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CHAPTER XX.*

COVENTRY TOWNSHIP—DESCRIPTION AND PHYSICAL FEATURES—WHITE SETTLEMENT—GROWTH
AND IMPROVEMENT—PIONEER REMINISCENCES—CHURCHES AND
ChURCH BUILDINGS—EDUCATIONAL. ETC.

" The ax rang sharply 'mid those forest shades Which,

from creation toward the sky

Had tower'd in unshorn beauty."

—Mrs. Sigourney.

IT is difficult to realize, as we walk the streets of our beautiful towns and cities, and note the squares of solid blocks, the immense warehouses, the busy mills, the ceaseless hum of a hundred factories, where the bulk of a busy population " gains its bread by the sweat of its brow," that scarcely a century ago these beautiful hills and valleys were peopled by wandering savages, and formed a part of one vast wilderness, which gave no sign or promise of the multitudes of a strange race by which it is now peopled, or of the mighty developments in 1 science and art which should make their lives so different from that of their rude predecessors.

Here the bold immigrant pitched his lonely tent and staked all beside some stream or near some spring of pure and sparkling water, and beneath those forest shades " where erst the un

*contributed by George L. Wright.

tamed children of Nature had so long roamed unmolested, at one time in search of food, and again engaged in the wild pleasures which seemed the only occupation of their simple lives, and the only end of their existence. The sound of the woodman's as rang out amid this mighty solitude, frightening the denizens of the forest from their peaceful slumbers, and starting reverberations whose last reecho has changed into the screech of the iron horse, and into the varied hum of a thousand industries. which now occupy the millions of busy men and women, who have been born and reared under a civilization which had its first beginnings in the rude log-cabins of those sturdy pioneers.

A pleasanter task could scarcely be given than that which devolves upon the chronicler of our early history. Could he but reproduce the scenes of three-quarters of a century ago, with all their natural surroundings, that the reader in imagination might see the unhewn log hut with its crevices filled with clay ; the adobe chimney ; the broad fireplace, and the rough, unseemly

522 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

furniture ; that he might see the small clearing, so covered with stumps that one could easily have leaped from one to another, and in that way have passed across the entire breadth of the farm. Could he picture the rude shed, made of poles and covered with branches, which was the forerunner of the fine bank barn, in which our modern owner of the same farm stores the wealth of grain and produce gathered from the fields his forefathers conquered. or the winding path to the edge of the woods, where, beneath some spreading beech or maple, the spring bubbled forth and cut for itself a tiny path toward some larger stream, where. after their slaking thirst, in the hot midday, the settler and his boys would rest for a time from their toil, and talk of the trip to the mill or post office ten or fifteen miles away. Could he show the reader " the slashing," where the men. the boys and the girls were busy. making and burning log-heaps and brush-piles getting another piece ready for wheat or corn. the paths that indicate the direction of their near neighbors. perhaps miles away. Could the historian. we repeat, picture all these scenes in their wild but natural beauty, he would bring before many a reader similar scenes, whose impress have been left in the mind by the oft-repeated stories of the grayhaired grandsire. recounted with many an animated gesture, as he "lived o'er again those olden times."

But we must reluctantly recall the reader from these general recollections to the more prosy subject of our work. Coventry Township is hounded on the north by Portage Township and Akron City ; on the east by Springfield Township ; on the south by Green and Franklin Township ; and on the west by the Tuscarawas River and Norton Township. A small portion of its territory projects from the northern center into Portage, on the western margin of the corporation line of Akron City. Its southern boundary is the famous south line of the Western Reserve, or forty-first parallel of north latitude. This line was run during the spring and summer of 1797, by one Seth Pease and an assistant, one of an expedition sent out by the Connecticut Land Company, to survey the land which they had purchased of the State of Connecticut. This company paid $1.200,000 for the tract included between latitude 41̊ and 42̊ 2' north, and extending west 120 miles from the Pennsylvania line. Thiswas surveyed into townships five miles. square, as far as the Tuscarawas and Cuyahoga in 1797. In 1806 and 1807, the balance was surveyed, until which time the Indians owned all territory west of these rivers. This land was divided among the stock-holders in this way. The numbers of the townships were placed on slips of paper, and all but a few were put into a box from which each one drew. Those that were not drawn were called equalizing townships," among which was Coventry. The object of thus reserving some was to give strips of this equalizing land " to those who had drawn poor townships, and in that way make them equal to an average township.

The book in which these assignments of territory was kept. was called the •. Book of Drafts," and was the foundation of all titles to land on the Reserve. Coventry was the first township in Range 11, and was parceled out to several parties. Samuel Hinckley. who was proprietor of Hinckley Township. in Medina County, got the southeast quarter of Coventry. Gen. Wadsworth and others got strips of this township. as equalizing land. The survey, before noticed. closed on the bank of the Tuscarawas, fifty-six miles west of the Pennsylvania line, this being the western boundary of the United States at that time. and on a tree, possibly still standing. on the bank of the river, the surveyor, Pease, marked the result of his measurement—" 56 M." This base line was rerun. in 1806, by Abram Tappan, who differed somewhat from the original survey, but not much considering the distance and surroundings. South of this line, the land belonged to " Uncle Sam," and was surveyed by order of Congress, townships made six miles square, and was called Congress Land " to distinguish it from the " Reserve." At the time of this survey, that part of Coventry which lies west of the Tuscarawas and the " Indian trail," belonged to the Indians, and hence the township was fractional. This additional territory, however, was added to it, when the survey was completed in 1806, just after it was ceded to the Government by the Indians in 1805. The Tuscarawas encroaches upon the territory of Norton, in the southwest corner of Coventry. But the river was retained here as the boundary, thus giving to Coventry more than the twenty-five square miles, and leaving Norton a fractional township.

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The general surface outline is quite diversified, and, when we consider the whole area we find as great a variety as could well be shown on as limited an area. The Tuscarawas enters near the middle of the southern half of the eastern boundary, passing in its beautifully winding course through the central part to the center of the western boundary, thence continuing in a southwesterly direction until it leaves the confines of Coventry, entering Franklin and continuing onward toward "The Father of Waters," to be lost in its bosom or carried onward to mingle with the waters of the great ocean. The Tuscarawas has many small tributaries, perhaps the most important of which is Brewster's Run, which enters from Springfield and traverses the eastern half of the township, entering the river above the outlet of "Long Lake." This lake is a natural basin of pure water containing excellent fish, which formed a source of provision for the early settlers, as well as the savage red men who ranged the forest and fished in these beautiful lakes with his crude tackle, and perhaps had as good luck as some modern experts who frequent the place. Another lake of considerable note, not only on account of its situation but for the uses to which it has been put by the enterprising advocates of "rapid transit," is Summit Lake, situated in the extreme northern center and occupying a position on the "divide" which separates the lake system of drainage from that of the Mississippi Valley.' Originally it was surrounded by an impenetrable tamarack swamp, without any outlet worthy the name, and its source of supply springs at the sides and bottom, with the waters from the surrounding hills. It was, in 1825 or thereabouts, used as the source of supply for the upper level of the Ohio Canal, which passes through it. There is a number of smaller lakes, among which is Manning's Pond, on the northern margin of Summit Lake, connected therewith by a stagnant stream through which the water flows either way according to the varying supply in the larger body. Another is Nesmith Lake situated about a fourth of a mile west of the geographical center of the township. The Indian trail, or portage path, touched at the eastern side, and the dusky warriors perchance were wont to rest and slake their thirst at this point on their expeditions to and from the North. A small body of water east of Long Lake and connected with it in high water, is called "Mud Lake," perhaps, on account of the swampy and uncertain character of the shores. Its dark waters are said never to have been fathomed, and the stories of the bed-cords and clothes-lines that have been used in the fruitless search for the remote foundations thereof, are, at least, interesting to one who has ofttimes paddled the frail canoe over its placid surface while trying to catch the "speckled bass" or the "blue sunfish."

Perhaps, the most interesting body of water in the township is the reservoir, a series of connected lakes and ponds, partly natural and partly artificial. It is situated in the extreme southern part, extending into Green and Franklin Townships and covers considerable territory. It was built in 1840 or thereabouts, and was designed to secure a sufficient quantity of water for the use of the canal, which was at this time the principal outlet for the trade of Central Ohio. The great number of boats passing through threatened to exhaust the supposed abundant supply in Summit Lake.

A few items of the secret history of the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal, and " the bearings of which (as ' Bunsby ' would say), are in the application thereof:" At the time when the Pennsylvania & Ohio Canal was projected, the route was located through Middlebury into Coventry, and following the Wolf Ledge Run was to have emptied into the Ohio Canal above the guard lock, by means of a lock, which would have helped to supply the deficiency on the summit level, for which the reservoir was constructed at a cost of over $150,000 to the taxpayers of the State. But the Akron mill-owners perceived that if this canal could be brought into Akron on the line of the Crosby race (by which they were supplied with water-power) by enlarging it and running up to the Summit basin by means of a lock located above their supply race, they would get the benefit of both the enlargement and of each lockful of water let down, eventually, from the summit level ; hence pressure was brought to hear and the route was changed. But the supply of water on the summit level was not sufficient for both canals, and the reservoir was built. It is supplied by means of a race which starts from the Tuscarawas about a mile from the eastern boundary line, near the Steese coal bank, runs west along the hillsides which skirt the valley, to within half a mile of Long Lake where it turns south, still

524 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

skirting the hills, and enters the reservoir near the 'Squire Freese farm. A huge embankment was built from this point across the lowland to the hills southward, and an extensive lake was thus formed. This discharges through an immense iron pipe ("and runs into Long Lake whenever there is need of water from this source), by means of gates which are raised to let the water into the sluice. Long Lake is likewise connected with Turkey Foot Lake, making it also a part of the great supply reservoir. These discharge through Long Lake into the Tuscarawas, a little south of the center of the township. This point was also made the terminus of the Portage path by the Indians, because the accession of waters from these lakes made the river navigable at all seasons to this point for their birch canoes. Being nearly on a level with the canal. a clam and a supply race or feeder were built. by means of which a never-failing supply was delivered into the canal.

These lakes, creeks, and the Tuscarawas, form a most complete system of drainage. Aside from some low lands along the natural depression in which the township was located. the township is quite free from waste lands. The soil is generally fertile, and especially in the southern part, where it is considered the best wheat land in the Reserve. Along the valley of the Tuscarawas are beautiful meadows, and, in the spring and summer seasons, the rich verdure relieved by occasional patches of timber left to remind one of what it was fifty years ago, forms as pleasant a sight as often meets the eye of the lover of the beautiful in natural scenery. In the northern part the soil is more inclined to clay, and is better adapted to general husbandry and stock-raising.

