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Accordingly, on the last day of December, 1816, Henry Hosmer, Chester Hosmer and Mary Y. Hosmer, brothers and sister, Shubael Porter and his sister, Abigail, Moses Noble and Lyman Munson, started with a two-horse team for Ohio. It being in midwinter, traveling was very tedious, as a matter of course, and yet, under all of the discouraging circumstances attending their enterprise, those brave boys and girls severed the ties that bound them to their friends and the scenes and associations of their earlier years and faced the darkness and dangers of the wilderness toward which they were traveling.

After having been upon the road about a month, they arrived at Wadsworth, within what is now Medina County, and stopped with Salmon Warner, who had settled there in 1815. On the 4th of February, 1817, leaving the girls at Wadsworth, the young men started to come to this place, but encamped upon the center road near the Hubbard Creek.

On the following morning, they came down the valley to where Seville now is. An Indian village, consisting of about a dozen lodges, occupied the south bank of the Hubbard, and one of these lodges they purchased, giving therefor two canisters of gunpowder. This lodge they fitted up for temporary use, and at once commenced building a log cabin on the creek bank, a few rods east of the present railroad track. As their axes were about the only tools they possessed. the building of their cabin progressed slowly. but, being finally completed, on the last day of February Chester Hosmer and Shubael Porter started for Wadsworth with the teams to bring over the girls and the household goods. On the morning of the 1st day of March. they accordingly started for their cabin. and, as they were crossing the River Styx, the weather having become much warmer, the ice broke. precipitating the horses into the water. Having succeeded in getting them out. and not knowing just how to proceed. Porter started for the cabin for assistance, while Hosmer remained to guard the team and goods. The girls, becoming impatient, started on foot for the cabin, thinking it but a short distance, while they had, in fact, about six miles to walk.

On being informed by Porter of the sad state of affairs at the Styx, Henry Hosmer and Lyman Munson hurried away to Chester's assistance, and, when near the present center of Guilford, met the girls, tired, in tears and with their clothes loaded with snow and mud. After cheering them on their way, the young men pressed on to the scene of the disaster, and, on arriving there, proceeded to fell a tree across the stream. upon which they carried their goods across. One end of a long rope was then tied around the neck of a horse, and the other end carried across the stream, when, by a united pull and push, they succeeded in getting the animal into the water and over upon the other side. The same process was repeated upon the other horse, the sled dragged through, the goods reloaded and another start made for the cabin, where they arrived at 10 o'clock in the evening, the girls having arrived a few hours in advance of them, weary and discouraged.

Such was the arrival of those young people at the wilderness home of which they had talked and speculated in their New England homes. Not only was their arrival of a discouraging nature, for they soon found themselves in something of a dilemma, as the breaking up of the ice had destroyed all means of egress from their settlement except on foot, and their provision chest needed replenishing, as they had brought but a small supply with them, intending, as soon as they were settled, to send to Canton for a fresh stock. Shubael Porter, having learned that some hunters had killed a bear some distance up Hubbard Creek, went up the valley, found the carcass, and carried a portion of it home, thus affording temporary relief. Henry Hosmer and Moses Noble then went to Wadsworth and there learned that one David

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Slanker was erecting a mill some distance south-west of that place, and that some other families had gone on still farther west. They started for the new mill, which was on the land now owned by Mr. Hershey, and, on arriving there, learned that one William Doyle had gone into Milton, and that he had bridged the Styx on a line due west from that point. Following on. they soon reached the bridge and crossed over, but as the only visible trail led in a southerly direction, they started. without guide or compass. through the dense forest for home. Taking a northerly course and marking the trees as they proceeded, they at last reached the present cemetery hill east of Seville. and were then soon at home. They having thus marked the trees, all hands turned out next day and cleared a road through to Doyle's bridge. after which they felt that they once more had communication with the outside world. This road was very much used for several years. as all new settlers came in that way to this place. West-field, etc., and all supplies were hauled over it. As soon as it was opened. Moses Noble started for Canton with the team for a supply of provisions. To make this trip, required about four days. As he was returning, he arrived at the Doyle bridge just as night came on, and. the darkness soon becoming so intense that he was unable to keep the road. he turned the horses loose, while he. wrapping himself in his blanket. crept under the wagon and composed himself for a night's rest. On the following morning, having found and harnessed the horses. which had strayed away some little distance, he took a new start and was soon at home, where he arrived in time for breakfast, and was greeted by the entire colony, the great joy evidently being occasioned both by his safe return and the sight of his precious load.

At that time there were several Indian villages in this vicinity, besides the one. already referred to—there being one at Chippewa Lake, one on the land now owned by J. A. McCoy,

one on the Little Chippewa and one on the Killbuck. These villages each consisted of about a dozen lodges of Wyandots and Delawares. The Indians were all very friendly to the new settlers, and furnished them with all the meat they desired at a very low price. Though visiting the cabins quite often, they were never in any way uncivil. They would not approach a house until they had apprised the occupants of their presence. when they would strike their tomahawks into trees and advance unarmed. thus indicating their friend-ship. Henry and Chester Hosmer commented chopping. near where the business portion of Seville now stands. their clearings extending across the Hubbard and west to the Chippewa. Moses Noble commenced near where the lower mill now stands. and Shubael Porter a short distance therefrom in a southeasterly direction. As spring opened. the sun's warm rays fill unobstructedly upon many a spot that had never been reached by them before. An opening had been made in the forest that indicated the presence of the white man and the near approach of industry and civilization. The Indians stood. lazily looking on. sad at heart. no doubt. from seeing such havoc being made of the dear old woods where they had lived. fished and hunted, perhaps from their youth. and the wild animals. as they galloped over trails well known to them. stood upon the edge of the clearing. amazed at what they could not understand, and then, taking fright at the sound of the axes and falling timber. fled away to the depths of the still undisturbed wilderness. The fires were kindled in the brush and log-heaps, and fine oaks, poplars and black walnuts, that would now be of great value. were burned simply to get them out of the way and off of the land. The rubbish was cleared away, and of those fine trees. among whose branches the winds had played but a few weeks before, there remained nothing but the stumps. Many of these were very large. and so thickly did they

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stand, that, under different circumstances, it would have seemed but of little use to cultivate the soil between them. but here the plow. harrow and hoe were introduced at once. Early in May. William H. Bell and Samuel Owen came to the settlement from the East. Mr. Owen remained but a few days, when he returned East. Shubael Porter did the first plowing, near the Chippewa Creek. south of the road leading to the lower mill. About fifteen acres in all were cleared and planted. and. when the warm days of June came on. the first corn, oats. potatoes. etc.. that had ever shown signs of life in the Chippewa Valley. modestly peeped forth from the virgin soil. As soon as the planting was done. Henry Hosmer. Moses Noble and Mr. Bell started for their old homes in the East. Noble and Bell going for their families. and Hosmer for his father, William Hosmer. and his family. After spending the summer in the East. they started upon the return trip on the 22d day of the following September, and arrived at the new home in Ohio, after having been upon the road forty-five days. Chester Hosmer erected a large log house north, of Hubbard Creek. on the site of A. G. Barlard's present residence. and thither the elder Hosmer removed with his family.

