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CHAPTER XVII.
BAZETTA.
The original proprietors of the land now contained in this township were David Huntington, Nathaniel Shalor, Samuel P. Lord, Sylvester Mather, and Richard McCurdy; and it embraces by the land company's survey 17,247 acres. Afterwards a special survey was made for these proprietors by David Wolcott, when it was found that the former survey was in error by two hundred and seventy-five acres short, the surplus accruing to the purchasers. The above-named
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persons formed a company and received the deeds of the lands from the Connecticut Land company, dated September 20, 1798. In 1802 the company formed by the proprietors, as above mentioned, had the land surveyed in separate portions and divided among themselves. Nathaniel Shalor received for his share the northern part of the tract beginning at lot number one and extending to lot number thirty-seven, Inclusive, comprising in all 7,300 acres, David Huntington received lots numbers eight and thirty-four. Sylvester Mather received lots numbers thirty-nine and sixty-five, inclusive, and altogether amounting to 4,469 acres. Richard McCurdy received lots numbers sixty-six and ninety, and all inclusive, or 4,118 acres. S. P. Lord received lots numbers ninety-one and one hundred on the southern border, and all inclusive, or 1,635 acres. From these proprietors the early settlers made their purchases, and soon the settlement of Bazetta began.
LOCATION AND BOUNDARY.
This township is the central one of the twenty-five townships which now comprise Trumbull county, and its central point therefore is the center of the county. On this account some years ago an effort was made to have the county seat located here; but other influences were then more potent than the convenience of a central location for the court-house and the business of the county. The oldest settlement having been made at Warren, and the settlement of the township itself having been made 1n the northeast corner the project of removal of the courthouse proved unsuccessful,
Bazetta as now constituted is bounded on the north by Mecca, east by Fowler, south by Howland, and on the west by Champion. The natural drainage is effected by Mosquito creek, which enters the township a short distance east of the central part of the north boundary, and after receiving several tributaries, mostly from the east, and flowing directly southward, leaves the township at a central point on the south,
This creek divides the township almost into halves, and in former times formed a boundary line of distinction between the settlers on the east and west side. Those of the west side were known as "west-siders," and those on the east as "east-siders,"
Confusion run is a tributary of the Mosquito, and takes its rise in the northeast part of lot fifty-one, southeast of Cortland, and flowing southwest empties into the Mosquito in lot eighty-six. The singular name of this creek originated from the following incident of early times:: Benjamin Rowlee, Henry K. Hulse, and another man whose name cannot now be remembered, were in the neighborhood on some expedition, and the wilderness was so dense, the roads unmarked, and the signs of civilization so under fined that they became lost, and in wandering through the woods would come upon thrs little stream, from which they would take their "bearings" and again attempt to find their way to the settlement, but time and again they lost their way and would find themselves at the creek again. So they very appropriately called it "Confusion," by which name it is known to this day.
The soil in the western part of the township is mostly clay; the eastern portion is a mixture of sand and gravel, and is generally productive, In 1880 the estimated products were 8,103 bushels of wheat, 14,223 bushels of corn, 2,433 tons of hay, 192 bushels of flax-seed, 28,155 pounds of butter, 298,558 pounds cheese, 21,005 pounds of maple sugar, and in the spring of 1881, 687 gallons of maple syrup. The timber is largely of maple, beech, and chestnut, and various other kinds common to this section of the State.
The Atlantic & Great Western railroad extends diagonally across the township from northeast to southwest, with the main station at Cortland. Several stone quarries have been opened in the township, especially in the southwest, from which the stone peculiar to this section, elsewhere described, is found in abundance,
POPULATION AND INDUSTRIES.
The first settlement having been made at what is now Cortland, this locality has still maintained the center of population in the township, while the west and southern parts, however, are thickly settled. Many large farms are located immediately east of Cortland, but west of the west center road they are divided into smaller tracts, growing larger, however, toward the south and southeast.
The industries are generally confined to the ag-
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rrcultural department, while there is some attention paid to stock-raising, grazing, etc.
MILLS AND FACTORIES.
The only flouring-mill in Bazetta is operated by J. H. & M. C. Post, and is located in the southeast part of the village of Cortland. The building is a frame, two stories high; has a basement wall of stone sixteen feet high, and three run of buhrs, with the usual capacity, propelled by both steam- and water-power. The same firm has also a steam saw-mill at the same place which has a capacity of three thousand feet per day. The trade is steady and increasing, necessitating the employment of five and six hands, and altogether embraces the most flourishing and successful industrial enterprise in the township.
THE DIAMOND CHEESE FACTORY
is now owned by Richard & Rose, and was built by David Everet in 1875. The factory now has a capacity of about ten boxes per day.
THE CORTLAND CHEESE FACTORY
is the largest factory in the township, and was built about 18618. It is now operated by a stock company, each stockholder a patron, partaking mutually and in proportion to the amount of milk he furnishes. At the present time the milk is brought in by farmers from a large section of the country, and representing the product from eight hundred cows, from which the factory, under the management of F. G. Kingdom, produces about twenty-three cheese per day. Butter is also extensively manufactured. Lewis Oatley is the business manager, who sells the products, the receipts of which—averaging about twenty-five cents for butter and ten cents for cheese—is divided among the stockholders.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settler in Bazetta was Edward Schofield, who came to the township about 1804, and settled on the farm now owned by N. A. Cowdery, on lot twenty-two. He was born in Connecticut in 1777, and came to the Reserve in 1797. He assisted in surveying lots in many of the townships and finally settled in Bazetta, alone, with his nearest neighbor five miles distant. In 1817 he was elected to the State Legislature. He was a pious man, often preaching the gospel to the early settlers, and was largely instrumental in founding the early religious organization of the township. He is remembered as a generous and liberal man, eminently given to hospitality.
About the same time with Schofield John Budd and family came and settled south of Schofield, on the farm now owned by William B. Kennedy—lot thirty-two. After him came Henry K. Hulse, and settled on the farm now owned by Ephraim Post--lot eight—north of Schofield and Budd ; also Joseph Pruden came and settled north of Hulse, on the present William Davis farm—lot nine. John Godden came about this time, but he did not live long, having died about 1810, and was buried in the orchard lot on the Davis farm. Joshua Oatley and Moses Hampton also came about this same time.
