532 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXI.*
BOSTON TOWNSHIP-ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS—TOPOGRAPHY 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-
BOSTON TOWNSHIP - 533
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 1 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's 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 Days 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 back 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 appeared in Boston, and immediately erected a 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. This building was erected on the present 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 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 tine 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 expected. On the 23d of March. 1806, James Stanford. William and Adam Vance, and Abner Robinson. a nephew of the Vanes, 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 be learned, did not reside in Boston. although he owned land there. These were the first settlers in the township. After this they con-
BOSTON TOWNSHIP - 535
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 Levery 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 haring 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 o 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 be 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, dually, 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 hearing 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 (lead to the ground. It proved n 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
BOSTON TOWNSHIP - 537
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 wardances 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 hanks," 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 Gun. L. V. Blerce.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 he 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 tae 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 knockdown 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 to push 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 serpent'- 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, waterbound, 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 for 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 1863, 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 " O—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 dam 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 original 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 2,000 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 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 sawmill 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 sawmill, 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 sawmill 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 sawmill 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 18.36, 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 thehonor. 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 buildings, 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 schoolhonse, 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 schoolhouses, 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.