(RETURN TO THE MAHONING AND TRUMBULL COUNTIES INDEX)
TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 107 CHAPTER XV. COUNTY SOCIETIES. Early Fairs—Organization of an Agricultural Society in 846 —First Year's Exhibition—Mahoning County Agricultural Society—Its Constitution and Gradual Growth—Pioneer Reunion at Youngstown—Formation of a Pioneer Society—Publication of a Volume of Historical Collections, TRUMBULL COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The first agricultural fair in Ohio v as held in Youngstown in 1818 or 1819, and a county society was at that time regularly organized. A more detailed account of these meetings will be found in the history of the city of Youngstown. Stock shows were for a long time fashionable among the farmers of this county, and these in course of time led to the formation of a regularly organized agricultural society. The initiatory steps were taken at a meeting held in the summer of 1846, at which time J. F. Beaver was chosen President. A premium list was arranged and October 23d appointed as the day of exhibition. The first fair was held accordingly in the court-house and on the park in Warren. The day was a success even beyond expectation. Cattle and horses were tied to trees in the park, where they were gazed upon by crowds of people with that interest which novelty always gives any occasion. Grains, fruits, flowers, and manufactured articles were exhibited in the court-house. The day closed in the healthful and old-fashioned way, with an address on the subject of agriculture and farming by Hon. J. F. Beaver. The Western Reserve Chronicle said in the issue followmg this first exhibit: The 23d was a proud and glorious day for old Trumbull. The fair under the auspices of the Trumbull Agricultural society far exceeded the expectations of its most sanguine friends and supporters. It being the first fair of the kind ever held in Trumbull county, or at least the only one for 108 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. quite a number of years, it was feared by some that there would be a small turn out, that there would be but little if any competition for the premiums offered by the society. All were happily disappointed. Notwithstanding the day opened with dark, lowering clouds and rain, a general rush was made from all parts of the county. The persevering farmers came up feeling a deep and abiding interest in the enterprise, which if carried out, cannot fail to benefit them materially. They came not alone, or empty-handed, but with their beautiful horses, with their cattle from the field, blooded Durham down to the best of their common stock, their sheep, their hogs, their cheese and butter and fruit, and also with their implements of husbandry. The ladies manifested their interest, and gave the enterprise their presence and the society their all-powerful influence, by bringing forward elegant specimens of the labor of their own hands. From the handiwork of their grandmothers in the cradle-spread manufactured one hundred and fifty years ago and the magnificent patchwork quilt, down to the pin-cushion made by a child four years old, all were exhibited to add to the general interest of the occasion. Many, rich, and valuable were the articles exhibited; many of them useful, and some of them ornamental. We feel pretty sure that the spirit of improvement has taken deep root among the farmers of old Trumbull. The interest this day shown is not a spark snuck for a moment to die, but it is the out bursting of a hidden stream, just bursting from a long confinement, to flow on, and as it goes become deeper and wider. The highest premium paid was $4. The largest number of entries came under the head of "cattle." Draft-horses were exhibited, but trotting had not yet come in fashion. Draft- horses and draft-cattle were paraded around the square and tested on the public street. In those practical days people took more interest in testing strength than speed. There was, however, a class of people who loved horse-racing, but they took no part in the fair. Youngstown was always the resort for that kind of amusement. The following list embraces the names of successful exhibitors in 1846: The following persons were awarded premiums on exhibits of cattle: George Heslep, Gustavus; George W. Cowden, Gustavus; Jacob H. Baldwin, Champion; Thomas Kinsman, Simpson Cowden, Greene; David B. King, Howland; Seth A. Bushnell, Hartford; Andrews Bushnell, Hartford; C. C. Beardsley, Lordstown; Hiram Harvey, Greene; Lucius Graham, Gustavus; Linus D. Sheldon; Vernon; Simeon Baldwin, Champion; Chauncy Taft, Farmington; Boswick H. Fitch, Warren; Samuel Kennedy, Howland; Lyman Andrews, Kinsman; Simon R. Estabrook, Warren; Peter Struble, Bazetta; C. N. Prindle, Vienna; Samuel Merry, Vernon; total money premiums, $24. HORSES—John Bronstetter, Weathersfield; Hiram Hutchins, Vienna; John Badger, David Adams, Isaac Van Gorder, Warren; Henry B. Perkins, Lysander Felton, Gustavus; James Bishop, Gustavus; Harrison Austin, Warren; Thomas Pew, Warren; total money premiums, $10. SHEEP—Silas A. Palmeter, Brookfield; Jacob Harshman, Lordstown; Lyman P. Andrews, Kinsman; Joseph Perkins, Warren; Gustavus Adams, Weathersfield; George Heslep, Gustavus; Harris Ewalt, Howland; B. H. Fitch, Warren; premiums, $6. SWINE--Frederick L. Taft, Braceville; John Lamb, Lords- town; John W. Seely, Howland; premiums, $4. CROPS—Collins