These constituted the settlements made in Bazetta up to the year 1811. In the spring of this year William Davis, Sr., came from Pennsylvania and settled where Mr. Pruden had first settled, now owned by his son William, where he planted the first orchard in the township. He was accompanied to the new settlement in Ohio by his wife, who yet lives in Bazetta, and is the oldest living settler in the township. She was born in New Jersey July 1, 1784, and is a granddaughter of General Stark, of the Revolutionary war ; her maiden name was Ann Luce, At the age of four years her father moved to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where she was afterward married to William Davis, January 1, 1804. She was soon left, by the misfortune of her husband, with a large family and considerable debt on the farm; but being possessed with remarkable energy, a good constitution, and health, she inspired her children with energy and perseverance that soon cleared the farm of debt. She was left a widow in 1860, the long illness of her husband finally ending in his death.
Mrs. Davis was one of the original members of the Disciple church, and is the only surviving member of that pioneer band. In addition to her own large family she gave a home to three orphan children, who were the subjects of her care with her own. She is now in her ninety- seventh year, and for several years a cataract in the eyes has almost totally destroyed her vision, and the past few years have rendered her frail in body and mind, but she has tender care from
PICTURE OF WILLIAM B. KENNEDY
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solicitous children, and her last days, so far as human hands can minister, will be smoothed peacefully down to the end.
Soon after Mr. Davis, Benjamin Rowlee came with quite a large family of young men and women, also widow Dixon and family, James Parker, and Moses McMahon with their families. In the following year (1812) the war commenced, which very much retarded the growth of the Bazetta settlement, and which also affected the prosperity of the pioneers for some time. The men of the settlement, with their neighbors throughout the section of country, who were capable of bearing arms, were soon called upon to leave their just begun work when most it needed their care, and go in defence of their country. The oat crop was then ready for gathering, and some of the fields had been mown down, and yet lay in the swath. Some was standing, but the men had to leave all and go.
In these early times very lrttle could be lost without serious damage to the meager supply of the pioneer, whose simplest wants were hardly supplied by the hardest toil.
Let us turn back a leaf in the history of Bazetta, and see an example of patriotism, and especially of female courage and hardihood as shown by the early mothers of the township. The men were gone at their country's call, and the harvest stood half cut.in the fields, and was fast going to waste, and they could ill afford to lose it. They saw that it depended upon them to save the harvest, while they already had the care of large families and the various other household duties to perform, but with commendable spirit and hardy ambition they repaired wrth their little ones to the fields, and having arranged for the keeping of the infants in the shades of the forest by the older children, they, with sickle, pitchfork, and rake in hand, entered the fields, and saved the grain. On the return of the men they found the harvest well cared for and the other work of the household and farm had suffered but little 1f any during their absence.
Among those who were called away at this time were Henry Hulse, Benjamin and Constant Rowlee, James and Walter Dixon, William Davis, and Samuel Tanner. After a few skirmishes with the Indians at Sandusky they all returned safely home except Walter Dixon, who had been wounded but who subsequently recovered.
At this time the larger part of the township was almost an unbroken forest, with here and there a log hut, some of them without floor, save the ground; no doors except what were provided by hanging bed quilts across the opening. The windows were made by holes cut through the logs or the mud chinking, over which greased paper was pasted. The better cabins were provided with puncheon floors, but at best they were rude cabins and but meagerly furnished. The pioneer had little time and perhaps less desire to provide himself with luxurious comforts; his life was one of toil and privation, and was spent before the days of luxuries came, His strong frame, bent with toil, lies in the rural graveyard, and hrs hardened hands lie folded and quiet at last, while others reap where he has sown.
WILD ANIMALS
were very plenty, and every man was necessarily provided with a dog and gun ; and most of the meat on which the pioneers subsisted was obtained from the wild animals of the forest. Deer, bear, wolves, turkeys, and other animals were common game in these days. The howling of the wolves made the night hideous, and it was with difficulty that the sheep and other domestic animals could be kept from being devoured by them. The pioneers were compelled then to keep a few sheep to provide wool for clothing, and for the purpose of keeping them from the wolves a high, closely-built pen had to be built in which, after being herded by the boys during the day, they were securely fastened at night. Many of the settlers were unable to provide enclosures for their stock, and were compelled to turn them loose in the forest to feed, first having put bells on them. William Davis relates that at one time he had so turned his horses out, and desiring to do some ploughing he started to find his horse, and following the sounds of the hell he found the mother of a young colt fighting five wolves that were tearing . the colt to pieces. He procured one of the other horses and went immediately for his gun and dog, and when he returned the dog made an attack on the wolves, but was soon overpowered and returned beaten to his master; as the wolves followed the dog Mr. Davis killed one of them,
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and secured the hide and scalp, for which he afterwards received $7. Very often whole flocks of sheep were destroyed by the wolves, thus causing the early settlers no little annoyance and serious loss.
Bears were also very destructive to the swine that the owners were compelled to allow to run in the woods to procure their own feed upon which they were fattened. The sagacious brute after seizing its prey seemed to anticipate pursuit for his theft, and would seek some place where he would have a commanding view of his surroundings. One favorite place for one of these animals was on the roots of a tree in the vicinity of the Davis farm, where he would carry his victim and where the well-picked bones would afterwards be found. The bears when killed, as they often were, furnished meat if young, and if they were somewhat old they would be rendered into oil for the lamps.
Deer were very plenty in the fall, and the settlers killed very many of them for venison and from their hides manufactured their own clothing. The dressing of the hide was done by soaking it in a brine made by the brams of the animal and warm water. The hair was removed by rubbing with a kind of knife, after which the hide was allowed to remain in the brain water for some time, then taken out, stretched, pulled, and rubbed until it assumed the desired state ready for manufacturing into pants, jackets, etc., the common article of clothing for the early settlers.
