(RETURN TO THE MAHONING AND TRUMBULL COUNTIES INDEX)

TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 549 CHAPTER XXIII. CHAMPION. LOCATION, SURFACE, AND SOIL. Township five of range four lies immediately north of Warren, east of Southington, west of Bazetta, and south of Bristol. Through it passes two railroads, the Painesville & Youngstown Narrow-gauge, and the Ashtabula & Pittsburg. The former enters Champion in the southeast of the township, near the old Warren and Ashtabula turnpike, and running northwest passes into Southington south of the center road. On the State road, near the west line of the township, is a station, but no depot. The Ashtabula & Pittsburg road enters the township near the south- 550 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. eastern corner, and runs entirely across the eastern half, bending gradually westward. Thrs road has two stopping-places in Champion, the first at Pierce's crossing in the southeast of the township, and the second, known as Champion, at the crossing of the center road. These are both flag-stations, and are likewise unprovided with depots. The land is almost unvaryingly low and level. Numerous springs furnish a good supply of water, and a number of small streams constitute the drainage system. The northwestern part of the township is the most undulating, but even here there are no prominent elevations. The water-shed dividing the waters which go northward into Lake Erie from those which seek an outlet into the Ohio river system, extends diagonally across the township from near the southwestern corner toward the northeastern, and, curiously enough, the land constituting it is apparently the lowest and levelest 1n the township. Young's run is a small stream draining the eastern and southeastern portions of Champion. The land adjacent to it differs from the rest of the township in having a more sandy soil. The soil generally is clay. A number of small streams or swales drain the northern portion. The northern half of the township formerly contained numerous swamps. Much labor has been expended upon them, and the land after being properly drained is found to be superior to the drier soil in productiveness." Long swamp extends a distance of a mile or more along the line of the Ashtabula & Pittsburg railroad, and still invites the labor of the husbandman for its reclamation. TIMBER. A heavy growth of valuable timber originally covered the surface of this township ; none better could be found in the county, and if it were now standing it would be worth thousands of dollars, but the greater portion of it was destroyed by girdling and by oneire before timber came to be of much value. Beech, hickory, oak, maple, elm, whitewood, walnut, and ash were the principal varieties. THE RED MEN, who, doubtless, had been attracted hither by the abundance of game, had a little village of eight or ten huts which they continued to inhabit after the arrival of the settlers. They were but a short distance from the settlement in the southern part of the township. They lived on good terms with their white neighbors, and frequently visited the houses of the latter to grrnd their tomahawks and beg food, tobacco, and "fire water." Traces of their work can still be seen and arrow and spear heads are frequently found. In the vicinity of some springs or deer-licks in the southeastern part of the township, the Indians made a number of excavations, sufficiently deep to hide their bodies, and, having concealed themselves in these places, they watched and waited until an unsuspecting deer approached near enough to be shot. Many a fine buck fell a victim to the unerring aim of the cunning savage. LATE SETTLEMENT AND ITS CAUSE. Champion was among the latest settled of the townships of Trumbull county. Excepting a few families who came here in 1806 to 1808 and settled in the southern half of the township, no settlers came for about twenty years. The land of the township was held by Henry Champion, an original member of the Connecticut Land company. After disposing of a few farms to the first settlers it appears that he resolved to hold his land until it had increased in value largely, and for this reason refused to sell, except at prices which no settlers were willing to pay. But while the owner was awaiting this augmentation of the value of his property, death summoned him from earth, and the land came into the possession of his heirs, his son, Aristarchus Champion, and his son-in-law, Henry C. Trumbull. The land was then divided, Champion receiving the western half of the township and Trumbull the eastern. About 1826 they sent on Mr, Cole to survey it, and also established an agency for its sale. But after twenty years of waiting, the prices which could be obtained for the land were little in advance of those paid by the first settlers of other townships. THE FIRST SETTLERS. The first improvements made in this township were made on land which is now the farm of Silas McMahano on the State road, by a man named Nichols. He remained in the township but a few years and nobody now living remembers him. TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 551 The first permanent settler was William Rutan, who came from Pennsylvania and settled in 1806. He was a man of sterling worth, an obliging neighbor, an upright Christian, esteemed alike by old and young. For many years he was a deacon of the Presbyterian church. Modest and unassuming, his face is remembered by old people as the very picture of honesty and goodness. He was the father of one son and one daughter. The son, Henry L. Rutan, lived upon the old homestead and died an honored citizen in 1881, at the age of seventy-six. The daughter, Catharine, married Solon Gilson, and died quite young. John Rutan, William's brother, settled in this township soon after the latter did, but moved to Richland county with his family after residing here a few years. Asa Lane, a brother of Mrs. William Rutan, came to the township about 1807, and settled on the present Ashtabula & Warren road north of the Rutan farm. After remaining four or five years he and his family removed. Andrew Donaldson settled on the farm adjoining William Rutan's upon the north and remained twenty years or more. He removed to Parkman, where some