Atwood, Howland; David B. King, Howland; premiums, $2. BUTTER—Maxwell Kennedy, Howland; Thomas Creed, Vienna; Chester Andrews, Hartford; first premium, $3. CHEESE—Stephen P. Robbins, Gustavus; Oliver Mills, Gustavus; Samuel H. Furguson, Farmington; premiums, $6. PLOWS—Sheldon H. Reed, Vienna, for the Diamond plow, $2. PLOWING MATCH—Ox team, Purdy & Fuller, Howland; horse team, John Tibbetts, Weathersfield; John Reeves, Jr., Howland; premiums, $1o. APPLES—Isaac Van Gorder, Harris Ewalt. GRAPES—Frederick Kinsman, $1; John Harsh. FULLED CLOTH—David S. Fitts, Gustavus; premium, $2, FLANNEL—Isaac Lee, $2. SUNDRY ARTICLES—Mrs. E. W. Weir, Warren, vest and regalia; Mrs. Hiram Iddings, Warren, red quilt; Rufus Bee. man, Gustavus, woolen sheets; Mist Elizabeth Iddings, Warren, carpet; Mrs. Sarah C. Bosworth, Warren, carpet; Mrs, E. S. Tait, Warren, rag carpet; Mrs. Mary Stevens, diaper table cloth; Mrs. Coates, Warren, traveling bag; Miss Lucy Stevens, Warren, lamp rug; L. W. Case, Gustavus, patent bedstead; Charles Pease, Warren, coop of fowls; Mary Hoadly, Hartford, pin cushion; Lorenzo Potter, Warren, press. Total amount paid in premiums $74. The following were chosen officers for the year 1847-48: J. F. Beaver, president ; George Heslep, vice-president; Jacob H. Baldwin, treasurer; George Hapgood, secretary; Major Churchill, Andrew Bushnell, Josiah Robbins, Jr,, Cyrus Bosworth, Israel B. Sheldon. Two exhibitions were held on the park in Warren, but on account of the .rapid increase, both of the exhibit and of the attendance, a larger tract had to be selected. The necessity of owning grounds on which permanent improvements could be made soon became apparent to the managers. A committee consisting 0f B, N, Robbins, W. H. Hutchins, and 0. H. Patch, was appointed to make investigations with a view to purchasing land suitably located. The movement seems to have made little progress, for two years elapsed before a practical method was adopted fo1 making the purchase. In 1858 it was proposed to organize a joint stock company, shares being fixed at $25, for the purpose of purchasing grounds. It was provided that stock should be paid up in instalments, and draw interest after five years, The whole property was to revert to the company in case the association failed to purchase the stock, with interest, within a period of ten TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 109 years. It seems the company's advance for the grounds was in the nature of a loan to the association, which was dependent for money upon its ordinary and somewhat doubtful resources. The committee appointed to solicit stock subscriptions at the meeting in November, 1858, reported in February, 1859, that Warren township had resp0nded to the amount of $2,400, and Howland to the amount of $875. B. N. Robbins was appointed to make a thorough canvass of the whole county, with a view to raising the amount of stock to $6,000. By May the amount was deemed sufficient to warrant making a purchase, and the committee on grounds was accordingly called on to report. Several tracts were deemed eligible, but twenty acres of the farm of William Peck was esteemed most desirable, and accordingly purchased at $150 per acre, The title was made in trust to three trustees: Frederick Kinsman, Warren; Franklin E. Slowe, Braceville; and Maxwell Kennedy, Howland, Franklin Stowe deceased in 1872, and H. F, Austin was appointed to his place. Measures were at once taken to improve the grounds and prepare facilities for an exhibition on a more elaborate scale than had hitherto been possible. Franklin Stowe, C. A. Adams, and Frederick Kinsman were appointed on the committee to construct a track for racing, which it was deemed expedient to introduce. The premium list under the head of "Trotting" is sufficient commentary upon the, importance attached to that feature of the fai1 compared with the present policy. We quote from the advertisement : Best trotting stallion - $5 00 Best trotting mare or gelding - 5 00 Best trotting pair matched mares or geldings - 5 00 Best walking horse - 5 00 Horses will be allowed to trot in harness or under saddle. The judges of the race were James E. Leffingwell, of Ravenna, Seabury Ford, of Burton, and Norman E, Austin, of Youngstown. There was considerable though not brilliant competition for these trivial prizes. Several supporters of the fair doubted the expediency of this innovation upon precedent, but the interest it added to the occasion made the managers more liberal in succeeding years, until the racestrack became the chief attracti0n to more than one-half of the visitors, We have no disposition to comment upon public taste, to which all sorts of entertainments are aimed to be adapted. It is doubtful whether a quiet show of live stock, grain, fruits, and fabrics, and a speech would attract many people in this age of railroads and graphic newspapers, which respectively take people in a few hours to great exhibitions and bring world's fairs on paper into their own homes. Yet there is an honest doubt, and well-grounded, too, as to the propriety of advertising a menagerie when the show is understood to be a circus, as is the case some places. The managers of the Trumbull association have no doubt acted wisely by avoiding extreme policies-providing objects of interest and a field for competition for all. The following list of