In October. 1816. two brothers. David and John Wilson. came from Bristol. Trumbull County. and located in the northeastern corner of Guilford. they having there found a^' place where considerable timber had blown down, and upon the roots of which were large quantities of soil which was to them a sure indication of great fertility. About the same time, William Moore commenced a clearing about one mile east of the Chippewa, on what is now known as the Jesse Smith place, now owned by Capt. Bates. Mr. Moore afterward settled in Westfield. where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1865. The Wilsons purchased land where they first settled, paying therefor $4 per acre. They commenced work immediately, and with their axes. their only tools, they erected a log cabin, ten feet long by six feet wide. They then cleared and logged about two acres of land, and hunted with the Indians for amusement. Having killed a great amount of game. they salted down quite a quantity of the meat in a trough made of a basswood log, and hung up the balance around the sides and roof of the cabin to dry. As winter was approaching and they were illy prepared to endure cold weather. they fastened up their cabin and returned to Bristol to await the opening of spring. During the succeeding winter, the wolves and bears were very troublesome, the former killing the sheep. and the latter the hogs and calves. Early in the spring of 1818, as Henry Hosmer went to the door of the cabin one morning, just after breakfast. he observed a deer in Hubbard Creek. not more than thirty feet distant from him. He says : I had no gun, but had a very good dog. Upon seeing me, the deer immediately started away in a northerly direction, followed by the dog. Arriving at the brush fence that lay on the north side of the clearing, about where Washington street now is. I saw that the deer had stopped; and soon discovered, at a little distance, a large wolf that was evidently waiting for its approach. I endeavored to set the dog upon the wolf, but he evidently had too much discretion to obey. The deer then started east. and the wolf followed. I also started on in the same direction shortly afterward, and. after having gone up the creek about fifty rods. I found them at a short distance from me, and saw that the wolf had caught the deer, killed it, and was then engaged in sucking its blood. I thereupon frightened the wolf away, and secured the deer for myself. The wolf had evidently been in pursuit of the deer for some time, and it had gone into the water to avoid its foe." The Wilson brothers returned from Trumbull County as spring opened. and brought with them some provisions. Their flour they left with Mrs. Warner, of Wadsworth, who baked

464 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

their bread for them, they going for it once a week. But they were sorely disappointed when they found that in their absence the wild-cats had broken into their cabin and devoured all of their stock of meat except such pieces as were hung up beyond their reach. The woods were full of game, however. and bee-trees were numerous, and. as they were good marksmen, they soon had a supply of fresh meat and honey.

In May. they were cutting "shakes" with which to cover their house, and at noon, as they were going out to their work after dinner. in passing up through a rocky glen. David suddenly discovered a huge rattlesnake just in front of him. Being unused to such reptiles, he paused and called to his brother John , to come over to him, as there was a big snake there." John started upon a run. but before he got there, David discovered another and yet another of the reptiles lying about in the sun. Says Mr, Wilson :" John came running down the steep descent. and. before he was aware of it, he landed with both feet square upon one of those squirmers, and. with a profane expletive, he bounded into the air and sped onward. down the hillside. the snake flopping and squirming over and over and around John's feet. he giving it several unintentional kicks as they went. They finally landed at the bottom of the hill. both so thoroughly frightened that neither seemed disposed to hurt the other. In fact, we were both badly scared. but. after recovering from our fright. we killed. at that time, over thirty snakes. and. returning each day at about noon, when the reptiles were out sunning themselves. we killed. in all. over eighty rattlesnakes."

They continued their clearing. and. during the summer. built a new house, which was 22x18 feet, They soon formed the acquaintance of the young Eastern people who had located in the western part of the township, and often visited them. Philo French came in and settled near the Wilsons. Timothy Phelps made an opening just north of William Moore. and William Walcott. where Nathaniel Gray now resides. Medina County was created. and. at the first meeting of the Commissioners. a petition was presented to them. asking for the opening of a road from Medina to the south line of the county. The petition was granted. and Chester Hosmer. William Walcott and James Cahow contracted to chop all trees along the line of the road that did not exceed six inches in diameter, clear away all fallen timber. build a bridge across each stream. and make more than one hundred rods of causeway, for $100. the amount appropriated by the Commissioners for that purpose. This they accomplished. building log bridges over both the Chippewa and Hubbard Creeks. near. if not in the same places. where the iron bridges now are. At that time. Henry and Chester Hosmer were the owners of a large sow that had a fine litter of pigs. They kept almost a constant watch upon her. and were careful not to allow her to wander far from the cabin. But. in their absence one day, she went down the creek about forty rods and made a nest for herself and pigs. Here she soon had an unwelcome visitor. A large bear presented himself. killed the sow, carried her across the creek upon a large oak tree that had turned out of the bank by the roots. ascended the root. which was fully six feet high and about twelve feet from the bank. got the sow over and carried her about thirty rods, where he ate as much as he wished and then went away.

It seems that the Wilson brothers found their new made friends very interesting. Such. we may judge. at least. of David. as he informed his brother John. one day. that he had concluded to relieve him of the irksome duties of housekeeping." Accordingly," says Mr. Wilson, on the 18th day of December, 1818, Miss Abigail Porter and I were married. We were married at the house of Lyman Munson. who lived at Seville at that time. As Mrs. Munson. who was a sister of the prospective bride, was sick at the time. Abigail did the honors as

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hostess herself: Brunswick, Medina, Wads-worth, Mogadore and Seville were fairly represented by wedding guests. After dinner had been served and the house put in order, the bride made her toilet, almost unaided. Her little dressing-room was partitioned off from the rest of the house by quilts. She wore a steel-colored silk dress, her hair in finger-puffs, and she looked charming." -Esquire Warner, of Wadsworth, was the officiating officer, and, on the day following the wedding, Mr. Wilson took his wife home with him. they both riding upon one horse. They were the first couple of white people that were ever married in Guilford Township. Although Mr. Wilson had scarcely anything in the world, except some new land, his ax and a horse, yet this brave girl united her destinies with his. well knowing that if ever they had a comfortable home of their own, by their united toil they must make it. And this they did. though many were their discouragements, and in that home they lived happily together for almost half a century. They raised a family of intelligent children, several of the sons being at the present time distinguished professional men. Mrs. Wilson died in 1886. Mr. Wilson still lives. though very feeble, being almost ninety years of age. At one time, as Mrs. Wilson was alone in the house with her child, she heard the hogs coming at full speed from the woods. and, supposing that they were pursued. she seized a hoe and met them at a gap in the fence that surrounded the house. A large bear was close at their heels, and, as he came to the fence, she raised the hoe and struck upon the rails as hard as she could, and, at the same instant, screamed at the top of her voice. This halted Bruin. who stood and looked at her for a short time, when he turned and went away. Such a spirit of unflinching bravery as she there exhibited equals that of the Spartan mothers of old. When contemplating such events, the question is often asked. "What would the girls of to-day do were they to be placed in similar circumstances?" and the question is usually answered by a significant smile. But he who searches the pages of history for recorded instances of the shrinking of American women from any duty, either in early or more recent times, even under the most perilous circumstances, will surely search in vain.

In 1819, Dr. John Smith settled near Wilson's Corners, and was for some time the only physician in the township. William H. Bell. who had been here in 1817. now came with his family, and settled just north of Seville, where Moses Shaw now lives. John and James Crawford settled farther north, where their descendants now reside. Samuel Owen also returned, and Jonas Stiles settled west of Seville. A son was born to William Walcott. This child was named William, and lived to be five years old, when it died from the effects of a cancer in the eye. This was the first white child born in the township. Guilford Township was organized this year and named. though reference has been made to it as such before. for convenience. At the first township election. John Wilson, William H. Bell and Lyman Munson were elected Trustees. and Jonas Styles, Township Clerk. The following are the names of the voters at that election: John Smith. William H. Bell, Timothy Phelps. Samuel Owen. John Crawford. William Walcott. Jonas Stiles and John Wilson. Another wedding was celebrated, the contracting parties being Miss Jerusha Hosmer and Cyrus Chapman. This couple were married in Chester Hosmer's log house, north of Hubbard Creek. They settled in Harrisville. Henry Hosmer built a two-story, hewed-log house on the brink of the hill west of Chippewa Creek. This was by odds the most imposing edifice in the township. He also erected a small frame barn on the fiats south of Seville, which was the first frame building erected in the township. The inconvenience and danger experienced for the want of a resident physician is well illustrated by

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the following anecdote told by Henry Hosmer. He says: “Being the owner of the only horse in the little settlement. I always had the privilege of going for the doctor. when he was required, and this seemed invariably to occur in the night. In the fall of 1S19, at about 11 o'clock at night. I was aroused from my slumbers by a loud rap at the door. and was informed that the doctor was wanted, and that I must make all possible haste. I proceeded to arrange a torch, mounted my horse and started for Dr. Smith. The wolves soon began to howl around me. and my torch was rather dim. which made them still bolder. When I had gone some two miles. I was obliged to renew my torch. and, while hunting around for a hickory tree from which to obtain bark. the light of my first torch went out, leaving me in almost total darkness. The wolves at once became perfectly silent, but I could tell that they were tramping in a circle around me, as I could see the glare of their eyeballs and hear the snapping of their teeth. Having found some bark, I raised a light and remounted. All was still for a moment, when they sent forth a tremendous howl. as if disappointed at being cheated out of their anticipated meat of human and horse flesh. My horse was terribly frightened, and the same sensation came over me to an alarming extent. I made the trip in safety. however. and returned with the doctor at 3 o'clock in the morning."

