578 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY

CHAPTER XXV.*

NORTON TOWNSHIP—ITS PHYSICAL FEATURES—CODLING OF THE WHITES—PIONEER INDUSTRIES
—GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT—VILLAGES—CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.

NORTON TOWNSHIP was originally known as Town 1, Range 12, and was a a part of Wolf Creek Township, which comprised all that territory now known as Norton and Copley, in Summit County, and Wadsworth, Sharon, GI ::ford and Montville, in Medina County. Wolf Creek Township was organized in 1816, and, at an election held in April of that year, at the house of Philemon Kirkham, which stood on Lot 11, in Norton, Henry Van Hyning, Sr., and Salmon Warner

* Contributed by M. L. Shook.

were chosen the first Justices of the Peace. Van Hyning lived on Lot 19, and Warner, just across the line in what is now Wadsworth Township. Philemon Kirkham was elected Town Clerk ; Nathan Bates, Jacob Miller and Abraham Van Hyning were elected Trustees. Twenty-two votes were polled at this first election in a precinct whose boundaries inclosed 150 square miles. In 1818, Norton Township was organized, with its boundaries the same as at present. It had been surveyed eight or nine years previous to this by Joseph Darrow and

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others, and platted into lots half a mile square, numbering from one to one hundred, and beginning in the northwest corner of the township, numbering from the west to east, thus : the west lots were 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, to the southwest corner. It is bounded on the north by Copley ; on the east by Coventry, part of which boundary is marked by the Tuscarawas River ; on the south by Franklin and Chippewa, and on the west by Wadsworth. Norton is not exactly five miles square, as are most of the townships on the Western Reserve, the reason for which we will endeavor to show. That part of the Reserve lying east of the Cuyahoga River, Portage Path and Tuscarawas Branch of the Muskingum was acquired of the Indians by the treaty of Fort McIntosh in 1785. It was surveyed in the years 1796 and 1797, by running the base line of forty-one degrees north latitude through from the Pennsylvania line to the Tuscarawas, where a mark was made on a tree, "56m," meaning fifty-six miles from the Pennsylvania line. This made eleven ranges and one mile over on the base line. The territory west of Cuyahoga River, Portage Path and Tuscarawas River was not ceded by the Indians until the treaty of Fort Industry, in 1805, after which the balance of the Reserve was surveyed, and that part of Range 12, Town 1, or Norton, lying east of the Tuscarawas, having been annexed to Range 11, Town 1, years before, was never transferred. An incident which occurred at the time the survey was made will not be out of place. Squire David Hudson, of the town of Hudson, being one of the original owners of Norton Township, concluded to go down and see how the land which he owned lay ; and also to ascertain how the survey was moving along. Arriving in Norton, he accompanied the surveying party several days, and, one day while looking around through the forest, he became detached from the rest of the party and partially lost, or at least did not know which direction to take to find his companions. The surveyors did not miss him until they heard some one making a terrible noise little distance off, and at once made their way to the spot from which the sounds came. Here they found Hudson, with his arms closely clinging to a tree, which he was vainly trying to climb, and calling lustily for some one to " Shoot the bear ! " It seems he had happened to surprise anold she bear and two cubs, which took to their heels as soon as they saw him, being as much frightened as the Squire himself was. It is reported that he kept close to the surveying party after this.

This township is drained by the Wolf Creek and its tributaries. Wolf Creek enters the township from the north, in Lot 7, takes a southerly course in general, and empties into the Tuscarawas River from Lot 88. Its chief tributaries are (beginning at the north) Pigeon Creek, which enters the township from Copley in Lot 10, flows south and a little west of south through or across the corner of Lots 10 and 20, and empties into Wolf Creek in Lot 19. Van Hyning Run, which rises in a marsh near the north line of the township in Lots 3 and 4, takes a southeasterly course through Lots 14, 15, 16, 26, 27, 37, 38, and empties into Wolf Creek on Lot 48. Hudson Run rises partly in Wadsworth Township, Medina County, and partly in Norton Township, flows southeasterly through Lots 21, 31, 32, 42, 43, 53, 54, 64, 65, 75, 76, 77, and empties into Wolf Creek on Lot 78, near Wolf Creek Lock. Silver Creek, a branch of the Chippewa River, drains a small portion of the southwest corner of the township. Hubbard Run rises near Western Star, in Wadsworth Township, enters Norton in Lot 41, takes an easterly course through Lots 51, 52, 62, 63, 53, and empties into Hudson Run on Lot 54. A small lake, called Davis Lake, in Lot 68, is the only lake in the township. It has no visible outlet, and is fed by springs, it is supposed, from the bottom. It is about a mile in circumference, and a pleasant spot. The bottom is sandy, and it is consequently a favorite resort during the summer months for bathing.

The soil in Norton Township is somewhat diversified. The extreme eastern portion, north and east of Wolf Creek, is inclined toward a sandy loam, in some parts more sandy than in others. This land is very easy to till, and with care brings abundant crops. The land lying adjacent to the Wolf Creek is of a loamy, mucky nature, and, when first turned up by the plow, resembles decayed vegetable matter, of which, indeed, it is largely composed. West and southwest of Wolf Creek, we find the soil contains more clay, but in places so mingled with gravel and loam as to make the best of soil for agricultural purposes.

580 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

Drainage is sufficient in all parts of Norton with the exception of the south half of the Wolf Creek bottoms and a portion of swamp lying partly in this township and partly in Copley. At the building of the Ohio Canal, the waters of Wolf Creek were taken to feed the canal below Wolf Creek Lock. This caused a stagnation in the last few miles of its flow, which is the source of a great deal of waste wet land, and that the very richest soil in the township. The eastern part of the township is somewhat broken and hilly, although very little of it is so rough as not to be utilized. A ledge of sandstone just strikes the township on the northeast corner. Another ledge forms the Western boundary of the Wolf Creek bottoms, this last passing entirely through the township from north to south. and from one to two miles from the east line. This sandstone is quarried at several places. and makes the best of building stone. Among the quarries now open may be mentioned those of Shaw's, near Wolf Creek Lock : Irish's. on Lot 47. and Miller's, on Lot 37. The principal productions of Norton Township are wheat, oats, corn and live stock and coal. This shows agriculture to be the chief occupation of the citizens. Considerable attention has been paid the past few years to the raising of stock. Some fine thoroughbred cattle are owned in the township. Among cattle-raisers, the name of A. D. Betz takes first rank, although others have made considerable advance toward fine stock. Norton has long been noted for its draft horses. and, at the fairs of the county, the farmers of Norton very rarely take the second place in the matter of horses. Norton is well supplied with villages. no less than seven being wholly or in part included in its territory. New Portage is situated near the east line of the township, and midway between the north and south lines, on Lots 50 and 60. Loyal Oak, in the north part of the township, about one and three-fourths miles from the center ; Western Star, partly in this and partly in Wadsworth Township, on the county line between Summit and Medina Counties, two and one-half miles west of Norton Center ; Dennison Station, one and one-half miles, west and one mile south of Norton Center ; Johnson's Corners, one and one-half miles south of Norton Center ; Hametown, one and three-fourths miles southwest of Johnson's Corners. on the

Wooster road ; and, last and least, Norton Center, situated in the geographical center of the township.

