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CHAPTER VIII.*

CITY OF AKRON—LAYING OUT A TOWN—IMPROVEMENTS—THE CANALS—THE TOWN INCORPO-
RATED—CITY OFFICERS—GROWTH OF AKRON—THE COUNTY SEAT
QUESTION—INCIDENTS. ETC.. ETC.

AKRON is by some held to be derived from a privative and zpovos time, its significance upon this theory being of" the unending," literally, " without time." This highly poetic idea, pregnant with widest intimations of meaning, and so self-satisfying to the good citizen who entertains a generous pride in our county capital. and her flattering promise of growth and development, brought to the crucial test of fact, must give way to the undoubted intent of those who chose and formally declare the name, Akron, from tapes summit, this being upon the very ridge-top of the watershed between Lake Erie on the one hand and the Ohio River on the other. Situated on an average 400 feet above the lake level, and 960 feet above the ocean, Akron is the summit city in point of elevation, the highest incorporated city in the State. More hills she covers than eternal Rome. and extravagant indeed is the man who would think to number or name them all The surface conformation is rolling. The immediate neighborhood, particularly at the Old Forge, presents a problem of remarkable geologic interest, and one as yet unsolved. To the visitor approaching from the north, east or south, by either of the three railroads here intersecting—the (Cuyahoga) Valley Railway, the Cleveland, Mount Vernon & Columbus, and the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio—the shifting scenes .of the panoramic valley, along whose verge he enters, are strikingly beautiful. This valley, with a depth below the general surface of one to two hundred feet., constitutes the only considerable variation from what we have already designated the rolling contour of the vicinage. It is asserted by careful and competent geologists (and the investigation bestowed upon the topic warrants the acceptance of the belief as more than speculative theorizing) that away back in the past, before that history other than that in nature's. records writ" began, before mankind

* By Charles W. Foote.

peopled this world, during the Champlain period, the nameless river which first excavated the channel whose bed is now so scantily covered by the modern Cuyahoga, like a pigmy in a giant's clothes." instead of turning to the north at the abrupt bend two miles above the city by which it now almost doubles upon its course, in fact did continue southerly through the broad deep valley before mentioned, eventually losing itself in the synchronous parent of the present Ohio. The ancient channel has been traced from its point of deviation most of the way across the State. Numerous borings along its course have shown that it has been almost filled with earth and soil, the detritus pushed in by the slow grinding glaciers and washed down by the storms of later time, and that, as was to have been expected, within its entire length there is no exposure of rock in situ. Such was undoubtedly the origin of this lovely valley ; upon the south and west of it the subjacent sandstone conglomerate crops out at frequent intervals, as in the cutting of the Cleveland. Mount Vernon & Columbus road for some distance north of Market street bridge, and along the bed of the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal. where it circles the crest of the hill near the fair grounds, while upon the north and east there is an extensive tableland of richest soil. with not a rock or stone to be seen except the small rounded bowlders so characteristic of the former presence of the ice-river. In fact, north hill appears to have been a terminal moraine, and several of the gravel knolls at the Old Forge, by their stratification, show them to have been local or lateral deposits. The Little Cuyahoga now flows through the valley we have thus minutely described, in a converse direction, a tributary to the river proper. No wonder the Indians called the river Cuyahoga "the winding ; " a glance at the map will demonstrate the eminent propriety of the name.

Under our State Constitution of 1802. mu-

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nicipal corporations were classified as cities, towns, villages and special road districts. Until the year 1825, Portage Township had been the only territorial distinction recognized. At that time, during the construction of what was then regarded as a great commercial highway —the Ohio Canal—Gen. Simon Perkins and Paul Williams platted and laid out a town which they denominated " Akron," upon and surrounding the present intersection of Main and Exchange streets, in upper town. The only road in the new town was that one leading to Middlebury, about upon the line where Exchange street now lies. In the fall of that year, 1825, the laborers on the canal put up about a hundred cabins along the line of work and within the town. The canal, when completed, gave a wonderful impetus to business, and at the same time afforded its needed facilities of transportation. South Akron grew rapidly for a few years. In fact until 1832 there was nothing of any consequence outside of that section of the town, but in the year just mentioned several buildings were erected at and near the intersection of Market and Howard streets, and gradually business was diverted to the newer locality.

A very great rivalry had for some time existed between the two villages of North and South Akron. A committee of one, Erastus Torrey, was authorized by a number of the south end people to wait upon Mr. Hall and tender him the use of a large brick block in upper town, free of expense for a term of three years, if he would remove there. Mr. Hall, upon deliberation, declined the kind offer, and has never regretted his conclusion. In the terrible strain of the panic of 1837, Hall's was one of the three, out of fourteen stores in North Akron, which escaped a failure. By the time the town was incorporated, in 1836, the two villages of North and South Akron were not far from an equality, and considerable bitterness of feeling was aroused by their jealous rivalry. Upon the northwest corner of Market and Howard streets stood the Pavilion," a hotel, and a large wooden building, kept by Charles B. Cobbs, Esq. Two or three years later, Mr. Cobbs became proprietor of the " Ohio Exchange," a noted landmark upon the site at present occupied by the Paige Brothers' hardware store. Upon the northeast corner of Market and Howard, and from there up to the trenchof the Water Power Company, stood a row of low, wooden buildings. The same was the case also upon the south side of Market street, except upon the corner, where was being erected a fine three-story stone block, and in which were afterward located the county offices, court room and jail, put up and owned by Hiram Payne. Thence southwardly, upon both sides of Howard street, as far as to where Cherry street now enters, were one-story and a story-and-a-half wooden buildings closely contiguous. Then came a gap and a deep gully ; and finally, upon the corner of Mill and Howard streets, where the post office now stands, was a two-story wooden building belonging to Lewis P. Buckley. In addition to these was the house of Gen. Bierce, in process of construction, and that of Dr. Bartges, upon opposite corners of Market and High streets, the house which is now the third south from the corner on the east side of High, and one on the corner of Main street and Mill ; and with these we have enumerated all of North Akron's buildings. At that time, Leicester King and Gen. Simon Perkins owned pretty much all the land in this part of town. They together had a map published, which represents Akron as it then was, and which is elsewhere referred to quite at length. The house issuing this map was Messrs. Robinson & Co., of Reading, Vt. They had a branch office in Akron under the charge of Mr. Nahum Fay, in Buckley's Block before alluded to. Early in 1837, the Map Publishing Company removed to a building of their own on North High street, upon the lot where James B. Storer now resides, and had a shop in the rear. To the north and east of them, there was only dense woods. When the old stone church (now occupied by the Baptist society, but built and first used by the Universalists) was erected by Charles W. Brown, in 1838. the forest was so thick as that the church could scarcely be seen from Market street.