officers since 1855 is furnished us by H. F. Austin, secretary of the association : Presidents-1855, F. E. Stowe; 1856-57, J, F, King; 1858, R. H. Walker; 1859, Harmon Austin; 86o, H. B. Perkins; 861-62, Josiah Robbins; 1863, S. R. Estabrook; 1864, R, H. Barnum; 1865, H. B. Perkins; 1866-67, F. Kinsman; 1868-69, D. Harrington; 1870-71, Harmon Austin; 1872, William Bronson; 1873, B. J. Jameson; 1874, S. M. Laird; 1875, B. P. James0n; 1876-77, J, F. King; 1878, F. N. Andrews; 1879-80, A. Wheeler; 188x, J. F. King; 1882, M. S. Clapp. Vice-presidents-1855, J. F. King; 1856, Abner Rush; 1857, R. H. Walker; 1858, Harris Ewalt; 1859, ; 1860, Josiah Robbins; 1861, Leman Palmer; 1862, John Ratliff; 1863-64, Harris Ewalt; 1865-67, Harmon Austin; 1868-69, J. F. King; 870-71, H. B. Perkins; 1872-75, A. Wheeler; 1876-77, 0. B. Deling; 878-80, M. S. Clapp; 1881-82, S. F. Bartlett. Secretaries-1855, Philo E. Reed; 1856-60, J. D. Cox; 1861, Junius Dana; 1862, I. L. Fuller; 1863-82, H, F. Austin. Treasurers-1855, ; 1856, U. H. Hutchins; 8571862, B. N. Robbins; 1863-64, B. P. Jameson; 1865-72, Almon D. Webb; 1873-82, Peter L, Webb. MAHONING COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. Pursuant to a call for that purpose, a convention was held at Canfield on the 22d day of February, 1847, to deliberate upon the propriety of organizing an agricultural society for Mahoning county, under the provisions of an "act for the encouragement of agriculture," passed by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, February 27, 1846. The call tor said convention was signed by Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, Judge E. Newton, George Pow, Henry Manning, Asa Baldwin, Warren Hine, Silas C. Clark, and other prominent business men of the county. The convention was well attended, and organized by appointing Judge, E. Newton, chairman, and Silas C. Clark, secretary. The meeting was addressed by Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, who delivered an able speech on Competitive Exhibi 110 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. tions as a means of awakening more, active inerest in all Industrial Pursuits. At this meeting it was unanimously Resolved, That we, ehe subscribers, agree to form ourselves into an agricultural society, to be known as the Mahoning County Agricultural society, in conformity to ehe ules and regulations established by the State board of agriculture, and pay the sum of $1 annually, during the existence of said society, or during the time we are members thereof; sod to be subject to such constitution and by-laws as may hereafter be adopted by the society. Whereupon one hundred and eleven names were placed upon the roll of membership. A committee was appointed to draft a constitution or the society, and report at an adjourned meetng. The society next met April 7, 1847, when fifty-nine more names were added to the roll of membership. The committee appointed at the previous meeting reported the following constitution, which was adopted : CONSTITUTION. ARTICLE I. SECTION I. This association shall be styled the Mahoning County Agricultural society. SECTION II. It shall be ehe object of this society to elevate he standard and character of the husbandman, and to promote the true dignity of labor, to encourage domestic industry and enterprise in such agricultural, horticultural, and manufactural improvements as may incite an improved rural and home-adorning tastefulness throughout this community, and tend to the development of the vast and manifold resources of Mahoning county. ARTICLE II. SECTION I. The officers of ehis society shall consist of a presidene, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and five managers, who together shall constitute a board of government, and have the general administration of the affairs of the society; they shall be elected on ehe adoption of this constitution, and thereafter at the annual meeting, by the members of the society by ballot, and hold their office until their successors are appointed. SECTION II. The president shall be chairman of the board of government, shall superintend the various departments, countersign all claims on the treasurer audited by the committee on accounts, sign all diplomas and certificates, and may, by giving suitable notice, convene the society or the board of government, at such time and places as he may deem expedient. SECTION III. In the absence of the president the duties of his office shall devolve on the vice-president. SECTION IV. The secretary shall keep a record or the proceedings of the society, and of the board of government, and shall countersign -all diplomas and certificates relating to premiums. He shall also preserve all letters and papers appertaining to his department, and shall conduct the correspondence of the society with the advice and under the supervision of the president or managers; and deliver to his successor all books, papers, documents, etc., belonging to the society. SECTION V. The treasurer shall collect and receive all funds due and belonging to the society, and disburse them only on the joint authority of the president and committee on accounts. He shall keep his accounts in a book kept for that purpose, and shall exhibit to the board of government on the first Wednesday of November of each year a statement of the receipts and expenditures of the current year, together