The geological structure presents many interesting features. The ridge or divide which crosses the township, anciently formed part of the beach of a great inland sea which extended over the entire basin now occupied by our chain of great lakes. One of several outlets to this sea, in all probability, cut through this divide and followed the lowlands to the Tuscarawas, which at that remote time conducted the overflow from the sea toward the gulf. At a more recent time, after this sea had receded toward its present limits, the Cuyahoga passed through this water gap into the valley of the Tuscarawas, until, becoming dammed up, it cut for itself a new channel toward the lake, makingthe sharp curve in the river at this point. These facts are shown by an examination of the character of the deposits along this old channel. The surface is of drift origin, while underlying it we find the carboniferous formation in full. The coal measures are overlaid with shale, while above this is sand rock. Immense quantities of coal are being mined in this township, and of an excellent quality. The vein averages in thickness about four and a half feet. There is some irregularity, however, due, no doubt, to the uneven bottom of the old coal marsh, in which the vegetation it is formed of, was deposited, and when the overlying clays were deposited, the coal material lay between these ridges and irregularities which are now found to obstruct the progress of the miners, and are called " horsebacks," or " hogs-backs." A bed of hard iron ore is found over nearly all the measures opened, varying from a few inches to a foot in thickness. Peat bogs are also found, some of which are said to be from thirty to forty feet in depth. This, by a process of drying, is made into an article of fuel, which may develop into a possible future supply. in case the coal measures are exhausted. Mr. J. F. Brunot prepared some for market, but it has no more than one-half the heating power of coal, and cannot compete with it at paying prices. It is an excellent fertilizer, and is of great value to the intelligent agriculturist. Shell marl is sometimes found, which is one of the most valuable fertilizers in the market. Any one finding this should test it, and ascertain its value and reap a harvest from the cat-swamp or marsh that will make a garden of the whole farm. These peat and marl beds are the filled-up lakelets that ages ago occupied their sites, and which became overgrown with weeds and grasses, until they finally disappeared. Some of them are even good meadows, over which cattle have roamed for years. One of these dead lakes was discovered recently near Mogadore, on the route of the Connotton Railroad. All lakes with boggy or swampy shores, where one can shake the ground for rods, are in the first stages of progress toward the formation of peat bogs. Many granite bowlders are found, and the curious may wonder whence they came. These rocks are evidences of the powerful iceberg and glacial agency in the distribution of the surface rocks, and in the formation of surface features. They

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are strangers here, from the Laurentian hills of Canada, and tell the tale to the people of today of the wondrous changes and mighty forces that had played their parts in the construction of this continent.

Before the first waves of immigration, precursors of an overwhelming tide that was soon to sweep away the last vestige of a crude and imperfect civilization began to throw upon these shores the scattered settlers who were to form the picket line for the conquering race, there lived besides these lakes and streams bands of Indians belonging to the Delaware tribe. The territory over which these Indians roamed extended from the bend of the Cuyahoga southward to the Ohio River. On the east was the country of the Iroquois family, or "Six Nations," while to the north and west lay the hunting-grounds of the Ottawas and Wyandots. Thus we find ourselves on the borders of disputed grounds. The Delawares had been driven from the homes of their forefathers on the fertile banks of the Susquehanna and Delaware, by the powerful Iroquois confederation, which extended from the Hudson to the valley of the Cuyahoga, some time in the middle of the preceding century. After wandering through Pennsylvania and into Ohio, they finally settled down in the beautiful valley of the Tuscarawas and Muskingum. They belonged to the great Algonquin family. which included all the tribes east of the Mississippi and north of the Tennessee, except the isolated Iroquois before mentioned. They all spoke dialects of the same language, while the Iroquois had a different language. The Wyandots and Ottawas were Iroquois. but spoke a different dialect from the Six Nations, and were at bitter enmity with them, and frequently combined with the Delawares against their kinsmen. When incursions were made to the northward, their route was from New Portage (their principal village in the north) to the southern terminus of the Indian trail, by canoe, thence overland (often carrying their canoes with them) along this portage path, past the western border of Summit Lake, and over the hill past the present site of the house of Col. Simon Perkins, northward to the Cuyahoga at Old Portage, where they again embarked. These Delawares, or Lenni Lenapes, as they called themselves, were a brave and intelligent people. It is true they were at times cruel, and not very discriminating in their judgments. Many of those ' venturesome persons who preceded the actual settler, styled Indian hunters, met with tragic deaths at their hands.

Hopocan, or Capt. Pipe, as sometimes called, a Delaware chief, had his village near New Portage, in Coventry Township, which was considered of much importance on account of its being at the head of navigation. The whites looked upon it in a somewhat similar manner, for we find that, in 1787, an ordinance was passed declaring the Tuscarawas navigable to this point, and " forever to be kept open for the use of the United States." By the treaty of Fort McIntosh, in 1785, Coventry, with all the land east of this stream, and the Cuyahoga, was ceded to the United States by the Indians. The history of the " State of Coventry " begins with the downfall at this date of the " Kingdom of New Portage," King Hopocan soon being obliged to move his headquarters west of the river, under the above-named treaty, which he signed with all the dignity of a born monarch. as "Hopocan, King of New Portage." This treaty remained in force, with only occasional infringements. until 1805, when the treaty of Fort Industry was signed. by which the western boundary was moved further west, and the Indians. who remained in this territory for some years longer, remained by sufferance of the Government.

The Delawares were generally friendly to the settlers, except when on the warpath. Hopocan led them in the battle in which St. Clair was defeated, and he afterward declared that he had that day " tomahawked whites until his arm ached." He was at Maumee Rapids when“Mad Anthony " broke the spirit of the Indians of the northwest, who had combined to drive the invaders from their chosen hunting-ground. In 1812. Hopocan and his tribe took sides with the British, and when the fate of war was decided against them, he signed the treaty of Greenville. After lingering for a time in the lands which they had chosen, but which was now rapidly filling up with whites, these Delawares bade farewell to the homes they had hoped would be permanent, but which, alas, had proved to them hut a transient resting-place in the inevitable pilgrimage which fate had marked out for them, toward the setting-sun ! Successive removals followed, before the steady and relentless march of a higher civilization, which

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sweeps everything before it. The weak and broken remnant of a once proud and powerful nation was finally settled upon a small reservation in the Indian Territory.

In 1806, Daniel Haines came into the unsettled wilderness of Coventry. He was from Pennsylvania, and settled on a piece of land near the northeast corner of the township, on what is now known as the Sumner farm. His log cabin was built in the midst of the forest. a little south of the site of the large stone house. which now occupies the sightly position on the hill back from the road. A small red house now occupies almost the exact spot, and thus keeps in remembrance the location of the first house built by the hands of the paleface in Coventry. • Uncle Dan." as the younger people of that day called him, built his cabin and cleared a small place. where he lived happily in his forest home for a number of years. Arid Bradley, at Mogadore. Joseph Darrow. at Darrow Street. and old Deacon Hudson. at Hudson. were his nearest and only neighbors for a year or two. When the Harts and some others came to Middlebury. in 1811. the neighborhood began to get too crowded for •. Uncle Dan." and he sold out and went into the woods again. This time he settled in the central part of the township. in a small ravine by the side of a spring. about a mile and a half from the north line. and about the same distance from the east line of the township, on or near what is now the Elias Hartong place. There he built another cabin and lived in peace, and raised a goodly family of children, who figure largely in the history of the early settlement of this section. The next settler of whom we have definite record was Capt. Amos Spicer. who located just north of the Haines place, in the northeast corner of the township. He was a cousin of Maj. Minor Spicer, and came at the same time, in 1810 or 1811. They were near neighbors, and were wont to go back and forth almost daily to see that all was well with the respective families. At this time there were a number of settlers in the vicinity, some at Middlebury, and. a few in Portage Township, in the neighborhood in which Akron is now located, so that they were not so much alone in the world as " Uncle Dan" had been for some years before. Still they felt isolated from the world outside of their little settlement, and cut off from friends and acquaintances, and why should they not feel so, for were they not embarked in an uncertain venture, in a wild and untrained country ? Many anecdotes are related of the skill with which the old Captain could avoid the difficulties of living in a region where men were obliged to depend upon their own resources and ingenuity in the emergencies that daily arose. One incident in which he figured as an actor was related to us by an old settler. It seems that an old bear made a raid on the pig-pen of Maj. Spicer. and carried off the squealing porker to the ravine in the edge ' of the cemetery, where he proceeded to make a meal. After satisfying himself, he left the remains for the morrow. and betook himself to his ramblings. But Avery Spicer. a boy of twelve. caught bruin in the act. and straightway ran to get Capt. Spicer to help to capture him. They soon matured a plan. which was to set a gun-trap. so that when he returned to get the rest of his pork (as they had no doubt he would). he would shoot himself. They loaded their muskets with big loads. putting in several balls. and placed them on forks driven in the ground. just high enough to be in range with the bear. should he get upon their strings at any point. Three of these guns were set with strings from the triggers, running over little forks to the dead hog. After having everything arranged, they retired to the house to await developments. In the night. they were startled by the report of one of the old muskets, and. on going out. they found the bloody trail of bruin leading down the ravine. They followed cautiously for some rods. when they came upon the dying thief. The old musket had sent its load clear through him. Such adventures formed the spice and variety of life to these old pioneers. and they enjoyed an occasional diversion from the routine of wood-chopping and clearing.

About this time, Jesse Allen bought out old Daniel Haines. and settled by the side of Capt. 4Spicer. This was also in 1811, and shortly after, Nathaniel Allen, his half-brother, came in south of them, and bought the farm that is now the Philemon Allen farm. Jesse Allen was the first Justice of the Peace in the township, in which capacity he served for many years. In 1815, Israel Allen also came into the same neighborhood, and was also a Justice of the Peace for many years. Nathaniel and his good wife, " Aunt Massey," as the boys called her, planted the first orchard in the

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township, and some of the trees or stumps are still standing. They were not such fine grafted fruit as we-have at the present time, but they were the best they could get, simply "seedlings," raised in the garden from seeds gathered wherever they could get the fruit. Here, in after years, they had a cider-mill, the first one in the Section, where, whoever had apples, came to get cider made, and those who had none came and bought of the Aliens, who had a large orchard. People came here from ten or twelve miles in all directions to get cider. Here, surrounded by their children, their brothers and families, they lived and died, after witnessing many wonderful changes that the next half a century produced on all sides of them. Their sons and daughters grew up, married, and their children are among the people who today are performing the work allotted to this generation. Another settler in this part of the township was Maj. Hart, who bought what is at present known as the Stillwell place. Stephen Brewster settled . just south of the Nathaniel Allen place, at an early day, on what is now the land of the Brewster brothers. The old coal-bank of Alexander Brewster was one of the first in the township. and has been in operation for many years. It was originally opened by a Mr. Whittlesey, who leased the place, but afterward the lease was bought off. and since that time it has been operated by Alexander Brewster or his sons. Stephen Brewster's sister married old John Bellows, and they settled near there at about the same time. and the two families raised their children here, where they lived for many years and died, to be succeeded by their descendants, who still own the most of the lands their fathers or grandfathers cleared. Ithamore Bellows, who is looked upon as an old settler, though a son of the John Bellows before mentioned, when he reached manhood took up land in the woods, back to the westward of the Allen neighborhood. He married a daughter of Daniel Haines, and a story is told of him that illustrates the methods of pioneer courtship. During the winter of 1815, two young fellows came over from Green Township to split rails for some settlers in the neighborhood. One evening they followed young Ithamore through the woods to the log cabin of " Uncle Dan," where, unconscious of pursuit, lie entered the house, and the spies secreted themselves so that they could see the proceedings on the inside as they transpired. Late in the evening, " Cupid " was making rapid strides toward match-making, and the curtain ought to have been down, when a laugh from the outside interrupted proceedings. Young Bellows seized his hat and gave chase. We are led to suspect that one or both of these fellows engaged in this shabby trick was smitten by the same fair face. But Ithamore came out winner. William Triplet lived west of the Brewster place, and opened probably the first coal-bank ` in the township. It was a thin vein, however, ; and was abandoned after the Brewster bank was opened. His father settled in Green Township, and William came over into Coventry and settled, where he lived and died. Another of the boys lived farther south, but we could not learn the name ; but, after his father died, the mother came up and lived on this son's farm. She had a little house where she lived alone, not far from the log schoolhouse that used to stand near the Gregg farm. Here the school children went for water, but they were always quiet and orderly. for they were afraid of "Old Granny Triplett."

