpentry; and the roof of the building, which was covered by "shakes," or long shingles, held down by weight-poles, was not properly constructed. One day Mr. Ferry's son Noble, then a small boy, climbed upon the roof to rescue a cat which had got up there and was afra1id to come down. When he was about midway of the building, the whole roof suddenly started, shingles, and weight-poles all together, and carried the boy to the ground, burying him in the debris. The hired man, who was chopping wood back of the house, saw the fall and with the assistance of young Leman Ferry soon extricated the bruised and frightened child. Fortunately no bones were broken, and the victim of the accident still lives to relate the incident.
The summer following his arrival and settlement Mr. Ferry returned to Conneaut, where he had left his sled, taking back the wagon he had purchased in order to reach Bloomfield. The wagon he sold for six barrels of salt at $10 per barrel, hauled the salt home on the sled, and sold it out to the settlers at the price he had paid. Leman Ferry died in 1825, aged sixty. Mrs, Ferry lived to reach her ninetieth year. They were the parents of seven children, of whom the youngest five came to Ohio with them. The children were Editha (Pinney) and Lucy
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(Lamphere); Leman, Polly, Chloe, Lucinda, and Noble B., of whom only the youngest survives. Leman, Jr., married Susan Hillman, and afterwards moved to Garrettsville, where he died. Polly married Dr. Andrew Clark and lived in Newton township. Chloe married William McClintock and resided in Bloomfield several years. She died at Garrettsville. Lucinda married first Samuel Tinan, of Rome, and second Thomas Bushnell, of Bloomfield. N. B. married Abigail Flower, and lives upon the old homestead. His wife died in 1873. They had ten children; nine are now living, the youngest son with his father.
EARLY SETTLERS.
The spring and summer after Mr. Ferry's settlement a number of others came and began improving their farms, and a few brought their families during that year. In the spring of 1815 Willard Crowell, Israel Proctor, Samuel Eastman, and David Comstock came to this township from Vermont on foot.
Ephraim Brown, from Cheshire county, New Hampshire, was one of the first settlers and most prominent citizens. He settled at the center in 1815, in a log cabin built a short time previously by Major Howe. The site of the cabin is now covered by the residence of his son, E. A. Brown. Ephraim Brown married Mary B. Huntington, and at the time of their arrival in the township their family consisted of four children; five were afterwards born to them. The names of the children were Ephraim Alexander, George W., Mary, Charles, Elizabeth H., James M., Marvin H., Fayelte, and Anne F. E. A. Brown now resides upon the old homestead. He was in business in Pittsburg from 1829 to 1845, principally as a wholesale dry goods merchant. George W. died in Bloomfield; Mary (Wing) still lives in the township as also Elizabeth; Charles died in Georgia in 1880; James died in Massillon; Marvin resides in Painesville, and Fayette in Cleveland, Annie F. in Bloomfield. Ephraim Brown died in 1845, and his widow in 1862. Mr. Brown was the first posfmaster, the first merchant, and the second justice of the peace. With Major Howe, and Judge Austin, of Austin- burg, he was among the originators of the Warren and Ashtabula turnpike.
Lewis Clisby was the second settler at the center, arriving soon after Mr. Brown.
Jared Kimball, from Vermont, settled north of the public square in 1816, and here lived and died. None of his family now remain. His daughter, Mrs. Teed, also lived in Bloomfield. Mr. Kimball was the first justice of the peace, and a very worthy man. Of him the following is related: A poor man living in the township had rented a piece of grass land which he was to mow and have a portion of the hay for his work. He mowed the hay and stacked it. Soon, after the owner of the land set a fire, which after working some time in the turf, at length reached the renter's haystack and destroyed it. The man sought to recover damages and the case was brought before 'Squire Kimball. 'Squire Brown made a plea stating the law applicable to the case, but 'Squire Kimball said, "Here is a law which applies," and quoted from the Bible, "If a man set a fire which catch in the stubble and destroy his neighbor's grain, verily that man shall make restitution." Judgment was accordingly rendered in favor of the poor man. Squire Kimball was a Presbyterian deacon and a firm believer in the doctrines of his church.
David Comstock, who came in 1815, worked for Major Howe, and was noted as one of the greatest wood-choppers of the time. He married a sister of William McClintock and settled in the northern part of the township, afterwards moving to the center. They had no children, Mrs. Comstock was a resolute woman, and probably such a frightful creature as a mouse, which is now capable of frightening ladies nearly to death, had no terrors for her. In her husband's absence she kept house, and one day when a bear attacked a hog in the pen, she took down the rifle, went out and succeeded in driving the intruder away, though she could not kill him.
Amasa Bigelow, a brother of Mrs. Leman Ferry, settled near Ferry in 1816. His son Elijah made the first improvements upon the place. The four sons were Daniel, Timothy, Amasa, and Elijah. Amasa and Elijah did not reside permanently in Bloomfield. Daniel and Timothy passed their lrves here. One daughter, Jemima, married John Weed.
Samuel Eastman was an early settler in the northern part of the township west of the turnpike. He married Sophia Meecham, of Greene township. He was a most eccentric character.
Jared and Cyril Green came to the township
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in 1815, and settled on lot forty-six. Jared was then unmarried. Cyril married Polly Sherman, and she came with him. Cyril lived until 1874, when he died in his eighty-first year. He was favorably known as an enterprising, public-spirited man. Two years after the arrival of Jared and Cyril Green, their father, Jared Green, came out and settled. Besides the two above mentioned, his sons were Charles, Noah, Marcus, and Archibald. Charles returned East ; Jared, Jr., moved north ; Archibald is still a resident of the township. One daughter, Julia (Whitcomb), moved away.
In 1817 Thomas Howe, of Williamstown, Vermont, brought his family to this township, and settled in the southern part on lot eighty- five. He was born in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, in 1799, and in early life was a merchant. He carried on that business successfully a number of years in Williamstown. His wife, Clarissa, was born in Woodstock, Connecticut. Bolh were esteemed and honored throughout their lives. They had five children, all born in Vermont—Clarissa (Wilder), Thomas M., Dr. George W., Nancy (Green), and William H. Thomas M. and Mrs. Green are dead. The others all reside in Bloomfield. There was not a death in the Howe family until the youngest child was forty-six years old. Thomas M. lived in Pittsburg, and represented his district in Congress several terms. Dr. George W. has been a Representative to the Legislature, following in the footsteps of his father, and has held other honorable positions.
Hezekiah Howe came from Vermont in company with Asa Works, in 1817, and settled on lot sixty-five, where he still lives. He is now 1n the ninety-sixth year of his age. None of his sons now reside in the township.
Asa Works settled in 1817, where his only son Nelson now resides, on lot sixty-four.
Aaron Smith, about 1816, settled in the south of the township. Soon after his arrival he built a frame house, the first in the township. It is still standing, but has been removed to Bristol. Mrs. Smith's only child, a daughter, married Leonard Osborn and lives in Michigan.