with a list of members in arrears eo the society, and the amoune due from each. He shall also perform the duties of depository, and shall receive and distribute, under the direction of the managers, all minerals, seeds, plants, implements, books, animals, models of machinery, etc., that may be committed to his care; and deliver to his successor everything in his possession belonging to the society. He shall give bond with security, to the society, in the sum of $5,000, for the faithful performance of his duties, which bond shall be deposited with the secretary and recorded by him. SECTION VI. The managers shall constitute a committee on accounts, whose duty it shall be to audit all accounts and if found just to approve them. They shall also make all the necessary arrangements for the annual show and fair. ARTICLE III. SECTION I. The board of government shall meet statedly at Canfield on the first Wednesday of April and November, and five of them shall constitute a quorum for business. They shall annually appoint a township committee consisting of one from each township in the county, and awarding commiteees, each consisting of three members; also fill all vacancies in the offices or committees that may occur by death or otherwise. They shall also make out the premium list and publish the same on or before the first Wednesday of May, annually. SECTION II. It shall be the duty of the township committee to co-operate with the managers to promote the interests of the society in their respective townships. Their correspond. ence shall be addressed to the secretary. SECTION III. It shall be the duty of the awarding committee to judge between the several articles or animals offered in competition, belonging to the class assigned to each committee respectively, and to award premiums to those entitled to them. But no premiums shall be awarded by the committees unless ehey deem the articles presented meritorious. SECTION IV. No premiums shall be paid to any person except members of the society and their families, nor to any member who is in arrears to the society for his subscription; and in order to be entitled to premium awarded the person must have been present at the exhibition unless prevented by some cause satisfactory to the board of government: ARTICLE IV. SECTION I. Any citizen of the county may become and remain a member of this socieey by signing the constitution and paying the treasurer one dollar, and thereafter one dollar per annum for the use of the society, which amount shall be due on the 1st day of January of each year. Any member may withdraw by giving notice to the treasurer and paying all his arrearages. SECTION II. The annual meeting shall be held at Canfield on the first Tuesday of October and ehe day following, at which time and place the cattle show and fair shall be held. But at the discretion of the board of government a later day may be appointed for the exhibition of such classes of articles as may not be ready at the time of the stated annual meeting. TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 111 ARTICLE V. SECTION 1. This society, its officers, and committees, shall be governed by this constitution and ehe rules and regulations prescribed by the Ohio State Board of Agriculture. SECTION II. This constitution may be amended by the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present at any regular meering, provided that an exact manuscript copy of rhe proposed alteration or amendment be submitted a proper rime for deliberation prior eo any decisive action thereon by the society. No changes were made in the above constitution till 1856, when it was altered by increasing the number of managers from five to seven; and the number of days of fair from two to three. In 1868 the constitution was amended by increasing the number of managers to eight, dividing them into two classes, and providing for the election annually of four to serve two years, and also by vesting in the board of government instead of the society the election or appointment of secretary and treasurer. Again in 1878 the constitution was amended so as to allow persons living out of the county to become members and compete for premiums in all articles except domestic manufactures and field crops and gardens; also, the compensation of the secretary was fixed at $100 per annum, and treasurer at $50. The business meetings of the society, in the first year of its existence, were held in the Congregational church at Canfield, and at the court, house the second and third year. The stock on exhibition was shown on the streets of the village and adjoining fields. The Fourth annual fair of the society was the first one held on its own grounds. In 1851 the society bought five acres, enclosed it with a board fence, and charged all persons, except children under eight years, an admission fee of twelve and a half cents. Since that time additions have been made until the society now owns twenty-two acres, enclosed with a substantial fence, and furnished with a good half-mile track, and all the buildings and other improvements necessary to facilitate the convenient transaction of its business, and to accommodate exhibitors. The grounds and improvements are valued at $5,000. FAIRS OF THE SOCIETY. First, October 5, 1847; second, October 3, 4, 1848; third, October 2, 3, 1849; fourth, September 25, 26, 1850; fifth, October 7, 8, 185z ;.sixth, October 5, 6, 1852; seventh, October, 4, 5, 1833; eighth, October 3, 4, 1854; ninth, October 2, 3, 1855; tenth, October 7, 8, 9, 1856; eleventh, October 6, 7, 8, 1857; twelfth, October 5, 6, 7, 1858; thirteenth, October 4, 5, 6, 1859; fourteenth, October 1, 3, 4, 1860; fifteenth, October 1, 2, 3, 1861; sixteenth, October 7, 8, 9, 1862; seveneeenth, October 6, 7, 8, 1863; eighteenth, October 4, 5, 6, 1864; nineteenth, October 3. 