N. B.—Not No. 1 is the southwest lot, lot No. 2 is the northwest lot, lot No. 3 is the southeast lot,
and lot No. 4 is the northeast lot.
Signed,
JUDSON CANFELD.
NATHANIEL CHURCH.
NATHAN MOORE.
N. B.—The above four lots were the four center lots previous to their being cut up into small lots
containing about seven acres each. Each of the above four lots before cut up contained about
sixty-three acres, being 186 by 6o rods, including highways; and each lot has been cut up into
eight.
When these four center lots were subdivided does not appear, but it must have been during the
summer of 1798, as Mr. Church speaks of his men taking up lots in the town, in the letter given
above. It is somewhat surprising that he nowhere mentions Mr. Canfield's visit to the Reserve.
THE NAME.
Campfield was the name given the township by the surveyors, and it is so denominated in their
maps and notes. An old book of records deposited with the recorder of deeds of Trumbull county
contains in manuscript a record of the survey as well as other records. The first page of this book
is as follows:
The first book of records of the township number one in the third range in the Connecticut
Reserve called Campfield, alias Canfield.
April, 1798. Voted that township number one in the third range should be called Campfield.
April 15, 1800. Voled that the above township should be called Canfield.
The last name was bestowed in honor of Judson Canfield, the largest proprietor of land in the
township.
* The number of acres owned by each is denoted by the figures opposite the name.
SETTLEMENT.
All of the first settlers were from Connecticu —wide-awake, progressive Yankees. We have
attempted to classify the early settlers according to the date at which they arrived here. As already
recorded, Champion Miner and family made a permanent settlement in 1798. This family, with
Samuel Gilson and Joseph Pang burn, made up the population of Canfield during the winter of
1798-99.
1799. Phineas Reed arrived in the spring o this year, whether with or without a family, we are
unable to learn. In the fall came Eleazer Gilson and Joshua Hollister.
1800. Nathan Moore and family arrived on the 15th of May, having been forty-five days on the
road. This is the only recorded arrival during that year.
1801. James Doud and family, Ichabod Atwood, Calvin Tobias, Abijah Peck.
1802. Captain Wadsworth, Simeon Sprague, Tryal Tanner, Matthew Steele, Aaron Collar and
William Chidester with families, David Butler, David Halfield, Charles and Henry Chittenden,
Benjamin Bradley, Ariel Bradley, Warren Bissel, Daniel Miner. Some of those last named were
probably accompanied by the families.
1803—Abisha Chapman, Jonathan Sprague Dr. Pardee, Benjamin Yale, William Chapma
Bradford Waldo, Wilder Page, Cook Fitch,
1804—Zeba Loveland, Archibald Johnston, and probably many others.
1805—Herman Canfield and wife, Ebenez Bostwick and family. This year began the German
settlement. Henry Yager, Jacob Ritler, Jacob Wetzel, Henry Ohl, Conrad Neff, Peter Lynn, John
Lynn, George Lynn, Daniel Fink, Adam Blankman and Philip Borts arrived during this year;
some of them, perhaps, a year earlier, All, however, did not settle in Canfield, but those who did
formed an important addition to the population and did much toward developing the agricultural
resources of the new settlement.
There are others whose names should have been included in the above lists, could the precise
date of their coming have been ascertained. Azariah Wetmore, Jonah Scofield, John Everett and
others were among the very earliest settlers.
Many of those whose names appear above remained but a few years, some of them but one
PICTURE OF JUDGE F. G. SERVIS
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 13
season; and of those who remained and died here information has not always been obtainable.
Nathan Moore was the surveyor of the party which came out in 1798. After his settlement here in
1800 he remained a few years then moved away with his family.
James Doud settled two miles east of the cenler. He had several children who lived here until
they were men and women and then moved. His sons were Herman, James, William, and
Samuel. His oldest daughter, Lydia, married Judge Bingham, of Ellsworth ; Anna became Mrs.
Hall, of Ravenna. Mr. Doud was a drover. He passed over the mountains many times with droves
of cattle, but on his last trip he was taken sick and died.
Ichabod Atwood settled in the northwest of the township and afterward moved to Springfield. He
had several sons and daughters, none of whom settled here. He built quit a nice frame barn at aU
early date.
Eleazer Gilson settled east of the center in 1801, afterwards moved to Turner street. His son
Samuel was also an early settler. Isaac, Lizzie (Everett), Cynthia, and Maria (Beeman) were the
names of others of this family.
Jonah Scofield in 1800 or 1801 settled a short distance west of the center, where he lived and
died. His son William went South and died. Pamela married Edward Wadsworth. Frances
married John Reed. Both of these resided in Canfield.
Aaron Collar died in 1813 at the age of forty- nine. Lavinia, his wife, died the same year aged
forty-six. Several of their descendants still reside in this township. An epidemic in 1813 carried
off a large number of the settlers.
James Bradley lived on the farm afterwards owned by Philo Beardsley, and now owned by Noah
Lynn. Ariel Bradley removed to Portage county in 1805.
William Chidester came out in company with Tryal Tanner. He settled one and one fourth miles
west of the center. He died in 1813, aged fifty-seven. His sons were Hezekiah, Philo, Erastus,
Rush, Velorus, Julius, and Royal, Chloe and Betsey were his daughters. Chloe became Mrs.
Smith and settled in Ellsworth. Hezekiah married Lizzie Buell, resided in Can, field and reared a
large family. Philo also passed his life in this township. Erastus lived here several years, then
moved west. Rush went to Medina county. Velorus died the same year with his father. Julius
Moved to Medina county. Royal occupied his father's old farm, and died there. He married the
widow of Jarvis, who is still living on the old place. William Chidester, the father, was a man of
good ability. He was the first justice of the peace in Canfield, and solemnized many marriages ih
this and surrounding townships in early days.
Ira Spague settled one mile south of the center. His son Augustus occupied the farm after him.
Henry Sprague, son of Augustus, is now living on the place.
Reuben Tupper settled on the farm which David Hine purchased later.
Several members of the Sackett family settled in Canfield very early. Simmons Sackelt lived in
this township until 1863, when he died at the age of seventy-five.
Some of the old settlers attained a remarkable age. Esther, the wife of Captain Philo Beardsley,
died at the age of ninety-one. Ethel Starr, a comparatively early settler, died in 1861, aged
ninety-two years. John Everett died in 1819, at the age of ninety-two.
Abrshai Chapman settled in the northwest of the township, but sold out and moved.
William Chapman owned two lots near the center. He died in 1813, at the age of thirty-six, and
was buried the same day as Squire Chidester. His widow married a Mr, Merwin and went to
Palmyra to live.
John and Sarah Everett were early settlers. They had but one child, a daughter—Mrs. Sprague.
They were old people when they came here and died in early years.
Matthew Steele settled southeast of the center, The family were all grown before the memory of
old residents.
Bradford Waldo remained few years in this township, then moved to Portage county. He was
noted as a wit, and had a gift for making impromptu doggerel verses, which were sometimes
extremely amusing.
Herman Canfield, Sr., brother of Judson Canfield, married Fitia Bostwick. In October, 1805, they
settled in Canfield. Six children were born to them, viz : Herman, William H., Elizabeth,
Cornelia, and Lora. Lieutenant-colonel Herman Canfield died at Crump's Landing, April 7,
14 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
1862, while in the service of his country. He was a lawyer of ability and worth, served as State
Senator from Medina county, and held other important positions. William H. Canfield was born
in 1806, and died in Kansas in 1874. He studied law in the office of Hon. Elisha Whittlesey. In
1866 he removed to Kansas, and in 1870 was appointed judge of the Eighth Judicial district of
that State, and held the position until his death.
James Reed settled in the western part of the township in 18o5, moving from Ellsworth. After his
settlement his father, also named James, came out and lived with him. He died here at the age of
about seventy, and was the fifth person buried in the center graveyard. During the War of 1812
Mr, Reed set up a distillery, and furnished the army with whiskey, which then formed a part of
soldiers' rations. James Reed died in 1813; Mrs. Reed survived until 1860, and reached the
remarkable age of ninety-eight years. Her children were: Mary (Bowman), born in 1791, still
living, in Goshen township; Rosanna, born in 1793, died in 1813; Jemima (Rudisill), born in
1797, died, aged seventy-five; James, Jr., born in 1799, lives in Michigan; Rachel (Turner), born
in 1801, resides in Canfield; Eleanor (Turner), born in 1803, lives in Summit county; Anna, born
in ,806, died, aged three and a half years; John C., born in 0809, died, aged forty; Hiram, born in
1811, killed when two months old, his mother being thrown from a horse with the babe in her
arms; Joshua, born in 1812, resides in Alliance. Mr. Reed, while living in Canfield, attempted to
dig a well upon his farm, and came near losing his life in it on account of the "damps" or foul
gases there. A colored man known as Black Tobe, hearing that Mr. Reed had abandoned the well,
came to him, and urged that he be allowed to finish the job. He was told of the danger, but would
not listen, and was finally allowed to enter the well. Before those attending him; became aware of
his state, he was overcome and sank down in a suffocating condition. He was lifted out, but all
attempts to revive him proved ineffectual, and he died the victim of his rashness.
John and Magdalena (Neir) Harding came to this township about the year 1805. Their sons were
John, George, and Jacob, all of whom died in this county. The daughters were Mollie
(Harroff), Katharine (Ohl), Mary (Neff), Betsey (Kline), Sarah A. (Oswald), and Rebecca
(Hood). Mrs. Kline and Mrs. Oswald are the only survivors of this family.
Jacob Oswald was among the early settlers of the township, located on what is now the Samuel
Stitel farm. He moved to Liberty township, Trumbull county. His son Charles returned to
Canfield in 1826, and passed his life in the township.
The Lynns of Canfield and other portions of this county, are descended from Nicholas Lynn, who
emigrated to America from Germany previous to the Revolutionary war. He was a soldier in the
war, and after its close married and settled in Berks county, Pennsylvania. It is said that he was
the father of fourteen children, but the history of only eleven can be traced—five sons, Philip,
Jacob, Peter, George, and John, and six daughters. Philip and fou1 of the daughters, Mrs. Snyder,
Mrs. Reaser, Mrs. Sheibly, and Mrs. Kock, remained in Pennsylvania, and their descendants are
numerous in Berks, Perry, Lehigh, and other counties, ranking high in social and civic positions.
The family of the oldest son, Philip, consisted of three sons and several daughters. One of the
sons, John, came to Canfield and resided near Cornersburg, After living here several years,
building a saw-mill, etc., he sold out and returned to Pennsylvania. One of his grandsons,
Solomon W., is a resident of Austintown.
Jacob, the second son, came to Ohio about 1830, and died in this township in 1837, at the age of
seventy. His sons were Jacob, Jesse, John, and Philip ; his daughters, Mrs. Jacob Heintzelman,
Mrs. Christian Heintzelman, and Mrs. Miller. Two are now living, Mrs. Jacob Heinlzelman, and
Jesse, the second son.
The three younger sons of Nicholas Lynn came to Canfield in 1805, and settled on adjorning
farms. George died in 1833, aged fifty-eight; John in 1835, aged fifty-six, and Peter in 1858, at
the age of eighty-six. Peter Lynn had three sons, Adam, William, and Peter, and three daughters,
Mrs. Fullwiler, Mrs. Shellabarger, and Mrs. Infelt. All are dead excepting Adam Lynn, Esq., for
many years a justice in this township. George Lynn's family numbered five sons, David, John,
George, William second, and Levi, and two daughters, Mrs. Nathan Hartman,
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 15
and Mrs. S. W. Lynn. All are living except William, who. died in 1851, aged thirty-five. His son,
William C. Lynn, a resident of the Black Hills region, is six feet eight inches tall, and
correspondingly well developed. John Lynn, youngest son of Nicholas, had three sons, John N.
O., David second, and G. W., and three daughters, Mrs. George E. Hardrng, Mrs. Joseph
Harlman, and one who died young. Three members of this family are living.
Barbara, youngest daughter of Nicholas Lynn, came to Ohro about 1806. She married Abraham
Kline. Her husband soon died, and she lived a widow fifty-seven years, until death called her
home. She was a woman of great benevolence, and having gained a competence, bestowed rt
freely upon religious and charrtable organizations. Among other bequests, she gave $1,000 to
Heidelberg college, Tiffin, Ohio. She died in 1873, aged seventy-eight.
Susanna, also a daughter of the Revolutionary ancestor, married a Mr. Bailey and settled in Ohio
about 1820. She had three sons and two daughters. One of the daughters married John Corll, and
another, Samuel Rupright. Only one of Mrs. Bailey's children is now living, her son, Jacob, now
a resident of Indiana. The Lynns are thrifty and worthy people, friends to law and order, and
zealous in the support of education and religion. In 1804 David Hine, from Warreno Litchfield
county, Connecticut, came to Canfield on foot; purchased land and began some improvements
upon it, in 1806. The same year he brought his family with an ox team. His farm was situated one
and one-half miles west of the center. In 1810 Mr. and Mrs. Hine returned to Connecticut to visit
their friends, and remained until the spring of 1811, when they again came to Canfield. David
Hine died in 1859, in his seventy-eighth year. His wife, Achsah (Sackett) Hine, died in 1832,
aged forty-seven. Their family consisted of seven sons and three daughters, namely, Myron,
Warren, Chester, Benjamin, Charles, David, Jr., William, Cynthia, Mary, and Betsey. All arrived
at maturity. Three sons and two daughters are still living, Warren, in Canfield ; Charles, in
Warren, Conneclicut; William, in Canfield; Cynthia, wife of C. S. Mygatt, Canfield ; and Betsey,
wife of William Cum- slock, Canfield.
In 1806 came Elisha Whitllesey, doubtless the greatest accession the township ever had. He was
in public service almost constantly from the date of his settlement until his death, in 1863; and all
trusts, whether of town, county, State, or Nation, were discharged in a manner which never failed
to please and satisfy. His biography, and likewise that of his honored and esteemed associate,
Judge Eben Newton, will be found in this work. It may be proper to mention here the names of a
few distinguished men who were students in the law office of Mr. Whittlesey: Hon. Joshua R.
Giddings, Hon. Benjamin F. Wade, W. C. Otis, General Ralph P. Buckland, and Columbia
Lancaster, afterwards of Oregon, received a portion of their legal training in Canfield.
In 1806 the Turner family came to the northwestern part of the township. The road on which they
lived was long known as "Turner street " and is frequently mentioned thus by old residents at the
present day. Adam Turner and his wife Margaret came from New Jersey. They had five sons and
three daughters, viz: John, Elsie, Conrad, Mary, James, George, Robert, and Charity. John settled
in Canfield for a time, but moved to Sharon, Medina county, where he died at the age of
eighty-six. Elsie married Giles Clark and resided in Hubbard, Trumbull county; died in
Clarksville, Pennsylvania. Conrad bought his brother John's farm in the northwest of the
township; sold out, moved to Medina county, and died at the age of eighty-two. Mary married
James Reed, formerly of Pennsylvania, and died in this township.
George died in Medina county, and Robert in Michigan. Charity married Henry Edsall, and
resided in Canfield. Of these eight children there are no survivors. James, the third son, was born
in 1796, and died July 17, 1873. In 1819 he married Rachel Reed, who is still living. She bore
five children, four of whom arrived at maturity. Three are still living. Fidelia married Ward E.
Sackett, and after his death became the wife of Julius Tanner, of Canfield. Charles R. married
Flora Sackett for his first wife. She bore three children, two of whom, Jemima Estella and Hattie
S., are living. For his second wife he married Harriet Sackett, who bore one son; he was
accidentally shot by a playmate at the age of nine years. Charles R. Turner was born in 1822 and
died in 1874.
16 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO
James C. resides on the old homestead in Canfield. Betsey M. is the wife of Judson W, Canfield.
Benjamin Manchester, whose ancestors came from England to America in 1638, was born in
Newport county, Rhode Island, in 1786. Thomas Manchester, the progenitor of the Manchester
family in this country, was one of the company that purchased the Island of Aquiday, afterwards
called Rhode Island, from the Indian sachem, Miantonomah, in 1639. Benjamin Manchester
moved with his parents to Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1797. In 1805 he married Phebe
Hannah Doddridge, born in 1788. In April, 1809, they settled on a farm in the southern part of
Canfield township. They reared four children, three of whom are now living: James, born in
1806, resides in Illinois; Philip, born in 1808, resides in Indiana; Isaac, born in 1810, now living
in Canfield; and Mary Ann, born in 1812. She married George Ranck, of Wayne county, Indiana,
and died in 1852. The wife of Benjamin Manchester died in 1813. In 1821 he married Margaret
McGowen, who also bore four children-Phebe Jane, Eliza, Robert, and Martha. Eliza and Martha
are dead. Phebe Jane, the widow of Elijah Jones, lives in Missouri. Robert resides in Canfield,
Benjamin Manchester was a soldier in the War of 1812. He held various township trusts, and was
one of the township trustees twenty-seven consecutive years. He was a man of the strictest
morality and integrity, He died in 1857,
TAXES IN 1803.
Thirty-six dollars and ninety-three cents was the amount of taxes raised in the township of
Canfield in the year 1803. Many who paid less than a dollar doubtless lived to see their taxes
increased, "some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred fold." The list is as follows:
CANFIELD, RANGE THREE, TOWN ONE.
Amount of Tax.
Atwood, Ichabod - $ .5o
Bradley, James - 1.04
Bradford, James - .64
Bissel, Warren - ..20
Collar, Aaron. - 1.52
Crane, Calvin - .52
Chidester, William - .54
Chittenden, Timothy - .53
Chittenden, Charles - .58
Doud, James - .56
Doud, Polly - .25
Everett, John - .53
Faulkner, Henry - .25
Gridley, Nathaniel - .82
Gilson, Samuel - 1.10
Gifford, James - .10
Gifford, Peregrine P - .10
Gifford, Richard - .38
Hollister, Joshua - .14
Hulbert, Raphael - 1.60
Harrington, Jacob - .24
Hine, Homer - .03
Johnson, Archibald - .80
Loveland, Zeba - .12
Mervin, Zebulon - .52
Miner, Champion - .20
Moore, Nathan - .48
Neil, John - .21
Page, Wilder - .56
Pardy, David - .03
Pangburn, Joseph - .22
Reed, Phineas - .58
Reed, James - .47
Steele, Matthew - 2.30
Scovill, Jonah - 24
Simcox, John - .10
Sprague, Ira - .24
Tobias, Calvin - .28
Tupper, Reuben - .52
Tanner, Tryal - 1.60
Wilcox, Isaac - .52
Wadsworth, Elijah - 15.26
Waldo, Bradford - .14
Yale, Benjamin - .02
Total - $36.93
FIRST EVENTS:
The first burial in the township took place July 21,1798. A little child, the daughter of Champion
Minor, was buried in lot forty-four, second division, about three-fourths of a mile east of the
center. Two rude stones mark the head and foot of the grave. The first person buried in the
cemetery east of the center was Olive, the wife of Charles Chittenden. She died September 30,
1801.
The first male child born in the township was Royal Canfield Chidister, barn June 22, 1802,
about three rods east of the center of the township.
The first log-house built in the township was on the southeast corner of lot fifty-one in the second
division. The first clearing was made on lot fifty-two, second division.
The first frame house in the township was built in 1802-3 by Elijah Wadsworth. It was two-story,
30 x 40 feet.
The first marriage ceremony ever solemnized in this township was that of Joseph. Pangburn
PICTURE OF HENRY VAN HYNING
PICTURE OF MRS. SOPHIA BEARDSLEY
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 17
and Lydia Fitch. They were married April 11, 1801, by Caleb Baldwin, Esq., of Youngstown.
February 11, 1800, Alfred Woolcott, surveyor, led to the hymenial altar Mercy Gilson, daughter
of Eleazer Gilson, of this township. For want of some person qualified by law to solemnize the
ceremony, they were obliged to go to Pennsylvania to be married.
POST-OFFICE,
In 1801 the first mail route to the Reserve was established through the influence of Elijah
Wadsworth, who was then appointed postmaster al Canfield. He was again postmaster in 1813,
THE FIRST MILLS.
The first saw-mill in the township was erected on lot number three in the fourth division, in the
northwestern corner of the township. Work was begun in the spring of 1801, by Jonah Scoville,
In the summer of the same year he sold it lo Ichabod Atwood, who completed the mill during the
succeeding fall and winter, and commenced sawing in the spring of 1802.
The second saw-mill was erected in 1802, on the southeast corner of the "Brier Lot." It was
owned, one-half by Elijah Wadsworth, one- fourth by Tryal Tanner, one-eighth by William
Sprague, and one-eighth by Matthew Steele. Jared Hill came from Connecticut to build it.
Sawing was commenced in 1803. The land on which the mill stood belonged to Judson Canfield,
from whom it was rented in 1802, by Mr. Wadsworth, for seven years. The consideration for the
use of the land was thus expressed in the lease: "One pepper-corn yearly, to be paid if
demanded."
In 1810 a carding machine was erected by a company. The machinery was propelled by
horse-power. Wool was sent to this mill from Cleveland, Painesville, and other distant points.
A saw-mill and grist-mill was in operation in 1828, on the stream known as the "South run." It
was run by a man named Oister.
PHYSICIANS.
The first of these useful members of society who ministered unto the sick and afflicted in
Canfield was Dr. David Pardee. He came to the settlement in 1803, but remained only a short
time. Little is known concerning him except that he was considered very much of an oddity.
In 1807 Dr. Shadrach Bostwick moved from Deerfield to Canfield. He was born in Maryland, in
1769 ; moved to Massachusetts, and thence to Deerfield, Portage county, in company with his
father-in-law, Daniel Diver, in 1803. He held two important positions, physician and Methodist
minister. In both he was earnest and faithful. Though by no means deeply skilled in the healing
art, he always strove to the best of his ability to effect cures, and the patient always knew that the
doctor's sympathies were with him. For many years Dr. Bostwick continued to give both medical
and spiritual advice to the people of Canfield and adjoining settlements. When he arrived in the
township there was but one Methodist family among its inhabitants, but he lived to see a large
and prosperous society as the result of his labors. He died in Canfield in 1837.