In 1820, the following additions were made to the inhabitants already here: Jacob Munson. Jotham Curtis. John Bell. Nathan Scranton and Jonathan Nye. An election for a Justice of the Peace was held on the 20th of May, at which time it was found, upon counting the ballots, that John Smith had received six votes. Timothy Phelps two votes, and John Crawford one vote. whereupon Smith was declared elected. Henry Hosmer and Lucy Hays were married at the residence of Dr. Hiram Williams. in Avon. Lorain County. Mr. Hosmer brought his bride home on horseback, after the new-country style. but. on their return here. quite in the fashion of nowadays. they took a wedding trip East. where they remained through the winter. Jonas Stiles and Maria Owen were also married. A State road was laid out from Wooster to Cleveland. over nearly the same ground occupied by the county road previously mentioned. The State made liberal appropriations for improving it. and private individuals contributed freely for the same purpose. The newcomers in 1821 were James Bell. Robert Wilson. Lewis Wilson, Moses Shaw. H. N. Pool. Jacob Van Vleet and Chauncey Barker. Moses Shaw is still living. Chauncey Barker opened the first dry goods store. in a log building on the hill west of the Chippewa. and upon the site now occupied by Michael Deven's dwelling. The store was an addition upon the west end of the building, the main part being occupied by Barker as a dwelling. The enterprise soon proved a failure. as the inhabitants at that time manufactured their own clothes from wool and flax, made their sugar from the fine maple groves that surrounded them. and. as money was very scarce and produce very cheap. trade was so light that the venturesome merchant bade adieu to the woods and returned East. At Wilson's Corners. John Wilson erected a grist-mill. his motive power for which was a yoke of oxen, placed upon a large horizontal wheel some fifteen feet in diameter. and inclined so as to constitute a tread-power. This was the first mill of any kind erected in the township. and with it he ground the grists for a large community for several years. A schoolhouse was also erected this year, upon the west side of the road. and near where the flax-mill now stands. It was simply a log cabin. with a chimney of clay and sticks at one end. a clapboard roof, the boards of which were held on by weight-poles: puncheon furniture and floor. two small greased-paper windows. and a clapboard door

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that swung on huge wooden hinges. The first summer school was taught by Miss Adeline Derthick, and the first winter term by Mr. John Bell. Jacob and James A. Bell, Josiah, William and James Crawford. Levi Nye and Amer and Jacob Moore were among the pupils who improved the means there furnished them for obtaining an education. These boys all grew to manhood and occupied farms in Guilford Township. James A. Bell. for two consecutive terms. represented Medina County in the State Legislature. and was for the same length of time State Senator from the district composed of Richland. Ashland, Lorain and Medina Counties. He now resides with his daughter at Anamosa. Iowa. Jacob Bell advanced from the rude benches of the pioneer schoolhouse to college at Hudson. where he received a liberal education. He engaged in teaching and farming for several years, and, at one time. was interested in a carriage manufactory. He now resides in Missouri. A debating society was organized, and therein many questions were handled in a manner that would do credit to the young men of the present day.

A little ̊ hunt " was engaged in this year, also. as the following anecdote. related by Henry Hosmer, will show. He says : In the fall of 1821. Mr. S. Barrett went out in a northerly direction from our little settlement, in quest of his cows ; when about half a mile out, his dogs treed two bears. a female and her cub. He well knew that, should he leave the tree, the bears would come down and escape ; he therefore commenced hallooing at the top of his voice, which soon brought a Mr. Harney to his assistance. One then remained at, the tree while the other went for help. A. Forbes, C. Hosmer and myself went willingly to the scene of action. When we arrived at the tree, it had grown so dark that we were unable to see the game. We then built large fires around the tree in hopes that we would be able to shoot them by fire-light. The bears, however, were too shrewd for that, as they kept constantly secreting themselves among the thick branches ; so we were compelled to wait until daylight, when Forbes soon shot them off and, upon looking a little farther into the tree-top, a large raccoon was discovered, and he was also brought down by Forbes. Guided by the report of our gun, a party of coon hunters now came to us, who, like ourselves, had been out

all night. They had three coons and a large wildcat, so, altogether, we formed a triumphal procession and came into town with two bears, four coons and a wildcat, a pretty good haul for one night." There also occurred, this year, a sad death. that caused a gloom to rest upon I the entire settlement. Mr. Elijah Porter started in the month of November, from the residence of his son, Shubael Porter, who lived a short distance south of Seville, to go to Medina on business connected with his pension, which he was then receiving from the United States Government, as a discharged Revolutionarysoldier. He went on foot to Wilson's Corners, where he obtained a horse from his son-in-law, David Wilson, and with it started through the woods for Medina. Late at night the horse returned without a rider, and some blood was upon the stirrup. Mr. Wilson and the neighbors at once set out in search of him. with lan and finally found him in what was called the " four miles woods," near the center of Montville, sitting at the foot of a beech-tree, so chilled that he could scarcely speak. He had taken off one of his boots, and it was nearly filled with blood. A deep wound was upon his leg, which had the appearance of having been caused by a snag or root. They placed him upon a horse to take him to Medina ; but, when they had proceeded but a short distance, he waved his hand as if for them to stop, and immediately expired. With heavy hearts, they then returned home. He was buried near David Wilson's residence, and was the first white

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man buried in Guilford Township. A militia company was formed during the same year, it requiring all male persons of the required age, in Harrisville, Westfield and Guilford Townships, to make up the requisite number of officers and privates. In 1822, the following new settlers came into Guilford: David Clute, Oliver Houghton, Ambrose Houghton, James Harkness, Judah Dodge, Asahel Parmenter, Miles McCabe and Drs. John and Chapin Harris. The one last named remained here but a short time, when he went to Baltimore. Dr. John Harris settled in Seville, and was the second practicing physician in the township. Miles McCabe purchased land in the eastern part of the township. Ambrose Houghton settled south of Seville, on the State road. He died in December, 1880, at the age of ninety-one years. The wolves being more trouble-some this year than usual, the State offered a bounty of $5 for each one killed. The county offered about the same, and individuals enough in addition, so that in all a wolf's scalp was worth about $12. Mr. Alexander Forbes, an old hunter and trapper, commenced at once and soon captured about twenty. He used a large steel trap, to which he fastened a piece of wood about as large as a wolf could move. He dare not fasten the trap permanently, as the wolf, when caught, would proceed to amputate the confined foot and escape. He trapped one, at last, so large and strong that he deliberately walked away with both trap and log. There was a light snow upon the ground at the time, and they tracked him about two miles east. to the summit of Chestnut Ridge ; thence northerly nearly to the north line of Montville ; thence east half a mile. thence south nearly to the south line of Guilford, where they came up with him ; and, notwithstanding they had several dogs and guns, they did not succeed in killing him until he became entangled in the top of a fallen tree, as he would fight off the dogs and keep out of range of the guns. This was pronounced to be much the largest wolf that had ever been seen by any of the party.