Akron had remained a town " by courtesy and general consent, from its platting, in 1825 until 1836. March 12, of that year, there passed the General Assembly, at Columbus, an " Act to incorporate the town of Akron, in the county of Portage." By this act it was provided :

That so much of the townships of Portage and Chventry, in the county of Portage. as is comprised within the following limits, to wit : Beginning on the south line of tract No. 8, in said township of

332 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

Coventry, and at a point in said line which is three-fourths of a mile east of the southeast corner of the south town plat of Akron, as surveyed by John Henshaw; thence north to a line running due east and west, drawn ten rods north of Lock 16, of the Ohio Canal; thence west along such east and west line, one and a half miles; thence south to the south line of Tract No. 8, aforesaid; thence east, along said south line, to the place of beginning, be and the same is hereby created a town corporate, and shall henceforth be known and distinguished by the name of " The town of Akron."

Translating this into a form which shall convey a meaning to other people beside surveyors, and indicating the same points and lines by landmarks recognizable today, we should bound and describe as follows : Beginning upon the present southern corporation line—that is, upon South street, at a point a little east of its junction with Spicer street ; thence north in a straight line intersecting Spicer street just below Exchange street, passing through the Fourth Ward a little west of Spicer street, through the Second Ward about on Fir street, through the First Ward in a continuation of the same right line, until the present northern boundary of the city is reached, a little beyond the Little Cuyahoga River; thence due west along the northern boundary to the present northwest corner of the corporation ; thence south along the present west line of the city to the =south line of Tract No. 8—that is, the southwest corner of the corporation ; and thence east along said tract line (with which the south side of South street coincides, so far as it extends) to the place of beginning. Thus we see that the original survey of Akron, when incorporated as a town, was a rectangular plat of one mile and a half breadth, east and west, and about two and a quarter miles length, north and south, therefore containing almost three and one-half square miles of area. We note, also, that the western boundary was identical with the present and also considerable portions of both the northern and southern lines. At this date, there were open to use, or platted, the following streets, bearing in a general easterly and westerly direction : Furnace, Tallmadge, Market, Mill, Ash, Quarry, Water (now a portion of Bowery), State, Middlebury, a part of Carroll, Exchange, Cedar, Chestnut, Catherine, Second, Third and Bridge streets ; this last corresponding with Thornton street, of the present day. Bearing generally north and south were West street, Maple, Oak, Walnut, AEtna, Locust, Bowery, Water, Canal, Howard, Main, High, Broadway, Summit, and, in the so called " Eastern Addition," First, Second and Third streets.

About this time, Middlebury and Cuyahoga Falls partook also of the general business activity, and for some years bade fair to push Akron vigorously in a contest as to which should prove the coming metropolis. When, however, the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal at last passed by on one side, Middlebury received a blow which substantially put her out of the race. From that time destiny seemed to thrust her down to a subordinate rank, and that fate was philosophically accepted. Cuyahoga Falls, however, stoutly maintained her priority, both as to time and station, for the Falls had obtained an incorporation just one week before Akron, on the 7th of March. 1836, the same day that Cleveland was advanced from a village to a city. The Falls people obstinately refused to believe that Akron possessed or could promise any better things than Cuyahoga Falls could offer. They pointed to their practically illimitable water-power. and dilated upon the superior healthfulness of their town, yet, nevertheless, Akron unreasonably insisted up-on keeping just a little ahead in point of numbers. So matters went until the new county of Summit was carved out of the adjacent ones of Portage, Stark and Medina, in 1840.

Section 2 of the act incorporating the town of Akron provided for the election, upon the second Tuesday of the next ensuing June, by the white male inhabitants, who have resided within the aforesaid limits of said town for the space of six months next preceding, etc., etc.," of one Mayor, one Recorder and five Trustees, together constituting a Town Council In pursuance of this provision, the first election of town officers was held at the house of Asa Lamed, June 14, 1836, with the following result : Total number of votes cast, 166, of which for Mayor, Seth Iredell received 91, and Eliakim Crosby, 75 ; for Recorder, Constant Bryan received 87 votes, Charles W. Howard 75, and H. Johnson 4; Erastus Torrey, Jedediah D. Commins, William B. Mitchell, William E. Wright and Noah M. Green were chosen Trustees. The first meeting of the " Town Council of the town of Akron" convened on Saturday, the 18th of June. After some preliminary business, the first ordinance was passed, entitled, " An Ordi-

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nance regulating Exhibitions and Public Shows in the town of Akron." As William B. Mitchell declined the honor of a Trusteeship, at an adjourned meeting held Monday, the 20th of June, Justus Gale was appointed a Trustee in his stead. Samuel A. Wheeler was also appointed Treasurer. At the next Council meeting, Ithiel Mills was elected Marshal. From that time until Akron advanced in grade, becoming a village at the adoption of the State's new constitution in 1852, by virtue of the general act, the officers were as follows :

Mayors-1836, Seth Iredell ; 1837, John C. Singletary, Jr.; 1838, John C. Singletary, Jr. ; 1839, Lucius V. Bierce ; 1840, Arad Kent ; 1841, Lucius V. Bierce ; 1842, Harvey H. Johnson ; 1843, Harvey H. Johnson ; 1844, Lucius V. Bierce ; 1845, Philo Chamberlin ; 1846, Philo Chamberlin ; 1847, Levi Rawson ; 1848, Israel E. Carter ; 1849, Lucius V. Bierce ; 1850, George Bliss. In April, of 1851, Bliss resigned the position, but no new Mayor was elected until the next regular election in June. 1851, Charles G. Ladd ; 1852, Frederick Wadsworth. Up to this time the Mayor, Recorder, and Trustees had been elected by the people upon the first Monday of June of each year.

Recorders -1836, Constant Bryan ; 1837, William E. Wright ; 1838. William E. Wright; 1839, Robert K. DuBois 1840, Robert K. Du Bois ; 1841, Robert K. DuBois ; 1842, Nahum Fay ; 1843. Nahum Fay ; 1844, William H. Dewey ; 1845, William H. Dewey ; 1846, William H. Dewey ; 1847. Nahum Fay ; 1848, Arad Kent ; 1849, Arad Kent ; 1850. Edward W. Perrin ; 1851, Arad Kent : 1852, Horace Canfield.

Treasurers-1836. Samuel A. Wheeler ; 1837, Horace K. Smith ; 1838, Horace K. Smith ; 1839. Russell Abbey ; 1840, Gibbons I. Ackley ; 1841, Gibbons I. Ackley ; 1842, Gibbons I. Ackley ; 1843, Gibbons I. Ackley ; 1844, Gibbons I. Ackley ; 1845, Gibbons I. Ackley ; 1846, Grove N. Abbey ; 1847, Grove N. Abbey ; 1848, Grove N. Abbey ; 1849, Grove N. Abbey ; 1850, Milton W. Henry ; 1851, Milton W. Henry ;. 1852, Milton W. Henry.

