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TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES - 241 CITY OF WARREN, OHIO, WARREN. CHAPTER I. THE VILLAGE AND VILLAGE LIFE. We begin with the scene presented to the first earnest adventurers who came to prepare a home for civilization in the gloomy Western wilderness. A winding path through the dark swampy forest led to an open, undulating alluvion covered with a soft carpet of green leeks. The outline of this open space was irregular but clearly defined, and embraced an eligible mill-seat. It had evidently been an Indian clearing and had many years previously been a field for primitive agriculture. There were several such fields m the Mahoning valley, the site of Youngstown being one ; but no account has been preserved of any so large or favorably located as the one which determined the settlement of the immigrants whose names are preserved as the founders of Warren. It was for a temporary residence and storehouse that John Young built the first house on this clearing in 1798. He owned no interest in the land, but took squatters' occupation because of its fertility and preparation for the plow. He lived in the cabin during the spring and summer, while the crop required attention, and again in the fall while harvesting. At gathering season his residence was converted into a crib in which the crop was stored until winter, and was then drawn in sleds to Youngstown. In itself Mr. Young's enterprise was a trivial circumstance, but is worthy of this prominent mention because of its effect upon succeeding events. The eastern part of Warren township was partitioned to Ebenezer King, Jr., one of a syndicate of stockholders in the Connecticut Land company, which drew four townships. Mr. John Leavitt received in the apportionment a large tract ln the western part of township four, range four, now embraced in the organized township of Warren. It was on King's land that John Young raised his crop of corn in 1798. Joseph McMahon lived in the vicinity, occupying a rude hut which he probably built about the time Young built his. In the fall of 1798 two citizens of Washington county, Pennsylvania, Ephraim Quinby and Richard Storer, made a tfip on horseback up the Mahoning for the purpose of viewing the country, and if found favorable, 0f selecting land on which to make settlement. They dossed the low flat country called the swamp, in Poland township, to Yellow creek, thence through dark woods covered with logs and underbrush to Youngstown, the headquarters of immigrants at that time. From there they took the salt spring road to Weathersfield, and then again plunged into the deep shade of the wild and uninviting forest through which lay their course to the broad, sunny Indian meadows. such contrast was the rich alluvial soil, dried by exposure to heat, light, and air, and bearing the ripening fruit of a summer's industry, to the somber clays bearing aggravating underbrush and rugged beech and elms, lying behind and beyond, that the promised land seemed to have been reached. Both the visitors were satisfied, and both made selections. Mr. Quinby's choice was lot number twenty-eight and part of lot number thirty-five, making in all four hundred and forty-one acres. Mr. Storer selected land on both sides of the river further down, sixty acres of which was cleared, and has in late years been known as the Fusselman farm. Rarely in a new country do settlers find an opening more auspicious,—good land already cleared, a house ready to receive their goods and families, and a noble stream offering unlimited water power. Hardships and inconveniences were of course to be 242 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. expected, but with half the battle won in advance, the future looked promising. Messrs. Storer and Quinby, full of enthusiasm, with samples of soil packed in their saddle=bags, returned to their homes in Washington county. Negotiations for a purchase of the lots selected were at once entered into with Ebenezer King, Jr. The enthusiasm with which the new country was described had the effect of popularizing the enterprise, so that by spring the emigration fever became contagious. As soon as the opening of spring permitted, a party consisting of Mr. Quin- by, Mr. Storer, William Fenton, wife And child, Francis Carlton and family—three sons and one daughter—and some hands, making a party of about fifteen persons, left Washington county in wagons, and after a tedious journey reached their destination April 17, 1799. These were the first settlers of Warren: though no town was laid out, and we have no evidence that there was at that time any intention of laying one out. A busy summer followed ; houses were to be built, crops planted and attended to, and provisions made for more extended operations during the year to follow. McMahon had removed his family to the southeast corner of Howland township, leaving his cabin on the Indian meadows empty. Thus the new corners had two places of temporary abode. Mr. Quinby began the erection of a house on the site of the present Cleveland & Mahoning railroad depot. This house was designed to contain three rooms, two of which were finished during the first summer. The third, about ten feet square and built of heavy hewn logs, was not finished until the newly erected county required a jail, for Which purpose this