Basil Viers; the ancestor of the numerous families of that name who still live in various parts of the township, located near William Triplett's place. west of Stephen Brewster. He was among the very first settlers, and is remembered only by the old. grayhaired patriarchs of today. Just this side of the little log cabin in which Dan Haines lived. Wheeler Heniman located, on the place now known as the " Beck Farm," on what might be called South Main Street Extension. Little is known definitely about him as to where he came from. but he is spoken of as a good neighbor, and was well thought of. Adam Falor settled in the northern center, just east of South Main street, in the hollow not far from the rolling-mill. He built and run a distillery. the first and, as far as we are able to find, only one in the township. It was located where the old stone house stood, through which the Brewster Coal Railroad cut its way just after passing under the track of the N. Y., P. & 0. R. R. Here the sturdy old settlers came from all the country around to get the necessary material for raising barns and houses. as well as for running the husking bee, and other social gatherings. Here Adam and his wife Eve lived in peace, never dreaming of

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"temperance societies," " crusaders," or Murphy pledges. They raised a family, many representatives of whom are still living in that neighborhood. Abram Falor, a son of Adam and Eve above-mentioned, built a sawmill on what is now known as Falor's Run, where he did a good business for many years. Chester Judd was another early settler who came into this same section some time before the year 1820, though that is the time at which we find him located just beyond the Adam Falor place. Peter and Moses Osburn, brothers, also lived adjoining, and near neighbors to Judd. Little could be learned in regard to them, as we find none of their descendants in the township. Thomas Granger, an old Revolutionary pensioner who lived like a king on the credit he got on account of his $8 per month from the Government, built his log cabin just beyond the railroad, on the present Moses Falor farm. Granger. with some half dozen other pensioners from neighboring townships, often congregated at the little store at Middlebury, where they traded out their pension money, and had a gay time recounting the wonderful adventures in which they had participated to the gaping crowd of younger people, who are always eager to listen to anything that sounds of war. It is said that their stories rivaled those of Baron Munchausen in the marvelous, and they themselves, like the old Baron, even came to believe in the truth of their wonderful yarns. In the northwestern part of the township several families had located at an early day, before 1820 at least, though the exact date could not be ascertained. Among them was Old Basil Cahow, a family of Roots, a large family of Hethmans, Seibert Dodge and Samuel Nash. One of the sons of old man Hethman was for a good many years Justice of the Peace. He was an old bachelor. and is remembered by many as an eccentric but intelligent and well-read man. Samuel Nash kept a kind of tavern just beyond the Dodge farm. This was the first tavern in the township, and it consisted of nothing more than the log cabin of the settler and a stabie for the horses, but they made the tired traveler welcome. and fed man and beast with the best the land afforded. In 1819, William W. Laird built himself a cabin on the banks of the Tuscarawas at New Portage, and began the construction of flat-boats to run on the river. Henry Chittenden, of Springfield, Abram Norton. of Middlebury, and Philander Adams, of Talimadge, at the same time became contractors and speculators in the produce of the country, which they bought up of the farmers all over the country and hauled to New Portage, and shipped on Laird's boats to New Orleans. This seems almost incredible to those who know the present Insignificant size of the river at this point. But such was the case, as we learn from the old people, who still remember this river as a turbulent stream, which, at certain seasons, it was impossible to ford, and which at all times was a goodly stream. Now, however, it has sadly fallen, and the little school-boys wade across its pebbly bed or catch the minnows which sport in its shallow waters. Shortly after the starting of this new industry and the opening of New Portage as a port. one Ambrose Palmer and a Dr. Clark settled in what they considered the future metropolis, and started a glass factory. the site of which is in that part of New Portage located in Norton Township. It was in operation for several years. and turned out considerable quantities of glassware. Its history, however, is more particularly given in the chapter on Norton Township. They finally abandoned the glass business, and Palmer left for the West, where he died, in the Mormon settlement in Utah. Talmon Beardsley, who was for a good many years a resident of the township, and some twelve years its Clerk, and about the same period Justice of the Peace, has in his possession a quart bottle which was turned out from this establishment in 1822. It is large at the base, and has a long, tapering neck, with a peculiar flare at the top. The glass is a good article, but has a yellowish green cast.

In 1821, Van R. Humphreys, a young attorney, located in New Portage, thinking, with many others, that it was destined to be the principal city in Northern Ohio. But he soon became satisfied of his mistake and abandoned the new city, finally settling in Hudson. He was at one time Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for this county. One of the first settlers at New Portage was Michael Dixon, who came there in 1814 or 1815. He lived there during the rise and fall of the varying waves of prosperity that came upon this, the only town and capital of the " State of Coventry," as this was wont to be called. He

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shared not only its prosperity hut also its adversity, for he remained long after its star had set and its prospects sunk into insignificance. At a later period, Mr. Viers sought to revive its waning prospects by laying out an addition, which was to grow and swallow up the old town and retrieve its sinking fortunes. One lot was sold to Jacob Brown, after whom it , was proposed to name the place Brownville. But Fate did not smile upon the project, for but one house was built in the place, which was afterward for many years used as a match factory. Such is the hard fate of many a beautiful prospective city. One other character must be mentioned before we leave the town. Joe Keeler was not only a celebrated Mormon preacher, but also a notorious passer of counterfeit money. He built a brick house near the canal bridge, where he lived in the purity of his faith for years, or until "religious persecution" threatened to send him to Columbus. Jacob Kepler was one or Coventry's pioneers ; he settled early in the century in the south-western part of the township, and is still living, surrounded by the numerous family of children and grandchildren, who own some of the finest and most profitable farms in the entire township. Many are the stories that this old settler can tell of the hardships and adventures of those early days. Here also came the fluters. another family of pioneers. and the Wagoner family settled in the same corner, west of the Long Lake. In the southeast corner. the earlier settlers were David Lee, Fred Hevener, Henry Billman, John Buchtel. Daniel Pontius, Dan Rex, and possibly a few others.

One of the events of the season in those days was the periodical coming of the itinerant ; shoemaker, one of whom—Dan Burns—frequented this corner of the township. He carried his tools and stock from place to place. and ; while there he generally shod the entire family, living as one of the family meanwhile ; then he would take the next on the list, and serve them, and so on, until he had finished his list. Those coming late to engage him were often obliged to go barefoot until after midwinter on account of their negligence.

John Haines, a son of old Daniel Haines, was the first or pioneer preacher in the township. He was of the Baptist faith, though holding the " foreordination doctrine " of the Presbyterians. This, however. he afterward renounced, ,saying that he had a revelation while hoeing corn, in which he was convinced of the error of that doctrine, and the old man is said to have cried when he thought of the many people to whom he had preached it, and to whom he could not preach the new revelation. He often went off to the neighboring townships to proclaim the "glad tidings" to the backwoodsmen and their families. On Sunday mornings he could be seen making his way to some log cabin or schoolhouse near home, where he would preach to his friends and acquaintances. Then he would start through the woods, following some path, crossing streams on fallen logs, until he reached a place where some old settler had promised to meet him with a horse or wagon, when they would journey on together. The waters of Summit Lake seemed to suit his idea of a baptising medium, and many was the young convert to the doctrines which he taught, who came from far and' near to go through the ceremony of baptism. Here Catharine Buchtel and Nancy Richards came from Green Township in 1824, and were led into the lake and immersed, both of whom are still living "to testify to the faith that was in them." Another pioneer preacher of the same faith was Elder Derthick, or, as the impious and irreverent young sinners of those days used to call him. "Old Deathhook." He settled on the Abel Allen place, where he lived and expounded the truth to the residents of the northeast. Many of the old residents remember to have gone to the schoolhouses often to hear him preach. One of his favorite places was the Falor Schoolhouse. Here one of the oldest cemeteries is located, and all the old settlers of the neighborhood were laid here, " to sleep the sleep that knows no waking," until Gabriel shall blow the trump that is to quicken these old bodies with the life immortal." To these two men the earlier settlers owed a debt of gratitude, at least, for their unselfish devotion to the cause of religion during all these years of trials and hardships. In after years, when the soil had been broken. others came in and carried the banners.

Several churches have been built in different parts of the township. Perhaps the oldest is Wesley Chapel, on the banks of the Tuscarawas at Pleasant Valley, a place which at one time bore the fateful name of " Sodom." Another at Thomastown belongs to the Welsh, who pre-

530 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

dominated in that place. There is also a church and cemetery just west of the Center, toward New Portage, and also one west of the reservoir, on the place owned by Benjamin Bowers. In the cemetery back of each one may read much of the history of the early settlers. The moss-covered slab tells the tale of the sweep of old Time's scythe more truly than could be written by our feeble pen, and the little mounds, with the short records and dates, tell to the wanderer through these silent resting places of the recklessness with which Death marked as his own the old and the young indiscriminately.