Norton Township, as we have said. was Town 1, Range 12, in the Western Reserve, and at its formation was named after Birdsey Norton, one of the original owners of the township. It was formed into an independent township in the spring of 1818 ; and at an election held on the first Monday of April, Joseph D. Humphrey was elected Town Clerk ; Abraham Van Hyning, Ezra Way, and Charles Lyon, Trustees. Among the Supervisors of Highways for that year. of whom there were five. we find the names of Joseph Holmes. Elisha Hinsdale and John Cahow. Henry Van Hyning, Sr.. was Justice of the Peace. Probably the first purchase of land was made by James Robinson, he having purchased Lot 19, as early as 1810. and built a hut on it. It seems. however, that he did not make this his permanent residence. He was originally from Otsego County, N. Y. In 1815, he sold his lot to Mr. Henry Van Hyning, Sr. About the same time that Robinson came to Norton. John Cahow settled on Lot 20, about a half-mile east of Robinson's place, and erected a log cabin. It is a matter of some dispute, whether Robinson's or Cahow's house was the first one built in the township. Some authorities claim the former and others the latter. Cahow came from Maryland and had raised some crops before the war of 1812, and kept a hotel or tavern as it was then called, during that war : his place being on the great trail from old Portage, on the Cuyahoga. to the Scioto. No progress was made toward settling up the township until after the war of 1812, when a general rush of settlers found their way through the trackless forest. Among them we notice Philemon Kirkham, who settled on Lot 11 ; Seth Lucas. on Lot 12 ; the Bates brothers. who settled south of what is now Johnson's Corners at first, and soon after two of them removed to where Loyal Oak now is. Their names were Nathan and Lyman Bates. They each erected a cabin, one on the southwest and one on the northeast corner. The place took its name from them. Abraham Van Hyning came in 1814 and settled on Lot 75, now Johnson's Corners. His house stood on a spot about twenty rods nearly due west of the present storehouse, on the bank. John Bryan. or O'Brien, perhaps more properly, set-

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tied a little southwest of Van Hyning's place, near the present Wooster road, on Lot 85. About the same time, a family by the name of Clark settled at New Portage, and built a log cabin, partly in this and partly in Coventry Township. A son of this family, named Miles, afterward became the first physician of the township. In 1815, quite a number of families settled in the township, among them Henry Van Hyning, who, with his sons, played a most important part in the early history of Norton. Having purchased Lot 19, of James Robinson, he removed his family from Northampton, where he had settled ten years before, to Norton, where he had intended to pass the remainder of his days. Van Hyning came originally from Saratoga, N. Y., and was of Dutch origin, his forefathers having emigrated from Holland to New York, when that was called New Amsterdam. His second wife was a direct descendant of the great Bogardus mentioned in history. Van Hyning, with his family, left Saratoga for the West in 1805, with two yoke of oxen attached to wagons, and his wife riding horseback through the forest, driving three cows which followed the wagons and requiring little effort on her part. Their course lay through Buffalo. N. Y., to Erie, Penn., near which place Mr. Van Hyning built canoes, lashed them together and launched them on French Creek. He passed down this creek to the Allegheny, and thence to Pittsburgh, whither his teams were coming as fast as they could travel. From Pittsburgh they went across the country to what is now Canfield, Mahoning County, Ohio, where they stopped about two months. The family was here increased by one who was named Sylvester, and who is now living on the old homestead. During the stop at Canfield. Mr. Van Hyning went on to Northampton to locate his home, whither he removed as soon as circumstances would permit. From Canfield they went to Ravenna, thence back to Warren where they laid in a stock of provisions, consisting of a barrel of pork, a barrel of flour and a barrel of whisky, with numerous other articles of necessity to a backwoodsman. From Warren they made their way to westward to the Cuyahoga River, which they crossed at a point called Brady's Leap." The bridge across the stream at this place, consisted of , two " stringers," or logs, placed across the stream (which was about twenty feet wide) and a split puncheon floor. Over this they crossed and to Northampton they were obliged to cut a road most of their way. The journey, including the stop at Canfield, occupied about four months. These early settlers were subjected to many privations ; their provisions did not hold out until more could be produced and after a crop was raised they had no mill within a distance of thirty miles. When they went to mill they had to take a big load or the teams would eat it all up before they got back home. A few years, however, removed the difficulty. The mill and other comforts were added from time to time. This is a sample of the journey across the unbroken wilderness by the early settlers, and one will suffice as all were much alike.

About the same time that Van Hyning came to Norton, Benjamin Hoadley moved in and settled in Lot 15, near Loyal Oak. He was from Connecticut and had bought eighty acres of land, which he afterward cleared and where his widow still lives to tell of the hardships of their early life. In 1816, Joseph Holmes settled on Lot 67, having bought 197 acres in Lots 67 and 68. Holmes came from Massachusetts originally, but like a great many more had stopped several years in New York State, and from there moved to Ohio. Previous to this, the settlers had erected a log house near the line between Norton and Coventry for school and church purposes. Here Holmes landed and stayed a few days. He moved on to his land on a Wednesday, and camped beside a big tree which had blown over on a spot near where William George now lives. Next day, Thursday, he cut the logs for a cabin, on Friday the neighbors helped him log it up," and on Saturday his family moved into it. This shows how expeditious these old pioneers were. Of course the house was not " chinked up," or plastered with clay, yet it was a dwelling, and sheltered the inmates from the chilling April storms. Our informant was one of the party who camped beside that big log. He says the wolves howled around them all night long, but they knew no fear, and suffered no harm from them. The same day that Holmes raised his house, Charles Miller, father of Cyrus Miller, now living near Norton Center, landed in the township. He settled a little west of Johnson's Corners on the south side of the Wooster road. Numerous other settlers came this same year, and small clearings began to spring up all over