room was generously donated by Mr. Quinby. Mr. Storer built a cabin on his farm soon after the party's arrival, and Mr. Fenton continued to occupy for several years the cabin deserted by McMahon. Each of the families broke ground for corn, and everything progressed prosperously. The first settlers were closely followed by their Pennsylvania neighbors, Henry Lane, Sr., and Meshach Case, accompanied by John Lane and his half brother, Edward Jones. Henry Lane purchased that part of the bottom on which the Young cabin stood. Leaving the young men to occupy the cabin and plant a crop of corn, Messrs, Case and Lane returned to Washington county. Mr. Case did not purchase land at that time, but in August following he came back to the settlement and took a deed for one hundred and ninety-eight acres a short distance below Storer's farm. He cleared about two acres and put up a cabin—a mere shell composed of walls and roof. He then again joined his family in Pennsylvania. Thus far the proprietors, Ebenezer King, Jr., and John Leavitt, had not seen their lands, on contracted portions of which settlement was progressing with such promising rapidity, Four or five cabins and several corn fields in the midst of thick wilderness must have been a pleasing spectacle on the occasion of their first visit during that first summer of the settlement. There is some authority for believing that the township was divided up into lots at this time, and the name of their friend, Moses Warren, who had been one of the surveyors for the Land Company, was memorialized in the name of the settlement. Warren's home was at New Lyme, Connecticut, where, says an old manuscript, he was "much respected." One of the surveyors speaks of him as being somewhat tardy in the performance of duty, but it is evident that he was held in high esteem by at least two members of the Company. William Crooks and wife had accompanied the proprietors on their visit, and remained to make an improvement; Messrs. King and Leavitt returned after a short stay, Crooks cleared about eighteen acres west of the site of the present city, on which he built a cabin. He seeded several acres in wheat that fall, which was the first wheat sown in this township. He was also the first Connecticut settler in the township, all the others having come from Washington county, Pennsylvania. By fall sufficient accommodations had been prepared for the families of those who had left their wives at the old home. Among the first to come was Mrs. Edward Jones, who was accompanied by Henry Lane and Benjamin Lane, a lad of fourteen. It was evident that the Lanes were earnest about making settlement, for two large bundles of young apple trees were strapped on the horse which the lad was riding. The trees were at once planted, and for many years bore fruit after the scattered community had grown to the proportions of a city. These were the first fruit trees, so far as is known, planted inthe present limits of Trumbull county. TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 243 Jones and his wife continued to occupy the Young cabin (which stood opposite the present upper mill dam) during the winter. Mr. Lane returned to his family in Washington county in December, accompanied by John and Benjamin. Richard Storer and Ephraim Quinby also returned to Washington county, when their corn crop had been harvested. As soon as sufficient snow had fallen that winter to make traveling easy, they started with their families for the new home on the Mahoning. Mr. Storer's family consisted of a wife, two sons, and a daughter; Mr. Quinby's family consisted of Mrs. Quinby and four children,—Nancy, Samuel, Arabella, and William. It will be noticed that all the settlers of the first year except Mr. Crooks' were from Washington county, Pennsylvania. They were, however, of New England descent; that county having been settled originally mainly by Massachusetts people. Before the close of the year 1799 Benjamin Davidson, Esq., of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, came to Warren with a view of making a purchase. He selected a lot adjoining the Case and Storer farms, and built a cabin on the surveyed road to Beavertown. He returned to Pennsylvania to spent the winter. The nearest neighbor to the Quinby settlement was John Adgate, who lived in lhe southwest corner of Howland, where he owned a large tract of land. His family consisted of Mrs. Adgate and nine or ten children —Sally, Belinda, Caroline, John H., Nancy, Charles, Ulysses, James, and one or two more, also Caleb Jones and wife. There were also a few others, hands and single men living in the neighborhood, whose names have not been preserved in the annals of the time. It is estimated that the first year of the settlement brought thirty souls. No town had yet been laid out, but Mr. Quinby's keen business eye was not slow to detect the success of such a project.