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CHAPTER XVI1I.*

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP—[TS EARLY HISTORY—PHYSICAL FEATURES—COMING OF THE WHITES—INCIDENTS—PIONEER INDUSTRIES—RELIGIOUS--EDU-

CATIONAL—STATIST!C'S. ETC.

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP comprises twenty-five square miles of territory, and was included in an immense grant by King Charles II of England, in A. D. 1665, to the State of Connecticut, of which a large portion now comprises the State of Ohio. All that portion of the grant not included in the State of Connecticut was, in 1786, released to the United States, except that included in the following boundary : North by the parallel of 42̊ 2'. east by the western line of Pennsylvania, south by forty-first degree of north latitude, and west by a line 82' 55', west longitude. This tract. the Connecticut Western Reserve." was laid off into townships five miles square, and numbered from south to north, beginning on the forty-first degree north as a base, and the ranges to succeed each other by increasing numbers westward. the Pennsylvania line being taken as a starting point. Northampton. being fifty miles west from Pennsylvania and ten miles north from the forty-first parallel. took its place as Range 11 and Town 3. That portion of Northampton lying east of the Cuyahoga River was held and occupied by the Indian tribes till the treaty of Fort McIntosh. in 1785, when it was ceded by them to the United States, and in May. 1801. the State of Connecticut also ceded to the United States its jurisdiction over this territory, and the President. John Adams. by patent, conveyed it back to the Governor for the use of the grantees of that State. Thus the title was passed from the Indians and through the several Governments, to secure its validity, and was then sold by the State of Connecticut to what was known as the Connecticut Land Company, which secured to them about four million acres, at a cost of $1,200,000, averaging 30 cents per acre. This company then conveyed its title to the lands to John Morgan, Jonathan Brace and John Caldwell, to hold in trust for the proprietors, and they lived to sell or dispose of all the land, and thus closed their

• Contributed by William Prior.

trust. Those wishing to purchase would pay over their money and take certificates, which were numbered and drawn by lottery, but the book of drafts, in which the account of these drawings was kept, is not received as legal evidence, yet it is upon this that all the titles to lands are based, as shown by the records of our Trumbull County. In this Book of Drafts is found Town 3, Range 11 (Northampton), as the seventeenth draft, and thus passed to the ownership of W. Billings, Oliver P. Holden, Solomon Stodard, Jr., John Stodard, Daniel Wright, Joseph Pratt, Luther Loomis, David King, John Levitt. Jr., Ebenezer King, Jr., Timothy Phelps and Fidelio King.

This township was first included within the limits of Washington County, with its seat of justice at Marietta. It afterward belonged to Jefferson County, with its county seat at Steubenville. next to Trumbull County, erected in the year 1800. with its Court of Quarter Sessions (similar to our Common Pleas), under the Territorial Governor, St. Clair, located in Warren. It next passed, in 1808, under the jurisdiction of Portage County, with county-seat at Ravenna, and finally became one of the sixteen townships of Summit County, in 1840, with its seat of justice at Akron.

The outline boundary of Northampton as other townships along the Cuyahoga River, was completed by a surveying party of thirteen men sent out from Connecticut in 1797, but its resurvey into quartersection lots was made by a party under John Stodard some time after, and it is said that, in their journey to this place, they bought at Buffalo a 15-gallon keg of French brandy to be used in the work, which may account for the irregular lines and erroneous metes and bounds in the survey. As the brandy became exhausted before the township was completed, part of the men were sent back for a fresh supply, and while they were absent, those remaining put in their time laying out a village plat in the northeast corner of Lot 26, now

498 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

owned by James Harrington and Amos L. Rice. This was a " village on paper," nothing more. The lots of this township were numbered from north to south, commencing on the east side, and were intended to contain 160 acres each, but owing to causes before referred to, and perhaps some others, they frequently overrun from 5 to 40 acres, while others fell short. The south tier of lots were of full length, but only a few rods in width, and were called a " gore."

Of the aboriginal six nations occupying territory east of the Cuyahoga River, the fierce and warlike tribe of Tawas controlled Northampton, except that part west of the river, which was occupied by the remnant of Mingoes, of whom the celebrated Logan had been chief, with their town near the west line of the township, and a fort and earthwork for defense just over in Bath. Within a radius of half a mile are numerous mounds as large as fifty or sixty feet in circumference, and from five. to ten feet high, which are overgrown with large trees. Another fortification opposite this, and on the east side of the river containing one-half an acre, is in the center of a cultivated field, and now nearly obliterated by the frequent turnings of the plowshare. Another is at a place where Hales and Furnace run from the west, with banks nearly a hundred feet high, approach so closely as to form a sliding ridge, so that but one person can be admitted at a time, thence diverging to several rods in width, terminating in banks too high for ascent. In this plat are holes arranged in a square, and about ten feet from each other, which seem to have been used for cisterns or store-rooms, and are nearly filled with dirt. To the south of this and near its narrowest point are the remains of a breast-work over eighty feet in length, with an inside moat. The engineering skill displayed in the location and construction of these fortifications for defense, is unquestionably of a high order for savages. In the forest near where Yellow Creek crosses under the canal, is an extensive Indian or prehistoric burying-ground, covered with full-grown trees, and from its numerous graves must have been the final resting-place of an immense population. Specimens of earthern dishes have been taken from their graves, but the early date of the ancient race that peopled these regions is lost and forgotten. We have evidences of existence, which proves they were numerous and the fortifications show theirwarlike character. Their burial mounds hand down to coming generations an evidence that they wished to perpetuate a memory of names and deeds. But of that nothing now remains. " Their history is unwritten and they themselves forgotten and unknown."

It was to these fortifications in Northampton that, in the summer of 1780, Capt. Samuel Brady, commander of a company of rangers from Chartier Creek, Penn., pursued a band of warriors who had crossed over into that State, committing depredations, murder and plunder. Retreating back to their defenses, they here received the attack, when a fierce and bloody battle ensued. With forces largely outnumbering his own, they defeated him and put his men to flight. Singling out Brady and leaving all the rest, he was hotly pursued till he arrived at the Cuyahoga River in Franklin, just north of where the bridge now stands, on the Ravenna road. Here, to hem him in, they closed round, and with loud shouts of triumph they thought their prisoner safe. Perpendicular rocks here form both banks of the river, with a chasm twenty-two feet across. With a bound impelled by the energy of despair and 'the certainty of death for failure, he cleared the abyss and gained the opposite bank, and, while his pursuers were hunting a place to cross, he ran to a little lake, called " Brady's j Lake " to this day, and sunk his body under the surface of the water, where he remained, breathing through a hollow weed, until his enemies abandoned the search, when he made his escape.