Wild turkeys were more common than any game except squirrels, and the boys were compelled to keep watch over the buckwheat patches to prevent the wild turkeys from destroying the grain. When it is remembered that if the buckwheat crop was a failure, Pittsburg was the nearest market where grain could be bought, and that, with the scarcity of money, made the watch over the growing crops a very necessary precaution, upon which depended that very common pioneer article of diet, the old-time buckwheat cakes.
In 1816 Samuel Bacon and family came to Bazetta, and at that time there were very few more families here than those mentioned. He had formerly (1807) settled above Warren on the Mahoning, where he had purchased a farm of sixty acres, but in the above year he traded for the mill here, then owned by Bentley & Brooks, which was operated by the family from that time until 1850, and was the only saw-mill in the neighborhood. They built the upper dam about 1829, the grist-mill having been built by Mr, Schofield about 1812.
The settlement made by Mr. Bacon was destined to become the starting point of the principal settlement and ultimately the only village of the township, indications of which were soon apparent. He had erected at this point the first frame building in the township, and soon after the community began to increase in population and the land was laid out in lots and other initial steps were taken for the building of a town, In 1829 Enos Bacon, son of Samuel, opened the first store in the little town—then and for a long time afterward known as Bacons- burgh. After the completion of the railroad through the village the railroad company named the station at this place Cortland, since which time the town has been known by that name.
CORTLAND.
This is the only town in Bazetta township, and is pleasantly situated on the New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio railroad, in the northeastern part of the township. It is now a thriving town of six hundred and fourteen inhabitants, and contains three churches, two newspapers, stores, mills, and other industries and business operations and enterprises. Two hotels and two livery stables provide for the wants of the traveling public. H. G. Bacon in the principal dealer in groceries of all kinds, and C. C. Clawson is largely engaged in a dry goods and general mercantile business. J. A. Bradford deals in all kinds of furniture. These are a few of the prominent business firms of the village.
INCORPORATION.
The town was formally incorporated in 1874, and at the first election under the incorporation the following officials were chosen : Asa Hines, mayor; W. W. Post, clerk; E. A. Faunce, treasurer; Joseph Young, marshal; A. S. Gilbert, R. D. Larned, T. H. Post, M. Bacon, M. Craft, and A. G. Miller were elected councilmen.
NEWSPAPERS.
The Cortland Gazette was established May 19, 1876, and is devoted to general and local news, and has for its motto "One country, one currency, and a credit based upon coin," The
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paper was first started by W. A. Craft, publisher, and John Johnston, editor. The latter has since become sole proprietor.
The Cortland Era is a sprightly little paper, and has for its object " the greatest good to the greatest number." It is independent in politics and is issued by Caldwell & Hardy.
SCHOOLS.
Cortland is more noted for its educational advantages, her citizens having made special efforts in securing the location of a large and commodious union school-building, fitted with all the modern facilities for educational pursuits,
CORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL.
Cortland high school was established by a special act' of the Legislature, and was opened for the admission of students September 3, 1877. The aim and scope of the school is, in many of its features, distinctly different from that of the ordinary high schools. The aim of the board of education is to furnish, not only to the citizens of Cortland, but also to the citizens of Trumbull and adjoining counties, a school of high standing, in which thorough preparation may be made for college, for the important work of teaching, or for the duties of active life. A liberal patronage and an increased interest in the great cause of education has rewarded their efforts.
The high school building stands upon an elevated plat of ground overlooking the village of Cortland and many miles of the surrounding country, affording scenery of great natural beauty. The building is new and commodious, consisting of five well heated, lighted, and ventilated rooms, furnished with comfortable sittings, and with charts, globes, and other apparatus necessary for the school-room. Attendance (1881), ladies 218, gentlemen 14, and non-residents 21,
EARLY SCHOOLS.
The pioneer school-house of Bazetta was built in the valley immediately above the present Cortland Cheese factory, on Walnut creek, This was a small, rude structure of unhewn logs, and as rudely furnished. The windows were made by cutting out a part of a log here and there, and over the apertures thus made oiled (real bear's oil) paper was pasted. The paper, however, had previously been used as copy books, and hence the windows of the pioneer academy were well decorated with those hieroglyphic characters commonly known as "pot-hooks," ,and such familiar mottoes as "Honesty is the best policy."
The writing desks were constructed by boring holes in the wall, or logs, in which wooden pins were driven; on these boards were laid, and the desks were complete.
The course of study and supply of books were exceedingly limited, and embraced in the furthest advancement the well known acme of mathematical knowledge called the "single rule of three," now known as proportion.
When the old school-house was abandoned another one was built somewhat better, but after the same plan, and was erected about 1814. The cause of education soon received special and earnest attention from the people of this township, and as it became more settled and the population increased the various localities, as soon as circumstances would allow, were supplied with the usual common school facilities.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The first meeting appointed for this society in Bazetta was held March 10, 1841. Morris Headley was appointed moderator, and J. W. Peck clerk. At the election which ensued J. A. Root, Constant Rowlee, and Lucius Peck were chosen as trustees; Silas Leonard and Joel Casterline, collectors; J. W. Peck and Joel Casterline, choristers. At this meeting the subject of building a house of worship was discussed and decided upon favorably, Nathan Latin presented a proposition to donate the site of the new church on his land at the center, and another was presented by Ezra Marvin for the erection of the house on the corner near his present residence.
A vote being taken it was decided to build the church at the center, which they immediately proceeded to carry into execution, The society was afterward incorporated uncle' the act of the Legislature of the State, passed January 21, 1842.
The society was then incorporated as the First Presbyterian and Congregational church society of Bazetta, in which Lucius Peck, Joseph A. Root, and their successors in office were elected a body politic and corporate, known by the name above mentioned. The present pastor is Rev. R, A. Davis.
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THE DISCIPLES CHURCH.
The pioneer religious organization was effected by the Baptists about 1818. The members of this pioneer society held their meetings at private houses and in the school-houses. Edward Schofield was the leading member of the society and frequently officiated as minister. Mrs. Ann Davis is the only person now living who belonged t0 this pioneer band. This organization was afterwards merged into what is now known as the Disciples church, and the well-known leaders in the new faith—Adamson Bentley, Walter Scott, Hayden, Headley, and others, often ministered to the members of this society.