Another character who played a conspicuous part in the very early settlement was Libertine Dixon. the Indian hunter and fighter. Between this man and the red men, a deadly hatred existed, which often led to the shedding of blood. Dixon lived for many years in Middlebury or near there, but his time was spent largely in the woods with his invariable companion. a long, ungainly looking rifle, which he always spoke of with respect, calling it by the peculiar name of "Starling." Many are the stories of wild, reckless disregard of human life, which are told of Libertine Dixon. or rather of his gun Starling." He seemed to feel as though any Indian who had an opportunity would shoot him as quick as he would a wolf, and acting upon that supposition, he always tried to get the first chance. One incident illustrating both this feeling, and his regard for his gun, was told by an old grayhaired man who knew him well and knew of the particular time mentioned. One day in 1815. the narrator of this story was in Middlebury Mills, to see after some sawing, grinding or something, at any rate, which called him to the mill, when some Indians were seen to come into the town and stop at the grocery, where Dixon was. As they entered at the front door, he came out the back way and hastily went to his cabin, saying that the Indians were after him, and if they wanted to see him they should come for him in the woods. He took his gun. ammunition and some dried beef and was gone, an' lid not return for some time; when he did, he told this story to our informant : " I went into the woods and kept low until they left, when I followed them, but kept myself so concealed that they did not suspect me. They were, however, on the lookout for some one, and scoured the woods, until finally they seemed togive it up, and started toward Old Portage. One, however, watched the ravine closely where the Big Cuyahoga flows through the chasm near the Big Falls, and once, as he was hanging by one arm over the precipice holding to a hemlock tree on the edge of the rock, and looking closely up and down the valley, I stepped out from behind a big chestnut and ' Starling ' spoke to him. But ' Old Starling' spoke so suddenly that it scared the fellow. and he jumped off the bank on to the rocks below some forty feet and killed himself. After awhile, I went up to him and as he didn't seem to want his gun and other things any longer. I took them." At another time. when he was hunting down by Long Lake in Coventry, he stepped to the edge of the lake. when he discovered an Indian fishing from a birch canoe. He jumped behind a tree and Old Starling thought he would speak to the fellow. The Indian was so frightened that he uttered a terrific yell and jumped into the lake. The smoke had hardly cleared away when another Indian. a companion probably, who was making a fire on the bank above. came rushing down to see what his companion had shot. While he was looking after his friend, Dixon slipped away and disappeared. He also shot one on a little lake west of East Liberty, whose yell can be heard frequently on moonlight nights even to this day. and many times would the young people of that neighborhood go miles around rather than pass that little lake. from fear of hearing the unearthly yell of the murdered Indian or seeing his shadowy form gliding over the smooth surface of the lake in his birchen canoe. that made "not a ripple as he passed." So goes the story, at least, and no believer in ghosts and hobgoblins has any reason to cast discredit on so well authenticated a story as the above. Many of the Dixons who live in Coventry are descended from this old Indian hunter.

Between 1815 and 1820, Ben Haines. a son of Dan Haines and a brother of the pioneer preacher, built a rude grist-mill on the Tuscarawas, near the place where the Steese Coal Railroad crosses the river, and on the David Jones farm. The dam crossed the valley where the road now runs. The old race can still be seen on the west side of the road just south of the bridge, and some of the old timbers still remain to mark the place where the first mill of the township was built. Possibly Ben

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Haines might have built up a good business had he attended strictly to it, but it soon run down, and at last, for a number of years, he occupied himself in studying on "perpetual motion," that bane of many inventive geniuses. A story is told of Ben's " machine " which we do not vouch for. but give as we heard it : At one time the builder thought he had succeeded (and perhaps he had. who knows ?) at any rate he agreed to let some parties see it, if they would swear eternal secrecy, which they agreed to do when he conducted them into the old tumble-down mill and started his machine. It was constructed in some odd way by an arrangement of iron halls, chains, wheels, etc. It started off in good style, but began soon to go with accelerated speed. until the men who had been called in ran out as if to save their lives, for the " machine " became wild, and made a terrible din. Old Ben himself became frightened, and in order to stop it he threw a green handspike into the midst of the flying wheels, which broke it in such a way as to render it harmless at least, and it is said that old Ben never tried it again.

The mill now known as the Steese or Brews-mill. situated on the Tuscarawas River, on the Springfield line, was not built until 1834-35, by John Wyley. Before its construction, the people in this part of Coventry and neighboring townships were obliged to go to Middlebury mills. or to the Emerley mill in Franklin Township. at the foot of Turkey Foot Lake. This latter mill site was destroyed when the reservoir was constructed, but in 1842. or thereabout. the State mill was built, utilizing the overflow from the reservoir and furnishing better accommodations to the farmers of this section. The first sawmill was the one built by Abram Falor. on " Falor Run." mentioned before. Another early mill was one built by Daniel Rex. a little west of the feeder dam, which supplies the reservoir on the Tuscarawas River, near Steese's coal bank. Another was in process of construction at quite an early day a little above this. the old race of which can still be seen near the road that runs east and west past " Wesley Chapel." This was built by John Buchtel, Sr., taking the water from the river just back of "Wesley Chapel" Cemetery. It run west some half a mile, and discharged again into the river near the place where the railroad of Stambaugh, Tod & Co. crosses the river. But thiswas never finished, owing to delays that held it in an unfinished condition until the feeder came in there and their dam was built just below, which backed the water on them and spoiled the site.

The first frame house is said to have been built by one of the Aliens, on the road to Middlebury, and it was the wonder and admiration of the young people of several townships, some of whom made trips of a dozen miles to see it.

Of the early schools very little can be said, except that the houses were rude log structures, with a great fireplace in one end built on the outside, after the fashion of the day. The benches were made of logs split in halves and legs put in on the round side, while the split side was smoothed up with an ax. Not a plane ever touched them, and they were not the most comfortable seats in the world. It was not necessary to resort to bent pins, the school-boy's device, in order to produce a sensation, for all that was required was to pinch some one and get him to slide along the bench. Some of the bad boys are said to have lined the seats of their pantaloons with large pieces of leather for their protection, both from the roughness of the benches and the roughness of the teacher's ferule. There were no fine desks with all the furniture of a modern schoolhouse, but simply these benches, along which the children ranged themselves. and which had to serve the double purpose of seat and desk, each pupil piling his books and slate on the seat beside him. These seats of learning were in the midst of the forest, near some road (or path, along which the settlers expected to make a road some time). The pupils gathered from all directions, coming through the woods by paths known only to themselves, crossing the streams on logs or fallen trees. On one occasion, in time of high water, a family of some half a dozen children, were crossing on a fallen tree when the youngest, a little girl, becoming dizzy, fell into the rushing water and was being whirled rapidly down stream, when in plunged her older brother, who swam lustily after her, finally capturing her some rods below, bringing her safely to shore ; after which they hastened on to school, instead of going home again, and dried their clothes by the fire in the schoolhouse. This shows that even the children thought little of such hardships and paid little heed to mishaps that would produce

532 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

consternation in a whole neighborhood today. One of these pioneer schoolhouses was situated not far from the center of the township, and was known as the " Tamarack Schoolhouse." In this old log building the town meetings and elections were frequently held. During those early times, they were not so precise as they are now, as to the exact place of holding elections, which were held here and there to suit the convenience of the people. There was an early schoolhouse in the woods on what is now the Sol. Renninger place, on the road just west of the Gregg place. These were built, probably, between 1820 and 1825. Then the Falor and the Allen Schoolhouses were also quite early, the dates of which I am unable to learn.

This township was first organized in 1808. as a part of Springfield. which was then a part of Trumbull County. This county was afterward divided and Portage County formed, of which our township continued to form a part until 1840, when Summit County was erected, and Coventry, with nine other townships. was taken from Portage County. Two of the early officers of this township are still living, viz., Avery Spicer and Talmon Beardsley ; possibly many others, whose modesty forbade them to mention it. but who will be remembered by many

who read this sketch, as having rendered gratuitous service to their fellows in some of the various capacities. Some years ago, a fine town hall was built near the center, on the hill above the canal, at the famous " Waterloo Gregery." Here now the town meetings and elections are held.

When we seek to understand the whole significance of a recital of the facts and incidents relating to these previous generations, we must bear in mind that we owe to these same people the many advantages we enjoy. They came ; and conquered the wilderness, and made it to blossom as the rose. It is true that ignorance and superstition prevailed, and a crude, imperfect civilization took the place of the savage state ; but they were in unison with their surroundings. and consistent in all respects. They were neither ahead of, nor yet behind the age in which they lived. It would not become us to belittle their labors ; but rather should we extol them. for they underwent the hardships. while we reap the harvest and enjoy the benefits ; they strove to make tolerable the path in life along which they were to travel, while we strive to enjoy the many advantages which are ours. not as the result of our own exertions. but because our lot was cast in the middle of the nineteenth century instead of a century before.

532 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXI.*

BOSTON TOWNSHIP—ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS—TOPOGRAHY AND GEOLOGY—ORGANIZATION AND FIRST SETTLEMENT—COUNTERFEITING AND UNDERGROUND RAILROAD— GROWTH OF INDUSTRIES—VILLAGES—SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES. .

IT is not generally known, even by those living in the northeast corner of the State, how the land of the Western Reserve became parceled out among its various owners, or how it came to pass that citizens in Connecticut sometimes found themselves in possession of tracts separated the entire length of the Reserve. Accompanying this volume will be found a detailed description of the manner in which this was accomplished. It may be properly stated here that the lands of the Reserve were divided into 400 shares, valued at $3,000 each, and that residents of Connecticut could purchase, if their means were limited, a frac-

• Contributed by W. A. Goodspeed.

tion of a share, or. on the other hand, could purchase as many shares as they desired and could buy. It was often the case that several citizens formed themselves into a company, each contributing as much as he could, or as much as he desired, and all together sufficient to purchase one township, or perhaps one share. The members of the company would decide among themselves as to their order of choice out of the tract purchased. Some townships were " equalizing townships." That is, inasmuch as they were inferior to the average township, they were either divided into tracts which were distributed to other inferior townships to make the latter equal to the aver-

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age, or portions in other parts of the Reserve were attached to them to make them equal in value to The average.

Boston was an " equalizing township." It was divided into three tracts (and perhaps others) which were attached to other townships. It was decided by a committee appointed for the purpose, that, from the fact that Boston was crossed by the Cuyahoga River, and by ranges of steep bluffs which could never be cultivated, it was unequal to the average, and it was accordingly distributed to others. Tract 1, lying in the northwest corner, was attached to Eaton Township, Lorain County, and was owned by Judge Jared Kirtland, Mr. Blinn and others. Tract 2, in the southwest corner, was attached to Columbia Township, Lorain County, and was owned by a company of five men, as follows : Harmon, Levi and Azor Bronson, Calvin Hoadley and Jared Pritchard. It is not remembered how the land east of the river was divided and owned, except that Heman Ely possessed the greater portion. When Tract was surveyed by its owner, Judge Kirtland, it was found to have a surplus of 200 acres ; whereupon he instructed his surveyor, Alfred Wolcott. to survey Tract 2, and this was found to have an excess of 400 acres. The Judge immediately shouldered the responsibility of equalizing the two tracts, by severing 129 acres from Tract 2 and attaching them to Tract 1. This equalizing tract was soon afterward sold to Robert and Thomas Brannan, a barrel of whisky being given in part payment. But, when Harmon Bronson came to the township and found a portion of his land occupied and claimed by the Brannans, he commenced an action of ejectment, and, after considerable annoyance, succeeded in having Kirtland's equalizing act set aside and the Brannans ousted. The Kirtland tract was surveyed into nine lots ; the Bronson tract into ten ; and all that portion of the township east of the river into forty-five.

When the first settlers came to the township, the prospect was anything but encouraging. The Cuyahoga River, then a marshy stream that overflowed its banks altogether too often for the happiness or prosperity of the settler, passed northward across the township a short distance west of the center. Along the adjacent valley were frequent bogs and marshes of decaying vegetable matter, that, under the heat of the summer sun, threw off noxious vapors to poison and contaminate the air. A large portion of the township was cut by narrow, deep gorges and ravines, that were overhung by precipitous ridges and hills, covered with a heavy forest, and having a heavy, sterile soil that gave no word of encouragement or promise to the backwoodsman.' The woods were filled with wild animals, and, what was equally a cause for apprehension of danger, bands of Indians were near that might begin the work of slaughter at any moment. Markets and mills were miles distant, and the journey by team through the woods was rendered so slow and harassing by reason of mud and fallen timber, that the distance was practically doubled. It became evident—painfully so—that the settler must rely largely upon his rifle to supply his family with, very often, only the bare necessities of life. Thus was the settler surrounded with discouragements, disappointments, and apparently unending future privations. But he fortunately possessed unbending resolution, dauntless courage, and incredible hardihood, and the pleasant homes we have today were founded by him.