A celebrated Tawa chieftain lived here, called by the Indians Stig-wan-ish, and, by the whites, Seneca. He was a fine athletic specimen, tall, dignified, and of pleasing address ; could swing a. robe over his shoulders as gracefully as an oriental prince. In youth, he had been addicted to habits of intemperance, and, in a drunken tantrum, had attempted to kill his squaw, but, missing her, sunk his tomahawk into the head of his favorite papoose, which was lashed to her back. This sobered him, and he afterward drank only cider and wine very sparingly. Stigwanish was civil and friendly, had two beautiful squaws for wives, and lived in his wigwam until the whites built him a block-house on the river to protect him from his enemies. Indians remained here on friendly terms with the whites, except when

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crazed with " fire-water," until 1812, when on the breaking-out of war, they joined the Britis Only five of them ever after returned, and those formed a camp in the great bend of the river, where Capt. Mills, of Portage County, with his Indian haters and hunters, attacked and fired upon them in the night, killing four of the five. The other one escaped, and was the " last of the Tawas " in Northampton.

Indian Wilson was notorious for drunkenness, and when in that condition was ugly. Returning one day from Hudson, where he got “cockazy," as the Indians called it, he stopped in a house where he found a woman and two little children alone. Seizing them by the hair, he flourished his scalping-knife as if intending to take their scalps, and, after frightening them to his heart's content, left. Soon after, came in Williams, who was brought up at Indian Wheeling. He was without education, and the only things he had ever learned thoroughly were to love his gun and hate the Indian. This Williams called at that house soon after the Indian left, and, hearing the woman's story, he went out with his gun, and the Indian was not heard from for years, when Williams owned to having shot him as .he was crossing the marsh stream on a log, from which he fell, and Williams then pushed him down into the soft muck far as he could reach with his gun. Another one of a similar ugly disposition lived in this township. who frequently boasted of his success in killing palefaces. The ninety-nine notches cut in the handle of his tomahawk represented, he said, the number he had scalped and killed, but he would not feel satisfied till one more was added. He, too, " came up missing," and Williams used to say significantly that some one else would have to cut the hundredth notch for the Indian himself.

The eastern part of this township is gently rolling or level, while the western is very broken and hilly with deep ravines coursing their way down to the Cuyahoga River, which flows across the whole breadth of the township from south to north in a line nearly parallel with its western boundary. Intersected by the eastern line is Mud Brook Pond from which a stream, by the same name flows south, then southwest, across that corner of the township, and becomes a tributary to the river at Old Portage. The soil along the river valley is exceeding rich andfertile, producing crops of corn equal to an other lands of Ohio, but some portions of the uplands are sterile. The most valuable timber is oak, of which the forests produced the greatest abundance and of excellent quality. The other varieties were beech, maple, hickory, ash and elm, with more limited quantities of black walnut, butternut and whitewood.

Northampton at its settlement was a dens( wilderness peopled only by Indians, and in fested with wild animals. The first white mat who settled here was Simeon Prior, with hi: wife and ten children. They were from West field River, near Northampton, Mass., and landed at Cleveland, from an open boat, it July, 1802, the year Ohio was admitted as State into the Union. Cleveland was the a hamlet of log cabins. Mr. Prior then but to Hudson which had been settled two yeas earlier. He left the family here until the new0 home was hunted up in the woods. A log cabin was built on east part of Lot 25, in Northampton, and in August the family moved in Simeon Prior purchased 400 acres, of which one lotion. 19—is still owned by his descend ants and heirs. Lot 33, now owned by D. G Myers, was also a part of this original purchase. Their nearest neighbors were at Hudson, six miles distant, with no roads, no conveniences, no comforts ; they were compelled to be self-reliant and dependent on their own resources. Meal made from corn pounded flne on a stump. was the material from which bread was made mixed with water, salted and baked on a split shingle before the open fire. Their meat was the flesh of deer, bears and turkeys killed in the woods ; their clothing from flax grown upon the farm, worked up into cloth and all of which was done by different members of the family. Linen and tow-cloth were the domestic staple products, but for winter wear buckskin moccasins, pants and jackets were used until in after years when sheep could be protected from the wolves, and woolen cloth was manufactured by the family. After settlement had become more general, a large; two-story hewed-log Louse was built, which was used for a hotel for the accommonation of travelers. A blacksmith-shop was also built and furnished with tools and stock brought here with their household goods.

On this farm Simeon Prior lived till his decease, in 1837,, at the age of eighty-two. The

500 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

family becoming of age, dispersed and settled in different places. The oldest daughter, Sarah, married Joseph Darrow, of Darrow street, a prominent surveyor at that time. William, the oldest son, went south to Chillicothe, the first State capital, where he purchased a farm, but soon sold it and returned to Northampton. He married Sarah Wharton, of Indian Wheeling, in Virginia, and lived in Northampton till his death in 1872, at the age of ninety. David bought a farm in Stow Township, where he lived for many years, but sold out and went to Missouri where he died. Garden, the last surviving member of the family, sold his farm here, a part of the old original homestead, and moved to Iowa, where he now lives in comfort on the divide between the two great waters, the Missouri and Mississippi. The first marriage license issued in Portage County. was for one of the daughters, Polly. who married Eben Kennedy. Erastus and Pinkney also moved West and died in Iowa. Jerusha, Eliza, Judith and Elisha remained, lived and died in Summit County.

The next family moving into this township was that of David Parker, from Hartford, Conn. His residence was at the foot of the hill where the Smith road now comes down into the valley. He built the first saw-mill on the Yellow Creek, in Northampton, and, soon after its completion, took malarial fever and died. His son, Richard E. Parker, now of Akron, was the first white male child born in Northampton, at the date of March 9, 1811.

In 1809, Samuel King moved in with his family, settling at Old Portage, where he purchased a farm and built a tavern and store, and embarked in many useful enterprises. He reared a family of eight children, some of whom filled places of honor, trust and responsibility. While the canal was building, Ambrose King, a son, held the office of Constable, and, with a warrant, went to arrest an Irish laborer for some offense, and found him in an unfinished lock-pit above Old Portage, in company with a gang of other workmen, who, when ascertaining King's business, refused to permit the arrest, surrounded him, threatening to take his life. Armed with picks, spades and cudgels, they cornered him in the lock. With only a horse-pistol for defense, he warned them to desist ; but, instead, they made a charge when he fired, the ball striking one of them on his rib, glancing off without inflicting a serious wound. Being very active, he sprang up the steep bank and ran for his life ; was followed, overtaken, knocked down and beaten with clubs until supposed to be dead. His friends hearing of the affray sent a wagon for him, put him in it, and started for Akron, followed by the workmen, with threats and imprecations. Meeting a physician, they halted, while an examination was made, and King was pronounced yet alive. " Then." shouted an excited Irishman standing by. " we will kill him yet," striking a blow at his head with a long club, but the horses were frightened and started off, and the blow missed its mark. Then the furious laborer turned upon a German standing by, and, with a sweeping blow of his club, struck him on the head, from which he fell as though shot. He was left with the Irish and never seen again. It was supposed they buried him secretly at night in the canal bed, where he could not be found. This aroused indignation and vengeance to its highest pitch. Next day the military company was called out, armed with rifles and ammunition ; a bottle of whisky was passed round, and a battle and bloodshed were imminent. Just then a rider came dashing up, his horse covered with dust and foam. He was a contractor. and had just heard of the difficulty, and asked for time to hold a consultation with his employes, hoping to induce a surrender without resistance. He rode down, found them intrenched for defense, and explained what folly it would be to resist ; that every man would be shot down, if necessary, to make the arrest. They laid down their weapons. surrendered and were marched to Middlebury for safe keeping, where the military stood guard till the trial and conviction of their leader. As King recovered, the penalty was not very severe, and peace was again restored.