The society is now in a flourishing condition in the village of Cortland.
The present church building was remodeled in 1875 and now has a baptistry and prayer-rooms, with ample seating capacity for the present membership of about two hundred. Rev. D. P. Thayer is the present pastor, and the present board of elders is composed of the following persons, namely: N. A. Cowdery, S. Hulse, and Aaron Davis; deacons, E. Barnes, H. McHanah, and H. G. Bacon. The Sabbath-school numbers about one hundred pupils.
This denomination also has another society at West Bazetta, which was organized December 16, 18418, by Calvin Smith. The official board is composed of Levi Bush and Alden Faunce, overseers; and Ellis Pierce, Joseph Sage, and Jacob Drce, deacons.
In 1853 this society was constituted an incorporate body, of which Stephen Mott, Hiram Wilber, and Joseph Dilley were chosen trustees, and John Diehl clerk.
The Disciples in the east part of the township met on September 7, 1852, and an organization was effected. At that time the association was called "The Church of God," and the official board was composed of Hervey Post, Moses Bacon, and Aaron Davis trustees, and Leman Palmer clerk.
These societies are now in a flourishing condition, and with commendable zeal bearing their respective part in the moral and religious work in this township.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
From the best authority, in the absence of the records, the date of the organization of this society was about 1830. At this time the first building was erected, but the rapid growth of the society soon necessitated the building of a new edifice, and the old church was abandoned, and was refitted for a hall. The new building was begun in 1879, and is now (1881) finished. It is a large and commodious brick structure of modern architecture, with audience rooms having a seating capacity of over four hundred, also lecture room, basement, and other chambers, eight in all. The society now has a membership of about one hundred and twenty, formed into four classes, of which C. C. Clawson, Mahlon Craft, and F. A. Richards are the leaders. The board of trustees is composed of Solomon Cline, Mahlon Craft, C, C. Clawson, A. J. Lamed, August Hayden, B. F, Meek, and F. A. Richards; and the present pastor is Rev. J. H. Starrett.
THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.
This denomination has organized several societies in the township. The one in Cortland was organized in 1869, when the church building was erected. Rev. W. H. Millar Was the first pastor. He came from Portage county, and took charge of this congregation, and the one in the south part of the township, The board of trustees, elected at the quarterly conference at the time of the organization, was composed of Rev. W. H. Millar, Rev. Silas Casterline, Thomas Kennedy, James Hulse, and D. P. Hayden. The latter was steward and David Wilson leader. The membership at that time numbered about twenty-seven, and was scattered over a great extent of territory. The church building was dedicated in January, 1870, and the dedicatory exercises were presided over by Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner, of Virginia. The present membership numbers about fifty, under the pastoral charge of Rev. D. A. Bonewell. The present officials are Silas Casterline, James Hulse, Thomas Kennedy, Fitch Mapes, and Orville Hayden, trustees. The latter is also class-leader and William Roberts steward.
THE TEMPLE, OR WEST BAZETTA CHURCH,
is located in the southwest part of the township, and was organized by Rev. W. H. Millar in 1856. The membership at the first organization exceeded one hundred, but at present rs very much diminished in number.
PICTURE OF AARON DAVIS
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THE INDEPENDENCE CORNER CHURCH
is located in the northeast corner of the township. The society was organized about 1840.
THE BAZETTA, OR KENNEDY CHURCH,
was established about 1840. Rev. D. A. Bonewell is the present pastor.
THE RIDGE CHURCH.
This church building was erected in 1842.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
AARON DAVIS,
This well and favorably known citizen of Bazetta township was the oldest son and third child of William Davis, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1782. His wife, Ann Luce, was a granddaughter of General Stark, of Revolutionary fame. She was born. in 1783, and is yet living, being about ninety-nine years old, probably the oldest person living in the county. The extreme old age to which Mrs. Davis has lived will appear all the more remarkable when it is known that she has been the mother of fifteen children, named as follows : Mariah, Susan, Aaron, Matthias, Reuben, Mary, Permelia, Eliza, Sidney, William, Stockton and Judson (twins), Mariah, Lucy, and Elijah. Mr. Davis was a lieutenant of militia when the news of Hull's surrender of Detroit reached the Reserve, and at the first alarm prepared for action. The wildest confusion prevailed among the settlers, who seized all kinds of arms and had a volunteer army on foot in a miraculously short time, under command of General Perkins. Lieutenant Davis urged the necessity of guarding against an Indian incursion, and also made provision for the safety and support of the families of volunteers. After the war he engaged in the manufacture of potash on his farm. While thus employed he one winter suffered undue exposure to severe cold, and in consequence lost his native power and steadiness of mind. During the remaining years of his life he was at times demented and suffered constantly from feeble health. His death occurred in 1860.
Aaron Davis, the subject of an accompanying illustration, was born April 23, 1809, His early life was spent on his father's farm. He was married September 13, 1832, to Alvira C. Knox, whose death occurred March 25, 1848. She left a family of six children —Lavina C., wife of Horace Detchon; Byron, resident of Mecca township; Theodocia, deceased; Newton, Mecca township; Mary, wife of Oswald Totton, Johnston township, and Marshall, Cortland.
Mr. Davis married for his second wife Mary Johnston, daughter of Colonel Walter Johnston, and granddaughter of James Johnston, a member of the Connecticut Land company and original proprietor of Johnston township. She was born March 4, 1824. The family by this marriage consisted of three children living—Ransom W., of Cortland ; Eliza A., wife of Henry Day, of Gustavus township ; Burritt, of Bazetta, and Jane M., deceased. Mr. Davis has held various local offices. He served two terms on the board of county commissioners, having been first elected in the year 1860. He was a competent and faithful officer. For more than two score of years he has been an active member of the Disciple church. He was selected one of the first board of trustees of Hiram institute, and was a member of the committee which located and purchased the ground. He served as trustee for a period of fifteen years, a part of the time with James A. Garfield, with whom he became well acquainted. He was a member of the board when Garfield was first employed as a teacher in Hiram. The following anecdote was related to Mr. Davis by the late President :
When I was a pupil in school in Geauga county I was, I suppose, an ungainly looking lad, at any rate I was the subject of a great many ericks and jokes. Once they sheared off my hair. I told the fellow who did the cutting that if I ever became able I would give him a sound thrashing. A year or two afterwards I fulfilled my promise. Several years later, while I was president of Hiram college, I was oue lecturing, and one night saw this same fellow in one corner of the house. It was with difficulty I could keep from laughing out loud.
