452 - HISTORY OF PORTAGE COUNTY
CHAPTER XXI.
FREEDOM TOWNSHIP.
BEFORE THE ORGANIZATION-CHARLES H. PAINE, THE FIRST SETTLER-A LONG PIONEER-MORE ARRIVALS-FIRST ELECTION-A THOUGHTFUL VETERAN - PAUL LARKCOM-A NUMBER OF FIRST THINGS-CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS, HORACE GREELEY'S UNCLE-THE ARMY HUNT-SAD DEATH--SAGACITY OF A DOG-BUSINESS AND STATISTICS.
FREEDOM was the last of the townships to be organized, with the exception of one, leaving Garrettsville out of the question, which event occurred April 4, 1825, it having been a portion of Hiram Township up to that time, and known as Town 4, Range 7, of the Western Reserve. The land for some reason had been thought, by those who came at an early day, to be very poor —not worth settling on. This bad reputation arose, evidently, from the fact that a large swamp existed about the center of the township, and from the almost unbroken extent of beech woods. It is now, however, one of the finest pieces of land in the county, as drainage has been applied to all the low sections. It had been called North Rootstown in honor of the principal proprietor, Ephraim Root.
In the spring of 1818 Charles H. Paine, commonly called Harry. Paine came into the township and settled on Lots 31 and 41. He came from Hiram, but originally lived at Painesville, his father being Gen. Paine, for whom that town was named. Charles had married the daughter of Elijah Mason, and
FREEDOM TOWNSHIP - 453
remained with his father-in-law in Hiram until he could put up a cabin and make a clearing on his land in Freedom. From the time he moved to his place till 1822, himself and family were the only dwellers within what is now this highly cultivated, prosperous and fertile township, and he used to say that during those three or four years, when there was not a white person other than his own family for miles around, that it took considerable nerve to combat the sense of loneliness that would irresistibly steal over him. In 1822, however, he was rejoiced at the arrival of thirteen persons, all in one body, in fact all in one family, for Thomas Johnston and wife had eleven children at that time. Johnston was an Irishman, who in coming to this country had settled in Pennsylvania, afterward removing to the Reserve. He was a genial soul, and could tell a joke with the true Irish flavor. He settled on Lot 32.
The year 1823 brought in three settlers, Newell Day, Enos Wadsworth and Asa Wadsworth. They were from Tyringham, Mass. Enos was a widower, with two sons and one daughter. Asa was his oldest son, who was married and had two children; he settled on Lot 46, and his father on Lot 47. John was the younger son of Enos, and Elects was the daughter.
In 1824 came in Rufus Ranney, father of Judge R. P. Ranney of the Supreme Court, and J. L. Bonney, and settled on Lot 44; Elijah W. Ranney on Lot 44; Myron Barber on Lot 61; Phineas Spalding on Lot 51; Brigham Harmon on Lot 68; Daniel Brown on Lot 60; Alexander Johnston on Lot 32; Widow Clarissa Wheelock, Amariah Wheelock, and John Wheelock on Lot 48, and Ira Chamberlain on Lot 9.
During the next year came Paul Larkcom, father of A. C. Larkcom, from Berkshire County, Mass. Paul Larkoom was one of the old Revolutionary soldiers, and had been a member of the Legislature of Massachusetts, Justice of the Peace, etc. His name figures in the history of his native State, being descended from one of the Larkcoms who fled to this country from the persecutions of the seventeenth century. His wife was a cousin of Noah Webster, the great lexicographer. The wife of his son, A. C., was a second cousin of the gallant Commodore Perry. The somewhat famous writer, Lucy Larcom, was a member of this same stock of Larkcoms, but that lady dropped the k from the original spelling of the name. In this year also came Joshua Finch, Jeremiah Colton, Nathaniel Brown, Arvin Brown, John Baldwin, Horace Hopkins, Pardon Sherman, Sylvester Hurlburt, and possibly one or two others, now forgotten. The numbers had now so increased that a petition was presented to the County Commissioners to grant the erection into a "separate township, of Town 4, Range 7, with the name of Freedom." The name "Freedom" is supposed to have been suggested by Mrs. Paine, to whom the matter was referred in honor of that lady having been the first female to enter the township. It is said that she first suggested "Liberty," but as that name was too common, it was changed. The usual version is that she was a great lover of liberty, and the name naturally came up, but an old settler says that she suggested the title in consequence of quite a number of the inhabitants having left sundry little debts when they came out.