of his children had gone previously. William Croninger settled in the same neighborhood at about the same date. He remained until after the War of 1812, then moved away. John Chambers purchased and settled upon the farm where Croninger had made the first improvements. He and hrs wife Mary were from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Chambers died in 1829 aged forty-nine. Mr. Chambers moved to Mesopotamia in 1836, and died there in 1848, at the age of sixty-eight. Their children were : Hannah, Eliza, Johnson, Thompson, Wiley, Mary, and Clinton. Thompson is living in Hudson, Portage county; and Mary (Mrs. Edward Pierce), in Champion. The others are dead. Hannah (Laird) died in Dakota; Eliza (Pierce), in Champion; Johnson, in Champion; Wiley, in Michigan; and Clinton, in Mesopotamia. William Woodrow, from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, bought land in this township in 1806 or 1807. In 1807 he made a clearing and built a cabin. In May, 1808, he moved to Champion with his family, which then consisted of his wife and two children. They sent their goods to Pittsburg to be shipped thence to Beaver and remain there until they could be brought to Champion. Mrs. Woodrow rode a horse and carried her son John, then about two and a half years old, in her arms. The horse was loaded also with saddle-bags, in which a few household articles were packed. Mr, Woodrow went on foot and drove two cows. Upon his back he carried a knapsack and in it his son Smith, who was then about six months old. The family took up their abode in a log-house, perhaps 15 x 25 feet on the ground, and twelve feet from the ground to the eaves. A floor above and one below were made of split oak timber. The chimney was built of straw, split sticks, and mortar. Though especial pains were taken to have as much mortar on the inside as was possible, the chimney often caught fire, but was easily repaired. Of the trials which beset this family during the first years of their housekeeping, Mr. Smith Woodrow, who furnished these details to the writer, gives many interesting reminiscences. When Mrs. Woodrow came here she forgot her scissors and left them in her Pennsylvania home. It soon became necessary to make her husband a pair of pantaloons, but how could she cut them? Her woman's wit suggested a way out of the difficulty. Accordingly she got the cloth and marked it, and going to the chopping block cut them out with an axe. It is not likely that Mr. Woodrow's garment was a stylish fit, but they served the purpose for which they were in, tended and lasted equally as well as they would had they been cut by a fashionable tailor. Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow were the parents of nine children, whose names were: John, William Smith, Martha, James Boyd, Morgan, Mary, Henry, Calvin and Alvin (twins). Two survive, William Smith and Mary. John married Polly Cox, of Bristol, settled upon the State road in Champion and died there. His son Newton now lives upon the place ; W. Smith married Eunice L. Holt, a native of Massachusetts, and settled in Warren, his present residence; Martha died at the age of fifteen; James Boyd remained single and died when about twenty-eight; Morgan married Mary Cleveland, of New York State, settled in Warren, moved west, and died in Michigan; Mary married John Ewalt and resides in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania ; Henry lived 552 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. and died upon the old place in Champion. He married for his first wife Lydia Woolcott, of Farmington; for his second, Zeviah Elwell; and for his third, Fannie Esterbrook. Calvin died when about one year old, and Alvin at the age of twenty-three. William Woodrow and his wife both died in 1848, Mrs. Woodrow about the 1st of May. Her husband's death occurred twenty days later. Mrs. Woodrow, nee Martha Smith, was of Scotch birth. Both became members of the Presbyterian church in 1808, and led pure and useful lives characterized by benevolence and generosity. Isaac N. Woodrow was born in Champion May 17, 1839, and married Miss Mary Smith, of Akron. Stephen Reeves bought John Rutan's farm, but left it and moved to Warren after a few years. In 1826 there were but four families residing in Champion, namely: the Rutan, Woodrow, Donaldson, and Chambers families. Every farmer had a sugar camp and manufactured sugar and syrup enough to supply the family wants. THE LATER SETTLERS. The family of Edward Pierce was the fifth one in the township. Mr. Pierce bought two hundred acres in the southeast of the township, where his son Edward now lives, paying $500 for the same, and in 1828 moved from Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and settled upon it. Edward Pierce died in 1844, in his sixty-fifth year. His wife Elizabeth died in 1843, at the age of sixty-eight. Their children were Samuel, Elizabeth, Joseph, Edward, and Robert; all are dead except Edward, who is now sixty-nine years old. He has always lived upon the old homestead, and intends to spend the remaining days of his life upon the place where his father and mother spent the most of their lives. He was married in 1848 to Miss Mary Chambers, daughter of John Chambers, of Mesopotamia township. She was born in Champion township, and is doubtless the oldest person living in the township of those who were born in it. They have had four children, three of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce are members of the Presbyterian church. He has held several of the township offices, has been justice of the peace six years, and is a most worthy citizen. Samuel Pierce died in Kentucky. Elizabeth married Samuel Booth, of Champion, for her first husband; for her second she married Wil liam Dudley. She died in Ashtabula county. Joseph Pierce lived in Kentucky and Indiana, and died in the latter State. Robert also lived in Kentucky, but moved to Illinois, and died. Joseph Pierce, son of the brother of Edward Pierce, Sr., settled on the farm where he now lives, in the east part of the township, in 1835. The Foulks came to Champion about 1829. George settled in the east of the township, but afterwards moved to Pennsylvania, and died. Daniel Foulk settled in the southeast of the township on the line. Both