582 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

the township. The years 1817–18 brought still more emigrants, and the foundation for some of the numerous villages were laid. Nearly or quite all of those mentioned heretofore were either from New York State or from the New England States, and they early showed their special traits of character in regard to social customs and domestic life. Much of their time was spent in cutting roads, clearing up the land and helping each other build their houses. When a road was to be opened, all turned out and helped to cut the trees and get them out of the way. If a man had a lot cleared, that is, cut, he invited his neighbors to help him roll the logs together and burn them. None were selfish in those days, for each one knew that he was dependent on the others to some extent for his own and his family's safety and comfort. Tallmadge, or as it is now called Middlebury, was the nearest trading post. and goods were shipped there in boats up the Cuyahoga to that spot, or up the Muskingum to Upper Portage on the Tuscarawas, and thence to Middlebury by teams. These boats were long, narrow vessels, frequently "dug outs" as they were called, from twenty to forty feet long and from three to five feet wide, and propelled by means of poles. Their capacity was ten to twelve barrels of pork, salt, flour or whisky. This last being a very important article of consumption in those early days. Stock of all kinds was scarce. Sheep could not be kept on account of the wolves, and many a family's supply of pork was prematurely exhausted by the hungry bears which prowled around the cabins of the settlers. For the benefit of butter-makers, we will relate the following of Van Hyning's trip to this township. As already mentioned, Mrs. Van Hyning rode on horseback and drove three cows. Their milk which remained unused on breaking camp in the morning was placed in a large jug and deposited in one of the wagons. By night a nice chunk of butter would have been formed in the jug churned by the jolting of the wagon over the beech roots. Farming was poor business in those days.,. Corn was the main staple, as this could be fed' to the cattle and pigs as well as the human beings ; wheat was raised only for bread and seed, as prior to the opening of the Ohio Canal it cost more to get the wheat to market than it, was worth after it was there. Beans were also a very important article

of production, since they could be used without being ground. Indeed many would cook shelled corn with the beans to make them hold out longer. But this was only the case prior to the building of mills within reach of the settlement.

The first birth within the present boundaries of Norton was a child of Lyman Bates. which, however, did not live long. Bates then lived south of Johnson's Corners. A few years later another was born, who lived. Soon after this. Bates house was burned and he removed to what is now Loyal Oak. The first death of a white person was Patty O'Brien, daughter of John O'Brien, aged about two years. James Robinson and Lois Bates were the first couple married in the township. They were married at the residence of the bride's parents south of Johnson's Corners, by William Prior, a Justice of the Peace, of Northampton. This was in the fall of 1814. Probably the second wedding was that of James Cahow and Miranda Holmes. daughter of Joseph Holmes. which took place at her father's residence about a mile east of Norton Center. April 9. 1818, by Henry Van Hyning, Sr.

No Indians remained in the township after 1812. consequently the settlers were at peace, with the exception of a personal squabble once in awhile. A few incidents and personal adventures will illustrate the times of which we write : Soon after Benjamin Hoadley settled in Norton, he and Henry Van Hyning. Jr.. went into the woods on a hunting excursion. as was customary when provisions ran low. In the course of their hunt they found a bee-tree. and. as it was in the fall of the year. concluded to leave it until the weather was colder. and then en t it down and convey the hidden sweets to their homes. Some time during the winter following they went forth to cut the tree. But lo ! the tree had fallen down, and the bears. who like honey as well as the human family. had got away with the whole of it. A few years after. the same parties again found a bee-tree over in the southeast part of what is now Sharon Township. This time they thought they would make sure of their prize, and accordingly the next day, armed with axes and a pail apiece. they made for the spot. The tree was soon felled, and the honey literally flowed. The pails were soon filled with fine white comb. There being so much left and the

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distance so great, they began to contrive means to take more of it, and not be at the necessity of making another trip, nor at the risk of losing the honey by the cunning bears, who would no doubt find it before they could make another trip for it. Van Hyning wore a long, loose sort of a blouse, and of this they contrived to make a sack, which they thought would hold comb honey. So they tied the blouse together at one end, filled it with the choicest honey, and secured the other end in a like manner. Slinging this with their pails on a pole which they had cut, and Van Hyning taking the lead, off they trudged toward home. But they had " reckoned without their host ; " the blouse was not very closely woven, and the jar caused by walking through the woods, over logs, and up hill and down, caused the honey to run out of the comb and drip out through the blouse. Hoadley was soon almost covered with honey, and never forgot this, the sweetest adventure he ever experienced.

Henry Van Hyning, Sr., had two noted dogs, Bose and Gunner by name—very large and powerful, and very skillful in hunting bear. One time soon after Nathan Bates had erected the first cabin on the site where now stands Bates' Corners, Henry Van Hyning. Jr., went to see how he was getting along. When he got to Bates' place, Bates told him that there had been a bear seen in the woods not far away the evening before, and suggested that they go and find him. Two of Bates' brothers were also with him at the same time. Van Hyning, although acknowledged a skillful hunter, had left his rifle at home that morning, and had only brought one dog with him. They therefore concluded to send one of the brothers down to Van Hyning's place for the rifle, and for Bose," with instructions to meet them on what was called the " Hog Back," a hill on the farm now owned by Jacob Wertman. Van Hyning and the two Bates went to this spot with "Gunner " and two rifles. Near the " Hog Back " was a spring, and just below the spring was a bed of sweet sicily. This was a favorite resort for bear, and for this reason, the men went to this place, when Gunner began to show signs of " bar." His bristles stood erect. He sniffed the air and whined as though impatient for the fray.Well," said his master, " go for them, Gunner," and Gunner went. He had no sooner entered the marsh than he raised the roar, which told ,the men that he had found a bear, and the sound told them which direction the bear and dog was taking. Snatching a rifle from Bates, Van Hyning started across the ravine to head off the bear. In this he succeeded by taking a route diagonal to that taken by the bear. As soon as the latter saw him he started toward him for a fight. Van Hyning reserved his fire until he could be sure of his aim. He was quite a distance from the rest of the party and had a rifle to which he was unused, which placed him in a serious position. The bear, when about ten or twelve feet from the hunter, threw his head down for a moment, and this moment was sufficient for Van Hyning, who fired. The bear turned a complete somersault and landed in a little hollow, but was not dead, although his neck had been broken by the ball. The Bates brothers now came up, and one of them placed the other rifle to the bear's ear with the intention of blowing his brains out, but the rifle missed fire. " Open the pan," said Van Hyning, and, priming the empty gun in his hand, he held the two pans together, and flashed the one, which ignited the other. This finished the bear. On dressing him and weighing his quarters, it was found that they weighed 500 pounds. It was the largest bear killed in all the country around, it' not the largest in the State. Van Hyning, who. still lives to tell the story, says he would not run the same risk again, and take the chances, for the whole of Summit County.

As we have stated, money was scarce and hard to get in those early days. Prior to the opening of the Ohio Canal, wheat was of no value except for food, and many had wheat stored up. some to the amount of several hundred bushels. But when taxpaying time came. some would take their rifles and shoot deer, take the hides on their backs to Cleveland, and thus get money to pay their taxes. The canal however, worked a great change in all this. Wheat went up first to 50 cents, then on to $1 per bushel. Some settlers had scoffed at their neighbors " who were spending their time sowing and harvesting more wheat than they needed for family use," and storing it up in their garrets. In at least one instance, the joist had to be propped up to keep them from breaking down. When wheat went up, however, to $1 per bushel, Joseph D. Humphrey, one of the scoffers, said to one of his provident neighbors : “Squire, I am just $1,000 out of pocket."

584 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

" Why so ? " said the "Squire." " Why," said Humphrey, " because I have not got 1,000 bushels of wheat to sell I might as well have raised that much and stored it up as not."