- Youngstown contained, at that time, about twenty houses compactly located, giving lhe .place a village appearance. It was the stopping place of westward bound emigrants,and con_ sequently well-known in the East, where Quinby's settlement was unknown, and even at Youngstown no one anticipated the importance which one more year was destined to give this frontier collection of cabins. The settlers employed the winter by fencing their fields, increasing the acreage of cleared land, improving and adding to their houses, and making whiskey of a part of the summer's corn crop. The early settlers, whether they came from Pennsylvania or Connecticut, or Massachusetts, habitually and regularly used that stimulating beverage. Few of their fields or farms had been fenced during the first season; they had no domestic animals, and deer and other wild animals did little damage. The year 1800 was characterized by great activity, and increased Warren from a scattered and unknown settlement to the most prosperous town in New Connecticut. Youngstown may have been larger, but its population was transient and was inferior, both in intelligence and earnestness of purpose, to the Warren community. It appears from the county records that no deeds were issued until February 22, 1800 (Washington's birthday). On that day at Suffield, Connecticut, Ebenezer King, Jr., conveyed and transferred to Ephraim Quinby, Henry Lane, Sr., and Benjamin Davidson, lracts for which they had previously contracted. Mr. Qurnby's purchase was four hundred and forty-one acres, for which he paid the sum of $11,625 or $3.69 per acre. Mr. Lane's farm embraced the same number of acres. It is probable the price named in the deed was agreed upon the year before Quinby established his Washington county colony. Other lands were at that time selling at from fifty cents to $2 per acre. The Indian clearings had probably increased the price of this purchase; but it appears from the figures not in proportion to the value. An interesting event occurred in February, 1800; made interesting as an historical item because it was the first event of its kind to occur in the new settlement. A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jones, who had been living here a little less than a year. This may have been the first birth within the present limits of the county, but our information does not warrant a definite statement to that effect. The child grew to womanhood and became the wife of William Dutchin, for many years a highly respected citizen of Warren. The opening of spring brought a large increase to the settlement. On the 18th of April there arrived frcm Pennsylvania six families, viz: Meshach Case and his wife Magdaline, with six children, Elizabeth, Leonard, Catharine, Mary, 244 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. Reuben, and Sarah; Henry Lane, Sr., with his wife and five children, John, Asa, Benjamin, Catharine, and Ann ; Henry Lane, Jr., and his wife Elsie ; Charles Daily and his wife Jennie, with several children ; Isaac Daily and his wife Effie, with several children ; and John Daily and his wife with one child. These names are from a memorandum made by Mr. Leonard Case. It is inferred that they all came together from the same place, though Mr. Case is not clear on this point. From the same source we have a brief but interesting account of the journey, which applies to the Case family at least, and probably to the whole party whose names we have given. April 16, 1800, was the day of starting from Fallowfield township, Washington county. At Beavertown, which was reached by land, they were detained three days. Poland was reached on the 17th, and Warren on the following day, about 4 o'clock. We give Mr. Case's own language: The usual incidents attended the journey until crossing the south line on 41̊ north latitude. From there to Poland was a very muddy road called "the swamp." In Poland the settlement was begun, Judge Turhand Kirtland and wife living on the east side and Jonathan Fowler and wife, a sister of the judge, keeping tavern on the west side. From there our way was through woods to where there was a family named Stevens, who had been there three years or more. The wife's name was Hannah. With her our family had been acquainted. She said she had been there three years without seeing the face of a white woman. There our party and cattle stayed over night. Next morning we passed up the west side of the river, for want of means to cross it, to James Williams', and then through the woods to the old road made by the Connecticut Land company to the salt spring. There were some settlers, Joseph McMahon among the rest, engaged in making salt. Flom there we passed through the woods to the clearing and cabin of Benjamin Davidson, on the north half of lot number forty-two in Warren, in town four, range four, then one-quarter of a mile to a path that turned east to the Fusselman place on the south half of lot number thirty- five, and then to the residence of Richard Storer, arriving there about four 0'clock on the afternoon of April 18, i80o. After our passage through the woods and mud the leeks on the Indian field on Mahoning bottom made a most beautiful appearance. It has been noted that Benjamin Davidson visited the settlement and built a cabin in the summer of 5799. It was occupied by the family in the latter part of April ; the family consisted of eleven children, viz : George, Liberty, Polly, Prudence, Ann, Samuel, William, Walter, James, Betsy, and Benjamin. In May, 1800, the family commenced their labors for a crop. In June following John Leavitt arrived with his family, consisting of his wife Silence, and children, William, John, Jr., Cynthia, Sally, Henry F., Abiah, and Humphrey. Some hired men also accompanied them, including Elam and Eli Blair. Soon after them came Phineas Leffingwell and