The result of the first election after the act of creation in the township was as follows: Trustees, Charles H. Paine, Alexander Johnston and Asa Wadsworth; Clerk, Amariah Wheelock; Treasurer, Phineas Spalding; Appraiser, Alexander Johnston; Lister, Benjamin Fenton; Overseers of the Poor, Newell Day and Thomas Johnston; Fence Viewers, Asa Wadsworth and Charles H. Paine; Constable, Charles B. Miller; Supervisors, Phineas Spalding, Thomas Johnston and Amariah Wheelock. C. H. Paine, Alexander Johnston and Asa Wadsworth were the Judges of Election; Amariah Wheelock and
454 - HISTORY OF PORTAGE COUNTY.
Asa Wadsworth were the Clerks of the same. At a subsequent election Ama riah Wheelock was elected Justice of the Peace.
In November, 1830, Paul Larkcom began keeping a record of the entry and settlement of every one from the time that Paine came in, also putting down in writing in an old book, that he had used as far back as 1809, all first events, and it is from that source we obtain the information herein contained. In that book we find, in addition to those already given, the names of those who came in 1827, among whom were Thomas Headlock and W. L. Marcey, A. C. and Samuel Larkcom, and others. In 1828 Elihu Paine, Samuel Johnston, Garry Clark, Amos Hawley, Ozias Hawley, Isaac Stedman and others. In 1829 came another Larkcom, Orsamus L. Drake, Chauncey Hitchcock, G. G. Redding, Myron and Willis Foote and several others. In 1830 came Enoch Drake, the Porters, Libeus Manly, two more Hawleys and a number of others. In June of this year the population was 312, and so rapidly were they coming in that in the following November the number had increased to 361. In 1831 there were eighty-seven families, and a population of 417. In 1835 the number of inhabitants had increased to 787, with 148 families. The number births from first settlement to that date was, 130, and the number of deaths forty-two. In 1836 population was 841; number of families 164.
The first habitation was built by Charles H. Paine, during the summer of 1818. The first death was that of Emeline Paine (at the age of two and a half years), daughter of Charles H. Paine, and who was scalded so badly in October, 1820, that she died. The first birth in the township was in June, 1823, that of Amanda, a daughter to Charles IL Paine; the first male child was born February 19, 1826, a son of Daniel Brown, named Charles R. The first marriage was that of Wakeman Sherwood and Harriet Ranney, in 1825. The bride was a daughter of Rufus Ranney. Another wedding occurred about this time, the parties being Lester Hall and Celestia Finch, and not far from this date occurred the wedding of two of the residents of this township in Shalersville Henry Humphrey and Electa Wadsworth wanted to get married, but as they had never witnessed that interesting ceremony, they did not know how to go about it, and were fearful lest, they should appear awkward in the presence of their friends, so they posted off to Shalersville and were made one. The first Justice of the Peace was Amariah Wheelock, who became so in 1825. T first militia officers were Captain, John Wheelock; Lieutenant, Daniel Brown, Ensign, Alexander Johnston. In 1826 Elijah W. Ranney became the first Postmaster. The first frame barn was built by Thomas Johnston on Lot 32, and the first frame house was put up by Paul Larkcom in 1826, for Daniel W. Strickland, on Lot 46. In 1828 Elihu Paine erected the first saw-mill and had plenty of work to do, as the township always has been supplied with an abundance of timber. The first cider-mill was put up by John Hitchcock, as apples were plentiful from almost the first settlement, Paine having set out an orchard in 1819. As early as 1830 Hitchcock made sixty-three barrels of cider and sold 500 bushels of apples. In 1830 Orsamus L. Drake erected a building on the northeast corner; the same year Loring Hamilton started the carpenter and cabinet business. In 1831 Erastus Carter, Jr., and Cyrus Prenties opened the first stock of goods in the barn of Enoch Drake, and in 1832 built a store-room on the northwest corner, put in a stock of goods, but sold out afterward to D. W. Strickland. In this year, 1832, Enoch Drake built a house on the south corner; Jabez Smith, a blacksmith, set up in business, abd G. G. Redding built a saw-mill. In 1833 Enoch Drake built house, barn, sheds, etc. In this year came Dr. Simeon Birge, who remained till 1838, when he removed to Franklin, where he died in 1854. The township remained
FREEDOM TOWNSHIP - 455
without a physician till 1840, when. Dr. James Webb located, and here lived till he died of a cancer, in 1852. In 1835 there were eight tons of cheese manufactured, and 400 tons of hay cut in one locality on the north road, which gave evidence at that early day of what could be done in Freedom with proper cultivation and management. In 1836 Orsamus L. Drake erected a large and well appointed house at what is now Drakesburg, for the accommodation of he public, and called it the Freedom House. In 1837 the first steam saw-mill was erected at Drakesburg by D, W. Strickland, but it was burned to the ground the following year. Several steam-mills were afterward erected. In this year James Atwood, from Vermont, commenced the blacksmith and wagon repairing business, which grew into a carriage manufactory, doing quite an extensive business for the time.