Trustees-1836, Erastus Torrey, Jedediah D. Commins, William B. Mitchell, William E. Wright, Noah M. Green ; Mitchell declined to serve, and Justus Gale was appointed to the vacancy. 1837. William K. May, William I. Mather, David D. Evans, Jesse Allen, Eber Blodget ; in September, May having removed from Akron, his seat was declared vacant, and William Patterson was elected by the other Trustees to succeed him. 1838, Jesse Allen, Ebenezer Martin, Justus Gale, James W. Phillips, Ansel Miller. 1839, Samuel Manning, Seth Iredell, James W. Phillips, Lewis P. Buckley, Ebenezer Martin ; Martin declining. Ansel Miller was appointed instead ; in July, Phillips resigned, and Ithiel Mills succeeded him. 1840, Seth Iredell, Samuel Manning, Ithiel Mills, Samuel A. Wheeler, William E. Wright ; Wheeler resigned in July, and Ansel Miller became his successor. 1841, Seth Iredell, Webster B. Storer, Jacob Allen, Ansel Miller, Leverett J. Ives. 1842, Ansel Miller, Seth Iredell, David Allen, George F. Ray. Horace May ; in January, 1843, Allen died, and James Mathews filled the vacancy. 1843, Seth Iredell, James Mathews, George F. Ray, Horace May, Ansel Miller. 1844, William M. Dodge, Robert K. Du Bois, Nahum Fay, Jesse Allen, Samuel A. Wheeler ; in September, Jesse Allen resigned, and Jacob Allen was appointed. 1845, Robert K. Du Bois, Justus Gale, Lucius Bierce, William M. Dodge, James H. Crawford ; Gale refused to serve, and Samuel A. Wheeler was elected to the vacancy. In November, Du Bois died and Horace Canfield succeeded him. 1846, Horace Canfield, Samuel A. Wheeler, Allen Hibbard, Nicholas E. Vansickle, Lucius V. Bierce. 1847, Allen Hibbard, Lucien Swift, Samuel A. Wheeler. Joseph A. Beebe, Ansel Miller. 1848, Ansel Miller, Nathaniel Finch, Benjamin McNaughton, John M. Cutler. George W. Bloom. 1849, Nathaniel Finch, Ansel Miller, Charles Webster. George W. Bloom. Milton N. Henry ; in October, Finch resigned, and the remaining Trustees elected John M. Cutler. 1850, Thomas H. Goodwin, John Howe, Hiram Viele, Robert Jackson, L. C. Parker ; in October, William M. Dodge was elected to the place made vacant by the removal of Howe. 1851, James M. Hale, Benjamin McNaughton, William O. Sanford, Milton Henry, D. F. Bruner. 1852, James M. Hale, William O. Sanford, R. P. Myers, Peter Osburn Ansel Miller.

The total vote upon the occasion of the first town election, in 1836, was 166. At the last town election, in 1852, there were cast 278 votes. The year previous,. however, fifteen years after the first vote above mentioned,

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there were 334 ballots cast, just two more than double the first vote. From the time that Akron became a village until advanced to a city of the second class, in 1865, the following were officers of the corporation, and were elected by popular vote upon the first Monday of April of each year. The Mayor, Recorder, and the five Trustees together constituted the Village Council :

Mayors-1853, Philip N. Schuyler ; 1854, William T. Allen ; 1855, Nathaniel Finch ; 1856, Nathaniel Finch ; in December, Finch resigned, and in February of 1857. Frederick A. Nash was elected to succeed him ; 1857, Frederick A. Nash ; 1858, Frederick A. Nash ; 1859. George W. McNeil ; 1860. Henry Purdy ; 1861, Henry Purdy ; 1862, Charles A. Collins ; 1863, Henry A. Collins ; 1864. George D. Bates.

Recorders-1853, Horace Canfield ; in December, Canfield died, and the Council elected R. S. Elkins to fill the vacancy thus caused ; 1854, R. S. Elkins ; 1855, Joseph E. Wesener ; 1856, Joseph E. Wesener ; 1857, Ralph P. Waterbury ; 1858, Ralph P. Waterbury ; 1859, Allen Hibbard ; 1860, Alvin Rice ; 1361, James Holmes ; 1862, Alvin Rice ; 1863, Al-vin Rice ; 1864, Henry W. Ingersoll.

Trustees-1853, William T. Allen, Daniel H. Wheeler. R. S. Elkins, David A. Scott, George Thomas ; Elkins being appointed Recorder in January of 1854, S. A. Lane was elected to fill the vacant place ; 1854, James B. Taplin, Thomas H. Goodwin, Richard Howe. David Hanscomb, James M. Hale ; 1855, Richard Howe, George Thomas. James B. Taplin, William T. Allen, David A. Scott ; in April, Taplin resigned, and R. S. Elkins succeeded him ; 1856, Henry Purdy, David A. Scott, Thomas H. Goodwin, Henry S. Abbey, Joseph Milligan ; 1857, George Thomas, Henry Fisher, Jr., Henry S. Abbey, Henry Purdy, Charles Cranz ; 1858, Charles Cranz, R. B. Walker, John Cook, Joseph Milligan, Job Pierce ; 1859, William L. Everett, Job Pierce, R. B. Walker, Thomas H. Goodwin, Joseph Milligan ; 1860, Richard Howe, Ferdinand Schumacher, Robert L. Moffatt, James Christy, William S. Painton ; 1861, Robert L. Moffatt, Ferdinand Schumacher, George Buel, John Douglass, Henry Fisher ; in October, Fisher resigned, and, in November, George W. McNeil was chosen by the Council to serve out the term ; 1862, Charles Webster, John E. Bell, John Douglass, Isaac Harter, George Buel ; 1863, Arad Kent, John E. Bell, J. W. Holloway, Jacob Goldsmith, John H. Wagoner ; 1864, Allen Hibbard, Stephen H. Pitkin, William H. Lapens, Charles W. Bonstedt, James Christy.

Treasurers—1833, Milton W. Henry ; at this ' time. the election of the Treasurer was transferred from the Council to the people ; 1854, Milton W. Henry ; 1855, Milton W. Henry ; 1856. Milton W. Henry ; 1857. Milton W. Henry ; 1858. John Good' 1859, John H. Chamberlin ; 1860, John H. Chamberlin ; 1861, Charles Cranz ; 1862, Charles Cranz ; 1863, Charles Cranz ; 1864, Charles Cranz.

In January. 1865. as is set forth more at length elsewhere. Akron became a city of the second class. From that time to the present, her officers have been the following :

Mayors—Elected by the people, term two years : 1865, James Mathews; 1866. James Mathews : 1867. Lucius V. Bierce : 1868. Lucius V. Bierce ; 1869, J. L. Robertson ; 1870. J. L. Robertson ; 1871. J. L. Robertson ; 1872, J. L. Robertson ; 1873. Henry Purdy ; 1874. Henry Purdy ; 1875. Levi S. Jerrold ; 1876, Levi S. Herrold ; 1877. James F. Scott 1878, James F. Scott ; 1879, James M. Fraze ; 1880, James M. Fraze ; 1881, Samuel A. Lane.