New Portage was the scene of an epidemic from the years 1825 to 1828, which was called typhus or malarial fever. This nearly wiped the town out of existence. It seemed fatal, and those who had clung to it as the El Dorado of their hopes. were loath to leave, but were forced to do so, or die in their tracks, as scarcely any escaped the deadly disease.

During the early history of this township, a great deal of counterfeit money was in circulation, and a great deal of suspicion was attached to persons then living in Johnson's Corners. One De Coursey was generally considered the ringleader of the whole crookedness. He was a sharp, shrewd man—one who seemed to know all that was going on in the whole neighborhood—for no sooner did the Justice issue a warrant for his arrest than he took to the woods, where he would remain until the storm had blown over, when he would again make his appearance. At one time, when the Constable came with a posse to arrest him, De Coursey spied them coming, and quick as thought he pulled off his coat, tossed it to George Beach, who was with him at the time. saying, " Be quick, George. Put on that coat and streak for the woods." Beach did not wait to be told a second time, but " streaked." The Constable and posse took after him full speed. Beach ran until he thought he had carried the joke far enough, when he turned around and faced the music with the remark : " What in hell do you want ? what's the matter ? " " Sucked, by G— !" said the Constable. De Coursey in the meanwhile had time to escape. About 1825, a young man named Henry Flickinger came to Johnson's Corners with about $300 in money, which was good. but not the kind that would pass at the laud office where he wished to use it for the purpose of buying land. De Coursey then had a man with him named Downs. who, they said, could exchange money with Flickinger. This Flickinger was glad to do, but alas ! when Flickinger came to the land office with his money, it was found to be spurious Virginia money. He swore out a warrant for the arrest of Downs, before Esquire Van Hyning. It was served by Henry Sparhawk, Constable, who found his man at Yellow Creek Basin, then a favorite resort for counterfeiters and horse-thieves. Downs had a fine horse which he rode. They proceeded on their way to Norton. but had not gone far when Downs took to the woods, leaving the horse in possession of the Constable, who brought it to Norton, gave it up to the Squire, who in turn delivered it to Mr. Flickinger, who thus had a horse in exchange for his $300. Suspicion also pointed to one James Rendershott, who once lived in a house on the high knoll just south of where Jacob Wertman now lives. When the house was torn down, soon after he left it, some counterfeit half-dollars were found in the cellar, supposed to have been left there by him, as he was the last and the only suspicious character who ever lived there.

At the organization of the township, only three Democratic voters were present. They were Abel Irish. Joseph D. Humphrey and Levi Way, who lived in the southeast part of the town. Now, the Democrats have a majority of about sixty in the township. Norton Township is abundantly supplied with coal of a good quality, no less than four coal mines being in operation within the limits of the township at the present time. The first coal was found cropping out of the bank of a creek, near where the Bartges or Williams Brothers bank now is, as early perhaps as 1823. This coal was sold for $1 per load, and each one dug his own coal at first. About 1830-31, the bank on the northeast side of this creek was opened by Jason Jones and a man named Funk. About ten years afterward Joseph Burgess opened the bank on the other side of the creek, and, years after, the one now in operation on his farm, south of Johnson's Corners. In 1876, a coal mine was opened on the farm of Charles Stuver. In 1863, the Atlantic & Great Western Railway, now known as the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad. was opened through the township from east to west, and while grading this, coal was found in a cut at Dennison, which led to the opening of a coal mine at that place. Hundreds of thousands of tons of coal have been taken from this mine, and within the last three years two new openings have been made, and the old bank abandoned and allowed to fill up with water. This mine supplies the railroad with coal for their engines, at the chutes. near the mine. thus saving transportation on a great amount of coal.

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Probably the first tavern or public house kept in the township was situated on Lot 20, a little east of the Wolf Creek. It was kept by John Cahow, who settled here as early as 1810, and kept travelers at his cabin during the war of 1812, and after, Joseph Holmes who has already been mentioned as settling on Lot 57, also kept a hotel for the accommodation of travelers after 1820. Thomas Van Hyning, who settled on the farm now occupied by Mervin Shaw, was also an early tavern keeper. Others will be mentioned in the history of the villages of the township. The first saw-mill in the township was built by Thomas Johnson, near Johnson's Corners, several rods south of the present grist-mill. It was built about the year 1823. Thomas Van Hyning built one a little farther up the creek. Hezekiah Ward built a saw-mill on Hudson Run, up near the Wadsworth line, about 1825. These were what was called sash-frame saws and worked very slow. About 1837, Nathan Seiberling, who had settled on his present farm in 1831, built a saw-mill introducing what was called a geared muley saw, which cut much faster than the old style. Some `years after, another mill was built still farther down the creek than Seiberlings, and which is still in use, although steam has been substituted for water-power. The five saw-mills just mentioned were all on Hudson Run ; one was built on Van Hyning Creek, at an early date, by Henry Van Hyning, Jr. The first grist-mill built in Norton was at Johnson's Corners, and is still in operation. It was built by Thomas Johnson about 1830 ; he soon after built another farther down the creek. which, however, did not long continue. At the raising of this mill, Dennis Bates fell from it and was killed, having struck his head on a rock and crushed in his skull. Clark's Mill was built by Carlos Clark about 1836-37. A great deal of litigation has been had about this mill and its water-power. The mill was finally burned to the ground in 1879 ; how the fire originated was never ascertained. The mill had been repaired but a short time before, and was just getting under way and doing good work: There has been but one distillery in the township, and it was a short-lived affair. It was at New Portage, and was carried on by Uriah M. Chapel, probably as early as 1825. The proprietor was a powerful man; noted for his strength and agility as a wrestler, but heeventually found his match in the person of Henry Van Hyning, Jr., who threw him twice in succession, at one of the numerous " bees " so common in those early days. The first tannery in the township was at Western Star. It was built prior to 1830, and was at that date operated by Lebbens Hoskinson, late of Johnson's Corners. In 1835, another was started at Bates' Corners, but by whom we are not able to say ; both of these are still in operation. A third was started at Johnson's Corners, considerably later, but has long since ceased to exist. Samuel Baker was the first blacksmith in the township, and, prior to his moving to Norton, he plied his trade in Stow, where some Norton people went to get their blacksmithing done. Baker's brother-in-law, Abe Van Hyning, of Johnson's Corners, was in need of some blacksmithing, and concluded to go to Stow to get his friend Sam to do his work. He had a natural dislike for bear's meat, which formed a very important part of Baker's provisions, and, indeed, was the only kind of meat they had at the time. Baker's wife knew of this aversion, but thought she would fix him up a steak that he would relish. Accordingly, as Van Hyning had to stay all night, she brought him a piece of meat nicely served, calling it beef for his supper, saying that she knew he did not like bear meat, so she had cooked him some beef they had got of a neighbor. Van Hyning ate heartily of the beef, and at last said, "Just cut me a small slice of the bear meat to taste." He was helped to a small piece from the other dish, but pronounced it " strong, couldn't eat it no how." The Bakers managed to keep from smiling until the meal was over, but after this, whenever Van Hyning said he didn't like bear meat, some one was ready to remind him of the time he ate it and liked it, but supposed it to be beef. When Baker came to Norton, he put up his shop at Clark's Mills, near where George Turner now lives.