Dr. Ticknor was a physician in Canfield as early as 1814. He married Getia Bostwick, and
practiced here with good success several years. He held some kind of a naval commission and
was subject to orders to leave at any time.
Dr. Ira Brainard came to Canfield about 1817 and died here in 1825. He studied medicine with
Dr. Allen in Kinsman, and had a large practice in this region.
Dr. Chauncy R. Fowler, whose long and extensive practice in this county has secured a wide
reputation, was born in Poland, this county, September 25, 1802, being a son of Jonathan and
Lydia (Kirtland) Fowler, the first settlers in the township of Poland. He studied medicine with
Dr. Manning, of Youngstown, and in October, 1823, commenced practice in Poland, where he
continued until 1826, when he removed to Canfield, where he has since resided. Dr. Fowler was
married in 1826 to Mary D. Hol land, daughter of Benjamin Holland, of Youngstown. She died
in 1865, having borne four sons and one daughter, viz: Dr. Charles N. Fowler, of Youngstown;
Henry M. Fowler, editor of the Dispatch, Canfield; Russell C. Fowler, who died in 1858; Dr.
Jonathan E. Fowler, who died in 1870, and Hannah Jane, wife of Dr. A. W. Calvin, of Canfield.
Dr. Fowler has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine in this county longer than any
other physician, his practice in Canfield and adjoining townships covering a period of more than
fifty-five years. That
18 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
he has been successful the high esteem with which he is regarded by the large community which
has employed him affords most convincing evidence.
Dr. J. M. Caldwell has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Canfield for about forty years
past. He was also in the drug and grocery business for some time. Dr. Caldwell was born in
Ireland, attended medical lectures in Philadelphia and graduated there over fifty years ago.
Dr. Lewis D. Coy, eclectic physician and surgeon, is a native of this county, and though a young
man is fast gaining a lucrative practice. He settled in Canfield in 1879.
Dr. A. W. Calvin, for several years an esteemed physician of Canfield, died in 1881. A sketch of
hrs life will be found elsewhere.
Dr. E. K. Prettyman, eclectic physician, is a native of Delaware. He practiced in Pennsylvania
some years and settled in Canfield in 1880.
FORMER MERCHANTS.
The first store was established in 1804 by Zalmon Fitch, in partnership with Herman Can- field.
This is said, on good authority, to have been the second permanent mercantile establishment
upon the Reserve. Mr. Fitch continued the business in Canfield until 1813, when he moved to
Warren. While in Canfield he also kept tavern.
Comfort S. Mygatt, one of Canoneield's earliest merchants, was born August 23, 1763. About the
1st of June, 1807, from his home in Dan- bury, Connecticut, he dispatched a team consisting of
two pair of oxen and two horses, with a large wagon loaded with household goods, for Ohio. One
week later he started with his family with four horses and a fifth horse to hitch on when
necessary, which was often the case. He overtook the first team in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania,
and from there the two journeyed in company. On the 4th of July all were in Pittsburg together,
and on the .7th they arrived in Canfield, the first team having been five weeks on the road and the
one which brought Mr. Mygatt and family four. The family, at the time of their arrival, consisted
of Mr. Mygatt and wife, four daughters, two sons, and two step-sons —ten persons in all. July
16, 1807, a son was born—Dr. Eli Mygatt, now an honored citizen of Poland. Soon after
reaching Canfield Mr. Mygatt entered into partnershrp with Herman Canfield and Zalmon Fitch,
under the firm name of Mygatt, Canfield & Fitch, and opened a store of dry goods, groceries, and
general merchandise. The partnership was dissolved after about two years, and the business was
continued by Mr. Mygatt during the remainder of his life. He died in October, 1823. In 1811 Mr.
Mygatt and his wife rode on horseback from Ca field to Danbury, but returned in a two-wheel d
carriage, driving one horse before the other. The journey, a dislance of five hundred and thirty
miles, occupied eleven days.
In 1828 the merchants of Canfield were three, Alson Kent, Eli T. Boughton, and William Hogg.
Boughton came here a young man. He was a tailor by trade. As a merchant he continued to do a
fair business for many years. He died in Canfield. His first wife was a daughter of Comfort S.
Mygatt, and his second the widow of Ensign Church.
Alson. Kent came to this place from Ravenna, and was in business several years.
William Hogg came from Petersburg and was a fairly successful merchant. A store built by him
is now a dwelling, owned by Charles French.
C. S. Mygatt, son of Comfort S., was born in Canfield in 1815. In 1833 he began business with
the firm of Lockwood, Mygatt & Co., dealers in general merchandise. From that date until 1860
he was in business here as a merchant, part of the time in partnership. Mr. Mygatt is still a
resident of his native town.
Among others who have been merchants in Canfield, and are still residents of the place, are
William Schmick, John Sanzenbacher, and Pierpont Edwards. For particulars see their
biographies.
CANFIELD'S MERCHANTS.
Below we briefly mention the firms now doing business in Canfield, beginning at the store
situated on the corner northwest of the center of the township and proceeding south to the
courthouse, crossing the street and asking the reader to accompany us down on the other side:
W. H. Kyle, dealer in hardware, etc., began business in 1878 in the corner store formerly
occupied by C. S. Mygatt as a grocery. Betts & Sons manufacture and deal in pumps in a part of
the same building.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 19
Truesdale & Kirk, who have an extensive slock of dry goods and general merchandise, began
business in Schmick's block in 1876. The senior member of this firm, Dr. J. Truesdale, began
keeping a general store in 1859 in Odd Fellow's block, having James McClelland as partner, the
style of the firm being McClelland & Truesdale. Three years later McClelland went out, and Dr.
Truesdale continued business alone till 1867, and then formed a partnership with Charles E.
Boughton, the name of the firm being Truesdale & Boughton. The partnership continued three
years, and in 1870 Mr. J. C. Kirk became the Doctor's partner. Mr. Kirk is a native of Berlin
township, this county, and began his business life as a clerk in 1866, at the age of seventeen.
Hollis & Brother, dealers in stoves and hardware, have been in business since 1860. G. H. Hollis
began in 1857, and was joined by his brother, R. S. Hollis, in 1860. They were burned out in
1867, after which occurrence they built the store they now occupy. Lynn Brothers, dealers in
drugs, groceries, and notions, commenced in 1873. The firm consists of Messrs. G. F. & E. D.
Lynn, both young men and natives of the township. They are doing a good business. The store
which they occupy had been previously used by Gee & Blythe, who were in the same business.
Samuel Ewing opened his meat market in 1878 in the shop owned by the widow Lynn.
G. Fishel, dealer in confeclionery, tobacco, cigars, ice cream, etc., commenced in 1877.
George Bartman, repairer and dealer in clocks, has been at work in this place over twenty years.
G. Rupright, grocer, bought out John Miller in 1864. He moved to Canfield village from a farm
in the southeastern part of the township.
A. G. Arnold began the furniture business about fifteen years ago. He is now agent for Eli Creps,
and does business in the store built and now owned by Robert Hole, of Salem.
G. W. Shellhorn, manufacturer and dealer rn boots and shoes, came to Canfield in 1853 from
Summit county, and purchased of Henry Hoffman the store formerly occupied by G. G. Weare.
J. O. Corll, druggist, began in November, 1879, having bought the store of Dr. W. M. Corll. He
keeps a large stock of first-class goods, both drugs and groceries, and aims to meet all the wants
of his rapidly increasing list of customers.
H. B. Brainerd, tailor, came to Canfield in October, 1828, and began working at hrs trade, which
he still continues to follow. Mr. Brainerd was born at Saratoga Springs, New York, in 1808. He
came to Ohio in 1811 with his father, George Brarnerd, who setlled in Boardman. There are four
survivors of this family, viz: Henry, Liberly, Trumbull county; Mrs. Eliza Davidson, Boardman;
John H., Cuyahoga Falls, Summit county ; and Horace B., Canfield. George Brainerd, the father,
died in 1870 at the age of ninety-two. Mrs. Brainerd died in 1824 aged forty-four. H. B. Brainerd
served his apprenticeship in Cleveland when that place was but a small village. He acted as
insurance agent in Canfield about thirty-five years.
S. K. Crooks began the harness business in 1861. This he still continues in connection with
dealing in grain and feed. He occupies the store formerly John Metzal's meat shop. The building
was erected for an office and occupied for some time by John Wetmore, revenue collector.
John Dodson, dealer in groceries, books, stationery, etc., commenced business in Canfield in
1859. He has moved several times, but has been in his present store since 1868. The building was
formerly a cigar factory. In 1881 Mr. Dodson began building a large and commodious store, two
stories, 59 x 19 feet, which he intends to occupy as a store as soon as it is completed, at the same
time carrying on business in his present quarters.
Ira H. Bunnell, manufacturer and dealer in saddles, harness, and trunks, commenced in 1870 in
the building he now occupies. Mr. Bunnell was born in Canfield township in 1822. His father,
Charles A. Bunnell, came here quite early and was a carpenter by trade. Mr. Bunnell has served
as justice of the peace several years.
At present there is bul one store in operation on the east side of Broad street until Main street is
reached, and that one is the grocery and saloon of J. P. Saddler, who began business in 1880.
Pierpont Edwards had a well-filled store north of the Congregational church, but closed out his
business in 1881.
M. V. B. King, druggist, Church block, cor-
20 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
ner of Main and Broad streets, has been in his present business since May, 1878, He succeeded I.
W. Kirk, grocer and postmaster. Mr. King was appointed postmaster in 1879.
Edwards & Dyball, dealers in dry goods and general merchandise, commenced in May, 1881,
succeeding P. Edwards. They occupy a store in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows' block.
TAVERNS.
Who kept the first tavern in Canfield we have not learned. In early days every house was a
"house of entertainment," and new arrivals were made welcome and treated to the best the house
afforded.
Cook Fitch came to Canfield in 1802. For same years he kept tavern north of Main street, on the
east side of the road—the fourth house north of the corner where the brick block stands. He was a
quiet, straight-forward man, and kept a good house, which was a stopping place for the
Cleveland and Pittsburg stages.
The brick hotel, now known as the American house, was built by Joel Keck. M. L. Edwards kept
hotel a number of years in a frame hotel, afterwards burned, which occupied the site of the
American house, The American, under the management of Ira M. Twiss, is proving very popular.
L, L, Bostwick enlarged his father's dwelling, converted it into a public house, and acted as
landlord a number of years. The house is still known as the Bostwick house.
Besides the American and the Bostwick, Canfield has two other hotels : Canfield house, H.
Hoffman, and the Union house, Christian Patterman,
BANKING.
Canfield has no National bank, or savings institution. Van Hyning & Co. commenced banking in
1871. The stock company originally consisted of fourteen members, which number is now
reduced to seven. In 1873 they erected the hank building which they now occupy. The names of
the stockholders are as follow: Henry Van Hyning, president ; Peter Gee, cashier; Eben Newton,
Hosea Hoover, Warren Hine, Giles Van Hyning, and S. W. Brainerd.
TANNERY AND BELT MANUFACTORY.
The leading manufacturing interest in Canfield is represented by the firm of J. Sanzenbacher &
Co. The history of this industry, briefly sketched, is as follows: In 1865 John Sanzenbacher
bought of F. A. Brainard his tannery, and commenced work in it. The tannery at the time of its
purchase had a capacity for dressing about five hundred hides per year. Mr. Sanzenbacher
enlarged the building, and doubled the amount of work done. About 1865 he ceased tanning, and
commenced the manufacture of leather belting. In 1867 he disposed of the building and
machinery to Royal Collar. In 1869 Mr. Sanzenbacher again engaged in the making of belts in
the house which he had formerly occupied as a dwelling. In October, 1869, he formed a
partnership with Pierpont Edwards, who is still a member of the firm. Frank Schauweker was one
of the firm from 1872 to 1876. In 1872 was erected the tannery and belt factory now in operation.
The capacity of the works was about five thousand hides per annum, but in 1879 an addition was
made to the main building, 81 x 42 feet, and the amount of work considerably increased. Until
1876 all of the stock was worked up into belts. Since that time the manufacturers have been
making a speciality of harness leather. This firm sends and receives more freight than all the rest
of the town combined. They pay to.the railroad company about $2,000 a year on freight received,
Employment is given to twenty men on an average, and the pay roll amounts to $200 per week.
The proprietors have thus far found a ready market for all of their products, and their
establishment has gained a reputation for first-class work.
CLEWELL'S SAW-MILL AND LUMBER YARD.
In 1854 J. H. Clewell and Eben Newton purchased of John Wetmore his saw-mill and lumbe1
yard and began business. Mr. Clewell soon bought out Judge Newton's share, and then went into
partnership with Warren Hine for several years. Mr. Hine sold his interest to Frederick
Whittlesey, who continued the business with Mr, Clewell a short time. Since 1867 the business
has been carried on by Mr. Clewell alone. He has recently built an addition to the mill and is
doing a larger business than ever, manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of house furnishing
lumber,
STAR FLOURING MILL.
This mill was built in 1879 by J, and C. W.
PICTURE OF EDMUND P. TANNER
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 21
Harroff. From them it was purchased in 1880, by Slafford & Calvin, who are doing a good
business. About twenty barrels of flour are produced daily.
CARRIAGE MAKING.
Matthias Swank was extensively engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages for a
number of years. Beginning in 1835 he continued the business until his death in 1881. At one
time he employed from fifteen to twenty men and turned out a large amount of work yearly. His,
son, E. C. Swank, now carries on the business at the old stand on East Main street.
THE COUNTY SEAT AND ITS REMOVAL
The county of Mahoning was created by act of the Legislature in the winter session of 1845– 46,
and Canfield, its geographical center, fixed upon as the county seat. This good fortune was a
source of much satisfaction and pride to the citizens of Canfield. It gave increased value to real
estate, and made the town of more importance every way. The court-house was erected in
1847-48. The first court was held in it in 1848. The jail was built in 1850.
For a time all was harmonious; Canfield was happy; the county was satisfied, and men came to
Canfield, very naturally and properly, to transact their legal business, to patronize the merchants
and hotel-keepers, to arrange for caucuses and conventions, and carry out political programmes.
Meanwhile Youngstown was getting on in the world at a rapid rate, In 1860 the town had about
three thousand inhabitants; in 1870, eight thousand. With prosperity Youngstown became
avaricious. Canfield had no iron furnaces and her growing rival was soon far, far ahead in point
of wealth and commercial importance. Youngstown became gleeful, Canfield grew despondent.
What were the reasons? Let us glance back a little and investigate. Possibly one might have seen
in Youngstown and vicinity little groups of magnates occasionally conferring together in
whispers. Had Canfield heard those whispers ? Did she suddenly become aware of the familiar
fact that big fishes eat up little ones and fear for her own safety? Perhaps. But Youngstown did
not long talk in whispers. Her word became murmured, then boldly spoken, then shouted, "We're
going to have the county seat!" She at length proclaimed it in stentorian tones. Canfield was a
little taken aback, to be sure, but then, she was possessed of Spartan pluck, and assuming as
fierce an attitude as was possible she defiantly uttered the words, "Let's see you get it!"
Youngstown got it; Canfield survived the shock as well as could reasonably be expected. We
need not here repeat the arguments that were made pro and con, or otherwise stir up troubles now
irrevocably settled. In 1874-75 the Legislature took action upon the matter; in 1876 Youngstown
became the county seat of Mahoning.
INCORPORATION.
Canfield village was incorporated by act of the Legislature in 1849, Warren Hine, John Clark, H.
B. Brainerd and John Wetmore incorporators. The first election was held in April, 1849. L. L.
Bostwick was chosen mayor; H. B. Brainerd, recorder; and Charles Frethy, John Clark, William
B. Ferrell, M. Swank, and Thomas Hansom, trustees. A list of the mayors and recorders follows:
Mayors-1850-51, John Wetmore; 1852, Nathan Hardman; 1853-57, J. B. Blocksom; 1858,
William B. Dawson; 1859-67, F, G. Servis; 1868-71, H. G. Ruggles; 1872-77, M. H. Burky;
1878, M. V. B. King; 1879, J. S. Roller; 1880-82, S. E. Dyball.
Recorders--1850-51, Thaddeus Foot, Jr.; 1852-53, H. B. Brainerd; 1854, B. S. Hine; 1855-57, E.
G. Canfield; 1858, William Neir; 1859, H. H. Edsall; 1860, G. G. Weare; 1861– 65, John M.
Edwards; 1866-69, T. L. Carroll; 1870-71, C. S. Mygatt; 1872, H. B. Brainerd, C. S. Mygatt;
1873-74, J. C. Kirk; 1875-76, I. H. Bunnell; 1877, W. H. Mygatt; 1878-82, C. S. Mygatt.
CEMETERIES.
Soon after the settlement began, a graveyard was laid out east of the center, which is now the
principal cemetery of the township. The spot is a pretty one, and its appearance has been much
improved of recent years by the labor of loving hands. Here repose the bones of the founders of
Canfield; peaceful be their rest after their generous toil! In this quiet spot has been laid all that
was mortal of several men whose talents and energies achieved for them during their lifetime,
honor, respect, and applause. The
22 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
resting place of men whose reputation is widespread and National, the Canfield cemetery should
ever be fondly cared for and protected by the living.
Many costly monuments have been erected during the past few years, and they present a marked
contrast to the rude stones and half effaced inscriptions which mark the graves of
the earlier settlers. This is fitting and proper; and is but another indication that the Wealth
and prosperity, for which they formerly labored, have been realized. It is less difficult for sons
and daughters of to-day to procure a costly monument for the graves of their departed parents,
than those of sixty years ago to purchase the lowly and humble headstones, which ate here
so numerous. After all, what does it matter to the
dead, whether a lofly column of polished granite stands above them, or only a plain slab of unlet-
tered sandstone.
" The leaves of the oak and the willow shall fade,
Be scattered around and together be laid ;
And the old and the young, and the low and the high,
Shall moulder to dust and together shall lie."
The next largest and next oldest graveyard is situated about one mile north of the village, and has
been the burying place of the German population since their first advent to the township. Here,
too, are many tasteful stones and monuments; and the shadow of the church where they were
faithful worshipers for many a year, many—the aged, the sick, and the infirm— have at length
found peaceful repose, while not a few in the morn of life and the bloom of youthful promise
have been laid away. But "All that breathe will share their destiny."
There is another graveyard in the township, near the spot where the old Disciple church
stood, northwest of the center.
CHURCH HISTORY.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This is the oldest religious organization in Canfield. The church was organized April 27, 1804,
on "the accommodation plan," by Revs. Joseph Badger and 'Thomas Robbins, from the
Connecticut Missionary society. John and Sarah Everett, Nathaniel and Hepsibah Chapman,
Jonathan Sprague, Lydia Doud, Mary Gilson, Mary Brainard, and Lavina Collar were admitted to
membership.
The first baptisms recorded took place October 14, 1804, when three persons were baptized,
Jarvis Weeks and Ammial, children of Aaron and Lavina Collar, and Maria, daughter of Jonathan
and Sarah Sprague,
Services were held in private houses and school-houses until a church building was erected. The
records are not continuous, but from them it is learned that Revs. Horace Smith and Mr. Curtis in
1818 and in 1822 were supplying the congregations of Ellsworth, Boardman, and Canfield. From
1818 to 1828 the names of Revs. Dwight, Coe, Vallandingham, Hughes, and Sullivan, are
mentioned as ministering here.
In 1820, as the result of a subscription lo which citizens of all denominations contributed, a
house of worship was erected in the village on the east side of the Public square—a good
substantial frame building which is to-day the finest church in the town. The building committee
were Comfort S. Mygatt, Cook Fitch, William Stoddard, James Doud, Edmund P. Tanner, David
Hine, and Erastus Chidester. The terms of subscription are somewhat peculiar, some agreeing to
pay the amounts opposite thei1 names in labor, others in building materials, others in produce,
etc. Aaron Collar subscribed $75, to be paid "one-third in produce, one-third in boards, and the
remainder in whiskey." The largest subscriptions were as follow: Comfort S. Mygatt, $500; heirs
of E. Wadsworth, $225; Elisha Whittlesey, $200; James Doud, $150; Eli T. Boughton, $125;
Cook Fitch, $ 100, Aaron Collar, Rhoda Wadsworth, David Hine, $75 each; and Jerusha
Boughton, Edmund P. Tanner, Myron Sackett, William Dean, Adam Turner, Philo Beardsley,
Herman Canfield, Mabel Scofield, Thomas Jones, $50 each.
Rev. William 0. Stratton was the officiating clergyman from 1830 to 1835. In the laller year
occurred a divrsion which resulted in the organization of the Presbyterian church in Canfield.
The Presbyterian portion withdrew and organized a church of their own, while the
Congregationalists became the owners of the church property. The names of the pastors who
have served here are as follow : William Beardsley, 1836; David Metcalf, 1837; Edward Evans,
1839-44; Davis R. Barker, 1845-47; L. B. Lane, 1848-49; Willard Burr, 1849; John A. Allen,
1857-59; S. W. Pierson, 1860-62; J, W. C. Pike,
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 23
1863-64; Tertius S. Clark, 1866-69; Mortimer Smith, 1870-71; Samuel Manning, 1871-74; W. S.
Peterson, 1875-76; R. A. Davis, 1880; R. G. McClelland, 1881.
There have been several intervals during which the church had no pastor. During the most of its
history the pastors of this church have preached here a portion of the time only. Latterly,
however, the pastors have served here all of their time.
The membership is about thirty at present. There is an interesting Sabbath-school of fifty or
more.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.*
This church was originally established on the plan of union adopted by the general assembly of
1801. It was organized April 27, 1804. The church consisted of nine members, and they adopted
the confession of faith and covenant that were commonly received in the Congregational
churches in the vicinity as their standards of doctrine and discipline. It had been their practice to
hold meetings on the Sabbath from the early settlement of the town, and clergymen of all
orthodox denominations were invited to preach when present. Most of the inhabitants having
received a religious education usually attended, and when they did not enjoy preaching they
habitually attended their lay meetings, which were regarded as interesting and useful. Meetings
were first held in a large log schoothouse that stood on the corner of a burying- ground.