family. The settlers thus far, except the Leavitt and Crooks families, were all from Pennsylvania, most of them from Washington county. It was from there that the first preacher came who held services in Warren —Rev, Henry Spears. He belonged to the Baptist denomination. It was merely to visit his old neighbors and friends that he had come, but while here they determined to make use of him, and arranged for a preaching service one Sunday morning in June. In the shade of a natural bower on the river bank an audience of more than fifty assembled for instruction and for worship. The eye of our imagination lingers enviously on that meeting, in which all joined with that enthusiasm and heartiness characteristic of frontie1 communities. All around them was beauty, and bountiful 'nature, suggestive of the character of the King whom they had assembled to worship and praise. "With respectful attention" they heard the pious words of the preacher, and at the conclusion joined him in a chorus of thanksgiving. No religious service was held after this, so far as is known, till the fall of that year, when Rev. Joseph Badger, by order of the 'Connecticut Missionary society, visited the settle- ment. The improvements were scattered for a considerable distance along the river. The present business center of Warren had not yet been cleared, except small tracts in the vicinity of cabins. Grading and paving has made a great change in the surface of the south and southeast part of the city. No change was made where the court-house stands, and the land north and northeast of it retains its original elevation. From the court-house towards the south the slope was rapid, with an undulating and irregular surface, dipping to a swamp where Main and Market streets meet. The surface at that point was about ten feet lower than at present. This swamp overflowed during high water and in winter time was covered with a sheet of ice. It has been stated that the river ,channel coursed through it at one time, but this is only a supposition. For several years after the settlement it TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 245 remained a deep, soft mire, in which venturesome domestic animals sometimes stuck fast. A cow belonging to Mr. Jacob Harsh one day waded into the mire, and being discovered, the whole village was called to her rescue. After much labor she was drawn out', but in such an exhausted condition that she died on the following day. The west side of Main street has been graded down. The ground was high at the corner of Liberty and Market streets, and sloped east to a deep ravine through which a small stream poured into the swamp below. The eastern side of the ravine was so steep that considerable effort was required to climb it. There was a second swamp east from the corner of Elm and Market streets; low lands extended to the mouth of Red run. This stream, like all other water courses, was larger then than since the surface it drains has been cleared. It derives its name from the fact that a kind of red moss covers its mucky bed, and also that the water is tinged red by mineral and vegetable matter from the bogs and swamps above. There is a current myth which gives a tragical significance to the name. The story runs, that before any white settlers had come to the Reserve, a band of Indians committed savage depredations on the white settlement at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, which led the settlers to take summary measures for avenging the offence. An armed party started in pursuit and overtook another marauding band at this place, on the banks of a small stream, where a conflict ensued. The Indians were defeated and their blood, mingling with the flowing water, suggested the name Bloody or Red run.. But it is more probable that the name suggested this fiction, than that any such action was the origin of the name. So much swampy and low land, and the fact that no regular roads had been constructed, made travel extremely difficult during most of the year, and at times impossible. This circumstance made the need of a mill in their own community almost imperative. Mill creek was the nearest point where grinding was done, and even there two or three days were at times occupied in wait- till the primitive little concern had ground out the grain of those ahead. The enterprise of building a mill at Warren was undertaken first by Henry Lane, Jr., and Charles Daily. They began work on the dam in June, 1800. Receiving considerable assistance from time to timefrom the neighbors, the work progressed satisfactorily until winter. Cold weather stopped operations, and the spring floods tore out the newly constructed dam. Though this was very discouraging, the pioneers were not of the class to be baffled by such a reverse. As soon as spring opened in 1801 they again set to work with the increased energy which previous experience had taught them was necessary. By hard work and frequent frolics the dam was completed before winter, but in spite of their utmost exertions another winter passed before the grinding machinery was ready for work, and then it was little more than a "corn-cracker." Each customer had to bolt his own grist. Notwithstanding these inconveniences it answered a very good purpose and was greatly appreciated after three years' dependence upon the stump mortar and spring-pole, and an inadequate