It is well to notice the topographical and physical features of Boston before proceeding further with its settlement and improvement. It is five miles square, with the exception of about three hundred acres, which a number of years ago, were taken from the center of the northern side and attached to Northfield for school purposes. The Cuyahoga enters the township from the south, about a mile east of the southwest corner, passing in a zigzag course to within about half a mile of the center, thence flowing west of north and leaving the township one mile and a quarter east of the northwest corner. The river valley varies in width from a few rods to a mile, and though now almost wholly cleared and under cultivation, was once heavily timbered and extremely wet. The valley is skirted with precipitous bluffs, which can never be used except as grazing land, and which extend back from the valley more than half a mile. The Waverly group of rocks is exposed throughout the township, more especially along the river, where inexhaustible beds of splendid stone abound. Along the river in the northern part the Erie shale is exposed, while in the eastern part where the Waverly group first comes to the surface, ledges of sandstone con-

534 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

glomerate rise perpendicularly above the surrounding country, in some cases sixty or seventy feet. These ledges stand isolated and alone, far separated from their kindred strata monuments to the eroding effects of time. Numerous small streams enter the river from the east, among which are Salt Creek. Richey' Run, Haskell's Run, Peninsula Run and Stanford's Run. The principal ones from the west are Oil Run, Slippery Run and Furnace Run. A few small tamarack swamps were to be seen in early (lays in different parts of the township. but these have been drained, and a few of them are now under cultivation. When the settlers first came to the county, a tract of land comprising thirty or forty acres, lying in the valley on the east side of the river a short distance below the center,was cleared of trees. and was under cultivation. It was an Indian cornfield, and it is stated that in about 1804. settlers living in Hudson went to this field and purchased corn of the natives. How long the field had been under cultivation is not known. A few stone implements. evidently used in tilling the field, are occasionally turned up by the plow. Long before the whites came into the Northwest Territory, Boston was the site of large Indian villages, the evidences still remaining of their humble habitations. Going hack still farther—back to an unknown age of the world—that peculiar, mysterious people known as Mound-Builders, whose gigantic earth and stone works excite so much curiosity and speculation, dwelt in the valley of the Cuyahoga. as is shown by the mounds, sacred, military and festival, which are scattered along the bluffs on either side of the river. What these two races had to do with Boston will be found. so far as known, in a separate chapter of this work. One thing is certain, when the whites first came to the county. the Indians under Ponta were stilled encamped about half a mile north of the village of Boston, on the west side of the river. Half a mile south of this camp, on the same side of the river, the chief of the Ottawas—Stigwanish—was also encamped with a few of his followers. A detailed description of these camps, and many interesting incidents connected therewith. will be found in the chapter above referred to. We now come to the first settlement made by whites in Boston Township.

On or about the 1st of March, 1806, Alfred Wolcott, John Teale and Samuel Ewart appearled in Boston, and immediately erected a d rudely constructed log shanty, about eight feet square, and of barely sufficient height on the interior to insure safety to the heads of the inmates. mates. This building was erected on the pressent site of the Boston Village cemetery, and was intended to be occupied only until the men had time to build better dwellings on the farms. Teale was a single man, but the other two had n wives, and, perhaps. children, who were left at Hudson until suitable cabins for their occupancy had been erected by the husbands. These three men "bached" and did their own cooking, except bread, which was brought by one of their number about once a week from Hudson. the nearest settlement. No difficulty was experienced in procuring venison. wild turkey. squirrel, and occasionally a delicious piece of bear steak. Within about two months, Wolcott. with the assistance of Ewart. who was in some way connected with him in business, had built a large round-log cabin. about one one hundred rods northeast of Boston Village. It seems that Wolcott had purchased the farm soon afterward settled on by Stanford, but his wife. whom he had just married, objected to locating on the farm. stating that she was apprehensive of sickness from the proximity of a disagreeable swamp lying just south of where the cabin must be built. This objection induced the fond husband to reverse the injunction of the bridal vows. and to exchange his farm for one owned by James Stanford. the latter being willing, as. notwithstanding the presence of the swamp, a fine spring of pure water was discovered on the premises. Wolcott immediately erected a cabin on his new farm, and was soon as comfortably situated as could he expecfed. On the 23d of March. 1806. James Stanford, William and Adam Vance, and Abner Robinson. a nephew of the Vances. came to the townshIp. The Vances were Irishmen and old bachelors. and brought with them their niece, a young lady named Eleanor Ashcroft, who came out to keep house for them. One cabin was erected, in which all these relatives resided. James Stanford owned land on Lot 41. This was sold to a man named David Cohoon, who, so far as can he learned, did not reside in Boston. although he owned land there. These were the first settlers in the township. After this they con-

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tinned to come in about as follows, although the dates are not absolutely correct : Henry Post, Isaac and Jacob Ozmun, Moses Cunningham, William Beer, Aaron Miller, Andrew Johnson, Robert Guy, Timothy Bishop, Jonathan Iddings, Lancelet Mays, James Jordan, John Cunningham, Andrew and Robert Donaldson, John Duncan, Capt. Abraham Miller, Joseph Breen, John Galloway, Moses Decker, Jacob Morter, Samuel and Abraham Miller and John G. Mallet came prior to 1810 ; Samuel Brown, William Brown, Jonathan Williams, Erastus West, William Craney and others by 1812 ; Elizur Loveland, John Britt, William Brannan, Robert Wallace, John Robinson, James Dean, John Menough, Abial Hovey, Watrous Mather, Ephraim Moody, Nathan Drake, Alexander Metlin, James Fitch, Uriah Singletary, came prior to 1820, and the most of them about 1814. There also came in previous to 1830 the following : Jesse Thompson, William Collier. Daniel Collier, Joseph Lamb, Ichabod Lindley, Thomas Carter. Edward Coyn. John L. Butler. Samuel. Coffin, W. L. Richards, John A. Ackley, William Downs, Elisha Mather. William McCreary, Henry Burnam, H. T. Avery. Thomas Whelen. Nathaniel Parsons, William McBride, James Brown. J. A. Clapp, Benjamin Wait, Elisha Burnett. Stephen N. Sargent, Henry Wetmore. Talmon Bronson. Don C. Mathes, William Brannan. Herman Bronson, Alonzo Dee. Benjamin Randall. Martin Morton. James Rumage. Billings Robinson, Amos Fletcher, Caleb Carpenter, Joshua Lillibridge, Samuel Hogue, Thomas Owens. Philander Carpenter, George Levert' and others.

\The township was first organized in 1811. Upon the solicitation of the citizens. the Commissioners of Portage County, of which Boston was then a part, ordered an election of township officers to be held at the residence of Timothy Bishop, on the 15th of January, 1811. The following action taken on that occasion is found the township records : "The inhabitants of the township of Boston, having met at the dwelling of Timothy Bishop in said township, by order of the Commissioners of Portage County, for the purpose of electing two Justices of the Peace and other officers, and having chosen Capt. Abraham Miller, Chairman, and Timothy Bishop, Lancelet Mays and Jonathan Iddings, Judges, and Alfred Wolcott and William Beer, Clerks for the Justices' election, and Andrew Johnson and Isaac Bacon, Judges of the township election, and after being sworn as the law directs, the following gentlemen were elected : Alfred Wolcott and Moses Cunningham, Justices ; William Beer, Clerk ; Aaron Miller, Andrew Johnson and Timothy Bishop, Trustees ; Jonathan Iddings and Isaac Bacon, Overseers of the Poor ; Lancelet Mays, Treasurer ; and James Jordon, Constable. Although this election was held in accordance with the order of the Commisioners, yet the term of office could run only until the following April, at which date the following additional officers were elected : Alfred Wolcott and James Stanford, Fence Viewers ; Moses Cunningham and William Beer, Listers ; Aaron Miller, John ! Cunningham, James Stanford and Isaac Bacon, Supervisors ; Robert Donaldson, Constable, and John Duncan, Treasurer. When Boston was first created, and its earliest officers duly elected, Northfield and Richfield were attached to it for election purposes. This will explain why some of Boston's first officers really resided in those townships. The propriety of creating Boston into a separate township began to be discussed as early as 1807. It was about this time that James Stanford, Alfred Wolcott, Samuel Ewart, John Teale, William and Adam Vance, and a few others, when together one day, began casting about them for a suitable name for the township. which they anticipated would soon be created. Mr. Ewart modestly suggested Ewartsville ; Mr. Wolcott thought Wolcottsburg a much more euphonious cognomen ; the Vances, Stanford, and the others were silent, though it was clearly perceptible that no name yet proposed was satisfactory. Finally Mr. Stanford said : " Suppose we name it Boston, after old Boston in Massachusetts." This proposition seemed to please all present, and the name was adopted. Thus the township had its creation and first settlement, and now its growth and improvement remain to be noticed.

It may here be stated that Boston, in common with almost every portion of Ohio, was first inhabited by wandering hunters, who loved no society except that afforded by the forest, and who thought the country was becoming too thickly settled when a dozen families lived within as many miles. The result was that the settlers above referred to caught but a momentary glimpse, as it were, of these roving hunters, as they shouldered their rifles and moved

536 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

farther out into the depths of the forest. Probably the most noted hunter ever in Boston, or perhaps in Summit County, was Jonathan Williams, who lived for short periods in several of the townships. He was remarkably skillful and successful in his hunts, but perhaps the most distinguishing element of his character was the intolerable, murderous hate he bore the Indians. He lost no favorable opportunity to shoot them down without a moment's hesitation, and, in consequence, was feared and shunned by them. His constant companions were his two dogs and a long-barreled rifle that carried a ball weighing nearly an ounce. His dogs were so' thoroughly trained that they obeyed the slightest sign from their master, and were of great assistance to Williams in bloody conflicts with bears and other dangerous animals. Physically, Williams was a remarkable man. He was six feet in height, and his movements were as noiseless and graceful as those of a panther. It was a sight to see him in the forest in pursuit of game of more than usual size or ferocity. He knew no fear, and would penetrate the deepest swamps, no matter what they contained. He went dressed like an Indian, with leggings and moccasins, and always took pains to have his clothing so harmonize with the color of the forest that the Indians or game could not easily see him. He wore a buckskin blouse, serrated in front and bordered with a fringe of otter skin. He was swarthy-complexioned, and it is reported that Indian blood ran in his veins, and this was generally believed by those who knew him, though undoubtedly incorrectly. He had a wife and family, who were supported by his rifle. To account for his hate for the Indians, the tradition is that all his relatives were murdered by the Indians before he came to Ohio, in consequence of which he is said to have sworn " to kill them just as long as he 1 lived." These reports are all incorrect. On one occasion some trouble arose between the Indians and whites at Deerfield, Portage County, regarding a horse trade that had been made. An Indian, to retaliate for some real or supposed injury, shot Daniel Diver in such a manner as to put out both his eyes without otherwise injuring him. The Indians fled to their camp in Boston, but were pursued by the infuriated friends of the injured man. The latter were joined by Jonathan Williams when they reached Boston. The Indian culprits discovered their pursuers and continued their flight westward, but were overtaken in Bath and one of them named Nicksaw, a harmless and innocent old Indian, was instantly shot by Jonathan ' Williams.