Afterwards in the summer seasons they met in parlially finished houses and in barns, unlil a
house was finally erected for the use of both meetings and schools northeast of the center. During
these early periods of their existence a great degree of brotherly love existed in the church. In the
autumn of 1831 the church was visited with an interesting and precious revival of religion which
resulted in addrng some twenty-five members. This precious revival continued from August until
December. This church enjoyed the labors at different periods of the following ministers: Rev.
Messrs. Badger, Robbins, Chapman, Wick, A. Scott, I. Scott, Leslie, Derrow, Hanford, Curtis,
Field, Dwight, Cooke, Coe, Smith, Duncan, Wright, Hughes, Beal, Vallandigham, Stone,
Sullivan, Lathrop,
* By Rev. William Dickson.
Bouton, Treat, Woods, Satterfield, Sample, Stratton, and McCombs. Mr. Slralton was the first
minister that was installed pastor of this church. They frequently attempted to obtain a settled
minister, but failed, although they were remarkably united in their counsels and prompt in the
payment of their pecuniary obligations. Mr. Stratton first preached as a licentiate in connection
with the presbytery of New York. September, 1827, he returned to New York, and was there
ordained and finally installed pastor of the church in October, 1828.
The congregation remained under the government of the plan of union in 1801 until 1835. The
presbytery of Beaver, with which it was connected by a special resolution, requested those
churches under their care, that were organized under that plan, to change their organization to
that of regularly constituted Presbyterian churches. The presbytery repeated their
recommendations or injunction, and the pastor (Mr. Stratton) and the Presbyterian portion of the
church and congregation felt themselves constrained in conscience, and in obedience to the
authority of their presbytery, to carry out the recommendation, although they were soon led to
believe it would result in their separation from the Congregational part of the society, with whom
they had been long happily connected. From them they accordingly separated, and on the 22d day
of January, 1835, the pastor and fifty members organized themselves into a regular Presbyterian
church, adopting the confession of faith and catechism of the Presbyterian church in the United
States as their exclusive standards of doctrine and discipline. The congregation met for divine
worship in the house of Mr. C. Frithy during one season, their numbers constantly increasing.
With great energy and personal effort they united together and erected the house of worship they
have since occupied. On the first Monday of January, 1838, Rev. William O. Stratton, the pastor,
submitted to the congregation a request that they would consent to a dissolution of his pastoral
connection with the congregation. The congregation, however, not considering the reasons
assigned sufficient, and unwilling to part with him, did not give their assent. Mr. Stratton
resolved to travel as an agent for the Western Theological seminary for some months, and during
his ab-
24 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO,
sence engaged the Rev. William McCombs to supply his pulpit, On his return the following June,
Mr. Stratton applied to the presbytery for the dissolution of his pastoral connection, which, with
the consent of the congregation, was accordingly done.
In August of the same year a unanimous call was made out for Mr, McCombs, which he
accepted, and in April, 1839, he was installed pastor of the congregation. After a successful
pastorate of several years Mr. McCombs resigned, and then the church secured as his successor
in the pastoral office Rev. James Price, an eloquent and able minister. Mr. Price was succeeded
by Mr. J. G. Reaser, now of St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. William G. March succeeded Mr. Reaser,
and, after a successful pastorate of about twelve years, resigned to take charge of the Presbyterian
church of Marysville, Ohio. Rev. J. P. Irwin succeeded Mr. March, and remained pastor of the
church for about eleven years. The present pastor is Rev. Dr. Willram Dickson, who was brought
up in the congregation which he now serves as pastor.
THE GERMAN REFORMED LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This church was organized a few years prior to 1810. The first meetings were held at the houses
of Peter Lynn, George Lynn, and other members. Among the first members were John Neff,
Conrad Neff, Peter and George Lynn, John Lynn, Jacob Rrtter, Philip Borts, John Harding, Herry
Ohl, Jacob Frank, Simeon Gilbert, Benjamin Butt, Philip Stitel, Charles Gilbert, Philip Arner,
Martin Dustman, Henry Neff, David Ohl, Henry Brunstetter, Henry Crum, and others, for the
most part with their wives and families. The first pastor of the Lutheran congregation was Rev.
Henry Stough. His successors have been Revs. Henry Hewett, Becker, Fixeisen, Long, Smith,
Allbright, and Miller. Of the German Reformed the pastors have been Revs. Peter Mahensmith,
Charles Zwisler, Henry Sonnedecker, J. B, Ruhl, G. M, Allbright, and J. B. Zumpe.
The first church building erected in Canfield was the German Reformed and Lutheran, built in
October, 1810, of hewn logs, 40x50 feet in dimensions. It was situated one mile north of the
village, The house remained in an unfinished condition three or four years. It was then completed
and continued to be occupied by the two congregations until April, 1845, when it was destroyed
by fire. A new and more substantial house was built during the summer and autumn on the side
of the road opposite the site of the old one. In 1857 the congregation placed a pipe organ in this
church at a cost of $800, which is believed to be the first organ of its size ever placed in a country
church in this county.
Father Mahnensmith and Father Hewitt ministered in the church for many years, Father Becker
also served a long term. In the early years of the settlement the Canfield church was the religious
home of the church-going Germans for miles around.
For fifty years or more the services were conducted exclusively in the German language. The
needs of the rising generation have caused change, and of late years the services are half the time
in English.
The membership originally was probably about fifty. Hundreds have been members, many of
whom are now dead, and many more in other parts of the country. The present number of
members is one hundred and ninety.
Mrs. Barbara Kline, a member of the society, bequeathed an endowment fund of $500 to this
church, the interest of which can be used annually in making repairs about the cemetery or
church building. Another member, Philip Lynn, bequeathed $680 to be used in repairs or in
building a new church.
Thus the congregations can make all ordinary and necessary repairs for years without resorting to
a tax upon the members.
ST. STEPHEN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Previous to 1834 Canfield, Poland, and Boardman Episcopalians formed but one church. In that
year a subscription paper was headed by Curtis Beardsley with $100 and circulated by him for
the purpose of obtaining funds with which to build a church at Canfield village. Alson Kent,
Stanley C. Lockwood, and Curtis Beardsley were chosen as building committee. Work was
commenced in 1835, and the house completed in 1836, at a cost of $1,450. The land on which it
stood was donated by Hon. Judson Canfield. September 27, 1836, the church was consecrated by
Bishop Charles P. Mcllvaine, of the diocese of Ohio, by the name of St. Stephen's church,
Canfield, Ohio. The leading members of this church at the time of its
PICTURE OF SHERMAN KINNEY
PICTURE OF J. M. NASH
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 25
organization were: Curtis Beardsley and family, Slanley C. Lockwood and family, Joseph Bassett
and family, Azor Ruggles and family, Mrs. Mary Tanner, Mrs. Kezele Wadsworth, Miss Olive
Landon, Abiram Squier and wife, Lyman Warner and wrfe, Miriam Squier and her mother, Mrs.
Galetzah Hunt, Joseph R. Bostwick, Mrs. Mary Mitchell, and others.
The ministers were the same who officiated at Boardman. The church continued in a prosperous
condition for several years. A large number of members were lost by death and removals, and the
church building being considered unsafe, on account of defects in its archilecture, in 1866 it was
sold at auction and torn down. Since that trme the church has had no regular preaching, though
several ministers have officiated here occasionally.
A Sunday-school was organized in 1829 by Curtis Beardsley, superintendent, who continued to
act in that capacity thirty years.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
From a historical sketch of this church in Canfield, prepared by Dr, Jackson Truesdale in 1869,
the following extracts are made:
No early records of the society are known to exist. Canfield, as well as the whole Northwest
Territory, was embraced in the boundaries of the Baltimore conference up to the formation of the
Ohio conference in 1812, when it formed a part of that and so continued until 1825, when it fell
within the limits of the Pittsburg conference. It is now one of the appointments of the Erie
conference. It is not known who first preached a Methodist sermon m Canfield, but the honor
doubtless belongs either to Rev. Henry Shewell or to Dr. Shadrach Bostwick. The former settled
in Deerfield in 1802 and the latter in 1803, and made and filled many appointments throughout
the new settlements. Whether Methodist preaching was regularly sustained in Canfield from
1803 to 1820 cannot be learned; but it is probable that ministers sent to labor on the Western
circuits preached more or less statedly here. As nearly as can be ascertained, the names of these
early preachers were as follow: Revs. Shadrach Bostwick, David Best, J. A. Shackleford, R. R.
Roberts (afterwards bishop), James Watts, C. Reynolds, A. Daniels, T. Divers, Job Guest,
William Butler, J. Charles, I. M. Hanson, J. Decellum, James Ewen, Thomas J. Crockwell, J.
Somerville, James McMahan, John Solomon, Oliver Carver, Lemuel Lane, John Waterman,
Shadrach Ruark, Curtis Goddard, John P. Kent, D. D. Davidson, Ezra Booth, Calvin Ruter, and
John Stewart.
In 1820 James McMahan and Ezra Booth were sent by the Ohio conference to the "Mahoning
circuit." This year the first society was organized in Canfield, consisting of Rev. S. Bostwick,
wife and sister, Comfort Starr and wife, Ansel Beeman and wife, and Ezra Hunt. In 1821 the
well-known Rev. Charles Elliott and Dennis Goddard traveled the circuit. In 1822 it went for the
first time by the name of Youngstown circuit, and was traveled by William Tipton and Albert
Richardson; in 1823 by Samuel Adams and Sylvester Dunham ; in 1824 by John Somerville and
Alfred Brunson; in 1825 by Edward H. Taylor and W. R. Babcock; in 1826 by Robert C. Hatton
and Robert Hopkins.
Up to this time preaching and society meetings were held in a little frame school-house which
stood a little east of the center. In 1826, with some outside help, the society erected a
commodious house of worship at an expense of about $1,200. It was located near the site of the
present building on the land of. Dr. Bostwick. The building was of brick with galleries on three
sides, and was known as the "Bethel chapel." The principal contributors towards the erection of
the house were Dr. Bostwick, who gave something over $350; Edward Wadsworth, $180; Elihu
Warner, Philo Chidester, John Moore, Ezra Hunt, Josiah Wetmore, Erastus Chidester, Mabel
Scoville, Elisha Whittlesey, Eben Newton, George Wadsworth, J. R. Church, and several others
who contributed sums of $75 and under.
The ministers who served the society from 1826 to 1836 were R. C. Hatton, Samuel Adams,
Billings O. Plympton, Edmund W. Seehon, Richard Armstrong, A, Brunson, T. Carr, Cornelius
Jones, John Luccock, Philip Green, Caleb Brown, David Preston, John L. Holmes, John W. Hill,
B. Prest0n, Thomas Stubbs, and H. Elliott.
In 1836 the Erie conference was formed, and Canfield included within its limits.
In 1837 Dr. Shadrach Bostwick died at his residence in Canfield, having lived here thirty years.
He is mentioned in the History of the
26 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
Methodist Church as a good man and a useful preacher.
From 1836 until the present time Canfield has at different periods been a part of Youngstown,
Poland, and Ellsworth circuits, and at times has given name to the circuit in which it was
embraced.
In 1860-61, the old Bethel chapel having become somewhat dilapidated from age, the society,
after some misgivings as to their ability, concluded to tear down the structure, and partly with the
same material erect a new one. The first cost, exclusive of labor performed by members gratis,
was from $1,600 to $1,700. The building committee were Hosea Hoover, Horace Hunt, and
Jackson Truesdale. The principal contributors were Hosea Hoover, Jackson Truesdale, Samuel,
William, and Abram Cassiday, Chester Hine, Hon. Eben Newton, Horace Hunt, Abram Kline,
Fanny Church, and others. The new church was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies in June,
1861, by Rev. Samuel Gregg, the presiding elder of Ravenna district. A good cabinet organ was
purchased in the winter of 1865-66. Mrs. Rhoda Hine- was mainly instrumental in procuring the
means with which to purchase it. In the summer of 1869 a dwelling house was purchased for a
parsonage at a cost of $1,500. The society is now in a prosperous condition. There are about one
hundred members.
THE DISCIPLES,
As the Disciples of Canfield were originally an off-shoot from the Baptists, it is necessary, in
writing their history, to take a glance at their predecessors. January 12, 1822, a Baptist church
was formed at the house of David Hays. Thomas Miller was the officiating clergyman, and
Deacon Samuel Hayden, William Hayden, and John Lane, of Youngstown, and Elijah Canfield,
of Palmyra, were present as council. The church was moderately Calvinistic, but progressive in
spirit. For some years meetings were held in a small log building near the spot where the
Disciples afterwards built a church. The principal members were David Hays and family,
William Dean and family, Myron Sackett, H. Edsall, James Turner, and Mr. Wood. William
Hayden became a preacher and ministered to this church. In the winter of 1827--28 Walter Scott
came into the community and in a memor able sermon, preached at the house of Simeon Sackett,
set forth the plea of the ancient Gospel and gained many converts to his then new and novel
doctrines. The most of the Baptists became converted, and during this winter were organized into
a Disciples church. A comfortable frame building was soon erected in the northwestern part of
the township, and the new church increased in members and influence. In 1830 a large addition
was received by the admission of several who had hitherto styled themselves Bible Christians.
As many of the Disciples resided near the village this church gave permission to them to form 4
separate organization. Therefore, in 1847, about twenty associated together in thal relation, and
soon built, at the center, the neat and comfortable little church which is still their place of
worship. J. W. Lamphear organized this church. J. M. Caldwell and Andrew Flick were chosen
elders, and Walter Clark and John Flick deacons. Among those who have labored here we find
the names of Elders Pow, Applegate, Belton, Phillips, Errett, Hillock, White, Green, Van Horn,
Rogers, Morrison, and Baker.
In 1867, the most of the original members of the church in the northwest of the township having
gone to their reward, after struggling in feebleness for a while the remaining members united
with the church at the center. This union took place October 6, 1867.
The church is now prosperous and is receiving many additions. It has some very earnest members
whose efforts have been of great service in securing harmony and promoting the welfare of the
organization.
SCHOOLS.
The first school taught in the township was in the winter of 1800 and 1801, Caleb Palmer,
teacher. The term was three months. The school-house stood about a mile and a quarler east of
the center.
Miss Getia Bostwick was an early school. teacher and taught in an unfinished room in the house
of Judson Canfield. Benjamin Carter was also one of the early teachers.
Miss Olive Landon, for many years a faithful laborer in the schools of Canfield township, taught
in early years in a small log building about two miles south of the center. She was
TRUMBLL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 27
a very efficient teacher, well versed in the art of governing and educating.
In 1806 Elisha Whittlesey taught school in the house where Caleb Palmer taught the first school
in the township.
For many years schools were few and the advanlages of the rising generation for oblaining
educatron were consequently small.
The Mahoning academy while in existence did much to advance the condition of the common
schools by providing them with competent leachers.
The village schools were often conducted in a slip shod manner, and not until 1867 was grad- ing
carried out in any systematic manner. Up lo that year the village school had been for a long
period in two divisions, and, of course, good work could not be done, no matter how faithful the
teachers were, while there was so large a number of classes that but a few minutes could be given
to each recitation.
A meeting was held July 27, 1867, to consider whether the district would adopt the union school
law or not. The question was decided in the affirmative by a unanimous vote. A board of
education was elected, as follows: J. W. Canfield and J. Sonnedecker for three years; W. G.
Marsh and I. A. Justice for two years; G. R. Crane and P. Edwards for one year. At the next
meeling W. G. Marsh was chosen president of this board, J. W. Canfield treasurer, and I. A.
Justice secretary.
September 9, 1867, S. B. Rerger was chosen principal of the high school, Miss Sarah E. Edwards
assistant, Miss Amanda Wilson to take charge of the second grade, and Miss Paulina Test teacher
of the primary department. It was voted that tuilion be charged pupils attending the school when
they resided outside of the districl. The academy building was occupied for school purposes until
a new house could be erected.
In 1870, plans for a new school building having been completed, work was begun upon it. In the
sprrng of 1871 it was ready for occupancy. The building is of brick, two stories, large and
well-furnished, and forms an ornament to the town. The structure, grounds, and furnishings cost
about $30,000, including interest upon bonds.
The principals of the school have been as fol low: S. R. Reigel, 1867-68; W. R. Smiley and
Ashael Cary, 1869; Milton Fording, 1870-75; Charles J. Fillius, 1875-78; E. C. Hitchcock, 1878;
B. E. Heiman, 1879-80. In the fall of 1881 H. S. Foote took charge and is making the school
interesting and profitable. His assistant, Miss Ellen Scobie, who has labored in this school
several years, has won golden opinions for her work. Messrs. Fillius and Heiman did much to
raise the standard of the school and improve the course of instruction.
When the new normal school begins its work, it would seem that Canfield's educational
advantages will be great.
MAHONING ACADEMY.
This was a flourishing institution, which perished in the trme of the war. An organization was
effected in 1855, the academy buildiDg erected in 1856, and the school incorporaled in 1857.
David Hine, A. M., a graduate of Williams college in Massachusetts, was the leader in
establishing the school; he became its principal, and continued in that position until the
institution was abandoned. Mr. Hine was a native of this township, and a man of fine literary
attainments. He proved a popular and faithful instructor, and some men who are high in
professional ranks remember with gratitude their early teacher. Associated with him for a time
was Mr. P. T. Caldwell, a young man of ability and scholarship.
From a catalogue issued in October, 1860, it is learned that the number of pupils in attendance
during the year was two hundred and forty. Connected with the school was a literary society
known as the "Adelphic Union."
The old academy building is now owned by Judge Newton, and occupied by Richard Brown as a
dwelling.
NORTHEASTERN OHIO NORMAL SCHOOL.
A corporation was formed in 1881 afler much discussion of the subject by a number of the
friends of education, and it is expected that the school will be put in operation during the year
1882. A board of nine trustees has been elected, viz: Hon. G. Van Hyning, Hon. J. R. Johnston,
Rev. William Dickson, Dr. A. W. Calvin, H. A. Manchester, Esq., David Clugston, George F.
Lynn, Hiram N. Lynn, and Russel F. Starr.
Hon. Eben Newton, to whom the court-house and the land it occupies reverted when it ceased
28 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO
to be used by the county, has generously donated the property to the trustees. It is the intention to
have the building thoroughly repaired and fitted up in a manner suitable for the wants of such a
school. Canfield is an excellent location for an institution of learning, and no doubt this
institution will be grandly successful.
NEWSPAPERS.*
The first printing office in Canfield was established May 9, 1846, by James and Clate Herrington,
of Warren. They were practical printers, and when the county seat of Mahoning was located here,
the Mahoning Index, a Democratic newspaper, was started. In January, 1849, the Index office
was sold to John R. Church, a leading man in the Democratic party. Under Church's
administration, the paper was edited by several prominent persons, among whom were: J. M,
Edwards, H. H. McChestney, and A. T. Walling, the latter now being a congressman from the
Pickaway district. The Index office was run by John R. Church until September, 1851, when it
was burned and nothing at all saved from the ruins.
In the winter of 1852 the Mahoning Sentinel was established by an association, Ira Norris editor.
The Sentinel was also Democratic in politics. Mr. Norris continued as editor until 1854, when a
change in the ownership of the paper took place. H. M. Fowler had printed the Sentinel for the
association up to the time of this change. John Woodruff purchased both the office and the
materials, but in 1855 John M. Webb became sole editor and proprietor of the paper and
continued the publication until 1858, when W. B. Dawson purchased it. Mr. Dawson continued
to publish the Sentinel until the spring of 1860. John M. Webb then re-purchased it and moved
the office to Youngstown.
In the spring of 1860 Hon. Elisha Whittlesey induced John Weeks, of Medina, to come here and
start the Herald. The Herald was a small sheet, subscription price $1 per year, and Republican in
politics. Its publication was continued with a number of changes until 1865. At one time it was
owned by John Weeks, then by Thomas Menary, Menary & Musser, John S. Roller, and others.
In 1865 Weeks re-purchased the paper and took as a partner Ed. E. Fitch.
* Prepared by H. M. Fowler, editor of the Dispatch.
Mr. Fitch finally purchased Mr. Weeks' share and changed the name of the paper to the Can. field
Herald. He enlarged it in 1870, and in 1872 sold out to McDonald & Son. They changed the
name to the Mahoning County News, and after running the paper eighleen months disposed of it
to W. R. Brownlee, who made the News Democratic. In the spring of 1875 Brownlee sold the
establishment to Rev. W. S. Peterson, who soon afterward removed to Warren.
Canfield was then without a newspaper from August 3, 1876, till May 1, 1877. At the latter date
H. M. Fowler started the Mahoning Dispatch, an independent family journal, devoted to the
interests of the working classes. The Dispatch is a five column eight-page paper. It soon attained
to eight hundred regular subscribers, In May, 1880, C. C. Fowler became its local editor, and
from that time until January, 1882, the circulation was increased to twelve hundred and thirteen
subscribers, the largest number of bona fide subscribers ever on the books of any newspaper in
Canfield,
THE ONION SOCIETY.
What a name for an organization of any sort! Yet the objects of the society were as original as its
title, as will be seen from the following, which is copied directly from the secretary's book:
CONSTITUTION OF THE ONION SOCIETY IN CANFIELD.
Article I.
SECTION I. The oldest person who is, or shall hereafter be, a member of this society, shall be
president; and rn case of his absence the next oldest shalt be president pro tem.
SEC. 2. There shall annually be elected a clerk by the members of the society at their first
meeting after the coos. ing of the new crop, which election shall be by ballot.
SEC. 3. There may be an officer appointed by the pees. dent when he shall deem the interests of
the society require it, known and to be called the cup-bearer, whose duty is sufficiently made
known by the title of the office.
Article II.
Sec. 1. The president shall preside at the meetings of the society, preserve order, and see that all
the members are duly 1efreshed.
SEC. 2. The clerk shall record in a book to be kept for that purpose all the votes and proceedings
of the society, and such miscellaneous matters as the society or the president may direct. He shall
take and keep an accurate roll of the members of the society, which, together with the records
shall be produced at each meeting.
Article III.