he and his wife died here, but none of the family now remain. Benjamin Ross, in 1829, settled on a farm adjoining Edward Pierce's on the north, and remained some fifteen years. William Durst was one of the earliest of the later settlers. He bought a farm, and settled at the junction of the State road and turnpike. He paid $4.00 per acre for the land. His sons, David and Lewis, are residents of this township. John Thompson and Joseph Cook were settlers of 1829-30, but sold out and left. John Mikesell and John Hull were pioneers who located on the turnpike. Hull sold out and left. Mikesell died in the township. Clinton Mikesell lives on the old place. Several others made beginnings on the turnpike from 1829 to 1835, but left after a few years. Thomas Packard settled ,on the farm where he now lives in 1835, and began when all about him was in a very wild condition. Abram Weiss was an early settler at the center. His widow is still living. Two sons, Amos and Freeman, reside in the township. Ebenezer L. Smith came to this township early. He died in December, 1881, and Mrs. Smith in January, 1882. The family still remain. James and Samuel Walker were among the early corners, and settled in the eastern part of the township. Both have sons living here. Horace Harper, one of the earliest of the second instalment of settlers, made the first improvements on the farm where he now resides in the south of the township, west of the turnpike. John N. McCombs, a settler of 1837, has lived in the township since that date. Albert Osborno north of the center, is another of the pioneers who is still living. Simon Burstler, on the old Donaldson farm, TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 553 is one of the comparatively early settlers. His father came here with him. His mother died not long ago, at a very advanced age. John Anderson has resided in the township many years. William McMurray, deceased, was a comparatively early settler. His family still remain. On the Fowler road, in the northwest of Champion, were two old settlers, Benjamin Fowler and Daniel Hartman. Some of the Hartman family still remain. From the beginning of the sale of land until 1840, settlements and improvements were made rapidly. HUNTING. Champion was an inviting field to the sportsman for years after the game had been driven from other townships. Besides the bears and wolves, deer and turkeys abounded. Frequently they came in sight of the houses in the day time, and if a family needed a supply of fresh meat a few hours of hunting usually sufficed for obtaining it. Wolves were so destructive to sheep that but few were kept, and those few were closely guarded and put in strongly built log pens every night. Bears seemed to have a greater fondness for pork than for mutton. Many instances might be given of their coming close up to the cabins and attacking hogs in the stys. Henry Lane and William Hall, of Warren township, came to Champion many times and engaged in bear hunts. In one of their adventures in the Long swamp, Hall came near losing his life. They entered the swamp one day with four dogs, Hall taking the east and Lane the west side. The former was armed with a spear and the latter carried a gun. Before he had proceeded far Hall saw a bear coming directly towards him. As the bear saw him he reared upon his haunches. The hunter rushed forward with his spear and aed a blow directly at the bear's breast. The spear glanced aside, and the impetus of the intended thrust carried the hunter forward into the very clutches of the bear, which at once began rending his back. He shouted; the dogs heard him and rushed to the scene. The bear turned its attention to them until Lane came up and shot it. Henry L. Rutan, when a young man, was the Nimrod or this township. His success in hunting was great, and few equaled hint in making good shots and securing large quantities of game, A bear had been causing Mr. Woodrow much trouble, and he determined to capture the offender. Accordingly, with the aid of John Cox, a young man who lived with him, he constructed a huge bear trap of logs, making the sides and top strong. One end of the pen was left open, and a heaving sliding door was fixed above it, and so arranged that when the bait fastened to the wooden spindle was disturbed the door would fall and fasten the bear securely in. The trap was visited several times by young Cox and found undisturbed. But one morning he rushed to the house in great excitement and announced that the trap was sprung, and the bear was in it. Mr. Woodrow went with him to the spot and found the prisoner. Before killing the animal Cox cut a small stick and whipped him through the poles. The bear was greatly infuriated, and scratched wildly at the poles in frantic but useless efforts to free himself. Cox was much amused at his antics, and thought it but fair to chastise him as he had given so much trouble. Mr. Smith Woodrow once killed three deer in one day as he was returning from Howland, where he worked, to his home in Champion. This was in 1829. THE FIRST ROADS. The first road built through Champion was the old State road, used as a military road during the War of 1812. It passed by the site of the county infirmary, and followed the general direction of the present State road, though with many twistings and turnings to avoid swamps and keep on the high ground. Many low places were covered with corduroys, but they soon sank into the mud to a considerable depth, and traveling over such spots became a difficult matter. The present State road was built after the old one became impassable. It leads from Warren to Painesville, and runs across this township below the center road in a northwesterly direction. The next road through this township was the so called Warren and Ashtabula turnpike, built in 1818. This is a clay road, but as it was built as a private enterprise tolls were collected during many years from all that passed over it. It does not run directly through the center of the town- 554 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. ship, but crosses the center road a half-mile east of the actual center. The roads of Champion are now sufficiently bad in wet weather, but what could they have been in early days, when all the land was much more