concern fourteen miles away. The old dam has since been repaired and strengthened but is still at the same place, and has been the head of constant water-power ever since. The old dam was sold by Dally & Lane to Royal Pease, and the property has since successively belonged to Justus Smith, Gideon Finch, and James L. Van Gorder. It was burned in 1839, but soon after rebuilt. The last structure was burned in 1881. Another mill was built two or three years later by George Lovelace, in which Ephraim Quinby was interested. The dam was built just below the present Market Street bridge. A woolen mill was connected with it by Levi Hadley, and afterwards owned and operated by Benjamin Stevens. James L. Van Gorder subsequently came into possession of the mill property,. and after the canal was built moved the structure further down the river. These mills had the effect of encouraging immigrants to settle in this locality, and consequently aided materially in building up the town. The year 1800 closed with a survey of the town by Captain Quinby. On December l0th, Caleb Palmer, surveyor, platted all that part of Mr. Quinby's property east of the river. The plat sets apart streets and a square for "publick uses," the general plan being in imitation of New England villages. The streets on Mr. Quinby's plat arc numbered. Main street and Mahoning 246 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. avenue is denominated No. a; High street, No. 2; Market street, No. 3; South street, No. 4; and Liberty street, from the square south, No. 5; no northern continuation was laid out. The final settlement of the county seat at Warren, gave the town a prestige which accelerated its growth and affected its character. The first settlers were strong, industrious, and earnest; the seat of county government supplemented this element with a superior order of intelligence and increased wealth. It attracted such men as Judge Pease, Colonel Edwards and General Perkins—men capable of giving direction to energy and elevating the social plane. The seat of government made Warren the center of public information and public interest. With all its natural and political advantages, it took considerable time to make Warren even comfortable for a place of residence. The square designated for a park had an irregular, broken surface, full of ugly knolls and repulsive mud-holes. The forest trees with which it had been covered were chopped down in 1801, and left lie to decay. For about twenty years the place was left in an unseemly condition. About 1820 Simon Perkins, Jr., assisted by other public-spirited citizens, graded the ground and planted the trees which now furnish refreshing shade and make the plat a oelightful summer lounging place. During the primitive village years, before a thick, drear forest had given place to cultivated fields, native ammals were extremely troublesome and destructive. Cattle and hogs were in constant danger, even in daylight, of being attacked by wolves and bears ; and domestic fowls were a constant prey of smaller animals and vermin. Wolves are the boldest, most persistent, and most destructive of all wild animals. It was not uncommon for a hungry wolf to come into the village, even before nightfall, and seize a pig in some cabin dooryard. So ravenous were their appetites that it was almost impossible for a while to raise hogs or sheep. They were always boldest in winter when food was scarcest, and at such times frequently made attacks on grown cattle. Mr. Case has recorded an illustrative incident which took place in February, 1801. A severe storm had been in progress, and the night was cold and blustering. A large number of the settlers' cattle were gathered together on the bottom protecting themselves from the storm by standing close to each other. A pack of wolves approached with frightful howls. With that instinct, which even in brutes impels the strong to protect the weak, the larger cattle bellowed and pitched ferociously at their savage enemies. In the morning it was evident that a severe encounter had taken place, the oxen having buried their horn's to their skulls in soft mud, and several of the weaker cattle being badly bitten. Hogs were the favorite prey of bears. They frequently carried away shoats weighing as much as one hundred and fifty pounds, but preferred smaller pigs. Mr. Case testifies that it was six or seven years before sheep could be effectually protected from wolves. Vermin destroyed all kinds of domestic water fowl. Hunting was not only a delightful amusement, but useful employment. It became profitable, too, after the county began paying a bounty on wolf scalps. Venison and bears' meat made healthful and delicious food. The skins of the deer were indispensable for clothing in those rugged times, and bear skins commanded a fair price in Eastern markets. Tne rive1 abounded in excellent fish, it appears from the traditional accounts, almost waiting to be caught. The early settlers found enticing amusement in shooting and gigging fish. Some were of immense size. A story is told of how, in 1801, Henry Lane and Ephraim Quinby welcomed a friend to the village. James Scott, who had just arrived, was given temporary entertainment at Fenton's cabin. In the Morning, when he opened the cabin door to refresh himself before meeting his hostess, a monster pike, " fully six feet long," pitched