Mayhew Crowell settled about a half a mile north of the center in 1815. His wife, Mehitabel (Howe) Crowell, died September 20, 1811, being the first death 1n the township. Her daughter Harriet was the first child born in the township. The Crowell family included five sons and three daughters, who arrived at mature years. All are now dead. Their names were as follows: Willard, Obadiah, Henry, Thomas, Roswell, Mehitabel (Bellows), Mercy, and Mary (Butler). Charles Thayer settled in the northwest of the township about the year 1816. None of the family now remain in Bloomfield. One son, Hiram, resides in Bristol.
John Bellows, about the same time, located one mile northwest of the center, One of his sons, Dr. Bellows, now resides in Michigan, William moved to Chagrin Falls. None are left here. The elder Mr. Bellows engaged in brick-making quite early. His brother Benjamin resided a while in lhis township.
Mr. Proctor, whose first name is not remembered, settled in the northern part of the township early. He was a strong Presbyterian and a good man. Two of his sons, Francis and Israel, lived and died in Bloomfield. Francis married Betsey Huntington, sister of 'Squire Brown's wife. She is still living. Mrs. Israel Proctor is also living.
Noyes Parker was a blacksmith and had a shop near Brown's mill. He made axes and scythes. One of his children was drowned in the mill-race about the second day after he came here to settle. Two or three years later an eight year-old son was drowned in the river, This so disheartened the parent that he gave up his business and moved away.
This, we believe, about completes mention of the Vermont families who made the early settlement.
Later, a number of English families established homes in the township. This class now forms more than half the population. They are industrious, thrifty, and excellent citizens.
Mr. William Haine was among the first of the English settlers of the township, and still resides here.
ORGANIZATION AND FIRST OFFICERS.
This township was organized by a special act of the Legislature, and received its present name in 1816. The first township officers were chosen on the 9th of April, 1817, at an election held at the house of Ephraim Brown and were as follows : Aaron Smith, chairman; Leman Ferry and Jared Green, judges of election; Cyril Green,
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township clerk; Jared Kimball, David Comstock, and Leman Ferry, trustees; Mayhew Crowell and Timothy Bigelow, overseers of the poor; Leman Ferry, Jr., and Lewis Clisby, fence viewers; Jared Green, Jr., and John Weed, appraisers of property; Jared Green, Jr., lister; Jared Kimball, treasurer; Samuel Teed, constable; Mayhew Crowell and Leman Ferry, supervisors,
ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS.
The following stories relative to early days in this township are taken mainly from a published historical sketch by Mr. George A. Robertson :
Many interesting incidents of early times are still remembered by the children of the early settlers, now gray-haired sires and grandsires, some of which deserve a place here.
The cows and hogs, while the settlers were commencing operations upon their farms, had nowhere to run except in the woods. The hogs were allowed much liberty during the summer, and in the fall as many of them as could be found were brought in and confined in rail pens to be fattened. But usually some of them would escape, and thus, in a comparatively short time, wild and ferocious hogs inhabited the forests; and when they had attained five or six years growth, their huge tusks and savage natures rendered them about as formidable as any wild beasts of the time. " Hunting the wild boar," the sport of the feudal and middle ages, so celebrated in the pages of song and romance, was occasionally revived here in the wilds of Ohio, and often many joined in it. Not unfrequently some unfortunate modern Adonis, would find himself too closely pursued and be compelled to take refuge in a tree to avoid destruction.
Mr. N. B. Ferry relates that often, when a boy, while hunting for the cows his dog would start a wild hog whose squealing would arouse others and attract them to the spot; and soon they would collect in such force as to drive him to a tree for safety, while the dog used every effort to keep from being rended in pieces by his savage pursuers.
TREED BY WOLVES.
One evening when Mr. N. B. Ferry was a boy he was out hunting for the cows, and not returning as soon as usual, his father started out to find him. Being unsuccessful in his search, he was 1eturning to the house, and when within a short distance of It he was startled by the howling of wolves. Fearing that he would not be able to reach his home, he climbed a tree and shouted for help, Several men who were boarding at his house each seized a gun and hastened to the spot, The wolves were easily frightened away. It was afterwards learned that they were not at first in pursuit of Mr. Ferry. Jared Green had killed a deer that day and dragged it home ; The wolves were following up the trail, and as Mr. Ferry unconsciously took the same course, they turned their attention to him.
TRAPPING A BEAR.
One night a cow belonging to Mr. Howe came up without her calf, to which she had given birth during the day. She was fastened for the night, and in the morning loosed, and the boys were directed to follow her as she would be sure to proceed to the spot where the calf had been left. The cow, on being untied, went some distance into the woods, and at length, coming to a clump of bushes, stopped and began lowing. This spot was undoubtedly the place where the calf had been left, but now it nowhere appeared. Traces of blood, and a trail where the calf had been dragged, pointed plainly to its fate. Following this trail a short distance, the boys found a portion of the carcass placed between two trees and covered over with leaves. They returned and related what they had seen to Mr. Norton, who had quite a reputation as a bear trapper. Accordmg he set a trap near the spot, and awaited developments. The next morning the. trap was sprung, but the bear was not in it. The remains of the calf were gone, too, and for some distance, no trail was found. Mr. Norton directed that search be made in a circuit of some distance around the spot, as he believed that the bear would carry his burden a short distance, and then drag it. He was correct in his knowledge of the habits of the bear, and soon the trail was found. After f0llowing it up, they discovered the remaining portion of the carcass where it had again been deposited and covered with leaves. Here Norton set two traps, attaching heavy clogs to them.
Next morning young Howe found the ground around the spot torn up as though a drove of hogs had been there. One of the traps had
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been sprung, but the bear had managed to get his foot out of it. The other had gone and with it the clog. Following the course which the bear had taken a short distance, Howe soon heard lhe sharp clink of the trap against the ;tones in the creek bottom near by. Norton then came up, and put his dogs on the trail. Soon their barking was heard, and hastening on the hunters found the bear endeavoring to climb a lree with the trap on one of his fore paws. Hindered by this and by the dogs, he soon fell, shot by the rifles of the men. He weighed over four hundred pounds, and was well worth the trouble it had cost to capture him.
PRACTICAL JOKING,
In their hunting expeditions these pioneers would occasionally strive to make some newcomer the victim of their fondness for joking. A fellow had come to the township of whose courage a very poor opinion was entertained. He became at one time a member of a hunting party who engaged in a hunt of several days' duration, camping in the woods at night. It was determined to have a little fun with him, to pass away the time. One of the company accordingly went quietly outside of the camp, and after all were quiet, began making strange, unearthly noises. The men who were in the secret paid but little attention to the sounds, the most of them apparently being sound asleep, But the new member of the party became visibly alarmed, and enquired what the noise was. He was told that it sounded like the howl of a catamount, and at this, his fear and discomfort were so great that he requested that he be covered with a large trough which was near the camp, so that the animal could not get at him. A day or two later he learned the cause of his alarm, and much of his cowardice disappeared.
HOWE'S DOG ARGUS.