The first hamlet in Northampton Township was old Portage, on the Cuyahoga River, near the southern boundary. This was the head of navigation on this stream, and the northern terminus of the "carry" between the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas Rivers. It was a recognized landmark in the western boundary line of the United States in the treaty of Ft. McIntosh in 1798. This place became famous as a trading-post for both whites and Indians before and after the building of the Ohio and Erie Canal. Some time before the war of 1812, a

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Frenchman moved in these to carry on a traffic with the Indians. He used to sell them "fire-water " till they got drunk, then reduce with river water till they would drink themselves sober. Then they would say, "Indian get too much Cuyahog-guh," and he would have to make it strong again. In weighing out powder and lead to them he used to put his hand on the scales, saying it weighed just a pound. This Frenchman used to indulge in some ugly traits by beating and flogging his wife, who was a half-breed Indian. The other squaws would interfere to save her from such punishment, but she would beg of, them to let her alone, " for," she said, " it was so good making up again she really enjoyed the quarrel."

After the canal was built, it was for a time called Booth's Port, after Birdsey Booth, a surveyor, and some goods shipped here were so directed, but the old name has been retained. It was said to be not an unusual occurrence for a hundred or so of teams to be seen there at one time engaged in receiving and transporting overland the goods and merchandise shipped by canal for places as far east as Canfield and Warren, south for Canton and Massillon, and west as far as Medina.

Robert Thompson. in 1813, purchased Lot No. 24, now owned by William Viall. Esq. He raised a large family and after partly clearing up the farm, sold and moved on to the west half of Lot No. 23, where he lived till his death. Part of this place is yet owned and occupied by his son, Amos Thompson. Robert Thompson was a shoemaker by trade. and, in the early times, it was customary for the tailor, harness-maker and shoemaker to go round from house to house, boarding with the families, while making up a supply of such goods as needed. Mr. Thompson used to make himself, while on his mission, interesting to his customers by the odd and funny stories he knew so well how to relate, emphasizing the jokes by a sharp bat of his hammer on the sole of some unfinished shoe. Barclay Hogue was a harness-maker who used to go round in the same way, carrying his awls and clamps with him, and many a broad "back-band " hung in the stables for years as relics of that old and easy style. Jesse Ellis was another early settler, and, besides hunting and fishing, his chief occupation was burning lime. His wife was the daughter of a wealthy, proud and aristocratic family in Canada, and their engagement being opposed by her parents, she eloped with Jesse, and married at the age of fourteen. They reared a family of twenty children, the first being born when the mother was fifteen and the last at sixty-five. She is still living, at the age of eighty-one, in Kent County, Mich., where her husband died in March, 1879, aged one hundred. Abel Vallen was one of the first to settle on the uplands west of the river, where he purchased a large tract in Lots 4, 5 and 6. John George Botzum located on the north half of Lot 76. He was a Prussian, from Luxembourg, and recollected distinctly hearing the cannonading at the battle of Waterloo.

Walter Waite purchased a large tract in Lot 71, where he built a house and set an orchard, the trees of which are standing yet, and the fruit is enjoyed by his children's children. The settlers in the northern and eastern parts of the township were the families of Burrill Viall, William Hill, Benjamin Templeton (a singing-master), William McLoney, John Cowick, David Billman, H. Chase, the two Dickerson families, Jacob Bonesteel, John Everett, George Richardson, Eli Benedict and John Sapp. Nearer the center were Thomas Owens, Adam Galloway, John Best, Samuel Hart, Reese Jones, Franklin Carr, C. Davidson, Dr. Rogers, the Coulters, Tibbets, Porters, Lehman Bear, Sweitzer Fike. Frank Penfield and Dean. The Job Harrington farm. Lot 26, was first settled on by Thomas Vanhyning, who built his house on the east side of State road, where it is crossed by the center road going east. The spring of water used was the one near where Alvin Kelso now lives. Lot 14 was settled by Thomas M. Turner, of New York, who left that city the day after the landing and reception of La Fayette, on his last visit to America. The impressions made by that grand pageant were not forgotten by Mr. Turner while he lived. The old home farm is now owned by his son, Thomas M. Turner. Daniel Turner settled on Lot 29, and built his house on the low ground between the hills, and planted an apple orchard around it, of which many trees yet remain. William Carter, a brick-mason, settled on a farm adjoining. He built the brick block in Franklin, now known as the Kent Alpaca Mills. Henry Billman and George T. Ulmer took farms along the road farther west, toward

502 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

Portage. Nathaniel Hardy purchased a large farm on the Cuyahoga River, which is yet owned by his sons. Austin Black, who was the last of the early pioneers in Northampton, bought Lot 37, the east half of which he spent a life of toil in clearing up, and in the full possession of which he died in 1880. Many others, who came at a later date are not mentioned here.

In the fall of 1812, an army for the protection of these frontier settlements was stationed at Old Portage, under the command of Gen. Wadsworth, and after the surrender of Gen. Hull, this post was reenforced with a battalion under Maj. George Darrow, of Hudson, and Rial McArthur was Captain of one of the companies. Two of the boats composing the fleet on Lake Erie, under Commodore Perry. were built at Old Portage. They were launched and floated down the river to the pineries. and there detained for masts, and while the builders were preparing them, a wild porcupine was killed. and from this one of the boats was named the " Porcupine and the other ' Portage," both of which took part in Perry's battle, on the 10th of September, 1812.