head first into the room. Quinby and Lane, both practical jokers, had been out fishing during the night, and left their largest catch suspended upon a stake, leaning against the stranger's door. New England people of the old school never permitted anything to interfere with the proper celebration of the anniversary of the declaration of Independence. Many of the Warren people in 1800 remembered the enthusiasm which followed the announcement of that ever glorious day. There were a few who had borne arms in the struggle for independence and liberty. The mighty significance of `the day we celebrate" had not yet been lost sight of, nor, indeed, TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 247 ought it ever to be lost sight of, for the principles enunciated on that day lie at the foundation of all our American history. There should be no sentimental sneering at real patriotic utterances on these annually recurring occasions. There is dange1 in these latter days of business and rapid growth in population and wealth of our forgetting the American eagle and the stanch heroic characters who made that wide-winged bird a sacred national emblem. But there was no lack of patriotic enthusiastic demonstration at Warren on the 4th of July, 1800. John Young, Calvin Austin, and others' from Youngstown, General Edward Paine and Eliphalet Austin from Painesville, were present to participate in the occasion. When the crowd assembled, it Was found that n0 musical instruments had been provided for. In the ebullition of their enthusiasm it is supposed the Warren people overlooked these indispensable articles of Fourth of July furniture. But Yankee wit is always ready, and the anniversary was not to be a failure for want of stirring old martial music. Eli and Elam Blair, twin brothers, came to the front; one was a drummer, and the other a fifer. The latter found a large, strong elder stem which he s0on whittled into a fife. The other, with equal readiness but with more difficulty, set to work, making a drum. He cut down a hollow pepperidge tree, and with only a hand-axe and jack- plane made a drum cylinder. William Crooks in the meantime killed a fawn, and brought the skin for a drum head; Mr. Case gave a new pair of plow lines for cords and snares. But a short time elapsed before the instrument constructed from these materials was rolling Yankee Doodle to the entire satisfaction of the assembly. Everybody had guns which, of course, they fired early and often, adding noise to the demonstrative music. In addition to this,- several members of the party came loaded with characteristically American speeches. It is mildly recorded by one of the participants: "Toasts were duly given and honored with the needful amount of stimulus. All went off merrily." During these early years a mysterious character paid frequent visits to the settlement. "Old Merryman" was the only name by which he was eve1 known. Whence he came or whither he went was past finding out Always modest and peaceable, he traded his deer skins and furs for whiskey and meal, asking no questions or making n0 answer to inquiries touching himself. He avoided notoriety, and seemed to have no other object in life than to eat, drink, move, and have his being. His visits finally ceased, and the mystery remained a subject of fruitless conjecture. Merchandise was at first retailed to the settlers from a canoe by James E. Caldwell. Early in 1801 he commenced making periodical trips up the Mahomng. His stock consisted of groceries, calico, and notions. The demand for calico was, of course, light, owing to the high price at which it was held. The quality which now retails at five cents a yard, was sold at the canoe store for fifteen times that amount. The women purchased only in limited quantities "for fine dresses" and trimmings. This nautical store generally made its appearance fortnightly at Warren, which was the terminus of its route. It announced its arrival by blowing a tin horn, inviting all who desired to make purchases to the river bank. But the settlement was not long dependent upon the accidents of a water craft for such necessities as the soil, the forest, or their own hands did not produce. George Lovelace, in the fall of 1801 or spring of 1802, opened a small shop on the east side of Main street near South street. This was the beginning of a permanent mercantile business, the gradual expansion 0f which, during the eighty years to the present time, is elsewhere sketched. Warren remained the capital town of the whole Reserve until 1809, and for more than a quarter of a century was the principal town in it. Mr. Louis M. Iddings compiled for the "Mahoning Valley Historical Collections" a map of the town in 1816, which fixes the location of fifty- two houses. It is safe t0 infer that the population at that time enumerated two hundred souls. In 1810 the population exceeded one hundred. There were eight houses on or near Mahoning avenue at that time, a continuation of street number one, now Main street. Beginning at the upper end on the west side was the mill owned by James L. VanGorder, and then in their order were the VanGorder residence, the house of Mrs. Rowe, the residence of Jacob Harsh, General Simon Perkins' residence (where Hon. H. B. Perkins' residence now stands), and a house built by George Phelps. On the east side 0f the avenue there were but