In the spring of 1815 several settlers came to Bloomfield from Vermont. By their request Mr. Howe allowed a valuable dog belonging to him to accompany them. Argus was his name. But somewhere in New York State the dog deserted the men and they saw nothing more of him. Some months later Howe drove through with a horse and sleigh. On stopping at a tavern he was much surprised to find Argus there, who received his old master with every manifestation of delight. On asking the landlord how he came in possession of the dog, the landlord insisted that he had raised him from a puppy. Mr. Howe, though surprised at this claim, said, "The dog belongs to me and I can prove it. Here, Argus, get into that cutter and watch it ; and now, landlord, if you can remove anything from the cutter the dog is yours, otherwise he is mine." "All right," replied the inn-keeper, as he approached the sleigh ; but by no amount of coaxing or threatening could Argus be induced to allow him touch the robe or the whip. When Howe was ready to start he .told the landlord that he should not try to call the dog along, but Argus needed no special request, and readily became the traveling companion of his master. He reached the new settlement and there became a general favorite, acquiring much renown as a deer and bear dog.
RESCUE OF SLAVES,
As the people of Bloomfield were returning home from church one quiet Sabbath afternoon in the month of September, 1823, a negro with a woman and two children was seen on the turnpike. They appeared nearly worn out with much travel and almost ready to lie down and die. Those who saw them supposed, of course, that they were fugitive slaves, but communicated their suspicions to no one. About dark three men, the slave-owner, his son, and an attendant, rode up to the door of the tavern in the village, and inquired if the negroes had been seen. They were informed that they had gone on a short distance. The landlord advised the strangers to tarry with him all night, as they could easily overtake the objects of their pursuit in the morning. Havmg traveled very far that day and being much wearied, they consented. The slave-hunters retired early, asking the landlord to call them as early as possible in the morning. When it became known in the village that slave-hunters were at the tavern, the greatest excitement prevailed. The will to have the negroes escape was strong, and 'Squire Brown, backed by the public sentiment of almost the entire community, devised a plan to effect this result. He sent his covered wagon and a party of willing men, under cover of darkness, to overtake the runaways. About twelve miles from Bloomfield, in Rome, Ashtabula county, they learned that the objects
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of their search had been secreted in a certain house. They rode up to it, and on making known their object to its owner, were repulsed and ordered off his premises. Considerable expostulation and explanation ensued before he could be made to understand that their mission was a friendly one. But when satisfied of the sincerity of their intentions he allowed the Bloomfield men to take the negro family into the wagon. They then conveyed them south a short distance to a tavern kept by a Mr. Crowell, with a barn standing back of it in a field. Into this barn the wagon was driven and the doors securely closed.
Now let us go back to the Bloomfield tavern. Morning dawned, but for some inexplicable ( ? ) reason the landlord and his family were not awake as soon as usual. In fact, the first to awake and arouse the household was the slave-owner. The landlord apologized; didn't know when such a thing as his oversleeping had happened before; said he was much ashamed of himself ; and so on. He tried to dress, but one boot was missing. After much search it turned up in some unusual place. Then he proceeded to the barn; the door was locked and he had left the key in the house. Back to the house and then to the barn; the key didn't fit, and much time was wasted in unlocking the door. At length this was accomplished, and the horses were led out. Another discovery—each animal had lost a shoe and besides the hoof of one of them was badly broken. The owners thought the shoes of the horses were all right the night before; at least they had not noticed that any were missing. But they were missing now—that was evident, and the services of the village blacksmith were required before the impatient Virginians could proceed on their journey. Mr. Barnes, the smith, was not at his shop, and it required some time to hunt him up. Usually he was at his post early—a model of promptness. After he was found he had trouble in unlocking the door, and succeeded poorly in making a fire. He had not a nail in his shop, and used his last shoes in a job which he did the previous Saturday evening. Nails and shoes had to he made, but the blacksmith appeared in no hurry. At last the horses were shod, and about 9 o'clock the slave hunters started off. About noon they . drove up to the tavern in front of the barn where the wagon and the fugitives were. Through the cracks in the barn the happy negro family saw their pursuers start on. A little later the covered wagon emerged from its hiding place and returned to Bloomfield. Under the direction of 'Squire Brown a shelter for the fugitives had been prepared—a rude camp constructed between the roots of two upturned trees. Here the negroes remained, being supplied with food by the kindhearted people of Bloomfield until all danger was past. Then they were brought to a log cabin near the center, where they resided for some time, the man being employed by 'Squire Brown. At length they were put on a vessel at Ashtabula harbor and reached Canada in safety.
When the slave-hunters returned to Bloomfield, after a fruitless search north of this place, they were arrested on a warrant charging them with having run a toll-gate north of Warren. Supposing that the objects of their pursuit would take the State road to Painesville instead of continuing on up the pike, they had paid toll only to the former road. They were fined five dollars each and costs. The village tavern-keeper refused to admit them, or toi feed their horses. Some malicious mischief-maker removed the hair from the tails and manes of the horses while the owners of the team were at 'Squire Kimball's house, and pinned to one of the saddles a notice containing the following lines:
Slave-hunters, beware !
For sincerely we swear
That if again here
You ever appear,
We'll give you the coat
Of a Tory to wear.
This slave rescue was the first of a series of similar acts in which prominent citizens of Bloomfield took an active part. After the underground railroad was put in operation, it received sympathy and support from the good people of this region. Though there was hostility to the Abolitionists, and though liberal rewards were offered for the return of slaves to their owners, there never was, so far as known, an instance in which a runaway was betrayed.
EARLY EVENTS.
The first child born in this township was Harriet Crowell. The first male child was Charles Thayer.
The first death was that of Mrs. Mehitabel
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Crowell, in 1817; the second, that of Mrs. Hannah Brown, April 28,1818.
The first marriage ceremony was performed by Lyman Potter, Esq., of Bristol, in uniting John Weed and Jemima Bigelow.
The first sermon was preached by Mr. Cole, missionary, in Ferry's cabin in 1815. Mr. Badger, Congregationalist, preached soon after. The first sermon by a Methodist minister was preached in 1817 by Rev. Ira Eddy, in Mr. Thayer's house. Before any church was organized persons of different denominations united in holding meetings, where professors of religion offered prayer, and in the absence of a minister sermons were read and hymns were sung by those attending.
MILLS.
Aaron Smith was the first carpenter in the township, and in 1817 built for Ephraim Brown a saw-mill on Grand river, about two miles from the center. In 1819 a grist-mill was built upon the same stream, and managed by Leman Ferry, Jr., the first miller. This mill was 1n operation many years, with many changes in its ownership. It was in a bad site, and the cost of keeping up a dam was considerable.
Asa Law built for Mr. Brown a saw-mill on Center brook at an early day, about a half mile from the center.
William Haine's mill, in the northern part of the township, was built for him in 1855 by N. B. Ferry.
THE FIRST STORE
in the township was started by Ephraim Brown in 1816. He brought on a stock of goods from Boston, and having more than he could sell disposed of a part of them at Warren to Mr. Bentley. He built the store in Bloomfield, which is now French's shoe shop, and continued the mercantile business a number of years. Indians were sometimes his customers, trading venison for whiskey, tobacco, and other articles. A gallon of whiskey would purchase a side of nice venison. William A. Otis was the second merchant. He made a good start here, removed to Cleveland and became a prominent and wealthy man. He came to Bloomfield about 1823. His son, Hon. Charles Otis, is an ex-mayor of Cleveland.