During the same year, John Coolman, who lived at that time about four miles southeast of Seville, on what is now known as the McDermott farm, prepared to build a large double log barn. When he had his timber upon the ground, he invited all hands from Milton. Wadsworth, Guilford and Westfield, as it required all the men then in those townships to accomplish the task before them. Mr. Coolman offered a gallon of whisky to those who should be first upon the grounds in the morning. Judge Henry Hosmer, in relating the anecdote, says : " We left home at about 1 o'clock in the morning with our axes and torch. Arriving at Coolman's at about 2 o'clock. we woke him up, got the promised whisky. took a drink all around, and lay down by the fire for a little sleep. Just before daylight, Jacob Knupp and others arrived from Milton, and called upon Coolman for the whisky. They were sorely disappointed when he informed them that the Yankees had beaten them by several hours. So, to mend matters, we again took a drink all around. and commenced work immediately after breakfast. Coohnan selected Marshall, of Westfield, and Knupp, of Milton. for captains, and said he meant to determine who were the best men, the Dutch or the Yankees. Each party took an " end," as we termed it, and long before night we had the barn up and all left for home without the slightest accident or difficulty. I never saw men work as they did upon that occasion. It was a continued strife throughout the entire day, and the best of feeling prevailed."

People were often lost in the woods, even the most experienced hunters occasionally losing their way, and being obliged to remain out in the woods overnight. Upon one occasion, Mr. William H. Bell, upon a stormy evening, went into the woods as usual to find his cows. Not finding them readily, it became very dark,

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and becoming confused, he was unable to find his way home, and so he sat down by the side of a tree and remained there until morning. At another time. Mrs. Deborah Scranton, mother of Luther Scranton, was lost in the woods, and was found at about midnight, by the neighbors who were searching for her. As it was a cold, stormy night in November, she would probably have perished with cold before morning. When found, she had her dress pulled over her head to keep her ears warm, was sitting quietly upon a log, and, although the wolves were howling around her. she said she had no fear. except that perhaps she might not be found." Wild hogs were numerous in the woods, and persons often went out with kettles and other fixtures for dressing them, and killed as many as they desired for their own use. and, oftentimes, some for market. In 1823, Apollos Dean, Noah Hatch, William Wilson and J. A. Johnson came in and settled, and, from that period, settlers came in rapidly, and all new lands were soon taken up. During this year, Henry Hosmer put up and burned a brick-kiln on the fiats south of Seville. These were the first bricks manufactured in the township. Henry Hosmer was elected Justice of the Peace, and the log schoolhouse. previously described, was burned down, and with it were consumed nearly all of the school-books in the western portion of the township. During the same summer another, very similar in material and architectural design, was erected upon the south side of Hubbard Creek. on the ground now occupied by J. K. Caughey's dry goods store. Miss Emeline Forbes, who afterward became Mrs. Chester Hosmer, taught the first term of summer school in the new house, and Mr. Nathaniel Bell, the succeeding winter term.

David Clute commenced keeping " tavern " in a log building that stood upon the bill west of Chippewa Creek, and a few rods east of the one where Barker had previously opened a store. This was the first hotel, and the only one of which the people of Guilford could boast for the succeeding four years. Previous to this, the inhabitants had all kept hotel, so far that strangers and travelers were never turned away, but always received with cordiality, and treated in the most hospitable manner possible under existing circumstances. Abel Lindsley settled at the center of Guilford, and John Cannon on the Center road, upon the farm now owned by Hon. J. C. Johnson ; Nehemiah Abbott, at Dorsey's Corners, on lands now owned by L. W. Strong, Jr., and Henry Earle built a log house upon the farm now owned and occupied by Rev. Varnum Noyes.

In 1824, several new settlers came into the southeast quarter, among whom were John Halliwell, George Coolman, Valentine Riggleman, Samuel Wideman and Charles Heckathorne. David Halliwell and Rufus Thayer settled in the southwest quarter. Thomas Hayes erected a water-wheel and turning-lathe on Fall Creek where it crosses the north-and south center road, near the residence of Jacob Smith. The dense forest surrounded him on all sides ; and, from the fine trees that then grew upon those hills, he selected the timber from which he turned wooden bowls, churns and truncheons, the latter being a kind of wooden bottles. These articles were all very useful to the inhabitants and met with a quick sale, as crockery was rather scarce and costly.

A schoolhouse was built at Wilson's Corners, being the third one in the township. Maj. Aaron Leland came in from the State of New York, and settled south of Seville.

The cemetery east of Seville was surveyed, and conveyed by deed to the township for burial purposes. It is known at present as "Mound Hill Cemetery." The grounds ascend gradually from the road, north, to the mound from which the cemetery takes its name. When or by whom this mound was built, of course is not known ; but there it is, and a most beautiful spot, from the summit of which a fine view of the surround-

470 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

in country and of the village below may be had. For many years it was only an ordinary country graveyard. with nothing about it to attract attention except its natural beauty. A few years since, however, the authorities of Seville added several acres to it by purchase, had the grounds regularly laid out into lots, walks and drives. the drives graded and the whole inclosed by a hedge. with appropriate gates. Two rows of evergreen hedge surrounded the mound. which adds very much to its appearance. The citizens and others. whose friends are buried there, take great pains in grading and decorating their lots, and many fine and costly monuments have been erected there. Mrs. Harriet Wilson. wife of Robert Wilson. died on the 9th day of June. 1824, and was the first person buried there. and the first adult who died in the Seville settlement. Mrs. Margaret Wilson. wife of John Wilson. at Wilson's Corners, died during the same year, and was buried near David Wilson's house, she being the second person interred there.

In 1825. a mail route was established between New Haven. in Huron County, and New Portage. in Portage County. The route lay through Seville, and William Hosmer was the first Post-master. having his office in Chester's log house, north of Hubbard Creek. Postage. at that time. was paid when the mail matter was delivered, and the rates were as follows : For five hundred miles or over. the postage on a letter was 25 cents ; for three hundred miles. 18 cents and for any distance less than three hundred miles, 10 cents. The date of the first mail arrival of which there is a record, is January 1. 1826, when there was a letter for Henry Hosmer. and two newspapers. The latter were undoubtedly addressed to some person or persons. but for whom. the record does not state. A few of the succeeding entries in Mr. Hosmer's record are as follows : January 8. Sunday —Continues cloudy and misty ; snow gone : wind south ; mail arrived ; brought one letter

to Nathaniel Bell. and three newspapers. Sunday. January 15—Wind southwest : stormy. with snow ; mail arrived ; brought two newspapers : sent away one letter to Manchester. Hart-ford Co.. Conn. Monday. 15th—Cold. southwest wind ; flying clouds ; Mr. Clute lost his watch Thursday. Monday. 23d—Chilly, southwest wind ; cloudy. sour weather ; a little snow. Sunday. February 19—Wind east ; clear and pleasant ; Elder Freeman preaches : mail arrived ; three letters. one newspaper. 22d. Wednesday—Henry's calf lost : Hills caught a beaver. 23d—Southwest wind, hazy . Hills' wife sold the beaver skin to a peddler. Friday. June 9—Bought of Mr. Gillett five and one-half yards of calico, at 41 cents per yard. Sunday. 11th—Mail arrived ; one letter and sixteen newspapers. Sunday. July 26—Mail arrived ; one letter and twelve newspapers Shubael Porter's fence is on fire ; sent S3 to pay for the Religon.Envurer. to Hartford.. Conn. Such entries as these appear. from the records. to have been made daily for several years.