Clerks—Elected by the Council. term one year. The office is that of which the incumbent was formerly denominated Recorder ; 1863. Jerry A. Long ; 1866, Jerry A. Long ; 1867, Mills B. Purdy ; 1868, Mills B. Purdy ; 1869, Mills B. Purdy ; 1870, Mills B. Purdy ; 1871, Mills B. Purdy ; 1872, Mills B. Purdy ; 1873, John A. Means ; 1874, John A. Means ; 1875, John A. Means ; 1876, Mills B. Purdy ; 1877, Adams Emerson; 1878, Adams Emerson ; 1879, Newton Ford ; 1830, Newton Ford, 1881. Newton Ford.

Members of City Council—Elected by the people. Term two years. After the first election, the six persons elected' drew lots as to which ones should serve the full term of two years, and which the half term, until the next election, resulting as follows :

First Ward—Two years, George W. Crouse ; one year, Charles W. Bonstedt. Second Ward—Two years, Henry W. Howe ; one year, John E. Bell. Third Ward—Two years, Lewis Miller ; one year, J. Park Alexander. Each year thereafter there has been elected one from each

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ward, as follows : 1866—First Ward, J. J. Wagoner ; Second Ward, J. H. Collins ; Third Ward, George Sechrist. 1867—First Ward, George W. Crouse ; Second Ward, W. H. Payne ; Third Ward, J. A. Long. 1868—First Ward, J. W. Holloway ; Second Ward, J. H. Collins ; Third Ward, J. . Park Alexander. 1869—First Ward, C. R. Howe ; Second Ward, W. J. Atwood ; Third Ward, Clement J. Kolb. 1870—First Ward, William T. Allen ; Second Ward, W. P. Cassidy ; Third Ward, J. Park Alexander. 1871—First Ward, David R. Paige Jr.; Second Ward, John Memmer ; Third Ward, Elias W. Howard ; Fourth Ward, Robert McElhinney, George Burkhardt ; Fifth Ward, R. F. Palmer, Clement J. Kolb. 1872—First Ward, William T. Allen ; Second Ward, O. C. Barber ; Third Ward, J. Park Alexander ; Fourth Ward, Noah N. Leohner ; Fifth Ward, James A. Metlin. 1873—First Ward, Milton W. Henry ; Second Ward, James Christy, H. E. Merrill ; Third Ward, H. L. Carr ; Fourth Ward, David Lamparter ; Fifth Ward, A. J. Hamlin ; Sixth Ward. J. A. Baldwin, Thomas Johnson. 1874—First Ward, William T. Allen ; Second Ward, E. H. Merrill ; Third Ward, Elias W. Howard ; Fourth Ward, Robert McElhinney ; Fifth Ward, James A. Metlin ; Sixth Ward, Enoch Rowley. 1875—First Ward, Milton W. Henry ; Second Ward, A. Brewster ; Third Ward, William A. McClellan ; Fourth Ward, J. H. Derhammer ; Fifth Ward, Simon Hankey ; Sixth Ward, David E. Hill. 1876—First Ward, William Buchtel ; Second Ward, John W. Baker ; Third Ward, John J. Cook ; Fourth Ward, John Schott ; Fifth Ward, Christian Vogt ; Sixth Ward, Enoch Rowley. 1877—First Ward, Charles A. Collins ; Second Ward, James Christy ; Third Ward, J. Park Alexander ; Fourth Ward, D. W. Morgan ; Fifth Ward, Edward A. Lawton ; Sixth Ward, David E. Hill. 1878—First Ward, L. G. Thorp ; Second Ward, W. J. Underwood ; Third Ward, Mason Chapman ; Fourth Ward, John Schott ; Fifth Ward, Christian Vogt ; Sixth Ward, Enoch Rowley. 1879—First Ward, Ulysses L. Marvin ; Second Ward, N, A. Carter ; Third Ward, J. Park Alexander ; Fourth Ward; Estep ; Fifth Ward, Edward A. Lawton ; Sixth Ward, F. W. Inman. 1880—First Ward, Milton W. Henry ; Second Ward, Henry H. Brown ; Third Ward, 3. F. Goodrich ; Fourth Ward, John Schott ; Fifth Ward, Charles F. Ingersoll ; Sixth Ward, Thomas H. Peckham. 1881—First Ward, David L. King ; Second Ward, N. A. Carter ; Thin Ward, J. Park Alexander ; Fourth Ward, Philip Weber ; Fifth Ward, Edward A. Lawton ; Sixth Ward, James Housel.

Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal.—Judge Leicester King, of Warren, father of David L. King Esq., of this city, was the man to whom, more than all others, Akron was indebted for he] second canal, an enterprise which very materially aided in developing the commercial interests of the growing village. By personal effort and influence, Judge King conquered the I many obstacles in the path, and carried to a successful completion, after many years of tireless endeavor, the project to which he had devoted his energies, and in whose eventual accomplishment he had the fullest confidence. An old paper in the possession of Mr. George McMillen, of Portage Township, indicates that the lobby system obtained in full vigor over fifty years ago, and is not, therefore, one of the inventions of modern politics. We subjoin a copy of a portion of the paper, bearing date of " Middlebury, December 12,1826," and running as follows : " We, the subscribers, citizens of the villages of Middlebury and Akron and their vicinity, confident that inestimable advantages would result to our villages and this section of the country generally, from a canal connecting the Ohio Canal at the Portage Summit with the Pennsylvania Canal at Pittsburgh, and anxious that an act should pass the Legislature of Ohio at their present session, authorizing the construction of such canal, will pay the sums annexed to. our respective names, to John McMillen, Jr., and Peter Bowen, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of delegates from the aforesaid villages to the Legislature, to assist in procuring the passage of such an act. Payment to be made at the time of subscribing." To this are attached nineteen names. The delegates and other supporters of the measure proved speedily successful, for the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal was incorporated by act of the General Assembly of the State of. Ohio January 10, 1827, which act authorized " the construction of a canal to meet or intersect the Pennsylvania, or Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, at or near the city of Pittsburgh, in the State of Pennsylvania." The act was to take effect and be in force " whenever the Legislature of Pennsylvania should pass a law giving their assent

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to and confirming the provisions of said act of Ohio," etc. Pennsylvania's Legislature subsequently passed the act desired. Hindrances of one sort and another intervened, and, at times, it looked as though the canal would never be built. Finally, in 1836, the State of Ohio was induced to extend a helping hand, which she did by a pledge to take one dollar of stock for every two dollars of private subscription obtained. Mr. King then visited Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and other Eastern cities, and, by dint of earnest solicitation, secured a favorable attention from a number of capitalists, and returned, bringing with him across the mountains many thousands of dollars, in an ordinary hand satchel. Altogether, $840.000 was secured from private individuals, and the State, in pursuance of her promise, added $420,000 of stock.