4, 5, 1865; twentieth, October 2, 3, 4, 1866; twenty-first, October 1, 2, 3, 1867; twenty-second, October 6, 7, 8, 1868; twenty-third, October 5, 6, 7, 1869; twenty-fourth, October 4, 5, 6, 1870; twenty-fifth, October 3, 4. 5, 1871; twenty-sixth, October 1, 2, 3, 1872; twenty-seventh, October 7, 8, 9, 1873; twenty-eighth, October 6, 7, 8, 1874; twenty-ninth, Oceober 5, 6, 7, 1875; thirtieth, October 3, 4, 5, 1876; thirty-first, October 2, 3, 4, 1877; thirty-second, October 1, 2, 3, 1878; thirty-third, October 7, 8, 9, 1879; thirty-fourth, October 5, 6, 7, 8, 1880; thirty-fifth, October 4, 5, 6, 1881. PRESIDENTS. Hon. Eben Newton, 1847--48; Hon. George Pow, 1849; Asa Baldwin, 1851-52; David Haynes, 1853-54; C. C. Brainerd, 1855-56; Martin Allen, 1857--58; Hon. Elisha Whietlesey, 1859--60; Hon. George Pow, 1861-70, inclusive; Richard Fitch, 1871-74; John M. Sears, 1875--76; Ward Dean, 1877--78; J. H. Shields, 1879--8o; D. I. Richards, 1881-82. VICE-PRESIDENTS. Jacob Cook, 1847; George Pow, 1848; Asa Baldwin, 1849-50; David Haynes, 1851--52; C. C. Brainerd, 1853-54; George Pow, 1855-58; Alexander Pow, 1859-60; G. N. Brainerd, 1861; Richard Fitch, 1862-70; J. H. Shields, 1871; John M. Sears, 1872-74; C. S. Haynes, 1875; John M. Osborn, 1876; H. C. Beardsley, 1877; J. H. Shields, 1878; N. S. Baldwin, 1879--80; Peter Fullwiler, 1881-82. SECRETARIES. Silas C. Clark, 1847--49; J. M. Edwards, 1850-51; G. I. Young, 1852-53; H. B. Brainerd, 1854; T. M. Rice, 1855-58 (now Member of Congress from Missouri); A. P. Flaugher, 1859; J. M. Edwards, 186o; C. S. Mygatt, 1861; F. C. Nesbit, 1861-63; H. G. Ruggles, 1864; 1. J. Moore, 1865-66; F. C. Nesbit, 1867--68; F. W. Beardsley, 1869--74; Jared Huxley, 1875--70; G. F. Lynn, 1880; Philo Huxley, 1881; Rev. C. L. Morrison, 1882. TREASURERS. William Little, 1847-52; Alexander Pow, 1853-57; F. G. Servis, 1858-60; Hosea Hoover, 1861--64; John S. Wilson, 1865--66; J. W. Canfield, 1867--74; F. W. Beardsley, 1875; G. F. Lynn, 1876--77; H. A. Manchester, 1878--82. MANAGERS. Joseph Wright, David Hanna, Jacob Baird, Asa Baldwin, John Cowden, 1847; Henry Manning, Cornelius Tomson, Joseph Wright, David Hanna, Asa Baldwin, 0840; Joseph Wright, David Hanna, Henry Manning, David Haynes, Cornelius Tomson, 1849; David Haynes, Joseph H. Coult, Francis Henry, David Bonsall, Warren Hine, 1850; Edwin Morse, Lemuel Bingham, Alexander Pow, Francis Henry, Warren Hine, 1851; Francis Henry, John Bingham, C. C. Brainerd, Warren Hine, Alexander Pow, 1852; Philo Beardsley, G. Lanterman, J. R. Truesdale, J. Gordon, Richard Fiech, 1853; G. Lanterman, J. R. Truesdale, Martin Allen, D. Bonsall, D. Thoman, Warren Hine, A. Moherman, H. K. Morse, 1854; G. Lanterman, David Bonsall, Marein Allen, B. P. Baldwin, H. K. Morse, 1855; David Bonsall, H. K. Morse, Martin Allen, James Predmore, M. Swank, G. Lanterman, B. P. Baldwin, 112 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. 1856; B. P. Baldwin, James Predmore, David Haynes, Thomas Meaa, Furman Gee, G. N. Brainerd, Francis Henry, 1857; Furman Gee. B. P. Baldwin, Andrew Shields, Robert Manchester, James Predmore, Thomas Mead, David Haynes, 1858; Furman Gee, Abram Ohl, David Haynes, Robert Manchester, James Predmore, Nathan Hartman, Thomas Mead, 1859; David Weikart, Nathan Hartman, Robert Mancheseer, Thomas Mead, Roswell Matthews, Abram Kline, Philo Beardsley, 1860; Robert Manchester, Roswell Matthews, Peter H. Bean, Robert Montgomery, L. T. Foster, Isaac Kirkpatrick, Abram Kline, 1861; Robert Manchester, L. T. Foster, Andrew Shields, Robert Montgomery, Roswell Matthews, Abram Kline, G. N. Brainerd, 1862 and 1863; Robert Manchester, Abram Kline, L. T. Foster, Roswell Matthews, Robert Montgomery, Nathan Hartman, G. N. Brainerd, 1864; L. T. Foster, David Lower, G. N. Brainerd, Abram Kline, Andrew Shields, Robbrt Manchester, Roswell Matthews, 1865; Robert Manchester, David Lower, J. H. Shields, W. H. Moherman, Roswell Matthews, L. T. Foster, Abram Kline, 1866 and 1867; L. T. Foseer. John M. Sears, T. H. Shields, Abram Kline, David Lower, Roswell Matthews, Mathias Swank, 1868 and 1869; L. T. Foster, M. Swank, C. S. Haynes, Samuel Thoman, J. H. Shields, David Lower, Roswell Matthews, John M. Sears, 1870; L. T. Fosrer, M. Swank, C. S. Haynes, James M. Sears, David Lower, Ward Dean, John M. Sears, N. S. Baldwin, 1871 and 1872; J. M. Osborn, Lyman Schnurrenberger, C. S. Haynes, Clark Osborn, N. S. Baldwin, Samuel Thoman, David Lower, Ward Dean, 1873; J. M. Osborn, Lyman Schnurrenberger, C. S. Haynes, Clark Osborn, N. S. Baldwin, Moses Webber, David Lower, Ward Dean, 1874; Moses Webber, D. I. Richards, Ira M. Twiss, H. C. Beardsley, N. S. Baldwin, Clark Osborn, Lyman Schnurrenberger, I. M. Osborn, 1875; David Lower, Lyman Schnurrenberger, Clark Osborn, William Lanterman, D. I. Richards, Ira M. Twiss, H. C. Beardsley, N. S. Baldwin, 1876; N. S. Baldwin, D. I. Richards, H. N. Lynn, Peter Fullwiler, Lyman Schnurrenberger, David Lower, Clark