three houses, 248 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. one occupied by a Mr. McFarland, the residence of Mr. Reeve with blacksmith shop adjoining, and a log house built by a Mr. Scott on the site of Warren Packard's 1esidence. Continuing from this point east on High street (number two on the old plat) were the residences of Dr. John B. Harmon, George Parsons, and James Scott; the jail was also built on the site of the present structure a few years later. David Bell lived some distance northeast, just across the line in Howland township, but within the present corporate limits. The first court-house proper was being built at the time on the site of the present structure. East of the park, on Liberty street, were the Shook house, and Asahel Adams' store, afterwards the Franklin house. The Western Reserve hank building was in process , of erection where the First National bank building now stands ; further south stood the residence of Mrs. McWilliams, and a shop. On the opposite side stood' the residences of Elihu Spencer and Zebina Weathersby. East of Liberty street were scattered several houses, John Jerrodell's cabin, Judge Pease's office, residence of Richard Iddings, cabins of George Mull and Mark Wescott; and on East South street were the residences of Captain Oliver Brooks, Thomas D. Webb (this house was built in 1807 by Colonel J. S. Edwards, and is still standing), Mr. Hake, and Jonathan Rankin. Near the corner of South and Liberty streets stood the residence of James Quigley, with a tannery in the rear. South of the square on Market street, beginning at the crossing of Liberty, were the residences of Samuel Chesney, store of William Bell and James Quigley, the Cotsgreave house, familiarly known as Castle William, and on the corner of Main and Market was the old hotel stand. South of Market, on the east side of Main street, were five houses, residences of Tony Carter and Jeduthen Rawdon, the Western Reserve bank, and Judge Freeman's house, now the eastern part of the Austin house. This is the oldest structure in the city. On the west side of Main street were the residence of Judge Calvin -Austin, the Leavitt house, for many years one of the leading hotels, Adamson Bentley's store, and Jeremiah Brooks' residence. It was in the Bentley building that the Trump of Fame was printed, and the Brooks house was built by Mr. Quinby in 1799, and served the purpose of a jail for some time after Trumbull county was elected. Below Market street bridge, on the north river bank, stood Mr. Stevens' carding machine, built some years before by Levi Hadley. In the bottom were two cabins in which a Mr. Morris and James Ellis lived. Mr. Ephraim Quinby and Mr. Burnett lived on top of the hill. The first graves were on a knoll on South street, where the late residence of Thomas D. Webb stands. In the memoranda at our command the time or names of the first burials are no where noted, neither were any tombstones erected, the spot probably being marked by boards which soon rotted away. Colonel Edwards built the Webb residence in 1807; his workmen paying no attention to graves concealed there beneath the kitchen floor. There is a stone in the old cemetery, on Mahoning avenue, bearing date 1804, from which it is inferred that the place of interment was changed about that date. Frontier village life had its inconveniences, toils, privations, and loneliness, but these asperperities were so completely compensated by amenities that we can scarce help, at times, 1egretting the fate which has placed us eighty years in the rea1 of the pioneer army. But perhaps we derive more pleasure in employing an idle hour in the contemplation of the "good old times" than the pioneers did in the years of actual experience. The old Cotgreave house was the scene of many interesting events during Warren's village years. This building was at first a log cabin built by Henry Harsh, in 1802. About 1807 William W. Cotgreave, who had purchased the property, made an extensive, but extremely homely, addition, which served for courthouse, jail, church, public hall, and saloon for some years. The lower story was built of logs in block-house fashion, the two upper stories were frame with gabled roof. The lower story was designed and used for a jail until the special building for that purpose had been completed. Court was held in the second story until the court-house was built, and the whole building furnished accommodations for school on weekdays and church on Sunday, and at night masonic meetings and dances. Dancing was a fashionable amusement before "Castle William," as the roomy pile just described was called, was built. Warren people were noted for their hospitality TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO - 249 and social grace,. making public balls very popular and very agreeable affairs. In a letter to Connecticut in July, 1803, John S. Edwards says : I was at Warren on the 4th of July, when I attended a ball. You may judge of my surprise at meeting a very considerable company, all of whom were dressed with neatness and in fashion, some of them elegantly. The ladies generally dressed well. Some of them would have been admired for their ease and grace in a New Haven ball room. It was held on the same spot where f0ur years since there was scarcely the trace of human hand, or any where within fifteen miles of it. We