moist than at present? We leave this question to be answered as the imagination of the reader may dictate. ORGANIZATION AND FIRST ELECTION. In December, 1831, this township was organized into an election district, and named Champion, from Henry Champion, its former proprietor. The first election was held on the 26th of the same month at the house of William Woodrow, and the following township officers were chosen: John Chambers, Benjamin Ross, and John Woodrow, judges; William Woodrow and Joseph Cook, clerks; George Foulk, William Rutan, and William Woodrow, trustees; Henry L. Rutan, township clerk; Joseph Cook, treasurer; Samuel Pierce, constable; Frederick Myers and Edward Pierce, poor masters; John Thompson, Samuel Booth, and Taylor Bradfield, fence viewers, and Joseph Pierce, supervisor. Apparently about every voter in the township got an office; and from the fact that some held two offices, it would seem that there were more than enough offices to "go around." SIXTY YEARS AGO. Sixty years ago Champion township was a desolate region, almost uninhabited ; save the improvements made by a few early settlers, not a clearing existed. The deep swamps and the dense woodlands were unbroken, and formed the lurking places of wild animals and birds. Only two roads in the township--the State road and the old turnpike. On the latter the trees had been slashed down coveting a strip several rods wide on each side, and left as they had fallen. Soon underbrush and saplings grew up between the fallen trunks and formed an almost impenetrable thicket. The Four-mile wood, as it was called, extended from the northern limit of the settlement into Bristol. It required sturdy labor and a great deal of it to subdue this uninviting region and render it fit for the abode of human beings ; to convert the desolate waste into fertile farms ; to displace the log-cabin by the modern dwelling, supply churches, school-houses, and other requisites of civilization. But " noble men and true," with faithful, prudent wives, came into the wilderness and conquered it. Many excellent houses, good barns, and well-improved farms bear witness to their toil and economy. Many of the settlers of forty or even thirty years ago who commenced in the woods in a primitive way and felt many times the disagreeable thrusts of poverty, now have pleasant homes and an amount of property which sixty years ago would have caused them to be reckoned among the rich. They enjoy an abundance of the good things of life, and understand fully the fact that their prosperity can be continued by the same means it has been gained, namely, through the all-powerful medium, work. Pioneers delight in recounting the difficulties and hardships which at first beset them, and what wonder ? Surely their pride in their achievements is pardonable. Their lives have been characterized by the same spirit which ever attends progressive civilization. They have lived not for themselves alone—the results of their labor will long outlast them and be enjoyed by their children and children's children and many generations yet unborn. Their heroism has won for them independence, and deserves a hearty tribute of praise. EARLY SCHOOLS. The first term of school in this township was taught in 1815 by Catharine Church, of Warren. The first school-house, a log one, stood a few rods south of William Woodrow's house, on the opposite side of the road. Several terms were taught in this building, but the school had to be given up as there were too few families to support it. For some years the children attended school just over the line in Warren township. In 1829 or 1830 a brick school house was erected opposite the Presbyterian church, where the present frame school-house stands. For some years all of the scholars of the township. attended school here. A school was taught in a log building—William Woodrow's shop, but formerly his residence —some years previous to the erection of the brick school-house. Sally Wilson, now Mrs. Harper, was the teacher. Mrs. Rutan and Mrs, Shelden also taught in the same place. TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 555 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. After the general assembly of the Presbyterian church had dissolved the plan of union and exscinded the synod of the Western Reserve from ecclesiastical connection with said church, a number of persons, residents of Champion, who had always been attached to the strict doctrine and order of the Presbyterian church according to the provisions the assembly had made for such cases, consulted together to apply to the presbytery of Beaver for direction as to the proper course to maintain their connection with the church of their choice. Accordingly in September, 1838, Mr. William Rutan was appointed to attend the meeting of the presbytery at Slippery Rock, to state their case and receive advice. The presbytery, after hearing Mr. Rutan's statement, appointed the Rev. William O. Stratton to preach at Champion and consult with the people themselves on the subject of the organization of a congregation. Mr. Stratton, in the same month, preached on the Sabbath by appointment, and on Monday met with the people to ascertain their views in reference to the matter. On an interchange of opinions, it was found that there was some diversity of views on the subject of ecclesiastical connection, and it was thought best to defer an organization for the present. In January, 1839, however, Mr. William Woodrow was appointed a commissioner to attend the meeting of the presbytery of New Lisbon (which had been organized by the synod of Pittsburg, and which met at New Lisbon), to present the petition of the people for the organization of a congregation. The presbytery granted the request, and took the congregation of Champion under its care. In April Mr. Woodrow was again appointed and attended the meeting of the presbytery at Canfield, to obtain stated ministrations of the gospel. By mutual understanding he applied for the tabors of Rev. Witlram McCombs for one fifth of the time. At the meeting of the presbytery at Bethel in October, Mr. William Rutan was sent to request the organization of a church. Mr. McCombs was directed to organize a church. In accordance with this direction, and by previous