SEC. 1. Fully persuaded that all well-regulated societies must depend upon a voluntary
association of its members, we adopt it as a fundamental principle that no person shall be
compelled to become a member of this society.
PICTURE OF DR. A. W. CALVIN
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 29
SEC. 2, Any member of this society may be at any time suspended or expelled for unbecoming
conduct, as a plurality of the members shall deem proper.
Article IV.
SEC. 1. As the object of this association is to feast on the delicious vegetable the name of which
stands prominent in the entitling of the society, onions, with their grand helpmate, pork, shall
form the principal bill of fare, except that in case of emergency fresh beef or other meat may be
substituted for the pork.
SEC. 2. The time of inviting the members shall be optional with the member giving the
entertainment, unless for good cause. The president or the society may appoint a meeting, in
which case he or they may warn a meeting whenever they please.
SEC. 3. Notice shall be given at least fifteen minutes to each member to repair to the table.
SEC. 4. The members are to be prepared when the lady furnishing the entertainment announces
the supper to be ready.
Article V.
SEC. 1. Knowing that on the cultivation of the onion the prosperity of the society much depends,
and feeling desirous to give all reasonable encouragement to industry and a suitable tribute to
merit, it is ordained that the member who shall first entertain the society on onions of his own
raising shall be entitled to a seat for that evening at the right hand of the president.
SEC. 2. Honorable mention shall be made at our meetings of the member who shall raise the
largest onion; and on any member requesting a view of his garden, it shall be the duty of the
president to attend; or he may appoint a committee, o1 he may summon the society en masse.
We recognize the Onion society in Danbury, Connecticut, as our parent institution.
July 23, 1818. At a meeting of the Onion society of Canfield, at the house of Cooke Fitch, the
foregoing constitution was adopted by a unanimous vote of the members present.
The following is a roll of the members of the society with their ages in 1818: Eleazer Gilson,
65; Judson Canfield, 57; Comfort S. Mygatt, 55; Shadrach Bostwick, 49; Herman Canfield, 45;
Cyrenus Ruggles, 42; Roger Searl, 42; Cooke Fitch, 42; Joseph Coit, 35; Elisha Whittlesey, 35;
John H. Patch, 33; Frederick Wadsworth, 33; William Stoddard, 31; Eli T. Boughton, 31; Eli
Booth, 27, Edward Wadsworth, 26.
It would appear that the society had been in existence some time previous to the adoption of
the above constitution, as in the roll of members the following note is found: "Elijah Wadsworth,
former president of this society, deceased December 30, 1817, aged sixty-nine years in
November preceding."
The Onion Society grew rapidly, and its reputation became wide-spread. All the leading men of
the town came to have a share in its pleasantries and social festivals. Sober judges, busy
merchants, merry doctors of law, medicine, and divinity, captains, majors, colonels, generals, as
well as untitled farmers, met frequently to feast upon the savory esculenta, and enjoy an hour of
genuine hearty fun. Meetings were held at the houses of various members more or less
frequently, and the utmost good-will and hilarity marked the proceedings. Distinguished visitors
from neighboring settlements were often in attendance. Upon the records may be found the
names of Joshua R. Giddings, Judge Tod, Colonel Rayen and other prominent men.
The proceedings were characterized by the utmost outward decorum, if we may judge from the
records, but with a deep vein of humor underlying all. Committees were frequently appointed to
decide who carried off the honors of the table—i. e., ate the biggest supper, and their reports
soberly (?) recorded. A seat at the right hand of the president was the reward for a brilliant
gastronomic feat.
The Onion society continued in existence many years. The last recorded meetings bear the date
1833. Many are still living who cannot fail to have pleasant reminiscences of their connection
with this society.
TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.
In 1832 occurred a general awakening on the subject of temperance. It is said to have originated
in sport by a young man proposing to "get up some grand excitement," but as the movement
progressed, serious earnestness was the spirit which characterized it. A temperance society was
organized, and continued in existence some twenty years, and during that period a large number
of names were enrolled upon the pledge. Elihu and Elisha Warner, Charles Frethy, and Edmund
P. Tanner were especially active members. The better portion of the community aided the
organization, and much good work was accomplished. At times an enthusiastic interest was felt.
Among those who were wont to address the meetings we notice that the names of the village
preachers have a prominent place.
SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY.
During the war for the Union the ladies of Canfield showed their patriotism by organizing a
society for the aid of the soldiers, and through their labors and generosity much valuable material
aid found its way into Federal camps. The
30 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
society was organized October 30, 1861, and its officers were: Mrs, S. R. Canfield, president;
Mrs. E. Newton, vice-president ; Miss M. M. Pierson, secretary; Mrs. J. B. Blocksom, assistant
secretary , Mrs. F. G. Servis, treasurer ; Miss Susan To nson, assistant treasurer. For their
generous efforts they were blessed by the hearts of hundreds of soldiers.
ODD FELLOWS.
A charter was granted January 18, 1850, to Canfield lodge No. 155, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, to the following charter members: William W. Whitilesey, Walter M. Prentice, E. J.
Estep, James Powers, and John G. Kyle. The lodge was instituted May t, 1850, by Most Worthy
Grand Master William C. Earl. The first officers were as follow: Walter M. Prentice, N. G.;
James Powers, V. G.; E. J. Estep, secretary, and William W. Whittlesey, treasurer. The following
were initiated as members on the evening the lodge was instituted: John H. Mill, Nathan
Hartman, Walter Blythe, L, L. Bostwick, and William Schmick.
In 1857 the lodge purchased of William Lynn the three-story brick building on the upper floor of
which is their hall. The lower floors are rented for a store, offices, etc. The hall is of ample size,
and is fitted and furnished tastefully.
Up to the present writing there have been received into the lodge by initiation and by card two
hundred and fifty members. The present membership is ninety-three. Several former members of
this lodge have withdrawn and joined lodges organized in neighboring towns.
The lodge is in a prosperous condition financially and its membership of a high character. The
total amount of property belonging to it is valued at $6,500. From the first this organization has
been prosperous. The present officers, elected in July, 1881, are as follow: John Martin, N. G.; J.
K. Misner, V. G.; George F. Lynn, secretary ; Hosea Hoover, permanent secretary, and J.
Truesdale, treasurer. The two officers last named have held their respective offices for a period of
twenty-one consecutive years.
THE OIL BUSINESS.
From 1854 to 0863 the cannel coal of the southeastern part of the township was considerably
worked for "coal oil." In 1858-59 four large establishments were erected in the south-eastern
quarter of the township for the manufacture of oil, at an expense of about $200,000, but the
discovery of naturally flowing oil wells drove them out of existence. These establishments were
built by Eastern capitalists and for a lime the business was carried on "with a rush." The four
companies were as follow:
1. The Hartford company ; works cost $20,000; the buildings were burned in June, 1860, and
rebuilt at an expense of $20,000,
2. The Mahoning company, originally the Buffalo company; cost of works, $75,000,
3. The Mystic, afterwards the New London company; cost $18,000.
4. The Phoenix company; $75,000.
In 1861 the managers of these companies rn the order above given were C. H. Parsons, John
Wetmore, Mr. Thompson, and A. H. Everett The Phoenix, the largest of the works, made about
seventy-five barrels of oil per week, had thirty-two retorts, and employed thirty-one men. The
coal was drawn from the mine by steam- power.
ANECDOTES, INCIDENTS, AND TRADITIONS.
In 1805 occurred one of those mysterious phenomena for which man has striven in vain to
account. Archibald Johnston, a settler of 1804, was a man of an intelligent, strong mind, void of
bigotry or superstition. He had par- chased Nathan Moore's farm and was preparing to move onto
it. Returning home one evening he saw what appeared to him to be a burning bush, and
something in the vision strongly impressed him that he would die in just six weeks, He told his
friends of his conviction, and no arguments could remove it from his mind. He dred upon the
designated day.
The old well at the center of Canfield is a land-mark. It was built at the exact center of the
township for the benefit of the inhabitants of the town. Mr. J. W. Canfield, while looking over
some of his grandfather's papers recently, came across the bill for building the well. There were a
large number of items in it, but nol a great number of articles were specified. One word occurred
with such frequency as to cause Mr. Canfield to remark, "It is astonishing how much whiskey it
took to make a well in those days!" The chief items of expense, in fact, were a certain number of
gallons of whiskey, followed up by many a line of ditto, ditto.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 31
What has been said concerning the wildness of other townships will apply equally well to
Canfield in early days. Deer were so numerous that an old lady now living says it was almost as
common to see one as it is to see a dog now-a-days. The children were often obliged to be lulled
to sleep while the howling of the wolves rang in their ears. Bears were often destructive to stock,
though it seems that the young people were never molested by them. James Reed caught a young
cub and tamed it. He kept the bear tied to a stake until it was a year old, when it broke loose and
escaped.
In the days when the discussion of the slavery question was the all-absorbing topic, Canfield
became possessed of a strong anti-slavery element on the one had, and on the other an equally
strong pro-slavery party. Of course the bitterest of feeling sprang up between the two, and many
hostile, though bloodless, encounters resulted.
The mobbing of Rev, M. R. Robinson, in Berlin, in 1837, is alluded to in the history of that
township. On the morning after his rough treatment he appeared early at the house of Mr.
Wetmore, south of the village of Canfield, and knocked at the door. Mrs. Wetmore looked out of
the window and saw a startling sight, The figure of a man, hatless, with disordered clothing,
feathers filling his hair and moving about in the wind, caused the good lady to think, at first, that
the devil himself had appeared. However, the family aroused, listened to the stranger's story, and
at once took measures for his relief. His soiled garments were removed and William Wetmore
provided him with a change of raiment. It being the Sabbath he went with the family to church
and there made announcement that he would lecture in the afternoon. The story of his treatment
got abroad and a large audience greeted him.
During the same year a Methodist preacher named Miller announced an anti-slavery lecture for
one evening, in the Congregational church. Many inhabitants of Canfield thought they had had
enough discussion of this subject and proposed to teach Miller a lesson. The result was a
disgraceful scene, of which many of the participants afterwards became heartily ashamed.
The evening for the lecture arrived and Miller was present with his wife and son. He had not
proceeded far in his speech when he was greeted by a shower of rotten eggs, while hooting and
jeering resounded through the house. But this apostle of justice to all the human race was a man
of pluck and could not be silenced in this way. He directed his son to come and stand over him
with an umbrella, to ward off the unsavory missiles ; and thus protected he finished his speech. It
had been arranged to seize the speaker as he was leaving the house and then treat him to a coat of
tar and feathers. The materials, already prepared, were at hand. But Miller walked from the pulpit
and passed down the aisle between two ladies, reaching the door in safety. He sprang into the
buggy with Mrs. Miller and drove away at a rapid rate. Attempts were made to catch him as he
was entering the carriage, but he was too quick for his persecutors. A fellow caught hold of the
hind end of the buggy as it started away and hung on for some distance, but Mrs. Miller made
such good use of the whip about his head and ears that he was glad to desist. The son took to the
woods and effected his escape. When we consider that the greater part of the above described
scenes were enacted in the house of God, we can form some idea of the public sentiment which
then prevailed.
But Canfield was not without a strong body of Abolitionists whose conduct was as heroic as that
of the opposing element was reprehensible. Among those who befriended and assisted the
persecuted fugitive slaves was Jacob Barnes, now deceased, who resided two miles east of the
village. His house was a station on the underground railway. In a large covered wagon which he
owned he carried many a load of negroes from his house, journeying by night, to Hartford,
Trumbull county, where the next station was located.
A MURDER.
In 1826 occurred an unfortunate affair in which a poor fellow lost his life. Archibald McLean, a
worthless, drunken shoemaker, became involved in a dispute with Adam Mell and stabbed the
latter with a shoe-knife. Mell died from the effects of the wound the next day. His death took
place in February, 1826. The stabbing was done in the house occupied by Mell in the village.
McLean had his trial, was convicted, and sentenced to the penitentiary for life.
32 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
The following sketches of some of the first proprietors of the township of Canfield are
principally compiled from information collected and recorded by Hon, Elisha Whittlesey:
NATHANIEL CHURCH
was a descendant of the fifth generation from Richard Church, one of the colonists of Plymouth,
Massachusetts, who, though not a passenger in the Mayflower, joined the Pilgrims as early as
1631. It is supposed that he afterwards removed to Hartford, Connecticut, as the name of Richard
Church is found there upon the public monument erected to the memory of the first settlers of the
lown. Nathaniel Church was the son of Samuel Church, and was born in Bethlehem, Connecticut,
November 16, 1756. His father died when he was but three years old. At a suitable age he was
apprenticed to a weaver, but finding his master one difficult to please he deserted his service
soon after the breaking out of the Revolutionary war and joined the patriot army. He was
wounded in the battle of White Plains and his injuries were pronounced mortal. He recovered,
however, though his wounds ever troubled him. He did not rejoin the army, but as soon as he was
able to resume his trade as a weaver he went to Canaan, Connecticut, and was there employed by
Captain John Ensign, a clothier. October 4, 1781, he married Lois Ensign, youngest daughter of
his employer. She died in about two years, leaving two sons, Ensign and Samuel. In 1793 he was
again married, to Dorcas Nickerson, who died in 1799. From this marriage there were also two
children, Luman and John. He was a third time married in 1800, to Mrs. Ruth Johns, who bore
five children—Nathaniel, Frederick, Lois, William, and Ruth. His third wife survived him and
died in 1842. Mr. Church was prominently engaged in manufacturing and assisted in the erection
of a paper-mill in Salisbury. This mill having burned, he retired to a farm on the banks of the
Housatonic, where he died November 10, 1837. He was an active and ardent politician and was
twice elected a member of the House of Assembly from the town of Salisbury. He was a devoted
Christian of the Methodist denomination.
Samuel Church, his oldest son, became a distinguished lawyer in Connecticut and chief justice of
the supreme court in that State. He was the father of A. E. Church, a distinguished mathematician
1and a professor in the United States Military academy at West Pornt.
Ensign Church was born in Salisbury in 1782, and married Jerusha Wright in 1805. He and his
wife left Connecticut in May, 1805, and arrived in Canfield the 4th of June following. In 1812 he
was appointed deputy quartermaster under General Simon Perkins, and was discharged in 1813,
broken down by fatigue in the service. He died April 17, 1813. He was the father of two children,
one of whom died in 1818; the other became the wife of Hon. Eben Newton. His widow
afterwards married Eli T. Boughton, of Canfield, and died here in 1869 at the advanced age of
eighty-four.
John R. Church, a son of Nathaniel Church, came to Canfield in 1818, and for several years was
a successful business man and associate judge. He died April 1n, 1868.
GENERAL ELIJAH WADSWORTH
was born in Hartford, Connecticut, November 14, 1747, and removed to Litchfield in the same
State previous to the year 1770. Tradition has it that he was a lineal descendant of Caplain Joseph
Wadsworth who secreted the charter of Connecticut in the famous Charter Oak, in Hartford, on
the 9th day of May, 1689. Elijah Wadsworth built and owned the house in Litchfield, which
about the year 1790 he sold to Chief Justice Adams, the first chief justice of Connecticut. This
house was subsequently owned and occupied by Dr. Lyman Beecher as his residence during a
pastorate of several years, In this house were born Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henry Ward Beecher,
and others of the family.
February 16, 1780, Mr. Wadsworth married Rhoda Hopkins, who was born at Litchfield,
Connecticut, November 1, 1759, and died in Canfield, June, 21, 1832. The fruits of this union
were five children : Henry, Rhoda, Frederick, Edward, and George. All were born in Litchfield.
Henry, born October al, 1781, died in Bradleysville, Connecticut, November, 1830; Rhoda, born
February 17, 1784, married in
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 33
Litchfield in September, 1802, Archibald Clark, of St, Mary's, Georgia, and died in St. Mary's,
August 2, 1830; Frederick, born March 7, 1786, died —; Edward, born May 3, 1791, died in
Canfield, August 5, 1835; George, born April 5, 1793, died in Canfield, August 6, 1832.
When the first news of the battle of Bunker Hill reached Litchfield, Mr. Wadsworth volunteered
to go to Boston, but for some reason went no further than Hartford, and thence returned to
Litchfield, where he assisted in raising Sheldon's regiment of light dragoons, and served in that
regiment during the whole of the Revolutionary war. Sheldon's regiment was one of the first
squadrons of horse that joined the revolutionary army, and was with and under the immediate
command of Washington, and had frequent and at times almost daily skirmishes with the enemy.
Frederick Wadsworth, in a biographical sketch of his father, says:
Sheldon's regiment o1 that part of it then in actual service, was at West Point when Major Andre
was taken prisoner, and General Arnold made his escape. I have often heard my father narrate the
circumstances of the capture, trial, and execution of Andre. He always spoke enthusiastically in
his praise, but did not give his captors that credit for disinterested patriotism which history
awards to them. My father was one of the guard set over Major Andre the night after his capture.
I never could understand why Arnold was not secured. I have heard my father say that after
Andre was taken, Major Jamison, one of the majors of Sheldon's regiment, was ordered by
Colonel Tallmadge who then had command of the 1egiment, to take a squadron of horse,
surround Arnold's house, and not suffer him to leave it; this duty was performed by Majo1
Jamison so fa1 as to surround Arnold's house, but still he was permitted to make his escape.
Mr. Wadsworth entered the service as a lieutenant, but before the close of the war he held a
captain's commission. Captain Wadsworth was one of the earliest members of the land company
which purchased the Western Reserve from the State of Connecticut in 1795. He was one of the
original proprietors of the townships of Canfield and Boardman in Mahoning county,
Johnston in Trumbull county, Conneaut in Ashtabula county, Palmyra in Portage county, and
Wadsworth (named after him) in Medina county. He spent the summers of 1799 and 1801 on
the Reserve, and attended to the surveying of Salem (now Conneaut), Palmyra, Boardman, and
Johnston, returning to Connecticut in the fall of each year. In 1799 he succeeded Nathaniel.
Church as the agent of the proprietors of Canfield township. His services in establishing the
first mail route upon the Reserve in 1801 are fully detailed elsewhere.
The spring and summer of 1802 Captain Wadsworth likewise spent upon the Western Reserve;
then returned to Connecticut, and on the 15th day of September of the same year left Litchfield
with his family, in a wagon drawn by two horses, leading one extra horse. Twelve days before he
started he sent Azariah Wetmore ahead with a wagon and his yoke of oxen. He overtook
Wetmore before arriving at Pittsburg, and they continued in company until they reached Canfield
on the 17th of October, Captain Wadsworth and family having been thirty- three days on the way,
and Mr. Wetmore forty-five. Thenceforth until his death, Canfield was his home.
Captain Wadsworth was postmaster in Canfield from 1801 until his resignation in 1803, and was
again appointed postmaster in 1813. At the first general election after Ohio became a State, the
second Tuesday in February, 1803, he was elected sheriff of Trumbull county. At the session of
the Legislature of 1803-4, the Legislature divided the State into four military divisions and
elected him major-general of the fourth division, which comprised all the terrilory south of Lake
Erie to the south line of Jefferson county. It required great exertion to organize the militia in this
vast district. War was declared by the United States against Great Britain on the 19th of June,
1812, and on the 16th of August General Hull at Detroit surrendered the Northwestern army to
the British. By this surrender the whole northwestern frontier was exposed to incursions from the
enemy. The fourth division embraced the entire northwestern frontier of the State, the Cuyahoga
river being then the limit of frontier settlement. News of Hull's surrender was brought to General
Wads- words on the morning of August 2est by Charles Fitch of Ellsworth, who had been at
Cleveland on business, and hearing of the disaster returned express. General Wadsworth sent
expresses to his brigadier-generals to detail troops from their respective commands for defending
the frontier, and ordered Captain James Doud and his company of cavalry into the service. The
remainder of the day was spent in obtaining the ammunition on sale in Canfield and neighboring
towns, and making preparations for a tour of military duty.
34 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
Sunday morning, the 22d, General Wadsworth, with Elisha Whittlesey, one of his aides, and the
above mentioned company of cavalry, left Canfield about t0 o'clock tor Cleveland, where they
arrived the next day about 4 o'clock P. M. On the 24th of August he sent Governor Huntington
express to Washington with the first authentic and reliable account of the surrender of General
Hull,
Immediately after this General Wadsworth took up a position at old Portage, on the Cuyahoga,
six miles north of the present site of Akron, in readiness to meet the enemy at that point with a
detachment of his command. Soon after we find him at Camp Avery, near where Milan, Erie
county, now is. He soon received orders, however, from Governor Meigs and from the Secretary
of War to protect the frontiers, and to organize a brigade of fifteen hundred men from his
division, put them under the command of a brigadier-general, and report them over to General
Winchester or other officer commanding the northwestern army. This was completed the
following November, and under the command of Brigadier-general Simon Perkins they were
reported to General William H. Harrison, at that time commanding the Northwestern army,
General Wadsworth then retired from the service and returned to his home in November, 1812.
At the beginning of the war General Wadsworth was sixty-five years of age, with a constitution
which had been hardy, robust, and vigorous, but at that time considerably impaired. His anxieties
and exertions greatly injured his health, and it was never good afterwards. In the summer of 1815
he had a shock of the palsy which paralyzed his left side and rendered him almost entirely
helpless until his death. He died December 30, 1817, aged seventy years, a veteran of two wars, a
hero of the "times that tried men's souls," In the Revolutionary war he lost the little property he
had previously accumulated, and returned with nothing save a quantity of Continental currency,
which soon became worthless. The only reward he obtained for his services in the War of 1812,
except the approval of his conscience, was a judgment against him for $26,551,02 for purchases
he had made to subsist his troops. To the honor of Congress and the Nation, however, this
judgment was discharged by an act of Congress, but not until he had been dead for years, as the
act was passed March 3, 1825.
HON. JUDSON CANFIELD
was born in New Milford, Connecticut, January 23, 1759. He was the second son of Colonel
Samuel Canfield, an officer in the Revolutionary army and a member of the Connecticut State
Legislature for twenty-six sessions. Colonel Canfield was distinguished by great energy of
character and clearness of intellect. He died in 1799 in the seventy-fourth year of his age. Judson
Canfield was educated at Yale college and graduated therefrom in 1782. Two years later he was
admitted to the bar, and in 1786 he settled in Sharon, Connecticut, where he successfully pursued
his profession. The same year he was married to Mabel Ruggles, daughter of Captain Ruggles, an
officer of the Revolution and a man distinguished for high moral character and refinement.