During the year 1826. David D. Dowd. E. W. Harris. Joseph Ross and Dr. L. Stewart carne in from the East and settled here. As the water-power at Hayes' turning-lathe on Fall Creek seemed to invite some greater enterprise. Henry Hosmer and Nathaniel Bell purchased the site and erected a saw-mill thereon. This mill was owned and operated by different parties until 1847, when it was torn down. A frame school-house stood for many years on the hill ,just north of this mill. and was removed at about the same time. There is nothing left there now that would indicate the fact that either had ever been there. Some time previous to this a Methodist society had been organized at Wilson's Corners. with David Wilson as Class-leader. During this year another was organized at Guilford Center, with Reuben Case as Class-leader. Circuit-riders preached there once in two weeks. William H. Bell was elected Jus-

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY - 471

tice of the Peace, and Shubael Porter Constable. Mr. John Cook, who had but just come from the East, died and was buried in the new cemetery. being the first man that was buried there. In 1827. Henry Hosmer built a large frame barn. This was the most marked improvement in the matter of buildings that had ever been made in the settlement. The people apparently became more patriotic this season than usual. and determined to celebrate the 4th of July. Accordingly. when the day arrived, the inhabitants of the town and vicinity gathered together in a grove. and Elder Rufus Freeman delivered an oration. Mr. David elute prepared the dinner for the occasion, and around his rude table. upon that anniversary of the clay of which all Americans are proud, this jolly company of hardy pioneers gathered to partake of such delicacies as their host had at his command. The Elder Freeman referred to was the father of Elder Rufus Freeman. who recently lived in Westfield. and grandfather of Joseph Freeman. The "old Elder," as he is often termed, was a Revolutionary soldier.

Prominent among the newcomers of this season was Dr. Nathaniel Eastman, who came from Wadsworth. where he had been staying for some time. On the 16th day of December of the same year, he erected a sign and opened a hotel in the large log house upon the west bank of the Chippewa, erected by Henry Hosmer in 1819. Here he carried on, unitedly, the two callings of landlord and practicing physician until 1830, when he erected a hewed-log house of his own upon the north side of the road, nearly opposite from where he then was. This house he occupied for four years. when he erected the large frame building just east from it upon the west bank of the creek. Here he continued to offer refreshment and rest to the weary traveler for several years. when he took charge of the American House, and. after holding forth there for a short time as " mine host," he turned his whole attention to the practice ofmedicine. He was one of the most active of the early settlers. and was something of an inventive genius. During these early years, he constructed a steam wagon, somewhat similar in appearance to the present portable engines. Though much skill was displayed in its construction. it was found upon its completion that the proper application of the motive power had not been made, and failure crowned his first effort to make it move its own weight. Several yoke of oxen were then attached to it, and it was hauled out upon the hill west of Chippewa Creek, where the little park now is, and there left. And for several years it stood there an object of wonderment to travelers and a play-thing for boys. The doctor was a regularly educated physician, was a surgeon in connection with Commodore Perry's fleet, and at the noted battle upon Lake Erie on the 10th of September, 1813. He was quite a public speaker, and frequently lectured upon the subjects of temperance and medicine. When the civil war broke out in 1861, he often entertained closely listening crowds with army narrations. and descriptions of soldier life, those being subjects in which all were interested in those days. He died August 15, 1861. Both of the houses erected by him on the west side of the creek are still standing. and are occupied as dwelling-houses. A post office was established at River Styx, with David Wilson as Postmaster.

In 1828, a mail route was established from Cleveland to Columbus, over which the mail was carried on horseback for a short time, when Jarvis, Pike & Co., of Columbus, established a line of stages over the entire route. The first stagecoach arrived in Seville from Columbus on the 5th day of April. The snow was about four inches deep upon the ground at the time. and, as the roads were quite bad, the new enterprise " came leisurely into town, where it was hailed by shouts from a large crowd of enthusiastic observers. James Craw-, ford, Jr., soon became a driver of one of these

472 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

coaches, and, as he was driving from Medina to Seville, near where Fritz's steam saw-mill now is, in June of this year, he was overtaken in the midst of the woods by a heavy shower of wind and rain which blew down a large tree near him, killing three of his horses. Six passengers who were in the coach, the driver and one horse, escaped injury. James Elliott erected a frame house a short distance west of Judge Hosmer's. In this he opened a dry goods store ; but, failing in a short time. engaged in shoemaking. This house is still standing just west of A. P. Beach's residence. Seville Village was laid out on land belonging to Henry Hosmer, and surveyed and platted by Nathaniel Bell. who was County Surveyor at that time. It was named Seville after a city in Spain. Although reference has previously been made to it in these pages by that name, it was Down simply as the Burgh " before this time. In 1829, Smith & Owen opened it dry goods store in a small building on the south side of the road just west of the creek where J. C. Boice's residence now stands. As their business soon necessitated their having more room, this building was moved up on to the hill. where it now forms a part of A. P. Beach's . residence, and a large one was erected on the site from which it was removed by the same parties. This building was occupied as a dry goods store by different parties until about 1855. when it was removed to the east side of the creek by Mr. John Harris. who sold goods in it until about 1861. Louis Leon. now of Cleveland. then occupied it for a year or two. when it was taken by J. C. Hamsher. The firm of Hamsher. Hay & Co., was then formed. the old building rebuilt and made into it very nice room. Kuder Brothers bought out this firm in 1868. George D. McCoy now owns and occupies it for a grocery store. A frame school-house was built on a lot donated for the purpose by Chester Hosmer. it being a part of the present vacant space west of the upper mill. Shortly after this. Henry Earle and Sylvanus Thayer started a blacksmith-shop in the old log schoolhouse on the corner. and there the in-habitants had their horses shod. their chains. hoes, shovels. tongs. plows, harrows. etc., made and repaired for several years. A daily line of stages was now running and frequently extras. as this route had become the thoroughfare to the South and West, and there was a vast amount-of travel over the road for those days.

In 1830. Henry Hosmer. Chester Hosmer and Aaron Leland erected a saw-mill upon the north side of Hubbard Creek. in the village of Seville. A dam was built about half a mile up the stream. which flowed the water back toward the center road ; from this pond. the water was conducted by a race to the mill below. Near the mill was quite a large basin. which. when filled with water and frozen over. formed a very fine place for skating. and. at almost any time when the ice was sufficiently strong. a score or more of boys and girls. and oftentimes many grown people, were to be seen there. with skates and sleds. enjoying the sport. At that time. Hubbard Creek afforded sufficient water with which to run the mills upon it about nine months in each year.

During the fall of this year. the stage broke down, in coming from Medina to Seville. when near the Cook farm. and the driver was obliged to leave it and take the mail-bags upon the horses. Soon after he had gone. Henry Hosmer and his wife, and Nathaniel, Margaret and Martha Beil. who had been to Medina in a lumber-wagon and were returning, found the stage standing where it had been left, and, for sport. took off the broken wheel. put one of their wagon-wheels on in its place. and transferred their horses from the wagon to the stage. The ladies then got inside the coach. and the men mounted the box. Hosmer did the driving, and Bell blew the horn. As they drove into town. the continued tooting roused the people, who. having seen the driver pass through on horse-

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY. - 473

back, knew not what was coming. They accordingly turned out en masse, many without hats, headed by Dr. Eastman, who kept the stage tavern. and. when the point of the joke was discovered, and the strange occurrence understood, a merry time ensued.

The old Methodist meeting house that used to stand west of Seville, where Mrs Mary Cook's house now stands, was erected during this year.

In 1831. John Martin, an Englishman, just over from England, came in and settled north of Seville. This was an event of some importance at that time, as he was the first and only foreigner then in the settlement.

The present Rebman House was built this year by Lovell Redway. It was erected simply for a dwelling-house, and was used as such until about the year 1860, when it was purchased by I. S. Towers. who rebuilt it and opened it up as a hotel.