Other incidents will be found in this work of his hostility toward the Indians. One night, Williams, with his two dogs, went to watch a deer lick in southern Boston. He remained there all night without meeting with the desired success. Just as the gray light of coming clay began to steal through the forest, his dogs became uneasy and restless, and eyed a small thicket near by, in such a manner that Williams knew that something more than usual was concealed there. He peered cautiously through the leaves, and. indistinctly. saw the shadowy form of some large animal crouching behind a small bush. His dogs remained obediently at his side, and raising his rifle he fired at the animal. A thrilling scream rang out on the morning air, and the animal bounded off through the woods, swiftly followed by the dogs. which had been told to " go." The animal ran up a tree, and Williams, hurrying forward. discovered a large panther crouched on a limb about thirty feet above his head. He had lost all his rifle balls except one. This was discharged at the panther, but only a slight wound was made. as it was yet quite dark, and the animal was partly concealed by the limb. The hunter, at first, was at a loss what to do ; but, finally, he cut a branch that would about fit his gun barrel. The limb was cut up into plugs about an inch long, and with these hastily-improvised bullets, Williams continued firing at the panther. A settler, named Carter, living near by and bearing the reports. started out to ascertain the cause. He came to the spot, and. handing his rifle to Williams. who was standing in a favorable position, he told the latter to bring it down." One shot was sufficient, and the panther fell dead to the ground. It proved to be one of the largest of its species. and is said to have measured eleven feet " from tip to tip." Its hide was cut in numerous places by the wooden bullets fired at it by Williams. Thomas Owens was another noted hunter, and often joined Williams in his hunts. When these two hunters put their heads together," they rarely failed in killing whatever game they desired. Owens had no particular antipathy for the Indians, and the Indian hunting branch

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of their sport was turned, without question, over to Williams. These two hunters often went on long expeditions to sections of the country that were wholly unsettled, and, when they returned, they were loaded with valuable hides and furs. Their families were the sufferers on these occasions.

It was in this township that the Indian chief, Seneca, erected a wooden god, which was worshiped by his followers for many years prior to the advent of the settlers. When the Indians removed farther West in about 1812, this god was taken with them. It was probably their god of war, as they held feasts and war-dances to propitiate his favor, just before starting on their marauding expeditions. On these occasions, an offering of tobacco was hung around the neck of the god, and as soon as the Indians were gone, some of the settlers whose taste for tobacco was stronger than their respect for the Indian deity, would steal forward and appropriate the dried leaves of nicotiana tobacum. It is said to have been excellent tobacco.

In 1814, the township was quite well settled. Cabins arose along the valley of the river and on the neighboring highlands, and the forest was disturbed by the busy hum of human life. Forests went down with a rapidity, which, if continued a few years, would entirely disrobe the land of its primeval covering. Wild animals became fewer and fewer, and soon none but stragglers remained. Those who were dependent on the products of the chase for subsistence were compelled to abandon the township, and depart for homes farther westward. Roads were laid out and cleared, that, in after years, were to be pressed by the feet of distant descendants of those who first worked them. The years rolled slowly by, fraught with mingled pleasures and privations.

Malinda Wolcott, daughter of Alfred Wolcott, is said to have been the first white female child born in the township. Her birth occurred April 14, 1807 ; she married Sherman Oviatt, and lived for many years in Hudson. The first male child born was Andrew J., son of James Stanford, his birth occurring March 27, 1806 ; and Alexander I., his brother, was born May 21, 1807 It had been generally thought that Henry Post, Jr., whose birth occurred April 8, 1809, was the first white male child born in Boston, but this is a mistake, as shown by the dates. Mary Ann Post was the firstone to die in the township ; her death occurring June 9, 1808. Henry Post raised the first crop of wheat in the township; this was in 1807. On July 29, 1812, William Carter and Elizabeth Mays were united in marriage, it being the first. Soon afterward, during the same year, Israel Ozmun, of Boston, was married to Susan Mallet, daughter of John Mallet, of Richfield. Abner Robinson was what was known in early years as " a poet" He could compose " poetry" on all occasions and subjects, and took special delight in immortalizing any wrong doing, in verse. Two of his neighbors were guilty of stealing hogs ; and this fact, coming to the public ear, induced some young men to hang a hog's skin at the door of one of the men, and a hog's head, with eyes protruding, at that of the other ; whereupon Robinson evolved the following :

" There is a man on Furnace Run,

Who keeps a dog, but not a gun.

In hunting hogs he takes great pride,

He lives by the sign of ' the hog's hide.'

"Another neighbor lives close by,

And has the sign of ' the pig's eye.'

' Hog's hide' to ' pig's eye' thus did say '

We will steal hogs while others pray.' '

On another occasion, in a trial before Justice Chaffee, when Judge Bliss was opposing counsel to Abner, the latter gave the following impromptu adverse decision :

" My name is Billings Chaffee,

In Boston I do dwell

There's not a neighbor in the town,

But wishes me in hell.

" They say that I am partial,

And all such stuff as this.

That I've no judgment of my own,

But follow that of Bliss."

On yet another occasion, when Jacob Morter, whose reputation for honesty was on the wane, asked Abner Robinson and Robert Mays, the " poet," of Richfield, to compose some verses on the occasion of his presentation to them of a gallon of metheglin, they responded as follows:

" Abner Robinson and Rob Mays

Are truly worthy of great praise ;

For what a neighbor does that's wrong,

Like two d—d fools, they'll tell in song.

"Thus, Jacob Morter, it is said,

Steals all the corn that makes his bread ;

And while his neighbors are asleep,

He prowls about and steals their sheep,"

538 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

Morter paid the gallon of metheglin, which was relished by " the poets " far better than the former relished the " poetry."*

Boston was for many years notorious on account of a band of counterfeiters who made the deep, inaccessible gullies and ravines of the township their headquarters. Not only was silver coin counterfeited, but State bank notes, especially those of Indiana, were turned out by the bushel. Some of the most influential citizens of the township were induced to engage in the unlawful business, and it is even stated that a certain aspect of respectibility was conceded to this occupation. In 1832, the counterfeiting reached the zenith of its power and circulation. and at that period is said to have been "the most extensive banking establishment in Ohio. if not in the Union." There were branch offices or banks," in Cleveland, in Rising Sun, Ind.. in Vermont and in other sections of country. Coins of some heavy material were first manufactured and then covered with a thin film of silver; or the coin was first prepared in plates and then stamped with a die of the denomination of money desired. Some of the dies used are now at the county seat. So successful were the counterfeiters in manufacturing and passing their money, that they contemplated visiting the Old World and even China, where they expected to exchange their money for the products of those countries. These products they expected to ship to distant points to be sold. Their anticipations, however, were doomed to encounter reverses and rebuffs. They proceeded as far as New Orleans, where they were detected and arrested. One of the men died in prison in the latter city; an other escaped, and, like the Wandering Jew, began an unending pilgrimage on the earth ; another was tried by the United States Court and sent to the penitentiary for ten years, but was pardoned by President Taylor. The last-mentioned offender was a resident of Boston and was one of its most intelligent and influential citizens. Several of his descendants are yet living in the county, and are highly moral and upright people. Another one of the offenders died in the Ohio Penitentiary in 1838. Still another was sent to the same place from Liverpool Township, Medina County. He also died there. Others were prosecuted in differ-

*From Historical Reminiscences of Summit County by Gen. L. V. Bierce.

ent parts of the State, many of whom suffered the extreme penalty of the law. The gang was at last broken up and it members scattered over the country to repent at leisure for their misdeeds. It is stated that some of the most honored men in the county and in Cleveland were so connected with the unlawful business as to share its profits without incurring any of its liabilities. For many years after the gang was broken up. dies. counterfeit money. and various implements used in the manufacture were found in the ravines, and even in the houses of some of the citizens. There was scarcely a resident of the township who was not tempted to pass the coin and bills. On one occasion, a man with a valise came to Mr. Wait, now living in the northern part of Northampton. and asked him if be would purchase counterfeit bills on the State Bank of Indiana, at the same time opening his valise and showing it packed full of those bills. He offered them for sale at 25 cents on the dollar ; but Mr. Wait informed him that he had come to the wrong man. and the fellow departed to try his scheme on some other person. About twenty-five years ago. when a house belonging to one of the most respected citizens was torn down, a small leather bag filled with counterfeit coin in dollars and half-dollar pieces. amounting to more than a hundred dollars. was found concealed under the edge of the roof. In the eastern part of' the township are numerous sandstone ledges. which arise from the surrounding level in various forms and positions. Several deep, dark clefts or caverns are thus formed, and it is said that in these caves the counterfeiters were wont to ply their violations of the law. Evidences of their fires there are yet to be seen, and a few iron implements. evidently used in counterfeiting, were found a number of years ago. A great many other interesting incidents might be narrated, if lack of space did not prevent.

It is said that, as late as 1860, an old orchard which had been planted by the French or Indians was yet standing near Boston village. The trees were quite large, and were bearing when the white settlers first came to the township. How long they had been planted is not known. Of course, the fruit was none of our grafted and improved varieties, but was no doubt produced from seed obtained at some of the frontier settlements. This was the oldest orchard in the county.

BOSTON TOWNSHIP - 539

The settlers, when they first came in, usually drove a few head of cattle, hogs, and, perhaps, sheep ; but the latter were found too tender to withstand the trials brought upon them by a home in the wilderness, and usually died—those that did not furnish a repast for the wolves and bears. A team of horses was usually brought, although many a settler came to the forests of Ohio with nothing save his rifle and his ax. When Abial Hovey appeared in the township he had no horse, and was told that he could have one by purchase from William Beers. But Mr. Hovey told Mr. Beers that buying the horse was impossible without money. " You may clear land for me and thus pay for the horse," replied Beers. " But I have no time," responded Hovey. " Make a ' bee,' and get your neighbors to help you,' suggested Beers. This seemed feasible and to the point, and Hovey at last consented. The day appointed for the " bee " came and went. and the land was cleared, and the horse paid for. Some time afterward, when Messrs. Beers and Hovey, whose land adjoined, were fixing the line between their farms, the land as above cleared was found to belong to Hovey. The two men stood looking blankly at one another for about a minute. The silence was at last broken by Beers, who quietly remarked to Hovey, " Let's take a drink." All controversy or dispute was prevented by the devil-may-care " influences of King Alcohol. How different would be the course pursued today ! A knock-down would be very likely to occur, followed by lawsuits which would swamp horse and land, and create everlasting enmity. In after years, William Beers was a great friend of the escaping slave, and assisted many of them in reaching Canada. One named Lewis Boler came from Kentucky, and not fearing pursuit hired out to Beers, with whom he remained a year or more. Finally, his master appeared, but meeting with decided rebuffs from Beers, he resorted to the plan of coaxing his slave to return with him to Kentucky. But the wily slave could not be deceived by promises, and was, in consequence,' a few nights afterward, forcibly and secretly taken and hurried toward his former home in the " Sunny South." Mr. Beers, upon learning of the act, summoned a few neighbors, and together they pursued the master, and despite his protests returned to Boston with Boler. The latter was told topush for Canada, which he accordingly did, arriving there in safety. Another escaping slave named Sandy came to Beers and obtained employment. His master came on and made all sorts of promises to induce him to return to the South, offering to make a " boss " or overseer of him, and to make him a present of a dog and a beautiful white pony. Sandy could not resist all these offerings, and returned with his master.