improved well the occasion ; began at two in the afternoon of Monday, and left the room a little before sunrise on Tuesday morning. We dance but seldom, which is our apology. We add one other account from the same pen, but of three years later : WARREN, OHIO, July 7, 1806. We are but just well through the 4th of July. It was celebrated at Warren with great splendor. About one hundred citizens of Trumbull sat down to a superb dinner provided for the occasion. Seventeen toasts were drunk in flowing bumpers of wine under a discharge of fire-arms. The whole was concluded with a few de joie and a. procession. The greatest harmony and hilarity prevailed throughout the day. In the evening we attended a splendid ball, at which were present about thirty couples. You would have been surprised at the elegance and taste displayed on the occasion, recollecting that within seven years, on the same spot of ground, the only retreat from the heavens was a miserable log house, sixteen feet square, in which I was obliged to take my lodgings on the floor, wrapped in my blanket. But further, not satisfied with dancing one evening, we assembled again on the 5th, and had a very agreeable and pleasant ball. Before we dined on the 4th we had an oration. So much for New Connecticut: D6 you think now we live in the woods, or is it 'Surprising we forget that we do ? The emigrations into this part of the country have been very large this spring. Mr. Tod is made a member of the supreme court of Ohio. The dances in Castle William were more than annual affairs. The monotony of long winter was frequently interrupted by joyful tripping to the tlme 0f hurrying music. On stated occasions the young from far and near joined in the dance. From early in the afternoon till sunrise next morning Uncle Tony's fiddle measured time for the tireless company. Tony, an eccentric colored chap, presided at the fiddle for many years, his presence being as happy in its effects upon the company as his music. Isaac Ladd was caterer for the gentlemen, his quarters being in the third story. It was reached by a door from the ballroom communicating with the stairs. Thither the gentlemen repaired for their drinks between dances. While Benjamin Towne kept tavern in Castle William a dancing master named Gitchel gave lessons in the hall. One of his invitations for a public ball was headed as follows: A public ball at B. Towne's hall, This night will be attended; The ladies fare being something rare, Which makes our joy more blended. A favorite chorus of the time was as follows: And since we're here, with friends so dear, Let's drive dull cares away. But amusement was not confined to parties, and dancing, and celebrations. We have some account of a sporting club composed of twelve members, two of whom were from Warren, Calvin Pease and Simon Perkins ; other members were: General Wadsworth and Mr. Mygatt, of Canfield ; Dr. Tyler, of Tylertown ; Messrs. Montgomery and Clendenen, of Coitsville; some one from Poland, and four from Youngstown— Judge George Tod, William Rayen, John E. Woodbridge, and James Hillman. Racing on the Mahoning was a sport much indulged in by this club, in winter time. All starting abreast at Youngstown; their course was to Warren, where a royal dinner had been ordered, to be paid for by the six last of the party to arrive. Their fixed price for dinner was $24, from which it will appear that they were well served. Two dollars a a plate was a big price for meals in those early days. About 1809 this club instituted a unique diversion. It was agreed that each should choose a pig and keep it two years, at the end of which time all the hogs chosen were to be weighed. The owners of the six lightest ones were to pay for a banquet. Who the defeated parties were is not recorded, but the two heaviest hogs belonged to James Hillman and Dr. Tyler, and weighed over 500 and 700 pounds respectively. The combined weight of Colonel Rayen and his wife exceeded the heaviest hog more than twenty pounds. Militia training days were epochs in the social life of the times, nor were such regimental maneuverings all for parade and show. The military spirit of the Revolutionary period was not yet dead; a dangerous neighbor occupied the bordering forest and the mighty power of Great Britain was menacing the general peace. Under such circumstances, simple prudence as well as the higher feeling of patriotism appealed to the strong and brave who had come to make homes, also to prepare to preserve them against an invasion by a desolating foe. The time came quick- 250 - TRUMBULL AND MAHONING COUNTIES, OHIO. ly, when their courage and patriotism was put to a test. Their ready and prompt action on that occasion will protect the military character of our pioneer fathers from any indignity, and at the same time vindicate the old militia system. On general training days all the regiments in the county gathered at the county-seat, where they were inspected by General Perkins, brigade commander, and after a general drill, a dinner was served by the ladies, followed by a grand ball. It is but natural that a day which furnished such practical education and discipline as the Limos made essential, and at the same time a day of 1evelry and rollicking and feasting, followed by a night of dancing and courting, should have been anticipated with interest and was recollected with pleasure.