The great Scioto Trail, from the Cuyahoga Portage to the Scioto River, lay through this township. This trail struck the township near the northeast corner of Lot 20, crossed Wolf Creek where Van Hyning's Bridge now is, passed down the west side of Wolf Creek Bottoms, where Stauffer and Irish now live, taking nearly the same course of the present road, till near where A. D. Betz lives. It then made a straight cut to Johnson's Corners. From there ;

586 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

it took a southwesterly course nearly identical with the Wooster road. This was the only important Indian trail in the township, and was the course the first settlers traveled to find their homes. It was marked by a well-beaten path, in some places almost a foot deep, but was only passable for foot passengers. Trees had to be cut and underbrush cleared away, before a team could get through. The first road was cut out upon this trail prior to 1816 as far as Johnson's Corners. Philemon Kirkham had settled on Lot 11, and Seth Lucas on Lot 12. They petitioned for a road from Bigelow Chapel to Wolf Creek. This was called the 'Black Snake Road, on account of its crookedness. Next a road was cut through from the east line of Lots 57 and 67, and passed through the center of the township, and on through to Harrisville, Medina County. where a settlement had been formed by Judge Harris. some time between 1818 and 1822. Peter Waltz, having bought Lot 81, came in to clear up his place. He got as far as Johnson's Corners without anything more serious happening than getting stuck in the mud at Hudson Run ; but west from Johnson's Corners, however, the fun came in. The neighbors turned in and out, a day's time, cut a road through the woods to his place, which enabled him to proceed. Soon after this, a road was cut through from New Portage to Johnson's Corners ; next from New Portage to the east end of the center road, on Lot 67. In the meantime, the settlers had cut cross roads, to facilitate travel in all directions, so that, in the course of twelve or fifteen years, the township was pretty well supplied with roads, such as they were. The one across Wolf Creek Bottom, east of the center, was a corduroy road, that is, made of logs thrown in crosswise. and notches cut in for the wheels to run in, causing a great deal of jolting to those who were obliged to use it. A stage route, from Cleveland to Massillon, passed through Norton. This was the only public conveyance known before the canal was opened. A mail route was estsblished from Johnson's Corners to Cleveland. The first post office of the township was probably at New Portage, but whether it was in Norton Township or Coventry, is a matter of some dispute. The Ohio Canal was opened for traffic in 1827, and caused quite a revolution in the business of the township. Farm productions advanced in price, and prosperity began to smile on the inhabitants. But the unstable quality of the money of this early day was a matter of great annoyance, as a man might go to bed at night with a snug little fortune under his pillow, and wake up the next I morning and find himself a beggar by the breaking up of a " wildcat " bank. Henry Van Hyning, Jr.. who was Justice of the Peace in those early days, and who did a great deal of collecting for other parties, would notify the parties in this manner : " Your money is collected. and is all good today, but I will not warrant it tomorrow." In 1856. the Cleve' land, Mount Vernon & Dayton Railroad was built along the canal, through Norton Township. The first train passed over the track late in the fall, and. as a free ride had been advertised. crowds gathered along the track. thinking the train would stop at any place where there were people to be seen. Hundreds were left standing and gaping at the iron horse on this, his first trip through this section. Some tried to catch the train. but it outran them. In 1863. the Atlantic & Great Western Railway was built. Considerable money was raised by subscription on this road. and but little was ever realized from the investment. Many citizens worked on the grading with teams and by hand. and. as wages were high at that time. money was plenty all over the township.

The first bridge built in Norton was the one across Wolf Creek, near Sylvester Van Hyning's place. The abutments of this bridge were made of logs laid up " cob-house " style, and four logs flattened on their upper sides were I laid across for " stringers." These were covered with split puncheons laid as tight as possible. The approaches were filled up with logs and dirt until they were passable. More of the same sort were built at other points as they were needed. Stone was, however, soon put in instead of logs for abutments. and plank were substituted for split puncheons. Now we have several substantial iron structures ; one across Wolf Creek, near Wolf Creek Lock, and two more on the road leading from Johnson's Corners to New Portage. An immense wooden viaduct was built over Hudson Run by the railroad company, about one-half a mile west of the north-and-south center road. This was probably seventy feet high at its highest point, and at least four hundred feet long. A splendid

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arched culvert was afterward thrown over the run and the gully filled up with earth, leaving the timbers in their places. Just west of this fill the .railroad enters a rock cut about three hundred feet long and from ten to twenty-five feet deep. Between this cut and the fill a new branch was built in 1880, running south about two miles to Williams Bros'. coal mine. New Portage was probably the first village laid out either wholly or in part in the township. It was laid out in 1818 by Ambrose Palmer, or at least the part was which belonged to Norton. Buildings both log and frame sprang up, and soon a thriving town stood where, a few years before, there were nothing but woods to be seen. A glass factory was started by Palmer, soon after, in a large barn-like structure, with the stack or furnace in the center. His pots and molds were brought from Zanesville, Ohio. Sand was procured by pounding sandstone in a huge trough. the pounding or crushing being done by means of a spring pole and pestle. Black salt was used as a flux. This was abundant, as black salt was made at many places through this new country where ashes were plenty from the log heaps that were burned by thousands in all directions. Wood was used for fuel for smelting the sand, and the consequence was that much of the glass was smoky and could not be used for window glass, when it was made into hollow ware, such as tumblers, goblets. drinking glasses, bottles, and many other articles useful and ornamental. At first six blowers were employed, but, afterward, the shop was enlarged and eight blowers were employed. Sand of good quality was found in the marshes of Coventry about the time of the enlargement. and it was used from this time on. But the business proved a failure. and Palmer joined the Mormons and " went Wrest." The glass factory was situated on the hill north of where the church and burying-ground are at present located. The glass business failed in 1823, and soon after New Portage fell a prey to typhus fever, as already noted. which nearly annihilated the settlement. Thomas Johnson kept a tavern at New Portage in 1817 for some time, when he moved on to a farm just across the south line of Norton Township. A family named Nesmith came in 1821. One of the descendants of this family, Thomas Nesmith, is still living in Norton. A great part of the business of New Portage, for the period of perhaps twenty-five years, was carried on in Coventry Township. About 1850, however, the Norton part of the town again began to revive, but this time farther down the canal, as at present. During the decade following 1850. a pottery was built by Jacob Welsh just west of the present store. This was operated for about twelve years, at first with one kiln, afterward with two. This pottery was twice burned to the ground—rebuilt the first time and enlarged. Welsh also had a store and did a large business. Thirteen wheels were in use in the pottery. One kiln of ware was burned each week, turning out six to eight thousand gallons of ware per week, which at first was shipped by canal, but soon after the railroad was finished it was shipped by rail. Welsh had the post office in his store during the time that he was in business, and the mail, it was thought, was robbed several times while he kept the office. He, it seems. suspected that some one was in the habit of breaking open the store during the night, robbing the mail of valuable letters. Upon a certain occasion in November. 1869, his son Corwin and himself concluded to watch the office awhile to see if any one should make an attempt upon it. The first night they watched, both Corwin and his father stayed in the store until midnight. when Corwin went home. leaving the father alone on watch. Soon after the son left. Welsh heard a noise at the basement window, next to the canal ; the window shutter was pried open, the window raised. and some one was heard coming up the steps from the basement, who entered the storeroom just before the west end of the counter. Welsh was standing back of this counter with a loaded shot-gun in his hand, and as the burglar arrived at the head of the stairs and stooped to strike a match on the floor. Welsh fired. The man was not over six feet from the muzzle of the gun. As the man fell he exclaimed, My God, Welsh, you've killed me." and expired. The neighbors were aroused by the noise of the gun, and soon came to see what was the matter. The supposed burglar was found to he a citizen of the place. These are the facts as nearly as can be obtained from those present at the inquest. A chip was found broken out of the wall outside of the window where the bar had been rested while prying open the window. Welsh was acquitted from all blame by the inquest held over the body.