appointment, on Monday, November 18, 1839, the congregation of Champion assembled at their usual place of meeting, when, after a sermon by Rev. William McCombs, the following persons handed in certificates of regular church membership and were recognized as constituting the Presbyterian church of Champion, viz : William Rutan, Rebecca Rutan, Mary Rutan, Ebenezer L. smith, Catharine Smith, Joseph Pierce, Sarah R. Pierce, John N. McCombs, Jane V. McCombs, Sarah Harper, Mary Brown, William Woodrow, Martha Woodrow, Edward Pierce, Sr., and Betsey Pierce. According to previous notice the church now entered upon the election of two elders. This election being held William Woodrow and Ebenezer L. Smith were duly elected ruling elders of this church. Attest: WILLIAM McComas, Moderator. The above copy from the church records gives a complete account of the organization of the oldest church in Champion. Of the original members, but four are now living. In 1842 this church built the first house for public worship in Champion. It is still in use, and is a good sized, comfortable church. The house stands on the old turnpike, south of the center of the township, Rev. J. S. Dickey, the only regularly installed pastor of this congregation, was laboring here at the te the house was built. Among those who have ministered here as stated supplies, we find the names of Revs. McCombs, McDermott, Campbell, Coon, Galbraith, Kerr, Walker, Bingham, and Bailey. The membership is small but active. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 'The Methodist church of Champion was organized previous to 1848. Among its first members were George Bissel, Alexander Ashbauch, Benjamin Fowler, Samuel Frank, Samuel Fishel, Lazarus McLain, Jacob Snook, and George Ross, with their families. George Ross donated a piece of land for a church site and burying ground, situated on the State road near the west line of the township, and upon it a house was erected in 1848. The church enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity until the war broke out, The older members died or removed, and its numbers became so diminished about 1870 that this church ceased to support preaching. During the greater portion of its existence the church belonged to Southington circuit. Among the ministers who labored here were the following, though not in the order named : Revs. Wade, Bear, Crane, Pinney, Grove, Brown, Stone, Meek, Moses, and others. There has been no regular Methodist preaching in the house since the church at the center was built, but meetings continue to be held by ministers of other denominations. In 1870 the appointment in Champion, was changed from the State road to the center, and meetings were held in the town house. In 1875 the members of this church combined their efforts and erected a very tasty little country church at the center. The house and its furnishing cost $2,200. The building committee was William Hunt, William Caldwell, John Veasy, Amos Weiss, and C. Mikesell. The heaviest subscriptions were those of John Veasy, William Caldwell, J. J. Veasy, William Hunt, and Amos Weiss, Rev, M. Moses was the first minister. The church started with about thirty-five members, The house was dedicated in the fall of 1875,— sermon by Rev. John Graham, presiding elder. The society is out of debt and has a good membership of earnest workers. Since Mr. Moses 556 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. the ministers have been Revs. Wade, Moore, and Copeland. Rev. B. E. Edgell is the present pastor. THE UNITED BRETHREN. This denomination formed a church some twenty-five years ago, and held their meetings in the house situated on the Champion and Bazetta line, and at the four corners in the northeast of this township. At the latter place a small edifice was erected and continued to be used until the new one was built. In 1878 a convenient and comfortable church was erected here, and tastefully furnished. Among those who were most active in furnishing means for building it were Isaac Lechleitner, Jacob Shaffer, and Henry and William Clemens. This church has a fair membership, and is in good condition. Among the earliest members were Jacob Klingensmith (deceased), Isaac Lechleitner, Philip and Henry Clemens, Jacob Shaffer, John Shaffer, and others with their families. Many zealous preachers have labored here, and the church has enjoyed a good degree of prosperity. CEMETERIES. The graveyards of Champion are three in number, and situated one at the center, one adjacent to the Presbyterian church on the turnpike, and the third near the old Methodist church on the State road. The cemetery at the center is the oldest. It was purchased by the township for public use about 1840. It is quite neat and tastily kept. The oldest gravestone in it bears the date of 1842, and was erected to the memory of Caroline, daughter of A. and P. Rudisill, who died at the age of three years. The graveyards adjacent to the two churches mentioned are small and but few interments have been made in them. POST-OFFICE. The first post-office was established in 1850, John Harper postmaster. He was succeeded by Stephen Kimball. The office was found to be unprofitable,and was discontinued after a short te. There was then no post-office in the township until the Ashtabula & Pittsburg railroad was built. The only post-office at present is Champion, on the above road. VARIOUS FACTS AND ITEMS, William Woodrow was the first justice of the peace. William Rutan built the first frame house in the township. William Woodrow built the first brick house in 1828, and John Chambers the second in 1829. The first religious services in the township were conducted by Revs. Jones and Leslie, of the Presbyterian denomination, and held at the houses of Mr. Rutan and Mr. Woodrow. Sabrina Lane, afterwards Mrs. Wheeler, was probably the first child born in the township. She was born about the year 1807. The first death was that of a child of Asa Lane. The first marriage was probably the wedding of a daughter of Mr. Donaldson to Mr. Norton, of Parkman. Isaac Lane kept the first tavern, in the south of Champion, some thirty-five years ago. Edwin Weiss kept a public house at the center later. Thomas Hodds, an Englishman, kept a small grocery on the main road south of the