Mr. Davis has many other pleasant reminiscences of the Nation's late chief.
Mr. Davis is a ready hand at almost anything; while farming has engaged most of his attention, he has also worked at carpentering, cabinet work, etc. He is a quiet citizen, but always ready to respond to the call of duty. He has been overseer of the Disciple church for forty years, and is a practical Christian.
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JAMES HERVEY POST.
The sons and descendants of Munson Post are among the most prominent and influential citizens of Bazetta township. The name is of Welsh origin. Joseph Post was one of the earliest settlers of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where Munson was born January 24, 1785. He was married February 7, 1811, to Elizabeth Cooper, who was born March 17, 1792. They lived in Washington county until the year 1826, the date of their settlement in Bazetta, Mr. Post was a man of quiet disposition, regular habits, and good business qualifications. He was universally respected, and died lamented, March 17, 1870, being eighty-five years old. Mrs. Post died July 18, 1874. Their family consisted of ten children, viz: Sarah, born December 27, 1811; Henry H., May 23, 1813; Joseph, August 20, 1815 ; Mary, February 22, 1818; James H., December 24, 1819; Moses C., May 23, 1822; Marcus, October 23, 1824; Elizabeth, November 15, 1826; Ephraim, November 13, 1828, and Emeline, December 7, 1832, All the daughters are dead. Three of the sons live in Cortland, and one near the village—all successful men and respected citizens.
James Hervey Post built the first mill in Cortland while it was yet known as Baconsburg. With the exception of art interval of three years he has been connected with the milling industry ever since, Since 1856 his brother, Moses C. Post, has been in partnership with him. The firm purchased the saw-mill in 1867, and in that branch have been doing an extensive business in sawing and prepared lumber, house-finishing materials, etc. Further particulars are given in the township history.
Mr. Post married in 1846, Miss Eliza Abell, daughter of Lewis Abell, of Bazetta township. She was born March 26, 1823. Their family consists of three children : Louis M., Florence E., and Calvin S.
Mr. Post is a man of good standing in his own community, but has never aspired to a wide popularity. He has been busily and successfully occupied with his business, and never aspired to public positions, though he has frequently been honored with local trusts. He has been treasurer of his township five years, and was formerly trustee for several terms. He also served one term on the county board of infirmary directors. He is clear-headed and enterprising in business transactions, and upright and liberal in all his dealings. He is an active member and liberal supporter of the Disciple church in Cortland.
WILLIAM B. KENNEDY.
Samuel Kennedy, father of William B. Kennedy, was of Irish stock and was born in the year 1764. Jane Kennedy, his wife, was born in 1772. They lived in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, until the year 1814, when with their family they removed to Howland township. Mr. Kennedy died two years later at the age of fifty two years. Mrs. Kennedy died in 1844. They had a family of eleven children, who at one time all lived within four miles of their mother's residence on the old homestead. Their names were as follows: Robert, Montgomery, Jane Maxwell (Mrs. D. B. King), Nancy (Mrs. Samuel King), Mary Barber (Mrs. William King), Tabitha (Mrs. Samuel Kennedy), James, Maxwell, Thomas, William B., Ann (Mrs. M. I. Iddings), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Montgomery Anderson). James, Nancy and Ann are living in Howland, Thomas and William B. in Bazetta. The remaining members of the family are deceased.
Willram B. Kennedy was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, September 21, 1812, and was consequently two years old when his father removed to Ohio. In the year 1837 he was married to Eliza Davis, who was born in the year 1818. They have had a family of five children, the two youngest of whom, Ellen and Jud D., are deceased. Anthony Wayne, the oldest son, has been engaged in teaching since his eighteenth year, during the last ten years as principal of the schools at Girard. He has traveled extensively, having spent four years on the Rocky mountains. He is married to Eunice Kellogg. Ann, the only daughter of William and Eliza Kennedy living, is the wife of Kennedy Andrews, of Warren, Cassius Clay, third child of William and Eliza Kennedy, is married to Alice Kellogg. He owns one of the best farms in Bazetta township, and is a man of considerable local prominence. He has taught district school since the age of eighteen years.
Mr. Kennedy gave his children an early start in life, and has the satisfaction in his old age of
PICTURE OF J. H. POST
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seeing them in prosperous circumstances. He has lived on the same farm since 1837, and has devoted himself industriously to agricultural pursuits. He has lived for himself and family and by diligence, sobriety, and honesty has made himself a representative of that class of society known as the substantial common people, which gives soul and permanence to all industrial, moral, and political institutions.
NOTES OF SETTLEMENT.
Lehbeus Beach came from Hartland, Connecticut, and settled on a farm in Hartford township in 1812. He was born in the year of Independence- 1776--and was married to Hope Spencer (who was born same year) in June, 1799. The children were--Harry, Seneca (deceased), Julia, now Mrs. M, Scott, of Gustavus; and Laura, now Mrs. Hulburt, of Ashtabula county. The family, with the exception of Laura, he brought with him; he was also accompanied by the aged father of his wife (Frederick) who was eager for the conquests of the new country. He lived in Hartford until 1855, eventually moving to Gustavus, where he lived with his daughter Julia until 1859, when he died. He was known as a farmer but held the office of justice of the peace for twenty-four years.