588 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

L. B. Schneider, now of Akron, had a store at New Portage in 1863, and was in business several years. After him came first Weary & Bro., then Weary & Witner, and still later Weary & Downer, each continuing about a year. Next, Joe Ellis & Co., then Corwin Welsh, during whose stay the shooting above related took place. Next, Harry Diesern took the store, and, last, Mr. John McNamara, who is still doing business in the old original room. His stock in trade is probably worth $1,200. New Portage is a station on the Cleveland, Mount Vernon & Columbus Railroad, and New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad. The former road does a cash business of about $100 per month at this office in freight and passenger traffic—the latter about $75 or $80. Mr. David L. Cartmill has had charge of the office of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad for fifteen years or more. The coal shipped from Norton Township over this road is all billed from New Portage. This road has a frame depot building, pumping-house of brick and a water tank. and a side track for trains to pass. of nearly a mile in length.

New Portage has one of the finest springs of fresh water that can be found in the county. It runs a stream just so strong, and is never more or less so, whether in wet or dry weather. The post office at this place was established at an early day, but the exact date is not known, but is probably the earliest in the township. At present, Mr. W. C. Jaquith is the Postmaster. The office pays a salary of about $140 per year. Two canal boats are owned at this place—" Lily," Wellman Witner, Captain, owned by Witner Brothers, and " Wheeling," Willson Witner, Captain and owner.

Next in the order of villages, we find Bates' Corners (Loyal Oak P. 0.) This place was settled by and named after two brothers—Nathan and Lyman Bates—who settled here about 1817 or 1818, one building on the northeast corner, the other on the southwest corner, as it now stands. The first tavern was kept by James Moore, but it could hardly be called a public house. Moore was also the first blacksmith in the place. Thomas Brown was the first merchant of the place, and had a small store on the southeast corner, as it now stands, but did not remain long, others taking his place in the same business. Bates' Corners has seen so many changes in its early days, that the half of them cannot be noticed here. A tannery was started in 1835, and is still in operation, although it has been rebuilt since that time. Mr. John J. Bauer is the present owner, having bought it in 1864, remodeled it, and introduced steam power. His son, Byron B. Bauer, is at present connected with him in the business. Bates' Corners owes a great deal of its prosperity to Mr. Peter Lerch, who alone has had nearly as many buildings erected as all the rest of its inhabitants together. He at present occupies the new hotel at that place. Mr. Edward Laubach built a steam saw-mill in 1867, at a cost of $3,200. Business was good, and he introduced a pair of chopping buhrs for grinding feed, with which he did a large amount of work. In 1874, the mill burned to the ground, but he immediately rebuilt it. at a cost of about $1,000. It is at present owned by J. J. Knecht & Brother, who are doing considerable work. Mr. Jacob Flickinger is the blacksmith at present. He builds some wagons. and occupies a substantial frame building just east of the Loyal Oaks House. Bates' Corners has one church edifice. It is built of' stone. as a union church, by the Lutheran and German Reformed societies, in 1851. Mr. A. Schneider is the present merchant and Postmaster. The post office at this place was not established until recently. Western Star, or. as it was originally called. Griswold's Corners, was first settled by a family named Richards, consisting of the father and five or more sons. of whom the father and three sons, named Mills. Cullen and Ezekiel, lived in Norton, the others in Wadsworth. They came here as early as 1819, perhaps earlier ; the father lived where the old Himmel wright homestead now is. Nathan Starr, of Connecticut, was the original owner of a large tract of land lying adjacent to and east of Western Star. About 1825, Hezekiah Ward built a saw-mill about a mile north of this place, and, four years later, in 1829. the Griswold brothers came and settled here. Prior to this, however, several other families had settled in and around the place, so that quite a settlement was formed. Dr. Austin, the first physician of the place, lived in a house on what is now known as the Reimer lot. The place was named Griswold's Corners from the brothers of that name, just mentioned, who came here in 1829. William Heustis came the same year, and worked for the Griswolds, who had a store

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and two asheries, or black salt factories, in operation soon after their advent in the town—one at this place and one near where Dennison now is, on the farm lately owned by Alpheus Myers. The second year the Griswolds were here, they cleared up 300 acres of land and sowed it in wheat. A post office was established about this time, but who the first Postmaster was we were unable to ascertain. The Sutton House is the first tavern of which we have any trace, although there probably was one earlier. Julius Richards had a wagon-shop in operation at a very early day. In 1831, Nathan Seiberling bought out one of the Richards brothers and settled where he still lives. The first store building was erected on the northeast corner. The first schoolhouse was a little farther north, opposite Shaffer's harness-shop. The first church was organized about 1835-36. The present school building was erected as a seminary in 1844. The site, containing one acre of land, was deeded by Nathan and Grace T. Starr, of Middletown. Conn., to certain persons named therein as trustees, with the proviso that "they shall erect a suitable building for a seminary building, and shall keep in good repair at all times, otherwise the land to revert to the original owners." This deed is dated November 7, 1844. The seminary was started the following spring, with Revs. Lorenzo D. Williams and Merritt Matteson as teachers. At present, Western Star contains two school buildings, one church (United Brethren), two stores (Dague Brothers & Co. and Levi Shaffer). a carriage shop, by Warren Hanshue, who is at present refitting an old building as a repository and varnish room. one tannery, and, on the Wadsworth side, a hotel, by William Stevens, shoeshop and harness-shop. It was incorporated in 1842, with Mayor, Marshal and Council. Has a graded school, and is generally prosperous. G. C. Dague is present Postmaster, Aaron Eicheberger Mayor. and Warren Hanshue, Marshal.