THE VILLAGE HOTEL.
In 1818 Samuel and John Teed undertook the building of this house, but as they had not the money to finish the work, they sold out to 'Squire Brown, who moved in and kept the house a year or so, while his own residence was building. In 1823 Milo Harris succeeded as landlord and remained several years.
THE POST-OFFICE
in Bloomfield, now known as North Bloomfield, was established about the year 1817, with Ephraim Brown as postmaster. Mail was carried to and from Warren once a week by a horseback rider. Judge Eliphalet Austin, of Austinburg, Ashtabula county, was the first mail contractor on the Warren and Ashtabula route.
EARLY SCHOOLS,
The first school-house was a log structure erected on Leman Ferry's farm in 1817. The first school was taught in that house by Chester Howard in the winter of 1817-18.
A school-house of logs was built at the center quite early. The first term of school, however, was taught in Lewis Clisby's log cabin in the winter of 1819, by Noah M. Green. Elizabeth M. Huntington, now Mrs. Proctor, also taught school in the same cabin. She is now living, over eighty-eight years of age.
Chester Howard was a brother of Major Thomas Howe's wife, and during his lifetime taught forty-two winter and twenty-six summer terms. Some of his pupils, now gray-haired old men, still live and hold him in grateful remembrance.
REPRESENTATIVES,
This township has sent the following men to the Legislature in the order named : Thomas Howe, 1819; Ephraim Brown, Augustus Otis, George W. Howe, and J. K. Wing. Some of them served several terms.
PHYSICIANS.
Soon after the settlement of the township Dr. Reynolds, of Mesopotamia, came here to practice. The population of the township being small, he found this an unpromising field and removed after a short stay.
Dr. Benjamin Palmer next came, as early as 1824, and practiced twenty years or more with distinguished success. He was a New Hampshire man, well educated. The surrounding townships having no physicians, he had a wide field for usefulness, and built up a large practice.
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He left here having gained quite a large property for a country doctor.
The next physician was Dr. Hartman, now of Baltimore, Maryland. Other physicians have been quite numerous, as there has always been a doctor in the township since Dr. Palmer located.
Dr. G. W. Howe practiced in Bloomfield from 1847 till 1867. At the latter date he was appointed surgeon of the Pittsburg & Boston Mining company, and went to Lake Superior. Dr. A. O. Huntly assumed his practice, and is still continuing it successfully.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In 1818 Rev, Ira Eddy formed a class in this township. Charles Thayer was leader and seventeen members composed the organization. After a few years the religious interest died out somewhat, though occasional meetings were held by circuit preachers, generally in the old log schoolhouse in the southern part of Bloomfield. In 1830 a revival of interest took place and a number joined the church, which has since prospered steadily, Among the active members were Leonard Osborn and wife, Zimri Baker and wife, Willard Terrell and wife. Terrell was class-leader and a faithful worker. The church now has between one hundred and thirty and one hundred and forty members.
Through the combined efforts of the Methodists and Presbyterians, in about 1836 a house for public worship was erected, which was destroyed by fire later, through carelessness in taking up ashes and leaving them in the building.
In 1857 the two congregations built the church now standing, and continued to own and occupy it jointly until about seven years ago, when the Methodists bought the Congregationalists' share of the property. The house is a good one, pleasantly situated, and well furnished.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This church was organized as Presbyterian September 9, 1821, by Rev. Giles H. Cowles, missionary, and consisted of the following members : Leman and Elizabeth Ferry, Jared Kimball, and Jemima Chapman. The following were afterwards received : October 22, 1822, Asa and Olive W. Smith; September 27, 1823, Sybil Brown; June 5, 1825, Deacon John Barnes and Lucretia Barnes, Francis and Nabby Proctor, David Neal, William Root, and Charlotle Kendall; April 9, 1826, Noyes Parker, Ann Beckworth Bigelow; June 11, 1826, Calvin and Diadama Clark, Susan Parker; July 18, 1826, Eliza Otis; August 19, 1827, Philena Otis, Helen Hart, Sarah Comstock, David Comstock, Elijah Ballard, Joel Morley, Chauncy H. Latimer; October 5, 1828, George Haskell; January 4, 1829, Sally Teed, Pamelia Barnes, Mary Latimer, Julia Ann Wright. These were all the members prior to 1830.
Calvin Clark and Asa Smith were chosen deacons July 18, 1826. Elijah Ballard was chosen deacon January 14, 1832, and remained a faithful officer a long term of years until he was called from earth.
Among the early missionaries and preachers who ministered to this little flock were Revs. G. H. Cowles, J. W. Curtis, and Randolph Stone. Rev. Edson Hart was ordained pastor of the church June 6, 1827. In 1858 the church adopted the Congregational form of government. Slavery was the cause of the disruption. This society in conjunction with the Methodists built the house which the latter now occupy. During recent years they have met in the house built by the Disciples, from whom they purchased a half interest. The church, is in a good condition morally and financially. There are about seventy members. Rev. E. B. Chase is the present pastor.
THE DISCIPLES' CHURCH.
About 1827 Benjamin Alton, of Genesee county, New York, settled in this township. He was a man of much religious zeal, and was quite. early converted by the Methodists. In 1829 the citizens of Bloomfield at a public meeting resolved to unite in raising money to support preaching at the center school-house. This union was to allow the Presbyterians the use of the house one-half of the time, the Baptists and Methodists one-fourth, and the Unitarians one- fourth. Alton was engaged by 'Squire Brown to preach the portion of the time allowed to the Unitarians. He heard Thomas Campbell and became a convert to his views, and on announcing his belief the union exploded into fragments. Alton, however, continued to keep his appointments, and in 1830-31 converted several to his newly accepted doctrine. In 1832 he preached half of the time, holding meetings in a school-
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house. The first persons gathered into the Disciple fold were ten in number, viz: Mr. Nettlefield and wife, Benjamin Alton and wife, Mary Sager, Polly Green, Mehitabel Thayer, Nelson Works, Clarissa Wilder, William Parker, Revs. Hayden, Henry, Applegate, Bosworlh and others visited the little band and by their labors added other worshipers. In 1836 Mr. Alton moved to Illinois, carrying with him lhe best wishes and the prayers of the church in Bloomfield. In October of the same year Rev. Marcus Bosworth visited this place and measures were taken to complete an organization, which was effected October 19, 1836. New names were then added as follows : Ruhama Luse, William M. Bellows, Benjamin Bellows, Josiah and Rachel Bellows, Mary Ann Bellows, Henry G. Neal, Clarissa Neal, William Parker, Charles Thayer, Candace Green, Anna Sager, and Mariam Smith. Early preachers were Revs. Hayden, Henry Applegate, Hartzell, Cyrus and Marcus Bosworth, Clapp, and Collins; a little later Lucy, Brockett, Perky, Calvin Smith, E. Wakefield, W. A. Belding, C. C. Foote, and H. Reeves.
In 1848, under the preaching of Rev. Isaac Errett the Disciples doubled their numbers. In 1849 the house at the center was built and Isaac Errett became the first pastor. He remained two years.