As originally projected, the canal was to have passed through Middlebury, which at that time was about as large and as promising a place as Akron. However, since the connection with the Ohio Canal was to be made “on the Portage Summit," and some difficulty was experienced in accomplishing both these things, by act of the Legislature, March 2, 1836, the State Canal Commissioners were empowered to determine anew the location of the connection. The Board of Canal Commissioners ordered Leander Ransom, Acting Commissioner, to investigate the matter and report. This he did, voluminously, January 29, 1837, fixing the junction -' at the north end of the lower basin in South Akron. a few rods from the foot of Lock No. 1 of the Ohio Canal." The canal was at last completed from its eastern terminus at Beaver, Penn., to Akron, and opened throughout in 1841. Late in the fall, the first boat arrived from the East. A number of prominent citizens of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York and other Eastern cities, were on board.. Gov. Thomas Corwin, of Ohio, and Gov. David Porter, of Pennsylvania, were specially invited to attend the formal opening. Gov. Corwin was detained at home by sickness, but Gov. Porter was present. When the boat, decorated with flags and banners, and carrying a cannon and a brass band, reached Warren, it met a hearty reception at the hands of' the enthusiastic citizens. There Judge King, who was President of' the Canal Company, and his son David, then a lad of seventeen, and others interested, joined the party. At every town and village the people had turned out with hearty goodwill to see the boat go by, and to every such gathering Gov. Porter declaimed his same set speech till all the passengers had memorized it as thoroughly as the speaker. At Ravenna, another accession was received, and at Franklin Mills (now Kent) and Cuyahoga Falls. Akron had been advised of their approach, and the entire populace went out to meet them, which they did about noon, at the big bend at the Old Forge. The escort accompanied the boat to town ; the company disembarked at the western end of the long trench, in South Akron, and repaired to a large upper room in May's Block (where the Clarendon Hotel now is). where a grand banquet had been spread. One of the most important factors of the boat's cargo was its ample supply of liquor. There was a barrel of sherry, another of Madeira. and a great many dozen bottles of champagne ; what was left of these was conveyed to the dinner-room. Besides this thoughtful provision. much more of a like sort had been forwarded in anticipation of the event, and there was no lack of that with which to make merry. Not a few were attacked with a dizziness not incident to sea-sickness. In the evening, another jollification was indulged in at the Ohio Exchange. a noted tavern. where Paige Brothers' hardware store now stands. Speeches were made and drinks taken ; bands played, and toasts were offered and responded to ; refreshment flowed freely. One of the visitors—old Gen. S., of Warren—imbibed too much, and died before morning, of apoplexy. A son the next day, himself also considerably obfusticated, sobbing and moaning to a friend, Mrs. E., remarked that "he always cried when his father died." One of the Ravenna party, upon his return, was narrating the joyfulness of the occasion to a group of neighbors, when one of them referred to this death of a man who had taken so conspicuous a part, inquiring if that occurrence did not cast a shadow over the general hilarity, to which he responded : " It was dom'd fine ! dom'd fine ! That dying of S —'s was too bad, to be sure ; but the old fellow went out of the world with his belly full of beefsteak and brandy ! "

As is mentioned elsewhere, the canal company took possession of the ditch through which the water-power was conveyed to Akron, from Old Forge to Moody's shop on Main

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street, between Market and Mill, widening and deepening it, but reserving to the Middlebury Hydraulic Co.—the owners of the power—all their rights. For a time the canal flourished apace. A large amount of business was done and it became the thoroughfare of a considerable passenger traffic. Besides the merchandise brought here or shipped from here, everything from Pittsburgh or Warren destined for Cleveland of course passed through Akron, and thence via the Ohio Canal.

The outlook promised well for the stock-holders ; in fact, several small dividends were declared. The tolls collected at the port of Akron during the year 1852, amounted to $6,966.61 ; in 1853, $8.110.54. The maximum was reached in 1856, in the sum of $8,786.78. Very unfortunately for the canal, in 1854 a controlling interest passed into the hands of men who were also financially interested in the new newly constructed Cleveland & Mahoning Railroad. This end was accomplished, first by obtaining stock of the canal company as subscriptions to the railroad company, and afterward by buying from the State her interest. These two, the railroad and canal, being parallel, were necessarily either coadjutors or active competitors. At first they promised to act together, and largely upon that consideration the same men secured the relation of Di-rectors to each. That policy, however, was not long maintained ; tolls upon the canal were speedily put up to an exorbitant figure, while the railroad transported between the same points for a much lower cost. The effect is clearly exhibited in the showing of the receipts of toll upon the canal at Akron for the next few years : 1857, $ 6,538.96 ; 1858, $5,400.96 ; 1859, $2,143.42 ; 1860, $853.27 ; 1861, $772.88.

A joint resolution passed the Legislature April 12, 1858, authorizing the sale of the State's canal stock by the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, to the highest and best purchaser. Nothing was, however, effected under the order until some years later. Finally, in 1862, November 20, the stock, for which the State of Ohio had paid $420,000, was sold to Charles L. Rhodes, of Cleveland, for $35,000. He at once turned it over to the Cleveland & Mahoning Railroad, of which he was Vice President and Superintendent, and the bondage of the canal became complete. Just prior to this sale, the General Assembly had beenurged to permit the canal company "to sell the canal, and that such portions might be closed as the purchasers might think proper." This was rejected in the Senate by a heavy adverse vote. After 1862, the business of the canal was very small and constantly decreasing. No money was expended on repairs ; bridges and locks became dilapidated, and the people along its banks were clamorous for a removal of the source of so much sickness. In January, 1867, the canal company again petitioned the Legislature for permission to remedy matters in some way or other, and secured the passage of an act (March, 1867) "authorizing the Directors of the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal to lease, sell or abandon such portion or portions of said canal and its appendages as may, in their opinion, be for the interest of said company, and not prejudicial to the public interest." * * * Negotiations were then pending between the Middlebury Hydraulic Company before mentioned and the canal company, which, upon the passage of the above act, were completed. The Hydraulic Company, whose rights had fully continued through the period of the canal's active operation, now leased that portion contained between the Portage County summit near Ravenna and the western end, the junction with the Ohio Canal, and including the Shalersville reservoirs, intending to maintain its use as a canal, and also as to the portion between Middlebury and Akron its original purpose of a water-power. Business had now substantially ceased ; the water in the channel beyond the Old Forge was stagnant, and by its offensive odors and malarial influences provoked its neighbors beyond the point of their endurance. One night in the spring of 1868, a party of men cut the banks at Cuyahoga Falls and at two other places east and west of that village. By morning only a reeking ditch remained. The State threatened to prosecute the actors, but never did so, and the breaks were never repaired.