Mr. Canfield was a member of the popular branch of the State Legislature, from the town of
Sharon, at almost every session, from 1802 to 1809, when he was elected a State Senator for each
successive year until he removed from the State in 1815. From 1808 to 1815 he was also an
associate judge of the county court for the county of Litchfield.
After his removal to Ohio he devoted himself mainly to farming and disposing of his lands. He
died February 5, 1840. His children were Henry J., Julia, Elvira, Elizabeth H., and Caroline
Elena.
Henry J. Canfield was born January 4, 1789, died November 27, 1856. He married Sally R. Ferris
in 1825; she died January 23, 1881. The children of this union were two, Julia E. and Judson W.
Julia married D. C. Ruggles, and died in 1857.
THE BEARDSLEY FAMILY.
Curtis Beardsley was the fourth son of Captain Philo Beardsley, a Connecticut soldier in the
Revolutionary war. He was born in Kenl, now New Preston, Litchfield county, Connecticut,
March 1, 1797. March 10, 1816, being
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 35
then but nineteen years of age, he was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Hanford, who was one
year younger than himself. The tenth day of the following April this youthful couple left their
native State for their future home in the new Wesl. In company with Mr. Beardsley's brother
Philo, in a wagon drawn by two horses and a yoke of oxen they journeyed from Connecticut to
the Western Reserve, arriving in Boardman May 4, 1816. The following day, which was Sunday,
they spent with Josiah Beardsley, a brother, at his home in that township. On Monday they
reached Canfield, and took up their abode in a little log cabin with puncheon floor and without a
pane of glass. The land taken up by Mr. Beardsley was uncleared, but he at once set to work, and
during the first season cleared ten acres and sowed it to wheat. For his seed wheat he was obliged
to pay the enormous price of $2 per bushel, but when harvest time came he found that he could
not get three shillings per bushel in cash for his grain.
Hard and untiring labor, strict economy, and wise management were practiced by both husband
and wife, and in due course of time they found themselves in the possession of a pleasant home
and a fine farm. Children came to bless and encourage them in their work, and kind Providence
smiled upon their efforts. Mr. Beardsley became a prominent and honored cilizen of Canfield,
enjoying during his long life the highest respect and esteem of friends and neighbors. December
6, 1876, he passed peacefully from this life to the life above.
Mr. Beardsley was remarkable for firmness of purpose, and integrity and uprightness of
principle; yet, more than this, he was an exemplary, unobtrusive Christian. He was ever animated
and sustained in his true and useful life by the partner of his toils and fortunes, who having
previously become interested in the Episcopal church, united herself after coming here, with
that little band afterwards known as the St. James' church, Boardman, though including Poland
and Canfield, which they found already organized; and in 1822 he himself became a member and
was soon after chosen a vestryman of the same.
In 1829 Mr. Beardsley organized a Sunday-school in Canfield and continued as its
superintendent thirty years. In 1834 he became the leader of a. movement which resulted in the
building of a church edifice in Canfield; and it was to his efforts more than to those of any other
man that St. Stephen's church owed its origin. He was elected junior warden of this church,
became its senior warden, and for more than thirteen years previous to his death, as its only male
communicant, the whole burden of the temporal affairs of this church rested upon this aged and
declining servant of God, Residing at a distance of three miles from town, and more infirm in
health than he was willing to acknowledge, he was seldom absent from services when held in
Canfield, and when there were none here often rode eight miles to attend those of the church in
Boardman.
Mr. Beardsley was a man of deep convictions, and although never obtrusive, was inflexible in
maintaining them. He united great strength of character with the most scrupulous integrity, and
during all his years sustained a high standing in the community.
Mrs. Sophia Beardsley, one of the few surviving old residents of Canfield, was born in Norwalk,
Connecticut, May 12, 1798. She was the only child of Joseph Whitman Hanford and Elizabeth
(Smith) Hanford. She is descended from an old New England family, her great-great-grandfather
having emigrated from England to Connecticut in the early years of its settle. ment. His name
was Rev. Thomas Hanford. In 1648 he began preaching in Norwalk and was the first
Congregational minister in that town, where he continued to preach forty-one years.
Left an orphan by the death of her mother when less than two years of age, Sophia Hanford was
brought up by her grandmother. Her father was a merchant and a seafaring man and died in 1824,
aged sixty-two years. Though married young and surrendering the pleasures of cultivated society
for a home in the wilds of Ohio, Mrs. Beardsley never repined at her lot and nobly co-operated
with her husband in his efforts to gain a home. Faithful in her outward life as well as in her deep
religious life, she has always acted up to her convictions of duty, and numerous friends testify to
her worth. She has borne eight children, only three of whom are now living. Mrs. Beardsley is
now spending the evening of her days with her daughter in the village of Canfield, with which
she has been familiar
36 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
almost from its infancy. She is now in her eighty-fourth year and seems as cheerful and bright as
a youth. For sixty-four years she has been a communicant of the Episcopal church and ever one
of its most active female members.
We append a record of the Beardsley family:
Philo Beardsley, born 1755, died 1826 ; married Esther Curtis, born 1764, died 1856. Children :
Birdsey Beardsley, born 1785, married Sarah Mecuen. Anna Beardsley, born 1787, married John
Taylor. Josiah Beardsley, born 1789, married Mary Merwin. Sarah Beardsley, born 1791, married
Milo Stone. Philo Beardsley, born 1794, married Lois S. Gunn. Curtis Beardsley, born 1797,
married Sophia Hanford. Almus Beardsley, born 1799, married Amanda Cogswell. Agur
Beardsley, born 1801, married Eliza Bennett.
All are dead, Curtis Beardsley being the last. Four of the br0thers settled in Mahoning county,
Josiah in Boardman, Philo and Curtis in Canfield, and Almus in Ellsworth.
Descendants of Curtis Beardsley and Sophia Hanford. Children: Henry H., born May 1, 1818,
died May 4, 1818. William Hanford, born December 13, 1819, married Mary Edsall June 10,
1846; children, Nelson S., Edwin H., Charles R., Henry E., and Hattie M., all living, two
married, William H. Beardsley resides at East Claridon, Geauga county ; Nelson S., professor of
penmanship Delaware Normal school, Ohio, married Esther 0. Hulin, two children, Willis Reed
and Emmett Hulin. Edwin H. married Carrie Dana, two children, Nelson Vernon and Minnie.
Mary L., born November 13, 1821, married Augustus L. Van Gorder May 12, 1847, died at
Warren, Ohio, July 18, 1859, husband also dead ; children, Anna S., Henry L., William C.,
George Dubois, Charles M., Frank B.; Anna, George, and Frank are deceased; WilIiam C. Van
Gorder married Ella Crane, two children, Edgar C. and an infant daughter. Anna S., born August
26, 1824, died May 4, 1844. Eliza M., born March 19, 1827, died January 7, 1879. Sarah M.,
born July 22, 1832, married Pratt Allen Spicer, April 26, 1854, died December 25, 1857; one
child, Ella I., resides in Marshall, Michigan. Lucy E., born November 5, 1834, resides at
Canfield. Henry C., born March 12, 1838, married Mary J. Hine July 4, 1863; two children,
Rhoda Hanford, and Ed ward Henry, residence old Beardsley homestead, Canfield.
Concerning the deceased members of this family we make the following extract from obituary
notices published in local papers :
Died, Warren, Ohio, July 18, 1859, Mrs. Mary L. VanGorder. She was the oldest daughter of
Curtis and Sophia Beardsley, of Canfield. For twenty years a communicant of the Episcopal
church, during that time she adorned her profession by a consistent walk and conversation. In her
last illness she exhibited a meek and patient disposition, and under all suffering appeared
resigned to the will of her Heavenly Master. She calmly awaited death without fea1 of the dread
messenger, and fell asleep in Jesus repeating the words of the beautiful hymn :
"There sweet be my rest till He bid me arise
To hail Him in triumph descending the skies."
Anna S. was a lovely and sweet dispositioned daughter, who had a large circle of friends, both
young and old. Speaking of her death the local paper says:
Seldom has the hand of death made a more painful breach in the hopes and enjoyments of a
family, or given a more affecting warning to an extensive circle of relatives and acquaintances,
and to all in the joyous period of youth, that " we know not what shall be the morrow,"
Eliza M. possessed a quick and scholarly mind, and at a youthful age began leaching school, in
which occupation she continued more than thirty years. She was a remarkably efficient and
successful teacher, possessing the rare talent of imparting knowledge in a manner that at once
enlisted the attention and commanded the respect of the pupil. From the age of eighteen until her
death she was a communicanl of the Episcopal church and a devoted Christian.
Mrs. Spicer was, from a child, of a serious and contemplative mind. She early united with the
church, became a zealous member, and found in Christ the sweet peace which passeth all
understanding. Though compelled to part from earth in the morning of her married life, she
accepted her fate with resignation and died with calmness of spirit, leaving her sweet babe in the
care of Him who bath promised to protect the orphan.
JOHN SANZENBACHER AND FAMILY,
John Sanzenbacher was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, May 5, 1827. His parents
were Jacob and Barbara (Schuger) Sanzenbacher, both natives of Wurtemberg. Jacob
Sanzenbacher was born August 1, 1799, and is
PICTURE OF JOHN SANZENBACHER
PICTURE OF MRS. J. SANZENBACHER
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 37
still living, a resident of New Springfield, Mahoning county. Mrs. Barbara Sanzenbacher was
born February 12, 1804, and died December 24, 1878. She was the mother of five sons and two
daughters, but of this number only two children remain—John and his brother Jacob. The latter
resides in Southington, Trumbull county. John was the second child and the oldest son.
In 1833 he emigrated to the United States with his parents, and lived near Unity, Columbiana
county, Ohio, until 1836, when the family moved to Beaver county, now Lawrence county,
Pennsylvania. There his boyhood was passed upon a farm until August 19, 1844, at which date
he was bound out to Mr. R. Fullerton for three years and six months to learn the trade of tanning
and currying. At the end of this period he came to Mahoning county, and worked at his lrade for
William Moore, in Boardman, for ten months. He next went to New Middleton, in this county,
where he worked about nine months, then returned to Boardman, and was employed by Mr,
Moore for six months.
In the winter of 1849-50 he purchased of F. A, Brainard his tannery in Canfield. April 9, 1850, he
came to Canfield, and commenced business with a capital of about $500, out of which he made a
payment to Mr. Brainard of $40, Six hundred dollars was the mice paid for the tannery.
December 24, 1850, having got a little start in hrs business and having concluded to take a wife,
he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Oswald, of Canfield township.
March 3, 1862, in company with Pierpont Edwards, he engaged in the drug and grocery business
but continued to carry on tanning. About the year 1865 he formed a partnership with F. Krehl, of
Girard, in the tanning and currying business. In 1867 he sold out to Mr. Krehl, and also disposed
of his interest in the drug store. The same year he purchased a farm one mile east 0f Canfield, to
which he moved June 20, 1867. In 1868 he erected a fine large barn and made other
improvements upon the place.
Mr. Sanzenbacher began the manufacture of leather belting in 1865 and carried it on for one year
in connection with his other business. In 1866 he quit tanning, and in the spring of 1867 disposed
of his tannery and machinery. But in 1869 he again resumed the manufacture of belting, and
October l0th of that year took P. Edwards as a partner under the firm name of J. Sanzenbacher &
Co., which is still the style of the firm. During the summer of 1872 this firm erected a large
building, where they still continue the business. From the time their new establishment was
erected until the present they have been doing a large business both in tanning and in belt
making.
Mr. Sanzenbacher is a man of quiet, social, and agreeable manners, and enjoys the highest
esteem and confidence of the better portion of the community. He is regarded as the friend of
every worthy cause, and is never backward in matters of public interest.
Mrs. Sarah A. Sanzenbacher, the worthy helpmate and companion of the subject of this notice,
was born in Canfield township, November 25, 1832. She is the youngest daughter of Charles and
Sarah A. (Harding) Oswald, of Canfield township. Her father died September 20, 1862, in the
fifty-eighth year of his age. Her mother is still living in her seventy-sixth year, and makes her
home with Mr. Sanzenbacher's family. Mrs. John Sanzenbacher is the youngest daughter of a
family of three sons and three daughters. She has but one sister living, Mrs. Amanda
Mahnensmith, Gilman, Iowa, and no brothers.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sanzenbacher have been born six children, all of whom are living in Canfield.
Following is the family record: Harriet Louisa, born October 26, 1851; married March 31, 1870,
to John Neff, of Canfield; has five children viz: Sadie, Ensign, Martin, Calvin, and an infant son.
Rebecca Caroline, born August 30, 1856; married Irvin Callahan May 20, 1875. Charles J., born
August 25, 1860. John H., born December 16, 1864. David L., born November 11, 1869: Martin
L., born July 14, 1871.
THE TANNER FAMILY.
Tryal Tanner was one of the first settlers of Canfield. He was the son of William Tanner; his
father died when Tryal was eleven years old, and thenceforth he lived with his uncle, Justus
Sackett, in Warren, Connecticut, until he became of age. He then went to Cornwall, Connecticut,
38 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
and engaged in farming. He served five years in the Revolutionary war, holding the rank of
lieutenant, but resigned shortly before the close of the war. For his services in behalf of his
country he was paid in Continental currency, and as an illustralion of the value of that money it
will be sufficient to state that he once paid $80 for a tea-kettle,
Soon after leaving the army he married Huldah Jackson, purchased a farm in Cornwall, settled
there, and remained until his removal to Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Tanner were born three sons and
six daughters, whose names were as follow: Archibald, Edmund Prior, Julius, Nancy, Peggy,
Laura, Bridget, Panthea, and one daughter who died in infancy.
In 1801 Mr. Tanner exchanged his farm with Judson and Herman Canfield for four hundred acres
of land in the new settlement of Canfield, four hundred acres in Johnston, and $400. This proved
a good bargain. In addition to this land Mr. Tanner took an eight-acre lot in one of the divisions
of the center of Canfield. In the spring of 1801 he visited his new property, built a log-house on
the center lot, and commenced work on his farm by clearing thirteen acres and sowing it to
wheat.
In 1802 Mr. Tanner and family came to Canfield and moved into the house which he had erected
the previous year, They journeyed with William Chidester and family, making up a company of
twenty-two persons in all. Mr. Tanner had one wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen and two
horses; als0 two extra horses, one with harness to be used in the team when necessary, the other
with a side-saddle for his wife to ride, The party started from Connecticut April 22, 1802, and
arrived in Canfield on the 13th of the following May.
During his former visit Mr. Tanner had engaged two men to fell ten acres of timber and get it
ready for logging. They, however, completed but six acres, and it was the summer job of Mr.
Tanner and his sons to finish this clearing and sow the land to wheat. They began operations
immediately. The three sons, who were aged respectively sixteen, fourteen, and twelve, assisted
their father. He could handle the butt-end of a log alone, while all three of the boys united their
strength to lift the smaller end, They worked " with a will," and with eagerness, and soon had the.
satisfaction of seeing the forest show the results of their labor. During the summer they girdled
thirty- five acres of trees, thus preparing them for future destruction. The winter they employed in
cutting out small trees and underbrush.
In 1803 they sowed wheat among the trees which were still standing and raised about half a crop.
They sowed grass seed with the wheat and the following year raised an abundance of hay, Thus
they lived and labored, and soon their farm began to assume a comparatively proved appearance.
In those days in the wild woods plenty of work and very little time for pleasure were the rules.
In 1806 Mr. Tanner built a frame house on his eight-acre lot, in which he Jived until his death.
He died November 22, 1833, aged eighty-two. His first wife died December 31, 1803. The
following year he married Mary Doud, who survived until July 13, 1843, when she died at the
age of eighty-seven.
Tryal Tanner was a good specimen of the hardy pioneer, tall and sinewy, and capable of great
endurance, Toward the end of his life his sight failed by degrees and he became almost blind. He
was a man of strong will and great determination, very tenacious of his own views, He was a
member of the Episcopal church, and one of the leaders in founding the first church of that
denomination on the Reserve. Through his life he sustained a high social standing and was much
respected and esteemed.
Archibald Tanner, the oldest son, was a man very much like his father,—hardy, bold, and
energetic. He was engaged in boating on the Ohio for several years, then settled in Warren,
Pennsylvania, where he became a prosperous merchant and prominent citizen.
Edmund Prior Tanner, the second son of Tiyal Tanner, and the longest survivor of the entire
family, was born in Cornwall, Litchfield county, Connecticut, in 1788, on the 22d of February.
He received all of his schooling in Connecticut;. for after coming to Ohio his life was the busy
life of a pioneer farmer's son.
November 16, 1809, he was united in marriage with Fanny Chapman, daughter of William and
Sylvia Chapman, of Vernon, Trumbull county, He lived with his father for a time, but in the
spring of 1810 moved into a house of hewed
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 39
logs, which stood on the site Of the present dwelling of his son, Julius Tanner.
Soon afler the breaking out of the War of 1812 he was called into the service and was absent
from home two months and eighteen days.
Mr. Tanner was always deeply interested in everything that concerned the educational, moral,
and religious status of the community. He was a friend to those deserving sympathy and never
refused his support to worthy objects. During the exciting days when slavery was under
discussion he did not hesitate at all times to denounce the infamous traffic in human lives and
became noted as a strong Abolitionist. He lived to see that word of reproach become one of
honor, and lo hear his actions spoken of as noble, whereas they were once bitterly denounced.
The underground railway received from him assistance and encouragement.
For nearly sixty years he was an earnest and devout member of the Congregational church. He
held the office of deacon many years, and was earnest and faithful, full of Christian spirit and
prayer for the welfare of the church. His worth and benevolence endeared him to a large circle
and hrs character was a model worthy of imitation. For several years he was so crippled by
rheumatism as to be unable to walk without crutches, but he loved the house of God and Sunday
usually found him in the sanctuary.
Sixty-three years of happy wedded life had passed before Mr. and Mrs. Tanner were called upon
lo part from each other. Death removed the aged and honored husband October 24, 1872, in the
eighty-fifth year of his age. Of his life it can lruly he said that it was one of usefulness. He was a
keen observer and took a heartfelt interest in the topics of the day. Fond of reading and study he
continued until the last to keep well informed upon current affairs. During his last illness he
appeared cheerful and hopeful and fell asleep firm in the faith and hope of a blessed immortality.
Hrs widow survived until September 24, 1875, when she went to join him. She was born in
Barkhampton, Litchfield county, Connecticut, March 5, 1791, and was, therefore, also in her
eighty-fifth year at the time of her decease. Early in life she united with the church, and ever
continued a zealous and confiding disciple of the Lord. She was a woman of be- nevolence and a
faithful helpmate to her worthy husband. She was the mother of eight children, four of whom are
living. The famrly record is as follows: Mary, born August 30, 1811; married Lyman Warner,
September II, 1832. Huldah, born December 5, 1812; married James Jones, September 11, 1832.
Jane, born February 15, 1814; married David Hollister, September 11, 1832; died March 19,
1834. Bridget, born September 26, 1816; died September 22, 1833. Julius, born October 6, 1818;
married November 4, 1840, to Mary Wadsworth; married Fidelia T. Sackett, December 12, 1855.
Electa Chapman, born August 6, 1820; married Pierpont Edwards, October 31, 1838; died in
September, 1840. Sylvia Smith, born July 31, 1822; married Charles E. Boughton, March 22,
1843. William Chapman, born July 12, 1824, died March 26, 1825. Mrs. Warner resides at
Lowell, Massachusetts; she is a widow and has one child, a daughter. Mrs. Jones resides in
Canfield; has three children living, one deceased. Mrs. Boughton resides in Canfield. One son is
living, and one was killed in the war.
Julius Tanner, only surviving son of Deacon Edmund P. Tanner, has resided in Canfield all his
life. His residence is the old homestead farm. His first wife died April 15, 1855, leaving three
children living and one dead—Edward Wadsworth, William Henry (deceased), Henry Archibald,
and Mary Ida. All are married. Edward married Kate Shaffer ; resides in Meadville,
Pennsylvania. Henry married Carrie Harrison; resides in Pittsburg; he has two children. Ida
married John Dells, and resides in Canfield; has two children, one living.
By his second marriage Mr. Tanner is the father of three children—Fanny Chapman, died at the
age of seventeen; Edmund Prior, and Horace Boughton. The sons reside at home. Mrs. Tanner
had one son by her former marriage, Myron W. Sackett, now residing in Meadville,
Pennsylvania.
DR. A. W. CALVIN.
In the full strength of vigorous manhood, in the midst of a successful professional career which
was rapidly raising him in the esteem of a community where he was already trusted and
40 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
honored, Dr. Calvin was suddenly prostrated by a dread disease, and after an illness of brief
duration, died on the 18th of December, 1881, in the thirty-fifth year and seventh month of his
age.
Of his boyhood it is perhaps sufficient to state that it was like that of most farmers' sons.
Aaron Wilbur Calvin was born in Green township, Mahoning county, May 18, 1846, He was a
son of Robert and Jane Calvin, who were well-known in this vicinity, and both of whom have
been dead less than two years, the husband preceding the wife about three weeks. Nurtured by
Christian parents by whom the seeds were sown which subsequently developed into the character
which gave him such a hold upon the affections of all who knew him, he with the rest of the
children was accredited with a good name.
His education was begun in the district school at Locust Grove, and afterwards prosecuted at the
old academy in Canfield. After acquiring an ordinary amount of learning, he turned his attention
for a brief period to the profession of teaching. He was married, February 15, 1866, to Miss H. J.
Fowler, a daughter of Dr. C. R. Fowler. After his marrrage he resided in Canfield until 1868,
when he removed to Crawford county, Illinois, where he remained two years. In 1870 he returned
to Canfield, and began the study of medicine with his father-in-law, Dr. Fowler, and in 1873
graduated from the Cleveland Medical college. After graduation he began the practice of his
profession in Canfield, and continued the same up to the time of his death. During his married
life he was blessed with three children : Mamie, Emma, and Florence, who are now aged
respectively fifteen, eleven, and six years. These, with the bereaved wife and three brothers and
four sisters, are left to mourn his loss.