April 19, 1840, Nelson Works and H. G. Neal were appointed elders. In 1842 John Sager was elected deacon. April 19, 1854, the officers, who had thus far been unordained, were ordained. Edwin Wakefield was ordained "to the work of an evangelist ;" Nelson Works and Charles Brown, elders ; John Sager, David Snyder, Chester Howard, and N. B. Ferry, deacons; Cyrus Bosworth, M. S. Clapp, Isaac Errett, and B. F. Perky were the officiating ministers.
To the unwavering faithfulness of Nelson Works, now for many years an elder, the church owes much of its prosperity. The present membership is about eighty. The church edifice, erected in 1849, cost about $ 1,600. In 1875 half of the church building and grounds were sold to the Congregationalists, who now occupy it one-half of the time. Good will and harmony prevails. The two congregations have remodeled, enlarged and repaired the church, added a steeple and bell, and made other improvements,
The Second Adventist have an organization and hold meetings at a school-house in the northern part of the township. This society has been in existence here some twelve or fifteen years and numbers some very good people among its members.
THE CEMETERY.
The chief burying-place in this township is the cemetery near the center. One acre of ground was given to the township by 'Squire Brown, and additional ground has since been purchased. The cemetery is a beautiful spot, lhickly shaded by evergreens and other ornamental trees. Interments were made at an early day, and here repose the pioneers, their life struggles ended.
Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife, 'Their sober wrshes never learned to stray; Along the cool, sequestered vale of life
They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.
In the northern part of the township, a small piece of land was purchased and laid out as a graveyard. But few interments have been made here.
TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY.
Bloomfield center: stores, William C. Savage, D. W. Smith, and J. W. Haine. Post-office, George W. Howe. Hardware, tinware, and furniture, T. J. Sealey.. Harness shop, R. Welchman.
Manufacturer of wind-mills, H. F. Headley.
Cheese factories: Center Brook factory, center, Kincaid & Little. Clover Hill factory, north part of the township, George E. Haine.
Grist-mill : William Haine, in the north of the township.
Steam saw-mills: Russell & Ackley, east of the center, and A. Canfield in the north.
Hay-bailing: Steets & Davis, east of the center.
MASONIC.
Rural lodge No. 3218, North Bloomfield, was granted a charter October 17, 1860. The following were the charter members: James Peirson, Horace Flower, George W. Howe, Chester Howard, Benjamin Cutter, Alvin A. House, Beriah Hill, Sumner Stoughton, Lucius S. Ball, William Harrington, Walker M. Price, and George W. Harrington. The lodge had been working under a dispensation from December 22, 1858. The lodge has steadily prospered
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ever since it was formed. At one time two hundred and eighty members belonged, but the organization of lodges in neighboring places caused several to withdraw, so that now only about seventy members are included in Rural lodge. The building in which the hall is, is owned by the lodge. They have pleasant rooms tastefully furnished, and are in excellent financial condition.
SCHOOLS.
The citizens of the village about fourteen years ago succeeded in establishing a special district at the center. A select school has been in progress about three years under the care of Professor Andrews. The school was divided into three grades, and Rev. Hiscock elected principal of the high school. He got the school into good working order, and it has since continued prosperous. Tuition scholars from abroad are received. Mr. Viets, the present principal, is now serving his second year in this school. The school-building is a substantial two-story frame house, used both for the school and as a town hall.
ROAD AND RAILROAD FACILITIES.
Bloomfield is on the Ashtabula & Warren turnpike, and is the southern terminus of the Painesville & Bloomfield plank-road from the northwest. The turnpike passes across the township from north to south, following a direct line a half mile west of the center line of the township. Just one mile east of the turnpike the Ashtabula, Youngstown & Pittsburg railroad crosses the township, uniformly straight, excepting one slight bend near the southern township line.
Before the railroad was opened, Bloomfield was comparatively far inland, and a journey to Warren, sixteen miles distant, was necessary whenever the inhabitants wished to go to market or visit the county-seat. Consequently the people formed the habit of living very much by themselves, and established stores and shops of almost every kind to avoid the necessity of frequent trips over the turnpike to Warren.
The railroad station, one mile east of the village, now affords great convenience to travelers and shippers of produce.
THE SWAMP.
The tamarack swamp was known far and wide as a favorite hunting ground for both white men and Indians. The tamarack trees grow very tall, and close together. Other kinds of soft wood are also found here. Fine oak timber, beech, maple, walnut, and hickory formerly covered the surface of the higher portions of the township, but tamarack, basswood, and poplar abound in and about the swamp. Whortleberry, or huckleberry bushes, covered many acres of ground, and almost fabulous numbers of quarts of berries were gathered in this swamp years ago. The ground has been burned over several times, and now but few berries can be found.
Formerly pigeons in countless numbers flocked to the swamp in autumn and spring, but hunting them has destroyed so many that only small flocks ever enter the swamp now.
The ground in this swamp was so wet in early years that a horse could nowhere cross it. Now it is easily crossed in almost any place, and if the process of draining continues to be carried on in a few years the great swamp will exist only in the memory of the oldest inhabitants. On an island, or rather a dry elevation in the midst of this moist land, the Mound Builders have left a memorial of themselves in the shape of three mounds. They are circular in form, and raised several feet above the adjacent surface. The largest is about fifteen feet in diameter, and five or six feet deep.
SETTLEMENT NOTES.
John Smith was born February 2, 1800, in Warwick, Massachusetts. His wife, Julia Ann Smith, nee Wright, was born at Northampton, Massachusetts, September 4, 1806. They were married December 31, 1829. Mr. Smith came to Ohio in an early day, and settled in Bloomfield township, south of the center. He cleared up a go0d farm, and lived upon it till his death. He died November 17, 1868; Mrs. Smith died April 16, 1870. Farming was Mr. Smith's occupation. He was well known as a surveyor; was justice of the peace many years, also town clerk. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were members of the Congregational church, formerly Presbyterian. There were four children in his family— Cornelia, born May 18, 1831; Justin E., born October 25, 1832; Dwight W., October 28, 1835; Mary Elizabeth, October 2, 1839; all born . in Bloomfield. Justin is deceased ; he died February 2, 1862, in hospital at Cincinnati.
Dwight Smith, son of John Smith, was born
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in Bloomfield, October 28, 1835. He has always resided in the township ; followed farming till 1872, then went into the mercantile business at the center. He was married May 28, 1856, to Miss Mary Richelieu, daughter of William P. Richelieu, of Scotland. William P. Richelieu was born November 5, 1805, in Scotland. Mrs. Richelieu was born May 28, 1807, in Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had five children— John W., born April 10, 1857; Lazette and Lafayette (twins) born March 28, 1858; Martha C., Aprrl 18, 1864; Justin D., October 14, 1868. Lazette, died August 30, 1873; Lafayette, September 6, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, also two of the children, are members of the Congregational church.