In 1805, one Aaron Norton, afterward Judge Norton, of Portage County, bought of Solomon Stodard ten acres of land in the southeast corner. Lot 27, now comprising the waterfalls and iron bridge, where he erected the first grist-mill in the township. This was duly appreciated as a great convenience by the inhabitants of this and adjoining townships. Previous to this, the method of grinding meal was to cut a tree so as to leave a concave surface in the solid stump, shaped like a wash basin. then bend over a small tree or sapling for a spring-pole, bringing its tip over the stump. To this tie a bark or wythe and suspend an iron wedge. ax or other weight. for a pestle. The corn was then shelled and poured in the stump. and the weight taken in hand when the pounding process was commenced. and was continued till a tolerable good quality of meal was made. The next great public necessity seemed to be a distillery, and one was built on the present, site of the cheese factory; and the dammed waters (this is not intended for profanity) of the little brook from the opposite side were piped across to be used in the distillery. Gains in the rock on the south side yet show the location of that ancient dam. This building was destroyed by fire, and another distillery was erected by Wyley Hamilton and Aaron Norton just below the rock, at the south end of the present iron bridge. It was so situated that the little brook trickling over the rock was taken into the building high enough to run of its own accord into the vats or still-tubs. The mill property was afterward bought by Col. Rial McArthur. and run by him for years. When the distillery was abandoned as a manufactory of whisky. it. was used as a dwelling, where lived Abraham Osborn and his two sons. Elias and Arad, who were millers. Afterward it was used as a meeting-house, then for a schoolhouse, and. finally, went to ruins. In the erection of the mill, Mr. Norton employed one Seth Webster. a skilled workman from Blanford. Mass.. as millwright. Having become such an immoderate drinker, he was hired, with the promise of three gallons of whisky. extra. to abstain from drinking the day the mill was raised. as it stood in a precipitous. rocky. and dangerous place. This promise he kept. and, on the completion of the work, took his extra allowance. and in company with a colored man, started on foot to Canton, and stopping for the night at a camp in the woods. Webster had become crazed with whisky and called for some water. While his traveling companion had gone after it. Webster, in a fit of delirium. ran out into the woods. got lost and died. He was found the next morning. It was rumored that he had been murdered. but he undoubtedly died of delirium tremens, and his body was covered by brush to protect it from the wolves, till he was taken back to Northampton for burial. He was the first white man buried in the township. Another man by the name of Burge, from Pennsylvania. was employed as a workman on this mill. who acquired an unenviable reputation on account of the marvelous an incredible stories he was in the habit of telling. One of these was as follows : That once upon a time, he was engaged in shingling a mill on the bank of a stream. When near the ridge his foot slipped and he fell, sliding head foremost down the roof. At the eaves he caught the cornice with his hands, and turned a complete somersault through the air, and fell into the water without being harmed. Immediately after telling this. he was sent on to the rock shelf to fix a prop to the timbers of the dam, which had nearly filled with water, and while doing this, he, by some

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unlucky mishap, knocked loose the fastening, when the dam gave way, and he was swept over the rocky precipice by the resistless floods, falling twenty feet into the chasm below. Those who saw him swept over supposed he would be either crushed by the timbers, killed in the fall, or drowned in the seething waters. They rushed down below to hunt for his mangled remains, and were surprised to see him crawl out with tangled, matted hair, eyes and mouth filled with mud and sand and water dripping from his person, yet unharmed. As this seemed more strange and incredible than anything he had told, it reversed the opinion of those who thought him unreliable, and thereafter, his reputation for truthfulness improved, while he became quite a hero.

Rial McArthur sold this mill to Capt. Lawler, an educated Irishman, who had been a teacher. After getting possession, he claimed the building had not been properly constructed, and needing repairs. he took out the machinery and pulled down the structure, by which time his money had become exhausted, and he, drunken and dissipated, took to staying in a cavern some twenty rods below the mill. There he had placed a board upon the rocks, near a trickling spring, from the rocky ceiling overhead. So. while lying upon his board, he could reach his cup for a drink of pure, cool water on one side, or his jug for a drink of whisky on the other—making himself happy as Diogenes in his tub, until, one day, Arad Osborn and a young friend, walking along the bank overhead, heard him singing below. Seeing a bowlder lying handy, and the size of a salt-barrel, they rolled it over the bank, and it went crashing among the rocks below, as if loosened by an earthquake. Excited and frightened, Lawler ran out, calling upon the Holy Saints to protect him from destruction. Not daring to go back there again, he hired a boy to bring out his jug. Provoked at the destruction of the mill and the loss of payment for it, McArthur ordered him to leave the country, which he promptly did, and, not long after, was drowned in the Upper Cuyahoga. His summer resort has since been known as "Lawler's Cave."

Mr. Burnham and wife, accompanied by a neighbor, were one day going to see a wild precipice, half a mile below Lawler's Cave. Twin children, Almira and Alvira, were with them. Mrs. Burnham was carrying one of them, and her husband the other, when, just at the crest of a short, steep hill, down which they were to go, Burnham's foot was tripped by a root, and he, unable to resist, was sent rapidly down to the very verge of the precipice, over which he seemed to be impelled by the momentum he had acquired, when, with a desperate effort, he threw back the child, and it caught by the limbs of an evergreen shrub, growing from the crevices of the rocks, and was thus saved. That place is known as " Burnham's Jump Off," to this day. Just above this place was, in early days, built, by Moses and Oliver Dewey, a saw-mill, perhaps the first one in the township ; but, as it was off the line of the main road, and of difficult access, went, after a time, into disuse, and, as another one had been built up at the grist-mill, this was allowed to go to ruins. In 1824, two brothers-in-law, Elisha Prior and Elisha Perkins, erected a saw-mill about two miles further up this stream, which, with the mill erected by F. J. French and Jesse Hays, manufactured most of the lumber used in the buildings of this township, besides large quantities for Cuyahoga Falls and Akron. At the place where the State road crosses this stream, the cascade is formed by a broad, shelving rock, projecting far out over the retreating cavern below. Over this the water pours in a veil of glistening lace-work, behind which the pedestrian could pass under the un-bridged stream dry-footed, and was used as a sort of dry-ford by the Indians. From the gorge below, where William Prior and sons built their grist-mill, a most picturesque and beautiful view is obtained. Looking up stream, the old mill on the right, the shining cascade and precipitous rocks and cavern, while, higher up, the masonry and airy structure of the iron bridge, gracefully arching the stream with a single span. the tapering evergreen trees overhanging their banks and casting shadows in the water, with cheese-factory and gently sloping hills in the distance, presents a picture of rare beauty and loveliness. The Prior & Perkins saw-mill was purchased by Harry Pardee, who, in 1842, erected in connection an extensive woolen factory, which was continued in successful operation for many years. Besides this, a chair-factory, wood-turning and other industries, were carried on, but being remote from the public road, it was allowed to go into disuse.