Dennison (Sherman Post Office), on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, has sprung. into existence since the railroad was built. At one time, it contained a store, kept by the Koplin Brothers ; but at present is without a merchant. The post office was established about 1864, with Joel C. Koplin as Postmaster, who has held the office ever since, with the exception of a few months. The principal business of the place is that caused by the Norton Coal Company's mines, which are located here, with coal chutes and a telegraph office. Hometown, one and a half miles south of Dennison, has also been brought into existence by the coal business. It contains a store, kept by J. W. James, and two saloons and a shoemaker's shop—F. Schneider, proprietor.

Johnson's Corners was the second settlement in the township. The first person to settle here was Abraham Van Hyning, in 1814. John O'Brien came soon after, Jacob Miller and others followed soon. Charles Miller came in 1816, with others ; but all settled around where Johnson's Corners now stands. About 1822-23, Thomas Johnson moved from his place just across the line, south of Norton, to this place, and began to build up the town. His saw-mill was built soon after he came, and, about 1826-27, he erected the hotel which is still occupied as such. This was, however, not finished for several years. In 1830, Johnson commenced the first grist-mill ever erected in Norton Township, which is still in use for the same purpose. The saw-mill that he had built stood a few rods farther south. Two or three years after, Johnson erected another mill, nearly a mile farther ! down the stream, and nearly opposite where Jacob Hoch now lives. At the raising of this mill, Dennis Bates, who had volunteered to help to put on the rafters, fell from the plate, struck on a rock, and shattered his skull, causing almost instant death. Johnson had, in the meantime, started a store, and held the office of Postmaster. He was probably the first Postmaster in the place. In the year 1835-36, a Methodist Church society was organized, with Johnson as the first class leader. Rev. Mr. Bigelow was probably the first minister. He was soon afterward ordained as Presiding Elder, and Rev. Messrs. Jaynes and Hazzard took the circuit. A church building was erected about 1841, which served as a place of worship thirty years, when a new and imposing building was erected by the Methodist society. It is one of the best church buildings in the county, outside of the incorporated towns, surmounted by a tower and belfry, and is lighted by elegant stained glass windows. The walls and ceiling are frescoed in fine style.

The first school taught in the township was kept at Johnson's Corners, in a log schoolhouse, about 1818-19. It was taught by Sarah Wyatt.

590 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

This village has been blessed with perhaps more different schoolhouses than any other in the township. At present, it has a commodious school building, well filled with scholars when school is in session. One or more stores have been in existence ever since Johnson's time, Mr. Amos Miller being present merchant and Postmaster. Besides this, the village contains a hotel, by John T. Price ; two blacksmiths, one wheelwright. one harness-shop, two shoeshops and a steam saw-mill. built in 1867, by Peter Hunsicker, at a cost of $3.600. It was burned to the ground in 1875 ; but was again rebuilt, and is doing considerable business. The cost of rebuilding was about $800.

Wolf Creek Lock, a small hamlet on the Ohio Canal, near the mouth of Wolf Creek, contains a small grocery, kept many years ago by William Pierce, and, in later times, by James Owry, who has lately sold to William Hublinger ; one boat is owned at this place, the • Fisher ;" John Reichard, Captain. Norton claims another boat, the • Crawford ;" Henry Manderbach. Captain and owner.

The first settlement made at Norton Center was by Joseph D. Humphrey. He was a graduate of Yale College. and had studied law. He settled at Norton Center about 1816–17, and began clearing up Lot 66. He was afterward elected as first Township Clerk of Norton Township, in the spring of 1818. In 1823–24. Mr. Thomas Brown came from Bates' Corners and built, or started to build, the house still standing on the southwest corner of the public square. It was intended for a store and dwelling. Brown, however. died before it was completed, when Henry Van Hyning, Jr., bought it and finished it up. Soon afterward, he rented it to a man named Gillet, who occupied it as a store and dwelling-house for many years. A log-house was built soon after the above on the northwest corner, and, after a number of years, one on the northeast corner. Three acres of land were deeded to the township by Birdsey Norton's heirs and Deacon David Hudson for a public square, as early as 1818. A schoolhouse was also an early acquisition. The first •was a log structure, which was superseded by a frame building, this again by brick, and last a substantial frame schoolhouse, the largest and best in the township, with a belfry and spire. During the last twenty years of its history, Norton Center has been a dull place. In 1869, Mr. Lewis Seigfried built a hotel on the northeast corner of the square, into which he moved on the last day of March, 1870. For years previous to this, he had kept a hotel about a mile east of the Center. In 1871, Mr. Aaron Hartzell and 31. 31. Dickson opened a store in partnership. A. storehouse was built, a stock of goods bought and placed in it. and. on May 1. 1871, the store was opened to the public for business. In the fall of 1872, the stock was moved to Johnson's Corners, as the room had grown too small for the business carried on. In the spring of 1877. Mr. A. G Seas moved his stock of goods from Johnson's Corners to Norton Center, into this same building. 31. L. Shook was taken in as a partner, and together they did a small business until the spring of' 1879, when the stock was closed out and the partnership dissolved. The post office was established at a very early day. but the date and the first Postmaster's name have not been ascertained. Thomas Young was Postmaster for many years. until the year 1872—probably the winter of 1872–73—when it was transferred to George Lahr, who had it until the fall of 1873. when J. J. Stauffer was appointed Postmaster. He moved away from the Center the following spring, and the post office was discontinued. During the fall of 1877. an effort was made by the citizens of the Center and vicinity to have the office again established. which was finally successful, and, in the spring of 1878, Mr. A. G. Seas received his appointment as Postmaster. He retained the office until the 1st day of October, 1S80, when M. L. Shook was appointed in his place, who still retains the office.

During the spring of 1876, an effort was made by several prominent farmers of Norton Township to organize a grange. Their efforts were finally successful, and, on the 1st of June, 1876, a grange was organized at Norton Center, with E. H. Viers, Master ; A. D. Betz, Overseer, and Reuben Stauffer, Secretary. It was called Summit Grange, P. of H., and numbered 1,283. Meetings were first held in the store building owned by A. Hartzell. The organization, strong in numbers from the start, slowly increased, and, the following year, a large hall was built on the southeast corner of' the square. The hall is 28x50 feet, and two stories high, with a cellar under the south half

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of the building. The lower story is finished for a kitchen and dining-room. The upper floor has two comfortable ante-rooms and lodge-room proper, with arched ceiling and rostrum. The acoustic qualities are exceptionally fine, and, all in all, it is one of the best halls for the purpose outside of the cities. The grange is still in a flourishing condition, with about sixty members square on the books. Present Master, Henry Tippery ; Overseer, A. D. Betz ; Secretary, Wellington Miller ; Treasurer, Joseph Burgess.