In 1832. David D. Dowd built the house up-on the north side of Hubbard Creek, where George Porter now lives. Henry Hosmer erected the large frame house which he still occupies. J. S. Fisk built a large store building just west of the present little park. and south of John Hayes' present residence. It was the intention of the citizens at that time to have the business portion of the village upon that hill, and this building was occupied as a store until the flats upon the other side of the creek became the business center. when it was abandoned, for that purpose, and was re-moved many years after, by James Sickner, to the south side of the road. and rebuilt for a dwelling-house. It is now owned and occupied by Jacob Scomp. During this year, J. M. Cole started a rake factory about two miles southwest from Wilson's Corners. In 1833, Parsons and Butler erected the large building, a part of which is now occupied by John Hayes, as a dwelling-house, also west of the park: and started a cabinet-shop therein. Thisbusiness also becoming unprofitable in that locality, the building was made over and has since been used as a dwelling. During this year, also, E. W. Harris built the large frame house north of Hubbard Creek, where Dr. Platt E. Beach now lives, and Michael Devin opened a dry goods store in a log building that stood where his present residence now stands. The main part of the American House was built by James Elder and Elisha Young. The additions upon the east side of it were made by D. D. Dowd, about the year 1851. It is now owned and occupied as a hotel by Christian Roth. No important improvements were made in Seville, during the year 1834, except those made by Dr. Eastman, and previously noticed. At Wilson's Corners, Slutter & Overholt built the frame building which is still standing upon the southeast corner, and occupied the same as a storeroom. It is now owned by Hon. A. D. Licey, who occupies one of the rooms as an office. Aaron Leland and Nathaniel Bell built a saw-mill on the Chippewa Creek. one mile south of the village of Seville. They continued in partnership for two years, when Leland purchased Bell's interest. John B. Leland succeeded his father in the ownership of the mill, and operated it until the spring of 1850, when he went to California. It then changed hands several times within a few years, being owned by H. H. Hay, Dailey & Graves, D. F. Soliday and James McElroy. Mr. Soliday was killed there on the 3d day of May, 1862. He had been hurt the day previous by a stick, which was thrown back by a buzz-saw, striking him in the stomach. He was troubled with dizziness through the succeeding night and during the next forenoon. On going out from dinner, he remarked to his wife, that " he expected the mill would kill him some day,"—a remark that would not have been remembered but for what followed. His little boy, on going out to the mill a short time afterward, was unable to find his father, and, on returning to the

474 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

house, so informed his mother. A Miss Jones then went to the mill. which was still running, and, after searching for some time. discovered Mr. Soliday upon a horizontal shaft in the lower part of the mill. Not understanding how to stop the mill, she ran screaming toward the nearest neighbors. Her cries soon brought some men to her assistance. who stopped the mill. and. on going below. beheld a most sickening sight. The body of the unfortunate man. entirely naked, was hanging upon the shaft. his vest and overshirt having slipped up around his neck, were wound around the shaft in such a manner as to dram his throat tightly against it, which caused him to revolve with the shaft, which made, at least, twenty revolutions per minute. How long he had been upon the shaft. and whether he died suddenly or suffered long. of course will never be known. He was probably engaged in placing a belt upon a pulley when the accident happened. and. as his shirt-sleeve was the last thing to unwind from the shaft. it probably caught first. He was a strong. resolute man. and had passed through many hardships. having gone to California by the overland route during the early days of the gold excitement there. After his death. the mill soon went to decay. and was finally purchased by C. W. Hay. of Seville. and by him torn down. At the time of its removal. the lower rim of a large east-iron water-wheel was left deeply imbedded in the mud. Some person may find this. ages hence. and wonder what machinery was ever operated there. A tannery was started near Dorsey's Corners. by J. P. Smith. about this time. He was succeeded therein by Thomas Hunt. and he by Charles Wright. who died there a few years since. There was also a blacksmith-shop upon the opposite corner in a very early day, which was burned down about 1827.

The only notable event that occurred in 1835 was the construction of the locomotive. , previously described. by Dr. Eastman. Henry Lane and Stephen C. Smith. In 1836. Dr.

Eastman took charge of the American House as landlord. Jeremiah Wilcox purchased Chester Hosmer's farm, north of Hubbard Creek. for 84,000. The village of Seville was platted. and the lots numbered from 1 to 214. William Hosmer resigned the office of Postmaster in favor of Frederic Butler. Peter King commenced to build a grist-mill on the site now occupied by the Lower Mill. In 1837. Mr. King finished his grist-mill. and relieved the inhabitants from taking the long journeys to mill which they had been accustomed to previous to this time. This was the first grist-mill in Guilford, except the small one at River Styx. previously noticed. Mr. King's mill did the grinding for a community extending several miles in all directions. It was taken down about the year 1S49 by Aaron Leland and C. W. Hay. which firm erected the present Lower Mill, now owned and operated by Peton & Colbetzer.

In 1837. John Geisinger built a saw-mill about three miles northeast from Seville. He kept a loom in his mill. and. while the saw was running through a log. he occupied the time in weaving cloth. He had no arrangement for gigging the carriage back except to tread it back with his foot, which was both slow and tiresome. and yet he operated this mill for many years and did a great amount of sawing with it.

There was a vast amount of travel over the turnpike at this time. as all of the travelers wishing to go from the lakes southward passed trough on this road. Each day. a heavily loaded four-horse coach passed each way. and many times one or two extras. besides numerous private traveling carriages. All goods going south to Jackson, Wooster and other towns farther on down the road. were carried in wagons, many of which were of the large Pennsylvania pattern. and were drawn by four or six horses. The coming in of the stage then caused more excitement than the con:-

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY - 475

ing in of a railroad train does now. And no railroad conductor. and scarcely any railroad President. is half so proud, or is looked upon with half of the admiration that was bestowed upon the oldtime stage-coach driver as he thundered into town, blowing his bugle and flourishing his whip over the prancing and foaming steeds which he handled with so much skill. And the average boy who beheld those things could think of but two things really to be desired in the future. and those were to be a militia Captain upon general training days and a stage-driver the balance of the year. About this time. E. W. Harris built a tannery on the same site that the present one stands upon. north of Hubbard Creek. He also erected a shoeshop upon the same side of the creek. but farther west. This was afterward moved across the creek. and is now occupied by J. D. Edwards as a tinshop. William H. Alden built the corner block. now occupied by C. A. Stebbins. in 183G. In this he sold dry goods until he was elected Sheriff of Medina County. in 1840. when he removed to Medina. where he still resides. In 1839. William Hosmer died. at the advanced age of ninety-nine years.

Lyman W. Strong came from Strongsville in 1840. and engaged in the sale of dry goods in the large building previously described, upon the west bank of the Chippewa. He afterward occupied the present bakery room for the same purpose until 1850. when he built the corner block now owned and occupied as a store by John B. Leland. He was quite extensively engaged in the mercantile business for several years. He also carried on an ashery for some time, and here the farmers for miles around found a market for their ashes. which they gladly sold for 10 cents per bushel. and took " store pay." Mr. Strong is still living, and he has always been one of the substantial citizens of Seville, and always prominently connected with all desirable improvements and reforms. The large frame house near the Upper Mill was built by D. D. Dowd about the year 1842, and was occupied by him for several years as a " Temperance Hotel," which was something of a novelty in those days, and an enterprise in which but few men would have risked very much capital. Mr. Dowd, however. by his pluck and energy made it a success. The second house north from that was built by Thomas Wilcox when the village was first laid out. The southwest corner building, now owned and occupied by J. K. Caughey as a dry goods store, was erected by Chauncey Spear. in 1843. He there engaged in the sale of dry goods for several years. and the building has ever since been used for that purpose. when it has been occupied at all, which has been almost continually, although by several different parties. Mr. Spear is still living, and is one of the few of the early settlers yet remaining with us. He is now a Justice of the Peace. which office he has held for several successive terms. He has also been Mayor of Seville. The Masonic Block was erected in 1844. by G. W. Morgan, Dr. Witter and the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Morgan was Judge Hosmer's son-in-law. He owned the lower or ground story. Dr. Witter the second, and the Masons the upper story, which is still occupied by that order. The building now used as a planing-mill by Stoaks & Barnard was erected about the same time, and was used for many years as a carding and spinning woolen factory by E. C. Benton. When, however, the people adopted the practice of selling their wool and buying their cloths, he found his " occupation gone," and soon engaged in other business. At Wilson's Corners. there having been several cases of grave-robbing, the citizens constructed quite a large receiving vault in their little cemetery a short distance south from the village. This vault is still in good condition, and is the only one of the kind in Guilford Township. At about the same time, Jacob Leatheram opened a hotel on the center

476 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

road, east of the center, in the large house now standing across the road from Robert Null's residence. Thomas Heath also started one upon the opposite side of the road and farther east, in the building afterward used for many years by Jacob Bergey as a shoeshop. There was at that time a great amount of travel over that road. Numerous droves of stock were driven over it on their way East. A large steam saw-mill was erected north from there, at Steam Town. This mill was destroyed by fire in 1867. It was owned by Loehr & Fretz at that time. D. G. Yoder now owns and operates a steam-mill upon the same site.