Again, in the spring of 1874, the canal was cut one night in Akron by a party of disguised men, between Exchange street and Main. Those engaged in the affair were arrested and tried before a Justice of the Peace, but were never punished. Soon after this, the western part from Mill street to Exchange was permanently closed, and now steps are being

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taken to conduit that part of the channel still open upon Main street, from Tallmadge to Mill

An enthusiastic set of men, chiefly from the East, built—on paper—a great city upon the top and side of North Hill, at a point between Cuyahoga Falls and Akron, which was in time to have absorbed both these lesser towns into its suburbs. The imaginary city was to be supplied with a limitless waterpower—the sine qua non of all manufacturing interests in those days—by means of a canal dug around the brow of the hill, and tapping the Cuyahoga River just below the village of the Falls, and so great was the faith of the projectors of the idea, that they exemplified it in the good Scriptural way, by works. They formed a joint-stock company with a nominal capital of $500,000. Prominent among its members were E. C. Sackett, Dr. Eliakim Crosby, who had successfully originated and carried out the similar scheme above mentioned of bringing a water motive power from Middlebury, Col. James W. Phillips and Dr. E. W. Crittenden. These four men contracted to build the canal or aqueduct for $118,000. Col. Phillips at once went East, where, in New York and Philadelphia, he interested a number of capitalists in the project and recruited laborers for the work. The company also issued scrip and paid in land whenever possible ; they owned the entire tract of " the chuckery." They had a map of their prospective city platted, published and circulated as an advertisement. One of the heaviest proprietors (from Rochester. N. Y.) offered to stake every dollar he owned in the world, that in less than ten years the best corner lots would be worth as much in the market as those of Rochester. They cut and quarried from the precipitous cliffs along the east side of the river an aqueduct four miles in length, to the site of their 1 well-nigh Utopian scheme. A dam was constructed across the river by which to throw into the raceway so much water as should be , needed. Work was begun in 1838 and pushed energetically that year and the next, so that by the latter part of 1839, the water was turned in. With some changes and repairs at places along the route, the canal seemed to operate nicely. But, unfortunately, right here the funds of the organization had been expended, some of its instigators had lost confidence inits ultimate success, there had been no such in flux of population as had been expected, an( no capitalists came forward to utilize the power now that it was secured. Several serious breaks occurred in the sandy embankments, the water was shut off, and thenceforward matters re mained in state quo. Strong efforts were put forth by the plucky proprietors to overcome the untoward circumstances. Now that the major part of the cost had been met, the labor practically completed, it indeed appeared a. though just a little more capital would restore the concern to a firm basis, and bring the much longed-for manufacturing enterprises.

In 1843, the Universalist Church, which had a strong society in Akron, held a mass convention in the old stone church (now the Baptist Church), upon which delegates were in attendance from all over the United States. Among them was Horace Greeley. The officers of the Canal Company showed the entire trench to Mr. Greeley, expatiated upon their intentions and expectations, and the great manufacturing city that was sure to grow upon their plats and records. Evidently a great impression was made upon the editors mind or the editor's heart, or both, for upon his return the New York Tribune contained a lengthy article whet in the whole scheme was enthusiastically set forth, and the prophecy volunteered that Summit City would become the " Lowell of the West." No funds, however, came to the exchequer of the company ; on the contrary, they became involved in litigation and debt, and so what was once one of the greatest business projects of the day has entirely passed into oblivion, save as it is called back into historical notice. The monument to their blasted hopes is now plainly visible almost its whole extent, and evokes many curious questions from visitors and the younger generations. This young city, with little existence, except on paper, entered the lists as a competitor for the seat of justice of the county, but was unsuccessful in its aspirations in that direction. All this, however, is fully given in the chapter devoted to the organization of Summit County, and will not be repeated here.

It is probably impossible for us of the present day to at all adequately comprehend the wonderful hold which certain moral and theological questions obtained upon the minds and feelings of the people forty years ago. It

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was in those days that every pulpit was a forum of polemic display and every discourse a labored argument. The same combative style characterized the newspapers, both secular and religious, and lusty blows were given and taken for opinion's sake. One of the strongest and strangest vagaries was that adopted and preached everywhere in season and out of season by the so-called Millerites. Here in Akron they had a considerable following as well as in neighboring towns. In an April number of the American Democrat, issued each week by Horace Canfield, appeared this notice :

The present. week is a time of great Interest to the believers in the personal reign of Christ. and in the Second Advent as now near. This week, we believe, will conclude the 2,300 years from the going forth of the decree to restore and build Jerusalem, at which time the word of God has been given that the sanctuary shall be cleansed, and there shall he an end of indignation. * * * The time of the feast of the passover was the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which will occur on Friday of the present week. We know not how to escape the fact that there the 2.300 years will terminate, and from that time we shall be in constant expectation of seeing the Lord.

Second Advent Conference to be held at Akron (if the Lord does not come before that time) on Wednesday. April 19, 1843, at 10 o'clock A. M. Friends from all quarters are invited to attend.

Akron has been inclined to agitate the mat-ter of the allowance or prohibition of intoxicating drinks from an early date and at frequent intervals. At a Council meeting May 15. 1841, Ansel Miller presented the following preamble and resolution, and the same were adopted :

WHEREAS. The licensing of groceries for the retailing of ardent spirits by the Town Council is au action on which much difference of opinion ex-among the citizens of Akron, therefore,

Resolved, That for the instruction of the Council, the voters at the coming election are hereby requested to write or print on their tickets License or Ye License.

Accordingly, upon the succeeding day of election, June 1, the voters declared in favor of No License. The Council accepted their verdict, and refuse' he petitions of all desiring licenses. A pressure was brought to bear upon the State legislators at the session of 1842-43, which effected the following bill in February :

SEC. 2. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the &ate of Ohio, That the Town Council of

Akron, in Summit County, shall have powers to pass such by-laws as may be necessary to prohibit within the corporate limits of said town the retailing. vending or selling of ardent spirits or other intoxicating liquors by any person or persons other than licensed tavern-keepers or physicians in the course of medical practice.

In pursuance of the power therein conferred, the Town Council convened in special session February 28, and appointed a committee of two—the Mayor, Harvey H. Johnson, and James Mathews—to draft an ordinance in accordance with its intent. The ordinance passed its third reading March 11, 1843, by a unanimous vote, and immediately took effect. This was about the time of the noted " Washingtonian Movement." The County Washingtonian Society called its annual meeting for the 22d of February. A stirring address was delivered by H. W. King, Esq., before a large gathering. The society reported over five thousand members in the county. Henry Rhodes was elected President, and L. V. Bierce, George Bliss and R. McMillen an Executive Committee. At the time of the vote upon the adoption or rejection of our new constitution, June 17, 1851, the question of license or no license as a system to be incorporated into the State's organic law was separately submitted to the decision of the electors of the State. The vote of Portage Township (including Akron) stood—For' license to sell intoxicating drinks, 275. Against license to sell intoxicating drinks, 312. In common with nearly all the cities and villages of Northern Ohio, Akron was strongly affected by the maelstrom of feeling in the temperance cause which swept over the country in 1874, commonly known as the " Crusade." The movement was countenanced and abetted by the best classes of society. A few were displeased with its methods, and held themselves aloof, but by far the larger part of the city's best people either acted a part or at least sympathized with the endeavors of the crusaders. An interesting episode of the campaign occurred upon the evening of Monday, April 6. It had been the day of the municipal elections. The great question at issue was that of temperance ; all other matters were retired from prominence in comparison. A large and enthusiastic concourse, with a considerable proportion of ladies included, gathered at the Council rooms, as it was generally known that a proposed ordinance pro-