504 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

A distillery was built by Abel Vallen in about 1814, near the junction of' Mud Brook with the Cuyahoga River, for the manufacture of potato whisky. The secret of this process was known only by old Mr. Hovey, who imparted his skill to Samuel Sage. A sufficient quantity was made up to supply the home demand, which was quite extensive, besides freighting an open barge, which was sent to Mackinaw, and disposed of with satisfactory results. Potato whisky was fiery and "devilish" till it got old and smooth, when it became more palatable, and was considered a good article. This distillery was afterward converted into a castor-oil factory. and the people cultivated Ricinus communia, but not in sufficient quantities to keep up the manufacture. In later years the dairying business was supposed to pay better than Palma Christi. and on the site of the old distillery, a joint-stock company cheese factory was erected, but for some cause the manufacture of cheese has been also discontinued, showing this to be a fated locality for enterprise. On the river bank in Lot 72. Stephen Ayres erected grindstone works, and supplied a necessity to the local trade, besides shipping largely to Cleveland. In the same building he used as a factory he bored for salt, and at a depth of 125 feet entered a vein of salt water and gas. He intended to establish salt works, but was taken off by the yellow or gold fever of California, in 1850, and the property went into the hands of L. J. Mix, who utilized the gas for light and fuel for his residence, and the saline waters for salting his stock and curing meat. This well would have been a great boon in early times when salt had to be brought from Cleveland on pack-horses, and cost from $25 to $35 per barrel. Prospecting was afterward made in this locality for petroleum oil, but as no great depth was ever reached, the search was a failure. A pioneer hunter living two miles above here was visited one winter's day by Julius Sumner, then of Middlebury, who delighted in a ramble through the forest in pursuit of game. With a gun on his shoulder he started down the Cuyahoga, arriving at the cabin of his friend at sunset, tired and hungry enough. Being invited in at the door through which he was hauling great logs of wood for a fire, he made known his wants and was told that there was not a mouthful of food in the house, but that a deer, killed in themorning, hung to a tree just over the river, which, after kindling the fire, was brought over, sliced, stuck on sticks, and held over the fire to broil. In the absence of salt, a puncheon floor plank was pulled up, which covered an empty pork barrel, in which was some brine ; in this they saturated the cooking venison, and ate a hearty supper seasoned with a good appetite. ' Next day a boy was sent to mill with a bag of corn for meal, and a jug for whisky, when feasting and revelry ensued.

All the records of Northampton Township showing its organization, naming, first election and officers up to the year 1820, were destroyed by fire at the burning out of Capt. Aaron French. The only original document now known to be left is in the possession of J. M. Hale, of Akron. It is part of a poll-book tally-sheet, from which the date has been torn. of an election held when Northampton and Bath must have constituted one election precinct. There were eighteen votes cast. of which six were by electors living in Bath. The following named persons were chosen officers : Samuel King, Town Clerk ; John Hale. Simeon Prior and David Norton, Trustees ; Wiley Hamilton, Overseer of the Poor ; Elisha Perkins. Constable ; William Prior, Israel Parker and Jason Hammond, Supervisors ; Luman Bishop, Fence Viewer ; and Simeon Prior. Treasurer. The first Justice of the Peace in this township was Samuel King. The principal township officers elected April 3, 1820, were Aaron French, Township Clerk ; William Prior. Abel Woodward and James French. Trustees : and Daniel Turner. Treasurer. The clerks elected for the ten succeeding years were as follows : 1821, Moses Dewey ; 1822, James French ; 1823, William Prior ; 1824, ; 1825. Rees Jones, who refused to serve ; 1826, William Prior : 1827, Gurden Prior ; 1828, William Prior ; 1329, Oliver Dewey ; and April 5. 1830. William Prior, and the persons filling that place for the next ten years to 1840 were Gurden Prior, Oliver Dewey, George W. Hogue, Anson Greenman, J. C. Alvord, Henry W. Prior. Peter Voris, Jr., and Daniel Penfield. Those serving as Township Clerk after that to present date were Arad Osborn, four terms ; Gurden Prior. seven terms ; Seth W. Harrington, six successive terms ; J. C. Johnston, seven terms; William Prior, Jr., seven successive terms ; C. L. Norton, one, and A. B. Galloway, two. Daniel

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Turner, Hezekiah King, Elisha Prior, John Smith, Rees Jones, Nathaniel Hardy, Job Harrington, Adam Galloway, Joseph Wallace and F. L. Harrington have filled the offices of Treasurer, and Simeon Prior, Abel Woodward, James French, Aaron French, Hezekiah King, William Prior, Gibson Gates, Silas Greenman, Job Harrington, Rial McArthur, Alvin Wright, Rees Jones, Joseph Sanford, William Norton, Nathaniel Hardy, Anson Greenman, Benjamin Templeton, Cyrus Parker, W, H. Boyce, Franklin Carr, Walter Waite, John Harrington, George S. Richardson, 0. F. Rice, H. W. Prior, William Hardy, William McLoney, P. D. Hardy, George Botzum, Adam Botzum, Edwin Folk, Abner Hitchcock. James Harrington, S. S. Prior and Henry Lowrey have at some time since its organization officiated as Township Trustees.

The Ohio and Erie Canal was laid through his township along the Cuyahoga River in 1825, was built in two years, and, on July 4, 1827, Job Harrington took his team to Akron, and towed the first boat to Cleveland. On board was the Governor of the State, and other important officers, with many eminent citizens, and a band of music. The pomp and circumstance of this trip, with banners fluttering in the breeze, and inspiring strains of music echoing among the hills, was such a pageant as never before witnessed. Jonathan Williams. the old Indian hunter, was present, as the boat moved slowly into the lock at Old Portage, and stood gazing in wonder and astonishment when a friend ventured to ask his opinion. He said it " looked almost exactly as he expected it would. except the boat was about three-eighths of an inch too long."

Northampton had for many years, and has not yet entirely outgrown its reputation, of having a grade of morals scarcely up to that of the more fortunate surrounding townships. This was due principally to the influence of its distilleries. and the fact that, at and after the building of the canal, the river region was frequented by rough characters, among whom was a river bully by the name of Isaac Wells, who would drink whisky, quarrel and fight at every opportunity. Besides this, it was infested with a notorious gang of counterfeiters and horse-thieves. The Mullett brothers, from an adjoining township. erected a mint" on a lonely isolated point of land, densely covered with timber,and ever since known as the " money shop.' Here a foundry for melting mixed metals with molds, dies, plates, engraver's tools, etc., were kept secreted. When the annoyance to the citizens of this locality, from the presence of strange and suspicious visitors, became no longer endurable, a public meeting was called, and, by mutual agreement, the mint was destroyed. This disconcerted the manufacturers ; but the business was not suspended. Other and better secured localities were provided, where bogus coin was minted, and counterfeit bills manufactured extensively for the trade outside. One of the leaders of this gang, a man of portly, dignified mein, prepossessing in his personal appearance, generous to his friends, kind and benevolent to the poor, always ready to relieve the wants and sufferings of the sick or distressed, had so won the affections of his fellow-townsmen, that he was elected a Justice of the Peace, which office he was filling satisfactorily, till arrested, and himself taken before a higher court, tried, convicted and sent to punishment. Even there, his self-sacrificing generosity won him hosts of friends, and made him conspicuous among all the others, securing for him, finally, his restoration to freedom and citizenship. The invasion by Asiatic cholera, so fatal in many localities, entered the precincts of his prison walls, claiming more than its share of victims from among these unfortunate people. Here, standing by the bedside of the sick and dying, which appalled the bravest hearts, he did not shrink from duty, and, for this devotion, he was pardoned, and retired to quiet, private life. Notwithstanding the questionable character of some of its earlier inhabitants, Northampton has not yet been destitute of citizens possessing as high a grade of moral principles, honest integrity and respectibility as any in the land. Joseph Ritter and Jacob Morton came on from the East and built a house on the west side of the river, where they moved in add made themselves obnoxious to the citizens by living with women to whom they were not married. Neighbors objected to the scandal, from this pernicious cause, but to no purpose ; quiet remonstrance was in vain. They were notified to leave, but refused to go, and then William Hardy, Morris Mills and Ira Hovey went there in the daytime and commenced tearing down the house. Ritter came out with his gun to shoot. the assailants, but was seen by a neighbor, Mrs.