In 1847, David Norton erected a tannery upon the north side of Hubbard Creek. north of the present Town Hall Block. Dr. Thomas Hunter's office stood a little to the east from it at that time, it being the building now owned and occupied by James High as a fancy store. In 1848, Joseph Halliwell built a log blacksmith-shop on the flats east of Fall Creek, and one and one-half miles southeast from Seville. One George Watkins worked there two years. when he was sent to the penitentiary for the term of one year on the charge of grand larceny ; he being the only person except one who has ever been sent to that institution from Guilford Township. The tannery belonging to David Norton was burned, and Mr. Norton died of erysipelas. of which disease many persons died in this community during that year.

On the 13th day of March, 1850, John B. Leland, Andrew Gray, Elias Harris, Julius E. Harris, Frank Cook. William High, Medwin Porter, John Devin and others left Seville with four-horse teams and covered wagons for California. As that country was at that time almost an unknown region, and. as a great part of their journey thither lay over vast plains and through almost impassable mountains. a large concourse of people gathered to see them off. and many speculations were indulged in as to whether they would be lost upon the plains. frozen inthe mountains, or massacred by the hostile Indians that swarmed over a vast amount of the territory west of the Mississippi at that time. Notwithstanding the many difficulties that surrounded them continually, they overcame them all, and arrived safely at their destination irr July, and all lived to return except John Devin and Medwin Porter. The latter died near Shasta in May, 1851, and John Devin died at Stockton on the 18th day of October, 1852.

In 1847. or thereabouts. John Wilson started a match-factory and David McMullen a tannery at Wilson's Corners, both of which enterprises were in operation there for several years. The Upper Grist-mill in Seville was erected about 1852, by E. W. Harris and D. W: Ressler. Both water and steam power were used. A large over-shot water-wheel was constructed underneath it, and upon a Saturday night when the millwrights quit work, this wheel was left free to move. Upon the following day, several boys congregated there, and. finding that they could turn it by treading upon one side of it. were engaged in so doing. when Delos Norton, a boy about twelve years of age. lost his balance and was forced through a small opening between the wheel and a piece of timber at its side, crushing him so badly that he lived but a short time after being taken out. This mill is now owned and operated by Mr. Adam Long. of Orrville. Ohio.

At about the same time, Benjamin Long opened a blacksmith-shop at the Corners east from the center. where Henry Workheiser now carries on a shop of the same kind. A short time previous to this William Colburn built a storeroom at Guilford Center. where he engaged in the dry goods trade for a few years. when he was succeeded by his brother Chester. who continued the business a short time. when he went to Wilson's Corners, where he followed the same calling. The building at the Center was afterward used for a schoolhouse until recently. when it was purchased by a neighbor. moved

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY. - 479

away, and is now used as a stable. About the year 1855, an accident occurred on the ground now occupied by George Porter's building upon the bank of the Hubbard, being the present Seville Times office. It was in the winter season, and the sleighing was good. The saw-mill be-fore referred to was then in operation near the grist-mill, and there was a road around this corner, over which persons drew saw logs to the mill. An Irishman who had been out in the country for a log for Mr. Arad Radway, fox whom he was working, was just driving along on the bank of the creek, when the log, which was not fastened to the sled, rolled off and down into the creek, passing over the man, killing him instantly.

The steam saw-mill east of Seville was moved there from Wayne County in 1859; by J. B. and Samuel Coulter. It has changed hands several times since then, and is now owned and operated by one of the members of the original firm, Mr. J. B. Coulter and Tompkins Kidd.

In the fall of 1860, during the political campaign of that year, Aaron Walker, who lived about three miles east from Seville, made preparations to attend a mass meeting at Wooster. Having driven his team to the house, he was in the act of alighting from the wagon, when his team started, and, one of his feet becoming entangled in the wagon-wheel, he was thrown down and was unable to manage his team, which went tearing around the field, dragging Mr. Walker by his leg. The team was finally stopped, when it was found that the unfortunate man was dead. A few years later, in the fall of 1867, at Seville, as Mr. and Mrs. James Boland were leaving the Fair Grounds, and when in front of the Presbyterian Church, a team belonging to one William Kindig came running down the street. and, turning in toward the church, ran over Mrs. Boland, injuring her so badly that she lived but a short time after the accident. Following on then but two years, the community was shocked by another accident, as it was supposed. An old man was sleeping in the Harris Tannery, which stood where the present one stands, when a fire broke out in the building, which soon enveloped it in flames. A crowd gathered, as is usual upon such occasions, but, being unable to accomplish anything, the old man was left to his fate. His charred remains were found when the fire was over, and buried. He was a stranger in the place ; was known but by few, and none now recollect his name.

Another painful accident occurred on the 16th day of May, 1877, when an engine boiler in the agricultural works of Critz & Son, in Seville, exploded, blowing the roof from the building and fatally. injuring Charles Critz, who was the junior member of the firm, and alone in the shop at the time of the accident. He was found in an insensible condition among the debris, and taken home. He recovered his senses in a measure, and lingered in great pain for six days, when he died, lamented by a large circle of friends. He was a first-class mechanic, sober and industrious.

On the 1st day of November, 1880, John Fullerton was driving a spirited horse between the Chippewa bridge and the railroad, in Seville, when his horse took fright and threw him out of the wagon, inflicting severe injuries, from the effects of which he died on the 9th of the same month. He was an old citizen of Seville ; was in business in the western part of the State, and had come home for the purpose of voting at the Presidential election.

Town Hall Block, in Seville, was erected in 1872—the east lower room by Stoaks, High & Bell, now owned and occupied as a hard-ware store by High & Bell ; the center room by C. W. Hay, now owned and occupied by J. C. Boice as a drug store ; the west room by C. M. Spitzer & Co., bankers, now owned and occupied by L. Wideman & Sons as a bank ; and the upper story by the village of Seville. for a town-hall and offices.

480 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

The scenery therein was painted in the spring of 1873, by A. M. Willard.

The Methodist Church at Seville was organized in the year 1830, or thereabouts. Henry Wells, An8ell Briggs, Nathan Scranton, Ansell Brainard, Andrew Laird and Tunis Wells were among its first members. The present brick church edifice was erected in 1859. The church is in a flourishing condition at this time, with Rev. S. R. Clark, as Pastor. On the 25th day of June, 1831, there was a meeting of the citizens at the Chippewa Schoolhouse, for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church. Revs. Barnes, of Medina, and Fay, of Wadsworth, were present. The following-named persons presented certificates of regular church membership, and were organized into a Church of Christ : James Bell, Isabel Bell, Margaret Bell, Martha Bell, James P. Smith, Violet Smith, Sarah Case, Thomas Whiteside, Ann Whiteside, Abraham Whiteside, Jane Colburn, Sarah Collins and Loisa Cook. The first site selected for building a meeting-house, was upon the center road, one mile east from the pike. A part of the timber for building was hauled upon the ground at that place, when another site was decided upon, it being the one' where the large brick house now stands, in the north part of the village. When the building was ready to be raised, it was decided that no intoxicating liquors should be furnished for the occasion. As this was contrary to a long-established custom, it naturally caused much talk, and many openly declared, that " the frame would rot upon the ground, before it would be raised under that arrangement." No such trouble was experienced, however, and the building was raised without a murmur or an accident, being the first piece of work of the kind ever completed in the township, without the presence of liquor. This building was used as a house of worship until 1856, when the present church building was erected. On the 20th day of March, 1834, the following resolution waspassed at a meeting of the church : " That, in the opinion of this church, as a body, the manufacture, sale or use of ardent spirits, except for medicinal and mechanical purposes, is immoral, and ought to be abandoned by every professed Christian." Even at that early day, when, as we often hear asserted, " whisky was used as commonly as milk, and that a drunken man was seldom seen," the members of this organization took this advanced position in regard to the temperance reform. On the 10th of December, 1834, the form of church government was changed to Presbyterian, and Thomas White-side and David D. Dowd were elected Elders, and E. W. Harris, Deacon. Rev. Varnum Noyes was the first minister employed by the church, and he continued his labors with them almost unbrokenly, until 1871. He is still living, and, in the absence of the pastor, or at the funeral services of some early settler, still preaches a sermon. Three of his children are now in Canton, China, acting in the capacity of missionaries. Henry Noyes left Seville with that object in view on the 22d of January, 1866. His sister Harriet, on the 15th of October, 1867, and Martha, another sister, in 1873. In 1876; Henry and Harriet came home, visiting Palestine on their way, and returned the following year. Rev. J. C. Elliott succeeded Mr. Noyes in the Pastorate of the church in Seville. which position he still occupies. The church is now composed of about one hundred members.