340 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

hibitory in character was that night to come up for its third and final reading. Every one wishing to first learn the result of the day's work at the polls, the early portion of the evening was devoted to short and stirring speeches by prominent citizens, music, etc. The returns coming in indicated a signal victory for the temperance interests. At 10 o'clock, President J. Park Alexander called the Council to order. The third reading of the ordinance before mentioned was made the special business of the session, and by a unanimous vote of the eight Councilmen present it became a law. Amid intense enthusiasm and outbursts of applause, Mr. Alexander appended his name as President of the Council, and the deed was accomplished. It was announced that a jollification meeting would take place the next evening at the Academy of Music, and that at that time the gold pen with which President Alexander's signature had been affixed would be sold at auction to the highest bidder, the proceeds to be devoted to some charitable object. The next night the Academy was packed ; standing room even could not be had, and many were obliged to turn away disappointed. John R. Buchtel was assigned the post of auctioneer, and the fun began. The first bid was 10 cents ; from that it jumped to $10, then rapidly mounted by tens and fives until finally it was struck off to Mr. Ferdinand Schumacher for $252.50. That is probably the most costly pen in the United States. Undoubtedly, some permanent good was accomplished by the Crusade, but a considerable portion of the effect proved but temporary, as, indeed, might be expected from the nature of the means employed—a species of coercion—and when the restraint was removed the evils of course returned. Still later have occurred the " Murphy Movement" and a number of lesser waves of temperance reform. While these several spasmodic efforts have been followed by many discouraging lapses and much that tended to dishearten the truly earnest and temperate lovers of temperance, yet we believe that, unconsciously to itself, perhaps, the public has thereby been educated to a higher grade of thought and feeling upon the subject. This we regard as practically the most valuable result of these periodic agitations.

Akron's noted Glendale is justly considered one of the most beautiful and best kept cemeteries in the entire country. Centrally located, yet possessed of remarkable natural advantages, it is at once removed from all indications of city surroundings, and pleasingly diversified in surface contour. The spacious grounds are under the charge of an experienced and competent manager, who devotes his whole time to the task. There is a fine stone lodge at the city gateway, and just inside a costly memorial chapel, reared in 1875 by the Buckley Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, aided by outside subscriptons, in remembrance of the brave comrades from Akron and Portage Townships, who fell in the war of the rebellion. There are also fine greenhouses in connection with the yard, and a well-arranged vault. This brief notice will not undertake to describe Glendale ; no attempt at description would convey to one unacquainted with the actual appearances an at all adequate idea of its summer beauty, and to one knowing it the effort would doubtless seem to fall far short of reality.

In 1839, the Town Council passed an act to regulate the public burying-ground (which had already been located where it now is), providing for its thorough care under the supervision of a committee appointed directly by themselves. This management continued until 1850, at which time. in February. the corporation transferred all its right and title to the " Akron Rural Cemetery Association," an organization chartered for the purpose. and in whose hands it still remains, conditioning the transfer upon a perpetuation of the same methods of conduct.

A large share of credit for the present state of improvement is due to the judicious and efficient labors of the Ladies Cemetery Association, an adjunct of the Rural Cemetery Association before mentioned, an organization broader than any denomination or set, and whose members represent them all. These ladies, both by direct exertion and by means of numberless fairs, bazars, musical and other entertainments. have raised considerable sums of money, which have been expended in improving and adorning this beautiful " God's Acre."

The inception of the town, in 1825, was far from promising. Its main features were alder swamps and barren sand hills. A more uninviting site could hardly be found in the neighborhood. The completion of the Ohio Canal

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to this point, however, in 1827, worked wonders. That year and those immediately subsequent greatly increased the population, so that by 1830, the census of Portage Township (including Akron, which constituted almost the whole of the enumeration), showed 475. By 1832, Akron was thought to contain about 600 inhabitants ; in 1836, when it became legally a town, 1,200 ; and in 1840, it had reached 1,664.

The imports in 1836 amounted to $500.000, and the exports $400,000, indicating a thriving state of business, a characteristic which has been thoroughly maintained and to a remarkable degree ever since. The chapter upon our industries and manufactures will exhibit this fact more clearly. The growth has been in general of a very steady uniform sort, not greatly fluctuating from time to time. It has also been of a desirable kind, healthy and constant. The great panic of 1837, to be sure, was disastrous, but the town soon rallied, and proved to have suffered no lasting cheek. In the hard times of 1873, and the four years next succeeding, Akron endured the strain much better than the majority of towns and cities of the State.

Quite a number of times she has been visited by extensive conflagrations—notably those of 1848, 1849, 1851, 1854, 1856, 1869, and several of later dates—by which large portions of the heaviest business sections of town have been destroyed, but from the ashes of which, phoenix like, better forms have followed.

In 1853, Akron had eight churches, five flouring mills, one woolen factory, three foundries, sixty stores, six hotels, one bank, three printing offices and two telegraph offices.

The State Legislature in 1845 chartered a college in Akron, with power to confer literary, legal, medical and theological degrees. It seems that nothing was ever accomplished in the practical furtherance of this idea. The incorporators evidently had in mind the establishment of a university composed of several colleges. Why the project died we cannot learn.

Akron was, however, provided with a classical college, first opened to students in 1872, through the munificence of Hon. John R. Buchtel, seconded by the contributions of many others, particularly of the Universalist denomination. An extended sketch of Buchtel College is elsewhere presented in this work, so wewill simply refer the reader to that for fuller information.

A number of severe fires in the early years of the town rendered the need of some organized protection imperative. In December of 1839, the Council, by ordinance, provided for the creation and maintenance of volunteer fire companies. Accordingly, a company under the name of the " North Akron Fire Company," was formed January 28, 1840, with twenty-six members. To these persons there was subsequently issued by the Town Recorder, upon the direction of the Council, certificates of membership dating back to the time of joining. February 10, 1846, eight more persons became members, and " No. 1 " was added to the name. The application of " Niagara Fire Engine Company, No. 2," was accepted by the Council December 20, 1845, and thirty-seven men appointed members. Again in 1847, a hook and ladder company was, by the same authority made a fire company, and clothed with the name " Tornado Fire Company, No. 3," indicative, we suppose, of the vast energy of its thirty-two members.

Still other companies were from time to time added, all volunteer organizations. In May, 1858, the Council first declared a compensation, further than the statutory privileges, to the members of these companies. This was the princely sum of $2 each per year, and that conditioned upon a strict compliance with the prescribed regulations.

Gradually, however, improved appliances and a paid service have been substituted for the former less capable but hearty labor, and now Akron is abreast with the foremost cities in the efficiency of her protection against fire.

A petition was presented to the Town Council July 29, 1847, signed by H. B. Ely, praying the privilege of constructing a line of telegraph through Akron. The petition was granted, and a resolution in pursuance adopted whereby "The Lake Erie Telegraph Company was authorized to run their line of communication through this town, provided they do not interfere with or obstruct any street or alley in said town, to the inconvenience of the citizens or public."

This was the earliest move in the direction of telegraphic facilities. The line was built and operated for a few years, but for some reason or other was discontinued.