Osborn, William Lanterman, 1877; David Lower, William Lanterman, C. S. Haynes, N. S. Baldwin, D. I. Richards, H. N. Lynn, Peter Fullwiler, Lyman Schnurrenberger, 1878; D. I. Richards, Peter Fullwiler, H. N. Lynn, Philo Huxley, David Lower, William Lanterman, Lyman Schnurrenberger, F. M. Moore, 1879; D. I. Richards, Peter Fullwiler, H. N. Lynn, Philo Huxley, David Lower, F. M. Moore, Alfred Peters, J. K. Wilson, 1880; J. W. Canfield, john Cronick, B. P. Baldwin, John Kirk, Alfred Peters, J. K. Wilson, F. M. Moore, David Lower, 1881 and 1882. The darkest period of the association's history, in a financial pomt of view, was during the war, from 1861 to 1864, inclusive. Debts were created that burdened and crippled the society for years. Finally, by good management, the entire debt was liquidated, and soon thereafter followed the most prosperous years, financially, that the society has experienced. From 1872 to 1875, inclusive, the receipts were the largest they have been since the fair was organized. A full treasury led to increased expenditures, investments in permanent improvements on the grounds of the society, and a large increase of premiums offered. Diminished receipts since those years have somewhat embarrassed the society, with a debt of over $1,600. The present board of managers, however, are sanguine of a prosperous future. The receipts from all sources have been as follows: |
1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 |
$ 308 00 520 42 516 82 515 32 400 82 414 92 768 04 886 66 1102 06 596 48 896 81 1363 74 |
1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 |
$1585 36 1554 71 2218 20 2061 44 3123 61 2328 70 2875 26 4397 92 4204 99 4600 45 4372 73 3136 29 2678 80 3818 43 3207 74 3238 79 2441 75 |
The amount offered in premiums annually has gradually increased from $150—amount offered in 1847—to $2,500. 0The amount awarded and paid annually has increased from $131.50 in 1847 to over $2,000 in 1880. PIONEER SOCIETY. The first attempt to organize an historical society for Trumbull county was made as early as 1840. The subject was discussed in the local press, but no definite action was taken, and the time passed when such a society could have made itself of much service to the historian. Much that has already become vague tradition, and can only be given as such, would have been preserved as true and indisputable history. The pioneers did not anticipate the interest a future generation would take in the story of their conflict with nature. Could all have foreseen what the very few yet remaining on the field of their early toil now see, there would be a wealth of material at hand from which to select our data. The Mahoning Valley Historical society, though of recent organization, has taken vigorous hold of the labor of making a collection of record and reminiscence. Its inception was in May, 1874. In a conversation of three persons Who casually met, old-time reminiscences were interchanged, and it was decided to call a meeting of old citizens for pleasure and a mutual TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 113 exchange of traditional and actual knowledge. The following call was published in the papers : All who are in favor of a reunion of those who have been for thirty-five years or more residents of Youngstown, are requested to meet at the Tod house, Saturday, May 30 (1874), at 7 o'clock, to make arrangements for a reunion of old settlers. This call was signed by Timothy Woodbridge, H. B. Wick, William Powers, G. King, J. M. Edwards, Madison Powers, Alex Kinnie, John Manning, J. Van Fleet, Joseph Barclay, and Henry Tod. A number of persons responded to this call on the evening of May 3oth, and made preliminary arrangements for a pioneer reunion at the opera house on the l0th of September following. Dr. Timothy Woodbridge was selected chairman, C. B. Wick and W. G. Moore secretaries, and a committee of five, consisting of Timothy Woodbridge, J. R. Squire, J. M. Edwards, R. Holland, and Asahel Medbury, to collect historical facts. There was also appointed an executive committee, consisting of William Powers, Joseph Barclay, Henry Tod, John Stambaugh, and A. J. Woods. The following general invitation was published in the papers in July : At a meeting held in the Tod house May 30th, by a numler of our citizens who were residents of this township thirtyfive more years ago, it was resolved to hold a grand reunion of those who were then citizens on Thursday, September 10, 1874, and committees were appointed to make suitable arrangements. The committee on invitation and reception cordially invite all, whether now residents here or elsewhere, without further or special notice or invitation to meet with us on that day, namely, September 10, 1874, at 10o'clock A. at., at the opera house in this city, and participate in the reunion. Ample accommodations will be provided for all. Those who can meet with. us are requested to notify us by letter, or otherwise, previous to that time. Those who cannot meet with us are requested to communicate to us their present residence, with sketches of the history and reminiscences of 'the olden-time citizens, etc. A second invitation was published in the papers September 1st, together with the order of exercises for the day. The reunion was all the most earnest of the preliminary committeemen could have wished to make it. The following report appeared