As a citizen and a man Dr. Calvin received the respect and confidence of all. Always generous
and obliging, he made hosts of friends, and was able to retain them. As a student he applied
himself with more than usual vigor, and completed his course of study in much less time than is
usually allotted to the ordinary pupil. As a physician he was learned in theory and skilled in
practice, yet he was a constant student, searching in every field for means of increasing his
knowledge and usefulness. He was a ful and tender nurse, and to this fact owed of his success.
But above all he was a conscientious man. He took no unwarranted risks; none of his patients
were ever troubled with the fear of being experimented upon at the risk of life. He had begun to
gather about him, just prior to his death, circumstances of prosperity above the ordinary man of
his age. He had just reached that period of life where he might begin to enjoy the fruits of his
faithfulness and industry, when he was smitten by the hand of death.
The above statements are gathered from a discourse delivered by Rev. C, L. Morrison on
December 25, 188i, and they present a fair and impartial view of one who was beloved, honored,
and esteemed by a large circle of intimate acquaintances,
JUDGE FRANCIS G. SERVIS.
A man of noble and genial nature, charitable, and friendly toward all who needed friendship and
sympathy; never failing to extend a helping hand to those in distress; full of enthusiasm himself,
he gave, both by example and precept, aid and encouragement to the struggling and aspiring;
endowed with an honorable ambition, laboring manfully and unceasingly to make his influence
widespread and useful, he was snatched away just as he had reached the goal of his hopes.
Judge Servis was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, August 1, 1826, and died in Can. field,
Ohio, March 6, 1877. His father, Abram P. Servis, was born in Amwell township, Hunterdon
county, New Jersey; he died in Berlin township, Mahoning county, Ohio, February s8, 1858, at
the age of seventy-four. He married Sarah Pegg, a native of the same county and State as himself.
They came to Palmyra township, Portage county, arriving May 29, 1827. Mrs. Servis died the
following August. She was the mother of two children, Mary A. and Francis G. The former
survives in Deerfield, Portage county.
Francis G. Servis was married September 1853, to Martha E. Patton, youngest of three
daughters of John and Mary (Taylor) Patton. John Patton was born in Ohio April 3, 1806;
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 41
married in 1828, and died May 8, 1880. His wife, a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, was
born rn 1810, married in 1828, and died in October, 1832, aged twenty-two years. Martha E.
Patton was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, December is, 1831, and by the death of her
mother was left an orphan at the age of ten months. Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Servis, having no children
of their own, adopted two daughters, Florence Geer and Minnie V. Piert, the former at the age of
five years and the latter at the age of three. Florence is now the wife of Frank IV. Freer, Ashland,
Ohio. Minnie is single and resides at home with Mrs. Servis.
Judge Servis's father was a man in humble circumstances, who, after coming to Ohio, settled on a
small farm, and divided his time between labor upon his farm and law practice in the lower
courts. He had few early opportunities, but made the most of the facilities afforded him, and,
having a natural aptitude for legal pursuits, he was skillful in the management of his cases. He is
said to have been quite successful, and this no doubt, led his son to adopt the same profession.
The young man, however, was obliged to depend entirely upon himself for means to acquire an
education. He passed his boyhood laboring at various occupations, gaining what knowledge he
could from the limited advantages afforded by the district schools and studying with zeal in his
spare time.
In 1850 Judge Servis came to Mahoning county and entered the probate office of William
Harlzell, then probate judge, as his deputy. While performing the duties of this position he
pursued his legal studies under the instruction of John H. Lewis, Esq., at. that time a leading
lawyer of Mahoning county bar. In 1853 Mr. Servis was admitted to the bar upon the certificate
of Wilson & Church, in whose office he had completed his studies. Soon after he opened an
office, and ere long enjoyed a good praclice, The acquaintance formed with citizens of all parts
of the county during the years of his clerkship was of great service to him ; the young man had
many friends, and rose in his profession with almost marvelous rapidity. By diligence in his
business, by faithfulness in promptly and punctually discharging every duty entrusted to him, he
gained the confidence and respect of all his clients. When embarked on the full tide of a
prosperous practice, neither greed for gain nor any other unworthy ambition ever entered his
heart. On the contrary, he rendered valuable assistance to many just entering upon the difficult
task of building up a law practice, who, like himself, were obliged to begin at the foot of the
ladder. A distinguished member of the Mahoning bar, after the death of Judge Servis, spoke of
his friend and brother in the profession as follows : "I came to Canfield compelled to rely for a
livelihood on my own exertions, and I should have found this a hard matter to accomplish had it
not been for the helping hand extended to me of Judge Servis. I had no clients, but he had many.
He worked from dawn of day till late at night, and many and many a time has he come to me and
told me where I could make a cent, a dime, or a dollar. I can never forget the kindness done me in
those days by this noble-hearted man. Illustrating his kindness, let me speak of what I myself
know. A few years ago, while he was in Montana, the banking firm of which he was a member
made an assignment, and by the stress of circumstances he individually was compelled to do the
same. I was his assignee, and when I came to look up his assets, I found that there were hundreds,
nay, thousands of dollars loaned out to needy widows or unfortunate men, from which not a
dollar could ever be realized. He loaned knowing that he would never get a dollar back; he gave
out of his warm sympathy never expecting a return save that which came from the affectionate
regard of those whom he helped."
Concerning his abilities as a lawyer, a prominent member of the bar said:
He was strong as a statutory lawyer, and in this respect had not an equal in the State of Ohio. He
had the statutes at his fingers' ends and at his tongue's end, and could turn to any one he wanted
without a moment's delay or hesitation. When you add to this his strong common sense, he was
an antagonist in a law suit to be dreaded and an attorney to be desired and sought after.
Judge Servis exerted a great, and at times a controlling influence in the politics of the county
for nearly a quarter of a century. Up to the time the war broke out he was a Democrat, but when
Sumter was fired upon he espoused the Union cause with fervent patriotism, and faltered not in
this course until he laid down his life. Considering his activity in politics he rarely held
office. Indeed, he seemed more desirous of
42 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
helping his friends than of advancing his own interests. He was twice elected prosecuting
attorney of Mahoning county, and discharged the duties of that office with great credit to himself
and advantage to the public.
During the war he was draft commissioner for Mahoning county, and in the discharge of the
responsible duties of this trying position he displayed energy, courage, and ability that
commanded universal admiration.
In 1872 he was appointed associate justice of the supreme court of Montana, and entered upon
his duties in the fall of that year, In the summer of 1875 he resigned this position, returned to
Canfield, and resumed his practice. In Montana he was held in high esteem by men of all parties.
The press and bar of that Territory, with absolute unanimity, paid the highest tributes to his
memory as to his ability, integrity, and judicial character generally.
In 1876 Judge Servis was elected circuit judge of his district. Concerning this period of his career
the Youngstown Register says:
There is no doubt that he has cherished for many years an honorable ambition to hold the office
to which he has just been elected, and upon the performance of whose duties he has not been
permitted to enter. Since his election last October he has without any doubt overworked himself
that he might reflect honor upon the great public dignity to which the people had called him. Of
the judicial reputation and honorable fame he justly anticipated winning from a service upon the
bench, among those with whom he had maintained life-long friendship and associations, cruel
Death has robbed him.
Both in public and in private life Judge Servis was ever the same—a genial, generous, whole
souled man; and at his death the entire community mourned the loss of a valued and trusted
friend.
HENRY VAN HYNING.
The name Van Hyning originated in Holland and was brought to this country by some of the
earliest of the New York colonists.
Henry, son of Henry and Hannah (Brower) Van Hyning, was born in Saratoga county, New York,
May 1, 1797. His mother, who was his father's second wife, was a grandchild of Bogardus, a
missionary from Holland. To the first wife of Henry Van Hyning, Sr., three sons were born, and
to the second four sons and six daughters, of whom only two survive, Henry and Sylvester. The
latter lives in Norton township, Summit county.
In the spring of 1804 the family started for Ohio. The family then consisted of the father, mother,
and nine children. Mr. Van Hyning made a canoe and took it with the heavier part of his goods to
French creek, thence into the Allegheny, to Pittsburg. There he was met by the family, who had
journeyed by, land, and after putting the goods aboard wagons, all started for Canfield. They
came via Beaver and arrived Canfield township the latter part of August. 1805, having stopped in
Susquehanna county nearly a year, and remained until the latter part of October. During their stay
in Canfield the youngest son, Sylvester Van Hyning, was born.
Meantime the father had been to Northampton, then in Trumbull, but now in Summit county, and
had selected and purchased land for a farm. He hitched up his teams with two wagons and started
for his new home, traveling by the way of Ravenna, and cutting a road a portion of the distance.
From Ravenna he proceeded to Warren and there purchased a barrel of pork, a barrel of flour,
and a barrel of whiskey, doubled his teams, and in due time reached Northampton. There were
then but two while families in that township. All was dense forest and Indians were numerous.
After six years of pioneer life in Northampton, Mr, Van Hyning sold out and removed to Wolf
creek, now Nor. ton township, where both he and his wife died. The father lived to see the fourth
generation and attained the remarkable age of one hundred and two years. He served in the
French and Indian war and all through the Revolution.
In the last-named war he was a captain, and commanded a company of picked men, selected from
a brigade. Of the eighty members of this company not one was less than six feet in height, the
captain being among the tallest of them. Captain VanHyning was under General Gales, and
participated in the battle which resulted in taking General Burgoyne. During his residence in
Northampton he was a justice of the peace; the greater part of the time for several townships, all
of which were included in one election district. He also held the same office in Wolf Creek
district, being one of the first elected there.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 43
amid the pioneer scenes of the Western Reserve. He is one of the few men now living in Ohio
who had Indians for his neighbors and associates. He found them friendly and well disposed,
learned lo talk their language, and frequently went hunting with them.
He obtained all of his school education in the log school-houses of pioneer days, usually
attending a few months in the winter. At home he frequently studied by the light of hickory bark,
and, in fact, picked up the most of his learning in this way.
At the time of the War of 1812, though not subject to military duty, he went into the service as a
subslrtute for his brother, who had been drafted immediately after Hull's surrender, and served
about three months in scout and outpost duty against the Indian raiders.
While in Norton Mr. VanHyning was a justice of the peace for several years, and was engaged in
other public business, settling estates, etc., most of the time. In 1855 he removed to Cleveland,
thence to Newburg after a year or two. He remained in Newburg until he removed to Canfield in
1871. Mr. VanHyning was principally the means of getting a bank established in Canfield, and
has been its president ever since it was founded.
He has married twice—first on August 14, 1820, to Miss Almira Taylor, a native of Connecticut.
She bore him three children, two sons and one daughter—Julius, Giles, and Henrietta. The
daughter died in Newburg at the age of twenty-three; Julius is a farmer in Napoleon, Henry
county, Ohio; Giles is a prominent member of Mahoning county bar, practicing in Canfield.
Mrs. VanHyning was born January 15, 1799, and died March 14, 1864.
November 30, 1864, Mr. VanHyning wedded Julia Randall. She was born in Northampton,
Massachusetts, April 2, 1815. She died March 27, 1881.
Mr. VanHyning is a man of sterling integrity, an esteemed citizen, and a useful member of
society. His long life and active business career have made him familiar with many men, and all
speak of him in the highest terms.
COLONEL SHERMAN KINNEY.
Sherman Kinney was born in Washington, Litchfield county, Connecticut, September 4, 1817,
being a son of Theron and Ruth Ann (Meeker) Kinney. Sherman is the oldest of a family of eight
children, two sons and six daughters, of whom all are living except two daughters. His parents
removed to Ohio when the subject of this sketch was about fourteen years old, settling in
Boardman township where the father died in 1863, aged seventy-two. Mrs. Kinney is still living
in Boardman. Sherman Kinney received a common school education. When in his thirteenth
year, under the instruction of his father, he began to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade,
working summers and attending school winters. After about four years he began working with
his uncle, William Meeker, also a carpenter, and continued with him until he was about nineteen.
His father then gave him his time during the remaining years of his minority, and Mr. Kinney
began work f0r himself, and has since been following his trade. He made the study of
architecture a specialty, and having a love for his pursuit he soon became well skilled in
designing, which he has practiced as a department of his work from 1840 up to the present time.
From the beginning of his business life Mr. Kinney has been successful. He has worked
industriously, zealously and faithfully. Of recent years his business has been large and ever
increasing. He has taken many important contracts and in every instance his work has given the
best of satisfaction.
From 1852 to 1859 Mr. Kinney was a contractor and builder in the city of Cleveland and
conducted quite an extensive business with his usual success.
In 1860 he came to Canfield, where he has srnce resided. As a business man he enjoys the respect
and confidence of his fellow-citizens, and maintains a high social standing. Mr. Kinney is a
Republican, but he has always been too busy to take a very active part in politics. In mililary
matters he has been honored by several appointments.
In 1841 Mr. Kinney was chosen a captain of militia, and served several years. At the breaking out
of the war a company, principally of Canfield men, was raised and Mr. Kinney was chosen
44 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
captain, Under the first call for troops—seventy-five thousand men for three months—this
company attempted to get into the army, but did not succeed, though many of its members
subsequently enlisted in other companies.
At the time of the organization of the State militia dur ng the war the militia of Mahoning county
was divided into three regiments, and Mr. Kinney received an appointment as colonel of the
Second regiment of Mahoning county, and served in that office about two years.
Mr. Kinney was married in 1838 to Miss Marcia M, Titus. This lady was born in Washington,
Litchfield county, Connecticut, December 10, 1820, and was the daughter of Onesimus and
Nancy Titus. The parents moved to Boardman township in this county in 1821 and spent the
remainder of their days on the farm where they first settled. They reared five children who
arrived at maturity, Mrs. Kinney being the second child. Three of this family are now living, one
son and two daughters. Mrs. Titus died in 1863 aged sixty-seven; and Mr. Titus in 1875 at the
age of eighty four.
Mr. and Mrs. Kinney have no children living. Their only child, Henry, born September 8, 1849,
died October 13, 1856. This couple have many friends and no enemies.
It has been truthfully said, " On their own merits, modest men are dumb," and Colonel Kinney is
one of most modest and unassuming of men. Nevertheless, his long experience in active business
has made his circle of acquaintances a large one, and every one bears cheerful testimony to his
worth and usefulness. By faithful attention to his business and unwearied industry he has won
success and prosperity.
NOTES OF SETTLEMENT.
George J. Lynn was b0rn in Berks county, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1775. He came to Ohio
in the fall of 1803 and purchased land in Canfield township, then Trumbull county, and settled in
the midst of the forest. He erected a rude log cabin in which he and a sister kept house until his
marriage in the spring of 1807. His wife was Miss Catharine Grove, a representative of a pioneer
family. The subject of this sketch was a poor boy and started in life with but seven cents in
money and the clothes he had on. But he patiently and successfully met every difficulty which
beset his pathway and eventually accumulated quite an extensive property. He died N0vember
14, 1833, mourned by his relatives and a host of friends, by whom he was familiarly known as "
Uncle George." He was the father of five sons and two daughters, as follow: David, John,
George, William, Levi, Mary, and Elizabeth. Levi and William are dead, both leaving families.
Mrs. Lynn survived her husband until March 15, 1866. They are buried in the cemetery near
Canfield.
David Lynn, the eldest son of the subject of the previous sketch, was born on the old Lynn
homestead April 25, 1808. His occupation has always been that of a farmer. He was united in
marriage February 17, 1834, to Miss Mary Ann Harding. To them were born nine children, as
follow: George, John, George E., Almedus, D. E., Elizabeth C., Lucy A., Mary, and Mary Jane.
George and Mary Jane died in infancy; the remainder are living. Mr. Lynn is one of the
prosperous and substantial farmers of his township and has held various offices of trusl, He and
his wife are members of the Presbyterian church of Canfield.
George Lynn, third son of George J. and Catharine Lynn, was born on the old homestead where
he now lives, in Canfield township, March 21, 1813. During his active business life he has
followed farming. He has been twice married, first to Rachel Moherman, who became the mother
of five sons, viz: Freeman T., George F., Ensign Daniel, Orlando M., and Walter J.
Henry Thoman, Canfreld township, Mahoning county, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in
1790. He learned shoemaking when a young man, though he has followed farming principally.
He married Mary Marter, who died in 1860, having borne ten children, viz : Harriet, Daniel,
Catharine, Lewis, Henry, Margaret, Isaac, Samuel, Jesse, ,and Amanda. Six are living,—Lewis,
in Kansas; Harriet (Crouse), in Crawford county; Catharine (Morris) and Margaret (Wining) in
Columbiana counly ; Samuel and Amanda (Heintzelman), in Canfield township. Mr. Thoman is
now passing the evening of his ripe old age at the home of his son Samuel. The family came to
Beaver township, Mahoning county, in 1828. In 1877 Mr. Thoman and his son Sam-
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 45
uel moved to Canfield. Samuel Thoman was born in Beaver township in 1836. He has followed a
variety of occupations, having been a carpenter, a firmer, a millwright, a merchant, and a farmer,
by turns. He has also resided in what is now Mahoning county. In 1854 he married Elizabeth
Heintzelman, of Beaver township. They have had six children : Ora Alice, Alvin, Viola, Melvin,
Cora L., and an infant daughter. Ora Alice, Melvin, and the youngest are deceased. The family
belong to the Reformed church.
Prior T. Jones, farmer, Canfield township, Mahoning counly, was born in Ellsworth township, in
1836. In 1860 he married Ellen R. Bond, of Edinburg, Portage county. They have four
children,—Lester L., Harry T., James B., and Amy Belle. Mr. Jones is a son of James Jones, who
was born in Ellsworth in 1807 and died in Canfield in 1870. He married Huldah Tanner, and
lived in Ellsworth until 1852, then moved to Canfield. While in Ellsworth he carried on tanning
some years. His widow still lives in Canfield. She has borne four children, three of whom are
living : William died in Kansas in 1857 about twenty-four years of age ; Prior T., Fanny (Turner),
and Laura reside in Canfield. A sketch of the Jones family will be found in the history of
Ellsworth.
George F. Lynn, member of the firm of Lynn Brothers, druggists, Canfield, Mahoning county,
was born in Canfield township, March 20, 1845, a son of George and Rachel Lynn. He followed
the dry goods business seven years, commencing in 1866. Since 1873 he has been engaged in the
drug business. He was married November 9, 1872, to Lena N. Taylor, of Canfield. Mr. Lynn, for
a young man, has been honored with a large number of local offices. He has been lownship clerk
nine successive years ; secretary of the Mahoning County Agricultural society one year, and
treasurer of the same two years. He was nominated for county auditor in 1880 by the Democrats,
and ran about four hundred votes ahead of the rest of the ticket ; he was a member of the
Democratic Executive committee several years, and was chairman of the central committee in
1879, and exerts much influence in the Democratic party. He is one of the incorporalors of the
Northeastern Ohio Normal school, Canfield, and is secretary of its board of trustees.
He has served several years as councilman of the incorporated village of Canfield.
J. C. Turner, farmer and coal operator, Canfield township, Mahoning county, was born in 1832
on the old Turner homestead, his present residence. In 1869 he married Fanny Jones, daughter of
James and Huldah Jones, of Canfield. They have two children living, one deceased—Elsie, Laura
Electa, and Sylvia (deceased). Mr. Turner is proprietor of a coal bank, from which he is shipping
several car loads of coal daily. He has been working the mine about three years. At present he
employs from thirty to forty men, and is the most extensive coal operator in the township. For
Turner family see Canfield township history.
Warren Hine, stock dealer and farmer, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born in Warren,
Litchfield county, Connecticut, in 1810. In 1811 his parents returned to Canfield, their home, and
here Mr. Hine has since lived. He has followed agricultural pursuits and is a large dealer in stock;
he has been buying and selling for many years and is well known throughout a large region. Mr.
Hine was married in 1836 to Rhoda Tichner, a native of Salisbury, Connecticut. They have no
children of their own, but have reared two in therr family, namely, Kate and Warren. During the
war Mr. Hine warmly espoused the Union cause and was earnest in getting recruits for the army.
Formerly a Whig he is now a Republican. Mr. Hine is a wide- awake citizen and a friend to every
good work. He was one of the earliest supporters and organizers of the Mahoning County
Agricultural society. For his parentage see chapter on Canfield township.
Lewis D. Coy, physician, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born in Green village, Mahoning
county, in 1848, the son of Wesley and Dorothea (Bush) Coy, of Green village. He studied with
Dr. Tritt, of Green ; attended Eclectic Medical institute, Cincinnati; graduated therefrom May 9,
1876. He then located in Green village and practiced till April, 1879, when he settled in Canfield,
where he now enjoys a large and increasing practice. In April, 1881, he was appointed physician
at the county infirmary. This, with his 0utside calls, keeps the doctor very busy. In 1868 he
married Laura C. Bowell, of New. Albany, Ohio, who has borne two children,
46 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
Olive F, and Warren. Dr. Coy served in the late war; enlisted January, 1864, in company C, Sixth
Ohio cavalry, and served until the close of the Rebellion, He is a member of the Lutheran church.
John H. Clewell, lumber dealer, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born in Northampton county,
Pennsylvania, 1n 1806, He worked as a tinner and locksmith some years. In 1835 he came to
Ohio and resided in Green village, Ma- honing county, where he was engaged in buying and
selling stock. In 1837 he moved to Canfield and kept the hotel known as the Clewell house on
the site of the present American house. This business he continued until 1848. He then went to
Philadelphia, where he kept hotel about one year, In May, 1850, he returned to Canfield and
began the manufacture of sewing machines. In 1854 he engaged in the lumber business, which he
still continues. At first his work was making bed-pins and broom-handles. In the first days of the
oil well excitement he manufactured pump-rods for the oil well pumps. He now manufactures
and deals quite extensively in all kinds of house-furnishing lumber. Mr. Clewell was married in
1830 to Elizabeth Koehler (born in 1808), daughter of Nathaniel Koehler, of Lebanon,
Pennsylvania. To them have been born four children: Harriet Adelia (Whittlesey), Canfield;
Stephen Alberl, Stillwater, Minnesota; Delorma M., Ravenna, and Mary L. (Super), Athens. Mr.