Dr. Harry Beach was born May 20, 1800, and was married to Mary Chew (born in 1805) in 1823, To them were born the following children : Emily, now Mrs. Ephraim Post; Leonora, deceased; Francis, of Meadville, Pennsylvania; Allison, of Wisconsin; Curtland, member of company A, Forty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, died at Nashville, Tennessee, in 1862. The doctor was, as is seen by the above, a farmer's son, but was given the advantage of the common school, of which he made the best use and was fit to begin the study of medicine, which he did in the fall of 1820, under Dr, Wilcox, of Hartford. There he remained two years, after which he studied under Dr, Fowler, of Brookfield, and commenced practice in the latter place in 1824, continuing two years. He then settled in Fowler, where he continued a successful practice for fifty years, until now at the age of eighty years he has retired from active life and lives with his daughter, Mrs. Post, in Cortland. He is widely known for a life of great usefulness in his profession, and also as the oldest living physician in Trumbull county.
Moses Cooper Post was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 26, 1822, and came to Ohio with his father when about five years of age, He lived on the farm with his father until he was about twenty-one, when, May 28, 1843, he was married to Elvily C. Freer, who was born April 26, 1823. They are the parents of the following children : Olive Cornelia, born March , 1844, who was married to J, W. Hathaway, and moved to Marietta, where she died; Harriet Orissa (deceased), born March 26, 1846; Orpha Amanda, born September 29, 1848, now Mrs. Burt Swager; Wills Watson, April to, 1851; Ella Ophelia, August 6, 1854, now Mrs. Lewis Hutton, of Bristol; Cora Estella, August 16, 1857, now Mrs. Homer Smith; Jennie E. (deceased), born July 22, 1860; Alta B., born May 21, 1864; and Candace E., born March 13, 1867. Soon after his marriage Mr. Post began life for himself, but with very little capital, in the milling business, having built his first mill on Walnut creek, He is now engaged with his brother Hervey in the milling business, operating the only flour-mills in Bazetta. He was captain of the Independent Rifle company that existed here in former years, whose musters occurred twice in the spring and once in the fall. His business relations have precluded his service in any public office except that of town trustee, which he held two terms; was elected to other offices, but for the above reasons he declined to serve. By hard work, industry, and economy, he has arrived at his present well-known position of affluence in this community, in which he has spent the quiet, but busy years of his manhood,
Ephraim Post was born November 13, 1828, and was married to Orpha Hawley, who was born February 14, 1826, and died September 2, 1870. He was again married September 11, 1872, to Emily (Beach) Trowbridge, who was born March 16, 1830. His children are Jay, born October 7, 1856; Viets C., born October 25, 1858, now living in Warren; Loren E., born May 3, 1861; Harry S., born August 28, 1864; Lizzie May, born November 5, 1867. Mrs. Emily Trowbridge, present wife of Mr. Post, had a family of four children, two now living : Charles A,, born July 2o, 18418, living in
488 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
Fowler; Edward M., deceased, born November 19, 1850; Frank B., deceased, born January 21, 1854; Nora, born December it, 1857, now Mrs. C. C. Craft. Mr. Post, with whom the venerable Dr. Harry Beach (father of Mrs. Post) now makes his home, was horn on the Post homestead farm, where he now lives, and where his youth and manhood years have been spent, and where he row expects to remain during life. He is a farmer by occupation, has held the office of councilman of the village of Cortland, and he and his wife are members of the Disciple church.
Deborah Latin came from New York in 1829 and settled in Bazetta. She was accompanied by her two sons, Eli and Shepherd, she being a widow. In 1831 her son Nathaniel came from the same State and settled on the present Latin homestead farm (lot fifty-five). He was a cabinet-maker by trade, which occupation he followed for some time, but subsequently gave it up and began farming. He first built a frame house on the site of his present residence, in which he and his family lived until 1840, when the present residence was erected. Laura Latin, his wife, engaged in tailoring and made the first ready made gentlemen's clothing sold in Warren. She furnished the prominent men-the lawyers and doctors-with clothing, having in her employ several apprentices. Fifty years ago, when the Latin family came to Bazetta, there were no clearings or roads on the farm, and the wild animals were plentiful. The " whistle" of the deer was often heard from the door-stoop of the pioneer home, as they would come at night to the deer-lick only about forty rods in front of the house. At this lick Nathaniel Latin killed a deer weighing over two hundred pounds. What was then known as Bristol swamps abounded with bears and other wild animals that committed many depredations on the stock of the pioneers. Nathaniel Latin, deceased, was born August 25, 1801, and married May 30, 1822, to Laura Lonsberry, who was born March 15, 1802. To them were born the following children : Martin Hawley (deceased), born March 1, 1824; Warren A., February 1, 1826, now in Arizona ; Susannah M., July 4, 1829, now Mrs. Samuel Bissel, of Pennsylvania ; Lura C., August 30, 1831, now Mrs. O. B. Bissel, of Iowa ; Sarah J. (deceased), born July 28, 1833; Oliver L., December 9, 1834, of Kansas ; Delilah, February 17, 1837, now Mrs. Fisk of New York ; Helen F., February 13, 1839, now Mrs. W. D. Kelly, of Kansas ; Laura, November 25, 1843, now Mrs. William T. Wright, of Colorado ; and Nathaniel, who was born December 10, 1847, and married Eliza Ellen Gilbert May 7, 1873, who was born September 22, 1851. To them was born one child, Gilbert S., born May 19, 1874; he now lives on the home farm in Bazetta.
Benjamin Rowlee was born in New Jersey, August 19, 1780, from whence he moved to Washington county, Pennsylvania, and afterwards to Ohio in 1805, and first settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his son Amos. He was married February 16, 18018, to Eunice Headley, who was born July 11, 1781. The family were John H., born January 18, 1813 ; Samuel, November 26, 1814; William, July 30, 1816; Hannah, September 25, 1817; Phebe, May 18, 1819; Mary, January 14, 1821; Abigail, September 25, 1823; Amos, October 9, 1824. He assisted in raising the first log-house in Mecca not long after he came to the State. His own house stood about forty rods north of the present residence of his son Amos, where in 1820 he built a brick house, where he lived until his death, which occurred December 15, 1841, followed by the death of his wife February 19, 1864. When he first came to his farm (1805), he deadened three trees. Two of them are now to be seen remainrng on the farm. He paid for his farm by hard work, often cutting and splitting two hundred rails for a day's work, and then returning to his own work on the farm. Constant Rowlee built the first frame building in the township, which he erected over a spring for a milk-house, on the farm now owned by Solomon Cline, adjoining Cortland. Amos Rowlee was married in 1849, to Elizabeth Weir, who was born December 3, 1833. Their children are Lafayette, James, and Watson. He has served as constable, member of town council and board of education.