in one of the city papers: The reunion of old citizens, which took place here on Thursday, the l0th inst., transcended in interest all that had been anticipated from it. Quite early in the day the streets began to be thronged with men and women of the olden time. There were those here who had seen Youngstown when scarcely a score of houses stood to indicate the future that was in store fot her. The greetings on all sides were interesting to hear, and the jokes that had not been told for many and many a year were revived and provoked a laugh as fresh and hearty as if they had happened but yesterday. Of those that gathered on that day there were not a few who had not seen the business and hum of life for many years. Weighed down with age, they had remained at home, passing in quietness and. rest the close of lives which had begun amid the excitements, and toils, and vicissitudes of settling a new country. Some could tell of Indian wars and massacres, of the hard battle for existence which was fought in an unsubdued wilderness with the savage foe. There were here on that day soldiers of the War of 1812, and men who had lived in Ohio while she was yet a Territory. It is the story of three-quarters of a century—the history of the Western Reserve. The oldest man present was William Smith, now living in . his township, near Lanterman's mill, about ninety years of age. Of the veterans of 1812, there were present Tames Foster, aged eighty-three; Samuel Fitch, eighty; Jacob Vail, and Rev. Wilson. Of the widows of soldiers of 1812 there were Mrs. Polly Jackson, Mrs. William McFarland, and Mrs. Polly Smith. Among the oldest persons, Jacob H. Baldwin, aged eighty-four, now of Kinsman; William Rice, aged eighty, now of Painesville; John Kimmel, aged seventy-nine; Philip Stambaugh, aged seventy-nine; Alexander McKinnie, aged seventy-five; Peter Kline, aged seventy-two; Dr. Lemuel Wick, aged seventy-one; T. F. Hogue, aged seventy; B. B. Baldwin, aged seventy:three; Ray Noble, aged seventy. The oldest native of Youngstown was Osirus Case, born in 18,34. The oldest lady present, Mrs. Nancy Hine, of Painesville, aged eighty-four. Mr. Edwards' welcome address was a well timed outline of the early history of Youngstown. We reproduce a few of the first paragraphs. The historical part is all embodied in different chapters of this volume. MY FRIENDS—The pioneers of the West, of this land we now inhabit, were a race of heroes. Less than one hundred years ago the State of Ohio, and more especially the Western Reserve, was an almost unbroken wilderness, the haunts of savage men and savage beasts. To subdue this wilderness, to convert the pathless forests into fertile fields, to replace the wigwam of the Indian with the comfortable abodes of civilization, and eventually to make this wilderness to blossom like the rose, those noble pioneers, taking, as it were, their lives in their hands, left their homes of comfort and luxury in the East, and, with stout hearts and strong hands, struck their axes into the huge growths of the forest, and prepared for us, their descendants and successors, a land whose superior in all the resources which, properly used, may make men prosperous and happy, is not to be found in any other portion of country on this earth. Those men and women have mostly passed away. To cherish their memory; to recall the history of those early days; to renew ancient friendship; to greet, as of old, companions and acquaintances from whom we have been king parted, we, their successors and early settlers of this, one of the earliest settled townships of the Reserve, have assembled here to-day. To all those present, to those who were residents of this township thirty-five or more years ago, to our invited guests and visitors, and those, as well, who have become residents at a more recent period and ate here as spectators, we extend a cordial welcome. I have said that within one hundred years this country was a wilderness. I might have said, with truth, that it was so 114 - TRUMBULL AND MA HONING COUNTIES, OHIO. within three-quarters of a century, within the lifetime of many now living, and, perhaps, of some here present. And yet it seems to the more youthful portion of those now on the stage of active life as if the period of the settlement of the Reserve, so recent, in fact, comparatively, was an event so remote in time that its facts and incidents are among the dim and hazy memories and traditions of antiquity. A large portion of the history of the settlement of the Reserve is unwritten, and exists only in tradition. It is peculiarly so of this township. And yet this history is well worth collecting and preserving in durable form. We trust that this will be one of the results of our reunion to-day. I have gathered a few facts and incidents of this history, partly from records and documents, and partly from conversations with the pioneers and with our early settlers, which may be of interest, and propose to occupy your attention for a short time in their narration. This occasion closed with a dance at the Tod house, in which all, old and young, participated. It was a joyful ending of a pleasant day. This first reunion, which was primarily a Youngstown affair, led to the organization the following year of a society embracing in its membership the entire valley. The proposition to form an organized society took shape early in May, 1875. It