Hon. Thomas Howe was born in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, on the first day of February, 1779. His opportunities for acquiring an education were meagre; however, he improved the chances presented him to the best possible advantage. Early in life he devoted himself to mercantile pursuits, and eventually settled in Williamstown, Orange county, Vermont, where he carried on the business of a merchant successfully. In 1817 he moved with his family to Bloomfield, Ohio,—a family comprising wife and five children; his wife survived the subject of our sketch about one year, and the children are all living. Clarissa, wife of Thomas Howe, was born in Woodstock, Connecticut. She was a woman of exalted virtue and unbounded benevolence, exerting a Christian influence on all with whom she had intercourse. Her memory is treasured by her children. The late Hon. Thomas Howe several times represented Trumbull county in the Ohio Legislature, honorably to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He lived to be an octogenarian, and his whole life was one of exceeding worth, and fit for emulation by the youth and middle-aged, and even by those made venerable by the gray hairs of many years. The noblest tribute that either poet, sage, or sophist could not excel, is that expressed by his son, who has said that "he remembered no word or action of his lamented father he would wish changed for his memory's sake."
Dr. G. W. Howe, son of Hon. T, Howe, was born in Williamstown, Vermont, December 21, 1809. He was favored with the advantages for acquiring a good education, and he wisely improved the passing time. In the year 1817 he came to Bloomfield. During two winter seasons he taught school. September 25, 1832, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Austin ; from this union six children. have been born ; three are living. Mr. Howe studied medicine with Dr. Benjamin Palmer ; followed his profession forty-four years ; from 1862 to 1865 he was surgeon of board of enrollment ; near the close of the service he received a communication from the assistant provost-marshal-general, certifying that the skill and fidelity manifested in the discharge of his official duties were highly creditable to himself, and deserving special commendation; that there was only one surgeon that stood as high as himself. Dr. Howe has twice represented his people in the Ohio Legislature.
William H. Howe was born January 5, 1817, in Williamstown, Vermont. His father, Thomas Howe, was one of the original owners of the township. Mr. William Howe came to Ohio with his father in 1817. In 1832 he went to Pittsburg where he was engaged in mercantile business till 1845. He then went to Michigan and was among the first miners of copper about Lake Superior. He remained here two years, then returned to Bloomfield and went into business for his brother George. In 1864 Mr. Howe returned to Lake Superior and was engaged in mining seven years. During the war he was clerk in the provost office at Warren. In 1871 he went to Corry, Pennsylvania, where he was an overseer in a manufactory of pails, tubs, etc., for five years, then returned to Bloomfield township, where he has since resided. He was married in 1850 to Miss Malvina Flower, daughter of Hiram Flower, of Bloomfield. They have had nine children, four of whom are living. Mrs. Howe is a member of the Congregational church.
Asa Works, an early settler of Bloomfield township, was born in 1775 in Richmond township, New Hampshire. He came to Ohio in 1817 and settled in Bloomfield upon the farm now occupied by his son, Nelson Works. He purchased two hundred acres of Brown & Howe. The county was an unbroken wilderness at this time. Asa Works died in 1826, March 3d, aged fifty-one years. There were four children in his family—Nelson, Sophia, Mary,
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and Martha. Sophia is deceased. Mr. Works was a hatter by trade. Mrs. Works died Seplember 28, 1862, aged seventy-nine years. Mr. Works was a member of the Bible Christian church. Mrs. Works is a member of the Disciple church. Mr. Nelson Works has always lived in the township since he was six years old. Farming has been his chief business. He married Miss Delia Cleveland, daughter of William Cleveland, of Aurora. He had two children by his first marriage-Ellen A. and Laura J. Mrs. Works died January 25, 1852. Mr. Works was married again January 19, 1854, to Miss Harriet A. Booth, daughter of Peter Booth, of Greene township. She was born October 20, 1823. Mr. Nelson Works was born December 15, 1811, in Williamstown, Vermont. His family consisted of three children-Charles N., Lilian M., John B. Mr. and Mrs. Works are members of the Disciple church. Politically Mr. Works is a sound Republican. At the present time Charles is teaching in Youngstown; Lilian attending school at Hiram; John is at home; Ellen is teaching at Niles, and Laura is the wife of Dr. Ferrey, of Bloomfield.
William Haine, an old resident of Bloomfield township, was born in Somersetshire, England, February 18, 1806. His father, John Haine, was a native of England and lived and died in the old country. Mr. William Haine sailed from England April 11, 1835, landing on Prince Edward island after a passage of about thirty days. He soon went to Pictou, Nova Scotia, then to Castine, Maine, from there to Boston, from Boston to Ohio, where he had two sisters living in Bloomfield township, Trumbull county. Mr. Haine purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land of George Huntington, of Painesville, though the original deed was from 'Squire Brown. Mr. Haine began in the woods, or about the lame, as there was but a small clearing in which he started. He has cleared most of his present farm by his own hard labor. He was married April 11, 1836, to Miss Mary Haine, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Haine, of Somersetshire, England. They have had ten children-William J., Sarah, Lottie, Emma, George, Ellen, John, Clara, Charles, and Ellen (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Haine are members of the Methodist church, also the children. Politically Mr. Haine is a Republican,
John Sager was born April 12, 1810, in Bristol township. His father, William, was an early settler in Trumbull county. Mr. John Sager spent his entire life in. Bristol and Bloomfield townships. He came to• the latter in 1835 and settled upon the farm where his widow and daughter now live. The farm was formerly owned by George Norton. The many improvements now apparent have all been made by Mr. Sager. He was married April 12, 1835, to Miss Louisa Moffal, daughter of Hosea Moffat, of Bristol township. She was born July 11, 1816, in Orleans county, New York. They have had seven children-Mary, Martin, Sarah, Albert, Edwin, Sophronia, and Ella. Mr. Sager died April 2, 1881. Martin was killed at Malvern Hill, Virginia, July 28, 1864. He was in company A, Sixth Ohio cavalry. Sophronia died December 20, 1850. Ellen died May 29, 1871. Mr. John Sager was a member of the Disciple church, also Mrs. Sager and children.
Israel O. Proctor, an early resident of Bloomfield, was born February 4, 1796, in Manchester, Massachusetts. His father, Francis Proctor, was born February 28, 1818, at Ipswich, Massachusetts. His mother, Abigail Edwards, was born in Manchester, Massachusetts, August 30, 1784. There were twelve children in Francis Proctor's family : Isaac, Daniel, Francis, Israel, Arriel, Arriel William, Abigail, Abba, Eliza, Lucy, Ann, all of whom are dead. Mr. Israel Proctor came to Ohio in about 1819, and settled in Bloomfield township, and was a pi0neer in this part of the county. He began in an unbroken forest and cleared up a good farm, which he worked till his death. He was married October 2, 1833, to Miss Delana Cornell, daughter of Richard Cornell, of Schenectady, New York, She was born March 24, 1813. Mr. Proctor died March 5, 1843. There are four children in the family : Abbie, born July 19, 1834; Richard, born December 29, 1835 ; Israel O., born September 27, 1837; Lucy D., born March 26, 1840. Abbie (widow Northway) is at home with her mother. Richard is 1n southern Illinois, Israel in Montana, Lucy (widow Pinney) is teaching in Massillon, Ohio.