Samuel Bacon was the first of this family, except his sister, Rachel Rankin, to come to Ohio, where he arrived June 7, 1807, and settled on the banks of the Mahoning river, two and one-half miles north of Warren, having left Bridgetown, New Jersey, May 18, 1807. He left the following diary of the settlement,: "And this we call a new country, only six years old, of set-
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tlers from New England, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey." He was born April 21, 1773, and was married in 17918 to Elizabeth Harris, who was born October 10, 1780. Their children were Charles, Enos, Richard, Moses, Phoebe, Grant, and Mary. Enos Bacon was born April 6, 1802, and was married in 1822 to Kiren Happuck, who was born May 1, 1801, and died in 1856. Their children were : Phoebe, Harrison, Laura, Almedia, Miles, Henry, Olive. He was again married to Elizabeth Forrester, who was born in 1818. About 1829 he and his father started the first store in Cortland, then known as Baconsburg. The building stood where Dutchon's house now stands, but was destroyed by fire in 1834 or 1835. When nineteen years of age he went to Lake Erie, and while there stepped on the deck of the first steamboat on the lake, called the Walk-in-the-Water. He and Aaron Davis erected the first houses in Baconsburg, he building a house and Davis a shop near the corner of Main and High streets, north of Main. Afterwards he went as contractor for bridges on the canal, and built the bridge at the mouth of Mosquito creek, and several others. About 1835 he returned to Bazetta and engaged in milling, and then erected a turning shop. Afterwards he went to Pennsylvania, returning to Cortland in 1873, where he now resides.
H. G. Bacon, son of Enos, was bofn May 23, 1835, in Cortland, and was married in 1856 to Catharine Grimm, who was born February 9, 1838, Their children are Ward L. and Alice. He assisted his father in the mill until 1867, when he began in the grocery business in Cortland, with A. D. Hathaway. He bought out his partner in 1872, and has continued business for himself since. He started with very small capital, but by personal effort and industry has succeeded in building up an excellent trade in his line, He was a member of the town council for two years. He has been a member and served as deacon in the Disciple church since 1856. Mr. Bacon has been efficient in building up his native town, having erected two stores and three residences within its limits. He disposed of his business interests here in 1876, and took a trip to Colorado; was absent two months, and then returned to his native town and former business at his old stand, where he is now located in a thriving grocery business.
Joshua Oatley, the pioneer representative of this family, came from Virginia to Ohio about 1810, He was accompanied by his two sons, William and Edward, and they first cleared land on the farm now owned by Mrs. Abell, southwest of Cortland, afterwards entering the section on which Lewis now lives, and the cabin home was erected about thirty-five rods west of the present residence. On this lot afterwards three log houses were built and joined together, one for the parlor, one for the dining room and the other. for the kitchen. The chimney was constructed of mud and sticks, after the pioneer style of architecture. At this time the Indians were frequent visitors to this locality, and were on friendly terms with the elder Oatley, to whose cabin they often came on friendly visits, thus affording him ample occasion to make himself familiar with the characteristics, the intents, and purposes of his red-skinned neighbors, and by careful management he succeeded in maintaining a friendly feeling with them, though they often passed his house painted in their fantastic colors indicative of war, and though turning their faces from him they passed his cabin in peace. The elder Oatley was fond of travel, and after some time had elapsed he went away from home, going, as he said, on a trip "down the river," since which time nothing has been heard of him. Edward sold his part of the farm and went to Ashtabula, and afterward to Michigan, William Oatley was born in Virginia in 1787 and died (in the house which he built, now the residence of his son Lewis) September 23, 1841, He was married in 1813 to Sophia Rhodes, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1788. To them was born the following family: Joshua was born April 2, 1814; Hannah, born April 27, 1817; Maly, born June 29, 1819; Anna, born April 25, 1821; Lewis; Melissa, born December 26, 1827, and Edward, born May 15, 1830. Lewis Oatley was born May 28, 1823, and was married March 11, 1860, to Thankful Brown, who was born July 22, 1837. Their family consists of the following children: Blanche, deceased, horn June 3, 1861; Eva L., born October 15, 1863; Burke, born June 27, 1866; Anna B., born March 2, 1869, and Grace A,, born May 14, 1873. Mr. Oatley has been chiefly engaged in farming, and by the hard work and economy of management necessary to his occupation he has succeeded in
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accumulating means sufficient to care for and properly educate his children, to which laudable purpose he is now earnestly devoted. In 1852 re made the trip to California via Nicaragua, and engaged in prospecting and mining for four rears, returning home in 1856. Three years after he went to Colorado, but returned in the all of the same year, and in 1864 he visited Montana. During the late war he furnished a man for the regular army at an expense to himself of over $750, for which he never received my credit from the military committee of his own, though the man was accredited to Bazetta. Mr. OatIey 1s well known as one of the representative men of his town, and though not seeking my office he has served as town trustee and member of the Cortland school board.
William H. Clawson was born lo Berkeley county, Virginia, March 10, 1815. He was lamed after his father, and his mother's maiden name was Betsey Whitmore. After living some time in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, he came :o Ohio first at the age of twelve, where he remained about six years, in Fowler township, where his mother then lived. He then bound himself to Isaac Woods, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, to learn the trade of harness-making. He returned to Fowler when about nineteen and worked at the center. He was soon after married to Malinda Humason, who died about 1861. They had a family of the following children- William H., now living in Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Gievner, of Pennsylvania ; Sylvia, now Mrs. T. R. Mackey, of Illinois ; Allison M., of Mercer county, Pennsylvania; Lucy A., now Mrs. Austin Silliman; Charles, of Mercer county, Pennsylvania; Lewis, living in Fowler ; Calvin C., of Cortland ; Malinda, now Mrs. Lester Clark, of Fowler ; Almira, now Mrs. Charles Trowbridge ; Emerson E., of Fowler. The latter was born June 15, 1859, and attended school at Titusville. He is now extensively engaged in the dry goods and general mercantile business at Fowler center. Mr. Clawson was married the second time February 21, 1878, to Perlina Gates, with whom and their only child, Mina Josephine, he now lives on his farm near Fowler center.