Clewell is a member of the Odd Fellows.
John J. N. Dells, tanner, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born in Hamburg, North Germany, in
1849. In July, 1872, he emigrated to America, and after remaining a few months in New York
city went to Hartford, Connecticut, and worked at his trade. From Hartford he went to Holyoke,
Massachusetts, thence to Rockwell, Connecticut, from Rockwell to Cleveland, from Cleveland to
Pittsburg, and from the latter place to Canfield in 1877. The following year he married Miss Ida
M. Tanner. They have had two children—Roy and Fannie. Only the son is living. Mr. Delfs
belongs to the order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Delfs is a member of the Congregational church.
Allen Calvin, miller, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born in Green township, Mahoning
county, in 1842. He is a son of Robert Calvin. He lived pt home until of age, then wenl to
Southern Illinois, and was there nearly all of the time for eighteen years engaged in milling. In
1880 he returned to Mahoning county, and began milling in Canfield. Mr. Calvin was married in
1868, to Miss Julia E. Reese, of Annapolis, Crawford county, Illinois, She was a native of
Pennsylvania ; she died in November, 1874, leaving two children living—Eva Laura and Joe V.
Another, Cora Lee, is dead. Mr. Calvin is a Democrat politically.
William Schmick, retired merchant, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born in Reading, Berks
county, Pennsylvania, August 21, 1812. When fifteen years of age he began to learn the trade of
making hats, and worked at this trade until 1840. In September, 1833, Mr. Schmick came to
Ohio, and began working at Green village, now in Mahoning county. There he continued fifteen
years. During this time he was elected a justice of the peace, and served three terms. In the fall of
1848 he was elected sheriff of Mahoning county, and moved to Canfield, which has since been
his home. In 1850 Mr. Schinick engaged in business as a merchant and continued unlil 1861,
when he gave up his store to his sons From 1853 to 1861 Mr. Schmick served as post master in
Canfield. Four years, 1857-61, he was deputy United States marshal of the, Northern district of
Ohio. He was cashier of the bank in Canfield four years (1870-74). He has been a very active and
successful business man. During recent years he has not been in active business, though he
continues to take deep interest in all that relates to the prosperity of his town or county. In 1881
he was nominaled by the Democrats of Mahoning county, without his knowledge or consent, for
State Senator, but of course in a strongly Republican, district an elec. tion could not be expected.
Mr. Schmick was married in 1837 to Mrs. Rhoda Trevett (nee Brookhart) of Frankfort,
Hampshire county, Virginia. To them have been born two sons, William Henry and Charles
Nelson. Both are prosperous business men of Leetonia, Columbiana county, where they are
engaged in banking and mercantile business; also doing an extensive business in iron
manufacture, being the proprietors of a rolling-mill, two blast furnaces, etc.
Hosea Hoover, Canfield, Mahoning county,
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 47
was born in Kendall, Stark county, Ohio, November 27, 1814. He is the oldest son of Jacob and
Elizabeth (Shellenberger) Hoover, who' came from Pennsylvania to Ohio at an early dale. His
father died in 1835; his mother is still living. The family consisted of eight children, of whom
five are living—Hosea, Canfield; David, Marlboro, Stark county; Hector, Alliance; Mrs. Mary
Tribbey, Ravenna ; and Frances, Alliance. Mrs. Hoover, the mother, is still living al Alliance, at
the ripe age of eighty-eight years, in good health, and in full possession of her faculties. The
names of her children who are deceased are Hiram P., died at P etersburg; Humphrey, died at
Alliance; John, died in Stark county. After the death of his father, Hosea being the oldest of the
children, the care of the family devolved largely upon him, and for many years all his earnings
were contributed to its support. Mr. Hoover has resided in this county nearly all of his life; his
parents moved to Springfield township, now in Mahoning county, when he was about four years
old, and he has since resided in Mahoning. When a young man he learned carpentry and joining,
and worked at that business until 1854. In that year he was elected treasurer of Mahoning county
; moved to Canfield with his family in 1856. Having been reelected in 1856, he thus served two
terms with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the citizens who elected him. Mr. Hoover
was employed in the drug business about nine years. He served as deputy collector of internal
revenue in this county for four years and eight months. He was married January 26, 1842, to
Mary Seidner, daughter of Christian Seidner, of Springfield township. Mr. Hoover is an active
member of the Odd Fellows, which organization he joined twenty-six years ago. He has been a
member of the Methodist church forty-six years, and has contributed liberally toward its support.
Pierpont Edwards, manufacturer, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born in New Milford,
Litchfield county, Connecticut, July 7, 1812, the second of a family of seven children. His
grandfather, Edward Edwards, of Welsh parentage, was born in London, July 16, 1743, and died
in this country October 19, 1823. Edward Edwards sailed from Bristol, England, April 6, 1764;
arrrved in New York the 27th of May following, and settled in New Milford. His wife, Martha,
died June 3, 1824, aged eighty-two. The father of Pierpont Edwards was Martin Luther Edwards,
born May 18, 1781, and died September 14, 1870. His mother was Sarah Hoyt, who died
February 25, 1851, at the age of sixty-seven. Her father was Nathan Hoyt, who was driven out of
Norwalk when it was burned by the British during the Revolutionary war. M, L. Edwards and
family moved to Warwick, Orange county, New York, in 1821, and resided there until the spring
of 1827, when the whole family started for Ohio in a two-horse wagon. They were three weeks
on the way. They settled in Canfield permanently, excepting one year afterwards spent in
Boardman and one in Steubenville. Pierpont Edwards followed chair-making aDd painting a
number of years with his father, and afterwards by himself. In 1838 he was married to Electa
Chapman, daughter of Edmund P. and Fanny Tanner. She died September 22, 1840, aged twenty
years, and an infant son died the 11th of the following month. November 8, 1842, Mr. Edwards
married Mary Patch, formerly of Groton, Massachusetts. She has borne three sons and three
daughters. The oldest, Albert Tanner, died October 4, 1863, in his twentieth year. The remaining
five are living—Sarah Electa, George Rufus, Lucy, Ellen, and Martin Luther. In 1851 Mr.
Edwards' house and shop were burned. He then engaged in selling stoves, clothing, etc., and for a
few years was in the drug and medicine business with the late Dr. W. W. Prentice and his
brother, Dr. N. P. Prentice, now of Cleveland. During the late war he was in partnership with J.
Sanzenbacher in the drug and grocery line. His health failing he dissolved partnership and sold
out. In 1866 he built a new store and commenced dealing in groceries and notions in 1867. This
business he continued until May, 1881. In 1869 he formed a partnership with J. Sanzenbacher
and began the business of tanning and manufacturing leather belting, which business is still
carried on in the name of J. Sanzenbacher & Co., who are assisted by George R. Edwards and
Charles Sanzenbacher, sons of the partners, and I. Callahan, Mr. Sanzenbacher's son-in-law, who
have an interest in the business. This industry is more fully noticed under the head of Canfield
township.
48 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
Stephen W, Jones, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, July 29,
1799. He passed his early life farming, and has followed that business principally, though with
the usual characteristics of a Yankee he has turned his hand to almost every kind of mechanical
labor, such as carpentry, wagon manufacturing, furniture making, etc. In middle life he became
much interested in scientific studies, especially geology, and has followed up his investigations
zealously through many years. In 1853 he was sent to the Holy Land by the Society for the
Amelioration of the Condition of the Jews, looking to the colonization and improvement of the
Jews of that portion of the world. He was there during the Crimean war and saw many of the
trying scenes of those troublous times. In 1855 he returned to his home in Massachusetts and
resumed farming and mechanical work. In 1864 he sold his farm and for four years was engaged
in various occupations. In 1864 he was among the mines of Nova Scotia five months, being
employed as a geological expert. Returning to Boston he was immediately engaged by a mining
company to investigate the newly discovered oil regions, and followed this work some time,
traveling a portion of each year. He journeyed hundreds and frequently thousands of miles yearly,
often on foot, and made explorations in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, etc.
In 1868 he moved to Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio. His wife died that year and he again
became a wanderer, visiting and residing in various localities. In 1871 he settled permanently in
Canfield, his present home. Mr. J0nes possesses a keen, investigating mind, and his travels and
studies have enabled him to acquire a large amount of valuable scientific information. His travels
have extended over all the northern States east of the Mississippi and through Canada and the
provinces. He has published many articles in the press, and his opinions are regarded as of weight
and value by scientific men. At the advanced age of eight-two his mind is remarkably active and
his capacity for mental and physical labor great. He possesses a rare and valuable collection of
minerals from all parts of America, as well as many choice relics gathered in the Holy Land. Mr.
Jones was married, March 3, 1824, to Dalesa Crosby, of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. She died
1869, having borne one child, Sarah Elizabeth, born in 1825 and died at the age of twenly- three.
January 13, 1872, he married Almira Mygatt, youngest daughter of Comfort S. Mygatt, one of the
early merchants of Canfield.
Judson W. Canfield, farmer and county surveyor, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born in
Canfield, December 5, 1828. He is the only son of Henry J. Canfield. He was educaled in the
schools of his native place, studied surveying with his father and S. W. Gilson, and began ils
practice in 1849. He has served three terms of three years each as county surveyor and is now
serving a fourth term. As a practical surveyor Mr. Canfield sustains an enviable reputation. He
was assistant provost marshal of the Nineteenth district during a portion of the war period, and
was also assistant assessor of internal revenue several years. In addrtion to hrs othe1 duties Mr.
Canfield manages a large farm. On the 28th of February, 1853, he was married to Betsey M.
Turner, daughter of James Turner, of Canfield. They have five children, namely : Julia A., Maude
M., Walter H., Judson T., and Colden R. For Mr. Canfield's ancestry see the chapter on Canfield
township. The first map of Mahoning county, made rn 1861, is the work of Mr. Canfield.
John Dodson, merchant, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born at Stepney Green, near London,
England, rn 1808. In 1852 he emigrated to America, settling in Cleveland and engaging as a clerk
in 1853. In 1859 he removed lo Canfield and engaged in merchandising, which , he continues to
follow. Mr. Dodson was married in England in 1832 to Eleanor Sullivan. She died in 1854 in
Canfield, having borne no children. In 1865 he married Melissa R. Skyles, a native of
Pennsylvania, by whom he has two children living and one dead, viz: Victoria (deceased), Tom
Vass, and John Warren. Mr. Dodson is a successful business man.
J. O. Corll, druggist, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born in Canfield township, November 20,
1857. He is a son of William Corll. He was educated in the schools of Canfield, and commenced
business for himself in 1879. Mr. Corll is a young man of enterprise and is fast laying the
foundation for a successful business career.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 49
S. E. Dyball, dentist and merchant, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born in Orange, Cuyahoga
county, May 2, 1856. He was educated in the schools of his native county; studied dentistry at
Chagrin Falls, came to Canfield and began ils practice in May, 1877. He soon found his business
rapidly increasing and is now kept busy constantly. In the spring of 1881 he joined Mr. M. L.
Edwards in a partnership in the dry goods business. Mr. Dyball was married October 31, 1877, to
Lora J. Antisdale, of Chagrin Falls. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
lodge. At the spring eleclion, 1880, he was chosen mayor of the village of Canfield, which office
he still continues lo hold.
Dr. Jackson Truesdale, merchant, Canfield, Mahoning counly, was born in Austintown township,
in 1820. He is a son of John and Mary (Reed) Truesdale, of. Poland township. His parents died
when he was between four and five years of age, and thenceforth he was cared for by his
grandmother until about twelve years old, al which time he became a member of the family of his
uncle, Dr. Joseph Truesdale, of Poland township. He attended the select schools of Poland, and
about the age of sixteen began studying under private tutors at Oberlm, and afterwards at
Allegheny college. At the age of sevenleen he commenced teaching in the district schools of this
county, and in 1840 went to Kentucky, where he continued in the same employment. He taught
three years or more in Kentucky and Tennessee, employing his spare time in the study of
medicine. In 1844 he returned to this county and continued his studies under his uncle's tuition;
attended medical lectures at the Cleveland Medical school; began the practice of medicine in
1846 at Lordstown, Trumbull county, removed thence to Frederick, Milton township, Mahoning
county; from Frederick to North Benton, thence to North Jackson, and to Canfield in 1855. While
residing in Jackson Dr. Truesdale was elected justice of the peace and served several years, and
in 1854 he was elected county auditor of Mahoning county. At the expiration of his first term he
was reelected and administered the duties of that responsible office during another term to the
entire satisfaction of the citizens of the county. In 1859 the doctor embarked in mercantile enter
prise, in which he still continues. Dr. Truesdale has been married four times; first to Julia Tanner,
of Kentucky, she lived only a few months and died of consumption; second to Lola M Tyler, of
Lorain county, who died after being married three or four years, leaving two children, Henry T.
and Lola M. Henry entered company E, second Ohio cavalry at the age of sixteen; was captured
by the enemy, and after nine months' imprisonment died at Andersonville. He was a noble young
man and his untimely death was a heavy blow to his parents. Lola is the wife of Edgar Cummins,
of Lorain county, where she resides. Dr. Truesdale was next married to Hannah Eckis, of Milton
township, who lived about sixteen years after her marriage. There were no children. In 1865 he
married the lady who now presides in his home, Lucy Allen Ripley, of Berlin, daughter of Edwin
Ripley, and granddaughter of General Ripley. The fruits of this union have been three children,
two of whom are living, viz: Eddie (died in infancy), William J., and John. Dr. Truesdale is a
prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge, from which he has received
the highest honors within its gift. He has been a member of the Methodist church from boyhood.
Isaac Manchester, the third son of Benjamin Manchester, was born in Canfield in 1810, and was
married October 2, 1834, to Eleanor, daughter of Hugh Wilson, who emigrated from county
Down, in the north of Ireland, and settled in Canfield at an early day. She died October 18, 1867.
To them were born six children, who are now living, viz: Hugh Alexander, born March 5, 1837;
Robert Asa, born August 13, 1838; William John, born September 27, 1840 ; Mary Margaret,
born April 22, 1844; Benjamin Oscar, born November 11, 1847; Hannah Jane Elizabeth, born
July 20, 1854. They are all married. The oldest two live in Mahoning county, and the others all
live in the State of Indiana. Benjamin Oscar is, at present, city clerk of Elkhart. H. A. Manchester
and Miss Rose A. Squire, who was born September 27, 1838, were married November 8, 1859.
She was the daughter of Asher Canfield Squire, who was a native of Connecticut, and moved
with his father to Canfield, Ohio, at a very early day. Her mother was Mary, daughter of Thomas
Jones, who moved
50 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO,
from Maryland and settled in Ellsworth township in 1804. H. A. and Rose A. are the parents of
six children, Mary E., born June 20, 1861, an intelligent and amiable girl, who died September
22, 1880; Laura E., born December 5, i862 ; Fanny C., born July 8, 1865 ; Isaac Asher, born July
22, 1867 ; William Charles, born December 25, 1873 ; Curtis Asa, born November 6, 1876. H.
A. received a liberal education at the Poland and Mahoning academies. He commenced teaching
school at the age of eighteen, and has followed that profession more or less every year since, His
general practice has been to teach in the fall and winter months, and to cultivate his farm in the
spring and summer. He has taught the district school where he now lives, and in which he was
raised, for twenty-three winters. He is now, and has been for the last six years, a member and
clerk of the board of county school examiners. He has also been moderately successful and thrifty
as a farmer, having acquired, by the aid of a most industrious and economical helpmeet, a farm of
over two hundred acres in the southwest part of the township. He has been elected to fill, at
different times, nearly every important local and township office. He is now one of the justices of
the peace of the township, and has held the office for the last fourteen years. He was the
Democratic candidate for Representative in the State Legislature at the last election, and though
defeated, as the county is largely Republican, in his own township he received the entire vote of
his party and nearly one-half of the whole Republican vote.
Jacob Barnes was a native of New Haven, Connecticut, born in 1785. In 1813 he married Nancy
Carroll, who is still living. She was born in Surry county, Virginia, in 1790. The family moved to
Canfield in 1826. There were twelve children, eight of whom arrived at maturity, and seven are
still living—Ann (Doud), Chicago; Jacob H., Bement, Illinois; Jane (Ellett), Alliance, Ohio; Lois
(Hine), Leetonia; Nancy (Neff), Humboldt, Kansas; Theophilus and Sarah, Canfield. Mr. Barnes
was a pronounced anti-slavery man, and his efforts to assist the fugitives are of considerable local
notoriety. He died in 1848. His widow now resides in Canfield village.
T. G. Barnes, son of Jacob and Nancy Barnes, was born in Canfield township, August 8, 1828.
He has always followed farming, and has always lived upon the farm where he was born and of
which he is now the owner, which consists of sevenly-one acres. He married October 14, 1857,
Miss Alice A. Cowden, the result of which union was three children, two sons and one
daughter—Williard S., Gertrude C., and Johnj,, all of whom are living.
Darius J. Church, of Canfield township, Ma. honing county, was born in that town in 1825, He
received a good common school education, and afterwards followed general merchandising, in
which business he was successfully engaged for many years. In 1852, two days after the election
of President Pierce, he was married to Miss Electa Morrel, of Orangeville, Wyoming county,
New York, and by this union is the father of two children--Fannie, born July, 1853, now the wife
of John T. McConnell, a merchant of Mineral Ridge, Mahoning county; and Fred Church, of the
firm of Church & Coffee, of Youngstown, born September, 1854.
R. J. Crockett, farmer, Canfield township, Mahoning county, was born January 3, 1837. He was
the second son of James and Sarah Crockett, who were the parents of ten children who grew up
and were married. The subject of this sketch came from his native State, Virginia, when but two
years of age with his parenls to Ohio, the family settling in Portage county. Al the outbreak of the
rebellion he enlisted in conk pony A, First Ohio light artillery, and served for four years. He
particrpated in some of the severest engagements of the war, Shiloh, Chick. amauga, Kenesaw
Mountain, Mission Ridge, Stone River, etc. He received a wound in the arm near the shoulder by
a ball from one of the enemy in one of the engagements, but the injury did not prove serious. At
the expiralion of his term of service he returned to his home, then in Stark county. He had
learned the lrade of carpenter and joiner, and he now took up that business and followed it for a
few years. He then went to Ellsworth, Mahoning county, and was married to Miss Caroline Lour.
To them have been born three children—Perry J., Frank, and Florence E. Mr. Crockett rs the
owner of a finely improved farm, the result of industry and economy. James Crockett, his father,
was a soldier in the War of 1812.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 51
Lewis Cramer, farmer, Canfield township, Ma- honing county, second son of W. F. and Agnes C.
Cramer, was born in Beaver township, Mahoning county, in 1837. His father and mother were
natives of Germany, born respectively in the years 1793 and 1795. They emigrated from
Germany with their family, consisting of four daughters and one son and the father of Mr.
Cramer, in the year 1830. They came to what is now Mahoning county and settled in Beaver
township. He cleared up and improved a farm which he occupied until 1855, when he moved to
Berlin township where he resided until his death, 1860 or 1861. His wife survived him some
lwelve years. Lewis Cramer, when sixteen years of age learned the trade of carpenter and joiner
and followed it with industry for sixteen years. He afterwards became a farmer and still conlinues
in that occupation. He was married in 1867 to Miss Mary Ann Kenreigh and has two sons, Noah
M. and William F. Mr. Cramer is a farmer of thrift and enterprise, as is plainly evidenced by his
surroundings. Himself and Mrs. Cramer are both members of the Lutheran church.
David Clugston, of Canfield, Mahoning county, fifth son of Thomas and Mary Clugston, was
born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in December, 1829. He was married in 1851 to Miss
Lavona McKelvey, of Portage county. Mr. Clugston is a blacksmith by lrade and is associated
wrth Thomas C. Scott, under the firm name of Clugston & Scott, in that business in Canfield. He
is an enterprising crtizen, taking an active interest in educational matters. Himself and wife are
both members of the Disciple church of Canfield.
J. S. Collar, manufacturer of lumber, Canfield township, Mahoning county, fourth son of Ira A.
and Sarah E. Collar, 1s a native of Mahoning county, born in 1849. At an early age he began
work in the mill with his father in the manufacture of lumber, which business he has successfully
followed. He was married in 1873 to Miss Christina Toot and has two children—Carrie D. and
Ella May.
William Y. C0mstock, farmer, of Canfield township, Mahoning county, was born in
Williamstown, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, January 12, 1816. He came to Portage county,
Ohio, in 1832. September 1, 1842, he married Miss Betsey Hine, of Canfield, by whom he has
three daughters, vrz: Chenia W„ born March 21, 1847, Carrie S.,. born October 26, 1853, Mary
H., born April 22, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock are members of the Presbyterian church of
Canfield. They are now residing upon the old Hine homestead.
Hiram Dean, farmer, of Canfield township, Mahoning county, is a native of Connecticut, born
inthe year 1799, and came with his father's family to Canfield. He married in 1821 Miss Ruby
Mason, by whom he has had seven children, four sons and three daughters: Austin, Mason,
Priscilla, Benjamin, Mary, William, and Minerva. Mason and Mary are still living. The rest are
deceased. Benjamin died at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, during the war of the rebellion. Mr. and
Mrs. Dean are prominent and zealous members of the Disciple church.
Orvill Edsall, eldest son of Henry Edsall, was born on the old homestead, where Amos Swank
now lives, east of Canfield, December 13, 1825. He was married in April, 1852, to Lydia Ritter,
daughter of Henry Ritter, now eighty-seven years of age and living in Berlin township. For
several years after his marriage Mr. Edsall resided in Canfield, where he kept a grocery and
provision store for some time, and then moved to the farm where he now lives. Mr. Edsall has a
family of one daughter and two sons, viz: Julia, Charles H., and Edwin. One child is deceased
—Hiram, who died in infancy. Julia married Charles Wetmore and has one child, Frank.