Joseph Knowles Wing, a son of Barri and Lucy Clary Wing, was born in Wilmington, Vermont, July 27, 1810. At sixteen years of age he left his home for a clerkship in a store in Al-
PICTURES OF EPHRAIM AND MARY R. BROWN
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bany county, New York, and came from there to Bloomfield, Trumbull county, Ohio, in June, 1831, where he now resides. He married, October, 1842, Mary, the eldest daughter of Ephraim and Mary Huntington Brown, of Bloomfield, who was born May 28, 1812. He has spent some thirty years of his life as clerk and proprietor in mercantile pursuits. On the breaking put of the civil war he was commissioned by President Lincoln captain and assistant quartermaster of United States volunteers, and brevetted major and lieutenant-colonel: served on the staff of General G. M. Dodge until the taking of Atlanta, was then ordered to Newbern, North Carolina, as acting chief quartermaster of the district of North Carolina, remaining there until the close of the war. In 1869 he was elected a member of the House in the State Legislature, and re elected in 1871. Their children are Mary Huntington, Elizabeth Brown, Virginia Passarant, died February 1871 ; George Clary, resides in Washington, D. C.; Francis Joseph, resides in Cleveland, Ohio; Julia King, and Anna Margaret
William C. Savage, a well known merchant of Bloomfield, was born in Middletown, Connecticut, April 25, 1823. His father, Amasa Savage, was also a native of Connecticut. He was a ship carpenter by trade and followed this occupation many years, and was master-builder of many a craft upon the lakes after his coming to Ohio in 1831. He settled in Ashtabula county and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1855. The "fated schooner" Washington was probably the last he had charge of building, in 1838 or 1839. There were f0urteen children in his family, eight girls and six boys, twelve of whom lived to maturity. Mrs. Savage died in 1865. Her maiden name was Sarah K. Hatch, of Weathersfield township, Connecticut. She was a devoted member of the Congregational church, as also was Mr. Savage in his latter days. William C. Savage, the subject of this sketch, came to Bloomfield in 1843. He has been engaged in mercantile business all his life. He was married in 1849 to Miss Martha L. Wright, daughter of Paul Wright, of North Hampton, Massachusetts. They have had but one child ; this died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Savage are members of the Congregational church and are sincere Christians, Mr. Savage is a deacon of the church. Politically he is a firm Republrcan and has held several of the township offices; has been town clerk, also was justice of the peace several terms and finally refused a re-election, thus showing the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow townsmen: He was also postmaster several terms.
Arthur V. Crouch was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, August 2, 1827, oldest son of George and Mary Crouch. George Crouch, born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1804, was a resident of Trumbull county some ten years. He married, m 1826, Mary, daughter of Arthur Van Wye, who was a pioneer in Weathersfield, where he settled about 1802. He was a soldier from Trumbull county 1n the War of 1812. Mrs. Crouch was born in Weathers- field in 1806 and died in 1848. A. V. Crouch in earlier years followed school-teaching some eight or ten years. Was a resident of Pittsburg some time where he was deputy county treasurer in 18518. From 1859 to 1874 he was connected with the Pittsburg Plow works, removing to Greene, Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1863, and conducting a branch business there, at the same time being engaged in farming and dairying. In April, 1881, he removed to Bloomfield, where he still resides. In 1858 he married Jennie F. McVey, who died in 1862. In 1864 he married Mrs. Mary F. Lewis, daughter of Captain Archibald Green, of Bloomfield, where she was born in 1842, and has six children, as follows: Martin L., Mary F., Florence M., Arthur V., Jr., Archibald G., and John B. Mr. Crouch was elected county commissioner for Trumbull county in 18718, and re-elected in 1881.
Alex. Wright was born in Ireland December 25, 1805, and came to America in 1819 in company with his mother. His father died before their coming to this country. Mr. Alex. Wright and mother came to Ohio and settled in Liberty township, Trumbull county, where he lived till he moved to Bloomfield township about 1853. His mother lived with her son John till her death in 1845. There were six children in her family —Nancy, Margaret, Jane, Mary A., John, and Alex. All are deceased. Mr. Alex. Wright located m Bloomfield township, about one mile north of the center. Farming was his chief occupation. He was married March 0, 1850, to' Miss Eliza Gilmore, daughter of James Gil-
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more, of Portage county. She was born October 6, 1826. Mr. Wright died January 12, 1878. Mr. Wright was a member of the Methodist church. Mrs. Wright is also a member. Politically Mr. Wright was a firm Democrat. He was highly esteemed by all.
L. Wellington Mears was born February 18, 1817, in Poultney, Vermont. His father, Joseph, was also a native of Vermont. The family is of English descent. Mr. L. W. Mears came to Ohio 1n 1832, in company with his mother, and located in Hubbard township, Trumbull county. He remained in Hubbard several years, then went to Sharon, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in the mercantile business about eight years. He was married in 1841, March 24th, to Miss Amanda Flower, daughter of Horace Flower, of Bloomfield township. They have had five children, three of whom are living— Byron, Albert, William, Horace, and Ida; Albert and Horace are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mears came to Ohio in 1848, and settled at first in Mesopotamia, and lived there about three years, then came to Bloomfield, where he has since resided. Mr. Mears is at the present time traveling in the West for a hardware house of Chicago. Mrs. Mears is a member of the Congregational church. In political matters he is a Republican.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
EPHRAIM BROWN.
It is impossible within the limits of a short sketch to give an adequate idea of the character, or to detail particular events in the life of Ephraim Brown. His father, whose name was also Ephraim, resided at Westmoreland, New Hampshire, and was much esteemed for his many excellent qualities. His mother was Hannah Howe, a woman of deep religious feeling. The family consisted of ten children, of whom Ephraim, born October 27, 1775, was the oldest. Mr. Brown owned a small farm and by adding to its productions the fruits of occasional labor in some mechanical pursuit, his large family was comfortably supported until he lost all his property by going security for a friend, a loss from which he never recovered. It thus happened that the eldest son, at an early age, became the main support of a large family. This misforlune of his father offered him afield for the exercise of that indomitable perseverance which was so conspicuous an element of his character. At this formative period of his life the engrossing labor which circumstances threw upon him was not allowed to interfere with his intellectual cullure. He read the best books obtainable, and sought the society of the best people in his neighborhood and wherever business called him. It is inferred from letters still in existence that he soon became a young man of some mark, for his advice was sought by elders, and his judgment received with much deference. C0nsider. able of his correspondence at this early period related to moral, religious, and political subjects. He shows in these lelters habits of earnest and honest thought, always ready to listen to argument, and when convinced-of error always ready to renounce it. For example, when a young man he joined the Masonic fraternity, but years afterwards, when a young man sought his advice on the subject of joining he expressed The Opinion that with advanced civilization the need of such societies was past.
Being a man of broad and tender sympathies Mr. Brown very early in life conceived a bilter hatred of the system of slavery, then fast growing into a political power, which sixty years it required the whole energy of the nation to suppress. In a letter written in 1807 to a Southern relative, who had located in the South and was endeavoring to persuade him to follow by arguing the superior facilities for making money in that section, Mr. Brown questioned the method by which wealth might be acquired so rapidly by "commerce in human flesh," and added, "I have been taught from my cradle to despise slavery, and wrll never forget to teach my children, if any I should have, the same lesson." The same letter contains sentiments thirty years afterwards given public :utterance by William Lloyd. Garrison and other distinguished abolitionists.