Calvin C. Clawson, son of William H. Clawson, was born January 18, 1849, in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and was married October 15, 1872, to Mary R. Silliman, who was born May 6, 1853. To them were born three children, viz : William H., born July 16, 1874; Maud Belle, November 24, 1877; and Carrie May, December 5, 1880. He came to Cortland in 1874, and went in partnership with W. C. Silliman, in the general store and dry goods business, on the corner of Market and High streets. He purchased his partner's interest in 1875, and has continued the business since. He now carries a stock of from $18,000 to $10,000, and employs two clerks. He has held the office of treasurer of town and school board, the latter during the building of the new school-house, and is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also held the office of United States express agent at Titusville, Pennsylvania.
Martineus E. Freer came from New York and arrived in Bazetta July 7, 1832. He settled at the corners afterwards known as Freer's corners, taking the name from him. He was born January s0, 1771, and was married to Mary Deyo, who was born May 18, 1769. He died December 10, 1847, and her death occurred August 29, 1856. They were the parents of the following children : Hannah, Elizabeth, Gideon, Jane, Martha, Henry, William D., Josiah, Harry. Gideon Freer was born May 18, 1796, and came with his father from New York State to Ohio, and settled on the farm where he now lives. He was married December 1, 1818, to Jane Windnagle, who was born January 11, 1800, and died February 22, 1874. To them were born the following children: Eliza, Henry, Elvily, Hiram D., Jeremiah, and Harriet. Hiram D. Freer was born February 16, 1825, and was married March 5, 1848, to Caroline P. Brown, who was born July 6, 1826. Their family consists of the following children: Alice J., born April 14, 1849, now Mrs. Edwin Rathbun; Loice A. (deceased), born September 29, 1851; De Witt C., born January 25, 1853 ; Morgan M., born December 22, 1854 ; Nora, born November 23, 1859, now Mrs. Byron Tousley: Bertha, born October 7, 1862, now Mrs. James F. Andrews ; Slade, born October 17, 1868. He came to Ohio with his father when about seven years of age, and at the age of twenty-three he married and moved to the log-house just west of his father's, where he lived about three years, after
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which he built his present residence, situated on his farm about three miles southwest of Cortland. He furnished a substitute during the late war, who served from 1862 to the close of the war. Mr. Freer has spent his life oin the farm and belongs to a family of well-known citizens of this community.
James Atkinson, Sr., was a son of General Atkinson, of the Revolutionary war, He settled in Bazetta township, on the west side of Mosquito creek, where he lived for a number of years, afterwards moving to the western part of the State, where he died at the age of ninety-two. His son James came with his father when only three years of age. At about the age of fourteen he began work at the county infirmary, where he continued under employment until 1852, when he was made overseer of the institution. In 1852 he was married to Elizabeth Weiss, who died in 1857 or 1858. They were the parents of two children—Milton E., and Mary E. He was again married, in 1870, to Lucy A. Fox, to whom were born the following children: Charles W., James M:, Millie W., Kittle, and Terry S. He was a farmer by occupation, also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died in Champion township at
the age of fifty-three.
Milton Emon Atkinson, M. I)., was born April 22, 1855, at the county infirmary, of which his father was overseer. He was married May 7, 1878, to Jennie E. Harsh, who was born in 1858. They are parents of two children, the first having died in infancy, and Lena May. He first attended school at the Western Reserve seminary, after which he began the study of medicine under Dr. D. B. Woods, of Warren, He then began the regular course at Ann Arbor university Michigan, which was not quite completed when, at the death of his father, he returned home and afterwards finished his studies at Wooster. He located in his profession at Cortland in August, 1878, where he is now actively engaged in a successful and extensive practice.
John Bradford was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, and settled on a farm between Cortland and Warren, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1853. He was married to Jane Meek, and to them were born the following children: William (deceased), James, Mary Ann, now Mrs. Ross Wakeman, of Iowa ; Olive, now
Mrs, H. K. Hulse, of Iowa ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Napoleon Gretsinger, of Iowa. He was a stone-mason by occupation, and a member of the Baptist church. James Bradford was born April 20, 1842, and was married May 5, 1863, to Jennette Hulse. To them were born the following children : William, Lucy, Rhoda, James, and Rena. He was again married, to Mary Hulse, and they now have one child, Clara. Mr. Bradford was raised on the farm until about the age of sixteen years, when he went to work at the carpenter trade with Thomas Kennedy, working with him until he learned the trade. In 1866 he engaged for himself, and continued until 1878, when he commenced the furniture business in Cortland. He began with a capital of about $5,000. His trade has continued to increase, and he is now operating a business of $2,500 per annum. He is engaged in the general furniture trade on Market street, next door east of the post-office, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Charles Oliver, a native of Germany, left home when about eleven years of age, and went on the ocean as sailor. He afterwards rose to the position of mate, and followed seafaring life for thirteen years. He married when about twenty-five in New York, Mary Park, a native of Ireland, and with whom he became acquainted during a trip across the ocean. He came subsequently to Trumbull county, and settled in Bazetta, where he and his wife are still living. He continued his former occupation, being captain and mate on Lake Erie for number of years. He has nine children living, as follows : William, at Braceville center, born June, 1843, married Zelia Dice and has two children, Jennie (Clark) at Howland Springs, Maggie (Dice) in Braceville; Mary (Kean) and Minnie (Lawrence) in Carroll, Ohio; Frank in Bazetta, Emma, Ella, and Nettie at home.