In 1824, a dreadful fever (probably typhoid) visited the country along the Cuyahoga River, and swept off about a score of old settlers—those who had reached advanced ages and whose physical vitality was on the wane. With the exception of a few eases of this kind, the township has ever enjoyed good health. In the year 1830, there were living in Boston five persons of about one hundred years of age. These were Henry Brown, Andrew Johnson, Thomas Brannan, Eleazer Gillson and Eleazer Mather, the first three being Irishmen. Brown died at the age of one hundred and three years. In early years, there was raised an occasional crop of what was known as " sick wheat." Animals that ate the grain in quantity died. and persons, upon eating a small quantity, were taken with violent vomiting and made deathly sick. No one is remembered to have died from this cause.

Four or five cheese-factories have been in operation since comparatively early times. One is now owned by Mr. Straight, of Hudson, and, during the summer season, twenty-five or thirty cheeses, of about twenty pounds' weight each. are manufactured daily and shipped to Cleveland and other points.

The building now occupied by Alanson Swan at Johnnycake," or Everett, was built by Henry Iddings before 1820. and was the first in the village. Mr. Swan bought the Iddings property soon after the opening of the Ohio Canal. Mr. Swan's farm was increased until he owned 500 acres, including the land upon which the village now stands. The second building in the village was a store, erected by Swan & Smith in about 1835, into which about $500 worth of groceries, dry goods and notions were placed. The stock was selected with a view to the demand on the canal. at that point. Smith sold out to Swan in about a year later, and the latter conducted the business alone for a few years, and then sold to other parties.

540 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

David Baxter & Son owned this store for a number of years, as did also Ansel Hardy, L. J. Mix, Mr. Richardson, Henry Monroe and others. Swan also repurchased the property and sold it again two or three times. The stock was increased until it was worth probably $2,000. Elihu Chilson opened a small store on land belonging to the State. near the canal lock, as early as 1838, but this never amounted to much. In 1842, Mr. Swan erected a warehouse on the canal in the village, and began buying corn, oats, hay, etc., to be fed to the horses and mules used in drawing the canal-boats and packets. A large stable, or barn, was erected, where the canal horses were fed and groomed. The packet company failed, and, in consequence, Mr. Swan lost several hundred dollars. The creditors of the company at the village attached the packet horses, but Mr. Swan refused to do this. and, in consequence, lost what was due him. When it is remembered that nearly three hundred horses were fed by Mr. Swan, it will be seen that the business undertaken was on an extensive plan. Alexander Stewart bought the greater share of the Swan property about ten years ago, though the latter yet retains the old homestead, and lives there at an advanced age. Before coming to the State, Mr. Swan was licensed to preach by the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, ever since living in the township, he has been identified with religious and moral improvement and growth. He deeded all his property except the homestead to his children, and can now sorrowfully say with King Lear :

"You heavens, give me that patience I need !

You see me here, you gods, a poor old man,

As full of grief as age ; wretched in both !

If it be you that stir these children's hearts

Against their father, fool me not so much

To bear it tamely ; touch me with noble anger !

* * * * * You think I'll weep ;

No, I'll not weep

I have full cause of weeping ; but this heart

Shall break into a hundred thousand flaws,

Or ere I'll weep--O fool, I shall go mad,

* * * * * * *

How sharper than a sepent' tooth it is

To have a thankless child—away, away !"

The village has been called " Johnnycake " since 1828. In the spring of that year, a flood in Furnace Run swept into the canal and stopped navigation, and the crews and passengers were compelled to live, water-bound, asbest they could. They were at last reduced to johnnycake, which constituted their diet for a number of days. It has even been asserted that one baking of johnnycake early in the morning furnished the ravenous passengers with their only warm daily meal. The cake was warmed up for dinner and served cold fox supper. However, there are probably some mistakes in these early traditions.

Since the advent of the railroad, the village has somewhat revived. Its present name was bestowed upon it in honor of an officer of the road. It was also at one time called Unionville. Evidences of oil appearing near the village in 1865, several members of Cleveland and New York oil companies appeared, leased the land where the oil was discovered. and began boring for oil. The land was leased upon the conditions that the owner was to have from one-fourth to three-fourths of the oil produced. The terms of the contract were much more satisfactory and promising than the quantity of oil obtained. Oil was found in very small quantities. On a small creek near the sandstone ledges, Norton & Taylor began manufacturing salt at an early day. The brine was taken and evaporated in several large kettles, and the salt found a ready sale at an advanced price. On one occasion, a barrel of salt was exchanged for a good cow. Abial Hovey was also connected with the salt works, as were several others ; but the quantity of salt capable of being produced was limited, and, as the works proved unprofitable, the manufacture was discontinued.

Probably the first building in Peninsula village was a log structure built on the east side of the river, near where Abel Thompson resides, by Alonzo Dee, in about 1818. Not far from the same time, John Robinson. James Brannan and one or two others built at or near Peninsula. Brannan was located a half-mile west of the village proper ; though, owing to the fact that the corporation includes some 2,000 acres, the building was really within its limits. Other houses were added ; and very likely during the building of the Ohio Canal, a tavern and one or more stores were located, at least temporarily, in the village. However, Peninsula had its real beginning when Hermon Bronson came to the township in 1824. In about the year 1833, J. M. Adams was conducting a general store, on the west

BOSTON TOWNSHIP - 541

side of the river. James Fielding was also there about the same time, with $1,000 worth of goods. Charles Curtis began about 1838 or 1840. He owned a good store, and made money. It was discovered that the way he got rich was by selling " 0–P" goods (those costing 45 cents) for $1. He evidently was not residing in the village merely for his health. He began with some $2,000 worth of goods, and very soon succeeded in doubling his capital. William Haskell opened a store with a stock valued at $2,000, not far from 1843. Fielding sold out and left in 1836. Curtis continued until 1849, when he sold to Wood, Cole & Co. These men are yet in business in the village, though the partnership was dissolved many years since. Mr. Cole died, but his sons succeeded him in the business. In 1838 or 1840, Adams died, and his goods were closed out. Merrill Boody began with a general store in about 1858, and continued until about three or four years ago. Others have sold goods in Peninsula at different times, though those mentioned are the principal ones. There are at present three groceries, two hardware stores, two dry goods stores, two tin-shops, a barbershop, a meat market, a harness-shop, and several shops the nature of which is difficult to ascertain. Hermon Bronson, two years after reaching Peninsula, built a warehouse about thirty-five feet square and two stories in height, and began buying pork, cheese, lard, butter and grain, which were shipped by boat to Cleveland. This was continued until 1835. when Mr. Bronson sold out to Janes & Thompson, who, at the expiration of five years, retired, leaving the warehouse business in the hands of Charles Curtis and Wood, Cole & Co. The village has had for many years a brisk traffic in coal, timber, stone, etc. In the year 1826, Herman Bronson built a sawmill on Slippery Rock Run, a small stream which empties into the river at the village. The mill was a rough frame structure, located on a short race fed by water from a dam a few rods above the mill. The capacity of the mill was about two thousand feet per day. It was operated some four years, and then the machinery was removed to a building erected on the river in the village. At this point Bronson and Dee built a log darn across the river, which is yet standing, though it has been rebuilt and readjusted several times since. The mill was built over the edge of the dam. It was operated by Mr. Bronson until 1835, when it was purchased by Janes & Thompson, who, in 1843, sold to Mr. Holcomb, and he, a few years later, to William Wetmore. This mill was located on the west side of the river. But at the time of its erection Alonzo Dee, who had an interest in the dam, also built a sawmill on the east side, and continued operating it some four years, when it was claimed by Mr. Haskell, who had purchased the land upon which the mill stood. Dee had built his mill on land owned by Mr. Ely, one of the origina' proprietors of that portion of the township east of the river, and when the land was purchased by Haskell, all the fixtures and appurtenances thereof came into the ownership of the latter. Dee, however, received his pay for the mill, which remained in the possession of the Haskell family until about ten years ago. It is now owned by Otis Fitts. The river makes a wide detour at the village, and comes back to within fifty feet from where it started. A fall of about eight feet is thus created at the neck of the peninsula, which was taken advantage of by Mr. Bronson, who, in 1832, tunneled through about fifty-two feet, and built a grist-mill which is yet in operation. A first class natural water-power is thus secured, which is very valuable, in view of the fact that the dams along the river require constant watching and a vast amount of labor to prevent being washed away. In 1849, the mill came into the ownership of H. V. Bronson, a son of the Bronson already mentioned, who operated it until 1863, when the mill and dam site were sold to Pomeroy & Fisher. This firm sold out at the expiration of three years, and the property has been owned by several parties since. The mill saw its best days under the control and ownership of Herman Bronson. Not only was a large custom work done, but considerable flour was shipped by canal to Cleveland. The merchant work was most extensive about 1840. In 1837, Herman Bronson secured the services of a surveyor, and laid off seventy-one lots on the west side of the river, and named the village thus started Peninsula," after the natural bend in the river already referred to. A plat of the village was recorded at the county seat. In 1866, Mr. Bronson made an addition of many lots, which was also recorded. Mr. Haskell also laid off a number of lots on the east side,

542 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

but this addition was not properly recorded. No other man has done so much to build up Peninsula, and people it with intelligent, moral and enterprising citizens, as Herman Bronson. He was its founder, and was the first to introduce moral and religious tactics among the vicious and unlawful practices of the canal-boat men. He gave freely of his land and means to religious and educational purposes. More will be said of him in the proper connection.

Alonzo Dee built a small distillery at Peninsula in about 1833, in which was placed a small still, where a limited quantity of whisky was manufactured. The liquor was consumed about as fast as it was made. This would imply that it was a superior article. The still was removed. at the end of some two years. The village was incorporated some twenty years ago for school purposes. and now has an area of about 2,004) acres. with a population of some 600. Peninsula is the most important village on the Valley Railroad. in Summit County, north of Akron. It has been the leading place for canal-boat building, there having been from one to thirty boats built per annum. since the canal was first navigated. James A. Garfield, the President-elect, often stopped at Peninsula while working on the canal. It is said that he was so apt and bright. that the Captain of the boat upon which the boy 'worked remarked that he was too smart to be working upon the canal, and should seek some other employment. Within the limits of Peninsula are inexhaustible beds of the finest sandstone. The stone belongs to the same stratum as the Berea grit, and is superior to the latter in point of durability. Stone, at the rate of about a canal-boat load per day, is being taken out of these quarries, which are situated on the summit of steep bluffs, which border the river and canal. A large amount of labor is thus avoided in loading the stone on the boats. Another valuable property of the stone is, its capability of being divided into slabs, varying in thickness from a few inches to many feet.