506 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

Eddins, who screamed with fright. Her husband started after Ritter, who ran, but was caught, the gun taken from him, discharged and thrown away. The house was demolished and the parties dispersed. Next day a warrant was issued by Squire Osborn for their arrest, and Loveland, the Constable, went first to Hovey's. The young man, seeing him, ran up stairs on the ladder, and attempted to pull it up after him, but the lower end was seized by the Constable when the tug commenced. Mrs. Hovey, in the meantime, plying the broomstick and hot words. Loveland secured the ladder, and when part way up his cornered prisoner kicked a hole through the clapboard-roof and went out, jumping to the ground fastened the door outside. got on the Constable's horse and rode off. Hardy was next found on a load of hay. but refused to get off to be arrested. so the warrant was returned without producing the prisoners in court, and costs were afterward paid by friends.

The first frame house built here was a store for Col. Rial McArthur. and was framed by scribe rule, fitting each tenon to its mortise, then numbered and taken apart till all was finished. This store was said to have been stocked by goods brought in a single box. and distributed about the different shelves. They would go a good way in supplying finery for the sparse population at that date. The first building framed by square rule was the schoolhouse built at Steel's Corner, in 1832, of which Edward Prior was architect and boss carpenter. The timbers were hewn and framed in different localities, and not brought together till ready for raising when the spectators were disappointed. at seeing it go together without a mistake.

The early settlers were employed in clearing off the forest which cumbered the ground. Large fields of fine forest trees were cut down and felled into great timber windrows, or heaps, and after becoming dried and seasoned were set on fire and burnt. Timber was a drug in the market ; lumber sawed and delivered in market was only worth from $4 to $6 per thousand. Good barrel staves and heading, at $1, and "pit coal," burnt and delivered in Akron only brought $3.50 per hundred bushels. Agriculture, stockraising and dairying has since become the prevailing occupation. Before dairying became general, choice sheep, importedfrom Canada. were brought here till the flocks were greatly improved. The increased value of dairy products induced the citizens here to form a joint-stock company, in the winter of 1870-71, which chose Henry W. Prior as its President and Fred S. Prior as its Secretary. The factory was erected on the French farm. on the north bank of Mud Brook, just above the State road crossing, and is known as the Iron Bridge Factory, costing about $2,000, and was opened for business in the spring of 1871. The average price paid for milk the first few seasons. was about 10 cents per gallon. This factory business has developed a better grade of dairy cows, and put more ready money in circulation among its patrons than they had before. It was leased to S. Straight & Son, of Hudson, and soon after bought by them, at a loss to the stockholders of one-half its cost price. In the season of 1880. it manufactured from the milk of about 300 cows. 20,000 pounds of butter. and 168,000 pounds of cheese; and the average price paid for milk was 9 1/2 cents per gallon of ten pounds. In 1839. William Prior & Sons, Edward and Henry. bought of Jesse and Eliza Hays the water-power and site in the gorge below the waterfalls. where they erected and put in operation a grist and flouring mill. Two run of French buhr stones and bolters were put in, and power supplied by a nineteen-foot breast wheel. The senior member owned his interest in this property till his death in 1872, but the other shares. changed owners frequently until the whole property was bought by John Hart and Adam G. Steel.

Trumbull County records show a road to have been laid from the salt springs in that county to Old Portage, crossing diagonally through the southeast corner of Northampton. a portion of which, between McArthur's corners and the Elisha Prior residence. was vacated to accommodate the mills. In 1807, a public highway was laid out from Canton, via Middlebury, to Cleveland, and known in Northampton as the " old State road," from which the trees were cut and cleared by William Prior, under a contract, and the proceeds of this job averaged him 25 cents per day for himself, team of oxen and an extra hand, they sleeping in blankets on the ground, and working industriously from daylight till dark. The road from McArthur's kept on directly east to Stow Village, at the big spring, instead of

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP - 507

turning to the right for Cuyahoga Falls, as now located.

In 1836, Peter Voris, a surveyor, who then lived in Northampton with one Snodgrass and Judge Henry, laid out a hundred acres at the the mouth of Yellow Creek, west side of river, into a village plat, and called it Niles. But few lots were ever sold. The property was afterward bought by J. and J. Vallen, and reduced back to common lands, on account of high taxes. A warehouse and store was built here at the opening of the canal, and Nathaniel Hardy also erected a tavern, which received extensive patronage for many years. Nicholas Botzum and Thomas Owen ran rival mercantile establishments here at the same time, each occupying opposite sides of the canal, but the decease of Thomas Owen and sale of his goods by administrators. broke up competition, and. at the building of the Valley Railroad through Northampton, a station was located here, called " Botzum." in honor of John A. Botzum, a most thorough and energetic business man, who took an active part in the railroad enterprise. He has been a merchant here for years. and is now the station-agent and Postmaster. Below here, on waste waters of the canal, have been two saw-mills built to manufacture lumber for the Cleveland trade. The Browns have also kept up a steam saw-mill on their farm for years, which has contributed largely to the convenience of lumber business. A railroad known as Clinton Air Line was laid in a diagonal line across this township, from northeast to southwest. crossing the Cuyahoga between the Hovey and Brown farms. The grading of some portions of this road was commenced and stone hauled on for culverts. but, for some reason. the enterprise was abandoned. A rude and primitive establishment was built down the Mud Brook by William Rose. in which he turned a considerable quantity of wooden bowls for the local trade. It was near this that Mr. Filley built a saw-mill. and the property was afterward bought by L. D. Clements, who erected another and larger, known as the Clements Sawmill.'