State road, about 1850. This was the first store. Champion is too near Warren to offer any inducements for merchants to locate here. The county infirmary farm in the southeast of Champion was purchased in 1839. SAW-MILLS 'Three water saw-mills have been in operation in this township since the advent of the settlers of 1828; and during recent years a number of steam saw-mills. There never was a grist mill or a distillery in Champion. The first saw-mill was built by William Durst, and was situated on Young's run. The second was on the same stream and was erected by Edward Pierce. Both were run several years. Another water saw-mill was built in the western part of the township, on Chocolate run, later, but it was not a success. INDUSTRIES. Excepting agriculture there are no important industries in Champion at present. One small store at the center serves to supply the farmers when they are too busy to go to Warren for the purpose of trading. John N. McCombs & Son have a steam sawmill at the center, which is the only one now rn the township. This mill was erected in 1880, and does a considerable amount of sawing. The cheese factory of David Caldwell and TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 557 Luther Rutan, at the center, has been in successful operation for fen years or more. It furnishes fhe dairymen with a convenient market for milk, and produces a large amount of that article of food which is fast becoming one of the staple commodities of the northern part of Trumbull county. Much attention is given to sheep-raising by the farmers of this township. The business is considered profitable by those who have most thoroughly tested it. Much care is exercised in obtaining good breeds, both of sheep and of cattle. The soil is good grass land, and affords excellent pasturage. Good crops of wheat are secured almost every year. The use of phosphates upon the land has, in some instances, more than doubled the usual yield. In early years but little wheat could be raised. Champion contains many fine thrifty orchards and the apple crop is usually an important one. NOTES OF SETTLEMENT, Horace Harper, an old resident of Champion township, was born in Charlestown, New Hampshire, November 3, 1796. His father, John, was also a native of New Hampshire. Mr. Horace Harper came to Ohio in 1819, and settled in Farmington township, Trumbull county, for seven or eight years, when he returned East and resided in New York for three years. He then came to Ohio and located in Champion township upon the farm where we now find him. He began in the woods and cleared up a good farm. James Walker, an early settler of Champion, was born March 4, 1806, in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. He came to Ohio in 1833, and settled upon the farm where his son Taylor now lives, in Champion township. He came from Pennsylvania with an ox team. His brother Samuel came at the same time. Mr. James Walker was a carder and cloth-dresser by trade. He was the first carder in Warren. He cleared up a good farm in Champion, which he carried on in connection with his trade. He died July 25, 1878, leaving a family of eight children to mourn his loss. Thomas Packard, a well-known resident of Trumbull, was born in Berlin township, Mahoning county, March 27, 1809. His father, Garret, was a native of Virginia and came to Ohio in 1803. first locating in Austintown township for a short time, then moved to Deerfield where he resided until 1809, then moved to Berlin township, Mahoning county. He purchased his land of General Perkins, and suffered all of the trials incident to pioneer life. Mr. Thomas Packard, the subject of this sketch, was the first white child born in the township. Garret Packard lived in Berlin until his death, which occurred November 20, 1820, aged forty-four years. He left a family of ten children and widow to mourn his loss. Thomas Packard came to Champion township March 31, 1835, and located upon the farm where we now find him nicely situated. He, like his father, began in the woods and cleared up a nice farm, the fruits of which he now enjoys. He was married in 1832 to Miss Sarah Russell, daughter of Robert Russell of Austintown township. Ten children have been born to them, seven of whom are living. Three of the sons were in the war, Mrs. Packard died in April, 1880. She was a faithful member of the Disciple church at Warren, and a loving Christian mother. Mr, Packard is also a member of the Disciple church and a most worthy citizen. Joseph Pierce, a well known resident of Champion, was born in Armstrong, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, in 1808. His father, Peter Pierce, was a native of New Jersey, and came to Pennsylvania when very young in company with his parents, who settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, for a few years, then moved fo Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where he cleared up a farm, and reared a family of six children, all of whom lived to maturity. Mr, Peter Pierce died in Champion, December 7, 1866, while on a visit to his son Joseph. He was a cooper by trade, and was among the early settlers of Clarion county, Pennsylvania. There were eight children in his family, five of whom are living. Mr. Joseph Pierce left Clarion county April 14, 1835, with a four-horse team, and arrived in Champion on the 19th of April. He stopped with his cousin, Edward Pierce, a short time while a cabin was being erected, then moved upon his present farm which was then a dense forest. Mr. Pierce was married in 1832 to Sarah R. McKee, daughter of Samuel McKee, of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They have had six children, only two of whom are living. Mrs, Pierce died in 1856. He was 558 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. married the second time in 1857 to Miss Eliza Chambers, daughter of John Chambers, of Champion. Mrs. Pierce died in August, 1877. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Pierce is also a member. In politics Mr. Pierce is a sound Republican, and has held several township offices—has been magistrate six years, and is still serving. John N. McCombs, an old resident of Champion, was born October 5, 1807, in Poland township, Mahoning county. His father, William, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1800; settled upon the farm where Morris McCombs now lives. He was a pioneer in the wilds of Ohio, and did much in his day toward improving the county. He cleared up a good farm and lived upon it till his death. There were ten children in his family. Mr. John McCombs came to Champion township in 1837, and located upon the farm where he now lives. Like the early settlers of Champion he made his farm. He was married in 1836 to Miss Jane B. Scott, daughter of Matthew Scott, of Liberty township. Three children were born to them. Mrs. McCombs died in 1846. For his second wife Mr. McCombs married, in 1847, Miss Laura E. Scott, sister of his first wife. He. had four children by his second wife. Mr. and Mrs. McCombs were members of the Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. McCombs was a Republican. He has held several of the township offices. He has been trustee several terms, also assessor, thus showing the confidence placed in him by his fellow-citizens. Daniel Hartman was born in Clinton township, Pennsylvania, in 1810. His lather, Nicholas Hartman, was also a nalive of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1834, and settled in Jackson township, Trumbull county, now Mahoning. The following year Mr. Daniel Hartman came to Ohio and located in the same township, where he resided nearly two years, then came to Champion township and settled upon the farm where his widow now lives. He was one of the first settlers in the western part of the township. He cleared up a good farm and lied to enjoy the fruits of his labor till 1865, when he died, leaving a family of ten children and a wrdow to mourn his loss. Seven of the children are now living. Mr. Hartman was formerly a member of the United Brethren church. He was married in 1837 to Mrss Catharine Fowler, daughter of James Fowler, of Pennsylvania. She was born January 13, 1814. Mr. Hartman was well known and highly esteemed by all who knew him. Alfred Osborn, an old resident of Trumbull county, was born in Youngstown June 25, 1808. His father, Joseph Osborn, was a Virginian by birth and came to Ohio in 1804 or thereabouts, and settled in Youngstown township, in the western part, and was among the early pioneers. He cleared up a good farm. He died in 1846, leaving a family of ten children and a widow. Mrs. Osborn followed her husband in about nine years. She was in her eightieth year. Mr. Alfred Osborn came to Champion township in 1838 and is consequently among the early settlers of the township. The forest yielded to his axe and in a few years he had a good farm. He was married November 1, 1838, to Miss Lena Kyle, daughter of John Kyle, of Kinsman township. This union was blessed with two children, only one of which is living. Mrs. Osborn is a member of the Methodist church and a devoted Christian. Mr. Osborn has been an active, enterprising man in his day. At the present te he is nearly blind, though he bears up under the misfortune bravely, knowing that he has lived an honest, upright life. Amos Weiss was born January 24, 1826, in Austintown township. His father, Abraham Weiss, was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in about 1823 or 1824, settling in Austintown, where he lived till 1839. He. then moved to Champion township, and settled upon the farm where hrs widow and one son now live. Mr. Weiss died in September, 1853, leaving a family of nine children. Mr. Amos Weiss has always lived in the township since his coming from Austintown. He is engaged in general farming. He was married in April, 1849, to Miss Hannah Price, daughter of John Price, of Champion township. Six children are the fruits of this marriage : John P., Charles, Saloma, Walter, Nellie, and Mary. John and Charles arc deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Weiss are members of the Disciple church. Politically Mr. Weiss is a Republican. John Anderson was born in Ireland March 5, 1817, and came to Amerrca in March, 1837, landing at New York after a passage of srx weeks and three days. He lived about one year in TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 559 Pennsylvania, then came to Ohio and resided in Warren and Liberty townships two years. He then returned to Pennsylvania and was employed for two years in the construction of the canal at Greenville, then returned to Ohio and located upon the farm where he now lives. The farm was but partly improved at the te of his corn*, though now he has a fine home. He has made dairying and stock raising his chief business. He was married in 1844 to Miss Catherine Hyde, daughter of Captain Ira Hyde, of Farmington. They have had six children—Oliver, Ella, Eliza, Ira, Perry, and Mary. The last three are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are Methodrsts; and are esteemed by all who know them. Isaac Lechleitner, was born April 15, 1818, in Northampton county, Pennsylvania. His father, George Lechleitner, was also a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1831, and settled in Jackson township, Trumbull county, now Ma- honing, and lived here till his death, which occurred in November, 1860, leaving a family of six children, three .of whom are living. .Mrs. Lechleitner died in November, 1880. Mr. Isaac Lechleitner came to Champion in 1844, and located upon the farm where we now find him most pleasantly situated. He began in the woods and cleared up a good farm ; has one hundred and seventy-three and one-half acres of excellent land. He was married, in 1843, to Miss Sarah Clemmens, daughter of Daniel Clemmens, of Jackson township. They have three children— Louis, Eli, and Nancy E. Mr. and Mrs. Lechleitner are devoted members of the United Brethren church. Mr. Lechleitner is one of the substantial and well-to-do farmers of the township. William Clemmens was born in Jackson township July 4, 1824. His father, Daniel Clemmens, was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1821 and settled in Jackson township, and was among the early settlers. He began in the woods, and by hard labor, for which the Clemmens family is well known, he soon he had a good farm, upon which he lived unfil his death, in September, 1873, leaving a family of eleven children, ten of whom are living. Mrs. Clemmens died several years