The first building in the village of Boston was erected in 1820, and was a frame dwelling house. The following year, a saw-mill and grist-mill were erected on a dam that was built across the river, on the site of the village. Watrous Mather built the dwelling and the saw-mill, while Talmon Bronson built the grist-mill. Mather put up a two-story frame dwelling in 1824, and, two years later, Mr. Bronson also built one. Abram Holmes came to the village in 1826. Mather built a large warehouse in 1828, as did also Mr. Holmes two or three years later. In 1826, Brown & Taylor built a storeroom, and placed therein about $1,500 worth of goods, which were sold to Mather in 1828. Brown then moved the store across both the river and the canal to the east side, where it was fitted up for a tavern, of which he was landlord for many years. While standing in the door of his tavern one day, he was struck by lightning and knocked about a rod into the yard. His clothing was torn into shreds ; his boots were literally torn into a hundred pieces and carried several rods away. and the man was rendered insensible by the shock. He had a remarkable physical development, and was a noted wrestler for miles around. Few men could throw him down. He is said to have irreverently remarked, after he recovered from the lightning stroke, „ No man ever threw me so quick as God Almighty did.” William T. Mather sold goods from a stock valued at $1,000, beginning in 1830. In 1835, he sold out to the Boston Land & Manufacturing Company. This company purchased the mills and warehouse, but, failing in 1838. the property fell into other hands—that which was not closed permanently. Benjamin Morse brought in a few goods at an early day. Watrous Mather, after operating his saw-mill a number of years, tore it down and built a better one across the river. on the east side. It fell into the hands of the company, in 1836. When the company failed, William Smith became owner of the grist-mill. J. D. Edson bought it in 1848. It was considered a good mill. The village of Boston, in early years, gave great promise, but its subsequent history is unattractive. William McBride operated a saw-mill for three years, beginning in 1834, about a mile down the river from Boston Village. The canal destroyed his water privilege, and he was obliged to stop. Dr. Eleazer Mather was the first physician in the village, coming as early as 1822. A Mr. Fursons built a distillery at Boston at an early day. It was furnished with one large still, and during its most rapid workings could turn out about three barrels of whisky per day. It was conducted some twelve or fifteen years. Alonzo Dee,

BOSTON TOWNSHIP - 543

also, was connected in early years with the manufacture of liquor at Boston Village.

So far as can be learned, the first school in the township was taught during the summer of 1811, by Miss Lois Ann Gear, a young lady whose parents, a number of years before, had been murdered by the Indians at Upper Sandusky. She was alone in the world and almost friendless, and her proposition to teach a term of school in an old log building, erected by James Stanford within five rods of the present residence of his son George, was accepted, and the house rudely fitted up for the accommodation of teacher and pupils. She received as compensation for her labors seventy-five cents per week, and " boarded 'round." Where is the teacher who would teach at the present day for less than seventy-five cents per day? And yet, it is highly probable, that Miss Gear saved almost, or quite, all she earned. Her board was evidently the principal consideration ; and what a feast of it she must have had ! Was she to be envied even in this respect ? She taught six months during the warm months, and after that no term is remembered to have been taught again until 1816, when a log schoolhouse was erected by the neighborhood about thirty rods north of the residence of Mr. Stanford, and a term of three months was taught therein by Alfred Wolcott, the first settler in. Boston. Wolcott, the surveyor of the township, was well educated, and no doubt taught an interesting and instructive term of school. This was the first genuine schoolhouse in the township, and was used every winter until about 1820. when a schoolhouse was built at Boston village, and the old house was deserted. In 1826, the house at Boston was too much to one side of the settlement to afford satisfaction, and the greater number of the children were sent to Brandywine, which left the old house at the the village so nearly deserted that no teacher was employed there for a number of years, and the building was left vacant. In about the year 1836, a frame schoolhouse was built at Boston Village, which was used continuously until the erection of the present brick building, a short time before the late war. In the northeastern part of Boston, in the Wolcott neighborhood, a school was taught as early as 1813, and perhaps 1812. Mr. Wolcott is said to have been the teacher, and in the absence of any data to the contrary, he will be accorded the honor. The school was taught in a building that had been used a few years as a dwelling ; but which, becoming no longer comfortable or attractive, was thought ample and suitably adapted for school purposes, and was accordingly devoted to that use. A. few years later, a log schoolhouse was built, and this has been succeeded by two or three other school build each of which has been a better building than the one before it. School was first taught in the southeast part in about 1820, but nothing of importance can be learned regarding this school. It is probable that school was taught at Everett as early as 1825. No facts to support this, however, can be given. School was taught in about 1830, in a small log building near the residence of Mr. Swan. The first teacher is unknown, but among the first were Miss Gillett and Hector Osborn. . A few years later, an acre of land was deeded by Mr. Swan to the school district for school purposes, and upon this a small frame school-building was erected in about the year 1838. The building was replaced by the present one a few years ago. A schoolhouse, located across the river from Everett and about half a mile further down the stream, was built in 1818. Squire Greenman was the first teacher, who received his pay by subscription. The house was built of logs by the neighborhood, and was used about seven years, when the children were ' either sent to Everett or to the " Holcomb School," in northwest Northampton, probably the latter. In 1829, school was held at Peninsula, in a log house that had been used for a dwelling. Probably this was not the first. The teacher, in 1829, was Miss Rhoda Payne, who was paid by private subscription, and whose weekly (or perhaps weakly) recompense was $1. Her school comprised some dozen backwoods children. For a number of years, the east and the west sides had a common school, but after many years it was found best to divide the district, the river being the line, and since that period the village has had two schools, both of which are well attended and prosperous. A young man named Homer Warner was the first teacher on the west side. He received $13 per month and boarded round. The east side schoolhouse, which is built of stone, was erected in about 1857. It is a two-storied building, the upper story being used as a town hall. The west side house is a frame building. A few

544 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

years before the last war, the citizens of Peninsula became dissatisfied with the character of their village school, as compared with the amount of school tax they were called upon to pay. There were six or seven school districts in the township; and the one at the village was called upon to pay from a fourth to a half of the school fund raised per annum. Other considerations growing out of this state of things vexed the citizens for a number of years, until at last they concluded to incorporate the entire school district in the village of Peninsula, which was accordingly done. This altered state of affairs gave greater satisfaction, as the surplus of school tax raised could be applied to the village schools, and not to those in distant parts of the township. Since the village has been called upon, however. to support two schools, it is difficult to see what has been gained by the incorporation of the whole school district. The township was divided into six school districts in 1826, and three years later these were materially altered. Numerous alterations have been made since.

It is extremely difficult to tell with accuracy where the different church societies of Boston were first organized, or under what condition of circumstances. Many of the settlers were religious, having belonged to some church in the East, and did not abandon Christian worship, at least in their families, after their arrival in the township. It is also quite probable that in the earliest days of the settlement, various Christian families assembled at some selected cabin, and even went so far as to semi-organize a religious society, perhaps in different parts of the township. These conjectures are rendered plausible by the fact that sincere Christian people are disposed to worship God, not only within the pale of civilization, but in the uninhabited and deserted depths of the forest. Religious services were held in the vicinity of Everett soon after the erection of the old log school-honse, on the Butler farm, in 1818. But little is known except that occasional services were held here, very likely, by traveling preachers. When Alanson Swan, who had been licensed to preach by a Methodist Episcopal society, in Connecticut, came to the township in 1834, he immediately united with others in his neighborhood, including portions of Bath and Northampton, and organized a religious society, which continued to

meet quite regularly in dwellings and school. houses, until it was at length divided by an alteration in the views of a portion of the members. Perhaps a majority of the members of this society lived in the two townships already mentioned. After flourishing for a number of years, and attaining a membership of about fifty, a detachment of about half, headed by Mr. Swan, separated from the remainder and reorganized at Everett under the name Protestant Methodists. No church was built by this society. Some ten years ago, it was so broken up by various causes, that the United Brethren came in and organized a society out of the fragments and out of new material. This is the ruling society at present. As early as 1824. Herman Bronson, who was an Episcopalian, began holding religious services at his cabin in Peninsula. His few neighbors were invited to lend their encouragement and support in assisting to build up a strong, permanent religious society in the neighborhood. It is probable. however, that no society of this denomination was organized until about 1837. Some four years later, a small church was built, almost wholly at the cost of Mr. Bronson. This church is yet used. Mr. Bronson was clearly its founder and patron, and did more to sustain it than any other man. He deeded the lot upon which it stands to the society, and also gave a fine lot for a cemetery and one for a public schoolhouse. The church cost something like $1,000. At the death of Mr. Bronson, he willed to the church he had founded a sufficient fund to afford about $325 per annum, to be used in defraying the expense of employing a minister. This permanent fund has undoubtedly sustained the society from falling into decay at numerous periods of its existence. Some of the members of this church have been Herman Bronson, Daniel F. Bachelor, Hezekiah Bell, James Morrell John Fairweather, Thomas McCarday, Jacob Barnhart, Nisbett Wood, W. H. Payne, Asa Kimball, Harry Janes, and most of their families. Abraham Bronson was the first minister in charge of the society ; and was paid a few hundred dollars for his services. A Congregational Society was organized at the village about the same time that the Episcopalians began. Their meetings were held in schoolhouses and dwellings at first ; and sometimes the use of the Episcopal Church was tendered

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP - 545

them ; but their services were mostly held in the upper story of Mr. Haskell's store building, on the east side. After continuing a number of years, the society was so reduced by death and removals that it was disbanded. Among its members were Roger and George Haskell, L. M. Janes, Charles Curtis, Mrs. Thompson and children, Mrs. McGrouty and others. A Methodist society was organized in the village as early as 1834, or perhaps as early as 1830. It is thought that a circuit preacher Rev. Mr. Conant, organized it ; though others think that Rev. Thomas W. Pope deserves the honor. The society grew slowly in membership and wealth until some twelve years ago, when a frame church, costing about $2,000, was built on the east side. A portion of the members have been Rev. Thomas W. Pope, a local preacher ; Billings Chaffee and wife ; John H. Curtis and wife, the husband also being a local preacher ; Mr. Ford and wife, Mr. Davis and wife, Dr. Lunt and others. This society has passed through periods when it was extremely difficult to tell whether it lived or not. If not, like a cat, it possessed nine lives ; for it is now as strong and full of life as could be expected. A Methodist society was organized on the State road as early, perhaps, as 1825. This, however is not known with certainty. In after years it became well known, and was well attended. But little could be ascertained concerning this church. Religious services have been held from time to time in the schoolhouses in and near Boston Village, but no church has been erected and no permanent society organized in that portion of the township.

In March, 1837, a post office was first located at Peninsula. It was secured largely through the influence of H. V. Bronson, one of the most prominent and respected citizens of the place, who was commissioned first Postmaster, an office he retained until 1845, when Billings Chaffee succeeded him. The post office at Boston Village was secured as early as 1830, mainly through the instrumentality of William Mather. One was secured at " Johnnycake " a few years later.