The first school was taught in this township by Justus Remington in I809, and the schoolhouse was built on the north side of a road, from McArthur's Corners to Elisha Prior's, and run diagonally across Lots 17 and 18. The house stood on the lot line between lands nowowned by H. P. Smith and Martin Shellhorn. Since that time, and within the radius of a half mile, there have been erected six different buildings in which schools were taught. But, owing to geographical diversities and configuration of land, schools for the whole youth of the township have been maintained at great inconvenience. The river divides the township into two sections, almost inaccessible to each other, and the deep gullies running down into the river valley form almost impassable barriers, making opportunities for schooling a portion of the children exceedingly difficult. Under the general school laws of Ohio, seven subdistricts and three union school districts were formed where most thorough and efficient schools have been maintained, and the pupils are in no way inferior to those of surrounding townships. Many of the youth have been educated abroad. Emory A. Prior entered Buchtel College at Akron in 1871, and graduated with the degree of B. S. in 1873. Thence he entered the Law Department of Harvard University at Cainbridge, Mass.. from which he graduated in 1877. and was the same year admitted to the bar before the District Court of Cleveland. Miss Viola Smith also commenced a course of study at Buchtel College in 1872. which she pursued for two years, then changed to Western Reserve College, from which she (the first of her sex) graduated in 1876. She has since then pursued certain courses of study in Cornell University. New York. and at Harvard. in Cambridge. John A. Johnston. Rial Smith. S. Hart. J. Botzum, George and Frank Billman, T. W. Motz and several others are now, or have been, students in either Western Reserve or Buchtel College.

Methodism was the pioneer religious denomination of Northampton. Most of the early familes were members of this church. Before the organization of a society. the believers of both sexes would walk or ride on horseback to Darrow Street, or Hudson. on a Thursday evening, to attend prayer-meeting, which could not be doubted as a sufficient test of their sincerity and devotion. Protracted and quarterly meetings were held in the private residences, barns or groves, and were attended by those from miles around. Among the early preachers were Revs. Crawford, Jones, McLean. Ford, Stearns, Holloway and one Gavit, a " tour foot" dwarf, and notoriously smart. Compared with the

508 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

larger ministers' he was said to be as a silver sixpence among the coarser copper coins—smaller but worth them all. He could interest and hold spellbound by his eloquence, and practical hits, the large audiences he addressed. A missionary purse was raised, and he was thought to be a suitable person to send West to convert the heathen. The last heard of him he was said to. be comfortably located, and in possession of a fine farm in Michigan, bought with church missionary funds. No early record of this denomination can now be found, but among the papers of the late Job Harrington, who was an active member, there are found evidences of a most prosperous Sabbath school as far back as 1831.

The Methodists in 1855, by the help of other denominations and contributions from the citizens generally, without regard to theological opinions, erected a large and commodious church edifice at the center of the township. The prime movers in this undertaking were O. F. Rice, Isaac Scott. S. W. Harrington. S. R. Perkins, Elisha Prior. Samuel McLoney and others. The building when completed cost about $2,000, and reflected much credit on the building committee, the citizens generally. and specially to the architect and builder. J. C. Johnston.

The Baptists for many years kept up a flourishing organization, and numbered among its members some of the best citizens of the township.

The Congregationalists were also, at one time, quite numerous, and they also built a church edifice at Steel's Corners, and occupied it for years, but by reason of removal, loss by death and other causes, the members became reduced, and the building was taken down and removed to the sewer pipe and tile works of H. B. Camp Si Company, Cuyahoga Falls. Under the ministrations of Rev T. B. Tait, this Congregational society fused with the Methodists, when they became one organization at the building of the center church edifice.

One John Smith and family of this place became early converts to the Mormon faith. They were frequently visited by Prophet Joseph Smith and his associate Rigdon, while the Mormons were at Kirtland, and upon their removal to Nauvoo, Smith with his family, which had been baptized in Northampton, went with them, and thence to Salt Lake City. In the early days, a few of the citizens of this township joined the Masonic Order, but the opposition and prejudice caused by the supposed Morgan murder, prevented its being very generally endorsed, and those who became members joined lodges in other localities. Since that time, some have associated themselves with Odd Fellows, Sons of Temperance. etc. In March of the centennial year, there was a Grange organized or Order of Patrons of Husbandry, which is an unobjectionable association of farmers, with their wives and families, united for social and educational purposes. This society numbers among its members some of the most progressive and intelligent farmers in the community. Since its organization, George W. Bailey has been its presiding officer. It was in an exceedingly prosperous condition, numbering over one hundred members, until driven into litigation to defend itself against the collection of an illegal claim, in a suit brought up against it by the officers and Executive Committee of Ohio State Grange. This suit, after creating considerable disturbance and ill-feeling, was finally decided in favor of Northampton Union Grange. Although this township was early the location of distilleries. they were soon discontinued and the inhabitants have usually been sober and temperate. Whenever necessary temperance societies have been organized and sustained with good effect. The "Murphy's Society." of 1879, with Mrs. Lodica Jones as President. and Miss Hattie Harrington as Secretary. has proved a most efficient power in the work of reformation. The Literary and Dramatic Club. of 1881, has developed sufficient talent so gain some notoriety.

In the war of the Revolution, Northampton, being peopled only by savage Indians, furnished no troops, but its first settler, Simeon Prior, was a Revolutionary soldier. In the war of 1812, the ablebodied men belonging to an independent rifle company, under the command of Capt. McArthur, went into service, first at Old Portage, then at Sandusky, protecting the frontier settlements from invasion and Indian hostilities. In the Mexican war no troops from this place were called for, and none furnished. But in the war of the great rebellion, Northampton was not found wanting. Sixty-three recruits were sent into the field. all of whom proved brave and heroic soldiers in that bloody struggle, many of them giving their

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP - 509

lives for their country's cause. We would gladly inscribe the name of each individual soldier with his brave deeds, but space will not permit. In another chapter of this work will be found a complete sketch of the late war, and the part taken in it by the county at large. A list of the dead heroes of this township only will be attempted in this chapter :

Lewis Clements, son of L. D. Clements, enlisted at sixteen. But a mere lad of slender build and constitution, he could shoot as far and straight as those of greater strength and endurance. He was fearless of danger, and went undaunted where duty called. At the battle of Rich Mountain, mistaking the bugle-call for retreat, he charged through the rebel ranks. where, failing to find his comrades, he turned and charged back again, rejoining his company unharmed. Newton Harrington, after nearly three years of active service at the front, sickened front the exposure and hardships of camp life, and died at Cumberland Gap. His remains were brought home and interred in the cemetery on his father's farm. George W. Prior. Orderly Sergeant Company D, Sixth Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. after nearly serving out his term of enlistment, and taking part in many fiercely contested fields. was killed in the battle of the Wilderness May 9. 1864. His remains by enemies were buried in an unknown grave. The soil of Virginia will be to us forever sacred, for it holds the last remains of our dearest friends. George Bonesteel was captured by the rebels and starved to death in the prison pen of Andersouville. David Bonesteel was also taken prisoner, and so reduced by starvation that he died en route for exchange. Robert Hogue sickened and lived to reach home. where he died a short time after his arrival. John Shellhoru and Phillip Smathers sleep the sleep of death in unknown graves. Riley Dickinson. Charles Stout, William Waterman. William and Charles Stephens, the two Chase brothers and George Payne were drowned at the wreck of the Sultana.