The first church society in the township was organized February 9, 1828, at the house of A. C. Larkcom, by Revs. Joseph Treat and David L. Coe, members of the Presbytery of Portage County, and was composed of the following persons: Origen Harmon and wife, Alvin Brown and wife, Headlock Marcey and wife, Miss •Laura Marcey, Horace Hopkins and wife, Reuben Daniels, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Marcey, wife of Thomas Marcey, D. W. Strickland and wife, Joshua Finch and wife, Samuel Larkcom and wife, Harvey Hawley and wife, and Mrs. Clarissa Wheelock. Sermon was preached by Rev. D. L. Coe. D. W. Strickland was elected Clerk, and Origen Harmon, Headlock Marcey and Reuben Daniels formed the Standing Committee. Until the erection, in 1835, of their first building, a small log-house at the Center, meetings were held at the houses of A. C. Larkcom, Rufus Ranney, E. W. Ranney, and in the log-schoolhouse at Drakesburg. They afterward erected the present commodious building, which is a credit to the township. Rev. Caleb Pitkin was the first settled pastor of the church. The present pastor of the church is Rev. P. G. Powell.
The first Methodist Church was organized by B. O. Plympton and Thomas Carr, in 1831, and consisted of nine members: Orsamus L. Drake and wife, A. Hawley and wife, Ira Chamberlain and wife, Sarah Sherman, Charles Cranmer and Mary Hawley. The first meetings were held in the barn of Enoch Drake, and at the houses of the members, but in 1838 a fine large house of worship was erected at Drakesburg. Nearly all the early Methodist ministers preached at various times to the little flock. The present pastor is Rev. Collier. There is a small chapel of the Disciples of Christ, but there is no regular pastor. The first sermon delivered in the township was preached by Rev. Alva Day, a Congregational minister.
The first school was taught in a small frame building at Drakesburg, by E. W. Ranney, who died March 3, 1835. Another and earlier school is said to have been taught in the northwest part of the township, but the exact time and name of teachers are not now known.
In the following review the present condition of the Freedom Schools is given: Revenue in 1884, $3,366.52; expenditures, $2.299; eight school buildings, valued at $7,000; average salaries of teachers, $33 and $25 per month; enrollment, 91 boys and 97 girls.
In the year 1841 there came to the township a somewhat elderly and seedy man named Leonard Greeley, who had no visible means or employment, and when the fact came to the knowledge of the Overseers of the Poor, Messrs. Simon Landfear and Lucius Wood, those two officials ordered the Constable, James Francis, Esq., to notify said Greeley that his absence would be more highly appreciated than his presence, and to either run him out of the township or "run him in" for vagrancy. The Constable chose the former, and Leonard Greeley left.
456 - HISTORY OF PORTAGE COUNTY.
In 1818 occurred the big hunt, which was participated in by the citizens of several townships.
This was the Army Hunt, referred to in other chapters.
Thomas Lloyd, of Hartford, Conn., donated five acres of land at the Center, to be used as a public square and for the erection of public buildings.
One of the finest mineral springs, with the most delightful water, in the State of Ohio is on the road half way between the Center and Drakesburg. It is slightly impregnated with iron, sulphur and magnesia, an excellent combination, and is, doubtless, extremely healthful and beneficial.
In the southwestern quarter of the township there is an extensive limestone ridge, from which an excellent quality of lime has been made. Timber from the earliest time has been very plentiful, affording good material for the manufacture of wooden-ware, rakes, etc. The country is well adapted for grazing, and the attention of the farmers is turning considerably in that direction. Mttch fruit is raised, particularly apples. There is very little water. power in the township, but at one time there were five saw-mills in operation. The New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad passes through the southeastern corner of the township, touching at Freedom Station, which affords an excellent shipping point for the various products.