was generally agreed that the society should not be confined to any one township or county, since the fundamental history of the whole valley was essentially the same in the whole territory included. It was agreed that the first annual reunion of the pioneers of the Mahoning valley should be held September 10, 1875, just one year after the reunion of the pioneers of Youngstown. The meeting, in accordance with this arrangement, was held in the opera house. The following officers and committees had previously been selected: H. B. Wick, chairman; William Powers, chairman committee of arrangements; John M. Edwards, secretary; Benjamin Weaver, stenographer. German Lanterman, Youngstown; James Brown, Lowell; Madison Powers, Liberty; Fred Kinsman, Warren; Charles Smith, Warren; T. W. Kennedy, Struthers; H. B. Wick, Youngstown; Sheldon Newton, Boardman; John M. Edwards, Youngstown; Warren Hine, Canfield, directors. Miss Grace Tod, chairman; Mrs. Richard Brown, Mrs. Mary Bentley, Mrs. John Besore, Mrs. William Breaden, Mrs. M. T. Jewell, Mrs. William Barclay, Mrs. James Ford, Mrs. W. H. Wick, Mrs. A. J. Williams, Miss Lute Van Fleet, Miss Eliza Powers, Miss Sarah Reno, John Kimmell, Joseph H. Brown, R. M'Millan, W. W. M'Keown, William Pollock, committee on reception. The day was spent in the reading of narratives, the response to toasts, and in social amusements. The following is a list of old people present on that occasion, with their ages: Poland, John Guthrie 67, William Logan 68, Mary A. Logan 66, lames Moore 71, Joseph Sexton 8o, George Dickson 67; Warren, John Harsh 81, Benjamin Stevens 88, Z. Van Gorder 7o, E. D. King 70, Isaac C. Powers 70, Edward Potter 82, Boardman, john Zediker 82, Asa Baldwin 78, Henry Fankel 8o, Sheldon Newton 69; Hubbard, Mrs. - Osborn 67, Nathaniel Mitchell 72, Mrs. N. Mitchell 71, Catherine Hunt 69, Mrs. George Hagar 70, Daniel Shively 7o; Youngstown, Elizabeth Lanterman 96, William Smith 91, A. Ritter, 92, Jonas Foster 83, Mary Woods 72, Sarah Ague 70, Henry Osborn 73, Parkhurst DeCamp 76, Jane Wick 84, Joseph H. Brown 65, James Orr 76, Elizabeth Woods 72, Thomas Davis 72, Asahel Medbury 76, Thomas Polly 69, Anna Goff 77, Alexander McKinnie 76; Kent, Christian Cackler 84, John V. Gardner 86; Sharon, Fanny Jackson 78; Bridgewater, Mary Briggs 82; Canfield, Eben Newton 80; Roy's Corners, Samuel Beaver 7o; Cleveland, Hon. George Mygatt 73, N. C. Baldwin 74; Gustavus, Zephamis Stone 82; Girard, David Goodwillie 73, George Hood 68; Paris, Amos Osborn 65; Newcastle, I. T. Duchane 77; Sandy Lake, Fletcher Houge 73; Coitsville, Elizabeth McFarland 85, Betsy Augustine 73, John Augustine 75, Polly Jackson 79, Mary Augustine 62, Nicholas Jacobs 65, James Davidson 73, Barbara McFall 66, William McClelland 73, Polly Kyle 77, Partridge Bissell 72, John Shields 72, William Stewart 68, Catherine Hurst 69, Tobias Kimmell 73. At a meeting held at 8 o'clock in the evening a constitution was approved for the Mohoning Valley Historical society, and officers elected for the ensuing year as follow: President, William Powers; vice-president, Dr. T. Woodbridge; corresponding secretaries, John M. Edwards and A. B. Cornel; recording secretary, W. A. Beecher; treasurer, H. K. Wick; directors, H. B. Wick, Asa W. Jones, Reuben McMillan, A. J. Packard, and Henry Tod. It was provided in the constitution that the officers of the society shall consist of a president, and one vice-president for each township of the counties of Trumbull and Mahoning. These vice presidents were subsequently selected as follow: Trumbull county-Warren, Frederick Kinsman; Braceville, George Stowe; Newton, Dr. J. F. Porter; Lordstown, Thomas Duncan; Weathersfield, Irwin Moore ; Liberty, Boyd McClelland; Hubbard, Nathaniel Mitchell; Howland, Z. T. Ewalt; Vienna, Alexander S. Stewart; Mesopotamia, Charles A. Brigden ; Bazetta, Aaron Davis; Gustavus, Miss Phebe M. Barnes; Bloomfield, Dr. George W. Howe; Fowler, Dr. Beach; Champion, Henry Rutan; Southington, Homer Norton; Bristol, A. A. House; Johnston, Josiah A. Hine; Vernon, E. A. Reed; Greene, Walter Barlett; Kinsman, Rich. K. Hultz; Mecca, W. TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 115 S. Benton; Farmington, A. K. Woolcott; Hartford, T. A. Bushnell; Brookfield, J. E. Stewart.
Mahoning county—Youngstown, T. Woodbridge; Coitsville, John Shields; Austintown, William Porter; Milton, Francis R. Johnson; Berlin, George Carson; Ellsworth, Richard Fitch ; Canfield, Eben Newton; Boardman, F. A. Boardman; Poland, Samuel McBride; Smith, William Johnson; Goshen, Joseph Bruff; Green, Lewis Templin; Beaver, L. B. Ruhlman; Springfield, Hiram Macklin; Jackson, David Anderson.
The work of preparing for publication a volume of historical collection) was ,commenced in the fall of 1875. A neat volume of more than five hundred pages was issued the following year. It contains much that is valuable. It was the intention to publish successive volumes until the entire field was covered, but so far nothing further than the first issue has appeared.
The society has held annual reunions since its organization in 1876, and has been the means of bringing together the old citizens of the valley, of preserving and formulating traditions and innocent gossip of former years, of strengthening the bonds of friendship and creating a love and pride of home. Robert M. Montgomery succeeded Mr. Powers as president. |