Benjamin L. Hine, fourth son of David and Achsah Hine, was born upon the old homestead in
Canfield township, December 17, 1814. He assisted his father in carrying on the farm until
twenty years of age, when he went to take care of his uncle Justus Sackett's farm, which he
superintended for seven years while his uncle was absent dealing in stock. He then returned to his
father's home near Canfield and took charge of the old farm for three years. He then purchased
sixty acres near by, and as he prospered added to his original purchase, the farm containing one
hundred and forty-two acres at the time of his death. He married Miss Silia W. Comstock
October 5, 1841, and had one son and one daughter, Henry M. and Lucy E. He died October 20,
1872. His widow still survives and lives with her son Henry, who owns the old
52 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
farm. He was born October 17, 1843; married January 1, 1866, Miss Clara Williams, and has two
children—Charles H. and Frances Irene, two having died in infancy. Lucy married, January 3,
1870, Henry Cozad, by whom she had one child. Her husband lived but two years, and she
subsequently married again and now resides in Akron, Ohio.
William Hine, the youngest child of David and Achsah Hine, was born upon the old Hine
homestead in Canfield township, January 9, 1828. He married, September 30, 1851, Miss Mary
A. McClelland, which union has been childless, From boyhood Mr, Hine has been engaged in
agricultural pursuits and is now situated upon finely improved farm in Canfield, He is a
representative of a pioneer and respected family. He and his wife are members of the
Presbyterian church at Canfield.
Horace Hunt, farmer, Canfield township, Mahoning county, eldest son of Ezra Hunt, was born in
Boardman township, that county, in 1805. Ezra Hunt came from Milford, Connecticut, about the
beginning of the present century to Boardman township in company with Elijah Boardman, for
whom the township was named. Mr. Hunt purchased a lot of Boardman on which he built a log
cabin. About the year 1804 he married Miss Dema Sprague, daughter of an early settler. They
encountered the various hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, and now sleep in the
burying-ground at Canfield. They had a family of five sons and one daughter as follows: Horace,
Charles, Emeline, Orvill, Richard, and Harmon. Orvill, Richard, and Emeline are dead. Richard
died while in the army, at Nashville, Tennessee, during the war of the Rebellion. Horace
remained on the farm with his father unlil twenty-five years of age, and also worked at the trade
of carpenter and joiner. As early as sixteen he began teaching school. In 1833 he married Miss G.
Ruggles, and has nad five sons and one daughter—Cornelius C., Alfred A., Chauncey M., Alice
M., Azor R., and Henry M. Alfred and Chauncey enlisted in the army in the war of 1861-65.
Alfred fell in battle at Atlanta, Georgia, and lies buried in a Southern grave. Chauncey returned
to his home at the close of the war in a shattered physical condition, but with careful nursing by a
kind mother finally recovered. He now resides in Warren, Ohio, and is manager of the Kinsne
Machine works. Horace Hunt is still reside on his first purchase. He and his wife are members of
the Methodist Episcopal church of C field.
Eli Harding, farmer, Canfield township, honing county, is the fifth child and third so; John and
Elizabeth Harding, of the preceding sketch, and was born on the old homestead near Canfield,
December 20, 1821. He raised upon the farm and remained with father until he was twenty-five
years of age. 1849 he married Miss Rosa Yager, whose parents were early settlers in Mahoning
county. T have a family consisting of one son and ti daughters, all of whom are living, namely:
Be: John A., Julia A., and Charlotte. Mr, Hart is an enterprising citizen and prosperous farm.
George E. Harding, farmer, Canfield towns Mahoning county, was born September 1, 1819. He
is a representative of a family who were am the earliest settlers of that township. His grand.
father, John Harding, came to the township with his family as early as 1805 or 1807, and settled
on the farm now occupied by the subject of this sketch. He died in his seventy-ninth year, after a
long life of toil and usefulness, his wife surviving him some years. After their death the
homestead was bought by John, the second son, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania,
in the year 1787. He came to Ohio with his parents. At the age of twenty-four he married Miss
Elizabeth Crumrine. He had a family of five sons and three daughters, viz: Mary Ann, Elizabeth,
John A., George E., Eli, Peter, Lucy Ann, and Jac0b. Elizabeth, John A., and Jacob are deceased.
John was killed by a hay fork slriking him upon the head while unloading hay. The father and
mother are both deceased, Mr. Harding surviving his wife nine or ten years. They were good
citizens, earnest Christians, and useful members of society. George E. Harding, the fourth child
and second son, as before slaled, occupies the homestead which for so many years has been in
possession of the family, and is one of the enterprising farmers of the community. He married, in
1850, Miss Elizabeth Lynn, and has a family of six daughters and one son, viz: 'Emma E., Fannie
Alice, Melissa S., Anna S., Ida, Celia, and George L One daughter (Mary Ellen) is dead.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 53
Peter Harding, youngest son of John and Elizabeth Harding, was born on the old Harding
homeslead, near Canfield, October 18, 1824. He assisted his father in carrying on the farm until
twenly-five years of age. Three years later he purchased sixty acres adjoining the old farm, and
when thirty years of age he married Miss Amanda Diehl, They have four children as follow:
Mary E., Willie G., Clara B., and Frankie I. Mary E. is the wife of J. A. Ebert, a farmer of
Ellsworth township, and has one son and two daughters, Flora B., Scott Wilson, and Lizzie E.
Mr. Harding is among the substantial and enlerprising farmers of his township.
Jonathan Kline was born in Northampton counly, Pennsylvania, in 1796 or 1797. His father was
Abraham Kline, who came to Ohio in the early settlement of the county and located where the
cily of Youngstown now stands. Here he reared his family, consisting of three sons and three
daughters. He was an active man and a large property-holder, dealing largely in stock, in which
he was very successful. He was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in 1769, and died
December 1, 1816, at the age of forty-seven. Jonathan Kline at the age of twenty-five was
married to Elizabeth, daughter of Philip Arner, having settled two years before upon a portion of
his father's estate in Canfield township. He followed in the footsteps of his father, superintending
his large estate, consisting of one thousand acres, and also dealt largely in stock. He was the
father of five sons, viz: Solomon, Gabriel, Peter, Caleb, and Heman; all living but Caleb who
died at the age of four years. Mr. Kline died in 1871, leaving a family of four sons and a widow,
and numerous friends to mourn his loss. His widow is slill living on the old place in Canfield.
Peter Kline was born August 25, 1830, and in 1853 married Hannah Beard. The fruit of this
union was one son, Jonathan Allen. Mr. Kline, like his father and grandfather, turned his
attention to farming and stock-raising and is the owner of one of the best improved farms in his
township. Heman Kline, the youngest son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Kline, was born in 1844,
and at the age of nineteen married Miss Martha Folk, and settled in Berlin township on the farm
where he now lives, He has three children, Charles H., Warren C., and Ida May.
John Kirk, farmer, Canfield township, Ma- honing county, son of John and Ann Kirk, was born
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, May 1s, 1827. He came with his parents to Jefferson county, Ohio, in
the year 1829. His father having died he remained with his mother until the twenty-third year of
his age, when he married Miss Mary Pow, whose parents were early settlers in Mahoning county,
owning the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Kirk have been born
three daughters—Elizabeth, Jane, and Barbara. Jane is the wife of M. S. Frederick. Mr. Kirk has
given a good deal of attention to the raising of stock, and is the owner of a well-improved and
good farm. Mrs. Kirk is a member of the Disciple church.
George D. Messerly, oldest child of John and Susannah Messerly, was born in Beaver township,
now Mahoning county, in 1836, on the old Messerly homestead. He remained at home assisting
his father upon the farm until his marriage in 1861. He married Miss Mary Ann Miller, and has
one daughter and two sons— Hattie E., Joseph, and Charlie A.; Joseph died in infancy. Mr.
Messerly is a thrifty and prosperous farmer, owning two hundred and forty-eight acres in the
eastern -part of Canfield township. He and his wife are both members of Paradise Reformed
church, in Beaver township.
John C. Miller, manufacturer of lumber, Canfield township, Mahoning county, was born in that
county in 1847. He remained upon the farm with his father until his marriage in 1869. His wife
was Sarah E. Collar, by whom he has one child, Rollis R. In 1877 Mr. Miller and J. S. Collar
formed a co-partnership for the manufacture of lumber, under the name of Miller & Collar. Their
saw-mill is situated about two and a half miles south of Canfield.
Henry M. Meeker, carpenter and joiner, Canfield, Mahoning county, was born. March 3, 1837.
His father, Marion Meeker, was born in Connecticut in 1806; came to Mahoning county, then
Trumbull, Ohio, in 1822. During his lifetime he was engaged in various pursuits; first a farmer
and stock dealer and later proprietor of the America hotel, of Canfield, or more commonly
known as the Meeker house. This he conducted until his death in 1865. His wife, whose maiden
name was Cynthia D. Cleland,
54 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
survived him several years, dying in March, 1872, They had a family of nine children, six sons
and three daughters—Mary A., Anthony Wayne, Henry M., Marion, William C., Louis M,, Maria
H., Ora J., and Winfield Scott, William C. and Winfield are deceased. Henry Meeker, the subject
of this sketch, is the 0nly one of the family now residing in Mahoning county. At the age of
seventeen he learned his trade, which he has since followed. He enlisted early in the war of the
Rebellion in the Second Ohio volunteer cavalry, but became disabled and was discharged after a
service of a year and a half. Returning to Canfield he married, in 1867, Miss Jennie Slaugh. To
them was born one daughter, Minnie E. Mrs. M. is a member of the Disciple church.
John K. Misner, farmer, Canfield township, Mahoning county, was born in Berlin township, said
county, in 1836, His father, George Misner, is a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born in
1813. He came to Mahoning county with his parents, Benjamin and Mary, about the year 1820,
and settled in Berlin township. He married before reaching his majority, Miss Hannah Swartz,
and raised a family of ten children —four sons and six daughters, as follow : Harriet, Zimri, John
K., Lucy M., Frances, Isabella, George, Hannah, Jane, and James. One daughter, Lucinda, is
deceased, dying in infancy. In 1837 the father removed with his family to Trumbull county,
subsequently removed to Indiana, where he lived several years, then returned to Trumbull county,
and at present resides in Southington township in that county. John K. Misner was married
February 1, 1860, to Miss Lystra A. Beeman, and has a family of two sons and two
daughters—C. E,, Etta A., Charlie J., and Celia. Mr. Misner is one of the enterprising farmers of
his township, owning one of the best improved farms, his farm containing one hundred and
ninety acres, and situated two miles northwest of Canfield village.
Conrad Neff, with his wife and family of six children, emigrated from Berks county,
Pennsylvania, to the then far distant West in 1802, and settled in Canfield township, then
Trumbull county. Mr. Neff was among the earliest of that noble band of pioneers who invaded
the wilderness of Canfield, and after untold hardships and privations made it to "blossom as the
rose." Mr. Neff began with but little his own strong besides his own stron hands, and a determine
conquer the obstacles that lay in the way to success. He was a hard-working and an industries
man, and succeeded in acquiring a good property. He died at an advanced age, his wife surviving
him but a few years. The estate aftterward came into the possession of John and Conrad, his sons.
John Neff was born in 1797, and came with his father's family to Ohio, and always afterward
resided upon the Neff homestead. At the a. of twenty-four he married Elizabeth Kline.
representative of an early family in the township. To them were born five children—four sons a-
a daughter, as follows: Eli, Mary, Edward, Martin, and John. John, our subject, was an active and
prosperous farmer, and dealt largely in stock, principally in the buying and selling cattle, in
which he was very successful. He died in the spring of 1861, one week previous to the breaking
out of the rebellion. He left surviving him a family of three children, and wife, who died sixteen
years later. They a buried in the cemetery at Canfield.
Martin Neff, son of John and Elizabeth Neff was born on the old homestead March 24, 1828. His
occupation through life has been that farmer, having given considerable attention stock-raising
and the buying and selling of stock. April 5, 1848, he was married to Miss Catharine Wilson, the
result of which union was five children, namely : John E., Caroline, Elizabeth Mary A., and
Lewis, all living but Elizabeth Mr. Neff is the owner of his father's old home and is pleasantly
situated on one of the best proved farms in that locality. He is one of the most substantial and
respected citizens of township.
John E. Neff, the oldest child of Martin N. was born on the old home farm February 24, 1849.
March 31, 1870, he married Miss Harriet Louisa Sanzenbacher, and has a family of four sons and
one daughter, as follows: Sadie, Ensign, Martin, Calvin, and Cyrus. Mr. Neff owns a fine farm of
one hundred and twenty-five acres near Canfield, and is one of the most enterprising and
prosperous young farmers of the township, giving considerable attention to the buying and
selling of stock. He and his wife are member of the Methodist Episcopal church Canfield
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 55
Azor Ruggles, one of the early settlers of Canfield township, was born and brought up in
Brookfield, Litchfield county, Connecticut, the dale of his birth being May, 1769. He was a
millwright and in 1810 came to Ohio on horseback for the purpose of doing some work for Judge
Canfield. After remaining a year he returned to Connecticut and in 1813 brought out his family,
consisting of his wife and six children. The journey was made with two wagons and teams and
consumed one month. The oldest daughter, drove one of the wagons. Mr, Ruggles first located on
the farm where John Sanzenbacher now lives, remained one year and a half and settled
permanently about two miles south of Canfield, where he died December 10, 1843. He was twice
married. His first wife was Mary Peck, whom he married in Connecticul, and by whom he had
six children, viz: Alice, Harriet, Julia, Charles, Galetsy, and Hepsey. Of these three are living,
Charles, Galetsy (now Mrs. Horace Hunt), and Hepsey, who is unmarried and occupies the old
homestead. His first wife died in 1828 and in 1832 he married Miss C. M. A. Milchell, by whom
he had two children, Robert M. and Mary Helen, now Mrs. James Mackey, ot Youngstown. His
second wife survived him and she afterwards became the wife of Dr. Manning, of Youngstown.
Miss Hepsey Ruggles, who is now seventy-one years of age, has in her possession a couple of
pillow cases made by her mother before her marriage, in 1790, and a picture frame made of the
rim of the wheel on which the material used in the making of the pillow-cases was spun; also a
rocking-chair in which her mother rode all the Way from Connecticut when the family moved to
Ohio.
Jacob Resch, tanner, Canfield, Mahoning counly, only son of John and Catharine Resch, is a
native of Germany, born December 26, 1835. In 1852, at the age of Seventeen, he slarted out to
seek his fortune and sailed for America. He learned the tanner's trade, and soon after his arrival in
this country commenced business at Newton Falls, where he remained for a shorl lime, when he
removed to Berlin Center where he carried on the business for ten years. He settled in Canfield in
1870 and has since been engaged in the manufacture of leather. He married, in 1857, Miss Mary
Goeppinger, and has a family of nine children, named as follows : John, Charles, Frank, Albert,
Fred, Mary, Laura, Louisa, and Lilly. Mr. Resch has a leather and finding store in Youngstown.
He is a member of the Lutheran church, as is also his wife.
Jacob F. Stambaugh, coal dealer, Canfield, Mahoning county, second son of William and Sarah
Stambaugh, was born in Liberty township, Trumbull county, Ohio, February 3, 1845. He assisted
his father upon the farm until fifteen years of age, and at the age of eighteen he enlisted 1n
company B, One Hundred and Fifty- fifth regiment, one hundred day service, in the late war.
After the expiration of his service he returned to Youngstown, Ohio, and until thirty years of age
was engaged in various pursuits. In 1875 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Milliken,
and has had two children, Frederick and Roy. In 1880 Mr. Stambaugh went to Canfield, and the
same year engaged with others in mining in Green township, Ma- honing counly. The parents of
Mr. Stambaugh were early settlers in Trumbull county.
Mathias Swank (deceased) was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1812. Soon after
attaining his majority he married Margaret Strone, by whom he had three children, one son and
two daughters: Hannah, Mary Etta, and Emery. His wife died January 8, 1867, and he afterwards
married Miss J. E. Wetmore. There were no children by this marriage. Mr. Swank's business was
principally that of carriage manufacturing, which he carried on successfully for a period of nearly
forty years, settling in Canfield in 1835. He died July 1, 1881, leaving a devoted wife and many
friends to mourn his loss. He was an active, enterprising business man, a good neighbor and
citizen. His remains were interred in the cemetery in Canfield. Mrs. Swank still lives at the old
home in Canfield.
Thomas C. Scott, blacksmith, Canfield, Mahoning county, second son of Hiram B. and Elizabeth
Scott, was born in Stark county, Ohio, September 24, 1845. At the age of twenty-three he went as
an apprentice to learn the trade which he now follows, with David Clugslon, and subsequently
entered into partnership with him, and the firm is now known as Clugston & Scott. He married,
in 1872, Miss Mary C. Parshall, and has three children—Charles William, Er-
56 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO.
nest David, and Sophia Elizabeth. Mr. Scott' was in the hundred-day service in the war of the
Rebellion. He and his wife are members of the Disciple church of Canfield,
Julius Tanner, farmer, Canfield township, Mahoning county, eldest son of Edmund P. and Fannie
Tanner, is a native of the township in which he resides, having been born October 6, 1818, on the
farm which he now occupies—the Tanner homestead. He has been twice married. His first wife
was Mary Wadsworth, daughter of one of the earliest pioneers of the township. By this marriage
there were four children, three sons and one daughter, named as follows: Edward W., Henry W.,
Henry A., and Mary I. All are living except Henry W. The mother died in 1855, and Mr, Tanner
subsequently married Mrs. Fidelia Sackett, widow of Ward Sackett. By his second wife he has
three children—Fannie C., Edwin P., and Horace B. Fannie is deceased. Mr. Tanner is one of the
substantial and esteemed citizens of his township. He and his wife are .members of the
Congregational church of Canfield.
Ira M. Twiss, superintendent county infirmary, Canfield township, Mahoning county, was born in
that county, Poland township, October 7, 1837, His father, John Twiss, with his wife and 0ne
child, emigrated about the year 1820 from Connecticut to Ohio and settled in what is now Ma-
honing county, Boardman township. There he reared a family of five sons and three daughters,
viz : Frederick, Mary, Seymour, Minerva, Samuel, Sarah, Ira, and Titus. Three of the children are
deceased, to wit: Frederick, Minerva, and Sarah. Only two of the children are now living in
Mahoning county, viz : Titus, of Boardman, and Ira, of Canfield. Mr. Twiss, the subject of this
sketch, had followed agricultural pursuits until his appointment as superintendent of the county
infirmary in the spring of 1878. This institution is pleasantly situated about two miles northwest
of Canfield, the farm conlaining two hundred and thirty acres of land, with good buildings. Soon
after attaining his majority our subject was married to Almira Osborn. The result of this union is
one son—Curtis W.
John Williams (deceased), a native of Pennsylvania, emigrated with his family from Bedford
county in wagons to Ohio about the year 1820. He came to Mahoning county and settled in
Canfield on what is commonly known as the Atwood place. Here he lived and reared a family 0f
two sons and three daughters named as fol. low: James, Betsey (Scott), Banner, Nancy (Dean),
and Rachael (Porter). Mr. Williams was an industrious and hard-working man, and was in the
War of 1812. He died at his home in Canonfield at the age of sixty-five. His wife survived him
four years.
Banner Williams, farmer, Canfield township, Mahoning county, second son of John Williams,
was born in Pennsylvania in 1813 and removed to Ohio with his parents. He was united in
marriage in 1841 to Miss Clarissa Lew, who died two years afterward. He married for his second
wife Miss Margaret McDonald, by whom he has had four daughters and one son, viz: Clarissa,
James, Mariette and Mary Ellen (twins), and Fl0ra. Mariette is deceased. She was the wife of
James Van Horn and left three children. Mr. Williams has always been engaged in farming and
stock raising, and has given special attention to the growing ot wool. Mrs. Williams is a member
of the Disciple church.
Azariah Wetmore (deceased), one of the earliest pioneers in Canfield township, Mahoning
county, came from Connecticut in 1801. He was then single, and came out with the Wadsworths,
driving an ox team, the second team of oxen brought into that locality. He made his home with
the Wadsworths and helped to clear the same fall some four acres where the village of Canfield
now stands. In a few months he returned to Connecticut, but came back the next year. He
afterwards purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of land south of the present village of
Canfield, where his son George now lives. He married in 1806 Miss Balinda Sprague and had a
family of three sons and five daughters, as follows: Caro. line, Harriet, Cornelia, Sarah, Betsy,
William, Henry, and George.
William Wetmore, farmer, Canfield township, Mahoning county, eldest son of the subjecl of the
preceding sketch, was born in 1816. At the age of twenty-two he married Miss Susan Ed. wards,
daughter of an early and prominent family, and has had three children—Walden, Luther E., and
Henry P. Walden is deceased. Mr. Wetmore is an industrious, intelligent, and influential citizen.
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 57
Thomas J, Wise, coal operator, Canfield, Mahoning county, second son of John and Mary Wise,
was born in Mahoning county, February 8, 1849. He remained on the farm of his father until
sixteen years of age, when he became a clerk in a store. In the fall of 1880 he engaged in
operating in coal, the mine being situated in Green township, Mahoning county. The mine is one
of the most promising in that locality, and preparations are being made to work in extensively.
Mr. Wise was married in 1872 lo Miss Jennie R. Thorn, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. They
have only one son, James T.
Eli Yager, farmer, Canfield township, Mahoning county, was born on the farm where he now
lives, in 1832. The Yager family were among the earliest in that neighborhood. Henry Yager
came with his family from Pennsylvania to Canfield township, now Mahoning county, in 1800 or
1801, and resided there until his death. His wife survived him about ten years. After their death
the homestead was bought by Daniel, the third son. He was born on the farm now owned and
occupied by his son Eli, whose name heads this sketch, in 1811. He married Elizabeth Carr, by
whom he had three children—Eli, Edwin, and Mary. Edwin 1s deceased. The mother died in 187
Eli Yager has always lived on the farm which he now occupies, a period of nearly half a century.
He was married in 1865 to Miss Rebecca Corti, and now has two children—Eda P. and Irvin C.
Mr. Yager is an industrious and prosperous farmer, his farm being one .of the most highly
cultivated and improved in the neighborhood. He and his wife are both members of the Reformed
church.
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