Prior to the year 1830, the population of Norton Township consisted principally of New England people or their descendants, with a few Irish and a few English interspersed. But about that time a thrifty, industrious class of Pennsylvania farmers began to show themselves, and, attracted by the fertility of the soil, soon we find them buying out the Yankees and superseding them in all manner of business. Among the first Pennsylvania Dutch families we find Nathan Seiberling, 1831; Abraham Koplin. 1831 ; Lautzenhiser, 1831; the next year brought still others, until among the farming community we find at present more than 75 per cent of Pennsylvania people and their descendants. According to the census of 1880, the population of Norton is 2,067. Among them we find 81 persons over sixty-five years of age ; 54 over seventy years of age. and 9 over eighty years of age. Twelve pairs of twins were enumerated, of whom two pairs were both females, seven pairs both males and three pairs of one male and one female. Two hundred and eight farms were enumerated, averaging seventy-two acres per farm, and in the crop report for 1880, we find seventy-two farmers reporting 57,276 bushels of corn in the ear, averaging ninety bushels per acre. Seventy farmers reported 23,126 bushels of oats, or thirty-eight bushels per acre. Seventy-eight farmers report 28,551 bushels of wheat on 1,035 acres, or 27.5 bushels per acre. Sixty-nine farmers reported 18,285 bushels of apples (estimated).

The first organized church in Norton was a Methodist society formed as early as 1816, in the northeast part of the township. The earlier Class-leaders were natives of Coventry Township. They held their meetings in private houses for a number of years. James McMahan and John P. Kent were the circuitpreachers at that time. John C. Brooks came on in 1817, and was instrumental in bringing about a great revival of religion in that year. We next find Dennis Goddard and a Mr. Booth on the circuit, with James B. Findlay as Presiding Elder. About this time the log-church building in the woods north of New Portage was erected, where powerful work was done for the cause of religion. Under the direction of Brooks, a Methodist society was formed at Bates' Corners, soon after the great revival of 1817. This was at one time a very strong society. A church was built and the society was prosperous for a considerable number of years. Next after the Methodists, the Baptists got a footing at Bates' Corners, and organized a society, but by whom is not known. They, in their turn, were succeeded by the Disciples and Congregationalists, and in 1847 a Union, or more strictly speaking, a Lutheran society was formed with about forty members. Daniel Bauer and David Moser were the first Elders, with Charles Miller and William Sweitzer, Deacons. John Ruhl. a Reformed minister, was the first one employed regularly. Meetings were held in the Disciples' Church until 1851, when the Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed united and together erected the church building now in use. The cornerstone was laid about the 10th day of May, by Revs. D. Rothacker and J. W. Hamm ; the latter had been serving the society some time before. The church is built of stone and finished with a gallery on three sides, at an expense of about 62,300 ; was dedicated in November, some time toward the close of the month. Rev. Rothacker was employed by the Evangelical Lutheran society at that time, and continued to serve them until October 1. 1875, when the Rev. J. H. Smith was called to the pulpit, and has served them since. Father Hamm served the German Reformed society from 1849 till 1862. Rev. C. H. Reiter. 1862 till 1868, since which Rev. S. C. Leiter has had charge of the flock. Present number of communicants : Lutheran, 190 ; Reformed, 140.

At Western Star, a Methodist Church was organized about 1835, or perhaps later. Among the early circuit preachers were Rev. Lorenzo Bevin, in charge of the society at this place. No regular church building was erected, although a lot was deeded to a religious association by Nathan Starr and wife, of Middletown,

592 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY.

Conn., which was to revert back to the grantors if not used for the purposes and in the manner specified. In 1878, the United Brethren formed a society at this place, with a membership of fifty-two, and, the following year, a church building was erected, at a cost of $2,200. It was dedicated by Bishop Weaver. Revs. Sprang and Whitney served the congregation the first year, and at present Revs. Sprang and Moody have the charge. Present membership. about fifty. In 1838, a union society of German Reformed and Evangelical Lutheran communicants was formed in the southwest part of Norton Township, with some members in Chippewa Township. A site was secured, and a building erected by Pete' Burkert (now living in Akron). The building was quite large, with gallery on three sides. It was used as a church for thirty-five years, and originally cost about $1,700. In 1873, a new church was built on the opposite side of the road in Wayne County, at a cost of $3,200. Father J. W. Hamm served this charge for thirty-three years in succession, having been the first Reformed minister installed as Pastor of this church. The present Pastors are Rev. S. C. Leiter and Rev. Mr. Sponseller. At Johnson's Corners a Methodist society was organized, as already mentioned, in 1835-36. A church building was erected in or about 1841, and used as such until 1871, when a new church was built for the same society at a cost of $5,000. It was dedicated by Rev. Mr. Osborn, of Akron. Present Pastor, William S. Fitch; number of communicants, forty. The old church was at first seated with rough Boards laid across poles, with legs put in by boring holes in the poles and inserting a short stick. These served as seats for some time, when Thomas Reese finally put in better seats.

The Reformed Church at Johnson's Corners was organized in 1852 by Rev. P. J. Spangler, with David Waltz and Henry Yaukey, Elders, and John Hoffman and Michael Wise, Esq., as Deacons, and about twenty-five lay members. Their meetings were held in the old Methodist Church until 1868. Prior to the organization of this society. Rev. George Schlosser, a German Reformed minister, had preached at and around this place in schoolhouses. He was a powerful speaker, talented and able in debate. Spangler was also a good speaker and served thesociety seven or eight years ; he was followed by Rev. Jesse Schlosser, who remained about two years ; next came Rev. David H. Reiter,. who also served the charge about two years, then Rev. Jesse Hines about four years, Rev. J. J. Excell not quite two years, when S. C. Goss took the charge, and has retained it ever since. He was educated at Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio. In 1868, the society erected a house of worship of their own, which was dedicated about the 1st of November. The church cost about $2,200, is a medium-sized, comfortable building ; present membership about seventy-five. In 1868. a church was built at New Portage for the Methodist society of that place, which cost $2,500. It is well finished throughout, and stands on a hill overlooking the surrounding country. The present number of members is about seventy-five. under the charge of William S. Fitch. The history of the churches of Norton world be incomplete without the mention of the great Mormon excitement between 1832 and 1838, and even considerably later than that. When Joseph Smith settled at Kirtland, Ohio, to establish his earthly Zion, one of his followers (who afterward became an Elder), Sidney Rigdon, began to work as a missionary. Around New Portage meetings were held, frequently at private houses, and people joined .the Mormons by the score. A great love , feast was held by them at one time, at which Joseph Smith himself was present. Rigdon suffered considerable persecution for his faith, having at one time been treated to a coat of tar and feathers at Kirtland, along with Smith. Rigdon was the originator of the " spiritual wife " theory, which afterward led to polygamy. Upward of twenty-five souls left Norton and followed the Mormons on their Westward journey in search of Zion, and many more remained behind whose faith in Mormonism remained apparently unshaken.

Norton Township supports eleven schools, most of which are in session nine months in the year. During the year 1880, $2,707.60 was expended as tuition for an average daily attendance of 400 scholars. Average price per month paid to teachers was to males, $28 ; females, $20. Total enumeration between the ages of six and twenty-one, 664 ; total value of schoolhouses and grounds, $8.350.