before Mr. Clemmens. Mr. William Clemmens came to Champion in 1844, and was married two years afterwards to Miss Eliza Hoover, daughter of Jonas Hoover, of Bazetta township. They have had seven children, four of whom are living. Mr. Clemmens began in the wilderness and cleared up a good farm. Mrs. Clemmens did her first cooking by the side of a stump for some te, and therefore knows something about the trials of pioneer life. Mr. and Mrs. Clemmens are supporters of the United Brethren church. Politically he is a good Republican. John Osborn was born in Canfield in 1828. His father, Jonathan, came from Virginia to Ohio in about 1804, and settled in Canfield and was one of the early settlers in the township. His father, John Osborn, lived in Canfield till his death. He doubtless began in the wilderness and cleared up a good farm. There were ten children in the family. Mr. Jonathan Osborn came to Champion township in .1845, and settled where John Osborn, the subject of this sketch, now lives. He died in March, 1867, leaving a family of six children, five of whom are living. Mrs. Osborn died in 1850. Mr. John Osborn, the subject, has a farm of two hundred acres of good land. He was married in 1848 to Miss Elizabeth Shiveley, daughter of Jacob Shiveley, of Bristol township. They have had five children, four of whom are living. Mr. Osborn is a good farmer and merits the esteem of all who know him. Edward Jones was born in Austintown township December 19, 1828. His father, John, was also a native of Ohio, and was the first white child born in Warren township (according to some accounts). Caleb Jones, grandfather of Edward, came to Ohio in a very early day. The family was of Welsh descent. Mr. John Jones spent his days in what was once Trumbull county. He went to Austintown township when he was a young man, and cleared up a good farm, which is now occupied by Mr. A. B. Jones, and lived here until his death in 1837. Mrs. Jones died in February, 1878. Mr. Edward Jones came to Champion March 10, 1850, and settled one mile east of his present farm. He cleared up a good farm and lived upon it ten years. He then moved upon the one where he is now located. He was married August 19, 1846, to Miss Martha J. Osborn, daughter of Abram Osborn, of Austintown. They had eight 560 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. children, five of whom are living. Mrs. Jones died in February, 1874. She was a member of the Disciple church, a faithful wife and loving mother. Mr. Jones is an active, wide-wake farmer. Stock raising is his chief business. He has a fine farm, which he keeps in the best of condition, showing industry and thrift. Robert Russell was born in Austintown township in 1820. His father, Robert Russell was a native of Virginia, and came to Ohio in 1802, and first settled at Mentor, where he resided till 1806; then moved to Austintown and was a pioneer in the township; built up a good farm and lived upon it till his death in January, 1879. Mrs. Russell died in 1873 or 1874. There were nine children in the family, six of whom are living. Mr. Robert Russell, the subject of this sketch, came to Champion in 1851 and settled upon the farm where he has since lived. He has one hundred and twenty acres of good land, and is engaged in general farming. He was married in 1851 to Miss Elizabeth Lanterman, daughter of William Lanterman, of Austintown. They have three children—George C., Alice E., Cornelia J. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are members of the Disciple church. Politically he is a Republican. William Hunt was born in Canonfield township, Mahoning county, December 31, 1824. His father, Samuel Hunt, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in about 1820, and settled in Canfield township, where he lived till 1846, when he moved to Champion township. He began in the wilderness and cleared up a good farm upon which his widow and son, C. F. Hunt, now live. He died December 26, 1879, in his seventy-ninth year. There were eleven children in his family, eight of whom are living. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, as was Mrs. Hunt. Mr. William Hunt has lived upon the farm where we now find him since 1852. He is engaged in general farming. He was married in 1850 to Miss Sarah Ann Weiss, daughter of Abram Weiss, of Champion. Mrs. Hunt died in March, 1872. There were seven children, six of whom are living. He was married the second time in 1872, to Miss Ramsey, daughter of James Ramsey, of Canfield. Both are members of the Methodist church. David Leach was born October 16, 1815, in Sussex county, New Jersey. His father, John, was a native of New Jersey, a came to Ohio in 1820, and settled in Austintown township, Trumbull county, now Mahoning. Here he resided several years, and was among the early settlers of the township. He was a blacksmith by trade. He died in 1826 or 1827, leaving a family of eleven children and a widow to mourn his loss. His family moved to Lordstown township in 1827 or 1828, and were among the earliest settlers in Lordstown. Mrs. Leach, mother of David Leach, died in 1875 in her ninety-fourth year. Mr. David Leach came to Champion in 1876, and located upon the farm where we now find him. He has made it a practice to move once a year since his marriage. He was married September 30, 1838, to Miss Effie Jones, daughter of John Jones, of Austin- town. They have had five children, three living. Mr. and Mrs. Leach are members of the Disciple church. In politics a sound Republican. N. D. Folsom was born in 1837 in Weathers- field township, Trumbull county. His father, Jonathan, was a native of Essex county, New York, and came to Ohio in 1834. He located in Weathersfield township, where he resided till 1864, being engaged in farming in the meantime. He then moved to Howland township, where he has since lived. Mr. N. D. Folsom, came to Champion township in March, 1880. He is superintendent of the infirmary farm, and gives the best of satisfaction, fulfilling his duties faithfully and well. He was married November 29, 1879, to Miss Mary McMullen, daughter of Washington McMullen, of Brookfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Folsom are consistent members of the Disciple church. In politics Mr. Folsom is a sound Republican.