During the winter of 1824 an event occurred that threw a gloom over the little settlement, consisting at that time of about a dozen families. Enos Wadsworth, whose name appears as the fourth person to settle in the township, and who was a widower with two sons and a daughter, was a successful hunter of small game, but had never killed a deer, although he had frequently hunted for them, upon which fact some of his friends twitted him, whereupon be declared he would go out and bring home a deer if he died in the attempt. He went out on Saturday, and not returning that evening nor the next day, the whole settlement turned out to hunt for him, a large party from Nelson also going out during the week, which party, on the ninth day after Wadsworth had disappeared, found him lying on his face in the swamp with his gun in his hand and some provisions in his pocket, the latter fact showing that he bad not been lost and starved, as was supposed; but that he had either been stricken with apoplexy or died from heart disease.
Warner Durkee, a noted hunter in the early days, was inclined to consumption, and occasionally had slight bleeding of bis lungs, but not to such extent as to interfere with his work or sport. On one occasion, while out with his dog in the woods, he was taken with violent bleeding at the mouth, and it so weakened him that he had to lie down, being unable to go any farther. In that condition he would have perished had he not, partly in frolic and partly in earnest, said to his dog, "Go home and tell them I am bleeding to death." The sagacious dog seemed to understand, and ran home at the top of his speed. It being then late at night, and all the folks in bed, they got up to see what was the matter with the dog, when he ran to the bed of Durkee's son and pulled and tugged at the bed clothes. Being driven away he would return, and the last time he caught hold of the pants lying on a chair and shook them, as much as to say, "Put these on and come with me." The young man being struck at the singular actions of his father's dog, got up, put his clothing on, following the dog to the woods and brought the suffering man home, where he was relieved.
In 1828 a saw-mill was erected by Elihu Paine. Previous to the building of the Methodist Church in Drakesburg a steam saw-mill was constructed in 1837 by D. W. Strickland, which was destroyed by fire-the same year.
There are two cheese factories in operation, one rake factory, one saw and feed-mill near the Station, one saw-mill at Drakesburg, and another in. the
PAGE - 457 - BLANK
PAGE - 458 - PICTURE OF JAMES WOODARD
GARRETTSVILLE TOWNSHIP - 459
north part of the township; at the Station is one general store kept by A. H. Scovill, who is Postmaster; at the Center is one store kept by Lyman Bryant, who is Postmaster.
Physicians.—Dr. J. L. Bevington, near the Center, and Dr. S. L. Sloan at the station.
Township Officers. --Trustees, M. J. Harris, A. A. Thayer, E. P. Thayer; Clerk, T. M. Robinson; Treasurer, J. B. Harrison; Assessor, Elbert Kneeland; Constables, Clinton Dutter, A. D. Williams; Justices of the Peace, Atwell Bryant, Charles Williams; Notary Public, Lyman Bryant.
Fidelity Circle No. 10, B. II. (H. F.) C. A. No. 98, of Freedom, reorganized December 28, 1853, with John Wheelock, A. C. Larkcom and Seth Hewins, Trustees, was one of the earliest associations in the township.
Merritt Harmon and Mrs. G. W. Kneeland are the oldest survivors of the early settlement of Freedom.
Freedom furnished fifty-four soldiers, fifteen of whom died in the service of their country.
The statistics of the township for 1884 are as follows: Acres of wheat, 857, bushels, 9,413; of rye, 8; of oats, 708, giving 18,705 bushels; of corn, 501, yielding 4,846 bushels; of meadow, 1,854, giving 2,596 tons; of clover, 202, yielding 264 tons of hay and 68 bushels of seed; of potatoes, 222, yielding 18,032 bushels; 56,645 pounds of butter; 61,277 pounds of cheese; 12,113 pounds of maple sugar and 4,996 gallons of syrup from 28,535 tappings; 475 pounds honey from thirty-eight Mites; 24,399 dozens of eggsi 346 acres of ,apple orchard gave 7,039 bushels; 72 bushels of peaches and 25 of plums; wool, 11,061 pounds; 752 milch cowsi 2 stallions; 103 dogs; killed, 6 sheep, and injured, 8; animals died of disease, 9 hogs, 237 sheep, 21 cattle and 9 horses; acres cultivated, 1,436; pasture, 10,437; woodland, 2,580; total, 14,453 acres. Population in 1850 was 996, including 387 youth; in 1870, 781; in 1880, 804; in 1884 (estimated) 870.