On the 13th of April, 1838, the Congregational Church of Guilford was organized, the following persons being members thereof : Caleb West, Bathsheba West, Bathsheba Whitney, James Bell, Isabella Bell, James Harkness, Margaret Bell, Martha Owen, Jesse Harkness, James Gray, Eliza Rhoads, Betsey Dennis, Adelia L. Russell, Isaac Gray. Mrs. Submit Russell, Maria Russell. Abraham Gray. Margaret Gray, Phoebe Rhoads. Eleanor Harkness, John C. Dix, Salmon Whitney, Marian Di; Mary A. Harris, Nancy Bell, Sarah Russell,

HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY - 481

Katharine Russell and Martha Gray. On the 29th day of March, 1841, the Ohio Legislature passed an act of incorporation for this church. In 1844. a house of worship was erected upon Lots 64 and 65, this site having been donated by Henry Hosmer. The first minister was Rev. Moses Longley. In 1853, a new house of worship was erected upon the site before named, the old house having been moved away. The new church was dedicated in January, 1854. Services were held regularly, most of the time, for several years. Rev. A. S. Shaffer was called to the pastorate in July, 1867, which position he occupied until the spring of 1869, since which time the church has been in an unsettled condition.

The Baptist church of Guilford was also organized in 1838, on the 7th of July, with the following members : John S. Welch, Margaret Welch. Jonathan Cotton, Polly Cotton, Timothy Phelps, Huldah Phelps, Sidney Hastings, Clarissa Hastings, Moses Greenwood, Sally Greenwood, Robert Suggett. Susan Suggett. B. H. Warren. Harrison Greenwood and Clarissa Greenwood. The first house of worship, being of brick, was erected in 1844, on Lots 66 and 67. this site also having been donated by Henry Hosmer. The first. death that occurred in. this church, was that of Hannah Welch, on the 18th day of April, 1845. On the 7th of ' March, 1860. John Ross, an aged Englishman, donated $1,000 to this church, with which the present parsonage was built and the surrounding grounds purchased. In 1873. the old house of worship was taken down and the present one erected. Rev. J. W. Weatherby is the present pastor, and the church is in a prosperous condition.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church, which is situated in the eastern part of the township was organized in 1839, with John F. Long, C. Clows, Jacob Westerman, Conrad Snyder, Samuel Miller, Adam Everhart, John Koppes, Jacob Kraver. Michael Frye. Isaac Bartholomy and Jacob Wright, with their families, as members. Meetings were held in houses and barns until 1842, when this congregation, with the German Reformed Church. which was organized about the same time, built a log meeting-house, which was used until 1867, when the present one was erected. The present Lutheran minis-ter is Rev. J. H. Smith, and the present German Reformed Pastor, Rev. John Leiter. The present membership numbers over 200, and there is a prosperous Sunday school.

The small Lutheran Church near the center of Guilford was built about the year 1870. Services are held once each month. The new Methodist Church at Wilson's Corners was erected in 1878 ; Rev. Mr. Wolf is the present Pastor. In a community where so many churches were supported, the subject of schools would naturally receive attention. On the 20th of March. 1851, the Legislature passed an act incorporating the Seville Academy of Medina County. A sufficient amount of funds having been raised by subscription, with which to build and furnish a house, a meeting of the stockholders was held on the 7th of April of the same year. James A. Bell was elected President, L. W. Strong, Treasurer, D. D. Dowd. Clerk and Halsey Hulburt, L. W. Strong, Henry Hosmer. James A. Bell, Cornelius Welch, E. A. Norton and E. W. Harris, Directors. Mr. A. Harper, of Oberlin, was the first teacher employed in this institution, he commencing his first term on the lit day of October, 1851, in the old Congregational Church, as the Academy building was not then finished. The enterprise proved successful, and, for many years, large numbers of young people came, not only from our own community, but from adjoining townships, to avail themselves of the advantages here offered for improvement. In 1868, the building was purchased by the Board of Education of Seville. This body proceeded to make the requisite additions to it to accommodate the village schools, which were organized at that time upon the

482 - HISTORY OF MEDINA COUNTY.

graded school plan. Mr. D. A. Haylor is Principal of the school at present, and John F. Dix. Miss La Yonne Weatherby and Miss Sarah Warner are the teachers of the lower departments. Elijah Myers is Clerk of Guilford Township, he having held that office continuously for twenty-five years. John Montgomery is Treasurer, which office he has held continuously since 1846. when he was first elected. Chauncey Spear. John Coolman and L. B. Wilson are Justices of the Peace, and John G. Chambers. William A. Lee and P. C. Steiner. Trustees. The village of Seville was incorporated in 1853 by the County Commissioners. under a general act of the Legislature confer-ring upon them the requisite power. Milton Stiles was the first Mayor, A. G. Hawley the first Clerk, and Aaron Leland. L. W. Strong, I. H. Brown, A. R. Whiteside and W. H. Hatch, the first Councilmen. The first meeting of the Council was on the evening of the 4th day of October, A. D. 1853. The present officers are J. T. Graves. Mayor ; W. E. Barnard. Clerk ; John Montgomery, Treasurer, and Van Bell, John Eshbaugh, J. F. Martin, C. R. Leland. Frank P. Wideman and A. P. Beach, Councilmen. The population of Seville is 588, and of the entire township, 1872, according to the census of 1880. River Styx is in the northeast corner of the township, is a pleasant village, and near it are the petrifying springs, quite a summer resort for pleasure-seekers. Steam Town is between River Styx and the center of Guilford, it being a little cluster of houses where Mr. Fred Beck has a blacksmith-shop and A. S. Ritter a wagon-shop. Of the littlecompany who came into Guilford in the spring of 1817, Henry Hosmer and Chester Hosmer are still living. Mary Y. Hosmer married Shubael Porter. had six children, and died on the 19th day of February, 1862, aged sixty-four years. Lyman Munson died at River Styx in 1863, aged eighty-two years. His son Albert has represented Medina County in the State Legislature, and is at present Probate Judge of the county. Abigail Porter married David Wilson ; died in 1866 at River Styx. Moses Noble died at Seville on the 15th day of February, 1831, and Shubael Porter died on his farm near Seville, on the 14th day of March, 1870, aged seventy-two years. Henry Hosmer has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, County Commissioner, Coroner and Associate Judge of Medina County under the old constitution, and to him we wish to give credit for his assistance in gathering material for this history, also, to his daughter, Mrs. L. C. Cronise. Samuel Harris came from Saybrook, Conn., about 1820. Had three sons in the Mexican war, John S.. now of La Crescent, Minn., William T. died in the United States Army, July 30. 1847, and Albert D., killed at the battle of Churubusco. August 20, 1847. Mr. Harris married Mabel Gibbs ; he died July 22, 1844 ; his wife is still living at Seville, aged eighty years. Capt. M. V. Bates, the Kentucky giant, and his wife. Margaret Swan Bates, the Nova Scotia giantess, are residents of Guilford. They are the largest people in Ohio, if not the largest in America. They own a large farm east of Seville, upon which they have erected a fine large residence.