342 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

The railroads of Akron and the county at large are treated of in a distinct article by another writer. We will here merely advert to them, for a fuller and more interesting description, referring to that chapter. The "Akron Branch" of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad was projected early in 1851; the survey began April 15. In June of the same year, the people of Summit County by a majority vote of 827, instructed the County Commissioners to make a subscription of $100,000 to the proposed road in behalf of the county. The contract for building from Hudson, its northern terminus and point of junction with the main line, to Akron, was let June 21. The work was pushed with vigor. By the 1st of the succeeding January. the road was in use as far as Cuyahoga Falls. By the next 1st of June it connected at the O1(1 Forge with a packet line of boats upon the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal. Early on the morning of Sunday. July 4, 1852. it was completed so as to allow the passage of cars into Akron. A mild form of jubilee had to be indulged in although it was Sunday, but the great day of jollification occurred on Monday, the 5th. Of that we will give no narration, as we presume the article devoted specially to this topic will contain it in full, only mentioning that at the great dinner at Cuyahoga Falls, in the afternoon, Col. Simon Perkins. President of of the company proposed a name for the new road. "Cleveland, Akron & Zanesville Railroad," which was then and there formally adopted. Subsequently the name was still further amplified in significance—the Cleveland, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railroad—no one of which places, by the way, has it ever reached. It is now known as the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus Railroad.

Our next road was the Atlantic & Great Western, completed to Akron in April, 1863, a broad guage, tributary to the New York & Erie. Of the tribulations of this unfortunate and ill-managed road, a vast chapter might be written. After many successive mutations. the road is at last under an entirely new and distinct organization and with a new name—the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio—we hope, upon a better, sounder foundation, and in a fair way to serve its patrons respectably and repay its investors.

The third road to enter Akron was the Cuyahoga Valley, commencing operations the 1stof February, 1880. Though having but just made a beginning, its management appears to have been judicious; it has certainly striven to accommodate the public, and has secured very many friends who warmly desire for it an unqualified success.

In 1860, a strong effort was made to secure the location of the new State Penitentiary at Akron. Several prominent citizens were sent to Columbus to lobby for the measure. In December, the Council empowered our Representatives to tender to the State an eligible site of twenty acres of land or more if needed, free of charge, for that purpose ; the offer was not ' accepted.

With reference to the advancement of Akron from its grade of an incorporated village to become a city of the second class. an enumeration of the inhabitants was taken upon the 14th day of December. 1864. It was thus learned that the requisite 5.000 was exceeded. and steps were at once instituted looking to the desired action. 'Upon the 20th of December. by resolution of the Council reciting the above fact, the proper State officials were requested to advance the grade as prayed for. In consideration of this petition. and in accordance with the statutory provisions. Gov. Brough. Auditor of State Godman and Secretary of State Smith declared Akron to have become a city of the second class. January 21. 1865.

In September of 1865. there was annexed to the city the territory lying just east of the then eastern corporation line. and extending as far as Middlebury Township, to where now Middlebury street intersects East Market.

The census of 1860 had shown a population of 3.520 in Akron ; that of 1870 showed 10.006. The city had almost trebled in the decade, though the county as a whole had gained but 26 1/2 per cent ; of the 7.273, the total county increase, 6,486 had occurred in Akron. This effect was in a measure to 1.e sure due to the gain by annexation before mentioned.

The next and last change in the corporation boundaries took place in 1872. August 24. 1871, the Council provided that at the regular spring election, to be held on the first Monday of April, 1872, the question Shall the incorporated village of Middlebury be annexed to the city of Akron ?" should be submitted to

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the electors of that village. By subsequent action it was also ordained that the same question, at the same time, and in the same manner should be declared upon by the voters of Akron. The result was as follows : Akron—For annexation, 1,042 ; against, 16. Middlebury—For, 140 ; against, 26. Upon this decisive vote, the Council appointed William T. Allen, George W. Crouse and David L. King Commissioners on the part of Akron to arrange terms and conditions with the Commissioners appointed by Middlebury, namely, Mendall Jewett, Frank Adams and George F. Kent. Upon the 13th of April, the terms of annexation were agreed upon, and, upon the 24th, the report of the Commissioners was presented to the Council, by it adopted, and the former village of Middlebury formally added to the city and made to constitute its Sixth Ward. Final action, perfecting the work, was taken by the County Commissioners October 28, 1872.

From a population of 10,006 in 1870, Akron grew to 16.462 in 1880, a gain of 64+ per cent. Excluding the effect of the annexation of Middlebury, the increase would be 49 1/2 per cent. During the same period the increment of the county was 26 per cent, the same as for the decade preceding.

As a city, we are at the present in the midst of an era of active and great improvement. The telephone system has been in operation less than two years, and the city is radiated in every direction by its wires. It has passed beyond the experimental stage, and from an interesting novelty has become almost a necessity. Akron was the first place in the State, excepting three or four of the largest cities, to possess the telephone. Under the charge of the private company which owns and controls this system, are lines now in successful operation from Akron to Tallmadge, a distance of four miles ; Akron to Doylestown, fourteen miles ; Canton to Massillon, eight miles, and a line nearly constructed between Akron and Canton, twenty-two miles. When this is completed, Tallmadge, Akron, Canton, Massillon and Doylestown will, for the first time in history, be on speaking terms with one another. To this circuit will in time be added Cleveland and Cuyahoga Falls, and eventually a number of other places.

In the winter of 1879-80, Akron was accorded the privilege of a free postal delivery, and early in the succeeding spring the system was carried into execution, to the great satisfaction of every one.

Akron is a pioneer in the matter of utilizing electricity as a means of lighting streets, and is the first city of the world to adopt the method of high masts for that purpose. It is yet too early to predicate the means or the method a success or otherwise, but certainly the beginning augurs well for the future. A new city hall is nearly ready for occupancy ; the needs which this will supply have been long and severely felt.

A system of water-works of the most improved type is well on toward completion. It is being put in by a private company, upon which falls the entire responsibility, expense and hazard. We are now promised the turning on of the water by the 1st of June next, and when it comes it will assuredly meet a hearty welcome from all our citizens. Besides this, a complete plan of sewage has been devised by our city Civil Engineer, and the necessary work is now being done. A new paving with stone to replace the worn-out Nicholson has been ordered upon East Market and Mill streets, and before many months, in all probability, several other streets will be repaired in the same manner. With all these progressive steps, Akron yet enjoys the unique position among cities of being wholly free from debt. It is to be hoped that this blissful state of things will continue.

Two more improvements seem earnestly demanded in the near future. One of these, at least, will doubtless soon follow. We mean the hiding from sight that long-time eyesore—the ditch where was once the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal—alike obnoxious to the nostrils and deleterious to the health of our people. The initial steps toward so desirable a result have already been taken in the City Council, in a resolution to the effect that the old canal bed should be conduited from Tallmadge street to its end at Mill street.

The other is the introduction of street rail-ways, and we confidently predict that not many years will elapse before that also will be chronicled among the manifold advantages of Akron.