Mr Brown inherited from his mother deep religious feeling, which was strengthened by analytic habits of thought and extensive reading. But he distinguished between real piety and the mere semblance of religion, and his whole life
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was characterized by a high moral tone. His denunciation of evil was always vigorous and sometimes alarming to the more conservative and temporizing souls about him. His love of freedom and habits of thought prevented him from being closely associated with societies of any kind, though as an individual he was always industrious and kind.
As early as 1803 Mr. Brown became engaged in mercantile pursuits in connection with Thomas K. Green, of Putney, Vermont, who had charge of the business at that place, and Mr. Brown managed the branch at Westmoreland, and continued in business until his removal to Ohio in 1815. In the meantime he had represented his town in the Legislature several times. He was married on November 9, 1806, to Mary Buchanan, eldest daughter of Gordon and Temperance (Huntington) Buchanan. She was born at Windham, Connecticut, August 29, 1787; while yet a child her father and mother removed to Walpole, New Hampshire. She was a woman of talent, which she cultivated during her whole life. She taught school before her marriage; her attainments were therefore of a solid character.
In the year 1814 Mr. Brown formed a partnership with his uncle, Thomas Howe, and purchased of Peter C, Brooks, of Boston, township seven, range four, of the Western Reserve, since known as Bloomfield, to which place he removed his family in the summer of 1815. The journey was accomplished in six weeks and the family reached its future home July 16, some preparations having been previously made for its comfort and support. The two partners, Messrs. Brown & Howe, were in business temperament and character the antipodes of each other. The former was energetic, pushing, and fearless; the latter slow, hesitating and doubting. It is not strange that two such men should soon dissolve business relations. Mr. Howe after a short tune retired from the partnership, and Mr. Brown as sumed the burden of the debt, which in a few years, by the most scrupulous economy, unresting industry, and fortunate thriftiness was fully discharged.
A few years after Mr. Brown's settlement in Bloomfield (in 1819) the Ashtabula & Trumbull Turnpike company was formed and chartered under the laws of Ohio. Mr. Brown took an active part in pushing this enterprise, which at that time looked like an enormous undertaking, to a successful completion. For many years he maintained a ceaseless care for the interests of the company and the preservation of the road. The post-office at Bloomfield was secured through his influence. Within seven years after the first settlement of Bloomfield daily four-horse mail- coaches passed through the place on their route between the lake and the Ohio river. Land rapidly advanced in value, and the more thrifty settlers were soon able to improve their homes.
Mr. Brown was several times a member of the General Assembly, and always gave his potent influence to measures looking toward material improvement and educational advancement. His love of freedom was active, and influenced his whole conduct. The effort of a prominent religious sect in 1822 to dominate in politics, was condemned and resisted as strongly as the effort of the slave power to rule; the country in after years. In his younger years he was a Jeffersonian Republican, and an avowed abolitionist always. He always offered assistance and protection to fugitive slaves, as is shown by instances elsewhere narrated.
The title of colonel was conferred upon Mr. Brown in New Hampshire, not, however, on account of any military service. He was captain of a company of militia, and promoted Governor's aid with the rank of colonel.
It has been said of Mr. Brown that he never sought or desired fame, but in a certain sense he won what was better than fame—the perfect respect and confidence of all who were capable of appreciating such a character. An intimate friend at the time of his death said in a letter, "In his social relations he was distinguished for his kindness, benevolence, and hospitality ; in his business transactions for prudence, promptness, and integrity. Throughout a long and active life he eminently sustained the character of a patriot, philanthropist, and an honest man." He died of paralysis after a short illness, April 7, 1845, being in the seventieth year of his age.
Mrs. Brown was a woman of great excellence as wife, mother, neighbor, and friend. A life of well directed study gave her broad culture ; a knowledge of the world widened her sympathies, and tenderness of feeling made her charitable. In her family she was gentle, loving, and interesting. In the social circle her influence was
400 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
elevating and refining. Her death occurred January 26, 1862.
The family consisted of nine children : Alexander, born in 1807, lives in Bloomfield; George W., born in 1810, engaged in business in Pittsburg and died in Bloomfield in 1841; Mary, born in 1812, married to Joseph K. Wing and resides in Bloomfield; Charles, born m 1814, died in South Carolina in 1880; Elizabeth, born in 1816, resides in Bloomfield; James Monroe, born in 1818, died 1867 in Massillon; Marvin Huntington, born in 1820, resides in Painesville, Ohio; Fayette, born in 1823, resides in Cleveland, Ohio; Anne Frances, born in 1826, resides in Bloomfield.
HENRY CROWELL.
Henry Crowell was born in Grafton, Vermont, in the year 1802. His father, Mayhew Crowell, emigrated from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, residing in Grafton for a term of years and finally removed with his family to Bloomfield, Trumbull county, Ohio. His maternal relative, Mahitable Crowell, was the sister of Major Howe, formerly of Bloomfield, and cousin of Ephraim Brown, Esq., of the same township.
The subject of this biographical sketch removed with his parents from his Vermont home to Bloomfield in the year 1815. The journey was accomplished by means of ox teams and was necessarily slow and tedious, six weeks being consumed before they reached its termination, a distance which can now be overcome in less than twenty-four hours. For miles in many places they had to cut their way through dense forests, where the settler's axe had never before swung, bridging streams and camping out nights.
This journey proved no pleasure excursion. Few in these days of good roads and easy locomotion can appreciate the trials, privations, and suffering incident to pioneer life in those times when these little bands, severing the ties of old associations, poor in purse but strong in will, went forth in the early twilight of our Nation's history sowing the seeds of empire and breaking the way for future generations in the great West.
Arriving at Bloomfield, which at that time was a dense wilderness broken here and there only town, by small clearings, few and far between, his father located a tract of land, a portion of which he ultimately sold to his son Henry, who, with characteristic industry, proceeded to clear and prepare it for cultivation, .erecting a dwelling thereon. In the year 1832 he was united in marriage with Miss Almeria Saunders, the 1esult of which union was five sons and two daughters; five of these seven children are still living.
In the year 1865 he removed to Cleveland, Ohio. Here he afterwards resided until his death, which occurred September 20, 1881, in the eightieth year of his age, he being the last member of a family of twelve. His temperate, orderly life, combined with habits of well regulated industry, prolonged his years far beyond the average span of existence.
He was a man of sterling integrity, most eminently just in all his dealings, never having a quarrel or case of litigation in the entire course of his life. So sweetly ordered were all his ways that in the beaten path of his daily walk and conversation he never made an enemy or lost a friend. Peaceful, quiet, and unostentatious; firmly grounded in his religious convictions, beneath a calm exterior flowed the tides of kindly thought and feeling with scarce a surface ripple, but strong, resistless, pure, and holy. He lived a noble example of the possibilities of a religious culture which rounds into symmetrical beauty the best types of an exalted Christian manhood.