Owing to absence of manufactures, farming implements were mostly of home construction, and very rude. The "bull plow " had a point made of wrought iron or steel, with a landside and mold-board of wood. Common blacksmiths of that day could make the share, and an ingenious farmer, with an ax and an auger could make all the rest, requiring about a day's time. Mowing was done by hand with a scythe, and harvesting by a sickle, cutting and laying the grain by handfuls. This method was superseded by a grain-cradle, and finally the scythe and cradle gave way to the mowing machine. The first one in the township was purchased by Job Hayte, and operated by his son, Seth S. Grain was either tramped out by horses on a floor, or thrashed by hand with a flail (which consisted of a short club tied to the light end of a handle with buckskin thongs) and winnowed from a broad, flat basket. In about 1834, the first horse-power cylinder machine was introduced, which only thrashed the grain, without separating it from the chaff. Charles Kellogg and John Harrington were the first to bring in and operate a power-machine that thrashed and cleaned the grain ready for market. The Prior brothers—Styles A., Benjamin H. and Fred S.—introduced steam-engine power and improved machinery, by which from 1,000 to 1.500 bushels of oats could be thrashed per day, and 1,000 bushels of wheat. They also brought in and operated portable steam sawmills, going where wanted on to a man's farm and sawing a job of lumber for building or fencing, without the inconvenience of hauling logs away to streams for sawmills.

In 1851, Lots 8, 9 and the gore," 10. comprising about 335 acres, were taken from Northampton and set to the newly-erected township of Cuyahoga Falls. forming, thereafter, part of its territory. In the year 1873. a new and commodious town hall was built to better accommodate elections and other public business of the township, and the old hall basement at the center schoolhouse was abandoned.

Many traces of oxydized or dead iron ore are found upon the surface in the southern part of this township, and, from a bed in Lot 27, a good quality of ore was taken to the Middlebury furnace while it was in blast. A bed of lime rock underlies the surface of some portions of the D. G. Myers farm, Lot 33, and plenty of this stone used to be found upon the surface east of the center, and burned into a splendid quality of white lime. A quarry of first-class building sandstone was, in 1874, purchased by L. II. Cox near the iron bridge on the north bank of the creek, from which he has built so many substantial stone culverts in the

510 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

roads of this and adjoining townships. E. C. Hovey also has, near the old Ayers Grindstone Works, a quarry of very fine building stone.

The following statistics pertaining to this township may be of some interest to our readers : Number of horses 348 : value, $184.15. Cattle, 1,344 ; value, 831.87(1. Sheep. 983 ; value. $2,665. Hogs. 454 ; value. $1.370. Total value of personal property, $86.364: estimated full value, $107.835. Total value of real property, &$333,711 ; estimate full value. $416.166. Aggregate value of real and personal property assessed. $419.971: aggregate value of real and personal property. estimated full value. 8324.001. Total receipts from taxation, S3.709.84.

Expenditures.—Expended for schools. $2.015.S6 ; paid for roads and bridges. $1.007.83 ; for poor. $167.99: all other purposes. S2.518.16. Total expenditures. $5.709.84.

The first place set apart for the burial of the dead was on the Vanhyning farm. and now known as the Harrington burying-ground. and is opposite the Grange Hall. The next regularly laid out cemetery was one-half mile west of the Center. on the hills above Bell Hollow. But. in early days. several private burial-places were made for separate families. Just on the west line of Lot 29. where crossed by the Portage road at the hilltop. are buried old Mr. Daniel Turner and wife. On the east side of the State road and nearly opposite the residence of Mrs. Candace Thorndyke. there have been several buried. On the north hank of Woodward Run, near the river road crossing on the William Hardy farm. was started a private burial-place. In the center of' Lot 19. on the William Prior farm, was also a private family cemetery. where eight or nine were buried. some of them long years ago. But a portion of them have been taken up and removed to public cemeteries.

John Smith, who settled on and cleared up what is now known as the Keck Farm. Lot 34, and, who afterward went to Nauvoo, was a man of some inventive genius. To supply the demand for chairs. spinning-wheels, etc., he constructed a turning-lathe. which consisted of a mandrel attached to a table, and was made to revolve by a string, one end of which was fastened to a spring-pole over head, then down, and took a few turns round the mandrel, and then to a treadle plied by the foot. This machine, revolving both ways, allowed the turning to be done only half the time, or when the motion was direct. A rocking-chair, now owned by Thomas Turner, and another by John Hovey, made in 1831, are specimens of J. Smith's handiwork. A Mr. Collar. who was partially blind, moved into the northeast part of the town, and. being also very ingenious, built a model propeller screw. and, for trial, attached it to a canal boat. where it worked to satisfaction. This was claimed to be an original invention of the propeller screw. Simeon Prior also contrived a device for making wire by hand, and he probably made the first wire west of the Alleghanies. Richard Tew. a blacksmith. was skilled in the art of forging wrought iron. or steel points and shares used on the wooden or bull plows of that day. His house and shop stood east side the road, on the north bank of Mud Brook. where the lane now turns in to the cheese factory. After he died. his family moved away. and the residence was used for a schoolhouse.

The fourth balloon ascension ever made in Summit County was by John C. Johnston. of Northampton. He procured an aerostat. and. on the '?Sth September. 1875. made his first ascent from the fair grounds at Akron. in the presence of' a vast concourse of anxious spectators. The balloon arose majestically, drifting in a northeasterly direction. and, when nearly over the village of Cuyahoga Falls. and at the height of over 7.000 feet, it exploded. and the perilous tall of about one mile took place. The fabric of this airship. being confined by the cordage. formed a parachute, while the aeronaut, suspended in his basket below, vibrated like a pendulum, by the swaying motion of the balloon in its fearfully rapid descent. after the gas had escaped. Almost miraculously. he landed on terra firma without bodily harm. Not satisfied with this exciting adventure, he constructed a new balloon, with 25.000 cubic feet capacity, and the next year, after its inflation at the gas works, it was taken to Fountain Park Fair Grounds, where, in starting, some of the ropes were held too long by the attendants, an .. this balloon was thrown against the top limbs of a tree, and so torn that he did not deem it safe to proceed, and only reached the altitude of 1,000 feet, when the gas was let out, and he landed safely within one-half mile of starting place. His third attempt was made a few days

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later ; but, as it was boisterous and stormy, the balloon was torn to pieces in conveying it from the gas works to Fountain Park, since which time, he has made no further public attempts at ascension. He is still sanguine of final success, and continues to give the subject such

attention as his time will permit, believing that hydrogen in such vast quantities, being one-eighth part of all the water, is ultimately connected with the solution of the great problem of aerial navigation.